33 minute read
Hastings Business Womens Network
BUSY
WOMAN?
We know women are busy, and the Hastings Business Womens Network is not just for business women who own or work in a local business.
It is also for women who represent many other organisations that make up the social fabric of our community: they are volunteers who work tirelessly for organisations that support notfor-profits or charitable groups; they are committee members or board members for groups such school P&Fs or sporting groups; they are stay at home mums who are looking for a connection.
At HBWN we offer the opportunity for all the ‘busy’ women with many roles to join us and become a member. We have a monthly coffee catch or cocktail catch up called “Poppy Pop In” for those who might like to learn more about what we can offer.
Coming in July we will be launching our calendar of events for the rest of 2021 and we would love to see lots of new faces.
Through the remainder of the year we will have both social and educational events as well as some brilliant new additions to enhance opportunities for local women.
Follow us on Facebook or check out our website for the next events. About The Hastings Business Womens Network (HBWN) has been connecting women in business in the Port MacquarieHastings region since 1999. HBWN is a vibrant, active network. We host regular networking events and professional development opportunities and provide mentoring, sponsorship and fundraising initiatives.
The HBWN icon is a clean, fresh take on the traditional Poppy. It symbolises the different generations of women that are a part of the organisation and represents the right of every woman to be bold and hold her head high and stand out from the crowd.
Each petal reflects our core values: encourage, educate, empower and embrace. The organisation embraces the ‘tall poppy’ philosophy and encourages members to be proud of and promote their success at all levels.
By supporting and promoting the achievements of our talented members, HBWN elevates the contribution local business women make to our economy and community.
SOHIP
Looking to swap FIFO lives for a simpler one, Emily and James Smith, along with James’s parents and three young children, decided to make a tree change in 2019.
With the purchase of an organic farm, the family have been working hard, breaking through challenges and learning as much as they can along the way. Life now has a purpose, and this family is leading the way for others to follow in generations to come.
Hi Emily. Your young family of fi ve, together with your in-laws, Scott and Sharon, moved to the region back in 2019 after purchasing an organic farm. Now three generations are here working the land, each playing integral roles within the business.
Hello! We moved to Lorne in September 2019 from Queensland, where for the most part we were based in the South East. The decade previous to that we had been a FIFO family, living in a number of rural suburbs for short stints at a time.
Just before we fell pregnant with our third child, James secured a role within his company situated in their Brisbane head
James called me whilst he was si ing in an airport one day and said we simply offi ce. We thought this was a great opportunity to fi nally settle down couldn’t do what we into what you would were doing, that we call your stereotypical should throw caution to city life. We bought the wind and go and live what we thought a life with more would be our forever meaning and purpose. home and were really keen to set down some roots. However, 4 months after signing the contract and moving in James called me whilst he was sitting in an airport one day and said we simply couldn't do what we were doing, that we should throw caution to the wind and go and live a
life with more meaning and purpose. Once that sunk in (and I made James agree to do all of the packing), we started to think about what we would do. For years we had always dreamed of moving to the land with James’s parents who were always keen to eventually go farming again at some stage in their life. Whilst the kids were young, they worked on dairy farms until the government deregulated the industry. They always wanted to go back to the land, it was just a matter of when. I remember we sent them both an email with a link to a farm off realestate.com and it ignited this huge fire in all of our bellies. Since this moment what has really added fuel to the fire is the current movements in agriculture around sustainability, or better yet regenerative agriculture. There’s a whole host of different names for different niches within these circles but ultimately it’s about getting back to nature and learning how to work with her again whilst producing food that doesn’t degrade the environment and human health along with it. There are so many inspiring stories of farmers across the world doing amazing things, you just couldn’t find a space as exciting as regenerative agriculture at the moment.
The 3 generations on our farm start with James’s parents Scott and Sharon. They are an inspiration in so many ways and we would not be where we are today without them. They are such an integral part of the business and are fully involved in everything we do. The regenerative agricultural world we have found ourselves in has given them a new lease on life and they are just as excited as we are to be a part of this journey. The 2nd generation is my husband James and his sister Sarah who also lives here and runs a separate business raising certified organic water fowl. Lastly, there are our 3 children, Ava, Piper and Macey.
Ultimately, we are a young family raising our kids to live sustainably and teaching them the importance of doing something which is positive for the community and environment. Although our girls are young, they’re a big part of the farm and the impact the last 18 months living on the land has already made on their lives is wonderful to see. They love to get involved in everything we do, although some days it takes some persuading!
Aside from Scott and Sharon working on dairy farms years ago, none of us have ever worked in farming. Scott and James were both in the FIFO industry and are plumbers by trade (which comes in handy for irrigation!) Myself and Sharon were in the beauty industry. This journey has been completely exciting and daunting for all of us and we have faced many challenges along the way. It has been a huge adjustment but we wouldn’t have it any other way. Life has purpose now.
Continued over >>>
Why are rebuilding our food systems, sustainable practices and connecting with local communities so integral to your mission?
James’s grandmother once said that working on the land and deriving a living from it, is the closest anyone will come to reality... and after spending the last 18 months doing just this, we couldn’t agree more. It has truly opened our eyes to the increasing pressures humans are imposing on the planet. Since moving to our farm we have witnessed the worst drought on record, the worst bushfire season on record, COVID and recently the worst flooding on record and all in 18 months. It’s as if the planet is trying to tell us something. We are listening and we are ready to play our part. The conventional food system is unarguably causing the most amount of damage to the environment, not to mention the biggest contributor to CO2 emissions. However, people across the globe are trialling new ways of producing and exchanging food that is much more ecofriendly and much better for human health. We are studying and learning as rapidly as possible to introduce these ideas and solutions here on the Mid North Coast along with many other farmers equally as passionate.
The farm was already certified organic upon purchase. Taking the time to prepare and get the online shop up and running, you started delivering in January this year and then had a devastating blow. Tell us about that?
It was absolutely devastating. We had just started the online shop in January as you mentioned and 8 weeks later 90% of our field of production was wiped out. After cleaning up around the property which suffered severe land slips, we essentially started our market
e conventional food system is unarguably causing the most amount of damage to the environment, not to mention the biggest contributor to CO2 garden from scratch over emissions. the Easter weekend with a lot of help from family and friends. Financially this couldn’t have come at a worse time. We had been investing in the farm/business and living on savings for over a year with virtually zero income so things have been tough. Although we’ve got each other
and our health and we are more committed than ever to our goals which are providing our local community with fresh, chemicalfree food grown in a sustainable way.
Now you’re back. Tell us what’s on offer and how the local community can jump on board and support your business?
We grow a mix of seasonal vegetables, fruit and herbs with intentions to add more locally and organically grown produce to our boxes to increase diversity for our customers. Ideally we would like to stick to food grown/made only within the Mid
North Coast, and if our customers are happy with this then this is all we will offer.
However, we do know there are limitations to what can be grown on the Mid North Coast, both due to the season, climate and limited organic growers. Although we want everyone to eat seasonally, it’s hard to go without tomatoes, zucchinis, cucumbers etc for 6 months of the year. We will try our best to eventually utilise greenhouses to see if we can push these types of crops through our mild winters, but until then may have to look further away to access these types of off-season vegetables. The main thing for us is the way the vegetables are grown, the quality and freshness of the produce and ensuring the farmer that grew them cares deeply about the environment and is getting paid fairly for their efforts.
We don’t just want people to buy our food because it’s local or organic, we want them to buy it because they notice the difference in how long it lasts in their fridge or pantry and the flavour of our produce compared to your typical stuff from the supermarket. That’s what we want to be known for, the freshest tastiest produce you can buy!
You can access our produce boxes via our website www.sohiporganics.com.au which will connect you to our online shop that opens each week on Friday and closes on Sunday. We harvest every Wednesday and deliver every Thursday to 3 pick up locations in Kew, Hannam Vale and Wauchope. We will definitely be adding more drop off locations as more people shop with us so we can keep it as convenient as possible. You can follow us on Facebook and Instagram, also where you will see a behind the scenes look at our farm.
What big dreams do you have for your farm?
Our ultimate goal is to find out what a financially and ecologically sustainable farm looks like and how to make it attractive to the next generation. We also want to make sure to have fun whilst doing so. Life is about balance, if we can’t grow beautiful food whilst heading down to the beach with our family once a week and take them on at least one holiday a year, I don’t think farming will have much hope of being as attractive as it should be to the next generation.
Thanks Emily.
e main thing for us is the way the vegetables are grown, the quality and freshness of the produce and ensuring the farmer that grew them cares deeply about the environment and is ge ing paid fairly for their e orts.
Wishes ti LITTLE
Locals doing good for other locals. is is what it's all about! Irene Mifsud has created Hastings Li le Wishes - our community's newest foundation that will directly impact families and their young children with incurable diseases. is is a big dream that has been simmering in the background for quite some time for Irene and now she has the team, the drive and vision to create a be er world.
Hi Irene. Congratulations on the launch of Port Macquarie’s newest foundation, Hastings Little Wishes. Firstly, for those that may not know you, please tell us a little bit about yourself.
Hi Claire. I moved to this area in 2003 from country Victoria. I’ve been married to an amazing supportive man for 32 years and we have four grown adults and the blessing of four grandchildren. My husband has a successful fencing business AAF and has always given back to our community.
I ran a small business for a number of years in Port Macquarie called E Degrees clothing, it had its challenges but I established great friendships.
After reading an article in the local paper in 2009 I joined an amazing group of volunteers for Camp Quality. I enjoyed nearly six years of going on camps and running many family fun days locally with these amazing children and making lifelong friends with local CQ families .
Although I have been faced with many personal challenges in the last few years,
Although I have been faced with many personal giving back has always challenges in the last been a way to show few years, giving back my appreciation of my has always been a way blessed life and this to show my generous community. appreciation of my After working as a blessed life and this learning support worker generous community. at local primary schools, working with children with disabilities and being involved with children dealing with cancer, I realised there was a need for more local support. Children with many incurable illnesses and their families are missing out because many of these charities are city based and do not cover
all illness and age groups.
Hastings Little Wishes is all about bringing dreams alive for children suffering from incurable diseases in our community. Can you share how your foundation will ultimately help families and how it may differ from others?
Hastings Little Wishes is all about helping those who are impacted by incurable diseases within our local community.
I had listened to people voice their needs and came up with the idea of a locally based charity to support these families. Keeping it smaller and easier to access. We are in the process of setting up our social media pages and a website where a nomination form will be available.
I am aware that there are many different charities out there, however many other foundations are very focused on those impacted by a specific disease or disability; however, we are also here to support those who are affected by many other incurable diseases that aren’t covered by other foundations. We are also focusing on being transparent and letting our sponsors know exactly where the money and gifts they donate are going to help these deserving families.
Hastings Little Wishes aims to provide small gifts of hope to children and teens up to 17 and financial relief to their families located in the Port Macquarie-Hastings LGA to make their life that little bit easier. When living with children and teens with incurable illness a lot of the families have their needs put aside and we want to help them get what they wish for.
For example: bills, petrol vouchers, home renovations, equipment, food, experiences, holidays, cars, houses (one day), travel and accommodation for medical appointments and surgery, therapy pets (with some ongoing
roughout years of fundraising and working with disability, it was clear that there were many other families out there that were not reached by many costs covered), clothing, education expenses, parent retreats, sibling support, and other foundations, and we special requests as wanted to be able to entered on nomination help fill that gap. forms.
This has been simmering in your heart for many years. Why does this hold a special place for you?
Ever since jumping on board with Nat 10 years ago with the Camp Quality High Tea, this has been going on in the back of my mind. This year seemed like the perfect time to change the focus on widening our reach to those who we can help. Throughout years of fundraising and working with disability, it was clear that there were many other families out there that were not reached by many foundations, and we wanted to be able to help fill that gap.
You have been involved in many many years of fundraising and have some great connections in the community. How has this helped get the foundation off the ground?
For myself, I volunteered for Camp Quality for quite some time, and Nat starting the High Tea 10 years ago has helped us realise how generous our local community is and has led to creating some amazing contacts. Our biggest focus for Hastings Little Wishes is not only making sure that these amazing sponsors are recognised and celebrated within the community, but also making sure they know where their money is going.
You are set to run two major annual fundraising events throughout the year. A Spring Fling and a huge family fun day. What can we expect from each of these and how do we get involved?
With the help of my husband and an amazing group of ladies my dream is becoming a reality.
I’m excited to launch our charity at Rydges on 11th September with our Spring Fling fundraiser and tickets will go on sale at the beginning of July. So, watch this space and keep an eye out on social media for our launch event. The Spring Fling will be a great way to introduce everyone to Hastings Little Wishes and will be a fun afternoon with entertainment where we can all get dressed up and raise some money for our new locally run foundation.
Our guests will start with a complimentary glass of champagne on arrival, food, cocktails, door prize, best dressed, raffles, photo booth and music by the beautiful local Jess Flanagan. >>>
The Family Fun Day is still a work in progress, and we will have more information soon as we are in talks with the Port Macquarie Race Club.
Big dreams call for a big team of collaborators to pull it all together and you have an amazing team of women/ men that are doing good things. In particular, Natalie Junge has played a huge role supporting you, ultimately allowing you to turn the dream into reality. Tell us about this special friendship.
Nat was the driving force for the Hastings High Tea held at Rydges for the past 10 years. I jumped on board 10 years ago and together we were able to raise over $100K to go towards Camp Quality. I approached Nat about my idea, and she was happy for me to use her platform to make this dream come true.
I would really like to acknowledge my amazing team of enthusiastic, beautiful hearted and talented young helpers, who have joined the team this year and are bringing new skills and knowledge to the team. It makes me very excited to have them involved and support us on this journey.
What legacy do you hope to create here with Hastings Little Wishes?
We hope to see Hastings Little Wishes do the local area proud by ensuring that the money that is raised by our events will go to some incredible local little people who fly under the radar when it comes to the restrictive criteria of most foundations. Hastings Little Wishes will also become an inspiring and strong foundation that encourages local younger generations to become involved. We hope to perpetuate two annual events that will continue to raise money and get the local community involved with such a great cause. We want the Hastings to share that amazing feeling we get when helping our community members that are impacted by incurable disease. We hope to perpetuate two annual events that Any final words? will continue to raise Thank you so money and get the local community involved with such a much to our major sponsors, Focus Magazine, Rydges Hotels, Australian great cause. Advanced Fencing and Negentropy Bookkeeping for the support and generosity to help us get Hastings Little Wishes off the ground and be able to give the local community a Not-for-Profit they can be proud of. We look forward to seeing everyone at the Spring Fling in September! We are always in need of sponsors and raffle donations, so if you are interested in donating please get in contact with us via email or on social media.
Thanks.
THE PLUG
Spring Fling at Rydges - 11th July 2021. Tickets go on sale July. See page 31 for tickets and more info
PLAYERS
THEATRE are you being served?
Lovers of innuendo and British humour, Flying Circus fans and seekers of laughs – look no further than this uproarious play! To the delight of fans everywhere, this popular British television comedy is now a stage show that revels in nonstop double entendres.
Join the hilarious characters from the original Grace Brothers cast as they pack away the ladies and men’s apparel to prepare for a sale of German goods. The refurbishment takes a little time, so the team depart for a Spanish holiday in what turns out to be a one-star establishment encountering a
Spanish crumpet to randy revolutionaries and everything in between!
Director: John Hincks.
Starring: Mrs Slocombe, Vickii Byram; Miss
Brahms, Georgia O’Keefe; Mr Humphries, Adrian Davis; Mr Rumbold, Paul Bishop; Mr Lucas, Anthony Miles; Captain Peacock, Paul Wild; Mr Grainger, Cameron Marshall
Supporting Cast: Chris Phillips, Lara Cramp, Bill Harrow, Judy Campbell, Di Leslie, Paul Holcroft, Aiden Beckett, Guenter Bieniasch.
Players Theatre is thrilled to present Are You Being Served? to audiences from July 16 through to August 1. Players Theatre is Book online via thrilled to present playerstheatre.org.au Are You Being Players Theatre box Served? to office is open Fridays 11am audiences from July 16 through to August 1. to 1pm until end of July to redeem your Discover Vouchers. Coming Events:
Players Theatre Open Day August 28. Oliver! The Musical September 10 to October 3. Head to playerstheatre.org.au for details.
PMPA PRESENTS COPPELIA
AT THE GLASSHOUSE
Join the magical world of the ballet Coppélia this July at the Glasshouse.
Performed by dancers from Port Macquarie Performing Arts alongside Queensland Ballet's Samuel Packet, Coppelia features delightful music, magic and mayhem that is fun for the whole family. A story of love, mistaken identity and redemption, don’t miss this beautiful ballet, right here on stage at the Glasshouse.
A WORD FROM BRENDAN BRADSHAW;
Principal of PMPA Stacey Morgan asked you to be the Artistic Director on Coppélia 3 years ago and in a short few weeks it will be curtains up. What made you say yes to directing this ballet, was it a ballet you were familiar with?
Coppelia was one of the first full-length ballets I performed as dancer at the Royal New Zealand Ballet. I have so many fond memories of watching Sir Jon Trimmer play the role of Dr Coppelius, he is a true artist and his storytelling was incredible to watch. I got to play the same role when I was a dancer with the Melbourne City Ballet and I am delighted to have the opportunity to recreate the ballet with the wonderful students at Port Macquarie Performing Arts, and as a bonus you will see me on stage playing the role of Dr Coppelius.
What did you enjoy the most about putting this piece together?
The hard work and dedication from all the students, especially Melesse Mallyon who is playing the lead role of Swanhilda. She is going above and beyond to bring this role to life and I’m so proud of her. Dancing this fulllength ballet at her age is a real achievement. The dancers have been working hard on the repertoire, based on the original ballet, the way they have tackled this challenging choreography is a testament to them and the skilled teachers at PMPA who have prepared them so well. I have also enjoyed collaborating with Angela Jamieson our ballet mistress, who has lots of experience in staging productions. Angela’s knowledge of the dancers and the repertoire has been an integral part of this process.
For those who aren’t familiar what is the story line and what can the audience
expect? Coppelia is a fun, family friendly ballet, full of magic. Swanilda and Franz, local sweethearts, meet their neighbour Dr Coppelius, an eccentric toy maker who dreams of bringing his mechanical toys to life. Dr Coppelius has a daughter who is not what she seems and Franz is smitten by the very sight of her gorgeous tutu and beautiful features. Swanilda must rescue Franz from Dr Coppelius’s toy workshop but not before the dolls in the workshop come to life in order to keep him trapped.
C
oppèlia
Featuring Samuel Packet
from Queensland Ballet
Friday 23rd July 7pm Saturday 24th July 2pm & 7pm
Glasshouse Port Macquarie
FUHRER
ARTIST t MONTH
Relatively new to the arts and the creative world, Rosalyn Fuhrer has certainly made a splash. With euphoric designs that are both bold and homely, her works leave you feeling mesmerised. Something tells us, we will be seeing a whole lot more from Ros in the future.
Hi Ros. You are a Port Macquarie Local Artist creating beautifully euphoric work and are relatively new to the art world. Firstly, take us back to where it began for you in the creative world?
Thank you for those kind words. I am very new to painting but have always been interested in and drawn to creativity. I had an opportunity in 2019 to attend classes with both the amazing Mel Casey and Leah Doeland, and from then on I have never stopped learning and practicing. I will always be thankful to these two beautiful ladies for inspiring me to keep going.
From there you’ve worked to bring what you’ve learned into your own art in a way that is true to you. What was it that inspired you about these artists and what did you take away from each class?
Both Leah and Mel have a gift in the way they teach. I think that the most important thing I took away from their classes and the following friendships is that if you love something then pursue it. To take time to practice and learn from people who are skilled in a particular area.
After fi guring out where you’re comfortable, what processes and mediums have you settled on more recently and what do you enjoy about working with them?
I have settled with painting with acrylics, this is defi nitely where I feel most comfortable. I paint larger pieces on canvas and my smaller “Girls“ are painted on Birchwood artboards which gives them a natural earthy glow.
I think that the Adding resin, gold leaf most important and engraving into thing I took away the timber also brings from their classes something extra to my and the following work also. friendships is that if What inspires you you love something then pursue it. most and how do you express that creatively? My inspiration comes from so many things; nature is a huge one for me. Growing up at Rollands Plains where we were surrounded by stunning landscapes, rivers and forestry. Those memories are
always there in the back of my mind. Also I use people close to me as inspiration, this was my theme for Artwalk last year. I called these works the “Girls from my past”. This series has grown and changed for me over this year but the feeling behind them still comes from a special place in time.
How would you best describe your style of art?
My style changes so much between each painting, it depends on the subject. I don’t think I have settled into one style as yet, I have too many ideas waiting to be created.
What do you find most challenging about creating a new piece and do you have a favourite to date?
I love starting a new piece, it’s the finishing off that I struggle with. I often have quite a few pieces rotating around half finished for this reason. My favourite pieces are the ones that have gone to special people in my life, these people gave me the confidence to value my art and realise that it has a place.
Last year, you joined Artwalk for your first time. You’ll be working in conjunction with many other talented artists this October as you’re joining Artwalk again this October. What are you looking forward to most about this experience?
I was involved in Artwalk 2020 for the
My favourite first time and was lucky pieces are the enough to share a ones that have gone space at Belle Property to special people in with established artists my life, these people Yvonne Kiely, Rose gave me the Burke and Maureen confidence to value Hayes. This is what I my art and realise enjoyed the most about that it has a place. Artwalk, everyone has a different talent that they are more than happy to share with others – the people I have met and their willingness to support other artists whether they are proficient in their artform or green like me. Artwalk truly has a community feel and an energy that is infectious. Our area certainly has many talented artists.
Where can we find your work, follow along on your journey or purchase a stunning piece?
Everyone can follow along on my Instagram account @my_art_ros, this is where I post regular updates of new work, or via email myartros@gmail.com At the moment I have my work in a few different stores which I am still pinching myself about. I have been supported from the start by Skye from Arthouse Industries as have many local artists. Please pop into the stunning store in Murray Street and check out my original pieces and prints.
I have recently sent some of “My Girls” to @Byron_bay_traders and @Studio_on_ sunshine in Junee, which I am so excited about. I am testing the waters outside our local area and hoping to push my name and work to a broader audience.
Also starting on 10th July I have two pieces entered in the new Wauchope Creative Hub (WCH) on Cameron Street. This is the inaugural Autumn group show. My works will be for sale along with 20 other local artists. This show will be open for a few weeks, so I can recommend a drive to Wauchope to see this diverse grouping of works.
Thanks Ros.
DINING GUIDE
COVER DISH LIGHTLY CURED KINGFISH, MISO EGGPLANT, DASHI CASHEW, PUFFED RICE, YUZU & PONZU DIAKON FROM WHALEBONE WHARF.
2021 has been an exciting year here at Wicked Elf.
We have opened our taproom and kitchen to provide the opportunity to taste our range in a welcome environment, accompanied by delicious beer-friendly food. We have a new head brewer who has joined us from Margaret River with the determination to keep our core range true and also create a series of small batch, limited release beers.
What will visitors experience at the taproom?
Beyond the warm welcome, we will have all of our beers, including exclusive small batch beers available for tasting with staff happy to talk you through what’s what. The kitchen will be hand-making individual pies, tasty arancini and serving up the best Bratwursts and Rueben sandwiches on the Mid North Coast. We are open for functions of any size and brewery tours will be commencing in July.
When FOCUS magazine relaunched in 2020 a er a 4 month closure we chose to put the owner of Whalebone Wharf on our first front cover. We chose Nathan Tomkins for his longevity in business; for being a leader in his industry and for being an iconic part of Port Macquarie’s history.
THE RELAUNCH WHALEBONE WHARF
His image and story set the tone for our own path. Strong leaders, inspiring locals and resilient business people. But how resilient are we? In the March 2021 floods, Nathan’s restaurant was inundated by flood waters – this iconic Port Macquarie restaurant was up to its bench tops in muddy waters, just 4 years after a million dollar renovation.
It was a gut wrenching sight. Bespoke furniture, carefully crafted soft furnishings, 23 years of history – filled with mud.
But resilience, community support and some quick planning saw this Port Macquarie icon reopen... in just 4 weeks.
With the restaurant fully booked most nights, we managed to catch up with Owner Nathan, Executive Chef Pete and Front of House Manager James to get a quick insight into what they have achieved thus far and what diners can expect when they come to Whalebone Wharf.
Nathan, the new fitout has come together beautifully and so fast. How did you reopen in 4 weeks after so much devastation, and who do you want to thank?
Walking through the doors after the water receded and seeing the total destruction of a once beautiful dining area and commercial kitchen and taking in the loss of many family memories, I knew, I only had one option – get the doors reopen ASAP... to reassure my staff and their families they had jobs to return to.
It was a huge loss, having recently completed a full renovation in 2017; however, it proved to be an advantage as I knew exactly what to do and where to source everything I needed – fast.
I was overwhelmed by the community support, who turned up in droves with gloves, buckets, shovels and big hearts. To the many selfless people giving support physically, emotionally and financially – the Whalebone team is beyond grateful. The support since reopening on 19th April has been phenomenal. We’ve come to realise that Whalebone Wharf belongs to everybody, it’s an iconic destination with sentimental value held in many hearts all over the country – it’s a very special place.
I have immense gratitude for the entire Port Macquarie community. To everyone who gave me support through this very trying time – I say thank you. Executive Chef Pete, Front of House Manager James and myself welcome you back to the next chapter of the Whalebone Wharf – bigger, better and stronger.
Pete, we’ve spoken many times about your passion for curating an interesting menu utilising local produce and supports small businesses. Tell us about some changes to the menu for the new Whalebone Wharf?
I implemented some great changes to the menu to contine improving our offering to the Port Macquarie community, all while keeping the mainstays that make our food so memorable.
We have had some seasonal changes right across the menu as we continue to utilise as many local farmers and suppliers, however I am most excited about the new Seafood Charcuterie Board. This is an entree sharing option for customers to try some premium seafoods.
I am so fortunate to have the open kitchen back in action. Connecting with our diners and talking about their experiences is something we are proud of and will continue to add new dining experiences for our customers.
James you joined Whalebone in late 2020 – how did you recreate the offering and elevate Whalebone Wharf once the postflood refit was complete?
With the flood’s devastation, an opportunity also came to focus on our beverage proposition to complement the quality of food from the kitchen and to reflect and represent the stunning venue that is The Whalebone Wharf. I love to offer our guests the opportunity to enjoy their experience to its fullest, with quality beverages on hand and the team to help guide them. We look to improve our beverage lists with great local craft beers, an array of high-end spirits and cocktails, and broadening the wine list with new varietals and greater choice for our customers.
I am excited to see the direction we are going and what we will be able to offer guests and am thrilled to be a part of the team.
Thank you Nathan, Pete and James. Cheers to many more years for Whalebone Wharf!
March 2021 flood
