Greater Port Macquarie Focus i168

Camper Trailer of the Year Showcase

November 2019// 2019//issue issue 168

2 Greater Port Macquarie focus

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

contacts.

MANAGING EDITOR Jay Beaumont info@focusmag.com.au

SALES MANAGER Louise Beaumont louise@focusmag.com.au

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTOR Jo Robinson jo@focusmag.com.au

ADVERTISING SALES Annette Wannell annette@focusmag.com.au

Welcome to the November issue of Greater Port Macquarie FOCUS.

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chrissy@focusmag.com.au

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

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

TRAVEL EDITOR Susie Boswell sunconsulting@ozemail.com.au

Comments and opinions of our contributors do not necessarily reflect the opinion or view of the Publishers. All reasonable efforts have been made to trace copyright holders. Information appearing in Focus is believed to be correct at the time of 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.

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he crisis that tore our beautiful town apart this week is nothing short of an absolute tragedy. At the time of going to print, the bush fires around Lake Cathie and Lake Innes have caused irrevocable damage to our environment. Thankfully, there has been no loss of property or people; we are so very grateful for the tireless hours the Rural Fire Service has been out there fighting to contain the fires. Watching helicopters drain what little is left of Lake Cathie's water and using it to protect the neighbouring town was like a slap in the face for what is already an ecological disaster. And then there are the koalas. An unknown number, most likely in the hundreds (estimated 350) would have lost their lives as the fire ripped through their habitat in the Lake Innes reserve

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and surrounds. It was only last week we attended the Inaugural KOALA SMART exhibition and award ceremony, where 25 local schools had participated in a project that set them the task of discussing how they would save the koalas. The insights drawn from these talented local students is to be commended, and we look forward to seeing this come to fruition through the work of the Hastings-Macleay Koala Recovery Partnership. If you would like to support what is going to be a financially difficult few months for the local Koala Hospital with any injured animals, please make a donation via https://www.koalahospital. org.au/act-now/donate SHOP Local! We are very passionate about supporting smaller locally owned businesses, and this month

END OF YEAR CELEBRATION & EXHIBITION OPENING:

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we’ve got some inspiration for you! Jump to page 34 for our shop local in Murray Street feature. You’ll find some new and exciting businesses in the street - with health, beauty, bikes, clothing, art and food! Congratulations to the Patrick Auto Group on the expansion of their business. John Patrick, alongside son Toby (of John Patrick Prestige Cars) have acquired the Trotter Automative business. John and Toby now hold a number of automative brands across the Port Macquarie region, adding Subaru, Mazda and Holden to the stable, alongside Suzuki, Honda, Peugeot, Polaris, and Isuzu Ute! This also takes in the Holden, Toyota and Mercedes Benz dealerships in Taree. We’ve packed this edition full of great reading as always. Enjoy and stay safe over the coming weeks.

Louise Olsen, Composition 1 (detail)

ADVERTISING SALES Chrissy Jones JP

THREADED EARTH:

BERIC HENDERSON 23 NOVEMBER - 12 JANUARY 2020

VANA FORD & KERRY WHEELDON 23 NOVEMBER - 12 JANUARY 2020

Explore the delicate balance found in the natural world and how easily this can be disrupted by human intervention as you explore Henderson’s paintings, illustrations and unique light box installations.

Kerry Wheeldon and Vana Ford are creative souls with a love of nature. They have woven their creative thoughts and techniques together and produced Threaded Earth.

A showcase of individual artworks and collaborative works, drawn from Olsen and Ormandy’s substantial archive, but also incorporating new paintings and large-scale sculptural installations made especially for this exhibition.

Beric Henderson, Embryo Lightbox, pinhole on paper, 80 x 65 x 2.5cm, 2017 (detail).

COUNTERFEIT CASH FRIDAY 15 NOVEMBER, 7.30PM Dail Platz is so good you are going to think he’s the real Johnny. He has the looks and a voice to match, giving justice to the depth of vocals of the great Johnny Cash himself.

ARTIST TALK - FREE EVENT SATURDAY 30 NOVEMBER, 11AM Meet artists behind the brand Dinosaur Designs. This dynamic duo are outstanding artists in their own right and will walk you into their practice, the exhibition and their business success.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 3

contents Issue 168 - November 2019

focusinterviews

18

Photography by Melissa Lee.

feature a special

BUY, SELL, BUILD

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Photographer Melissa Lee is right at home, whether photographing precious family memories, weddings or glamour shoots … and she’s not only inspired by those around her, but also hopes she can inspire others in return!

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The Poisoned Apple Rommley Brady. With a background in dance and performance, some amazing costumes and the ability to relate well with children, the lovely Rommley Brady truly resembles a Disney princess!

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the Usual

Suspects

14. WHAT’S ON for November

Tanya Slavin.

20. EAT local restaurants 21. PALATE PLEASURES with Lou Perri

Meet Tanya Slavin, St Agnes' Parish Volunteer Coordinator, who's also an active volunteer in the community herself ...

29. OUT TO LUNCH with Susie Boswell 31. SOCIAL SCENE with Kate Wood-Foye 41. TOURISM with Janette Hyde 65. STARGUIDE with Terri Hall 67. BUSINESS MINDS with Jane Hillsdon

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68. MINDING YOUR BUSINESS with Michael Mowle 74. TRAVEL THE WORLD with Susie Boswell 91. LANDCARE with Julie Ho

Anthony Clark.

Laurieton and Port Macquarie based Indigenous artist Anthony Clark is from the Biripi Nation in Taree and has ventured his way into creating unique Indigenous designs that are offered on a range of products for our communities to enjoy. His art tells a story and is a representation of himself, family, community and experiences.

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focusinterview.

Wine Turning

toWater

in Port Macquarie

Little Ripples and Cassegrain Wines Fundraiser for wells in Africa

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assegrain Wines recently GM of Wine Australia - introduced Little Ripples partnered with a new start-up wines throughout the event. wine company, Little Ripples - in Little Ripples CEO Dustin Leonard is a tenured hopes to shed light and bring social-enterpriser, finding success through Hero positive change to communities Condoms, a social enterprise company donating abroad. To do this, Cassegrain profits of condom sales to providing reproductive hosted a Charity Gala / Product Launch, in health initiatives around the world. which a goal to fundraise $5,000 to go towards Dustin reached out to John and Alex building wells in Uganda’s Mukono District was Cassegrain in the hopes of branching out into a set. Over 75 people were in attendance and new product and partnership. Now Little Ripples ended up collectively raising over $10,000. wines have just been released for sale, a journey Various items were auctioned, thanks to the of over 10 months. Their range [for now] is donations from local Port comprised of Cabernet Macquarie businesses such Sauvignon, Shiraz, as Kenny Little's, Your Life Sauvignon Blanc and Fitness Centre, Akubra, Chardonnay. Their lofty THE EVENT WAS ATTENDED The Rare Tide, Cue Deli, target - providing drinking BY THE HON. MELINDA PAVEY, Beach to Bush Trike Tours, water for one individual NSW MINISTER OF WATER, Comboyne Avocados, for a year with every PROPERTY AND HOUSING AND Yoga One Nine, Drury bottle sold. This is done MAYOR PETA PINSON, WHO Lane Eatery and Petrie’s through the construction SHARED THE STAGE WITH Mitre 10. of wells implemented FOUNDER WENDY TISDELL, The event was attended through the charity OF THE BRIDGIT WATER by the Hon. Melinda BridgIT Water Foundation FOUNDATION. Pavey, NSW Minister and through the expert of Water, Property and winemaking from Alex Housing and Mayor Peta and John Cassegrain Pinson, who shared the seeing the product from stage with founder Wendy Tisdell, of the BridgIT grape to bottle, all on the winery premises in Water Foundation - three powerhouse females in Port Macquarie. their roles exemplifying strength in moving their Cassegrain Wines and Little Ripples are respective regions forward in sustainability and grateful for the support and engagement from development. our local community. The strength of our region As well, we were fortunate to have Hon Pat is now evidenced in the provision of water for Conaghan, Federal Member for Cowper, Hon needy communities abroad. Little ripples turn Dr David Gillespie, Federal Member for Lyne into a sizeable swell in the way of enabling water and Akubra CFO Roy Wilkinson in attendance. for those less fortunate, by making and selling Additionally, Paul Henry - wine judge and retired delicious wine. Who would have thought! Greater Port Macquarie focus 5

focusinterview.

If travelling off the beaten track without sacrificing the creature comforts is a goal of yours, head down to Town Beach Reserve in Port Macquarie on November 24. Camper Trailer Australia Magazine has organised a marvellous showcase of the top camper trailer brands available in Australia today, and Editor Aaron Flanagan says the action will be nothing short of eye-opening!

i Aaron. What’s your background in the media/marketing industry, and what led you to become editor at Camper Trailer Australia Magazine? I’ve been interested in the outdoors since I can remember. Writing about being in the outdoors, be it camping, running or walking along remote trails and tracks or sailing over open ocean has been something that’s interested me for my whole life. Naturally then, when I decided to focus on something careerwise, I was drawn to media production. What can you tell us about the magazine ... when was it established, and how is it distributed? Camper Magazine has been around since 2005. Every month it features compelling tales about adventure travel around Australia, into every nook and cranny north to south, east to west. In our opinion, the best way to see Australia is while aboard a camper trailer. The magazine is available in most good newsagents and supermarkets (if you can’t see yours, ask your local newsagents why it’s not stocked!) or you can subscribe and of course, check us out online or via our Facebook page. Go to www.camper.hemax.com Camper Trailer Australia Magazine is organising a special event in Port Macquarie on November 24 - the Camper Trailer of the Year Showcase. What kind of action can we expect to witness at Town Beach Reserve (and around the Greater Port Macquarie area)? The latest and greatest camper trailers in Australia will be on display. Some of the offgrid, offroad technology on show will be breathtaking. In every monthly issue of the magazine, we review the best campers available in the market. Camper Trailer of the Year features the best of the best. 6 Greater Port Macquarie focus

The campers on display will also be few of our readers? available for sale, oftentimes at very Definitely the offgrid capability. The campers on display attractive prices, so if you’re keen to buy A lot of the campers these days will also be available for one, you should at the very least come can go way off the beaten track, sale, oftentimes at very down and check out the best models in in comfort, without needing any attractive prices, so if Australia. It’ll be a pretty tight selection to access to the grid. They feature you’re keen to buy one, choose from. state of the art energy generating you should at the very During the event itself, we’ll be testing power lithium batteries, solar, least come down and and driving these campers all over the energy management systems and check out the best models place, from beach tracks to rugged offroad the like. The technology is simply in Australia. bush tracks. If in the area, keep an eye out awesome. Of course, their offroad for spectacular looking convoys of rigs and capability is also pretty wild. 4WD tow tugs! In your view, how popular is What brands/makes of camper trailers will we be able using a camper trailer these days ... is it a growing to experience on site? industry? We’ll have the best brands in Australia - Patriot, Zone, It’s definitely a growing industry. The value in owning a BRS, Austrack, Jawa, Bushwakka, Swag, Lumberjack, Mars, camper trailer is in the opportunity they provide to easily and Bluewater, Emu, Ultimate, Wedgetail, Marlin, Pioneer, affordably take your family and friends off on a life-defining Trailblazer and more ... adventure holiday. Once you own one, the world, quite Who have been some of the businesses/individuals literally, is your oyster. you’ve partnered with to help bring this event to Where can we find out more info about both the event fruition? and Camper Trailer Australia Magazine? The event is sponsorted by REDARC, with support from You can check out our website and sign up to our regular Credit One Finance, and we’ve been ably assisted by newsletter. Or, you could subscribe to our magazine. Or if The Port Macquarie-Hastings Council to help get all logistics none of these appeals, you could just send us an email with over the line. any questions you may have! Thanks Aaron. What are some of the newer features you’ve seen on modern-day camper trailers that may just surprise a Interview: Jo Robinson.

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*1.90% comparison rate is available to approved personal applicants & 1.90% annual percentage rate is available to approved business applicants of Lexus Financial Services for the financing of new IS, GS, GS F, LS, RC, RC F, LC, RX (pre facelift) (up to & including July 2019 production), UX 200, NX 300 & RX 300 (luxury facelift) (from August 2019 production excl. Enhancement Pack 1) models. Excludes demo & loan vehicles. Finance applications must be received by 30/11/2019 & vehicles must be registered & delivered between 01/10/2019 – 30/11/2019. Offer not available to government, Lexus Corporate Programme or rental customers. Maximum finance term of 48 months applies. Terms, conditions, fees and charges apply. Lexus Financial Services reserves the right to change, extend or withdraw an offer at any time. Comparison rate based on a 5 year secured consumer fixed rate loan of $30,000. WARNING: This comparison rate is true only for the examples given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate. Lexus Financial Services, a division of Toyota Finance Australia Limited ABN 48 002 435 181, AFSL and Australian Credit Licence 392536. DL10691

Greater Port Macquarie focus 7

focusinterview.

It’s 5:45am, a time when most people are either still asleep or routinely hitting the snooze button before they have to drag themselves out of bed and begin their busy days. FIRST ON THE BEACH IS KEN LITTLE. KEN, A RESIDENT OF PORT MACQUARIE FOR 68 YEARS, NEVER MISSES A MORNING IN THE SURF.

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n Town Beach we met a special group of people, to capture how they start the day. One by one, before the sun has breached the horizon, the early morning swimmers and surfers begin to converge on the sand. A waning crescent moon is still hanging on the edge of the pink sky and with it a drone is doing a morning sweep of the beach, to make sure the waters are safe. Although the waves are perhaps only a foot high today, it's enough to catch a few early ones before work and importanly, grab a coffee from Salty Crew Kiosk.

Ken Little “I’m Ken Little, and I am from Ken Little's Fruit and Veg. I have been a resident of Port Macquarie all of my life 68 years. Every morning except Sunday I come for a surf on Town Beach. I love the company of the people, we have great crew here every morning, and then we also have the early morning swimmers who come in - and they are all really friendly. After my surf I go have a coffee at Salty Crew, and we all get together and talk about the waves and the surf have a bit of fun. Other than Town Beach, my favourite spot would be Plomer. We do a road trip about every four - five weeks, and we go up there for a surf. We leave at 4am on Saturday morning; there are usually four or five of us. And, we do the same thing! After we surf we go into Crescent Head for a coffee and a bacon and egg roll.”

Tony McGee My name is Tony McGee, and I have been here twenty odd years. I am an ex South West Rocks boy and used to run in the mornings; now I swim.

Kirrilly (Billy) Hughes My name is Billy and I have lived here for 16 years. I have always come to the beach during the day through summer, but then I saw them on Instagram and it motivated me to come down early and join them. I try to come every day, but I work night shifts, which sometimes makes it hard. I started out swimming and now I have started surfing. I love seeing the sunrise, and the good vibes, and of course the coffee afterwards! I really enjoy hanging out with the swimmers that come everyday, there is so much to learn from them and I love their stories.

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I come down most mornings for the sunrise swim, and then I head off to work at St Agnes' Parish. What would you say to others who are considering jumping out of bed early and joining you all? Just turn up! It's great, and it makes the rest of the day really cruisy. Anyone can join us.

focusinterview.

Billy

Narelle

Tony

Fay

Ruth

Fay My name is Fay, and I am born and bred Port Macquarie. Have you always been a Town Beach swimmer? Well, I used to swim at Flynns Beach a lot. Now I come to Towns and have been doing so for more than twenty years, as I live nearby. How good is salt water for the soul, Faye? Oh, it is marvellous! It's healing and keeps me fit. The people here are very caring too! I am the eldest, and they all look after me. The water is always warmer in the winter, so it has been a bit cooler lately. I had major surgery six months ago on my spine, so the water and walking through the soft sand is great exercise.

Ruth Goodwin My name is Ruth Goodwin, and I have lived in Port Macquarie for the last five years.

Narelle Nash My name is Narelle Nash, and I am only new to the sunrise swimmers, but I have lived in Port Macquarie my whole life. What inspired you to join the early morning swimmers and get in the water every day? It was actually my husband; he was coming for a couple of years before me, and I joined him one summer - which then led to winter, and then into another summer. I love to meet the people who are here especially the ones who have been coming for over twenty years. A lot of them live alone, so it is a real chance to socialise with them and learn from them - they are great role models. We live in a beautiful part of the world, and it is a wonderful way to start the day.

What do you love most about coming here in the early morning? For me, it is about seeing the sunrise over the sea and being able to photograph it, and then have a swim as the sun rises. Have you always been an early morning swimmer? Only for about the last three years I have been swimming, and I really enjoy it for the ocean therapy - it's great for physical and mental wellbeing.

Fancy an early morning swim? You can join them from just before sunrise, every morning. At present, that is about 6:15am.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 9

focusinterview.

Joyce

In 1971 I left my job at the bank and moved to Port Macquarie, getting a job at the airport and selling travel at Port Macquarie Travel. I started as a domestic consultant and went on to become an international consultant.

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ort Macquarie Travel held the contract for East West Airlines (later becoming QantasLink) to service their flights. In 1981 I had the opportunity to buy into the business, and since then I have been a director of the company. Things have changed since then - in the early days we didn’t have any computers. Everything at the airport was manual - including check in. Originally we only had four staff at the airport - we now have nine staff and service around 34 flights per week. I’ve enjoyed my job for 48 years, and every day can be different. Sometimes my day can be starting at 5am at the airport and finishing at 5:30 in the afternoon. Or, I can have a shorter day -

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depending on flights, weather and staff, as I often fill in for people who are off sick or on holidays. And don’t forget my favourite job - the grandkids. When I am not at the airport or the office, I am normally running around helping look after one or more of the kids (including triplets!) And I am not retired yet (much to my wife’s disgust) because where else can you have a job where every day is different, you meet so many interesting people and I still love going to work 48 years later! The staff at the airport are very good - they carry me a little bit (I don’t handle nearly as many bags as I used to) and I mostly just look after the wheelchairs, unaccompanied kids and oversee everything these days - and if you ask the staff, I talk too much.

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focusinterview.

Heart earth &

C E R

E M O N

I

E

S

Ceremony creates powerful feelings of belonging and connection and should be unique to each person. Compassionate, wise and grounded, Arlene Mehan of Heart and Earth Ceremonies is a local First Nations woman who grew up on Birpai Country. Arly's vision is to bring more ceremony with meaning into the world, so that sacred moments are adequately honoured.

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our connection to country, language and community is the driving force behind the work you do. Tell us a little about yourself. I grew up with the influence of Birpai culture in my ways of being and knowing, and I’ve derived strength and resilience from knowing who I am and where I belong. Being exposed to ceremony at a young age, I knew it was going to be a big part of my life. After my childhood, I felt like life sped up and I craved moments of stillness, connection and honouring. I was fortunate and privileged to meet and be taught by different women, to honour different stages of life. When I formally started learning my traditional language, I knew that language could help people feel a connection to the land. Ultimately, my motive is to connect people to the land and to others, so we feel more of a responsibility to care for the environment and to care for each other. These days, as a mother I use ceremony to honour stages of my children's lives, whether it's weaning, first day of school, or acceptance of a new responsibility; they respond to it really well and I hope they foster a ceremonial approach to life, to have a strong sense of self in what can be a chaotic world. What drove you to create Heart and Earth Ceremonies? Heart and Earth Ceremonies wasn’t born out of an idea; I was guided into this work by my community. Initially, I was being asked to give blessings as a First Nations woman in my mother tongue, then this led to naming days and now that I’m an Authorised Celebrant, I can officiate marriages.

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The majority of the ceremonies I do are for Non-Indigenous people and their priorities aren't cultural elements, but a common theme is that they want meaningful ceremonies. This means that the ceremony is created and shaped around the needs and wishes of my clients. My role is to empower couples with options, ensure their needs and wishes are met and of course, deliver awesomeness in the ceremony itself. You offer a unique range of ceremonies and services aside from the traditional wedding ceremony. Can you share these with us? Gone are the days of every ceremony being the same. The industry is seeing that young modern couples want short, yet meaningful ceremonies. I love creating unique wedding ceremonies that authentically showcase the love of the couple and their story. Your ceremony is the moment you are marrying your lover, so it seems pretty important to make it count. I encourage people to explore the dominant European traditional components of weddings; if these traditions don't sit right with you - then don't do it! Got a creative idea? Then let’s make it happen! Side note: I'd love to marry a couple out in the surf! Previously, I’ve had adult flower girls, flash mob readings, ninja vows, a ring hide and seek, a puppy instead of a bouquet, a magician making the bride miraculously appear then the couple disappear, a blended family making a brownie to symbolise them coming together, and even a secret intimate ceremony where the couple, witnesses and I went to a secret garden to do the vows, and then the couple were presented to their family and friends as newlyweds. So, I have definitely been involved in mixing it up a bit. However, I can respect and ensure a

traditional ceremony is honoured if that's what a couple wants. It's your day, your way! Can you explain why ceremony is so important for our cultural and personal wellbeing? Ceremonies have an important place in society. It's a sacred time when people come together with focus and are usually supporting or facilitating a transition. Marriage is an important unit in society, and ceremony is how it's created. I think without adequate acknowledgement, the special moments in life pass us by. For me, it's about illumination of these moments and making a conscious imprint into the memory to revisit in times to come. I want to plant memories so when people are not feeling connected, they remember the feeling that a ceremony created and feel inspired to create that feeling again. What would be your most memorable ceremony performed to date? I’ve facilitated many ceremonies, and no two have been the same! I like to think they have all imprinted on my memory. To pick one, it was with my first ceremony as Heart and Earth Ceremonies. I facilitated a memorial service for a stillborn baby. As a Celebrant, it’s important to create a safe space that gives permission for people to experience emotions as they are. It was a very emotional ceremony, and I was being asked to push myself professionally to hold space to support people to process emotions. It wasn’t a ceremony with elated smiles, cheering and confetti - but it was still all about love, honouring and connection. I think ceremony can help to find comfort in the uncomfortable, and a warm, caring celebrant can help with this. You are part of the eco-ethical wedding movement. Can you tell us what this is all

about? More couples are looking into what impact their decisions and actions are having on the environment. It's pretty empowering to be a conscious consumer. The wedding industry produces a lot of waste, and often people aren’t sure of what options are out there. I’m an ambassador for “Less Stuff More Meaning” which are an amazing crew of wedding suppliers that shape their business with consideration to sustainability and ethics. If you want your day to have minimal impact to the environment, but big impact on your love for humans and the planet - look the crew up at lessstuffmoremeaning.org In what ways can people consider and change their environmental impact when planning an event? Firstly, try not to buy new items - look for second hand wedding items on pages such as Facebook Mid North Coast Weddings Buy Swap Sell Promote. Choose local suppliers; this limits transport emissions and also supports the local economy. Identify opportunities to "give back", perhaps donating your wedding dress or even your wishing well money to a cause. Also, think about alternatives that use less waste and identify local businesses that have this approach, like Kate Caters for cakes and catering - there are always options. I advise people to do their research, so they can make informed decisions. How can we see more of your work? You can follow me on the socials - Instagram heart.and.earth.ceremonies and Facebook Heart and Earth Ceremonies. Also, my website is heartandearthceremonies.com Marrungbu Duumu wakulda. Thanks, and stay connected. Thanks Arly.

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focus_What’s On Greater Port Macquarie Little Glimpses Photography

N O V E M B E R

COASTAL WALK

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Against Domestic & Family Violence Wear white and walk from Lighthouse Beach (8am), Flynns Beach (9am) or Town Beach (9:30am) then refuel at the End of Walk Celebration at Westport Park from 10am. When Sunday 1st December. Hosted by Liberty. More info www.libertyservices.org.au/coastalwalk

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BEER & CIDER Festival

Port Macquarie Arts &

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Street food markets, live music, game arena, keg toss comp, kids welcome.

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SOVEREIGN PLACE

Town Centre Grand Opening When Saturday 23rd November, 8am - 3pm.

Experience Port Macquarie’s new shopping destination, enjoy grand opening specials, tastings, competitions, meet our retailers. Free fun for the whole family, including jumping castle and kids’ activities, Billabong Zoo reptile display, plus Triple M broadcasting live.

Port Macquarie and beyond, it’s been too long between drinks! After a brief hiatus last year, we are excited to announce that the much-loved Port Macquarie Beer & Cider Festival will make its return in 2019 to its home on Westport Park, armed with some of Australia’s best beer and cider makers. When Saturday, November 16. Where Westport Park, Port Macquarie.

CRAFT CENTRE

Celebrating 45 years with a sale and open Day. Paintings and cards, lapidary, leatherwork, pottery, spinning and knitting, silversmiths, weaving and woodwork. When Saturday 2nd November, 8:30am - 2:30pm. Where 75 Gordon Street, Port Macquarie.

Forster-Tuncurry

2

LAKESIDE FESTIVAL

It’s all here - everything we love about the Mid North Coast region and more. Featuring headline acts GANGgajang, Round Mountain Girls, Floyd Vincent & The Temple Dogs, The Swamp Stompers and The Big Fins. Enjoy local street food and drinks, art, music and community. When Saturday, November 2nd from noon. Where John Wright Park, Tuncurry. Tickets $25 online or $35 at the gate. www.lakesidefestival.com.au

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GET UP Girl

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A kick ass program of self defence, self esteem, self respect for young women in Years 8, 9 and 10. We are stoked to be hosting this workshop with total boss babe Lily Isobella @thehollowportmacquarie Secure your spot - spaces are limited! This course is a combination of physical experience, capacity building, and friendship forming.Together we learn about ... in depth reality based self defence. Based on close quarter combat fighting skills, we teach a range of systems that work in real life. Not a sport, not a martial arts, but street smart skills that will help you when you need it most. From brush offs, right down to worst case scenario, we are going to show you just how much power you do have (ages 16+). When Sunday, November 17, 9:30am - 3:30pm. Where @ The Hollow Store.

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COUNTDOWN

to Christmas 2019

Don your santa hat, reindeer antlers and elf ears and come join the fun at this year's Countdown to Christmas community event. The festivities will kick off with the popular mascot race down Horton Street, where you can cheer on your favourite mascot as they race towards Town Green. When Thursday 28th November at 5:30pm. Where Town Square, Port Macquarie.

Santa’s Coming to Settlement City

Capture the magic in every family

From Saturday November 16 to Tuesday December 24, Santa will be in Wonderland at Settlement City! Step into a dream where nothing is as it seems. Where big things are small and small things are big. Where rabbits wear waistcoats and toadstools are trees. Where Christmas sparkles in the air. Because there, in the middle of it all, you’ll find Santa on his big comfy throne, hoping you’ll join him for tea. Jump in and explore the magic of Christmas in Wonderland. At Settlement City, we understand and celebrate the fact that every family is unique. And so, we are pleased to announce our extended range of Santa Photos for 2019, including Sensory Santa & Pet Photos. Every child (or fur baby) receives a gift. See www.settlementcity.com for a full schedule and details.

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focusinterview.

Hastings

For 25 years, members of the Hastings Woodworkers Guild have been handcrafting beautiful pieces made out of timber … plates, clocks, furniture, toys and models - there appears no limit to their creativity! Guild member Rod Hoare explains how the group recently celebrated their 25th anniversary and encourages anyone with an interest in woodwork to visit them at Timbertown, Wauchope … i Rod. Please remind us how the Hastings Woodworkers Guild came to be established ... In 1994, an interest meeting was held at David Hayes’ Wauchope Wood and Turning Supplies, and a committee formed. The first meeting was held in Kendall, and further meetings at Wauchope High School. From 1995, we were based at the Wauchope Showgrounds, sharing with the Pony Club. Our first Guild purchase was a lathe in 1996. In 1997, the Guild was incorporated, and in 1999 we were involved in a three-day woodworking expo, as well as a boomerang making and social day at Wauchope Showgrounds. In 2000 we started holding our Annual Woodwork Exhibitions - the first at Port Macquarie Scout Hall, later at Panthers, then at LUSC or CWA Centre Port Macquarie since that time. Initially meetings were held once per month at night, but by 2004 we had started Saturday workshops, and members found this hands-on activity satisfying. In 2002 a Mission Statement was prepared, stating: “to foster fine woodwork in all its forms”. In 2005 a member purchased a shed at Timbertown from Hastings Council, on behalf of the Guild. The shed grew from just 72 square metres to over 400 square metres in a few years, and has been further extended since. Initially we were to open the workshop for 60 days per year. 2007 saw the purchase of a horizontal 16 Greater Port Macquarie focus

slabbing bandsaw, which was completely rebuilt to incorporate essential safety features. Many donated logs of several species, which have since been slabbed and made available for sale to members. Over the years many donations were made to Camp Quality, hospitals and other worthy causes, as well as items being made for use by such groups - including in 2002, a special project making toys for needy children, and in 2008 and 2019, toys made for toy drive organised by the CWA. Our biggest project was the construction of a 6 m diameter waterwheel weighing over 3 tonnes, which operates at Timbertown. Over the years fine woodwork has been available for sale at our showroom at Timbertown Heritage Park in Wauchope, featuring a wide range of timber articles, games, artwork … a fantastic array of work by our talented members. The Guild has recently celebrated its 25th anniversary - congratulations! To what do you believe the Guild owes this longevity? Guild members, both men and women, share a common interest in fine woodworking and enjoy coming together to share their individual achievements and creations, and to work together on community projects. We are a non-profit organisation which: - encourages the appreciation of wood and all aspects of working with wood; - nurtures social interaction of members; - provides a meeting place, woodworking equipment, library; - brings woodworking skills to the general public through our Annual Woodworking

Exhibition and demonstrations. How was the anniversary celebrated? Members and partners enjoyed a wonderful cruise on the Port AdVenture on the Hastings River at Port Macquarie. Former member Graham Gilbert told of one of the first purchases - a scroll saw to make boomerangs - and explained that he actually purchased the current Timbertown shed, making the move from the Wauchope Showgrounds to Timbertown possible. Current President Graeme Ditchburn shared details of the early years of the Guild, and the progression to the excellent facilities of today. He made special mention of the camaraderie that exists between members. The day concluded with coffee and a celebration cake. The Guild also held its Annual Woodwork Exhibition and Sale at the CWA Centre in October. How successful was this event? This was extremely successful, and President Graeme described it as possibly the best ever, as there was such a wide range of high-quality articles for sale and display. Where/when does the Guild meet? Members attend to work on their own or group projects at Shed 26, Timbertown Thursday to Monday, 9:30am ‘til 3pm in school terms, and seven days a week during school holidays. General Meetings are held monthly. What level of woodworking skill is required of potential new members? No previous skill or experience is required, as Guild members are eager to share their expertise and teach not only woodworking skills, but safe use of the specialist machinery, while sharing their love of working with timber.

From tree to finished article - everything is done on site. Full logs are slabbed, and dried for use by all members, then the various machines are used - table saws, thicknessers, scroll saws, lathes, and more! What are some of the projects members are currently working on in the shed? A group of members has just completed over 70 toys of various designs for distribution through the CWA to the children of drought affected families. These were displayed to the public at our recent exhibition. Members also work on their own projects - varying from tables, bowls, jewellery boxes, clocks, intarsia, and many more amazing creations. What are some upcoming events/projects the Guild has planned? As the year draws to a close, no specific projects are underway. Guild members are constantly challenging themselves and others to create incredible woodwork - including intricate clocks, and the latest is constructing a T Model Ford! Where can we find out more info/contact you? If you have an interest in woodwork, you are most welcome to come along, meet our members and see the work we do. Hastings Woodworkers Guild Inc. Contact: Rod Hoare. Email: fellowship@iinet.net.au Phone: 0408 684 802. Thanks Rod. Interview: Jo Robinson.

Patrick Auto Group ohn Patrick Prestige Cars opened its doors in May 1992 on a small car yard in Gordon Street, selling and servicing Prestige Used Cars. Since John and Chrissy began the business, they have witnessed a lot of change in the motor industry. Part of this change has been the enormous growth in Port Macquarie and the Mid North Coast region. This has allowed the business to grow organically, servicing the local community and gaining more franchises as they progressed. They are embarking on the next phase of the business, which includes the recent purchase of Mazda, Subaru, Holden and HSV in Port Macquarie and Toyota and Mercedes Benz in Taree and Tuncurry. The acquisition of these franchises will complement the current brands, being Honda, Peugeot, Suzuki, and Isuzu Ute in Port Macquarie. Toby Patrick is the Dealer Principal of the Port Macquarie business, and John Patrick is the Dealer Principal of the Taree business. John and Toby bring with them a wealth of knowledge in the auto industry and look forward to working with the already accomplished teams of both these businesses. John Patrick Prestige Cars and John Patrick Used Cars have enjoyed a long and well respected history, with a high profile on the Mid North Coast. The group has re-branded as Patrick Auto Group, as it embarks on a new era in motoring on the Mid North Coast. Patrick Auto Group looks forward to opening its doors, welcoming past, present and future clients into the business.

www.patrickauto.com.au

focusinterview.

M Photographer Melissa Lee is right at home, whether photographing precious family memories, weddings or glamour shoots … and she’s not only inspired by those around her, but also hopes she can inspire others in return!

d d u

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elissa is not only very professional photos is going to be so easy". Boy, creative and skillful behind was I wrong! the lens, but loves teaching In the beginning I took a few TAFE beginners others what she’s learned photography classes which, to be honest, made about photography over the no sense at all to me, and I felt like I hadn't years … learnt anything. Hi Melissa. What's your background in the So, I signed up for my first workshop with Hastings area? another local photographer, who was then based I have lived and grown up in the Hastings area in Taree, and it was the best decision I had ever since I was five years old. To be a small business made - because I am a hands on learner, and in the area I've grown up in and to photograph from there I would just practice as much as I people I've grown up could. with is the best feeling. Your portfolio includes When/how did your wedding, family, love for shooting newborn/maternity and beautiful images glamour shots. You must I signed up for my first begin? have a studio for some workshop with another As a kid growing up, I of these types of shoots local photographer, would always be taking ... so what are you able who was then based in photos with my point to offer in this regard? Taree, and it was the best and shoot film camera, Just over three years ago, decision I had ever made and I always remembered I made the scary decision - because I am a hands on learner, the excitement of to move my studio out and from there I would just putting the film in to be of home - and it was the practice as much as I could. developed and seeing best thing I ever did. I love how the images turned having my studio space to out. go to work to and offer It wasn’t until I had my son, who is now sessions for families, maternity, newborn and 12 years old, that I fell in love with portrait commercial headshots for other local businesses. photography and decided to pick up a camera I have a huge range of fun backdrops and learn. available, way too many props, maternity gowns How did you make the transition from being and a comfy lounge for mum and dad to sit back someone who just loves taking photos to a and relax while I photograph your kids/newborn. career as a professional photographer? I use studio lights and now am able to make I remember making the decision to learn use of some natural light in my new studio photography 12 years ago and picking up space. my first DLSR camera and thinking, " Taking What do you most love about shooting

focusinterview.

from around the world; however, my mentor weddings? I’ve been photographing weddings for eight who taught me so many years ago was my years now, and for me it's about capturing every biggest inspiration in the early years and was couple’s unique love story and freezing those the drive behind me setting my very first goal of moments for the couple to view for years to owning my own studio space. come. What's your ultimate dream/goal as a The two most outstanding moments on the photographer? day are when the groom sees his bride for the I'd really love to photograph a destination first time, and the speeches during the reception. wedding, even if it's just once, but my ideal goal I can't tell you how many times I have laughed is teaching photography. I’ve been so blessed and cried along with everyone else. and lucky to be able to pass my skills on to those Many women may feel a little shy about wanting to learn. glamour or boudoir style shoots. How do Photography is an art and skill and a way of you help them feel more at ease? expressing ourselves though our work, and it's a As a professional photographer and a woman skill we can take and use with us through life. myself, I know exactly Earlier this year I was how women can be lucky to be able to teach a our own worse critics small group of adults with when it comes to our disabilities. Watching them bodies and how we see go from not knowing much Photography is an art and ourselves. about their cameras when skill and a way of My aim is to make they first walked into my expressing ourselves every lady who walks studio ’til the last day when though our work, and it's through my door feel as they were confidently out a skill we can take and comfortable as possible. taking photos has to be the use with us through life. I usually try distraction most rewarding so far. Earlier this year I was lucky to techniques, to take be able to teach a small group of Where can we find out their mind off how they adults with disabilities. more about you/contact feel. Boudoir/glamour you? photography is all about To read more about knowing how to pose a me and view more of woman to show off her my work, you can head to my website www. best features. photographybymelissalee.com.au or you Every woman who has had a session done can also fi nd me at www.facebook.com/ walks out of the studio feeling so confident and photographybymelissalee or search Photography love the end product once the images have been by Melissa Lee on Instagram. delivered. Final say ... Tell us a bit about your camera kit ... what I recently saw the best quote, and it runs so are your "must-have" items? true: "You will always find reasons to not take I shoot with a Nikon D850; I love this camera. a family photo; none of those matter - take it My backup is my old faithful D800. I work mainly anyway". with my Sigma 50 mm Art and Sigma 135 mm I love this, as none of us are ever guaranteed Art outdoors, and in the studio with my Sigma to grow old, so take more photos while you still 24 – 70 mm Art. These are all my must haves. can. What/who most inspires you? Thanks Melissa. This is a hard one, as I don't have just one person. I follow so many amazing photographers Interview: Jo Robinson. Greater Port Macquarie focus 19

Meat and Cheese Board from TAPP at Panthers 20 Greater Port Macquarie focus

focus_contributor

LOU PERRI FROM THE STUNNED MULLET

Seared scallops with sweet potato puree, baby capers and pine nut butter

TAPP at Panthers A colourful dish that is sure to tempt your tastebuds is our pan-seared scallops, artistically placed with a sweet potato puree, baby capers and radish, with an elegant pine nut butter. This dish perfectly pairs with the Squealing Pig Marlborough Pinot Gris, or tempt yourself with our grand selection of enticing cocktails. The Tapp menu features a range of flavoursome tapas style eats, including vegan risotto stuffed mushrooms, three cheese arancini, spicy prawn burrito board and more!

HEAD CHEF ADAM LOVETT

The Tapp has an eclectic industrial style setting with spectacular water views over the Hastings River. You can relax and soak up sun-rays on the deck during the day; come nightfall, The Tapp transforms into an electric atmosphere with inspiring live musicians every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

W

W EIRD SCIENCE

hen you think about it, kitchens and laboratories are very similar kinds of places from just a purely aesthetic point of view.

Gleaming stainless-steel surfaces, militant cleanliness, refrigeration, freezers, burners and heatlamps. Workers don white coats and work intensively, even obsessively.

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

Measurements are precise, chemicals are added - reactivity is closely monitored. Timers bleep and hands and feet move quickly throughout the space in order to harvest newly formed creations, which are then carefully scrutinised with a trained eye and handled reverently, now ready to be brought to life on a plate and passed out to the other world, known as "front of house".

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

Proper Roast Thursdays

OK, well ... best to not get too carried away here. After all, we aren’t finding cures for the incurable here, but rather searching for ways to titillate tastebuds and harness "wow" factor within the everyday act of food consumption. There’s something so infinite about the possibilities here, and it is certainly what motivates cooks and chefs the world over to relentlessly experiment, explore and create. The opportunities for mind expanding thought processes are endless - there is no food cliché or perfect pairing that isn’t busting to be overturned by a new, bold and revolutionary combination of flavours.

Drift Bar.Café.Restaurant Drift is a place we have created with you in mind… The perfect space for a quiet coffee and catch up with friends to a lovely night out the whole family can enjoy. Our mission is to bring you simple food done well; with that in mind, we are introducing a variety of warm and hearty dishes for 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. Remember, Melbourne Cup is almost upon us; Drift has a special surprise waiting for you on the day! Book your table today! 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.

HEAD CHEF ANDY WHITEHEAD

Of course, it doesn’t hurt to keep in mind that other part of the space, "Front of House", where there resides actual living, breathing diners who do arrive with a set of expectations of what sort of meal they are hoping for. In other words, seriously far out and avant garde stuff isn’t generally what pleases a crowd, and neither are too many massive changes in strategy. After all, we humans are indeed creatures of habit and let's face it, we kind of like to see our favourite thing on the menu that we happily to admit to ordering every single time we go to the joint.

So, it is definitely a weird and contradictory clash of life forces that are the bread and butter of the daily realities of chef life. On one hand you have the precision of science - following recipes exactly, working within parameters based on tried and tested processes in order to reach a particular outcome reliably and consistently. And then on the other, there’s potential for somewhat unbridled creativity, in the form of infinite combination of flavours, utilising a multitude of tools, appliances and specialised gadgetry to transform common ingredients into something remarkable and unforgettable. Hence the wave of "molecular gastronomy" that continues to pulse through certain restaurant kitchens, in the vein of Heston Blumenthal and Ferran Adria. And to add a yawn factor to all this excitement, yes there are unfortunately the budgetary constraints of restaurant owners trying as they must to keep their doors open and to get bums on seats. Unortunately, "unbridled" creativity more often than not has to take a hit for this reason. But still somehow, in kitchens everywhere, this "weird" science continues to flourish. The delicate balance between precision, creativity and the good old "bottom line" continues to surprise and delight diners everywhere. Indeed, it is sometimes the very challenges inherent in attaining this difficult balance that yields the best results. For example, tight budgets mean that lesser cuts of expensive proteins might be chosen and innovative tenderising and cooking processes might have to be employed - i.e. "thinking outside the box". So, there you have it. Jury is still out on whether it’s science or art, or a whole lot of both. Most definitely, food is a labour of love if you find yourself working in a kitchen. Whatever the case may be, it’s a win for diners everywhere.

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B Y N ATA L I E A L D O U S

K L U M P P

Students win best rock band in Australia

A group of long-haired teenagers playing music is nothing new. But anyone who has seen Nana Klumpp knows there is something special about them.

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he band recently won the National Finals of RockFest, a competition for high school students with a focus on contemporary music. “I think what makes Nana Klumpp special is their humble approach to their craft,” said RockFest founder and organiser Luc Travers, “they write fantastic songs and perform them to a very high level.” The band was humbled to take out the win, which was accompanied by a Fender guitar and a PDP drum kit. A familiar name at Camden Haven High School, Nana Klumpp is made up of Aaron CaceGully on guitar, Jesse Hinder on vocals and guitar, Robert Courtenay-Morris on bass guitar, and Ronan Bailey on drums. The band describes their genre as “everchanging” and “groovy”. The legacy and influence of Rock and Roll is undeniable for Nana Klumpp, and the rich history of the genre plays an important role in their sound. The boys are influenced by music greats like Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Pink Floyd, and Jimi Hendrix, saying the skill and creativity is on another level than pop music today. Escapades at the Bonny Hills headland that is the band’s namesake inspired their debut single, Honeysuckle. “We have hung out there since we were little kids,” said Robert about Nana Klumpp Reserve. Honeysuckle is the first single off their upcoming EP, Pretty Going Good. The song was recorded last November in Byron Bay, while the other five tracks were recorded in their makeshift studio earlier this year. It helps that two of the boys are neighbours, so noise complaints aren’t an issue.

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Jesse said the EP will be “cruisy and groovy” but they have evolved since the songs were written two years ago. Fans can expect upbeat songs that evoke a youthful surf culture on Pretty Going Good, set to be released in the next two months on all digital music platforms. The young musicians said the support from their families has been important, particularly Ronan’s dad, Brent Bailey. Mr Bailey, or “Brentos” as the band affectionately name him, helped Nana Klumpp secure a spot on the sought-after lineup at the Festival of the Sun, keeping it a surprise until they were in Melbourne for RockFest last year. Nana Klumpp said they would love to play at the Festival of the Sun every year. “Every gig gets better,” said Jesse, “we would love to play more festivals.” The band aims to travel more and branch out from the local area, something they say has been the bands biggest challenge. Despite the small-town restrictions and school commitments, Nana Klumpp have been featured on triple j and played venues along the East Coast. The day after they uploaded Honeysuckle to Triple J Unearthed, they heard their own song on the radio for the first time. “I was on the phone and [Honeysuckle] came on and I just dropped the phone,” said Aaron. Nana Klumpp will continue their local success while Aaron finishes Year 12 next year. They have plans to move in together and advance their careers in Newcastle or Wollongong. Nana Klumpp also recently played at the school live music night, Music in the Valley.

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Melinda Schneider A Farewell To Doris Day Melinda Schneider has enjoyed 40 years in entertainment, released a whopping 14 ALBUMS AND BEEN AWARDED AN UNBELIEVABLE SIX CMAA GOLDEN GUITARS. SINGER SONGWRITER, THEATRE PERFORMER, ACTOR - Mel has successfully paved her way through the Australian entertainment industry, proving a fearless force to be reckoned with!

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ongratulations - you’re on tour again. You must be really excited! Thank you. Yes, I’m touring regionally, so it’s going to be great. I love getting out into those areas and seeing everyone and all of the people who have come to my shows before. It’s always nice to go for long drives in regional parts of Australia. I really enjoy it. You’ve been performing since the age of eight. Fast forward to today; did you ever imagine that your career would span four decades in Australian entertainment? I didn’t ever think about it, really. You’re always in the moment of where you are, and you don’t really think that far ahead. I guess I’m not surprised, because I’ve grown up in a show business family; my mum has been performing since she was a little kid and is still making records now at 85 years of age. It’s just in my genes, and I’m very lucky. Your current tour, A Farewell to Doris Day is a nostalgic celebration of a woman’s remarkable life. What is it about Doris that inspired you to share and perform her life’s work on stage? I love Doris and have always loved her since I was about eight and saw her on Calamity Jane - Saturday afternoon movies. I just fell in love with her spirit and her voice and her beautiful face and her comedic skills. She was funny, she was a beautiful singer, she could dance so well, was a great actor and

remembers. all of those things, THERE ARE 10 YEAR OLD Even though some of but I think above all GIRLS COMING WITH the people who have of that was her spirit THEIR GRANDMOTHERS come along to my shows that I connected with. AND THERE ARE 90 YEAR may not have been huge I just thought she was OLDS COMING ALONG, SO Doris fans (they might a beautiful spirit, and I IT IS QUITE BROAD. I JUST have just come along wanted to be her best THINK PEOPLE DON’T GET with their friends), they friend. I think a lot of TO HEAR THIS MUSIC VERY were always surprised by people wanted to be OFTEN ANYMORE. NOT A how many songs they her best friend. LOT OF THIS IS PLAYED, AND Your previous recognised and how IT IS REALLY BEAUTIFUL. theatre shows at the many they knew. Sydney Opera House People have said to proved to be iconic me that I have a similar and sold out twice. What is it about persona to Doris, and I guess I’ve always your performances that captivate the had that girl next door image myself and I’m Australian audience? always smiling and that kind of thing, so it fits I just think that people love Doris Day and in naturally to Doris. they love the songs. It’s a certain demographic You’re passionate about empowering of people who come to see the shows, but it’s women not only in the music industry, but in all walks of life. Can you share a also a very broad audience. There are 10 year little insight into some of the work you old girls coming with their grandmothers and do around this? there are 90 year olds coming along, so it is I’ve been doing a lot more with this quite broad. I just think people don’t get to since last April, when I released my single hear this music very often anymore. Not a lot My Voice, which was all around the “Me of this is played, and it is really beautiful. Too” movement and around the initiative in The way we have done this show in the Australia to stop sexual harassment in the capital cities with a 20 piece orchestra and workplace. It’s a subject I’m passionate about, a big band entails a lot of preparation, and it’s really just the beginning for me. I’m but it was absolutely gorgeous. I think it going to be doing a lot more of that and a lot takes people back to Hollywood, and it’s more empowering of women. those days of Hollywood with the beautiful I’ve had my fair share of harassment, orchestrations and songs that were just bullying, put downs and trials thrown at me so well written that everyone knows and

my whole life by different people, so I am very passionate about freedom and standing up to the bullies and having a right to be yourself. What has been your most memorable career highlight? Performing at the Opera House has to be the one. I have done that four times in the past eight years, which is something I am really proud of. It’s one of the most iconic venues in the world, and it is such a thrill every time I do a show there. The other one would be going on the Howard Stern Show in New York with my mum, which was quite a few years ago about 20 years ago actually. I just love Howard Stern, so that was a huge highlight for me. What’s next for you in 2020? I’m releasing a new album, which is an album for women and the people who love them. I’m launching a new record label as well, which is all about me taking my power back and doing things the way I want to do them. My aim is more freedom and authenticity from me; we tend to do that in our late 40s. Thanks Melinda.

Melinda Schneider: A Farewell To Doris, Friday, November 22. Glasshouse - PORT MACQUARIE, NSW www.glasshouse.org.au | (02) 6581 8888. Greater Port Macquarie focus 23

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The Players Theatre Inc presents Jesus Christ Superstar presents Jesus Christ Superstar “The Birthday Party” a party like no other. You see, inis Concert

Heading One

The Players Inc Players Theatre presents Theatre The Birthday Party! 19/02/2018 7:40 pm

in Concert

xxx

Meg (Di Leslie) is a little deluded. She runs a boarding house, which she thinks justChrist wonderful; Directed by Simone Sherrin, is Jesus Superstar has is an one Directed by Simone Sherrin, Jesus Christ Superstar is an iconic rock opera that reinvented musical theatre for the boarder, Stanley (Steve Harris), who she thinks is just modern age. With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics iconic rock opera that reinvented musical theatre for the wonderful; and when two of her boarder’s “mates” by Tim Rice, this global blockbuster tells the story of the modern age. With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber andshe lyrics arrive and suggest a birthday party for Stanley, final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ from the perspective of by Tim Rice, this global blockbuster tells the story of the thinks that’s just grand as well. With Christmas almost here, what a lovely gift the trays are. Judas Iscariot. final weeks in boarding the life of house Jesus Christ from down, the perspective of Trouble is, the is running the boarder The girls are getting ready for a very busy time, so how about As Christ’s followers grow more fervent, Judas must make Judas Iscariot. isn’t what she thinks he is and it ain’t Stanley’s birthday. ‘The his fateful choice between faith and betrayal. Filled with

This month we would like to draw your attention to our beautiful fruit trays

a mango and cherry tray, or just cherries with a beautiful bottle

As Christ’s followers growBlack more Comedy fervent, Judas make Birthday Party’ is a classic from must the Pen of the of something from Bago Wines for your family or friends. To an exciting mix of musical styles that drew upon 1970s all the Businesses in town, why don’t you consider a beautiful his fateful choice betweenHarold faith and betrayal. Filled with master British playwright Pinter. rock, gospel, folk and funk themes, this contemporary fruit tray as gifts for your Staff? an exciting mixThompson of musical would styles that drew upon 1970’s Director Lance like this production to reimagining of the biblical tale features high-energy dance rock, gospel, folk and funk themes, this contemporary Our next door Butcher, Greg and his staff have beautiful award play two levels – a comic overlay the with a dark andatpowerful storytelling. Reflecting rock rootsunderbelly. that winning hams, locally sourced and cooked on the premises, reimagining of the biblical tale features high-energy dance The key toa the comic side are the characters of Meg and defined generation, the legendary score includes I Don’t ready to go too! The aromas radiating out of the Butchery are powerful Refl ecting the rock roots that Know How Tostorytelling. Love Him, Gethsemane and Superstar. toand a lesser extent Goldberg. Meg with her total delusional delectable! defi ned aand generation, the legendary score includes optimism childlike and Goldberg with Superstar his ‘I Don’t The Players Theatre Inc glee production of Jesus Christ Mangoes and all stone fruits are starting to arrive, its that Know How will To Love Him,’ ‘Gethsemane’ andto‘Superstar.’ in Concert run from Friday 8th November Sunday an gentleman-like and benevolent thuggery (it’s almost exciting time of the year again. Also some local veges, such as 17th November. Evening performances Fridayunderbelly and Saturday The Players Incby production of Dark Jesus Christ Superstar honour to beTheatre tortured him)… The is Lebanese cucumbers, zucchini, spinach and lettuce are starting at 8pm Sunday matinee performances 2pm. Innights Concert will and runemotional from Friday 8thphysical November toatSunday violence… verbal, and (though most of to arrive. 17th November. Evening Fridayor and Saturday Theatre bookings online atperformances www.playerstheatre.org.au or the physical violence takes place in blackout offstage). Come in and check out the entire fresh produce. My Staff and I via The Glasshouse Port Macquarie on 6581 8888 or via the nights at 8pm and Sunday matinee performances at 2pm. Book now for cake, candles and chaos! Opening June 15, will give you a warm welcome. Theatre Box Office, open one hour prior to each show, at Theatre bookings online www.playerstheatre.org.au or tickets available from TheatGlasshouse or online at www. Always remember – “Fresh is Best!” Ken the corner of Lord and Gordon Streets, Port Macquarie. via The Glasshouse Port Macquarie on not 6581 or via the playerstheatre.org.au. This is one play to8888 be missed! Theatre Box Office, open one hour prior to each show, at the corner of Lord and Gordon Streets, Port Macquarie.

baby sitting

kennys

Greater Port Macquarie focus 25

focusinterview.

Port Panthers

There’s something magical about the Rock ‘n’ Roll era … the fashion, the cars, the music - and the dancing! Whether you can dance or you have two left feet, Ross Cutrupi says joining Port Panthers Rock ‘n’ Roll Dance Club is one of the best things you can do to improve your fitness levels, your social life and just to have some good, old fashioned fun!

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i Ross. How long have you been a member of Port Panthers Rock ‘n’ Roll Dance Club? I first started with the Rock ‘n’ Roll group here in 2001 for about five years, then took a long break due to work commitments. I came back in around 2012. What’s your personal background with Rock ‘n’ Roll dancing? Well, I was no sort of a dancer at all when I first joined them - I had two left feet, and they were both nailed to the floor! Nor could I pick a beat if you paid me! We have a professional licensed teacher, Steve Tate, who has been teaching in the area since the very early ‘90s. First, he un-nailed my feet, then taught me left from right. It took me about 14 lessons to get the idea, but I was only dancing about one and a half hours a week. They always told me that one day it will just “click in”, and that it did! These days I can dance Rock ‘n’ Roll plus a couple other genres. What’s a little history of the club … how long has it been around? A committee was formed in about August 2000 and set up the not for profit social club named “Port Macquarie RSL Rock ‘n’ Roll Dance Club”. They engaged a teacher and started teaching people, of all walks, the Basic Beginners Steps, right through Intermediate to Advanced Rock ‘n’ Roll. The club continued to grow over the years and has taught a lot of people on the Mid North Coast the art of Rock ‘n’ Roll. The club has 185 people on its book, with 26 Greater Port Macquarie focus

around 120 of them being current financial members. What skill level is required of those who’d like to become a member - do they need to know how to dance? No; no real dance skills are required to get started - just a desire to learn how to dance and have a whole truck load of fun. Our classes will take you from been a wall flower in the room to an accomplished Rock ‘n’ Roll dancer. What types of social activities are offered by the club? On a weekly basis we hold a social dance come practice night every Monday from 6:30pm in the Lounge at Panthers here in Port. There we practice what we learnt in class and/ or get a little extra help from the experienced dancers for things we are struggling with. We also have a two-hour class on Thursday nights starting @ 7pm. During the year we hold several dance events, starting with our Autumn Dance in March, which is about to become a two-night Rock ‘n’ Roll event in 2020. In April we hold a car rally, which is just a whole lot of fun, going to a mystery destination and ending with a BBQ and an afternoon of dancing and social interacting. Our major event, of course is RetroFest, which is a three-day Rock ‘n’ Roll Festival on the last full weekend in August, then we wind the year up with our club Christmas party on the last Saturday of November. When we can, we add in the odd social activity during the year - normally a bit of spontaneous social fun. How did the club’s major event, RetroFest (held at the end of August) go this year

... and what are the dates for next year’s 150 party-goers. We have a live band, and DJ, event? guests decorate their own tables, with prizes This was our club’s fifth RetroFest since the for best as well as poor taste tables. Hot and demise of the former Rock Around The Clock cold food platters are provided, all for a very in 2014. The foresight of the club’s President economical $5pp ... I must mention all this is at the time, Jodie Bland, saw a need for this made possible by the kind help from Panthers type of event in our area, so RetroFest was Port Macquarie, of which we are a Sub Club. born in 2015. Why would you encourage potential new It started as a great members to join? success and has simply The obvious social continued to grow. fun side of the club is a Our event this year was big attraction. Rock ‘n’ a major sell out; we We have a professional licensed Roll is a great exercise had to close the doors teacher, Steve Tate, who has … Science says people reasonably early both been teaching in the area since who dance regularly live nights with “Sold Out” the very early '90s. First, he longer than those who signs, with well over 400 un-nailed my feet, then don’t. It helped me lose a people in the auditoritaught me left from lot of weight, it’s not exum both nights and an right. It took me about pensive - ours are about estimated 600 - 700 14 lessons to get the idea, the cheapest classes I people coming through but I was only dancing about have seen and done with the doors both days for one and a half hours a week. a professional licensed a dance, to visit the retro teacher. market stalls and watch Where can we find out a fantastic aerial swing more info? dance demonstration by the Sydney Swing Anyone interested can go to our websites: Katz, plus the presentation of the RetroFest Pin www.portrockinroll.com.au or Ups by Dale Velvet Rose and fashion parade. www.retrofest-port.com.au Next year the event is booked for August Give us a call on 0458 429 944, or just turn 28 - 30th. Four of the best Rock ‘n’ Roll cover up at our class on a Thursday night at the bands will once again provide the music, along Senior Citizens Centre in Munster St. for a with one of the best D’s from Coffs, DJ Dale. 7pm start. What other activities/planned events does Thanks Ross. the club have on its calendar in coming Interview: Jo Robinson. months? Pics centre and right courtesy of Lindie Our next major dance is our Christmas dance in November, which normally attracts Kolver, from RetroFest 2019.

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Greater Port Macquarie focus 27

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Olsen Ormandy and

Louise Olsen and Stephen Ormandy met while at art school, coming up with the concept for Dinosaur Designs … which was originally a business designed to help fund their own individual art practices.

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ow, thirty years later, Louise and Stephen have created a household name with their business, and their own individual art practices have also blossomed. Their new exhibition at the Glasshouse Regional Gallery showcases paintings, sculptures and tapestries that are a result of their combined artistic collaborations, but also represent their individual works … You met in your final year of art school and created Dinosaur Designs - a well known business that specialises in beautiful jewellery and homewares. Your partnership has stood the test of time for thirty years now, which is wonderful! To what do you attribute the longevity of this creative relationship? We have a shared love and passion for art and design; we feel like we are on a wonderful adventure together. In addition to the pieces you create for Dinosaur Designs, you’ve both maintained your own very successful art practices. How have you managed to balance the workload associated with your own work and collaborative work over the years? We would not be able to do it all without our wonderful team. No matter how much you think you can do it all, you can’t without some great core people around you. It’s always important to concentrate on what’s important and where your energy is best spent. What do you most admire about each other’s work? Louise: Stephen has a wonderful sense of

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adventure, exploring organic geometry forms and colour relationships. Stephen: I admire Louise’s intuitive understanding of how to construct a painting, while maintaining a raw energy. How does your studio setup work ... do you each prefer to have your own space, or do you work side by side? Do you have We would like to talk about each have differing inspiration, creative adventure, needs when it comes balancing a busy business to what makes a from New York to London studio functional? and the world, and being Louise: Stephen and creative at the same time. I work separately in our We would like to talk Stephen and I will be showing a own spaces in the Diabout inspiration, creative series of our new paintings and nosaur Designs studio. adventure, balancing a some sculptural collaborative works. But, I also have another busy business from New studio at my dad’s place York to London and the in the Southern Highworld, and being creative lands. When I paint, I at the same time. need space away from a busy studio. What do you both hope to achieve artistiWhat are some of the pieces you’ll each cally over the next few years ... and do you be presenting in the upcoming exhibition, already have some ideas percolating away Olsen and Ormandy, at the Glasshouse that you can share with us? Regional Gallery? Louise: We both have shows coming up next Louise: Stephen and I will be showing a year - Stephen has two exhibitions coming up, series of our new paintings and some sculptural one in London and other in Dallas next year. I collaborative works. have a show at the Olsen What process did you use to select the Gallery in February, and we have some interpieces, as you must have a wealth of mate- esting collaborations coming up - but we can’t rial to choose from? talk about this at the moment. We have a collection of current and older Thanks Stephen and Louise. pieces from our archive. More about the artists, from their You’ll also be presenting an artist talk at individual websites: the Glasshouse on November 30. What Louise Olsen - louise-olsen.com topics are you planning to discuss? "I see my pieces as compositions, as sculp-

tures that are worn on the body or that adorn interior living spaces. I love it when I look at a piece of jewellery and it can sit as an object on a table and still communicate its essence. "I have a fascination with balance and the relationship between being bold and the sensitivity of the delicate, which translates in to all of my pieces having a hand-felt quality." Stephen Ormandy - stephenormandy.com "My work is born of the subconscious mind. I’m looking for vibration and rhythm, the play of line creating positive and negative space, searching for tonal balance through contrast or harmony, while developing chroma relationships that hug or repel." For more info about Dinosuar Designs, visit: dinosaurdesigns.com.au See the exhibition, Olsen and Ormandy, at the Glasshouse Regional Gallery from November 30 to January 5. Meet the artists on November 30 at 11am.

focusinterview.

Out to Lunch

with Susie Boswell

MICHAEL ELLIOTT DEER. Oh dear. Just mention feral deer around here, one of NSW’s urgent “hotspots” for the animal, and you’ll hear abundant stories of them running the roads, colliding with motorists. Susie asks: what’s being done about it?

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ne day, as I was driving in Port Macquarie, my life flashed before my eyes: the phenomenon that occurs when the brain perceives mortal danger. It happened the instant a massive deer - the most invasive, likely on the road, run to 200kg-plus and 1.5m high - bolted in front of my low-slung sedan. I remembered once seeing a deer carcass, a serious traffic hazard on Ocean Drive in the schools-aged care precinct. Soon after, PMHC’s GM told me staff had been out to take another dead’un to the tip. Mid-year I read a big SUV was written off in a deer impact on Hastings River Drive. The car’s airbags erupted (and many vehicles don’t have them), the steering wheel came up, the shocked driver declared “Someone is going to get killed”. (Indeed, in the Illawarra there have been six fatalities.) Stories of similar accidents abound locally; reports of two other recent runins notified, and more over the years; a tradie lost a week’s work when his ute copped it; deer habitually eat a Lake Cathie resident’s garden; a woman watches herds grazing in The Point Drive; in O’Briens Road-Koala Street, ditto; a month ago a big carcass lay on Oxley Drive; my neighbour’s seen them running in our street. So who’s in charge of charging deer? How long is a piece of string? Mid-winter, MP Leslie Williams told Parliament she was afraid the growing deer population would cause more vehicle accidents, potentially severe injuries, or death as drivers swerved to avoid the animals. Shortly after, the Agriculture Minister announced the semi-protected “game” status of the “four-legged menace” was moving to “feral”, in line with wild dogs, foxes, pigs

and rabbits, so those with a firearm licence can shoot deer on private land, with landholder permission. (Other “priority pests”: feral goats and cats, cane toads, fire ants, carp, Indian Mynas, Lord Howe rats). In the past decade the spread of deer had more than doubled, now occupying more than a sixth of NSW, the Minister said. It took just four years for their territory to expand by almost a third, seven years for the numbers to grow near two-thirds. The situation is described as “costly”, “destructive”, “crisis”, “plague”. Without action, deer will occupy near 100 per cent of the State. Deer do not observe boundaries as to whether they’re ravaging farmland, national parks, or charging onto RMS highways, the PMHC urban area or your precious rose garden. After numerous forays among diverse stakeholders the solution seems, rather than clear, to become increasingly complicated with in some instances, pardon the pun, buck-passing. My inquiries were met by two significant interested parties with, to be polite, reluctance and tiptoeing around the issue. But today I’m fortunate to talk with Michael Elliott, Senior Biosecurity Officer of North Coast Local Land Services at Coffs Harbour [NCLLS/ LLS], covering a region from below Port to the Qld border. The Hastings has more deer than any district across its massive area. From a long chat with Elliott and, separately, many documents and anecdotes, it seems a lot of study effort, led by LLS, is going on as well as some practical effort, but efficacy is not, shall we say, optimum. It’s easy to understand the complexity: among its many duties assisting landholders, LLS coordinates achieving what’s to become the Hastings Wild Deer Management

Plan (formerly “Strategy”) now being updated via input of the Hastings Wild Deer Working Group: representatives of NCLLS; the NPWS; Forest Corp; PMHC; RMS; Police, for (underreported) vehicle strikes and incursions in public spaces; the Primary Industries Dept’s pest unit; and private lands managers. Those entities are at the crux of it. (Ancillary stakeholders include the RSPCA, Sporting Shooters, pest animal shooters and academic/government advisory bodies). The multiple agencies reflect that deer occupy a variety of land tenures and thus the challenge of controlling them. A 2015 survey identified concern in, among others, Lincoln Rd, Sovereign Hills, Koala St, Lake Cathie, Bonny Hills. PMHC controls deer at the airport by electric fencing and vigilance. It exercises “limited management” on council land (possibly, I don’t know, this explains night-scope flashes seen around the town dam). Over 30 years local deer numbers and their territory have expanded: an estimated minimum several hundred “and escalating” 15 years back. A DNA scat survey should soon update the estimate. For the unfortunate motorist, one may be enough. Not all people diss deer: Elliott points out some enjoy them in the landscape, a “Bambi” sentiment. They’re valued by others as a “recreational hunting resource”. But deer pose a high risk to motorists due to their big size and high centre of gravity, liable to vault them into windscreens. They pose an adverse biosecurity nuisance, carrying diseases, weed seeds, cattle tick, parasites, fouling waterways, damaging the ecology, forests, environment. They compete with native wildlife; impact production on grazing land, of horticulture crops, vineyards; wreck infrastructure, rural/residential fences; ringbark

trees by rubbing with their antlers; trample golf courses, parks; wander onto railways despite fencing; are aggressive to people and other animals. In April a Victorian man was killed by his pet deer. Last year LLS reported they are “a significant risk to human safety”. LLS, the coordinating agency, takes the problem seriously. Elliott tells me 153 deer have been “controlled” (shot) in the local area this calendar year. The carcasses are sent to, let’s say, a big local animal-meat consumer. Considering the apparent numbers on the hoof I wonder if 153 will dent the population? Elliott puts it to me this way: a doe can have three calves every two years. So I see that at 1.5 a year, the newborns of just 100 would replace the culled 150-odd in 12 months. Assuming we’ve more than 100 deer producing offspring, it’s clear present shootings are unable to reduce the exploding herds. In a document I located independently, LLS reported the Deer Working Group had achieved "limited collaborative deer management". Not every land manager member rated the importance of deer management equally, reflected in the extent of their control “effort”, nor was as diligent at attending meetings or sharing information, perhaps due to a low level of activity or disinclination to reveal their activity. For his part, Elliott, active and knowledgeable in all aspects of deer control, suggests we won’t be able to eradicate them, but hopefully reduce their impact. They’re likely to remain a presence in the landscape. Oh. Deer. Thanks to LLS for much more detail provided, maybe material for a later column.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 29

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

Ashleigh & Rangat celebrating with friends and family at Bendooley Estate in Berima

Belinda Charet and Kodie Shipway at Port Cup in stunning millinery by The Hat Room

Jordan & Michael Wynter and their stunning bridal party at The Point at Sails (Weddings by Jase)

Ashleigh and Rangat celebrating in their traditional Sikh wedding

Ashleigh Clark, Melinda Castles, Stephanie Jackson at the Newman 40th anniversary celebration

Andy & Deb and the Saunders Family with Jordan, Michael, Maisie & Ashton Wynter (Weddings by Jase)

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Feeling a little like Dorothy from Kansas at the moment, with a divine “no place like home” vibe filling the air as we settle back into our home after our little unwanted internal water feature and the subsequent forced reno that followed.

ue flashbacks to episodes of The Block - is there anything better than your own bed, in your own house in your own street - I think not! Happy my house now has a floor and has returned to a two storey dwelling! Huge shout out to the construction crew that got us back in and to the beautiful little Beach House at Nobbys we called home for the last few months … I will miss the ocean views, but give me our little house on the hill any day of the week! Everything gets put back into immediate and fierce perspective when families, homes and bushland are all under threat from the rampant bushfires all around us. Sending huge love and strength to these families in the red zone and the amazing fire crews and emergency services fighting through blaze to protect them. Amongst all of this it’s clear that love is really all you need and this month has been a literal love fest, with some seriously beautiful weddings on the calendar. Former Port Macquarie girl and RGB Events Project Assistant Ashleigh Chapple married the absolute love of her life, Rangat Oberai in a weekend of celebrations. In true sub-continent style, the couple celebrated with two stunning ceremonies in Sydney surrounded by family and friends from Port Mac and around the world. The first was a stunning traditional Sikh ceremony at Guru Nanak Gurudwara in Turramurra, complete with bride, groom and 230 gorgeous guests in traditional dress, henna bridal body art and lots of fabulous food, dancing and ceremony. The handsome groom even arrived by horseback and carried a ceremonial sword

to “protect” his bride. The second Western ceremony and reception for 130 was held at rustic romantic country wedding venue The Stables in Bendooley Estate in Berrima. Ashleigh ensured all her besties from Port Macquarie were by her side for both celebrations, including Ebony Klioussis, Dani Tabone, Louise Lattimore, Allysa Smith, Nicole Russell and Elyssa Payne. Other special guests included Walter Niall, Rebecca and Bernard Pociask, Dianne and Gordon Payne, Michelle Oakley, Bambi Russel, Nerida Galloway, Jess Denham, Kayla Stelzer and Andrew Lattimore and baby Alex. The newlyweds jetted off on their honeymoon to beautiful NZ. Congrats, you gorgeous pair! Wishing you so much happiness now and forever! A huge happy birthday to the one and only Mr Craig Reimer-Madden, my very first boss in Port Macquarie. It was scarily nearly 20 years ago at Sails Resort where he rocked a Blue '70s safari suit like nobody’s business. I’m pleased to say that he can still rock that suit at his BIG 50 bash after some slight peer pressure from me to dig it out and get down and boogie! Sometimes it takes a night of old friends, lots of giggles and waaaaaay too much champagne infused dancing to remind you who you are! Happy birthday, CRM! Thanks to the party crew, including Jonny and Linda Meehan, Bec and Tim Olsen, Jo and Steve Muras, Kylie and Mark Lyons, one of my fairy god daughters Dana Malligan, Sarah Holster and Craig’s beautiful wife Lee for a fab night at their Lighthouse Beach pad … I have to say … moving house the next day was NOT so fab … truth bomb right there!

A fab night was had by all at the recent Newman College 40th anniversary event on 25th October. Whispering walls, wheelbarrows of champagne and industrial cool set the scene for close to 200 guests celebrating 40 years of innovation and creativity from the college’s first opening in 1979. Glam guests, including current and past students, staff and principals, board members and employers gathered to enjoy a night of memorabilia, fabulous food and entertainment in a transformed college hall that highlighted the industrial side to their education style, with video presentations and photographic and interactive displays set amongst pallets and besser blocks, with tables and walls covered with 40 years of newspaper stories depicting student, staff and college achievements. It was a creative nod to the nostalgic - interactive and enlightening and lots of fun. Congrats to all of the team who pulled together a fabulous night, including Alicia Stapleton, Michelle McKenzie, Helen Bagust, Charlie James and the rest of the dedicated Newman team, with special addresses by Principal Mark Nunan, Steven Pares, Adam Spencer and special appearances by Jim O’Brien and Chair of the board John McGuigan and Steve Bryant. The Newman team signature is to do things differently and this night was no exception - can’t wait to see what’s in store for the next ten years! Absolutely gorgeous former Manning Valley now Port Macquarie couple Jordan Pitman and Michael Winter said I do earlier this year in a stunning ceremony in the Pavilion at Sails Resort with celebrant Margo Smith, followed by a

reception in The Cape Ball room for 90 guests. This glamourous pair were surrounded by family and friends, including parents Sue and Michael Pitman and Lesley and Vicki Wynter and Jordan’s bridesmaids, Tori Pitman, Kahli Pitman, Teagan Eggins, Erin Murphy and Jessica Hammond. Michael was attended by Rob Sheehy, Chris Wynter, Alex Brown, Matt Bevitt, and Brendan Moy. Flower girls were Mia, Ollivia and Armani Murphy, Amelia Maxworthy and Maisie Wynter. Page boys were Kai Eggin, Lawson and Ashton Wynter. The couple's close friends, Andy and Deb Saunders of The Block fame were on hand to celebrate with their own gorgeous family, with Andy emceeing the event in his usual hilarious and charming style. Guests enjoyed a grazing table and champagne in the pavilion and surrounding lawns, followed by a sumptuous three course celebration in The Cape Ballroom - dancing the night away to band “Mum Says Rock”. All the glamour and fun was captured by the talented Jase Allan of Weddings by Jase. The three tier chocolate and vanilla wedding cake created by Lovely Day Cakes finished off a stellar evening. Congrats, Jordan and Michael! With crazy travel schedules and minor house disasters done and dusted … racing season and the Port Cup has albeit zipped past in a blur of fast fashion and fun, with Rydges Port Mac event Derby Day in all its monochromatic glory next on the spring radar. It’s always been about fashion, fine food and friends for me, rather than the race itself. Looking forward to bubbles with besties on the waterfront! 'til next month, Kate. Greater Port Macquarie focus 31

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With a background in dance and performance, some amazing costumes and the ability to relate well with children, the lovely Rommley Brady truly resembles a Disney princess! Rommley offers the chance for your child to meet the princess or other character - of their dreams, and her business, The Poisoned Apple, is growing in leaps and bounds …

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i Rommley. Tell us a little about yourself and your connection with the Greater Port Macquarie area. I was born in 1993 here in Port Macquarie and have spent all but one and a half years of my life living in Port. Growing up, I took dance lessons and loved performing. I have studied dance, business and events, which I have been able to combine to enable me to develop my business. I have a beautiful daughter, who is almost four and an amazing partner and family who have helped me bring this dream to life. How did you come up with the idea for your business, "The Poisoned Apple"? Back in 2015, I started working for a children's entertainment company and instantly fell in love with the industry. I then decided to study Events at TAFE, to give me a better understanding of what is required to run a successful event. After doing a lot of research into what is required to run a business and manage events, as well as how to present characters in an authentic and professional way, I decided to bring my dream to life. It also helps that I am a massive Disney fan and have wonderful support from my family. When someone books you to create a magical party experience, what can you

offer? We offer a variety of different services, including “magical story time”, singing and dancing, glitter tattoos and hair, “princess dance lessons”, “princess and me” photo shoots, video messages, corporate I think two of the most appearances, character important things to have in a “meet and greet” child’s life are imagination and sessions, shows - and so for her birthday. It was magic. EVERY CHILD much more. a magical experience DESERVES TO What characters are for us all, and she got FEEL SPECIAL AND in your repertoire/can to ask all the questions HAVE A SPECIAL you dress up as? she wanted to ask her MOMENT with a At the moment we favourite princess and character that brings them joy. have Snow Queen (Elsa), not have to share the Snow Princess (Anna), moment with other Sea Princess (Ariel), Miss children. Mouse (Minnie Mouse), I also love when children meet their Thistle the Spring Fairy, a ballerina, as well as favourite character and bring letters some new characters on the way. sometimes they are a little star struck. We also take requests, so if there is a What do you most enjoy about working character that you are looking for, we can with children? organise it (given a little time). Bringing magic into a child's world. I think Where do you source your costumes? two of the most important things to have Some of my costumes are sourced online, in a child’s life are imagination and magic. then customised to suit our needs, and others Every child deserves to feel special and have a are made by Maxine Butler (The Tutuist). special moment with a character that brings What have been some fun experiences them joy. you've had at parties recently? What are some tips you can give about Recently the Sea Princess had a one on planning the perfect party? one experience with a little girl and her sister

Time management. When booking a party or event, the more lead time the better, as it gives us time to plan the perfect day and to make sure everything runs smoothly. Choosing the child's favourite character is important, and theming the party around that character makes it all fit together. How can we contact you/find out more about you? You can find us on Facebook and Instagram @the_poisoned_apple_au You can also contact us via email: Rb.thepoisonedapple@gmail.com or by phone on 0487 977 217. Final say … Thank you to everyone who has helped me build this dream! Thanks Rommley. Interview: Jo Robinson. Photos far left and top left: Natalie O’Donnell Photography. Photo top right: Lindie Kolver. Greater Port Macquarie focus 33

A S P E C I A L F O C U S O N M U R R AY S T R E E T

FOCUS FEATURE

BARBERS O N M U R R AY

is growing and has the pleasure of introducing you to their THREE full-time barbers. Eddie Smith, owner of Barbers on Murray, welcomes well-known local Dennis, whose years of experience will be a great asset to the salon, and Kara, whose barbering career is kicking off locally! Come say hi to the new staff, check out the new gift packs and products that are arriving for early shoppers this Xmas.

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MIRROR MIRROR

ummer time, the season to shine.

This summer's palette has us inspired.

We have some new faces at Mirror Mirror. My best friend and great hairdresser Helen Trotter, and my gorgeous ray of sunshine, Charli Keir, who is currently studying a school based apprenticeship.

The girls at Mirror Mirror will work with you to achieve your look.

Together we create for you your perfect look.

Emily Dood can transform your lashes to full, soft or dramatic flutters and has an awesome talent for makeup for any occasion.

So many packs for the silly season -

Gorgeous blonde beach hair to beautiful copper sunsets.

Nicky Jones will liven up your nails with some beautiful nail enhancements; from colour changing to glitter,

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Nicky's nails will inspire any outfit.

savings of over $40 on most packs. Come in and the girls will tailor your homecare package for you with great savings. Jo Forrester and her fab team can't wait to inspire your new summer look.

Four ESPRESSO

New owners of specialty café Four Espresso, Steve and Alicia Payne have really enjoyed the past year, putting their focus on bringing you great coffee just how you like it, delicious house made treats, and breakfast or lunch catering to all your wants and needs. They have a great vegan following, and are at the forefront of pushing for sustainability and reducing their environmental footprint.

Local delivery in the CBD, through Eat Appy or by phone.

A S P E C I A L F O C U S O N M U R R AY S T R E E T

HOLLOW STORE

Herbs, Health & Healing.

We’re a team of professionals specialising in Naturopathy, Nutrition, Yoga and Meditation, Massage and Reiki. Follow us on Facebook to hear about upcoming workshops, events, and offers.

FOCUS FEATURE

TRS CYCLE CENTRE

I DID you know?

Our range of Herbal Tonics made by Melanie Lock ND BHSc are the perfect accompaniment to support your body this summer. We can customise a tonic to suit your needs, or drop in for one of our bottles - Stress and Detox are perfect for the silly season. @thehollowportmacquarie

herbal tonics for good health

f you want to see the carbon, come into the store. While you’re here, talk to us about bikes (we love talking about bikes), or bike racing, or the best way to ride to the shops, or your most recent two wheeled adventure that you managed to fit in before breakfast. Talk to us about anything … maybe even beer (we’re bike riders - we love beer)! So come in and talk to Cameron and Paul. We look forward to meeting you … in person.

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Greater Port Macquarie focus 35

A S P E C I A L F O C U S O N M U R R AY S T R E E T

at

MURRAY STREET

AMUSE SOCIETY Looking for something new for the beach this summer? Vintage tropical paradise - the Steve Triangle swim top features a clean finish, adjustable shoulder straps and removable cups. Bottoms also available from GOLD DUST TRADER.

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UPPERCUT DELUXE A must have combo kit that contains everything you need to rock a slick-back or pomp and keep it looking good. Containing a tin of Deluxe Pomade, a bottle of Everyday Shampoo, Everyday Conditioner and a Tortoise Shell Comb. facebook.com/barbersonmurray

ARTHOUSE ACCOMODATION

W BLING Beautiful jewels and jewellery arriving weekly from Gold Dust Trader @gold_dust_trader 36 Greater Port Macquarie focus

e have two accommodation options available for anyone looking for the perfect place to stay right in the heart of Port Macquarie. Both The Arthouse Loft and the Arthouse Apartment have been lovingly renovated to create spaces for you to relax and unwind surrounded by beautiful art, while enjoying the convenience of staying in one of the coolest parts of Port. The Arthouse Loft is a beautiful space to relax, unwind and enjoy Port Macquarie. We are located right in the centre of town, with a café downstairs, restaurants and bars within an easy

stroll and water at your doorstep. Everything you need is right here, and we encourage you to enjoy the local restaurants, shop locally and unwind in our beautiful Loft. The Arthouse Apartment has everything you need, with a full kitchen, breakfast and coffee, beach towels and a few little surprises included in your package. The space has been designed to allow you to experience something special and unique, and we want you to fall in love with our town and its people. Imagine a couple of days of easy living in this beautiful apartment with everything you need, from coffee, restaurants, shopping and adventure, all at the bottom of your stairs. All bookings can be made via AirBNB or by contacting us.

A S P E C I A L F O C U S O N M U R R AY S T R E E T

FOCUS FEATURE

BEE PURE Bee Pure seed blossoms are Australian made and filled with a variety of seeds and organic clay to fertilise the seeds where they fall, and thus increase the natural habitat and food sources for our bees from Mirror Mirror.

TRS 1751

Bontrager Sonic

Women's Road Shoes. Efficient, full-feature women’s road cycling shoe with roomy design for all-day comfort from TRS.

ARTHOUSE INDUSTRIES Shop local for Xmas! Arthouse Industries has a beautiful range of locally made items, including resin cheese boards and servery, tableware, earrings, necklaces, prints, tea towels and fashion. @arthouseindustries

MOUNTAIN BIKE Marlin 7 is where race-worthy mountain bikes begin. The smooth, lightweight RockShox fork and upgraded parts make this model the best choice for new riders who want a great cross country hardtail that will hold its own against our higher-end race bikes - from TRS.

are you feeling CREATIVE? Throughout the month Arthouse Industies offer many creative classes, including lampwork and bead making, watercolour, jewellery making, acrylic painting, resin, collage, and so many more ‌ Visit the website for dates and prices www.arthouseindustries.com.au Greater Port Macquarie focus 37

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Wanda Grein is not just an artist, but a deep thinker who believes art has the potential to change people’s lives for the better. Having recently moved to Lake Cathie from Kiama, Wanda has established a studio where she offers art lessons for both adults and children … but her dreams are so much bigger than this!

H

i Wanda. What brought you to Lake Cathie? My son, Rob, moved to Lake Cathie in 2017 with his family, and we have been visiting ever since from Kiama. I missed my son and my three beautiful grandchildren; I could see them growing up before my eyes. I was a single mother when raising my son, and I wanted to give back what I couldn’t when I was a working mum. I want to support them all as much as I can and run a business. I have a passion to leave my family a legacy, as they are all creative family and teach them as much as I can about art, creativity, intuition and thinking outside the box! I have taught them all to paint from when they were babies, and I really missed that soul connection. I am so grateful now to be living close to them. What’s your background with art and teaching? Since I was a child, I have been creative. I was always drawing, singing, dancing! My grandfather was an artist, but the Germans stole most of his artworks during the war, and only a few paintings have been retrieved. I have one of them. Both my parents suffered trauma during the war - my mother grew up in a Japanese concentration camp in Indonesia, and my father spent seven years of his life running from the Germans in World War II. Life was unpredictable for me as a child, so I would lose myself in self-expression. As a teacher, I always participated in all of the arts and was well known for my artistic ability,

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knowledge and skills. I started teaching art fullart projects, where I created mosaic murals time in schools to all children, K to 12. which are all over Sydney in schools, parks and I got a master’s degree in applied sciences by church communities; and created and impleresearch, where I learned the principles of art mented painted mural projects for specific therapy and counselling. That helped me create Councils. specific programs in schools for kids with probI have no degree in the arts. My gift is my lems, trauma, and learning disorders. I knew ability to bring life to art for everyone to enjoy. that leading with art would create a doorway to I had my first solo art exhibition at the Nan restore a child’s confidence, increase their ability Tien Temple 2013 in Wollongong, where I to focus and concentrate and develop problem exhibited my Buddha paintings for two months. solving skills along the I sold over 25 artworks, way. and one of my paintings I teach high level travels around the world skills with top quality art to different Buddhist Temmaterials. I have been ples to celebrate Buddha’s I have creative art programs honoured to work with birthday! for both kids and adults, so children with a broad Why did you decide I teach from ages five range of issues; they have to start your own art to 100 years. I teach taught me so much about studio locally? individualised programs the human condition and I always had a dream for each child and adult student, where emotional pain to start my own art where everyone gets to express lives in the body if it’s not studio somehow. I had and learn what they want to learn healed. no business knowledge at the time. I took my style of art at all coming from the programs and skills to education system, so I just palliative care teams and winged it! worked with patients, My art studio in Kiama, carers, doctors and nurses, creating workshops where I had been teaching children and adults for artistic self-exploration, introspection and for ten years, became very successful. I wanted personal expression. to do more, so when my son moved here, I had I’ve assisted creative arts advisors in the edua dream to create a wellness centre here. The cation system with teacher training in schools, move to Lake Cathie came at an opportune and co-authored school curriculum visual arts for time, as I was ready to expand my art business the Catholic education system. from a studio to a Creative Wellness Sanctuary. I’ve also taught visual arts to first and second I believe this is the way I can leave my legacy year Bachelor of Education university students; for my grandchildren and help children in our consulted with school communities for specific foster care system - those kids who are “sur-

viving” on the emotional fringes of life. I want to create enough capital so I can provide art programs showing them how to live their life differently, and to show them they have choices and that their inner creative gift is their currency in life. Hope is so powerful! Hope is self-belief. Art can teach resilience. People ask me why I named my studio “Anise Art”. Anise was one of my students who loved to paint, draw, sing and save children from being bullied. Sadly, Anise passed away from a genetic disorder just after he turned 11, and it was at his gravesite I received the message to create my own art studio to help children who are less fortunate. What types of classes do you offer? I have creative art programs for both kids and adults, so I teach from ages five to 100 years. I teach individualised programs for each child and adult student, where everyone gets to express and learn what they want to learn at the time. The learning is needs-based, and everyone in the class paints their own ideas. I teach painting, drawing, watercolour, sculpture, mixed media, and oil pastels - you name it! I currently offer regular art classes for kids (after school) and back to basics skills classes for adults. In 2020 I will be launching: • Corporate team/staff day programs - art and communication, art and connection, and art and teamwork; • Art soirees - culture and art experience - a three-hour workshop • Art and spirituality programs for staff/company retreat days; • Hen’s art spas - alternative bridal art days, in-

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corporating art activities, essential oils spas/tarot and developing your intuition … Live drawing is the all-time favourite!; • Mandala workshops - personal development; • “META” women’s retreats - one day retreats with meditation, essential oils, intuition training and art experiences to reach the subconscious mind, deactivate limiting beliefs and reframing new ones. Held Sundays; • Art meditation classes - meditation techniques and how our mind works, personal response through art, not based on skill, only expression. What type of experience do you aim to offer with your classes? My business motto is RELAX PLAY CREATE, and inside that I teach all my students how to relax, be present to the art, to play in the experience and not get so serious about it. The art experience I provide is not only about art skills and technique - it’s about connection to self and connection with others. I like to activate the senses for the art experience, and I do this by playing ambient music and diffusing essential oils in all the classes. I am very much about helping people shift limiting beliefs about themselves and their ability to do things outside their own idea of what is possible. You have big plans for the studio. What are you hoping to achieve? We live on nearly an acre property with lots of space, rooms and sheds to create fun and wellness in! I left my 85 students back at Kiama that I have been teaching for 10 years; it is taking time for people here to know who I am. I opened the studio in July, and I have 30 art students already. I do affiliate marketing on the side and plan to implement Women’s Retreats in 2020. My dream is to create a Creative Wellness

Sanctuary here for the community, where people but as soon as the artwork got more complicatcome to participate in art, meditation, Yoga, ed, she would complain, groan, and give up. Pilates, healthy living skills, to learn about plant When people face a canvas, they face their medicines and essential oils, have massage limiting beliefs - I have witnessed it so many treatments, come for counselling, art therapy, times. One morning, I had to draw the line in various healing modalities like Bowen therapy, the sand for her - she again wanted to stop the Reiki, Tarot readings, living water (alkaline water) artwork. I very gently said to her, “If you are not classes, soul centred business mentoring, legal planning to finish it, go home. I’m not going to advice and women’s ignite your wisdom day give you another canvas; you will finish what retreats. you start”. Where are you up to with these plans so This was a pattern; she would give up befar? cause she had a belief that the art had to look I am still in the a certain way. She would beginning stages. My never learn what it could goal in the next three become unless she finmonths is to set up the ished one artwork to the studio, recruit a massage best of her ability. It was My business motto is therapist, Pilates and Yoga a light bulb moment - she RELAX PLAY CREATE, and dance instructors to told she always never and inside that I utilise the space, then the completed anything! teach all my students healers and therapists. She chose to finish the how to relax, be By February I will artwork. A few months present to the art, to launch my first women’s later, she was back in play in the experience and day retreat, working rehab, and this time not get so serious about it. in collaboration with stopped the medication other local businesses for for good. Her anxiety cleaning, catering and lessened, she lost weight, accommodation. she grew in confidence, I am still looking for massage therapists, Reiki and now has her driver’s licence and her own and Bowen therapists, kinesiologists, naturocleaning business! paths, Yoga and Pilates instructors who’d like a One of my other clients, Lisa, was a young homely space to rent for the hours they want, mum of three children who had brain cancer. without having to rush in and out of public halls. When she was in hospital, she decided to learn What’s a situation or two you’ve observed how to paint again. She called herself Lisa Monwhere art has helped your students? et! I was called in to assist the process. One of my clients was addicted to pain Lisa loved art, but lost the use of her left medication. She had tried for years in rehab and hand - which happened to be her dominant always self-sabotaged herself. Coming to art hand. In order for her to start painting, I had to class, she was determined to learn how to paint, find a paint brush that she could hold steadily; it

happened to be a cake decorating brush. After one practice painting, she asked, “Wanda, is it possible I could paint something for my children?” Her husband was sole carer for the children, because Lisa was unable to care for them something she was so sad about. Her marriage had ended before her diagnosis, so she saw the children once a month - if that. The following art session, she selected three different Monet paintings to create a similar image for her children in Mandala style art. It took her many months to complete. On the week she completed the last painting, her mother informed me that Lisa’s tumour was growing on the other side of her brain, and that it would be a matter of time. The last coherent thing Lisa asked me was, “Do you think the paintings will remind my children about me? I hope they like them!” I bought picture frames for the artworks and mounted each one. In March the following year, the artworks proudly stood on her coffin. Her mother sent me a photograph when I visited her family. Lisa left a legacy for her children. Where can we contact you? Anise Art Studio is situated at 4 Forest Way, Lake Cathie, nestled on the estate surrounded by majestic gumtrees and wildlife. Website www.aniseart.com.au Facebook pages art - www.facebook.com/ aniseart and Entrepreneur - www.facebook.com/wandahelenaG Email me wanda@aniseart.com Mobile 0422 029 084. Landline Studio (02) 6593 6143. Thanks Wanda. Interview: Jo Robinson.

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focus_contributor

Maximising your income could mean the difference between Port Stephens and Portugal

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

Exciting news for our region when TWO FANTASTIC GRANTS FROM THE NSW STATE GOVERNMENT were announced by Member for Port Macquarie, Leslie Williams this month.

The time has finally come to be able to live your life. With so many things to look forward to, the last thing you want to be thinking about is whether you’ll have enough money to live the lifestyle you deserve. Talk with one of our financial advisers for advice on maximising your age pension entitlements in retirement.

Call 6583 1735 or visit morgans.com.au/portmacquarie/maximiseyourpension

Financial Planning | Investment Advice | Superannuation Morgans Financial Limited ABN 49 010 669 726 AFSL 235410

$150,000 - Night-time Zoo Attraction for Billabong Zoo. Mark and Danena Stone have been very enthusiastic for many years about opening the Billabong Zoo to its visitors as a night-time experience. The grant will support the implementation of the evening activity. It will also allow for the implementation of interactive displays that encourage educational experiences to visitors, helping to better understand the animals and experience the Billabong Zoo throughout both the day and night. $5,000,000 - Port Macquarie Koala Hospital. Port Macquarie’s iconic Koala Hospital is set to undergo a multi-million-dollar redevelopment that will transform this iconic attraction into a world class facility. This is a huge win for the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital and will showcase to the world the wonderful and unique work that the Koala Hospital does protecting and improving the health of our local koala population. “Once completed, the visitation to the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital will only continue to grow as one of the premier tourism attractions in the Hastings,” Mrs Williams said. Hello Koalas in the Botanic Gardens. What a success our beautiful Hello Koalas Sculptures are proving to be in Sydney 24 sculptures are currently on display in the Botanic Gardens. The reaction from Sydneysiders has been amazing. We are sure that people who have seen the Koalas in the Gardens will want to see more and visit us in Greater Port Macquarie at the next opportunity. Greater Port Macquarie Tourism Association recently hosted its Annual General Meeting on the 15th October at the Port Macquarie Golf Club. Elected Tourism Board Members are Sue Ashton, Adam Button, Chris Denny, Paul Dawson, Janette Hyde, Naomi Hunter, Kerry McFayden, Mick Prosser and John Spencer. Our appointed delegates from Wauchope and Camden Haven are Rob Hamilton and Marisha Woods. Congratulations to the members of Greater Port Macquarie Tourism Association who are

finalists in the NSW State Tourism and NSW Business Chamber State Awards, which will be held on the 22nd and 23rd November at Luna Park. We have nine Greater Port Macquarie Tourism Association Members going through to these awards - Telegraph Retreat Cottages, Macquarie Waters Boutique Apartment Hotel, Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail, Breakwall Caravan Park, Cassegrain Winery, MBC Recruitment, Kayla Fuller, Touchwood Flowers and Wauchope Country Club. Melbourne Cup is always an exciting time, and this year in Port Macquarie is no exception - check out the separate flyer at www.portmacquarieinfo.com.au for details of activities. Countdown to Christmas is on the 28th November from 5:30pm on the Town Green, commencing with a concert on the Town Green featuring many local acts. The Christmas Parade will commence from Horton Street (near KFC) from 5:50pm with lots of interesting entries. The Christmas Tree will light up at 8pm, followed by a wonderful display of fireworks sponsored by Liberty. Five new members join the Greater Port Macquarie Tourism Association this month: Wauchope Country Club - the club boasts a magnificent 18-hole golf course and two bowling greens, plus all the usual club activities. Mid North Social - offering to the entertainment industry a very diverse range of activity. Sheathers on High - a little oasis in Wauchope offering delightful food, beverage and fantastic customer service. Cue Deli BBQ Café - in Port’s industrial area, where you’re sure to be enticed with the amazing slow cooked meat selection on offer. Charles Sturt University - when you study at Charles Sturt University Port Macquarie Campus, you get an Australian experience like no other. Check out other events happening in our region www.portmacquarieinfo.com.au Greater Port Macquarie focus 41

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The Seed Creative Workshops

Summer is here, sandals are in at Colonial Cobbler! When it comes to sandals for summer, the options are endless! From strappy to ruffled, gladiator and beyond, your Summer 2019-20 sandal guide is all here at Colonial Cobbler. Whether you’re headed on a local summer beach getaway for the holidays or an international jet-set location, you’re going to need the perfect sandal (or three of four) to choose from! Sandals have evolved so much in the fashion arena over the past couple of decades, with a strong emphasis on both aesthetic and comfort factor. Colonial Cobbler is renowned for stocking European brands that merge both style and functional support into their footwear. Have you been into their store in Port Macquarie’s Colonial Arcade lately? You will

find new season stocked sandals in an array of colours and styles, including embellished and beaded flats, as well as low-rise block heeled sandals, perfect for a day or night time event. You can also experience the supreme comfort of Birkenstocks and Ecco travel footwear among others, designed to have you walking on air. Many of the sandals stocked are also orthoticfriendly or produced with in-built arch and cushioning foot support - perfect to keep you on your feet all day! Whatever your style and taste, you are bound to find your new favourite sandals right here at Port Macquarie’s Colonial Cobbler. Be fitted instore with on-trend sandals by the friendly and knowledgeable team today.

What are The Seed Creative Workshops? The Seed is where creativity grows! It's a fun, relaxing space offering regular fine art classes, creative workshops, and private pARTies! Beginners to advanced individuals of all ages can learn a range of new creative skills in a variety of mediums from painting, clay, mosaic, jewellery making, resin pour, acrylic flow, diy wood signs and many more! Our art teachers will guide you to express yourself on your own unique colourful journey in a fun, supportive environment. What classes do you offer? We have something for everyone! Regular Seedlings classes for mums, bubs and toddlers, after school term programs for primary students, teens and NDIS participants and a kids' school holiday program! All of our term programs are eligible for the $100 Kids Creative Voucher. We have a variety of one-off creative workshops for adults, as well as four week art programs to fully immerse yourself in a particular medium. What's On at The Seed this month? We are so excited to launch our brand new DIY wood signs and resin table workshops mid November, so be sure to check them out on our website! Mingle and Make Mondays launches on November 11 - the second Monday of every month come and join the creative crew at The Seed for a casual FREE evening of art and socialising. Bring your own sketchbook

or artwork to develop, try different materials and receive inspiration and guidance from our teachers, as you work at your own pace on a selfdirected artwork. Drawing and painting materials available to use from $20pp. How can The Seed help locals celebrate this Christmas? Give your loved ones the gift of creativity this Christmas with a Seed gift voucher! Valid to use for ALL workshops and term classes. We have a range of locally handmade pieces and art supplies to purchase in our shop, grab a coffee and do a little Christmas shopping. You can also celebrate creatively with a private group pARTy this Christmas season! All bookings include a free bottle of bubbly to kickstart your celebrations and a personalised framed group Christmas photo!

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focusinterview.

Tanya S T A G N E S ’ PA R I S H V O L U N T E E R CO O R D I N ATO R

T

anya, could you please tell us a little about yourself and how long you have been in Port Macquarie? Sure! I am originally from Inverell, but I completed my high school years here in Port Macquarie at MacKillop Senior College. I left the area to attend the University of Western Sydney and returned with my family about three years ago, after living and working in Brisbane, Dubbo and Sydney. We’re living in Lake Cathie, and we’re really enjoying everything the beautiful Hastings has to offer. Can you describe current volunteer roles you hold, or have held locally? Like most parents, my volunteering at the moment revolves around helping out with activities the kids are involved with. For example, I volunteer with the Wauchope Bonny Hills SLSC as an assistant age manager with their Nipper program and help out at the school whenever I can. You have recently been appointed by St Agnes’ Parish to oversee the vast volunteer network they have. How many people and groups will you be overseeing? St Agnes’ Parish is really lucky to have such committed volunteers. We currently have 445+ volunteers, and the numbers are growing! They come from all walks of life, Catholic and Non-Catholic, different ages and backgrounds. My role involves supporting coordinators, who currently oversee volunteers in Parish service areas such as

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Personally, I love seeing the smile on our Youth Hub, lifestyle and pastoPeople who volunteer ral care in our residential aged care our Nippers' faces when you’ve helped often get more out of facilities, the church and community them learn a new skill or overcome a their volunteering services and disabilities. fear. experience than they At last count there were more than Studies actually suggest that those expect, learning new 50 different types of volunteering who volunteer are 42% happier than skills and meeting new opportunities that people can get those who don’t, so I guess I am not people along the way. involved in. alone in the lift I get through volunWhat sort of work do the Parish teering. volunteers carry out? Describe some of the attributes of The range of roles undertaken by a volunteer. our volunteers has just blown me away! One of the Parish values is "Service before self", and I Some serve in ministries directly related to our church think that sums up a volunteer. They are willing to have a and chapel services. Some serve by helping maintain go at something new and to share their skills, experiences the grounds and gardens around the church and other and time with others. Being an open minded team player facilities. also helps a volunteer get the most out of their experiSome serve by supporting our age care residents with ence. their lifestyle activities and spiritual needs ministries. How can locals join the Parish volunteers? Others help out volunteering with our intergenerational Anyone who is interested can call in at our Adminisprograms, or teaching kids to play a musical instrument, tration Centre in Hay Street, where I’m more than happy or putting together over 200 Christmas hampers for to discuss volunteering options with them, or they can families in need every year. contact us through our website (stagnesparish.org.au). There are so many ways people can be involved - it’s I’m actually hosting a few volunteer information and important to us that each person finds the volunteering role that’s right for them. People who volunteer often get more out of their volunteering experience than they expect, learning new skills and meeting new people along the way. Volunteering is a very rewarding experience. What do you enjoy most about contributing in this way to our community?

feedback sessions from 13th - 15th November, which people are more than welcome to come along to. To register, just give the Parish a call on 6588 7444. Thank you, and good luck in your new role. Thank you; I am looking forward to it! There are lots of people to meet. I feel like I’ll be wearing my L plates for a little while yet.

ST JOSEPH’S FAMILY SERVICES

OPEN DAY

SATURDAY 9TH NOV BURGESS CLOSE, PORT MACQUARIE

11am to 2pm

Tomorrow's success depends upon who is behind you today...

Meet our friendly team and enjoy a great day of learning and fun! Animals I Sausage Sizzle I Craft & Activities I Troppo Bob Register your attendance at:

sjfs-open-day.eventbrite.com.au

www.scas.nsw.edu.au

and have the chance of winning a Samsung Galaxy Tab A worth $180!

Greater Port Macquarie focus 45

kennards hire

It’s on again! The world’s fastest rally car drivers return to the Coffs Coast for Kennards Hire Rally Australia from 14 - 17 November - and again one will go home as the 2019 World Champion. One of the greatest contests in world motorsport will be finalised on the forestry and rural roads of this beautiful region. Organisers and fans are hoping the WRC season finale will go down to the wire, as it did in 2018.

L

ast November, Sébastien Ogier, Thierry Neuville and Ott Tänak arrived Down Under, all with a chance of scooping the driver’s title, in a scenario that hadn’t occurred for many years. They battled throughout the weekend, until Neuville and Tänak dropped out on the final morning and it was left for Ogier to climb the podium and claim his trophy after the last stage on the last day on the last rally of the season. Incredible! Yes, for Ogier and the fans, but heartbreaking for his rivals. Experts said it couldn’t happen again, but it has - because the WRC is the most unpredictable series in motorsport. The same trio - Ogier for Citroën, Neuville for Hyundai and Tänak for Toyota - has traded blows all season, and each driver has had a turn at the top of the standings. The Estonian Tänak has held the advantage as the season winds down, but just when he thought the prize might be in the bag, Ogier boosted his own chances of a seventh-straight title with an heroic comeback win in Turkey. After Great Britain, just three points stood between Tänak and his maiden title, along with only a slim chance of wrapping it up at the penultimate round in Spain. Now we wait to see how the Estonian, the Frenchman and the Belgian are placed as the WRC arrives here for its grand finale. Many hazards and challenges lie in wait to spoil their party. The only certainty is ... uncertainty. WHAT’S THE WRC ALL ABOUT?

It’s often called the Gravel Grand Prix, because it’s the equivalent of Formula 1, the pinnacle of the sport. The leading teams represent the world’s 46 Greater Port Macquarie focus

biggest auto makers, Toyota, Hyundai, Citroën, Ford - which for marketing glory invest tens of millions of dollars to enter cars that start as $20,000 urban runabouts and end as fire-breathing forest racers costing almost $1 million. Yet the cars must remain able and legal to be driven on the road, and they’re a common sight in Coffs Harbour traffic when transiting between stages during the rally. Rally crews - driver and co-driver (navigator) - race one at a time against the clock at Kennards Hire Rally Australia over 325 km of “special stages” of varying distance and terrain, from Thursday to Sunday. The crew with the fastest overall time wins the event and earns the most points for their championship tally. Unlike circuit racing, rally crews are allowed no high-speed practice or qualifying in their cars. Route reconnaissance is done in non-competition cars within the usual speed limits; “pace” notes compiled by the co-driver during this exercise are all that’s available to guide the driver when the light goes green. It’s a recipe for breathtaking displays of wheel skill and bravery and incredibly close competition as drivers trade blows on successive runs. The wild card is any sort of incident from a spectacular rollover to a mere puncture to a mechanical failure that costs time. The fightbacks can be enthralling. WHAT TO SEE AT RALLY AUSTRALIA

Rally Show and Ceremonial Start (Thursday 14th November, 3:30pm, Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshore. FREE.) The traditional event preview is the place to meet the drivers, grab a selfie or an autograph and check out the amazing cars up-close.

Cars are flagged across November - Sunday Unlike circuit racing, rally 17th November, all the ramp to officially start crews are allowed no day, multiple locations. the rally. high-speed practice or TICKET REQUIRED. Destination NSW Super qualifying in their cars. CORPORATE Special Stage (Thursday Route reconnaissance is HOSPITALITY 14th November, first done in non-competition AVAILABLE.) car 4:30pm; Friday cars within the usual There are excellent 15th November, first speed limits; “pace” notes viewing spots every day car 5pm; Coffs Harbour compiled by the co-driver where you can enjoy Jetty Foreshore. TICKET during this exercise are all the true, traditional REQUIRED. CORPORATE that’s available to guide rally experience of HOSPITALITY AVAILABLE.) the driver when the light rally cars sliding past, The rally comes to goes green. up-close at hair-raising town for the Destination speed. The highlight is NSW Super Special Stage the NSW Forests Rally around a 1.3 km course Village on Sunday’s flanked by harbour and Wedding Bells stage, which witnesses the ocean. The hill in front of the former Deep event finale and podium presentation. Check Sea Fishing Club allows excellent elevated the Spectator Guide on the rally official viewing of most of the course as cars website for times, locations, maps, ticket negotiate jumps, a water splash and tight prices and even bus timetables for those who turns. It’s the rally’s spectating highlight. don’t want to drive from town. The spectator Pedders Rally Central (Thursday 14th points have all facilities, some including November - Sunday 17th November, open commentary. all day and evening, C.ex Coffs International Stadium. FREE.) The competitors’ service park is where cars - and crews - are replenished and repaired during timed breaks from the competition stages. See some of the world’s best mechanics perform incredible feats in record time. Pedders Rally Central also is where you’ll buy event and team souvenirs, top yourself up at the Taste of the World international food festival and Coopers Bar, watch all-day rally action on the big screens, visit trade displays, see the leading drivers interviewed on stage and, best of all, catch Saturday night’s free DRAGON concert (for four-day ticket-holders). Daytime Special Stages (Friday 15th

BUY KENNARDS HIRE RALLY AUSTRALIA TICKETS AT WWW.TICKETEK.COM

ROCK down memory lane with legendary band DRAGON, who’ll perform a free concert for holders of four-day Ultimate Get Me Everywhere tickets. Supported by local acts D’Boyzos and Kailey Pallas, the show starts at 6:30pm on Saturday night at Pedders Rally Central. Dragon’s set will be preceded by the highly-entertaining Meet-the-Crews session, when the day’s top three drivers and their team bosses will be interviewed on stage. Grab some food from the Taste of the World international food fair, adjacent to the concert area.

, S E T A M E H T Y Y L L I L M A A R F E RALLY TH MPIONSHIP A RALLY CH D L R O W FI A FOR THE

INTERNATIONAL FOOD FESTIVAL

WRC SHOWDOWN | DNSW SUPER SPECIAL STAGE RALLY SHOW | DAILY SPECTATOR POINTS PEDDERS RALLY CENTRAL | SUNDAY RALLY VILLAGE

Greater Port Macquarie focus 39

little R ipper As the warmer weather is approaching us and our beaches have unfortunately already seen preventable incidents, IT’S A TIMELY REMINDER TO BE SURF AWARE AND THE IMPORTANCE OF THE WORK PROVIDED BY SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTRALIA.

L-R: Daniel Gibb Branch Manager Westpac Port Macquarie, Tony Wright Life Member Port Macquarie Surf Life Saving, Sam Barlow Age Manager Port Macquarie Surf Life Saving, Nick Dyson Little Ripper Pilot.

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atrols have started again on beaches by There are currently 17 Australian Lifeguard drones in the fleet across Services (ALS) and NSW and Queensland with volunteers at under the guidance of local surf clubs, and The Ripper Group, in you may have seen the Surf Life conjunction with Surf Saving Australia Drone Partners, Life Saving Australia. the Westpac Little Ripper drone, being flown off local beaches. This amazing service supplies an extra pair of eyes on the surf in providing aid for rescues and important research in water and weather conditions and marine life. Port Macquarie is very fortunate to have the Westpac Little Ripper drone service flying every morning off local beaches under the watchful eye of pilot Nick Dyson. Nick has been flying the drones for the past two years, after completing the training program locally. The drones have a 5 km flying range and a 25-minute flight time before the batteries require charging. The drone is equipped with video surveillance cameras and a rescue tube that inflates upon contact with water. Each drone weighs around 14 kg and is worth up to $20,000. There are currently 17 drones in the fleet across NSW and Queensland under the guidance of The Ripper Group, in conjunction with Surf Life Saving Australia.

48 Greater Port Macquarie focus

The Westpac Little Ripper service is proud to partner with major sponsor Westpac to provide the invaluable extra service to SLS Australia. If you would like to know more about the program or how your workplace can help raise funds for the Little Ripper organisation, please contact Jason Young on 0404 944 415 or jason@littleripper.com

focusinterview.

Richard and Robyn Lyon have strong family roots in the Hastings area, and these days call the picturesque Comboyne plateau home.

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perating two businesses, Windrush Bed and Breakfast, and the Bella St Marks Emporium, and with farming interests too, the Lyons are a busy couple who delight in the peace, tranquility and friendliness of Comboyne … Hi Robyn. You and your husband (Richard) have quite extensive histories in the Greater Port Macquarie area. Could you share some of the key points about your families’ connections to our region? Richard’s mother’s family were the Pountneys of Port Macquarie, who started the Port News in 1882. The Lyon family are beef cattle breeders and have owned land on the Ellenborough River since the 1870s. This land was previously one of Major Innes’ holdings. My mother’s family were the Henrys, who arrived in the Hastings in 1855 and built the Travellers Rest Hotel at Long Flat in 1875. My paternal great great-grandfather was John Hibbard; he and his brother-in-law, Phillip Haines are attributed to being the pioneers of the timber-milling industry in the Hastings district. Apart from sawmilling, the firm also went into shipping to help promote the export trade. They had three schooners, the “Alto”, the “Jubilee” and the “Federal”. While we both have interesting historic links to the area - neither of us are history buffs - we tend to focus on today; however, we are glad that our families chose to settle in this beautiful area. How did you come to settle in Comboyne? Three years ago we were living on our farm at “Rushbrook” Yarrowitch, when Richard had an altercation with a steer in the cattle yards and broke a couple of ribs. He was convalescing, when friends invited us to the Comboyne Garden walk. We didn’t just find lovely gardens we found this house with a For Sale sign. It was just perfect - six acres with mature trees and the

house already renovated. Richard’s injury had raised discussions that it was probably time to slow down a bit and sell one of the farms. All our lives we had lived on the job … and that’s very difficult for a farmer, because he doesn’t get to shut down and relax. Buying the house at Comboyne offered the opportunity to live away from the job - with a 30 minute drive to the farm on the Ellenborough River. You own Windrush BnB, located 2 km from Comboyne. Describe the property for us. “Windrush” (that is the name we gave this house) was built in 1912 by the Duffy family on their dairy farm known as “Barham”. It is typical of most of the older Comboyne houses, with high ceilings and extensive use of Rosewood and other local timbers. Jim Duffy was an avid gardener and collected camelias and magnolias and other exotic trees. It was lovely for me to have an old garden to restore and expand and not to have to start from scratch. The previous owners had extended and sensitively renovated the house, maintaining its country charm but adding all the mod cons. It was set up for a BnB. Guests have their own entrance and use of the original area of the house, and we occupy the new addition. What type of experience/facilities do you offer guests at Windrush? Richard and I enjoy staying in traditional BnBs when we travel, so I guess we have tried to capture all the aspects that make a Bed and Breakfast experience special. At Windrush, you are not just a room number. On arrival, guests are welcomed with either high tea or wine and cheese. It’s a very relaxing atmosphere and just a tad pampered! Guests enjoy wandering around the garden, soaking up the lovely views of the Comboyne landscape. The queen bedrooms are spacious, with comfortable beds and quality linens. In the sitting/dining room is a bar fridge, microwave and TV. There is a barbecue on the front

We are mindful that while some verandah and plenty of I cannot imagine a day guests want to interact with us, outdoor seating. without a plant or flower, others just want their We serve a cooked so I am starting to build a own space. It is very country breakfast with garden at the Emporium important that our guests plenty of fresh local -hopefully a garden that have the best experience produce - a great way to will keep attracting the start to the day before and take home happy memories beautiful birds that seem to exploring this magical of their visit to Comboyne. like to visit the old church. plateau. We are mindful How do you source the that while some guests pieces you stock at the want to interact with us, Emporium? others just want their I do lots of looking own space. It is very important that our guests around. Lots of research online. The Melbourne have the best experience and take home happy Gift Fair in August was a great experience. memories of their visit to Comboyne. For me, it is important to offer things that are Earlier this year, you and Richard purchased special, but also, I want good quality. It’s not St Mark’s Anglican Church in Comboyne; easy - because being in retail is all new to me. what led to this decision? What are the Emporium’s opening hours? St Mark’s Church is in a great location - the Opening hours are from 10am - 4pm on most elevated block in Comboyne, with great Friday, Saturday and Sunday. views and on a corner. Apart from liking the Considering you now operate two location, the church had a nice feel to it - a businesses in Comboyne - what is it about peaceful, happy feel. The challenge to bring it this town you love most? to life was definitely part of the appeal. Probably Comboyne is very special. I love the … we haven’t adapted that well to the “slow landscape, the people, the green, the cooler down” thing. We both seem to have an innate climate and especially the soil - so good for need to be busy. gardening. It is a very productive area, with You’ve since renovated the church building, dairying and avocado growing, blueberries and and it now operates as Bella St Marks organic veg, plus lots of great places to walk Emporium. What type of products do you and fantastic backroads to explore. There are stock? things happening; it’s so much more than just a The Emporium stocks an eclectic mix of pretty place to live. Comboyne has that country homewares and gardenware. I try to find things feel where people smile and wave and you feel that are different - and things I like. We also connected. have feature artworks from local artists: Ken Where can we find out further info about Strong, Jo Ernst, textile art by Wendy Duffy, who both Windrush BnB and the Bella St Marks is my talented neighbour, clay sculptures also Emporium? by another talented neighbour, Nola Stumm, Windrush BnB has a website www. gorgeous glass art by Rose Burke from Port windrushbnb.com.au Macquarie, and Australian timber furniture by My email is robyn@windrushbnb.com.au or Raw Collections. I feel very privileged to have phone me 0428 400 686 for anything about the this calibre of creativity at the Emporium. BnB or the Emporium. I also make botanical wreaths. Prior to moving Thanks Robyn. to Comboyne, I had a florist business in Walcha. Interview: Jo Robinson. Greater Port Macquarie focus 49

health F E A T U R E

46 Greater Port Macquarie focus

Health Wellbeing and

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

ADHD

I N T R O D U C I N G A R E V O LU T I O N A R Y L A S E R T R E AT M E N T FO R G U M D I S E A S E Early stages of gum disease (gingivitis) is the inflammation of the gums. This occurs when bacteria in plaque and calculus are not removed through brushing or regular scale and cleans, causing damage to the gums. Advanced stages of gum disease (periodontitis) occurs when the inflammation of the gums gets worse, causing the bone supporting our teeth to degenerate. Without any professional intervention and treatment, over time the teeth can become loose and may need extracting by a dentist. 24% of healthy Australian adults aged 18 and over have moderate to severe gum disease (periodontitis), while 60% of Australians aged 74 and older suffer.

medicines

How to determine if you have gum disease?

FOR AT T EN TION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER

•

Red, swollen, tender or bleeding gums

•

Gums have shrunk from teeth

•

Bad breath or bad taste in the mouth

•

Loose teeth

•

Abscesses between teeth and gums

Treatment of Gum Disease

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edicines for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are used by children and adults. These medicines stimulate dopamine levels in the brain to improve concentration and focus and reduce impulsive behaviour.

caffeine and caffeine is a stimulant, just like ADHD medicines. This means combining these stimulating items with ADHD medicines causes excessive stimulation in our bodies and may lead to racey heart, difficulty sleeping and feeling irritable.

FRUIT JUICE/VITAMIN C SUPPLEMENTS AND ADHD MEDICINES

This is important for the adults! Some ADHD medicines can affect physical co-ordination, which may also occur with alcohol consumption and make the effects worse. As ADHD medicines cause stimulation, alcohol causes the opposite, which confuses our brains and bodies and is another reason not to use alcohol and ADHD medicines.

As fruit juice and vitamin C decrease the pH of the stomach by creating more acid, they can affect the absorption of ADHD medicines. The effect can be unpredictable. Fruit juice and vitamin C supplements should be taken two hours away from ADHD medicines, as they can increase or decrease the effects of the medicine. CHOCOLATE, SOFT DRINK, TEA AND COFFEE AND ADHD MEDICINES This is important for children and adults. All of these items mentioned can contain

ALCOHOL AND ADHD MEDICINES

HERBS AND ADHD MEDICINES Bitter orange and ma huang are herbs that can be found in weight loss preparations. As these herbs can stimulate the heart and blood pressure, they are best not taken with ADHD medicines.

The treatment for gum disease will vary with severity; mild to moderate gum disease can be treated with brushing, flossing and regular visits to your hygienists and dentist. With more severe gum disease, treatment can vary from sub gingival cleaning to treatment with a specific laser called LANAP. LANAP means Laser Assister New Attachment Procedure. This laser therapy for the treatment of gum disease is unlike traditional gum surgery; there is no cut and sew. LANAP is a minimally invasive and highly effective treatment. It is used for the treatment of moderate and advanced gum disease. LANAP is the world’s first ever and only FDA approved laser for the treatment of gum disease. Patients have come back with true regeneration of tissue and new bone formation. Traditional gum surgery is a cut and sew procedure and can cause sensitivity, long teeth and requires ongoing maintenance. Unlike traditional gum surgery, LANAP uses a multivariable pulsed laser to kill the infected tissue, rejuvenating the gums, connective tissue and bone that support your teeth. The laser attacks pigments in the infected tissue, leaving healthy tissue undamaged. LANAP treatment not only helps the body to regenerate tissue and heal itself naturally, it also helps patients to keep their natural teeth and save smiles! How does LANAP work? Before any treatment, a consultation is necessary, as it allows the dentist to identify diseased tissue and whether LANAP is suitable for you. At this time, a 3D Xray will be taken and a treatment plan will be provided, with all costs, appointment lengths and any follow up

appointments necessary. LANAP usually occurs across two dental visits. Half the mouth is completed during the first visit, and a week later the other half of the mouth is completed. The process involves: 1.

A perio probe determines the degree of excessive pocket depth and helps the dentist better identify diseased tissue and areas of bacterial infection.

2.

The laser removes diseased tissue, while the heat of the laser kills the bacteria.

3.

The dentist removes the tartar from the root surface using an ultrasonic scaler and special hand instruments.

4.

The laser is used to clean the pocket one more time.

5.

The gum is sealed closed to prevent further infection.

6.

Any high biting spots are smoothed down to create even force on the tooth.

7.

Over time, the bone regenerates and the periodontal ligament re-attaches to the tooth.

Benefits of LANAP •

Saves your natural teeth

•

Safe, precise and effective treatment

•

Bone regeneration up to 50% in patients who follow the protocol and have normal healing

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One-time treatment

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Less discomfort

•

Improved recovery time

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Little to no recession in gums and regeneration in bone levels.

•

Reduces inflammation and bleeding

•

Helps long term health

•

Safer and gentler than traditional gum surgery

Contact us to Learn More about this Revolutionary Treatment If you've ever been told you have gum disease or need gum surgery, you can take advantage of the tremendous benefits that LANAP laser gum therapy offers. If your gums have become swollen, red or infected, we can help. Our very own Dr Peter Elfar was the first dentist to study and offer this treatment in Australia, with over eight years’ experience and satisfied patients who travel from all over Australia to be treated by him. Why not take this opportunity to get on top of your dental health? Take action now and call our caring team at one of our four friendly locations, call 6583 3533 or visit our website: www.lanapaustralia.com.au to find out more about this revolutionary treatment. Greater Port Macquarie focus 51

Modern Orthodontics

Your Questions Answered

Timing is everything! What age should my child visit an orthodontist? Orthodontics Australia recommend an orthodontic assessment between the ages of 7 and 9, or earlier if you notice any issues. At this initial check-up, we can identify potential problems and, if needed, intervene early while the jaw and teeth are still developing.

Signs something’s not quite right: • • • • •

Early or late loss of baby teeth Difficulty chewing or biting Breathing through the mouth Thumb-sucking Crowded, misplaced or blocked-out teeth

• • • • •

Jaws that are too far forward or back Biting the cheek Protruding teeth Upper and lower teeth that don’t meet Grinding or clenching of teeth

Call us today to book your child’s first consultation with Dr Eric Saacks – it’s FREE. 52 Greater Port Macquarie focus

Your Questions Answered

Modern Orthodontics

What is “two-phase” orthodontic treatment? This best-practice method involves two separate stages of orthodontic treatment – first when the child still has many or most of their primary ‘baby’ teeth, and then, if needed, when the child has most or all of their permanent ‘adult’ teeth. My child is only 8 years old. Should I pay for Phase 1 and Phase 2 treatment upfront?

Phase 1 Treatment (from approx. age 7)

No, we recommend you avoid being locked in to a treatment plan or provider.

Prevents problems, intercepts developing issues and guides the growth of the jaw bones that support the teeth. Early intervention is key.

You want the best for your child – healthy teeth and a happy smile. Orthodontics are a big investment in your child’s future. You want the most appropriate treatment, long-lasting results and value for money. Your child’s jaw development and teeth eruption patterns are unpredictable. Future technology advancements and improvements are unknown. Dr Saacks continuously evaluates these factors as your child grows to recommend the right treatment at the right time. Does Saacks Orthodontics recommend

Phase 2 Treatment (from approx. age 13)

?

Yes, if Dr Saacks believes that Invisalign will provide you or your child with a quality result he will recommend Invisalign as an option. In some cases, Invisalign may be the best option and in other cases traditional braces may be the best option.

Moves permanent teeth into their final positions.

Every case is different, and we will always discuss the advantages and disadvantages of all treatment types. We don’t recommend only one treatment type for all patients. Modern Treatment Types When it comes to your unique smile, there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution. ‘Quick-fixes’ carry potential health and financial risks. Dr Saacks will develop an individual treatment plan for you to ensure the best results.

A beautiful smile, and more! Modern orthodontic treatment offers so much more than straight teeth.

Traditional Orthodontics

Clear aligners (eg. Clear Correct, Invisalign)

• • • •

- Customised, personalised treatment

- Appropriate for adults and some teenagers

- Suits young children, teens and adults

Why choose Saacks Orthodontics?

- Tried and tested, long-lasting results

- Suits simple to moderate cases of teeth straightening

- Appropriate for more complex cases

- The clearest, least visible alternative

- Individual treatment plans may involve expander plates, orthopaedic appliances and modern braces

- Removable, so discipline is required

- New technologies are more comfortable, less visible and efficient - Clear and coloured appliances available - Best results for treating complex malocclusions

- Need to adhere to strict treatment plan - Wear for at least 22 hours each day to obtain good results - Can be removed for brushing teeth - Need to remove for eating

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

Dr Saacks is Port Macquarie’s only local Orthodontist and will personally oversee your treatment plan from start to finish. As an internationally trained Specialist Orthodontist with 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 53

focus_contributor

DON MACKENZIE

GUARD YOUR EYES

WiTH PRESCRIPTION sun Lenses Centacare and Catholic Care of the Aged have partnered to provide free weekly intergenerational playgroups for the community.

W 5O% OFF

PrescriPTiOn sun Lenses* OPSM Port Macquarie Settlement City Ph: 6583 4271 OPSM Port Macquarie Clarence St Ph: 6583 1377 OPSM Wauchope Ph: 6585 2755

hile the ABC TV documentary Old People’s Home for Four Year Olds popularised the concept, the benefits of intergenerational playgroup programs have been felt for over a decade. Our brains never stop learning, no matter what age we are, and it is well known that playgroups successfully connect families for socialisation, support and to share stories. Our intergenerational playgroup brings three generations together, but with the same evidence-based goals of health and wellbeing. Intergenerational playgroups are particularly well-received by residents who do not have relatives or family nearby, encouraging connections and companionship that span across generations. There are numerous benefits to residents in aged care who take part in the playgroups, including improved memory and mood, social engagement, motor skills and increased physical strength, parent/child interactions, as well as a chance to recall their experiences as

Live life, your way

OPSM Laurieton Ph: 6559 9007

Personal care and help around the house

OPSM Kempsey Ph: 6562 5886

Access to social and community activities

OPSM Taree Ph: 6552 2391 *When purchased as part of a complete pair (frame and lenses). Further T&Cs apply, see staff for details. Offer ends 10/11/19. OP1019-63 FOcus Magazine sun Press ad 125X317MM v2

54 Greater Port Macquarie focus

a child or with parenting their own children. Children get a lot out of the program too, as early childhood is a critical and sensitive period for their social emotional learning. They are beginning to develop their speech and language skills through interactions with older adults and become more confident and comfortable in establishing connections with people of different ages and outside their immediate family group. It becomes a meaningful activity for children, parents and residents alike. Our new intergenerational playgroup, "Come Yarn and Play", is based at Maryknoll in Lochnivar Place, Port Macquarie and meets in a child-friendly space where fun and creative learning activities are provided, including: play-based games; outdoor excursions and discoveries; story-telling; art and craft; and music and dance. "Come Yarn and Play" playgroups run every Friday from 10:30am - 12pm. Book your spot or find out more information about the playgroup by contacting Centacare on (02) 6581 6800 or connect via Centacare Mid North Coast’s Facebook page.

Parental skills and child behavioural support Improved mobility and access

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

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

REGISTERED NDIS provider no. 29709979

Follow us:

Centacare Mid North Coast

@CentacareMNC

@CentacareMNC

A natural solution for pain to stay active. THIS IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO ENJOY PAIN FREE LIVING... BOOK YOUR 30 MINUTE OBLIGATION FREE DISCUSSION TODAY.

Think outside of the box to take back control of your health. An uplifting story of recovery. Here is Mike’s story. I came to see Krystyna two months ago suffering from severe nerve pain in my shoulders, neck and numbness in both hands. This was the result of two spinal operations on my neck to replace the damaged discs. After two months of treatment my neck pain is gone and I am able to bend fingers in my right hand first time after 4 years and I am enjoying my bowling again. I could not believe these amazing results. I had consulted a neurologist previously and he had told me that there was not much he could do, as I had scar tissue from the operations, that cause pressure on my nerves resulting in the neurological dysfunction. However, I noticed he had a brochure on Somatherapy Clinic in his waiting room and having seen Krystyna’s article in a local magazine I decided to give this treatment a try. I could not be more pleased with the results. Thank you Krystyna, your therapy changed my life. Mike from Laurieton NSW MANY MORE PATIENTS’ FEEDBACKS AVAILABLE ON REQUEST...

If you’re not responding to conventional treatment... There is a better way! Frequency Specific Microcurrent Therapy (FSM) FSM Therapy is the pillar of Somatherapy Clinical Practice.

A unique course of treatment that targets the real cause & source of pain. Regenerative therapy that supports the body to self-repair damaged tissue. A course of FSM Therapy has proven to end chronic pain for these common conditions and so much more: • Nerve Pain, Sciatica • Whiplash • Fibromyalgia • Shingles • Joint & Muscle Pain • Spinal Disc Injury • Peripheral Neuropathy (incl. Diabetic Neuropathy) • Post-Surgical Scar Tissue

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

50 Greater Port Macquarie focus

23 Serene Circuit, Port Macquarie NSW 2444

supermen have eye problems too

Adrian Cornale, local EyeQ optometrist said, "Men’s health month is a perfect time to raise the awareness of men getting their eye health and vision assessed."

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en are notorious for the "she’ll be right" attitude regarding their health, and this is no different when it comes to their eyes. The incidence of eye diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataract, pterygium (a growth over the eye), eyelid sun cancer and diabetic eye disease rises over the age of 45 years. And in fact, the risk in men in some of these is significantly higher than in women. Other risk factors include smoking, poor diet, general health and a family history. Those who work outdoors have an increased prevalence of cataract, pterygium and eyelid sun cancers, highlighting the need for UV protection. Those who use tools are also at increased risk of eye injuries in the workplace, highlighting the need for adequate protective eyewear. Local Optometrist Adrian Cornale said that too often he sees tradesmen or the DIY

56 Greater Port Macquarie focus

weekend warriors presenting a week too late with a sore red eye, to find a fragment of metal, wood, a grass seed or an infected scratch in the eye that would have been far easier to treat if seen sooner. Sometimes these injuries can lead to scarring and permanent vision loss if not treated promptly. Adrian stressed that, "If your eye is red and sore - get it checked as soon as possible". Over the counter magnifiers are mostly used by men when they notice blurred vision for near tasks. These magnifiers can be a cheap convenient correction for (the normal ageing process reducing the focus ability of the lens in the eye) but they may mask a more serious condition, such as macular degeneration. A thorough eye examination can rule out any disease. Adrian Cornale reported that "Approximately 90 per cent of vision loss and blindness is preventable or treatable if identified early. So, regular eye tests are important to detect potential concerns

before it’s too late". wear protective eyewear Eye tests are often when using machinery If an eye disease requiring covered by Medicare • Quit smoking further intervention is and can be arranged • Maintain a healthy required, your optometrist directly through an diet will refer you directly to optometrist. If an eye • Manage your an ophthalmologist or disease requiring further diabetes, blood pressure speak with your GP. intervention is required, and cholesterol levels, your optometrist will liaising with your GP refer you directly to • If your eye is red and an ophthalmologist or sore - get it checked as speak with your GP. soon as possible TOP TIPS FOR LOOKING AFTER YOUR • Have regular eye checks, at least EYE HEALTH: every three years, even if you can see like • Wear a hat and sunglasses outside and SUPERMAN!

focusinterview.

Lucy

Haslam Lucy Haslam has a background in nursing, but nothing prepared her to watch her youngest son, 20-year-old Daniel, fight a five-year battle with bowel cancer.

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ucy, Dan and their family have fought hard to have medicinal Cannabis made widely available to the public, after witnessing the relief it provided Dan in the final stages of his cancer journey. Dan sadly passed away in 2015, but Lucy is still a passionate advocate for the cause. You can meet Lucy locally and hear her story at Dying with Dignity’s upcoming meeting on November 26. Hi Lucy. Your son, Daniel, died very young with bowel cancer. What can you share about his illness and how that transpired? In 2010, Daniel was at Southern Cross University in Lismore; he was just about to go back for his second year of study. He’d told me a few months earlier that he’d experienced some rectal bleeding, and I thought as a 20-yearold, it was most likely he was having issues with haemorrhoids, but to keep an eye on the situation. In January he was in Sydney for the Big Day Out, and he rang me he told me he was worried, and he thought he had bowel cancer. I didn’t think this could be the case given his age, but to be on the safe side, I booked him a colonoscopy. I dropped him to the hospital with his girlfriend at the time, thinking it would be just a routine scan, but he phoned me a few hours later in tears - explaining he had a very large bowel cancer. He was only 20, and that’s fairly rare for his age group. Further scans that day confirmed the cancer was also in his liver, so we just stepped onto this rollercoaster of further treatments and tests. We were all shell-shocked. Dan couldn’t go back to uni, and basically began what became five years of really gruelling cancer treatment; surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, Oncothermia treatment in Germany. None of these conventional therapies worked for him. Dan passed away in 2015. When did you first become aware of the

possibility of using a meal, and he was never Cannabis for medicisick again from chemoIt was as close to a miracle as nal purposes? therapy - he didn’t need to I’d ever seen. I didn’t feel My background be hospitalised again for comfortable buying was in nursing, but chemo. He was able to stay Cannabis on the black essentially all you were at home for treatment. market, and Dan didn’t taught at that time We thought, if this treatfeel comfortable being a was that Cannabis was ment could do this for Dan criminal for using it, so a dangerous gateway … it was worth fighting we decided to fight for it … drug that caused schizofor. It was as close to a phrenia. Most nurses miracle as I’d ever seen. did understand that I didn’t feel comfortable Cannabis had a medicbuying Cannabis on the inal value, particularly black market, and Dan in terms of chemotherapy induced nausea, but didn’t feel comfortable being a criminal for I hadn’t considered it as an option until a friend using it, so we decided to fight for it … of Dan’s, who was a Tamworth businessman In 2016, on the anniversary of Dan’s death, also suffering bowel cancer, suggested to Dan an amendment to the Narcotic Drugs Act in 2014 that he should consider it. known as #Dan’s Law was passed to make By that stage, Dan had very bad chemoCannabis legal for medicinal purposes. therapy induced nausea and vomiting; he had Back then, I was proud of that - but I had a what was called anticipatory nausea, so even feeling it might not work, because Cannabis the thought of chemo would make him vomit. was being treated through the Therapeutic The only way we could manage his fortnightly Goods Act as a standard medicine. If you know chemotherapy was to have him hospitalised for anything about Cannabis, you’ll know it’s a very the duration of his treatment, so he could be on complex plant; it has over 144 Cannabinoids IVs to keep him hydrated. identified that have been identified so far, as His friend suggested he try Cannabis - he had well as Terpenoids and Flavonoids, that all have some left over from when he went through che- a therapeutic value. As the years have passed, mo himself - and Dan actually said no. My huswe’ve seen this played out. band and I were anti recreational drug use; my Patient access has been very difficult; it’s a husband had been with the Police for over 30 very complex and expensive process to gain years, and most of that had been with the drug access to Cannabis. Patient uptake is very low, squad. Fortunately, Dan’s friend telephoned even though we know patient demand is very me, and I said yes, bring it around - because we high … were pretty desperate by that stage. It was soul The number of people gaining access through destroying watching Dan; he had no quality of the legal route is insignificant compared to life, and it impacted our whole family. those accessing cannabis through the black We encouraged Dan to try the Cannabis; Dan market route, whether it’s because of difficulties was a non-smoker and had never tried anything having doctors prescribe the drug, or because like this. On a chemotherapy day, Dan had a of costs involved. joint - a very small amount of Cannabis - and What’s next? the experience was quite miraculous. The colour I’m fighting for reform … I’d like to go back came back into his face, he felt OK, and within to the drawing board where we first started, an hour he asked for something to eat. He ate to have an independent regulator … Cannabis

is really a rich man’s medicine, and it shouldn’t be … Cannabis is a good quality of life drug. With Dan, it helped reduce his vomiting, his pain, it helped provide quality sleep and provided relief from the mouth ulcers he got from the chemotherapy. It’s good for many conditions … as well as helping you die with dignity - it actually helps you live with dignity. I can remember Dan telling me that Cannabis oil gave him back some control. We know that a lot of medications people are put on at that end stage of life can be very mind-numbing the narcotics, the opiates - they can really take away a person’s ability to participate in life … Cannabis a quality of life drug, so it’s very relevant to those who want to die with dignity … and actually reduce the need for narcotics. Thanks Lucy. Interview: Jo Robinson. Visit unitedincompassion.com.au to read more of Lucy and Dan’s story, including the legal steps they went through to have medicinal Cannabis made publicly available. Lucy will be a guest speaker for Dying with Dignity in Port Macquarie in November. Dying with Dignity (DWDnsw) is an advocacy group whose aim is legal choice of assisted dying for the terminally and chronically ill. We support palliative care, while recognising that it cannot relieve all pain. MidNorth Coast DWDnsw meets quarterly and organises guest speakers from all over Australia on a variety of topics related to end of life.

Meeting Date Tuesday, 26th November. Time 10 - 12:30pm. Venue Port Panthers,1 Bay St, Port Macquarie. All welcome. No bookings. $5, inc. morning tea Contact Annie - pmq@dwdnsw.org.au Greater Port Macquarie focus 57

58 Greater Port Macquarie focus

Raising the bar

world gym PORT MACQUARIE

World Gym aims to give its members the very best: from modern equipment to a clean and welcoming atmosphere with an expert staff. From competitive bodybuilders to weekend warriors to firsttimers, owners Mitch Joyce and Casey Hyde have everything you need to achieve your fitness goals.

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he World Gym Franchise has been around for a long time - since 1976 to be exact. Why bring the brand to Port Macquarie? Port Macquarie deserves a world-class facility with world-class equipment and world-class trainers and staff. We are so excited to have the opportunity to bring it here and share with our home town. What puts World Gym a step ahead of its competitors? World Gym is a world-renowned brand; with that comes a very high expectation that is above and beyond our competitors. We are the only big-box club that not only caters for your fitness, but also caters for your nutrition. We offer food options that will fit in your diet to help you achieve your fitness goals. What separates us is the ability after a workout to sit

down in our café with the people you have just sweated a workout with; this helps to create a community feel. Community is an integral part of any World Gym set up. We work closely with schools and sporting clubs to help battle childhood obesity and help grow the fitness community outside of World Gym. Our equipment was all handpicked by industry leaders, to ensure it is state of the art. Keeping up with this standard also means we will continuously be upgrading our equipment for our members to have the very best at all times. We have many features that set us apart from the rest. For example; Nightlife, a music app that means at any time you can select your own workout playlist and have it heard throughout the gym. Myzone - your heart rate is projected onto a flat-screen television, meaning you can track your own progress, as

well as compare yourself to others within not only our club, but other World Gyms. We also have an exclusive World Gym app; you can jump on and book your classes weeks in advance, making sure you don’t miss out! Our amenities are world-class, including saunas, lockers, GHD hair straighteners, blow driers, ironing boards, a makeup area with backlit lighting and marble finishes and stone beach tops. What does the gym offer members? World Gym is a one-stop-shop - a place where you have everything at your fingertips. From the Cardio Deck that has a massive 16 state of the art treadmills - you can even watch

Netflix! - to the stretching zone, cycle room with elevated stages, group fitness room, Les Mills and Zumba classes, to Yoga and Pilates and HIIT classes. There is a massive functional area with a rig, barbells, free weights, tracks and sleds. Does the gym cater for all levels of fitness? Absolutely! We have multiple areas within the gym that members can train in. There is a comfort zone for those who may not feel comfortable on the main floor. In this area, you can expect all the same world-class equipment; it's just a little more private and less intimidating for beginners.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 59

Blink and you’ll miss it! Make the most of your optical health fund benefits The majority of Australian health funds unclaimed optical health fund benefits do not roll over into the next year. Therefore, if a person’s 2019 annual rebate is not used before December 31, this entitlement could be lost forever. By Selwyn Peake

6 WAYS to make use of your entitlement 1

2

Protection from the Australian sun with a new perfect pair of sunglasses for your face shape and features to give a fresh new summer look A spare set of glasses as they are always handy travelling.

3

Contact lenses might be for you. Especially with new multifocal designs even for astigmatism.

4

Upgrade your lenses to newer lens design as well as increased UV or Blue light protection.

5

A work pair with the new office designed lenses to help on computer screens.

6

Sport glasses with purpose designed lenses that even allow golfers to see the ball and score the card.

Take

$50off

frames

When you use your private health fund card.* *Terms and conditions apply. See in store for details.

PORT MACQUARIE 95 William St. Ph 6583 7333 PORT MACQUARIE 29 Horton St. Ph 6584 3948 WAUCHOPE 6 Bransdon St. Ph 6585 2393 georgeandmatilda.com.au 60 Greater Port Macquarie focus

We are also currently offering $50 off frames* when you use your private health fund card, until the end of the year. For more information on this offer as well as how to make sure this year’s optical health fund entitlement is claimed, call or pop in and see your local friendly team at Hanks Optometrists by George & Matilda Eyecare. *Terms & Conditions apply. See in store for details

focuseditorial.

Willing &ABLE IS GROWING

Willing and Able is a supported employment service provider whose mission it is to provide meaningful paid employment and personal growth opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities in a safe and happy environment, whilst providing quality products and services to our customers.

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ith more than 38 supported employees now in the team, the group is really expanding and diversifying; our goal to have 40 supported employees by the end of this financial year is very much in sight. As well as growing our supported employee team, we have moved into the Activity Space. Every Wednesday you will see the Willing and Able bus out and about in the community. The activity group ranges in age from early 20s to 60 and the activities vary each week, although an outdoor cooking theme is constant, with at least one cultural feast on the menu each month. The group now has their own portable cooking facilities, so they can cook up a storm - no matter their destination. Mexican and Italian have been our most popular so far. From lawn bowls to mini golf, fire house visits to strawberry picking, the group is quite active and the activities are arranged to ensure that participants of all levels are catered for. Easy walking exploration is included in each activity day, as well as something for the more energetic. Outdoor games and board games round out the day. Over the coming months the group will be

KIMBERLY Team member at Willing and Able Foundation in Port Macquarie.

someone you know has an NDIS plan and blueberry picking, helping out at the Soup would like to participate in any of our day centre Kitchen, learning Chinese cooking and taking activities, please contact the Foundation. advantage of the great weather with swimming Willing and Able has many and water activities. successful businesses which From January we are generate revenue and provide planning on adding employment for supported another day to our employees in the Port group calendar. If you Willing and Able Macquarie-Hastings region. or someone you know has many successful However, as commercial has an NDIS plan and businesses which markets become increasingly would like to join our generate revenue and competitive, the support of the activity group, please provide employment for public and business sector is contact the Foundation. supported employees more vital than ever. But wait ... There in the Port MacquarieHow can you help? is something else Hastings region. You can donate unwanted happening at Willing saleable goods; call us on 6581 and Able. 0939 to arrange a pick up, Our brand-new day or take your unwanted goods to our Op Shop centre will be open for business in November located at 39 Jindalee Road, Port Macquarie. 2019, complete with a lounge area, creative Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and tell space and gaming centre and with plans for a your friends about us. mobile kitchen and a building group early next Use our services - come in and grab a coffee year. and a bargain. Day centre activities will include life skills, Join our activity groups. creativity, group games, social nights, gift A new partnership has been formed. making and cooking, just to name a few. Willing and Able and Port City Bowling Club We are now inviting new participants to are working in partnership together. register their interest in attending. If you or

Super Saturday November 23 - we will be open and having our huge Christmas decoration sale. We will also be selling raffle tickets for our Xmas raffle.

This is a fantastic community partnership, giving our team members a sense of belonging and helping to share the Willing and Able brand. Port City is a very big, family friendly club, so this is a wonderful opportunity for us. The partnership with the bowling club includes us gaining access to all their empty cans and bottles for our return and earn facility, and our signage and other marketing material will be on display at the club. Port City will support us with the Category 1 Club Grants program, and a Willing and Able Xmas tree will soon be on display, with raffle tickets on sale at the club.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 61

62 Greater Port Macquarie focus

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64 Greater Port Macquarie focus

with Clairvoyant Terri Hall Phone. 0424 818 343

November 2019

AQUARIUS.

GEMINI.

LIBRA.

JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19

MAY 22 - JUNE 22

SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 23

Be patient just a little longer, as your dream is about to come true. You recently gave yourself permission to have something you may have been without for a long time, but now you need to wait for the timing to be perfect. Dioptase is powerful for forgiveness, especially toward oneself.

PISCES. FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20

As usual, the Pisces is following the magical scent of love! A new love is about to step forward and enrich your life. There is also the likeliness of travel. Work changes will also bring some new adventure - ENJOY! Rose Quartz, the crystal of love, will enrich and nurture any new relationship.

The feeling of suspension is soon leaving your reality. In fact, soon you will be too busy “to have a chat”. New opportunities will find you, but you need to want change, and you need to have a thirst for knowledge. Enjoy! Rose Quartz is very reassuring when you are venturing into new circumstances.

You are about to embark on a journey of self-discovery. You may have been through a lot of disturbance lately, but you have also brought out your most wonderful gifts and talents. You will like the new you. Herderite is a powerful transformation stone.

CANCER.

SCORPIO.

JUNE 23 - JULY 23

OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22

You have recently discovered a level of personal strength that may have surprised you. This is what you have been aspiring to all along. Take some time out of your busy schedule to pamper yourself, and reconnect with your “passion for life”. Turquoise brings a feeling of wholeness. Carry it in a pocket.

A new relationship is coming into play; however, your “deservability” is in question. You can have the magic of love in your life if you think you deserve it, or you can sabotage it and go without if you think you can’t have it. Black Tourmaline is a powerful purifier and cleanser.

ARIES.

LEO.

SAGITTARIUS.

MARCH 21 - APRIL 20

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 21

Love yourself as much as you can to attract the best of the best in all that life has to offer. Identify and release any beliefs that limit your success, and fill your mind with positive affirmations. Be aware of how limiting you can be for yourself. If you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right. Moldavite brings forward change and higher personal qualities.

A beautiful surprise awaits. Enjoy a blissful period in relationships, as new friends emerge. These people will help you to show your talents and feel accomplished. New career opportunities are entering the picture mid-month. Clear Quartz is wonderful at amplifying positive energy.

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

TAURUS.

VIRGO.

CAPRICORN.

APRIL 21 - MAY 21

AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 23

DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 20

You have outgrown some old beliefs so instead of feeling comforted by your beliefs, you’ll be feeling trapped in them. Sit quietly and debate your beliefs. This will encourage and manifest change. Replace negative thought patterns with uplifting, positive ones. Danburite connects us to our higher consciousness.

You will soon be free to make your own decisions, without the pressure from another person. Work opportunities are opening up to you since you gave yourself permission to achieve, and now you will be rewarded for something you love to do. Aventurine is a wonderful crystal for personal change and growth.

Now is a good time to debate your beliefs in life. These rules by which you have lived life have given security and stability, but lately you have been left feeling trapped and contained by these beliefs. The new you will not be held back. Azeztulite shows us alternate realities.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 65

FOCUS ON

58 Greater Port Macquarie focus

BUSINESS

focus_contributor.

Business Minds with Jane Hillsdon of Dragonfly Marketing

BUSINESS MINDS

Simone H A I R

PAC I F I C

S A LO N

Gillespie

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imone, you recently took ownership of the Hair Pacific salon, having worked there for several years prior. Can you tell us what inspired you to make the transition from hair stylist to hair stylist AND business owner? Honestly, the chance to become a business owner came as a complete surprise. Before I purchased the Hair Pacific salon, I worked full-time for the previous owner, Kerrie. I had always loved working for her; she was such an amazing boss and good friend. One day Kerrie approached me and told me that she wanted to sell her business. I built up the courage to send Kerrie a message to enquire about purchasing the business. After that, everything just fell into place. During the process of buying the business, there were so many times that I wanted to chicken out. There were soooo many hurdles that I had to jump over to make my dream happen. The transition from being a full-time employee to a business owner was massive. As a full-time employee, all I needed to do was turn up every week, do what I loved and get paid. All of a sudden as a business owner, I had so much more risk and responsibility. It was really daunting. But, I knew the business. I knew the clientele, and I knew that I was capable of continuing the legacy that Kerrie had built with Hair Pacific for 25 years. The best thing is, Kerrie still works alongside me; we simply switched roles, and it has been the easiest transition ever. I am incred-

ibly grateful for this opportunity and this new beginning. What do you love most about being a hair stylist? I love to be creative. Styling hair is such a great way to create something beautiful and make someone feel like a million dollars. Sometimes I will have clients walk in feeling unhappy and lacking confidence and by the time they leave the salon, they have had a great laugh; they’ve caught up on the local happenings and most importantly, they are feeling good about themselves. What have been some of the highlights (no pun intended) of your career to date? I would have to say the highlights of my career come from all of the training and learning that I have completed over the years. I love taking these learnings back to the salon and putting them into action. I have been to so many classes and seminars, and I still get so excited to attend them. Hair is my passion, and I never want to stop learning and creating. Whether it's attending cutting, foiling, styling or up-styling courses, I just consider myself to be extremely lucky to be able to participate in this life-long learning opportunity. What are some of the biggest challenges that you faced so far as a business owner? The biggest challenge I have faced as a business owner so far is managing staff. My partner pulled me up on this recently and reminded me that not everyone has a passion for hair like I do; some people’s priorities are different. It took a little while for this advice to sink in,

but I have now taken this on For the next 12 STYLING HAIR IS board. Everyone is different months I am focusing on SUCH A GREAT and as a boss, I need to cater building the business, WAY TO CREATE for that. so that it is a sustainable SOMETHING I love people, so I honestly salon. I have so many BEAUTIFUL AND didn’t think that managing things I want to do right MAKE SOMEONE them would have been as now, but I plan to be in FEEL LIKE A challenging as it is. But, I’m this business for many MILLION DOLLARS. learning! years, so I need to keep What has been the best reminding myself that all piece of business advice of my goals and dreams you have ever received, and how have don’t need to be achieved straight away. you implemented that advice in your own And finally, if you could invite three busibusiness? nesspeople to lunch, who would they be Rome wasn’t built in a day, and don’t burn and why would you invite them? yourself out. While I focus on our beautiful The three businesspeople that I would invite to clients who come in and make them feel a lunch would be: million dollars, I have to remember that I have Alistair Flower. What he has done with Settlers a family at home and that they need a nice Inn is amazing. It has been so great to watch mum / partner and not a tired and cranky mum him transform that business from being largely / partner. I now only do two late nights a week, unmentionable to one of the most popular instead of working every available hour of the venues in town. day and night. I have also recently employed two The second would be you, Jane. I would pick more senior stylists. This is providing me with a your brain about everything to do with marhealthier balance. keting, from the basics to the advanced and Do you have any tips you can share around everything in between. running a salon? My third guest would be a lady called Kellie, I would have to say it’s in the attention to who works in education at Royal Hair in Sydney. detail. I take pride in my work, and so does every This is one of my favourite salons and was the stylist who works here. I make sure everyone winner of Australia Salon AHIA of the year feels comfortable. If people are comfortable, 2018. I would love to ask what inspires her and everyone is happy, and everything seems to run keeps her going. I would then want to walk a smoothly. week in her shoes - there would be so much that What are you hoping to achieve in business I could learn from that experience. in the next 12 months? Thanks for your time, Simone. Greater Port Macquarie focus 67

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MICHAEL MOWLE - PRESIDENT PORT MACQUARIE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Minding your Modern Australia was built on the back of vision, enterprise and the sheer hard work of past generations. Big ideas and innovation by entrepeneurs, scientists, visionaries and past political leaders laid the foundations of a prosperous and free enterprise economy which is the envy of every other nation.

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n recent years, the rise of political correctness, nay sayers and negative thinking has stifled the bold and visionary ideas. At all three levels of government petty bureaucracy is suffocating business growth and investment through unnecessary red tape, approval processes and costs. If this ever diminishing spiral into complete inactivity is not corrected, we run the real risk of being left behind by the rest of the world. During a recent trip to Europe, I observed a Cochlear Hearing Aid factory in Hanover, Germany - yet another example of an iconic Australian invention being successfully manufactured overseas. In a nearby German regional town, I also saw a large commercial hub alongside an Autobahn. Yet in Australia, we seem to have great difficulty moving enterprises out of metropolitan areas. What is the point of difference? Transport, power, government incentives or just plain will to succeed. On a Communist History tour of Prague in nearby Czechoslovakia, I asked our guide what had happened after the fall of the iron curtain that allowed free enterprise to flourish. His reply was that all they needed was to have free enterprise made legal! Modern Czechoslovakia not only has significant agricultural industries, but also a very successful and growing manufacturing sector. These countries possess no particular advantage, but are finding ways to innovate and develop high tech industries. Meanwhile in Australia with significant natural resources, a highly educated workforce and stable democratic government system under which free enterprise has always been legal, we are not keeping pace with the rest of the developed world. NSW in particular is a nanny state, where bureaucratic intervention must be costing industry millions of dollars on a daily basis. The planning system is one very good example of a bureaucratic minefield for industry and business. A recent exercise to map coastal 68 Greater Port Macquarie focus

wetlands using aerial photography combined with flawed analytical software has resulted in erroneous mapping and the sterilisation of many development sites. Rather than correct the errors by allowing councils to “ground truth� the maps, the onus and cost has been shifted to the private sector via a convoluted and expensive requirement to prove the mapped vegetation does not exist. A further NSW example is payroll tax, which penalises employers for taking on more staff and growing their business. This tax is a disincentive to small business growth, particularly those in regional areas where youth unemployment is unacceptably high. In likewise fashion, stamp duty on commercial premises is exorbitant, and the rate rises with the value of the premises. This is a further disincentive to business activity and employment growth, where the government taxes the purchase of the very premises that houses the enterprise. Big ticket infrastructure projects such as the Snowy Scheme are also unlikely to be achieved in this current climate of negativity. The devastating drought in NSW has highlighted some three decades where no new dams or water infrastructure has been built. Thankfully, there has been a recent announcement of one new dam and a pipeline for the nearby tablelands, but even this drew criticism from the ever negative green lobby. Syria, a war ravaged country run by a despotic regime has the largest irrigation system on earth to allow farming in arid areas. Therefore in Australia, we can and must have a comprehensive system of dams capturing and storing high flows, with interconnecting pipelines that provide water security for domestic uses and guarantees irrigation rights for our agricultural industries. The removal of government intervention, reduction in taxes on employment and the provision of big infrastructure to support industry are all possible and achievable in Australia with leadership, political will and a return to vision and enterprise being valued and encouraged.

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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

As the first in her family to attend university, Leteah Mitchell has proven that dedication, determination and education are the keys to unlocking a bright and fulfilling future. As a proud Biripi woman and an emerging leader in the Manning Valley, Leteah achieved a Bachelor Degree in Social Work through a dual TAFE and Charles Sturt Pathway Program and is now pursuing her dream of helping others in her regional community.

L E T E A H M I T C H E L L Bachelor Degree in Social Work

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ongratulations, Leteah, on achieving your Bachelor of Social Work through Charles Sturt University! Can you share how you got started on your journey to achieving your degree? During Year 12, I was unsure about what to do after school. I always knew that I wanted to go to university and knew that I wanted to help people, but I didn’t know in what capacity this would be. My Nan had helped me realise the skills I had and with this advice, I went to my school’s careers advisor. He spoke to me about the Bachelor of Social Work TAFE integrated pathway and assisted me with applying for the Charles Sturt University degree and TAFE. You were awarded the 2016 NSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year Award - can you tell us what this means to you? Initially I received the GTCC Aboriginal Award at TAFE, which made me eligible to apply for the NSW Training Awards in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year category. I then went on to win awards in Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay, which made me a finalist for the State Awards. To my surprise, I was then named NSW’s 2016 Aboriginal and

Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year, and this gave me the incredible opportunity to be a finalist at the National Awards. I didn’t win the National Award, but I still felt like I walked away as a winner. This process helped me gain confidence in speaking to groups of people and provided the opportunity to meet incredible individuals from across the country. Most importantly, this experience proved to me that I could do more than I could have ever imagined. You are the first in your family to complete a university degree - how much did this mean to you and your family? Who are your role models? Going to university has been a goal of mine for a long time and as a proud Biripi woman, it felt even more important, because we haven’t always had the opportunity to pursue further education. I know all of my family are so proud of me, and I feel so blessed to have such a supportive family. My biggest role models in my life would have to be my parents and my Nan. My Mum and Dad have worked in the community for a long time supporting people. It’s through them and the positive impact they’ve had on others that sparked my passion for wanting to support disadvantaged people. My Nan is also

one, because she’s the most compassionate and encouraging person I know. My life feels so much richer because I have them. What were some of the advantages and highlights of studying in the joint pathway program? I could still live in my community, and I didn’t have to travel far for lectures. My TAFE studies had created the foundation for studying at university, and the units I had completed within my courses at TAFE were used as credits towards my degree. Another large advantage were the work placements. In my first two years I had to complete TAFE work placements, and in the last two years I had Charles Sturt University work placements - all of which gave me industry experience and provided the opportunity for me to grow in confidence and learn new skills. You studied units on campus at both TAFE and Charles Sturt, as well as some subjects online during your degree study. Can you tell us about the support you received from Charles Sturt whilst doing the program? All of my lecturers and all of the Charles Sturt staff were always so approachable and supportive, especially when I started to feel overwhelmed by everything. Throughout my studies at Charles Sturt University, I was also a part of the Indigenous Academic Support (IASP) Program, which provided me with tutors for most of my subjects. Being a part of this program was invaluable, because I was able to be supported by tutors who not only mentored me and assisted me with understanding each subject, but also equipped me with the skills to complete assessments. You excelled in juggling study followed by two part time roles in the community - what is the most important skill that got you to where you are today?

My time management and organising skills were some of the most important skills that helped me complete my university degree. Within my third and fourth year I had to complete two 500 hour work placements and at the same time complete two - three university subjects. My week would consist of three days a week at work placement, one day a week I would drive to Port Macquarie for lectures, and one day a week I would work. During the afternoons and evenings, I would work on assessments and complete online subjects. As an emerging leader in the community, do you have any advice for young Indigenous women and men looking to start university study and make a difference in their community? Attending university felt nerve wracking, because I hadn’t known anyone in my family who had done it. At times I wanted to give up, and I doubted myself. But I would always prove myself wrong and would achieve the tasks set before me. I won’t sugar coat the fact that university is hard work, and it’s the same with wanting to make a difference in the community. But I’ve come to learn that the benefits far outweigh the struggles. If you want to pursue university and want to make a difference in your community, just know that you can do so much more than you think. Knowledge and education is not only so empowering, but it’s a powerful tool that will lead you on a journey that you could have never imagined for yourself. Absolutely go for it!

Greater Port Macquarie focus 69

of

HBWN KELLIE MILLS

With the 20th birthday of the Hastings Business Women’s Network approaching this month, WE CAUGHT UP WITH THE WOMAN WHOSE LEADERSHIP DURING THE FIRST YEARS LAID THE FOUNDATION to what would be a successful organisation for the future. Kellie Mills tells us more, reflecting back on her six years as President of the HBWN.

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hat are you most proud of?

I’m proud of the difference we all made to women in our community. We created a welcoming space where (predominantly) working women could come together, share ideas, network and grow their profiles and businesses. The focus was on building relationships - not having cliques or being competitive or judgemental. I believe that approach has stayed with the network over the 20 years. We also ran conferences and started the Business Women’s Awards. Whilst our focus wasn’t on raising funds, we supported various women’s charities throughout the years as well. What were your main goals that you set out to achieve when forming the network?

Over time we realised how important the network became to the women in the community. Women network differently to men, and HBWN filled a void in the region.

I was new to running a small homebased business and felt I needed to be with like-minded women I could learn from and connect with. I figured there would be others in the same boat. I initially thought it would be nice to have around 20 women catch up monthly. The need became obvious when we regularly had between 60 - 80 women at our breakfasts each month! Our 100th member joined 12 months after the first meeting.

How important was it to have a network for women in the area at the time? Over time we realised how important the network became to the women in the community. Women network differently to men, and HBWN filled a void in the region. We received a

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FRIDAY 22 NOVEMBER 2019 6.30pm til late | The Westport Club Dress: Cocktail

Tickets: $65 includes canapes, drink on arrival, live music and birthday cake! Register www.hbwn.com.au/events Proudly sponsored by

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great deal of positive feedback from men who felt the network provided the support and encouragement their partners needed. The network’s longevity and continued success is a clear indication of its ongoing importance. Who were some of the first and still present members of the group?

There have been so many women involved in the network at all levels for many years. Some provide mentoring, some volunteer their time, others provide resources. Caron Dyball from Snap Printing offered to help in the beginning and is still involved, as did Anne-Maree Crowe, Glenda Hamilton, and too many others to mention. I remember Peta Simmons from Bennett’s Steel brought the first lucky door prize and was not only part of the initial inspiration, but has been a huge advocate ever since. What are you looking forward to about the 20th celebrations? Catching up with old friends, hearing stories about the 14 years since I was President and learning about the direction for the future.

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ou have been the President of the HBWN for the past three years. What are you most proud of? Stepping into the legacy of the past Presidents was a little daunting; however, I am very grateful for the amazing women who work with me as part of our volunteer committee. Together we are a dynamic team that has seen the network grow over the past three years, with exciting new ways for members to connect and collaborate. I am most proud of how the network continues to inspire women and smash stereotypes. It’s fantastic to see women come together through our events and online platforms, share ideas and learn from each other. As a HBWN member you are part of a community that not only shares in your wins, but shouts them from the rooftops. Equally, our members are supportive and lift you up when you're doing it tough. Members enjoy informal mentor/mentee relationships that develop through these connections, and it has been gratifying to see the positive impact this has had for several long-term members who recently shared their experiences at the Ahead of the Rest Women Business Leaders event during Small Business Month. The HBWN has always had a clear vision;

encouraging, educating and empowering women in business in the Hastings region. We are committed to continuing the HBWN spirit for the next 20 years. How will you be celebrating the 20th birthday this month? HBWN Events Coordinator Nicole Liddle, Celebration Sponsor The Westport Club and our Life Member Tall Poppies have planned a wonderful cocktail celebration event. On Friday 22nd November we will be hosting a gala evening at The Westport Club. We are honoured to have HBWN Founding President Kellie Mills joining us to celebrate the network’s history and plans for the future. It will be a chance for past and present members, along with the broader business community to catch up, celebrate with us and dance the night away. We look forward to seeing everyone there. Tickets for this event are available at: www.hbwn.com.au/events How can we find out more about becoming a member? For women interested in becoming a member, we host a free coffee catch up on the last Tuesday of each month. Our last coffee catch up for 2019 will be held on Tuesday 29th November. More details about the coffee catch ups and membership can be found on our website www.hbwn.com.au

Greater Port Macquarie focus 71

Port Macquarie Town Centre M A S T E R P L A N ith historic roots as far back as 1824, Port Macquarie has long been seen as a vibrant retail, industry and tourist destination. The importance of creating a fresh, attractive and prosperous CBD was recognised by locals dating back to 1993, when a special levy on Port Macquarie CBD property owners was formally introduced for streetscape, landscaping and beautification works. Following this, the Port Macquarie Town Centre Master Plan (TCMP) Sub-Committee, a joint initiative of Port Macquarie’s CBD property owners and Council, was formally established in February 1994. The Sub-Committee was to assist in continuing to develop the Port Macquarie Town Centre Master Plan, proposing works priorities, making recommendations regarding the development, review and amendment of the Master Plan and acting as a communication conduit between Council and CBD stakeholders advocating the Master Plan to the community. Since the establishment of the TCMP, total works funded, capital and refurbishment, as well as maintenance and operational activities,

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have been in excess of $24million. The TCMP Sub-Committee is chaired by a Councillor and made up of Council staff and representatives of Port Macquarie CBD landowners, traders, a community member and both the Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce and Port Macquarie-Hastings Access Committee. The current Town Centre Master Plan was updated in late 2013 and in March 2014, a number of priority projects were agreed upon. Recently Completed Projects: Clarence and Murray Intersection Upgrade: to encourage lower traffic speeds and more pedestrian activity, a design was developed to improve pedestrian safety through upgrading of footpaths, improving lighting and making a safer intersection at the corner of Clarence and Murray Street. Town Square: the project has seen the construction of the new Town Square (at the northern end of Horton St) and Stage 1 of an upgrade to the Town Green. This results in more vibrant and useable spaces for the many events, experiences and activities that occur and to see these spaces act as major drawcards for locals and visitors. Features on the new Town Square include increased pedestrian space, an accessible

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and open area which can be used for community events, markets and festivals, timber seating and new alfresco dining areas, with shading provided by large commercial umbrellas. Town Green: landscaping, paving and street furniture installation has now been completed, with new footpaths along the foreshore providing pedestrian access from Town Green to the Breakwall and the rest of the Coastal Walk. Kooloonbung Creek: works to rejuvenate and beautify the Kooloonbung Creek Foreshore between Gordon St and Hayward St are now complete with the site opened to the public on Friday 31st May 2019. Safety and accessibility has been improved significantly, with the construction of wider shared pathways, feature staircase connection to Gordon St, installation of

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new lighting, seating, shade trees and bike racks. A future project to watch out for is the Bicentenary Walk - waterfront footpath upgrade. Where is the money for the Port Macquarie CBD Master Plan coming from? Funding for improvements and upgrade works in the Port Macquarie CBD is sourced from a separate financial reserve. The reserve is primarily maintained through an increased business rate levied on the commercial properties and paid for by the property owners of the Port Macquarie CBD. Port Macquarie CBD landowners are regularly updated on these works. If you are a property owner in the Port Macquarie CBD and wish to register your interest in the Property Owners Group, contact Debbie Moore on 6584 5542.

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roperty owners within the Port Macquarie CBD pay a special levy for streetscape, landscaping and beautification works in the Port Macquarie CBD. W H AT ’ S B E E N AC H I E V E D S I N C E F E B 2 0 1 9 > Installation of shade structures in Town Square to accommodate outdoor dining, events and general public use. > Completion of Kooloonbung Creek Stage 1 Upgrade from Gordon to Hayward Streets. > A detailed cleaning service including all pavements and furniture within the Town Centre. > Funding of street sweeping and footpath cleaning/sealing program. > Pavement upgrade in front of the new amenities building on Short Street. > Street furniture reconditioning. > Town Centre banners. > Landscape maintenance and upgrades.

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esign for the redevelopment of the foreshore to achieve a continuous promenade from Town Green East to Kooloonbung Creek Stage 1, and from the William Street pedestrian bridge to Westport Park.

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focusinterview.

Laurieton and Port Macquarie based Indigenous artist Anthony Clark is from the Biripi Nation in Taree and has ventured his way into creating unique Indigenous designs that are oered on a range of products for our communities to enjoy. His art tells a story and is a representation of himself, family, community and experiences.

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i Anthony. Tell us a little about yourself and where you're from. I’m Tony (Anthony Clark). I am a local Aboriginal man from the Biripi nation in Taree. I am married and a father to three children, who are all grown up and moved away from home. When my children were young, my wife and I fostered young children. We have since taken on three of our grandchildren and raise them in our small coastal town of Laurieton. I have lived here for the past 30 years and prior to this, I was local to the Wauchope area in NSW. KJC Aboriginal Artwork creates customised Indigenous designs for clients. Did you have any previous business experience before starting this venture? I started first with painting and was donating all of my work to organisations within our local community. I also volunteered for schools, writing programs and developing the cultural connections of Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal students. This ventured into my designs being put onto clothing and launching an Aboriginal designed clothing/item range. I had minimal business experience, but saw the pride our people got from wearing my designs. This has been a wonderful experience for Non-Aboriginal people also, as I have found my clothing range helps bridge gaps within our community and builds relationships between the Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal community members.

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Has creative art always been something you are passionate about? Art has always been something I was interested in. I have been creative since I was at school. I had an accident when I was younger on a building site, and this limited my ability to work. This has been a wonderful Unfortunately, I was unable experience for Non-Aboriginal to go back to my previous seats, hallway tables and other people also, as I have found job as a builder. I still had animal carvings. my clothing range helps a love for wood and mixed I also offer clothing: polos, bridge gaps within our this passion with my creative singlets, swimwear for males community and builds ability to develop KJC and females, towels and relationships between the Aboriginal Artworks. I am football shorts, and artworks Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal able to develop woodworks hand painted on canvas, community members. such as boomerangs and football boots, balls and much didgeridoos from timber more. instead. I have taken a lot of orders Does each artwork you lately from businesses and schools for personalised create hold a story and cultural significance? Aboriginal designs. This was especially significant Yes, each piece holds a different story and around NAIDOC this year. experience. A lot of my pieces are connected to the Where to next for KJC? ocean, as we are situated right on the beach in the I am going to keep developing new and improved Laurieton area. My art tells my story and represents designs and hopefully build up my business. me, my family, community and experiences. Where can we order from, and what's the best Expressing myself through art is truly a passion. I way to contact you? currently work closely with Indigenous youth from KJC Aboriginal Artworks on Facebook, and this the Taree to Kempsey region and love what I do. also has a link to my online store. I am also able to What products are available to add your be contacted on 0401 861 789 and am more than designs to? happy to deliver any items if needed. Currently I have woodworks being offered, such Thanks Tony. as boomerangs, didgeridoos, coolamons, bench Greater Port Macquarie focus 73

focus_contributor - Travel Editor Susie Boswell.

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Brisbane is booming, outpacing its southern counterparts as our most exciting capital. Do go visit!

. Am. Overwhelmed. Brisbane as a leisure destination 2019-2020 and beyond is enchanting, breathtaking, simply outstanding. The Queensland capital’s buzzing with alluring new “urban resort” hotels, magnetic new city precincts and public spaces, terrific new topline restaurants and cocktail culture, relaxing new riverside boardwalks, enthralling new art and architecture and a captivating outdoorsy ultra-alive vibe of countless head-spinning, can’t-get-enough-of sights and experiences. In just a few days I’ve: lain in a king bed beneath the northern pylon of majestic Story Bridge, its lacy span and all-night multicolour lights sparkling high above my hotel picture windows, sleeping in fairyland. Ridden a 21-storey lift, all six of its surfaces screening vibrant, pulsing immersive VR videos, a hammerhead shark seemingly snapping at my toes and the simultaneous sensation of traversing San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge. Frolicked in indulgent open-air sundrenched infinity edge pools. Dined at eclectic locations among tall trees, at waterside venues near-tumbling into ever-humming Brisbane River, at rooftop bars with striking skyline views. From menus featuring the State’s superb seafood and farm produce: fresh, uncomplicated, presented to perfection. I’ve been dazzled by enticing arrays of cocktails of infinite concoction, shapes and colours, garnished with micro herbs, flowers and fruits, lavish foams, tangy dried citrus discs. 74 Greater Port Macquarie focus

Been enthralled by the remarkable juxtaposition of majestic, respectfully-preserved historical buildings set against a manifest affection for ultra-modern design, admirable high-rise restraint, and endearingly quirky abundant street art and performers. A city that maximises assets of its river location and agreeable climate, a “walking” city via uncrowded avenues, malls, intriguing laneways, intimate hole-in-the-wall cafes, wide riverside boardwalks and eight long lean pedestrian-friendly bridges: on one, a coffee spot suspended over the water. It’s for getting around fast, too, if you will, via free jump on-jump off CityHoppers, charming little red ferries buzzing between the dozen distinct waterside precincts naturally created courtesy of the serpentine river’s numerous banks as it snakes its way through the CBD heart. And by free Loop bus, rental cycle, or irresistible fluoro-bright electric scooters docked strategically about: rent by tapping on with your credit card, stop where fancy takes you. PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE Holidays in Queensland have been largely synonymous with two extremes: Gold Coast beaches and theme parks, and the tropical north’s Great Barrier Reef marine activities, winding southwards to the Whitsundays. Forget traditional destinations, now a supernova’s exploded onto the scene: the State’s capital, the “River City”, has built to a magnificent 21st century climax, slated to climb even further in the next few years with at least ten major central development projects

happening. Since 2017 no fewer than 15 new hotels have opened in Brisbane. In the past five years, the total’s 32. A remarkable five more will be added within three years or so once the city’s $3.6b Queen’s Wharf resort, now in full-on development, opens in 2022. Brisbane Airport (a mere 15 minutes or so via express tunnel; serviced also by Airtrain) has just been awarded 2019’s Best in Australasia-Pacific. Alliance’s daily flights, the nation’s friendliest I think, from our smart new airport land us in the Queensland capital after just 45 minutes in the air (with scenic views of sand and surf coastline), perfect for weekend jaunts and longer. The four-lane Pacific Highway’s due for completion next year, shaving 2.5 hours off the trip (overall, from Hexham) to the northern border, ideal for “Are we there yet?” families, many new overnight diversions on the reinvigorated route. Brisbane’s chutzpah sees it set to cater increasingly as a port for mega cruise liners when its new International Cruise Terminal opens next year, already some 200 vessels confirmed for season 2020-21. Mooted, among much: a major revamp of sports icon The Gabba and hosting the 2032 Olympic Games. Meanwhile, Brisbane is very much NOW with a Manhattan-like vibe that’s throbbing, thriving, thrilling at every turn. FREE THINGS Opportunities abound. Brisbane Greeters, red-shirted volunteers, offer free guided walking tours; they, and commercial counterparts, exhibit a friendly welcome and a love of their hometown with knowledgeable,

fascinating commentaries: tiny laneways pop up, surprising wanderers with an intimate arty cafe in a secret cavern; inspiring installations by the Blue Art Ninja, an anonymous street-art phantom creating electric-blue sculptures - say, dog with top hat and briefcase, tail flying as it dashes to work, or gladiator mouse with sword and shield - placing them randomly high and low on bare city walls under cover of night. Kids will love spotting fairy doors in unexpected spots. Glittering fairy lights are a Brisbane thing, coming alive in the evenings, lacing tree trunks and festooning outdoor structures, a vivid always-on party atmosphere. Street art and performers, too: find yourself sharing kerbside street furniture with a lounging metallic kangaroo or waiting at a pedestrian crossing beside a 2m-tall canine on hind legs, cast in shimmering silver metal. A la the Louvre, massive modern silver balls sculpted from aluminium kitchen implements contrast in the adjacent square with the sandstone columns, intricate carved tympanum and 88m clock tower (based on St Mark’s bell tower in Venice’s San Marco Piazza) of iconic century-old Brisbane City Hall. Its imposing Italian Renaissance presence stretches along three street frontages amid a cluster of similar colonnaded buildings leading to Parliament House, old Government House and the cool green respite of the Botanical Gardens. Brisbane offers free entry opportunities at many of its astonishing array of museums and galleries: every exhibit lovingly, carefully curated and

Photo: Richard Greenwood

displayed, as if a personal treasure. Something for everyone: colonial and Aboriginal history; arresting modern art appealing to multiple tastes and fascinations; conventional exhibitions; inventive installations; an intriguing Women in Brisbane Art collection runs to March 2020; be mesmerised by High Rotation (to April 2020), an upbeat display of Brisbane’s pop/rock musicians with guitars, costumes, film/audio clips, souvenirs and ephemera of Sheppard, the Bee Gees, Keith Urban, Kate Miller-Heidke, Dami Im, Powderfinger, Savage Garden, The Veronicas, The Grates and more. Visitors can “re-master” tracks via a special digital facility, taking hands-on control of drums and instrument inputs, altering pitch and tempo of tracks to create their own original compositions. At the city uni, QUT, kids adore The Cube, two storeys high and one of the world’s biggest interactive digital displays, with underwater coral reefs and fish, lifelike dinosaurs and more. Thanks to a City incentive the verticals-horizontals of many buildings and plazas never languish as mere banks of windows, awning hoardings or bland roofs but notably feature exterior veils or canopies of decorative architectural screens (say, in the shape of 80m-wide hosts of butterflies, or lightning-like geometric zigzags atop a skyscraper) - imaginative eye-catchers. Year-round there’s a calendar of free-entry festivals and events galore and street markets, or budget-value foodie events such as the Bug & Oyster Trail, a progressive alfresco feast.

THE HIGH LIFE Brisbane’s central building boom sees multiple lofty cranes at Queen’s Wharf thrusting against the sky, interlacing strikingly with each other, yet these and the CBD’s taller edifices contrast nicely with and highlight, in what’s a relatively low-rise city, so many well-preserved iron-lace balconied and other modest-height heritage establishments. The comparative lack of a monstrous high-rise “forest” offers grand expansive views from so many rooftop bars and infinity-edge swimming pools edging the river, reminiscent of Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands yet nevertheless now entrenched as a motif belonging to Brisbane. Among them: a massive terrace atop South Bank’s 5-star Emporium Hotel, a mere translucent screen preventing a plunge into the gardens and river way below. Must not miss: truly sensational dishes and drinks at lofty Eleven Rooftop Bar, Fortitude Valley, on the CBD’s extended Ann Street arm. THE PRECINCTS Among the many, the newest, Howard Smith Wharves, stretching forever across 3.5ha under Story Bridge north pylon, is a fabulous string of drink-dine venues: Felon’s Brewing (onsite micro-brewery and gastro-pub: beers, ciders, 1kg ribeye, beer/wood-fired pizza); Mr Percival’s overwater perch and amazing octagonal tower bar, topped by a DJ; Arc Dining (Qld’s No 1 restaurant, all Australia’s No 2) and Greek, Italian, Japanese (about to open), juicy Betty’s Burgers and more - definitely Brisbane’s “It” destination. Next-door Fortitude Valley, its former seedy reputation (e.g: the Kinky Klosett) now gentrifying with tremendous new venues, a grand, refurbished 19th century shopping arcade and, ditto, art deco Fortitude Music Hall live music venue. Casual eateries draw diners to long-time financial-district favourite Eagle Street Pier, best of all Matt Moran’s relaxing Riverbar & KItchen, with its gay yellow-stripe brollies, offering knockout fish and chips, crab, steaks, pizza, burgers and drinks. Leafy James Street in The

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Valley is the city’s chicest shopping/lifestyle centre, a Cape Cod-Hamptons appeal of design-forward homewares showrooms, indie fashion and shoe boutiques, galleries, restaurants and cafes. FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD Thanks to the State’s abundant seafood harvest, fine farm produce and top-notch chefs, Brisbane cuisine’s signature is uncomplicated dishes showcasing quality ingredients prepared to perfection. I dined at the State’s No 2-rated Hellenika at The Calile, a cuisine and service delight. Order 600g/1.2kg baked Junee lamb, lobster, Greek banquet selections. Joy, No 3 of the State’s “best”, is a new chef’s table for just 10 guests nightly, tucked in bijou Bakery Lane in The Valley. Nearby Baja, also new, is a cosy whitewashed stucco Mexican restaurant and tequila extravaganza. Parisian-style Stanton Restaurant & Bar, among the trees extending over Queen Street Plaza, offers an enormous daytime menu of perfectly-executed top-notch classics. A special experience for wine

lovers and fine cuisine aficionados is new City Winery, its converted The Valley warehouse home to an artisan micro-brewery, barrel room and cellar door, a gourmet heaven where macho tomahawk steaks prepared on an ironbark-fed brick firepit vie for thrills with the delicacy of owners Dave and Chrissie Cush’s delicious tenderly hand-blended wines. BOUTIQUE HOTELS Brisbane’s newest fivestar low-rises: The Fantauzzo, opened February, and The Calile, one year old, idiosyncratic impressive luxury among a catalogue of many new beauties: forget traditional stuffy corporate hotel design. But ... space dictates they wait till next month. If travelling to Brisbane: book them! Greater Port Macquarie focus 75

focusinterview.

Movember is uniquely placed to address Men’s Health on a global scale. In truth, there are a lot of blokes out there doing it tough, but the tragedy is - we don't talk about it.

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row a Mo', save a Bro is a proactive initiative that provides funding for the three biggest health issues facing men: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, with the aim to reduce the number of men dying prematurely by 25% by 2030. Please introduce yourself and tell us what inspired you to get on board with Movember. My name is Josh. I come from Texas, but call myself an Australian, as I've lived here since 2005. I have been calling Port Macquarie home since 2014 and love working at Cassegrain Wines out on the freeway as their Direct Sales Manager. I can credit jumping on board with Movember to an old work colleague of mine - Quentin Campbell - who is now managing aid work in Vietnam. He rocked a beaut mo', but the cause for him was just as important and the motivation was infectious. I've done it for a few years now, but each year the cause hits harder to my conscience. My grandfather passed away from prostate cancer. I've had a few mates' fathers suffer the same. My father-in-law has fought prostate cancer and won. Beyond prostate cancer, which Movember seems to be most widely known for, funding research and projects that focuses on men's mental health really speaks to me. I've had a number of friends and close mates go

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through bouts of depression and a few Grow a Mo, save a Bro aims to help men start conversations and help them feel who succumbed to it. The impact is never mentally healthy and well. But for those singular, and the deaths of those close to me men who are a little unsure or quiet, I reflect on often. As a husband and a father what advice would you give to them? of two boys, my mental state affects so I'm no expert, but I much more than myself. know I've been through How does Movember rough times. Having work, and are there a close knit crew of certain rules to be I've had a number of friends mates that you can be followed? and close mates go honest and real with Most people engage/ through bouts of is paramount. The fundraise by growing depression and a few quietest of fellas will a moustache. You can who succumbed to it. The open up about what do this as a team (great impact is never singular, they find fun and are for the workplace/ and the deaths of those close to passionate about. The sports team), or on your me I reect on often. dark times aren't easy own. You can also host to talk about, but when fundraiser events, as we realise we all go well as do "movement through them to some challenges" - which I'm degree (with our own flavours, of course) it also doing this year. I'm aiming to clock up 150 km of running, as well as 150 km of provides a foundation to build on. riding (pushbike). I'm no athlete, so for me My parents always told me to choose my this will be a bit of a challenge, but I think I'll friends wisely. Being able to progress happily be right. and confidently in life as an adult never Movember isn't limited to the fellas. Ladies stops being important. I believe we are the can host events and do the movement products of our environment. If we have the challenges too, as well as supporting a fella self-awareness to identify toxic friendships, around you by donating. we also have the power to leave it behind. Essentially, the rules to growing the mo' This makes building on that foundation for Movember is to shave it all off on the 1st. much easier, when you know your support is Let it sprout and take over, and observe your a solid foundation too. wife/partner/relatives/friends/colleagues look How can we all help make change at you in disgust. Then, earn their respect by happen? supporting the cause! Talk about it, but then act. The simple act

of sporting a mo' and starting a conversation might be all it takes to save a life. Literally, save a life. We're blessed to live in a country full of opportunity. If you can't grow a mo', support someone who can and donate. Essentially, build a habit of putting someone else's life at the same level as yours. For any individual or workplace that would like to get involved, where can people sign up and get more information? au.movember.com but they are an active social community; their Facebook page is brilliant. Also, check out the resources on their website. They share about the level of detail they go to in their projects, which proves their relevance in our communities. What do you hope to achieve by taking part? Fundraising and breaking down the wall of conversation around the topic. Having worked for a charity for five years (Asian Aid - based in Wauchope) I know that community work costs a lot of money and for big impact, you need big scale. These aren't small machines to operate, so if I can help keep the cogs greased - happy days. Where can we donate to your fundraising? I'm aiming for $4,000 this year - the largest amount I've fundraised. You can donate here: https://mobro.co/loosefitmind Thanks Josh.

RECYCLING WEEK - NOVEMBER 11 - 17

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RECYCLING M Y T H S

WHAT can and can't go in the recycling bin can be confusing, and recent reports about the "waste crisis" have reduced the trust Aussies have in council kerbside recycling.

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t a local level, what gets recycled can change and also vary from council to council.

Planet Ark research shows a downward trend in the understanding of what can be recycled; it's clear that there are many recycling myths out there. With that in mind, for National Recycling Week this year, Planet Ark are becoming Recycling Mythbusters, so that you can reduce waste and trust that you're recycling correctly. In November 1996, Planet Ark founded National Recycling Week to bring a national focus to the environmental benefits of recycling. Now in its 24th year, this annual campaign continues to educate and stimulate change, by promoting kerbside, industrial and community recycling initiatives and giving people the tools to minimise waste and manage material resources responsibly at home, work and school.

GET INVOLVED Whether it's hosting a swap party for friends, setting up a new workplace recycling system or just improving your knowledge and understanding of recycling, there are plenty of ways you can get involved and get recycling. Schools - schools have been taking part in the Recycle Right Challenge. Planet Ark provided free recycling activity guides, lesson plans and Australian school event ideas, designed to engage students and teachers to learn by doing and having fun. At work - this is a great opportunity to get your workplace involved in recycling programs and other sustainability initiatives. Having recycling programs in place is not only good for the environment, but research shows that it is also good for staff morale. Buy it Back Day - Planet Ark's Buy it Back Day will be on Saturday, November 16 and is a day for everyone to celebrate National Recycling Week with mindful purchasing, by buying something second hand or buying a product made from recycled material.

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focus_contributor contributor

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

Have you heard the story about the 88 year old mathematician, the 80 year old brothel owner and the 90 year old paperboy? Now’s your chance.

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n 2011, I was invited to join the NSW Ministerial Council on Ageing (MACA), as a result of my work in the field of arts, health and creative ageing. It has been a wonderfully satisfying experience to be a part of a “think tank” on ageing issues to guide the Government’s thinking and policies about older members of the community. And it has been especially pleasing to witness the development of a creative ageing strategy for NSW’s seniors, soon to be announced. Creative ageing is a term which describes the health and wellbeing benefits which can ensue from older people’s engagement in artistic activities and interests. Sadly, we live in an ageist society, where older people are often seen as vulnerable and a burden, rather than respected as a valuable asset of the community and acknowledged for their wisdom and lifetime experience. It is important for us all to recognise the ongoing contribution seniors make as grandparents and family members, carers, friends, volunteers and custodians of local knowledge and heritage. Three years ago, MACA committee members elected to create annual media awards to celebrate outstanding stories about seniors and the extraordinary breadth and vitality of seniors’ lives. At the launch of the fourth MACA Media Awards in Sydney on 17th October, MACA Chair Kathryn Greiner AO, said the awards aimed to break down stereotypes around ageing and encourage more realistic

reporting on the lives of older people in the media. “Over 14 per cent of Australians are over 65, but less than seven per cent of news coverage features older people,” Kathryn Greiner said. “The stories that make the cut often exceptionalise seniors and sensationalise their experiences, leading to coverage that does not reflect our lives or the lives of our older friends, family and neighbours. “But there are great stories out there, and the MACA is delighted to shine a light on reporting that accurately reflects the real lives of older people in Australia.” With Jean Kitson as the Master of Ceremonies, the evening was sprinkled with lots of laughter and insightful commentary. NSW Minister for Seniors Dr Geoff Lee presented trophies to the winners from advertising, current affairs, news, health and lifestyle and photography categories and reflected on the exceptional quality of the finalists. The winning entry for the Advertising category was a short film presenting a portrait of Colin Taylor who tells his life story, with a wry twist, that involves building four houses, a yacht, an aeroplane which he taught himself to fly, and his own coffin! In the Current Affairs category, I loved the story about the 80 year old woman, twice widowed, who found a new lease of life as Madam Caramel, brothel owner, in a regional NSW town, but the winning story about a 90 year old paperboy was hard to beat. The News category was hotly contested,

Alison Harcourt, Australia’s Grandmother of Mathematics, photographer Lauren Day

with topics ranging voting ballot papers, which You’re not just doing it from a Guardian ultimately led to changes for the fun of it,' Alison newspaper article in effect at every election said and then added, about the sexual since. 'well, sometimes you lives of older people, It is her passion for her are just doing it for Australia’s treatment profession that has her the fun of it. I mean, I of older people as still working more than 20 wonder how Pythagoras explored by the Royal years beyond retirement felt when he worked it Commission into Aged age, tutoring the next out; he must have been Care and an Aboriginal generation of young happy! ranger’s quest to students. preserve knowledge “It’s difficult to explain about the Simpson it, because I have always Desert, which took the loved numbers and prize. maths,” Alison Harcourt told Lauren Day. “It The Health and Lifestyle category was won was the notion of making sense, that things by producers Jeff Furolo, Raul Hernandez and had to go as they should go.” Lex Marinos for their 13-episode program, And statistics, in particular, captured her The Baby Boomers Guide to Life in the attention. “Statistics is numbers with context, 21st Century, broadcast on Radio Skid Row. and the context has always been important The Images category focuses on an for me,” she said. outstanding cartoon or photograph which “You’re not just doing it for the fun of captures older people and ageing. it,” Alison said and then added, “well, My favourite in this section was the sometimes you are just doing it for the fun winning photograph of Alison Harcourt, “the of it. I mean, I wonder how Pythagoras felt Australian grandmother of mathematics” when he worked it out; he must have been who was featured on the ABC’s 7:30pm happy!” Report, presented by photo-journalist Lauren Perhaps my favourite comment on the Day. night came from Lauren Day, who said that As Lauren Day explained, Alison Harcourt she loved interviewing older people, because might not be a household name, but the “they have the most stories and the best 88-year-old statistics pioneer is something of stories”. a celebrity in the maths world. For a full list of finalists and winners, Her work has helped measure poverty in and for further information about the Australia and played a key role in amending NSW Ministerial Advisory Council on the Electoral Act in the 1980s. Alison used Ageing (MACA), visit her maths genius to point out flaws on www.facs.nsw.gov.au/maca2019 Greater Port Macquarie focus 79

Port Macquarie CBD

Medical Centre

Private Hospital

Location, Location, Location Retire the easy way, with $10,000* to help you move. Simply settle before 20 December 2019 to be eligible. Nestled within a vibrant community of like-minded people, a Stockland village in Port Macquarie could be just what you’re looking for. We have the perfect one, two or three-bedroom homes to suit your needs – whatever they may be. Chat with our Sales Professional Ally O’Shea on 1800 72 71 70 or visit stocklandretire.com.au/nsw to find out more.

Bellevue Gardens Retirement Village 1 Parker Street, Port Macquarie

Lincoln Gardens Retirement Village 23 Marian Drive, Port Macquarie

• Only 1.3km to CBD • Right next door to Medical Centre and Port Macquarie Private Hospital • Indoor heated swimming pool • 24-hour personal care assistants on site • Serviced apartments available • Pet-friendly village

• Modern village with beautiful gardens throughout • Friendly and contended community • Ground level villas with no stairs • Close proximity to hospital, shopping centre and medical precinct • Pet-friendly village

Parklands Retirement Village Cnr Central Road & Hindman Street, Port Macquarie • Two-bedroom villas and one-bedroom serviced apartments available • Indoor heated pool & spa • Bowling green available for residents • Friendly village community and staff • Pet-friendly village

*Terms and conditions apply. Call 1800 72 71 70 to find out more.

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Freecall 1800 72 71 70 stocklandretire.com.au/nsw

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SUE REID

Online communication has changed our way of life making it easier to share information with each other whether it is via a computer, tablet or phone.

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atholic Care of the Aged (CCA) has been working on a new online portal that helps prospective residents and their families share information about

our Villages. The portal is located on our CCA Cares website (ccacares.org.au) where information can be accessed showcasing our Independent Living villas. We have a substantial refurbishment program of all available villas currently underway, so the website will give you an idea of the actual villas that are available, not simply a standard floorplan. A real benefit of the portal is that the information and photos about available villas can be shared with family and friends. It gives a lot more visibility and engagement as to what the property looks like as well as specific floorplans that provide an understanding of how the living spaces are connected. Our residents tell us repeatedly that the benefits of living in St Agnes and Lourdes Villages are the friendly and supportive community and the beautiful surroundings

that are in close proximity to town. You will see more of this information on the website as well as other support services that CCA provide such as Home Care packages, the options for residential care, meals through St Agnes’ Food Services, and our Pastoral Care, Lifestyle and Volunteer Programs. Of course, the move towards online communication has meant that many other services have also moved online, including government services. The Australian Government established the MyAgedCare online portal, which is an essential part of being able to access aged care support from the government. We have received feedback that the portal is difficult to use, however our local Client Relationship Team at Donnelly House can help you with this as well. You can call them on 5525 3600 or visit them at Donnelly House at 150-152 Horton Street, Port Macquarie. I would encourage you to go to ccacares. org.au and have a look at the villas we have available. If you have any questions about our available villas, please call me on 0407 843 515.

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a symbol of

REMEMBRANCE DAY POPPIES will proliferate on November 11

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he blood-red flowers grew wild on the Western Front in the soil and mud churned by fighting in World War I. Poppies have since become symbols of the useless slaughter of the Great War. Paper poppies were originally sold in London, in 1921, as a way of raising money to support the families of fallen soldiers. The tradition has continued in Allied countries, including Australia, New Zealand,

Canada and Britain. But the significance of the day on which they are worn, Remembrance Day, has grown over time. November 11 was initially known as Armistice Day. It was on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month when the Germans called for an "armistice". Armistice Day heralded the end of four years of The Great War, 1914-18, which claimed the lives of up to 13 million people

worldwide and 61,512 Australians alone. He called for Australians to observe a The name was re-evaluated at the end of minute's silence at 11am on November 11, World War II. to remember those who died or suffered for In Australia and Britain, "armistice" yielded Australia's cause in wars and conflicts. to the word "remembrance". (The practice of a minute's silence dates November 11 then became a day to reflect to 1919, when King George V called for and honour the lives of those lost while two minutes' silence to mark the end of fighting in all wars and World War I.) Wreaths conflicts. of poppies are also laid Remembrance Day at cenotaphs and war gained special attention memorials on November in Australia in 1993, the 11. That was when the 75th anniversary of the The Last Post may be remains of an unknown armistice. sounded at services in Australian soldier, That was when the towns and cities across exhumed from a military remains of an unknown Australia. cemetery in France, were Australian soldier, Some people may place entombed in the Australian exhumed from a military a sprig of rosemary War Memorial's Hall of cemetery in France, in their lapel, as a Memory. were entombed in replacement of the the Australian War poppy. Memorial's Hall of Rosemary is especially Memory. significant for Australians and New Remembrance Day ceremonies were Zealanders, because it grew wild on the conducted simultaneously in towns and cities Gallipoli peninsula. all over the country and re-established the While ANZAC Day has largely eclipsed day as one of significance. Remembrance Day here in Australia, it's In 1997, Governor-General William Deane important to observe the minute's silence issued a proclamation formally declaring and reflect on those who have died in November 11 to be Remembrance Day. combat.

Looking for information on retirement living? Visit the

Port Macquarie & Mid North Coast

Retirement Village Expo Incorporating Resort Living for the Over 55’s

Sun 17th & Mon 18th November Westport Club - 25 Buller St, Port Macquarie Sunday 10am - 3pm, Monday 10am - 1pm On display will be the latest resort style developments as well as established villages from different organisations. All offering a wide range of services & facilities, sizes, prices and locations, all under one roof

www.retirementexpo.com.au

FREE ADMISSION Greater Port Macquarie focus 83

Wauchope Funerals Wauchope District Funerals Services has been providing practical help and beautiful, personalised funeral services since 1927. Our commitment to you is to ensure we expertly help you through each step of the process after the death of a family member or friend. We are honoured to provide advice and assistance to families throughout the Mid North Coast region, including Wauchope, Port Macquarie, Kendall and Camden Haven. All our funeral directors and operations staff have been carefully selected for their sympathetic personality, organisation skills and knowledge of the local region. From choosing a coffin to suit your budget through to unique funeral service ideas and burial or cremation, our caring team will tend to the smallest of details. Our Wauchope funeral directors are happy to

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visit your home and talk you through what happens next. At Wauchope District Funerals Services, our empathetic funeral directors are able to provide expert advice and assistance with all details related to planning a personalised funeral service to honour your loved one. We understand grief can be all-consuming, making it difficult to focus on the important decisions that have to be made. Our job is to remove the stress associated with planning a funeral, so you don't have to worry about a thing. In the event that a death occurs interstate or overseas, we are able to make all the necessary arrangements for the body to be returned home. We are also able to organise interstate or overseas funerals.

DUNBOGAN BUSHCARE COORDINATOR SUE BAKER IS APPE ALING TO RE SIDENTS ACROSS THE NORTH COA ST TO HELP OUR WILDLIFE THROUGH THE DROUGHT.

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verything from insects to large mammals are being affected. "Doing it really tough are species that feed on nectar, fruit and seeds (birds, possums, gliders, bats) due to the failure of many trees and shrubs to flower; tree death and now bush fire," she said. "Bats are even feeding in the daytime and birds species turning up in areas they’re rarely seen in." People can do much to help in small ways. Feeding wild birds is a contentious issue, as it encourages dependence and lessens their ability to forage. Certainly human foods such as bread, cake, chips and cooked fish are an absolute no go zone for any kind of wildlife. Their digestive systems are not adapted to human food and many problems can result, not the least of which is death. At the moment, however, with such extreme conditions people in cat-free areas are putting out wild bird seed available from supermarkets and pet shops. Sue is appealing particularly for water to be made available. "Shallow bowls of water, preferably sitting on top of something and placed in the shade will help birds," Sue said.

"It’s important to bear in mind that small insects and worms essential to birds birds can drown in deep bowls. Keeping such as magpies and kookaburras. Insect bowls and water fresh and clean is activity also helps lawn health by aerating especially important for birds. Discarded the soil. Putting mulch or leaf mould water can be used around the base of around the garden will have the same pot or garden plants. Shallow bowls effect and reduce the need for watering. of water on the front lawn is a great Instead of throwing out grass clippings, idea in areas where consider spreading kangaroos feed. For them in small piles on koalas, the situation the garden, where REMEMBER may be a little more insects can survive THAT STRE SSED difficult, with water on the moisture WILDLIFE ARE possibly needing to while they rot down. ON THE MOV E IN be placed in tree forks Compost heaps are SE ARCH OF FOOD AND WATER, SO out of reach of cats also great for insects. CARE IS NEEDED and dogs. A small Habitat can be WHEN DRIV ING piece of cut fruit every created for insects E SPECIALLY AT few days and placed and lizards by placing NIGHT. off the ground on a fallen branches tree trunk or branch around the garden may help possums." with a little soil Some local government areas and heaped up around the base, or even their communities are even taking a putting a few old roof tiles or similar in coordinated approach to putting out a corner. water bowls. And most important is to remember Letting the lawn grow higher between that stressed wildlife are on the move mowings and not mowing too low helps in search of food and water, so care is not only lawn health through increased needed when driving - especially at night. moisture content, but also encourages Greater Port Macquarie focus 85

focusAbode.

The Award Winning Team That Will Get You the Result You Want Every Time!

Master Builders Awards 2019 Newcastle, Tamworth and Northern NSW - Best Custom Built Home between $500,000 to $600,000

HIA Awards 2019 Northern NSW Best Custom Built Home between $400,001 and $600,000

JUDGES' COMMENTS FROM MBA

JUDGES' COMMENTS FROM HIA

"With a building platform that was established through the placement of deep retained fill, the builder has constructed concrete tilt panels on the site to form the parallel bays of this unusual and distinctive home. The combination of concrete panels with steel cladding and an overhanging cantilevered roof provides an industrial impression to the external appearance that is complemented by the highest standards of fixtures and fittings displayed in the home's interior."

"Design of the property is unique and has the wow factor, and the finishes and workmanship are excellent. A true custom built home. A unique choice of materials and not many builders can build this type of build, so full credit is due."

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focusAbode.

pecialising in custom built homes is what Joyce Constructions are proud of, and so they should be. September 2019 was a fantastic month for the team taking out not one, but two major building awards for the unique and very creative home constructed to precision at Red Hill, Telegraph Point. Blending an eclectic, modern facade of Corten external cladding, aluminium framed

windows, concrete tilt panels and steel floor and roof framing, a unique dwelling with a modern industrial look stands proud in its typically Australian bushland setting. Fitting perfectly into the surrounding landscape, the residence is an exceptional achievement by all involved both in design and construction. The two storey home sits on the highest northern point of the 100 acre property. Its configuration takes full advantage of its north-east facing location and gives up

expansive coastal ocean views from South West Rocks through to Port Macquarie with the hinterland in between from every room. Ascend an aluminium framed staircase with non-slip aluminium step treads to a landing portico that welcomes you to the formal entrance to the top level of the home. Comprising an open plan living, dining and kitchen, home office/study/man cave, bedroom, family bathroom and master bedroom with en-suite, the top level is a

superb example of easy care living. Spotted Gum timber flooring has been used throughout, adding an earthy feel to the industrial build. Opening out from the living area through a bank of sliding glass doors is the cantilevered front balcony. Framed either side by the exposed concrete panels that continue through the home and define the room configuration throughout, the balcony is an extension of the internal living area.

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FROM THE DESIGNER COLLINS W COLLINS

Having a frameless glass balustrade that allows for uninhibited picturesque views and a non-slip flooring from the installation of Hardi-Deck underfoot, the balcony is a magic spot to entertain or sit back and relax. Placed behind the kitchen along a hallway you will find the home office/study/ man cave, kid's bedroom, family bathroom and master bedroom with en-suite. All rooms are spacious and all are north-east facing, with huge picture frame windows that allow for spectacular views. Both the

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family bathroom and the master en-suite are well appointed. The family bathroom has a freestanding bath tub, as well as a corner shower recess with glass showerscreen and a wall hung vanity with mirror above. White subway tiles with black grout add to the modern, clean look and are a contrast but complete match to the black floor tiles. The master bedroom is a simple refined layout. Having a walk-in his/hers robe with plenty of hanging and shelving space and adjoining en-suite, it is a private

parents' retreat. Amazing views of South West Rocks lighthouse are enjoyed by the owners whilst laying in bed of an evening. Louvre windows have been added along the side wall of the master, allowing gentle, adjustable airflow through the space. All comes together to create a tranquil space. Overall, the home is a showstopper! Little wonder that it won awards and the owners absolutely adore where they live. They have their home among the gum trees; it is an honest building that is true to its surrounds.

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e were given a design brief to create a unique dwelling with a modern industrial vibe that would also enhance the natural beauty of the site. The owners wanted to utilise natural and/or raw products, which were also non-combustible, to meet the bushfire requirements of the site. The house site is on top of a hill surrounded by vegetation and classified as bushfire prone land with a BAL29 rating. Our solutions to meet the requirements were the use of natural, raw and non-combustible materials -

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steel, concrete, stone! They also wanted to capitalise on the natural beauty of the environment, with views to be enjoyed from every room. We were presented with some design constraints, access to the construction site was via a relatively narrow dirt road, and consideration had to be given to the size and type of construction vehicles that would be accessing the site during the build. The natural ground was extremely rocky with minimal top soil and steep topography, providing a challenge for retaining and footing design. Using natural stone boulders, some weighing 3 tonnes, a retaining wall was constructed around the perimeter of the “house yard”. This retaining wall enabled the site to be filled, requiring up to 4 metres at the deepest point, and allowed for

cost-effective retaining and footing design Corten was selected for the external solutions. cladding - our clients love the way the Given the difficult product weathers and access to the site, the changes colour over concrete tilt panels were time, and it ticked made on site using the all the boxes: raw, building slab as a base non-combustible and GIVEN THE DIFFICULT and then lifted directly industrial. The panels ACCESS TO THE SITE, into place. Not only did were detailed in the THE CONCRETE TILT this method remove office, measured onPANELS WERE MADE the need for transport, site and then folded ON SITE USING THE it also gave greater off-site - the accuracy BUILDING SLAB AS A flexibility into the panel of folds and dimensions BASE AND THEN LIFTED design, as there was no provided for easy DIRECTLY INTO PLACE. limitations on the panel installation! Utilising a size. A strip footing common fold-pattern design under each enabled sheets to be tilt panel was utilised, easily cut to size around reducing the extent of excavation required windows and doors during installation. into the rocky ground. Moving away from conventional design

and construction methods, this design relied on a “dwelling frame” to be constructed and then “filled in”. The combination of tilt panels and steel floor and roof framing provided the perfect framework for an effortless fit-out. Natural light floods the home, with each room featuring full-height glazing overlooking the valley to the east. The open lower level gives opportunity for future expansion of the home. Collins W Collins has enjoyed working with Joyce Constructions over many years and working on projects together such as The Red Hill property and World Gym showcases just how diverse Joyce's team really is. We've worked closely with Mitch and the team on various projects, from home renovations and new builds to gyms, saw mills and cafés.

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Y

FROM THE OWNERS

ou chose Mitch Joyce from Joyce Constructions to construct your new home. How has it been working with Mitch and his

team? The team at Joyce Constructions upheld an incredible level of quality from beginning to end of the build. Working with them was exciting, and there was always a “can do” positive attitude to any of the problems that arose. Would you recommend Mitch to prospective home builders? Definitely. Building a unique home is a collaboration of many different people. Anyone who works for Joyce Constructions is

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the best of the best! What were the first steps when you began your new home journey? The first step was to find a home designer who would share our ideas for the house and once we saw the Collins W Collins Building Designers office building, we knew they would be a an ideal choice. Derek Collins came and saw the block on a Friday and had the design ready for us on the Sunday, and we loved it. We hired Derek because he had an amazing positive energy that we clicked with. Joyce Constructions were involved with various stages of the Collins W Collins office and when we discovered that Mitch grew up less than 1 km from our block, all the pieces

had fallen into place. There were MANY other steps. Getting ready to build took longer than the actual building process. We were working on preparations for over 24 months. Mitch built our house in 12 months. Did you have any particular desires when you first approached Mitch in relation to the building? If so, how were these met? Building a home is a collaborative effort between the house designer and the builder. Most of our ideas were put on to paper by Derek Collins. Our brief to him was: “Each room must have a view, and the house must be up on the second level to take full advantage of the view”. Derek nailed it. Joyce

constructions then followed through with the highest quality of craftsmanship. Being in a bush fire area, were there any specific requirements that had to be met? If yes, how was this done? Yes, the block was categorised as "BAL29 - high risk"; this is primarily concerned with protection of the building from ember attack and burning debris. This meant that the external parts of the building had to be made from non-combustible materials, and we had to clear a certain area of trees around the house. We also needed to make sure the driveway could cater for a fire truck and have an extra water tank that is exclusively to be used for fires.

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JULIE HO FROM PORT MACQUARIE LANDCARE

landcare. update Lizards, lunch and life

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Are there lizards in your life?

hey may not wake you at dawn with a song, but lizards - like birds - are great pest controllers and recyclers. Lizards are quiet achievers,

working to improve your home and garden. Now that it’s warming up, skinks are on the job. Larger ones like Bluetongues eat snails, slugs and caterpillars, termites and spiders. Please

be careful not to poison Bluetongues by snail pellets, which contaminate the snails they hunt. Striped or blotched in earthy colours, Bluetongues move slowly and rely on camouflage - so sometimes they fall victim to lawnmowers or dogs. Their cousins, the “Landmullets”, are plain dark brown. They like moist forest settings, where they eat fruit and fungus, as well as insects and snails. At home you may also have the Robust Striped Skink, which wears beautiful camo colours, and the tiny coppery Garden Skink. All lizards rely on sunbaking, as it’s the only way they can warm up. But in hot weather you can help lizards by putting out a shallow dish of water with a stone, so they can climb out. Lizards need rocks, clumping native grasses, logs and leaf litter to feel at home. Habitat items like these fit naturally with native plants, which are a good choice because they also attract birds. Insects and some birds may be nectar feeders, pollinating flowers while they eat. Both birds and lizards may eat insects. And for some birds, lizards are on the menu. There are predators and prey - the hunters may be hunted too. Plants are fundamental, because they create food, and all other life depends on that, including humans. The habitat, the plants and the creatures that consume them or each other, make up ecosystems. Natural ecosystems are complex,

but this complexity is healthy and gives stability. If ecosystems are disrupted, we need to respond, to ensure there’s food for ALL living things. Recently scientists in Europe found that insect numbers have crashed by 75%, and they say the impact on human food production could be dire. Ironically, it seems the insect crash is caused by modern farming that uses insecticides and removes insect habitats. “About 80% of our crops depend on insects for pollination; 80% of the wild plant species as well,” explains Professor Hans de Kroon from the Netherlands’ Radboud University. “If we are losing that, we are losing the ecological foundation of ourselves.” (www.abc.net.au/ foreign/insectageddon/11604620) We can help insects and the food webs they are part of, by planting wildlife “corridors” of native plants, giving food and safe passage for insects. Insects can then avoid farmland and other areas that have dangerous chemicals. Did you know our Council now insists on local native plants to establish plantings in streets, reserves and new developments? Council also helps Landcare to grow native plants, care for bushland, and protect our volunteers: it has generously given us a 2019 Community Grant, and we are very thankful. To learn about and shop for native plants, visit www.landcareportmac.com.au Julie Ho.

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BUY • SELL • BUILD - A SPECIAL FOCUS FEATURE

Johnson Family Homes High rental demand in the Hastings area + low interest rates = a great time to invest in property! Australia’s record breaking low interest rates have been a huge win for those home owners paying off their mortgages, but on the flip side it has really put the squeeze on investment returns, especially for those investing in cash. A Bank Term Deposit offering 1.5% paid at maturity is just not giving the return it used to. So, why not use the low interest rates to your advantage? Over the past 10 years we have had a steady stream of returning clients building with us to start or increase their property portfolios. Why do they build new, rather than buy something older? 1. Control over size and design - build where you want with the design you want 2. Control over the fittings and fixtures - ensure the items included in the investment property are hard wearing, so not needing to be replaced in the short term, especially for items such as carpet

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and tap fittings. 3. Start your investment off new, with warranties on the building and on the fittings and fixtures, to ensure that if something goes wrong early on it will be all be covered. 4. Tax advantages - there are numerous, but the stand out is maximising the available depreciation. 5. The savings on Stamp Duty can be huge. If building is not your thing, you can always buy brand new and still reap many of the benefits noted above. For example, a property we recently completed at 10 Clunes Street, Port Macquarie is ready for your tenants to move in. Priced at $579,000 with a rental appraisal from McGrath Real Estate of $520 per week, this offers a return on investment of 4.67% (gross before expenses) plus the potential for huge capital growth in this area. Add to this the benefits of a new building and fittings with warranties and a fresh, new modern home to attract quality tenants who will love it like their own.

at Garden Village with 40 years of care

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he variety of property and styles of living available to residents on the Mid North Coast is ever expanding. We are blessed to be part of a community with access to glorious beaches; and suburban, apartment, bush, semi-rural and rural living opportunities. For seniors in our community however there are further considerations that contribute to their decision making. Access and services become important factors as you enter into your retirement years and these, along with many other factors should be considered when choosing your retirement destination, including care and support services; community engagement and support; building accessibility; and broader community access. Garden Village has been meeting these needs for 40 years with our central location granting easy access to local healthcare facilities, public transport, grocery stores, clubs, parks and beaches. Accommodation styles include affordable, low maintenance 1 bedroom villa’s in addition to 2 and 3 bedroom apartments in our

newly completed Cascades with an emphasis on space and quality. Retirees are increasingly seeking newer style apartments, similar to the Cascades, and Garden Village continue to respond to this demand. Development plans for Garden Village continue with a new 35 apartment complex planned to commence in 2020. Our new developments are designed around the needs of the modern retiree with more space and functionality, generous community spaces whilst still maintaining the access to 24/7 care and support as well as the transition to residential aged care if the need arises. NSW Fair Trading has some excellent resources available to help prospective retirement residents consider all of the variables when choosing a retirement home. In particular, their “Prospective Resident Checklist” is valuable for prompting thought around healthcare access, public transport, lifestyle considerations and suitability of the premises. It is a valuable tool for those starting to consider their retirement. Garden Village is a locally owned and operated retirement

and aged care provider with our care and community atmosphere the key differences between us and other villages with Registered Nursing staff available 24/7 to meet your care needs. The residents of Garden Village also have the option to be as busy or as quite as they decide, joining in on activities, including the fundraising auxiliary, Men’s Shed, Garden groups or spending time alone to unwind or participate in broader Port Macquarie community activities. Our model of retirement living is community based and wellstaffed to provide the highest level of care and support to our residents. Moving to Garden Village will give you and your family comfort and peace of mind. To book a tour or come for a coffee and chat please contact Sarah on 02 6582 8923 or at sales@ gardenvillage.com.au

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K A R E N B U R K E A R C H I T E CT P R I N C I PA L A R C H I T E CT

Karen Burke Architect has over 33 years’ experience with the past 25 in Residential Architecture. Designing innovative and contemporary homes, with an emphasis on unique, functional and liveable solutions. Who is your ideal client? Everyone’s vision of their own dream home is a scrapbook of collected ideas and characteristics that make it uniquely theirs. That’s why being a Residential Architect is so interesting and enjoyable. I get to explore everyone’s unique way of living and bring it to life in a home. Currently I’m building my own home, perched in the bush at Lake Cathie. A combination of two shipping containers and a glass pavilion. So, right now, I would have to say my ideal client is me, as I get the opportunity to turn my scrapbook into a home that fits me like a glove. What projects are you working on at the moment? Right now, I’m working on about 30 projects scattered throughout the Manning Valley, the Hastings, the Upper Hunter, Central Coast and in Sydney. My projects range from renovating a small beach house, building a new a multimillion-dollar rural homestead, to working on a 5 star coastal resort. Each project regardless of size provides an interesting and rewarding process. Why is it important to seek the advice and help of a qualified architect? With regard to Residential Architecture, a home can be one of the biggest financial investments you will make. It’s so important to get it right to ensure your home fits the unique way you live. Whether a new build or renovation, Residential Architecture goes further than just a floor plan and an attractive street frontage. A well-designed home is a ‘one off,’ and takes into consideration many different factors such as planning regulations, budget, site constraints, environmental issues, the client’s lifestyle, family needs etc. This makes designing and building a home an immensely complex process. An Architect is able to lead the client through this daunting task. The first step just starts with a phone call. Mobile 0414 907 782 Email karen@karenburkearchitect.com.au Website www.karenburkearchitect.com.au

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BUY • SELL • BUILD - A SPECIAL FOCUS FEATURE

Epoxy f loors

How Epoxy Floors Are Transforming our Buildings

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one are the days when epoxy floors were relegated to hospitals, warehouses, and commercial facilities. Today, epoxy is part of a growing interior design trend, thanks to a surface that isn’t just beautiful - it’s also incredibly durable. Epoxy flooring is waterproof, seamless, incredibly tough, and it’s customisable in endless ways. It’s no surprise that a growing number of Mid North Coast homes are featuring bright, stunning epoxy in main living areas as well as garages. Curious as to what’s really driving the epoxy flooring trend? Here’s why it’s one of the leading new flooring systems chosen by interior designers. IT FILLS A NICHE Epoxy flooring is the ultimate contemporary flooring system that’s filling a niche for homeowners who want something different. Epoxy floors are stylish, modern, and fun.

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They wear better than painted wood, offer vibrant colour, and add personality to any space. Many homeowners who choose epoxy don’t want the upkeep or cost of the hardwood floors their parents loved, or simply want something that lets them show off their personality. Homeowners Some homeowners opt for UNBEATABLE want to move on from crisp white, or another COLOURS the stains that show up in solid colour, while Nothing can really concrete floors - especially others prefer geometric compare to epoxy floor in garages. Spills wipe off shapes or granite or coatings when it comes easily with an epoxy floor. natural stone looks. The to colour options. TRANSFORMS A FLOOR combinations are endless. Homeowners can select INTO A WORK OF ART from our standard Epoxy is one of the most colours, or select versatile flooring systems custom colours from the Australian Standard available. Some homeowners opt for crisp Colour chart. There are flake systems white, or another solid colour, while others available that look like stone finishes, or eyeprefer geometric shapes or granite or natural popping metallic colours that are reflective stone looks. The combinations are endless.

and mirror finish. HOW EPOXIES ARE MAINTAINING OUR INFRASTRUCTURE Whether it’s a grease trap servicing a restaurant, a large pump station servicing a council sub-division or a carpark that requires a modern durable and waterproof finish, the team at East Coast Epoxy floors can handle the job. Ask our industrial coating experts for advice as to how your building or infrastructure can be refurbished and brought back to life.

McGrath NOVEMBER AUCTION EVENT

It’s time to diarise the date. McGrath’s November Auction Event will be happening at beautiful waterfront Rydges Hotel at 6pm sharp, on Tuesday November 26th.

These very special events happen only a few times each year but they’ve proved immensely popular with buyers and vendors alike; a chance to look closely at the properties offered, to chat informally with selling agents and without obligation an opportunity to participate in their totally transparent submission to the market. Properties which are recommended to

the auction process are generally those with a unique point-of-difference; a special feature or certain specific qualities which set them apart from the average. For this reason and for many other reasons, no review of the market should be considered fully complete without attending at least a few auctions. At 6pm on Tuesday November 26th, in a relaxed and hospitable setting

at Rydges Port Macquarie, McGrath’s November Auction Event will highlight not one but at least six very special properties. There will be properties to excite investors, families, even those with semi-rural or home business requirements; a true cross-section of an exceptional local marketplace. In keeping with the occasion McGrath’s exclusive, multi-award-winning celebrity

auctioneer, Mr. Scott Kennedy-Green, will be flying into town to officiate proceedings, complimentary refreshments will be available and the entire McGrath team will be there to lend assistance. Everybody is welcome and for those who have yet to attend a McGrath Auction Event, prepare to enjoy a relaxed, friendly, and definitely informative occasion. It’s time to diarise the date!

39 Emerald Drive

31 Gunsynd Chase

11 Horizons Parkway

A truly expansive home, with views across the nearby golf course to the ocean, it offers solar power, fully-roofed heated swimming pool and spa plus provision for home business or extended family.

At magnificent Ascot Park, a beautifully presented threebedroom home; better than brand new, it offers premium modern living in fine style.

High in exclusive Crestwood Heights, this prestigious nearnew air conditioned home presents with quality at every turn; absolute luxury in low-maintenance surrounds.

6-5 Tulloch Road

2-1 The Fairway

11 King Creek Road

In an exclusive complex of just seven this brand new premium villa home sets a high benchmark in quality and style; two bedrooms plus media or third bedroom, stunning ensuite and bathroom, double garage, sunlit ambience and more.

This neat two-bedroom villa home is unique in several ways; just 600 metres from the sands of Lighthouse Beach, it’s in a complex of just two and offers wide side access, even separate detached garaging for a caravan or boat.

A large, solid home on 5 level acres, backing Sarahs Creek, including a grassy paddock plus outbuildings, its prize being a huge 216sqm shed to suit home business or light industrial application (STCA); a semirural home plus business, directly opposite King Creek’s retail outlet.

McGrath Estate Agents 149 Gordon Street, Port Macquarie T 6589 3777 E toddbates@mcgrath.com.au mcgrath.com.au

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BUY • SELL • BUILD - A SPECIAL FOCUS FEATURE

Custom Metal Roofing As one of the area's most trusted businesses, Custom Metal Roofing has successfully serviced numerous homes across NSW, from the Mid North Coast, down to Sydney and the South Coast. Owner-operator Mark Dunkley is a qualified roof plumber with more than twenty years of experience in the industry. With the assistance of his wife, Claire, Mark began operating as Custom Metal Roofing and has since supported the development of numerous local homes. He is considered to be a local expert in roofing and building projects. The success of the business is a direct result of Mark’s client satisfaction focus - he is not happy until you are. With initial and ongoing consultation, Mark ensures that he has a thorough understanding of your needs and expectations concerning your roof. Your

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desires, combined with Mark’s knowledge regarding practical and effective roofing, will ensure that your property is safe, appealing and functional. Although building new roofs is his specialty trade, Mark also provides a variety of other services and products, to ensure the comprehensive completion of your building exterior. In his years of experience, Mark has installed and fixed Colorbond wall cladding, gutters, gutter guard, fascia, downpipes and skylights. All of Mark’s materials and tools are sourced from reliable brands such as BlueScope Colorbond Steel, so that your new home features will be long-lasting. Custom Metal Roofing’s extensive portfolio includes family residential homes, multistorey buildings, apartments, townhouses, warehouses and commercial properties.

RealChris Estate Koch with

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M A C Q U A R I E

The last few months have seen the Port Macquarie real estate market regain its mojo. With demand for real estate seemingly ramping up as we roll on to the end of the year, it seems every new listing is attracting strong interest. Buyers are keen to take the next step in their property journey. Likewise, sellers are considering where they'd like to be in 2020. It's that time of year. We're very aware of the lack of real estate stock currently on the market, and demand for available homes is pushing prices up. If downsizing is in your future plans, it might be time to put those plans into action! For downsizers, the current market presents a rare alignment of the planets. Buyer demand is strong, finance is cheap, with interest rates at their lowest historical level, and the options for growing families are limited. You may very well be sitting on one of those few options right now. First home buyers are also active, upgraders likewise, and now we have a new wave of investors mobilising. But while quality properties are most definitely in demand, buyers are seeking value in terms of both what they're willing to pay for property, and what they're willing to pay in finance costs to buy property. They are keen and willing to transact, as long as the numbers stack up. For sellers, this provides a clear course of action. Now is the time to seek the advice of an experienced local agent and set a fair price that will attract a larger buyer pool. Then you can let the competition among buyers for your property do the heavy lifting in terms of seeing the best price achieved. With the scene for summer now set, the market can be expected to continue to perform well into the new year.

6583 7733 | lsre.com.au/portmacquarie

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BUY • SELL • BUILD - A SPECIAL FOCUS FEATURE

Glen-Holmes UNIQUE TRAINING PROVIDERS

H

i Alex. Please introduce yourself and tell us about your career in the real estate industry. I started in real estate nearly 13 years ago and have had a very rewarding career. At the time I was 41 years old and had worked the past 20 years as a medical secretary and accounts clerk. I had just lost my father and realised that life was too short to keep putting things off, so the following week I bought myself the Certificate of Registration Course for my birthday, as this is the minimum needed to work in real estate. I really enjoyed the course and wanted to know more, so I made the decision to go on and do the Real Estate Licence Course. Having not studied for over 20 years, having four school aged children plus running a business with my husband, I had my work cut out for me, but I was determined, and it was all worth it. I have also been very fortunate to have had some great trainers and mentors throughout my career who have taught me a great deal about the industry and business in general. I was very fortunate to have two great, very supportive bosses who helped me grow in the industry. I have had the privilege to work with and mentor quite a few people over the years and have loved watching them grow and achieve their goals. In 2017, after a friend of one of my children was studying real estate online and struggling with no back up with the course, I saw a need for face to face training to be available locally. A lot of people, especially those of us over the age of 30, have trouble learning online, as we weren't taught that way, so I decided to go and do my Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. I completed this early 2018 and around the time I finished my course, the Real Estate Institute announced that an overhaul of the industry was coming, so this has worked really well for me. Who are Unique Training Providers, and what do they do? At the end of April 2018, I joined Unique Training Providers after previously meeting the founder of the business, Linda Keeley, whilst completing my Stock & Station Licence. I loved the philosophy of the company and that they concentrated on working with students on a 100 Greater Port Macquarie focus

THERE IS MUCH

face to face basis and the opportunity to go HAPPENING IN THE REAL offered continued support. away and implement what ESTATE INDUSTRY WITHIN Distance learning is also they have learnt, plus THE NEXT YEAR. APART available, but face to face complete assessments prior FROM THE REFORMS, is the most preferred. to doing the next module. THERE ARE ALSO NEW Unique Training Providers Recognition of prior REAL ESTATE MODELS is a Registered Training learning is also available. COMING INTO AUSTRALIA Provider specialising in Apart from the licensing FROM OVERSEAS. the real estate industry, and compliance, I also offer offering Certification and a locum service. This allows Licence Courses in Real owners of smaller, boutique Estate Property Services, Stock & Station as well agencies a chance to have time out from the as Continued Professional Development and business for a holiday or medical purposes and Compliance. be able to keep the doors of business open and What do you love most about your role? operating. It also ensures that their clients are I love working with people, watching them well looked after and their properties are still grow and take on new challenges. I enjoy being being shown. It also gives me the opportunity to able to share some of my experiences in real keep my sales skills updated and allows me to estate to help them get a better understanding still have the opportunities to sell and do open of the real estate business. This gives them the houses, which I do miss sometimes. opportunity to deliver a better service to the The NSW Real Estate Rules of Conduct and client and customer. I enjoy being able to put the Regulations are ever evolving and changing. legislation into easier to understand English, so What are the biggest legislation changes that it makes more sense for the students. I love being implemented over the next 12 - 24 that I can work my own hours, which gives me months? the freedom to tailor times to suit agents around The real estate industry is undergoing massive their busy work schedules. reform in early March 2020. The aim of this is to It is great that I can deliver this locally, as well make the industry more professional. After all, as covering an area from Grafton to Forster. we are looking after people's biggest asset, so we Being local also means that I am there as a need to ensure that we are able to offer the best back up if any of my students have questions or service to achieve the best result for the client. challenges at any time, even long after they have Some of the biggest changes include anyone finished their course. holding a Certificate of Registration will have to What services do you offer the local real complete their full licence within four years. This estate community? will serve as a sort of apprenticeship. If the agent I have been very fortunate to have been doesn't complete this within four years, they will supported by many of the Licensees of agencies be out of the industry for at least 12 months. in the local area and entrusted with training Whilst on a Certificate of Registration level, the their staff. I like to keep my training classes to a agent will have restricted duties. However, they maximum of five students per class. This ensures won't be able to complete their full licence in a more interactive group learning opportunity, their first 12 months. where students learn not only the course Also for a licensed agent, after obtaining material, but also from each other. I have also their real estate license, they must work under a found that keeping to smaller groups makes the licensee for two years before they will be eligible students feel more comfortable, as many haven't to open their own business as licensee or act as done any study for many years. a licensee in charge. A licensee in charge will be I will usually run the Certificate of Registration classed as a Diploma level. Currently an agent course over two full days and the Licence course could complete their qualifications and open their has the option of one evening a week from own agency straight away. With these reforms, 4 - 8pm over eight weeks or five - six full days an agent will have to get their licence, then work doing one day a week. This gives the students under a licensee in charge for a period of two

years, prior to being eligible to open their own business. There will also be increased guidelines to be met by all agents on an annual basis to further increase their skills, update on compliance and legislation and be eligible to renew their licence. There is much happening in the real estate industry within the next year. Apart from the reforms, there are also new real estate models coming into Australia from overseas. With so much happening, these are very exciting times ahead for both agents and consumers, with improved customer service as a priority. Be prepared to start at the bottom, so that you can build a good understanding and foundation for your career and be constantly learning as much as you can. You need to be prepared to do what it takes. Real estate offers an unlimited earning potential. How hard you work will determine the income you can receive. Do you have any other community involvement? For the past eight - nine years I have been a member on the board for the Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce, serving as Treasurer for the past 14 months. I enjoy my time on the board, working with others to help businesses grow, prosper and be sustained in The Hastings area. Through the Chamber of Commerce and alongside another long term board member, Janette Hyde, we work with Hastings Council to bring Countdown to Christmas to the Community. This is a huge event, with a street parade, mascot fun run, concert on the Town Green, followed by the lighting of the giant Christmas tree and fireworks. It's a fantastic event that brings the whole community together, regardless of age, and it’s always so wonderful to see families and friends getting together for a fun-filled evening. I enjoy being involved and helping make the Hastings a better place to live. Where can we find out more? If you would like more information on the courses that are available, time frames and how we can work into hours to suit your needs, please call me on 0414 772 771 or email me at alex@uniquetrainingproviders.com.au - I have permanent training rooms in Port Macquarie at Bourne House in Short Street (across the road from Food for Less car park)

D O N ’ T M IS S O U T O N YO U R

SLICE OF PARADISE ST LUCIA RISE BO NNY H ILL S

Priced from $545,000 Located on the rise at Bonny Hills, and within walking distance to beautiful Rainbow Beach. This Estate of 16 homes are located in the ideal position to for you to listen to the ocean and feel the gentle sea breezes while relaxing on your back deck. Your choice of 2 or 3 bedrooms, single or double garage. Each home has an individual floor plan for you to choose. Each home will be brand new with your colors and style blended into your home. Book a time to visit our display home and view the floor plans available.

WATTLEBIRD ESTATE NA M BUCCA HEADS

Priced from $245,000 Wattlebird Estate is a brand new rural residential land estate, nestled in rural Nambucca Heads. Flawless opportunity to capture affordable acreage that offers the country lifestyle right here on the beautiful North Coast. Situated near pristine coastlines, great food and friendly people with just a 30 minute drive to Coffs Harbour, it really is paradise on your doorstep. With over half of the Estate already sold, do not miss this opportunity to live on acreage but so close to the hustle and bustle of town. Call today and we will meet you onsite to walk your new acreage lot.

CATARINA ESTATE L AKE CATH IE

Prices upon request Nestled in one of the most desired locations on the Mid North Coast, Catarina Estate has so much to offer the astute buyer. Catarina Estate is located across the road from the stunning Rainbow Beach, and has easy beach access via the boardwalk. Build your dream home or take advantage of the architecturally designed townhouses or Hampton Style homes. Call us today to discuss your new beachside home.

FOR ALL YOUR LEGAL NEEDS CALL

FOR ALL YOUR PROPERTY NEEDS CALL

E: dwoodbridge@clw.com.au | CALLÂ 02 9279 4888

E: home@nationwidepropertybrokers.com | CALL 0447 020 742

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Greater Port Macquarie focus 69

focusinterview.

There’s something timeless about stone - and stonemasonry is one of the oldest human professions. Shaping stone into monuments, buildings and other structures takes extraordinary skill and patience, and these days you don’t get to meet too many stonemasons!

W

e’re very fortunate in Port Macquarie to have Andrew Lickley, who can craft headstones, fireplaces, fences, sculptures and so much more … he’s a true artisan, practising an ancient art … Hi Andrew. How long have you called Port Macquarie home ... and what originally brought you here? We moved to Port from Sydney 16 years ago this Christmas. Our third son had just been born and, as it happens, we were outgrowing our two-bedroom house. We also wanted out of the city hustle, somewhere closer to the natural elements, to bring up our young family. My wife has family here, and Port was a growing town, with schools, a hospital and somewhat more affordable housing. We thought we would give it a go, and we’ve never looked back. What led you to study as a stonemason, and where did you complete your training? Growing up in my family home in Sydney, our backyard had an exposed sandstone face, two storeys high. My brother and I climbed that rock so often as kids, so I always had a connection with sandstone. I guess it was a natural progression. I was self-employed working in the landscape industry, completing bricklaying at Granville TAFE at night, when I felt like I wanted to learn more about masonry, so I enrolled in the stonemasonry trade course at Miller TAFE in Sydney. It’s the only TAFE in NSW that can deliver stonemasonry with all the appropriate facilities in regards to dust management. The dust created when working and cutting has always been an issue. I attended Miller on a block release format, one week block, every five weeks, for three 102 Greater Port Macquarie focus

than first meets the eye too. There are colour years and completed my studies in the year variations and patterns. It can shatter with 2001. a heavy touch. You need to be creative and You own a business, All Stone Masonry patient when working with it, but the results and Landscape Services, locally in Port are very rewarding - and I like that. Macquarie. What would you say are your What types of stone do you typically work business’ key points of difference? with, and where do you source it? Being a “local” stone mason is one key I work mostly with sandstone and granites. point. There aren’t too many of us around, and The sandstone is locally often people are sending quarried on the NSW the wrong person to do a Central Coast, and the stonemason’s job. granite can be sourced Having experience in IN THIS LINE OF WORK I from anywhere in the trade is another AM ABLE TO HELP the world, including knowing how to work FAMILIES CREATE Australia. the stone, what looks A MARKER IN TIME What products do you right, and what doesn’t, FOR THEIR LOVED most enjoy designing is important. There are ONES. THERE ARE SO and making? a lot of variables with MANY INTERESTING Anything in sandstone stone, which is part of STORIES INVOLVING really, but fireplaces are the beauty of it. But, you FAMILY AND THEIR LIFE, a favourite. A stone need to be able to trust IF YOU HAVE THE TIME TO fireplace can transform a the stonemason’s craft. LISTEN. room and make a focal As many masons do, point that is defining. I’d like to think I have a I shaped a granite good eye for detail and a bodyboard, which stands passion for the product. near the PMQ Breakwall, for the local PMBA Bringing these traits to a project will always Bodyboard Club. That was a great project, as increase the ability to achieve the best result. was the Toposcope in the pavement at Gaol Stonemasonry is an ancient craft, and not Point, commissioned by the Port Macquarie one you hear about so much these days. Rotary Club. They’re not sandstone, but were What do you enjoy about working with interesting to configure and shape. stone as a raw material? The scope of stonemasonry has several No doubt there is something special about elements, monumental being one of them. it. Stone in a project is a sign of longevity In this line of work I am able to help families and assurance that it will remain in place for generations. I especially love the feel of stone in create a marker in time for their loved ones. There are so many interesting stories involving its raw state and, weirdly enough, the smell of family and their life, if you have the time to wet, sawn sandstone. Maybe it takes me back listen. I like that feeling of being able to help to the family home all those years ago? Funnily them throughout that process. enough, I think my brother may feel the same That’s the thing about stonemasonry - no as he’s a stonemason also. two jobs are ever really the same. You’re There is a lot more to each piece of stone,

creating something that is generally an improvement on what was there before (if anything) with a physical result in the end there’s great satisfaction in that, whether it’s a granite monument, fireplace or a feature wall. How much machinery is involved with crafting stone these days - and how much manual labour? Depends on the project, really. To increase productivity, machinery has an essential part in stone production, whether it be an electric wet saw, or air power tools to process the stone. Most things these days are done with some kind of machinery. The technology available can produce remarkable carvings and images on stone through the use of laser etchers and CNC machines. However, a hammer and chisel are still necessary for shaping, trowel and mallet for laying walling, or a hand file on intricate carved work. What special tools do you use in the course of your work? I still have my original leather chisel pouch back from 20 years ago, which consists of around 15 tungsten tipped chisels, a few more than a handful of different hammers and mallets, electric and pneumatic powered tools, artwork software, a sandblaster and a hydraulic crane, thankfully, for the heavier pieces of stone. Where can we contact you/find out more about your work? I have a workshop at 1/28a Acacia Ave, Port Macquarie and would be happy to be contacted by phone: 0419 015 624 or email: allstonemasonryservices.com I also have a website: stoneandlandscape.com.au Thanks Andrew. Interview: Jo Robinson.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 87

Thenew newGLC. GLC. The All kinds of strength. All kinds of strength. The new generation of Australia’s favourite medium sized luxury SUV* has arrived. The new GLC is more dynamic, versatile and intelligent

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Experience it today at Andrew Miedecke Motors. www.mbportmacquarie.com.au

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

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