Greater Port Macquarie Focus - i194 by Focus

issue

194 MAY 2022

JAMES JOHNSTON

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As a proud major sponsor of the 25th Anniversary year for the Mother’s Day Classic, HEM are going pink for the month of may to raise money and awareness for breast cancer reseach.

JOIN OUR TEAM RAISING MONEY FOR CANCER RESEARCH

THIS YEAR HEM ARE PUTTING TOGETHER A TEAM TO WALK, RUN OR HOP AROUND THE WESTPORT COURSE ON MOTHER’S DAY AND WE WOULD LOVE YOUR SUPPORT.

SUNDAY.8.MAY.2022 • 7:00AM–11:00AM

WESTPORT PARK, PARK STREET, PORT MACQUARIE ALL PROCEEDS go to Breast Cancer Research CONTACT naomi@hemproperty.com.au or to DONATE visit: motherdayclassic.com.au/donate

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W HAT’S ON I AM SAILING: A TRIBUTE TO ROD STEWART IN CONCERT Sunday 8 May, 2pm Use code word “FOCUS” to receive a 50% discount. Available to first 50 ticket sales.

TEDDY TAHU RHODES, JOSH PITERMAN & GUY NOBLE IN CONCERT Thursday 19 May, 7.30pm EXHIBITIONS

COASTAL INSPIRATIONS Saturday 30 April to Sunday 3 July

NORTHERN EXPOSURE 7 Saturday 7 May to Sunday 26 June OPENING NIGHT Friday 6 May, 6pm

SYDNEY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Friday 27 May, 7.30pm

FOR BOOKINGS: 02 6581 8888

glasshouse.org.au

Follow Glasshouse:

@ GLASSHOUSE JANE EYRE Friday 3 June, 11am & 8pm

LEAP Friday 10 June, 7.30pm

AFTERNOON AT THE PROMS Saturday 11 June, 2pm

INVINCIBLE - THE HELEN REDDY STORY Sunday 19 June, 3pm

The Glasshouse is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW

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

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

Regional Gallery Opening Hours Tue - Fri 10am - 4pm Sat, Sun & Public Hol’s 10am - 2pm Closed Mondays

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

appy Mother’s Day to all the mums, step-mums, grandmothers and dog mums out there. We hope you have a beautiful day on Sunday 8th and get super spoilt.

Festivals are back, and they are back with a bang. Over the next two months Port Mac will come alive in a huge way. Fotsun, Ride the Wave and of course the first ever Boots & Beach, which is on 27th and 28th of this month. Our cover this month is James Johnston who will perform at Boots & Beach. James is a “local” Wingham born and bred lad who over the last 6 months

has really come on in leaps and bounds in the country music scene. We can’t wait to see him and the rest of this wicked line up. Make sure you grab your tickets. This is sure to be a great event that will be added to the Festival calendar each year. Cancer Council Events Not only do we have our awesome music festivals back, but our local fundraising events are back as well – Mother’s Day Classic and Hastings Dancing with the Stars. Check out information and meet the stars of both of these events starting on page 80. Slice of Haven The line up for what to do this month just

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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

keeps on getting bigger and better. Yep that is right Slice of Haven is also back. Make sure you get out to the Camden Haven on May 29th and support all the local businesses. We want to share your stories We are on the hunt for amazing locals doing amazing things. Please don’t ever be shy to contact us with a story idea. We love sharing your stories and meeting our locals. Email us at info@focusmag.com.au with your story idea or with someone who you think is deserving. Until next month enjoy May, and make sure you get out and support all these amazing festivals and events.

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

HEAD DESIGNER Dylan Gaul dylan@focusmag.com.au GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kyle Rathbone kyle@focusmag.com.au PHOTOGRAPHY Gavin Moroney gavin@focusmag.com.au CIRCULATIONS COORDINATOR Steve Foye steve@focusmag.com.au 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 194 - May 2022 INTERVIEWS

KATIE MCCARTHY

NELLE LEE

Katie McCarthy started her brand Scrunchiko when she saw a need for a reliable hair tie product for active women and girls, but it has become even more than that...

Queensland shake & stir theatre company’s Artistic Director Nelle Lee and star of upcoming production Jane Eyre speaks to Focus ahead of the June 3rd performances at The Glasshouse.

GLENN GILLIGAN

Retired teacher and Port Macquarie local Glenn Gilligan has an incredible eye for photographing the natural world including landscape vistas, birds and animals on his travels.

OUR CONTRIBUTORS 50. Lou Perri - Palate Pleasures 52. Alex Cassegrain - Grape Escape 56. Alistair Flower - In the Front Bar 58. Port City Bowling Club - From the Shaker 99. Tim Couch - Legal Light 104. Kate Wood-Foye - Business Illuminate CONTRIBUTOR

108. Alex Glen-Holmes - Business Voice

OF THE MONTH

110. Lauren McAllister & Simon Bank - Business Minds

KATE WOOD-FOYE

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

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www.facebook.com/PortMacquarieFocus

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MAY 2022

MAY LONG LUNCH DAY

Enjoy a day of scenery & serenity! Wauchope Country Club, Tarcoola Equestrian Centre, Beechwood Café, Greenbourne Nursery, Bardis Café Itinerary. Pickups will commence by 9:00am. Morning tea around 10:30am. $94 per person. Contact 02 6583 3330 Email tours@portbus.com.au www.portbus.com.au

HOW TO PLEASE A WOMAN Wauchope Physical Culture invites you to join them in a movie night Fundraiser. Ladies’ night out, bring all your friends and family to watch this hilarious comedy. Tickets on sale now through Wauchope Physical Culture Club on Facebook

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THE FORESHORE MARKET

A vibrant marketplace for local artists and artisans to showcase and market their talents in the Port Macquarie area. When 8:00am - 1:00pm Where Westport Park More info marketplaceevents.com.au 14 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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FOTSUN

Port Macquarie’s flagship live music event bringing in the summer with some great live Aussie and International bands, tasty markets and three days of camping in the sun next to the beach. Where Breakwall Holiday Park, Port Macquarie More info www.fotsun.com

CRAFT SALE

Port Macquarie Art & Craft Centre, Inc. Craft sale and open day at Port Macquarie Art and Craft Centre, Gordon St (Lake Rd roundabout). Sale of local handmade items made by centre members. Woodwork, pottery, leather, cards, hand spun and knitted garments, silver jewellery and works of art. More info 0490 073 295

FOOD & WINE

SPECTACULAR

Join us at Blue Water for a spectacular night of food & wine hosted by Angove’s Chief Winemaker Tony Ingle. 6 courses will be exquisitely paired with outstanding wines from South Australia’s McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills and the Barossa, including a surprise mystery wine through the evening. When 6:00 - 9:30pm Where Blue Water Bar and Restaurant bluewaterbarandrestaurant.com.au

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JAMES J O H N S T O N

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I went through that experience and it was good, I learned a lot of what I wanted to do and what I didn’t want to do and one of the things that I really realised is that I wanted to share my own story, my music.

You could pretty much call James Johnston a local. BORN AND BRED IN WINGHAM, JAMES HAS SHOT INTO THE COUNTRY MUSIC SPOTLIGHT and will be playing at the very first Boots & Beach festival right here in Port Macquarie on May 27th and 28th.

i James, the last couple of years have been pretty exciting for you. But let’s go back to the beginning. Where did you grow up? Where did it all begin

and what attracted you to country music and becoming an artist? So I grew up in little town of Wingham and

I have been singing since I can remember, I kind of started performing on stage at just four years old. Country music was always played in our car and I grew up just singing along in the car and have just always had a passion for it. If anybody ever asked me what I wanted to be, I always said, I want to be a country singer. And that’s really never changed.

In 2014, you auditioned for X Factor. Tell us about that experience, and what made you audition. I auditioned on a whim, to be honest with you, I was in Sydney and my friend said the auditions were being held. And I thought “Alright, I’ll give that a go”. I went through that experience and it was good, I learned a lot of what I wanted to do and what I didn’t want to do and one of the things that I really realised is that I wanted to share my own story, my music. Those shows are great, but at the end of the day, they are cover shows and you’re singing other people’s songs. When I left that show, I said “All right, well, it’s time for me to start sharing my music and actually telling my story and not singing other people’s songs”. So I think my biggest takeaway from that was probably that. Social media has had a great hand in raising your profile during lockdown. And TikTok really helped you jump into the spotlight, how does it make you feel? And what are you most thankful for? I would say that what I love about social media, and TikTok as an extension of that, is that it’s created this really positive community, and it’s my music and the story that tells reflection of just celebrating a way of life, which is kind of the country way of life. It’s celebrating living on the land and small towns and all that sort of stuff. Continued over... GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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I know that social media can be a really relentless place and a fairly harsh place – not everybody has a great experience on it – but I’m lucky that I genuinely have a pretty good time and most people are very positive. A lot of people share my music with their stories. And that’s one of the best things that I’ve seen on TikTok, I think my first single has something like 10,000 videos made using that song. People are celebrating their lives using my music, and I absolutely love that. So you come to I love putting on a Port Macquarie big energy show in May, for and you know people are our inaugural not going to be sitting Boots & Beach down. I want to get Festival, what people up and out can our readers dancing. My show is all expect from your set? And about just having a what are you having a good time. looking forward to the most? Oh boy, so I’ve pretty much circled back to where I had my very first paid gig. It was at the Mercure. I used to travel there and I’d get paid 250 bucks, I would travel from Newcastle (I was living in Newcastle at the time), and I drive from Newcastle to Port Macquarie and back again, 18 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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so Port Macquarie feels kind of like another hometown for me and it feels like I’m coming back to a place where it all started so that’s gonna be really special. People should expect just big energy from me. I love putting on a big energy show and you know people are not going to be sitting down. I want to get people up and out dancing. My show is all about just having a having a good time. Congratulations on your new baby boy, that’s so exciting for you all. Your newest song ‘Anything Like Me’ is of course about him, but your other songs ‘Raised Like That’ and ‘Small Town’ are also about you and your life. Tell us about these songs and how it feels when you hear people singing them back to you at a concert? Yeah, so I always had this belief that once I Country music released the songs into is about the world, it no longer celebrating life. I becomes my song. I love think people are Garth Brooks’ songs and looking for that, ‘Friends in Low Places’ especially in the last became my dad’s and my few years amongst song. When we’d hop in the pandemic and the car, we put that song I’ve sat down and when there was so on, and that became our watched all these much negativity song. And I loved seeing international artists and my song become other I’ve kind of just sat back people’s songs, I get a lot – I’m one to observe – of messages sent to me like, when I’m driving and I decided I want to do that, I can do that, the car with my best friend, or when I’m I could do that, I could be up on that stage, driving the car with my dad we always put on I could be putting on one of these shows. this song first. That truly just makes me feel so And now to have the opportunity to go and happy because I feel like those songs become do that, it feels incredible. I feel there’s some timeless songs. Even in 50 years when I put on degree of responsibility for me to go out there ‘Friends in Low Places’, that will still be mine and just lay out my own expectations of what and my dad’s song. I wanted to do. If you could pick any artist in the world Where would you like to be in five years to collaborate with, who would it be and time? why? Five years time... I want to share my music 100% Garth Brooks for so many reasons with the world. I’ve always said that from day that I can’t name them all. one, I want to go to Nashville. And I want to You’ve also just been named on the CMC play the big arenas, I want to travel around the world playing my music, connecting with Rocks 2022 lineup, which is amazing. as many people as possible. I’d love to be Congratulations. Tell us how does that touring around the world, touring to America, feel? touring across Australia, touring around When I stepped in and started my career as everywhere and just reaching as many people a singer, I actually wrote down on my list of as I can. things to achieve: play at CMC.

Country music has come such a long way, in the last 10-15 years. Why do you think country music has become so popular? I think because a lot of people have this perception that country music used to be the sad songs, and it’s not most of the time, they listen to the big playlist and everything. Country music is the celebration. I think a lot of music that’s in the mainstream at the moment is based around negative ideas. Country music is about celebrating life. I think people are looking for that, especially in the last few years amongst the pandemic and when there was so much negativity. I think people are looking for something to disconnect them from the world when everything they’re seeing on the news seems so negative. To put on a song that’s just got a good beat and makes you feel good and uplifting, I think people gravitate towards that. To be honest, I actually know in the data of Spotify country music really boomed during lockdown. I think people wanted to kind of get away from all the craziness of the world. Thanks James. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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with SAND EVENTS

Dust off those cowboy boots and get the camping gear ready because a new beachside country music festival is about to roll into town. Setting up stage at Port Macquarie’s Breakwall Caravan Park from the 27th - 29th May 2022, Boots & Beach is where country and coast collide for one boot scootin’ good time.

he very first Boots & Beach takes place this month in PMac, how did this festival come about? I’d been considering the idea of running a country music festival since about 2016 as I have always had a great love of country music and the culture that comes with it, including friends and family who have grown up in the country world. My wife Alana has a cousin who was a professional bull rider and my sisterin-law also loves country music. I also tuned in on a regular basis to a certain Focus magazine friend in the office above me who pumps out the country tunes on a regular basis. Thanks Netty! So yeah basically lots of easter eggs around the place whispering in my ear “do a country fest bro it’ll be siiiiiiick.” Ironically the moment I finally decided to really formalise the festival concept was in the midst of Covid. I literally decided to not tell anyone my plans, as I figured they would assume I had finally lost the plot. Who the heck starts a new festival in Covid lockdown, but it did keep me on track and

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away from spending my days playing Red Dead Redemption, so all good! In addition, I approached 2 close friends and colleagues who are now on board mentoring and guiding the event with me. What can our readers expect from Boots & Beach? Ok so here is the experience first hand. You finish work, you are so pumped for the weekend that you’ve been cranking country tunes all week, Brad Cox, Fanny Lumsden, James Johnston, Angus Gill, Brooke McClymont and more! You’ve hit your mates up to ensure everyone is ready to road trip as soon as it hits beer o’clock. You decide to head up on Thursday so you can check out Port Macquarie before the festival kicks off. Every caravan up the highway is setting off Lee Kernigan as they make their way to Port Macquarie. Wolfe Brothers are at peak on the airpods for those final rounds on the tractor and Brad Cox is cranking for the under 30s who are the new up and coming country music fans. Locals who are inquisitive of the epic cultural experience hitting town try to find something to wear – is a Hawaiian shirt suitable? Hmm

maybe? They grab their camp chair, snacks, water, a big old hat and umbrella (all which are allowed at Boots) and get a lift down to the front gate for a speedy and smooth check in. As you walk into the entertainment area you see a range of food trucks, icy beers for sale and even cocktail bar. You check out the handful of cool retail stalls and then you kick back on the green grass of the Boots stage area and settle in for 2 nights of epic live country music, giddy up! What are you looking forward to the most about the festival? Getting to simply hang out with our country music loving patrons, crew and musicians. I just ran Meatstock Toowoomba and myself and the crew were absolutely stoked with how friendly not only the patrons were but how friendly and laid back the country musicians are. Everyone sort of just became damn good mates literally after a few frothies and a burger, so it was epic. We hope to see plenty of people make new friends for what will be an ongoing tradition now in Port Macquarie.

PRESENTED BY

SAND EVENTS

FRIDAY 27TH MAY BRAD COX 8:30PM - 9:30PM

THE WOLFE BROTHERS 7:00PM - 8:00PM

VIC

JAMES JOHNSTON 5:45PM - 6:30PM

AMBER LAWRENCE 4:30PM - 5:15PM

NRMA PORT MACQUARIE BREAKWALL HOLIDAY PARK

VERY IMPORTANT CAMPER

CAMPLIFY CAMPGROUND

27TH & 28TH MAY 2022

JAKE DAVEY 3:15PM - 4:00PM

MERCH

LOREN RYAN 2:00PM - 2:45PM

LEE KERNAGHAN

E AG T S

8:30PM - 9:30PM

FOOD TRUCKS

SATURDAY 28TH MAY

VIP

AREA / BAR

FANNY LUMSDEN

5:45PM - 6:30PM

RAECHEL WHITCHURCH 4:30PM - 5:15PM

RUCKS FOOD T

BROOKE MCCLYMONT & ADAM ECKERSLEY

ENTRY

7:00PM - 8:00PM

FIRST AID

ANGUS GILL 3:15PM - 4:00PM

T SILENO C S I D NKY TONK

BILLIE-JO PORTER 2:00PM - 2:45PM

MAIN BAR

+ THE KIDS GONE COUNTRY 12:45PM - 1:30PM

TWO-DAY PASSES ON SALE NOW

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SCRUNCHIKO

McCarthy

atie herself is also so inspiring, starting something new from the ground up and staying confident and focussed on her goals. Hi Katie. Can you tell us where the idea for Scrunchiko first came from? The idea for Scrunchiko came from the need to fix a problem, but also highlight the amazing community of female athletes that were achieving and inspiring young women. I am an avid runner and couldn’t find a reliable hair elastic that was sweat and water resistant that could withstand vigorous exercise. When also watching female sport,

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Katie McCarthy started her brand Scrunchiko when she saw a need for a reliable hair tie product for active women and girls, but it has become even more than that, bringing together a community of women from all walks of life who aspire to be their very best and inspire each other.

athletes would regularly stop mid game to readjust their hair, which would often mean a stop in play for them. I wanted to give them a solution. Finally, many big name sports brands didn’t manufacture custom hair products for grass roots teams or national squads, so being able to custom create to their uniforms, that added a little glam to their team strips, has been pivotal to the success of Scrunchiko. What was the first step for you in getting this business started? The first step for creating my business was having belief in myself. I am a very positive and motivated person, who has big dreams and goals for Scrunchiko, so going small was

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never an option. When also I had no prior watching business experience female sport, athletes before I launched would regularly stop Scrunchiko either. I am from a dental mid game to readjust background as an Oral their hair, which Health Therapist, so things that have set would often mean a essentially, I was and Scrunchiko apart? stop in play for them. I still am learning to Scrunchiko is a very wanted to give them a evolve and grow in the unique brand. A brand solution. world of business and that has evolved into networking. more than a product Furthermore, having a but a sisterhood of business name that was catchy, memorable young women who aspire to be their very and meaningful to myself, but also the best in the world of sport, and women community of women who rock the brand. who want to keep active and healthy. This What was the initial response like? includes athletes, medical staff, referees, Like all small businesses and starting commentators and support staff. Our out in the world of business, I was a little products also have dual functions. nervous. I think it took about a month to Made from sports-favourable materials, gain momentum and since then, I haven't that also adds a little glam to a very male looked back. dominated arena. Scrunchiko also puts What do you think are some of the grassroots front and centre and celebrates

the small wins of women, not just in Australia but worldwide. I think it’s very important to champion young women, as they are the future athletes we will be seeing. Over 50% of young women from the age of 18 quit sport entirely due to many reasons – self doubt, bullying, appearance. I want to help decrease that number. When a young woman secures her hair with a Scrunchiko scrunchie, she knows that not only will her hair be supported, but she is part of a global community of women who aspire to achieve their very best. Scrunchiko’s mantra is to look good, feel good, play good. Continued over...

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as AFLW, Tennis, Athletics, Rugby Union, soccer and water sports. What do you love most about your work? To be able to make an impact, and the community that has supported and continues to help spread the awareness of Scrunchiko I am also very products and the purpose You have lots of proud that behind the brand. athletes wearing your Scrunchiko was Nothing makes me scrunchies, who have worn by our 2021 happier than when I see they been particularly Olympics women’s someone, athlete or not, popular with? teams as well as wearing Scrunchiko. It I would say that as AFLW, Tennis, means that they believe the brand has grown Athletics, Rugby in my product, and what and evolved over the Union, soccer and it stands for. I also love past 4 years, more water sports. working with different sporting codes have groups of women, started supporting and whether that be in the wearing Scrunchiko. form of charities, First Nations, LGBTQI, Rugby League has been a big supporter of my product. With all 6 NRLW teams, First Nations, Athletes, Foundations or Grass Roots Sporting Clubs. Being able to partner with like-minded State of Origin and International teams people and businesses has been a very wearing my product for the past 4 years. But I important part of spreading the awareness, am also very proud that Scrunchiko was worn not only about the causes, but for customers by our 2021 Olympics women’s teams as well 24 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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I have never thought of Scrunchiko as a small side hustle. I’ve been committed to this 110% from the beginning and it is now, 4 years later where I am seeing the hard work pay off.

to know Scrunchiko stands for more than just a product, but real people. What have you learnt about yourself since starting your own business? What have a learnt about myself?? SO MUCH! That life is short, and if I want something, I need to work for it, no matter what it takes. I used to be self conscious and care about what people think about my ideas. Now, not so much. That I am so much more than I give myself credit for and that Scrunchiko is not just a business but a brand… and I built it. Having built this brand from the ground up, has been very much a journey of growth for me. I am continually

growing as a person, I now take criticism constructively. I have become a solutions person. If one way doesn’t fit, I am more than willing to try other ways to fix it. I have also learnt that it is okay to ask for help. Help from people who may have more knowledge about business than me, more connections to the sporting world or someone who just wants to be there to support me. What are your plans and hopes for Scrunchiko heading into the future? My plans for Scrunchiko are BIG. I have never thought of Scrunchiko as a small side hustle. I’ve been committed to this 110%

from the beginning and it is now, 4 years later where I am seeing the hard work pay off. I like to keep my cards close to my chest in terms of advocating my plans, but I’ll just say one thing, I want Scrunchiko to transcend generations. For it to be known as a solutions brand for female athletes and for the continued growth of not only its audience, but hopefully to lead other brands to support sports women like Scrunchiko has. To have new products released, continue to partner with innovative brands and foundations and most importantly, create impact. Thanks Katie.

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FOR THE LOVE OF LUXURY MID NORTH COAST COUPLE CRAIG & AMANDA EVANS KNOW WHAT IT’S LIKE TO DRIVE IN STYLE. WE DISCUSS THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE PRACTICAL LAND ROVER VEHICLE VERSUS THE REFINED LUXURY OF THE JAGUAR. Hello Craig! I know you are a big fan of John Oxley Motors and its brands, owning a couple of Jaguars and a couple of Land Rovers. What is it you find most appealing about owning and driving these luxury vehicles? The Jaguars and my two Land Rover Defenders are two worlds apart! The Jaguar F-TYPE Coupé is an amazing sports car, so refined and responsive and certainly gives you the feeling you’re always driving on a racetrack. The Jaguar F-PACE is a great all-round vehicle with many creature comforts but the most amazing thing about this vehicle is the 5.0L Supercharged V8. The vehicle looks relatively subtle but has an incredible heart, the sound of this engine just makes you smile. The Defenders simply just have appeal! You certainly don’t drive the Defender for its refinement, but it has a real character about it that makes you just love them. They are a go anywhere vehicle that is at home off the road, but also can easily sit on the highway very comfortably. Can you talk us through some of the many driver-focused features of both models and how do they compare with each other? The Jaguar F-PACE SVR is a very refined vehicle with everything that a driver could want. From a super responsive engine that can do 0-100km/h in 4.0 seconds, great handling and steering but not at the expense of comfort. It is a great looking vehicle with an even better sound.

Port Macquarie Land Rover 130 Hastings River Dr, Port Macquarie Tel: (02) 6588 8525 | retailers.landrover.com.au/portmac-portmacquarie

The Jaguar F-TYPE Coupé is a real sports car with impressive performance and a refined interior. While it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles that the SVR has, it doesn’t need it, as its just such a pleasure to drive on a lazy Sunday. I know you speak so highly of Ben Husk and the Port Macquarie Land Rover and Jaguar team. Tell us about your experience purchasing and continually servicing your vehicles at John Oxley Motors, Port Macquarie. Ben and the team at Port Macquarie Jaguar Land Rover simply put the customer’s needs first and foremost. We don’t live locally so for us to return the vehicles for serving etc. means that it could be quite a hassle, but not when dealing with Ben. Ben always goes above and beyond when arranging servicing dates, loan cars or even vehicle storage. We have purchased many vehicles over the years from Shane & the team at John Oxley Motors, from Jaguars to Land Rovers, and every experience has been exceptional. What is on the horizon for you for the year ahead? I have my eye on the newly released Range Rover SV, but I think it will be a little while away!

Nurse | Health Administrator | MBA | Cancer Council Director

When I work with you — and for you — I will always choose fairness over favours, facts over lies, everyday people before corporate greed and substance over spin to achieve Real action on climate to protect our lifestyles and communities, boost business and grow secure skilled jobs. Economic policy that is fair, sustainable, affordable and equitable. Spending on health and education before tax cuts for the rich. A thorough policy review to address housing affordability. Improved access to quality affordable primary health and child care. Dignity, decency and respect in aged, disability and home care.

Fast reliable NBN and no more phone blackspots in Cowper. A locally led Emergency Response Force to protect, help and support all people before, during and after natural disasters. Equality in education and training to skill all people for the opportunities of the future. An end to the politics of lies, corruption, pork barrelling, empty promises and waste. Genuine respect and true equality for women, First Nations people, the elderly, pensioners, the disadvantaged and the different.

www.caz4cowper.com.au    Authorised by Carolyn Heise, Independent Cowper Pty Ltd. 65 Hickory Street, Dorrigo, NSW 2453. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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Queensland shake & stir theatre company’s Artistic Director Nelle Lee and star of upcoming production Jane Eyre speaks to FOCUS ahead of the June 3rd performances at the Glasshouse Port Macquarie.

N E L L E

L E E

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We try to re-contextualise but try to to make them engaging and dynamic as well as keeping the actual text true to itself.. Image by David Fell Image by David Fell

i Nelle. Thank you so workshops and school programmes as well as much for speaking with presenting main-stage performance works. Focus Magazine. You shake & stir is known for reinventing are the artistic director largely historical and period dramas, often of Queensland theatre with gothic overtones, and recreating company shake & stir them in new and contemporary ways as well as a well-known Australian for a modern audience. Why is this an actor in your own right. For those who important attribute for the company? aren’t familiar, tell We are passionate about us a little about the classic literature, not just origin of shake & Shakespeare, as well as We are stir, being one of some of those classic passionate about Australia’s leading novels; the Gothic novels classic literature, not contemporary theatre are something that we companies. love exploring. We don’t just Shakespeare, as We started off back try to modernise works in well as some of those in 2006. We’ve been the sense that we try to reclassic novels... operating; touring contextualise, but we try to main-stage shows make them engaging and around Australia as dynamic as well as keeping well as premiereing new works in Brisbane. the actual text true to itself. There’s definitely a We also have a whole facet of the company place for contextualising classics, but we don’t that’s focused on educating and engaging tend to do that. the next theatre practitioners through theatre Continued over...

Image by Dylan Evans GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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The fire that literally exists inside Jane as the person ultimately changes her story and her trajectory of her life.

We try to remain faithful because these texts are favourites of people and they’ve stood the test of time for a reason. Our aim is to dust off the cobwebs a little bit and make sure they’re not stuffy and they can still be digestible to our audience, keeping the integrity of the text. Sometimes they need a little bit of tweaking to bring them up to date, so they’re dynamic on stage. But we do try to make sure the integrity is still there. Previous shows have always given viewers a spectacular feast for the eyes displaying such creative and innovative stage effects. Looking back at past productions, you made it rain in the theatre for Wuthering Heights, built a rotating 30 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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live elements that actually set the whole thing on fire, which is really exciting and it’s pretty spectacular to watch. I understand the music score for Jane Eyre has been produced by hugely successful Australian musician and singer Sarah McLeod. How has her influence added another creative dimension to this production? Yes, it’s the first time we’ve worked in that realm in terms of commissioning It’s quite or engaging somebody to haunting the create the score piece and way she represents she also plays a character, her music. The the woman that lives in the set for Dracula and attic. It’s quite haunting music created is so brought mud onto the the way she represents her beautiful, this sort stage for Animal Farm. music. The music created Can we look forward of sweeping love is so beautiful, this sort of to any exciting new ballad. sweeping love ballad. And effects featured in Jane Sarah’s never done anything Eyre? like this before. She’s a world class musician Well yes, anyone that knows this novel and is pretty incredible in this production. knows the way that it goes. So yes! It’s kind You yourself are playing the lead role of of a motif in the book. And it’s a theme, the protagonist for this production and to the fire that literally exists inside Jane as the give a little insight into this classic novel; person ultimately changes her story and her Charlotte Brontë’s Gothic tale depicts a trajectory of her life. Live elements so to spirited orphan in search of love, family speak are an integral part of this production. and a sense of belonging. The text is also We’ve built a lovely Gothic set. We've got our listed on the HSC syllabus. fabulous production team that have created

Image by Dylan Evans

When I read it as a young person, I was in high school. I read it again when I was at university, and it means something different. It resonates differently in you, depending on where you are in your life.

What do you hope high school students will take away from their viewing of this performance? We’re quite particular in which novels we select to adapt for the stage. The stories and the characters within this particular novel do translate so well. We hope that we can inspire young people as well as the general public, and for them to think we did it justice and to foster that feeling that we all had reading the book. When I read it as a young person, I was in high school. I read it again when I was at university, and it means something different. It resonates differently in you, depending on where you are in your life. That's the beauty of it. That's the power of a novel that's so beautifully written like this. Charlotte Brontë did create these characters and she was one of the first I think for her time. That’s why the book was so pivotal and so important. The heroine, the young woman, became mine. We hope that it resonates in a way that people can see that we’re all restricted and constrained in some way. And I think that’s one of the main messages. It’s important to be able to know when you can release and how you can relate. As part of this production, students in Port Macquarie will also have the opportunity to work with actors from the cast in a physical ensemble theatre workshop. How

will this add another layer of development for aspiring theatre students? Well, we are really passionate about making sure that there is that bridge that we want to close the gap between young artists and professionals. I think that it’s really important to be able to work with people that are working in the industry, people that are professional actors doing it making a living. So we hope that encourages young actors and young theatre makers to ask questions and to get involved and not be afraid to get up and work with people like us and get in contact. So it is something that seems more achievable, and therefore we’ll have more people making that transition from high school learning drama to the professional realm. It is really important to me to be able to nurture that next generation of theatre makers.

Beautifully said and beyond Jane Eyre, what is on the horizon for the year ahead for yourself and shake & stir? We’re currently in the midst of a season of The Twits by Roald Dahl. It’s pretty exciting to be able to see things back up and running. It’s been a tough couple of years. I think everybody in the industry is so happy to see things moving and shows opening again. And then we’ve got a new Australian work that’s premiering later this year as well. So watch this space. Thanks Nelle. Interview: Sarah Baker. shake & stir’s production of Jane Eyre will be performed at the Glasshouse Port Macquarie on Friday June 3rd, for 2 shows only. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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Come celebrate with us you mob! Yilaami maagunda ngiyambala ngujawiny! (Gumbaynggirr) Mara gagi gindalan nyiirun.gay nyura! (Gathang) Dhanang! Dugaaguga, giwin.ga nyinanhambuta! (Dhanggati)

28th of May | Unkya Reserve, Eungai Creek on Gumbaynggirr Country

A FREE community event, Saltwater Freshwater Festival returns to the Mid North Coast this month with a deadly program of Aboriginal music, dance, film, yarn sessions, workshops, arts and craft stalls and so much more! A celebration of the rich living culture from the Gumbaynggirr, Dunghutti, Biripi and Worimi nations, this event is proudly funded by the NSW Government in association with the Bushfire Community Recovery and Resilience Fund through the joint Commonwealth/State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements and Nambucca Valley Council.

Proudly funded by

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Our mainstage program has something for everyone delivering a range of music styles. Emma Donovan and Melbourne rhythm combo The Putbacks

Glenn Skuthorpe - Nhunggabarra, Kooma and Muruwari

feature as this year’s festival headline performance. Emma is a

man and international touring singer-songwriter Glenn

proud and highly regarded Gumbaynggirr woman and she and

Skuthorpe is a powerful lyricist and composer whose stories

her band The Putbacks, burst on to the Australian scene with

must be heard. Glenn has performed on stages big and

their album Dawn in 2015, announcing a new voice in Australian

small with some living legends in his long career including

soul music. Emma’s songwriting is optimistic, impassioned, and

Buffy Sainte-Marie, Steve Earle, Tex Perkins, Kev Carmody,

bruisingly honest, The Putbacks’ music is fluid, live and raw, and

Archie Roach, Rory McLeod, Michelle Shocked, Buddy Miller

the collaboration has won friends and admirers all over the world.

and Mary Gauthier.

Eric Avery - Kabi Marrawuy Mumbulla, is a violinist, vocalist

OETHA - with an Australian and global Hip Hop scene heavily

dancer and composer from the Ngiyampaa, Yuin and

dominated by men, these Indigenous Sistas have come at

Gumbaynggirr people of NSW. He works with his family’s custodial

just the right time! Made up of Lady Lash, Miss Hood and

songs and his haunting compositions often feature him singing

Dizzy Doolan, together they breathe a breath of fresh air

while playing violin, predominantly in the Ngiyampaa language.

into the music scene, providing some feminine energy and a

Kauri Munro Greentree – a percussive guitarist, singer-songwriter and self-taught Gamillaroi man, Kauri has developed his own unique style of rhythmic curling finger tapping, allowing the beats of the guitar to play through him. Kauri has become an audience

much needed balance to the scene. The music is layered with strong social messages, insights and tells personal stories while providing some serious anthems for women and all music lovers!

favourite across the Mid North Coast of NSW.

Dive in to the Festival experience: • Dance Stage with Worimi, Birpai, Biripi, Dunghutti, & Gumbaynggirr dancers performing through the day and coming together for a Big Corroboree to close the event! • Yarn tent featuring panel discussions about resilience, connection to Country, cultural protocols and cultural burn practices.

Original artwork Sisterhood by Gumbaynggirr artist Lavinnia Inglis

‘Bulagan.gidam Giirrwaawa — Multiple sistaz coming together’

• Film tent – showcasing short films developed by Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance • Workshops – dance, language, weaving and bark canoe making and mural art making • Aboriginal arts and craft stalls • A wide variety of delicious food (and coffee) trucks

Come, dance, listen, weave, learn, connect and celebrate!

Scan for details!

Be part of the story and register your interest to be a Festival volunteer by visiting www.saltwaterfreshwater.com.au/festival or call the Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance office on 02 6658 1315. To keep posted on the event and the details of our final program, scan the QR code and add your details. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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The Ride the Wave Festival established in 2021 has become an annual fundraising event for Make A Difference PMQ (M.A.D.) that showcases our region to the wider community whilst advocating for those who are disadvantaged and marginalised.

osted at Town Beach Port Macquarie, the inaugural festival raised funds for the M.A.D. food van and trailer. M.A.D. is a local not-for-profit charitable organisation that raised funds to bring the Orange Sky Laundry Van to the Hastings. Since then we have raised money to purchase a food and coffee van to help feed the disadvantaged and less fortunate in our community. We are excited to team with the NSW Government, Destination NSW, Surfing NSW and Port Macquarie-Hastings Council to bring the festival to Port Macquarie again. 100% of entry fees will be donated to the M.A.D. Mobile Food Van Service to support homelessness and domestic violence services within our region. Ride the Wave aims to raise over $20,000 annually. BIGGER, BETTER, BE THERE! The 2022 competitions include short & long board surfing, and scooter & skateboarding. And a Battle of the Bands competition ‘Live Set’ for up-and-coming solo acoustic artists. The Ride the Sound Wave music festival is on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th June at Town Beach Park, Alban Place. A special addition is the over 18s “Barrel Room” beer garden within the Ride the Sound Wave precinct. 34 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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Whilst the music festival is a ticketed event, the general public will have free access to market stalls, food vendors and family activities around the skate park and Breakwall HQ cafe over the weekend. SURF (18th-19th & 24th-26th June) Ride The Wave Pro presented by Coastline Credit Union, HER Wave And Men And Women At Work In Partnership With Surfing NSW. Surfers from across the state will compete for a coveted placing in the annual RTW Pro. LONGBOARD EVENT (Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th June 2022) SHORTBOARD EVENT (Friday 24th and Sunday 26th June 2022) PRIZES & PRIZE MONEY UP FOR GRABS NRMA Breakwall Holiday Park, Rydges, Sails and El Paso Motor Inn are proud partners of RTW Pro and have kindly offered a 10% discount to all competitors while staying for RTW. SKATE Saturday 25th June (8:00am – 3:30pm) The Ride the Wave Festival Skate & Scooter Competition presented by Inner Vision Surf & Skate, HEM Property and Parrey’s Skatepark & Scooter Shop welcomes all entries. Registration is open and closes on Monday 30th May 2022.

Skate and Scooter riders from across the state will compete for a coveted placing in the annual RTW Skate and Scooter Comp. SOUNDWAVE Saturday 25th June (10:00am – 9:30pm) & Sunday 26th June (10:00am – 5:30pm) Ride the Sound Wave is a two-day music festival held within the Ride the Wave Festival itself, with live music incorporating national headliners with a mixture of local bands, solo artists and DJs. In addition, ‘Live Set’ a Solo Acoustic Battle of the Bands style competition advocating for new regional music in our area will also take place. Across two mammoth days Ride the Sound Wave 2022 will host Oz rock royalty British India, Jebediah, Dallas Crane, The Casanovas, End of Fashion, feature indie rock queens Clews, and acoustic sensation Gaudion and Dusty Boots in the beautiful surrounds of Town Beach Port Macquarie as part of the broader Ride the Wave Festival hosted by local charity Make a Difference PMQ. The festival aims to support and strengthen youth culture and regional tourism whilst advocating for the marginalised and disadvantaged in the local community.

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GLENN GILLIGAN

i Glenn. Thank you for taking the time to speak to FOCUS. Your eye with a camera is extraordinary. You are passionate about capturing life in the natural world or the beauty of picturesque landscapes. What is it about this subject matter that inspires you photographically? Thanks for your kind words and the opportunity to showcase my photography, quite an honour. While I like all aspects of photography ranging from portraiture to shooting city lights at night, my passion is capturing the natural world. For me there is nothing better than trekking a windswept rocky beach at sunrise/sunset or wandering 36 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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Retired teacher and Port Macquarie local GLENN GILLIGAN HAS AN INCREDIBLE EYE FOR PHOTOGRAPHING THE NATURAL WORLD including landscape vistas, birds and animals on his travels.

through a rainforest and capturing that world more. In a troubled world it is nice at moment in time which may evoke in viewers times to escape into its beauty. a hint of the beauty, When did you first pick mystery and drama up a camera and what to be found in the is it you love about the I think as a natural world. In craft? photographer saying that, I am also I guess I really started one tends to look happy exploring my with photography in at and appreciate wife Kay’s garden and the 1990’s when I learnt the natural world shooting the bugs to dive with my son more. In a troubled and colourful flowers Justin. We purchased an world it is nice at to be found there. underwater camera and times to escape Animal photography, would dive and shoot a roll into its beauty. particularly birds, of film every weekend at also interests me Nelson Bay. Cameras have especially when they gone digital these days are interacting. I think as a photographer one and this has made photography much easier. tends to look at and appreciate the natural After a few years Justin went off to university,

and as I lost my dive buddy I drifted towards landscape photography which has since become a passion. About this time I moved to the Mid North Coast and took up a position at Kendall Public School, and with so many wonderful opportunities in Port Macquarie for a nature photographer my passion continued to grow. For me photography is about observation. I have found that it is not about what you see but how you see it. I really think photography changes the way you perceive things. All of a sudden I find myself noticing light, shapes, lines, textures, buildings, animals, flowers and so on. As a photographer you start to see the world differently. What type of equipment do you predominantly use? I am a Nikon shooter but these days I feel whatever camera you have in your hands is the right one. I have just replaced my Nikon D810 with a mirrorless Z7. I do like the new mirrorless cameras because apart from being much lighter and easier to carry (I’m not getting any younger) they are extremely quiet when shooting wildlife. I have a number of

I have found that it is not about what you see but about how you see it. I really think photography changes the way you perceive things.

lenses for different situations. My wide angle lens is great for landscapes while my macro lens lets me get up close to insects, plants and small animals. For wildlife I have a long lens which lets me photograph birds and animals from a distance. My tripod is an essential piece of equipment as this allows me to keep my camera still when shooting with a slow shutter speed required for capturing soft water in waves or waterfalls. I really do like photographing waterfalls. A recent addition to my armoury is a drone which I am having a lot of fun with as it is giving me a different photography perspective. Looking at your Instagram feed, you are an avid traveller capturing your adventures through your lens. Where have you been and where are the most beautiful spots you have photographed? Kay and I have travelled extensively

throughout Australia and New Zealand. Our camper slides on the back of our Toyota ute, enabling us to ‘hit the road’ and camp where we like. This has been great for photography. We have done the lap of Australia, travelled up the middle a number of times and visited all states and territories. We usually stay home in summer but most winters we head north for warmer weather. We like Tasmania and have taken the camper across Bass Strait a number of times. You don’t have to travel far in Tassie to encounter different environments and weather. We particularly liked New Zealand’s South Island with its beautiful rivers, glaciers and snow capped peaks. I have also travelled with my son Justin in his pursuit of stories for Australian Geographic. I usually go as his assistant but the assistant tends to take more images than the actual photographer. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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We have travelled in the camper at times but have also flown and hired a car. We’ve photographed King Island, the NSW South Coast, Lamington and New England National Parks, North Queensland, Brisbane/Gold Coast and Sydney. He is currently living on Lord Howe Island and managing the Marine Park over there and I try and get over a couple of times a year. I really love to travel anywhere in Australia but flying over the Great Barrier Reef in a helicopter with Justin was pretty special. The doors were off and although I was a little apprehensive at first I soon warmed to the task and quickly filled an SD card. Can you describe a little about yourself behind the lens? I do like to shoot mornings and evenings when the light is nice and soft and when I can get motivated to get out of bed. I would advise any photographer, beginner or otherwise, if they want to improve their photography join a Camera Club. We have a couple in Port and I have been a member of Port Panthers Photographic Club for about 10 years. Here you will meet like-minded photographers who are only too willing to help in your photographic journey. We meet twice a month and have a mixture 38 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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We meet twice a month and have a mixture of presenters from outside the Club and Club members who are always willing to share their expertise.

of presenters from outside the Club and Club members who are always willing to share their expertise. We also have competitions, both digital and print, where members are able to have their images critiqued. I am also a member of the Australian Photographic

Society (APS) and for a while pursued Honours and reached the level of Master of Australian Photographic Society (MAPS). I found my photography improved as I tried to emulate some of the world’s best photographers in National and International Competitions. If any readers want to improve

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their photography and want to see what we do, come along to one of our meetings, you would be most welcome. Close to home, the Mid North Coast region also offers an array of natural landscapes and birdlife to photograph and explore. What is it you love about living in Port Macquarie? Wow! What an amazing place and I consider myself lucky to live here. I moved up to Port from the Hunter Valley over twenty years ago for work and had an interest in photography but since then I have retired and this interest has developed into a passion. We do have everything for

the nature photographer. Our beaches, the river, Koolonbung Creek Nature Reserve, the Googik Track, Sea Acres Nature Reserve and Billabong Zoo are just some of the places I like to photograph. I also like to photograph the plains south of Port Macquarie which have the most amazing wildflowers in spring. Further afield but not too far away is the Waterfall Way with its numerous waterfalls and the Gondwana Rainforests of the New England National Park (probably my favourite place to point a camera). With all this at our fingertips, we are most fortunate. What is on the horizon for you for the year ahead? This year so far I have been to the Blue Mountains and over to Lord Howe Island and images from these places have been added to my external hard drive. Kay and I would like to travel to Queensland via the coast and to the outback over winter. When retired, travel becomes a little easier as we can take off when it suits us. I will continue to be an active member of Port Panthers Photographic Club, and also later in the year head over to Lord Howe Island when the seabirds return. If you love nature like I do this is the place to visit. Pigs, goats, rats and weeds have been eradicated and this beautiful island is one of the few places in the world that has improved ecologically. But in saying all that our plans could change. Away from the camera where would we find you spending your time?

When I am home in Port apart from the backyard maintenance I do like to have a coffee with Kay of a morning. After many years of getting up and going to work this is a real treat. We are involved with family who are scattered from Newcastle to Brisbane, with some living in Port. I also spend time reading and processing photos on my computer. I find photos these days need some sort of post production whether it be in Lightroom or Photoshop, particularly if you shoot in RAW. I am also a contributor to a travel magazine called ‘On The Road’ and this magazine can be found in any newsagency. I have been sending them photos and travel stories for about 10 years now. They used to publish 12 times a year but have reduced to four coinciding with the seasons. Worth a read if you like travelling in Australia. I continue to be involved with the Port Panthers Photographic Club and Kay and I like to bushwalk and ride our bikes on the Googik Track. For people wanting to find out more about your work and see what you are up to, how best can they connect with you? For about 18 months now I have been posting on Instagram. Anyone interested in seeing my current images and some from the past can check out my site at @glenn. gilligan_photography Thanks Glenn. Interview: Sarah Baker. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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ArtWalk

ot plans this June long weekend? Well, now you do! ArtWalk Port Macquarie Main Event: Friday 10 June 2022, 5pm-9pm Satellite Events throughout the long weekend Why this is the Winter Event we all need right now… It’s been…a year. And it’s only May! Many of us are feeling pretty low on energy and inspiration, and the perfect remedy is a dose of Port Macquarie’s favourite celebration of all things creative - ArtWalk! Be there when Port Macquarie shrugs off its day-time clothes, and transforms at night with magical lighting, musicians, dancers, artists, performers, digital installations and pockets of unexpected delight. Featuring 15 open air ‘live sites’ dotted throughout the CBD, river front and Town Beach Reserve, as well as plenty of participating businesses, cafes, bars and restaurants, don your winter woollies and wander in wonder at our creative talent. With thanks to Djuyalgu Wakulda, our local Gathang Language Group, ArtWalk 2022 will take inspiration from Dungang: Nyiirun girranggang ginyaanggang biladiyn (We are more alive and happier because of the river). The full program will be available as a lift-out in next Month’s Focus Mag (on the stands on 1 June), and on the website (www.artwalkpmq. com.au) in May. However, we can reveal some of the highlights below: • Artists’ Market, Town Square 40 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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Alicia Fox Photography

be in a prime position to view ‘Connecting • Live street art, Town Square the Dots’, a gorgeous new digital production • Birpai Lanterns, Commercial Wharf projecting onto the Historic Courthouse. Bring • Light Sculpture Lanterns, Town Green your walking shoes and explore the whole event • Northern Exposure Art Exhibition at the (many CBD businesses are hosting artists in Glasshouse their venues), or pick your favourites then grab • Live musicians at Little Shack, Breakwall, and something delicious for a picnic on Town Green. Fisherman’s Wharf There are also some amazing Satellite • New digital installation onto the Historic Events throughout the long weekend, such as Courthouse - ‘Connecting the Dots’ an Tortuga (ticketed), a daring new arts festival enthralling bespoke sound and light installation showcasing the finest in Circus and Cabaret featuring many creative souls who call our in a beautiful vintage Spiegeltent. Plus head beautiful region home. to Wauchope to explore • Interactive Youth the ‘Creative Wauchope Theatre with GotYaBack Festival’, including creative Productions ArtWalk has demonstrations and • Digital art installations an expanded workshops with some of at Clarence House program this year, with our amazing local artists • Pop-up galleries in shop new locations and at the Wauchope Creative fronts activities for the whole Hub, and you can also • Chalk art and other family to explore. wander over to the NEW interactive creative Wauchope Art Gallery & activities for all ages Business Hub. Be sure to • Live performances check out the ArtWalk website for all the latest including theatre, dance, choirs, art updates (artwalkpmq.com.au). demonstrations, poetry, and so much more It’s free*, family friendly, and fabulous. ArtWalk has an expanded program this year, ArtWalk will fire up your imagination and warm with new locations and activities for the whole your soul. And that’s just what we need right family to explore. The main event weaves its now. way around the river’s edge, starting from ArtWalk is brought to you by Port Macquarie the Fisherman’s Wharf all the way through to Hastings Council, with support from Town Green, Little Shack, Breakwall Caravan Destination NSW’s Regional Events Fund, NSW Park and on to Town Beach Skate Park! Then Government’s Regional Events Acceleration wander up Murray Street’s creative precinct, Fund, and our local creative community. and head to the Glasshouse forecourt via the *Excludes some ticketed satellite events digital installations at Clarence House. You’ll

Friday 1O June 5pm – 9pm

Port Macquarie CBD

+ music + markets + performers + arts and culture + weekend satellite events EVENT OWNER

Digital installation supported by the NSW Government through the Regional Events Acceleration Fund

We respectfully acknowledge the Birpai people as the Traditional Custodians of the land, seas and rivers on which we work and live. Artwork Titled ‘Ngurambang-gu Dharrungarrung’ (My Honey Bee Country) By Wiradjuri Artist, Melissa Streater

MAIN EVENT

artwalkpmq.com.au #artwalkpmq GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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ARCHIBALD

PRIZE N E R A M

Archibald Prize 2021 Finalist Jonathan Dalton Ramesh and the artist Ramesh (detail) © the artist

In 2022 we are delighted to bring the Archibald Prize back to New England Regional Art Museum. The Archibald Prize, first awarded in 1921, is the country’s most-loved portrait prize award, and one of its most prestigious.

warded to the best portrait painting, it’s a who’s who of Australian culture from politicians to celebrities, sporting heroes to artists. Prestigious and controversial, the Archibald Prize is Australia’s foremost portraiture prize and a must-see exhibition. The prize was initiated by The Bulletin magazine founder JF Archibald (1856–1919). Archibald’s abiding interest in portraiture led him to commission a portrait of poet Henry Lawson by John Longstaff. Delighted with the result, Archibald endowed an annual portrait competition to be judged by the trustees of the Art Gallery of New South Wales – and so the Archibald Prize was born. In its 100-year history the Archibald Prize has celebrated Australia’s leading artists with winners including William Dobell, Nora Heysen, Brett Whiteley and Del Kathryn Barton. The prize has also courted controversy. From questioning the appropriateness of a sitter’s status as ‘distinguished’ to interrogating modern art styles as legitimate examples of portraiture,

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the Archibald Prize has always inspired strong opinions and divisive debate, all of which has added to the prize’s mass appeal. In the centenary year of the Archibald, Peter Wegner’s portrait of 100-year-old artist Guy Warren (himself an Archibald winner in 1985) took out the prize. The 2021 ‘Packing Room Prize’ was awarded to Kathrin Longhurst for her portrait of singer Kate Ceberano. The Archibald Prize 2021 Regional Tour will be hosted by the New England Regional Art Museum from May 13th to June 26th 2022. Visitors to the exhibition will have the opportunity to view all 51 finalists’ works that are part of the regional tour. “We are thrilled to bring the Archibald Prize 2021 to NERAM,” said NERAM Director Rachael Parsons. “This is an amazing opportunity for regional audiences and visitors to access an Australian art phenomenon.” The Archibald Prize 2021 regional tour is an Art Gallery of New South Wales touring exhibition. Presenting partner ANZ.

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DINING GUIDE

COVER DISH PANTRY BEEF BURGER: HOUSE MADE BEEF PATTIE, TOMATO, LETTUCE, PICKLED BEETROOT, CHEESE, MUSTARD MAYO ON A TOASTED MILK BUN PORT CENTRAL PANTRY

from

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DINING GUIDE

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

Open for lunch and dinner Menu subject to change without notice

GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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SHAKING OFF COVID

WITH A

fresh NeW look After some three years of Covid disruption Chop ‘n Chill is

adding new dishes to the menu, creating some new fun

putting the pandemic era behind it with a brand-new look

cocktails and French Champagne offerings, as well as

featuring fresh décor, new menu additions and a revitalised

upgrading their customer and table service.

vibe and attitude.

“Also, we have made our outdoor area much more user

Restaurant owners Jacqui & Paul Cudmore have declared they

friendly plus created an area inside more suitable for groups

are moving on from the Covid period by giving their patrons

and functions, “Jacqui added.

something to smile about with a fresh new restaurant space where they can get back to enjoying the simple pleasures of good food, great service and enjoyable entertainment. Said Jacqui, “It has been six years since we first opened our doors and we felt this was another good reason to give our restaurant a bright new look and feel.”

As part of the new look Chop ‘n Chill, table service has been expanded to allow patrons to order beverages from their table inclusive of their new range of exciting cocktails and authentic French Champagne. On the cuisine side of things, a new Breakfast Menu has been introduced, while additional dishes have been added to the

They have done this by updating the décor of the restaurant,

Lunch n Dinner Menu, including our Vegetarian and Vegan

changing the floor plan to make it more open and accessible,

selections.

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WWW.CHOPNCHILL.COM.AU

Also new is a Ladies Night on Thursday nights which will

Covid and the bright post-pandemic future she now believes

especially feature offerings of French Champagne and

lies ahead had only been made possible by Chop ‘n Chill’s

complimentary nibbles, all to be enjoyed with acoustic music.

“brilliant” team of staff members led by Marc, Nor, JoJo, Karli,

“The new lady’s night will add extra sparkle to our weekly

Conor, Hannis, Craig and Kayla.

entertainment which includes Wicked Wednesday two -

“Apart from the physical aspect, staff are such a big part of

meal n wine deal, Friday Exotic Cocktail evening with live

what our restaurant is and how it is perceived by customers.

music, Saturday Pints ‘n Pickin, again with live music, and

I cannot praise my team enough for how they have raised

our popular Sunday Session with local musicians.”

the profile of Chop ‘n Chill and given it such a great name in

“Our total focus has been to create a space and atmosphere

our community,” she declared.

that I think people, after all they have gone through, are

“All of us at Chop ‘n Chill are now totally focused on the

now looking for - something that caters to their new found

future, providing our community and our visitors with a

freedom of being able to enjoy themselves and socialise

hospitality destination that offers first class cuisine, excellent

with friends and family,” said Jacqui.

customer service and enjoyable live entertainment.

She went on to say that the survival of the business through

Come and enjoy it with us! GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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Hi from The Corner Restaurant family. Owners Tim & Jane Grieves, & sons Head Chef Benn Grieves & Manager/Barista Cory Grieves

he Corner is a family owned and run business, tell us what made you decided to run it all together? We decided to buy The Corner Restaurant together as a family on the day of Jane’s birthday and, with everyone working in Hospitality at that time, thought it was a good opportunity. After running a very successful Pub/Restaurant for so many years in the UK the decision seemed right. So because hospitality is in our blood and we all say QUALITY IS IN OUR DNA… we did it. Where did everyone’s love and passion for creating amazing meals come from, and how did you start out? Our passion for creating amazing meals comes from all our many International travels and working alongside many skilled Chefs over the years. Tim worked in hotels in England, and also had experience in Food Exhibitions and premier events all over the UK and also working on P&O cruises. Benn did his apprenticeship locally with Zebu, also working at Waterman’s Cafe, and then worked under Greg Doyle at The Pier in Rose Bay, Sydney. Cory worked locally at Sails Resort,

Our most popular Breakfast Dish would be our Dukkah Crusted Poached Eggs a firm favourite with our regulars and retuning tourists.

Waterman’s Cafe and Quay Lime Restaurant. When it comes to creating your menus what do you take into consideration and why? When creating our menus we source the finest and freshest local ingredients based on seasonal availability, providing gluten free and vegetarian options, whilst also adding our own touch on modern Australian cuisine. What is the most popular item on the menu AND what is your favourite dish to cook and serve? Our most popular breakfast dish would be our Dukkah Crusted Poached Eggs, a firm favourite with our regulars and returning tourists. Benn our Head Chef’s favourite dish to cook

and serve is our variety of omelettes from our brunch menu. Tell us, how would you describe The Corner? We would describe The Corner Restaurant as being friendly with a relaxed, happy and vibrant atmosphere. It offers both inside and alfresco dining, alongside the ability to cater private functions, offering a variety of casual canapés of two and three courses. We also have degustation nights allowing the Chefs to show off their culinary flair and pairing great food with great wines. We work with an amazing work team, providing a wide variety of quality choice meals, wines, cold and hot drinks, freshly squeezed juices and the best coffee in town – Campos. Thanks Tim. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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Palate PLEASURES with LOU PERRI

FROM THE STUNNED MULLET

RED WINE SEASON

nce daylight savings finishes here in Port Mac, you can almost instantly feel it in the air. The longer nights coincide with the slightest hint of crispness in the air, albeit initially only early mornings and later in the evenings. Admittedly this year and last, come to think of it, the changing season has been somewhat stymied by the never-ending rain, the abounding mugginess and dampness seems to make the change seem less profound. Not that it is ever too profound in this part of the world – fortunate as we are to live in this moderate climate. However, even without the dramatic fall into autumn that involves trees that aren’t evergreen, and perhaps frosts or even snow – there’s still a perceptible change that heralds our own Port Mac cooler season. For many, it is a favourite time of year for many reasons. The pressing humidity of February and March abates (somewhat), the heat simmers down a few degrees – it’s still lovely and warm most days but quite a bit more pleasant to be out and about in. Joyfully, it is still very much swimming weather. The ocean is a gorgeous temperature, and it is only the remotest bit chilly hopping in and out of the water, only if

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you’re swimming early or late. The summer holiday influx of visitors is calmed. There’s still enough going on to inject some energy and buzz into town, but not so much that one feels inundated or overwhelmed.

Of course, the true crowning jewel of the cool within this restaurant life is that perhaps we should do away with the terms ‘Autumn’ and ‘Winter’ and just rename the whole thing ‘Red Wine Season’.

‘Winter’ and just rename the whole thing ‘Red Wine Season’.

Kudos and then some given to the many whose thirst for Red knows no seasonal bounds and there are many that happily, if not religiously, pour all manner of red varietals all year long.

Most importantly, I think, is the wonderful dining and wining possibilities that cooler temperatures bring.

But there’s nothing like a cool evening to really bring the highest level of joy when drinking a red, or two.

Autumn brings a plethora of beautiful ingredients – forest mushrooms, figs, celeriac and fennel to name a few. And the possibilities of proteins abound… with a somewhat renewed appetite after the light salads and seafoods of summer there’s now a whole world to be explored of slow cooked meats, stews, soups and beyond.

And the fact that it pairs so very nicely with the sort of foods we’re eating… those slow cooked meats and mushrooms for instance…

Comfort food happily rises to the forefront of dining predilections. Carbs are on. (Happily coinciding with Ironman of course). Pasta and risotto, potato in all its glorious forms... enough already. Surely it isn’t lunch time yet? Of course, the true crowning jewel of the cool within this restaurant life is that perhaps we should do away with the terms ‘Autumn’ and

Now we’re talking! Also drinking… luckily during Red Wine Season it also assists as a way of keeping warm. There’s always cheese when dinner has finished, if you aren’t ready to call it a night. And after that… chocolate. Ok well, maybe getting a little too indulgent for the average night here. Might also need to work on that Red Wine Season exercise routine? Whatever you do this Red Wine Season, make sure you get out and enjoy some Red Wine, or if that isn’t your thing – as many of all the other wonderful things about this time of year, right here.

Exciting

NEW MENU

OUT NOW OPEN 7 DAYS LUNCH 11:30AM – 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 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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GRAPE ESCAPE

NEWS FROM THE VINES

with ALEX CASSEGRAIN From Cassegrain Wines

A Note from our Senior Winemaker

ne of the great same experience in Australia. This benefits of being in year, we’ve been very fortunate the wine industry to have three international is having the students doing a vintage with us: opportunity to travel the world Adrien Valade from France, Livine to work in wineries in other Derycke from Belgium and Yiming countries. These experiences Huu from China. help to expand the knowledge Yiming, is from China and is of aspiring studying his winemakers, Master’s Degree while building Through the in Viticulture a network of exchange of and Oenology as colleagues from ideas, learning new part of his PhD around the in Science, with and innovative world. his key focus on

techniques, and

Through the smoke taint on discovering the exchange of grapes, while magic that happens ideas, learning Adrien and Livine when certain grapes new and are both studying are grown in innovative viticulturedifferent terroirs... techniques, and oenology, and discovering the what better magic that happens when certain place to do it than beautiful Port grapes are grown in different Macquarie! terroirs around the world, the Having these international whole wine industry benefits. students working in the winery And the benefits to winemakers is a boost for both Cassegrain can’t be understated. Wines’ international reputation, Cassegrain Wines offers this opportunity to international students wanting to gain the 52 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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and for the Hastings region, hopefully attracting future overseas students and travellers.

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what’s

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. 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.

Lobster night

5.30pm Wednesday nights

Trivia

7pm Wednesday nights

Always remember ‘fresh is best’ and to continue to support our local family and farmers.

Putt for Dough raffle

Ken.

5pm Thursday nights

Live music

6pm Friday nights

Mother's Day lunch

on Sunday 8 May with delicious seafood platter for two

FREE courtesy bus Thursday, Friday & Saturday nights

Port Macquarie Golf Club 698 Ocean Drive | Port Macquarie NSW 2444 E: reception@portmacquariegolf.com.au | T: (02) 6582 0409 Restaurant opening hours: Lunch 12pm - 2pm | Tuesday - Sunday

Dinner 5.30pm - 8pm | Wednesday - Saturday. For bookings: (02) 6582 0409

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focus_contributor.

MANAGING DIRECTOR OF MEN AND W O M E N AT WORK

in theF RO N T

BAR with

ROSS

ALISTAIR F L O W E R

MANAGING DIRECTOR OF FLOWER HOTELS

oss, introduce yourself to us mate? I’ve been calling Port Macquarie home for the past 18 years. I’m a local business owner and a dad to two teenagers. I grew up on a farm, in the small town of Braidwood down south. I’ve lived in Sydney and even overseas, but nothing beats Port! You are heavily involved in the local community, why is it important to you? I’ve always loved the Port Macquarie community, from coaching the kids’ soccer teams (in their younger days) to playing rugby myself for the mighty Vikings. I’m passionate about people and I think community success leads to so much happiness for everyone involved. I also believe it’s important for locally owned businesses to be community minded and get involved where possible, that’s why at Men And Women At Work we strive to support as much as we can. You mentioned you’re a business owner, tell us about what you do? I’m the Managing Director of Men And Women At Work, a local Labour Hire and Traffic Management company employing over 200 locals on the Mid North Coast. I started working here 14 years ago, then became General Manager in 2011, and now I’m the owner of the company. I am also the Managing Director of Learning Live, our Registered Training Organisation, where we train over 2500 students every year. Our number

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CARGILL

one goal is to let people achieve and be happy.

I am also the Managing Director of Learning Live, our Registered Training Organisation, where we train over 2500 students every year.

Your business has recently undergone a name change, what sparked this? We wanted our name to be a greater reflection of who we are. Since the beginning, we have always been inclusive. In our business, we have a saying that ‘everyone gets a go’ and we really do live by that. It was only natural to add WOMEN to our business name. It’s a better representation of the team and culture that we have. You’ve put your hand up to participate in this year’s Hastings Dancing with the Stars, how are your dancing skills mate? Ahhhh… they are alright! I’m dancing solo, which has never been done before. It’s pretty under wraps, I can’t give too much away! What was the catalyst for you to dance for such a great cause? I’ve been asked to participate before and unfortunately I couldn’t

commit at that stage, but now I am all in. I am honoured to be given the opportunity to step up and support such a wonderful cause. A really good mate of mine has suffered through cancer three times and most people have been touched by cancer at some stage. How will you be fundraising? We are holding a fundraising event at the Fernhill Tavern on 20th May. It’s going to be a cracker of a night. Pete Murray is going to MC the event and we will be holding a huge raffle with some unreal auction prizes up for grabs. Everyone is invited, I’d appreciate all the support I can get! Last of all, a question I always ask, what is the best thing about the Port Macquarie? The beaches and the lifestyle. Morning walks to watch the sunrise, or an early morning ocean swim – there is nothing better! Thanks Ross.

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MARGARITA PORT CITY BOWLING CLUB

INGREDIENTS Ice Boston Shaker Strainer Margarita Glass Salt Tequila Triple Sec Strawberry Margarita Mix Sugar Syrup Strawberries and Lime

METHOD 1 Prep margarita glass coating the rim in salt 2 Muddle 3-4 strawberries and 2 lime wedges in a shaker and add ice 3 Add your shots - 30ml of Tequila, 30ml of Triple Sec, 15ml of Sugar Syrup and 60ml of Strawberry Margarita mix 4 Shake vigorously 5 Strain into a margarita glass 6 Garnish with Strawberry

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Slice of Haven, the region’s premier food and wine festival, will reawaken locals and visitors to the gourmet flavours of the Camden Haven food bowl on 29 May 2022.

e’re excited to read the menus offered by local businesses who have applied to be part of Slice,” said Lisa McPherson, one of the event coordinators. "We’re looking forward to seeing blue swimmer crab dumplings, bagels, breads, fabulous Vietnamese, German, Indian, Burmese and Portuguese food, all made from local produce, and local craft beer, wines, coffee and sweet treats.” The festival will be held on the Camden Haven riverbank behind the Laurieton United Services Club. The event will proudly celebrate the finest local produce, chefs, cooks, brewers, roasters, winemakers and entertainment from the hinterland to the coast in the famous, laid-back atmosphere that can only be found at the Slice of Haven. “We’re all about supporting local businesses. It’s been a tough couple of years, and we’re keen to see visitors come and graze their way around the festival to discover some amazing flavours. Then, in the weeks, months and years to come, go back to these restaurants and cafes to have a meal with a table full of friends and family,” said organising committee chair Robert Dwyer. To make it easy to remember your 60 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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blanket, music, food and drink. Visitors come favourite restaurants, cafes, breweries, and soak up a slice of the Camden Haven wineries and more, Slice of Haven is way of life while we locals pinch ourselves partnering with Port Macquarie Eats. and think, how lucky are we to live here? Through their app, visitors will access a site “It was unfortunate we had to put the map and ‘favourite’ the event on hold in 2020 vendors they enjoyed and 2021. But we’re to build a list of places back and excited to to visit in the future. We’re all about welcome visitors back to There will be signs and supporting local the region.” QR codes around the businesses. It’s been a This year’s theme, event to download the tough couple of years, Reawaken your Taste for app and like as many and we’re keen to see Slice, is about shaking vendors as you please. visitors come and graze off the last two years As food lovers graze, their way around the of uncertainty and they can kick back on a festival to discover some reconnecting with great picnic blanket and enjoy amazing flavours. company. It’s thanks to music by Ghost Road, local sponsors that the BluHyp, Nana Klumpp, event is about to come the fabulous St Agnes’ back so strong in 2022. Parish Schools Drum Line, and more. There Slice of Haven will reawaken the senses of will also be rides for the kids. visiting food lovers and remind locals of the Since 2008 the Camden Haven Chamber fantastic gourmet lifestyle we enjoy. of Commerce has brought the Slice of Haven “Let’s get back to the good life together,” festival to the community, providing locals Robert said. and visitors a gourmet experience of the fantastic Camden Haven lifestyle. It is a celebration of homegrown talent and flavours. Moreover, the festival is a source of community pride. “People come together over a picnic

Slice of Haven is on Sunday, May 29, 10am-4pm. @SliceEvents @Slice.of.Haven sliceofhaven.com.au

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R-

T MACQUA POR RI

GRE AT E

GIG GUIDE

CHRIS ROSE

A Y

LEIGH I’ANSON TANISHA PALMER THURSDAY, 5TH 6.30pm Club North Haven Mark Bergin 6.30pm Wave Bowl Terrace Open Mic

FRIDAY, 6TH 5.30pm Chop n’ Chill Andrew Cousins 5.30pm Wicked Elf Beer Snez 6.00pm Port Macquarie BC Keanu Jai 6.30pm Wave Bowl Terrace Chris Rose 7.00pm Little Fish Café Angie Lee & The Little Fish Band 7.30pm Port City BC Echo Bravo Delta 8.00pm Bonny Hills Beach Hotel Rockabillies 8.00pm Laurieton Hotel Leigh I’Anson

SATURDAY, 7TH 11.00am Douglas Vale Vineyard Damon Winter 12.30pm Chop n’ Chill Andrew Best 2.00pm Brew Haven Goody 2 Shoes 4.00pm Wicked Elf Beer PepperJack 6.30pm Little Turkey Tanisha Palmer 62 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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6.30pm Wave Bowl Terrace Simon Gudgeon 7.30pm Bago Tavern Graham Howle 7.30pm Port City BC Cheryl Hall & The Wisemen 8.00pm Finnians Tavern Adrenaline Crush 8.30pm Laurieton Hotel Gotcha Covered

SUNDAY, 8TH 10.00am Douglas Vale Vineyard Hastings Pipes & Drums 12.00pm Royal Hotel Kew Reggie D 12.30pm Chop n’ Chill Goody 2 Shoes 1.00pm Laurieton Hotel Besty 1.30pm Wauchope Country Club Pure Acoustic Duo 3.00pm The Beach House The Coppertones 4.00pm Bonny Hills Beach Hotel Nikki Rudge 4.00pm Club North Haven Kyle Moore

THURSDAY, 12TH 6.30pm Club North Haven Cheryl Hall & The Wisemen 7.00pm Bonny Hills Beach Hotel Jazz Sessions

FRIDAY, 13TH 5.30pm Chop n’ Chill Andrew Best 5.30pm Wicked Elf Beer Kyle Moore 6.00pm Port Macquarie BC Damon Winter 6.30pm Wave Bowl Terrace Jackson James 7.30pm Port City BC Craig Stewart 8.00pm Bonny Hills Beach Hotel Rock n Mash 8.00pm Finnians Tavern Leigh I’Anson 8.00pm Laurieton Hotel Dan Hopkins

SATURDAY, 14TH 10.00am Foreshore Markets Ruby Blunt 11.00am Douglas Vale Vineyard Damon Winter 12.30pm Chop n’ Chill Jackson James 2.00pm Brew Haven Graham Howle 4.00pm Wicked Elf Beer Nikki Rudge 6.30pm Little Turkey Brock Colley 6.30pm Wave Bowl Terrace Lo Monaco 7.30pm Bago Tavern Craig Stewart 7.30pm Port City BC Acoustic Kick 8.30pm Laurieton Hotel Funhouse

THE COPPERTONES

ECHO BR AVO DELTA GOODY 2 SHOES SUNDAY, 15TH 12.00pm Royal Hotel Kew Andrew Cousins 12.30pm Chop n’ Chill Craig Stewart 1.30pm Wauchope Country Club Nikki Rudge 2.00pm Laurieton Hotel Bill Roberts 3.00pm The Beach House Finn Hoy 4.00pm Bonny Hills Beach Hotel Andrew Best

THURSDAY, 19TH 6.30pm Club North Haven Mike Miller

FRIDAY, 20TH 5.30pm Chop n’ Chill Andrew Best 5.30pm Wicked Elf Beer Mike Miller 6.00pm Port Macquarie BC Kyle Moore 6.30pm Wave Bowl Terrace Pure Acoustic Duo 7.30pm Port City BC The Coppertones 8.00pm Bonny Hills Beach Hotel Ruby Blunt 8.00pm Laurieton Hotel Jaxon Pollard

SATURDAY, 21ST 11.00am Douglas Vale Vineyard Damon Winter 12.30pm Chop n’ Chill Brody Ireland

2.00pm Brew Haven Afro Moses 4.00pm Wicked Elf Beer Ruby Blunt 6.30pm Wave Bowl Terrace Echo Bravo Delta 7.30pm Bago Tavern Kyle Moore 7.30pm Port City BC Electro Unplugged 8.00pm Finnians Tavern Dirty Coverz 8.30pm Laurieton Hotel Can’t Adult Today

SUNDAY, 22ND 12.00pm Royal Hotel Kew Chris Rose 12.30pm Chop n’ Chill Andrew Cousins 1.30pm Wauchope Country Club Pure Acoustic Duo 2.00pm Laurieton Hotel Nikki Rudge 3.00pm The Beach House Jackson James 4.00pm Bonny Hills Beach Hotel Goody 2 Shoes

FRIDAY, 27 MAY 2022 5.30pm Chop n’ Chill Mat Brooker 5.30pm Wicked Elf Beer Jaxon Pollard 6.00pm Port Macquarie BC Mike Miller 6.30pm Wave Bowl Terrace Lo Monaco 7.30pm Port City BC Lighthouse Music

8.00pm Bonny Hills Beach Hotel Funhouse 8.00pm Laurieton Hotel Alter Ego

SATURDAY, 28TH 11.00am Douglas Vale Vineyard Damon Winter 12.30pm Chop n’ Chill Keanu Jai 2.00pm Brew Haven Ruby Blunt 4.00pm Wicked Elf Beer Cheryl & Pete 6.30pm Little Turkey Bill Roberts 6.30pm Wave Bowl Terrace Mike Miller 7.30pm Bago Tavern The Turn-ups 7.30pm Port City BC Simon Gudgeon 8.00pm Finnians Tavern Gotcha Covered 8.30pm Laurieton Hotel Andy Cousins

SUNDAY, 29TH 12.00pm Royal Hotel Kew Hudson Rose 12.30pm Chop n’ Chill Chill Factor 1.30pm Wauchope Country Club Pure Acoustic Duo 2.00pm Laurieton Hotel Al McLeod 3.00pm The Beach House Jake Davey 4.00pm Bonny Hills Beach Hotel Steve Taylor GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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BLOOM Acclaimed singer and songwriter Bloom is touring her popular Stevie Nicks, Carole King and Linda Ronstadt Songbook to Laurieton in May, performing at Laurieton United Services Club on Friday May 6th.

i Bloom. This tour is the second chapter of your 2021 Tour Stevie Nicks, Carole King and Linda Ronstadt Songbook, how has the response been so far and what can we expect from this 2022 tour? We had such a great response to the 2021 tour, with many shows selling out, it prompted us to come back with a brand new show. Stevie Nicks, Linda Ronstadt and Carole King have so many great songs between them, it’s impossible to fit them all in one show, so we have switched up some songs, added in some hits and found some cool live versions we weren’t able to fit in the first time round. You’ll have to come to the show to see which ones made the cut! But because I can’t keep secrets, let’s just say we go all the way back to the 60s, the show is super nostalgic and it will bring back beautiful memories of your youth! Is singing something that has always been an important part of your life? Yes, I’ve been told I was singing before I could talk, I would spend hours singing and learning songs as a child. Can you tell our readers a bit about your music career leading up to this point? Well, a lot has happened over the last

30 years of performing. Highlights include we also raise money for Parkinson’s with this performing with my fiancé on The Voice show and so far we have raised over $22,000! Generations earlier this year. Singing our As an ambassador for Shake It Up Australia, I National Anthem at World Wide Cricket love that this show is a vehicle for me to raise and Rugby events, and performing with Jon awareness and money for Australians with English, Eurogliders, John Paul Young, and Parkinson’s. other artists I grew up admiring were pretty What are some of your all time favourite special. I release my new songs to perform? original single across I love the songs in all streaming platforms this show, they are all Because I can’t (Spotify, Apple Music, classics and I never get keep secrets, etc) called ‘Choices’ on tired singing any of let’s just say we go May 6 which I co-wrote. them. I also love singing all the way back to It’s a song about how anything uplifting and the 60s, the show crucial it is that we take inspiring, it always gives is super nostalgic a minute to stop, breathe me goosebumps. The and it will bring back and gather our thoughts next single I am about before making choices. to release has a positive beautiful memories of With clarity, we make anthemic theme so I your youth! better choices. am super excited to What are you perform that one live personally looking soon! forward to most about this tour? Where can people find out more about Just getting back out on the road with my your upcoming show at Laurieton United band, after Covid, we really missed making Services Club on the 6th of May? music together. Getting in front of a live All details are listed on my website at www. audience is something else I have missed and bloomofficial.com.au or you can follow me on meeting everyone after the show is one of Facebook at @bloomofficialmusic or Instagram my favourite things to do. As Linda Ronstadt @bloomslife. Tickets are on sale from can no longer sing due to her Parkinson’s, laurietonclub.com.au or phone 02 6559 9110. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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Bliss N Eso are performing at Panthers here in Port Mac this month and we are pumped! Bliss N Eso are an Australian Hip Hop trio made up of MC Bliss, MC Eso and DJ Izm. We spoke to Eso and DJ Izm ahead of the show to see how they were feeling about finally getting back out on stage and into a huge national tour for their latest album The Sun.

i guys. How does it feel to be touring again? It feels absolutely awesome to be touring again! It feels like the stage is Bliss N Eso’s second home and we are home sick! Especially because of all the obvious drama that we have all been going through these past couple of years, it’s been a huge hit to the music industry so to finally be getting back out there and rejoicing this new album with the fans after such a long time is going to be unreal. This is what we do. This is a pretty big tour, where will you be travelling to? We don’t like just doing the big cities, we think about the little guy. So this is a big tour because we like to hit the regional spots where people can’t always get their way to the big cities. We plan to pretty much go all around Australia and hit up all of our favourite places! Can you tell us a bit about this album? This album ‘The Sun’ is definitely a mix of feels, we never stick to one kind of mood or emotion or genre. There’s all different kinds of sounds on this album, there’s old school sounds like ‘Send It’, there’s current trapp sounds like ‘OG’s’, we did a country song. So there’s no boxing us in, every album we do there’s going to be something new, something fun, something adventurous. And I think that’s 66 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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what ‘The Sun’ provides. separate areas and write by ourselves and then What can people expect from the show? come back together, and then some songs like Jam packed fireworks! Jam packed fireworks ‘Send It’ were freestyle, off the top right on shoved right up your bottom! The fire works the spot, so there’s always a mix of methods will be coming out your mouth and ears! Like that we would come up with songs, but we said before, this has been the longest time inspiration is from everywhere. Life. between shows for us, so to say that we’re What are some of your goals or things hungry to eat the stage is an understatement. you’re looking forward to in 2022? I’m gonna eat that stage, there’s going to be More of this! More of nothing left of that stage! Like a dog going this and less of Covid. Like we said for a can of Pal! So It’s unfortunate to bring we’re hungry and that before, this has it up again but it’s really stage has got it coming. been the longest time stuffed a lot of things What is some of the between shows for around for live music. inspiration behind us, so to say that We need to come back, your latest music? we’re hungry to eat we need the younger Inspiration comes the stage is an generation to get that from a million different understatement. chance. That’s the big places. It doesn’t come from a special little golden pond called inspiration, I could be watching a TV series and get inspired for a lyric, I could be reading a comic and be inspired, I could be listening to a song and be inspired to write another song, I think that inspiration comes from all around us. Hanging out, listening to beats and just vibing, dropping a freestyle and then that turns into a song. The songs were all made differently, some were like let’s go off into our

thing for me, if we didn’t have those small pubs and venues to play at, you wouldn’t get that chance to sharpen your tools as a live musician, as a live performer. All those small gigs made us and built us up to the point where we could get onto that bigger stage, because we had the confidence from rocking those jam packed small gigs. I’d like the arts to get that chance again.

PANTHERS GUIDE TO

E NTE R TA INME NT JPY

OH WHAT A NIGHT

50 YEARS YOUNG TOUR

TRIBUTE TO FRANKIE VALLI & THE FOUR SEASONS

FRI 6 MAY

BLISS N ESO THE SUN TOUR

SUN 8 MAY

BIG BAND BLAST 27 – 29 MAY

FRI 20 MAY

VISIT WWW.BIGBANDBLAST.ORG FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

NEVER ENDING 80’S

BLUES BROTHERS REBOOTED

80S V 90S BATTLE OF THE DECADES

35TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW

SAT 4 JUNE

SAT 16 JULY

TICKETS AVAIL ABLE AT PORTMACQUARIE.PANTHERS.COM.AU OR AT CLUB RECEPTION

USE YOUR $25 NSW DICOVER VOUCHER AT CLUB RECEPTION Entertainment subject to change

1 BAY STREET, PORT MACQUARIE NSW 2444 | 1300 PANTHERS

panthersportmacquarie@panthers.com.au GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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JOSH

Josh Piterman, Teddy Tahu Rhodes and Guy Noble will be performing a concert at the Glasshouse here in Port on 19th May. We had a chat with Josh about his career leading up to this point and what he is looking forward to about this special performance.

PITERMAN

i Josh. When did you first get involved in musical theatre and the performing arts and what made you fall in love with it? As a kid I was really into Aussie Rules and cricket and tennis and all those things a standard young Aussie boy would be into growing up. But in year 11 I learned how to moonwalk and I started doing it in the school cafeteria one day, and got a tap on the shoulder from the guy who directs the school musicals and he said “Hey, would you audition for a musical?” And so I ended up doing Fame the musical and just fell in love with it all. So much so that I changed my subjects for year 12! I took up Theatre Studies, and I ended up doing Jesus Christ Superstar in year 12. I got to play a great role in that and said, “Yes,

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this is what I want to do with my life!” down now on a show, and that’s because So I went off after school and spent three I remember watching Geoffrey weeks and years doing a Bachelor of Arts in Musical weeks into the show walking down the Theatre and I’ve gone on from there. hallways with the scripts still, finding new Can you tell us about some of the gags and giggling to himself. shows and productions you have been I guess another highlight was singing a part of? Nessun Dorma at the Australia Day Live I’m really grateful to have been a part concert outside the Opera House in of the Ten Tenors from not long after uni 2019, it was just a huge moment for me for a couple of years. I then went back – singing an aria like that is always filled into musical theatre playing Tony in West with expectations and pressures. And it Side Story across Australia. I also did Cats, was one of those moments where it felt Hairspray, Beautiful: the Carole King like sort of a coming of age moment as Musical. an artist. And it was that footage that And then, after 10 years of doing Andrew Lloyd Webber and Cameron roles in musicals, I tried out to play the Mackintosh saw and asked me to come Phantom in Phantom of the Opera in over and audition for The Phantom. London, after a series of pretty cool events I guess a final career highlight was, that led me there. I ended up playing the I couldn’t say there was one particular Phantom for a couple of hundred shows moment, but playing the Phantom in on the West End before COVID hit, and London. Everything about playing the then got asked to come back to Australia Phantom in the original production to do it here, and so now I’m here to play theatre in the West End, and everything the Phantom in that goes with that. Australia. The dressing room I What have been was in was the dressing After having some of your room Michael Crawford almost two career highlights used in the 80’s. There’s years off now with so far? this gorgeous photo the pandemic, my One of my early of Michael that sort gratitude meter is career highlights in of stares down at you sky high, I just musical theatre was in the dressing room, have such a the first professional and it’s like his spirit is newfound level of musical I did, it was with you, guiding you. a show called The There’s people in that appreciation for Drowsy Chaperone, production who have what I get to do, I which was a been there since the feel a deeper sense Melbourne Theatre early 90’s. of purpose in Company show and I It’s very rare for an what I do. was in the ensemble. artist to be in a musical Just to be in a that has so much cast that included gravitas and weight and people like Rhonda Burchmore and Shane history and is still in that same theatre. Jacobson, Robyn Nevin, Geoffrey Rush, Especially for an Aussie artist, where when Christie Whelan Browne, there were just we do a show, it’s a new Australian cast so many big names, and I got to be like a and we’re all experiencing the newness sponge to these geniuses at work. of it together. This was really, really That was just such a gift for me to learn different. So I got to understand the true how they apply their trade and how they essence of The Phantom of the Opera in a immerse themselves in the craft. And so I really deep, deep way. And so I guess that learnt some really good habits. Particularly really helped me embody the character in from Geoffrey, like I never put my script a way I’ve never felt before.

You’ve got a performance coming up at the Glasshouse in Port Macquarie, can you tell about the show and who else is involved? I feel really privileged to be a part of this show, I’m the newcomer really. It’s Teddy Tahu Rhodes who is (well he’s Kiwi but we will claim him as our own here in Australia) one of the country’s finest ever bass baritones in the opera world and has had a career spanning decades. His is one of the most extraordinary voices. I’ve never performed with Ted before and I just can’t wait to sing with him live. Then it’s also got Guy Noble who is one of this country’s finest conductors and maestros and pianists, but he’s also just incredibly funny and entertaining. And he sort of keeps the show off the straight and narrow by making it humorous and dragging us into that. So it’s a great show in that even though the music at times is really serious, it is also intertwined with a sort of comedic, jovial, fun, off the cuff sort of vibe. What are you looking forward to about this performance? After having almost two years off now with the pandemic, my gratitude meter is sky high, I just have such a newfound level of appreciation for what I get to do, I feel a deeper sense of purpose in what I do. It is really an opportunity to take myself and everyone in the audience into another world. A world that we’ve missed, but a world that’s beyond the ordinary, or the normal. It’s something where you get to escape from whatever day you’ve had and allow your heart to open up and your spirit to just expand because that’s what music does. That's what live music does. So I’ve really been able to connect to that at a deeper level in the last six months. Because I’ve been, and we’ve all been, deprived of it so long. That’s the first part, and then second, it’s singing with Ted. He’s a man that I’ve respected and revered and admired for so long. I can’t wait for our voices to meet on stage and for audiences to get to hear that. Thanks Josh. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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The small town of Dorrigo, nestled amidst rolling hills and rivers, gateway to the World Heritage-Listed Dorrigo National Park is also the home of the Dorrigo Folk and Bluegrass Festival, an annual event held on the last full weekend in October and the longest running folk festival on the Mid North Coast.

he mountain has been quiet over these last two years but we are working towards presenting an astounding weekend of music on the weekend of 21–23 October when our picturesque Showgrounds become the centre of an incredible weekend of acoustic music, dance, workshops and more. The music resounds through the township and we hope the anticipation of an extraordinary weekend away from the worries of the world will be encapsulated down on the Coffs Coast and encourage folk to book ahead and to make their way past winding rivers, cascading waterfalls and through ancient forests to enjoy a weekend that may just be what you are looking for to lead you into a magical world of acoustic music. The festival is based around bluegrass, folk, old-time and traditional country music and the weekend is full of concerts, workshops, dance, and jam sessions. The program takes place across five concert

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venues and two musical workshop venues; add a circus tent with a true circus family and there really is and exciting each year. Our performers something for the whole Camping is available come from overseas family. It is a great place right next to the and across Australia and to introduce the young festival site and is are some of the very best ones to the beauty of also within walking musicians in their genre. acoustic sounds, to the distance of the town Past patrons are always wonderful fun of a called where each morning delighted to be finding dance, the suspense of the cafes hold musical something new and a family circus or to join breakfasts before the exciting each year. in a singing or poetry main program begins workshop just for them. at the Showgrounds. The festival, well Very much a family acknowledged overseas, is a celebratory friendly festival our designated festival area and educational platform that involves and and venues are safe alcohol, drug and smoke provides our patrons with opportunities to free zones. We are passionate about our perform and learn from the finest traditional, environmental responsibilities and footprint contemporary and exploratory music and have introduced numerous actions to exponents. support this. Our performers come from overseas and 21–23 October 2022 at the across Australia and are some of the very Dorrigo Showground best musicians in their genre. Past patrons are TICKETS dorrigofolkbluegrass.com.au always delighted to be finding something new

A SPECTACULAR CONCERT WITH THREE FAVOURITE AUSTRALIAN PERFORMERS

TEDDY TAHU

RHODES JOSH

PITERMAN GUY

NOBLE IN CONCERT

Glasshouse Arts Centre, Port Macquarie Thursday 19 May 2022, 7.30pm Delight to the best of Opera & Musical Theatre Highlights include: Nessun dorma, Some Enchanted Evening, Music of the Night, Rossini’s Largo al factotum, I am a Pirate King, Cole Porter’s So in Love, and much-loved duets The Pearl Fishers, Lily’s Eyes & You’ll Never Walk Alone.

THIS EXCITING CONCERT IS ONE NIGHT ONLY IN PORT MACQUARIE Teddy Tahu Rhodes is Australia’s favourite bass baritone. The ARIA and Helpmann Award-winning artist has sung with the world’s leading opera companies including New York’s Metropolitan Opera and Opera Australia, performed in Carmen, Tosca and Don Giovanni, and won hearts in Opera Australia’s productions of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific and The King and I. Guy Noble is an acclaimed pianist who has performed with Australia’s finest orchestras and leading international artists. Firm friends, he and Teddy and are keen to celebrate all the great music they have made together, with uplifting songs chosen for “variety, fun, emotion, what the audience will enjoy and what we like singing and playing”. (Limelight magazine) Josh Piterman will soon reprise his huge success in London’s West End as the Phantom of the Opera in Sydney and Melbourne. A popular musical theatre and classical crossover artist, Josh has performed with The Ten Tenors, played Tony in the Australian production of West Side Story, and has performed in Cats, Carole King’s Beautiful and Hairspray.

BOOK NOW! Glasshouse Arts Centre (02) 6581 8888 | www.glasshouse.org.au Program Enquiries: info@artsandhealth.org | 0416 641 482 | www.artsandhealth.org.au Produced by Andrew McKinnon Presentations. Presented in association with Margret Meagher & The Australian Centre for Arts and Health (ACAH), Port Macquarie

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TORTUGA L U C Y

G A M S B Y

F R O S T

Port Macquarie is set to welcome a visual feast for the eyes when ‘TORTUGA’ - a new arts and entertainment festival - comes to town. Producer Lucy Gamsby Frost speaks to FOCUS about the inspiration behind the celebratory music, cabaret and circus spectacular.

i Lucy. It is such a pleasure to speak with you. We are so excited to host performances of this calibre in Port Macquarie. Please give us a rundown of what we can expect to see. We have an amazing line up of circus, cabaret, music and comedy performers ready to delight the people of Port Macquarie. Our headliners are the incredible, multi award winning Head First Acrobats. These guys have sold out seasons the world over, and their cowboy themed adult show Railed is not to be missed. We also have one of Australia’s treasures, Monica Trapaga, coming to town with a musical performance complete with live band. Monica won the nation’s hearts on screen with Playschool, and since then has gone on to be the darling of ABC Jazz performing internationally with her brother Ignatius Jones and her own band, Monica and the Moochers. These star performances are complemented by the best in Australian variety performers. We have kick-ass comedians, fire-eating sword swallowers and much more. I understand the festival is set to make an annual appearance on the Mid North Coast with its first year themed around 72 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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the roaring 20’s art deco scene. Can you talk us through this and the origin of the name TORTUGA? We are planning for TORTUGA to be an annual event, putting Port Macquarie on the map for arts and culture. The name comes from a couple of places – it was the 17th century stronghold for Pirates in the Caribbean (in real life as well as the movies!). It’s also Spanish for turtle, which is our two year old Spike’s favourite animal. The shows will take place in our beautiful and mysterious art deco venue, the Aurora Spiegeltent, giving us this theme. At around 100 years old it is an attraction in itself! You and your husband, artistic director Gordo Gamsby, are the masterminds behind the production. What are your backgrounds in performance art? My husband Gordo is a local boy done good. He was “baby of the week” in the Port newspaper back in 1983, and he’s gone on to achieve an amazing international career as a circus performer, strongman and sword swallower with 13 world records to his name! I grew up in Yorkshire, England and have worked as a theatre designer and manager for 15 years, alongside performing as a circus artist in my own right. I was touring a solo show featuring knife throwing, whip cracking and storytelling up until I was 33 weeks

pregnant with Spike. We’re really excited to share what we have learned from global festivals we’ve been part of – Glastonbury, Burning Man and the Edinburgh Fringe to name a few – with our community and establish Port as a cultural destination. What do you hope people take away from the festival, and is it for viewers young and old? We want to give people a chance to come together, laugh and be inspired by our world class line up. There are shows for all ages and interests, we have a pirate-themed children’s circus show, a comedy show and cabarets for both family and adult audiences for those that want to see a little bit of everything we have to offer. There will be a few surprise guests announced closer to the event too! For people wanting to find our more and purchase their tickets, how can the best connect with you? Book tickets at www.tortugafestival.com.au or follow us on Facebook and Instagram @tortugaportmacquarie for all the latest news and programme announcements. Thanks Lucy. Interview: Sarah Baker. Tortuga will premiere in Port Macquarie June long weekend, 10th to 19th June 2022 at Westport Park.

A DARING NEW ARTS F E S T I VA L

BOOK TICKETS AT TORTUGAFESTIVAL.COM.AU/TICKETS

MONICA TRAPAGA • LIVE BAND • KAREN FROM FINANCE • HEAD FIRST ACROBATS MON • MISS MATCH GREAT GORDO GAMSBY • HA HA COMEDY • ROVINGGREAT PERFORMANCES • JERRY HATRICKS • ELLE DIABLO G LILIKOI KAOS • IMAAN HADCHITI • DR HUBBLE BUBBLE SHOW • LUCY FROST

10–19 JUNE

WESTPORT PARK PORT W MACQUARIE E STPO INSTA & FB FOR UPDATES @TORTUGAPORTMACQUARIE INSTA

SUPPORTED BY

SUPPORTED GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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2022 THE PLATINUM JUBILEE CONCERT An Afternoon At The Proms Spectacular! This stunning spectacular salutes the famous BBC Proms Concerts of London’s Royal Albert Hall, including wellknown favourites Rule Britannia, Jerusalem, Radetzky March, Land of Hope and Glory and Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. Join Australia’s most acclaimed international violinist Ian Cooper with opera stars, prima ballerinas, pipe band and The Blue Danube Orchestra to evoke the sheer exuberance of An Afternoon at the Proms Spectacular. Enjoy the 2022 program,

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The Greatest Love Songs Of AllTime including Love is a Many Splendored Thing, Mario Lanza’s The Loveliest Night of the Year, Stranger in Paradise and beautiful selections from South Pacific. The Governor Macquarie Pipe band salutes the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and with the orchestra, perform Amazing Grace, Skye Boat Song, Scotland the Brave and the magnificent Highland Cathedral. Be thrilled by Irish and Tango dancers, plus the Ballet's Waltz of the Flowers from The Nutcracker.

Dragons PORT MACQUARIE

YOUR LOCAL DRAGON BOAT CLUB!

ased at the Port Macquarie Marina, we train 5 days a week and welcome newcomers to the sport – why not come and give dragon boating a try?

As one of the oldest and largest dragon boat clubs in regional NSW, Flamin’ Dragons is more than just dragon boating. Our members volunteer in the community, support local events, and contribute to NSW dragon boating through coaching, officiating and governance. Our members, families and friends also have an active social calendar. From dinners, to trivia nights to other sports and events, there is as much fun off the water as there is on! Club members train regulaly – for exercise, to get out on the Hastings River with a great group of people or competitively for regattas. There are many regattas each year, and our

members have represented Port Macquarie locally, at State and National Titles, and several have paddled for Australia! We have social and competitive members.

Sunday 12 June is dragon boating’s splash and dash. 200m races as fast as you can!

Every June Long Weekend, we host our annual Regatta – this year at Rock’s Ferry Reserve in Wauchope. Visiting clubs from around the State compete on the Hastings River and visit the sights of the greater Port Macquarie region.

Dragon boating is also great for cross training, and our men love competing in all male teams at regattas. Men of the Hastings, join in!

On Saturday 11 June, dragon boat teams will compete in a 2000m turn race, where they turn a 13m boat as tightly as possible 3 times over the 500m course.

Keep the June Long Weekend free and see the spectacle of this ancient sport in the Hastings!

flamindragonsportmacquarie.org.au flamindragons@y7mail.com www.facebook.com/ FlaminDragonsPortMacquarie We paddle, we belong!

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WELCOME

P E N N Y P O U LT O N T O T H E F O U N D AT I O N

Willing & Able says goodbye to long serving General Manager Karol O’Brien. After more than 25 years with the Foundation Karol is beginning her next chapter with lots of travel on the horizon.

arol has been the driving force in moving the Foundation forward, creating the many thriving businesses in place today and touching the lives of hundreds along the way. Definitely some big shoes to fill, but Willing & Able feel that they have just the new General Manager to fit the bill. Hi Penny. Congratulations on your new role as General Manager. Can you tell us a little bit about where you have come from? I have worked in Community Services organisations around the Port MacquarieHastings area for the last 15 years in a variety of senior management and operational roles across both aged and disability care services, and although this has provided experience in

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all facets of community sector management, it is the human relations side of my work that has given me the most satisfaction.

systems and processes. This will put Willing &

What do you hope your leadership will bring to this invaluable organisation? I believe in the value of people and in providing opportunities for everyone to grow and learn. People are happiest at work when they feel valued and when they are in the roles that are meaningful and suit their skills, interests and abilities. Willing & Able is the ideal opportunity for me as the Foundation’s mission already represents my own views.

future.

I am hopeful that my leadership style will add to and enhance the excellent culture that Willing & Able already has, and that I can use my experience to improve some of the internal

facelift is in the immediate plans, both at our

Able in a great place for future projects and collaborations and see us sustainable into the What is on the horizon for Willing & Able for the immediate future? You will soon see some improvements to the car park area in Jindalee Road, which will increase safety, and provide a more ordered approach for people who are coming in for a browse in the Op Shop, picking up items from our woodworking department or making donations. A general site in Jindalee Road, and at our Renovation and Recycling warehouse in Jambali Road, so watch this space.

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GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE

Spoil Mum

T H I S M O T H E R ’ S D AY

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE

JONO MAGGS

BEC H O WA R D

BUSINESS OWNER, BREAKWALL HQ

i Bec. For those of us who aren’t familiar with your fabulous self, please tell us a little about you. I grew up in Lake Cathie which explains my love for the beach and all things outdoors. Along with my husband Ben and four children we live in Port and most days we are running around with all things sport.

everyone has been affected in some way by cancer. I have lost close family to breast, brain and liver cancer. I watched my cousin beat Hodgkin’s Lymphoma as a child and later on in life breast cancer. I’ve attended this event for the past five years and honestly feel honoured that I was asked to join such an incredible bunch of humans to take the stage.

We started Breakwall HQ Kiosk five and a half years ago which has made life busy but so rewarding! I love nothing more than starting my day with a sunrise swim and of course coffee.

Tell us a little about your sponsors and support team who have helped you so far on the journey? I honestly would be lost without my crew of girlfriends who just always have my back in whatever crazy adventure I get myself into. You know who you are so thank you. My fundraiser will be held at ‘The Barn’ (Hibbard Sports Club) on Saturday the 14th May from 4.30pm. Luke Cousins has been kind enough to donate his time with music and Cassie Smith from ‘The Barn’ has been an incredible help. I am so grateful for the donations online so far and to the businesses who have donated auction items. Make sure you follow ‘Breakwall HQ’ as I will be announcing these in the coming weeks!

You’ve taken up the challenge to step into dancing shoes amongst your already packed schedule. How are rehearsals going so far? I have had two rehearsals with Nicola and have a massive rehearsal planned with her and my other dance partner Ben this Friday. It’s definitely challenging and fast paced but I’m just looking forward to having some fun with it. What makes you passionate about this particular fundraiser for the Cancer Council? I think 80 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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i Jono. For those of us who aren’t familiar with you, please tell us a little about you. My name is Jonathan Maggs and I am a Port Macquarie local born and bred. I have two beautiful children and have been lucky to work and live in this stunning community of ours for the past 12 years after a 15 year stint where I worked all over the world. You’ve taken up the challenge to step into dancing shoes amongst your already packed schedule. How are rehearsals going so far? The lovely Alana from All Stars studio is my dance partner. We have done four lessons together and it’s terrifing and a lot to take on, but I’m secretly loving it. What makes you passionate about this particular fundraiser for the Cancer Council? Fundraising for this amazing charity isn’t something new to me. In 2013 I ran the New York City half marathon for the Cancer Council, raising nearly $4000. This came shortly after my own diagnosis, treatment and three

surgeries for thyroid cancer in 2011. I was so fortunate to face what is considered the “garden variety” of this disease. Since then I have also watched my beautiful friend Alana support her son Ozzie through a lengthy battle with leukaemia. Their bravery has been inspirational and has given me the courage to go way out of my comfort zone to do what I can to support Cancer Council, and hopefully one day eliminate this disease, which touches all of us in some way throughout our lives. Tell us about your fundraising event coming up. I’m very excited to present my standup comedy charity auction fundraiser at Moorebeer Brewing on Saturday 28th May! Come along for a night of laughs with some amazing talent from the Sydney comedy scene together with DJ Ollie Brooke and some awesome items up for grabs in the auction! Tickets on sale now via: https://events.humanitix.com/ cancer-council-stand-up-comedyfundraiser

EMMA BUXTON

KYLIE JONES

BUSINESS OWNER AND HAIR STYLIST - PLUM STUDIO

i Emma. For those of us who aren’t familiar with your fabulous self, please tell us a little about you. ”Fabulous” I like that. Haha! I am a business owner, wife, mum of 3 kids, book worm and avid beach goer. I have a passion for creating beautiful hair and coastal living. I moved my family home to Port Macquarie 6 years ago so my kids could grow up at the beach. This allowed me to open my own salon and create a space I love. Plum Studio opened its doors in July 2018 and grew into an amazing, uplifting work environment. You’ve taken up the challenge to swap your hairdressing tools for dancing shoes. How are rehearsals going so far? I am lucky to be paired with Sarah Dietrich from BURLESQFIT ACADEMY. She is super talented and helps me relax to dance on a stage in front of everyone. What makes you passionate about this particular fundraiser for the Cancer Council? I watched first hand and helped nurse my dad as he lost his life from a horrible battle with cancer in 2019. He was such a loving, funny and encouraging man that it

left a huge hole within the family. It was a very sudden and terminal diagnosis that shocked us all to the core. We had help from the Cancer Council when it came to Dad’s medication and treatment. I know they do amazing things with the funds they raise. I would love nothing more than to help in just a little way to give back to them. I know my dad will be watching on from wherever he is and be proud of me. Tell us a little about your sponsors and support team who have helped you so far on the journey and how much are hoping to raise? I have been so lucky to be supported by two generous local businesses in this new dancing career of mine. Lauren Hawkes from ‘Hawkes Conveyancing’ and Mel Heath from ‘Blush Skin and Body’. They have both taken out the Bronze Business Sponsorship to support me. I would LOVE to raise $15,000 for this cause, but whatever I raise will be amazing. Thanks Emma.

OWNER, PERSONAL TRAINER - GI JONES PT

i Kylie. For those surprise). I’m always encouraging of us who aren’t my clients to get out of their familiar with your comfort zone and that’s exactly fabulous self, please what I’m doing for a great cause. tell us a little about you. I’m What makes you passionate a personal trainer and mindset about this particular coach. I started GI Jones 6 years fundraiser for the Cancer ago, focusing on individual Council? Unfortunately, I’m and group fitness, because I’m one of the many who has been passionate about helping people touched by cancer in one way live a happy and healthy life. I’m or another. My dad has prostate proud that cancer and I’ve I’m not your lost family and ‘average’ PT. I friends to this My dad has genuinely care, terrible disease. prostate cancer I am 100% and I’ve lost family and Anything I can authentic and I friends to this terrible do to help get disease. Anything I can am committed us a step to do to help get us a step to helping a cancer-free to a cancer-free future, clients on a future, I will. I will. physical fitness Tell us a little level and a about your behavioural sponsors level too. For me, it’s all about and support team who have supporting great sustainable helped you so far on the results. journey and how much are You’ve taken up the challenge to swap your trainers for dancing shoes. How are rehearsals going so far? Well let me tell you, I definitely feel more comfortable in training shoes but in one word the rehearsals are FUN (much to my

hoping to raise? My biggest supporters by far is my amazing tribe from GI Jones – these guys are the bomb and have my back every step of the way. I’m extremely grateful for them and their support Thanks Kylie. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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LISA

DIXON

LICENSED REAL ESTATE AGENT, ELDERS LIFESTYLE GROUP

ello Lisa. Please tell us a little about yourself. I am a mum of 3 adult children, married for 25 years to Craig and a Real Estate Agent working in my home postcode 2445 for 18 years. I have lived in Bonny Hills for 45 years and love it. I walk on our gorgeous beaches every day to recharge my batteries. I also help teach young girls Physical Culture at Bonny Hills Physical Culture Club, so I don't have a lot of time in between but love to keep busy and help out. You’ve taken up the challenge to step into dancing shoes, How are rehearsals going so far? They are actually going great so far, 2 practices and we have upped the ante, my gorgeous dance partner Kate Hall from Lavive Studios is amazing and we have a very exciting routine developing... What makes you passionate about this fundraiser for the Cancer Council? We have all been affected or know someone that has had to deal with this horrible disease... if I can make a difference to providing some care or benefit then this is my drive. My husband and I have lost family members

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to this crappy disease and have seen how it affects everyone. I am hoping that the money we raise from this event can make life more comfortable and provide much needed funds locally, and fingers crossed one day lead to a prevention and cure. Tell us about your sponsors and support team, and how can people donate to your fund? Firstly David Gray from Elders Lifestyle Group who was responsible for my nomination has been so generous, and Gemlife Rainbow Beach. I will be holding a fundraising event at Beaches at Bonny Hills on 13th May at 6.30 $25 tickets are available on the link below or at the door: https://events.humanitix.com/ stars-of-the-hastings-fundraiserlisa-dixon Ticket includes a drink on arrival, the Caramels@Cathie grazing table, prizes donated by our business community up for grabs and DJ Ollie...100% of proceeds will go to the Cancer Council. or donate to my fundraising page: https://stars.cancercouncil.com. au/fundraisers/lisadixon/stars-ofhastings

MICK

RAMSEY

OWNER, RAMSEY BUILT CONSTRUCTIONS

children’s beautiful grandparents, ey Mick. For those of us who aren’t familiar Valerie, June, and my father Rob. with you, please tell It has been a real sad and eyeus a little about you. opening truth as to what cancer I’m Bonny Hills/Port Macquarie does and how hard our lovely local is a proud father of 3 doctors and nurses work to make and a hardworking community them as comfortable as possible. member, running and owning Tell us a little about your my own construction company. sponsors and support team I love getting involved in who have helped you so far fundraisers and on the journey sponsorships and how can that help people donate It has been a real the everyday to your fund? sad and eyepeople of our There have opening truth as to country. been some what cancer does. You’ve amazing people taken up the help with my challenge journey already. I can’t believe to step into dancing shoes the generosity when it comes amongst your already packed to this event – it’s amazing, it schedule. How are rehearsals really shows how much cancer going so far? Personally Haha has affected a lot of people as my dancing skills super suck. It’s everyone is so passionate about been fun so far and to help with helping. This year I was really the nerves, my dancer Makenzie appreciative to obtain the gold has come up with a great fun and sponsorship from my lovely friend funny little routine. Kristy at Port Medical Aesthetics Clinic with over $8000 in What makes you passionate about this particular fundraiser donation, such a legend. You can help my journey by sponsoring for the Cancer Council? Many me on stars.cancercouncil.com. types of cancer have impacted my family and close friends over au/fundraisers/mickramsey/starsthe last decade, particularly my of-hastings

TAHLEIA

ROSS

PRUSSING

CARGILL MANAGING DIRECTOR, MEN AND WOMEN AT WORK

i Ross. Please tell us a little about yourself. I’m Managing Director of Men And Women At Work and Learning Live, father of two and a Port local of 18 years. I’ve been involved in the Can Too Foundation for cancer research and I’m excited to be a part of this year’s Dance for Cancer. You’ve taken up the challenge to swap your work boots for dancing shoes. How are rehearsals going so far? To be honest, I’ve had one lesson with Stacey from PMPA. The good news is both Stace and I agreed it was a resounding success! I will be dancing solo, so I have my work cut out for me. I’ve never been afraid to get on the dance floor but have never had any formal training. Hopefully I can raise the Barre (I learnt that term this week too) and bring something different to the stage. What makes you passionate about this fundraiser for the Cancer Council? A close friend of mine has fought cancer three times. He taught me an invaluable life lesson – choose the path of least regret when it comes to big decisions.

I turned down the opportunity to participate in Dance for Cancer back in 2014. This time, I decided to put my two left feet forward and jump right in – no regrets. Tell us about your sponsors and support team and how much are hoping to raise? Our business, Men And Women At Work, is locally owned and community minded and we have supported the event previously. When the opportunity to sponsor this year’s event arose it was a no brainer. Men And Women At Work is the sum of all our parts; an inclusive, genuine, hardworking, community-minded, family business that makes great things happen. I am also working with a good friend, Alistair Flower. We’re holding The Silvertails and Battlers fundraising night at Fernhill Tavern on 20th May, hosted by Pete Murray. I am aiming at raising a minimum of $10,000 and we are over halfway there already! I’d love for the community to come and support me at the Ferny on the 20th May. Thanks Ross.

LICENSED CONVEYANCER, DONOVAN OATES HANNAFORD

ello Tahleia. For those of us who aren’t familiar with you, please tell us a little about yourself. Hi, I was born and raised in Port Macquarie, am married with three young children, and I am a Licensed Conveyancer at Donovan Oates Hannaford. I grew up with brothers, and my main sport as a child was racing go-karts, so dancing is a whole new concept for me. You’ve taken up the challenge to step into dancing shoes, how are rehearsals going so far? Rehearsals are going great. I am really enjoying it so far, although it is a lot harder than it looks. Evonne at Extravadance has been excellent in choreographing my dance and helping me to find my rhythm and confidence. What makes you passionate about this particular fundraiser for the Cancer Council? My little brother had neuroblastoma as a baby, which affected our family life in a big way. Sadly, we have had quite a few friends and family affected

by cancer recently, so it is a cause close to my heart. Tell us a little about your sponsors and support team who have helped you so far on the journey and how can people donate to your fund? My husband has been really supportive and has helped me organise a lot so far. Donovan Oates Hannaford is not only contributing as a sponsor but has helped me to organise my fundraising event, sponsorships, plus provided lots of encouragement for the big dance. Of course, my friends and family have been amazing in donating and encouraging me too. I hope to see many familiar faces at my fundraising event on May 29th when we take over Wave Bowl for a night of bowling, food, drinks, raffle prizes, and socialising. If anyone would like to attend, then please get in touch! tprussing@dohlaw.com.au Donation page: https://stars.cancercouncil.com. au/fundraisers/tahleiaprussing/ stars-of-hastings GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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-T U R N I N G

T H E -

FORESHORE

PINK! this Mother's Day!

n Sunday 8 May, hundreds of mothers, daughters, fathers, sons and friends will hit the pavement for the annual Mother’s Day Classic (MDC), raising awareness of, and funds for, breast cancer research.The foreshore will turn pink for the annual Mother’s Day charity event. This year it celebrates 25 years nationally, and an amazing 8 years in Port Macquarie, with communities around Australia uniting to honour those affected by breast cancer. Almost 1.5 million Australians have participated in the MDC over the past 24 years, making it Australia’s largest fun run/walk for breast cancer research. Since it began in Port Macquarie in 2014, thousands have stepped out on Mother’s Day, in a sea of pink walkers and runners along the riverfront and breakwall. The Port event has

Overall Photography Mid North Coast.

become a town mainstay, where supporters walk or run 5km, acknowledging the 1 in 7 Australian women who will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and the 1 in 700 men. Hosted locally by volunteers, Kylie Bulmer, one of the local event organisers, is excited to return to Westport Park with the 2022 Port Macquarie event.“It’s been a challenging two years for our community and we’re really looking forward to painting this town pink with many people

coming out to join us to walk or run along our riverfront and foreshore. It’s always a fun and energy-filled morning, and a great start to Mother’s Day.” The MDC in Port Macquarie will deliver a fun and inspiring event you won’t want to miss in 2022, after the last two years. This year, the fun is back with an activity-filled family morning with music and a warm up, kids zone with face painting, and local community members sharing their personal experience of breast cancer and the importance of fundraising.

Mother's Day Sunday 8 May MDC LOCAL MAJOR PARTNER

Westport Park Port Macquarie 7.00am-11.00am LOCAL EVENT PARTNERS

7.00am Registrations open + entertainment 8.30am Speakers + announcements 8.45am Warm up 9.00am 5km Run start 9.10am 5km Walk start

www.facebook.com/port.mdc

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#portmdc #mdc2022

HANDS UP FOR OUR

LOCAL

sponsors

ocal fitness women Rachel Leman from Miss Motivator’s Women’s Fitness and Suzanne Williams from Shape up with Suzie are also uniting this year to host the event’s annual fitness warm up – which is sure to get the crowd moving and grooving. Zara Lawless, Mother’s Day Classic CEO, said: “The MDC community should be very proud of this important milestone which marks 25 years of impact. The MDC has grown quite literally from a walk in the park to an iconic event in the Australian calendar. Since it all began in 1998, the Mother’s Day Classic Foundation has donated nearly $40million to the National Breast

Cancer Foundation (NBCF) to fund life-saving breast cancer research.” The local event also has loyal business support through long-term partners like HEM Property, which has been involved with the event for several years, and this year as the major local partner. Naomi Hunter from HEM says “Everyone at HEM is very excited to be the major sponsor of this year’s Mother’s Day Classic. All of us have been affected in some way by cancer and to be able to gather together to celebrate our mums and wonderful women in our lives is very special.” The HEM Property team already have in excess of 80 people

registered as part of their team! Other event supporters include Phyx You Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Sovereign Hills Port Macquarie, and The Westport Club. Event organiser Kylie says, “There are many people in our own community, just like our MDCommunity Ambassador Jessica, who benefit greatly from the Mother’s Day Classic. We’re proud that we’re able to help support Jessica and the many others who are diagnosed with breast cancer each year.” “Funds raised through the event are donated to the NBCF’s research projects. Plus we also have a local fundraising component for our Mid North Coast Cancer Institute, providing additional benefit to our own community,” continues Kylie.

HEM SUPPORT 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MOTHER’S DAY CLASSIC HEM are proud to again be a major sponsor for this incredible event, raising awareness and much needed funds to try and bring an end to breast cancer. 1 in 7 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. We all know someone who has been affected in one way or another, so we are passionate about being a part of this great event. Every dollar raised makes an impact and provides hope to those diagnosed with breast cancer and a better future for generations to come. If you want to join us or donate head to: www.mothersdayclassic.com.au

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SUPPORTING THE MID NORTH COAST CANCER INSTITUTE

2019 - Donation of tablets and headphone for patients while undergoing treatment. L-R Kylie Bulmer, Tracy Stone, Nurse Unit Manager Katie Gooch, and Carmen Abi-Saab.

ach year, volunteer event organisers Kylie Bulmer and Carmen Abi-Saab unite with members of the Port Macquarie Pink Girls breast cancer support group, Tracy Stone and Magalie Lameloise, to fundraise for the Mid North Coast Cancer Institute at Port Macquarie. The group sells a range of pink merchandise, flowers, handmade jewellery made by Magalie, as well as host a raffle where funds raised are shared equally between the National Breast Cancer

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2017 - The MDC Port Macquarie’s fundraising contributed to the new entrance gardens of the Mid North Coast Cancer Clinic. L-R Kylie Bulmer, Magalie Lameloise and Tracy Stone.

Foundation and the local Cancer Institute

quiet rooms, where MNCCI team members,

(MNCCI).

patients and support people receive information

In the past few years, funds raised by the

and education in a quiet and private space.

group have been used to rejuvenate the

Event organisers are always looking for ways

entrance gardens, purchase 40 books for its

to increase the funds raised for this important

patient library and purchase smart devices

local service, and invite local businesses to get

with headphone sets for patients to use at

on board to donate items for their fundraising

the clinic while they are undergoing their

raffle. The team are currently working with the

treatment. In 2021, the funds contributed to the

Cancer Institute to identify the project they’ll

refurbishment and beautification of the MNCCI’s

contribute with their 2022 funds.

essica Fussell was in her early 30s in 2019, when she was first diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer. This set Jessica on an unplanned journey through multiple types of chemotherapy, breast surgeries, immunotherapy and radiation treatment. In 2021, Jessica received a further diagnosis of metastatic cancer in her lungs. Raising awareness and fundraising for lifesaving research is no doubt a cause important to Jessica and her family. Jessica decided she could help make a difference and support the cause, sharing her voice via the Mother’s Day Classic to become an MDC Community Ambassador. This year will mark Jessica’s first year as an Ambassador, and second time walking as part of the Mother’s Day Classic in Port Macquarie. She’ll be joined by her husband, two children and extended members of her family and friends.“I want to do my bit to raise awareness, and be part of an inclusive community that has a broad range of understanding and empathy for those of us going through this,” said Jessica.“All the research into new treatment options helps

people like me out there and people that didn’t have the desired results to treatment that is already available, and that are banking on amazing and passionate medical teams to come up with new options. Raising money towards that is something I can help with,”continues Jessica. The experience of being diagnosed and treated for breast cancer has also created new friendships for Jessica, bonding with others who are also undergoing chemotherapy treatment, and managing through the roller coaster of emotions, sleepless nights and side effects of various treatments.

MEET OUR LOCAL - A M B A S S A D O R -

Jessica Fussell

These shared experiences have created some positive bonds. Jessica and her team, the ‘Thrivers’, are busy preparing their pink outfits for this year’s Mother’s Day Classic, and she has also been doing her own part to raise further funds for research. Through her small business ‘RainbowPetalsHandmade’, Jessica is also making candles this year to sell and support her fundraising efforts for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. You can find out more at facebook.com/ rainbowpetalshandmade

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THE IMPORTANCE OF EXERCISE

for those with BREAST CANCER

ultiple studies over many years have proven that women who engage in physical activity before diagnosis, during treatment, and after treatment are less likely to have their cancer recur, and also reduce their likelihood of mortality (death). This is compared to people who were inactive during these same periods. The key however is to know how much exercise one should be doing. Research in this area suggest that more exercise is always better than less. However, guidelines do suggest the following: Ages 18-64 Aim for 150 to 300 minutes (2½ to 5 hours) of moderate intensity physical activity or 75 to 150 minutes (1 to 2½ hours) of vigorous intensity physical activity, each week.

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• Try to do muscle strengthening activities on at least two days each week. Ages 65+ Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on most, preferably all, days. • Try to be active every day in as many ways as possible, doing a range of physical activities that incorporate fitness, strength, balance and flexibility. A particular study found that women with breast cancer who met the minimum physical activity guidelines both before diagnosis and at the 2-year follow-up (after treatment) had a 55% reduced chance of their cancer returning and a 68% reduced chance of death from any cause (not just breast cancer) compared with those who did not meet the guidelines at both times.

Event DETAILS

• Sadly 3,000 Australians will lose their life this year alone. • Funds raised for the National Breast Cancer Foundation’s research projects contribute to life-saving research into early prevention and detection, better treatment options for patients and improved outcomes. How can you get involved? Donate | Fundraise | Walk | Run FOLLOW the local event on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/port.mdc REGISTER to run or walk at: mothersdayclassic.com.au Get a TEAM together for your School,

When Sunday 8 May 2022 Where Westport Park, Port Macquarie Time From 7.00am-11.00am What 5km Run and 5km Walk Why To raise awareness of and funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation’s research projects. To honour and recognise those amongst our community who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Business, Community Group, Family, Friends

FUNDRAISE set up your portal online

Breast cancer facts

VOLUNTEER mothersdayclassic.com.au/

• One in seven Australia women will be

volunteer

diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.

DONATE GOODS OR SERVICES for the

• One in 700 Australian men.

event’s fundraising raffle! All funds raised

• 55 Australians are diagnosed with breast

from the raffle will be shared with the Mid

cancer every day.

North Coast Cancer Institute and the NBCF

PROUDLY SUPPORTING THE MOTHERS DAY CLASSIC IN 2022.

MY PASSION IS

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www.missmotivator.com.au GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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Phone 6581 5199 | Address 2 Blackbutt Road, Port Macquarie miss_motivatorww

Miss Motivator Womens Workouts

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Grayce Gerke Local Women’s Health Physiotherapist Grayce Gerke saw that something was missing on the maternity ward at Port Macquarie Base Hospital through her own personal experience birthing her babies, and made a decision to change the situation by fundraising for some new equipment with other local mums Kirsty Minturn and Zita Burt.

i Grayce. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and the work you do? I am a local girl born and raised, and have recently returned to raise my young family and work as a Physiotherapist more specifically in the Women’s Health industry. I am the owner of Physio Collective – Mid North Coast and also work part-time as the Women’s Health Physiotherapist at the Port Macquarie Base Hospital. You have teamed up with a couple of other women who you work with at the hospital here in Port to raise some funds, can you tell us about them and what their roles are? I have teamed up with two other local mums; Kirsty Minturn who is the Maternity Ward Community Advocate and local social media blogger for Bare Birth Story, and Zita Burt the Clinical Midwife Specialist at the Port Macquarie Base Hospital. 92 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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What is it you were able to get for the John Hunter Hospital with my daughter, I was hospital? fortunate enough to be provided one of these Initially we aimed to fundraise to get 5 portable co-sleeping bassinets which aided my portable co-sleeping bassinets just for caesarean recovery and provided ease of access to my mothers, however within only 24 hours we had baby. When you have a caesarean section you achieved that, so we thought ‘let’s get one for are unable to get up out of bed for the first every birthing mother on 24 hours, so it makes the ward’. So in the end it very difficult to tend we were able to supply to your baby’s needs. I was able the local unit with; With my most recent to see the • 15 Portable Co-Sleeping daughter being born at difference in my Bassinets Port Macquarie Hospital recovery from having • 6 Special Care Nursery via caesarean section had the cot to not, Cots four months ago I wasn’t and the difference • 8 Recliners as lucky to have one of was outstanding. • 2 New Antenatal these cots, purely because Examination Plinths they didn’t have any on • New Hospital Grade the ward. I was able to Breast Pumps see the difference in my recovery from having Why is this something that you all felt had the cot to not, and the difference was would help new mothers on the maternity outstanding. With having the cot I was able to ward? safely tend to my baby throughout the night When I had my first emergency caesarean at without having to rely on the midwives and

was able to put less pressure through my scar. However without the cot, I relied heavily on the midwives and was putting myself in all different positions which ultimately caused more pain. How did the project come about? I was actually in hospital with my youngest and couldn’t believe they didn’t have a single one of these cots available, and knew I needed to change this. As a Women’s Health Physiotherapist I know the importance of recovery and reached out to both Kirsty and Zita to help me get this off the ground. Kirsty and I met for lunch and brainstormed how we would make this a successful fundraiser and we decided to use our social media platforms to get local mums and businesses involved. We originally started with designing products (t-shirt & candles) and selling them online to help fundraise. We wanted the local mothers to feel a part of something amazing and ultimately be a part of an amazing community. How did the fundraiser go and how did the community get involved? We ended up raising $52,000 in only four days! The fundraiser went from selling shirts and candles to getting businesses to sponsor and name the portable co-sleeping bassinets, paediatric special care cots and providing the ward with recliners. We also had businesses and families give monetary donations which went

I am lucky enough to work at the Port Macquarie Base Hospital as the Women’s Health Physiotherapist and service the maternity ward and the response has been amazing.

towards the new antenatal plinths and breast pumps. What has the response to the new equipment been like so far at the hospital? So far we only have the portable co-sleeping bassinets on the ward, as we are awaiting on the other equipment to be supplied. But I am lucky enough to work at the Port Macquarie Base Hospital as the Women’s Health Physiotherapist and service the maternity ward and the response has been amazing. When I worked the day after they were delivered, I was so emotional walking into the rooms and seeing these cots being used, and to hear the thanks and stories of how it has made their recovery and time on the ward so much easier, it was honestly so heartwarming. We constantly have local mothers message us personally on our social media accounts thanking us, and sharing their pictures of their new babies in the cots. Given the success of this project, do you intend to do any more fundraising of this kind? Well we definitely need a break for a little while. We do have plans to make this a not-forprofit organisation and make it a yearly event. We love the idea of each year releasing a

new line of t-shirt as we’ve created a little community amongst the mothers and it’s great seeing the shirt being worn in town. But you will all have to wait and see. What has this experience meant for you, Kirsty and Zita? We’re all beyond grateful for the local businesses and local mothers that contributed and supported us on our endeavour, and made it so successful. The three of us are forever grateful and to be quite honest exhausted from all the happy crying! Biggest shoutout goes to: Forty Winks, Mars Maritime, Seaside Tattoo, Hair Shenanigans, Patrick Auto Group, Superstar Speech Pathology, Wilkes, Goldby, Vaile Family, BDM Constructions, Ahern Removals, Port Medical Aesthetics Clinic, Alana Romper Beauty, Evolutionary Accountants, Azza’s Mini Diggers, Mid North Coast Interiors & Linings, Gleesons Refigeration & Air Conditioning, Byrnes Lawyers, Miss Motivator, Brenton Builds, Borger, Ah You, McGrath & White Family, Columbia Cottage, Dean Anderson Homes, Sugar Sisters, Wauchope Solar & Electrical, H.L.W. Projects Empower Physio, Latch Lactation, Carpet One. Thanks Grace. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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Bad

Breath A TO P I C T H AT N O O N E WA N T S TO TO U C H

ad breath, known as Halitosis, affects 50% to 60% of the population, causes significant psychological distress and is the third most common reason people seek dental treatment after tooth decay and gum disease. It is generally agreed that the source of bad breath is a group of sulfur-containing compounds which are produced in the mouth or nasal areas. These compounds are created by the breakdown of bacteria and are known as Volatile Sulfur Compounds (VSC). Other causes are poor oral hygiene, gum disease, diet, tobacco use, dehydration, prescription drugs, disease and crash diets. The first step in treating bad breath is detection. If you suspect you suffer from bad breath, you are not alone; a simple test for halitosis can be asking a close friend to smell your breath or smell your dental floss after flossing. Fighting Halitosis. To get back on track with your oral health, ask yourself these questions. Are you brushing, flossing and seeing your dental professionals for your regular check ups and routine cleans? Are

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you cleaning your tongue with your is a strong antibacterial substance and toothbrush? Tongue cleaning is an essential without it, bacteria can grow. A dry mouth factor in beating bad breath. can be caused by certain diseases or as At your dental check up, your dentist will a side effect of medicines taken to treat check for diseased gum tissues and tooth conditions such as high blood pressure. decay. Gum diseases such as gingivitis or Simple steps like using mouthwashes or the more advanced periodontitis need chewing sugar-free gum can reduce the to be detected immediately. With number of bacteria in the mouth, increase periodontitis, the gum loses its attachment saliva flow and help reduce halitosis, but to the tooth, and a pocket develops. they are only partially effective and if used Within this as the only method of pocket, bacteria combating bad breath, accumulates that the improvement will If you suspect can produce VSCs only be temporary. you suffer from … and cause bad If you suffer from bad breath, you are breath. bad breath and want not alone; a simple Other steps in to make a change, book test for halitosis can fighting halitosis a professional dental be asking a close can be lifestyle clean with your dentist friend or smelling choices, such as or hygienist to begin to your dental floss changing your diet, address the problem and after flossing. quitting smoking make a change for good. and drinking more Remember, Dental water. Health is a Team Disturbances of the digestive system may Effort, and We Like Being Part of your also cause bad breath, but the stomach is Team. For a full list of services and to not generally the main source. Eating foods make an appointment, visit our website: such as onions and garlic will result in bad www.sundialdental.com.au or ring our breath. Port Macquarie, Wauchope or Laurieton Dry mouth can also cause halitosis; saliva locations on 6583 3533.

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Y C I A L

N A G I T S O C

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This Wauchope local’s enthusiasm and sheer hard work has led to selection for the NSW Under 17 team and the excitement of interstate competition

ow long have you played netball and what was it about the sport that got you hooked? I have been playing netball with Wauchope Netball Club since I was 5 years old. I really enjoyed the social side of the sport. My sister Abby and I attended a small school so through netball I met a lot of other players and developed friendships. Your selection in the NSW Under 17 side is super exciting, tell us about the process and how everything came about? I was lucky enough to be selected in the 2021 North Coast Academy of Sport Netball squad, and as part of that selection the academy encourage players to trial for the NSW State team. I didn’t think I had any chance of making the team as you are competing against players that are playing at an elite level under elite coaches on a weekly basis, but I thought that I might as well have a go. The selection process was a 3-step process. Unfortunately, I contracted COVID 3 days out from the first trial. I was fortunate enough to be granted an exemption based on my performance with the NCAS team and coach feedback. The second trial was the following Saturday but I was still suffering from the effects of COVID which had affected my asthma. I really didn’t think there was any chance of progressing through to the final

selection the next day. Mum and I decided to Who is your inspiration in the Netball have dinner before we headed home. While world and what goals have you set we were having dinner the list was released yourself for the next few years? and my name was on it. That week I was at I have been asked this question a few times school and I got a message from Mum to pack and I would have to say that my family have my bags with a map been my inspiration. of Tasmania. I couldn’t They have been very believe that I had been supportive, always That week I selected in the State encouraging me. As for was at school team. goals I really don’t have and I got a message You’re certainly any I just wanted to from mum to pack dedicated to your take advantage of any my bags with a map sport. Tell us about the opportunity that comes of Tasmania. I training program and my way and see where it couldn’t believe that what is involved? takes me. I had been selected Due to COVID the You have just in the State team. trial was pushed back returned from to late January, so I had the state titles in to continue my training Tasmania, tell us over Christmas. Netball NSW sent out some about that experience? sprint training programs that were a great Unfortunately, I tore the ligaments in my help but tough, especially in the heat. At this ankle 5 weeks ago, so I was not fully fit leading level the game is quite physical so I also had into the championship. I worked really hard weekly personal training sessions and Dad with the team physiotherapist to get back on would drop me at the gym on his way to work court just before we left for Tasmania. I injured 3 days a week to work on my strength and it again on the second day of the week-long conditioning. We live out of town so I would tournament so I didn’t get to play a lot. I was shower at the gym and head straight to school. very grateful that the physio and coaching For the past 12 weeks I have travelled with staff were able to get me back on court for Mum or Dad to Sydney on a Friday to be at the last game against ACT. It was such a great training by 5pm and then we would stay in experience to be part of the State team and Sydney for the weekend so that I could train on then to be crowned champions after two very Sunday for another 3 hours. tight final games. NSW hasn’t won since 2012. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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LEGAL

Light with

TIM COUCH B.COM, LLB, LLM (FAMILY LAW) FROM PRIEST LEGAL

PERSONAL LEGAL AFFAIRS – WHAT ARE THEY?

hether you are already enjoying the freedom of your twilight years, or still in the weekly grind, working dawn to dusk providing for your family and trying to ‘get ahead’, it is vital that you have your personal legal affairs in order. Unexpected events or accidents can happen when you least expect them to – such as Covid-19 or floods or fire or just life in general. What do I mean by personal legal affairs? I mean having a Will in place to ensure your testamentary wishes are clear and you have provided for those closest to you. I mean appointing an attorney under a Power of Attorney and an Enduring Guardian to ensure your financial and personal needs continue to be met. Whilst it is very important to have these crucial documents in place, it is just as important to appoint the ‘right’ person to act as your executor, and attorney, and enduring guardian. Often people will appoint the same person or persons to act in each of these different roles. Depending on your circumstances, there may be good reason to appoint different persons to each important role. Even if you have these personal legal documents in place already, it is important that your documents are reviewed regularly to ensure they continue to meet your present needs, requirements and wishes. It is also just as important to consider whether the person or persons you currently have appointed remain the best fit for the job.

The Rise of Elder Abuse Elder Abuse is increasingly prevalent in our community. The Australian Institute of Family Studies reports it is likely that between 2% and 14% of older Australians experience elder abuse in any given year, with the prevalence of neglect possibly being even higher. Elder Abuse can take many different forms. The most common forms are financial abuse, neglect, and psychological abuse. Sometimes, various forms of elder abuse are occurring at the same time. It often starts by an elderly person reaching out and asking someone for help. The call for help is often to a child of the elderly person, but it might be a neighbour, another relative who lives close to you, or a close friend. The initial assistance the person provides is often relatively minor. The assistance is welcomed, and things are great. For example: “Why don’t I take you down to the shops every Tuesday so you can do your shopping?” Or, “Why don’t you just give me your bank card and I’ll withdraw money for you at the atm. It’ll save you the hassle of needing to leave home to go to the bank.” Over several months, or sometimes years, the ‘helper’ might gradually provide further support, whether or not further assistance was expressly asked for. Usually, it is an extension of the assistance they are already providing. Progressively, the elderly person has become very reliant on the ‘helper’, and more reliant than they probably ever expected to be. It is often at this point that a control element has well and truly settled in, and the elderly person is now stuck in a vulnerable position where they can be exploited by the ‘helper’,

often through financial demands, but also in other ways. An attorney must always act in your best interests and in accordance with the powers that you have given them. If this doesn’t happen, you can revoke the power if you still have mental capacity. But if you don’t have mental capacity anymore, you can end up at the ‘mercy’ of the Attorney and you will need to seek the help of other people to fix situation – other friends, family or institutions. Your friends or family can make an application to the Guardianship Tribunal for a power of attorney to be revoked and for an alternative attorney to be appointed. The application is free, and you don’t need a lawyer to represent you, but you might need some advice in relation to completing the application. An attorney cannot make decisions in relation to your health and where you live if you cannot make those decisions yourself. These decisions need to be made by an Enduring Guardian. This article highlights the need for all persons, not just the elderly, to make very wise and considered decisions in relation to who they might appoint as their executor, attorney, or enduring guardian, or who they might ask for regular financial and personal assistance. These matters can sometimes become complex. Frailty is real and it can be thrust upon us all at different times. If you would like some advice in relation to your personal legal affairs, or other legal matters, the legal team at Priest Legal are available to assist you. We are located at 41 Hay St, Port Macquarie or 49 Hastings St, Wauchope, or you can contact us to arrange an appointment on 6583 1777. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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Alex

s someone heavily involved in Community Events, Port Macquarie Chamber, and a busy Business Owner, what keeps you motivated? Here is an old saying: “Love what you do and you will never work hard” I love working, helping and engaging with others. I became involved with the Chamber over 10 years ago and have always been a big believer in giving back to the community and feel that if we all work together It is great to be it helps promote each around other other as well as our business women that local area. By doing this understand the added we all succeed, grow challenges. It is also This may be in the form of and move on together. reassuring to know physical help or mental help In business if you are that you are doing ok as far as mentoring or just prepared to take from and not feel like you have a coffee chat. There is no the community as far as to be superwoman. such thing as failure, just their support, custom learning experiences, and and money, you also if you look at any business have to be prepared to that is doing well, they have give back, that can be via mentoring, support all struggled many times. Be prepared to reach or even community/sporting sponsorship. out when you need it, as it is amazing what you Something simple we can all do. will learn from the experience and a fresh set of As a long-time member of HBWN, what eyes. As long as we are learning we are growing is the best thing about being a part of so continually educate yourself and surround our network? Connections and the strategic yourself with new experiences. alliances that you can build with other Tell us a bit about some of your biggest businesses. It is amazing how totally different challenges and what you’ve done to businesses can work together to promote each overcome them? My biggest challenge has other. I also love the camaraderie. Being a probably been trying to keep everyone happy! woman in business is challenging, add to this Bringing up 4 active children while running a raising families and looking after a household. business with my husband and also having my It is great to be around other business women own career, I found that I was trying to keep that understand the added challenges. It is also everyone happy and at times felt like I was on reassuring to know that you are doing ok and a treadmill. I had to learn to find the harmony not feel like you have to be superwoman. but to take a bit of time to look out for me What are some tips for other women to too! If I fell in a heap I was no good to anyone. stay grounded when they get really busy? Unfortunately this took me many years to learn Be prepared to ask for help. No woman or man but after some wise words from a mentor I is an island! If you want to succeed in business introduced a “Me day”. This is where at least or anything else in life you need to be prepared once a month I took myself off for a facial, to take help when offered and ask if it’s not. 100 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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massage or maybe a hair appointment, turned off the phone and had some time out. You learn that there will always be someone that needs you, but YOU need you too. What is your main focus right now? I love working with other people and seeing them reach their goals, succeed and achieve. This is one of the reasons that I am now doing training and licencing courses in Real Estate apart from just selling. I am also very invested in the Chamber and ensuring that this remains a support network for businesses and meeting the needs of business people as well as being a voice for business. Do you have any pearls of wisdom for other busy women? Trust in yourself and your instincts and learn to put yourself first occasionally. You are awesome so smile and lift your head high. If you are having a bad day just remember tomorrow is a fresh start. Thank you so much for sharing your experience and your insights Alex! If you’d like to learn more about HBWN or become a member you can visit us at hbwn.com.au

WATTLE

FINANCE

experts

IN MORTGAGE BROKING

e’re Iain and Jake, and we were both born and raised in Port Macquarie. Together, we bring over 20 years of combined experience in financial services and have a deep understanding of the industry.

to feel confident that they can rely on the guidance and support of an experienced broker at Wattle Finance. Our number one priority is to build long-term relationships and provide the highest quality advice and service throughout the process.

We both share similar careers to date, working at a big four bank in Sydney for the past decade, with extensive experience in small to medium business banking, commercial banking, and business development. We started Wattle Finance when we saw an opportunity to provide more tailored and diverse lending solutions to our customers.

We have access to a panel of over 60 different lenders and we’re confident we can provide you with the most appropriate finance solution for your needs. Whether you are looking for a family home or want to take your business to the next level, we are passionate about helping the locals of Port Macquarie to reach their unique goals and achieve their financial dreams.

With almost 70% of home loans being done through mortgage brokers, we want our clients

With Wattle the process is simple, we start by having an initial conversation to understand

your requirements and objectives, we then collect relevant documents and assess what options are available to you, we will provide a recommended option that best suit your needs, when you’re happy to move forward we will submit your application and gain approval, then hold your hand throughout the settlement process. We will guide you every step of the way. If you are thinking of renovating, purchasing a property, updating a business vehicle, or would like your current loan reviewed, we’re here to help. Please get in touch today to discuss your options. You can reach us by phone, email, or visit our website.

We can help with: Home & investment loans Refinancing loans Commercial & construction lending Business lending Equipment finance Self-managed super fund lending

"Wattle Finance recently helped me with a loan and went above and beyond. I would highly recommend them to anyone." - Jordan

wattlefinance.com.au | info@wattlefinance.com.au wattlefinance GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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TAFE fitness courses

TAFE NSW Port Macquarie will play a critical role in training the next generation of local fitness instructors as the Mid North Coast emerges from its COVID-19 hangover, according to the nation’s peak health and exercise industry association.

he local fitness industry is recovering from the impacts of COVID, with restrictions forcing gyms to close and forcing fitness instructors out

of work. But the reopening of the economy is triggering a surge in demand for fitness instructors and personal trainers to help motivate and train locals to achieve their fitness goals. Barrie Elvish, CEO of the Australian fitness industry’s peak body AUSactive, said an exodus of fitness instructors from the industry during COVID, combined with a flurry of new gym memberships, had created a “perfect storm of opportunity” for those wanting to become a fitness instructor. “There were a lot of people that left the industry over the past two years but when I speak to our members, they tell me the last three months have broken all records when it comes to new gym memberships for young people,” Mr Elvish said.

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“Demand for fitness instructors is may have started their fitness journey on growing rapidly as a result and gyms are their own during COVID and they’re now struggling to get qualified staff. looking for industry professionals to help “We see TAFE NSW as an important them take the next step. part in getting quality graduates coming “It’s an extremely rewarding job and through.” for many fitness The Federal instructors, it really Government’s Job is a calling. They live When I speak to Outlook website the health and fitness our members, says demand for lifestyle and get so they tell me the last fitness instructors is much out of it, they three months have expected to remain want to share that with broken all records strong over the next the community.” when it comes to new five years. Ms Baird said the gym memberships TAFE NSW Port Certificate III in Fitness for young people. Macquarie Head (Gym Instructor) is Teacher of Fitness a six-month course, Kristy Baird said TAFE including units in NSW offered students planning group the practical skills, work experience and exercise sessions, developing gym-based industry connections to make a running exercise programs for individual clients, and start to their career. providing healthy eating information. To explore the range of courses “The industry struggled during COVID available at TAFE NSW and via TAFE Digital, but now we’re seeing gyms looking for visit tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601 staff again,” Ms Baird said. for more information. “Locals are seeing what’s next: they

The journey starts here...

YEAR YEAR 7 7 2023 2023

INFORMATION INFORMATION NIGHT NIGHT TUESDAY TUESDAY 17 17 MAY MAY 5.30PM 5.30PM

AR YE

3 02 2 7

S IP H RS LA HO E SC BL LA I VA A

SCAS.NSW.EDU.AU SCAS.NSW.EDU.AU GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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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.

Kate

MITCHELL K AT E C AT E R S O R G A N I C

Kate Mitchell is not afraid to be different, daring to tread her own path when it comes to sustainable and simple soul food. Kate has successfully merged her passions for real food made with love, fun and high-quality local ingredients, into the fresh vibe and eclectically delicious menu at katecaters. I get the download on her foodie inspiration, those stunning celebration cakes and the now iconic “coffee in a jar” which has become a cult classic.

hat inspired you to take the plunge and open a space and place honouring and serving up all the things you love in the Waniora Parkway community rather than a typical CBD location? Thanks Kate, I’m a long-term Port local and have always spent time in and utilised all our little suburban shopping strips. I love a community vibe and always thought Waniora Shopping Village was underrated, so when a shopfront became available there, I basically leapt at it! I have always believed that people will travel for quality, and when you have plentiful parking, lots of outdoor space, surrounded by gum trees, and an amazing bunch of locals – why not?! It’s a perfect way to encourage people to visit their small local purveyors over the big chains, and we have everything you need with our cafe, butcher, chemist, grocery store, bottle shop and hairdresser. The decision to base our ourselves here was absolutely an element of risk and has

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ultimately been one of our important defining factors, and a decision that has helped us have strong long-term growth, and excellent engagement with our local community. We have embraced elements of risk including our stance on disposable packaging, our decision not to have a standard cafe menu, our open and fully visible kitchen. These risks are contributing factors to our uniqueness and our success. Dare to be different I say. Your food ethos is simple and you have stayed true to your commitment to use local produce and practise sustainability with a hardcore crew of katecaters groupies that grab food on the go, stay and enjoy slow or have deliciousness delivered to their doors every week. How important is to have these local relationships and local produce on offer? Super important! We rely completely on local and return trade, as we aren’t in a touristy or foot traffic area. We have built and sustained long term relationships with a core foundation of local suppliers and customers, who have kept us busy and thriving through the chaos of the last couple of years! We try to be reliable, consistent and caring, and

always go above and beyond for our clients who support us. They, in turn, love sampling all the local produce that we use and, I believe, feel good about supporting local growers and farmers. Can you share why sustainability is a key component of the katecaters journey – how do you make a difference? We decided from the get-go to make sustainability one of our key foundations and have explored many different ways in which we can contribute positively. We are big on REUSE, and in five years of serving delicious Little Marionette coffee, have never used a disposable cup! Our “coffee in a jar” has become iconic, as has the presentation of our soups and sauces that also come served in recycled and sterilized jars. We also support community groups such as Coastal Warriors and the Seaside Scavenge events. How has the business evolved from those early days until now? The evolution has been massive, more than I could have anticipated really! I originally thought I was opening a little cake shop, and although my event cakes are still integral, the shop has grown into much more. Our meal

delivery service has fast developed into one of our busiest streams, and our grab’n’go display fridge has had to be upsized twice! I’ve learnt that our local community wanted wholesome, nourishing food and meals, and that they were more than ready for our bistro style menu, which changes daily. How did your own journey with real food begin? I’ve been cooking professionally for a long time spending several important and impressionable years working in both Greek and Italian restaurants. The ethos and style I learnt there was all about flavour, time, love and authenticity. We didn’t focus on dainty meals, rather slow cooking, and using everything – in a nose to tail fashion – to create deep and satisfying flavours. I’ve taken that ideal and run with it. At katecaters we get most excited about simple foods that take people on a journey. Our chicken soup is extremely popular, and it’s an old Jewish inspired recipe that I’ve been cooking for decades. I LOVE that soup, and I believe people taste the time and love I put into it. How integral is your team (and having a fun open work environment) to delivering on the katecaters mission? My team is everything! We are a close family and have a lot of fun. Hayley, my manager, is my sister-in-law – we’ve worked together for over 10 years, and have a magical relationship both in and out of the biz. She keeps me level-headed and the ship on course. Our chef Lizzy has been an amazing

addition and has fitted in with us like she’s been with us forever! We all share a vision, and the girls are integral in helping me communicate our ideals and values. We also have more of my wonderful family members in the background supporting us – my partner Chris is a coffee and business weapon, my sister Meegs is a nutritionist and provides priceless guidance, and my mum Annette turns up at least a day a week to help in the shop. Without a doubt both of my parents are my biggest mentors and supporters. I think our customers feel part of a family when they come and hang out with us, and we invite that closeness! Linking with other local businesses and foodies is key ensuring a fresh local take on the katecaters menu. Can share some of your favourite projects/colabs and how they made an impact? I am so lucky to have relationships with a heap of local legends that make regular appearances on our menu. I have a consistent collab with Todd and Lisa from Chef2Farmer, who are also dear friends. I produce delicious pastries made on their chicken and pork for their markets and farm gate tours – and sneak peek – Todd and I are also working on a farm to plate dining event coming soon! My event cake aesthetic is simplicity, beauty and realness, which I achieve by using gorgeous edible blooms grown locally by my lovely friend Maryanne McKay. She has singlehandedly helped me develop a look which we are all really proud of. I have a (verrrrrrry) long term relationship

with Chris, Kelly and Ken from Ken Littles, and I’m extremely lucky to have them funnelling me the best local produce they can. I am committed to a no waste kitchen and can often be found rewriting a daily menu because Yay!!! A box of organic cauliflowers just turned up!! These guys know that I will use up surplus or seconds stock, which also guarantees a varied, seasonal and interesting menu. What has been your biggest challenge in your business journey? I know I will be heard by my women out there when I say, the motherhood/career balance! I opened the shop when my son Benji was 4 and at preschool. I think all fulltime working mums struggle sometimes, and we can feel like we aren’t ‘fully’ present in either aspect of our lives. I do believe that I am setting an excellent example for him and my niece and nephew, by showing them that the mum can be the breadwinner, and that it’s possible to follow your own dreams. If you could cook for one person on the planet to make a difference – who would it be and why? I think it would be Sir David Attenborough!! He is a living legend, such an influential man, and is doing more than anyone else to raise awareness and create change on the climate crisis. I would love to cook for him and thank him for everything he does for our planet. And probably fan girl out a bit!! Thanks Kate. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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Vote

L FEDERA N ELECTIOY 21 MA

Pat Conaghan MEMBER FOR COWPER

Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour and the Mid North Coast. I will put you first. This is a critical time for the Mid North Coast and for Australia. I know there is more to be done, and only The Nationals can deliver what we need in Cowper. With your support on May 21, I will continue to deliver for our region.

Coffs Harbour 33/361 Harbour Drive Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 (02) 5507 9555 Port Macquarie Suite 1, Level 4, 41-47 Horton Street, Port Macquarie NSW 2444 (02) 6583 8387

My plan for Cowper: Job creation

by supporting small businesses, encouraging innovation, and providing better training. Expanded wage subsidies from The Nationals will lead to more opportunities for apprentices and trainees.

Better health services

like world-class health and aged care facilities, and improvements and expansion of Medicare bulk-billing and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. In the last year alone The Nationals in government have funded more than 2.7 million free or subsidised medicines for the people of Cowper.

Better roads and infrastructure

by working closely with our council and state partners to deliver the projects that matter to our community, like the $1.76 billion Coffs Harbour bypass.

Lower cost of living

for those who need it most, through tangible measures like cutting fuel excise, providing tax relief for more than 60,000 taxpayers in our region, and making childcare more affordable for more than 6,300 Cowper families.

Authorised by J Lundy, National Party of Australia – N.S.W, Level 2, 107 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000

focus_contributor.

Craig Williams Photography

BUSINESS

VOICE with ALEX GLEN-HOLMES

PRESIDENT PORT MACQUARIE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

for the whole area and will present many opportunities to local businesses. Please join us for this not to be missed event as a way to learn of upcoming opportunities.

Business NSW and was strongly supported. We will also be upgrading our website where we will also have stories of interest from the business community local and state wide, news, picture gallery and so much more so stay tuned for that.

A big thank you to Stacey Morgan who many of you will know from Port Macquarie Performing Arts, but did you know that Stacey is also a Business Made Simple Business Coach? Stacey joined us at our April networking breakfast and presented a very insightful “Are you Nurturing or Neglecting your clients?” how to create return ongoing business and create raving fans for your business. If you would like more information on Stacey you can reach her at simplystaceymorgan.com – I highly recommend especially for business people with kids!

Moving forward to mid-year events, June we hope to hear from The Mayor Peta Pinson with six months on from election and our CEO Claire Allen following on with what is happening within council. July we look forward to a great event with local marketing guru Jane Hillsdon educating us on what we need to know about marketing even if we outsource it. We are committed to ensuring that you have the tools and opportunities to help you ensure your business thrives so please let us know what else you would like us to cover.

Following our breakfast the Chamber held an Extraordinary General Meeting where we adopted our new constitution and the big news of the meeting is we are changing our name. At the Chamber we believe that we need to stay relevant and move with the times. Businesses need to know what we stand for and they need to be able to find us when they need support or information. The second point that was voted on was to change our name to Business Port Macquarie. This is also in line with changes to

We would like to thank Mark Wilson for his support in the role of Executive Officer at Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce for the past 5 years. Mark has been committed to expanding our member base and was instrumental in our Golf Days which we now do in partnership with Westpac Rescue Helicopter. Mark leaves us to concentrate more time on his business “That Lead Light Guy” and we wish him every success. I am sure you will still see Mark around at a few of our events.

Wow I can’t believe that we are into May already and another eventful month ahead.

s I sit here writing this column, we are putting the finishing touches on the business community’s big night of the year. The 2021 Coastline Credit Union Greater Port Macquarie Business Awards. After a few false starts due to COVID we are now on the home stretch and we look forward to a glamourous night on the 13th May celebrating local business with this year’s MCs Andy Saunders (The Block fame) and our local celebrity Vanessa Lawrence (The Style Vibe Creative). Good luck to all our finalists. With the 2022 Federal Election approaching on the 21st May it is important that our local businesses are given the opportunity to ask questions and make their needs known to the candidates, so the Chamber will be working in conjunction with other business networks including Greater Port Macquarie Tourism Association, Micro Business Forum and Hastings Business Women’s Network to organise a Meet the Candidates event. Please speak with your local network or contact the Chamber regarding dates and venue. Then on the 24th May our evening network event will be hosted by Charles Sturt University introducing Axiom to the local Business Community. This is a very exciting collaboration 108 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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Businesses need to know what we stand for and they need to be able to find us when they need support or information.

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BUSINESS

TAHSHI PAYNE

MINDS

with LAUREN MCALLISTER AND SIMON BANK FROM WEBSTUDIO

ou have been appointed GM of the Mercure Hotel - congratulations! Can you share with us where you’ve come from and the incredible experience you bring to the table? Looking back, I’ve had some really diverse roles over the years! My background is predominantly in management and marketing in the corporate world. I have been fortunate for the last 15 years to work with some great companies, including eBay, FOXTEL and Macquarie Bank. These roles have all been great experiences and really helped me to develop my marketing and management skills! They have also allowed me to have exciting progression in my career. Did you always see yourself in a role like this? Does it fall into the career plan you had for yourself? At the start of my career, I taught snowboarding in Canada and worked in some fantastic hotels over there! This is where my love of hospitality and travelling began and it’s something I’ve always been drawn to. In terms of my ‘career plan’ - being a GM of a hotel wasn’t something I had thought much about! But I have always enjoyed this industry - it’s fast paced, there is never a dull moment. It also incorporates a number of my core skills and experience. I was already doing some consultancy work with Flower Hotels (and loving it!) so I knew hospitality was going to be a big part of my professional life. But I’ve definitely hit the ground running - there is a lot to be done, but there have already been

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some amazing rewards. venue, as GM? What are your first big What do you think has been the most priority actions in this role? important driving force for your career, My key focus for this first month has been to get you where you are today. Was it ensuring we maintain our strong team and education? Experience? Networking? the right staff, to provide the best guest Timing? experience. We regularly receive wonderful I think a lot has come down to experience feedback from the guests who stay in the and networking. A component of my hotel about how friendly and helpful our staff marketing degree was that we had to are. undertake over 400 hours of work placement There is so much potential! We plan to throughout the course. renovate and update This was the perfect place - while continuing to to start as it allowed me provide a great place I have always to try a number of roles for people to stay, for admired the and it ultimately led both a holiday and for to me gaining my first business. A strong focus relationship that real marketing role for is connecting with the Alistair and the Flower Sutherland Shire Council. community, so they Hotels Group has with The people I have met are aware of what we the local community. over the years and the have to offer. We want relationships I have to provide them with developed have really excellent function spaces helped me progress over the years. Those long - as well as a hotel they can feel proud to term relationships bring me so much joy - and recommend to visiting family and friends. really, that’s why we do what we do! I know you are excited about the rooftop What is it about this role that you are level - any plans you can give us a sneaky most excited about? preview of? I have always admired the relationship that The rooftop is such a great element of Alistair and the Flower Hotels Group has with the hotel and something we are working on the local community. I am looking forward to renovating very soon. We have some exciting bringing and strengthening that community ideas and want it to be the place where locals element in this venue. The Mercure brand has can hold that really special function. We also a strong presence nationally under the Accor want it to look and feel like the beautiful brand. This will help us continue to appeal to beachside area we live in - light and bright. people - both nationally and internationally We will also be looking to host unique onewhen they visit this sensational region. off events - so everyone in the region gets a Can you tell us about your vision for the chance to experience it. Stay tuned!

Dr David GILLESPIE THE NATIONALS FOR LYNE

NEW SHARED PATHWAY AT BONNY HILLS AND ON THE CAMDEN HAVEN

FEDERAL FUNDING FOR LORNE ROAD

Federal funding of $1.87-million will deliver new shared pathways along the east side of Ocean Drive between Graham and Rodley Street in Bonny Hills.

With detailed design work near completion, staged construction work will begin next year on the Lorne Road upgrade between Kendall and Comboyne.

KEW MAIN STREET UPGRADE DESIGNS COMPLETED $800,000 in Federal funding will support major upgrades of the main street in Kew. A contract for works is expected to be awarded soon to begin this year.

Dr David GILLESPIE

THE NATIONALS FOR LYNE

He Listens. He Cares. He Delivers.

$975,000 FOR CRITICAL FIRE PROTECTION UPGRADES FOR DUNBOGAN AND DIAMOND WATERS Federal funding has been secured for critical water infrastructure to protect the Diamond Waters Caravan Park and Dunbogan community from future bushfire threats.

Wauchope Office

Taree Office

02 6586 4462

02 6557 8910

Corner of High and Hastings Streets, Wauchope, NSW 2446

144 Victoria Street, Taree, NSW 2430

david.gillespie.mp@aph.gov.au

DavidGillespieMP david_gillespie_mp davegillespiemp

Authorised by David Gillespie, The Nationals, 43 High Street, Wauchope NSW 2446

PORT MACQUARIE

ASTRONOMICAL ASSOCIATION

ON JULY 13, 2020, THE PORT MACQUARIE ASTRONOMICAL ASSOCIATION (PMAA) realised a long-held dream when funding of $4.86m for its proposed new Astronomical Science Centre was jointly announced by state and federal government members, Leslie Williams (Member for Port Macquarie) and Pat Conaghan (Member for Cowper).

he PMAA had been working on this project for many years. The current observatory is itself a landmark in Port Macquarie, located in Rotary Park adjacent to Town Beach. Anyone living in or visiting the area will pass it as they drive into the town centre. The new Centre will be even more prominent. History under east coast stars Port Macquarie has a long history in astronomy. Just how long depends on how far back you wish to look. If you consider that the Port Macquarie Observatory is built upon traditional Birpai land, then there is astronomical and environmental knowledge going back tens of thousands of years. If you consider western astronomy, then it could argued that it all started with Edmund Halley. Halley had published two papers proposing that accurate measurements of the solar parallax of a planet could be used to calculate the distance to the Sun, and thus distances in the rest of the Solar System. Expeditions to conduct such observations were sent to many parts of the world in 1761 and 1769. In early 1768, the Royal Society petitioned King George III to finance a scientific expedition to the South Pacific to observe the transit of Venus. James Cook was promoted to lieutenant and given command of the Endeavour. Cook, his crew and a party of scientists set sail and arrived in Tahiti in April 1769, in time to catch the transit. From their (and other) observations, the distance to the Sun was calculated to be 151.7 million kilometres. (From the 1874

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and 1882 transits the distance was refined to 149.59 million km.) After leaving Tahiti, Cook opened a sealed letter that contained further, dramatic instructions — find the mythical ‘great southern land’! The rest is history. Fast forward 113 years, and Port Macquarie had been settled for 62 years. In town there was a keen astronomer, William John Macdonnell. In 1882 he was assigned the job of documenting one of the next transits of Venus, on a location in the middle of Port Macquarie now known as Transit Hill. Unfortunately for Macdonnell, December 6 that year was cloudy. In 1885 Macdonnell imported a telescope from Thomas Grubb’s Astronomical Instrument Works in Dublin, and installed it in the town in a purpose-built observatory behind the Bank of New South Wales, where he worked as manager. This 150-mm Grubb refractor has now been restored and is on display in the National Museum in Canberra. Fast forward another seven decades and the owner of the Royal Hotel, Bob Stanfield, encouraged people to drop their small change into a container on the bar. This money was used to build Tuppenny Road at Flynn’s Beach. But continuing the collection, Stanfield was able to raise enough money to purchase a telescope for the Hastings District Hospital, intended for use by convalescing returned war veterans. From its hilltop location, the hospital commanded a magnificent view of the town and out to sea. Unfortunately, the 127-mm refractor was heavy and hard to handle and provided limited use for a small number of people. As a result, it lay unused for many years.

The observatory is founded Next, Albert York, a retired master builder and architect, tried to build an observatory on top of a building in Joffre Street but was opposed by a neighbour. The local Council enquired into the matter and among those on the committee were some Rotarians who became interested in the idea of establishing an observatory in Port Macquarie. So they asked York to address a local Rotary meeting. As a result of York’s presentation, a Dr McLaren suggested that York inspect the dormant 127-mm telescope at the hospital. It became clear that due to the telescope’s size, a proper building would be required to house it, and so York was asked to draw up plans. They were approved by Council, and subsequently the Lands Department set aside some land in Rotary Park. The Port Macquarie Rotary Club made the construction of the observatory an official project – it was built during 1961-62 and the 127-mm telescope was installed. Around the same time, towards the end of 1961, a public meeting was held at the CWA hall and the Port Macquarie Astronomical Association was formed. York was its first President, a position he held until 1983. He passed away the following year at the age of 94. The Port Macquarie Observatory began operating in 1962 but it wasn’t until 1965 that it was officially opened by Dr Harley Wood, the then NSW Government Astronomer. The observatory houses one of two orreries designed by Dr Wood and built by Horace Pinnock, an engineer from the Sydney Observatory. The other orrery can be found in the Powerhouse Museum.

From the beginning, the observatory has been funded by the work of volunteers and admissions paid by visitors. Spare funds were still used to purchase equipment for the local hospital up until the time responsibility for funding for hospitals was taken over by the state government. The observatory, which now houses a C14 Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope on a Paramount MX+ mount, has been opening to the public two nights per week ever since 1962 (excluding recent COVID-19 restrictions), plus additional openings for special events. A community success story Over the years the observatory has been a significant astronomical outreach facility, unique to the NSW Mid North Coast. Around 2,000 to 3,000 visitors per year have been amazed by the views through the telescope, seeing real ‘out of this world’ objects with their own eyes and being entertained and informed by our enthusiastic volunteers. The PMAA also developed a range of activities for its members. Café Astronomy and Sidewalk Astronomy are held most months (disrupted lately due to COVID), in which members and guest speakers present on a topic of interest, not always astronomy. Another project is the Cassini Group, a way for young members to learn the fundamentals of astronomy. This group is the brainchild of a PMAA member who was previously President of the Swiss Astronomical Association. The PMAA is very fortunate to have such experience and enthusiasm available through his active participation. Dark sky nights are occasionally held in the district, when members take telescopes to events to show the public sights such as the

Emu in the Milky Way, and to speak about some of Australia’s First Peoples’ sky knowledge. The new Centre is conceived PMAA celebrated its 50th birthday in 2012, with the help of well-known professional astronomer, Fred Watson (who has since become our patron). This was a time for celebrating our history and for looking forward to what we would like to bring to the public and our town in the future. The observatory, full of heart and soul from so many years, was nevertheless ageing and in need of significant repairs and modifications if we were going to embrace the 21st Century. It was then that a plan was conceived to replace the observatory with a new Astronomical Science Centre, in a building that would be fit for purpose. Over the following eight years, plans for the new Centre were developed and evolved through stages into the form that has now been approved by Council. The process consumed a lot of PMAA resources and a lot of time and energy from the committee, which is full of very hard-working members whose decisions are made with the betterment of the PMAA at their core. Many other members have made significant contributions to support the activities of the Association. The new Centre will house not only the observatory, but also an 85-seat auditorium, display area, a multi-purpose function area, meeting room, kitchen, office space and accessible toilets. Outside, there will be beautifully landscaped gardens and lawn areas. We intend to save the old dome and relocate it in the new grounds. For future generations No account of the Port Macquarie Observatory would be complete without

mentioning one member in particular, former President (an office he held for 19 years), life member and active committee member, Jim Daniel. For many years, Jim’s contribution as a volunteer was a key part of the success of the Association and led to the current committee succeeding in developing the plans and obtaining the government grant to build the new Centre. On one open night, a father brought his 8-year-old child along, and mentioned how his own father had brought him to the observatory when he was just 8 years old. On that night all those years ago, the young man and his father were given a presentation by Jim, which led to the man’s lifelong interest in astronomy. Fast forward to the open night in the 21st Century, and by chance it was Jim presenting again — a whole generation on! Jim exemplified the true value of volunteer members for an association such as the PMAA. He died in 2020 at the age of 91, and was active in the PMAA until the very last. One could say that the future of astronomy is looking up in Port Macquarie. The vision of the PMAA is to bring astronomical topics to the public via a bigger, better facility, and engage, excite and inspire the public in the wonder of the natural world. We are seeing a new age of space exploration and Australia is investing in it and is part of it. It is PMAA’s charter to also be part of it and to share it with the public for at least another 60 years. Robert Brangwin is President and David Edgerly is Secretary of the Port Macquarie Astronomical Association. For more information, go to portastronomy.com.au GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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JOHN CRISP THE MAN WALK

After suffering two heart attacks and taking up walking to look after his health, local man John Crisp heard about The Man Walk through a relative from the south coast and decided this was something he and the community could benefit from here in Port Macquarie.

i John. Can you give our readers an idea of what The Man Walk is? The Man Walk provides an opportunity for men to get together to walk, talk and support each other in a regular and healthy way. The Man Walk provides an environment that is positive, supportive and inclusive, where there is no pressure and The Man Walk no barriers to entry. provides an Just an opportunity to environment that is walk, talk and support! positive, supportive and We want to make it ok inclusive, where there is Man Walk is Australia to talk, and we want wide and a great no pressure and no to make it ok for men network to be involved barriers to entry. Just to ask for help if they with. need it. an opportunity to walk, I suffered my first You started The talk and support! heart attack at 37, and Man Walk in Port five years ago I had a Macquarie, what made second heart attack. you want to start it in our area? As part of my recovery I found walking the I was introduced to the organisation best form of exercise. Walking and talking through a relative on the south coast. The go together and Port Macquarie is an easy 114 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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walking place. I just wanted to form a group where we can check in on each other, see how everyone is travelling and have those conversations while we’re walking. We have lots of short walks suitable for all levels of fitness. The Saturday group also caters for those who choose not to walk and are happy to just sit and talk. How has it helped you and what effect has it had on your health and wellbeing? Walking is an important part of heart health

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for me, and it also helps with stress levels and overall wellbeing. Exercise in general helps with mental health, and talking after a walk brings up topics of conversation that would not normally be discussed. What do you hope participants get out of being involved in The Man Walk? A sense of belonging We have lots of and knowing that there are others out there who laughs and it is a will listen. great place for I have a lot of life newcomers to town to experience in drug find out what is going 45min. The other main and alcohol recovery, on in Port Macquarie. walk is from the same mental health recovery The men have a lot of starting point and along and homelessness. I life experience to the Breakwall, through have worked for many share. the Town Green over to years in the community Westport Park. When and through these we get back, we usually experiences I have seen grab a coffee from HQ and then sit and yarn. how helpful it is to have a regular place to On the first Saturday of every month, we meet, and listening to other men talk about are now starting a new walk at Lighthouse their struggles can often encourage men to Beach leaving from the BBQ area near Tacking open up. Point Surf Life Saving Club. This walk can go We have lots of laughs and it is a great in either of 2 directions – along the beach, or place for newcomers to town to find out what is going on in Port Macquarie. The men have a up to the lighthouse which can include stairs for the fitter members. There are cafes nearby lot of life experience to share. for those who need their coffee. Where do you go on your walks? The walks start at the outdoor Gym Set near What is the fitness level required for your Breakwall HQ Coffee Shop. We walk along the walks? The walks cater for all fitness levels and beach to Flagstaff Lookout, then we walk to a quick verbal assessment is done prior to Oxley Beach up to the Windmill Hill Reserve. walking for new members. Walkers are made Including the return trip, it is approximately

aware of the first aid points along the way. All walkers are responsible for deciding how far they can walk but walking is not the only option. What sort of feedback have you had from men that have participated? Feedback has been very positive and as it is a low impact activity there is no pressure. Some men have reported that it has motivated them to leave the house and it has helped to relieve depression. One participant reported that it is “A great catchup for blokes of all ages and backgrounds. A fantastic opportunity to have a good chat and a laugh over coffee, and a short walk for your health, for those who are inclined.” How would someone go about joining in? I can be contacted on 0467 390 813 or just show up at 9am on Saturday mornings. Thanks John. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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Communit y LIVING

CO U L D M A K E YO U H A P P I E R A N D H E A LT H I E R

As a society, we prioritise accumulating wealth during our working lives – so it’s natural to assume having more money is the key to a healthier future. But research shows that the type of community in which we live can make a big difference.

ecently, ProMatura conducted a survey of retirement community residents and prospective residents and found two-thirds of retirement community residents said their health had either remained unchanged or improved since they moved in. And residents were two to five times more likely than non-residents to take part in fitness and social activities. During that same period, Ingenia Gardens conducted a resident survey and found that 82% of residents had a positive outlook on life and 90% were moderately to extremely satisfied with the sense of community they felt.

Both surveys suggest that many community residents experience a sense of peace of mind and in times such as these, community connection has never been more valuable. At the heart of Ingenia Gardens Port Macquarie is the Community Room which is central to the social life of the community. “It is where you can relax and enjoy a catch up with your fellow residents, watch a movie or quietly read a book in the lounge area or enjoy lunch with your friends,” Madonna Jackson, Portfolio Manager Ingenia Gardens said. If residents’ health needs change, Ingenia

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

Gardens Port Macquarie has a complimentary and personalised care co-ordination service, Ingenia Connect, to assist residents to maintain their independence for longer. Ingenia Gardens Port Macquarie is set within beautiful, manicured gardens, conveniently located close to the Lake Innes Village Shopping Centre, Port Macquarie Base Hospital and other facilities. If maintaining your independence for longer in a low-maintenance home within a friendly community appeals to you, call Community Manager Keiron on 6581 5223 to arrange a personal tour or visit ingeniagardens.com.au

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.

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PROPERTY GUIDE

SORENSEN & CALDON BUILDERS OF DISTINCTION

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SORENSEN & CALDON

BUILDERS OF DISTINCTION

i Kylie, who are Sorensen & Caldon Builders and how long have you been in the industry? Sorensen & Caldon Builders are an award-winning design and construct builder who specialise in delivering quality built custom homes on the Mid North Coast and has been doing so for more than 40 years. Tell our readers about the Sorensen & Caldon difference? We as a business are very client focused. Most of our clients have an idea of what they want to achieve and are chasing quality. They come to us through recommendation, knowing we are great at converting their ideas into a buildable form that is practical, beautiful and above all well built. It’s our willingness to really invest in their dreams and ideas, to explore product and pricing options, to take that time onsite with them and ask the question “What if we approached things like this? And if we did it

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like this you can still achieve your desired look but save some dollars... Or, have you thought about this product?” It’s knowing our clients, really listening and understanding their style, helping them make smart informed choices without locking them out of the design and build process. This focus on detail starts in the sales office with Kylie Caldon, then with our Director Adam It’s knowing Ferris, all the way through our clients, to our head supervisor really listening and Andy Fawcett and our understanding their individual suppliers and style, helping them trades, many of whom make smart informed have been creating choices without beautiful homes with us features? locking them out of for many, many years. Our homes are We know our clients and the design and build very different… The our goal is to deliver their process. Cottesloe is our dream. standard inclusion You have two brand design and it’s what we like to call ‘Australian coastal cottage’ in new display homes in the Sovereign Hills its presentation. This home has a wonderful Display Village. Take us through these feel; filled with light and beautiful features, homes and tell us about some of the key

which prove you don’t need to sacrifice on quality or style when you select products within our standard allowances. Then there’s our showstopper – The Manhattan. This home showcases our upmarket level inclusions shining the spotlight on solid spotted gum floors, soaring raked ceilings, quality fixtures and fittings and custom joinery at every turn. This truly modern home has been designed around a central courtyard and is a must visit for anyone visiting the display village. When creating new homes and living spaces what do you and your team take into consideration? We try to put ourselves in our clients’ shoes when we consider their needs and their nonnegotiable ‘must-haves’. Key considerations include orientation, views, the amount of fall on a site, privacy and any potential access issues. Then there’s the overall look and feel, and of course our clients’ budget. Once we’ve established these factors the design can start to evolve, all based on what we would consider a best build outcome. What do you believe is the most important step when it comes to choosing and building your dream home? Rapport, trust, a willingness to work with your ideas, open lines of communication with the people who have boots on the ground working on your project, knowing you can

Find a builder with a willingness to go the extra mile and focus on the extra detail that will make all the difference to your dream home. pick up the phone and talk to someone who knows you and your build 24 hours a day. The best advice we can offer is to find a builder with a proven reputation, ensure you have everything included from the get go in your tender price, ask to speak with past clients, organise to visit their new home builds and ensure there is consistency between the display home and the clients’ finished product. Look into the allowances (especially in the kitchen and wet areas) to make sure you won’t need to keep putting your hand in your pocket throughout the construction process. Most importantly, find a builder with a willingness to go the extra mile and focus on the extra detail that will make all the difference to your dream home. In the building industry the devil really is in the detail. Sorensen & Caldon are recent Master Builders Association of NSW Excellence in Building Award winners, what do you put this down to and what makes Sorensen & Caldon who they are? We recently won Best Display Home in the Newcastle Division over $550,000 category for our upmarket Manhattan display home,

as well as taking out the Regional MBA Safety Award which we are very proud of, as safety is at the forefront of all of our new home builds. When judged by other industry professionals it’s the ultimate compliment that you are recognised as putting forward a good product. We believe the judges appreciated our build quality, attention to detail and found our design ideas refreshing. When all is said and done though, it’s our people that define Sorensen & Caldon Builders as niche builders. Our people at all levels of our business are committed to ensuring every one of our clients creates their ultimate lifestyle home. Come and talk to our team at the Sovereign Hills Display Village. We’re open Monday to Friday (10am - 4pm) and weekends by appointment on (02) 6551 0445. Or visit sorensenandcaldon.com.au GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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THE MANHATTAN 1 4 Y O R K S T R E E T, T H R U M S T E R

THE RIGHT CHOICE WHEN QUALITY MATTERS Welcome to Sorensen & Caldon – “builders of distinction since 1958”. Sorensen & Caldon are local custom home builders based in Taree. We have over 40 years’ experience building high-quality new homes across the region. S O R E N S E N A N D CA L D O N .C O M . AU

AWARD WINNING HOME CONSTRUCTION Sorensen & Caldon are Housing Industry Association and Master Builders Association award winning builders

THE COTTESLOE 1 2 Y O R K S T R E E T, T H R U M S T E R

Every person has different needs as does every site therefore we rarely build the same house twice. Talk to us in further detail about designing a home specific to you. All homes built by Sorensen & Caldon are designed and priced individually based on your site, orientation, budget and individual requests.

DISPLAY HOME 12-14 York Street, Thrumster Open 5 days, 10.00am – 4.00pm, Sat/Sun by appointment P. (02) 6551 0445 TAREE OFFICE 30 Oxley St, Taree Open Mon – Fri 9am – 4pm | P. (02) 6551 0445

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ALL TIME GLASS & ALUMINIUM

All Time Glass & Aluminium is Port Macquarie's friendly, reliable onestop shop for windows, mirrors, shower screens, splashbacks, security doors and screens. We are also Port Macquarie's 24-hour glass repairs and replacement specialist. Customer service and quality products keep us thriving. You can count on us to take care of you.

ll Time Glass and Aluminium; a business that has been locally owned and operated for quite some time. For those who don’t know you or are new to our area can you introduce yourself and your team? My wife and myself have owned and operated All Time Glass & Aluminium for 9 years now and have lived locally here in the Hastings Valley for over 20 years. We employ a couple of local guys who have been working in the industry now for many years and who have vast knowledge and experience in the glass industry. Tell us about the products and services

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that you offer/provide? We offer a large range of products and services including installation of shower screens, security screens and doors, dog doors into glass or screen doors, all types of glass and mirrors cut to size, emergency glass repairs, sliding wardrobe doors, commercial work including shopfronts and automatic doors, installation and supply of new glass windows and doors. We also do repair work to existing glass doors and windows. We cover the entire Hastings Valley from Laurieton and Kendall in the south, out to west of Wauchope and as far north as Kempsey. What does a typical day on the job look like for you and your team? There is not a typical day for us as each

I enjoy meeting new customers and helping them out with their renovations and seeing a project come together.

day brings all types of different jobs, from emergency window and door repairs to installation of commercial shopfront doors. However most days involve installing shower screens and security products to our customers’ properties and performing the usual reglaze. I am normally out and about doing measures and quotes for customers. If we aren’t installing products we are back in the shed making them. What do you enjoy the most about your role and working within the local building

industry? I enjoy meeting new customers and helping them out with their renovations and seeing a project come together. Our jobs vary from commercial work down to small domestic jobs. This is what makes it enjoyable and interesting to work in the local area as each job can be very different. Tell us about the most popular/sought after product on the market at the moment? (In your showroom of course) What makes it one of the best? Currently security products are very popular

as people are more aware of keeping their properties secure. We make a variety of security doors and window screens that suit every situation and need. We can come out to your property and recommend what product best suits. Our security products can vary from full stainless steel products to perforated aluminium and diamond grille options. Shower screens are another popular product as people renovate their bathrooms and are looking for different ideas. We can provide fully framed, semi frameless and fully frameless shower options. A new shower screen can help modernise the look of a bathroom. Thanks Anthony. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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Greater Port Macquarie Focus - i194

Articles inside

Tim Couch - Legal Light

Alistair Flower - In the Front Bar

Lauren McAllister & Simon Bank - Business Minds