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EVERY AGENT TELLS YOU THAT THEY ARE THE BEST. AT HEM, WE LET OUR CLIENTS DO THE TALKING. “Best agent I’ve ever worked with. Puts in work like they are selling their own house. Consistent, knowledgeable, personable and professional. Wouldn’t sell through anyone else now.” “HEM are an expert in real estate whether you’re buying or selling, which we have done both. They are very knowledgeable on what is going on in the market. We could not ask for more for the service and efficiency that the team have done for the recent sale of our property. The outstanding result says it all. Thank you team HEM.” ”Wow! What an amazing agent. We were unable to view the property being interstate, but we had a thorough video inspection, and had all our questions and concerns answered with confidence. Nothing was too much trouble, and the process was a pleasure. Thank you for being a part of the next chapter for our family!”

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Welcome to the October issue of Greater Port Macquarie FOCUS.

irst off some good news! Our Graphic Designer Kyle Rathbone and his wife Emily welcomed Maeve Eloise Rathbone into the world this month, albeit six weeks early. On behalf of all of us here at Focus, to Kyle and Emily, we are so excited for you both. With everything going on right now, some warm and fuzzies are what we need and we can't wait to meet you Maeve. On our cover this month is the beautiful Jess Good from the Lewis Land Group. A big thank you to Hotondo Homes for letting us use their amazing new display home for the shoot. Jess is a well known face for the builders and retailers of Sovereign Hills – she is the Sovereign Hills master planned community’s Project Marketing and Communications Executive which is indeed a huge title and role. Jess has a beautiful story

of her very own and we loved getting to Covid-free, which is astonishing, while we know her a bit more and hope you do too. watch other LGA's across the state open In other news it feels eerily like the calm and close into lockdown. But that might before the storm. change once restrictions While we're back are lifted and tourists Our Graphic open, most of the once again flood our Designer Kyle state still isn't and town. Rathbone welcomed god knows they As we step into Maeve Eloise Rathbone need a holiday. the unknown, just into the world this With interstate remember those month, albeit six weeks borders shut, once working in the front line early. On behalf of all of we reach those of retail and hospitality, us here at Focus, to Kyle vaccine targets, get deserve not just our and Emily, we are so ready for Sydney respect but also our to fill the highways patience. If you find excited for you both. looking to put the yourself having a rant last four months on thumbs up, thumbs behind them. Port Macquarie is bound to be down, stop and think about all the extra one of the most popular spots to holiday. challenges they are facing with restrictions We have had lots of close calls, but and regulations. Remember they aren't the impressively we have managed to remain ones making the decisions.

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contacts.

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Got a story idea? Looking to advertise in Focus? Contact us for more information. ADDRESS 2/28 Fernhill Road, Port Macquarie POSTAL PO Box 690, Port Macquarie PHONE 02 6584 7433 WEB www.focusmag.com.au IG focus.mag E info@focusmag.com.au

MANAGING EDITOR Jay Beaumont jay@focusmag.com.au EDITION COORDINATOR & ADVERTISING SALES Annette Wannell annette@focusmag.com.au ADVERTISING SALES Sarah Baker sarahmay@focusmag.com.au EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTOR Sarah Martyn sez@focusmag.com.au SENIOR DESIGNER Dylan Gaul

dylan@focusmag.com.au GRAPHIC DESIGNER Joseph Dable joey@focusmag.com.au GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kyle Rathbone kyle@focusmag.com.au PHOTOGRAPHY Gavin Moroney gavin@focusmag.com.au CIRCULATIONS COORDINATOR Steve Foye steve@focusmag.com.au PROOF READING Sue Chamberlain info@focusmag.com.au

Comments and opinions of our contributors do not necessarily reflect the opinion or view of the Publishers. All reasonable efforts have been made to trace copyright holders. Information appearing in Focus is believed to be correct at the time of going to press, however no liability will be held for inaccurate information approved or supplied by advertisers or contributors. While all care is taken it is recommended that readers confirm material including advice with individual businesses and industry professionals. Articles marked as ‘Interview or Contributor’ are non-sponsored content. Focus is published by Creative House Publications PTY LTD ABN: 621 287 8600 5. Material in Focus is Copyright © Creative House Publications PTY LTD 2021 and may not be reproduced whole or in part, in any form, without permission of the Publisher. All rights reserved. FOCUS is printed by Australian Community Media Print & Logistics North Richmond. Our paper is FFC and PEFC certified and meets with ISO14001 accreditation.

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INVESTOR OPPORTUNITIES

20 YORK STREET, PORT MACQUARIE 4

Luxury Hamptons Inspired Display Home With Lucrative 3 Year Leaseback 'Bayside' is Pycon Homes & Constructions' vision for Hampton's inspired style and luxurious contemporary living. The pairing of a multi award-winning master builder with a bespoke design and next level fit-out provides an astute investor the opportunity to secure this display home and achieve a guaranteed 5% return for the term of the lease. Contact Michelle Percival 0404 466 500 Ally Downing 0417 929 726 Glenn Scott 0417 019 756

18 YORK STREET, PORT MACQUARIE 4

Display Home 3 Year Leaseback Guaranteed 5% Return The ‘Waratah’, by master builder Pycon Homes and Contructions, is a contemporary home packaged for an investor with a guaranteed leaseback period in place. The perfect addition to an investment portfolio , this stunning levelliving residence elevates lifestyle with its design and upgraded inclusions. Contact Michelle Percival 0404 466 500 Ally Downing 0417 929 726 Glenn Scott 0417 019 756

SALES 106 William Street, Port Macquarie Phone 02 6583 8606 I percival.com.au 13 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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Issue 187 - October 2021 INTERVIEWS

JACINTA JANIK

Jacinta went from dancing with the Sydney Dance Company to blossoming into a passionate artist. Her line art style depicts her ideas in an unique and stylish way.

BELINDA CAREY

Belinda grew up on a farm, was inspired by her hard-working parents and studied hard to prove her skills as a mechanic with a long career and many roles within the industry.

OUR CONTRIBUTORS 42. Nathan Tomkins - From the Shaker 44. Alex Cassegrain - The Grape Escape

THE ORGANIC FACTORY

A strong passion for organic, vegan cuisine has led friends Taranar and Cody to create an innovative cafe which celebrates their love of the planet and tasty food in equal measures.

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

45. Lou Perry - Palate Pleasures 54. Alistair Flower - In the Front Bar 92. Lauren McAllister & Simon Bank - Business Minds 98. Michael Mowle - Business Voice CONTRIBUTOR OF THE MONTH

ALISTAIR FLOWER

100. Kate Wood-Foye - Business Illuminate 102. Emilie Cooper - Legal Light

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

u nt ut t Follow us on

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www.facebook.com/PortMacquarieFocus

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WHAT’S ON @ GLASSHOUSE EXHIBITION

EXHIBITION

2020 JADA (JACARANDA

MEL O’CALLAGHAN CENTRE OF THE CENTRE

ACQUISITIVE DRAWING AWARD) On View until 21 November

On View until 7 November

Winner: Teo Treloar, This is Impermanence, 2019, graphite pencil on paper, 56 x 76 cm u/f. Courtesy of the Artist and Andrew Baker Art Dealer

Mel O’Callaghan, Respire, respire, 2019, performance and installation at Artspace, Sydney, courtesy the artist and Kronenberg Mais Wright, Sydney; Galerie Allen, Paris; Belo-Galsterer, Lisbon. Photo: Zan Wimberley

FOR BOOKINGS: 02 6581 8888 The Glasshouse is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW

glasshouse.org.au

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

Glasshouse Opening Hours Mon - Fri 9am - 4pm Sat, Sun & Public Hol’s 9am - 2pm Closed Christmas Day

Follow Glasshouse:

Regional Gallery Opening Hours Tue - Fri 10am - 4pm Sat, Sun 10am - 2pm Closed Mondays

What's ART SOCIETY MARKETS Handmade local arts and crafts, a wide variety of fresh produce and delicious food. Stall holders also sell fresh fruit and vegetables, eggs, cakes and biscuits, jams and pickles, baby clothes, plants, assorted tools, second hand books, antiques and a wide variety of other locally made products. When Every Sunday, from 8am - 1pm Where 198 Hastings River Drive Enquiries Maureen on 0409 820 694.

MEN’S COFFEE CLUB A Blokes Coffee Time group, with no restrictions on age, occupation, or socioeconomic background, enables guys to meet-up each fortnight and relax with some new buddies. When Wednesdays Fortnightly from 10am Where Held at a different local cafe for each meet up. More info See facebook group ‘Blokes Coffee Time’ for info and venue details. 14 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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THE BIG BIKE FILM NIGHT

Showcasing their 2021 collection, these short films are a great reminder of why we love to ride our bike; with stories that captivate us, stories that make us think, and most importantly of all inspiring us to get out and ride. When Tuesday 5th October 7pm - 9:20pm Where Majestic Cinemas Port Macquarie More info bigbikefilmnight.nz

MNC MUSICIANS NETWORKING & OPEN JAM

We invite all local musicians to come along and meet each other, network and maybe even have a jam (so bring ya instruments along). All skill levels, first timers, experienced, all genres! When 24th October from 2pm Where Telegraph Point Sport & Recreation Club, 182 Mooney Street More info fb.com/clubmusomnc

ABBA AND THE BEE

HALLOWEEN DUSK TO

GEES TRIBUTE SHOW

DAWN TRAIL RUN

"A Night to Remember" is a 2 hour extravaganza featuring the greatest hits of Abba and The Bee Gees, bringing to life these two iconic bands live on stage. When Saturday 16th October, 8pm Where Hibbard Sports Club - 52 Boundary St, Port Macquarie Contact Stella Enterprises on 0437 773 844

7km Dusk to Dawn 12 hour event. Solo and team runners will brave the forest first, followed by the Moonlight Marathon and Twilight Half Marathon runners. When Saturday 30th October - Sunday 31st October Where Cairncross State Forest, Lot 196 Pembroke Road, Telegraph Point More info halloweendusk2dawn.com.au

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GOOD Jess Good is a well known face to the builders and retailers of Sovereign Hills but we thought it was time we all got to know Jess and and what she loves about working and living in the stunning Mid North Coast.

an you introduce yourself to our readers and tell us about your connection to the Port Macquarie area? Hi everyone, I’m Jess, mother to a lovely 10-yearold, a wife and journalist who was fortunate to be born and raised in the picturesque Macleay Valley in an uncomplicated time devoid of distraction where days were spent outdoors exploring the bush and beach, and 16 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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Eight years ago my husband Scott and I traded city life for this beautiful region and a strong support network for our little family – a decision which proved fortuitous when faced with a health challenge I did not see coming. What do you love the most about working To me, the and living in this Hastings’ stunning region? natural scenery is That’s a tough one. To perfection – the me, the Hastings’ natural just enjoying the little colours of the ocean scenery is perfection – things in life with on a clear day, the the colours of the ocean family and friends. local rainforest and on a clear day, the local As a child, a visit to bush walking trails, rainforest and bush Port Macquarie was the wildlife. walking trails, the wildlife. synonymous with fun! There’s always something Birthday parties at new to discover and it’s Peppermint Park, the all right on our doorstep! all-you-can-eat pizza and dessert bar at Pizza However, for me, it will always be the Hut and Christmas shopping at Settlement people who make a place… While the City.

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weekends are for spending time with family and the friends we’ve made during our time here, I’m constantly in awe of the incredible people I meet through my role at Sovereign Hills; it has given me the perfect excuse to strike up a conversation with a stranger which I find exciting because everyone has a story to tell. Tell us about your role with the Lewis Land Group? How long have you worked with them and what attracted you to the role? I’m the Sovereign Hills master planned community’s Project Marketing and Communications Executive. My role began with a quarterly newsletter in 2014 which has evolved into a full-time position (with the support of marketing coordinator Meg Tubman and our land sales team Luke Moreta and Nicole Landy) spreading the word about upcoming land releases, coordinating the expanding community event and sponsorship

The demand still exists for interesting and engaging content and human interest articles, and gone is the relentless pressure to produce them on a tight timeframe for a daily deadline

program, promoting the bigger and better Sovereign Hills Display Village, and providing marketing support for the new Sovereign Place Town Centre. Lewis Land Group’s vision for Sovereign Hills is to create an exceptional community with integrity we can all be proud of, and where people can live work and play. I’m grateful to hold such a diverse role in a regional area for a company which considers the bigger picture and really does care about how the community will function in a decade when the last block of land is sold and the last piece of infrastructure is in place. Where did your working life begin, did you always have an interest in marketing? It all started as a cadet journalist in Prime Television’s Albury bureau. The axe hadn’t yet

fallen on the budgets of regional news media and there were more opportunities to hit the road in the quest for a breaking news story. I learned the ropes in North-East Victoria where I met my husband, then the adventure continued in Mackay, Rockhampton, Wollongong and eventually Canberra where I presented the evening news bulletin for WIN Television. The arrival of our son Hugo and changing media landscape inspired the move into marketing, but I can honestly say it’s been for the best. The demand still exists for interesting and engaging content and human interest articles, and gone is the relentless pressure to produce them on a tight timeframe for a daily deadline. Now social media provides the immediate news hit and there’s more time to curate meaningful content. Continued Over... GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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GOOD The Sovereign Hills area has really evolved in the last 5 years and become almost a little “town” of its own, why do you think this is and what plans are in store for the future of the area? It really does feel like its own little community, and this has been Lewis Land Group’s focus for the past decade now… The 2019 opening of Stage One of Sovereign Place delivered on a commitment to provide residents with a full-line supermarket, chemist and a place for locals to connect. You can now meet up for a coffee or bite to eat, stock up on 18 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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groceries, have a haircut, buy homewares or a bunch of flowers, all within a short stroll from home. The good news is, there’s so much more to come, including the expansion of the town centre, the development of a community centre and regional playing fields, and of course more land releases. Our land sales team has sold more than one third of the project’s 2,400 residential lots, with the next 53-lot stage due for release this month. The growth of Sovereign Hills is part of the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Regional Plan,

to relieve congestion from the CBD and push development to the west. Already 1,500 people live here, but that will grow to 7,500 in the next 10 years. The Sovereign Hills Display Village is so big now you could spend a whole day browsing the new designs… Tell me about it… The new York Street village at Sovereign Hills is home to 14 leading builders and 19 new display homes (soon to be 21). Our love affair with building design, products, technology and décor has reached new heights, thanks to social media, while

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Quentin Bryce said it best: “For a very long time now, I’ve been saying to young women, you can have it all, but not all at the same time. How important it is to take very good care of yourself, of your mental and physical and spiritual wellbeing, it’s hard to do. It’s easier to be a workaholic than to have a truly balanced life.” They’re wise words from an inspiring woman and they continue to resonate with me as I navigate motherhood, life and a career. As a side note, I’ve been chauffeured around the grounds of Government House in the RollsRoyce reserved for the Queen’s representative and really did feel like a princess for a moment.

Weekends are reserved for family time, walking our cheeky Blue Heeler Jacko, chasing sunshine, cooking, catching up with family and friends and feathering our nest at home.

the pandemic has influenced the way we look at our homes. The display village is the biggest in regional New South Wales and I warn you a visit will inspire you to want to do everything from upgrade your cushions to bulldoze and re-build your whole house. When it comes to a work life balance, what are some of tricks, tips and words that you live by? I think former Governor-General Dame

Who is Jessica Good outside of the office? What are some of your hobbies and where can we find you on the weekend? I’m just your regular weekday working mum, running errands on Saturday and squeezing every inch I can out of Sunday. Weekends are reserved for family time, walking our cheeky Blue Heeler Jacko, chasing sunshine, cooking, catching up with family and friends and feathering our nest at home. I recently joined a book club with a lovely group of ladies so now I’m taking the time out to read more for fun (and we review the books together with a wine which is a bonus). Is there anything else you would like to add? In my mid-30s I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cervical cancer. It completely rocked my world and I wasn’t prepared for the physical and mental impact. Within weeks I was post-surgery and given the all clear but it took a good 12 months to start feeling like the old Jess again. The experience has taught me life is so fragile so make the most of it. Living in Port Macquarie gifted me the support and health care I needed and I’ll be forever grateful to the people who took care of me. The experience also reaffirmed the coast and country are very healing and I hope I get to enjoy them for many more years to come. Thanks Jess. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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Jacinta JA N I K

DANCER TURNED ARTIST

Jacinta Janik went from dancing with the Sydney Dance Company and teaching to blossoming into a passionate artist with dreams of sharing her creations around the world. Her artworks are slightly abstract yet quite direct, with a natural flow and her line art style depicts her ideas in an unique and stylish way.

ou have recently gone from performing with the Sydney Dance Company and teaching dancing to becoming a visual artist. What led to this sudden change in your career trajectory? I grew up dancing since the age of 3 and have danced now for 21 years. My last performance was with Sydney Dance Company in their Pre Professional year. After graduating from there I turned down company offers and decided to teach dance back in the local community to inspire dancers in Port Macquarie to reach for their goals. During Covid, dance studios were closed and I was forced to leave my jobs and needed to find something to help me during that time, and surprisingly art became a massive passion of mine. How did you first develop your particular style of art and how do you describe what it looks like? My art style came to me naturally one

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During Covid dance studios were closed and I was forced to leave my jobs and needed to find something to help me during that time and surprisingly art became a massive passion of mine.

day, it kind of took me by surprise. I started to draw these funny abstract faces everywhere, anything I could get a pen to paper on. Since then I have gradually explored this talent more and more. I create minimal abstract line art. I am fascinated by the movement and emotion of humans and translate that into a quirky idea through line. I would describe my art also as a diary to my thoughts, feelings and

emotions in an abstract 2D form. You mentioned you have a particular type of colour blindness. How does the way you perceive colour change the look of your artworks? Yes, I am red/green colour blind. I didn’t know that until this year. It made me look at my artworks very differently, it makes sense that I gravitate towards natural or light toned colours for my pieces. I guess it’s why I find

black and white line such an easy yet fun shade to work with, it makes most sense to my eyes. Teal is my favourite colour and I laugh now because I realised I like a colour I cannot see. How long have you been drawing, and what have you achieved so far? I have been drawing for a year and four months now, all self taught. Being Aboriginal, people thought I would do traditional art, but I really wanted to make a mark with my own individual style. I have however done a few artworks inspired by my culture, one of them was recently submitted into a local art competition at Mid North Coast Community Legal Centre. I’ve had the privilege of sending some of my art overseas to Bourdeax in France the first month of sharing my designs. That was very intimating at first though, as it was my first time sharing my art outside Australia and my first big commission. I also have pieces being displayed in an art gallery in Lismore called Amarina Art Gallery and Studio; they are an Indigenous art gallery that recently opened this year in August.

I have however done a few artworks inspired by my culture, one of them was recently submitted into a local art competition at Mid North Coast Community Legal Centre.

Do you have any collaborators or mentors who are supporting your artistic talent? Caiti Baker, she has been a big collaborator and mentor for a few years now. I met her 6 years ago when performing for Briggs at the Dally M Awards on stage. She was singing with Briggs and I was representing Bangarra Dance

Company. I remember dancing on this little space and Caiti came over and said “I love your dancing! Take up as much of the stage you need.” I was scared to kick her midperformance. She always gives me solid feedback and teaches me new skills like graphic design whilst balancing her singing career. Continued over... GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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My biggest supporter in this whole journey so far though is my partner Ell, she is always there cheering me on, suggesting ideas, pulling me up when I have a bad day and I’m forever grateful. We support each other through our small businesses and that’s really special. We also share a passion for dance. She is the most spiritual person I know, her business is Elevated Guidance & Healing which involves her doing readings for people all over the 24 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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especially now that digital art is becoming very popular. I knew I wanted to be able to have skills working with both paper and digitally. Procreate works so well to make my prints as it’s super functional and easy to use. No doubt I love to do hand drawn pieces though, it’s nice to Being able to feel the paper as I paint, see what I had those are one-off originals created in my mind, so the customer owns I start to go into this something no one else zone where has which I think is really everything becomes special. What is your creative quiet and meditative, process ? time flies and it’s just world and sharing her Sometimes it’s a me with my vast knowledge. simple thought, an idea thoughts sitting and You offer hand from a conversation or painting or drawing drawn or print something I have seen hours on end. options, how have that starts me drawing you learned to create random lines and shapes your art digitally? in my sketch books or anything that will I started using Procreate for fun on my take pen. I like to sit with the idea and really iPad and progressed naturally. They have imagine what it looks like, feels like and if it a great range of brushes and colours; I’d were moving how it would flow. When I’ve recommend it to any artists starting out, finally reached that point of being able to

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see what I had created in my mind, I start to continuing to inspire, reconnect and engage go into this zone where everything becomes with people through my art. My future goal quiet and meditative, time flies and it’s just is to be able to travel the world, hosting art me with my thoughts galleries, workshops sitting and painting or and possibly have my drawing hours on end. designs picked up by a The best advice I’m always surprised designer brand as part of I got was to by the end result a collection. allow time to find because sometimes it’s How can people your own style by completely different to connect with you and le ing it form at its what I had envisioned, check out your art? own pace, don’t try and some pieces get All my art is shared and force it, designed a lot quicker through my Instagram @ than I thought the janik_lineart – from there everything happens process would take. my website is available when you let go. It’s taken me a while and I post frequently to find my own style about upcoming or and it’s still forever changing. I learnt a really available pieces. important lesson from that when I first started, Thanks Jacinta. and the best advice I got was to allow time to find your own style by letting it form at its own pace, don’t try and force it, everything happens when you let go. What are your goals for the future and what do you want to achieve by sharing your art? My dream is to become a full-time artist sharing my art around the world and GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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GetReady

PORT MACQUARIE

Starting in October 2021, our new boat is READY! Since 1984, the Rocks Rhythmboat on Sydney Harbour has been as iconic as the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House!

his 2-storey catamaran has arrived, with a refit, specialising in live entertainment, functions and, of course, daily scenic river cruises. Many Australian entertainment legends have performed on the Rhythmboat, including the late and great Jon English (who performed his second last show on the Rhythmboat), Kevin Borich, Angry Anderson, Frank Ifield, Bob Downe, Pat Drummond, just to name a few, who have provided entertainment on board while cruising Sydney Harbour. As well, the Rhythmboat formerly featured weekly performances (averaging 80 performances per year) with our resident band, Mamamia – A tribute to ABBA. As well as various other tribute bands and shows including Elvis and The Beatles. All these artists made the Rhythmboat famous up until the world changed with Covid-19 in early March 2020 and we were forced to stop performing. The Rhythmboat on Sydney Harbour has not cruised since. The vessel is now in Port Macquarie and is ready to relaunch! This great boat has many features, including a stage, full production and lighting, comfortable seating for up to 130 guests and a grand staircase that leads upstairs to a beautiful island themed outdoor setting and cocktail bar. Another feature is that guests can enjoy the entertainment from the top deck via the balcony looking down to the stage.

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The décor inside the vessel oozes atmosphere with a retro vibe and is perfect for any occasion. Locals and tourists will embrace the lineup of live entertainment and special events the Port AdVenture (Rocks Rhythmboat) has scheduled. We will continue our regular performances by ABBA - Mamamia, Bob Downe, Fab 4 as well as the Seniors Big Day Out Cruise, Jazz, and Seafood Cruises. This new vessel is an excellent option for WEDDINGS, and FORMAL occasions. The boat will also be scheduling Dolphin Spotting and Scenic River Cruises with a choice of morning or Sunset cruises with seasonal time changes. Making this business and boat even more exciting, will be the introduction of the Dolphin Café that will be open daily for everyone to enjoy coffee, cake, and yummy food onboard the vessel whilst not cruising and tied up at the wharf. Patrons will be able to relax on board the vessel with spectacular river and mountain views, and background music. Everyone will be welcome for open boat inspections to view this exciting and iconic vessel. The vessel is ideal for private parties, socials, or any corporate event. The owners are also the hands-on operators – David and Elsa are very excited to bring this Sydney-based boat to Port Macquarie. David said “It was a business decision that had to be made. Our Sydney operation virtually came to a standstill in March 2020, and now with so many charter boats on

Sydney Harbour, it makes good sense to bring the vessel to Port Macquarie, as regional tourism is booming and both Elsa and I feel confident that this boat will provide a versatile and exciting cruise schedule for both our valued locals and tourists alike”. David and his business operations have an impressive history in Port Macquarie, as previous owner of the Katika the Funboat, The Port Venture and the Chinese Junk and the Southern Star. It has been a tough couple of years for many businesses in our region, affected by bushfires, smoke, floods and then the “main event” Covid-19, floods again and a second Covid-19 (Delta strain) lockdown. Both Elsa and David have had many sleepless nights, as most small businesses operators have, however, even with Covid restrictions, they are confident that their business will not only recover but prosper. It is going to be all hands on deck, using all their experience and enthusiasm and already with the support of some wonderful fellow business owners, Port Macquarie Tourism and many loyal patrons who are looking forward to cruising again and restarting their business on the new boat. By the Rocks Rhythmboat leaving Sydney Harbour, it will be an asset for both locals and tourists here in Port Macquarie. For further information on the cruise schedule view our website on www. portadventurecruises.com.au or call us directly on 0434 393 199.

Seed

C R E AT I V E W O R K S H O P S

hat is The Seed Creative Workshops? The largest creative space in Port Macquarie! We offer art classes for kids, adults, private pARTies and school excursions. We recently added a pottery studio which has enhanced our offerings with 8-week pottery courses and one-off workshops for all

ages to enjoy. What’s on at The Seed this term? We have some new collaborations happening including our Macrame & Terrarium workshop, our monthly Sunday morning yoga & clay day, and a creative weekend retreat that will offer an exclusive experience packed with workshops, good food and even accommodation! Stay tuned for the dates.

How can The Seed help locals celebrate this Christmas? You can celebrate creatively with a private group pARTy this holiday season! Book your holiday party by the end of October and you will receive a personalised framed group Christmas photo and a free bottle of bubbly to kickstart your celebrations! Please book soon as our dates are already filling up. Looking to purchase a gift? Look no further! Please support local and shop at The Seed! We have a range of locally handmade pieces and art supplies to purchase in our shop, so come and grab a coffee and do a little Christmas shopping. Or give your loved ones the gift of creativity with a Seed gift voucher! Valid to use for all workshops and term classes. Do you have anything on offer for the kids during the holidays? Yes! We will have our Christmas Crafting days from Monday 20th - Wednesday 22nd December. Drop your kids for a fun-filled day of making while you get your last minute shopping wrapped up. Our January school holiday program will launch on 10th January too. Please visit theseedcreativeworkshops.com for all upcoming workshops or drop in to see us at 3/6 Belah Rd, Port Macquarie, 2444.

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Belinda Carey grew up on a farm surrounded by machinery. She was inspired by her hard-working parents and studied hard to prove her skills as an accomplished mechanic. We spoke about her long career with many changing roles within the industry.

BELINDA CAREY 30 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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ey Belinda, you were the first female at Expressway Spares, starting your apprenticeship working on heavy machinery and have now been with the company for over 17 years! Please tell us a bit about yourself and how this all came about. I like to think of myself as a quiet achiever but obviously someone has dobbed me in! Thank you for the opportunity to share my story. You grew up on a working farm, and your father owned his own mechanical and log carting business which he followed on from his own father. Did your father show you the ropes and did he inspire and support you choosing mechanics as a trade? Of course, he did! Both my parents have inspired and I worked with encouraged me, and my parents for I wouldn’t be who the first year as I I am today without didn’t have a drivers them. The first story somehow Dad managed licence so that meant of me started when I to hold me there and still either helping Mum was 6 months old in operate the old cable on the farm or going a walker in my Dad’s blade. Weekends were with Dad to do workshop with my spent working on the arm buried in a 20 litre mechanical work or farm as a family as Dad drum of blue grease! snigging logs. mainly did mechanical Apparently, my Mum work and log carting wasn’t too impressed during the week. During about cleaning up the the week my Mum did a lot of the farm mess but that was just the start. I spent a lot work, anything from slashing, spraying, of time with my Dad over the years, even as a and delivering calves as well as running the small child I would go with him clearing scrub on the seat of an International TD14 dozer and if I got tired, I would fall asleep and

My Mum’s strong drive, hands-on approach and encouraging words really inspired me and proved to me anything is possible. After leaving school at 15, I worked with my parents for the first year as I didn’t have a drivers licence so that meant either helping Mum on the farm or going with Dad to do mechanical work or snigging logs. Dad always made me have a go from driving a fully loaded log truck on bush tracks, loading gravel into a tip truck with a Caterpillar 951 track loader and loading and unloading

household and doing the books for the

machinery off the low loader.

mechanical, truck and farm.

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I wasn’t confident in dealing with customers, but he said to me “it’s no different to what you are doing now, instead of you being the customer, you will be the Salesperson.

I knew I wanted to do my mechanical trade but felt I needed to prove my eagerness, so in my first year out of school I started a preapprenticeship mechanical course at Kempsey TAFE – Mum would drive me the 218km round trip on a Thursday. A part of the course required practical experience, so I approached Expressway Spares and started here on Fridays. During this time, we sold the farm and moved closer to Wauchope onto small acreage. At the time I found it difficult to leave the farm as I love farm life, but if we didn’t, I wouldn’t 32 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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be where I am today. Coming to the end of my practical experience at Expressways I was offered an apprenticeship; I could not have been more ecstatic! My apprenticeship started in 2004 and I still didn’t have a driver’s licence for the first 6 months, so my parents would drive me back and forth to work every day and to Tamworth for block release TAFE. You have worked as a mechanic, in purchasing, sales and you’re now in marketing. Please tell us about the progression of your career and how

having years of hands-on experience in the workshop has helped in your different roles. After working in the workshop for 6 years, I was pushed by my doctors to have children as I was diagnosed at 18 with T1 diabetes, so I decided to mention to the head of Workshop Purchasing to please drop my name if a position came available in Purchasing. That way I was still involved in the workshop, but the work was lighter. It wasn’t long and I was working in Purchasing. Six months went by,

greatly in my roles but some customer’s descriptions of the parts they were chasing took some deciphering and often involved the whole sales office knowledge to work it out! Everyone has different ways of describing and there is different terminology within the industry, so it can get tricky at times. What are some of your other passions and hobbies outside of work? Prior to 2017, I spent a lot of time with my Dad restoring antique machinery and travelling around Australia with my Mum and Dad doing Antique Machinery Shows displaying our collection of vintage dozers and tractors. We still have my Dad’s log truck which was originally a part of my grandfather’s logging business and has been converted to haul a low loader to carry our My parents gave machinery around to me the most the Shows. I still love amazing experiences beef cattle farming growing up and I so whenever I got the want to give my chance, I would head daughter the same. I to my friend’s farm to think it’s important give them a hand with to show children how cattle work. Once you and where our food are raised on a farm comes from. there is no way it leaves your blood! My husband and I have enjoyed some amazing overseas holidays with our family and friends, travelled within Australia and we love to camp, hunt and fish. After having my first baby in late 2019 and then COVID starting in 2020, it really slowed life down, so I started growing my own veggies and flowers. Poor hubby has spent hours with me building garden beds and delivering soil! I even talked him into building us a chook coop and we have raised chickens to add to our backyard produce. My parents gave me the and the Sales Manager approached me to most amazing experiences growing up and I work in Sales. I wasn’t confident in dealing want to give my daughter the same. I think it’s with customers, but he said to me “it’s no important to show children how and where different to what you are doing now, instead our food comes from. It has given me great of you being the customer, you will be the joy to grow our own produce! The dream is to Salesperson” and with that I moved into Sales. have our own small farm one day for bigger During my 8½ years in Sales, I completed a sheds, more gardens, and more animals. Cert III in Sales, Cert IV in Marketing, and a What are some of the challenges you Diploma in Business Management. I have now have overcome working in a typically been full-time in Marketing for almost 3 years. male dominated industry and do you have Definitely, having the workshop experience any advice for any women interested in and mechanical knowledge has helped me

becoming a mechanic? I wouldn’t say I have had too many challenges. Most of my co-workers accepted me for who I was and were more than happy to help. The industry has developed over the years with lifting aids like cranes and air or battery operated tooling reducing the workload on the body. The biggest thing is to always ask for help when you need it and ask as many questions as you can! To be honest, I hate people seeing me as a female in a male dominated industry as I have always seen myself as no different to anyone else. My best advice to males or females wanting a career no matter the industry, set your goals, work hard and you can achieve whatever you put your mind to! Have you had any colleagues or mentors who have inspired and helped guide you and have you been able to act as a role model for others in your company? Yes! I have had some amazing colleagues and I feel very lucky to have had their support during my different roles within the Company. There are some real stand outs amongst them, but everyone has played a role in building my knowledge and skills. Some of my colleagues have become some really great friends too! Unfortunately, I was out of the workshop when our next female started her apprenticeship, but I have always felt I have been approachable, and I hope I have helped others within the Company, no matter their role. Externally over the years through different channels, I have been involved in speaking with people to follow their career dreams so hopefully that has encouraged someone to take on something they thought wasn’t achievable. What have been the highlights of your career so far and what do you most enjoy about your current role? Overall, I would say completing my Heavy Diesel/Plant Mechanic apprenticeship was my first highlight, followed by achieving equal first on the North Coast for my Diploma in Business Management. I love my current role as I can use all my different skills, knowledge and experience starting right from my workshop days. I do many other aspects of work within the business, so no day is the same. Thanks Belinda. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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DOMIN

Local artist Gabriella Domin’s colourful nature-inspired designs caught our eye. She loves to paint and print her vivid creations different mediums including canvas and fabrics.

hat inspires your art and what kind of works and products do you create? My art and design work is very bright and colourful, and is often influenced by the coastal landscape. I’ve always lived near the coast, and the colours, shapes and patterns of the beaches, bush and coastal flora work their way into my paintings, drawings, surface/fabric designs, painted terracotta pots, and hand-printed fabrics. I’ve always been obsessed with creating brightly coloured patterns, and I’ll paint these on any surface I can. I also have a collection of designs on my website that can be printed on-demand as fabric, available for anyone to purchase. I’m working with a small fabric printing company in Brisbane called APPLiK, that prints the fabric by the metre and ships it straight to my customers. I love to paint on canvas as well, mostly on a small scale at the moment. However I’m very keen to work on some larger canvases when time and studio space permits, and also to paint a large mural sometime! 34 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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Please tell us a bit about yourself and what you love about living in Port Macquarie. I grew up in Coffs Harbour, then moved to Sydney to study and lived there for about 16 years. I met my husband and had my two children in Sydney, then we moved to Port Macquarie in 2019. The Mid North Coast has always been home to me, and I love the relaxed coastal lifestyle that Port Macquarie offers. One of my favourite things to do is the beautiful Coastal Walk from Lighthouse Beach to Town Beach. It’s amazing walking down to Miners Beach and feeling like you’re miles away from anywhere. It’s also exciting to be living in an area that has a fantastic creative community – there’s a lot to see, and in terms of exhibitions and performances, creative markets and fantastic events such as Artwalk. When did you start your creative journey and who has influenced you along the way? I’ve always been painting, drawing and making patterns since I was a kid, and was provided with so many creative opportunities by my mum who is also an artist. Studying

at the National Art School was a fantastic opportunity to develop my drawing and painting skills, but I always wanted to learn how to transform my art into fabric. I then went to study a Diploma of Surface Design in Sydney in 2018, which set me up with the skills to pursue work as a surface pattern designer, and reaffirmed that it was the right direction to take my art and design practice. I’m influenced by lots of different people, creative friends and family, other local and international artists and designers, and my alltime favourite artist Matisse. What training and study have you undertaken and how are you utilising your skills? Along with studying Fine Arts and Surface Design, I also completed a Bachelor of Teaching while I was in Sydney. So now that my kids are a little bit older, I’ve been back teaching in schools this year which has been wonderful. I also loved teaching workshops and being able to share my skills and various artmaking

practices with students of all ages. In August this year I began a 10 week Parents and Bubs Creative program at the Glasshouse. Unfortunately the recent COVID lockdowns halted it halfway through, but it was wonderful being able to provide a comfortable environment for parents with babies and toddlers to create in, without them having to worry about bringing materials or cleaning up! Hopefully we’ll be able to continue these classes again soon. What mediums do you use in your art and designs? My art and design practice is quite varied. I mostly paint on canvas with acrylic paints, but I also love using many different materials and techniques such as watercolour, gouache, inks, drawing with posca pens, digital design, block printing and collage. Many designs begin as a drawing, painting or collage and then are scanned and digitised in Photoshop to create a repeat pattern design. I’ve enjoyed using various drawing apps on the iPad to create some of my patterns, however it doesn’t replace the beauty and joy of painting or

my designs to some small fashion businesses that I’ve connected with on Instagram, including TopKnot Girl (hair accessories), Olasol (activewear and swimwear) and Scarlett Bird (women’s fashion), The book who then create amazing features 100 products with fabric Australian surface printed in my designs. pattern designers, Is there anything else including fellow you’d like to add? drawing – the iPad and Port Macquarie Recently I was included Pencil just doesn’t have artist and designer in a book called PATTERN the same feel as a real Fiona Solley! PULSE, which was brush and paint on published by Australian paper or canvas. surface designer Rachael What’s the most King. The book features exciting thing 100 Australian surface pattern designers, about being a designer and who do you including fellow Port Macquarie artist and collaborate with? designer Fiona Solley! It was an honour to One of the most exciting things is seeing be included – it’s such a beautiful book full my designs come to life as products in the of amazing artwork and patterns, and is a real world. I’ve always had an interest in fantastic read for anyone interested in surface fashion but I’m not very good at sewing, and textile design. so it’s wonderful to collaborate with lots of How can people get in contact and find Australian small businesses and see them take your designs? my colourful designs and transform them into My work can be viewed on my website clothing, accessories and home decor. www.gabrielladomin.com and I’m also on At the end of my Diploma of Surface Design, Instagram @gabriella.domin.design which I won an award to collaborate with a Sydney I mostly use to communicate about new design studio called Emily Ziz and created artworks and designs, workshops and a collection of designs called 'Australian collaborations. You can get in touch through Coastal' for them which was very exciting. my website or send me a message on These designs can be purchased and printed Instagram with any enquiries. as wallpaper, fabric and even surfaces for kitchen splashbacks! I’ve also licensed some of Thanks Gabriella. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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T RACHEL SHEPPARD

ell us a little bit about yourself I grew up in the Hastings and played soccer with Wauchope for a decade. After school I studied psychology and tutored economics in the U.S.A., worked in mental health for a decade on the South Coast, then moved to Bonny Hills in 2018 to start our family. I have been operating a business as a psychologist in Port Macquarie, where I ran groups during school terms for parents of kids who were presenting with challenging behaviours. You are leading the team for ‘sensible, sustainable progress’. Tell us what your team is about. Our motto reflects our commitment to smart investment in infrastructure, economic planning and community resilience planning that leaves our future generations with the opportunities we have now. Our team takes a balanced and strategic approach to community leadership; bringing together the experience in business, health, social, environmental and

infrastructure needed to get results that reflect community values. Find out more about our policies at our website. You are also running for mayor. What has led you to that big decision? Our community needs genuine leadership that embraces diverse opinions and brings the community together. We live in challenging and divisive times. It is rare to see respectful disagreement and robust discussion of the big issues our community faces, and that’s a significant problem when it happens in council. I have a track record of respectful and collaborative engagement with council staff, councillors and the broader community, to effect council decisions and community consultation. As a psychologist, soccer player, mother, and community organiser, I have the background to work without personal interest as the elected leader of an elected team to find common ground and solutions. I am proud of my ability to see and bring out the best in my colleagues to achieve results.

Sensible, sustainable progress. Our people, our economy, our environment www.sheppard4mayor.com.au

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Authorised by Rachel Sheppard, 45 Lake Road, Port Macquarie NSW 2444

GREG FREEMAN Tell us a little bit about yourself? I have lived in the Hastings area for over 30 years, initially in Wauchope, then Port Macquarie. I am married with four adult children. The Lighthouse area is my home now and I love the beaches and rainforest walks nearby. I am still active in the business I established in 1996, Impact Environmental Consulting, which runs conferences and consults to local government on waste management issues around Australia. Why are you running for Council? I have the enthusiasm, energy and skills

to make a difference in our community. I see a need for the provision of sustainable infrastructure and for our community to develop but also protect our precious natural resources. I have also been actively involved in the development of a new Aquatic Centre in Port Macquarie. I understand Councils and the way they operate and equally understand community needs. I ran for Council as an independent in 2016 but have joined Rachel’s team as I share her vision and values.

LINDA ELBOURNE Tell us a little bit about yourself? I have lived and worked in Port Macquarie and the surrounding areas for the past 25 years and have 2 adult children and 2 grandchildren, who also call Port Macquarie home. I spent 20+ years working in a Corporate Environment and have spent the past 4 years working in the Disability Sector looking after Business Development and Marketing for the Willing & Able Foundation. As an extension of my role at the Foundation I have just opened our very first Supported Independent Living Home, and I also work in and manage a private support home.

I absolutely love my job and feel privileged to be working in an environment where I am able to make a difference every day. Why are you running for Council? I am the Vice President of the Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce, and this role has given me some insight into local business needs and priorities. Through my disability work and community networks I feel I have a particularly good understanding of what our community needs which I would now like to take to the next level by running for council!

ETHAN FRANCIS Tell us a little about yourself? I moved to Port Macquarie when I was 15 and completed high school at Hastings Secondary College. With a passion for nature, I am in the process of furthering my education and am currently studying a Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management at Charles Sturt University. Throughout my studies, it has become apparent that many issues concerning the environment are created at a political level or can be resolved through means of implementing well thought-out and planned strategies. Change can be

executed by passionate people, and I am passionate about ensuring change is done in an environmentally sustainable manner. Why are you running for Council? I feel that Port Macquarie as a town should lead by example, and as a community we should work together towards common goals that benefit both the people and the environment. I am keen to engage the youth of the community to encourage them to make sustainable decisions that benefit the community and our future.

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ADVERTISMENT

L-R: Kerry Fox, Michael Clarke, Niko, Justin Hardie & Linda Lenord

V O T E

HASTINGS FIRST

ho is Hastings First; please introduce your party to our readers. The “Hastings First” Group Ticket consists of 5 community-minded individuals who are passionate about where they live, the future direction of our region and ensuring Council is progressive, transparent and always working in the best interests of our community. Our motto sums up our aim of being Your Voice in Your Community for Your Future. During his 18 years in Port, Mayoral Candidate Nik James LIPOVAC has been heavily involved with Community, Charity and Sporting Organisations and developing Business Connections through his work in the Media. Nik knows the importance of ensuring everyone is given the opportunity to be heard and involved. Nik says “Council must re-focus on its main priorities of roads, footpaths and parks, planning and development, health and community services, and environmental issues, but we also need to help those in our 38 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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community who are doing it tougher than most.” Hastings First is made up of people with diverse backgrounds, skills and life experience. Kerry FOX has lived on the North Shore over the past 6 years, has three decades of business experience and works with a large multinational IT Company. Linda LENORD has been involved in the Hastings Education Sector for 33 years working with young people with disabilities and mental health needs. Michael CLARKE has lived in Wauchope since 1990 and has spent 42 years in the finance sector, working in areas of training, risk assessment, business planning and business and retail banking. Justin HARDIE has 20 years of board level experience working in investment and delivery of renewable energy, rail and road infrastructure. Niko, what are the reasons behind you running for Mayor? If elected what are your priorities?

I’ve always said there’s no point complaining unless you’re prepared to put your hand up and do the job yourself. The Community wants new blood, new ideas and new leadership. So I’m standing for those people who are looking for an alternative. I have no links with political parties or developers. Like many people I’ve noticed our Councillors have stopped listening to the community. It’s frustrating to watch dysfunctional Council Meetings where personal agendas are given precedence over making decisions. I also want to strengthen our bond with State and Federal Members so that we can all work together to further benefit the Hastings. Our priorities are listed on our website and include completing urgent infrastructure work, creating more employment opportunities, improve traffic issues, prepare a post-Covid Tourism plan, develop more Social Housing and provide greater mental health support. www.hastingsfirst.com.au On December 4 put “Hastings First” and Vote 1 Nik James LIPOVAC for Mayor.

VOT E 1

TEAM PINSON

ECONOMIC RECOVERY STRATEGY

he last five years of the current council term have seen four councillor resignations including a sitting mayor, which also forced a by-election.

In that time we’ve also seen drought, bushfires, a pandemic and great flooding which has had significant impacts on our way of life, economy and momentum. It is important now, to pull through the other side of the challenges that we’ve faced and start the rebuild of our economy, community, infrastructure and a return to a stable decisionmaking group focussed on leadership, direction and delivery. Team Pinson is made up of community champions, all of whom are business owners with significant runs on the board supporting community causes. The group also includes current and former councillors and mayor with a combined seventeen years’ experience on council, with proven track records in tackling the big issues with vigour. This conservative-leaning group of candidates are incredibly focussed on providing stable leadership, a solid direction for the future and are capable of overseeing the delivery of key projects and infrastructure effectively, efficiently and in a timely manner. As previously announced, if elected, Team Pinson will freeze rate rises for the full threeyear term. This will ensure ratepayers can keep more money in their pockets rather than

continuing to add to the massive stockpile of cash in council reserves which now amounts to $340,000,000. Some would say that the move to freeze rate rises is populist or even irresponsible. They couldn’t be more wrong. Whilst the stockpiled cash may make the bank balance look great, it highlights very clearly that council has not delivered anywhere near the projects and infrastructure that it could or should have over the last ten years. Not least, the ratepayers need the money in their own bank accounts more than council does right now.

charges will be reviewed and reduced wherever possible to ensure businesses can grow and add jobs to the local economy, as well as positioning the Port Macquarie Hastings as a business and industry relocation area. Through the Economic Recovery Strategy, Team Pinson plans to pro-actively seek Grant funding to assist in fast-tracking upgrades, enhancements and community programs to support Tourism, the Arts and Community Sports.

The recent floods and the pandemic again highlighted the need for better phone and internet services and reception in remote and also growth areas. Team Pinson will pro-actively Team Pinson plans to utilise funds from advocate for a better communications network the $340,000,000 cash-stash to deliver its that will come ‘Economic up to standard Recovery Strategy’ and also allow ECONOMIC RECOVERY STRATEGY which is designed capacity for to kick start the Funding - Unlock the $340,000,000 Cash Stash future growth. economy, deliver key infrastructure projects and support the community and business get back on their feet.

Building - Deliver Roads, Water & Sewer Infrastructure

Enhancing our footpath Support – Sports, Arts & Tourism network, Connect – Footpaths & Cycleways cycleways and Enhance – Parks, Gardens, Waterways waterway areas will provide more safe access This Economic and better Recovery Strategy connectivity and allow more options for will be focussed on allocating resources to community members to stay fit and active. providing much needed water, sewer and road infrastructure, whilst also reducing red On December 4th 2021, the smart choice and green tape that prevents more affordable for the community would be to Vote 1 Peta housing solutions. Pinson for Mayor and Vote 1 Team Pinson Advocacy – Phone & Internet Reception

Industry and small business rates, fees and

for Council.

TEAM PINSON FOR COUNCIL

Peta Pinson, Adam Roberts,Sharon Griffiths, Danielle Maltman, Josh Slade Authorised by Peta Pinson, 3 Mahala Close Bonny Hills NSW 2445 Photos were taken by Focus photographer on Tuesday 21st July.

NO RATE RISES

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DINING GUIDE

COVER DISH CONTINENTAL WAFFLES BELGIAN WAFFLES, TOASTED AND TOPPED WITH SEASONAL FRUIT, WHIPPED CREAM AND CANADIAN MAPLE SYRUP - CHOP N CHILL 40 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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DINING GUIDE

Your local Club

PORT CIT Y BOWLING CLUB

$ 2 0 W E E K LY SPECIALS STEAK & SCHOONER SUNDAY CHICKEN SCHNITZEL TUESDAY PROPER ROAST THURSDAY LUNCH 11.3OAM  2PM DINNER FROM 5.30PM

Bookings Essential 4 O W E N S T P O R T M A C Q U A R I E | P 6 5 8 3 1 1 3 3 | P O R T C I T Y. C O M . A U

The only thing better than good food is great food with water views 1 Bay Street, Port Macquaire (02) 6580 2300 portmacquarie.panthers.com.au

Open for lunch and dinner Menu subject to change without notice GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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Kenny LITTLE'S

Better Together This month we welcome Rollands Plains and we are so Chef2Farmer to our “Little” excited to welcome them to our Family, stocking their 100% shop and online website. pasture raised delicious eggs Their chickens live in a caravan for all of the which moves local community around pastures Chef2Farmer to enjoy. This ensuring that are located in relationship is they always Rollands Plains and not a new one. have the we are so excited to Knowing the freshest pasture welcome them to Richardson family our shop and online and plenty of for well over 15 sunshine. website. years now, roles So let’s get are reversed with behind these them now becoming a supplier. amazing farmers and family and Chef2Farmer are located in bring the farm to your plate.

BELVEDERE VODKA MARTINI WITH NATHAN TOM K INS, WHALEBONE WHAR F

INGREDIENTS 90ml Belvedere Vodka 15ml Dry Vermouth 3 – 4 Green Olives Lemon Zest Ice

METHOD 1. Pour Vodka and Vermouth over ice and stir, strain into chilled Martini glass. 2. Add lemon zest and olives. 3. Perfect for a spring afternoon with some fresh shucked oysters.

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GOLD

SPRING Carnival MADNESS $5 SCHOONERS OF IRON JACK & XXXX GOLD FOR THE ENTIRE MONTH OF OC TOBER C AU L F I E L D C U P & TA B E V E R E S T 16 T H C OX P L AT E 23 R D V I C D E R BY 3 0 T H J O I N O U R S P R I N G C A R N I VA L T I P P I N G C O M P E T I T I O N S E E O U R F R I E N D LY STA F F AT T H E C AS H B OX F O R M O R E D E TA I L S * M E M B E R S O N LY | T E R M S & C O N D I T I O N S A P P LY

4 O W E N S T P O R T M A C Q U A R I E | P 6 5 8 3 1 1 3 3 | P O R T C I T Y. C O M . A U

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GRAPE ESCAPE

NEWS FROM THE VINES

ALEX CASSEGRAIN From Cassegrain Wines

There is always a lot of discussion about Chardonnay and the first thing that is mentioned is typically about oak. It is a variety that has lot of versatility and when it comes to making a Chardonnay the decision to add complexity with the use of oak barrels becomes front of mind for the winemakers.

ontrary to what people may believe, it is not just a matter of putting the wine into oak barrels and hoping for the best. There is a lot more thought put into this decision before the grapes get to the winery. For example, the type of oak – where is it sourced from, how heavily toasted the inside is, what length of time will the wine spend in the barrel, and what size barrel. With sizes being anywhere between 225L to 5000L plus there are a lot of choices available. However, on the other side do you keep a portion (or all of it) in stainless-steel tanks? Thus meaning ‘unoaked’. For me the decision is purely based on the fruit that we pick. You will hear many winemakers talk about ‘Terroir’ and this is all do with the specifics of where each block of fruit comes from, giving each batch its unique

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characteristics. It is very easy to over-oak a wine, and frustratingly easy to under-oak a wine at the same time. Our 2019 Reserve Fromenteau Chardonnay just picked up two trophies for Champion Wine and Best White Wine at the Cairns Wine Show, and recently has also received 5-Stars and Top of Category Award from The Real Review. The wine was made using handpicked and carefully selected grapes sourced from Tumbarumba, a region which is arguably the best for Chardonnay in New South Wales, if not Australia (not just our opinion). Gently pressed, and allowed to settle overnight, the wine was racked and transferred into brand new 500L French barrels where it stayed for 8 months before being bottled. Whilst this wine will age gracefully, it is drinking stunningly well right now.

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Palate PLEASURES t

LOU PERRI

FROM THE STUNNED MULLET

E AT I N G O U T

pring is officially here, not that as this is written there is the remotest sense of it in the air, with a freezing, extremely wintery southerly blasting through our

area. But soon enough, as with everything else, this too shall pass and we will bask in the warm sun and then, eventually, grapple with the pointy and sweaty end of summer as we always do. And if we are lucky there will be a bit of time here and there to bask in the delicious sunshine and bathe in the cool waters of our magnificent stretch of the Pacific Ocean. Until then however, we will just do our best to batten down the hatches and wait, as we have seemed to do so often over the last couple of years. Meanwhile we can still most certainly enjoy the little things every day that bring a sense of joy and a sense of freedom. For many of us after having been cooped up at home so much lately, there’s very much a sense of cabin fever and life’s pleasures very likely take on the form of all things involved with activities outside the home. For some perhaps the lockdown escapades du jour such as walks on the beach, bike rides with family members, combined with walking the dog until he hides next time you call him, so overwalked is he – are getting, hate to say it, somewhat old and whilst we still retain

our somewhat tenuous the great outdoors in the For many of us grasp on freedom out of form of a picnic. after having lockdown here in Port been cooped up at In true urban Macquarie (definitely home so much lately, sophistication, it appears touching wood here), there’s very much a that picnics are becoming our priorities may lie in sense of cabin fever as elaborate as possible escaping that one room and life’s pleasures and as it turns out in the house we are even very likely take on would be right at home more sick of than any of the form of all things within the four walls of the others – the dreaded involved with a respectable fine dining kitchen. activities outside the restaurant. Now there’s a chance home. In fact, a multitude to escape, the world of of fine hospitality ‘eating out’ has begun establishments have jumped on this enforced to open up again. Tentatively, restaurants and method of allowing a small return to cafés are welcoming seated diners again. At socialisation, with all manner of incredibly first, like shy teenagers on a first date, then gourmet picnic packs for your regular park with the confidence born of it being just like sojourn. riding a bike. We never forget how to interact Culinary bliss, finest of wines and signature with each other, the subtleties of face-to-face cocktails shaken in jars and poured over ice are communication (albeit with mask) come back so very Spring 2021 and it isn’t a bad thing at surprisingly quickly. Like dogs, we are superbly all. social creatures, so meeting friends and Eating out in all its forms is to be celebrated family, sharing a meal, chatting, drinking, and – whether it just happened to be ‘eating laughing just slot into where they left off after outside’, or whether you are in the very a moment or two, if that, of breaking the ice. As the weather improves even more, it might fortunate position of being able to actually sit at a table at your fave café or restaurant, be prudent to seize the day wherever we can it is always a bonus to escape from your very and enjoy ‘eating out’. Certainly our friends in own kitchen. As we all know, absence makes Sydney and other parts of the state have fully the heart grow fonder and a little time out, embraced that first step towards freedom in however we can achieve it, is never a bad idea! seeing beloved persons in their life amongst GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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The

Ultimate

CHEESEBURGER

M E T H O D To make the special burger sauce, combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well.

Ingredients

BURGER

SPECIAL BURGER SAUCE

500g Ground Beef

½ Cup Kewpie Mayo

8 Slices American Cheese

1 Tbsp Ketchup

1 Tbsp Cracked Black Pepper

1 Tbsp Mild Mustard

1 Tbsp Kosher Salt

¼ Cup Finely Chopped Pickles

1 Tbsp Brown Sugar

Pinch of Kosher Salt

1 Sliced White Onion

Pinch of Cracked Black Pepper

½ Cup Sliced Pickles

4 Brioche Buns

½ Cup Special Burger Sauce Ketchup & Mustard

Split the ground beef into four portions, roll into balls and flatten into patties. Season each pattie with the kosher salt, fresh cracked black pepper and brown sugar and place on place on your charcoal grill and cook on one side. Turn pattie over and grill on second side until almost cooked through, adding two slices of American cheese to the top of each pattie to warm cheese through. Lightly toast buns and place on an open board, applying the ketchup, pickles, onions and mustard to preferred quantity. Add the cooked meat patties with cheese and drizzle with special burger sauce, adding the top to finish. Eat as many as you can, life is short.

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IN CASH & PRIZES RENEW INPERSON | ONLINE | BY PHONE See Club Reception for further details of our 3 Renewal promotions available. Terms & Conditions apply.

1 BAY STREET, PORT MACQUARIE NSW 2444 | 1300 PANTHERS

panthersportmacquarie@panthers.com.au Help is close at hand GambleAware | gambleaware.nsw.gov.au | 1800 858 858

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ARMSTRONG OYSTERS

One of the largest Sydney Rock Oyster farms in Australia, operating on the Camden Haven River for over 30 years.

Oyﬆers

ARMSTRONG Taste the Camden Haven in every bite

“Here in the Camden Haven, we have a really salty brine that lingers long in your palette. It just works really well, especially with a bottle of Chardonnay or a beer.”

Fresh from the Farm Gate

Drop by the Armstrong Oysters’ farm gate for some freshly shucked oysters straight out of the water and learn about the farming behind growing this succulent seafood.

02 6559 5527

1 short st, laurieton nsw

Learn more about Armstrong Oysters and Camden Haven Farmers at camdenhavenchamber.org

an initiative of

Proudly funded by the NSW Government in Association with Port Macquarie-Hastings Council

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Taste the Camden Haven in every bite By Kate Dwyer from Camden Haven Farmers.

sheep farmer from New Zealand travelled to Australia for a working holiday in the mid-1960s. He stumbled on a pearler job and built a life and legacy for his family, which is an icon of the Camden Haven. Rob Armstrong, and his wife Jenny, landed in Australia and found work with an oyster farmer on the George’s River in Sydney. “After I started working for him, I moved to Port Stephens to work on his leases there and the next thing I knew, I was an oyster farmer,” Rob said. Armstrong Oysters began in Port Stephens, on the Hunter Valley coastline of NSW, in about 1967. When the leases were sold

Rob, with a young family in tow, moved further north in 1978 and began his oyster farm in the Camden Haven River. He purchased more leases and his sons Jason and Brandon would play around the shed and help their dad when they were in early primary school. During high school, the boys would come straight from school to the leases to work. Brandon and Jason learned many lessons from their father and now run Armstrong Oysters in the Camden Haven with other leases in the Nambucca, Port Stephens and Pambula. For all order enquiries contact Armstrong Oysters Phone (02) 6559 5527 Address 1 Short St, Laurieton

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A strong passion for organic, vegan cuisine has led two young friends Taranar and Cody to create an innovative cafe which celebrates their love of the planet and tasty food in equal measures. Being the first eatery of its kind in our area has given people an opportunity to try something new, and who isn’t curious about tasting their Loaded Nachos & ‘Bacon and Egg’ toasties!?

CODY & TARANAR

ey Taranar and Cody, please introduce yourselves and tell our readers what led you to create ‘The Organic Factory’. Taranar: I’m 21 years old with a burning desire to make a positive change in the most peaceful way possible. After waking up to the injustices that our animal friends are facing everyday and the terrible effects eating those animals can have on our health, I instantly adopted a plant-based diet. After 7 years of eating vegan I’ve developed a

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just doesn’t exist and I decided to make it my mission to pioneer this alternative way of living and make it accessible to anyone who’s interested in giving it a try. huge passion for After 7 Cody: I saw this business health and wellbeing years of as an opportunity to make and it has been a eating vegan I’ve work within my passion delicious journey to developed a huge for cooking while also say the least. A key passion for health providing the community part of this journey and wellbeing with a unique experience, was finding and one that is great for the and it has been a embracing the organic health of people and the delicious journey movement, and after planet. I’ve always had a to say the least. feeling the best I’d deep love and connection ever felt I knew I had with mother nature and to share this with I think there has never the world. After doing some market research been a better time to fight for our planet. I realised that a café with this specific diet

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The whole

Good food brings good for this diet and the journey was times and the amount of love of all things ignited by love. Self positivity you can bring that prompted us to love, love of the into the world through start this business, it planet, love of your choice of diet is amplifies our impact animals, yeah it simply astounding. I in a huge way. I don’t wasn’t hard to find love being a part of the think we would want motivation. movement. to do anything else, Your plant-based, besides organic or vegan friendly menu biodynamic farming, is 100% organic and which we are starting chemical free, what ignited your passion to do! for making delicious food and drinks? We were also having to cook and create We were actually flat mates at one point every single meal three times a day just to and found ourselves making food a huge enjoy good, tasty and organic plant-based priority, simply because we enjoy taste and a food, which was really annoying because good meal is always the highlight of our day. sometimes you really just don’t want to cook. We always had people over and really enjoyed We just couldn’t believe that it was impossible the whole experience of cooking for people, to eat a meal that aligns with our health especially when you see how happy it makes philosophy in our region. With some research them! We hadn’t explored vegan cuisine we saw that cafés and restaurants in bigger too much at that point and over the next cities with similar philosophies and were couple of years we experimented with heaps successful which made us feel a little more of different food. The whole journey was hopeful about the endeavour. We figured that ignited by love. Self love, love of the planet, the worst case scenario is that we had a crack love of animals, yeah it wasn’t hard to find and gained a ton of experience. Luckily it was motivation. It was actually our intense passion a success!

We wanted to make a dine-in experience centred around our health philosophy, one that was unique and enjoyable, it really is a dream come true for us. What are some of your most popular dishes, and can you let us in on any new menu items you will be making with your home grown spring crops? Our most popular dishes are the Loaded Nachos and the ‘Bacon and Egg’ Toastie by a long shot. I think they come close to what people are used to, which is great. We always wanted this menu to be accessible to nonvegans and remove any stigma that people associate with the diet. Our meals are huge, they’re filling and they’re delicious. As two young blokes we understand that why some people are hesitant to eat vegan but we have made it our business to dispel that myth entirely. Come and get your fill! We will be bringing in new meals with every season, ensuring that our café stays alive and interesting. Keep an eye on our socials for our new Vegan Carbonara and Quinoa Rainbow Bowl, featuring our own house-made Vegan Aioli! Continued Over... GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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The magical colour-morphing butterfly pea flower teas look amazing! Can you tell us a bit about your homemade kombucha and fair trade coffee? Yes we love our tea! The butterfly pea is certainly a favourite. We get our organic kombucha through a business called Healthy Hammered, he uses our kitchen to do his brews. As soon as he gave us a taste we knew that we wanted it in the café. Best butch in all the lands, it’s really just amazing stuff. Once we saw that Organic Fairtrade coffee was an option there really wasn’t a debate, we try to be ethical everywhere we can and that was an easy choice. Knowing that our coffee ensures that farm workers are paid properly and that the land isn’t abused in the farming process puts a smile on our faces every time we serve a cup. We are sure this pays off in flavour too, ‘some of the best tasting coffee we’ve ever had,’ is generally the response from people that try it. Being one of the first vegan cafés in our area you have received a lot of support and encouragement from the community. 52 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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Once we saw that Organic Fairtrade coffee was an option there really wasn’t a debate, we try to be ethical everywhere we can and that was an easy choice.

How does it make you feel having such a positive response to your mission of ‘helping the planet in the tastiest way possible’? We are lucky enough to have a ‘Vegans of Port Macquarie and surrounds’ Facebook page who have showed us so much support and even organised meetups to help

us out! We get plenty of legends driving out on their day off to check our venue and food. We are overwhelmed with the positivity we have received and we couldn’t be happier to be a part of the conscious food revolution that we are at the forefront of! This positive encouragement is what keeps us going and we don’t plan to stop anytime

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THE

FACTORY

soon! Too many animals to save, not enough time left to save our suffering earth and too many people to feed. What makes our day is when someone who was hesitant to try anything vegan walks away saying it’s the best food and coffee they have ever tasted – knowing that their experience with organic vegan food was positive and that the chain effect from these small experiences can make such a massive impact on our world. We love it! What other products have you made that you are excited to share with us and are there any collaborators who you want to mention? We are so excited for the future and hope It also works to bring so many more effectively as a options for everyone to book in via Facebook, method to reducing try. Due to our business Instagram, or phone and managing operations being within on 0434 648 363 depression. Research an old butter factory within trading hours into the subject will we thought it would be to secure themselves reveal more, there a great idea for us to a spot at our venue. release our own range really isn’t much it We are also happy of vegan butters to doesn’t do when to have a chat and honour the history of our followed properly. answer all questions heritage listed venue. that you can ask us We have also had many through Facebook and customers who have tried our homemade Instagram. Dukkah, Vegan Parmesan and Vegan Cheese We are currently open Friday, Saturday, Sauce and are super keen to buy it for Sunday from 7am-2pm and all walk in’s are themselves. So many jarred goods are on also welcome! the cards for the future. We are also keen to What are some of the benefits of the start making other products such as granola delicious organic vegan food you are and will be adding smoothies and juices to creating at The Organic Factory? the menu as soon as we can, as well as a A wholefood organic plant-based diet is whole new range of salads, stews, curries, proven to benefit virtually every aspect of pasta dishes and much more, there’s heaps our health. From significantly reducing the to come! risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer to You are now based at The Old Butter reducing inflammation, increasing energy, Factory at Telegraph Point, how can libido and immune system function. It also people book in and connect with you? works effectively as a method to reducing Yes, The Old Butter Factory is a beautiful and managing depression. Research into heritage building, surrounded by breaththe subject will reveal more, there really taking scenery, all of which is open to our customers during trading hours. People can isn’t much it doesn’t do when followed

properly. At a time such as this, with so much fear regarding our immune system and vulnerability to pathogens, it would make sense to take every single step possible to build an indomitable immune system, which is what this diet certainly does. This isn’t to say that veganism alone is the solution, we absolutely recognise the unhealthy results from a ‘poor’ vegan diet. Veganism may be a better option to the ‘stock standard diet,’ but even veganism can be done wrong. This is why we doubled down on our ethics and standards and decided to go completely organic, so we can say with absolute certainty that our food is incredibly healthy. Organic food is free from pesticides, chemicals, poisons and genetic modification which are all commonly used in conventional farming. These artificial ways of growing and processing food have a devastating effect on our gut microbiome which is fundamental in regulating almost every function in our body. Organic food has more antioxidants and nutrients, tastes better, feels better and is really beneficial for our environment! We love food that hasn’t been tampered with just like mother nature intended. Thanks Guys. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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D AV I D 'BARNESY'

BARNES

t F RO N T

BAR t

HASTINGS VALLEY VIKINGS PRESIDENT & COMMUNITY LEADER

ALISTAIR F L O W E R

MANAGING DIRECTOR OF FLOWER HOTELS

arnesy, introduce yourself to us, how long have you lived in Port? What fills your days? I have lived in Port for about 41 years, so basically my whole life. Mum and Dad moved here when I was 18 months old, and I’ve got no desire to leave! Between my work as a Concrete Batcher and spending time with my family, my days are pretty busy. I also spend a fair bit of time with the Vikings Rugby Union club, that I am proud to be President of. Okay, lets talk footy. Tell us about your role at the Vikings? How did you find the club? The club formed in 1997, I started with the Vikings as a 19-year-old in 1999. All my mates from school were playing, I hadn’t played any footy before so they put me on the wing. From day one I just loved the culture and being part of a group. I have been involved since then in many roles, I’ve played over 220 games with the Vikings and it has been a massive part of my life with many friendships and some really good mates, along with plenty of enjoyable memories. I am currently the Vikings President and I play in the second grade side now, but I think age is starting to get the better of me – haha. The season was called short with the second wave of COVID coming through – 54 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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did you see the season ending like this? How did the club go this year? I had high hopes for our club this season, for the season to end so abruptly was a big shock. We were so close to the grand final, with First Grade securing the club’s eighth consecutive grand final at Oxley Oval just before the lockdown came into effect. Our club was crowned ‘Club Champions’ this year, which is a huge effort. Our first grade were looking good to take out the Premiership, our Under 16s were left undefeated and we had great numbers in all grades, even with COVID going on – I’m so proud of our club. Footy takes up a fair bit of time, but I’ve seen that you have also been running competitively. What have you been up to and where did this passion start? As a young kid I loved cross country running and I still love running. I completed my first 50km Ultramarathon this year, it was a lot of hard work but it as an awesome challenge. Going out running around really clears my head, I don’t set a map, I just run and when I’ve had enough I turn around. You seem to be very community minded, what drives you? I love the sense of community and I love helping people but I also enjoy taking on the leadership role. I have aspirations to do more with the community, maybe outside of my work with the rugby club, I think I have a lot

to offer. It was really rewarding to be able to assist my mate Tunny in the recent flood disaster. We were helping move people out of flood affected areas or dropping of food to people and animals. The looks on the flood victims when they were rescued or assisted was very satisfying, nothing better! Tell us about your involvement with the Grace Church? For a while now I have been attending Grace Church with my family. My wife has always been heavily involved, and my children and I have always supported her in that. During COVID I found myself with more down time, I had time to really think about my faith and beliefs and I made the decision to be baptised. My daughter chose to be baptised the same day, I am thankful to be included in such a kind and loving community. Being a part of the church is something that people may not know about me, I don’t preach the fact or fly the flag – as such – it’s my own belief and it has brought plenty of love in my life and my family. Last of all, a question I always ask, what is the best thing about the Port Macquarie? I love Port. It’s the most beautiful place and there are lots of great people here. Being heavily involved in a number of community groups, you really see the best side of our community, we are so lucky.

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CREATIVE H

Wauchope Creative Hub COMES ALIVE WITH 30+ARTISTS SHOWCASING THEIR WORK. Interview with Creative Director, Stu Doherty

ey Stu. 2020 saw you swapping a longtime successful corporate job for life here in Wauchope. Firstly, tell us about yourself and how you found your way here on the Mid North Coast. I’m a fashion designer by trade having spent the past 25 years establishing myself in the Sydney fashion and design scene. I spent much of my career designing for other labels such as Morrissey, David Jones and Trent Nathan back in their hey day and eventually moved into corporate uniform design, then after doing that for too many years was really longing for a creative change. I really wanted to live a creative life, but stuck on the corporate treadmill in the city, I couldn’t see the path forward until I was made redundant at the very start of the Covid crisis. Be careful what you wish for! My industry was devastated and I had to make some big personal changes so I packed up my Redfern townhouse and my Whippet Ziggy and we 56 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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My industry was devastated and I had to make some big personal changes so I packed up my Redfern townhouse and my Whippet Ziggy and we moved closer to family here in Wauchope.

moved closer to family here in Wauchope. My Mum, Dad, sister and her family have been in the Wauchope area for over 35 years, so this move started as a bit of a tree change while I contemplated the next stage of my life and career – and has turned into my new creative life! Wauchope Creative Hub is a new venture that brings many creative opportunities to our community. What was the concept behind opening the doors? We are a creative family, Mum was a sewing and craft teacher before her retirement and always encouraged us to be creative, she taught me to sew and inspired my career in fashion design. Moving home gave me the time and space to reconnect with my creative love of painting, in particular watercolour painting and I started selling at the Port Macquarie Artist Market,

encouraged by my sister Christine who makes and sells beautiful hand knits and hand felted fashion and art pieces. I am an entrepreneur deep down and after meeting so many local creatives found myself wishing for a home base for us all... out of the wind and rain of the market scene that can be so unpredictable. It was my dream to open an art space, and Wauchope Creative Hub was born from that dream. How has the community come together to work on the hub and what was the reception like once those doors were opened? Once we started to put the word out through various creative networks, the response was amazing and that really boosted our confidence. Opening a new business is always a risk. Opening a new business during Covid is pretty terrifying to be honest but with so many local creatives joining our co-op we knew we had

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I am an entrepreneur deep down and after meeting so many local creatives found myself wishing for a home base for us all .. out of the wind and rain of the market scene that can be so unpredictable.

the foundations for something to succeed. Community can be something hard to find living in a big city like Sydney and for me the support and encouragement from the local community here has been overwhelming, every day someone thanks us for opening The Hub. What’s on offer for those seeking to learn new skills or hone in on old ones? Sometimes people spend an hour wandering, browsing and chatting when they visit WCH so a list of what’s on offer doesn’t do us justice! We have a permanent gallery as you walk in, the current exhibition is a group show with 25 local artists from the PMH region. All works are for sale and 100% of sale price goes to the artist. I’m really proud of that part, we are set up as a co-op and the business itself doesn’t make the money; the arts and crafts people make the money. Behind the gallery is a huge warehouse (about 200 square metres) set up as an arts and crafts department store with art, craft, fashion and homewares made by local artisans. I also have a great workshop studio where I paint and teach watercolour. Workshops started in July and we are having so much fun being creative and sharing the joy of learning to explore new

skills. Upcoming workshops include crotchet, spinning, felting, wire wrapped jewellery, macrame and even chocolate painting! What is the vision for the future of WCH? The vision for the future of WCH is to continue to uncover more local creatives and provide them a space for community, creativity and income. To exhibit

more local artists in our gallery and to help introduce creative skills to people who are looking to learn and explore how they can be creative. WCH is such a joyful place to visit, people are amazed at the talent in their local community and we want to continue to support and celebrate that talent. Thank you Stu. Wauchope Creative Club is located at 87 Wauchope Street, Wauchope.

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Mikk

Mikk is a talented singing songwriting multiinstrumentalist who also does all of her own production. We spoke about her new single ‘Pacing’, her home studio and all of the bands she plays with around town.

ongrats on releasing your new single ‘Pacing’! What is the song about and what was the process of creating it? Thank you so much! Pacing is based around succumbing to temptation, whether that be with a person or a thought/feeling, the idea that going round and round with something or someone can drive you crazy. I made Pacing last year during the first lockdown, it took me around two days to write and produce everything. I started off 58 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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with a small sample of someone singing the opening vocal line to the song, and started recording all these harmonies around it, it just took off from there! You have built a home studio and do all of your own recording and production! How did you learn these skills and what do you like most about being able to do it yourself? Yeah! It’s so convenient having a studio in your house, I can roll out of bed and be at work in the space of 10 seconds, incredible! I learned how to produce and record music when I bought myself a laptop back in 2013,

I then downloaded Logic Pro and have spent hundreds of hours over the past eight years just experimenting, trying to make things I hear in other songs and duplicating them. The best part about doing things myself is the time frame in which I can complete things, I don’t have to wait for a studio or audio engineer to become available, I can sit down and start an idea as soon as it comes into my head. How do you describe your current sound and how has your style evolved? I honestly couldn’t describe my current sound, being an artist and a producer makes it quite difficult to categorise my music into a genre or sound. One day I’ll be making folk music and the next I’ll be making 80’s pop. My sound develops and changes as I gain new skills and learn how to make new sounds, for example if I learn how to make a cool sounding synthesizer, I’ll then base a song around that particular sound. My style evolves according to the music I’m listening to at the time, as well as what music is being released around the world. If I hear a song on the radio and like it, I’ll then go home and try to write something in that genre but with my own instruments, just to challenge myself. Sometimes I like to

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set myself a challenge for the week, so one Before lockdown I was playing in a few week I’ll decide I’m going to make an EP that bands here and there. I play the drums for is in the genre of pop punk or another week local artist EMIR alongside another local I’ll decide to make a 15 minute solo piano musician, Alan, who plays bass. I also play piece, the limit is endless! the bass in a newly formed band The War How did you go from being a Room, fronted by local legend Benje Travis. classically trained trumpeter to a multiFor the first time, I have my own live instrumentalist, and what instruments band for gigs which is super exciting. Alan can you play? plays the bass and Brad Collins (Dark Alley I say this to a lot of people, once you Sessions) plays the drums. I’ve really started learn one instrument it’s very easy to learn enjoying playing with other people in bands, another. I started especially here in Port playing trumpet when Macquarie where there I’ve really I was seven and never is such a big pool of started really touched another talent to be showcased. enjoying playing instrument till I was in Who are your high school. I dabbled favourite musicians with other people in on guitar and was and biggest bands, especially here always obsessed with influences? in Port Macquarie the drums but was This is a hard where there is such a never allowed a drum question! My favourite big pool of talent to kit (probably for a bands and musicians be showcased. good reason). I can are really a mixed bag, play a few different I love Julia Jacklin, Sam instruments now but Gellaitry, Mac Miller, mostly out of necessity, it’s important when Snailmail and IDLES in particular, but in terms you’re writing music that you understand of local bands I’m loving at the moment the limitations of certain instruments and are; Palomino, EMIR, Swell House and Nana the humans that play them. For example, Klumpp. I’m mostly just influenced by what writing a drum part that is extremely fast and I’m listening to at the time, what gigs I’m requires the drummer to play four different going to and what the people around me are drums at once would be impossible. listening to. Tell us a bit about the other bands you What are your goals for the future? are working with. One of my biggest long term goals is

to eventually open up a school of music production for young women and nonbinary folks. I think it’s really important that diversity is represented in the music industry, especially in audio production and engineering. But on a more personal level, the only goal I can really set for myself is to just enjoy music for as long as I can and get as much joy out of it as possible. What else would you like to tell our readers? To wholeheartedly support local music, art, culture and business, please! It’s a really crazy time at the moment and the creative industry has really taken a beating so if you can, go and buy some merch, music, art, food, coffee, anything you can to support local legends. How can people find your music and connect with you? My music is on all streaming platforms, however I’ve been told my profile is quite hard to find, so if you search ‘Mikk’ then ‘Pacing’ it should come up! I’m quite active on Instagram too, I post one minute videos every now and then of my creative process if that’s something you’re interested in seeing, my handle is @__mikk___. I also recorded a live Dark Alley Session few months ago, which you can find on their website. www.instagram.com/__mikk___/ www.facebook.com/hellomynameismikk Thanks Mikk. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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LORD STREET

PODIATRY CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY!

i Matilda. Thank you for speaking with Focus and congratulations! This October Lord Street Podiatry is celebrating ten years of service in the Lord Street Precinct. What does this milestone mean to you? The last 10 years have gone by very quickly. Moving to Port Macquarie from Wagga Wagga was a daunting prospect. It has been very satisfying to see how the clinic has evolved and grown. I wanted to create a warm and friendly clinic which provides excellent podiatry care, and I believe we have achieved this. What sets Lord Street Podiatry apart from other competitors in the industry? We stock the gorgeous FRANKiE4 range of shoes as well as revere, Dr Comfort and the popular Archies thongs. We have an extensive range of prefabricated innersoles to suit most shoe styles. We strongly believe that you can be comfortable and look good at the same time.

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We were the first in Port to offer the Keryflex nail restoration solution. This works well whilst undergoing treatment for a fungal nail or to hide an unsightly nail. Keryflex is most popular in summer. Once on, it is treated as you would your normal nail. It will grow out with the original nail and nail polish can be applied. In clinic we offer a wide range of footcare solutions in the form of pads, toe props and specialised socks. In the clinic we use the French designed Podiatech Orthoses system. This system allows us to make ‘custom-made’ orthoses (or orthotics ) for every individual. With this system orthoses are moulded directly to the

client’s feet. We favour soft flexible orthoses, but the system has the versatility to also do rigid orthoses for clients. Podiatech orthoses can be fabricated and issued to clients in under 24 hours. We have recently upgraded this system, to the latest version. This system has been a game changer, for our patients and the practice, in ensuring a professional and timely solution. I also have a great team. We strive to be professional, engaging and respectful to all our patients daily. We work hard together to ensure the patient receives the best treatment and outcomes. Thank you Matilda.

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

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GLEN FERN Discover the ultimate over 55s lifestyle living at Glenfern Thrumster Glenfern in Thrumster provides the best of both worlds of the Port Macquarie region, nestled amongst world-renowned beaches and countryside bushland whilst being a hop, skip and a jump away from the wonders of hub of local retailers and vibrant culinary scene. Be one of the first to discover Glenfern, designed to elevate your lifestyle. Perfectly set adjacent to Australian bushland, Glenfern is a master planned lifestyle community offering resort amenities that provide the balance of serenity and active living.

The lifestyle community boasts state-of-the-art facilities where you can enjoy swimming laps of the pool, hosting a BBQ with friends, catching a movie in the cinema, stepping out for brunch or perhaps dining at the sports bar & grill. Craft your ideal home with a selection of designs and interior finishes whilst welcoming your own

touches. With no Stamp Duty on purchase, no Exit Fees and a full retention of Capital Gains/Profits, NOW is the time to discuss your future at Glenfern. For more information please visit our website today: www.hometownaustralia.com.au

A brand new over 55s community coming soon Welcome to Glenfern, a master-planned new community nestled among beautifully landscaped grounds. You’ll enjoy a sense of connection and an active, engaged lifestyle with use of sensational facilities. Discover a new way of living today with brand new homes coming soon.

No stamp duty

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Call 02 4011 8921 to find out more Thrumpster St, Thrumpster NSW 2444 hometownaustralia.com.au

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Garden Village Home Care Garden Village offers peace of mind and aged care services to meet your needs. This may be residential aged care, retirement living or home care. For those seeking care at home, Garden Village Home Care gives you the confidence to live in your own home knowing you have assistance with daily living like shopping, cleaning or social support. Our people live locally, work locally and have strong connections with the

HOME CA RE

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region and community. A welcoming and friendly team is available to meet and speak with you onsite at our Garden Village Home Care offices right here in Port Macquarie. We can support you every step of the way through the Home Care application process. Please contact us prior to commencing your application to My Aged Care and we will help you navigate this complex process.

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USE IT OR

LOSE IT S U N D I A L D E N TA L

With the New Year fast approaching, most Private Health Insurance benefits expire annually on December 31st … and that can leave you and your family out of pocket for your 2021 dental benefits.

nfortunately, most health funds do not allow rollover of benefits - they take a use it or lose it approach, and with much of 2021 being a wash for preventative health care and dentistry, it’s time to take action. What does this mean for you and your family? Well, if you haven’t used all of your dental benefits before the end of the year, they may expire, lapse, run out, or become invalid. Your families' teeth will be left without the care that, (let's face it), you pay your private health insurance for So take action Now! It is essential that if you have any required treatment they be booked in and

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completed before the end of the calendar opportunity to get their dental treatment year, so you can maximise the use of your before their private health benefits expire. insurance benefits. For more information If you haven’t had about your private It is essential that a checkup in the health insurance and if you have any last six months, it dental benefits, call required treatment they may be an idea to your provider directly be booked in and book in as soon to find out what you’re completed before the as possible, so any eligible for and what end of the calendar year, additional required you can claim for so you can maximise the treatment can be before time runs out use of your insurance scheduled before and remember, use it or benefits the end of the lose it! year. October to To make your next December tend to appointment with be the most heavily booked months, so we our caring team at Sundial Dental, call recommend calling as soon as possible to 6583 3533 or visit www.sundialdental.com.au book in, as many of our patients take the

GemLife.com.au/grb

Rainbow Beach. A whole new life.

GemLife offers luxury resort-style living with premium lifestyle facilities on your doorstep. No entry fees, exit fees or stamp duty Friendly community Pets welcome Gated neighbourhood Extensive premium facilities Luxury homes Optional caravan and boat storage* Retain your capital gain

Over-50s living on the Mid North Coast. New homes now selling.

Ageing-in-place solutions

Call 1800 718 413

*Conditions apply. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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CONTACT: Michelle Stocks

0457 205 621 or email: michelle.stocks@kirinari.com.au 17 Hollingworth Street, Port Macquarie

Kirinari NDIS Accommodation & Support Services Supported or Independent Living - SIL Supported Independent Living (SIL) is help with daily tasks to enhance your skills to let you live more independently. The services are provided to you in the SIL home and can be in a shared or individual arrangement. Your Supported Independent Living funding budget will be determined by your needs. Our houses in the Mid North Coast are in great locations, in quiet suburban streets. Our houses are close to public transport, parks, restaurants, cafe’s, shops or shopping centres. Our homes are newly refurbished. Our apartments are new with new furniture, and filled with natural light. Bedrooms have built in robes. All Houses have shared open plan living dining and kitchen areas. All shared living spaces have comfortable, newfurniture, fitted with a fridge and TV. These are the perfect homes for NDIS participants who have been diagnosed with mental illness or intellectual disabilities.

Short Term Accommodation - STA Short term accommodation can be as short as a few hours or as long as a couple of weeks holiday. Kirinari’s Short Term Accommodation can be an opportunity for you to enjoy and learn through capacity building programs tailored to maintain or improve you independance. Short Term Accommodation can be an opportunity for you to enjoy and learn through capacity building programs tailored to maintain or improve your independance. • tavel training • cooking, skills of independence • finances, banking, handling money • participate in the gym, bush walks and sport • movies, concerts, cafe’s and outings.

Specialist Disability Accommodation - SDA Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) refers to accommodation for National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants who require specialist housing solutions that cater for their significant functional impairment and/or very high support needs.

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Mid North Coast Community Services CONTACT: Michelle Allan

02 5719 1060 or email: michelle.allan@kirinari.com.au Clarence House, 3/16 Clarence St, Port Macquarie NSW 2444

Support4Me My Aged Care

NDIS Support Coordination - CoS Kirinari have a team of 20 plus support coordinators with a vast range of experienced and qualified team members to assist you with your NDIS journey. Our staff have a range of professional, clinical and life experience including extensive experience with Justice, Health, Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol, Aged Care, Early Intervention, Out of Home Care, Housing and post major injury recovery. Our skilled staff are able to cover a range of ages from early childhood to NDIS participants over the age of 65 with the entire team providing support to each other in the background to ensure a well rounded response to client needs.

Home Care Package - HCP Support4Me is a Registered Home Care Package Provider: • HCP Level 1,2,3 & 4 Provider • NDIS In Home Support • DVA Home Care • CHSP Provider • Fee for Service Home Care Kirinari Home Care provides services that support you in your own home, so you can remain independent and spend more time doing the things you enjoy! When choosing services we ask “what is Home Care to you?” Is it supporting you by doing domestic duties? Is it preparing your dinner? Is it keeping you independent? Is it us helping you with personal care?

Commonwealth Home Support Program - CHSP Support4Me provides home supports to older people who are still managing well at home, but want some extra assistance, such as home help, delivered meals, personal care or home maintenance. Many people use CHSP when they need low-level support. As their needs become more intensive or complex, requiring some case management assistance, Support4Me can assist with their Home Care Package application Support4Me is committed in ensuring that all older people living in our communities have equity and choice to achieve the potential in their lives and maintain independence.

Or more importantly, how can we support you to you to live your life to the fullest.

All levels of Support Coordination work collaboratively together to ensure the best experience possible for our customers.

www.kirinari.com.au GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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W Paul Kelly, CEO CHESS Connect

YO U R P E R S O N A L

INFOR MATIO N A R E I M P O R TA N T

CHESS Connect is a local human service organisation, providing a broad range of supports across disability and business sectors. Recently they were awarded accreditation in ISO 27001, a leading international quality standard for information security management systems, aligning to the same standard as elite companies such as Google and Microsoft.

hen you engage with a disability service provider, it’s common for them to ask questions and gather personally identifiable information about you, your family, your living situation and medical background. There are many laws around data protection that service providers must comply with, whether they be sole traders or large organisations. This is to protect your privacy and prevent your data being misused by third parties for fraud, such as phishing scams and identity theft. During their work in the disability sector, CHESS Connect has the privilege of handling sensitive and confidential customer records. To align with international standards for information security and operations, CHESS Connect invested in a yearlong process to assess and upgrade its systems and processes for ISO 27001 certification, a forerunner in human

service organisations in the region to achieve this accreditation. “We deliver Government-funded services to our community, so the collection, storage and management of customer information is a responsibility that is taken very seriously,” says CHESS Connect CEO Paul Kelly. “Now, more than ever, information security is critical in business strategy and continuity, as well as providing our customers with peace of mind that their personal information is safeguarded by world class systems and processes.” The consequences of a breach in systems and security can be devastating for an organisation and its customers, causing reputational damage, loss of public trust, disruption of services and emotional distress. Your data is valuable, do you know how it is being stored and protected? Ask you provider today what safeguards and security accreditations they have in place to protect your personal information.

reach your goals. Registered NDIS Services Delivered Locally • • • • •

Support Coordination Respite and Short Term Accommodation School Leaver Employment Psychosocial Recovery Coaching Social and Community Support

1800 899 017

www.chessconnect.org.au

27001

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A LIFESTYLE TO LOVE IN PORT MACQUARIE Experience a truly unique place at Pozières Retirement Village on Ocean Drive. Surrounded by beautiful bushlands, close to the beach and moments to Port Macquarie town centre, Pozières offers both a relaxed coastal lifestyle and urban convenience. Villas starting from $530,000.

5504 5447

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abilityoptions.org.au

WE ARE OPEN FOR RESPITE

ABILITY OPTIONS

Ability Options’ New Mid North Coast Respite Units for people with disability are now open!

Take a Break with our Respite Teams at Seabreezes, Port Macquarie or Bonville, Coffs Harbour If you, or someone you know is aged between 7 and 65, has a disability and is looking for a short break then we can support you! Our respite service provides short term accommodation options for people with disability to relax and take a break, with either a planned holiday or simply somewhere to stay while family and carers take time away from daily routines. When staying in one of our houses our residents can: • relax in a comfortable and safe environment • explore somewhere new • meet and socialise with people of a similar age and interests • take part in their favourite activities For more information about our Port Macquarie accommodation, contact Danielle Heazlewood on 0488 296 021 or Joanne Harrington on 0414 652 695.

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t Ability Options, we offer vulnerable people highquality services that foster their wellbeing and inclusion in the community. As a Not-for-profit disability services organisation, we deliver a personalised, responsive approach, highlighting people’s right to both choice and selfdetermination. We have recently re-opened our Seabreezes and Bonville Respite Units in Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour, following COVID-19 challenges of 2020 which led to an unforeseen year-long closure without Respite Services in the area. We are proud to be supporting people through Respite in the Mid North Coast once again and are looking to fill spaces. Our Respite Services provide short-term accommodation for people with disability and their carers to relax, or simply take a short break. This is either a planned holiday, or simply somewhere to stay for people to take time away from daily routines. A stay in Respite can

range from overnight to a few weeks and the benefits are well documented for both carers and the person receiving care. “The health and wellbeing of disability carers is of the utmost importance. A break from regular duties allows for continued, sustained involvement of carers in the lives of their loved one. It also allows their loved one’s independent space in a new comfortable environment with the support they require from experienced and welcoming support workers” - Ability Options Respite Client Liaison Officer, Samantha Hannon. All of our Seabreezes and Bonville staff are trained and experienced in supporting people with disability. This support includes epilepsy management, medication management, enteral feeding, manual handling, positive behaviour support, First Aid, and CPR. If you would like to learn more about your Respite Options with us, please contact 1300 422 454 or visit https://abilityoptions. org.au/support-options/ respite-services

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A Better Care Experience With over 20 years’ experience in Aged Care & Disability support, Leah Kelly the Director of Just Better Care Mid North Coast brought her experience to the Mid North Coast 3 years ago when she opened the doors of Just Better Care Mid North Coast in Port Macquarie. Three years later, the team have provided over 53,000 hours of support under the Home Care Package and NDIS programs to over 200 Port Macquarie/Hastings locals and employs 48 staff locally. Tell us about the past the years since opening Just Better Care As most business owners would know, the first year is probably the hardest you will ever experience. You find out a lot about yourself and how resilient you can be. Although there were tough times and tears, the good times certainly outweighed the bad. Our role at JBCMNC is to deliver to

people, who are ageing or living with a disability, exceptional personalised in-home community support services which add value to their lives. We have also grown a team which are extremely passionate, professional and experienced in what they do. This one of our biggest achievement’s, that every single member of our team I would trust with my own family if they needed care or support. Our team of support professionals is the key driver of referrals we receive – word of mouth is everything! Tell us a bit about the Team The Just Better Care Mid North

coast team is a great mix of ages, experience and specialities that allows each person to shine in their role. Our client services team are dedicated to ensuring that the client is at the heart of the support we provide. Whether that through specialised support by Julie our Dementia expert or Liz our Registered Nurse. The entire team works together to ensure a holistic approach and respond to any change of needs immediately. Our team of support professionals are just that, professionals in the support and care they provide. The dedication they demonstrate ensuing clients are

well supported, feel comfortable and reassured in the support they get is outstanding. We all know each staff member personally and always ensure they feel part of the JBCMNC family. I love that we know they are buying a house or having a baby or going on a well-deserved holiday. The fact they share so much with us about their lives outside of work means they feel valued in their role and being part of team. What do you look for when recruiting a team member? We like to call it the Just Better Care formula the unique set of characteristics that our highly trained Support Professionals possess. While we may enter our customers’ homes as strangers, our intention is to make sure the client and their family are comfortable with our presence. While experience in a similar role is always an advantage, even more important to us is that our chosen team member has the right emotional qualities, values and education that will allow them to shine in their role supporting our customers across the region. The ability to be compassionate and professional is a prerequisite to joining our team. A sunny disposition is always important! As is the ability to closely observe and monitor to ensure that our clients are safe, happy and secure in their own homes. What’s coming up for Just Better Care? We are expanding into the Forster/Taree region and our second office will open in Pulteney Arcade. After establishing ourselves and the team here in Port Macquarie/Hastings and the increase in enquires from this region we decided that it was time to expand. As with our office here in Port Macquarie, it will be a boutique, local experience for clients and staff. Additionally we have just started Support Coordination under our NDIS registration. As a registered Support Coordinator we can assist NDIS participants to get the most out of their NDIS plan with local providers. We are very excited to provide an extra level in supporting NDIS participants locally.

Speak to our friendly, local team today. Call (02) 6590 1060 justbettercare.com/mid-north-coast GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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WITH LOVE Marilyn and Margaret from the Country Women’s Association of Port Macquarie do a brilliant job of organising the cra days that help them donate over 40 patch-work & crocheted rugs a year to local aged care homes and children in need of comforting and practical gi s. Every single one is handmade with love and care, and they also donate proceeds of their sales to local charities.

hanks for talking to us ladies. Tell us about your work at the Country Women’s Association, and the blankets your members make and donate? MARILYN: It’s nearly the 100th anniversary of the CWA, I’ve been in it for nearly 20 years in Port. I’ve been the craft officer for nearly 5 years, Margaret is my offsider, the assistant craft officer. MARGARET: For aged care we donate about 40 rugs every year. 56 this year! We have lots of our members and friends who knit the 78 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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get them. It’s nothing fancy, it’s just straight knitting because some people in nursing homes have dementia and if they have patterns their fingers can get caught and cut off their circulation, so these are all totally safe for anybody at any time. Each rug requires 30 squares – 5 across by 6 We’re going to down. have a stall on One square = 2,594 20th November where knitted stitches. we’ll sell everything Multiply that by 30 we have – children’s squares for us. and you get 77,820 cardigans, adult And then we have two stitches. beanies, hats and of our ladies regularly Approximately one crocheting around those scarves, bed slippers, double crochet around squares and then they all each square by 30 is tea/kitchen/hand come to me to put them 3,000. towels, rugs, all sorts together into rugs. Joining the 30 squares of things. Depending on what’s in a 5 by 6 pattern available I work them by slip stitch = 1,086 into colour patterns - 30 stitches. per rug. Rug edging, first row double crochet = 592. How HAPPY the people at the nursing Second row half treble = 600. homes are to receive them, the gifts to the Total of all various stitches in one rug is people living there – they are just so pleased to 83,092 stitches by various people.

When we donate roughly 40 per year is roughly 3,323,680 stitches! Far out! People would appreciate the amount of work gone into a handmade blanket, they must be so happy. Do a lot of the ladies have sewing experience and skills that they’re able to still use by getting together and making these rugs? Yes this is the beauty of it, being able to go to groups and do things like this. A lot of work is done by people to keep themselves occupied – a lot of our members are older and not able to make garments anymore so to still be able to feel useful by doing squares is good for them. You also make bags for children going into care? MARILYN: For children in care, they go with nothing and to have our little bags to put their goods and chattels into with their rugs, they do appreciate them, I can tell you that and I've heard some lovely stories from my niece. MARGARET: Yes at the moment, we also make a lot of bags. There are a lot of children that go from home to home in adoption areas and they have nothing. So we make the bags and we have various women crochet or knit small child-size rugs, and in the bag goes a rug and a toy. Then they go to children when they go to a home and

they have something of their OWN to take with them. We have been told that children say “is it really MINE”?? We also give teddies to the ambulance and hospitals for children. And I know that you ladies support a few charities? It’s not just local residential aged care, you make gifts for children and you sell some of your products and donate the proceeds? MARGARET: We’re going to have a stall on 20th November where we’ll sell everything we have – children’s cardigans, adult beanies, hats and scarves, bed slippers, tea/kitchen/hand towels, rugs, all sorts of things. You’re doing a really good thing, it’s lovely to hear what you ladies are doing. MARILYN: I want to do this for as long as I can because they’re really needed. The residents of the nursing homes are so appreciative of the donated rugs. MARGARET: Yes, I’ll keep going while I’m still able to do it! Whatever happens when I can’t, I don’t know - maybe the cat will have to tell me what to do haha. Good on you for what you’re all doing ladies! It must make you feel good and I bet a lot of people appreciate their gifts more than you’ll ever know. MARGARET: When Marilyn and I deliver our goods, we get so many thanks from the staff because it gives them something for those who need it.

Port Macquarie is a place a lot of people come to retire so they don't have family here, or like me their kids have gone to live elsewhere so they don't have family to give in rugs and things that are needed. So there is a necessity for that sort of thing and the nursing homes appreciate it so much. It’s a beautiful thing! MARGARET: Yes it is, particularly in this day in age to see things going around like this, as I say giving so much pleasure to the people that we know because they still can – doing something for somebody. So if people want to join your group or find out more about it or buy any of your things so you can donate to those charities, how do they contact you? MARGARET: We have craft the first and third Wednesday of every month (provided Covid doesn't shut us down again) from 1-3pm and anyone can come. Down in our CWA rooms at the bottom end of the Main Street - 11 Horton Street (which faces onto the Town Green). We also have a CWA meeting on the second Wednesday of the month normally from 1:30pm, that’s the best way of contacting us. Otherwise you could contact our current secretary: cwaportmacquariesec@gmail.com Thank you for talking to me and for everything you ladies are doing for our community! Ok my dear, thanks so much, our pleasure. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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MSS is your local not for profit home care provider, serving aged care clients across the MidCoast and Port Macquarie-Hastings local government areas. We have been operating for over 30 years and pride ourselves on providing innovative and inclusive aged care services tailored to our diverse clients.

ur Mission is to enhance the quality of people’s lives by providing services which enable them to live with dignity and respect. Our Vision is for our communities to be resilient and self-sustaining, where everyone feels connected and empowered to achieve their full potential. Our Values are inclusiveness, integrity, diversity, transparency, dignity and respect, collaboration, professionalism, and fiscal responsibility. We offer a range of services to older people and their carers, and we deliver personalised care by maintaining open communication with all our clients. We place high value on providing services to our local community delivered by our local community. We provide services that foster an inclusive and collaborative approach to enhance the potential of each individual client, improve social outcomes, connect people to their communities, explore creative options, and focus on wellbeing. 80 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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We regularly seek feedback from our clients, adjusting our services and making changes based on this feedback to ensure that our clients feel valued and heard. Each provider is as unique as every client they serve, and we believe that listening to the needs of our clients and the wider community is invaluable in the ongoing tailoring of services specific to the needs of our communities. We take all feedback and seriously and explore every avenue in improving the services we offer. We found that our clients were overwhelmingly looking for a holistic approach to their care, where they can choose services and supports that are right for them while experiencing continuity of care across the board. We recently unveiled our Taree Social Hub, and we are now proud to have almost completed work on creating a second Social Hub in North Haven, to better serve our clients in the Port Macquarie-Hastings region, which will mean shorter travel times to attend and

enjoy the facilities. The MSS Social Hubs are an experience like no other; innovative one stop shops of service delivery with world class service in a welcoming family environment and a positive inclusive atmosphere. The Social Hubs are a unique onsite facility housing a variety of facilities, including VIP cinema, tea house, 1950s diner, craft room, barber, and beautician. The reduced overheads and all under one roof approach mean clients can save money while enjoying exclusive access to tailormade services. We regularly host local service providers to facilitate specialised classes such as painting and scrapbooking, and even offer nail painting and haircuts from industry professionals on premises. Due to the Social Hub location at our offices, we have been able to create a warm family style environment where clients feel welcome and included. We have a suggestions board and regularly review and incorporate the ideas our clients put forward to ensure

We found that our clients were overwhelmingly looking for a holistic approach to their care, where they can choose services and supports that are right for them while experiencing continuity of care across the board.

we deliver person-centred care without exception. Providing accessible social facilities in a safe and welcoming environment can really enhance the lives of clients and remove the stress for those less able to attend public spaces, which has been especially beneficial to our respite clients who may otherwise have missed out on the social aspect of services. Our Clinical Care Team is on hand to ensure all facilities and services meet the needs of our clients, with three in-house Occupational Therapists, a Registered Nurse, and an Enrolled Nurse assisting our clients to get the most out of their relationship with MSS. By offering in-house clinical care with open access to care management staff, we believe we can provide a wider choice for clients in the services they need. In addition to this, we can offer full demonstration of all living aids tailored to them, with their Case Manager and an Occupational Therapist on hand to help them achieve their full potential. We also offer an in-house team of builders who are on hand to advise how best these solutions can be tailored to their own homes. The Taree Social Hub also features a full showroom where clients can experience everything our Home Modifications Team has to offer, including stair lift demonstrations and accessible bathroom installations. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia and throughout the latest lockdowns, we had to greatly adapt the social support services for our clients. This included assisting older people with setting up electronic devices and

providing guidance on keeping in touch with loved ones from afar. As we could not provide in person social support, we made regular telephone contact with clients to ensure they felt connected, and we also worked on planning future events for them to look forward to. As restrictions eased, we adopted an adaptive approach to providing social outings until normal service could resume. Many of our clients had been isolated for weeks so we worked to ensure those who felt comfortable engaging in social outings again were able to do so. We offered COVID Safe trips with socially distanced sightseeing and dining options, providing our clients with much needed social interaction and a way to get out and about. After feedback from clients, we recently refurbished our My Meals kitchen to not only increase our production of home delivered meals, but to also broaden our range to cater to our diverse clients. The concept is simple, offering a holistic approach to aged care. Delivery is key, a collaborative approach not only across the organisation, but throughout the local community. Ensuring the focus is on client needs and wellbeing is essential to providing services that benefit older people. By finding out what clients in our area were looking for, we were able to tailor a range of unique services specifically to their needs, and we continue to collect feedback and make the changes or implement the services that our community needs. We look forward to welcoming you as a client and tailoring support to your personal needs.

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Feel the warmth Feel the warmth of of friendship friendship

Enjoy the comfort of living in your own home within our Enjoy the comfort of living in your own home within our welcoming independent seniors rental community. welcoming independent seniors rental community. Take a virtual tour today or call our friendly Community Manager Take aKeiron virtualon tour today or and call discover our friendly Manager 6581 5223, whyCommunity our residents Keiron on 6581 and and discover why our residents feel 5223, so secure connected. feel so secure and connected.

TAKE TAKE A VIRTUAL A VIRTUAL TOUR NOW TOUR NOW

12 SHERIFF WAY, PORT MACQUARIE 12 SHERIFF WAY, PORT MACQUARIE ingeniagardens.com.au 82 focus ingeniagardens.com.au GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

Ingenia Gardens

ith only the minority of Australian seniors meeting the recommended level of physical activity, paying closer attention to health and wellbeing when reaching your senior years becomes increasingly important. Maintaining resident independence is a key focus at Ingenia Gardens Port Macquarie. Ingenia Gardens delivers great value rental options for independent seniors who are looking to downsize from their large family home to a more manageable space with minimal maintenance or who are simply searching for social connection with likeminded people. Ingenia Gardens Portfolio Manager,

Our residents are given the opportunity to get involved in community life through our Activate social calendar. They also have the option of having meals in our community centre with other residents or in the peace and comfort of their own home.

Madonna Jackson said “The fundamentals of safety, independence and flexibility are crucial for residents and our unique rental model is ideal for those searching for an alternative to traditional buy-in retirement villages or aged care facilities.” “Our residents love the fact they can come and go as they please, feel safe and secure and feel like they belong to a caring community.” “Our residents are given the opportunity to get involved in community life through our Activate social calendar. They also have

the option of having meals in our community centre with other residents or in the peace and comfort of their own home.” Both our single and couples units offer safe and comfortable features including security screens, ceiling fans and reverse cycle air conditioning; open plan living and dining; a large ensuite with nonslip flooring, grab rails and a walk in shower. Would you like more information about Ingenia Gardens Port Macquarie? Call Keiron on 02 6581 5223 to book a personal tour or go to ingeniagardens.com.au

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PALM LAKE R E S O R T

F O R S T E R

L A K E S

For more than 44 years, the Palm Lake Group has delivered architectural homes that cater to their residents’ needs.

ntil recently, these homes typically offered two bedrooms across a single storey, combining open-plan design with functionality. But, with the release of the latest home designs at Palm Lake Resort Forster Lakes, that strategy was taken to the next level – literally. The Carabelle and Malabar home designs are Palm Lake Resort Forster Lakes’ first two-storey home designs, but that isn’t the only ‘first’ they can claim. They are also among the first home designs within the Palm Lake Group to come complete with an internal lift as standard, proving once again the Group’s commitment to providing luxury and functionality for its residents – these slick elevators are as much about convenience as they are a chic talking point. Spread across 281-283sqm, the floor plans of these homes each feature two bedrooms, a third multipurpose room, a study, a sleek kitchen/dining area, two separate indoor retreat rooms, an alfresco entertaining area, two-car garage and, of course, that elevator (along with internal stairs). With the second storey comes the opportunity to create a sanctuary, separate from the primary living areas on the ground floor. Here, homeowners can relax away from the stresses of their day-to-day lives, enjoying the calm of the oversized master bedroom at the front of the home. Contained within the master suite is a cleverly hidden kitchenette and window seat, a vast walk-in robe, a handy

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study nook and a light-filled oversized ensuite fitted with double vanities. Also on the top floor, a second retreat area, second bedroom and even another bathroom (with toilet) provide flexibility for homeowners who might host family and friends one night, and enjoy a relaxing night in the next. These homes are adorned with high-quality finishes and fittings, as you would expect from any of the newest Palm Lake Resort locations. But these homes at Forster Lakes enjoy a few additional premium package inclusions, such as a stone benchtop upgrade (all ranges available), upgraded floor coverings, upgraded window coverings (to offer shutters throughout) as well as an automation package. The three-bedroom design with dual living areas offers separate TV placements and caters to different viewing requirements, while also

allowing occupants to relax alone, or together – the choice is theirs. Not to mention, with three bathrooms, there is plenty of privacy. Add to that included features like ducted air conditioning, solar power and a local alarm system, and it is clear these two-storey abodes provide the perfect downsizer for residents still looking for ample space. These twostorey homes are perfectly positioned on the waterfront to capture all the views and natural beauty that they rightfully deserve. Plus, take in the sunset views across Wallis Lake with the full upstairs balcony off the retreat room. Stop by the Palm Lake Resort Forster Lakes Sales Information Centre for more information and take a resort tour to better understand the ultimate luxury lifestyle on offer at this wonderful new Palm Lake Resort address. Visit forsterlakes.com.au

VALUED UP TO

$20,000

THEBESTINOVER-50sLIV NG. THISISYOURTIME. palmlaker sort.com.au

SALES INFORMATION CENTRE OPEN 7 DAYS 9am – 4.30pm. FREECALL 1800 577 542 salesforster@palmlake.com.au 6 Tea Tree Road, Forster NSW 2428

THE BEST IN OVER-50s LIVING. THIS IS YOUR TIME. palmlakeresort.com.au GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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BRAVE S T N A P RDS

The Z-CHO

Khristina Joy wanted to capture the real sound of her ukulele group ‘The Z-CHORDS’ and headed into the studio to record their very first album ‘Brave Pants’.

hanks for speaking with me Khristina Joy! What is your background as a musician and how did you get into playing ukulele? As a professional singer of twenty years plus, I decided to start playing the ukulele and thought perhaps I could learn to accompany myself singing – as accompanists are hard to come by! It has been a wonderful journey with lots of struggles trying to learn to play the songs I love to sing. Discovered there are a lot of ‘closet’ ukulele players amongst Jazz musicians – namely Paul Furness and Bob Barnard – who are stalwarts of the Australian jazz scene! When our band Basin Street Jazz Quartet played in Westport Club, I sang and played my lovely ukulele. I started my own wonderful monthly ukulele gathering in Sydney which existed for four years before moving to Port Macquarie – and it still continues. How were you introduced to the music scene in Port Macquarie and how was your group Z CHORDS formed? On arrival in Port and performing in an Open Mike night at Zebu, I was invited to lead a fortnightly event at the Tacking Point Surf Club, which included an open microphone section 86 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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– and “UkeClubJAM” was born. Such a great MADukes – weekly venue... playing ukulele, singing and watching and then there is... the whales do “flip flops” out at sea! Singing BOOTCAMP!! – that just focuses on This event then moved to the Scout Hall improving the individual and the group’s singing and continued as a wonderful opportunity for ability people to perform and strut their stuff in a How did your new BRAVE PANTS CD come comfortable and supportive environment. We about? also sang and played heaps of songs! It is very difficult to have a satisfactory Noticing this enthusiasm amongst players for representation of the group’s sound in a performance, and missing performing myself, performance and there have been many the group Z CHORDS unhappy recordings. was born – which How could the group focused on entertaining hear what they sounded I was invited an audience and all that like to the audience – to lead a is required to achieve and to me – in a perfect fortnightly event at this – ability, enthusiasm, situation? the Tacking Point presentation, material Almost impossible... so Surf Club, which and a whole lot of good the question was how to included an open humour and courage. “fix” this? Z CHORDS have First there was the microphone section now been a popular IDEA... how can this be - and “UkeClubJAM” performance group done? was born. for seven years in Port Then there was the Macquarie – at all sorts GOAL... let’s do a proper of events! recording, perhaps a CD! You run many groups and events, what are Thirdly there was the exciting JOURNEY they? of attaining this goal – which had many I lead several ukulele groups – that also challenges, especially with the COVID encourage good singing and musicality: restrictions. UkeClubJAM – fortnightly So we did it and the BRAVE PANTS CD Z CHORDS – weekly has been a success and very well received

globally with reviews saying how enjoyable the CD is on all levels – especially the individual arrangements, choice of material and our singing – and really good for audience participation and dancing! You have had a lot of positive feedback from your Z CHORDS group members, can we please read some? LUCY – Being a part of the Z CHORDS performance group would have to be one of the most rewarding achievements of my life. The group has given me a family of sisters that I never had. I have loved being a part of the growth of this group. Long may it continue. ‘Brave Pants’ is the icing on the cake. I’ve enjoyed hearing what we sound like to our audiences. MAUREEN – I love, love, love being in Z CHORDS, the best thing that ever happened to me. You have provided so many wonderful opportunities for great music and singing, fun and friendship and your arrangements are unique and stimulating. BRAVE PANTS was a challenge and a great learning experience – separate group recording for singing and playing and the finished product, commendable and a treasure for all of us to enjoy. HELEN – Our lead professional singer and teacher Khristina Joy gave us an opportunity to experience a recording studio (something totally

We know that music has a powerful ability to heal and this coupled with the friendship and support of all the women in Z CHORDS, I now am free of all my depression and anxiety symptoms.

new to me), to perform and make a CD. One never imagined doing that in a million years…it certainly had the WOW! Factor. It was a privilege, honour and great experience to be part of the Brave Pants recording. EVELYN – I believe that Z CHORDS has played a major part in my recovery from a protracted clinical depression. Having been unwell for 18 months, and being isolated at home for most of this time due to social anxiety, the move to Port Macquarie from Sydney and becoming a member of Z CHORDS made the difference and allowed me to return to normal functioning. We know that music has a powerful ability to heal and this coupled with the friendship and support of all the women in Z CHORDS, I now am free of all my depression and anxiety symptoms. As a member of Z CHORDS I hope to be able to share professional and entertaining performances with the Community and bring the joy of music to as many people as possible. WENDY – First and foremost, Z CHORDS has enabled me to develop lasting friendships with a bunch of fun-loving, intelligent, courageous, talented and supportive women! Being a member of Z CHORDS awakened the creative expression I’ve always known was

tucked away underneath my shyness. Singing BOOTCAMP is the absolute highlight of my week! However, in the early days it was usually a terrifyingly confronting experience! Despite that terror, I am now learning how to find my voice, strengthen and accept it. Being part of the recording process was a learning opportunity that was exciting, hugely challenging and an immensely rewarding and wonderful experience. It gave me a whole new understanding, appreciation and respect for those professional artists that regularly perform. How can people get in contact with you and find your recordings? I can always be reached via email khristina22@gmail.com and the ‘Brave Pants’ CD is being distributed online globally through Spotify, YouTube, iTunes – and all other music platforms. Or you can buy your very own hard copy by contacting me direct – then you will also have the ‘liner notes’ and some free stickers! Better still, book us for an event and then you can have the Z CHORD experience live – when such things are possible again :D Thank you Khristina. CD available from The Chair Hair, 6/66 Clarence Street, Port Macquarie. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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ompleted! o choose the unit that you want whilst a choice - COVID lockdowns are now e and inspect / tour the village at anytime. ing fast!

FINAL RELEASE

of new villa units!

your move now… s ofMake Sunrise Village include:

n-site Stage Nursing available provide 3, the staff final stage of Sunriseto Village, are services 24completed! hours a day, 7 days a week is now fully

Get in now to choose the unit that you want whilst there is still a choice - COVID lockdowns are now so come and inspect / tour the village at anytime. ouplesover stay together regardless of each Units are selling fast!

dividual’s health care needs

Advantages of Sunrise Village include:

On-site Nursing staff available to provide unrise Village is pet-friendly care services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Couples stay together regardless of each own home a fully individual’s health with care needs

ou have your quipped kitchen OR have your meals in ur CommunitySunrise Dining VillageRoom is pet-friendly

We are Government-funded, You have your own homefully-accredited with a fully equipped kitchen OR have your meals in ged Care providers our Community Dining Room

We are Government-funded, fully-accredited

ring your current Care package Aged Home Care providers R we will facilitate a fully-funded package r you Bring your current Home Care package OR we will facilitate a fully-funded package for you

oday 5528 5001 Call(02) us today (02) 5528 5001 88 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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11A Chapmans Road T

11A Chapmans Road Tuncurry NSW 2428 www.sunrisesupportedlivi www.sunrisesupportedlivingtuncurry.com.au You may have to pay a departure fee You may have to pay a departure fee when you leave this village.

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Discover...

SCAS is a vibrant, dynamic and forward thinking independent school in the Anglican tradition. Learn more about our world of opportunities and our focus on educating the whole person.

The Team at

WEB STUDIO

...a world of opportunities

Limited places available Kindergarten to Year 12. Contact our friendly enrolments team to find out more about starting your journey at St Columba Anglican School.

www.scas.nsw.edu.au enrolments@scas.nsw.edu.au stcolumbaanglicanschool scasinfo

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Your team has recently expanded - tell us about your new staff! It’s an exciting time for Webstudio, with the recent addition of Anna Osborne, our Client Service Specialist - and Lauren McAllister as our Marketing Manager. Lauren provides brand strategy, content marketing, content design and search engine optimisation (SEO) - working alongside our web team to create and maintain websites that are focused on user experience. Anna is a graphic designer, adding another layer to our design capabilities - while also helping to manage client communications. We take pride in our continuity of service - so with Anna on board we can continue to improve this. What made you decide to offer Content Marketing as part of your service? Working with our clients on their websites, we were frequently asked about SEO and content marketing. Not wanting to go elsewhere, our

clients were looking for that extra layer of service from us. We’ve responded by adding high quality marketing solutions, to help our clients attract more customers to their business. We brought Lauren on board, who has experience working with a diverse range of businesses, to achieve outcomes that align with their business goals - whether that is brand awareness, higher website traffic or lead generation. We now provide a comprehensive service, including all the elements needed to create and execute an online marketing strategy. What kind of businesses are you looking to work with? We work with businesses who need help achieving their business goals, who are ready to invest time and resources in the process, and who are excited to be involved. If you’re reading this and you’d like to chat about how we can help you attract more customers and engage them via your website, give us a call today.

Level 1, 10-12 Short St, Port Macquarie 55 145 145 simon@webstudio.com.au www.webstudio.com.au

CAMPUS CONVERSATIONS

KATE WOOD-FOYE

FROM CHARLES STURT UNIVERSITY

Dr Prue Gonzalez is a passionate environmental scientist, researcher and course director who empowers students to discover and develop solutions to protect, manage and enhance our natural world. Prue lives and breathes ‘cool science’, encouraging discovery missions to decode and deliver lasting change in a global living laboratory.

rue you joined the Charles Sturt University team in 2010 and the Port Macquarie campus in 2016 as part of the School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences. What started your journey and love of the natural world? All my life I’ve loved being in the outdoors: camping, running, gardening, fishing and travelling to name just a few. At school I liked learning about biology, geography and science but I also liked English, physical education, history and art. I had some fantastic teachers who really inspired me to learn more about how our world works. I went on to study Environmental Management (Honours) at university before completing my PhD in Environmental Management – combining my passion for science, the environment and history. What are some of the exciting projects you have worked on in your career? Being an environmental scientist is a bit like being a detective: we need to put together the pieces of the puzzle of environmental problems so that we can offer new solutions. And the solutions we come up with aren’t just from the natural sciences, but also from the social sciences as well. It’s all about understanding the different relationships between people and the environments we live and work in. I’ve been incredibly lucky to work on a variety of projects in my career, from visitor management plans and sustainability initiatives in botanic gardens in central Victoria to building farm fences and re-vegetating creek lines in Oodnadatta, South Australia; and leading guided tours of National Parks in central Australia to researching the impacts of bushfire management planning on the protection of cultural heritage sites. Each

project I’ve worked on has brought me into contact with remarkable local communities who are passionate about protecting, sustaining and regenerating our amazing planet. The Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management (with specialisations) is offered on campus at Port Macquarie. Can you tell us a little makes the course unique? Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary subject, so it involves studying elements of biology, chemistry, physics, geography and the social sciences. It’s also a global subject, so we need to understand how problems and systems play out in real places. The new Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management (with specialisations) at Charles Sturt has been created in collaboration with government and industry experts and community groups to reflect the current state of play in environmental science and management in Australia and overseas. By choosing to specialise in Applied Earth Science, Aquatic Ecosystems, Climate and Sustainability, Ecology and Conservation, or Parks, Recreation and Heritage students will help to solve some of our most pressing global environmental issues. And from their very first year of study, students are immersed in field-based experiences, learning hands-on skills and practical activities here on our very own doorstep of the Mid-North Coast. Our unique local environments provide a living laboratory for us to explore, experiment and learn from as we use integrated approaches to problem solving, innovative ideas and futures thinking. Environmental Science Graduates are working in many diverse and interesting roles across Australia and the world. What kind of careers can Environmental Science graduates go onto and how can they make

a difference? The scope of what you can do with an environmental science degree is enormous these jobs are crucial for our future. The health of the environment is everyone’s business and we can all play an important part in protecting our environment. The Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management (with specialisations) at Charles Sturt is a launching pad for exciting careers as students complete a minimum of 100 hours of work integrated learning in roles that are directly relevant to their career aspirations. Even before students graduate, they have their foot in the door of the environmental industries. Whether they are interested in becoming a park ranger working in National Parks, a sustainability officer working with local communities, a fisheries officer looking after our waterways, or working as a geographic information systems officer combining computer programming with environmental management. There are so many ways to take your environmental skills to the next level of a rewarding career. If you’ve ever wondered if environmental science is a career for you, remember, there’s a bit of something for everyone in this field. We’re incredibly proud at Charles Sturt of being Australia’s top university for environmental graduates getting jobs. study.csu.edu.au/courses/environmentalsciences/ bachelor-environmental-sciencemanagement study.csu.edu.au/courses/science/bachelorsciencehonours

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BUSINESS

MINDS t

LAUREN MCALLISTER AND SIMON BANK FROM WEBSTUDIO

This month there has been a strong push in our region on bouncing back and recovering from lockdown, yet again. We have been working with Clint from My Video Producer, as well as Jane Hillsdon, founder of the How To Do Marketing Academy, on a live streaming series designed to help small businesses get back on track. Clint and Jane have gathered a group of creative marketing professionals from across our region to share their advice and strategies.

ur contribution to this initiative is all about helping you get the most out of your website. What are the key elements you need to create the best website for your business? We all know first impressions are crucial. Your website is an essential element of your business’s marketing strategy. It needs to quickly and effectively convey who you are and what you do. Here are seven elements to focus on, when planning and building your business website: User friendly design. First and foremost, think about the information customers are looking to get from your website and ensure it is easy to find. Think of the general path you would like a site visitor to take and lead them there, with links to key pages and helpful articles. Navigation should be intuitive for users. This includes limiting your top-level menu to six or seven clearly labelled tabs, with related pages organised under them. We suggest splitting long blocks of content on each page into smaller sections, mixed with 92 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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photos and videos that help get your message across. Mobile friendly. A mobile-friendly website keeps your website visitors engaged for longer, increasing the likelihood they will do business with you. This requires some careful planning during the design phase to ensure a seamless experience on mobile devices. Clean, fresh style. You want styling that is consistent with your branding, using authentic imagery and video to give visitors an enjoyable and informative experience. We recommend showing photos and videos that show off your business, whether that be services or products, rather than simply using stock photos. Compelling, unique content. Your content should be based around your key messaging and Unique Value Proposition, setting you apart from your competitors. It should also be interesting and engaging content that is easy to read, yet informative. Research shows users skim read web pages – so you should use clear headings and bullet points to make your content easy to flick through while keeping sentences and paragraphs short.

Easy to find. To ensure your website is found on search engines, your content needs to include strategic keywords, in order to rank well for important search terms. For some businesses, it may be worth spending money on paid search ads – however, it is often more costeffective in the long run to focus on improving your “organic” search engine ranking. Calls to action. Make it crystal clear what you offer, why your product or service is superior, and make it easy for website visitors to take the next step. For example, “call us today for a free in-home consultation”. Regularly updated. An effective website is not “set and forget”. As your business evolves and changes, your website should reflect this. You should aim to publish new content regularly in the form of a blog, as this is a great way to engage current customers and reach new ones. From time to time, a full website renovation is also a great idea. And remember, your website is not the only point of contact by which a potential customer will experience your business. Your branding and messaging needs to be strong and consistent across all platforms.

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WORDS Brand new SBS documentary ‘Lost for Words’ follows eight brave Australians taking on a life-changing opportunity to transform their lives in an intensive nine-week adult literacy program. Hosted and narrated by literacy advocate Jay Laga’aia, this is an empowering and upli ing observational series that confronts Australia’s staggeringly low adult literacy rate.

hank you for speaking with me today, Shelle, and for sharing your story with us! Can you please tell us a bit about yourself and how you came to be involved in the adult literacy program? Sure. My name’s Michelle, I was diagnosed with dyslexia when I was four years old, and spent my whole life struggling with dyslexia. My parents put me through multiple tutoring programs to see if the classes would help me get through my school life. Then in my adult life the support kind of petered out. You 94 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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find new hurdles to overcome. When I was younger, I just thought it would impact my ability to do schoolwork or perform an exam. In the adult world it impacts me reading bills, phone plans, reading recipes so I’ve always been on the lookout to find help. Last year I was watching ‘Eight out of 10 Cats does Countdown’ and saw an ad for SBS literacy. It wasn't so much me wanting to apply to go onto the TV show itself, I actually requested they put me in contact with some resources for adult literacy. I just wanted some help and then they got back to me very, very quickly and asked if I’d like to be on the

show. The producers were so lovely, they said the show would be worth my while and it definitely was. I had a wonderful time, have a lot of new strategies, and meeting other people with dyslexia and learning difficulties has been really helpful. Meeting people who had similar difficulties and similar achievements to me was really heartwarming and it just made me feel like I wasn’t alone so that really, really helped out. I was very surprised to find out so many adults have difficulty with reading and writing skills!

When we were in school we all experienced some ridicule for being dyslexic, being called slow, lazy or stupid –so as adults, we find ways to hide that we’re having trouble. I probably don’t even spot people with learning disabilities because they’re very good at hiding it. Congratulations on advancing from level three to level four in your literacy skills and for graduating from the course, it’s an amazing achievement! How has your life changed since then? I feel a lot more confident now since being on the course. I left my Wollongong job and I’ve been successful applying for and getting a job here in Port Macquarie. Before the show, I stayed with my old job because I loved it and when I ran into it as a 21 year old, they knew

There were points where I thought ‘I don't think I can do this’ but they really helped me through it. I do still struggle with cooking, I cook very simple things. I find anything with more than a couple of steps too hard. I was dyslexic and were very accommodating. There was a very real fear that if I left, would I have the same understanding and acceptance of my dyslexic moments (as much as I hate to call them that), or will I just be going back to being called lazy or stupid. So being on the show helped me build the confidence to say if they have problems with my dyslexia, that’s on them, not on me. I’ve still got a fair way to go but I've got a much more solid basis to start from instead of my little strategies that I had created for a school environment. It has been a great help to me. It must have been a great experience

working with renowned indigenous chef Mark Olive. Have you been cooking more and do you have any favourite recipes to follow? It was a wonderful experience cooking with him, he was very encouraging and very kind. I find cooking and reading recipes is one of the hardest things for me. I absolutely hate it because I’ve also got the maths version of dyslexia (dyscalculia) which means I have problems reading or understanding numbers. Mike and Cherise were really helpful to me, they have their own issues but enjoy cooking, so between them and Mark, I was able to make a damper in the end. There were points where I thought ‘I don't think I can do this’ but they really helped me through it. I do still struggle with cooking, I cook very simple things. I find anything with more than a couple of steps too hard. I’m not shying away from it as I once did and I usually have my mother on side just to make sure that I haven’t missed out on butter which I have before and yeah, the pasta did not come out well at all haha. It is a struggle but it’s not a hurdle that I’m gonna run from anymore, it’s something I’m gonna try and overcome. Continued over... GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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That’s so good to hear! You mentioned you didn’t enjoy school when you were younger, but as an adult, did you find the classroom to be a supportive and encouraging environment? Yeah, definitely. The smaller classrooms definitely helped. You don’t get lost in 30 other kids so if you’re struggling you can put your hand up and you don’t get forgotten or just brushed aside. In school, I was very fidgety and just couldn’t sit still. I would 96 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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Did the workshop with actor and director Marcus Graham help with calming your nerves when public speaking and what are some of the techniques he taught you? That was a great day and a total surprise because they never told us what we were doing on any given day. He was lovely and very enthusiastic and you could tell that he loves his craft. He taught us how to move our shoulders and find the You don’t get lost pressure points around in 30 other kids so our bodies to try and if you’re struggling you calm us down and to can put your hand up focus on our breathing. and you don’t get I’m quite an anxious forgo en or just person so even when it’s not dyslexia related or brushed aside. In school, just be bouncing my when I’m not speaking I was very fidgety and pens or jiggling and out loud I’m using his just couldn’t sit still. that would get me breathing techniques and in trouble or sent it has been a great help. out of the classroom What advice would because it was a disruptive influence on the you give to people with dyslexia who class. In the adult classroom I got to have are facing similar challenges with my fidget spinner ring and play with pipe reading and writing? cleaners and it wasn’t discouraged. I find I guess I’d say it’s ok to have bad days. fidgeting actually focuses my brain more on Whenever anyone talks about dyslexia or the task.

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Also, try reading with a book in one hand and having a fidget spinner in the other. I don't know why but that focuses my brain more and it doesn’t let my brain drift.

learning disabilities they always go into the good days. They don’t talk about the bad days which is fine and I don’t want to have a pity party, and it’s not me trying to find validation, but I would like to have heard it’s ok if you’re having a bad dyslexic day because it's just that one day or one moment. You either can come back to it later or ask for help and that’s ok. It’s not something you should be ashamed of and it’s ok to have bad dyslexic moments. That is great advice! How is your fantasy novel coming along and can you let our readers know what it’s about or will they just have to wait and see? I’ve been working on it since I was 15 and I still am but I’m not worrying so much. I don’t get stuck on repeating ‘I can’t spell this word’, I say to myself ‘ok, I can’t spell this word, leave it, go and write something

you can do and then come back to it’ and that’s something I definitely learned from Joe. The story, just to have a brief overview, there is a magical world, it has been cursed, and the main character and her friend are trying to find a cure for her and the people who have been cursed. Did you learn any other techniques that you’d like to share with our readers? Yes. If you read with a ruler underneath your page or a bookmark underneath the line that you’re reading, it stops your brain from jumping around the page and you can focus on that one line. Also, try reading with a book in one hand and having a fidget spinner in the other. I don’t know why but that focuses my brain more and it doesn’t let my brain drift. Also, if you’re working on a computer, iPad

or Kindle, try changing from a white screen with black writing to the opposite. I have white writing on a black background and my work computer and Outlook are basically grayscale, where everything is grey with white writing and it just makes such a difference. Lastly, is there anything else you’d like to add? Just a freestyle question :) I hope everyone enjoys the show and that it might give people and teachers a moment’s pause... If they have someone who is struggling with reading or doing a task, maybe there’s more to it than just being obtuse or something, there might be a reason behind a student struggling in class. Yes I’m pretty sure it’s going to be an eye opener for everyone that watches it, it certainly was for me and I’m really glad that all of you participated and shared your stories! Thanks for speaking with me today and all the best with your journey Shelle. Thank you so much for speaking with me today Sarah. You’re welcome! GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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BUSINESS

VOICE t MICHAEL MOWLE

PRESIDENT PORT MACQUARIE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Businesses across NSW are now eagerly anticipating the easing of restrictions in early October when the 70% vaccination threshold is achieved. This will be the beginning of the NSW roadmap to a recovery and hopefully a signal that debilitating lockdowns are a thing of the past.

ourism and hospitality has been affected very badly and the easing of restrictions is now sorely needed to allow this industry to begin its recovery. It is very important that Port Macquarie tourism and hospitality businesses are able to welcome back visitors from metropolitan areas initially followed by interstate guests and ultimately international travellers. At this point there remains a great deal of uncertainty around the vaccine passport system and how that might be implemented and enforced by hospitality traders still in recovery mode. Many will be reluctant to refuse entry to unvaccinated patrons unless there are clear guidelines in place. It will become difficult to manage entry when there may be a variety of individual circumstances to consider. The NSW Government has led all states in providing a roadmap to recovery but vaccine passports are clearly uncharted territory that delves into individuals rights set against those of the business operator to refuse entry on their terms. It has already been hinted that pilot schemes or trials may well be run to

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assess and iron out some of the problems. higher caseloads. Some 18 months on it is Deputy Premier, John Barilaro has sensibly now expected that health services have indeed suggested that these could be conducted in increased their capacity and gained significant regional areas where experience in dealing the risks are lower and with the virus. With a it is likely to be easier to likely vaccination rate Tourism and manage numbers. of above 80% being hospitality The extended achieved well before has been affected lockdown in Sydney Christmas this year a very badly and the due to the Delta strain complete opening up of easing of restrictions of Covid has clearly the economy should be demonstrated that this achieved seamlessly and is now sorely needed virus is here for some safely without the need to allow this time in one form or for further lockdowns. industry to begin its another and we need Governments also recovery. to learn to live with have an ongoing it without constantly responsibility to continue closing down our providing support for business community. The logical and almost businesses who are recovering from being unanimous conclusion by governments now forceably and repeatedly shutdown since is that vaccination of the majority of the March 2020. Many small businesses have population is the only realistic long term suffered immeasurable damage and their solution. recovery is going to be long and arduous. In The original reasons given for the lockdowns some circumstances tailored support for small in early 2020 were to suppress the virus spread business and affected industry groups may well and give health services time to prepare for be needed for some time to come.

TECH KNOW PORT’S BEST KEPT SECRET

We catch up with Dave O’Hara - Techknow's Expert / Director

an you tell us a bit about yourself and the team at Techknow? I have lived on the Mid North Coast my whole life and wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. Before opening Techknow in 2014 I worked in many different roles around the area. I believe all these roles have better equipped me to service my clients. I specialise in project management but like to consider myself a jack of all trades when it comes to IT & Technology. John Roger – Director, John is more behind the scenes he has a wealth of knowledge working in IT in one of Australia’s largest companies. He ensures we are keeping our processes and procedures up to date in order to maintain quality assurance. John also concentrates on the strategic direction of Techknow to scale our fast growth. Luke Creighton – Techknow Expert, Luke is an award winning technician and recently

competed in a national competition based on IT skills. When it comes to knowledge about IT & Technology Luke is your man. Luke is very honest, friendly and reliable. What is Techknow? The business is all about providing honest, fast and highly professional assistance when it comes to your IT & Technology, with an emphasis on customer service. The Techknow team offer an unmatched level of support, we pride ourselves on explaining things in an easy-to-understand language. We love to build solid relationships with our clients which are built on trust from both sides, this enables us to deliver customised solutions for each client’s individual requirements. I always say it’s like we become your Technology doctor. With technology such a huge part of our everyday lives why is it so important to get

the right advice and support? I believe sourcing the right advice and support is very important on many levels. At Techknow we can provide you with advice on the road best travelled, this can eliminate time consuming mistakes, not to mention the money it will cost making these mistakes. One major aspect of advice and support is security. We specialise in making your technology journey as secure as possible. Business support is a major part of your business, can you elaborate on this for us? At Techknow we understand that for most Businesses their IT & Technology infrastructure is paramount for day-to-day business continuity, to put it simply downtime equals money loss. We understand that IT & Technology in this modern era is very wide and fast-growing platform, therefore Techknow caters to applications, networking devices, desktops, laptops and much more.

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BILL MALEY LAHEY CONSTRUCTIONS

KATE WOOD-FOYE

THE GUTS, GRIT AND GROUNDWORK OF REMARKABLE REGIONAL E N T R E P R E N E U R S , I N N O V AT O R S , LEADERS AND GAME CHANGERS.

From a small joinery shop in Kempsey in 1938 to the multi award winning construction enterprise it is today. Lahey Constructions is one of Australia’s most prominent, long standing, and successful construction firms with over 500 projects and 51 awards for exceptional construction and service. Most recently Project Manager Bill Maley stewarded the Lahey team towards further success with three awards at the prestigious Australian Institute of Building NSW Professional Excellence in Building gala for the construction of Stage 2 of the Charles Sturt University Campus.

huge congrats Bill and to the entire Lahey team! It is no small feat for a regionally based company to take on some of the biggest construction firms in the country and walk away with three awards; to include High Commendations in the new Sustainability category and Commercial Construction $25 – $60M category and winner of the coveted People’s Choice Award. Can you tell us what this means to the team? Lahey is extremely honoured to win these awards, but it must be remembered that construction companies are only as good as the teams they collaborate with. We had 100 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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worked with a host of talented people and give special thanks to Charles Sturt University Project Manager Neal Molineaux, Savills Project Managers, BVN Architecture and their many consultants, and every single tradie we worked with – these awards are theirs too. Lahey cannot forget the role of our local community, which came out in droves to support the project by voting in the People’s Choice Awards. The real winner is the entire Mid North Coast, which now has access to this wonderful university facility at Port Macquarie – an asset that will remain a legacy for generations to come. From humble beginnings in a joinery shop in Kempsey to now delivering high quality projects across the country – what is the ethos behind this company that has driven

expansion and success? Lahey was established in 1938 by Edward Lahey as a small joinery shop in Kempsey. In 1946, anticipating future opportunities, Edward’s son Eric made the decision to expand the joinery manufacturing into traditional construction projects – Lahey Constructions. We continue to attract a diverse portfolio of clients across a range of sectors from community infrastructure, hospitals, health and aged care, education, correctional facilities, residential and mixed-use developments. We have a long-standing belief in the importance of customer service and are committed to providing face-to-face contact, open and transparent collaboration, and regular interaction. This enables us to ensure that our clients are informed and happy at every stage

of a project. Since inception, Lahey has been industry and how has that shaped you as a continually committed to providing the highest project manager and leader today? quality design, construction and management. Starting out as an apprentice carpenter gave Our team has the capacity to successfully me the practical basis for the construction guide the entire project lifecycle, from earlyindustry. This was followed by several post stage in-house design through to construction, trade courses and my first major project in a compliance, services consulting and post-contract management role with the Perisher Skitube management. Project, Sydney Harbour Tunnel and Brisbane Rail As Project Manager, you are responsible for Tunnels. Following a short-term project in Fiji, a team that delivers construction solutions I returned to Australia building Project Homes, across the country. How does a regionally commencing my role with Lahey in 2009. Having based company remain competitive against a trade background helps with the practical side metro-based counterparts? of the construction process and allows you to During the tender negotiations for the Charles communicate with a down to earth approach. Sturt Stage 2 Project, each person at the meeting Understanding risks and making clear decisions was asked their town of birth, with each of the by being adaptable and able to problem solve, team members being from helps the job move a regional location. As forward without delay. Charles Sturt is a regionally Understanding what As Charles Sturt based university with a interests and motivates is a regionally commitment to providing each of your crew helps based university with a opportunities for regional to drive the project, solve commitment to employment this was providing opportunities problems to often achieve for regional viewed as an advantage. more than is expected. employment, being This was refreshing – that Of course, having an regional was viewed as being a regionally based incredibly understanding an advantage. company was a positive wife and family that are for a client. As a locally willing to move on a based company we have regular basis including 2 a strong understanding of the local area and the countries, 3 states and 14 different towns helps! unique needs of regional areas. Taking a personal Team culture is vital to any company’s stake in the Charles Sturt project from the very success – what is the key to building a beginning helped during the early contractor cohesive and dynamic team? involvement with the design and construct Lahey had several long-term employees process of the project. working on the Charles Sturt Stage 2 Project How did your own journey begin in the including Site Manager Dan Clarke (28 years)

and Colin Howe (50 years). They were joined by an exciting mix of younger team members such as Ken Foran, Lochie Clarke, Reece Anderson, Shaun Quinn, Mitchell and Patrick Lahey. The guidance and mentoring provided by our more experienced team members has worked to provide the quality of workmanship obtained by our trades on the Stage 2 Project. We were also able to build a good working relationship with our locally based sub-contractors. Some of the sub-contractors who worked with us on the Charles Sturt project have worked on multiple projects for Lahey and continue on our current projects. When I started in the industry, I was lucky to be a part of a team that had a strong culture of mateship and support. The more senior project managers taught me the importance of communication and building a strong team that look out for one another. We are now working to embrace and mentor Lahey's next generation of local construction staff over the next few years, to ensure we can meet the demands of the future construction market. What keeps you passionate about the commercial construction industry and drives you and Lahey Constructions to the next level? The construction industry is of course stressful with many deadlines and budgets to meet throughout every project. The balance of this is that construction is also very rewarding. There are not many roles that give as much satisfaction as being able to look back many years after a project is completed and admire the build and the lasting impact it had on the community. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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EMILIE COOPER

FROM PRIEST LEGAL

FR AGILITY AND THE FCFCOA Sick of hearing about Covid-19? Sick of hearing about family violence, unprecedented disruption, mental health issues, restrictions, lockdowns, pivoting, resilience etc… you get the drift? Yes. Me too.

ow have you adapted? Perhaps you haven’t adapted. Perhaps you are “putting on a brave face”? You know the one that says “No, it hasn’t affected me at all. I always live like this…anxiously awaiting the next “development”. Fragile. It is OK to be fragile in these…wait for it…(sorry)…”unprecedented times”. But, you are not alone. Almost everyone with whom we are interacting is extremely fragile. So, what can we do about it? To fix anything, you need to recognise that it exists in the first place. Next? Check on yourself. Am I the kind of person that likes to take advantage of other people’s fragility? Do I thrive in this environment like a voracious virus? If the answer is “yes”,this article is not for you. For the rest of us, words of the Statler Brothers song “A little less of me” spring to mind: Let me be a little kinder Let me be a little blinder To the faults of those around me Let me praise a little more Let me be when I am weary just a little bit more cheery Think a little more of others and a little less of me What does fragility have to do with the FCFCOA? Fragility in all its forms is exposed in the FCFCOA and not just during “unprecedented times” (Sorry). The FCFCOA sounds like an anagram for a football club or a fancy bit of blasphemy. It

is the anagram for the newly amalgamated Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia which started up on 1 September 2021 with a new set of rules – Federal Circuit and Family Court (Family Law) Rules 2021. The overarching principle of the FCFCOA is “to facilitate the just resolution of disputes according to law and as quickly, inexpensively and efficiently as possible.” For those of you who are currently caught up in family court proceedings or have been in the past, the hackles of your cynicism may be rising as your experience may have been significantly different. Having practiced family law for the last 20 years, my experience generally has been that the Courts do expend enormous resources to enable parties to resolve their disputes in a just and equitable manner. It does, however, require the co-operation of the parties in dispute and where there is a significant imbalance of power between the parties, fair resolution of the dispute without judicial intervention can be far more elusive. With respect to the division of property in family law, there is now a greater onus on the parties to attempt to resolve issues that arise in relation to the division of property prior to commencing proceedings rather than during the proceedings. Applicants must file a Genuine Steps Certificate before commencing financial proceedings, for example. See brochure: www. fcfcoa.gov.au/fl/pubs/pre-action-financial. If parties don’t embrace this opportunity, it may simply result in a longer and more expensive Court resolution process. All

negotiation that takes place is “in the shadow of the law”. In Australia, Judges retain the power to make such orders as the Court considers appropriate in circumstances where it is just and equitable to make such orders. This gives the Court considerable discretion notwithstanding the fact that the discretion must be exercised in accordance with legal principles. In other countries, such as New Zealand, a default rule applies. There is a presumption of equal sharing of property or a “community of property” approach where property acquired during the relationship is presumed to be jointly owned but property owned before or after the relationship belongs solely to the person who acquired it. Perhaps this approach would give negotiations greater clarity and result in the “quick, inexpensive and efficient resolution” of disputes that we all aspire to. Unfortunately, as with these “unprecedented times”, we do not control the Rules but we do need to work with them and sometimes just being a “little kinder” and being “a little blinder to the faults of those around, thinking a little more of others and a little less of me” parties in a family law dispute can resolve their issues in a quicker, inexpensive and more efficient manner notwithstanding (or in accordance with) the prevailing Court process. Priest Legal now have three experienced family law lawyers keen to help you resolve your family law property issues and are pleased to welcome Tim Couch to the practice. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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G R E AT E R P O RT M AC Q UA R I E

PROPERTY GUIDE

SOVEREIG N

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

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SOVEREI GN

HILLS

Welcome back to regional NSW’s largest new home building and design showcase

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

SORENSEN AND CALDON BUILDERS' MANHATTAN DESIGN HAS A CLEVER STUDY NOOK WITH SLIDING DOOR TO HIDE AWAY THE CONTENTS

Our leading builders can’t wait for you to step back inside their new display homes on York Street this spring.

he Sovereign Hills Display Village Builders have been planning and constructing more new, stylish and functional homes during the lockdown period. From heavenly Hamptons to modern luxe styling and eco-friendly to duplex designs, plus thousands more floorplans to choose from, your home makeover or new home journey starts here. Taking the first steps So, you’re ready to start or continue your home planning research, the display village new home consultants can guide you through the process and assist with planning pointers. 1. Create a wish list: Define what it is you’re looking for in your home, including the number of bedrooms and living areas. Do

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you need a butler’s pantry, separate study or additional storage space? Consider how your home needs to integrate with the backyard and entertaining spaces.

Our display village builders will work with you to find the right plan to suit your lifestyle and budget. 2. Know your budget: This is key to unlocking the right floorplan and design features to accommodate your wish list. 3. Landing a block: If you haven’t already secured your block of land, never fear, our builders have knowledge of the region’s upcoming land releases and can point you in the right direction.

MCDONALD JONES HOMES’ MIAMI DESIGN BEAUTIFULLY CONNECTS OPEN PLAN INDOOR LIVING SPACES TO THE ALFRESCO AND BACKYARD

VELUX SKYLIGHTS, POLISHED CONCRETE FLOORING AND KITCHEN CABINETRY MADE WITH DENIM JEAN FIBRES STAR IN HOTONDO HOMES

PERRY HOMES' MALIBU INTEGRATES TROPICAL STYLING CREATING A BEAUTIFUL RETREAT

Looking at your abode in a different light? The way we ‘live’ in our homes is again in the spotlight.

If your dining room table has resembled an office or classroom desk lately, you’re not alone. The lockdown has once again transformed lounge rooms into movie cinemas, kitchens into culinary destinations, garages into home gyms and games rooms, and for those lucky enough to have a pool area – a paradise away from it all. The village builders can share countless examples of how to transform the hardest working areas of your home, including kitchens, living and activity rooms, into

perfect multi-purpose spaces. Improve your home’s performance While today’s building standards have increased design sustainability, incredible new interior and exterior products not only look good but keep your home cooler in summer, warmer in winter and reduce energy bills. Ask the builders about their range of energy efficient options that go above and beyond the standard requirements and create your own energy-efficient oasis. Personalise your space There are so many ways to inject personality into your home. Tiles and tapware, paint and wallpaper, custom cabinetry and luxe lighting are just the beginning of the endless options available to help you style and customise your home’s aesthetic. Visit our display homes and be inspired by the latest trends in new home construction, design and interiors.

GET A HANDLE ON THESE FUNKY LEATHER OPTIONS IN PYCON HOMES AND CONSTRUCTIONS' INTERIORS

Coming soon to Sovereign Hills Display Village Late October: GJ Gardner Homes’ Samsara display Early 2022: McDonald Jones Homes’ third display home + Metricon’s first Port Macquarie display. York Street, Sovereign Hills sovereignhills.com.au GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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CHRIS

CURRAN DS AIR CONDITIONING

i Chris, please introduce yourself to our readers. Hi my name is Chris Curran, I’m Director of DS Air Conditioning Mid North Coast Pty Ltd. My wife Lucy and I relocated to Port Macquarie from the Northern Beaches five years ago in search of a different lifestyle in which to raise our family and have never looked back! I am excited to have the opportunity to start my own business in this region. Who is DS Air Conditioning and what services will you be providing to the area? DS Air Conditioning is family owned and operated. David Sedgwick first setup the company over 12 years ago in Sydney. David and I were once colleagues and he approached me with an exciting idea to become partners in a Mid North Coast branch. DS Air Conditioning Mid North Coast will be offering professional and friendly service, with the newest energy efficient market leading equipment

with the latest technologies at competitive pricing. We have the experience and knowledge to repair and maintain existing equipment to maximise lifespan, reduce running costs or upgrade when required. For further information check out our brand new website to see what we have to offer. Tell us about your experience in the industry? I have been qualified in the industry for 20 years, specialising in installation, repairs and service for all types of units and equipment. Working in both commercial and residential properties from a single room split system to larger complex commercial applications. With my knowledge of the trade I can assist and offer the best options and solutions for all Air Conditioning needs. From my experience, I know clients appreciate good communication, honesty and a high standard of work which is what I will be delivering with DS Air Conditioning Mid North Coast.

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find us at BLACKBUTT B U S I N E S S

APOLLO

B L I N D S • AW N I N G S • S H U T T E R S

CENTRE

1A BLACKBUTT ROAD LOOK FOR THE BIG SIGN ON BLACKBUTT ROAD

i Troy. Thank you so much for speaking with Focus. Please tell us a little about the Apollo Blinds brand? Hi Sarah, thanks for coming to visit. Well, Apollo actually began as a small business in 1988 manufacturing only vertical blinds in a tiny shed unit in Homebush NSW. The business grew from these grass roots to the next premises; it was a very iconic pink building near Sydney Markets in Flemington. The business flourished and grew to expand the product range to include indoor roller blinds, venetians, timber blinds and awnings. What sets the brand apart from other competitors in the industry? I think what sets us apart from other competitors is our history within the industry. Our customers have peace of mind knowing that we have had extensive experience, and knowledge to offer. Our consultants are able to connect with the customers to offer information whether it be regarding a new or old designed product.

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What have been some of your highlights throughout your career and what gives you the most satisfaction in your work? It is always a highlight assisting new home owners in making their dream home into a reality, it is a joy to see the excitement and hear how happy they are in their first home. It has also been a rewarding task to be able to give back to the community and to assist in helping people get back into their homes after the devastating floods and fires. What trends are you seeing in window furnishings as we head into Spring/Summer? Beach Hampton style trends are obviously a favourite for the location we live in, Port Macquarie is such a beautiful beachy town. Plantation shutters and beautiful soft furnishings like Veri-shades - seen on this year’s THE BLOCK episodes have been a must have for the homes this season. Thank you, Troy. Interview: Sarah Baker.

find us at BLACKBUTT B U S I N E S S

CENTRE

1A BLACKBUTT ROAD LOOK FOR THE BIG SIGN ON BLACKBUTT ROAD

STROUDHOMES PORT MACQUARIE LAUNCHES

ITS NEW SELECTIONS STUDIO

Meet Stroud Homes and experience the difference. Established building team Stroud Homes Port Macquarie has grown from strength to strength within the region with its principal builder Joel Freeman spanning more than fi een years in the industry.

he renowned brand has recently launched its brand new selections studio in the industrial hub of Port Macquarie. The Blackbutt Business Centre is a convenient location for clients and interested buyers to call in and meet with the experienced team to discuss their building needs. Stroud Homes offers highly thought out

home designs, layouts and facades that have a unique and impressive point of difference that people love. The brand has more than 100+ home designs to choose from with a wide range of house and land packages available. Designs are sophisticated and refined with many inclusions available to offer a functional, warm and welcoming feel.

At Stroud Homes Port Macquarie you’ll find luxe touches for modern living that you’ll love, within a budget that’s surprisingly affordable. Stroud Homes Port Macquarie encourages all interested home owners to visit the Stroud Homes newly completed selections studio at Blackbutt Road, Port Macquarie.

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Built to inspire. Built for you.

Creating your dream home couldn’t be easier when you build with Perry Homes. We have over 150 different floor plans to choose from, including single and two storey designs, granny flat and dual occupancy... there’s sure to be a design to suit your lifestyle. Whether you have a flat or a sloping block of any size, even knocking down your existing house to rebuild a new home, you can be sure we can bring your vision to life. If you can dream it, we can build it. Visit one of our stunning display homes today! perryhomes.com.au

QBCC Act Lic. No. 718748. NSW Lic. No. 110970C

E32394

Pools by PORT

D E S I G N

What’s the secret to building stunning pools? Our biggest asset is our Dream Team, each member has a huge amount of experience behind them (from pool installers to licenced carpenters) and we are all about making the process as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. From our Director and Licenced pool builder Meredith Howard her vision is to have a seamless delivery and each of the team have a broad and unique skill set. We are so lucky to have such amazing staff, who are always putting the needs of the customer first, always looking to go the extra mile. What sets Port Pools by Design apart? Anyone who has ever installed a pool knows it’s a huge project. There are lots of elements to consider. From excavation, earthmoving, plumbing and electrical, through to paving, fencing and landscaping - it’s a lot

for the clients to wrap their head around. We understand this - so we let you plan pool parties, whilst we go about providing a complete pool design and build service. Our team handles detailed excavation and earthmoving in-house, as well as designing your outdoor living space. We also use the best local contractors to add the finishing touches. This means you don't have to run around getting multiple quotes for each stage - we save you a lot of time and stress by taking care of everything for you. How soon can I install a pool through you guys? We are installing two to three pools a week until Christmas, so we’ve got a busy few months ahead. But we can still have you swimming this summer and can get you in for early 2022. For a pool consultation at your home, call us today on 6584 0844.

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Looking for renovation inspiration? THEN VISIT OUR SHOWROOM.

Thinking of renovating your outdoor area for Summer? Orders must be placed by 20 October 2021

OPEN UP YOUR ENTERTAINING SPACE Oxley Nu-look Windows specialise in Aluminium sliding doors, multi panel stacking sliding doors and bi-folds doors.

SCREENS AND SECURITY

FREE MEASURE AND QUOTES

We have a range of screening solutions including security Aluminium or stainless steel door solutions.

All of our windows, doors and screens are custom made by team at our factory here in Port Macquarie.

Call Louise today to arrange your free quote and consultation 0423 333 537. 02 6581 1763 | 150 Lake Road, Port Macquarie info@nu-look.com.au | nu-look.com.au 116 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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CAN ANYTHING STOP THE PORT MACQUARIE

PROPERTY

MARKET RIGHT NOW?

e may sound like a broken record right now, but the staggering pace that our property market is moving continues to surprise us all and it appears that nothing can stop it right now. Even the latest, state wide lockdowns with harsh restrictions on movement, hasn’t put a stop to the upward curve. If anything, it has resulted in our market becoming even busier, pushing prices higher and higher as more people look to escape the cities, buying homes via video walkthroughs and offering over the asking prices

through fear of missing out to secure a home. For us in Port Macquarie, there are no signs of an imminent slow down. When you look at how we compare with other areas, we are consistently one of NSW’s most searched suburbs and touted as a “property hotspot”. According to a recent Domain.com.au article, Port Macquarie recorded one of the highest levels of turnover in the country with 1026 sales over the year! The team at HEM have never seen anything like it. The number of emails, phone calls and offers on homes without seeing them from sea-changers is off the scale. For example, in

the first two weeks of September alone, HEM recorded 19 sales in ten business days. Ten of these were street records, most are selling in 7 days and over 30% sold at over $1 million. This highly competitive market has seen prices jump on a monthly basis in 2021 and if you look at the stats in the last three months, the median house price was over $750,000! With just 160 homes currently for sale in Port Macquarie, stock levels are hitting an all-time low, right at the time when buyer enquiries are peaking. So it appears it will be a frenetic run in to Christmas and beyond this year, and a very happy future for sellers in our area!

THE PORT MACQUARIE PROPERTY BOOM SHOWS NO SIGNS OF SLOWING. IT APPEARS NOTHING CAN STOP IT RIGHT NOW. PORT MACQUARIE MEDIAN HOUSE PRICES IN 2021 **Prices based on 12 month house sales to date.

JAN 600K

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FEB 615K

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MAR 620K

APR 630K

MAY 640K

JUN 650K

JUL 670K

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EXPERIENCE EXPERIENCE THE FEELING THE FEELING OF CONTROL OF CONTROL WITH LEXUS OWNERSHIP WITH LEXUS AND OWNERSHIP SOLUTIONS A SOLUTIONS AND A GUARANTEED FUTURE VALUE * GUARANTEED FUTURE VALUE *

THERE’S A FEELING YOU GET — when you’re first behind the wheel — when A FEELING YOU you’reoffirst behindyour the wheel ofTHERE’S your brand new Lexus. It’sGET the same feeling financing vehicle of your brand Lexus. It’s the samewith feeling financingofyour through Lexus new Ownership Solutions, theofcertainty a setvehicle Guaranteed through Lexus Control. Ownership the certainty of a you set Guaranteed Future Value*. YouSolutions, pick the with deposit amount, and pick the Future Value*. Control. You pick the deposit amount, and you pick the

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your Lexus if you’d like to keep it, return it, or swap it for a new one at the your Lexus if you’d like to keep it, return it, or swap it for a new one at the

end of your loan term. Contact your Lexus dealer to find out more. end of your loan term. Contact your Lexus dealer to find out more.

L E XU S G UA R A N T E E D FU T U R E VA LU E L E XU S G UA R A N T E E D FU T U R E VA LU E

*The Guaranteed valueofofyour yournew newororapproved approved demonstrator Lexus at the of your finance contract, as determined by Lexus Financial Services If you to decide return *The GuaranteedFuture FutureValue Value(GFV) (GFV) isis the the minimum minimum value demonstrator Lexus at the endend of your finance contract, as determined by Lexus Financial Services (LFS). If(LFS). you decide returntoyour car your car to to Lexus at at the the agreed agreedGFV, GFV,which whichwill willbebeput putagainst against your final payment subject to wear fair wear and conditions tear conditions and agreed kilometres being met. The information Lexus theend endofofyour yourterm, term,LFS LFSwill will pay pay you you the your final payment subject to fair and tear and agreed kilometres being met. The information providedprovided is generalis ingeneral in nature. You should to determine determinewhether whetherLexus LexusOwnership Ownership Solutions is appropriate for your individual circumstances. Terms, conditions, fees and charges apply.Ownership Lexus Ownership GFV Solutions is appropriate for your individual circumstances. Terms, conditions, fees and charges apply. Lexus SolutionsSolutions GFV nature. You shouldseek seekyour yourown ownfinancial financial advice advice to products are available Lexus Financial FinancialServices, Services,a adivision division Toyota Finance Australia Limited 48 002 181, AFSL and Australian Licence 392536 products are availabletotoapproved approvedcustomers customers of of Lexus of of Toyota Finance Australia Limited ABNABN 48 002 435 435 181, AFSL and Australian CreditCredit Licence 392536 Images indicative only. Images indicative only.

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Greater Port Macquarie Focus - i187

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Kate Wood-Foye - Business Illuminate

Lou Perry - Palate Pleasures

Lauren McAllister & Simon Bank - Business Minds

Michael Mowle - Business Voice

Nathan Tomkins - From the Shaker

Alex Cassegrain - e Grape Escape