Greater Port Macquarie Focus - i181

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181 APRIL 2021

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All kinds of strength.

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100 Hastings River Drive, Port Macquarie 6583 8855 DL8071 www.mbportmacquarie.com.au GREATER PORT MACQUARIE focus 3

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Prevention. Care.

Community.

A Covid 19 Vaccine Centre with Dr. Warwick Yonge Port Macquarie GPs are a Covid 19 vaccine centre, can you tell us the process for those inline to have a vaccination?

Yes, we have been selected to deliver 400 vaccinations per week. Given the floods, we were impressed that the first 400 Covid 19 Vaccinations appeared on Monday afternoon! Port Macquarie GPs is providing this service for the entire community whether or not you are a current patient. All patients please book online. At this stage Covid 19 Vaccination Clinics are all day Monday, Wednesday and Sunday, with half day clinics Tuesday, Thursdays and Friday. Two vaccinations are necessary, ideally 12 weeks apart. Please book both vaccinations at the same time.

The roll out of the vaccination will be done in groups, how do you know what group you are in and where do you go to find this information?

The online booking system will ask questions to confirm eligibility at each stage of the vaccination rollout. If you are not a regular patient please bring a printed health summary from your normal GP with you. Alternatively, there is online eligibility checker: covid-vaccine. healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility The current stage 1b is essentially for all people aged 70 and over, people with chronic disease and front line health and aged care and disability workers, carers and onsite administrative staff.

This is also fluvax season. Please be aware that the Covid 19 vaccination should not be given within 14 days of any other vaccination, including fluvax.

It’s going to be a very busy period.

What advice do you have for your people coming in for regular appointments and for those who are coming just for a vaccination?

Port Macquarie GPs is blessed with doctors, nurses and administration staff who are all working additional to their normal hours to provide this community service. It is important to us that regular services are not affected. However the phones may be very busy. Please book online if you can. As with all things Covid 19, please be patient and tolerant, this is a huge logistical effort and people are working very hard. Not everyone can get their vaccination immediately. It will take months to vaccinate the whole community.

How can our readers book an appointment or find out more information?

Please go to our website portgps. com.au, click on “Book Covid 19 Vaccine” and book “Covid 19 Vaccine Practitioner” Please book your first and second vaccinations so that your second vaccination is not delayed.

Introducing Dr Dianne and Lindsay Sherriff to Port Macquarie GPs In 2006 Dr Dianne Sheriff won the Rural Doctors Award for Outstanding Contribution to Rural Communities. Her husband won the Victorian Rural Doctor’s Award in 2006 and the ACRRM National Peter Graham “Cohuna”Award in 2010 Both Dr Dianne and Dr Lindsay worked in East Timor from July 31 2018 – May 24 2020 with Maluk Timor, a small NGO which focusses on Health Capacity Building, as a Senior Medical Mentor and Teacher, working alongside young Doctors in the Post-Graduate Family Medicine program. My husband and I supervised all their clinical rotation – Wards – Adult, Paediatric, Maternity and Outpatients.

My husband and I also prepared the Course material for the program – Power Point Presentations for the afternoon tutorials, aiming to cover basic level Medical Curriculum, adapted to the East Timor context.

Our Services PMGPs is equipped with state of the art medical equipment to assist in providing quality preventative care and disease management.

They have now moved to settle in Port Macquarie, NSW to be near family and hope to be able to make a long term contribution to GP care in this community.

PORT MACQUARIE GPS 38 Clifton Dr, Port Macquarie NSW 2444 Book online at: portgps.com.au Phone: (02) 6584 4544

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2021 SOLD FEATURE PROPERTIES PORT MACQUARIE

Working tirelessly to build a strong reputation and driven to maintain and enhance that.

T he Elders Lifestyle Group Port Macquarie Team knows that its business is about much more than structure, space and location. It’s about homes – for people and for business.

Homes are more than just a roof over one’s head. They are as much about a fundamental feeling of safety, security, settlement and identity. Our many industry awards help underline just how much our staff values clients’ sense of home when carrying out our work. For just about everyone, real estate is the biggest financial outlay they’ll have to make throughout their lives – whether it’s as a mortgage or in rent.

Ensuring we work hard to earn your trust is at the heart of our every operation as a real estate agency. It’s our duty to do all we can to play our part in establishing or maintaining that sense of home for those that choose to be our clients.

This is why we have worked tirelessly to build a strong reputation and why we are driven to maintain and enhance that. The success of our business has been guided by the energy and passion of getting the best job done with all of our collective ability and experience. Professional courtesy, coupled with respect, is built-in as standard at Elders Real Estate Port Macquarie and not the optional extra one might find elsewhere. We are all too aware that it is ultimately the clientele which determines the extent of success.

Leasa Harris HEAD OF MARKETING

Laura Meredith MARKETING MANAGER

Vanessa Lawrence PR & EVENTS

David Plews 0448 836 000

Greg Bates 0418 112 025

Alison Sheppard 0421 604 626

Adam Holborow 0422 788 879

Brendan Stead 0447 788 509

Geoff Woodham 0421 038 633

Daniel Slater 0458 751 368

Rosie Model 0438 755 344

David Gray 0410 546 547

62 Clarence Street, Port Macquarie NSW 2444 PHONE 02 6584 1199 OPEN Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm elderslifestylegroup.com.au

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Welcome to the April issue of Greater Port Macquarie FOCUS.

ver the last 16 months we’ve been non-stop fighting; drought, fires, Covid and now floods. If we get invaded by aliens or hit with an asteroid next, let’s just say we won’t be surprised.

Mother Nature has thrown everything at us and Port Macquarie has been challenged, time and time again. It’s been draining.

Yet still, here we are doing as a community what we have always done, lending a hand to strangers, donating, supporting and doing whatever we all can to help.

For many locals and businesses the next few weeks (and even months) will be a gruelling task of cleaning up inches of mud, throwing out ruined items and trying to rebuild and start again.

We would like to acknowledge the amazing work that was done by PMHC, the SES, Police, Fire Brigades, Marine Rescue, Surf Lifesavers, Emergency Services, our local state and

federal members, pop-up community support Accommodation was full, town was packed teams and individuals who went above and and we were Covid-free. We have everything beyond to keep us safe and support those crossed that the next 16 months will be just who were without power and isolated during like that again. this time. And you can add to that the local On our cover this month is Uncle Bill. If businesses who donated you have ever heard clothing, equipment, food Uncle Bills ‘Welcome to For the next 6 and provided shelter.

Country’, you will know months we will It’s time like this, when how deeply his words be donating over the chips are down, that resonate, right to your $16,000 in advertising make a community, a core. The first time we to support those community. heard it, we cried, that’s businesses who have For the next 6 months how moving it is. We’re been hit hardest and we will be donating over very privileged to have $10,000 in advertising to him on the cover this help them get back on support those businesses month and honoured to their feet. who have been hit hardest share his story. and help them get back Thank you to the on their feet. If you know of any businesses talented local artist Leanne Prussing for the that need our help, please reach out to bespoke painting on our cover. You can read louise@focusmag.com.au all about Leanne on page 22 (Uncle Bill’s For a very brief time in between all these photo by Gavin Moroney). challenges, Port Macquarie was booming.

We hope you enjoy our April edition.

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Got a story idea? Looking to advertise in Focus?

Contact us for more information.

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

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.

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WHATEVER YOUR JOURNEY MAY BE,

WE’RE WITH YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY

V E N D O R

&

B U Y E R

R E V I E W S

AYLA BAILEY GREG WARD “Great communication from start to finish”

“Enthusiasm, market knowledge, desire to get the job done and confidence won me over”

MARTIN NEWELL “Demonstrated detailed market knowledge and a sales plan to achieve the best results”

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MICHELLE PERCIVAL “Absolutely above expectations”

ALLY DOWNING “Knowledge, patience, follow-up and professionalism was exemplary”

17 Olivine Street 0404 466 500

Percival Property is about more than just selling property…We have a genuine desire to provide you with the very best experience and exceed your expectations.

SALES 106 William Street, Port Macquarie Phone 02 6583 8606 I percival.com.au

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contents Issue 181 - April 2021 INTERVIEWS

UNCLE BILL

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From a young man to a respected Elder of our Indigenous community; in his own words Uncle Bill tells us his story.

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LEANNE PRUSSING

Local artist Leanne Prussing had a balanced experience of life, well travelled and well educated. Destined to paint from a young age, she now shares her passion with others.

OSCAR JAKEMAN

Training hard, smart and consistently have allowed Oscar to meet his goal, all while gaining insight into where he wants a career as a professional athlete to progress.

S P E C IA L F E AT U R E

OUR CONTRIBUTORS 47. Alistair Flower - In the Front Bar 51. Lou Perri - Palate Pleasures 62. Vanessa Lawrence - Style Vibe Savvy CONTRIBUTOR OF THE MONTH

ALISTAIR FLOWER

85. Peta Pinson - A Moment with the Mayor 94. Kate Wood-Foye - Business Illuminate 97. Michael Mowle - Business Voice

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Every month you'll find the latest news, reviews and interviews from these locals.

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r ur

t ibuti t Follow us on

www.facebook.com/PortMacquarieFocus

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What's A P R I L

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MULUMAN TOUR: BIRPAI GUIDED COASTAL WALK

PRUSSINGART'S SUNDAY AFTERNOON ART SESSIONS A step-by-step paint and sip class covering: drawing construction, and brush, finger, and secret palette knife techniques. Including an art history talk about the period, genre, and the artist from the Internationally renowned artist in residence Leanne Prussing.

All art materials, aprons, and nibbles included in the ticket price.

When 16 April, 10am Free entry Bookings required, 02 6582 3355 Where Sea Acres Rainforst Centre, 159 Pacific Drive, Port Macquarie

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OUT THERE ESCAPES

More Info 0492 826 652, leanne.prussing@gmail.com Where Blue Water Bar and Restaurant.

9 GUMBA A contemporary dance work performed by local indigenous and non-indigenous dancers representing Dance Mid North Coast Association. Choreography by Ryan Pearson.

Music by Jamaine Wilesmith.

Come enjoy two inspiring days to elevate, create and connect, in the picturesque gardens of 'Out There Escapes' in Beechwood, nestled in the Hinterland of the Mid North Coast, NSW. Well known local artist Francessca O'Donnell is collaborating with Angela MarrGrogan and local artists, to bring you an opportunity to enjoy creative workshops, be inspired by art and mosaic demonstrations or wander the lush gardens for a chance to reconnect with self and nature. Workshops will be held in traditional basket weaving, mandala stone art and mosaic. There will also be demonstrations in basket weaving, mandala painting and mosaic. Bespoke artworks, jewellery, wood burns and woven works will be on display for viewing and sale.

Bookings essential for workshops and preorder picnic food would be appreciated for catering. Open gardens/displays open 10-4 both days.

When Friday 9th Apr - Saturday 10th Apr 2021, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

When Saturday 10th Apr - Sunday 11th Apr 2021, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Where Port Macquarie Town Green, Horton Street, Port Macquarie, NSW 2444

Where 2 Coachwood Close, Frazers Creek, NSW, 2446

More Info www.facebook.com/ dmncassociation

Phone 0402 856 582 Email chessca@gmail. com, www.theouttherecollective.com

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23 ICE SKATING AT CLUB NORTH HAVEN When Wednesday 23rd June - Sunday 11th July 2021 Entry from $20pp for Club Members and $22 for Visitors.

Group Bookings available, call reception to discuss options. Due to the Covid restrictions rink capacity is limited, please ensure to book before turning up.

SESSION TIMES - 1 hour Monday - Thursday | 9.30am | 11am | 12.30pm | 3.30pm | 5pm Friday - Saturday | 9.30am | 11am | 12.30pm | 3.30pm | 5pm | 7pm Sunday | 11am | 12.30pm | 3.30pm Pop in and pre-purchase your tickets from reception.

More Info (02) 6559 9150 Where Club North Haven, 1 Woodford Rd, North Haven, NSW 2443

HOME Modifications AND MAINTENANCE

it

LUCAS AUSTIN

From Omnicare Alliance

Hi, I’m Luc, the Building Supervisor here at Omnicare Home Modifications and Maintenance.

My role is to supervise the building staff and coordinate materials to ensure projects are completed to NSW building standards.

T

he Omnicare Home Modifications and Maintenance team understands that a home is more than bricks, glass, wood, and concrete.

For many of our clients it is a place full of good memories and a place where they feel safe and comfortable.

Our local, highly qualified

team work to make homes more accessible through renovations, repairs and maintenance so that our clients can stay in their own home as long as possible while they adapt to challenges in their environment as they get older or manage disability.

Our team has years of specialised experience with home modifications in carpentry, steel

fabrication, tiling, and building. which ensures that our work is We specialise in maximising compliant with regulations, but accessibility, safety and security more importantly that it has a for clients across the Mid North positive effect on the quality of Coast. We are equipped to life of our clients. tackle any job big or small, from All materials used in our work mowing lawns and pressure are designed and manufactured cleaning, in our workshop to installing here in Port Our team has handrails, access Macquarie so that years of ramps, and we can ensure specialised stair climbers, they are of the as well as fully highest quality. It experience with refurbishing also enables us to home modifications bathrooms and provide outcomes in carpentry, steel kitchens. for our clients fabrication, tiling, As a as quickly as and building. registered NDIS possible. provider, we If you would are required to ensure all jobs like to know more about meet NSW building standards Omnicare Home Modifications and comply with AS1428 and Maintenance, please contact regulations. We work directly our friendly Access Team on with Occupational Therapists 1300 336 488 or email to plan our modifications, mylife@omnicare.com.au.

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UNCLE

Bill William Elwin O’Brien OAM

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I From a young man to a respected Elder of our Indigenous community; in his own words Uncle Bill tells us his story.

was born kept us all together, We was forced to off country we then moved to move to Riverwood in Sydney Toongabbie and then to and lived in the old army on the 24 South Granville. huts this is where we lost February When I was young our Dad he was only 32yrs 1951 to I would always love old. He was electrocuted John and Elizabeth to come to Port and by grabbing the water O’Brien. My stayed with my Uncle pipe that run along the Mother was a Guula and Aunty outside of the huts part of the Stolen Josephine Holten. My Generation and fondest memories were moved to Sydney of living at Tacking when she turned 19 and found a job there.

Point, down near Macquarie Park not far She meet my Dad at a dance, he was a from the old bus depot, and Blackmans truck driver around the city, we first lived at Point and catching the old steam train from 205 Botany St, Waterloo but these houses Sydney. We used to walk everywhere, Port were knocked down to build the high rise was not very big back then yes I just loved apartments.

Port Macquarie.

We was forced to move to Riverwood I didn’t like school. I was always picked and lived in the old army huts. This is where on because of my Aboriginality and we lost our Dad, he was only 32years old. also being of small build. I left school at He was electrocuted by grabbing the water fourteen and ten months at the end of pipe that run along the outside of the huts.

1964 and was lucky to have a job with my My Mum struggled to bring up the 10 elder brother Alan at the stables in Rosehill kids; 3 boys the eldest and 7 girls. The working for Freddy Hood. welfare never left her alone but my Mum >>>

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We received 4 dollars a week plus food and board. I left there and worked in some factories around Silverwater then moved back to Port Macquarie and was apprenticed to Les Stewart and my first ever ride in a race was a horse called Residue a winner at Kempsey. It was also a horse trained by Les Stewart called Bel Anglo that I won the Port Cup in 1972. I also had an apprenticeship with Bill McCurly but my most successful riding career was when I teamed up with top trainer Glen Hodge. He and his family will always remain in my heart because he gave me a go and we had a great partnership together, I was one of the top jockeys on the Mid North Coast and rated in the top 10 country jockeys from Newcastle to the Queensland border.

I had a bad fall at Grafton, I came down in front of the field of fourteen runners and spent six weeks in St Vincent Hospital in Sydney. I was very lucky, I started to ride again but was forced to retire because of my bad back and arthritis in my knees, hips and shoulders.

I had a heart attack in 2004; I had to have a triple bypass. I was asked by Amos Donovan, for whom I have the greatest respect, he is like my brother and still is to this day, if I would like to help at Sea 20 20 GREATER GREATER PORT PORT MACQUARIE MACQUARIE

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This is Birpai Country; it’s my love and connection to this land that is Birpai Country, its beautiful vast beaches and the sea that hold so many creatures within it, the rivers that bring life to the lands and animals

Acres and become a tour guide in 2005.

Working with Janet Cohen and the team I started the bush tucker tours. Over the years we developed the programs called Yun Ye Barragay, Coastal Tour and the Spirit of the Land which features my Welcome to Country in film.

I became Chairperson of the Birpai Local Aboriginal Land Council and I am still in that position today. I have plenty of support from the Board members and the great staff. With the help of my wife Marilyn we started the Elders Group, Dhoongang Men’s group and the Youth Group. We no longer have the Elders Group but we have a Sewing Group, and had to stop these groups because of Covid-19 but are slowly getting some groups back.

My Welcome to Country, I was asked to do a Welcome to Country but wasn’t sure about it and was thinking what I should say, while asleep one night I woke up about 2am in the morning with the words in my head and went straight to the computer and wrote it down. I now perform the Welcome to Country most days of the week ever since.

This is Birpai Country; it’s my love and

connection to this land that is Birpai Country, its beautiful vast beaches and the sea that hold so many creatures within it, the rivers that bring life to the lands and animals, the hinterland that shelters us and the ever changing colours and mood of our skies above us that nourishes this beautiful Birpai Barray.

I am very proud and humble of the awards that the community has bestowed upon me, first the 2008 Citizen of the Year, then to receive the Order of Australia Medal in 2017 I just could not believe that this award would be granted to me. The Companion of the Charles Sturt University Medal, only the fourth time this award has been given out.

I feel so proud to live in this community and so humbled by these awards but I also have a great person by my side, my wife Marilyn and the support of my children Kelly and Chris, and my five grandchildren.

Thank you to the people of this great place we call Guruk better known as Port Macquarie.

Love to Families Marrungbu = Thank you

I became a tour guide in 2005. WORKING WITH

JANET COHEN AND THE TEAM I STARTED THE BUSH TUCKER TOURS, over the years we developed the programs called Yun Ye Barragay, Coastal Tour and the Spirit of the Land which features my Welcome to Country in film

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A R T I S T

P R O F I L E

LEANNE PRUSSING

H Local fine artist Leanne Prussing has managed a balanced experience of life, well travelled and well educated. Destined to paint from a young age, Leanne now spends her days sharing her passion with others.

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i Leanne. Tell us about Later I worked in the fashion industry your art career and how designing fabric prints and hand painting you got started in the denim jeans and jackets and cheese cloth industry. fashion.

Hello I’m Leanne, I’m At 40 I did my diploma of fine arts then Prussingart and I love living travelled to Italy and France to study further. in Port Macquarie. I One of the most have a vivid memory of challenging chapters was being 4 years old and painting whilst living on My favorite picking up a small pot a boat, but if you are a painting is Uncle of automobile paint painter you must paint Bill. He is hanging in with a brush that my so I did.

Blue Water Bar and Dad had left on the What inspires you the will be featured at back veranda and doing most and how do you The Historical a mural as tall as me express that creatively?

CourtHouse with The the whole length of I can find inspiration Governors for The the back of our house. in absolutely everything.

Bicentenary.

After numerous failed An artist’s eyes see attempts at removal, my things very differently dad painted over it with from everyone else; such blackboard paint and I had a giant blackboard as light reflection, angles. When we meet I’d spend hours making chalk art. He was a someone we might forget their name because soft toy maker and would turn mine and my we’re studying the colour of their eyes and brother's drawings into toys. mentally working out the paint mix to achieve

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guests.

The paint and sips have taken off since Covid lockdown. Humans reached to the Arts to cope. I think they are here to stay.

I benchmark my classes as challenging, fast paced, fun and educational. Some students have never painted before and leave not only with an amazing experience but a masterpiece. I spend a lot of time on the lesson plan to break the painting down so everyone can follow the step by step instruction.

Prussingart’s Sunday afternoon art sessions are every Sunday at Blue Water Bar. A step-by-step paint and sip class covering: drawing construction, brush, finger and secret palette knife techniques.

Including an art history talk about the period, genre, and the artist. Creating your very own interpretation of popular culture, 19th and 20th century art.

Blue Water Bar and Restaurant is hidden in the magical rainforest opposite Flynns Beach.

Boasting an excellent collection of wine, beers

Prussingart's Sunday afternoon art sessions are every Sunday at Blue Water Bar. A step by step paint and sip class covering: drawing construction, brush, finger and secret palette knife techniques.

it. Life inspires me. I seem to unconsciously paint whatever I am doing in my life like a visual diary, and of course nature is a huge inspiration.

You have completed many great art works.

What is your favourite piece to date and why?

I think around every twenty paintings one pops out that’s really special and becomes a bench mark. How it happens I still don’t fully understand; it’s part of all creative processes.

The planets have to line up with enough sleep, enough stress even, and then you enter “The Zone” it’s like a yoga meditation, five hours can disappear in no time.

My favorite painting is Uncle Bill. He is hanging in Blue Water Bar and will be featured at The Historical CourtHouse with The Governors for The Bicentenary.

You run Paint and Sip classes at Blue Water Bar and Restaurant. Tell us about this experience and what’s on offer for your

and cocktails as your aperitif to stimulate your artistic endeavours, and a fine a la carte menu if you choose to stay for dinner afterwards.

All art materials, aprons and nibbles are included in the ticket price.

What is it you love about connecting your art with your community?

Art must be shared, like music must be heard.

It brings me great joy, particularly my classes.

I put a lot of love into them and I get lots back.

Making art is good for your soul.

A creative person MUST create just as a human must breathe.

It takes courage to put your heart and soul out there for critics, there are no words to describe the rewards.

Thanks Leanne.

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WHAT’S ON @GLASSHOUSE

GLASSHOUSE REGIONAL GALLERY

Follow Glasshouse:

FOR BOOKINGS: 02 6581 8888 I glasshouse.org.au

GLASSHOUSE THEATRE

ON VIEW until 18 April

Aboriginal Art Award and Contemporary Cultural Objects

A TASTE OF IRELAND Saturday 10 April, 4pm & 7.30pm

PORT MACQUARIE 200

NATIONAL ART PART ONE

Lionel Lindsay, 1916 Port Macquarie

Sophie Cape, Self Portrait, 2008, oil on canvas, 30 x 30 cm. © the artist

MARGARET FULTON THE MUSICAL Wednesday 21 April, 7.30pm

ROCKARIA THE ELO EXPERIENCE Saturday 8 May 7.30pm

PROGRAM ONLINE NOW www.glasshouse.org.au/ Whats-On/Select-2021

Jill Cairns EXPRESSIVE DRAWING / MEDIA WORKSHOP

MASTER ARTIST SERIES FOR TWEENS

Every Saturday 24 April - 12 June, 1pm

Every Tuesday 4 May - 22 June, 4pm

GLASSHOUSE PORT MACQUARIE Corner Clarence & Hay Streets, Port Macquarie NSW 2444

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SPECIAL OFFER 50% OFF 2O21 GLASSHOUSE MEMBERSHIPS* *Memberships valid until 31 December 2021

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

SHINING A LIGHT

on the

ARTS Culture HERITAGE

G

OF THE MID NORTH COAST

et ready to celebrate all things arts and culture on the Mid North Coast with SHINE – a month-long celebration of creativity presented by Arts Mid North Coast, the peak body for arts and cultural development in the region.

For the month of April, SHINE will feature events for all ages across the region with music, dance, art, exhibitions, films, workshops, museums and more.

“Thanks to the NSW Government’s Art Restart Program, we were able to fund artists and organisations to stage special creative events and activities as part of this years’ SHINE program,” said Kevin Williams, Director of Arts Mid North Coast.

The SHINE Micro Grants program supported 25 projects on the Mid North Coast, from Tea

Gardens to Coffs Harbour and across different themes of Youth Arts, Creative Ageing and Heritage, as well as exciting new innovative events activating halls and public spaces.

“We know the pandemic has had a considerable impact on our sector, and SHINE puts the spotlight on how important our creative sector is in the social and economic recovery of our region,” said Kevin, “We encourage the community to support our artists and creative organisations by participating, engaging and enjoying the fantastic arts and cultural activities on offer!”

For the full SHINE program visit www. artsmidnorthcoast/shine or follow Arts Mid North Coast on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

SHINE has been supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW’s Art Restart Program.

Shine CELEBRATING OUR CREATIVE COAST

April 2021 SHINE is a month-long program celebrating the arts, culture and heritage of the Mid North Coast, with special events for all ages including music, dance, art, exhibitions, f ilms, workshops, museums and more...

Proudly funded by the NSW Government through Arts Restart

SHINE Ad - Focus .indd 1

See the full program at www.artsmidnorthcoast/shine

Find us on:

15/3/21focus 4:12 pm GREATER PORT MACQUARIE 25

focus_interview

RYAN PEARSON

Growing up on Biripi country in Taree, Ryan Pearson was consumed by dance from a young age. After being chosen to dance with Indigenous companies as a young man, he never looked back in terms of his career. This April will see a beautifully choreographed performance by Ryan for the Port Macquarie Bicentenary that incorporates a dreaming story and an indigenous perspective of what the bicentenary means to the community.

H

i Ryan. Can you tell me a little bit about yourself and where you grew up?

My name is Ryan Pearson.

I’m 24 years old and was born and grew up on Biripi country, in Taree NSW. My family lineage on my east side is also on Worimi land as well. Then the other side of my family is actually from Perth which backtracks into Minang, Goreng, Balardung nations in the southwest of Western Australia. And so I’m Biripi, Worimi, Minang, Goreng and Balardung.

Growing up in Taree, how did you get involved in dance?

I have four older sisters and we always just loved RnB music and really popular music and tracks. We would just dance in the lounge room and have a lot of fun together, make groups and create dances together, and record each other having fun. I think that that love of dance that 26 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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we had stemmed from our grandmother. When They were looking for people to audition. we were growing up, we had a single parent, so The auditions were in Grafton, so my our grandmothers would look after us a lot. mother, my two little brothers and sisters and One of our I travelled to Grafton grandmothers was the where I auditioned and very first Aboriginal I got accepted to be in We would just ballet dancer and her the company. There were dance in the name was Mary Miller about 23 of us that got lounge room and when she was accepted accepted all around New have a lot of fun in 1959 into the West South Wales. together, make Australian ballet. But We had periods of a groups and create now she’s married few days of travelling dances together, and and her name is Mary into Sydney doing record each other Pearson. rehearsals, coming back When did you get into and forth and that gave having fun. professional dancing me the opportunity to as a young man? see what dancing was When I was 15 years old, everyone in my local like – especially Indigenous dancing, because area knew that I loved to dance – and there that’s what was inspiring to us. It was a mixture, was an opportunity going by for the New South fusing together to create this more youthful Wales public schools Aboriginal dance company. company.

This is my first time doing choreographic work and this is also an opportunity for me to learn a bit more about my own culture.

We performed at the State Dance Festival, by the live festival and we also performed it at the school spectacular.

I’ve been with Bangarra Dance Company now since 2017.

You’re returning to your home region this month for a very special performance as part of the bicentenary of Port Macquarie, and you’ve partnered up with the wonderful team at Dance Mid North Coast Association. Can you tell us about the project you’ve been working on with the dancers here?

It was through the beautiful Stacey Morgan, and wanting a commission to be a part of the bicentenary of Port Macquarie. She wanted the inspiration of an indigenous perspective of what the bicentenary meant to the community.

I agreed and created a sort of building block in terms of the history but also having specific moments in time that we can elaborate from, and what was close to my heart as well.

We’re working with around 25-27 local dancers here and I wanted to have an expression of early contact as I thought that was quite interesting.

We initiated that through a dreaming story that I heard through a cultural consultant of mine, Rhonda Radley. She’s been really amazing in supporting me and the whole process of this

performance, while really connecting me to the community, and helping me get this show on the road.

In terms of collaborations, you mentioned there that you’ve been consulting with Aunty Rhonda, who else have you been collaborating with perhaps in terms of costuming, props or music?

In terms of music I have collaborated with a Biripi Worimi man named Jamaine Wilesmith.

He is currently studying music at the University of Queensland in Brisbane. He was born in Taree and was raised for a couple of years in Port Macquarie, so he knows the area quite well. I’ve brought him on board for him to sort of play with the music while we collaborate our ideas. And he’s a cousin and we know each other quite well, so we work together in the music side of things to connect the music with the dance.

I’ve also connected with elder Auntie Angela Martin, who I heard from Rhonda Radley was part of the Stolen Generation. She was fostered out to live with a white family and she will be the inspiration for the Stolen Generation that I don’t put in place into the show.

What’s your favourite part of the dance routine and choreography that you’ve put together so far?

I don’t particularly have a favourite. I feel

as though the girls that I’m creating this with are just amazing. They're so beautiful and collaborative and they make every single section really, really wonderful to work in.

Finally is there anything else you’d like to say in regards to the project?

This is my first time doing choreographic work and this is also an opportunity for me to learn a bit more about my own culture.

Because I work full time now at Bangarra – this is sort of fusing the few pillars of my life together, which is my culture, my family and dancing.

Where can we catch the performances that are coming up this April.

At the Town Green on April 9th and 10th.

There will be a 5:00pm and a 6:30pm show.

Thank you Ryan.

About the Production: DANCE MID NORTH COAST ASSOCIATION PRESENTS A CONTEMPORARY PIECE 'GUBA' Finding peace is a journey of both understanding and questioning, but is only valid with respect and honesty. A contemporary dance work performed by local Indigenous and non-Indigenous dancers representing Dance Mid North Coast Association. facebook.com/dmncassociation GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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SAND EVENTS, PRETTY RAD STORE, FOCUS, HAPPY MAG, HOT TROPICS PRESENTS

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Wicked ELF

Wicked Elf in Port Macquarie have been brewing locally for more than 10 years. We find out a bit about their journey and what is on the cards for this locally owned and operated brewery.

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icked Elf have been brewing here in Port Macquarie for more than 10 years, can you tell us about your story?

Wicked Elf Beer has been brewing craft beer here in Port Macquarie since 2008, making us the oldest brewery on the Mid-north Coast.

We were initially known as “The Little Brewing Company”, being started by husband-and-wife team Warwick and Kylie Little. The place went

from strength to strength, winning over 150 national and international medals. At its peak, Wicked Elf beers were being sold all throughout Australia and could be found in top hatted restaurants, as well as most Dan Murphy’s and BWS stores.

With this growth came growing pains, and unfortunately the “Little Brewing Company” went into voluntary administration in 2016. It was saved by the current owners in 2017, and since then we have been gradually rebuilding

and revitalising the Wicked Elf. We still produce fresh, premium beer, but are now focusing on our local market first and foremost.

2019 - 2020 were challenging years, first with the bushfires, then the pandemic. But the Wicked Elf survived and opened its new cellar door in early 2021 and is now pouring beers from 12 taps. Our focus remains on the freshness and quality of our beer.

What is the vision you have for Wicked Elf Beer? We are dedicated to making delicious beer and making it accessible to all people. We like to take visitors through a tour of beer styles, from our refreshing lagers to the hoppy IPAs and our famous Porter. We even have a non-alcoholic beverage called hop water, which is like an infusion of hop flavours which is both refreshing and relaxing.

What will visitors experience at your cellar door? There is beer tasting and beer drinking and getting to see an operational brewery with its shiny tanks and malty smells. We have food from our good friends “Botanic at Wicked Elf” with cuisine matched to the beer. Friday and Saturday evenings have live music from 5 til 8pm. Brewery tours are soon to begin. The boss also insisted I mention the free popcorn and arcade games.

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FRESH WATER ARTS 2021 EXHIBITION

A beautifully curated collection of hand woven fibre art has been delicately created by 11 master weavers from the Saltwater Freshwater region and have now become part of The Saltwater Freshwater Arts 2021 touring exhibition. Whilst worn on opening night by Aboriginal girls and women, they felt connected to Country and connected to their ancestors. Michelle Flanders talks us through the project and shares the layers of story within.

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i Michelle. The Saltwater Freshwater Arts 2021 exhibition is a touring exhibition consisting of an Aboriginal art award and contemporary cultural objects, with the woven pieces being part of the exhibition from a separate project.

What was the concept behind these extraordinary garments?

Birpai master weaver Trish McInherny sparked the idea for the project at a Saltwater Freshwater weaving gathering in early 2020.

This seedling of an idea became reality with the Weaving Stories and Culture – a practice in contemporary fibre art and fashion project.

Supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW, Saltwater Freshwater worked

with 11 weavers from the Gumbaynggirr, Dunghutti, Biripi, Birpai and Worimi nations to develop fibre art fashion pieces. The finished pieces became part of the Saltwater Freshwater Arts 2021 touring exhibition with Aboriginal girls and women modelling the pieces at each of the opening nights of the exhibition.

Connecting with deep wisdom and intent is a powerful one and these women had eight months to develop, create, collaborate and share their knowledge of the art. What was the beauty of coming together for communal weaving days, supporting one another along the way?

This project has been a powerful spiritual journey for these women and the experience has created a bond that they will carry throughout their lives. Due to COVID-19 restrictions the weavers initially met monthly via Zoom to stay connected and support each other.

In December 2020 the weavers were able to meet in person at Yarrawarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre in Corindi north of Coffs Harbour. This provided an opportunity to connect, share skills and techniques, including the practice of eco-dyeing for the natural fibres often used by Aboriginal weavers.

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Each garment is interwoven with story.

Can you tell us about some of them and how this creative process puts that story out there?

Joedie Lawler (weaver) says, “The ongoing cultural expression connects us to our ancestors and to think about how they felt when you’re being held by, and wearing Country, and knowing that we carry that wisdom as Aboriginal women. As women we show the strength in our connection to our culture through the stories we share. As women we are the foundations, the teachers to our children. We will ensure that our culture survives, reviving our stories in modern contemporary ways.”

Arlene McInherny’s piece titled ‘Mirriiyn Gili‘ (Gathang for ‘starlight’) is about the Grandmother wisdom that we all carry with us. Joedie Lawler created the ‘Emu Woman’ piece telling the story of the connection women have to Country. Trish McInerny’s 32 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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Each design holds true to Country and directly connects the weavers to their ancestors. Being able to openly practice and share culture without punishment is powerful.

piece ‘Our warrior within’ is symbolic of armour worn within medieval times – our invisible armour as Aboriginal people.

Talk to us about the materials chosen and used within the pieces and their significance to culture.

All materials used relate to the culture and Country of the individual weavers. Aunty Lyn Davis utilised elements for her piece that relate to her as an Aboriginal woman growing up on a mission. Nancy Pattison used natural fibres and colours of the earth as her inspiration, utilising the tone and the texture of the paperbark tree, significant to the Dunghutti people. Arlene McInherny was looking for femininity in her piece, “I’m going for a real connectedness or oneness with Country – femininity of Country and how that will play out in a garment”. Arlene used possum skin,

paperbark and raffia in her design. The materials vary from traditionally used resources of possum skin, lomandra, fig root, shells, ochre and feather, to the contemporary; wools, silks, plastic, metal, hessian, paint and raffia. All the traditional materials have meaning; there are some women with the buckwea (blood line) of possum who are the protectors of possum so they can use this resource. The fig is significant to women’s business and the matriarch line. Lomandra is a common resource and has multiple uses as food and medicine. Ochre and feathers are significant to all Aboriginal people right across Australia. Some feathers represent family bloodlines, some represent ceremony, and some represent women’s business There are diverse and refined skills from each weaver, and I take it these skills

These traditional practices need to become a greater part of our lives, more so than the western practices Aboriginal people have adopted by force.

have been passed on through women and generations. How has this creative process connected you to your ancestors?

Each design holds true to Country and directly connects the weavers to their ancestors. Being able to openly practice and share culture without punishment is powerful. The strength this group of women have gained from sharing with each other the practices from each country, the knowledge and the skills, has ignited a passion to ensure they all pass on these skills to the next generation and other women within their community. These traditional practices need to become a greater part of our lives, more so than the western practices Aboriginal people have adopted by force. We need to engage our children in Country, practice ceremony and teach our children the LORE and practice of our nations. This project has shown that

our culture is alive and well; it has just been asleep inside of our souls waiting for the

right time to awake.

From concept design to final product – how was it placing the garments on the women and seeing that vision come to life on the opening nights?

Incredible. As each model had their makeup done and were dressed in the garments you could see their pride; they were transformed, and recognised their beauty as Aboriginal women, they felt connected to Country and connected to their ancestors. The weavers were proud to see their pieces being worn for the very first time. Tulli Stevens, Gumbaynggirr artist and one of our models said, "I felt honoured to be chosen to wear

such a special garment, to be part of this story. I felt connected to the land, the sea and empowered to continue learning, sharing knowledge. I could feel the amount of love and connection to country that went into creating this piece."

Thanks Michelle.

Check out the Saltwater Freshwater Arts 2021 exhibition at the Glasshouse Regional Gallery until Sunday 18 April 2021 and keep an eye out for the cultural immersion weekend 10/11 April for Elders storytelling and language yarn ups and a full day of weaving: glasshouse.org.au/Whats-On For full tour dates and more information saltwaterfreshwater.com.au Photos by - And the Trees Photography.

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SWIFF’21 F E S T I VA L

Highlights

Last year the Coffs Coast became home of the most popular film festival in regional Australia, with the 16day Screenwave International Film Festival notching another record year for a endance.

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WIFF’21, presented again by tailor-made furniture company Ashton Designs, will host 65 different feature films and a record 120 different sessions to experiences from April 14-29.

Focus breaks down the huge festival line-up to see the highlights of the Coffs Coast’s annual movie marathon. So what’s new at SWIFF’21?

SWIFF Expands to CHEC SWIFF has been growing quickly – nearly 40% every year. So, for the festival’s sixth outing, SWIFF will also move to the Coffs Harbour Education Campus, in addition to the Jetty Memorial Theatre. CHEC will be home to a huge events space, including a beer garden, café, and nine full days of programming at the 350-capacity CHEC Theatre, plus the Closing Night Gala and afterparty.

SWIFF Festival Patron: Jack Thompson Known as “The flagship of the Australian film industry”, Jack Thompson has a film career spanning over 50 years, starring in his first feature film, Wake In Fright, in 1971. Thompson will chair a Festival Patron team also featuring Sydney Film Prize-winning documentarian Sascha Ettinger-Epstein (Destination Arnold, The Pink House), and rising star Aaron Glenane 34 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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With a line-up so carving out his own is roaming charmer full of unique legacy with acclaimed Nomadland, starring films, you can throw a performances in Killing two-time Oscar-winner dart at the schedule and Ground, Danger Close: The Frances McDormand.

Battle of Long Tan, and Minari, a beautifully pick a winner. The good Netflix’s Snowpiercer. nuanced film about a thing is there are so Where to start? young Korean family many options you can With an extensive film chasing the American basically design your program, the best way Dream in Arkansas, own mini festival. to experience SWIFF is to took out Best Foreign throw yourself in the deep Language Film at the end and get out of your Golden Globes, and comfort zone. With a line-up so full of unique is being recognised by the Academy for its films, you can throw a dart at the schedule and nuanced performances, touching score and pick a winner. The good thing is there are so its moving screenplay. Thomas Vinterberg is many options you can basically design your own nominated at the Oscars for Best Director for mini festival. The hard part – where to begin? his new and personal film Another Round, Award Magnets following four curious drunken Danish teachers The line-up at SWIFF’21 boasts a lot of awards and starring Mads Mikkelsen. For documentary trophy hardware. Daniel Kaluuya and Lakeith lovers, don’t miss the recently Oscar nominated Stanfield are sweeping Best Acting nominations The Mole Agent, a heart-warming aged-care for the powerful Black Panther civil rights caper, or the exceptional Collective, named one revolution drama Judas & The Black Messiah, of the best films about journalism ever made. with the film also nominated for Best Film Indie Comedies and Best Screenplay at the upcoming Oscars.

While there are many nuanced dramas in the Chalking up 191 wins of its own and making line-up, if you’re just after a laugh you’re in luck director Chloe Zhao the first Asian American too. Hidden gem indie comedies are a special woman nominated for the Best Director Oscar type, and SWIFF is thrilled to feature the latest

from beloved indie-auteur Miranda July with the offbeat scam artist flick Kajillionaire. Feel the punk rock troublemaking spirit in comingof-age black comedy Dinner In America, and be charmed by taboo-busting heartwarmer Saint Frances. Take a step out of time with the utterly romantic yet absurd Golden Voices, following aging Russian voice over artists, or experience a truth that is stranger than fiction with a dive into a Floridian retirement town where sex, drugs and rock n roll persevere in offbeat doco Some Kind of Heaven.

International Documentaries SWIFF is bringing a bumper crop of nonfiction films to the festival – mirroring the volatile year that 2020 was. Welcome to Chechnya uses deep fake technology to hide the identities of persecuted gay and lesbian people in Chechnya – where activists are running against the clock to help victims escape persecution by the state. In Cockroach, Chinese dissident artist Ai Weiwei lobs a Molotov cocktail at the establishment with street-level view of the Hong Kong riots, and the Romanian doco Collective has been dubbed one of the greatest movies about journalism ever made.

On the lighter side of non-fiction, there’s a selection of heartwarming true stories, including Joaquin Phoenix executive-produced experimental silent film following the life of a pig named Gunda, and the award-sweeping Norwegian The Painter and the Thief about an artist creating a portrait of a charismatic drug addict that stole her artworks from a gallery.

Dog lovers out there will not want to miss the poignant Stray or the environmentally conscious, utterly charming The Truffle Hunters, which

follows a reclusive community of Italians and their beloved truffling hounds, in a similar vein to SWIFF’20’s Honeyland.

The list of documentaries this year is diverse and sprawling, so well worth a deep dive through the print program.

Live Festival performances Connecting cinema and music is a vital part of the recipe that makes up SWIFF. This April the festival is welcoming Latin guitar legends Slava and Leonard Grigoryan to the stage as they perform the live soundtrack to a screening of heart-warming, family-friendly, magical-realism masterpiece A Boy Called Sailboat live on stage.

Or those who like their tunes of the desert blues variety and their films on the grittier side, SWIFF is bringing in Rhyece O’Neill Band to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Australia’s stunning, awe-inspiring ‘great lost film’. With an original live soundtrack, experience Ted Kotcheff’s 1971 vivid outback sunburner Wake in Fright like never before.

The Nextwave Youth Film Awards, SWIFF’s most highly attended event, is a familyfriendly gala event celebrating young regional filmmakers aged 10-25. With red carpet arrival, live music, the premiere screening of the top 22 films created for the annual Nextwave competition, and the awarding of tens of thousands of dollars in prizes for the next generation of regional filmmakers.

SWIFF Closing Night Gala always ends with a bang. Hosted at CHEC Theatre this year, audiences will watch a screening of the blistering Mogul Mowgli, starring an exceptional Riz Ahmed as a UK MC spitting truth to power – to be followed by an ethnocyberfunk live, world

music performance by Coco Varma, Bobby Singh and Ben Walsh for SWIFF’21’s grand finale.

Premieres Audiences at SWIFF will be some of the first in Australia to see brand new films. The festival hosts seven Australian Premieres, six NSW Premieres, and 23 World Premieres of short films.

Australian Premieres include Viggo Mortensen’s directorial debut with the family drama Falling, the UNICEF Award-winning Polish holocaust epic The Painted Bird, UK youth drugsmuggling social drama County Lines, hardhitting Filipino anti-Duterte doco A Thousand Cuts, the eye-opening French gender identity documentary Little Girl, Wildfire tells the story of sisters reconciling in post-conflict Ireland, and The Macaluso Sisters, stunningly told over multiple decades as it follows a family of Italian sisters through good and hard times.

NSW Premieres include Yalda, A Night of Forgiveness, an Iranian capital punishment drama set on a reality TV set, The Surrogate a clear-eyes ethical drama exploring social issues through a fascinating lens. Follow the fight to break the glass ceiling by a supermodel breaking stereotypes in Maddy The Model, or experience a pressure cooker thriller in The Killing of Two Lovers.

The 2021 Screenwave International Film Festival will run for 16 days from April 14 to 29, including 120 film screenings, events, performances, parties, and industry sessions.

The full festival line-up will be announced on March 5th on www.swiff.com.au, with festival passes now on sale.

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We have been lucky enough to sit down with LEGENDARY AUSTRALIAN ACTOR JACK THOMPSON TO CHAT ABOUT AND SHARE SOME OF THE STORIES THAT HAVE BROUGHT HIM TO WHERE HE IS TODAY. Jack has been one of the major figures in Australian cinema and has helped to shape the industry here over his long career.

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ell us about the Jack Thompson Foundation and how it got started?

The Jack Thompson Foundation started nearly 18 years ago. We are involved with teaching indigenous people in the homelands how to use the material around them to essentially make houses. You always have to put cultural continuity first. We started 8 years ago with a Lucas Mill in East Arnhem Land, where we taught them how to use the mill and how to select the trees. We teach how to cut timber and build frame houses out of that. More recently we have found we can harvest timber in culturally appropriate and environmentally appropriate ways. Setting that up provides an income for that group of people. There are 27 different nations in which they have selected elders to be a part of this endeavour.

Why have you chosen to live here on the Coffs Coast?

Simply because it‘s beautiful. I first came here in 1969. I had a mate who had stayed in Woolgoolga by chance and he called me because I had always wanted a farm, but on an actor‘s wage

in those days it was difficult; there the age of 5 (the war had finished by was no Australian film industry. So then). I remember when I was 6, the he told me he had found a place that school encouraged plays, art, it even might be achievable for what I was had a little orchestra; I had wonderful looking for. So in 1971 I bought land teachers, I got involved in these little in the Brooklana area near Dorrigo puppet plays. I would do one man and lived there for a number of years. plays, because at the movies in those I always came down to the coast for days they used to be 2 features, a holidays and spots of camping. Then couple of cartoons and serials like 20 years ago I had Superman etc. And seen a sign saying so, having seen ‘coastal land for them at the movies, sale’ and the rest I would do these You have is history, as they serials like “Jack the beach, say! You can‘t get the Wonderboy”. It the bush and any better if you was a game and a a great little ask me. Woopi is hobby for me, and town all in great, it still has so I went off and close proximity. the feeling of a did a whole heap It’s just small beach town of other things. As paradise. and one of the a young person I only places you didn’t ever want have the beach, to be an actor per the bush and a se, because there great little town all in close proximity. wasn‘t a film industry, Australian It‘s just paradise. actors did stage and if they wanted to Where did your passion for acting work on film or TV they would have begin? to go to England or America. It wasn‘t As a child! I was at a school similar until the rebirth of the Australian to an orphanage at a very young film industry in 1970 that it became age. I was born in 1940 when the war something I took more seriously. started, and I was at that school from Continued Over...

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All through my time in the bush in Motel. Day after day after day in front of western New South Wales I went into the camera learning from other actors. I town to the Amateur Theatrical Society saw that this was a craft; the more you and did plays, and then later in Army do, the more you work with people that Med Corps posted in Brisbane I went are good at it, the better you get. And to the Twelfth Night Theatre and did now it’s 50 years on.

Shakespeare for schools. But as a hobby I You could retire and live life on the did also go to classes with Hayes Gordon farm. Why, 50 years on, do you still who was a wonderful teacher. You can love acting? be a keen tennis player and you can go Because I love it. I get paid to do and get coaching but it doesn’t mean something I love and I’m extremely you are ever going to be a pro. You get grateful for that. You can never learn coaching to improve your game to learn enough about it. It’s like playing a musical more about it. That’s what I did, I went to instrument; you go on doing it and Ensemble Theatre to learn and get better. there is always something new to learn.

I went into the I love making films Army Med Corps to because there are train as a laboratory all these people that Day after day technician. When come together with after day I went to Hayes at their individual lives in front of the Ensemble Theatre and differences, camera learning he told me I’d everybody drops from other be back. I said all of that and you maybe?... Will I? have this single actors I saw Then I got purpose and that’s that this was to Queensland the making of the a craft.

University, changed movie. And when to an art degree you do that I think and got so involved that’s humanity at its with the theatre at the uni that it was very best. This mutual cooperative, which interfering with my academic pursuit and is a wonderful feeling.

I had to make the choice. I was raving What have been some of your about an experimental theatre we put favourite characters you have played? together and my father who was a senior They are all really interesting characters feature writer producer for ABC radio (he which you become very involved in. paid actors to read poetry and so on), I’ve played real characters a lot so you he said to me “you’re pretty keen about research where they were born, things it, have you ever thought about doing it like that. I think to myself “what was he full time?” My response was “...lately I listening to and what movies did he like? have.” He told me, and I still remember And who did he admire? What era did it clear as day, he said “Lilies that fester he live in and what was that time like for stink worse than weeds.” Uh-huh... I people at that age?“ I decide those things think he is trying to tell me something. and they are the things that become I then stopped going to uni and came part of the character I play, so even back to Sydney, got an agent, and went though those details may not appear in to 28 auditions of getting told no before the movie, it’s all about the attitude the I got my first job. Which was 5 half hour man has. Then I get to play someone like episodes of a soap for Channel 7 called Burke in Burke and Wills, and you get a

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dialect coach teaching you the accent so then you learn to speak a certain way, so you’re speaking and thinking in that way so you don’t have to think about it when you’re in front of the camera and it just comes naturally.

Getting into character like that, does it ever leave something with you?

It sure does. When I did Burke, the movie had finished and we were at a party only a few weeks later. I’m there at the party raving away at someone about something and my wife speaks up and says “will the real Jack Thompson please sit down!”... so you do get bits of your character hanging around! They don’t possess you, but accents surely do hang around for a little while and characteristics you have adopted like mannerisms etc.

What’s it like finally having something like SWIFF here on the Coffs Coast?

I think it’s extremely important and I have wanted to see an international film festival here, because that means that world film is a part of the local culture and the local recognition of what it is.

The screen is a language that everyone speaks. Kids, they can now watch movies on their phones and television screens, so it becomes their language. I think you’re not plugged in to contemporary culture unless you’re plugged in to the international expression that’s there on the screen; Australian, American, European, Asian etc. I’m the President of the International Asia Pacific Screen Academy and it’s stunning the films coming out of places like India, Korea, China! So what SWIFF brings to Coffs Harbour is the heart of what makes the act dance and I love that. If we have that drive and that interest, who knows; they could open up a studio here and imagine what that could do for film here on the Coffs Coast!

Thanks Jack.

Day a er day a er day in front of the camera learning from other actors I SAW THAT THIS WAS A CRAFT;

THE MORE YOU DO, THE MORE YOU WORK with people that are good at it, the be er you get.

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DINING GUIDE

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Gelato Smoothies & Iced drinks

Coffee & Milkshakes Cakes & RAW Treats

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1 Bay Street, Port Macquaire (02) 6580 2300 portmacquarie.panthers.com.au

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Ken Li les - Soups are back!

Come in and check out Ken's famous soup packs made fresh every day for that easy winter dinner. Early cooler weather produces the tasty veggies and I believe it is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth.

Imperial mandarins are just around the corner and it's a beautiful crop this year. Easy afternoon snack and always a favourite in the kids' lunchbox.

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We also welcome to our "Little" shopping Village our new butcher "Dave" - don't forget when you shop go and say "Hello"to the boys next door.

It's easy to order your meat with our FREE home delivery service in Port Mac. So simplify your crazy week and let us take care of your family while supporting locals.

Ken

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

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i the F RON T

it

BAR

DAVID T UNST EAD

ALISTAIR F L O W E R

MANAGING DIRECTOR OF FLOWER HOTELS

Tunny is a 5th generational Oyster Farm and been on our Hastings river for over 100 years. He recently put personal setbacks aside to help others in the recent floods.

O

yster farmers have had a pretty rough trot lately, tell us a little about it.

Yeah we have had a fair amount of bad luck in the last couple of years. Lost a fair amount of our crops and money. Xmas, which is usually a really good time for us, the water was contaminated through rains and storms so we couldn’t sell. This is usually worth about 150k to us. Now with these latest floods, I think we will lose about 30% of our crop.

Oysters take about 3 years to grow so it’s going to be a drawn process.

This latest flood has been devastating for everyone, how were you able to help?

Firstly, and please make sure you write this, I never did anything for the fame, I helped because I could and knew how to and because there were people in need. I did it to get that feeling you get with a shake of the hand of a farmer who has nearly lost everything.

On the Friday night of the floods, I was actually at Setts with some mates after a long week. We knew it was wet and knew we may get some minor flooding but nothing we haven’t seen before. A friend rang me and asked if I could quickly help a mate get off Rawdon Island so I jumped in the boat and went up river. Halfway up we had a SOS signal from a property, so we quickly stopped to evacuate a family with pets and it was then we realised how bad this was

“TUNNY AND HIS TINNY”

getting. The water was coming up at a phenomenal speed. I then spent the next 72 hours in my oyster punt tinny. We were able to evacuate families, livestock, run food and fuel to isolated people.

One example, we It was pretty horrible helped a lovely lady on Sat Nav and then out there but glad we who was isolated with just turned what were able to help. her 4 children which was normally inland Who was out there included a 3 month old and followed the helping you on the baby. This family was powerlines to the river?

3km away from the homestead.

I had two amazing How did your Oyster river but we could get blokes – David Barnes farm and homes there in the punt. We and Matt Carroll. fare? found the house on Sat Bloody champions!

Not well, we moved Matt would get a call Nav and then just our furniture up over come through and turned what was the 2013 level but we would go off. normally inland and that wasn’t enough.

We also worked with followed the powerlines We lost a lot. Is what Troy Herbert and Cass to the homestead. it is. My footy club Martin from Rampage and teammates at the Marine who were Hastings Valley Vikings instrumental. Of course have helped out considerably. I love those the SES were doing great things also but blokes. because I was in the Oyster Punt, I was able What’s really sad though, is that there to get places they weren’t. I know these was looting. Someone stole my parents waterways pretty well also and I’m probably TV off the wall. Bloody disappointing with pretty rogue on the rules. everything we have gone through. Dad was One example, we helped a lovely lady also diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. We just who was isolated with her 4 children which keep going... included a 3 month old baby. This family To donate to the Tunsteads head to https:// was 3km away from the river but we could gofund.me/f1814199 get there in the punt. We found the house GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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focus_contributor.

Palate PLEASURES it

LOU PERRI

FROM THE STUNNED MULLET

A

WATERLOGGED

s this column is being written the sun has only just appeared today in its most brilliant form after the incredibly severe rain event we’ve experienced.

The sheer intensity of the weather systems that have ripped through our region have left us collectively feeling shocked and overwhelmed to say the least.

The scale of destruction and damage to property throughout our town and hinterland from the unprecedented flooding of our rivers has been devastating to witness.

Once again we’ve been tested by the unrelentless ferocity of nature. The mind boggles to think that it was at this very time last year we were entering the first days of lockdown with Covid-19 – at that time a hugely great unknown. Little did we know then what the next 12 months would bring…

And then only a mere 4 month before that we were in the grip of the ferocious bushfires that unleashed their own brand of destruction upon us.

It’s difficult to comprehend, that is for sure.

And almost impossible at this point in time to fathom an end to all this. As we speak clean-up crews are flocking to our town to begin the daunting tasks ahead. As the Hastings River has retreated back to its usual

innocuous level, the sheer level of destruction almost unfathomable… has become evident and the realities of the Certainly our perspective has been tough road ahead have hit home. permanently shifted from these consecutive Whilst at this point where most of us ordeals. We’ll be warier regarding the are still experiencing a high level of shock power of nature; we will be cautious in our and disbelief it is difficult to process the full approach to rebuilding our community. But implications of what has just happened, for sure, we will prevail. somehow collectively I Where do we go can’t help but thinking, from here? Life will we’ve all gained some not look the same for The scale of extraordinary level of many, and they are so destruction and strength and resilience very much in all of our damage to property from having survived thoughts right now. throughout our town and then some, as I This community and hinterland from the have said before in is full of wonderful unprecedented flooding previous reflections in people. As we’ve of our rivers has been this column – ‘thrived’ already proven before devastating to witness. as a result of the we will rise again. Our experiences we’ve all region was already well had to endure of the on its way – full of life, last 18 months. energy and the promise of a bright future.

18 months... it doesn’t seem like a long This bright future is no further away as a period of time at all. But when you factor result of these floods. into that space – extreme bushfires, a We will all work together to find a way to pandemic and major flooding it seems like a find ways to be even better than before, to lifetime. rebuild smarter and stronger. As we found Before the start of all this, most of us may through fire and pandemic we can use any have only seen one or even none of this level kind of setback to find another, even better of crisis within our lifetimes (cue never for a path through. pandemic, that is a new one to be sure).

It will just take time and we are here with So to have faced all three, and all at such you to help however we can. a level of intensity in a mere 18 months is From Lou and The Stunned Mullet Team GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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S E S S I O N S

Dark Alley Sessions has one main aim – to find local musicians and show them off. With performances from a plethora of artists, Dark Alley Collectables offers the perfect backdrop for intimate lives. We caught up with co-creator Brad Collins to find out more.

H

ey Brad. Live music is coming at us from the dark corner of Dark Alley Collectables record store, helping unearth local and visiting talents. Tell us more about Dark Alley Sessions.

Dark Alley Sessions is a collaboration between myself and Josh Thompson. I film and edit the videos while Josh records and mixes the performances.

Dark Alley Sessions started as a one-off video I filmed for a friend. We were looking for an interesting location to film a live performance and Dark Alley Collectables record store was the perfect fit. A room filled to the brim with nostalgia and weirdness.

My friends, Travis Fredericks and Lisa Willows own Dark Alley Collectables and were really excited about the idea.

I filmed the first video with David Scammell (Toogla) while he recorded and mixed his own performance. The video was well received, so 52 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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I saw the possibility of a We want to series being created and be a mid-way how useful it could be to local musicians and point for touring the local music scene. wanting to show them artists, bringing Flashback to three off. them in for a years ago: My partner Josh Thompson, the quick session and I had just moved to drummer of Palomino Port and shortly after, we – introducing runs his own recording went to the exhibition them to Port studio, “The Thing opening of local artist, Macquarie.

Upstairs”, in Wauchope.

Todd Bourke, at Death He took over the Do Us Art Gallery. Local recording duties for Dark band Palomino played Alley Sessions after his band came in for their the exhibition opening. If you’re into music performance with us. and art and spend more than a month in Port is a great pit stop between Brisbane Port Macquarie, these names come up pretty and Sydney, allowing traveling bands quickly! I was blown away by this local band great exposure to showcase what they’ve playing in the corner of a local art exhibition. got. Who has been on the list of acts so far “Why is Port Macquarie hoarding this talent?!” and what's in the pipeline?

I went home to hunt down their album and tell Palomino were the first band I invited to all of my friends about them.

This experience helped drive the decision to come in and play, after my friend Toogla create the Dark Alley Sessions series: Finding helped kick it all off.

Local Port Blues players, Bernie Smith and Phil Harmonics convinced Troy Durose to come out of retirement and jam as their blues trio Rose & The Thorns.

Max DeGroot graced us with a taste of his first original material, which has now been released on streaming platforms, along with a grooving cover of Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine”.

Singer/Songwriter/Producer, mikk played an emotional three song performance, including a cover of one of my favourite Bon Iver songs, “Heavenly Father”!

Royal Chant (a long time staple in the Port music scene) bashed out three songs from their extensive eight album repertoire.

The latest Dark Alley Session, which has just been posted, features folk artist James Bennett!

James is an old Port local, but now lives in Newcastle. Our session with him is an example of what we’re aiming to achieve with the series. James Bennett is currently touring the first single off his fourth album, “Life & Life Only”. We caught him heading from a gig in South West Rocks home to Newcastle, after a long weekend of gigging around the Mid North Coast.

We want to continue being a mid-way point for touring artists, bringing them in for a quick session as their tours take them up and down the east coast – introducing them to the Port Macquarie area and its growing music scene.

The next band we have coming in are garage-rock band, SCUFFS! They’ve been playing their loud garage rock ear-worms at

FOTSUN and Back In business. Everyone wins!

We want to The Sun Fest, so it will If anything is certain, continue be fun to see them it's that we truly missed bringing quality translate it into the our events over the performances to li le acoustic setting. past year. How have the screens, but also How has the locals responded to the have a hand in community come performances and how putting on some on board to support do you see this growing events with friends the cultural arts, into the future? in the Port area. ensuring live music We do miss having a stays strong in our snare drum beat in our towns? face, or a quiet room Dark Alley Sessions was born as the whole being moved to tears, so it has felt important pandemic thing was starting, so before we to bring these experiences to the music lovers could think about having touring artists at home. A lot of locals have been putting in come in, it was apparent that supporting their requests for future performances, which our local musos was the best way to start. is nice!

We were lucky to receive a grant through As we saw with James Bennett, musicians Port Macquarie-Hastings Council’s “Event are starting to tour again, so the opportunity Sponsorship Program”. They saw the to host travelling musicians alongside our Mid opportunity we were creating, to help keep the North Coast bands is exciting for us! We want local music scene moving, while adapting to to continue bringing quality performances to this weird new world. With the funding, we’ve the little screens, but also see ourselves having been able to push this little train a lot further. a hand in putting on some events with friends As restrictions have eased, it’s inspiring to in the Port area. see musicians getting their gigs back at all Before this pandemic, our friend, Cristian of the restaurants and bars around town. In Campano hosted a live music night, Hot our latest videos, we’ve been including an Tropics, which brought live band nights to Port interview series filmed at a local business of the Macquarie. We see ourselves collaborating with performer’s choice. It’s been a surprise when him to film one or two of the local and touring I’ve approached businesses with the idea; a lot bands in the corner of Dark Alley Collectables, of them were already aware of our series and before they run across the road to play their set were excited to be a part of it. So far, we’ve to a room full of punters. been to Round and Round Coffee Van (on the Thanks a lot and long live Live Music! darkalleysessions.com lawn of the Koala Hospital) and Wavebowl facebook.com/darkalleysessions Bowling Alley. They’ve been eager to support @darkalleysessions local musicians and we get to support their GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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ALEISA

BYFIELD

Aleisa Byfield creates honest, authentic and individual hand-crafted ceramic tableware, homewares, jewellery and ceramic art that are natural and earthy, have a contemporary aesthetic and are also beautiful and stylish pieces to suit a variety of tastes and interior design styles.

Inside you'll find 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.

Aleisa is a Ceramic Artist living in Port Macquarie, on the Mid North Coast NSW. Her artistic process began as a child growing up in country New South Wales and in recent years has immersed herself in furthering her knowledge and relishing in the endless possibilities of ceramics, particularly for self exploration and expression.

Aleisa is predominantly self taught, having participated in workshops and skill sharing with fellow members of Port Macquarie Art and Craft Centre. She is also a

member of the Australian Ceramics Association.

She finds inspiration in the diversity and unpredictability of the textures, patterns and colours of the hinterland and coastal environment, seeing beauty in the flaws, scars and imperfections that are often overlooked.

Unit 13 Bellbowrie Park, 10 Bellbowrie St, Port Macquarie 0423 072 663 aleisabyfield.artisan@gmail.com aleisabyfieldartisan.com

Nearly 30 exciting businesses call Bellbowrie Park home.

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Hello Koalas’ Margret Meagher and Winnie the Unicorn magnet/ badge

THE

WINNIE NNIEIE NN

uNIcORN cORN m | Copyright Arts and H as.co ealt koal hA ello ust ral w.h ia ww

I love being able to see some of the most amazing sights From around Australia and I love being able to share this with other people. A big part of my approach with my work is in maintaining a respect for the natural beauty of the amazing views I capture. I'm not a big fan of processing and tend to apply only a few basic editing techniques, contrast and saturation enhancements and very little else - I let the views do most of the work for me.

I would love for you to check out my photo galleries including a collection of wedding photography and an online store with land-seascapes at my new website.

Pose It! Photobooths are also a part of my business Bringing fun, vitality and unique appeal. Photo Booths are guaranteed to bring out the creative spirit of your guests and add a touch of hilarity to traditional photography for your next function.

rie Stre

et

www.mattjorgensenphotography.com.au Unit 17-10 Bellbowrie St Open by appointment. info@mattjorgensenphotography.com.au Instagram - matt_jorgensen_photography Facebook - Matt Jorgensen Photography

B

Hello Koalas sculptures featuring heritage and cultural designs that celebrate the richness and diversity of the Port Macquarie-Hastings region, past, present and future.

The Treasure Hunt is one of 40 satellite events as part of Port Macquarie-Hastings Council’s Bicentenary Celebrations.

To find out more and register, go to www.hellokoalas.com Visit Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail Gift Shop, Unit 16, 10 Bellbowrie Street, Port Macquarie Opening Hours during the Bicentenary (10 – 18 April) - daily 10am to 4pm.

(At other times, opening hours: Tuesday to Thursday 10am to 3pm). Enquiries info@hellokoalas. com or phone/text 0416 641 482 et

Since discovering photography in 1991 I fell in love with it immediately

rand new Hello Koalas sculpture Winnie the Unicorn is coming to the Hello Koalas Gift Shop in April and will sprinkle a little magic on local history by leading our special Bicentenary Treasure Hunt from 10 to 18 April.

Myths and legends of unicorns have captured human imaginations for more than 2000 years. Now one of these elusive creatures, with its single spiralling horn and rainbow colours, has taken Koala form!

The amazing Winnie the Unicorn is taking up permanent residence at the Hello Koalas Gift Shop at 16/10 Bellbowrie Street, Port Macquarie. Congratulations to artist Pauline Roods and our fibreglass specialist John Belfield for this wondrous creation.

Winnie will also help you make history in our Bicentenary Treasure Hunt to find 30 specially selected

rie Stre

PHOTOGRAPHY

Hello Koalas Gift Shop Welcomes Winnie the Unicorn!

B ellb ow

JORGENSEN

PC PITSTOP, CASSERA'S CAFE, BOTANIC MERCHANT, HELLO KOALAS Come in to Bellbowrie Park to discover these and many other businesses and services

Ha

Be llb ow

MATT

Hello Koalas Gift Shop

s ti n

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H a s ti n g

s R iv e r D r i ve

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E R I N

D E N H A M

Town beach will come alive this June for Ride the Wave, with a festival-like atmosphere where there’s something on offer for everyone, whether you come to compete or explore in your hometown. Founder and director of M.A.D. Erin Denham has been busy behind the scenes preparing the festivities for everyone to enjoy.

H

i Erin. This JUNE, thanks to M.A.D., Port will see the newest Surf Skate and Sun festival hit its shores – Ride the Wave festival. Tell us about the

community event and its aim.

Ride the Wave has been in the ‘pipeline’ for

a couple of years. It aims to be the premier surfing and skateboarding event held in regional NSW. Port Macquarie will welcome over 150 competitors to the Ride the Wave: Surf & Skate Festival scheduled for 18th-20th June 2021.

This is a charity community event which 56 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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will see competitors vie for major prizes in a combined surfing and skateboarding Festival.

100% of the entry fees will be donated to our “Make a Difference Mobile Food Van Service” to support people experiencing homelessness in our local area. Ride the Wave aims to raise over $20,000. The festival will involve a 3-day surfing competition as well as a skateboarding competition, and a food and music festival that includes market stalls and activities for children on Saturday 19th June.

What’s on offer for the competitors?

There are several exciting competitions within Ride the Wave with over $7,000 in prizes or prize money on offer with gear from

Rip Curl, Volcom, Live Sunglasses, Saltwater Wine vouchers and loads more. The Surfing competition will see riders come from all over NSW to compete in the Under 12, Under 14, Under 16 and Open Men’s and Women’s divisions. The Skateboard competition will involve skaters competing in the Under 16 and Under 12 divisions, with a Scooter exhibition section where participants can showcase their skills and best tricks.

We recently shot a promotion video for RTW with local ambassadors Ollie Hudson, Kayle Enfield and Lola Styles (Surfing), Rhys Evans (Skate) and Albie Watson (Scoot). It was great to interview our local up and coming talent and hear how excited they are to take part in a competition in their home town. These kids rip and are fine ambassadors for their sport.

The entries are flowing in with some big names amongst the field already, including Kash Brown, recently crowned Rip Curl Grom Search National Champion.

We are also launching a ‘Live Set’ Ride the Wave Online Battle of the Bands competition leading into the event with the winning entries playing a live set at RTW and at Settlers in on Friday, 18th June. madpmq.com.au/ride-the-wave/events And the visitors?

The Town Beach precinct will come alive with a festival-like atmosphere being created on Saturday, 19th June with market stalls, food vendors and fun-filled family entertainment with face painting, jumping castles and laser tag.

A special addition to this festival is the over 18s “Barrel Room” beer garden complemented by live music on the main stage. A Battle of the Bands virtual competition will run in the lead up to the event with the winning band performing on stage live at Ride the Wave. There will also be a short film and photography competition leading Make a into Ride the Wave, Difference PMQ with winning entrants provide emergency showcased at the official assistance in times of “Swell at Setts” party on need and we connect Friday night. with social services There is so much on to restore dignity, offer for locals and visitors pride and hope in the with this new and unique delivering a food most vulnerable festival. We are inviting service to our friends members of our you to have a front row living rough on community #locals seat to all the action at the streets of Port the beautiful town beach supporting locals.

Macquarie and early foreshore. A bonus – you in the year we assisted should be able to use your with bushfire relief in Dine & Discover voucher Willawarrin.

In 2021 the goal is to focus on for the music part of the event. Watch this the coffee machine fit-out and maintenance of space. the van.

In 2022 we will turn our attention to 100% of entry fees are being donated to those suffering from issues relating to domestic the “Make a Difference Mobile Food Van violence in our community, whilst maintaining Service”. How does this service support our commitment to those living rough and our most vulnerable community members? providing additional emergency assistance if Make a Difference PMQ is a not-for-profit needed. charity organisation based in Port Macquarie.

Who have you partnered up with to bring Driven by values of love, respect, hope and compassion we advocate for the disadvantaged this event to life?

Ride the Wave is supported by a partnership and marginalised in our Mid North Coast with Surfing NSW and Port Macquarie-Hastings community. Make a Difference PMQ provide Council that includes an extensive marketing emergency assistance in times of need and and advertising campaign to reach a broader we connect with social services to restore audience for this event in its inaugural year. dignity, pride and hope in the most vulnerable We have also been overwhelmed with members of our community #locals supporting support from local businesses both through locals. major corporate sponsorship or in-kind such Each year Make a Difference PMQ sets as the Focus. To have so many businesses fundraising goals that include maintenance of come on board in the event’s inaugural year is our M.A.D. Van. This van is used to achieve extremely promising. our mission and operates not only as a mode We are super excited to present Ride the of transport but as a food and coffee van.

Wave to our local community and see it Funds raised from our major events and sales grow in the years to come. We are incredibly of coffee from our van are directed to our grateful for the support from the following fundraising goals.

In 2020 our mobile food van assisted in local businesses, some of whom have been

supporting us for years now. The relationship that M.A.D has with our local community is very special and all to support a great cause.

HEM Property, Coastline Credit Union, Men at Work, Port City Bowling Club, John Oxley Motors, Saltwater Wine, Stormriders, Settlers Inn, AreCreative, Dragonfly Marketing, Web Studio and Wilson Visuals.

We are also incredibly well supported by the many local people involved with the Port Macquarie Surfboard Riders Club, MNC Girls Surfriders Club, ALS, Port Macquarie Surf School and Soul Surfing. The collaboration of so many people to bring this event to life is what makes our community such a vibrant and fantastic place to live.

When is it and how can people jump on board as either a competitor, sponsor or visitor?

Ride the Wave will run from 18th-20th June.

Jump on over to our social pages and website for more information about entry details, the event program and our sponsors. We are seeking to partner with an accommodation group in town. Please contact us if you are interested.

On behalf of our M.A.D. team – thank you to our amazing community for your continued support.

Head on over to madpmq.com.au/ride-thewave/events for entry requirements and more info.

Thanks Erin.

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S H AY L A M I TC HEL L

In three short years, Shayla Mitchell has gone from learning the basics of hi ing a tennis ball, to stroking a tennis ball with smooth precision. Being actively involved in the sport and working towards perfecting her skills, Shayla is quickly moving up the ladder – look out Ash Barty.

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i Shayla. Your love of tennis has steadily grown over the years and equally your abilities. Before we get into that, please introduce yourself to our readers.

Hello readers. I am glad to get this opportunity to discuss tennis because I love the sport. My name is Shayla Mitchell and I now attend MacKillop College. I love school, try hard in all my subjects and really adore all of my friends there. Life’s pretty good and I am lucky for that. Loving school, being around mates and then getting I always look to play tennis as an out of forward to turning school activity keeps me up for lessons, squad happy and healthy. I also training, competitions and really love animals and it regular hits. I enjoy the would be cool to become a Veterinarian one day. sport so much because it’s Picking up a racquet at something I have a passion 11 years of age, you’re for and it gets me outside now playing within getting fit and active. the high performance and adult groups with Goodwin Tennis. What was it about the sport that got you hooked and why do you enjoy it so much?

When I was eleven years old, I chose tennis as an elective sport at school. I wasn’t that

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taking out some in-house and away comps. How proud are you of your own achievements so far?

Throughout the three years I’ve been playing tennis, I’ve been very proud of my achievements because I’ve done well in competitions despite the short amount of time I’ve been playing.

Although some competitions don’t go as planned and I don’t play as I would have hoped to, I still focus on the areas I struggled with and continue to train hard to get better for the next competition. I did well in some JDS comps last year and even won one in Taree. Because of that I got invited to Grafton for a regional comp and then qualified to go to Inverell.

You’re certainly dedicated to your sport.

What training does it involve and what are you most looking forward to in the 2021 season?

Each week my training involves a private lesson with Matt Goodwin on Saturdays. I feel lucky that Westport Tennis Club gave me a scholarship for these lessons. I do squad training on Monday afternoons. I also

I also play in a Tuesday night doubles competition and a Thursday night singles at my club which goes for 10 weeks each term.

These competitions are open and I play against men and women of all ages.

engaged in the sport before going that first day and I had no idea I would end up loving it so much. Dad came to the courts that day and helped out with coaching the other kids, and the previous coach told him that I could strike the ball reasonably well and could see that I had the potential to improve and become a good player.

Later the coach asked my dad to consider bringing me in for another hit. Since then, I have continued to play tennis regularly and I have enjoyed every second of it while aiming to improve my abilities. I always look forward to turning up for lessons, squad training, competitions and regular hits. I enjoy the sport so much because it’s something I have a passion for and it gets me outside getting fit and active. I got hooked on tennis because of my parents who were very supportive of me starting, along with the club members who are very sociable and kind.

Last year you had a great season,

play in a Tuesday night doubles competition and a Thursday night singles at my club which goes for 10 weeks each term. These competitions are open and I play against men and women of all ages. On top of this I also go other days, training and hitting with Dad. Mum and Harmony, my twin sister, come and are learning to play too. In squad training, the group does stamina, cardio and fitness workouts that involves playing games of running around the court a lot, while having punishments of push-ups or burpees if someone is last to finish the race or loses a challenge. In the 2021 season I am looking forward to training with my coach more, developing my tennis ability in all aspects, becoming better friends with the juniors at my club and having a great and successful year in competition where I will not only try my hardest to win, but enjoy the game at the same time.

Who is your inspiration in the tennis world and what big dreams do you have for yourself?

My inspiration in the tennis world would have to be Ash Barty because she is a great player and a natural person, who has remained unchanged due to her fame. Big Dreams? That is an interesting question. I would love to have my own Barty Party if that makes sense.

Thanks Shayla.

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TRACK Championships

AT JUST 15 YEARS OLD, OSCAR JAKEMAN IS SET TO REPRESENT NSW AT THE JUNIOR NATIONAL TRACK CHAMPIONSHIPS THIS MONTH.

Oscar JAKEMAN

T

raining hard, smart and consistently have allowed Oscar to meet his goal, all while gaining insight into where he wants a career as a professional athlete to

progress.

Dad has always had a passion for cycling and that’s where my passion came from. I've been part of Port Macquarie Cycle Club for the last 5 years which is where I started racing, along with the rest of my family.

You have excelled at your sport over the past few years. When was it that you got

Hi Oscar. Congratulations on making it

into competitive track racing and what

into the Cycling NSW track team. Firstly,

had you hooked?

please introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi. I’m 15 years old and currently in year 10 at MacKillop College Port Macquarie. My 60 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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About 3 years ago I trialled for a position with the North Coast Academy of Sport’s Cycling programme. The Summer portion of

the programme involves Track racing. As a Junior it is something that is really important for the development of racing a bike, as you develop the ability to spin and pedal at high speed as a track bike only has one gear and no brakes.

I think it’s the speed on the track and the variety of racing that I enjoy. I also really like the tactical aspect. Tactics in a sprint event for instance are a major part, you really need to use everything you have both physically and tactically to get the upper hand on your opposition.

You’ve certainly got a lot going on. How are you juggling school commitments and training?

Being organised is probably the key to getting the right balance. Obviously school comes first. Mum is an extremely organised person and helps keep the school side of things on track. Dad and my Coach (Aaron Virieux) are the ones that have my training sorted; as my sessions vary in time, it's important that everything lines up. I keep a training diary and Aaron really works all my sessions to fit around school, family and holidays.

Consistency is the key to getting better at

anything. You have to work towards a set goal in little steps. Mum always says it’s like eating an elephant. You can’t do it in one mouthful, you have to do it one bite at a time. I think that’s how I approach both training and school. One bite or step at a time to get to the end goal you set for yourself.

You’ll be racing at the Anna Meares Velodrome in Brisbane this month at the Junior National Track Championships against competitors from all over Australia. Tell us about the competition.

Racing for the NSW Track team is going to be awesome. This has My training has been my goal for the been focused last 12 months and I towards the Team can’t wait to represent Sprint and Team NSW at Nationals.

Pursuit where I The competition is My training has been think we have a real going to be tough. focused towards the Team chance for a great There are a few stand Sprint and Team Pursuit result. My team out athletes, one of where I think we have a mates are equally which is my fellow real chance for a great NSW team mate. focused on pu ing result. My team mates It’s been a great together a strong ride are equally focused on opportunity to have in these events. putting together a strong him to race against ride in these events. as it’s a good gauge Personally I would love of where I’m at compared to the best in the to have a crack at the elimination which is a country. last man standing type event that I have had We will be racing over 5 days in the April recent success in. school holidays. Races are a mix of individual Training hasn’t really ramped up except and team events. I’m confident that NSW have for the intensity and duration of each effort, a good chance to win some team medals and which only go for a maximum of 5 minutes.

I’m looking forward to having a shot at an As a member of Port Macquarie Cycling individual medal.

Club, tell us how they have supported Tell us about your training and you along your journey. preparation and how it has ramped up I started out with the club in the under before the big date.

13 age group. The club is very supportive of My preparation for Nationals is pretty Junior racing and has a history of producing specific. With lots of set drills and workouts to top level juniors that have gone onto having a simulate the effort required during different career in the sport. We have a great facility for events. I currently train 6 days a week (approx kids starting out, with club coaches helping 10 hours). This involves a combination of with skills and a track separate to the road indoor workouts along with motor pacing all of which has helped me develop the skills behind a motorbike to help simulate race speed. Track racing is short and more explosive required to race with confidence. I love that this is a passion that I can share with my in nature compared to road racing where one family with them all racing at the club along race may take a couple of hours.

with many other families who share a love of cycling. Older members of the club have always supported, encouraged and guided me with my cycling and I’m always very thankful for this. The Club was started by Graham Seers who is now Cycling NSW’s CEO and it is always nice to share at a podium presentation with him when I receive a medal.

What are you looking to focus on in the future?

At the moment I am looking forward to seeing how far I can take my cycling. I have recently been selected for Team Rauland as part of their Junior Development squad, with my next focus being the road season and my goal is to be selected for the NSW road team. Of course, it is every cycling kid’s dream to become a professional cyclist, but I’m not putting too much pressure on myself.

I just love racing and look forward to being on every start line. After the National Track Championships, I will be training for the Junior Tours, one of which is being held here in Port Macquarie at the end of May, and the NSW State Road Titles which will also be held in Port in late August. It’s great that Port Macquarie is hosting both of these events and can’t wait for riders from all over the state to come and race in my hometown.

Thanks Oscar.

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it

Vibe S AV V Y VANESSA LAWRENCE

FROM THE STYLE VIBE

Hi there, Ladies & Gents! This month I want to talk about the elephant in the room – does it really cost a lot of money to look good?

S

eriously… I am going to have to say no.

Look, I’m sure we have all been there right? Although I am trained to shop with purpose, I must admit almost every time I visit a Westfield, I end up purchasing something not so practical (but super cute!) and think to myself... ‘These designer pieces really are staples and I’m sure I will wear them forever!’ – Reality Check. This is not always the case!

So, this month I have been doing some research for our LUXE for LESS campaign.

A Beauty and Fashion collab between my good friends at Settlement City and FOCUS Magazine.

And, guess what? A garment (or product) is truly what you make of it! And, double points if it suits your budget, makes you feel good and you’re looking great too.

Long gone are the days of wearing ‘only designer’ pieces – a good sense of style will include a combo of something loved, something old, something new, and something cool.

I am a massive advocate of investing in ‘quality items’ but, have we gone too far in purchasing expensive brands just because of their name?

On my recent visit to Settlement City, I was given a task, find 2 x lounge wear sets (huge right now thanks to COVID), 2 x activewear outfits (also huge in the fight to work off

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those COVID kilos), and 2 on-trend jackets, Over the years I have along with some stylish conducted over 150 looks for the family for styling sessions, from under a hundred bucks wardrobes full of designer each. wear but the client has My findings? Well, I learnt this at a very nothing to wear that makes from a professional young age, growing up them look and feel good, to point of view with little or no money wardrobes that haven’t and taking into for ‘nice’ or ‘new’ been updated since the 90’s consideration the things. but we’ve managed to styles, fabrics, fits, If you have clothes in create over 15 stylish new comfort and price – I your cupboard and just looks from what was was really impressed. a small budget – you available.

Staples like black fullcan make it work, but length tights not $109 more importantly - you – just $35, super comfortable stylish 3-piece can look good and feel beautiful! loungewear for around $100, and a cozy One of the things I loved to see at jacket in this season’s hottest colour; cheap as Settlement City was the fact they still offer chips!

‘Lay By’ and some stores offer After Pay. It’s not a revelation to me; I have always This service gives you the opportunity to believed that you can create an outfit that not purchase a heap of new season clothes and only suits your budget and body shape, but pay them off in affordable increments that suit also your personal style. you budget – and I love that.

Over the years I have conducted over As a child of late-night shopping and 150 styling sessions, from wardrobes full of growing up always on a budget I truly designer wear but the client has nothing to understand how much this offering can help wear that makes them look and feel good, to you and for your family. wardrobes that haven’t been updated since I always shop local where I can. It does not the 90’s but we’ve managed to create over 15 matter if you are visiting Settlement City or stylish new looks from what was available. one of town’s locally owned boutiques, their My one piece of advice, please don’t get service is absolutely second to none. caught up in what you don’t have or can’t Until next time – Happy Shopping! afford.

Vanessa Jane xxx

Free Creative Workshops Keep them entertained while you shop these school holidays Tuesday 6 April – Friday 9 April The little ones can decorate their very own Dream Pillowcase to take home.

Monday 12 April – Friday 16 April Let their imaginations soar as they create a Sand Art masterpiece.

The workshops will be held 10am–2pm daily in front of The Reject Shop.

See settlementcity.com for details.

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†The save prices listed are calculated from the suppliers RRP (Recommended Retail Price) at the time of preparation and where no such price exists is the retail price found at competing retailers. Due to discount policy we may not have sold at RRP. All products subject to manufacturers availability. We reserve the right to correct printing errors.

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Welcome Dr Quintin Wilson to Maven Dental Feldbusch The friendly and caring team at Maven Dental Feldbusch are excited to welcome Dr Quintin Wilson to our Taree practice.

Dr Quintin grew up on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales and moved away from the area during his military service and subsequent dental career. He was delighted to return to his hometown in 2016 and has been faithfully serving the community since. Dr Quintin is passionate about Oral Surgery, Wisdom Teeth Removal and Dental Implants, and has pursued this by further completing a Master’s Degree in Oral Surgery and a Post Graduate Diploma in Dental

Implants.

The experienced team at Maven Dental Feldbusch offers comprehensive services including all aspects of general dentistry, & cosmetic treatments. Our Taree dentists are passionate about providing you with a positive dental experience and promoting good oral health.

There’s no better time to make your oral health a priority, new patients of Maven Dental Feldbusch & Forster can receive a $199* dental check-up, x-rays, and clean! *Terms & conditions apply, to learn more or to book online visit mavendental.com. au/199-offer

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SPECIALIST ORTHODONTIST CHILDREN | TEENS | ADULTS

143A Horton Street, Port Macquarie Phone 6583 8425 info@portmacquarieorthodontics.com.au www.portmacquarieorthodontics.com.au GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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ART

SPLA SH ALISON WILLIAMS

SUPPORT SERVICES FOR YOU

Having a creative outlet where you can explore and feel safe is important to everyone. Support Services For You offer such a space each month to those with disabilities and the woman behind ‘Art Splash’ is Alison Williams. Alison has personal experience in the need to connect, assist and find support for people with disabilities, and now dedicates her time to enhancing people’s lives.

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i Alison. Each month, Support Services For You are busy putting smiles on faces, offering those with disabilities a place to get creative and have fun.

Firstly, please introduce yourself and share a little about your background.

I am half of the dynamic duo that established our wonderful business several years ago.

Jodie Candia and I identified a need for a more personalised, compassionate, nurturing and client-focused disability and mental health support service on the Mid North Coast and so Support Services For You Mid North Coast was born. We pride ourselves on specialising in disability and mental health with our main objective being to enhance our clients’ lives by achieving their goals with laughter, trust, pride and creativity in a safe & nurturing environment with highly qualified and NDIS approved staff.

I personally have a uniquely varied background of employment and interests which are solidified and grounded by 25+ years legal background.

My life goal and passion has always been to assist and enhance people’s lives, whether it be via legal channels, holistic therapies, dance and movement, creative and art therapies or 66 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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working with and for the Spastic Centre of Tell us about Art Splash – Art Craft and NSW (Cerebral Palsy Alliance).

Movement workshops and how it came When I became a mother of a child with about.

Autism Spectrum Disorder, the battle to find Art Splash was created as we could see assistance, education and support was soul a need to give our clients and others in our destroying, a feeling of being so alone with wonderful community another outlet to get nowhere to turn. I knew then my goal was out and about, meet new people and enjoy still ablaze, to be able life in a safe inclusive to ease people’s angst environment. It was Art Splash was so they never have to really about being created as we could feel how I had felt. To able to offer people see a need to give our be able to offer a solid something else to look direction of unwavering forward to on their clients and others in our support would be such calendar each month, wonderful community a benefit to those that as we absolutely look another outlet to get out live with a disability. forward to it. Spending and about, meet new After spending time with people and people and enjoy life in a several years in an getting to know them safe inclusive industry where I was and have a chat at the environment. unfulfilled, I furthered end of a class with a my education within cuppa is wonderful. It the Community Services and Disability/Mental further assists our clients who require support Health sectors and have now been a part of the with social and community participation and NDIS since its rollout, with a vast knowledge of capacity building, by enabling them to unleash its intricacy, including developing operations to their creativity, laugh, make new friends, support premium personalised service delivery. learn new skills, partake in sensory activities And that is what we do... offer a premium to enhance life skills while enjoying a more personalised service focusing on what matters inclusive lifestyle, join in movement and art most… our wonderful clients!!!! therapy sessions to enhance a sense of calm

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The beauty of giving back to the community is that giving back is its own gift. The secret to living is giving.

and increase self esteem, all in a small personal group.

It really is open to not only our clients but to anyone who wants to have fun, laugh and create some wonderful things to take home.

As a non for profit organisation it’s your way to give back to those in our community who may be doing it tough.

Tell us why this is so important to you?

The Art Splash workshops are not for profit, they provide another level of care that is separate to our business in participation in our community. We provide all materials, morning tea, refreshments, easy access room, friendly support and assistance, and most importantly create broad smiles and lasting friendships.

We all rely on the people around us during the good or bad times for emotional support. As much as this need for connection is ingrained in us, it also goes the other way. This is the essence of giving back to the community – supporting others in the ups and downs of life and especially those that may not have that regular emotional support are extremely important to us at Support Services For You. The beauty of giving back to the community

is that giving back is its own gift. The secret to living is giving. Creating meaning in your life is not about what you do for yourself, it is about how you are able to better the lives of the people around you. Meaning never comes from what you get, it comes from what you give.

It is with this philosophy that we are driven by our company vision “To be the most trusted care provider”, and inspired by our mission “To empower people” we strive to make a very real difference in the community by giving clients the support and empowerment they deserve to live their best lives and reach their highest potential.

Art Splash has been so overwhelmingly popular that we are already taking inquiries for our next 3-month block.

We are committed to caring and sharing the joy with those around us.

There’s a range of activities on offer for clients and individuals, and you also encourage recycle and reuse strategies. Tell us what's on offer.

Every Art Splash block comprises of a 3-month period where each month we have something fun and exciting for all. In

our previous workshops, we had Christmas Creatives, recycled milk bottle planters and the colour your day, paint your feelings art therapy workshops. These were catered to the individuals that were interested in our first block of workshops so we ensure our workshops are within all abilities.

We have been extremely lucky to have some wonderful crafters who kindly and generously donated spare crafting material they were no longer in need of. We truly do live in an amazing community! We also set the task to collect plastic bottles for our planters and anything else of use that we come across. Our office craft cabinet is currently bursting at the seams with fun ideas, it’s a total treasure trove.

Our next set of workshops also align with reuse and recycle with Rag Rug creations, recycled sun catchers, driftwood creations and recycled signs of expression. As new people come to our workshops we get the opportunity to find out what they enjoying doing and what interests them, which leads us to our ideas.

Who can join in and how can they sign up?

Any expressions of interest are most welcome. For further details contact our fun and friendly team on 6583 8966 or email reception@supportservicesforyou.com GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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This husband and wife duo are doing amazing things within our community. Penny’s interest lies in helping women reconnect with their inner wisdom and the relationship with themselves – physically, emotionally and spiritually while Cam has the safety, wellbeing and best interests of women and children front of mind and supports men on their journey of behaviour change at Liberty. We caught up to find out more and share their story…

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i Pen & Cam. You’re both doing amazing things within our community for both women and men. Firstly, for those that don’t know you, please introduce yourselves and share a little bit about your life here in Port.

Thanks for the opportunity to speak about ourselves, although it’s not something we do often!

We moved to Port Macquarie in late 2018, leaving sunny England to be closer to my (Cam’s) family in Port Macquarie. I went to school here, but left to go to uni… and then spent a couple of decades in the UK. We’ve been married for 20 years this November and we have been really lucky to work together for much of our married life.

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with a good opportunity to return to more ‘service’ orientated roles which we’ve both always gravitated towards.

[Pen worked as a The move Charity Co-ordinator back here early in our married life, and Cam has also presented us with worked as a paramedic a good opportunity Yes, we actually in the UK. We’ve to return to more met at a house party both also worked in ‘service’ orientated in London in 2001 government roles within roles which we’ve and, after a whirlwind the UK equivalent of both always romance (we got Correctional Services.] gravitated married about 4 months You met each other in towards. after that fateful Pen’s home country of meeting), we moved England back in 2001 to Oxford and opened the first of three and spent 8 years living and working as little shops in 2003.

This was a traditional wedding photographers. Tell us about cobblers and gift shop, followed by two this time.

ceramic-painting shops, one of which was in Shorncliffe, QLD back in 2006. Unfortunately Pen’s mum got sick and we returned to the UK in 2007 where we both worked in government roles for a few years before gravitating back to self-employment.

We shot our first wedding together in 2010 and were incredibly lucky this coincided with a growing appetite for more honest and organic wedding photography. The business took off, and we had a wonderful 8 years travelling all over the UK and Europe, celebrating people’s love stories and happiness. In 2015 we started offering wedding videography in addition to our photographic services, and spent a further 3 years capturing the most beautiful and wonderful days. It truly was an incredible privilege and we made some wonderful friends in the process too.

Life in Australia was calling you, and in 2018 you packed up to move closer to Cam’s family here in Port. Your earlier careers have now come around full circle and you are both working in service to others. Pen merging your gifts, talents and passions together specialising in women’s health and Cam as a men’s behaviour change specialist at Liberty.

We explore how attitudes influence behaviours and the role of personal choice, responsibility and accountability.

Tell us more about the work you are doing.

Pen – Yes, I feel very lucky to combine all that I love in a way to help women prepare and flow through (peri)menopause with grace and ease. As a Qigong (energy cultivation) teacher, clinical aromatherapist and certified health coach, I work with women 1:1 and in group classes and workshops to develop a deeper awareness and connection with their body, heart and mind, and how intention can transform the way we move through life transitions.

Cam – Yes, I work within the Men’s Behaviour Change sector at Liberty Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Service.

I support men who have used harmful behaviours towards their partners, former partners and children to explore their choices – to understand the impacts upon their families and discuss safer ways of being – as partners and parents. We explore how attitudes influence behaviours and the role of personal choice, responsibility and accountability.

Pen, years ago you gravitated towards qigong both mentally and physically, and you share this practice with others. Can you explain more about the technique, its

benefits and how it differs from the more traditional tai-chi?

I came across qigong for the first time over three decades ago after my mother returned from a visit to Hong Kong, but it wasn’t until a few years ago, when I was reintroduced to the practice, that something ‘clicked’. Maybe it was because of various health projects I was working with at the start of my perimenopausal years, but the language of Qi – life-force energy – and the interconnectedness of all life, really resonated and made me want to explore more. Originating as a study of nature over thousands of years, Qigong is a practice that helps us reconnect with this life force energy by cultivating our awareness and intention through movement, breathing techniques, sound, visualisation, and selfmassage. In Chinese they say, “where the mind goes, the Qi follows” and so what we choose to focus on can have a powerful influence on how we experience life.

Tai Chi falls under the ‘martial’ arm of Qigong and was traditionally practiced as part of a martial arts training. There are similar principles, in that both work with the internal energy of the body and look to increase vitality, reduce stress and find a state of ‘flow’, however Qigong tends to employ simpler, more repetitive movements, whereas Tai Chi involves a longer set of movements.

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The term Menopause has become very medicalised. The truth is, this is a time of honouring our bodies and a right of passage for women and the conversation around this topic should be had years before we even get there. How have you merged your passions together to help prepare and support women who find themselves moving into this time of their lives?

Absolutely! It’s so important that we are talking about and normalising menopause and, more importantly, that menopause actually marks the day that you haven’t had a period for 12 months, but the journey to menopause – peri-menopause – is what most women actually experience.

My Qigong practice was pivotal (and continues to be) in reconnecting my body with my heart and my mind. Approaching my own health and wellbeing from this holistic perspective, and with a growing and 70 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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likely we’re able to articulate and advocate for what we need – physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Cam, tell us about the work you’re doing with Liberty as a men’s behaviour specialist and how you support men on their journey of behaviour change.

The work I do at Liberty has the safety, wellbeing and best interests of women and children front of mind. I work to support men to explore the choices and behaviours that have resulted in their partners, former partners and children feeling hurt, fearful, intimidated and controlled.

The programs invite men to consider their attitudes and decisions in a respectful, nonjudgemental space, offering support to them to consider what changes they will commit to in order to be safer partners, parents and co-parents.

I support men by providing a respectful I feel very space to discuss, consider fortunate to and explore their attitudes be able to support that underpin their choice change within my to use behaviours that community... that cause hurt and harm. This I can contribute is usually within one to to women and one discussion and within our registered group work children deepening relationship program which we offer 4 feeling safe. with myself, is times per year. empowering me What do you enjoy to advocate for my most about the work that you do within body in areas where I would have previously the community? deferred to the knowledge of another. Of I feel very fortunate to be able to support course I hugely respect doctors and other change within my community. I am grateful practitioners who are here to help us, but I that I can contribute to women and children believe the best outcomes come from working feeling safe, living lives with dignity by with the professionals supporting us – in supporting men to take accountability and tandem with our own inner wisdom. make decisions that make this possible.

I help women reconnect with this inner PLUGS wisdom through Qigong and aromatherapy by You can find Penny on Instagram at www. inviting them into a practice that develops the instagram.com/qibythesea and can find out trust they can build with themselves. more about classes and workshops at www.

This is particularly important in the lead up qibythesea.com to menopause, because no two women will Liberty celebrates 40 years of providing experience it in the same way. Even if they support to the families of Port Macquarie/ might present with the same challenges, the Hastings this year. Further information about underlying causes (and therefore support the many ways that Liberty advocates for required) could be very different. The more safety and supports our community can be we’re in relationship with ourselves, the more found at www.libertyservices.org.au

I believe the best outcomes come from

WORKING WITH THE PROFESSIONALS SUPPORTING US – in tandem with our own inner wisdom.

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h e i the FAMILY

HOME

M A K E S M O R E S E NS E N OW T H A N E V E R

Current economic conditions in Australia favour those looking to sell property – but this “perfect storm” may not last for long.

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fter a tough 12 months for the Australian economy, recent data has revealed a surprising trend: houses are gaining value right across the country.

According to CoreLogic, prices have been rising since late 2020. In quarter ending January 2021, the national house price rose 3.4 per cent, buoyed by significant gains in the smaller capital cities.

Both Sydney and Melbourne showed decent growth in the quarter ending January 2021 at 2 per cent and 2.1 per cent respectively.

It’s not just the sale price, it’s also the sales volumes that have increased. Sales volumes have increased by a whopping 20.7 per cent in the 12 months to January 2021.

And analysts expect the nationwide growth to continue in 2021. CoreLogic’s Head of Residential Research, Eliza Owen, told the ABC that a combination of low interest rates, improved consumer sentiment and ongoing coronavirus stimulus measures would fuel further rises.

Kate Melrose, Ingenia’s General Manager of Project Sales, calls current conditions “the perfect storm” for those wishing to cash out of the family home.

“The low interest rates really are underpinning the property sector and encouraging people to buy at the moment,” she says. “Auction clearance rates are back at pre-COVID levels, and we’re seeing really solid price escalation.”

But Melrose warns the mid-term outlook is to take control of their financial future by much less certain. “Australia has been incredibly capitalising on the unprecedented market resilient: we’ve stepped out of recession and activity. unemployment’s been OK. But what’s going to What’s more, after the social isolation many happen when government programs wrap up felt during COVID, more and more people in 2021? How will that affect unemployment are seeking a community with likeminded and people’s willingness to neighbours where they take on debt?” can do as much or as What’s more, little as they choose.

Older many of those facing And those who Australians unemployment may need subsequently choose to who cash out of the financial support from move into community their retirement-aged living under the landfamily home now parents. lease model, such as will be in a better “Older Australians who an Ingenia Lifestyle position to help cash out of the family community, can keep their kids if and home now will be in a more of that money in when it’s needed. better position to help the bank. their kids if and when it’s That’s because Ingenia needed. They will also be Lifestyle residents own ready to enjoy travel again when the vaccine their houses but lease the land on which they makes it possible,” notes Melrose. sit. As a result, the initial purchase price is much Additionally, Melrose points out that lower than comparable homes elsewhere. And Australia’s high per-capita immigration rate many residents can access government rental has traditionally been supportive of property assistance to offset the cost of renting the land. prices. “But immigration has all but ceased as a “There’s a mental freedom that comes from result of COVID. The implications of that don’t having more money in the bank,” says Melrose. seem to have flowed through to the housing “In times like these, having that sort of financial market yet, but we’re expecting them to when flexibility is incredibly valuable.” immigration picks up again.”

Learn more about how you can release We have experienced record high enquiry the equity from your home and enjoy a more levels, which has been very encouraging for secure future. Call the team at Plantations by downsizers. Those who have been deferring Ingenia Lifestyle on 0448 714 021 or go to their decision to downsize are now looking liveinwoolgoolga.com.au.

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M i SUPPORT SERVICES

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JOSHUA ROGERS ACTING CEO

i Joshua, Can you please introduce yourself to our readers and your role at MSS? Hi, I’m Joshua, the Acting CEO here at MSS, and I have been with the organisation for just over a decade. I’m incredibly proud to work for an organisation that puts people and communities at the forefront of everything we do. Our mission is to enhance the quality of people’s lives by providing services which enable them to live with dignity and respect and I witness the passion and compassion required to deliver on this goal every day within all our staff.

MSS is an incorporated community organisation which has been operating now for over 30 years. What are the services that MSS offer the community?

MSS offers many services to our local community. Within the Aged Care teams we provide home care packages, home delivered meals, respite care, social outings, home maintenance and modifications, personal care, domestic assistance, and many other essential services which allow clients to remain in their own homes. Our Connected Families team offers counselling, parenting groups, and a variety of support for young families. We also offer a No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS) for people on low incomes and a Community Visitor Scheme for those residing in residential facilities.

You have offices all over the region. Can you tell us where they are and if each office offers something different to the client?

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In Taree we have our head office, which is the centre for our administrative operations, family groups, counselling, NILS, and other services. We also have our Social Hub, which provides both social support and respite and offers a range of fabulous in-house outings including a library, diner, cinema and more.

Our Port Macquarie office is the base for our aged care and NILS clients in the region, as well as the administration that supports them.

In Tuncurry we have our Great Lakes office, this services aged care and counselling clients.

Our Gloucester office serves both family and NILS clients.

We have buses in both Taree and Port Macquarie that operate social outings throughout the area, from lunches, to day trips, to weekends away.

You can pop into any of our offices if you have queries or need to chat to someone about how our services can assist you. We have friendly teams on hand ready to help.

You have just relocated your office here in Port Macquarie, can you introduce us to the staff there?

Our friendly Port team is ready to greet you in our new premises at 161 Gordon Street. Come in and say hello!

We have: • Alana Jackson, Home Support Coordinator • Alison Holborrow, Case Manager • Fiona Hodges, Case Manager • Glenn Basnett, Case Manager • Hayley Griffis, Customer Service Officer • Isobel Hudson, Case Manager

• Kristen Kahler, Case Manager – CHSP • Kristy Byrnes, Case Manager – CHSP • Mark Riordan, NILS Loan Facilitator • Richard Thompson, Manager Home Care – HCP • Treena Heslop, Lifestyle Officer Disability and aged care workers/ volunteers are very much in demand at the moment, what does MSS offer that is different from other industry related businesses?

We are proudly an employer of choice.

We offer a friendly and desirable working environment with great benefits including a Wellbeing Program, flexible working arrangements, Employee Assistance Program, support and supervision, competitive rates and reimbursements, training and development opportunities, staff social events, and many other perks.

We value each and every one of our workers and volunteers, they are the very backbone of what we do, and we take a collaborative approach to ensuring a positive and safe working culture.

What is in store for MSS over the next 12 months?

We have substantial plans for growth during the next year. Some of our areas for expansion within our Aged Care teams in both the MidCoast and Port MacquarieHastings LGAs include bigger and better social outings and increased capacity of our home delivered meals. I’m very proud to be involved with such a fantastic organisation and want us to continue providing aged care with a focus on quality in all we do.

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AUSTRALIAN Unity Enjoy the benefits of retirement living in Port Macquarie with Australian Unity

Rethink what it means to retire The Governor’s Retirement Resort provides the ideal location and surrounds for an enjoyable retirement lifestyle. Set amongst landscaped gardens, The Governor’s offers independent living 2 and 3 bedroom units and supported living 1 bedroom apartments.

Please contact us to arrange your personalised tour. We’d love to show you around in accordance with COVID safe practices.

The Governor’s Retirement Resort 1300 149 290 australianunity.com.au 166 River Park Road, Port Macquarie NSW 2444 Australian Unity Retirement Community homes at The Governor’s are sold under a loan lease arrangement. You will have to pay a departure fee when you leave this village. You will have to share any capital gains received with the operator of this village. For more information please email us at: customercare@australianunity.com. au or call us on: 1300 160 170. AU1662_210315 76 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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here is much more to retirement communities than simply purpose-built accommodation.

Sienna Grange Retirement Community and The Governor’s Retirement Resort aim to enhance an overall sense of well-being for each individual resident by supporting community connections, offering activities and accommodating a variety of hobbies and interests.

Both communities are within walking distance to a range of retail outlets, banks, health and public transport services. Various à la carte restaurants, coffee outlets, affordable bistros and cafés are also nearby—along with locally grown fresh produce and awardwinning wineries that visitors travel miles to experience.

Modern, spacious and stylish, Sienna Grange is set amongst landscaped gardens and offers a choice of two- or three-bedroom residences so there’s always room for friends and family. Each villa has been designed to maximise natural light and airflow with a private courtyard to make your own.

The Governor’s Retirement Resort is surrounded by tropical landscaped gardens with a lagoon as its centerpiece and offers a range of residences for independent living. Choose from centrally located serviced apartments or established apartments and units. Each residence has a spacious terrace, balcony or private courtyard.

As your care needs change over time you can have peace of mind knowing that a variety of services* are available to make life comfortable and convenient while supporting you to maintain your independence. From housekeeping to health checks to running errands, we’ve got you covered. Or if you ever need a higher level of care you’re in the right place with our Aged Care residence on site at Sienna Grange.

Sienna Grange Retirement Community - 28 John Oxley Drive, Port Macquarie NSW 2444 1300 899 759 The Governor’s Retirement Resort - 166 River Park Road, Port Macquarie NSW 2444 1300 149 290 *Additional fees apply

READ We are pleased to announce the release of a new book by local Author/Art photographer, Blair Montague-Drake. The book entitled; A Blue Flag can be A Red Flag: with blue as the metaphor for depression, is a unique view of the sickness known as depression.

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ver 80 people who either had depression or were affected by it, such as a family member, were interviewed in the journey of this book. Blair stated that ‘’As an art photographer he felt compelled to translate each story into imagery that at the very least provoked further comment’ thereby raising the question, is the image truly portraying the symptom. Blair is of the view that artists in many mediums have a unique opportunity in creating connections between their art and aspects of the human story line, perhaps none more so than the pain expressed by mental

sickness. It has been said that ‘A picture can tell a thousand words’ In A Blue Flag can be A Red Flag, the imagery seeks to mirror the narrative of a depressed person’s story.

Blair is of the view that if mental illness is represented in an art form it allows for discussion on another level. Love and loyalty are severely tested in the family or circle of friends of a person suffering from depression, more so when the testing is arrested by denial. It is hoped that this book will help people to identify and understand the symptoms of depression and perhaps help someone get their life back.

OUT NOW A Blue Flag can be a Red Flag - Blair Montague-Drake A remarkable new book dealing with the symptoms of depression... In A Blue Flag can be a Red Flag, Blair Montague-Drake offers us a beautiful window into the complicated and often confounding phenomenon of the clinical condition known as depression. By combining the deeply personal and moving stories of people with depression and their

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families and friends, statements from seasoned mental health professionals, poetry, and exquisitely evocative photographs, Montague Drake has captured the broad range of human expression beyond the limit of words that is essential to understanding this common and all too often poorly understood, part of the human experience.

Book can be purchased online via Earth Images publishing or Bookface Port Macquarie. Earth Images Publishing, 189 Pappinbarra Road, www.earthimagespublishing.com Frazers Creek NSW 2446 info@earthimagespublishing.com 78 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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GemLife.com.au/grb

Rainbow Beach.

A whole new life.

GemLife offers luxury resort-style living with world-class lifestyle facilities on your doorstep.

No entry fees, exit fees or stamp duty Friendly community Pets welcome Gated neighbourhood Extensive first-class facilities Luxury homes Optional caravan and boat storage* Retain your capital gain

Over-50s living on the Mid North Coast.

Sales office now open.

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Ageing-in-place solutions

Call 1800 718 413

*Conditions apply.

The Palm Lake Group is a family owned and operated company that has been developing luxury over-50s lifestyle resort communities for more than 44 years.

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Resort F O R S T E R

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orld-class facilities and industry award-wining architectural homes have put residents’ needs first. Up to now, the vast majority of the homes on offer across the Group have been two-bedroom single-storey dwellings combining open-plan design with functionality. However, Palm Lake Resort Forster Lakes is taking that award-winning design to the next level. Literally.

Some of the most luxurious home designs on offer at the Florida-inspired Palm Lake Resort Forster Lakes will be two-storey abodes, including the ‘Carrabelle’. This spacious home design comes complete with an internal elevator as standard. These slick elevators are equal parts convenience and glamour talking point. At just over 277sqm (29.82 squares), Carrabelle offers two bedrooms plus a third multipurpose room, three bathrooms, a sleek kitchen/dining area, two separate indoor living areas, an alfresco entertaining area, two-car garage and that convenient internal elevator (internal stairs also).

From the ground floor, the elevator takes residents up to what can only be described as a second-level sanctuary. This level exudes relaxation. The master bedroom is here at the front of the home, in all its 4.8m x 4.5m glory. From this bedroom heading to the back

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What has proven to be a key selling point for these two-storey, three-bedroom designs in other Palm Lake Resorts is the fact that a couple and a third (or even fourth) occupant can live together under the one roof quite comfortably.

of the home, residents walk past their cleverly hidden kitchenette and window seat, then continue past their vast walk-in robe and handy study nook to the light-filled oversized ensuite with double vanities. Alongside the master suite is a second separate living area – a true ‘retreat’ by name and by its nature.

The home’s second bedroom is also found on this level, to the rear of the home, conveniently alongside a separate bathroom (with toilet).

What has proven to be a key selling point for these two-storey, three-bedroom designs in other Palm Lake Resorts is the fact that a couple and a third (or even fourth) occupant can live together under the one roof quite comfortably. The dual living areas allow for separate TVs for different viewing requirements. They also provide occupants with plenty of room to relax alone, or together – the choice is theirs. And with three bathrooms, there’s always privacy when

it’s needed. Ducted air conditioning, solar power and a local alarm system are the other more hidden details that matter.

Palm Lake Resort Forster Lakes’ Carrabelle home design will prove to be an expansive downsizer for those residents who have left an ample family home, or even acreage, and still need that feeling of space. And, of course, it’s perfect for when the grandkids come to stay.

The resort’s facilities will also impress.

There will be two opulent Country Clubs, a marina with berths for homeowners’ prized watercraft, an eight-rink undercover championship lawn bowls green, exclusive gymnasium, salt therapy room, luxury cinema and much more.

Palm Lake Resort Forster Lakes is now under construction with first homes due to be completed by mid-2021. The Sales & Information Centre is open seven days a week, from 9am-4.30pm for your enquiries. Freecall 1800 577 542 or visit forsterlakes.com.au

Find Florida in Forster.

Relish a truly coastal lifestyle and world-class amenities at Palm Lake’s newest community, inspired by the design cues and sophistication of Florida style.

Select from eight stunning home designs and make the most of the idyllic Forster Lakes setting, with two five-star country clubs and a private marina precinct.

Embrace your active side, with a Milon gym, our state-of-the-art bowling alley, and a virtual golf centre. Or choose to enjoy a lull in luxury, be it in our exclusive cinema, by the indoor heated swimming pool, or with a delicious chef-prepared dining experience.

You deserve this time to flourish.

Talk to us today.

Call 1800 577 542 | Visit forsterlakes.com.au Email salesforster@palmlake.com.au GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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5% discount for seniors

EVERY

Mon to Fri

Port Macquarie

Sovereign Place

Wauchope

Timbertown

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Final Stage Villa units selling now!

Call us on 5528 5001 to book your tour of our Village Construction on Stage 3B, the final stage of our Village, has almost finished.

With many units sold off the plan we are down to our last remaining quality villa units at Sunrise Village Tuncurry.

FULLY-FUNDED GOVERNMENT APPROVED HOME CARE PROVIDER

Advantages of Sunrise Village include: n Ageing in place — never move again! n FREE Emergency Nurse response alarms and on-site Nursing staff available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. n Our on-site Nursing staff provide care in your own villa unit, adapting as your needs change. n Home Care accredited providers. Bring your current Home Care package OR we will facilitate a fully-funded package for you. n Our Village is pet-friendly.

PET FRIENDLY You may have to pay a departure fee when you leave this village.

Fully-equipped kitchen in your own villa OR meals in our community dining room.

The choice is always yours. n Couples can stay together regardless of individual health care needs. n You choose and change the type and level of domestic and care services as you need. n The village can cater for dementia and palliative care.

For more information, please visit our website: sunrisesupportedlivingtuncurry.com.au n

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A MOMENT

Mayor WITH THE

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PETA PINSON

M AYO R O F P O R T M A C Q U A R I E HASTINGS COUNCIL

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I’m devastated to see our community go through hardship once again.

he last few weeks have been really tough and we’re all doing our best to deal with the devastation that the floods brought to our

region.

I’ve met many people who have lost not just their homes, but their possessions, and important mementoes that are not able to be replaced. And it is these people who not only turned up looking for assistance at the evacuation centres, they got on and provided assistance to others.

As soon as the skies were blue and I was able to get out, I headed down to North Haven to help with the massive cleanup job. I was moved to work alongside community members, business people, volunteers, and anyone able to help support those affected through the devastation.

But I was also aware we were just at the tip of a very long term clean up in some of our communities. Thank you to everyone who has come up with energy, trucks, equipment, food, and most importantly, time, to help. In times like these, we all

draw so much strength from the community through drought, bushfires, a pandemic, spirit in action. and now floods. We are blessed to have a Whilst I’ve met many putting on a brave community that is willing to work together, face, I know behind and I’m endlessly the smiles is shock, proud to call the Port bewilderment and Macquarie-Hastings Our Council is pain. No experience region home. committed to do was more humbling, Our Council is all it can to help our inspiring, and committed to do all community through upsetting than helping it can to help our our recovery and the North Haven community through our healing, and it is our community load trucks recovery and healing, utmost priority to and bobcats with and it is our utmost put the wellbeing of their possessions and priority to put the each of our residents the remnants of their wellbeing of each of our lives. I thank all those residents at the forefront at the forefront of who helped support of our minds in every our minds in every these community decision that we make. decision that we members, so they There’s still a lot of make. can move forwards work to be done, but I into the future. It will am ready, our Council take months and years to recover from is prepared, our community is willing, and this tragedy, but we’re stronger and more there is support available. I know we’ll heal resilient than most, as we’ve proven again once again with the support of each and and again. every member of our amazing community.

Over the past two years, we’ve endured Mayor Peta Pinson one challenge after another. We’ve gotten Port Macquarie-Hasting Council GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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CAMPUS

Heather MCGREGOR

CONVERSATIONS

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KATE WOOD-FOYE

FROM CHARLES STURT UNIVERSITY

Heather McGregor is the Director of First Nations Success student at Charles Sturt University and understands that First Nations cultures, knowledge systems and lived experience provide a sophisticated and insightful foundation for higher education learning, and for success in a range of careers. As industries innovate, and some work becomes more automated, the skillsets and world views of First Nations peoples offer wisdom and powerful ways of being, doing and knowing. Genuine inclusion of First Nations peoples, in a culturally safe way, is a key step in strengthening education and research for all Australians. eather you joined Charles Sturt over a year ago, we are incredibly lucky to have you based here on the Port Macquarie campus. Can you share your role and what you hope to achieve both locally and across the university? As Director of First Nations Student Success, I look after a range of services that support First Nations people to succeed with us at Charles Sturt University. I work with an amazing team of dedicated and skilled First Nations staff, and a range of other teams in the University particularly to collaborate on ways to support First Nations student success. My goal is to drive a culture of continuous improvement to our services to ensure they are easy to access, responding to student needs, and delivered efficiently through use of technology. We are planning to launch a few new initiatives this year to offer clear avenues for First Nations students to give us feedback on their experience, in a culturally safe way. Incorporating student voices into our planning and decision making means we can co-design our services and how we define cultural safety in a higher education context.

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You are working to ensure that a culturally safe education and opportunities for First Nations students are at the forefront of all we do. What does this mean in your day to day role? Part of my role is to have regular communication with staff who are working directly with students, and those overseeing student service delivery. A lot of my time is spent on identifying where we have opportunities to improve, or to address issues that might exist at various points in the student lifecycle. I lead conversations with internal stakeholders about how to make systemic changes. For example, we are currently exploring options for a new approach to mentoring for First Nations students; we have a new service in the pipeline to coordinate First Nations Social and Emotional Wellbeing services for our students; we have a First Nations Student Connect App in development to streamline some of our communication and engagement with current students. All these things have resulted from listening to students and staff about opportunities to improve, then driving the changes needed to put new solutions in place.

How has your own journey shaped your views on what is important for the success of First Nations people undertaking tertiary study? In my experience, a sense of connection is a key success factor in tertiary education. I completed a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, and spent a lot of time with the other Indigenous students in the course as a small peer support network. I was lucky enough to later participate in a Master of Indigenous Social Policy course, which offered opportunities to unpack, discuss and debate the content in a culturally safe setting with Indigenous students from various communities. It is important that people study something they are interested in and passionate

about, have access to academic skills support and have support from family to commit to the demands of study. It’s important that we also facilitate ways to feel connected to other First Nations students, to culturally safe spaces, to First Nations staff, to networking opportunities online and in person, and to activities that focus on culture and identity. We need to take a holistic view of success.

What support, programs and experiences does Charles Sturt offer First Nations students? We have a strong track record at Charles Sturt for offering services that are customised to Indigenous students. Based on feedback from students and staff, as well as some of our service disruptions due to COVID, we have unified our services this year. Students can register for “First Nations Student Connect” to gain access to personalised plans developed with First Nations Student Advisers, academic skills advice, individual tutoring, referrals to a range of specialist services, culturally safe networking opportunities online and in person, and access to our seven First Nations Student Centres across our campuses. There is a strong culture across teams in Charles Sturt of being committed to First Nations student success, and we will continue to ask students for feedback and make improvements in collaboration with various teams in the University.

We also offer First Nations access programs, which are a great starting point to find out more about University and gain entry to either a Diploma or selected degrees. Thanks Heather. csu.edu.au/firstnations

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focus_interview P R I E S T

L E G A L

L U K E

P H O T O

C O M P E T I T I O N

A G U I L A R

With a keen eye for photography and the ability to learn on the go, Luke Aguilar has taken out this year’s Priest Legal photo competition. Drawing inspiration from his grandfather and mixing that with an interest in all things technology, Luke has now kick started his career in the world of film.

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i Luke. Congratulations on taking out the Priest Legal photo competition. Before we get into that, please introduce yourself to

our readers.

Hi, I’m Luke Aguilar, I’m 16 and I love photography, adventures and technology. I’m the kind of guy who loves a challenge and gives everything a go. I’m always looking for what I can try next!

You took the winning photo, you must be pretty happy with your achievement.

Tell us about the photo and why you chose this particular one to enter.

I am extremely happy with my achievement and would like to say a massive thank you to Priest Legal for giving me this amazing opportunity. The photo I chose is 88 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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An hour and

definitely a favourite frisbee jump captured 347 pictures of mine. It was taken the moment so well, I later, I was sure I along Flynns Beach at just couldn’t go past it. had the perfect sunset with my sister as The gorgeous sunset shot. Several hours the subject. We were with my sis right in the down there messing later, I had sorted middle made it one around when I thought of my favourite ever through and found “Hey! This could pictures. I am a fan of three favourites to be the perfect time both action shots and pick from. for a Photo Shoot!” sunsets, which having My sister is also into all these elements in the photography, so it’s a one shot is what made constant friendly competition. An hour it stand out to me. and 347 pictures later, I was sure I had the What type of camera did you use and perfect shot. Several hours later, I had sorted where did you pick up your photography through and found three favourites to pick skills? from. One was walking along the beach with I used an iPhone with a professional app the reflection of the sky on the wet sand. called Camera+ 2 to take this photo. This is The second was holding a sparkler up to the a great setup as it allows all the adjustments fading sunset and crescent moon. But the a DSLR camera has, with the benefit of it

being on a HD screen and in your pocket whenever you need it. Basically, the biggest difference between phone cameras and digital cameras is how much adjustment can be done. Phones often can be adjusted in similar ways but are optimised for “Point and Shoot”. By purchasing additional phone software, however, you are able to fix this problem. The second reason I prefer using an iPhone is the ability to learn on the go. iPhone screens are made to show images very clearly, allowing me to tell straight away whether I got a good picture. While digital cameras often can take slightly better image resolution than phones, I find that the best photo opportunities are often the ones you don’t plan for. I know I am much more likely to have my phone handy to capture the moment!

I learnt my photography skills from a few places, however I still have plenty to learn! From a young age, I was interested in technology and would mess around with anything I could use or pull apart. My grandpa does photography, radio presenting and film editing, so I always learn from him.

I admire and want to be like him. Hearing all the stories about films he had made and interviews he did inspired me so much as a young kid. He taught me all about different cameras, how to use them and all the basics of photography. I have fond memories of the many projects we would do together.

One time, I had built a volcano science experiment. I wanted it to be spectacular, so I convinced him we needed to rig three cameras and a green screen. Next up was filming remote control cars, which my cousin and I love to experiment with. Then it was strapping phones to the cars, adding lights and much more. So many more projects followed, all from which I have learnt invaluably.

I’m big on “Just go give it a try!” I love to just mess around with cameras to figure out what works. I believe being out in the field practising and trying things truly is the best way to grow.

You’re currently in year 11 at SCAS. What path is your education directed towards and is photography something

One time, I had built a volcano science experiment. I wanted it to be spectacular, so I convinced him we needed to rig three cameras and a green screen. Next up was filming Remote Control Cars, which my cousin and I love to experiment with.

you are looking to pursue in the future?

The subjects I am taking are Design & Technology, Business, Physics, Advanced and Extension Maths, PDHPE, and English. I know it’s a fair spread, I figure if I can learn in as many different areas of interest as possible I have the most opportunities.

Design & Technology and PDHPE are very practical subjects. That means we learn through using our skills and trying things, which is definitely my style. When I was selecting subjects, everyone would always ask me “What do you want to do when you grow up?” To this day I still don’t know.

I often think about the many different careers I have heard about but I don’t know of any I wouldn’t get bored with. I have many passions from Mountain Biking, DJing, Photography, Remote Control Toys, Computers and more. I couldn’t pick just one! Photography, however, is something I am going to pursue in the future as it is valuable to all different hobbies and areas.

No matter what I end up doing, I’m sure it

will take part. Between my dad and I, we have come up with all sorts of crazy ideas like to have cameras on drones following us through the bike tracks, or to perform aerial inspections with live footage. I know the options are endless and I have so many uses for photography already!

Where to next for you?

This competition has actually kick started a journey for me. I have always been interested in starting my own business / freelance work, so I started thinking about how I could put some of my skills to use. After talking to Mr Priest, I was hired to create a video advertisement for Priest Legal. I loved this and have decided to start offering my services to companies in my community.

I have previously made countless films of all types such as TV or Social Media ads, short films and trailers, project reveals and many more! If you are in need of a film or advertisement of any sort, email me at luke.a.aguilar@gmail.com to have a chat!

Thanks Luke.

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ST AGNES’ PARISH ST ST AGNES’ AGNES’ PARISH PARISH KIDS INSPIRE KIDS KIDS INSPIRE INSPIRE

Year 7 Enrolments 2022 Information Nights & School Tours: 2022 26, 27 April 2021 Year 77 Enrolments Year Enrolments 2022 Year 77 Enrolments Information Nights & School Tours: 2022 26, 27 April 2021 Year Enrolments enrolinexcellence.org.au Information Nights & School Tours: 2022 26, 27 April 2021 Information Nights & School Tours: 26, 27 April 2021 Informationenrolinexcellence.org.au Nights & School Tours: 26, 27 April 2021

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IMAGES COURTESY OF LINDSAY MOLLER PHOTOGRAPHY AND CHRIS AT MERAKI PHOTOGRAPHY

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Illuminate it KATE WOOD-FOYE

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.

Fresh from a stellar International Women’s Day interview with friend, fashion maven and bestselling author Samantha Wills, Stacey Morgan is a business woman on a mission, set to launch yet another amazing project. This savvy “slashy” (Dancer/creative /principal /podcast producer /entrepreneur/mother/ wife/role model) has a heart of gold, unending talent, drive and positivity that literally shines through all she does – and believe me there is plenty!

I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with Stacey on many events and took the chance to turn the tables and get some insight into her business journey.

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ongrats Stacey on your highly entertaining session with Samantha – a nod to your days in radio and your current business coaching work with your brand, Simply Stacey Morgan. You and Samantha really got down to the heart of what it means to be a woman in business with a killer work ethic, ambition and passion for creating highly successful brands. What was the key message you took away from your time on stage with Samantha and can you share any synergies with your own experience in this crazy world of business?

What a pleasure it was sharing the stage with Samantha for IWD 2021. I have always admired the way that Samantha has been very open about her business experience, but her new book ‘Of Gold and Dust’ takes it to a new level. As a woman and as a business owner it was so refreshing to hear her talk about

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I love helping small business owners grow their audience, gain more customers and use their creativity to create a podcast that is uniquely them.

the behind the scenes view of what was really going on during those big launches, the New York parties and the success of her brand.

Sometimes in business we can look outwards and feel like we are the only ones struggling on the inside; speaking with Samantha and reading her fabulous book gave me the assurance to know that even on a global scale, every business is going to have its good days and its bad days, it’s all about how you dust yourself off and get back out there, something that Samantha does with such grace and poise.

Whilst many know you for your role as Principal of the hugely successful Port Macquarie Performing Arts, you have developed a suite of other businesses including your personal brand Simply

Stacey Morgan and podcast production company Morgan Media. Tell us how those businesses came about.

Morgan Media produces podcasts for my own brands and for other people’s businesses, I love helping small business owners grow their audience, gain more customers and use their creativity to create a podcast that is uniquely them. I think everyone has a podcast inside of them, I help people make that dream a reality!

And I have been coaching small business owners under the banner of Simply Stacey Morgan since 2017. With 18 years in business myself and currently owning three businesses, I have a real passion for sharing my learnings with others; simply, without embellishment, telling it like it is. As a Mum of three, I’m also acutely aware of the juggling act that

S TAC E Y M O RG A N

I'm also acutely aware of the juggling act that is parenthood and entrepreneurship and I want to support ambitious women to help them realise that it IS possible to run a successful business and still have a life!

is parenthood and entrepreneurship and I want to support ambitious women to help them realise that it IS possible to run a successful business and still have a life!

How important has risk been to the success of your journey?

Starting your own business is a risk within itself, so you have to brave in business from the beginning, there’s no getting out of it. I am glad that when I started PMPA I was relatively young and with youth came a certain level of naïveté; I look back and think wow, I made some big and brave decisions. We grew really fast in our first two years, I took on hundreds of new students, expanded our premises, recruited dance teachers from overseas, took our students on an International tour and thinking back, that all took a lot of big decision making and faith in what we were building. But I feel like taking risk in business gets easier, it’s like a muscle, the more you work it the stronger it gets and the easier the reps become. I certainly did a lot of reps in those early years, and that’s got us to where we are today, with an incredible community of loyal and supportive dance families.

What is the hardest lesson you have learned in business?

The hardest lesson is one that I keep learning over and over and that is that you won’t please everybody. Luckily as the years go on, I care less

about what people think of me and instead make my decisions based on what will do the most amount of good. I think in the early years of our business, we try hard to keep the waters smooth, to not rock the boat and to not upset anyone, but often that leads to us making decisions that don’t align with our values, just to keep everybody happy. I now understand that there will always be people who disagree with me and that’s ok, I just keep turning up, doing my best and working as hard as I can to build something I, my team and my students can be proud of.

How instrumental were mentors in your journey and trajectory? What is the most valuable lesson they taught you?

I am so lucky to have had my business mentor Glenda Hamilton for the last 9 years. Glenda and I originally met through the Port Chamber and HBWN mentoring program; she has been with me through the good and the bad, her consistent advice, her passion and her belief in me has been what has kept me going through each of the stages of my life and business. It’s hard to pinpoint one valuable lesson as there have been so many, but if I had to it would be the importance of planning, forecasting and not just jumping in and actioning a new idea without giving it some strategic focus. I’d like to think after 9 years I am less impulsive than I used to be. What do you think Glenda? :)

Alongside the many business owners you consult locally, you also have clients from USA, Canada, New Zealand and across the world – word on the street is you are about to launch your first Mastermind program for Women in Business… Can you let us in on what your THRIVE mastermind entails and how local business owners can get involved?

Launching on April 19th, THRIVE mastermind brings together a strong community of likeminded women who run their own business through a 6-month coaching program helping them grow and scale their successful business.

A combination of group coaching, 1:1 strategy and implementation sessions and accountability, THRIVE is for any woman who feels like their business is currently running them (instead of them running their business!) At time of print, there are four places left in this year’s THRIVE intake, to learn more join me on Instagram @simplystaceymorgan or find me online at simplystaceymorgan.com For a taste of the type of conversations we will be having in THRIVE, I’d love you to join me for my upcoming free webinar on April 8 in which I’ll be helping you remove the overwhelm, gain control of your time and build a business that supports your lifestyle. I hope you can join me!

Thanks Stacey!

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BUSINESS

VOICE it MICHAEL MOWLE

PRESIDENT PORT MACQUARIE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

One year on from the initial COVID-19 restrictions and a snapshot of our economy shows the remarkable resilience of private enterprise.

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ost businesses in our region have returned to normal or close to normal operations and many are reporting better trading conditions than previously. The indicators are that this is being driven by a real estate boom coupled with lifestyle purchases such as home renovations, new cars and caravans.

A reported drop in unemployment to 5.8% nationally is backed by a recent report citing some 60,000 job vacancies across NSW. The report by Roy Morgan Market Research details that the jobs by sector include 6300 in trades and construction, 5700 in information/ communications and some 5680 in the health industry. This is certainly good news for job seekers with qualifications and skills matching those sectors.

There remains a reported shortage of semiskilled labour in the hospitality and tourism industry for those business trying to meet higher demands since COVID restrictions eased. The end of JobKeeper last month should address this in part by removing the unintended labour market distortion caused by the scheme which has been generally hailed has having saved our economy nationally.

In terms of planning for the future growth in our region, the Fernbank and Sancrox

Structure Plan for a new release area which Last month council also adopted a will provide a supply of up to 3000 residential resolution to prepare an “Integrated Strategic lots was recently endorsed by council for Road Network Masterplan” and work in exhibition mid year. This area includes land partnership with NSW State Government on at Fernbank Creek prioritising the delivery Road, Oxley Highway, of such infrastructure.

There remains Billabong/Bushlands The author of the Notice a reported Drive, Sancrox Road of Motion, Councillor shortage of semiand Rawdon Island Hawkins, and council skilled labour in the Road. This is a long term as a whole is to be hospitality and strategic planning project commended for this tourism industry for by council which is initiative which now those business trying critical to ensuring future formally recognises Port to meet higher land supply is made Macquarie’s substantial available for commercial, and ongoing growth demands since industrial, residential and and the need to address COVID restrictions recreational uses whilst a backlog of major eased. protecting environmental road upgrades in close corridors. cooperation with the NSW The supply of land to market via an orderly State Government. strategic planning process is an important Chamber Executive have also recently aspect of ensuring such land is available for met with the new General Manager, Dr development in a range of zones, product Clare Allen, and had productive discussions classes and by as many owners as possible. around the future needs of the local A free market with good supply and choice business community. Key road and services will ultimately lead to better outcomes for infrastructure projects required to meet the housing affordability and cost of living. The ongoing growth of Port Macquarie was noted Fernbank and Sancrox precinct represents one as the priority from a business perspective. of the very few long term future growth areas Dr Allen has also indicated a strong desire available to council and is therefore quite to engage with the business community strategically important for employment and and provide updates on key projects at a housing growth over the next twenty years. networking event later this year.

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PROPERTY GUIDE

SOVEREIGN

HILLS D I S P L AY V I L L A G E

The very latest in new home design and technology has been unveiled in the new Sovereign Hills Display Village, now open and awaiting your visit.

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he Hastings’ biggest these quality builders to Sovereign display village is Hills. Each brings a wealth of new showcased within the home construction experience ultimately Sovereign Hills master offering visitors even more design choice, planned community in building advice and inspiration when Port Macquarie. planning their next home.”

York Street is the York Street is a walk-through display setting for Sovereign Hills’ third display village, with parking at both ends, allowing village and the most sustainable yet, with 21 visitors to wander more freely and safely display homes from 15 leading builders. between homes.

They include Builders have builders: Adenbrook ventured outside the Homes, Better Homes box to deliver unique Smart home & Developments, Coral single and double systems, Homes, Hotondo storey homes complete innovative kitchens, Homes, McDonald with classic and clever storage Jones Homes, Perry contemporary facades, solutions, energy Homes, Pycon Homes while responding to the saving techniques, a and Constructions, needs and desires of wine rack which Sorensen & Caldon their customers. doubles as an art Builders, Stroud Homes From high-end installation… and Vaughan Homes. kitchens and luxurious “Builders have raised parent retreats, to study the stakes, showcasing nooks, open plan living, striking cutting-edge designs constructed to and resort-style entertaining areas complete an exceptional level,” exclaimed Sovereign with pools, builders have truly demonstrated Hills’ Michael Long. how in 2021 a home can become your Joining the village for the first time in haven.

2021 are Rob Tate Homes, G.J. Gardner There are also many display village Homes, Hibbard Homes, MOJO Homes and firsts. Hotondo Homes has achieved an Metricon.

8.6 NatHERS (energy) star rating through “We’re extremely excited to welcome features such as polished concrete flooring,

skylights, upgraded insulation, and passive heating and cooling techniques.

“This is our greenest village to date, as builders embraced solar power and employed more energy-saving products to reduce their carbon footprint.”

Rob Tate Homes is behind the village’s first duplex design as their popularity soars with not just investors but family members who want to live together or downsize and rent one side to generate an income.

Adenbrook Homes has transformed an entire home into a ‘design and build gallery’ enabling clients to make their colour and inclusions selections on site.

The village is also a destination for lovers of home décor and interior design. Visitors will notice a distinct Hamptons influence and a minimalist approach by some builders.

Builders are anticipating another busy year ahead as more clients seek a new home to suit their new lifestyle in a regional area.

The display village builders welcome your visit. They’re open 7 days between 10am and 4pm on York Street, Sovereign Hills, Port Macquarie. www.sovereignhills.com.au GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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First home, next home, forever home…

Your next home starts at the new Sovereign Hills Display Village York Street, Port Macquarie

15

Leading builders VAUGHAN

HOMES “Your local builder”

Open daily 10am - 4pm | York Street, Port Macquarie | sovereignhills.com.au 100 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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New homes

The Sovereign Hills Display Village means more…

Expert building advice | Innovative and sustainable designs Homes for all budgets | 1000s of designs to choose from

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G.J. Gardner HOMES

G.J. Gardner are back building in Port Macquarie which is super exciting. Holly and Drewe Timewell are the new owners of this awesome company.

D

rewe, what is your and implement it in our own business G.J. experience in the Gardner Homes. building industry?

What are you most looking forward to My construction career when it comes to living and working in has seen me travel all the area? parts of the globe, My wife Holly and I have moved to the from high end ski field Port Macquarie Area projects in the US to with five of our seven My wife Holly and I major projects in coastal children, moving from have moved to the cities and inland towns the south coast of Port Macquarie Area with across Australia. I started NSW where we lived five of our seven children, an apprenticeship in a small close knit moving from the south when leaving school to community for 20 coast of NSW where we obtaining my builders years. We, as a family, lived in a small close knit licence and ran my own are looking forward community for 20 years, residential building to new opportunities, we, as a family are company from an early connections and looking forward to new age. relationships within I have studied and the community. opportunities, connection progressed my career We are excited to and relationships within through all aspects of build our business in the community. the building industry, the area and expand and for the past 15 our services to the years have worked in high end commercial wider community, offering a unique building project management. I’m now driven to experience in all parts of the process, and bring all my building experience together making connections in the industry and

SOVEREIGN

HILLS D I S P L AY V I L L A G E

working closely with local tradesmen who embody our same values and passion for excellence.

You are currently creating a brand new office in the centre of Port Macquarie, can you tell us what customers can expect when they come to your showroom?

Customers can expect to see an extensive design studio with a comprehensive range of fittings and fixtures, ranging from kitchens and bathrooms through to floor coverings.

Customers will have access to our in-house colour consultant. We want to make the building process, from design through to handover, a personal experience for our customers and one that can all be done within our office. A one stop shop!

www.gjgardner.com.au portmacquarie@gjgardner.com.au 132 789 0437590203

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BETTER HOMES & DEVELOPMENTS

For almost 40 years, Better Homes has had the privilege of working with clients throughout our region with the ultimate goal always being to exceed home owners’ expectations. The Better Homes brand is owned and operated by three local families who are actively involved in all aspects of the business.

B

eing a family owned business and not a franchise provides us with total flexibility when it comes to designing the home and inclusions to suit the individual needs of the home owner.

We acknowledge the process can be overwhelming, however taking the time required especially during the design and quoting phase will provide comfort that your final design and fixed price quotation covers all your expectations without compromise.

Building strong relationships with our clients through open communication is the key to positive outcomes well beyond home handover.

The team at Better Homes understands the importance of effective, honest and transparent communication as this ensures both parties are on the same page throughout the design, quoting and construction stages, which in turn provides the best outcome possible for all.

Our team is supported by strong relationships with local and experienced trades, suppliers and industry experts who play a major role in the high quality of the finished product we aim to deliver.

These relationships coupled with our experience in the industry allows us to successfully be involved with a range of projects such as subdivisions and villa, townhouse and retirement developments.

The best part of our business is when we hand over a new home. The excitement is always contagious.

At Better Homes we present three inclusion ranges for our clients to consider, Silver, Gold and Platinum. All levels offer quality and well-tested products and finishes without compromise, however total flexibility remains our focus as we welcome the opportunity to tailor inclusions to the individual needs of each client.

The quality of workmanship is paramount to the integrity and longevity of any home, irrespective of the level of inclusions. The best way to have a clear understanding of our product is to view our Display Home, homes under construction and testimonials from past clients. Our display features our Platinum level inclusions as well as a range of additional options for consideration.

Communication is the key to building strong open and honest relationships with new home owners.

We achieve this by having experienced people working with our clients at every stage. Whether it be our new home consultant who is actively supported by designers and our quoting team or our designated client consultant who personally guides them through the construction of their new home, they all play a role when it comes to our goal of exceeding client expectations.

Our relationships with all clients goes well beyond the handover of their home.

Building a new home, whether it’s your first, forever home or an investment property, can look to be a daunting process. Having a clear roadmap moving forward provides peace of mind while also making the journey an enjoyable experience.

We understand that everyone’s circumstances are different with flexibility during the building process being the key to an outcome that exceeds expectations. Your new home journey with Better Homes from the design and quoting stage through to construction, home handover and beyond will be tailored to each and every client. Our New Home Consultants welcome the opportunity to discuss what’s important to you.

Where Everything is Included Taking the time required during the design and quoting phase is essential to ensure all aspects of the new home build are covered and included. This transparent approach does eliminate uncertainty and avoids those unexpected overruns.

Every client we work with has specific design and inclusion needs and as an independent local building company we have the ability to offer complete flexibility in this area. Once we reach the stage of a fixed price detailed quotation, the client will have the comfort of knowing that everything they have asked to be included or excluded is detailed in our quotation documentation.

1/2 Murray St, Port Macquarie 15 York St, Sovereign Hills, Port Macquarie (02) 6584 7752 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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HOTONDO HOMES Fiona, Andrew, Dean & Julianne from Hotondo Homes Mid North Coast are a family business who can turn your dream home into a reality.

A

ndrew and Fiona Petterson are brother and sister and their partners, Julianne and Dean, all work together to build new dream homes for families on the Mid North Coast of NSW, from Forster up to Coffs Harbour. With over 15 years’ experience in the building industry, they have a large range of homes to suit every family, individual, budget or lifestyle.

Their attention to detail and customer service has made the experience for their clients a stress-free process. You will also be dealing directly with the family builders making your home a reality on the Mid North Coast.

Hotondo Homes Mid North Coast offers a complete home solution. If you’re looking to build the home of your dreams, there are over 90 flexible floor plans available to choose from. Their knowledge and experience has given them exactly the background they need to make your dream home a reality.

Building Across the Mid North Coast of NSW If you’re looking to build your dream home on the coast of Australia – you’ve come to the right place. With years of experience in the industry, our family of builders service a collection of areas in and around the Great Lakes, Manning, Hastings and Macleay Valley areas.

We have a sales office in the heart of Taree located at 1/11 Manning St, Taree and a brand new display home opening very

soon in Port Macquarie, located at 2 York St, Thrumster, Sovereign Hills. We also have our Design Studio and Colour Selection Office, which opened in the middle of 2020, located at 79 Hastings River Dr, Port Macquarie.

Come and speak with our friendly sales team at either the sales office in Taree where you will meet Steve, or the Display Home in Port Macquarie where you will meet Dean and Heather. They will be able to guide you through the building process and offer you advise on flexible floorplans, land, finance, and all the latest products available to build your dream home.

We are currently working out of the Port Macquarie display home garage and sales office space while the rest of the home is under construction. We can’t wait to reveal the final Display Home to everyone very soon. The home displays many new products, especially our environmental products.

We have used mostly eco products and finishes thoughout the home, so clients are aware of ways to make their home more environmentally friendly and affordable.

Once you have selected the perfect floorplan and land to build your home, you will meet Fiona, Julianne, Trish and Belinda at the Design Studio where you can select all the products and finishes for your home. The design studio showcases our three ranges of products, so the client can select within these range or upgrade. They are able to view the variety of products we have available on display in a real bathroom or kitchen format.

The space has an inviting feeling with space

to move between the different areas so clients can easily see and feel the products they would like to use in their own home.

Andrew is the builder and has many years of experience building in the area. He has a great network of suppliers and contractors who have supported him during the years he has been building with Hotondo Homes. Andrew says, “The building process is very easy when you know you have a team of reliable and trustworthy suppliers and contractors to help you achieve a seamless finish!”

For more information, get in contact with our sales team today. They will be able to answer any questions that you may have, and let you know how to get started on your new home journey with Hotondo Homes Mid North Coast.

Call 6583 1034 today 79 Hastings River Drive www.hotondo.com.au GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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bathrooms living outdoor outdoor bathrooms indoor indoor living

Amber Tiles Port Macquaire are the local builders choice

Amber Tiles Port Macquaire are the local builders choice

193 Lake Road Port Macquarie (02) 6581 5066 193 Lake Road Port Macquarie ambertiles.com.au

(02) 6581 5066 ambertiles.com.au

find us on

find us on

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Perry HOMES Mt the builder

Jen Aguilar and Tony Weston

JEN AGUILAR AND TONY WESTON

Established in 1993, Perry Homes is 100% owned and managed

by David Perry and is one of the most trusted names in the building industry.

T

ell us about your team.

I’m a New Home Consultant and have been in the building industry for over 18 years. My job is to help clients find a home design that suits their needs, lifestyle and budget – and find the right block of land.

Working alongside me is Jen, our Colour Consultant. Jen assists our clients in selecting their colours, fixtures and fittings for their new home.

What services do Perry Homes provide?

We build homes for any block – be it flat, sloping, acreage or knock down. We can modify our plans or custom design something to suit a client at no extra charge. We can even provide a complete turn-key home.

Tell us about some current projects.

We are building several beautiful acreage homes in picturesque settings in Beechwood, Kempsey, Taree, Failford, Bulahdelah and Nabiac. With migration from the cities, many people are coming here for a lifestyle change.

What are the benefits of building with Perry Homes?

Price, flexibility, value and peace of mind

to name a few. We use all local trades and are established in the area, but we are not a franchise. This means quality assurance across the board and accountability to a central hub.

We only use reputable brands and suppliers, not just the cheapest. We are a debt-free family business. Our warranty insurances aren’t capped like many builders. So, there are no wait times on site starts!

What makes you stand out above your competitors?

Value for money – no hidden costs and no last-minute surprises! Our clients can choose from an exceptional range of products at no extra cost – over 35 bricks, an outstanding range of tiles, multiple garage profiles with 24 Colorbond colours on offer and items such as frameless mirrors as standard.

What is the process with a new client?

The first thing is the land. If a client hasn’t purchased land yet, we can help. Then we look at designs to suit their requirements and budget. After I put together a quote, and it is agreed, we progress to a soil test, contour survey of the land, full working drawings and engineering – all from a $2400 deposit.

What are the top three things people should consider when looking to build?

Lifestyle, budget, location. Know how you will use a space, why have a formal dining room if you won’t use it? Setting a budget is key to finding the right block of land and house design. Location is so important; be sure to research school catchments, nearby shops, and distance to local amenities.

Display Open Sat-Weds 10am-5pm Tony.weston@perryhomes.com.au 0412 967 353

Built to inspire. Built for you.

perryhomes.com.au GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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Discover

The latest cooking appliances from some of our leading brands including Miele, Smeg, Westinghouse, Fisher & Paykel and Electrolux

Visit us in-store and let us help you create your dream kitchen today!

158 Lake Road l 9781 3141 binglee.com.au Follow us

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SOVEREIGN HILLS D I S P L AY V I L L A G E

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SORENSEN & CALDON

S

orensen & Caldon are well respected builders. Tell us about your building company and how long you have been in business for.

Sorensen & Caldon are local design and construct specialist builders. We have over 40 years’ experience designing and building high-quality new homes across the region. Our vision is “The right choice when quality matters”.

Working to this vision has seen our order book grow and our customer base expand. We attribute our consistent first-class outcomes to our experienced and approachable building team.

We’ve won numerous HIA Awards. These awards are a testament to our home building excellence. Beyond our experienced, and hard-working team, we apply stringent quality control practices that ensure outstanding results every time. Furthermore, in order to supply the best quality fixtures, fittings, and finishes, we invest in extensive product research.

The cost-saving results of which are passed directly on to you, the customer.

What can customers expect when they choose to build with Sorensen & Caldon Homes? We pride ourselves on skilled and loyal

tradespeople, experienced project managers, professional designers, efficient admins and knowledgeable sales people. In short, together, we delight in getting you into your dream home on-time and on-budget.

When you commission Sorensen & Caldon to build your new home we will guide you every step of the way. Our communication is second to none and you can be involved as much or as little as you like.

Moreover, whatever your budget, we will provide the same high level of service and high-quality end product. Our business success is built on four tenets – quality, consistency, reputation and versatility.

By maintaining these principles, and an attitude of constant improvement, you can be sure your expectations will be exceeded.

Can you introduce us to your team members and who will be the point of contact for your customers?

Adam Ferris – Director Kylie Caldon – Sales Coordinator Andrew Fawcett – Construction Manager

02 6551 0445 sorensenandcaldon.com.au

Coral Homes has earned a reputation with customers for consistently offering a wide range of affordable and stylish homes with unbeatable value inclusions.

Mt the builder

CORAL HOMES

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e love working with customers to build their forever homes from the ground up, guiding them every step of the way, right up until settlement when we handover the keys and witness the delight on their faces as they embark on the exciting new chapter ahead.

business excellence and exceptional customer service.

Can you introduce our readers to your local team? Meet Mark Jochem, Coral Homes’ new home consultant at Sovereign Hills Display Village. Mark has worked with Coral Homes for two years and loves assisting customers in the Port Macquarie area with their new builds.

Customers can choose their desired home design, floorplan, façade and inclusion level, and will be issued with a personalized brochure and estimated price – a great memento to kick off their building journey.

What are some key differences between Coral Homes and other building companies? Coral Homes is built on transparency, trust, and outstanding customer service, which has set the business apart from its competitors for more than three decades. Coral Homes offer fixed-price guarantees so customers are fully aware of the costs involved in building a new home upfront and have peace of mind this will not change throughout the building process.

Coral Homes has also taken out various industry awards recognising

How can readers find out more about building their next home with Coral Homes? We invite customers to visit our newly redesigned website at www. coralhomes.com.au to find out more about building with us.

The Process & Timeline page explains everything from carrying out research to pre-site processes such as preliminary drawings and soil test reports; to construction works like plasterboard lining and kitchen installation; and service and warranty aftercare – presented in fun and easy-to-understand infographic videos.

Whether you’re a first home buyer or are contemplating a knock down & rebuild project – all the information is only a click away.

Mark Jochem - 0448 721 819 www.coralhomes.com.au GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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Ricky Perryman and Amelia Pritchard

McDonald JONES H O M E S

BUILDING DREAM HOMES IN PORT MACQUARIE

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e chatted with local McDonald Jones Building and Design Consultants, Ricky Perryman and Amelia Pritchard, for advice on style and designs for people looking at building their dream home.

Amelia said that trends come and go but there are three styles that she sees predominantly in the area.

“Currently Hamptons and coastal styling are the top styles people are loving, featuring profiled cabinetry and white linea board, these will be featured in our brand new Massena display home which opens soon, and of course the modern contempo style is always popular and we will have this on show in the new Miami 16 opening soon at Sovereign Hills.”

With new land releases popping up on the Mid North Coast, more and more people are making the move from city life and looking to build their dream homes in areas like the Mid North Coast.

After speaking with Ricky and Amelia, who are based at the Sovereign Hills Display Centre, it is clear they are incredibly passionate about building and draw on their localised building experience to assist each of their clients to realise their aspirations

It’s no surprise the Mid North Coast is seeing a boom in land and new home building, with more and more people making the move to plan their perfect family home that they’ve always dreamed about in a location they love. But with so many styles, trends and home designs to choose from, the process can also seem a little overwhelming. and create a new home of their dreams.

As Ricky says, “People love our architecturally designed homes and notice the difference the moment they walk through our displays, and there is a home design for everyone. In Port Macquarie, these can range from large acreage homes in the Country Living collection, to thoughtfully designed two storey designs or single storey homes ideal for first home buyers, young families, right through to downsizers.”

“The McDonald Jones range of designs means we can help clients customise these to meet their lifestyle needs and budget.”

“Some people want big outdoor entertaining, or options for a butler’s pantry or granny flat included. The experience for a client in creating a home with McDonald Jones is one where every aspect of home building has been considered and their processes adapted to make the client’s experience enjoyable,” he says. “It’s wonderful to be a part of that exciting journey with our customers and seeing their dream home come to life.”

Now the largest builder in New South Wales, innovation has always been the centre of the McDonald Jones success.

Starting in the Hunter over 30 years ago, they were the first builder to use Truecore Supaloc steel frames in all their homes and

set a new standard for home building within unforgiving Australian conditions.

McDonald Jones built their first home on the Mid North Coast over a decade ago and their focus has continued to be employing locals and partnering with local trades to build architecturally designed homes that enhance or transform lives.

“We are renowned for quality homes where architectural flow features throughout our extensive range of designs.

Trends can come and go, but a welldesigned home that is built to last is what has made McDonald Jones so successful over the years,” Amelia says.

“We are really excited to be opening two brand new display homes in Sovereign Hills shortly to showcase how people can create their dream home in Port Macquarie.”

You can explore the McDonald Jones display homes or visit www. mcdonaldjoneshomes.com.au for more style inspiration on your dream design.

(02) 5525 2580 www.mcdonaldjoneshomes.com.au GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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Adenbrook Mt the builder

Mt the builder

HOMES

VAUGHAN HOMES GEORGE VAUGHAN

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aughan working relationship with Homes our local trades, who are have been some of the businesses that here in Port you work with?

Macquarie We believe in supporting for quite some time. For the local businesses of the those who are new to our Mid North Coast. We work beautiful area can you tell closely with designers Collins us a bit about the history w Collins, engineers Beukers & behind the Ritter and have company? accounts with Vaughan Vaughan many suppliers Homes have Homes have so clients have been building in been building lots of choice Port Macquarie for in Port with their 20 years. We are a Macquarie for inclusions. family business 20 years. We How can our are a family customers where George business contact you? works with the where George We can be clients and trades to works with called on 0439 build their home. the clients and 813 095 or trades to build in the next their home. couple of weeks our beautiful Vaughan Homes have a very new display home will be open flexible building approach, at Sovereign Hills. what does this mean for the client?

We build to the client’s requirements. We will build a client’s own plans or customise our plans to make sure our clients can build the home that suits them and the situation of George - 0439 813 095 their land best.

Sheridan - 0407 936 273 Being a local builder you vaughanhomes.com.au would have a wonderful 114 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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hat is the history behind Adenbrook Homes?

Adenbrook Homes is a collective of industry experts working together in a franchise environment that is focused on providing new home buyers an experience like no other.

The franchise business is structured to give the local builder access to the support of a big brand and their buying power, allowing them to confidently deliver customised service and support, great quality workmanship and value for money.

Adenbrook Homes Mid North Coast was founded by business owner, Matt Morris and is celebrating their 12th year in business this year. Matt has built a business that genuinely cares for the community, provides employment opportunities for locals and continuously strives for excellence.

Tell us about your team, their background and their areas of expertise? We have a large skilled and local team that work with clients every step of the way through the build journey. The process starts with our experienced and knowledgeable New Home Sales Consultants and Sales Support team who you will

first meet at the display home. Their job is imperative to overall satisfaction as they guide you through the initial stages of the build process, helping you to select a design that suits your needs and fits your budget. In the next phase you will be introduced to our administration, drafting and estimating teams who are also locally based in Port Macquarie. When the time comes to start the build, you will be looked after by experienced, local trades who ensure the same quality finish every time. We provide aftercare programs so that from day one to move in day and beyond, clients can be confident they are in good hands.

What services do Adenbrook Homes provide? New home builds, including single storey, double storey, granny flats and duplex options.

We are able to modify our designs to suit our clients’ needs and their land. Every client that builds with Adenbrook Homes receives a free interior design consultation to ensure that you have everything you need to turn your dream home into a reality.

1300 086 27 www.adenbrookhomes.com.au

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SOVEREIGN HILLS D I S P L AY V I L L A G E

Hibbard Mt the builder

HOMES

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hat is the history behind Hibbard Homes?

In 1968 “Grandfather Hibbard” (as he is affectionately remembered) officially began building homes with his son Bruce Hibbard as his offsider. Prior to that, Bruce was a brickies labourer on construction sites with his father from the age of 14. In 1973 Bruce took over the business and envisioned a building company that had heart, with a purpose to fulfill the great Australian dream of families being able to own their own home. Starting in the small town of Narromine (west of Dubbo), to now building in 12 locations across regional NSW and remaining a family owned and run business.

What services do you provide?

Hibbard Homes builds and sells brand new homes. The homes are absolutely complete with nothing left to do except turn the key and move straight in. Our homes can be purchased in two ways: at the end of the build when it’s complete; or before it has started in a two-part payment system. It’s the same high-quality product no matter which way you buy.

Having built and sold over 6000 homes across regional NSW, we’ve got the process down pat and have homebuying programs to

suit a range of purchasers.

What are the standout features or the benefits of building with Hibbards?

We make buying your own brand-new home easier than if you built for yourself or bought one second hand. If you’ve contracted a builder before, or even just heard the stories, some terrible experiences can be endured: financially (with unexpected extras), emotionally (with relationship stress), not to mention incomplete work or damage, extended timelines, and unfulfilled expectations that certain things are included but in fact are not. Many couples and families endeavour to build their dream home, full of excitement – only to be met with many challenges that are difficult to work through.

The process with Hibbard Homes eliminates all of this.

We always search for better ways to serve our clients. From developing our inclusions, the way we maintain communication, our buying programs and the streamlining of our processes. This is why we only offer complete

homes. It’s as if you are purchasing straight from the real estate market.

Another major benefit of coming through one of our homebuying programs is that you get to purchase a home before it hits the market. Chances are you’ll be settled in and enjoying your brand-new home before the neighbouring construction sites have even finished choosing their colours and door handles.

What’s the process when a new client walks through the door?

The first step is to put through an inquiry form to get your current financial situation checked. All you have to worry about is knowing exactly where you stand right now.

From there you will be able to see what the next steps are that will lead you to buying a home.

Check out our complete family home in Sovereign Hills display village - opening May 2021. Go to our website to get started right now.

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WOODVALE TREE SERVICES

WOODVALE TREE SERVICES IS A LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED COMPANY RUN BY ADAM AND DANIELLE JARVIS.

H

i Danielle and Adam.

Woodvale Tree Services celebrated a decade in business last year. An amazing accomplishment.

Tell us a bit about yourself and your family?

I have been in the professional Arboriculture industry for 26 years. I started in the tree industry when I left school at 16 in my hometown in England. I went on to work for some of the largest and most innovative tree companies in the UK, gaining valuable experience, knowledge and the correct Arboriculture qualifications which have helped me to be where I am today.

I was lucky enough to meet my wife and business partner Danielle some years later in the early 2000s whilst Danielle was travelling the UK, and the decision was made to move to Danielle’s hometown of Port Macquarie in 2005.

We are very fortunate to have 3 beautiful children, we have two boys Jenson aged 6 and Joseph aged 9, Lola is our youngest she is 4.

Family time together is without doubt the most enjoyable and rewarding thing for us both, we regularly enjoy camping, travelling, motorbike riding and generally spending as much time together as we can. We have a close network of friends who we appreciate and enjoy spending time with.

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How has the business grown in 10 years?

In 2010 we purchased a local tree company that I had been working with for 5 years; it was a well-known locally respected business with a good base of local clients and a handful of Government contracts. My vision was to bring the tree industry forward in a regional town like Port to what I had been accustomed to in the UK, where standards of tree care and personal safety are paramount.

With our high standards and business ideas now set in place, it was time to put Woodvale Tree Services to work. We successfully acquired new Government contracts whilst managing to still satisfy our local domestic client base in Port and the surrounding areas.

As the profile and the business grew so did our work loads; we went from 3 guys and a small chipper and truck to having 2 full time crews, and we acquired large scale woodchippers and stump grinders, as well as excavators and skid steers. It is only in the last 12-18 months we have reduced the workload on ourselves and slightly downsized the structure of the business; by doing this we both feel the positive benefits from having more family time and less stress, which is ultimately providing a better life for our family. In 2015 I decided to step away from the physical side of Arboriculture to concentrate on Arborist report writing, site assessments/quoting, and scoping the government work which was taking me

as far as New England and from Newcastle to Coffs. Although this was a fundamental period for Woodvale Tree Services my physical and mental health was being affected heavily, I had gained 20kg in a few years and was not feeling present with my family out of work hours.

2020 was another monumental year for us personally, as we discovered new paths outside of work for our wellbeing, which is so important to our family and personal health. It is an honour to have such a beautiful family, an amazing best friend and wife in Danielle and a great network of support and staff surrounding us.

As we look forward to another 10 years and more of business, we could not be happier to be in beautiful Port Macquarie bringing up or loving children and enjoying our time together.

What is the history behind the name Woodvale?

It was all part of the original plan to provide Port Macquarie with a professional “Corporate” business, again moving away from the “Tree lopper” label I had seen so much of around. Finding a name for a professional tree company can be easy if you use the location in your title, however I did try to stay away from that, but Woodvale came from the road we brought our first house on.

I pulled up on my driveway just before we brought the business and it just came out my mouth, Woodvale Tree Services.

What services are on offer and what areas do you cover?

Our services range from Arborist reports, tree risk assessments, pruning trees, removing dead dangerous branches, selective pruning, approved tree removals, advanced climbing, through to dangerous tree removals, stump grinding and emergency tree work, and our work locations take us all over the Mid North Coast from our location in Port Macquarie.

There are many years of combined experience within the company. What is it that makes Woodvale unique?

You can look on any social media app or in any local advertisement papers and you will see plenty of “Tree companies” offering pretty much the same services as each other.

The difference with Woodvale is in the quality, professionalism, experience, the importance of safety, and qualifications and above all our passion for the industry and trees in general. As safety standards and regulations are continually changing, we upgrade our machinery every 5 years to provide a safer working environment for our staff.

Having a beautiful tree on your property whether it is an ornamental Magnolia or a

30-metre-tall Eucalyptus grandis is an asset both aesthetically and to your property and should be cared for with the highest regard, and I believe this is where Woodvale provide a service that others cannot. The first interaction that any client gets with Woodvale is with me, I am a Level 5 Arborist with international and Australian qualifications, so the recommendations and advice regarding Local Council regulations and Australian Standards for tree pruning I regularly give during my site visits can be priceless, and our quotes, are free.

Our staff are all qualified in Arboriculture at different levels ranging from the team leaders who hold AQF5 through to staff who have completed AQF3. This is the importance of having qualified experienced mature staff who can undertake all the jobs in hand once allocated to them and providing all our clients with the highest of standards in tree care.

Take us through a typical day on the job.

A typical day for myself these days is a mix of self-care and business. This starts with a visit to the gym to kick start my day, then I usually meet with the staff and we have a quick chat about the day (all our operations

are run on a job management system, so it is basically scrolling through each job on the teams iPads and talking about access or residents’ requests or site specifications, as I have visited each site prior).

I always find time for a coffee in the mornings and a quiet spot for my morning mindful meditation, after this it is all go for me as I will have many appointments scheduled for each day; these range from domestic quotes to government site assessments and scoping of works. This can be locally around the Port Macquarie LGA or a few hours north, south or west. Whilst all the while our honest, reliable crews are working on jobs I have allocated them.

I will often meet Danielle for lunch; we find this a great time to switch off for a while and spend time together before we both head back to the office.

As well as running the admin side of our business Danielle still finds time daily for the school run.

The crews return at 3:30pm, ready to do it all again the next day.

And as they say... Choose a job you love, and you will never work another day.

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WHY RENT YOUR PROPERTY WITH US? “When you choose Percival Property, you are choosing a standard of service and professionalism that is second to none, an exceptional team who will secure the best tenants for your property, and proactive property management services to protect your asset and ensure the best possible returns.

We look forward to working with you…”

OUR PROMISE TO YOU Our local, experienced property managers know the local rental market and will ensure your rental property in Port Macquarie or surrounding areas achieves the best returns.

A property can represent one of your single greatest assets, which is why we are committed to secure the best tenants for your property, who will care for, respect the rental agreement and your investment.

Our exceptional communication means we work closely with you, keeping you

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informed throughout the leasing and property management journey.

We are committed to building long-term, respectful and approachable relationships with our landlords and tenants. We work hard to ensure your asset is cared for, maintains its value and is protected.

The high calibre of our property management has been developed for over 35 years!

We completely understand that your investment property is a critical part of your future happiness and security. That’s why

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we take the business of looking after it so seriously.

We have an experienced and motivated team, a specialist property management office, incredibly detailed inspections and a genuine passion for taking the very best care of your valuable investment. This is an industry where experience matters.

The Percival Property team stores over 100 years of combined experience

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Our team in Port Macquarie works with you to ensure your property is presented in the most effective and engaging way.

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT 34 Buller Street, Port Macquarie Phone 02 6583 7499 I percival.com.au

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