The Mother’s Day Classic is back. As proud sponsors of this vitally important event, HEM are going pink and getting active for May to raise money and awareness for breast cancer research.
EVERY DOLLAR RAISED GOES DIRECTLY TO CANCER RESEARCH
HEM are putting together a team to walk, run or hop around the Westport course on Mother’s Day and we would love your support.
SUNDAY.14.MAY.2023 • 7:00AM–11:00AM
WESTPORT PARK, PARK STREET, PORT MACQUARIE FREE LIMITED EDITION PINK HEM T-SHIRT IF YOU JOIN OUR TEAM!
ALL PROCEEDS go to Breast Cancer Research CONTACT naomi@hemproperty.com.au or to DONATE visit: motherdayclassic.com.au/donate
GRAND KYIV BALLET OF UKRAINE: FOREST SONG & DON QUIXOTE
Wednesday 10 & Thursday 11 May, 7.30pm
LES DIVAS: ALL-MALE REVUE
Saturday 20 May, 8.00pm
RUNNING IN THE SHADOWS OF FLEETWOOD MAC
Saturday 13 May, 8.00pm
KATIE NOONAN: JONI MITCHELL’S BLUE 50TH ANNIVERSARY
Thursday 18 May, 7.30pm
A NEW AUSTRALIAN PLAY
WILD THING!
Friday 12 May, 7.30pm
FOR BOOKINGS: 02 6581 8888 I glasshouse.org.au
Follow Glasshouse:
WORLD’S BEST AUTHORS LIVESTREAMED
GLASSHOUSE REGIONAL GALLERY
The Glasshouse Regional Gallery is temporarily closed due to being impacted by a storm.
For updated information please visit our website.
Please check socials for updates: glasshouse.portmacquarie glasshousepmq
SYDNEY WRITERS’ FESTIVAL
Thu 25, Fri 26, Sat 27 & Sun 28 May
21 x sessions
ROBERTSON BROTHERS: 1960’S VARIETY TV SHOW
Saturday 27 May 8pm & Sunday 28 May 2pm
AN AFTERNOON AT THE PROMSA MUSICAL SPECTACULAR
Saturday 3 June, 2pm
ICONIC, RELATABLE, HEART-WRENCHING, DRAMATIC PLAY
ARTHUR MILLER’S DEATH OF A SALESMAN
Friday 26 May, 11am & 7.30pm
GLASSHOUSE PORT MACQUARIE Corner Clarence & Hay Streets, Port Macquarie NSW 2444
I’d like to start by wishing all the mothers out there a very Happy Mothers Day especially our Mums here at FOCUS, Jenna, Emily, Louise, Daisy, Bev and of course Sarah who has just started maternity leave for baby number two. We hope you all have a very special day.
We have a wonderful Women’s Health beauty and Mothers Day feature inside this edition so make sure you check it out and support our local businesses when getting Mum that special gift.
On the cover;
What can I say about our cover model this month. Local lad Jake Hawke is not only ridiculously fit but he is the nicest young man who is very humble about everything he has achieved so far in his career and on
the sporting floor. A huge thank you to Jake for sharing with us this month all about his Crossfit journey and his achievments as a young entrepreneur. Just goes to show what hard work and commitment at any age can achieve.
Inside this issue;
Once again FOCUS is super proud to share and help promote the amazing Mothers Day Classic, read the incredible stories and inteviews starting on page 40.
ARTWALK is back for another year and we are excited to see what this year brings. After such a succesful 2022 we know this one will be even bigger.
Of course you can’t think of the month of May in our area without thinking about Slice of Haven. This event is our region’s premier food
contacts.
MANAGING EDITOR Jay Beaumont jay@focusmag.com.au
EDITION COORDINATOR & SALES MANAGER Annette Wannell annette@focusmag.com.au
and wine ferstival and we know that the 28th May will be a big day down in the Camden Haven. Be sure to head on down and check it out.
Last but not least a HUGE congratulations to this year’s Port Macquarie Business Awards finalists. A special shoutout to the finalists in Community & Social Services; All Disability Plan Management, Liberty Domestic & Family Violence Specialist Services, Lifeline Mid Coast & Linked Community Services. We are very proud to be the sponsor for this catergory and wish all finalists an amazing night. You all should be super proud, running a business isn’t easy and just getting up each day and doing your best is all that is needed. Have a great month of May and we will see you soon xx
ART DIRECTOR Dylan Gaul dylan@focusmag.com.au
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kyle Rathbone kyle@focusmag.com.au
PHOTOGRAPHY Gavin Moroney gavin@focusmag.com.au
ADDRESS 2/28 Fernhill Road, Port Macquarie
POSTAL PO Box 690, Port Macquarie
PHONE 0447 157 340 WEB www.focusmag.com.au IG focus.mag E info@focusmag.com.au
ADVERTISING SALES Sarah Baker sarahmay@focusmag.com.au
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTOR Daisy Moroney daisyfocusmag@gmail.com
CIRCULATIONS COORDINATOR Steve Foye steve@focusmag.com.au
COPY EDITOR Bev Mulcahy info@focusmag.com.au
Every Daughter Matters is the anti-trafficking arm of International Mission Ministries. IMM is an incorporated and registered not for profit charity. We speak to Ross Nancarrow, Founder/ Executive Director of Every Daughter Matters.
Russell Crowe's Indoor Garden Party is coming to the Glasshouse on 16/17th May and after the recent success of his shows in Coffs we know this is going to be big! We chat to him about his music and the local Arts Industry.
Larry Brook is a local legend,having volunteered his time coaching Nippers at Flynn’s Beach SLSC for 51 years now. Larry is also still competing himself, having recently brought home a gold at Country and a gold and silver at State.
HAND MADE
Port Macquarie Art and Craft Centre, the big blue building on Gordon Street/Lake Road roundabout is holding an open day and sale. There will be a sale of interesting locally hand made items, fine leather goods, exquisite pottery, handmade woodwork, unique artisan silver jewellery, handmade cards, fine art, knitted and handmade weaved pieces of perfection, and lapidary that rocks!
There will also be a selection of good quality woodworking tools for sale.
When Saturday 6th May 3pm Entry to this exciting event is free.
Bring a picnic rug and enjoy. Music, poetry, Wine and food amongst the vines. Fun for the whole family. Strictly no BYO.
When Sunday 14th May 10am-3pm
More info 6584 3792 events@douglasvale.com.au
MARINE BIO BLITZ
Port Macquarie Rotary Club - This event focuses on finding and identifying as many species as possible in a specific area over a short period of time. When 12th & 13th
May Where Shelly Beach 8am-5pm
More info Port Macquarie Rotary Club on 6584 7673
Tim Castro - One Agency Real Estate Port Macquarie & Wauchope. Featuring a large variety of trade stands and guest speakers who will share their knowledge and experience on property investment.
When Wed, 17 May 2023 6:00 PM
Where Rydges Port Macquarie 1 Hay Street Port Macquarie Contact One Agency Wauchope & Port Macquarie - 6585 2000
We have plenty of Reserved Seating available in our air-conditioned Ivan Livermore Stand, or there are limited tables in the outside bar or betting ring area. Enquiries or bookings please phone 02 6581 1964 or email
admin@portmacquarieraceclub.com.au
Entry: $7 Adult $5 Concession & Kids under 15 FREE Gates Open at 11:30am
Jake Hawes is a born and bred Port Macquarie guy and has a very diverse work life. From part cafe owner to Crossfit coach and now Laser Tattoo Removal Studio Jake chats to us about his career to date.
Hi Jake, you are a born and bred Port Macquarie guy, can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I was born here in Port Macquarie, but after travelling Australia when I was 3 with my parents we moved to Hervey Bay QLD when I was 5. We moved back here after 5 years and I have lived in Port ever since, this is home. I started my cafe skills at Purnos at Flynns beach, and surf coach for Soul Surfing while finishing my schooling. After finishing year 12, I worked in both the family cafe and a local bar. I tried a few jobs after that including mortgage broking whilst studying my Certificate 4 in Finance and Mortgage Broking. Once completing that I realized it wasn't for me and I was offered a job at Telstra, quickly realizing that also wasn't for me. I decided to travel to Europe for 3 months. Once back, I worked in the family café for a couple of months so I could save to travel South East Asia for 2 more months.
When I arrived back home, right as COVID lockdowns started, I was offered the
opportunity to buy half of the Bookface Café (the family café). With what money I had left after travelling, I got a business loan and purchased my half of the cafe. During COVID we stayed open and adapted to the restrictions. Throughout COVID, we had an opportunity to purchase 2 other collaborative cafes with Peak Coffee. We created a company that partnered Bookface Café and Peak Coffee, calling them Peakface's. We worked those cafes throughout COVID but have since decided that Peak would take on the Peakface Cafes and Mum and myself
Starting the end of 2022 and into 2023 I studied and trained in laser tattoo removal and bought a local tattoo removal business called The Ink Collective.
focus on Bookface Café. Starting the end of 2022 and into 2023 I studied and trained in Laser Tattoo Removal and bought a local Tattoo Removal business called The Ink Collective. Working out of a collaborative space "Goldiluxx” I work 3 days a week there treating the removal and fading of tattoos. In what time remains in the day you will usually find me at the gym (CrossFit 2444) either training or coaching.
I have completed my Level 1 Crossfit Coaching course and am currently studying Cert 3 and 4 in Fitness to further my education in the fitness industry.
Tell us a bit about growing up here. What do you love about working and living in Port Macquarie and what has kept you in the area?
Growing up in Port Macquarie has been amazing. A coastal town with heaps of opportunity if you look for it. Being a smaller town most people around the same age know each other which is also cool. It’s a fun community. Growing up here and working within multiple jobs and training at CrossFit 2444 since high school has allowed me to network and meet a lot of people which has helped me gain most of the opportunities that I have had.
You are a proud CrossFit member and trainer at CrossFit 2444, how did you get involved in this sport and why do you think Crossfit has become such a popular sport/training method?
I have never trained at a commercial gym. Since I was 16-17 I have trained at CrossFit 2444 and couldn’t see myself anywhere else. Without spending ages on selling the sport, it’s simply a community of people doing their best, day in day out to better themselves, not only in fitness but in life in general. Crossfit is a form of high intensity interval training combined with movements and actions that we perform in day to day life. There’s no
judgement within those 4 walls and everyone is there for the same reason.
To live a better life, whether that’s to lose weight, get strong, get fit, or simply meet people. Crossfit or any community similar changes lives. Simple.
years
to pass on the knowledge I’ve learnt over the years and help people reach their goals in a class setting. Once completing my Cert 4 I hope to help more in one on one personal training sessions.
Being a coach at 2444 for the past 1.5 years allows me to pass on the knowledge I’ve learnt over the years and help people reach their goals in a class setting. Once completing my Cert 4 I hope to help more in one on one personal training sessions.
You do a lot of the Crossfit comps and from what I have been told do extremely well. Tell us what is involved in a Crossfit comp from deciding to enter to comp day.
We have the yearly Crossfit Open in which worldwide entrants perform 3 workouts over 3 weeks. That challenge can be a personal goal or one among friends/family, within the gym or worldwide really. It gives you stats and compares your scores to everyone who
competed. Following that, is the quarter finals which is the top 10% for your region, ours being Oceania. I have qualified the past 3 years and competed in 2 as I fell sick for one. You then have 5 tests to complete over a weekend.
Following the open and quarters, I have competed in a lot of local comps as either pairs or teams.
Leading up to a comp there isn’t that much prep out of the ordinary. I train 6 days a week regardless. I may add extras and accessory programming which I get from another coach in the gym. A few days out we usually just focus on active recovery and mobilising. What are you currently training for and what does a typical comp lead up look like for you?
From this years Open we have a team of 4 qualify for the Pro Division at the Torian Pro in Brisbane. We placed 13th out of 100+ teams so that gained us a spot in the QLD competition.
Tell us about some of your recent results
Being a coach at 2444 for the past 1.5
allows me
for not only yourself but the team at CrossFit 2444.
I have qualified for 3 quarter finals over the years. As a trio team we were placed 3rd late last year at the Tri Fit games in Newcastle winning some prize money. As teams we have placed and qualified for multiple Torian Pro Championships along with a few local comps in Port.
You also own two businesses, which is a pretty amazing achievement. Tell us about them and what inspires you each day?
I am the sole owner of the Ink Collective, and 50/50 with Mum in Bookface Cafe. Bookface Café has been around a fair few years now with my family purchasing the cafe in May 2015. We are heading into our 8th year next month and it’s been a great business to own with amazing staff and customers. It’s helped me over the years meet new people and has given me opportunities that I wouldn’t have had not working there.
Purchasing The Ink Collective is only recent. I have studied and trained in Laser Tattoo Removal for a while and when I was given the opportunity to buy the business I jumped at it. People ask why tattoo removal? Well, I’m covered in them and I think it’s really cool that the technology these days, (that I now own), has the capabilities of safely removing something permanent. There has been plenty of laser machines in the past, and there are few locations that offer the same treatment but the quality of machines that I have and the knowledge I’ve learnt means I can safely remove tattoos without scarring. I also work with some of the local tattoo artists for lightening old tattoos which means they can change and do coverups easier.
Where does your passion come from when it comes to running and growing these businesses?
Seeing my family run a café for so many years and not really knowing what I wanted to do in life is what gave me the push to work for
myself. Finding ways to make money and get ahead in life, but also having a lifestyle where I can work smarter not harder and don’t have to ask for time off is the goal really. A happy work life balance is the main goal. What advice do you have for other young men and women who want to be an entrepreneur?
Look for opportunities. Meet as many people as you can, you never know what opportunities are around the corner. Take chances and surround yourself with people that are positive and want to see you succeed. Is there anyone that you look up to, and or would like to thank?
Obviously Mum, by offering me to purchase half of the Bookface Cafe company which has opened up the opportunities that it has.
Shane, the owner of CrossFit 2444 for welcoming me into the crossfit community and becoming part of the coaching team. And my partner Taylor (owner of the Brow Creative) who conveniently works next door within Goldiluxx and she supports me in everything I do.
Thanks Jake and congratulations on all your achievements so far. We look forward to hearing about your results from your next Crossfit comp.
Meet as many people as you can, you never know what opportunities are around the corner. Take chances and surround yourself with people that are positive and want to see you succeed.
Port Macquarie is going to light up this June long weekend! ArtWalk Port Macquarie, Main Event Friday 9 June 2023, 5pm-9pm. Satellite Events throughout the long week end.
2023 has seen a return to ‘life as we knew it’ and the pace has picked up. Be there to experience a welcome escape into a celebration of all things creative - ArtWalk!
‘Up in Lights’. Shining the spotlight on local creative talent, see the CBD transform with magical lighting, interactive art, musicians, dancers, artists, performers, digital installations and pockets of unexpected delight.
The winter evening will warm up with ‘Fever Dream’ - a show with Puppeteers from Curious Legends, making its debut at ArtWalk. ‘Fever Dream’ allows participants to become a part of a ‘Fever of Stingrays’. Light, colour and a unique soundscape combine into an unforgettable, interactive performance for family audiences.
Featuring 9 open-air precincts throughout the CBD and plenty of participating businesses, cafes, bars and restaurants. Rug up and venture into a gleaming wonderland of our creative talent and experience interactive experiences to inspire both the young and young at heart.
ArtWalk has a revitalised program this year. The main event unfurls around the Port
Macquarie CBD, encompassing Town Green, Clarence Street and Murray Street.
ArtBites Food Truck Central is an enticing new addition with so many options, or book a table at one of our incredible eateries in the CBD.
The amazing team behind last year’s hit ‘Tortuga’, Lucy and Gordo, will bring their unique flair to the Murray Street precinct, along with Leah Doeland and her yarn bombs weaving magic (see what we did there!).
Enjoy meandering through streets of art and entertainment, with CBD businesses continuing the tradition of hosting artists in their venues. Take some fun photos with the neon signs through town – and don’t forget to share them on your Insta – you might see them pop up in unexpected places! - or settle under the heaters in the Town Green ‘Chill Out Zone’ with live music and lighting installations to marvel at.
Port Macquarie Museum will be boasting free entry and an indoor digital exhibition ‘Living in the Seventies’ presenting Port Macquarie during the 1970s.
There are also some amazing Satellite Events showcasing local artists throughout the long weekend at Serotonin Lighthouse Beach, Brewhaven, The Parade North Haven, Belle Property and Dark Alley Collectables at William Street and more in the works!
Enjoy meandering through streets of art and entertainment, with CBD businesses continuing the tradition of hosting artists in their venues.
This now eagerly anticipated annual event is free, family friendly and fabulous.
ArtWalk will lead into a delectable weekend for Port Macquarie with Sip N Savour kicking off Friday 9 June at Westport Park and carrying through the long weekend. Be sure to check out the ArtWalk website for all the latest updates artwalkpmq.com.au
ArtWalk is brought to you by Port MacquarieHastings Council, with support from our local creative community.
• ArtBites Food Truck Central with an array of delicious bites on Town Green.
• Murray Street brought to life by the awesome team behind ‘Tortuga’ - Lucy & Gordo.
• Artistans Market, Town Square
• Live street art.
• Town Green Fig Tree Light Installation and Chill Out Zone.
• Live musicians at Town Green West, Clarence Street and Murray Street.
• Digital installations onto the Historic Courthouse including a new work!
• Bite size, stand out performances by GotYaBack
Productions at Port Macquarie Museum.
• The return of ArtWalk favourite John Thiering - Sand Artist at Clarence House.
• Pop up galleries in shop fronts.
• Curious Legends incredible show ‘Fever Dream’ including interactive puppets for kids and kids at heart!
• Kids art activities via The Seed Creative and Alice in Paperland and more.
• Live performances including theatre, dance, choirs, art demonstrations, poetry and so much more!
Browse local creations in Town Square at the Artisan Market and participate in kids art activities, then refuel with a bite at ArtBites Food Truck Central, showcasing a spectrum of edible delights, or book a table at one of our incredible CBD eateries and settle in amongst the action. Venture to Town Green and discover the ‘Fever Dream’ show by Curious Legends and their impressive giant puppets. Join in by creating your own Stingray to be a part of the Fever.
Town Green West features a chill out zone and games for the kids. Find a deck chair and settle under the heaters with live music, entertainment and lighting installations to marvel at, including Port Macquarie’s beloved fig tree.
Murray Street will come alive with street entertainment programmed by ‘Tortuga Festival’ masterminds Gordo Gamsby and Lucy Gamsby Frost.
Murray Street will come alive with street entertainment programmed by ‘Tortuga Festival’ masterminds Gordo Gamsby and Lucy Gamsby Frost.
On the Courthouse grounds look out for a new projection to be featured at ArtWalk.
Town Green East features Art & Light installations and a pop-up art gallery. Lady Nelson Wharf will up the tempo with The Rhythm Realm; become part of the performance and join in with Kaya Boom. Enjoy the choir performances on the water.
Clarence House will be beaming with the Char Bar food truck and ArtWalk favourite, Sand Artist John Thiering and some awesome live tunes.
Clarence Street will showcase on stage performances from local schools and creative performers. Keep a look out for the ‘Up in Lights’ Dachshunds!
Exhibitions will feature in many local businesses throughout the ArtWalk footprint, along with art installations to discover and roving performers.
Every Daughter Matters is the anti-trafficking arm of International Mission Ministries. IMM is an incorporated and registered ‘not for profit charity’ registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission, a member of Crosslink Christian Network Australia and an associate member of Mission Interlink Australia. We speak to Ross Nancarrow Founder / Executive Director of Every Daughter Matters
Please introduce yourself and tell our readers about your background in the not-for-profit sector?
Hi, I’m Ross, I’m the founder of Every Daughter Matters (EDM).
I’ve worked in the not-for-profit sector for almost 40 years, mostly around community development for disadvantaged communities. I’ve been involved in facilitating exposure teams to understand culture and unique needs in remote communities in several Asian and southern Asian countries. In recent years I have focused almost exclusively on Nepal while living in Port Macquarie.
Ross, you are the Executive Director of Every Daughter Matters? Can you tell us about this organisation and how it all came about?
EDM is an Australian not-forprofit charity working ‘on the border’ between India and Nepal intercepting or rescuing Nepali women and girls as they are being trafficked into India.
After working in Nepal for several years we came to a point where we could no longer stand on the sidelines as 20,000 women and girls are being sold into organ, sex and forced labour trafficking which demoralises and destroys lives.
I’ve been involved in facilitating exposure teams to understand culture and unique needs in remote communities in several Asian and southern Asian countries.
We realised that our cultural experience base perfectly positioned us to partner with
Aashish Social Service Nepal (ASSN) to make a huge difference to thousands of girls. We focus on interception as the most powerful weapon in the fight against human trafficking because it effects a rescue BEFORE a girl’s life is changed forever.
You travel to Nepal twice a year, tell us what you do while you are over there and who do you take with you?
EDM teams travel to Nepal to meet with our anti-trafficking partners. We visit our Border Surveillance Booths and Safe Houses to assess all aspects of the work for project management, compliance, and strategic planning.
Often, we attend community awareness events, including Nepal National Anti-Human Trafficking Day and International Women’s Day. We regularly connect with local law enforcement agencies who work with ASSN in bringing traffickers to justice.
Visits to our Safe Houses are especially poignant, as we have the privilege of spending time with the young women who have been intercepted at the border and are undertaking the vocational and selfdevelopment training, we provide. These priceless interactions affirm why we do what we do.
We sometimes take committed supporters to see the work first-hand and equip them to be even more effective advocates for EDM. On our recent trip Kim and Lory Suitor joined
us, representing Pycon Homes. They are amazing women and Pycon have been huge supporters of our work.
You partner with Aashish Social Service Nepal, can you tell our readers a bit about who they are and what it is you do with them?
ASSN is a registered Nepali not-for-profit organisation that has worked in the antitrafficking space since 2006. Prior to us partnering with ASSN, it was limited in it’s capacity. It had one Border Surveillance Booth, with rescued girls being cared for at a family home. Together, we have established seven Border Booths with Emergency Shelters and two Safe Homes, with a local staff of thirty.
EDM’s primary role is to raise awareness of human trafficking in Australia and to fundraise for ASSN on the border front line. While we collaborate on every aspect of the work, we recognise the importance of equipping
and empowering Nepalis to run the day-to-day operations from an Indigenous perspective. Can you tell us about some of the human trafficking facts that our readers may not be aware of?
Human trafficking in Nepal is unique for several reasons. Most trafficking occurs when traffickers lure vulnerable or naive women and girls across the border with false promises of education, well paid work, or a ‘love marriage’. What woman does not have dreams of education, quality work or love – but once across the border, only 2% of women trafficked into India are ever rescued. Having a mild disposition, poverty, low education and cultural practices around the caste system and marriage make Nepali women and girls particularly vulnerable. Traffickers, commonly female are more readily trusted by other women. Victims view the trafficker as a sister figure and their trust is easily won as their vulnerability is easily manipulated.
Continued over....
While we collaborate on every aspect of the work, we recognise the importance of equipping and empowering Nepalis to run the dayto-day operations from an Indigenous perspective.
How do you as an organisation fund the work you do?
EDM relies solely on the generous donations of like-minded individuals, community groups, churches, and businesses to fund the work we do. Donations are tax-deductible.
People can make a one-off donation or commit to an ongoing sponsorship of our ‘front line’ workers. Our website has all the details – click the QR code.
We welcome the opportunity to speak to community groups and businesses about partnering with EDM to maximise their impact in the fight against human trafficking. How can our readers jump on board and help?
We need an army of people standing with us to stop this evil.
Sponsor a counsellor, support our emergency shelters or provide for a rescued girl to undertake skills training – every gift changes lives! For as little as $30 per month you can give hope to a daughter of Nepal. Click the QR code to go to our website for details. Organise a fundraiser - by doing so, you’ll not only raise much-needed funds but also spread awareness and help build a community of supporters. See how on our website.
Readers can also check out our great
merchandise, including t-shirts, tote bags, and drink bottles that not only look great but also help spread awareness of our cause.
the work we do.
We also have an Ambassador Programme for those who want to get on board as an official advocate for EDM. Human Trafficking is such a difficult subject ‘What is the good news’? Interception works! We exist to prevent damage before individuals are brutalised, before their organs are sold or before they are sold to brothels and raped. By intercepting and educating the vulnerable, we see lives transformed and young women empowered to live free and carry what they have learned back to their communities.
Interception, education, and empowerment is seeing women once disadvantaged take spaces of leadership within their communities. We are seeing the young women who needed rescuing, now working in our booths. The rescued have become the
rescuers.
As our reach grows, so does our net across the border. In 2022, we rescued 1621 individuals, handed 288 cases to the Police for investigation and prosecution and safely reunited 355 young women with their families. 9778 vulnerable people were educated to empower them to not fall victim. Every Daughter Matters is now intercepting close to 200 women and girls every single month! In 2023 our reach is on track to more than double with the activation of more surveillance / interception booths to intercept girls at that very last moment before they are lost.
Thanks Ross.
EDM relies solely on the generous donations of likeminded individuals, community groups, churches, and businesses to fund
Hi Kim, you recently went to Nepal with your daughter and the Every Daughter Matters Group? Tell us what was behind the decision to head over?
Over the past few years I’ve had many conversations with Ross about joining them on a trip to Nepal. Trafficking wasn’t something that had really crossed my path until I met Ross. Hearing the passion and love for the people and the work they do, I wanted to be part of that.
Can you tell us about your experience?
It was the most amazing experience of my life. Completely life changing in so many ways. To hear about these issues is one thing but actually physically being in the space hearing and seeing for yourself. Honestly most of the time I was speechless. We travelled to some very remote areas of Nepal. Travelling along the Nepal/Indian border visiting some the trafficking booths that EDM have placed along those borders to intercept and also educate young women of these dangers. The level of poverty was something that really struck me hard. You can understand why these young women want to believe they have been given a chance for a better life or opportunity, but unfortunately, that’s never the case. To find out that 13 years old is the
prime age for a young girl to be trafficked for sex, just broke me! Young women are sold everyday! Never to be seen again. Most of the time it’s a family member who has sold them a mother, auntie or uncle! Just unbelievable.
young women we met of the trip were just so beautiful, so welcoming and so giving. Spending time with them, hearing their stories, sharing laughter and tears.
EDM has emergency shelters and safe houses for these young women. For those who cannot be reunited with family, they have opportunity, safety and love in these homes. By giving the girls opportunities for education, life skills and learning a trade. Building these girls from the inside out - self worth, self love!
The amazing work that EDM does to save these girls from a life of hell, is truly inspirational.
The people of Nepal welcomed us into their homes like family. Being Aussie and blonde is not something that they see very often, so we felt like celebrities at times.
I didn’t really have any expectations heading to Nepal. Not sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing? The reality was overwhelming. The enormity of human trafficking consumed me! The girls we met in the Safe Houses were the
same age as my daughter. It was really hard as a mum of a 17 year old young girl, not to let that affect me. Knowing that what I spend on coffee each week could change a young girls life for EVER! I’m still struggling with that! There were lots and lots of tears. What was the biggest lesson that you took away from your experience?
Every experience in life comes with a lesson. Sometimes we don’t always know straight away what that is?
The young women we met on the trip were just so beautiful, so welcoming and so giving. Spending time with them, hearing their stories, sharing laughter and tears. It taught me that if these girls can grow from what they have been through in their short lives, then I still have a lot to learn.
What would you say to other people or even businesses who may like to get behind and support this?
Please reach out to the amazing team at Every Daughter Matters. Every little bit helps towards making a difference. We need your support.
everydaughtermatters.org.au
Thanks Kim.
The
Slice of Haven, THE REGION’S PREMIER FOOD AND WINE
FESTIVAL will again offer locals and visitors to the area the opportunity to experience the gourmet flavours of the Camden Haven food bowl on Sunday, May 28th, 2023.
With all that’s going on in the world, don’t you need a little time to chill and have a little peace?
At Slice of Haven 2023 food, wine, and beverage festival, it’s all about world peace, well, piece…a piece of gourmet French cheese, German kransky, Indian samosa and more. Discover the world of amazing food and beverages made from local produce by local businesses at this year’s festival on the Camden Haven River foreshore in Laurieton.
“We welcome local restaurants, chefs, cooks, brewers, winemakers, cheese makers, roasters, food providores and food lovers to join us on May 28, 10am-4pm to serve gourmet flavours from around the
world with a backdrop of live local music,” said event chair Robert Dwyer. “The community is welcome to come, kick back, relax and indulge in this always amazing day.”
As always, Slice of Haven is a celebration of homegrown talent and gourmet food brought to the community by the Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce volunteers. Keep up to date with the latest info by following @SliceEvents on Facebook.
Slice of Haven is on Sunday, May 28th, 10am to 4pm
@SliceEvents
@Slice.of.Haven
sliceofhaven.com.au
Hi Jesse. Thanks so much for speaking with FOCUS. Firstly, can you tell us a little about yourself and your experience as a photographer?
Hey, thanks for having me. I’ve grown up in the Port Macquarie area and have been in and
out, travelling around up and down the coast since leaving school back in 2016. I’ve tried many things over the years from restaurant work to getting a University Bachelor’s Degree in Video Game Development. While doing that, as a hobby I was doing photography and eventually was given a chance to do that for work and have now settled as a photographer with the Army for the last couple of years.
The opportunities that have come with that have created some really great experiences although there’s a big grind that comes with it as well. With all that, I still like to get out and work with others on the side doing some smaller jobs and am always searching for fun moments to capture which photography supplies plenty of.
When did you first develop a love for the art form and what is it you enjoy most about the craft?
I’ve always considered myself a creative person. Originally getting into making digital art and developing video games, however I discovered that sitting behind a computer all day wasn’t what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. The whole reason I got into photography was to get out and explore. I love hiking, surfing and sports and to be able to capture the moments I have while doing what I love makes those moments live forever in a sense.
I love capturing nature, predominantly taking pictures of landscapes of the places I visit, though I try my best not to limit myself. I have been enjoying doing some more portrait photography, capturing people in their element, then sharing that with them and seeing their reaction to it. The cool thing with photography is that there’s always something new to shoot.
What type of equipment do you predominantly use?
I like to keep my equipment simple, I’ve got my Nikon D3500 camera and I love just chucking a 70-200mm on and just going around with that as I feel this is the best lens for all situations, no matter what you’re doing. Also hiding in my camera bag, I keep a Mavic Drone for some aerial work as I love to do topdown shots and a GoPro for some action/ water-based stuff when I get into the surf. That’s basically it! Moving around a lot, I found that travelling light works best switching in and out anything as required. All this fits into a small backpack and if you ever see me out, you bet you’ll see me carrying this around.
Originally getting into making digital art and developing video games, however I discovered that sitting behind a computer all day wasn’t what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
Where do you draw your inspiration?
Inspiration for me comes from many places, whether that being visiting cool and crazy locations, seeing what other people are creating (some personal favourites being photographers Aaron Brimhall and Shortstache) and even from movies and TV shows that I watch. My most recent example would be while I was doing some work at the Avalon Airshow, the Top Gun movie was very influential in many of the shots I captured. It’s always fun to try and recreate some things but just putting your own twist or style on it. One of the great things about photography is that it gives you a different perspective on how to look at things. Looking around you’ll be like “that’s good lighting on that” or “I like the angle of that thing from here” and usually that gives me some inspiration as well to shoot. It’s a weird thing to think about but it has happened a lot since I’ve started photography.
How do you see your photographic skills developing and what is on the horizon for you for the year ahead?
Most of my work is trial and error so I learn something every time I pick up a camera. However, moving forward, I would like to develop a more diverse portfolio. I’m naturally drawn to landscape photography, but I want to branch out and do more portrait work. Making new connections and working with new people should hopefully achieve this moving forward. As for what is on the horizon for me, I’m going to be busy.
The next few months, I’ll be travelling for work around Australia then at the end of the year a planned trip to go to Vietnam which should hold plenty of photography opportunities. Then a splattering number of other things inbetween to tie it all together. It should be fun.
One of the great things about photography is that it gives you a different perspective on how to look at things.
I’m naturally drawn to landscape photography, but I want to branch out and do more portrait work.
Away from the camera where would we find you spending your own time?
Being from Port Macquarie, I’m naturally drawn to the surf. You can’t beat a day at the beach. Outside of that I’m a massive sports nut. Rugby League, Basketball, MMA, anything sports related, I’m a fan and I love to play. Last year I was lucky enough to play some Touch Football at a high level being picked in the Australian Defence Force Squad and look to continue that this year so I will be training hard for that when I’m not on the clock. Overall, all this mixed in with work and a social life, means I have a busy lifestyle with something always going on, however I would get bored pretty quick if I wasn’t.
What have been some of your highlights of your work looking back?
I can’t go past the countless number of trips with friends I have been on around the globe. Early mornings, getting up and going out to new locations just doesn’t get old. In terms of specific highlights, recently getting to travel down to the Avalon Airshow in Melbourne and getting to photograph stunt pilots from around the world and get behind the scenes access to the event. I felt very lucky to be invited to do that.
Through my work with the army, I have also had some pretty cool experiences there. Working with different units, capturing photos on training exercises and events such as at the end of last year, photographing the Australian Defence Touch Football Nationals competition on the Gold Coast. So I am hoping for more of these opportunities going forward.
For people wanting to find out more about your work, how can they best connect with you?
People who are keen to get in touch or follow my work these are the best places to go. Feel free to contact me whenever, I’m happy to chat.
jplinards.myportfolio.com
@JLinards
jplinards@gmail.com
Thanks Jesse. Interview: Sarah Baker.
Saltwater Freshwater Festival returns in 2023 after an incredible relaunch event last year in the Nambucca Valley.
The 2023 Festival will be held on Saturday 3rd of June on Biripi Country at the Westport Park in Port Macquarie from 10am to 4pm.
For the second year running, the Festival will be held during Reconciliation Week with the theme Culture. Connection. Community., in clear alignment with our Festival’s focus of positive reconciliation through active participation.
Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance and our Board of Directors have been committed to this date as a way to celebrate and share authentic Aboriginal living culture with the wider community. Our Festival has delivered incredible outcomes to our communities and we are
proud of this inclusive celebratory event. This year the Festival welcomes prolific recording artist and ‘one of Australia’s most exciting singer/songwriters’ Mo’Ju as the headline act, with a deadly lineup of artists on our main stage including Gumbaynggirr rapper Tasman Keith, mesmerising singer/songwriter Kutcha Edwards and the 2023 Star Maker Winner Loren Ryan.
Other festival highlights include:
• Cultural workshops
• Yarn Tent
• Aboriginal arts and craft stalls
• Food markets
Saltwater Freshwater has been fortunate to receive funding for this Festival from the NSW Government and Port Macquarie Hastings
Council. We are working diligently to secure additional sponsors who are vital to ensure that we can deliver another exciting event in 2023. Further updates will be announced over the coming months through our social media channels and our newly redesigned and updated website at saltwaterfreshwater.com.au.
The Official Festival Artwork
The Official Saltwater Freshwater Fishing Dolphins by Birpai artist Corina Latimore
The artwork depicts Dolphins hunting for fish in the river, Inspired by Totem the Dolphin, which can often be seen in the local river chasing fish for a feed.
SUNDAY 14 MAY 2023
WESTPORT PARK, PORT MACQUARIE
FROM 7.00AM - 11.00AM
5KM RUN AND 5KM WALK
MOTHERSDAYCLASSIC.COM.AU
• REGISTER to run or walk
• Get a TEAM together for your School, Business, Community Group, Family, Friends
• FUNDRAISE for research
DONATE | FUNDRAISE | WALK | RUN get involved
• VOLUNTEER: get in touch with organisers
• DONATE GOODS OR SERVICES: for the event’s fundraising raffle!
One in seven Australian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. And, one in 600 Australian men.
facebook.com/port.mdc
57 Australians are diagnosed with breast cancer every day.
Sadly 3,000 Australians will lose their life this year alone.
Funds raised for the National Breast Cancer Foundation’s research projects contribute to life-saving research into early prevention and detection, better patient treatment options, and improved outcomes.
One in seven Australian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. That’s our mothers, daughters, grandmothers, aunts, friends and work colleagues.
On Sunday 14 May, tens of thousands of people across the country will come together at one of more than 70 events for the Mother’s Day Classic to raise awareness of, and funds for, breast cancer research.
The Port Macquarie event, now in its 9th year has become one of the mainstays of the town, hosted by local volunteer event managers with a handful of volunteers who help out on the day. The event is supported by many local businesses including Major Event Partner HEM Property, and supporting partners The Westport Club, Sovereign Hills Port Macquarie and Growers Market.
The annual 5km Fun Run and Walk starts
at Westport Park and takes in our fabulous foreshore walk along the Hastings River, to Town Beach and return. The sea of pink walkers and runners range in age from the very young, through to the older members of our community – women, men and kids, mums and dads, friends, workmates, and extended family.
It’s not just women who get breast cancer. One in 600 Australian men will be diagnosed in their lifetime also. In fact, in Australia, 57 people are diagnosed with the disease every single day.
Funds raised through the event are donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation’s
research projects into early detection, better treatment options, and improved outcomes for those diagnosed with breast cancer. Plus, the Port Macquarie event organisers host additional fundraising initiatives that support the Mid North Coast Cancer Institute at Port Macquarie Base Hospital, providing benefit to many cancer patients and their families from our very own community.
Registrations are open and organisers are encouraging people to be quick and register online in advance to take advantage of the registration savings and also alleviate standing in queues on the day.
Earlier this year, event organisers visited the Mid North Coast Cancer Institute (MNCCI) to view the results of their most recent contribution to support patient well-being.
The MDC’s annual event primarily raises funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation’s (NBCF) lifesaving breast cancer research. Each year in Port Macquarie, local volunteer organisers also join with representatives of Port Macquarie Pink Girls breast cancer support group to raise funds to contribute to the local cancer clinic.
Carmen Abi-Saab, MDC event organiser and Tracy Stone from the Pink Girls, met with Breast Care Nurse, Jo Woodlands who showed the ‘Go Pink’ crew, a piece of equipment they helped fund through their 2022 event’s fundraising initiatives.
The PAXMAN scalp cooling system helps to minimise hair loss during chemotherapy. The funds raised through the sales of raffle
tickets and pink merchandise at the 2022 Port Macquarie MDC enabled the volunteer group to assist the Cancer Institute in the purchase of an additional silicone cap attachment for the cooling machine.
The cap is placed on a patient’s head during chemotherapy is gradually cooled as it fills with a gel coolant. The scalp cooling system works by chilling the scalp and reducing blood flow to the scalp to prevent chemotherapy from getting to the hair follicles. It means the hair is less likely to be damaged and fall out during treatment.
The GO PINK crew is a collaboration between MDC event organisers Kylie and Carmen,
alongside Tracy and Magalie from the Pink Girls. They sell a range of merchandise – tutus, wigs, headbands, bracelets, earrings, flowers and run a raffle to drive their fundraising. All funds raised through proceeds of sales is shared equally between the MDC’s fundraising goals for the NBCF, as well as the Mid North Coast Cancer Institute to fund items to support local cancer patient wellbeing.
Photo: MDC event organiser, Carmen Abi-Saab with Tracy Stone from Port Macquarie Pink Girls with Breast Care Nursing Specialist, Joanne Woodlands from the Mid North Coast Cancer Institute.
HEM Property are once again very proud to be the major partner in the local Mother’s Day Classic. What an amazing event this is Australia wide, raising funds for the much-needed research into breast cancer research.
This year, the second Sunday in May will see Westport Park flooded in masses of colour and we absolutely love seeing the HEM Team come together with their family and friends, to celebrate Mother’s Day with the wider community, whilst supporting this great cause raising funds for the event.
At HEM, we are passionate about being a part of this annual event and each year, we give everyone who registers with our team a special pink edition HEM shirt to encourage as many people to participate as possible. If you would like to join us, it’s not too late! Just email us at naomi@hemproperty.com.au to register your interest.
All of us know or have been directly affected by breast cancer and at HEM we feel fortunate that we have been given the opportunity to partner with other local businesses to make the Port Macquarie MDC Event so successful. At
HEM, we have a strong community focus and love being able to give back through events such as this. We look forward to walking and running on Mother’s Day with the Port Macquarie community to support this wonderful event. What it means to us, is the importance of all coming together to raise awareness of what can be done to continue the fight to find a cure for this terrible cancer that continues to take the lives of those that are dear to our hearts. It is a great event to be a part of, so again, we encourage everyone to jump on board and get active to raise money for cancer research.
As major sponsors for this incredible event, HEM Property would love you to join us on Mother’s day, Sunday 14th May, helping us raise awareness and much needed funds to bring an end to breast cancer. With 1 in 7 women diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, this terrible disease will touch all of our lives in some way. Every dollar raised by the Mother’s Day Classic will be used to fight breast cancer and to provide hope to those diagnosed and future for generations to come.
So, PLEASE JOIN US or donate, by heading to: www.mothersdayclassic.com.au
Jessica Fussell felt a lump in her breast, and went straight to her GP. She knew “this one felt different”. She had experienced the odd cyst emerge previously, but this lump did not feel the same.
In her 30s at the time, Jessica was ‘too young’ for a mammogram, so her GP sent her straight off for an ultrasound. While available for ‘younger’ age groups, the breast density in those over 50 is lower and small cancers are easier to see on a mammogram – that’s why mammograms are more commonly used for older age groups.
Jessica knew more was about to unfold as her doctor contacted her not long after her initial ultrasound to book in a mammogram, another ultrasound and a core biopsy. It
all happened so fast, Jessica was still comprehending what was happening. In August 2019, Jessica was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer.
“Finding out I had breast cancer was heartbreaking for all of us,” she says. “We knew it wasn’t going to be a good appointment. But even if you’ve considered that it was probably not going to be great news, there is still nothing that can prepare you to actually hear that coming out of your doctor’s mouth.”
Initially the cancer was localised in her breasts, which meant that surgery just required her to have her central nodes removed. It was subsequently found that it had spread to her lymph node. In 2021, Jessica was again delivered news that it had spread
further and she had metastatic cancer in her lungs. The news was disheartening but she remained optimistic. From initial diagnosis and throughout, Jessica underwent a gruelling period of chemotherapy, several significant surgeries, immunotherapy and radiation treatment.
Jessica acknowledges the experience was hard for her children noticing the different in her appearance as she underwent chemo. She made it her job to gather people into her support system – family, nursing staff, her GP and broader community. Being a part of the Port Macquarie Mother’s Day Classic (MDC) event as an Ambassador is important for Jessica.
“I want to do my bit to raise awareness, and
be part of an inclusive community that has a broad range of understanding and empathy for those of us going through this,” said Jessica. Her extended family and friends have been participating over the last few years as the “Thrivers” team.
“All the research into new treatment options helps people like me; the people that didn’t have the desired results to treatment that is already available, and those banking on amazing and passionate medical teams to come up with new options.”
“Walking with other women, other supporters and people that have lost people to cancer — I can’t explain the vibe that comes with that. And then on top of that, they’re raising money to fund cancer research and every little bit of
research that goes into it can increase survival rates and all of those kinds of things.”
Local MDC volunteer event organiser, Kylie Bulmer says “We’re really grateful for people like Jessica, who get involved in our local event as an Ambassador.” It’s a powerful thing that they are doing for their community; sharing their very personal and life-changing experience, so that others can benefit through greater awareness of breast cancer, early diagnosis, and improved funding for research.”
This is the 9th year that Kylie has been hosting the event in Port Macquarie after initially seeing an advert in a magazine seeking expressions of interest to host an event in regional areas.
Kylie has since been joined by fellow volunteer event organiser Carmen Abi-Saab, and together they work behind the scenes to source financial sponsors and in-kind service partners, plan and execute all operational aspects in the lead up to the event and on-the-day, as well as recruit a small team of volunteers to help the event day run smoothly for the community.
I want to do my bit to raise awareness, and be part of an inclusive community that has a broad range of understanding and empathy for those of us going through this
What is Koala Smart?
Koala Smart is a free curriculum aligned web based resource for primary and secondary teachers! It began in 2019 as a project of the Port Macquarie-Tacking Point Lions Club and has now grown to become a stand alone company (Wildlife Smart Ltd). Educators are encouraged to utilise Koala Smart to empower young people to address the national crisis of koala decline and ensure koala habitat survives for generations to come. Your child’s school can be Koala Smart too. Please ask your teachers to register, because together we can make a difference! Registration is simple, just head to koalasmart.org.au or email info@ koalasmart.org.au
Can you imagine Australia without koalas? The Mid North Coast without koalas? If habitat continues being destroyed, koalas (and other creatures!) will not be part of our grandchildren’s lives.
Koala Smart is an idea which has evolved into a multi-faceted tool to educate, inspire and motivate people of all ages to find a way to think about and support change which will protect koalas and koala habitat for generations to come.
How is Koala Smart funded?
As a component of the NSW Koala Strategy, Koala Smart receives the bulk of its funding from the DPE (Department of Planning and Environment) and continues to develop in collaboration with NSW Koala
Strategy personnel who recognise that education is an essential element for the survival of the species.
Why is Koala Smart important?
Can you imagine Australia without koalas? The Mid North Coast without koalas? If habitat continues being destroyed, koalas (and other creatures!) will not be part of our grandchildren’s lives. Therefore, conservation
through education is essential. NSW schools can inspire, motivate and embrace change through the youngest in our communities. Families and communities around these schools will get involved too and create a population that is more aware and engaged in protecting koalas. Plus Koala Smart lessons don’t end in the classroom. Teachers are encouraged and assisted to further develop classroom concepts into real-world projects; such as seed propagation projects, community education and road safety campaigns. Teachers seem so busy, would this add to their workload?
Not at all! Programming is done for them and it should facilitate teaching. Koala Smart's curriculum has free lesson plans, numerous resources and ideas to apply in the classroom. The content also makes reporting easier as it clearly states which parts of the NSW syllabus each lesson is referring to. Koala Smart addresses Geography, English, History, STEM and so many other subjects. Experts in conservation and other relevant fields are
on stand-by for teachers who would like a speaker to add value to their lessons. Just register and let us know how we can help.
Port Macquarie is hosting a National Koala Conference in May. Can you tell us more about it?
On the 26-28 May, Koala Conservation Australia is hosting the third National Koala Conference at Panthers. There will be a variety of experts and speakers from private and public sectors. Everyone is welcome. For tickets: https:// www.eventbrite.com. au/e/3rd-nationalkoala-conferencetickets-522191628217
Not-for-profit organisations often seek support from communities. Is that the case for Koala Smart too? And how can someone get involved?
Yes, Koala Smart invites people interested in conservation through education to get
involved. There will be volunteering positions opening up in the next few months. We need guest speakers, classroom helpers and people to assist with school projects such as tree planting. If you have a skill you would like to share, please contact us by email on info@koalasmart.org.au
Not all readers are teachers or parents, but would love to see more schools addressing the issue and signing up to Koala Smart, how can they help?
Koala Smart is a small organisation with a huge dream! Ideally, all schools in NSW will be actively involved in conservation. Word of mouth is an essential part of any organisation. If you can share, talk, show and discuss with teachers, parents, grandparents and friends you will be ensuring that everyone knows about Koala Smart and can register to gain its benefits. After all, it is a valuable free resource! We love hearing about childrens (and adults) projects in koala conservation so stay connected and share what you do on:-
koalasmart.org.au and @koalasmart.au
Families and communities around these schools will get involved too and create a population that is more aware and engaged in protecting koalas.
Oven Baked Dory Fillet with Korean ssamjang glaze, accompanied with oven masked mushrooms, Asian greens on a carrot and ginger broth, finished with a parsley & chive oil from Drift Port City Bowling Club
You may or may not feel worthy to enter such an establishment, the styling factor has been turned up so high you can barely believe your eyes.
All of a sudden your carefully chosen outfit feels grubby and deeply unfashionable. Nevertheless you take a deep breath, square your shoulders and walk right in past all the shiny, hip and trendy clientele and seat yourself down in some kind of artfully distressed leather chair and cast your eyes around the room.
There’s a certain scene built to house the up-to-the-minute folks. Bars, restaurants and cafes crop up as frequently in trendy urban areas as they disappear.
All manner of design themes are to be explored – from your grandma’s quaint tea salon to Bangkok night market, to grand Parisian bistro…
You name it, there’s no stone left unturned when it comes to the whimsical immersion of any given room to the boundless imaginations of owners, stylists et al.
As we are all too aware, the importance of great ambience in a venue is on par with the other more obvious elements of a dining experience – namely food, drink and service. Some places clearly nail it, the vibe is just right – welcoming, not overwhelming, not too contrived or pretentious. Not too loud, or too soft, the lighting is appropriate, the seats are comfy and very importantly, but often overlooked, the acoustics of the room are great. As in you can actually hear yourself think and communicate effectively with your dining companions. Perhaps showing my age here, but when the din of the room is all consuming, it is exhausting and stressful trying to keep up the façade of a flowing conversation).
Also paramount, the feel of the place has a connection to the type of food being served, the music playing is appropriate to the venue. French bistro playing death metal? Hmm, it’s probably a thing in a hip Parisian backstreet somewhere, but it really doesn’t fly in regional NSW or anywhere in Oz for that matter. Ok, so not everywhere needs to be bland and cookie cutter…there’s still room for those edgy opium den places serving up retro cocktails
and outer Mongolian bar snacks in a disused train tunnel. But it is true that you never know who is going to walk in the door and a little flexibility goes a long way.
Hospitality. Again, that word that defines the industry. Overwhelmingly important is the need to make a place hospitable, and it’s in the restaurant management’s favour to make the place hospitable for as many kinds of clientele as possible.
There is such a thing as being too cool for school. By only catering to the very sharpest of the cutting edge, you risk alienating a whole slice of the pie of customers who may otherwise enjoy your deconstructed bao buns or vegetables carved to resemble small animals.
Because true hospitality involves catering to all punters, never judging a book by its cover and above all, offering a genuine sense of welcome to every guest that any establishment is fortunate enough to have choose your venue over countless others. And when all else fails and you can’t think what to say to that not so hip walk in….a smile goes a very long way. Treat others how you expect to be treated. Over and out.
Sometimes you walk into a place and it’s so hip it hurts…
now open
11 Mcinherney Close | Open 7 days @blackfishonjordans
There are numerous reasons why visiting a local cellar door for Mother’s Day celebrations would be a great idea for couples or families this year and of course to celebrate your Mum. Some of these reasons include:-
1. Quality Time: Celebrating Mother’s Day at a winery or cellar door provides an opportunity to spend quality time with each other. This special day is all about giving appreciation and love to mothers, and what better way to do so than by enjoying each other’s company while savouring a selection of delicious wines.
or families to relax and become immersed in the beauty of nature.
3. Learning Experience: Visiting a local cellar door is not just a leisure activity, but also an opportunity to broaden one’s knowledge about wine production. Many wineries and cellar doors provide guided tours of the premises and indulge visitors in wine-tasting sessions, which offers a great learning experience about wine cultivation and flavours.
Visiting a local cellar door on Mother’s Day is an excellent idea for couples or families to spend quality time together, explore new wines and learn about wine production
2. Scenic Beauty: Many wineries and cellar doors are embedded in picturesque settings with lush greenery surrounding them, offering an escape from the daily routine. The peaceful environment can provide a chance for couples
4. Variety of Wine: A visit to a local cellar door provides easy access to a wide range of wines, making it the perfect opportunity to explore and discover new varieties or taste differing vintages to your favourite ones. Couples can try out different wines together and find a new favourite wine to enjoy.
5. Social Connection: Local cellar doors often organise events or activities for the public, making it an excellent opportunity to
connect with other people and develop new friendships. It’s a perfect chance for couples to socialise and bond with other couples, or for families to meet new people. For example, Know Your Producer will be held this Mother’s Day at Cassegrain Wines.
6. Now back in stock: At Cassegrain Wines
Cellar Door and ready for Mother’s Day is the delectable Stone Circle ‘Sparkling Rose’ - this delicious drop is made from 100% Sangiovese fruit and pairs perfectly with a cheese board or some chocolate.
And there you have it, visiting a local cellar door on Mother’s Day is an excellent idea for couples or families to spend quality time together, explore new wines, learn about wine production, and relax in a beautiful environment and of course is an an excellent way to make the day special and memorable for your Mum.
Kev and Nat, the new owners of Caramels at Cathie. Please introduce yourself to our readers and tell us how long you have lived in the area.
Hi, we’re Kev and Nat, both of us have grown up in Port Macquarie and our families still live in the area too. After we finished high school, Nat went and lived on the Sunny Coast in QLD, then lived in the UK and then spent 9 years living in Melbourne. Kev went and studied in Canberra then moved to Sawtell, and both of us ended up moving back to Port Macquarie - so we’ve both had great experiences exploring the world of food and coffee, which is why we’ve bought the cafe!
Kev, you previously worked at Caramels before moving away. Tell us what you have been up to and what was behind the decision to come back and then purchase the cafe?
I wanted the opportunity to travel so I went and did a Euro trip, then decided to explore my other passion since my early childhood, cycling. I decided to complete an apprenticeship as a bicycle mechanic, which was a great way to learn more about my second passion whilst
also cycling in my spare time. I’d previously been a cafe manager at Split up in Sawtell where I’d worked my way up from a dishy to a barista and learnt all the roles within a bustling cafe. In the back of my mind, I always had a dream of owning a cafe one day - it was something I always wanted to do but hadn’t had the chance yet, until I met Nat. I have a passion for coffee and Nat has a passion for food, so we’ve combined our efforts to start this new adventure!
Kev can you tell us about your kitchen team, what does a typical day look like for you?
We have 2 full time chefs and a casual chef, our Head Chef Andy, Sous Chef Pete, our casual chef Bonnie all work on rotation to bring our amazing menu to life. Typically we have 2 chefs on any given day, starting at 5am to prepare and bake all of our meals and treats in-house. Everything here at Caramels is freshly made each day. We also have 1-2 kitchen hands, plus our baristas and front of house staff helping to run
our busy cafe each dayit’s a full house! As Cafe Manager, I have to be a bit of a handy all-rounder. I get in there and solve any issues that have arisen, in between making our delicious cups of coffee for our loyal customers, that we love to see each day.
What have you learnt in the time you have owned the cafe and what have you added to an already awesome menu?
It’s definitely no walk in the park to run a busy cafe! You have to be proactive, be able to solve problems on the fly, be flexible and have a passion for hospitality - luckily we do! I am incredibly lucky that we have such a fantastic team that helps us pull it together everyday. Nat has been passionate about keeping our customers up-to-date via our social media channels, on Facebook, Instagram and our brand new website, including sharing all of our latest specials. We’ve got our classics such as our Grilled Haloumi Sunrise and Seaside Smashed Avo, and more recently on our specials board, our delicious Breakfast Bruschetta and our fresh Acai bowl. Our menu is packed with mouth-
We just want to make the lives of our customers easier, so they know they can grab a coffee and a bite to eat while they’re on the run.
watering options made from locally-sourced and high-quality ingredients. Whether you're in the mood for a quick takeaway snack or a leisurely dine-in meal, we've got you covered.
For those who haven't been to Caramels can you describe the atmosphere and what customers can expect?
At Caramels, we're all about making life easy, fast, and convenient for our local community. That's why we're open seven days a week, so you can swing by anytime for a coffee and enjoy our chilled atmosphere and friendly service. We just want to make the lives of our customers easier, so they know they can grab a coffee and a bite to eat while they’re on the run. You also are now open Sundays, can you tell us about that?
We are open on Sunday mornings from 6am to 11am, for takeaway coffees and treats from our grab’n’go cabinet. We were curious to find out what the appetite was for a Sunday coffee with our local customers and it’s been a hit! It’s been really well received and something we’ll aim to continue to do.
Describe Caramels in one sentence. Caramels is a fantastic spot for good coffee, good food, and good vibes! Drop by for a coffee anytime!
Thanks guys.
1 tbsp basil pesto
2 thin slices of grilled halloumi, roughly chopped
1 slice of thick cut sourdough toast
4 cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 sliced red onion
6 strips of roasted capsicum
4 basil leaves
1 small handful of rocket
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp balsamic glaze
A dash of salt and pepper
1 poached egg
Mix all ingredients in a bowl (apart from the egg) with olive oil, salt, pepper and a dash of balsamic glaze. Spread your basil pesto onto your sourdough toast, then top with the mixture, add a poached egg and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Enjoy!
INGREDIENTS
40 grams Gin
20 grams Luxxardo
15 grams Parfait Amour
30 grams Lemon Juice
15 grams Sugar Syrup
STEPS
Combine all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with crushed ice.
Gently shake and pour into a cocktail glass.
Garnish with lemon.
Enjoy.
The three-day festival celebrating the best in food, drink, art, and live entertainment will take place at Westport Park from Friday 9 June to Sunday 11 June.
Creativity, diversity, and the extraordinary NSW community will be front-and-centre at Sip and Savour, with new and special releases, exclusive collaborations and trendsetting menus on offer across the three days.
The Main Stage will feature a variety of iconic and emerging contemporary soloists, duos
A new “taste of the region” entertainment festival series, is headed to Port Macquarie
NSW for the June long weekend with headline acts Thelma Plum and the Rubens..
and bands with headliners including the high energy 19 Twenty (Friday), festival favourites alternative rock group The Rubens (Saturday), and seven-time ARIA nominated artist and Gamilaraay woman, Thelma Plum (Sunday).
A Culinary Stage will showcase a variety of chefs over the weekend from celebrity names to local icons including Masterchef finalist, Byron Bay restaurateur, and proud Bundjalung woman, Mindy Woods. Each session will focus on sustainability and seasonality, spotlighting local ingredients.
For those looking to brush up on their pairing skills, discover the latest in industry
trends or test their local trivia knowledge, the Masterclass Stage will host a series of masterclasses, forums and workshops led by industry leaders.
A range of family friendly activities will also be on offer across Saturday and Sunday to entertain the young and young at heart.
Sip and Savour is committed to ensuring a welcoming, safe, accessible and inclusive space, and is paving the way for major festivals to become more inclusive and accessible. In addition to the economic benefits Sip and Savour brings to the local region in terms of tourism and hospitality,
what truly sets the event apart from similar offerings is a commitment by organiser to deliver a festival that is fully inclusive and accessible.
Some of the noticeable accessibility and inclusivity features of Sip and Savour are;
• A smooth companion card process
• Working with StageLeft to provide Auslan interpreters for the live music, masterclass and culinary stages
• Chillout and sensory spaces
• Accessible viewing areas for the entertainment stages
• Ensuring the event has wheelchair/mobility scooter access across the entire site.
To date, Sip and Savour has been successfully delivered in Albury and Lake Macquarie. The
additional Port Macquarie location is thanks to the continued support from the NSW Government’s Regional Events Acceleration Fund (REAF), an initiative aiming to support the social and economic recovery and prosperity of regional NSW.
Sip and Savour Festival Director, James Harding, is excited by the economic potential and sheer scalability of the festival platform with support from the NSW Government’s Regional Events Acceleration Fund, explaining:
“Our festival will bring thousands of people from across NSW and interstate to the Port Macquarie Hastings region, with many visitors opting to stay more nights to experience the abundance of activities and entertainment on offer. This
means a massive economic injection into the local hospitality and retail industry. There is potential for this to be further enhanced with an additional 7 day satellite event program to be held at venues throughout the broader region.”
“The NSW REAF program has been imperative in providing us with the opportunity to invest in significant and essential infrastructure and resources to draw large crowds and encourage longer visitation. In turn, this creates additional employment opportunities and wider social and economic benefits for the Port Macquarie Hastings region.”
“The support has also allowed us to invest essential resources into ensuring all aspects of Sip and Savour are inclusive, accessible, and affordable so we can truly celebrate all walks of life, cultures, and interests. This is something we are genuinely excited about and hope to continue bringing to Port Macquarie for years to come.”
9 June: 5pm-10pm
10 June: 12pm-6pm
11 June: 12pm– 6pm
Westport Park, Park Street, Port Macquarie TICKETS sipandsavour.com.au
A range of family friendly activities will also be on offer across Saturday and Sunday to entertain the young and young at heart.
Ken Little Fruit & Veg is proud to celebrate 40 years in business this month. Focus speaks with local proprietor Ken on this important milestone in our community.
Hi Ken. Congratulations to yourself and the entire team on this incredible achievement. Running a successful business is not easy - what is the key to your success? The key to this business being successful is good quality fruit and veg – simple! I have great staff that give excellent service and I have my family’s support everyday, and of course, my wife Judy who has always been a great partner.
You have established such a rapport with the Port Macquarie Hastings region through commercial agreements with local cafes, restaurants and caterers and locals who order their fruit and veg from
you each day. Why is it so important to you to maintain strong relationships with the community through your business? Community is very important to me and building good relationships with all of my suppliers and local growers. It is also essential to have this relationship with sporting groups and other community organisations such as Marine Rescue, Legacy, St Vincent de Paul and Oz Harvest.
What have been some of your highlights over the last 40 years? Hiring my first employee Pam Hore in the Colonial Arcade in 1983 is definitely a highlight. When we moved
to our current location in 1995 and then rebuilt after the devastating fire that hit in 2007 is another highlight. I’m so blessed to have what we have today. We have over 50 employees in our “little” shop and that is a great highlight in itself.
What is on the horizon for Kenny Little for the second half of the year? Just keep swimming! I’m not going anywhere fast! Keeping up good service for Port Macquarie and looking after my wholesale and retail customers new and old. I will also be enjoying the summer fruits at the end of every year including peaches, plums and especially the Christmas cherries.
Di Hicks has been a big part of the Rotary Sunrise fundraiser The Big Dig for the last couple of years and we wanted to hear all about the event and how it helps to support many of our local charities in the amazing work they’re doing. This year’s Big Dig will be on Sunday 21st May at Town Beach.
Can you tell us about the origins of The Big Dig, how the idea came about and when it got started?
The Big Dig started in 2012 after taking inspiration from our Rotary New Zealand colleagues. One of our keen-eyed members (Kerrie Wood) was reading our monthly “Rotary Down Under” magazine which featured another Club’s successful project and knew a good idea when she saw it. Rotary is a wonderful avenue to learn from others and implement locally. We are now 11 years on and it’s just getting bigger every year!
When did you get involved with this event and what is your role?
I’ve been privileged to be Chair of the organising committee for the last 2 years, after our previous Chair Peter Grob, having been our “Head Pirate” for many, many years, was looking to share the fun with someone else. My main responsibilities are project management and planning, and arranging all the various
approvals for an event this size, including working with Council for the use of the reserve and organising additional waste removal, getting insurance sign offs…you know, the fun stuff!
My biggest role is to coordinate the dedicated Big Dig Committee, who really do all the hard work! There’s a fair bit of effort involved leading up to the day, which means we have a Rotary Sunrise Committee dedicated to different areas including, sourcing and liaising with sponsors, researching and purchasing our children’s prize bags, visiting our local businesses in search of Family Dig prize donations, coordinating with our stallholders and activities on the day, setting up the pits for digging, and of course cleaning up after it’s all over, usually leaving Town Beach and the reserve cleaner than we found it!
What is The Big Dig? What happens on the day of the event?
The Big Dig is a pirate-themed family fun day held annually since 2012. Children and adults
excitedly dig on the beach for buried tokens, with every participant receiving a prize. Many families take part in the day with grandparents and extended family members, many dressing up in fun pirate costumes, which really adds to the atmosphere. In 2022, 300 children and over 170 adults purchased tickets to participate, selling out in an hour! We have so many families returning year after year, it’s wonderful to see.
What are some of the activities that will be available on the day?
There are a range of fun activities for children and families, including face painting, pirate ship jumping castle, rock painting, giant footy dart board, dunking station, walk the plank, and delicious food including our Rotary BBQ, and special cupcakes and coffee (for the big kids!). This year we’re hoping to have a silent disco as something new and inclusive, and catering for some of our community with sensory challenges. The atmosphere and fun are exciting, as all our Rotary volunteers, and most of the kids (and some parents!) dress up
as pirates, and really get into the fun of the day. There are loads of prizes being given out at the event! What’s up for grabs and do you rely on prizes being donated?
Every child wins a “treasure”, which includes age-appropriate bags with goodies sourced from far and wide, thanks to our amazing sponsors, such as Port City Bowling Club and Optus, who are our major sponsors again this year.
as Port City Bowling Club and Optus, who are our major sponsors again this year.
One of our main goals at Rotary Sunrise is to support our local community, and we know the difference even $500 can make to some of our local charities. We have worked closely with partner community groups through recent floods and bushfires and know the dedicated teams that deliver support directly where it’s needed.
Can you tell us about what the event has been able to help with in previous years?
smooth ready for excited treasure hunters! For those that want to contribute but can’t make it on the day, what are some ways community members can get involved and support this cause?
Rotary Sunrise would encourage community members to consider the amazing volunteering opportunities there are across our local area – an hour or two spent supporting others can change a life, build a friendship or even start a lifelong passion. Additionally, we have a donation link on our website if community members are able to contribute to the funds we raise on the day, at: https://sunrise-rotary. org.au/
Our Family Dig ensures a prize of at least $50 in value, with some valued at much more, some worth hundreds of dollars! We rely on local business donations and have had incredible support over the years, making it a very exciting dig for adults, as much as the kids!
This is a fundraising event, how are the funds raised and what will they go towards?
Rotary Sunrise partners with a wide variety of local community organisations, with a particular focus on children, education, and domestic violence.
How do you hope the funds raised will help the recipients?
We have donated funds to some amazing organisations, including Liberty Domestic Violence Services, Headspace, Make a Difference, Orange Sky Laundry, Sailability, Hastings Education Fund and many others.
Can you tell us about some of the team involved in organising this event?
Our team are amazing, dedicating their precious time throughout the year to making the day a success. We start our planning the October before (so we started this project in October 2022) and cover everything from sourcing prizes and sponsors, organising online tickets and promotional material, baking amazing cupcakes and cooking our delicious BBQ on the day, to the physically hard work of preparing the “pits” on the day, ensuring they are safe, clean and
When and where? Can you give us the details we need to know to join in on the 21st May?
You can buy your tickets online on Facebook, by searching for Big Dig Treasure Hunt, or at: www.facebook.com/events/231475099394109
Tickets can be purchased on the day, however there are usually only a limited number remaining, and they always sell out within the first hour…we definitely recommend getting there early if you haven’t purchased ahead of time!
Head on down to Town Beach from 8-30am, with registration starting from 9am, the official opening at 10am, and the “digs” starting straight after. Thanks Di.
Every child wins a “treasure”, which includes ageappropriate bags with goodies sourced from far and wide, thanks to our amazing sponsors, such
Hi Charlie. Thanks so much for speaking with Focus Magazine. Now, Death Of a Salesmanan iconic masterpiece, Pulitzer prize winning, a true literary classic. Many would term Arthur Miller’s play as one of the greatest masterpieces of our century. How would you describe Hearth Theatre production’s retelling of the classic script?
Thank you - great question. Well yes, Miller’s writing is so precise. He writes about the world of capitalism and the intense soullessness of the American dream, calling out the ugly underbelly of it. And I feel like with the whole COVID and pandemic wave we’ve all experienced, the play has come into its own at exactly the right time for today’s audience, making it fiercely relevant. It feels profound and urgent and heartbreaking. Our production of it is about celebrating the amazing writing and bringing it to life in a detailed, immediate and heartfelt way but also finding a balance between the 1940’s setting which we are honouring, but making it feel alive and intimate and relevant. We’re very excited to bring the show to Port Macquarie.
This ensemble features an extraordinary cast of talented actors which of course will add to its brilliance. Can you tell us a little about each of the actors and what they bring to the performance?
I am thrilled we have such a talented cast led by Paul English who plays Willy Loman. In my eyes, he’s one of the greatest theatre actors who brings such love and authenticity to the role and the whole show. For people familiar with the script or have seen other productions of the play or the film, Willy is often portrayed as an angry old man. The family is obviously fractured and tearing each other apart but you can still feel the love there. It’s just a little bit lost and misplaced. Paul brings such humanity and empathy to the role. Margo Knight plays Linda Loman and she brings so much tenderness and balance to the role trying to save her husband by championing him and lifting him up. We all spent about 8
months together working on this play taking a lot of care to do it justice.
Tell us a little about the character you play which is the unsettled Biff Loman, son of Willy.
Yes, he is unsettled - that’s a great way of describing him. He is lost. He’s searching for a deeper purpose in his life but can’t quite grab a hold of something. He is asking all of the right questions but everything is just eluding him. He’s come back home to be with his family and then starts to deal with his Dad and his unravelling mind which starts to unravel lots of things in Biff too.
What do you hope an audience will take away from viewing this show and how do you see the central constructs of the play still being relevant to an audience of today.
Well the play is very much a human experience of a family. They love each other but can’t quite
The family is obviously fractured and tearing each other apart but you can still feel the love there. It’s just a little bit lost and misplaced.
understand one another and they’re struggling with themselves and how to make something of themselves. They have bought into this American dream to be exceptional and special and to stand out from the crowd but at the same time they want to belong to this family and each other. There’s this sharp edge of how do you stand out but still belong and be part of a family? Willy and Linda are under the burden of increasing house prices, mortgages, appliances breaking down - life is just getting harder. It all seems very bleak but through all of that is something quite freeing and cathartic and healing for an audience to see aspects of their lives and families reflected back to them. I feel like audiences will go away wanting to have deeper conversations with their family and be encouraged to focus on what truly matters.
Yes, I think Miller’s genius (with other well known classics including The Crucible, All My Sons, A View from the bridge) lies in his ability of the explored themes in this play being so layered that new creative expression and interpretation can be portrayed on stage decades after the script was first produced. How has Hearth Theatre Productions sought to present the themes of the script in a way that are relatable for an audience of today?
We have approached the retelling of the play in a very immersive and detailed way. It can actually present differently each night. It’s not set in stone and just re-hashed again and again. We’re hoping the production can be like a thrilling sporting event so even though many will know what happens in the script, there’s a real energy on stage and in the theatre which is new and thrilling to witness.
This production forms part of the Glasshouse House Theatre’s Education program for 2023 with high school aged children encouraged to attend as part of their English and Drama curriculum. How do you hope this production and the retelling of the classic play will inspire young people both personally and professionally in their future endeavours?
It’s funny. When I was in high school and I was auditioning for drama schools, I came across this monologue from ‘Death Of a Salesman’ and I spent a lot of time researching the play and the characters and watching the Dustin Hoffman and John Malkovich film. This play became very close to my heart and I’ve had this full circle moment. We’re very excited to share it with school aged children. To be
able to bring young minds into a retelling of this script and captivate them in this world is a real honour, not only just to engage their minds through theatre but also encourage their compassionate and empathetic nature for other people and their journeys. Kids are also a great barometer for performance and a great challenge to captivate. If they are rowdy or noisy or completely silent, you know their inner worlds are turning and expanding with what they’re viewing.
Charlie you as an actor have spent many years in film and television…winners and losers, Scooby doo, Dr Blake Mysterieshow is it treading the boards to theatre for this production for you?
I love it. I love theatre. I love film and television too but theatre is definitely where my heart is at. That is part of the reason I set-up Hearth Theatre, to put on great plays and share them. In the theatre, no-one is on their phone and nobody is distracted. There is just complete focused attention with the world on stage for 2-3 hours and that’s where magic can happen. Thanks Charlie. Interview: Sarah Baker.
I feel like audiences will go away wanting to have deeper conversations with their family and be encouraged to focus on what truly matters.
Hi Katie. You are a five-time ARIA Awardwinning artist, named one of the greatest Australian singers of all time. You have produced 20 studio albums throughout your career, with seven times platinum record sales under your belt and 27 ARIA Award nominations to boot. Port Macquarie is truly blessed that you will be gracing the Glasshouse Theatre on May 18th with Joni Mitchell’s masterpiece ‘Blue.’ What is it about this iconic album that has captivated you?
Well, look, to be very honest, I was pretty late to folk. My Mum was an opera singer so we listened to classical and opera all the time and my Dad loved jazz, and that’s where I learned about Nat King Cole and Ella Fitzgerald and the like. So I missed folk. About 20 years ago, when I was touring with my band, George, there was a band supporting us called ‘Stellar One Eleven.’ The lead singer Cindy Ryan said to me ‘have you heard that Joni Mitchell album?’ And I was like, ‘no’ and she said to me ‘Oh, I'm so excited to be the person to give you this record.’ And she gave me ‘Blue.’ My mind was blown by the artistry of this extraordinary musician and the achingly, brutally honest storytelling of her lyrics. The wonderful musicianship and song writing craft became a huge influence on me. Then in 2021, I realised it was the 50th anniversary of the album, so I put together a 50th anniversary concert.
Due to popular demand, and off the back of 10 sold out shows, Katie Noonan is thrilled to announce more dates to her standout tour. The celebrated Australian artist will present Joni Mitchell’s ‘Blue’ to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the landmark album.
Yes, I was going to say so many of us have a connection to Joni Mitchell’s unique sound, and in particular this album is almost like a comforting blanket in our lounge rooms that we know so well. That's been the nice thing at these gigs, because it has been very much a multi generational thing. So people like yourself, you may know my work with George and then you mention the tour to your Mum or Aunty and they're like, ‘oh she's doing Joni Mitchell’s ‘Blue.’ Oh I love that album!’ So gigs have had a lovely vibe of mothers and daughters and fathers and sons - very multi generational. The audiences have been really, really lovely - a combination of elders who grew up with that album and younger contemporary audiences who've discovered the artistry of Joni later in life.
In similarity to Joni, Katie, you are also highly emotive in your style and the way you convey the meaning of lyrics through your sound is spine tingling. What do you hope an audience will take away from viewing this performance?
Well, thank you very much. I think there's no point doing a cover of someone else unless you've got something new to bring. It is very much about honouring the tunes, but trying to make them my own. The sign of a good song or a good record is that here we are 50 years later, still learning something from the songs and still feeling connected to the storytelling. We've all had heartache and loss and this is very much an album that explores those themes. Amazingly, the first
time Joni had sex, she fell pregnant. She was young, incredibly broke, incredibly poor, freezing literally in Saskatchewan in America and realised that she couldn't keep this baby. ‘Little Green’ talks about that. And it's just got universal themes of loss and heartache and redemption that we can all relate to in some way. I think the thing about Joni and I is that we don't hide behind our lyrics. We’re quite vulnerable and open with our human frailties and music helps us share those feelings.
I understand you are also performing accompanied by a guitarist. How will the added influence of the guitar further enhance the intimacy of the show?
It's super intimate. The album itself is basically just guitar and voice or piano and voice for the majority of the tunes. ‘River,’ ‘My Old Man,’ ‘Last Time I Saw Richard’ and ‘Blue’ - those four tunes are just me and my piano. And then I have master guitarist Ben Hartman who's an incredible multiple jazz award winning guitarist. He brings that beautiful acoustic guitar sound. I love guitar - just the wood, the vibration. It’s got such an earthy, grounded feeling, and suits Joni’s music perfectly.
Thanks Katie. Interview: Sarah Baker.
Thursday 18th May 2023
Glasshouse
Port Macquarie
Birpai Country NSW
So beautifully sung that I could see audience members wiping away tears...a very special night
Weekendnotes.com
katienoonan.com. au
Madison Wilson is on fire both personally and professionally. With three solid businesses under her name and a soon to be mum of four, this local entrepreneur is a true personification of the term
Hi Maddie. Congratulations on your achievements in business and in life in general. It seems like downtime is non-existent for you! Tell us a little about each of your thriving brands? Hi, between my husband Nathan and I, together we own Light of The Party 2444, Love Letters Port Macquarie and Any Occasion Cakes & Party Food. As some may or may not know, we were looking to originally hire the giant illuminated light up marquee “LOVE” Letters for our, back then, upcoming wedding in 2021 and unfortunately were told no, as the old owners wanted to sell (totally understandable). We thought to ourselves, this is an opportunity too good to pass up and we needed the letters at our wedding – so we bought the business! We battled through COVID-19 and the business started to kick off in 2022 as the restrictions eased. From here we had so many enquiries “Do you have any other letters?” “Do you have any numbers available?” so on our traditional yearly family holiday to the Gold Coast, we stumbled across a secondhand business that had over 60 light up letters, numbers, and symbols for sale and again we thought let’s just do it! So that’s where Light of The Party 2444 began. We couldn’t be more
grateful to everyone who has supported our little side hustles!
Together these businesses compliment my number one baby (business) Any Occasion Cakes & Party Food. This was established in 2018 and brought about by my passion for cakes and seeing the smiling faces of my customers as they unbox their orders at their special events. We quickly became a one stop shop for all types of events, catering for cakes, cupcakes, personalised cookies, party food platters down to the main wow factor, our lights!
We feel so privileged to be a part of such beautiful memories like weddings, birthday milestones, engagements – just to name a few whether it be our lights contributing or watching those share a beautiful sweet or savoury tasty item.
How do you juggle the many commitments of home life as a busy mum and wife and the demands of owning and running
As a Mumma first, we quickly learn the natural ability to prioritise and delegate tasks as needed, but let me tell you, it can be hard! There is no doubt it is a juggling act, from kid’s school events, to sports, to my husband’s busy real estate career. You will find me constantly repeating “If it’s not in the calendar, it’s not on.”
We try our best to be as organised as possible, though with three kids under six and one on the way sometimes life just doesn’t go to plan but we roll with the punches, just like any normal, busy, hardworking, loving family does! In saying this, believe it or not I’m actually at my best under pressure.
We also have a tight knit support network, from grandparents, aunties, to best friends supporting us every step of the way. We aim to accommodate all bookings and do what we can to make it work. My husband is my rock and one of the most supportive people I’ve ever come across.
‘super-mum.’
I’m a firm believer everything happens for a reason, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without the choices and consequences that have snowballed from the path I chose to take
Given your success in business today, what would you say to your 16-year-old self-looking back and how would you inspire others to follow in your footsteps?
To be honest, when I was sixteen, I had no idea my life would turn out the way it has now, but I wouldn’t change any of it! I’m a firm believer everything happens for a reason, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without the choices and consequences that have snowballed from the path I chose to take. After finishing year 12 I went on to complete several courses and certificates (finance, business, administration and real estate) however I still didn’t know what it was I wanted to do with my life. So, If I could give anyone any advice it is to just be kind to yourself. Life doesn’t come with a manual. if you have a dream, keep your eyes on the prize and don’t give up. Some plans don’t happen overnight, they take years of planning and
hard work to achieve, but if anyone can do it, it’s you!
Aside from baby number 4 set to join your family later this year, what is on the horizon for the second half of 2023?
As many saw, I was proudly nominated for the 2023 Coastline Business Awards and I can proudly say we have made it as a finalist in three categories: ‘Business of the Year,’ ‘Woman in Business’ and ‘Food Production & Catering’. I would like to personally thank all that voted for me and Any Occasion Cakes & Party Food. I plan to take a short break as our family transitions from 5 to 6 but will be back up and running as soon as I can. We have a fair few business plans up our sleeve and I’d hate to ruin the surprise early.
It is the month of May where we celebrate our wonderful mums and the invaluable contributions they make to our
lives. How will you be celebrating this month?
Being a mother is a full-time job in itself but it is important to recognise the value and significance of motherhood throughout the year, not just on Mother’s Day. So other than highlighting a few new and exciting products I have been working hard on creating, I will be taking some time to soak up the last few weeks of being a family of five. This Mother’s Day is a little extra special for me. It will not only be my 7th Mother’s Day, but the first shared with my youngest honey – Willow. One thing I value most in life is the relationship I have created with not only my children but with my Mum. I treasure the bond I have with each of them and feel grateful for their presence in my life. We only get one Mumma and I’d be lost without mine. For people wanting to engage with your businesses or book your products and services for an upcoming event, how can they best connect?
All three businesses have a Facebook and Instagram page and I’m always available via phone too.
Any Occasions Cakes & Party Food Love Letters Port Macquarie
Light of The Party 2444
Maddie - 0458 728 857.
Thanks Maddie. Interview: Sarah Baker.
Sizes 8 to 24
Cup size A-G
Fitting service provided
We have mastectomy swimwear, chlorine resistant swimwear, and many brands available including Seafolly, JETS, Sunflair, Sunseeker, Monte & Lou, Sea Level, Resort wear, hats, gift cards, Melissa shoes.
Phone 6584 1088
84-86 Horton St Port Macquarie
Did you know, 1 July 2023 marks my 11th year as the owner of Meg + Me? While we rightly celebrated 10 years last year, for me another year ticking over feels we’ve achieved yet another milestone.
After all, one year in small business is the equivalent to 15 human years, right? Oh no, that’s dog years, but you get the picture! Sometimes that’s what it feels like…
I’ve touched on it before, but so much has changed in the world of retail and small business over the last 10 years. A lot of it is in direct response to advancements in technology (and my determination to keep up and not be left roaming around with the dinosaurs). For instance, as much as I vowed never to “go online” because the Meg + Me experience is about a personal connection and building community, the events of late 2019 forced my hand and now our online presence is an integral part of the Meg + Me experience. There are so many benefits to taking our Boutique business online.
For you, my lovely locals it allows you to window shop from the couch with a glass of wine in the evenings, casually adding to cart for a click + collect when the sun comes up; while for tourists our online presence provides an opportunity to discover us even before they arrive in our beautiful town; and of course now it does’t matter where you live, you can enjoy any aspect of our collections wherever you are in the world (one day I might tell you about the
time I sent a Gold Gun to Phoenix Arizona, of all places…!)
The other benefit of embracing technology when it comes to running a small business, is the increase in efficiency and the ability to build relationships with loyal regulars, both immediately after they’ve physically been in store or connected online. This is where our latest exciting advancement comes into its own. I don’t know about you, but I’m a die hard devotee of Loyalty Programs… I’ve been a Qantas Frequent Flyer for I don’t know how long (I’ve got the stamps in the passport and the selfies in the Business Lounge to prove it!); I’m working my way up the tiers with my Mecca Cosmetics Membership (I think I’m so close to top tier it’s not funny, which reminds me I best finalise that cart that’s sitting there under my profile, that will help!). But honestly, as a consumer I love it when businesses show they value my ongoing support.
So that’s why I’ve introduced a Loyalty Rewards Program just for you! When it comes to flying and buying makeup that can’t be found in town, there’s no question, I’m logging in and using my online account with Qantas and Mecca. Yes, I could try Jetstar or some other online beauty mob, but why would I when I get can rewarded for my loyalty?
And this is why I’ve launched our loyalty
program. I know that when you are after something special, something that you can’t find everywhere else you head straight to Meg + Me, and I’ve always appreciated and valued your loyalty. Now, I have a clear formula for showing you how much I value your ongoing support. Which brings me back to technology. Without embracing technology, there is no way I could keep up with or remember where each and every customer is up to in their rewards journey. However, now each and every customer who signs up either in store or via our online VIP Rewards Program automatically gains membership. Yes, just like Mecca, it doesn’t matter whether you are a Frequent Flyer in store or online, your profiles are connected and I will take huge delight in thanking you for your ongoing support, each and every time you hit a new tier.
In fact, just this week we had our first Rewards Redemption. I cannot tell you how happy it made me, seeing the delight in my customer’s eyes when I gave her a “little something extra to say thanks” after she’d just bought what it was that she wanted anyway… And to me, this is what it’s all about. Giving back and showing appreciation for YOU!
For more info on joining our Rewards Program, visit megandme.com.au and click on VIP Rewards.
Russell Crowe’s Indoor Garden Party is coming to Port Macquarie on the 16th and 17th of May, and AFTER THE SUCCESS OF HIS RECENT SHOWS IN COFFS WE KNOW THIS IS GOING TO BE BIG! WE HAD A CHAT TO RUSSELL ABOUT MUSIC, THE LOCAL ARTS INDUSTRY, AND WHAT HE LOVES about being able to perform and work in his own community.
Hi Russell. The Indoor Garden Party is coming to Port on the 16th and 17th of May, can you tell us how the concept for this tour came about?
It’s been too long since I played shows here in Australia. Before the recent January shows this year, the last time I did concerts in Australia was in 2014, the gap wasn’t intended, it just happened. In the interim, though I’ve done shows in London, Leeds, Dublin, Stockholm, Reykjavik, New York and other places, and I just thought it was about time to be getting back on stage at home. Music is a great love of mine and there’s nothing like a live performance.
Could you tell us about the other musicians you will be touring with?
Some of the relationships in this band, The Gentlemen Barbers, go back 30 years.
Dave Kelly (drums), Stewart Kirwan (trumpet), Stuart Hunter (keyboards), James Hazelwood (Bass), Chris Kamzelas (Guitar).
This lineup has been tinkering around for the past 4 years or so in the rehearsal room and it was just time to put it on stage. The response we got in January when we played in Coffs was fantastic. Among the support acts on tour are Myth of Her, a young band from Maroubra in Sydney. They play very thoughtful and melodic tunes and got called back for encores at the Coffs shows earlier in the year. It’s their first-ever tour.
Lorraine O’Reilly is from Cavan in Ireland, we met when we did a duet. Well, we recorded our parts in different countries, so we had actually sung together before we met.
That was a song called Hand in Hand, for a London Irish band called Bible Code Sundays on an album called Walk Like Kings, and we’ve been doing shows
together ever since. Lorraine has a big raspy beautiful singing voice.
Janet Devlin is also performing with us. I heard of her through Ed Sheeran who loved her version of one of his songs. She’s got a magical quality on stage. A mesmerising, haunting voice and such honesty in her songs. What can we expect from this show? What’s the overall vibe, and how do each of these acts come together to perform?
I’ve been playing in bands since the late 70’s. Although my day job takes up a lot of my time, my musical roots are deep. I’ve never lost the love for live performance.
The vibe is always high at an Indoor Garden Party show. All the acts connect really well with audiences.
With The Gentlemen Barbers we sway between R&B, gospel, dirty country songs about murder, dark waltzes and powerful inspiring singalongs. It’s always a good night.
What was the motivation for getting
It’s just what I do. I’ve been playing in bands since the late 70’s. Although my day job takes up a lot of my time, my musical roots are deep. I’ve never lost the love for live performance. For a lot of film actors, they reset by doing a season of theatre. Though I did a lot of plays and stage musicals (Grease, Rocky Horror, Blood Brothers) when I was younger, my beginnings were playing in bands in pubs and clubs and touring. It’s like a touchstone for me. I’ve done a lot of things, enjoyed a lot of success, travelled many miles, but in my heart I’m the same artist as I’ve always been. For me it’s the same energy, playing with a band or playing as a Roman General. The distillation required to put a big story into a 3 minute song is as alluring to me as it’s ever been.
Continued over....
You’re touring in towns and cities up and down the east coast and you’ve performed all over the world, what do you enjoy most about performing at home on the Mid North Coast?
I love the enthusiasm of home town crowds and I love seeing a crowd start to warm up and lean in to the songs and stories, and by the end of the night they are up on their feet going crazy.
Like any room I play in, there’s always going to be a huge mix of people. From those who have every record I’ve ever done, to Les Miserables tragics; people who’ve seen various gigs I’ve played over the years, and then there’s those who come because they like my films and never knew about my music at all, and get blown away by the musicianship of the band.
I love that buzz in the crowd when the show’s over and they’ve been dancing and singing and their eyes are shining with the fun of it all. That’s what it’s all about, we are there to put on a show, and blow out the cobwebs. That’s what we do.
The other big local project you’re involved in, the Pacific Bay Resort
Studios & Village at Coffs looks set to break ground next year. What are you personally most looking forward to about having facilities like this in Coffs Harbour?
I think the Pacific Bay Studio Project is a game changer for the Mid North Coast. We have had a lot of red tape to get through, coming up to 3 years of it now, not least of which has been trying to protect the rights of existing residents in that precinct and trying to help them get the noise abatement amenity wall that they deserve.
What are your hopes for this project and how it will affect the region?
If we can get it built I think it changes the world for young people growing up in the Mid North Coast. It expands their options and their horizons. There’s many different professions that are employed by the film industry, and typically anyone wanting to pursue those professions would have to move away from the area. Is providing local opportunities one of the big positives you see in this project?
I love that buzz in the crowd when the show’s over and they’ve been dancing and singing and their eyes are shining with the fun of it all.
I love the proximity to nature and the ocean, and I love how many secret “locals knowledge only” places there are.
Absolutely. It literally takes a village to make a film, it’s not just producers, directors and actors. It’s electricians, carpenters, IT, hairdressers, makeup artists, wardrobe people, camera crew, caterers, scenic painters and post production. Film crews require so many different skills and professions.
It’s going to include a number of features other than the studios, such as a post production complex and film school. How do you think this will contribute to the success of the facility?
It’s very important to the founding partners that the facility has to be flexible and be able to provide for both large and small productions, but also that it can educate and grow people of our own into the profession and the various associated businesses. At the core of the concept is a
creative hive that serves the community and adjusts and expands the future for the coming generations.
What are some things you’d like to see happening in the Australian film industry in the future?
We need to continue tax relief from the government to overseas productions. The money that big productions put through the local economy is very important.
I’m also very supportive of the current government’s intentions in music and arts to set quotas of local content. That is exactly how to keep the Creative Arts thriving in this country and to keep our stories being told. I think how much richer the cultural life of my generation was compared to my parents, and that was purely due to nurturing the Arts and having Australian radio playing Australian songs.
Currently the spirit of those quotas has
been entangled, and that has shrunk the opportunities for young performers. Re-establishing and adhering to the intentions of quotas in the Arts creates employment, inclusivity, helps live venues and by extension, cafes, restaurants and art galleries. It expands our cultural life and that in turn makes people more curious and adventurous.
What do you enjoy most about living on the Coffs Coast?
I have a very people intensive job. The time I spend here restores me and gets me ready to get out in the big wide world again. I love the proximity to nature and the ocean, and I love how many secret “locals knowledge only” places there are. Hidden waterfalls and creeks, the dawns and the sunsets, the birds and the stars at night.
Thanks Russell.
indoorgardenparty.com
We want all of our residents, whether permanent or temporary, to enjoy a healthy, happy, safe and fulfilling experience at Highfields Manor. We achieve this by employing highly trained experienced professionals with the appropriate qualifications who also share our commitment to providing compassionate, considerate care. Our staff abide by the Aged Care Code of Conduct.
Our Registered Nurses are passionate about aged care and are registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation
Agency. Care staff employed at Highfields Manor all hold a minimum of a Certificate III in Aged Care.
Highfields Manor is committed to offering and promoting continuous education and training for our team to create a culture of quality service and care. We are also developing relationships with the University of NSW Rural Clinical School, the nursing school at Charles Sturt University’s Port Macquarie campus, NSW TAFE and other training organisations.
Players Theatre presents
“A story of greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery, and treachery”. Chicago is a well known and loved musical and it’s coming to The Players Theatre this month –opening May 5th! Book written by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, Music by John Kander and Lyrics by Fred Ebb.
Set in the Jazz era Chicago of the 1920’s, it tells the story of two Femme fatales, Roxie Hart (Shontelle Roberts) and Velma Kelly (Sim Berry). Roxie murders a faithless lover and convinces her hapless husband Amos (Tristram de Jong) to take the rap... until he finds out he’s been duped and turns on Roxie. Convicted and sent to death row, Roxie and another of the “Merry Murderess”, Velma Kelly, vie for the spotlight and the headlines, ultimately joining forces in their search for the “American Dream”: fame, fortune, and acquittal. With their smoothtalking lawyer Billy Flynn (Lauchlan Fardy) and Matron ‘Mama’ Morton (Cate Storen) these two scintillating sinners will thrill you with all your favourites, ‘Razzle Dazzle’, ‘Cell Block
Tango’, ‘All That Jazz’ and many more. Choreographed by Kate Simpson, and her dance captain Regan Scotford, The Players Theatre Inc’s Chicago is set to wow audience members as they recreate many iconic Bob Fosse dance moves. Backed will all new theatre lights and sound equipment – this is sure to be a hit for all to enjoy.
This is The Players Theatre Inc’s first musical of 2023 with tickets already on sale, and a show splendiferous, they are selling fast so don’t miss out. Chicago season opens on May 5th and will close on the May 28th. With shows on Friday and Saturday (8pm), and Sunday (2pm), with a special matinee on Saturday 27th at 2pm. Purchase tickets at www. playerstheatre.org.au, the Glasshouse or at The Players Theatre box office one hour prior to the show.
Connect is a group run by volunteers that have regular meetups, weekly walks and coffees and a women’s night once a month, to support local women by providing open conversations and company for any of us that need it. We had a chat with Simone Cunneen, Brooke Demarkis and Jules Jamieson, who are the current group leaders.
Hi ladies. Can you tell us a bit about the idea behind Port Macquarie Women Connect and how it got started?
Jules Port Macquarie Women Connect (PMWC) is a volunteer-led community group. It initially started out in 2020 as part of Self Seen. The founders saw a need for women to be included in their mental health support group model, and so a women’s division began. It started with a private Facebook group, and a few ladies meeting for a casual walk and talk. It didn’t take long for the word to get out with the FB group reaching 1000 members within a few months. About 18 months in, we saw the men’s division of Self Seen expanding very quickly and in a different direction so collectively we decided to part ways and fly our own flag. Here we are, 3 years later with almost 3000 FB group members, a new name ‘Port Macquarie Women Connect’ (sister club to Self Seen), new logo, and a new mission – to provide a safe place for all women to share, connect, and support each other while creating
new and long-lasting friendships.
When did you get involved with this group and what is your role?
Simone: I joined the group in the early days when it began – as a member, and I found such connection and friendships that I just kept coming. Then when we transitioned into Port Macquarie Women Connect, I was asked to step into a leadership role, and I was very happy to give back and support the group that had given me so much.
How is the group run and who can join?
Simone: PMWC has a volunteer leadership team of three – Brooke, Jules and myself. We welcome all women, over 18yrs who reside
in the Port Macquarie area and identify as female (LGBTQIA+ friendly). If you want to join our Sunday walks – just rock up…you will be warmly greeted. For the Women’s Night we ask to send an RSVP via our email, so we can manage numbers for catering. You don’t need to have attended our Sunday walks to join the Women’s Night. We know that 7 or 8am Sunday doesn’t suit everyone!
How often do you get together and what do get-togethers usually involve?
Brooke: The group has two regular meet ups – a weekly walk and a monthly women’s night. We are also in the planning stage to create a model for a reoccurring day retreat, so if you are a local business who is interested in
I know how important and incredible it can be to feel supported and heard by other women – and that is my motivation. To continue to hold this safe space for women to connect, to establish friendships and to be empowered.
sponsoring or collaborating – get in touch. For the walk, we meet every Sunday at Lighthouse Beach 8am (7am during daylight savings), in front of Coast Cafe, followed by a beverage and chat. It’s adults only, to allow mums/carers an opportunity to connect without the distractions of little ones. If you don’t feel like walking, no probs just meet us for a coffee. On the first Tuesday of every month at 6:30pm, we host the PMWC Women’s Night at the Water’s Edge Hotel.
Casual in nature, and with a focus on women’s wellbeing, we come together to share our stories and support one another in a confidential space. The evening consists of some gentle mindfulness practice followed by an open discussion where we can talk all things ‘us’ without judgment. There is no expectation to share, you are welcome to just listen and enjoy the company over a nice cuppa.
What was your motivation to be part of PMWC?
Brooke: I know how important and incredible it can be to feel supported and heard by other women – and that is my motivation. To continue to hold this safe space for women to connect, to establish friendships and to be empowered.
What sort of effect have you seen being a part of this group have on some of the members?
Jules: So many positive things, and the beauty is they are long-long lasting. It’s women supporting women, and the effects on social, emotional, and physical wellbeing are incredible. We have seen people get jobs via their new connections. Girls’ weekends, other walks, casual drinks, dancing, and dinners are all being organised from friendships formed at our meetups.
We have seen confidence and mental health improve in attendees. Would you share with us a bit about how being a part of this group has impacted you?
Simone: When I first joined, we were deep in the new COVID-19 world, I had been made redundant from my dream job and life was tough. Coming each week and walking in nature, sharing my thoughts with other women was very healing and so I kept turning up. It was a suggestion from a member that I applied for, and was successful in getting, a job. The impact on me as being part of the group has been extensive and I am deeply grateful. What do you hope people get out of having something like this available in our
local area?
Jules: We hope for a healthier, thriving and more connected community. We have welcomed lots of ladies who are new to the area, but also ladies who have lived here their whole life. I feel we are combating loneliness and creating hope – that’s powerful!
What would you say to anyone thinking of joining you for a walk?
Simone: Please come. You will be welcomed with open arms, a friendly smile and so much more. You won’t regret it!
Many ladies comment they feel anxious and out of their comfort zone before attending, but once they do, they say they wish they had joined earlier.
Where can readers find more information or how can they join in?
port_macquarie_women_connect
Port Macquarie Women Connect
portmacwomenconnect@gmail.com
As a grassroots community group, PMWC is supported by the kindness of our beautiful community. We would like to thank Self Seen, Waters Edge - our Women’s Night venue sponsor, and the wonderful local businesses and individuals who sponsor free coffees. Thanks Ladies.
www.elisefoxinjectables.com.au
Elise is an Advanced Cosmetic Injector RN who has been in the nursing profession since 2005. Her career began as a Personal Carer, then an Endorsed Enrolled Nurse where she specialised in Cardiology & respiratory.
In 2011, she became a Registered Nurse after graduating at the University of Wollongong with a distinction average. After graduating, Elise worked at a Private Hospital in Sydney where she continued to broaden her skillset across medical, surgical, theatres & recovery. Elise then followed her dreams and became the leading Practice Nurse for two plastic surgeons, which further instilled her passion for the cosmetic and aesthetic field.
Elise has had extensive one on one training through Juvae, and has 8 years clinical experience as a Cosmetic Injector.
Jemma is a registered cosmetic nurse and proud founder of Skn Associate.
She has a Post Graduate Diploma in Cosmetic Nursing and has become a renowned aesthetics expert of the Mid North Coast with 9 years of injectables experience.
Prior to transitioning into her cosmetic nursing, Jemma spent 6 years laying down foundational nursing skills within the medical, surgical, and operating theatres. It was here she found her passion for critical thinking and the art of aesthetics. “Watching the plastic surgeons reconstruct and repair the body, particularly the face, intrigued me. So becoming a cosmetic injector would allow me to achieve the same satisfaction within my own scope of practice.”
Jemma has trained with numerous prestigious industry leaders such as Envogue master trainer Dr. Lucas de Siqueira, and Merz expert Dr. Elsa
Continuous improvement is a fundamental part of Elise’s desire to provide the latest, innovative and safest cosmetic services, and each year to aid her professional development she participates in workshops, online courses, hands on training & conferences. In her spare time she trains and mentors her colleagues as she believes in keeping the industry standards high.
Elise had a large client base in Sydney and in 2017 relocated with her family to Port Macquarie where she has gained the trust of many loyal clients on the Mid North Coast. Elise is a perfectionist with an eye for detail ensuring that her clients achieve the best possible outcomes. Her focus is natural beauty, and her approach is always “less is more!.” Her favourite treatments are lips, cheeks & anti-wrinkle injections. She is located in Clarence Street, Port Macquarie.
Jessika Korostenski is a Registered Nurse with Post Graduate studies in Cosmetic Nursing. She has been injecting for 9 years and nursing for 14 years, with previous Emergency and Cardiac experience.
Jessika was also a Victorian Cosmetic Trainer for an internationally renowned pharmaceutical company and presented and taught facial anatomical structures and safe techniques to Doctors, Plastic surgeons and Nurses around Australia.
Education still stands a huge part of her interest and loves attending conferences and online courses to keep up with the latest skills and knowledge, which she loves to share and apply hands on with her clients.
Delport, as well as regularly attending top industry conferences and injector-mentor programs.
Now with 9 years of experience and a thriving local business for over 3 years, Jemma is renowned for her advanced skills in injectables including antiwrinkle injections, dermal fillers, skin boosters, PRP injections, and PDO threads.
In an industry that is flooded with “quick” treatments, Jemma prides herself on giving each client the time to provide an in-depth total facial assessment; to ensure clients achieve their optimal cosmetic goals.
“A great injector understands this is not a “one size fits all” industry. There are many ways to accomplish an aesthetic goal, however, a knowledgeable injector will be able to achieve this goal in a skilled and beautiful way.”
Jemma’s clinic is located at 2/3 High St Wauchope.
Jessika’s passion is to create natural looking results that help harmonise the face, she is known to be a perfectionist by all her clients. She loves all treatment areas but her favourites are: Cheek, jawline filler and anti wrinkle injections.
Jessika is Melbourne born and trained, she only moved to Port Macquarie together with her family last year.
She believes that consultation and assessment is a fundamental key to achieving great results whilst making her clients feel valued and cared for.
Location: 75 Cameron St, Wauchope
Mobile: 0481 777 005
Email: info@injectablesbyjessika.com.au
How much training and experience does your cosmetic injector actually have? This is something that skilled injectors
Jessika Korotenski, Jemma McIntyre, and Elise Fox believe is a crucial question to ask when looking for an injector.
With a combined 26 years of experience with anti-wrinkle injections and dermal filler treatments, these skilled cosmetic nurses all originated from many years of nursing in a hospital setting before entering into a cosmetic field. Jessika and Jemma have completed post-graduate studies in Cosmetic Nursing at Australian Academy of Dermal Science (AACDS), while Elise gained her qualification through extensive one-on-one training through Juvae. All three regularly seek numerous training sessions throughout year to learn new skills and keep their existing knowledge thorough, as well as attending other cosmetic conferences and workshops.
“The cosmetic arena is constantly expanding and our knowledge must be kept up to date.” Jessika Korostenski, who also spent four years as a cosmetic trainer says. “Confidence in anatomy, knowledge of contraindications and medical history are fundamental basic components that are gained with experience.” During her time as a trainer down in Victoria, Jessika assisted in up-skilling advanced nurses, doctors and plastic surgeons in cosmetic injectables but also worked with many just starting their career in cosmetic injectables.
“Many of the basic injector courses are only 2-3 days and then the injector is free to fly on their
own, so most nurses would often ask me for shadow days or message questions to get extra support as the course that got them qualified just wasn’t enough.”
With anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers becoming a more accepted and popular way to maintain a fresh and youthful appearance, so is the amount of new cosmetic injectors on the rise - and expert injectors like Jemma McIntyre, who has 9 years of experience as a renowned injector, are worried that freshly-qualified injectors may be a concern for patient safety and satisfaction. “We’ve noticed more patients coming to us for help after unfortunate experiences with new injectors.” Jemma spent 6 years as a theatre nurse working with plastic surgeons, and it was there that she discovered her passion for cosmetic aesthetics. “There is an influx of people doing a nursing degree purely to then get straight into injectables. So they lack the first-hand experience in patient care within a medical or hospital environment, as well as any tutelage under an experienced cosmetic practitioner.”
Elise Fox has been an advanced cosmetic injector for 8 years, and prior to becoming an injector specialised in cardiology and respiratory nursing, as well as doing surgical nursing and recovery. “We think there needs to be more stringent training and decent practical experience required before someone is allowed to perform injectable procedures on their own, whether it be a nurse or a doctor,” Elise remarks. “We strongly encourage those who are new or thinking about becoming a cosmetic
injector to initially work with an advanced injector to gain experience, and to always seek out training for new skills and techniques as well as keep their exisiting knowledge fresh and up-to-date.”
While Jessika, Jemma and Elise would love to assure that all qualified injectors are proficient in injectable procedures it isn’t always the case. Cosmetic injectables are medical procedures and are performed by medical professionals in Australia, some countries around the world don’t require a medical qualification. These treatments need to be respected with proper consultation, assessment and care in treatment as a ‘fix up’ isn’t always an easy process. But we still have to have an artistic eye, and this can’t be taught. It comes with time and experience.”
Nurses Jessika, Jemma, and Elise encourage those searching for an injector to do their own due diligence as well.
“Whether it’s a nurse, doctor, or dentist you choose to see, always request to find out how many years they have been injecting and what courses they have completed,” Jessika recommends.
“Read reviews, check their credentials, and request photos of their work specific to what you’re looking at getting done yourself,” Jemma advises.
“Utilise an in-depth consultation. They are far more important than people think,” Elise states. “It’s where you can get all the information you need - through questioning, observing, and also listening to your gut - to decide whether a cosmetic injector is the right fit for you.”
FOR EVERY NEW MEMBERSHIP RECEIVE A FREE WOMEN'S HEALTH CONSULT
Please introduce yourself and your business. My name is Grayce and I’m the founder of The Women’s Wellness Boutique and Physio Collective located on Lake Road. The Women’s Wellness Boutique is the first of its kind; working on the mission to provide a safe, nurturing place for women to access high quality services. These services include women’s health physiotherapy, remedial and pregnancy massage, doula services, naturopath, nutritionist, counsellor, mental health social worker and lots more.
What sets your services apart from others?
The Women’s Wellness Boutique is a one of its kind. The clinic is run by professionals, women and mothers, all working closely together to achieve our clients goals and provide the best quality healthcare possible. Not only is it our services that stand out, it’s our continuous community involvement, providing education sessions, workshops, infant first aid classes and
so much more to upskill and educate the Mid North Coast. Can you introduce the amazing women you work alongside.
Tori Donnelly Tori is a Mental Health Accredited Social Worker and Certified Play Therapist. Tori specialises in working with victims/survivors of trauma; specifically sexual assault and sexual abuse. However, this passion expands to those who have experienced birth trauma, or are living with anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder, and all other mental health conditions.
Sophie Friend Sophie is a mother and degree qualified Naturopath and Nutritionist. Sophie’s passion lies with women's health and hormones.
Kirsty Minturn Kirsty is a mother, local pastor and qualified birth and postpartum doula. Kirsty’s passion lies in supporting women in navigating their postpartum journey and in the birth space.
Tahlia Hunter Tahlia is a Women’s Health Physiotherapist, Certified Pregnancy Massage Therapist and Pilates Instructor. Tahlia having experienced her own pelvic health concerns, has now found her passion in helping women.
What is something about your business not many people would know? Our business has just launched its own line of pregnancy and postpartum products, that have been stocked and shipped both nationally and internationally. We have developed the first evidence based products and have worked alongside many professionals such as obstetricians, women’s health physiotherapists, lactation consultants, plastic surgeons and midwives to develop the best of the best!
The clinic is run by professionals, women and mothers, all working closely together to achieve our clients goals and provide the best quality healthcare possible.
Please introduce yourself. I am a passionate advocate for research based, real life solutions that encompass the needs of the whole person and actually work!
I have a background in behavioural neuroscience. I went on to become a school teacher, an Australian Breastfeeding Association group leader and counsellor, and have experience with children's therapy and infant feeding overseas and around Australia. I am now an international board certified lactation consultant, nutritionist, counsellor, certified orofacial myologist, registered teacher and feeding therapist.
I see NDIS clients for behaviour management, especially around sleep and eating skills. Research shows, and I also see a large coincidence of oral motor dysfunction, intolerances and affected sleep with cooccurring diagnoses - especially for autistic, ADHD and neurodivergent children.
Tell us about your business and how you got started. I now serve many aspects of early parenting to the highest standard,
and individualise in a way public health services can't provide. I keep up to date with research meticulously every single day and learn most from the health professionals I teach at conferences!
I am totally independent from political or commercial influence.
I love travelling the path especially with mothers who are carrying the burden of their child’s discomfort and helping the babies/ children get to the calm, happy place with eating and sleep that they deserve!.
What do you love the most about what you do? I love prenatal education to optimise breastfeeding and infant gut health because it can prevent so many concerns that I see older children for! I love getting women breastfeeding which can fight over 40 types of cancer for mum and baby, and prevent allergies and needing braces. Some stats say 50% of all Aussies get cancer in their lifetime now and we can manage many aspects of that with early life choices around eating and gut health in the first years of life.
I love learning from the children and families
I serve. I love travelling the path especially with mothers who are carrying the burden of their child's discomfort and helping the babies/ children get to the calm, happy place with eating and sleep that they deserve!
I love getting to the root of intolerances, easing allergies, giving tired parents back their sleep, even helping grown men get off sleep apnoea CPAP machines!
I also love getting crowded teeth to move and palate expansion with myofunctional exercises before children require braces!
What are the most common misconceptions or "wives tales" that you have come across and what can our readers expect when they come and see you? 'Fed is best' - it's just bare minimum. We can still have a happy, healthy life and THRIVE beyond just being alive! The biggest myth I
hear is that 'tongue ties are a fad', or 'don't matter if the child's weight gain is ok'. Even Moses in the Bible had a tongue tie released! 'Breastfeeding comes naturally' - no it's actually a learnt skill and an art and science also. 'Snoring is normal', mouth breathing doesn't matter - these can cause all sorts of havoc to learning, sleep and gut and are fixable. I see older children and adult clients whose challenges could have been intercepted earlier. Appointments with me analyse all relevant aspects to meet your goals, like nutrient levels, sleep breathing, muscle balance, retained reflexes, microbiome balance, stool analysis, hormones, not just latch or chewing. Post partum optimal hormone and bloods levels, breastmilk optimisation, weaning, supply, meds/herbs and management to meet your goals.
For young children we might start with an eating and drinking picnic or play games while talking, so I can analyse facial muscles recruitment, tongue movements, food skill control, breathing control, planning to meet parents' concerns and families' needs that parents have often seen several other practitioners for already. We get to the root cause/s.
Older children and up, through play and fun
we measure facial muscles and coordination, expanding fussy eating, home therapy activities plan, meal time recount, pre assessment measurements and myofunctional 'face games' Who can you help?
I see infants and children, families and adults for the most thorough of myofunctional assessments, to sort out gut, nutrition, sleep, breathing, dental crowding, swallowing and eating, regulation, learning support and NDIS participants. When I am not writing conference presentations, I have clinics in Clarence Street Port Macquarie, in King Creek and up at Toormina/Coffs Coast in addition to home visits and telehealth.
I help mothers transition to parenthood and feel listened to rather than gaslighted. Mums are always right, they don't always know all the details but when something feels not right with their children, mums just know.
My scope includes relactation after weaning, induced lactation for adoptive parents, chestfeeding and breastfeeding without birthing. I am an ally to LGBTQI+.
I am a strong advocate for women's rights in pregnancy, birthing and early parenting, as well as for children's rights.
I offer low level laser therapy for mastitis and breast inflammation, wound healing and
all aspects of breast care and lactation management including hormones, supply lines and top ups, galactoceles, thrush, under/over supply, contraception, meds compatibility, herbs use. I also support parents to learn how to navigate the health system, complex cases, NDIS and education settings. I sell a range of the precisely selected products to support parents and children's skills, available through Facebook, Insta or my website www. thrivehealth.au.
Vouchers are available to gift my pre or post-natal feeding services as gifts - whether planning to breastfeed, bottle feed or boththe most valuable present to a new parent is skills rather than goods!
I am acutely in tune as a mum of young kids myself, having survived many complex challenges, to obtain practical results with realistic expectations!
For women, prenatal Pilates takes into consideration the specifics of how your body carries and adapts throughout pregnancy. It supports women in continueing movement such as, rotation, balance and general fitness.
Core work can be applied to assist in labour and the delivery process. There is evidence of core work reducing labour times. All women are different as we know and Pilates also recognises each mother on an individual level and that their core may be needed to soften and therefore homework and exercises can be implemented to soften the pelvic floor.
PILATES HAS NOW BEEN ADAPTED AND USED ALONGSIDE MANY DISCIPLINES INCLUDING GENERAL PRACTICE, PHYSIOTHERAPY AND OT.
Pilates addresses the mother on an individual level offering modification and variation so that the body is strengthened and moving after birth.
Caesarean section requires a woman’s health professional to check for approval to begin Pilates but gentle movements are encouraged from the day of procedure.
Hip issues and back issues can arise later in life due to birth. Most women can be unaware of this. Pilates aims to support a woman’s journey to moving pain free throughout all stages of life. Whilst gaining body conditioning for functional movement.
Reformer Pilates is a studied traditional discipline focusing on posture, breathing, balance, coordination, and resistance.
Reformer works the whole body with a moving resistance table that allows for strengthening upper, lower, abdominal, obliques whilst also bringing a fun atmosphere as you coordinate and balance.
PILATES REALLY WELCOMES PEOPLE OF ALL AGES AND ABILITIES AND IS SUCH A GREAT MODALITY TO INCREASE ONE’S CONFIDENCE IN THEIR OWN BODY’S ABILITY
- Georgie 2023
Pilates is a range of movements that were created by Joseph Pilates who had a calling to help strengthen and maintain fitness within army camps and also for the public thereafter. With no real following, he was left to start a studio of his own with wife Clara who attended to resistance training in both directions of movement to strengthen, build balance, coordination whilst breathing for optimal abdominal engagement.
• Improve strength, flexibility, balance, posture and mental health
• Total body exercises recruit every muscle fibre leading to a stronger core
• You will become more toned and athletic due to the strengthening and lengthening of your muscles
• Meet amazing like-minded people
• Reformer Pilates will leave you feeling taller, more confident, great!
“Pilates develops the body uniformly, corrects wrong postures, restores physical vitality, invigorates the mind, elevates the spirit “ - Joseph Pilates
Strengthening postural muscles and correcting muscle imbalances through teaching correct posture which must be maintained in each exercise
Pilates exercises focus on core muscles, recruiting deep transverse abdominus and pelvic floor muscles at a lower intensity with emphasis on better muscle control and correct activation of minor and major muscle groups improving strength and flexibility
Slows the nervous system and allows mind muscle connection. There are a number of breathing patterns utilised in Pilates. Breathing helps engage pelvic floor contraction and encourages the activation and effectiveness of each exercise. This is fundamental to the contraction process of deep transverse abdominus (core) muscles and pelvic floor girdle.
It is one of the most effective forms of exercise to change the body because it targets all of the muscles in the body. Reformer allows for concentration on smaller muscles and joint stabilisers. Once they are activated and isolated the exercises progress to working larger muscles to become more dynamic and functional, getting a whole body work out in a short period of time.
focus contributor.
Welcome to the May edition of the Fitness Update! This month, we're tackling a topic that might not seem exciting at first, but it's actually crucial for your long-term healthbone density.
Now, we know what you're thinking:"Bone density? Yawn." But trust me, it's not as boring as it sounds. In fact, it's pretty fascinating stuff. So, let's dive in!
First off, did you know that women are particularly at risk for low bone density? Blame it on those pesky hormonal changes that come with menopause, which can lead to bone loss. But fear not! There are things you can do to protect your bones.
For starters, make sure you're getting enough calcium and vitamin D. These nutrients are essential for strong bones, and a lack of them can increase your risk of low bone density. So, load up on those leafy greens, dairy products, and other calcium-rich foods and don't forget to soak up some sunshine (with sunscreen, of course) to boost your vitamin D levels. Whilst it's never too late to incorporate these things, it is best to start at a young age.
Of course diet isn't the only factor. Regular exercise is also key. We're not just talking about going for a leisurely stroll here. To really
stimulate bone growth, you need weight-bearing and resistance exercises. And sorry, couch potatoes, a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to bone loss over time. So get moving!
I know that starting a new exercise program can be intimidating, especially if you're worried about your bone density.
But fear not! Miss Motivator and Empower Physio for Women are here to help. We're excited to introduce Onero™, a new exercise program specifically designed for those with low bone density.
Onero™ is an evidence-based exercise program developed from the LIFTMOR study, conducted at Griffith University under the supervision of Professor Belinda Beck, and recently published in the Journal of Bone Mineral Research (2018). Results show that 86% of patients increased bone mass at the lumbar spine and 69% of patients increased bone mass at the hip.
Whilst Onero™ is designed to improve osteopenia and osteoporosis, consultation with your health professional is required to explore your personal options before undertaking this programme. Based on the latest research,
exercises.
Onero™ has been shown to increase bone mass, improve posture, and decrease falls in clinic patients. It includes heavy weight lifting, which has additional bone health benefits. And don't worry, we won't just toss you into the deep end. Appropriate, qualified supervision is crucial for this type of exercise, and we'll make sure you're thoroughly pre-screened before starting the program.
We are launching Onero™ at Miss Motivator during May, to find out more about Onero™ to book your pre assessment call 0483 831 046 or email admin@epfw.com.au
We’re not just talking about going for a leisurely stroll here. To really stimulate bone growth, you need weight-bearing and resistance
Two-dimensional imaging has been an integral part of the treatment planning to deliver optimal care for the patient for many years. However, there are concerns regarding its accuracy, as it is prone to superimpositions, distortions and error. Recent advancements in three-dimensional imaging have now made it more readily available, and it can now be argued that it should be the cornerstone for advanced diagnosing and treatment planning for dental treatment.
Three-dimensional imaging provides many advantages over traditional x-rays and two-dimensional OPG’s, especially when diagnosing and treatment planning complex treatments such as removal of teeth, root canal, crown and bridgework, implants, orthodontics, sleep apnoea and airway associated treatments.
A 3D X-ray is a diagnostic tool used to capture information in all three dimensions and allows your dentist to examine your bone and underlying structures by scrolling through the image on a computer screen. Your
dentist can see and interpret these different views, significantly improving the amount of information captured compared to traditional dental x-rays, and without the inbuilt errors and distortions associated with twodimensional images. Furthermore, it gives your dentist a larger image with more control and helps them to see commonly missed areas when reviewing small dental x-rays.
The additional areas that the 3D image captures are jaw (including jaw joint), sinuses, nerve canal and airways and this allows your dentist to diagnose common systemic issues such as breathing difficulties, infections of the sinus, polyps, sleep problems, jaw issues and nutritional problems associated with eating difficulties. This information can be addressed to improve your overall health, plus problems that are picked up earlier and addressed earlier, can reduce the cost of treatment and amount of time spent in the dental chair. For example sometimes a perceived dental pain is actually related to the sinus and is therefore treated by an ENT.
Some would argue that the cost of a 3D x-ray is more expensive than traditional x-rays and
that the radiation dose is higher. This is true, however, given that the 3D x-ray captures the whole mouth, face and jaw, and allows for a more comprehensive exam and treatment plan, taking in the whole picture, we feel it offsets for this price and exposure level. Plus repeated small x-rays, which may be required to obtain the same information, can also add up in price and radiation exposure. Lastly, you shouldn’t need a 3D x-ray frequently because it allows for long term treatment planning.
If you or a loved one would benefit from a 3D x-ray, comprehensive exam and treatment plan, please contact the caring team at Sundial Dental for an appointment today, and request a 3D x-ray consultation. At this appointment you can expect to spend 40 minutes with your dentist and have an in-depth conversation about your 3D x-ray findings, plan any dental solutions and have time to answer any queries you may have.
As the saying goes... We Look Deeper at Sundial Dental. visit www.sundialdental. com.au or ring us on 6583 3533 or 6585 2015.
It can be argued that a 3D x-ray should be the cornerstone for advance diagnosing and treatment planning.
That’s why for the past 30 years, we’ve been dedicated to helping senior Australians find joy and fulfillment in every day. Our permanent and respite care services are designed to meet your unique needs and support you in realising your wellbeing goals.
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Hi Larry. When did you first get involved with surf lifesaving?
I joined Bondi SBLSC in December 1962, at the end of Year 7. A few of my friends at Randwick Boys High School were involved in competitive swimming and we joined the Surf Club at the same time. Have you always been a keen swimmer or surfer yourself?
I was a bit too adventurous as a young boynearly drowned twice before I was 5. Once at Palm Beach and the other at The Entrance, so, my parents put me into Learn to Swim. That led to Swimming Club and later, competition. I was good but not good enough in the pool, 5th in a National final was my best result. Then swimming gave way to full on surf life saving. Since I was 18, I have also been
Larry Brook is a local legend, having volunteered his time coaching Nippers at Flynn’s Beach SLSC for 51 years now! He has supported many local youngsters through gaining confidence in the surf, which is such a valuable skill growing up on our beautiful coastline. Larry is also still competing himself, having recently brought home a Gold at Country and a Gold and Silver at State.
involved in winter swimming clubs, first at Clovelly Eskimos and still at Port Macquarie Walrus Club.
You volunteer your time with the Nippers kids at your local surf club, why did you decide to start offering up your time like that? There were some great volunteer coaches looking after me at Bondi Surf Club, in my younger days, some real legends of the sport. I decided I wanted to try to give the same opportunities to others if I could. I have now continuously coached since my arrival in Port in 1972.
Swimming gave way to full on surf life saving. Since I was 18, I have also been involved in winter swimming clubs, first at Clovelly Eskimos and still at Port Macquarie Walrus Club.
What role do you believe Nippers programs play in teaching children about beach and water safety and why do you think these skills are so important for kids to learn when growing up in a coastal area?
The Junior SLS movement began in the 1960’s and has produced 1,000’s of active surf life savers nationwide. They join the patrolling arm of surf life saving with high quality surf swimming, board paddling and beach awareness skills. The Nippers who don’t go to the Senior club still have those same skills most of which last a lifetime.
What are some of the skills that kids learn
through the programs you volunteer with? Can you take us through some of the activities you do and what a morning at the beach might be like with the group?
Our year round training program offers:-
SUMMER - 6am Tuesdays and Thursdays AND 9am Saturdays and 9am Sunday Competition.
WINTER - 9am Saturdays and Sundays.
Once they are competent board paddlers, they learn board rescue techniques and compete in board rescue events at carnivals.
When their surf swimming is good enough,
they then go on to do tube rescues.
You regularly hear in the media how Nippers have performed rescues and saved lives Australia wide in nonpatrol situations.
Overcoming “FEAR” in the surf is often the biggest obstacle for some of the youngsters. Our training nurses them along with close, near shore paddles which gradually become longer until they can leave Flynns Beach and paddle to Flat Rock, Bird Rock, Town Beach, “The Blow Hole” and Shelley Beach. All fear is gone when they can stand on Flat Rock or jump off Bird Rock!!........(with the right sea conditions). Continues...
You regularly hear in the media how Nippers have performed rescues and saved lives Australia wide in non-patrol situations.
I was a bit too adventurous as a young boy - nearly drowned twice before I was 5. Once at Palm Beach and the other at The Entrance, so, my parents put me into Learn to Swim.
What are some of the biggest challenges of taking a group of kids into the water?
How do you prioritize safety during Nippers sessions?
Safety is the number one priority. Training activities are tailored to surf conditions, each session. The older, more experienced kids undertake the higher order skills necessary for competition and rescues, while the younger or “newer” kids are introduced to the basics. For most of my 51 years, parent participation as water safety and assistant coaches has been great in our club. The current large group of helpers are outstanding, and makes my job easy to do.
What do you enjoy most about your time with the kids and what do you think the kids enjoy most about getting involved?
Being a surf life saver is a wonderful life. It keeps you fit and healthy and engaged with fellow club members and the community. At my age, it keeps me going and looking forward.
The kids enjoy the opportunity to do so much beach time. Local, branch and state carnivals offer competition and travel. Many of our past Nippers went on to form the bulk of the old Hastings Council Professional Lifeguard Service and many are now employed
The kids enjoy working in a group and monitoring their own improvement in fitness and skills. They also enjoy (with a little too much enthusiasm), the “rare” occasion when I fall off my board during training!!
by Surf Life Saving Professional Lifeguard Service. Many simply graduate to patrol duty in Port Macquarie Surf Club, and we have “exported” many of our members up and down the NSW Coast and into Queensland Clubs. I am proud of our many successes winning state and Australian medals and especially of the kids who made state and international teams.
The kids enjoy working in a group and monitoring their own improvement in fitness and skills. They also enjoy (with a little too much enthusiasm), the “rare” occasion when I fall off my board during training!!
You have been involved in a few competitions yourself, winning a couple of medals at state recently? What do you love about getting out and competing yourself?
I have won 39 Country Championships, in all Age groups - Open, 24s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s. I have also won 47 State and Australian Medals in Age Groups Cadet, Junior, Open, 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s. This year a Gold at Country and a Gold and
Silver at State. I enjoy training hard, as much as I enjoy competing. It just feels good. If I miss swimming or paddling for more than a few days, I just don’t feel right. It is easier to keep going than to stop and start again!
Did any other Club members compete with you? How does it feel to get back to the Club with some new medals and stories to share?
Port Macquarie Surf Club has a very successful group of Masters Competitors at the moment. This year at the State Championships, they won multiple medals across age groups from 30 to 70+ years, in individual events and team events.
Last season the group won 14 medals at the National Championships on the Gold Coast, the most successful Championship Carnival in the Club’s history.
And I am proud to say several of these Masters, now in their 30s, 40s and 50s, were part of our Nipper Program all those years ago and now some of their children are members of our current Nipper Program. Thanks Larry.
Being a surf life saver is a wonderful life. It keeps you fit and healthy and engaged with fellow club members and the community. At my age, it keeps me going and looking forward.
DR CLARE ALLEN - CEO, PORT MACQUARIE HASTINGS COUNCIL
The conveyancing landscape has changed significantly over the past few years. A number of legislative changes have changed the way in which Licensed Conveyancers and Solicitors operate in their day-to-day conveyancing transactions.
Not so long ago, transactions were conducted through manual processes and hard copy documents with “wet” signatures. Solicitors and conveyancers would physically meet to exchange and settle property transactions.
Now, property transactions are completed through electronic conveyancing which is essentially the digital completion of conveyancing. Electronic signatures are accepted for documents dealing with land provided that they meet the stringent “DocuSign” criteria. For example, transferring property ownership from seller to buyer, lodgement of land dealings such as caveats, easements, discharge of mortgages, transmission applications and lodgement of leases are all done electronically. The benefits of the transition to electronic conveyancing have been noticeable, particularly for settlement of conveyancing transactions. Settlements are more secure, more efficient and flexible allowing for last minute changes to settlement figures
without delaying settlement (which would have happened in the “old days” when bank cheques were prepared for settlement).
It would be natural to assume that as electronic conveyancing has transformed the way the settlement process takes place, conveyancing workload would also reduce.
Unfortunately, it seems that, in conveyancing, as with Newtons third law of motion, for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. As electronic processing has made conveyancing transactions more efficient and flexible, so governments have transferred responsibility for revenue collection onto conveyancing professionals. According to Revenue NSW, a whopping 96% of their work is now being done by conveyancing professionals.
Revenue NSW “outsource” responsibility for evidentiary requirements (verification of identity, evidence that a person owns a property, signing of declarations), whether a person is eligible for First Home Buyers assistance, how much stamp duty is to be paid, obtaining Land Tax Certificates, paying land tax on settlement, determining whether
a person is a foreign person and therefore has to pay surcharge stamp duty and surcharge land tax. This is to name but a FEW!
The Australian Tax Office also requires conveyancing professionals to ensure that GST is applied as required, and, Foreign Investment Review Board Approval requirements are met by foreign persons who are purchasing property. If a property sells for over $750,000, a Foreign Resident Capital Gains Withholding Certificate has to be obtained.
All this revenue collection and identification takes time and much of it replaces the time saved by electronic settlements and exchanges! Solicitors and Licensed Conveyancing firms are also audited by government agencies to ensure that the correct amount of revenue has been collected and that is a huge burden to carry.
It is also why we attend legal courses, subscribe and study law updates in order to stay current with our knowledge and expertise. Here, at Priest Legal, we communicate and share our knowledge and expertise so that we can react quickly to change - which is a regular occurrence in this profession.
What excited you the most about taking the role?
I love how education enables positive community development. Having worked for the Mutual Financial sector for decades and involved in a range of programs in regional Australia and the broader Pacific, my eyes were opened to the power of participation to improve self, family and community. Removing barriers to participation remains a passion of mine and a community college is the perfect vehicle to allow members of the community to either support others through patronage or volunteerism to help those who need a helping hand. There have been some really exciting changes at MNCCC over the past few years. What have been some of the biggest and newest projects that you have been involved with?
First of all, credit must go to our fabulous volunteer board who have tackled many challenges over nearly 4 decades and steered the development of the college to its current day multi educational service. Under the leadership of Grant Burtenshaw, Chair, and since arriving in 2016, I have been part of many team achievements. 2017 we opened Nautilus College after recognising a need to provide a service for students who find traditional schooling a challenge. 2018 we created a Makerspace which pools recycled resources for the community members of all ages to learn new skills. 2019 we opened our Childrens Educational Services division offering an OOSHC, vacation care and activity centre while providing outreach and crèche opportunities to families wishing to engage in education. 2022 we opened Yulinbal, a new campus for disengaged youth in Taree, to find success in completing school. With limited resources but a lot of heart, I have been part of a dedicated team, that have managed to grow the college services to address participation barriers.
For those who may not be familiar with the college, can you give a bit of an overview
MNCCC offers vocational training, life skills, development opportunities, shed talks to engage the broad community, childrens educational play services and a specialised year 7-10 high school. We have campuses in Taree, Kempsey and Port Macquarie and offer a range of vocational and personal development programs in our region’s smaller towns. The college employs over 80 staff
A lot of people may not realise the MNCCC is a non-for-profit organisation. How does the college run their programs and events? We are a community owned and governed non-profit and registered charity. Our sole purpose is to improve community participation to all members of our community, through education. Participating in our programs generates opportunities for others who need a helping hand. As a registered charity MNCCC proudly offers outreach services and relies on activity fees, Government supports and donations. .
The School of Hard Knocks Choir, is a program that you started. Tell us the journey of this program and how it all started?
The School of Hard Knocks was first established by Dr Jonathon Welch in Melbourne and its aims aligned perfectly to ours. At a conference in 2014 attended to by the previous CEO of the college, Val Evans Jonathon shared a video about his eight year journey in forming the Choir of Hard Knocks among the street people of Melbourne. His inspiration led Val to approach Jonathon about exploring the possibility of establishing a rural and regional choir in Port Macquarie. After a lot of planning the SOHK for Port Macquarie Hastings began in 2016. Val Evans, Glenda Hamilton, Robbie Lloyd and Marie van Gend, our first Choir Director,
worked to establish a version of it for our region with fabulous results. It has since gone from strength to strength under the leadership of Tim Maddren. Choir is an inclusive, supportive group for vulnerable or marginalised people who want to come together, make music and friends. The choir offers a rehearsal once a week where members and volunteers meet and enjoy singing together under the direction of Tim and assisted by Matt Brooker. The benefits of singing and friendship are well documented. I invite members of the public to come along and sing! Your Makerspace program is also something that is always growing and changing. What does the Makerspace have in store for 2023?
Yes it continues to take shape and that’s its advantage. Our Makerspace was built on community donations and the support of government, while providing a space for creative endeavour. It also assists us to provide introduction to trades for youth and those wishing to switch careers. It’s a fabulous tinker and creative arts space, and offers a recording studio. 2023 we will be revitalising our shed talks, community workshops, upcycling efforts and vacation programs – something for everyone. Open to all through a membership subscription. Pop in on Saturdays for a tour!
Where would you like to see MNCC College grow to in the next 2 years?
Having just opened a new school campus and about to open a youth centre in Taree next month, I think we have the next two years already mapped. We would love to increase community awareness and participation in our programs, and long term we simply want to get better, to fill a void that community education can service.
Thanks ValerieanneWith limited resources but a lot of heart, I have been part of a dedicated team, that have managed to grow the college services to address participation barriers.
DR CLARE ALLEN, CEO
Dr Clare Allen is Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Chief Executive Officer (CEO). An award-winning CEO with a Doctorate in Business Administration and 25+ years at the C-Suite level, Dr Allen is a transformational leader and has served the community services sector for most of her career. She is also council’s first female Chief Executive Officer.
Serving as CEO since February, 2021, Dr Allen has led a significant program of change and developed a clear vision for council. Focus recently caught up with Clare, as she graciously offered her time to discuss the journey of CEO at Port Macquarie-Hastings Council over the past two years, talking candidly with Focus about her achievements, challenges and building a case for change.
Hi Clare. It is a pleasure to speak with you. You have proudly held the seat as CEO of Council for two years now. Tell us a little about yourself and your role as CEO?
I have been in CEO roles since I was in my twenties and I have had the privilege of working in a number of different organisations, across a range of industries, winning numerous amounts of awards along the way. I have always chosen to work in organisations that are mission based and want to make a real difference. I would say that my career has been forged on turning around companies, through
focusing on people, leadership and strategy, and this has shaped the CEO I am today.
I was drawn to the role as CEO of Port Macquarie-Hastings Council because there was an appetite for change and council wanted to bring in a leader that could bring the organisation’s maturity up to the next level. For me it was an opportunity to bring my business and leadership skills to an organisation whose services have a daily impact on people’s lives and help to shape it to be better, and that again, is a privilege. I am honoured to be in the role of CEO here at council and at such an exciting time of growth for our region.
That is a big undertaking, but you hold a very impressive career history in top level management. You have received numerous accolades for your achievements including Winner 2007 WA IBM Telstra
Business Woman of the Year, AIM Community Business Leader of the Year 2018 and two Local Government awards for innovative programs, and have shown tremendous commitment to the community services sector through leadership. Can you share with us a little about your mission as CEO and the ‘Case for Change’ to build a strong future for our region?
We are one of the fastest growing regions in NSW and part of the reason that I took the role as CEO for council was because of the organisation’s appetite for change. As the first CEO of this council, I came to the organisation, with a clear mandate to improve governance, and strategically position council for now and in the future, so that we can effectively serve our community.
Continues...
For me it was an opportunity to bring my business and leadership skills to an organisation whose services have a daily impact on people’s lives and help to shape it to be better.
My partner and I have also settled into the region and know that it is a great place to live and work and so I could not be more committed to helping to shape the future of our region.
I believe that organisations need three aspects to ‘perform great’ and that is, 1, good governance, 2. good strategy and 3. good operations. When we dilute this down and focus on one at the expense of the other, we create short sighted results. As a CEO, I focus on all three elements to create a contemporary and robust organisation. Cultural change, takes at least 18 months and embedding good strategy can take even longer, but I am pleased to say we are making progress.
To deliver the community’s vision and build a future for generations to come I’ve developed our ‘Case for Change’ to transform how we work and think. To clearly articulate this and guide our journey, we have adopted a mission for transforming the organisation to provide excellent services and infrastructure for our community. There’s a massive opportunity for change and I think people are ready for that change, so that excites me.
It’s been two years in the seat as CEO and there’s a long list of significant achievements that council has already delivered. What have been some of your highlights and specific initiatives undertaken in council to support our community?
There have been many great achievements over the past two years, but mainly I’m proud of the staff, the achievements they deliver for our community daily to really make this region absolutely extraordinary. Our staff are remarkable and truly care about the job they do for our community. On top of delivering business as usual for the community, we have been undertaking $90M+ in flood damages and repaired the Rawdon Island Bridge, as well as managing through a pandemic and delivering some outstanding results, against escalating infrastructure costs.
Let’s talk about the infrastructure budget. Our Mayor and Councillors are really focused on improving the region’s infrastructure, so we’re reviewing our approach to road maintenance and long-term infrastructure planning. The community has clearly told us in our Community Strategic Plan that they want us to fix the congestion problems and build more footpaths.
The $111 million upgrade to Ocean Drive is part of fixing the congestion problem, and I talk about this project because there aren’t many other regional local government council’s managing a road upgrade of that
magnitude.
Another key achievement has been how we’ve humanised council’s brand. When I first started in the role, there were a significant number of complaints coming to council and by setting the goal to humanise the organisation this has significantly reduced. We’ve been really listening to our community and responding by being honest and being real.
We are being transparent, and we are going back to people and being honest and factual about what needs to happen. We can see people are starting to respect that. We still have a way to go, but we are getting there. I introduced the Australian Business Excellence Framework (ABEF) providing Key Performance Indicators across the business and creating stronger accountability for the organisation. We also started an enterprise transformation program with an ambitious vision to enable and empower great service delivery, innovation and community connection through efficient, effective and well-governed organisational operations.
We started the enterprise transformation program by investing in our procurement and human resources. Both areas needed
Our Mayor and Councillors are really focused on improving the region’s infrastructure, so we’re reviewing our approach to road maintenance and longterm infrastructure planning.
a big uplift. There’s been a big focus on our procurement compliance and shifting ourselves to become a trusted partner in the community for local business and suppliers to work with. We want to become an employer of choice and have an engaged workforce, to achieve this we need to transform our human resources.
A lot has been achieved over the past two years, but there is still so much more to be done in getting the foundations right to set us up for success.
We appreciate that the local government sector is complex and heavily regulated. What have been some of the challenges you have faced since commencing in the role?
The past couple of years have been some of the most challenging for our region. We’ve gone from picking up the pieces in the aftermath of the worst floods we’ve ever experienced, and only recently the severe winds that swept though causing significant damage right throughout. And then of course, COVID-19, so council has been faced with several external challenges.
I also faced internal challenges. When I arrived, I undertook an assessment of the organisation and discovered it’s maturity was fairly low. I could see we were lacking proper systems and processes. There was a poor approach to strategic planning and it was clear, we needed a big reform agenda. We didn’t have key performance indicators or
targets to strengthen accountability, and this was alarming for an organisation the size of ours. I discovered that we had ageing infrastructure and assets and a growing community, with varying stages of needs.
So, I knew as the new CEO I had a big journey ahead of me to turn this organisation around and increase its maturity.
But I want to tell you that I have gone into every single organization as a CEO and in the first year I’m embedding good practice, in year two I’m taking those foundations to the next level, and in year three, we’re winning awards.
To become an award-winning organization the first 3 years are critical to finding out what the issues are, setting up the right foundations, and then building from there.
You are now into your third year as CEO. What does the year ahead look like and the future for Council?
I am excited to continue our journey of change! There are several key focus areas this year, one of which is the continuation of our enterprise transformation program, that aims to enhance our service delivery and ensure we have efficient, effective and well-governed organisational operations.
Another key priority focus area is our water and sewer services. Our local government
area currently has an estimated population of 86,400 and by 2041, our community is projected to grow by 16.5% to a population of approximately 100,700. In my early days at council I discovered that we didn’t have enough water capacity and knowing the expected growth for our region it was a key priority of mine to develop a robust sustainable action plan to build a new water treatment plant by 2028. We aim to make sure we can continue providing our community with safe and secure water now and into the future.
There are many exciting projects and changes happening behind the scenes, and I look forward to sharing this journey with you as we continue to transform council.
And finally Clare, is there anything in closing you would like to share?
Yes, I would like to say a few words to our community. I want to assure them that with my leadership they are in safe and trusted hand. Behind the scenes I’m working to build council’s organisation so that we make the right decisions today that will have a positive affect for our future generations.
At the heart of everything I do as a leader, is to bring alive and achieve our community’s vision of becoming the most liveable, sustainable and innovative place in Australia. Thanks Clare. Interview: Sarah Baker
To become an award-winning organization the first 3 years are critical to finding out what the issues are, setting up the right foundations, and then building from there.
Wow May has come around so fast and we are in the final planning stages and so excited for the 2023 Coastline Credit Union Greater Port Macquarie Business Awards Gala Dinner on Saturday 20th May. Tickets have been selling fast but you can jump on our website at www.businessportmacquarie. com.au to secure your tickets. A night to celebrate our business community which are “the Heart of the Hastings”.
Accommodation
Camp Jordan, Mansfield
Estate, Mantra & The Observatory
Automotive Services
Get Detailed by Joseph
Childcare Education & Training
Andrew Lord | Blueprint Life Academy, Smartland Boutique Early Learning Port
Macquarie, TG's Child Care, The Nature
School
Community & Social Services
All Disability Plan Management, Liberty
Domestic & Family Violence Specialist Services,
Lifeline Mid Coast
Linked Community Services
Construction
Exquisite Glass, Pycon Homes, Thrumster
Business Park, TV Magic
Creative Services & Communications
Cloud Concepts, Lucy Humphries
Photography, RADIO 531, Scaramouche
Financial Services
Mortgage Choice - Kelly Carter, Strive
Financial group, Unite Advisory
Food Production & Catering
Any Occasion Cakes & Party Food, Char Bar
Catering, My Blue Tea, Soul Sister Grazing
Hair & Beauty Services
Brows by Willow, Plum Studio, Pure Lash and
Beauty, VANITY Medi Spa
Health & Wellbeing
Goodwin Tennis, Port Medical Aesthetics
Clinic, SMART Pilates, The Trauma Solution
Hotels, Clubs & Bars
Panthers Port Macquarie, Port City Bowling
Club, The Tacking Point Tavern, Wauchope Country Club
Industry, Manufacturing & Engineering
BeautPress Pty Ltd - Port City Steel, Chicken Caravan
New Business
Amegilla Studios, Dovetail Transport & Fabrication, Rosewood Wild Therapy, The Propagation Station
Professional & Business Services (5 or less employees)
Belle Property, Dare 2 Care, Direction
Accounting & Business Coaching, LPM - Love Project Management
Professional & Business Services (6 or more employees)
Colourworks, Men And Women At Work, One Agency Port Macquarie - Wauchope, Wiseberry Real Estate Port Macquarie
Restaurants & Cafes
Round & Round Coffee, Seasalt, The Chip Shop, The Hill Cafe
Retail (5 or less employees)
MidCoast Uniform Solutions
Retail (6 or more employees)
C2C Sports, Growers Market, Harvey Norman Computers Mobile Phones and Technology, Hastings Co-operative Ltd
Tourism & Attractions
Arts and Health Australia, Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail, Facade Escape Rooms, Port Adventure Cruises, WildNets Adventures Woman in Business (Hastings Business Womens Network)
All Disability Plan Management - Fiona Wallace, Any Occasion Cakes & Party Food
- Maddie Wilson, Moorland Cottage CaféChristina Jones, Port Medical Aesthetics Clinic
- Dr Kristy Kostalas
Community Impact Award - To Create a World Worth Living In
Port Macquarie EaTs, Self Seen, Excellence in Work Health & Safety
Outstanding Employee
Colourworks Australia (Claire Mathews), Harvey Norman Computers Mobile Phones and Technology (Bobby Lee), One Agency Port Macquarie - Wauchope (Emily Thorpe)
Outstanding Young Business Leader
Brows by Willow (Willow Rissel), Mid North Coast Satellite & Antenna Services (Jacob Smith), One Agency Port MacquarieWauchope (Tim Castro), Port Smiles Dental (Jasmine Green)
Outstanding Business Leader
Direction Accounting & Business Coaching (David Ross), Moorland Cottage Café (Christina Jones), Port Medical Aesthetics Clinic (Kristy Kostalas), The Nature School (Catherine Shaw)
Employer of Choice Under 20 Employees
Moorland Cottage Cafe, One Agency
Port Macquarie - Wauchope, Port Medical Aesthetics Clinic
Employer of Choice Over 20 Employees
All Disability Plan Management, Colourworks
Excellence in Innovation
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Darius Witecki founded Port Pickers just a few years ago after a lifetime of having a keen interest in old collectables. They are just who you might think they are, just like the shows so many of us watch, they road trip and source antiques and interesting pieces from all over the east coast and sell the unique wares they find on to the public, giving a new life to old items that often hold interesting histories and stories.
Hi Darius. Can you tell us about the origins of Port Pickers? How did you come up with the concept and when did you get it up and running?
I had a fascination with watches to begin with. I was always asking people about their watches and on Christmas and birthdays I wanted a watch. So by the time I was 15 years old, I had a watch collection of probably five or six. The obsession continued from there to clocks and then other cool things. I found myself just fascinated with old stuff. Collectables, watches, clocks, knives plus lots more as you can see in my store.
I grew up in Geelong, Melbourne and lived in Queensland working in different industries over the years and have always been collecting in my spare time.
“Port Pickers” was originally a hobby, COVID was the catalyst taking my hobby to the next level in business.
Just prior to the onset of COVID-19 I had moved to Port Macquarie from Brisbane.
I had stock, a space, online sales and
e-commerce abilities, so the next logical step was for me to open an online shop. Once restrictions eased, we were able to accept physical customers into our hybrid retail store/ warehouse
Can you explain how the business works and what a day on the job might be like for you?
We start with a team meeting in the morning. I check in with my warehouse team and we discuss any pending sales, deliveries, items to post, enquiries, shop or vehicle maintenancethings of that nature.
My online team generates leads, markets, advertises our products. They help me with e-commerce product listings and help our customers through the sales pipeline across platforms.
Throughout the day my team assists customers online or in person.
I personally like to keep tabs on popular trends so I can purchase and stock items that are relevant and exciting for my customers.
I attend networking events, auctions and the like to keep my ear out for new suppliers locally or nationally.
You may spot my team at garage sales, markets, estate sales, and secondhand shops.
We go on road trips, looking out for properties that look rustic, historic, unique hoping for an opportunity to purchase new treasures for our shop.
We enjoy what we do, the hunt, the history, the culture, the stories we hear, the memories we share with our customers.
What sort of area do you cover when looking for old treasures?
When sourcing stock, we have businesses, private collectors and every day mum and dads
I have taken a modern approach to the marketing and selling of antique items and challenge the idea that antiques are only for the older generation.PORT PICKERS
approaching us to purchase items or estates. Generally we travel between Sydney, Tamworth and Brisbane but we will travel anywhere for the right piece.
What have been some of the most unlikely places you have found interesting pieces?
Unlikely places I find really cool interesting items are skip bins. Generally most deceased estates and scale downs we do always have skip bins out front and that’s generally where the cool stuff is, unfortunately.
You’ve been busy lately with a move from your original warehouse, can you tell us about what changes are happening for Port Pickers this month?
We have been busy this month. We have outgrown our hybrid warehouse/retail shop in PMQ so we needed to split the two.
You’ll now find our warehouse at 23 Trade Circuit, King Creek where customers are welcome to walk in and see us and and can browse our bargain furniture and stock.
Our e-commerce avenues will be expanding further for our online customer base.
We are currently looking for an affordable retail premises in Port Macquarie where we can have our most rare and precious gallery quality items and top collectables on display.
How will the two spaces vary from each other and what sort of things will you have at each location?
The two spaces will vary by way of shop layout and collector quality. We noticed many of our local customers were interested in unique items at a bargain. These items will be stocked in our warehouse at King Creek. Our overheads are less there and so we can pass on the savings to our customers that shop there.
When grading our stock, we will be sending our high end rare pieces to a retail store location in Port Macquarie where they will also be available online.
When grading our stock, we will be sending our high end rare pieces to a retail store location in Port Macquarie where they will also be available online. These pieces are generally more difficult to find and so we often incur a higher cost to obtain them.
I would recommend locals to stop in often, as rare in demand items turn over quickly when available online to our national audience too.
What are your plans for the future of Port Pickers?
Port Pickers’ future is all about growth. Due to increasing costs I have also started to look internationally in Europe for suppliers of antiques and collectables. Bulk buying of stock
helps our bottom dollar and helps our pricing stay competitive.
If all goes to plan I can expand further into Coffs Harbour and Newcastle. In this business my team are also focussed on growth. They are happy, hard working and looking forward to our long term plan.
I will be maintaining a positive workplace that fosters innovation and creativity. I have taken a modern approach to marketing and selling of antique Items and challenge the idea that antiques are only for the older generation. Each member of my team is a credit to the success of Port Pickers and I will be offering as many opportunities in future as possible to help them achieve their own personal goals.
It’s taken a lot of effort on everyone’s part and it’s been a hard road here over the last few years.
Tough times don’t last, tough teams do.
Teresa Cochrane’s star is shining bright as this young Indigenous Environmental Scientist embarks on an epic journey to Oxford University, UK – a far cry from her Wauchope upbringing thousands of miles away. Her hard work and passion for her studies, her First Nations culture and preservation of the natural environment has paved the way making this game changing move possible. As an emerging leader she is taking the ultimate leap of faith and backing herself using the power of education and research to unlock the potential to benefit her community back home in Australia. All the while she is leading the way for other young regional researchers to follow in her footsteps.
Ahuge congratulations to you Teresa on being accepted into Oxford to study a Master of Philosophy in Biodiversity, Conservation and Management. Can you share what this means to you and what it involves?
Getting accepted into Oxford is a dream come true and I still can’t believe it is happening. The idea that I will be packing up my life to venture across the world for two years to study in a place where some of the best minds in the world have been educated still doesn’t feel real. I’m most excited to bring back and share the knowledge I’ve gained overseas with our community so that it can be used to help with environmental conservation in Australia.
As a Wauchope Primary and Wauchope
High School graduate how did you come to develop your interest and passion for Environmental Science?
During my time at school, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do for a career. I do know that the support and guidance from the communities at Wauchope Primary and High School played a part in allowing me to explore my study/career aspirations. I found my interest and passion during my studies at University when I realised that I could blend my culture with my career. A huge aspect of Indigenous Culture is the conservation and protection of the environment, and once I started completing the coursework, I knew that it was the correct pathway for me.
You held many leadership roles whilst studying at Charles Sturt University and went on to receive First Class Honours as an Environmental Science graduate.
A huge aspect of Indigenous Culture is the conservation and protection of the environment, and once I started completing the coursework, I knew that it was the correct pathway for me.
How did this experience on the Port Macquarie Campus shape you and how do you apply that to the real world?
I owe so much of my academic and personal journey to the experiences and opportunities I was involved in while I studied at Charles Sturt University. It was a place that allowed me to explore my passion and really find myself without judgement. I was surrounded by such a beautiful community of people that pushed me to be my best self and helped me through every step of the way.
This connection to community and support really is central to the person that I am today, and I feel is what makes me give back to the community through advocacy as well as being someone that people can approach when they need help. Who are the mentors in your life and what are the most valuable lessons they have taught you?
Most of the mentors in my life and the people I look up to for inspiration are those I surround myself with. To me, it is important to be encircled by people that live authentically and chase their dreams because we reflect those around us.
I owe so much of my successes to those who have helped me at every step of my journey. One of the most valuable lessons I have been taught is to just give everything a go, and if you find something that brings you joy and ignites a passion you have to pursue it with everything you have.
What drives you to succeed?
The main thing that drives me to succeed is my Indigenous Culture and Heritage. The concept that my ancestors have lived successfully in one of the world’s harshest environments for more than 60,000 years makes me believe that I can do anything.
Additionally, the phrase ‘What kind of ancestor do you want to be?’ makes me think deeply about the decisions I make and the longlasting impacts that I am going to have on the community.
because it feels right and it is what is needed, as well as helping to shape a future that is welcoming and inclusive to everyone. Who is a leader or game changer you look to for inspiration?
I am most inspired by strong people that speak their truth and reflect who I aspire to be. Most of these people are people I know personally like Scott McManus, Nina Cass, Kristie Daley, Peta Jeffries, Alex Knight, Gaye Krebs, Charlie Griffiths, Tracy Carter and Diane Keough. Additionally, some celebrities would be people like Cathy Freeman, Barkaa, Kobie Dee and Ziggy Ramo. What advice would you give young regional people wanting to chase their dreams across the globe?
Charles Sturt was a place that allowed me to explore my passion and really find myself without judgement. I was surrounded by such a beautiful community of people that pushed me to be my best self and helped me through every step of the way.
What qualities are most valuable for a leader to make a significant change or impact in the world?
When I think about the qualities of a leader, I think about someone who doesn’t just talk the talk, but walks the walk. They don’t do what they do for recognition or rewards they do it
Any dream you have is achievable! I had a dream that I wanted to go to Oxford University, and I put in the hard work and dedication which lead me to achieve it. I didn’t get an ATAR and only really just passed my High School Certificate, but once I got into University and found my passion for Environmental Science, I knew that with the right people around me and commitment anything is possible. Thanks so much Teresa.
Bring warmth and comfort to your home this autumn
Updating your home decor can breathe new life into your living space, making it feel new again.
People associate a cosy home with warmth, comfort, simplicity, personal touches and a homey feeling that makes them feel relaxed and at ease.
Autumn is a beautiful time of year, and it's the perfect opportunity to update your home's decor to reflect the changing season. The Sovereign Hills Display Village is full of design inspiration to help add warm and cosy elements to your abode.
Natural materials like timber, stone, and brick help create a rustic and natural feel that's perfect for the season. Style your space with timber furniture, bamboo or wooden cutting
boards, clay or ceramic kitchenware and seagrass baskets.
Autumn-inspired colour schemes include warm shades of red, orange, yellow, and brown. These colours create a cosy and inviting atmosphere that's perfect for the cooler months. Use accent pieces such as cushions and rugs or wall art to add colour and complement your scheme. For a sustainable twist, you can create a beautiful focal point by arranging some autumnal foliage in a vase, or a wreath using dried leaves, flowers and branches.
Soft, plush textured fabrics like wool, cashmere, and faux fur are great choices for throws, pillows, and blankets.
Soft lighting can create a warm and inviting atmosphere in any room. Using warm-coloured light bulbs and incorporating soft lighting fixtures like table lamps and candles can create a cosy and comfortable space.
Want more style tips? Check out the new Sovereign Hills Style Series Scan here and be inspired!
Whether it's a plush sofa, a cosy armchair or a big bean bag chair, comfortable seating is a must for a cosy home. You want to be able to relax and sink into your furniture.
A fireplace is a perfect addition to an autumn-themed home. It provides warmth and adds to the cosy atmosphere of the space. Whether you decide to snuggle up in your loungeroom with a good book or venture outdoors to roast marshmallows around your landscaped firepit, everyone is drawn to a mesmerising amber glow.
Overall, autumn home design features are all about creating a comfortable and inviting space that reflects the changing season.
Style tips:
> Warm up your colour palette
> Add autumnal accents
> Layer up your textiles
> Bring in natural elements
> Switch up your lighting
York Street, Sovereign Hills sovereignhills.com.au
Layering different textures is a great way to add depth, interest and warmth to an autumn-themed spaceADENBROOK HOMES’ COSY AND INVITING SITTING ROOM MCDONALD JONES HOMES’ FIREPLACE ADDS AMBIENCE LAYERED TEXTILES IN G.J. GARDNER HOMES’ CHILDREN’S BEDROOM
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