Greater Port Macquarie Focus - i192 by Focus

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192 MARCH 2022

SHIREE

BENNETT

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At HEM RENTALS, everything we do is focused on you and your property. For us, it is more than just a transaction, we look after your investment with the same care as if it were our own. Offering expert advice to maximise your returns, next level service, happy tenants and an overall stress-free, successful investment.

HAPPY TENANTS EFFICIENT MAINTENANCE PLANS TRANSPARENT, COST EFFECTIVE FEES PERSONALISED ONE-ON-ONE SERVICE LOW RENT ARREARS & VACANCY RATES LOW PROPERTY MANAGER-TO-PROPERTY RATIO

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Welcome to the March 2022 issue of Greater Port Macquarie FOCUS.

elcome to our annual Women In Business edition. This one is HUGE! There are 26 amazing women giving us an insight into what they are looking forward to in 2022 along with what drives their passion to come to work each and every day and continue doing what they love. Make sure you check it out!! Of course our cover this month is dedicated to our Women In Business feature and our cover star is Shiree Bennett. Shiree personifies the ideal so many women strive to achieve. As well as managing the successful family business, she prioritises time for family and

friends, and shares her knowledge mentoring others. Read Shiree’s interview starting on page 16. In this issue: In our team note last month we flagged that we would be interviewing the winners of the Australia Day awards on a local level. We kick start these interviews with the St Agnes Flood Recovery group who won Community Group of the year. We celebrate and congratulate Hopkins Consultants on their 30 years in business, and with singing and dancing now back our gig guide has a massive line up of live shows for you to enjoy, not to mention the amazing shows coming to the Glasshouse. Community spirit: Here at FOCUS we are always keen, happy and ready to support

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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

local businesses, charities and anyone who is doing amazing things in and around our local community. With that said I want to give a shout out to Dr Kristy and her team for the amazing event they put on at Hello Sailor last month to raise money and awareness for Liberty Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Services. An amazing $30,000 plus was raised in one night. Congratulations to all involved. This is an awesome achievement. Next month: Before we put this edition to bed we are already thinking and working on the next one. We have some super cool stories lined up and are looking forward to bringing you a really interesting April edition. Have a great month and enjoy our March edition of FOCUS.

contacts. 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 Daisy Moroney daisyfocusmag@gmail.com

OLDEST DESIGNER Dylan Gaul dylan@focusmag.com.au CUTEST DESIGNER Kyle Rathbone kyle@focusmag.com.au PHOTOGRAPHY Gavin Moroney gavin@focusmag.com.au CIRCULATIONS COORDINATOR Steve Foye steve@focusmag.com.au COPY EDITOR 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 2022 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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Issue 192 - March 2022 INTERVIEWS

SHIREE BENNETT

KATHY HODGE

NETTE & ANDY MCCOUBRIE

Personifying the ideal we strive for, as well as managing the succesful family business, Shiree prioritises time for family and friends, and shares her knowledge as a mentor.

We speak with vibrant entrepreneur and Port local Kathy Hodge (or Kaff as she is commonly known) on her passion for photography and promoting all that Port Macquarie has to offer! .

This Dunbogan couple want to contribute – volunteering on community projects, securing important koala habitat, and offering up their “Shed” for local art exhibitions.

OUR CONTRIBUTORS 39. Alex Cassegrain - Grape Escape 42. Lou Perri - Palate Pleasures 44. Alistair Flower - In the Front Bar 94. Tania Magon - Women in Business 100. Lauren McAllister & Simon Bank - Business Minds 102. Kate Wood-Foye - Business Illuminate CONTRIBUTOR OF THE MONTH

105. Nicholas Lawton - Legal Light 108. Alex Glen-Holmes - Business Voice

TANIA MAGON

Every month you'll find the latest news, reviews and interviews from these locals. Thank you for your contribution to FOCUS. Follow us on 12 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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www.facebook.com/PortMacquarieFocus

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THE MOST RECOMMENDED AGENT & AGENCY IN 2022 Selling team - Glenn Scott & Michelle Percival

“I was absolutely thrilled to achieve ‘MOST RECOMMENDED AGENT’ for the 5th consecutive year, and for Percival Property to again be awarded ‘MOST RECOMMENDED AGENCY’ in Port Macquarie. In real estate, it’s all about service and achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients.” - Michelle Percival The highly anticipated RateMyAgent Agent of the Year Awards are the only of their kind in the industry, and based on customer satisfaction. They acknowledge those who have been the most consistently recommended by local home sellers.

and the agency.

To win means to have secured the highest satisfaction rating, and celebrates and recognises the real estate agents and agencies that provide truly excellent client service.

“As a team we manage everything including pre-sale maintenance to fullscale renovations where required, through to inspections and all of the steps in between. With their support and feet on the ground I can focus on buyer negotiations.”

While Michelle has been #1 Agent five years running, to have maintained the status quo during what has been one of the most challenging periods as an agent and independent business owner is by far the most rewarding. “This recognition is by no means an individual effort,” said Michelle. “As a selling Principal I have the backing of phenomenal staff to support both myself

S A L ES 02 6583 8606 I 106 William Street, Port Macquarie

“Glenn Scott and Ally Downing have worked tirelessly within my own team to assist me in preparing vendors’ properties for market to the exacting standards that create our amazing outcomes.

Michelle believes this structure has proven benefit to her clients in the streamlining of process and the ability to service the unprecedented levels of enquiry Port Macquarie has experienced during the past two years. “To work within a unit not only allows us to provide our clients all of the additional layers of service a team approach brings,

but I can nurture and develop agents as property specialists in their own right. “Ally Downing has worked with me for the past five years and this month has stepped out as an agent within the sales team, and I couldn’t be more thrilled for her.” Michelle said the announcement that Percival Property had again taken out the agency award, over and above larger agencies, is testament to the skill and values of fellow agents Martin Newell and Ayla Bailey, and the specialist administrative and marketing staff who work within the business. “As a family-owned business with a bespoke approach to real estate, we pride ourselves on delivering ‘more’... in every respect! Our agents and support team members really do work as one to deliver the ‘Percival difference’.”

P R O P E R T Y M A N AG E M E N T 02 6583 7499 I 34 Buller Street, Port Macquarie percival.com.aufocus

GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

26 MARCH 2022

FIRE IT UP MID NORTH COAST Low n Slow BBQ Demos with Yummy Tastings Demonstrated by our Guest Pitmasters & Pit Crew and so much more. more info facebook.com/mncheating

RUN FEST PORT MACQUARIE Whether you are an elite athlete, jogger or walker there is an event for you. Runners will have the opportunity to run down the iconic Port Macquarie breakwall in all events. When Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th March, 7:00am-12:00pm Where Town Green, 1 Horton Street, Port Macquarie More portmacquarierunningfestival.com.au 14 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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LONG POINT VINEYARD LONG LUNCH

NITRO CIRCUS LIVE

You Got This is an explosive, high-adrenaline action sports spectacular starring the best athletes in FMX, BMX, Skate, Scooter and more – and it’s all coming to Port Macquarie for one night only. When Friday 18th March Where Port Macquarie Regional Stadium, Boundary Street More info nitrocircus.com/ australia-you-got-this-2020

HOT WINGS CHALLENGE Supporting Mental Health, The Burger Rebellion teams up with Self Seen to raise awareness for mental health and empower the Port Macquarie community. Every time you visit us this March and order our legendary ‘Hot Wings’ the proceeds go directly to Self Seen and the great work they do! Where The Burger Rebellion – Shop 9, 6-14 Clarence Street, Port Macquarie More info facebook.com/theburgerrebellion

This one is for the ladies! Enjoy delicious cheese and charcuterie, grazing platters and dessert while you listen to talented local music, play games or relax in the sunshine. When Saturday 26th March 12:00pm - 4:00pm Where Long Point Vineyard More info longpointvineyard.com.au/events

CHEF2FARMER FARM TOURS

Come and enjoy an informative tour at our tranquil farm, located at Little Eden Farm in Ballengarra, 25 minutes north of Port Macquarie. Tours are held regularly and upcoming dates can be found in the box below. When Sunday 27th March 9am-12pm Tickets $30 Family or Car load, $10 Single ticket $5 Child More info chef2farmer.com/farm-tours

WE’RE HERE

ONE WISE CHOICE FOR YOUR PROPERTY

8/114 William St, Port Macquarie 6585 2000

portmacquarie@oneagency.com.au

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT & SALES WITH A DIFFERENCE. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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focus_interview

Shiree Bennett personifies the ideal so many women strive to achieve. As well as

managing the succesful family business, she prioritises time for family and friends, and shares her knowledge mentoring others. Focus

talks to her about her life experience...

SHIREE

BENNETT BENNETTS STEEL

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ello Shiree. You’re a well known Wauchope local now heading up this family owned and operated business since 1991. Tell us a little about the Bennetts Steel brand. As most know, Bennetts Steel was founded by my Dad, Gordon, and his partner Peta in 1991. I joined the family business in 2014 along with my stepsister Tanya, every day. What allowing Dad and Peta This team are do you think sets to enjoy their retirement all skilful at Bennetts Steel without selling their their trade and make apart from its pride and joy. Keeping Bennetts Steel one of competitors in the the family legacy, I now the largest privately market? oversee the business owned steel retailers We’re not just and work alongside on the NSW Coast. your usual steel a dynamic team of yard. Our family men and women. This have lived in our team are all skilful at local region for their trade and make many generations. Having a strong affiliation Bennetts Steel one of the largest privately with the timber, transport and farming owned steel retailers on the NSW Coast. Last industry over the years, has given Bennetts year we celebrated 30 years in steel, a proud Steel the competitive advantage over other achievement for any small family-run business. steel retailers in our area. Bennetts Steel I know the company is composed of many talented men and women who also has a strong connection with the local contribute to the success of the business community. We’ve had the privilege of being

involved in numerous community projects and charities, such as the Hastings Education Fund, local football clubs, pony clubs, show societies, camping and recreational events and charitable fundraisers, such as Trek 4 Kids. We love to give back to our community who continue to support us as a business. Continued over... GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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What do you love most about the

try to provide the best

Bennetts Steel brand and tell us a little

customer service and

about the ethos of the company?

an enjoyable experience

Being able to work alongside my Dad every

I have learnt so much from Dad and the people who work at Bennetts. It is rewarding to see everybody happy to teach and pass on their knowledge.

when customers visit.

day, and carry on the business he built from

Given your success in

the ground up, is something that inspires

business today, what would you say to

me each and every day. I have learnt so

your 16-year-old self looking back?

much from Dad and the people who work

Trust in yourself and believe anything is

at Bennetts. It is rewarding to see everybody

possible. Don’t forget to have fun along the

happy to teach and pass on their knowledge.

way and make sure you are doing something

We have a good bunch of people here at

that you enjoy. Time passes too quickly not

Bennetts Steel and the camaraderie makes

to enjoy what you do and to be appreciated

coming to work fun and enjoyable. Everybody

by those around you. Make sure you are the

at Bennetts has high standards and we always

person that looks for solutions not the person

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that only see problems and issues. I would tell myself that life will throw many a curve ball but to remember that there is always somebody worse off. Last but not least, make sure to pay everything forward. For every person who helped you through a life changing time or mentored you in your life, make sure you do the same and pay it forward. What is on the horizon for you and the business as we head into 2022? I’m so proud of how far Bennetts Steel has come and the brand we are today. As we're always evolving what we can produce and services we can offer, the goal is to

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Away from your busy work life, where would we find you spending your own time? Most of my time is spent in Bonnies. I enjoy the simple things in life. For me there is nothing better For me there then relaxing over the is nothing weekend, kicking back better then relaxing on our deck with my over the weekend, kids and friends, eating implement the best kicking back on our seafood and having a possible experience for deck with my kids wine or two. I have a our customers, from the and friends, eating beautiful group of close moment they contact us seafood and having friends who I adore and to the end of the job. love spending time with a wine or two. Since commencing and this makes for many our TV advertising in an interesting evening 2019 we have continued with lots of singing and laughs. to increase our marketing and drive our I love that both my Mum and Dad are part growth. In 2022 we will continue to develop of my everyday life and I am grateful for new ideas, broaden our brand coverage the time we get to spend together. Other and expand our customer base. Our local days I love to get out in the boat for a ride community outreach is also something we up the river with my partner, Matt, and the continually offer and try to improve on. competition we have to see who catches the For me 2022 means getting to spend more biggest fish. time with my kids now that the borders are What do you love most about living in open. The past few years have been extreme the Port Macquarie Hastings region? for everybody and I must say I feel more Having spent 16 years of my work life living positive about a better work and home-life in the Southern Highlands, it was wonderful balance this year. to move back home in 2003. Spending 25

years on farms with lots of space I now live right on the beach and enjoy the coastal lifestyle, especially our waterways and amazing local seafood. The Wauchope and Bonny Hills communities provide the amazing small town vibe and the friendly community in which I am happy to raise my children. The area has grown so much since I left in 1987 with our schools, University, hospitals and industry now providing so many pathways for our children. We are truly fortunate to live in such a wonderful area. For people wanting to find out more about Bennetts Steel or engage your services, how can they best connect with you? Visit our website www.bennettsteel.com. au or check out our Facebook and Instagram pages. We also encourage people to pop out and see what we have to offer, with our Garden Gallery available to walk through and check out our firepits, wood racks and other decorative home and garden products available – you might be quite surprised at what we have to offer. Thank you Shiree. Interview: Sarah Baker. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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Hodge Focus speaks with vibrant entrepreneur and Port Macquarie local Kathy Hodge (or Kaff as she is commonly known) on her passion for photography and promoting all that Port Macquarie has to offer!

i Kaff. Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with FOCUS. You are so passionate about promoting all things Port Macquarie and your photographic works show extraordinary skill. Where do you draw your inspiration? Yes, I am very passionate about my beautiful home town Port Macquarie. I love everything about this place. But especially the beaches, I’m so lucky to be in short walking distance to Town Beach, Oxley Beach and Flynns Beach. I get up at 5am every morning, grab my camera and head off on foot. I am addicted to sunrise, every day is a surprise! Then I head home and have a look 22 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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My great uncle Leslie Crowe from Dublin was a great photographer and a true inspiration! He spent 25 years filming Dublin in the 60’s on his 8mm Brownie camera.

at what I’ve captured and can’t wait to share my pictures with everyone! I am inspired by the ocean and nature’s beauty every day! We live in such a beautiful part of Australia. When did you first pick up a camera and what is it you love about the craft? My first “proper” camera was a second hand Panasonic DMC-FZ Lumix given to me by my son Jesse back in 2009. I started taking photos of my surfing husband Stephen and his mates. I made some photo books and gave them

away! The old Lumix died and my son bought me a Canon EOS 1100D with two lenses! I’ve had some great fun with this camera… it still works! I absolutely love taking photos… capturing moments… the excitement of a beautiful sunrise and crashing waves… and seeing what I’ve got when I get home and upload my shots. You never know what you’ve captured… things always look different through the lens! Photography is in the blood in my family. My great uncle Leslie Crowe from Dublin was a great photographer and a true inspiration!

He spent 25 years filming Dublin in the 60’s on his 8mm Brownie camera. You can watch all his footage called Camera Tripod Bicycle on the RTE or YouTube videos, it’s amazing! What type of equipment do you predominantly use? I’ve just bought myself a Nikon Z FC Mirrorless camera with two lenses. It’s pink and retro (like me) style with dials and buttons! I’m getting used to it… it’s a lot more “hands on” lol. I also have a DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone that I am teaching myself to fly! Or not crash! It’s fun but a bit scary at the same time. I want to take some overhead shots of Stephen surfing and some ocean shots! There’s some great drone photographers in Port Macquarie. I was once told by a photographic artist in Tasmania that “it’s not really about the equipment you’re using, it’s who’s behind the lens that matters”. I’ve always remembered that. I am self taught. I’ve never done a photo course or anything like that. I just muddle

Walking every

about and shoot. day is so good Don’t be afraid to give for you... I’m hoping photography a go, I people take up the know I get laughed challenge and walk at because I’m not myself to get up before as much as they can professional… I’ve sunrise and walk along for health. So, Walk even been bullied on the beaches! I took my Port Macquarie. social media and in iPhone with me and person on the beach, made a visual diary of but I will not let that the sunrise. I realised defeat me… it makes the iPhone could take me even more determined to keep moving really good shots right down on the sand onwards and upwards! with a waterproof cover… so I started Your instagram handles @ taking seashells from my collection to the walkportmacquarie and beach and got some super Sunrise Seashell @iloveportmacquarie are very popular shots. Check out my Instagram hashtag amongst your followers, showcasing #mysunriseseashell for hundreds of shots! your incredible scenic imagery of the Walking every day is so good for you… region. What is your intention for these I’m hoping people take up the challenge accounts and what do you hope people and walk as much as they can for health. So, take away from them? Walk Port Macquarie. It’s hard coming up with a handle that @iloveportmacquarie speaks for itself. I am suits and captures everything in a name! so passionate about our home town. @walkportmacquarie came about in 2013… Continued over... a New Years resolution! I made a pact to GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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I wanted to share my feelings about living here and the love I have for everything Port Macquarie! I love our Beach House, I call it an ‘Oasis in Suburbia’ it’s 1670 square metres of subtropical jungle smack dab in the heart of town. My son Hudson is a Horticulturist and has planted just about everything you can imagine! We grow our own veggies too! We bought our house back in 1986 and just 24 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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photo gallery pages. I do take a lot of photos and just love sharing them with everyone. I am so proud to call Port Macquarie my home. I love Port Macquarie. What have been some highlights of your work looking My son back? Hudson is Wow, this is a hard a Horticulturist question to answer! I and has planted love looking back on just about the photos I took on everything you a surfing trip to the Maldives with Stephen. can imagine! We The white coral grow our own love it. It’s had many sand and beautiful veggies too! renovations over the turquoise water… a years… and is about to photographer’s dream! undergo some more! The surf was great too! Kandooma right break, out the front of our I am amazed by the number of hashtags beach villa. #iloveportmacquarie has!! 51K at last Tasmania, we’ve been there six times! count! It’s a popular one! Keep on using it It’s like our second home… another dream everyone… we all Love Port Macquarie. destination for photography. Cradle Mountain I really do appreciate my Instagram is our favourite spot. We do a lot of walking followers and hope they enjoy visiting my

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and exploring. and photography. This town has The waterfalls and What is it you love everything we wilderness are amazing. most about living in need, awesome local Can’t forget Paris… now Port Macquarie? shops and schools, that was a highlight! Definitely the beach great medical Monet’s Garden was life! To me there’s systems, so much an absolute pleasure nothing like living awesome coffee and to photograph and coastal. Port Macquarie the Chateaus were has grown over the fresh local food. awesome. But, I always years (can’t stop come back to my progress) but I still find photos of Town Beach the peace and quiet I sunrises… I love them. need… you’ve just got to time it lol. I tend to I have ‘mandatory shots’ with the ‘Three lay low in the holiday seasons! Sisters Cook Pine’ trees on the Breakwall This town has everything we need, (#threesisterscookpine) on Instagram. awesome local shops and schools, great And I especially love my reverse sunrise medical systems, so much awesome coffee shots, looking north to the breakwall and fresh local food. And amazing local when the sky turns pink and reflects in the support all around. shoreline… simply wonderful. And yes, it’s picture perfect scenery all the I have some of my best photos printed on way along the coastline. A photographer’s canvas and hang them around the house. dream! My favourite is ‘Spirit of Flagstaff’ a bit of I absolutely love our Coastal Walk… and a phenomenon! A huge crashing wave hit of course the iconic breakwall, I walk ‘The Flagstaff one morning whilst I was shooting, Wall’ every morning. The painted rocks are when I got home and uploaded the shot a becoming famous all around the world! I’ve face was in the wave! I couldn’t believe my made many friends world-wide over these eyes… it’s unbelievable! painted rocks! The Mid North Coast region offers such a Away from the camera where would we picturesque landscape to foster creativity find you spending your own time?

You’ll find me faffing around at home. I love keeping our home and gardens in order. I have a lovely herb garden, I pick fresh herbs for my cooking every day! I love cooking for the boys. I also look after my elderly mother who lives a couple of doors down the road from us. She is recovering from a mild stroke and is doing really well and regaining her strength and independence which is awesome. I spend a lot of time accompanying Stephen on his surfing trips. He’s been surfing Port Macquarie since he was 10 and still on a shortboard and he’s an awesome surfer. I hang out with our dog Xena, she’s a little black English Staffordshire Bull Terrier. We have always had Staffies, Xena is our sixth! We have shown and bred them over the years… we just love them. For people wanting to find out more about your work and see what you’re up to, how can they best connect with you? The best place to catch me is on Instagram! Send me a DM. Or on Town Beach early in the mornings… you have to walk fast to catch me… come and say hello, I don’t bite! I don’t use Facebook. I will be creating a website for my work/craft very soon! Thanks Kaff. Interview: Sarah Baker. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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GRAZED & GROWN

REBECCA AND PETER ARMSTRONG

Grazed & Grown is a small chemical-free farm producing pasture-raised eggs, pork and beef, and fresh, healthy produce like rhubarb, garlic and other seasonal produce. Come along to our “Mindful Living & Eating” Experience here at the farm on Saturday 26th or Sunday 27th March from 11am-4pm and enjoy a day in the country.

an you please introduce holistic management principles to constantly yourselves and your family improve the fertility and biodiversity of the to our readers? soil, plant and animal species. These principles We are Rebecca and Peter cycle nutrients from the atmosphere, through Armstrong, and our two the plants and soils and back into the animals daughters Miah & Skye. We that happily graze on them. are originally from We have chosen to Sydney but moved to farm heritage breed Comboyne in 2013 for animals as their slower We practice a more holistic lifestyle. regenerative You and your farming and holistic husband set up management principles Grazed & Grown Farm in Comboyne, to constantly improve can you please the fertility and tell us a bit about biodiversity of the soil, the property and plant and animal business? species. Our farm is located on one of the northern fingers of the plateau, so we have incredible coastal views out to the ocean in the east, and of the mountain ranges to the west. We care for 176 acres, with about 100 acres cleared for grazing and the rest as natural pockets of bush. We practice regenerative farming and 26 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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growth enables them to take in more nutrients as they age and their bodies grow the way nature intended. Our business ‘Grazed & Grown’ offers produce to the local area (because why should the best produce be exported to the cities) through online sales, farm gate sales and several great retailers. We have support from some fantastic local businesses who carry our

GRAZED AND GROWN

Animal rotation is very important so we move our pigs, sheep, cows and meat birds daily. The chicken caravan for our hens moves once a week and our turkeys just roam freely.

produce, and others who are convenient pick up points. Many of our customers have come through the farm tours we offer. People love to come up and experience the farm, the animals and learn about where their food comes from. It’s awesome to see the kids interact with the animals and play in the dirt. Sharing our daily experiences is the most rewarding part of farming to us. Where did your passion for this type of farming come from? In the early years of raising our girls we knew we wanted to be able to provide them with the best and most nutritious food we could to support their growing bodies. Once we started research into foods and the nutrients they offer, our passion to learn more shifted into farming techniques and how certain types of farming improve biodiversity and available nutrients, whilst other styles are slowly but surely depleting their resources, relying on added chemicals and fertilisers to keep things alive. How long did the planning take once you made the decision to farm this way? Regenerative farming starts as soon as you make up your mind. As we didn’t come from

a traditional farming background we had no barriers to break, so we dived in head first, and the improvements we have seen to this land are incredible. What does a typical day on the farm look like for you both? Up and at ’em early in the morning. Our girls will move and feed their rabbits before getting on the school bus just after 7am, and we will get straight into feeding, watering and moving animals. Animal rotation is very important so we move our pigs, sheep, cows and meat birds daily. The chicken caravan for our hens moves once a week and our turkeys just roam freely. There isn’t much time for lunch so we usually grab a quick bite whenever it fits in, but dinner is our time to celebrate with a feast of produce. Sometimes we get caught up in the farming, but it is important to catch your breath, look around and enjoy the amazing abundance of life that surrounds us. You have an event in March ‘Mindful Living & Eating’, can you tell us about it? We are opening our gates for 2 days on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th March from 11am-4pm for a ‘Mindful Living & Eating’ Experience at the farm. Nutrients are the star of this event – we look

into how they cycle through the environment, through our foods and the role they have in our bodies. We have some incredible speakers to guide people through the nutrient journey, and visitors can take a leisurely self-guided tour of the farm. It’s not just all farm talk though; we have the incredible chefs from twotriplefour restaurant showcasing some great regional produce. Black Duck Brewery and Cassegrain Winery will be serving up the best local craft beers and award winning wines, and local musician Leigh I’Anson will provide the entertainment. Visitors can meet other local producers and shop for fresh produce, whilst the kids can enjoy the petting zoo and fun activities. A highlight will be the Tug-o-war between the farmers and the crew at nXtLvL functional movement centre to see who can better turn those nutrients into muscle. What do our readers need to do to attend your event? To purchase tickets simply click on this link eventbrite.com.au/e/festival-of-flavour-grazedand-grown-mindful-eating-living-tickets251819989367?aff=ebdssbdestsearch What are you looking forward to the most about your event? We love when visitors come to the farm and enjoy the experience. Being able to walk around and see the animals and of course pat a few whilst enjoying the beautiful views here on the plateau. Thank you Rebecca. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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GLASSHOUSE PORT MACQUARIE AND FLYING FRUIT FLY CIRCUS PRESENT

Girls With Altitude

S U I TA B L E FO R FA M I L I E S A N D C H I L D R E N AG E D 4+ YEARS

Featuring an all-female cast r a n g i n g i n a ge from 1O-18 years

Flying Fruit Fly Circus

Tuesday 22 March, 6pm Wednesday 23 March, 10am & 1pm PLUS POST SHOW Q&A

Ordinary kids doing extraordinary things! C I RC US & PH YSIC A L T H E AT R E All performances include a Post Show Question and Answer Session - prefect for kids and families to learn all about life as part of a circus!

BOOK NOW: 02 6581 8888 glasshouse.org.au

T H I S I S PE R FEC T FA M I LY E N T E R TA I N M E N T.

A Flying Fruit Fly Circus production. Girls With Altitude has been supported by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body, and by the NSW Government through Create NSW.

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GL ASS H O US E PO R T M ACQ UA R I E A N D FLY I N G FR U I T FLY C I R C US P R E S E N T

Artistic director Anni Davey tells us how the superheroes of tomorrow are female and are changing the world!

ello Anni! Thank you so much for speaking with FOCUS Magazine. Tell us a little about this incredible show coming to Port Macquarie? Thanks for having me. It’s been a while in the making of the shows this recent couple of years, but it’s really exciting. We’re just about to open our first performance at The Cube in Wodonga. And we’re so excited about coming to Port Macquarie because I have visited the Glasshouse before and I just love it. The show is beautiful. It’s a collaboration between the girls with the The Flying Fruit Fly Circus and Judy Horacek, a political cartoonist who was regularly featured in The Age magazine. She has a sort of whimsical, gentle and yet fiercely feminist style. It’s a very disarming way of looking at the world, which I found so refreshing. The idea of mixing that with the viewpoint of my students was really exciting. So we’ve got this way of using the projected cartoons and interacting with them via green screen. So it looks like the girls are inside the cartoons, which is really exciting. The ethos centres on an all-female cast with performers aged 10-18 empowering the next generation of kids to do extraordinary things. Why

is this an important Tell us a little What I wanted attribute of the show? about the training to do was create I was interested, programs these girls a platform where the particularly these days, in undertake as part of girls could stand up celebrating and featuring The Flying Fruit Fly really strong and the girls at the company. Circus. proud and be I don’t want to exclude We start kids off at themselves. boys from the show, and about eight years old, certainly not from the so they could do 10 audience. I don’t want years with us. Some of people to feel like it’s a show just for girls. the older girls have already done 10 years But in order to celebrate the girls, often with the circus. it’s better to allow them to show off in a They try out, and we start them, and by female-only context, because I didn’t want the time they are in full training, they’re to celebrate the girls through a male gaze. doing about 20 hours a week. I didn't want to talk about the political And we have our own school so they do problems of being a girl at the moment, it as part of their school work. We have other than the sort of reflections in Judy’s in-school training, as well as out-of-school cartoons. What I wanted to do was create training. a platform where the girls could stand up Then they get to experience a tour – really strong and proud and be themselves. they get to experience getting on planes What do you hope an audience takes and trains and travelling around Australia away from the ‘Girls with Altitude’ meeting new people, being professional performance? artists in professional environments, and I’m hoping they think that the show is meeting audiences. as strong and as clever and as filled with They’re being relied upon to deliver a spectacular talent and athletic prowess and show which is pretty incredibly high tech. wonderful circus skills as any other show These are the skills that we’re asking they’ve ever seen. them to deliver every night. So it’s really I want them to be astonished at how exciting. good the girls are at such a young age. Thank you Anni. And in such a cohesive, interesting sort of ensemble cast. Interview: Sarah Baker. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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SHED T

NETTE & ANDY MCCOUBRIE

When Nette and Andy McCoubrie moved to the area of Dunbogan they wanted to make a contribution to the community and to the environment here. They have certainly done that; securing some important koala habitat, volunteering on community projects and offering up their “Shed” for local art exhibitions.

ou have 130 acres of land here, what made you fall in love with it? We moved to Dunbogan from Victoria over 14 years ago after passing through on a ‘grey nomad’ trip. We fell in love with the area’s natural beauty, the river and estuary, bushland, beaches, headland, national parks… and North Brother mountain. We purchased a property and built our home (where we still live) the following year. We then purchased the Dunbogan Boatshed in 2009 and worked hard at transforming it into a vibrant community hub with something for everyon. After selling the Boatshed 5 years later, we found these two connected properties that were perfect for us. With Andy’s experience as an Architect and Nette’s design background, this was bound to be a beautiful build. What was your original concept for The Shed? The Shed was primarily the property work shed, to store equipment and materials and provide a sheltered work area. But with a background as an Interior Designer, Architect and Builder, it was never going to be a kit 30 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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shed. Our designs are dictated strongly by the site, function, our strong environmental principles and the need to create interesting spaces that allow us to relax, think and be creative. We love architecture that integrates with the Australian bushland and materials that reference our history and connection to the land… timber, galvanised corrugated iron, stone, rammed earth etc. Andy started collecting fence palings from the area three years before the build. The interior of the main shed, with angled walls and curved ceiling, is lined with over 3,000 rescued palings. We love that we gave this timber a new life, it comes with character and history, years of being the link between neighbours. We lined the walkspace between the two sections of the shed with fence rails, and used fence posts for external seating. Second hand hardwood frames from local homes were used as part of the shed cladding. Andy gathered offcuts as firewood to heat us over two winters. Using recycled material is a time-consuming process that is a real labour of love. The result was exactly what we wanted. A functional shed that we could also use for private functions. We grew up in areas where local landowners

held gatherings in their old shed, something we wanted to do too. We now have a wonderful working space that exceeds our expectations. A place to build memories. How did you come to start offering the space up for community art exhibitions? We both love creative arts and design. The space has a wonderful calming feeling and draws people inside. With a longing to experience more local arts and cultural events and a growing knowledge of the talented local artisans, the idea grew to donate the space for an exhibition. Our initial idea was to host a dozen artists but that grew to 27 and ‘Undercover Artists’ exhibition was born in 2020. Most of these artists had never exhibited – hence the name. Tackling the Covid restrictions we held the event over a weekend and had over 550 people visit (with little advertisement!). Many stayed for hours and revisited over the limited opening hours. They were captured by the work on display, but also by the shed itself. We had to fend off many enquiries for hiring it for weddings, events, yoga weekends... But unfortunately, this is our working shed, so we can’t make it available on a regular basis.

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What sort of events have you hosted at The Shed so far and what is coming up? We held the ‘Undercover Artists’ Art Exhibition, a Basket Weaving workshop, Biodiversity Conservation Trust Miniconference, and many social gatherings with friends including 18ths, 21st, Christmas parties and BBQs. The Hastings Birdwatchers Association does a walk and bird survey of the property every year. We have a friend’s wedding on the horizon and a wonderful public exhibition on May 14th-15th. This is being put together by Caitlan Davey and Charlotte Moore (Rotary Club Young Leaders) to give the Year 11/12 Creative Artists students from 2020/21 the opportunity they missed to exhibit their work due to Covid restrictions. We worked with this young group of Rotarians earlier this year, planting out koala trees in the Koala Reserve. You were hit pretty hard by the recent floods, how was the recovery? Yes, it was devastating for our area. The Shed flooded to a depth of a metre. We knew it was located in a flood area and built with this in mind, but the speed of the water rise meant we were unable to move everything in time. The water rose higher than predicted, so although we saved a great deal we also lost a lot of equipment. Andy spent 3 months bringing the shed back to life. We also had to cancel an exhibition - The 6th Sense of Country - exhibiting the works of 6 local

Our community indigenous artists. I hope an environmental needs places to hold this in the future. contribution, what where they can come Tell us about your did you end up together and support plans for another doing? each other. We aim to community space on We purchased the property. the property to build a gathering We would love to maintain it as a place to enable that. design and build a conservation property. unique local gathering The Biodiversity place for the community. Conservation Trust It stemmed from the need we saw, from enabled us to establish permanent protection owning the Dunbogan Boatshed and as of this important area of Dunbogan Koala founders of the Beach to Beach Riverwalk, habitat. and the March 2021 Floods. The community The tender process was quite thorough. unity during that time was exceptional. We Ecologists, Botanists, and environmental both volunteered to help rebuild and recover, professionals surveyed the environmental and through this we were welcomed into values of the site. This included wildlife the lives of so many locals needing help. surveys, and management plans for weeds We witnessed the physical devastation and and fire. We learnt so much, especially about the process of mental recovery. For many it the ‘Dunbogan Koala’, a unique isolated resurfaced and exacerbated existing fears and colony of genetically distinct individuals. past traumas. Our community needs places What do you hope this means for the where they can come together and support future of the land and wildlife here? each other. We aim to build a gathering place The agreement ensures that the 80 to enable that. It will run interactive education acres is managed and maintained as a courses focusing on environment, resilience Koala Conservation Reserve forever, not and preparedness, and creative expression. just under our ownership. We take great It will be a place for exhibitions, functions comfort in knowing the land can never be and experiences. We hope it will increase developed, and future owners will take on community interaction in a positive inclusive the management agreement to continue our manner, and provide an avenue of support for legacy. This is crucial for the survival of not the local community. only koalas but so many other endangered You took ownership of this land to make species in our area. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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PORT MEDICAL AESTHETICS CLINIC

TOXTAILS

Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Services. After months of hard work by my team at PMAC, some incredibly generous sponsors and the community, the charity auction PORT MEDICAL AESTHETICS CLINIC (PMAC) VIP CHARITY went from a small idea in my head to a 150-person invitation-only VIP cocktail party. EVENT – RAISING FUNDS FOR LIBERTY DOMESTIC AND Hello Sailor, the venue, generously created FAMILY VIOLENCE SPECIALIST SERVICES a custom cocktail for the event ‘The ToxTail’ and donated the proceeds of cocktail sales for the whole month of February to Liberty Services. Essentially, I wanted I wanted to to create an event to create an give those community event to give those ongratulations Dr Kristy patients have directly members who do community members on running such an accessed the services support causes a who do support causes amazing event. Can you provided by Liberty, platform to donate, a platform to donate, tell us where the idea and so I have seen where their money where their money came from to host such first hand just how could count the most. could count the most. an event? important their work We are so lucky to Thank you! My team and I are absolutely is. I wanted to show live in such a generous blown away by the support and generosity of my support for their and community-minded the community here in Port Macquarie. valuable work and to part of the world, and I am a General Practitioner at Port thank them for helping me to care for some this event was a culmination of the desire Macquarie GPs and have unfortunately of my most vulnerable patients. to help and the means to get it done in a witnessed the impact COVID, coupled with I had an idea; for PMAC (my cosmetic thoughtful and productive way. the lack of affordable housing, has had on clinic, where I work when I am not working The entire evening surpassed my the vulnerable in our community, especially as a GP) to host a charity event, with all expectations. I am very very proud of what women and their children. Some of my money raised donated directly to Liberty we were able to achieve.

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The charity that the event was created around was Liberty Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Services. For those who aren’t familiar with this charity can you give us a bit of background about who they are and what they do? Liberty Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Services is a not-for-profit organisation providing specialist support and housing services to women and families affected by domestic and family violence and homelessness in the Port MacquarieHastings region. The organisation was formed in 1980 as the Hastings Women and Children’s Refuge and has since evolved and expanded to provide a wide range of services to those in need of domestic violence and homelessness support. Last financial year Liberty supported 1200 women and children experiencing domestic and family violence in our local community through support groups, outreach services, housing, crisis accommodation and afterhours responses. Tell us about how the event unfolded, who attended, was there a theme, where was it held? ToxTails was held at Hello Sailor on a Friday evening. Despite the threat of rain that evening we had an incredible turnout. The dress code was “dress to impress”. We really wanted to give people a chance to dress up, kick on some heels and enjoy

an elegant event – especially after two We really wanted years of being stuck to give people inside. a chance to dress up, over $1000 worth of The evening started kick on some heels and skincare products from at 6pm. Guests were enjoy an elegant event The Skincare Company. greeted and checked – especially after two The “Pop a Balloon” in under a bespoke years of being stuck stall: For $10 you could foliage and balloon pop a balloon for the inside. archway, created chance of winning a specifically for the $250 Stunned Mullet event by local florist Voucher. Every popped Bungalow & Co balloon contained a voucher to a local (one of the major sponsors of the night). business too! Guests walked down the pink carpet to Custom made coasters donated by Snap find a number of intriguing and fun pop-up Port Macquarie had a special QR code on it games, canapes catered by Hello Sailor and (created gratis by Cloud Concepts) to allow Bills Fishhouse and, of course, the signature guests to give even if they didn't win an cocktail, the ToxTail. auction item; as well as a link on social media To give guests an interactive and fun way for those unable to attend. to donate, three pop-up stations hosted We also hosted a PMAC photo booth, various games, each with a different dollar which turned out to be one of the most donation. popular activities of the evening. Everyone A “Buy A Box” Stall: essentially a lucky dip looked so amazing. for grown-ups! For either $50 or $100, you The live auction was the big-ticket item could purchase a box and collect the prize of the evening. We actually had so many inside. All of these prizes were donated by amazing, donated auction prizes we had to generous local businesses. break the auction into two sets! No event is complete without a raffle, so for $20, you could purchase a ticket to win Continued over... GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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TOXTAILS

Puncturing the auction moments, we were incredibly lucky to have Brooke Maggs, Community Programs Manager from Liberty Services, give a heart-warming account of the women Liberty helps, the services they offer, and how the money raised would help. The event was an absolute success, how much money was raised and how was this done? In total, we raised a staggering $30,125.55!!! A combination of all of the stalls, cocktail sales on the night, and our amazing auction prizes, all helped to reach this grand total. Who would you like to thank for helping make this inaugural event happen? To be honest, so many generous businesses and individuals gave towards this event. Of course, there were the major sponsors; my company Port Medical Aesthetics Clinic, Focus Magazine, Bungalow & Co and Hello Sailor. And Bills Fishhouse, who came in last minute to help feed the crowd! Some of the major prizes donated came from EAS Flight Training, Port Macquarie Skydive, Ana Mandara, Port Sailing, Sarah Cooper Photography, Ramsey Built, The Skincare Company, Cowan Creative, Cloud 34 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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Concepts, My Video Producer, Karina HMU, In total, Crescent Head Resort, we raised a Sweetly Baked, Casseras kind individuals. The old Bakehouse, HEM, staggering $30,125.55!!! saying “Good things InnerVision, Coastline A combination of all of happen when you Media, Your Discount the stalls, cocktail sales surround yourself with Chemist, Meg N Me, on the night, and our positive people” really Get Detailed by Joseph, amazing auction prizes, is true. I am so proud of Coast Side Auto, Your all helped to reach this the good we have been Life Fitness, Kumiai Ryu grand total. able to give back to our Karate and so so many local community. more. I really wish I Will there be a 2023 could name them all, as event? How can people perhaps get they all deserve huge thanks and local support involved? for their generosity. 100% there will be. After such a successful And finally, this event would not have inaugural event I think I might have committed been remotely possible without the hard PMAC to running this every year! work and dedication of my staff from PMAC. If you’re a local business and interested in These wonderful women donated their spare being involved next year, please contact me evenings after work, their sanity, their sweat (and some tears) to help me pull this event off. via Instagram (@DrKristy_port_aesthetics) or Facebook (Port Medical Aesthetics Clinic). The Thank you, ladies, for not thinking I was more prizes donated, the more money we can totally crazy for coming up with this idea, and raise!! It’s never too early to be involved. This for wholeheartedly throwing yourself behind event is about supporting locally and giving the cause!! back locally. And maybe kicking our heels up I am constantly reminded how lucky I am in the process. when I go to work with these dedicated and

PORT MEDICAL AESTHETICS CLINIC VIP CHARITY EVENT FOR LIBERTY DOMESTIC AND FAMILY VIOLENCE SPECIALIST SERVICES

30,000

FOR THE LIBERTY DOMESTIC AND FAMILY VIOLENCE SPECIALIST SERVICES

THANK YOU TO OUR AMAZING SPONSORS

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THANK YOU TO ALL WHO DONATED, BOUGHT AND CAME ALONG. LOOK OUT FOR 2023 INVITES.

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DINING GUIDE

COVER DISH SEARED SCALLOPS, SWEET CABBAGE, ROASTED RUSSIAN GARLIC AIOLI, WASABI CORAL, CRUMPET THE STUNNED MULLET

from

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DINING GUIDE

Your local Club

P O RT C I T Y B O W L I N G C LU B

$ 2 2 W E E K LY SPECIALS CLASSIC ROAST SUNDAY STEAK MONDAY CHICKEN SCHNITZEL TUESDAY AROUND THE WORLD THURSDAY *INCLUDES A FREE BEVERAGE | CONDITIONS APPLY

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

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Ken Littles - Pick of the month The Royal Gala apple remains a staple favourite at Kenny Little’s. Known for its crisp texture and sweet taste, this delicate fruit is an excellent snack for all the family and also great in cooking and baking.

The Burger Rebellion teams up with Self Seen to raise awareness for mental health and empower the Port Macquarie community. Every time you visit us this March and order our legendary ‘Hot Wings’ the proceeds go directly to Self Seen and the great work they do!

Phone 02 6584 1403 14/6 Clarence Street, Port Macquarie theburgerrebellion.com.au

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Other health benefits from eating apples may include lowering cholesterol. Apples contain a natural fibre called ‘pectin’ found in plants. Apples are also a low glycemic index (GI) food meaning

they may protect against diabetes. They also may prevent obesity, being a low calorie and healthy snack food. Apples may also protect against heart disease and may be beneficial for bone health. So the age old saying ‘eating an apple a day, keeps the doctor away’ certainly rings true. Always remember ‘fresh is best’ and to continue to support our local family and farmers. Ken.

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GRAPE ESCAPE

NEWS FROM THE VINES

with ALEX CASSEGRAIN From Cassegrain Wines

We only have one chance per year to get everything right when it comes to harvest time, and the key determining factor is the weather.

he La Niña event, which occurred in spring and summer of 2020-21, has resulted in a generally cooler and longer growing season in many regions around NSW. Despite this, the grapes are looking quite good due to the care and hard work viticulturalists have been taking in managing their vineyards through some of these unprecedented weather events. A lot of pressure has been put onto vineyards to keep the vines and grapes healthy and free of disease which has a direct effect on wine quality. While the harvest around most of NSW is several weeks behind previous years, the forecast is starting to look a little bit more favourable for many of the regions we source our grapes from including Orange, Hilltops, Rylstone, Canberra and Tumbarumba.

The overly wet weather has been great for foliage growth but now we need the vine to focus on sugar development in what is already a delayed season to ensure we can pick before it begins to get too cold. This is the type of year that we will be focused on, doing all we can to ensure the grapes get the best care resulting in a fantastic product at the time of bottling. Cassegrain’s 2021 Seasons range has been exceptional. The Seasons Spring Rosé, the Seasons Summer Sauvignon Blanc, and now the newlyreleased Seasons Autumn Syrah Sangiovese are a testament to the quality of the fruit grown despite difficult conditions the weather has thrown at us in 2020. We’re now looking forward to a vintage of exceptional fruit quality and high yield in 2022 from the smaller 2021 harvest. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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LANCE D U N N BI T TE R SWE E T C A F E A N D PAT I S S E R I E

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Homemade Labneh with blistered cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, smashed avocado on our soy and linseed sourdough.

ittersweet is known for their amazing desserts and beautiful meals, how have you kept your passion for creating this for as long as you have? I’ve loved creating and cooking since I was a child so it’s something that is always going to be a passion of mine. I love making people remember their childhood favourites from either their parents’ or grandma’s cooking. Our meals and cakes will look different – taste the same as grandma, but presented by a

and our most admired are our chocolate or toffee croquembouches. Everyone still loves a simple chocolate Mexican cake too. Not chilli or spiced, not as dense as a mud cake or light as a sponge – the perfect in between. We do love seeing all the different designs of what people want these days – it sure has progressed the last few years. What it the most popular dish on the menu? There are so many popular dishes on our menus that we have had for had on there for 14 years. Still our most favourite would be our mango and passionfruit roulade! Who doesn’t love that flavour combo, with fresh Chantilly cream and meringue? And let’s face it, it’s fruit, dairy and there’s eggs in there so it passes for breakfast and lunch also, right? Over your years as a chef and business owner, what are the I’ve loved biggest changes you creating and have noticed when it cooking since I was a comes to creating meals child. I love making and putting together people remember menus? their childhood Everyone is so spoilt chef. favourites from their with so many options in What are your parents’ or grandma’s our own town now. So, favourite ingredients we are lucky to be able to cooking. to cook with? stick to the old faithfuls Honestly butter and then also we get to would be my favourite be very diverse as everyone is open to try new ingredient to cook with! Closely followed by things. sugar. They both make everything taste good! So I guess the biggest change is that our In moderation of course I tell myself. And I do customers are happy and open to try new love butter on our fresh sourdough that we things! bake daily. The simple things. Where do you source your produce from? Tell us about your special-order cakes? We try and use our local suppliers and they We do still offer our celebration cakes are always looking after us! GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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Palate PLEASURES with LOU PERRI

FROM THE STUNNED MULLET

DOWN by the SEA

here’s something that ticks all the boxes about being close to the ocean and sharing a bite amongst friends or family. Sharing a bit of, well anything. Even if it’s a couple of slices of watermelon or a bag of chips – somehow our senses are enhanced by the smell of the salt air, the warmth of the sun on our limbs and just the sheer proximity to all that salty stuff. We seem to gravitate towards dining by the sea on all kinds of occasions – whether it’s a case of pulling up at a beachside picnic table to chow down a sandwich on a work day, grabbing a paper wrapped bag of fish and chips for an early dinner with the fam, utilising those communal barbies for a sausage sizzle with some buddies, or going all stops out with a romantic seafood picnic hamper for two, full of succulent prawns, finest oysters, cheeses and of course a lovely wine to share as the sun sets. Naturally, there’s a powerful corresponding urge to position one’s restaurant or café proposition as close to the water as possible too. Holiday dining calls for bookings made first in the places with the water views.

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Diners covet the tables that inhabit the space closest to the water. Regarded by operators as prime restaurant real estate, such tables are earmarked for VIPs, Birthdays, Anniversaries and the very lucky. Marred only by a lack of weather proofing on an inclement day, there’s not much to dislike about having the opportunity to view the surf action, perhaps some boating, clouds scudding across the horizon. Getting to do this just on its own, is in itself a lovely reprieve from the humdrum of every day. But imagine getting such a primo waterside pozzie and then also being served up some rather tasty morsels and poured a lovely glass of vino or two… well, now we’re talking folks. This is living… and this is the kind of nice little interlude from real life that we all crave. There are all kinds of places that nail this, and they’ve all got the queues out the door to be sure. To pull off a successful coastal dining vibe isn’t rocket science. The only rule is being positioned in that most fabulous location that possesses proximity to water. Your proposition can be as relaxed as can be – a kiosk at the surf club, where bare feet, being clad only in cossies and still dripping after a plunge at the flags is de

rigeur. Or on the other end of the spectrum – it can be one of extreme chic, where one is seen to be seen – clad in designer names only, and always in sunglasses darling. Think French Riviera, Positano. Spectacular backdrops, chock full of spectacular humans posing alongside. Water may well be a balm for the soul, and indeed for one’s appetite. But it might be tempting for a few to cut the odd corner when it comes to their culinary offerings…. let’s just say the offerings may well be somewhat sub-standard, when compared with the, well, view. These less scrupulous types may bank on the fact that the beauty of the natural wonders surrounding you might blind you from the very ordinary fish and chips or over cooked steak in front of you. Fortunately for them though, it does appear to ring somewhat true that just being in that beautiful place by the sea, with the sun shining overhead does in fact just make everything taste better. We are extremely fortunate to have an inexhaustible choice of stunning coastline vistas to choose from in this part of the world. Enjoy the view with good appetite whenever you can!

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in theF RO N T

BAR with

ALISTAIR F L O W E R

LAUREN TAYLOR

COMMUNITY CONNECTOR AND SOCIALITE

MANAGING DIRECTOR OF FLOWER HOTELS

auren, introduce yourself for those that don’t know you? I’m a 38 year old mum working in PR for an international media company. I grew up in the Port Macquarie area but moved away from the region at 18 to attend university, living in both London and Sydney, and returned home 5 years ago. Away from work, where would we find you spending your down time? You will most likely find me at beach with my daughter, jogging the coastal walk, paddleboarding at Settlement Point or having a Margarita with friends down at Little Shack. You’ve launched the Facebook group PORT MEETS (30-50), how did this come about? Working at Lifeline as a volunteer crisis support worker really highlighted the impact of loneliness and its prevalence in our community, especially recently with the Covid pandemic. I started both Port Macquarie Meets (30-50) and Port Macquarie Meets (over 50’s) to assist people in expanding their social networks and activities as I know how challenging it can be to meet people in a small town.

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How many members do you have? And It gives me great pleasure seeing the what do your catch ups look like? friendships and relationships that have Collectively we have over 1000 members. formed as a result of the groups. The catch ups range from picnics, to dinners What plans do you have on the horizon? and sporting activities such as tennis I aim to continue my work in public and lawn bowls. There are also various relations on a part-time basis but have subgroups which have formed such as a recently completed a degree in Psychology paddleboarding and Honours and will be camping group. pursuing work in I am a social In the floods I formed relationship/sex therapy the Facebook group so that I can continue person and love Port Macquarie Floods – working with people to meet new people Support and Volunteers from another capacity. and connect others. I which has over 1.3K I also look forward am really thankful to members. This was to link to continuing and have formed many those requiring assistance expanding the Port great friendships in with volunteers and any Macquarie Meets groups the area and love to other type of support and social events. help people do the such as food and clothing Lastly, a question I ask same. supplies, counselling etc. every month, what This work resulted in a 10 do you love the most month contract role with Lifeline as a Peer about our region? Worker working in flood recovery. It would have to be the heart-warming What inspires you to continue this community spirit and sense of camaraderie, group? which was particularly evident during the I am a social person and love to meet floods. new people and connect others. I am This combined with our stunning beaches really thankful to have formed many great and laid back, coastal lifestyle helped in my friendships in the area and love to help decision to return to the area and raise my people do the same. daughter here.

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NORMIE

ROWE

i Normie. You are often referred to as Australia’s biggest pop star of the 60’s, can you tell us about the early days of your career and how you

got your break? I guess it started with my band from high school playing at a local Melbourne festival. The local DJ, Stan Rofe, who was very popular on the radio, was compering the show and he asked me if I wanted to be a singer and I said yes! So he invited me into the station. When I went in he put me on the air, I was pretty dumbstruck and found it hard to get anything out! But after that he said “I’ll talk 46 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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to your mum and dad and if it’s ok with them I’ll pick you up and take you to Preston Town Hall’. Now it was the biggest rock dance in Melbourne at the time and I thought ‘did I hear that right??’ I’m going to die and go to heaven if I get to go and watch all of these people that I’d only ever heard on the radio. So I went along and he asked what I was going to sing and I was so shocked! I didn’t realise I was going to perform. I ended up getting onstage with Melbourne’s biggest rock band of the time, the Thunderbirds, and sang a song that they had recorded with Johnny Chester (my idol) and it sort of started there. Further down the track a TV show started in Melbourne called the Go Show. There was

Three Australian music legends; Normie Rowe, Dinah Lee and Jade Hurley, have come together to perform 3 Legends in Concert, which is coming through Port Macquarie this month! We got the chance to speak with 60’s pop icon Normie Rowe about his incredible career and getting back to it with this tour.

3 LEGENDS IN CONCERT

a concert called The Sounds Of ‘64 which was to raise money for the Paralympics and I was asked to appear on that. And the producers from the Go Show and also from an ABC parallel show called Teen Scene were in the audience and they both asked me if I’d like to appear on their TV shows! Can you tell us about what it was like touring and performing live at the height of your stardom in the 60’s? We had management that was based in Brisbane but they owned a bunch of dances around Australia, they had the biggest dance venue in Australia (in the Southern Hemisphere actually) in Brisbane which was called Cloudland. They decided that once our first

breaking ground and also learning about this magnificent country. We did some TV as well and lots of recording. I think between ‘65-’68 The Playboys and I recorded over 100 songs. In ‘66 I went across to the UK to do more recording. Some of the people in the backing bands I worked with there then ended up in bands like Led Zeppelin. My early career was about education and that never really stopped for me. You were conscripted into the Australian Army in 1968 during the Vietnam war, which took you away from your music career for some time. Can you tell us what it was like trying to pick up where you left off after an experience like that? When I came back things had changed a great deal. Coming back after being in Vietnam was really hard, there was actually a lot of ill feeling towards anybody who had gone to Vietnam, which was a very difficult thing to digest. I got back and I think between was up there with a really ‘65-’68 The popular band of the day, Playboys and I Zoot, I sang but felt like recorded over 100 I had no idea what I was songs. In ‘66 I went doing. I didn’t go back across to the UK to onstage for another 6 do more recording. months, until Athol Guy Some of the people in from The Seekers asked if I would do quite a big show the backing bands I in the Melbourne Town Hall worked with there with the Australian Army then ended up in Band. I did that show and bands like Led record was released, Athol asked what I was Zeppelin. that touring Australia doing in my life and career was something that and I answered that I didn’t had to be done. But know if I wanted to do it nobody other than people like Slim Dusty anymore. I had lived in Athol’s house in London and Tex Morton had really done it before. So when I was there and we were great mates, we did a road tour, the first road tour really and he said to me “well it sounds like you in Australia for any contemporary music. We need some direction and some management, did 6 months of one night stands. Then we how about we manage you?” So a couple of came back to Sydney, recorded another album people from The Seekers organisation started and then did another 6 months! So in ‘65-’66 managing me and got me working in clubs we covered almost the entire country, going in Sydney, and I worked in clubs for about to every town with a population over 2000. 20 years as what I call a cabaret hack, but I We did shows every night with Sundays off actually loved it and didn’t realise how much for those 6 month tours. It was a very busy I was learning from all the other artists I was working with. time but it was fantastic because we were

You spent some time studying drama and moved on to doing a lot of musical theatre and some Television, what did you most enjoy about those experiences? I studied for two years with Hayes Gordon as my mentor. He was an acting coach and drama teacher and the principal of the Ensemble Acting School. Once I discovered it I got the bug, I went on to do my first plays, then from there on to Sons and Daughters on TV, for about two years. After which I went straight into Les Miserables for two and a half years. I performed 200 shows there. And since then the world has been my oyster really. I did the Long Way To The Top concert tour in the early 2000’s, which were huge arena performances which was a lot of fun. What are you looking forward to about the 3 LEGENDS IN CONCERT tour? The great thing about that is it gives us a great chance to get out and put on some big shows. We started with the show last year and that was going very well, but then with Covid we had a number of false starts. Most of the shows were sold out, or if not they were close to full attendance, so that gave us the confidence to go on with what we’re doing this year. How did the show come together? It was Jade Hurley’s idea in the first place, and he just suggested that we get Dinah Lee who was very popular in the 60’s, she was known as the Queen of the Mods, and myself of course, and work on a program that would be aimed at our fans – I mean we’re all in our 70’s now so we’re not expecting a mosh pit! But we have incredible attendance and we have an incredible reaction on stage and it’s a great pleasure to perform. We have a terrific band, we always have the best sound, the audience always walks away having had a terrific afternoon or evening and what more can you really want as a performer than to be able to strut your wares on the boards and have people appreciate it! Thanks Normie. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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T MACQUA POR RI R

GRE AT E

GIG GUIDE

FINN HOY

0 A R C H 2

CHRIS ROSE PURE ACOUSTIC WEDNESDAY, 2

6.30pm Botanic Wine Garden Brock Colley

THURSDAY, 3

6.30pm Club North Haven Brutus Lee Duo

FRIDAY, 4

5.00pm Black Duck Brewery Chill Factor 5.30pm Wicked Elf Beer Dan Hopkins 6.00pm Club Lake Cathie Nickolina River 6.00pm Wave Bowl Heath Lancaster 7.00pm Laurieton Hotel Can’t Adult Today 7.00pm Little Fish Café Suave Duo 7.30pm Bonny Hills Hotel Pure Acoustic 7.30pm Port City Bowling Club Brutus Lee Duo 8.00pm Finnians Tavern Jonesy

SUNDAY, 6

12.00pm Royal Hotel Kew Chris Rose 1.30pm Wauchope Country Club Nikki & Besty 2.00pm Laurieton Hotel Steve Bennett 2.00pm Long Flat Pub Barrel Dawg 4.00pm Bonny Hills Hotel Willy Wagtail

WEDNESDAY, 9

6.30pm Botanic Wine Garden Finn Hoy

THURSDAY, 10

6.30pm Club North Haven Shane Peters Duo

FRIDAY, 11

SATURDAY, 5

2.00pm Brewhaven Willy Wagtail 4.00pm Wicked Elf Beer Natalie Davis 7.30pm Bago Tavern Alter Ego 7.30pm Hastings Hotel Andrew Cousins 7.30pm Port City Bowling Club Heath Lancaster 48 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

7.30pm Settlers Inn Finn Hoy 8.00pm Finnians Tavern Dirty Coverz 8.30pm Laurieton Hotel Goody 2 Shoes

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5.30pm Port Macquarie Golf Club Jackson James 5.30pm Wicked Elf Beer Mat Brooker 6.00pm Club Lake Cathie Rockabillys 6.30pm Wave Bowl Lo Monaco 7.00pm Laurieton Hotel Leigh I’Anson 7.30pm Bonny Hills Hotel Goody 2 Shoes

7.30pm Port City Bowling Club Weekend Warriors 8.00pm Finnians Tavern Alter Ego

SATURDAY, 12

2.00pm Brewhaven Trev Hart 4.00pm Wicked Elf Beer Hannah Lee 6.00pm Wave Bowl Jess Flanagan 7.30pm Bago Tavern Geoff Jones 7.30pm Hastings Hotel Finn Hoy 7.30pm Port City Bowling Club Dusty Soul 7.30pm Settlers Inn Subvertigo 8.00pm Finnians Tavern Hot Tropics 8.30pm Laurieton Hotel Dan Hopkins Band

SUNDAY, 13

12.00pm Royal Hotel Kew Heath Lancaster 1.30pm Wauchope Country Club Pure Acoustic 2.00pm Laurieton Hotel Bill Roberts 4.00pm Bonny Hills Hotel Dan Hopkins

WEDNESDAY, 16

6.30pm Botanic Wine Garden Damon Winter 3.00pm Finnians Tavern Chris Aronsten

JAKE DAVEY

NIKKI RUDGE

8.00pm Finnians Tavern Cranky Duck 8.30pm Laurieton Hotel Alter Ego

SUNDAY, 20 THURSDAY, 17

6.30pm Club North Haven Besty

FRIDAY, 18

5.30pm Port Macquarie Golf Club Damon Winter 5.30pm Wicked Elf Beer Luke Morton 6.00pm Club Lake Cathie Shane Peters 6.00pm Wave Bowl Jackson James 7.00pm Laurieton Hotel Nikki Rudge 7.30pm Bonny Hills Hotel Rock n Mash 7.30pm Port City Bowling Club Brody Ireland 8.00pm Finnians Tavern Chris Rose

SATURDAY, 19

2.00pm Brewhaven Hats Lewis 4.00pm Wicked Elf Beer Pure Acoustic 7.30pm Bago Tavern Funhouse 7.30pm Hastings Hotel Sling Shot Duo 7.30pm Port City Bowling Club Jackson James Duo 7.30pm Settlers Inn Geoff Jones

12.00pm Royal Hotel Kew Dan Southward 1.30pm Lake Cathie Tavern Chris Rose 1.30pm Wauchope Country Club Nikki & Besty 12.00pm Wave Bowl Jess Flanagan 2.00pm Laurieton Hotel Brody Ireland 4.00pm Bonny Hills Hotel Jason Ray 4.00pm Lake Cathie Tavern Bennett Brothers

WEDNESDAY, 23

6.30pm Botanic Wine Garden Jackson James

THURSDAY, 24

6.30pm Club North Haven Chill Factor

FRIDAY, 25

5.00pm Black Duck Brewery Dusty Soul 5.30pm Port Macquarie Golf Club Leigh I’Anson 5.30pm Wicked Elf Beer Brody Ireland 6.00pm Club Lake Cathie Stevie B 6.30pm Wave Bowl Lo Monaco 7.00pm Laurieton Hotel Dan Hopkins

7.30pm Bonny Hills Hotel Roxferry Band 7.30pm Port City Bowling Club The Coppertones 8.00pm Finnians Tavern Supercell

SATURDAY, 26

2.00pm Brewhaven Alex McLoud 4.00pm Wicked Elf Beer The Coppertones 6.00pm Wave Bowl Brody Ireland 6.30pm Little Turkey Jake Davey 7.30pm Bago Tavern Chris Rose 7.30pm Beechwood Hotel Nikki Rudge 7.30pm Bonny Hills Hotel Rockabillys 7.30pm Port City Bowling Club Acoustic Kick 8.00pm Finnians Tavern Gotcha Covered 8.30pm Laurieton Hotel Scoundscape

SUNDAY, 27

12.00pm Royal Hotel Kew EMIR 1.30pm Wauchope Country Club Pure Acoustic 2.00pm Laurieton Hotel Goody 2 Shoes 4.00pm Bonny Hills Hotel Besty

WEDNESDAY, 30

6.30pm Botanic Wine Garden Pure Acoustic

THURSDAY, 31

6.30pm Club North Haven Craig Stewart

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SCOTT

HORNER ESCAPE

the E X P E C T E D

Scott Horner moved with his family from Wales in the UK, and after some exploring around Australia, they settled in Port Macquarie in 2019. They loved what Port had to offer and decided they needed to give locals and tourists alike an activity to encourage them to get out and explore the area the way he and his family had when they first arrived. And so, Escape the Expected was born, an escape room style game designed for the great outdoors and exciting local businesses around our town!

i Scott. What led to you start Escape The Expected? We moved to Port Macquarie in July 2019 after deciding to go on our own adventure by leaving Wales in the UK – we kind of upgraded from an Old South Wales to New South Wales! We had never been to Australia and we didn’t know anyone either but that didn’t stop us, we arrived with 2 children, suitcases and a dream. After exploring Port as a tourist when we first arrived, we wandered around discovering the history, locations, pathways, lookouts and plenty of awesome businesses. We started to talk to other locals and mentioned that we had explored and been to places like Mrs York's Garden and the Flagstaff and one lady said that in her 23 years of living in the area she had never been to those areas. We were amazed that people have such amazing places on their doorstep but have never stopped to properly 50 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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explore, hence the physically and mentally. We have reason we always say to They are split into created Puzzle people to “be a tourist two types of walks. and Escape Game in your town”. We then Technology-based walks. Both of these thought about how we Escape Game walks, encourage people to could encourage locals where Adventurers are explore Port and visitors to explore given an iPad and an Macquarie in a Port like we did, then it Adventurer kit allowing different way, and hit us that we needed them to follow the they get people to create walks but GPS based clues and outdoors not just normal walks, see things come to encouraging health something different. life using Augmented and wellbeing, So we took our love for Reality. Then we have Escape Room games our non-technologyphysically and and started to create based Puzzle Walks, mentally. outdoor-based Puzzle where Adventurers use and Escape Game walks. handheld objects with Can you explain padlocks and use local what Escape The Expected is and how it landmarks to solve clues. works? The walks are of varying levels of We have created a number of Puzzle complexity. The clues and puzzles on the and Escape Game walks. Both of these walks are a mixture of low, medium and encourage people to explore Port Macquarie high difficulty levels to allow the whole in a different way, and they get people family to be involved. outdoors encouraging health and wellbeing, We even have an evening game where

you can sip and solve! So who can give it a go and how do they get started? Our walks are suitable for any age, although under 10-year-olds may require help with the clues – but again this is what our walks are about, encouraging people to get out and have fun together. In terms of accessibility, some of the walks allow for wheelchair adventurers or the elderly adventurers as the ground is flat and based around the town area, avoiding steep hills and steps which may prove difficult for some. We have had adventurers ranging from 4-year-old as part of a family group to late 70’s. There is also nothing stopping people bringing the family pet as it is all outside, although one of our Puzzle Walks does include Mid North Coast Maritime Museum entrance, so Then we have the furry friends would our nonhave to wait outside technology-based unfortunately for the end Adventurers play part of that one! Puzzle Walks, where the game at each We do not charge Adventurers use location, buy drinks for under 10-year-olds handheld objects plus use the drink as part of any family or with padlocks and tokens we provide group booking! them and also eat use local landmarks We also donate $5 along the way. to solve clues. from every ticket directly We have seen our to Self Seen (facebook. Adventurers staying com/selfseencrew). at the venues to continue their evening. Details for all of our walks including We do not charge the other collaborators distances and who it would be suitable for to be part of our adventure walks but are available on our website! they add an awesome experience to our Collaborating with other businesses and Adventures and we all benefit. We have also members of the community is obviously managed to secure awesome discounts for a big part of your concept, can you our Adventurers around town with other tell us about how that works and why venues that we work with on our normal it’s important to get lots of groups Operation Mindfall escape game such as involved? Town Green Buffet, Urban Grain Bakery and Every walk we create is always with Blendz Bubble Tea and Juice Bar. another company who can also benefit from We will always continue to collaborate our walks, as we know how important it is and work with other companies as part of to support each other and how together our walks as it is important to us that we are we can be stronger. We have had a great there for one another. response to our collaborations. One of our To date for our various walks some others recent collaborations is our Sip and Solve we have collaborated with are: Mid North Escape Game where the Adventurers start Coast Maritime Museum (with a special at the Little Shack, go to Chop n Chill and thanks to Tony Stephens as it was a chance finish in Zebu Bar and Restaurant, the

encounter on a walk when we had the idea that we bumped into Tony and he invited me to a meeting with the board and the rest was history!), Westport Club, Inknograffix, Self Seen, Rydges Port Macquarie, and Players Theatre (they helped bring our 1821 walk to life for the Bicentenary). We have also had amazing support from the Greater Port Macquarie Tourism Association especially Janette Hyde! We are proud to be a member! What plans have you got for the future and what are you looking forward to in 2022? Bringing our Escape walks to life with live action events! Think Escape Room outdoors meets Street Theatre! We are also looking to work with local organisations to offer team building events, orientation days and more! We also have 2 brand new games coming in 2022, The Magic Portal and Blackout (linked to the Operation Mindfall game). We are also going to be looking for future collaborations for our new games! Watch this space and who knows the next co-lab could be you! Thanks Scott. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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The DunghuttiNgaku Aboriginal Art Gallery - a Cultural Gem on the Mid North Coast. The Dunghutti-Ngaku Aboriginal Art Gallery (DNAAG) is a small notfor-profit gallery space which was established in 2008 to showcase artworks by Indigenous artists from the Macleay River valley and the broader Mid North Coast region of NSW. Situated in the Val Melville Centre in South Kempsey Park, the gallery is next door to the museum in the heritage listed building by architect Glenn Murcutt. There are always beautiful paintings and prints by established and emerging artists on show and for sale, demonstrating a wide range of traditional and contemporary styles. There is a permanent collection and regular themed exhibitions by both groups and individual artists.

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NOSTALGIC, UNFORGETTABLE MUSIC FROM THE MOST FAMOUS

The Dunghutti-Ngaku Aboriginal Art Gallery is always receiving new works and our website (dnaag. com.au) has regular updates about exciting initiatives and coming events. DNAAG also stocks a wide variety of giftware including scarves, caps, table linen, coffee mugs, and tableware. We are open 7 days a week from 10.00am to 4.00pm. Entry is free and visitors are always welcome. Come in and chat with our friendly and knowledgeable staff.

BIG BANDS of the 1940s The Celebration of Swing will be a Big Band Blast! A concert spectacular honouring the famous American Big Band leaders and their Orchestras from the 1940’s, the golden era of swing. This concert will feature John Morrison’s Swing City: fifteen musicians and singers, plus showcase two esteemed singers, Gregg Arthur and Jackie Cooper, and Sydney’s top instrumental jazz soloists.

Musical Director, John Morrison, is recognised as one of Australia’s leading jazz drummers, band leaders and educators. The concert’s music repertoire will highlight the greatest Big Band hits of the 1940’s, featuring the music of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Harry James, Benny Goodman and more. This music is still recognised after 85 years... timeless icons of our culture.

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DLUC M AT T G O O

Matt Goodluck is the lead singer of Echoes of Pink Floyd, a band that is dedicated to recreating the sounds and sights of one of the world’s greatest progressive bands. They are heading out on a massive national tour and stopping here in Port Macquarie for those who want a chance to experience Pink Floyd’s music live.

i Matt. You’re the singer with the group Echoes of Pink Floyd, can you tell us who else makes up the band and how you came together? Hi! The band was formed back in around 2009 by our lead guitarist Daniel Hunter and drummer Jason Miller. Daniel was a lifelong Floyd fan and had taught himself all of those iconic guitar parts immortalised by David Gilmour. After spending time playing the pub circuit in Adelaide and going through a few lineup changes, the band settled into a more permanent lineup with Paul Bindig on keyboards, Mark McNab on guitars and myself on vocals back in 2014, and soon after that we made the jump to playing small regional theatres in South Australia. We’ve learned a lot along the way and it’s a huge privilege for us to be able to travel around the country playing this amazing music for audiences. We recently expanded our line up to include Tony

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Floyd from an early age, I didn’t really connect Coppola on bass guitar and Denise Cavelletto on backing vocals. with the music until my early 20’s. I was a big Is singing and music something that has fan of progressive rock bands like Genesis, always been a part of your life? Yes and Rush and a friend of mine suggested Music has certainly I put some time into been a major part of listening to some of the my life for many, many big Floyd albums like Live music is years. I started singing Dark Side of the Moon very different when I was around and Wish You Were 18 but never really did to listening to a Here. Once I invested the much with it for a long record. You feel the time, it didn’t take long time. It wasn’t until my music inside and it’s to become a big fan. early 30’s that I joined very powerful. It There’s a lot of music in my first band (playing evokes many feelings the back catalogue to Beatles covers). I love and emotions. discover and it covers singing music that I such a broad range of really connect with on styles so they’re a very an emotional level and interesting band to being a big Floyd fan, I immerse yourself in. couldn’t imagine a better fit for me musically. What is it about their music that you felt I’m very lucky. so connected to? When did you first discover Pink Floyd? I guess like a lot of progressive rock bands, While I was certainly well aware of Pink the music is quite layered and experimental at

times. I like that it’s not necessarily the kind of from audiences that have missed getting to music that you listen to once and “get it”. It experience live music. So that’s very rewarding takes a few listens to understand it and you to provide this experience for people. keep discovering more each time you go back What can people expect from an Echoes to it. The music is complex but not particularly of Pink Floyd concert? flashy. Their lyrical themes are relatable and The band makes it a priority to reproduce interesting and the this music as closely as guitar playing is so possible to the original emotive. Combine all of albums that people love I like that it’s that with their unique so much. We put a lot not necessarily visual approach and of time and effort into the kind of music they’re just an amazing learning all of the little that you listen to band that has universal nuances in the material appeal. and developing the once and “get it”. It This is a huge tour visuals in our show to takes a few listens to that you guys are on give audiences a great understand it and this year, what are night out. We have you keep discovering you looking forward custom video that we more each time you to most about getting project on screen that go back to it. out and performing? relates to the songs and Yes, we have a lot I guide the audience on of dates around the our journey to give them country ahead of us and it’s always exciting to an insight into the music that they may not get out there and perform this music for a very have been familiar with. Unfortunately, Pink diverse audience. People really connect with Floyd are no longer touring so we aim to give Pink Floyd and it’s so great to feel the warmth people an opportunity to hear, see and feel and emotional response from the audience. this amazing music in a live setting. Touring in a Covid world certainly has its Why do you think it is important to challenges but we’re managing to make it continue sharing Pink Floyd’s music with work and we get a real sense of appreciation audiences?

As I said, with Pink Floyd no longer touring, I think it’s important for people to have the opportunity to continue experiencing the live aspect of their music. And that goes for many of the great classic rock bands. For our generation, classic rock music is like our classical music and it’s a privilege to ensure fans continue to experience it. Live music is very different to listening to a record. You feel the music inside and it’s very powerful. It evokes many feelings and emotions. For us as musicians, it’s challenging but very enjoyable and to deliver the music with passion and authenticity gives us great pleasure. What is your all-time favourite song to perform? That’s a difficult question. Pink Floyd has so many great songs to choose from but I must admit I do love the song Time from Dark Side of the Moon. It’s a beautiful song about the passing of time, which is something we can all relate to. Pink Floyd were also well known for their epic long tracks and I do really enjoy sinking my teeth into them when we play them. This time out, we’re performing one of the epics from their Animals album, which is a lot of fun. You’ll have to come along to find out which song it is! Thanks Matt. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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TA R E E A R T S COUNCIL Jess Davidson is a well-known Port Macquarie local and she has the lead role in the upcoming musical Mamma Mia. We quickly catch up with Jess to learn about her role and the show.

an you introduce yourself to our readers? I’m Jess Davidson. You may know me as the owner of the Round & Round coffee van that resides at Roto House. Originally from Melbourne, we chose Port Macquarie to be our home, settling here in 2019 after a two year journey travelling 40,000 km around the country with our coffee van. Being a nomad my whole adult life, I’ve really enjoyed finally being grounded and the chance to be involved with the fantastic theatre groups we have here on the Mid North Coast. You have the lead role in the Musical Mamma Mia put on by Taree Arts Council.

What’s exciting you most about this role and this production? I’ve loved the challenge of playing such a big role. I have really grown as a performer and learnt valuable skills to take forward with me in my new found passion. It’s all thanks to the amazing director Gayle Cameron, and vocal director Don Secomb, believing in me and helping unleash a talent hiding within.

For those who aren’t familiar with the

The cast and crew are so committed to putting this show on, having faced setbacks due to Covid. We are resilient people who are so determined and driven by the fact that we know people need this musical right now.

uplifting, fun and you can’t help but smile,

musical, can you give some insight into what the audience will expect? A mother. A daughter. Three possible dads. And a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget. Mamma Mia is an amazing “Juke Box” musical based on the songs of ABBA. A celebration of love, laughter, family and friendship. It’s sing along and leave the theatre feeling all warm and fuzzy. The stunning Manning Entertainment Centre is the perfect venue to house such a joyous yet powerful show.

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ANTHONY FIELD

THE WIGGLES TOUR

There aren’t many Australians out there that don’t know who The Wiggles are, and there’s a lot of local kiddies very excited to have them touring through the Mid North Coast this month! We spoke to Blue Wiggle Anthony Field about their ongoing success and what’s new for The Wiggles this year.

ey Anthony! We are all very excited to have The Wiggles performing on the Mid North Coast. Can you tell us about what we can expect from this show? We can’t wait to bring The Great Wiggly Road Trip Tour to the Coast. Audiences can expect to hear all their favourite classic

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Wiggles songs like ‘Hot Potato’ or ‘Rock a Bye Your Bear’ as well as newer songs like ‘We’re All Fruit Salad’, ‘Hey Tsehay’ and The Wiggles Triple J - Like A Version of ‘Elephant’. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Wiggles show without The Wiggles’ great friends; Dorothy the Dinosaur, Captain Feathersword, Wags the Dog, Henry the Octopus and Shirley Shawn the Unicorn are joining in on all the fun.

There is a new yellow Wiggle on this tour, can you introduce our readers to her? You’re all in for a real treat! Tsehay joined us at the end of the year, and she’s an incredible dancer and singer who brings a fresh energy to The Wiggles. Tsehay – which means the sun in Amharic – was originally introduced as part of the Fruit Salad TV Wiggles, who have their own YouTube series, and audiences have really embraced her. You’ll recognise her for her sunflower headband and beautiful smile. How long has Tsehay been with the Wiggles crew leading up to putting on the yellow skivvy? Tsehay worked with us as a Wiggly dancer before joining the Fruit Salad TV Wiggles, so we knew that she would be a perfect fit for the group! She’s also an award-winning dancer, representing Australia at the World Latin Dance Championships.

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What do you look out for when it’s time to add a new performer to the Wiggles crew? We’re always evolving and want The Wiggles to be representative of modern-day society, but the most important things are talent and passion for performing. We’re so fortunate to have a cast of truly incredible dancers, singers and musicians who love what they do and want to entertain and educate children. Almost every kid in the country knows The Wiggles. What do you hope kids get out of growing up listening to your songs and watching you perform? We aim to educate and entertain children through song and dance, and we hope they feel accepted for who they are. We often chat to people who grew up watching The Wiggles, and they still remember songs like ‘Big Red Car’ and ‘Hot Potato’, which is great. Evie, who is one of the Fruit Salad TV Wiggles, told us that her first ever gig was a Wiggles show, and now she’s come full circle performing with the Australian National Ballet and us! We aim to What do you educate and most enjoy about entertain children performing live on through song and these tours? dance, and we hope Salad’ in the mix. The Everything! they feel accepted for rest is history! Performing and seeing who they are. Do you plan on doing happy faces in the any other cover songs audience is the best in the future? feeling in the world. We have a new album coming out in There has also been a lot of excitement March called ReWiggled and it’s jam-packed over your Triple J Hottest 100 win! Why with classic Wiggles songs reinterpreted did you choose to cover that song and by some of Australia’s top artists, including how did it feel to get the top spot? Spacey Jane, The Chats and DZ Deathrays. It was such an incredible feeling when And then we cover some of our favourite they announced we were number one! Who songs from amazing artists like AC/DC, would have imagined that we would beat Queen, Rhianna, The Chats and The Rolling Justin Bieber! We recorded ‘Elephant’ for the Stones – it’s so much fun! It features all the Triple J ‘Like a Version’ and never expected it Wiggles from the core group, Fruit Salad TV to take off as it has. When we first recorded Wiggles and the OGs, so there’s something it, it sounded too close to the original, and Nick Webb from the ABC suggested we make for everyone. The original Wiggles often still get it more Wiggly, which is why we added ‘Fruit

involved with shows, how does it go getting everyone together? It’s so good to get the OGs back together! We’re currently doing a reunion tour for adults who grew up with the original Wiggles and it’s been really fun hitting the road again. Murray, Jeff and Greg are always part of The Wiggles, and we’re often working on something together. What else is on the horizon for The Wiggles this year and in the future? We’ve got so many exciting plans for this year – there’s a new TV show, the new album, touring, more Fruit Salad TV for YouTube. We’re just so thankful that we can keep entertaining children and so happy to be back on the road performing live. Thanks Anthony. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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Gum Disease& T H E R E VO LU T I O N A RY L A S E R T R E ATM E N T

LANAP WHAT IS GUM DISEASE AND WHAT SHOULD WE BE LOOKING OUT FOR? The first sign of gum disease (gingivitis) is inflammation or swelling of the gums. This occurs when bacteria in plaque and calculus are not removed through brushing or regular scale and cleans, causing damage to the gums.

dvanced stages of gum disease (periodontitis) occur when the inflammation of the gums gets worse, causing the supportive tissue and bone supporting the teeth to degenerate. Without professional intervention and treatment, over time the teeth can become loose and may need to be extracted by a dentist. Unfortunately, many patients are unaware of their periodontal health until their teeth become loose or their gums shrink and start to bleed. Some of the symptoms you should look out for are: • Red, swollen, tender or bleeding gums • Gums that have shrunk from the teeth • Bad breath or bad taste in the mouth • Abscesses between teeth and gums • Loose teeth When a patient comes to us with any of these symptoms we take periodontal measurements with a small probe that records the depths of the pockets around the teeth to generate a “perio chart”. These results are an important part of your dental records and allow us to monitor changes over time. Sometimes it may be many years before a specific treatment or intervention is needed. What treatments are available for gum disease? Treatments depend on the severity of the gum disease. Mild to moderate gum disease

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can be treated with brushing, flossing and regular visits to your hygienist and dentist. Treatment for more severe gum disease can vary from subgingival deep cleaning of the gum pockets to treatment with a laser in a specific area or the full mouth using the revolutionary LANAP technology. Tell us about the LANAP treatment and how it improves patient health? Many older Australians (and some younger patients too) suffer from chronic or progressive gum disease. This can erode the foundation of a healthy smile and cause bad breath, loose teeth and eventually the loss of healthy teeth. There are links between gum health and systemic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and other conditions such as arthritis and Alzheimer’s disease. When I moved to the area in 2006, I saw that this was a serious condition for many of my patients. Treatments available at the time were limited and could result in “long teeth”, receding gums and chronic sensitivity. This led me to look for a better solution. I wanted a lasting treatment for my patients with gum disease that would also benefit their long-term health by looking after their gums and connective tissue, not just their teeth. In 2010, while I was studying overseas I became aware of LANAP - the first FDAapproved laser treatment for gum disease

- and I decided to study and invest in this new technology. I saw the potential benefits immediately, and now, more than a decade later, I am so glad I took that leap of faith because LANAP has enabled hundreds of my patients to improve their gum health and keep their teeth and smile healthy for life. What does LANAP treatment involve? LANAP laser therapy has changed they way patients experience treatment for gum disease. Patients who have been treated with LANAP have described their treatment as “smile changing or life changing”. Unlike traditional gum surgery, there is no cut and sew, no long and exposed teeth and sensitivity afterwards. LANAP is primarily used to treat moderate and advanced gum disease but it can also be used to target pockets as well. LANAP is a minimally invasive and highly effective treatment because the laser targets the pigment in the infected tissues. LANAP uses a multivariable-pulsed laser to kill the infected tissue and stimulates the healing factors of the connective tissue, gums and bone that support your teeth. Some patients have experienced true regeneration of tissue and bone formation in the valleys around the compromised teeth. To learn more about this revolutionary laser treatment for gum disease visit lanapaustralia.com.au or call our caring team on 6583 3533 to discuss LANAP today.

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Our physiotherapists have vast experience and utilise the most up to date, evidence based treatments to help you recover from pain and injury.

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5514 9393

www.physiohaven.com.au GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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KATIE-LOUISE

LUCY

MARTIN

HUMPHRIES

BAKED B Y K AT I E

ow long have you worked/owned Baked by Katie for? I’ve been baking like crazy coming up on 8 years. It was first established in April 2014, starting out with a little market stall in the local area. Having owned and run a previous hospitality business, this idea turned out to be a step in the right direction, to branch out on my own. Where did your passion for this industry come from? I’ve always been involved in the food industry, either being hands-on in the kitchen, managing front of house or behind the scenes organising weddings and events. I especially love baking for family & friends, so when the opportunity come about I took the chance and ran with it! Safe to say it was the right choice and creating amazing cakes professionally has been such a wonderful outcome. What are you looking forward to most in 2022? Moving forward and getting back on track! With such a wave of emotions recently – especially in the events industry. It’s been a killer start to 2022 with nonstop weddings, celebrations and birthdays – it’s set to be a fun filled year creating cakes.

When it comes to goal setting within your business what measures do you put in place to help achieve those goals? Current motto: Just Do It! I just have to keep focused and push myself creatively every day. I try to speak with other cake designers, business owners and friends where I can, and get motivation and brainstorm ideas. You’ve got to remain true to yourself and strive to make that path toward the goals. Tell us how you maintain a healthy work/life balance? I feel like this is a trick question!! It’s the magical unicorn called work/life balance. This can be tricky and I’m yet to find my right balance. I do the best to drive my business, spend quality time with family plus help them maintain a healthy lifestyle and happy home.

bakedbykatie@outlook.com bakedbykatiemidnorthcoast baked_by_katie 0413 390 119

LUCY HUMPHRIES PHOTOGRAPHY

here did your passion for this industry come from? I’ve always loved taking photos, the ability to capture a feeling, emotions in a photo and then be able to give that to someone is magical. What are you looking forward to most in 2022? I’m so excited and grateful to see where this year takes me. I have lots of ideas for new sessions I’d like to introduce alongside what I currently offer, including a fresh take on personal branding sessions, plus others in the pipeline. On a personal level, I’m really looking forward to seeing my parents later in the year, they live in the UK so we haven’t seen them for over two years. When it comes to goal setting within your business what measures do you put in place to help achieve those goals? I break my bigger goals down into stepping stones, I find it more manageable to follow daily or weekly plans and I celebrate my wins. Asking for help when needed is important too. Tell us how you maintain a healthy work/life balance? I think it’s really important to

remember how vital this is. My youngest is at daycare 3 days a week, so on the days we are home together she chooses an activity for us to do. Next year she will be at school with her big brother so these days have become even more special. We have a movie night as a family each week and we do smaller daily things like no tech at the dinner table and a quick walk on the beach after school. Just switching off for 30 minutes to splash our toes in the water and look in the rock pools is bliss. What advice would you give your 16-year-old self? It’s okay not to know what you want to be. I felt I needed a career path and life plan at that age when I didn’t at all! Oh, and have confidence in yourself.

lucy@lucyhumphries photography.com 0488 157 919 www.lucyhumphries photography.com lucyhumphriesphotography GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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SESS & SASS DESIGN CO.

ow long have you owned Sess and Sass? We started our business in July 2017, so almost 5 years now, wow time sure does fly when you’re having fun!

Where did your passion for this industry come from? We have always loved Interior Design and how a space can make you feel a certain way. We believe that living or working in a beautiful space that inspires you and draws positive emotions is important for everyone to be able to enjoy.

ASHLEY HAWTHORNE

JESSICA HODGE

What are you looking forward to in 2022? This year has kicked off with a bang, so many new projects and properties to stage for the sales market. Our main focus this year is building up more stock for our property staging side of the business. Our statistics show that 85% of properties we have staged over the past 5 years have sold within the 6 week contract period, which assists in a great result for the agent and vendor. When it comes to goal setting within your business what measures do you put in place to help achieve them? Pen to paper always. Writing down our main goals and what we want to achieve before breaking them down into small steps to ensure we stay on track and work hard to accomplish them. Tell us how you maintain a balanced work/play and home life? We are quite strict with our work hours, we work hard Monday to Friday and always ensure we keep weekends for family time, and maybe even a cocktail or two with friends. We both stay active at our local gyms to keep fit and healthy, and really just enjoy the lifestyle Port Macquarie has to offer. 0438 408 452 sessandsassdesignco sessandsassdesignco sessandsassdesignco.com.au info@sessandsassdesignco.com.au

STEPHANIE

LEWIS

A R O M AT I C S S K I N C L I N I C

ow long have you owned Aromatics Skin Clinic? 25 years! From humble beginnings in my friend’s Hair Salon in Wauchope to my current location opposite Town Beach in Port Macquarie. Where did your passion for this industry come from? I had very bad skin when I was younger and with limited options in a small town, it was tricky to treat. When I moved to Sydney, after finishing Year 6-12 in boarding school, I found a lovely lady that used to do my waxing. These conversations turned into me enquiring about where I could train to become a Beauty Therapist. This led me to a College in Sydney, where the owner was so dedicated in making every student amazing. I then met my mentor and good friend Debbie Dickson. It was here that I really developed a passion for our industry. She showed me (and still does) tough love, and if you want something bad enough you will go get it! So, all these things gave me the passion to help people heal, repair, regain confidence and smile again (especially people suffering with acne). What are you looking forward to most in 2022? The relaunch of Aromatics which is now located in Port Macquarie. Simplifying processes. Learning more (knowledge is power). Creating a great vibe for clients to come to and an even better culture with staff. I am also looking forward to no more disasters and a much more organised and calmer approach to things. The other highlight later in the year is a holiday that has been rescheduled 3 times (like a lot of people). When it comes to goal setting within your business what measures do you put in place to help achieve those goals? I have to admit I have never been good at this task until recently. First thing I did was find myself an amazing accountant/financial advisor to set me straight, then I found a vibrant, energetic angel to give me some move forward advice, employed an expert in web design to let people know exactly what we can do for them, and I have reassessed quite a few aspects of my business so that it operates more efficiently. Putting all this in place is an ongoing goal in itself because things change, and better things evolve all the time. 1/40 William St Port Macquarie (02) 6586 1677 aromaticsbeautytherapy@gmail.com aromaticsbeautytherapy.com.au aromaticsbeautytherapy aromaticsbeauty GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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VANESSA LAWRENCE THE STYLE VIBE

ow long have you owned The Style Vibe? And what are your qualifications?

The Style Vibe was launched in 2018 after training at Australian Style Institute in Melbourne. I hold a Certificate in Fashion Styling, Advanced Certificate of Creative Styling and a Masters Certificate of Professional Styling. Where did your passion for this industry come from? I have had always had a natural passion fashion. My first feeling of recognising the ‘power of image’ came from the time I spent with my childhood bestie Mel. Mel’s mum and aunts owned a hair salon in Laurieton, where we would constantly be nagging them to do grown up hairstyles, cuts, perms and bleach in my hair from about 10 years old! We’d also wear matching outfits and at the time we thought we were very ‘trendy’ haha! My first job was at local iconic surf store ‘Innervision Surf & Skate’. I worked alongside Carolyn, Bri and Matt for 10 years, first as a junior, then retail assistant after a few years Matt and I managed the store and did all the buying for men’s and ladies’ clothing and accessories. Working in a small fashion business like Innervision provided me with so much knowledge across all types of brands, fits, fabrics, sizing and also a great amount of experience in fitting and customising looks across a large female and male demographic.

today. After reflecting on the Style Vibe by Vanessa Jane over the past few years, and the change in environment due to Covid, I had to make a decision as to what parts of the business I enjoy the most, are financially viable and most importantly can add the most value to my clients. The Style Vibe Creative is something I have been working on for quite some time and encompasses all aspects of image consultancy and business branding. I am SO excited to launch this in the coming weeks – stay tuned!

Tell us how you maintain a balanced work/play and home life? Is this a trick question guys? I have The Style never believed in the Vibe Creative work/life balance stuff – is something I have that’s just my opinion. I been working on think different times of for quite some time your life require different and am SO excited periods of priority which to launch this in means nothing is ever the coming weeks really balanced!

– stay tuned!

I also looking forward to continuing with the Elders Lifestyle Group with my role as ‘Head of Brand’ as well as being Brand Manager for Beach Life Crescent Head. When it comes to goal setting within your business what measures do you put in place to help achieve them? I have to be honest, as a creative I’m not greatest ‘let’s stick to a plan’ person! For me the goal has always been to do a job I love, one I am truly passionate about, add value to a person or their business, have the flexibility to be creative, be of service in the community and of course make some money to enjoy a nice lifestyle.

What do you look forward to in 2022? OMG – where do I start!

To do this I make sure that I divide my time up to be able to ‘tick the box’ across all or most of these areas.

My business name is changing to The Style Vibe Creative which encompasses a new service list more suited to the business I have

I ensure I work alongside businesses, brands and people who are the right fit for me and me for them, use professional partners

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who share a similar enthusiasm, passion and creative mindset in business, and make time to fulfill my community service commitments. All this helps me achieve my goals, keeps my moral compass in check and helps to give back to a community that supports me and others.

I believe the balance comes when you acknowledge, for example ‘at this point the children are the priority’, next it might be your work or relationship, and for me at present I am focusing on my health and fitness. Anyone who can juggle/balance being a superstar worker/business owner, amazing parent, great partner and best friend, be at their optimum fitness level and have a clean house – well I would LOVE to know the recipe! What advice would you give your 16-year-old self? Well, I’m not sure she would listen! But… I would say everything happens for a reason and what is meant to be will be. Anything is possible – it truly is – you just have to want it bad enough. Surround yourself with people who love and value you, back yourself always, dream big and don’t allow other people’s words or actions determine the success of your future.

0412 065 903 TheStyleVibe.com.au vanessa@thestylevibe.com.au thestylevibe/ thestylevibe_

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KYLIE

JOHNSON KYLIE’S ART STUDIO

GATHER

ow long have you owned Kylie’s Art Studio? I have owned Kylie’s Art Studio for 10 years. This year will be my 11th year providing lessons, art supplies and gifts in Laurieton.

continue to provide quality art supplies at competitive prices so everyone can enjoy art and help take them away from the stresses of everyday life, which has been especially important over the last few years.

Tell us how you maintain a healthy work/life balance? I always try to relax at the weekend. I work 5 and a half I’ve always had a passion for days a week, art and I was so relaxation is continually I’ve always important. I do drawing and had a pilates and yoga doodling when passion for art and every morning to I was young. I I was continually keep me fit and started china drawing and taking the dog painting classes doodling when I for a walk gets with my mother was young. me out in the when I moved fresh air. here at 18 and Where did your passion for this industry come from?

have continued using many mediums. My favourite is acrylic because I like to work fast and it dries quicker than oils. I’ve always enjoyed painting portraits and a dream of mine was to enter the Archibald, which I did few years ago with a painting I had done of my aunt who was 102 at the time. What are you looking forward to most in 2022? I’m hoping that I will be able to expand my stock to include more diverse art brands and any new products that become available. I will 70 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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What advice would you give your 16-year-old self? Don’t be scared and take the vocational guidance counsellor’s advice and do ticket writing instead of secretarial studies.

kylies-decorative-art@ hotmail.com 0427 598 042 kyliesartstudio.com.au kylies.art.studio

+ PLACE

ather + Place Property Staging + Interior Styling now has a store in Taree, how did this expansion come about? It sure does! We were very excited to launch this part of our ever growing business back in June during the pandemic. Some say ballsy, but it just felt right. I had always been sourcing and supplying my interior design clients homewares, furniture, artwork and accessories. I thought it would be great to offer this to the wider community, bringing all the things I love to share with others to see their joy when they come in store to purchase collectible treasures for their own homes. I also use the store to work out of now instead of the warehouse, which allows me to interact with the public as an everyday occurrence. Having a retail store adds a whole new dimension, how do you manage this with the Property Staging and Styling side of your business? Having a fabulous team around me that shares my enthusiasm, passion and drive is so important. I am very thankful that I have found my tribe! Customer focus instore

is my priority and we feel that every person who walks in the store is a friend and is treated how I would like to be treated. My team project this vision as well. So I know when I am out on client visits and property staging installs, it is in good hands. You have some beautiful unique stockists, how did you select them? Coming into Gather + Place The Store, it’s about buying quality items that you cherish forever. A lot of items stocked are about purchasing pieces and then adding to your collection. Knowing who my customer is, is key. I only stock items instore that I use in the staging + styling side of my business and that I personally would have in my own home. Where can we find Gather + Place, The Store? We are located within the beautiful Barrington Coast. 109 Victoria St, Taree gatherandplace.com.au @gatherandplace @gatherandplace_thestore/

ow long have you owned Brows by Willow for? I opened Brows by Willow almost four years ago, but moved to my Studio in Port Macquarie 18 months ago.

Where did your passion for this industry come from? At a young age I enjoyed all things beauty but my passion for brows began in my first year of my apprenticeship at 16. I just loved all the processes of shaping brows, from here my love for cosmetic tattooing began. What are you looking forward to in 2022? A “normal” year. Hopefully lock downs are behind us and I can settle in and just enjoy my newly renovated studio, without the stop-starting. I’m loving where I’m at and finally feel content with where I’m at with my business. I’m really looking forward to where 2022 takes me. When it comes to goal setting within your business what measures do you put in place to help achieve them? Goals keep me focused, motivated and set targets. I’m a really big believer of education and upskilling for myself and employees. I find this helps me to stay inspired and guides me towards my goals. It forces me to think about my journey and steers me towards planning for my future. I also like to have a short term and a long term strategy without being too ambitious, but making it achievable. Tell us how you maintain a balanced work/play and home life? Sometimes it gets hard to switch off, but I’m definitely getting better. Because I love my work I was always in work mode, I always had a project on the go or messages to respond to. Slowly I’m starting to put up boundaries between work and home. I’m managing my time more efficiently, saying no sometimes and learning to detach from work once home. I have an amazing family that help remind me of this. Creating work/life balance is a continuous process for me.

WILLOW

What advice would you give your 16-year-old self? Never lose faith in what you’re doing. Trust in yourself and the process. There’s nothing wrong when you make a few mistakes, but learn from them. The most important thing is to be very cautious of who you trust, as people can take advantage of your age and vulnerability.

RISSEL

BROWS BY WILLOW BEAUTY AND COSMETIC STUDIO 3/40 William Street Port Macquarie browsbywillow brows.by.willow 71 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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SUZY SPICER

LAUREN HAWKES

PROFESSIONAL FINANCE MORTGAGE BROKERS

HAWKES C O N V E YA N C I N G

ow long have you worked/ owned Hawkes Conveyancing? I started Hawkes Conveyancing in September 2015. Where did your passion for starting your own business come from? Having worked in law firms and conveyancing firms for many years, I thought I was up for challenge of opening and running my own business. It is the ultimate dream as a conveyancer to have your own firm. What are you looking forward to in 2022? The property market is certainly running hot right now. I am looking forward to watching what this year has to bring after the last 12 months have certainly been record-setting. When it comes to goal setting within your business what measures do you put in place to help achieve them? I am a real numbers girl. Set a measurable goal and then work towards achieving it. It is so motivating and rewarding to be able to hit a target and then move on to setting a newer and bigger goal. It’s a great way to measure what works and what doesn’t. Tell us how you maintain 72 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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a balanced work/play and home life? I have two young kids so work/life balance has always been important to me. I really try to make a point of work happening at work, and life happening at home. That has obviously been a huge challenge over the last 2 years, but we made it work! I am also a bit of a gym addict and hate to miss my 6am session – I find exercise to be a great antidote to a very stressful job. What advice would you give your 16-year-old self? I think for me it would have to be gratefulness – I find myself being so busy in work and life that I really forget to stop and be really grateful for the life that I have.

Suite 2/109 William Street, Port Macquarie 6583 4690 | 0433 038 907 lauren@hawkesconveyancing. com.au www.hawkesconveyancing. com.au

hat are you currently working on? Interest Rate Rise in 2022: We have been working with our clients to review current home loan rates and discuss fixed rate home loan options. The Reserve Bank has said it will increase the cash rate at some point this year. When this happens, banks will almost certainly raise their mortgage rates, and have already started increasing their fixed interest rates. It pays to lock in a competitive interest rate on your mortgage now, rather than wait to when those rate rises occur.

a 5% deposit genuine savings,

First Home Loan Deposit Scheme: We have successfully applied for the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme Grant for several of our first home buyers. The government originally pledged to support 20,000 first home buyers this year – 10,000 under the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme and 10,000 under the New Home Guarantee. Now, the government has added an extra 4,651 places, which went unused during the 2020-21 financial year. The First Home Loan Deposit Scheme lets eligible first home buyers purchase a home with just

legally obliges them to work in

without having to pay lender’s mortgage insurance. The New Home Guarantee is almost identical, except it applies to new builds, off-the-plan properties and house-and-land packages. Why do clients use a mortgage broker rather than going direct to a bank? One reason is value. When you go directly to a bank, you will only get told about that bank’s products. But when you go to a mortgage broker, the broker will compare loans from a wide variety of lenders. Another reason is ethics. Brokers have to follow the Best Interests Duty, which their clients’ best interests. Banks, though, are not bound by the Best Interests Duty. What services do you offer? Residential and Investment Home Loans, Commercial Finance, Motor Vehicle and Asset Finance.

Shop 20 Peachtree Walk Arcade, 78 Horton Street 0491 169 159 sspicer@pfmb.com.au

HOLLY KING

T E A M K I N G | M C G R AT H PORT MACQUARIE

ow long have you worked in real estate? I’ve been in the Real Estate industry for 16 years. I started out as the Receptionist and worked my way through the industry from Marketing to Personal Assistant and now a Licensed Agent of my own.

Where did your passion for this industry come from? Initially I was 17 years old, and just fell into it. It wasn’t until I got more into the sales aspect of the business that my passion began to grow. Real Estate is a people business; which is why this industry suits me so well. I enjoy the fast paced aspect of the job; from Marketing homes to negotiating to getting the best price for our owners. What are you looking forward to most in 2022? Growing our business, I’m teamed up with my husband, Damian (King) and surprisingly we really love each other’s company and working together haha. We’ve doubled our business in the last year, set over 25 street records and feel the momentum is with us. We have worked hard and are good at what we do, and our clients are getting the rewards from it; as we’ve negotiated over $1.766 million dollars above our set price ranges on our properties in 2021. When it comes to goal setting within your business what measures do you put in place to help achieve those goals? Our goal is simple, maximise a house sale price for our owners. We achieve this by committing more money to our Marketing budget than any other agency and having a creative, engaging approach with this marketing, for example in our comical property videos. This then attracts more buyers to their property, in addition we then spend countless hours negotiating with the buyers and keep them well informed so they feel comfortable through the process which helps achieving our sale prices. We are proud of our results, which include 25 street records over the past 12 months and the highest Coastal Sale Price in Port Macquarie at $3,340,000. Tell us how you maintain a healthy work/life balance? I’ll let you know when I find out ha ha ha. Real Estate consumes you a lot, especially in this market. You have to be very careful. I do a lot of juggling. I have three beautiful daughters who keep me grounded. I’m lucky enough to work with my husband so I see him everyday. I take Fridays off to spend with our two-year-old daughter, and enjoy Sundays off, usually at the beach with them all. 0411 138 332 hollyking@mcgrath.com.au teamkingmcgrath

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ALANA ROPER SUPERMUM AND BUSINESS WOMAN

i Alana, can you introduce yourself to us and tell us a bit about your family and where you are from? My name is Alana Roper and I was raised in Albury Wodonga. In 2008 I accepted a job offer in the spa industry in a little town called Diamond Beach, which I had never even heard of at the time. It was here that I crossed paths with my now husband, Nathan.

Ronald MacDonald House in Newcastle. We left for Newcastle on 20th April 2017 and returned back to Port when Ozzie’s treatment progressed from intensive to maintenance in December 2017. Although we were home, maintenance treatment involved a lot of back and forth trips to Newcastle for the next year and a half. In 2019 we welcomed our second child into the world, our little girl Zara. Soon I was hanging out to go back to work, so when Zara was just 4 months old and Ozzie was 5, I started Alana Roper Beauty Therapy.

I started my first business Lash Effects by Alana in 2010, which I operated as a sole trader successfully for 4 years before selling the business I really love in 2014.

to grow

It sounds crazy, I know, but I was really hanging out to get back into working and part of that was just the desire for some “normality”. Whilst living in the kids cancer/ treatment world, besides obviously wanting your child to be healthy you become insanely jealous of “normal” life.

Nathan and I within myself & I married, and we think very often later purchased that reflects back a house in Port into my business. Macquarie with I’ve been learning a plans to relocate lot especially over eventually as the last 5 years that Nathan’s job was this is a magical here. In 2014, we had a little baby boy, world & we have his name is Ozzie. no control over After he was born, what happens. What are you my focus changed. looking forward I didn’t want to go to in 2022? For me back to my salon personally, 2022 is just all about growth. and our tenants moved out of our house It doesn’t necessarily need to be about in Port Macquarie. So, we took this as growth in my business. I just really love a sign and relocated our lives. It was a to continually grow within myself and decision that we would never regret and I think this very often reflects back into never look back on. my business. I’ve been learning a lot and In 2017, Ozzie became unwell, and he especially over the last five years that this was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic is a magical world and we have very little Leukaemia. The treatment for this is control over what happens. We must intensive so we immediately relocated to accept, grow and learn.

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When it comes to goal setting within your business what measures do you put in place to achieve them? I think being a creative person, and thinking from the creative side of my brain, my goals within my business tend to always be creative in nature. Anyone who’s creative will understand that we don’t really make goals around money or figures. I like to do a lot of mindset activities and a lot of personal growth, which then always reflects back into my business. I guess it’s just how everything flows from one thing to the other, and whether it’s the universe or perspective, or whatever view you believe in, I often find it reflects back into my business and attracts the right kind of clients. How has your business changed from when you first started to now? I started in my friend’s salon just sharing a space with her, and now I work in my own beautiful salon, in a beautiful location. I still pinch myself sometimes that I’m actually in this beautiful space which we started to fit-out when my daughter was only four months old. In the beginning, I would mainly work “after hours” just to fit-in with family life, however now I work four and a half days a week and I absolutely love it. It’s grown bigger than what I could have ever dreamed of and I’m really grateful for all the support I have received from everyone. What advice would you give your 16-year-old self? My 16-year-old self, well she was pretty amazing but she just didn’t know it. My favourite thing I would say to her is “You’ve got it. You can do it. And just believe in yourself because no one else is ever going to back you like you can back yourself.”

alanaroperbeauty alanaroperbeauty

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JULIE ASH

MELANIE HUNTER

CEREMONIES BY JULIE

THE MINDFUL P L AY R O O M AND MEPSYCHOLOGY

ow long have you owned Ceremonies by Julie? I became a Commonwealth Registered Marriage Celebrant in December 2013 after completing a fairly rigorous course in Celebrancy which resulted in a Certificate IV, and is now the minimum requirement for becoming a Celebrant. This enabled me to start up my own business after moving from Sydney to Port some eight years ago, and was definitely the best decision of my life. Where did your passion for the industry come from? Well who doesn’t love a good wedding! It is always such a special occasion and there is just something so magical about being a part of a couple’s big day. It is certainly one of the most exciting days of their lives and so who wouldn’t want to be there to witness it? A Celebrant also has the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life and, being quite widely travelled, this is something that appeals to me. I sincerely love meeting couples who are on their journey leading up to marriage and this is always such a heart-warming experience for me.

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When it comes to goal setting within your business what measures do you put in place to help achieve those goals? My number one goal every time is to produce bespoke wedding ceremonies for each and every one of my couples. I want everyone to have the experience and service that I would like to have myself. In saying that, I cannot express how happy and humbled I am each time I hear that my couples have indeed received everything they wanted and more from their experience with me. What are you looking forward to most in 2022? There is so much planning that brings a wedding to fruition so it would be nice to think there will be some normality returned to the industry, whereby couples can rely on the fact that their special day will definitely proceed without the uncertainty that has surrounded their plans for the past two years. 0449 998 550 Julie-Ash-Ceremonies-by-Julie ceremoniesbyjulie.com

here did your passion for this industry come from? I love helping people and I love learning about the mind. Our minds have the ability to make or break us and so much of how we perceive the world transfers to how we experience it. My psychology work helps me teach others how to take charge of their mind. Toys can be a tool to assist parents to connect and help develop their child. This interest came about when I had my daughter. Sourcing quality, helpful products for parents has allowed me a different outlet away from treating clients. When it comes to goal setting within your business what measures do you put in place to help achieve those goals? I have a set of main or ‘core’ priorities. My goals are based around these priorities and I constantly check back with them and reevaluate if necessary. Tell us how you maintain a healthy work/life balance? Ha! The elusive work/life balance, is it possible to have it all?! From a mental standpoint maintaining and upholding my boundaries is important. This could look like saying no to that extra hour of work, that play date

or committing to tasks that don’t serve my main priorities. I regularly check in with myself. Am I feeling overwhelmed, stressed, not present? If so I’ll attempt to problem solve the situation and reevaluate my purpose. From a practical standpoint I only work part time in private practice for MePsychology. The Mindful Playroom, being online, runs partly without me. Hubby and I work together after the kids are in bed to run the rest. I also started a weekly ‘admin’ day for myself. ‘Admin’ includes work but also life admin, or just a day to do nothing. So far it’s been a game changer! Highly recommended! What advice would you give your 16-year-old self? You’ll never know what ‘could have been’ only what you’ve got. You can only control yourself, don’t waste your time trying to control others.

themindfulplayroom themindfulplayroom.com.au

DR KRISTY

KOSTALAS GP COSMETIC PHYSICIAN FRACGP

ow long have you owned Port Medical Aesthetics Clinic? I opened PMAC officially in 2019, as a side specialty from General Practice. Where did your passion for this industry come from?

I’ve always had an interest for the aesthetic, and the more time I spent working in the industry, the greater my passion became. I realised that excellent aesthetic work requires a good hand and an even better eye, to allow patients subtle results that empower self confidence. What are you looking forward to in 2022? The team of PMAC has been expanding the past 18 months, and I’m looking forward to continuing this expansion but also enriching the relationships of my current team. I’m so grateful to go to work each day and be surrounded by such amazing women. When it comes to goal setting within your business what measures do you put in place to help achieve them? In all honesty the office is such a hive of activity and laughs, that it’s only in the reflection that I realise just how much the business has grown, and all it has accomplished. I think the key to goal achievement is a team of motivated people who respect one another and work towards the betterment of each person’s role, and the business just thrives along behind that! Tell us how you maintain a balanced work/play and home life? Oh gosh, I dont know if anyone has the secret to true work/life balance. When I’m at work I try to be present 110%, and I apply the same philosophy with my three children and my husband. It’s not so much about the balance as it is the presence, in my opinion. What advice would you give your 16-year-old self? Be authentic, always. And own your own space. And never apologise for taking up more space if you want it!

MEDICAL AESTHETICS CLINIC

0421 253 025 @Port Medical Aesthetics Clinic @Dr_Kristy_Port_Aesthetics

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ROSE-MAREE

WILLIS PORT CITY BOWLING CLUB

ow long have you worked at Port City Bowling Club? Port City Bowling Club – Functions & Events Manager almost 9 years.

can offer to make their events memorable. As well as welcoming back our customers without density limits and other restrictions. In saying that I feel life will now always be just a little different than it was before Covid-19 hit the world.

Where did your passion for this industry come from? I have always had an immense interest in people I also feel so fortunate that most of my which has led me have a flair for creativity grandchildren live close by and I love to watch which led to a passion for the Functions/Events them grow and develop (they change so Industry. I’m a people person myself and I love much every time I see them, there is always the opportunities I have in my role to be able something new and truly heart-warming I see to support and guide in each and every one my clients to organise of them). This honestly I’m really looking their Functions/Events would be my most forward to seeing to ensure their event favourite side of life in life getting back to some is exactly how they 2022, that I look forward sort of normality... to had imagined it to be. to and far beyond. talking directly to clients It’s such a rewarding When it comes to to offer make their feeling to see people goal setting within events memorable. As enjoying themselves your business what well as welcoming back and knowing you had a measures do you our customers without part to play in that. put in place to help

own set of goals and measurements depending of the specific type of Function or Event. Within our business we are training our staff to deliver the same standards of Customer Service resulting in me writing the Customer Service Standards for the entire Club to create and achieve our Customer Satisfaction goals. Tell us how you maintain a balanced work/ play and home life? To maintain a certain sort of balance in my work and home life I’m fortunate to be able to be flexible in both my roles in work and homelife. I’m very grateful to have a wonderful understanding partner and family who support me in many ways. What advice would you give your 16-yearold self? The most important advice I would say to my 16-year-old self is “you are absolutely worth it”. I would encourage myself to have more confidence in myself and have the courage to make mistakes and learn from them.

density limits and other

What are you looking restrictions. forward to in 2022? I feel extremely optimistic about 2022 and I’m really looking forward to seeing life getting back to some sort of normality and having more face-to-face meetings, and being able to show clients around my workplace and talking directly to them to show what I 78 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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achieve them? My role is quite diverse, and my main focus is Customer Service & Communication. I plan and organise Events such as Weddings, Birthday Parties, Fundraisers and any sort of Celebrations for people, as well as Wakes, therefore empathy and understanding of my customers’ needs has its

02 6583 1133 portcity.com.au 4 Owen Street, Port Macquarie

PLUM STUDIO POWER PROF

EMMA

BUXTON

PLUM STUDIO

ow long have you owned Plum Studio for? I opened Plum Studio in July 2018, the salon started with just myself as the only stylist working with dreams and plans to create an amazing work space for a team to work alongside me. I really wanted that family team vibe that all of our clients could feel as soon as they walked in. I wanted a space that myself and my team loved to walk into everyday, somewhere that was safe and uplifting and created solid friendships. Now nearly 4 years on we have an amazing team and culture that I’m so proud of. Tell us how you maintain a healthy work/life balance? Our work life balance is the key to our salon’s positivity and running so smoothly. We operate on working 4 days a week each and no weekends ever! I love spending my weekends with my husband and kids and I know the girls love the freedom to enjoy a normal work/life balance too. I implemented these new hours to the salon in May 2020 and have never looked back. It has created a positive environment for my team to grow and thrive. What are you looking forward to most in 2022? I am so looking forward to education becoming a priority again. We had so many classes with some of the top educators and stylists in our industry cancelled over the last 12 months, even hosting education in our salon. I love learning new techniques and sparking my creativity so I can bring that back to our clients and their hair. After all, we all love that beautiful fresh hair feeling.

2/151 Gordon St Port Macquarie 0401 826 388 hello@plumstudio.net.au plumstudio.net.au GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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ASHLEY

SARGESON TOUCHWOOD FLOWERS

ow long have you worked at and owned Touchwood Flowers? I did work experience before starting a traineeship in year 12. I purchased Touchwood Flowers in 2005 when I was 18 years old and have just celebrated 17 years in business. Where did your passion for this industry come from? I have always been a creative person and loved picking flowers from the garden when I was a little girl. When I did work experience at Touchwood Flowers in year 11, I knew then that I wanted to be a florist. I loved everything about it – the flowers, the perfume, the colours and the different styles. What are you looking forward to in 2022? I am looking forward to another year with my Touchwood Team. The vibe in our shop is positive, fun, inspiring and encouraging. My team are amazing and I am so grateful for them all. In May we will also be inducted into the Hall of Fame at the Greater Port Macquarie Business Awards and we are really proud of this achievement. I am really looking forward to having my beautiful shop front open. During Covid we have had to trade behind closed doors on numerous occasions, so having the shop open, with blooming displays of flowers and indoor plants and welcoming customers into our store is exciting – especially after recent renovations! I am also looking forward to continuing to be more environmentally friendly with more sustainable products.

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Tell us how you maintain a balanced work/play and home life? This is sometimes a very tricky task! With my husband and I each owning a small business, having two children, and also running a Physical Culture Club, life can get very hectic. Family support is our saviour!

the past eight months, so have been working on plans and solutions to better my balance. It is definitely a work in progress but I am feeling more positive about where the year is heading.

Weekends are very important to us and we love to have quality family time together, so we book regular weekend camping trips to have some time away. I am the head teacher at the Bonny Hills Physical Culture Club, so this gives me time to do something I love and gives me some “me” time. I have had an amazing business/life coach for

02 6583 2657 enquiries@touchwoodflowers.com.au touchwoodflowers.com.au Touchwood-Flowers touchwoodflowers

TAYLOR HORNE

D O N O VA N O AT E S HANNAFORD LAWYERS

ow long have you worked at and owned Donovan Oates Hannaford? After practicing law in Sydney for five years, I relocated to Port Macquarie and joined the team at Donovan Oates Hannaford as a solicitor last June. I was attracted to the firm because of their exceptional reputation and forward-thinking approach to legal advice. In January, I was appointed as Principal which has been an incredible honour. Where did your passion for this industry come from? Legal practice is a trusted, respected and results-driven profession. Our client relationships are personable, and we work hard to achieve our client’s desired resolutions. I’m passionate about assisting clients with understanding the commercial factors that drive their business growth to become a more profitable organisation. We’re also always thinking ahead and putting appropriate mechanisms in place to prevent the same issues from reoccurring or causing disruption to our client’s business management. What are you looking forward to in 2022? We look forward to helping our clients, particularly small businesses, get back up and running after a couple of tumultuous years with the laws constantly changing due to lockdowns and restrictions. We look forward to being on the front foot with any new regulations or changes in legislation that come up in a post-Covid world and are well equipped to advise our clients on how these changes may affect them. When it comes to goal setting within your business what measures do you put in place to help achieve them? As a team, we’ve implemented business objectives for this year based on current trends we are seeing and experiencing globally and locally. Whether it’s growing a certain particular area in our practice, expanding our team here at Donovan Oates Hannaford or growing our client base regionally, we are constantly reviewing our objectives and discussing how our current goals can be achieved within timeframes set. An effective way of measuring our objectives is through our KPI’s. However, as I’ve recently joined on as a partner, it’s also about managing and ensuring those business objectives and being met by the wider team. Tell us how you maintain a balanced work/play and home life? I keep active by playing team sports, including netball and going to F45 Port Macquarie a couple of times a week. When I have the time, I love to cook, spend time with my family and friends, swim at the beach and head home to Grafton for the weekends. Suite 1, 75 Clarence Street, Port Macquarie NSW 2444 02 6583 0400 info@dohlaw.com.au GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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ELDERS LIFESTYLE GROUP

Bec Jordan (Client Services) Bec Farnsworth (People & Culture) Laura Meredith (Marketing Manager) Alison Sheppard, Lisa Dixon (Sales Agents)

ell us about the women in your business? Here at Elders Lifestyle Group, we are proud to have over 60 amazing female team members spanning across 11 offices. Our culture fosters diversity, belonging, and inclusion, supporting each other and our clients. Many of our team are also working mum’s, active in the community and we all love living in the beautiful Port Macquarie / Hastings region. Where does your passion for this industry come from? We share the same values on providing the best customer experience for our clients. Individually we all have different strengths and unique personalities which makes for a great objective team. Our CEO David Gray is constantly providing us with ongoing first-class training specific to our roles so that we can continue to thrive both at work and home. Community is at the heart of everything we do, and it brings us all together with a sense of belonging and purpose. What makes this place special? Elders Lifestyle Group provides their people with unlimited and direct access to some of the most highly regarded professionals within the property industry. 82 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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Along with that, our offices are full of friendly faces, a great positive vibe and we enjoy working in the state-of-the-art interiordesigned functional office space. When it comes to goal setting within your business what measurements do you put in place to help achieve them? Our innovative leadership team nurtures us from the very beginning to ensure that we can achieve our personal and professional goals. We receive daily ongoing support in our specific roles. Dave and the management team are big believers of ‘checking in’ with all staff regularly ready to assist with any dayto-day issues and to ensure both individually and as a team that staff are enjoying their role and continued success. Elders Lifestyle Group appreciates the dedication and takes to be a successful business and we celebrate our teams’ achievements on a regular basis. Tell us how your team maintain a balanced work/play and home life? Wellbeing is our priority, and we understand social connections make our people happier and assists in building a successful workplace. ELG provides a flexible work environment for parents, our management team are compassionate and understand the

importance of helping to assist in all staff maintaining a good work / life balance. What’s your 2022 vision? For 2022 our vision is to be recognized as the market leader in real estate and property management services across the Mid North Coast. We will achieve this by using our unique point of difference “the lifestyle way” and offering a vast range of specialized services led by the best in the business! This wouldn’t be possible without the growing base of talented people that work alongside us. We want our team to be happy, grow and thrive in a holistic sense across all areas of their personal and professional life to ensure our clients and community receive a first class experience when dealing with our people and the real estate services we offer.

62 Clarence Street, Port Macquarie 02 6584 1199 elderslifestylegroup.com.au

AMANDA EVANS G AT H E R + P L A C E

P R O P E RT Y S TA G I N G + INTERIOR STYLING

ow long have you owned Gather + Place? Gather + Place was established in April 2019 with the purchase of a warehouse and staging stock in my home town of Taree where I have lived for most of my life. Being able to service full home fitouts when going on the market and incorporating this with my interior design and styling has seen the business grow very quickly. This was a career change for me and I have been in the Interiors world professionally now since 2016 and love every minute of it! Where did your passion for this industry come from? It all started with renovating my own home and grew organically from that. Starting with study in both Newcastle and then Sydney Design School, paid employment with an Interior Designer in Newcastle, an internship with a large Property Staging business in Sydney whilst studying, and then the start of my own business. I love being around like-minded people which allows for the passion to grow. What are you looking forward to in 2022? I am really looking forward to connecting with my clients and customers in all aspects of my roles. This includes Property Staging and engaging with both vendors and real estate agents, the people who walk into my store to find that perfect piece, and the homes I visit for interior styling consults. It’s the best part about my job. Being able to gain traction in new markets to share my love of property, interiors and seeing my Furniture and Homewares store in Taree grow. Also to be able to travel freely again! What advice would you give your 16-year-old self? Don’t be afraid of the word “no”. You have nothing to lose by asking or trying! And it certainly can open doors to new opportunities and possibilities that you might not have considered. amanda@gatherandplace.com.au gatherandplace.com.au @gatherandplace @gatherandplace_thestore/ GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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MICHELLE

STOCKS KIRINARI ENRICHING LIVES

ow long have you worked at Kirinari? I started at Kirinari in June 2021.

When it comes to goal setting within your business what measures do you put in place to help achieve them? I am always guided by what my community needs. When goal setting I always ask, listen to those that I am looking to support and then react.

Where did your passion for this industry come from? Living in regional communities, with significant socio-economic disadvantage, made me want to challenge My goals have always been driven by this and drive change achieving the goals of for people who the clients, customers, otherwise have no and the organisation I When I am setting other supports or am representing. goals, I look at options available to what is needed around When I am setting them, with the aim to me that requires change goals, I look at what support my community or something that is very is needed around me that I love. much needed and when that requires change or

I have seen the change What are you something that is very or the outcome for that looking forward much needed and when particular need being to in 2022? I have seen the change achieved, it motivates me Obviously, some or the outcome for that to set bigger and better sense of “normalcy” particular need being goals and the passion considering the last achieved, it motivates to keep striving to see 2 years have been so me to set bigger and positive change. challenging! Seeing better goals and the family and friends passion to keep striving (without a mask!). Lots to see positive change. of eating out, some travel would be amazing Tell us how you maintain a balanced and getting back out in my community. No work/play and home life? To be honest, more Zoom meetings and lots of face-to-face that is one of my goals I try to work meetings! towards every year (sometimes not quite 84 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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as successfully as I would like!) but I think after seeing how things can change in an instance, whether that be Covid, floods, bushfires, (we have certainly seen it all on the Mid North Coast over these last 2 years), I am now turning my phone off, not checking emails after hours and being “present” with my family that I absolutely adore!!! Life is too short, and so are weekends, so I now make time to stretch those weekends out with doing as much or as little as possible, but I just relax! What advice would you give your 16-year-old self? Don’t be in such a rush to want to do everything at once! We are young for really such a short time, enjoy those years, everything else that I want to achieve will happen when and if it needs to, and it’s OK if it doesn’t happen, there is always tomorrow!!

02 6056 2111 michelle.stocks@kirinari.com.au kirinari.com.au

ow long have you worked at Bennetts Steel? I joined the family business in 2014 with absolutely no experience in the steel industry. Where did your passion for this industry come from? Most definitely from my Dad. Although he is retired I see him most days and I love that I am able to work with him and carry on what he started. We constantly banter and he is always there to back me up and he is a great sounding board. I am fortunate to work with an unbelievable group of people that make work a fun place to be and they continually inspire me to do better. What are you looking forward to most in 2022? I am hoping that 2022 will see both steel availability and price rises start to plateau. We have had a ridiculous 14 months where we have seen prices rises monthly and up to 100% increases during this time. Hopefully 12 week leadtimes will be a thing of the past this year. We are fortunate that we have had the space and foresight to keep our levels high and minimise out of stocks for our customers. On a personal note, the border openings mean I will get to see my eldest daughter who lives in Brisbane more regularly which means more family catch ups. When it comes to goal setting within your business what measures do you put in place to help achieve those goals? At Bennetts we work hard to include everybody in our plans no matter what their position. If we can brainstorm and workshop our

ideas as a team then we tend to have more individual ownership of what is happening in our business and around the yard. Everybody takes so much pride in what they do that it never ceases to amaze me how many outstanding ideas come from the team. We are forever improving our processes and updating our systems and infrastructure. We work hard to provide an environment where everybody can contribute and help build the business. Tell us how you maintain a healthy work/life balance? My friends and family are the most important thing in my life and this gives me balance. I have three extraordinary children who make everything worthwhile. Being a single parent and having a full-time job would not have been possible without my parents, my step mum and my close friends who were always there to help and support. For me there is nothing better then having family and friends over for a fire and a barbeque on a Saturday night or a day out on the boat soaking up the Camden Haven with my partner Matt. I really am very fortunate to have such a great support network around me and I love to give back to them. 6 Industry St, Wauchope NSW 2446 (02) 6585 2851 steel@bennettsteel.com.au BennettSteel.com.au BennettsSteel

BENNETTS

STEEL

SHIREE BENNETT

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ABBEY ADAMS

REBECCA THRESHER

School-based Apprentice in Engineering & Fabrication at Rampage Marine and Fabrication

ow long have you worked there? I started at Rampage through the Newman College Workplace Learning Program at the start of Year 11 2021 and then gained a Schoolbased Apprenticeship with them in July 2021. Where did your interest in this industry come from? I first did Industrial Technology Metals as a subject in Year 7.The more I learnt, the more I enjoyed it and realised I could do this as a career. So I changed schools for Year 11 and 12 and chose Manufacturing & Engineering as a subject. This led me to where I am now completing the HSC and Certificate II Engineering as a School-based Apprentice at Newman College. What are you looking forward to most in 2022? Finishing Year 12 and continuing as a second-year Apprentice full-time. Tell us how you maintain 86 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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a healthy school/work/life balance? Newman College has a flexible learning program that allows School-based Apprentices to work two days during the week and this helps me balance my work and school. I work everyday during the holidays but there are plenty of weekends in the year to enjoy my time. Enjoying what you do at work really helps with the balance. What advice would you give your 16-year-old self? I am still only 16! But I will always remind myself to be grateful for opportunities and to take them. Also to make sure I remember what it was like to be a girl starting out in this field. I have chosen the career I wanted to do and love doing, despite it being a male-dominated industry. I’m glad I have the courage to put myself out there and do something different and hopefully help with gender equality in these industries for the future.

School-based Apprentice in Painting & Decorating with G.N Painting and Decorating

ow long have you worked there? I had been doing work placement for several months in Year 11 through Newman College’s Workplace Learning Program before I was officially signed as a School-based Apprentice in October last year. Where did your interest in this industry come from? It was the second workplacement I attended. Prior to that, I had no idea what pathway I wanted to take. The people I worked with made me feel very welcomed and I just genuinely enjoyed the work I was doing. It’s satisfying and productive and I’m earning money while completing my HSC. What are you looking forward to most in 2022? Making the most of my last year in school whilst optimising every opportunity I can. Having a career ready for me after I finish school is such a blessing because it means I can really just enjoy all aspects of school and my job without the anxiety of the unknown.

Tell us how you maintain a healthy school/work/life balance? Sometimes it’s harder than it seems because I also have an additional part-time job. But keeping things in perspective and making time to be with friends at school before we all go off in different directions after we graduate from Newman will be important. What advice would you give your 16-year-old self? I received a bit of pre-judgement when I told people I was moving to Newman especially to do a construction course, but moving schools was the best decision I ever made. My advice would be – stop trying to be what other people want you to be. In the end, you have to live your life and whilst yes, I have responsibilities, at the same time I’m still a teenager and I’m allowed to make mistakes. Just try to learn from your mistakes and ask for help when you need it. There are a lot of people out there who want to help, especially at Newman.

AMELIA

GIUMELLI

TAHNEE

HOLLAND School-based Trainee in Business Administration with Yuluwirri Care

School-based Trainee in Business Administration at St Agnes’ Parish Administration Centre

here did your interest in this industry come from? Seeing people in my family work in the industry helped me grasp the expectations of the job but it’s not until you give something a go that you realise you could do this. The Newman Workplace Learning Program helped me kind of try before I committed. What are you looking forward to most in 2022? Learning new skills on the job and seeing how my work can have a positive impact on the business and the people I work for. Tell us how you maintain a healthy school/work/life balance? By using my time wisely and not letting school or work take over. Working parttime while doing my HSC, and being at a school where there is a focus on achieving certificates and doing work-related learning,

allows me to have time for myself. It’s a really good mix that doesn’t leave me stressed when managing the school/work/life balance. What advice would you give your 16-year-old self? It wasn’t that long ago! But I would say when it comes to finishing your school years, explore your options. Don’t stress. Choose subjects that you’re interested in and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. That may mean choosing a different school, pathway, or subjects that may be different from your friends. Find what works for you.

here did your interest in this industry come from? I love helping people. My family has always been involved in helping support community members in achieving their goals. Yuluwirri Care does that by providing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, who are on NDIS, with culturally safe and reliable support. What are you looking forward to most in 2022? I am looking forward to organising and participating in cultural activities within the community and providing indigenous families with the opportunity for the support they may need. Tell us how you maintain a healthy work, school and life

balance? I maintain a balance by being present in the moment allowing time for both school and work, but I always leave time for myself. This means I spend my time at school focusing on school work, and time at work focusing on work. Then allow time for myself whether that be going to the beach or out for breakfast with friends and family. What advice would you give your 16-year-old self? That it’s okay to do what you want to do. Other people can’t always give you the answer. You need to do what you think is right. It was a hard decision to change schools in Year 11 and move to Newman College but knowing what is best for me and listening to myself – I know I made the right decision.

As part of their HSC course and Vocational Education & Training, Year 11 and 12 Newman College students attend workplaces in industry one day per week, and in block weeks via the Newman College Workplace Learning Program. This program is how many local trades and businesses find their next employee and thousands of students have explored their potential. Enrolments are still open. To find out more visit

newman.nsw.edu.au

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HEM

The theme of women achieving great things in the workplace is nothing new, but at HEM we still welcome the opportunity to celebrate the incredible women we work with. They are the core of everything we do in our business and our ongoing success.

ive us a snapshot of the women and their roles at HEM? In sales, Naomi Hunter and Sarah Wright are probably the most recognised women at HEM. Widely regarded as two of the leading sales agents in town, they are at the top of their game, achieving great sale prices for over a decade in Port Macquarie. But behind the scenes, there is a whole crew of extremely talented ladies that keep HEM thriving. In sales, the next generation of real estate stars are Kody Graham, who is thriving in her role as Sales Associate to Naomi, and Bianca Reynolds who runs the front desk and provides crucial support to the sales team. Every business needs a backbone, and at HEM this is the brilliant and hard-working Annemaree. Here since day one, as Office Manager she keeps all the cogs turning, is the oracle of answers for EVERYONE and keeps the sales agents inline! Also on board is the talented Ashley, who looks after our marketing, social media and has a key role helping us get record prices by styling the properties we sell.

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We love her being part of our team as she makes us and the homes we sell look good!

else that could differentiate us. However, despite the perceived equality that exists in society, the fact is, women still tend to carry more of the load and have added pressure to juggle the needs of family and work life.

In rentals, the boys don’t get a look in! The all-female Property Management team includes Dianne, Melanie, Georgie and Tori. We are incredibly proud At HEM, we get this and lucky to have such a and try to offer as much hard-working, committed support as possible We are incredibly and talented team. It is through flexible working proud and lucky to very rare to have a group patterns and recognising have such a hard-working, work so well together, their need to look after committed and talented but they truly do embody family obligations as much team. It is very rare to everything that HEM as work. For us, as long have a group work so well stands for. They care for as our staff are happy, can together, but they truly the properties and people successfully complete their do embody everything they service as if it were role and deliver high levels that HEM stands for. their own and are an of service, then we are efficient, unified and wellhappy. oiled machine. What makes the women at HEM so What challenges still exist for women at work, and as a company how do you adapt? As a company, we work very hard on the office culture and there is an understanding that all staff members are equally important to HEM regardless of the job title, sex or anything

special? Let’s be fair, the boys definitely do a great job, but it is clear that girl power is well and truly in force at HEM. Their skills, team work and great attitude set them apart and we thank them for making HEM Property such a successful and happy place to work.

THE SEED

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

ow long have you owned The Seed Creative Workshops? We turn three this month! To celebrate we are hosting our first Women’s Art Retreat on March 5th & 6th at The Seed.

What are you looking forward to most in 2022? Connecting with people again! We have experienced a very quiet two years during the pandemic, so now is the time to get back to celebrating, creating and connecting with friends and family. The Seed offers many ways to bond while learning a new skill and creating something special to keep. When it comes to goal setting within your business what measures do you put in place to help achieve those goals? To reach our goals we plan an annual calendar of special events the first week in January. These now include weekend retreats as well as school holidays, private events and collaborations.

Where did your passion for this industry come from? Disney movies! From a very young age I used to pause my favourite VHS tapes like Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin and draw each character with perfection. I would sit in front of the screen for hours in the summer. When friends would be swimming, I would be drawing. I combined this love for art with teaching and opened my own art studio, The Seed Creative Workshops, exactly three years ago. What advice would you give your 16-year-old self? Spend a little more time with family. Now that I’ve been away from them for so long I wish I had more memories to look back on instead of running out with friends or chasing after boys. I left home at 18 and didn’t realise that at the time I was leaving a lot of memories behind. When you’re a teen you don’t think of these things lol. 3/6 Belah Rd. Port Macquarie 6581 1532 Find us on Facebook

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Caitlin Davey has accomplished a huge amount in her reasonably short academic career so far (she is currently in her second year of her PhD and isn’t yet 24!), including being awarded the Indigenous Scholars International Study Tour scholarship from the Aurora Education Foundation.

i Caitlin. You grew up in Wauchope but have moved on to study. Can you give us a rundown of your studies over the past few years? I left Wauchope when I was 17 (2016) and moved to Wodonga, Victoria where I commenced my first Bachelor’s degree in Psychological Science at La Trobe University. In 2017, I commenced my second Bachelor’s degree in Criminology at the University of New England. I studied both of these degrees at the same time which meant that I was usually doing a 1.5 study load (six subjects at once instead of four which is classified as full-time). When I graduated my Bachelor of Psychological Science in November 2018, I started my first job working in the justice system while I continued to study. My first job in the justice system was the Case Management Coordinator at Beechworth Correctional Centre in Victoria. In February 2019, I was accepted to my Postgraduate Diploma of Advanced Psychology at Deakin University, and I deferred my Criminology at UNE for a year to complete this qualification – which I finished in December 2019. During all my studies, I was working fulltime in the justice system and moved on from working at Beechworth Correctional Centre and relocated to Queensland, where I worked

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in their maximum-security centre (Brisbane Correctional Centre) and in Community Corrections (Parole and Probation on the Gold Coast). Finally, I finished my Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology in October 2020 and was accepted to my Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in November 2020 at age 22, making me one of the youngest to commence a PhD at UNE. Now I am turning 24 in 2022 and in my second year of my PhD. You’re currently working on your PhD, what is the subject of your research? My PhD research stems from a culmination of my studies and experience working in the field. My research overarchingly focuses on the over-incarceration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and how various public attitudes (such as prejudice and attitudes towards punishment) contribute to this phenomenon by impacting these people’s journey through the justice system from court to prison to their reintegration post-release. My research has three phases. The first

phase explores attitudes towards punishment, towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and factors that may exacerbate these (such as media consumption or political affiliation) on a wide Australian scale. The second phase will look at these same issues and attitudes, specifically in rural spaces. This is because research suggests that the majority of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians that are released from custody tend to reside in rural areas. Lastly, my third phase of research will complement the first two by conducting interviews with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians who have served a period of incarceration in Australia, and talking to them about their journey through the justice system and if certain attitudes such as prejudice may have impacted them. Why did you choose this subject? I chose to research this area to become a voice for my fellow Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. From my experience in

the field, this group of people come across attitudes such as prejudice and are labelled as offenders even before they actually commit offences. This is an issue that I believe needs to be addressed in Australia, especially when you start looking into this issue more deeply. In my experience in the field, I saw people being treated differently purely due to the colour of their skin or that they were of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage. As a proud Biripi woman, this made me want to give these people a voice on a wider platform. You were recently awarded a study scholarship; can you tell us about the scholarship and what it means for you? Towards the end of 2021, I was awarded the Indigenous Scholars International Study Tour scholarship from the Aurora Education Foundation. This scholarship will see me head to some of the best universities in the world to further my education and continue developing my skills as a researcher. I will most likely head to Oxford University or Cambridge University as these have where the biggest Criminology programs. I feel very honoured to receive this Scholarship. I’m very excited to be able to go and meet academics that I’m often citing in my own work face-to-face and be able to soak in their knowledge and learn from them. Among all of your own work and studies you are also finding time for teaching and mentoring, and are also involved in Rotary, can you tell us a bit about that? At the moment I teach a few subjects with UNE. I’m teaching Working with Aboriginal People and subjects within the Criminology Department such as Working with Offenders. Last year I was also part of the TRACKS Indigenous Scholars program which supports students who are studying in the preparation program before commencing undergraduate studies. These are all Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Students who might not have ever studied before or may not have got the marks at school. These students enrol in this program to begin developing the skills needed to be successful at university. My role as a mentor was to support them the best I can and be available to chat with them and give them advice on my university journey so far. I was also a mentor in the Max Schroder Mentoring Scholarship Program. This meant

that I was connected with a small group of students from various degrees and fields and worked with them to support them through their studies. As for Rotary, I have had extensive involvement in Rotary Programs since I was 13 years old starting at the Wauchope Rotary Club. Last May I attended the Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) and from there myself and a group of participants in that program started our own club for which I am the Foundation Co-President for 2021-22 and President Elect for 2022-23. Our club is named the Rotary Club of Young Leaders NSW, Australia and connects young people aged 19-30 all over NSW who just want to help better their communities and the lives of others. We have worked on many youthIn my experience centred projects in the field, I saw to date including a partnership with people being treated another Sydneydifferently purely due multidisciplinary based Rotary to the colour of their research. My role Club and Moree skin or that they were within the centre as East Public School of Aboriginal and/or a Research Associate targeting literacy Torres Strait Islander is to essentially skills, which saw heritage. As a proud give me a platform the students Biripi woman, this made to showcase my receive 2 books research findings me want to give these per term for their while connecting with people a voice on a home library and a others in the same wider platform. large donation to area of Criminology the school library. and learn from them Another program while engaging in we have worked on is the Rotary Youth higher order conversations about some real Program of Enrichment (RYPEN) which targets issues particularly in Australia. students in high school and aims to develop In addition, this year I was asked to co-edit their confidence in themselves and their a biannual publication of Rurality, Crime teamwork skills. and Society, a joint publication between The You were also invited to become a International Society for the Study of Rural research associate with the Centre for Crime (ISSRC) and the Centre for Rural Rural Criminology, what is the centre all Criminology, which I have taken on board. about and what do you do there? What are some of your goals for the This is a world-first hub of collaborative future? international research, based at UNE and I have always been a person with my future co-directed by my Principal Supervisor, mapped out in front of me and I have a lot of Dr Kyle Mulrooney. This centre brings goals for my future such as finishing my PhD, together scholars, higher degree research so for now, I am focussing on my research and students, practitioners, organisations, and any associated opportunities that might come communities with the aim of creating a place with it and enjoying the PhD journey. for collaborative national and international COFFS COAST

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• Family Law • Wills & Estates • Power of Attorney • Conveyancing • Enduring Guardianship • Leasing • Civil Litigation • Commercial • Criminal Law

The law practice of Tony Cox Lawyers and Conveyancers has grown quickly to a staff of 14 – the growth necessary to meet the demand of their excellent client services. The business has 10 women employed of which there are 4 lawyers, 1 licenced conveyancer and 5 administration/clerical assistants. These women are essential and paramount to the operation of this successful legal practice. They are busy women making a difference every day be it at home or at work.

They are busy women making a difference every day be it at home or at work

Hayley Lawrence

Gina McNeil

Lawyer

Licensed Conveyancer

Residing in Port Macquarie since 2005 Hayley is the mother of 5 young girls aged between 6 and 14. Admitted as a lawyer in 2005 Hayley practices predominantly in Family law and childcare matters.

With 24 years legal experience and the last 10 years as a Licensed Conveyancer Gina heads the Conveyancing section of this practice. Again, another busy professional, Gina is a mother of 3 active children, and is just about to take the keys to her newly constructed home that she has kept a very watchful eye over.

If Hayley is not busy enough with her 5 young daughters and her legal career, she is also a novelist having published 4 young adult fiction books. hayley@coxlaw.com.au

gina@coxlaw.com.au

Suites 6-7, 111 William Street, Port Macquarie 02 6584 2487 www.coxlaw.com.au

The Engine Room All of the busy professionals are only as good as their assistants enable them to be. There is experience galore in this regard with the staff who make up the engine room. Here all the phone calls are answered, the professionals are managed, the work is generated and pumped out at a rapid rate! Jenny Graham has 39 years of working locally in legal practices specialising in conveyancing transactions. Trish Lockery is lagging behind with only 33 years experience and covers all other aspects including Family Law, Wills and Estates.

The Engine Room - Trish, Heidi, Karen, Jenny & Raewyne

Heidi Sawyer joined the team late in 2020 and is the assistant to the Criminal Lawyers as well as assisting with Wills and general administration. Raewyne Watson is our Accounts Manager and is intrical in the

successful management of this practice. Karen Barnes, the receptionist, though not the youngest member of the staff but the newest, completes the dynamic engine room.

Shelley Watts OLY

Tani Nagel

Jess Wilson

Lawyer

Dreaming big, this local lady from Laurieton is living her childhood dream of being a Criminal Lawyer, not to mention having been a former Olympic and Commonwealth Games boxer.

Tani, educated in Port Macquarie, went from office junior to Lawyer in 6 years. Tani worked full time whilst studying law and now practices in Family Law, Estate planning, Leasing and Commercial transactions. She spends her spare time renovating her home she shares with her partner and two dogs. Her busy schedule is about to get busier with her first baby due in July 2022.

Since finishing school Jess has worked in the legal industry, gaining a wealth of knowledge and experience along her path to being admitted as a Lawyer. Jess practices in family law, children’s care matters, estate planning and commercial transactions. Jess balances a busy legal career, living in Wauchope with her husband and their 3 young children with the eldest just starting kindergarten in 2022.

tani@coxlaw.com.au

jess@coxlaw.com.au

As busy as Shelley is as a Criminal Lawyer, she is also the mother of 4 with the youngest two under 3 years of age (we bet these kids don’t step out of line!) shelley@coxlaw.com.au

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

with TANIA MAGON

F R O M M AV E N A DV I S O R S

s founder of Maven Accounting with more than 30 years of experience in taxation and accounting services, what do you enjoy most about

your business? Having started my first job as admin assistant at a tax practice in Sydney over 32 years ago, tax is all I’ve ever done. I decided to start my own practice eight years ago. I can honestly say, no two days are ever the same, every client is different with different family dynamics and investment risks. Legislation constantly changes which 9 times out of 10 makes you reset and shift strategies for your clients. I’m solution focused and love saving clients money!!! I enjoy keeping up to date with the ever changing tax and SMSF landscape making sure clients aren’t missing out on strategies that will save money today and in the future. As a long-time member of HBWN, how has the network supported you and your business? The network has and continues to provide a great place for me to connect with likeminded women and share experiences. When you are a sole practitioner in business, you rely on resonating with other women in similar situations. The HBWN also provides access to a great resource of women in business and professionals in the region. I’ve met some of the most admirable women through the network which I know I’ll continue to grow in life and business together. The networking events are a great opportunity 94 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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for women to relax, connect and just take some time for ourselves. What are some tips for other women trying to grow a business in regional areas? Get yourself out there! Regional business grows through connection and word of mouth. That’s why joining the HBWN was one of the first things I did when starting my business. The network provided a great platform to get the business out in the community. Talk to your accountant or other financial professional you trust regarding structure of the business, cashflow and any other legislative requirements. What are the biggest challenges you have faced and what did you do to overcome them? Starting, it’s a scary step to leave the security of employment with the uncertainty of business on your own. Then further changing the direction of the business to specialise in SMSF. I remember being told by a more mature accountant that I was crazy specialising as it will box you in. That just gave me more determination to forge ahead, believing in myself to provide the specialised services I saw was needed to those that wish to control their superannuation interests. What do you want to achieve next? Financial Mediation – I’ve seen financial tragedy when it comes to a breakdown in a relationship simply due to not getting the right advice and seeing the long game. I help by mediating (whilst understanding the tax implications) couples to identify a solution before the expensive legal route in relation

to financial separation of assets they have accumulated overtime together. It’s also important when you are starting a new relationship after a breakdown. Relationships are hard enough with blended families and no one wants to go through the financial split nightmare again. I help couples, again by financial mediation, review their current financial position, identify how they want to grow together and mediate some solutions that offer protecting what they already have whilst going forward and building their new lives together. Final thoughts for other women in business? Try to overcome the fear and engage your reason for going out in business. No one I talk to ever does it for the money!!! It’s always to service something or someone. Surround yourself with others supporting you, stay away from the naysayers and recognise that all women in business are experiencing the same challenges, just in different ways. One of my favourite quotes by Grace Hopper, who was before her time, a brilliant mathematician and computer scientist said “probably the most dangerous phrase that anyone could use in the world today is the dreadful ‘But we’ve always done it that way’.” So go ahead and do it your way, there is no set or hard-and-fast rule. We appreciate you sharing your insight with us Tania, thank you!

Attend in person or online!

Together we can build a world that is diverse, equitable and inclusive.

International Women’s Day 2022

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2022

Collectively we can all

#BreakTheBias

Breakfast TUESDAY 8 MARCH 2022 Book your tickets at www.hbwn.com.au/events 6.30am - 8.30am

Can't attend?

Support Liberty by donating today.

Live event ticket: $50 Online event ticket: $50 SOLD OUT! Panthers - 1 Bay Street, Port Macquarie All tickets include: Inspiring speakers and IWD2022 Virtual Goodie Bag valued at over $150 Live event ticket includes: Hot breakfast, tea and coffee (limited tickets available)

KEYNOTE SPEAKER (via video link) Elizabeth Broderick

DYNAMIC PANEL DISCUSSION

Independent Expert (UN Special Rapporteur), UN Human Rights Council

Business Coach - Speaker - PMPA Principal

A global leader, social innovator and advocate, Elizabeth works to break down structural and social barriers and promote gender equality. Elizabeth was Australia’s longest serving Sex Discrimination Commissioner (2007 - 2015) and sat on the United Nations Working Group on Discrimination against Women and Girls. Elizabeth founded the ‘Champions of Change’ equality strategy and conducts cultural reviews into Australia’s leading institutions.

Stacey Morgan - Emcee and Facilitator Emillie LaPointe Managing Director, Pointe Engineering

Shiree Bennett General Manager, Bennetts Steel

Sarah Yuen General Manager Technology & Engineering, Birdon

Supported by 100% of proceeds to

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HOPKINS FEATURE EDITORIAL focus_interview

Hopkins CONSULTANTS PTY LTD

Founded by Syd Hopkins in 1992 in Port Macquarie NSW, Hopkins Consultants Pty Ltd has grown and expanded to become one of the region’s leading civil design and consultancy firms. Celebrating 30 years in business this year, we chat with the Directors.

ake us back to the beginning, how did Hopkins Consultants start? Hopkins Consultants began in February 1992, founded by Syd and Jenni Hopkins with a total of 5 staff. Over the last 30 years the team has grown to now over 20 employees. Introduce us to your team and their roles. The Hopkins team is made up of four Directors – Michael Mowle, Geoffrey Hill, Daniel Baker and Darren Booth – and is supported by a team of Engineers, Surveyors, Town Planners and Landscape Designer. Take us through the services that Hopkins offer. Hopkins is a multi-disciplinary practice which offers services in Civil Engineering, Surveying, Town Planning and Landscape

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and Environmental Design, with links to rules covering BASIX for housing, Bushfire, specialist consultants if required for our client’s OH&S, waste management and of course development needs. environmental management. Over the last 30 years what have been When starting a “new job” with a client some of the biggest or developer what changes that you have excites the team the seen in your industry? most? A great deal Change has been Usually the challenge of job the only constant in the of working with satisfaction for our housing and construction greenfield sites to team comes from industry. The NSW Planning create the client’s the creativity and system has been reformed vision. A great deal being able to design and supposedly streamlined of job satisfaction something that many times, but in 2022 for our team comes comes to fruition we still have a complicated from the creativity in its built form. process that has long lead and being able to times, which exacerbates design something that housing affordability issues. comes to fruition in its built form – a tangible One other significant change in construction outcome that is often the result of many years’ has been a more onerous set of compliance hard work.

What are you looking forward to in 2022? Like many other businesses we are looking forward to a “normal” year. We hope that there are no more interruptions due to COVID and the supply chains can begin catching up again. Also, that we can take regular holidays and travel – we think that the inability to have a holiday took a toll on many in our industry over the last couple of years. Where do you see Hopkins and the Greater Port Macquarie area in another 30 years, what are your predications for our area? Our plans are for Hopkins to continue to be the consultancy of choice for the provision of high quality Surveying, Civil Engineering, Town Planning and Landscape Design, supporting the local housing and construction industry. Along with residential, commercial and industrial, we are working towards supporting large infrastructure projects. Port Macquarie will become the most liveable and popular regional city on the Eastern seaboard. We predict our population to grow to well over a 120,000 people and we will become a key regional centre for education, research, health and high tech industries.

Sovereign Hills

Founders Syd & Jenni Hopkins

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CELEBRATING 30 YEARS IN BUSINESS.

HOPKINS CONSULTANTS DEVELOPMENT SERVICES Hopkins Consultants Pty Ltd is a highly professional and dynamic consultancy. Our team of professional Engineers, Surveyors and Town Planners is also supported by specialist sub-consultants.

INDUSTRY AREAS In a highly technical field, agility and technological savvy are required. Our teams have years of industry experience to draw upon, but remain on the leading edge of the market in terms of methods, means and technology used. 3 Land & Property Development 3 Infrastructure 3 Commercial / Industrial Developments

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HOPKINS EMPLOY HIGHLY TRAINED AND SPECIALISED STAFF Our staff are fully supported and are actively encouraged to undertake annual professional development training to maintain their ‘certified practicing’ status. This ensures our clients are provided with solutions that conform to the current trends and latest methodologies.

HOPKINS CONSULTANTS DIRECTORS GEOFFREY, DARREN, DANIEL AND MICHAEL

KEVIN HALL CIVIL DESIGNER PAUL GEE REGISTERED LAND SURVEYOR

ANDREW LISTER & MELISSAH OSLAND

(commenced in 1992)

TOWN PLANNERS

Port Macquarie Level 1, 109 William Street PHONE: (02) 6583 6722 EMAIL: admin@hopcon.com.au GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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BUSINESS

MINDS

with LAUREN MCALLISTER AND SIMON BANK FROM WEBSTUDIO

CONNECT WITH YOUR PEOPLE AS YOUR AUTHENTIC SELF - THE POWER OF A GENUINE BRAND

our brand is how your business is reflected to the world - and it’s so much more than your logo and font choice. It’s your imagery, it’s the way you make your product or deliver your service - and it’s your people. By this, we mean all people who interact with your business - your customers, your partners, your employees, your suppliers. Each person who is involved with your brand has a part to play in how it is perceived. When it comes to brand, there are two key things to get right - consistency and credibility. Consistency ensures you are recognisable and able to build trust with your audience. A brand that has a huge ‘wow’ factor is great but if you don’t have consistency, your brand looks unprofessional and people lose interest. You need to have uniformity with your brand elements, and stability with your key messages and tone. This way people feel like they are getting to know you, which builds confidence in your business. When it comes to credibility, buyers are going to relate more to a brand that is faithful to itself, that reflects the values it holds. Your brand needs to sound and feel like you - people will pick up on content that is disingenuous and if it doesn’t feel right - they are less inclined to engage. You should be considering your brand when making key business decisions - like who to collaborate with, who you are marketing to, who your key stakeholders are. If their values

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don’t align with yours, you risk betraying your brand - and damaging your reputation. Here are some other important things to consider when it comes to building an authentic brand: Know who you are. So far we have spoken about values and being ‘authentic’. But you can’t portray your true self to the world if you don’t know what your true self looks like. The very first step in establishing your brand should be asking yourself these key questions. What is your purpose? What makes you unique? What is important to you? What is important to your customers? What is our tone? What are our key messages? You need to establish your business’ identity before you can portray it. Here at Webstudio, we offer Brand Strategy as part of our service and we can work through this with you. Know who your people are. How can you connect with your customers if you don’t know who they are? In order to form a genuine relationship and build real trust, your customers need to feel understood. So it’s essential you take the time and invest in research that gives you valuable insights into the behaviour of your customers. What are their interests? What problems do they have that you can help them solve? Jane Hillsdon’s ‘How To Do Marketing Academy’ is an incredible program that will help you implement a tried and tested framework to increase your reach to the right people, create a powerful brand (and ultimately increase revenue).

Create a polished image. In today’s world of short attention spans and information overload, visual representation is more important than ever. You might have three seconds to capture your audience’s attention, so your imagery needs to be on-brand, eye-catching and relevant if you want to get noticed. Vanessa from The Style Vibe Creative can help you create an incredible image gallery through a stylised fashion shoot, with scenes that will capture the attention of your target market. These are assets that can then be used across your socials, website and other marketing. Focus on engagement. The ‘getting to know you’ phase of a customer’s relationship with your business will often happen over social media - and through your website. In this phase, it’s less about ‘buy my stuff!’ or ‘book an appointment!’ - it’s more about casual and fun engagement, to introduce them to your business and generate interest. Your social media accounts deserve their own marketing strategy to drive engagement and build your brand online. Emma from Gem Socials can help you create a strategy that genuinely reflects your brand. This means you will attract the right customers, which are more likely to turn into real leads! As you can see - there’s a lot involved in creating an authentic brand! It takes some consideration and some investment - but if it’s done well, you will build real, long-lasting trust with your customers.

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Illuminate with 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.

photo by Nashyspix

Mel Cockshutt is the ultimate motivator, encouraging people to push past their perceived personal limits. Mel shares her love of the ocean, family and fitness to enable people to take a huge leap of faith on themselves and make an impact on their community.

ou are a master connector, motivator and use the power of fitness and love of your coastal community to inspire others to be the best version of themselves. What inspired you to want make an impact? Nippers, running, swimming, netball, water polo and volleyball were part of my childhood and included participating and well as helping. My mum and dad helped run swimming club and nippers in the very small towns of Lennox Head and Alstonville, so I have always been surrounded by people who want to make a valuable and tangible impact on their community. In my adult life I was introduced to Triathlon in my late twenties and 10 Ironman and countless triathlons later, this is very much a happy place. I continue to mix my love of sport and helping others achieve their goals, be the best they can be (in the context of their lives and pressures going on for them) or overcome their fears, as well as helping organise community events. It’s never been a conscious decision to move through my careers. I tend to just start conversations just because I am

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interested in what people are doing, and My love of the ocean is something that I opportunities have always just come up where think is just in the depths of my soul. Canberra I could teach, mentor or coach and they was where I got my first job opportunity. challenge me on many levels (which is what I During those 11 years I helped design and thrive on). I hope that I empower people to take implement public policies in the transport and that leap of faith with law and order space, themselves and help and helped change the them in some small way criminal laws of Australia. Together, the to fill their lives with fun It was incredible to know Port Macquarie activities or satisfying that you were part of a work projects that make team that was making community has a difference to them or Australian history. But it raised over $160k for their community. To see came with long hours. Tour de Cure the energy that grows I met my husband Todd from within people and started a family, so I and then that energy wanted to find a simpler becomes a driving force in their lives is special. life near the ocean again. We competed in the My life is definitely richer for it. first Ironman in Port Macquarie and we knew You have held a multitude of high impact this could be our home. Surf Clubs have always roles in the community, both inside been in my life so it was my first volunteer stop and outside the corporate world, from (20 years Volunteering this year – wow I am international business and law to disability getting old!). This, and the Triathlon Club, and support. Can you share some of your a leap of faith by Neville Parsons and Les Bailey journey from Lennox to Canberra and to give me a job at Holiday Coast Credit Union back again, becoming a part of a new and there began my life in Port. Community events, in particular sporting community in Port Macquarie?

and fundraising events, have been central to your impact on the community. Can you tell us about some of your favourite events/projects and why they made a difference? If you haven’t worked out yet, I do like to make a big difference. Tour De Cure terrified me from a personal level (could I ride 1300km in just over a week?) and their aim is to find a cure for cancer and to help regional communities help their residents through the cancer journey. Bennett Powell, one of my clients who has cerebral palsy, was the one that got me to take a leap of faith with myself. The Port Macquarie community has now raised over $160k for Tour De Cure and in March we are riding Geelong to Canberra. My 18 year old daughter (Cancer Survivor) and my husband as well as my good friends are joining in. We have another $10,000 to raise – it would be amazing if people could jump on board and support it and follow our journey on FB @tourdecure2022. Tour De Cure has funded 50 cancer breakthroughs. We may just see a cure for some cancers in our lifetime and better treatments for future generations. I also am a coach in the Cantoo community, helping people to discover how awesome the ocean is. We are just about to start our next program. No experience necessary and a great community (www.cantoo.org.au/ event/view/port-mac-squad-1-2022) or we train on Thursdays at the pool at 6am or Saturday at Flynns Beach at 8am – come and

I have learnt to accept that life will constantly throw me curveballs and I want to be able to learn to get through these with family and friendships holding strong and me still believing in myself.

say hi. We also have a fundraising ball on September 3rd. It will be an incredible night and let’s be honest we all need a great night out after the last couple of years. Tickets https:// events.humanitix.com/ wheelers-and-dealers How instrumental were mentors in your journey? What is the most valuable lesson they taught you? Mentors have been absolutely critical. I have had the most incredible managers, work colleagues as well as coaches. They have taught me that goals can be achieved through kindness, respect, listening to all and patience. They all took time out (in addition to just working) to guide and advise and just discuss “life”. It was the time they put into me, that have made me the person I am today. What has been your biggest challenge in your own journey to making a difference? Balancing my love of family and friends with my love to help others. It is easy to put family and friends second, as they love you unconditionally, while I try to fit all the wonderful things I do in my life. I am really conscious, for my own health and wellbeing, as well as my awesome family and friends, to get this right. It is a work in progress but I am now more vocal, in that I am not internalising

that stress point for me, and they are supporting me to get that balance. What is the hardest lesson you have learned in life and business? Life can change in an instant and sometimes it is so hard to move

forward. Life throws financial, emotional and physical challenges all the time and it is a mammoth effort to move through some events. I have learnt to accept that life will constantly throw me curveballs and I want to be able to learn to get through these with family and friendships holding strong and me still believing in myself. As a passionate mentor, coach, community member, mum and business owner with current and future projects on the horizon – what piece of advice can you share with others to enable them to believe in themselves and their own leap of faith on themselves and their community? Surround yourself with people who enable you and support you. Then you will become brave and go on whatever journey you want to go on and you will want to help the community you are in. Good luck and hope to see you at the beach :) GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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kindergarten 2023 St Agnes’ Primary Information Night: March 22, 2022 School Tour: April 30, 2022

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St Joseph’s Primary Information Night: March 24, 2022 School Tour: April 30, 2022

enrolinexcellence.org.au

St Peter’s Primary Information Night: March 21, 2022 School Tour: April 30, 2022

focus_contributor.

LEGAL

Light

with NICHOLAS LAWTON FROM PRIEST LEGAL

A PA N D E M I C AT W O R K

ike many businesses, we have been adjusting to life with the virus. It has been a challenging time working to keep staff and clients safe, and managing staff absences. The ABS reports that through January 2022 nearly a quarter of businesses were affected by staffing shortages as a result of Covid-19 and isolation requirements. As government restrictions wind back, it is increasingly up to individuals to decide what is safe. Responses to those changes have been mixed, depending on personal views on the complex spectrum between “safety” and “freedom”. We won’t open that particular can of worms here. The safer topic for this month’s “Legal Light” is the impact of easing Covid restrictions on workplaces. After years of adjusting to strict regulations, facemasks and Zoom calls, life at work is edging back towards normal (albeit a slightly strange normal where colleagues regularly disappear for a week at a time and no-one dares cough in the office). The normalisation of Covid and the shift to personal responsibility does create challenges for workplaces. At work, public health orders intersect with workplace health and safety obligations and employee rights, and it can be challenging to work out what rules apply. Based on the rules at the time of writing, this is our best effort to provide some clarity: Public Health Orders 1. Stay home and isolate for 7 days if you have tested positive for Covid-19, or are a close contact unless you are an exempt employee

working in a critical industry, when you may be able to leave isolation to work if you test negative, have no symptoms, and your employer agrees. 2. If you are in isolation and still have symptoms after 7 days, you must stay home until they are resolved. Lawful and Reasonable Direction 3. If you are not covered by a public health order, normal employment rules apply. 4. Employers can require employees to attend the workplace, work normal hours and perform normal duties as long as the requirement is “lawful and reasonable”. An employee can’t legitimately refuse an employer’s direction to perform work if the direction is reasonable and in line with their employer’s legal obligations. 5. After recent changes, a reasonable direction would also include a direction to attend the workplace, rather than work from home. So, if the boss says “it’s time to come back to the office”, that’s what employees need to do. Safety First 6. However, employers are required to provide a safe workplace for all employees. To do so, employers may adopt policies requiring employees to stay home if they have symptoms. They could also ask that you take a test before returning to work. Such requests fall within “lawful and reasonable direction”, particularly if the employer provides you with a test. Paid Leave 7. Permanent employees required to stay home under a public health order or directed to stay home by their employer are entitled to take sick or carers leave, if they have an available

balance. They are also able to take annual or long service leave. 8. If an employee does not have leave available, they are entitled to take unpaid leave for any isolation period and may also be entitled to the government funded Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment. 9. Casual employees may also be eligible for the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment. In summary, an employer can direct an employee to return to work after a period of isolation, or to return to the office from working at home but they also have an obligation to keep everyone safe and need to manage the risk Covid poses in their particular workplace. Legal issues aside, there is plenty of scope for disagreement around Covid and working conditions. People will have different personal circumstances, different ideas about what level of risk is acceptable, and different tolerances and anxieties. The rules are constantly evolving. It is a minefield for everyone involved. Like so much else to do with Covid, the rules around employment are complicated, often conflicting, and constantly changing. Your best bet, as an employee or employer, is to discuss any concerns about managing Covid in the workplace with the other party. In most cases there are reasonable solutions that will meet everyone’s needs and obligations. Alternatively, if you need assistance in understanding your obligations or managing a workplace issue, the friendly team at Priest Legal are here to help. This article is intended to be general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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A G N E S

P A R I S H

FLOOD RECOVERY GROUP Peter Johnson from St Agnes’ Catholic Parish spoke with us about its Recovery Support Service, which was recently awarded a 2022 Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Australia Day Award in the Community Group of the Year category for its flood recovery work.

an you tell us a bit about St Agnes and how long you’ve been involved there? St Agnes’ Catholic Parish is a vibrant and diverse community representing all age groups and many different cultures and backgrounds. It provides meaningful services to the Port Macquarie-Hastings region across the full spectrum of life in ministry, education, early childhood education, aged care, family support, disability, employment and training. I have been an active Parishioner for the past 14 years and am also involved as a volunteer but only started working at the Parish four years ago. It is such a rewarding job because every day I know we are making a difference to people’s lives. And on top of that I get to work alongside passionate and caring people, what could be better! How did the Flood Recovery Group come together? It became very clear, very quickly over the weekend of 19-21 March 2021 that significant areas of our region had been devastated by ‘one in 100 year’ flooding and many people who lost everything would need immediate help. It started with just trying to help people clean up, having BBQs to lift spirits, and finding

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emergency accommodation for those who Recovery Support Service (RSS) to assist with needed it, and grew to establishing a food flood recovery in the longer term, like those pantry and a rebuilding program, among other operated during the bushfires. things. The RSS team provides a holistic case Our staff, parishioners and volunteers rallied management service to help affected individuals together with members of other community and communities recover from flooding and, so groups to remove far, has helped almost 300 debris and mud individuals and families. Seeing a need and from holiday parks, Can you describe what doing something retirement villages the area was like and about it is at the core of and the homes of what you saw after the what St Agnes’ Catholic Parish employees and floods? Parish is all about. We other community I visited and spoke are very fortunate to be members which had to many flood-affected been inundated by the people in the days part of a community floods. following the floods at that constantly rallies to Anne O’Brien, our places like Brigadoon support those most in Director of Mission, led Holiday Park, Riverside need in times of crisis. the setting up of the Retirement Village and Food Pantry to meet Edgewater Holiday Park. people’s immediate need for food, clothing and What I saw I will never forget, not just the bedding. It was set up like a grocery store and devastation of people’s homes and surroundings located in a vacant Parish-owned shopfront in but the look of despair on their faces. William Street. We reached out for donations Subsequently, the Parish CEO, Adam to stock its shelves and were overwhelmed Spencer, asked me to oversee the emergency by the generosity of our Parish family and the accommodation needs for those who had lost community in general. The Food Pantry was their home. My focus, in doing this, was on staffed by a team of 60 volunteers and helped identifying the most vulnerable… the elderly, over 200 families and individuals. disabled and those who were uninsured. As a result of these efforts, the Parish was There are many stories but one I will approached by Resilience NSW to operate a never forget was calling in on a fellow who

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The Parish committed significant resources and finance to a program that has rebuilt 45 homes, cabins, and caravans. This rebuilding program has assisted more than 130 people return to their homes.

moved back into his wet flood-damaged caravan after a short stay in emergency accommodation, it broke my heart. He stayed in that caravan for 3 nights before we found him and quickly relocated him. We are now friends and he is getting the care and support he needs and deserves. What were some of the things needed within the community immediately after the floods hit? Apart from food, temporary accommodation was the most immediate need after the floods. Unfortunately, there has been a chronic shortage of affordable rental accommodation in the Port Macquarie-Hastings LGA for some time, so the floods just exacerbated this crisis. To help address this, the Parish enabled The Francis Retreat conference centre at Bonny Hills to be repurposed into an evacuation centre; accommodated displaced elderly members of our community in St Agnes’ House; and provided accommodation in our retirement village to those who needed it whilst their homes were rebuilt. The Parish committed significant resources and finance to a program that has rebuilt 45 homes, cabins and caravans. This rebuilding program has assisted more than 130 people return to their homes. What has the response been like from

people receiving help from the group? The RSS has received positive responses from residents affected by the floods who required ongoing support. Our team has also built great relationships by networking with other charities, Government agencies and suppliers to assist with flood recovery. At a ‘Return Home’ gathering at Riverside Retirement Village it really hit home when residents thanked the Parish saying “if it was not for the Parish, many of the Riverside residents would be destitute”. Another example was when we had electrical work completed with funding provided by the Lions Club for a young family at Dunbogan who were struggling after the flood. It became apparent during this work that the home had unsafe wiring and the electrician believed there was a potential risk of a house fire. The young Mum said “I have peace of mind knowing the house is safe electrically. My toddlers are safe, and I can sleep at night now.” It is so good to know that we are helping people move on with their lives. You were recently awarded a 2022 Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Australia Day Award in the Community Group of the Year category. How did it feel as a group to receive that recognition?

Eleven short months ago our region was hit by the worst floods in living memory. For those who were not affected, this seems like a long time ago. Unfortunately, for those who were affected, the consequences of this event had, and continue to have, long term impacts on their lives. We were honoured and humbled to receive the Australia Day award in the Community Group Category. Without the support of organisations like Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, Resilience NSW, Make a Difference Foundation, Lifeline, Australian Red Cross, Rotary Sunrise, GIVIT, Legal Aid, Community Housing Limited, St Vincent De Paul and Samaritan’s Purse we would not have been able to achieve such great outcomes for the people who needed it most. It is an award shared by staff, parishioners and volunteers from across the Parish who selflessly gave their time and resources to help people through the initial loss of their homes and in their long-term recovery process. Seeing a need and doing something about it is at the core of what St Agnes’ Catholic Parish is all about. We are very fortunate to be part of a community that constantly rallies to support those most in need in times of crisis. If you, or anybody you know, are in need of assistance as a result of the floods, please contact St Agnes’ Catholic Parish Recovery Support Service on (02) 6588 7444. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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BUSINESS

VOICE with ALEX GLEN-HOLMES

PRESIDENT PORT MACQUARIE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

0th February was our first network event for the year, Breakfast with the Animals at Billabong Zoo. Thank you Mark Stone for his insight into working through the challenges of COVID. Mark highlighted the importance of businesses in the community supporting each other. Easy as thinking of local venues when giving a gift to staff or friends. We all benefit when we keep our money in the community. Billabong Zoo now has their licensed function room open and available. Fantastic location for weddings and all functions. 22nd March Luminosity Launch. Looking forward to this event coming back in 2022 supporting our leaders of the future. If you haven’t heard of Luminosity and the sponsorship opportunities available to businesses, I strongly urge you to get involved. Evening event at Rydges starting at 6pm and always books out fast, so keep an eye open for the invites or contact the Chamber office. Speaking of students, it’s great to see students back at our university campuses at CSU, UNSW and Newcastle Uni. We hope that having students return will also help hospitality businesses with staff shortages as we all return to normal. Exciting news that we are welcome Bonza Airways to Port Macquarie with flights from Port to Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Melbourne announced. Not only great for locals but also a boost to our Tourism sector. Port Macquarie-Hastings Council has moved a 108 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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motion to discontinue nine council committees. The Chamber lobbied the council on the behalf of businesses to try to prevent this. Community consultation and participation are an integral part of ensuring that the best services are delivered for our community. A blueprint moving forward has been promised, however we would have hoped this would have been made available prior to any decisions being made. Chamber has been a supporter and advocate of the triple bottom line tiered structure of the community consultative groups, led through the Economic Development Steering Group, the Cultural Steering Group, and the recently formed Sustainability Group. Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce is actively represented on the Economic Development Steering Group, the Town Centre Master Plan Committee, and the Cultural Steering Group. These groups are all essential conduits for the Chamber to effectively represent the strategic interests of our membership. With specific reference to the Town Centre Master Plan (TCMP), the TCMP has achieved significant tangible results over the years and the delivery of improvements to the Port Macquarie CBD streetscape under this model has been a stellar success. It is also important to note that the TCMP committee is currently managing project work and needs to continue this project administration until the works are finalised. We acknowledge the need to continually review the effectiveness and operation of these

consultative groups, however not discontinue them BEFORE any consultative review process has been undertaken. Discontinuing these committees is a huge loss especially for the TCMP committee as they are in the middle of the project on Town Green and have been delivering a fantastic space for all to enjoy and really lift our area to the next level. Group members should be congratulated for all they have achieved not be dissolved mid-project. Some other groups that have been affected include Aquatic Centre Committee who have been making great inroads, the Cultural Steering Group and also the Economic Development Group. We deserve the expertise these committee members bring to the table. We believe this represents a threat to democracy and are concerned the motion was put forward without consultation. Failed amendments offered by councillors Lipovac, Intemann and Sheppard to allow some committees to continue, pending a review, however council moved the original motion to discontinue the nine committees. We will keep you updated on developments as they come to hand. As Dolly Parton says “If you want the rainbow, you have to put up with the rain”. PS: We have also started a Facebook group called Chamber Chats, for businesses to come together share experiences and help each other out. Join us and share your business wisdom with others.

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Don't Worry

Be Happy As we age, health problems, carer responsibilities and the loss of loved ones can increase our health risks.

ere are our five top tips to supporting your mental health. Health comes first As we age, our physical health can decline which can cause loss of independence and we don’t need to be told twice that our physical health affects our mental health. A balanced diet, daily exercise and a good night sleep are the foundations of a healthy lifestyle and benefit everyone regardless of their physical condition. Ingenia Gardens offer residents a choice

of meal plans and exercise groups that

residents with similar interests or spend the

offer residents assistance on a temporary or

afternoon with some fun and laughter.

ongoing basis.

Stay connected

Stay involved

One of the best things about community

Ingenia Gardens’ Activate program

living is that you are surrounded by people

provides residents opportunities to participate

from similar walks of life. Striking up a

in regular activities and social events. It’s a

conversation with a fellow resident is a great

great way to discover new hobbies, meet

way to build new friendships.

A safer place to live and a great place to be.

Experience the feeling of belonging and connection at our independent seniors rental community. Take a virtual tour today or call our friendly Community Manager Keiron on 6581 5223. For further information, visit ingeniagardens.com.au.

TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR NOW

12 SHERIFF WAY, PORT MACQUARIE ingeniagardens.com.au 110 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

ROB TATE

S O V E R E I G N

H I L L S GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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ROB TATE

Family Homes

ROB TATE FAMILY HOMES - soveriegn hills display home of the month

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ob Tate Family Homes have been building locally for over 40 years, introduce us to the team. • Rob Tate – Builder and Managing Director • Chris Underwood – Accounts and Director • Raymond Chapman – General Manager • Carli Underwood – Operations Manager • Brendon Wood – Building Supervisor • Teresa Spiller – Office Supervisor Tell us about all the various builds you do. • Single and dual occupancy homes • House and land packages What is the history behind Rob Tate Family Homes? Rob Tate Homes is the longest established locally owned building company on the Mid North Coast. A builder who has a consistent reputation for excellence in design and construction, with modern multi-award winning designs including the prestigious HIA ‘Top Homes Award’. We pride ourselves on being 40 years local, so we love using local trades, suppliers and consultants to ensure we support the local community. You have a beautiful home situated in the Sovereign Hills Display Village, can you take us through the homes and tell us about the build and the features of this stunning property?

This is two homes for the price of one… our specialty in Dual Occupancy is demonstrated in this display home. A modern contemporary design with open plan living, high ceilings of 4m creating a spacious environment and air flow. Total of 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, walk-in pantry, 2-car garages. Bedrooms have extra windows over looking atrium between the two villas for light enhancement. The front villa has a specification for a renter or family member needing separate accommodation and the rear villa has a higher specification for a owner living there. Who are some of the local trades and business that you work with each day? Petrie’s Mitre 10, Fisher Plumbing, Pavy’s Glass, and a long list of local trades including Country to Coast Electrical, Profinish Painting, Elite Plastering, Giraffe Plumbing and Midcoast Structural Landscapes to name just a few. What do our readers need to do if they are wanting to build with Rob Tate? The Rob Tate team are here to guide you through every aspect of the construction of your new home. Rob Tate Homes utilise the services of a team of qualified and trusted local craftsmen and proudly support local suppliers from the Mid North Coast. Come and arrange a consultancy with our team. Drop into our display home, give us a call or send us an email. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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65 855 102 | robtatefamilyhomes.com.au | info@robtatefamilyhomes.com.au

This property will really appeal to the downsizer, as one side of the duplex is complete with ducted air, raised ceilings with louvre windows, 900mm appliances and much more. The other side, 3 bedrooms also, completed to our Value Range, featuring quality carpet, flooring, Omega appliances and more is perfect for an ongoing rental income or can come subdivided so you could sell it off in the future.

COME AND TAKE A LOOK FOR YOURSELF AND SEE WHY THE DUPLEX OPTION REALLY IS ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR IN PORT MACQUARIE AT THE MOMENT

OLIVER KING PROPRIETOR FRESH AND CLEAN CARPETS PORT MACQUARIE

i Oliver, thank you so much for speaking with Focus. Please tell us a little about your business and the services you provide. Fresh and Clean Carpets is a family run and operated business. We specialise in cleaning carpets, rugs and upholstery in the Port Macquarie and surrounding areas. We provide quality services for residential and commercial properties. We use the highest quality of cleaning products in our services and are constantly across industry developments. What sets Fresh and Clean Carpets apart from other competitors in the industry? Well, I believe that there is always benefit in working with family run and operated businesses. I always want to ensure that our customers are receiving a professional clean with a personalised and friendly experience to match. We value our customers and aim to build ongoing working relationships for the future.

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Supporting local is something my wife and I endeavour to do wherever we can. We love our local community and want to support it in every way possible. Whether that be through choosing to shop with a local fashion retailer rather than opting for national brands online through to stocking our fridge with locally grown produce from farmers in our very own region. We value the personality and the hard work that comes with local businesses and the faces behind the brands. We aim to provide the same experiences through our business, Fresh and Clean Carpets. I know you have already received come outstanding product and service testimonials online. Why is this an important attribute to your local business? Testimonies are incredibly important to us! They help us grow and develop as a small business as well as providing reliable feedback from our customers for our local community to see. One of our recent reviews said our services

are ‘friendly, reliable and of high quality’. A quality clean is important and so is feeling comfortable with who you allow in your home or workplace. It’s important to us as a small business that our customers can rely on the fact that not only will we provide a quality clean but that they also feel relaxed in who is cleaning their carpets in their home or offices. Having our customers’ testimonies helps customers get to know us and helps build our profile to our local community. There really is nothing like word of mouth. Especially in industries like essential services. For people wanting to connect with your business or book in for their next service or quotation, how can they best reach you? We would love to hear from you! The best way to connect is to call me (Oliver) directly on 0474 234 356 or you can email my wife and I at oliver@freshandcleancarpets.com.au to register for a free quote or directly book your service.

SHOTGUN M A R I N E S E RV I C E S

Founders of family-owned business Shotgun Marine Services, Terry and Michele Nocelli have been together running their business for more than 30 years but lost almost all of their stock, tools and years of irreplaceable boating collectables in the floods.

ichele says the water came in hard and fast and was unlike anything she’s ever seen. “There was no time for preparation,” she says. “We were completely submerged by midnight.” With so much to do before they could start rebuilding, Michele and Terry’s commitment to their customers saw them vow to be up and running as quickly as possible and they were back in business in a matter of weeks. Michele says while there are always challenges in business, they are busier than ever. “We’ve even now got the whole family working for us.” COVID-19 has brought about some welcome changes for Michele and Terry’s business. “The pandemic has led to an increase in online purchases.” she says. “Seeing as people

can’t travel as much, it seems Australians are spending their money on boats instead.” Established in Port Macquarie more than 20 years ago, Shotgun Marine Services are marine electronic specialists who service all aspects of the boating industry. Since the flooding Shotgun Marine have risen above the adversity and have a new look workshop with new bigger bolder signage and an additional service vehicle. Business is booming which is a testament to Terry and his team’s dedication. Come check out our new signage, workshop, office and chandlery showroom for all things BOATING. We don’t just sell the gear, we fit the gear, we use the gear! We even have a game fishing world champ in our team! Mention this advertisement for a gift with your next purchase.

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Isana Reid-Gray

Krista Williams

Arcadia Loughland

Paul Loughland

Karla Faint

Adam Hooper

Residential & Investments Specialist

Executive Assistant

Licencee/Sales & Marketing Manager

CEO, Buyers Agent & Development Consultant

Rural & Residential Specialist

Commercial & Residential Specialist

Wow what a hectic start to 2022 for those involved in the real estate industry! Its going to be interesting to see if the frenzy continues throughout the balance of 2022, as all signs are pointing to another busy year for Port Macquarie and surrounds.

here’s no doubt lifestyle has been the draw card for people looking to move to the Mid North Coast, which has seen phenomenal growth with the high demand for property due to flexible working conditions since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. At NPB our far-reaching database combined with a vast array of business affiliations has without doubt been a major contributor towards achieving record sale prices in both land developments and residential housing in the past year. The changing market conditions have brought to the fore NPBs level of diversity to benefit both seller and buyer. We are excited to share that in 2021 we achieved over 350 sales with a total “Sell Out “ on five major Land Estates together with the highest residential sale in Ascot Park and a waterfront block in Port Macquarie’s canal precinct. It’s great to know our point of difference and what we can offer, however our passion has always been to ensure our clients are number one and well informed to achieve their property goals. Supporting local connections and working together as a community in the best interests of our clients is top priority for us here at NPB.

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We have been that way from the very beginning and always will be because that is who we are and of what we are most proud of. With our recent expansion of projects spanning as far North as Grafton and Nambucca Heads, the NPB team has also grown here in the Port Macquarie office and share the same passion and enthusiasm for our client’s success. Our consistent five-star reviews are a testament to the on-going commitment and strong focus on delivering exceptional customer service from each of our team members. We could not be prouder of our NPB family and we are all super excited about opportunities for the coming year.

MACQUARIE

CEO Paul Loughland said the team at NPB work hard every day to put the “Real” back into Real estate. We love building real relationships with our clients to get them the best result we can. We pride ourselves on being totally customer focused and achieving positive client results. We honestly believe that everyone deserves a place to call home and helping people achieve this via home ownership, investing or renting gives us great joy and satisfaction.

LAKE

CATHIE

BONNY

HILLS

For your complementary up to date property appraisal – call NPB team today

0447 020 742 www.nationwidepropertybrokers.com

WE’RE WELCOMING PROPERTY OWNERS/SELLERS WHO WOULD LIKE TO BREAK LOCAL RECORDS IN 2022

Nationwide Property Brokers Announce a Record-Breaking Land Sale:

WHERE MANY PEOPLE ARE MOVING TO

WATERFRONT BLOCK OF LAND SNAPPED UP FOR A RECORD $1.55 MILLION BY SAVVY PURCHASER

REAL ESTATE HOTSPOT RECORD SALE •

•

The real estate market nationwide entered 2021 poised for big growth, but few places are speeding up as fast as Port Macquarie, and demand continues to gain momentum. The rare opportunity to secure a waterfront block of land in Port Macquarie was just snapped up for a record $1.55 million by a Sydneysider. The 696 sqm block of land on Portside Crescent is south facing the hotly sought-after Hastings River and features a private jetty with deep water access to moor a boat. The price is over $350,000 of previous waterfront land sales.

WAUCHOPE

KEMPSEY

GRAFTON

•

This was an investment opportunity not to be missed, guaranteeing a lifetime investment to design a riverfront home within walking distance to the Settlement City Shopping Centre, public transport, and the CBD of Port Macquarie.

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As Sydney has become prohibitively expensive, Port Macquarie’s population boom, job growth, and expanding infrastructure is making it a hotspot on the radar for savvy buyers and investors

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Sydney is one of the most expensive cities in the world, with median prices climbing out of most buyers’ reach. In May this year, an unliveable one-bedroom home, destroyed by squatters and situated on a 127sqm block of land in Sydney’s inner west suburb of Camperdown, sold for $1.62m.

•

Affordability and lifestyle factors are making coastal towns like Port Macquarie more attractive to sea changers and investors than ever before

NAMBUCCA

HEADS

The current Port Macquarie population of 82,370 is projected to increase to about 104,000 by 2036, and job growth and infrastructure is growing to accommodate this boom. An airport terminal upgrade is in the works, and the Australian and NSW governments are jointly funding $3.3 billion to upgrade 105 kilometres of Pacific Highway between Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour. Source: NSW Government.

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112COFFS GREATER PORTfocus MACQUARIE 10 COAST

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Greater Port Macquarie Focus - i192

Articles inside

Tania Magon - Women in Business

Kate Wood-Foye - Business Illuminate

Nicholas Lawton - Legal Light

Lauren McAllister & Simon Bank - Business Minds

Alex Cassegrain - Grape Escape

Lou Perri - Palate Pleasures