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Applicable to new and demonstrator GLA first registered on or after 1 March 2020 for 5 years from the date of first registration of the vehicle. Warr 200,000km (whichever occurs first). Battery warranty periods vary. Excludes customers with specific warranty arrangements with Mercedes-Benz. 2 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE focus
The all new GLA. Designed for the wilderness. Enjoyed in the city. The all new GLA is going places. With added character, added space and added safety, this revolutionised compact SUV combines form and function at every turn. With 5 seats and room to spare, it complements the modern urbanite’s busy lifestyle – making it your perfect companion, wherever the road takes you. Start your adventure at Andrew Miedecke Motors today.
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HAPPY EVER MORE
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MORE THAN JUST A SOLD SIGN In this fast paced, constantly changing property market, where demand is outstripping supply, the role of your agent is more important than ever to ensure you get the best possible result. Some people feel that “anyone” can sell a home in a hot market and to an extent is true. But at HEM, we know that not all agents are equal and choosing the agent who is the cheapest for example, could be the most expensive mistake you make. Now more than ever, people need MORE THAN the traditional “one-size fits all” approach of the franchisestyle agent. At HEM, our combined experience, proven results, superior negotiation and personalised sales plans are designed to make the journey to sold smoother and more successful. Everything we do from the way we advertise, down to the way we deal with buyers and ultimately negotiate the final sale price is designed to capitalise on this hot property market and can mean the difference in $10,000’s to you. So if you are thinking of a move in 2021 and want MORE THAN just an average sale price, talk to HEM about how you can achieve your happy ever more.
02 6583 2324 hemproperty.com.au GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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Homes that inspire
Sirocco 32
Malibu 26
Malibu 26
Showcasing the latest styles and trends, our brand new display homes feature stunning master suites, inspiring gourmet kitchens and outdoor entertaining areas. Creating your dream home couldn’t be easier when you build with Perry Homes. We have over 150 floor plans to choose from, including single level and two storey, granny flat and dual occupancy… there’s sure to be a design to suit your lifestyle. Whether you have a flat or a sloping block of any size, even knocking down your existing house to rebuild a new home, you can be sure we can bring your vision to life. If you can dream it, we can build it.
Sirocco 32
QBCC Act Lic. No. 718748. NSW Lic. No. 110970C
BU I LT TO I N S P I R E . BU I LT FO R YO U.
3 NEW DISPLAY HOMES OPEN
Visit our stunning new display homes in Port Macquarie today! Sovereign Hills Estate : 1 York Street, Thrumster. Open Saturday to Wednesday, 10am – 5pm Note the display will be closed for Christmas and re-open on Saturday 2nd January 2020 Contact Tony Weston 0412 967 353 | email : tony.weston@perryhomes.com.au perryhomes.com.au
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t Welcome to the January issue of Greater Port Macquarie FOCUS.
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s we throw open our arms and embrace a new year of 2021, we do so with an abundants of caution. For we know that absolutely anything can happen. No one foresaw the rollercoaster of 2020, and the ups and downs that would come with it. For many people it was a blessing in disguise; more time with family, slowing down the pace and a reflection of what’s important. Locally real estate demand is at all time highs and domestic travel is booming. If you watch any international news, you’d no doubt realise just how lucky we are. Since we re-launched 6 months ago with our new format after a short Covid-forced hiatus we have been busily surveying our key
stakeholders about what they think of the ‘new focus’. Overwhelmingly there has been so much positive feedback about the new Focus - here’s are the snippets of what we’ve gathered.1. We LOVE the new size, its easier to read and hold 2. We’re glad you are done with Plastic Bags 3. We love seeing Steve out delivering. 4. I see your magazines everywhere I go! We’re glad you love the new format and to all the advertisers that continue to not only support what we do, but value the presence of a positive and pro-active voice in our community, thank you! So as we bring in a new year, with it we hope that life and work will begin to continue to settle down and businesses can again flourish.We won’t lie, all in all it was a tough
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ADDRESS 4/74 Clarence Street, Port Macquarie POSTAL PO Box 690, Port Macquarie PHONE 02 6584 7433 WEB www.focusmag.com.au IG focus.mag E info@focusmag.com.au
contacts. MANAGING EDITOR Jay Beaumont jay@focusmag.com.au SALES MANAGER Louise Beaumont louise@focusmag.com.au ADVERTISING SALES Annette Wannell annette@focusmag.com.au EDITORIAL CO-ORDINATOR Claire Dunkley claire@focusmag.com.au SENIOR DESIGNER Dylan Gaul dylan@focusmag.com.au
year. In these last few months we have had to say farewell to some very fond and long serving members of the FOCUS team through the re-structure of the publication. For 15 years we very much operated like a family and we lost some very talented and well loved members of our team during 2020. To Jeff Cowan, Phiranno Chuon, Jo Robinson, Reg Brookhouse and Chrissy Jones, we would like to say a sincere thank you for being part of Focus. We look forward to a postive happy and healthy year ahead and wish all our readers, advertisers and their families all the best in 2021. Last but not least make sure you get out and about and enjoy everything that our awesome area has to offer these summer holidays.
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Joseph Dable joey@focusmag.com.au GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kyle Rathbone kyle@focusmag.com.au PHOTOGRAPHY Gavin Moroney gavin@focusmag.com.au CIRCULATIONS COORDINATOR Steve Foye steve@focusmag.com.au PROOF READING Sue Chamberlain info@focusmag.com.au
Comments and opinions of our contributors do not necessarily reflect the opinion or view of the Publishers. All reasonable efforts have been made to trace copyright holders. Information appearing in Focus is believed to be correct at the time of going to press, however no liability will be held for inaccurate information approved or supplied by advertisers or contributors. While all care is taken it is recommended that readers confirm material including advice with individual businesses and industry professionals. Articles marked as ‘Interview or Contributor’ are non-sponsored content. Focus is published by Creative House Publications PTY LTD ABN: 621 287 8600 5. Material in Focus is Copyright © Creative House Publications PTY LTD 2021 and may not be reproduced whole or in part, in any form, without permission of the Publisher. All rights reserved. FOCUS is printed by Australian Community Media Print & Logistics North Richmond. Our paper is FFC and PEFC certified and meets with ISO14001 accreditation.
SELLING IN SUMMER 2021 there’s never been a better time
OUTSTANDING SERVICE, BACKED BY AN EXTRAORDINARY TEAM! Communication throughout the process was top shelf. Always helpful, insightful and made the sales experience an easy one. I very well recommend Percival Property in Port Macquarie and in turn the whole team at Percival Property, well done! - Rate My Agent Review -13th December 2020 Buyer of 2/25 Kingfisher Road, Port Macquarie.
We are currently experiencing high volumes of sales in Port Macquarie & the surrounding region. With each sale we achieve, we are setting new exciting pricing levels. The team at Percival Property sales have over 80+ years of experience in selling real estate in this region. We have refined and developed our strategies, each one custom-designed for each individual client & each sale to give the ultimate selling experience. We have a first-class dedicated marketing & administration team to support and enable our sales team to achieve the best outcome for you & your property. If you have considered selling. Now is the time to capitalise on the volume of buyers in the market and the low number of properties for sale. Call any of our experienced agents below for your obligation-free appraisal & a strategy to sell.
Michelle Percival 0404 466 500
Ally Downing 0417 929 726
Greg Ward 0412 823 088
Ayla Bailey 0431 194 876
SALES 106 William Street, Port Macquarie Phone 02 6583 8606 I percival.com.au
Martin Newell Rural & Lifestyle 0429 883 488
contents Issue 178 - January 2021 INTERVIEWS
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KEITH MCMULLEN
JESS FLANAGAN
The rise of the surfer in the 60’s and 70’s is one for the ages. Keith McMullen chats with us about Port’s surfing nostalgia and the long-haired boys that filled our beaches.
Local born and bred, Jess enjoys mixing up genres while adding her acoustic version, giving her a sound that is uniquely her own. Jess is excited for what lays ahead.
OUR CONTRIBUTORS
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MATT GILLIGAN
Photographer Matt Gilligan enjoys immersing himself in the natural world, capturing life as it is, and sharing his craft with others throughout NSW.
S P E C IA L F E AT U R E
26. Alex Cassegrain - Wine Time 51. Lou Perri - Palate Pleasures 52. Nathan Tomkins - Cocktail of the Month 57. Alistair Flower - In the Front Bar 72. Vanessa Lawrence - The Style Vibe Savvy 79. Shannon Lawrence - Healthful Wisdom CONTRIBUTOR OF THE MONTH
PETA PINSON
Every month you'll find the latest news, reviews and interviews from these locals.
99. Peta Pinson, Mayor - A Moment with the Mayor 100. Kate Wood-Foye - Business Illuminate 102. Michael Mowle - Business Voice 104. Meet our Members - HBWN 106. Jeremy Brigden - Legal Light 122. Jess and Ash - Refresh with Sess and Sass 124. David Evans - Real Estate Talk
t i ti t Follow us on
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www.facebook.com/PortMacquarieFocus
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SUMMER FUN in the Gallery
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new year is upon us and we are celebrating all things local and creative with our Summer Fun programs here at the Glasshouse! ON VIEW in the gallery this summer are three jaw dropping exhibitions two of which showcase eleven artists from our region, Snowlines to Sandune & Encounters. Make sure you come in and support our local artists and their extraordinary talents. Also on display is Weapons for the Soldier, a touring exhibition by Hazlehurst Arts Centre and APY Art Centre Collective. This powerful exhibition fosters dialogue around multi geographical and multi-generational fights for land, Country and freedom experienced by Australians, both Indigenous and nonIndigenous. Some of these artists include; Tony Albert, Shaun Gladwell, Danie Mellor, Reko Rennie, Alex Seton, Abdul Abdullah, Ben Quilty
Tony Albert and Vincent Namatjira, Australia’s Most Wanted Armed with a Paintbrush, 2018, archival pigment print on paper, found patches, fabric, 100 x 100 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Sullivan + Strumpf, Sydney and Singapore.
just to name a few. As part of our SUMMER FUN series we will be running a suite of workshops that will run all January long! These include Sprouts our very popular program targeted at ages 4-9 years and their carers, Craft & Cocktails featuring local illustrators & textile/ fabric designers; Fiona Solley & Gabriella Domin will inspire the participants to create their own unique creations, free Saturday Gallery tours & Sunday drawing sessions with local
artist Lucy Pascale (all abilities welcome)! Bookings are essential as places are limited they won’t last long. We look forward to celebrating all that is creative with you this SUMMER! Bridget Purtill, Gallery Curator
with Lucy Pascale
Sundays, 10am - 12.30pm 10, 17, 24, 31 January $30 per workshop
Friday Evenings, 5.30pm - 7.30pm 8 January Fiona Solley 15 January Gabriella Domin
in january
Thursdays, 10am and 3pm
Saturdays, at 11am
7, 14, 21, 28 January $10 per child
9, 16, 23, 30 January FREE
22 January Fiona Solley 29 January Gabriella Domin Bookings Essential call 6581 8888 or glasshouse.org.au
02 6581 8888
*Transaction fees may apply
I glasshouse.org.au
Cnr Clarence & Hay Sts, Port Macquarie NSW 2444
$30 per workshop
Glasshouse Opening Hours Mon - Fri 9am - 4pm Sat, Sun & Public Hol’s 9am - 2pm Closed Christmas Day
Regional Gallery Opening Hours Tue - Fri 10am - 4pm Sat, Sun 10am - 2pm Closed Mondays
Follow Glasshouse:
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SUMMER ART CLUB HER.ART Space is back again with "Summer Art Club". Rachel hosts full day workshops specially curated to develop authentic little artists for Kinder-Year 6. There are only 10 spaces available per workshop, check online for availabilities and to book. Where 1A Hibbard Drive, Port Macquarie Check website for dates and times herartspaceportmacquarie.square.site
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LGBTIQ+ SOCIAL GROUP
Take this opportunity to meet other LGBTIQ+ young people aged 18-25yrs in a safe, supportive & non-judgemental space. headspace will host these casual catch ups with free afternoon tea! Friends & allies welcome... so feel free to bring someone. More info 6588 7300 or email shaylee.brunell@each.com.au When 20 Jan, 17 Feb 4:00pm-5:30pm Where headspace Port Mac, 12 Short St
Where 30-42 Clarence Street, Port Macquarie Tickets glasshouse.org.au 16 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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THE MCCLYMONTS Mayhem to Madness Tour 2021
See the McClymonts exclusively at Panthers Port Macquarie and Penrith for their last Australian shows for years! Tickets are limited. Book your McClymonts: Mayhem to Madness tickets before they sell out. When Friday 22 January 2021 - 7.30pm Where Panthers Port Macquarie Auditorium Tickets $47.70
PAINT & SIP AT HASTINGS HOTEL
CRAFT & COCKTAILS Summer Fun in the Gallery! $30 per class, includes 1 free cocktail, 18+ event Hosted by Glasshouse Port Macquarie Friday, Jan 15, 22 & 29th at 5:30pm-7.30pm January 15 - Gabriella Domin - Patterned pot planter. January 22 - Fiona Solley - Botanical collage. January 29 - Gabriella Domin - Painted patterns artwork.
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'Tis the season to celebrate creatively with a Paint & Sip class and Paint Your Town at Hastings Hotel - Friday 22nd January 7pm. Price includes your 2 hour paint class, canvas, and all paint supplies. Food and drinks can be purchased at Hastings Hotel before and during to enjoy while painting. Where HASTINGS HOTEL When Friday, January 22, 2021 at 7 PM Cost $49.99 To Book paintyourtown.com.au
CEO NOTES
with IGGY P I N T A D O
FROM OMNICARE ALLIANCE
I’d like to take the opportunity to introduce myself as the CEO of Omnicare Alliance. In February 2020, I was offered the Omnicare CEO and Company Secretary role having had served on the Board as an Omnicare Director since November 2018.
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t the beginning of this year, Omnicare was in a precarious financial situation having just experienced some of the worst bushfires in history and then dealing with the COVID 19 global pandemic. There was a compelling need to establish greater stability
in the organisation for it to remain a going concern. The management response to this crisis was to implement a FOCUS ON ESSENTIALS plan that addressed the need to maintain Omnicare’s responsibilities in three specific areas: • Delivering essential services. • Keeping employees in work for as long as possible.
• Freezing all non-essential spending. A management crisis committee was formed to monitor and manage both health compliance and business developments in order to minimise negative impacts on our clients, carers, volunteers, and staff. Our staff mobilised themselves efficiently in conducting welfare checks for clients, volunteers, and their workmates, even when their own properties were threatened by the fires. Despite all these challenges, by the end of the FY20 financial year, I am thrilled to announce that Omnicare successfully achieved a more stable financial and organisational position, recording a surplus. We are now excited for the platform for recovery and stabilisation in FY21 with a view
to growing Omnicare in FY22 and beyond. We will continue to focus on our organisational objectives of offering care and support services to the aged, people living with a disability and other vulnerable members of the community. We are about establishing and maintaining relationships and community connections that foster social inclusion and sustainable outcomes for less fortunate people who require our assistance and support. I would like to personally acknowledge those who have contributed to our outstanding results and continue to work towards supporting our objectives including our clients, carers, and their families, our management team, staff and volunteers, our Board and our community stakeholders who support our mission so admirably.
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Anthony WILSON
Stormriders Retail Store owner Anthony Wilson is celebrating ten years of Stormriders. We spoke to him to find out about the new iconic storefront on Horton Street and where the business began.
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ey Anthony ("Macka"). Congratulations on your 10th year for Stormriders. Can you tell us a little bit about how this retail adventure began? Thanks Lou, I’d love to! I’m originally from Hallidays Point just north of Forster and was doing an apprenticeship in Newcastle in the mid 80’s. I'd drive home most weekends to hang out with my mates. A couple of us started a Boardriders club to give the local grommets a focal point and an outlet. Not long after we started the club we approached Daryl Garthon who owned Surf & Sailboards Taree for sponsorship. Daryl happily agreed and long story short we became business partners in the store in 1989. 12 months later we bought Saltwater Wine in Forster and then opened in Port Macquarie 12 months after that. Port Macquarie is home? Sure is! I moved here when we opened Saltwater Wine in 1991. I was only meant to be here for 12 months to get the store up and running but we had such a good crew and had such a good time that the thought was quickly 18 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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forgotten. 29 years later I’m still here living the Australian dream, amazing wife, three beautiful daughters, dog, cat and a great bunch of friends! How did Stormriders come about? It’s the perfect compliment to your other store Saltwater Wine, but what are the key differences? Saltwater Wine was founded by Bob Brown in Forster in 1975. Bob is one of the most respected surfboard shapers around and “surf” has always been at the core of the Saltwater Wine DNA. To my way of thinking a “proper” surf shop has to sell surfboards and wetsuits. In the early 2000’s we had opened Saltwater Wine stores in shopping centres and also a store in Tamworth. The Tamworth store was unreal, it was well supported but it didn’t feel right. It felt like we had strayed from our roots. It was around the time of the GFC when I started toying with the idea of another brand which was less surf and more skate and lifestyle. The logic was, if it worked, we’d rebrand those Saltwater Wine stores that didn’t fit the core
surf criteria. I was looking at other retailers in Australia but there was nothing similar to what I had in mind, the closest was a chain of stores in the US called Zumiez. I wanted to test the concept here in Port Mac before we opened or changed any of the other stores - a perfect location came up and the first Stormriders store opened in December 2010. Back to your question! I guess the easiest way to explain Stormriders is “the skate and surf lifestyles are what we embrace and music and art is what inspires us” whereas Saltwater Wine is “all about surfing and going to the beach”. You also have four stores in Tasmania called Red Herring? How did that come about? We do! Red Herring is a bit of an institution in Tassie. The business was founded in 1971 by surfer Bill Thwaites. Can you imagine surfing in Tassie without a wetsuit like they did in those days. Crazy! I’ve had them for about 2 1/2 years. I was looking to grow our business and my mate who owned them was looking to sell. We already had stores in Bathurst, Orange and Dubbo so operating stores remotely wasn’t a problem. It
was a bit of a no brainer. The business has grown to seventeen retail stores now, how have they fared during 2020? I’m really proud of our team and how we got through this year, without sounding too gushy we have an amazing group of people. The bushfires We wanted to knocked us around make the store as pretty badly at the start memorable and as of the year, and then in much of an experience April we closed 8 stores We’ve made it so that as possible. The upstairs for 3 weeks. The ones the ramps can be packed area is a multithat stayed open could away and the space cleared have easily closed, my functional space, it has so it can be used for logic was I wanted to events, season launches skate ramps, an old keep as many people and the like. We’ve got a school games console as employed as much as few things up our sleeve well as our skate retail possible for as long as that we will kick off when and travel section. possible. the time is right and We fired up the restrictions ease. stores that were Why the move from Port Central? closed in early May and we’ve been trading Skate ramps, events and season launches well since then. Right now we have a bit of a aren’t really possible in the shopping centre shortage of stock. There are global supply issues environment. Gowings, the owners of Port on skateboards, surfboards, accessories and Central, has been our best shopping centre wetsuits as well as delays in shipping which isn’t landlord by a mile. Our lease was coming to an helping. end, ultimately what we wanted to do was not Your newest Stormriders store is the going to be possible in a shopping centre. centrepiece of Horton Street and has a few The planets really aligned for us. The lease at cool additions in the building. Can you Port Central was ending and both upstairs and share what you have done? downstairs at the new location were vacant. The For sure! We wanted to make the store as location and layout were perfect for what we memorable and as much of an experience as wanted to and the landlord was happy to do a possible. The upstairs area is a multi-functional deal on the whole building. It probably sounds space, it has skate ramps, an old school games easy but it was a full hustle to get it done. console as well as our skate retail and travel Our shopfitters put in a massive month to get section. it done and then our team had to pull out all
stops to get moved and open. It really was an amazing effort! How does your business support the local community? We’re major sponsors and big supporters of many of the boardriders clubs across the Mid North Coast as well as various fundraisers and events as they pop up. We’ve just launched our Saltwater Wine Junior Team and our first cohort join us for 2021. Our Junior Team is designed to be another layer of support for boardriders clubs and helping develop local talent. They obviously get some lurks and perks but more importantly, they get access to elite coaching, workshops with World Tour surfers and tips from WSL level judges via a number of development days. We also support a bunch of talented surfers, skaters and artists through our Ambassador program. Anything else exciting you want to share with our readers? I think that’s about it! Like I said, we have a number of things up our sleeve for the new store and we also have some cool stuff planned for the broader business. Stay tuned! Thanks Macka! GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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Matthew Gilligan 4 pages
Matt
Creativity runs deep in Ma Gilligan. Starting out as a chef, Ma enjoyed the visual delights of his creations but felt there was something missing. A er picking up a camera whilst working at the beautiful Norfolk Island, Ma decided to dive headfirst into the world of photography, soaking up as much knowledge as possible. Now, Ma enjoys immersing himself in the natural world, capturing life as it is, and sharing his cra‚ with others throughout NSW.
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i Matt. You're a longtime local of Port Macquarie and grew up in and around the Mid North Coast. For those that don't know you, please introduce yourself. My name is Matt Gilligan and I'm a 33-year-old professional photographer and educator. Port is home for me and what a great place to live. I love the diversity we have in our region so it makes it hard to see myself anywhere else. You can often find me out surfing or shooting many of the great locations to be found in our amazing region. You started out your professional career as a chef, but felt something was missing. You decide to get creative, picking up a camera. What was the main drive behind this change and what was it that had you hooked? I had recently been on a trip to Norfolk Island where I was helping run a kitchen for a month, when I met some local lads and one of them was shooting a little Sony set up and I had a muck around and I was hooked. Once I came home, I went down
to the local camera I was literally store and picked up trying to learn the same model and it all, which in fact never looked back. helped me to get The rest just fell into where I am, as I learn it all from being place. I guess with forced myself to really in the water shooting photography it really surfers, or being in a push and learn the helps me be at ease restaurant shooting core fundamentals of and it allows me to be food and content for several genres. out appreciating the editorials. I was literally small things that can trying to learn it all, often go unnoticed. which in fact helped In those early days, what was it that me to get where I am, as I forced myself to you were capturing? really push and learn the core fundamentals EVERYTHING, ha ha I mean that. I met a of several genres. few guys at the beginning of my journey >>> and I learnt lots from them. I wanted to GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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As a self-taught photographer, how have you gone about developing your skills over time, and what would you say has been your biggest learning curve/ challenge? I listened and paid lots of attention to people who were willing to part with their knowledge but I also questioned lots of things too, which forced me to deep dive into certain aspects of the trade and that helped me to develop my style. As a creative you are in the eyes of many and some people love what you do and others may not – dealing with critique both positive and unfortunately negative can be extremely tough. Trust and believe in what you're doing as the creative and enjoy the journey that this craft can give you. 24 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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My personal stuff, which is surf and lifestyle based, is definitely very free as it allows me to immerse myself in my surroundings and let it all happen naturally.
You have travelled to some amazing destinations over the world taking beautiful shots. What are some of the most memorable experiences? All of it. I don’t have any recent travel stories as the year of COVID messed up my travel plans. But if I reflect on times past, I would say the UK was really amazing. I spent a month in Scotland and just embraced the cold and hiked and lost myself most days, and it was truly an amazing experience and so many great memories from that trip.
More recently, Sony Australia approached you to come on board as an advocate. This has you involved in photography workshops and training all over NSW. What is involved in this and how does it fit into your life? Verging on two years I have been representing Sony Australia as a digital imaging advocate here in NSW. I have been extremely grateful to have this opportunity to share this with other keen photographers.
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I host and run workshops for several aspects of photography here in Australia and internationally. I do custom My role as such is orders for to help photographers everything. People commercial project along their journey have the option to as you need to be with workshops that message me and say incredibly focused and are based on learning “Hey I love that and I concentrating on the job skills to better their can get it printed and at hand. understanding of their framed?” in any My personal stuff camera, and to give custom size to suit that I do, which is surf them skills needed to and lifestyle based, is their needs. progress. For example, defi nitely very free as our 2021 New Zealand it just allows me to winter workshop is immerse myself in my seven days in the mountains where we will surroundings and let it all happen naturally. focus on creative aspects of landscape and We also have the opportunity to collect adventure photography where we teach and some of your beautiful images and put guests into incredible locations. purchase your work. You shoot a mix of content from lifestyle I do custom orders for everything. People to commercial. What do you enjoy most have the option to message me and say from this diversity and do you have a soft “Hey I love that and I can get it printed and spot for a particular subject? framed?” in any custom size to suit their I love being out with my camera and just needs. I also sell digital copies so if you ask me letting it all happen in front of me. There for a fi le I send an invoice and you have the is definitely a degree of pressure with any
rights to a one-off print. What advice would you share to anyone considering a career in photography? Do your research before you put yourself out there. Photography isn't just snapping photos! There is so much to it. By putting yourself out there too early without the sufficient knowledge, you run the risk of unhappy clients and damaging your brand. Photography is a time for me to be at peace when I'm doing my thing. Try to find that with your camera and the rest will fall into place as it's meant to. Thanks Matt. Follow Matt's work or find out about upcoming workshops here: Insta @mattgilliganphoto Workshops scene.sonyanz.com/our-hosts/matthew-gilligan Website matthewgilliganphoto.com GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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wine TIME
with ALEX CASSEGRAIN From Cassegrain Wines
When it comes to buying a bo le of wine either in a liquor shop or at a restaurant, most people revert to what they know so they don’t get let down with something they don’t like.
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lso, you typically in the Hunter. They have been can’t try the experimenting with many new wine before you varieties and one in particular buy! This has is the Tyrian. This grape variety meant that your was developed by the CSIRO typical wines go well – such as and the name derives from its Sauvignon association Blanc or with colour Shiraz. In ‘deep The 2019 Tyrian is more recent purple a full-bodied wine times we hue’. The that has intense have all 2019 characters of liquorice, noticed that Tyrian is a dried herb with this trend full-bodied blackberry and spicy is changing wine that notes and excellent and people has intense ageing potential. It are willing characters pairs very well with to try of liquorice, rich roasted meats and something dried hearty winter dishes! new and herb with venture out blackberry into taking and spicy risks on what we call 'alternate notes and excellent ageing varieties' or styles. potential. It pairs very well with rich roasted meats and hearty A good example of this is a winter dishes! wine from Peter Drayton Wines
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History of Surfing KEITH MCMULLEN
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The rise of the surfer in the 60’s and 70’s is one for the ages as a whole generation of Australian kids gave rise to a new youth subculture; an impact so deep, a ripple effect was created throughout history. Keith McMullen chats with us about Port’s surfing nostalgia and the school wagging, long-haired boys that filled our hometown beaches.
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i Keith. You spent your years growing up in town and, more recently, studied, researched and wrote a book about Port Macquarie’s rich surfing history. Firstly, for those that don't know you, please introduce yourself. I’m Port Macquarie born, my father was from Alstonville and my mother is a McLaren – which is an old Port family going back to the 1820s. All my schooling was in Port. I remember, as a young kid, standing on the playground of the Primary school, watching the huge waterspout that crossed onto land near the breakwall and ripped through the town as a mini tornado. Tragically, three men died that day when the building they were working on collapsed. That was one block from my home and when I walked home after school later that day, there was debris everywhere. I attended Port Macquarie High, which is now Hastings Secondary College. It was like a surf camp as much as a school. Most of the kids there were surf crazy. Plenty of days were wagged just to duck down to Town Beach for a surf.
I left school to complete a printing apprenticeship with All the the Uptin family at teenagers knew the Port Macquarie each other and either News, then moved year round, Town and Flynns went to Port High or away for many years Beach was the place large the Catholic High to raise a family and groups of young people School. That didn’t go see the world. gathered. It was like one big ma er as the beach The development outdoor social club. Surfboard was a great meeting of the sport is riding was really starting spot that drew so fascinating to boom back then so we and one that the everyone together. naturally took to it. Just about generations of everyone took it up or tried today may not it, most becoming life-long even be aware of, surfers. The other big sport in those days was in particular to the town of Port Macquarie. Rugby League, the only football played here in Can you share a little bit of that history town. Many of the footballers surfed or hung with us? out with surfers. In fact, the surfers started Port’s During surfboard riding’s early years in the second football club, called the Boardriders, in 1960’s and 70’s, Port Macquarie was much the mid 1970’s. It was a great success. Surfing smaller than today of course. All the teenagers was so popular it captured almost that whole knew each other and either went to Port High generation of Port’s teenagers back in those or the Catholic High School. That didn’t matter years. By far more young people were surfing as the beach was a great meeting spot that than participating in any other sport. drew everyone together. Every weekend, all >>> GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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History of Surfing KEITH MCMULLEN
The hippies had an emphasis on getting back to basics with nature and as the ocean is the surfers’ playground, that outlook was easily taken up by many of them.
What impact did the sport have on the town back in the 1960’s and early 1970’s? The impact was huge. As I mentioned it captured a whole generation, so that impact was felt on many fronts. Other sporting clubs like tennis, squash and sailing lost promising young members who left to go surfing. Scout numbers also dropped off. And it impacted the only (at the time) Surf Life Saving Club at Flynns Beach as their juniors quit to go off riding surfboards. Part of the resistance to boardriding was the SLSC at Flynns forcing the council to ban surfboard riding on that beach. 30 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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That affected the club’s junior program so deeply it never really recovered. As any surfer will tell you, once you start surfing it’s addictive. Some surfers made career choices once they left school so they could keep surfing. Many of those early surfers wouldn’t leave the town to take up better paying city jobs or university studies as it would take them away from Port’s surfing scene. The then Principal of Port Macquarie High, Mr Stan Condon, was very concerned and so were many parents. One father chopped up his son’s surfboard and another piled his sons’ boards up on the backyard barbie
and threatened to burn them if they didn’t quit surfing. It wasn’t a fad, but a sport that became a lifestyle. Surfing impacted our style of dressing, our music and how we looked at life. The hippies had an emphasis on getting back to basics with nature and as the ocean is the surfers’ playground, that outlook was easily taken up by many of them. Being a surfer back then was like being a card-carrying member of the counter-culture that was sweeping the world at that time. There was a lot of parental and civic concern that surfing was bad for us. When did the first surfboard manufacturers and surf shops pop up in Port and how was this perceived in the region? Surfboard manufacturers sprang up almost the instant surfing started in Port. The few boards that were available had to be shared. This couldn’t meet the need so locals quickly
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started making them. Harry McLaren was the first back in 1912 and when life settled down after the world war years, Derek Crisp started making surfboards in his family garage around 1960. Derek couldn’t keep up with the demand as he was working full-time so he started bringing boards up from Sydney manufacturers. Without being a specific surf shop, he simply sold surfboards out the back of Crisp Arcade (now Dulhunty Arcade) where his dad ran a furniture business. He still couldn’t keep up with demand and pretty soon Jeff Chelman opened Port’s first full-time surf shop. It was the first of many as Bob Bollard, Danny Payne, Peter Hudson, Neil Tate, Ven Semitecolos, John Bolton, Bruce Ridell, Wayne Bale, Paul Dawson, Carolyn and Matt Scully and Anthony Wilson all followed on with their own shops over the decades. Matt Scully’s Innervision and Anthony
has been on the lives of so many locals and on the overall growth of the town. With all of your knowledge and research of our town’s surfing history, what’s the most memorable instance that stands out? How much surfing has shaped lives and how Port’s surfers are one big The history of family. They all know local guys each other and feel like they are joined simply making surfboards because they are surfers. here in Port is just Wilson’s Saltwater Wine Their bonds are strong are still going strong, as deep, with no – it’s like belonging to a looking after Port’s fewer than 22 tribe. Every Port surfer I surfers and giving lots manufacturers over know thinks like this. All of kids a start in their the last 60 years. of them would happily, working lives. Surf shops if not proudly, tell you have played a huge role they are a surfer by way in Port Macquarie. The of explaining who they history of local guys making surfboards here are as a person. It has given them an identity, a in Port is just as deep, with no fewer than 22 mindset and a great lifestyle. Not just a sport, manufacturers over the last 60 years. So, the but a way of living. They view their lives as commercial growth of the sport certainly was extraordinarily rich for this one simple fact – welcomed by the surfers, yet was not so well that they are surfers. And because of this, they understood by many outside the sport. For as are very grateful they took up surfi ng. It has huge as surfboard riding has been in this town, made them who they are today and enabled it took decades to shake off its outsider image them, and surfing, to contribute so much to our and move into the mainstream. Nevertheless town. Far more than many people realise. surfing has been very good for the local economy, just as its sporting and cultural impact Thanks Keith. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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YOUR
with HELLO KOALAS This year the Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail, an award-winning public art trail across Port Macquarie-Hastings region, is celebrating its 6th anniversary.
Guula was painted by Aboriginal art students from Wauchope TAFE and is the ambassador for the new Cowarra State Forest tourism and educational precinct.
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he full trail features 77 one metre high fibreglass koala sculptures, hand-painted by many local artists in various designs which can be described as fun, quirky, colourful or
simply beautiful. At the heart of the Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail is the powerful message that everyone must care for Australia’s koala population to protect it for future generations. The Hello Koalas team is devoted to encouraging people to learn about caring for koalas, which is a threatened species due to environmental issues around habitat and, like humans, koalas are vulnerable to disease too. Port Macquarie is proud of its koala population which is now reviving again after the bushfires thanks to the loving care of the staff and over 175 volunteers at the world’s first Koala Hospital, a short drive from town. Back in 2014, when the NSW Premier came to Port to officially launch this innovative public art trail, freely available to locals and to visitors, one of the first founding sponsors was Settlement City. It was through the social commitment to Aboriginal culture by Settlement City’s management company, Lendlease, that the shopping centre has become home to beautifully painted sculptures by local 32 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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Aboriginal artists, including two spectacular designs bearing the names ‘Alira’ and ‘Bindi’ by Wauchope artist, Isabell Moran. Since that time, an eclectic group of Hello Koalas sculptures has gathered in a unique Hello Koalas precinct which people can discover on foot, with Settlement City as the central meeting place. This summer at Settlement City, Alira and Bindi are being joined by a third Hello Koalas sculpture called Koala Boy by Kempsey artist Colin Wightman. Next door, also meet the Mayor of the Koala Republic and Sandy Paws at Panthers Club, and across Park Street say hi to Athena and Poseidon at Sails Hotel, Shelly at SeaSalt Restaurant and Café and Koalasaurus-MAX at Affinity Helicopters at Port Macquarie Marina. Percy Crossingsafe is down the road at Percival Property in their purple house in Buller Street, the graceful Willow is at Pipeworks Café at Bay Park Plaza, and the ever-popular Mack the Surf Lifesaver sits proudly at McDonald’s opposite Settlement City car park. A few minutes walk away you will find lots more Hello Koalas resident at Hello Koalas home base at Bellbowrie Park Business Centre at Unit 16, 10 Bellbowrie Street – open three days a week Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10am to 3pm. That leaves lots of time for heading to the beach, enjoying the surf, lazing
in the sun and more shopping! At Hello Koalas HQ, meet Frankie Firefighter, I’m No Bear, Charlie the Horticulturist, Wollemia the Vital Scientist, Madame Butterfly, Radiant Heart, Komorebi and Buzzy Bee with its intricate design of 22 native stingless bees, one large honey bee and the floral emblem of every state and Territory in Australia. Just nearby is Koalatron at Car Clean and Starry Soul over the road at Donnas Pools and Spas. That’s 10 more Hello Koalas in short walking distance. 22 Hello Koalas in all to photograph and post on social. We recommend on-foot sculpture hunters use Settlement City as the place to start following the Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail. You can collect a free Hello Koalas Trail Map there too. And this January, shoppers are in for a real treat. Spend just $30 or more at Settlement City, take your receipt to the Centre Management Office and you will receive a complimentary 2021 Hello Koalas Colouring Book valued at $16. One per customer. All 77 Hello Koalas sculptures are there between the book covers waiting for some creative little people to weave some colourful magic. If you’d like to find out more about the Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail just log on to www.hellokoalas.com, email info@hellokoalas.com or call 0416 641 482.
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Jess Flanagan Local born and bred, Jess Flanagan enjoys mixing up genres while adding her acoustic version, giving her a sound that is uniquely her own. The community has embraced her with open arms, and while she continues to grow and learn as a musician, Jess is excited for what opportunities lay ahead.
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i Jess. Please introduce yourself and share your connection to our region. My name is Jessica Flanagan and I’m a 24-year-old musician born and raised on a farm, local to the Wauchope and Port Macquarie area. You have been singing since the age of 14 and performing for the past few years around our region, however you took a break more recently. How does it feel putting yourself back out there in front of an audience again? I am loving it! Entertaining is something I really enjoy doing and it’s an amazing feeling to share that with others, and to see people in the crowd enjoying what I do as well. You beautifully engage your audience with your music. Can you describe your sound/genre for those who haven't seen you perform? I am influenced by a wide range of genres which I think is a reflection of my personal sound and style. I would say my music is an acoustic version of country and rock combined. Do you write your own music and, if so, what is your creative process? I have a few different approaches when it comes to writing my own music. Sometimes I will draw from experiences in my own life to create my lyrics, other times it might start with a chord combination or a melody that I am messing around with. I have only very
recently started writing music again, so I am very important role models for me. looking forward to seeing where that takes Outside of music, how do you enjoy me and enjoying the process. spending your time? Multitalented, you also play the guitar. I love spending my time travelling, horse When was it that you began and how riding, camping and hanging out with my have you developed your skills over family and my mates. time? Since jumping back into the music scene, I started playing guitar around the age you have been busy. What's on the cards of 14. I also played bass guitar in a band for you this year and what are you most for many years which I really loved. I have looking forward to? recently started using a percussion pedal to When I first started getting back into accompany me at performing again I had my gigs to fill out my this expectation that I sound and provide would get a few gigs more of a beat for here and there. But since I draw from people to dance or starting up again I have experiences in tap away to. I really been flat out and it’s my own life to create enjoy picking up been great! It all picked my lyrics, other times it new things and I am up really fast and I’m might start with a constantly learning. getting the opportunity chord combination or a A lot of my current to have gigs at a wide melody I am messing knowledge is from range of venues and for around with. things I have picked many different events. up from friends, family I’m excited to continue to members and also the grow and see what other internet. opportunities lay ahead. Who inspires and influences you in the Where can people follow your journey or music world and where do you draw reach out to book an event? inspiration? I have started a Facebook page as Jessica My love for music is majorly influenced by Flanagan which you can like or follow a wide range of artists. Some of my major for any of my updates and future gigs. influences would be Miranda Lambert, Guns You can also message me from there to N’ Roses, Fleetwood Mac, Chris Stapleton book, so feel free to send me a message. and Powderfinger. They are all quite unique https://www.facebook.com/Jessicaand there are very different qualities I admire Flanagan-100980588503399/ about each of these artists. They have all been Thanks Jess. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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J I L L
C A I R N S
Snowline t SANDU NE
There is nothing be er than living a creative life. I am JILL CAIRNS, a professional, award winning artist and tutor living in Port Macquarie. There are few be er things than a group of friends with a shared passion and a common focus, where there is no ‘fail’, only the need to paint as well as you can, to be the best artist you can be.
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fter training in the National Art School and Sydney Teacher’s College, I began teaching visual arts in Sydney. I transferred to Port Macquarie in 1981 to Westport High School, as it was known then. A brand new school gave great opportunities to become familiar with the region and the people. When I retired in 2009, I had requests from adults to teach them to draw. As a consequence, I built a beautiful studio in Innes Lake estate. Over the years, students came and most stayed on and on and on… eventually evolving into a group of friends painting together, contributing ideas, skills, critiques and providing encouragement. Many were members of the Hastings Valley Fine Arts Assoc. which I joined to meet local artists. We laugh a lot. We are silly. Very. We motivate each other to be the person we have dreamt of being. My job is to facilitate, demonstrate skills for
individual works and give that final ’push’ to get the best results. I provide workshops to inspire the use of different mediums and techniques. We recently had a “big cloud” day where we worked on large canvasses and with very big brushes and paddles to achieve atmospheric results. These ladies are open-minded and wish to learn constantly. Their attitude gives me so much pleasure. When you look at each of their paintings in the Exhibition, we would like you to remember that behind the Exhibition are nine women, each of whom may be a mother, a wife, a lover, a woman with a successful career perhaps behind her, who may have art training (or more likely not), a grandmother, a carer, who has aspired at a certain age to live a creative life. They may not have pursued the journey with such passion without the encouragement and support of this group of friends. In the January heatwave summer of 2019 we descended on Dalgety in the Snowy Mountains for a week, renting a cottage and painting
plein air together around the Snowy. There were The scapes were snakes, there were vast, and wombat holes and capturing an essence echidnas, there were of place was a soaring temperatures challenge. New marks, and no air conditioning. to create new textures. There were drinks at the which we worked. This We all have our own pub, shared meals, art is a “must see”. Eve mediums from oil appraisals, fried scones, Baumgart painted our painting, water walks up the mountains “heroine” piece, which colour, inks and dry, and swims in rivers. is a group portrait from drawing mediums. The works began as when we were sitting sketches, quick references together at Charlottes and notes. Developing Pass. This work has palettes that were new to coastal painters. The been used to do our marketing and is a terrific scapes were vast, and capturing an essence of example of her skills. place was a challenge. New marks, to create Unlike the Snowy, the Sand Dunes new textures. We all have our own mediums environment is so familiar to us. These are from oil painting, water colour, inks and dry, images reflecting our own surroundings in drawing mediums. individual experiences of coastal existence. The variety of ways of seeing and the I no longer feel that I am the instructor. I am narratives in this Exhibition are outstanding. one of a group of painters from Art At Innes. There are nearly 100 works which have been I value critiques of my own art from the group professionally hung by the Glasshouse curator and look forward to their company every week. Bridget Purtill and her amazing team for which While I have continued to develop my own we are very appreciative. practices I feel proud that these artists share the One of the artists, Kim Madden, has compiled same desire. We have exhibited at The Long an interesting video to present the reality of Point vineyard in 2019 and in February 2021 we our time in the Snowy and the environment in are booked into the Macleay Valley Community
Gallery at Gladstone. Where to next? Whispers and suggestions are up for discussion now and there is a groundswell to add a stronger conceptual aspect to our work. Perhaps the importance of looking after our waterways? Perhaps understanding historical aspects of our waterways and developing in a more narrative direction. There will be brainstorming sessions as ideas develop, corks will pop, notes taken, bookings made and we will be away again as excited as ever. We are currently celebrating “Women artists from 1920 till now” in the National Gallery, in Canberra titled, “Know My Name”. I say to all your readers “know our names” and come and see and support our exhibition at the Glasshouse Regional Gallery in Port Macquarie, showing till February 21st 2021. All of these works are for sale. Many thanks to Focus for your support again and we wish everyone a very Happy New Year!! Regards, JILL CAIRNS. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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January is all about lazy days and long lunches in the sun. Whether you’re holidaying at home or enjoying Port Macquarie as a tourist, be sure to visit the Sovereign Place Town Centre for the perfect summer ingredients, a delicious lunch or coffee catch up with friends and family, or a spot of gi shopping. You will love this fresh open-air precinct in the Sovereign Hills master planned community.
Place
15 Chancellors Drive, Port Macquarie www.sovereignhills.com.au
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GA + LIQUOR smoothie this summer from Juice Box. With Whether you’re planning a picnic a selection of healthy grab-and-go meals with friends or a barbecue with the including paninis, wraps, bagels and croissants. family, head to Sovereign Place IGA for They even stock delicious muffins, slices your summer feast essentials. Make a and grazing boxes perfect for entertaining. stunning fruit platter with in-season juicy Serving locally-produced Holy Goat Coffee and mangos, stone fruits and cherries. Grab your conveniently located at the Sovereign Place snags and steak from the inIGA entrance. house gourmet butcher. The THE HILL CAFÉ deli is now stocking flavour The Hill Café’ is the The Hill Café’ sensation Sumo Salads, ultimate brunch spot, with is the made fresh every day. The specialty coffee crafted ultimate brunch liquor department offers by skilled baristas. Order spot, with specialty beer, wine and spirits for all the famous avocado toast coffee crafted by budgets, including a range or vegan banana and skilled baristas. of locally made products. buckwheat waffles for Owned and managed by the breakfast. Lunch options Hastings Co-op. range from a hearty beef YOUR DISCOUNT CHEMIST brisket burger to the healthy freekeh chickpea Are you starting the year with a health kick? salad for those of us starting 2021 with good The locally owned and operated Your Discount intentions. Brought to you by the crew behind Chemist stocks the 12 most popular vitamins Bandwagon. brands, all at discounted prices. You’ll also find BROOKLYN’S BURGER BAR ESPRESSO the top cosmetic brands, including Revlon, Offering all-day dining from an Maybelline and Natio, as well as weight-loss internationally-inspired menu, Brooklyn’s powders, superfoods and a full range of Burger Bar Espresso offers diners a mouthskincare and haircare products. watering burger range with exciting share JUICE BOX options such as arancini balls and firecrackers Cool down with a freshly squeezed juice or (crispy chilli-infused prawns). They even offer 38 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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gluten-free options such as naked burgers and fresh salads. Offering a large selection of beverages including craft beers, wine, spirits, shakes and frappes, and your daily caffeine hit from the Byron Bay Coffee Co. TRIPLE TWO Whether you’re looking for new-season fashion or homewares to transform your house into a summer retreat, Triple Two has something for everyone. Now stocking a beautiful selection of on-trend Hamptons décor, cushions and Palm Beach candles, plus colourful summer dresses, leather bags, hats, jewellery and shoes. Triple Two also stocks gifts for all occasions, from baby showers and birthdays to weddings. SALTY HAIR Brought to you by Maddison Hirtes, Salty Hair offers a boutique salon experience with beautiful hair results. For beachy waves and the perfect balayage, Salty Hair has your sunkissed summer look covered. The salon offers tape-in hair extensions and styling for any occasion, as well as OLAPLEX and Australian hair care brand Eleven so you can maintain those luscious locks at home. All of these amazing businesses are located at Sovereign Place Town Centre, 15 Chancellors Drive, Port Macquarie.
We’re paving the way. Literally. We’ve been busy laying the roads towards our brand new, luxury over-50’s lifestyle community, Forster Lakes. As the culmination of over 40 years’ expertise, the resort features a range of facilities that will help you make every day a pleasure—including two luxurious country clubs, a private marina precinct and nine stunning home designs.
Get in touch to learn more. Freecall 1800 577 542 Email salesforster@palmlake.com.au | Visit forsterlakes.com.au
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PLAY JAKE with B R O N
W AT S O N
Port Macquarie locals, Nyky and her only son Jake are facing a challenge that nobody wants to face. IN 2019, JAKE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A RARE CANCER KNOWN AS OSTEOSARCOMA, and more recently has had real challenges come up that without treatment, would give Jake no more than 12-24 months to live.
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iraculously, through Jake’s godfather, Jake has secured the opportunity to undertake treatment through a company called EnGeneIC to receive what is called nanotechnology. This nanotechnology is Australian owned and developed, however it’s never been administered to a 15-year-old teen or someone with osteosarcoma... this company has chosen to support Jake and this first of its kind treatment. John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle has proudly stepped up to the plate to supervise this revolutionary process in a paediatric environment. So, where does Team Play4Jake come in? Nyky, a single mother with an only child, has
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With that said, Jake can no longer play team sports as any other teenager can, which means that we, who are on teams and who do play sport, can Play4Jake.
had a year of significant emotional, financial and spiritual challenges. In October 2020, Nikki came to her friend, Bron, and asked for help… this is where the troops have rallied. From there, we've had the opportunity to present to South Sydney Rabbitohs, to support a community wide charity event in Port Macquarie, who have now agreed to support our event…and are now sending a large cohort of Rabbitohs legends and a number of first-grade players to Port Macquarie to support the weekend of Play4Jake… HOW COOL IS THAT?!?! Jake is in a wheelchair, and along with
Ryley Batt - Australian Paralympian Rugby Union Player - has been spending time at the local indoor stadium going through some training schedules… Ryley and his crew have been nothing short of amazing
supporting Jake. With that said, Jake can no longer play team sports as any other teenager can, which means that we, who are on teams and who do play sport, can Play4Jake. Clearly Jake must be a South Sydney Rabbitohs fan! Why this team in particular? There's a great story with why the Rabbitohs.
This event…it’s unique, it's never been done before, it truly is magic and just what a teen with cancer needs.
When Jake was 3 years old and we were in Sydney, his dad Ted had wanted to go and see something at ANZ Stadium, an NRL game to be exact. It just so happened that it was a South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Parramatta Eels game, and I am a South Sydney supporter. By half-time, Jake was in love, he was in love with Reggie, the mascot, and in Jake’s young world, it had to be Reggie and not the Eels mascot it was obviously an “ugly eel”...haha! Ted had to go and buy a Rabbitohs flag at half-time and the flag has been flying ever since. Who is Jake most looking forward to meeting? Jake’s all-time favourite player is Adam Reynolds, who is the current the Rabbitohs captain. Quite simply, Jake loves Adam, he loves him because he’s the goal kicker, and he’s a bit of a pocket rocket. Not to mention I suspect because my surname’s Napier-Reynolds, it might have a little bit to do with it. Nyky, for you what are you most looking forward to about these special events for Jake and your family? The thing I’m looking forward to, is just the possibilities for Jake having a voice and being a part of this whole event, it’s a wonderful distraction away from this awful journey that
he’s otherwise on. We love the South Sydney Rabbitohs so much and to have them coming to Port Macquarie and engaging with us and to see Jake’s face and the pleasure of the people around us, our community is really, really exciting. With that said, because Jake gets all that pleasure, that equates to the pleasure that I’m going to get from the event. This event… it’s unique, it’s never been done before, it truly is magic and just what a teen with cancer needs. Being that it is in Port Macquarie, let’s be honest, we are all pretty excited to bring this weekend to everyone to enjoy. It’s a community event and it doesn’t have to be only if you’re a South Sydney Rabbitohs fan… and of course there’s something for everybody. There is our Golf Charity Day at Emerald Downs Golf Club, if people are into golf and they want to put a team together, not to mention actually play golf with one of the Rabbitohs legends on your team, how amazing is that! We then have an evening dinner, followed by Wheelchair Rugby at the Indoor Stadium, Jake along with Ryley Batt and other Paralympian Rugby players will be playing against the Rabbitohs legends, something we not have seen in Port Macquarie before.
Our final event is the Touch Footy Gala night at the Port Macquarie Regional stadium, where locals and legends will meet in what is set to be a fast, furious and fun event. This is a family event, with something for everyone, it is really exciting and it's a great opportunity for the whole community to come together. Bron, how can local teams sign up for the events and register for them… and also if we can't attend the events where can we donate? Ok, best way to keep an eye out on the weekend is to follow the Play4Jake page on Facebook and Instagram. All details can be found on www.play4jake.com.au, from ticket details, how to download our Team Play4Jake app, where there are member-only offers, discounts and ways to win prizes along the way. Any questions can be sent to hello@ play4jake.com.au or call 0421 946 003. It’s a huge two days and you probably need some volunteers to help you out - who and what do you need to make this a success? Yes, it is a community gathering, we have had so many put their hands up already to be a volunteer during the weekend. More the merrier we say. Please email hello@play4jake where you can join the team and help us create what is set to be the highlight of 2021 for young Jake Spurdle, his mum and our community. #localssupportinglocals GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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eat DINING GUIDE
COVER DISH BLUE COW GELATO HOT CARAMEL FUDGE SUNDAE WITH HONEYCOMB PIECES.
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Come in and try our new menu
1 Bay Street, Port Macquaire (02) 6580 2300 portmacquarie.panthers.com.au
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TA M A Z Y N ' S
BREW
Hub
With a drive to help others and encourage people to chase their dreams, Tamazyn Ledden is leading by example challenging herself this year by starting up her own business, making people happy, one coffee at a time.
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i Tamazyn. You’re a busy young woman; Year 12 and working, all while staying socially connected. Before we get into this, please introduce yourself. Hi, I’m Tamazyn, although most people call me Tam. I am in Year 12 at Newman College, I work a few jobs and I run my own business, The Brew Hub. I really like working and sometimes want to take on too many jobs, but I really like what I do and getting a chance to meet so many people and work at different venues. There is so much to learn and some great people to learn from in our beautiful area. I’ve been around hospitality my whole life and have learnt from working with my mum and just getting experience at some great venues and events. I’m also the proud mum of two big dogs and I’m enjoying learning about dog training. January last year saw you dive head first into your own business, starting your own Coffee Van that services our local community. What was your driving force behind this? The Brew Hub is a transportable coffee cart which has a purpose-built trailer. It means I can bring coffee anywhere, to any event. I’d been working at a couple of venues and developing my barista skills and I really wanted to challenge
myself more. My mum important to you. I really wanted arranged for the Brew I supported Liberty House to start working Hub as a birthday as part of their NAIDOC present, which helped week events. Liberty House for myself and to launch the business and supports victims of domestic learn more about the helped me get started. violence with a range of business side of things I really wanted to start services and help people and the cart has been a working for myself and through really hard times. great way to do this. to learn more about the I have seen first hand business side of things the impacts of domestic and the cart has been a violence and what effects it great way to do this. I really like making coffee can have on a family, especially children. When and it’s fun to be able to share in people’s events I saw the opportunity to support the great work this way. that Liberty House does, I jumped. They are What regular venues are you servicing and always so ready to help others and it was great are you looking to expand? to support and encourage them. Also, I am The Brew Hub is so easy to set up, I’ve been proud of my Aboriginal heritage and I want to able to do lots of different events, even through encourage every young person to be their best, COVID. I’ve been a regular at sporting events, no matter where they come from or what has set up at the Hockey fields, I do the Art Society happened in their lives. Markets and I’ve done private events. I really like 2021 will be a big year for you personally. doing private events and I’m looking for more What are you looking forward to most? of those. It’s great to be able to provide fresh Finishing Year 12 and getting my Ps! Once café standard barista coffee for people in places school is done, I’m looking forward to travelling where you normally wouldn’t get it. So it’s a and working. I’ve got some great ideas for great feature at parties, weddings and other business and am thinking about driving around events like that. Australia as well. So 2021 is going to be a great Giving back is also important to you and year, with new opportunities and also a chance you recently gave your time to help out to test my skills in different ways. others. Tell us about this and why it’s Thanks Tamazyn. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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L-R (Back) Robert Francis, (Front) Timm Lendt, Tim Deas, Michael Slater, Soizic LeSaffre, David Henry, Tom Riedl and Lou Perri
W This month we journeyed to the lovely dining room at The Stunned Mullet to meet the team, check out what goes on behind the scenes and get the lowdown on everyone’s favourite dishes on the current menu.
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e discovered for ourselves a very cheeky bunch, who equally and unreservedly share a love and passion for the food they create and who they create it with. From the front of house team who serve and entertain you, to the creativity of the chefs in the kitchen who ensure that each and every meal is created to the extremely high standards that are expected, we bring you ‘The Mullet Crew’… Robert Francis – “The Boss” MY 2 CENTS: The reaction on the customers faces as they leave after dining with us. They come in not sure what to expect and then are blown away by the time they leave. MY FAVORITE:“ Obviously and
undoubtedly the toothfish, but I also am a fan of the Venison. “mandagery creek venison loin, smoked popcorn cream, broccolini, nut corn crunch, chocolate jus, nectarine and thyme” “glacier 51 toothfish, shitake suimono, savoy cabbage, black rice wafer, daikon, enoki crisp “ Timm Lendt – “Mr Creativity and The Other Boss” MY 2 CENTS: I have been here three years, and in the role of Head Chef for the last year. I really enjoy the opportunity to be creative and look at what is available locally (thank you all) and how to use it in new dishes. We have a really good team here, in a wonderful venue and a beautiful town MY FAVOURITE: It’s difficult for me to choose a favourite dish – laughs….I
we all play a role in contributing to the menu and having a say on what we create – I am part of a fabulous team. MY FAVOURITE: Top dish for me is the Pork entrée – it’s a new one and it is just delicious “byron bay pork belly, yardlong bean, choy sum, pickled lotus, apple gel, crispy soybean” Soizic Lesaffre – “The French Pastry Chef” MY 2 CENTS: I create the new desserts and prepare them for each service. I trained professionally in France, moving each year through different regions and towns to learn new skills. We have a really From the front of strong team here house team who which makes it serve and entertain you, very enjoyable; to the creativity of the we appreciate chefs in the kitchen who the creativity ensure that each and that Lou allows every meal is created to us when using love them all! the extremely high and choosing our Tim Deas standards that are produce. – “The MY FAVOURITE: expected, we bring you Drummer” Has to be ‘The Mullet Crew’… MY 2 CENTS: dessert…just I haven’t been because. Perfect, here long juicy local but so far it’s been great. Working with blueberries from Rollands Plains just take amazing produce, a great team and this one to the next level. Try it now while pumping out the goods to a packed it’s the peak blueberry season! restaurant every night has made for never “sumac meringue, lime, rolland plains a dull moment. blueberries, sable, five spice blueberry MY FAVOURITE: My favorite dish is the sorbet” Boudin Blanc - from the entree menu: David Henry- “The Better Half” “boudin blanc spheres, xo sauce, spinach MY 2 CENTS: The incredible things we escabeche, lemongrass aioli, puffed rice, have right on our doorstep in this part of radish” the world – amazing abundance of life Michael Slater – “The Greek – boating, camping, fishing, diversity of Influencer” plant and animal life. MY 2 CENTS: We should all be eating It is possible here to work hard and then effortlessly enjoy the best of what life has more Souvlaki…..and
to offer and it’s all right here. I am proud to have watched the Mullet evolve and go from strength to strength over the last 15 years. From our café style breakfast/lunch and dinner beginnings to the more focussed fine dining offerings of today it has been an incredible journey to have been part of. MY FAVOURITE: For me my favourite dish on the menu is the scampi linguine the classic combination of flavours is hard to beat. “scampi linguine de-shelled, garlic, roasted chilli, lemon, parsley, pangratatto” Tom Riedl- “The Wine Guru“ MY 2 CENTS: My role here is to bring the guest experience to the next level with the perfect combination of flavour on the plate and flavour in your glass” For me the work and life balance of working here, coupled with the amazing guests and location across from Town Beach make The Stunned Mullet a great place to work. MY FAVOURITE: My favourite dish on the current menu would have to be the lobster. “champagne lobster, baby squid salad, chorizo emulsion, fermented soy bean. Lou Perri- “The Glue” MY 2 CENTS: I simply love Port Macquarie and have grown to appreciate it even more over the past year. Our team and our loyal guests have been so supportive that I am lost for words… grateful and overwhelmed. Probably the most humble I have been since moving here 16 years ago….can’t say anything else MY FAVORITE: The Dressed Oysters…as many of our guests would agree! dressed oysters with -white miso, shitake pearls--passionfruit bernaise, tarragon, chervil- -nahm jimGREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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Port Macquarie’s wholegrain artisanal bakery. Visit Urban Grain bakery these summer holidays and grab yourself a coffee and a sweet treat. Daily baked pastries, croissants, breads and cakes cooked on site from scratch. Wholesale also available.
Monday: 7:00 AM - 1:30 PM | Tuesday: 7:00 AM - 1:30 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM - 1:30 PM | Thursday: 7:00 AM - 1:30 PM Friday: 7:00 AM - 1:30 PM | Saturday: 7:00 AM - 1:30 PM Sunday: CLOSED
Shop 17 Peachtree Walk Arcade Port Macquarie
0423545258
urbangrainbakery.com.au
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TUE
HAPPY HOUR 5pm – 6pm
CHICKEN SCHNITZEL TUESDAY AT DRIFT Available Lunch & Dinner HAPPY HOUR 5pm – 6pm BINGO 7pm
WED
FISHING CLUB RAFFLE Tickets on sale from 5pm Drawn at 7pm HAPPY HOUR 5pm – 6pm TRIVIA 7pm
AT PORT CITY
MON
BINGO 10am
PROPER ROAST THURSDAY AT DRIFT Available Dinner
THU
TRAVELLING BOWLERS RAFFLE Tickets on sale from 5pm Drawn at 7pm HAPPY HOUR 5pm – 6pm
C H EC K O U T
OUR
Weekcliyals Spe ON OUR WEBSITE OR COME IN AND SEE OUR DAILY SPECIALS BOARD BOOKINGS RECOMMENDED | CALL 6583 1133
LUNCH
11.30AM – 2PM
BINGO 10am
FRI
FRIDAY RIPPA RAFFLE Tickets on sale from 5pm Drawn at 7pm LIVE ENTERTAINMENT 7.30pm – 10.30pm
SAT
SUN
TAB HOUR OF POWER 1pm – 2pm LIVE ENTERTAINMENT 8pm – 11pm STEAK & SCHOONER SUNDAY AT DRIFT Available Lunch & Dinner
VISIT PORTCITY.COM.AU FOR UPCOMING EVENTS & UPDATES
*Conditions apply
SUPER SUNDAY MEAT RAFFLE Tickets on sale from 3.30pm Drawn at 4.45pm
DINNER
FROM 5.30PM
4 O W E N S T P O R T M A C Q U A R I E | P 6 5 8 3 1 1 3 3 | P O R T C I T Y. C O M . A U
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Palate PLEASURES with LOU PERRI
FROM THE STUNNED MULLET
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WELCOME 2021!
ell… what’s not to love about the new year this time around? Counting down at Midnight to release the clutches of 2020 will never feel so good again methinks. There’s a palpable sense of relief, a feeling that somehow we survived the worst and a tentative feeling that 2021 holds less drama, less mayhem and a hope that we may have learned from our experiences, that the things we’ve pretty much all had a crash course in having to adopt in 2020, will somehow lead to positive change in the way we do things. Certainly for us in the restaurant game, we’ve proven that we are able to reinvent our entire proposition over a very short turnaround time. Perhaps this is purely the result of a superhuman effort fuelled entirely by the adrenalin of being thrust without warning into survival mode, and/or possibly a need to fill the emptiness of lockdown living with something – anything! That notwithstanding, however, we’re now empowered and emboldened by the knowledge that we can metamorphosise, that our customers can too. That we are all much more resilient and equipped to rise to life’s challenges than we previously thought.
This is indeed wonderful knowledge having a bit more of the pleasant kind of and a powerful incentive to keep up the banter many of us enjoy when dining out! momentum and energy that spurred us on Other innovations include the offering of through 2020. additional product ranges, eg groceries, deli In the restaurant trade there’s plenty of items, signature flavours – infused butters, ‘keepers’ that we’ve found to be win-win pasta sauces, preserves etc. Then of course for all, ideas and innovations borne straight take away cocktails in jars all the way to out of pandemics and wines by the bottle or bushfires. case! Anything goes, Whether it is being Anything goes, and if and if there’s amazed by the uptake there’s one thing we’ve of ready to prepare/ all learned from 2020 it is one thing we’ve all takeaway food, or you happen upon a one learned from 2020 it perhaps giving customers stop shop then utilise it. is you happen upon an option if possible to Avoiding an unnecessary a one stop shop then takeaway their choice of supermarket or bottle utilise it. beverage too. shop trip never gets old. Or perhaps it is the And while you’re at it you rise and rise of the humble QR code when will be happily supporting local businesses it comes to the seamless provision of digital and local producers and farmers. menus. It took a pandemic to have us realise What’s not to love about any of that? there’s not just the issue of much improved So let 2021 throw at us what it will… hygiene practises, but moreso no more Whatever this year will bring, we are ready having to wait impatiently to sight a menu. and waiting. Wait times in general can be much reduced, Meanwhile, it doesn’t hurt to stop for a trying to flag someone down to make a bit and enjoy the best things about a Port change or an additional order requires Macquarie summer… sun, sand, surf, and much less effort. Interactions between good times with the good people in your Front of House staff and customers can be life. more satisfying in general, with more time All the best to our wonderful community being spent in sharing menu knowledge, and the many visitors to it who support us. answering any questions, and just generally We hope to see you all soon in 2021! GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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Shaker t
BLACK FOREST MANHATTAN INGREDIENTS 15ml Heering Cherry liqueur 15ml Cherry Concentrate 60ml Archie Rose Rye Malt Whisky 15ml Sweet Vermouth 2 dashes of chocolate bitters Orange peel
METHOD 1. Add all ingredients into cocktail shaker with ice. 2. Give a really good shake. 3. Rim glass with white chocolate dust. 4. Double strain into glass. 5. A Jazzy way to celebrate this festive season 6. Happy Holidays from The Whalebone Wharf
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THE ULTIMATE SUMMER TREAT
head on down to Blue Cow gelato and grab yourself one of these amazing Loaded Sundaes. Why not purchase some takeaway and make one at home...
B LU E G E L AT O
COOKIE DOUGH Start with a cup or jar (size of your choice) Caramel sauce Cookie dough chunks Vanilla Gelato (or flavour of your choice) Second layer of cookie dough chunks Second layer of gelato Caramel sauce Cream to top it all off Drizzle with more caramel sauce if you wish
CHOC FUDGE BROWNIE Start with a cup or jar (size of your choice) Hot Chocolate fudge Chocolate brownie chunks Vanilla Gelato (or flavour of your choice) Second layer of brownie chunks Second layer of gelato Hot Chocolate fudge Cream to top it all off Drizzle with more hot fudge if you wish
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interview focus focus__interview
Marama
D R I F T AT P O R T C I T Y B O W L I N G C L U B
Introducing Dri 's new head chef...
H O H E PA
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ow many years in the Industry: 13 years When did you first become interested in cooking as a career? Ever since I was a young kid I was interested in cooking. My parents were in the industry when I was growing up so that rubbed off on me and help grow my passion for food. Where have you previously worked? I have been very lucky in my career to have worked in a vast variety of places from Hayman island, Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley, Fraser island, various restaurants in Sydney and Orpheus island also did three months working disabled people, cooking, and teaching. It was a very rewarding experience. When it comes to creating a seasonal menu what do you take into consideration?
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Our customer focus from the moment you walk into the Club and into Drift WE ARE HERE TO MAKE YOU FEEL AT HOME SO YOU CAN ENJOY YOUR MEAL WITH FAMILY OR FRIENDS.
When planning a seasonal menu, I always consider what is coming in to season, what is available locally and what is sustainable. Then I look at what protein I am going to use and what flavours pair well with it. I like to think out of the box like paring barramundi (which has a meaty texture) with smoked ham hock and watercress. What makes Drift more than a Club Bistro? Drift is more than a club bistro because we have a variety of dishes that you would not find on any club menu. While we do have the classics such as chicken schnitzel and scotch fillet, we also pride ourselves on doing daily specials with ingredients such as duck breast or pork knuckle. Our customer focus from the moment you walk into the Club and into Drift we are here
to make you feel at home so you can enjoy your meal with family or friends. We like to think of Drift as the perfect space for a quiet coffee and catch up with friends to a lovely night out the whole family can enjoy. What changes will you be making to the menu over the
next few months? There will be a lot of changing over the next few months. I am aiming for more of a focus of bold but fresh flavours. Especially with the weather warming up I believe its important to just keep it fresh and simple while letting the main ingredients shine. Do you have any famous chefs you admire or follow? The list is too long. I have had the privilege of working beside some amazing chefs that aren’t necessarily famous but have worked under some of the top chefs in the culinary world. They are the ones I admire because they have trained me to be the chef I am today.
STO N E F RU I T CUE DELI BUTCHERY
Summer means stone fruit season. This year’s fruit has been delicious and quality is superb. Whether you’re on team Peach or love the Nectarines, enjoy the Australian fruit season while it lasts. We have yellow and white peaches - with that beautiful crunch on the fresh and firm, then turning juicy as they ripen. Nectarines - renowned for yellow being both sweet and tart and white slightly firmed both develop into juicier fruits as they ripen. Both fruits make an excellent snack, or addition to a fruit salad or dessert and will be well enjoyed in the coming summer months.
Don’t forget every Tuesday, we have fresh organic produce, straight off the truck. Plus you can shop online for our premade fruit, veg, combination and special packs that can be delivered to your door. Christmas was a hit and we wish to thank all of our regular, new and wholesale customers for supporting us. We look forward to a great new year.
There are quite a few aspects to the business that is ‘Cue Deli’ that make it a one-stop-shop for a high-quality woodfired barbecue experience. Cue Deli food-caters many functions and events of all sizes, serving up hot off the smoker American Style Barbecue using award-winning recipes from the Pitmaster’s (Adam Roberts) secret notebook. Then there’s the Learn to BBQ Classes which run every month where Adam shares some foundation tips and tricks to cooking up the perfect low n slow beef brisket, meaty pork ribs or that succulent and flavourful thickcut scotch fillet steak.
The shop itself is open 5 days a week, Tuesday to Saturday where you can grab all the low n slow and grilling cuts of meat, fresh house made bacon and specialty sausage and a bunch of weekly specials. You can’t sell low n slow or grilling meats without the seasonings and sauces to compliment, so the Bossman has carefully selected some of the most flavourful spice and sauce mixes straight from the heartland of ‘proper barbecue’, the USA. There’s hot sauces and pickled chilis, Mexican salsas and sauces, hard and soft tacos and burritos and even a stash of BBQ’s and accessories to get you sorted.
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i t F RON T
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with ALISTAIR F L O W E R MANAGING DIRECTOR OF FLOWER HOTELS
ENJOY THE HOLIDAY PERIOD BUT LET'S ALL STAY SAFE
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astings Liquor Accord team up with the Port Macquarie Hastings Council to tackle drink driving. Goodbye 2020, yuck! …. but with the Covid restrictions easing somewhat at the end of 2020, it was more of a reason to catch up with work colleagues collectively (not over Zoom) and enjoy that extra champagne or beer at the end of year Christmas party and wave away the year to forget. One of the hats I wear in our community is the Chair of the Hastings Liquor Accord. With over 100 members, we come together to celebrate the amazing hospitality businesses we have in our region, to collaborate, discuss issues and opportunities and be united as an industry. It’s also a wonderful opportunity for us to promote responsibility around alcohol and the position our licensed premises hold within our community. Our focus, as we move into the Holiday Season, especially with the huge (and welcomed) influx of tourists that visit our region, is to make sure we promote the importance of having a Plan B when visiting a licensed premises. The Mid North Coast has traditionally been one of the worst offenders in the state when it comes to drink driving and this year we’ve teamed up with Port Macquarie-Hastings Council to look at
strategies to help educate the community Port Macquarie is fortunate to have on making smarter choices when heading many good local transport options for a night out at a favourite Pub or Club including local pub and club courtesy buses or perhaps visiting friends at a house party. which are now safe to travel in since the The Plan B drink driving campaign was easing of Covid. 70 new routes have been first used by the NSW State Govt in 2012 added to Port Macquarie Busways service and is about making positive choices to since July and in the last couple of years, get home safely after a Uber has been night out, highlighting introduced to our that driving is not an region to assist We had amazing option. With practical the taxis in putting engagement options to avoid drink more cars on our with this campaign. driving, Plan B takes a roads. One of my favourites humorous and positive Local Pubs was ordering a home approach designed to and Clubs will delivery pizza and engage the community assist patrons to jumping in the car about making alternative download the Uber with the delivery arrangements to get app for people driver to take you home after a night unfamiliar with the out... Ultimately, police service which has home as an mobile random breath become hugely alternative to drink testing (RBT) operations popular in metro driving was one can happen anytime, areas. Using the notable humorous anywhere. app allows you to option! A localised campaign track your driver recently asked the using a virtual map community through meaning there is no social media to provide innovative Plan B waiting on the streets. options to get home. We had amazing Expect to see plenty of the Plan B engagement with this campaign. One advertising in and around your favourite of my favourites was ordering a home licensed venues and please look after delivery pizza and jumping in the car with your mates and collectively make smart the delivery driver to take you home as transport choices while enjoying a few an alternative to drink driving was one drinks. notable humorous option! Enjoy the holidays! GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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T H E
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BREWERY
HERE'S YOUR GUIDE TO THE BEST LOCAL BREWS ON THE MID NORTH COAST.
G U I D E
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B L AC K D U C K BREWERY
heers to 10 Years of Black Duck We have been filling barrels and steeping Beers! The brewery is located in some delicious local produce for some fun Port Macquarie’s industrial area, new products in 2021! directly overlooking a pocket of Duck on in for a ploughman’s lunch serene nature reserve during the week, enjoy a at 6b Acacia Avenue, Brewery made wood-fired Port Macquarie. Black To pizza on a Friday evening, Duck Brewery is one complement or some Cheap Eats for of those ‘why haven’t our delicious lunch on Saturday and we been here before’ beers, we have take in the rustic vibe of places! There’s 12+ our very own our working brewery. The beers all brewed locally perfect way to unwind is distillery. onsite, as well as some with a cold one in hand, delicious hard sodas; listening to local live music there is plenty of variety for everyone. every Friday and Saturday. To complement our delicious beers, we ADDRESS: 6 Acacia Ave, Port Macquarie have our very own distillery. It is Port NSW 2444 Macquarie’s only distillery; hand crafting delicious Gin, Vodka and Whiskey.
T H E C O A S TA L BREWING CO over 40 different beers with all beer names inspired by the local Barrington Coast region (e.g. Crowdy NEIPA, Mungo Mango, Cellito IPA, Diamond Beach Pilsner, Treachery XPA).
Established by husband and wife team David and Helen Black in 2017, at The Coastal Brewing Company it’s all about LIFE. That’s Local, Independent, Fresh, Everytime.
As well as at the brewery Taproom at 3 Dalman Street, Forster, you’ll also find Coastal Brewing Company beer in good bottleshops, bars, clubs and restaurants across the Mid North Coast region and beyond.
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ADDRESS: 3 Dalman St, Forster NSW 2428 PHONE: (02) 6554 7886
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There’s also a big focus on innovation at the brewery, with new beers constantly being added to the line up. In its first three and a half years of operation The Coastal Brewing Company has brewed
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fter a paddle in the sea, enjoy a tasting paddle, a schooner or grab some takeaway at The Coastal Brewing Company’s Taproom.
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PHONE: 0477 447 467
MOORE BEER
T H E
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BREWERY
estled at the back of the industrial area on Merrigal Road, we have been serving up tasty craft brews for the last 3.5 years. You can find our beers on tap or behind the bar at some of Port’s best restaurants, bars and pubs. Or come visit us at our Taproom where we have 10 of our beers on tap, ranging from an easy drinking lager, XPA or pale to a big juicy NEIPA and the velvety vanilla choc porter. Everything is on show for you to see and we will be more than happy to talk you through the process. Char Bar Catering are onsite serving up epic burgers and more for you to enjoy with your brews and live music every Friday and Saturday from 5pm. Taproom opening hours in January are Thursday 12-5pm, Friday/Saturday 12-9pm, Sundays 12-5pm. We look forward to seeing you on your next visit.
G U I D E
ADDRESS: 18/35 Merrigal Rd, Port Macquarie NSW 2444 PHONE: 0466 628 640
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KING TIDE BREWING
ing Tide Brewing is a family a range of styles from mid-strengths to owned brewery on the Coffs lagers and IPAs. A local favourite is our Coast and they are bringing India Brown Ale – Cows with Guns. A big Coffs bold beer geared Harbour its very own with toasted malts brew pub. Set to We have been and cranked up with open mid-2021, an resinous hops, it is busy gypsy old mechanics garage named after an epic brewing and canning in the city centre will mountain biking a range of styles transform into a beer track in the local from mid-strengths lover’s paradise, with a area. to lagers and IPAs. broad range of rotating You can follow beers, European King Tide’s brewery inspired food, served build by subscribing to the web blog in a lush urban beer garden. But you at kingtidebrewing.com.au or on don’t have to wait for the venue to get social @kingtidebrewing your hands on King Tide beers. We have been busy gypsy brewing and canning PHONE: 0416 291 541 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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COFFEE HANGAR C A F E
Life in Comboyne certainly changed overnight for both David & Deb Everingham. From pilot and cabin manager, to cafe owners, they have managed to turn grey skies into blue ones. The Coffee Hangar Cafe has received an amazing response from both locals and people far and wide.
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i David & Deb. You've certainly had a very interesting path into owning and operating the newest cafe of Comboyne. Before we get into that, please introduce yourselves to our readers. Hello. We are Dave and Deborah, the owners and operators of The Coffee Hangar Cafe in beautiful Comboyne. Prior to opening the cafe we were pilot and cabin crew at Virgin Australia Airlines operating domestic and international flights. Let's go back to the beginning. Your journey towards becoming a pilot began in Port Macquarie. At what age did you start taking an interest in aviation and how did this translate into a fully fledged career? At the age of twelve my parents took me on a joy flight from Port Macquarie airport around 60 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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the local area. I remember sitting in the back row of the Cessna 206 and seeing the ground move away Virgin Australia from me, I was flying. cancelled the Hong It was then that I knew Kong flights, Deb I wanted to become a transferred back to pilot. domestic flying, and Instructor Rating At the age of fifteen I however, Virgin went I packed up the car and had my first flying lesson into voluntary headed north, gaining my and did my first solo first flying job in Hervey administration and we flight at sixteen. Bay doing joy flights out were both stood down I completed my HSC at to Fraser Island. on leave without pay. Wauchope High School After starting your then went on to work in piloting career in a bank to save money so Hervey Bay, what were your next steps into I could complete my Commercial Pilots Licence domestic and international flights and how and attend Newcastle University to study did your paths cross? aviation. I had to continue to get flying hours into After gaining my Commercial Pilots Licence
I crossed paths again in 2010 when she joined Virgin. What were your day to day roles and routines within the aviation industry? As a pilot at Virgin Australia my day to day role included flight planning, taking into consideration aircraft performance, altitude and weather conditions, ensuring the aircraft had adequate fuel supplies, checking the aircraft before every flight to ensure all systems were working correctly, communicate with air traffic control, monitor cockpit instruments, the aircraft's position, weather conditions and air traffic regularly during the flight and determine a change of path when needed. I We have people worked closely with the coming from as far cabin crew to ensure passengers follow safety my logbook and gain away as Coffs Harbour rules while onboard. After valuable experience in to have coffee and lunch. flights, included filling out different aircraft types I guess people like our reports about the flight and in a variety of story. It’s a feel good and the status of the weather conditions story during a time of so aircraft after landing. during both day and much uncertainty and Debs' role as Cabin night. upheaval. Manager was ensuring To achieve this I had passenger safety and to move to different comfort, liaising with the states including WA to pilots and ground staff while working as a team gain employment. to ensure the aircraft departs on time. This had me flying numerous aircraft; I flew At the beginning of 2020, your world skydivers, search and rescue, passengers and quite literally turned upside down. Take us freight. I also taught people to fly including through what happened. airline cadets from around the world, all the At the beginning of 2020 we were both while gaining valuable experience so I could join flying the Hong Kong route. Hong Kong was the Airlines. experiencing civil unrest and then COVID I then gained my first airline job with a affected the route. Virgin Australia then company called Horizon Airlines based out of cancelled the Hong Kong flights and at Sydney in 2001, flying Metro liners to regional this time, Deb transferred back to domestic NSW. flying, however, Virgin went into voluntary In 2003 I started with QantasLink flying Dash administration and we were both stood down 8 aircraft regionally. It was here that Deb and I on leave without pay. met back in 2007. Whilst businesses were closing their I joined Virgin Australia Airlines in 2008 doors, you were wanting to open new flying my first jet aircraft, the Boeing 737. I then ones. July 2020 saw you move into bluer transferred onto the Airbus A330 and Deb and
skies, opening the Coffee Hangar Cafe in Comboyne. Take us through this decision and the first six months of business. Living on the farm with our two Labrador dogs, reality kicked in. I had no income, my mortgage went on hold and I couldn’t afford the life that I had become accustomed to. I had to sell the car and consolidate. I started doing labouring jobs to ease the financial pressure. The only cafe in Comboyne that was open on weekends abruptly closed its doors leaving nowhere to get coffee or food. I saw an opportunity and we took the plunge, deciding to open The Coffee Hangar Cafe. This decision came with its fair share of challenges, from getting finance to purchasing equipment to COVID social distancing. Despite this we opened our doors on the 11th of July and since then the business has grown beyond our expectations. We opened with two to three staff and now we have four to five staff working per day. The growth came with problems due to COVID restrictions which reduced our inside seating capacity but we were able to adapt, providing additional seating outside. The community has most certainly embraced your decision and support has flooded in from around the region, which means you must be doing something right! What's on offer at the Coffee Hangar? Comboyne is a great community that makes you feel welcome. The support that we have received since opening our doors is amazing. We have people coming from as far away as Coffs Harbour to have coffee and lunch. I guess people like our story. It’s a feel good story during a time of so much uncertainty and upheaval. At the Coffee Hangar we offer a warm reception, a high level of customer service, great coffee and delicious food. We source our produce locally and are continually improving our menu. A number of our menu items are made in-house including cheesecake and Anzac biscuits which I make personally. Moving into 2021, what are you both looking forward to most? In the new year, we are both looking forward to the continued success of The Coffee Hangar Cafe. We also look forward to getting back in the sky and some normality in our lives after the crazy year that we have all experienced. Thanks Dave & Deb. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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The boys are back on the road and at a live venue near you!
ey Guys. You're heading down the Coast this month, stopping by both Coffs and Port for your AC/DC CD Tour. I can't tell you how excited we are to have bands touring and playing live for us again. Tell us what's been happening lately and how's prep been going? We have been taking it pretty easy, jamming a fair bit, getting into the booze, and recording new songs! High Risk Behaviour is your first full length album, after your first hits catapulted you into the spotlight. How was the writing and creative process for this and did you focus on changing things up a little from your earlier sound? Eamon had a few of those songs already written, but a lot of them were
spontaneously done in the studio which your music career? was fun. We weren’t too stressed about Heaps of different artists, but I really like how it would sound. Billy and Mikey both The Saints. did a really good job at getting a sound Unfortunately this year, you couldn't that we thought head out on tour suited us. with the release of It seems like it's all the album due to We weren’t too fun and games for restrictions. What stressed about you guys, just good was this time like how it would sound. times and keeping for you and are Billy and Mikey both it real…. How have there any positives did a really good job the past couple of you take away? at getting a sound years been for you Yeah it sucked not that we thought all professionally being able to go tour suited us. while keeping up it, but we still had a with demands and good time jamming expectations? and writing new Yeah it’s been sick, songs. obviously playing a lot takes its toll but 2021 and 2022 are shaping up to be it’s all good fun. I don’t think we have too big years for you guys. What are you much expectation on us, other than to just looking forward to most? play a solid show. Just playing again! Who's been your main influence in Thanks Guys. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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E* FRE ring d ou Col value k Boo t $16! a
Keep them entertained these school holidays Spend $30 or more to receive your FREE* Hello Koalas Colouring Book and let their imaginations soar! *Valid *Valid receipt receipt of of $30 $30 or or more more required required to to receive receive Colouring Colouring Book. Book. ^Excludes ^ ExcludesWoolworths Woolworthsand andBig BigW. W. While stocks last.
These January School Holidays, when you spend $30 or more^ at Settlement City you're entitled to a FREE Hello Koalas Colouring Book. Simply bring your receipt to the Centre Management Office between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday to receive your copy.
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www.hellokoalas.com
Col o me ur in!
Hello Koalas Sculpture, Alira by Isabell Moran
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THE EAGLES SHOW FRI 19 FEB 8PM | DOORS 7.30PM BOOKINGS 13 28 49
TICKETS MEMBERS $34.95 VISITORS $40.05
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M AY H E M T O
M A DN E S S T O U R
McCLYMONTS Announced only moments ago, Australia’s most loved and celebrated country-pop group, The McClymonts, have been nominated for six awards for the 2021 Toyota Golden Guitar Awards.
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o celebrate this incredible achievement, The McClymonts have released today ‘Looking For Perfect’, the third single to be lifted from their #3 ARIA charting album ‘Mayhem to Madness‘. What will surely delight their loyal fans, who have patiently been waiting for news of live shows, is news of confirmed January tour dates. One of the more gentler tracks off the album, ‘Looking For Perfect’ was co-written by Sam, Mollie and Brooke McClymont, with Brooke delivering a raspy fragility on lead vocals and production by Andy Mak. “We are so proud of ‘Mayhem to Madness’ and blown away by the response it has received,” Sam said. “It has been twelve months since our last tour and we
It has been twelve months since our last tour and we are thrilled that we will get to play the new songs live in January. We can’t wait to kick off 2021 together with these shows.
are thrilled that we will get to play the new songs live in January. We can’t wait to kick off 2021 together with these shows.” As one of the leading nominees today, they received nominations for Toyota Album of the Year, Country Music Capital News Group or Duo of The Year and Contemporary Country Album of the Year for ‘Mayhem to Madness’. Plus, nominations for Apple Music Single of The Year, CMT Video of the Year and APRA AMCOS Song of the Year for their #1 hit ‘I Got This‘ which was co-written by Brooke, Sam and Mollie with producer Andy Mak.
‘Mayhem to Madness‘ has achieved acclaim from a cross-section of music genre publications, additions to pop playlists and commercial radio, given the trio their 18th #1 Australian Country airplay hit and a nomination for the 2020 ARIA Award for Best Country Album, with the winner announced next week at The Star. ’MAYHEM TO MADNESS’ TOUR FRI JAN 22 - PANTHERS PORT MACQUARIE - PORT MACQUARIE, NSW Tickets themcclymonts.net.au/tour (Tickets on sale 9am, Tuesday 24th November) GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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NANCY
BEVINGTON
HAPPINESS IS A CLOUD Creative Illustrator Nancy Bevington has had a successful career spanning decades. Her newest commission, adding to the collection of great children’s books, features a familiar background and is sure to be dear to Port Macquarie’s heart.
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i Nancy. It's been a few early learning and reading. I used a watercolour years since FOCUS last technique to create all the images, which caught up with you. What included bears ‘In the Forest’ to jellyfish ‘Under have you been up to the Ocean’, boogie boards ‘At the Beach’ and since? llamas ‘On the Farm’. Hi again, it has been a My next commission was from Big Sky busy period. On a personal level there has been Publishing. This was another series, this time travels to the UK, as I have many friends and three books, designed to help develop children’s family over there. My late husband was born counting skills. All the books portray Australian in London and we both wildlife, jumping, running lived and worked there and larking about. The When I received for many years. In fact, wonderful rhyming text was at the moment, I am still a joy to work with. the manuscript, in the UK, as when I left ‘Let’s Subtract - Ten Lively my initial idea was to in March it was before Lorikeets’ enabled me to illustrate the entire the COVID pandemic illustrate these cheeky birds book with hand really hit, and with all doing what they do best, drawn images. But the restrictions that having fun with their mates. a er reading the subsequently followed, I ‘Let’s Add - Ten Bush story through was unable to return to Babies’, these babies of multiple times, I Australia. the bush race through the thought that it On the work front pages, culminating with a needed a different I have completed a dash to the finishing line. approach. number of fantastic ‘Let’s Count - Ten projects. Firstly, there Naughty Numbats’ were four board books introduces the amazing published by New world of numbers by Frontier, from their Can You Find? - Catch a counting up from 1 platypus in the stream to 10 Star series. Bright and fun, I created books that numbats chasing their tails. were visually stimulating, helping to promote The books should be in print early in the new 68 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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year and will be available through Australian Geographic, leading bookshops and online. A longer read commission from Big Sky Publishing was my next project. This one enters the world of outer space and is called ‘Space Kids - Sabotage’. A young boy travels to a space station to join his father. There he meets friends and encounters situations that are both fun and dangerous. This book has a colour cover and black and white line internal illustrations. I am now working on another commission from Big Sky, called ‘I Wonder’, a lovely picture book. A family is at the beach, and when they pack up to go, the little boy leaves his wooden boat behind… I wonder what becomes of it?! A simple story with an environmental message at its core. It should be published mid 2021. The new book ‘Happiness is a Cloud’ includes and highlights your fun and creative illustrations with a beautiful backdrop that locals may recognise. Can you share a little bit about this new creation? ‘Happiness is a Cloud‘ is written by Robert Vescio and in his words, he says, “This is a story that explores our feelings and emotions by likening it to the changing shapes of clouds. Harry and his father, along with their dog, Jasper, spend a day together at the beach observing the ever-changing shapes of the clouds. Harry takes a moment to look for clouds.
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He sees different shapes and gives each cloud a name of an emotion. Harry shows us that emotions are like clouds. They change shape and roll by. He feels overwhelmed with a feeling and watches it change and drift out of view.” When I received the manuscript, my initial idea was to illustrate the entire book with hand drawn images. But after reading the story through multiple times, I thought that it needed a different approach. I was sitting at Town Beach, sipping a coffee, looking at the beautiful sky full of fantastically shaped clouds and came up with the idea to combine freehand illustration, with digitally enhanced photography. I really felt that this would bring Robert’s words and thoughts to life. It was then a matter of finding the right locations to tell the story. This wasn’t difficult as the area is full of the most amazing beaches. The weather was a little more unpredictable and it was just about waiting for the right day and the right conditions. I was not able to capture every photograph myself, but the majority are taken in and around the area. What techniques have you used here in the book and what creative process did you take to complete your illustrations? Armed with numerous photos it was then a matter of choosing the right ones, with the right skies and weather conditions. I printed these out and began the task of hand
drawing, on tracing paper, Harry, his Dad For any young children (like mine) that and his dog Jasper on top of the images. love to create and draw daily, what advice Once I was happy that the look and flow was would you give to help inspire them to correct, I transferred the traced characters stay creative? onto watercolour paper and started the colour Keep on drawing, painting and creating. Go hand illustration work. It was then a matter to galleries, go to libraries, read books and see of scanning the images and placing them what others are doing and how they are doing onto the photographs and beginning the it. Get involved by joining with other likedigital enhancement of the clouds. I created minded souls, as it is incredibly beneficial to the sheep, rhinos, snakes and the rest of the help refine your skills and also be inspired and myriad of sky borne creatures and objects, by supported. Never feel that you are not good drawing them on the computer and working enough, just enjoy the fun of it all. A friend them into the clouds, slowly merging the two, that I used to work with said to me many years so the effect was that ago, everyone can draw, they could have almost it is a true expression of been real. yourself. What level you Every time I Your career spans want to reach ultimately receive a brief many decades and depends on how much for a new commission, includes a variety of time and dedication you I get that same passions. What would put into it, but that is the excitement and buzz you say is, or has same with everything in of anticipation. been, your favourite life. concept to work on Where can we pick up and why? a copy of your new Oh, that is a tough book? one, as I really enjoy every aspect of creating. Book Face has the Happiness book in stock I feel as passionate about working on a young or you can always visit my website: reader book, a board book, a picture book www.nancybevingtondesigns.com or in fact my own painting on canvas and or the publishers: paper. Every time I receive a brief for a new www.bigskypublishing.com.au commission, I get that same excitement and www.newfrontier.com.au buzz of anticipation. Thanks Nancy. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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SHINE
COASTAL
DANCE
Give your child the chance to SHINE at Coastal Dance Performing Arts Studio. We have a fully equipped boutique studio catering for all students 2.5 years- Adults.
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There’s some new exciting businesses and some old favourites. Conveniently located close to Settlement City and with plenty of easy parking, Bellbowrie Park is definitely worth a look.
ur professional teachers strive for excellence in a caring, encouraging and positive environment. Our small class sizes ensure we nurture each and every student and instill a love of dance and performance for years to come. In 2021 We will be expanding our very popular AERIAL & ACROBATIC classes. January Summer Cirque Workshops TBA Enquire today for your FREE Trial. To join our dance family Contact Lauren Spence e. coastalperformingarts@outlook.com 0409 328 946 coastaldanceperformingarts.com.au Unit 6 & 7/10 BELLBOWRIE PARK, PMQ Check out our socials on Facebook & Instagram
CLASSES ON OFFER • Classical Ballet (RAD) • Acro (Acrobatic Arts ) • Aerial Arts • Lyrical • Contemporary • Jazz • Fairy Feet & Tippy Toes • Dress up, Dance & Drama • Adults Barre /Pilates • Musical Theatre • Tap • Private tuition • Performance groups • Pilates/conditioning
More than 30 exciting businesses call Bellbowrie Park home. 70 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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Our aim is to bring some relief to those living in poverty through encouragement, love and support.
PITSTOP
4Life Care & Training
PC Pitstop is an approachable IT business and computer shop that helps you and your business or family embrace technology each and every day.
4Life Care & Training Ltd commenced in October 2008 with the aim of helping people in need within our community and providing relief from poverty in Port Macquarie and beyond.
ur aim is to bring some relief to those living in poverty through encouragement, love and support. Our team of volunteers are enthusiastic about making a positive difference to the lives we touch whether it is providing food parcels, teaching people how to cook nutritious meals or through our Living Skills Workshops. People everywhere are struggling to make ends meet and we are here to help give some relief. 4Life Care Food Connexion provides assistance to low income families who are feeling the financial pressures of dayto- day living. Providing nutritious food parcels helps put food on the table for many families. We source food from local supermarkets, bakeries, grower’s markets, and backyard surplus. Our main income is solely
C O M P U T E R S S P E C I A L I S T S
Unit 12 Opening Hours Port Macquarie 9am to 3pm Tuesday to Friday Port Macquarie 02 6584 2951
Bellbow rie
2/10 Bellbowrie Street Port Macquarie 6584 1551 Port@pcpitstop.com.au
by donations from local businesses, kind individuals in the community and the local church. 4Life Care Op Shop: Provides clothes, shoes, furniture and a variety of other items. 4Life Care Training: Living Skills Workshops provide education so that families can live more economically, independently and have a healthy lifestyle. We are a Donation Gift Recipient (DGR) approved, charitable, not-forprofit organization. All donations over $2.00 are tax deductible. Donations are also welcome for food, volunteer time etc.
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Providing repairs to Apple Mac, iphones, Windows computers, data recovery, web design and business IT solutions. Serving the Port Macquarie area for over 22 years, PC Pitstop’s multi award winning winning edge is exceptional customer service and support. It’s a smile as clients walk in the door; it’s calling you back when they say we will; it’s patience and understanding when you need support fast. PC Pitstop pride themselves on their reliability, innovation, and professional staff who speak in easy to understand terms. They listen, ask lots of questions and then step into your businesses and lives and take a helicopter view of your technological needs, ultimately finding the right solutions for optimum productivity and smooth day to day operations. Stepping in as the solutions providers and problem solvers. They love fixing things and keep you informed every step of the way. It’s simple, but it’s why they're still the most trusted name for computer repairs in Port Macquarie
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Vibe S AV V Y
with VANESSA LAWRENCE FROM THE STYLE VIBE
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Hi There 2021!
trust you have had a wonderful break with your loved ones over the festive season, and that it was full of laughs, fun and some very much needed R&R! If you are getting ready to return to work soon, this month’s ‘back to business’ column is here to inspire and get you ready for your most stylish and confident year yet! If you are… 1. Wearing the same outfit combo most days and it usually consists of something of black 2. Are not sure how you should dress to represent yourself or brand to suit your business 3. And want to look good, feel confident but also comfortable whilst not spending a lot of money – READ ON! Of course, my advice is always tailored to suit the individual, their likes and dislikes, business or industry and budget, however here are my top tips to help you tap in and find your personal style for the working year ahead. 1. Did you know most of us only wear 20% of our clothing 80% of the time? Start by doing a closet cleanout (or let me do one for you!) Most of us would agree, it’s always better working with a clean space, right? Here you will need to get really honest with yourself, rid yourself of the items that don’t fit, let go of pieces that may not suit or serve you
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anymore. Sell or gift quality items that are in 3. With a clean wardrobe, 20 items in a good condition and try not to feel guilty if you variety of colours and styles, knowing each need to remove clothing that may still have a individual piece looks and feels great so what’s tag on it but has never been worn. next? Now we pull it all together! Create, 2. Create yourself a ‘Capsule Work Style and Accessorise! Start with bottoms, Wardrobe’ consisting of no more than 20 and try on every bottom, top and jacket items. 3 pants, 3 skirts, 3 short sleeve tops combo possible. Add different accessories or camis, 2 long sleeve to match. How many blouses, 2 blazers, 3 different looks can you Did you know dresses, black and nude create? Make sure you belts and shoes. Ensure most of us only grab a full standing selfie all colours compliment for future reference. wear 20% of our your skin tone, each Work through each clothing 80% of the item fits well and suits piece until you have tried time? Start by doing a your body shape. Ensure every garment on – every closet cleanout (or let fabrics and style of items single way! The goal here me do one for you!) compliment each other is to create your own Most of us would too. Hang your workwear personal look book and agree, it’s always be er separate from your say goodbye to morning working with a clean everyday or weekend hissy-fit dramas and space, right? wear. Start with staple instead save time, arrive colours and try not to for work stylish, calm and double up (ie, only 1 x confident – woo hoo!!! black skirt, pant, top, dress etc) move on to If you do the work and trust the process you the next staple colour (this may be white) and cannot go wrong! after that look for colours that are consistent If you are struggling to find 20 suitable with your brand. Find these colours in your pieces to create your capsule wardrobe, maybe company logo, website or workplace. This it’s time to invest in some new pieces? system will provide you with variety and also I’m here to help. You can reach out or find brand consistency to help you to achieve out more about the services I offer via my multiple outfit combinations and combat that website www.thestylevibe.com.au same day style rut! Vanessa xxx
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The 4WD bug hit Kevin Smith hard around 30 years ago and since then, adventures have been plentiful. Now, Kevin enjoys sharing his knowledge and time with others to help spread this infectious sport around the Coast, enabling friendships to be made and fun times to be had.
KEVIN SMITH WOOLGOOLGA OFFROAD
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i Kevin. Woolgoolga Offroad is your fantastic 4x4 organisation that you run here on the Coffs Coast. Tell us why you started up in the first place and share a little bit about its growth over the years. I was introduced into the 4WD world back in the early nineties after years of having fast cars, and that was it – I got the bug. I started Woolgoolga Offroad as a mates group for anyone who wanted to come along to explore the bush or even on camping trips. I really didn’t think much of it at the time, it was just getting out to explore our hinterland from Coffs down the coast behind Port and Taree. Over time, more and more people wanted to tag along, whether it was for company or just to see what we have to offer around the area. I was finding that we had some of the most diverse and stunning landscapes on the Mid North Coast where the Great Dividing Range towers over the 74 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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We have some of the most diverse and stunning landscapes on the Mid North Coast... access from the beach to the bush is available everywhere.
ocean in so many spots, and because of this the access from the beach to the bush is available everywhere. In fact we can thank prehistoric times when the volcanoes erupted and created what we have, especially the Ebor volcano. This was 10 years before social media and texting so I started Woopi Offroad as a blog to let others know when I was going bush and it evolved from that. After our day out I would post a trip report with photos and trip details and that started my passion for writing. These days it’s so easy to throw an event up on Facebook to get a bunch of great people to spend the day with. Over time things happened and I had the chance to host and lead a DVD crew around the Coffs Coast, and with that I got my foot in the door for so many avenues. In fact over the past 30 years I’ve hosted no less
than a dozen DVD crews here in Coffs, several national TV shows and written my own 4WD book on the Coffs Coast. With a stack of hard work I had the chance to submit a destination article for a national 4WD magazine, and now I reckon I have written well over 100 magazine destination articles spanning from our coastal fringes, desert areas, Tassie and just recently Cape York. For anyone that enjoys the outdoors and is looking to get into 4WDing, then a club is a great place to start. What are the benefits to joining in along with the group? Totally agree. I kept Woopi Offroad as a social group where anyone from anywhere is more than welcome to come along and be part of the fantastic family that has been created. The best part of this is that anyone can host for a day out
and everybody is on the same level. There are so many benefits to blend in to our group and it starts from the friendships that form. We have different 4WD days from easy touring exploration days, through to recovery days (where we go over basic 4WD recovery techniques), to more advanced hard days through to fun camping trips away. But you know what, everybody in the group has the same fantastic mind frame that if there is a newbie on the drive and they need help, there’s plenty of the right advice and help to give. Nobody judges when we go out. In fact, I can go out with a newbie to run over how to 4WD so they feel more comfortable. Gone are the days of just selecting 4WD with a short lever, now there’s different switches that need to be done in a certain way, technology at its best. Often I see friendships form on our days out and that makes me smile, seeing people connect. What equipment/basic requirements are needed on your truck to enjoy a day out? Well, here’s the best thing, it doesn’t matter at the start. Everybody needs to start somewhere and I am more than happy to spend
time with any newbie to get set up, come out for a drive, find some hidden gems and leave them wanting more for another day. But for those who have a little experience under their belt, the basics include proper recovery points on their 4WD, a UHF is a bonus for safety and a little banter on the tracks plus a sense of adventure. When we do other specialised drives like the more adventurous ones, include good tyres, recovery gear and a maybe a winch. I always prepare people to bring plenty of water, snacks and footwear because we always spend time exploring any waterfalls or historic spots along the way. Best 4WD tracks along the coast? We are so lucky here with so much at our fingertips. One of my favourite touring drives and camp trips is down to Crescent Head along to Point Plomer for a camp, then follow the dunes and across the ferry to Port Macq. From here follow the coast down to Crowdy for another camp, then west of Taree through Coorabakh NP. It’s a great one for the novice or just an easy three day exploration. Out in Coorabakh you can see a couple of old volcano plugs, plenty of stunning coastal and valley views plus you’ve got the drive up to the Brother Mountains. But then saying that, out the back of Wauchope in an area called the Cells, there’s some truly stunning cross valley drives, with creek crossings, mining relics and some of the best camping on the Great Dividing Range. Finally at Coffs, I could rattle off 5 pages of drives. But one that is a favourite is the Friday Creek explore where it takes you only minutes
behind Coffs, then high up along several ridge lines where you have stunning ocean views. Along the way there’s a host of old red cedar tree stumps that were cut down by the early explorers back in the day and still have the standing board marks cut in them. Then 4WD off the ridge line down a steepish track passing several stunning waterfalls and large swimming pools. All this only minutes from the town centre. I think I rave on about our backyard because it is regarded as the 4WD capital of NSW due the closeness of the tracks and the vast variety. I mean, what other areas can you name where you can stay in a coastal resort, jump across the highway and get straight into some of the best 4WDing on the east coast. Either taking a picnic lunch beside a stunning and pristine creek or eating at one of our delicious cafes or pubs then 4WD back to your accommodation and then delve into a fresh and tasty evening meal. Oh and don’t forget that there are nearly a dozen beach drives up and down the area too, which opens up a whole new world for the explorer, fisher person or sun chaser; just make sure you get a permit where needed though. The 4WD community on the coast is one of the best I have come across as most are aware to keep the tracks tidy and respect the bush. In fact in early next year I’ll have a track cleanup day where we go out to address any rubbish we find, plus drive some great tracks, but more importantly socialise and network with great people. Thanks Kev. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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People probably don’t associate waterfalls with the Mid North Coast, BUT, because the Great Dividing Range is right on the doorstep of the coast, there’s a stack just waiting to be discovered.
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’d like to share just some of my favourites in the area, mind you there are a host more and these are just the tip of the iceberg. In layman’s terms it all happened around 30 million years ago when the east coast super volcanoes erupted, plus the little Ebor one creating what we have today, and depending on which way the water flows from these peaks determines where the valleys and eventually where the waterfalls flow. Now some of these falls have designated names, others are unofficially named.
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WA I T U I FA L L S Midway between Port Macquarie and Taree in Coorabakh NP flows the ever so beautiful Waitui Falls. With a wide rock face and a deep pool at the bottom it always seems to flow, creating its own micro system where delicate ferns and moss grow. A relatively easy one to find by heading west from Johns River to Hannam Vale and onto the aptly named Waitui Road for 12km.
M O B O N G FA L L S West of Coffs Harbour high up in the hinterland in the Nymboi-Binderay NP is little known Mobong Falls. Surprisingly this waterway spills sideways through a rock crevice and not straight over the edge. Viewing it from the top doesn’t allow you to see the entire falls in all its glory, you need to scramble to the bottom to be in awe. Head west from Coffs up to Ulong and onto Cascade, then head down Measuring Hut Road for about 15km until you find Mobong Creek. Park up and listen for the falls.
S W E E T P O TAT O FA L L S This is the unofficial name for this stunning waterfall that is surrounded by broken ferns and has several different drop offs. It's another favourite as it seems to flow all year round as the water seeps out of a nearby swamp. The views at the top are stunning with pools of water in the foreground and as you look westward towards the rugged Nymbodia area, Glenreagh and Nana Glen are in the valley below.
B A N G A L O R E FA L L S Now Bangalore is high on everybody’s list when they head up in the hinterland near Ulong. Either head up into the stunning Orara Valley then to Dairyville and up the easy 4WD trail named Pine Road. Or simply head to Ulong and out along Corfes Road. Signposted to a beautiful picnic area surrounded by tall Hoop Pines and stands of Coachwood Trees; it’s a stunning area, and often you’ll see a lyrebird darting across the road. Bangalore Falls is an easy stroll from the picnic area along the dedicated path to a viewing deck. The walk down to the falls meanders past old growth cedar trees and amazingly tall tree ferns with the ground covered in iridescent green moss. The falls tumble down after the water gathers in a large pool at the top, showering the rocks below in different areas. When there’s been some good rain anywhere in the hinterland, these falls crank and you’ll hear them from the car park. Very spectacular.
S C O U T S FA L L S M AG I C P O O L S Now these deserve an honourable mention and are definitely a go to place in the heat of summer. Tucked up the back of the Friday Creek area in the Orara State Forest these falls are fun for the whole family. Head up deep into the Orara Valley and up Dingo fire trail, and right onto Carmadies Trail to the falls. Known to the locals also as the Rock Slide it’s a fun adventure exploring this waterway. The keen can slide down where the water flows into the deep and often cold pool, yet the little ones can splash around in the side pools.
The increasingly popular Scouts is a must do if chasing waterfalls. It’s not so much about the falls, but the walk to them. Very easy to find along Sherwood Creek Road between Glenreagh and the highway. Park up at the sign and then the adventure begins with a 1km walk upstream to the falls. Most people will find the walk and rock hopping pretty easy, ever so attractive walking through the stunning sandstone and wildflower little gorge to the end. It’s another one that always seems to have some flow of some kind but when it flows hard it really pumps over two sections giving an immense wide flow.
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SUMMER is here. Summer is here. It is officially time to store your closed toe shoes and embrace a sandal-only summer!
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he options in-store at Colonial Cobbler are endless when it comes to sandals including the wedge, bright coloured flats that allow your feet to breath whilst looking pretty or a stylish low heeled sandal, perfect for coffee and lunches with friends in the sun or to wear to the beach. So what are the smart women buying this summer season in footwear? It goes without saying that we are looking for superior comfort with our sandal attire that will not dig in around our toes or gnaw at our feet. Adjustable leather straps, comfortable cushioning on the base providing superior arch support and materials that massage your feet as you walk are all at the top of our priority list when buying new sandals. Colonial Cobbler has taken all of this into careful consideration when they stock their ranges of Australian, New Zealand and European footwear with new styles landing in-store now for summer. Colours and styles are vibrant for the new season, adding a pop of colour to your summer wardrobe and effortlessly taking you from work to the beach, to lunch and back again in style and comfort. Take on the new season Summer weather with the versatile and
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stylish range of new season smart casual footwear in a variety of shades and styles. You will find shoes with quality finishes in soft leathers and fashionable styles. All of Colonial Cobbler’s European stocked footwear offers superior all day comfort and practicability, perfect for your daily outings this January. Some tips for packing shoes for your next local trip are as follows: • Choose shoes that can be worn with a few different outfits • Pack socks and underwear into your shoes to save space • Choose comfortable, breathable footwear for walking • Check the local forecast before you head out exploring • Make sure your walking shoes are non-slip and waterproof All Colonial Cobbler’s branded footwear will ensure your feet stay cool and fresh for maximum comfort throughout the day. There are some great new season sneakers in-store as well as sandals, with second-skin leather lining for extra comfort. Loafers and flats are also a great option this season. These are both lightweight and comfortable and versatile for both casual and dressy occasions. Come in to experience the comfort of new season smart casuals and travel footwear now in-store. Your bound to find your new favourites
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Healthful WISDOM
with SHANNON LAWRENCE ALCOHOL AND MEDICINES It’s the time of year for celebrating! A lot of us have Christmas parties to a end and with Christmas day and New Year’s Eve to come it’s important to consider the effects of alcohol on the medicines we take. Many medicines can be affected by alcohol.
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rescription, nonprescription and natural/ herbal medicines can be affected by alcohol. Some medicines that your purchase from a Pharmacist without a prescription have warning labels that it may cause drowsiness or increase the effects of alcohol and should not be taken whilst operating heavy machinery or driving. A lot of people joke about not operating heavy machinery but most of us drive and a lot of people will be drinking alcohol especially at this time of year so the warning should be heeded. - The most common types of medicines affected by alcohol: Paracetamol Older style antihistamines Travel sickness medicines Strong pain relief medicines Antidepressants and anxiety medicines Anti-inflammatories St John’s wort, valerian, lavender - Effects from taking medicines and alcohol together: Nausea and vomiting Drowsiness Headache Difficulty moving Difficulty concentrating
- How does our body deal with alcohol and medicines? It is usually our liver that processes medicines and it also processes alcohol. If our liver has to deal with both at the same time it can slow the processing down for either alcohol or the medicine. This can make the effects of one of them more pronounced. Toxic levels of the medicine would be harmful to the body. Alcohol may also make medicines less effective or not effective at all. Paracetamol in excessive doses can cause liver damage. The combination of paracetamol and alcohol is even more likely to cause liver damage and in some cases has led to the need for a liver transplant. It may be difficult to know just how much effect alcohol can have on a medicine. It could even have an effect if they are taken hours apart as medicines effects can last for a long time. - Check how your medicines are affected by alcohol: If a medicine may cause drowsiness or can be affected by alcohol it will carry a warning label on the box. If you are unsure of the effects of alcohol on your medicine ask your Pharmacist.
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PORT SKIN CLINIC Dr Lizzie and Nurse Liz
talk ACNE
Dr Lizzie and Nurse Liz run an acne clinic at Port Skin Clinic to provide be er access for patients to a range of effective treatments for this common problem. Let’s meet them and find out more.
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i Dr Lizzie, please introduce yourself, your qualifications and areas of specialty. My name is Lizzie and I am a GP with a special interest in Skin Cancer, Dermatology and Aesthetics. I obtained my medical degree in the UK in 2012, and have worked in Port Macquarie and the surrounds for the past 6 years, and at Port Skin Clinic since February. What are some of the common myths about treating acne? Acne misinformation is so important to tackle to avoid delayed, inappropriate or ineffective treatment, which can result in long term negative sequelae, such as scarring or worsening mental health. I would strongly recommend that people always consider where information comes from; obtain it from reputable sources; or discuss things with their doctor. Just a few myths include: ‘Acne is due to poor hygiene’ - Most acne is due to dead skin cells that clog hair follicles, blocking oil which bacteria can grow in, and may become inflamed. Some people's skin naturally produces more oil, or sheds more ‘sticky’ skin cells, resulting in more blockages and breakouts. Hormones, family history, lifestyle, diet, stress and certain cosmetic products can all be causes. ‘Acne is caused by junk food and dairy’ Emerging evidence shows that fatty or sugary foods, which give significant rises in blood sugar, may be associated with breakouts. The association between dairy and acne is weak however. A low GI diet could improve acne in certain individuals,
but please always seek medical advice before making any significant changes to your diet. Tell us about the different types of treatments on offer at Port Skin Clinic We have a fantastic range of treatments for acne and acne scarring, allowing us to tailor more holistic and effective treatment plans whatever someones age, sex, or skin type; or if trying to conceive, pregnant or breastfeeding (when many oral and topical medications are not suitable). Prescription topical and oral medications are often the mainstay of treatment, but these can take several months to improve acne and may not be suitable or effective for everyone. We offer therapies such as microdermabrasion and chemical peels, which exfoliate and unclog the blocked hair follicles, improving your skin's appearance instantly. We also offer laser and light based therapy as an adjunct or if people cannot tolerate other treatments. An ‘Emergency’ steroid injection can also be performed for those annoying eruptions that always suddenly seem to appear prior to an important event! When acne has been effectively managed we can help improve the appearance of various types of acne scars. We perform microneedling to promote new collagen production, as well as peels, minor surgery, laser, and fillers. Acne can have a huge impact on mental health and wellbeing, so please consult a doctor if you are struggling with your skin. Nurse Liz, please introduce yourself, your qualifications and areas of specialty. I have been a practicing Registered Nurse
for nine years. Graduating with a Bachelors of Nursing in 2011 and trained as a Scrub Scout Nurse in Theatres. I have since worked in multiple specialties in theatres from trauma/emergency surgeries, orthopaedic, obstetric, gynaecology, urology, ear nose and throat, endoscopy and general surgeries. I have since gained a passion for cosmetic nursing and being able to go through the process of meeting a patient, planning treatment, practising the treatment and being able to see the outcome of the treatments. I've had the pleasure and opportunity to be trained by Allergan, Galderma and Teoxane with injectables. I've been accepted into a postgraduate certificate in cosmetic injectables for next year and am about to complete a dermoscopy certificate. I'm also experienced in multiple skin modalities including skin needling, laser rejuvenation, medical-grade peels and microdermabrasions. What are the most common underlying causes of acne? There are a few reasons why people present with acne and there are things that can trigger them which exacerbates symptoms. The primary causes are: - Increased production of sebum (oil) in the skin. - Increased production of sebum trapping dead skin in the pores or even hair follicles - Inflammation in the skin - Bacteria on the skin - Sometimes things like stress, hormones, diet rich in carbohydrates and certain medications can make symptoms worse. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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P E T E R E L F A R F R O M S U N D I A L D E N TA L
DENTAL C H EC K UPS
NOT JUST TEETH AND GUMS
What you may not always realise is that your Dentist is actually a very highly trained, highly skilled Health Practitioner who specialises in the head and neck area of the body, including, but not limited to, the teeth and gums.
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hen you have a check up, your dentist will certainly be looking for tooth decay and gum disease. However, and often without you realising it, your dentist will also be assessing the health of everything else, both inside and outside your mouth, including your tongue, the back of the throat, the palate, inside of the cheeks, floor of the mouth, lips, as well as things like the jaw joints and the jaw and facial muscles, the salivary and lymph glands, and a whole lot more. Also, thanks to modern 3d dental X-ray technology and equipment, the dentist is now able to better visualise all the structures of the head and neck area as well. One of the many important services the dentist may perform these days is to screen patients (both children and adults) for a condition called Sleep Disordered Breathing. This covers a spectrum of conditions, 82 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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with Snoring at one end of the scale and Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) at the other end. All involve breathing or airway problems, which, believe it or not, have always been known to have a relationship with development of the teeth, jaws and face. In fact, the dentist has often been referred to as the “Gate Keeper” of the airway. OSA is the most serious, as it causes the patient to stop breathing during the night. It is due to an obstruction in the upper airway. It has very serious medical consequences, including death. It is estimated that as many as 85% of people have undiagnosed OSA. Snoring can be a symptom of OSA, so it’s important not to ignore it. At a dental visit these days you may be asked questions you’re not used to hearing from your dentist, such as: “do you snore?”, or “do you sleep well?”, “do you have any difficulty breathing through your nose?”. When we breathe, it should be through our nose, with our mouths closed, lips
together, whether we’re awake or asleep. This is important from the moment we are born. The nose is perfectly designed for breathing. The air is filtered, warmed, moistened and has added to it a variety of substances to facilitate the passage of that air through our breathing tube, down into the lungs, and from there into the blood stream, to all the cells of the body. None of this happens to air inhaled through the mouth. Not only is this air is full of all sorts of microbes, dust and debris (which is definitely not healthy) but in the case of a child who persistently mouthbreathes, it has been shown to be related to adverse changes to the posture of the head and neck, and the posture of the lower jaw. How we breathe plays a major role in how we look and how we grow, how well we sleep, and this has significant effects on our general health, including our oral health. Dentists have long recognised that mouth breathing leads to a dry mouth, which can increase the risk for tooth decay and
NORMAL AIRWAY
gum disease. Now, though, dentists are even more aware that persistent mouthbreathing from a young age, if left untreated, may lead to the development of a long, narrow face, narrow mouth with tooth crowding, incorrect jaw alignment (eg “buck” teeth, or a protruding lower jaw), and a lot more Dentists have unattractive facial long recognised features. In addition, “noisy breathing”. It may that mouth breathing these children usually take the form of snorts leads to a dry mouth, do not sleep well, and and gurgles, rather than which can increase this has been shown snoring, but whatever the risk for tooth to adversely affect the sounds, they are decay and gum their growth, their actually the signs of disease. overall health and their a child struggling to academic performance. breathe. A well known The developing brain and respected ENT has in a young child is particularly susceptible to described it as “choking from the inside”. low oxygen levels that occur with persistent The good news, though, is that there is so mouthbreathing during sleep. Quite often much that can be done to help a child breathe these children have behaviour and emotional better, so they sleep better, and so they can be problems and can be misdiagnosed with ADD afforded the best opportunity to thrive. or ADHD. Early detection and early treatment can Common reasons for mouthbreathing in literally be life changing for a young child. a child, especially whilst asleep, are chronic Often the first thing a dentist may do is nasal congestion, reflux, and large tonsils refer the child to an ENT (Ear, Nose and and adenoids (not necessarily infected). The Throat Specialist) to check the upper airway. signs may be trouble sleeping, grinding of Commonly, large adenoids or tonsils can teeth, more prevalence of asthma, allergies, be the cause of the airway obstruction. On more sickness (colds, ear infections, tonsilitis), the other hand, it may be that the blockage difficulty chewing hard chewy foods (eg meat), is within the nose itself (commonly due to behaviour problems etc. The dentist will look allergies), and there are a variety of treatments for large tonsils, tongue position, jaw size, (both surgical and non surgical) that may be alignment and spacing of the baby teeth, any recommended. A referral to an Orthodontist missing teeth, what the “bite” is like, shape may be needed. It has been shown that early of the face, etc. It is important to be able orthodontic treatment, during the years that to detect and treat any potential problems the face is still growing, can help manage early, to avoid the negative effects that and even correct a lot of jaw and tooth mouthbreathing has been shown to have on discrepancies, so that in many cases, it may facial and dental development, which in turn reduce or even eliminate the need for braces can be associated with all sorts of medical and or Invisalign at a later age. social problems. An adult who snores regularly is at risk In a child, mouthbreathing during sleep may for having Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA). OSA greatly impacts not only the quality and or may not sound like snoring. It can just be
OBSTRUCTIVE S L EEP APNEA
quantity of sleep, but also the quality and quantity of life. It is commonly managed by CPAP, or variants of (devices that essentially pump air into the airway, past the blockage), or a specially trained dentist can make a device worn in the mouth, commonly called a Mandibular Advancement Splint (MAS). Both devices work to keep the patient’s airway open so breathing continues whilst sleeping, effectively keeping the patient alive. A patient suspected of having OSA may be first referred to see an ENT to check the cause of the airway obstruction. There are a variety of treatments an ENT can perform to improve a patient’s airway. Often a combination of ENT, CPAP and MAS may be needed. Other times, orthodontic treatment, or a combination of orthodontic treatment and jaw surgery may be involved. The main objective is always to help improve a patient’s health, by enabling them to breathe better. So these days your dentist is often majorly instrumental in detecting the signs and symptoms that put both children and adults at risk for OSA. As well as that, your dentist can be a very valuable, highly skilled member of the team involved in the treatment and management of this condition. So, the next time you have a dental checkup you may just learn a little more about yourself and your general health, not just your dental health. After all, those teeth and gums are attached to a very important person! For more information call your caring team at Sundial Dental 6583 3533 or 6585 2015. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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Dance Mid North Coast Association in conjunction with Michaeljon Slinger will bring this fabulous commmunity event to the stage in January.
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Michaeljon SLINGER GREASE THE MUSICAL
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i MJ, Can you please introduce yourself and your professional background? Sure, I am originally from Queensland, Australia but I moved to the United States in 2004 to attend the American Ballet Theatre’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School. After doing my B.F.A. Dance program at The Juilliard School, I made my Broadway debut as an cast member and dance captain in the original revival of West Side Story, directed by Arthur Laurents. I have since appeared in many Broadway shows: Billy Elliot, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying with Daniel Radcliffe, Evita with Ricky Martin, Side Show and Matilda. My performing career culminated in the role of Dance Captain for the 2017 revivle of Broadway’s Hello Dolly starring Bette Midler. In addition to this I have also appeared on TV for the Kennedy Center Honors, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, 84 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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Grease is such a classic, what do you enjoy most about this show? I think the music is probably my favorite element of the show, and the opportunity to stage so many iconic numbers in the show! I am mostly looking forward to Summer Nights, Born to Hand Jive and everyone’s favourite We Go Together. The production schedule is two full weeks of rehearsal before the live shows, who will you be working with to pull it together? So I will be working with a talented group of local kids who we are hoping come along on Day 1 to Audition. I am also going to be working with Stacey Morgan who has staged lots of productions locally such as Legally Blonde, Bring It On The Musical, 42nd Street and Fame, and the incredible team at The Glasshouse who are known in the industry for producing incredible work. There are still places open in the casting, how can interested local dancers and singers find out more? Anyone interested in joining us this January to be part of Grease can book their place at www.pmperformingarts.com/shop We are looking for lots of local performers aged 10-23 years. Thanks MJ.
I am super excited to be able to share all my knowledge from the great shows that I have been in with local kids on the Mid North Coast.
The Tony Award, The Academy Awards and I was in the opening number of the major motion picture Ted 2 directed by Seth Macfarlane. Before COVID I was working on 2 musicals, Almost Famous and Mrs Doubtfire, both due to open on Broadway but have now been put on hold due to the COVID pandemic. I am super excited to be able to share all my knowledge from the great shows that I have been in with local kids on the Mid North Coast. You'll be working with the Dance Mid North Coast Association on Grease; tell us what you will be doing. I’ll be working with the awesome team at the Glasshouse, to stage a professional production of the musical Grease, and I’m looking for boys and girls who live on the Mid North Coast who love to sing and want to have fun on stage. My role will be the choreographer. I will be staging all of the major dance numbers and making sure all of the kids feel comfortable in each of their roles performing on stage.
As we head into the New Year, it is time for children to choose the a er school activities that will make them laugh, learn and develop in 2021. Have you considered Dance?
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ance is an incredible discipline for a child to experience. Dance is fun, it allows children to explore their creativity and express themselves. Through dance, children become more confident in themselves, discover the rewards of working in a team and forge life long friendships. Regular dance lessons can increase your child's flexibility, range of motion, physical strength and stamina. Becoming a skilled dancer requires practice, discipline and focus. If you choose Dance for your child in 2021, there are a few important things to take into consideration when selecting a studio to best meet the needs of your child. Ensure the teaching staff have sound teaching
ARTS qualifications, a good dancer does not always make the best teacher. The staff must have good communication skills, a thorough understanding of safe dance practice and secure knowledge of the curriculum they are teaching. The studio should offer the opportunity to advance through examinations and assessments, but at the same time understand that these measures are not suited to all and that some children may only wish to dance for enjoyment. Most importantly the studio should be a positive, joyful and nurturing learning environment. Young students will benefit greatly from experiencing a variety of dance styles, dance teachers, and performance opportunities. Let your child try Jazz, Tap, Musical Theatre, Cheerleading
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and Ballet, especially when first starting out. Competitions and examinations are not the only measures of achievement for a successful dance studio. A successful studio can also be seen through the way your child participates: if your child enjoys his or her lessons, looks forward to the next one, smiles and is happy in class, is rarely injured and seems to be learning or consolidating new skills regularly, the chances are that the studio is the best place for your child to be. Before you sign up, ask all the questions you need answers to and view testimonials on their website or ask for recommendations from other parents or professionals. Stacey Morgan is the Principal of Port Macquarie Performing Arts.
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Albie WAT S O N
What started out as a bit of fun for Albie Watson, grew into hours of scooter practice on the freshly built halfpipe in the backyard. Now, pulling out tricks like whip front late whips, flairs, and backflips are a walk in the park for this kid. You'll find him around the Port Macquarie skatepark shredding and pushing the limits.
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i Albie. You're a familiar face here at Port Macquarie skatepark, but for those that don't know you, please introduce yourself. Hi, I’m Albie Watson. I am 11 years old and I go to Tacking Point Public School. Next year I will be in Year 6 and I have just been elected as the school captain. I was born in Port Macquarie which apparently makes me a local. I really love sport, camping, hanging with my mates and of course LOVE scootering. I have a little brother Van who is 7. When was it that you first took an interest in scootering and what was it that had you hooked? I first took an interest in scootering about the age of 7 when I would go to the skatepark with my parents. I remember the first time I went in the bowl I was so excited. I then started watching YouTube videos and would practise doing the motions. My dad
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built a half pipe for I put a lot of me in my backyard time and effort where I could practise into these tricks. I do new tricks. What a lot of training. I go keeps me hooked to the skatepark 2 to with scootering is the could do. After hours 3 days a week, and on feeling of landing a of trying these tricks, the weekend I trick I’ve been working next minute I would find on for ages. You can’t sometimes spend 4 to myself landing them. beat that feeling! 5 hours scootering. Then I would move onto I've seen some of bigger and better tricks. your clips and they I also go to an indoor are amazing. What skatepark in Newcastle to attempt my bigger type of training do you do to develop tricks, which has massive ramps and airbags and get better at your sport? to land onto. Once I feel confi dent landing Thank you. I put a lot of time and effort them there, I then try these on the concrete. into these tricks. I do a lot of training. I go Some of my favourite and most impressive to the skatepark 2 to 3 days a week, and on tricks I have are whip front late whip, flair, bri the weekend I sometimes spend 4 to 5 hours double whip and backfl ips. scootering. I used to get lessons from Joseph You've been sponsored by Innervision Petro. He is also a Port Macquarie local and Surf and Skate since you were 8 years was a professional in the sport. He would old. Tell us a little bit about this and how push me to my limits and encouraged me it came about. to try new tricks that I never thought that I Yes I have. It was sort of crazy. I was
scootering and getting a few lessons from Joseph and then started landing some great tricks for an 8-year-old. Joseph was also sponsored by Innervision at the time and told Matt the owner about me. I got home from school one day and Dad said he had a call from Innervision and they wanted to help me with my scootering and sponsored me. I was stoked. They were my dream sponsor. Matt and Shelly the owners of Innervision look after local kids, tourists and anyone that walks through their door. I thank them for all their support and appreciate all their help. What are you most proud of with your achievements and what are you currently focusing on with the sport? I am very proud of just doing a great sport and really enjoy meeting new kids at the skatepark. We all have a lot of fun down
What keeps me hooked with scootering is the feeling of landing a trick I’ve been working on for ages. You can’t beat that feeling!
there. I have been in one comp in Newcastle that I won. It felt great and I am looking forward to entering more comps soon. I was pretty stoked when I was invited to go on Sunrise and landed a backflip on live national television. I am really just focusing on having fun, keeping fit, learning new tricks and pushing myself to the next limit. I am hoping to get so good that my favourite brand Root Industries may sponsor me one day. They have commented on my tricks on Instagram so you never know. Who is your inspiration in the scooter world? This is easy. I have so many inspirations.
Dane Forbes who lives in Newy and rides professionally and just goes crazy. Ryan Williams from the Sunshine Coast. He rides for Nitro Circus. I have seen him live and he is the best of the best. Barney Sullivan who is my mate and lives in Newcastle. He is only 12 and he shreds. Also Joseph Petro because he rips and helped me so much. What are your dreams for the future? My dreams for the future are to be the best I can be and inspire other kids. I plan to take it all how it comes and just enjoy it. I would love to ride for Root Industries and represent Australia if I can. I really thank my Mum and Dad for always taking me to the skatepark and spending so many hours there just for me. Go check out albie_watson2444 on Instagram if you want to see some of my tricks. Thanks Albie. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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Celebrating THE CLASS OF 2020
St Joseph’s Regional College 86 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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MacKillop College
pmaclism.catholic.edu.au
Your achievements have been exceptional o un re n teen C tu ent ro o Co e e n t o e e on Co e e re e e t e r C r n ore to y er C ourney een ro er o ter t t e to t e o e er u re n t e u e uent un re e ente e ent o eryone o n tre en ou resilience and commitment to their studies t n re e re u t o r n u n C r t o n t on or u rt n e r u n n u tr e no o y er ro t e t o oo
Selections and Nominations Artexpress – Visual Arts Sierra Cummins Callback – Dance Lily Heath & Amelia Munro Onstage – Drama Phoebe Hiatt, Georgina Saad & Savana Sumsky Encore – Music Taryin McIntyre, Robert Moore, Grace Pfab, Francesca Plentinger, Harry Amon, Lachlan Eggert & Alexander Knight-Vale InTech – Industrial Technology -Timber TJ Avery, Noah Battiston, Byron Kipreotis, Rahni McKellar, Thomas Osbore, Matthew Cheers, Isaac Plunkett, Sarah Stewart & Max Roods “...students complete their schooling with a strong sense of purpose and the skills to navigate a path for the future” - Stephen Pares (St Agnes’ Parish Education)
CLASS OF 2020
Congratulations
ST AGNES’ CATHOLIC PARISH STUDENTS SHINE
CLASS OF 2020
ST AGNES’ CATHOLIC PARISH STUDENTS SHINE
en Brennan | MacKillop College
Georgina Saad | MacKillop College
ux of 2020 and College Captain Ben Brennan is Congratulations to College Captain Georgina Saad n top of the world with his HSC results. First place on her wonderful 2020 HSC results. Despite being the Diocese in Chemistry and PDHPE & an ATAR new to the College in 2019 Georgina embraced 98.1 - the highest at MacKillop College. Other the many opportunities provided to MacKillop ceptional results included 97/100 for Advanced students. She excelled in all areas with an ATAR ath and 45/50 for Extension 1 Math. Ben hopes of 91.3, but was particularly pleased with her Ben Brennan | MacKillop College Georgina Saad | MacKillop College pursue a degree in Medicine in 2021. His advice results in Drama. Georgina received a Band 6, 2020toand College Ben Brennan is was nominated Congratulations to College Captain to trust yourself Dux andofalso trust yourCaptain teachers. for OnStage and was Georgina also the Saad top topwas of theable world his HSChisresults. First placeplaced Drama on her wonderful results.Diocese. Despite being n avid sportsmanonBen towith balance student in2020 theHSC Lismore in the Diocese in Chemistry and PDHPE & an ATAR Georgie new to the College in 2019 Georginaand embraced udies with his hobbies throughout his schooling, plans to continue performing pursue of 98.1 - the highest at MacKillop College. Other the many opportunities provided to MacKillop n important recipe for success. an Arts/Law degree at UNSW. exceptional results included 97/100 for Advanced students. She excelled in all areas with an ATAR Math and 45/50 for Extension 1 Math. Ben hopes to pursue a degree in Medicine in 2021. His advice is to trust yourself and also to trust your teachers. ThomasAnMerkus avid sportsman -------------98.50 Ben was able to balance his studies with his hobbies throughout his schooling, Ben Brennan -----------------98.10 an important recipe for success.
Alexander Knight-Viale ---96.90 Aleigha Biron -----------------95.55 Thomas Merkus -------------98.50 Isabella Pearson-------------95.50 Ben Brennan -----------------98.10 Daniel Ward-------------------95.00 Alexander Knight-Viale ---96.90 Courtney Fyffe ---------------94.00 Aleigha Biron -----------------95.55 Isabella Pearson-------------95.50 Robbie Cameron------------93.50 Daniel Ward-------------------95.00 Monique Thompson-------93.30 Courtney Fyffe ---------------94.00 Riley Marshall ----------------93.15 Robbie Cameron------------93.50 Miren Davies -----------------92.50 Monique Thompson-------93.30
of 91.3, but was particularly pleased with her results in Drama. Georgina received a Band 6, was nominated for OnStage and was also the top placed Drama student in the Lismore Diocese. Georgie plans to continue performing and pursue an Arts/Law degree at UNSW.
High ATARs High
ATARs
Riley Marshall ----------------93.15 Miren Davies -----------------92.50
St Joseph’s Regional College St Joseph’s Regional College pmreglism.catholic.edu.au pmreglism.catholic.edu.au
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Lily Heath | MacKillop College
Congratulations Lily Heath on first place in the Lismore Diocese for Dance. An exceptional dancer, Lily also received a nomination for the HSC showcase Callback, an exhibition of the best HSC dance performances. Lily also received a Band 6 in Business Studies and an outstanding ATAR of Lily Heath | MacKillop College 89.45. She plans to study Occupational Therapy Congratulations Heath on first place in the Lily also at SouthernLily Cross University in 2021. Lismore Diocese for the Dance. An exceptional dancer, demonstrated importance of embracing all Lilyaspects also received a nomination for thethe HSCHSC a successful of school life to make showcase Callback, an exhibition of the best HSC andperformances. enjoyable experience. dance Lily also received a Band 6
in Business Studies and an outstanding ATAR of 89.45. She plans to study Occupational Therapy at Southern Cross University in 2021. Lily also Harry Amon-------------------92.50 demonstrated the importance of embracing all aspects of school life to make the HSC a successful Brooke Higham--------------92.10 and enjoyable experience.
Lleyton Wall-------------------91.75 Georgina Saad ---------------91.30 Harry Amon-------------------92.50 Harrison Burton-------------91.00 Brooke Higham--------------92.10 Alexander Horder ----------90.95 Lleyton Wall-------------------91.75 Samuel Saad Edmonds -----------90.90 Georgina ---------------91.30 Harrison MalachyBurton-------------91.00 de Groot-----------90.65 Alexander ----------90.95 CameronHorder Hunt---------------90.65 Samuel Edmonds -----------90.90 Grace Robb -------------------90.40 Malachy de Groot-----------90.65 Ben Pike------------------------90.15 Cameron Hunt---------------90.65 Grace Robb -------------------90.40 Ben Pike ------------------------90.15
MacKillop College MacKillop College
pmaclism.catholic.edu.au pmaclism.catholic.edu.au
...on outstanding results in the NSW Higher School Certificate ST AGNES’ CATHOLIC PARISH STUDENTS SHINE
Thomas Merkus | St Joseph’s Regional College
Alexander Knight-Viale | St Joseph’s Regional College
Cameron Hunt | St Joseph’s Regional College
St Joseph’s Regional College is immensely proud of their Dux of 2020, Thomas Merkus who received an ATAR of 98.50. Thomas as well as receiving a Band 6 result in Mathematics Advanced, Mathematics Extension 1, Biology, Chemistry an H he also ran e first in the iocese in Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics Advanced. Thomas is keen to study either Medicine or Exercise Physiology, and is keen to pursue a career as a Sports Physician. Congratulations Thomas on a superb result.
St Joseph’s Regional College wishes to congratulate Alexander Knight-Viale its runner up to Dux for 2020. Alexander received Band 6 results in Mathematics Extension 1, Mathematics extension an usic he also ran e first in the iocese in Mathematics Extension 1 and Mathematics Extension 2. Alexander wishes to study Advanced Bachelor of Science (Honours) at ANU leading to a career in Science Research. Alexander was the 2020 recipient of the ADF Future Innovators Award, and a college Academic Excellence Award.
Congratulations to College captain of 2020 with an outstanding ATAR of 90.65. Cameron received a Band 6 in PDHPE and Band 5 result in English Advanced, Modern History, Mathematics Advanced, Mathematics Extension 1 and Studies of Religion Ca eron is planning a year o in a ter which he will go to University in either Sydney or Newcastle studying Sports Psychology. Cameron was awarded the Caltex Student of the Year, the College Leadership Award and a college Academic Excellence Award, well done on an outstanding year.
First Place in Diocese Ben Brennan Chemistry and PDHPE Lily Heath Dance Amelia Munro Dance Georgina Saad Drama Imogen Smith Economics Lleyton Wall Mathematics Standard 2 Malachy de Groot History Extension
Robert Cameron Physics Zac Lawrence Physics Isabella Pearson Physics Aleigha Biron Studies of Religion II Daniel Ward Studies of Religion II Ezrela Abraham Japanese Beginners Alexander Knight-Viale Mathematics Extension 1 & 2
Natasha Small English Extension 1 JiaYing Lin Korean Beginners Monique Thompson Earth & Environmental Science Thomas Merkus Biology, Chemistry & Mathematics Advanced
Top Achiever Harry Amon 10th in State Music 1
“I would like to offer my warm congratulations on behalf of the whole education community of St Agnes’ Parish, to our Year 12 students.” - Stephen Pares (St Agnes’ Parish Education) GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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CHRIS GIBBS
S Q UA D R O N
Boys and girls aged 12 to 16 can join the Australian Air Force Cadets here in Port Macquarie to learn life skills that set them up for successful and fulfilling lives.
AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE CADETS
G
ood morning Chris, can you please introduce yourself and your role at the Australian Air Force Cadets, here in Port Macquarie. Hi, my name is Flight Lieutenant (AAFC) Chris Gibbs, and I am the Commanding Officer of 333 Squadron, Australian Air Force Cadets. I have been involved with 333 Squadron since 2009. When not involved with Cadets, I am a Data Services Administrator, with Essential Energy. I’ve had previous management roles in the Banking Industry, and over a decade of service in the Australian Army Reserve, and various adult training roles. What is the 333 Squadron to be specific? We are the local Squadron of Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC), situated here in Port Macquarie. We have been servicing the Greater Port Macquarie / Hastings area since 1992, and during that time many cadets have been members, and have used what they learned with us to move on to a variety of highly successful careers. The AAFC is a youth development organisation that seeks to instil self-confidence, self-discipline and leadership skills, and interest in the aerospace industry, in an aviation-focused, military-like environment. The squadron is sponsored and administered by the Royal Australian Air Force; it is a Defence 94 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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Youth Development organisation. However, there is no requirement to join the RAAF or any other Defence organisation, once a member of the squadron. Can you give us an overview of what the Australian Air Force Cadets do and where the career path can take them? On Tuesday evenings during school terms, the cadets parade at Newman Senior Technical College (near the airport) where they learn Drill and Ceremonial, aerospace skills, bushcraft and camping skills, and outdoor survival. They are also taught the basics of aviation theory, and the roles, customs, and employment types in the RAAF, along with the other arms of Defence, and the Aviation Industry in general. Cadets also practice various Field Skills such as camouflage and concealment, moving in military formations, radio communication skills, navigating with maps and compasses, instructional technique, and marksmanship/safe weapons handling. The AAFC also provides highly subsidised training courses to cadets, in how to fly gliders and powered aircraft. Attendance at a number of these courses can eventually lead to earning a Private Pilot’s Licence, possibly before they are old enough to get a car licence! During school holidays, cadets can attend free training camps at RAAF bases around NSW, and meet a multitude of RAAF personnel, including pilots and staff at aerospace engineering firms.
During these courses, cadets get a first-hand experience of service life, what a large range of employment opportunities exist in the RAAF and also what it could be like to work for a company in the Aviation Industry. Cadets can also learn command and control, leadership, decision-making, initiative, self-discipline, timemanagement, clear thinking, public speaking, and administration – all useful skills for finding employment. We get a lot of kids that come in very quiet when they begin, however when we've had them for a few months, they start to come out of their shell; they become more self-confident and more self-assured, and develop a bit of resilience and hopefully some leadership that they can take into whatever endeavour they choose to take on. It's simply an unbeatable experience young people can have, that they will take with them for the rest of their lives. I was a AAFC cadet in high school. It was one of the best experiences for setting me up in life, even though I didn't necessarily undertake a career in the full time Military. Enrolments are open for 2021, what is involved in the training and how long does it go for? Expressions of Interest for 2021 enrolments are now open and will remain open until midFebruary 2021. Once a cadet is accepted as a new recruit, they will be welcome to attend our Tuesday night parades and will commence
their initial recruit training. This will include 2 consecutive full days of a formal “Recruit Course�, along with normal training on Tuesday nights. This recruit phase will last about 8 weeks, after which the recruit will graduate as a Cadet in the squadron. What are the prerequisites for being recruited? All boys and girls aged between 12 (turning 13 in 2021) and under 17 years old, can apply to join the squadron. Any ongoing health issues, that would need to be formally managed, will
need to be advised upon application. There are no other prerequisites, other than a desire to be part of the best squadron, in the best aviation focussed Youth Development Program, in Australia (I know, I might be slightly biased!). How can people apply and what else do they need to know? Online Expressions of Interest to join the squadron can be accessed at: http://www.aafc.org.au/our-units/find-asquadron/ We are accepting Expressions of Interest
now and are happy to provide any further information. For more information, email chris.gibbs@ airforcecadets.gov.au or admino.333sqn@ airforcecadets.gov.au We will be commencing our 2021 Parades at 5:15 pm on Tuesday 2nd February 2021, at Newman Senior Technical College. Please feel free to come along (contact me first, for COVID Safety reasons) to see firsthand what we are all about! Thanks Chris.
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Callback 2020 (Dance) Zoe Brennan Gabriella Caldwell Ayva Eames Michelle Edghill Tahlia Grady Holly Williams
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OnSTAGE 2020 (Drama) Greg Mitchell Chelsea Halliwell-Herbert Austin Burt Joel Wise
Shape 2020 (Design & Tech) Hannah Jones Molly Moore
ENCORE 2020 (Music) Greg Mitchell Chelsea Halliwell-Herbert Jasmine Hone
Congratulations to Tegan Secomb who was both nominated and selected for exhibition in ARTEXPRESS, the showcase of the most exemplary HSC Visual Arts Major Works in the state. focus
Class of 2020 - what a year!
The results achieved by the graduating class of 2020 continue St Columba’s growing tradition of academic, cultural and sporting excellence, underpinned by an educational model that prepares them for post-school success. While the world may have slowed or even ground to a halt due to COVID-19, the trajectory of our graduates was not lowered.
In 2020, this quote resonates with our experience: “Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which have been overcome.� Our graduating class were constantly asked to adapt to changes in educational delivery, accept a new construct of “normal� in their education, see any sense of certainty in regard to traditional access to post school options evaporate and found themselves socially restricted. So, their stellar results in the 2020 Higher School Certificate show that they have not only achieved an excellent level of academic performance, they have exhibited the kind of resilience and self discipline that clearly shows their capacity for hard work and a willingness to face the challenges placed before them. We hope our graduates and their families know how proud we are of their achievements. We are equally proud of the way they have acknowledged the efforts of their families and teachers in their success and how they have supported each other during the “hard times� throughout 2019 and 2020. We now look forward to the reports of the great things they will achieve for themselves and their world in the future. The School Council, Principal and staff of St Columba Anglican School wish to acknowledge the excellent Higher School Certificate results of the Class of 2020. The class of 2020, our 14th Higher School Certificate candidature, have upheld the proud academic tradition of the School, building on the achievements of those who came before them. In 2020, we had 61 entries in Distinguished Achievers list from 32 students. This year’s cohort achieved excellent results across a range of Higher School Certificate subjects. Approximately 12% of student results appeared in the Distinguished Achievers List. Mitchell Hardie in 5 subjects, Olivia Stanley, Zoe Brennan and Georgia Mitchell in 4 subjects. These results saw SCAS rank 139th in the top 150 schools in the State. This also lands us the top spot across all North Coast schools, and the third regional school in NSW. Some subject results of note include: 100% of students in Music 1 achieved Band 6 results; 100% of Dance students achieved in the top two Bands; 90% of Visual Arts students achieved top two Bands; 86% of Textiles and Design students achieved top two Bands; 84% of students studying Design and Technology placed in the top two Bands; 73% of Drama students placed in the top two Bands; 60% of English Advanced students achieved in the top two Bands; 88% of English Extension 1 achieved top two Bands; 86% of English Extension 2 students achieved in the top two Bands; 64% of Legal Studies students achieved in the top two Bands; 100% of Investigating Science achieved in the top two Bands; 62% of Chemistry achieved in the top two Bands; 60% of Engineering Students achieved in the top two Bands. Fantastic achievements from our Class of 2020.
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A MOMENT
Mayor WITH THE
with PETA PINSON
M AYO R O F P O R T M A C Q U A R I E HASTINGS COUNCIL
B
I’m certainly not alone in my excitement to welcome 2021, what must be a be er year than the last.
ut if last year is marked by anything, I will always remember it as the year that our community stood against everything that came at us, and grew and strengthened as a result. It is this community that I’m eager to get out and be amongst during this month. The connections we have with one another, and the strength we have to pull across the line together is truly too extraordinary for words. Our region’s sense of community is so strong, and makes me so gratified to call this place home. We have so many positive things to look forward to. At the end of this month we will welcome around 40 residents in our community as they become citizens during the annual Australia Day Citizenship ceremony. This is such an exciting, yet moving event, and I’m honoured to be able to officially welcome our new citizens as they make their home and build their
futures in our community. so many people who have shared their Whilst they and their families celebrate stories, their histories and their dreams becoming fully fledged Australians, we with me and I have learnt so many celebrate and welcome fascinating things their decision to join that deepen my us here in the Port understanding of our A year of Macquarie Hastings shared past. celebrations is a region and make We certainly welcome change. This their contribution to want to take this year, we will be our growing diverse opportunity to reflect coming together as a and multifaceted on our history, and community to community. honour our First celebrate the Port A year of Nations People. But Macquarie Hastings celebrations is a also look towards Bicentenary which is welcome change. the future, and how an opportunity for us This year, we will our community all to commemorate be coming together is changing. I’m as a community to endlessly proud to be our past, our present celebrate the Port a part of a community and our future. Macquarie Hastings that is so rich in history Bicentenary which is an and its connections, opportunity for us all to commemorate our and I look forward to seeing how we past, our present and our future. can continue to take advantage of the In my time as the mayor and as a opportunities our region’s growth presents. resident, I’ve been privileged to meet Here's to the happiest of New Years! GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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T I M & S T E PH
Maddren
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Illuminate THE GUTS, GRIT AND GROUNDWORK OF REMARKABLE REGIONAL E N T R E P R E N E U R S , I N N O V AT O R S , LEADERS AND GAME CHANGERS.
with KATE WOOD-FOYE Tim & Steph Maddren are the creative entrepreneurs behind the successful theatre production company Got Ya Back Productions. These talented performance artists have created a business that inspires our region with unique performances, musical theatre, dance and now film - beautifully blurring the lines between business and art.
H
i Tim & Steph. You relocated to the Hastings and established Got Ya Back Productions four years ago, establishing a distinctive business model with community at heart. Share the vision behind GYB? We are so lucky to have existed long enough pre-COVID for the community to notice what we were aiming to do with the business. This year, the community backed us and we’re really proud of what we’ve been able to achieve because of it. What was your biggest challenge establishing a theatre production company in a regional area? Completely reversing the build model for a production. In the city, you create a production/film and then audition hundreds to find your perfect fit. Up here, we locate the unique talents, stories and abilities already existent within our community and build a production to highlight that. If you haven’t already, watch ‘The Christmas Bell’ on the Council’s website as that’s a good example of how we approach things. What projects are you most proud of? Our flagship professional production, BANJO. The show combines the music of Coldplay with A.B ‘Banjo’ Paterson’s poetry and contemporary dance and played to soldout theatres throughout the state. We are also proud of our Got Ya Back
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Junior program. The program produces a different theatre production every term for children aged 9 to 18yrs. We consistently hone this program so it becomes the best introduction a child can have into the world of theatre. The program is attended by a fantastic group of young people who take part in these productions - this is what we’re most proud of. The students are kind, highly invested in the production, and when all is said and done, have each other’s back. Start-ups can be tricky. Was there ever a moment you doubted yourselves? THE OPTIMIST fell ten stories. At each window bar He shouted to his friends: "All right so far." Anonymous There’s only space for hope and blind optimism in our industry. 2020 has been such a challenging year for the arts and events industry. What has this meant for your business in terms of changing the game and your creative process? Our neighbour said earlier in the year ‘just adapt and get on with it.’ That’s pretty much what we’ve aimed to do. By adapting, we presented a show two weeks earlier than originally planned. We also moved all our productions to outdoor spaces. We produced Romeo & Juliet at Cassegrain Winery under the stars. We built
a Drive In Cinema - after 20min, it ended up being entirely washed away….no stars that night. Our last project, ‘The Christmas Bell’ was designed to be at its heart, a COVID-safe production. 2020 has given the opportunity to see how adaptable we are as a company, and we’ve gained a lot of confidence from that. Part of your success is being a multi talented dynamic husband and wife duo. How do you balance the work/life juggle? There is ALWAYS work to be done, however, time with our two young boys is really important. But when one of us says “No more work talk”, we’ve become quite disciplined in making sure we respect that and not carry on. Are you all about rock solid business plans and spreadsheets or gut instinct and flow? Simply put, it’s ‘Show Business’ – half ‘show’, half ‘business’. There’s always creative flow but it wouldn‘t function without initial planning and a spreadsheet at the beginning. Any creative endeavour can’t function properly without the marriage of both. What can we look forward to in 2021 from GYB? Our newest professional touring production, Carnival of the Animals, has just received project funding from Regional Arts NSW. It’s designed to encourage children back to watch theatre. We will build this production early in 2021 and tour NSW in the middle of the year.
Adam
Wesley Mission helps turn lawn mowing hobby into business
BUTTON
Watershed Insurance Brokers
With a client’s interest as my main priority, it is my duty to ensure their claim is managed fairly, professionally and within a reasonable time frame…all whilst keeping them well informed throughout the process!
With all the different companies and offers available, how can you keep track of what will work best for each client? Understanding each of my clients’ specific requirements is the best place to start. I can then do the groundwork to provide various options and tailored policies to suit their specific needs.
“I like outdoors work. I just find it quite relaxing,” Michael explains. “But I wanted to make a business of it, be my own boss and have that positive feeling of working for myself.”
The benefit of using a broker is I have access to over 100 different insurance providers, many who are specialists in their field and who cannot be accessed directly by the public.
“The Wesley Mission team been very helpful showing us how to start and build our business,” Jackie says.
It wasn’t until they met the team from Wesley Mission’s Opportunity Pathways that they turned their hobby into a business called ‘Mo Lawncare and Maintenance’.
Along with registering their business name, applying for an ABN and business advertising,
the team also supported with funding for lawn mowing equipment and safety gear. “Wesley Mission’s been a great stepping stone and has given us the self-confidence to be able to take on the prospect of the business,” Michael says. We can help start your career today. Call us on 1800 931 108 or email opportunitypathways@ welseymission.org.au
EMT39955_2012
What are the most common questions you get asked about Insurance? My clients are regularly concerned about what they should do when they need to make a claim. The answer is simple…call me! As their broker, it is my job to liaise with the insurer and other relevant parties on their behalf.
It started out as a hobby. But when Michael and Jackie began mowing their neighbours’ lawns, they started to dream.
Your future. Your way. Take your next step towards a rewarding career with Wesley Mission’s Opportunity Pathways.
1800 931 108
opportunitypathways@wesleymission.org.au
The Opportunity Pathways program is funded
wesleymission.org.au/opportunitypathways by the NSW Government. Eligibility criteria apply. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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BUSINESS
VOICE with MICHAEL MOWLE
PRESIDENT PORT MACQUARIE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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ll businesses would be looking forward to seeing more stable trading conditions and normality return for 2021 after the tribulations and tumultuous events of last year. The forecasts are for much better economic conditions this year on the back of Australia’s GDP growing by 3.5% in late 2020. Having performed better than almost every other OECD country Australia and especially its regional areas are now well positioned for a return to positive growth and full employment. A business owners wish list to Council, NSW and the Morrison Government for 2021 would include the following key issues and policy areas that need to be addressed, resolved and acted upon. Locally we are experiencing significant inbound migration and growth with strong property sales and almost zero rental accommodation available. Many new businesses have recently commenced operations and existing businesses are expanding or moving into new markets. The desirability of Port Macquarie as a lifestyle choice and place to start a business is creating growth that in turn is exacerbating the need for upgraded and new infrastructure. For businesses in Port Macquarie this means that the road network and services infrastructure backlog must be addressed and several large projects must be delivered by council in the next few years.
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The highest priorities being Ocean Drive to manage the impact of COVID during 2020 duplication, Boundary Street Airport access, but now has the challenge of implementing Lake Road duplication, John Oxley Drive proposed reforms for stamp duty and upgrade and the new Sewerage Treatment land tax. This could and should extend Plant to service to an abolition urban release areas of payroll tax to at Thrumster. better incentivise The NSW Government With a strong small and medium has responsibility for uptake of existing businesses to employ the planned upgrade of the zoned land more people. Oxley Highway corridor occurring recently Along with these from Lake Road to Billabong there is also a reforms business is Drive which must be its need for council to constantly seeking highest priority road project move quickly on the elimination in our area. This includes rezoning the new of unnecessary Wrights Road roundabout residential release costs, red tape which is the Base Hospital area at Sancrox. and bureaucratic access and interchange for all This will provide obstruction to greater certainty business activity. Gateway traffic. of land supply over At the Federal the medium term level trade and allow planning for an expanded traffic tensions with China remain of concern network across the Pacific Highway. to exporters especially where tariffs or The NSW Government has responsibility for restrictions have been imposed with no the planned upgrade of the Oxley Highway justification or warning. Those involved corridor from Lake Road to Billabong Drive in exporting products to China expect the which must be its highest priority road project Morrison Government to continue efforts in our area. This includes Wrights Road to restore previous trade conditions. A roundabout which is the Base Hospital access general realisation that we need a local and interchange for all Gateway traffic. manufacturing sector post COVID also Business and industry groups are keen to provides a lead for the Morrison Government see TfNSW complete the planning for this to support this sector. Key to that is practical corridor and urgently commence upgrading Industrial Relations legislation and an energy its congested intersections. policy that delivers affordable reliable power The state government has performed well supply to industry.
Dr David Gillespie MP FEDERAL MEMBER FOR LYNE
HAPPY NEW YEAR Over Christmas Charlotte and I have been blessed to spend time with our children Isabelle, Oliver and Alice and their partners. I hope like us you have had a chance to relax and unwind from what was a very challenging year. 2021 brings new hope, and I am pleased to report several Covid19 vaccines are in final trials and production - and the Australian Government has secured supply of 138 million doses. The new year will see my focus remain on assisting our farmers who are still battling the drought and working with our towns and villages to rebuild following the bushfires.
Dr David Gillespie MP FEDERAL MEMBER FOR LYNE
He Listens. He Cares. He Delivers.
There are many exciting projects big and small across our towns and villages that are taking shape thanks to the Federal Governments record investment in our region. • Lorne road, Bago road and Waitui road upgrades • Community Hall & Showground enhancements • Footpath rollouts in Camden Haven, Laurieton, Kendall, Comboyne and Wauchope • Lake Cathie foreshore reserve Master Plan Stage 2 If I can be of assistance please feel free to contact my office and I look forward to getting out and about listening to the issues that are important to you, your family and our community. Wauchope Office
Taree Office
02 6586 4462
02 6557 8910
Corner of High and Hastings Streets, Wauchope, NSW 2446
144 Victoria Street, Taree, NSW 2430
david.gillespie.mp@aph.gov.au
DavidGillespieMP david_gillespie_mp davegillespiemp
Authorised by Dr David Gillespie MP, Corner of High and Hastings Streets, Wauchope, NSW 2446. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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ME MBE R PROFILE
ROBYN F L A NAG A N
A
OWNER MANAGER WAUCHOPE TRAVEL
s a travel professional for over 25 years Robyn, 2020 has no doubt been a year like no other for you. With COVID-19 impacting travel worldwide, what insight can you share to the business challenges you still face? Wauchope Travel has a great local following. For over 12 years my team and I have had the pleasure of planning and booking holiday itineraries for travellers to enjoy. But in mid-March 2020 we saw a government directive to stop sell on all international travel and cruising. Practically overnight, we were inundated with frantic requests for cancel, postpone, and refund requests. From a healthy, thriving business, we were reduced to fielding calls on what the future would bring. How we hoped – and still hope – for a crystal ball! Our long-standing relationship with supplier partners in coach, rail, airline and cruise has been vital in achieving the best outcomes for our clients. Never has the patience of our team and our clients, been so tested. As borders start to crawl open, allowing us to travel again, we’re beginning to see some light at the end of the tunnel for booking local travel. At this point, international flights
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and cruising are still on a pause, but we helping hand when required. The value of remain hopeful of travel possibilities by midthese relationships has been clear since the 2021 once authorities let us know it’s safe to challenge of COVID-19 – plus living in a rural resume. area has suddenly become very desirable! As an active member of the Wauchope Your strength through adversity is Chamber of Commerce, how did your remarkable Robyn. What have you membership embraced in your daily support you during life to remain positive? this time? I’ve enjoyed more time I’ve enjoyed more Our relationship at home with the office time at home with local businesses opening for shorter hours with the office opening and Chamber has and discovered the joy of for shorter hours and become even more losing yourself in music discovered the joy of important. We relied or a movie to disengage losing yourself in music on them to get the from the challenges of or a movie to disengage message out that we business. Being part of a from the challenges of were still open but supportive group of any business. unable to work in kind; friends, business, our usual capacity. social or service club, They helped us to has made the world of learn Zoom to stay in touch, and we doubled difference to my sense of place. I have always up on email and phone communication. believed in the adage ‘think globally, act Sharing our concerns with other businesses, locally’. Being aware that in this pandemic facilitated by Wauchope Chamber, was a there are so many people in other parts of great help. the world doing it tough; we are so blessed You joined HBWN as a founding member to live in a strong, vital country with good 21 years ago, and are now a Tall Poppy leadership. Life Member. Why do you feel HBWN is I look forward to baby steps into a brighter, important to the community? gentler 2021. HBWN has an outstanding group of We wholeheartedly join you in this women with whom you can safely share sentiment Robyn; Merry Christmas and your concerns, ask for advice, and lend a all the best for 2021!
i
Development WITH PEOPLE ENGINE A Leadership Development Program that is tailored made for female managers and business owners starting in Port Macquarie in early 2021. The program is being delivered by local Kayley Riddle. Kayley tell us about the benefits of the program and how to get involved.
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ell us about the Women in Leadership program It evolved from our People Engine Leadership Development programs. We include relevant themes tailored for female managers and business owners including leading through strengths, leveraging empathy, decision making and resilience strategies. We find that having groups of women working together encourages open sharing about challenges and experiences. It also creates really impactful relationships in a ‘safe’ and supportive environment. What is in the program? The program includes 5 group sessions and 5 one to one coaching sessions across 5 months. This allows time to implement the learning across lives that are often very full! All of the learning resources are included, such as personality profiles, strength reports, books and notes. What happens in the one to one sessions?
The coaching sessions compliment the relationships, efficient planning and being able learning from the workshops and are to work more proactively. individualised. This allows each participant Who joins the Program? How do I know if to unpack anything that is impacting on it’s for me? their outcomes (such as We have leaders and habits or limiting beliefs), aspiring leaders at all The leaders implement relevant levels get involved. Our finish the strategies and work on groups are small so we can program with a their specific actions. accommodate participants greater What are some of accordingly. For example, understanding of the benefits of the we often have 2 groups their own strengths program? starting together and one and how to use this The leaders finish the has Emerging Leaders and program with a greater the other is for Established in their everyday understanding of their Leaders. roles and across own strengths and how to How do we get involved? their business. use this in their everyday We have a face to face roles and across their program in Port Macquarie business. Challenges in decision making and in February which is now full, but there are managing people becomes smoother and places available in our group starting early more effective. March as well as our Online options. Call Feedback that we receive always includes Kayley at People Engine on 0409 145 898 for increased confidence and better working an initial chat and further information.
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LEGAL LI G H T
with JEREMY BRIGDEN FROM PRIEST LEGAL
LITIGATION IS INHERENTLY RISKY!
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he Greek King, Pyrrhus of Epirus, was one of the greatest military commanders of his time. He was triumphant against the Romans in the Battle of Asculum in 279 BC. Although a tactical victory, it was achieved at catastrophic cost and resulted in the decimation of his forces. Ultimately, it spelt the end of his campaign. He is quoted as saying “Another victory like that and we are done for”. The concept of a "pyrrhic victory" is well known to military history, and also the judicial system. You might have won the battle, but the cost of winning can outweigh the benefits. Litigation is inherently risky. Victory is never assured, regardless of the relative strengths of your case. Although a judge must ensure the law is followed, they have a very broad discretion in terms of fact finding, verdict finding, quantum of damages and costs. The test of ‘reasonableness’ is applied and, as you can imagine, what is found to be reasonable varies from case to case, based on the facts and circumstances the actual case. What is found to be reasonable will also vary from judicial officer to judicial officer based on their individual values, experiences and beliefs. Accordingly, and despite informed prediction on prospects, the result can never be certain, thus the inherent risk. Even if you are successful, you can still be disappointed in victory. The most common source of pyrrhic frustration, undoubtedly,
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is prohibitive legal costs. A successful party rarely recoups all of its legal expenses, even if "indemnity costs" are awarded. Every litigator quickly learns to advise their client of the costs consequences of any piece of litigation. Even if a decision is made in your favour, there is the potential that the other side appeals that decision or that the other party has no assets from which your costs and claim are to be paid. Some real [and recent] examples. NC v DD, the Plaintiff claimed losses of goods stored in an apparently secure storage facility. The storage unit flooded, resulting in the loss of all of the Plaintiff’s worldly goods, including some irreplaceable memorabilia. The value of the goods which perished were valued in the claim at close to $90,000. The Judge had to decide the value of the damages. The Plaintiff was successful, but only obtained a verdict for approximately $7,000. Whilst the Plaintiff was also awarded his costs, the ultimate result was entirely pyrrhic. PS v NC was a Building Dispute. The builder’s works were defective and incomplete. The builder strenuously defended the claims, lost, appealed, and lost. The owner was ultimately successful. The Homeowner’s warranty insurance covered the building replacement costs of approximately $70,000, and the owner was awarded his costs which were approximately $50,000. The builder was insolvent, and accordingly the owner did not recover any of his costs rendering the victory largely pyrrhic. DP v EC was a matter where a tenant
of a residential unit claimed approximately $140,000 in abatement of rents alleging extensive failures by the owners. The proceedings were defended with the costs of each party probably exceeding $60,000. The tenant rejected multiple offers. The tenant was ultimately successful on his claim, but obtained a paltry verdict of only $12,000. No costs were awarded to either party. Like any battle, success in litigation is never assured. The loser is invariably disappointed and it is often the case that the victor is put to such cost in obtaining a verdict or judgment that it nullifies, or eclipses, the benefits of that victory. It is vital, therefore, that you receive competent legal advice in your civil disputes. There is, of course, a time for fighting but not before all sensible alternative dispute mechanisms have been exhausted. Despite the historical kudos for Pyrrhus, I cannot help but think if he had a competent dispute resolution specialist in his vanguard he may have been able to achieve a more beneficial and enduring outcome. Through vigorous negotiation, he might have preserved his armies and secured a lasting claim on the Roman Empire to endure for decades. That is certainly the advice I would have given him before electing to signal the charge. Even if the Romans had said no, would he have been worse off for trying? I think not. Don’t be a Pyrrhus. Manage the risk, explore secure outcomes. Come and see me, or my fellow practitioners at Priest Legal and get competent advice.
COWARRA
State Forest TOURISM PRECINCT
There’s an exciting new tourism destination being developed in the region bringing together a unique group of partners to create a visitor experience that will showcase sustainability. For the past six months a small group of dedicated people from Forestry Corporation of NSW, the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, Bunyah Local Aboriginal Land Council and Wildnets have been planning the Cowarra State Forest Tourism Precinct supported by a NSW Government Regional Growth – Environment and Tourism Fund grant. Last month the masterplan for the site was launched by the partners and Member for Port Macquarie, Leslie Williams, with the development and opening of the precinct planned to commence from 2021. The precinct will become an important facility for the rehabilitation and breeding of wild
koalas and will showcase local Biripi culture. A Wildnets treetops experience and elevated walks are planned through the canopy, allowing visitors to be able to view koalas in their home environment. Visitors will learn the importance of living sustainably to reduce their carbon footprint, and how to contribute to minimise the effects of climate change. Stunning north coast hardwood timber, the ultimate renewable building product, will be utilised throughout the precinct. Professor Ken McBryde, a renowned Australian and International Architect, being involved in the development of this masterplan has been a
great privilege. He says, ‘Cowarra State Forest Tourism Precinct will teach visitors about their contribution to our modern developing world, but also the contribution made by the people who first inhabited this country. Visitors will see that life on earth is a delicate circuit of energy – of symbiotic relationships that needs to be respected by all. The intent is that when visitors leave Cowarra State Forest, the visit will have changed their outlook on the planet. Irreversibly, in ways we can no longer ignore. It will have taught us to see the contribution that trees make to not only Koalas but also to our survival.’
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GREG
MULLENS
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A love of making people happy has been the driving force behind Greg Mullens’ successful DJ career and if you lived in Port during the 70’s, you will remember Greg’s Discos at the Port Civic Centre. We caught up with Greg to chat about his career along with his other passion – astronomy. ou have been a DJ for many years, helping bring joy to many of us, most memorably, Greg’s Discos back in the 70’s. For those that don’t know you, please introduce yourself and share a little about your career. My name is Greg Mullens. I moved to Port Macquarie in 1977 performing as a DJ for weddings and parties. After discussions with the Port Macquarie Council I started the four year reign as ‘Greg’s Discos’ at the Port Macquarie Civic Centre every Friday night catering for the under 18’s. Then I found myself DJing at a lot of entertainment spots including the East and West Port Bowling Clubs as well as the Macquarie Hotel, Down Under and Galleria Nightclubs and the biggest was the Hot Wok Nightclub. Yes, believe it or not, the Hot Wok used to be Port’s largest nightclub, every Saturday night, and was packed to the rafters. I was also DJing in Sydney and Brisbane. In 1982 I was working with The Harbour Agency in Sydney promoting Australian Touring bands in the area including Taree and Tamworth. Weddings became an art, mainly because of all the ages that could be in attendance. Not only the couple getting married, they have their Mum and Dad and in a lot of cases their grandparents attend as well. l found myself playing a lot of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s right through to the latest hits. Since then I found myself DJing along the whole East Coast of Australia, places like the Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas, Reef Casino, Star Casino, Twin Towns Services Club, Brisbane's Southbank New Years Eve, Microsoft, Royal Flying Doctor Service, HarleyDavidson, federal politicians and overseas functions. In recent times I have found myself centred in Brisbane, running a successful business along the East Coast from Sydney to the Gold Coast and Port Douglas.
Due to the changing circumstances with COVID-19 and family commitments, I have returned to the area 12 months ago and I am now promoting DJ Sir Rocko, entertaining for locals on the Mid North Coast at entertainment venues, parties and weddings. Weddings are my speciality and I just love entertaining people. I think it's really important coming out of this pandemic, that more people should get out dancing. I find that there is so much nonsense on TV today (fake news etc), dancing will make you alive again. And dancing is now opening up at your venues in the area, thank god. Everybody's just about to go mad, with mental issues and depression, etc. Don McLean sang a great song in the early 70’s called American Pie. The words go… “A long long time ago, I can still remember how that music used to make me smile and I knew if I had a chance that I could make those people dance and maybe they'll be happy for a while.” So if you’re in a rut and you don't know what to do... get out and have some fun on the dance floor soon. You’re also very prominent in the community, helping in different charitable areas. Tell us about this work. I became involved with the Queensland Cancer Council by organising the program and was the entertainment coordinator for their annual North Queensland Relay for Life event. This became a very successful event for 15 years, raising $4 million during this time. During that time, I was also asked to lecture at the head office of the Queensland Cancer Council in Brisbane teaching the fundamentals of organising entertainment for these events so that they could organise other events around Queensland. As a young boy, you were introduced to astronomy. This passion grew, and to this day is something you enjoy and share with others. Take us back to where it began. I was introduced to astronomy at the age of 5, living in a convent in Goondiwindi, Queensland. I found myself looking through
a telescope with the Nuns and I wondered what those little dots were in the sky. Over the years, visiting the Port Macquarie Observatory down at Town Beach, it became an obsession. I used to go down on a Wednesday or Sunday evening and listen to the lectures, together with studying NASA’s information and visiting the USA and Cape Canaveral. I saw their latest research and their photos taken through the Hubble telescope; it became mind-blowing, only a short time ago we thought the Milky Way galaxy was the universe. Well things have totally been turned upside down. For example, looking at NASA's deep field photos, many of the photographs you are looking at have thousands of galaxies in each photo. Like the Milky Way galaxy that we live in, there are an estimated 100,000 million stars in our galaxy alone. They say that there are more stars in the universe than all the grains of sand on all the beaches in the entire world. The sun is our closest star, 150 million kilometres away, and when you find out that the next closest star to us, Alpha Centauri, travelling at the speed of the fastest space vehicle we have, it will still take you thousands of years to get there. This makes my brain fry, literally. Some people just can't take this information in. You also run astronomical nights where people can gather together and learn more about this fascinating world. What do you offer people wanting to stargaze and take a deeper look into our solar system? I run “Milky Way Tours“. Using my telescope, I offer an informative private tour of our universe to small groups. You can gather in your backyard and I can cater for clubs and schools as well. If you would like to find out more, you can visit my website www. milkywaytours.com.au or phone 0481 833 305. For any DJ enquiries, please visit my website www.sirrocko.com.au and phone 0481 833 305. Thanks Greg. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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Need to hire a vehicle?
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Š 2019 Enterprise Rent A Car focus
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COFFEE Chats AND
New Friends
All are welcome, friendships are formed and connections are made. The all women’s group, aptly named ‘coffee, chats and new friends’, was founded by Suzanne St Clair-Jones and Dianne Watkins and has exploded with members over the last six months.
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i Suzanne & Di. You are both long time locals of our beautiful region, but for those that don’t know you, please introduce yourselves. I’m Suzanne, a longtime local of Port Macquarie – actually fourth generation. My husband is retired and I have also more recently retired. I have two daughters, two grandsons and two very spoiled dogs. I enjoy travelling our beautiful country either by motorbike or motorhome, love entertaining and socialising, gardening and most important my family and wonderful friends. I’m Dianne. I have lived in Port Macquarie for the past four years and have been a constant visitor to the region for 30. I’m single (and happy that way) with one daughter and two dogs. I would say I like frogs and elephants, mermaids and photography, gardening and nature walks, cooking, friends and socialising. Six months ago, a newcomer posted on Facebook looking to connect with others and make new friends. This was the driving force behind the group ‘coffee chats and new friends’. Tell us how the group came to fruition and most impressively, how it has grown in the last six months. After seeing a post on Facebook from a lady wanting to meet new friends as she was moving to the area, and on the post a man started making disparaging comments about 112 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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Port Macquarie that prompted me to make the comment “don’t knock yourself out on the exit sign” leaving town. Dianne was quite amused by this comment and this started a friendship between the two of us. We decided to start a Facebook group targeting women in Port Macquarie and the surrounding areas who needed or wanted to make new friends. I had no idea how to use Facebook so Dianne came to the rescue with the technical side, and so the group began. This was the 8th of May 2020 and from three members the group has grown to over 660 members and growing fast. We have various morning teas which are held on different days each week which can attract up to 40 women at a time. We also welcome our beautiful mascots Ember and Zwato who are assistance dogs. What is on offer for the members or any new members that would like to join in and come along? The group offers companionship, friendship, socialising opportunities, emotional support and someone to talk to when needed, laughter, fun and a chance to forget your problems without any pressure or expectations. We promote an atmosphere of acceptance, friendship, inclusivity and will not tolerate bullying, nastiness or negativity within the group.
Some examples of the events are walking groups, coffee/tea groups, lunch/dinner groups, art groups, activities and exercise groups. We have more and more women requesting to join the group and have heard some men want what we have. Sorry guys this is an all girls group. You have members ranging from 24 to 84 years of age. There must be some amazing threads of personalities and stories amongst the group. We have women who have not only lived in Port Macquarie all their lives but also who have moved here from all over the world, eg Hawaii, England and Germany. We have artists, farmers, opera singers, ballerinas, business owners, career women, mums, daughters, nanas, carers and retirees. There is a wide range of different personalities in our group so you are certain to meet someone you will click with. We have just had our first Christmas outing on the Port Macquarie cruise at sunset with 60 ladies having a fantastic time. For anyone wanting to join in or find out more, how can they do so? To join “coffee chats and new friends” you just need to search for the group on Facebook and request to join. We have an events page where you can find the regular meetups. Check us out, we have a fabulous time and lots of solid friendships have been formed. Thank you Suzanne and Dianne.
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NEWPORT PORT MACQUARIE
Discover a new way of living
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No stamp duty ewport ticks all the You don’t pay any stamp duty on boxes of resort living the purchase of your home, saving for the over 55’s. you thousands of dollars to spend Located right in Port on the lifestyle you deserve. Macquarie the community has fiveNo exit fees star amenities including a 24m pool, When it comes time to sell your clubhouse, library, new bowling home you won’t green pay any exit fees. and much Choose from This is great for your more. quality homes budget and unlike Spread at Newport, carefully other ‘retirement across villages’ where you more than designed to suit your can be charged exit 20 lush lifestyle, and fees or ‘deferred acres of discover an exciting management fees’ expansive new way of living. accrued over time. landscaped You keep 100% of grounds your profits and capital gains there is plenty of space to relax or If you sell your home you, or your socialise with family and friends. family, keep 100% of capital gains Newport is a land lease as cash profit. community and provides true value Choose from quality homes at for money, without the high entry Newport, carefully designed to and exit fees often associated with suit your lifestyle, and discover an other retirement living options. The exciting new way of living. benefits of land lease living include:
Helping you to stay in your home, Independently for longer.
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ecently at Home Instead Senior Care, we decided that we needed to refresh our logo and branding to move with the times in facing the future maintaining our proud history of serving Seniors across the Mid North Coast, around Australia and indeed around the world. To prepare for new products and services that our clients or people in our region may need, we are changing our name from Home Instead Senior Care to Home Instead, effective 1st January 2021. While older adults will remain our primary focus, this change allows us to expand our brand and offer services to a younger audience, entailing personalised and complex care. As we innovate and envisage new services, we will be able to sustain our goal to help more people age well in their own homes.
Our Services Include •
Companionship, Medication Reminders.
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Personal Care, Meal Preparation.
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Light Cleaning, Gardening, Transport & Outings. Our Ageing Information Centres are located at Tuncurry - 1-9 Manning Street P: 02 6595 8188 Port Macquarie - 2/143 Horton Street P: 02 6583 9944 Kempsey - 18 Kemp Street P: 02 6599 2342 Bellingen - 82 Hyde Street P: 02 6655 6959
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THE BEST OF COASTAL LIVING AND CONTEMPORARY DESIGN. Experience a truly unique place at Pozières Retirement Village on Ocean Drive. Surrounded by beautiful bushlands, close to the beach and moments to Port Macquarie town centre, Pozieres offers both a relaxed coastal lifestyle and urban convenience. With floor-to-ceiling windows, authentic timber-style timber flooring, clean lines and an earthy colour palate come and discover your new home today.
5504 5447
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FULLY-FUNDED GOVERNMENT APPROVED HOME CARE PROVIDER
PET FRIENDLY
Call us for a chat Construction on Stage 3B, the final stage of our Village, has just begun, so the widest choice of quality villa units at Sunrise Village is available right now! With so much to offer there has never been a more perfect time to come meet us for a cuppa and a chat about your future at Sunrise. Advantages of Sunrise Village include: • FREE Emergency Nurse response alarms 24/7. • Ageing in place — never move again! • Home Care accredited providers. • Couples stay together regardless of each individual’s health care needs. • Bring your current Home Care package with you OR we will facilitate a fully funded package for you.
You choose and change the type and level of domestic and care services as you need. • On-site Nursing staff available to provide care services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. • You have your own home with a fully equipped kitchen OR have your meals in our community dining room. The choice is always yours. • The village can cater for dementia and palliative care. • Our onsite Nursing staff bring all the Care you need into your own villa unit, even if your Care needs change. • Our Village is pet-friendly. •
Call us today on 02 5528 5001 and book a tour to visit our village
Sunrise Village: 11A Chapmans Road Tuncurry NSW 2428 | T: (02) 5528 5001 | www.sunrisesupportedlivingtuncurry.com.au You may have to pay a Departure Fee when you leave this village. 118 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE focus
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PROPERTY GUIDE
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Ashlee O'NEILL
One Agency Port Macquarie and Wauchope’s very own Ashlee O’Neill was recently awarded the “One Agency Property Manager of the year award” Australia wide!
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i Ashlee, can you please introduce yourself to our
I put 100% into everything I do, so it’s a nice feeling to have had my hard work recognised on such a grand scale.
readers? My name is Ashlee but I’m mostly known as Ash. I’m 23 years old and was born and raised here in Wauchope. How long have you worked with One Agency Wauchope and Port Macquarie and what attracted you to the role? I’ve been at One Agency for two and a half years now. I always thought about working in Real Estate but never knew exactly where I would fit in. When I saw the role advertised for a Property Manager, I’ll be honest, I knew nothing about what that would entail but I saw it as an awesome opportunity to get into Real Estate and thought, why not? I was warned it might not have been as glamorous as it sounded by friends and family but that just made me even more eager to take the challenge on! I’m glad I did,
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as I can’t imagine doing anything else now. Tell us a bit more about what you do. My role within the Property Management team consists of marketing properties for lease, conducting open homes, processing tenancy applications and all of the ongoing management aspects. While doing all of this, I also focus on building relationships with landlords and tenants alike, to ensure that everyone has a pleasant and easy-going experience whilst dealing with myself and my team. You recently won Property Manager of the Year, Australia wide, within the One Agency company. Firstly congratulations and what does it mean to you to win this award? I put 100% into everything I do, so it’s a nice feeling to have had my hard work recognised on such a grand scale. Considering I entered the Real Estate world with not a clue on what I was doing or where it would take me, it’s proof to myself
and anyone else that you can achieve great things if you work hard. It also helps when you’re passionate about what you’re doing (which I am) and when you have an awesome team to work alongside. My bosses, John and Sallyann, gave me a chance and I wouldn’t have achieved this award without their constant support over the years. I’ve been overwhelmed with congratulatory messages and I’d like to thank everyone who has personally congratulated me on my win – it’s such a nice way to see the year out. We are hearing that the current rental market is absolutely crazy at the moment, how are you finding it? The current rental market is like nothing I’ve experienced before. With an extreme amount of tenants searching for a home and a shortage of available rentals it’s definitely been tough not being able to help everyone in need. Some properties we had for lease, we were seeing in excess of 40 applications submitted and experiencing a high volume of tenant enquiry. It’s kept us busy, that’s for sure! We are hoping the New Year may bring with it some more properties to lease as we already have tenants waiting to be notified of suitable properties that will be coming available early in the New Year. How can our readers get in contact with you? If you would like to get in contact with me you can reach me in the One Agency office on 6585 2000 or personally on 0459 333 014. If you’re ever down town Wauchope, drop into our office at 2/14 High Street for an obligation free chat – I’d love to meet you and possibly assist you with any Property Management needs!
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NEW YEAR NEW HOME!
with SESS AND SASS
Building a new home is a really exciting time, however with so many decisions to make it can soon become stressful and time consuming, careful planning is essential.
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elow we have included some tips to help ease the pressure of building a new home, from the initial stages right through to your final selections. Location - When choosing the right location to live in, it’s important to consider the local services you will need such as shopping, transport, education and childcare, as well as sporting, recreation and entertainment facilities. Research - Do as much research as you can to find a reputable builder you feel you can trust. Our local Sovereign Hills display village is a great place to start with 14 quality builders showcasing their beautiful display homes for you to walk through and get a feel for the floorpans and designs on offer. We also recommend to make enquiries with local custom builders who work alongside building designers & architects who package more of a custom built home. Ensure you chat to friends or relatives who have recently built or renovated a house, ask for their advice and recommendations. Researching is a matter of finding the right block and the right builder for the kind of house you want.
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House Design - Hiring the right builder/ vision. These resources are also invaluable for building designer is one of your biggest collaborating with your architect, builder and decisions you will make! You will be working designer. very closely with them throughout the whole Bottom Layer - We begin here, this is process, your overall building experience is where consistency in materials and colours largely determined by your relationship with comes in – usually the floors, walls, lighting them. and window dressings. A building designers role Middle Layer - includes is to sketch building plans, the colours and finishes in the The key examining the codes and kitchen and bathrooms. This is aim when requirements for a building where you have a more specific designing your site and preparing relevant scheme/style that links to the interior is to documentation for the core colours and finishes, eg make the house client and builder. shaker style cabinetry or stone look and feel Choose a builder and bench tops. cohesive and building designer who is Top Layer - is the WOW consistent. prepared to work the way factor, the accent that makes you want to! your home uniquely YOU. Selections - Now for the This could be anything from fun part! feature lighting to an eye-catching splashFinishes make a home truly yours. The back, to the style of furniture and accessories selections you make come down to your throughout the house. personal style, and how you want to live in The key aim when designing your interior your home. Is it a family home, an investment is to make the house look and feel cohesive property or maybe a place for retirement? and consistent. Make sure the selections and Flick through lifestyle magazines, creating finishes for your new home are a reflection Pinterest boards and save Houzz albums! It’s of you, your style and how you want to live important to gather ideas and organise your your life.
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MICHAEL PERCIVAL
This month Michael talks about his adventures as a young man; in love and sailing home to Port Macquarie. But how does this relate to Property Management... well you'll have to read on
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blame my wife completely for what happened. Or what nearly happened as it turned out. It was supposed to be a leisurely sail up the NSW coast from Broken Bay to Port Macquarie stopping at as many of the ports along the way without any real time constraints. And the little adventure certainly started that way – a night in Coasters Retreat, Pittwater, as a beautiful place to begin. Then an overnight at Swansea with Nelsons Bay set as the destination for the next leg. Maybe Forster the day after. Gentle tail winds, a sparkling and very friendly ocean. Sounds perfect doesn’t it, and it was. The trouble was that my beautiful wife was in Port Macquarie and I was missing her terribly. And when you are 20 and you have a beautiful wife just up the coast the thought of a slow and leisurely cruise all of a sudden becomes far less appealing which meant my stop late in the afternoon at Nelsons Bay was a very short one as I decided that the best course of action was an overnight sail up the coast. In a very small yacht. Alone. With virtually no navigation equipment. On my first off shore sail. With a storm coming. What could possibly go wrong? It was all rainbows and unicorns for a while. A gorgeous sunset over the mainland as I slid past Broughton Island, an even more gorgeous moon set a little further up the coast. More dolphins than I have ever seen in my life (they make the most amazing sound when a large pod all breach and exhale close to you
at the same time on a a raging wind and every investment quiet night when you wave is breaking making property and trusting are sailing gently along). it impossible to work out a property manager to Flocks of flying fish for if it is one of the rocks look after your very company. Colourful and causing the white water expensive asset, brilliant phosphorescence or if it’s the wind. I will especially when you in the bow wave. It never forget the feeling are not living nearby, really was spectacular of joy when I could no can often feel like you and I was congratulating longer see red shining are sailing blindly myself on my decision from the lighthouse on through a stormy sea to press on. There had the headland, nor the been some suggestion vision of looking down of a storm on the news from the top of the coming from my little am radio but this was swells a few hours later when the sun rose the 80’s and there was no such thing as the and thinking that it felt just like looking down internet for forecasts let alone smart phones a large hill such were their size or the relief at with weather radar so I blissfully cruised on seeing Michelle waiting for me on the wharf looking forward to rounding the headland when I made it to Port later that day. Owning at Seal Rocks which presented the only real an investment property and trusting a property hazard between my little boat and my wife at manager to look after your very expensive asset, Port. The really inconvenient thing about the especially when you are not living nearby, can waters off Seal Rocks when you are sailing past often feel like you are sailing blindly through is that there is a broken line of rocks stretching a stormy sea. When you factor in tenant off the coast for a kilometre or so. These rocks selection, rent arrears, repairs, maintenance, become even more inconvenient if a you damage, rent reviews and maximising your happen to be approaching them in the middle return the level of trust is enormous and the of a black night and a southerly buster hits you. importance of choosing an experienced, stable, The good thing about Seal Rocks is that there focused, passionate and reliable, specialist is a lighthouse which beams a red light out to property manager is so very critical. I am very sea in the quadrant where the rocks are so you proud of my incredible team, a team that is know when you are in the danger zone but absolutely dedicated to taking the very best care unfortunately this doesn’t help when you are of your valuable asset and keeping you away being inexorably pushed through that zone by from the storms and rocks along the way.
PERCIVAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT The Purple House 34 Buller Street, Port Macquarie NSW 2444 (Access from Alva Lane) e. michael@percival.com.au p. 02 6583 7499 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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REAL
ESTATE T A L K with DAVID EVANS
FROM HEM PROPERTY
Investors, sea-changers & holiday home buyers flocking to Port Macquarie are driving our property market to levels never seen before!
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s we say goodbye (thank goodness!) to 2020 and look forward to a fresh start in 2021, what lies ahead for the Port Macquarie property market could be the biggest boom we have ever seen. A snapshot of 2020 will show that our market has undergone some massive changes since the Covid-19 lockdown ended. As month on month the number of homes for sale dropped, conversely the number of active buyers started to rise, creating the highly competitive market we see today, where multiple buyers bid to secure a home, pushing the prices up to a level where the median house price now stands at over $600,000. HEM have seen high-end homes and apartments, in particular, are achieving record breaking prices and across the board we are consistently selling homes above valuation and often before the first open for inspection. Our market is booming at a level we haven’t seen in almost two decades, but why? In addition to the overall climate pushing this upwards trend, we see a distinct group of extra buyers emerging, such as the holiday home buyers and investors that are
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especially are getting very spoilt right now! having a major effect on a local level. On the flip side, it can be tough if you are If we firstly look at the return of the looking to buy and keep getting pipped at investors, then it makes total sense. the post, especially if you are a local and Whenever there is economic uncertainty, getting outbid by people moving from people turn to the tried and tested bricks larger cities with often deeper pockets. and mortar. With historically low interest On the surface, this shift in population rates, it means those with money in the could be seen as a bank are getting knee jerk, over-reaction almost zero return and the bubble could and whilst rents In the past 5 burst. However, we feel are rising and the months we it had been heading cost of borrowing is have seen prices of this way for a while cheaper, then buying beachside homes or for Port Macquarie an investment seems those with views anyway. Our town logical. skyrocket and it is a has been growing its But it is the rise trend we expect to infrastructure for years in holiday home see more of in 2021. and as Australia’s most buyers that is most searched town online, interesting. With we were already overseas travel not an becoming widely recognised as a desirable option and even internal borders being place to live. At HEM, we have seen no shut, people are staying here for their signs of this growth stopping and predict getaways. In the past 5 months we have an even busier year or two ahead. seen prices of beachside homes or those As we head into next year, we really with views skyrocket and it is a trend we need more homes for sale. So, if you have expect to see more of in 2021. been considering selling, but have been There are obviously winners and losers unsure of the market, then think no more. in every change. If you are selling right With less competition from other homes now, then it is great, as you can expect a for sale, this could be your best chance quick sale and a choice of buyers at higher ever to achieve a dream price. prices. Those with homes offering views
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T HE NEW LEXUS I S MOVE AS ON E FEEL CO N N ECTED — on every level in the new Lexus IS. With the new Lexus Driving Signature, every turn, every acceleration, connects you to your journey like never before. With provocative design leading to a driver-focused cockpit, and the addition of Apple CarPlay ® & Android AutoTM1 , welcome to a new way of moving. One with enhanced precision and control. A drive where you and your Lexus IS will always move as one.
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