Issuu

Rachele Sanderson

August 2019// 2019//issue 165

2 Greater Port Macquarie focus

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EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTOR Jo Robinson jo@focusmag.com.au

ADVERTISING SALES Annette Wannell annette@focusmag.com.au

ADVERTISING SALES Chrissy Jones JP chrissy@focusmag.com.au

Welcome to the August issue of Greater Port Macquarie FOCUS.

SALES EXECUTIVE Sarah Baker sarahmay@focusmag.com.au

SALES SUPPORT Claire Dunkley claire@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

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Cristian Campano cristian@focusmag.com.au

PHOTOGRAPHER Gavin Moroney gavin.moroney@austcommunitymedia.com.au

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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 printing, 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 2005-2019 and may not be reproduced whole or in part, in any form, without permission of the Publisher. All rights reserved. FOCUS 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

e’ve taken a slightly different approach with our cover this month. You see, usually we go about plastering the most notable "MEN" in business on the cover for this special edition (which we do every year). But instead, we decided to use some of the kids of local men in business, so we could talk to them, find out what it’s like to have "Dad in business" and what they are getting up to for Father’s Day. So, who are these young lads? Left to right, we have Rhys Evans, son of David from HEM Property; Travis Boyd, son of Anthony Boyd, First Grade Coach Wauchope Blues (also played for Parramatta Eels, the Melbourne Storm

and was Captain Coach of the Queensland Cup side); in the Back is Riley Cargill, son of Ross from Men at Work, and in front with the gorgeous curls is Malachi Dunn, Son of Lance from Bitter Sweet Café! Dads are important role models for their sons, and hats off to these dads for inspiring the next generation of young men. Read all about them on page 64. By the time you are reading this, we would have just finished celebrating the annual Business Awards, along with 570 other local business people on Saturday 27th July! FOCUS was proud to present the "Creative and Communications Services" Industry Award on the night; we can’t publish the winner

yet, but a very well done to the four finalists in our category - Web Studio, Arthouse Industries, Scaramouche and Radio 531. Massive congratulations to all involved in this prestigious event and to all the finalists and winners on the night! Hey to the new team members at FOCUS! Our office is full again, and we’d love you to meet the team above. Left to right standing we have Claire, Cristian, Chrissy, Dylan, Annette, Jo, Bossman Jay, Gavin (photographer) and Phiranno. Seated left to right we have Sarah, Jeff, Louise and Kyle. We're really proud of our team; they are talented, professional and passionate about what we do. Thanks for being a great team!

THE SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA

SIMON & GARFUNKEL TO HIS GRACELAND ALBUM

THE SONGS OF PAUL SIMON

RUGBY LEAGUE THE MUSICAL

SATURDAY 3 AUGUST, 2PM

SATURDAY 17 AUGUST, 8PM

THURSDAY 15 AUGUST, 7.30PM

Five of the best tenor voices in Australia, the concert encapsulates the spirit, the beauty and vocal demand of truly authentic tenor voice.

This celebration performance features the early years of Simon & Garfunkel, and also highlights Paul Simon’s solo efforts, culminating in selections from his landmark Graceland Album.

A high energy and hilarious one man show. A brilliant blend of comedy and musical satire, that takes aim at The Greatest Game Of All and its many colourful characters and controversies.

AUSTRALIAN TENORS

glasshouse.org.au

Cnr Clarence & Hay Sts,Port Macquarie NSW 2444

Follow Glasshouse:

Community

GLASSHOUSE REGIONAL GALLERY

OPEN HOUSE

EDUCATION @ THE GLASSHOUSE FRIDAY 9 AUGUST, 9AM - 3PM TEACHERS WORKSHOP Namuru: Contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Practice for Teachers.

SATURDAY 24 AUGUST, 10AM - 3PM To celebrate our 10th Birthday we are throwing open our doors and everyone is invited!

FREE FUN FOR ALL AGES • ART FOR KIDS • EXHIBITIONS

• WORKSHOPS • FACE PAINTING

• VIRTUAL REALITY • JUMPING CASTLE • TOURS • PERFORMANCES Proudly supported by

NESA Accredited

13 JULY - 29 AUGUST ELSEWHERE: Travels through

27 JULY - 22 SEPTEMBER JOHN MAWURNDJUL: I AM THE OLD AND THE NEW

Syria, Iran, Egypt, Morocco and Central Asia

Exhibition organised and toured by the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, supported by Red Energy.

Wendy Sharpe & Bernard Ollis

Image courtesy and © John Mawurndjul/Copyright Agency, 2019, photograph: Jacquie Manning.

Wendy Sharpe, Uzbekistan Scroll (detail), 2017, gouache on paper.

Gallery entry is free

SATURDAY 10 AUGUST, 1PM - 3PM HSC STUDENT WORKSHOP Unpacking Unseen Images: A workshop for senior visual arts students. John Mawurndjul, Ngalyod, 2012 © John Mawurndjul / Copyright Agency, 2019, photograph: Jessica Maurer.

Gallery closed on Mondays

Greater Port Macquarie focus 3

contents Issue 165 - August 2019

focusinterviews

feature a special

MEN IN BUSINESS

Ben Robinson.

When we last caught up with Ben Robinson, he was hoping to attend the Sydney Conservatorium of Music to further his musical studies … Now, not only has he fulfilled that dream, he’ll graduate from the Conservatorium later this year...

Round & Round Coffee.

For most of us, our reality is a daily grind of 9 - 5. The prospect of leaving a stable and secure job for a different life can be daunting but for Jess and Andy, the need to escape was a call too strong to ignore.

the Usual

12. WHAT’S ON for August 22. EAT local restaurants

Sam Packer.

27. PALATE PLEASURES with Lou Perri

Growing up in Port Macquarie, Sam Packer's childhood was just like many of ours: beach days, fishing, touch footy and tennis. His sister, with her relentless begging, convinced him to try dance classes together and from here, he never looked back.

28. OUT TO LUNCH with Susie Boswell 30. SOCIAL SCENE with Kate Wood-Foye 54. STARGUIDE with Terri Hall 56. TOURISM with Janette Hyde 57. TRAVEL THE WORLD with Susie Boswell

82. BUSINESS MINDS with Jane Hillsdon 84. PORT CHAMBER UPDATE with Michael Mowle 91. LANDCARE with Julie Ho

Briony Bissett. With fifteen years' experience in the dental industry, dental hygienist Briony Bissett has never lost her passion for "giving people their smiles back" ... One of the things she loves most about her role at Saacks Orthodontics is that she and the team get to know and help their patients over many years, often watching them grow up!

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Suspects

www.facebook.com/PortMacquarieFocus

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

Greater Port Macquarie focus 5

Rachele H

i Rachele. What's your background in the Port Mac area? I’ve been based in Port Macquarie for over 30 years now, when my parents decided to get away from the hustle and bustle of Sydney. I feel so fortunate to have been able to live here, and bring our two children up in such a beautiful place. Where did the interest in tri events begin for you? I grew up with a love of running, but it was when our children got involved in surf lifesaving about 10 years ago and I met Melinda Cockshutt - a local triathlete ... Our sons became good friends through surf club. It was then I was introduced to Ironman; I watched Mel compete, and I was just in awe. I remember my son, Isaac saying, “If Zac’s mum can do an Ironman, you can too, Mum!” The rest is history! From that day on I volunteered for the event, then started competing myself, racing in many triathlons. My first 70.3 Ironman event was in 2012, and then I stepped up to the full distance in 2015. You've competed in five full Ironman events now. What keeps you motivated? Yes, in May this year I completed my fifth full Ironman. Endurance sport is part my identity; it’s who I am, and I’m at my happiest when training and racing. I love setting myself goals and working hard towards them. There’s nothing quite like the thought of reaching a race finish line to keep you motivated. What are some of your favourite

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focusinterview.

Having completed five Ironman events, Rachele Sanderson was looking for her next challenge … and boy, has she found it! One of only 50 athletes worldwide accepted to compete in the elite Ultraman Australia event on the Sunshine Coast next year, Rachele will face the toughest mental and physical challenge of her life …

memories from previous Ironmans? I think my two favourite highlights would be the completion of my first full Ironman in 2015; hands down the best feeling ever! I don’t think anything could top that, especially as I achieved this with my husband, who also raced his first Ironman at the same time. Then there was this year finishing my fifth, knowing that I’d completed the race, giving me a qualifying time to apply for Ultraman. Excited would be an understatement, as I had been working towards this goal for the past three years. Yes, you recently found out you've qualified for the 2020 Ultraman Australia event, which will take place on the Sunshine Coast from 9th - 11th May. This is an elite, invitation-only event, extended to only 50 athletes! How did you feel when you found out you'd been accepted? Being accepted to race Ultraman Australia … just wow! With the selection process being limited to only 50 athletes that apply from all over the world, and even with my qualifying time and racing background, I was still not guaranteed an entry. The morning I received the email with my invitation, I was just blown away - so many emotions - excited, overwhelmed, nervous and super proud of myself. I set myself a goal three years ago, I worked terribly hard to achieve it … so to get my invitation, let’s say I’m pretty stoked! Certainly not for the faint-hearted ... the Ultraman event consists of a 10 km swim, 421.1 km cycle leg and an 84.3 km run. What's your training plan? Ultraman will definitely be no walk in the

park and will be my hardest race to date. Ultraman Australia is held over three days. Day 1 consists of a 10 km swim followed by a 140 km ride. Day 2 is a 280 km ride and Day 3 is an 84 km run, with a cut off time of 12 hours for each day. It is also all selfsupported, with you relying on your support crew assistance through the race e.g. with nutrition supply. At the moment, the level of training is nowhere near what is to come. Closer to the race from January/February, a lot of my training will definitely be focusing on building to the large distances required for this race, so there will be a lot of eight to nine-hour training rides, five to six-hour training runs and three-hour swims. As one of the few women, and the only Port Mac local, I believe, who’ll be competing in this event, what’s your advice to other ladies looking to set some benchmarks in their fields? Yes, generally only a small number of women compete - around seven or eight, and as far as I’m aware, I’m the first Port local to ever compete in the event. I’m really proud of my sporting achievements over the years. I’m so grateful that even at age 42, my body enables me to do such amazing things. I honestly believe that setting myself sporting goals and working on them has also reflected in my everyday life. I feel more confident, happier and healthier than I felt even in my teens! My advice to women of any age is to believe in yourself! Whatever your goal, with hard work, persistence and determination, you can do it. Never let anyone determine

and limit the dreams you chase in life. Whom would you like to thank for helping you achieve your goals to date? I give so much thanks to my husband, Jim, and son Isaac; they have continually supported me with every goal I set out to achieve. The amount of time required for training and recovery can really eat into family/social time - especially when you also work full-time. Not once have they complained; their support in training and on race days has been incredible - even with them both being athletes themselves and having their own training and work commitments, they still go above and beyond to ensure I have the support I need. That’s why these two amazing men will be my support crew come the event, alongside Melinda Cockshutt from Her coach-his coach, family friend and now my coach, who’s helping me prepare for this race. The team at Foher sporting apparel; these guys are a company based in Queensland run by two amazing women, Hannah and Kylie. They’re super passionate about women in sport, and I have been privileged to be a part of their ambassador programme for the past two years. And, a huge thank you to Deb MacKenzie from Back to Normal Massage. Deb has been my sport masseuse for about 18 months, generously sponsored me for my last Ironman and is kindly sponsoring me for my Ultraman journey. Thanks Rachele - good luck! We'll catch up with you after the event, to see how you fared. Interview: Jo Robinson.

DESIGNED FOR ACTIVE LIFESTYLES

VISIT LEXUS OF PORT MACQUARIE 181 Hastings River Drive | PH 6583 9122 | DL10691 | lexusofportmacquarie.com.au Greater Port Macquarie focus 7

focusinterview.

When you’re passionate about something, it stands to reason you actually become really good at it - especially if you put in the hard work! Leia Grandelis is the creative talent behind Silver Cottontail; she’s both an artist and a costume designer, and her creations are out of this world. Leia was very proud to win the Judges’ Choice for her “Belle” costume at Gold Coast Supanova earlier this year … but she has even bigger plans on the drawing board for next year’s event!

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hat's your association with/ history in the Port Macquarie area? A good friend of mine used to live in Port Macquarie and every time I visited her, I fell more and more in love with the area. I eventually moved here about three years ago with my partner and have enjoyed every moment since. Where did your social media name, "Silver Cottontail", come from? The name is kind of an amalgamation. "Silver" was the name I'd use to post art in the Deviant Art community quite a while ago; I've used it since high school. "Cottontail" is from my nickname as a kid. I was called “Bunny” by my mum (Rabbit if I did something dumb!) and it's kind of stuck with me. Where/how did your interest in dressmaking and costume designing begin? It started with 1950 style dresses and cosplay. I went to a Supanova convention in Brisbane many years ago, and seeing people in the cosplay competition and their amazingly made costumes really inspired me to make my own. I started looking at clothes patterns and discovered the amount of vintage, cosplay and historical patterns that were out there. I've fallen down a metaphorical rabbit hole, and now I'm fully captivated. It's just a different experience wearing something you made yourself. I suspect many of your design ideas

I chose Belle's blue peasant outﬁt from Beauty and the Beast. I wanted to make it historically accurate, from the century the movie was set in. It's a big costume; I made bloomers, a chemise, corset, petticoat, a bodice and an overskirt with an apron.

begin with a sketch, as you're quite the artist! What types of materials do you usually work with? My main loves are acrylic paint on canvas or wood, alcohol ink markers, pencil sketches, pen, and watercolour pencils. I love experimenting though, so I've dabbled with watercolour paint, resin, oil paints, digital art, and a bunch of other mediums. I'm currently trying to work gouache out. How do you actually come up with ideas for what you'd like to work on or create next? Sometimes I'll see a dress I want and I'll try making it, or a pattern will come out and I'll fall in love. For cosplay, it'll be a character that will inspire me. I'm also heavily inspired by a great friend of mine, Jamie. She'll have an idea, and we'll both just get ridiculously excited about it. I'll credit her for the awesome collaborations we've done over the years. You won the Judges' Choice at Gold Coast's Supanova event this year. What was this experience like? It was so amazing. They called a name for Judges’ Choice, and I was looking around to see the winner. Jamie, who entered alongside me, told me to get up to the front - turns out I'd won! I was like a deer in headlights! It was a great experience; I learned so much talking to

the judges and other entrants. Describe the costume you designed for this event ... I chose Belle's blue peasant outfit from Beauty and the Beast. I wanted to make it historically accurate, from the century the movie was set in. It's a big costume; I made bloomers, a chemise, corset, petticoat, a bodice and an overskirt with an apron. I've no idea how people in that era got around; it was a lot. You have another handle on Instagram chitose_dressmaker. Who is Chitose? Chitose is a smart doll I test clothing ideas on. Large costumes take up a lot of space - more so when I'm not sure they will work out or look good. She's like a miniature dressmaker’s dummy. I then found out how popular they are, and decided to make a page showcasing my work. Who/what most inspires you? For 2D art, my inspiration is my art teacher, Helen (she taught me most of what I know in art), Japanese manga, Art Nouveau and the Renaissance. My partner (he's an artist too) - it’s always important to get a second opinion, and he provides a different perspective. Both my current bosses and co-workers are very inspirational; they always encourage me to

try new things. For sewing, my mum. She used to sew all our clothes as children, and I loved them. Cosplay, ‘50s dresses and recently historical dresses (they are so ornate) are the styles I love to sew. And of course, Jamie; she helps elevate everything I do. What will you be working on/aiming towards next? I'm currently participating in the Drawn From Here sketchbook project; I'm very excited to be participating this year. My next big costume project is a collaboration between Jamie and I, as an entry in the Oddasy Cosplay Contest at Supanova Gold Coast. I don't want to spoil it too much, but it's going to be our most ambitious build yet, combining her puppetry and creature creation with my costume design and painting. Please keep an eye out; we'll be starting it a bit later on in the year. What's the best way to follow/see more of your creative journey? My pages on Instagram, silver_cottontail, and Chitose_dressmaker. I post about my work there - and I promise I'm getting better about documenting my work. Thanks Leia. Interview: Jo Robinson. Pics courtesy of Matthew Hamm Belle-Vous Photography. www.bellevousphoto.com Greater Port Macquarie focus 9

When we last caught up with Ben Robinson, he was hoping to attend the Sydney Conservatorium of Music to further his musical studies … Now, not only has he fulﬁlled that dream, he’ll graduate from the Conservatorium later this year. Ben will be back visiting Port Macquarie to witness the Icarus

Wing Quintet performing one his compositions, "Earworm", which you can witness yourself at the Glasshouse on August 16 …

BEN Robinson focusinterview.

i Ben. Four years ago you were studying at St Columba Anglican School, dreaming of attending the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Where are you up to with your studies these days? Fortunately, that dream came true, and I’ve spent the last three-and-a-half years studying a Bachelor of Music (Composition) at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. I’ve had an incredible time learning from some of the best composers in the country and working with some of Sydney's finest young musicians. I've also formed strong personal and professional relationships with extremely dedicated, talented and creative people. Over the last few years I've completely transformed as a musician, and I’m extremely grateful for it. I’ll be graduating at the end of the year; however, I think I’ll return to studying composition after taking some time away from assignments, as I still have a lot to learn! What do you feel have been some of your crowning musical achievements? I’m really fortunate to have had some big personal achievements during my time in Sydney. In July 2018 I won the AMEB Centenary Fanfare Competition, receiving the prize of $5,000; this piece is now the processional music for AMEB NSW’s official ceremonies. In August 2018 I wrote a confronting political piece about gun control in America, We Call B.S., which was featured in Extended Play, a twelve-hour new-music festival at Sydney’s City Recital Hall. In September 2018 I was awarded the second prize in Arcadia Winds’ composition competition 10 Greater Port Macquarie focus

for my wind quintet, Earworm. Finally, in June 2019 my piece, Expansion for alto saxophone and electronics, was premiered as part of Vivid Sydney, a commission for Konzertprojekt’s minifestival, Light Qualities; this piece will receive its first international performance in September 2019 at the Asia Saxophone Congress in Shanghai. You previously told me your dream was to "write more skilful, interesting and enjoyable music, make many connections with people within the industry and be able to live off composing and perhaps conducting or teaching". How has your dream changed/evolved? I’ve always had the overarching goal of creating exciting and engaging classical music that can be appreciated by people regardless of their musical education. After studying many different musical styles, I now have a much better idea of what music I want to create and how I can achieve this goal. Over the last year or so, I have started to find my own compositional voice built around driving rhythms and a strong sense of direction. Essentially, my dream hasn’t changed at all; I’m just a little farther along the path towards achieving it. The same goes for making industry connections and building a successful career; the goals have remained the same, but I’m slowly realising how to make them a reality. The Sydney Conservatorium's Icarus Wind Quintet will be performing at the Glasshouse on August 16 (12:30pm), and they'll be presenting a piece you composed. Tell us a bit about this composition and what was involved with writing it. The piece was originally composed for Arcadia Winds, one of Australia’s leading young

wind quintets, receiving the second prize in their 2018 composition competition. At the time of receiving this award, I was working closely with three members of the Icarus Wind Quintet on a different project, and they agreed to premiere the piece on their regional tour this August. The piece is called Earworm, as it is built around a very small amount of thematic material (only three notes!) which appears in many different ways and eventually develops into a complex, interweaving texture. There are three contrasting sections in the piece, each with its own unique feeling; the first is driving and exciting, the second is hypnotically relaxed and wonky, and the third is quirky and restless. Most of the piece was composed intuitively; however, I did use number patterns to create a sense of unpredictability in the “restless” section. What's the likelihood you'll be able to come back to Port Mac and witness this performance? I’ll definitely be there! There’s something extra special about having my music played in my hometown. Generally as a musician, you learn to play one or maybe a few instruments. As a composer, you'd need to know the mechanics/key/capabilities of many instruments and how they all work together to produce a harmonious sound. How much of a challenge does this present for you? This is a really important part of composition. Every instrument has its strengths and weaknesses, and composers have to work around these to serve the purpose of the music and make the performers sound great. There are many books written on this exact

topic, but I’ve learned the most by working closely with performers and asking questions. Performers are experts on the mechanics and capabilities of their instruments, and everyone I’ve worked with has wanted to help me succeed in creating new, idiomatic music. Then it's just a matter of experience, and composing many different pieces to become comfortable with writing for most instruments. What's your next big dream (perhaps we can catch up with you again in a few years to see how it's all panning out for you)? I’m currently designing a concert-series for 2020 to showcase eight of Sydney’s finest young performers and composers. It’s a big project, aiming to commission and premiere sixteen new works across four concerts within a twelve-month period. If I manage to raise enough funds to produce these concerts, not only will it be a huge opportunity for myself and the other musicians involved, but I believe it will be an important asset to Sydney’s cultural life. Extra ensemble/concert info: - The Icarus Wind Quintet was formed at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music by Joshua Ning (oboe), Nicholas D’Silva (clarinet) and Nicholas Zengoski (bassoon) to fulfil their shared interest in chamber music. Originally playing together as a reed trio, they expanded into the Icarus Wind Quintet with Ella Jeong (flute) and Oliver Harris (horn) in 2017. - In addition to my piece, they will be playing Le Petit Patisserie by Jacques Leclair and Carl Nielsen’s famous Wind Quintet, Op. 43. - The group will also perform in Hawkes Nest, Dorrigo, Forster, Nambucca Heads and Kempsey between the 10th and 18th August. Thanks Ben. Interview: Jo Robinson.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 11

focus_Whatâ€™s On Greater Port Macquarie

A U G U S T

2 0 1 9

Annie Sloan Workshops

Learn the basics of the Annie Sloan method. This is a beginners' workshop that will introduce you to four techniques and will take three hours. All of the materials you need will be provided, including light refreshments. #anniesloanischalkpaint When Saturday 10th August, 10am - 1:30pm. Where The Other Chef Fine Foods - 2/22 Merrigal Rd, Port Macquarie. For more information email sales@bentonfood.com.au

The Three Rivers Mini Marathon

Telegraph Point to Port Macquarie Paddle along the Wilson, Maria and Hastings Rivers. Post race: enjoy a drink and BBQ lunch, listen to a Jazz music band and reflect on your achievements. For more details and registration visit https://www.revolustionise.com.au/pmrc/

University of Newcastle OPEN DAYS

Get a taste of campus life, meet academics and students and be inspired by displays, talks and tours. When: Info Session Port Macquarie - 15th August at Port Central. Register online: www.newcastle.edu.au/openday

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Glasshouse 10th Birthday To celebrate their 10th birthday, the Glasshouse is throwing open their doors - and everyone is invited! The Glasshouse will be a wonder of fun, colour and creativity. Family fun community day jam packed with vibrant activities for all ages. They will be fun activities for all ages, including art for kids, gallery exhibitions, tours of the Glasshouse, creative workshops for children and adults. Face painting, virtual reality, jumping castles, performances and much more. Free fun for all ages! Proudly supported by Percival Property. When Saturday 24th August, 10am - 3pm. Where Glasshouse, Corner of Clarence and Hay Streets, Port Macquarie. Info (02) 6581 8888 - info@glasshouse.org.au

The Artist Market

The Artist Market is staged on the fourth Sunday of each month in the grounds of The Maritime Museum. It will showcase their talents and will be supported by stalls featuring locally grown, made or baked, farm fresh produce and fine food products. When Sunday 28th Jul '19 - Sunday 26th Jan '20, monthly event, from 9am to 1pm. Next market, 25th August. Where The Maritime Museum, 6 William Street, Port Macquarie. Info 0421 818 755 - marketplaceevents@outlook.com

26 Singin in the Rain

By Players Theatre Based on the 1952 MGM musical, this classic musical comedy is light, fast, entertaining and really funny; with its priceless dialogue and upbeat, much loved score, it's designed to make you smile the whole way through. When the transition is being made from silent films to talkies, everyone has trouble adapting. Don and Linda have been cast repeatedly as a romantic couple, but when their latest film is remade into a musical, only Don has the voice for the new singing part. After a lot of practice with a diction coach, Linda still sounds terrible and Kathy, a bright young, aspiring actress, is hired to record over her voice. When 26th July - 11th August. Fri and Sat 2pm, Sun 2pm, Sat 10th August Special Matinee 2pm. Where Players Theatre, 33 Lord St, Port Macquarie. Info www.playerstheatre.org.au

Electric Ballroom

Let's hit rewind back to the '70â€™s, '80s and '90s. Prizes and giveaways; $10 cocktails. When 31st August from 8pm. Last Saturday of every month from 8pm. Where Panthers Basement; free entry. portmacquarie.panthers.com.au/electric-ballroom/

focusinterview.

NAOMI PRICE

You most likely won’t recognise her in this production, but Naomi Price, star of Australian stage and screen, showcases her enormous vocal and acting talent in "Lady Beatle". Appearing at the Glasshouse on August 31, "Lady Beatle" is a modern memory play set to a backdrop of the Beatles’ most famous hits - an epic journey back in time to Liverpool, England, in the 1960s …

i Naomi. To say you're a super busy lady is an understatement! Many of us know you from The Voice Australia (2015), and your performances in stage shows Rumour Has It and Wrecking Ball. How would you describe the last five years of your life? The past five years of my life have been an incredible whirlwind. I toured the country with Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. I performed Rumour Has It, a show I wrote, at the Sydney Opera House. We’ve taken our work overseas, and recently I enjoyed success at home in Brisbane as the title role in Sweet Charity. I would say I’ve worked extremely hard, and I’ve also been extremely lucky. I’m thankful every day for the love and support of my family and friends, who make this madcap life possible. Lady Beatle is your latest production. How did the premise for this show come about? There are two main drivers for all Little Red Company works: music and research. Unpacking the “musical voice” of the show was vital, so we started by getting into a rehearsal room with the full band to play and experiment with the Beatles’ catalogue. [Co-writer] Adam [Brunes] and I brought to the table some initial musical ideas that we thought could work - be it to drive narrative development, character, or simply as entertainment - and the band was also very generous with sharing their own ideas. Musical reinterpretation was key; we always strive to present known and loved material in a new light. While the musical world was unfolding, Adam

and I discovered our own kind of “Beatlemania”, poring over every article, video, biography, research paper, history book, fan site, newspaper clipping and podcast we could get our hands on You and your family have a strong connection with Liverpool, England - and the Beatles. Can you tell us a little about this, and what The Beatles' music meant to you growing up? My dad’s family are all from Liverpool, so I have vivid memories of going up north during the summer holidays and spending hours listening to the Beatles’ music with my grandma and Indy. I was convinced that my grandma knew the Beatles personally, as she used to talk about them in such detail and with such intimate knowledge. I’ve come to realise as an adult that Liverpudlians have a deep personal connection to the Beatles - to their music and to them as prominent figures. They are such an important part of the fabric of Liverpool and to the identity of a city wrestling with its place in the world after WWII. The Beatles represent a coming of age for Liverpool, and I’m deeply thankful that I got to experience that through my grandparents’ great love of their music. So many hits! Which Beatles songs are particular favourites for you to perform? We do a great version of Here Comes the Sun, which is loosely based on the Nina Simone version and I love doing that, and anytime I hear the bassline of Lady Madonna kick in, I’m off. To me, that’s party time. Lady Beatle weaves a story through the Beatles music too. How much of what you do for each show is ad-libbed? There’s certainly room for fun with the

audience, but Adam and I have written a beautiful story that really takes audiences on a journey through Lady Beatle’s connection to the Fab Four. While there are subtle differences between performances, audiences can expect the same amazing story and incredible music every time they come. The Beatles music appears deceptively simple, but how much of a challenge is it to actually sing some of their songs? We present more than 30 of the Beatles’ chart-toppers throughout the show, and they all have their own special joys and challenges. The difference is the way we interpret and present the music in the story, so the bigger challenge was creating something really original for fans to hear. It’s a classic Beatles rock soundtrack brought kicking and screaming into the 21st Century with a sole female vocalist and four of Australia’s best musicians. Lifetime fans of the Beatles will love it just as much as first-time listeners. One of the biggest compliments we’ve had from audiences is that they knew so many of the songs in the show, but had never really listened to the songs until now. We were blown-away to hear that. What do you most enjoy about the Lady Beatle production? Lady Beatle is an enigmatic and wholly original character; she could be the Beatles’ biggest fan, or she could be someone entirely different, and I take such delight in teasing out her true identity until she makes her swansong. When Adam and I delved into the Beatles’ remarkable catalogue to create the show, we discovered their world was populated with seemingly ordinary people - the barber, banker,

fireman and nurse in Penny Lane; the meter maid star of Lovely Rita; the teenage runaway who inspired She’s Leaving Home - ordinary people who have unknowingly become part of an extraordinary musical and cultural legacy. Lady Beatle is our homage to these characters and others whose stories might never have been told were it not for four ordinary lads from Liverpool. Who'll be up on stage accompanying you in the show? In Port Macquarie I’ll be joined by the most amazing musicians, and I just love everything they bring to the show - Tnee Dyer (Piano), Scott French (Guitar), Darran Muller (Drums) and Phil Roach (Bass). Final say … The Glasshouse is one of my favourite venues to perform in, with amazing sound and great audiences. I can’t wait to get in there and introduce Lady Beatle to Port Macquarie! Thanks Naomi. Interview: Jo Robinson. Photos courtesy of Dylan Evans Photography.

See Lady Beatle at the Glasshouse on August 31st at 8pm. Visit glasshouse.org.au for tickets and details. Lady Beatle is a Little Red Company and Critical Stages Production, originally produced by La Boite Theatre Company. Port Macquarie show proudly presented by the Glasshouse and Percival Property Real Estate Sales. Greater Port Macquarie focus 13

desert

sculptures GAOL

the

in the

FIONA McARTHUR

hat if the love of your life forgot who you were? By the bestselling author of Mothers’ Day and Aussie Midwives comes The Desert Midwife, an uplifting novel from the heart about sacrifice, love and hope. With her trademark honesty and charm, Australia’s renowned midwife Fiona McArthur explores the strength of family bonds, the hardships that come with midwifery, and the importance of mental health support in the Australian outback. Outback midwife Ava May is passionate and dedicated to her work, but it’s evident there are more patients than staff on the ground. When she meets widowed suburban doctor Zac on a flight to Alice Springs, a sweeping romance blooms. This exciting adventure is derailed when Zac loses his memory of Ava in a car accident. Devastated, Ava retreats to her family cattle station to help salvage what she can of the critical situation. Fiona’s talent for writing shines as she interlaces moments of hope with the harsh realities of rural

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SOUTH WEST ROCKS

A posse of sculptures have once again escaped from Trial Bay Gaol. According to sources, the sculptures each made oﬀ with a word from the Escapee Trail motto and are currently holed up in businesses around South West Rocks.

Michael Joseph RRP $32.99 Trade Paperback Publication date: 16th July 2019.

living: her mother has found love in the most unexpected place, and her sister-in-law is glowing with pregnancy; but her brother’s depression is taking a plunge as the cattle station suffers from the drought. With over thirty years of experience as a rural midwife, Fiona McArthur navigates the rocky waters of mental health through her authentic and heartfelt characters, challenging readers to have an open discussion and remove the stigma. Her latest heartwarming romantic drama, The Desert Midwife is a tale about strong families, medical miracles and new beginnings.

vent coordinator Phil Nicholas said, “This is about extending the footprint of the exhibition, to give visitors to South West Rocks more reasons to take a look around and pop in to businesses they may not typically enter.” Maps showing the location of each sculpture are available from each business, as well as from the Trial Bay Gaol gatehouse office. “This year we’ve injected a bit of fun by creating the Escapee Trail motto. Visit each sculpture, see which words they are guarding and complete the motto, then drop your map off at Seabreeze Beach Hotel. Prizes will be drawn at the Sculpture in the Gaol Awards Ceremony at Seabreeze on Saturday 31st August during Eat

Street South West Rocks,” Mr Nicholas said. The ten participating businesses are Rocks Central Shopping Centre, Rocks Travel, Heritage Beachside Café, Sixty Degrees, Elders Real Estate, Coastline Credit Union, Seabreeze Beach Hotel, Raw Spice, Chillati, SWR Surf Club. Team Leader at South West Rocks Coastline Credit Union, Amanda McDonnell said, “As well as sponsoring the exhibition, we’re delighted to host a sculpture at our branch. It’s a talking point and a beautiful piece of work I enjoy looking at each time I walk past.” The Escapee Trail runs until the end of August, and the majority of sculptures exhibited are priced for sale. For details of the full artistic program, visit https://www.sculptureinthegaol.com.au/

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CARR-GREGG If you’d like some insight into your child’s behaviour, some tips for managing some of the stickier situations teens and their families can ﬁnd themselves in, and more knowledge about how to communicate eﬀectively as a family, don’t miss world renowned psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg’s presentation on August 26 in Port Macquarie. Dr Carr-Gregg is well known as the resident parenting expert on Channel 7’s "Sunrise" programme, and psychologist for Channel 9’s "Today Extra" …

i Dr Carr-Gregg. What inspired you initially to study and train as a psychologist? I got diagnosed with cancer as a teenager and throughout the experience had no one to talk to - so became a resource for young people with cancer. During your years working with children and adolescents, what differences (if any) have you found between the issues boys and girls both face and how they deal with them? I think the pressures are felt more evenly now - both have trouble with coping with stress, school and study, body image and anxiety. The way they deal with them depend more on their individual personality, disposition and temperament, rather than gender. You've written many books, the latest of which, co-written with Flip Shelton, is called Smart Snacks. How important do you feel is the correlation between healthy eating and children/adolescents' behaviour? Studies led by Deakin University Associate Professor Felice Jacka show that people consuming food and drinks high in sugar and sodium are more likely to develop mental health conditions such as depression. But, by choosing a healthy diet, it may be possible to boost mood and increase your chances of warding off depression. We have brand new data from the ABS telling us that nearly all Australians are failing to meet the basic dietary guidelines, particularly as they relate to the recommended five to six serves of vegetables a day. This has large implications for our physical health, but research now tells us that this is very important for brain and mental health as well. As a community ambassador for Big Brothers Big

We have brand new data Sisters and Smiling Mind, field? from the ABS telling us that recognising and assisting I specialise in apps and websites that nearly all Australians with mental health issues in promote wellbeing. My favourite app is are failing to meet the a positive way is obviously a Smiling Mind and my favourite website basic dietary guidelines, priority for you. How do you is Moodgym. particularly as they relate to the feel Australians in general You'll be visiting Port Macquarie recommended ﬁve to six serves are treating mental health and speaking to parents, carers and of vegetables a day. issues today, as opposed grandparents this month. What are to when you first started some of the topics you're likely to practising psychology? discuss? It is estimated that more than Cybersafety, effective communication, two million Australians don’t resilience, anxiety, diet, teen brains, seek help formental health problems every year. Stigma wellbeing and depression. can discourage people from telling others about their What's a question you're most commonly asked by symptoms and getting help when they need it, resulting parents (one that pops up time and time again) in delayed treatment, reduced quality of life - social, and what is your answer to that question? financial, housing and employment - and even a higher Is there a most effective way to manage teenagers and risk of suicide. phones. Answer: yes; try Family Zone filter system. The effects of stigma are so harmful, they can even Thanks Dr Carr-Gregg. alter how people affected by mental illness value Interview: Jo Robinson. themselves. If those with a mental illness accept stigma, it can lead to social withdrawal, poor self-worth, excessive reliance on others and even the abuse of alcohol or drugs. Many people describe stigma as more debilitating than the illness itself at times. While some progress has been The community session details are as follows: made via Beyond Blue, SANE and RUOK day, we still have Date Monday 26th August. some way to go and need to break it down by discussing Time 6pm - 7:30pm. the true facts about mental illness, acknowledging the Venue Hastings Secondary College, Port Macquarie harm stigma does and understanding that mental illness Campus Hall, Owen Street, Port Macquarie. can happen to anyone, like any other health problem. Tickets $15 per head. Technology is an important part of our children's Registration via Eventbrite - https:// lives these days. Most parents are aware of the drcarrgreggseminar.eventbrite.com.au negative aspects - including cybercrime and Event proudly sponsored by Hastings Valley cyberbullying - but what are some positive ways Community of Schools. you've seen technology assist young people in your Greater Port Macquarie focus 15

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art

Ken Strong Gallery Kew O P E N S

new I N

T H E

R E G I O N

Sarah Baker speaks with Ken Strong about all things art, community and the latest exhibitors at the Kew gallery.

i Ken. Congratulations on opening your gallery. Please tell us a little about your vision for the newly opened space, housing the works of selected artists. We are looking to provide a venue for the display and sale of contemporary and traditional art, with the ability to represent local artists and a range of other established artists from around Australia. My wife, Jocelyn and I have lived on the Mid North Coast for over thirty years. We have been involved in the art world for over forty years and have developed a sound knowledge of the industry and its evolution. There is a huge variability that occurs within the art forms, and we hope to be able to explore some of these at the gallery. You are an esteemed local artist yourself, with a unique style for landscapes. How would you describe your latest pieces and the techniques you use? Over my painting career, I have explored a whole range of different approaches. Every approach has some unique technique or characteristic to be applied, all of which provide a learning experience; however, I have always endeavoured to develop a unique and recognisable style. I have always enjoyed the use of colour and contrast in the creation of composition, and the works in the gallery demonstrate this. Perhaps the most prominent feature of the current range of works is the strong use of light as one of the key elements of the composition. It could almost be said that light becomes the subject of many of

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my paintings on display. story". My current subjects represent Why do you think the expression of Australian themes, incorporating the art and having a creative outlet is so human influence on the landscape. enriching for a person? I have been painting and drawing Artistic expression for me provides an for as long as I can remember and have outlet where I am driven by an obsession rarely left the house without an easel and to be creative. For many pursuits, the paints in some form. outcomes can be calculated and the I have been fortunate to have been benefits and pleasures gained easy to able to display my works extensively quantify. both in Australia Art is not so and overseas, readily tangible; having held over expression can vary sixty exhibitions, infinitely, affecting Art and painting is such a including thirtyyour emotional diverse and variable passion. seven solo. and physical status. Inspiration continues to Interestingly, my I have often said mutate and develop with initial exhibition was when I first viewed exposure to new art and held at the Kendall the works of Joseph artists as time proceeds. Green Gallery in Turner at the London Inspiration for artwork relates 1988, hosted by the National Gallery, I not only to chosen subjects and late Peter Gross and was transfixed and techniques, but also in ďŹ nding his wife, Bar, which moved somewhere the best way to 'tell the story'. I remember fondly. been tears and Could you tell exultation. Any form our readers a of expression as a little about the creative outlet that development of your craft and where can have this affect on the emotions you draw your inspiration? is worth exploring and provides a new I have been painting the landscape for platform of existence. over forty years. I grew up in Sydney and For people wanting to reach out and on the Central Coast, surrounded by the find out more information about Ken Australian eucalypt bush and waterways Strong Gallery Kew, how can they of the Hawkesbury and Brisbane Waters. best get in touch? This certainly had an impact on my love The gallery is open at Kew from of the Australian landscape. Thursday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Art and painting is such a diverse and The address is 148 Nancy Bird Walton variable passion. Inspiration continues Drive, Kew, formerly the Kew Popup to mutate and develop with exposure to Gallery. new art and artists as time proceeds. Jocelyn and I can be contacted on Inspiration for artwork relates not only 0408 445 958 or 0412 778 608, or via to chosen subjects and techniques, but email at studio24@bigpond.com also in finding the best way to "tell the Thanks Ken.

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Gavin

LIVE YOFEURAT BEST LI

YOUR LIFE!

Creating a world class gym in Port Macquarie with the best facilities and most classes is something Gavin Wilcox is very proud of. The recently completed upgrade to the amenities within the gym, all the new equipment, growing classes and complementary services, such as physio/dietician support, are another feather in the cap. We caught up with Gavin about the journey in fitness and business.

avin, can you introduce yourself and tell us how long you have been a local, and also where your career in the fitness industry started? I have been in Port Macquarie most of my life, and I attended high school here. If I think back to where my journey truly began, it was when I was a teenager and the local gym offered me free membership, so I could train in exchange for cleaning the cardio equipment each week - so that’s what I did to get a start! I’ve loved working in fitness centres ever since. It’s a story I like to remind new staff or people about - everyone starts from humble beginnings, and you need to be patient in growing into a career, because it does take time to develop the skills you need. I’ve found that starting at the bottom is often the only way to truly develop all the skills you need to succeed and to really appreciate where you end up. As a local business owner, you have succeeded in setting up an amazing business. What are some of the core foundations and values you set for yourself and YLFC when you went into this venture six years ago? For me, I have always prided myself on doing the right thing and being honest - sounds a bit cliché, I know, but I honestly think that to succeed in business you must be honest with your customers and the community. Honesty and ethics in business can be as simple as only promoting what you have; we have a “what you see is what you get” culture, so when we say something is a $100 saving, that’s what it is - not a fluffed up sale. I set out to create a fitness centre that suits people like you and I; it’s not about girls in leotards or huge guys anymore (in fact, we have around 70% female

members and members from 16 years to 80 years of greatest plate loaded hammer gear that works your age) it’s about people competing with themselves only body differently to standard weight machines; plus to live their best life. I also wanted to change how lifting platforms that professional athletes use in their gyms traditionally interact with their members, and at training. Your Life we constantly respond to feedback from our Two smaller non equipment features we have customers. introduced include environmental changes - the first A couple of other things we really focus on are is we operate without paper at reception (signing making people welcome; fitness can be a very up all our members digitally) and second, one that personal and sometimes daunting journey to start we pioneered locally, where we installed bamboo with, and we aim to make every wipes for cleaning our cardio person feel comfortable at our equipment area, which are 100% centre. biodegradable in our green bin! Lastly is reinvestment - I truly In business, what are you believe with the amount of most proud of? A couple of other things we funding we put back into our My wife and I often talk about really focus on are making centre and being independently this. We set out at the start to people welcome; fitness can locally owned makes our centre change the fitness industry in be a very personal and the best value for money on the Port Macquarie, and we certainly sometimes daunting Mid North Coast! have done that. We were the journey to start with, and Talk us through the three first centre to bring the quality of we aim to make every person pieces of your world class equipment we have today in life feel comfortable at our centre. equipment you are most fitness and hammer equipment proud to have. to Port Macquarie, the first to There are so many amazing offer so many of the services like things we have added over the virtual class styles and equipment last few years, I can barely keep up. Our treadmills our members love today! are the best you will find in the country and definitely One of the things we are also proud of is being able in Port Macquarie, with features including web to give back. We sponsor so many local charitable browsing, Netflix, Foxtel and Spotify, plus virtual events now each year, I have personally done Dancing reality tours through countries all over the world! The with the Stars, which raised tens of thousands for treadmills have the smoothest platform available on cancer research, and regularly support a variety of the market, to help protect your joints. fundraising efforts and our kids' gymnastics club. I’m also really proud of our Functional Room; every If you were to describe YLFC in three words, time I think we have done enough, the team and I what would you say? find another way to grow or improve this area. In the Can’t do it in three words, sorry - probably our last year we have doubled the amount of equipment motto - Live your Best Life at Your Life! and racks in just this area alone! We have the world’s Thanks Gavin. Greater Port Macquarie focus 17

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val of the i su st n fe

Contrary to the name, “The Buoys” are an all women four-piece band that FEATURE WITTY LYRICS WITH AN EFFORTLESS ‘90S ROCK BAND SOUND THAT’S MAKING WAVES AND PICKING UP INTEREST IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY. Heading on tour through August with their new single, “GOLD”, we chat with lead singer Zoe about life and the upcoming FOTSUN here in Port Macquarie.

here did your love of music and songwriting come from? My father was a musician, so that’s definitely where it came from for me personally. Growing up in school, I was encouraged to learn as many instruments as possible and I just never stopped. It’s a similar story for a lot of the girls; they have family members who are musicians or played instruments in primary school and just kept doing it. How did your band come together? Did you all know each other beforehand? We’ve had a couple of line up changes. Originally I started the band with a couple of girlfriends in Cronulla, which was almost three years ago now, and then a bunch of us kind of went travelling, came back and disbanded, and I moved to Inner West Sydney, where I met a couple of these girls. I actually met Tess, our drummer, because I went on a date with her cousin, and I just would not shut up about how I needed a female drummer; he gave me Tess’ number. We met up and just hit it off like hearts on fire. The rest of the girls we met through mutuals, having so many friends in the music scene. What is it about playing to a live audience that you love? I can definitely speak for the whole band here, because we all completely have the same feeling about playing live music, in that you can be in any state whatsoever, but then as soon as you pick up your instrument and you get onstage, it just completely cheers you up and gives you the energy you need, that you felt you were lacking at the end of the day. It can just quickly change your mood for the better. I don’t know what it is; it’s just so enjoyable and fun. Your singles are now regulars on triple J. How do you feel when your songs are played on the airwaves? Still in shock! Very much shock. It is just so cool to hear your stuff being shared around, and I hope it gets around more. Talk us through your songs; you are a songwriter. Can you share with us a little about the inspiration

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IT’S STILL UNREAL THAT WE’RE PLAYING, SO WE ARE ALL JUST LOOKING FORWARD TO GOING ON A ROAD TRIP TOGETHER, SPENDING TIME WITH EACH OTHER AND HAVING THAT EXPERIENCE TOGETHER FOR THE FIRST TIME.

for your lyrics? Usually my daily experiences, whether it’s just mundane everyday tasks or conversation that was had or a situation ... I like to write about personal things, because it’s easier to use language when you’re feeling something quite strongly. What would be one of your favourite songs to play at the moment? At the moment it’s got to be Gold, the new single. It’s a very dancy song, and when we play it live we play it a little bit differently. We all have really cool interactive parts, and half the time we’re just kind of passing it on to each other and losing our sh*t through six drum parts and solos. Gold is more of a dance song. What kind of genre would your music usually fall into? People usually classify us as ‘90s garage rock. I’m terrible at classifying genres, so I’m just going with what other people say. We’ve been delving into a little bit of punk lately, but mostly garage rock. You’re playing at Port Macquarie’s Festival of the Sun in December. What are you looking forward to about this event? For me, it’s my first festival outside of Sydney! It’s still unreal that we’re playing, so we are all just looking forward to going on a road trip together, spending time with each other and having that experience together for the first time. Have you got any other festivals on your bucket list

that you want to play at? Send me to Splendour and Falls. They’re on the list for sure. Will you get to spend much time in the Port Macquarie region while you’re here, or is it just a quick fly in visit? It always just stops when you’re driving up north. It’s not a really good distance from Sydney to have any time and chill out - we all have to do the drives in such fast bursts. I remember when I was younger and I was at uni, we could take our time driving to and fro. You could always stay overnight. Now, we’re always in a rush. We’re so looking forward to coming to Port Macquarie. Please come up and say hi. We can see on Spotify that we have fans in that area, and we want to meet you all. Other than on the radio, where can we hear your music or catch up with what the band’s up to? Our socials are very active - Facebook and Instagram; you’ll always find what you need on there. All of our released music you can find on all streaming platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, Pandora. Thanks Zoe.

See The Buoys at FOTSUN, December 12th, 13th and 14th. More info at fotsun.com

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Cristian Campano Design.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 19

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Matt Cramer is an easygoing, LIKEABLE CHAP WITH A GREAT SENSE OF HUMOUR ... AND HE’S SUPER TALENTED BEHIND THE LENS TOO! Matt’s love for our local area shows in every breathtaking image he shoots. Any of his images would take pride of place on a wall in your home...

Matthew

I am drawn to the challenge of capturing fleeting moments

i Matt. What's your background in the Greater Port Macquarie area ... what brought you here to live? Firstly, thank you for the opportunity to appear in FOCUS! My family moved from Sydney to Port when I was four (1975); we lived here for five years, before heading back to Sydney. I retained a connection with this area, holding fond memories of playing footy with the Port Sharks and an endless supply of friends on Kadina Crescent, Shelly Beach. I recall playing matchbox cars in the red dirt, building cubbies in the bush and sneaking into Fantasy Glades through the back fence … ah, the memories! Eventually we moved back to the area in 2005 with my own family, settling first in Dunbogan, then in Port from 2013. How did your interest in photography begin? After the HSC, I completed a TAFE course in television principles. I wanted to be a TV cameraman more than anything. I began at Channel 9, Sydney as a videotape editor, to get a foot in the door. Thirteen years later, I left Channel 9, as a videotape editor (best laid plans, 20 Greater Port Macquarie focus

huh!) and switched careers into counselling. After moving to Dunbogan, I was lured to still photography. The raw natural beauty of the area, from Pilot Beach to Diamond Head (our favourite camp spot) out to Comboyne and surrounds so much to capture! It was also a time where social media was booming, allowing a budding photographer to engage with an audience, gain immediate feedback and encouragement and connect with other clickers. Since then, I haven’t looked back, still searching for the perfect shot, with no clue what that might be! Who have been some of your mentors/what have been some of the best ways to learn your skill behind the lens? I’ve not had any distinct mentors. Most of my learning has been through practice, YouTube tutorials and more practice - so I’m more selftaught than anything. I am inspired by other photographers and take the time to learn different techniques. I value connecting with local photographers, either on predawn beach sand or through Facebook photography groups. My passion for capturing moments, moods and connection has enabled skills to build intrinsically. For anyone interested in improving their

which might normally photography, it’s and iconic backdrops. Oh escape our attention. It’s important to learn the yeah, and Flynns ain’t bad like finding some order fundamentals like how either, oh … and then or meaning in the chaos aperture, shutter and there’s Town Beach and … of movement, finding peace ISO relate, lens choice, You also have a talent and stillness in the noise, a composition and post for capturing moving present in the present. processing. And be objects, such as cyclists open to feedback, both and flying birds. Anyone positive and critical; it’s who's ever tried to not always clear to you, photograph objects the photographer, what is working or not. moving at speed will know this is no easy You've captured some incredibly beautiful task! What are some of your tips to create pics from around our area. What are some great images like this? of your favourite spots to shoot locally (and I am drawn to the challenge of capturing why)? fleeting moments which might normally escape Thank you! There’s something about a our attention. It’s like finding some order or waterfall that draws me back repeatedly. Mossy meaning in the chaos of movement, finding green rocks, long exposures, the stillness of the peace and stillness in the noise, a present in the bush, the sound of water gushing hypnotically present. - timeless and blissful. I relish a trek to Wilsons Planning is restricted with these types of shots, River, Ellenborough or Waitui Falls, and there needing speedy adaptation to unpredictable are some magical spots near Lorne and Swans variables, and sometimes intuition triggers the Crossing. shutter before the brain says go. It’s that feeling More conveniently and frequently however, I of connectedness which I love the most. find myself scouting Port’s beaches, particularly Technically speaking, if you want to freeze during the golden hours. Every beach has its action (like birds flying), in most cases a higher own character, but for me Shelly and Lighthouse shutter speed is needed, 1/1000sec or above. beckon the loudest with their distinctive rocks You need your camera to be in continuous focus

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mode, which can hold focus when the object is moving toward or away from you. A fast aperture, say F/4 or wider, helps to isolate the subject by blurring the background. Another technique is to slow the shutter down to approximately 1/60th and pan the camera with the moving object (like a bike), to freeze the subject yet show blur in the background. This is hit and miss, but fun to challenge yourself with, and the results can impress. What's in your usual camera kit these days? I don’t leave home without my baby, the Nikon D850, and the D750 comes off the bench. For landscapes, my fav is the 15-30mm and for panoramas, I’ll use the 24-70mm to avoid lens distortion. In case of emergencies e.g. a pod of dolphins surfing waves off the point, I carry my 70-200mm, although these dolphins have a habit of disappearing the moment I change lenses! The 90mm macro lens waits patiently for any close-up opportunities. I carry a range of filters for seascapes, to blur water or cut through reflections with a polariser. Finally, a torch, cleaning tissues and a rocket blower for dust completes the kit. How has technology helped with your photography ... do you use a drone; what computer programs/apps do you favour? Shooting in camera raw means I have many options post-processing. I use Adobe Lightroom

it’s about being grateful for what I do have available, but this is challenged by the endless stream of amazing images flooding Instagram and Facebook. If I had to narrow down, it would be New Zealand with its breathtaking mountains My hope is that local and lakes, Iceland and businesses and websites outback Australia. One day… who need an image of Port What do you hope Macquarie, or a speciﬁc to achieve with your beach or location, can ﬁnd photography business in what they need by searching the years to come? tags in my website galleries. for the majority of Photography for me has images with tagging always been a passion more and corrections, and than a business, although for more complicated the business side is catching edits, Photoshop. up. There are so many photographers out No drone yet, but I have been keeping an eye there, it’s rarer and rarer that I get a beach to on the improving technology and changes to myself, with three-legged silhouettes appearing flying regulations. from the night, ever threatening my perfect I am relatively new to Instagram, and with the composition … ha ha. help of my daughter’s instruction, I am gradually With my catalogue of images of our local building followers. I do, however, get “the look” region captured over many years, it makes from her when I ask stupid questions! sense to make these available for people to Before planning a shoot, I will check in with look through and choose from. My hope is that the Willi Weather app for all the tide, sun, local businesses and websites who need an wind and swell information. The Photographers Ephemeris app tells me where the sun will emerge and disappear on the horizon, so I can plan the best vantage point for shooting. I also have the PhotoPills app on my phone, which helps with calculating depth of field, position of the stars and hyperfocal distances. There are many tools to help plan your photography shoots nowadays; we are very fortunate! What/who is on your bucket list to photograph? To be honest, I feel a bit overwhelmed by the endless choice of shooting locations available in Australia and abroad. No matter where I am, there’s a niggling thought I am missing something better, somewhere else. I know

image of Port Macquarie, or a specific beach or location, can find what they need by searching the tags in my website galleries. Or, those who are seeking a print or canvas for their wall can find what they need more conveniently by clicking on the tag/s of their choosing. I have been fortunate to have the support of Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and have been supplying images for tourism and promotion for several years now. I still get a buzz when I see one of my images appear on a billboard or shared through social media - with consent, of course! Where can we contact you/find out more about your work? My website is best for checking out my photography at www.mcimages.com.au I am also on Instagram: mcimages_ photography and have a Facebook page at “Matt Cramer Photography”. Thank you so much, FOCUS, for this opportunity, and to you the reader for making it all the way through the article - unless you have just skipped to this answer, in which case thank you anyway for having a squiz at my pics! Thanks Matt. Interview: Jo Robinson.

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Veal Scallopini - pan seared veal, prawns, smashed chats, steamed greens, brandy and pink peppercorn cream. Panthers, Port Macquarie.

Creamy pumpkin soup served with toast

Milk chocolate fondue with fresh fruit and marshmallows

Aqua at The Westport Club

Hastings Coﬀee Co. at The Westport Club

When winter rolls around, we inevitably find ourselves craving more comforting foods - goodies that warm us up, bring colour to our plate and make us smile. Relax With Us while you enjoy the pink and orange hues of the sun setting, indulging in a rich glass of red in our warm and welcoming dining room. To bring the colour to your plate, Aqua’s talented chefs have designed a menu to showcase many of your favourite winter warmers, such as beef casserole, traditional roasts, chicken schnitzel and for those who enjoy a classic combination, creamy garlic prawns. Be sure to save some room for our winter dessert special, guaranteed to bring fun to your dining experience. For a limited time, diners at Aqua restaurant can enjoy a Milk Chocolate Fondue - only $15 for members and $17.20 for non-members. Our sunsets are particularly beautiful at this time of year!

On a winter’s day, nothing beats a steaming hot bowl of soup to warm you up and make your day a little brighter. At Hastings Coffee Co., we take your comfort seriously, so our August soup special is guaranteed to warm you right up and put a smile on your face. Join us any day of the week for a delicious soup lunch, including Creamy Pumpkin Soup. Finish off your lunch with a barista-made coffee and a house-made sweet treat like our decadent chocolate dome, and we guarantee you’ll leave with a warm, snuggly feeling, like you’ve just had a big warm hug! Our convenient location offers undercover parking and plenty of sunny, indoor seating with a lovely Hastings River outlook. When you Relax With Us you might even be lucky enough to spot a passing dolphin or two. Hastings Coffee Co. is open from 8am daily and trades late for dinner Wednesday to Saturday. Bookings are not required for Hastings Coffee Co.

HEAD CHEF JESSE MCGARRITY

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

LUNCH 7 DAYS 11:30AM - 2:30PM DINNER 7 DAYS FROM 5:00PM

BREAKFAST AND LUNCH 7 DAYS FROM 8AM, DINNER WEDNESDAY - SATURDAY FROM 5PM - LATE.

250 gram Filet Mignon encased in bacon, hasselback potatoes, beans and Bago Bluﬀ tomato relish

The Kove Kitchen at Panthers

Café Buzz

A standout on the Kove Kitchen menu is our 250 g Filet Mignon. This mouth-watering fillet steak is encased in bacon and served with hasselback potatoes, locally sourced Bago Bluff Tomato Relish, beans and you can choose from our selection of sauces, which include peppercorn, mushroom, diane, gravy, béarnaise, or hollandaise to accompany this flavoursome dish. Our chef will cook this tender fillet to perfection, and you will not be disappointed by the succulent taste or excellent quality of this marvellous mignon.

At BUZZ we are lucky to experience a wonderful interaction with our customers. We have friends who have been coming in since we opened! The comments in the café, and on our social media pages, are ones of praise for our coffee and our food offer. But the ones we receive most are the ones about our people. We believe that we should all enjoy our experience on both sides of the counter. There is so much more to having a coffee, tea, hot chocolate, treat or food at BUZZ. We want you to have exactly what you want, the way you like it. We will ask you questions to find out. You order and we will deliver. Delivery to you with a smile, a chat and an experience we both enjoy. We want to be a “part of your day”. When you are next in the Port CBD, please drop into BUZZ in Peachtree and see for yourself. You will be glad you did. Café BUZZ is up for sale; we want to hand over to a passionate owner(s) to continue these traditions. Is it you? Call Harry on 0412 825 882 or email to harry@buzzcoffee.com.au

Whether you are visiting the area or are a local, you can take in the water views from our Kove Kitchen and enjoy your dining experience in a relaxed atmosphere. 1 BAY STREET, PORT MACQUAIRE (02) 6580 2300 WWW.PORTMACQUARIE.PANTHERS.COM.AU OPEN 7 DAYS. SUNDAY - FRIDAY: 12PM - LATE, SATURDAY: 10AM - LATE. BREAKFAST 8AM - 12PM SATURDAY AND SUNDAY.

HEAD CHEF ADAM LOVETT

PEACHTREE WALK, 9/72 HORTON ST, PORT MACQUARIE (02) 6583 7979 OPEN MON - FRI, 6:45AM - 3PM

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Massaman Beef Curry

Sumita

Satwik i n d i a n

Drift Bar.Café.Restaurant Drift is a place we have created with you in mind … Our new winter menu is here; come and try for yourself a new direction, incorporating all the elements we love about the colder months. Our mission is to bring you simple food done well. With that in mind, we are introducing a variety of warm and hearty dishes to the new season menu that will make your taste buds sing. Try our lunch and dinner menus today and be sure to catch our constantly changing specials board.

HEAD CHEF ANDY WHITEHEAD

Weekly specials include: $20 Steak & Schooner Sunday $20 Chicken Schnitzel Tuesday $20 Proper Roast Thursday PORT CITY BOWLING CLUB, OWEN ST, PORT MACQUARIE 6583 1133 WWW.PORTCITY.COM.AU LUNCH 11:30AM - 2PM AND DINNER FROM 5:30PM.

Bean SPOTLIGHT. with Vicki from Café Buzz

Café Buzz, Peachtree Walk, Port Macquarie

Café BUZZ is renowned for coffee and people. Our BUZZ Coffee House Blend has been served for nearly 16 years and is sold all over Australia. It is regarded as “perfection in a cup”. Our roaster, Andrew Gross, is acclaimed in the industry as a master. Forty years in the industry says it all. His experience flows into your cup every time you visit BUZZ for a coffee, or to grab a bag of beans to take home. Our array of blends, House, Strong and Premium, are in a showcase with a range of single origin coffees from all over the world; in fact, the largest range you will find anywhere. Think Australia, Brazil, Columbia, Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Nicaragua, Papua, as well as special job lots that come along. Did I mention our stunning Columbian Decaf? In the café or at www.buzzcoffee.com.au Coffee is a joy to explore and share. At BUZZ we love to share. Our BUZZ team is there to help; just ask. 24 Greater Port Macquarie focus

umita, when did you first become interested in cooking - and specifically vegetarian? Growing up in India, I rarely cooked. It was only upon moving to Germany that, after being constantly asked by my German friends to cook something exotic and Indian up for them, did I begin cooking. After seeing them so happily enjoy what I had created, I was inspired to continue cooking. This joy of feeding people has stuck with me since, and being able to serve people a meal is not only a passion and a joy, but my favourite part of what I do. Being a vegetarian all my life, it was therefore vegetarian dishes that I sought to learn and master. Who would you say is the biggest influence on your cooking? The first recipes I ever cooked were from the cookbooks of Kurma Das, and he continues to be the biggest influence on my cooking. Whenever I am searching for inspiration for something new to cook up, his recipes are always the first place I turn to. The highlight of my lifetime of cooking was when I was able to host him and cook for him. I cooked for him one of my own recipes, Paneer Stuffed Bullhorn Capsicum Pakora, which he absolutely loved, especially because, as he later told me, people are often too afraid to make their own recipes for him. Tell us about your favourite dishes to create? My favourite dish to create is the Mushroom and Paneer (Indian Cheese) in Spicy Cashew Nut Curry. Its flavours are unique, it's a customer favourite, and its aesthetic appeal all make it a joy to cook up. Besides that, our Kofta Curries, Spinach Paneer and Cabbage Carrot are always fun and different dishes to cook up in between the more conventional curries, and seeing as they’re customers' favourites, I get to do that often. Having lived in both India and Germany, what influences have impacted on your

dishes? Even though I rarely cooked in India, Indian cuisine is still the foundation upon which I build my range of recipes. Seeing my mother cook intuitively, and not chained down by any recipe, taught me how dynamic and versatile Indian cooking can be. In Germany I learned how to adjust Indian cuisine for local produce and tastes, and really began to test the limits of that versatility I saw in my mother’s cooking. This has allowed me to fluently express my cooking in almost any environment, including the wonderful Australia I am now in. What does Satwik Takeaway serve up? At Satwik Takeaway we normally serve up a variety of affordable meals, the timeless and standard combination of rice, dal and curry (we throw in a papadum as well). We’re always having special seasonal curries, alongside our steady roster of constant curries, including the mushroom curry and kofta curries mentioned before. If you’re more in the mood for a snack, we have samosas and pakoras, and if you’re a bit hungrier than that, but still not ready for a full meal, the samosa chaat, a crushed samosa with an assortment of salads and sauces on it, is the way to go. We have both vegan and vegetarian options, although the majority of our customers are neither, and all of our curries are gluten free, so most people are catered for. Our recipes are also relatively healthy, and don’t over rely on salt and ghee, as many people erroneously do when preparing Indian food. If you could cook just one thing, what would it be? Without a doubt Dal. Dal is incredibly healthy, exceedingly delicious, versatile, easy to make, and did I already mention delicious! Especially for vegetarian and vegan diets, it acts as a main source of protein and other nutrients, and therefore in India, no meal is complete without a bowl of Dal. Thanks Sumita.

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M.A.D for Jazz

Ian Castle

from

Blu Hypothesis

ake A Difference (M.A.D) to sing with BluHyp in 2013, which was my is a not for profit first real taste of Jazz singing. I love the vocal organisation that relies freedom of big band music. I am fortunate solely on donations and to be able to perform regularly in the area in supports local people many styles of music and theatre. who are going through What was the first instrument you learnt a rough time. The M.A.D Jazz day is coming up to play, and how long did it take to on Sunday 8th September, which includes local master? Jazz Bands playing for a great cause. I started playing piano at the age of four and We sat down with Ian Castle from the band worked my way through the classical grades Blu Hypothesis, to ask all until I was 17. My focus things music and giving turned towards singing, back. which led to a Bachelor Your Jazz band Blu of Music in Voice. I think IT’S A GREAT DAY WITH Hypothesis will be any type of mastery in FANTASTIC LIVE playing at M.A.D Jazz music is a life journey. MUSIC, A BEAUTIFUL at Bago. Can you tell Teaching both piano VENUE, A RELAXED us how you came to and singing has certainly FAMILY VIBE AND A be involved with the improved my own skills. WONDERFUL CAUSE. fundraiser? Where can we find THIS IS OUR THIRD YEAR, Our big band BluHyp your band regularly AND WE LOOK FORWARD has regularly supported playing? TO PERFORMING. community events over We recently performed the past five years. We at Port Panthers, were invited to perform Wauchope RSL, North for the first event Haven Bowling Club, The at Bago through my association with Rob Big Band Blast, Merimbula Jazz Fesitval and a Denham at MacKillop College. It’s a great day swing dance event at The Old Butter Factory with fantastic live music, a beautiful venue, with Ocean Studios SA. You can keep up to a relaxed family vibe and a wonderful cause. date with our upcoming gigs via our BluHyp This is our third year, and we look forward to Facebook page. performing. If you weren’t a Jazz player, what music would you play? I actually started my singing life as a musical M.A.D for Jazz at Bago, September 8th. theatre and classical performer. I was invited Greater Port Macquarie focus 25

Five of the Best Tenor Voices in Australia. The Australian Tenors will bring a sensational program for 2019, along with romance, excitement, warmth and humour to their performance at the Glasshouse Port Macquarie. The concert encapsulates the spirit, the beauty and vocal demand of truly authentic tenor voices. Audiences are thrilled by the ever popular classical arias from the popular operas such as the tenor trademark Puccini's Nessun Dorma, Verdi’s Anvil Chorus, to popular tenor tunes from The Student Prince, I’ll Walk With God and the Drinking Song. The Australian Tenors also delight audiences with songs from hit music theatre productions, including Tonight and Maria from West Side Story and their stirring rendition of The Holy City.

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Beautiful duets are also a part of the program, including Time to Say Goodbye. Proudly Australian, a performance from world renowned The Australian Tenors is never complete without the ever popular, Waltzing Matilda, Australia My Country (Dorothea Mackellar poem), I Am Australian, among other favourites. The Australian Tenors unite in this wonderful concert, with a dynamic display of true Australian talent, backed by The Southern Cross Orchestra with guest soprano, Opera Australia’s Giuseppina Grech. The Australian Tenors are: Lorenzo Rositano, Murray Mayday, David McKenzie, John Donohoe and Martin Buckingham, backed by The Southern Cross Orchestra under the direction of Musical Director and Conductor Mr Joesph Macri.

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LOU PERRI FROM THE STUNNED MULLET

Now, it is a known fact that cooking for a chef can be somewhat daunting, and it is also true that eating out for a restaurateur can often be not the relaxing and laidback experience it is cracked out to be. There’s no doubt that in the first place it is extremely difficult to switch off the professional eye and inner critic, not to over analyse every nuance, micro manage and compare endlessly - (to clarify, not out loud, but just to have it all ticking away whilst attempting to carry out a normal family meal whilst on holiday!) But sometimes, when it is perfectly clear that things are running nowhere near the level they should be, and it happens not just one time, but every time - it becomes fairly hard to just let it go and move on.

offerings over the course of the holiday period has provided an alternate perspective on the industry and the ways in which providers of service interact with their customers.

Case in point - a particular breakfast buffet situation, which shall remain anonymous … Now, who doesn’t love a good breakfast buffet on holidays - a lifesaver, particularly with kids and often a way to "do brunch" and negate the need for lunch … That is another story! Anyway, the gist of the experience was that each day of the four days we attended this buffet, the same frustrations and overall depressing experience occurred.

It’s certainly a different experience to be consistently on the receiving end of service, as opposed to calling the shots, and this means that whilst some experiences can be rewarding and joyous, others can be challenging and incredibly frustrating.

Let it be said that the food itself (when we could find it) was great, but it was in every other aspect of the service where it was clear that things were very wrong. Won’t bore with the painful details, but it was clear that this show wasn’t being run right. The level of disorganisation was in

GOOD VIBES

inding oneself back to the land of the living … i.e. our sunny, yet presently smokey shores of beautiful Port Macquarie after a much needed escape to the other hemisphere, there’s but a tiny chink in time to reflect on experiencing the "other side" of customer service, before hitting the ground running back into the swing of the delivery of the goods, as opposed to receiving them. Having experienced a plethora of hospitality

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE CREPES!

the realm of chaos, the team was harassed and disgruntled. Morale was non-existent. Nobody was happy, definitely not most of us scouring the wasteland of no bowls and plates, or waiting nervously for something ordered from the menu that hadn’t arrived in a remotely timely fashion. It’s hard to envisage what has been going on behind the scenes to allow things to disintegrate to this particular level. Problems with staffing - but no, there were lots and lots of unhappy workers roaming the floor, but most aren’t doing anything in particular. In a nutshell, it can only be one thing - bad management, the really bad kind … big problems are coming from way higher up and are filtered down relentlessly. Toxic management infects everyone - the team is the first to go, and then it’s the customers. And unfortunately, once the morale of the team goes, it is just a matter of time before the house of cards come toppling down with it. Bickering breaks out, mistakes are inevitably made as there are no proper procedures in place, unhappy customers complain and abuse. It’s a depressing spiral and every operator’s nightmare. Good vibes need to come from the top. Thoughtful, skilful and mindful management is the antidote to this situation. Where glitches occur (and they will), they need to be dealt with before they fester into mis-management and chaos. Life (and breakfast buffets) are too short for such things …

SAVE

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GOURMET CRÊPES All gourmet crepes are served with a delicious selection of fresh fruits and salads and a bread roll.

BUY ONE MAIN MEAL, GET ANOTHER AT HALF PRICE* *Available LUNCH & DINNER

Seafood Marinara

MON-FRI ONLY with presentation of this coupon. Dine-in only. Not to be used with any other offer. Coupon expires 29/08/2019

Bacon & Potato

Crepe Suzette

Chicken Satay

PANCAKE PLACE MOUTHWATERING MEALS FOR OVER 20 YEARS! Cnr. Clarence & Hay St, Port Macquarie • Ph: 6583 4544 • www.pancakeplace.com.au

OPEN 7 DAYS • Breakfast 8am-11am • Lunch 11am-2pm • Dinner Wed - Sat from 6pm

Greater Port Macquarie focus 27

focusinterview.

Out to Lunch

with Susie Boswell

ADEN HARRIS As a professional business mentor, he guided a young local to successfully set up his own enterprise. The results were so outstanding, he tells Susie, the mentor himself quit his job and bought into his own mentee’s new franchise operation.

he genesis of Aden Harris’s small business is typical of so many new enterprises flourishing locally in recent years: a family connection here; escape from the city; a desire for kids to grow up in a safe, relaxed environment; good education and health facilities; attraction to a community with excellent sport and other social and leisure opportunities.

clients, including would-be entrepreneurs sponsored by schemes such as the federal government’s Business Connect, and the NSW government’s New Enterprise Incentive Scheme, for which Harris looked after the area between Taree and Woolgoolga.

Setting up small retail, tourism, services and other businesses that have greatly improved Port Macquarie’s amenity over the past five years or so is no easy road. The NSW Business Chamber’s Mid North Coast regional manager, Kellon Beard, points out that among issues many businesses here struggle with are access to finance, the cost of energy, tax incentives to invest and finding skilled workers. Many newcomers, obliged by necessity to become self-employed and so set up in trade, have faltered.

He was born in Canberra. “Mum and Dad were ten-pound Poms who came here in the ’60s. Dad came from the Royal Air Force and got a job as a technician working on the moon landings at Honeysuckle Creek and Tidbinbilla [the facilities pivotal to the lunar project, 50 years ago]. Harris met his wife Deliah in the national capital; she was a student nurse there, following in her mother’s footsteps. Deliah’s mother, Betty Green, was posted to Kempsey Hospital where she became director of nursing (and a well-known local identity over three decades: honoured as Citizen of the Year 2018, a councillor and mayor, involved widely in community activities). The Harrises visited her regularly, were married there “and we always talked about moving up. We came up for Betty’s 60th and said if we’re going to move we need to do it now, because the kids are going into high school”. The family moved to small acreage at Dondingalong, near Betty. Deliah became a nurse at Kempsey Hospital too.

When Harris, newly arrived with his family seven years ago, became a mentor and business consultant for such initiatives - having formerly operated his own successful building business in Sydney, he knew the challenges all too well. His practical experience was applied to helping

It was when one of Harris’s mentees successfully graduated and set up his SOS mobile phone repair business in Coffs Harbour that it “rang a bell” with the mentor himself. Harris had been interested in and tinkered with electronics since childhood. “Dad being an

But it was an unusual quirk of fate, and the march of technology, that saw Harris establish his thriving - from the get-go - outlet just off Horton Street, SOS Phone Repairs.

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electrical technician, I was brought up around electronics. I was always one who pulled things apart, seeing how they worked, fixing things myself.” So the opportunity to open up his own SOS shop was a good fit. Four years ago, he became the first franchisee of his mentee’s business. “We sort of switched roles,” Harris laughs. Since then the SOS brand has opened up in Toormina, Nambucca, Taree, Forster, and 20 months ago Harris himself set up a branch in Kempsey. “SOS is now the biggest repairer on the mid-north coast,” he notes. “The [Port] store has been pumping, ever since it opened! I knew it would, because I saw what [the founder] was doing when I was mentoring him.” It was pumping so well that, after starting out a sole operator, Harris has added a number of staff between the two stores. With new phones always being released, there’s ongoing training. But also: “Customer service is one of our keys; we focus a lot on it. The days of retail are struggling: you’re fighting against a lot of home businesses and paying a premium to come into a [rented] retail outlet. So customer service is vital. It’s about greeting them when they come in the door, being focused on them, finding them a solution. Even if you can’t fix it, suggest where they can go – ‘give these guys a call’: it’s having an outcome for that person.” The majority of SOS’s work is on phones and iPads or tablets. “Most of them have been

dropped or damaged; the screen’s broken and needs replacing. There’s a lot of charging issues: battery life, things like that. The rest is diagnostic stuff, anything from the camera to faulty software. People lock themselves out of their phones quite regularly and we have to reset them. In school holidays we’ll do 40 [tablet] screen replacements.” Large businesses and schools are among Harris’s clients and a lot of his work is posted in from other regional areas. From the beginning, he worked “massive days”, 7am to 7pm at the start, so much so that he declined an offer to open a third branch. Holidays are rare. “Once a year we go away for a week or 10 days.” It was China last year; maybe Cairns this year: in the family tradition the couple’s daughter, 18, is studying nursing at JCU and their son, 15, is in Year 10 now. Pastimes include serving until recently on Kempsey SES’s road crash rescue team; he’s just joined Rotary, and is a director on the board of Macleay Options, “an amazing organisation” - a Kempsey disability service provider employing about 150 people. “Port Macquarie’s a fantastic place to do business in,” he reckons. “As a business consultant travelling to Coffs, Taree and other places I noticed the definite buzz about Port Macquarie. I think that’s why it’s going ahead so quickly, why it’s grown so much. “It just has that vibe.” Out To Lunch is hosted by Lou Perri at The Stunned Mullet on Town Beach.

Ken Little's Fruit & Veg We are still in the winter months, with not a lot of change in the fruit side of things. BUT have you tried the mouth watering strawberries from Queensland? Oh! What a treat! The flavour is so delicious! Other fruit that is really nice now are our locally grown navel oranges. They are very juicy and sweet to the taste. There are some nice mandarins coming from Moorland this year, some tiny ones from Comboyne, seedless and so flavoursome. We are also receiving our stocks of Kiwi as usual from Comboyne. Our local growers are bringing in lemons, limes and avocadoes too. In the vegetable department, local peas, sugar snap peas, and spinach from Comboyne are so fresh and very nice. Each Tuesday we are buying some beaut micro herbs and spicy salad mixes from a grower in Bowraville. It is always so good to buy locally and support our farmers. Try this soup. Creamy mushroom: Gently sauté one medium onion in olive oil until soft. Add 750 g fresh chopped mushrooms and two cloves crushed garlic. Cook and toss for 3 - 4 minutes, 'til soft. Add 1 tbs soy sauce, 3 cups hot water to which has been added 1 - 2 chicken stock cubes, 240 g chat potatoes that have been peeled, chopped and cooked. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat, add a good dollop of sour cream, and blend until smooth using a stick blender or processor. Season with black pepper and salt to your taste and serve. Mmmmmmmmmmmm! So nice! Ken.

The Glen Miller Orchestra The long-awaited return of the greatest big band of the 1940s, The Glenn Miller Orchestra, a concert spectacular is returning to Australia in September 2019, featuring the unforgettable music of the 1940s from the golden era of Swing ... a sentimental journey down memory lane to celebrate the Glenn Miller Orchestra’s 82nd anniversary, proudly presented by ATA Allstar Artists. The World famous Glenn Miller Orchestra will also feature 24 musicians, singers and dancers - a presentation that highlights the great "Big Band" hits, the original Glenn Miller arrangements, the music of Legends such as The Andrews Sisters, Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and the romantic World War II melodies made famous by Dame Vera Lynn - music which captivated millions of people worldwide - all brought together on stage in a nostalgic concert spectacular. The concert will also feature sensational dance routines by the Broadway Swing Dancers. The Glenn Miller musical arrangements are unique; even after 82 years, they are still heard worldwide; timeless icons of American culture, such as Chattanooga Choo-Choo, In the Mood, Tuxedo Junction, A String of Pearls, Moonlight Serenade, Little Brown Jug and Pennsylvania 6-5000 ... music hits which captivated millions of people. “The Glenn Miller Orchestra is a colourful and flamboyant evening filled with fun and nostalgia of the '30s and '40s. Our unique Jazz sound is sought all around the world and in addition to recreating the golden era of Swing, we bring to life the colour, costumes and spirit. Having travelled across the globe, The Glenn Miller Orchestra is delighted to be bringing iconic tunes such as In The Mood and Moonlight Serenade to Australia," said Musical Director Rick Gerber.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 29

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W I T H K AT E W O O D - F O Y E

Tanya Brown and Rachel Jackett celebrating Foundation day at CSU

Chop ’n Chill Give Back cocktail event and menu launch

Tilly Edwards

Paul & Jacqui Cudmore at the Chop ’n Chill launch

Meraki Photography

Tilly Edwards

Richscape Photography

Kate Wood-Foye, Jordan Nguyen, Rhiannon Tracey and Ricky Pomroy at the Luminosity launch at Zebu

Meraki Photographyy

Dinner To Die For event at Rydges, Port Macquarie

Meraki Photography

Glamour at the Dinner To Die For event at Rydges, Port Macquarie

Sometimes you blur through life, busy, bustling, hustling and wonder what it’s all about ... then you have a little moment when you realise that human connection is what really matters. We want to make a difference; we want to help each other.

hirty minutes before I sat down to write this column, I had that exact moment. For the last seven years I have been part of a voluntary not for profit organisation, where 20 + amazing people come together EVERY year to create a world class event for young people to inspire them to the very BEST version of themselves and hear stories that may just propel them to make change and inspire them to lift their eyes to unmeasurable success. Remember that time you were back in class and that guest speaker came in and made you look at the world differently - made you think outside your usual bubble and take a chance? At that moment I realised I was surrounded by an incredible team - a business and education community that believe in that magic moment, that coming together for the greater good to pay forward some of the fortune we have been lucky enough to experience is what makes life really worth living. That is what we are trying to create across three amazing days at Luminosity; it’s a supercharged, super soaker version of amazing speakers sharing their secrets, their stories, and it has been happening for seven years. Over 2,500 young people have been a part of it - huge! On the eve on this amazing event, I was simply thankful for the opportunity of a lifetime to work with ordinary yet extraordinary people

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who care about what they do and are having a positive impact on other people’s lives through Luminosity Youth Summit - it is totally addictive and ridiculously enjoyable! Let the fun and games begin! Whatever it is, I LOVE IT - our regional community makes us special. We get behind an idea, we love it, champion it and give it all we have - we are pretty damn lucky! From the bottom of my heart, a huge thank you! We celebrated with a cocktail party and many a laugh at the launch event for 100 guests at Zebu, joined by crew, guest speakers, partners and sponsors, including Les Bailey and Paul Gillespie of Regional Australia Bank, Lynn Lelean and the Mid North Coast Local Health District team, Tadhg Keller of Eire Constructions, Brendon Wood and the Workd Changers, Leasa Harris, Dr Muyesser Durur, Andrew Morello and Terry Muldoon, to name just a few. A humongous congratulations to Skye Frost and the PMHC team, who collaborated with a myriad of amazing local artists, musicians and restaurants and community organisations to create the AMAZING winter festival that was ARTWALK 2019. The streets literally came alive with colour, warmth, twinkling lights, potters, painters, dancers, graphic artists and smiling faces, as they meandered through the bustlingly beautiful night time seaside streetscape from one beautiful venue

to another, soaking up the creativity and good time vibes! Throw in a glass of bubbly, a disco head set, sand artist, guitarist and fine art photography, and you have just a few of the happy elements that combine to create a most magical night! Special shout out to Sand Artist John Thiering and graphic artist Charlotte Reynolds, who were mesmerising in their different art forms - just two of the many amazing artists who interwove to create an enchanted evening. Can’t wait 'til the next one …perhaps we can keep it going for a night or two or three! It was a happily hectic who dunnit, with the divine Dinner to Die for at Rydges on a chilly winter's night in Port Macquarie. Over 120 guest gathered for a fabulous evening of food, fun and mystery, as guests tried to surreptitiously sip wine, socialise and solve the murderous crime … Guests got into the glamorously gangster affair with caps, pipes and gorgeous gowns, with congrats to the Rydges team and the theatrical crew, who pulled of the criminally creative caper. A big happy birthday to Charles Sturt University, who celebrated their 30th year all over the country with their Foundation Day festivities. Port Macquarie celebrated in a relaxed coastal style, with an outdoor ceremony attended by Mayor Peta Pinson, an address by Deputy Vice Chancellor Heather Cavanagh and of course, a beautiful Welcome to Country by

Uncle Bill. Thanks to Jessica Good and the team from Sovereign Hills, who provided scholarships for study and future success to two students who were lucky winners of the student games. As my second official gig for the university, I was delighted to be honoured with the role of planting a special lemon myrtle tree in the outdoor amphitheatre on the grounds of the campus. This was followed by student games, bungee runs, giant Jenga, fairy floss, delicious cupcakes and live tunes by Mat Brooker, all coordinated by Ruby Simmons and assisted by the Future Moves team. A huge shout out to Jacqui and Paul Cudmore for a fabulous night of celebration and giving back to their clients with their GIVE BACK cocktail event and menu launch in July. We were lucky enough to experience their beautiful hospitality and delicious dishes with live tunes from Goody Two Shoes and signature service from Marc Strachan and the team. It was great to catch up with Michelle Stump, Sean, Kristine and Tilly Edwards, Chris and Bec Kirkman, to name but a few of the happy crowd who braved the mid winter chill to enjoy a really relaxed and special evening of on the waterfront, Congrats to all involved! On that note, I sign off for three days of crazy, next level inspiration and fun #Lumo2019 'til next month, Kate.

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It’s been 40 years since Linda Ronstadt toured Australia and New Zealand, so to mark the anniversary, phenomenal performing artist Bloom is touring with her new show, the "Linda Ronstadt Songbook".

B L O O M

loom will perform many of Linda’s timeless classics, such as Blue Bayou, When Something is Wrong with my Baby and Just One Look at Laurieton United Services Club this month. The tour is also raising funds for the Shake It Up Australia Foundation, to assist those with Parkinson’s Disease. Hi Bloom. You’ll be presenting Linda Ronstadt’s Songbook at Laurieton United Services Club this month. What do you most admire about Linda and her music? As a vocalist, first and foremost, she’s one of the best. She can sing any genre, and do it so well! That’s a huge inspiration vocally - I love that she was never boxed into just one genre. Because she wasn’t a songwriter, she picked timeless songs written by very famous bands and had the creativity to make them her own. I really admire that. The whole purpose of this tour is to celebrate that it’s been 40 years since she toured Australia. No one was really doing this on a national scale, and I just feel she’s very underrated as an artist … she’s received many awards, so I don’t mean in that way … we just don’t hear her music on the radio much. She became very quiet after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, so I wanted to do my part in remembering her. Her songs are beautiful, and a lot of people have told me since I was a little girl that I look like her too! That planted the seed for me from an early age, and our voices actually have a similar tone too. I’m loving the show, because it’s getting me in parts of my voice I haven’t used before, and she references that a bit with projects she took on as 32 Greater Port Macquarie focus

an artist, which really took her out of her comfort zone and made her grow as a singer. I feel aligned with her in this; bringing her songs back to life has really helped me grow as a singer. So, you’ve found her songs a little challenging to sing? Absolutely. When I first started, I asked why I was doing this to myself - just like I said with the Adele and Amy [Winehouse] shows I do. I had a struggle with those to begin with too! I think that’s always the way with anything new; it’s always hard in the learning process, but I know enough about my voice to know I definitely have the range to cover it - it’s just having the confidence to pull it off. I had to do a lot of practice behind the scenes. I love the practice though; it’s just you and the song, and there’s not the pressure of a live audience - and you don’t have to wear uncomfortable shoes either, which is really nice! I enjoyed the challenge. Which of Linda’s songs do you particularly like? The first time I heard Someone to Lay Down Beside Me - it wasn’t a song of Linda’s I knew but I got chills. I had to open the show with this song! It’s really fun to sing, because there are so many dynamics vocally. I can never choose a favourite - I love them all! Willin’, by Little Feat - that’s a beautiful song to sing. Linda actually had a little affair with Lowell George, which I touch on in the show. Willin’ is kind of like an old trucking song - totally not from my generation. And this was another thing that attracted me to this music - I don’t feel like I was born in the right generation, to be honest. I’m always attracted to older sounding songs and want to bring them back into this generation, because

I love them all! Willin’, by Little Feat - that’s a beautiful song to sing. Linda actually had a

they’re so different to what I’ve read and seen we’re listening to now. interviews that show little aﬀair with Lowell They’re incredible songs! Linda’s dealing with George, which I touch on Is it just the music from Parkinson’s really well, but in the show. Willin’ is kind of the ‘60s that attracts I couldn’t put this show like an old trucking song - totally you? on without helping others not from my generation. No, it’s the fashion, with the disease. This is the freedom of speech … why we’ve linked up with the world seemed a little the Shake It Up Australia looser back then. I wasn’t Foundation - I think around in the ‘60s, but I love the whole idea of we’ve raised over $6,000 so far with a couple the milkman with the milk bottles, the older way of months’ worth of shows. My goal is to raise of doing things - it’s probably not as convenient $20,000, so hopefully we can reach that. as living these days, but there’s just something I have people who come to the show with about going back to when life was simpler. Parkinson’s - they tell me about their journey and When I go and visit my family in Italy, there’s they love that we’re raising money for them. It’s a fish truck, and a cheese truck, that visits their really nice. little village … Can you imagine how exciting it What other projects are you focusing on would be to see a cheese truck drive past your right now? house? (Laughs). I’m a songwriter, so I’m writing at the moment. Linda Ronstadt had to retire from singing in I’m also organising some new merchandise - I do 2009 due to Parkinson’s Disease, and you’re a Stevie Nicks show as well, so I’ll be producing doing your bit to raise awareness of the a CD of both hers and Linda’s songs, as well as disease. How important is this cause to you? recording a couple of my own songs. Very important, in the sense that I have the I love writing … and people can buy my CDs at ability to take this show on the road to raise the show as well. awareness and to raise funds. I don’t have a Thanks Bloom. Interview: Jo Robinson. personal connection with Parkinson’s - I don’t know anyone with the disease - but the thought of not being able to sing due to Parkinson’s … I can’t even fathom that. Bloom will present the Linda Ronstadt I’ve been singing since I was four - it’s a huge Songbook at Laurieton United Services Club part of my life. It’s not just a career; you don’t on August 25 at 4pm. Tickets: $35. Visit switch it off. It’s always with you. laurietonclub.com.au for tickets and details.

Adam Harvey in Concert For celebrated entertainer and country music purist Adam Harvey, one musical era stands out head, hat and shoulders above all the rest: Nashville’s seminal 1970s Golden Age. Fulfilling a lifelong dream, Adam jetted off to the bright lights of the immortal Music City to record masterful 10th studio album The Nashville Tapes, armed with a brace of new songs couched in the classic country sounds that most capture his imagination. “It’s one of those things that’s been on my bucket list for probably 20-odd years, to actually go and record an album over there in Nashville,” Adam says of the inspiration behind The Nashville Tapes. “I thought, I want to make a '70s country album: that’s my favourite era in country music. I just wanted to make it really authentic. While everybody else is heading further and further away from classic country music, it’s a good step for me to not only follow my passion and my heart, but also to go the other way!” Perhaps more than any of Adam’s stellar solo releases to date, The Nashville Tapes is a sweeping, personal celebration of the sounds that defined a generation: from the legendary outlaws to the first wave of global country megastars. Hot off a barnstorming national tour with great mate Beccy Cole in support of last year’s phenomenal The Great Country Songbook Volume II, Adam is poised to release The Nashville Tapes at the height of his formidable powers. Adam and band are poised to take The Nashville

Tapes on the road, stopping at Club North Haven Friday 6th September 2019, with support from The Voice Australia 2017 winner - and Adam’s own newly minted lead guitarist - Judah Kelly. Concertgoers can expect everything Australia has come to love about Adam Harvey’s incomparable live show: a rousing mix of new songs, established hits and live favourites, and a smattering of evergreen country classics - along with liberal doses of Adam’s trademark yarns, droll one-liners, and generous good humour. As Adam puts it, simply, the tour is set to showcase: “The new band, the usual funny stories making people laugh, and a celebration of country music.” Tickets are just $35 and available at Club North Haven, or purchase online at Stickytickets.com.au Club North Haven - reserved seating.

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c o f f e e

ith a good dose of courage and support from their loved ones and a desire for adventure, they resigned from their jobs, packed up their lives in Melbourne and hit the road with no fixed address in sight. With that - Round & Round Travelling Coffee was born. Can you take us back to where this all began … What were you doing before you had the desire to pack up your life and swap it for adventure? Jess: I was a hospitality trainer and part-time festival bar manager. Andy: I was a high ropes window cleaner abseiling off buildings and also a freelance graphic designer in my spare time. Pretty much every weekend we’d be out exploring different spots around Vic in our campervan, Saffy. We hated having to go back to our jobs in Melbourne each Sunday evening. What was the main drive to leave it all behind? We realised how happy we were when we left the city behind for these weekend adventures. Our relationship grew stronger, we’d talk more, were carefree, had less stress, we were more spontaneous, there was less routine - and we loved it. Tell us how the dream of Round & Round Traveling Coffee became a reality? The idea came to us whilst on a road trip in March 2017. We were finding it hard to get a decent coffee between Melbourne - Adelaide, and then the light bulb moment. We chatted to family in Adelaide about our new idea, and they were super excited and agreed good coffee is hard to find in regional places. From then, we spent the next nine months

FOR MOST OF US, OUR REALITY IS A DAILY GRIND OF 9 - 5. THE PROSPECT OF LEAVING A STABLE AND SECURE JOB FOR A DIFFERENT LIFE CAN BE DAUNTING BUT FOR JESS AND ANDY, THE NEED TO ESCAPE WAS A CALL TOO STRONG TO IGNORE. planning and purchasing equipment. We first needed a name and a brand, and that was Andy’s specialty. We had a favourite road trip song, Streets of your Town by Brissy band The Go Betweens. The lyric, “Round and round, up and down, through the streets of your town” fit what we wanted to do. From there, we got a big map of Australia and started plotting out the route and getting in touch with places that may like us to come and serve in their town - especially towns that didn’t even have cafés! The emails started flooding in, and we realised this could actually work! We then worked out the best times of year to be in each place according to weather, holidays and events and started putting them in the diary. All of a sudden, we had lined up nine months of bookings up the East Coast and in outback QLD and NT. We hit the road mid-December 2017, wrapping up the adventures in mid-January 2019 on the South Coast of NSW. In that time, we covered 35,000 km. Explain what a typical day in the life of Jess and Andy and the travelling coffee van looks like. We would usually stay between five - 10 days at one place. This allowed us to get to know our customers. We loved that in most places it was a slower pace and we could, with each coffee served, exchange travel tips and suggestions with our customers and build a following. Some people even changed their travel plans or went out of their way to find us on the road! The best part of our day was getting to close the window at lunchtime and have the afternoon off to explore, swim, go for a bushwalk or just relax in beautiful locations in Australia. You travelled as far as the Grampians to Cooktown, and Darwin to Eden … What is

your number one experience from the trip? our coffee and other supplies easier! We are Our number one experience on this trip was enjoying having a house and space to stretch finding small towns where no coffee or cafés out. We still love the vanlife and will continue existed. Seeing the appreciation of the locals and to explore the region, but at the moment we’re getting to know their way of life. We served at giving our well loved Saffy (34 year old Toyota outback stations and remote pubs, where people Hiace) a well deserved rest after her epic would not expect a good cup of coffee. We adventure. loved seeing their reactions when they tasted it. Do you have any advice for anyone wanting For some, it had been months since they’d tasted to take the leap into an adventurous on something so good! road working life? On days off we’d stay at youcamps (camping Have a plan and have a back up. Life on the on private land) and met road is expensive. Coffee some amazing hosts alone did not fund our that would have us in whole trip. We couldn’t for dinner, and we made have done it without our some really great friends. side business, “Design by Serving at the breakwall holiday You now call Port Round & Round”, where park, we got to meet so Macquarie home. Andy created logos and many locals, and were What was it about our branding for other fellow blown away by the beautiful region that travellers. If you choose welcoming, supportive made you want to something you’re already and generous nature of stay? passionate about, it won’t people here. They were all We stopped in Port feel like work. We were so happy too! Macquarie in March not in it for the money, 2018. Serving at the but for the lifestyle, and breakwall holiday park, wouldn’t change a thing. we got to meet so many What's next for Round locals, and were blown away by the welcoming, & Round Coffee, and how can people get in supportive and generous nature of people here. contact with you? They were all so happy too! We came to the Reach out on social media. We have Facebook realisation that it may just be the most liveable and Instagram - @roundandroundcoffee. place in Aus. We can cater to anyone needing a unique Being the outdoor types we are, we loved the coffee van, and we can even be set up as a bar coast, the nature and its wildlife - not to mention for functions or weddings. the weather; sure beats Melbourne! We are currently in negotiations for a Mon How has Round & Round changed since Fri full-time spot here in Port, so keep an eye out you decided to make Port Macquarie your once we can reveal this beautiful location, and permanent address? drop in to hear more about our adventures. Most We now have a focus on local events, and weekends we are out and about at local events. it’s great to have a base; it sure makes ordering Thanks Jess and Andy. Greater Port Macquarie focus 35

win it!

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Greater Port Macquarie focus 37

WHY ENABLE GARDENS? In short, because they enable everyone to get back into the garden or to begin playing in the dirt for the first time.

want, length, colour, soil type and where you want to install your Custom Built Enable Garden. We then peg it out for you to see.

Imagine gardening at waist height!

INSTALLATION Once you have chosen where you want your garden and the size, we peg it out with string, so you can see how it might look. When you are happy, we dig the holes and set the treated pine frames into the ground with a little concrete ready for your Enable Garden bed. The corrugated iron or Colorbond is then positioned within the frames and fastened with galvanized screws. We then add your gravel, your choice of soil and finally put the treated pine end caps on, to keep everything in place. You are ready to grow! You get a garden as long or as short as you want it. Your garden is waist height, almost 900 mm (3 feet) high, depending on the lay of the land. It is approx. 800mm (2 3/4 foot) wide and we put about 50 mm (2 inches) of gravel on the bottom for drainage.

It doesn’t matter whether you are nine (9) or ninety (90), have a bad back, dodgy knees, are wheelchair or walking frame bound, you can get back to your garden and grow. Custom built for you ... WHAT YOU GET - any length you like - our standard garden is waist height, around 900 mm (3 feet), has a width of about 800 mm (2 3/4 feet). Talk to us if this does not suit you. We can always personalise your Enable Garden. FREE QUOTE Our team of highly trained people are waiting for your call, so they can get started on your new garden. We come to your home and discuss with you what you

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3pm â€“ 6pm Every Sunday

1 BAY STREET, PORT MACQUARIE NSW 2444 | 1300 PANTHERS

panthersportmacquarie@panthers.com.au

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Growing up in Port Macquarie, Sam Packer's childhood was just like many of ours: BEACH DAYS, FISHING, TOUCH FOOTY AND TENNIS. HIS SISTER, WITH HER RELENTLESS BEGGING, convinced him to try dance classes together and from here, he never looked back.

PACKER

i Sam. Tell us about growing up in Port Macquarie and how you got into dance. I moved to Port Macquarie at the age of six and had a wonderful childhood going to the beach and participating in a whole range of sporting activities. Some of these include touch football, rock climbing, tennis and fishing. At the age of 10, my sister convinced me to try a breakdancing class. I had a fantastic time learning to do tricks, and I thought I was really "cool". Unfortunately, those classes ceased and once again my sister convinced me to try a jazz class, because they were even better. Before I knew it, I was wrapped up in the dance world and spent more time at various studios than at home. You left home to pursue a professional dance career. Where was your first posting and company and where has that journey taken you since then? I was lucky enough to be able to complete Year 12 and then get accepted into the Queensland Ballet Pre-Professional Program. I spent two years training and was then given a position in the company. I am currently in my fourth year of employment with Queensland Ballet, performing in many stunning productions. We perform about six major seasons per year, in which the shows generally run for two weeks. We also perform in many smaller events throughout the year. Have you shared the stage with anyone notable?

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We were painted as skeletons and had amazing masks on and

performed only to the sound of wind. This was amazing, because you felt so detached from who you are and became this

The list constantly expands Night at the Ballet”. You for a dancer but being a male, must be excited for this some of the great names I have local performance? living spirit instead. performed next to include Carlos I am incredibly excited Acosta and Steven McRae. to be performing at home What would be your favourite again. I have not danced performance/role to date and in Port Macquarie since why? becoming a professional, so I am thrilled to be coming My favourite role was being a Ghost in Christopher home again and show everyone what great talent is Bruce’s Ghost Dancers. It was quite a surreal coming from Port Macquarie. experience. I had to start getting ready an hour and a You are currently touring with the Queensland half prior to the performances, because our costume Ballet and making your mark as a company was full body paint. We were painted as skeletons dancer. What's does the next 12 months hold for and had amazing masks on and performed only to the you? sound of wind. This was amazing, because you felt Next up for Queensland Ballet is Romeo and Juliet so detached from who you are and became this living by Kenneth MacMillan. I can’t tell you what we are spirit instead. doing next year, because we haven’t had our season Professional dance is a competitive career path, launch, but I can happily say I think I will be with and learning to dance takes a great amount of Queensland Ballet for quite some time. self-discipline and perseverance (and passion, of Thanks Sam. course). Do you have anyone in particular who has guided you along the way? As a dancer you are exposed to so many influences, and everyone has an image of what the dancer should be. I am grateful for all my teachers and mentors, Port Macquarie Performing Arts presents but I cannot go past my own director, Li Cunxin. His "A Gala Night at the Ballet" at the constant force to push the company is inspirational Glasshouse, August 10th, 2pm and 7pm. every day, because it makes you realise anything is For more information, please visit possible with hard work. www.pmperformingarts.com You’ll be performing on home soil for a "A Gala www.glasshouse.org.au

functional footwear

Fit your unique style with

C O L O N I A L

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. All footwear will carry you through in supreme comfort, with many styles being orthotic friendly. Ziera offers functional footwear for those in need of added support. Ziera’s wellness range is designed for stability and superior comfort. Styles are orthotic friendly, with removable inlays and extra depth, so a custom orthotic can be fitted. No sore feet here! Colonial Cobbler houses a stylish range of Australian and European labels, including Ziera, Eos, Sandler, Rieker, Ecco, Pierre

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Cardin, to name a few. You will be pleasantly surprised at the many different styles available. From boots, heels, pumps, sandals, lace-ups, sneakers and slip-on mules, you will feel put together in style as you tackle your busy day. We are certainly seeing a revival in functional footwear that is stylish, yet the key sell factor is that shoes are incredibly comfortable with the ability to wear for long periods of time, whilst the wearer performs a variety of tasks. Feel the difference at Colonial Cobbler today. New styes are dropping into store all the time. Call in to experience the high level of customer service provided by the friendly team, who will help you find your new favourites to fit your unique style!

Can your team work together to save themselves - or even the world? Escape room games are great for anyone who likes a mental challenge - families, groups of friends, birthday parties, date night … and Façade Escape Rooms is a great place for corporate events too! Escape room team building is a growing trend, because the games inspire creative thinking, problem solving, and working together toward a common goal. Escape rooms provide a fun group experience away from the usual workplace activity, and help team members recognise complementary skills in each other. Escape rooms can also allow managers to observe their team members in a controlled challenge scenario. Of course, it’s such fun, managers will want to play. The skills needed to succeed in an escape room reflect those needed to succeed in a workplace - working under time pressure, navigating uncertainty, lateral thinking, communicating and collaborating as a team and it’s a fun way to exercise and develop those skills. Because escape rooms are a mental challenge, not a physical one, this makes the team building experience appealing and accessible to a wider range of your team members. OUR TWO ROOMS WILL SOON EXPAND TO THREE, so if you've already tried these two great

games, there will be a new challenge for you. THE DETECTIVE'S OFFICE In this tale, a young detective has sadly been murdered in his office, and you are being framed as his killer. You are on the run and have gained access to his office, the crime scene, for one hour. Can you save yourself by finding out who killed him, why and how they killed him? SABOTAGE Can you go deep behind enemy territory and stop a missile strike which endangers the safety of the entire world? There are 60 minutes before launch, you need to break into the control centre and hack into their system to stop the launch - or the consequences will be catastrophic. Stay tuned to our Facebook page for updates about the third escape room we are building … opening second half of the year.

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September is Suicide Prevention month, and we have some amazing people in our local community available to support those who are going through challenging times. Kelly Saidey, Suicide Prevention Manager for Lifeline Mid Coast, is one of these individuals …

i Kelly. You’ve been the Suicide Prevention Manager at Lifeline Mid Coast for 12 months now. What have been some of the key challenges and rewards this role has provided you? One of the challenges I find is that there is still stigma, shame, guilt and fear around talking about suicide. Suicide is the highest cause of death in Australia for the 15 - 44 year age group. We lose eight Australians a day to suicide; in 2015/16 there were 17,000 ambulance call outs to suicide attempts. Suicide is an important conversation that everyone needs to have - it affects us all. In my job I get to provide a safe environment, free of judgement, for people to talk honestly about suicide. Usually when people first come to me, they are feeling very suicidal and have immediate plans to end their lives. It is a privilege to listen to their raw emotions, relieving distress, which leads to finding hope and healthy help seeking behaviours. It is an honour to work with someone who initially does not want to live - who works so hard on themselves to find reasons to live again. September is Suicide Prevention Month. Given this major campaign is fast approaching, what are some recent stats around suicide in our local area? Unfortunately, we lost 35 members of our community to suicide in 2016; our numbers have been rising each year, resulting in our local statistics being higher than average for NSW. People with major depression,

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a bereavement group, held the last psychotic illnesses and alcohol/drug Wednesday of each month. abuse problems are at higher risk of We hold December memorials in suicide than the general population. Port Macquarie and Tinonee each year. Males are around three times We also respond to suicide crisis in more likely to suicide than females. our community, such as workplaces, The suicide rate for Aboriginal and/ groups, forums, schools, or on an or Torres Straight Islander people is individual basis approximately twice as high as nonOur prevention services include a lot indigenous people. of community engagement, such as Each year, the Out of the Shadows suicide prevention talks and attending walk is held locally. What’s the aim events. Our eight-week suicide support of the walk - and when/where will group for people who have survived a it be held this year? suicide attempt (ECLIPSE) commences The aim of the walk is to provide a again on Tuesday safe environment 17th September. honouring This free, closed loved ones lost and confidential to suicide and WE HAVE CRISIS eight-week support raising awareness SUPPORTERS ATTENDING, group is facilitated of the effects of TO SUPPORT ANYONE by me and a lived suicide on our FINDING THE MORNING experience peer community. HARD. THE WALK IS support worker. This year FREE TO ATTEND, SOME The ECLIPSE we meet at MERCHANDISE WILL BE program runs in 5:30am on 8th HANDED OUT, AND WE partnership with the September, SEND PEOPLE HOME WITH Lifeline Research at Salty Crew FEELINGS OF 'HOPE'. Foundation and Kiosk at Town research partner, Beach. We walk the University of to the skate New England. park - where we The curriculum covers such topics stay for a few words. Walkers often as what causes suicidal thoughts, how stop to watch the sunrise over the to cope with suicidal thoughts, what ocean, to reflect on loved ones. We are triggers, safety planning, finding have crisis supporters attending, to support and resources, finding hope, support anyone finding the morning enabling coping strategies and healthy hard. The walk is free to attend, some help seeking behaviours. merchandise will be handed out, and For more information, please we send people home with feelings of call Kelly: 6581 2800 or email “hope”. suicideprevention@lifelinemidcoast. What support is available locally org.au for those who’ve lost loved ones Thanks Kelly. to suicide - or indeed, attempted Interview: Jo Robinson. suicide themselves? Our postvention services include

WALK OUT OF

THE SHADOWS Remembrance Suicide Prevention Suicide Awareness SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 8, 2019 Depart Salty Crew Kiosk Town Beach Port Macquarie 5:30 am for sunrise

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health F E A T U R E

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focushealth

Health Wellbeing and

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

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

ARE VERY

winter is

here A lot of us will be spending more time indoors and wearing more clothing that covers our skin. THIS MEANS WE WILL HAVE LESS EXPOSURE TO SUNLIGHT. Less sunlight means we may have lower levels of vitamin D.

itamin D is important for the strength of our bones and muscles. People with very low levels of vitamin D are at risk of breaking a bone. Our bodies make vitamin D when our skin is exposed to UV radiation from sunlight, and vitamin D helps us absorb calcium. If you have fair skin, you only need about 10 minutes of exposure to the sun each day in summer to get sufficient vitamin D. This can occur when driving in the car to work or hanging the washing on the line. Half an hour or more may be needed in winter. If you have darker skin, you may need up to five times more sun exposure. This is because darker skin does not absorb as much UV radiation.

and people who wear covering clothing. Due to the risk of skin cancer, some people avoid sun exposure. The Cancer Council of Australia recommends covering up/wearing sunscreen when the UV Index is above three, or when you will be in the sun for longer than the time needed to make vitamin D.

Due to the risk of skin cancer, some people avoid sun exposure.

The Cancer Council of Australia recommends covering up/wearing sunscreen when the UV Index is above three, or

when you will be in the sun for longer than the time needed to make vitamin D.

Those people who are most at risk of having low vitamin D levels are: people who do not go outside very often and so do not have much sun exposure; those with darker skin;

If your doctor thinks you may be at risk of having low vitamin D, they will order a blood test to check this. A supplement can be taken to increase vitamin D levels. Some vitamin D can be obtained from our diet through eating fish and eggs, though this is not enough if there is a deficiency.

In addition to the benefits of vitamin D for our bones, it has been shown that adequate levels of vitamin D are important in treating and preventing type two diabetes, depression, ADHD, Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia, schizophrenia, asthma, migraines, obesity, metabolic syndrome and cancers.

IMPORTANT TO YOUR

CHILD'S HEALTH & DEVELOPMENT A healthy smile is one of the greatest gifts you can give your child. So start educating your children and your family about oral health from the beginning. Importance of Baby Teeth Baby teeth are important to your child’s overall development, so help your child form good oral hygiene habits from a young age. Some people are very casual about baby teeth, because they are not permanent, but baby teeth are very important; not only do they help them chew, speak and smile, but they hold space in the jaws for the adult teeth that are growing under the gums. If the baby tooth is lost too eaarly, the surrounding teeth can drift into the empty space. This makes it difficult for the adult tooth beneath the gum to come through. As a result, this may cause crowding or crooked teeth. Therefore, it is important to start infants with a good oral hygiene regime, to help protect their teeth so they can stay healthy and in place until the adult teeth are ready to replace them. Oral Health Essentials Tooth brushing is an important habit that should start as soon as teeth appear. Letting your child watch you brush demonstrates to them good behaviours and encourages them to follow suit. Spend time brushing your child's teeth twice a daily for two minutes to remove plaque from tooth surfaces. It is easiest to see and brush your child’s teeth if you stand behind them. They may need to stand on a stool or chair. Brushing their teeth in front of the mirror allows them to watch and later imitate good oral hygiene. Plaque is a build-up of bacteria and if not removed regularly, it produces acids that may lead to tooth decay. Tooth decay is undesirable even in baby teeth. Not only is it unsightly, but it can lead to infections or illnesses and is one of the leading causes of children missing school. It is recommended to supervise your child’s brushing until they are eight years old. It is also important for your child to brush their teeth with a smear of age-appropriate fluoride toothpaste. There are special toothpastes available and recommended specifically for children. Children toothpaste has less fluoride and the mint flavor of the toothpaste is not as strong compared to adult toothpaste. This is important, as children may

accidentally swallow the toothpaste, and a large amount of fluoride is not good. Furthermore, children are more sensitive, and heavily minted toothpaste can put children off brushing. First Dental Visit by the Age of One The Australian Dental Association recommends children to visit the dentist when their first baby tooth erupts, or at the age of one. Regular routine visits (every six - 12 months) is a great way to introduce your child to a dentist, and regular visits will help your child become familiar with the dental environment. By familiarising your child to the dental environment, they will become less wary of receiving further dental treatment if it is needed. During check-ups, your dentist will check the health of your child’s teeth and gums. Simple check-ups allow for early detection of oral health problems, such as tooth decay. Visiting the dentist is meant to be a fun outing for children, so it is very important that you do not wait until your child suffers from a tooth ache or dental trauma to see the dentist. Waiting for toothaches can cause your child to associate visiting the dentist with pain. Lastly, if your child does need some extra work, do not say to your child, "Don't worry; it won't hurt". Modern dental treatment uses all the tools to treat children (and adults) painlessly, so your child may feel nothing at all, but by discussing “pain” with them prior to the visit, it may set your child up to think that it may be painful and cause them to be nervous or anxious unnecessarily. This can result in making it difficult for the dentist to provide dental treatment and achieve dental outcomes. Remember: oral health has a great impact to your child’s overall wellbeing, health and development, so take the time to know and understand how to support your child's dental needs. Dental health is a team effort, and the team at Sundial Dental likes being part of your family’s team! For more information or to book a check-up for your child, contact the caring team of dentists and oral health therapists at Sundial Dental on 6583 3533 (Port Macquarie) or 6585 2015 (Wauchope) or visit: sundialdental.com.au Greater Port Macquarie focus 45

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Briony Bissett

D E N TA L

H YG I E N I S T

With ﬁfteen years' experience in the dental industry, dental hygienist Briony Bissett has never lost her passion for "giving people their smiles back" ... One of the things she loves most about her role at Saacks Orthodontics is that she and the team get to know and help their patients over many years, often watching them grow up!

ell us about your role at Saacks Orthodontics? I am a dental hygienist at Saacks Orthodontics. How long have you been in the industry? I have worked within the dental industry for 15 years, although it doesn’t feel that long! I started out as a dental assistant in a large private practice, while studying at university. This was a role I loved for four years. For the past 11 years I have worked as a dental hygienist, primarily in the field of orthodontics. I have been working in Port Macquarie with Dr Saacks for about 18 months now and love it here. Prior to Port Macquarie, I worked in the Hunter Valley and Sydney. I enjoy the fact that even though I have been involved in the industry for a while now, there are still so many advancements, and I feel lucky to still be learning new things every day. Where did it all begin, and what training and qualifications did you undertake to get where you are today? My journey to become a dental hygienist

46 Greater Port Macquarie focus

overseas, especially in such a fast paced, ever changing industry. I love our patients and the fact What is a typical day like that we see them on a regular for you? basis across many years. We Through the week I like will often see entire to start the day with a families as they grow up, walk or a yoga class. We which is really special. I are so lucky living in Port love that we are able to help give Macquarie, that we have some people their smiles back ... such a beautiful coastline. It’s easy to get outside for began once I had a fresh start to the day. completed high school. When it's Daylight Saving, I didn’t have a clear I often try to walk to work vision for what I wanted to pursue career-wise; and will usually stop at one of our amazing however, I always knew I wanted to work in nearby cafés to grab a coffee on the way. health care. I completed a Bachelor of Oral Once at work, we have busy days in the clinic Health at the University of Newcastle and was seeing all of our patients. When I have a day off, part of the first cohort to graduate with that I will find somewhere I haven’t been before to degree. grab some breakfast. I will usually then attend a Like many other health professionals, as reformer pilates class in the morning, and I will part of our registration we have a mandatory try to have a game of tennis through the day. requirement to complete a particular amount Being relatively new to Port Macquarie and of continuing education hours across each year. the Mid-North Coast, over the weekend I like to As a result, I attend numerous conferences and get out an about and explore the area or have a courses across the year. I usually try to choose wander around one of the many local markets courses with a focus on orthodontics, paediatric that happen across Port. and general dentistry. What do you love about your role that Luckily, I have also had the opportunity keeps you coming back each day? to combine attending a number of these So many things! I love our patients and the conferences and courses with a little bit of fact that we see them on a regular basis across travel. So far, I’ve been able to visit Scotland, many years. We will often see entire families Switzerland, the United States, as well as as they grow up, which is really special. I love many destinations within Australia. It is always that we are able to help give some people their incredibly interesting to see what’s happening smiles back, and it's always wonderful to see

the confidence our patients leave with at the completion of their treatment. I love working with our team. Without the team, we wouldn’t be able to provide the services we do. I trust them and know that we support each other, and that’s a really nice environment to work in. There is also a wonderful sense of community in Port Macquarie, which isn’t always easy to find; our waiting room is more often a place for everyone to catch up, than simply attending an appointment. As I mentioned previously, I also really enjoy the fact that I continue to learn something new every day. Every person that walks through our door is different and has a different set of needs. It’s satisfying when we are able to meet those needs and make a difference for somebody. What is your greatest strength? Professionally: putting people at ease in what can sometimes be a new and confronting environment, patience, professionalism, respectfulness, attention to detail. Personally: relaxed, good humoured, compassionate, optimistic. What qualities do you most admire about others? Compassion, confidence, drive, authenticity, honesty and humour. What has been your greatest achievement? Establishing a fulfilling career in an industry and specialty that I have a passion for, building successful and genuine relationships with my patients over the years, and nurturing a strong personal support network during my life. Thanks Briony.

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THIS IS JULES’ STORY... 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 postinjury pathologies are gone. I have full mobility in my shoulder and arm and can sleep again at night with no pain.” This is a fantastic outcome for Jules. It’s so rewarding to relieve patients from the misery of pain. M A N Y M OR E PAT I E N T S ’ FEED BACKS AVAILABLE O N R EQ U EST

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

23 Serene Circuit, Port Macquarie NSW 2444

Greater Port Macquarie focus 47

48 Greater Port Macquarie focus

Greater Port Macquarie focus 49

focus_interview

PRESENT THIS AD TO RECEIVE

P ORT SMILE S DENTA L

GLASSES

OFFER ENDS

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*Offer valid at OPSM Wauchope, Taree, Port Macquarie, Laurieton and Kempsey only. Minimum spend is $300. Discount is on frames and prescription lenses when purchased as a complete pair. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer and excludes value packages. Offer ends 31 August 2019, see in-store for details.

DENTAL GOALS Now open in Bonny Hills We advise our patients that complex problems can be solved with quite simple methods. Sometimes it takes time, dedication and monitoring. That’s why Port Smiles helps you follow all the steps to reach your dental goals, together.

ell us about some common at Port Smiles take that extra step and get dental problems amongst to the cause. This allows our patients to get active Australians. The biggest comprehensive and personalised treatment issue currently in Australia is options that give the best outcome. With most the level of hidden sugars in general and complex dental services offered in our foods/drinks. Clever marketing and vague house, our patients don’t get shuffled from one nutritional facts can make it very confusing for person/place to the next, allowing them to feel active Australians to determine what is good at ease with every visit. for adult or maturing teeth. We always suggest What sets you apart as a team? Our mantra that if in doubt, ask our friendly team, before it is to provide personalised, professional and becomes a problem. gentle dental care to all What are some tips our patients, regardless of for maintaining good what is needed. Whether oral health? The best it is for a regular general tip is ... regularity. Port Smiles looks at the Regularly brush twice a check-up and clean, or bigger picture. It is common day, floss at least once complex treatments such as to deal with one tooth at a daily, drink water (and smile makeovers and dental time, but the team at Port keep sugary drinks/ implants, the mantra above Smiles take that extra step foods to a minimum) is what we always stick and get to the cause. and most importantly, by. We invest in the latest have your teeth technology, to provide the checked and cleaned best quality of care. The every six months. If friendly dentists and staff at something is picked up Port Smiles always put the care of our patients early, it's usually inexpensive to rectify and most first and are excited with the results we achieve importantly, there's no unexpected pain! together. Our patients love what we do, our With a large range of services available, mannerisms and how they are the number one how can Port Smiles Dental help? Port priority all the time! We hope to keep it that Smiles looks at the bigger picture. It is common to deal with one tooth at a time, but the team

50 Greater Port Macquarie focus

way.

focus_contributor

DON MACKENZIE

Saacks Specialist Orthodontists

community S E R V I C E

The Youth Hub in Horton Street, Port Macquarie caters for young people aged 12 - 25 years and oﬀers a range of holiday and welfare programs and services. Its aim is to support and develop the youth of the Hastings by promoting self-esteem through friendship, health, education and community activities.

he Youth Hub does this by running community group and school holiday programs, youth groups, Boy Space, afternoon "Drop Ins" and, for those in need, a free shower and laundry service. The Drop In afternoons are run from 3.007.00pm Monday to Friday and are suitable for ages 12-25. They give young people the opportunity to relax and socialise with friends in a safe, friendly environment.

clothing pool, and donations of clothes suitable for teenagers are always welcome. Our staff, Michael Gilmour (Community & Outreach Coordinator, Manager of the Youth Hub) and Jayson Corr (Youth Worker) have been involved with the Youth Hub since it opened in 2010. Michael is responsible for the Hub’s welfare and outreach programs. He manages volunteering and seeks grant funding and community support for youth programs.

The Boy Space program provides the time and space for young men (aged 13 - 18 years) to develop character and skills through a range of activities organised and run by successful men from the local community.

Jayson started at the Hub through volunteering. He is responsible for the Afternoon Drop In Centre, running the Hub’s school holiday programs, and is program coordinator for Boy Space.

Planning is underway to run a music and band night once a month aimed at secondary school students. Check the Youth Hub website or social media for more details at: pmyh.org.au

Michael and Jayson keep in close contact with other key services in our local area, to ensure young people get the right support around issues such as mental health, bullying, social media, housing, income support, body image, education and employment.

The Hub’s outreach services for youth include showers and laundry facilities at the Youth Hub for use by those experiencing homelessness. Donated towels and toiletry packs are available to support this service. The Hub also operates a

For more information, contact the Youth Hub on 6584 7569.

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Improve jaw alignment and facial structure Help breathing and reduce sleep problems Better long-term oral health Improve self-esteem

today to book your child’s Dr Call Saacksus is Port Macquarie’s only local Orthodontist and will personally oversee your treatment first consultation with Dr plan Ericfrom start to finish. As an internationally trained Specialist Saackswith – it’s FREE. Orthodontist 25 years’ clinical experience, Dr Saacks brings the latest technologies and expertise from Australia and America to Port Macquarie. • FREE consultation • No referral needed • Visit us from age 7

• Children, teens and adults • 0% finance plans* • No down payments*

02 6584 2333 85 William Street, Port Macquarie saacksorthdontics.com.au * for approved applicants. Greater Port Macquarie focus 51

yoga

one nine C H R I S T I E C R I S TO FO R O

ow did your yoga journey began? I am a competitive A type, and about 12 years ago a friend was on my back trying to get me to yoga. She said it would level me out, as I was prone to incredible highs and some savage lows. I told her I wasn’t a hippy and that she can go chant while I go lift some weights. But she wouldn’t get off my case, until I went to one class. I was literally dragged to my first yoga class, totally unhappy about it. To teach me a lesson, my friend took me to a Hot Power Yoga class (an athletic style in a super hot room). It was the hardest thing I had ever done. Ten minutes in, I was stuffed and my competitive nature kicked in; I wanted to be better than everyone else in the room. Which I know now, is not the point of a yoga practice but I was hooked on the challenge! It took a couple of years before I stopped trying to be the best person in the room and actually started to listen to the teachers and the philosophy they shared and I started paying more attention to my breath and the calming influence it was having on me. And when I started to tune into myself, beyond the physical desire to achieve, my yoga journey truly began and the practice took on a meditative vibe. Can you share some of Yoga's benefits? Yoga is like an elixir for the mind and body! Physically it’s a great practice to increase mobility, improve flexibility and joint stability, increase your muscular endurance and strength. It's areally a great tool as we age, to ensure we are strong and balanced in our functional movement. For athletes it’s a great option for injury prevention and also rehab and recovery. Emotionally, a regular yoga practice is incredibly powerful for stress reduction and anxiety, for improving focus and our ability to think positively and not attach to thoughts that derail us - not to mention the powerful effects a regular meditation practice has to literally rewire our brain for the better! What is the difference between yoga and pilates? Both yoga and pilates are known to effect the physical body in some similar ways to improve health, but they come from very different backgrounds. Yoga is over 5,000 years old and has an established set of spiritual or philosophical practices combined with the poses to encourage

its practitioners to live a happy life. Pilates is a relatively new practice having been created by Jospeh Pilates after World War II as a body conditioning practice that first was favourable among dancers to improve technique and posture. A key difference is that yoga places importance on our breath (pranayama) and meditation, as well as movement, to allow us to go beyond the physical body. What types of yoga do you offer? Yin: Slow, relaxing, restorative. This is like a big warm hug, or a hot bath and a glass of red and is great after a crazy day. Power: Fast, dynamic, athletic, a workout. You’ll build strength and muscular endurance, while learning about who you are when you’re at your edge. Slow Flow: Uses fluid movement. Will improve your mobility and flexibility. You’ll walk away feeling open and light. General Flow: A little of this and a little of that. A medium paced class where you’ll explore some deeper poses and is a great allrounder option. Hot Yoga: Hot, sweaty challenging; a power class in a heated room. You go deeper safely as your muscles are warm and the heat provides a mental challenge. Rocket Yoga: High energy, fast paced with arm balances and upbeat music. If the traditional vibe of yoga isn't for you, Rocket could be your jam. Hip Hop Yoga: This blends a flow class with some seriously good tunes with some free time to flow. Pure Stretch: No life lessons - just a good old stretch session. Kids Yoga: One for the little yogis among us. Age specific and aimed to improve focus and an understanding of the body. Beach Sunrise Yoga: We do a little yoga watching the sun rise, then we drink some coffee thanks to our friends at Salty Crew Kiosk. Who do your classes accommodate? Anyone can and should do yoga! Yoga is a personal practice and we all come to our mat for different reasons, so we offer a range of classes. We consider ourselves a "modern yoga" studio; we educate people on the philosophy and spiritual practice, but in a really welcoming manner. We know it can be a little overwhelming to step into a traditional yoga studio; we aim to take that perception away so that people can explore their practice in their own way.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 53

with Clairvoyant Terri Hall Phone. 0424 818 343

August 2019

AQUARIUS.

GEMINI.

LIBRA.

JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19

MAY 22 - JUNE 22

SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 23

You are so clever at getting what you want. Victory involving an important speech is at hand, and this will alleviate the feeling of waiting and wanting change to come forward. You are not on your own; there is a wonderful support system available to you. Ruby helps us attain our highest ambitions.

PISCES. FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20

Play a little more with your creative energy, as you are very gifted and when you’re creatively living life, you feel complete. New rewards are coming to you through career opportunities. Expect an easier financial flow. Citrine attracts an abundance of good.

Be patient, especially with yourself. If delays tempt you to change, stop, visualise yourself in the future walking the walk, and you will reconnect to your passion for it. Allow your mind to explore something light, instead of stress. Amethyst calms and centres our energy.

Your new sense of personal power has recently shifted, and you are vulnerable to being domineered if you don’t stand your ground. You are such a wonderful, gentle example of love personified; this is your strength. Good luck will come through work soon. Carnelian can evoke creative energy quicker than many other crystals.

CANCER.

SCORPIO.

JUNE 23 - JULY 23

OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22

You have outgrown some of your old beliefs. Even though it’s not comfortable, try debating with your beliefs. Because this is a very strong purging cycle you are in, it’s a great time to release anything stopping you reaching your fullest potential. Selenite is great for an abundance of crystal-clear energy.

Congratulations: your recent hard efforts at work have paid off. A newfound respect has been activated from your personal changes. You have the ability to puppeteer people at the moment, so use this skill with the highest intention for all concerned and enjoy the success you deserve. Apophyllite tip placed on the third eye helps to visualise.

ARIES.

LEO.

SAGITTARIUS.

MARCH 21 - APRIL 20

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 21

Just listen to your wise words, and you will see your path clearly again. Avoid living other people’s stress, or you won’t be able to guide them and you are a natural leader. Keep your sensitivity, but don’t let it hurt you. Moldavite brings forward change and higher personal qualities.

Set some fresh goals to maximise on the creative and artistic influences affecting your sign. Leadership qualities can be tapped into this month and offer self-enlightenment. Travel is likely to be high on the agenda soon. Pyrite will bring back courage.

Situations may be forced on to you to show you your strength in your independence. You’re about to become very busy, with a feeling of immense satisfaction for what you are doing. This is a time of healing past hurts also, so don’t be hassled remembering the things you want to say goodbye to. Jade brings a feeling of peace and wellbeing.

TAURUS.

VIRGO.

CAPRICORN.

APRIL 21 - MAY 21

AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 23

DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 20

Love is in the air! So, be emotionally aware of what’s yours and what’s your partner’s. If you mirror yourselves in one another, you will see what’s yours. If your partner does something you disapprove of, ask yourself WHY you disapprove. Rose Quartz will aid in raising self-worth.

54 Greater Port Macquarie focus

Change is coming to any circumstance where entrapment is concerned. Being unable or afraid to express yourself will soon be something of the past. Justice will be served, and a new sense of freedom will be enjoyed. Set some new goals and enjoy. Clear quartz amplifies strength.

Plans to travel may be interrupted, or may not flow smoothly. You have been gifted with an acute sense of intuition, so use it to live by and all fear will dissipate, leaving you only in the right place at the right time. Record Keepers are great to travel with.

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WITH DEBBIE SOMMERS

This year marks the 90th birthday of the Port Macquarie Branch of the Country Women’s Association. The C.W. A. organisation was formed in 1922, when country women were ﬁghting isolation and a lack of health facilities for women and children. C.W. A. members established baby health centres, rest rooms, homes and holiday cottages.

he local branch was formed at a meeting held in the Town Hall on 12th March 1929. After an address by State President, Mrs Matt Sawyer, on the aims of the organisation, a branch committee was formed, with Mrs. A. C. Elliott, the Mayoress, elected President. The branch opened with 19 members. Branch members set to work fundraising for various community causes, including the Hastings District Hospital, in its first few years. The group ran dances, card parties, socials, street stalls and sold Christmas cards and calendars. At the end of their second year, membership had grown to 26. By 1937, the Port Macquarie C.W.A. was raising money to establish a baby health centre. Their efforts were successful, with the baby health centre opening in the School of Arts building in August 1938. Mrs T. Hallett, Acting Branch President, speaking at the opening claimed, "… This is a red-letter day for Port Macquarie and marks another step forward in the interest and progress of our illustrious town …" During the Second World War, branch membership dropped to 17, with their activities centred on the war effort and particularly making camouflage netting. The Port Macquarie Branch completed 177 nets in 1942. By the early 1950s, the branch was busy planning to build its own C.W.A. baby health centre and rest room as part of the 50th

Anniversary of the Commonwealth of Australia celebrations. They raised thousands of pounds through events such as the Jubilee Queen Competition. The foundation stone for the new building in Horton Street, adjacent to the Post Office, was laid in July 1955. The C.W.A. Rooms and Baby Health Centre were officially opened in May 1956. The rooms became the venue not only for branch activities, but also community events such as wedding receptions, birthday parties and electoral polling. It was even used as temporary premises by Port Macquarie Municipal Council for a brief time, and most notably as the C.W.A. tearooms. In 1989, the branch celebrated their Diamond Jubilee, with a lunch at the RSL Club. Their membership had grown to over 170. In the late 1990s, with the C.W.A building no longer fit for purpose and a planned redevelopment of the adjacent Post Office, the branch seized the opportunity to acquire new rooms in the Quay North building. These were opened in November 2004. Today, you can still experience C.W.A hospitality with a Devonshire tea, and your financial contribution will support the ongoing community work of the C.W.A., which has focused on providing drought relief in recent years. Happy 90th birthday to a very special community group, the Port Macquarie Branch of the Country Women’s Association - "… through country women, for country women, by country women …"

Greater Port Macquarie focus 55

focus_contributor

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

tourism UPDATE

NORFOLK ISLAND

AZZES IT UP!

PACKAGE INCLUDES: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Direct flights with Air New Zealand ex Sydney or Brisbane 7 nights accommodation at Castaway Hotel 7 days car hire including insurance from Return island airport transfers Room serviced daily Welcome cocktail on arrival Continental breakfast daily $50 food & drink voucher for Castaway Restaurant Complimentary use of fishing & snorkelling gear 10% discount voucher for High Tide Kitchen FREE sandwich & coffee at Norfolk Airport Kiosk FREE upgrade to Banyan Apartment (subject to availability) Monday 2 Dec - official opening - evening Tuesay 3 Dec - concert Wednesday 4 Dec - lunch & concert at Emily Bay Thursday 5 Dec - evening party & final concert with the stars (finger food provided) • Reserved seating at all concerts • Gift bag with souvenir programme • LINE UP: Laura Zarb, Avalon Gypsy Jazz Band, Rockets Plus, Mark Oats & Matt Zarb, The Jazz Factory, Kevin Clarke & Fran Barton (from NZ), Kamagaeda & Norfolk Island’s Baunti Byuutis – Norfolk’s band & cultural dancers

$1799

Specialising exclusively in Lord Howe Island & Norfolk Island 6583 1955 - 7 days (call centre) 102 Horton St, Port Macquarie Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm & Saturday, 9am - 12pm oxleytravel.com.au @oxleytravel Prices are per person twin share. Subject to availability. Festival dates: 2 – 5 December 2019. Line up subject to change. Information is correct at time of printing.

56 Greater Port Macquarie focus

I hope you had the opportunity to experience Artwalk this year ... lots of activity for young and old. The Fig Tree on the Town Green looked magniﬁcent, and the Silent Disco at the Little Shack was a real hit. Congratulations to Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and all participants for a great event.

ongratulations to our Tourism Association members who are finalists in the North Coast Regional Tourism Tourism Awards - the event will be held on 1st August at South West Rocks. Finalists are: Macquarie Waters Boutique Apartment Hotel; Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail; Port Macquarie Koala Preservation Society; and Telegraph Point Retreat. Looking forward to hearing the results! Congratulations also to all the tourismrelated businesses who reached the finals of the Hastings Credit Union Port Chamber Greater Port Macquarie Business Awards, which were held on 27th July. Tourism was very well represented and congratulations to all the successful businesses, as they will automatically qualify for the Regional Awards. The work has started to improve the access to the historic Tacking Point Lighthouse. The modifications will address critical points along the route to the lighthouse turn-around and will be improved by a million-dollar upgrade of Lighthouse Road. Locals and tourists look forward to the re-opening of the road to this much appreciated icon. The state’s peak business organisation, the NSW Business Chamber, is highlighting the importance of the tourism industry to regional economies following the latest release of results of the National Visitor Survey. Greater Port Macquarie is part of the North Coast region. NSW Business Chamber Regional Manager Kellon Beard said, “In terms of visitor numbers, the North Coast is breaking records - and the fact that the North Coast was the third most popular tourist destination in the country is something we can be proud of. “Nearly 6 million overnight visitors came to the North Coast over the year to March 2019, up more than 8% from the previous year. That’s a lot of jobs and a lot of business for our restaurants, cafés, hotels, retailers

and tourism operators. This fantastic result confirms that tourism is a key industry for current and future jobs growth for this region and NSW.” The Luminosity Youth Summit happened again - an action packed three-day event, which was held in Port Macquarie 24th - 26th July. It was full of inspiring speakers at the top of their fields, including marketing strategists and social entrepreneurs, which inspired young people in our area to think big, dare to dream, live life to the fullest and to enjoy a healthy, positive life. Have you visited the Port Macquarie Museum lately? It is well worth your time. The award-winning Port Macquarie Museum has a special offer, with free entry to its 14 rooms and galleries on the first Sunday of each month from 11am. Browse, learn and enjoy all the museum has to offer. Exhibitions are regularly updated and changed. The museum is family friendly. Community Open House at the Glasshouse to celebrate the Glasshouse's 10th Birthday - they are throwing open their doors, and everyone is invited! The Glasshouse will be a wonder of fun, colour and creativity on Saturday, August 24, 10am - 3pm. There will be fun activities for all ages, including art for kids, gallery exhibitions, tours of the Glasshouse, creative workshops for children and adults, face painting, virtual reality, jumping castles, performances and much more. Don’t miss two great events at Rydges Port Macquarie this month - Masquerade Glamour and Glitz Ball 17th August: www.123tix.com. au/events/4253/glamour-glitz-masquerade-ball and the Enchanted High Tea - 31st August: www.123tix.com.au/events/4459/enchantedhigh-tea-a-family-event Check out What’s On - www. portmacquarieinfo.com.au for more information on what is happening in our region.

focus_contributor - Travel Editor Susie Boswell.

Reborn RAFFLES RE-OPENS

s the world’s most elite hotels go, there are a mere handful where the name alone conjures up an instant vision of excellence and perfection think Ritz, Savoy, George V, the Carlyle. Among them: the legendary Raffles, opened in 1887, renowned for old world elegance, charm and first-class appointments and service. This month, aficionados of such prestige establishments are welcoming the re-opening of Raffles Singapore after its lavish, painstaking refurbishment and expansion begun two and a half years ago. Travellers were aghast at news in early 2017 that the much-loved hotel would close during the renewal project. So, with its trademark gentle touch, it shut down only some of its services to start. Its Long Bar, home of the essential Singapore Sling, was temporarily repositioned,

and later housed as a pop-up. Now, after the full closure for its elaborate rebuilding program, Raffles is gradually reawakening, with the opening last month of the former Raffles Grill re-imagined as La Dame de Pic, and now this month’s soft opening of its all-suite accommodation, as the hotel transitions into its newly refreshed spaces. The signature La Dame de Pic restaurant occupies the restored main heritage dining room, hosting an exclusive 46 diners. The restaurant’s named for its originator, French chef Anne-Sophie Pic, who holds seven Michelin stars and whose family, like Raffles, boasts more than a century of top-class catering to discerning guests. See pictures of the remarkable menu at www.ladamedepic.com.sg and www.rafflessingapore.com In the second of three new celebrity chef dining

“concepts”, the renowned, revived Bar & Billiard Room, overseen by acclaimed Alain Ducasse, will focus on Mediterranean sharing plates showcasing Italy, France, Spain and Portugal, with an open kitchen, charcoal grills and wood-fired pizza ovens. The third celebrity chef innovation is Yi by Jereme Leung, a contemporary Chinese restaurant offering both Cantonese classics and modern adaptations. In total there are ten dining outlets, including the Butchers Block, an open-kitchen style steakhouse with prime cuts displayed in under glass, and revamped versions of Raffles’ classics: North Indian cuisine in The Tiffin Room, afternoon tea in The Lobby, cocktails in the Writers Bar and, of course, the famous gin sling in the Long Bar. There are 115 suites, among them the Lady Sophia Suite, named for Sir Stamford Raffles’ wife, and the Lady Mountbatten Suite, in honour of the wife of Lord Louis Mountbatten, Southeast Asia’s Supreme Allied Commander at the 1945 surrender of the Japanese in Singapore. Raffles is operated by French multinational AccorHotels with 4800 hotels with some 600,000 rooms in 100 countries with 280,000 staff catering to millions of guests. Its portfolio includes Raffles, Fairmont, Sofitel, Pulman, Swissotel and many more hospitality and leisure interests. The Raffles brand has expanded to 14 properties worldwide, en route to 20 by 2025, among them in the Philippines, Cambodia and Saudi Arabia. A month ago it was announced a second luxurious Singapore Raffles - Raffles Sentosa Resort & Spa - is planned for 2022. The resort will feature 61 villas each with a private

swimming pool in sprawling tropical gardens on the South China Sea, the compound adjacent to the existing magnificent Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa. That’s not all. A renaissance of the Raffles brand saw the opening two months ago of the romantic hideaway Raffles Maldives Meradhoo, and Raffles Shenzen China. The Meradhoo island is home to beach villas, while overwater villas are due to open by the end of this year. The resort’s range of restaurants is augmented by options such as caviar breakfasts on a sandbank reached by jet ski, champagne sunset cruises, tapas and sashimi at the Sunset Bar and drinks at a(nother) Long Bar. The height of luxury, Raffles Shenzen discreetly occupies the top of a 72-storey tower, offering exquisite dining and spectacular views of Shenzen Bay and Hong Kong. Raffles London is being developed in Whitehall’s former War Office building. Next year, Raffles Udaipur becomes the brand’s first hotel in India. Modelled after a palace, it’s set on a private island on the Udaisagar Lake, with spectacular vistas, next to a 400-year-old temple. The following year Raffles Jaipur will open secluded private residences joining a larger complex that’s presently its sister property, Fairmont Jaipur. Also next year, Raffles Boston Back Bay Hotel & Residences opens in the historic heart of Massachusetts. Meanwhile, 2021 sees the opening of Raffles The Palm Dubai with 360-degree views of the Jumeirah coast and Arabian Gulf. Other Raffles locations include Paris, Istanbul, Warsaw, the Seychelles and Jakarta ... with Raffles Bali in the pipeline!

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Greater Port Macquarie focus 57

Every Student Every Voice Tacking Point Public School

Port Macquarie Public School

Aurora Mavros is in Year 4 at Tacking Point Public School, where she has been a student since Kindergarten. This vivacious and dedicated student demonstrates a love of creative arts, sport and English.

Deacon is a conscientious and outgoing Year 6 student at Port Macquarie Public School.

Aurora Mavros

Aurora is a talented artist and an outstanding writer and speaker. Aurora proudly represented Tacking Point Public School at the District Multicultural Public Speaking Competition. Aurora also performs with Tacking Point Public School’s auditioned choir, Bel Canto, at venues such as the Sydney Opera House. Aurora has represented her school in Cross Country and was part of the PSSA cricket team which placed second in the State.

Deacon Crawford

Aurora will be recognised at the HVCS Ceremony of Excellence for academic excellence in English. Her commitment to learning and positive attitude reflect the qualities and values which are instilled in our students. Congratulations, Aurora. 77-105 BANGALAY DRIVE PORT MACQUARIE NSW 2444 (02) 6582 3478

He actively participates in all areas of the curriculum and reflects our school values of respect, responsibility, co-operation and safety whilst being a wonderful rolemodel in our school. Deacon enthusiastically engages in all areas of English. He reads a comprehensive range of texts with in-depth understanding and fluency and writes imaginative texts which demonstrate creativity and complex vocabulary. Deacon confidently participates in and

Hastings Public School

Lake Cathie Public School

Stephanie Lawrence is a student in Year 6 at Hastings Public School. Stephanie has been at Hastings Public School since Kindergarten and is an exemplary ambassador of not only her school but public education. Stephanie is flourishing in her role as the Sport and Welfare Minister of our School Parliament. She thrives on her leadership role in the school, taking every opportunity to be an effective role model to other students. Stephanie is a student who accepts challenges with enthusiasm and understands the value of learning as a life long journey. Stephanie’s creative endeavours extend to both the school band and dance programs. She has successfully participated in the HATCHLINGS band enrichment program, playing the saxophone.

Sophie Barton is one of the original students at Lake Cathie Public School. She exudes school spirit, friendship, care, tolerance, understanding and a positive awareness of others.

Stephanie Lawrence

Sport is an area of passion for Stephanie.

Deacon will be recognised at the HVCS Ceremony of Excellence for academic excellence in English. Congratulations Deacon. WILLIAM ST & GRANT STREET PORT MACQUARIE NSW 2444 (02) 6583 2977

Sophie Barton

She has represented the school in Netball, Touch Football, Soccer, and Basketball. She has also achieved higher levels of representation in Cross Country and Swimming. Stephanie has aspirations of becoming a teacher in the future. She is being acknowledged at the HVCS Ceremony of Excellence for excellence in all areas of her schooling. 85 YARRANABEE ROAD PORT MACQUARIE NSW 2444 (02) 6582 2566

E X C E L L E N C E

58 Greater Port Macquarie focus

contributes to discussions and is a valued member of the School Debating Team.

I N N O V AT I O N

Sophie is dedicated to her learning and strives to achieve her personal best and to contribute in any collaborative group setting she is involved in. Sophie takes on extra roles within the school as a sign of her commitment to her school. Sophie excels in all aspects of school life and is a great leader in the K-6 Peer Support program launched this year. She displays a modest and friendly disposition and genuine support for the younger students at our school under her Peer support leadership. Sophie is excited to be one of a growing number of students choosing to attend

O P P O R T U N I T Y

Hastings Secondary College with the Excellence and Opportunity that awaits her through her transition to high school. We are so proud that Sophie will receive an Excellence Across All Key Learning Areas award at the 2019 Hastings Valley Community of Schools’ Ceremony of Excellence at the Glasshouse during Education Week. 1240 OCEAN DRIVE BONNY HILLS NSW 2445 (02) 6584 8060

S U C C E S S

he Hastings Valley Community of Schools (HVCS) is a ‘community of learning’ education model that focuses on co-operative participation by working, exploring, researching and learning together to achieve better outcomes for our students. Hastings Valley Community of Schools offers an exceptional education from kindergarten to Year 12 to our community of over 4,500 students.

Individually, our schools provide excellence in education. Collectively, we are committed to

At Hastings Valley Community of schools, we prepare your child for life. Hastings Valley Community of Schools (HVCS) host an annual Ceremony of Excellence during Education Week each year. The ceremony celebrates the significant academic, cultural, sporting and community service excellence of our students from Year 3 to Year 12 during Education Week.

leadership capacities of all our staff.

Our Community of Schools excel in recognising students for their performance, participation, spirit, and citizenship throughout the year with certificates, awards, trophies and rewards systems. The evening is about bringing together the extraordinary talents of our students and recognising them for their achievements

Our learning community consists of Hastings Secondary College Port Macquarie and Westport

This year’s Education Week theme is ‘Every Student, Every Voice’.

Campuses, Port Macquarie Public School, Hastings Public School, Westport Public School,

Student empowerment is at the heart of this process and reflects how a student’s voice actively shapes their educational journey.

the sharing of innovative practices for the benefit of all our students. Our learning community builds on professional collaboration to enable the further development of teaching and

Telegraph Point Public School, Lake Cathie Public School, and Tacking Point Public School.

Westport Public School

Telegraph Point Public School

Thomas is in Year 6 at Westport Primary School. He is always looking for ways to improve his academic achievement levels.

Sophie Kahler is a dedicated and driven student here at Telegraph Point PS. She embodies the qualities of a model student, always demonstrating an enthusiastic and positive attitude to school.

Thomas Rajcany

Sophie Kahler

He is quick to accept advice and move to incorporate new learning into practice. This has been especially evident in his creative and persuasive writing where he constantly looks to experiment with new techniques. In mathematics he has enjoyed applying his growth mindset to problem solving tasks and open ended investigations. He is also a leading member of the school’s Ukulele performance group.

Thomas will be recognised at the HVCS Ceremony of Excellence for Literacy. Congratulations, Thomas. 56 WIDDERSON STREET PORT MACQUARIE NSW 2444 (02) 6583 2944

Sophie has attended Telegraph Point Public School since Kindergarten. This year she is in Year 4 and has wholeheartedly committed to a range of curricular and extra-curricular activities. Sophie passionately worked collaboratively to represent her school at Film by the Breakwall with outstanding results. She proudly delivered a prepared and impromptu speech as a finalist of the ‘District Multicultural Public Speaking Competition’ and has also represented

Hastings Secondary College

Georgia Hamilton

Matthew Covetz

Hastings Secondary College, Westport Campus is proud to have Georgia Hamilton as our school captain for 2019. Georgia has attended our school since year 7 and has excelled across all areas.

Matthew has attended Hastings Secondary College Port Macquarie Campus since Year 7 2014. He has shown commitment and dedication across a range of facets at school; including sport, music and academic endeavours.

Westport Campus

Georgia has a beautiful singing voice and has been a dedicated and passionate performer in the musical field. She is a proud performer and participates in the school musical at every opportunity. Georgia is a talented artist, she has been committed to mastering her techniques and has displayed outstanding knowledge in visual arts. Throughout her schooling Georgia has participated in all activities spreading the Westport Campus spirit and is an active member of the leadership team. Georgia’s exceptional work ethics

her school in sporting events, such as the Netball Cup and District Cross Country. Sophie is a pleasure to teach and will be attending the HVCS Ceremony of Excellence. Here she will be recognised for her high achievements in, strength and outstanding effort in English. 177 MOONEY ST, TELEGRAPH POINT NSW 2441 (02) 6585 0224

Port Macquarie Campus

cannot be faulted. She has achieved epic academic excellence in Semester one where she has attained straight A’s in all her chosen courses. Congratulations, Georgia on your tremendous efforts for Excellence in English Extension 1 and 2, Excellence in Music and Excellence in Ancient History. 16 FINDLAY AVENUE PORT MACQUARIE NSW 2444 (02) 6583 6400

In his time at this school Matthew has been an enthusiastic member of the school soccer and futsal teams and has also been a part of the Hatch band and is currently a member of the Hastings Secondary College Stage Band and College Jazz Band. The piano being his chosen instrument, however, can also play drums and guitar. His academic accolades include Advanced English, Extension Mathematics, Ancient History, Chemistry and Physics. In all classes he demonstrates a mature attitude

to his education and a desire for learning. He is a valued member of our school by both staff and students. Matthew’s future career options are optometry or mathematics and music teaching. Matthew will be recognised at the HVCS Ceremony of Excellence for Academic Excellence. 29 OWEN STREET PORT MACQUARIE NSW 2444 (02) 6583 1844

W W W. H A S T I N G S S E C O N D A R Y C O L L E G E . C O M . A U / H V C S

Greater Port Macquarie focus 59

focusinterview.

Meaghan Cook

It sounds clichéd, but it was really a dream come true for Meaghan Cook when she was appointed as principal of Hastings Secondary College, Port Macquarie Campus, earlier this year. Meaghan herself attended the school as a student, and always hoped to come back one day as principal! Under Meaghan’s stewardship, the school is going from strength to strength - and there are some big plans on the horizon …

i Meaghan. It's not a story you get to hear too often ... becoming the principal at the high school you attended as a student! How did you feel when you were appointed to this position earlier in the year? I felt a range of emotions, to be honest: gratitude, happiness, sadness, excitement. Gratitude that I was offered a position that I hold in such high regard. Hastings Secondary College Port Macquarie Campus is a jewel in Port Macquarie, and I am honoured to be one of the many principals who have led the school. Happy to have a sense of purpose. Sadness in knowing I was leaving a wonderful school community at Camden Haven High School, and excitement that we are moving into an even more innovative and dynamic era of public education never seen before. I recall assembly at Port High back in the late 1980s, where Mr Brown, the principal at the time, would address us. I kept saying to myself, one day I want to be the principal here. What are some of your fondest memories from attending Port High School as a student? The senior years, 1986 - 1988, were by far my fondest memories. I was a prefect at the time, and we had a very strong cohort of achieving students who looked after each other and supported you. I flourished thanks to wonderful, dedicated teachers who inspired me to do my best. I recall Maths with Mr Cairns (it was not my favourite subject, by the way, but he tolerated me) Mr Brooks for Geography, who I give credit to for me being able to read maps and understand climate, Mr Wiley for Modern History (don’t tell the others, but he was one of my favourite teachers), and Mrs Evans, who taught me about nutrition and fine cuisine. Your career has taken you to a few 60 Greater Port Macquarie focus

locations - Moree, Tamworth, the Camden Haven. How do you feel your previous roles have helped you develop both personally and professionally? My firm belief is that we all should embrace opportunities for professional and personal growth. I’ve had roles as a classroom teacher, Head Teacher PDHPE, Welfare, PDHPE Consultant supporting primary and secondary schools in implementing new syllabi, SEO2 Quality Teaching Advisor and project officer roles. Each one of those roles has built leadership capacity, communication skills, critical thinking and empathy. My most important role is that of teaching and learning now. It is an opportunity to offer every child a pathway for success. That’s a huge undertaking and one I take very seriously. What are some of the plans currently unfolding at Hastings Secondary College? We are the leaders of innovation in our local area. We are currently expanding our STEM and Robotics team. All our innovative Academies (Sports/Creative Industries/LEAP) are growing, Clontarf and our Sista Speak program for our girls are showing fantastic results, along with the most valuable activity - the quality teaching and learning that occurs in every class, every day, for every child. There will be significant infrastructure works taking place in the near future by way of the recent budget announcement. We are currently in the second phase of the NSW My Community Grant. This project is about developing a community focus within our Agriculture program by providing access for all people to grow produce. We are also looking to redevelop our Aboriginal garden with bush tucker and outdoor learning spaces. We recently had our canteen successfully tendered out. We asked our student population to think of a name for our canteen by way of a guessing competition. The winning name was “Lettuce Eat” by Mia Zimmer.

What do you hope to I would like to challenge bring to your role as some misconceptions of WE ARE COMMITTED principal? the secondary provision in TO KNOWING AND I hope to bring Port Macquarie, that other GROWING EVERY opportunities for my providers may be seen as CHILD AND BUILDING A staff and students to better in valuing and caring CULTURE OF STUDENTS engage in 21st Century for our students. I believe LEARNING TOGETHER learning. Stop and we do an even better job. AND SUPPORTING AND consider what our I made a commitment ENCOURAGING EACH children will need to when I arrived at Hastings OTHER TO DO THEIR BEST. demonstrate by way Secondary College Port of skills from 2030 and Macquarie Campus that beyond. That’s only 11 every child is known, valued years away. and cared for. Every staff Consider your children in Year 4, 5 and member is the same. I know that my colleague 6 now. What type of school setting do you Ian Ross, principal of Hastings Secondary College envisage for them in a world offering so much Westport Campus, shares that same ethos. artificial intelligence and technology? We are committed to knowing and growing We must ensure we have the platform to every child and building a culture of students provide our students with the necessary critical learning together and supporting and thinking, innovative imagination and problemencouraging each other to do their best. We are solving skills like never before. committed to academic excellence and to the At Hastings Secondary College, our students development of the whole person. have the opportunity to make selections from We offer a range of well-established coone of the most comprehensive offerings of curricular programs and clubs. senior subjects in ANY NSW school. Our students are offered an extensive range Under one college, our students can choose of excursions, camps and international tours. a Platinum Pathway (targeted academic There is an amazing range of enrichment program for those wishing to excel in their opportunities in sporting teams; participation ATAR) an ATAR Pathway (students wanting in debating and public speaking competitions; access to University, College or TAFE), a FLEX performances in productions and musicals; Pathway (students who are still not sure what exhibiting original artwork; developing fluency career pathway they want), Industry-Based in languages through overseas exchange and Training - IBT (specifically for students who language programs; exploration of humanities; are looking to enter the workforce with both and developing scientific curiosity through HSC and Vocational qualifications) and finally excursions, events and our STEM programs. our FT2E - Fast track to Employment (designed Hastings Secondary College is on the journey specifically for students who will benefit from to becoming one of the finest secondary intensive support to build employability skills and colleges in NSW. workplace literacies.) Thanks Meaghan. Further, we are continuing to develop a Interview: Jo Robinson. strong sense of the K-12 learning journey in Meaghan pictured with Megsey, the new public education as part of the Hastings Valley addition to the Port Macquarie Campus Ag Community of Schools (HVCS). Farm.

S T E M

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Girls Day Out

Kicking oﬀ National Science Week, Australia’s ﬁrst regional Girls Day Out in STEM 2019 (GDOS2019) will be held in Port Macquarie on Sunday 11th August 2019.

(Honours) at UWA, followed by a doctorate in polymer chemistry (UK). Education was my passport to the world and a varied career as an industrial chemist in mining (Rio Tinto), manufacturing (CSR), food (Uncle Ben’s of Australia) and as a lecturer at CSU,” Kylie said. “I now want to use my experience and knowledge to inspire young girls to pursue STEM subjects at school and as a future career path.” GDOS2019 will be held on Sunday 11th August 2019 at CSU Port Macquarie from 10am to 5pm. Tickets are limited and can be purchased online at Eventbrite http://bit.ly/GDOS19PM For further information, contact: info@eurekaexplorers.com.au

HAIR CHEMIS

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“We are bringing leaders in STEM to Port Macquarie to inspire and educate young girls in STEM concepts and careers. It will be a fun filled day, led by Stephanie Bendixsen (HEX TV presenter, gamer and author) with a keynote presentation from Dr Jazmin Daniells, a STEMM leadership participant in the Homeward Bound project, and Taylah Griffin, BHP Foundation and CSIRO Winner of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tertiary Student STEM Achievement Award (who now works for Boeing Defence Australia). We also have up to 20 Masterclasses from industry leaders,” Petriea said. Dr Kylie Press (CSU), GDOS2019 organiser and a STEM leader, is passionate about helping regional girls explore education and career pathways in STEM. “In primary school, I aspired to manage a shop on the main street of the country town where I lived. In high school though, my passion for science and mathematics was inspired by my teachers, which led me to a Bachelor of Science

MEDICS • NTIAL OILS • PARA TRY • ESSE

esigned for girls aged 10 -14 years, Eureka Explorers and CSU have partnered to create a fun, carnival like day full of interactive learning experiences with industry leaders in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). “Up to 75% of future employment will require workers to have skills in STEM related areas. The current situation is that females are completely under-represented, with only 16% of all people with STEM qualifications being female. It is critical we inspire young girls to pursue their interest in STEM areas, so we have a well-balanced workforce in the future,” Eureka Explorers Managing Director, Petriea Skitek said. Eureka Explorers, in partnership with Charles Sturt University (CSU), have created the first regional Girls Day Out in STEM 2019 to start addressing this gender imbalance.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 61

focusinterview.

P A R T N E R S H I P S Forestry Corporation of NSW, Boral Timbers and Planet Ark have a partnership program donating timber for community projects across NSW. Justin Black from the Forestry Corporation talks to us about the program and what has happened so far. i Justin. Tell us a little about the program. The program is about us supporting community groups by supplying beautiful North Coast hardwood timber for projects. The scheme has been operating for about six months now, and we have already supplied timber to seventeen different projects across the state. So far, we have provided timber to schools, sports groups, museums, community gardens and halls. We have around a thousand packs of timber, so there will be a few more projects and community groups that will benefit from this program. That sounds like a lot of timber; where did it all come from? When Murwillumbah flooded in 2017 during Cyclone Debbie, water went through Boral Timbers' processing plant on the south side of town. A fair amount of their stock was damaged and was subsequently determined usable, but unfit for sale. Boral is one of our timber customers and they had heard about the different partnerships we have with community groups that use State Forests and our networks in regional communities. We decided to work together to salvage the timber for local community projects. Even though the timber is water damaged, it is still pretty good; timber is very forgiving, and a lot of the damage is superficial. 62 Greater Port Macquarie focus

You said there were seventeen projects so far; have any been finished yet? We really only started distributing the timber in January this year and already five projects have been completed, with quite a few underway. It’s not easy for community groups when they rely on volunteer support and fundraisers, so the timber has been a real support. The first finished project was at Bellingen Primary School, where a timber pergola was built around the music room. Another partner, Thora Sawmill, also supported this project, donating the timber posts. The pergola was built on the northern side of the classroom, to keep it cooler over the summer months. The music teacher, Elizabeth Scott, told us that it was designed with vertical slats, creating musical staff lines for students to decorate with notes and music symbols. The Connect Presbyterian Church has been another recipient of the timber and have restored the ageing floor of their 150-year-old building at South Grafton. The building is an important community facility used by many different community groups each week, so it was great to be able to support this project. Nambucca Cycle Club have upgraded their mountain bike tracks with a timber donation, and the Nature School at Port Macquarie have created a nature playground using logs from our local forestry operations and some of this timber. The timber has really added something special to these projects, and I

It’s not easy for community can’t wait to see some effect of spending time groups when they rely of the other ways it will outside in nature. The on volunteer support and be used. research has shown that fundraisers, so the timber has Why is Planet Ark having wood around been a real support. The involved in the you can lower blood ﬁrst ﬁnished project was program? pressure and heart rates at Bellingen Primary We have been as well as reducing School, where a timber pergola working with Planet Ark stress and anxiety. The was built around the music room. through their Make it timber we are donating Wood campaign for the is a real gift that not last couple of years, to only looks good, it feels promote the important good as well - and helps role that wood plays in helping tackle climate the environment at the same time. Hopefully change. It was natural to partner with Planet through these projects we are sharing the Ark for this program, given the opportunity message that locally grown timber is an to promote the sustainability benefits of important sustainable industry on the North timber. Coast. Wood is unique among building products, It must feel pretty good being able to because trees remove carbon dioxide from support community projects with the the air and store the carbon in wood, which timber. can be used in buildings such as people’s It’s a very positive way for us to support the homes while the forests are being regrown. communities where we live and work. Staff Wood also requires less energy to produce from across our organisation are helping to timber compared with steel, aluminum and find a home for this timber, and it's helped concrete. As a rule of thumb, if you replace that many of us live in regional communities one cubic metre of concrete or brick with one across the state. We have always seen caring cubic metre of timber, you will eliminate one for State forests while providing community tonne of carbon dioxide being emitted into access and supporting the local timber the atmosphere. industry as being of benefit to regional areas, More recently, Planet Ark has started to and this is just another way in which we can promote the health and well-being benefits give back. We are grateful that we’ve been of using wood. Research shows that using able to develop this program with the help of wood inside buildings has physiological Boral Timbers and Planet Ark. and psychological benefits that mimic the Thanks Justin.

focus_contributor

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

WITH SENIOR LECTURER OF MEDICAL IMAGING

Johnathan Hewis

SENIOR LECTURER IN MEDICAL IMAGING JOHNATHAN HE WIS IS CURRENTLY HE ADING UP SE VER AL EXCITING RESE ARCH PROJECTS FOR CHARLES STURT UNIVERSIT Y AND HAS BEEN KEY IN INFLUENCING THE EXCITING DE VELOPMENTS IN STAGE 2 OF THE NE W CAMPUS BUILD. I SHARED AN ESPRESSO AND SOME INSIGHT INTO LIFE AS THE FORMER ASSOCIATE HE AD OF SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY & HE ALTH SCIENCES, A NE W DAD AND IRONMAN WHO LOVES A PHYSICAL CHALLENGE FOR A GOOD CAUSE. HE FILLS US IN ON WHY HE LOVES PORT MACQUARIE AND HOW CHARLES STURT IS LE ADING THE WAY IN INNOVATION IN OUR REGION.

ohnathan, you joined the team at CSU in 2013 originally from the UK - what brought you to beautiful Australia? I was born in Lincolnshire, a far cry from idyllic Port Macquarie. As a clinical radiographer, I was fortunate to gain a lot of experience in major trauma, specialise in MRI and practice in several advanced clinical roles to include image interpretation. I transitioned into academia back in 2004, holding the position of Senior Lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University, then Senior Lecturer at Central Queensland University based up in Mackay. I came to Australia looking for a new adventure and chasing the sunshine. I was a first in family student from a regional background, so Charles Sturt attracted me as a university focused on regional Australia. You have adopted coastal Port Macquarie as your new home, have a beautiful partner, Nicola and little son Edward. What is it that makes Port Macquarie so special? Both Nicola and I relocated here, and other family members have followed. We love the lifestyle, community and weather. It is an incredible location to create a family, and I feel very lucky to call Port Mac home. As part of the original team to launch the course profile in Port Macquarie - can you tell us a little about how it began and where the school and course have progressed to now? Being a green field university site was one of the things that excited me most about the post. I was the first and only staff member for the school back in the beginning,

and there were many challenges, that included establishing courses in temporary accommodation. The support of staff from Wagga, the local community and key sessional staff combined with strong clinical partnerships made it work. We now have six academic staff, with three years of successful graduates from Port. Charles Sturt works under the mission of “creating a world worth living in” underpinned by a passion for innovation, how are you and your team doing that in Port Macquarie? We provide so much more than undergraduate and postgraduate education. We help provide a voice for medical radiation practitioners in our region, with representation on government committees at a regional and national level. In the last six years we have hosted more than ten discipline specific national, regional and local conferences and workshops here in Port Macquarie. All our staff and several students are actively engaged with school and community outreach, whilst my current honours student, Jessica, is exploring sustainability within medical imaging. Your graduates have been lucky enough to come back as sessional lecturers and secured employment locally. How important is this practical application and continuous learning to the success of your profession? Our goal is to graduate autonomous, confident, caring and capable practitioners who bring our university values to life and make an impact in their community. Our professional journey is one of continual

education and learning and at Port we have already come full circle. Many Port graduates are employed within the region, providing critical diagnostic services, clinical mentorship and supervision to current students and one is employed as sessional academic. Others are already back at university completing Master level studies with us online. You have worked with the team on creating a state of the art facility in Stage 2 of the new campus build - are there any exciting features you can share with us? The larger scale collaborative lecture theatre with a double height atrium will be visually very dramatic and will provide important new teaching and conferencing facilities as we continue to grow. This space will also expand our ability to host larger community and outreach activities. There are also several exciting specialist teaching and research spaces coming, so watch this space! It’s a well-known fact around campus you love a dress up! You have an amazing community spirit and have been known to don the lycra for many a good cause. Can you tell us a little about those projects? I think this embodies the lifestyle change I have gained by moving to Port. I have now completed five consecutive Ironman Australias, setting a new PR this year of 11 hours 32 minutes. I ran the Six Foot Track in March and will be starting my fourth Beach2Brother trail marathon in October. I’ve proudly donned

lycra several times to raise monies for Royal Far West. Currently I am completing "The Push-Up Challenge", to raise awareness for mental health and critical monies for headspace - individually completing 3,128 push-ups over 21 days, with each push-up representing Australian lives tragically lost to suicide in 2017. Lastly, what are you most excited for on campus next year, and what tips could you provide to those wanting to get a head start in the field of science? Welcoming new students into our learning community and new graduates into our professions! My advice is to make time to explore your education and career options, so

that you can make an informed career choice. Our upcoming Open Day is on Sunday 25th August between 10am - 2pm and Parent Information Evening Monday 29th July, 5:30pm. Come and visit us on campus. We are also offering early entry into our Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging) available through the Charles Advantage program for 2020. Thanks Johnathan.

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Riley Cargill

the

AGE: 13

Malachi Dunn A G E: 5 / FAT H E R: L A N C E D U N N , CHEF BITTERSWEET CAFE

What do you want to be when you grow up? A chef like Daddy. What is the best thing about your dad? He makes yummy cakes for me! What are your favourite things to do together? We mow the lawn together, and he gardens with me. He also takes me swimming. What do you think about your dad being a chef? I love the melting moment biscuits he makes.

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Travis Boyd AGE: 4 / FATHER: ANTHONY BOYD, WAUCHOPE BLUES FIRST GRADE COACH

What do you want to be when you grow up? A footy player for the blues. What is the best thing about your dad? He plays games with me! What are your favourite things to do together? We play golf, go fishing and play football together. What do you think about your dad being a football coach? He’s very clever and it's good when we win.

/ FATHER: ROSS GARGILL MEN AT WORK

What do you want to be when you grow up? I love acting, so maybe an actor or a singer. I also love music, playing the piano and performing arts.

Rhys Evans A G E : 10 / FAT H E R : D AV I D E VA N S R E A L E S TAT E A G E N T, H E M P R O P E R T Y

What is the best thing about your dad? He’s a lot of fun!

What do you want to be when you grow up? Professional skateboarder.

What are your favourite things to do together? We go camping and make fire pits together and lots of outdoor stuff.

What is the best thing about your dad? He’s very funny, and he plays lots of games with me and my sister.

What do you think about your dad ’s job? He works really hard, but still has time to do fun stuff with me!

What are your favourite things to do together? He takes me to the skate park and watches me, and we play soccer together. What do you think about your dad being a real estate agent? Very cool! He sells houses all the time!

Tim Maddren G O T

Adam Scutts K F C

F R A N C H I S E E - S C U T T S R E S T A U R A N T G R O U P

Tell us about the importance of your business in our community.

Alex Cassegrain C A S S E G R A I N W I N E S P O R T M A C Q U A R I E S E N I O R W I N E M A K E R

How is your place of business planning for the future?

We take pride in being a source of support for our local community. To be able to help with things such as Marine Rescue, Breast Cancer Charity Golf events, Zonta Australia and numerous local sporting clubs is amazing. We live in this community, and we feel great to be able to give back to it. Employing locals and watching them grow into confident, empowered young adults is rewarding. Working with local businesses to support our community is fulfilling too. Don’t forget, serving delicious food is a bonus.

We have several different aspects to our business, but the fundamental goal is to make the best wine we can. We have grown export sales by more than 35% over the last three years, but I would say that our plan for the future is to not only drive our domestic sales, but have more presence here with Hastings/NSW in stockists. Finally and importantly, to encourage locals to venture out to our winery and visit/enjoy the grounds.

What are you most proud of about your business?

Honesty and loyalty. These are not only what I look for in people, but also hope people see in me and they are, at least to me, the most important traits I look for when developing any kind of relationship - be it professionally and/or socially.

I can’t decide on one thing to be proud of, because I have three close to my heart. I’m proud of the work my mother and father put into this business before me. Witnessing all that hard work and sacrifice formed me as a franchisee. I’m proud of my management teams. These people have grown into not only amazing managers helping serve the community, but people who inspire me. I’m proud to be able to give back to the community I have grown up in through donations, sponsorships and local events.

What virtue do you admire most in people?

How do you switch off. Making wine to me isn’t a job; it’s a lifestyle. I can't imagine anything more satisfying/relaxing than being with my family and having a glass of wine with any kind of delicious food and enjoying what the Hastings area has to offer, be it sitting on the beach or just being at home.

Y A

B A C K

P R O D U C T I O N S

How has your business grown in the last three years? Since we first produced at the Glasshouse in March 2017, we started with a season of three shows at the Ross Family Studio. We sold just under 300 tickets to that production. This year, so far, we have produced performances in ten different theatres around the state and presented two separate productions at the Glasshouse. In this year so far, we have sold around 3,300 tickets. Tell us about the importance of your business in our community? Our goal is to provide top quality cultural experiences for our local area, by utilising the talent that exists in this community. We provide not only entertainment, but also opportunity for the community. We showcased one of our productions in Sydney this year, solely with artists from the Mid North Coast. At the performances were the top brass of the Australian theatre industry - we definitely put the Mid North Coast theatre community on the map with that season. Recently, we have had interest from major international productions to start building their new shows here in Port. Since this interest, we have now utilised local props builders and artists in our productions. We’re excited about where it’s all heading. Do you hold any community or volunteer roles? I lead the Port Macquarie Community College’s Choir of Hard Knocks - a choir for any member of our community. As of this year, we have started to write and perform our own songs. If you are free on a Tuesday at 10am, pop along to 56 Hollingworth Street to watch. It’s always a special experience to see this choir in action.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 65

Mark Dunkley CUS TOM ME TA L ROOFING O W NER, T R A DE SM A N

ow has your business changed/grown in the last three years? We relocated 18 months ago from the far South Coast of NSW to Lake Cathie. We basically started our business from the ground up, all over again. I came here having only a few contacts, and that has now grown exponentially. We contract and complete work for many local builders, home owners and large companies around the Mid North Coast. We are now looking at expanding our staff again and putting on an apprentice, which is exciting. What are your greatest strengths? Patience and perfectionism - which works well for me in my trade. When I do a job, it has to be done right - no shortcuts. If something's going to take a few extra hours/days, but get a better result; you do

66 Greater Port Macquarie focus

it. At the end of the day, the client always deserves the best completed work. Iâ€™m very conscious of that, and I have always taken great pride in what I do for others. Where do you hope to see your business in five years' time? Hopefully, my business has expanded and is still successful. I've been in this trade for over 20 years now, and I'd love to pass on my skills and knowledge to others who are willing to learn. The trade industry can be so rewarding; you just have to work hard. One of our employees, who was with us on the South Coast, went out on his own after learning and working with me for years, and he is now very successful.

That's such a great feeling seeing your mate succeed in business, so we would love to be able to offer those types of opportunities again here in Port Macquarie. What is your greatest achievement so far? My family. We have three young, cheeky, LOUD, compassionate and respectful kids who each have such different personalities. I'm so proud of who they are. For me, there's nothing better than sharing life with them all. Who is your personal hero? My wife. I'm very quiet and reserved, and sheâ€™s strong willed and resourceful. We're total opposites in many ways, but we work

The trade industry can be so rewarding; you just have to work hard.

amazingly as a team. She runs the show; she does all behind the scenes administration for the business, works, studies, looks after the kids and keeps us in line. She cares and supports us all and is fiercely protective over her loved ones. I admire her morals and integrity; she brings out the best in me. How do you spend your down time? I don't sit still very often; I always feel like I should be doing something. I surf most days or whenever I get the chance. Every Friday arvo we have a fire out the back and kick back with a beer while listening to triple J. We go camping every few months and just shut off from it all; the kids love it and just go feral. What virtue do you think is most important in people? Integrity. To me, this quality in all aspects of life, makes for a successful individual.

Adrian Cornale & Ted Vogels O W N E R ,

O P T O M E T R I S T

OPTICAL MECHANIC AND DISPENSER

EYEQ OPTOMETRISTS PORT MACQUARIE

rincipal Optometrist of EyeQ Port Macquarie, Adrian Cornale is busy planning for the future of his practice.

"We are constantly striving to improve our service and products. We have just returned from a National Conference and Expo in Melbourne, where we were looking at the latest frame ranges and purchasing new equipment. Iâ€™m a strong believer in keeping up with technology to provide the best eye care, but we also understand that our frames not only need to be comfortable, but need to look great. So, we understand fashion plays a huge role. I am proud of the frame ranges we have that are ever changing. Currently we have Furla, Escada, Ferragamo, Oroton, Chloe, Nike, Columbia, Calvin Klein, Lacoste, Maui Jim and Gucci plus more!" With a longstanding commitment to the field, highly skilled optical mechanic and dispenser Ted Vogels remarks that he and Adrian have been providing eye care to people of this region for many years. "For me, it been over forty-three years and for Adrian, thirty years. Working together has been an exciting opportunity for us to combine our experience. Our mission statement is to look after our patients' eyes at every stage of life. Seeing generations of families has truly allowed us both to do this, and we thank the many local families for entrusting us with their precious sight." Adrian and Ted both enjoy the challenge of complex vision and frame fittings, which they both continue to provide on a regular basis, but you will find them switching off from their professions in different ways. Adrian enjoys being in the great outdoors, including mountain bike riding and surfing, whilst Ted is fond of more relaxing hobbies, including painting landscapes, seascapes and portraits. When we asked if they could share their dinner tables with two of their heroes, who would they be, Ted mentioned Mahatma Gandhi, for his many quotes of inspiration, one being "an eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind", and Adrian brings to mind Heston Blumenthal, "so I could watch him create and eat his scientific inspired dishes that fascinate me, as well as admiring his vast collection of spectacle frames". Greater Port Macquarie focus 67

Our employees and contractors are my greatest strength

Colby Buxton PHIRANNO DESIGNS BUSINESS MANAGER

What excites you most about doing business here? Port Macquarie is drastically changing since the university has opened. It has allowed a digital business like ours to become more of an importance in this area. In the last 12 months, what have been your most notable accomplishments? We have finished our first financial year; our first couple of months were a bit rocky, but now we have a full-time employee and we're looking to put on more, so we can keep up with the growth of our business, ensuring our clients all receive the same amount of customer service. What are your greatest strengths?

68 Greater Port Macquarie focus

Justin Levido L E V I D O

L A W

P R O P E R T Y

In the last 12 months, what have been your most notable accomplishments?

Our employees and contractors are my greatest strength; without them, we would not be here today - and they will stay my greatest strengths.

After a law career spanning more than three decades, I took the exciting step to establish my own law firm, Levido Law + Property, in October 2018.

What is your greatest achievement so far?

That same month, we opened our modern, accessible office space in the heart of town at 5/124 Horton Street.

Being able to help the people we work with. Seeing our contractors and employees grow with us throughout the company is something I am very proud of. Who is your personal hero? My father will always be my personal hero; he's an absolute legend. How do you spend your down time? Working on our other business, which is 4x4 Together.

We’re a small, specialist firm and pride ourselves on building close working relationships with our clients. I’m pleased to say it has been a successful nine months for our team and our clients. What are your greatest strengths? Along with an ability to listen and communicate, I enjoy being able to relate to people of all ages and at all stages in

P R I N C I P A L

their journey - from young start-up business owners, property developers through to older couples preparing their wills. Everyone is looking for expert advice and information provided in a way that is easy to understand. My eye for detail, good memory and commitment to the task at hand also serve me well in dealing with the law. Tell us about the importance of your business in our community? I’ve been part of the Port Macquarie community since 1987, actively involved in many community groups like Rotary and Apex, and a local Councillor. I established Levido Law + Property to help local businesses and families navigate a broad range of legal issues. My aim is to offer our community professional legal advice with a truly personal approach.

Jamie Williams

PA N T H E R S P O R T M A C Q U A R I E G E N E R A L M A N A G E R & G R O U P G A M I N G M A N A G E R

eneral Manager and Group Gaming Manager Jamie Williams is very excited about the future for Panthers Port Macquarie.

"It is the people and location that makes the club the exciting place it is. I really enjoy meeting new visitors every day and hearing the different journeys of our loyal local members. I honestly can say that relocating my family to Port Macquarie many years ago was one of the best decisions of my life!" Over the last twelve months, Jamie has seen many notable accomplishments at the club. Most fitting to mention is his solid team of staff members. "I am very lucky to work with such a dynamic and innovative team. We work very hard together and are always looking for fresh and fun ideas to reinvent the club and make it a continually interesting and fun place to be for our members." On a personal level, Jamie regards his

close-knit family as his rock and his key source of strength. When it comes to what he admires most in others, Jamie remarks that "honesty is a great foundation for a successful life". When Jamie has some down time from his busy role leading Panthers Port Macquarie forward, you will find him relaxing with his family. "My family and I love to take advantage of the beautiful surrounding area in which we live. We like to go fishing and crabbing as often as possible. My wife and I also throw ourselves into the F45 gym each morning, setting us up for the day ahead!" When we asked self-confessed foodie Jamie if he could invite two of his heroes to dinner, whom would they be and why, he was quick to announce high profile chefs Gordon Ramsay and Pete Evans. "Iâ€™d ask them to both cook (dinner sorted!) then sit back and watch the nightâ€™s entertainment unfold."

Greater Port Macquarie focus 69

I am proud of our reputation, our growth, how my staff are dedicated and growing, how we pull together to help each other when my staff ’s families grow or personal challenges arise.

10 years in the local real estate industry.

Lance Dekker L J

H O O K E R

P O R T

M A C Q U A R I E

What's your greatest strength? Being able to communicate with people from all walks of life. This is something I've learnt from a very young age, when my parents ran and owned a squash centre in Moree. What virtue do you most admire in people? Loyalty; it appears it's dying out of our industry, but nothing is better than someone coming back to you after a job well done in the first instance. What's one thing about you that would surprise people? Well, it's no surprise to my family, but I can do a mean moon walk, dance and sing pretty good too. Shannan does keep saying I'm tone deaf but, I think I sound like Michael Bublé. Who is your personal hero?

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Michael Sprague W A U C H O P E

I have six - Shannan, Cooper, Summer, Amelia, Braxton and myself. Each one of us become the Fantastic Six. What is your guilty pleasure? Most may remember the Tim Tam ad with the genie; yep, that's me (not the genie haha). I wish I had a packet of Tim Tams which never ran out. Everyone in our house knows not to touch them. How do you switch off after a long work day? Nothing beats finishing the day off with a good solid workout at Crossfit2444. The best part; I get to do this with my best friend, Shannan. If you were down to your last $20, what would you spend it on? I probably won't have this anyway; the four children would have already evenly split this up.

S P R A G U E

A N D

How has your business changed or grown in the last three years? Over the last three years we have grown year after year; the addition of financial planning, bookkeeping, business advice, business sales and commercial agents, cloud accounting and using multiple cloud technologies has helped us provide a better service and better information. We have learnt so much in terms of training our clients to use technology to their advantage, and this has helped us offer cost effective solutions that just makes life easier. Over the past few years we have grown from five to 10 staff, everyone has undertaken further study, families have grown, and we have had a dedicated and committed team who take our clients’ needs personally. What are you most proud of about your business?

A S S O C I A T E S

We are most proud of our clients' successes; we’ve had numerous clients grow from a start up to become multi national businesses; some have started with a simple idea that has allowed families to buy a house and work together, others just improve their tax position and grow their wealth. Everyone’s success is important to them - big or small, it doesn’t matter; seeing a client grow personally is what we want. What I am proud of is our reputation, our growth, how my staff are dedicated and growing, how we pull together to help each other when my staff’s families grow or personal challenges arise. From opening my door with my first client to looking after the entire family is what it's about for me. Bank balances are not everything, but building a future whilst enjoying the present is an ethos that our practice is most proud of.

Ross Cargill MEN AT WORK MANAGING DIRECTOR & PARTNER

he last two years have seen a major evolution for Men At Work. In October 2017 Kiel Bigeni and I commenced a succession from his father David.

I have formal qualifications, Bachelor of Systems Agriculture (Agrisbusiness), that have put me in good stead for ensuring continuous improvement throughout our business. I completed a Masters in Business in 2014, which has been a great source of information to feed the growth of Men At Work. Becoming an owner of the business is possibly the most significant step in my career. I know Kiel and I often ask if we each realised how significant it was at the time. Our most important service is providing people with an opportunity. Men At Work provide people an opportunity to gain a qualification to get them a job, advance their career, or remain up to date with their qualifications. Similarly, we provide people an opportunity to work for Men At Work. We are at 40% female participation on road for our business, which has grown from 28% less than a year ago. Recently, Men At Worked played a significant role with Lend Lease on the Pacific Highway upgrade, and successfully completing the project was a great accomplishment for a local company. We receive constant feedback that we are the best traffic management company our clients work with. A major focus for us during the last two years has been our RTO Men At Work Training and Assessment. We have watched it grow by 45% year on year and trained over 2,100 students in the last financial year. It is quite exciting, and we are looking to continue this growth again this year. Looking to the future, Men At Work Training & Assessment will start delivering full qualifications in 2020. We have identified a number of areas and will work with industry to develop outcomes and fill gaps where there is a skills shortage. We have discussed these opportunities with existing clients and key stakeholders and while we have some work ahead of us, it is an exciting phase in our growth!

Greater Port Macquarie focus 71

Mick Ramsey R AMSEY BUILT CONSTRUCTIONS DIRECTOR

Simon Bank W E B S T U D I O

D I R E C T O R

What excites you most about doing business here?

How did you get started in your industry?

Port Macquarie is my home. I have worked in many facets within the Construction industry all around Australia,

I’ve always had an interest in design and worked in my father’s print shop when I was still at school.

but having the opportunity to create my own business in my home town has been my ultimate goal and has now become my reality which is very exciting.

When I headed off to uni to study business, I started building websites on the side.

In the last 12 months, what have been your most notable accomplishments? Planning the launch of my business and all the behind the scenes work that goes into it is a huge accomplishment. In the midst of all the planning I have been juggling a full-time job, living away from home and supporting my beautiful family. What is your greatest achievement so far? Every step I have taken to get to this point has been a major personal achievement. I started my young family here in Port Macquarie at the age of 17, that same year I enrolled into a Carpentry Apprenticeship. I have worked for many great companies over the years, where I have built an excellent reputation and worked my way through the ranks of lead carpenter, site foreman, construction manager and, in most recent years, as a project manager. These positions have equipped me with the knowledge and confidence to launch RBC.. How do you spend your downtime? My weekends are dedicated to family time. The Ramseys have multiplied over the last few years, and we all enjoy spending time together having BBQs, bonfires, beach days, watching the footy and just simply hanging out.

Residential Design+Construct Custom Homes Commercial Fit-Outs Concrete Construction MICK RAMSEY — Director

MOBILE 0402 715 792 EMAIL mick@ramseybuilt.com.au WEB www.ramseybuilt.com.au INSTAGRAM @ramseybuilt LOCATION Port Macquarie NSW LICENCE NO. 214834C ABN 35865361549

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My first paid website project was building a website for the university. Fast forward a few years, I was two years into a career as an accountant, before going full-time with Webstudio in 2007 - and I’ve never looked back! How has your business changed/grown in the last three years? For many years, I advertised nationally and developed a client base right across Australia. This allowed me to move to Port Macquarie in 2009 and continue to serve these clients remotely. About two years ago, I stopped all national advertising to focus on local opportunities. It is extremely satisfying to build websites for local businesses, whom I can meet in person and develop an ongoing relationship with. What excites you most about doing business here? People. I love meeting and getting to know people, working closely with them to achieve results for their business. I also enjoy meeting and working with other creative professionals to collaborate on client projects.

Talon Buxton C L A N C Y

C O R P O R A T I O N

What's your greatest strength? My wife and my five beautiful kids; they say behind every great man there stands a great woman, but my wife has stood right there next to me the whole way through my career and life. What's one thing about you that would surprise people? I usually get a pretty good reaction when I tell people how many children I have! I’m one of seven, so I always knew I was going to have a big family - and yes, I do have a TV. Who is your personal hero? My late father has been my hero my whole life. He started out in the bush working on properties, had multiple labouring jobs along the way, and due to work injuries had to put down the tools and get an office job. Dad did long nights teaching himself web design and I.T. support and even went on to teach computers at TAFE. I’ve always been in awe of the effort it would have taken to keep pushing himself to be better.

Mr Selwyn Peake GEORGE & MATILDA EYECARE MANAGING PARTNER PORT MACQUARIE/WAUCHOPE

ort Macquarie and Wauchope Managing Partner of George & Matilda Eyecare, Mr Selwyn Peake has no plans for retirement just yet. The current business plan at hand is to revitalise the George & Matilda Eyecare branches in Port Macquarie and Wauchope, to reflect the everdeveloping advances in the optometry field. "The constant change in knowledge, in my field of eye health, spectacles and contact lenses, ensures there are no dull moments. My wife would be the first to admit that it is the planning and thinking to meet these new challenges that keeps the excitement going." Selwyn remarks the last twelve months have seen many accomplishments professionally. He is a great believer in trying to implement small changes all the time so that when you look back in reflection, a large change has taken place without upheaval or great effort. "If I had to pick one thing, it would be the change in practice, yet maintaining my loyal patients - who followed in greater numbers than I expected." Selwyn believes his greatest strength is the ability to revisit his methods and reflect on whether they're the right way for operating, or is there new insight or information that could be more advantageous for results? He notes: "I do get concerned if I am doing the same thing all the time and not evolving - especially in an age of technological change that is flying by at a fast pace." Selwynâ€™s greatest virtue that he admires in others and himself is having the ability to show empathy and kindness for others, no matter who they are. When it comes to switching off from work mode, Selwyn is proud to say that "to this day, my wife and I actually enjoy each otherâ€™s company, and our switch off moment is doing something together. Generally it would be at home these days and could be something as simple as me trying to find a new Netflix series for us to watch!"

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Dr Darin Ballard P O R T

ow is your place of business planning for the future?

We simply continue to strive to deliver the best service, day in and day out. Our team's credo is to be like a swan - appearing graceful above water, but working frantically away beneath. Behind the scenes, each and every team member will always be working away at some aspect of the way we do things to make the patients' experience even better. For example, about 50% of our patients opt to receive traditional braces with us, yet we now also have aligner treatments equally being a preferred choice. Regardless of the treatment methods our patients choose, we’re committed to ensure they benefit from the progress and learnings being achieved from across our profession globally. This means we must always continue to invest in the people delivering our service. What excites you most about your place of business in the Greater Port Macquarie

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M A C Q U A R I E

O R T H O D O N T I C S

region? Definitely the people. Orthodontic treatment is typically a two year process, so we get to know our patients quite well during this time. We enjoy being a part of their lives that is life changing and a memory that will be discussed and shared for years to come. We chose Port Macquarie Orthodontics as our business name, because the people who deliver our service come from here, and we only exist with the support of the patients and their families from our community. For me, there is the added pleasure of being in a region where my family’s roots belong. My grandmother, of the Freeman and Delaforce families, grew up on a dairy farm on Rawdon Island and I’ve fond memories of spending most Easter and Christmas holidays visiting grandparents, aunts and uncles in the area, right up through to the Nambucca shire. What virtue do you admire most in people?

Anyone who is having an honest go at whatever they choose. In my line of work, we often see people going through an important transformation - ranging from children gaining confidence from the friendships they’re forming at school, to grown adults embarking on a new outlook as to how they see themselves. That positive attitude is admirable, and I get to be around it every day - from our patients, from parents wanting the best for their child, and from the team I work with. If you could invite two of your heroes to dinner, who would they be and why? Elon Musk would have to be a pretty interesting person to share a meal with. Whilst some of his antics get the spotlight, you have to respect his achievements and the inspiration he’s provided for generations to come. My younger brother too, who also lives in Port Macquarie and works with me, because he’d be pretty ticked off if he wasn’t invited for a ride in a Tesla and dinner at the Stunned Mullet.

Guy Dein

Small businesses are the backbone of our region, and I am fortunate to see first-hand the positive impact we can have when we support each other.

W A U C H O P E D I S T R I C T F U N E R A L S E R V I C E S M A N A G E R A N D F U N E R A L D I R E C T O R

ow has your business changed/grown in the last three years? We have recognised the growth in the local community, and the family that owns the business is really committed to invest in the communities we serve. In Wauchope, that has meant brand new facility with on site chapel and tea room options. These newer facilities are also recognising that the way people want to remember someone is changing as well more families want to celebrate a life and share memories in their own way. Tell us about the importance of your business in our community. As a local business, we play an integral role in the end of life journey for the families of our region. We are using local people to run the business here in Wauchope, and that means jobs, connection and familiar faces in a very difficult time. Whilst planning a funeral may

seem daunting, it is in this moment that I feel it is invaluable to have the support of local people. I am proud that our community has a business that they can rely on and trust. We provide support and guidance throughout all stages of the planning process for your loved ones. Where do you see yourself and your business in five years? I hope to continue my growth and meet the needs of our local families within my role as Funeral Director for the Wauchope and Port Macquarie District. I hope to see continued growth for the business and more opportunities for locals within our industry. The way people want funerals may change; but I expect that our business will be an enduring service here in Wauchope. What excites you most about doing business here? Wauchope is a beautiful town, and we are so lucky to have a tight knit community. Small businesses are the backbone of our region, and I

am fortunate to see first-hand the positive impact we can have when we support each other. With our brand-new office on Cameron Street now open for business, we have supported our small local businesses in the design and development of our new space. In the last 12 months, what have been your most notable accomplishments? Taking on a management role in my current position at Wauchope District Funeral and Cremation Services. Working with Marlene and her team to continue the services we operate has been really rewarding - the change has been seamless, and the support of our community is very rewarding to me personally. We have also taken on the contract to help NSW Police with transfers of deceased people in the region through the NSW Coronerâ€™s office; this means that our loved ones are cared for by local people, even when something happens suddenly. I have also become engaged and plans are set in place for a wedding at the end of this year. So,

getting the new premises up and running and remaining engaged - thatâ€™s an accomplishment! What are your greatest strengths? I feel my greatest strengths are my determination and a passion to meet the needs of the families of our community and the many challenges of the ever-changing funeral industry. My personal qualities that help me in our industry is that I am really adaptable, not much daunts me, and I like to take on any challenge. Who is your personal hero? My family are my role models. I am the youngest of four boys. My parents and brothers have taught me how to act as a person, developed my work ethic and provided advice and guidance in business and life generally. How do you spend your downtime? I like to spend my downtime relaxing with family and friends and enjoy spending time on our beautiful Hastings river water skiing.

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I am extremely proud of the team and what we have achieved together and the difference we make to the lives of seniors each and every day.

Robert Newton

Rod Lewis H O M E

N E W T O N

B L I N D S

What's your greatest strength? I am a very determined person in my work and personal life. If I want something to work, I will give it EVERYTHING, until I achieve the outcome I’m aiming for. What virtue do you most admire in people? Humility and stoicism. What's one thing about you that would surprise people? I can’t make a quick decision to save myself! Who is your personal hero? My two grandfathers, who are no longer with us, have always been the people I most admire. They were very hardworking, humble

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S H U T T E R S

and stoic men - true gentlemen, who truly loved and cherished their families and loved a good laugh. What is your guilty pleasure? I feel guilty when I have time out - whether it’s time out from the business or from working around the house/yard ... I like to watch a good movie, but always feel like I really should be doing something more important. How do you switch off after a long workday? I like to go to the gym. If you were down to your last $20, what would you spend it on? Chocolate ... I would share it with my wife and three daughters!

I N S T E A D

What's your greatest strength? I have a genuine interest in people and a passion to support seniors and theirs families to age well and remained engaged with their communities. What are you most proud of in your business? When we opened Home Instead Senior Care in 2015, there was just the two of us. We have now grown to over 95 employees supporting over 250 seniors from Coffs Harbour to Forster and everywhere in between. I am extremely proud of the team and what we have achieved together and the difference we make to the lives of seniors each and every day. What virtue do you most admire in people? Strength; I am continually amazed by the resilience of people in dealing with the many challenges that life presents them with and done with such dignity and humility. What's one thing about you that would

S E N I O R

C A R E

surprise people? As a child, I was very shy and quiet. Now I frequently give talks to large groups of people on services and support for seniors as they age. My mother would be surprised, but proud, to see how much things have changed. What is your guilty pleasure? I can never go past a gin and tonic while sitting by the water. How do you switch off after a long workday? We can often be found at our local pub for a quick meal and a catch up with friends. If you were down to your last $20, what would you spend it on? Four coffees; one for me and the other three for our hard working office team to share. Any business is only successful through the combined efforts of its whole team.

We aim to make the conveyancing process as transparent and straightforward as possible with our tried and tested approach.

James Page P A G E

C O N V E Y A N C I N G

What’s the best thing about living in Port Macquarie? Being a true local, born and bred in Port Macquarie, I have had the opportunity to watch the town evolve over the years - from a sleepy little surf town with 15,000 people, to a bustling coastal metropolis of over 80,000 residents in the surrounding areas. I can remember back when we had one set of traffic lights, and Koala Street was considered to be on the outskirts of town. The best thing has to be the beaches though - crystal clear water, bright yellow sand, awesome surf spots; it doesn’t get much better. What do you like most about your job? The best part about my job is sharing the excitement of property transactions with our clients. Whether they are buying their first

property, their dream property or selling their investment, it is always a pleasure to help guide them through the process. We have completed over 7,000 transactions in Port Macquarie alone, and it never gets old. Friday afternoon at 5pm isn’t too bad either. Tell us a little bit about Page Conveyancing. Page Conveyancing was opened in 2003 by Meryllyn Page. Meryllyn was the first licensed conveyancer in Port Macquarie. In 2015 I came on as a partner, and we were rebranded as Page Conveyancing. We are a family business and specialise in property transactions. We aim to make the conveyancing process as transparent and straightforward as possible with our tried and tested approach.

John Beaumont C O M M U N I T Y

C O L L E G E

hat is your achievements in our short tenure. Perhaps role within the the most significant has been the ability Community to secure a five year registration with the College? New South Wales Educational Standards After 14 years in Authority. This provides the opportunity a leadership position for the college to look to the future with at Ipswich Grammar School, Queensland’s confidence and enthusiasm. To know that oldest secondary school, it was time to the business has longevity means we can move on to the next educational adventure plan for change and explore interventional in life. Nautilus Senior College advertised prospects, without having to constantly look for a principal, and an application proved over our shoulder. This, in itself, is exciting successful. The college functions under the and motivating. auspices of the Mid North Coast Community The measures of success for Nautilus College and is a school accredited to deliver students are vastly different from those Stage 5 (Years 9 and 10) curriculum to applied to traditional educational students wishing to receive their Certificate establishments. Attendance, engagement of Student Achievement. in conversation, Tell us about the application to importance of your educational rigour, use business in our of manners and respect The college functions community. are significant signs of under the auspices Nautilus Senior College our program, realising of the Mid North is a special assistance positive progression. Coast Community school that has been in Examples of these College and is a school existence since 2017. Our measures abound and accredited to deliver mandate is to support continue to amaze, Stage 5 (Years 9 and 10) disadvantaged young highlighting the curriculum to students people in Years 9 and 10 determination of our for whom mainstream students. wishing to receive their educational pathways How do you spend Certificate of Student have proven ineffective. your downtime? Achievement. Our students are Being a keen disengaged from fisherman from the education for a variety back of my jet ski is a of reasons, and Nautilus favourite pastime. This is designed to assist these young people has certainly proved to be a fantastic way to in their academic and social endeavours. explore the Hastings River and its tributaries. Our students are at a crossroads. For many, Being out on the water in our wonderful compulsory education may end at the end region is nothing short of magical. of this year. Nautilus explores interventions, I am a Rugby tragic and enjoy watching with the assistance of many wonderful the local teams compete on a Saturday external agencies, to provide strategies and during season. I still manage to “Pull on the options that can assist in the re-engagement boots,” every so often for the “Wrinkled of students with the educational process and Horns”- part of the Hastings Valley Vikings the wider community. club. What is your greatest achievement so I am most fortunate to be married to Katie, far? who keeps me active with bush walks, social There have been numerous encouraging outings, gatherings and adventure.

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Jade Westbrook M E R C E D E S - B E N Z , J E E P & C H R Y S L E R S A L E S M A N A G E R

hat excites you most about doing business here? I moved to Port Macquarie from Tasmania back in 2017. Most of my career has been involved in the car industry. I started out detailing cars over the school holidays, then moved into a trainee sales consultant and then experienced being a service advisor, aftercare consultant, sales consultant and now sales manager. I believe I have a great sense and understanding of multiple aspects of different areas within the car industry from working in the majority of them, and I believe this help provide me an understanding of customers' wants, needs and expectations and facilitates an overall

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great and enjoyable purchase experience. In the last 12 months, what have been your most notable accomplishments? Recently I decided to take the next step in my career and accept the opportunity to take on the role of sales manager. The past four months have been a great learning curve, and Iâ€™ve been enjoying taking on the new role. What are your greatest strengths? I believe my greatest strengths are my experience in the industry and providing great customer service. Taking the time with my clients, understanding their requirements and listening to them helps to find them the right car. We get to deliver some pretty special and unique cars, so it's very enjoyable when a client picks up a vehicle that has been tailored to them.

What is your greatest achievement so far? I thrive on providing great customer service. The old saying is treat people how you'd like to be treated, and I'm pretty sure I can say I can back my claims up, as I was ranked within the top 20 sales consultants out of 418 in Australia for a previous manufacturer. How do you spend your downtime? I do enjoy my fitness, and youâ€™ll quite often find me a few days a week training at Your Life. Anything to do with motorsport and Iâ€™m there; I haven't raced since I moved to NSW, but I plan to get back into kart racing, and I have a pretty shiny dirt bike in the shed. I'd love to put your dream in your driveway, so call in and introduce yourself - and we'll make it happen!

Dr Jonnie Hoy P O R T

S K I N

C L I N I C

How has your business grown in the last a very common cancer, and can be fatal if left three years? Our practice has only been open undiagnosed and untreated. The Greater Port for 12 months now and is continuing to grow. Macquarie area has a high incidence of skin The Greater Port Macquarie area has high cancer, with a lot of surfers and beach goers, demand for skin cancer work, outdoor workers, and retired and patients appreciate a farmers. Having a clinic with clinic dedicated to providing expertly trained staff means expert care. Cosmetics is Our practice has only this service can be delivered also a growing industry, and with high quality. been open for 12 having a doctor, nurses and Do you hold any months now and is state of the art equipment community or volunteer continuing to grow. means high quality roles? If so, please describe treatments can be delivered them. Since the loss of in a safe environment. Our my twins, I have been an team continues to grow ambassador for Stillbirth and now has two doctors, four nurses, two Australia. I have been involved in sponsoring receptionists and a practice manager. and coaching of touch football and rugby Tell us about the importance of your business in our community? Skin cancer is

teams. I am about to start teaching sessions for GP trainees in the local area.

Dr Jonathan Gordon P O R T

S K I N

What specific qualifications and experience do you have in your field of practice? I moved to Australia from Canada to study medicine at the University of Sydney. I was awarded a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery in 2011 and completed hospital training at Nepean Hospital in Penrith, NSW. After a few years working in sports medicine and orthopaedic surgery, I entered general practice training on the North Coast and achieved Fellowship with The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners in 2018. I am an active member of the Skin Cancer College of Australasia (SCCA) and I currently hold a Certificate in Skin Cancer Medicine and Surgery. I am passionate about early detection of skin cancers and enjoy collaborating with my patients to implement treatments that are safe, effective and discreet.

C L I N I C

How do you like to spend your time out of work? Since relocating to Port Macquarie in 2016, my wife and I have fallen in love with the land and people. We look forward to raising our family here and actively contributing to the community for years to come. When Iâ€™m not working or studying, Iâ€™ll either be playing the bagpipes (poorly), reading too many books at the same time, or trying to defy gravity in my garage gym. What have been some notable achievements in your career to date? Iâ€™ll never forget the first melanoma that I detected as a GP registrar. It was a subtle skin lesion found on a routine check, but thanks to my additional training in skin cancer it was diagnosed early and fully cured. The patient was a stoic young man with a young family. He wept and thanked me for saving his life.

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hem PROPERTY D A V I D

ow is business going for you guys? Business is great! Despite negative media about property in recent times, we have seen our sales volumes increase and we have become a well-oiled machine when it comes to both sales and rentals. How is your place of business planning for the future? Whilst many in our industry look to the latest new technology or marketing gimic to make themselves stand out as the new big things, we are taking a more “back to basics” approach to our business. We feel that people still like to deal with good people and for us, we have built our business around offering customers the most experienced, hard-working team who provide honest, accurate advice and providing good old-fashioned service. If we continue to get that right, the future will look after itself. What excites you most about your place of business in the Greater Port Macquarie region?

E V A N S , K R I S T I A N M U R P H Y & A N D R E W M E L D R U M

Port Macquarie is one of the most progressive and fastest growing regional areas in NSW. Our population is growing, we have huge infrastructure growth at the hospital, university and Sovereign hills, and we have a buoyant and innovative business community. For us, this is exciting to be a part of, and it creates a very active local real estate market. We wouldn’t want to be doing business anywhere else! In the last twelve months, what has been your most notable accomplishment professionally? In the last 12 months we have firmly established ourselves as one of the go to agencies in Port and our brand has become synonomous with great results, service and above all, being good people to deal with. Despite a recent slowing in the overall real estate market, our sales team has actually grown and we have built a strong Property Management team, which has doubled in size and expanded into a brand-new office in William Street. But for us, it’s always been more than just

More than just great results. 3/90 Horton Street, Port Macquarie | 02 6583 2324 | hemproperty.com.au

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selling or leasing the most properties. We set out to create a positive working environment, where everyone genuinely loves coming to work each day, and achieving this has made us most proud. How do you switch off? When you run a business, especially in our industry, switching off 100% is very difficult. We take the responsibility of selling someone’s home very seriously and put in the same effort and care as if it were our own home. We are therefore “on call” every day - but it is just part of the job. That said, we all have our ways of escaping. Andrew likes to ride motor bikes fast around muddy paddocks and Kristian and I both go to the gym (although Kristian can lift a bit more than me!) Most of our free time evolves around our family though. Hanging out with our wives and kids is what it is all about. What do you regard as your greatest strength?

It is without doubt the fantastic team we have around us that is our greatest strength. As individuals we all have our strengths and weaknesses, but as a team we are an extremely strong unit. Our culture embraces everyone, from our receptionist all the way to the directors; no one is more important than the other - we just each have a different role to play in the team.

local businessmen

and

John Joyce P ORT TR AV EL

Running a business is a demanding, time consuming part of life. How do you juggle being a grandad to nine and a business? I only have six grandchildren who live locally, and I am lucky enough to be able to rearrange my schedule at the airport to spend time with the grandkids - particularly at their sporting and other important events. All our grandchildren love the outdoors, and the older boys really enjoy activities such as footy, fishing, going to the beach and train rides at Yippin Creek Park once a month. The triplets are turning three on 22nd August, and I am sure they will want to go fishing, which will be a very interesting exercise especially picking up yabbies for bait. What quality attributes do you hope to pass on to your children and grandchildren? I like all my grandchildren to have good manners and to respect others - I have started

taking them to community cleanup days, to teach them to respect our planet. Celebrating Father's Day is a special time for the whole family. What are your plans this year? The more time I can spend with family is very important, especially on Father's Day. I always try to rearrange my shift at the airport on Father's Day to spend time with all the family hopefully spending the day outdoors, where the grandchildren can run around and wear me out! There is nothing better than having grandchildren around when having a bad day, and you can always hand them back when recovered! Children's names: Noah 9 years, Harrison 6 years, Mason 7 years, and Arlo, Nixon and Emmy (triplets) 3 in August. Older grandchildren live in Caloundra: Tyson 24, Courtney 20, Ashton 14.

FATHER'S DAY

Michael Page CA RPE T ONE P ORT M AC QUA RIE

Running a business is a demanding, time-consuming part of life. How do you juggle fatherhood and being a grandparent and business? It is simply a matter of prioritising time for the family and time for the business. I was not always good at giving the right amount of time to family versus business, but as you get older you realise that the kids grew up a bit too quick, so you make sure that you don’t miss out with the grandkids. We also involve the kids and grandkids in business trips from time to time as well. What quality attributes do you hope to pass on to your grandchildren? If you ask my daughters that question, you will get an interesting reply ... but seriously, I try to lead by example, and the kids and grandkids grew up with me involved in the business, powerboat racing and a car bash raising funds for charity.

We run the business as a family affair, as we did the boat racing team, so they all witnessed me and those on my team trying to achieve the best results in a fair and equitable manner. I have always shown the kids and grandkids the right way in respect of dealing with issues and people, as well as being polite. Celebrating Father's Day is a special time for the whole family. What are your plans this year? Father's Day is organised by the kids, and I am not sure what they have organised this year, as it’s the day I return from this year's Trek 4 Kidz car bash, raising money for the Starlight Children's Foundation.

Alistair FLOWER FLOW ER HOTEL S

Dr Jonnie Hoy P ORT SK IN CLINIC

Running a business is a demanding, time consuming part of life. How do you juggle fatherhood/grandparent and business? With a lot of help! My wife is the rock and keeps the family wheels turning. Weeknights it's mostly making sure I'm home for dinnertime and helping get them ready for bed. On days off, I try to be as active as possible with them - surfing, bike riding, kicking the footy etc. We have just bought a caravan, so I'm hoping to spend some outdoor weekends exploring the local area. What quality attributes do you hope to pass on to your children/grandchildren? Passion and drive. It doesn't matter what you do - choose something you love and give it your all. Celebrating Father's Day is a special time

for the whole family. What are your plans this year? It can be busy day prior to Father's Day, making sure I've got enough room in my drawers for the incoming socks and undies. It is usually a quiet day, where we just spend time as a family and go have a picnic at the cemetery with my twins. You are a Stillbirth Australia Ambassador, a foundation close to your family's heart. What is this foundation aiming to achieve within our community? A big part of stillbirth is awareness. It is still a taboo subject to many, which can make it hard for those who have gone through the hardship. Hopefully increased awareness will lead to the increase in funding required to research this area, so it can be prevented for future generations.

Running a business is a demanding, time consuming part of life. How do you juggle fatherhood and business? It's tough! When I was working in Sydney, I’d leave at 7am and get home at 7pm, so I didn’t get to see the family at all - and it was a big reason for us to move to Port Macquarie. I still work as hard, but owning our own business allows me to have more flexibility in my working day. Being physically available is one thing, but also to emotionally be present is something I’m very conscious of, and not taking business issues home with me. What quality attributes do you hope to pass on to your children? My girls are currently at the age where we are

working on being respectful and polite. Looking people in the eye, shaking hands and intently listening (all good publican attributes, actually) and apply everything with integrity! But also to have a good sense of community in everything they do. To be good citizens and to give back where they can. Celebrating Father's Day is a special time for the whole family. What are your plans this year? I don’t know! We normally like to keep Mother's/Father's Day as a bit of a surprise but if they were to ask me (or to read this), a walk up the Town Green to the Little Shack for coffee, followed by a relaxing afternoon at home and lamb chops for dinner! Heaven. Greater Port Macquarie focus 81

focus_contributor.

Business Minds with Jane Hillsdon of Dragonfly Marketing

BUSINESS MINDS

Kieren Dell M A JE S TIC CINEM A S E X ECU T I V E OF F ICER

ieren, you are Chief Executive Officer of Majestic Cinemas, which has seven sites throughout New South Wales and South East Queensland. Can you tell us a little bit about this business and its growth trajectory?

We started the business in Nambucca Heads in late 2002, when I was living in Scotts Head. We bought the cinema there, without any experience in the industry, as I thought it would be a fun business to be in (which it is), and because I have always loved movies and the cinema. We took on two more sites in Inverell and Singleton in late 2005 and then Port Macquarie in mid 2006, which we redeveloped in 2013 to five screens. This was a huge growth in just over six months. It took us a while to develop the appropriate processes and procedures and to put some key people in place. Once we had done that, we also added the little cinema at The Entrance a couple of years later. We then added Nambour (on Queenslandâ€™s Sunshine Coast) and the beautiful Sawtell Cinema to the group in late 2016. We are currently awaiting the opening of the new fourscreen cinema in Kempsey later this year, in conjunction with Gowings and the local Council, as well as the Federal Government. This will be the eighth Majestic site. We are currently building a new site in Brisbane to be opened in late 2020, which will be our first metro site. We are proud of being a successful Mid North Coast company that has been able to grow beyond our local area and, as a result, provide even better services to our local customers. When it comes to growing a business, what have been some of the key learnings for you along the way? Having worked in senior roles in financial services, including my own private consulting company, I thought I had a pretty good idea of how business worked. However, growing a retail business like this creates a lot of opportunity to learn. The main thing is how important good people are in any business, to provide the best in customer service, even when things occasionally go wrong.

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The need for balance in a small to medium and growing business of having policies and procedures, yet remaining flexible to ensure we keep the experience fun and enjoyable for our customers. And, the importance of always keeping an eye on the bottom line when capital is scarce, and costs are rising.

Over the last ten years, the way we consume movies has changed quite significantly.

For example, we can now access movies in the comfort of our own homes via streaming apps, and these streaming apps are now creating a lot of exclusive content of their own.

Over the last ten years, the way we consume movies has changed quite significantly. For example, we can now access movies in the comfort of our own homes via streaming apps, and these streaming apps are now creating a lot of exclusive content of their own.

Can you tell us how your business has had to adapt to these changes in consumer behaviour? People have been able to access movies from video shops for 30+ years, so all that has really changed in that regard is we donâ€™t have to get off our couch (or pay late fees) and we can consume as much as we want for one price. The big change has been in TV, which has really stepped up its game with the variety provided by the streaming services. However, this has not changed the average number of times that Australians go to the movies (3.6 p.a.), which is the highest in the developed world and has remain pretty much unchanged since video came along in the eighties. What has changed is the mix of movies people want to see on the big screen, with blockbuster experiences like Avengers and Avatar and Star Wars really driving the Box Office, and smaller movies at the other end also being very popular. This is especially with the Baby Boomer and older generations, along with family movies in school holiday time. This has led to the loss of middle-sized dramas and movies from the cinema landscape, which is a shame. The other change is that consumers now have a higher level of expectation as to convenience and service. So, we need more screens with more sessions to cater for this, and to show movies as close to their national (and often global)

release dates as possible, as consumers in regional areas are no longer willing to wait even a few weeks in many cases. We need to continually be working on our offering and services to those customers, to convince them to have a night out rather than stay in. What is the most rewarding part about your role as CEO of Majestic Cinemas?

It would have to be the development of our people. From our ever-expanding senior management team to our site managers who do such a great job managing each site, to the many young people, whom we were able train in their first job and whom we have proudly watched either go off on to bigger and better things, or who have built great careers within Majestic. We take our commitment to our youngest employees extremely seriously - a great first experience in a job can really help them in their lives. What have you learnt about creating an environment where you can succeed? It is all about empowering your people and focusing them on the customer experience. We want our staff to have fun at work, as our customers come in to be entertained. Happy and motivated staff means happy customers and a good business. And finally, if you could invite three business people to lunch, who would they be and why would you invite them? Thatâ€™s a hard one. My preference would be for entrepreneurs who have built an innovative business and can impart wisdom. To that end, I would go for Warren Buffett (the Sage of Omaha, who can teach us all about investing in and growing businesses), Jeff Bezos (Amazon, who has built up a disruptive behemoth from nothing by constantly innovating), and Gail Kelly (former Westpac CEO, who overcame the odds to run one of the largest companies in Australia and did so with care and compassion and equanimity). Thanks for your time, Kieren.

Paddling along: A competitor in the 2016 3 Rivers Marathon race. Photo: Port Macquarie Rowing Club

Port Macquarie Rowing Club hosts 3Rivers Marathon for 2019 Trail run with altitude The Duval Dam Buster Trail Run (DDB) in Armidale, NSW, in the heart of the New England high country, is set to bring trail runners of all abilities to the region on Sunday 22nd September 2019. The event, in its second year, is hosted by the Armidale Amateur Athletics Club and consists of four running distances - 30 km, 15 km, 8 km and 3 km. There is something for everyone of all ages and abilities, with the 3 km open to children, adults and families. The event will start and finish from the picturesque Dumaresq Dam Recreation Area, 12 km from Armidale. With a starting point at 1,000 m above sea level, the 15 and 30 km runners will take on the challenge of a 400 m climb up to Mt Duval to 1,400 m above sea level, the highest peak in the region. The course is varied, with competitors taking in the beautifully forested Mt Duval on single tracks and fire trails. Join us in September and take on the challenge of the DDB, experience some beautiful high country scenery and local hospitality. Entries are open! Be quick though … some events sold out in 2018! Register online: duvaldambuster.com.au

The Port Macquarie Rowing Club’s popular 3 Rivers Marathon is back and will take place on August 11th, 2019. The event was postponed last year, to give its many volunteers a break. The 3 Rivers Marathon caters to all non-powered craft, with rowing boats, surf boats, surf skis, kayaks, canoes, outriggers, dragon boats and other various paddlers taking part in the epic event. The event regularly attracts over 100 competitors in some 50 craft. The course for this event starts at Telegraph Point (under the Bridge of the Old Pacific Highway) and travels downstream with an outgoing tide for 25 kilometres to the rowing club’s headquarters off Hibbard Drive. On arrival, you can enjoy a drink and BBQ, listen to a Jazz band and reflect on your achievements with fellow athletes. Entry is open to anyone over the age of 12, from the serious competitor to the casual paddler. There will be a 3 Rivers Marathon Dinner at Settlers Inn on Saturday 10th August, staring at 6:30pm - $30 per person will include your meal and welcome drink. For more details and registration, visit https://www.revolutionise.com.au/pmrc/ Pre-registration is preferable; however, registrations on the day will still be available from 7am under the Tele Point Bridge.

Duval Dam Buster Trail Run 3/8/15/30KM TRAIL RUN MT DUVAL ARMIDALE NSW 22 SEPTEMBER 2019

Run Australia’s highest city in Armidale and get some altitude!

@duvaldambuster facebook.com/duvaldambuster

duvaldambuster.com.au

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focus_contributor

MICHAEL MOWLE - PRESIDENT PORT MACQUARIE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Minding your The Drought Summit held recently in Dubbo has highlighted the issues facing farmers and businesses in regional areas. As a result of the summit, promises by Government to commit funding and carry out an action plan to assist regional communities is cause for cautious optimism.

eaders at the summit have put forward some laudable action points, including: New Water Resource Projects (i.e. dams and irrigation systems); “Right to Farm” legislation; streamlining approval processes for regional projects; increasing the Payroll Tax threshold to $1m for regional areas; tourism push to “visit the

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bush”; black spot free for internet in regions; and a minimum service standard for numbers of teachers, nurses and police for country towns. If implemented in part or whole, these action points would benefit all regional communities in NSW, including Port Macquarie. Even though Port Macquarie is not as dramatically impacted by the devastating and prolonged drought as our counterparts in

Western NSW, the big ticket challenges for all regional areas remain the same. These challenges are transport and services infrastructure, water resource management and reliable, affordable power supply. As Port Macquarie continues to grow, the business community here has an expectation that all levels of government will plan for and deliver the necessary infrastructure to support business activity. Typically, business operators comprise the silent majority who pay rates and taxes, with the understanding that politicians and bureaucrats will plan, design and construct the necessary roads, pipelines and services reticulation. For example, the Ocean Drive duplication is now fully designed and funded, so it is anticipated that construction will commence in the not too distant future. By contrast, The Orbital is currently in early planning stages and has recently been through an extensive community consultation process. Council has now resolved to undertake further work on a business case and alignment options, which will require more detailed investigation. This road link is critical to future transport planning, and it is the expectation that engineers can find solutions that both minimise impacts on residents and provides an efficient traffic network. Water resource management is now a constant challenge for both farming irrigation and domestic drinking water supplies in all regional areas. The Dubbo Drought Summit has given rise to a Federal Government commitment to provide funding for future proofing regional areas. This

will almost certainly include new dams, pipelines and irrigation systems. Such large scale water resource infrastructure will also bring many business opportunities to regions, as well as the obvious security to food production and water supply for domestic uses. Reliable and affordable energy supply is critical to the success of every small business operation, and particularly those in regional areas where profit margins are less certain and prone to a higher risk factor. Power generation has been politicised and debated at every election and all levels of government under the media spotlight for the past decade or more, without any real progress being made. The solution, as with many things, is not any one single source of power generation, but rather a raft of differing technologies that take advantage of resources and topography. In a country as diverse and resource rich as Australia, there exists a wide range of reliable and affordable power generation options that include nuclear, gas, coal as well as renewables such as hydro-electric, solar and wind. Federal and State Governments' challenge is to provide the necessary leadership, legislative framework, certainty and incentives that promotes investment in all viable forms of power generation. Whilst the Dubbo Drought Summit is rightly focused on those regional and farming communities devastated by this unprecedented event, it has brought Government attention to the needs and challenges of all regional areas, with renewed hope for some positive outcomes.

focusmotoring.

The all new Mercedes-Benz CLA Coupe has now arrived and is on display M Miedecke E R Mercedes-Benz. C E D E S - B E N at Andrew

he all new CLA has been launched with a CLA 200 variant powered by a 1,332 cc, 4-cylinder, 120 kW, 250 Nm Direct-injection, turbocharged engine mated up to a 7G-DCT seven-speed automatic. Standard features consist of: AMG Equipment Line • 18” AMG five twin-spoke Alloy wheels • Sports Seats in ARTICO/DINAMICA upholstery • KEYLESS-GO Comfort Package featuring HANDS-FREE ACCESS • LED Headlamps with Adapative Highbeam Assist • MBUX multimedia system featuring Widescreen cockpit • Wireless charging • THERMOTRONIC • 64-Colour Ambient Lighting Mercedes-Benz has always had safety at its forefront in vehicle engineering. Some of the safety equipment in this vehicle are: • Active Brake Assist with semi-autonomous braking function • Airbags (nine) - front, pelvis side and window bags for driver and front passenger, sidebags for rear occupants and kneebag for driver. • Anti-lock braking system (ABS) • Automatic-locking doors with emergency opening • Belt tensioners with belt force limiters and belt guides for front passengers • Blind Spot Assist (passive) with exit warning assistant • Brake pad wear indicator • Crash responsive emergency lighting • Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) with acceleration skid control (ASR)

• Lane Keep Assist (active) Another new model to introduce Mercedes' impressive MBUX system with the gorgeous dual screen lay out and voice commands; the MBUX system is a breeze to use with voice commands. By simply saying, “Hey Mercedes …” you can control the temperature, radio station, interior lighting colour, navigation and even the sun-blind. Mercedes-Benz is at the forefront of technology; with Mercedes me connect (MMC) also included in this vehicle, you can create an account, pair your vehicle to your smart phone and watch technology really take off, with features like: The Mercedes-Benz emergency call system is there to provide help in an emergency. In the case of an accident involving the deployment of airbags or the belt tensioners, the system immediately calls the Mercedes-Benz emergency response centre, passing on your precise position, the number of occupants and information about the vehicle conditions. In serious cases, the data is passed on to a public emergency centre, so that the necessary rescue operation can be initiated promptly. "Geofencing"; you can define a specific geographic area where your vehicle is free to move. As soon as your vehicle leaves or enters the selected area, you will be informed. So, you can ensure your Mercedes only travels where you want it to.

$59,500 (Including GST, any LCT, but excluding on-road costs)

O P T I O N S A VA I L A B L E • Vision Package • Communications Package • Seat Comfort Package • Night Package • Exclusive Package • AMG Exclusive Package • Driving Assistance Package • Protection Package 12 different colours. Jade and the team at Andrew Miedecke MercedesBenz would love the chance to discuss your next Mercedes-Benz purchase. Greater Port Macquarie focus 85

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focus_contributor

SUE REID

Erika WAUCHOPE DISTRICT FUNERAL SERVICES

ot all marriage celebrants have trained in funeral celebrancy. Why have you chosen to perform at funeral ceremonies? I have been a celebrant for ten years, and during that time I have focused mainly on weddings. Many close friends and family over the years encouraged me to perform funerals. It was not until my father passed, that I realised I wanted to become a part of the funeral industry. My father was a wonderful, amazing person and his funeral was a celebration of his life. At that time, I thought what an honour and privilege it would be to create and compose ceremonies that encapsulated the life of the deceased in a loving and comforting manner for the bereaved. We are all human. That means that we will all lose someone we love in our lifetime. We all know the heartache that grief can give. Enduring your own grief opens your eyes to the pain that others feel. And even though our journeys are all different, there is one thing that is the same; we all have loved someone and lost them. Losing a loved one can be traumatic, but at the same time a time of remembrance. A funeral is a time when I can assist the family to memorialise a loved one with dignity and love. What training have you undertaken to carry out both marriage and funeral ceremonies? To become a marriage celebrant, one must undertake a comprehensive training course, which is followed by a submission to the Attorney Generals Department. All applicants are scrutinised carefully, to ensure that they meet the requirements necessary to perform marriages. Successful applicants are registered with the Australian Government, and each year it is mandatory for all celebrants to undertake an in-depth professional development course. These courses include study related to funerals. As a former high school teacher of Personal Development and Health, I undertook several courses pertaining to the study of grief and loss. I gained immeasurable knowledge and understanding from these courses. One of the major aspects of understanding grief is that everyone grieves differently and of course, the nature of the death has a major impact on this. I also believe that every individual possesses unique abilities and skills and qualities and traits that enable them to perform the responsibilities inherent in the job they do. I feel blessed that despite the emotional journey

one may experience in this industry, that I am able to perform funeral services with the love, compassion and reverence they deserve. What is it about your work that you love? I am fortunate to work with colleagues who are empathetic, caring, compassionate and professional in the way they undertake their responsibilities. Working as a team enables us to guide and comfort those who are grieving. If there is one thing about this job that gives me the most satisfaction, it’s being able to be there for others during a time when they need it the most. To be a person who can guide and comfort those who are grieving is one of the purest and most amazing gifts. Meeting the family who has suffered a loss is also a special moment for me. It is a time when I get to sit down and begin to build a relationship with that family. During this time, they become aware that I am there for them and their needs. At these meetings, I ask a lot of questions regarding their loved one. I’m able to learn about the lives they’ve had and their personal stories. To be able to get a glimpse into others’ lives is a true blessing that I never take for granted. I have met people from all walks of life, different cultures, different religions and backgrounds. I often in my service mention that I never had the privilege of knowing the deceased, but I wish I had. These are very true words. Creating a service that truly reflects the person who has passed is extremely important. I have sung lines of songs, conducted prayers, learnt the German language so that I could speak some words during the service and researched many areas that pertain to the lives of those passed, to make the service personal and meaningful. To be able to be there for others when they’re going through this journey is so sacred. To be able to hold someone’s hand give them a hug and guide them through the funeral process makes you feel like you’re making a difference in the world. And to be able to care for their deceased loved one is a true honour that not many people get to have in their lives. It’s difficult work. It’s emotionally exhausting. It’s a constant reminder of how fragile our lives are and a reminder to appreciate every day that we have. At the end of the day while it may not sound appropriate, I do love my work. Where can people get in contact with you? Wauchope District Funeral Services, 42 Cameron Street, Wauchope. Phone: 6585 2156 Email: office@wdfcs.com.au

“Learners Live Longer” is the motto of the University of the Third Age (U3A). We are fortunate to have the Port Macquarie/Hastings Branch of U3A co-located on our St Agnes site at 2 Lochinvar Place, Port Macquarie.

3A is a world-wide organisation Social connections through the U3A in which retired people from all community are another benefit. This is epitomised walks of life come together to in its oldest and treasured member, George learn from each other. U3A has Wallens, who celebrated his 101st birthday in over 800 members locally, and May, which was attended by the U3A community you must be a member to attend and Mayor Peta Pinson. George is a keen any of their courses. The attendee of the Australian course program for Term History course and certainly 3 has been finalised and lives up to the U3A motto can be viewed online at: “Learners Live Longer”. Many of our residents www.pmhu3a.org.au Many of our residents

in St Agnes’ Village and Locally, courses are in St Agnes’ Village and Lourdes Villages, and run in Port Macquarie Lourdes Villages, and others and at Laurieton and in the care of CCA, enjoy others in the care of CCA, cover a diverse range free membership of our local enjoy free membership of of subjects. There are U3A. Class fees vary, but are our local U3A. more than 70 courses at a minimal cost. The close available, that include: proximity to our communities astronomy, languages, ensures ease of access to the computers, photography, courses and social activities arts, crafts and textiles, a writing group and available. For more information on term course history. Of course, learning is not only about the lists, go to the U3A website or call the U3A office mind; there is something to keep you physically on (02) 6584 4192. Office hours are 9:30am active too. Members regularly attend classes and 3:30pm during term time. join groups of like-minded people interested in It is just one of the many ways we bring international dance, meditation, croquet and together communities and lifestyle. To find out cycling and specifically designed U3A exercise more about how we do this, call me for a chat on programs. 0407 843 515.

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

Professor Dame Marie Bashir AD CVO, second-longest serving Governor of NSW (2001 - 2014) and Hello Koalas sculpture Lachlan Macquarie, Governor of NSW (1816 - 1821) at Port Macquarie Museum, International Arts and Health Conference, Port Macquarie, November 2018.

Arts &Health

Two Governors having a Chat The forthcoming Bicentenary of Port Macquarie from Saturday 10th April to Sunday 19th April 2021 is an evolving celebration. For our community, this is a very important occasion, with growing momentum over the next 20 months.

ur history is under the microscope but we have too the opportunity to showcase our region’s strengths, assets and outstanding natural environment. One of the programs that I would like to advocate for is an opportunity for people to tell their stories about growing up in our region. My friends here have the most amazing recollections of growing up in Greater Port Macquarie and observing first-hand the changes that have taken place, what they have established for our community and laying the foundations for an exciting future. There are also marvellous stories from people who have visited Port Macquarie over the years. Right now, I am organising an exhibition of Hello Koalas sculptures at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, in October and November (www. hellokoalas.com). This has opened up the chance to look at our early history and the role that Lachlan Macquarie played in taking our country from a penal colony to a free settlement, and playing a major role in the shaping of Australian society in the early 19th Century. In 1817, Lachlan Macquarie formally used the name “Australia” in despatches in 1817 - the name earlier proposed by the first circumnavigator of Australia, Matthew Flinders. Macquarie’s appointment of John Oxley as surveyor-general led to expeditions up the coast of New South Wales and inland to find new rivers and new lands for penal settlement and the discovery and naming of Port Macquarie by Oxley in 1818. Two years prior, in 1816, Lachlan Macquarie established the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney and appointed Charles Frazer (1788 - 1831) as superintendent and also named him Colonial Collector on Oxley’s expeditions. In 1819, Charles Frazer accompanied Oxley on an expedition to explore Port Macquarie in more detail, which led to specimens that Frazer collected for the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. In 1821, Charles Frazer was named Colonial Botanist and has an illustrious place in the history of the garden. In fact, local artist Kim Staples is creating a new Hello Koalas sculpture for the exhibition called “Charlie The Botanic

Horticulturalist”! Learning about our early history and discovering links of information is very rewarding. There are many members of our community involved in restoring our heritage, such as the work by volunteers at Douglas Vale Historic Homestead and Vineyard. Through establishing an annual family day as part of the Hello Koalas Festival event, I have got to know one volunteer in particular. Kay Morrison, writer, playwright and poet, wrote a play to commemorate John Oxley's journey to the Port Macquarie-Hastings in 1818. There were three performances last year, with more to come we hope. The play is based on Richard Grimmond’s book, I Went with John Oxley. According to Kay, "There are so many parts to Oxley and his journey, and it was quite hard to write the play. It is more a narration of the journey and bringing the story to life that way”. Kay has also written a play about the Rum Rebellion, and I hope this is performed shortly too. It links perfectly with the National Maritime Museum exhibition, Bligh: Hero or Villain, 26th July to 2nd February 2020 (www.sea.museum/ whats-on/exhibitions/bligh). As it happens, the National Maritime Museum is an exhibition partner in the Hello Koalas exhibition in the Living Collections of the Royal Botanic Garden in Sydney, 4th October to 30th November. Hello Koalas sculpture Lachlan Macquarie, designed by Pauline Roods, is one of the stars of the exhibition, and all 24 Hello Koalas sculptures will invite the hundreds of thousands of people who see the exhibition to visit Port Macquarie to see the 70+ Hello Koalas sculptures on view in our region. Writing and telling our stories is an age-old tradition, but it is also a very popular arts and health activity, enabling people to review events in their lives and feel a sense of pride in what they have achieved. Passing these stories on to younger generations is also an important aspect of community life. As we work towards our Bicentenary, I hope our community will rise to the occasion and share their stories with us all and enrich our history and our future.

How much does it cost to transition to Aged Care? Understand the financial implications and opportunities available when transitioning into Aged Care. Attend a free information session Thursday, 8 August 2019 2.00pm Wauchope Country Club 5.30pm Laurieton United Service Club Thursday, 15 August 2019 5.30pm Port Panthers

To find out more call 6583 1735 or visit morgans.com.au/portmacquarie/seminar

Chris Young

Gregory Harris

Financial Planner

AR 000294648

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Financial Planning | Investment Advice | Superannuation Morgans Financial Limited ABN 49 010 669 726 AFSL 235410 A Participant of ASX Group A Professional Partner of the Financial Planning Association of Australia.

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JULIE HO FROM PORT MACQUARIE LANDCARE

landcare. update

Flowers and fruits for you

lowers are already on show in our bushland. Can it be that spring is coming early?

In a nearby National Park this week, we found bright colours and birdsongs, even frogs calling, despite the cool temperatures.

prolifically. Another tough beauty now in bloom is the Tuckeroo (Cupaniopsis anacardioides). We could hear the Tuckeroos before we saw them, because they were covered in bees enjoying the blossoms!

Tuckeroo is another “foolproof” native The coastal heath and forests are glowing tree for gardeners, thriving in street with Banksias in bloom. The flowers of plantings and by the sea, because it’s a Coast Banksia (B. littoral rainforest tree. integrifolia), seem Its dark green leaves to be a magnet and orange fruits are for honeyeaters, decorative and birdThis is the most Spangled Drongos attracting. widespread Banksia and Yellow-tailed A garden with trees in eastern Australia. Black Cockatoos. that flower in winter and This is the most widespread Banksia in eastern Australia. It’s an important food source for insects, birds and other animals in the cooler months.

It’s an important food source for insects, birds and other animals in the cooler months.

The nectar is deliciously sweet for humans too, and flowers can be soaked in water to make a drink. Every home garden could have at least one Coast Banksia! It’s an adaptable bush that tolerates poor soils and salt, has attractive silver-backed leaves and flowers

early spring will warm your heart and delight the birds. What other plants are blossoming now in bushland?

There’s Wallum Banksia (B. aemula) and scented Acacias. Fringed Wattle (A. fimbriata), Coastal Wattle (A. sophorae) and Sweet Wattle (A. suaveolens) are some of the earliest to flower, well ahead of Wattle Day! We also spotted early Flannel Flowers, Wedding Bush, Guinea Flower vine, native Blue Iris and Blue Dampiera. Greater Port Macquarie focus 91

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hastings

Club Port Macquarie Hastings Bridge Club is very fortunate to have its very own well-appointed clubhouse, located at Hamilton Green in Port Macquarie. This year in November, the clubhouse will celebrate its 30th anniversary, and club Vice President Ian Peterson tells us a bit more about how this building came to be …

i Ian. Port Macquarie-Hastings Bridge Club will celebrate the 30th anniversary of its clubhouse being built in November this year - which is a remarkable achievement! Why do you think the club has achieved this longevity? There are four main reasons. Firstly, the game itself: Bridge is the world’s number one card game, because it is both addictive and challenging - players get hooked and stick with it. There’s no doubt our longevity as a club has benefitted from the allure of the game. Secondly, there’s the societal element: Bridge provides real benefits for mental, brain and immune system stimulation and with an ageing population and concerns about mental health, we’re basically in the right place at the right time. Thirdly, our members enjoy a very well-appointed clubhouse, which enhances the playing environment and experience. Finally, we don’t stand still - like all clubs and social organisations, growing membership numbers is a constant battle. Our club conducts extensive new player recruitment and teaching programs - igniting the addiction I mentioned earlier - so as to provide an ongoing infusion of new blood and a membership base which, I’m pleased to say, is consistently growing. The club is very fortunate to have its own clubhouse - which must be such a bonus for local and travelling players! What can you tell us about the clubhouse and its facilities? It is actually the first Bridge clubhouse ever

built in NSW and was officially opened by then-Hastings Council mayor Bob Woodlands in 1989. The Hamilton Green site gives us a relatively peaceful location with ample parking, and the clubhouse itself (which caters for play six days per week) is spacious, air-conditioned, fitted with modern bathroom and kitchen facilities and equipped with computerised hand generation, dealing and scoring, which all comes together in a welcoming environment for our members and, as you mention, travelling players whom we are always pleased to share our clubhouse with. Such visitors invariably express envy about the comparison with their home club’s facilities! How did the club actually come to be established in the first place, and who were some of the key people in its development? Port Macquarie’s first Bridge club was formed in 1974, with play initially at the croquet club and then, as numbers increased, Country Comfort Motel. In 1978, Charles Klassen, Sergio Da Col and others formed the RSL Bridge Club, playing out of the old RSL building in Short Street. The desire of this group was always to build their own clubhouse. Several enthusiastic members successfully canvassed the business community for donations and prizes for fundraising raffles, competitions, street stalls and functions. This led to the formation of the Port Macquarie-Hastings Bridge Association in 1986, with the aims of promoting and fostering Bridge in the Hastings Valley and to attract all Bridge players into a strong club under one roof. With the assistance of Alderman Peter King, Council was successfully approached for a site grant on which to build a clubhouse.

Arthur Lindner, an original and still-current club member, used his experience as a building consultant to develop the design and plans for the clubhouse and manage the process. Work began in March 1989, was finished under both time and budget, and the first game in it was played in November 1989. Notably, there was no funding from State or Federal Governments, but there were immense volunteer contributions for ground preparation, painting, cleaning, construction, lawn mowing and, of course, the vital fundraising for professional contractor involvement. The current and future members of the Bridge Club owe an ongoing debt of gratitude throughout this 30th year and beyond to our Life Members - Chris Manser, Saima King, Sue and Arthur Lindner, Jo Gott, Carol and Peter Briscoe, Yvonne Cains, Barbara Griffiths and Pat Hamilton (almost all still playing) - for their foresight, perseverance and diligence in making the clubhouse a reality. The club will hold its annual Swiss Teams Congress on 7th - 8th September. What’s involved with this contest, and how many players are you expecting to turn up? Bridge is normally played in pairs, but for this event two pairs join together to make a team. "Swiss" refers to the seeding system used to ensure teams play against others of similar ability - the strongest against the strongest and so on. Each matchup is quite intensive and lasts 45 - 60 minutes, with six - eight matches on each of Saturday and Sunday, so it’s quite a test of Bridge ability. The Congress will feature around 100 players, most of whom will be our members, but we will

also welcome visitors from places such as Coffs Harbour, Nambucca, Taree, Forster, Tamworth, Armidale and Newcastle. The social engagement over the weekend is also a highlight. What skill level is required to join the club, and do you cater for those who’d just prefer to play socially, rather than compete? There is no skill level prerequisite for playing Bridge, although previous experience with games such as Euchre and 500 which also involve concepts like trumps and tricks is certainly advantageous. We conduct lessons into both the fundamentals of card play and the game of Bridge, to cater for the different backgrounds of new players. The aim of our lesson program is to create capable, confident players who enjoy playing the game. The decision as to how seriously to take their Bridge-playing is then up to each individual - both the social player and the more competitively-driven are equally welcome, and their needs are equally satisfied. Where can we find out more information and potentially join the club? Our next Open Day and lesson program is not scheduled until March/April 2020 - these activities provide the most thorough introduction and exposure to the Bridge club, including cards-inthe-hand experience. In the interim, interested parties may like to visit our website (www.pmhbridge.com.au) or Facebook page. I would also be happy to discuss any aspects with people who are interested in taking up the world’s most popular card game (ph. 0412 355 062). Thanks Ian. Interview: Jo Robinson. Greater Port Macquarie focus 93

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focusinterview.

PANSY & PATTIE Wauchope Tennis Club said a sad farewell to two of their most treasured players with a friendly game and morning tea at the Wauchope Tennis Courts in July; 87-year-old Pansy Ostler and 80-year-old Pattie Tudhope have played in the weekly Tuesday morning competition for over two decades. Chrissy Jones chatted with the ladies about their time at the club.

adies, this many years of playing tennis competitively is an amazing achievement. Take us back to how you first got involved in the club. Pansy: My daughter lived in Wauchope over 20 years ago and she played, so I joined her - back in 1999, I think. Pattie: I started 20 years ago. A friend of mine said she was coming to Wauchope to play tennis. I had just retired, and my friend bought me my first racquet, and off we went. She stopped playing, but I stayed. Because I said I had never actually played tennis, the girls showed me how to play, how to serve and all the rest. They taught me everything. Do you remember your first game of tennis? Pansy: I used to hit beside the house, up the wall when I was a kid, so probably for 70 years or so I have swung a tennis racquet. Pattie: Over about 20 years here, these ladies taught me to play. When I was a kid, I was a bit little - I couldn’t lift a racquet; they were too heavy for me. When I was at junior school in England, tennis was one of the sports. My mother had a wooden racquet, and she said to take it and see if I liked the game. I couldn’t lift the racquet, so I didn’t like it. That was my first game at school, and I didn’t play again until Wauchope. Can you share with our readers how you’ve kept playing and being active all these years? Pansy: As we both aged, the ladies changed the rules a bit to accommodate us. For example, the double bounce; if you couldn’t get to the ball after one bounce, they gave me two. I ended up with three bounces! Patsy was only given

keep you active? two bounces. I love tennis and the friendships Pattie: Wauchope Gym; I go three mornings formed over the years. a week, go shopping at the Laurieton Markets, Pattie: Pansy and I haven’t been playing full and when my sister who lives in Newcastle games as such. We tag team. Pansy will play visits, we go for morning walks. four games, and then we swap and I play four Pansy: Family outings are and will continue games in the set; so, we are two people as one. to be a big part of my life. We have been allowed to do this for the past Why do you love tennis, and would you two years. Our Tuesday comp is best of eight encourage others to play? games. Pansy: Keeps your muscles working; they What will you miss most about playing get to a stage when they don’t want to work. here each week? Tennis is a great game - it Pansy: I will miss all my keeps you fit and healthy friends, especially Donna. and forges great friendOur morning teas, chats, ships. I never come to say but most of all, the I am going to win today. friendly competition. SHE WAS THE INSTIGATOR If I win, I win - if I lose, I Pattie: The ladies are OF THE DOUBLE BOUNCE lose. I still walk off happy. like a family; you can ring RULE AND FOR LETTING Pattie: Keeps you them up during the week US PLAY HALF A GAME active. Keeps your brain for a chatter. I will miss EACH. EVERYBODY ELSE working. You have to rethem, but will be back to WHO PLAYS WITH US HAVE member the score! I often visit and have a cuppa. ALWAYS BEEN HAPPY TO ask my friends to join us, Playing in the weekly RUN AND GET THE BALL. but they don’t, because Tuesday competition they have this ache or this has been a big part of pain, or a bad knee or your lives. What do some other problem. you plan to do with Do you think by playing tennis, it has your time now? helped you alleviate some of your Pansy: I will keep coming into town to the problems? club on a Tuesday and a Friday to catch up with Both ladies in unison: Absolutely. friends. And I will call in for a cuppa with the Pattie: We’ve slowed down a little now that girls and a catch up. we are in our 80s. But tennis has kept us on our Pattie: I have a lot of elderly friends in nursfeet, kept us going. I think tennis keeps your ing homes, and my husband and I make a point brain power going. The Tuesday game has given of going every week to visit somebody, at Laume something to look forward to each week. rieton, Port Macquarie or Wauchope. We will We don’t play for sheep stations; it is definitely continue to do this, just make it on a Tuesday a hit and giggle group. I’m not saying we’re not instead of a Friday. competitive, but we are good friends and enjoy Any other hobbies or interests that will

the game. Anyone you would like to thank? Pattie: Our Captains; our Betsy, the organiser of our Tuesday competition. She plays as well and has done so for over 10 years or so. She has gone out of her way to help Pansy and I to stay playing for as long as we have. She was the instigator of the double bounce rule and for letting us play half a game each. Everybody else who plays with us have always been happy to run and get the ball. We have been given such a great chance to continue to play as long as we have. I thank all the players. So why have you finally decided to stop playing? Pattie: Because I find a whole game is absolutely exhausting and causes that much pain in my feet, I am in tears. You can’t enjoy a game any more, even if you take a heap of pain killers, if you are in tears. It's a game where you have to have strong legs - you are on your feet all the time. If your legs start to give way, there’s not much you can do on the tennis court. Pansy: It took me a long while to make the decision; it has been very hard. I say it's like pulling in the reins - you pull that way and you pull that way, and it eventually pulls to the right. I thought the old grey isn’t like what she used to be - time to stop. Thanks ladies, and all the best. From Betsy: I have been playing tennis in Wauchope since 2009; these pair are such an inspiration. To keep them here I gave them the double bounce, then the triple. We all have felt honoured to have them in our team over the years. It’s a sad day for us all. We have all loved playing tennis with them. They are both beautiful people. Greater Port Macquarie focus 95

Northpoint HOMES

Greater Port Macquarie

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Building homes of the future from experience of the past

HOMES Designed and built to precision by Steven Dever of Northpoint Homes, the August FOCUS Home of the Month is a fantastic example of total collaboration between all parties.

lot of thought has gone into the design of the home to take full advantage of the sloping block. Chrissy Jones had the pleasure of viewing the home, found in the highly sought after Lighthouse Beach area of Port Macquarie. Specifically designed to suit the homeowners now and into the future, the home is a superb layout. Being split level, it offers a low maintenance lifestyle for the residents all on one level, with separate guest accommodation on the other, with easy access

to all. The exterior is a contemporary style, but one that blends into the neighbourhood seamlessly. A modern mix of exterior finishes, including Nickel Flash PGH bricks, James Hardie Horizontal Stria cladding and Colorbond roofing and gutter, add to the street appeal. An exposed aggregate drive leads to the double garage with auto-panel lift door, supplied and installed by Port Macquarie Garage Doors, and evolves into a curved pathway leading to an entrance patio that has porcelain tiles from Tiles With Style Colortile continuing the non-slip surfaces.

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Northpoint HOMES

Both are very comfortable and a quiet space for guests to relax and feel at home. Servicing both is the guest bathroom that boasts both an oval, semi-freestanding bath and a shower recess in keeping with the master suite.

Entry to the home is via an Africana glass patterned 1.2 m wide entrance door into the foyer, that has select grade Spotted Gum tongue and groove hardwood flooring underfoot. Installed by Flooring to Perfection, it is the choice throughout the living areas of the home, adding to the natural warmth of the interior. Open Plan Kitchen, Dining, Lounge, Outdoor Entertaining Area North-east facing, the open plan dining, lounge and kitchen is bathed in an abundance of natural light through sliding glass doors and windows, that also allow for perfect cross ventilation of sea breezes, making this a very comfortable and welcoming space. Placed

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MOTION DETECT SENSOR LIGHTS HAVE BEEN CLEVERLY INSTALLED BY NEIL HUDSON ELECTRICAL AND CAN BE SET TO AUTOMATICALLY TURN OFF AFTER A SPECIFIC TIME.

in the raked ceiling overhead, a triple set of Velux double glazed skylights helps to create a better living environment by adding additional daylight and ventilation, all by remote control. They transform the living area, can be quickly and easily opened for maximum ventilation and are able to automatically close if the weather turns to stop rain entering. A wall mounted reverse cycle air-conditioning unit and Crimsafe security screens add to the many features of the living space. Opening out through sliding glass doors to both the front patio and rear entertaining deck,

all zones of the living area can combine easily for entertaining family and friends. Hastings Kitchens have excelled themselves with the installation of a stunning kitchen. The silky smooth finish of Polytec VENETTE Ultra white cabinetry doors create an inviting and pleasant touch experience, whilst the pure matt surface assures low light reflection, reducing the need for constant care and cleaning. Smartstone Santorini benchtops and a Seascape design glass splash back in Cobalt Neon Metallic add to the style and timeless sophistication. Sectioning the kitchen and lounge is an expansive island bench. Having a raised plinth has allowed for the installation of a display

cupboard with stainless steel form doors and clear glass inserts facing the lounge, a lovely spot to display precious homewares and the like. The island has a wealth of storage, including a set of four soft-close cabinets with shelving one side and under bench soft close drawers and storage cupboards the other. A Smeg dishwasher and double stainless steel sink with flick mixer have also been incorporated into the island. Further kitchen cabinetry houses the Smeg induction cook-top and Smeg electric wall oven and microwave nook. Tucked neatly away behind a cavity sliding door is the walk-in pantry. Motion detect sensor lights have been cleverly installed by Neil Hudson Electrical and can be set to automatically turn off after a specific time. The outdoor entertaining deck is a fantastic addition to the home and enhances the living

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Building homes of the future from experience of the past

space. Having a suspended concrete floor encased in a non-slip tile, aluminium balustrade posts that have been core drilled into the concrete to create a very neat finish and a recessed ceiling with downlighting, the rear deck is an all weather living area that will be heavily utilised into the future. Master Bedroom, Study, Laundry, Family Bedrooms Completing the entry level of the home are the master bedroom with en-suite, home theatre, study and laundry. All are placed behind the living areas, with a hallway leading left and right. Left is the well appointed laundry with internal access to the rear deck and outside drying area and yard, study and master bedroom. Placed at the far end of the hallway is the

aster suite. Very spacious, the master has plush carpet supplied and installed by Port Macquarie Carpet One Floor and Home, ceiling fan, a wall window and walk-in his/hers robe. The adjoining three way bathroom is very well laid out, having a tiled hob wall concealing the WC, a wall hung vanity with in bench handbasin, a twin set of drawers and a recessed feature tile above, as well as a mirrored vanity wall cupboard. A floor to ceiling tiled wall sections off the shower recess, that is fitted out with a stainless steel rope shower rose and towel rail. Right in the hallway is a guest powder room, including WC and single vanity, linen cupboard and second bedroom. Offering its own private haven, the theatre room has a high set horizontal wall window, plush carpet and ceiling fan.

Northpoint Downstairs Guest Area Descend a set of handcrafted timber stairs with timber hand rail to the ground floor. You are greeted by a Spotted Gum timber floored hallway that leads to a family bathroom and two guest bedrooms. One guest bedroom has a built-in robe with double vinyl clad door fronts, a ceiling fan and is fully carpeted. The other bedroom is mirror image, but has its very own walk-in robe. Both are very comfortable and a quiet space for guests to relax and feel at home. Servicing both is the guest bathroom that boasts both an oval, semi-freestanding bath and a shower recess, in keeping with the master suite. A wall mounted vanity with hand basin and stainless steel towel rails add a modern

HOMES

touch to the grey floor and wall tiling. Overall, the home is a credit to the vision of the owners. They have taken a somewhat awkward block of land and their ideas to an innovative builder, Steven Dever of Northpoint Homes, who has listened to them and then guided them expertly, to deliver a truly liveable home that will satisfy all those who enter for many years to come.

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Northpoint HOMES

From the Owners Lynn and Ken

About the Builder Since 1989, Northpoint Homes' director and licensed builder, Steve Dever, has enjoyed a reputation for being one of the most successful and well regarded builders in the Port Macquarie-Hastings region. Having built a network of experienced and proficient local Port Macquarie tradesmen, Northpoint Homes guarantees outstanding workmanship to deliver homes of superior quality and outstanding value. Northpoint Homes provides clients with traditional, personalised service from first home buyers to prestigious custom built homes. Building your home with a local Port Macquarie based building company like Northpoint Homes ensures the experience will be a positive and enjoyable one. Northpoint Homes is a local building company that will take home construction well into the modern era.

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From the Builder At Northpoint Homes Port Macquarie, you deal directly with the master builder. Each one of the homes we build is individually designed, with every client receiving the builder’s personal attention. We are committed to building homes with innovative design and superior quality finish homes that suit the shape, size and aspect of the land and the needs and budget of each individual client. When you build with Northpoint Homes Port Macquarie, you enter a relationship that starts with your first planning ideas and develops through the building process and beyond. We offer practical design solutions which help to enhance the appearance, efficiency, functionality and sustainability of the design.

How did you come across Northpoint Homes, and why did you choose them as your builder? We have known Steve Dever through mutual friends for over 20 years. Once you found the block of land for your build, was Northpoint Homes helpful in the design process? I say this, as Steve explained to me that the block was quite steep; how did Steve help to plan a home that would suit the contours of the block and meet all of your design requirements? We had a concept plan that we showed to Steve initially, which was a house all on one level. Steve took the plan and after taking levels and contours of the block, he refined the plan to better suit the block and to make the best use of all the natural features. Steve’s experience and expertise meant that he refined our plan and came up with a design that was most suitable to our requirements. How did you find the building process with Northpoint Homes? The building process with Northpoint Homes was seamless and very easy. Steve is extremely organised, thorough, and very easy to deal with.

What are your thoughts on the quality of the trades and the final finish of the home? The quality of the trades was of the highest standard, and the final finish is exceptional. Your favourite part of the home? At this point, no favourite - it’s all great although the view from the western windows, where we can see all the way to Lake Cathie and view the brilliant sunsets at night, is definitely a highlight. Does the home suit your lifestyle? Yes, even though it is a large home just for the two of us; it is all space that we use. Would you recommend Northpoint Homes to your friends and if the opportunity appeared, would you build with them again? Definitely, we would certainly recommend Northpoint Homes to our friends or to anyone who is thinking about building a home. They would be our first call if we were to build again, but we are so happy with this home, we can’t imagine moving again. Thanks Lynn and Ken.

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Nationwide Property B R O K E R S

Nationwide Property Brokers (NPB) tell us what it really means when investing in property in this dynamic and diverse area … now and for 2020. Chrissy Jones spoke with Paul Loughland about what NPB has to oﬀer customers now, and what’s on the cards for 2020 …

aul, what sets you apart from others in the property industry? Growing our customers’ property portfolio and wealth through property, in addition to traditional real estate functions, is where we see ourselves as a little different. Another unique point of difference at NPB is we also offer a customised property investment advisory service, helping people feel informed and confident about their property decisions. This service, coupled with the ability to introduce property opportunities outside of our area, including the wider Mid North Coast and growth areas within NSW and QLD, broadens our expertise by understanding the property market on both a state and national level. This allows us to provide a solid, comprehensive knowledge base when helping our customers make important property decisions. We are very focused on the needs of our purchasers and vendors in a wide range of coastal markets. Without our clients' trust, we wouldn’t be who we are. From developers to residential vendors, and of course property investors and purchasers, we are super grateful to help our customers drive for results on a daily basis. Nationwide Property Brokers have three prime lifestyle estates on offer - local to Port Macquarie: Catarina, Ascot Park and Wattlebird Estate. Tell us about those individually. What’s exciting about these three estates is the variety they give to the different lifestyles clients want to enjoy. CATARINA … Beachside, relaxed, yet sophisticated. Blue chip real estate at Rainbow Beach. No major roads to cross, walk effortlessly through the forest canopy boardwalk on to the beach … laze away easy days in your own piece of paradise. Whether you are after your dream house and land, a stunning architecturally designed terrace, or an ocean view from your luxury apartment balcony, Catarina is your new destination. Nestled between Lake Cathie and Bonny Hills, this cleverly designed and thoughtfully planned out precinct has direct access to Rainbow Beach

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via a nature centric boardwalk, where you can sink your toes in the sand and let any left over stresses of life drift away. Life’s better at Catarina. ASCOT PARK … Ultimate Sea Meets Tree Change. What strikes most people about Ascot Park is that you can be surrounded by bushland bliss, while only 10 minutes drive to some of the most spectacular beaches on the Eastern Seaboard. The carefully designed estate offers path and cycleways, meandering parklands and playgrounds. If you’re lucky to secure a block within this exclusive enclave, you will also enjoy no rear neighbours in many cases … with just sounds of what coastal bushland living affords. WATTLEBIRD ESTATE … Lifestyle Acreages On The Coast Wattlebird Estate is ideal for the family who wants the perfect tree/sea change! The manageable lifestyle acreages allow the family to get their hands dirty and be some-what self-sustainable. If a couple of cows, a horse or chooks for those fresh eggs for Sunday morning breakfasts are the ideal lifestyle you’re looking for, while only being 25 minutes from work in Coffs Harbour … Wattlebird is your estate to enjoy. ELANORA at RAINBOW BEACH … Where living is easy. Elanora at Rainbow Beach - a premium residential estate offering affordable beachside living. Absolutely dead-level building lots, Torrens-Title (no additional fees or strings attached) - new home owners and builders are loving it! We’re excited to say that there aren’t many left, but we're still offering some great opportunities to build a dream home. Situated in Lake Cathie, an established coastal community on the Mid North Coast of NSW, Elanora at Rainbow Beach caters for everyone, whether you’re raising a family, relaxing into retirement or securing a sound investment. WATCH THIS SPACE! Right now, we are working on another series of developments in stunning locations both north and south of Port Macquarie … announcements with more detail will be released very soon! How do we contact your team? We can be contacted toll free 1800 223 768 or paul@nationwidepropertybrokers.com for any property questions.

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PORT MACQUARIE IS ABOUT TO BE

The AMG Roadshow is coming to Andrew Miedecke Motors. Thereâ€™s something rumbling on the horizon. Experience the roaring power of Mercedes-AMGâ€™s most exhilarating models, including Mercedes-AMG GT R, Mercedes-AMG GT and Mercedes-AMG E 63 S. This exclusive event will strike Andrew Miedecke Motors on 18th - 28th August. The AMG Roadshow will take you by storm, so join us for this unique opportunity.

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