Greater Port Macquarie Focus - i197 by Focus

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197 AUGUST 2022

BRYAN HANKS

Andrew Miedecke Motors

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100 Hastings River Drive, Port Macquari

A new kind of comfort zone. Welcome to the all new C-Class. More than a luxury vehicle, it’s a personal oasis where you can enjoy exceptional comfort with ambient lighting, seamless connection with an intuitive touchscreen and MBUX, and complete control with state-of-the-art safety features.

The all new C-Class.

Experience the all new C-Class today at Andrew Miedecke Motors.

ie 6583 8855 MD077327 www.mbportmacquarie.com.au GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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W HAT’S ON OPERA AUSTRALIA THE BARBER OF SEVILLE

PERFECT FOR AGES 5+

ELVIS I CAN DREAM Friday 9 September, 8pm

Saturday 13 August, 7.30pm

ERTH - PREHISTORIC ZOO Tuesday 30 August, 6.30pm & Wednesday 31 August, 10am & 1pm

TWIST & SHOUT Friday 16 September, 8pm

GOOD MORNING VIETNAM Sunday 11 September, 7.30pm

FOR BOOKINGS: 02 6581 8888

glasshouse.org.au

Follow Glasshouse:

@ GLASSHOUSE EXHIBITIONS

SUSPENDED MOMENT 2 July to 4 September

Botanical Watercolour Artwork

Patterned Hanging Pot

Illustration based on Katthy Cavaliere’s a moment alone, 1998 (detail).

Block Printing

EXHIBITIONS

Fabric Printing

COURAGE TO CARE 9 July to 28 August

CRAFT & COCKTAILS The 1st Friday of each month August to November, 5.30 to 7.30pm

An initiative of B’nai B’rith

OFF

GLASSHOUSE MEMBERSHIP AVAILABLE NOW

* conditions apply.

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

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WELCOME TO HIGHFIELDS MANOR Highfields Manor is a beautiful new purpose-built residential aged care facility opening in Port Macquarie this July. Our residents will be able to enjoy our architect-designed facilities, landscaped gardens, wellness centre, cinema and on-site coffee shop, secure in the knowledge that they have the care and support of our friendly, experienced team. Highfields Manor will offer 105 residential places - all bedrooms have en suite bathrooms. We will provide 24-hour personalised care to permanent residents in an ageing in place environment and respite care, rehabilitation and palliative care services.

Permanent Aged Care The dedicated team at Highfields Manor offers responsive and flexible care to our residents based on their individual needs. With a focus on ‘reablement’, we provide care for people with high and low needs and take a personcentred approach, adapting our services to each of our residents alongside specialist rehabilitation and dementia support.

Respite Care Respite care can give a carer a muchneeded break and can also give a potential resident the opportunity to trial our care. Our friendly, expert team are on hand to work with temporary residents, their carers and families to ensure our respite residents receive the most appropriate care and that their stay with us is a positive experience for everyone involved.

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Facilities Highfields Manor has been architect designed to offer the best in contemporary, residential aged care. The clean, modern interiors combine beauty and best practice in seniors living so our residents feel at home and supported. Our 105 brand new, private rooms all feature ensuite bathrooms, ample storage and space to welcome family and friends. Residents can relax and entertain visitors in beautifully landscaped courtyards and spacious terraces as well in our indoor lounges and café. Therapy sessions are available in our wellness centre fitted with state-of-the-art rehabilitation and wellness equipment.

WE ARE OPEN Please call Kim to book your private tour today

For all enquiries contact Kim Suitor on 0458 164 029 Visit our website today. www.highfieldsmanor.com.au Highfields Circuit, Port Macquarie GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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Photo by Cody-lee Mabey

Welcome to the AUGUST 2022 ISSUE of Greater Port Macquarie FOCUS.

an you believe it... This edition marks exactly two years since we returned from our COVID hiatus, and how good is it to be back?! 2022 has given our beautiful community some really exciting and awesome events. It’s so wonderful to have these back up and running and congratulations to those behind the scenes who put all these events on. There has definitely been something for everyone, and we really do hope that you were able to get out and support as many as possible. We are super excited for what the second half of the year has in store and we’re looking forward to many more awesome events coming our way. As a community we are so lucky to be able to have these back.

In this edition: August is of course our Men In Business edition and we have a pretty spectacular feature for you to read. Well done to all the men who put their hands up, we have a great bunch of business men from all industries. Check it out starting on page 81. A huge thank you to husband and wife team Bryan and Hayley Hanks from Growers Market, who let us take over their shop to create this month’s cover and of course Bryan for being our cover star. You can read all about Bryan this month on pages 18-21. Even though we have our Men In Business edition, we still have some amazing and very inspirational women who we have interviewed this month. Young 21-year-old Taylah Debreceny is making her mark in the weightlifing world after taking up the sport

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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

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

competitively just two years ago. The beautiful Claire Dunkey, a previous FOCUS employee, has embarked on an exciting field of study and is now a fully accredited and practising Doula. Launching this August, Claire’s interview is definitely one to check out. A special congratulations to a couple of our clients who are celebrating 10 years in business. Lusanna from Meg & Me and Sandra from SeaChange Accounting. An awesome milestone to hit, here’s to another 10 years :) Wishing everyone a fantastic last month of Winter (bring it on) stay safe, be kind and keep smashing those goals. Til next month x

ART DIRECTOR 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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CELEBRATING 10 YEARS IN BUSINESS

FASHION+HOME+COFFEE 12+13, 6-14 Clarence Street, Port Macquarie Call Us 6583 7773 | megandme.com.au

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Issue 197 - August 2022 INTERVIEWS

APPLETREE KETO BAKERY

Zoe Turnbull always loved baking, and after running her own cafe and becoming a mum, she now offers delicious keto, low carb treats home delivered and in a few local retail outlets.

TAYLAH DEBRECENY

Wauchope local Taylah Debreceny has found her passion in weightlifting and in a small amount of time has become a serious competitor at State and National level.

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SIMON LUXTON

This incredible artist’s illustrations jump right out at you and have their own unique style that make them obviously his. Simon is currently a man in demand and we can see why!

OUR CONTRIBUTORS 37. Lou Perri - Palate Pleasures 43. Alex Cassegrain - Wine Time 47. Maria River Distillery - From the Shaker 53. Vanessa Lawrence - Style Vibe Savvy 65. Rachel Leman - Fitness Update 114. Kate Wood-Foye - Business Illuminate 120. Emma Walker & Simon Bank - Business Minds CONTRIBUTOR

122. Alex Glen-Holmes - Business Voice

OF THE MONTH

128. Jeremy Brigden - Legal Light

PETRA BROOMBY

134. Petra Broomby - Holiday Rentals

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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Cristian Campano Design.

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THE MID NORTH COAST

CARAVAN, CAMPING, 4WD, FISH AND BOAT SHOW The Mid North’s Coast number one outdoor event. With over 165 exhibitors, loads of entertainment for the whole family, camp oven cooking, fishing demonstrations, bike show and so much more! Where Wauchope Showground When August 5th-7th, 9am-5pm

6 BOB DOWNE COMEDY CRUISE Port AdVenture Cruises. BOB is Back! Join Bob Downe, one of Australian most loved and enduring comedy characters for his famous “Love Boat Cruise” – a one man comedy, dance and song extravaganza that includes a scrumptious 3 course meal and amazing views of the Hastings River. When Saturday, August 6th, 6:30pm-9:30pm Tickets cruiseportmacquarie.com.au 16 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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S AUGU

T 2022

WINE O’CLOCK POP UP @

PORT CITY BOWLING CLUB

We’re joining up with Port City Bowling Club for a relaxing Sunday session of painting, drinks, food and laughs! Join us recreating one of our newest refreshed artworks “Wine O‘Clock” while enjoying your favourite beverage! Ages 18+ Cost $75pp includes complimentary glass of house wine or soft drink and a cheese and fruit plate. Bookings pinotandpicasso.com.au

WELL-BEING WORKOUT

21 TRAILS AND TAILS This may be your first official trail run with you dog, or you may be old pro’s at trail racing together. So what do you need to know? You have options either 21km, 14km, 7km or a short 4km option for the beginners. When Sunday August 21st, 7am-11:30am Where Lot 196 Pembrooke Road, Telegraph Point More info trailsandtails.com.au run@coastaltrackandtrailrunners.com.au 0434 048 688

COMMUNITY EVENT

PPEP TALK® X SHEDTALK

Join us for this free community event focused on promoting mental well-being through mindfulness, exercise and connection. Register https://bit.ly/3IRqxe6 When Sunday August 14th, 9:45am for 10am start.

Periods, Pain and Endometriosis Program (PPEP) Talk is a free positive, fun, educational and interactive session. Coffee, tea and bikkies available. Entry by donation. Where The Shed, MakerSpace, 4 Albert Circuit, Port Macquarie When Tuesday August 30th, 6:30pm-8:30pm

FOR THE LOVE OF LUXURY

LOCAL PORT MACQUARIE COUPLE IAN FRANCIS AND LYNNE JOHNSON LOVE THEIR JAGUARS. THEY PROUDLY GIVE US AN INSIGHT INTO BEING IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT. You both share a love of luxury when it comes to driving. Ian, you can be seen driving your Jaguar F-PACE SVR with its supercharged engine. Tell us more about your experience of Jaguar’s ultimate performance SUV.

composure of All-Wheel Drive, and the beautiful, comfortable cooled and heated seats. Its 20-inch rims give a smooth and quiet ride. On the highway, it’s magic! Some of my favourite features include the seamless connectivity and the huge range of safety systems.

The F-PACE SVR is a rare SUV designed to celebrate the end of Jaguar’s fantastic supercharged 5 litre V8 and combustion engines as the brand moves towards a fully electric lineup by 2025. Like all Jaguars, the SVR is a fantastic blend of style, handling and performance. Its aluminium body is very rigid, which makes it strong yet lightweight, and is regarded as one of the prettier SUVs available. A very comfortable interior with racing seats, great connectivity and infotainment, but its pièce de resistance is its switchable throaty V8 exhaust. All in all, you can’t beat the security of Jaguar’s 5-year unlimited mileage warranty coupled with a prepaid service plan.

It’s clear that you both love Jaguar vehicles and what they offer. What draws you both to the brand in comparison to other offerings on the market?

Lynne, you are the owner of a Jaguar XF, one of the most distinctive and dynamic business saloons the brand has produced. What stands out to you about this particular model? This is my second XF – it replaced my 2016 model. Whilst some think sedans are going out of style, I really think it is a very sexy car. I was able to order my favourite colour combination of Bluefire Blue with Sienna Tan interior, well worth the wait. It’s a 2 litre 4 cylinder, but its performance is still impressive, with good fuel economy! I love the

Port Macquarie Jaguar 130 Hastings River Dr, Port Macquarie Tel: (02) 6588 8525 | retailers.jaguar.com.au/port-macquarie

We have always had Jaguars. They are not a common choice, but I think people would be impressed by their drive quality and luxury, especially how Jaguar has built on their heritage. We love the look, they are great value and we have had very few issues with them. I know you are also proud customers of Port Macquarie Jaguar. Tell us about your purchasing experience and ongoing relationship with the John Oxley Motors team? We know Port Macquarie Jaguar has won many awards and we can see why. Near new and luxurious, I think it is the best showroom in Port Macquarie. Like many businesses, I know they have found the last few years very difficult, particularly with the global issues surrounding parts and technology shortages. We have always found Ben and his great team to be polite and efficient. They have a down to earth approach, but clearly take their job very seriously. When we drop our cars off to be serviced, we know they are looked after and come back sparkling clean.

BRYAN HANKS Bryan Hanks is a local lad WHO HAS GROWN UP IN OUR BEAUTIFUL TOWN and has made his business dreams come true.

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any locals might recognise you as the owner of Growers Market, but let’s go back to the start. Tell us about your childhood and where you grew up? I grew up in Port Macquarie on O’Briens Road. Back then we still had the banana plantation at the end of the street I specialise in and banana stall/fruit logistics, shop on Kennedy Drive transport and – the chocolate-coated business management, bananas after school so Growers Market is are something I’ll never actually the perfect fit forget. Hastings Primary I wanted to do when for my skill set and School is where I started I left school, I always even better is my my education and went had a plan to own a amazing wife Hayley on to East Port High, business and to finally arguably one of the best has all the other skills have the opportunity schools in the state where we needed to make the to purchase an iconic you can check the surf perfect team. local business like from your classroom! Growers Market is an When you were at absolute dream come school what was it that you wanted to do true. when you were finished? You have worked in a few different I’ve always wanted to have my own industries over your working life, tell us business! about those? Right from my very first memories of what Yes well, I have taken on a few different

roles over the years, but they have all fundamentally been the same thing. I specialise in logistics, transport and business management, so Growers Market is actually the perfect fit for my skill set and even better is my amazing wife Hayley has all the other skills we needed to make the perfect team. Can you introduce us to your family? My wife Hayley of course, Oliver our son and Jade our daughter. All three born and raised in Port, true locals you could say. And we can’t forget Gizmo our carrot eating dog…haha Continued over... GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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You and your lovely wife Hayley took the plunge and purchased Growers Market just over a year ago. What an exciting time. What attracted you to this business and to step foot into the fruit n veg industry? Well, what’s not to like about fresh fruit and veg, I love the smell of the building when you first walk in, I love the early starts, and I even love hitting the markets at 2.00am to find the freshest and best produce available. Some people refer to the markets as the “shark tank” because it’s such a fast-paced place with thousands of tonnes of fruit and veg pouring in and out every day. If that’s the case then I must be a fish because I’ve never had so much fun than what I do there. Also we have a passion for health and fitness, so there’s more than one aspect of the business that was really calling to us. What has been the most exciting and the most terrifying part of purchasing and taking over such a well established local business? 20 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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I have travelled to a lot of places over the years and I honestly believe that Port Macquarie is one of the best parts of the world.

I don’t even know where to start there, the number of things I have done and accomplished in the first few months during take over of Growers Market has been amazing. From learning so many new names and faces to successfully completing my HR truck licence. I wouldn’t say much of it has been terrifying, or if it was maybe I’ve already forgotten the bad bits because there have been so many good bits. Since taking over Growers what is something that you have learnt about yourself? I was born for the fruit and veg game, I just didn’t know it! It’s so much fun hitting the markets at 2.00am looking for the best deals and quality. Chasing the best stone fruit in January when it’s 24°C, you’re literally sweating running through the markets trying

to get 30 tonne of fruit and veg loaded onto a semi-trailer and out the gates by 5.00am to get it fresh on the shelf in Port Macquarie by 10.00am, it’s such a buzz. I can’t wait for summer… What do you enjoy the most about working and living in our area? I have travelled to a lot of places over the years and I honestly believe that Port Macquarie is one of the best parts of the world, we are so lucky to have such beautiful beaches and facilities. I feel very blessed to live here. And the sense of community here is just so fantastic, I think people here really understand the value in supporting local. Here at Growers Market we employ over 35 people so when our community shops with us they know exactly where their money is going, back into the community! When you are not at the shop, where can

we find you? That’s easy! At the markets getting more fruit and veg!!! Describe to us a typical day in your life? Every day is different at Growers Market but my favourite day would have to be “Truck Day” where my day starts at 2.00am negotiating with our suppliers, purchasing and then coordinating the truckload in the markets to get it out by 5.00 am. Then it’s like playing a game of catch when the truck pulls into the store around 10.00am, we unload 30 tonnes of fruit and veg (yes

that’s me on the forklift). After that, it’s an which is very exciting, but it is still small urgent push to get all our fresh produce out enough to have a fantastic community to restaurants and home delivery asap. A lot that really understands the importance of of the time the cabbage on your plate was cut supporting local. I really enjoy being a part from the ground just 24 hours earlier, that’s of that and when we get an opportunity I fresh and that’s why our chefs’ dishes are so love giving something back. More recently good! Nothing tastes we have been able to better than fresh! work with a number of Tell us about the charities and local sporting Some people most rewarding teams. Where we haven’t refer to the part of your job? been able to donate the markets as the Port is growing produce in its entirety, we “shark tank” because into a large town, have been able to offer it’s such a fast-paced some amazing wholesale place with thousands pricing, making every dollar of tonnes of fruit go as far as possible. So and veg pouring in yeah it’s working with the and out every day community that I love. If you could go to dinner with any three people who would they be and why? You know what, I wouldn’t mind catching up with Johnny Kapiris. He’s a fruiter who is very passionate about encouraging shoppers to support the independents so I know we’d get along, he’s just a bit more of a bad boy than me… language warning if you google him… And I’d have to get Jeff Bezos there, only because he might have some new ideas for us regarding home delivery, I’m thinking mangoes delivered by drone (haha). And finally how about Donald Trump? It wouldn’t be a party without a clown…

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Father's Day, September 4

Settlement City has Father’s Day all wrapped up with premium brands Dad will love.

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SALLY

BOARDMAN OAK & IVY PHOTOGRAPHY

Port Macquarie photographer and medical student Sally Boardman’s forte in the commercial photography scene is weddings and intimate elopements. Sally so naturally has the intrinsic ability to document through the lens those real and raw moments of love.

i Sal. Thanks so much for speaking with FOCUS. Your photographic skills are extraordinary and you can so easily see the bond between the people you capture. What is it you love most about capturing those special moments? Thank you so much for your very kind words! The thing I love most is getting to capture those in-between moments, the lapse in vulnerability where people express their most intimate emotions – then getting to show them how beautiful that is and let them relive how that felt again and again. It’s the thing that I always come back to, the focus on the couple’s connection and relationship, and is why I love smaller, intimate weddings so much! When did you first pick up a camera and what is it you love about the craft? I can’t remember exactly when but as long 24 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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as I can remember I have always loved taking pictures! When I was younger my Dad always had a camera out documenting things – be that photos or videos – and I suppose I picked it up and started playing It’s the thing that I around then. I had a sister always come back who loved the limelight to, the focus on the and I’ve never been the couple’s connection and one to enjoy being in we would try our hand at relationship, and is why front of the camera so ‘modelling shoots’ which I love smaller, intimate it kind of just worked. I featured a white sheet weddings so much! remember when we got and lighting situation in our first DSLR camera and our back shed, so we’ve upgraded from the old come a long way. ‘point and shoot’. I played around for hours The thing I love most about photography with the settings seeing what it could do. I was and what has drawn me to it over all these always the one on family holidays taking snaps years is the ability to capture a moment in and then I loved coming back and printing time for you to always have to look back on. them or scrapbooking, so it’s always been a As clichéd as that sounds, I think the power of love for me. As I got older I transitioned to photography lies in not just having the photo getting my sisters and friends to dress up and but the ability of those photos to evoke such

powerful memories, emotions and details that our fallible minds will inevitably forget. The other thing I love most is getting to capture the beauty of people behind the lens. I always hear comments like “I look terrible in front of the lens” or “I’m very awkward in front of the camera” and I love being able to push back at that and show people how beautiful they are by creating a space for them to just be themselves. I also love the creative freedom of photography and being able to manipulate composition and blur the lines between portrait and landscape photography. What type of equipment do you predominantly use? I shoot using the Canon R6 which is one of the newer range mirrorless bodies and I absolutely love it. I also use prime lenses (the 35mm and 85mm are my go to) which

I also love the creative freedom of photography and being able to manipulate composition and blur the lines between portrait and landscape photography.

are amazing lenses that allow me to take beautiful portraits while capturing all the stunning landscapes as well. These are basically on my camera at all times and I will sometimes use a 50mm or 24mm as well. I always aim for shooting in natural lighting conditions but where this is not possible I will also use an oncamera flash, particularly for outdoor wedding receptions. Can you describe a little about yourself behind the lens? This is a bit of a tricky question, mainly because that depends on who my couple is… I recognise that every couple is unique and beautiful in their own way, and one of my core values is to respect that and try to give each couple an experience that is true to them.

Largely I consider myself to be what the industry would call a ‘storytelling’ photographer, documenting the story of the day (or session!). I love inviting space for couples to be themselves and enjoy both fun and intimate moments with me quietly shooting in the background. In fact if I have succeeded in making you forget that I am there then I consider it a win ha ha… However, I know that being in front of the camera can be a daunting experience for some and so for couples who want a little more direction I will help create an easy space for you to slow down and connect with each other and enjoy the time together while we capture some beautiful memories. Overall, I try to respect the values of my couples and a lot of this comes from really investing in them and getting to know them well before the day of the shoot. Continued over... GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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O A K

What have been some of your highlights looking back at your career to date? Earlier this year I was a finalist in the Mid North Coast Australian Wedding Industry Awards and that was definitely a highlight! I have also been so lucky to get to travel to so many beautiful places across NSW for my work which I have loved! Most of all, the highlights have always been getting to meet so many beautiful couples and be a witness to them. I have been so blessed by that and have met people who I would now call friends. It is such a privilege to document such an important season of life and hear from my couples how much joy they get looking back on the photos. I also made a decision early on in my business that I would donate 10% of all profits to the International Justice Mission which is an agency working to rescue victims of human trafficking and child abuse. Partnering with them and being able to use my skills to help in a small way has definitely been a highlight for me. Sal, you are also a hardworking medical student, so close now to completing your training. I know you’re passionate about 26 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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I V Y

P H O T O G R A P H Y

particular fields of medicine. Can you tell us about the areas of health you’re interested in pursuing as a doctor? Yes, most people think I’m crazy but I think it’s okay to pursue multiple I am passionate passions! I have always about rural and struggled with choosing a particular path because Indigenous health and I love so many different I love the generalism aspects of medicine, but aspect of Paediatrics over the last year I have which will enable The Mid North Coast loved my paediatrics me to continue to region offers such a rotations and I am hoping practice across a wide diverse community to pursue a career as a range of disciplines. of loved up people to General Paediatrician/ photograph against Public Health physician. I the stunning natural am passionate about rural landscape of the coast. What is it you love and Indigenous health and I love the generalism most about living in Port Macquarie? aspect of Paediatrics which will enable me to It surely does! I absolutely love the lifestyle continue to practice across a wide range of that Port Macquarie offers and the beautiful disciplines. I am also quite involved in the public range of natural landscapes and activities. I love health and policy arena and I hope that I can going for runs along the coastal track and am combine my two interests to improve health always amazed by our beautiful sunsets. I also outcomes for children in Australia and abroad.

love the community here and the friendly nature I finish my of the town, which has exams in been a lovely change September and then after spending a few I’m looking forward years in the city. Again, to spending a lot the community and more time behind the people are what I love most, particularly the camera and the friends I have made exploring our beautiful within the photography region. industry, university and my church fam at the with friends, Point. drinking coffee, What is on the horizon for you for the spending time second half of 2022? outdoors exercising/ The rest of this year will be spent finishing hiking/adventuring or enjoying a up my medical degree and capturing a lot of good book (or all of these together!). weddings! I finish my exams in September and What packages are available for people then I’m looking forward to spending a lot interested in engaging your services? more time behind the camera and exploring our I like to keep it simple when it comes beautiful region. to packages so I have three main options: Away from the camera where would we adventure sessions (perfect for couples/ find you spending your own time? engagement, families or maternity), elopements Between running the business and or weddings. Within these, there are a range completing my medical degree I definitely don’t of different packages covering different hours have as much free time as I’d like but when of coverage and other inclusions depending on not working you can find me hanging out

your needs! You can find further info on packages on my website (see the link below) or by filling in the contact form and getting in touch! I am pretty honest and open about helping my couples choose the package that would best fit them depending on what they want captured and love helping with that process if couples are unsure. For people wanting to find out more about your work or connect with you online, how can they best touch base with you? The best way to reach out is by filling out the contact form on my website which you can find at oakandivyphoto.com! You can also find me on Instagram (@oakandivyphotography_) or Facebook (Oak & Ivy Photography) or send me an email (hello@oakandivyphoto.com). I would love to hear from you! Thanks Sal. Interview: Sarah Baker. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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GLASSHOUSE REGIONAL GALLERY

ON EXHIBITION 9 July - 28 August What does the word “care” mean to you? Aged care. Medical care. Caring for those less fortunate than ourselves. Courage to Care is a non-profit organisation which inspires people to stand up to prejudice and discrimination. Through our work, we communicate the importance of courage and resilience in building a more tolerant and respectful community. Using personal stories from living survivors of the WWII Holocaust, we show that even ordinary people are capable of extraorordinary acts. We inspire people of all ages to be Upstanders rather than bystanders. This July and August, Courage to Care brings its immersive exhibition to the Port Macquarie Glasshouse. Come and visit us - or contact us to arrange a free workshop for your school, workplace or community group. You’ll find us at glasshouse.org.au/Whats-on/Courage-toCare-Workshop-EDU-2022

02 6581 8888

glasshouse.org.au

GLASSHOUSE PORT MACQUARIE The Glasshouse is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW

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Corner Clarence & Hay Streets, Port Macquarie NSW 2444

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

Follow Glasshouse:

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

WINGHAM M U S I C

The town of Wingham on the NSW Mid Coast will once again welcome visitors from across the state, and indeed Australia, from Friday 14th October to Sunday 16th October with the welcome return of the Wingham Music Festival and a stellar line-up worthy of any grand music festival in Australia.

onfirmed artists include The Black Sorrows, Darryl Braithwaite and The Waifs headlining Friday, Saturday and Sunday night respectively. Other artists to appear include Bill Chambers, The Wolfe Brothers, Dom Turner, Imogen Clarke, 19-Twenty and so many more. A full listing of artists is available on the website.

in the town centre with cafes, boutiques and heritage listed buildings surrounding the Festival site. Festival attendees can bring their chair to the expansive marquee and relax in front of the main stage to listen to more than 30 acts featuring over 100 musicians over the three brilliant days of music.

businesses from the Mid Coast NSW region.

Festival Coordinator Donna adds, “They could also throw a rug under the bright flag sails and sip on drinks from our local featured distillers and absorb the vibe of the music and surrounds.”

Over the last 15 years music fans have

Festival Coordinator, Donna Ballard says, “After a two year break, we were determined to reshape and refresh the Festival and this line-up truly is a dream come true for us!” Since its inception in 2007 the Festival has grown to become a much loved annual event in the community calendar. The festival is this year returning to its place of origin on Central Park, a location that allows visitors to immerse

Alongside the plethora of live music, the festival also features artisans showcasing their handmade wares and artworks, workshops are held across the weekend and visitors enjoy the best in food and delicacies from local

The Festival atmosphere is brought to life with stilt walkers, circus performers, belly dancers, and you can participate in yoga, tai chi and indigenous storytelling, while children can play in the “Kids Zone’’. travelled to the Mid Coast region to not only enjoy the very best in music but also take in the beauty of this unspoilt coastal region of NSW. The town of Wingham is located in the Manning Valley, nestled in the Barrington Coast. It is 11km from the town of Taree, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Manning River and expansive National Parks.

2022 ARTIST LINE UP

THE WAIFS

THE

DARYL BRAITHWAITE

BLACK SORROWS

 THE WOLFE

BROTHERS

BILL CHAMBERS  DOM TURNER’S RURAL BLUES PROJECT DARREN JACK BAND  19TWENTY  SWAMP STOMPERS

BLUES ARCADIA  KRISTEN LEE MORRIS & THE DIRTY SNAKES HURRICANE FALL  IMOGEN CLARK  SALT & STEEL

\16 14 OCTOBER 2022 WIN

GHA

A CENTR NEW

L PARK

SOUT

LE H WA

ANDY TOOMBS  JAKE DAVEY BAND  JODI MARTIN GHOST ROAD  HARRY’S LOOKOUT  BIG FINS SOUTHERN HOLD  GLEN MEAD  LINDA MIZZI TRIO JACKSON JAMES  WINGSONG  WORKSHOP TRIO MISS GRACE MUSIC  BUSKER WINNER - TRAVIS

W I N G H A M M U S I C F E S T. C O M . A U

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PHOTOS BY ATMOSPHERE

ERTH'S PREHISTORIC WORLD

SCOTT WRIGHT - ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Erth’s Prehistoric World is a visual feast, giving children and adults the opportunity to experience prehistoric creatures from land and sea coming to life on stage in this enthralling new show. We speak with Artistic Director and Co-founder of the company Scott Wright on his latest production from ‘Erth Visual & Physical Inc.’

i Scott. Your latest work is theatrical, imaginative and inspiring – the perfect combination of magic and charm on stage. Tell us a little about what we can expect from Erth’s Prehistoric World. Well, you can expect a crash course in Australian prehistoric natural history. Also, the thing to expect is the unexpected! Sometimes the creatures that we feature in our show are creatures that people have never seen or heard of before. We find audiences come away from the show taking a little bit of something for themselves. The kids get to see the dinosaurs that they love, but parents experience a show that they weren’t quite expecting. The company is internationally recognised as an innovator of physical and visual theatre, with its brave and creative 30 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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concepts for children with a desire to push the limits of possibility and challenge and inspire an audience. As Artistic Director and co-founder of the company, why is this an important attribute to you in performance? It’s a testament to all our hard work, our perseverance and diligence. It’s great to be acknowledged overseas. And, as Australians, we do tend to be self deprecating, so it’s nice to get acknowledgement from somewhere other than here at home in Australia. I do want to highlight that we only go where we’re invited. There is a kind of lexicon of Australian performing artists. It’s almost a pilgrimage to max out all your credit cards and go to Edinburgh Fringe Festival and showcase your work at the biggest festival in the world, but we decided that we weren’t going to do that. One of our strategies very early on was that we would only go to places when we were

invited, because that means that people wanted to see our work. It is a testament that the work we make has a kind of universal appeal. This latest offering takes us to the bottom of the ocean to discover bioluminescent creatures and marine reptiles, then onto land to experience dinosaurs. So as well as being spectacular, it is highly educational. Tell us about how this production can assist with academic pathways or just giving young people a sense of direction or optimism for the future? Well the role of dinosaurs in our society or within our global community has broadened. Dinosaurs used to just be for children, loved when they were little. But now I think dinosaurs are a gateway. Dinosaurs are something that can open a person’s mind and their potential. So I like to think that we present dinosaurs in a way that nobody else does. We acknowledge

the scientific background and the knowledge that we’ve gained through studying fossils. But now we also look at behaviour and compare different animals to ones that exist now. This approach definitely sets you apart from a lot of other theatrical companies who don’t touch on this subject matter; it’s unique. There’s a thing that is happening in the world now, where you have these big animatronic dinosaur exhibitions that go around and just set themselves up and charge people a fortune to go to, and what they present is essentially pretty boring and one dimensional. We really value the fact that there’s an opportunity in what we do that somewhere a person, whether it’s a child or an adult, will get a spark and be inspired, or they’ll discover something that can potentially change the course of their life. Scott, you are highly theatrical and creative yourself, training as a dancer and choreographer in Victoria and discovering your love of incorporating puppetry into live performance. How can that enhance the ability to inspire on stage? Well, puppets can do a lot of things that humans can’t. We can make unbelievable worlds come to life. We can do things like take an audience to the bottom of the ocean

without having them drown. We can have dinosaurs walking around and responding to the audience. Puppetry is essentially a first language. It’s something that we do when we’re babies. We communicate using inanimate objects like toys. One of the beautiful things about puppetry is that people feel familiar with it without really knowing why. It also allows a sort of wondering magic, because in your mind you’re able to understand that a puppet is not a living object but because the puppeteers are bringing that puppet to life, there’s something very beautiful and magical about that. We are naturally curious creatures. We can appreciate the skill or the magic without actually having to think too hard about it! I know you’re also fiercely proactive about making work that is inclusive for children with and without disability, and incorporating adults with disability as collaborators on productions in your company. Why is this also an important notion for you in the art space? It's always been with me since I was a kid. My mum was a school teacher. And quite often she would take me out of school so that I can come and be a teacher’s aide for in her own classroom. I was always raised being community minded.

My parents worked in many charities. So I think that making work with children and working with people with disabilities is just something that’s been with me all my life. And just finally, what have been some of your highlights of the company since it started in 1990? Just last week, we were touring Japan for the seventh time. We have actually been touring Japan for seven years now. And we’re already talking about next year. We’ve toured the UK for five years, we toured America for six years. A great highlight is really getting the company performing overseas. My other highlights have been making shows that are deeply personal. At the moment, we’re creating a new show called ‘Ark.’ And that is about animals on the verge of extinction. It’s also the first show that I’ve put much of my own personal life into which is exciting. It’s terrifying as well! Thanks Scott. Interview: Sarah Baker.

Erth's Prehistoric World will grace The Glasshouse Port Macquarie on Tuesday August 30th at 6.30pm and Wednesday August 31st at 10am and 1pm. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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T H E P L AY E R S T H E AT R E I N C . P R E S E N T S

CHEMICAL

IMBALANCE

Chemical Imbalance is a darkly comic adaptation of Robert Louis Stephenson’s Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

he shy Henry Jekyll (Bill Harrow) is the unmarried son of a wealthy Victorian family. In his laboratory, he conducts secret experiments in an attempt to isolate the organic component that determines whether we are controlled by the good or the evil inside us. Dr Jekyll discovers that the blood of one of Lady Throckmortonshire’s twin daughters Calliope and Penelope (Annelise Turner) is the key to unlocking Dr Jekyll’s work. But which twin is the good and which is the evil? Finding a potion he believes will work, he tries it out on himself to disastrous effect. His evil half is an alter ego named Mr Hyde who emerges to wreak havoc. Through a series of mishaps, a well-meaning Jekyll pays the price for the crimes committed

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by Hyde, and is punished for his own sin of tampering with nature. All the while his sister Ambrosia (Bianca Churcher) is trying to set him up with the very eligible and very willing Miss Rosamunda Dewthistle who is being portrayed by newcomer to The Players Theatre stage, Penny Evans. Hyde is off on a murder spree and it’s up to the maids and a bumbling constable to stop him. Join us at The Players Theatre for this fast-paced romp, between 12th – 28th August 2022. Friday and Saturday 8pm and Sunday 2pm. Tickets are available at the Players Theatre Box Office Monday and Wednesday between 9-11am or playerstheatre. org.au or at the Glasshouse Box Office ph. 6581 8888

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D E S E R T

R A C E

The Finke Desert Race is an iconic annual off-road motorsport event for cars, buggies, trophy trucks, SXS and bikes out of Alice Springs. Brad Gow and a few other locals; Tom Foster, Billy Hargy, Matty Prott and Rob Newton from the Pro-Motion MX Coaching team went along to compete, with some pretty awesome results.

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i Brad. When did you first get on a motorbike and what do you love about riding? I started riding at 3 years old. I love the freedom that bikes give you as well as the friends and memories we make along the way. Where do you usually ride and who do you ride with? I mostly ride on the family farm as well as friends’ farms. Unfortunately the NSW government hasn’t come to their senses and allowed recreational rego yet so that really restricts where we can go. You recently travelled to Alice Springs to participate in the Finke Desert Race ‘22 event. Was it your first time and what made you decide to give it a go this year? 2022 was my first time racing Finke. My girlfriend’s little brother (Tom) was going anyway so I decided if I didn’t do it this year I probably never would have, so I just made it happen and got out there. Can you give us a run down on the event?

everyone else finished. I ended up with 27th place overall and I’m not sure in class. What did you enjoy most about the event? My favourite part of the whole event was getting to have my Dad come out My favourite and be there with me. part of the Just getting the chance to whole event was make some cool memories getting to have my that will definitely never Dad come out and be be forgotten. there with me. Just The Finke Desert Race A basic run down getting the chance to has the reputation would be 500+ riders, make some cool of being one of the an 8km Prologue on memories that will most difficult off-road Saturday to give you definitely never be courses in one of the your start position on forgotten. most remote places in the Sunday for the main the world. How did race. Sunday is 235km you find the course and one way from Alice what was the most challenging aspect for Springs to Finke. Then we camp the night and you? race the same 235km home on the Monday. It’s definitely difficult but to be honest I found Then the race is done and we all go home. it not as difficult as I had heard stories about. It’s not just motorbikes that can enter the The hardest part for me was the mental fatigue. event, what was it like being out there Going so fast for so long in dust just really takes alongside cars and buggies? its toll by the end of 2 days. I could maybe do We aren’t on the track at the same time as with a bit more fitness as well though. Haha. the buggies but we go behind them each day. Do you have any plans for events like this So the track just gets hammered from having in the future? the trucks and buggies going before us. The I’m still paying off a few accounts I have whoops get so steep and spaced apart which outstanding from going this year so fingers makes it a little awkward for the bikes! crossed I can get that sorted and head back You went along with some other local to Finke next year and go for top 20 overall. riders, can you tell us about them? How did Now knowing what it would take I think that you all go? is possible. I also have my eye on the Hattah Yeah Tom Foster, Billy Hargy and Rob Newton desert race next year in Mildura. See how we all competed as well. I’m not exactly sure how go I guess! GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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COVER DISH Lamb Rump with Seasonal Greens and Creamy Mash THE BOARDWALK BISTRO - LAURIETON UNITED SERVICEMENS CLUB focus

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Palate PLEASURES

with LOU PERRI

FROM THE STUNNED MULLET

t’s true what they say, that the sun is always shining somewhere…

While we crank up the heaters and brace against the driving rain here in the nether regions of the southern hemisphere, we must only glance at our newsfeeds of choice to glimpse the gloriousness of the European summer, taunting us within its azure blue Mediterranean waters and matching blue skies. Throw in some snaps of bronzed, swim wear clad humans sipping glasses of crisp, chilled white wine upon ancient cobblestones whilst snacking on delicious morsels of local specialties… ok enough you are thinking, stop this torture! After the two-year hiatus of international travel, looks like it’s back on and then some. Is it just me or does everyone seem to be gleefully jetting off to some far-flung destination at once? Should Dry July be repurposed as Cry July… where those that remain gently weep over their unfortunate grim and stoic staying put in sad old southern hemisphere winter? Ok well it isn’t all that bad, no need to drag out the violins any time soon. July in Port Mac can often be a beautiful time with endless sunny days, crystal clear oceans and lack of crowds. But, still, how about those FOMO newsfeeds? It’s as if everyone else is just out there seizing

the moment and celebrating on steroids the freedom denied over the last couple of years. And as there’s still really no end in sight of this darn pandemic and general global uncertainty, ‘seize the moment’ becomes somewhat of a mantra in that the overall consensus is to just get out there and do it while we’re able to. Certainly all these travel snaps – as envy provoking on rainy and cold July day as they are – are a timely reminder of how many incredible places there are on this earth, how big the world is and the diversity, vibrancy and colour it contains.

Mediterranean, or for that matter heading off anywhere and everywhere in the world, or even a trip to another state within this fair country itself – the FOMO can be superseded by the discoveries yet to be made on our next adventures.

Never has the idea of living vicariously through others been so relevant… there’s After the twoan itch to be scratched year hiatus of and it is indeed that international travel, pesky travel bug.

looks like it’s back on and then some. Is it just me or does everyone seem to be gleefully jetting off to some far-flung destination at once?

This time last year within the thick of lockdowns and their LGA restrictions (who wants to be reminded, but there’s a point to be made), most of us found that our worlds had become extremely tiny, so much so as a mere 5km radius from our homes.

European vacations never looked so good – once upon a time there was food porn, but now there is holiday porn… A lethal combination of all the big guns – exotic locations, delectable food, sunny summer days and refreshing alcoholic beverages.

With this in mind, there’s also pure joy to be found in watching our friends and family jet around the globe, even if we can’t join them yet.

It’s a tough thing to wake up to on a cold, drizzly winter’s morning (yep, they always appear fresh on your feed first thing in the morning with that darn time difference), but it reminds us to keep on trucking… for our time in the sun will come!

Whether they’re sipping rose in the south of France, eating pizza in a piazza, backpacking on mountain trails or boating around the

Until then, my advice is keep warm and don’t check your socials until you’ve had your coffee! GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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Your local Club

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

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

LUNCH 11.3OAM - 2PM DINNER FROM 5.30PM

Bookings Essential

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

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Port City’s

$1850 IN VOUCHERS & PRIZES

Bonus Round

$1 5 0 C A S H I F YO U S P I N U P THE LUCKY NUMBER

D R AW N E V E R Y S U N D AY F R O M 5 P M TICKETS ON SALE FROM 3:30PM

BUY $5 WORTH OF TICKETS AND GET $5 WORTH FOR FREE T&C’S APPLY, SEE STAFF FOR DETAILS. REGISTERED UNDER NSW T P / 0 1 5 8 8

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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BOARDWALK BISTRO - LUSC

ey Brendon, please introduce yourself to our readers. Hello, my name is Brendon Lynch. I am the new Head Chef at Laurieton United Services Club. I owned Oasis by the River Restaurant & Café in North Haven for nine years. My family and I have lived in the Camden Haven area for the past 17 years. I have won multiple awards over my 28 years working in commercial cookery, including being named Restaurant of the Year with Certified Australian Angus Beef for NSW for five years running, #1 Restaurant on TripAdvisor for nine years running, and many more to add to the list. When did you become interested in cookery as a career? In 1992 I spent some time in a kitchen with my cousin Mason in the school holidays. He was a fantastic chef and that inspired me to follow in his footsteps. I was going to school and had two casual jobs until 1994 when I was indentured as an apprentice chef. I enjoyed cooking at home and at school, but school wasn’t really for me, so when I was offered an apprenticeship, I jumped at it. What training did you undertake and where was your first job? My first job was at Cowra Services Club. I was so grateful for the opportunity that Danni and 40 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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Joe Hadusek gave me. They were brilliant times. I trained at Orange and Ryde TAFE for three years. I was lucky to be part of the team for the Trans-Tasman Trophy in New Zealand, competed at Tasting Australia in Adelaide and spent many hours training with the Australian Culinary Team that won Gold in Germany. I have been fortunate to have worked for myself at Oasis by the River Restaurant & Café in North Haven which we sold about 15 months ago. I have also worked in other restaurants, hotels, pubs, clubs and cafes around NSW. What can people look forward at the LUSC? We are currently working on amazing new menus at Laurieton United Services Club. We’re building a new team including some international chefs who will bring their extensive knowledge at top international restaurants to the Camden Haven. It’s an exciting time to be leading the food team! Renovations of the bistro and reception areas will commence soon and will be completed prior to Christmas – we hope! Specials are changing weekly, sometimes daily. We have a very loyal customer base and are looking forward to enticing more guests to our club with a new style of delicious food. Exciting times are coming to the Laurieton United Services Club and Kew Country Club in the near future, including a new indoor kids’ play area, a new bottle shop and the sport bar downstairs will undergo a major renovation and

a new name after the floods 15 months ago. What do you say is the biggest influence in your cookery? Passion and love. If you haven’t got either of those values, there isn’t much point in spending all the hours in the kitchen and around the team. If you love what you do, being a chef is very rewarding. It is also truly amazing to have friendly and loyal customers that become a part of your family. Describe the food options at LUSC to our readers in one sentence. Delicious, sustainable and fantastic value for the whole family to enjoy. Outside of work, what do you enjoy cooking? I really love lots of dishes. You can’t go wrong with fresh, local seafood and a great tomahawk steak. You can’t beat a quality rare steak, wellrested. Throughout your career, what famous chefs have you admired and why? During my apprenticeship, I admired chef and TV personality Peter Howard. I first met Peter on the Midday Show with Kerrie-Ann Kennerley and we have become friends over the years. I have followed and admired chefs such as Jeff Jantz and Gabriel Gate. I’ve worked with legendary chefs Serge Dansereau (The Regent Hotel, now the Four Seasons), Chong Liew (Hilton Hotel).

- S A U C E -

INGREDIENTS 30ml Olive Oil 50g Fresh Garlic 50g Brown Onion 50g Green Peppercorns 20ml Brine 200ml Thickened Cream 150ml Tomato Paste 40ml Worcestershire Sauce 10ml Sriracha Chilli Sauce 15g Dried Chilli Flakes 10g Salt – 10g White Pepper 30g Arrowroot – 10ml Water 2kg Sous vide Beef Short Ribs

METHOD Heat pan to moderate heat, and add olive oil. Brown onion, green peppercorns and brine. Sautee for 2 minutes. Add chilli flakes and garlic and cook for a further 2 minutes on low heat. Add cream, tomato paste, Worcestershire, sriracha, salt and white pepper. Reduce and thicken with arrowroot. Heat beef ribs in cryovac bag in oven for 1.5 hours on 160 degrees.

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Spring

Wine

TIME with ALEX C A S S EG R A I N

SENIOR WINEMAKER CASSEGRAIN WINES

The perfect reason to enjoy a Rosé.

here are various ways to make a Rosé and despite what many people may believe, it’s not a white wine that has a bit of red blended with it to make the Rosé colour. Although it can be done this way, many wineries do prefer to use a red varietal that is pressed off skins earlier to create the Rosé we commonly see. The way in which Rosé is created is dependent on the season, and while many wineries have their own way of making this style the fruit and the season will have the final decision as to how it should be made. In 2022 the growing season had made things a little more challenging trying to get the balance right between the flavour and chemical matrix of the grape (ie sugar, acid). In cooler years it tends to favour flavour ripeness, where in warmer/hotter years it’s the other way around. Whilst flavour is the most important, the other aspects play an important role to ensure the wine is well balanced, especially in red grapes. Arguably the most common varieties to make Rosé from are Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, however in more recent times we

are seeing other varieties begin to become more prevalent to make this style. For example, varieties such as Sangiovese, Pinot Noir and Grenache are proving popular. The reason for this is these varieties have a different structure. Mostly being that they have softer tannins, Varieties more fruit driven, and destined for naturally lighter in Rosé are typically colour.

picked a little earlier

Varieties destined than grapes for red for Rosé are typically retain flavour profile. wine, however they picked a little earlier Some winemakers may are treated similar than grapes for red choose to put the wine to grapes for white wine, however they are into oak for a bit of wine. treated similar to grapes barrel complexity which for white wine. The can be a benefit to the biggest difference is that style. wines earmarked for making Rosé are pressed The wine is typically bottled within the year in off skins after spending a certain amount of which it’s picked, while at its ideal freshness, time soaking on skins (aka skin contact) to and consumed in its youth. New world Rosé get the desired amount of colour from the wines are very much the new hot topic skins. and to me can be enjoyable not just as an The next stage of the process will vary aperitif but also paired with various dishes slightly depending on the winemaker’s style, throughout the year. but most commonly they are fermented at Alex Cassegrain cooler temperature in stainless steel tanks to GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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APPLETREE KETO BAKERY

Zoe

TURNBULL Zoe Turnbull has always loved baking and cooking, and has had a full career in the food and hospitality industry. After running her own cafe, and becoming a mum to three busy boys, she now offers her delicious keto, low carb treats home delivered! ... and you can also find them at a few local retail locations.

i Zoe. When did you first get into baking and cooking? I grew up baking in our family kitchen with my mum as my teacher. Dutch apple pies, chocolate cake, fresh hot bread and vegetarian cooking classes. With that fire lit, I then worked under my own chef at my Appletree cafe. These experiences have shaped everything 44 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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and sharing my cakes with our community has felt completely organic, but looking back I see how focused, hard working and driven I have been to gain the skills and experience needed to be here creating and sharing nutritious, keto, low carb cakes. When did you first I have learn about keto studied a foods? degree in Nutrition My journey into keto and Exercise in cake baking began way I do and have led me my search for back when my journey on the most exciting harmonious to health began. and interesting path balance. Food for me I have tried every of food and service. has to be nutritious healthy eating style in You’ve got over 20 existence, and believe and delicious. years of experience me none of them said in the hospitality just eat the cake! I have industry, can you studied a degree in Nutrition and Exercise tell us a bit about your journey? in my search for harmonious balance. Food My journey from my first hospitality for me has to be nutritious and delicious. position in the Hunter Valley to now making

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I believe in enjoying all foods. Sometimes you just need to tweak the ingredients list. Cakes made using a low carb, high fat, gluten free rule are very very satisfying. What made you decide to focus on offering keto low carb bakery options? So here I am using new ingredients and tossing out the gluten free flours for almond meal, the rice malt syrups for sugar alcohols and getting amazing, sweet, fluffy cakes as a result. I saw a lack of available sweets under this banner and in direct reflection from a modern health aspect Type 2 diabetes to fertility issues such as PCOS and gestational diabetes, I needed to get these cakes out and available to our community. My cakes are made for everyone!

I needed to get balance back which saw me leaving the cafe at its busiest growing stages and morphing into a ghost kitchen. I knew our appletree community would be waiting for what was coming next.

You had a cafe for a few years and then moved into home delivery and wholesaling. How did that all evolve? In 2013 I opened The Appletree Soul Food Cafe and fell pregnant with my first child after trying for 7 years. To say the next 4 years were chaotic would be an understatement. I needed to get balance back which saw me leaving the cafe at its busiest growing stages and morphing into a ghost kitchen. I knew our appletree community would be waiting for what was coming next. All of my decisions are led by them and my passion to live by never saying no to cake. I have recently focused my cake selection to keto

donuts, vanilla slice, New York cookies and a new idea thrown in every now and then. We wholesale and home deliver. What are you enjoying most about your work at the moment? My absolutely favourite part is chatting with customers about their health journey and working alongside wholesale clients. What sort of feedback have you had from customers? Our keto, low carb, gluten free cakes have been embraced and you really do have to try them. What’s next for Appletree Keto Bakery? As for what’s next, I couldn’t be more grateful with where we are now with 3 little boys in tow and a steady clientele, I have my hands full. But watch this space, I am always creating new experiences. Thanks Zoe. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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Kenny Little IN SEASON AND SUPPLY The cost of living pressures are definitely the talk of the town. Prices are through the roof on some of our beloved fresh greens. Ken is aware times are tough and we want to assure the town that we are here for you.

IV E R M A R IA R RY L D IS T IL E

Summer

INGREDIENTS 2 shots Ginello and ice Fresh mint Soda water Tonic water

ARVO

So this month we are making all home deliveries within the Port Macquarie region FREE! Just a little thank you from our

family to yours. Place your order the day before and you will arrive home with your goods on your doorstep. Look out for our local juicy navel oranges that are super sweet and don’t forget the marvellous mushroom that completes all the winter dishes. Always remember to shop local and support our farmers. Ken.

METHOD In a tall glass, pour two shots of Ginello over ice, add a sprig of fresh mint and top with half soda and half tonic. GINELLO Enjoy Australia’s first blend of Botanical Gin and limoncello … Ginello is exclusive to Maria River Distillery and one of our fan favourites. We have taken our Australian Botanical Gin and blended it with our famous limoncello to create a truly delightful and refreshing spirit. 700 ml Bottle size. 40% Alc/Vol

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Steven and Karen Prahin are passionate about mental, physical and spiritual health and started Eden Healthfoods very organically with a clear ethos of creating products that would help their customers improve their overall health by always using the best possible ingredients and never sacrificing quality.

Health N E D E

Foods

ow did the idea for Eden Healthfoods first come about? Originally, we did not want to start a health food company. We were passionate about mental, physical and spiritual health. We wanted to start a health retreat, then a clinic, then run programs in people’s homes. After trying all these things and developing specialised products and programs along the way, most of the people that caught our vision and saw the value in what we were doing already ran health retreats, health food stores and clinics. They wanted to stock our products and get trained in using them. Can you tell us a bit about Eden Healthfoods and the products you make? 48 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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What we do at Eden Healthfoods is very different to the industry standard. We try to bring out the highest quality health products possible. This goes beyond organics and involves identifying herbs and superfoods that are wild crafted, grown in the right environment, picked at the right time, dried at the right temperature, treated in the least invasive ways so that the end user will get maximum effectiveness and create powerful health as a result. What were the early days like in getting it all up and running? In the 90s, after studying natural healing

and herbs, we came to realise that most of the health products on the market didn’t work, didn’t get you well and could not be trusted because, just like most businesses, they were made on the premise of profits first rather than purity and potency. We started to develop our own products just for ourselves. As friends found out what we were doing and saw the difference in our products versus what was on the Australian market, they asked to purchase from us. We decided to take the leap and invest in some packaging to take our products to the different markets in Sydney. Our products were so well received we even decided to try out health expos around Australia. We slowly began to grow from exhibiting at different expos and markets. The early days were definitely tough as we did not have any venture capital to begin with but we believed in what we were doing and Karen gave up a career in Medical Imaging. Steven also gave up a career in the Health industry.

additional cost in transportation. We are still handy to some capital cities when we need to travel there to train up naturopaths or speak at different events. How have things changed in the time you’ve been running? There is no use in Our products are being the world’s best made with love, kept secret. In the care and attention to beginning, we thought detail. There is a that if we just brought out the best possible noticeable difference You’re based in King products, everyone when you purchase one Creek and have been would just find out of our products, open based locally for over 10 about them. It doesn’t years, but your products the lid and take a look work that way. are now stocked all over inside, smell and then We have learned the country. What has taste the difference. you can have the best it been like managing a product in the world, growing business from a but if you have no marketing, your product regional area like this? will only go so far. It is 99% marketing and It may make more sense to run a business perception. If people perceive your product is like ours from a capital city like Sydney, but we good, it doesn’t even matter if your product is chose the lifestyle that the Mid North Coast has good, it will sell. to offer over the convenience of city life. We The good thing is our products not only came here with a newborn baby with the vision look attractive, they are the best thing for you. to give him a better standard of life. We now Being trustworthy and having ethics has been have four children and find Port Macquarie and important to us from the beginning, but these surrounds to be the best place that a child can days, a nice website and having a strong social grow up in, having the best of both wild bush media presence has become paramount. and pristine beaches. What response do you often get about Our business has been able to thrive in this your products? What do you think has region due to the support of local health food contributed to them becoming so popular? stores. We now supply about 1,000 health A common response we get goes something food stores Australia-wide so the regional like this, “I have tried every (insert product location has not been a challenge except for the

name here) on the market and yours is the only one that has ever worked.” When you take an Eden Healthfoods product, it is like eating a home cooked meal that your mother has been preparing all day long. Our products are made with love, care and attention to detail. There is a noticeable difference when you purchase one of our products, open the lid and take a look inside, smell and then taste the difference. It’s an experience. Like all good chefs will say, a good meal always starts with good quality ingredients. What do you enjoy about what you do? We enjoy being able to blend our work and lifestyle. Being able to be home with the kids as much as possible and really enjoy the natural beauty that this amazing region has to offer. We also enjoy being able to say exactly what goes into the products we make, not having to be governed by price or other limiting factors. Instead of following a pattern or a road that is well travelled, we choose to blaze a new path for ourselves and create products that are truly unique. Where would you like to see Eden Healthfoods heading into the future? We are truly humbled and thank God for every sale we make. We have a large demand for our products from many other countries around the world. There is no reason why Eden Healthfoods should stop growing. We don’t know what the future holds, but one thing we do know is we will continue to focus on our company ethos to create the best quality health products possible and to help create powerful health in all our customers. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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T MACQUA POR RI R

GRE AT E

GIG GUIDE

GOODY 2 SHOES

UST

TANISHA PALMER LEIGH I’ANSON EVERY TUESDAY 6.00pm Bonny Hills Hotel Open Mic

6.30pm Wave Bowl Natalie Davis & Lo Monaco 7.00pm Bago Tavern Gary King

THURSDAY, 4 6.30pm Club North Haven Gary King

FRIDAY, 5

7.30pm Hastings Hotel Subvertigo 7.30pm Port City Bowling Club Dan Hopkins and the Generous Few

5.00pm Black Duck Brewery Liam McAlary

8.00pm Bonny Hills Hotel Super Cell

5.00pm Wicked Elf Brewery Dusty Soul

8.00pm Laurieton Hotel Can’t Adult Today

5.30pm Chop n Chill Andrew Cousins 6.00pm Club Lake Cathie Stevie B 6.30pm Port Macquarie Golf Club Damon Winter 7.00pm Wave Bowl EBD 7.30pm Port City Bowling Club Electro Unplugged 8.00pm Bonny Hills Hotel Subvertigo 8.30pm Finnians Irish Tavern Leigh I’Anson

SATURDAY, 6 11.00am Douglas Vale Vineyard Damon Winter 12.30pm Chop n Chill Mystery Guests

SUNDAY, 7 1.00pm Moo & Bean Finn Hoy 1.30pm Wauchope Country Club Nikki Rudge 12.30pm Chop n Chill Simon Gudgeon 2.00pm Laurieton Hotel Goody 2 Shoes 4.00pm Bonny Hills Hotel Graham Howle

THURSDAY, 11 6.30pm Club North Haven Cheryl Hall & The Wisemen 6.30pm Wave Bowl Open Mic Night

FRIDAY, 12

2.00pm Brew Haven Ian Papworth

5.00pm Black Duck Brewery Mat Brooker

4.00pm Wicked Elf Brewery Tommy Castles & Carl Dickens

5.00pm Wicked Elf Brewery Kyle Moore

6.30pm Comboyne Services Club Nikki Rudge

6.00pm Club Lake Cathie Rockabillys

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5.30pm Chop n Chill Mystery Guests

6.30pm Port Macquarie GC Andy Blackmore 7.00pm Wave Bowl Pure Acoustic 7.30pm Port City Bowling Club Leigh I’Anson 8.30pm Finnians Irish Tavern Jonesy

SATURDAY, 13 9.00am Foreshore Markets Busking Stage 11.00am Douglas Vale Vineyard Damon Winter 12.30pm Chop n Chill Jackson James 2.00pm Brew Haven Mat Brooker 4.00pm Wicked Elf Brewery Jess Higgins 7.00pm Bago Tavern Graham Howle 7.00pm Wave Bowl Sinead Burgess 7.30pm Beechwood Hotel Finn Hoy 7.30pm Hastings Hotel Live Music 7.30pm Port City Bowling Club Simon Gudgeon 8.00pm Bonny Hills Hotel Leigh I’Anson 8.00pm Laurieton Hotel The Barflys 8.30pm Finnians Irish Tavern Smooth Moves

PURE ACOUSTIC

DUST Y SOUL

DAN HOPKINS SUNDAY, 14 1.00pm Moo & Bean Jasmine O’Brien 1.30pm Wauchope Country Club Pure Acoustic 12.30pm Chop n Chill Goody 2 Shoes 2.00pm Laurieton Hotel Nikki Rudge 4.00pm Bonny Hills Hotel Blu

THURSDAY, 18 6.30pm Club North Haven Reggie Sinclair

FRIDAY, 19 5.00pm Black Duck Brewery Leigh I'Anson 5.00pm Wicked Elf Brewery Alex McLeod 5.30pm Chop n Chill Mat Brooker 6.00pm Club Lake Cathie Shane Peters 6.30pm Port Macquarie GC Brody Ireland 7.00pm Wave Bowl Monster Boys 7.30pm Port City Bowling Club Pure Acoustic 8.00pm Bonny Hills Hotel Live Music 8.30pm Finnians Irish Tavern Bill Roberts

SATURDAY, 20 11.00am Douglas Vale Vineyard Damon Winter 12.30pm Chop n Chill Andrew Best

2.00pm Brew Haven Afro Moses 4.00pm Wicked Elf Brewery Brock Colley 7.00pm Bago Tavern Gotcha Covered 7.30pm Hastings Hotel Live Music 7.30pm Port City BC The Coppertones 8.00pm Laurieton Hotel Trev Hart

SUNDAY, 21 1.00pm Moo & Bean Andrew Best 1.30pm Wauchope Country Club Live Music 12.30pm Chop n Chill Craig Stewart 2.00pm Laurieton Hotel Leigh I’Anson 4.00pm Bonny Hills Hotel Brody Ireland

THURSDAY, 25 6.30pm Club North Haven Leigh I’Anson

FRIDAY, 26 5.00pm Black Duck Brewery Live Music 5.00pm Wicked Elf Brewery Leigh I'Anson 5.30pm Chop n Chill Mat Brooker 6.00pm Club Lake Cathie Gary King 6.30pm Port Macquarie GC Simon Gudgeon 7.00pm Wave Bowl Finn Hoy 7.30pm Port City BC Ryan Sampson 8.00pm Bonny Hills Hotel Mr Stitches

SATURDAY, 27 11.00am Douglas Vale Vineyard Damon Winter 12.30pm Chop n Chill Brody Ireland 2.00pm Brew Haven Beau Bennett 4.00pm Wicked Elf Brewery Chery Hall 7.00pm Bago Tavern Lockout 7.00pm Fernhill Hotel Mr Stitches 7.00pm Wave Bowl Live Music 7.30pm Hastings Hotel Nikki Rudge 7.30pm Port City Bowling Club Acoustic Kick 8.00pm Laurieton Hotel Funhouse 8.30pm Finnians Irish Tavern Chris Rose Band

SUNDAY, 28 12.30pm Chop n Chill Mystery Guests 1.00pm Moo & Bean Autumn Blue 1.30pm Wauchope Country Club Pure Acoustic 2.00pm Laurieton Hotel Al McLeod 4.00pm Bonny Hills Hotel Subvertigo GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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Rachel Leman M I S S M O T I VAT O R

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focus_contributor.

StyleSVibe AV V Y with VANESSA LAWRENCE FROM THE STYLE VIBE

Welcome to another edition of The Style Vibe Savvy! I’m currently writing this column from my hotel balcony which looks out into the incredible turquoise water in Mykonos where we are lucky enough to be holidaying!

he architecture, fashion and vibe of this island is truly amazing and has totally inspired me to look forward to what trends will be upon us for our very own Aussie Spring and Summer fashion in the coming months. No matter what your skin tone or style, there is a colour palette out there to suit you! Moroccan browns, orange and beige/cream are huge especially in crochet and linen fabrics. Team these looks back with Boho influenced accessories, neutral tote bags and leather sandals. The 80’s influence still lingers amongst many of the designer ranges, fluoro green, pink, black and white styled across swim, active and athleisure wear and a great tan will have you looking cool and feeling fresh if you’re out and

about being active and enjoying the sun!

Bold colours such as green, yellow, pink and blue are putting the fun back on the street appearing in everything from blazers, suits, tops and pants.

Bold colours such as green, yellow, pink and blue are putting the fun back on the street appearing in everything from blazers, suits, tops and pants. Finish off the look with some black or white retro style sunnies in your favourite style.

a few of my personal recommendations on where to find the perfect outfit – LOCALLY! Girls Night Out – PM LUXE on William Street (previously Gold Dust Trader) Sunday Session at Hello Sailor – Pretty Rad Store Beach Camping Trip – Innervision Surf & Skate,

William Street Weekend Vibes – Sportsgirl, Port Central

Assymetric styles, silk, linen and matching sets are all set to be popular again this spring, so whatever flavour your personal style leans towards just make sure you get the right cut garment and fit for your body shape. Less really is more, so my advice is to keep it simple and ‘dress up’ your looks with great jewellery, shoes and accessories.

Workwear – Portmans, Port Central

Depending on your next social occasion, here’s

Happy Shopping! - Vanessa Jane xxx

Activewear – G.Active (in-store Laurieton or online www.gactive-wear.com) For The Guys – Mainstore, Sunset Parade and Stormriders Definitely worth checking out – Charlize Rose, Heidi Beau, Saltwater Wine and Seven 2446

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Taylah eny Debrec Wauchope local TAYLAH DEBRECENY HAS FOUND HER PASSION IN WEIGHTLIFTING AND IN A SMALL AMOUNT OF TIME has become a serious competitor.

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i Taylah, please introduce yourself to our readers and tell us a bit growing up in Wauchope? Hi I’m Taylah, I am a Competitive Olympic Weightlifter and second year Physiotherapy student at Charles Sturt University, Port Macquarie. I’ve lived in the Hastings area my whole life, attending Wauchope Public school and St Joseph’s Regional College. My early education built a great foundation for me to compete at a high level in the future, constantly being given the opportunity to stay active and be involved in new sports. When I’m not training at the gym or studying you will find me coaching at the CrossFit Cave, nXt LvL or working at Australian Sports Nutrition Port Macquarie. When and where did your love of CrossFit I took the bad and weightlifting circumstances of first start? being put into I was one of lockdown and those kids that was cancelling my traveling constantly doing plans as an opportunity something when techniques and create to focus on my lifting I was younger. If I a good base to build techniques and create a wasn’t at swimming upon. good base to build practice I was at the At the end of 2021 motocross or netball upon. my partner and I or dance practice. moved gym to nXt I started training LvL as they were in when I was 15 at the CrossFit Cave in the process of becoming a Australian Wauchope, where I first fell in love Weightlifting Federation recognised with the sport of weightlifting, being gym, allowing members to compete in taught by the amazing head coach Weightlifting competitions. Trent Waicokacola and the rest of the What was it about this sport that coaching team. Shortly after I started attracted you to it and made you decide competing in local CrossFit competitions to compete? through the rest of my schooling at St When you first think of a strength Joseph’s Regional College. It wasn’t until sport like weightlifting the thought after high school that I started to focus automatically goes towards men, but as a more on Olympic Weightlifting, during small 15-year-old girl walking into a gym my gap year in 2020. I took the bad for the first time seeing strong women circumstances of being put into lockdown lifting more than their bodyweight over and cancelling my travelling plans as their head was so inspiring. Being a girl an opportunity to focus on my lifting who grew up doing male dominated

sports like motocross, I was never one to turn down a challenge and I found this extremely challenging yet rewarding. Having such a strong support network of all ages and abilities of people who just want to see you succeed kept me coming back to the sport day after day. The moment I decided to compete in Olympic Weightlifting I can pin down to a day – I was completing my Weightlifting level 1 coaching qualification in Sydney, and I found out how close my current lifts were to qualifying me for nationals after speaking to a legend in the sport Lyn Jones. Knowing that I only had to increase my current total by 3kg to make the qualifying total of 145kg for the two Olympic lifts I started looking for my first competition to compete in – lucky for me there was one in Glen Innes in 6 weeks’ time. Continued over... GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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You have just competed in the NSW on the cake. Women’s Under 23 Olympic Weightlifting Can you tell us about your training and championships and placed 3rd. Tell us about preparation for this type of competition? this experience and competition? The preparation for the NSW State This was my second weightlifting Championships was intense to say the least. I competition, after hitting a qualifying was spending upward of 3 hours in the gym total weight at a small competition in Glen 5 days a week, to get myself prepped and Innes. Going from this competition to the ready to take on the competition. Seeing NSW Under 23’s state championships was physiotherapists and massage therapists in crazy. It was so surreal walking out onto a the week leading into the competition, and competition platform with a huge audience hours stretching, to make sure my body is where all eyes were in the best physical on me. The warmup condition for the Going from this area before everyone competition. competition to starts to lift is so tense, What have you the NSW under 23’s everyone there has a set your sights on state championships goal in mind for the next? was crazy. It was so competition. Competing I am currently against the girls in my training in serial walking out session time was such a preparation for onto a competition good experience, some the Australian platform with a huge of them best in the Weightlifting audience where all State and some even Federation’s eyes were on me. the nation. My coach Under 23 and I were extremely Nationals, lucky to have Brent from Montage Barbell representing as part of the NSW Club helping us along in our first state team in Perth. In the next competition. few years I’m really looking The competition went smoothly for me forward to seeing how far hitting 4 out of my 6 lifts, with a competition I can go with the sport. personal record in both the snatch (64kg) and I would love Clean and Jerk (84kg). On my final lift I went to some day for an 88kg clean and jerk which would have compete in been a lifetime personal record. Stepping out the Green onto the platform the crowd was silent, all I and Gold could hear was Brent scream “Go Taylah!!”. Australian The main part of the lift I was scared about suits on an was the clean which is the beginning where international the bar leaves the ground to your shoulders, stage, but for now as I stood it up the hardest bit for me was I will be continuing over. After a whole day of competing there training and was nothing left in my arms to give so as I working towards went to push the bar overhead, I sadly got this goal. faulted on my elbow lock out. I was incredibly happy with my overall result on the weekend and placing 3rd in in category was the icing

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I am currently training in preparation for the Australian Weightlifting Federation’s Under 23 Nationals, representing as part of the NSW team in Perth.

Is there anyone you would like to thank? I’d like to thank my parents for travelling with me and being the best cheer squad. My partner Mitch for being the best training buddy a girl could ask for and the constant support in preparation for my competitions. My coach Kez Randal from nXt LvL Port Macquarie for programming for me and being my number one supporter on comp day. Stuart, Eb and the crew at Australian Sports Nutrition Port Macquarie for their constant support. Thanks Taylah.

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health because it is clinicalOUR communities are about ly rewarding. It's a rapidly to benefit from the re-introgrowing field that offers duction of life-saving intercutting edge technology to ventional cardiology services improve patient's health. unavailable in the area for "Heart imaging (angiosome time. grams) is very interesting Dr Pavan Thaneeru and and helps us to diagnose Dr Richard Chan, both inheart problems." terventional cardiologists, Dr Richard Chan comes to have relocated to the Mid our area from Cairns, where North Coast to join Mayo for ten years he has been a and Forster Private hospitals' Healthe Hearts team. private Interventional CarA / P R O F G A R E T T S M I T H They are also supported by diologist with Cairns Private otherBMed regional Hospital. He completed MScardiologists; FRACS Dr Inaam Ullah, Dr Greg Belhis Interventional CardiolAssociate Professor of Surgery lamy,Clinical and Dr Akash Dhawan. ogy Fellowship in 2010 at Deanne Regional Princess Alexandra HospiHead,Portelli, Department of Upper GI CEO of Forster and Mayo tal, Brisbane. Surgery RNSH to anHospitals is excited Dr Chan enjoys helping Presentation and Q&A session by Drwith Garett nounce that Drs Thaneeru patients heart disease, After working for close to twenty who are overweight have diabetes, and Chan bring with them in particular, using his skills Smith and Dietitian, Judith Fox. skills,years experience and qualiand training to treat blocked sleep apnoea and heart problems, so as a weight loss surgeon at fications that has enabled the arteries: working with the patient’s other mediSydney’s Royal North Shore, I’m very Join this FREE informational seminar on bariatric re-opening of Mayo Private "Seeing patients I have cal specialists is important. Successful excited to be consulting and operat Hospital's Cath Lab re-introtreated return to normal and weight loss surgery now available at Mayo weight loss surgery outcomes are work and family life is hugely ducing local access to intering out of Mayo Private Hospital in Private Hospital. rewarding," says Dr Chan. ventional cardiac testing and Healthe Heart Cardiacdependent Services provide tests such stress echos of the heart and holter monitors and now, with the on the surgeon working Taree and bringing these services to procedural services such as addition of Drs Thaneeru and Chan, any relevant procedural treatment without the need to travel far. Dr Chan reminds us that closely with the patient’s dietitian and the Mid North Coast. coronary angiograms, which as we get older, our risk of general Wednesday 17 August heart disease increases so fellowship in Christchurch," in 2011. "Our aim is to grow our working as a doctorDATE provide images of the heart's patients to remain close to practitioner. Many years ago, I did my surgical "I am a New Zealand said Dr Thaneeru. cardiology services in our unfunction and help identify home and family while it's REGISTER important to TODAY be mindful I am involved in many aspects of in Australia, thedergoing Unitedcare," King-Deanne 05:30pm Arrival "I worked as consultant of our heart health, have I have areastraining of concern. said. regional area; the more we trained cardiologist. SCAN THE BARCODE weight can surgery improve treatment. our service The by trained in general cardiology cardiologist in secondary regular check-ups with our "This is now a real-win for loss "The re-opening Mayo'sStates. dom and theofUnited I am 06:00pm Drtertiary Garettcare Smith me istimes centred in hospitals GPs and, if necessary, have com- and reducing for waiting the in Hamilton, NZ and our surgeons area and can most reallyrewarding Cath involved Lab willinmean thatjunior training years of in NZ and in Queensland. better," said Deanne. our GPs refer us for cardiac for my procedural treatment can help health outcomes around patient interactions andpleted close to two06:45pm Judith Fox, Dietitian to become expert laparoscopic and "I chose cardiology/heart testing and investigations. cardiology Dr Pavan Thaneeru started interventional our community. be provided locally, allowing

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with significant weight loss. I ADVERTISING am also MAYO & FORSTER PRIVATE HOSPITAL FEATURE For our patients, weight loss surgery involved in the training of weight loss can be a life changing experience. The surgeons and it is rewarding playing a benefits to the patient’s quality of life, part in young surgeons’ acquisition of OUR communities are about health and longevity are remarkable. surgical and non-surgical skills. In my to benefit from the re-introduction of life-saving interWeight loss surgeons require ventional an cardiology servicesrole as a clinical academic surgeon at unavailable in the area for some time. extensive minimally invasive technical the University of Sydney, I am also inDr Pavan Thaneeru and Dr Richard Chan, both inskill set, and importantly, theyterventional also cardiologists,volved in research around weight loss have relocated to the Mid need to be able to work well inNorth a Coast to join Mayosurgery with the aim of improving the and Forster Private hospitals' HEALTHE Healthe Hearts team. They are also supported by outcomes for our patients. multi-disciplinary team. Many other patients regional cardiologists; 14

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Dr Inaam Ullah, Dr Greg Bellamy, and Dr Akash Dhawan. Deanne Portelli, Regional CEO of Forster and Mayo Hospitals is excited to announce that Drs Thaneeru and Chan bring with them skills, experience and qualifications that has enabled the re-opening of Mayo Private Hospital's Cath Lab re-introducing local access to interventional cardiac testing and procedural services such as coronary angiograms, which provide images of the heart's function and help identify areas of concern. "The re-opening of Mayo's Cath Lab will mean that procedural treatment can be provided locally, allowing

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Dr Richard Chan

Dr Pavan Thaneeru

Healthe Heart Cardiac Services provide tests such stress echos of the heart and holter monitors and now, with the addition of Drs Thaneeru and Chan, any relevant procedural treatment without the need to travel far.

Dr Inaam Ullah

New COVER? Interventional NO Cardiologists join Healthe Heart Cardiac Services NO WORRIES. Welcoming our new cardiology specialists Dr Pavan Thaneeru, Dr Richard Chan, and Dr Inaam Ullah who join the Healthe Heart patients to remain close to home and family while undergoing care," Deanne said. "This is a real-win for our area and can really help health outcomes for our community.

"Our aim is to grow our cardiology services in our regional area; the more we can improve our service by reducing waiting times the better," said Deanne. Dr Pavan Thaneeru started

working as a doctor in 2011. "I am a New Zealand trained cardiologist. I have trained in general cardiology in Hamilton, NZ and completed close to two years of interventional cardiology

fellowship in Christchurch," said Dr Thaneeru. "I worked as consultant cardiologist in secondary and tertiary care in hospitals in NZ and in Queensland. "I chose cardiology/heart

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Enhancing Cardiology Services for the Mid North Coast Local access to Cardiac interventions and testing such as: • Transthoracic and stress echocardiography (heart ultrasounds) • Holter Monitors (to track your heart rhythm over a period of time) • Exercise stress testing (in a safe and controlled environment) • Coronary Angiograms at Mayo Private Hosptial • Coronary interventions such as stenting at Lingard Hospital, Newcastle

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TAKE THE FEAR OUT OF YOUR DENTAL TREATMENT. Nitrous oxide (more commonly known as “happy gas”) is a colourless, tasteless, slightly sweet smelling gas which has significant sedative and analgesic (painkilling) effects.

t has been used in Australia by dentists to treat anxious patients since 1847, with the technique we use today being refined back in the 1940s. Its long history of use has given the gas a proven safety record, being safe for use in patients with heart conditions, those on blood thinning medications, poor kidney function, children, and the elderly. In the dental office, the gas is administered by appropriately trained dentists through a small “hood” which rests over the nose, leaving the mouth and eyes completely unobstructed. The gas is delivered mixed with oxygen, with the percentage being “titrated” (adjusted) to a level specific for each patient to reach their lowest effective dose. This is different to the “happy gas” used for mothers during labour (Entonox) which is delivered as 60 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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a fixed dose of 50% oxygen to 50% nitrous for dental treatment is very common. Nitrous oxide. The dosages used in the dental office oxide sedation is available and safe for almost are often much lower than this, sitting at all patients and can be helpful in reducing around 35-40%. This or even eliminating that variable dosage allows nervousness or fear. Be Patients can a more comfortable it for a simple filling, or expect a feeling of and controlled level for a complex extraction warmth, a pleasant of sedation for the or root canal treatment, tingling throughout the patient. nitrous oxide is a safe, The optimum level easy and affordable arms and legs, feelings of sedation is reached alternative to general of heavy limbs or slowly, with the anaesthetics, or being floating in the chair, and dentist monitoring the “knocked out”. a general euphoria. patient’s breathing Ask your dentist at and level of alertness. Sundial Dental if they Patients can expect a feeling of warmth, a think nitrous oxide sedation could work for pleasant tingling throughout the arms and you, and look forward to a more relaxing and legs, feelings of heavy limbs or floating in the pain-free dental visit. Call the caring team chair, and a general euphoria. at Sundial Dental to book today on Being nervous or scared about attending 6583 3533.

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drop ee kn

Clayton Pickworth has gone from a competitive bodyboarder himself to being a professional judge of the sport. After seeing there was something missing in the big comps for Dropknee competitors, so Dropknee Sessions was born right here in Port Macquarie. And this August will be their 20th anniversary event!

i Clayton. Can you tell us how the idea for Dropknee Sessions came about? Sure! In 2001 at a State Title event where I was judging, we had a bunch of Dropknee competitors as it was quite well followed at this time by the riders. I was speaking to some of the guys and they were getting tired of turning up to these top line events but not being put out in the best conditions specifically for Dropknee. They seemed to be on the brink of not competing in these events again due to this. So after the event we had a chat over a few beers about what we could do about the situation and try and help these guys moving forward in the contest scene. I came up with the idea that we create an event specifically for Dropknee riders, their very own event, where they got to compete in the best possible conditions so they could showcase this side of the sport. So Dropknee 62 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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Sessions was born and I put on the first event at In fact this year Town Beach Breakwall in will see the December 2002. This year marks 20 largest ever numbers many more things years of DKS, can you of Dropknee riders happening on the tell us what people ever to compete in days so we encourage can expect from this one single Dropknee everyone to come past year’s event? and take a look at what event in the world! The same as every we are doing to better So a world record of single year, a showcase understand our sport. some kind. of the very best talent Who can compete and from around the world where do they come right here on the Mid from? North Coast! This year will see the event Dropknee Sessions is an open age/gender happen across 2 days due to the massive event but we usually see riders from the 18 to numbers of competitors. In fact this year will 50 year age bracket coming to compete. As see the largest ever numbers of Dropknee much as we have a competition format and riders ever to compete in one single Dropknee an eventual winner, most see this as an annual event in the world! So a world record of pilgrimage and a gathering of mates that some kind. We will also have sponsors on site catch up once a year and have as much fun including Regional Australia Bank, Wicked as possible. We will see riders from the South Elf Beer and Port City Harley Davidson, plus Coast of NSW right up to the Sunshine Coast.

Also riders from Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and our International guests from Hawaii and San Diego! What sort of response have you had from competitors and audiences at past events? Each and every year always poses challenges to bring crowds and tourists to our area and this year is no different. Some years we have an influx of new riders and people that just want to come and be a part of it but the last few years have been our best numbers on record, competitor wise, and with that it brings more interest from general public and tourists which is just unreal and we encourage that every year. In saying all that, as mentioned this year is our biggest year ever on record with a sold out draw of 64 riders, in fact I could have taken 100 entries to be honest as being the 20th year of this event, everyone wanted to be part of the celebrations. So how does the event actually run? The event is a knock out format from the first heat just like most events. The draw consists of 64 riders and each heat will be 4 persons with a 50% progression in each heat. The riders get scored on their best 2 waves with the top 2 riders scores progressing through each heat. The first round will consist of 16 heats and that will be run on the first day of competition on Friday 5th August. Saturday will see Round 2, Quarter Finals, Semi Finals and then the Final heat to declare this year’s winner on Saturday 6th August

It’s the simple fact that watching riders from outside our town come and surf our famous breaks, seeing how they approach it and what they can do surfing waves so new to them.

with presentation of the winners to be held that evening at Wicked Elf Brewery. Can you tell us about your own experiences with bodyboarding, when did you first get into it and what do you love about the sport? The late 80’s when I was in primary school was the first time I had my own bodyboard as we lived 2 streets away from Shelley Beach at the time and we would visit the beach just for fun. It wasn’t until the mid 90’s that I joined the local club and started to learn the ways of competition and how the sport was run on an amateur level. Not long after that, more competitions started popping up along the coast as the popularity grew in the sport, and I started to compete more frequently. I had a fair competition record over the years up until around the late 90’s where I was thrown into the judge’s chair at a local event and that was where I found another side of the sport which I really enjoyed. So much so I completed my Level 1 Judging Course and started to judge professionally on the Australian and World tours. Growing up so close to the beach and having unlimited access meant I just wanted to be in the water as much as possible, get better at riding and try my best to just enjoy the surf each time I went. It’s such a healthy lifestyle sport, it’s easy to get into and is one of the cheapest water sports you’ll find. Also

an interesting fact, Bodyboarding is the only watercraft sport you can legally ride between the flags at any patrolled beach, which makes it very inviting for parents and their kids! Being a former World Tour judge and having seen people competing all over the world, what do you personally enjoy about seeing them compete in Port Macquarie? It’s the simple fact that watching riders from outside our town come and surf our famous breaks, seeing how they approach it and what they can do surfing waves so new to them. It really allows us to showcase that Port has some of the great beach breaks on the east coast with such a variety of different waves. When and where is this year’s event taking place and where can people get more info on the Dropknee Sessions? DKS will take place on August 5th and 6th. Competition will kick off around 7:20am on Friday 5th and will conclude around 3pm on Saturday afternoon. The beach location will be announced on the day of competition due to weather conditions, so I encourage everyone to stay tuned to our social media pages on Facebook and Instagram (@dksessions), hit the ‘like’ and ‘follow’ buttons so you will be kept up to date on everything that’s happening. If anyone has any questions about the event or wants to be involved, they can call me directly on 0428 237 788 before Friday 5th August. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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focus_contributor.

FITNESS

UPDATE with RACHEL LEMAN

F R O M M I S S M O T I V AT O R

Getting back into exercise after having a baby can be daunting and a little confronting because your body might not feel the same as it once was.

his is completely normal and expected so don’t panic. With the right support you can be feeling strong and fit again.

This month let’s chat about some of the benefits of returning to exercise, and why getting help can make all the difference. Taking a healthy approach to getting back into exercise can help to improve your energy levels, mood and hormone regulation. Exercising in a group environment is also a really great way to connect to other mothers that are experiencing the same life changes that you are, this can be really helpful as you adjust to your new life with a baby. But before you dive into any kind of strenuous activity, it’s important to get the all-clear from your Doctor. It’s important to take it slow at first and be sure that your body is ready to move. Sometimes the brain is ready to go, but the body needs a little more time or help. Below is a useful checklist that we have created to help you decide if you are ready to get started on your post-baby fitness journey. The Miss Motivator checklist: • Visit a women’s health physiotherapist. A women‘s health physiotherapist can be super helpful and I highly recommend you do this. They can give you specific advice on how to safely return to exercise, based on your individual needs. They can even provide you

with a practical list of do’s and dont‘s specific to your individual situation, fitness level and birth story. This is a really important step in your return to exercise. How your body works post-birth may not be the same as pre-baby! • Engage with an exercise professional that has qualifications in pre- and post-natal exercise. The team at Miss Motivator specialise in this if you need assistance! • Remember you are different now and your training will also need to be a little different for a while. That’s ok – look at it as a time to rebuild your strength internally and externally slowly, so that you can get back to your prebaby sports and fitness routine when you are ready. • Look for sessions in either a group or individual setting depending on your needs. Think about if you would prefer to be indoors or if you need some fresh air and sunshine in your week. • Choose something that feels manageable – too much too soon will only lead to setbacks. • Remember you are an individual with your own stuff going on. Strengths, weaknesses, lack of sleep, stresses etc. So make sure that you don’t compare your training plan and results to others. • Progress slowly – both in terms of intensity and frequency. Hitting it hard too early will likely result in injury – and nobody wants that.

• You may need to learn to have a ‘new regular’ fitness routine. Accepting that your body may take time to adjust is important. As mentioned above, it‘s a good idea to engage with a trained exercise professional after having a baby. A great way to do this is with an accredited MumSafe© Trainer. These trainers work in collaboration with women’s health physios so you can be sure you are really well looked after. Remember, you have plenty of time to start feeling strong again. There‘s no need to put unnecessary pressure on yourself. Just focus on taking things one step at a time, enjoy your new bubba and enjoy the journey. So there you have it – my top tips for safely returning to exercise post-natal. With the right support, you‘ll be feeling fit and fabulous again! Postnatal classes are a great way to ease yourself back into fitness with likeminded mums. Here at Miss Motivator we offer both group and personal training specifically designed for new mothers (and those that have been mothers for a long time). If you‘re interested in finding out more, please get in touch with the team at Miss Motivator Women’s Health and Fitness Centre at 2 Blackbutt Rd, Port Macquarie or give Rachel a call on 0438 388 552. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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B I R T H

A N D

P O S T P A R T U M

D O U L A

Claire

Dunkley

Lake Cathie local Claire Dunkley has embarked on an exciting field of study and is now a fully accredited and practising Doula. FOCUS speaks with Claire on her insights into this fascinating branch of knowledge and how it will support women in our community.

i Claire. Your research and training within the field of birth support is profound and you are now able to offer your services to expectant mothers, in both Birth and Postpartum Care. Tell us a little about yourself and what you have discovered since commencing this new career path? Having three kids, I’d really say my entire 15 years of motherhood has been an accumulative, drop in the deep end apprenticeship. It wasn’t until July last year though that I chose to follow a calling and step into the world of Birth! This led me to one of the most enlivening Doulas in Australia – Angella Gallo, who happened to be running her last ever doula training. Call it serendipity. She lit this fire in me and the rest, as they say, is history. It was the most un-doula, doula trainings you would ever come across. So much 66 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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more than I could ever have expected. I had no idea what I was getting myself into but chose to step fearlessly and wholeheartedly over the threshold. In today’s society I think the concept of engaging the services of a Doula for pregnancy or postpartum is still a fairly rare occurrence. What would you like women and couples to understand about the benefits a Doula can provide for a positive experience? Doulas have actually been supporting women in birth for millennia. In fact the word Doula comes from ancient Greek, meaning “a woman who serves”. So this concept is far from new, however it is being called upon more so today for many reasons. Birth is a big deal and for a lot of women, they come out the other side unsatisfied or traumatised with their experience. This may also lead to a dissatisfied postpartum period where women are left to survive, not thrive and

yes, this is absolutely personal to me. Women are deciding to take back control in the birth arena and for some, that means wanting the best possible support team in their corner to birth their way, on their terms. They want to feel empowered, respected and supported to make informed decisions that align with their personal beliefs and values and that’s where I come in. I unequivocally trust women and birth but this really is about radical responsibility and accountability on behalf of the birthing person. There’s so many benefits for mother, father and child. It’s not just a one off investment, it’s the investment that keeps on giving. It ripples out for years to come in many ways. The confidence gained by the mother is so beneficial for the whole family dynamic but especially the mother baby dyad by helping create a solid foundation of trust. Think of what this does for our children as they develop. This is where the magic happens! When it

comes to postpartum care I‘m the BIGGEST believer in supporting women at this time. I know that after the novelty of new baby wears off and people stop turning up, the food stops getting dropped off, and your partner heads back to work, you’re left wondering where the hell to go from here!? This can also coincide with Postpartum depression. Who better placed to pick up on the early signs than the Doula. When you’re tired, depleted, hungry, have hordes of questions, resenting your peacefully sleeping partner and yearning for your old life back, I’m there, like Mary Poppins. I will care for you, cook for you, tidy for you, massage you, listen to you and support you, all while we laugh together, cry together, get messy together, get real together, share together and so much more. You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to see what the benefits would be. In fact, it should be the bare minimum. Claire, you are a Port Macquarie local and a very busy mum or three yourself. How do you fit in time for work and balancing the demands of home life? This is a big question for me personally and one I constantly struggle with. My Doula work is so much more than a My Doula work business. It is my heart. is so much more It’s taken a lot from me to than a business. It is get to where I am today, my heart. It’s taken and I’m so proud of how a lot from me to get far I’ve come. Having modelling this for my big dreams as a woman children. It’s important to where I am today, and mother can feel for me that they see and I’m so proud of like walking a tightrope. the grit, the hustle and how far I’ve come. There’s so many intricacies determination of me Having big dreams as that go into the day to following my dreams, a woman and mother day that easily go unseen. but equally as important can feel like walking a It can leave me feeling that it’s always in balance tightrope. really depleted, but I’ve with reality. gotten good at noticing What is on the horizon when I need to stop or for you for the year slow down, reach out and allow myself the ahead? time to recoup. I try to keep it real. I always I’m about to bring humanity back to the follow what brings joy and drop away that human experience! I officially launch this which doesn’t. If that means kids aren’t going August so I will be deep in the realm of serving to school today so be it, baked beans on toast women and babies. To ensure that those who for dinner – coming right up! You need to invest in my services are well cared for and be vulnerable enough to admit defeat and honoured, I’ll only be taking two birth and two accountable enough to pick up where you left postpartum clients per month. I’m also finishing off, and I’m always reminding myself that I’m up certification in Placenta Encapsulation,

Hypnobirthing and Womb Hara, all while putting the finishing touches into the space where the magic happens. For people wanting to find out more about you or engage your services, how can they best connect with you? My website is up and running this month. It’s jam packed with real talk, information and services. To get your hands on my offerings head there or DM me. I’m always here for a chat and am open to creating a package that suits your individual needs. I also offer a free connection visit. This is where we catch up for lunch, chat all things birth and find out whether we’re a good match. 0404 155 735 hello@clairedunkley.com.au clairedunkley.com.au @clairedunkley_doula Thanks Claire. Interview: Sarah Baker GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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MEGAN

DAVIDSON C O M M U N I T Y H O U S I N G LT D

In the lead up to Homelessness Week 2022 we spoke to Community Housing Limited NSW state manager Megan Davidson to raise awareness about why more and more locals are being affected and what can be done to work towards a solution.

omelessness Week 2022 is taking place from Monday 1 to Sunday 7 August, to raise awareness in Australia. Can you tell us a bit about Community Housing Ltd and what you guys do in relation to those experiencing homelessness? Community Housing Limited (CHL) provides a range of services for people who are experiencing homelessness and those at risk of homelessness. We provide these services in the Eastern Metropolitan and Gippsland regions of Victoria, Maryborough in Queensland and on the NSW Mid North Coast. People in the Port Macquarie Hastings, Kempsey and Nambucca local government areas of NSW who need housing assistance can access a range of services directly from CHL. Eligible people can access information, practical assistance and financial support to: • Access short-term accommodation or a specialist homelessness service • Secure a private rental property • Set up and maintain a private rental property The situation for many has become worse in recent times, what is currently contributing to homelessness in our area? A combination of factors are contributing to homelessness in the area and nationally. 68 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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The critical issue is the severe shortage of homelessness as older males with alcohol affordable rental properties in the private rental and substance abuse issues is definitely market, combined with insufficient social and a myth. The largest growing number of affordable housing. people experiencing homelessness is older State and Federal governments have women. Women and children escaping family invested heavily in subsidies for first home violence continue to be overrepresented in buyers at the expense of people on lower homelessness statistics. We are seeing more incomes who can’t afford to buy a home and people who have previously relied on the rely on the rental market. private rental market Over the past decade being priced out of Basically we these subsidies, including housing and at risk stamp duty exemptions of homelessness. The have a serious and cash grants, have saying that everyone shortage on the cost taxpayers over is only one paycheck supply side of $20 billion dollars. This away from experiencing affordable homes. money could have been homelessness is true. With rising interest spent on investing in You will hear more and rates and increased affordable housing more about people cost of living pressures infrastructure and added with full time jobs who more people will be at 60,000 properties for are unable to find an risk of homelessness low to moderate income affordable rental in in our local earners. their local communities communities. Basically we have a because there is a serious shortage on the serious shortage of these supply side of affordable properties. homes. With rising interest rates and increased Can you tell us a bit about some of cost of living pressures more people will be at the stories you have heard from locals risk of homelessness in our local communities. recently? What are some common misconceptions CHL NSW is currently giving evidence about homelessness? to a Senate inquiry into older people and The stereotypes of people experiencing homelessness. We have seen a sharp increase

in older people approaching our services. Most of these people have been long-term residents in private rentals and found themselves at risk of homelessness when owners decide to sell or increase the rent. There are two personal stories that stand out during this time. One is a couple in their 80s who had been in a long-term rental in the private rental market. The owner decided to sell and gave them notice. They were very stressed and anxious and unable to find another affordable home. Their neighbour told us that they had considered ending their lives because they thought they would end up homeless. With the help of their neighbour they contacted their local MP who referred them to CHL and we were able to find them accommodation based on the urgent nature of their situation. Another family was referred to us recently – a 70 year old woman and her adult daughter who lives with a serious mental illness. These women had been sleeping in their car and unable to find affordable housing. The daughter’s mental illness worsened and her mother was taking her to hospital emergency frequently for medical assistance. When they were referred to CHL we assisted them to apply for public housing as priority applications. They are now housed and doing well.

These women had been sleeping in their car and unable to find affordable housing. The daughter’s mental illness worsened and her mother was taking her to hospital emergency frequently for medical assistance.

Please note that we are often unable to assist people due to the severe shortage of social housing stock – we were only able to assist these people because they were considered a priority. What are some of the things you have been working on to assist the situation? We are always applying for tenders to build new housing and work in partnership with the government, the corporate sector and developers to find solutions to the housing crisis. We are also actively advocating for increased funding for social and affordable housing to address the crisis in our housing system. What do you think could contribute to solutions, and how can people in our area help or get involved? The biggest single issue is investing in housing infrastructure to increase the supply of affordable homes. This requires a national housing strategy where State, Federal and Local governments commit to a range of measures that assist people on lower and moderate incomes. We can free up State, Commonwealth and Local government-owned land and build affordable homes on these

parcels of land. All new large scale building developments should have mandated social housing allocations of at least 10%. The federal government should commit to ongoing investment in social housing infrastructure to meet the current housing deficit and projected increases in demand for affordable housing. The new Federal government has committed to build 30,000 new homes but this falls short of what is needed. People in the local area can write to their MP and let them know they would like action on the housing crisis. They can also join the Everybody’s Home campaign to help advocate on this issue (everybodyshome.com.au) What advice would you give to anyone worried about or experiencing being homeless? Having access to information about what services and supports are available in your local area is really important. You can visit the CHL website www.chl.org.au and the NSW Department of Communities and Justice website Find a specialist homelessness service | Family & Community Services (nsw.gov.au) Thanks Megan. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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NEW NAME

FRESH LOOK H E A LT H C A R E L E A D E R S

COME TOGETHER

We’re entering a new era for Allied Health care on the Mid North Coast with the launch of Mid North Coast Allied Health, a multidisciplinary team dedicated to providing seamless care through your health and wellbeing journey.

hile Mid North Coast Allied Health may appear to be a new name for local healthcare, it has a long legacy of caring for the community, made possible by the joining of two long established practices and teams. Mid North Coast Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic and Sports & Spinal Physiotherapy have come together, bringing a wealth of experience which combined has improved the health of almost 30,000 individuals across the Mid North Coast community to date. With the team working across eight locations spanning as far north as Woolgoolga and south as Laurieton, exceptional healthcare will be accessible to the entire Mid North Coast community and beyond. The merger means that clients can now be seen in Woolgoolga, Moonee Beach, Toormina and Urunga to the north, and Laurieton, Wauchope and two locations in Port Macquarie. Mid North Coast Allied Health’s services will include the familiar disciplines such as Physiotherapy, Exercise Physiology,

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Massage Therapy, Dietetics, Myotherapy Robinson and Robert Eid shared that and Occupational Therapy as well as much both practice groups had an unwavering needed specialised services including commitment to delivering accessible quality Paediatric Physiotherapy, Women’s Pelvic care to support the health and wellbeing Physiotherapy, Concussion care and of the community. And that commitment headaches, and inspired them to Lymphoedema develop a strategic management. partnership and merge, Managing Through innovation and technology, Mid North Coast Allied Health will also deliver patient care outside of practices, ensuring services are accessible when and where they are most needed, including home visits and Telehealth consultations.

Principal Aaron admits he is extremely excited to see the transformation of the MNC Physio signs and shopfronts currently rolling out to join the southern clinics.

At a time when the Mid North Coast region is experiencing significant population growth and the NSW Government has identified a struggle with recruiting and retaining healthcare staff in regional areas, this merger bolsters Mid North Coast Allied Health to continue growing and evolving to meet the ongoing needs of the community. Practice Principals Aaron Hardaker, Micheal

so they could do even more, support more patients, with more specialised services through their health and wellbeing journey.

Managing Principal Aaron admits he is extremely excited to see the transformation of the MNC Physio signs and shopfronts currently rolling out to join the southern clinics, with a refreshed name and look that will represent an exciting future for Allied Healthcare for existing clients and the wider community. He also hinted at there being more inspiring announcements to come in the near future that will deliver even greater access to high quality healthcare in the region – watch this space!

NEW NAME BUT THE SAME GREAT SERVICE

The region’s largest allied health provider

8 CLINIC LOCATIONS

PORT MACQUARIE YOUR LIFE GYM LAURIETON WAUCHOPE WOOLGOOLGA MOONEE

CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT

6584 5379 e. adminpm@mncalliedhealth.com w. www.mncalliedhealth.com

71 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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SOVEREIGN PLACE

port

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72 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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* Excludes sale items. Check out weekly catalogues at www.hasting

at GARDEN VILLAGE

ith the opening of The Banksia nearing completion what community services will be available to new residents? The Garden Village Community Services team offers personalised Home Care and Disability Supports to residents and the wider community. We look forward to running info sessions with new residents of The Banksia about the services available. For those seeking care at home, Garden Village Home Care gives you the confidence to live in your own home knowing you have assistance with daily living like shopping, cleaning, social support and also Registered Nursing for more complex clinical needs that can arise such as medical conditions and wound care. How do residents or community members access Home Care? A welcoming and friendly team is available to speak to you face to face

Pam Clutterbuck (Welfare Officer), Julie McRoy (Community Care Services Manager), Angela Cameron (Registered Nurse)

at the onsite Garden Village Home Care Office. Contact us prior to starting your application to My Aged Care and we will help you every step of the way through the Home Care Application Process. Once approved our thorough personalised process and committed Community Care Team matches people with experienced and trusted support workers. Where possible our goal is to match you with one carer who will get to know you and support you on a regular basis. Support workers offer companionship and assistance with daily tasks. When do you recommend people access

Home Care supports? We all value our independence but we do encourage people to seek support early before a health issue happens or someone can suddenly no longer manage on their own. Seeking support early gives you peace of mind and time to get to know the services that suit you most and complement your lifestyle. The application process can take some time so we recommend applying sooner rather than later. The Garden Village team is happy to answer any questions and be your local knowledge resource. We understand it can be confusing for families as you navigate the next chapter and we are here to help.

GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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101

Ruth Henning

74 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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RUTH

HENNING Ruth Henning is a local Port Macquarie resident who recently celebrated her birthday, turning 101! She still lives independently at her retirement village and has been a regular face at her bowling club for over 30 years.

i Ruth. We wish you a My dad was keen on cricket and tennis very happy birthday! and we had a tennis court built next door. Turning 101 is pretty As there were very few homes close by, special, how did you Dad would get us all out in the field to play celebrate? cricket, including Mum and our lovely dog, I am the female patron and we had a great time. As we aged we of my bowling club and they arranged a were encouraged to keep active in various bowls day for both male and female patrons activities. on my birthday. Many of my old member What are some life lessons you’ve friends were there. In addition to this the learnt that you would like to pass on to friends at my retirement village had a special younger generations? morning tea. When you are sure you want something, I have been at all these celebrations. I’m be positive and keep trying. I was keen to just sorry that my dear husband was not able enrol at Miss Hales’ Business College after to share these with me. I left school. Dad was My eldest boy Bruce not sure but Mum has been such a help insisted that I be given As there were and comfort. He and the same chance as very few homes my younger son Ross my elder sisters. When close by, Dad would had planned a 90th I had completed the get us all out in the celebration for me, but first term Dad met me field to play cricket, Ross developed cancer and took me for lunch including Mum and and passed before that (I was still 14 at the our lovely dog, and could happen. time). I had gotten such we had a great time. Despite my losses a good report that he As we aged we were their love and support promised me a trip to encouraged to keep over the years have Adelaide to meet my meant the world, and Grandma. The trip was active in various they would have been by a local boat when I activities. delighted by the support was 16. from all my friends. What are some You’re still living independently, what of your favourite things about Port is your secret to good health and Macquarie and the local community longevity? here? Three good meals a day was always My husband Allan Henning and I left our driven into our family. I was the youngest of home at North Curl Curl in Sydney after seven kids (3 boys, 4 girls). When growing our sons Bruce and Ross left home and up there was no such thing as radios and we retired to Wentworth Falls in the Blue TV so we had to make our own fun. We Mountains. Allan found the cold weather too also had to help our mum, for the girls that much, having health problems because of his meant learning to cook and helping with the service in the war. housework. Port has been our home since 1993 when

we joined Le Hamel Retirement Village, and the weather is beaut. We joined our local bowling club soon after. My husband died in 2003 and I have remained a member since and have made so very many friends here. What are some changes you’ve seen in the time you’ve lived here? I grew up in Sydney but my family had a farm near Kempsey and I did part of my schooling there. During that time Port was only a fishing village, no hospital and access by a punt. Over the years the bridge was built, hospital also, schools have opened, and the town has really mushroomed. We used to picnic here often. Port Macquarie has now turned into a thriving town and it’s a pleasure to live here. We hear you’ve been involved with the bowling club here in Port Macquarie for a long time, when did you first join and what do you enjoy about it? I have been very active here. I was not a bowler but prior to Port we built at Wauchope. Allan and I were both golfers and when he was unable to golf we joined the club at Port and I took up bowls. The friendship has been first class, the bowls also. Thirty years have passed but after handing in my driving licence at 95 I have retired from committee work but still attend and sell raffle tickets and keep in touch. Do you still get down to the club often? I am picked up by friends to go to the club for which I am very grateful. I miss the game so much but I was very active visiting other clubs, arranging teams for Pennants etc, and for a time I was Patron for the District, so I am well known in the community in Port and beyond. At present I am Patron of my club, Port Macquarie Sports Club. Thanks Ruth. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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MOVETECH Increasing the competency of older drivers in the use of advanced vehicle technology

esearchers at UNSW Sydney are looking for drivers, aged 70 years or over, to participate in a trial looking at whether an innovative training program can increase driving competence and confidence in older drivers with modern cars. Participants will be asked to complete a series of driving related questionnaires and assessments. To ensure everyone has an equal chance of receiving the training program, a computer will randomly allocate each participant into a group – like a flip of a coin. Upon completion of the study, all participants will receive a $50 eftpos gift card. The research study is looking to recruit people who meet the following criteria: • Aged 70 years and older • Have an active and valid NSW driver licence

• Regular driver (at least 2-3 times per week)

driving instructor

• Within the past 24 months, has purchased a vehicle with Level 1 autonomous vehicle technology, such as adaptive cruise control or lane keep assist

• Consent to drive an unfamiliar vehicle

• Able to travel to Port Macquarie or Taree for study visits

randomised to)

• Consent to use your personal, comprehensively insured vehicle to perform a driving assessment in the presence of a drivertrained occupational therapist and/or licensed

Are you a driver aged 70 years and older with a modern vehicle, purchased within the past 2 years. Are you interested in learning more about the technologies included?

• Able to meet the time commitment of the study (approx 3.5 to 8.5 hours across several days – dependent on the group you are • Able to understand conversational English • Double-vaccinated for COVID-19 If you would like to find out more about the study, scan the QR code.

If you would like to find out more about the study, scan the QR code

• Aged 70 years and older • Have an active and valid NSW driver licence • Regular driver (at least 2-3 times per week) UPON COMPLETION OF THE STUDY, ALL PARTICIPANTS WILL RECEIVE A $50 EFTPOS GIFT CARD. To register your interest or ask any questions, contact the following persons and mention the title of the study, “MOVETech” Project Manager: Ms Kerrie Ren, 9065 3857 Your local OTDA: Mr Nick Neville, 6583 6789

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Highfields M A NO R Highfields Manor is your new provider of quality aged care, respite care, rehabilitation and palliative care in Port Macquarie. We chat with Kim Suitor to get a sneak peek into the exciting new facility.

i Kim, it’s been a while since FOCUS caught up with you. Tell us what have you been up to? The team and I have spent the last few months preparing for the opening of our beautiful new facility. So it’s been an exciting journey to finally open our doors to our community. Congratulations on your new role at the brand new Highfields Manor here in Port Macquarie. Tell us about your role? As the Wellbeing and Transitions Manager here at Highfields, I work as a trusted advisor and will support people to navigate the aged care system. Build relationships with current and prospective residents and their families to provide support with planning and transitions on the resident’s journey with Highfields 78 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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Manor. To provide a seamless experience for comes with over 30 years in the Aged Care residents. My role is also mobile which allows industry. me to visit residents and their families in Brooke Plumpe is our Deputy Director of the home and provide Nursing, she provides the in-home tours, giving highest level of care to our My role is also them all the information residents. With ___ years’ mobile which they require. It’s a really experience in the Hospital allows me to visit special role and I feel and Aged Care industry. very privileged to be She is currently studying her residents and their part of this amazing Nurse Practitioner. families in the home team. Amanda Romans is our and provide in-home There is a very Facility Co-ordinator with tours giving them all professional and an extensive background the information they experienced team in Aged Care nursing and require. alongside you, can administration. Currently you introduce them studying a Bachelor of to us? Nursing in UNE. We are one big family here... Tell us about Highfields Manor and it Leah Sorenson is our Director of Nursing; she means to have a this beautiful new aged

KIM SUITOR

care facility in town? We are an aging population, so to have a brand new, state of each of our residents With a focus the art, 105 private alongside specialist on ‘reablement’, room facility will make rehabilitation and we provide care for a huge difference in dementia support. people with high and our aging community. We know that a low needs and take There are currently very decision to move a person-centred few vacancies in Aged into aged care can approach, adapting Care in the area, so HM be extremely difficult our services to each will certainly make a and we’re here to difference. of our residents provide reassurance There are multiple alongside specialist and peace of mind. services that Highfields rehabilitation and Our welcoming, Manor offer their dementia support. experienced team is residents, can you take available 24 hours a us through them? day, 7 days a week to Offering Respite, provide high quality care and support to Permanent and Palliative Care services. The each of our residents. All of our care team dedicated team at Highfields Manor offers members hold, as a minimum, Certificate III responsive and flexible care to our residents in Aged Care and are fully trained to safely based on their individual needs. With a focus lift and assist residents who have limited on ‘reablement’, we provide care for people mobility. Registered nurses support our with high and low needs and take a personcentred approach, adapting our services to team to ensure our care is of the highest

standard and oversee the safe administration of medications. Each resident is allocated a GP (if a resident has a preferred GP prior to admission we are committed to supporting this arrangement) and we have a doctor on call at all times. What are the core values and goals you and the team have set at Highfields? The values that drive HM are fundamental in achieving our model of care and in turn allowing our consumers to live their best possible life. Respect - Compassion - Excellence Leading by Example For those who would like to find out more information, how do they go about this? Please call me direct on 02 5542 2055 or 0458 164 029 or visit our website at highfieldsmanor.com.au Thanks Kim. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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Welcome to Regis Port Macquarie Considering aged care for a loved one? Through our range of permanent and respite aged care services, we are committed to helping people realise their wellbeing goals and lead meaningful lives. With almost 30 years’ experience, we know what it takes to care for someone you love. At Regis, we focus on every person as an individual so we can provide the best possible care and help them find the smile in every day. To find out more about our community in Port Macquarie, call us on 1300 998 100 or visit regis.com.au

regis.com.au | 1300 998 100

Regis Port Macquarie 10 Sherwood Road, Port Macquarie NSW 2444 SCAN HERE TO DISCOVER REGIS PORT MACQUARIE

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SIMON BANK

NATHAN WILSON

WEBSTUDIO

ell us a little about your role in business and how you started in the industry?

As Director, I guide clients through the journey of creating their new website. I help people understand the different elements of a website in simple terms, and how each of these elements interact to create an engaging website that gets results. During high school, I helped in my family business using direct mail marketing, which involved designing flyers and cranking out Microsoft Word mail merges, stuffing envelopes and sticking address labels on them. Fortunately, the internet came along and I was keen to learn! I taught myself how to create websites from scratch and have been working in this space for almost 25 years. I had a brief spell as an accountant 15 years ago, but was drawn back to my passion, which is helping small businesses market themselves online. What do you think is the key to success in business? It’s hard to narrow it down to one thing, but I have learned

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that it is essential to be “OK” with change and to embrace it. I believe that striving for constant improvement and being open to new ideas puts you in a strong position to make the most of opportunities that arise, and pivot quickly in the face of adversity. What is on the horizon for your business as we commence a new financial year? We’ve partnered with Emma and the team at Gem Socials to help businesses with their social media and online advertising. A website without an “acquisition strategy” (a plan for getting people through the front door) is as useless as a billboard on a back road. We collaborate with Emma to ensure that your website reaches your target audience, through the right paid and organic social media channels.

webstudio.au hello@webstudio.au Suite 9, Level 1/10 Short St, Port Macquarie (02) 5514 5145

ELDERS LIFESTYLE GROUP

ell us a little about your role in business and how you started in the industry? I am a Licensed Real Estate Agent and Stock & Station Agent working for the Elders Lifestyle Group servicing the Port Macquarie, Crescent Head, Kempsey, and surrounding district. I began my Real Estate career in 2011 working as a Property Manager before transitioning into sales in 2018 and haven’t looked back since.

What are you most proud of in your role? It has taken years of hard work and perseverance to get where I am today. I am SELLING thankful I have chosen a career where I can continue learning as it iswith everNathan evolving. Each year I Wilson continue to set goals, no matter how big or small. I get to meet amazing people every day and I am most proud of my ability to build lifelong relationships through mutual respect and trust.

escent Head

How does your business Can you tell us about some remain innovative in a recent highlights or business changing landscape? Innovation successes you have been Rate my agent is essential to stay relevant in a part of? I was recently inducted for 2020 & 2021 continually changing and evolving into the elite Elders Masters landscape. I am fortunate to work Club, awarded #2 salesperson for a company that offers first in top NSW/ACT forwe’ve 2021ever and #3 with In the two agents dealt with an agent Nationally. regarding the saleBeing or purchase of class training and embraces new “In dealing salesperson a property we look for someone who is actively accessible, technology. awarded suburb forexcellence, responsive and reliable. Nathan iswinner all these, par and more. He was professional & ethical in regards to our & Crescent Head by Rate My Agent What do you think is the the other party’s needs & made the whole process far less stressful than it couldyears have been. What moreis could one wish for three in a row an key to success in business? for? On top of it he’s the sort of person you’d want to have a honour and I was also awarded coffee or beer with! Can’t recommend Nathan highly enough!” First and foremost, you need to 2021 Agent of The Year for Sean and Sharon Recent Sellers be passionate about what you Crescent Head and Verges do. Being humble, adapting to Wishing you a safe and happy Christmas and Creek. change, taking on feedback, and a prosperous 2022 from our family to yours consistently seeking new ways to improve is the key to success. I also think building a support team and maintaining a healthy work life balance is important for longevity in the real estate industry.

Shop 4 Rankine St, Crescent Head, NSW, Australia 2440 nathan.wilson@ Email nathan.wilson@eldersrealestate.com.au eldersrealestate.com.au Phone 0418 766 977 0418 766 977 elderslifestylegroup.com.au

HELLO SAILOR

hat are you most proud of in your role? Offering something different and special to our guest. Collaborating with small local businesses to promote them though our Cocktail Collabs and The Beers From Around Here. Our involvement with many local Charity events and being able to give back to our community and of course working alongside some incredible people. What is on the horizon for your business as we commence a new financial year? We have big plans for HS moving forward. Nearly at our 2-year mark and couldn’t be happier with the way things are tracking, however we will be seeing a number of very exciting changes/Improvements. So, watch this space and stay tuned.

L E E WO O D & S COT T M E S I T I What is your business’s greatest asset? This is an easy one. Firstly, it has been, is and always will be the HS crew. We have always had an outstanding team that work so very hard to provide that Hello Sailor experience. Secondly it would have to be our ability to keep evolving, to be flexible, to be comfortable with the current changes and difficulties that have and are affecting the industry, whilst still being able to produce new and exciting offering whether it be Food, Beverages, or Events. We are very focused on pushing ourselves for our guests. What is something that our readers may not know about you and your business? Before starting Hello Sailor neither of us had any Hospo experience, maybe a couple of bar shifts and a few Festivals under our belts, but we have never owned and operated a Restaurant/Venue. The first year was a

whirlwind of learning on the job. Who are we kidding, we are still learning now but that’s a good thing. Again, we have managed to surround ourselves with the best team and like-minded businesses to help us navigate the past few years and its… interesting situations. We owe so much to our friends and families for their support, especially the wives (the true bosses) who have been there through it all. Thank you!

Shop 10/18 Park St, Port Macquarie (02) 5504 5933 info@hellosailor2444.com.au hellosailor2444.com.au HelloSailorPMQ hellosailor2444

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PHILIPPE

CASSEGRAIN CASSEGRAIN WINES

hat do you think is the key to success in business? The old adage of when there is work to do, work (but have fun whilst doing it)! With the region growing it has been great to share our history and products with not only tourists but the ‘new locals’. The locals have always been a great supporter of our business which we are very grateful for. What are you most proud of in your role? My favourite part of the role is talking with anyone and everyone about anything and everything to do with wine! And it is made that little bit easier when I can speak not only about the family history and our wines but the fact that we have Australia’s Winemaker of the Year (Alex Cassegrain) in the business makes me incredibly proud. Can you tell us about some recent highlights or business successes you have been part of? Some recent highlights are being named one of the Top Wineries of Australia for 2022 by one of Australia’s top wine publications – the whole team makes that happen. Plus locally we were inducted into the Port Chamber Hall of Fame. What is on the horizon for your business as we commence a new financial year? Domestic tourism is going from strength to strength so that will keep us busy locally, however with the world opening up we are looking to expand internationally even further and get our wine into new markets. Australian wine is high quality and well-revered throughout the world. How can we connect with your business? Come and visit, check out our website, or give us a phone call! Our Cellar Door is open every day of the year (except Christmas Day and Good Friday) so drop by and say hello. You can spend 5 minutes picking up your favourite drop or stay for longer and taste a range of our award-winning wines. And you can’t go past brunch or lunch at Twotriplefour by Bills.

10 Winery Drive, Port Macquarie NSW 2444 cassegrainwines.com.au (02) 6582 8377

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DREWE

TIMEWELL GJ GARDNER HOMES PORT MACQUARIE DIRECTOR/ BUILDER

ow has the business changed since you opened? The business has changed extensively since we first opened in October 2020. From our humble beginnings working out of a small office at the Port Macquarie Marina, we have grown into our 320m2 design studio at 6/4 Bay St Port Macquarie and the opening of our fantastic display home in the Sovereign Hills Display Village. Our staff numbers have doubled and our business presence in the region is growing exponentially. We conduct all our colour consultations in house at our design studio with our knowledgeable and trained staff, our fantastic local trades and suppliers helping make the whole process seamless and stress-free, and selecting the hundreds of items that we pull together to build their fantastic new home. What are you most proud of in your role? The thing we are most proud of is the reputation we are building in our community. We strive to always give the best advice we can and conduct our business dealings with integrity and honesty. Building a new home

is a huge investment not only financially but emotionally. We always give the best information we have at hand and treat every client and project with the same attention to detail and personal service. Can you tell us about some recent highlights or business successes you have been part of? Highlights would be the feedback we receive on the display home at Sovereign Hills. When the visitors walk through the door and the first comments that they utter are awesome. From the kids who say “let’s move here” to the adults who give the “wow this is fantastic, the home just draws you in.” It makes you realise we are achieving our goals. Another fantastic highlight is when people walk into the display home or design studio and they say we have heard great things about GJ Gardner Homes and love the designs we have on offer. They love that we are honest and open to all their needs and requirements and we can customise our plans, or design a full custom home to suit their needs.

What is something that readers may not know about you and your business? GJ Gardner Homes Port Macquarie is a family owned and orientated business with the builder owning and running the company. As the builder I am always available to meet with the clients in person either in the display home, design studio or out on the blocks of land. Meeting with the builder early on in the process can give peace of mind as to the design criteria and design constraints of the land, whether the client already owns the block of land or is looking to purchase. This will allow the design and build to be value managed from the first instance to achieve a fantastic design to make the most out of the land and to manage the build to avoid any cost overruns.

www.gjgardner.com.au (02) 6533 1055 T6 Bay Park Plaza, 4 Bay St, Port Macquarie GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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ell us a little about your role in business and how you started in the industry? Justin: I am the Managing Director and Senior Pilot. I am responsible for liaising with and planning missions with emergency service agencies, Government departments and regulators to ensure compliance under the various agreements and contracts we operate under. I became a helicopter pilot after witnessing first-hand the amazing work carried out by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service on multiple occasions many years ago. How does your business remain innovative in a changing landscape? Strategic market research to determine customer desires and requirements along

with forming key business partnerships are vital in today’s business environment. What do you think is the key to success in business? Having the right culture within the business is the starting point. Well trained and supported staff will ensure the customers’ needs are always taken care of in a professional manner. What are you most proud of in your role? Being able to help the community in times of natural disasters and emergency situations is top of the list. It’s hard to beat the feeling of seeing someone smile even when faced with great adversity. Following that, building solid business and personal relationships with like-minded professionals is something we genuinely enjoy. Lastly, but importantly, we have had the privilege of making countless dreams come true

among the thousands of customers we have flown. We get to highlight our beautiful region to visitors and locals every day. Can you tell us about some recent highlights or business successes you have been part of? We have conducted hundreds of flights and missions in support of the 2021 Mid North Coast and 2022 Northern NSW flood relief efforts. We have led the way nationally in heli-skydiving in partnership with Skydive Port Macquarie with many successful events. We have also engaged successful partnerships with multiple local businesses with a high number of local flights and customers flown. affinityaviation.com.au Berth 12 Town Wharf, Port Macquarie 0423 548 938

JUSTIN

MULCAHY AFFINITY AVIATION AND NSW HELICOPTERS L-R: Brock Warren, Justin Mulcahy, & Josh Gresham

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ell us about your role in business and how you started in the industry? My start in the industry was at the age of 13 years old. My parents bought a rundown Wildlife Park on the South Coast in NSW where I grew up working and caring for the animals every day before and after school, weekends, and school holidays, until 2003. My wife Danena and I with our two children uprooted and moved to Port Macquarie to buy Billabong Zoo. Now almost 20 years on, my son Blake and daughter Brooke are transitioning into manager roles, allowing me more time to focus on other aspects. How does your business remain innovative in a changing landscape? We constantly have to reinvent ourselves to keep visitors returning by finding new and innovative ways to interact our guests with our wonderful wildlife. Our venue is also now fully licensed so visitors can enjoy lunch at the zoo with a wine by the fire or a beer in hand. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for upcoming events. How do you define success? I think success in business or work is being excited to come to work every day. Financial success however comes from hard work, belief in your business and goals, and networking and helping others. What are you most proud of in your role? I am most proud of what we have achieved in the business, starting from a small wildlife park with three staff members, to the standard we are now, and the success of our koala breeding program, and now employing over 30 staff. How can we connect with your business? Locals and visitors can connect with us by visiting and enjoying our wonderful wildlife, or just popping in for lunch with friends and to support our conservation organisations that we partner with.

MARK STONE

BILLABONG ZOO KOALA AND WILDLIFE PARK billabongzoo.com.au 61 Billabong Drive, Port Macquarie 6585 1060 billabongzoopmq billabongzoo

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DAVID LUCK

OWNER - SOLAHART PORT MACQUARIE

ow has the business changed since you first started? The business has grown quite substantially over the last 2.5 years. Going from from a crew of 3 tradies to now employing 5 qualified tradesmen and 3 apprentices. As well as beginning to grow the administration and sales aspect of the business. What is your business’s greatest asset? A big part of our business is our staff. Without all these amazing people working hard and putting in the effort, we wouldn’t be able to grow in the direction myself and Tahney have been planning and working towards. What is on the horizon for your business as we commence a new financial year? Our aim is to continue to grow and develop our staff further. We will look to have an extra Solar Power team which is the goal we have been working towards and possibly another Salesperson. Tell us about any community contributions you have made within your business? We currently sponsor 2 of the local senior rugby league clubs in the area, being Port Macquarie Sharks and the Wauchope Blues, as well as some junior and senior touch competitions. We have supported the Lemonade Crew with their Solar Power and Battery Storage system, as well as many other donations and contributions to many fundraisers, eg the Cancer Council’s Dancing with the Stars. What are you most proud of in your role? I am so proud of how far both myself and Tahney have come, going from a 1 person electrical business to now employing 12 staff. Watching the apprentices develop and grow their skills in both the workplace and in life. We have tried to keep a small family-like workplace where everyone gets along well and I can enjoy working alongside within my business.

1300 721 984 www.solahartportmacquarie.com.au Unit 9/11 Bellbowrie St, Port Macquarie

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CHRIS BROWNING MAC BUS ACC AND THE TEAM FROM MACQUARIE BUSINESS A C C O U N TA N T S

L-R: Max Bourzeix, Pradip Poudel, Chris Browning, Wei Lu and Andrew Dodd

hat do you think is the key to success in business? For us, our key has always been focusing on our relationships within our team and with our clients. Having a great team who enjoy their work, are highly skilled and thrive on helping our clients means we are all working towards a common goal. One of the biggest hurdles for clients is often understanding and interpreting their financial data. Communicating this effectively can help with their decision making and direction of their business. It’s a privilege helping our clients as they experience different stages in their personal and financial worlds. What is on the horizon for your

business as we commence a new financial year? This year has seen a lot of changes to the Superannuation contribution rules, giving our SelfManaged Superannuation Fund clients additional planning opportunities. We expect to see the superannuation area continue to grow, as more clients look to make use of downsizer contributions, carried-forward concessional contributions, and contributions over the age of 67. We love working with our clients to develop strategies to help them maximise their retirement savings. Tell us about any community contributions you have made within your business? We’ve always supported various organisations within the community that aim to help others.

MBA has been a Gold Sponsor of the Hastings Education Fund since 2013 and Chris has been one of the Trustees of the Jim Bruce Urology & Prostate Cancer Trust since its inception in 2009. Chris is also the responsible officer of the Bunderra Foundation, a fund that supports other charities.

(02) 6584 7776 info@mbacc.com.au 11 Murray Street, Port Macquarie mbacc.com.au

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SCOT

McLEOD CLUB NORTH HAVEN GENERAL MANAGER

Meet Scot, Club North Haven’s brand new General Manager.

ow did you get started in this industry? I was involved in the committee of the Walcha Golf Club about 30 years ago which was as a volunteer and I quite enjoyed it. When I was looking for a career change 20 years ago I was given We are a an opportunity at the community Longyard Golf Club in based club which is Tamworth and after 12 well respected for our months was offered the facilities, great food manager’s position. This is my 6th and hopefully last and wonderful staff. club, each getting a bit bigger than the previous. and wonderful staff. What are you looking forward to the most about your role at Club North Haven? Meeting new people and keeping what is a very successful club moving forward with technology upgrades and better facilities for our members. What is your businesses greatest asset?

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We are a community based club which is well respected for our facilities, great food

What is on the horizon for your business as we commence a new financial year? We have a major project about to start that involves a new roof, air-conditioning and doubling our solar panel capacity to 200 kilowatts. We will then undertake an

upgrade of our access paths to even out the surfaces and cover them for easier access into the club during inclement weather.

(02) 6559 9150 1 Woodford Rd, North Haven NSW 2443 www.clubnorthhaven.com.au ClubNorthHaven

BRAD

DINGELDEI C AS C A D E P O O L A N D S PA C E N T R E

ow does your business remain innovative in a changing landscape?

We work closely with our suppliers; we have been successful in growing the business significantly and this has allowed us to gain excellent purchasing power that we pass onto our customers wherever possible. We also diversify our product range that helps flatten out the seasonal peaks often felt in our field of business. What do you think is the key to success in business? Work hard personally and set high standards, employ quality staff, engage with industry/business piers, and invest in people and equipment that can help the business grow and improve. Our business works across many fields including government, commercial and residential. We offer quality products at reasonable prices and this has been a major reason for our significant growth since purchasing the business. Can you tell us about some recent highlights or business successes you have been part of? We were recently crowned the No.1 Maytronics Dolphin robot dealer for NSW (21/22). We are the only independent Elite Dolphin Dealer on the entire North Coast. We also remain the biggest Just Spas dealer in Australia, offering high quality Australian Made Spas to the public. We have also been recognised as a Davey Gold Class Pool Master Dealer. What is on the horizon for your business as we commence a new financial year? We have recently purchased a new standalone property in Kempsey with our grand opening not too far away. With this purchase we have now also established ourselves as a Davey Master Water dealer for Port Macquarie and Kempsey specialising in agricultural/irrigation/household and firefighting pump systems to name a few.

Port Macquarie Office 6583 6335

5-7, 99 Hastings River Drive

Kempsey Office 6563 1241

29-31 Forth Street

sales@cascadepoolandspa.com.au cascade pool & spa centre cascade_pool_and_spa_centre

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ow does your company set itself apart from its competitors? Joyce Constructions has grown over the years and is now a prominent local construction company which specialises in custom projects. Our skilled team showcases a wide variety of expertise, allowing us to undertake a range of jobs, from custom residential and shop fitouts to large commercial. We also take honour in using local trades and suppliers. What is your company’s greatest asset? At Joyce Constructions, we pride ourselves on our extensive experience with unique builds. By undertaking diverse and complex projects, we’re constantly evolving as a company. Our exposure to new techniques and products allows us to bring visions to life. What is the most satisfying aspect of your role? No two days are alike. The diversity of each project means that I’m constantly challenging myself and my team to reach the next level. This means I’ve had the opportunity to watch my team grow. Nothing makes me prouder than standing back and admiring the work of my team. From the apprentices through to our office management team, everyone plays an important role to create the bigger picture, Joyce Constructions. 14 Janola Cct, Port Macquarie NSW 2444 02 6581 1643 info@joyceconstructions.com joyceconstructions.com.au joyceconstructions joyce_constructions

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MITCH JOYCE

J OYC E CO N ST R U C T I O N S OW N E R & D I R E C TO R

ell us a little about your role at One Agency and how you got started in the industry? Jacob: My role includes staying up to date with the local area’s property activity, answering enquiries on listed properties, showing available properties for inspection, prospecting for new leads and listing opportunities, nurturing current, past and future clients for sales and building relationships with property owners and managing sales through to settlement. John: Being a small business owner, my role is consistently evolving with the growth of One Agency, and I’m persistently working to implement the vision of this business. Currently I am focussed on driving growth within both of our sales and property management teams, while managing the daily operations of the business.

JACOB

HURRELL S A L E S A S S O C I AT E

Tim: My role at One Agency Port Macquarie Wauchope is the Business Development Manager. I appreciate the multifaceted nature of this position as it allows me the ability to support each property investor on their investing journey, whether it be the start-up investor to the experienced investor, as well as the opportunity to assist tenants in finding a home. I have found that each landlord and tenant requires differing approaches to their search and listing, and this position has equipped me with the tools to gain the best result for them.

created within both our sales and property management departments. Each team member possesses a positive mental attitude, high energy and a genuine desire to support one another and their clients alike. Tim: There is no greater feeling in this position than being able to call a potential tenant and say “welcome home”, or to be able to tell an investor that we have found the perfect applicant. I relish being able to offer the seamless and stress-free approach to the property management side of this industry.

What are you most proud of in your role? Jacob: The most rewarding part of my role is calling to tell a buyer that their offer has been accepted, it’s a nice reward after finishing negotiations. John: I’m most proud of our people and the amazing company culture that we have

JOHN

THOMAS BUSINESS OWNER O P E R AT I O N S M A N A G E R

(02) 6585 2000 portmacquarie@oneagency.com.au 8/114 William St, Port Macquarie 2/14 High Street, Wauchope 2446 www.oneagencypmw.com.au

TIM

CASTRO BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

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GROWERS M AR KET B R YA N H A N K S G R O W E R S M A R K E T, D I R E C T O R

lease introduce us to your team. We have a big team here at Growers Market with 36 staff and continuing to grow daily. Introducing some of our A Team: Store Manager – Scott Thompson Wholesale Manager – Steve Mortlock assisted by Steve Brown

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Supervisors – Tony Thompson and Michael Sansom Along with a super team of guys that support our crew. Amongst just these few we have 100 of years of fruit and veg expertise. What is on the horizon for your business as we commence a new financial year? Growth! We have

lots in store for Growers Market and are really looking forward to what we have planned for our business. But shhhh it’s a secret. What is your business’s greatest asset? It would have to be the staff; without the amazing team we work with we wouldn’t have such a great business.

How has the business changed since you took over? It was important to us when we purchased this iconic business, that we would not change too much. We still continue to provide the freshest produce to our local community at the best available price. The only thing that customers will notice the continuation of A-Grade service and refinement in our processes over time to help boost our customer experience. Customer first, that’s our motto. Tell us about any community contributions you have made within

your business? We love to be able to support as many local charities as we can, providing items for local raffles and discounted prices for local sporting teams. How can we connect with your business? You can find us at the Top End of Gordon Street!! Shop online with us at growersmarket. net.au or follow us on social media on Facebook or Instagram. What is something that readers may not know about your business? We are still a locally owned family

business, Hayley and I have lived in Port Macquarie for over 40 years. It was an absolute privilege to have the opportunity to own Growers Market.

138 Gordon Street, Port Macquarie (02) 6583 4111 admin@growersmarket.net.au SHOP ONLINE growersmarket.net.au

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MORGANS

PORT MACQUARIE INTERVIEW WITH BEN HOLLIS

lease introduce us to your team? Since our establishment in 1996, our practice has grown to 14 professional advisers making us one of the largest, most highly qualified and experienced teams in regional Australia. We help clients get the most out of life by providing sound financial 96 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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planning advice, particularly retirement planning, wealth creation, self-managed super funds and aged care advice. We are also a full-service stockbroker offering investment advice and a portfolio manager covering equities, listed property, cash and fixed interest.

We are also a full-service stockbroker offering investment advice and a portfolio manager covering equities, listed property, cash and fixed interest.

What is your business’s greatest asset? The people in our growing team. Our people and culture are aligned to helping clients achieve their financial goals; we place our clients at the centre of everything we do. What is on the horizon for your business

as we commence a new financial year? There are always changes in our industry, particularly legislation, outlook for the economy and movements in investment markets. Our role is to stay abreast of these changes and advise our clients accordingly. This allows the client to concentrate on enjoying their lives with the confidence their financial affairs are being looked after. What are you most proud of in your role? We recently conducted a client survey to understand client satisfaction. The responses

from the Net Promotor Score showed a high level of satisfaction and loyalty and that trust was the number one driver in their relationship with the adviser.

Our score reflects the trust and respect that we have earnt through regular, clear communication and transparency in every area of our business, including fees.

We are committed to delivering excellent client service and outcomes. Our score reflects the trust and respect that we have earnt through regular, clear communication and transparency in every area of our business, including fees.

the financial services industry. We successfully combine the resources of a sophisticated financial institution, being Morgans Financial Limited which has 59 offices across Australia and is the largest privately owned Wealth Management business in the country, their award-winning Australian research team, and a small business focus here in Port Macquarie where staff and clients are genuinely valued by local owners.

How does your business remain innovative in a changing landscape? Our structure provides a unique model in

Our industry is in a constant state of change, but our business’s client-first philosophy will remain.

Pictured: Ben Hollis, Chris Young, Michael Sheridan, Greg Harris, Richard Blomfield, Matthew Buttsworth, Matthew Butturini, Christian Hope, Michael Mears, Brendon Colville, Garry Clifton, Garry Rudge and Harrison Boyd. Craig Watson and Sam Wicks were unavailable for the photo.

PORT MACQUARIE

(02) 6583 1735 Corner Short Street & Barracks Lane Port Macquarie portmacquarie@morgans.com.au GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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PORT SMILES

D R S A G N I K S E N G U P TA What sets Port Smiles apart from others in business? Our mantra is to provide personalised, professional and gentle dental care to all our patients, regardless of what is needed. Whether it is for a regular general check-up and clean, or complex treatments such as smile makeovers and dental implants, the mantra above is what we always stick by. We invest in the latest technology to provide the best quality of care.

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D R M AY U K H ( N E I L ) S E N G U P TA What do you love about working for Port Smiles Dental? I love providing personalised dental care to our community. I love that we can provide our patients with the latest dental care and technology. The support of the community has meant the world to our small local business.

D R D Y L A N E VA N S

D R C H R I S TO P H E R N O U

What do you love most about working for Port Smiles Dental? I love my commute to work, having come from a large city it’s the appreciation of the slower pace and no traffic. I also love being part of a family practice that puts patients’ needs first and provides the best level of care.

What do you love most about working for Port Smiles Dental? I love helping the community. A lot of patients don’t know but we do accept Area health vouchers, Child dental benefit funding, DVA cards and offer a range of different payment plan options this ensures no patient gets left behind with dental care making it affordable and accessible for everyone.

ell us about your business and how you started in the industry... Thistle Flowers was born 5 years ago in Inverell, in the New England region of NSW. Matt came from a successful career in campdrafting (competing, judging and training horses not only in Australia but abroad) and Chris was a school principal and senior education officer for Aboriginal education with the NSW Department of Education – together they are Thistle Flowers.

THISTLE

At Thistle, we aim to style interiors by bringing the natural beauty of the outdoors, inside. We understand the importance of looking after the land, respecting traditional owners and celebrating Australia’s vast floral beauty. Thistle Flowers is an organic progression of both our lives. We launched Thistle Flowers Port Macquarie, 2 years ago here on beautiful Birpai Country.

FLOWERS M AT T S M I T H & CHRIS KING

How does your business remain innovative and successful? Thistle Flowers offers elevated floral design to Port Macquarie and surrounds. Having our own style ensures that we always have that point of difference in our floral styling. We are known for our epic hanging / free standing installations, our large, extravagant bunches and our floral design. Thistle Flowers is never predictable; we are continually evolving to deliver floral work that represents our creative flair and personality. The floral industry is changing and Thistle Flowers is at the forefront. What are you most proud of? We are proud to be Port Macquarie’s only all-male owned and operated florist and styling business. This has had its challenges when breaking down barriers in an industry not traditionally known for men. The majority of men receive their first bunch of flowers at their funeral. Thistle Flowers is changing this stigma. There is something special about giving or receiving a bunch of flowers.

2/22 Murray St, Port Macquarie NSW 2444 www.thistleflowers.com.au 0408 180 655 Thistle Flowers

Lucy Humphries Photography GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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ell us a little about your role in business and how you started in the industry?

I am the Managing Director of Learning Live. Dave and I started our Registered Training Organisation back in 2014, as an arm of Men At Work. Previously, we had delivered non-accredited training and evolved to provide these courses under the Australian Quality Framework. We started with Forklift, First Aid and White Card training and now we have over 60 Units of Competency across more than 10 short courses. We offer regular courses in Coffs Harbour, Taree and of course Port Macquarie! What do you think is the key to success in business? For us, it’s offering a great, engaging learning experience. One thing that was highlighted during Covid is that our students do their best learning in a live environment. We focus on quality, face to face, hands on training – as is reflected in our new name! It’s pretty hard to learn to drive a forklift over a Zoom meeting. What are you most proud of in your role? Giving people an opportunity. Our whole team get a great buzz when someone who is down on their luck, or finds the classroom environment challenging, gains a qualification. Just this week in Coffs Harbour a student who just passed their forklift exam came out of the room beaming “I’ve gotta ring Mum and tell her I’ve passed.” Our cohort is diverse. We can have school age students, qualified engineers and trades in our classrooms at any given time. There are students gaining their first qualification, with others up-skilling or re-certifying. Having all these people at our facility, learning in a safe and happy environment, makes me very proud. Tell us about any community contributions you have made within your business? One of our favourite partnerships is with the Hastings Education Fund. Each year we offer courses free of charge to the HEF recipients. It’s a great organisation to be involved with and one of the most successful of all the Country Education Funds.

(02) 5565 9000 100 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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www.live.edu.au

ROSS

CARGILL LEARNING LIVE

MITCH

STEVE

VA N D E R V E E R

WILKINSON

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

PORT MACQUARIE BRANCH TEAM LEADER

an you tell us about Awards. some recent highlights Tell us about any community contributions or business successes you have made within your business? you have been part of? Coastline gives back to the communities Coastline’s Port Macquarie in which we operate (Manning, Hastings branch recently relocated to and Macleay Valleys) with 5% of its annual a brand-new store within the Settlement City profit provided to the Coastline Community Shopping Centre. The Flagship store is two Foundation to fund local projects and support times the size of our previous premises and local people and community organisations. includes a Photography Hub for local artists The Port Macquarie Branch provides donations who are welcome to and sponsorship through exhibit their work free of our branch sponsorship Our business is charge. funding allocation which

driven on our

The new store also is offered to community customer centric includes a Business organisations throughout values. We ensure our Banking Hub to help us the Hastings. customers are front to serve our Business Some of the community of mind when Banking customers more groups who have recently decisions are made. efficiently. We quickly benefited from this outgrew the old space as funding include The we continued to provide Greater Port Macquarie a customer centric service to our customers and Business Awards, The Glasshouse, Port supported them with their financial wellbeing. Macquarie Sharks Junior Rugby League Football Our memberships grew rapidly, and our branch was a big contributor to Coastline becoming Australia’s number one performing credit union for the 2021-22 financial year in membership growth. As a result of our performance, the Port Macquarie branch was named Branch of the Year at the recent Coastline Staff Excellence

TRENT

McKEOUGH

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER the delegation to make decisions for our customers at a local branch level in a very timely manner. Unlike some of our major competitors this allows our team members to provide a much more personalised service and exceed customer expectations. Our customers have accessibility to our local staff including local branch phone numbers and direct mobile numbers, making our communications more effective and efficient than the Big 4. Our branches are open six days per week and our customers can visit us without the need for an appointment, making our staff more readily available to support the customer’s needs. Thanks Guys.

Club, Tacking Point SLSC and Bonny Hills Lake Cathie Junior Rugby League Football Club. What is something that readers may not know about your business? Our business is driven on our customer centric values. We ensure our customers are front of mind when decisions are made. Our team members have

(02) 6584 0600 Settlement City Shopping Centre, Cnr Bay & Park Streets, Port Macquarie coastline.com.au GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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ell us about your role in business and how you started in the industry? I’m the owner of Port Central Pantry. I started in the industry back when I was 14 at my uncle’s Jamaica Blue in Hornsby. Since then, I have been bouncing between roles in hospitality, from cafe to hotel concierge and even doorman at clubs in Sydney. Each experience helped me become the operator I am today. What do you think is the key to success in business? I think once you take the quality of our product out the key is our staff and their personalities. All my staff are unique and bring a certain glow to the business. What are you most proud of in your role? Easily my staff! No matter what has been thrown at us the last two years they have all been eager to get back to work. We wouldn’t have lasted this long without them. What is on the horizon for your business as we commence a new financial year? Well seeing that I haven’t been open for a full financial year yet, I’m excited to experience one. Opening in 2020 rocked us from the get go. All we did was scramble to make ends meet and survive. I can’t wait to see what we can turnover so I can finally get my second site up and running. Tell us about any community contributions you have made within your business? Apart from donating to all the support services that have helped Port Macquarie over the past few years, and like all small businesses donating to The Big Dig, one thing I didn’t think was a big deal but it was pointed out to me recently was that we are still giving a senior discount on our coffee. We never stopped. It might not seem like much but with the way everything is going every little bit helps! Level 1, Port Central Shopping Centre 40-42 Horton Street, Port Macquarie 0484 294 722 portcentralpantry port_central_pantry

SEAN TIDDY

P O R T C E N T R A L PA N T RY

DAVE

LAZARUS PORT ADVENTURE CRUISES PMQ O W N E R A N D E N T E R TA I N E R

ow has your business changed since it first opened? Our biggest change has been our boat. In 2018, our Port Macquarie boat was the Southern Star and in Sydney Harbour we owned the Rhythmboat, which was very popular for entertainment and private charters.“Thanks” to bushfires, Covid and floods, everything virtually stopped for 2 years. We were forced into a business decision to sell one boat and keep the other. At the end of the day, the decision was easy, because Sydney Harbour had so many boats and no inbound tourists and a lot of costs associated with the upkeep of a charter vessel. We believed that Port Macquarie would recover sooner than Sydney Harbour, now the Rhythmboat is here in Port Macquarie, and we have had so much positive feedback because this boat is versatile, perfect for the Hastings River, our daily Dolphin River cruises as well as weddings, entertainment cruises and private functions. How does your business remain innovative in a changing landscape? Very simple. Customer service! We pride ourselves in good old fashioned customer

service. While our valued tourists are important to our business, we are so happy with the wonderful feedback and support we get from the local community who have embraced our boat and business by joining us for the diverse entertainment we provide. What is something the readers may not know about you and your business? That’s a hard question! Because I am a very transparent person, especially on social media, who shares the good and the bad. I was a local here in Port Macquarie 20 years ago and only have been back 4 years and it is funny, when I first came back, locals would say, “haven’t seen you for a while”, they get a shock when I tell them that I had been away from Port Macquarie for 14 years. On our cruises, I introduce myself as Tom “Cruise Director” which always gets a grin or laugh. However, now walking through town, the locals say hello to me as Dave, where the tourists recognise me as “Tom”.

We are so happy with the wonderful feedback and support we get from the local community who have embraced our boat and business by joining us for the diverse entertainment we provide.

started a café business across the road from our wharf, and here we are 4 years later with now, no Sydney business, no café across the road. It has been tough and very challenging, however, we are now ready to basically start again, re-establishing our café onboard our boat that will be open for customers to enjoy while we are not cruising. We are very happy that we made that decision 4 years ago, to re-establish our business back in Port Macquarie.

What are you most proud of in your role? Survival! Four years ago, we had a thriving business on Sydney Harbour that was established in 2006. My partner Elsa and I decided to expand and take over the old Port Venture site with a new boat. We also

0434 393 199 info@portadventurecruises.com.au www.cruiseportmacquarie.com.au GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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GEORGE

MIEDECKE - OWNER M I E D E C K E M OTO R G R O U P

here has been a bit happening at the Miedecke Motor Group in the last 12 months. Tell us about the recent changes that the business has

undergone? Definitely, we’ve been flat out! When the current location was first constructed back in 1991 it was absolutely state of the art… however, it’s been 30 years and so my big project for the last few years has been a massive renovation. Staff and customers alike have had to be pretty patient as we tore in, tore down and rebuilt again but it has been so worth it. We moved back into the all-new Ford showroom a few weeks ago and that sense of achievement has been amazing! The timing couldn’t have been better honestly as we were able to launch the Next-Gen Ford Ranger out of our new showroom, displaying the car in our new undercover service driveway. Couldn’t have planned it better. We’ve also added new brands to the stable in Haval and GWM which have proven to be a great success. We were able to secure the perfect team to sell and service this new brand (to us) and it has so far proven to be a great decision. Dylan Ward has been outstanding in sales and Garry Dennison is applying his experience to the servicing side really well.

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There is a real sense of pride in the work we do and the level of quality we deliver to our customers. The last few years has been tough on many levels and the resilience and dedication shown by our team throughout has been a real standout.

We also assumed the operation of Goodyear Port Macquarie right next to the dealership about 12 months ago. What a fantastic business that is, with some great loyal customers and an iconic location. Shaun Gibney was appointed manager not long after we took over and he is just taking that business to amazing places. Well done mate! What is Miedecke Motors greatest asset? As with most businesses (and as you can read above), our passion is our people. We are so fortunate to now employ well in excess of 150 people across our operations in Port Macquarie and Taree. Whether at the many dealerships, the Miedecke Autobody Repair business, Miedecke Towing or Goodyear Autocare, the main reason for success is the passion and work ethic of the people there. There is a real sense of pride in the work we do and the level of quality we deliver to our customers. The last few years has been tough on many levels and the resilience and dedication shown by our team throughout has been a real standout. Also, we are so proud to represent the brands that we have within our business. Whether it’s value, performance or luxury we have an

solution for every type of customer. All of our brands are doing a great job of creating amazing products and looking forward into the future, and it’s our job to represent them to customers across the Mid North Coast. I find that really cool and something that puts a smile on my face every day. Tell us about any community contributions you have made within your business? One of our big focuses since celebrating 40 years in business has been to solidify our passion for the community and the environment. The most visible change we have made was back in 2020, when we made the commitment to plant an Australian Native Tree for every car we sell across both of our dealerships in Port Macquarie and Taree. We are working with Carbon Positive, a fantastic charity that identifies high needs areas across Australia and improves biodiversity in the places that really need it. That partnership has directly resulted in over 6,000 trees being planted since it began! We are really proud of that as an outcome and in addition to our 100,000 litres of rainwater storage which we use to wash our cars and 200kw of solar power,

we are proud to lead the way in our industry from a sustainability point of view. We’ve been nominated for several sustainability awards as a result and that has been very satisfying. Dad has always been passionate about education and after his initial involment with Newman College, we have stayed in the space by continuing to support the Hastings Education Fund. John and Helen Ross and the entire team do amazing work with this initiative, where local students are supported with living, technology and school costs to enable them to attend university, when in some cases they may have been unable to. We are also about to announce a major partnership with Make A Difference (M.A.D.) Port Macquarie in order to support the less fortunate in our community. The team over there have been amazing to deal with and we’re very excited, so stay tuned for that. On a personal front you have been rather busy in the car racing industry, how is that all going and where are you off to next? This year I have had an amazing opportunity to join the Touring Car Masters championship, driving a 1970 Chevrolet Camaro for Whiteline Racing. There is a real historical angle there, as Dad drove for them for many years through a few different cars and categories. When I was coming up I always saw the cars as amazing, these raw, loud and powerful muscle

Dad has always been passionate about education and after his initial involment with Newman College, we have stayed in the space by continuing to support the Hastings Education Fund.

cars thundering around tracks all over Australia. The last few years in the championship have seen some changes and the cars are now even faster, with huge brakes, sticky tyres and in some cases over 700 horsepower! I can tell you this, you really know you’re alive behind the wheel of one of these things. Whiteline Racing and I have had a great year so far, winning races and leading the championship early on. Generally I’ve been really fast at the start of the races, but fading toward the end when the lighter, less powerful cars come into their own. There are three race weekends to go, and we will be visiting Melbourne, Bathurst and Adelaide for the relaunch of the Adelaide 500 Supercar race which is really exciting. I absolutely love that place, pushing a car to 10/10ths about 5cm from a concrete wall while chasing or being chased at 250+ km/h! Might not be some people’s definition of fun but it certainly is mine. What is on the horizon for Miedecke Motors as we head into the second half of 2022? In the second half of the year we are continuing the renovation of the main

dealership site, this time with Hyundai as our focus as we bring that brand into 2022. They have their best product line up in years, and we are really excited to have been chosen by head office to become an Electric Vehicle (EV) dealer

once the upgrade is complete. The Australian automotive landscape is heading toward varying degrees of electrification very quickly and we are proud to again be at the forefront of these new technologies. Several of our other brands including Kia, Mercedes-Benz, MG, Ford, Haval, Jeep and RAM are all either active in this space or headed that way very quickly which is exciting to see. How can we connect with your business? Miedecke.com.au is a great start! Whether you’re looking for Port Macquarie or Taree, you’ll find what you need there. Otherwise, pop into our brand-new, state of the art showrooms on Hastings River Drive in Port Macquarie. You can even check out our social media pages on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube. Thanks George. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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DAVE

JAMES

O’HARA

WOOD

OWNER

M A N AG I N G D I R E C TO R

THE BURGER REBELLION

hat are the standout features of your business? The Burger Rebellion is a homegrown restaurant with heart and soul, offering the ‘best burgers’ in town. These great burgers are the REAL deal, testing your taste buds with house made fresh patties, using the best quality and locally sourced produce. Our burger lover paradise has something on the menu for all. What is on the horizon for your business as we commence a new financial year? I’m looking forward to regularly introducing some great and different specials that will change your life! Stay tuned for more. We have a community focus, so we are always looking out for great people to support and collaborate with on campaigns throughout the year to build awareness and raising funds for the community. We recently raised a record amount for ‘Self Seen’, a local charity supporting mental health, with our ‘Hot Wings Challenge’. Food trends are always changing, so we rebel against the trend! It doesn’t matter how you enjoy your burger, it can

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be bun free in a bowl, ditching the gluten or a burger of pure vegan joy, we’re always pushing the limits for all burger lovers. Port is highly resourced with fine produce from the hinterland to the sea. We will be getting our collaboration on with our talented Hastings suppliers, mixing up the local liquids on tap and maybe bringing in a celebrity chef of two! How does your business remain innovative in a changing landscape? The rebellion vibe is truly alive in this burger joint! We rebel against what a ‘perfect’ team should look like and create our own perfect. A mash-up of hospo geeks, struggling uni students and misfit master chefs. This magic mix of humans creates the funkiest vibe and REAL food for our locals and lucky passers through.

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

TECHKNOW IT & TECHNOLOGY

ow has the business changed since you first opened?

Techknow has changed in many ways since we first opened, probably one of the most notable over the last few years has been the increase of businesses utilising Techknow for their IT & Technology services. It definitely feels as though the word is spreading and the premium brand we are building is becoming more and more noticed by businesses on the Mid North Coast. It felt like years ago we were a bit of a secret whereas now it seems the secret is out. What is something that readers may not know about you and your business? On a personal level I quite often get told that I don’t look like your stereotypical IT technician, this reinforced by my interests and hobbies outside of work such as boxing and gym training among a few. As for Techknow we often get isolated to being a standard IT (Computer repair) business, Techknow is so much more than this which our clients that have experienced our service have come to love and understand.

We are a one stop shop for all your IT & Technology needs, focusing on providing professional and timely solutions and becoming a single point of contact. Techknow provides assistance and solutions in a vast array of areas which other IT providers may not. What are you most proud of in your role? Over the years of working in my role at Techknow I have developed into a leader of innovation. This has allowed me to produce innovative strategies to overcome business obstacles and speed bumps, this has led to long lasting relationships with clients and changing the way they interact and perceive IT, technology and technicians. I honestly enjoy helping our clients achieve success by providing premium IT & Technology solutions that we know are in their best interest.

(02) 6583 6958 1/128 William St, Port Macquarie www.techknowcomputer.com.au Techknowaus techknow_aus

RHETT

BEDFORD A N D T H E H O T W AT E R MAINTENANCE MEN

ell us a little about your to Property Managers/clients before I’ve role in business and even left the property. It also allows us to how you started in the upload numerous photos so the owner industry? can see exactly what the issue is and what I’m the Owner/Director we’re quoting for. It’s also great for job of the company. I started management to ensure that nothing gets my apprenticeship in Taree with my cousin’s missed. Hot Water Maintenance business in 2004. I What do you think is the key to success continued working with my cousin Michelle in business? and her husband I strongly believe Rob while building a having a great team When I first rapport here in Port working in the business purchased the Macquarie with real with you, and we business in 2016, I estates and other absolutely have that. was running the clients. In 2016 I was Our guys all work business with one given the opportunity hard. I also think to purchase the Port communication with my work van and using Macquarie franchise customers is one of our my ute if we needed which I jumped at and strong points. I make to. It was me and one haven’t looked back. it a priority to always other staff member How does your return phone calls in at that time. business remain a timely manner. This innovative in a lacks in some industries. changing landscape? What are you most proud of in your I use a software program for all our role? invoicing and quoting. It means that with What myself and my wife Megan have a click of a finger, I can send quotes off been able to achieve in building the business

over the past 6 years. When I first purchased the business in 2016, I was running the business with one work van and using my ute if we needed to. It was me and one other staff member at that time. We now have 4 work vans and a total of 5 staff members. Can you tell us about some recent highlights or business successes you have been part of? We have just recently purchased our first commercial property to operate the business from. We have been looking for quite some time and keeping an eye on the market and a property came up within our budget, so we jumped at the opportunity. Thanks Rhett.

6581 5702 7 days a week hotwaterportmacquarie.com.au 1/18 Blackbutt Road, Port Macquarie GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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Simon Luxton is an incredible artist, WHOSE ILLUSTRATIONS JUMP RIGHT OUT AT YOU AND HAVE THEIR OWN UNIQUE STYLE THAT MAKE THEM OBVIOUSLY HIS. He is currently a man in demand and we can see why!

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I’ve been trying to challenge myself lately as a lot of new opportunities are becoming available with the dawn of Web3 and the ability to not let distance become an obstacle between creatives.

ey Simon. Can you tell us a bit about how your art journey began? As long as I can remember I’ve always used drawing as a form of recreation and relaxation. Growing up in Tassie where it rains 70% of the time you needed a good indoor hobby. All through my school years I was filling the covers and blank spaces of my exercise book with cartoons and comic images. I used to pause Simpsons episodes on the VHS and trace the images onto baking paper over the screen to get the

composition right until I figured it out myself. I’ve always been influenced by cartoons and later on, skateboard and surf wear graphics with a bit of cheekiness about them. How would you describe your style of work? At the moment I think my style is a mix of illustration, cartoon and caricature with heavy influence from traditional tattoo styles and graffiti. But next week it might be different if I get bored. I’ve been trying to challenge myself lately as a lot of new opportunities are becoming available with the dawn of Web3 and the ability to not let distance become an obstacle between creatives. What mediums do you usually work with? I’m mostly chained to the iPad these days (especially over the past 2 years) using Procreate to draw up any illustration commissions I have lined up. I’ve completed a

few large scaled murals for clients lately by providing the artwork to Signwriters who then print out the piece on vinyl and install it on the desired surface. I’m slowly getting back into using aerosols again now that festivals and events are getting back up and running which is exciting, and plan on creating a bunch of canvas pieces for a future exhibition one day. But by far my biggest display of work is on merchandise, usually expertly executed by the one and only Black Dog Ink. Continued over...

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I’ll have all my upcoming pieces written up on a whiteboard and as my ideas for each piece develop, I’ll add notes next to them so that my dad brain doesn’t forget once their turn is up.

Can you tell us a bit about how an artwork usually comes together for you? How do you create a piece from start to finish? When it comes to my custom illustrations I’m lucky enough these days to have a lot of work on the go. I’ll have all my upcoming pieces written up on a whiteboard and as my ideas for each piece develop, I’ll add notes next to them so that my dad brain doesn’t forget once their turn is up. It’s not unusual for me to have a dozen drawings all on the go all at once. 110 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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I do a lot of research or ‘’stalking’’ of the subjects required for the design. It then starts with a rough sketch to get the layout and composition right, then the fine tuning happens and all the details and ‘Easter eggs’ are added then finally the colour. I like to surprise the client with a 90% finished piece sometimes without them even knowing I’m working on it to get the best reaction. Although sometimes that’s flirting with disaster. There’s not so much back and forthing with ideas nowadays as the customer has requested my particular style and trusts what I feel they’re after.

I can be selective with which jobs I take on. I keep a bit of flexibility with my time so that if a mate or a repeat client needs something at short notice I can squeeze it in. It helps to be on the same page and if I’m really feeling good with an idea I’ll jump it up the queue You get on a and strike while the pretty personal iron is hot to get the level with a lot of best result. Whenever What are some people when you creativity is concerned it’s of your favourite create something for important to enjoy what subjects to illustrate? you’re doing otherwise them. A client will I love characterising it can be reflected in the become a friend animals to make final product. sooner than a friend them almost human What do you enjoy and giving the design will become a client. most about working movement and flow. It’s as an artist, and what possible that I may have do you find most drawn every model of barbecue there is, so challenging? they’re definitely not my favourite any more. The fact that people trust you with I’ll never get bored of drawing flowing water bringing their ideas and dreams to life is and waves, and I’m really enjoying doing very rewarding. You get on a pretty personal caricature avatars which eventually become level with a lot of people when you create NFTs these days. something for them. A client will become You do a lot of custom commissions, what a friend sooner than a friend will become a is that process like for you? client. Custom work is keeping me very busy As for the most challenging, right now it’s these days and by being booked out it means

definitely trying to find the time to physically get the drawings done. That work/life/family balance can be a real pickle. Do you have a piece or a project that would be a favourite to date? I’ve just completed some super fun pieces for a couple of well known Kiwi lads which I can’t reveal just yet so I won’t mention that. I’m fairly critical of my own work and when I look back on previous pieces all I see is parts of the design I could have done better. Where can people check out your work or get in touch? Instagram is probably my most used platform these days to view current and past projects. I’ve recently jumped on the Twitter train to gain more knowledge on the networking abilities of Web3. sigh_13 sigh13.eth GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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132 067 regionalaustraliabank.com.au The Community Partnership Program agrees to current Community Partnership Guidelines current as at 1 July 2021 and are subject to change. Terms, conditions, fees and charges apply. See Fees & Charges located at www.regionalaustraliabank.com.au for full details. Please refer to the Account and Access Facility Conditions of Use located at www.regionalaustraliabank.com.au, when considering if these products are right for you.

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63,221.23 DONATED to the Hastings region

and OVER 2 MILLION DOLLARS IN TOTAL, DONATED TO COMMUNITY GROUPS ACROSS REGIONAL AUSTRALIA

Would you like to learn more about our Community Partnership program? See here.. 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.

Les Bailey is a high performing, driven and above all humble leader who has traversed the world of finance etching an impactful career in an evolving banking industry. His dedication to his team and to creating a culture for enabling and encouraging others to shine, is a trademark for the Chief Operating Officer of Regional Australia Bank, who is usually more comfortable behind the lens than in the limelight. Not afraid of risk he helps others back themselves to be their absolute best.

es, can you share your journey into finance and to your current role as COO for Regional Australian Bank? Where did it all begin? My journey was an unconventional one, I first entered the finance industry by joining the Board of Holiday Coast Credit Union. At the time I was the CEO of a small chain of IGA supermarkets and the Board were looking for a younger perspective. After six years on the Board, I resigned to join the business as the Chief Risk Officer. I’ve now spent 16 years in many executive roles including Company Secretary, Chief Strategy Officer, Chief Transformation Officer and now the Chief Operating Officer.

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LES

BAILEY C H I E F O P E R AT I N G O F F I C E R , REGIONAL AUSTRALIA BANK.

Your journey in retail led to one of many banking? pinnacle moments as National IGA Store Like retail, banking is all about people. My Manager of the Year – you achieved this roles have been at a strategic level of the in your early twenties and it was a sign business and while that has required a certain of things to come. What have been some degree of technical ability, helping people has of the highlights on always been at the heart your professional of what I do. I believe journey? you can always build Leadership is Being recognised at the skills you need to do not about you, a national level was any task, however if you it’s about those humbling yet energising have a good attitude around you and how to help me see what and a person-centric you can contribute was possible in life. perspective you can to them being the What I’ve learnt over achieve anything you set best they can be. the years however is your mind towards. that how I contribute You have been a to the lives of others mentor for many was far more important to me than what I through your leadership roles with the achieve. I would have to say the most valuable bank and also with the incredible work highlights have undoubtedly been when one you do with youth at Luminosity each of my team or colleagues achieved something year, sharing your expertise to ensure they previously didn’t think was possible. their own journeys into their professional How did you traverse the jump from lives or starting their own business are retail into the world of finance and built on a strong financial foundation.

How important were mentors in your journey and what is the most valuable lessons they taught you? Learning from others is the simplest path to success. If you want to achieve anything, look for someone who has done it before and ask them for advice… you’d be surprised how keen they are to help. I have been fortunate to have many mentors throughout my life, most who wouldn’t even realise it. Whether it is the courage, strength, and determination I learn from my daughters Livia, and Sophia; the patience, practice, and perseverance from my leaders; or valuable skills like managing projects or listening from my colleagues – each mentor has contributed to building my character in some way. What do you feel are the ingredients to meaningful leadership that drives a positive workplace and outcomes for the business? Culture is THE MOST IMPORTANT aspect of any business, and leaders are the billboard for that culture. Everything we say or do (or

don’t say or do) runs deep into the attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours of our people. My goal as a leader is to create a great team and to do that, I must be genuine, truly listen, and help create meaningful work for my teams. We need to remember that everyone is going through their version of this thing called life, and it’s not always easy. How has your leadership style evolved from those early days until now? Leading people who were much older and more experienced than myself taught me to recognise the difference between being a manager and being a leader – managers manage things, leaders lead people. I’m much more aware that it is my team who really make the magic, so although I’m constantly trying to do this better, I aspire to get out of their road and coach them to be the best they can be. What is your relationship with risk? How critical has it been to you in your professional and leadership journey? That’s a funny question to ask a former Chief Risk Officer – let’s say it’s played a central role. Contrary to what your readers might think, my perspective on risk is that is not something to avoid. If we don’t take risk, we’ll never achieve anything in life or business. It’s all about managing the risks you face – the better you understand them, the more informed your decisions will be, and ultimately, that helps you to take more risk safely. How integral is your team to delivering on the RAB Mission?

The Operations team is the engine room of the bank. This amazing group of people run everything from the core-banking system, to processing payments (Cards, OSKO, Direct Entry and Chequing), ensuring loans settle on time, protecting customers from fraud and financial crime, and assisting them with financial hardship. It’s best to describe them as like the inside of a Swiss watch, you may not see what they do, but inside everyone is working in precision to make sure everything works like… well… clockwork! What has been your biggest challenge in your own business journey? Dealing with change is one of the most challenging aspects in both life and business. This is particularly difficult when you have no control or influence over it. I believe acceptance and belief in your own abilities are key to adapting well to any change. Let go of what you can’t control and focus on what you can. “Control the controllables”. How important is physical fitness and connection to family in being able to lead from the front and give your best? Leaders need to be focused, clear-minded, and able to make consistently reliable decisions. To do this well you need to have balance, and these are both critical to that. My most cherished moments are those spent with the people I love. A walk on the beach, playing Monopoly or watching a movie are great ways my family keep me grounded and I try to train 5-6 days a week. As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to realise that this is not to make my body look a certain way, but more importantly to keep healthy and to feel good about what it is capable of. We all take that for granted. What advice would you give someone launching into a new career in a leadership role? Leadership is not about you, it’s about those around you and how you can contribute to them being the best they can be. Many people think that it’s the title that makes you a leader. But here’s the secret – it’s not! People follow leaders they trust, leaders who inspire them to be better, and who help them achieve that. Learn as much as you can about helping others and put your heart and soul into genuinely doing that. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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NAOMI FRASER

S E N I O R W E A LT H A DV I S E R Canaccord Genuity Financial Limited

i Naomi. You are new to Port Macquarie, can you introduce yourself to us and what you do? My name is Naomi Fraser, previously Naomi Hanks when I was a kid living in Port! I work as a Senior Wealth Adviser for Canaccord Genuity Financial Limited, a global investment firm headquartered in Canada with 7 offices across Australia. My primary focus is providing wealth management advice to high-networth professionals and retirees. My job involves designing and managing investment portfolios for retail and wholesale investors, SMSFs, Family Trusts, Not for Profits (NFPs) and Charities. As part of this role, I help my clients work towards and meet their personal wealth goals, taking the stress out of finding the best path to financial freedom. I am currently expanding Canaccord Genuity’s offering to the Mid North Coast. How did you get started in your chosen industry? I’ve always had an interest in finance, so when I left boarding school, I went on to study a Bachelor of Economics at Sydney University. I worked in several jobs and industries while living in London in my early 20s. On return to Sydney, I took a job at CBA, where Financial Planners were my clients, and I was tasked with selling them Margin Lending products. This role gave me a huge insight into what it was to be a Financial Planner, and I knew it would be a

good fit for my skills and personality. I started studying post-grad on the side, before landing a job as an Adviser at Macquarie Bank. The next 17 years went by in a whirlwind – I learnt a huge amount about investing and managing client’s wealth, while developing a passion for helping others achieve their goals. I now work as a Senior Wealth Manager at Canaccord Genuity and continue to feel lucky to have the opportunity to work with so many lovely clients. What was it that attracted you to come to Port Macquarie? We first moved to Port when I was just 4 years old, and I completed my early schooling at Hastings Primary. In my teens I went off to Sydney for Boarding School, and it took me 26 years until I realised I wanted to move back! During Covid, like many people, my husband and I began to question everything. Being able to work from home, we made a snap decision to try something new, and 7 weeks later we were unpacking into our new house! We told the kids it was a 2-year experiment, but there is no doubt Port is our home now. What changes have you seen in your industry over the last 5 years and how can you help our readers understand the changes? The financial planning industry has undergone enormous changes over the past few years. Advisers are now required to undertake a much higher level of study before joining or continuing in the industry. This

has really raised the bar for those providing financial advice and perhaps discouraged some of those who may have been giving the industry a bad name. If you are looking for an Adviser, I would always suggest confirming they are fully qualified and up to date with the most recent training. When you aren’t working hard and helping your clients, what do you get up to? We have two sons (7 and 8) and a daughter (4), along with a crazy beagle and a hyperactive kitten. Our house is busy, crazy and fun! As I work full time, weekends are really important to us, and we spend most of the time doing things together as a family. You will often find us exercising (my other obsession!), trying to surf, fishing or cycling together. What is your one piece of advice that you give your clients that you yourself live by? It’s that old cliché – if you fail to plan, then you plan to fail. It’s all very nice to assume you ‘want’ or ‘need’ certain things – but if you don’t have a solid plan in place, it is hard to make these dreams come true. I admit I am a bit obsessed with making goals – but if I wasn’t, then I wouldn’t be suited to my job! How can our readers get in touch with you? I would love to speak with anyone interested in discussing how I may help achieve their personal financial freedom. My best contact is nfraser@cgf.com or 0424 617 541. Thanks Naomi. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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COMMUNITY

TIMBER P A R T N E R S H I P S

Forestry Corporation NSW (FCNSW) and the Wauchope Show Society (WSS) have been working in partnership to upgrade facilities at the Wauchope Showground with donated timber through the Community Timber Partnerships program. We chat with Leah Moncrieff (FCNSW) and Neil Coombes (WSS) about the project.

eah, where did the timber come from? The timber was donated through our Community Timber Partnerships program. This program, between Forestry Corporation and Pentarch Forestry, was created to distribute local North Coast timbers water damaged by the 2017 floods. When we heard about the grandstands being built at the Wauchope Showgrounds, we approached the Show Society to see if we could help and provide beautiful hardwood timber for the seating. Neil, tell us about the grandstands and did the timber donation help? Our old timber grandstands were about 70 years old and in an extremely poor condition, with wood rot setting in, and were in dire need of replacing. We were given limited funds via Government grants so the donation of all of the timber for the seating by the Forestry Corporation of NSW saved us tens of thousands of dollars allowing the grant monies to stretch much further. Leah, are there any other timber partnerships in the area? We’ve donated timber to over fifteen local community groups in the area under this program. We’ve donated to local schools, sporting clubs, museums, and local gardens.

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It has been great to see this timber, that was involved with this partnership? grown and processed on the North Coast, We were fortunate that the Show Society reused in such a positive way supporting made space available for signage in their groups that do so much for the community. new grandstands. Our new signs showcase Timber is such a great building product, the some of the highlights of our local state only major building forests including Swans product that helps Crossing camping and tackle climate change. picnic area in Kerewong The much larger Even after water State Forest, Wild Bull seating capacity damage, it’s been able and The Bluff camping will be fantastic for to be reused and still areas in Mt Boss large future events in looks beautiful. Over State Forest, and Old the community, the past five years Bottlebutt Walking Track enabling Wauchope to we’ve seen buildings in Burrawan State Forest, perhaps host bigger repaired, bridges built highlighting a wide girth for mountain bikes, tree over 200 years old. and better events in new walkways, and We encourage people to the Hastings area in shelters in gardens visit our beautiful state the future. and now, these forest visitor areas where grandstands. you can camp for free, Neil, what do you think about the take your dog and listen to nature. finished grandstands? It’s important to know that besides unique The Wauchope Show Society are thrilled visitor experience, our native forests are with the completed grandstands, and we managed for timber production under the constantly receive positive feedback from most sustainable production system in the users of the grounds. The much larger seating world. Forests and timber are renewable capacity will be fantastic for large future resources, and the most greenhouse-friendly events in the community, enabling Wauchope production industry! Wood is a fantastic to perhaps host bigger and better events in natural product, it’s just lovely to be around, the Hastings area in the future. and looks great wherever it’s featured. Leah, what was the best part about being Thanks Guys.

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BENEFITS OF E-COMMERCE

BUSINESS

with EMMA WALKER AND SIMON BANK

Thanks to a certain event that has kept us away from crowded stores and shopping centres in recent times, e-commerce is now emerging as an important channel for businesses, including those with an existing “bricks and mortar” retail presence.

usinesses can use print and social media to build brand awareness, grow their followers, and generate engagement, which leads to online sales.

graft up to six different fruits onto the one tree, and now sell three different types of Fruit Salad Trees (citrus, stone and apple). It’s now a thriving, family-run business!

What challenges did your business face One business that has harnessed prior to the pandemic? Even before the the power of e-commerce is Fruit Salad Trees. pandemic, we were decimated by bushfires A family-run business located just outside of and floods. We lost huge amounts of stock, Port Macquarie, they are seeing their biggest our trees during the early stages of the growth levels in the past grafting process are couple of years since very fragile so a large Our challenge they began more than proportion of our baby now is to keep 30 years ago. We asked trees were completely up with the increased one of their Founding destroyed. It’s very hard Directors and Mother to see all those hours demand while also of the Fruit Salad Tree of painstaking work dealing with the family, Kerry West, a disappear in an instant. unpredictability of few questions about What challenges are nature. At least we how their business has you facing now? have most of our changed as a result of In the early stages of team back at the e-commerce. the pandemic, we

farm now though!

Tell us a bit about yourself and your business? My husband James and I created Fruit Salad Trees out of necessity. With not a lot of money, we were always thinking of new ways to harness the beautiful land around us to create something useful. We built the business while nurturing four young children on the home farm, who all learned how to work with the trees in the nursery from a very young age. It was a true labour of love and a way to connect with our environment. We 120 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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had no staff. Many of our nursery staff are international students or here on working holiday visas, and obviously they all had to go home. This was very hard for us, as we are a very close-knit team and it was hard to lose them. As more people were staying at home and looking for projects to keep them busy, our orders started to increase. So myself and my son Dane were working flat out trying to keep up with demand. Pair that with the fact that our stock levels were still recovering from

the recent natural disasters… it was a lot! So we plodded on during these initial months, figuring it out as we went along and trying to keep up with demand. Our challenge now is to keep up with the increased demand while also dealing with the unpredictability of nature. At least we have most of our team back at the farm now though! How did you adapt to these challenges you’ve faced? We realised that investing in a targeted marketing campaign and focussing on our e-commerce was the way to go for us. Raising brand awareness was a huge goal for us in the early stages of our foray into the online space. How did e-commerce help you? Our aim with our website was to create an online experience that replicates the welcome you receive when you walk into a store. Friendly faces, guidance and advice, making sure the customer feels welcome and supported even though they are purchasing online. Gem Socials has been a godsend for us, integrating our marketing with our e-commerce store to create a true community of Fruit Salad Trees fans and followers. By creating and nurturing this community, our reach and engagement is up dramatically, and as a result our sales have increased to ten times what they were pre-Covid. It’s been a challenging few years, but we are proud that through a collaborative effort to adapt our business, it is bearing some serious fruit!

SeaChange A C C O U N T I N G

CELEBR ATING

10 YEARS IN BUSINESS

Sandra Magann of SeaChange Accounting Solutions reflects on a decade of digital transformation and shares what businesses will need to succeed in an uncertain future.

eaChange has built a solid reputation over the past 10 years. Why did you start your business? When I moved to Port Macquarie from Sydney with my young family 10 years ago, I met many people who were here to build a business and enjoy life on the coast. Bringing the knowledge I gained working in corporate finance for major international firms, I started my own independent accounting business to run alongside and complement the services of SeaChange Financial Planning, established by Debbie Gampe in 2003. The business world has changed a lot since then. What are some of the most significant changes you’ve seen? Ten years ago, everyone was operating desktop-based accounting software and clients would bring their accounting files into my office on a disk! I saw the benefits of online accounting systems early and migrated my clients to online solutions like Xero. Back then businesses with access to real-time financial information had a competitive edge and the ability to manage accounting anytime, anywhere was a bonus. More recently through the pandemic, having an online accounting system with the ability to work from home, to pivot operations and adapt

to fast changing legislation was the difference between make or break for many businesses. What are some of the most common challenges your clients have faced? Most often, businesses come to us with cashflow problems. So, we help with budgeting and proactive planning to better position their business for success. Another common challenge is navigating the tax system and obligations, so we take the time to explain legislation in a way people can understand to avoid the pitfalls. What milestones have you achieved in that time? After starting out on my own with a handful of small local clients, we expanded into our Gordon St office seven years ago and now have a team of six including Registered Tax Agents, Chartered Accountants and CPAs, and client services staff. Becoming a certified Xero Gold Partner in 2019 was a highlight. We also love attending the annual XeroCon training events which allow us to bring back the latest systems to benefit

local businesses. What’s next for SeaChange and business accounting more broadly? Now with a great team behind me, I’m offering more strategic advice for clients. I’m working with larger organisations to support restructures, navigate capital gains concessions, wind-ups and developing exit strategies. Businesses that survived the past two years of fires, floods and COVID-19 are now seeking support with robust business planning to ensure they have contingencies in place to handle whatever might come next. The focus is firmly on building business resilience through budgeting, cashflow and forecasting for numerous scenarios. Personally, I’m excited about continuing to give back to the community through my volunteering roles on the International Women’s Day Committee, the Liberty Board of Management and Luminosity Youth Summit Committee.

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BUSINESS

VOICE with ALEX GLEN-HOLMES

Covid had many negatives which many businesses are still dealing with. Staff off sick and isolating and with the flu season upon us, this is again putting a big strain on business.

here are however many positives that we can take away from this time. (You may think I have gone mad but bear with me.) One of the biggest positives was that it gave us time. Quality time to spend with family, time to slow down and take a breath (at least in the initial 6 week lock down) but most importantly time to have a good look at our businesses to see what works what doesn’t and what changes need to be made. We are usually so busy working in our businesses day to day and have many ideas for change but never seem to have the time to do this. Covid gave us the time to work ON our business. At Business Port Macquarie it also gave us the chance to really reassess what we do and how we do it. Our relevance to the business community and if we are delivering the services that our members want. On reflection we found that a lot of the time we were just doing what we had always done. In February the Board undertook a Strategic Planning day to reassess priorities and our relevance to the business community. This was in part impetus for our change of name to Business Port Macquarie. We also surveyed our members and had meetings with many of you to see what we are doing well and what we need to improve. Thank you for your honesty and response and through this we have many 122 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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more improvements to come so watch this space! We will be sending members a link to update your information on our new website this month so that we can help promote your business. We also now have a special promotions page. So make sure you take advantage of this. On Thursday, 21 July we had the pleasure of hosting the Lewis Land Group team from Sovereign Hills and hearing the exciting plans still to come. They have five new tenants taking up residence in Sovereign Place and the expansion of their Town Centre will offer so much more for the local community. Future services will also include a gym and a vet and their Technology Park is well underway. Last month they celebrated the 1,000th land sale with an additional 1,000 blocks still to come. Future plans include a Tavern (which really excited the crowd!) a Town Green area with lake, entertainment precinct, library, retirement village and sporting fields. Something for everyone as well as new business and employment opportunities to our area. With Port Macquarie as the fastest growing Regional area on the East Coast this not only offers many opportunities to existing business but also strengthens jobs for our kids in the future. Businesses working together can achieve much and this helps to strengthen our

local economy. On 27 September ‘Business Port Macquarie’ will have Trevor Groeneveld from the Thrumster Business Park presenting at our Network event. The Business Park will complement the work that Lewis Land Group have done by providing space for industrial and manufacturing opportunities. There are many exciting precincts in this new Industrial area so come along to find out more. Our breakfast on 11 August has our Mayor Peta Pinson and Hastings Council CEO Dr Clare Allen presenting on projects council has coming up and the changes that they also have happening. ‘Business Port Macquarie’ continue to meet with Council, State and Federal levels of government to promote Economic Development and Infrastructure in our area to benefit business. We are also aware that affordable housing for workers is a concern, and this is another area that we work with all levels of government on. As a member of ‘Business Port Macquarie’ we are your voice to government to advocate on your behalf. Contact our office to see how we can advocate on your behalf. As one business it can be hard to be heard but as a group, we can create a much louder voice where we all benefit. Have a great month. Alex.

WILLING & ABLE

ultiple business units, Employment, Activities and General Supports: With new General Manager Penny Poulton at the helm the Willing & Able Foundation is moving forward at pace, a vibrant sustainable business widely recognised in our local community for our value for money services and our friendly willing & able people. Growing the Team: Growing the team has been the recent focus with 2 new Supported Employees joining the ranks and 4 new dedicated Support Workers coming on board. This is just the start, we would love to see the numbers continue to increase across all areas of our business, and we will continue working to make this happen. Supported employment has been the cornerstone of our business for many years with our mission staying strong as “being able to provide meaningful paid employment and personal growth opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities in a safe and happy

Willing & Able continues to support adults with intellectual disabilities in our local community. More than 40 years and still evolving and growing. environment.” Every business decision we make relates back to ensuring that we are achieving our mission. Expanding our Services: Our Activities Program runs 4 days per week and focusses on community participation and capacity building in a fun, safe and inclusive environment. We are constantly looking for new and engaging ways to expand our program and offer our participants a variety of activities and new ways to learn. In addition to our Activities Program we are spending a lot of time developing individual support programs, matching the right support workers to individual participants, then creating and developing programs to best suit the participants’ needs. We can provide a combination of in-home supports, capacity building and community participation. It’s all about keeping a personcentred approach and listening to what a participant wants and needs. At the Foundation: Our Renovation & Recycling Warehouse in

Jambali Road has had a recent face lift – with more exciting changes planned for the near future – watch this space… The car park improvements are well underway at Jindalee Road. A separate entrance and exit has been created to improve the traffic flow and create a safer environment for both our team and our customers. We have been able to increase our number of parking spaces slightly but know that size limitation is an ongoing challenge for us. Look out for more work in the coming weeks in our donations area and Op Shop entry space. As well as outside improvements, the Foundation Team have been busy looking at internal processes and systems that will streamline the way in which we do business and create efficiencies that can improve outcomes for the team and participants. If you or a loved one are interested in any services that Willing & Able can offer, please visit our website www.willingandable.org.au for more information or call 6581 0939 to talk to a friendly team member.

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CAMPUS CONVERSATIONS

with KATE WOOD-FOYE

FROM CHARLES STURT UNIVERSITY

DR SABIH U R-R EH M A N Dr Sabih ur-Rehman is passionate about technology, data driven solutions, and is always looking for projects with real-world impacts to inspire his students. Opportunities in IT continue to accelerate within the MidNorth Coast region with the global tech company AXIOM Connected making their home on campus.

abih you are the Senior Lecturer in the School of Computing, Mathematics and Engineering and Course Director of PG IT Courses and an active researcher. What started your journey and passion in information technology? I have been passionate about technology from early childhood. Born in a family of engineers, I idolised my dad and was always into fixing things and finding ways to integrate technology to automate things. Dad used to buy electronic kits for me to play with and I have been hooked since then. This interest further developed when I did my Bachelor of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering from the University of South Australia, where I had inspiring teachers and mentors. After spending a decade in industry, I pursued my doctorate in the emerging area of wireless sensor communication and its applications for autonomous vehicles. I am fascinated by the huge amount of data that is generated by the increased use of sensors around us and the insights it can provide to not only automate decision making but also improve quality of life. What are some exciting projects from your career as an IT specialist and researcher? I have been exploring several projects, the impact and use of data analytics and technology in the areas of digital agriculture, environmental sustainability, transport and aged care. I am also passionate about promoting STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) education at all levels to inspire creative thinking and innovation. Since moving to Port 124 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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Macquarie in 2017, I have been promoting IT courses on the Mid North Coast. We offer a range of postgraduate and undergraduate programs in both on-campus and flexible online environments. One project that I am very passionate about is the is the establishment of the Network Engineering Lab at Port Macquarie campus to act as technology hub and promote a culture of innovation within the region – we hope to connect with the community in this space in the coming months. Another project was .....project was around “Smart Parking” where technological solutions combined data and machine learning to address the growing imbalance in the supply and demand of available parking places. In this pilot project, I supervised one of our students to design a smart parking application that can use predictive algorithms to forecast car park occupancy rates. Smart parking systems can not only streamline the parking experience for drivers, but can also help in reducing traffic congestion and thus environmental pollution. Charles Sturt recently launched two new short courses in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, can you tell us more? These Graduate Certificates are a quick option to gain university qualification at Postgraduate level, and provide pathways for higher education such as Masters programs, and are popular among industry professionals looking to up-skill. Our Applied Data Science course has been popular among professionals from all industries and provides solid foundations around data analytics and how to extract valuable insights from datasets for informed decision making.

The Grad Cert in Applied Artificial Intelligence is focussed around designing and developing AI applications to bring efficiencies into business processes. We also offer a short course in Cyber Security. Local industries can leverage these short courses to up-skill their staff in the emerging areas of data analytics and its applications, as such skills can enhance productivity for all sectors including finance, retail, real estate, health and tourism. Have any of your exciting projects made an impact on the Port Macquarie Community? A project close to my heart, that has been in the pipeline for some time (disrupted by the pandemic), is in wildlife monitoring, in collaboration with students from Kempsey Adventist High School. These brilliant students presented the idea of a koala spotting app as a part of the 2019 Koala Smart project. Working with their idea, we developed a mobile app that allows the public to report locations of injured koalas, so rescuers easily find the injured animal. We are working with stakeholders to make the app publicly available. As our region has one of Australia’s largest koala populations, such a project that has direct input from the local community can leave a lasting impact. Thank you Sabih! https://bjbs.csu.edu.au/schools/computing-mathematicsengineering/courses

A Word from

MR TERRY MULDOON PRINCIPAL

ST COLUMBA ANGLICAN SCHOOL

here has been a lot of talk about how much the world and education have changed in the last few years. As an independent school, we have the luxury of making improvements to suit our students’ needs and aspirations. We recognise that our families are aspirational for their children and are looking for a school that will deliver value to their family, and ultimately create value in the life and future career of their child. We believe we offer an education that is relevant in the current and future educational contexts. We have developed a teaching and learning model that reflects the world into which our students will graduate. To improve on that, we have linked our learning model through partnerships with Charles Sturt University and Melbourne University, dispensing with the educational gap between Secondary and Tertiary education, acknowledging and accrediting the broader skills our students are developing. We refuse to accept that our regional students should have to accept a second-class education. St Columba was created with the ethos that the educational advantages you can get in an urban setting should be

available to our students here in Port Macquarie. We accept that this will always be challenging but distance has only served to make us more innovative in how we make sure our students have access to a world of opportunities. We believe our students’ academic, sporting, and cultural results show that we are able to offer a first-class education in a regional area. We know where we are going. Our educational goal is, quite simply, to become the most outstanding school in New South Wales, and we make our decisions in line with that aspiration. We use good data to see where we are succeeding and where we need to do better. We attract and hire the best staff and ensure that they act as models of lifelong learning to our students.

Discover a world of opportunities

Kindergarten to Year 12

www.scas.nsw.edu.au (02) 6581 4188 info@scas.nsw.edu.au GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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COREY TUTT D E A D LY

S C I E N C E

Corey Tutt is a proud Kamilaroi man and founder of Deadly Science. He is passionate about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and providing resources, mentoring and training to remote and regional schools with a particular focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. He has recently released his book The First Scientists to highlight First Nations people as the first scientists of our country.

i Corey. Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you discovered and developed your love of science? I am a proud Kamilaroi man and I love all things STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)! I started my career off in the animal industry, working in zoos and wildlife sanctuaries and then one thing led to another and I ended up shearing alpacas for a couple of years. From that I worked for the RSPCA and Animal Welfare League, and then I moved on to working for the Garvan Institute as an animal technician, then from that I went to working for the University of Sydney as an animal technician. Then I became a research assistant for the Matilda Centre studying mental health and substances, how they work within different communities and how to better understand those conditions. Basically that’s really how I started my career in STEM 126 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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and from that moment I wanted to engage other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in science and STEM because I hadn’t really met many others in my career working in labs and working with animals, and I really just wanted to share experiences of not really following the traditional path into science but having to go the long way around. I just wanted to share that with young people and that led me to founding Deadly Science. You are the Founder and CEO of Deadly Science, when did the idea for this program come to you and why? Through my learnings and working with young people I found that schools in these communities were just critically underresourced. When I realised this I went to Dymock’s and dropped $1,000 on books and packed them up with every book I owned and sent them off, and then that one school turned into 40 schools! I needed a way to pay for it and so I got a second job and then finally set up a Go Fund Me which over its

lifetime ended up raising about $250,000 and from that moment we were able to build this organisation from the grass roots up that provides resources and mentoring to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids across Australia. I’m very proud of everything we’ve achieved, it’s taken a long road for us to get there. How do you decide on, and provide, what these communities need? Everything is well thought out, we don’t send anything that doesn’t have a practical solution. So basically we work with communities and schools, and they tell us what they’re looking at and we find resources that match what they’re looking at in the classroom. We work with community elders and teachers and sometimes we have to say some things might take time to build up, and we set up a bit of a wish list for them and we end up sending the resources out to them afterwards. What sort of benefits are you seeing for

kids with access to Deadly Science? name might be on the awards but really it’s a They are just getting so much more credit to all the kids that love science, that love confidence and they’re growing a lot, finding STEM and Deadly Science – the reason why I and exploring. They already naturally have the get these accolades is purely because of them. sciences in them, they communicate well, they You have recently released your book observe, they learn, they grow, but having ‘The First Scientists’, could you tell us a bit those resources helps to embed confidence in about it? young people to follow I’ve been sending those passions. I think thousands of resources There was nothing that that’s what Deady to remote schools and really out there Science is all about, nothing really around the for young kids to basically opening up First Nations lens, there explore science from an doors for young people was nothing really out to find what they love Aboriginal, Torres Strait there for young kids to and what they’re good explore science from an Islander, First People’s at, and I think that’s Aboriginal, Torres Strait perspective. So I decided really deadly. Islander, First People’s to create a book that I You were awarded perspective. So I decided could send out to these Young Australian of to create a book that I communities and kids the Year in NSW for could send out to these could pick it up and see 2020, how did it feel communities and kids Aboriginal and Torres to be recognised like could pick it up and see Strait Islander people as that for your work? Aboriginal and Torres scientists. Like all my awards, Strait Islander people they’re a responsibility as scientists. The other to the next generation, reason why I wrote it they’re a responsibility to the kids that we was a very valid reason – it’s important for all work with, to the communities and all the of us to own our history and own First Nations supporters that we share this with. All our people as the first scientists of this country and communities and kids need to see these it’s really important for us all to acknowledge awards as being accessible to them and my that.

What was the process like of writing and producing the book? The content wasn’t that hard to write, I had a collection of stories that I was playing with for a really long time before I had even decided to write the book. The permissions were hard, you had to contact all the relevant groups to talk about what was written and to see if we could get permission to write that story, so that was quite difficult, a lot of conversations and hours went into it. Once that process was done it all happened really fast, we suddenly had a pdf with all the designs and then a couple of months later the book turned up on my doorstep in its hard copy form. You cradle it to near death because it’s something that you’ve created and I’m actually really proud of it. It was a hard decision to make but I actually signed it for a child and sent it away. I just thought that the first copy was better in the hands of a kid and their community than mine, even though I would have loved to keep that first copy forever. Where can people find out more about Deadly Science and find your book? You can find out more about Deadly Science at www.deadlyscience.org.au and you can get a copy of ‘The First Scientists’ at any deadly book shop, you can find it at Big W and Booktopia among many others. Thanks Corey. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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LEGAL

Light

with JEREMY BRIGDEN FROM PRIEST LEGAL

PRINCIPLES, PRINCIPLED, PRINCIPAL – DOES IT MATTER? Many irreconcilable disputes are irreconcilable because the dispute becomes a “matter of principle” with neither side wanting to compromise because “it’s the principle”. A principle is defined as “a fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behaviour or a chain of reasoning”. Justice and religion are examples of systems based on principles. In the latest census in Australia, 48,000 people identified as Jedis. The religion of Jediism is based on the principles or beliefs of the Jedi in the Star Wars films. We also have our personal principles, of course. In a recent case in the European Court of Human Rights, De Wilde v. The Netherlands (2021), Ms Hermina Geertruida de Wilde appealed a decision of various lower courts in the Netherlands regarding a human rights issue (or, “principle”). Ms de Wilde, a Netherlands national, had applied to the Burgemeester (Mayor) of the Municipality of Nijmegen for a driving licence. She submitted an identity photograph that showed her wearing a colander on her head. She stated that she was a committed (substitute “principled”) member of the religion known as Pastafarianism and that she was entitled to wear the colander on her head in the photograph because it complied with the exception to the requirement that the head not be covered except on religious grounds. 128 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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The Burgemeester of Nijmegen disagreed and rejected her application for a driving licence citing among other reasons that:“It appears from documents of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster that it is not considered generally necessary for members of the church constantly to wear a colander.”

for photographs of identity.

In the evidence provided to the European Court of Human Rights, Ms de Wilde provided evidence of the scriptures and teachings of her religion which in addition to the apparent decree of colander headgear also decreed that: “I might be a complex-carbohydrate omniscient being, but I enjoy the simple things in life.”

act like a sanctimonious, holier-than-thou ass”.

Disappointingly for the Pastafarians, the Court found that not all firmly held convictions or principles were a “religion or belief” which was required to fall within article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights (dealing with the freedom of religion). The case was dismissed. While Ms de Wilde acted on principle, the European Court of Human Rights decided that that principle did not constitute a religion and therefore she was not entitled to the exception to the requirement that no headgear be worn

If it seems to you that the principle on which Ms de Wilde based her case to the European Court of Human Rights is a little “silly”, you could be right but you might also be guilty of one of the other apparent principles of the Pastafarian religion which is “Though shalt not Similarly, you may be dismissive of Jediism as a religion but 48,000 people would disagree with you. In answer to the question “Principles, principled, principal - does it matter?”, Ms de Wilde’s case demonstrates that principles may be very important to us as the principal of the principle but they may be readily dismissed by others, and sometimes compromise, tolerance and forgiveness are the most enduring principles. From a legal costs perspective, they are also the most rational principles to adopt when involved in a dispute. Priest Legal does not advise on principles of religion notwithstanding our name and location in Port Macquarie, but we welcome the opportunity to resolve issues that arise in relation to the principles of the law and justice.

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PROPERTY GUIDE

SOVEREIGN

McDONALD JONES HOMES

HILLS DISPLAY VILLAGE

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SOVEREIGN

HILLS

This month’s Style Series tackles home storage and we can’t get enough of the smart solutions on York Street.

D ISPLAY V I L L A G E

PERRY HOMES SHOWCASE A MIX OF OPEN AND CLOSED CABINETS FOR STORAGE VERSATILITY

McDONALD JONES HOMES CREATE BESPOKE BUILT-IN STORAGE FOR CONVENIENT LIVING

Build with your storage needs in mind and stay organised for life

nless you have mastered the art of minimalism, we all accumulate ‘stuff’ we need to store. Well-designed storage is necessary to live an organised life, but the true success of uncluttered living comes from the planning. Kitchen storage ideas that will have you salivating When planning your storage needs, you’ll soon come to the realisation that some items are not worthy of being on display. Try a mix of open and closed custom cabinetry combinations for complete serviceability and versatility of style. Cleverly placed full-height modular cabinetry can be used to build a wall of storage with 130 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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overhead cupboards, and pantry complete with pull-out drawers, all without breaking the budget.

PYCON HOMES & CONSTRUCTIONS MASTER LUXURY AND STORAGE IN THEIR WALK-IN ROBE

A butler’s pantry is considered the ultimate when it comes to hiding clutter and storing your kitchen essentials. Better Homes and Developments have taken appliance concealment to new depths. Hideaway dishwashers, refrigerator and freezer draws neatly disappear behind elegant, panelled kitchen doors like magic. This solution is an extremely versatile approach that can be tailored to incorporate any colour or profile.

A butler’s pantry is considered the ultimate when it comes to hiding clutter and storing all your kitchen essentials. A mistake many make is not allowing enough storage. Take note of what you need to access or store, measuring all awkward items you may use often and then plan an easy reach spot for each. This keeps

BETTER HOMES & DEVELOPMENTS' CONCEALED APPLIANCES FOR COHESIVE STYLING

ADENBROOK HOMES GIVE OUT-OF-THE-BOX KITCHEN STORAGE DESIGN IDEAS

the space organised and clutterfree, and allows for a seamless workflow saving you time. Organised living spaces with convenience on hand Bring character and functionality to your living room by making a feature of your storage, and go large with a full wall statement. Remember careful balance is needed to ensure you don’t overdo it and end up creating visual clutter. Clean, simple lines with plenty of opportunities for display items invites your home’s styling to shine through while still offering an abundance of storage. Try integrating purpose-built cube-style storage surrounding your TV screen, to minimise its presence in your open plan living space. Celebrate your inner fashionista with stylish solutions The Massena by McDonald Jones Homes uses custom cabinetry to create a cohesive

See more built-in storage solutions in the new Sovereign Hills Style Series

SORENSEN & CALDON BUILDERS EFFORTLESSLY COMBINE FUNCTION AND STYLE IN THEIR LAUNDRY

Scan here and be inspired!

space that blends seamlessly through to the walk-in robe’s interior. By carrying the same soft blue-grey finish throughout and keeping the style fuss-free with no drawer handles to break up the simple lines, the result is one beautifully harmonious space. The biggest consideration when designing open robes is what view you have from the room’s entry and from the bed. Lavish laundries awash with space-saving storage Allocating room for everything in your laundry has been successfully presented in Sorensen and Caldon Builders’ Manhattan design. Adequate storage provision with hanging and folding space and plenty of cupboards will help prevent clutter from being left on the benchtop or worse still the floor.

Visit the experienced builders at Sovereign Hills Display Village and spend a little time with them planning the storage for your new space. Their experience and advice will help you find the right solution for perfect storage integration in your new home.

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Get started on your dream home today. The Miami 16

l On display at Sovereign Hills.

Discover how easy it is to get started on your dream home with a free quote and complimentary site inspection with our Port Macquarie team. Open 10am – 5pm | 7 & 9 York Street, Thrumster. Visit our Sovereign Hills display homes to be inspired today and discover your dream home.

1300 555 382

mcdonaldjoneshomes.com.au NSW: McDonald Jones Homes Pty Ltd ABN 82 003 687 232 – NSW BLN: 41628 T/A McDonald Jones Homes NSW Architect Reg No. 4234. © McDonald Jones Homes Pty Ltd. All rights reserved. 132 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE focus

PRICHARD MCDONALD JONES HOMES

Introducing McDonald Jones Homes Sovereign Hills’ Building and Design Consultant Amelia Prichard. Based at the beautiful Massena and Miami display homes. You can find Amelia at 9 York Street, Port Macquarie. Open daily (9am - 5pm)

i Amelia, welcome to What attracted you working with the MJ McDonald Jones Homes. team? Tell us a bit about I was attracted to work with McDonald yourself and your new Jones as they have 30 years of history behind role at MJ Homes? their brand. Being New South Wales’ largest I been selling brand new builder gives me and my clients the assurance homes for the last 7 years in my role as a that their home will be built with high quality Building and Design Consultant. I have worked and local trades. up and down the coast from Byron Bay to What experiences and knowledge are Forster NSW. I love you looking forward to waking up every day bringing your clients? being able to be a part Bringing people and I love waking of my clients’ biggest homes together feels up every day decisions and ease the like second nature. I’m being able to be a stress and help them always thinking about the part of my client’s enjoy the process. Not client’s lifestyle and how biggest decisions to mention seeing their they expect the house to and ease the stress home come together – function day to day and and help them enjoy there is nothing more finding the perfect home the process. that tops the feeling of for them. seeing my client’s home What do you believe come to life. is important when Before moving into this role, what were starting the building process? you doing? Research! Finding out what your style is, I was located on the Northern Rivers and what your non-negotiables are in a design and designing custom-built homes for clients. how the home would suit your lifestyle.

Tell us some of the do’s and don’ts when it comes to picking out the finer details of your home. Don’t stress, there is always a solution and don’t think any question is silly. I’m here to make sure clients feel comfortable with their choices and work within their budget. Thanks Amelia.

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S REAL ESTATE

H O L I D AY

RENTALS with

PETRA BROOMBY FROM ELDERS LIFESTYLE GROUP

o, you’re looking for the perfect home away from home, perhaps a restful haven to chill out on your own, a fun vacation on the waterfront with family and friends, or somewhere you can bring doggo too. Check out some of our fabulous accommodation options available at Elders Lifestyle Holidays such as the magnificent private and leafy “Evergreen” at 19 Bundaleer Crescent, “The Atrium” at 11 Kentia Close, offering light-filled luxury for up to 8 guests, 24 Hibiscus Crescent, where you get picture perfect views and your four-legged friend is also welcome, or “Family Escape” at 201 Pacific Drive, a gorgeous Hampton style home including a 15m lap pool with waterslide. At Elders Lifestyle Holidays we offer a diverse range of holiday accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets. We can provide weekend, weekly or longer stays if preferred. Whether it be a Beachy Retreat, Family Escape, DogFriendly Stay, or Unique Getaway our goal is to see you forget about your worries and completely relax and unwind in our beautiful

holiday accommodation. We live and breathe holiday rentals. Our business has established a solid reputation amongst property owners with an experienced holiday management team who are experts in local area knowledge. One of the biggest advantages to using our boutique service is the time and stress it can save you. We can sort out the day-to-day running of your investment such as handling bookings and payments, dealing with guest queries, and keeping on top of your property’s maintenance. If you are looking for an expert agency to professionally manage your property or need assistance to book your next amazing getaway on the Mid North Coast, Macleay Valley or Northern Rivers area feel rest assured with Elders Lifestyle Holidays you will receive the highest standard of service from our friendly team. Elders Lifestyle Group is leading the way in holiday accommodation. elderslifestylegroup.com.au 02 6584 1199

Beachy Retreat - 19 Bundaleer Crescent

The Atrium, 11 Kentia Close

Dog-Friendly Stay - 24 Hibiscus Crescent

Family Escape - 201 Pacific Drive

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GemLife.com.au/grb

Rainbow Beach. A whole new life.

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

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

Ageing-in-place solutions

Call 1800 718 413

*Conditions apply.

RECEIVE THE NEW CAR TREATMENT WITH A LEXUS CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED VEHICLE

WHEN YOU DRIVE A CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED LEXUS — you receive the same benefits that come with a brand new car. Expect amazing customer service, including access to Lexus Encore^, o u r o w n e r b e n e f i t s program that rewards you with invitations to luxury events, as well as everything from 24/7 roadside assist * to service loan cars. You also get the peace of mind knowing your vehicle has undergone a comprehensive 120 point safety check and comes with a full service history. Visit Lexus Lexus of Port Macquarie to see our full range of Certified Pre-Owned vehicles.

LEXUS OF PORT MACQUARIE 10 Hastings River Drive, Port Macquarie | PH 02 6583 9122 | www.lexusofportmacquarie.com.au ^ Encore Benefits apply on Lexus Certified Pre-Owned vehicles for a min. 12mths from purchase. Inclusions may change without notice. For full T&Cs see your Lexus Dealer or lexus.com.au/owners/benefits. * DriveCare applies on Lexus Certified Pre-Owned vehicles for a min. 12mths from delivery. Coverage & service inclusions vary dependent on vehicle location. For full T&Cs see, your Lexus Dealer or lexus.com.au/smallprint/encore-terms.

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Greater Port Macquarie Focus - i197

Articles inside

Kate Wood-Foye - Business Illuminate

Vanessa Lawrence - Style Vibe Savvy

Alex Cassegrain - Wine Time

Maria River Distillery - From the Shaker

Lou Perri - Palate Pleasures