40 minute read
Elders Lifestyle Experts - Property Management
REAL ESTATE PROPERTY
MANAGEMENT
with ELDERS LIFESTYLE EXPERTS
NATALIE FEL HEAD OF PROPERTY MANAGEMENT TARYM WRIGHT BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER BEC JORDAN CLIENT SERVICES
Spring has certainly sprung in Port Macquarie with the rental market seeing vacancy plummet to 0.8%, the lowest rate since the first quarter of 2022.
Our team saw a huge increase in the number of properties being leased as the number jumped to nearly double, as compared with previous months. Enquiry levels surged by a whopping 43% indicating that, as the weather is heating up, so is the competition within the rental market.
Supply is also creeping up, so why are prices not coming
down? In mid-August there were 117 properties advertised for lease on realestate. com.au. Fast-forward to mid-September and this number has increased to 142. This is directly comparable with late June recordings of 140, which saw a downturn in pricing – why are we seeing the opposite? The answer is two-fold: tenant movement and increased interest rates. The middle of the year generally sees less movement, particularly from families, due to school calendars, sporting commitments and an overall “Winter hibernation” fundamentally ingrained within us. Spring, however, brings a sense of renewal and revival, with the end of the year encouraging change and transformation. Particularly within coastal areas, we see a significant influx of new residents as the promise of beach-side Summers proves to be a huge driver year-on-year. Regardless of this timeless tradition, such a dynamic generally isn’t paired with an increased supply of stock. It’s no surprise that economic factors such as increased interest rates have shaken prospective buyers, meaning that the rental market has injected buyers-turned-tenants. Those sellers who can retain their properties for investment while they wait out the uncertainty, have changed their tack by placing their properties on the rental market instead of the sales market. Unlike the June stock increase, this September shift has also seen a marked increase in demand to keep rental prices up and vacancy levels down. As we head into the end of the year, we
As we head into anticipate a decrease in rental properties as the end of the interest rates further increase, seeing many year, we anticipate a investors sit on the sidelines. This will place decrease in rental added pressure on the demand for rental properties as interest properties and drive prices upwards, creating rates further increase, a strong summer marketplace, however seeing many instability is a concern with such a huge investors sit on the economic change. sidelines. Elders Lifestyle Group is excited to
launch our Spring Campaign!
Landlords who secure their management with any Elders Lifestyle Office are entered into the draw to win a $5000 Flight Centre voucher! Scan the QR code, enter your details and one of our Rental Experts will be in touch.
CHERIE MORTON
REIMAGINED IMAGES
Port Macquarie local Cherie Morton describes herself as a digital mixed media artist and pattern creator. Her work shows extraordinary depth and creativity.
Hi Cherie. Thank you for speaking with FOCUS. It is a pleasure to speak with you about your inspiring work in the photography and digital media space. Tell us a little about yourself as an artist.
I like to call myself a digital mixed media artist and craft paper designer, that’s on top of being a landscape and business content photographer, can one really ever have too many creative hats to wear? I use both traditional darkroom practices and New Media practices in my digital darkroom. I really enjoy creating art that confronts the traditional expectation of photographic art or photography as art form even. I have been a practising commercial photographer for over 30 years and my life journey meant I turned my photography skills from a trade and income into a tool for healing and expression. It became my place to both hide and also find confidence to use my voice again.
Your pieces are so creative and unique, merging digital and largely abstract art together and almost re-contextualising in the process. How have you developed this art form?
My day job allows me to be around artisans all the time and that can be amazing, inspiring and exciting. It also puts pressure on me to be completely different to forge processes and results that are in no way like the artists I help guide and mentor in my “day job”. This, combined with the way I had changed the way I used and practiced photography, led me to push boundaries and just play with different techniques. My camera had became a tool to find my way through PTSD, and I started absorbing inspiration from artists like David Hockney’s Joiners and Elsa Dorfman’s spirit and love of the craft.
I wanted to express something, to find a way to use my voice without having to tell the details of my journey and what created my PTSD. So I started putting layers of life together in digital mixed media, using colours, texture and elements to form a result that allowed the expression and voice. Sometimes it is about what I am feeling and sometimes it is about a feeling I am trying to evoke in the viewer. Some days I can create a couple of works and then it might take weeks to be able to create something I am happy with, such is the creative spirit.
I find it hard to express the “techy” side of
my photography and art practice because it happens like a river flows, rather than like the steps of a staircase, elements and process blending into one flow of creative expression.
What inspires you creatively?
If I had to give you a top three, it would be light, colour and life!
I really enjoy However the real story creating art is it could be a song, that confronts the a quote or maybe an traditional interaction I see or feel. expectation of For my paper designs, photographic art it starts as a colour or photography as palette and then I build art form even. the designs around that. My digital mixed media pieces are very much inspired by life and experiences, the people around me and the journey I have lived so far. My landscape photography is all about trying to recreate the way I felt as I took in the nature in front of my lens. It may have been the way the light played on the water or how it interacted with the clouds, it could be the way the soft afternoon sky created a feeling of peace and calm. I certainly create from a place of intuition and feeling, I tend to ignore the rules a lot, it’s my little rebellion in life – mess with the rules so I can pull out a feeling from someone.
Continued over...
When did you first pick up a camera and what is it you love about the craft?
Oh wow. I was too young to remember the age I first started taking photos. I know it was with an old 110mm point and shoot camera, that then went to a 35mm point and shoot when I was a little older, it was bright pink and a Hanimex. My first SLR was a Minolta x-300 and I loved that thing, it had a split screen focusing system that was sharp as a tack and fully manual. When I went into professional weddings and portraits back in the 90’s I purchased a Nikon F90 and from then on I was a Nikon gal. What do I love about my craft, that’s a big question to fit in one interview, I love that it has allowed me to be part of some truly treasured moments in people’s lives. It gives me a creative voice allowing a freedom of expression that for me words can’t do. Photography and the flow-on processes that stem from it allow me to invoke feelings from complete strangers. Photography allows you to capture a present moment that then becomes a memory in our future, that’s an exceptional gift and privilege.
What type of equipment do you predominantly use?
My most used and powerful piece of creative equipment is my eye and heart. From there it’s my cameras and my digital darkroom aka my computer and studio. My belief is that you must create from a true place of creative passion and that has to come from within. There is a saying that finds its way onto social media a lot “The EARTH without Art is just EH”. Well for me my heart without art is just “he”. I could not tell you the specs of my camera because when I use it, it is no longer a separate entity, it is part of me, becoming one creative body I guess.
What have been some of your highlights looking back at your career and can you tell us about some of your favourite pieces?
That’s a tough one. Having been in this industry in one form or another for over 30 years there have been some big memories made. I have photographed iconic moments in our town. While based in Sydney I got to have famous musicians and TV stars as clients, the magical moments during every wedding I did and family moment I witnessed have all been immeasurable. To wrap it into one bundle, the highlight of my career is being given the trust of so many to capture some of their most momentous life moments, it has been so humbling and at times very emotional.
At the moment in the current part of my creative journey I am having so much fun creating surface designs, I use them in my craft papers. They start as one of my digital mixed media pieces created from photos that then become textured patterns. They get used by other artists and crafters in collage, paper crafts and scrapbooking. Each season I release a season inspired paper colour palette with different DIY templates. The designs have names like Summer Romance, Spring Fever, Pink Gin Fizz and loads of other fun titles. A couple of my current favourite mixed media pieces are Enchantment, Taken For A Ride, Release and Elements Of Hope.
What is on the horizon for you for the second half of 2022?
Taking as many base pictures as I can so that building on my Mixed Media portfolio is possible and I have started a series called Get Framed which will also fill my studio days. Then there are about a million other projects floating about in my head that I will try to prioritise and start one or two. Part of my bread and butter photography
Part of my bread and butter photography is my landscapes and that is due for a few updates. I’d love to take photo location requests from my followers so that I can make sure they are getting images of the places they love.
REIMAGINED IMAGES
is my landscapes and that is due for a few updates. I’d love to take photo location requests from my followers so that I can make sure they are getting images of the places they love. My paper Spring Palette was just released and it’s time to start working on the Summer Palette... oh and I am about to launch Mindful Photography workshops and a series of paper craft classes so you know, not much going on.
Away from the camera where would we find you spending your own time?
You pretty much won’t find me anywhere in life without my camera, it is a part of me. It is just the subject matter or the type of camera that changes. When it’s not creatively inspired photos or for base photos then it’s recording family moments, I like to call it “lifing” photography. We have a Brady Bunch and all the kids are used
I will still have a camera of some type with me because if a moment arises in nature or life, then I am going to want to to me and the camera, capture it because one my siblings, in-laws and day it will be a memory their families are all to treasure. used to having a camera faced in their direction, even my most camera shy nieces are getting used to the fact that I will have a camera in hand. If we are out exercising then I will still have a camera of some type with me because if a moment arises in nature or life, then I am going to want to capture it because one day it will be a memory to treasure. My camera is also my therapy from life, when I need down time then that happens with my camera.
For people wanting to find out more about your work or connect with you online, how can they best touch base with you?
As a co-owner with my fiancé Scott I am super fortunate to have a studio and workshop inside Sunset Gallery on Central Road. You can find me there most days either assisting other creatives or creating myself, otherwise you can go to my website www.reimaginedimages.com.au from there you can find my email, phone and social media contacts.
Thanks Cherie. Interview: Sarah Baker.
Clint Ranse is a local Videographer, Scuba Diver and has a long history working with some of the biggest bands and events on the planet doing pyrotechnics and fireworks.
You moved to Port Macquarie a few years back, what made you make that decision?
I was non-stop travelling the world with some of the biggest names in entertainment. In 2008 I visited 38 countries and it was a great period of my life. But while I was living between Nashville and Las Vegas I just got to a time in my life when I wanted to be back in Australia. We ended up going via Melbourne as there was an opportunity for me to continue working in the entertainment industry. However, after a few years in Melbourne, I was just burnt out and wasn’t getting any time with my young family. My goal was always to move closer to family in Port Macquarie, as I had holidayed there frequently over the years. It was the lifestyle really that attracted me.
So in what would seem to others like a rash decision, we decided to pack up and head north.
How did you get into Videography?
Photography & Videography had always been a passion of mine and I always carried a camera with me when touring the world. Scuba Diving was my peaceful place, so underwater photography then inspired me for something new. My work began to get noticed by international tourism boards and I ended up travelling to do underwater photography in some pretty unique places around the world. To take photos was amazing, however I found that it was only a piece of the story.
I then progressed more towards video and loved extracting someone’s story and telling it in a way that made viewers feel the emotions of what they were seeing.
You have been working on a few exciting projects lately, can you tell us a bit about those?
We have recently returned from Fiji where I was tasked with telling the story of how ShangriLa hotels and resorts were open for business and to help them capture the eye of tourists again. I think we did a pretty good job. They just told me they are booked out until next year now.
We also just completed an online TAFE BBQ course with Councillor and Pitmaster Adam Roberts that helps turn your average guy who burns a snag into a BBQ god.
I love that I get to work with and learn from so many unique people. A good example is the Elders lifestyle group. Working with them has allowed me to bring my unique video style to a different industry and really lean on my tourism experience to showcase this beautiful area and the amazing people in it.
We hear you are mixing your passions for video and Scuba Diving.
I have always loved filming in the ocean as it’s the last true frontier of the Earth and we know so little about it. There is just something unique about being 40m underwater inside a shipwreck of a cruise ship that was converted to a war ship during World War 2.
My bucket list dive though is to Freedive with orcas in Norway and to be able to show people something that they will most likely never see for themselves.
I probably should start to mix my music career with my video career though. I haven’t done a music video yet.
That would be really cool to help out a young up-and-coming local musician or band and I know we have some super talented ones in the region. Continues...
Before getting into videography you did pyrotechnics, tell us a bit about how you got into that?
I had a very long career doing fireworks and pyrotechnics. I started back in 1996 just doing small regional shows and that slowly grew bigger until I did the Harbour Bridge for the Olympics. I was then lucky enough to be asked to go on tour with KISS delivering and designing their special effects.
And my career just went crazy from there in many different roles across the entertainment industry, including designing the pyrotechnics and special effects for many international touring productions and also travelling with them, to stage managing large international tours, where I would be in charge of shipping up to 50 semi-trailers of equipment around the world or being on a cruise ship with the band and guests until I retired from touring internationally in 2015. I then did shows around Australia until 2018 with bands like “Peking Duk” and “Illy”, designing their shows for ARIA awards and their local Australian tours.
Who are some of the artists you have worked with during that time?
I have worked with most of the big artists who toured between 2000 and 2018.
Metallica, The Killers, Kid Rock, Christina Aguilera, Beyoncé, Disturbed, Michael Jackson’s Cirque DuSoleil Show, 50 cent, Eminem and Iron Maiden to name a few. It was the Tiësto show that brought me to Australia and was where I met back up with my high school sweetheart and ended up marrying her.
I recently came out of retirement to do a show for Kane Brown and I have promised the Calvin Harris team that I will make an appearance at festival X in November. They just have to make sure they fly me back in time to film with Growers Market here in Port Macquarie for the video for their weekly special.
What are the highlights of your career over the years?
Wow, there have been so many in that career from playing Coachella with Paul McCartney and The Killers to getting to shake the hand of Muhammad Ali. From going to the Super Bowl with Kid Rock and playing at the Green Bay Packers after party after they won, to drinking beer out of the Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks when they won while I was touring with Bon Jovi.
Playing blackjack with Tiger Woods was pretty cool. I’m glad I was playing with someone else’s money though as that table was too rich for me.
Announcing to the stage Kid Rock and Bon Jovi as they toured Australia or having the band and crowd sing me happy birthday
on my 40th as I toured Australia with Peking Duk.
I was often called out to some of the largest productions to ‘fix’ things, streamline or systemise for efficiency, or to create something that no-one else would have. The skills that I have from my entertainment career now work in My Video Producer, as I love the systems and being able to combine creativity with organisation and flow.
What tips would you give businesses trying to use video to promote their business?
When it comes to video you can’t expect one video to change your business. You need to put in the work and take people on a journey. Let them get to know and trust you while educating them about your business or product.
You really need different videos for different viewers at different stages of the purchasing journey.
Is there a trick to appearing confident on camera?
The best piece of advice when it comes to video content is to not focus on how much
When it comes to video you can’t you hate being on expect one video to camera but focus on change your business. your message and how You need to put in the people need to know work and take people what you are offering on a journey. and the impact it can have on them. Prioritise your knowledge and message. You will criticise yourself way more than others will.
So what’s unique about My Video Producer compared to other videographers?
We are a business, not just someone with a camera, or who dropped past JB HiFi and got a drone. I am a Certified drone pilot and we have the proper insurance in place. We continually train to make ourselves better and have some of Australia’s best business coaches on our client list, so it allows us to take what we learn from them and help to implement that in the businesses we work with as well. I am backed by a team of extremely talented editors who understand the importance of stories in videos. This allows for faster turnaround times without losing the personal touch. We want to see people succeed with video. We even have a free course on our website teaching people how to film for themselves to get them started.
I guess it’s mostly that we take the time to get to know you and your product or service. We want to know who is your ideal customer, and what problem your business solves for them. This allows us to ensure we create content that speaks directly to them.
So what’s next for yourself and the MVP team?
We are heading overseas to do some more tourism videos as the world reopens. Over the last few years we expanded our studio services to cover live streaming, so I am really looking forward to seeing the possibility of live streaming to the world from the comfort of the Mid North Coast.
My son tells me he wants to run the MVP Dubai office when he grows up so I guess I should start building a client base for him over there.
But while it’s cool working with all these big brands and even some of the stuff from my past, I’m a sucker for helping to grow a small business. I love seeing the change I can make in their business.
What’s the best way to get some of your time to talk about video?
Head on over to myvideoproducer.com.au and book a free strategy call and we can sit down and see what part of video marketing is best for you and how video can help you reach your goals.
Thanks Clint.
WELCOME TO THE BEACH LIFE CRESCENT HEAD SUMMER 2 RANGE! IN ITS SECOND YEAR, THIS HOMEGROWN LOCAL LIFESTYLE LABEL HAS GONE FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH AND THIS YEAR WE ARE AIMING TO BLOW YOUR MIND!
The design team is made up of locals; graphic designer Jeff Cowan (CowanCreative), Jino Joseph + Twinkle Jose (BLCH owners), and Vanessa Lawrence from @thestylevibe who all worked together to curate a unique range of cool, funky and colourful beach accessories well priced and of the very highest quality. Designed with our much-loved consumer in mind, our range includes easy to use beach umbrellas, beach chairs, cooler bags, sand free towels, luxe cotton towels, amazing beach blankets, insulated cups and more. This gorgeous collection is so versatile as our products are perfect accessories for the beach, bush, pool or picnic suited your personal style. The RETRO range is bright, with a palette of orange hues and on-trend patterns with real ‘vintage’ vibe. Get the whole collection and wow the crowd on your next camping holiday or road trip. The GLOW range ticks ALL the boxes! Designed with the core surf family in mind, this stylish collection has a light turquoise and peach palette which will light up any social activity. VIVID is sure to be a winner this year with its bright and bold hot pinks and blues! Definitely one to style around the back yard pool, this collection is playful and screams fun! The CHIC palette consists of black, white, navy and cream. A versatile range that could quite easily go from the beach or ready to style in the home providing that ‘luxe coastal’ feel. A big shoutout to our awesome retailers who continue to support our growing little brand. They are; Inner Vision Surf ‘n Skate (PMQ), Crescent Designed Locally.
Head Pharmacy (Crescent Head), Established (Laurieton), Mahalo Interiors (Kempsey), Wave Wear (SWR), Revel & Co. (Nambucca), Sand & Stone (Evans Head,) Boatshed (VIC) and Chic Clothing Co. (Dungog). And lastly, thank you to the amazing BLCH Team! Each one of our partnering crew members has such incredible talent in their field which supported us in shooting our epic summer 2 campaign. Our Beach Life Family, Jino Joseph + Twinkle Jose (BLCH owners), Jeff Cowan (Cowan Creative), Vanessa Lawrence (The Style Vibe Creative), Tia Duck (TDK Photography), Clint Ranse (MY Video Producer), Simon Bank (Webstudio), Karina (Karina Hair & Make-Up), Gavin Moroney Photography and our models, Brooke Bruce-Smith, Emma Bulley, Bonita Alcock, Matt King and Mikey O’Mullane.
Shop the Range BLCH.COM.AU
Hi John, congratulations on 100 years of golf at Wauchope Country Club. How long have you been involved with the club and what’s your role there?
I first joined the club in 1986 and the golf committee a year later. I served as publicity officer, greens chairman, Vice President and became Golf President in 1999. In this role I served a total of 9 years and was a member of the WCC Board in 2003 and 2004.
In 2013 I was granted life membership status and rejoined the Board in 2014. I was then voted Chairman of the Board in 2018 and have been ever since, still a member of the golf committee.
Do you have any current members who have been involved with the club from almost the beginning? What excites them the most about celebrating the 100 years?
Our more senior life members such as Lester Thurgate and Kay Fowler have served on the Board and golf committees and are proud to be part of such a vibrant sporting venue.
Ron Dixon was our oldest golfer, still playing at 99. Ron had the distinction of beating his age off the stick a total of 106 times, but passed away some two years ago.
What are your earliest memories of the course and what changes has it undergone over the last 100 years?
The Country Club was formed by the merging of the Golf and Bowls Clubs in 1954, and fortunes have fluctuated due to economic factors, government regulation and the efficiency of management.
Before my time, in 1972, to celebrate 50 years of growth, the ‘back’ nine was completed and so 18 holes came into play.
The old weatherboard clubhouse was devastated by fire in January 1988. We not only lost the clubhouse but records, trophies and photos. Trading did not cease however, and the next day the Lions caravan was set up as a bar and salvaged tables and chairs adorned the carpark.
Out of the ashes in 1989 emerged our magnificient clubhouse and a sense of renewed optimisim. With good management and volunteer helpers, much was achieved in the 90s ie cart paths, new greens, improved drainage and complete course watering. The cart shed constructed to house 76 of those motorised beasts was completed in 2005.
How important is it for not only the club but for the community to be celebrating this milestone?
We cherish the notion that we are a community club – social and sporting. We are fortunate to have a course only three blocks from the Wauchope CBD and not many towns can boast that.
We celebrate our history with pride and recognise the contribution of the staff and volunteers as well as the valued support of so many local sponsors over the years.
Can you tell us about some of your highlights from your time involved with the clubhouse and course?
The fire created an enormous challenge and to the credit of those in charge at the time, we emerged a better club. In fact it was joked at the time that the one who lit the match should be nominated for life membership!
Economic difficulties almost saw the club’s demise in 2015, but through good management we survived such that in 2018 the club received
both local and regional awards for ‘Club of the Year’.
The golf club received a healthy injection when Dennis Hughes came on the scene in 2010. As Captain he has used his expertise in sport administration and communication, to keep numbers up, diligently and efficiently, especially during COVID.
The upkeep of the course is super important. Can you tell us about the team behind keeping the course looking as amazing as it does and how they do it?
Greenkeepers always face challenges with inclement weather, staff and quality equipment. Barry Freeman and Gary Foster did a sterling job with limited finances and assistance from volunteers.
Back in the 70s I was told that when the course was too wet for tractor mowers, volunteers with Victa mowers walked down the fairways, shoulder to shoulder to cut the grass ie The Victa Parade. And before that, former golf president Mick Sullivan with his D9 Dozer and
Back in the 70’s
I was told that when the course was too wet for tractor a host of other golfers, helped clear and contour the back nine and dig mowers, volunteers the dam on the 4th. with Victa mowers Today, Richard Moore walked down the is our greenkeeper and fairways, shoulder to has proven to be a man shoulder to cut the with vision, expertise grass ie The Victa and fine management Parade. skills. And this has not been an easy year! Favourable comments on the condition of our greens and fairways have continued.
The course has seen lots of charity events and social days, what have been some of the best ones and what local charities do you support?
As a community club the golfers support ‘Doing it for Jarrod’ and ‘The Tour de Cure’ for cancer research, the ladies support Pink Day for cancer, and Pamper Day supports the local Palliative Care Unit. As well as these the Country Club supports MAD for those doing it tough and Jane’s Charity Bowls is a popular event that supports local charities. In times of need the clubhouse is also registered as an evacuation centre.
It’s an 18 hole course, over the years what have been some of the best scores and who holds the records?
Aaron Townsend, a touring pro, holds our course record of 63. Our most prolific golfer was David Bransdon following in his mother Judy’s footsteps and he is still on the Asian Tour.
Jane Horn, our humble and efficient lady behind the bar, stands out as our top female golfer, having been crowned the Ladies Champion 26 times. Chris O’Brien has won the Mens Championship 8 times in recent years.
Since early days our female golfers have proven to be champions and our pennant teams over the years have had some very notable successes.
Where do you see the club and the course heading in the next 100 years?
I predict a very positive future for our club. Wauchope’s population is booming and our pros, Clark and Neil, work hard to promote and encourage juniors with their after school clinic, but a squad of less than 10 is disappointing. Every other club has a similar problem. Perhaps the development of a driving range or the purchase of a golf simulator will generate interest and help us move into the future.
Our club has a great location and enjoys a very favourable reputation, built on good management, healthy support from volunteers and sponsors and a happy staff. No wonder I am confident. A brief history of the club is being printed and will be available soon.
PATRICK BOLLEN
Patrick Bollen has a great love of the ocean and yachting, a talent for painting, had a colourful career and has endured a rare cancer and come out the other side, not to mention his charity work and fundraising achievements.
Hi Patrick. Boating is a part of your life. Tell us how you got involved and your family’s history?
My father was at sea for much of his life having left school in Valkenburg, Holland to study at the Nautical College in Rotterdam at 15 years old. He commenced his merchant career on ships to the Dutch East Indies.
When the Japanese invaded Java he was on the SS Nellore which was torpedoed in the Indian Ocean. He spent 12 days in a lifeboat, saving many of his crew. He was picked up by a Canadian cruiser and transferred to Australia where he met my mother at the Canteen for Dutch Mariners in Sydney.
As a young lad I was destined to follow in his footsteps.
Your career has followed different paths – marketing, music, journalism and radio, and time on the water yourself! Can you tell us about your work life and career?
Leaving school in 1967 I had applied to BHP to join their mighty bulk ore carrier, Iron Hunter. Unfortunately, standing between me and a nautical career was a zealous bureaucrat.
In 1971 I worked in Sales at Qantas Airways before joining the Grundy Organisation, working on game shows Great Temptation, Price is Right and Gambit. I worked with TV personalities including Barry Crocker, Jimmy Hannan, John Williamson and Peter Hitchener.
I formed a three part vocal harmony group, we toured NSW performing in wine bars, pubs, clubs and the television circuit. This was great fun and we played to many large audiences.
I went Radio school and in 1975 I joined Radio 2BS, Bathurst, as an announcer. It was here that my love of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race began after the Station Manager at 2GB engaged my services to cover the great race.
Two years later I was head-hunted to take over Marketing and Sales Promotions at Roselands Shopping Centre. This entailed the creation of many wonderful Store and Centre promotions along with the motivation of a workforce numbering 1752.
One promotion titled ‘World Record Breakers’ called for three ‘In House’ models attempting to set a new world record for a Fashion Parade. I compered the event non-stop for 48 hours. By close of trade on Saturday at midday we had achieved our target. This promotion generated national and global publicity, and a very healthy bottom line. Covering the Hobart Race opened doors to the ocean racing. I met the owner of the third Ragamuffin, now called Mary Muffin. It was entered in the 2100 nautical mile Sydney to
My life has Suva Yacht Race. A dozen been a great yachts set course to the adventure. There tropics. We hoped for have been many smooth seas and sun, but wonderful journeys and experiences three hours in the breeze went to the north-east under leaden skies and and some awful life lumpy seas. Twelve days threatening later the wind went to challenges, however the west and we carried my best description a spinnaker the finish line is that it has been a ensuring line honours. kaleidoscope. Returning to Sydney I packed my seabag and Marantz broadcast quality recorder and jumped a flight to Honolulu to cover the Pan Am Clipper Cup Regatta. Tropical trade winds, crystal blue waters and rich, warm sunny skies on courses set off the world famous Waikiki Beach. Back in Sydney my weeks were filled with
yacht racing, project management and maintenance of rich boy’s toys.
A friend told me if I wanted to further my maxi yacht ocean racing career I should go overseas. So in 1982 I joined Condor of Bermuda in Hawaii, then to San Francisco and Los Angeles before a 7500nm non-stop delivery across the Pacific to compete in the Sydney to Hobart, a three day race with the closest line honours result by two ocean racing maxis. The 80 foot Condor of Bermuda beat Apollo by just 7 feet.
In Sydney, business was flourishing. In 1986 I covered Alan Bond’s defence of the America’s Cup in Perth. Work hard, play hard and drink hard – the greatest party ever. Since 1974 I have covered 45 Hobarts, 2 Pan Am Clipper Cups, the World Eighteen Footers, 2 America’s Cups, the 2017 event for Fox Sports and other events for radio, television and print media.
Can you tell us about your incredible charity work and fundraising?
In 1985 I created a fundraiser to assist research into cancer. Working with Arthur Byrne of B&D Roll A Door fame, we put together Sail for Cancer, a pioneering charity sailing event which, along with the Ride for Cancer, raised in excess of 10 million dollars by the early 2000’s.
You also helped start Friends of Sydney Harbour, what is the idea behind it and what do you hope it helps to achieve?
In 2012 with colleagues, John Molyneux and David Morris together, we founded Friends of Sydney Harbour off the back of the ill-fated O’Farrell government’s rubber stamping of a floating heliport on Sydney Harbour.
Following a huge public outcry FoSH was able to put a stop to this ill-conceived proposal. FoSH was established to protect and preserve the public spaces that surround our Harbour. This natural icon belongs to all Australians. It is not to be meddled with. Friends has become the protective voice of the harbour. Google ‘Friends of Sydney Harbour’ to learn more.
You have battled a very rare illness, which we are happy to hear you have recently been given the all-clear for! Can you tell us about it and how your health journey has influenced you?
As irony would have it, in 1996 I was struck down with the proverbial ‘Spanish Dancer’. Called LYMPHOMATOID GRANULOMATOSIS, an extremely rare T Cell blood disorder. Odds of contracting this equate to 1 in 12 million. I became a guinea pig at Royal North Shore Hospital in the hands of a young haematologist, Dr Luke Coyle. At the leading edge of Stem Cell cultivation and bone marrow transplant, my case is now medical history, however, over time several major complications ensued. On September 13 just gone, I celebrated my 26th birthday.
During my recovery I went back to school completing maritime studies as a Master Class IV. As Captain I have skippered many magnificent yachts and power vessels to 130 feet in both Australian and International waters.
I also worked with Sydney Cove Rotary and the Children’s Hospital.
My cancer has had an impact on my life. There have been ongoing ramifications following the invasive program I endured between 1996 and 2001. I remain today the only person on the planet to have beaten this disease.
You started doing some painting while you were dealing with your illness, how did creating art help you and what subjects and mediums are you drawn to?
One positive that enabled me to remain focused during my illness and recovery is my painting. Water colours mostly with a lean to the marine industry, namely yacht racing. I picked up my brushes in 2018 and even I was amazed by my productions. I have had many commissions with paintings hanging in boardrooms, lounge rooms and even restaurants. Bonny’s at Rainbow Beach is featuring some of my works. Google ‘Patrick Bollen maritime artist’.
What’s next for you now that you’re settling into life here on the Mid North Coast?
Queen’s Birthday Honours, 2020, I received an OAM for services to Community and to Sailing. My life has been a great adventure. There have been many wonderful journeys and experiences and some awful life threatening challenges, however my best description is that it has been a kaleidoscope. Moving to Lake Cathie adds another colourful fragment to my colourful canvas.
The Wedding Singer
The Players Theatre Inc. are bringing to the stage the Tony nominated musical, The Wedding Singer, based on the hit movie starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore.
The show is being directed by Hamish Keddie, who bought you the hit Queen musical We Will Rock You last year. It’s 1985, and rock star wannabe, Robbie Hart (played by Lachlan Fardy), is New Jersey’s favourite wedding singer. He’s the life of the party until his own fiancée, Linda (played by Shontelle Roberts) leaves him at the altar. Shot through the heart, Robbie makes every wedding as disastrous as his own. Enter Julia (played by Rachel Hughes), a winsome waitress who wins his affection. As luck would have it, Julia is about to be married to a Wall Street shark, Glen (played by Daniel Parlevliet), and, unless Robbie can pull off the performance of a decade, the girl of his dreams will be gone forever. The Wedding Singer features your favourite characters and a sparkling new soundtrack, with a few of your movie favourites too, that does for the 80’s what Hairspray did for the 60’s. This awesome music
The is brought to life
Wedding by a fabulous Singer features cast and amazing your favourite characters and a live band led by the talented Tim Parry.sparkling new soundtrack, with a few of your So bust out the fluoro and big hair and get movie favourites along to see an too... exciting piece of live theatre. Opening on the 28th October 2022 and running every Friday, Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 2pm until 20th November 2022, this is a show not to be missed. Tickets are available via playerstheatre.org. au, one hour prior to the show at The Players Theatre or via the Glasshouse Box Office. For group bookings email boxoffice@
playerstheatre.org.au
AT KENDALL SHOWGROUND SATURDAY 15TH OCTOBER 2022
8:00am - Ring Events & Show Jumping (all day), Australian Stock Horses Beef Cattle Judging (all day) Pavilion Exhibitions open (until 5:00pm) Trade Stalls & Displays operating (all day) Amusement Rides (all day) 8:30am - Beef Cattle Parading & Judging 9:00am - All Breeds Championship Dog Show Billabong Zoo - 1/2 hour demonstrations all day! Circus McCabe - roving entertainment each 1/2 hour! 9:30am - Hastings Auto Restorers vehicles on show Wauchope Truck & Machinery on show 10:00am - Live Music - ‘Camden Haven Concert Band’ 10:30am - Flair Action Sports Motorbike Show 11:00am - Horticultural demonstrations in Bob Boyd Pavilion (held at 11:00am, 12:00pm & 1:30pm) 12:00pm - Bar opens Live Music - ‘Black Magic Big Band’ - beside the Canteen Port Macquarie Dog Club All Breeds Championships
12:30pm
Flair Action Sports Motorbike Show
1:30pm
Live Music - ‘Flamingo’ - beside the Canteen Whip Cracking workshop
2:30pm
GRAND PARADE & OFFICIAL OPENING 3:00pm - Horse Sporting events - Flag, Bend & Barrel Races 3:30pm - Whip Cracking workshop Live Music - ‘Flamingo’ - beside the Canteen 4:00pm - Flair Action Sports Motorbike Show 5:00pm - Dog High Jump Challenge 5:30pm - Whip Cracking workshop 6:30pm - Live Music - ‘Autumn Blue’ - sessions until 10:00pm 7:00pm - Flair Action Sports Motorbike Show Whip Cracking Workshop 8:30pm - Walter Whip & the Flames Show in Main Ring 10:00pm - Bar closes & music off 8:00am - Ring Events & Show Jumping (all day) Pavilion Exhibitions open Trade Stalls & Displays open Amusement Rides open 8:30am - Poultry Show judging 9:00am - Port Macquarie Dog Club All Breeds Championships Billabong Zoo - 1/2 hour demonstrations all day! Circus McCabe - roving entertainment each 1/2 hour! 10:00am - WOODCHOP competition starts Live Music - ‘Flamingo’ - beside the Canteen 10:30am - Flair Action Sports Motorbike Show Whip Cracking workshop 11:00am - Horticultural demonstrations in Bob Boyd Pavilion (held at 11:00am, 12:00pm & 1:30pm) 12:00pm - Bar opens Live Music - ‘Blue Hype Big Band’ - beside the Canteen 12:30pm - Flair Action Sports Motorbike Show Heavy & Harness Horse competition starts 1:00pm - Billabong Zoo Show 1:30pm - Live Music - ‘Dinner with Milton Jazz Band’ 2:00pm - Epic Pet Show & Parade 2:30pm - Flair Action Sports Motorbike Show 3:00pm - Whip Cracking workshop 3:30pm - Live Music - ‘Flamingo’ - beside the Canteen 4:00pm - Flair Action Sports Motorbike Show 4:30pm - Walter Whip & the Flames Show in Main Ring 5:00pm - Bar closes & music off
SUNDAY 16TH OCTOBER 2022
COVER DISH SPECIAL DISH: CHICKEN IN A GARLIC AND MUSHROOM SAUCE THE GARDEN BAR AND KITCHEN FREDRICTON
