70 minute read
Lou Perry - Palate Pleasures
focus_contributor.
Palate
PLEASURES
with LOU PERRI
FROM THE STUNNED MULLET
SEASONS - PORT MAC STYLE
To be sure it’s true that here in these sub-tropical coastal climes we don’t see an overly spectacular or dramatic show as summer rolls onto autumn and so on. More like an extremely subtle shift. It’s noticeable if you are inclined to pay attention, or often get up very early to be able to note the slightest sense of coolness in the air or shifting of humidity.
But for many the penny only drops when long sleeves start to be required and you fi nally, grudgingly accept that it is time to crank on the heater.
Reliably, at this latitude and longitude, we can expect that only June, July and August are consistently what we Port-Macquarians describe as ‘cold’.
For someone that comes from a place on the same latitude as Moscow, it is not so much cold but ‘colder than’ the rest of the year. However, it is surprising how quickly one forgets and coldness becomes a relative factor.
In fact sometimes there’s no colder place than Port Macquarie in June or July…
Whilst the more temperate parts of the world where the thermometer is inclined to dip more towards or below freezing have a full arsenal ready to defend against the onslaught of winter (eg insulation, triple glazing, central heating etc) we seem to bank on the fact that the majority of the year here is temperate enough to not require any of those things, however seeming to forget every year that we’ve set ourselves up to brace ourselves against inescapable drafts, rooms that just won’t warm up and not being able to remove layers of outdoor clothing whilst indoors.
Well, luckily there’s only September to wait for the warmth to start to re-emerge.
And of course there’s that beautiful thing that still remains powerful and effective throughout the entire year here – the sun (when it shines).
Who doesn’t love those spectacularly bright July days? They start off with a chill and gradually become warmer and warmer until – amazingly by around midday you’re down to t-shirt and working up a sweat. Until 3pm there’s this beautiful respite from the whole thing and the sun warms your bones long enough to protect against the next onslaught…
It’s not too bad at all. There might be no snow, frost and the leaves are mostly still green but hey, fortunately it’s still red wine weather.
Getting cosy by the fi re with friends and family, eating slow cooked food and sipping something warming and red is on the cards. Rugging up and heading out is too... making the most of the sun’s warmth, getting active and enjoying a walk or a ride without getting hot and bothered like you would in summer.
Heading out to your favourite restaurant, café or pub with friends and fi nding a cosy corner to catch up in. Making the most of that big winter appetite and ordering up big! Food tastes better when it is cold, and there’s always more room for dessert – after all we must keep our strength up.
The list goes on, fewer crowds, fewer creepy crawlies, shorter days and cosier nights. Winter isn’t so bad when you come to think if it.
Who knows what this winter will bring? What with outbreaks and lockdowns looming yet again, we just need to take some joy from the natural world around us – embrace the coolness of the air and sip that red aplenty till it warms our soul.
Stay warm and safe this winter, hope we see you soon.
HastingsChoristers
RIVER
SOUNDS
MUSIC FESTIVAL
River Sounds, THE BIGGEST MULTI-DAY MUSIC FESTIVAL TO BE STAGED ON THE MID NORTH and Coffs Coast since pre-Covid is upon us.
The event takes place at the Bellingen Showground on the weekend of August 13-14, 2021 and features the best artist line-up we’ve seen in a very long time. Topping the bill is Regurgitator, still touring and flooring it. More than ever they find themselves extending the vitality of their live performances, continuing to infuse them with exuberance, mania and their mashed-up motion of rock, punk, electro, funk, pop, where it goes, vibes. Equally exciting is the announcement of First Nations artist Danzal Baker aka Baker Boy to perform at River Sounds. Baker Boy is the freshest new hip-hop talent to emerge from Australia. Young, strong and proud Baker Boy raps in English and Yolngu Matha language representing his Arnhem Land family. Another big name is Australia’s favourite musical misfits and auteurs of Aussie hip hop, Butterfingers. Having just dropped their latest album Bad News and having sold out venue after venue on their album launch tour, the Briz Vegas crew are exuding confidence and performing with more ecstatic energy and sharp lyrical wit than ever before. Full line-up: Main stage: Regurgitator, Baker Boy, Butterfingers, JK-47, Adrian Eagle, Jerome Farah, Resin Dogs, Cool Sounds, Pinch Points, The Regime, The Pinheads, The Terrys, Sunfruits, Nice Biscuit, The Stained Daisies. Boiler room: Phil Smart, Simon Caldwell, Katch, Biz, Pob, Jimmy D, Jamie B, Freebass, Bhakti, Jahzen, Phoenix, Dave Forward, Delusional Monk, Tropical Punch. River Sounds will be epic! Head to their website for tickets and info: www.riversounds.com.au
The Hastings Choristers RETURN TO THE STAGE
The Hastings Choristers has played an important role in the local community for over 30 years, particularly providing support over the last year with the challenges of COVID. The choir returned to outside rehearsals at the start of the year, singing through summer squalls and dusty gusts. Luckily, with the onset of the cooler weather, restrictions eased and rehearsals could move inside. And now, Hastings Choristers is able to return to the stage. Together Again!, the Hastings Choristers first concert since March 2020, will be on Sunday 25th July at 2.30pm at the Port Macquarie Uniting Church, Sherwood Road. Tickets are available at the door or through the Glasshouse Box Office. It will be a celebration of the community’s resilience over the last year and the shared joy of community choral singing and concert.
The raw power of voices in harmony will be highlighted in the Together Again! concert, which will include plenty of audience favourites. The diverse works include the stirring “Hallelujah”, the all-time favourite “Danny Boy”, and Karl Jenkins’ intimate and spiritually uplifting “Ave Maria”. The very popular female vocal ensemble, Cantabile, will be featured on the programme, along with solo performances from two of Port Macquarie’s talented young adult pianists, Nicola Awad and Joris Vaskys.
Robyn Ryan (OAM), the Musial Director of the Hastings Choristers, commented, “The choir members are very excited to once again interact with our audience. We bring a special opportunity to experience choral music of a great standard and of a wide range – a delight for all music lovers.”
A special moment in the concert will be the world premiere of a specially commissioned choral work “Our Song”. This challenging and uplifting work was composed by Ben Robinson who grew up in Port Macquarie. Ben, a professional composer, is now based in Sydney, having graduated from the composition program at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. The words have been written by Gillian Bennett, who is a member of Hastings Choristers. “Our Song” has voices joining in joyous harmony to celebrate people coming together through song.
Hastings Choristers’ Together Again! concert is on Sunday 25th July 2021 starting at 2.30pm, to be held at the Port Macquarie Uniting Church, Sherwood Road.
Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for school children and will be available at the door or from the Glasshouse Box Office – 6581 8888 (transaction fees may apply).
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THEATRE OZ
P R E S E N T S RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN'S Cinderella
All the magic of one of the most loved fairy tales of all time, ‘Cinderella’ will come to life on stage this month with a special production by the talented team at Theatre Oz.
Featuring a line up of talented young performers and the beauty of whimsical and enchanting sets and costumes this will be one show not to be missed.
We caught up with Sarah and Mark Morabito, owners of the local production company about the show and they also introduce us to the young woman who will play ‘Cinderella’.
Sarah and Mark, it is exciting times for you all as you get ready for your first big show for 2021 ‘Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella’. What made you choose this show and story to produce?
The Cinderella story is filled with magic, hope and resilience. Audiences, young and old, love the romantic fairy tale. We felt such a beautiful show would be a wonderful escape and reset for our community at this time.
We set about choosing a show that would be able to support a large community engagement project. Our vision was to create a performing arts celebration on the Mid North Coast with a focus on government school involvement. It was important to us that government school students be offered the opportunity to be a part of a musical production. Such opportunities are usually only afforded to schools with the financial means and resources to produce something like this.
We just love the beautiful score of Rodgers and Hammerstein.The sweeping harmonies and whimsical melodies foster the dance styles and vocal arrangements that call for a large ensemble cast.
Mark - will you be sticking to the traditional story or have you made adaptations?
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella is an incredible adaptation! There are now three adaptations of R&H’s Cinderella. We have chosen the original for the ‘nostalgia feels’, with the beautiful arrangements and painted backdrops.
We have utilised the cast more than the book calls for, with some panto-style skits and audience participation to involve the cast as much as possible and highlight some of the amazing talent we have here in Port Macquarie.
We have also involved schools and formed an ensemble choir that is featured throughout the show. We are also featuring some amazing dancers from local dance schools LaVive Studios and Allstars Studio, to enrich the musical score that begs for sweeping ballroom dancing.
The classic Rodgers & Hammerstein version will be refreshing to audiences who may have only experienced the Disney cartoon or later movie versions. You’ll hear beautiful songs like: “Ten Minutes Ago” and “In My Own Little Corner” which are in three different versions of the show.
Sarah - tell us about the cast and of course who is playing Cinderella.
The cast is made up of local performers aged 9 to adults. Principal and supporting cast members are ages 13- 20 years, including Bryce Fenney as the Prince, and Saoirse Barltrop and Olivia Ward as the Stepsisters. Matilda Shields is our Herald, Jack Kirk is playing the Palace Steward and Tara Mitchell, the Palace Chef.
We also have four featured adult roles: Wendy Beck as the Queen, Peter Langdon as the King, Kate Petrie as the Stepmother and Bianca Churcher as the Fairy Godmother.
Cinderella is the stunningly talented and gorgeous local performer Myanna Mozeley, who is on the cusp of a fruitful career as a music theatre performer. Myanna will be heading overseas next year to embark on tertiary studies in performing arts and we are very fortunate to have her as our leading lady for this production. Myanna has been dancing
and singing for many years and is a teacher at Allstars Studio.
We have an ensemble cast of over 25 performers and joining them is LaVive Studios and Allstars Studio as the show’s featured dance ensemble. Lake Cathie Public and North Haven Public School will also be the shows featured ensemble choir. We have over 60 performers involved in this production and we can't wait to see everyone on stage singing and dancing their hearts out!
Myanna - can you tell us a little about yourself as a performer and how long you have been with Theatre Oz?
Well, I’ve been a dancer for 18 years with Allstars Studio, and entertainment has always been my passion with many genres that I have learned; musical theatre was always such a fun style to be in. I love merging myself into the character to tell the story. I was recently able to expand my knowledge of this genre by auditioning for Theatre Oz Port Macquarie and landing the role of Cinderella.
Sarah, the costuming and set design are just gorgeous, can you tell us about who has been involved in the creative design and planning?
They sure are! We have been blessed to have a number of very talented locals involved in
e Cinderella story is filled with magic, hope and designing and creating resilience. Audiences, the sets and costumes. young and old, love the David Denning and the romantic fairy tale. amazing team at Old Bar Men’s Shed have constructed all the sets for the production. Wauchope local Lynley Michaels who studied as a Props Master at NIDA has designed the set pieces. Local Engineer Tim Ronan has designed and built Cinderella’s carriage. Tim has years of experience as a director and set designer. Emma Hall has made two garments that transform on stage – Cinderella’s magical ballgown and the Fairy Godmother’s frock. Emma is finishing her studies in fashion design and has even worked in the costume department at Disneyland! Working closely with Emma is the multi-talented Erin McCudden who has coordinated and styled all other outfits and pieces for each individual performer. No small task! Hours have been put into sewing and painting by the cast, crew and volunteers to help make the production truly spectacular! Simone Berry, past president and veteran performer of Players Theatre, is our Prop Master. Simone has put in hours of clever invention and design to ensure all the “magical” events come to life on stage!
Reflecting back on how difficult the past 18 months have been for entertainers and shows, what are you most proud of with your Theatre Oz team?
Their resilience and optimism. Cinderella has been a passion project for everyone who has been involved. It has really shown us that anything really is possible when a community like ours comes together. The community’s willingness to go above and beyond, simply because they believe in Theatre Oz Port Macquarie’s vision for community engagement, is truly touching. We are both overwhelmed by the team’s willingness to jump in and help out, even when they themselves are dealing with their own misfortune and hardships. It’s just unbelievable and incredibly heartwarming.
When are the show dates and how do we get tickets?
Through the lovely team at The Glasshouse Theatre, either: Phone 65818888 Website Glasshouse.org,au Or in person. Education performance: Friday 16th July, 11:30am
Show dates are:
Friday 16th July, 7pm Saturday 17th July, 2pm and 7pm Discounted prices available for: Members, Groups and Under 18 years and you can use our Dine & Discover vouchers too!
Thank you and all the best for a wonderful few days on stage!
Cancer ti
TRUST
This month we sat down to chat with Stephen Thomas and Ron Fischer who represent the local Hastings Cancer Trust about how they will bring together the community to fundraise across the next 6 weeks. Their new inclusive and fun ideas will help raise funds that stay local to help those fighting cancer.
Hi Steve and Ron, can you tell us a little about Hastings Cancer Trust.
Thank you Louise. Put simply, the Trust distributes funds to our local community to support cancer patients and the delivery of cancer services within our region. We provide funds through a transparent annual Grants Program, when we invite local cancer groups to apply for funding, to support projects providing lasting and tangible benefit to our community. Operated entirely by volunteers, every cent donated to the Trust is directed towards supporting local cancer projects. Since 2005, Hastings Cancer Trust has seen the generosity of our community translate into grant awards totalling over $1,000,000 provided to local cancer patients and clinicians.
The money that the trust raises stays local for cancer care – what are some of the most recent ways you have helped?
During our 2019 Grants Program we were excited to provide co-funding for a SOZO Bioimpedance Spectroscopy Device. This fantastic new addition to our region will allow doctors to measure the fluid in patients’ limbs prior to cancer treatment. This baseline fluid measurement can then be used, post treatment, to monitor for increased fluid build-up and the potential development of lymphedema. This SOZO device therefore allows for prompt and effective treatment to be given at an early stage leading to more successful results for patients.
Recently we even received a Certificate of Acknowledgment in the NSW Parliament from Leslie Williams, for our contribution towards the purchase of this device. More recently our 2020 Program awarded grants to a number of organisations applying for project funding. These included : • Wheelchairs and Powerlift recliners to the Hastings Home Hospice • Syringe drivers to deliver medication to the Wauchope District Base Hospital • Portable Oxygen Concentrators for the Macleay Valley Home Hospice • Portable Ultrasound Equipment to the Mid North Coast Cancer Institute
This year you’ve adapted so that instead of one big event, people can host their own events in their own time and own homes or at a social gathering. Tell us how this will work and how to register?
Yes indeed Louise. Well for 2021 we wanted to be more inclusive with our community and provide the opportunity for anyone to make a difference and help raise donations for the Trust. So for this year we have launched our Winter Glimmer 2021 event. We’re suggesting you turn your next social catch up with friends, workmates or family into a FUNdraising event for the Hastings Cancer Trust.
Host your very own Winter Glimmer Dinner, or Lunch, or Brunch and help raise funds to improve the quality of cancer care services in our region.
Enjoy catching up with family and friends over a meal at home, at a café or restaurant or perhaps outside at a picnic or BBQ.
To help with planning, we have partnered with a number of local restaurants who are supporting the event by providing special meal deals for Winter Glimmer hosts. Once again details are noted on our Winter Glimmer website. Plan to host your event at any time that
suits starting from Saturday 19th June until
Saturday 31st July.
Participation is as easy as 1-2-3. 1. Register your event on our website https://hastingscancertrust.org.au/winterglimmer.html and click on the REGISTER button. 2. Plan something that works for you. Choose your preferred dining experience. Black Tie Dinner, Pizza Party, Lunch or a Casual Outing. To invite guests, use our invitation template and social media tiles which you will receive when you register. 3. Hosts and Guests can make a credit/debit card or Paypal donation to their registered event by clicking on the DONATE button shown on the Winter Glimmer website. Finally, and as an added incentive, we also have a wonderful dining experience prize on offer for our top fundraiser.
What are your hosting tips?
1. SET A REALISTIC FUNDRAISING TARGET
Informing your guests about a realistic fundraising target you would like to achieve, is an excellent way to get everyone engaged and focused on making the event an enjoyable and successful experience for all. Remember all donations over $2.00 are tax-deductible and all donations made using the Donate Button on this site will receive an electronic tax receipt. 2. CREATE A POSITIVE VIBE
There is something so rewarding about being creative, productive and focused on achieving a common objective with a group of supportive friends.
Be creative with your hosting ideas and themes and make your event something you will all remember.
Don't forget to use social media to keep everyone updated with your plans and ideas, and use our downloadable tiles which you will receive when you register to boost your social media message. 3. HAVE FUN WITH GAMES, DRESS CODE AND PARTY MUSIC
Time to enjoy the opportunity to mix, mingle and socialise with friends. Encourage guests to participate with food ideas and choice of music. How about a dress-up theme?
Think Beach Vibes, a Classy Black and White Dinner, Funky Disco or a Cocktail Party?
How about a trivia quiz on topics to match your theme?
Remember, this is all about putting the FUN into FUNdraising, so please be sure to have an Epic Time. 4. THANK YOUR GUESTS AND CONSIDER YOUR NEXT EVENT
On the day, and in the days thereafter, be sure to thank everyone for their support, generosity and participation in making your special event a wonderful success.
Remember to share photos and help spread the word about your FUN time together.
As you reflect on your event, maybe start early and consider some new hosting plans and fun ideas for next year.
What is the overall fundraising goal for this year?
To be honest we don’t have a financial goal for this year. COVID-19 has meant we have had to adapt to this changing environment and our Winter Glimmer 2021 event is a reflection of this new landscape. Nonetheless, we continue to receive terrific assistance from a wide base of supporters across our region, raising funds in their own ways. The glue that holds us all together is that we are all motivated to see these efforts rewarded with HCT Grants to local cancer services. Talking about fundraising, I should mention that our Winter Glimmer 2021 also includes an online auction of a variety of prizes and items donated by our local community. To make a bid, visit our HCT website, go to the Winter Glimmer section and click on the AUCTION button. This will take you straight to the auction site. Bidding is open from 9.00am on Saturday 19th June and importantly closes at 5.00pm on Saturday 31st July.
Where can we find out more?
Very simple, just go to our website at hastingscancertrust.org.au and find more information at our Winter Glimmer 2021 section. Alternatively on social media visit Facebook and Instagram and search for winterglimmerdinner.
Thank you Steve and Ron.
The Long Awaited National Tour
The celebration of Swing - John Morrison’s ‘Swing City’ Big Band. This Concert Spectacular will feature fi fteen Australian musicians and singers, plus showcase two esteemed singers, Gregg Arthur and Jackie Cooper, and Sydney’s top instrumental jazz soloists. Musical Director, John Morrison is recognised as one of Australia’s leading jazz drummers, band leader and educator. “Here is a great band making its mark in the 21st century with all the colour and trappings of a 1940’s Hollywood movie set, no wonder it’s a hit!” Kevin James, The Australian. The concert’s music repetoire will highlight the greatest Big Band hits of the 1940’s, featuring the music of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Harry James, Benny Goodman and more. This music is still recognised after 85 years... timeless icons of our culture. A ernoon At The Proms Spectacular - 2021
The Greatest Love Songs Of All Time
This stunning spectacular salutes the famous BBC Proms Concerts of London’s Royal Albert Hall, including well-known favourites Rule Britannia, Jerusalem, Radetzky March, Land of Hope and Glory and Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. Join Australia’s most acclaimed international violinist Ian Cooper with opera stars, prima ballerinas, pipe band and The Blue Danube Orchestra to evoke the sheer exuberance of An Afternoon at the Proms Spectacular. Enjoy the greatest love songs of all-time including Love is a Many Splendored Thing, Mario Lanza’s The Loveliest Night of the Year, Stranger in Paradise and beautiful selections from South Pacifi c. The Governor Macquarie Memorial Pipe Band salutes the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and, with the orchestra, perform Amazing Grace, Skye Boat Song, Scotland the Brave and the magnifi cent Highland Cathedral. Be thrilled by Irish and Tango dancers, plus the Ballet’s Waltz of the Flowers from The Nutcracker. Bring your fl ags!! Bring your noisemakers and come join the fun and frivolity of An Afternoon at the Proms Spectacular.
AUSTRALIAN GLOBAL ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS AN AFTERNOON
AT THE
A MUSICAL SPECTACULAR A MUSICAL SPECTACULAR
IAN COOPER
THE BLUE DANUBE ORCHESTRA
Rule Britannia, Land of Hope & Glory, great love songs of all time including climb Every Mountain, South Pacific, Love is A Many Splendored Thing and more... Every Mountain, South Pacific, Love is A Many Splendored Thing and more...
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Koala
TRACKING IN NSW FORESTS
Department of Primary Industries (DPI), Forestry Corporation of NSW (FCNSW) and the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital have been GPStracking koalas in State Forests to understand how koalas live in areas previously harvested for timber. Dr Brad Law (DPI) and Chris Slade (FCNSW) share their project experiences.
Brad, tell us about the project.
We’re using GPS collars on koalas to track their movements, to understand how koalas use the landscape a few years after it’s harvested for timber. Do they prefer ridges or gullies? Where do koalas go when it’s hot? We also want to learn more about whether koalas use different tree species and sizes for browsing to resting.
An important part of the research is understanding the effectiveness of protections in place when timber harvesting occurs in State Forest. We’ve had eleven koalas giving us real-time information on how they are using the forest for two years.
Chris, how hard was it to track eleven koalas?
It was substantial! Multiple field trips per week, regular contact with the Koala Hospital for screening, collar fitting and removal, vegetation plot work. It’s been fascinating learning individual koala personalities, seeing how they move through the landscape.
Brad, has the project provided new knowledge and insights into koalas?
Yes, koalas haven’t been GPS-tracked in recently harvested forests before, so there’s a lot of new information. Tree species and sizes used, how that differs between day and night, what topographic positions koalas like (ridge vs gully) and the intricacies of koala home ranges overlapping the mosaic of harvested versus older unharvested forest.
Chris, after spending two years getting to know eleven koalas, do you have a favourite?
It’s hard to pick a favourite! Tracey, our first collared, was a petite little lady. Dazza was a very relaxed alpha male, not at all perturbed by tracking, he would almost wave down and say “Gday, how is your day?” Izzy was elusive, cautious; Sandy was a roaming hider; Taylor was cryptic; Jacky was a grandma-like mature lady; Terry was a proud roamer; little Brent was an explorer; Beau was relaxed; Shazza was a shy and effective mum; Woody would deliberately hide while being tracked. I have a soft spot for Woody, a very good looking midaged male with some real character.
Brad, what did you learn about trees that
koalas use?
We have a substantial task ahead of us analysing all the data collected. A few obvious patterns are that koalas use different tree species at night compared to day. Night-time is when they browse; Tallowwoods were the standout favourite! Daytime is more about safe shelter – shady in summer, sun basking in winter.
We learned that koala home ranges in the area were not very large, remaining stable over time. We did not have animals passing through in a transient way; our koalas were clearly resident, except for Brent who moved a little way before settling into his home range. Home ranges encompassed most of the available landscape, including gullies and upper slopes, young regenerating forest and mature forest. There is so much we can learn from the data, it’s going to keep us very busy.
Chris, how has koala health fared during drought, fire and flood?
We tracked several females with babies in the pouch. I was lucky enough to watch them emerge, spend time on mum’s back and start to become independent. Izzy weaned her young little girl Belle as we tracked her. At the time of capture for her collar removal, Izzy had another baby in the pouch. This was all through the drought leading up to Black Summer bushfires, which thankfully did not impact the study areas. Some koalas in in the Maria River population area did show signs of chlamydia.
We recorded at least 8 individuals within a 2.5 by 2.5 km area at one study site, so we can say there is a good population occupying forest harvested 5-10 years ago. We’ve mapped individual home ranges and have some fantastic data.
Brad… future plans for this project?
We’re in the dataanalysis phase, hoping to complete this in 2021. There is plenty of scope for future research to refine our understanding of how koalas use the forest. We do a lot of acoustic work to record koala bellowing during spring mating season, and recently used this technique to estimate koala density in a range of forests. We’ll continue looking at koala recovery postbushfires too. But the tracking has a special place for me because of the detail you learn about individual animals. How they use their habitat is just gobsmacking.
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focus_interview
ZAC HODSON
This cheeky li le grom is a big player amongst
his team here at the Lake Cathie Raiders. Inspired by the big boys both within the
club and on the screen, Zak Hodson is a future NRL star in the making.
Hey Zak. You’re a familiar face down here at the Lake Cathie Footy fi elds, but for those that don’t know you, please introduce yourself.
My name is Zak Hodson, I am 6 turning 7 at the end of this year and I love playing football. I am in year 1 at St Columba and I love living in Lake Cathie and playing for the Raiders.
At just 6 years old you’re already ripping and getting better and better. How old were you when you fi rst picked up a footy and what was it that got you hooked?
I was 4 when I I was 4 when I played played my fi rst my fi rst game for the Lake game for the Lake Cathie Raiders. I knew Cathie Raiders. I knew I loved it straight away I loved it straight because it’s so fun scoring away because it’s so tries, tackling and passing fun scoring tries, with your friends. I also tackling and passing with your friends. get to wear a football jersey with footy shorts, footy socks and footy boots. My favourite part of my footy kit is my headgear. It has lots of bright different colours on it.
What do you enjoy most about Game day?
I like to step people and practice my ‘goosey’ on them (goose step) so I can get past them and score lots of tries! That’s my favourite thing to do. My big brother Kody plays for the u/10’s at Lake Cathie too so when we have home
games, I finish my game and always love to watch him play his too. It’s fun watching the big boys play because I learn a lot from what they do. They play on a bigger field than me which is something I am very excited about doing when I’m bigger just like them.
What have you been working on this year and what are you most proud of about yourself and your team?
I have been learning more footy moves and footy rules and going to training with my team and my coach every Thursday. I even train on a Tuesday with my brother’s u/10’s team to get more practice in. I like to try and beat them all at bull rush at the end of the training session
I have been learning more footy moves and footy rules and too. going to training I have scored with my team and my coach every Thursday. I even sooooooo many tries since I first started playing footy but my best is 7 tries in one train on a Tuesday game. I won player of with my brothers the year last year which u/10’s team to get was so fun because it more practice in. made me so happy and I got a trophy and a medal too.
Who is your idol in the footy world and why?
Josh Addo-Carr and Ryan Papenhuyzen because they are both really good players who try so hard every time they play. They never give up and like to score lots of tries like I do!
I take it that Melbourne Storm are your favourite team then. What do you love about watching them play each week?
The Storm are so good all the time. That is why I like them so much, they win A LOT and I like winning too! Josh Addo-Carr scores lots of tries and he is so fast. He is a winger. The number on his jersey is 5. The number on my jersey is 7 and that’s my favourite number too. I love watching Josh Addo-Carr the most but ‘Pappin’ (Ryan Papenhuyzen) is so good too. I just love both of them. I’d love to meet them one day, that would be so cool.
Do you have big footy dreams for the future?
I want to play footy so people can watch me on the TV and I want to play for the Blues one day too! That would be so awesome! If I keep practicing and never give up I think one day my dream might come true!
t i OEHLMAN
HEAD OF PRIMARY THE NATURE SCHOOL
What learning in nature looks like around the world can be interpreted in many forms. At the helm of a progressive school right here in our own backyard is Catherine Oehlman and, along with the pioneering work of the team around her, they have created a vibrant school environment. Catherine’s love of education and dedication has not gone unnoticed; as a reward she has been named a fi nalist in the Australian Education Awards.
Hi Catherine. Congratulations on being named as a fi nalist in the Australian Education Awards for 2021 for Primary School Principal of the Year. Tell us about the woman behind the name, and what it means to be named as a fi nalist.
I am a proud educator, writer, selfconfessed bird nerd and mum of two. I have particular expertise in primary curriculum and children’s literature, and have taught across all grades in independent schools in both Brisbane and Sydney. I moved to Port Macquarie in 2018 to take up the position leading The Nature School and absolutely adore living here. It’s such an honour to be a fi nalist for this award. I feel that this is an affi rmation not just for me personally but for our whole school community. Awards like this put the hard work of small, regional progressive schools into the national spotlight.
You are a very passionate and dedicated educator with an extensive background across education. Currently, you work within The Nature School at the helm of the Primary sector. Tell us about your role and the work you do?
At The Nature School children learn and shine through authentic experiences in nature to become engaged global citizens. Being the founding Head of a school is the single most challenging, and most rewarding, role of my career. We opened the Primary School in 2018 with 22 students and today have almost 80. Next year we add Year 6, taking us to a full Primary cohort of around 100 students. I’m very proud of the vibrant learning community we have created and the pioneering work of my staff in embedding nature pedagogy into the primary years of schooling. While we deliver the same curriculum as other schools in NSW, our teachers are challenged to transform their practice, often taking learning beyond their classrooms. We take advantage of our stunning location through immersive learning in the community and environment to create authentic, meaningful and engaging learning for our students. Often Port Macquarie IS our classroom, as all students head off in our minibuses on their fortnightly Adventure Days. Maths can be taught on the beach, Geography is best learned fi rsthand, and Science is all around us! Nature-based education supports children’s development in social and emotional intelligence, problem solving, environmental understanding and respectful custodianship. It offers children the chance to learn about themselves and the world around them, and builds emotional resilience they can use throughout life. It is my responsibility to oversee everything that happens in our Primary School, onsite and off. Even in a small school it’s a big job!
What do you enjoy most about working at this unique school?
This is literally my dream job. I have a deep love for the natural world and am passionate about connecting people with the environment for the benefi t of both. At The Nature School I also have the privilege of educating children about Australia’s unique fl ora and fauna. We cannot protect what we do not know, and we cannot know unless someone teaches us. Our students are already citizen scientists; collecting data and contributing fi eld notes about koalas, frogs, birds and other animals for their future protection. Although I now spend a lot of my time in the offi ce, my favourite moments are down at the yarning circle cooking damper over the fi re, reading under the trees with students, or joining in on Adventure Days. It is such a relaxed and happy place to teach and learn.
What barriers have you faced in your career and how have you overcome them?
I think I am constantly challenging stereotypes. I’m not your stereotypical Head and this is not a stereotypical school! People are often surprised to fi nd that I am academic, strategic, and have over twenty years experience in the education sector. Visitors to the School are also often surprised to discover
how passionate we are about learning outcomes and curriculum development. We are breaking new ground and defi ning new ways of doing school.
Can you tell us about a role model who has inspired you over the years both personally and professionally?
In the nature pedagogy space, I have always been inspired by the work of Dr Claire Warden. I met her when she fi rst visited Australia over ten years ago and was challenged by her research with young children outdoors in Scotland. Last year I was delighted to have been able to invite Claire to The Nature School to work with both our Early Years and Primary staff for several days. It was wonderful to be able to take her into the bush with our young students, and discuss what learning in nature looks like around the world. I asked about how she handles snow, and she asked about what we do if we encounter snakes!
Outside of the professional realm, what do you enjoy most about living in our beautiful region?
Defi nitely bird watching! The Mid North Coast has such a rich diversity of habitats and species, including critically endangered species such as Swift Parrots and Regent Honeyeaters. I love adventuring on the weekends with my family, usually with cameras and binoculars in hand. If we see a new species, we fi nish the day with ice cream for everyone.
What’s next for you?
There are a number of conferences I’ll be speaking at this year, including the National Outdoor Education Conference, plus I’ll be working on some syllabus development for NSW. I’m excited about the future direction the Board has for The Nature School. We are defi nitely an organisation to watch. We’re a school for today that ensures we will all have a tomorrow.
Thanks Catherine.
PROFESSIONALS
ont
ROBERT YATES
LAKE ROAD PHARMACY
Inspired by his parents' own passion and dedication to retail businesses, Rob Yates hoped to follow in their footsteps in his own career. This opportunity presented itself when he travelled from Manchester to Port Macquarie 15 years ago to take on a role at Lake Road Pharmacy, and Rob has never looked back.
Hi Rob. You are the long
time owner of Lake Road Pharmacy. Firstly, tell us a little bit about your connection to Port Macquarie.
We moved from Manchester to Port Macquarie in 2005 on a reciprocal arrangement between the UK and Australia to work as a pharmacist. There was a job opportunity in Port and we stayed here ever since.
What inspired you to take on a career in the industry and how long have you been in it?
I was always fascinated with the sciences at school and from an early age I was interested in overall health and well-being. I remember enjoying the visits to the local pharmacy with my mum when I was younger and that’s where my interest in being a pharmacist came from. My parents owned and operated their own retail businesses when I was growing up and I always wanted to follow in their footsteps as a career. Pharmacy was a perfect fit as it had the potential to combine all of these interests in the future. I’m extremely grateful to Australia and the wonderful healthcare system here for providing my family the opportunity to realise these dreams and live in the best country in the world! I’ve been qualified for over 25 years now and lived in Port for over 15 years.
What are some of the unknowns to becoming a pharmacist?
When I originally entered into the pharmacy profession I wasn’t fully aware of the positive impact we have on people’s lives from a community perspective. We’re one of the most trusted professions and over time pharmacies build a strong loyalty base with their patients, which is great. Making a positive contribution to our communities is the foundation on which our industry is built and it’s a joy to be actively involved in this profession.
Good pharmacists have to have multiple skills – the ability to work under pressure, good technical abilities and high integrity to name a few. How have you developed your skills over time?
Wherever I’ve worked in the past, pharmacies have always been busy workplaces with many moving parts. Having an established core team is one of the most important aspects of any busy pharmacy and this establishes itself over time. The profession is constantly moving forward as the government expands the range of services we are able to provide to the community, which is great as it takes the load off other busy healthcare providers. Medicine in general is constantly changing as new technologies drive evolution and with that new regulations come into play, so overall we’re kept on our toes! I think this is where our skills as a team develop the most, and as a pharmacist it’s been great to see an expansion in the range of services that we’re trusted to provide, such as vaccinations, which makes full use of our scope of practice in our contribution to the community.
Tell us more about the business and what you believe attributes to its success over the years?
Fundamentally we have always focussed on providing the very best patient care and being a great place to work. I’ve always believed that if you get those two things right, everything else takes care of itself beautifully. I inherited a great business from Barry Prowse 15 years ago that was built on those two foundations, and we have always strived to maintain that above all else ever since.
What’s your favourite part of the job?
Relating to people every day with care and attention and genuinely making a difference to people’s lives is hugely rewarding. Working with such an amazing group of girls who are not only work colleagues but best friends, that’s equally as rewarding. This job reminds every day of how blessed this life can be and I’m hugely grateful for that.
Jes is a qualified Ayurvedic Practitioner and a Holistic Chef. She is passionate about aligning people with their true nature and encouraging a state of balance. This inspires greater flow, creativity, and harmony in daily life and optimises states of wellbeing and success.
JesCHEV AYURVEDIC PRACTITIONER
Ayurveda is about addressing the root cause of disease, and from that identifying the best most suited plan for the individual.
Can you please introduce yourself to our readers? How long have you been in Port Macquarie and what brought you here?
Hey, my name is Jes Chev, born and raised in Sydney. I came to Port Macquarie over two years ago to help support my mum and to finish my studies in Ayurveda, and then decided to stay put and call Port Macquarie home.
Jes, you are an Ayurvedic Practitioner, can you please tell us what that actually is?
Firstly let’s establish ‘What is Ayurveda’: Ayurveda is a medical science deeply focused on healing and maintaining the quality and longevity of life, originated in India over 5,000 years ago. Ayurveda emphasises health as the balance and dynamic union between our environment, body, mind and spirit. ‘Ayur’ (life), and ‘Veda’ (knowledge), is a consciousnessbased approach to health because it enlivens the inner smriti (memory of health and wholeness deep inside).
The role of an Ayurvedic Practitioner is not only to establish the current state of health of the client but to think about the best health for their clients. A practitioner of Ayurveda will help on your journey to optimum health and wellbeing by providing a comprehensive dietary and lifestyle plan after a consultation, which will assist in restoring the body’s memory and awareness of good health. This plan will enable you to become more independent and selfsupporting in balancing your physiology.
The purpose of Ayurveda is to create a
balanced state within the mind and body, by bringing you back into alignment with your natural state of optimal health and vitality.
What was it that attracted you to this type of medicine and what training did you do?
I have always been into alternative medicine since I was a teenager going through my own health journey, and was intrigued and interested in other modalities that were available which promoted natural ways of healing.
Ayurveda sparked my attention when I travelled to India in 2014, for a meditation retreat in Rishikesh not too long after learning an ancient meditation technique known as ‘Vedic Meditation’. Prior to understanding the word ‘Ayurveda’, I had read some books that triggered my curiosity. Any time I read about Ayurveda, there were these “aha” moments when it all made sense. I began to form knowledge about the basic principles of Ayurveda, but it wasn’t until my first trip to India that curiosity turned into a passion.
The goal of Ayurveda is to prevent illness, heal the sick and preserve life. By understanding these core values I was attracted to this medicine even more because it is ultimately teaching us how to be self-sufficient and to share this knowledge not only for the benefit of our own health and wellbeing but for our children, family, friends and community.
After many years of travelling back and forth to India expanding my training and knowledge of Ayurveda, I got to have the direct experience of how this medicine can transform lives, not only by witnessing it first hand in my own life but with clients I see at the clinic in India while training there each year. Ayurveda has completely transformed me in ways I never thought imaginable. I now can go through my day with an immense amount of energy, clarity of mind, and a complete shift in my emotions and thought patterns that best serve me to respond to every situation with greater understanding, stability, and adaption. It has also helped me get to the root problem of my digestive issues that no one could find the answers to, and through that correction, my hormones and thyroid returned back to balance and I felt the best I had ever felt.
I studied with Australasia’s most experienced; Dr. Ajit (BAMS), at the Australasian Institute of Ayurvedic Studies (AIAS). After this I successfully graduated as an Ayurvedic Practitioner (Advanced Diploma). Since 2016, I have been training and assisting internationally renowned Ayurvedic doctors ‘The Raju Family’ at their clinic in the South of India. I travel to India annually to expand my knowledge and understanding of Ayurveda, while continuing to work and learn from, and with, the Raju family (https://www. drraju.com/home)
Now, I believe you started out in Fashion, tell us all about that time of your life?
I have always been creative and my parents fully supported me going down the creative road of exploring my interest in the Fashion and Textile Industry and I can tell you it was an amazing time of my life and growth as an individual. It was a vital part of my life to fully understand and learn how to run a business, gain experience in working with others, but essentially it gifted me with the realisation to follow my dreams and not let anything get in the way of that. >>>
I got to travel the world, I went to Paris and London Fashion week while I was living and working in Germany with a designer and was so appreciative of everything I learned, the people I met, and the experiences that pushed me to grow. As time went by I realised that I wanted more than to be a part of the fashion industry and decided to follow what I truly wanted to do and opened the door to a new chapter in my life.
You are now running your business here locally called Jes Chev, tell us about the services, treatments and workshops you have?
I offer a selection of integrative practices ranging from consultations, treatments, private retreats, catering and workshops. These services and treatments are Ayurvedic remedies for common ailments such as anxiety and depression, insomnia, musculoskeletal disorders, digestion and metabolism, stress, allergies, cold and flu, and much more.
I host a number of Ayurvedic Cooking Workshops + Knowledge Sessions covering the Foundations of Ayurveda and Women's Health. Through these workshops you will gain the tools and practices to understand how to fine-tune your senses and body, to be able to detect in each moment what you need to maintain a state of balance.
Here is an example of how one of the treatments helped shift physical trauma from a client who had a 5-day external basti treatment package with me:
“My five-session ‘basti’ treatment for an old back injury was deeply strengthening and healing. Only ever previously having experienced chiropractic or naturopathic treatments, I was amazed at the transformative action the medicated oil had on my spine. How each vertebra felt nourished and how the whole of my spine gained greater mobility and functionality which in turn helped cleared headaches, eye strain and shifted my whole energy and vitality.”
Your retreats seem really interesting, who can attend the retreats and how do they work?
It’s very exciting to be the first Ayurvedic retreat and clinic in the region… The retreat program at the Dhanvantari Centre has been created for anyone who is desiring to take some time to slow down, connect to yourself and return back to your natural rhythm of perfect health.
Packages are available for 3, 5, 7 consecutive days which include daily treatments, private accommodation, organic Ayurvedic meals, herbal kit and daily support with Jes. There are couple packages and also longer stays available upon request.
The programs that have been put together throughout these packages are to cleanse and revitalise the whole system by creating balance and harmony through nourishment and rejuvenation.
Outside of the retreat setting, Jes also offers clinic services to those who are new and would like to learn and understand the basic principles of Ayurveda. There are all levels available for people who are interested in this way of living.
Ayurveda, which is based on the mind-body connection, has the knowledge to a end to all areas of health What would you say to our readers who are really unsure about this type of medicine but would love to find out more? whichever stage of The main aim of Ayurveda is Swastasya, life you may be in and maintaining health. If you are maintaining good therefore has a cure health and you don’t have any disease, then for everything. there is no need for treatment. For this reason, Ayurveda is mainly based on Rasayana treatment (a therapy that helps in maintenance and promotion of health), or the science of longevity and increasing lifespan. In Ayurveda they say that the mind is an imprint on the body, that’s why it is so essential to keep yourself happy and live in a way that is promoting positivity, joy and happiness. Yoga is the sister science to Ayurveda, they go hand in hand. Ayurveda, which is based on the mind-body connection, has the knowledge to attend to all areas of health whichever stage of life you may be in and therefore has a cure for everything. What I would suggest is to take your time in becoming familiar with this science and start by slowly integrating some of these practices to test out and see how it makes you feel, what are the changes that you notice within yourself, and your overall health. There are many simple practices that you can incorporate into your everyday life which has profound health benefits. It is highly recommended to seek professional advice with a trained Ayurvedic Practitioner to determine the best treatment plan for each individual.
Thanks Jes.
Access essential Access essential health services health services
Your local Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology collection centres Your local Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology collection centres are open, and we continue to provide testing for diagnosis, are open, and we continue to provide testing for diagnosis, treatment progress and monitoring of chronic conditions. treatment progress and monitoring of chronic conditions. These centres are safe for all patients, every day. These centres are safe for all patients, every day.
North Coast Collection Centres North Coast Collection Centres
Kempsey 35 Elbow Street, Kempsey Ph: (02) 6562 1722 Monday–Friday 7.30 am–4 pm Saturday 7.30 am–10 am Kempsey GP Clinic 35 Belgrave Street, Kempsey Ph: (02) 6563 1950 Monday–Friday 7.30 am–4 pm Saturday Closed Lakewood Your Family Practice 1/106 Sirius Drive, Lakewood Ph: (02) 8650 1592 Monday–Friday 8 am–1 pm Saturday Closed Laurieton 60 Bold Street, Laurieton Ph: (02) 6559 5119 Monday–Friday 8 am–4 pm Saturday Closed
Kempsey Port Macquarie 35 Elbow Street, Kempsey Ph: (02) 6562 1722 Monday–Friday 7.30 am–4 pm Saturday 7.30 am–10 am Suite 13, Hermitage Medical Centre 72-80 Lake Road, Port Macquarie Ph: (02) 6584 5923 Monday–Friday 7.30 am–5 pm Saturday 7.30 am–11.30 am Kempsey GP Clinic 35 Belgrave Street, Kempsey Ph: (02) 6563 1950 Monday–Friday 7.30 am–4 pm Saturday Closed Port Macquarie 1/66 Lord Street, Port Macquarie Ph: (02) 6583 1132 Monday–Friday 7.30 am–4 pm Saturday Closed Lakewood Your Family Practice 1/106 Sirius Drive, Lakewood Ph: (02) 8650 1592 Monday–Friday 8 am–1 pm Port Macquarie GPs Clifton Drive, Port Macquarie Ph: (02) 6583 8137 Monday–Friday 8 am–4 pm Saturday Closed Saturday Closed Laurieton Port Macquarie 60 Bold Street, Laurieton Westside Medical Centre Ph: (02) 6559 5119 11Highfields Circuit, Port Macquarie Monday–Friday 8 am–4 pm Ph: (02) 6581 4013 Saturday Closed Monday–Friday 8 am–4.30 pm Saturday Closed
Port Macquarie Suite 13, Hermitage Medical Centre 72-80 Lake Road, Port Macquarie Ph: (02) 6584 5923 Monday–Friday 7.30 am–5 pm Saturday 7.30 am–11.30 am Port Macquarie 1/66 Lord Street, Port Macquarie Ph: (02) 6583 1132 Monday–Friday 7.30 am–4 pm Saturday Closed Port Macquarie GPs Clifton Drive, Port Macquarie Ph: (02) 6583 8137 Monday–Friday 8 am–4 pm Saturday Closed Port Macquarie Westside Medical Centre 11Highfields Circuit, Port Macquarie Ph: (02) 6581 4013 Monday–Friday 8 am–4.30 pm Saturday Closed
Port Macquarie Port Macquarie G Greenmeadows Medical Centre reenmeadows Medical Centre 152 Greenmeadows Dr 152 Greenmeadows Dr P Port Macquarie Ph: (02) 4064 4597 ort Macquarie Ph: (02) 4064 4597 Monday–Friday 7.30am–5 pm Monday–Friday 7.30am–5 pm Saturday Closed Saturday Closed South West Rocks South West Rocks Shop 1, 5 Paragon Avenue, South West Rocks Shop 1, 5 Paragon Avenue, South West Rocks Ph: (02) 6566 5151 Ph: (02) 6566 5151 Monday–Friday Monday–Friday 7.30 am–3 pm 7.30 am–3 pmSaturday Saturday Closed Closed Wauchope Wauchope Hastings Medical Centre Hastings Medical Centre 70 High Street, Wauchope 70 High Street, Wauchope Ph: (02) 6586 0838 Ph: (02) 6586 0838 Monday–Friday Monday–Friday 8 am–12 noon 8 am–12 noon Saturday Saturday Closed Closed Wauchope Wauchope 66 Cameron Street, Wauchope 66 Cameron Street, Wauchope Ph: (02) 6585 3438 Ph: (02) 6585 3438 Monday–Friday Monday–Friday 7.30 am–3.30 pm 7.30 am–3.30 pm Saturday Saturday 8 am–11 am 8 am–11 am Wauchope Wauchope Timbertown Shopping Centre Timbertown Shopping Centre Shop 1, 243 High Street, Wauchope Shop 1, 243 High Street, Wauchope Ph: (02) 6589 2951 Ph: (02) 6589 2951 Monday–Friday Monday–Friday 8 am–12 noon 8 am–12 noon Saturday Saturday Closed Closed
All pathology requests accepted • Bulk-billing availableNo appointments necessary on most procedures All patients welcome • Highly trained and experienced staff All pathology requests accepted • Bulk-billing availableNo appointments necessary on most procedures All patients welcome • Highly trained and experienced staff
THE POWER
of
XRAY
TECHNOLOGY
IN DENTISTRY
This advanced diagnostic imagery has revolutionised dentistry by o ering more detailed diagnostic images for treatment planning to improve patient experience and health outcomes; and can save patient’s time and money.
Two-dimensional imaging has been an integral part of the treatment planning to deliver optimal care for the patient for many years. However, there are concerns regarding its accuracy, as it is prone to superimpositions, distortions and error. Recent advancements in three-dimensional imaging have now made it more readily available, and it can now be argued that it should be the cornerstone for advanced diagnosing and treatment planning for dental treatment.
Three-dimensional imaging provides many advantages over traditional x-rays and twodimensional OPG’s, especially when diagnosing and treatment planning complex treatments such as removal of teeth, root canal, crown and bridgework, implants, orthodontics, sleep apnoea and airway associated treatments.
A 3D X-ray is a diagnostic tool used to capture information in all three dimensions and allows your dentist to examine your bone and underlying structures by scrolling through the image on a computer screen. Your dentist can see and interpret these different views, significantly improving the amount of information captured compared to traditional dental x-rays, and without the inbuilt errors and distortions associated with two-dimensional images. Furthermore, it gives your dentist a larger image with more control and helps them to see commonly missed areas when reviewing small dental x-rays. The additional areas that the 3D image captures are jaw (including jaw joint), sinuses, nerve canal and airways and this allows your dentist to diagnose common systemic issues such as breathing difficulties, infections of the sinus, polyps, sleep problems, jaw issues and nutritional problems associated with eating difficulties. This information can be addressed to improve your overall health, plus problems that are picked up earlier and addressed earlier, can reduce the cost of treatment and amount of time spent in the dental chair. For example sometimes a perceived dental pain is actually related to the sinus and is therefore treated by an ENT.
Some would argue that the cost of a 3D x-ray is more expensive than traditional x-rays and that the radiation dose is higher. This is true, however, given that the 3D x-ray captures the whole mouth, face and jaw, and allows for a more comprehensive exam and treatment plan, taking in the whole picture, we feel it offsets for this price and exposure level. Plus repeated small x-rays, which may be required to obtain the same information, can also add up in price and radiation exposure. The radiation exposure during a 3D x-ray has been minimised and is now the equivalent of a flight to Europe. Lastly, you shouldn’t need a 3D x-ray frequently because it allows for long term treatment planning.
If you or a loved one would benefit from a 3D x-ray, comprehensive exam and treatment plan, please contact the caring team at Sundial Dental for an appointment today, and request a 3D x-ray consultation. At this appointment you can expect to spend 40 minutes with your dentist and have an in-depth conversation about your 3D x-ray findings, plan any dental solutions and have time to answer any queries you may have. As the saying goes, We Look Deeper at Sundial Dental
www.sundialdental.com.au 6583 3533 or 6585 2015.
Judy MORT
Midwife, Mentor, Shamanic Way Shower. These are a few facets of Judy Mort’s life that are valued and held deeply in her practice. Working harmoniously with women while gently guiding those from many paths of our intertwined lives, Judy wholeheartedly follows the calling of her soul’s path.
Hi Judy. You are a prominent fi gure in the community working within the women’s health and wellness sector. For those of us who haven’t had the pleasure in meeting you yet, please introduce yourself and share your connection to our region.
Originally from Sydney, I moved to Bonny Hills in 2004 with my husband and our two young boys. We love living here and enjoy the beaches, the ocean, the beautiful natural environment and the community in which we live. We moved here after living in England for about four years. It was the call to be near the ocean and waterways which drew me to the Camden Haven region. I swim most days, it is such an important part of my wellbeing.
You wear many hats, and a pretty special one in particular being Midwife here at Port Base Hospital. How long have you been involved in birthing and what do you enjoy most about helping mothers bring their babies Earth-side?
I am an experienced midwife, having spent more than 25 years working with birthing women and families in Australia and England. I have been working at Port Base Maternity Unit since we moved to the area.
After all these years as a midwife I continue to hold a passion for all aspects of childbirth. I love being a midwife and making a positive difference in the lives of women. Every day is unique as a midwife, there are so many enjoyable moments as well as challenging ones.
Childbirth is a signifi cant time and rite of passage for women, their babies and families. What goes on around women and occurs to women during pregnancy, birth and early
What goes on around women and occurs to women during pregnancy, mothering will impact birth and early and infl uence her and mothering will her baby for years to impact and infl uence come. her and her baby for years to come. To me, the most important aspect of supporting women during pregnancy, birth and new parenting is that women are strongly placed at the centre of their experience; that they are listened to, that their decisions and choices are respected and that they come through their birthing experience emotionally whole and physically well. We know this is not always the case. Data shows that one in three women describe
their birth experience as traumatic. One in eight women go on to develop PTSD from what occurred to them during childbirth. The incidence of perinatal depression and anxiety is around one in five women. These are shocking statistics which do not often get spoken of and need to be addressed. This is a widespread systemic issue which has a huge impact on all areas of life for women, families and our society.
A safe, sacred and empowering birth in any setting is possible. It is how women are treated, respected, cared for and held which can make this the case.
Through your business, Artemis Rising, you offer many opportunities to women in our community, whether that be through women’s circles, workshops or private bespoke consults. Can you share more about what’s on offer?
My background spans the scientific and the sacred. My life experiences, education and training are grounded in Feminism, Goddess-centred Earth-based spirituality and Midwifery. As well as being a midwife to women and birth, I am a mentor, way-shower and guide to women on their Soul Path in life. I guide women on their own journey of self-discovery, healing and awakening. This aspect of my work is woven through all that I offer with Artemis Rising.
I offer a range of workshops, courses, highly personalised one-to-one sessions, and community-focused circles; where women learn, remember, reclaim and reconnect with their most authentic, fulfilled and sacred selves.
I currently hold a regular Moon Circle for Soulful Women, with new dates opening soon.
These circles are for women who wish to connect, share and grow deeply within the safe and intimate space of a closed and ongoing group. Held as a series of six gatherings for a small number of women, meeting monthly, Moon Circle for Soulful Women offers a rich and rewarding way to be together, providing the inner nourishment we require in our full and complex lives. In Circle, women come home to themselves and each other.
When this occurs, everyone benefits; ourselves, our families, our communities and the Earth.
Moon Circle for
Soulful Women o ers a rich and rewarding way to be together, providing the inner As a teacher and practitioner of nourishment we the Women’s Mysteries and Shamanic require in our full Womancraft, I have a strong grounding in the and complex lives. Wisdom of the Cycles, a deep understanding our Rites of Passage in life, a holistic and shamanic approach to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and birth, and the profoundly transformative experience of peri-menopause and menopause, for women. >>>
I have two workshops covering these themes coming up in July. Saturday 17th July Moonsong and Sunday 18th July Shamanic Dimension of Pregnancy.
Personalised One-to-One Sessions:
These are a one-off or short series of bespoke private sessions for those seeking guidance and clarity relating to a range of situations in life whether that be facing transitions and finding themselves at crossroads in life, feeling stuck, restricted or noticing repetitive patterns and ways of being which are inhibiting growth or enjoyment, seeking insight, clarity or healing relating to personal or professional situations.
I offer deep listening, skilful and effective processes by which to guide people towards their own unique solutions, activating their inner wisdom, intuition and power to move forward.
Pregnancy and Birth Services:
I offer a range of holistic services for women and their families; as well as mentoring and support for Midwives, Student Midwives and Birth Keepers.
Women who are pregnant, considering pregnancy or those who work with women and birth may like to join the one-day workshops I hold.
I also offer personalised one-to-one sessions and programs for women (and families) who are preparing for birth in a sacred way and for those seeking to debrief or make sense of their pregnancy and birth experiences.
I am not a midwife in private practice and do not offer pregnancy, birth or postnatal midwifery services.
For Midwives and Birth Keepers:
I work on a one-to-one or small group basis with midwives, student midwives, doulas and birth-workers; offering holistic clinical supervision, debriefing, mentoring and Support Circles.
Over the past 12 years, you have been immersed in, learning and teaching Shamanic Womancraft. Firstly, can you tell us more about the concept of Shamanic Womancraft?
In this context the term ‘Shamanic’ describes the inner and outer multi-dimensional spaces that exist within and around us. The worlds or realms of the shamanic experience are both actual and metaphoric and are accessible by everyone.
The Shamanic Journey is an inner journey; a fundamental part of our human experience in connection with nature, Earth, subtle energies and the wisdom inherent in all the cycles of life.
As women we are intimately aware of our own cyclical wisdom. Menstruation, pregnancy, birth, and menopause are shamanic journeys. A woman travels deeply during these times into her inner world. She meets her fears, her obstacles and her deep inner knowing. She meets her extraordinary strength, wisdom and available guidance. Through paying close attention to the ebbs and flows, the natural rhythms of our own bodies we can come to know ourselves on a deeper level. We experience ourselves as an integral and aligned part of all nature.
The School of Shamanic Womancraft has been operating for 13 years, offering courses and workshops in Australia, New Zealand, UK, France, Canada and US.
This August will see the Four Seasons Journey coming to both Port Macquarie and the Coffs Harbour region. Take us through the content of the program.
The School of Shamanic Womancraft, founded by Jane Hardwicke Collings in 2009, is an international Women’s Mysteries School, a community of women united by a revolutionary impulse for social change and healing. We create circles of intimacy and belonging in which growth and transformation can unfold.
I completed the Four Seasons Journey (4SJ) program in 2010. During that year I had a strong vision to bring the modality of Shamanic Womancraft and the Four Seasons
e Shamanic
Journey to the women in my community. After completing a number of years apprenticing, training and attending to my own inner work, I graduated as a teacher of the Four and Eight Seasons Journey and workshop teacher, too.
Alongside my dear friend and colleague Joanna Dadd we co-facilitate the Mid North Coast Four Seasons Journey.
Now in its second year, Joanna and I are so excited to be offering this positively life changing program in our region again.
We begin the next Mid North Coast Four Seasons Journey in August 2021 and are accepting enrolments now.
The Four Seasons Journey program runs over a year and involves exploring our personal connections with the Earth, the Divine Feminine and ourselves.
This program invites women to attune to their cyclical, transformative nature, as well as their relationship with each other, in a powerful sisterhood that provides a oneof-a-kind context in which to undertake significant inner work and become a Shamanic Craftswoman.
The Four Seasons Journey offers women an opportunity to dive deep into the philosophy and practice of Shamanic Womancraft.
It is a personal and collective journey of discovery and healing.
During the year together, students will gain in-depth experience with the Women’s Mysteries, building the skills and understanding needed to work in the inner shamanic realms – facilitating transformation for themselves and others.
The program is offered via six face-to-face gatherings, including a 10-day Wilderness Retreat culminating in a wilderness solo, five coursework modules, and includes homestudy, reading and preparation.
This program is for women from all walks of life both personally and professionally; what will each woman expect to take away from this experience?
Over the years women from all walks of life and stages have joined the Four Seasons Journey.
Younger women, mothers, grandmothers, sometimes pregnant women or women with young babies join, and as a community we find ways to support that.
Women in academia, teachers, midwives, artists, healers, naturopaths, counsellors, activists, psychologists, doctors, birth keepers, musicians, women in media and the financial world and more, have all attended 4SJ over the years. Truly, this program is for every woman who is ready to awaken to her feminine power and willing to embrace the powerful and life changing experience that is 4SJ. Each woman arrives to 4SJ for her own reason, often with a strong “inner knowing“ that this journey is for her.
Women feel strongly resonant and “called“ to this work and way. What women receive will of course be unique to her. It is her own journey of discovery and becoming. What women gain is multi-layered and life-long. Women gain connection to a strong and growing sisterhood and community. Women gain a qualification in Shamanic Womancraft. which prepares students to become teachers and practitioners of the Women’s Mysteries. Women may take away an unshakeable knowing of who they are at their core and what they are here to be, do and offer into the world.
Women go on to weave and integrate their 4SJ experience into their lives and work in many creative ways.
This is a powerful healing path for a woman to remember and reclaim her Sovereign self.
Thanks Judy.
To contact Judy:
Email: judy@artemisrising.com.au Website: www.artemisrising.com.au Instagram: @artemis_rising7 Facebook: Artemis Rising
To find out more about the School of Shamanic Womancraft:
https://schoolofshamanicwomancraft.com/
Mid North Coast Four Season Journey Programs:
https://schoolofshamanicwomancraft.com/4sjmid-north-coast/
AUSTRALIAN SPORTS NUTRITION
ASN literally stands for ‘Australian Sports Nutrition’ but our brand represents so much more than that. At ASN, we aim to be the most memorable part of your day. From the minute you enter our store, we love to give our valued customers the best treatment to ensure you receive the support and a ention required whether that be products, advice or more information.
Please introduce yourself and your team to our readers?
Our ASN team is small but that doesn’t mean we don’t bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our store.
I am Stuart Cameron, the store owner and operator. I have over 14 years of experience in the health and fi tness industry; from working as a PT, studying nutrition, formulating supplement products to competing in natural men’s body building, I’ve spent my life immersed in the fi tness industry. I am passionate about a balanced approach to health and fi tness.
In addition to my presence in the store, I also have my partner Ebanie. Ebanie has worked in the supplement industry for over 5 years in addition to completing her undergraduate degree in science and is currently studying psychology in her post graduate degree. Throughout her education, Ebanie has studied biology, anatomy, nutrition and now the mind. Ebanie is passionate about fi nding a happy balance when it comes to health and fi tness.
Finally, we have our long time employee Mat Reynolds. Mat is a long time local, born and raised in Port Macquarie before he took off around not only Australia, but also New Zealand, representing various football clubs. After injury brought him home, Mat hasn’t lost his passion for all things fi tness. He is a certifi ed nutrition coach and is currently studying for his Bachelor of Education majoring in health and physical education and minoring in food technology. You’ll catch Mat enjoying bodybuilding style training and preaching the importance of striving for your personal goals.
Together we’ve covered so many bases of health and fi tness and we’re passionate about sharing everything we’ve learned with our customers to give them a holistic approach to health.
Tell us about some of your best sellers?
Our best sellers, hmmm, tough question! Our store has something for everyone! Whether you’re looking for muscle building, weight loss, recovery or health and fi tness, we’ve got it all! If we had to pick a few, we’d have to include these; 1. Our evolve range protein: This is New Zealand grade whey and is broken up into categories based on your goal (muscle gain, weight loss or maintenance). Our best seller is our WPI, but there’s defi nitely something for everyone in that range. 2. Our ‘Green Machine’: Struggle to get your greens in? Don’t we all sometimes! This great product is packed with all the vitamins and minerals you need! One easy shot in the morning will have your insides glowing. 3. It’s not exactly a ‘product’ but did you know we have an InBody body scanner? This is one of our most popular services! It takes about 5 minutes and will give you a full breakdown of what makes up you! And you’ll also get a printout to take home to keep for your progress tracking.
What advice do you have for those who are wanting to start out on their health and fi tness journey?
Advice is what we specialise in, so please! If you’re struggling to get started, don’t hesitate to pop in!
If we had to try to point you in the right direction we’d have to say; commit to yourself, you are your greatest investment and deserve to be feeling your best. Secondly, set goals, start with something small and achievable and work your way up.
If you do want some guidance, come say hi, you don’t need to buy anything, we can offer you samples before you commit to your purchase and we can answer your questions and show you around with no obligations! Make that fi rst step today and you’ll be on your path to health and happiness in no time.
Australian Sports Nutrition
Shop 2, 124 Horton Street, Port Macquarie NSW port@asn.com.au | 02 6583 4288
