Greater Port Macquarie Focus i159 by Focus

BarCapella

February 2019//issue 159

2 Greater Port Macquarie focus

ADDRESS 4/74 Clarence St, Port Macquarie POSTAL PO Box 690, Port Macquarie PHONE 02 6584 7433 WEB www.focusmag.com.au FB facebook.com/PortMacquarieFocus IG focus.mag E info@focusmag.com.au

contacts.

MANAGING EDITOR Jay Beaumont

info@focusmag.com.au

SALES MANAGER Louise Beaumont louise@focusmag.com.au

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

ADVERTISING SALES Annette Wannell annette@focusmag.com.au

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

SALES EXECUTIVE Sarah Dunstan sarahmay@focusmag.com.au

ART DIRECTOR Dylan Gaul dylan@focusmag.com.au

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jeff Cowan jeff@focusmag.com.au

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kyle Rathbone kyle@focusmag.com.au

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Phiranno Chuon phi@focusmag.com.au

PHOTOGRAPHER Michael Marchment michael@focusmag.com.au

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

TRAVEL EDITOR Susie Boswell sunconsulting@ozemail.com.au

Comments and opinions of our contributors do not necessarily reflect the opinion or view of the Publishers. All reasonable efforts have been made to trace copyright holders. Information appearing in Focus is believed to be correct at the time of going to press, however no liability will be held for inaccurate information approved or supplied by advertisers or contributors. While all care is taken it is recommended that readers confirm material including advice with individual businesses and industry professionals. Articles marked as 'Interview or Contributor' are non-sponsored content. Greater Port Macquarie Focus is published by Creative House Publications PTY LTD ABN: 62128786005. Material in Focus is Copyright © Creative House Publications PTY LTD 2018 and may not be reproduced whole or in part, in any form, without permission of the Publisher. All rights reserved. FOCUS is printed by Fairfax Media Print & Logistics North Richmond. Our paper is FFC and PEFC certified and meets with ISO14001 accreditation. FOCUS delivery bags can be REDcycled at your local Coles Supermarkets and the paper through normal recycling methods.

WHAT’S ON 02 6581 8888

Welcome to the February issue of Greater Port Macquarie FOCUS.

eople and Positivity. It is those two words that are constantly referenced when we plan what our pages will contain every

month. We often get asked, “Do you ever run out of stories?” And the simple answer is, "No". There are so many passionate and talented people who reside here; some by the sea, some in the hinterland, others down the coast. And, they are always up to amazing things and aren’t afraid to share what they are doing with others. In the past 13 years, we have relished in the feedback we get about our interviews, their depth, variance and for the spotlight they give the subject. Thank you to everyone who keeps reading FOCUS and enjoying the stories - and

keep the ideas coming through to us! We’d especially like to give a shout out to Jo Robinson, who curates most of the interviews - and has for over a decade. (That’s about 1,400,000 words!) We’d also like to give a shout out to all our contributors, who represent a great variety of organisations and networks in the local area, from business and social, to health, travel and living keep up the great work. A massive congratulations to our Tourism Contributor and long time friend Janette Hyde, for her recognition as the 2019 Citizen of the Year ... Janette is a member of the Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce, Bravehearts and President of the Greater Port Macquarie Tourism Association. Janette, thank you for everything

you do to bring community spirit to Greater Port Macquarie. Calling all our local businessmen! As you know, we ran a successful event last year in conjunction with International Women’s Day that saw local businessmen put on their high heels and walk (stumble!) along the Town Green to support the local Liberty Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Service Fundraiser. Him in Heels is back again this year, and we need YOU (if you are local GENT) to register and come for the walk. It's fun, it's fundraising, and we also take the time to discuss the issues around gender inequality and domestic violence. Jump on the Hastings Business Women’s Network Facebook page and look up the event for more info …

THE HIGHWAYMEN

ARJ BARKER

THE ROBERTSON BROTHERS

WE NEED TO TALK

60S VARIETY SHOW

FRIDAY 8 FEBRUARY, 8PM

SATURDAY 9 FEBRUARY, 8PM

SATURDAY 23 FEBRUARY, 2PM & 8PM

A musical tribute to Kris Kristofferson, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson.

Australia’s adopted son of comedy returns with his brand new show.

This show will have you singing, dancing, laughing and crying to the music of the 1960s.

THE AUSTRALIAN HAYDN ENSEMBLE

LUKA BLOOM

SUNDAY 24 FEBRUARY, 3PM

WEDNESDAY 6 MARCH, 8PM

OUTLAWS OF COUNTRY

glasshouse.org.au

Cnr Clarence & Hay Sts,Port Macquarie NSW 2444

Follow Glasshouse:

GLASSHOUSE REGIONAL GALLERY

Gallery closed on Mondays

THE REFUGE TOUR

TODD FULLER

DRAWING MASTERCLASS SUNDAY 17 FEBRUARY, 10AM – 3.30PM Join award-winning artist Todd Fuller for a one day intensive Drawing Masterclass

DISCOVERY FE26

ARTIST BLACKSMITHS ASSOCIATION OF NSW

ON VIEW 9 FEBRUARY – 17 MARCH

Once considered purely a utilitarian trade, modern day blacksmiths have forged an artistic reputation for the unique sculptural forms wrought using ancient forging techniques. Stephen Gale, steal canoe?

Come and explore the virtuosic capabilities of Much-loved Irish troubadour Luka Bloom will period instruments in an unforgettable afternoon have you spellbound with his impassioned poetic of classical music. and melodic songs.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 3

focusinterview.

200+ SINGERS ARE EXPECTED TO PACK OUT SETTLERS INN THIS MONTH. FOCUS chatted with Ruth Allen about the rise of the pub choir movement.

Bar Cappella – Port Macquarie’s choir-ina-pub

BarCappella

baracapella

Port Macquarie’s choir-in-a-pub

i Ruth. what is BarCappella and how does it work? Upwards of 175 people, many of whom have never sung in public before, meet in a pub to sing a pop song in three-part harmony. We give them the lyrics, and the crowd splits into three sections according to their voice type - high, medium or low. We have three people on stage leading the different voice groups, and we break the song into manageable chunks and learn them together phrase by phrase. Gradually the harmonies start coming together and once we’ve got it all worked out, we sing the whole thing through from start to finish a couple of times after 75 minutes or so, the crowd are the lead singers and we’re the audience. How did you get the idea, and why do you think it has taken off? The originator of the concept was a Canadian organisation, Choir!Choir!Choir! Their YouTube videos are viral - a version of 1,000+ people singing Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah got 15 million views! The idea got picked up in Australia, in Brisbane by the Pub Choir and in Newcastle by Jane Jelbart and Mark Jackson from The Sum of The Parts Music. I went to one of their early Newcastle events, and it was electric - such a great feeling to be singing with 150-odd strangers. There’s a sense of connection and an incredible energy in the room when you sing with such a big group, and the anonymity means you can lose your singing inhibitions

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and just go for it. I came home on a high, and I wanted to be able to bring that feeling to Port Macquarie. Can anyone come to BarCappella? What if you haven’t got a good voice or can’t read music? Anyone can come along - if you sing in the shower or the car, you can sing in the pub! People often tell us that they can’t carry a tune in a bucket, that they were kicked out of the school choir or asked to stand at the back and mime. But when you sing in a big group, the voices blend together - no-one hears the individual, so it doesn’t matter if you’re not very confident, and we teach everything by ear. Settlers Inn is a family-friendly venue, so kids can join in too. How do you choose the songs? Do you always go for a particular genre? It must be hard to find a song that everyone knows and likes! We look for songs that will be easy to teach and fun to learn in a short time, and that sound good sung by a crowd. We’ve done recent chart hits like Uptown Funk and Ed Sheeran’s Shape of You, Coldplay’s Viva La Vida, The Jacksons’ Blame it on the Boogie, and and we’re about to tackle a hard rock anthem, Sweet Child O’ Mine. You don’t have to practice beforehand, but it does help to have a listen beforehand to get the basic idea of the melody. And it really doesn’t matter if you don’t particularly like the song, because the choir arrangement isn’t going to be like the original; in fact, we guarantee you’ll never have heard it the way we’ll do it together.

THERE’S A SENSE OF CONNECTION AND AN INCREDIBLE ENERGY IN THE ROOM WHEN YOU SING WITH SUCH A BIG GROUP, AND THE ANONYMITY MEANS YOU CAN LOSE YOUR SINGING INHIBITIONS AND JUST GO FOR IT.

How did you come up with the name BarCappella and the slogan “Sing Responsibly”? What does that mean to you? Marie Van Gend and I had been running the Absolutely Everybody Choir together, and she jumped at the idea of trialling a pop-up pub sing in Port. She has years of choir experience, so I was very excited when she came on board. Naming a choir or band is always fraught with problems, not least finding something that isn’t already in use! The Brisbane group had already staked a claim on Pub Choir, so Marie and I brainstormed all the musical and singing terms we could come up with and trawled the internet to see what the other groups were using. It was a short leap from a cappella, which means singing unaccompanied, to BarCappella! Sing Responsibly is a play on “drink responsibly” but also encapsulates our ethos - we donate our profits to local good causes. How do you choose your charity partners? What is your next event going to support? We look out for locally-run organisations that have a specific project they want to get off the ground. St Thomas Anglican Church used a BarCappella donation to buy swags for homeless people, we helped the Mid North Coast Community Legal Centre to provide meals and snacks for vulnerable young people alongside legal advice, and we’ve also helped fund a do-

mestic violence project for local indigenous women, Djiyagangooba Djugal, for example. Profits from our January 29 sing will be going to Coastal Warriors Mid North Coast: they’re looking to purchase a Seabin, a sort of water-based vacuum cleaner to keep litter out of our waterways, and we’ll be contributing to that. How has BarCappella evolved, and what direction do you see it heading in the future? We debuted in October 2017 and the next one will be our sixth. We started at The Lounge Room with 80 people, but numbers built quickly as the word spread and we moved to Settlers Inn on Hastings River Drive last June. The concept is now so popular, that we’ve had to start selling tickets in advance to keep the numbers manageable - there were over 230 at our last one! I’d love to do a really big BarCappella at some point - maybe at the Glasshouse with a band behind us; that would be super cool. Where and when is the next event, and how can people find out more? We’ll be singing Sweet Child O’ Mine at Settlers Inn on Tuesday 29th January at 7:30pm. Tickets are available from www.trybooking. com/BABQT and there’s more information on our Facebook page, BarCappellaPortMacquarie or email barcappella@westnet.com.au Thanks Ruth.

photo of the month. Title: Town Beach â€Ś where the locals and Sydney-siders have fun! Photo by: Lindie Kolver. Camera: Sony A7III with a 24 - 70mm lens. Taken a great photo or video of our local area? Like to see it published in FOCUS for the world to see? Just email jo@focusmag.com.au

Tamil feast

Dance event and

Port Macquarie has become the new home for seven Tamil Refugees. They have moved to the area to be self-supporting and have brought with them fantastic cultural diversity.

o celebrate this, the Mid North Coast Refugee Support Group is organising a Tamil Feast and Dance Event at the Port Macquarie Baptist Church on Saturday 23rd February at 1pm for $25. The Baptist Church has kindly offered the use of their fantastic facility for free, and this is a great community service. The Tamil food will be supplied by a couple

who are setting up their own catering and gardening/cleaning business. Before the meal, a classically trained dancer will be dazzling us with his Tamil dances. Please join us for this Tamil experience. Due to catering purposes, tickets will be sold in advance. You can email mncrsg@gmail.com or call Janette Jones 6585 8206 or 0400 022 874 before the 20th February. Greater Port Macquarie focus 5

contents Issue 159 - February 2019

focusinterviews

feature a special

PORT MACQUARIE WEDDING GUIDE

John McGuigan.

It’s 1971, and situated on the corner of Short and William Streets sits the Plaza Petrol Station (these days the Mantra Hotel) ... A young John McGuigan spends his weekends there pumping gas and his week days at the ANZ bank, which he joined at 16 after leaving school ...

2019 at the Glasshouse.

As the Glasshouse heads towards its 10th birthday on 1st July … let’s see what they have planned in 2019!

the Usual

Suspects

12. WHAT’S ON for February 22. EAT local restaurants 26. SOCIAL SCENE with Kate Wood-Foye

Lucy Licciardello.

30. OUT TO LUNCH with Susie Boswell 35. WHAT’S IN SEASON with Eric Robinson

Inspired by her clients’ need for ethical, natural products, local hairdresser Lucy Licciardello has embraced the challenge and entrepreneurial spirit and developed a range of organic haircare and skincare under the brands “Love Your Locks”, and “Love Your Skin” Organics. FOCUS sat down with Lucy, to find out more this exciting venture.

37. PALATE PLEASURES with Lou Perri 61. TOURISM with Janette Hyde 77. STARGUIDE with Terri Hall 83. BUSINESS MINDS with Jane Hillsdon 84. PORT CHAMBER UPDATE with Michael Mowle

100

93. TRAVEL THE WORLD with Susie Boswell 111. LANDCARE with Julie Ho

Cristian Campano. Six months ago, a new creative talent arrived in the Port Macquarie area … graphic designer and musician Cristian is thrilled to call Port Macquarie home - and we’re lucky to have him! Cristian’s managed to meld his love for both music and design into a fabulous yet continually evolving career … here, he shares what he’s been up to …

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www.facebook.com/PortMacquarieFocus

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

SELF-CHARGING HYBRID ELECTRIC LEXUS NX

A luxurious, seamless drive awaits with the Lexus NX. Impressive power, economical hybrid or turbocharged performance, a car built for a captivating drive every time.

EXPERIENCE THE NX AT LEXUS OF PORT MACQUARIE LEXUS OF PORT MACQUARIE 181 Hastings River Drive PH: 6583 9122 DL10691 www.lexusofportmacquarie.com.au Greater Port Macquarie focus 53

focusinterview.

TRAVELLING AROUND AUSTRALIA IN 365 DAYS SOUNDS DOABLE … BUT GETTING THE JOURNEY INTO 1,400 WORDS IN FOCUS ... PROBABLY IMPOSSIBLE! NONETHELESS, MUCH LOVED LOCALS HAYLEY AND ROSS DWYER, ALONG WITH THEIR THREE KIDS - MILLIE, JAMES AND DAISY - SET OFF IN JANUARY ON AN EPIC 12 MONTH ADVENTURE. THEY ARRIVED HOME MID DECEMBER, AND WE CAUGHT UP WITH THEM TO FIND OUT ABOUT LIFE ON THE ROAD.

hayley dwyer

i Hayley! We’ve been following you on Facebook, and it looks like you had an amazing 12 months! What made you and Ross decide to pack up home, shop and kids and set off for this trip? Ross and I had talked about doing a lap of Australia before we had our kids. Life’s too short and the kids were at the perfect ages, Millie (11), James (8) and Daisy (3) So we decided to go for it. How long were you in planning, and what tools did you use to map out the trip? It was a split decision, because our circumstances changed, so we didn’t have a great lot of time to plan. We rented our house out fully furnished and sold the family car and boat to pay for our home on wheels. We had a camping book and some great recommendations from friends. We followed a few families’ travel pages on FB, but the best tool we used was an app called Wiki Camps. We were able to plan and track our whole trip using this app. We also had an app called Fuel Maps and a large map that we stuck inside the van, which was a great visual for the kids. We didn’t have a set plan; we just knew we would head south first and try and beat the cold weather. 8 Greater Port Macquarie focus

Tell us about your “home” for the last Bay). 12 months. Did you camp or have a • The kids loved the kangaroos everywhere motorhome? and the surf at Pretty Beach. We bought a second-hand caravan off the • Narooma was great for seals and sting rays Camping and Caravan page on Facebook. We in the bay and was close to the cute little town didn’t have a great amount of time to save, of Tilba. so we had a budget VICTORIA and fluked a van that • Amazingly diverse fit that. It had double landscape and all of bunks, toilet/shower, the wildlife at Wilsons and we set it up to Promontory. WE FOLLOWED A FEW run off solar, so it was • Rainforest walks hunting FAMILIES’ TRAVEL great for free camping for Lyre Birds in Turra PAGES ON FB, BUT THE (which we did a lot of Bulga National Park. BEST TOOL WE USED and loved the most). • Great fishing and free WAS AN APP CALLED There were so many camping in Marlo at the WIKI CAMPS. WE WERE different setups on mouth of the Snowy River. ABLE TO PLAN AND the road; friends of • Cruisy city and amazing TRACK OUR WHOLE ours did it in a camper esplanade of Geelong. TRIP USING THIS APP. trailer, so depending • Watching the fairy on what you want to penguins march up the do will depend on your shores at Phillip Island. setup. Our van was • Eating mussels by the perfect for what we wanted to do. kilo and enjoying a beverage overlooking State by state, give us two highlights Lorne on the Great Ocean Road. from each … • The Twelve Apostles were amazing also. There are so many highlights, it was hard to SOUTH AUSTRALIA keep to two ... oops! • Catching squid and Blue Swimmer crabs off NEW SOUTH WALES the Jetty in Ardrossan. • Great Beach camp at Coledale. • Western Beach, Admirals Arch and • Picture perfect beaches at Greenpatch (Jervis Remarkable Rocks on Kangaroo Island.

• Having the beach to ourselves at Fishery Bay near Port Lincoln. • Coffin Bay Oysters in Coffin Bay. • Catching up with family in Adelaide and waterskiing on the Murray River. WESTERN AUSTRALIA • Ningaloo Reef was our number one spot; we went swimming with the Whale Sharks, Sea Turtles, Manta Rays and thousands of tropical fish. • Exploring Karijini Gorges. • Loved the swimming holes and waterfall at Emma Gorge (El Questro). • Nothing quite like the sunsets on Cable Beach in Broome. • Rottnest Island with friends and meeting their resident Quokkas. • Margaret River for the awesome surf spots, wineries, cafés, breweries and camping amongst the olive trees. • Lucky Bay in Cape Le Grand for its unbelievable beaches of white sand and aqua water. NORTHERN TERRITORY • Spending time with family in Darwin. • Croc jumping tour on the Adelaide River. • Litchfield National Park. • Yellow River cruise watching the resident crocs swim along side the boat. • Cahills Crossing in Kakadu, watching the crocs at the change of tides.

focusinterview.

• Mataranka Hot Springs! QUEENSLAND • Kayaking the emerald water in Lawnhill with friends. • Having the secluded bush camp and beaches of the Daintree Rainforest/Cape Tribulation. • Watching the burning of the cane fields on the Burdekin River. • Snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef at the Whitsundays. • Relocating Loggerhead Turtle Eggs on the beach of Mon Repos. • Sighting the local Cassowary and drinking the fallen coconuts at Etty Bay. • We could easily have enjoyed living at 1770/

Agnes Water. The list goes on ... Did you run into any issues? If so, how did you overcome them? We had some wheel bearing issues with the van; thankfully we were never far away from help. Would you believe we had a mechanic leave his screwdriver in the bonnet of our Ford Ranger in Carnarvon, so many nights’ sleep were lost over the rattling noise that was coming form the car. Take note; if you ever have van/car trouble in WA, be prepared - because Western Australia is also known as “wait awhile”, as

WE LEARNT THAT EXPERIENCES MEAN MORE THAN THINGS AND YOU DON’T NEED A LOT OF ‘STUFF’. THE VALUABLE PART FOR US WAS BEING ABLE TO SPEND MORE QUALITY TIME WITH OUR KIDS AND EACH OTHER.

we found out when Ross had an incident with the car in Broome. There was always a cold beer on hand when these problems arrived or a helping hand not too far away. What did the kids learn from this adventure? They learnt so much about the beautiful country that we live in. But they also learnt how to be patient, how to make friends quickly, how to walk great distances and how precious water is. One of the subjects through Distance Education (North East Public School) was about envirnonmental awareness, so we taught the children to be more environmentally conscious; we removed litter from beaches and we taught them how they could be more self sufficient. What did you and Ross learn? To slow down, stress less, and be happy. We learnt that experiences mean more than things, and you don’t need a lot of “stuff”. The valuable part for us was being able to

spend more quality time with our kids and each other. What would be your few tips for others looking to take on a trip around Oz? Don’t overthink it; just do it. Give us the trip totals ... Klometres travelled: 39,000. Days away from home: 330. Best day: too many to count. Best memory: swimming with the Whale Sharks and meeting lifelong friends. We shared many a laugh whilst sitting around the fire at Happy Hour. Once you get home, what is the plan for you guys? The plan is to try and settle back into reality. Sell the van, move back in to our house and start up our business again, R1 Building and Pest Insections (excuse the plug lol). The long term plan is to explore our surroundings more, enjoy time together as a family and try not to get caught up in the daily grind. When you do a trip like this, it really makes you realise what’s important to you. Thanks Hayley.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 9

focusinterview. Sugar Snap Peas

Autumn Leaves

Anthea Johnston

Anthea Johnston’s work is vibrant, exceptionally detailed and beautifully executed. Influenced by the patterns and cycles in nature and her own heritage, ANTHEA’S QUEST FOR PERFECTION IN HER WORK IS OBVIOUS. Visit the QPOP UP Gallery in Kew to see her work firsthand …

i Anthea. Tell us a little about your history and what brought you to the Camden Haven area ... I was a Northern Rivers girl in high school, in the small town of Dorrigo. I loved playing sport, with kayaking and swimming being my favourites. My love of art and photography developed here. My best mates and I were keen photographers, probably due to the lack of other artistic pursuits in the area at the time. We religiously documented our lives pre-Facebook days, and spent hours in the dark developing photographs. My preoccupation of focusing on the fine details began in the darkroom -peering through a focus scope to get perfect clarity. After spending 18 years teaching art and photography in high schools in South-western Sydney, I was forced stop teaching due to back injuries sustained through a car accident. I have now had six surgeries on my spine, and I’m grateful to be walking. I moved to the area with my son to be closer to my parents, who lived in the area. What first led to you picking up a paintbrush? I started painting five or six years ago. I have spent many hours in rehabilitation after surgery, and painting is a way of escaping the pain; it is like meditation, in a way. Focusing on the beauty that I can create is my wholistic healing. I feel inspired to push through and complete the painting, no matter how tedious it sometimes becomes - seeking perfection; the results are worth it. Why do you paint these days ... what motivates you? I love William Morris’ designs from the arts and crafts movement. My work is an attempt to reflect the harmony within nature, and create art and designs that could easily be repeated forever like Morris’ wallpapers. Illuminated manuscripts have always fascinated me with their ornate decoration and bright colours and fine, fine details. I can see these techniques used again and again in my work.

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Your artistic style is unique! It contains elements of Aboriginal storytelling, and the patterns are very intricate and striking. What methods (and tools) do you use to produce your work? My ancestral home is the Kamillaroi Nation. I am a part of the Stolen Generation; my grandmother was taken from her mother and raised in the Benevolent Socity in Sydney. She did not tell my father of her heritage. I use techniques similar to many Aboriginal artists, with dots and repeated patterns. I use techniques similar to The inspiration to make each many Aboriginal artists, work uniquely beautiful and with dots and repeated create a sense of tranquillity, as if no man can influence representative of nature comes patterns. The inspiration the strength of nature. Through observation and from my heritage. to make each work patience, my desired results have revealed themselves. I use fine script brushes and uniquely beautiful and What exhibitions are you currently a part of/do plain old wooden skewers to representative of nature you have coming up? paint with. The medium of casein comes from my heritage. I am currently on exhibition at the QPOP UP Gallery, paint is used for its archival and 148 Nancy Bird Walton Drive, Kew, NSW 2439. An colour fast qualities. I paint on upcoming exhibition of my newest work can be seen at paper only, and need to frame Long Point Vineyard and Art Gallery, Lake Cathie NSW. my work on completion. I do not What would you most like to achieve in 2019? use traditional symbols and stories in my work, as I have not as yet My main goal as an artist for 2019 is to enter a few major art been taught by my elders. competitions and get as much exposure for my work as possible. What are some of the subjects you most like to paint/draw? As an artist, I am terrible at marketing myself and get lost in the art I have used the subject matter of my own garden for my art making instead. work. The differing phases of growth and the unseen energy Where can we see more examples of or purchase your work? created fascinate me. Nature’s life cycle is fragile and everlasting. My work can be seen online on the QPOPUP Gallery website. My These delicacies influence the way I paint and the colours I use. contact details are antheajohnston@hotmail.com for anyone who Who/what do you feel has most honed your skill as an artist has any queries. over the years? Thanks Anthea. Skill is always the result of persistence. The want to create a Interview: Jo Robinson. feeling as well as a beautiful image is essential in my work. I try to

Greater Port Macquarie focus 11

focus_What’s On Port Macquarie F E B R U A R Y

every

2 0 1 9

SAT

The Botanic Merchant Flower and Plant Market When Every Saturday, 9:30am to 1:30pm. Where Bellbowrie Street, Port Macquarie.

every

SUN

Less is More Declutter Workshop

Get inspired and start on your cleaning with a declutter workshop! Learn how to declutter your home (and your life) so you have more space for the things that matter. When 6th February, 6 - 8pm. Where Port Macquarie Library. Bookings Essential 6581 8755. www.mnclibrary.org.au and midwaste.org.au

Sensational Seniors Expo Discover an extensive range of seniors services and information under one roof at the Port Macquarie Sensational Seniors Expo! When 18th February, 9am. Where Port Macquarie Panthers. Free Entry www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/seniors-expo

Jimmy’s Vinyl Sunday Sessions

SummerSalt Festival

Theatrical Antics

Jimmy’s Vinyl Sunday Sessions invites you to chill out with us and enjoy an afternoon of music in our relaxed surrounds. Our turntable is open for some serious spinning of vinyl records, whether it’s new releases or well-loved classics. When Every Sunday From 2pm. Where The Westport Club. More info www.thewestportclub.com.au/event

John Butler Trio, Missy Higgins, The Teskey Brothers and Stella Donnelly. With sun, salt air, and sweet music to wash over Park Beach Reserve, SummerSalt will create the perfect setting to dance the afternoon away with your friends, enjoy the festival food and beverages, or chill in the SummerSalt Lounge.

The play is set in the present and we are taken back to 1911, where the cast is performing the musical Boudica is Dead. We experience twists, turns, tragedy, drama and beautiful music. Directed by Veronique Boasshard, written by Errol Corr.

When 17th February. Where Park Beach Reserve, Coffs Harbour. Tickets www.summersaltmusic.com.au

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When Friday 1st March, 8pm; Sunday 3rd March, 2pm. Tickets Adults $25; concession $10. Tickets from Panthers Club.

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CoastalWARRIORS COUNCIL COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

february spotlight

GROWING bOLDER. Port Macquarie-Hastings Council is delivering a "GROWING bOLDER" Seniors Programme in 2019. A highlight is the FREE Sensational Seniors Expo. It will be a bumper event, with a mammoth 85 stalls under one roof. The Expo is open 9am to 2pm on Monday 18th February at Panthers (Settlement City) and gives seniors the opportunity to meet with health and aged care providers, community groups, leisure and lifestyle services. There will also be live entertainment by U3A Multicultural dancers, Zumba Gold with Krista and St Agnes “goldies”, bridge demonstrations, plus food tastings by Catholic CCA and Omnicare Alliance. Stalls showcasing everything from tours to Italy, fly fishing, quilting, BBQs, free blood pressure and hearing testing and plenty of goodies and giveaways in between. Hands on History Exhibition. We’ve teamed up with the Dementia Friendly Community Steering Committee and created an arts programme for people living with memory loss. Our summer event is Hands on History, a series of photographic workshops at historic sites with creative ageing practitioner Lisa Hort. This culminates in an exhibition that is open from 13th to 22nd February at Port Macquarie Library. FREE beginners' ukulele course for seniors.

out? Here’s your chance to find out! A new fourweek course for absolute beginners is starting on Tuesday mornings in March at Port Macquarie Library. You don’t need any musical experience or to be able to read music. It’s absolutely free, and morning tea is provided. You’ll learn the basics and be playing popular tunes from the very first lesson under the tutelage of local musician and accredited uke teacher Ruth Allen. Don’t miss the opportunity to try something new while having fun and meeting new people. To book your place, contact the friendly library team on 6581 8755 or emailportlib@mnclibrary.org.au - limited ukuleles are available for free loan at the library, so get in quick. To learn more about Council’s GROWING bOLDER programme, contact Council’s Inclusion Officer on telephone 6581 8111.

l a n o i t a s Sen o p x s E r o i n Se

Do you have an inner musician waiting to break

Mon 18 Feb Discover an extensive range of seniors’ services and information under one roof! When: Monday 18 February 2019 Time: 9am to 2pm Where: Panthers, Port Macquarie (Sett. City)

health y, w w i s e a e a l t h y, nd stalls t travel o visit – F

REE ENT

RY!

pmhc.nsw.gov.au/seniors-expo 14 Greater Port Macquarie focus

VOLUNTEERING ACROSS PORT MACQUARIE-HASTINGS

ort Macquarie-Hastings Council values the important contributions of volunteers within our community - volunteering is fundamental to a vibrant, growing and sustainable place. Council has a number of opportunities for volunteers to be actively involved in the local community. This month we put a spotlight on one of the voluntary organisations that Council works closely with - Coastal Warriors Mid North Coast. Through the support of Council's Volunteer Program, the Coastal Warriors volunteer group formed early in 2017, with a focus and passion for preventing harmful plastics and other dangerous products entering our waterways. This has successfully been achieved through the group’s monthly beach clean-ups. From humble beginnings, the volunteer group has created a community-based movement that not only aims to help the environment, but also assist in educating people on the importance of recycling and the damaging impacts of pollution, and ensure people feel connected to their community and have an enduring presence within the Mid North Coast area. With over 250 active volunteers registered with the Coastal Warriors, the dream of becoming a sustainable, long-term environmental group has come to fruition. The volunteer group has expanded the clean-ups to Wauchope, Lake Cathie and Camden Haven, ensuring everyone has an opportunity to take part. Along with Council's continued support, local businesses, cafes and organisations are also supporting the group by becoming plastic-free, by changing to reusable straws and encouraging everyone to "ditch" single-use plastic. As a result our community is one step closer to reducing the war on waste. Celebrating their first anniversary in June 2018, the group is continually amazed at the wide variety of rubbish that is collected, even though there are numerous recycling bins supplied on the beaches. With the Coastal Warriors now partnering with other local community groups, such as the SeaSide Scavenge, and the newly-formed North Shore Warriors, the group is united in keeping our local environment clean for others to enjoy,

as well as protecting the fragile marine life. More recently, the Coastal Warriors have been working with Council and the Port Macquarie Marina to purchase a Seabin for the marina. This is a floating filtration bin that removes litter directly from the marine environment - another benefit to the local community. Founder Addam Lockley was recently nominated for the Environmental Citizen of the Year, due to his passion for marine life. This journey has led Addam to starting his own business called Coral Blue, designing a coral cooling pool to prevent coral bleaching and to assist with water flow in dams and rivers to prevent stagnant water and algae issues. The Coastal Warriors are not only passionate about the environment; they provide the community with opportunities for community participation, social connectedness and engagement. If you wish to join this volunteer group, check out their Facebook page facebook.com/ CoastalWarriorsMidNorthCoast/ For more on the Coastal Warriors and other volunteering opportunities, contact Council’s Volunteer Co-ordinator, Nateaka Blake, on 6581 8111 or visit pmhc.nsw.gov.au/CommunityCulture/Volunteering-and-Associations/ Volunteering

Item category

Collected in one year

Cigarette butts 16,567 straws and plastic cutlery 697 482 plastic bags (whole) 856 plastic bottles 1,060 plastic packaging 170 other plastic wrap 540 fishing line (in metres) 34 rope (in metres) 1,687 hard plastic bits 4,063 plastic film remnants 347 foam 2,692 glass bottles 317 clothing 1,016 aluminium cans 684 foil 868 metal bottle caps newspaper, magazine, brochures 296 1,911 paper & cardboard packaging 108 rubber (balloons, thongs)

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TWO

Real life husband and wife team, actors Brian Meegan and Kate Raison, also play a husband and wife duo in the production TWO, written by playwright Jim Cartwright. THIS PRODUCTION TRULY PUTS BRIAN AND KATES’ ACTING SKILLS TO THE TEST, as between them, they play 14 characters! Set in a country pub, the various characters you meet and the stories they share will warm your heart.

i Brian and Kate. I believe you first performed together on stage in 1997, in the production Wrong for Each Other. All these years later, has the feeling of performing together changed much? We have been fortunate that we have always enjoyed working together. We have always respected each other’s work and approach rehearsals and performance in a similar way, and that helps when working with any actor. The only difficulty we truly had when we worked together in 1997 was that our daughter was about six weeks old! The play was a breeze compared to settling a baby in the dressing room before going on stage. This will be our first time touring a play together, and we are so looking forward to both the performances and the adventure! What do you feel are the advantages and disadvantages of working together as a married couple? The advantages would definitely have to outweigh the disadvantages. We have a short hand and understanding of each other that otherwise can take time to develop. We also have great trust in each other when you are on

stage performing and when you are discussing things in the rehearsal room. One disadvantage would be spending every waking moment with each other, but so far we haven’t found that to be the case. We make each other laugh - a lot - and I think that is the key to being able to work together and enjoy it. Often I ask people to describe the characters they’re playing in a production, but in TWO you portray 14 characters between you! It’s probably easier if you just tell us a little about the two main characters, the husband and wife duo who own the pub where the play is set. What are these two like, and how much do you relate to them as characters? Kate: The landlady is a beautifully drawn character; she is very strong and loves engaging with the customers and regulars with in the pub. She and her husband have a complicated and sometimes difficult relationship that unfolds during the play. She is honest and real and a joy to bring to life, as are all the characters I portray in TWO. The playwright Jim Cartwright has created such rich characters, and they are often incredibly humorous. Brian: The landlord keeps his eye on the till and on his customers, to make sure they are

paying and having Yes, we have both a good time. He is visited the beautiful PM The play is a comic and very down to earth, but only as tourists. This heartwarming look but enjoys a laugh will be the first time we at the locals who with them every now have performed there, frequent the pub. and then. One of and we are truly looking There are wonderful his biggest battles is forward to it. moments of drama, as “keeping his throat The last time we were we also learn about the lives away from the stock”. there, we saw whales of the landlady and landlord. What are some of breaching off the beach - it the challenges you was amazing! face with playing so What will be keeping many roles in one you two busy for the production? rest of the year - anything exciting in the There is very little time for pipeline? any elaborate costume changes, so the TWO will be keeping us busy until mid-May characters need to be defined by their and then we both have a few things that are individual physical and vocal characteristics. We possible … but it’s too soon to talk about always find that challenging as actors, but it’s them! also what can create magic for the audience. Thanks Brian and Kate. What do you feel are some of the key Interview: Jo Robinson. messages TWO aims to share with the Photos: Clare Hawley. audience? The play is a comic and heartwarming look at the locals who frequent the pub. There are wonderful moments of drama, as we also learn about the lives of the landlady and landlord. TWO is an Ensemble Theatre Production. The main message of the play could be “You See TWO at the Glasshouse on March 9 at can never really know someone until you have 7:30pm. heard their story” … and everyone has a story. Tickets: adult $59; concession/group 6+ $54; Have either of you visited Port Macquarie student U18 with high school ID card $18.50. before ... and how much are you looking Visit glasshouse.org.au or call the Box Office forward to visiting the area? on 6581 8888 for details. Greater Port Macquarie focus 15

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DealER PRINCIPAL of VOLKSWAGEN

John McGuigan RECEIV ES DIAMOND PIN AWARD

It’s 1971, and situated on the corner of Short and William Streets sits the Plaza Petrol Station (these days the Mantra Hotel)... A young John McGuigan spends his weekends

there pumping gas and his week days at the ANZ bank, which he joined at 16 after leaving school. John loved his weekend job so much, that when an

opportunity presented itself to purchase his own petrol station, he jumped at the chance. ohn’s dream was to run his own business, with the help of his mother - he persuaded her to mortgage her house and loan him the $6,000 to buy a petrol station. Macquarie Auto Port was lo-

been to encourage them to do their best - for

has received the award. The

their benefit. A lot of people came and went

award is for your commit-

throughout the years; some outgrew us and

ment, professionalism and

went on to bigger things. We’d still have a beer

dedication to Volkswagen.

at Christmas.” In more recent years, John and Lorraines’ son,

“It is the pinnacle of awards in the

cated on the corner of Bridge (now Gordon)

Shane McGuigan, became Managing Director of

Volkswagen

and Munster Streets, and as John relished in his

the John Oxley Motors (JOM) businesses and is

company,” John

dream at the pumps, he also picked up a car

Dealer Principal for their eight motor franchises,

states with pride and

dealership ... Here John was introduced to Volk-

including Nissan, Mitsubishi, Renault, Skoda,

humility.

swagen, and a lifelong dedication to the brand

BMW and Jaguar Land Rover. However, John

ensued.

himself remains as Dealer Principal of the Volkswagen business.

“I was there to pump gas, that is what I knew how to do, and the car sales were a by product.” McGuigan soon found out that fixing cars and

Although “retired” from the main stable and day to day of the JOM business, John is still re-

So, what is it about the Volkswagen brand that John loves so much? “Well, I think

selling cars was something he was good at. At

sponsible for all of the operations of Volkswagen

because it was the

the bright age of 19, he was granted a Volkswa-

within in the company.

first,” he smiles.

gen Franchise and thus became the youngest dealer in the world. Starting out as Macquarie Auto Port in 1971, a business that then enabled him and his school

“I like doing it, and they like having me there

I HAD BEEN SEARCHING FOR MANY, MANY YEARS, AND ONE DAY THE SEARCH PAID OFF. IT’S NOT THE EXACT CAR, BUT IT IS THE EXACT MODEL, SO I HAD TO GET IT.

Factory’ returned to

gen is the best,” he chuckles.

Australia in 2000, we again became business

After five decades in the VW business, John

partners.

mate, Geoff King (now in Coffs Harbour) to

has reached a pinnacle position within the world-

commence a new venture, John Oxley Motors in

wide company, receiving in December 2018 the

present, but might change to a full electric Volk-

1975, the McGuigan family have written a long

“Diamond Pin” Award.

swagen ‘ID’ when it arrives later in 2020.”

history of automotive sales ever since - some 48 years on. “In 1971 when the business was young, it was just me, Michael Higgins and Chris van der Lay

Travelling to Germany with his wife, Lorraine,

“I love my Volkswagen, and I drive a Tiguan at

John has the pick of the brands, and chooses

John received the award at the Volkswagen AGs

to drive a VW to this day - his dedication towards

International Dealers Commendation Day.

the brand shines through.

“The Diamond Pin Award has been awarded

(The VW group is Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda,

working, and Mum did the cleaning and books.

over the past 60 years - whereby Volkswagen

SEAT, Lamborghini, Bugatti, Bentley, Porsche,

“Throughout the history of our car business

have selected recipients from across the globe

MAN, Scania, and they are the biggest producer

in Port Macquarie, it has always been about

who epitomise the company’s values. This is the

by volume of motor vehicles in the world.)

the people we have worked with. My task has

second time in that history that an Australian

16 Greater Port Macquarie focus

John’s pride and joy is his VW 332 Beetle (built

which is the exact build date and model of the first car he sold at Macquarie Auto Port. “I had been searching for many, many years to find the

“And when ‘The

- they like having someone who thinks Volkswa-

November 1971 - pictured),

same car, and one day the search paid off. It’s not the exact car, but it is the exact model, so I had to get it,” John smiles. In his shed, along with the Beatle is a 1942 Chevrolet truck. “It is the same model that Dad, Mum and I travelled in to Port Macquarie in 1954.” Having reached the top now in the VW Dealership, John plans to stay on, “for as long as they’ll have me”. Congratulations, John and all who have contributed to the success of Volkswagen in Port Macquarie.

16 Greater Port Macquarie focus

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Thomas

SHEPPARD JUST WHEN YOU FEEL YOU’VE EXPLORED A TOPIC OR GENRE IN DEPTH, along comes someone who shows you that you’ve barely scratched the surface …

om Sheppard is one of these “someones” in the field of photography! His work with monochrome or muted colour palettes and old lenses creates the most remarkable images. Without colour and working with the imperfections found in many older lenses, Tom is able to highlight patterns, textures and lines and view subjects from an entirely different perspective … Hi Tom. What's your history in the local area? Hi Jo. My family and I moved to Port Macquarie in 1987. As a teacher, I have had the privilege of getting to know many wonderful people of the Greater Port Macquarie area. It is a thrill to meet parents who were infants in my schools in those days, who have children of their own now. Where did your journey "behind the lens" begin? I have always loved making images, and as a child I sketched for pleasure. Photography was expensive, and it was not until I was working that I could afford a camera - albeit a simple one. When I met Barbara, the love of my life, she was using a Kodak Retinette, and her images simply blew me away. My first serious camera was a Canon FTb - a 35mm SLR - quickly followed by a simple darkroom. The world of photography opened up for me and has continued to captivate me ever since. Considering you've embraced both film 18 Greater Port Macquarie focus

and digital photography, what do you see as being the advantages, and disadvantages, of the two mediums? Digital imagery is something that most people take for granted today. It is cheap, quick, easy, and of high quality. The flexibility of Film is not cheap, not easy, and digital sensors and the not instant in most cases. There sophistication of the the light is doing and is always a deliberate software that runs them how I compose the choice about whether or virtually guarantees an image in my mind. This not the scene is worthy of image in almost any often involves changing Often, I will pass a film image. situation. The ability to my point of view. on an image if I think that it does easily capture images Film has a physical not contribute something fresh, or with a high dynamic presence that zeros, if I cannot render it in a different lighting range or under ones and “clouds” of way from others like it. dimly lit conditions the digital world do amazes me. Using film not. for such tasks isn't What is your impossible, but it is particular interest in monochrome work much more demanding. ... why does it inspire you? On the other hand, digital images are I started my photographic journey with captured by the millions every day - most monochrome, and fell in love with it. are glanced at and then either forgotten or Without colour, other things - line, pattern discarded. Easy come, easy go, I guess. Few and texture - and the way that light plays have any permanence. across an image assume more importance. Film is not cheap, not easy, and not instant Add to that the way that tones are in most cases. There is always a deliberate represented, and the simplified presentation choice about whether or not the scene is has more impact for me. worthy of a film image. Often, I will pass on The colour images that I shoot tend an image if I think that it does not contribute to have a more restrained palette as a something fresh, or if I cannot render it in a consequence. different way from others like it. What subjects do you most enjoy Film forces me to think a lot more about photographing (and why)? the subject and my treatment of it - what

My photography is an inherently personal experience, and the joy of taking the image is every bit as important as the completed picture. I really enjoy photography outdoors, so I am drawn to landscapes and nature. The opportunity to “zone-out” and experience the moment completely - the smells, the touch of the breeze, the closeness of a humid sea-mist, the total stillness of a canopied forest, and above all the silence … photography is an experience that nourishes my spirit. Tell us a little about your work with old lenses ... where do you source these items, and what are some examples of the ways they impact your photography? Lens design has always been driven by a desire for optical perfection. Current intelligent computer aided design is producing lenses of remarkable clarity that record in almost unbelievable detail. Every lens designer today has the same information available to them, access to the best in optical glass and synthetics … and new lenses are extraordinary feats of

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engineering. To me, however, they are too perfect. Results from most of them are indistinguishable from their competitors. Older lenses from the film era were nowhere near as perfect, and were built with best performance at some apertures and compromises elsewhere. It is these imperfections in such lenses that give them their charm, and enable them to â€œpaintâ€? with a unique signature. When the swing from film to digital was starting to gain momentum, many people made the switch and discarded their old film equipment. I was known as a user of old lenses, and many of these relics came my way. I have also sought out particular lenses for the way they paint, and use them where their special characteristics can shine. Germany, Russia and Japan all produced lenses with individual and unique signatures. Of course, as mirrorless digital cameras have started to become popular, people have realised that these older lenses can now be

used again with appropriate adapters, and they are once more growing in popularity and are again becoming sought after. What are some destinations you've travelled to that you've particularly Western Queensland and Central Australia enjoyed photographing? are simply stunning, and the coasts of NSW Overseas travel has an allure for and Victoria wonderful. photographers, and I am not immune. Why do you enjoy being a member of However, it isn't easy to capture memorable photography groups - and how do these images that haven't already been done to death by thousands of photographers before groups help you? Over many years I have belonged to you. Vietnam, China, Bali, Turkey and Greece camera clubs in the towns in which we have have been highlights for me, with Turkey the lived - Young, Tumut standout among them. and Port Macquarie. However, my best In all cases, it was the images have always shared enthusiasm come from closer to for photography that home. The Greater I was known as a user of brought us together. Port Macquarie area old lenses, and many of What excites me has such a wealth of these relics came my way. I now is the continued landscapes, that it have also sought out growth among members continues to reward particular lenses for of my Port Macquarie and fascinate. the way they paint, and Panthers Photographic use them where their special Club, as I see them characteristics can shine. expressing themselves as photographic artists.

I have watched them transition from practitioners of the craft, to exhibitors of their art. Further, they have grown in confidence to become teachers themselves, as they take part in evaluation sessions and workshop their ideas and those of others. I am thrilled to see some members attaining photographic honours through The Australian Photographic Society, The Royal Photographic Society and The Photographic Society of America. The teacher in me delights in seeing others learn. What would you like to achieve photographically in the next year or so? I have always loved film photography, and currently shoot 35 mm and medium format. My aim over the next year or two is to become more proficient at large format photography and its associated darkroom printing. There is nothing like the gestation and birth of an image in a darkroom and the magic of a silver gelatin print. Where can we see more examples of your work/find out more about you? I have just completed an exhibition of some of my work at Masterpiece Framers Gallery in Port Macquarie. Of course, I also exhibit within my Port Macquarie Panthers Photographic Club, and post regularly on Facebook under Tom Sheppard. Our club meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at 7pm at Port Panthers. Thanks Tom. Interview: Jo Robinson.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 19

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Drama, music, songs, comedy and mystery all encompass the Theatrical Antics play that will be performed later this month by a cast of locals. Written by Errol Corr and Directed by Veronique Bosshard, the play is a local fundraiser for Endeavour Mental Health Recovery Clubhouse. Errol “Jay” tells us more about the production.

10 production crew who have experienced ay, for those who don’t know you - can you anxiety and depression, including myself. introduce yourself? Six of the cast have never acted or sung in I am an international a major production before; these people playwright who has written will be introduced in the advertising at Port numerous award winning Panthers. Lauren Darcy and Ailie Forster I plays. I am also a retired police prosecutor found at Karaoke. of 33 years and have experienced clinical Without giving it all away, the show depression and anxiety due to attending will have some twists and turns to major tragedies keep audiences during my Police entertained. What career. is the basis of the Where did the plot line? WE EXPERIENCE TWISTS, inspiration come The play is set TURNS, TRAGEDY, DRAMA, from to create in the present, and BEAUTIFUL MUSIC, Theatrical Antics? we are taken back to THANKS TO ANDY LAVERS In the last 17 1911, where the cast MUSICAL DIRECTOR, AND years, I have been on is performing the BEAUTIFUL COSTUMES stage in numerous musical Boudica is THANKS TO GAI plays and musicals. Dead. We experience SPINDLER. During that time, I twists, turns, tragedy, have been involved drama, beautiful in a number of music thanks to rehearsals for a Andy Lavers, Musical variety of shows. The antics I observed Director, and beautiful costumes thanks to behind the scenes inspired me to write the Gai Spindler. musical Theatrical Antics. As this is a fundraiser for Endeavour You are collaborating with other locals Mental Health Recovery Clubhouse, on the show - can you introduce us to other than the show tickets, how are them? you raising funds? There are eight people in the cast and I volunteered to put the show on in 20 Greater Port Macquarie focus

co-ordination with Endeavour Clubhouse, with all funds going to them for help in rehabilitation of mental heath patients. I have a number of sponsors - one in particular, Geoff Thompson, Independent flooring specialist, who is helping us with the use of his warehouse for rehearsals at no cost. Port Panthers are supporting us by allowing us to use the Basement for final rehearsals and shows for no fee. What has been the most inspiring part of putting this production together? Due to my son, Peter and ex-colleagues taking their lives tragically, the most inspiring part was watching people within the show coming together as a family and laughing and enjoying a new goal in life. Final thoughts? Finally, thanks to our beautiful Director, Veronique Bosshard, who has been fabulous directing the rehearsals. Thanks Jay.

Tickets will be on sale mid February from Port Panthers. Adults $25; concession $10. Showtime: Friday 1st March, 8pm and Sunday 3rd March, 2pm.

the cause.

ndeavour Mental Health Recovery Clubhouse is the initiative of the local Port Macquarie community and follows an international, evidence based model for mental health recovery. Endeavour Mental Health Recovery Clubhouse is a specialist recovery program now receiving support from the Mid North Coast Local Health District. Endeavour is the only psychosocial vocational program on the Mid North Coast providing members with a non-institutional service in a safe, caring environment. Endeavour is for adults who suffer from the social and vocational damage that mental health problems can cause. It is a voluntary program where participants are members,not patients or clients. We believe that every member has a contribution to make, and the Endeavour model relies on members’ talents, skills and strengths in order to function. Endeavour is a place to interact, learn and regain confidence by being an active, productive member. Every member is encouraged to contribute to the functioning of the club, and members work together to achieve this. Our philosophy is to create an environment where all activities are satisfying and productive and to assist members to achieve individual vocational and social goals.

64 Greater Port Macquarie focus

Glacier 51 Toothfish from The Stunned Mullet. 22 Greater Port Macquarie focus

Quail with edamame and white bean puree

Lighthouse & Wild Oxley Pizzas

Abundance Garden Centre + Lakeside Dining

The Tapp at Panthers

Abundance Under The Stars

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 pizza menu featuring local ingredients and fresh seasonal produce, perfect for a casual long lunch. Enjoy the summer sunshine on the TAPP deck or lounge in the king dining chairs indoors. The TAPP is the perfect location for any occasion!

Abundance Garden Centre + Lakeside Dining is opening its beautiful grounds for evenings under the stars. You can now enjoy this stunning lakeside venue of an evening for dinner and drinks. Now fully licensed and with a new summer menu. Abundance is ready to entertain you and your friends of an evening with fine dining in a beautiful, yet relaxed environment. Opening from Valentine’s Night then every Friday and Saturday from 6pm, bookings essential. If you have not been to Abundance lately, come and experience lakeside dining, beautiful plants, expert advice, design and landscaping and the peace and tranquility that is Abundance.

CAROL GOULDING & MITCH SKRINNIKOFF

HEAD CHEF ADAM LOVETT

1 BAY STREET, PORT MACQUAIRE (02) 6580 2300 WWW.PORTMACQUARIE.PANTHERS.COM.AU

274 RAWDON ISLAND RD, SANCROX 15 MIN FROM PORT MACQUARIE (02) 6586 0030 WWW.ABUNDANCE.NET.AU OPEN 8AM WEEKENDS, 9AM WEEKDAYS UNDER THE STARS 6PM UNTIL LATE FRIDAY AND SATURDAY ONLY

OPEN 7 DAYS. SUNDAY - FRIDAY: 12PM - LATE, SATURDAY: 10AM - LATE. BREAKFAST 8AM - 12PM SATURDAY AND SUNDAY.

Avocado and Feta Smash

Coconut & Curry Squid

Aqua at The Westport Club

Hastings Coﬀee Co. at The Westport Club

Waterside dining featuring a fresh, seasonal menu. Aqua Restaurant is one of Port Macquarie’s most popular dining spots, offering unsurpassed views of the beautiful Hastings River.

As you enjoy your breakfast, you’ll be greeted with uninterrupted views of the river and might even spot a dolphin or two. If you’re not a morning person, rest easy - we have breakfast options available until 3pm daily.

Our aim is to provide you with a taste of the Hastings region, while offering a warm and welcoming local dining experience.

Hastings Coffee Co. has recently unveiled a brand-new menu, featuring a refreshed offering to incorporate ingredients that are now in season. Early favourites include the squid and pineapple salad, Szechuan pork belly salad, the chicken schnitzel burger, and the avocado and feta smash.

Taking inspiration from our location, the Aqua Restaurant menu focuses on fresh, local product, showcasing the beautiful seafood from our region. Come in and try salmon bruschetta, pan roasted pork loin, or perhaps share the coconut and curry squid skewers with your dining companion. Don’t forget to save room for one of our decadent homemade desserts. 25 BULLER STREET, PORT MACQUARIE (02) 6588 7201 WWW.THEWESTPORTCLUB.COM.AU LUNCH 7 DAYS 11:30AM - 2:30PM DINNER 7 DAYS FROM 5:30PM

HEAD CHEF JESSE MCGARRITY

A meal at Hastings Coffee Co. is not complete without a delicious barista-made coffee or freshly-squeezed juice made to order just for you.

25 BULLER STREET, PORT MACQUARIE (02) 6588 7201 WWW.THEWESTPORTCLUB.COM.AU BREAKFAST AND LUNCH 7 DAYS FROM 7:30AM, DINNER WEDNESDAY - SATURDAY FROM 5PM - LATE.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 23

coﬀee scene.

Café Buzz As we feel the force of summer, it is the heat that brings a change in what we feel like eating.

cater for your exact needs, as we have done

At BUZZ we offer you an ever-changing array of food items across the seasons. We see a drop off in bread item sales, and, a rather large increase in our salads and wraps.

what we can offer just for you.

Every day our chef settles in to her day surrounded by deliveries of fresh and local produce. Firstly, we bake off the day’s range of pastries, quiches, brown rice tarts and slices. They are different every day and can come on their own, or you can add a salad. All our salads are made fresh to order. We have a daily special, as well as a range of traditional salads. When you order, just advise us what you would like, and we will put it together. If you have food allergies, we can

for over 15 years. Drop in when you are the Port CBD and see

Saltwater Wine Espresso Bar.

If you love BUZZ and all it offers, you may like the ultimate indulgence of being the new

The café at Saltwater Wine on Horton Street

owner. Your Café BUZZ is on the market; drop

is the perfect spot to cool down with their

in and see Vicki if you want to know more.

delicious smoothies and juices. Order your favourite flavour to wash down a delicious raw vegan treat by Tes James, owner of

Regular trading hours are 9am to 4:30pm, Monday - Friday, 9am to 2:30pm on Saturday, and 10am to 12:30pm on Sunday. Follow @saltwaterwine_cafe and @tesjames on Instagram for mouth-watering updates.

“Nourish”. The ever-evolving menu currently consists of such goodies as raw vegan bounty balls, carrot slice, orange and walnut cake, raw snickers and a huge favourite raw rocky road.

107 HORTON STREET, PORT MACQUARIE (02) 6584 0084

107 HORTON STREET, PORT MACQUARIE (02) 6583 7979

Lemon Meringue Tart

B U Z Z

Urban Grain Bakery Urban Grain Bakery is serving up some new desserts - come and see us in-store for a special mousse cake, or a cheesecake that’s far from ordinary, or even for a tangy lemon meringue tart. Stay for one of our Nine Bar coffees, and don’t forget to take home a loaf of sourdough - all baked on site. Open Monday to Saturday from 7am. OWNERS CATHERINE AND TIM

PEACHTREE WALK ARCADE, 17/78-80 HORTON ST, PORT MACQUARIE 0423 545 258 OPEN MONDAY TO SATURDAY FROM 7AM.

24 Greater Port Macquarie focus

P R O D U C T

Do you enjoy your coffee hot or cold in the heat of summer? BUZZ has a range of coffee makers that can make you “cold” coffee. Our Hario Immersion Coffee Maker is simple. Just add filtered water to freshly ground coffee and leave for 24 hours. Remove the strainer, put the jug in the fridge, and you can then enjoy the unique taste of BUZZ Coffee as a cold drink. We also offer a range of coffee syphons, pourover coffee makers and French press coffee makers for you to enjoy your coffee made different ways.

R E V I E W

Most of these coffee makers are very inexpensive; they start at $19.95. They can be used to make your coffee hot and strong, and, if you have any left over, put it in the fridge to enjoy on ice later-on in your day. Coffee has developed over the last 15 years, and is now a drink that can be enjoyed not only the way you always have it, but in new and interesting ways. Drop into BUZZ in Peachtree Walk in the Port CBD and have a look at our range. If you need help, just ask Vicki, and she will be happy to show you.

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AdamLovett PANTHERS PORT MACQUARIE

i Adam. You have a very busy role as the Head Chef of TAPP and KOVE at Port Panthers. What do you most love about your

delicacies most popular with diners? Our pizzas in the TAPP Bar have been an absolute hit! We knew they would be over the holiday season. Our diners have loved them! Grazing platters are also popular at the role? moment. Our events centre has been in high The creative freedom that comes with the demand since we launched our huge grazing role! Working across the boards! two kitchens allows a What can we look really diverse offering; forward to seeing on we are always thinking the autumn menus? of something new to We have a new menu I ALSO ENJOY WORKING add, especially now launching in March. AS A TEAM AND SEEING with the launch of The big focus for us will MEMBERS OF OUR our breakfast menu in be on fresh, seasonal TEAM GROWING AND the TAPP. I also enjoy produce sourced locally. working as a team and We try to support local DEVELOPING INTO THEIR seeing members of business as much as we ROLE IN THE KITCHEN. our team growing and can, and often our menu developing into their is built around what is role in the kitchen. grown and produced in Who or what inspires our region. you in the creation of new and seasonal What are some of your favourite dishes, and when did you realise food ingredients to include when cooking and was your passion? why? Food has always been my passion. I thrive Beef! It is so diverse, and itâ€™s always a hit in the kitchen environment; working at a fast with our diners and at home with the family. pace suits me best. I couldnâ€™t be anywhere Thanks Adam. else! As for inspiration, that would be my Adam Lovett is the Head Chef at Port family. Panthers, overseeing both TAPP Bar and What are some of your signature KOVE. Open daily. Greater Port Macquarie focus 25

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

Meraki Photography

Nic and Nick Kosseris at Sails NYE

Meraki Photography

Brenon Weeks, Ryan Baker, Gavin Rippon and Kim Maitland at Studio 54 Zebu NYE Meraki Photography

John and Sue Campbell, Sandra and Mark Magann at Sails NYE

Meraki Photography

Newlyweds Jess and Murray Roberts at Studio 54 Zebu NYE

Meraki Photography

Studio 54 Zebu NYE

Criminal Justice Graduates Nathan Jennings, Grace Stevens and Mathew Moore at CSU Graduation at the Glasshouse

social scene. It’s been a full circle kind of summer this year, with a touch of Déjà vu thrown in the mix just for fun. Some fabulous people are popping back into the stratosphere, with special visits from family and friends from all over the country and the globe.

few special departures and new arrivals have signalled the winds of change are blowing through our little city once again, with some exciting new projects, people and possibilities on the horizon. February is one of my absolute favourite months of the year - the last of those delicious summer days, where we can stretch out those good vibes, sun kissed sessions and super sunsets just that little bit longer. Before you know it, reality bites, and you are back at the helm of a crazy but beautiful life!

The end of last year was a little loco, with some special events that were not to be missed! Excited graduates from all over the country journeyed to Port Macquarie to celebrate the end of their studies. They joined some fabulous locals at the gorgeous Glasshouse for a series of ceremonies to celebrate the end of an impressive chapter of hard work! Special congrats to the beautiful Jess Oxley, who graduated with a Bachelor of Public Relations; Grace Stevens Bachelor of Criminal Justice; Abby Artuso and Tom Dylan Bachelor of Creative Arts and Design; and cool super mummy Sammy Durdevic with a Bachelor of Paramedicine.

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These are just a few of the talented and dedicated local legends juggling study, work and life to push into the next phase of their journey - congrats to you all! Congrats also to Neville Parsons, who gave the occasional address, and to everyone who made the day so special.

wined and dined and entertained by crooner Tim Maddren and Mat Brooker … Guests, including Tim’s gorgeous wife Steph Maddren, Sandra and Mark Magann, Nick and Nic Kosseris were just some of the party crew bringing in the New Year with fireworks over the Marina.

Guests at the Studio 54 sparkled like a dance divas disco ball on NYE at Rydges. Zebu was abuzz, with 180 gorgeous guests joining in the decadent fun of the famed New York nightclub. Flowing champagne, velvet lounges, secret gaming dens, disco treats and fancy feet were all part of the show, that ended with glam guests spilling out on to the green, as they soaked up an amazing fireworks display bringing in 2019 over the water. Guests seriously let their hair down, with luscious grazing tables, Studio 54 dancers, and sweeping views of the bay. Guests included Cindy Mullens, Raye Alford, Sarah Gale, Shannon and Dylan Ward, newlyweds Jess and Murray Roberts, Gavin Rippon and Brendon Weeks, Bindy Charley, Monica Pfab, Nat Clift, and Linda Scoot, to name some of the revellers.

Dance fever is back, with the launch of the Stars of the Hastings Dance for Cancer in January. Brave locals, including Vanessa Lawrence of the Style Vibe, Ritchie Baker of Tacking Point Tavern, Natalie Junge of Lighthouse Plaza Medical centre, Kiel Bigeni of Men at Work, Tim Joyce of Elders and Ian Ross, Principal of Hastings Secondary College, Shelley Lang of Essential Energy, Lach Falvey of Falvey Kay Lawyers, Alfred Portenschlager of TAFE NSW and AJ Davis of the Party Professionals will be strutting their stuff for the Cancer Council this year. Keep an eye out for the string of fun fundraising events in the lead up to the main event at Rydges on Friday 4th April. Tickets on sale soon!

Across the bay, 200 guests were enjoying a sumptuous seafood buffet in the Cape Ballroom at Sails Port Macquarie, being

Darlings, he’s baaaack! Old friend and everyone’s favourite, Tommy Jeffs returned for a brief cameo in January for a series of parties and catch ups and to announce his return to beautiful Port Macquarie in

February. Tom has been out west enjoying the country life with family and running a set of fabulous businesses, including the stunning Montrose House in Canowindra. Special thanks to Donna and Rhys Moody -Martin, who hosted a gorgeous cocktail party on the canals to reconnect some of the gang, including Michelle and Howard Ashby, Katrine McCann, Leanne Prussing, Louise and Jay Beaumont, Bob and Wendy Todd, and Maxine and Allan Thomas. Some delicious views, company and killer cocktails from the fabulous barman Simon Hersee of the Cocktail Initiative, who mixed up a storm for us all! See you soon, Thomas! Keep an eye out for his next exciting adventure in Port Macquarie. February signals another lap around the sun for me … I really do love this month and have been known to stretch out a birthday to a solid week of celebration. I am hugely thankful for all the amazing people, opportunities and experiences in my life this year. Looking forward to a low key celebration by the beach in the sun with the people I love! Life is super good - looking forward to what the next 365 days unfolds! 'til next month, Kate x

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focusinterview.

Local muso Leigh I’Anson is going from strength to strength PERFORMING MORE AND MORE GIGS AROUND THE PORT MACQUARIE, CAMDEN HAVEN AND MANNING AREAS AND BECOMING A WELL-KNOWN NAME IN THE BIZ! Leigh’s inspired by the Blues, Folk, Rock and Worship music, and his dream is to release an album of his own material. Watch this space … this guy is going places!

Music

i Leigh. What's your association with the Greater Port Macquarie area? I moved to the Port Macquarie area at the start of 2016, as I took up a job as the Primary and Secondary Music teacher at Heritage Christian School. Prior to this, I had lived in the Maitland area all my life. When/how did you become interested in performing music, as opposed to just listening to it? I became interested in performing music when I was quite young, as I came from a musical family and my mum taught piano lessons ever since I can remember. I started on piano, but quickly switched to guitar where I found my passion. I remember learning the first cool song (as in, not a kids’ song!) when I was 11; it was Somebody's Crying, by Chris Isaak. I remember how great it felt to create the sound of the guitar that I heard on the radio, and I've been doing that ever since. I came to singing quite a bit later than guitar, and found it just as exciting training my voice to create different sounds and colours. What musical genres most inspire you

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(and why)? I like many different styles of music and have had the opportunity to perform in various groups and bands that differ from each other, including Rock bands, modern church bands to Jazz big bands. My favourite styles of music would be Blues, Folk, Rock, and Worship music. These styles inspire me in many ways, from the earthiness and vulnerability of the Blues, the power and energy of Rock music, to the passion and faith of Worship music. Where are some of your regular gigs locally? I regularly perform in the Greater Port Macquarie area; some of the local establishments that I love to play at include: the Port Macquarie Hotel, Chop and Chill, Flow Bar at Old Bar, Waters Edge, and Oasis by the River in Laurieton. You can also find me hanging at Panthers with Coastside Church on Sunday mornings from 10. What do you feel has been your greatest achievement as a performer to date ... and what did you learn from this experience? There are probably two big performance achievements that I'd like to mention. One is playing to more than a thousand

I remember learning the first

cool song (as in, not a kids’ of people at a 3. Light Up Ahead by song!) when I was 11; it was church conference Further Seems Forever Somebody’s Crying, by Chris in Brisbane 4. Revelry by Kings of Isaak. I remember how and just feeling Leon great it felt to create the the energy 5. Superunknown by and passion sound of the guitar that Soundgarden of a big venue I heard on the radio, and What do you most where people I’ve been doing that ever since. enjoy about live of faith were in performances? attendance. I enjoy seeing people Two is seeing respond to the music the venue fill up and people really enjoy by tapping their feet and getting into the the music I was performing when I played groove of the song, as well as the textures at Flow Bar late last year. This inspired and sounds I can produce with my guitar, me to put more work and dedication into voice and a stomp box. progressing in my craft as a live performer. What are your dreams as a musician? How would you describe your My dreams are to record an album of performance style/vibe? my own material, as well as see the school During my performances I like to switch students I teach find as much enjoyment, it up between chilled out groovy tunes that life and therapy in music as I have. create a great atmosphere, and powerful Where can we find out more about songs and arrangements of classic tunes you/contact you? that demand more attention. I'd love you to follow me on Facebook I also like to put my own spin on (fb.me/leighiansonmusic), Instagram well-known songs to create a unique (instagram.com/leighiansonmusic) or on performance experience. YouTube by searching Leigh I'Anson. Without thinking about it too much, I add all my upcoming gigs as events what are the top five songs of all time on Facebook, so you can see where I'm for you personally ... And GO! playing next. Thanks Leigh. 1. Amazing Grace Interview: Jo Robinson. 2. Feral Roots by Rival Sons

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focusinterview.

Out to Lunch

with Susie Boswell

ISAAC HEAGNEY

As the new academic year gets under way, last year’s crop of school leavers is setting out for uni, apprenticeships and work, full of ideas, hope and with a keen eye on building their future lives. Susie sat down with one of them.

o meet Isaac Heagney is to recall the excitement of being poised on the threshold of adulthood with all its freedoms, prospects and potential. At 18 he’s typical of many young men and women right now directing the knowledge acquired during their education and their youthful energy towards shaping a world for themselves. Isaac, well mannered, level headed, outgoing - and 193cm tall, is one who seems to have it mapped out. He recently deferred an opportunity to study, thanks to a solid HSC score from St Columba School, for a degree in Construction Management. Instead he leaped at the opportunity of a carpentry apprenticeship, starting work last month. Loves it, his goal to become a licensed builder. But above all it’s his favourite recreational pursuit that drives both his career prospects and lifestyle fulfilment: he’s an experienced - fanatical - fisherman whose day begins around 5am checking his crab pots and ends, after work, with a spot of rock fishing near or sometimes well beyond his North Haven home. In May his new boss will allow him time off to travel to the US. He’s invited on an expenses-paid two-week trip where he’ll compete in ISEF, the International Science and Engineering Fair in Pheonix, Arizona, thanks to being named Rural Young Scientist of the Year, an award given by the NSW Science Teachers Association for his “Most Promising”

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invention of 2018. It’s for his creation of an emergency alert device to save the lives of rock fishermen swept into the sea. Isaac insists he takes care to assess conditions, but there’ve been an alarming 84 rock fishing fatalities over the past 10 years in NSW alone. He’ll showcase his design to world-leading scientists and engineers and vie with 1800 secondary school students from 75 countries for prizes totalling US$5million. (Last year a 19-year-old from Sydney’s Barker College took out the $100,000 first prize for his window-cleaning robot for high rise buildings.) The roots of Isaac’s invention are evident. “Every spare moment, every afternoon pretty much, after work” he’s chasing fish, has been since his father Bernard - “he’s always had boats” - took him out at age five, and his first catch, a Slimey Mackerel. “Bait fish!” Isaac dismisses it now, but still recalls the thrill, what’s turned into a lifetime pastime. “It grew on me. As I got older my brother Sam took me rock fishing.” Now he fishes in the river, ocean, off the rocks ... pretty much anywhere they’re biting, as far out as 40km chasing Blue Eye Cod. Hooked, as they say. “It turned into an obsession,” he admits. Indeed, in school holidays he fished every day, in Christmas holidays every day, even on Christmas Day. “I got my first boat licence, junior boat licence, when I was 12.” As well he likes to free-dive for lobster and abalone. His passion, though, became and remains “chasing Mulloway off the rocks.

Any headland from Seal Rocks in the south or Crowdy Head to Point Plomer, South West Rocks. There’s Bonny Hills headland, Diamond Head, Point Perp at Dunbogan ...” Mulloway, the “Silver Ghost”, is hard to catch. “You’ve got to put in the hours to work ’em out. Find some wash areas, deep holes, and hope there’s a Jew in there.” Jewfish are a story - an encyclopaedia – in themselves, a species that tests the best anglers with many hours spent on the water, often with nil result. The sport of catching one, I gather from Isaac - who’s capable of holding forth enthusiastically on the subject for an unbroken hour, with plenty more anecdotes in the tacklebox - is a quest characterised by patience, knowledge, physical exertion and a tolerance of frustration, alloyed by unwavering determination and tenacity. The qualities, in fact, deployed in creating his safety invention, which works by sending a wi-fi signal between a transmitter and a receiver. One part is worn by the angler, communicating to the second component placed at a higher point up on the rocks. If the fisherman is swept away and submerged the connection’s broken and a signal with GPS coordinates sent to an emergency recipient. According to Justin Munro, Isaac’s teacher at St Columba, Design and Technology requires students to “explore, ideate, prototype and manufacture” innovative design solutions. “I encourage students to find something they’ve a passion for, because they need to be motivated to work intensively on it over 12

months.” Nevertheless, Isaac confronted some daunting challenges, Munro says: he’d no coding ability and had completed little in the way of electronics. “It took him many months of trial and error with numerous [circuit board and software] components to find the most effective solutions for his project.” The housing too called for extensive prototyping with technologies including 3D printing and laser-cutting and hand and power tools “which is where Isaac’s strengths lay - and have given him a great skill set for his work now in the construction industry.” Among Isaac’s other evident attributes are a sense of humour, well-balanced outlook and the attractiveness of his enthusiasm for his sport ... as well as for everyday pleasures like enjoying a schnitty at the local club with fishing mate Tom after a spot of chasing Mulloway. (Tom was the guinea pig who jumped into the water to test the safety device.) For the future there’s his desire to go bluewater fishing on Wreck Reef in the Coral Sea, at home the target of landing a 20kg Mulloway: “I’ve caught a few over 10kg but never cracked a really big one,” he says, eyes bright at the prospect. With ambition one of the keys to unlocking a successful catch – or career - it looks like he’s got it in the bag. Tight lines, Isaac. Out To Lunch is sponsored by Lou Perri at The Stunned Mullet on Town Beach.

tacking point tavern

to host australian champion

kurt fearnley

Tacking Point Tavern is over the moon to announce that one of Australia’s greatest ever champions—in sport and in life —Kurt Fearnley, will be making a visit for a special ticket only charity luncheon on Friday, March 22.

world, including the prestigious New York, London and Chicago marathons multiple times. His exploits are not confined to wheelchair racing, having crawled the Kokoda track and sailed on a winning Sydney to Hobart yacht race crew.

Enjoy a 2 course set menu, plus 3 hour beverage package and listen to Kurt’s incredible life story firsthand. The three-time Paralympic Gold Medallist has won marathons all around the

Recently he won the hearts of millions of Australians with his amazing efforts at the Commonwealth Games and was a proud flag bearer at the closing ceremony.

$119PP or $990 for a table of 10

Tickets available from tackingpointtavern.com.au

Corner of Ocean & Emerald Drives, Port Macquarie NSW (02) 6582 3939 | tackingpointtavern.com.au Greater Port Macquarie focus 31

focusinterview.

Todd Fuller, Untitled 19,, 2018, chalk, charcoal and acrylic on paper, 56 x 75 cm. Courtesy of the artist and MAY SPACE, Sydney.

While completing an artist’s residency at the Glasshouse Regional Gallery in October last year, SYDNEY BASED ARTIST TODD FULLER DISCOVERED THE STORY OF THE LATE HARRY THOMPSON, Port Macquarie’s well-known “Mayor” of Shelly Beach.

Todd Fuller, Untitled 23, 2018, chalk, charcoal and acrylic on paper, 56 x 75 cm. Courtesy of the artist and MAY SPACE, Sydney.

odd will be back visiting Port Macquarie in February, showcasing works inspired by his residency in the exhibition From somewhere. Hi Todd. Where are you currently based ... and how much does this location contrast with Port Macquarie? I work in Bondi and live in Glebe, two very different parts of Sydney. I arrived in Port Macquarie during a particularly rainy and bleak few weeks in October, so this offered me a muted palette and a saturated tonal range (sadly, it didn't offer me much swimming!) These conditions showed me a landscape beyond the iconic postcard that this region is known for, so it was a delight to explore the area in such an unexpected way. The Hastings region has a very different vibe to metropolitan Sydney - the pace of life, the sheer landscape and that big open sky. It was contemplative, meditative and regenerative. You completed an artist's residency at the Glasshouse Regional Gallery in October 2018. What were some key things you enjoyed most about this experience? I am smitten with the Glasshouse Regional Gallery after spending time there. It was a remarkable and elite gallery and one which I was privileged to be able to work with. I really enjoyed being able to work with such an exceptional team ... The longer I stayed in the region, the more incredible local stories presented themselves. I could easily have created work about the history of the glorious Laurieton theatre, or any number of the artefacts enclosed in the Port Macquarie Museum. There is such a rich tapestry of content available from the area. During your residency, you found out more about local legend Harry Thompson, whose name lives on today in the landmark known 32 Greater Port Macquarie focus

Fulle r

as "Harry's Lookout". What most struck you about Harry's story? No matter where we travel, we are constantly met by streets, lookouts, trails and places which are named after those that came before us. Generally, these people achieved something remarkable and worthy of our enduring memory. Harry is no exception to this. His story is simultaneously everyday and extraordinary. This was a man who won the lottery - a rare and random fluke which most of us can only dream about. He then buys a caravan, which becomes bogged on Shelley Beach. As a result, Harry and his family end up living on that same beloved beach for nearly 40 years, in that same caravan, as if the bogging was some sign that he was meant to stay. But, once here he tended to the beach, no different to any resident tending their yard. However, the normally domestic task of looking after a backyard extended out across the entire beach in what some would describe as a great community service. The idea of home is usually one of intimacy and warmth, and here it was applied to an entire coastline. Your upcoming exhibition, From somewhere, features drawings you used to create the wonderful hand painted animation, To see the ocean for the first time. Tell us a bit about this process ... I call these animations hand drawn films, and to make them I essentially draw and paint a series of sequences one frame at a time. Through erasing, re-drawing and re-painting (as well as documenting on a camera), I am able to simulate movement in a manner not dissimilar to early cinematic traditions. In terms of time, pieces like this can take anywhere from 18 months to a couple of weeks. I must admit that I worked pretty fiercely while in residence at the Glasshouse; putting on my hermit hat meant that I managed to create the bulk of this animation

I must admit that I worked pretty ﬁercely while in residence at the Glasshouse; putting on my

across the two week I have a project hermit hat meant that residence, with some commencing not long I managed to create the finishing touches and after this exhibition called bulk of this animation sound composition in the Hardenvale. Presented in across the two week months afterwards. collaboration with Kellie residence, with some ﬁnishing You'll be back visitO'Dempsey (Brisbane) and touches and sound composition ing Port Macquarie in Catherine O'Donnell (Sydin the months afterwards. February, presenting an ney), the touring project artist talk and a drawis a life size house which ing masterclass. What through travelling from are you hoping to share venue to venue accumuwith attendees at these sessions? lates stories from places that could considered on This body of work is intended to be a catalyst the cultural fringes. for storytelling and memories. My animation and Beyond this, I would love to start lining up drawings are just the ignition for those conversome more international projects; it is always an sations. So beyond what I wish to share, I really honour to be able to present Australian stories hope the exhibition creates a space for visitors to (particularly from the regions) on an international share their own stories about Shelley Beach and stage. the “Mayor” who manned it. Where can we find out more about you? Beyond that, I always love a masterclass; it is I am quietly addicted to Instagram, so you can a great opportunity to shake up and reconsider usually catch me almost live from the studio at the act of drawing. For me, drawing is a real act @fuller_todd as well as through representing galof the body, so when I teach I often feel like a lery MAY SPACE, Sydney and my website www. fierce ballet teacher as we seek understanding toddfuller.com.au about how each mark is a product of the body in Thanks Todd. Interview: Jo Robinson. motion and the performance of mark making. I am looking forward to refining some basics and also offering some new ways of approaching a drawing practice. You've received much acknowledgement View From somewhere at the Glasshouse for your work, including being awarded Regional Gallery from 16th Feb - 22nd April. the JADA (Jacaranda Acquisitive DrawMeet the Artist - 16th Feb, 11am (free event). ing Award) last year. What's your artistic Drawing Masterclass, 17th Feb, 10am - 3:30pm. dream? $95 (members $90). Bookings essential.

L AUNCHING

TAPP BAR

t s a f k a e Br Y A D N U S & Y A D R SATU FROM 8A M

1 BAY STREET, PORT MACQUARIE NSW 2444 | 1300 PANTHERS

panthersportmacquarie@panthers.com.au

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WORRIED ABOUT COMMUNITMENT?

“Pop In”

Australia n the

HAYDN Ensemble

Volunteering has landed!

Lifeline Mid Coast continues its reputation as one of Australia’s most innovative centres, announcing the introduction of its “Pop In” volunteering program. Lifeline Mid Coast realises that people are getting busier and their time is more in demand than ever before. Lifeline is consistently short of Shop Volunteers and has imagined a program where people who can’t commit to regular volunteering, but who want to help their community, can “Pop In” to a shop and volunteer. Lifeline Mid Coast are now offering volunteer opportunities on this basis across their retail centres. If members of the public have a spare hour or half an hour, they can drop into any Lifeline Mid Coast shop without notice and will be given a task to do in that time frame. It might be sorting clothing, rearranging shelves, merchandising or vacuuming. It depends on the requirements of the shop at that moment. Studies show that people who volunteer are happier and live longer. Their gift of time and energy creates a positive outcome for their community and contributes to a vibrant and caring

P R E S E N T S

Haydn, Mozart & Boccherini String Quartets environment. Your local Lifeline Shop is run by experienced professional retail managers who are supported by volunteers. There is a role for everyone: from retail assistant, sorter, merchandiser, cashier, cleaner, furniture lifting, pricing and much more. By volunteering, you meet wonderful people and gain new skills whilst helping vulnerable people within your community. Funds raised through the shops go to suicide prevention and awareness programs. This low commitment volunteer role is the perfect opportunity for anyone who is enthusiastic about giving value back to their community. No experience is required, as all volunteers are provided with training. Lifeline Mid Coast is seeking self-sufficient, friendly and enthusiastic people with the ability to get on with people and work in a team. Give back to your community on your own terms. For more information, contact Jemma on retail@ lifelinemidcoast.org.au or phone 0437 170 270.

with Eric from www.theotherchef.com.au

AT ’ S I N

PASSIONFRUIT The name simply says it all - there is nothing more wonderful than the bittersweet flavour of passionfruit. And now is the time to buy them by the bag! They are plentiful at markets and greengrocers at this time of year, or you may be lucky to have your own (or a neighbour’s!) vine dripping with fruit on your fence. Passionfruit is grown commercially from northern New South Wales up the eastern seaboard to far North Queensland. Australian purple hybrid varieties, known to have a greater depth of flavour, include Misty Gem and Sweetheart. It is advisable to choose fruits that feel rather heavy for their size. Passionfruit can be stored at room temperature for up to two weeks, or refrigerated for up to a month. It is best to store them in plastic bags, to prevent the fruit from dehydrating. The pulp freezes and stores very well. Contrary to popular belief, passionfruit does not have to be wrinkled to be considered ripe. Passionfruit are an excellent source of beta carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A, as well as a good source of vitamin C. Also an excellent source of dietary fibre and B complex vitamins and iron. Look for them at your local markets and greengrocer, or plant a vine today!

WHERE

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

Well-known as one of AUSTRALIA’S LEADING EARLY MUSIC ENSEMBLES, AHE HAVE BEEN ACCLAIMED BY LIMELIGHT MAGAZINE AS "WORLD-CLASS". Their innovative programming explores both loved and lesser known repertoire of the late baroque and early classical periods on period instruments.

hey present a tour featuring the music of Haydn and his contemporaries throughout Northern NSW and a

performance in Port Macquarie on Sunday, February 24, 3pm, at The Glasshouse. The concert program includes Mozart’s beautiful and dark D minor string quartet. The work is one of his most famous and loved quartets.

Quartet Op. 76 No. 4 (Sunrise). Although it was not nicknamed by Haydn himself, the opening bars of the quartet clearly evoke the image of daybreak. Join The Australian Haydn Ensemble

They present a tour featuring the music of Haydn and his contemporaries throughout Northern NSW and a

performance in Port Macquarie on Sunday, February 24, 3pm, at The Glasshouse.

It is the second set of six quartets he dedicated to Haydn, who was at the time his best friend. The program concludes with one of Haydn’s indisputable works of genius, the String

as they explore the virtuosic capabilities of period instruments through the music of the late baroque and early classical eras. For tickets and more information, visit www.australianhaydn. com.au/events/ regional-nsw-tour or

phone 1800 334 388. Tickets can be purchased from the Box Office - 6581 8888 or glasshouse.org.au Greater Port Macquarie focus 35

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LOU PERRI FROM THE STUNNED MULLET

Food or Fuel? Life is full of surprises. If there is one certainty in life, it is each day is diﬀerent from the last. Guaranteed, there’s no way to predict what today will bring, let alone tomorrow.

eemingly though, at this stage of life or don’t feel like on any given day. there’s many more action-packed days Yet often within our busy days filled with tasks, than the kind that you get to drift stress and distractions - when we eat, it is through in a chilled-out haze. Certainly without tasting. It’s quickly grabbing something a symptom of the times we exist in, - anything - when we have a free moment. It’s where “over-extended” is the new normal, and eating leftovers of leftovers or raiding the pantry we all strive to have our cake and eat it too. because that’s all there is in the house, and it’s But can we really? Everything has a price and the too late and we are too tired to go shopping. reality of the push for the kind of success many Yes, when it comes down to it, food is aspire to is that the very things we crave - quality undeniably fuel. But also, it remains one of time with loved ones and unhurried enjoyment life’s great pleasures, and it is important for us of the many pleasures life can offer - are simply humans, apparently civilised and social creatures, unobtainable for the majority of the time. to make time for it. When exactly does one get Why are there so many to enjoy the fruits of their rituals all over the labour? Retirement still world involving food? feels a long way away, and Food festivals, harvest it would be kind of nice celebrations, special meals Luckily for many of us in to enjoy some of the finer for a myriad of religious this very lucky country, howthings whilst the body and and cultural occasions ever, food is abundant and mind is still functioning the list goes on and has available, and we have the at a reasonably high level endured generation after luxury of being able to make … Hmm, it is indeed a generation. choices in what we like and dilemma. The benefits of stopping don’t like, feel like or don’t As always, however - it to taste and enjoy are feel like on any given day. is possible to throw in limitless. Instant relief the concept of “food of stress, allowing time for thought” into this to relax and enjoy the discussion. As in, exactly company of fellow that - how we perceive food on a daily basis, humans, better digestion and overall wellbeing, how we deal with the physical, biological consuming better quality foods with a higher necessity of it and counterbalance that with nutritional profile, creating new traditions the pure pleasure food can give us - not just and positive food associations for the next through its potential for deliciousness, but the generation - not to mention - just YUM! opportunity it provides us for a much-needed Even if it’s not possible at this time of life to time out, as well as its importance from a social pause and truly kick back and savour many and cultural perspective. moments, it is important to try to keep our food Of course, sometimes it simply isn’t possible time a bit sacred. Or at the very least, show a bit to even remotely have the luxury to think of of love to ourselves and our loved ones through food in any other way that without it we would the food we share. die - it is purely a fuel for our bodies to go on So even if it means taking time to plan meals, functioning as they should. getting organised, scheduling time out to dine Luckily for many of us in this very lucky country, with family and friends, or bringing in fresh and however, food is abundant and available, and tasty home prepared lunches into the office, it’s we have the luxury of being able to make worth a go and way to approach this new year choices in what we like and don’t like, feel like in a most delicious way … Greater Port Macquarie focus 37

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Itâ€™s a long time since Port Macquarie has hosted a large event dedicated to providing information, inspiration and education about what individuals, households, businesses and communities can do to work towards sustainability. But on March 1 - 2, Hastings Sustainability Showcase aims to provide a breadth of information, workshops and exhibitions for the local area.

he Hastings Sustainability Showcase will have something for everyone, providing access to the latest products, services, programs and grants, as well as practical hands on solutions to some common problems. How is the event embracing sustainability? The showcase is implementing the most sustainable event practices seen in the region in years. Event policies include bans on plastic bags, plastic straws, balloons, disposable polystyrene, bottled water and single-use food containers. Local produce will feature in food and beverages available at the event, and these will be served in real crockery and glassware, providing a more pleasant dining experience and avoiding a huge amount of waste. There will be stations around the site to re-fill water bottles, or simply to have a glass of water. Organics (food scraps) will be

collected for composting, and eligible beverage containers will be collected for the Return and Earn scheme. This event will show that regionalscale events donâ€™t have to produce mountains of waste, and we congratulate the Port Macquarie Racecourse for embracing this journey. Who should come? This is an event for the whole family and an opportunity to become part of a solution that will help protect our planet and lifestyles. Entry is by gold coin donation - there is no charge for any of the seminars, workshops or activities. We aim to facilitate interaction between everyone with an interest in sustainability, which is key to improving the environmental health and economic growth of our beautiful region of NSW. Who is behind the Hastings Sustainability Showcase?

The Showcase is an initiative of the Port Macquarie Hastings Sustainability Network (PMHSN), and is made possible by auspicing and support from Charles Sturt University and generous sponsorship from Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, CSU Green, Holiday Coast Credit Union, JR Richards, 360green, Midwaste and Greater Port Macquarie Focus. A grant was received from the NSW Government, and an inspiring level of support has also been received from a wide range of local organisations giving their time and energy to assist with planning and contributions to all the presentations, workshops, demonstrations and displays which will be available at the event. What is the Port Macquarie Hastings Sustainability Network? The PMHSN brings together local business

1-2 MARCH 2019 PORT MACQUARIE RACECOURSE This event will educate, inform and inspire individuals and businesses on the latest ideas, products and trends in sustainability. Join us for guest speakers, practical workshops, seminars, trade displays, food, entertainment and much more.

pmhsn.org.au/hastings-sustainability-showcase

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people, community members and organisations in the region with a shared vision towards a sustainable future. We engage in this network because it builds shared value, supports communication and leadership, aligns policy and planning while embracing diversity, and delivers personal and professional networking opportunities. The Energy Forever communityowned solar power program established by PMHSN is an example of the power of collaboration. More information For all the latest info, see www.pmhsn.org. au/hastings-sustainability-showcase or keep up with us on Facebook at www.facebook. com/HastingsSustainabilityShowcase.

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What’s on at the Hastings Sustainability Showcase

Port Macquarie Racecourse, Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd March Seminars and Workshops

Kids' Activities

Two presentation and workshop spaces and a demo zone will have full programs running on Friday afternoon and all day Saturday, with topics including: • Top Tips for Energy Efficiency • Making Beeswax Wraps • Solar Energy Storage and Monitoring • Eco-cleaning and Upcycling • Sustainable Agriculture and Food • Community Energy Options • Secrets of Fermented Foods

There will be a full program of supervised activities for kids about five - 12 years old scheduled in the Kids' Zone, such as: • Kids' Sustainable Crafting • Ochre Art • Nature Play Activities • Sensory Exploration of Plants Lots more seminars, workshops and kids activities to be announced soon!

Resource Efficiency and Sustainability for Business Sustainable Business Seminar, Friday 1st March, 12 - 5pm Workshops on Saturday 2nd March, 9am - 4pm • NSW Government Grants, Rebates and Programs • Business Waste and Recycling Solutions • Energy Management Basics for Small Business • Energy Consolidation for Larger Businesses • Monitoring Commercial Solar Installations … and much more! No registration fees! Full program available from 11th February at www.pmhsn.org.au/hastings-sustainability-showcase

Sustainability Leadership for Schools and Students All primary and high schools in the Port Macquarie Hastings region have been invited to send a team of students and teachers to the Schools Sustainability Showcase. Teams will give presentations about sustainability in their school and share in a facilitated workshop to explore ideas and inspire action. Enquire at your school or contact the Showcase Event Coordinator for full details. Full program available from 11th February at www. pmhsn.org.au/hastings-sustainability-showcase. • High School Sustainability Showcase, Friday 1st March, 12 - 1pm • Primary School Sustainability Showcase, Friday 1st March, 1 - 3pm

For lots more details, see the full programs and exhibition list on the website from 11th February or visit www.pmhsn.org.au/hastings-sustainability-showcase

Products and Services Exhibition See 50+ displays of information, products and services on a huge range of sustainability issues, such as: • Biodiversity Off-sets • Business Sustainability • Community Action • Electric and Hybrid Vehicles • Energy Saving • Environmental Consulting Services • Fishcare • Gardening and Composting • Government Programs • Government Rebates and Grants • Habitat Management

• Health and Wellbeing • Local Beer and Wine • Local Food and Produce • Local Sustainable Goods • Native Vegetation • Native Fauna • Solar Power and Solar Hot Water • Sustainable Food and Agriculture • Worm Farms • Waste and Recycling • Rainwater and Grey-water

HASTINGS SUSTAINABILITY SHOWCASE

ART COMPETITION OPEN TO SCH ALL O STUD OL ENTS

‘What sustainability means to me’ Specifics: Maximum A3 sized, 2 dimensional, Any medium. Categories: Preschool, K-2, 3-6 and High School Prizes: Overall winner will receive a $300 donation to their school and individual prizes valued at $50 will be given to the winner of each category. Closes: Monday 25 February.

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COLOUR

GLASSHOUSE SEASON 2019

THE TWITS

YOUR

LIFE

TWO - Ensemble Theatre Production Saturday 9 March THE GRUFFALO Live on Stage! Friday 22 March TEDXYOUTH@SYDNEY 2019 Thursday 4 April THE SAPPHIRES Saturday 27 April SYDNEY WRITERS’ FESTIVAL Live & Local Friday 3 May, Saturday 4 May and Sunday 5 May THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO PAUL Friday 10 May THE SAPPHIRES

SYDNEY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Tuesday 21 May TEDXSYDNEYLIVE Friday 24 May THE DINNER PARTY - Expressions Dance Company Friday 7 June

LADY BEATLE

DAVID HELFGOTT PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION Saturday 8 June MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL ROADSHOW Thursday 4 July MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

GLASSHOUSE MEMBER’S EXCLUSIVE EVENING Saturday 13 July TAIKOZ - THE BEAUTY OF 8 Friday 19 July A GALA NIGHT AT THE BALLET Port Macquarie Performing Arts Saturday 10 August Roald Dahl’s THE TWITS Monday 12 August

CHEEK TO CHEEK

LADY BEATLE Saturday 31 August

GLASSHOUSE 2019 MEMBERS EXCLUSIVE BOOKING PERIOD until 14 February, 5.30pm

Catherine Alcorn’s CATHARTIC Saturday 7 September MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING BELL SHAKESPEARE Monday 30 September & Tuesday 1 October

GENERAL PUBLIC TICKET SALES Friday 15 February, 9am Follow Glasshouse Port Macquarie:

SYDNEY COMEDY FESTIVAL SHOWCASE Friday 4 October THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO PAUL

02 6581 8888 I glasshouse.org.au Cnr Clarence & Hay Streets, Port Macquarie NSW 2444 40 Greater Port Macquarie focus

MANHATTAN SHORT FILM FESTIVAL Saturday 5 October CHEEK TO CHEEK Tribute to Ginger Rogers & Fred Astaire Friday 18 October JANE RUTTER & PETER COUSENS Friday 8 November

T h e G o s p e l A c c o r d i n g t o

P a u l

GLASSHOUSE

L a d y

B e a t l e

t h e

s a p p h i r e s

As the Glasshouse heads towards its 10th birthday on 1st July … let’s see what they have planned in 2019!

he Glasshouse has gone from strength to strength since its doors first swung open. It’s earnt a reputation as one of the finest venues on the Australian touring circuit - with performers and artists alike. Whether it’s Ironman, a symphony orchestra, business conference or the Archibald Prize Regional Tour, the Glasshouse has proved itself a versatile venue adept at transforming to every event and customer that comes its way. With over 260,000 people walking through the doors each year, the Box Office churning through nearly 70,000 tickets and bustling local cafés, restaurants and bars on a “show night”, the Glasshouse is a local economic superstar, generating and driving economic activity in the Port Macquarie CBD and wider region. Each January the Glasshouse launches its Annual Performing Arts Season. These are the shows, Livestream events and festivals that the Glasshouse brings to town, that we wouldn’t get to experience without a trip to Sydney or Brisbane - or even further afield. So what are some of the highlights of the 2019 program?

The Gospel According to Paul is considered one of Australia’s leading Love him or loathe him, Paul Keating is a contemporary dance companies and this politician we simply cannot forget. So, it’s no production, choreographed by Natalie Weir, surprise this highly anticipated new comedy is a showcase of their remarkable talents. starring Jonathon Biggins, of Wharf Revue An exposé of greed, ambition, jealousy and and Sydney Theatre fame, is touring to over manipulation, this highly-relatable production 30 venues, and tickets about a dinner party is are flying out the door a brilliant combination across the country. of explosive fun and Come on a trip down gripping contemporary memory lane to the dance theatre. With over 260,000 people walking through the doors rowdy economic and Lady Beatle each year, the Box Oﬃce political times of the Once upon a time, churning through ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s, four boys from Liverpool nearly 70,000 tickets when Paul Keating started a band … and and bustling local cafés, (as he tells it) singlechanged the music world restaurants and bars on a handedly shaped forever more. The story ‘show night’, the Glasshouse is contemporary Australia. of The Beatles and their a local economic superstar ... A guaranteed night songs will be celebrated of insightful and by vocal superstar Naomi intelligent comedy Price (star of Ladies in about that treasurer Black, Rumour Has It and and then Prime Minister the Australian public The Voice Australia) and her five piece band. loved to loathe. A unique mix of explosive songs and nostalgic The Dinner Party storytelling - Lady Beatle will be the show that Premiering to extraordinary reviews on has every one talking. One review called it its Brisbane debut, this stellar evening “one of the best shows of decade”, and we of contemporary dance will take your are sure this one will blow the roof off the breath away. Expressions Dance Company Glasshouse and leave you begging for more!

The Sapphires It’s a little known fact that the hugely successful movie The Sapphires was in fact inspired by a musical … and that musical is coming to the Glasshouse for the very first time. While the musical numbers are belted out by a powerhouse team of Aboriginal female vocalists, it’s also an inspiring story of four Yorta Yorta women who were plucked from obscurity to entertain the troupes in Vietnam. It will make you laugh, make you cry and make you want to dance in the aisles and it’s proudly supported by FOCUS! Want to know more? Visit www. glasshouse.org.au or drop in and pick up a Season booklet to find out more about the shows you simply cannot afford to miss in 2019. Glasshouse Membership Program The Glasshouse has built a Membership Program that has become the envy of many Australian venues. In 2018, over 1,500 members accessed cheaper tickets, enjoyed discounts to the Glasshouse Shop and Encore Theatre Bar, avoided transaction fees and took advantage of exclusive buying periods to secure the best seats in the house before anyone else. Find out more at www.glasshouse.org.au/members Greater Port Macquarie focus 41

Katie Martin, of 'Baked by Katie' 42 Greater Port Macquarie focus

Greater Port Macquarie WEDDING Guide

Cover PEOPLE

MARGO SMITH KATIE MARTIN Baked by Katie ROD POWELL Hire Port Tell us about your business and its role in the wedding industry. Hire Port is a wedding and event hire company run by myself, my sister Jo and my son, Shane. We have owned the business coming up 22 years in April. We play a pretty important role in our couples’ wedding days, often being the first point of contact to get their wedding plans under way. We assist with hire items for the ceremony and then move on to making their reception one to remember. What to you enjoy most about weddings? We really enjoy being able to be involved in one of the most important days of a couple’s life. It is such a special and exciting day for them, and to know that we have played a small part in their special day gives us great satisfaction. Has much changed with weddings over the past five years? Over the past five years we have noticed that marquee weddings have certainly increased. The convenience of being able to host a wedding on a beautiful property owned by parents or friends is definitely very appealing to more and more couples these days. What advice do you have for future brides and grooms to make sure their day is special? Start planning as soon as you can. The sooner you can book the essentials in, the sooner you can start paying them off!

Tell us about your business and its role in the wedding industry. Baker of all things sweet and pretty! I enjoy designing cakes for my clients that they not only want to eat, but they also have a beautiful memory of a cake created just for their wedding. I have been around the wedding industry since I started in hospitality over 10 years ago and have worked behind the scenes in event management, styling and now creating tasty cakes. Being able to design a cake just for the couple is truly special and a rewarding experience each time. What do you enjoy most about weddings? Honestly, I love all moments about weddings! From the first time you start looking for a place to share your love with your closest family and friends ... down to the little details like place cards and flowers! Being a part of a wedding is very special, and I cherish the couples I’m lucky to work with when creating their cake. Has much changed with weddings over the past five years? It’s always changing in this industry - new styles, fashion, food. It’s got to keep moving with the times and stay fresh. However, the one thing I have noticed is couples really creating a joyful celebration for everyone involved - staying away from tradition if they feel it won’t work and making new ones with those closest to them. And, capturing moments shared on the day, with so much more love, tears and laughter. What advice do you have for future brides and grooms to make sure their day is special? I always like to remind them that the day is ultimately about both of them and the love they have built together. If they show that to all their family and friends ... all the other little things won’t matter!

Celebrant Tell us about your business and its role in the wedding industry. I’m Margo Smith, a busy marriage celebrant who performs 80 weddings a year. My role in a couple’s wedding day is to ensure the ceremony is heartfelt and memorable, surpassing their wedding dreams. What do you enjoy most about weddings? I like to meet my couples to chat about the type of ceremony they would like. I help them through every step of the process, from completing all the official paperwork to writing a ceremony that reflects who they are, and making their vision of their wedding become a reality. Has much changed with weddings over the past five years? Obviously the biggest change in the wedding industry has been the introduction of same-sex marriages, and I was so thrilled when Australia supported marriage equality. Since then I’ve been lucky enough to officiate many of these ceremonies, and I feel honoured to play an important part in these ceremonies, with people often having waited years to be lawfully wed. What advice do you have for future brides and grooms to make sure their day is special? I always advise my couples to relax and enjoy their day. I remind the bride to smile as she walks down the aisle - walking towards what will be one of the most amazing experiences of her and partner’s lives. People often comment just how fleeting their day was, so I ask the couples to pause to remember the moment - and let that feeling really register. Hopefully they’ll look back on their day, and it will be one of their greatest treasured memories.

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Greater Port Macquarie WEDDING Guide

80s Revised Who is 80s Revised? The name is new, but two members of the band have been playing all your favourite ‘80s Rock/Pop for the past three years as the duo ‘Chill Factor’. Now we have two new members to form 80s Revised. We are a four piece band: lead guitar, drums and vocals, with the assistance of other instruments in backing tracks when required - and we have a light show. How did you come up with the concept? We love ‘80s music, especially Rock songs. We realised that the majority of crowds dance and enjoy their night listening to this genre. Why choose the ‘80s? Did we accidentally give out our age? We grew up in the ‘80s listening to those songs riding on roller skates. ‘80s music is still currently popular amongst most crowds at most venues, and people enjoy dressing up. We enjoy creating a fun atmosphere; playing ‘80s music achieves this. Who are some of the artists you cover? AC/DC, Choirboys, Noiseworks, Mondo Rock, INXS, Dragon, Screaming Jets, Divinyls, The Angels, Baby Animals, Cold Chisel, Billy Idol, Whitney Houston, Madonna, Michael Jackson/Jacksons, Wham, The Proclaimers, Pat Benatar, Cyndi Lauper, Bryan Adams, Bon Jovi and many more. 80s Revised - available now for bookings - any private function, party, event or venue.

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BEACHES at Bonny Hills Looking for a venue out of the box and not a corporate cookie cutter wedding venue? Then look no further. At Beaches, no two weddings are alike. You can plan your layout and walk through our beautiful venue with our Virtual Tour on our website. Beautiful wedding day memories are made at Beaches at Bonny Hills - an open plan, modern, private, airconditioned venue overlooking the picturesque Rainbow Beach. Any style of wedding reception can be catered for, from the intimate, elegant cocktail party, to a beautiful lunch with a view, to our very contemporary walk and talk menus, or the classic formal sit down wedding dinner. Beaches’ experienced function team will look after everything; the wedding party and guests are free to be “in the moment”, so all can enjoy the stunning views and fantastic hospitality Beaches provide. We offer fully customised weddings; you are able to be married on the beach, green or in the venue - it’s up to you. Our passionate staff will ensure your day is spectacular. Our chef is flexible and will cater to your desires, and we have a great variety and quality of beer and wines. All profits go back into the community through Surf Lifesaving.

Greater Port Macquarie WEDDING Guide

PRESTIGE at an affordable price. Your wedding deserves a little touch of class; Port Prestige Wedding Cars and Limousines can help create just that when you arrive in one of their stylish Jaguars. Owner operators Mark and Danena Stone offer not only wonderful Limousines, but service and attention to detail to match. Being the most experienced wedding car and Limousine service in Port Macquarie, the business has grown from a single Jaguar sedan to now the largest fleet of prestige Jaguar wedding vehicles in the area. Impress your guests and feel like royalty. You can pick from the XJ Stretch Jaguar Limousine, the DS420 Royal Daimler Limousine or the Classic XJ Jaguar Sedan - the choice is yours. All needs of the bride, groom and attendants are covered leading up to and throughout your wedding day.

Priding themselves on their personal service, they offer fully suited chauffeurs, who are courteous and punctual and will provide old fashioned service and a smile, ensuring your day goes off without a hitch. Complimentary champagne, red carpet, tulle, ribbons and a level of service others can only aspire to, Port Prestige Wedding Cars and Limousines provide prestige at an affordable price. Experience the elegance only a Jaguar can provide; spoil yourself. All you have to do is relax and enjoy your special day! Jaguar - there is no substitute. If you wish to arrive in style at your wedding, contact Kevin on 0419 600 369 to arrange an appointment to visit the showroom and view the superb fleet: www.portprestige.com.au

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Greater Port Macquarie WEDDING Guide

LOVE BUS K O M B I S

Photo by Nic Donohoe Photography.

Johannesburg, South Africa to Port Macquarie, Australia is quite a journey - well over 11,000 km - in fact, but Magnolia the 15 window Kombi now calls the Hastings area home. Proud owner Mitchell

Montgomery of Love Bus Kombis has spent countless hours restoring this beautiful vehicle - it’s been a true labour of love! You, too, can experience the love, when you book Magnolia as your ride to and from your next special function or event. Mitchell shares the story behind Magnolia’s history and restoration …

hat does Love Bus Kombis specialise in? Weddings are our main focus, along with formals, but we do special occasions like wedding anniversaries and birthdays visiting our local breweries and wineries. We also provide a special package, offering a ride in the Kombi to one of the many special spots our area has to offer, where a gourmet picnic by “Huddle and Graze” will be beautifully set up. It could be a wedding proposal or a group of girlfriends getting together! Introduce us to “Magnolia”. She has a very interesting backstory! How and where did you find her ... and how did she end up in Australia? I had been looking for a 15 window Kombi, which is the rarest of all Kombis, so my search included other right hand drive countries. I found a VW forum online and located the Kombi in Johannesburg, which resulted in negotiations and the decision to purchase. The Kombi was previously used by a South African orphanage to ferry children to and from school each day. It had been personalised with hand painted flowers and hand prints by the children of the orphanage. It also came with padlocks and chains on the doors!

This history and the solid condition the Kombi I was involved in every aspect of the confirmed my decision to purchase it. restoration, learning what I didn’t know and The Kombi arrived in Sydney three months seeking advice from a lot of fantastic people later, after a journey which involved a train from around me. I was very fortunate to have an the highlands in Johannesburg to a shipping port experienced VW mechanic in town ... Brendan in Durbin, where she was put in a container for Barnes has played an integral role in the a six week sea voyage. The Australian quarantine restoration, along with Alan Adams, a retired service steam cleaned her and processed her spray painter who assisted me with the body through Customs. This work. is where I picked her up Of course, Magnolia is not and drove her north, your only Kombi! Describe which was a long and the other vehicles you own The Kombi was previously slow trip that included ... used by a South an unexpected overnight We have a 1971 Lowlight African orphanage to stop on the side of the Kombi Micro Bus that has had ferry children to and ride just outside of Kew a similar restoration. from school each day. ... She had run out of We also have another It had been personalised with steam! I slept in the beautiful grey split screen that hand painted flowers and Kombi with trucks steam is contracted in from another hand prints by the children of rolling past me ... A local Kombi enthusiast, Darren the orphanage. scary experience. McLaughlin from McLaughlin How much work did Smash Repairs; he has also you have to do to been part of the restoration Magnolia to get her to process for both Kombis. her present beautiful, showy state? How far and wide will you travel with your I spent seven years slowly completing a full “love buses”? nut and bolt restoration, where everything was We travel from Forster to South West Rocks. replaced with new parts sourced from all around Weddings can be a very stressful time. How the world. It took a lot of research to find original do you help ensure your part in a wedding parts. day goes as smoothly as possible?

COMMUNICATION! Behind the scenes my wife has established very efficient booking processes, to ensure the bride and groom are across everything BEFORE the day. We incorporate things like communicating with the photographer about the agreed time frames with the Kombis. We have written documents that are filled out, so there is no room for any errors, and this makes the couple feel confident that everything will run smoothly. We also offer to pick up any drinks before the day and have them on ice, so they have one less thing to think about on the day. We supply golf umbrellas and clear umbrellas for any weather. We have been driving brides and grooms around for five years now and have never had any problems - everyone is relaxed and happy! How did you come up with the name “Love Bus Kombis”? We wanted the Kombi to provide a service that continues to support and connect people through happy occasions, while honouring the history of what Magnolia was used for in South Africa with the orphaned children. It is also a reference to the old “love bug”. Where can we contact you/find more info? Web www.lovebuskombis.com.au Email mitchell@lovebuskombis.com.au Mobile 0413 277 563. Thanks Mitchell. Interview: Jo Robinson. Greater Port Macquarie focus 47

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MARGO SMITH C E L E B R A N T

Every wedding that Celebrant Margo Smith performs is as unique as the people she is marrying. Margo shares her experiences and

explains why she loves the wedding industry.

lease introduce yourself and describe what you do. I’m Margo Smith, and I’m a Commonwealth registered marriage celebrant who’s had the privilege to perform close to 600 weddings in the past decade. I believe I have the best job in the world - no one beats me for job satisfaction! Where did the inspiration come from to become a celebrant? I always knew that one day I would be a celebrant, as I’d listened to my mum perform weddings for years prior to me training. I saw firsthand that Mum’s role as a celebrant was vital to the couples’ happiness on their day, and how important that role was. I feel honoured to now have that role in ensuring my couples always have a memorable ceremony to cherish for their lifetime. It doesn’t matter where you’re from, or what your budget is - I believe everyone deserves a beautiful wedding. I’ve been lucky enough to perform an elegant ceremony at the Packer estate, Ellerston, one week, and the following week I married a couple at a rehabilitation centre. Both were equally special. Weddings are a beautiful celebration. Can you tell us about some of your most memorable? The ceremonies I remember the most are the heartfelt ones - and that has more to do with the happiness of our couple, and nothing to do with age of the marriage partners or money spent, for example. My oldest bride was 89, and she cried with joy - as did all their family and friends! In fact, most of my couples shed a tear or two - usually the grooms, who assured me prior that that would never happen! Guests

are often overwhelmed with happiness and comment to me later that they could “feel the love” - and I know I’ve done well! The fact that I love my job shows and is reaffirmed when guests contact me later to ask me to perform their impending ceremony, knowing they’re in good hands. You have a busy year planned with your weddings. How do you keep your presentations fresh? Every wedding I perform is personal and unique to my couple, to ensure the ceremony reflects who the marriage partners are. I encourage couples to write their own vows if they would like - but it doesn’t matter if that’s not their style. I respect all choices, and I’m open to any suggestions my couples may have. I offer them many options, from how they would like to walk down the aisle, to how they would like to be announced at the end of the ceremony. I have a lengthy questionnaire to ensure the ceremony is tailor made for that particular couple. I’m always researching and updating my words to reflect each individual couple and their personality. You also do same sex marriage ceremonies. Are there any differences between them and men/women marriages? I was thrilled with the introduction of same sex ceremonies and have performed many since that memorable day. I actively campaigned to ensure marriage equality was granted in Australia, and there were many tears when the yes vote came in. It was me that had to be consoled during the first same sex ceremony I officiated at - I was so very pleased for the lovely gentlemen, who had patiently waited 45

years for their day. I the ceremony is your I’ll always be proud of the was proud to help them vows. Couples often fact that I was part of achieve their dream. write them together; Australia righting I’ve since been involved however, the trend what I believe was a in many ceremonies, and now is to write terrible injustice, and some have been for the them in secret, and the rainbow on my website is couples I’ve performed surprise each other a cherished addition. commitment ceremonies on the day. Initially for in the past and one or both parties they’ve come back to may be daunted me to help make their by this; however, I union official. In reality, always offer to help the same sex ceremony is no different to if they would like, and I give them many services I perform for heterosexual couples examples to guide them. And, there’s after all, love is love. always Google! I’ll always be proud of the fact that I was I offer the couple (and wedding party, part of Australia righting what I believe was parents and anyone else who wishes to join a terrible injustice, and the rainbow on my us) a rehearsal - often the afternoon before website is a cherished addition. - to ensure that everyone is happy with Can you give us your top three tips the whole ceremony, and that the aisle in for future brides and grooms when particular looks professional. I feel that the it comes to planning their wedding rehearsal helps to put the couple at ease ceremony? and allay a few fears. I love helping my couples plan their whole But most of all, I encourage the couple day, and I’m often called upon to offer to make the ceremony a happy one, and advice on everything from a good florist to try to enjoy their day as much as possible. how to write your own vows. When couples I understand they’re nervous, and I choose to book me, I email them booklets encourage everyone to relax, smile and of ideas and suggestions on everything enjoy the best day of their lives. Then I feel wedding. my job is well done! To me, the most important element of Thanks Margo. Greater Port Macquarie focus 49

Greater Port Macquarie WEDDING Guide

OUT THERE Escapes

HIRE PORT knows how to have a good time! The Powell family are the second owners of Hire Port, owning the business for over 20 years. If it’s 30 or 300 people, our experienced and reliable staff can supply marquees, tables, chairs and an assortment of essential equipment to make your wedding, party or special event a day to remember. We know our products, and we know how to get the best value out of them. What size marquee? How many tables? Dance floor or stage? PA system or jukebox? We know what you will need and have thought of the things you haven’t. Our consultative approach takes the stress out of planning your event or party. Our services include ceremony hire items, including red carpet runners, battery PA units, a wedding arch, Balinese style flags and of course, the signing table ... From the ceremony to the reception we can set up a beautiful silk lined marquee complete with flooring and lighting which, without a doubt, will impress your family and friends. If you are also needing tables, chairs, cutlery, glassware, catering equipment, we can supply that too! If you appreciate professional, reliable service, please give us a call today! www.hireport.com.au

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Out There Escapes - a unique special events destination where ceremonies are made. The perfect venue for wedding and commitment ceremonies, renewal of vows and romantic weekends away. If you have ever imagined celebrating your special day in picturesque gardens with majestic trees and a variety of beautiful natural backdrops for your ceremony and photographic memories, then this is your venue. Out There Escapes is a five acre private rural property in Frazers Creek NSW, approximately half an hour inland from Port Macquarie. The tree lined entrance leads into open lawns and lush gardens with a selection of open and intimate areas for both ceremonies and photography and for your guests to wander, explore and enjoy. The property also includes luxe accommodation that sleeps four and can be hired by guests, for the wedding party to prepare before the ceremony, or as a private honeymoon night after the ceremony. The large covered deck is available as the wet weather option for smaller groups and can also be styled to serve drinks and canapés. For more information and images, find us on: Airbnb - Out There Escapes BnB & Wedding Ceremony Venue https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/20488082 Instagram and Facebook - Out There Escapes - boutique country set bed and breakfast. Contact: Francessca O’Donnell E: chessca@gmail.com M: 0402 856 582.

EMILY Hickson I’m a creative and adventurous lady from the Port Macquarie region. I perform weddings from Forster to South West Rocks, including respective inland areas. I remember the moment I decided to do my Certificate in Celebrancy vividly - I overheard a conversation between two women about an upcoming wedding. They were speaking about the difficulty of finding a celebrant, as their first choice was booked out. So I thought, "That’s it, this area needs an enthusiastic, savvy, relatable celebrant" - so I did it, and I’ve loved every iconic wedding since! It’s important to me that no two ceremonies I deliver are the same. Why? Because no two couples are the same. I love all there is about love stories. I take the time to learn about you as a couple, your life together, the reasons you love each other and proudly craft a ceremony that brings your love story to life. Booking me means booking a celebrant who brings a creative, fresh and professional vibe to your wedding ceremony. I will ensure that you can relax and enjoy your wedding day, knowing that it will be performed with nothing but a deep respect for you both - showcasing your love on your special day.

Greater Port Macquarie WEDDING Guide

PRISCILLA & BENJAMIN SAILS PORT MACQUARIE

S AT U R DAY 3 R D N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 8 The Bride - Priscilla Schmidt Occupation - TV Presenter - Sky Racing Hometown - Port Macquarie Wedding Dress - Luv Bridal Bridesmaids dresses - Sheike Hair - Emma Leeson Nvey hair Makeup - Nils Seidenman Flowers - Sarah J Hudson Flowers & Styling Matron of Honour - Kimberley Latimore Bridesmaids - Cassie Schmidt & Laura Cheshire Parents of the Bride - Theresa & Dwayne Schmidt

The Groom - Benjamin Looker Occupation - Jockey Hometown - Grafton Suit from - Tarocash Groomsmen suits from - Tarocash Parents of the Groom - Debbie & Michael Looker

The Details Ceremony & Reception - Sails Port Macquarie Celebrant - Brooke Bell - Head Over Heels Floral Venue Styling - Sarah J Hudson Flowers & Styling Cake - Vanilla & Chocolate Mud cake by Trish Jackson Entertainers - DJ Party Professionals Photographer - Nicola from Fox & Kin Wedding Venue Coordinator - Louise Varapodio - Sails Port Macquarie Honeymoon - America & Mexico

Congratulations PRISCILLA & BENJAMIN

Phone 02 6589 5166

Email functions_sailsportmacquarie@evt.com

20 Park Street, Port Macquarie, NSW 2444

www.sailsportmacquarie.com.au Greater Port Macquarie focus 51

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Greater Port Macquarie WEDDING Guide

ABUNDANCE

Welcome to Abundance! We offer a unique lakeside setting amongst natural scenery, perfect for your ceremony and function.

A BEAUTIFUL CHOICE FOR YOUR WEDDING DAY

Journey for Kate Photography

eander through the beautiful landscaped gardens and feel the tranquillity around you. Semi tropical and formal garden spaces and vivid colour in our greenhouses are the perfect backdrop for your photographs. We understand the stresses of wedding planning, so why not leave it to us! Whether you are looking to create an intimate day for close family and friends or a more decadent

"Wedding of the Year" occasion, Abundance is the ideal choice for you. Our team at Abundance are dedicated to working closely with our clients to make your special day romantic and memorable. We bring together a team of professionals in function coordination, catering - including a full liquor licence - decorating and customer service, to ensure the success of your special day. Included with all of our catering options are the lakeside ceremony area with decorated wedding

arch for the perfect water lily backdrop, guest seating and wrought iron table and chairs for register signing, exclusive evening use of the venue, all catering equipment, including glassware, crockery and cutlery, vintage cake stands, lanterns, tea light holders, easels, large TCV screen, music flow system and fairy lights. We believe weddings should be fun, so weâ€™re always open to new ideas and creative suggestions. It will be a privilege to work with you to create the most memorable day for

yourself and your partner and your family and friends. Abundance is just minutes from the gently winding Hastings River, with a rustic bridge and jetty taking you over to Rawdon Island and some of the most picturesque farming country in the district. We are conveniently located between Port Macquarie and Wauchope and close by to many accommodation facilities. Contact the team today to discuss your special event, or view our website for weddings packages.

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Greater Port Macquarie WEDDING Guide

XS Food PORT MACQUARIE RACE CLUB With sweeping views across our picturesque race course, Port Macquarie Race Club can provide an ideal venue for your celebration. Nestled in close proximity to the CBD, we can offer a range of outstanding facilities to make any event memorable. We have put together some delicious function menus which offer an amazing variety and flexibility and would be delighted to create an event tailored to suit your taste and budget. Our function rooms can cater anywhere from 30 - 200 people, with ample onsite parking, so your guests can enjoy the night away. For enquiries regarding available dates or to receive a function package, please feel free to email functions@ portmacquarieraceclub.com.au

SALTY’S Event venue located on the doorstep of the beautiful Hastings River. We are available for lunch and dinner functions for groups of 20 or more, including small weddings, special celebrations, meetings and community groups. Catering for intimate functions is our specialty. Onsite catering is provided by XS food, and we are fully licensed to cater for your needs. Attention to detail is what sets us apart from other venues. We take pride in our friendly, professional service, and our experienced team has a genuine can-do attitude. At Salty’s we strive to create a unique and memorable function experience.

XS are specialists in offsite catering. We regularly cater at local vineyards, surf clubs, function centres, private residences, community halls, arts and conference centres and marquees anywhere. With over 50 years’ combined industry experience, we are passionate about delicious, fresh and beautifully presented food. We understand the importance of providing excellent value catering. We have an extensive menu selection available, or we can tailor a menu specifically for your event or provide flexible options to suit most budgets. We source local produce and suppliers where available. Attention to detail is what sets us apart from other caterers. We take pride in our friendly, professional service and our experienced team has a genuine can-do attitude. Our reputation is backed by our clients rebooking our services time and time again. Contact Craig and Rachel to discuss your next event - 0412 680 779.

Mobile Catering

LET US CATER FOR YOUR NEXT FUNCTION: Weddings Birthdays Anniversaries Cocktail parties Special events Sports carnivals Business meetings ANY OCCASION ANYWHERE

www.xsfood.com.au M: 0412 680 779 E: xsfood@xsfood.com.au Greater Port Macquarie focus 55

Greater Port Macquarie WEDDING Guide

LIGHTHOUSE SURF CLUB One of the best wedding venues in Port Macquarie. Established in 1974 to help keep swimmers safe at Lighthouse Beach, Tacking Point Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) has been serving the local community for nearly 50 years. The club’s name is derived from the nearby Tacking Point headland, which features the iconic Tacking Point Lighthouse. Built in 1879, Tacking Point Lighthouse is the third oldest lighthouse in NSW and was converted to automatic in 1919. The late Alderman Norm Matesich played a key role in establishing the club, with his

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family still actively involved to this day. Tacking Point SLSC is one of the best venues in Port Macquarie to hold your next party, event or wedding. Our clubhouse has recently undergone renovations, and now offers modern bar and function facilities. Plus, the views over Lighthouse Beach and the iconic Tacking Point Lighthouse from our expansive deck are hard to beat! So whether it’s a wedding reception, milestone birthday, corporate event or community gathering, Tacking Point SLSC is the ultimate Port Macquarie function venue.

Greater Port Macquarie WEDDING Guide

AUGUST & LUCY Kelly and Dan Morrison are the creative brains and brawn behind August and Lucy - a business that can help you turn your wedding or special event dream into reality!

ffering wedding and reception styling, a vintage caravan bar/ coffee cart, a huge range of items for hire and so much more … Kelly shares her passion for the events industry and the story behind August and Lucy … Hi Kelly. When was your business established - and what’s the meaning behind the name? August & Lucy was actually first established in 2015 by two lovely ladies from Brisbane; I purchased the business in 2016. The meaning behind the name pays tribute to the original owners, as August is one of their birth months and Lucy is the other’s nickname. I’m a sucker for sentiment, so I think the name fits. My family and I recently moved to Port Macquarie, and I just had my second child, and I always wanted to get into the wedding and events industry after getting married myself. With what I thought was so much time on my hands, I found Gilbert and decided to take the leap. At the time, my husband thought I was totally crazy. I think he still kind of does! Your caravan, Gilbert, sounds like an interesting character! What’s his story? Gilbert is a mid ’60s vintage plywood caravan, all original - except for the windows, of course - which were made in Grafton. I believe he originally came from QLD; his previous owners purchased the van an hour north of Brisbane, then spent the next 12 months renovating him to what he is today. When I took him over, we added our own touches and updates, like new flooring and

internal walls, and we are hoping to make more in the coming year, putting in a smaller coffee machine, so we can add We tend to do a lot of rustic, a keg setup to be able to vintage themes, but my serve beer and cocktails favourite would have to straight from the tap. be a boho tipi wedding So, August & Lucy not that had a Moroccan only offer a very cool birthdays and high teas. It using deep reds and flair, mobile bar/coffee cart, gives the guests and the mustards. but a range of items hen, or birthday girl, the that can be hired for opportunity to relax and weddings and events. enjoy themselves. How comprehensive We can cater for up to is your range of hire 14 guests and love being items? able to take the stress out of the planning and I could be here all day lol, but in a nutshell preparation for a fun afternoon. we offer a big range of furniture, props, We supply all the tools needed, plus fresh arbours, seating, vintage glassware and tea flowers and champagne - everything is taken cups, centrepieces, rugs, small décor items, all in care of - as well as a beautiful table set up at any different styles, and we are always adding to our location around the Port Macquarie area and collection. We can also custom build that special surrounds. My favourite place would have to be piece. on Shelly beach; the views are just beautiful. How far and wide do you travel for events? As well as the champagne, we can also We love to get on the road with Gilbert, but cater for food; our cheese platters and warm like everyone we have our limits, so the furthest caramelised onion and feta pastries are a north would be to the beautiful Byron Bay, down favourite. south we go as far as the Hunter Valley, but we What have been some of the wedding have been known to end up at the Central Coast, themes you’ve worked with in recent times? and inland we go as far as Tamworth. We tend to do a lot of rustic, vintage themes, Tell us a bit about your flower crown but my favourite would have to be a boho workshops, which sound like a super fun tipi wedding that had a Moroccan flair, using activity for a hen’s party! What’s involved? deep reds and mustards. The bride made these Hen’s parties are always super fun, but it’s amazing macramé hangings and I loved them so not just hen’s parties that we do flower crown much, I ended up commissioning her to make workshops for! We have also done workshops for me one.

We also recently got the opportunity to style an op shop theme gala dinner at Sails Resort; hunting for op shop treasures has always been one of my favourite things to do - much to my husband’s despair. We can help with advising how to achieve a certain look, sourcing items we don’t stock from other vendors we have worked with and really just helping couples bring their vision to life. What do you most love about your work? Definitely having creative freedom when I’m styling an event, being able to create a beautiful space and then to watch our clients see the space for the first time is always an exciting moment. Also, it’s really exciting watching a the bride and groom celebrate their special day, knowing that we have been lucky enough to play a big part in making it all happen. I enjoy chatting to guests about the caravan and hearing all their stories about vintage caravans that they have owned or have seen. Where can we find out more info/book your services? Our website would be the best place to go: www.augustandlucy.com - but you can also check us out on Facebook - Facebook/ august&lucy or on Instagram - @augustandlucy. Thanks Kelly. Interview: Jo Robinson. Greater Port Macquarie focus 57

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Greater Port Macquarie WEDDING Guide

Just BEAUTIFUL Specialising in wedding makeup and special occasion/formal makeup, our team of makeup artists provide airbrushing natural, beautiful, and flawless makeup for your special day.

Celebrate Your SPECIAL DAY WITH US!

Just Beautiful Port Macquarie promises to transform you into the glamorous, stylish, and elegant bride you always dreamed you’d be on your big day! Just Beautiful have a team of makeup artists who can provide both hair and makeup services, and their goal is to make you look “WOW” and, most importantly, comfortable in your own skin!

Port Cruise Adventures invite you to cruise the pristine waterways of the Hastings River to celebrate your special occasion. They have two boats available for private charter. You and your guests will travel in style and comfort. Essence, the newest vessel, is a catamaran with a boom net available for your enjoyment. She has a galley kitchen, underwater viewing windows, bluetooth sound system and a capacity of 48 pax. Having three separate levels, Essence offers the opportunity to be either inside or outside.

We offer a mobile service, where we will come to you on location, as well have an in-store service; either way, you can be rest assured we’ll always be on time and finished on time for your photos and ceremony! All the products we use for weddings are from our store, that carries a range of cruelty free, organic, natural and even gluten free cosmetics and skincare, and we can provide you with the correct colour matching advice on all your cosmetics needs.

The second vessel, Discovery 2, is a river cruiser. She has both indoor and outdoor seating areas, a galley kitchen, bluetooth sound and a capacity of 54 pax.

Check out Just Beautiful today and find out why so many brides adore their experience with us! SPECIAL FOCUS OFFER Book and pay a deposit for your wedding before 31st March 2019, and the bride to be receives a bridal gift pack! T’s & C’s apply.

CHOOSING THE SUIT Suited by Yarads

ure, your style and your personal taste are very important when it comes to buying a suit, but to choose the right suit for your wedding you need to consider some factors, such as season, time, formal or informal, and the location of the ceremony. This year’s wedding suit trends. Light grey and blues are still the front runner this year, but we are starting to see hues of pink coming through in the wedding suit scene. For a beach wedding, it’s obviously important to stay cool while still looking smart, but you need to have the right balance. Linen suits - casual styles in light tones with softer constructions are still a strong choice for a beach wedding. To achieve a more casual look, forget the jacket and opt for a matching linen vest. Country style weddings are very popular. Suits in blue tones look particularly good in these settings. The blue colour finds a balance between the formality of ceremonies at the wedding and the formality of rituals. The navy suit is very versatile and flatters most complexions. It will also contrast with most surroundings, giving you a more defined silhouette. Garden or vintage weddings - consider an entirely different alternative to the traditional suit. You can try out just a vest and roll up sleeves, or add braces and a bow tie for a rustic, vintage look. Black wedding suits - black is a high-formality colour, mostly suited to formal and black tie weddings. Ultimately, whatever you choose, regardless of colour or style, wear it with purpose and confidence - and remember that the best accessory a gentleman can have is a smile.

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Both the Essence and Discovery 2 offer a personal and intimate venue for either a beautiful wedding or the perfect venue for your buck’s or hen’s party! For any enquiries or to book, phone Port Cruise Adventures on 6583 8811, or drop into 1 Short Street, Port Macquarie. We can personalise your event and cater to your individual requirements.

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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

Recent Funding Boost from State and Federal Governments. A big thank you to Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and the Federal Government via Luke Hartsuyker’s oﬃce, with a grant approved to install a telescope at Gaol Point. This will happen by the start of the whale season this year and will be a great asset for our locals and tourists alike.

he Greater Port Macquarie Tourism Association hopes it will be the first of many, with Lighthouse Beach and Dunbogan as possible other sites in

the future. Another very welcome grant was approved by the NSW State Government via Leslie William’s Office for $113,965. The Grant will fund the development of a new master plan for the Port Macquarie Museum. This funding will help enable the museum to offer new experiences for both local and overseas visitors. Port Macquarie was one of the earliest convict settlements outside of Sydney. The museum building and additions are classified by the National Trust of Australia (NSW) as a rare example of a convict-built structure Circa 1836. The museum showcases the best of Port Macquarie’s history, from its British settlement as a penal colony in 1821, through to the present day as a popular tourist resort town. Annual Grape Stomping Championships at Bago Vineyards, Sunday, 10th February; gates open from 10am. Join the public annual grape stomping championships and regular Sunday Jazz in the Vineyards. Bring along your picnic rugs and umbrellas, pick a spot on the lush, rolling lawns and settle in for an enjoyable day. www.bagovineyards.com.au NSW Junior State Touch Competition, 15th -17th February Greater Port Macquarie is excited to be once again hosting the NSW Junior State Touch Competition, the world’s largest weekend touch football competition. There are 239 teams registered, which converts to 12,500 people coming to our region for the weekend. Please welcome the participants and their families to our region. Wineries Looking for something to do? Follow Greater Port Macquarie’s Winery Trail; it is full of surprises, and it all begins just five minutes from the beach. Six boutique vineyards offer art galleries, alfresco

restaurants, rose gardens and history, alongside their selection of wines. Settle in on the verandah for a long-lunch, walk through NSW’s largest hedge maze, explore a historic homestead and ride a horse through the vines. Meet the wine-makers behind this dynamic wine industry. Cassegrain Winery, Bago Vineyards and Maze, Long Point Vineyard and Art Gallery, Roses Vineyard and Café, Little Fish Café and Vineyard and Douglas Vale Historic Homestead and Winery are the dynamic vineyards so close to Port Macquarie, all offering wonderful experiences. New members of Greater Port Macquarie Tourism Association this month. A warm welcome to the following businesses, who have recently joined: Laurieton Hotel has it all: beverages, dining, kids’ activities, accommodation, function facilities and entertainment. www.laurietonhotel.com.au Facade Escape Room: Port Macquarie’s only Escape Game Room. An Escape Room is a live-action adventure or mystery game where teams of players work together to solve a series of puzzles and riddles using clues, hints, and strategy to complete the objectives within a set time. www.facade-escape.com.au Cruise HQ Restaurant and Bar: The Latin Loafer Restaurant has recently been purchased by David Lazarus and Elsa Barbosa, who own the Port AdVenture, and re-named Cruise HQ Restaurant and Bar. What a great opportunity to dine and cruise! ww.cruiseportmacquarie.com.au Rockin’ Oysters: for succulent, sweet oysters. The oyster farms are located in the pristine Camden Haven Waters. www.rockinoysters.com.au Limitless Tours: offer customised tours from the Port Macquarie area, to all regional events and venues. www.limitlesstours.com.au For further information on what’s on in our region, check out www.portmacquarieinfo.com.au

functional footwear

Fit your unique style with

C O L O N I A L

You’ve taken care of the kids’ “back to school” shoe needs; now it’s time to take care of you! At Colonial Cobbler, you will find an extensive array of functional yet comfortable footwear designed for the busy mum, to take you from the school drop off, to work meetings, lunches, shopping, and everything in between. Colonial Cobbler houses a stylish array of Australian and European labels, including Ziera, Eos, Sandler, Rieker, Ecco, Pierre Cardin, to name a few. You will be pleasantly surprised at the many different looks and styles are available, from boots, heels, pumps, sandals, lace-ups, sneakers and slip-on mules to make you feel put together in style as you tackle your busy day. All footwear will carry you through in supreme comfort; some are

C O B B L E R

orthotic-friendly, allowing you to be in the same shoe from morning to evening. No sore feet here! 2019 will see a revival in functional footwear that is still stylish, yet its key sell factor is its comfort and functionality for the wearer. For example, Birkenstocks have become extremely trendy. Once dubbed “ugly” in appearance, they have become a staple footwear item in women’s wardrobes, due to their extreme level of comfort. Mixed with stylish designs, and you are in fashion! Try a pair at Colonial Cobbler and feel the difference. New styles for the new year are dropping all the time in-store. Call in today to experience the high level of service provided by the friendly team, who will help you find your new favourites to fit your unique style!

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focushealth

Health Wellbeing and

W I T H P E T E R E L FA R F R O M S U N D I A L D E N TA L

Ovarian cancer

awareness

ebruary is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.This February, Ovarian Cancer Australia is urging Australians to recognise the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer, know their family history and know how to help through our Know Ovarian Cancer campaign. Only 43% of the almost 1,500 women diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year will survive. With no early detection test, it is so important that women know the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer and their family history. Every woman needs to know the symptoms of ovarian cancer. Make sure you do. It can be difficult to diagnose ovarian cancer, because the symptoms are ones that many women will have from time to time, and they are often symptoms of less serious and more common health problems. But we do know that ovarian cancer is NOT a silent disease. Women who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer report four types of symptoms most frequently: Abdominal or pelvic pain. Increased abdominal size or persistent

Bad Breath

a topic no one wants to touch abdominal bloating. Needing to urinate often or urgently. Feeling full after eating a small amount. If you have any of these symptoms, they are new for you and you have experienced them multiple times during a four-week period, go to your GP. You know your body better than anyone else, so always listen to what your body is saying and trust your instincts. * Information from Ovarian Cancer Australia: www.ovariancancer.net.au

W I T H H E L I N G Y I N G – M A S S A G E AT P O R T M A C Q U A R I E

musculoskeletal conditions.

ur bodies will generally tell us. That’s one of the “saving graces” of most musculoskeletal conditions; our bodies will soon let us know when everything is not exactly as it should be. Muscular strains can occur almost as easily in daily life as they can on the job site or sporting field. Aches and pains arrive for a wide variety of reasons, headaches and insomnia so frequently relate to the body’s overall functionality and sense of wellbeing, whilst chronic muscular conditions can be debilitating for unfortunate sufferers. Professional massage therapy has been assisting in the treatment of these conditions for centuries

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and traditional methods remain successful to this day, but today’s qualified Remedial Massage Therapist is trained also in modern scientific approaches, enabling a more comprehensive understanding of the symptoms involved and of the remedy required. So when we flinch from muscles that refuse to fully cooperate, when we find that our bodies’ usual flexibility is restricted or when our shoulders hunch anxiously with that feeling “I really need a good massage”, these are irrefutable signs that shouldn’t be ignored. There are times when we can all benefit greatly from professional massage, as our bodies will generally tell us.

Tooth whitening is a popular dental technique to rejuvenate the colour of your teeth and your smile. If you feel your teeth have become dull and yellow after years of accumulated STAINING, why not consider Tooth Whitening with your dental professionals?

aving an attractive smile whether God-given or courtesy of a highly skilled dental professional - is important for self confidence. On the other hand, the embarrassment of revealing grey, yellow, or discoloured teeth could be enough to make someone too embarrassed to smile ... and what a pity that would be. Moreover, stained teeth can affect a person’s overall self image, their self confidence and their sense of self worth. So why not start your year with a brilliant smile and whiten up! Unlike simple scaling or polishing, which is a purely mechanical process that removes superficial stains caused by coffee, tea, and red wine, tooth whitening removes internal stains through a process called oxidation. The most common ingredient used for whitening teeth is peroxide gel. Home or Away? The take home whitening system usually involves a custom tray filled with a whitening solution from 10 - 20 per cent concentration. The patient wears the trays as prescribed by their dental professional for 20 minutes to hours over the course of a week, until they get the desired result. The Take Home System requires an initial consultation, impressions and then a follow up appointment to fit the trays

and begin treatment. The benefit of the take home system is YOU are in control of your whitening, and can choose the shade you like. Also, you can top up your whitening at any time, and down the track additional tubes of the whitening solution can be purchased for $20 - $30. The in-office whitening system is a one-off treatment that uses a higher concentration of peroxide gel and takes from 30 - 60 minutes in the dental chair, under the supervision of a dental professional. The in-office system gives patients the confidence that their treatment is being supervised, but this tends to cost more if they ever want to repeat the process, as they have to completely repeat the treatment. What Can You Expect? It’s usually possible to achieve a shade that is six to eight shades lighter, taking years off your smile and making you look and feel younger. Your teeth can become sensitive during the treatment, but the effect is transient, and with care causes minimal discomfort. For more information, ring the caring team at Sundial Dental Port Macquarie 6583 3533 or visit our recently updated web site: www.sundialdental.com.au and don’t forget to enquire about our February Take Home Whitening Special for only $199.

womens health

This is a great month!

All the new season apples start to arrive. We already have Galas, with Pink Ladies due to arrive by the end of the month. If you want crunchy apples, this is the time to come in and buy. Remember ... Granny Smiths will be in soon, but they are very “tart” to the taste at first. wned by local Jodie Kennett, Don’t miss out on the local lychees from Coffs Harbour. They have ng Dietitian (APD) and the tiny seed and are so Credentialled sweet and juicy. They won’t be around for (CDE).very Working long. in the industry for over seedless AussieWe grapes are sweet and very cheap at the as overWhite 12,000 clients! welcome moment. to the team. Jodie and Lucy will provide In a way it is a sad month, as the summer fruits such as mangoes, ucation regarding your dietary needs. apricots, cherries, peaches and nectarines start to disappear. Never ll areas,mind; including heartnext disease, there is always season.cancer, They have been so nice this d allergies andhope weight management. Asthe taste sensations! year. We everyone has really enjoyed Aussie orangessuch are coming to the end of their season or advice forValencia conditions as Diabetes, and the navel oranges are coming lerancenow, or Insulin Resistance, and offerin at the end of February. The good news in the vege section is that we have a very good cose monitors. supply of local baby bok choy, local mixed colours of capsicums, Macquarie, Cathieand andapple Wauchope, beans,Lake and Lebanese cucumbers, local Jap pumpkin. As always, there’s a great supply of local fancy lettuce from Mark and clinics. Why not drop in and check Tracey. oks? For a FREE newsletter, subscribe Altogether, February is a good month for fruit, with nice small jkhealthcare.com.au and look for JK pieces for back to school lunch boxes. ook to We gethave weekly recipes!flowers coming in each week. Some are some beautiful local, some from the markets. Come in and have a look! Makes n 2016? you feel happy, just to look at them! ting clinics forKen. Insulin Pump Therapy to Cheers,

are

etes, or for those with Type 2 Diabetes lin injections each day. It is the only e between Newcastle and Coffs Harbour! purchase or upgrade of a pump and s use. For more information or to make ntact JK Healthcare on 6583 7717.

Dr. Bobby Kumar Dr. Bobby Kumar COSMETIC SURGEON Breast Reduction Surgery Do you suffer pain, discomfort or lifestyle limitations due to Who can offer you: large breasts?

• Training and qualifications specifically in Cosmetic Surgery Have you lost weight & are unhappy with the remaining shape • Comprehensive knowledge, & position of your breasts? expertise and experience • Surgical andunhappy Non-Surgical thebreasts Are you with the Procedures shape, size & tailored position oftoyour after pregnancy Individual’s needs & breastfeeding? If you answer yes to any of these questions, then Breast

Dr. Bobby Kumar, Surgical Fellow of the Australasian Surgery might be for you. College of Surgery, performs: Breast Cosmetic Surgery includes: Reduction only – to reduce size &restore volume of breasts BreastBreast Augmentation: enhance and/or breast size, Breast Reduction & Lift – to reduce size & volume & address shape and volume droopiness of the breasts

Reduction, Lift & Augmentation to reducetypically size & after BreastBreast Lift: restore shape and position of –breasts, droopiness of the breasts, whilst at the same time restoring pregnancy, breast feeding and/or weight loss volume & shape (common after pregnancy & breastfeeding)

BreastDr. Reduction: reduce sizeFellow of breasts, for women Bobby Kumar, Surgical of the common Australasian experiencing discomfort or tailors lifestyle limitations College pain, of Cosmetic Surgery, Breast Surgery todue the to large breastsneeds & unique characteristics of the individual, taking into account the existing size, shape & position of the breasts & the

Combination Breast Augmentation/Lift/Reduction: results you are seeking to achieve. typically women breast feeding Dr.appropriate Bobby Kumarfor performs all after surgerypregnancy, in fully accredited and/orprivate weight loss who to anaesthetic retain volume fullness hospitals underwant general with aand Specialist Anaesthetist.

Tummy Tuck Surgery: restore a flat, tight tummy, typically For more information or a consultation with Dr. Bobby Kumar, after pregnancy and/or weight loss call Wendy on 1300 676 003 or 0430 491 009, or email Facial bobby@bareaesthetics.com.au Surgery: Facelift, Necklift, Rhinoplasty (Nose), Blepharoplasty (Eyes) – pursued by men and women seeking a long lasting refreshed and rejuvenated facial appearance. Dr. Bobby Kumar only operates in fully accredited private hospitals with a Specialist Anaesthetist. Call Wendy for an appointment on 1300 676 003 or 0430 491 009, or email bobby@bareaesthetics.com.au

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MEDITATE IN PORT MACQUARIE

Free library Book Talks fri 8 feb | 1-2pm

meditate in port macquarie

taree library to book call: 6592 5290

KADAM MICK MARCON

fri 22 feb 10.30am-12pm

port macquarie library to book call: 6581 8755

Finding clear and simple solutions to our problems

the power to

be happy public talk fri 22 feb 7-8.30pm port macquarie rotary hall

my human life series

dealing with change & uncertainty half-day course sat 9 feb 2-5 pm port macquarie rotary hall

living a meaningful life half-day course sat 23 feb 9am-12pm port macquarie rotary hall

stop worrying start living

half-day course

9 mar | 2-5pm port macquarie rotary hall

a day retreat on

mindfulness sun 24 mar | 9.30am-4.30pm f.u.n. yoga redbank | wauchope

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND BOOKINGS VISIT:

MEDITATEINPORTMACQUARIE.ORG 64 Greater Port Macquarie focus

Hi Mick. Can you please introduce yourself to our readers? I am the Resident Teacher at Losang Dragpa Kadampa Buddhist Centre in Newcastle. I have been studying and practising meditation and Buddhism for 15 years. You are coming to Port over the next few weeks to do some exciting courses. Will this be your first time up here, and what exactly will you be offering? We have been coming up to Port and surrounding areas for about seven years. We offer a range of meditation courses and events suitable for everyone. How did your role within this type of industry all come about; what was it that sparked your interest? To be honest, it was a Buddhist book a friend lent me to read during quiet shifts at work! I wasn’t a Buddhist at the time; however for me, the Buddhist view of the mind, and how happiness and unhappiness depend upon the mind, made complete sense. Shortly after meeting these teachings, a close friend developed anorexia, and I saw directly how powerful the mind is in creating misery. I saw clearly how this person had no ability to control her thoughts, and it was her own thoughts that were the cause of her mental and subsequent physical suffering. This drove me to learn more about my own mind. I developed a wish to understand and improve my own mind and to help others to do the same. Happiness and unhappiness really do depend on the mind. When our mind is peaceful, we are happy, and when our mind is unpeaceful, it’s impossible to be happy - even if we live in beautiful Port! Anger, jealousy and other negative thoughts destroy our happiness, just like the surface of a lake whipped up by strong winds.

Through meditation we learn how to mentioned above, our courses and events reduce and abandon the thoughts that are open and suitable for everyone, and are the source of all our unhappiness. no previous experience is required. In their place we cultivate positive There is a Day Retreat taking place thoughts conducive to inner peace. in March; can you tell us a bit more Correct meditation is like health-food about this? for the mind. Everyone has the potential From time to time we hold day retreats in to become a more peaceful and happy the Wauchope / Redbank area. In March I person. This is what we really want. This will be guiding a four session day retreat is what my friend really wanted, but her on the topic of mindfulness. confused mind was telling her that to be Mindfulness is the life of meditation. happy, her body needed to be thin. On this day retreat I will explain what It’s very clear, you can’t eat, sleep or mindfulness really is, its relationship to drink your way to happiness; we need to concentration and how we can improve think our way to our mindfulness in happiness! meditation and our Later I decided daily life. to stop work The day retreats and move into are very relaxing Later I decided to stop the Kadampa and give those work and move into the Buddhist Centre who attend an Kadampa Buddhist in in Sydney, where opportunity Sydney, where I spent a I spent a number to forget their number of years studying, of years studying, problems, even just practising and teaching practising and for a day, and focus Buddhist meditation. teaching Buddhist on something a bit Meditation. more positive. Our In 2009 I was asked events are also a if I would like to great way to meet move to Newcastle and set up a Kadampa like-minded people. Buddhist centre there. A few years later, How can our readers find out more we began running events in Port and information about other courses on surrounds. offer, and how can they stay in touch There are some really interesting with what you are doing? courses on offer; which one is your At our events we bring a range of books favourite and why? and CDs. We also provide leaflets with I don’t have a favourite as such; however, information regarding upcoming events I do like the content of the “My Human in Port. Life Series” of half-day courses. Why? Alternatively, you can visit our website: Because it will inspire us to question the meditateinportmacquarie.org real meaning of our human life, and where you can also sign up for our through this, discover how we can enrich regular e-newsletters. We also have a our life with meaning and direction. Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ For those who won’t be able to meditateinportmacquarie/ attend all courses; which would you Email: info@meditateinnewcastle.org recommend? Or phone us on: (02) 4023 0215. Whichever appeals to the individual. As Thanks Mick.

Port Family Practice

We are pleased to welcome Dr Deon Heyns Dr Heyns has over 22 years experience as a General Practitioner and has joined our friendly team of experienced GPs: Dr Joseph McMahon | Dr David Malikoff | Dr Nanette Walpole Located 15 minutes walking distance from Town Beach, our practice has been serving the community for over 30 years.

New patients welcome Book your appointment: 6583 2400

portfamily.ipn.com.au

3/85 Lord Street, Port Macquarie Open Monday - Thursday, 8.30am - 5pm | Friday 9am - 5pm

Greater Port Macquarie focus 65

focusinterview.

Lucy Licciardello H

i Lucy. Can you tell us a bit of your background as a hairdresser? Hi Louise. My hairdressing career began at the age of 15 in my hometown of Goulburn, working in a little salon for around two and a half years, before moving to Port Macquarie with Mum, Dad and my two younger brothers. I completed my apprenticeship at a local Port Macquarie salon, where I honed my skills for around seven years. In my early 20s, I began teaching at TAFE, and at 24 I stepped out of my comfort zone and "rented a chair" in another local salon, until it became clear to me that it was time to spread my wings and put my own mark on hairdressing in Port Macquarie. I opened the doors to "Lovely Locks Hair and Beauty” in 2011 - alongside me I had two apprentices, including Alycia, who is now one of our seniors; beauty therapist Khym, from Serenity Makeup and Beauty; and our senior stylist Leah, who I'm lucky enough to still have with me in the business. As the salon grew, I took on another apprentice, Karlee, and then Mikala and Casey joined our growing team. In January 2017, the opportunity arose to expand the salon. We knocked through walls, recruited friends and family to help in the transition and added our signature style to the now much bigger premises. We re-branded our gorgeous French inspired salon “Lovely Locks Hairdressing”, and in 2018 our senior stylist, Beck joined us to complete our team … for now! The icing on the cake has come with the launch of our “Love Your Locks Organics” range, 66 Greater Port Macquarie focus

The icing on the cake has come

which has now expanded with launch of our ‘Love Your made from organic to include 100% vegan Locks Organics’ range, ingredients and 100% haircare, skincare and which has now expanded vegan. At the moment petcare products. to include 100% vegan we offer haircare, skincare Lovely Locks is a well haircare, skincare and and petcare - but we’re known local business. petcare products. constantly evolving and What are the key growing. services you are known How did the concept for? come about for your Lovely Locks just own range, and how did celebrated its 7th you go about getting the product produced? birthday - happy birthday to us! We’re known Following my own instincts and listening to for our amazing team of colour specialists, my clients, who were wanting ethical, natural with balayages and blondes in high demand products with the same high quality salon this season. We choose to use Schwartzkopf results was the platform from which the concept Professional, REDKEN and Nak in the salon for all bloomed. Having mindful, high quality products our colour work. We embrace creative haircutting we could use in the salon and offer our clients techniques and engage with our clients to deliver to use with confidence at home was the driving services that are above their expectations or force. previous experiences. After a lot of research and discussion with We've created a relaxed yet inspiring space for manufacturers and hours of formula tweaking our clients - where they come first and where with our amazing expert team, to ensure our they can be confident they are in expert hands. products are gentle but effective and free from Classically chic styling for weddings and events is toxins and harmful chemicals, we have a range an aspect of the salon that is a standout for me we are confident to offer to our clients, friends creatively. and family. You expanded your business in 2017 and With our grounded philosophy that beautiful created “Love Your Locks” products - what is hair and skin starts from within, all our products in the range, and what makes it special? are plant based, with each ingredient mindfully The underpinning ethos to Love Your Locks chosen based on their natural benefits and Organics is what makes it so special. In hindsight, integral holistic properties. becoming a mum to my gorgeous little George Tell us about the Love Your Skin and Love Ya was the catalyst. I wanted my salon and my Mutt ranges which have just come on to the products to be a reflection of what is important market? to me both creatively and ethically, whilst offering Love Your Skin was a natural progression for salon quality expertise. the range, formulated using natural, certified Our Love Your Locks range is cruelty free,

ingredients from the highest quality plant sources. Our Love Your Skin range includes moisturisers for all skin types, body lotion, toning and cleaning, eyecare, bodywash and masks to nourish, rejuvenate and protect your skin. And how could we forget our fur babes! We're super excited about our Love Ya Mutt shampoo, conditioner and spritzer. They’ve been formulated keeping in mind sensitive skin and all coat types, and I use all these products at home on my two girls, Stella and Marley. The spritzer has been my go to on many occasions between baths. Of all the products, do you have a favourite? I love all our products, but I’ve been using our Peppermint Shampoo and Conditioner combo to get me through this extra hot summer. It’s cooling and refreshing on my scalp and leaves my hair feeling soft, without weighing it down. Where can we buy the three ranges? Our Love Your Locks Organic Haircare and Petcare range is available in salon at Lovely Locks Hairdressing, or online at loveyourlocksorganics.com.au Our skincare is available exclusively online. What is next for you in business? This year we’re looking at building the salon brand and growing our product offering, with organic hairspray and dry shampoo in the early stages of production. We’ll also be focusing on growing our online community and empowering our fellow queens through the power of fabulous hair and quality products with a conscience. BIG love! Lucy @ Lovely Locks xxx

Greater Port Macquarie focus 67

focus_contributor

DON MACKENZIE

community S E R V I C E

Therapy and allied health services are an important component to our holistic approach to care. This includes the provision of assessment and direct support in areas such as occupational therapy, behaviour support and social work.

esigned to make life easier for those with living with a disability, these services achieve the best results when matched with the particular needs of a person with a disability to help them achieve their goals. The great news is that therapy and allied health services are eligible under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and can be tailored for the individual or as support services for the carer. Common types of support that significantly benefit individuals and families are:

social and emotional learning. • Behaviour support - individuals can benefit from behavioural support that addresses any behaviours of concern with strategies and plans to minimise risk and help the person adjust to daily living.

The great news is that therapy

and allied health services are eligible under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and can be

tailored for the individual or as support services for the carer.

• Early intervention - children with a disability and their families can benefit from our parenting and attachment programs, to address issues early on in life and support

Access to social and community activities Parental skills and child behavioural support Improved mobility and access

• Equipment and Aids - our therapists can assess and prescribe the latest equipment, technology and home modifications to enable communication and mobility.

Our therapists and allied health professionals usually provide support and ongoing treatment at the client’s home. Contact us to see how to best fund these services through your NDIS Plan.

Live life, your way Personal care and help around the house

• Psychosocial support - assistance with managing mental health issues, emotional regulation and self-care.

C (02) all on 658 1 to s ee h 6800 ow we can hel p

Centacare services the Mid North Coast with locations in Port Macquarie and Kempsey providing: Disability services for individuals and families Home Care Packages Family and parental support Therapy and Allied Health services

REGISTERED NDIS provider no. 29709979

68 Greater Port Macquarie focus

Centacare Mid North Coast

@CentacareMNC

Body Sculpting The desire to look and feel good has significantly increased the number of individuals seeking body sculpting procedures. When diet and exercise are not enough, people are turning to noninvasive body contouring procedures to eliminate stubborn, unwanted fat.

ody Sculpting Market Approximately 100% of women and 50% of men are dissatisfied with their body image. According to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, body sculpting was the top nonsurgical, noninvasive procedure, and the body shaping and skin tightening market is expected to grow by 16.3% year over year through 2020. Cutera’s Body Sculpting Solutions truSculpt iD is the latest evolution in body

sculpting. This powerful, non-invasive, monopolar RF platform treats up to a 300 cm² area on the abdomen and flanks with a fast, 15-minute protocol. truSculpt iD treatments can be tailored to patients’ individual body contouring desires and features a hands-free and hand-held solution to treat a full abdomen or multiple body areas simultaneously. Real-Time Temperature Control enhances patient experience, providing a comfortable, yet effective treatment resulting

Real-Time Temperature Control enhances patient experience, providing a comfortable, yet effective treatment resulting in an average of 24% fat reduction.

in an average of 24% fat reduction. This non-invasive procedure is ideal for busy individuals, giving them the freedom to return to their daily activities immediately following the treatment. truSculpt 3D truSculpt 3D is our introductory hands-on body sculpting platform that features a unique, noninvasive, monopolar RF technology to sculpt and

contour problem areas with no downtime. truSculpt 3D takes a multi-dimensional approach to decrease circumference and eliminate fat cells, by delivering therapeutic temperatures to the subcutaneous adipose tissue to achieve the highest clinical efficacy in a short 60-minute treatment, with enhanced safety and comfort.

Personalize your ideal body. If you diet and exercise but still have areas of stubborn fat, truSculpt® iD, our premier body sculpting treatment, is clinically proven to eliminate fat cells regardless of your shape or body type. Easy | Safe | Proven | Fast | No Downtime

Schedule your free consultation today! EAST COAST LASER & COSMEDIC Shop 3 Colonial Arcade, Port Macquarie (Hay Street end) P: 6584 6266 E: info@eclcosmedic.com.au W: eclcosmedic.com.au

Greater Port Macquarie focus 69

You don’t have to live with pain. BOOK YOUR 30 MINUTE OBLIGATION FREE DISCUSSION TODAY.

IF YOU ’ RE N OT RE SPOND IN G TO CON VE NTI ON AL TRE ATM E NT... THE RE IS A B ET TE R WAY !

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Frequency Specific Microcurrent Therapy (FSM Therapy) FSM Therapy is the pillar of Somatherapy Clinical Practice. A unique course of treatment that targets the real cause & source of pain. A therapy that supports the body to self-repair damaged tissue. A course of FSM Therapy has proven to end chronic pain for these common conditions and so much more: • Nerve Pain,Sciatica • Whiplash • Fibromyalgia • Shingles

• Joint & Muscle Pain • Spinal Disc Injury • Peripheral Neuropathy • Post-Surgical Scar Tissue

Jules injured his shoulder in an accident 25 years ago. He suffered limited mobility and severe pain. Weekly physiotherapy treatments were not improving his medical diagnosis of shoulder tendinitis. Jules had resigned himself to a life of pain. “About 3-4 months ago I heard about Somatherapy Clinic and decided to try this new therapeutic approach. Three months into the weekly treatments I have had gradual major improvements in the use of my arm and shoulder. At present my tendinitis and other post-injury pathologies are gone. I have full mobility in my shoulder and arm and can sleep again FSM Therapy is a at night with no pain.” natural therapy with an

amazing ability to heal and renew a healthier you!

This is a fantastic outcome for Jules. It’s so rewarding to relieve patients from the misery of pain.

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Krystyna Zawadzka

Krystyna of Somatherapy is a Certified FSM Practitioner and has been using FSM Therapy since 2003. She also has multi-modalities extensive experience in treatment of chronic pain for over 20 years. Krystyna is a member of IAHP - International Association of HealthCare Practitioners since 2008. Tactile Therapist Accredited Practitioner • International Association of HealthCare Practitioners Australian Traditional Medicine Society • The Medical Register of Australia

Phone 1300 877 011 • 0414 332 037

Master Degree Uni (Warsaw), Dip MFR, Dip Ref, Dip RM, Cert FSM (USA), Cert LDT (USA), Government Cert IV Tactile Therapies

ABN: 73 718 575 340

70 Greater Port Macquarie focus

23 Serene Circuit, Port Macquarie NSW 2444

focusinterview.

DAYS for

Girls

It’s easy to take for granted living in a country like Australia, where we have ready access to sanitary items and hygiene products. In n other countries, however, girls can miss many months of schooling - or drop out of school altogether - because they can’t purchase the products that make our daily lives easier. Local Shirley Capon ﬁlls us in about “Days for Girls” and how this group is making a diﬀerence …

i Shirley. What’s your association with the Greater Port Macquarie area? I moved to Port Macquarie with my husband, Geoff, about two years ago. Port Macquarie had been our holiday destination for many years, and we loved it here, so it was an easy decision when we “retired” to move here. Tell us a little about the international organisation “Days for Girls” and the issues it aims to address … DFG International is an award-winning nonprofit organisation creating a more dignified, humane and equitable world for girls through advocacy, reproductive health awareness, education and sustainable feminine hygiene, because no girl should go without. Without access to hygiene products, girls in many countries can miss up to eight months of school every three years and are much more likely to drop out altogether, let alone reach their potential. The program has so far reached more than 70 nations on six continents. What’s the history behind the Port Macquarie branch of DFG, and how did you become involved? Emma Heath and Ronda Strand began DFG in Port Macquarie in late 2016, after Ronda heard about it through a friend working in Nepal. Ronda was part of a Curves fitness group in Port Macquarie, and the other ladies involved accepted a challenge to make 200 kits. This is when I became involved and after initially just helping with my sewing expertise, I had to make a decision whether to take over the running of the group. The women’s group at Grace Church (Sister’s Keeper) were more than willing to be involved

and provided funds for equipment and materials to supplement what was left from the Curves challenge. I was also able to be linked into a group that meets at Taree, and they were very helpful with advice and training. Grace Church has also provided us with an outlet for our kits through International Mission Ministries (Ross and Donna Nancarrow). They travel to Nepal two - three times a year and are delighted to be able to take kits with them and bless the girls and women in the remote areas of Nepal where they work. What types of items does the local group make, and what does each kit contain? The kits and teaching resources are standard worldwide so that as they are distributed, all girls receive the same teaching and are shown how to use the kits effectively. The kits have several items which are all packed into a nice cloth bag, with ties long enough so that the bag can be worn as a backpack. So each kit is made up of: Sewn Items: • 1 x cloth bag • 2 x shields It is called a shield because it protects from staining and leaks. It is a cloth holder with a special moisture-proof fabric inside two cotton layers. The shield fastens under the panties. • 8 x liners The liners are soft and absorbent. A liner is folded into thirds and tucks into the pockets on the shield to absorb the menstrual flow. Donated Items: • 2 x panties Many girls do not even possess these! • 2 x Ziploc bags and 1 x soap Soiled liners are placed in the Ziploc bag with a small amount of water and the soap, so that they are easier to wash when returning home.

It is great to have people at Grace This can all be kept out few months trying to Church who interact with girls and of sight in the cloth bag. complete the 75 kits for women overseas who need the kits. • 1 x face washer Nepal. Although these The kits going to Nepal go • Instructions on use. will be nearly complete by with International Mission It is expected that a kit the time you read this, we Ministries, and the 27 kits should last three years. intend to be continually to Cambodia went with How many kits has making them. WEC workers. the group made to There are many ways date? And which readers can help. countries have they • We would love some been sent to? more sewers. Our group has so far sent 77 kits overseas • Cotton fabric (time to clean out your 50 kits to Nepal and 27 kits to Cambodia. We patchwork stash?) are aiming to send another 75 kits to Nepal in • Cotton or poly/cotton fabric for bags February. • Donations of money to help purchase It is great to have people at Grace Church panties, flannelette, grosgrain ribbon, snaps, who interact with girls and women overseas face washers and PUL waterproof fabric. who need the kits. The kits going to Nepal go • We would also love people who can cut, with International Mission Ministries, and the 27 trim and assemble kits. There are many jobs that kits to Cambodia went with WEC workers. do not require sewing skills. DFG worldwide partners with many Why would you encourage other locals to organisations to aid distribution. become involved with Days for Girls? You’ve had firsthand experience working Currently our group of sewers and helpers in Cambodia. What were the women’s is quite small, but it is very rewarding working attitudes towards the kits they received? together to help our sisters overseas, and I We worked in Cambodia for about two and would encourage anyone interested to get a half years. I was privileged to work with some involved. It is a constant reminder that we are so beautiful girls at Destiny Rescue, an amazing blessed to be born in a country where we take organisation that rescues girls from trafficking so much for granted. It is hard to imagine life and prostitution. They showed me their kits and without flushing toilets and garbage disposal! they loved them so much, that they wanted Where can we find more info/contact you? to know how they could make them for Our sewing/cutting/assembling group meets their friends. I was unsure how to source the monthly in the hall at Grace Church, Kingfisher necessary fabrics, so I was keen to follow it up Street, Port Macquarie, from noon - 3pm. There when I returned home. is also the option to take components home to Day for Girls has a lot of work planned be completed there. locally this month (February), with 75 kits Anyone interested can contact me, Shirley currently being assembled and prepared Capon: Ph: 0423 314 510; for distribution in Nepal. How can readers email: shirleymcapon@gmail.com help? Thanks Shirley. Yes, we have been very busy over the last Interview: Jo Robinson. Greater Port Macquarie focus 71

Local Optometrist Sonia Wei BOptom (Hons), BSc

Sonia has been with G&M for almost a year now and during that time she has built up a strong following of loyal patients who appreciate her high level of expertise and genuine concern for patient eye health and care. Sonia has specific training and experience in ocular pathology, meaning that she can prescribe and administer therapeutic treatment to her patients without the need for referral. Sonia places a high value on patient education and takes a holistic approach to eye care. She recognises that it is not enough to simply diagnose and treat her patients without also educating and involving them on the ‘how’ and the ‘why’. Sonia is grateful to have all the latest clinical equipment and the highest quality of eyewear at her disposal when seeing patients:

“Hanks Optometrists by G&M Eyecare pride themselves on delivering the ‘whole package’ when it comes to eyecare and eyewear. Professionally and for patient care, it is very rewarding to have access to the latest diagnostic equipment, that includes both an Optos Ultrawide retinal imaging machine and OCT. We also have so much to offer our patients in terms of our product; beautifully crafted designer frames, world class ZEISS lenses and a broad selection of contact lenses for first time wearers as well as for patients requiring more advanced designs.” Now that we are living longer, prevention is the key to good vision. Therefore, regular eye tests have become more important than ever. Contact your local G&M Eyecare practice and book an eye test today.

Book an eye test. G&M are your local optometry experts with the latest in eyecare technology and eyewear brands. Proudly Australian and committed to personal care of your eye health. Look after your vision - it is vital for getting the most out of life. 72 Greater Port Macquarie focus

Port Macquarie 95 William St. Ph 6583 7333 Port Macquarie 29 Horton St. Ph 6584 3948 Wauchope 6 Bransdon St. Ph 6585 2393 georgeandmatilda.com.au

focus_contributor

H E A LT H F U L W I S D O M , W I T H S H A N N O N L A W R E N C E

MEDICINES F OR DIABE TES

EDICINES FOR DIABETES There are many medicines that are used for diabetes. There are tablets and injections that lower blood sugar levels or help our bodies to use our own insulin better, as well as injectable insulin itself.

HERBS THAT LOWER BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS As is the case with commencing any herbs, vitamins, minerals etc., it is important to discuss whether this is suitable with your health care professional. If you start taking a herb that lowers blood sugar levels, there is a risk of your levels getting too low. Prescription medicines

may need to have their dosages lowered in this ALCOHOL AND DIABETES MEDICINES case. Alcohol lowers blood sugar levels. When Examples of herbs that can lower blood alcohol is combined with other things that sugar levels are: lower blood sugar levels, there is a danger of the levels dropping too Aloe vera low, which is known Stinging nettle as hypoglycaemia. Fenugreek Symptoms of VITAMIN D CAN HELP OUR hypoglycaemia can Turmeric/curcumin BODY TO USE INSULIN range from feeling Gymnema sylvestre BETTER AND SO BLOOD clammy and dizzy SUGAR LEVELS CAN BE FIBRE SUPPLEMENTS to death. Therefore, LOWER THAN ANTICIPATED. AND DIABETES alcohol should be IT IS A GOOD IDEA TO MEDICINES avoided if diabetes medicines are being taken.

MONITOR BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS IF YOU ARE BEING TREATED FOR DIABETES AND START TAKING VITAMIN D.

VITAMIN D AND DIABETES MEDICINES Vitamin D is commonly taken as it is important in preventing and treating osteoporosis. Vitamin D can help our body to use insulin better and so blood sugar levels can be lower than anticipated. It is a good idea to monitor blood sugar levels if you are being treated for diabetes and start taking vitamin D. The amount of diabetes medicine needed may decrease.

As fibre supplements decrease the absorption of many medicines, itâ€™s important to have these at least two hours away from diabetes medicines and insulin.

APPETITE SUPPRESSANTS AND DIABETES MEDICINES These may reduce appetite and blood sugar levels. They may, however, have an effect on the heart. If blood sugar levels drop too low, it can affect the beating of the heart. Greater Port Macquarie focus 73

74 Greater Port Macquarie focus

Meet Valda MSS has made such a big difference in my daily life. When I first linked in with MSS, my husband had recently passed away, and my kids were worried about my health and wellbeing and how I was going to cope. MSS staff came to see me on Monday to discuss all available services. After talking with staff, I signed up immediately, as MSS could offer all I required, or could arrange for others to provide anything they could not. As soon as I engaged with MSS, I went out on my first outing and had the best time ever. MSS has also assisted me in my home with domestic services and a lawn/gardening service to help

me with keeping my yard clean and tidy. When I was sick and returned back home, MSS staff and volunteers visited to make sure I had meals and personal assistance to assist with my recovery, The most important thing I love about MSS is their social outings, their volunteers and staff that help out to make all the social outings so much fun. I have never laughed and enjoyed myself so much; the staff and volunteers are well trained for any emergency. I know, as I have had plenty over my time with MSS, and they have all been there to assist.

NEW YEAR

NEW LOOKS

YOU R 2 019 H E ALTH FUN D RE BATE I S N OW AVA I L A B L E*

Port Macquarie Settlement City – Ph: 6583 4271 Port Macquarie Clarence St – Ph: 6583 1377 Wauchope – Ph: 6585 2755 // Laurieton – Ph: 6559 9007 Kempsey – Ph: 6562 5886 // Taree – Ph: 6552 2391

*Subject to your particular level of health cover, available limit and health fund rules.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 75

76 Greater Port Macquarie focus

with Clairvoyant Terri Hall Phone. 0424 818 343

February 2019

AQUARIUS.

GEMINI.

LIBRA.

JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19

MAY 22 - JUNE 22

SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 23

A nice feeling of personal satisfaction can be anticipated this month. You are very inspirational to others, as when you are confronted with challenge, you have the ability to rise above it and only allow it to make you more powerful. Garnet will enhance your passion for living.

To end a feeling of suspension, try releasing any undigested emotions from last year. You are discovering your role in the bigger scheme of things presently, and for positive change there needs to be a clearing of the old. Selenite releases negative thoughts, patterns and energy.

New career changes are likely to challenge your comfort zone, but will lead to growth in your confidence. Throw yourself into new opportunities, as this will give you positive reflection time. Amethyst is great for connecting to our higher qualities and life’s purpose.

PISCES.

CANCER.

SCORPIO.

FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20

JUNE 23 - JULY 23

OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22

Avoid stressing over finances, as this stress is blocking your ability to create wealth. Look at how money always finds you when you need it and know this will always be the case. Citrine creates an abundance; carry some in your wallet.

Relationship bliss can be anticipated, as your personal confidence reflects your love life. Validate your partner’s strengths and be compassionate toward their weaknesses, as you are both helping each other reach your full potential. Rose Quartz, the crystal of love, will amplify your heart’s contentment.

You have recently been summing up life and have made conscious choices to move into the future with only positive attitudes and influences. Set fresh goals and have fun. Clear Quartz enhances our energy, making choice easy.

ARIES.

LEO.

SAGITTARIUS.

MARCH 21 - APRIL 20

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 21

Now is a great time to recognise a dream or long term goal and start to plan for it. Have a positive motive for your project and remain connected to your passion. By doing this, you can anticipate great success. Clear Quartz keeps our strengths prominent.

Now is a good time to keep your thoughts productive and positive; find something intellectually challenging and throw yourself into it. A bored mind is a dangerous thing for a fire sign, so have fun learning. Turquoise is great for positive communication.

Your leadership skills are being drawn on for your recognition. Work changes will be requiring these qualities to be practiced more. By seeing what a natural leader you are, so will others, and career advancement will follow. Turquoise assists in recognition of one’s higher qualities.

TAURUS.

VIRGO.

CAPRICORN.

APRIL 21 - MAY 21

AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 23

DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 20

If you aim towards improving your self worth, you will notice a shift in receiving your rewards for your efforts. Recognise and release any old beliefs of unworthiness and enjoy the difference. Rose Quartz is the crystal of love; it maintains a healthy self respect.

Avoid being caught up in feelings of abandonment or rejection; you are much loved and appreciated by all who know you. If you experience feelings of being unwanted, connect to your God belief for comfort. Clear Quartz will help maintain strong, positive thoughts.

Adventure is in store for you. You can anticipate finding an opportunity that will benefit you enormously on your return home. To access the best of what this journey will present, set some goals before you go. Herkimer Diamonds help record our joyous experiences for future memories.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 77

THE C

O N F E R E N C E

Explore innovative, hands-on, practical approaches to living well with dementia. Be inspired by expert and internationally renowned speakers Dr Cameron Camp and Lesley Palmer DSDC; and Australian Professor Joseph Ibrahim and people living with dementia and their carers.

PROUDLY PRESENTED BY

78 Greater Port Macquarie focus

Supported by

Event Strategic Partner

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RED Omnicare Alliance.

C O N F E R E N C E

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Omnicare Alliance will hold its second RED Conference in Port Macquarie at the end of March. This two-day event is a must for anyone involved in supporting people to live with dementia.

hat’s the RED Conference 2019 all about? RED Conference is a two-day event, featuring international and Australian expert speakers, focusing on practical interventions and strategies for supporting people in regional Australia to live well with dementia. It’s a major coup for Omnicare to have experts like our keynote speakers Dr Cameron Camp, from the US, and Lesley Palmer, from the UK, participating. They’re of the calibre you’d find at major metropolitan conferences. But it’s not simply a talking shop for academics and care sector experts; there’ll be significant involvement and perspectives from people living with dementia and those who care for them. One of the most attractive aspects of the conference is the program of hands-on workshops that explore practical ways to engage and support individuals living with the condition. So, who is the conference aimed at? Our first conference in 2017 brought service providers, frontline support workers, carers and people living with dementia under the same roof. There’ll be a similar make-up this time, but we’re particularly keen to encourage more people living with dementia and carers, because the event could prove to be the catalyst for an improved quality of life - as it was for many people, including Jim and

Sue Crombie (see below) who attended the last conference. There will be a significant focus on Montessori-based methods. How does that work for dementia? Well, there’s been a lot of research conducted around the world on dementia, and a common thread is that retaining skills and maintaining social connections are crucial to maximising one’s wellbeing and independence. Montessori for dementia is an individualised approach that supports the interests, strengths and abilities of the individual - rather than expecting them to fit into a specific system (or service). The approach was developed by Dr Cameron Camp, a keynote speaker at the RED Conference in the U.S, and is now used all over the world. Omnicare has developed the WISER Approach, incorporating Montessori principles, to support people to live well with dementia. It is a practical, hands-on approach that can be used to support people with all forms of memory loss or cognitive impairment. The carer’s role is integral, so educating them on the impact the condition can have on the brain, tools and strategies they can use to support their loved one has proven to be very useful. The RED Conference will provide an opportunity for people living with dementia and their carers to meet others and share their experiences and knowledge.

AN INTERVIEW WITH

Julie Dunn & Jim and Sue Crombie.

ow were the two of you involved in the first RED Conference? Jim: We were asked to participate in a Q&A forum, sharing our experiences and knowledge. Susan: It was a one-day conference and it all went by very quickly, but we picked up a lot of useful information and practical ways to support Jim’s dementia. We’ve been asked to participate again this year. I got a lot from the speakers, especially Cameron Camp. The workshops were fantastic. I went to one with Jim, and one by myself. How did the conference impact your everyday life afterwards? Susan: Well, I’d already undergone Montessori training (through Omnicare’s WISER Approach), so I had a good understanding of the principles. From attending a gardening workshop, I was able to support Jim in getting back to doing it at home. He’s become more interested in gardening again, and it’s good leisure time for anyone. The conference really helped me understand dementia better. Jim and I have become much

more accepting of life as it is now. Prior to the RED Conference, I was heavily involved in community work. My health was affected - I was getting migraines and high blood pressure, so I’ve since cut back on that work and I actually find now I get more time to help out in the community. Jim: I’ve taken up drawing Julie Dunn, General Manager again, and that’s been something Aged and Disability Services I haven’t really done in about 60 at Omnicare, says RED years. I’m a qualified draftsman. Conference 2019 has attracted It’s something I do now nearly participants from far and wide. every day. The one I’m working on at the moment is based on three photos, but also my imagination, so it’s a very useful exercise and I enjoy it. and went along. Who would benefit from attending this The RED Conference shows that dementia year’s event? Jim: I believe a lot of doctors care is not just one-on-one with the person need to know more about Montessori for themselves, but it involves everyone in their lives dementia. - carers, loved ones, support workers, health Susan: Prior to the last conference, I told our professionals. They’ve got to work together. doctor how beneficial it is. They made enquiries I hope we see even more carers at this one.

I’ve attended Omnicare’s regular chat groups for carers, and that’s really helped me to realise there’s support out there. At our meetings, everyone shares what they know. You can learn from everyone, whether they’ve been involved for some time, or if they’re new to it. Greater Port Macquarie focus 79

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McPhillips 800 km Camino de Santiago

Doug McPhillips has WALKED THE EPIC 800 KM CAMINO DE SANTIAGO NOT ONCE, BUT THREE TIMES. His pilgrimages have been in response to tragedies and hardships he’s personally experienced, and he credits the Camino for changing his perspective on life.

oug hopes many others will follow in his footsteps and unlock their own voyage of self-discovery … Hi Doug. What’s your relationship with both the Port Macquarie and New England areas? My career after leaving school was with the Commonwealth Bank from 1963 to 1968, during which time I was stationed in Macksville, Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie. I played some football for the local side but mainly, being young, just had a good time. I was moved to Inverell on the tablelands for a year, but eventually moved to Sydney and transferred to the old PMG (now Telstra) for three years, before joining AMP in sales for six years in Sydney, eventually being appointed Regional Manager AMP based in Tamworth and later Inverell. After 13 years I resigned and purchased the Walcha Newsagency in 1980 and sold it in 1987. During this time, I returned to Port Macquarie once a month to help establish business and tourist interests there. In conjunction with local businesses, we had Port local business guest speakers at our monthly meetings. This was my day of escaping the seven day a week grind of a busy newsagency business. It re-established my business contact with Port, and I still have administrative business interests there since those days. My vision is to return to Port and the Mid North Coast, where I still belong to a bush walking club which has links from Taree to Port

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and inland to Armidale! I still do the occasional weekend walks and camp outs with the local members and friends when I find time to head north and out of the big smoke “rat race” of Sydney. As a side interest, my ancestors on my father’s side come from Tamworth and Gunnedah and my mum’s from the Clarence. My great aunt was the first Matron of Tamworth Base Hospital and my grandfather was a teamster who drove cattle and sheep across the Liverpool Plains for a living. My Boundary Rider song is centred around his exploits and mine up there in the New England. Many readers may not have heard of the Camino de Santiago ... Tell us a bit about the route and the countryside. The Camino de Santiago traditional French route follows the route taken by Charlemagne, the French General, and his army in the 8th Century. It was the route taken by Napoleon Bonaparte when he marched his army there in the 1800s and conquered Spain and Portugal during the French - Spanish war(s). There are nine routes in all, including the route from Paris, France; Lisbon, Portugal; Munich, Germany, etc. All nine believe theirs is the “traditional” way. The French Way was (and still is) the most popular during medieval times, and pilgrims have walked the way now for over 1,000 years. Back then it attracted over 5,000 pilgrims a week, but slowly lost its appeal as a way of pilgrimage due to wars between Spain and its neighbours, including the Spanish - American war of course.

Today, due too much promotion in the 1950s and a resurgence of pilgrimages to “holy” places, it has revived. In 2017, some 250,000 pilgrims descended on the Cathedral for the Pilgrims’ Mass at the end of the pilgrimage. It is probably more of a spectacle of entertainment than a spiritual experience. Of those who attend the service in the summer months, only 20% are Catholic and most attend the service I LET GO OF A LOT OF out of respect, curiosity, PAIN AND SUFFERING or just because it is the AND THROUGH IT WAS done thing. INSPIRED TO WRITE A This year in summer BOOK OF POEMS AND MY it is expected to record and those who got paid FIRST ALBUM OF SONGS. over 300,000 attendees to walk for the wealthy, IT MAY NEVER HAVE to the daily midday so that they would receive HAPPENED HAD I NOT Mass celebration. This grace and penance for their WALKED THE WAY. does not count those “sins” in the next life. Other who do not attend free souls walked for their the Mass service or own reasons and a sense of those who walk in the freedom, as happens today. colder months. So, the real figure of how many The traditional French way follows the route “pilgrims” actually do the walk is an unknown. over the Pyrenees Mountains in Northern Spain, The Way first attracted attentions as a path through ancient cities and villages, across of pilgrimage after the reported finding of St. desert plains, on cobblestone streets of small James' bones in 810 - declared and identified hamlets once frequented by Roman chariots, as “fact” as his bones by the local bishop, to French armies and the great soldier of Saladin help bolster financial support for the ongoing of the Moors, to Germanic tribesmen, earliest wars with the Moors (Muslims) on the Iberian peninsula; the Christians and the Moors wanting European man and every nationality of the known ancient world. the territory for its rich harvest of silver, bronze Any small village church displays the and other precious metals. architecture of Greek, Roman, Gothic, Muslim Pilgrims consisted of priests, prisoners, slaves

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THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT THAT WALK THAT DRAWS YOU BACK - IT INSPIRES CREATIVITY. IT’S A REAL JOURNEY OF AWAKENING AND ENLIGHTENMENT. WHAT SEEMS IMPORTANT IN OUR THREE-DIMENSIONAL WORLD DOESN’T SEEM IMPORTANT WHEN YOU’RE WALKING THE CAMINO.

and Christian architecture and the ornate influence of the Spanish themselves. One may sit at the end of the day in a small church to unwind, having dispensed with backpack and boots, and be captured by the architecture alone, without consideration of the spirituality which seems to flow through the veins in such places. The way stretches over hill and dale to Santiago, some 800 km away, to the Cathedral’s Christian celebration. Some pilgrims then venture on to “Finisterre”, to the “end of the Earth” to throw away or burn some item of clothing or boots as an acceptance that less is more and letting go of needed possessions is an ultimate sacrifice. (I did not do this, as I needed my boots and my gear for future walks, I figured!) In your view, what’s the historical significance of the Camino? The influence and experience of understanding the hunter-gatherers conversion to community and village life over the centuries; the myths that developed since the time of Christ, which are still believed throughout Northern Spain today in small insular hamlets. The still existing influences of the occult,

fact that in a changing world, materialism is a puff of smoke in the THE TRAVELLER, THE scheme of things. PILGRIM, CANNOT FIND I also learnt that other DEEP MEANING ON needs are somewhat THEIR JOURNEY (LIFE) more important than my UNTIL THEY ENCOUNTER own - in a sense, life is WHAT IS TRULY SACRED. not all about Doug. The Camino must have left a lasting impression on you, as you’ve now witchcraft and Christianity completed it three times. When did you in Spain today. The variety of architecture complete your second and third walk ... that exists throughout. Celebrations like the and did these differ greatly from your first “running of the bulls” and the link with the experience? killing of saints. The link with Christ and St. I returned to the Camino on the Portuguese James in Spain, the arts, music and economic route in 2015, as I already had a template in changes influenced me on my journey, which I my head for another book. What resulted was have documented in my story of The Way in my research on the miracles of Fatima, a journey writings. down the path of the Templar Knights, a brief When did you first walk this route - and romance that caused me to write in my next why did you decide to commit to this initial book about the differences between lust and journey? love and the lessons one must undertake as a My first Camino was in 2013 and was a consequence. letting go of much grief and personal baggage I returned in 2017 to recover after a long bout when my ex-wife left me after 28 years of of depression and anxiety in 2016. I did that marriage and my second eldest son committed journey for me i.e. my recovery back to mental suicide. I let go of a lot of pain and suffering health. It has resulted in another book, Santiago and through it was inspired to write a book of Traveller, which is my journey of The Way, poems and my first album of songs. It may never looking back on the first and second Camino have happened had I not walked The Way. and the benefit and lessons learnt therein. It has What did you discover about yourself (and led me to appreciate life in the now, friendships, others) on this first trek? family and the love of oneself and the so called I discovered a new sense of freedom and spirit that exists within us all. that what I thought I needed from a material You’ve written several books, poems and perspective was not essential in reality. “Less songs about your Camino experiences, is more”, so to speak, although in truth I still which are available to purchase on your website: caminoway.com.au - what do you don’t live that way but am conscious of the

most hope listeners and readers will learn/ experience through your words and music? There’s something about that walk that draws you back - it inspires creativity. It’s a real journey of awakening and enlightenment. What seems important in our three-dimensional world doesn’t seem important when you’re walking the Camino. There’s a sense of freedom that you don’t normally strike in the modern world. I’m not necessarily suggesting people do the actual Camino de Santiago, but to step out there and do something different, to think about where they’re at, and how their life is. Why would you encourage others to complete their own pilgrimage? I believe all peoples should get away from the known and step out into the unknown at some point in their lives. As stated by Phil Cousineau, “The traveller, the pilgrim, cannot find deep meaning on their journey (life) until they encounter what is truly sacred”. In truth, I see the doorway, but I am still climbing the mountain in that regard. Perhaps another Camino; what do you reckon? Thanks Doug. Interview: Jo Robinson. Visit: www.caminoway.com.au to contact Doug or to purchase his books and music.

Doug plans to hold a presentation in February (date to be confirmed) at Bookface, Port Macquarie, entitled, What is a Pilgrimage and Why Do It? Check Bookface’s social media for updates or contact Doug for further details. Greater Port Macquarie focus 81

FOCUS ON

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BUSINESS

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Business Minds with Jane Hillsdon of Dragonfly Marketing

BUSINESS MINDS

Michael

Ferguson Wauchope Vets

ichael, you are a vet and you have now owned and run the Wauchope Vets business for nine years. What was your background before moving to the area and buying this local business? I moved to Wauchope with my wife and our two-week-old baby, Charlie, after a good friend of mine recommended the business, Wauchope Vet Clinic, the town and the whole area! I had met my wife, Leisa while I was locuming and travelling in the UK, and during this time we had been thinking about what we wanted to achieve in life and where we wanted to raise our family. We took a leap of faith by moving to this region, as we didn’t know the area or have any close friends or family here. I think we chose very wisely! What do you love most about being a vet? I love the relationships I get to develop. When I get to know a pet and their owner, I get an insight into their relationship, and seeing that develop in its own unique way is really special. I have been very fortunate with my own pets over the years and gained so much support and so many life lessons from them. I am quite lucky as a vet to be able to contribute, nurture and support that bond through my work. It can be very emotionally challenging, which is tough at times, but overall, it is a very rewarding job. What are some of the biggest challenges that you face as a vet and as a business

owner? As a vet we are faced with emotionally tough cases for which you have to guide, support and help people through difficult times. We also need to be careful to not get pressured or emotionally blackmailed into making bad choices or providing unreasonable expectations. Many vets suffer from mental health issues due to the daily emotional toll we face. So as a business owner, we have to find ways to support our team of vets and nurses, as well as the pet owners, to achieve the best possible outcomes for all. It sounds easy, but it is certainly not! Managing and supporting our staff is essential for us to provide the service our dedicated pet owners require. Does seasonality affect your business and if it does, how do you plan your resources to manage this? We are extremely susceptible to seasonality! The weather has quite an effect on the type of cases we see. For example, an East Coast low can lead to more cats with bladder issues, itchy dogs with fungal skin infections, as well as more mastitis in dairy cows. This certainly provides variety in our day-today workload, so we need to have an adaptable and flexible team. The onset of warm weather brings about a 50% increase in our workload from one month to the next. This is a massive challenge for our business, as we need highly trained and capable staff year-round. Yet as a regionally based small business, we do not necessarily have access to casual or seasonal staff. There is a real vet shortage

Business is all about nationwide. We have been seek you out in the first building and fortunate to have attracted place. That requires maintaining and retained a great team you to actively listen relationships, yet all of vets and support staff, and develop a really inrelationships will evolve, which is something we are depth relationship with and nothing stays the same. very proud of. your clients, one that is What’s one thing that based on trust and open you wish someone communication. would have told you Make sure your before you embarked team is ready to service on being a business owner? that need really well. If you really believe that Get good marketing advice from the get-go! what you are doing and whatever you are Be very clear on what you stand for, your values recommending is in their best interest, your and your goals, and your brand should reflect business will endure. them clearly 100% of the time. This can help What are you hoping to achieve in business you make quick and clear decisions. this year? Business is all about building and maintaining We are reviewing our marketing and our relationships, yet all relationships will evolve, and online appointment booking, to make it easier nothing stays the same. for pet owners to see us. We are focusing on Keep adapting to change and be brave training and developing our team, so they enough to discard your old ideas in order to enjoy and thrive, while providing excellent vet keep your team fresh and focused on your care with an emphasis on what the pet owners clients’ needs. actually want. I also need to spend some time Never think you know it all, and mistakes are planning my next 10-year business plan. And finally, if you could invite three part of every journey, so seek out good advice business people to lunch, who would they and then listen very closely! be and why would you invite them? What do you think is the single most Well, I would love to have a hilarious, inspiring important factor in running a successful and enthralling lunch with lots of insightful, family-owned, regionally based business? determined, committed and resilient characters, Keeping my team and my family happy is so David Attenborough, Barack Obama, and essential, but all small businesses like ours must Anh Do would be my dream lunch. It would focus on what our clients actually need and have to be an eight-course degustation over want. many hours to do the company justice! It may not be as obvious as it appears, but Thanks for your time, Michael. you need to get to the crux of what made them Greater Port Macquarie focus 83

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MICHAEL MOWLE - PRESIDENT PORT MACQUARIE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

by the banking sector following the Banking Royal Commission last year. This has meant that finance is becoming harder to obtain for home loans, investment and business ventures. When the Royal Commission findings are handed down in February, banks may be in a position to ease current lending restrictions and allow a normalisation of borrowing conditions. The Government is acutely aware of the potential problem, and Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has recently encouraged banks to remain open for business and continue lending, to ensure the economy is not constrained unduly. A number of the banks have already begun campaigns addressing lending policy, and more are likely to follow suit.

Minding your

In Australia we have a semi-planned free enterprise economy, which means there is a certain level of Government intervention, regulation and taxation. For businesses to thrive, there needs to be a sensible balance between over regulation and no control, as well a reasonable level of revenue collection.

he early signs in 2019 is that there is a very real danger of over regulation and taxation constraining business activity and our overall economic wellbeing. This is due in no small part to our three tier government

system and the cumulative effects of increased Local, State and Federal Government intervention and revenue collection. The most serious and immediate problem is over reach and tightening of lending policy

The overlap of local, state and federal taxes, fees and charges, along with the compliance burden on business is of ongoing concern and debate. Local Government delivers services directly to private individuals and businesses, so it rightly maintains that its rates, fees and developer contributions are justified. The provision of local infrastructure is also funded by this revenue stream, and there are many local projects currently underway or in the planning phase. State Governments levy land tax, payroll tax and stamp duties. In recent times, a campaign by NSW Business Chamber has been instrumental in the NSW Government adopting a policy to reduce payroll tax over several financial years. However, the burden of stamp duty and land tax on individuals and businesses remains in place. In relation to housing affordability and construction

activity, a reduction or complete elimination of stamp duty would not only reduce costs, but also boost building activity. At the Federal Government level, the recent announcement of reduced tax rates for small business with a turnover of less than $50m is welcome news. This increases business confidence, frees up capital for expansion and creates more jobs as a result. A further measure needed is a reduction in personal taxation rates, which will address bracket creep and increase consumer spending. Recent data indicates wages growth and retail spending is virtually flat, so personal tax reductions would boost economic activity. Red tape and government regulation at all levels has long been a source of angst for the business community. In Australia with three levels of government we are more prone to overlapping and duplication than most other developed countries. In many instances, we find that where there is a State Government department and a compliance requirement, another similar department exists at the Federal Government level. The added problem is often a lack of synergy between bureaucrats at the various levels of government. If government departments could be slimmed down to achieve a balanced and appropriate level of intervention and regulation, the resultant savings would mean lower revenue streams were required, and hence a reduction in taxation rates on individuals and business could occur.

Delivering for the Hastings & Camden Haven Congratulations Kendall Tennis Club and Comboyne Ex-Services Club on securing Federal funding to expand and upgrade their local facilities.

Dr David GILLESPIE MP He Listens. He Cares. He Delivers.

Authorised by Dr David Gillespie MP, Nationals Party of Australia, Cnr Hastings & High Streets, Wauchope NSW 2446.

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Increase your personal wealth N OVA S K I L L

If your plans for 2019 are to increase your personal wealth, increasing the profit in your business might help you achieve this. When it comes to increasing your personal wealth, taking an income from your business is a given. However, have you considered the positive affect that additional profits from your business may have on your personal wealth? This extra income could help increase your investment opportunities, pay additional money off your mortgage or simply pay for that overseas holiday that you have been dreaming about. So how do you know if there is scope to increase your personal wealth with business profits in 2019? Reviewing the following information may provide you with the answer to this. 1.

3. 4. 5. 6.

The key numbers in your business. What is your current profit? Is this a consistent figure year on year or does this fluctuate? What is your gross margin? If you were to increase your sales, how does this affect your overheads and ultimately your ability to increase your net profit? Your utilisation of current profit. Are you using it to live on or are you reinvesting it in the business? Is there an opportunity to invest some or all of your profit to increase personal wealth? If you are already investing your profit, are you using the most tax effective structure to invest it? Your remuneration. How are you being taxed on that remuneration? Is there any opportunity to reduce this tax rate? The absorption of increasing costs into your pricing. Are you increasing prices in line with inflation? Your existing overheads. When was the last time you conducted a thorough review of all of your costs? Business efficiencies. Is there any scope to increase operational efficiencies within your business that could save you time and money?

Novaskill is a not-for-profit organisation delivering training to meet your needs, whether you’re a student, a trainee or an employer. Novaskill are training specialists that focus on flexible delivery and skill development across a range of vocational education and training areas. For 36 years we’ve been servicing the needs of apprentices, trainees, employers and training participants. We have helped thousands of people gain a qualification, start a career, or develop new skills. We’re in the business of developing skills through:

• Working with individuals and community

• Pre-vocational training

If you would like further information on

• Apprenticeships and traineeships

Novaskill’s products and services or to discuss

• Skills training for people seeking to build their credentials in their current role, re-enter the workforce or change careers

your business training needs, please contact

groups to improve local assets, such as refurbishing Scout halls, sporting facilities and other community assets. Novaskill specialises in Traineeships, focusing on working with local business to train and develop new and existing staff, particularly in: • Community services • Business services • Hospitality • Transport and logistics • Construction and carpentry

us on 6500 1100 or email midnorthcoast@ novaskill.com.au

If you need any help in crunching the numbers in your business to help you understand how you can grow your business, the team at Wrights are happy to help. Anthony is a Partner at Wrights Chartered Accountants who has a passion for helping small businesses grow.

Accountants | Small Business Advisers | SMSF Advisers | Auditors

Advice for growth

www.wrightsca.com.au

P 6566 2200

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A L A N T I C K L E F R O M Y O U R H E R I TA G E

m ney matters. with Alan Tickle

IPN Valuers Property is our passion. Get property advice from people who have a passion and want to share it. Get the best advice - IPN advice.

Why would I reﬁnance my mortgage?

Jeff and Jeannie Rogers have been operating their local business for over 15 years and in order to continue to provide their valued clients with dedicated, local and experienced property valuation and consultancy services - recently, they have refocused their operation.

In the past, most people who took out a mortgage doggedly continued with it until they had paid it off. These days, people refinance their mortgage much more frequently. The average duration of a home loan in Australia now is just four - five years.

In order to remain a locally owned and operated business, rather than sell to a publicly listed valuation corporation, Jeff and Jeannie decided to help form a new regional network of locally owned offices, with common goals for maintaining bespoke valuation services with new technology and local client focus.

Here are some of the reasons people refinance their home loan.

The establishment of Independent Property Network “IPN”, incorporates the existing Wauchope office, along with offices in regional NSW, Queensland and Victoria. Rebranding to IPN Valuers provides the benefits of a “corporate” firm in relation to technology, quality assurance and collaborative regional advice, without forgoing the benefits of having a locally owned business which will support the local community and that you can liaise with directly. It is through IPN Valuers that they will continue to offer professional and personalised property valuation and consultancy services from their Wauchope office.

Lower Interest Rate The most common reason for people to refinance their mortgage is to get a better deal. Renovation If you carry out renovations, it can make sense to refinance your mortgage and take out a construction loan, so you pay interest only as building progresses. Once construction is over, it might make sense to refinance your home loan again so that you consolidate the total amount you owe into a loan that minimises your interest bill. Home Equity Refinancing your mortgage with a home equity loan might let you tap into that extra equity. Contact Suzy today to find out more about refinancing your home loan. There is no cost to you for our service.

Interest rates are inﬂuenced by inﬂation and the buoyancy of an economy

ast week, I sat with a couple who have become new clients. They became totally self-funded after selling their Sydney property and investing the surplus money in bank deposits.

They soon worked out that getting 2% from their bank deposits was well short of the 4% they needed to meet their income needs. It was also pointed out that on the death of one of them, the survivor might fall into a tax bracket. Our discussion demonstrated the link between prevailing interest rates to inflation and how investors generally struggle if relying just on fixed interest. Because the investment money came from the sale of their home and they met downsizer contribution rules, we managed to establish a superannuation account with part of the proceeds to fund tax fee account based pensions, thus removing the potential of future income tax. By employing diversified assets, the expectation is that their capital will be maintained long term, and income needs easily met. The rules around making a downsizer contribution include placing the money within 90 days of the property sale being completed. Patience is a Necessary Virtue when Investing My son, Jonathon had just finished reviews with three different clients who had been clients of mine for over 20 years, when he walked into my office to remark how well educated the clients were financially. You see, all three clients were able to re-quote what was said to them all those years ago when their diversified portfolios were established, demonstrating that there was trusted communication and acceptance of what was recommended. All three had experience the highs and lows of markets and the inherent volatility that at times comes with the territory of being invested. Rather than just parking money and suffering from the challenge of declining interest rates, they benefited through increased capital and growing income. Having a strategy is vital when it comes to funding retirement, but patience and resilience when equity or property markets take a battering is essential for investors to reap the reward of being invested, rather than being literally parked and at the mercy of interest rates. A future edition of “Money Matters” will talk about “downsizer rules” and some associated strategies. This information and advice is of a general nature only and no reliance should be placed on the information before seeking individual advice from a Financial Planner and Taxation Adviser to ensure the appropriateness to individual circumstances. Alan Tickle, Jonathon Tickle and Your Heritage Financial Planning are both authorised representatives of Securitor Financial Group AFSL 240687 ABN 48009189495.

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Home Security a l l

t i m e

g l a s s

Summer is here, and the holiday season just around the corner. It’s the time of the year to look at the security of your home, whilst still allowing those summer breezes in. Here at All Time Glass & Aluminium, we can help you achieve this.

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 requirements. Black fittings are the new fashion when it comes to bathrooms, and now we can also supply a black framed shower screen to match these fittings. An inferior mirror - or one that is poorly placed, wrongly sized, optically inferior or damaged - will attract the wrong attention until the day it’s replaced. We can custom cut a new framed or

frameless mirror to match any décor. Do you supply and install new windows and doors? Yes, we do. If you are renovating or just replacing old windows and doors for new ones, we specialise in this type of work. We also specialise in Queensland 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 do you provide, and what area do you service? We offer a large range of products and services, including installation of dog doors into glass or screen doors, all types of glass and mirror cut to size, coloured glass splashbacks, sliding wardrobe doors, all commercial work and shopfronts. We also do repair work to existing glass doors and windows and offer a 24 hour glass replacement service. We cover the entire Hastings Valley from Laurieton and Kendall in the south out to west of Wauchope and as far north as Kempsey. Do you provide a price guarantee? Yes. We will match or beat any competitors’ pricing on all comparative 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.

Paul Gee Aussie Broker

More than 50%* of home buyers use the services of a mortgage broker. 6584 5500 0456 826 590 5/111 William Street Port Macquarie NSW 2444

*Source: Deloite Access Economics Value of Mortgage Broking July 2018. Aussie is a trade mark of AHL Investments Pty Ltd. Aussie is a subsidiary of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124. © 2019 AHL Investments Pty Ltd ABN 27 105 265 861 Australian Credit Licence 246786. Greater Port Macquarie focus 89

focusinterview.

Patrick Lockwood is a force to be reckoned with in the basketball world … passionately dedicated to the sport both on and off court, his hard work and talent paid off with a recent invitation to visit the USA to participate in the West Coast’s College Basketball Showcase. Patrick’s future is bright, with his visit to the States culminating in multiple offers from some leading schools …

i Patrick. Tell us a little about yourself, family, and connection to the Port Macquarie area. I’m 16 and was born in Port Macquarie; I’ve been raised here with my parents and older brother. My mother’s heritage has gifted me with being half German; therefore, we visit my grandparents and cousins in Germany every two years or so. I am currently doing my senior studies at MacKillop College. What first led to your interest in basketball? My family’s history of athletic and talented basketball players was a large influence. My father, Brad Lockwood, and his father, Carl, both had tremendous success playing basketball in their high school years. However, the greatest influence would be my brothers’ achievements in basketball. After I had figured out the rules, I knew this sport was something I could spend a lot of time playing. I still wouldn’t have anticipated that just a year later I would drop my ex-favourite sport, soccer, to solely pursue my passion for basketball. What teams have you regularly played with - and what are your preferred positions on the court? I began playing in Port Macquarie and went on to represent the association, reaching the State Championships in my first and third year. For the past two years I have played with the Bellingen Braves, making the finals both years. I’ve been well supported and welcomed here, and for that I am truly grateful. I also have no set position. I’m a basketball 90 Greater Port Macquarie focus

MY WEEKLY TRAINING SCHEDULE INCLUDES TWO HOURS OF AGILITY TRAINING WITH A PERSONAL TRAINER AND THREE ADDITIONAL HOURS OF MY OWN FITNESS WORK AT HOME.

player and play wherever the team or coach needs me. As well as these state basketball achievements, prior to the Christmas break my MacKillop College School Team came fourth in the National Australian All Schools Championships held in Melbourne. What’s your normal training schedule look like during playing season? During the season, I travel four - eight hours each week to and from Coffs Harbour to train. My weekly training schedule includes two hours of agility training with a personal trainer and three additional hours of my own fitness work at home. I also do four hours of my own on-court basketball training a week. You were invited to attend the USA last year to participate in the West Coast’s College Basketball Showcase. How did this opportunity come about? Three years ago, I attended an elite level basketball camp in Sydney that was promoted as an opportunity to experience training with NBA trainer and talent scout Matthew Conboy, who is known as the top skills trainer in the US. Following the camp, I chose to keep in contact with Matt and strengthen our relationship. This connection provided me with greater access to top level US drills and enabled Bellingen Association to invite Matt to Australia on multiple occasions. His trips to the land down under afforded Bellingen and Coffs Harbour players the same incredible experience I had training with Matt.

P A T R I C K

After Matt’s most recent visit, he invited me to come to the USA to attend this renowned West Coast College Show Case. It didn’t take long for me to realise that this was an opportunity that only comes around once in a lifetime. How long did you spend in the USA ... and what did you get to experience there? Upon landing in Portland, I found it difficult to comprehend that I was officially on U.S soil. My father accompanied me on the trip, which lasted 10 days. Matt organised each venue and even arranged for us to stay with him and his amazing family. The first few days included a tour of the incredible campuses and training facilities at Portland State University (Division 1) as well as Linfield College (Division 3), where coach Jon Willis invited us to watch their team train. Next came a visit to the Nike World Headquarters. John Olinger, who works in the Kobe Bryant shoe and advertising department, took us to different sections on the campus that included the Michael Jordan Building, an extensive Nike gym and basketball court, and even gave us a 40% discount off everything in the Nike Employee Store. In the following days, I visited the Columbia River and Woodrow Wilson High schools. At both schools I competed against senior players in open gym trainings and even attended a College game to witness a US National three point record game. The Max Hoops College Showcase, run by

Brant Minor, was in the last two days of our trip. The camp hosted eight current college coaches who trained and recruited players, due to the fact that only the top players from Oregon, Washington, and California attended. At the end of the camp, I was honoured to be the first Australian to be selected in the All Star Team and competed in a game made up of the best players at the camp. Following the camp, my father and I capped off our last night by attending and watching an NBA game between the Portland Trailblazers and Boston Celtics. Now that you’re back on Aussie soil and you’ve had a chance to reflect on your trip, what are your future goals? Upon my return to Australia, I have had six offers from high schools in four different states. These include an offer from the 2017/18 Oregon State Champions. I am currently considering which school is right for me, as my ultimate goal is to play college ball in the U.S. Whom would you like to thank/ acknowledge for helping you with your basketball journey so far? I wish to thank: my family. My brother, for kicking my butt whenever we played against each other in our driveway. My friend and personal trainer, Ksandros. Stewart, the man who pushed me even in times when I thought I had nothing left. The Bellingen Basketball Association, for welcoming me with open arms. Most importantly, I want to thank Matt Conboy, for giving me this unbelievable experience and my father, for making me the player and man I am today. Thanks Patrick. All the best! Interview: Jo Robinson.

Congratulations St Agnes’ Parish Secondary Schools

On outstanding results in the 2018 NSW Higher School Certificate

Isobel Berryman Isobel Berryman achieved the Hastings’ highest HSC result in 2018 with an ATAR of 99.35.

health, perhaps in physiotherapy, to develop her pathway to medicine.

She was acknowledged as a NSW HSC All Rounder and also received a nomination for Callback, the HSC showcase for Dance.

Reflecting on her time at MacKillop College, Isobel says she learned the importance of good people skills and strong relationships through the school’s encouraging atmosphere.

Topping the Lismore Diocese in 5 subjects – Advanced and Extension 1 English, Biology, Studies of Religion II and Dance – Isobel was glad to have shared her HSC journey with twin brother Tom. “I tend to stress a bit but Tom’s calmness helped me keep the balance. I would not have been able to do it without him or any of my teachers,” says Isobel. “Some of the exams I thought I had done my worst in, I actually did my best in, so it goes to show, you should never give up.” Isobel’s long-term career goal is to be a doctor but in 2019, she will study something in allied

MacKillop College (02) 6583 2632 www.pmaclism.catholic.edu.au

She particularly enjoyed her senior years and getting to know the teachers. Isobel’s advice for future HSC students, especially her younger sister Ruby, is ‘do what you love and you’ll love what you do; and, if you get knocked down, get back up and keep on trying.’

Emily Shelley Emily Shelley says she found her HSC exams hard so she was pleasantly surprised when she gained an ATAR of 98.05 and made the State All Rounders merit list. Placing first in Lismore Diocese for both Ancient History and Geography, Emily also achieved the top band for her others subjects (Advanced English, Mathematics and Studies of Religion II). Emily who lives at Telegraph Point, is an active member of St Agnes’ Parish, altar serving at St Bernard’s Church and reading at the Sunday evening Youth Mass at St Agnes’ Church. She says making a bit of time to ask for help through prayer and looking after her spiritual self was important during Year 12.

Emily has set her sights on studying International Relations and Journalism at the University of NSW. She says the opportunities she had to get involved in a whole range of community service, sport and cultural activities at St Joseph’s Regional College, helped her find a field of study about which she was passionate. “The College really helped me grow as a person, there are so many people to help you achieve your goals – I loved the relationships I developed.” “I really appreciated the support and advice of my teachers, especially Mrs Tinsey, our Careers Adviser,” says Emily.

“It’s important to remind yourself that it’s ok to have a break from study, to hit your refresh button,” says Emily.

St Joseph’s Regional College (02) 5525 4100 www.pmreglism.catholic.edu.au Greater Port Macquarie focus 91

focus_tech

WITH GAVIN MORONEY

Head BACK TO SCHOOL Tech

GONE ARE THE DAYS OF GETTING THE BUS TO SCHOOL WITH YOUR DISCMAN, A SINGLE HB PENCIL, FRESHLY FILM PROTECTED BOOKS THAT YOU CAN’T HELP BUT GET BUBBLES IN AND IMPRESSING YOUR MATES WITH THE LATEST IN CASIO CALCULATORS. SCHOOL HAS ENTERED THE TECH AGE AND GOING BACK TO SCHOOL CAN BE A LITTLE DAUNTING, BUT I HAVE FOUND SOME HELPFUL AND BUDGET FRIENDLY BACK TO SCHOOL TECH. WD MY PASSPORT HARD DRIVE The WD My Passport lets you store a heck of a lot of data in your pocket, without emptying it of cash. It may not be as fast as some brands like Lacie, but will be plenty fast enough for students on the go. You have the options of 1 TB through to 4 TB, so you will have enough space to be storing files long into your uni days. So not to confuse a single drive, the WD comes in an array of hues, so you can find something to fit your style or to use multiple drives and colour code each subject. You have the option of USB 3 or USB type C, so whether you use PC or Mac, the WD will be the right fit for you.

through high school and uni at a great price.

LAPTOP Now, this can be a very confusing task and with each individual having different budgets, I couldn’t just have a single laptop on this list.

GeForce GTX 1050Ti with 4 GB GDDR5 will

We start off with a very budget friendly option in the Lenovo Ideapad D330 10” 2-in-1 Laptop. It sits somewhere between a laptop and tablet, so you are getting the best of both worlds. You won’t be getting the latest and greatest specs with this one but some of the key features are the Intel Core Celeron (1.10 GHz - 2.60 GHz), 4 GB of RAM and USB-C. This will be more than capable of handling all of the day to day tasks required 92 Greater Port Macquarie focus

A step up and mid range laptop would be the 13 inch Apple Macbook Air. The 13-inch MacBook Air features 8 GB of memory, a fifthgeneration Dual-core Intel Core i5 processor, Thunderbolt 2, and an all-day battery life. I think this is the perfect companion for anyone studying and will last you well beyond your uni years. I am currently writing this on my 2010 Macbook Pro, if that’s anything to go by. For those needing some of the best specs on the market, you can’t go past the Dell XPS 15” touchscreen. The 8th Generation Intel® Core i7-8750H Processor, 16 GB of ram and NVIDIA handle almost anything you put it through and would be perfect for any students who are avid gamers in their downtime. With any laptop you choose, it might be a good idea to go and get yourself a bluetooth mouse. They will fit any budget and with most of them being wireless these days, they are super portable and perfect for on the go. My personal favourite is the Logitech M720 Triathlon. It fits nicely in the hand and works exactly how you would expect it to, with a really long battery life.

focus_contributor - Travel Editor Susie Boswell.

Port Macquarie Travel This guided tour of Northeastern United States and Canada begins in New York City - the “Big Apple”.

YOUR TOUR INCLUDES

Throughout your journey, you will visit Washington DC, head to Pennsylvania and visit the Amish countryside. You will experience majestic Niagara Falls, enjoy Lake Ontario and the cosmopolitan city of Toronto.

• Enjoy one-night’s accommodation at Rydges Sydney airport on the 16th September

Visit Ottawa, the capitol of Canada, enjoy the French-Canadian province in Québec City. Arrive in Boston to take in the sights and enjoy your guided tour of New England. You will finally extend your journey with a two-night stay in New York City, with the opportunity to take onboard more sightseeing. This holiday highlights the best of the northeast, with natural and historical discoveries that you don’t want to miss!

• Port Macquarie to Sydney return flights with Qantas

• International return flights with Qantas from Sydney • Breakfast daily and four dinners during your tour The tour will be fully escorted from Port Macquarie by Annette Joyce, who has escorted our Canada and Alaska tour previously and is looking forward to this amazing trip to Eastern USA and Canada. Included is an extended stay in New York one night before the tour and four nights after the tour. For more information, please call 6583 1422 and speak to the team at Port Macquarie Travel.

FOMO? If so, go solo

olidays barely over, the new year brings with it dreams of travel to yet more destinations. But what if you’re procrastinating, without a travelling companion, yet keen to lock in dates, book and go? Fear of missing out on your own window of opportunity – be it a precious gap year, peak season for skiing or the best climate – can leave just one option: go your own way and do it alone. The past decade has seen tour operators identify the solo tourist market as one for catering to, or exploiting, but mainly mere token efforts to offer realistic value options or significantly reduce the costly “single supplement”. Many purport to sell a singles ticket but it’s soon evident this means sharing sleeping quarters with a - same sex but nevertheless - stranger. Then too, packages such as “Pay 1, fly 1 free” and consolidator offerings for two or more have only proliferated. Gradually, though, singles are nudging their way into being fully recognised as an important sector. Equally, tourists of all ages are now more prepared to strike out solo; modern attitudes see them no longer subject to so much pointing, prying and the pity of fellow travellers. And eager to enjoy the benefits of an individual itinerary: among them, no conflicting agenda with a partner and the freedom to explore on your own terms - change plans, stay longer, leave earlier, add a stopover - at personal whim, no one else to consider. Prominent travel writer Ben Groundwater this month has published Go Your Own Way, (Hardie Grant RRP $29.99) a manual of essential tips and tricks for successful voyaging as a “loner”. The volume covers all the basics and, while inclined toward the first-time traveller, school-leaver or young backpacker, nevertheless constitutes a useful pre-travel checklist and on-the-road aide-memoire for older venturers too – who, newly divorced or widowed perhaps, might not have travelled widely in the past. For all comers, the practical advice is interspersed with author anecdotes of his experiences while travelling alone: “the people you meet along the way” ... somewhat counterintuitively then,

how to link up with others. But the stories create an inspiring scenario to remind readers of the serendipitous encounters travellers can have (and that could occur when travelling as a couple or in a group, as well.) They encourage expectation and may well strengthen confidence to set out solo. The book includes detailed profiles of ten world cities and how to attack them alone: when to go; where to stay, eat and drink; what to do. Ideal for eager young adventurers. Another just-released publication is a superb primer for those new to cruising and seasoned cruisers alike. (Solo travellers: cruising’s the group you have when you’re not having a group: sail on your own terms, yet surrounded by the security of fellow passengers.) The Cruise Handbook, by travel experts Lonely Planet, $29.99, includes a concise but valuable section on cruising for singles ready to mingle and lists cruise lines offering studio rooms for solo sailors. In general, take care to check “solo” packages carefully: still many holidays billed “for singles” don’t mean single accommodation. Many follow youth operator Contiki’s formula of batching single travellers into roommate duos or bunk/ dorm groups, with a hefty supplement for your own room. Intrepid Tours, currently highlighting solo specials, is worth investigating. It’s designed group tours it insists may be booked strictly by singles only. If you’re a couple/group Intrepid says you can follow the same itinerary but not on the singles group tour. Again, these solo specials will pair you with a same-sex roommate but most allow for you to specify a private room. An example given seems reasonable: eight days in India including Delhi, Jaipur and Agra (Taj Mahal) in 2019 is from $975 for singles sharing, an extra “from” $225 for your own room. While hostels have always welcomed single youngsters, a solo travel prospect for mature travellers is B&B accommodation. Many cooking and language schools market themselves to singles, too, although the basic cost can be high. MAIN PICTURE courtesy Intrepid Travel.

WIN a copy of Go Your Own Way.

Describe in 30 words who you’d like this book for, and why. Game of skill. Prize awarded for the answer judged the best. Email by 17.2.19: Travel Editor, sunconsulting@ozemail.com.au

Greater Port Macquarie focus 93

2019 SPORTS & ACTIVITIES • PORT MACQUARIE INDOOR STADIUM •

Badminton

Multisports Social Comp

Volleyball Social Comp

Starts Back: Thursday 7th February 2019 Mixed competition When: Every Thursday from 5.50pm Team Registration: $100 Team Game Fee: $60 Contact: 6583 2501 or portstad@big xpond.net.au

Starts Back: Tuesday 12th February 2019 When: Every Thursday From 6.00pm Team Registration: $100 Team Game Fee: $45 Contact: 6583 2501 or portstad@bigpond.net.au

Eastcoast Futsal

Basketball Club

Sprockets

Starts Back: Juniors – Monday 4th Feb Mixed – Tuesday 5th Feb Seniors – Wednesday 6th Feb Contact: futsaleastcoast@gmail.com

Starts Back: Juniors - Monday 18th Feb Seniors – Wednesday 20th Feb Aussie Hoops/Academy Thursday 21st Feb Contact: portmacquariebasketball@ gmail.com

Starts Back: Monday 4th February 2019 Sprockets - ‘Future Sporting Rockets’ is a multisport program for young children Contact: fun@sprocketsportmacquarie. com.au

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Starts Back: Friday18th January 2019 Social - Tuesday: 5.15pm - 7.15pm + Fridays: 6pm - 8pm Seniors Friday: 9.15am - 11.15am Cost: Adults $9 + Students/Seniors: $6 Equipment Supplied, No Partner Required Contact: 6583 2501 or portstad@Bigpond.net.au

School Holiday Program Dates: 15th – 26th April 2019 $25 Per Child/Per Day Hours: 8.30am-5pm Age: Primary School Age Lots of activities to keep the kids amused! Contact: 6583 2501 or portstad@bigpond.net.au

PMQ Gymnastics Club

Port Macquarie Performing Arts

The Dojang (Martial Arts)

Starts Back: Wednesday 30th January 2019 Contact: 6584 3373 or pmqc@midcoast.com.au

Starts Back: Tuesday 29th January 2019 Contact: 6583 3753 or admin@pmperformingarts.com

Starts Back: Tuesday 29th January 2019 Contact: thedojang.com.au

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

The New Mercedes-Benz

NGINE & PERFORMANCE The new C 200 boasts a 135 kW/280 Nm 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol with what Benz calls a “mild hybrid” function. This isn’t a hybrid with an electric motor driving the wheels; it’s an electrical system which is able to provide an additional 10 kW/160 Nm when accelerating. Known as the “EQ Boost”, the system also allows the C 200 to coast at a constant speed if the driver takes their foot off the accelerator. The battery is then re-charged when braking. The C 220 d offers a diesel alternative, and its new 2.0-litre engine now makes 18 kW more power at 143 kW and the same 400 Nm of torque. The C 300’s 2.0-litre turbo four has had a 10 kW increase, taking power to 190 kW, while peak torque is still 370 Nm. Also getting a power bump is the C 43, and its 3.0-litre V6 petrol is now good for 287 kW (up from 270 kW) while torque stays at 520 Nm. The C 43 uses Mercedes-Benz’s “4Matic” all-wheel drive system, while every other grade, including the C 63 S, is rear-wheel drive. The C 63 S still makes an impressive 375 kW and 700 Nm. The C 200, C 220 d, C 300 and C 43 all use the same nine-speed automatic transmission, while the C 63 S uses an “AMG Speedshift 9G”, which is a nine-speed dual-clutch auto. FEATURES Pride of place in the new C’s cabin is a significant upgrade in displays - the combination of a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and 10.25inch media display with Apple CarPlay and Google’s Android Auto are included. Touch-sen-

Australia’s favourite mid-size luxury car, THE MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS SEDAN, WAGON, COUPÉ AND CABRIOLET RANGE, HAVE NOW ARRIVED AT MERCEDES BENZ PORT MACQUARIE with a range of improvements and features. sitive controls are used on the steering wheel for the first time. These “allow the driver to navigate both digital displays using similar swiping gestures to a smartphone, encouraging the driver to keep both hands on the wheel at all times”. Standard features, starting with the C 200 and C 220 d, include “Artico” upholstery, reversing camera, shifting paddles, dual-zone climate control, aluminium roof rails on the Estate, LED headlights, 64-colour ambient lighting and 18-inch alloy wheels. The C 300 has the C 200’s features and adds leather upholstery, privacy glass (coupe only), proximity key and 19-inch alloys. The C 300 also gains the “Driving Assistance Package”. The C 43 picks up the C 300’s equipment and adds an enormous list of its own gear, including a new AMG steering wheel, brushed stainless steel pedals, Burmester 13-speaker stereo, heated sports front seats, head-up display, wireless charging, intelligent LED headlights, panoramic sunroof, black roof racks on the Estate, analogue clock and 19-inch AMG alloy wheels. Metallic paintwork is also part of the C 43’s standard features list, which includes “Obsidian Black”, “Iridium Silver”, “Mojave Silver”, “Cavansite Blue”, “Emerald Green” and “Brilliant Blue”, but you’ll have to pay for “Hyacinth Red”, which is a sort of candy apple red. Noncost colours for the lower grades are non-metallic black and “Polar White” non-metallic. The C 63 S adds to the C 43’s equipment list with its own AMG steering wheel, illuminated door sills, digital TV tuner, nappa leather upholstery, an electronic rear differential lock, 19-inch alloys in matte black with high-sheen rim, plus high-performance brakes with red calipers.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE: Starting off in the C 200, the steering is well weighted and accurate, offering a better sense of connection to the road compared to some of its prestige rivals. The steering wheel itself feels good to hold, too - and this is on the base car. Driver and passenger seats have multiple adjustments to get the fussiest of drivers comfortable, the vision all-around is excellent and then there’s the engine, which is perfectly adequate. 1.5 litres sounds small, but the output is almost the same as the previous 2.0-litre and the 48 Volt EQ Boost hybrid system does provide just enough of a kick to get you away from the traffic lights or overtake without any lag. The hybrid system’s coasting function is excellent - take your foot off the accelerator and your revs drop to zero, but the car will maintain its speed. When you brake, the battery is recharged, so you’ll have the extra grunt again when you need it. Next up - the C 43. Sitting just idling, the C 43 sounds sedate, but that’s with the exhaust note and engine in the Comfort setting. It means you can pull into your street at night or start it up early in the morning without waking up the entire neighbourhood. Put it in Sport, and the twin-turbo petrol V6 snarls and crackles as you shift through the gears. It’s not as vicious as the V8 C 63 S, but that’s the appeal of the C 43 - it’s a milder form of the C 63. With fantastic turn-in, all-wheel drive offering superb traction and great grip from the Continental ContiSportContact rubber (225/40 R19s front, 255/35 R19 at the back), a smooth-shifting nine-speed, impressive brakes and that turbo V6, which pulls the car heroically out of corners.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST (excludes on roads and options)

Mercedes Benz C 200 Range 135 kW/280 Nm C 200 Sedan - $63,700 C 200 Estate - $66,200 C 200 Coupé - $68,300 C 200 Cabriolet - $88,900

Mercedes-Benz C 220 d range 143 kW/400 Nm C 220 d Sedan - $65,200 C 220 d Estate - $67,800

Mercedes-Benz C 300 range 190 kW/370 Nm C 300 Sedan - $71,800 C 300 Estate - $74,300 C 300 Coupé - $85,800 C 300 Cabriolet - $102,600

Mercedes-AMG C 43 range 287 kW/520 Nm C 43 4MATIC Sedan - $108,600 C 43 4MATIC Estate - $111,100 C 43 4MATIC Coupé - $112,600 C 43 4MATIC Cabriolet - $125,700

Mercedes-AMG C 63 S range 375 kW/700 Nm C 63 S Sedan - $160,900 C 63 S Estate - $163,400 C 63 S Coupé - $165,900 C 63 S Cabriolet - $184,000

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Retire like you mean it At Lincoln Gardens Retirement Village

At Lincoln Gardens, the name says it all. Our retirement village sits on five acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, only minutes from Port Macquarie CBD and the natural beauty of the coastline. We offer 2 and 3 bed villas, each with its own garage and well-maintained outdoor area. With only 54 boutique villas in total, it’s the perfect place to retire in a fun-loving, close-knit community. We have lots of activities and groups to join, like Mah Jong and a Snooker club, and our homes and communities are pet-friendly too. Your retirement, your way. At Lincoln Gardens, all you need to worry about is how to best enjoy your day. That’s because: •

All home maintenance is taken care of

•

We have a team of dedicated gardeners

•

Clubhouse with Library and Hairdresser onsite

•

There are lots of groups and activities to join

•

The village is close to the shopping centre and hospital

•

24 hour emergency call system

If you’d like a retirement that’s a little less garden-variety, come and discover Lincoln Gardens Retirement Village for yourself. We’re open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday – Just contact us on Freecall 1800 72 71 70 to schedule an appointment.

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Freecall 1800 72 71 70 stocklandretire.com.au

Lasiandra C THE 2019

Wauchope

festival

Mystery Winery Tour, Mini-railway Family Fun Day, Purple People Market Day, Greyhound and Horse Race Days the 35th Annual Wauchope Lasiandra Festival has something for all the family!

elebrated every March, the festival sees Wauchope come alive to celebrate its floral emblem, the Lasiandra. Beautiful specimens are dotted around the town and surrounds in full bloom over the month of March. Festival Secretary Chrissy Jones told us just what is in store for festival-goers in 2019. In its 35th year, the Wauchope Lasiandra festival continues to be an event with something for everyone. A few of the events are a wine tour, market day, purple parkrun, and golf and bowls events at Wauchope Country Club.

On Saturday 9th March, the Hastings Valley Miniature Railway Club will hold a â€œFamily Fun Dayâ€? at Yippen Creek Reserve. Young and old can ride the mini-rail for just $2. There are a couple of rules to ride; you must wear covered shoes and a smile! Wauchope Lions Club will be holding a sausage sizzle, or bring along a picnic lunch. Saturday the 16th from 7am will see the second Purple Wauchope parkrun @ Rocks Ferry Reserve. This community event goes a little crazy with purple. See http://www. parkrun.com.au/wauchope/ for more info. The Mystery Winery Tour will be held on Sunday 17th March, with the bus departing from Lasiandra Park and touring some local wineries for tastings and a BBQ lunch. If readers are wanting to join in the fun, you

need to book your seat asap - cost is $55 per person. Book by phoning 0412 137 621. Purple People Shopping and Market Day is on again! The CBD of Wauchope comes alive in a sea of purple. There will be market stalls on the sidewalk and Purple People Day specials from participating businesses dotted about the CBD. Any market stall enquiries should be directed to Secretary Chrissy on 0412 137 621. Booked sites only. The Lasiandra Committee encourages business houses to get into the swing of things by decorating their window fronts and premises. Staff are also invited to dress up in the purple theme. There have been some fantastic costumes over the years! This is an event not to be missed; mark your calendars - Thursday 14th March. For a full list of events for the 2019 Wauchope Lasiandra Festival, check out the website - lasiandrafestival.com.au - like our Facebook page or pick up a festival program from one of our supporting business houses in Wauchope. Any enquiries: 0412 137 621.

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YOUR MORNING WALK IS CALLING.

POZIÈRES VILLAGE Lighthouse Beach

Ocean Drive, Port Macquarie

NEW HOMES FROM

$530,000 Independent Living for Over 55s Featuring single-level 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom homes plus study, attached garage and including: • • • • • •

Clubhouse BBQ area Mini Golf Pet-friendly Bowling green Swimming pool

• • • • •

Village bus for outings Café Social outings In-home care services Attractive, well-maintained gardens

STAGE 1 of Pozieres Village with 37 new homes will be ready to occupy in mid-2019

DEPOSITS NOW BEING TAKEN – CONTACT US TODAY

OPENING SOON! RETIREMENT LIVING & AGED CARE HOME

Pozieres Village & Arthur Blackburn VC Gardens Aged Care Home Enquiries 6584 1258 or visit rsllifecare.org.au for more information and floor plans

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Greater Port Macquarie focus 73

focusinterview.

Big

TEA

There aren’t many of us who haven’t been affected by cancer in some way. Port Macquarie Uniting Church will host a Big Morning Tea event on March 20, with special guests including Janet Kesby from the Flamin’ Dragons Port Macquarie Dragonboat Club. The morning tea aims to raise funds for cancer research, and to pay homage to those who have been lost to, or who are currently battling, the disease …

LYN BUCKLEY AND SUE CARTER, CAMDEN HAVEN DRAGONS, MEMBERS OF AUSSIE DRAGONFLIES.

JANET KESBY AFTER A TRAINING RUN.

i Janet. What local dragon boat club/s are you affiliated with? In 2005, I joined Flamin’ Dragons Abreast Club for breast cancer survivors/ supporters - a small group, who struggled to fill a boat for a run. It became obvious that we were not viable as a club. So in 2008, Flamin’ Dragons Port Macquarie formed as a sports club affiliated with DB NSW. I volunteered as Treasurer from 2005 until 2010. As a regular paddler, I competed in local regattas, and at Darling Harbour. With the Coffs Coast team, Titivators, I paddled in 2011, Wellington NZ. Each June, our Club hosts a Regatta. Flamin’ Dragons hold regular fundraising events throughout the year. Why did you become involved with dragon boating? A newspaper report alerted me to the Flamin’ Dragons Abreast Club in 2004 on their return from Singapore. As a breast cancer survivor twice over, I felt this could be for me. I played tennis, but a new sport and the possibility of group overseas travel appealed to me. Further reports about participation in the Relay for Life gave me the chance to attend the rally to meet with them. As a result, I soon had a trial paddle at McInherney Park. I’ve been a paddler ever since! Please share with us a little about your personal cancer story. Mastectomies in 1991 and 1998 did not deter me from resuming my usual activities. Early detection with family support meant a good recovery. There were no breast care nurses in those days! In 2007 - another cancer, so after major surgery and

Fundraising events are six months of chemotherapy, I once As a cancer survivor three times necessary for several again resumed normal activities, over, there is a story to tell, so I am reasons. We need to let including paddling and tennis - a happy to attend the Big Morning people know that researchers little slower on the court! Thankfully, Tea. At fundraising events, I like are working to find ways to family, church family, friends and to play my part. We must all try to alleviate the effects of all supporters assisted me in my recovery. work together as a team to raise cancers. Education is also There is life after cancer! awareness and fundraise to find a very important. What are some of the cure. dragonboating achievements On March 20, the topics you’re most proud of? covered will be: Aussie Dragonflies Being part of a team is a special attendance in Florence, Italy, thing, so I do enjoy competing with my friends. I have 2018; benefits of dragonboating and exercise for cancer attended four International Breast Cancer regattas survivors; community participation. Caloundra, Australia 2007; Peterborough, Canada 2010; Thanks Janet. Sarasota, Florida 2014; and Florence, Italy, 2018. Each was Interview: Jo Robinson. special, with medallions to treasure and lots of memories. At Sarasota and Florence, our composite North Coast team (Ballina, Camden Haven and Port Macquarie breast cancer plug! survivors) Aussie Dragonflies won our Group Finals. I’m Wednesday 20th March 2019, 10am at the Uniting very proud of this (and so is our coach). Church, Sherwood Road, Port Macquarie. In Sarasota, Aussie Dragonflies won against my Devonshire morning tea - tickets $5 - can be daughter Julie’s team, Dragons Abreast Canberra, in the purchased at the door. Group Final by 0 .33 of a second! The program includes the 4 Grannies and the You and some of your fellow paddlers will be special Dragonboat Team ... who will share their story. guests at the Big Morning Tea event hosted by the Donations to the Cancer Research Fund will be gratefully Port Macquarie Uniting Church on March 20. Why is received on that day. it important to you to attend events of this kind? Many of us are cancer survivors; this morning tea is to Fundraising events are necessary for several reasons. We acknowledge those who have survived, to work toward need to let people know that researchers are working to a greater understanding of research and the need for find ways to alleviate the effects of all cancers. Education funding, and in remembrance of those who have lost the is also very important. Money is required to make research battle with cancer. happen. Greater Port Macquarie focus 99

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GRAPHIC DESIGNER + MUSICIAN

Six months ago, a new creative talent arrived in the Port Macquarie area … graphic designer and musician CRISTIAN IS THRILLED TO CALL PORT MACQUARIE HOME - AND WE’RE LUCKY TO HAVE HIM! Cristian’s managed to meld his love for both music and design into a fabulous yet continually evolving career … here, he shares what he’s been up to …

i Cristian. What brought you to Port Macquarie? Hi Jo! I’ve lived here for six months now, but my wife, Michelle, grew up in Port Mac then moved to Sydney, where I met her 15 years ago. We worked hard for many years, but then finally got over the stress of the city and lack of spare time to work on our creative projects and moved to Port to live a slower and more creative life. I think I almost feel like a “local” here, as I complain about the “traffic” ha ha. The people here are super friendly, and it’s such a beautiful part of the world - I feel totally humbled to be living here and enjoying the amazing beaches every day. What interest came first for you - music or graphic design? Music has always been in my blood. As a youngster, I learnt to play guitar with my dad, who supported our family as a professional Spanish guitarist. In school I got into visual arts, painting and drawing, then I realised I may not be able to make money off my art, so I applied for a graphic design course at Hornsby 100 Greater Port Macquarie focus

employed on a contract by TAFE and continued OH YEAH, THAT JOB WAS contract basis by Laneway from there into the THE BEST JOB I’VE EVER in Sydney to produce a magazine world. HAD. WORKING ON number of pieces of design Over the next ten FEATURE ARTICLES for their Laneway Festival years I worked for FOR U2, GANG OF - everything from artist Tracks Mag, Grazia, YOUTHS, PINK, ACDC, booklets to playing times, OK! Mag, Australian QUEENS OF THE brochures for punters to 50 Skateboarding STONE AGE WITH metres worth of fence art Magazine, FHM and EXCLUSIVELY SHOT PHOTOS design for their festival. various other smaller WAS A DREAM COME TRUE. publications, building Then for Chugg Entertainment, I’d work up my name in the for some of their touring publishing industry. You’ve been able artists, such as Sheppard to meld your love for both music and and Art Vs Science, and also for their country design into a fabulous career, which would music department, CMC, designing site maps, be the envy of many! Tell us a bit about tour booklets and promo for their CMC Rocks the various businesses, such as Chugg Festival in QLD. Entertainment and Laneway Festival, But overall, throughout the last 20 years I you’ve worked for over the years, and also got the chance to design for a variety of what your roles with these organisations other clients. I worked on packaging design involved ... for liquor companies, social media design After playing and loving music for many for Junkee media, menus for restaurants, gig years, I really wanted to find music-basedposters for venues and pubs, what’s on guides design work, so I reached out through the for print publications, wedding invitations industry contacts I’d made and picked up a and everything in between. I feel like there’s number of clients and bands. I was basically nothing I haven’t worked on ha ha.

You were also the Art Director for Rolling Stone Australia. You must have met some amazing entertainers and designed some fabulous content throughout this period. Who/what are some of the people and projects that most stick in your mind? Oh yeah, that job was the best job I’ve ever had. Working on feature articles for U2, Gang Of Youths, Pink, ACDC, Queens Of The Stone Age with exclusively shot photos was a dream come true. We also had a number of artists who came to our office to be filmed playing acoustic versions of their latest singles. Artists like Meg Mac, Vance Joy, WAAX and Citizin Kay playing to a four person audience was brilliant. We also got the chance to attend a number of private record label parties, where huge stars

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like Jack Johnston, Cloud Control and Good Charlotte played. But alas, all good things must come to an end, and the magazine was sadly shut down after the RS worldwide rights were bought out by a palm sugar billionaire. On the musical side of the equation, you’re a member of the band Food Court. Who are your fellow band members, and what singles are you most well-known for? So it’s me on vox/guitar, Lewey my best bro on vocals/bass, Niccy Jnr on drums and Dan on lead guitar. I’m actually trying to get them up to Port to play soon, fingers crossed. We’ve had a number of singles put on high rotation on triple j over the years, which is rad - songs like Slightest Brightest, 14 Years Young and For The Morning Morning. And, we were lucky enough to play some cool shows supporting Courtney Barnett at the Metro and Catfish and The Bottlemen at Oxford Art Factory. Food Court travelled to Austin, Texas, to play the South by Southwest music conference last year. What was this experience like?

PERSONALLY I WANT TO ENJOY THE BEACH AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE WITH MY WIFE AND SAUSAGE DOG. I’M PLAYING A

It was super hard LOT OF TENNIS AND work, but totally GOLF LATELY, WHICH amazing. We played I NEVER HAD TIME nine shows in five days, FOR IN SYDNEY, SO I’M which was a really fun REALLY STOKED TO BE but a hectically tiring LIVING IN THIS BEAUTIFUL time. It’s definitely a PART OF THE WORLD. good way to tighten up design and branding, Tim your live set, and it was Helmy a photographer, so great to play amongst videographer and DJ, and 1,000 other bands Adam Barbuto, a booking agent of music and and artists who were selected from around the events. We came up with the idea a few months world to play and showcase their music to the back, as we saw a gap in the market and international music industry. wanted to service the community with awesome I feel pretty blessed we were even selected, creative work. as over 20,000 artists and bands apply to play, No one was really running a hub of creatives and many aren’t successful. We ate tonnes of in the Hastings region, so we thought we could BBQ meat, partied at a radio owner’s castle, then start a one stop shop for any type of design, finished with run of shows in New York and photography events and music bookings. We Canada. had many ideas for the name, but settled at As if you weren’t already busy, you’ve Three Sixty Creative, as our address is 3/60 Lord also started a new business, THREE SIXTY St. Hit us up, as we’d love to hear from you! CREATIVE, locally. Who’s involved with this Your creative collaborations are many ... venture ... and what do you specialise in? but what are the plans for you on the solo It’s me doing all aspects of graphic/digital front? I’ve started a new solo project called FETES. It’s a mix of psych pop and electronica, which is really exciting, as it’s totally different to my music in Food Court. Basically, I’ll write a song then I get together with an electronic producer, and we produce the song together in the studio. I’ve been lucky enough to work with the super talented Curtis Kennedy (Kuren) and Lachy West (Walk The Moon) who really bring out new elements in my music that I never knew existed. It’s a really fun process, as I have complete control and can take the musical direction wherever I want - which rules. When we reach the end of 2019, what do you hope you will have achieved, professionally, personally and musically? Professionally I’m really keen to tap into the community with our company THREE SIXTY CREATIVE, by creating cool stuff for local people and businesses. I’m also starting a new quarterly

music night called Hot Tropics, as I saw there weren’t many regular “live original music” nights in Port. I’m keen to try and rally the music lovers out to see some new Mid North Coast bands and artists. The first event will be May 11 at The Loungeroom, with headliners Mar Haze (Central Coast), Royal Chant (Port), Seafome (Sawtell) and Ill Sylvestor (Newcastle). Musically I’ll be releasing three more singles in the coming months and hopefully release my debut album by the end of 2019, along with some touring around Australia, also working on some really artistic and interesting video clips. Personally I want to enjoy the beach as much as possible with my wife and sausage dog. I’m playing a lot of tennis and golf lately, which I never had time for in Sydney, so I’m really stoked to be living in this beautiful part of the world. Where can we find out more about you/ follow your artistic journey? I’ve just finished designing my new website for my design work, which you can check out here: www.cristiancampanodesign.com - it features a variety of work from over the years and even some new stuff I did for Festival Of The Sun here in Port Macquarie. For FETES you can find new singles on all the regulars, Spotify, iTunes and YouTube. Follow my musical creative process at my Facebook here: www.facebook.com/fetesmusic and Instagram here: www.instagram.com/fetesmusic. And here is one of most recent video clips. The newest one, Twenty Thirty Seven, was filmed on the seven hour train ride from Wauchope back to Sydney a few months back, when I visited my family back home in Sydney: https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=qCrw54DNUjE Thanks Cristian. Interview: Jo Robinson. Greater Port Macquarie focus 101

Greater Port Macquarie

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C & C Howard Contracting Pty Ltd

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The front balcony features

MODERN unique design

A spacious, modern residence, BOASTING BOTH FAMILY AND PRIVATE ZONES, FEBRUARY FOCUS HOME OF THE MONTH IS A MODERN, UNIQUE DESIGN built to perfection by C & C

Howard Contracting Pty Ltd.

hrissy Jones had the pleasure of viewing the home, found in the tranquil bushland setting adjacent to Emerald Downs Golf

Course. A split level design, built with meticulous attention to detail, the residence has a modern facade with striking angled roof lines. Incorporating a textured blend of exterior finishes, from grey toned brickwork, James Hardie Sycon horizontal

a timber deck, glass balustrade and 45 degree angled vertical slat screen panel walls; it is an eye-

wall cladding and leads to a four car white aluminium garage with auto panel catcher in the streetscape. framed windows, lift door installed by to the front Hastings Garage Doors. balcony featuring The drive, flanked by a timber deck, manicured lawns and glass balustrade and 45 degree angled garden beds mulched with river pebbles vertical slat screen panel walls, it is an eyeand planted out with the ownersâ€™ favourite catcher in the streetscape. - cacti and succulents - also leads to the An exposed aggregate concrete drive, exposed aggregate entry portico. expertly laid by Luke Seears Concreting,

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C & C Howard Contracting Pty Ltd

MODERN unique design

The adjoining tiled en-suite has a custom built wall

Entry to the home is via a timber and vertical opaque glass entrance door into the foyer that has timber-look vinyl flooring; all Heartridge luxury vinyl planks supplied and installed by Port Macquarie Carpetone & Home, adding a sophistication and warmth underfoot. To the right is internal access to the garage and workshop via a wooden cavity sliding door; to the left is a large vertical picture frame window enabling views to the garden. A void is created overhead, the ceiling height reaching to the second level, creating a spacious feel upon entry that continues throughout. 2ND LEVEL - MASTER BEDROOM, EN-SUITE, WALK-AROUND-ROBE, REAR DECK Ascend a masterfully crafted stairway that has a wooden handrail and porthole lighting installed for safety to the second level. Tread

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and risers are encased with vinyl planking and accented with aluminium strips. At the top of the stairs is a three directional landing, left to the master suite, forward to the outdoor deck, and right to the living area and family bedrooms. The master bedroom with en-suite and walkaround his/hers robe is luxurious. Having a bank of vertical windows that allow for direction of airflow and natural light, plus frame the golf course views, the master is a comfortable and a private retreat. Centrally placed to one side of the bedroom is a dividing wall that creates a walk-around-robe. It is a fantastic design, giving plenty of hanging and shelving space for both him and her. A highlight window allows natural light to illuminate the space. The adjoining tiled en-suite has a custom

mounted vanity with built wall mounted vanity steps, is the open plan above bench hand basin with above bench hand kitchen, dining and and vanity mirror above. basin and vanity mirror lounge. All combine above. A shower recess seamlessly to create and WC have been cleverly a wonderful space placed behind, with a tiled that boasts high raked dividing wall separating ceilings, adding to the each, adding privacy. spacious, relaxed vibe of the home. Relaxation zones are aplenty in this design, Ideal for the home cook, the kitchen is a one being the rear outdoor alfresco area. fantastic layout; everything is conveniently L-shaped, it is easily accessed via a glass sliding placed and readily at hand. An expansive door from the internal landing and features Essastone island bench sections the kitchen Merbau timber decking and easy step down from the living areas and also acts as a access to the rear yard. breakfast bar one side. Housed in the island is 3RD LEVEL - KITCHEN, DINING, LOUNGE, a deep, double stainless steel sink with flickBALCONY, FAMILY BEDROOMS, mixer, microwave nook and under bench soft BATHROOM AND LAUNDRY close storage drawers. Found right of the landing, up a set of three Custom built cabinetry wraps around the

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C & C Howard Contracting Pty Ltd

from the

OWNERS

Y island in an L-shape and has a centrally placed Westinghouse gas five burner cook-top and oven. Deep, soft close drawers are either side of the oven and a range hood is concealed above in the overhead cabinetry. Subway white tiling, from Tiles With Style your Colortile Store, and solid timber laminate shelving nooks that give a place to keep glassware and ornaments add a touch of style to this very functional kitchen. The kitchen is finished off nicely with a double doored pantry to house condiments and appliances. The adjacent dining/lounge room is a very comfortable space. Crisp, white walls give a clean, fresh look and accentuate the warmth of the vinyl plank flooring. A 5 m high raked roof line amplifies the

openness of the living area and continues on to the front balcony. Seamlessly opening out from the dining/lounge area, the balcony is another wonderful aspect of the home design - one that suits the owners to a tee. Sliding glass doors, with an expanse of high-light windows above, open onto the balcony. Offering a relaxed dining and a casual seating entertaining area, the 8 m x 4 m balcony has a frameless glass balustrade on the front and white powder-coated aluminium screens both sides. Positioned on a 45 degree angle, the screens add a touch of privacy and are visually pleasing. Completing the home on this level are three family bedrooms spaced out along a hallway that leads to the rear of the

home. The bedrooms are sectioned by a linen cupboard and family bathroom. All bedrooms are of a generous size, are fully carpeted, have ceiling fans and custombuilt wardrobes. They are serviced by the family bathroom, fitted out with a wall mounted vanity in the same theme as the master en-suite. A glass framed shower recess with grey floor and wall tiles is in contrast to the white floor to ceiling tiles on the remaining walls. Overall, the home is a wonderful design built with exacting precision by the C&C Howard Contracting team. It is suited to its owners, being both a private oasis for the couple and a comfortable, inviting home for their family and friends.

ou chose Chris Howard of C & C Howard Contracting Pty Ltd to construct your new home. How has it been working with Chris and his team? Chris and his team have been awesome to deal with from day one. Nothing was a problem for any of them. Would you recommend Chris to prospective home builders? We would highly recommend Chris and his team to anyone thinking of building.Chris is a quality builder, and our whole experience was stress free. What were the first steps when you began your new home journey? We gathered a few ideas, wants and drawings together and went searching for a builder. Did you have any particular desires when you first approached Chris in relation to the building? If so, how were these met? We planned on having a skillion roof over the front deck with plenty of high windows to let in some natural light. All these desires were met by Chris. Also, the price of the total build, which Chris was very helpful and flexible on. What is your favourite part of your home? The favourite part of our house is the high ceilings and our deck out the front, which we plan on spending plenty of time entertaining our family and friends on in the future. How does the home suit your lifestyle? The house suits our easy living lifestyle; it provides comfort and usability. We are so happy with the outcome of our build. Thanks Brad and Deb.

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C & C Howard Contracting Pty Ltd

from the

from Carpet One

BUILDER

FLOOR & HOME

e are very proud of our involvement in the featured home for the owners Brad and Deb. Port Macquarie Carpet One & Home supplied and installed both the carpet and the vinyl flooring in the residence. The carpet in the bedrooms is from the contemporary Cobble Ridge Range. It offers a sophisticated design for all rooms of the house. All Heartridge luxury vinyl planks have been used from the entry, on the stairway leading to the top levels of the home and throughout the living areas. They are made from a uniquely flexible PVC formula that gives the product a soft and comforting feel underfoot. The vinyl planks come with the extra benefit of a sound absorption quality that will add to the tranquility of the home. With a 0.55 mm heavy duty wear layer, you can be confident that the floor will stand the test of daily family life for many, many years to come. Plus, maintenance is easy; simply wipe them with a damp, or dry, cloth to keep the vinyl planks looking brand new and as beautiful as they were from day one.

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About Carpet One - over 1,700 stores worldwide Carpet One is a cooperative and one of the world’s largest retail floor covering groups. This means we have huge buying power - and we pass the savings on to you. With a 0.55 mm heavy duty wear All our stores layer, you can be conﬁdent selection process. This way, offer a large range that the ﬂoor will stand of carpet, timber, you won’t find the selections the test of daily family life vinyl and laminate. for many, many years to come. overwhelming. Plus - each A local business you can individual store trust. has the flexibility All stores are individually to offer additional owned and run by locals in your area, so when products and services - like carpet cleaning, tiles, you shop at Carpet One, you’ll be supporting furniture, rugs and window fashions. your local community. Call into your local Get help from experts, so you find exactly showroom, Port Macquarie Carpet One what you need. Floor & Home at 199 Lake Road, Port Choose the best floor for your home with Macquarie to see the extensive range for the help of a Carpet One flooring consultant - someone who will guide you through the

yourself.

ell us about your business; how long have you been operating, and how many people do you employ? C & C Howard Contracting Pty Ltd has been in the building industry for 10 years, and we employ four tradesmen. All our trades and materials are sourced locally; we support local businesses. We specialise in new homes and renovations, but do have some plans for clients to choose from. We prefer to custom build, as this gets the client exactly what they want. How do prospective clients contact you? We are happy to talk; contact me directly on 0418 688 592. I would like to congratulate Deb and Brad on their house. They knew how they wanted the house to look and had some great ideas. Brad and Deb Wallace were great clients to work with, and we appreciated working with them. Thanks Chris.

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Elders Real Estate

Renovation

Rescue

T H E

LEANNE PILKINGTON

J U D G E S

DAVID SHANNON

DAMIEN COOLEY

Elders Port Macquarie love to give back to the community when and where they can. This was proven recently with their Renovation Rescue Project, transforming Lisa Horrigan’s home. Chrissy Jones spoke with the Elders team and some of those involved to find out what it meant to them to be involved in such a worthy project.

hy did Elders decide to run the Renovation Rescue competition in the first place? As Port Macquarie’s leading and innovative agency, Elders Real Estate Port Macquarie wanted to give back and help a deserving member of our local community. There is a strong correlation between property and the community. Where did the inspiration come from? The TV show Renovation Rescue was the major inspiration, along with our director David Gray and the entire team wanting to give back to a local who would really benefit from the assistance. It was an out of the box idea, but something that has never been seen in Port Macquarie, so we thought it was a great thing to do! Who co-ordinated the project? Under the guidance of the Elders Real Estate Port Macquarie team, in particular Arli Hintz and Nathan Wilson, the renovation was co-ordinated with the valuable assistance and knowledge of local trades people and local suppliers. Did you choose the trades and suppliers involved, or did they come forth themselves?

When we announced the competition, there were several trades and suppliers who came forward with offers of assistance, which was overwhelming. They were behind us from the beginning, and we are very grateful for their help. We wouldn’t have been able to complete the project without them. How has the project benefited the Elders staff? It was a great bonding exercise for the Elders team; everyone got their hands dirty and pitched in where they could. The most important thing for the team was that it will help make the family’s life that little bit more comfortable. Was the competition a one-off, or will you make it an annual event? The Elders Real Estate Port Macquarie team are looking to do one major charity event or promotion each year within our community. This year we are doing something a little different. If you list and sell your property using our Auction method, you will go in the draw to win a NEW CAR! FROM THE SUPPLIERS AND TRADES: TILES WITH STYLE, YOUR COLORTILE STORE We are Port Macquarie's leading tile and bathroom superstore. We have been in business for 35 years, and have over 230 years of combined tile industry experience under the one roof. Greater Port Macquarie focus 107

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THIS YEAR WE ARE DOING SOMETHING A LITTLE DIFFERENT. IF YOU LIST AND SELL YOUR PROPERTY USING OUR AUCTION METHOD, YOU WILL GO IN THE DRAW TO WIN A NEW CAR!

Drop in and see one of our experienced designers to help create your dream home. What did you supply? We were pleased to supply the wall and floor tiles for the bathroom. Why did you want to participate in the renovation project? We are proud to be very much community minded at Tiles With Style. We heard the

story and agreed to be involved immediately. How has your involvement benefited your business and staff? I think getting involved with helping people in need is good for your overall wellbeing, so we just feel better. NEWTON SHUTTERS BLINDS & AWNINGS We are a husband and wife team supplying and installing a vast range of shutters, blinds and awnings. We have been in the blinds

New ceiling fans Upgrade to LEDS Modernise switchboard Repair fixed appliances Install USB power points Home automation Security systems Call talon and the team

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After. Before.

Elders Real Estate

Renovation

Rescue

THEY WERE BEHIND US

industry in the Hastings for 13 years, though our name, Newton, is relatively new. What was your involvement in the project? We were one of the financial sponsors and also supplied and installed the new blinds in the home. Why did you want to participate in the renovation project? How has your involvement benefited your business? We firmly believe in helping those around us who might be having a struggle in life. LEAR & SMITH ELECTRICAL WHOLESALERS We are an electrical, lighting and data supplier to the electrical industry. We have been in Port Macquarie for over three years now, creating a large one stop shop for all electrical needs, from every day suppliers to large projects along the Mid North Coast.

CLANCY What did you supply? FROM THE BEGINNING, AND CORPORATION All the lights and WE ARE VERY GRATEFUL We are a leading ceiling fans for this FOR THEIR HELP. WE electrical company, renovation for Clancy WOULDNâ€™T HAVE BEEN serving our customers Corporation to install. ABLE TO COMPLETE THE since 2006. Why did you want PROJECT WITHOUT THEM. Our focus is simple. to participate in the We exist to provide renovation? affordable, quality We wanted to be outcomes that add value to you, our involved in a rewarding community project. customer. We achieve this through our How has your involvement benefited experienced team of electricians, who are your business and staff? ready and able to provide solutions to all your All our staff have felt empowered that we electrical needs. are assisting someone who was in need of What was your involvement in the community support. project? Did you have any difficulties to We carried out all the electrical overcome completing the work? work during the renovation works. We No, we worked closely with Clancy disconnected and removed all the old Corporation and had no problems achieving electrical appliances, ceiling fans, lights, oven a great result.

etc. ready for the renovation to begin. Our amazing wholesalers, Lear and Smith, got on board and donated all new products for the installation - which was fantastic! Why did you want to participate in the renovation project? How has your involvement benefited your business and staff? Tim Castro and Nathan Wilson contacted me and discussed the renovation rescue project. We were immediately on board for this cause, as it lines up with one of our core beliefs - giving back to the community! Clancy Corp is a growing business in Port Macquarie, and this was a perfect example of not only showing the community who we are and what we are about, but also showing our young apprentices what some of our values are as a company.

HUME DOORS & TIMBER

WHY PROFESSIONALS CHOOSE HUME RESIDENTIAL

BUSHFIRE ZONE

An extensive collection of architectural aesthetic designs to suit all styles of homes

Doors designed and manufactured to meet regulatory requirements of building in bushfire zones

COMMERCIAL

INNOVATION

Hume Commercial specialises in the design and manufacture of doors and products to meet all commercial situations

Significant research and development, technical expertise and innovation born from over 60 years of manufacturing knowledge

SUPPORT

100% AUSTRALIAN OWNED

Our great team provides professional service and excellent customer support

We are committed to making outstanding products for the Australian market.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO SEE OUR RANGE OF DOORS www.humedoors.com.au 100% Australian Owned

Contact: info@humedoors.com.au

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focusinterview. After.

Elders Real Estate

Renovation

Rescue

Before.

After.

Did you have any difficulties or problems to overcome completing the work? There were times when a lot of trades were all working at once; it was like a smallscale example of the TV show The Block! We worked through this with the carpenter onsite, eNvision Carpentry. Communication plays a major role in a successful project under time constraints, and we worked well together to get the job done. T BROTHERS FLOORSANDING We have been established in the area for 14 years. Leon is the man behind the machines. He prides himself on being prompt, reliable and efficient, whilst always providing quality workmanship. We are a family owned business servicing the Mid North Coast. We lay timber, laminate, vinyl and engineered flooring, as well as providing for all your sanding and finishing needs,

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specialising in the latest water based finishes. What was your involvement in the project? T Brothers Floorsanding installed laminate timber flooring in the home. Why did you want to participate in the renovation project? How has your involvement benefited your business? We have known Lisa and her family for many years and were more than happy to contribute to making a beautiful fresh home to raise her children in. As a small family owned business, we are always happy to lend a hand to another family in need. As the project was a renovation, what did your works include? Did you have any difficulties or problems to overcome completing the work? If so, how was this accomplished? Due to the age of the house, some levelling

of the floor was required, and then it was a pretty straightforward job to lay the underlay, boards and finish off with Scotia. HUME DOORS & TIMBER We are a regional branch of the Hume Group - a 100% Australian owned group of companies, which has grown to be one of the nation’s largest door manufacturers and timber importers. Doors and manufacturing excellence are at the core of everything we do. We provide innovation in doorway technology and products and remain determined to offer a premier range of timber products for all sectors within the building industry. What did you supply to the project? Hume Doors & Timber supplied a Savoy XS11 front entrance door and frame, part of our popular, attractive range of entry doors.

The special sized door, featuring a Merbau veneer skin and translucent glazing, was supplied with a custom made timber entrance frame with matching glazed sidelites, ready for installation into Lisa’s home. Why did you want to participate in the renovation project? Two of Hume’s core values are family and community. When Nathan from Elders Real Estate contacted Hume to explain Lisa’s story and what the aim of the project was, Hume were excited to be given the opportunity to be involved in the renovation. Hume is a family company and as such, holds very strong family and community values. Being able to help in the renovation of Lisa’s home reinforces these values within the company and our team; it was an honour to be able to play a small part in helping Lisa and her young daughters.

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JULIE HO FROM PORT MACQUARIE LANDCARE

landcare. update Wetland world. 2019 will be a great year for our community and the best year yet for our beautiful Aussie plants.

hey will be coming to you through events like Landcare Weed Swaps and the Sustainability Expo (March 1 and 2). Sponsors include Landcare Australia and our own Council. If you think about the places where we love to play - our parks, beaches, rivers and lakes - it’s the green surroundings that make them so special. We can all help to preserve that greenery, and we can green our own homes too (see www.landcareportmac.com.au). As a seaside community, we have a range of habitats with different native plants: something for everybody. Plant communities give free services to us and to other living things. My favourite example of this is our wetlands. There are freshwater wetlands like the Lilypond and Yarranabee Creek; there are saltwater wetlands like mangroves along the rivers, or swamp forest in Kooloonbung. It happens that February 2 is World Wetlands Day, commemorating the Ramsar Convention (Convention on Wetlands of International Importance). For 2019, the World Wetlands Day theme is “Wetlands and climate change”. That’s important to us, because climate change will bring sea level rises, changes in temperature and rainfall, plus extreme weather events. The coastal wetlands that surround us are working hard to protect us and our assets in this time of change. They act as frontline defences against storms and extreme weather. Mangroves and saltmarshes absorb the energy of wind and wave action, so there is much less erosion. These protective plant communities will become

more and more important to us as sea levels rise and storm surges increase. We must take care that “development” here does not displace or pollute the plant communities that protect us this way. It’s significant that inter-tidal wetlands like saltmarshes and mangroves thrive in environments that are constantly changing. They are adapted to live in salty conditions, which most other vegetation cannot tolerate, yet they can cope with fresh water flows during low tide or rain. Wetland plants are our allies as we try to adapt to climate change. Mangroves, saltmarsh and seagrasses capture and store lots of carbon - both in plants and in the sediment below (“blue carbon”). Our coastal wetlands capture carbon many times faster, and store five times more carbon in their soils, compared to ecosystems such as land forests (http:// www.environment.gov.au/water/wetlands/publications). They also act as filters for nutrients and sediments, giving us better water quality. Mangroves protect riverbanks from erosion and from weed invasion too. When it comes to food for the future, we already depend on wetlands like mangroves. We may not eat mangrove fruits or seagrass directly, but they assist breeding prawns, crabs and fin fish, including commercially valuable species. They are helping us to survive, so let’s love them back! Please don’t remove them to get a “view”, as that invites weeds in to fill the gap. Also, it may disturb acid sulfate soils, which can result in water pollution and damage to marine creatures. Julie Ho.

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focusinterview.

2019 will see Francis Furniture celebrate 37 years in business. Chrissy Jones chatted with brothers Kim and Chris Francis about their journey.

ow does it feel to be celebrating 37 years in business? We are really happy that we have survived this long, through all of the ups and downs and the political and economic turmoils. Generally speaking, we are very happy with the way things have turned out; the whole thing has come along really nicely. To be celebrating 37 years is an unreal milestone, because you never go into it thinking that it is something you will still be doing in 30 plus years. It has been a good challenge, and an exciting road to be in business, and it’s always good fun to be able to meet those challenges and achieve. As brothers, how do you work together? Well. We complement each other. Chris is the cabinet maker on the floor and acts as the workshop manager, plus helps out with new designs and also assists in the showroom. Kim is in the showroom helping customers, designing and quoting etc. How many people do you employ? We employ a master cabinet maker, Graham Biddle, who is so experienced that we would suffer without his talents. Not only is he a master craftsman, but his eye for detail is second to none. Backing up the talents of Graham is not a job taken lightly and our second employee, Pat Brown, just finishing his second year as an apprentice, is certainly up to the task. Pat is getting great scores in his apprenticeship studies, and that is a direct result of the type of work we do here at Francis Furniture. What makes Francis Furniture unique? Working with the hardwood timbers,

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Everybody loves timber; it’s a and also the fact website, browse beautiful product with that we are able the pictures and its natural grain and to design to suit see more of what abstract swirls. It’s also exactly what the we do. People can customer wants. the feel of timber - it is then see what we If they come in warm to the touch. For example, are capable of and and love a piece, if you’re going to sit in a chair can customise the but aren’t happy would you prefer to sit in a steel designs they like with a certain chair or a timber chair? to suit their own component, style. We think moulding or style, this also gives the we can change it customer a sense of to suit their tastes. That is what makes confidence that we can do the job and us unique; you can’t find that anywhere that we can produce a beautiful piece else in the area. You might be able to before they have actually walked into get a different handle or stain colour, our showroom. but you can’t get a custom design to Besides your great furniture designs, suit your existing furniture like you can what other services does Francis here at Francis. Furniture provide? Custom designs are also a big part of Well, besides the customised service, the business. How do you work with we also do repairs and restoration of your customers to create pieces that furniture. We also provide select grade are just right for their homes? timbers for the woodwork enthusiast Sometimes if a customer knows and for school projects. We also supply exactly what they want, then that a large range of Howard furniture care is ideal; we can deliver their desired and restoration products. outcomes. If they don’t know exactly What are the benefits of having what they want, we can work with them timber furniture pieces in the home? to achieve a satisfactory outcome by Everybody loves timber; it’s a beautiful going round to their place and assessing product with its natural grain and their current furniture and offer some abstract swirls. It’s also the feel of timber suggestions and solutions. We also use a it is warm to the touch. For example, if 3D drawing program to design cabinets you’re going to sit in a chair, would you that give the customer a very accurate prefer to sit in a steel chair or a timber idea of what they are going to get. chair? You’re always going to choose How is your website a handy tool the timber chair … It’s the same if you for customers? had a choice between a glass table We’d like people to feel comfortable and a timber table. When you put your visiting our website, allowing them to hands on a glass table, it’s cold. Timber browse a larger range of pieces than tables are always earthy and warm; it’s a we could ever have in the showroom natural, living thing. on display. We do a lot of custom-built Thanks Kim and Chris. pieces, so we can’t possibly have them Congratulations on 37 years in all on the floor. So, we feel it’s ideal for customers to be able to go to the business!

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MARGRET MEAGHER - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AUSTRALIAN CENTRE FOR ARTS AND HEALTH

Janice McGilchrist, Margret Meagher, Rob Bruce and Scott Castle at the Koala Hospital. Photo courtesy Port Macquarie News

KoalaSmart Become a

COMMUNITY

“Serendipity” is one of my favourite words. Wikipedia deﬁnes the word as “the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneﬁcial way”.

ne of the joys of living in a regional community is that it’s possible to "get things done" more swiftly through friendships and professional networks than in larger urban areas. 2018 was particularly memorable for me, because I was involved in founding a new annual environmental conference in Port Macquarie, as well as seeing the return of an international arts and health conference I founded in Port Macquarie in 2009 called “The Art of Good Health and Wellbeing”. It was a great 10th anniversary celebration at Sails Hotel. Supported by Destination NSW, both 2018 conferences incorporated sessions which explored the links between creativity, health, wellbeing and both the natural and built environments. The first of these two events, “Caring for our Koalas and our Environment” was held as a highlight of the 2nd Hello Koalas Festival over the June Long Weekend in 2018. We had guest speakers from a number of conservation organisations such as Taronga Zoo, Koala Health Hub at Sydney University and of course our own Koala Hospital. An extraordinary thing happened at this conference, which demonstrates how serendipity brings good fortune. Two members of Tacking Point Lions Club, Janice McGilchrist and Rob Bruce attended the conference to find out how Lions Club could support the koala conservation cause in our community. The result is a pilot program called “Koala Smart”, commencing in February 2019, which, if proven successful, may roll out in other districts with their own koala populations, led by Lions Clubs. At the core of the project is a Koala Smart competition for local primary and secondary schools to come up with exciting and innovative ways to garner people's attention and promote the vital importance of caring for our koalas. Every school that enters the Koala Smart competition will be given a Hello Koalas sculpture, half a metre high, to use as “a blank canvas” to paint their unique conservation messages, like many of the Hello Koalas sculptures already do. A public exhibition of schools’ painted koala sculptures will be held later in the year, with

lots of prizes to be won. Ultimately, each koala sculpture will take up pride of place in school libraries, mounted on a custom made plinth by Men’s Shed. According to Janice McGilchrist and Rob Bruce, “Research projections show that if current urban growth practices and existing residential and community behaviour continues, our precious koalas will become extinct in the next 20 years. So, the Tacking Point Lions Club has taken on the challenge of raising awareness and driving the change that is needed by partnering with Local Government, the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail and the NSW Saving our Species Program. But this is a challenge that involves the entire community. And the Lions Club is hoping that members of the community (individuals and groups) will throw their time and energy behind the venture and help us take Koala Smart to the schools. Not only will students benefit from the experience, it will be a big step in delivering valuable information and worthwhile ideas to the broader community. Imagine the difference it could make to our koalas’ future if each school was able to instigate some form of change in their own locality. The Lions Club motto is “We serve”, which reminds us that together, members can do more to assist our communities in meeting humanitarian and environmental needs. This project is attracting the attention of Lions members both within our own region and interstate. What we need now is for schools to seriously consider our proposal when we visit them over the first school term and join the Koala Smart program. Preventing the demise of one of the world’s bestloved animals is worth everyone’s attention. And that means, we all must become Koala Smart!”. Arts and Health takes many guises. We love the idea that through being creative, we can make a difference to the health and wellbeing of our koalas. So please come on board. If you are interested in helping in any way with the Koala Smart project, please contact Janice McGilchrist and Rob Bruce via email: tplckoalasmart@gmail.com Greater Port Macquarie focus 113

is here at HEM 2019 is set to be another big year for HEM, as they announce the exciting news of their expansion by welcoming Sarah Wright and the Hudson’s team to the HEM family. We catch up with HEM and Sarah, who tell us more.

o 2019 means changes at HEM. Tell us more about this big news. It is an incredibly exciting time for us at HEM. Since opening in 2017, our innovative, client focused approach has changed the face of real estate, and the results have been exceptional. But never ones to rest on our laurels, we are constantly evolving to adapt to changing market conditions and innovating our service to exceed client expectations. So, now we are pushing forward again in 2019, expanding our operation, which will see the Hudson team join HEM from February 1st. What will this change mean for HEM? And also for your customers? We are pumped for Hudson to become

a part of our team. As well as being great people to work with, Hudson’s are a well-respected, boutique agency with a longstanding reputation for great results, but above all, for their client focused approach. Our core values of providing exceptional service that focuses on the client, good oldfashioned hard work and a passion for what we do are perfectly aligned. It is a natural joining of forces, and we are certain that Sarah and her team will fit straight into our culture at HEM. From a sales perspective, Sarah will bring vast experience, a proven track record and a fresh energy to bolster our sales team. The Hudson property management team, headed by Dianne Hodge, come with a wealth of knowledge and a dedication to providing the

best service, that will undoubtably take our tenant and landlord experiences to the next level. Sarah, what was to the catalyst behind your decision to join HEM? The timing in my life, to be a part of a successful sales team was the real reason. The opportunity arose to join this respected, progressive real estate office and the more we spoke (Hudson & HEM), the more we realised our values and ethics were on par. It was a perfect match! I have been in real estate my entire career and have had the opportunity to work for some outstanding offices in Sydney and of course, Hudson in PMQ. Joining HEM means the opportunity to be a part of a forward-thinking, innovative team. Having

the backing of other like-minded individuals who are consistently providing exceptional results will not only push me to my limits, but equally, make me a better agent. I am looking forward to the future! What does the future look like for HEM? HEM never set out to be the biggest, but to be the best. For us, selling or renting a home is more than just “another transaction”. It’s about personalised one-on-one service, that takes the stress out of the whole process and delivering a premium result. This year we have several new initiatives rolling out, but with Sarah and her team joining HEM, we offer clients the most experienced, unified team in Port Macquarie and are confident that if you are selling or renting in 2019, there is no place like HEM.

Sarah Wright: Welcome to HEM Property. You can now find Sarah at the home of real estate on the corner of Horton and William Streets. 0423 250 974 sarah@hemproperty.com.au

HAPPY EVER MORE

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6583 2324 hemproperty.com.au

HEM join forces with Hudson Real Estate At HEM we are in the business of change. Not satisfied with just right, we are constantly evolving to adapt to the changing market, to raising the bar and exceeding our clientsâ€™ expectations. Since opening our doors in 2017, our innovative approach has changed the face of real estate, by putting the focus back firmly back on you, the client. As we enter a new era, Hudsons are closing their doors to join the expanding HEM family. A union that will see our experienced team go from strength to strength and enable us to deliver a new level of personalised service and results, whilst maintaining our shared vision: helping you achieve your happy ever more. If you are thinking of a change in 2019, think HEM. 6583 2324 | hemproperty.com.au

HAPPY EVER MORE

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focusinterview.

Sess & Sass Design Co. professional design + styling

hy hire Sess & Sass their own blueprint. From family photos to Design Co to Style your souvenirs, your home reveals all things about Property to Sell? your life. We have a passion for A potential buyer needs to feel like it’s not just styling a home, their home, not yours. A property stylist can but illustrating a lifestyle and creating a warmth to neutrally view a home and style it so it can a space that will connect with the potential buyer. appeal to a wider demographic, essentially All of our styling stock is owned by us, individually enhancing your sale price! sourced and selected both locally and from our Are you Building or Renovating? suppliers in Sydney and Melbourne, so you can There are so many decisions to make rest assured your home will attract the attention it when designing or renovating a residential or deserves! commercial space. Co-ordinating trades and Property Styling is an Investment: making selections for your The costs associated project can be stressful with hiringa Property Stylist and time consuming; we can be off-putting at a are here to assist you in time when you already the management and A potential buyer needs to have many overheads decision making process. feel like it’s their home, not to consider, but it is We will work with you yours. A property stylist important to understand throughout the selection can neutrally view a that hiring a Property process, to ensure a home and style it so it Stylist is an investment in cohesive and appealing can appeal to a wider your biggest asset. The interior/exterior design demographic, essentially outlay will more than pay is achieved, keeping in enhancing your sale price! for itself if the home sells mind your time frame for above the reserve price, and budget is a priority because someone made to us. Our experience and that emotional connection. product knowledge of First Impressions: design, materials, finishes and colour schemes If your property is beautifully styled, your ensure we achieve a beautiful end result for you, agent knows they can confidently promote whilst creating a fun and stress free experience. your sale at the maximum price. Your photos We schedule all the selections so you have easy will draw interested buyers to the property, access to the documentation for yours reference as a home well styled will enhance their and for the trades involved. connection and make themwant to sign on If you need professional design or styling the dotted line. advice for your next project … we would love to Appeal to a Wider Demographic: hear from you! It’s difficult for ahomeowner to style Phone: 0421 789 573 their home in a way that doesn’t show off www.sessandsassdesignco.com.au 116 Greater Port Macquarie focus

McGrath Estate Agents

At McGrath, WE GET A THRILL OUT OF EXCEEDING OUR CLIENTS’ EXPECTATIONS; it’s an understandable emotion which arrives upon the culmination and success of careful planning, unwavering focus, skilled presentation and expert negotiation.

hen, as one group of clients sits back to rejoice in its resulting good fortunes, the same dedication drives us to repeat the process for the next group, then the next, and the next. Our business has been built upon profound successes; not simply upon securing sales but upon inspiring celebrations. McGrath’s unique marketing strategies have been recognised as the absolute best in the business. At McGrath we have dedicated professionals in all areas of preparation and completion who have the enthusiasm and the talents to present our clients’ properties with clarity, positivity and in the very finest possible light. Their individualised care and their infinite attention-to-detail so often can provide that pivotal bridge between a simple accomplishment and an exciting triumph. On the evening of Thursday November 8th, our McGrath team at held its November Auction Event at beautiful Rydges Hotel. A number of properties, marketed by McGrath, were listed for sale and a total of 19 bidders registered at the event.

Fresh from his very successful appearance on a recent popular television show, McGrath’s celebrity multi award-winning auctioneer, Scott Kennedy Green, travelled from Sydney to provide his services as auctioneer for the occasion and bidding got under way at 6pm sharp. With the exception of one property, all presented homes sold as a result of the auction, one settling at a figure which exceeded its first offer by over $300,000, another exceeding its first offer by over $100,000. Overall, on the night, total excesses above reserves amounted to just under $300,000. By any account, it was an extremely successful event. So, as those clients celebrate their successes, at McGrath we’re busy preparing for our next auction event which will be held in May 2019. Again, the outstanding Mr Scott Kennedy-Green will take charge of the gavel and the entire McGrath team is already dedicated to achieving more amazing outcomes; perhaps even results to eclipse the records broken last November! In February, we will commence listings and marketing campaigns for the May Auction Event. As usual, a range

of incentives will be available to sellers who list their properties for the event and of course, the surrounding corporate promotion will become a no-cost bonus, but numbers will be limited, so those who list early will have the greatest certainty of inclusion. For further information concerning McGrath’s May Auction Event, speak to your friendly McGrath agent. Alternatively, feel free to call or to email our local office. At McGrath we get a thrill out of exceeding our clients’ expectations; not simply upon securing sales but upon inspiring celebrations. Roger Bates is a freelance copywriter.

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WITH DEBBIE SOMMERS

From late 1918, many of Port Macquarie’s young men serving with the Australian Imperial Force returned home from the Great War.

ooking back at letters written by those young men during their time abroad suggests that home was always not far from their thoughts. Many spoke about returning home, and sadly some

did not survive the war to make that much anticipated journey. Oswald Ochs, when writing to his family

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from France in July 1916, thought about the people impacted most by the war: “People in Australia ought to be very thankful that they are in such a quiet and peaceful country. The poor people here have suffered terribly, you have no idea the sadness this war has brought home to them”. Oswald Ochs returned to Australia in June 1919. Corporal Rupert Pountney was keen to see

his home town again, writing in October 1916: to his parents from France in 1916, was already “I sincerely hope it is all over before long, and I homesick: “It is six months since I left Sydney, am spared to return to you all and dear old Port and I am longing for a look at the old home Macquarie. By jove, it will be a great day when and a talk to you all, but that will be a long all Australians who are spared return home, time yet I am afraid. Write as often as you can though I don’t think there will be many of the because I am always dying for news”. Harry ‘old hands’ (ANZACs) amongst them”. Rupert Reynolds was killed in action on 4th August Pountney returned to Australia in September 1916, just two months after writing his letter 1918, having been given home. furlough after serving Home connects us to four years abroad. physical spaces, environWill Fage reflected on ment, people, objects home and the war in a A man gets plenty of time and other things that letter to his brother in to think of home walking are important to us. October 1916: “A man his beat for two hours at Where we call home is gets plenty of time to a time in the night, when an exhibition featuring think of home walking it is as black as the ace creative artworks and his beat for two hours at of spades, nobody photographs by Omincare a time in the night, when near, and not a sound Alliance Creative Connecit is as black as the ace of anywhere to break the tion Program clients, Port spades, nobody near, and stillness of the night. Macquarie U3A textile not a sound anywhere to and fibre artists and Port break the stillness of the Macquarie U3A photognight. The lads at home raphy group. are missing the time of The exhibition opens at Port Macquarie their lives. Received five more letters to-day and Museum on 11th February as part of this year’s was delighted to hear from home, but still no NSW Seniors Festival and is supported by a copies of the ‘P.M. News’ that you send have come to hand”. Will Fage returned to Australia NSW Seniors Festival Grant. Museum entry is in May 1919. free for seniors during the Festival from 11th to It seems that Private Harry Reynolds, writing 23rd February 2019.

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