Coffs Coast Focus - i147

MORTY'S JOINT

Morty

Today’s students are discovering tomorrow’s solutions.

Studying at Southern Cross University’s Coffs Harbour campus or the National Marine Science Centre will prepare you to take on tomorrow and make a real difference in the Healthcare, Science, Education or Law space of the future. Join a university that’s transforming tomorrow.

You can study:

Science

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Psychological Science

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Education

Term 3 starts in July, but you can apply anytime. Scan the QR code to learn more.

CRICOS Provider: 01241G TEQSA Provider Code: PRV12043 Australian University

Ashlee: Science student

Jack: Education graduate

The Azure 4050 Trapezoidal Three Seat Sofa with drop-down table is available in a wide range of quality upholstery coverings (167 leathers and 185 fabrics). Other versions also on offer with many function options to choose from. Matching Azure 7051 recliner also shown.

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Daniel Hend is an artist who is best known for his incredible large scale murals and surreal painting style. He is currently living on the Mid North Coast and has painted murals in Queensland, NSW, Victoria and even Tassie.

Michael Theo, of Love on the Spectrum fame, will be a guest at the Spectrum Spectacular Gala Ball in Coffs. We had a chat with him about his experience on the show and what he’s looking forward to about the Gala Ball.

Avery Keller has a background in Biology and has worked at Australia Zoo, but her fascination with dogs and their behaviours, and her love of the environment has led her to now training Conservation Detection Dogs.

DANIEL HEND

AVERY KELLER

MICHAEL THEO

hat a fantastic month we have had executing this bumper edition at FOCUS. As you flip through our 96 fabulous, glossy pages you’ll be introduced to all that makes up this unique city from the eyes of the FOCUS team and all that contribute to putting this wonderful publication together every month!

Featured on this month’s front cover is Ric and Bianca Divola. Ric and Bee are the owners of two iconic new venues in Sawtell, Bar Que Sera and Morty’s Joint. We caught up with them both to find out more about their journey and their businesses. If you haven’t been to check them out, we suggest you do!

Inside this edition

Hunter Leonard is a man of many talents;

Whe is a business coach, mentor, ghostwriter, speaker, author and musician. But in all of these endeavors, he always strives to help others and make positive contributions to the community.

Elizabeth Scott has been a Specialist Music Teacher at Bellingen Public school for the last 20 years, inspiring a great number of children with her passion, humour and kindness. She has also played a big role in the school becoming part of the Sustainable Schools movement and ran the school’s Garden Club. Now that she has retired from teaching she is taking her passion for the environment and starting a new venture teaching others the secrets to successful composting!

The third Birth, Baby & Beyond Expo will be held on Sunday 30th April at the Jetty Beach House from 11am to 3pm. We had a chat with Jessica Nash, founder and coordinator of

the event, about what we can expect and how this event has been growing and helping local families to build their ‘village’ and support network since it started in 2018.

Michael Theo, of Love On The Spectrum fame, will be a celebrity guest at the upcoming Spectrum Spectacular Gala Ball in Coffs Harbour. We had a chat with him ahead of his appearance about his experience on the show and what he is looking forward to about participating in the Coffs Harbour event. Before we put this edition to bed we are already planning and thinking about the next. We have some super cool stories lined up and we are looking forward to bringing you a really interesting May edition. Do you know anyone with a good story? Reach out to us at nicole@focusmag.com.au

We hope you enjoy the April edition as much as we do.

EDITION COORDINATOR / ADVERTISING SALES

Nicci Seccombe nicole@focusmag.com.au

ART DIRECTOR Jay Beaumont jay@focusmag.com.au

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COPY EDITOR Bev Mulcahy info@focusmag.com.au

PHOTOGRAPHY / EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTOR

Gavin Moroney gavin.moroney@austcommunitymedia.com.au

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTOR Daisy Moroney Daisyfocusmag@gmail.com

CIRCULATIONS COORDINATOR

Bree McNickle wedeliverfocus@gmail.com

MORTY'S JOINT

Bianca and Ric Divola opened Bar Que Sera, a relaxed wine bar with yummy bar snacks and smaller seasonal dishes, in Sawtell almost two years ago and have recently opened the doors of their newest venture, Morty’s Joint, right next door!

Morty’s is a cool hang out spot that offers a simple, delicious take on the classics like burgers and fried chicken. And the locals are loving it!

Congratulations on opening your second venue, Morty’s Joint! Can you tell us about the inspiration behind this new venture?

Named after our strange little dog Morty, our inspiration comes from a mix of different neighbourhood and late-night bars we loved in Melbourne. The vibe was always welcoming and social; food and drinks were simple and easy. We wanted a fun and relaxed atmosphere for individuals, couples, friends, or families to hang out and catch up, more of a bar than a sit-down restaurant which is more common in the area. It’s the kind of place we want to go to on our day off or enjoy a knock-off.

Tell us what people can expect on the menu at each venue.

We’ve intentionally made the offerings at both venues quite different. Bar Que Sera is a city wine bar in a beachside village serving bar snacks and seasonal dishes alongside

boutique wines and cocktails.

Morty’s Joint is all about fried chicken and burgers; American classics with an Asian influence. We offer a few smaller snacks and sides with specials rolling through but at its core, just simple food, done well.

Morty’s Joint is all about fried chicken and burgers; American classics with an Asian influence. We offer a few smaller snacks and sides with specials rolling through but at its core, just simple food, done well.

The drinks at Morty’s work with the food - offering craft beer, 4 taps and 15+ tins, natural leaning wine, cocktail slushies and basic mixed drinks. Who creates the food offering at each venue and what is the thought behind them?

To date, the food offering at both venues has all been created by me (Ric). The menu at Bar Que Sera is modern Australian and intended

to be ethnically ambiguous. We use the best produce we can get our hands on and prefer to keep it local. Our beef comes from Dorrigo, our chooks come from Patch Organics and most of our vegetables are from New Life Farm. We prefer a shared style of dining, so we have a good selection of small and large plates intended to go into the middle of the table for everyone to enjoy.

Morty’s Joint is more about elevating fast food classics. We use all freerange chicken and our beef, bacon, tempeh and vegetables are all sourced locally. We make all sauces and pickles inhouse too. Our yuzu mayo, duck fat chilli oil and ‘98 szechuan sauce have all proven to be crowd favourites so far.

Continued over.

Both locations have a unique style and personality in their decor and overall vibe, how did you go about styling each venue?

At Bar Que Sera we actually took over our friend’s business (Lord Nosh) which had unfortunately closed during the pandemic. The fit-out was incredible and only a year old, we decided it was too good to waste. We added lighting, artworks and greenery to start and have slowly evolved the rest over the past 2 years.

For Morty’s Joint, we started from scratch. Tokyo dive bar was the brief we worked towards. Similar to the food, we wanted a classic American style with a touch of Asian influence. We love American-style booths and are big fans of Japanese art so we wanted to join these two together. We’re just at the start of our journey at Morty’s, we’ll keep adding to the space and make changes as we go along, our intention is to fill the walls with art and bring in a lot more plants. We’re excited to see the space transform.

Both of our venues have a big focus on lighting and music. Both elements play an important

part in the venue’s overall atmosphere. We love mood lighting and want it to be a stand-out feature in both venues. Bar Que Sera has an architectural light feature while Morty’s Joint has dimmed amber lighting which creates a warm tone across the venue. For music, Bar Que Sera plays everything from upbeat electronic music to laid-back hip-hop. Morty’s Joint is our rowdy neighbour and suits rock & roll, indie, blues and old-school hip-hop. What has the reception to Morty’s Joint been like so far?

love a free

right?! Friday afternoon Happy Hour is our favourite time, lots of locals rock up solo and find their friends there.

Each week we get busier and busier which is really positive. We’ve added some great deals during the week which people are really enjoying. We have a Schnitty night on Tuesdays (Schnitty & drink for $20) and on Thursdays you get a free serving of our sticky wings with your first drink.

Your two venues are right next door to each other, why Sawtell?

It’s been amazing! Everyone is obsessed with our burgers and who doesn’t love a free game of pool, right?! Friday afternoon Happy Hour is our favourite time, lots of locals rock up solo and find their friends there. It’s really cool to see people use the venue as a local hang spot. It’s exactly what we had in mind when we first opened.

We both grew up in the Coffs region and moved back to the area during the pandemic. When the opportunity came up to take over our friend’s business on First Ave we couldn’t be happier. Sawtell has such a lovely vibe and a really friendly community. We’re happy that both venues add something different to the strip which gives tourists more reasons to visit.

What are your future plans for Morty’s Joint and Bar Que Sera?

We have a lot in store for Morty’s Joint - we would love to start delivery asap and we’re

It’s been amazing! Everyone is obsessed with our burgers and who doesn’t

game of pool,

hoping to start fun monthly events. A few ideas we have are a Sunday BBQ lunch, karaoke nights and fingers crossed, Drag Bingo. We’re also keen to get live music happening and a pool comp too.

We have plans to continue expanding Bar Que Sera, we hope to do small renovations to increase our capacity and move into external event catering. We’ve had a successful start and want to keep moving the business forward.

At Que Sera we’re planning on hosting a series of wine events where we focus on a specific region and showcase our favourite wines with accompanying snacks using ingredients from the area.

Starting in April, we’re extending our trade at both venues and will be open for lunch on Saturdays.

What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in opening a second restaurant/bar, and how have you overcome them?

The biggest challenge by far was staffing. We’re in a good position now and have a fantastic team who work across both venues but that does take time to establish.

We invest a lot in training our team to ensure our guests have the best experience possible. We’re so grateful to have a committed team who step up to this challenge and go above and beyond, we would be lost without them! How have you both adapted to running multiple venues?

It’s been a crazy few months since opening Morty’s and we feel like our routine is finally starting to settle into place.

We rely on our team alot, they help to share the load. We recently hired a Head Chef and full-time Front of House person at Bar Que Sera, this has made a huge difference in our day-today operations.

We both had to learn how to prioritise to a whole new level and have adjusted our operating hours at both venues to make things work.

And lastly, what do you have planned for the future?

Right now, we’re just focusing on our businesses. Morty’s Joint is just at the start of his journey and has so much potential. We’re really excited to sink our teeth into it and watch it grow.

We have plans to continue expanding Bar Que Sera and we hope to do small renovations to increase our capacity and move into external event catering. We’ve had a successful start and want to keep moving the business forward. We love what we do and are proud of what we have achieved so far. We’re so grateful to have the support of the local community, bring on 2023!

Thanks Guys.

FLAVOURS OF THE BUSH TOUR

Learn the native foods, ancient medicines and various fibre plants used in healing and weaving by Gumbaynggirr people for thousands of years! And afterwards, come back to the Centre to sample some gourmet bush tucker treats made by local Gumbaynggirr Chef at The Pipeclay Café. When 2nd April Where Yarrawarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Corinidi Beach

To book Call the Centre on 9188 4370

DON MCLEAN’S AMERICAN PIE 50TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR

This multi-award-winning singer-songwriter is known for his iconic song “American Pie,” which has continued to be a radio staple for over 40 years. Now, he’s taking his music on tour across the country, performing songs from his extensive catalogue of hits.

When 12th April Where C.ex Coffs Tickets $105 from www.cex.com.au

ANZAC DAY AT CEX

Join us in commemorating ANZAC Day with a Luncheon at C.ex Coffs with entertainment from Comedian and Ventriloquist, Darren Carr. Darren Carr is recognised as Australia’s Number One Stand Up Ventriloquist. He and his cast of crazy characters deliver professional and hilariously entertaining performances at corporate events, special events, clubs, theatres in Australia and worldwide. When 25th April Where C.ex Coffs Tickets www.cex.com.au

SAIJE

Saije is an award-winning, contemporary folk duo whose soulful harmonies, dynamic guitar-lines and percussive breakdowns breathe life into heartfelt stories When 7th April Where Element Bar Cost FREE

TEARDROPS ON MY DILDO

Fabulous, filthy and downright hilarious! Brace yourselves for a wild ride of sidesplitting hilarity with the modern-day Queen of Sass, as she takes you on a laugh-outloud adventure of her trials and tribulations of parenting, dating and all things female. When 13th April Where Jetty Theatre Tickets $38.50 jettytheatre.com.au

KAILEY PALLAS

Kailey Pallas is a 20 year old singer, songwriter, guitarist and pianist based in Coffs Harbour, NSW. Kailey’s sounds are a blend of soulful, bluesy tones with the ability, range and experience to go between a mix of Genres from Pop, Jazz, Country, Musical Theatre, Rock, Soul and Blues. When 30th April Where Dark Arts Cafe & Bar Time 9am until 11am Cost FREE

HUNTER L E O N A R D

Hunter Leonard is a man of many talents; he is a business coach, mentor, ghostwriter, speaker, author and musician. But in all of these endeavors he always strives to help others and make positive contributions to the community.

Hey Hunter, You have recently made the move up to the Coffs Coast. What brought you to the area?

Nicole and I were initially attracted by the beautiful bushland and beaches as we both love bushwalking, the environment and the sea. It is the people who are why we will stay though, as everyone has been kind and welcoming. They have time to chat and all the businesses offer great service. Coffs has everything you could want in a place to live.

You're a man of many talents as a business coach, mentor, ghostwriter, speaker, author and musician. How do you find balance and harmony between your roles?

There is an overall purpose which is living a

renaissance life, defined by becoming good at multiple different pursuits. I love every activity I’m involved in, and seek to help others through these roles. Whether I’m sharing a great story with writing, or passing on some tips and advice in my business life, it is all about flowing help to others. The balance and harmony comes from doing each thing regularly and constantly improving myself in each, and I find that they benefit each other. I will write better if I’ve had a good session singing and playing music. I think the

secret is just to keep creating on all, and they all lift each other.

You have inspired many but who inspires you and why?

I will write better if I’ve had a good session singing and playing music. I think the secret is just to keep creating on all, and they all lift each other.

I’m mainly inspired by people who help others rather than people with high profiles. The business owner who employs and takes responsibility for several other people and their families by providing a source of income. The mum who runs a business and takes care of her children. The local hero giving time to help in the community in some capacity.

Already a well established author of 10 books you are about to release another.

Tell us about your upcoming book Red Giraffe?

Red Giraffe is a book that will help anyone set and get their goals in life and business. It is a collection of tips and advice from my thirty-plus years in business, as well as tools from a wide range of other people that I’ve used over the years to build two successful businesses, write 10 books, learn to cook and play music and fuel my humanitarian projects. It is also a bit playful in that I’ve created a character - Reggie the Red Giraffe who also shares his tips for setting and achieving your goals.

What's the process of creating a book like Red Giraffe from start to finish?

Whether I’m writing my own book or ghostwriting for someone else, the book has to have a purpose - a reason to write it. That kicks the process off. The next is planning out the content - usually in the form of a rough chapter outline.

I will usually set myself the challenge of writing 1000 words a day for a month, which will give me a solid start on the content of the book. Each day I choose which part I feel like writing and just go for it.

Of course, after finishing the words, there is editing, getting it nicely designed and creating a cover. I self-publish so I then have a number of boring technical things like creating files, and loading them onto online bookstores. The most exciting step is the book launch where I get to share it with my customers and the world. I’ll be launching this book locally in late March or early April at Supply Cafe in Coffs Harbour.

Where did your love of writing come from?

To be honest, I really didn’t like English at

school, but I’ve always loved writing. Whether it is poems or songs, articles for my businesses or short stories. I didn’t start writing full books until I was in my early 40s, and it is quite surreal to now have 10 completed. I think the passion for writing comes from the purpose which is to share something of interest or use to the reader. It’s a creative process that supports my interest in helping others. If it was just for me, I probably wouldn’t do it.

You can be found on the guitar and mic when you're not writing. Where did your passion for music come from and how does it play a role in your writing?

My first instrument - other than pots and pans at home - was a bush bass - that I played in a concert in primary school - it was made of a broom handle and a tea chest and I was hooked. I was fortunate to have an absolutely amazing music teacher in high school who inspired me and I was in both the rock band and the big band at school. I also played in a band with some mates and we semi-regularly

do a school band reunion for friends. I love the aesthetics of music and have learned over 500 songs. I play an Australianmade Maton guitar which is just stunning to play.

There is a real creative connection. Playing music and singing really helps me write better. How best would you describe your style of music?

I love a lot of music including rock, pop, and folk. Anything that sounds good on an acoustic guitar. Anything from jazz to Jim Croce, John Legend, Ed Sheeran, Pink, and Fleetwood Mac - I’m constantly on the hunt for new stuff to play.

With so much already achieved, what else is on the horizon for Hunter Leonard?

My mission in life is to help others through my business, my writing and anything else I do. In one business we’re trying to contribute to an end to ageism for mature people who find it hard to get work, and, we’re planning some programs in the local area around human rights and keeping kids free of drugs. Thanks Hunter.

I love every activity I’m involved in, and seek to help others through these roles. Whether I’m sharing a great story with writing, or passing on some tips and advice in my business life, it is all about flowing help to others.

Can you tell us how you came into designing swimwear?

Veava first came to light mid pandemic in 2020, distracting myself from all the free time that came along with the year. I started sewing swimwear for myself and posting it on my socials and pretty much from there it hasn't stopped growing! I always wanted to start my own bikini business but I knew I had to do it differently. I researched suppliers, manufacturers and everything in between but I needed to start smaller and create a brand that fits with my values and ethos. So this is how Veava was born. You have quite the unique situation as you have taken on the “van life” way of living but also run Veava from the van itself. What drew you to this lifestyle and how do you

Vayda Maher started her brand Veava Swimwear in 2020, and it has been growing steadily since. Vayda is from the Coffs Coast but is currently living the nomadic ‘van life’ and sewing all of her creations herself out of her customised van.

juggle not only running the business from your van but also incorporating a sewing set up and doing the production yourself?

I have always been intrigued with living in a van and the thought of waking up on a new beach every morning. I wanted this life to be sustainable in a way that I could continue to live like this for as long as I feel is fit. I will admit work/life balance can definitely be a struggle, but the sewing and working out of the van is the easy bit!

I designed the van from scratch when I purchased it two years ago with storage and easy accessibility to be the two biggest aspects. In the back of the van there's a pull out picnic table that is my workstation, so as long as I pull up on a flat park and can pull out the set up I am good to go.

Where does the inspiration come from when coming up with ideas for new designs?

Currently all of the fabrics are deadstock or end of roll fabrics, which simply put is the leftovers from big companies that would otherwise go to landfill. I do absolutely adore the idea of creating my own prints and I know one day soon it’ll come into fruition, but for now the deadstock creates limited runs which sometimes can create less than 10 pieces and I love creating pieces that only one person will own and cherish all the lovin’ sewn into them.

How do you approach designing for different body types and sizes?

All of my swimwear is made to order, with the options to customize anything! This is one of my proudest achievements as a small

business as usually growing a size range can be incredibly challenging, and an expensive investment. I take pride in the fact that I sew every piece and therefore I’m creating a business that is very personalized and most importantly approachable! If you send us a direct message on Instagram, message the website, or talk to me at a market, you are essentially working with the manufacturer (aka myself) directly!

How do you stay up to date with the latest trends in swimwear design?

My goal with Veava is to create swimwear that doesn't necessarily flow with the current trends as I want to create pieces that will be worn for years. The word “trending” straight away feels very throw away. Spending my time working on every piece by hand brings in a new appreciation for the amount of work put into the fashion industry, but on the contrary just how fast the trends go out of style. My pieces are classic and designed to last a lifetime.

Can you walk us through a typical day for you as a swimwear designer working out of your van?

My day almost always starts with coffee and a swim, checking the direction of the wind (never thought that’d be one of my top priorities either) and finding a park up for the day.

First up emails, chatting with customers before

getting into sewing up orders and extra stock for markets, if I’m hanging out at markets on the weekends I typically have a day or two slower during the week but honestly every spare second I’m not at the beach I’m sewing new pieces/ designing or searching for new deadstock. If you love what you're doing you never work a day in your life, right?

What challenges have you faced as a mobile swimwear designer, and how have you overcome them?

The biggest challenges that I’ve had to come to terms with is the lack of space. Being a one man show, was something I almost didn't think twice about as I wanted this business to be accessible anywhere and open about since day dot. I wanted girls to be able to try on my products at markets, see the face behind the brand and create a community. Starting this business small is exactly what I need, even though eventually I'd love to solely be an online store, something about a brick and mortar (home on wheels) that I just know is my season of life right now. How do you balance function and style in your designs?

I create 95% of my swimwear to be fully reversible (2 in 1!) and almost always adjustable. Swimwear is something that is quite hard to

get right, every woman's body is different so swinging down the custom way and/ or making everything adjustable is the best way to know your swims will fit you in every season of life, while of course looking and feeling confident in your new swimmies.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue a career in swimwear design?

Do your research and stick to your values. Business is hard (it's not all sewing on pretty little beaches), it's testing and a lot more work behind the scenes than you’d have imagined. If you have a good product, believe in yourself and the right people will find you! If you have faith in yourself and your product they will too! I have found that networking has been my biggest source of growth and what better way to network than being a walking/driving billboard. What's next for your brand and your work as a swimwear designer?

Coming into the cooler months I’m so excited to throw myself into the designing of new products and merchandise such as surf suits and new streetwear. Summer has been a hectic season, undergoing my first six months of full time Veava, and processing a whole rebrand. The next few months I am ready to slow down, kick back and let the creative juices flow naturally again.

All of my swimwear is made to order, with the option to customize anything! This is one of my proudest achievements as a small business as usually growing a size range can be incredibly challenging, and an expensive investment.

DINING GUIDE

Arancini Balls - Harrissa & Sumac BBQ Pork & Mozzarella from Coast Hotel

RSL Sawtell ANZAC

On April 25, every year, hundreds of thousands of people join together to pay tribute to and remember those, past and present who have served our country. This ANZAC Day, Sawtell RSL Club, together with the Sawtell RSL Sub-Branch, invite our community to commemorate the sacrifices of

these men and women, at the Sawtell Cenotaph in the Lyle Rose Memorial Park from 6am for the Dawn Service. Following on at 11am is the Anzac Day March through Sawtell’s main street and a second service at the Memorial Park. As is tradition, the RSL will also be hosting 2up with all funds raised going to Coffs Harbour Legacy.

RIBEYE KITCHEN NOW OPEN FRIDAY & SATURDAY FROM 5PM

Written by Suzanne Hawley

MAY 12TH toJUNE 4TH

ARE YOU READY TO ROCK?

Di Smith in association with Arts on Tour

LEVEL UP AT THE MOVIES

What is BIG these holidays? The Super Mario Bros Movie (CTC) is in cinemas from April 05 and Cinebuzz Rewards Members can see it for just $13* - Not a member? Join for free online and start saving. And... BCC Cinemas once again have Chocolate Eggs for children attending morning sessions over the Easter Weekend.

Are there Birthdays at the Movies? We have the best, all-weather, all-ages Birthdays on the Big Screen. A private session of the movie of your choice, tables and “Happy Birthday” displayed. Why not Level Up the party with a gaming session? You bring your console and play on the Big Screen with Big Sound. Booking forms are available from the cinema.

Level up your next gaming session or birthday party, and book a private session on the big screen today!

How do I entertain the kids during the school term? In between family releases we have our Weekend Family Flicks (Kid Flick). Running each Saturday and Sunday, tickets for the designated film are only $7^. Bring Your Baby (BYB) sessions run three times

a week, are $10^, and are the perfect outing for parents with a bundle of joy. The line-ups for these can be found on the website.

For grown-ups/older kids? NOW SHOWING

Shazam Fury of the Gods (M) Dungeons & Dragons (M) John Wick Chapter 4 (MA15+)

WATCH LIST

The Pope’s Exorcist (CTC) - April 06

Mafia Mamma (CTC) - April 13 with Chicks at the Flicks Wed April 05 from 6pm on sale now Metallica 72 Seasons (CTC)Global Premiere on April 13 @ 7pm on sale now

Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol 3 (CTC) – May 04

For session times or to join Cinebuzz visit bcccinemas.com.au or for birthday booking enquiries 02 5634 4000.

*Valid Cinebuzz membership required to receive discount. Excludes special events/screenings. Excludes booking fees. ^excludes booking fees

FIONA SHAW AND REBECCA NICHOLSON

are co-directing the upcoming production of School Of Rock by the Coffs Harbour Musical Comedy Company, which will be showing at the Jetty Memorial Theatre from May 12th to June 14th!

Can you tell us a bit about the Coffs Harbour Musical Comedy Company?

Fiona: The Coffs Harbour Musical Comedy Company (CHMCC), is a local not-forprofit community theatre organisation that has been running since 1979. CHMCC produces two musicals every year, which are shown at the Jetty Memorial Theatre in May and November.

What do you enjoy most about Musical Theatre?

Fiona: Musical Theatre is a place for anyone to experience a part of themselves that they may not have explored before. The aspect of musical theatre that I most enjoy though is the ability of witnessing performers showing their characters feelings, thoughts and emotions through singing, dancing and acting, all at the same time.

Rebecca: Musical Theatre is a special place that embodies all aspects of the performing arts through dance, acting, voice and music. To me it is a place that is inclusive, supportive and encompasses connection. It allows the cast and audience to escape normal life, creating the magic of an interaction

between the audience and performer through a small moment in time is inspiring and something I love to be a part of and witness. You will both be directing the upcoming production of School Of Rock, can you tell us why you wanted to take on this role for this particular production and what do you hope to bring to the show?

Fiona: I first took on the role of Directing School of Rock back in October 2022 after CHMCC was approved for the rights for the show. School of Rock, the movie, holds a very special place in my heart, so being given the opportunity to be the Director of the musical adaptation is a privilege. The theme of School of Rock is self-discovery and acceptance. It touches on the power of music, the power of support and the power of being yourself. My hope for this production is that this is portrayed to all who come to enjoy the show. The story of Dewey Finn is a classic. That of the adult who does not want to grow

up and whose entire existence is his love of rock music. The stage production has extra layers thrown in by Andrew Lloyd Webber and truly makes for a highly entertaining and enjoyable show, whilst still holding true to the original movie by Mike Webb.

Musical Theatre is a special place that embodies all aspects of the performing arts through dance, acting, voice and music

Rebecca: Initially, I was asked to come on as a member of the production crew and was so excited, as like Fiona, School of Rock, the movie was a favourite from my childhood. After some discussions, Fiona asked me to come on as co-director which, I think my words were ‘this is a dream come true’. I have been in the performing arts world for quite a period now in various roles and have been a part of some fantastic productions during this time.

I currently teach performing arts at Sawtell Public School and have been directing musicals and creating performances as part of my teaching curriculum.

I love that this journey will take myself out of my comfort zone and continue to test my

skills and help me learn from the overall experience.

This production is about being true to yourself and following your dreams.

I am embracing that with the cast and crew and we all hope the audience is inspired by this wonderful show and all it entails.

Can you tell us a bit about what you have planned for School Of Rock and what we might expect from it?

Rebecca: We have some of the best in the business working on the School of Rock production crew alongside Fiona and I as directors. The CHMCC patrons are going to be amazed at all the layers this show has to offer; from the amazing cast of actors, the live music, the incredible set, the choreography and more. We have something for everyone and I am so excited to see how the audience embraces this production.

Could you share with us a bit about the cast and crew for this production?

Fiona: The running theme for the cast and crew of this production is the amount of actual teachers we have. In the crew, 50% are teachers, while the adult cast is made up of about 25% teachers!

Rebecca: We have, what I believe to be such a positive and unique cast and crew who

together make up a very talented and creative team of people. We also have some incredibly talented teens who are the future of musical theatre in our local community.

I think what I admire most about our whole cast, from our youngest member to the eldest, is that they have the best interest of the show at the forefront. They bring their work ethic and enthusiasm to every rehearsal and the focus is never altered. The hard work is evident whether they are working during rehearsals or at home.

The cast and crew of this production are an absolute inspiration to myself and it is a privilege to work alongside them on the ‘School Of Rock’ musical.

How do you keep the show fresh and engaging night after night, and what role do you think audience feedback plays in that process?

Fiona: Before every show, the entire cast and crew will meet to connect with one another, share positive affirmations and little moments that they witnessed in the previous show. We will also be warming up our minds, bodies and voices together, which is also another very important aspect of putting on an awesome show every day. This type

of pre-show get-together is so valuable to ensuring that the show remains fresh and engaging night-after-night. Many patrons have not seen the show, so even though we (the cast and crew) may have run the show 100 times before, to the patrons this is their first/only experience of the production. This is important to remember as we want each and every person walking out of that theatre to be astounded at what 34 cast and 10 crew can achieve. Audience feedback, both positive and critical, are important aspects of improving the show on a daily/weekly basis. The cast are aware that any feedback given is an opportunity to improve. In saying that though, the cast and crew involved in this production are outstanding and will bring 100% to each and every performance. Make sure to clap and cheer if something is happening on the stage that you approve of! Hearing the audience is one of the best thrills of being a performer on stage.

Where can people find out more about the show and get tickets?

Tickets can be purchased from the Jetty Memorial Theatre website by going to jettytheatre.com/school-of-rock-themusical

You can also stay up-to-date with all things CHMCC by going to our website coffsharbourmusicalcomedycompany.com or liking us on Facebook at Coffsharbourmusicalcomedycompany

The theme of School of Rock is self-discovery and acceptance. It touches on the power of music, the power of support and the power of being yourself.

Fest

BananaFest will be held at our national icon, The Big Banana Fun Park, on May 6 and 7 and we can’t wait!

This festival will be a celebration of music, food, local breweries, distilleries and wineries and it will showcase the history and cultural significance the banana industry has for our region. Management of The Big Banana and event organisers hope this event will become a signature event for the Coffs Coast to be proud of.

The Big Banana CEO Michael Lockman said:

“It is very exciting to see The Big Banana’s vision of BananaFest coming to fruition. This has been a goal of ours for many years and to have the support of the NSW Government means that we are finally in a position to add this to the calendar of events on the Coffs Coast. “A family friendly two-day festival with great local food, music, culture and

A family friendly twoday festival with great local food, music, culture and most importantly celebrating The Banana in every sense of the word.

most importantly celebrating ‘The Banana’ in every sense of the word. We are very much looking forward to working alongside the talents of Carl and Sherry from Another Tasty Event, along with many local suppliers to deliver the very first BananaFest 2023.” Another Tasty Event’s Carl Mower said BananaFest exemplified his organisation’s ability to host signature events on the Coffs Coast, with a proven track record of bringing visitors to town and stimulating the local economy. “We’re particularly proud BananaFest will focus on access and inclusion for all,” Mr Mower said.

Our socials and ticket sales are going bananas with the announcement of the confirmed music line up and kids’ entertainment for BananaFest!

Ticket holders to BananaFest will enjoy a family friendly festival, featuring great

local food with a “banana” twist, various local breweries, plus an exciting line-up of amazing artists including Alex Lloyd, Avalanche City, Josh Pyke, Kate MillerHeidke, Katie Noonan, Skunkhour, The Beautiful Girls, The Soul Movers, Tim Freedman and many more!

For our young ticket holders and young at heart, you have not been forgotten! You will enjoy a special live interactive experience by your favourite ABC Kids shows, Bluey, Kangaroo Beach plus a Wiggles Friends Dance Party, roving street performers, Old MacDonalds Farm petting zoo, face painting and much more!

And to top it off, every ticket holder will receive UNLIMITED access to The Big Banana Fun Park’s Water Park, 4D Ride Simulator, Indoor Giant Slides, Toboggan, Mini Golf, Laser Tag, Demolition Derby & the World of Banana’s Theatre & Tour!

For tickets, food stall vendor applications or general information about BananaFest head to the website bananafest.com.au

We can’t wait to see you in May for a “bunch” of Festival Fun!

Our all-weather Indoor Range is used for our Come and Try archery sessions. These are extremely popular during holiday times. Allowing you to escape the hot sun or rain and try a new activity that is fun for ages 5 and up. Archery is a fun family activity and makes for a memorable date night! We have a relaxed seating area for those waiting to have a turn or just wishing to watch others try their hand at a new skill.

We cater for people with special needs with many of our customers partaking in adap-

SHERWOOD

ARCHERY

Located in the centre of Coffs Harbour, Sherwood Archery offers archery for complete novices to Australian Champions. We are NSW’s only full-time indoor archery centre that is locally owned, and family operated.

tive archery. Vision impaired and wheelchair archers shoot regularly in our centre. We have off street parking with a concrete car park and full disabled amenities.

During school terms we run afternoon lessons 3 days a week for archers of all levels.

Opening hours are Tuesday until Thursday 12 noon - 8:30pm, Friday 12 noon - 4pm and Saturdays 9 – 12 noon.

Sherwood Archery also has casual lane hire or Come and Try sessions, on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and Saturday mornings. Wednesday evenings we run a League night

for all levels of archers to test their skills. We stock a huge range of archery equipment and carry out all tuning and repair work in our Pro Shop onsite. Sherwood has the largest range of archery equipment in one place outside of a capital city.

Birthday and special event parties are a favourite of our customers, along with corporate/ team building sessions.

Sherwood is the home of Sawtell Archers Club and the home range of several National and State champions, ranging from 11 years old to Masters.

SHOW One More

See The incredible Tamworth Region

Capitol Theatre

Weswal Gallery

BIG CHILL FESTIVAL

The Armidale region has something for everyone, offering adventure, cultural experiences, sporting endeavours and academic pursuits. The economy is built around education and agriculture, giving the Armidale region it’s unique character.

Each year the city celebrates the change of seasons with the annual Autumn Festival, and Big Chill Festival. The city is home to the University of New England, which has a significant presence in the region, and has attracted students from across the globe since it’s establishment in 1938, and a major reason for the cosmopolitan and sophisticated feel of the place.

Visitors can enjoy stylish cafes and fine dining at a variety of locations, including the awardwinning, recently renovated art-deco hotel and restaurant, Tattersalls. There are a variety of

accommodation options, from historic country homesteads, motels, hotels, bed and breakfasts and self-catering apartments.

Visitors can enjoy the New England Regional Art Museum, home to more than 5,000 works of art including the Howard Hinton and Chandler Coventry Collections. Aboriginal art is showcased in two first-class galleries within the Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place.

Armidale is also home to the New England Conservatorium of Music, a major drawcard for musical talent throughout the region. There is also a vibrant theatre scene where local

and interstate acts perform at the Armidale Playhouse and the Hoskins Centre. Sitting atop the New England plateau and surrounded by spectacular waterfalls, awe-inspiring gorges and World Heritage listed national parks, the setting is unique.

The Waterfall Way, stretching from Armidale to the coast, is one of the most scenic drives in Australia, taking you past iconic waterfalls just off the main road where you can relax at one of the viewing platforms and soak up the ambience.

Come up and visit soon!

Grammy award honouree, Songwriters Hall of Fame member, and BBC Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Don McLean will be bringing his American Pie 50th Anniversary Tour to Australia in 2023.

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of one of the most iconic songs ever, this year McLean will entertain fans across the country, proving that “Bye-bye, Miss American Pie” will forever remain a classic staple in music. He will be supported by one of Australia’s most revered singer/ songwriters, Andrew Farriss. As tragic as the backstory behind the song “American Pie” is with the much too early death of the new rock’n’roll-hope Buddy Holly, the track is also magnificent and legendary. And “American Pie” still goes to heart as soon as originator Don McLean plays this classic at his concerts. Still, it’s worth remembering that the 76-year-old composer has written and sung numerous other melodic and harmonic successes in his decades-long career with “Vincent (Starry Starry Night),” “Castles in the Air,” “And I Love You So,” and “Cryin’,” all of which will be heard along with newer pieces on the upcoming tour. Earlier this

year in March, McLean celebrated the 50th Anniversary of ‘Vincent (Starry, Starry Night)” by releasing an intimate performance that was recorded at the Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit. The eight-and-ahalf-minute ballad “American Pie” has been making history since its release in 1971. Alongside songs by other icons such as Bing Crosby, Judy Garland, Woody Guthrie, and Aretha Franklin, McLean’s composition was also voted “Song of the 20th Century”. Handwritten lyrics to the song were auctioned off for more than $1.2 million in 2015, and the composition was added to the Library Of Congress National Recording Registry two years later. Here, you’ll only find a few selected evergreens, such as “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”. So much for the cultural significance of Don McLean and his 1971 stroke of genius!

You can catch Don Mclean at C.ex Coffs on the 12th of April. Tickets are available from cex.com.au

Wesley MISSION

SUICIDE PREVENTION PROGRAMME

We are a trusted leader in this field, having established Lifeline in 1963 and the Suicide Prevention Program in 1995. Through Wesley LifeForce Suicide Prevention Training, the emphasis is on building a network of gatekeepers who can support those in a crisis and ensure they are kept safe.

Wesley LifeForce has developed the program over the past 25 years and through extensive evaluations from the Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, have been shown to be effective and have a positive impact on the community. The nature of the Wesley LifeForce program is unique in the Australian suicide prevention sector in that it comprises a vast network of local community grassroots initiatives alongside a nationally recognised training program in Suicide Prevention and Mental Health. Wesley LifeForce is supportive of whole-of-community approach to suicide prevention.

The Wesley LifeForce Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Resilience Project has received $22,000 in funding from The Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR), in partnership with Suncorp and GIO, through the Rebuilding Futures program aimed at local not-for-profits to support recovery initiatives in rural communities in New South Wales impacted by the floods in February and March 2022.

The Wesley LifeForce Project will be active in Coffs Harbour delivering community-based mental health training. The Wesley LifeForce Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Resilience Project is an evidenced-based program educating

and equipping communities to help prevent suicide, have greater resilience, increase capability, knowledge, and awareness to identify risk factors and take appropriate action.

Recent floods in the NSW Northern Rivers area impacted the area significantly and these trainings will support people in need of building skills to support themselves and others to endure the challenges facing the Coffs Harbour area after the floods.

The Wesley LifeForce Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Resilience Project will support communities in the Coffs Harbour LGA towards recovery from the loss and trauma sustained from the recent floods by delivering relevant and community-focused mental health and suicide prevention training to upskill community members to build resilience and support people most at risk of suicide.

There will be a total of four trainings delivered to the community – two suicide prevention trainings and two building resilience workshops. The suicide prevention workshop is a full day (6 hours) and the building resilience workshop is 2 sessions of 2 hours each duration.

This training will be open to everyone in the community and will not require any prior mental health or health education. The training provided by Wesley LifeForce is suitable for community members, teachers, youth workers, social workers, doctors, parents, sports coaches, police, emergency workers, concerned family and friends, financial counsellors and others.

Suicide Prevention:

Wesley LifeForce has developed a quality suicide prevention training suite. Our Suicide Prevention Workshops are designed to teach people how to

identify the signs that someone may be at risk of suicide and appropriate action to take. Effective interventions can make a real difference and save lives. All Wesley LifeForce Facilitators are accredited trainers and have completed suicide intervention training.

Building Resilience:

Personal resilience is an important protective factor against suicide; it protects people at risk of suicide and enables people to better assist those at risk of suicide. This project will help members of the community understand and improve their personal mental health and resilience. Participants will learn how to modify their lifestyle and cultivate cognitive strategies to enhance their resilience and mental health. Through relevant topics and group discussions, each participant in this workshop will have the opportunity to reflect on their personal management of their mental health.

Community members and organisations working with the community are encouraged to engage with the workshops. In addition, we will work with our Wesley Mission Aftercare Service, supporting people who have had thoughts of suicide or consider themselves at risk. The service provides up to 14 weeks of care, the option of a support group and connections with flexible community-based support services to improve wellbeing.

We regularly offer trainings in the Mid North Coast and across NSW and Australia. If you would like to stay informed about Suicide Prevention and Resilience Trainings in this area please email lifeforce@wesleymission.org.au or call 1800 100 024, advising of your location and interest so that you can be invited to future events.

At Wesley Mission, we believe that every life matters. Through our suicide prevention programs, we aim to help those at risk of suicide find the assistance they need.

GUUL ABAA

place of koala

Construction has begun on the final piece of significant infrastructure for the tourism precinct known as Guulabaa – Place of Koala in Cowarra State Forest.

“The Hub”, the central visitor area at Guulabaa, has been designed as four decks that will float amongst the forest. Greeted by the Bunyah Local Aboriginal Land Council run Café on the first deck, visitors will be able to enter the Koala Conservation Australia’s (Port Macquarie Koala Hospital) facilities or sit looking over The Big Koala with a coffee.

The second deck is the entry into Wildnets Adventure where you can walk straight into the forest canopy or continue onto the third deck to look at local art in the Bunyah Gallery. The last deck is a large open area where visitors enjoy the view of the forest

“The Hub” takes shape. A unique building at Guulabaa, Place of Koala, Cowarra State Forest, Port Macquarie. We catch up with Kathy Lyons from Forestry Corporation and Ken McBryde, the Architect from Gensler to hear about this unique piece of architecture.

canopy and maybe spot a Koala. Kathy, tell us about the The Hub at Guulabaa?

We’ve been designing The Hub for the past year and had the vision, with Ken, to create a signature piece of architecture. The Hub will be the heart of Guulabaa where visitors come to connect with all the partners that have supported this wonderful project.

Sustainability is a key theme we want to share with the visitors to Guulabaa and we’re excited that The Hub will be built from climate friendly, locally grown and manufactured hardwood timbers.

Ken, why is this project important to you?

This ecotourism and education project is helping bring back our Australian icon, the koala, from its dangerous status as a threatened species.

The Guulabaa project holds a very special place in our hearts at Gensler. This ecotourism and education project is helping bring back our Australian icon, the koala, from its dangerous status as a threatened species. At Guulabaa, wild koalas will soon be bred for release into the wildthe first of its kind. It is a privilege for us to work with these unique project partners, collaborating to make such important contributions to ecological, cultural and economic sustainability. We cannot think of another project that offers

the design team such remarkable learning opportunities and the formation of lifelong friendships.

Kathy, Can you talk about how local culture will be celebrated at Guulabaa?

We are fortunate that Bunyah Local Aboriginal Land Council are a key partner at Guulabaa. Visitors will be able to have lunch at the Bunyah Café and visit the Birpai Art Gallery on The Hub. Together, we are planning to bring language and cultural experiences into the forest.

The vision is to manage this forest combining new and old ways, First Nations Peoples’ traditional knowledge and contemporary evidence-based science. Visitors will come to the forest for the koalas and after experiencing Guulabaa will

leave committed to the contribution they have to sustainability and caring for country.

Ken, The Hub has been designed using local timber, why is that important?

We are supporting North Coast communities by designing with locally sourced forest hardwood products, drawing upon innovative expertise in manufacturing, and local construction skills.

Building from local hardwoods is environmentally sustainable because our hardwood forests are fully renewable. This reduces embodied carbon when compared to importing other materials such as steel and concrete from a distance.

Kathy, can you tell us about the partners involved in building The Hub?

Guulabaa is a partnership between many organisations and we are grateful for all the support. The development of Guulabaa is the result of investment from the key partners of Guulabaa, NSW Government through the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Package and Forestry Corporation.

We have also worked closely with the local timber industry to design this beautiful building. It’s great to see our local timber partners - Big River Group, Coffs Harbour Hardwoods, Machin’s Sawmilling, Hayden Timbers, Hurfords, Pentarch Forestry and Weathertex supporting this project that’s integral to building local visitor economies and sustainable tourism. It’s where we want to be.

The vision is to manage this forest combining new and the old ways, First Nations Peoples’ traditional knowledge and contemporary evidence-based science.

Daniel Hend is an artist who is best known for his incredible large scale murals and surreal painting style. He is currently living on the Mid North Coast and has painted murals in suburbs from Queensland and NSW down to Victoria and even Tassie.

Since then I’ve held multiple exhibitions, won competitions, completed over 100 murals, painted at festivals, live events and charity events.

Can you tell us about the early days of you as an artist, what mediums you used and how you’ve progressed over the years?

I was always creative as a child whether it be carving wood, drawing, painting or creating little sculptures. At the age of 9 my father, Len Hend, taught me how to paint Australian landscapes in an incredibly fast style. I spent many weekends painting and selling my

landscape paintings around the streets and markets of the Byron Shire as a child and teenager. After dropping out of school I went to Mullumbimby Community College and completed a Cert 3 in Visual Arts and it was there I was introduced to many other mediums, styles and techniques. I developed the beginnings of my surrealist style and got into a lot of black and white illustrations and screen printing.

AT THE AGE OF 9 MY FATHER, LEN HEND, TAUGHT ME HOW TO PAINT AUSTRALIAN LANDSCAPES IN AN INCREDIBLY FAST STYLE.

I have delved into many styles over the years but painting surrealism is my most favoured and expressive style. What inspired you to start creating murals? My father was offered a mural job and passed it onto me at the age of 19. The mural went well. I enjoyed being able to utilise my skills to make good money. A lot of the mural jobs I really enjoy but some jobs can be quite tedious.

I really enjoy painting Australian flora and fauna. I like to think that these murals can remind people of their love of the natural environment and maybe even evoke some conservational changes. Continued over...

Artist of the Month

Can you describe your creative process when creating a new mural?

When I’m creating a new mural my process is relatively simple. I will clean the wall and then add my initial background colours. From there I sketch in the appropriate subject matters with chalk outlining a whale, mountain, trees, or a river.

After this I begin filling in more details usually going over twice with an initial detailing, then a refined detailing.

The techniques and application of paint do vary quite a lot with the subject matter.

How do you choose the subject matter and colour scheme for each of your works?

For each mural,myself and the client have to agree upon the subject matter. A lot of the time I won’t have to do any sketching prior to this. The colour is loosely discussed within the agreement, unless they are quite particular

then I will spend more time to ensure the palate is suitable to them. Usually the client has ideas and I add and/or change them to fit their space and budget. Most clients are trusting towards my abilities as an artist and this allows me to work best without too much pressure overhead. The subject matter is paramount, the colour

The only challenge I’ve found with working on larger murals is ensuring the perspective is right and that the subject matter fits to scale. There’s a lot of hard work involved but I love that about the big jobs.

choices must follow along in suit to create a realistic and aesthetic piece of art.

What are some of the biggest challenges you face when creating large-scale murals, and how do you overcome them?

The only challenge I’ve found with working on larger murals is ensuring the perspective is right and that the subject matter fits to scale. There’s a lot of hard work involved but I love that about the big jobs.

MOST CLIENTS ARE TRUSTING TOWARDS MY ABILITIES AS AN ARTIST AND THIS ALLOWS ME TO WORK BEST WITHOUT TOO MUCH PRESSURE OVERHEAD.

Can you tell us about a particularly memorable piece you’ve created and what it meant to you?

A particularly memorable mural I’ve done was on a rather large wall stretching 9 metres high and 35 metres wide.

The wall is located on Rudman Parade in Burleigh Heads Queensland at my brother’s house. My brother’s nickname is Chicken Tim and we decided it would be a bit of fun to paint a 6 metre tall chicken chasing a T-Rex that was carrying a huge chicken egg. Although intended as a joke, I guess it’s also slightly sentimental as me and Tim have always been fond of chickens.

How do you work with clients and communities to ensure that your murals are a reflection of the people and places they represent?

With most public murals I talk and work

with clients to ensure my murals reflect the area and people. By organising meetings and collaborating with locals, being shown around the town and local environment, meeting with elders to hear their stories and learn of their culture and speaking with historical societies to access historical photos. I can come to a town and paint a mural for the people, but without local people collaborating with me it wouldn’t have as clear a reflection upon the area. The gratitude within this process I feel is mutual.

How do you think the role of public art, specifically murals, can impact a community?

I understand that murals can have a significant impact on a community. Murals can bring people together and create a sense of belonging. They can also beautify areas that might otherwise be neglected or overlooked, which can improve the overall quality of life in the community. Additionally, murals can raise

awareness of important issues, making them a powerful tool for social change. Ultimately, public art can make a community more vibrant, uplifted and engaged.

What are your future goals as an artist, and what projects are you currently working on?

My goals for this year and the next are to continue painting murals while travelling Australia (maybe even travelling internationally for work).

I’m hoping to secure more large-scale commissions and work with more wildlife parks. I’ve recently finished a large black and white mural of a large ship and kraken on the ocean that stretches through 25 metres of the Cambus Wallace Bar on the Gold Coast. I have some more commissions to complete in Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast then I’m back to Melbourne and Sydney for more work again.

I’ll hopefully get some spare time to sit back and finish off some old surrealist canvas pieces I haven’t yet finished off. I have no solid plans as of yet, but within the next few years I’m hoping to have another exhibition.

Where can people follow along with your art journey?

The best place to check out my work or get in touch is on Instagram @danielhendartist Thanks Daniel.

I UNDERSTAND THAT MURALS CAN HAVE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON A COMMUNITY. MURALS CAN BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER AND CREATE A SENSE OF BELONGING.

Australian Aviation started to find its feet in the early 1920’s and Coffs Harbour shared in its own piece of history making when a Blériot Experimental 2E landed at the Jetty beach area in June 1920.

Eight years later Council discussed the need for an airport to service the region, and funding to improve the grass runway was approved two years later.

Fast forward to today and Coffs Harbour Airport is one of the busiest regional airports in the country and continues to lead the way as a major economic enabler of the region.

Passenger numbers and airline partners on the rise.

Given that Coffs Harbour is situated halfway between Sydney and Brisbane, is at the footstep of the picturesque Dorrigo National Park, a part

of the spectacular Great Dividing Range, has pristine beaches and plenty for visitors to do, it is little wonder that airport passenger numbers are increasing.

The airport is expecting more than 300,000 passengers to pass through it’s doors this year, as the recovery from COVID accelerates, brought about by new routes, more services and airline partners. However, it’s not just passengers the airport is attracting. With bold plans to grow and develop the airport over the coming years, Rex Airlines commenced services between Coffs Harbour and Sydney in 2021,

consistently growing these services until now and Australia’s newest low-cost airline, Bonza is set to commence flights between Coffs Harbour and the Sunshine Coast on 20 April this year.

Coffs Harbour Airport General Manager, Frank Mondello said, “Coffs Harbour is a regional city that punches way above it’s weight. Not only do we attract the leisure traveller and tourist, but we also attract people who are travelling for business and those who are coming here for major sporting events.

“Carriers like Qantas, Rex, Link Airways and Bonza are creating exciting travel options for

Not only do we attract the leisure traveller and tourist, but we also attract people who are travelling for business and those who are coming here for major sporting events.

WHEN THE FIRST FLIGHT BETWEEN AUSTRALIA AND ENGLAND TOOK PLACE IN 1919, TRAVEL, AS AUSTRALIANS KNEW IT AT THE TIME, WAS ABOUT TO CHANGE FOREVER.

image: Destination NSW

our regional visitors making Coffs Harbour the perfect destination to holiday all year round.”

Greater connectivity

Coffs Harbour welcomes in excess of 1.6 million visitors each year making tourism an important industry for the region, but tourism is not the only reason people need to fly in and out of the airport.

There are just over 6,500 businesses in the Coffs Harbour LGA, with construction, professional services, healthcare and agricultural sectors continuing to thrive.

“We are seeing a steady demand for air travel from within our business community,” Mr Mondello said.

“By offering more services, to places like Sydney, which is a route serviced by Qantas and Rex, we are getting a really good spread of flight times throughout the day, giving passengers more options than ever before.

“It is one thing to have the connectivity but being able to facilitate a passenger’s need to travel at a time that suits them is one step

better – it makes choosing to fly for business or pleasure so much easier and that is at the heart of what we are trying to create at Coffs Harbour Airport,” Mr Mondello said.

Building on a better future

Coffs Harbour Airport is a major economic enabler for the region, facilitating opportunities for local business, tourism, freight, and agriculture. However, when you scratch the surface, you realise that the impact an airport has on it’s region runs much deeper as it connects communities, facilitates social connections, and benefits many of the industries within it’s region.

“Whether it is passenger numbers or goods being transported in the belly hold of the plane, Coffs Harbour Airport has a connection to nearly everyone who lives or works in the region,” Mr Mondello said.

“Not only does the airport support many of our major industries but the ripple effect can be felt across the whole community. From the

people who travel, those that we employ and the services we engage, as part of running the day-to-day business – we touch everyone one way or another and as a result the whole region benefits.”

One of the major projects underway at Coffs Harbour Airport is the development of the 43-hectare Enterprise Park precinct. When complete, Enterprise Park will house a variety of businesses, attract investment, and create opportunities that will continue to attract talent to the region.

Mr Mondello said, “We are about to embark on a really exciting time for Coffs Harbour Airport. The creation of Enterprise Park will deliver a precinct of different businesses, and importantly it is only five minutes to the heart of the Coffs Harbour CBD.”

A gateway with endless opportunities

Whether you are travelling for business or pleasure, Coffs Harbour Airport has something for everyone. Flying to or from most major cities can be done quickly and easily and for regional travellers, the broad variety of regional routes serviced out of Coffs Harbour Airport has made it the east coast’s epicentre for regional air travel - where the promise of better connectivity is delivered today. Visit coffsharbourairport.com. au to find out more.

Whether it is passenger numbers or goods being transported in the belly hold of the plane, Coffs Harbour Airport has a connection to nearly everyone who lives or works in the region

IN BUSINESS WOMEN

Can you tell us a little bit about your business?

The Salon by Nikki Williams in a nutshell is a dream team of skin savers who aren’t about a quick fix or a quick buck. Skin is a living organ. In fact, it’s the largest one you’ve got and at The Salon, skin health is our priority. We practice in corneotherapy - understanding the science of skin, how it works and most importantly how to fix it. The Salon team continually learns at the highest level so we can alway bring the best skin treatment and skin care to our clients. We claim the best facial in Coffs Harbour, and that’s what we aim for every day.

What’s your favourite part of the work you do?

I get to change people’s lives. So often we’re the last point of call for someone who has tried everything, been sold everything, spent quite literally thousands of dollars only to be left with more skin issues than they started. That is where I get to step in and teach individuals about the importance of skin health, what skin needs and most importantly what it doesn’t, to achieve healthy glowing happy skin and very often life changing results for clients, especially women.

THE SALON

Seeing self conscious women who have spent years not leaving the house without makeup, walking in make-up free and glowing, makes my heart smile. We have tears and hugs in the clinic almost daily, and I just feel so blessed to have people trust me with their skin in such a vulnerable way.

Who is your greatest influence in business?

Definitely my Dad. I grew up watching my Dad run a small business and I saw how hard he worked and the sacrifices we had to make as a family to run a successful company. So I went into business with my eyes wide open. What I learned most from him though, aside from work ethic, was how he treated those around him whether they were customers or his workers.

Nothing was too hard or too big an ask when it came to his customers and everyone was equal when it came to his team.

Dad taught me the importance of sitting down to lunch each day with your team and his advice to me when i bought my first business was, ‘Don’t ever expect anyone on your team to work harder than you do’.

I’ve carried these things through the past 15 years as a business owner.

Have you always lived on the Coffs

Coast?

I grew up in Coffs, moved away to Sydney and Queensland in my 20’s and then returned to bring up my children. I feel so blessed to be able to bring up my family around my Mum and sister and when I look around our town, especially the CBD, I feel so excited for what the future of Coffs could look like. What piece of advice would you give women making their way in the business world?

Time is our single most precious resource. Women are remarkable and we often wear more than one hat. To thrive in a successful business, and a successful personal life, ensuring you are balancing both in a productive and healthy way and not get stuck in a whirlwind of stress, overwhelm and busy, you need to nail your time management. If you need coaching on that pay for it, it will be money well spent.

Time management is the number one skill that will allow you to literally have it all. Thriving business, happy family, healthy mind and body.

Where can people find out more about your business?

@thesalonbynikkiwilliams

thesalonbynikki.com

with CATH FOWLER

NIKKI WILLIAMS

TerryWhite Chemmart

Hi Tanya, Congratulations on winning National Pharmacy of the Year 2022. Can you tell us about the Award and how you felt when you found out you won?

Thank you! Winning the National Pharmacy of the Year Award was a momentous achievement for our team!

The winner was announced in front of more than 800 attendees at the TerryWhite Chemmart Conference held in February on the Gold Coast.

As finalists for the NSW State Award, we were ecstatic to discover that not only did we win the State Award, but we also took home the National Award!

Having Sarah Ding, my Pharmacist Manager, and Dani Davis, my Retail Manager, by my side to celebrate this accomplishment was fantastic.

We are thrilled to see that our win has resonated with the community. Our win is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, and it was great to see that our community have taken note of that.

How many stores were nominated and why do you think you came out on top?

This award is chosen from 546 pharmacies across the TerryWhite Chemmart brand and recognises exceptional commitment to excellence in health, customer engagement, service, and leadership.

Our success is attributable to the dedication of our team who deliver exceptional customer experiences and continually elevate our community services. We set ourselves apart through our high standards of presentation,

TerryWhite Chemmart is Australia’s fastest-growing community pharmacy brand with more than 500 pharmacies across the country. TerryWhite Chemmart Coffs Harbour has just taken out the National Pharmacy of the Year 2022. We had a chat to owner Tanya Maloney to find out more.

WINS NATIONAL PHARMACY OF THE YEAR 2022

customer service, and team culture.

We have consistently executed brand initiatives to benefit our community, such as vaccinations, diabetes management, home delivery service, electronic scripts, ecommerce, TWC Rewards, and our new myTWC app. Our efforts have been focused on maintaining our position as a destination of choice within our local community, which has helped us stand out as the best among the TerryWhite Chemmart pharmacies.

How proud are you of your team?

I am so proud of my team, who have not only demonstrated an unwavering commitment to caring for our community but have also helped me create a unique and welcoming culture within our pharmacy. We continually get comments from customers and visitors to our pharmacy about our team and the experience we create, it's quite special to be part of. Our team care about making a difference in the lives of our customers and patients. They go above and beyond every day to provide the best possible care and services, and their efforts have truly paid off.

Besides your team who else would you like to thank?

As we accept this award, I am grateful for the trust that our customers and patients have placed in us. They are the reason we do what we do. We share this accomplishment with them, and we look forward to continuing to serve our community with the same passion and dedication that has led us to this achievement.

As we celebrate our 30th year trading in Park Beach Plaza, Coffs Harbour we would like to extend our gratitude to our centre management and other businesses. We recognize that this award is not just for us but is a reflection of the collective efforts of our community to build a thriving and supportive business environment.

I would also like to express my deepest appreciation to Terry and Rhonda White, my former business partners. They have created the foundations of our team and business that has enabled us to embark on this journey and reach new heights, and as passionate advocates of our brand, we are grateful for the support of TerryWhite Chemmart. Their commitment to providing us with top-of-the-line systems and processes has enabled us to implement new products and services with ease and stay at the forefront of our industry.

Were you nominated in other categories?

Sarah Ding, our Pharmacist Manager, was named Pharmacist of the Year at the TerryWhite Chemmart Masterclass in June 2022. Leading our team of nine pharmacists, she has been instrumental in delivering over 18,000 COVID-19 vaccinations and 600 flu vaccinations in the past two years. She also spearheaded successful initiatives such as our Palliative Care program and Pain Management Program.

Sarah's commitment to making a difference in the lives of her patients and the local community is truly inspiring. We are incredibly proud of her accomplishments.

What plans do you have for 2023/2024?

Our goal is to keep improving the health and wellbeing of our customers by leveraging new technologies, providing exceptional care, and supporting our team.

We're currently launching our new brand customer promise, "Dedicated to Care", to showcase our dedication to providing exceptional care to every customer. As part of this commitment, we're expanding our services by adding extra clinic rooms through renovations. We're investing in our CareClinics to ensure that our pharmacists are equipped with the latest industry knowledge to better serve our customers.

Additionally, we're excited our new myTWC app has recently been launched. It provides a safe, easy way to order scripts, manage medications, set reminders, shop, get rewards and stay in touch with our pharmacy.

We are also excited about the increasing scope of practice for pharmacists including travel vaccinations, UTI pilot, and prescribing for certain conditions and will continue to embrace these opportunities as they become available.

How can we get in touch?

TerryWhite Chemmart Coffs Harbour

Shop 51 Park Beach Plaza Cnr Park Beach Rd & Pacific Highway Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 02 66524188

coffsharbour@terrywhitechemmart.com.au

TerryWhite Chemmart Coffs Harbour

terrywhitechemmartcoffsharbour www.terrywhitechemmart.com.au

Our team care about making a difference in the lives of our customers and patients. They go above and beyond every day to provide the best possible care and services, and their efforts have truly paid off.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Iknow it feels like winter only just ended!

However, flu and COVID-19 do spread more during winter, so it pays to make habits to boost our immunity and resilience. Thankfully, a few steps now can go a long way to supporting our winter health. Here are my eight top recommendations.

1. Nourish yourself

Eating a balanced and varied diet rich in fruits and vegetables is essential for maintaining a healthy immune system. Fruits and vegetables are loaded with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals that help support the immune system and protect the body against infection and disease.

stay motivated to exercise during the winter months when it’s cold and dark outside. Try forming the habit beforehand by scheduling in walking catch ups with friends or using hand weights during work from home breaks.

The connection between sleep and proper immune functioning is wellestablished. Among other superpowers, during sleep the body releases inflammation and infection-fighting proteins called cytokines.

3. Sleep well - The connection between sleep and proper immune functioning is well-established. Among other superpowers, during sleep the body releases inflammation and infection-fighting proteins called cytokines.

4. Consider your conditions - Talk to your GP to ensure you understand how to manage any pre-existing or chronic health conditions, such as asthma, allergies or eczema. Learn how to manage exacerbations of these health conditions.

2. Keep moving - Regular exercise is essential for maintaining a strong immune system and reducing the risk of illness and disease. However, it can be challenging to

5. Understand medications - Ensure you know when to use paracetamol and anti-inflammatories, as well as their

correct dosages. Alternatively, book in for a medication review with one of our pharmacists to have better clarity.

6. Check your home - Block draughts in windows and doors, air wardrobes, sweep and mop floors, deep clean bathrooms and wash soft toys and winter bedding to help remove dust mites and mould.

7. Update your vaccinations - Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations must be up-todate to be most effective. We offer the latest COVID-19 vaccinations and have opened our online bookings for the 2023 flu vaccinations. Book now at www. terrywhitechemmart.com.au

8. Speed dial - Add your Pharmacist, GP, home doctor service and specialist’s numbers to your contact list, as well as any others you may need to call in case of illness.

9. myTWC app - Download our myTWC app on your phone to help manage your medications, place online orders, and have your pharmacy essentials delivered to your doorstep. This may come in handy if you are feeling under the weather and are not able to present to the pharmacy.

TERRYWHITE CHEMMART COFFS HARBOUR PARK BEACH PLAZA

with SARAH DING

focus contributor.

Jessica Nash

The third Birth, Baby & Beyond Expo will be held on Sunday 30th April at the Jetty Beach House from 11am to 3pm. We had a chat with Jessica Nash, founder and coordinator of the event, about what we can expect and how this event has been growing and helping local families to build their ‘village’ and support network since it started in 2018.

BIRTH, BABY AND BEYOND

How long has the Birth, Baby and Beyond Expo been running here in Coffs Harbour, and how has it evolved since its inception?

The first Birth, Baby & Beyond Expo was held in Macksville 2018 and was so well received, I was asked that it become a regular event. I created it as a way to showcase many of the services and products available to young families in the area, and as a fundraising event, raising over $700 for Little Silk Wings.

The second Expo was held in 2022, again in Macksville, and raised $1000 for Angel Gowns Australia.

I started out with just 16 stallholders in the first Expo, this year we have 45 stallholders confirmed. This will be the first year we’ve hosted the Expo in Coffs Harbour, and we’re fundraising for Tender Funerals Mid North Coast, as an extension of our support for community based bereavement services.

I coordinated the first two Expos on my own, but this year took a dose of my own medicine and created a village to support me. Rani agreed to co-host, and we’ve gathered a small team of amazing women who are helping bring this event together.

Can you tell us about where it will be held this year, and when? Is it open to the public or do you need to book?

The third Birth, Baby & Beyond Expo will be held at the Jetty Beach House, Jordan Esplanade Coffs Harbour, on Sunday April 30, from 11am to 3pm. It’s open to everyone, no need to book. Entry is by gold coin donation, or $5 a family.

Can you tell us a bit about the vendors and exhibitors who participate in the Expo,

and how they support new parents and families?

We have such a range of stallholders this year, there really is something for everyone at almost every stage from preconception until the early childhood years. We’ll have midwives from the Coffs MGP program, as well as private midwives; Doulas for birth and postpartum support; maternity/birth/newborn/ family photographers; nutritional experts to support through preconception and pregnancy; breastfeeding educators, bodyworkers (chiro/osteo/masseuse/ yoga practitioners), Tresillian, Child and Family Health Nurses, baby sleep experts, placenta encapsulation, plus a range of products for babies and families.

In the age of social media and online marketing, so many services are lost in the void, so families may not be aware of all that’s available to them.

What types of resources and information can attendees expect to find at the Expo?

The Expo is the perfect way to meet the faces behind these wonderful services, and to see just what the Coffs Coast has to offer young families. In the age of social media and online marketing so many services are lost in the void, so families may not be aware of all that’s available to them. Whether you’re trying to conceive, looking for birth or postpartum support, or services for babies and young children, you’ll be able to connect with professionals who can provide you the support you’re looking for.

What are some of the most common concerns or questions that new parents have when attending?

Honestly the loudest feedback I usually receive is ‘wow, I didn’t know we had so many services available!’, so it’s wonderful to provide women and families with options they didn’t know existed. In the past, most attendees have been looking for birth support, but families seeking postpartum support are increasing too. Modern society has done away with our villages, so it’s up to us to recreate them ourselves. There’s also often a feeling of isolation when starting or even adding to your family, and so many just don’t know what the next step is. It’s reassuring

to know that no matter what the issue or concern is, there’s someone to guide you through it, and to be reminded that you’re not the only one experiencing this. Will there be any interactive activities or demonstrations that take place?

Yes, we have a number of short presentations lined up. The times and details are still being finalised and will be posted on our social media but so far we will have demonstrations/mini workshops on infant massage, self massage, birth preparation, preparing for postpartum, spinal and infant hip health, breastfeeding education, and thermomix cooking for postpartum. We are hoping also to have a sensory play session setup, as well as face painting and other activities for children. What do you hope attendees take away from coming to the Expo?

The Expo is just step 1 in creating your own modern day village. It is our hope that families will connect with the services they need, and that by getting the support they were seeking, they can continue to add to their support network as time goes on and the parenting challenges change.

What are your goals for the future of the Expo, and how do you hope to continue supporting new families and parents?

We hope to make the Expo an annual event, and maybe one day branch out into surrounding areas like Kempsey and Port Macquarie.

Finally, what advice would you give to new parents who are feeling overwhelmed or anxious about the challenges of parenthood?

What’s that saying? There is nothing new under the sun. I can assure you, no matter what issues you’re facing, or whatever you’re feeling, you are absolutely not alone. The secret to not only surviving parenthood but actually thriving, is to create your village. Surround yourself with people who are cheering you on, who are willing to walk alongside you without judgement. Reaching out for support is actually a sign of strength, and can have such an impact on not only your parenting journey, but will also set a positive example for your children. Thanks Jessica.

The secret to not only surviving parenthood but actually thriving, is to create your village. Surround yourself with people who are cheering you on, who are willing to walk alongside you without judgement.

COUNSELLING CONVERSATIONS

with

What is self-worth?

The Oxford Dictionary defines worthiness as ‘the quality of being good enough, deserving attention or respect’, the sense of one’s own value or worth as a person. Self-worth is an internal sense of being good enough, worthy of love, respect, and belonging from others. It is often used as a synonym for self-esteem, but it is not the same.

Self-esteem relies on external factors to define worth and can often lead to a struggle with feeling worthy. Self-worth is about who you are, not about what you do. Generally, a person with a realistic self-image knows their faults and limitations. People with self-worth despite their imperfections, mistakes and emotional baggage forgive themselves over past mistakes and appreciate themselves for who they are.

As a society we tend to focus on high selfesteem, the focus is on measuring oneself against others, rather than paying attention to our own intrinsic value. Our competitive and comparison culture often modelled by social media sends us messages on how to behave, look and be above average, to feel good about ourselves. However, can we all be more attractive, smarter, richer, or successful at the same time? Absolutely not, there will always be others who have more. Studies show that basing your self-worth on external factors,

THE FEELING OF SELF-WORTH

comparisons, and competitiveness affects mental health and creates more stressful lives, and relational problems.

So really the bottom line is just to be yourself. Maybe the famous Dr. Suess quote “Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You” rings truer in today’s world than ever. Acknowledging your unique strengths, qualities, and achievements is vital for personal growth and your sense of self-worth.

Low Self-Worth

Low self-worth is generally having a low opinion of yourself. You might replay mistakes you have made, or things that have not worked out so positively. You are critical of yourself, judgemental, and negative self-talk replays in your mind. Often you focus on the minutest detail that did not go right, rather than recognise the great things you did or have achieved.

How to Build Self-Worth

The first step in building self-worth is to stop comparing yourself to others and being critical of everything you do. This is called challenging your inner critic, that voice in your head that says you are not worthy. This inner critic often pops up with destructive thoughts and tells us we are worthless or undeserving of love, happiness, and success. Often this inner voice is ingrained in us and is shaped by early childhood experiences. This internal dialogue undermines our sense of self-worth and might lead to maladaptive behaviours,

which make us feel worse about ourselves. We can challenge the inner critic and appreciate ourselves for who we really are, rather than focusing on our perceived faults.

By using the acronym ACE (Dr. Russ Harris) we can challenge our critical thoughts and feelings. Acknowledge your thoughts and feelings. For example, ‘I’m noticing I’m feeling a failure’. Be aware that this is not accepting the thought nor stopping it but acknowledging the thought is there. Come back into your body, and anchor your body. For example, wiggle your toes, press your feet into the ground, stretch, push your fingers together, and shrug your shoulders. Engage in your environment and use your senses to notice what is around you, what you can feel, and see, whether there are any smells or tastes, and what you can hear.

Hopefully, you will feel more grounded and able to engage with other things more successfully. If not, start the three steps again. Acknowledging the thought or feeling allows us to drop the struggle against things or get caught up in ‘why can’t I accept this’. Remember that imperfection is part of being human and something we all share.

Until next time, be kind and gentle with yourself.

Julie Thomas MCouns, BPsychSC, BEd(ECTeach) Member of Australian Counselling Association Member of WPATH

FROM BEYOND THE SURFACE COUNSELLING

JULIE THOMAS

SPECTACULAR GALA BALL

Aspy JONES

Aspy Jones is a singer songwriter who writes about his unique perspective on life, good mental health and the difficulties he has faced as he’s learnt to live with autism and anxiety. He is a keen advocate for more inclusion of disability within the music industry and will be performing at the upcoming Spectrum Spectacular Gala Ball hosted by Coffs Coast Autism, so if you’re attending make sure you bring your dancing shoes!

SPECTRUM

When did you first discover your love of music?

Although my parents don’t play any instruments there was always music playing in the house and car so I’ve always loved singing and making up silly songs from a young age. I didn’t pick up a guitar till I was about 9 years old and I quickly gave it up because it hurt my fingers. I started again at about 15 and persevered this time as I was having a difficult time and needed to get the songs that were circulating inside my head out into the open.

Can you describe your style of music and who some of your musical influences are?

My style of music is an eclectic mix of indie-folk, roots, pop and rock basically anything goes and so are my influences, Billy Joel, Marcus Mumford, David Bowie, Macklemore, Freddie Mercury to name just a few.

How do you think your autism has influenced your music and creativity?

I was diagnosed at 8 years old and for many years I had a very hard time accepting my difference, so my autism has heavily influenced my music as I write about a lot of issues that impact me mentally which can be an unusual point of view for a lot of people. My writing helps me deal with my emotions and difficulties and throwing them out to the world hopefully helps other people realise that they are not alone.

You write a lot of your songs about mental health, autism and anxiety. Do you feel writing helps you work through some of what you’re experiencing or is it mostly about sharing to give others lyrics they can relate to?

Songwriting helps me understand a lot about myself and how I learn to deal with new situations and emotions that I haven’t come across before. When I’m songwriting, subconsciously, the issue that is bothering me will find its way into the lyrics I’m writing. Songwriting is definitely a therapy for me but I really hope that it also helps other people that might be feeling the same way. I love the connection I can make with people through my songs, it’s like a secret language.

Can you tell us a bit about your creative process when putting a song together?

I don’t use one specific method all the time, it normally depends on what I’m doing. I like to drive with no music playing to see if anything subconsciously inspires me, in which case the lyrics come first. If I’m messing about on my guitar then the melody comes first. When I’m looking for words to explain how I feel in lyrics, I like to juggle which helps me refocus on the subject and look at it from a different angle.

BUT I REALLY HOPE THAT IT ALSO HELPS OTHER PEOPLE THAT MIGHT BE FEELING THE SAME WAY.

people are doing around me but it can be really difficult. It’s very mentally draining and I’m always really exhausted after a performance and I need to get a lot of sleep. You will be performing at the upcoming Spectrum Spectacular Gala Ball here in Coffs Harbour, what can we expect from your performance?

How do you manage things like sensory overload or other challenges that may arise during performances or rehearsals?

When I started out I used to really struggle with sensory issues and anxiety but when performing on stage nowadays, I don’t have too much sensory overload because I’m focused on the performance and I really enjoy it now. However, I still do have a lot of stress and anxiety before and after the performance. Setting up quickly, swapping the stage with another band, dealing with the sound guys, sound check, making sure all the band have everything they need and checking I have everything I need and I can guarantee that I usually forget something! I’m lucky that I have a great support system of people around me that are looking out for me and picking up quickly when I’ve forgotten something, but the more often I perform I find that I forget less things and the trust that I have in these people allows me to reduce my anxiety. I also try to focus on one job at a time and try not to get too distracted by what other

It will be a very upbeat, lively and authentic performance from the band. We try to deliver the important messages in my songs in an uplifting way as I do not want to depress people and make them feel sad. I always want people to enjoy our performance and for it to make a positive impact.

What made you want to get involved with the Gala?

I always want to get involved with anything to do with autism and especially if it’s a great cause.

What are you most looking forward to about this particular event?

It is always great to have an opportunity to perform my songs but I’m really hoping that a lot of people connect with my music and I make a few new friends. I also can’t wait to meet Michael Theo, I’m a massive fan.

What advice would you give to other musicians with autism who are pursuing a career in the music industry?

When I started out, I tried to copy what other people were doing but I now realise you have got to be yourself. Play what you want to play and write songs about things that are important to you.

SONGWRITING IS DEFINITELY A THERAPY FOR ME

SPECTRUM SPECTACULAR GALA

BALL

Michael Theo, of Love On The Spectrum fame, will be a celebrity guest at the upcoming Spectrum Spectacular Gala Ball in Coffs Harbour. We had a chat with him ahead of his appearance about his experience on the show and what he is looking forward to about participating in the Coffs Harbour event.

ever achieve: fame! I was very surprised at my popularity and so were my parents. The show has been praised for its honest and respectful portrayal of people on the autism spectrum. How did you feel about the way you and the other participants were portrayed?

I believe the other participants and myself were portrayed in a very positive way as we only wanted to find love, and we all came across as authentic. It really showed a lot of people the truth about autism and what amazing people they can really be. I had no complaints with how the show turned out whatsoever.

How did you first become involved in Love on the Spectrum, and what inspired you to participate?

First off, I will reveal what inspired me to participate. For about 10 years, I have been on a quest for love. I have always pictured myself being a potential husband and possibly a father. Everyone wants to be loved and I for one am no exception. My parents have been married for 35 years and I see them as a role model for a marriage, although I admit it’s like watching The Flintstones all over again. My brother got married late last year and he had a few girlfriends before he settled down. I eventually believed that if my brother, sister and parents are able to settle down and

make something as beautiful as a romantic relationship work, then I certainly can too! Now to explain how I got involved in the show. In 2019, I was with an employment agency known as Atwork Australia. They were previously called Essential Personnel. I was a client of theirs since senior high school years. Northern Pictures contacted various employment agencies including Atwork and they recommended me for the show. When I first heard about the show, I saw it as a golden opportunity to help me find love. I was so eager to be part of it that I called Northern Pictures numerous times because of said enthusiasm. I didn’t join the show to become famous. Fame was never an aspiration of mine. In the end, I didn’t find love but I gained something I never believed I would

The show follows participants as they navigate the world of dating and relationships. Can you talk about any challenges you faced during this process, and what you learned from the experience?

I honestly had very few challenges during the experience, although I did have trouble developing feelings for some of the people I dated on the show. It is not a reflection of them at all. I can’t help it if I don’t feel anything special for someone. Either you do or you do not. When my gut tells me something I listen to it, if a relationship works out, it also has to make sense. Also, people say that love is blind. That is true in many cases, but you can’t really plan things like love. It just happens, you can’t force it and love takes time

to grow. There are a lot of things you should plan or make happen but love just isn’t one of those things. Love is a treasure that can’t be changed.

Can you talk about any particular moments or experiences from filming that were particularly memorable or meaningful for you?

I had many memorable moments from the show. Meeting the late Dawn Wells was one of them. She played Mary Ann on Gilligan’s Island which has been one of my longtime favourite television shows. Other moments, were going on dates even if they didn’t work out, being able to tell my story to the world, hanging out with my best friend Briana and meeting the other participants at our annual photo shoots.

What do you hope viewers take away from watching Love on the Spectrum?

What I hope people will learn from the show is that people on the spectrum are really amazing and they have extraordinary gifts that others may not have previously known. They want to be loved, find a partner and settle down with someone special and in addition, being no different to neurotypical people, because really they are not. I am proud to be on the spectrum and I am quite content and comfortable with who I am.

You will be participating in the Spectrum Spectacular Gala Ball here in Coffs Harbour this month, what made you want to get involved?

Yes I will be. This is the story of how this came about with me. In July last year, a woman from Coffs Harbour named Laura Daley reached out to me via Instagram and asked me about being a part of the Gala. She explained that while I have no connection to Bus Stop Films, I would be there as a celebrity guest because from what I was told, I have many fans in Coffs Harbour who wish to meet me. I enjoy meeting fans as they appreciate my journey and I enjoy the attention a lot.

The Gala is raising funds to establish

a Coffs Harbour campus of Bus Stop Films, a film school for people with disabilities. As a podcaster, actor and autism advocate yourself, what do you think this initiative would mean for the community here?

To be honest I think this would be able to give people with disabilities a crack in the world of acting themselves. I believe everyone deserves a fair chance at what they want to do with their lives. We all have dreams and we all need to do what it takes to pursue them and not allow society to determine their paths in life. How do you think media representation of people on the autism spectrum can be improved?

I think the entertainment industry needs to cast people on the spectrum as they all bring their own unique strengths to every table.

They even have certain gifts that neurotypicals may not have. I find it quite insulting when people on the spectrum are underestimated, marginalised and underappreciated because you never know what they can bring to a project. Some are creative with tools or their hands, some are articulate or artistic and, fun fact, I held a full time job for almost 5 years and that says something right there. Actions speak for themselves.

What are you looking forward to most about the Spectrum Spectacular Gala Ball?

What I am looking forward to the most about the Gala is being present at an inspiring event, meeting new people and many fans and being able to do public speaking again, enjoying great food and drinks with new people and show some of my acting impersonations and finally inspire people to follow their dreams and hopefully teach everyone something new because we never stop learning. Thanks Michael.

I AM PROUD TO BE ON THE SPECTRUM AND I AM QUITE CONTENT AND COMFORTABLE WITH WHO I AM.

EEllie’s award-winning picture book,” Auntie Uncle: Drag Queen Hero” was published in 2020 in New York by POWKids. It tells the story of a loving nephew who supports his “Auntie Uncle” to become their true self, bringing two communities together in the process. Her most recent picture book “Frizzle and Me” (Ford St Publishing, 2021) follows the life of a child as their loving rainbow family expands over time. I sat down with Ellie to chat all about allies and her latest projects.

Hi Ellie, can you tell me more about what you think an ally looks like?

Hi Sam, well I believe an ally is any person who believes in human dignity, empathy, respect, and equity and treats people as they would like to be treated. In the context of an LGBTIQA+ community ally, I feel it also means being ready to question the negative assumptions that

PFLAG

with SAM DAWSON

from Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays

Ellie Royce is a true LGBTIQA+ ally. Author of six books for children with a new one on the way later this year, her passion is supporting diversity in children’s literature.

sadly still prevail in our culture, and perhaps offer another point of view, which I hope is what my books accomplish.

You have famously written children’s books about rainbow families, does allyship play a part there?

It does. Prior to 2022 for example, there were few, to no books that showed rainbow families with a drag queen relative, or gender fluid characters like Leo/Lotta.

In Auntie Uncle, the nephew shows what it means to be an ally. He and his family love Leo/ Lotta unconditionally, and support them in their life choices. Unconditional love is the main theme in “Frizzle and Me” too.

I wanted kids to have books showing that there are plenty of different ways to be a loving family and that that’s great. If they grow up with these concepts, then they become allies without even realising it.

I’ve been lucky enough to be on one of your

podcasts chatting about PFLAG + Coffs Coast and under your title of “We Are All Made of Stories”- tell us more.

Thank you for joining me to talk about PFLAG+ and allyship! I’m only an ‘occasional’ podcaster at the moment, but it’s a wonderful platform for sharing stories. I believe there’s power in both listening to and telling stories, to help us make meaning out of our crazy world. Just hearing someone else’s story and knowing you’re not alone can make all the difference sometimes. I hope eventually to offer a beautiful patchwork quilt of diverse stories, something for everyone.

How can people follow you and find out more?

Thank you so much for having me, you can visit me online at weareallmadeofstories. com

Or on @elllieroycekidlitauthor and @weareall_madeofstories.

Thanks Ellie PFLAGcoffscoast (private, safe closed group)

0417 861 045

pflagcoffscoast@gmail.com

I believe there’s power in both listening and telling stories, to help us make meaning out of our crazy world.

Cheryll KOOYMAN

COUNTRY CUBS PRESCHOOL & OUTSIDE SCHOOL HOURS CARE

Cheryll KOOYMAN

Country Cubs Preschool & Outside School Hours Care has been operating for over 20 years. We spoke with Owner/Director Cheryll Kooyman to find out more.

Tell us about your business

My business provides care and education services to children and families, within the Orara Valley and Coffs Harbour Area.

Our service operates Long Day Care, Before & After School Care and Vacation Care. Country Cubs provides a free transport service for families to access the services we provide which is essential for families. What motivates you in your role and business?

I have had a strong passion for working with children since I was 16 years old. I left school to follow my career in caring and educating young children, and I knew right from the very beginning that it was the path for me.

I am motivated by families and their children, providing care and supporting families to provide that care and education is something I feel is a special thing. To have families trust you with their most precious things in the world is very special.

I am motivated by my team. I want to ensure

that my team are always striving to improve care and education standards. I have worked with my educational leader Tracey Cooper for the past 20 years. To have those friendships and professional collaborations is the most amazing thing. I value my team, as I couldn’t do what I do, without them.

I have a wonderful family and I have the support of my family 100% of the time, so this makes doing what I do easy. When the support is unconditional, it’s easy.

What have you learnt over the past

12 months and how has your business changed?

The industry is changing regularly. COVID was a particularly challenging time for our business as we had so much to manage on the go. You have one opportunity to get it right and make sure you are up to date and current. However, things changed so quickly, it was definitely a challenging time, however one that we learnt from and grew through.

Describe for us your definition of ‘success’ relevant to your industry/role?

I think success is going home at the end of the day and being proud of the person you are and the service that you manage and provide on a daily basis. Some days are challenging; however you have another opportunity to come back and do it again tomorrow. There are always opportunities for improvement and changes to practice to promote quality. I did receive some advice once that said on your worst day, you have to be your best, and it’s stuck with me.

What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why?

I think I have had some past Directors who I have been mentored with along the way. You develop skills, knowledge and leadership based on the principles you learn along the way that align with yours. I think I have also had the benefit of having that strive to work hard, and be driven which has stemmed from my childhood. My greatest influence again is my family. I am very lucky to have a supportive family who have been with me each step of the

way. My husband Drew and all of my children have been involved with the service in one way or another.

What would you say is your greatest professional and personal accomplishment to date?

My greatest professional accomplishment to date, is the success of Country Cubs. From the commencement to now, and to see how the service has grown and adapted is very fulfilling. To be a part of families and children’s lives each day is really special.

On a personal note, I have managed the business whilst raising 3 children. This has had it’s challenges, however I am so proud of my family and my 3 children. On another note I have been on a personal journey over the past couple of years and have managed some major health changes, where I have lost 60kg’s which I am also super proud of.

Where do you see the business and yourself in 10 years?

I have a 10 year plan to continue on our journey with Country Cubs. I still have the passion each morning when I get up to be able to continue to provide the care and education for families and children. I want to continue to be the best version of myself and maybe look at retirement somewhere after that.

I am motivated by families and their children, providing care and supporting families to provide that care and education is something I feel is a special thing. To have families trust you with their most precious things in the world is very special.

Congratulations on celebrating 20 years in business. Describe how you got started in your business and how far you have come along?

Drew and I moved to Coramba 20 years ago. We purchased the Long Day Care and at the time it was licenced for 25 children. Over the 20 years we have increased our licence to provide care and education for 50 children at Long Day Care. The service also commenced it’s Outside School Hours Care – Before, After School and Vacation Care. This service is licenced for 38 children per day. Over this time,

we have also raised 3 children of our own. Tell us about your team and their areas of expertise?

We have the best team. They are all amazing, and we are really blessed to have such a great team. The educational leader at the long Day Care, Tracey Cooper has been with us for the past 20 years on this hectic and changing journey. Our educators have a vast array of skills, knowledge and qualifications and bring an element of personal expertise to the team. I am very thankful to have Debra, my administration manager by my side, she has a monumental role in supporting myself, our educators and families. We also have our transport drivers who work alongside our educators in

transporting children to and from our service.

What makes you different from other services in our region?

We have a free transport service which allows families to access free transport to and from our service. This service commenced 18 years ago. It initially provided free transport to families who were unable to access quality care and education due to transport or travel restraints. We commenced that service with one bus and next month we will add our 6th bus to that transport service. That has definitely allowed the service to adhere to it’s philosophy in ensuring all children can access care and education without barriers.

We are lucky enough to meet up with children whom we cared for over the years and we get to share in their personal and career success.

COUNTRY CUBS PRESCHOOL & OUTSIDE SCHOOL HOURS CARE

What have been some of the highlights over the years?

We have now done a full circle where families of children we commenced care with are now returning to the service and enrolling their own children in care. We are lucky enough to meet up with children whom we cared for over the years and we get to share in their personal and career success. It is nice to see the success of these children and feel like you have had a small part in their lives.

We have been able to support refugee families, low socio economic families and at risk families with the support, care and education that their families need. This is an important factor for

the service and one we find really empowering.

What challenges have you faced over the years and how have you overcome them?

There are a lot of regulation, law and compliance changes occurring in the industry regularly, so being responsive to those changes is always challenging. In the past we have been affected by fire, flood and COVID. We have always managed to plan, improve and bounce back better than ever. We have always continued to provide family and local support throughout these times.

What’s the best way for other businesses or readers to connect with you?

We have a webpage where you can find information about our service. You will find current information and events on our

Facebook page. You can phone the office or call in anytime at the service. We have an open door policy at the service where anyone is welcome to visit at any time.

How much longer will you continue to provide the service?

We have had offers to purchase the service throughout the years through some multi corporate organisations, however we have always been driven and passionate about maintaining a high standard of family care that we can be proud of. We want to continue to provide care and education to families in Coffs Harbour and The Orara Valley.

Is there anything new happening for your service?

The service has been lucky to receive 2 recent grants to extend it’s Before & After School Care Service. Our service is now running transport services to Glenreagh Public School and Upper Orara Public School. This adds to the current schools we already service which are Karangi Public School, Tyalla Public School, Narranga Public School, Nana Glen Public School, St Augustine's Catholic School, and Coramba Public School. It is always great to be able to extend current services to ensure that working families outside of our original location can access care for their school age children. Thanks Cheryll.

We have always managed to plan, improve and bounce back better than ever. We have always continued to provide family and local support throughout these times.

OUR EDUCATORS ARE PASSIONATE

WHERE LEARNING IS CHILD’S PLAY

We have been operating for over 20 years and are licensed for 50 children per day caring for 18 months – 5 years.

We operate for 51 weeks of the year only closing for one week over the Christmas period.

We are open from 6.30am – 6.30pm and closed for all Public Holidays.

After School Care and Vacation Care are licensed for 38 children per day.

Operating hours are 3.00pm – 6.30pm for After School Care and 6.30am – 6.30pm for Vacation Care.

EDUCATION UPDATE

with NICK JOHNSTONE

A

In a recent literature review by the Association of Independent Schools of New South Wales (AISNSW), Cross’s work is cited as an important contribution to understanding how student wellbeing can impact academic outcomes. The review emphasises that a focus on wellbeing is not just about improving mental health but also about promoting positive social and emotional development, which in turn can lead to better academic outcomes.

One of the key concepts that Cross discusses is resilience. Cross states resilience is “the ability to cope with stress, adversity, or challenge”. Building resilience in students can help them to better manage the stresses

cademic outcomes have always been a crucial aspect of education, but increasingly, educators recognise that a student’s wellbeing is just as important. In fact, focusing on boosting students’ self-confidence, resilience, selfesteem, and self-worth can only benefit their abilities to perform and thrive in an educational environment and in life outside the school gate. This is an idea that Professor Donna Cross, a renowned expert in child and adolescent health and wellbeing, has championed.of school life, including academic pressures, social challenges, and personal issues. This, in turn, can lead to better academic outcomes as students are more able to focus on their studies and persevere through difficulties.

Another important concept that Cross discusses is self-esteem. Self-esteem is a person’s subjective evaluation of their own worth or value.

Building self-esteem in students can help them feel more confident in their abilities, leading to improved academic outcomes. When students feel confident in their abilities, they are more likely to take risks, to ask questions, and to engage more deeply in their learning.

academic outcomes and social and emotional development.

SEL is a process through which students learn to manage emotions, build relationships, and make responsible decisions. The review notes that SEL has been shown to improve academic outcomes and social and emotional development.

The AISNSW literature review also cites Cross’s work on the importance of social and emotional learning (SEL). SEL is a process through which students learn to manage emotions, build relationships, and make responsible decisions. The review notes that SEL has been shown to improve

Bishop Druitt College is one institution that has been a leader in this field for many years and it continues to take opportunities to support student wellbeing through a comprehensive approach. As part of an AISNSW Compass project, the school is reviewing its wellbeing scope and sequence to ensure that it includes opportunities for rites of passage development, is inclusive of outdoor education programs, as well as PDHPE, and other curriculum links that promote social and emotional learning. The college is also making use of its Wellbeing Hub, which provides pastoral support to students in need as well as proactive programs for all year groups. By taking a holistic approach to student wellbeing, Bishop Druitt College is demonstrating its commitment to helping students academically and personally thrive.

Source: aisnsw.edu.au/teachers-and-staff/supporting-students/ mental-health-and-wellbeing/wellbeing-literature-review

A WELLBEING FOCUS PROVIDES POSITIVE CONNECTIONS TO ACADEMIC OUTCOMES.

Southern Cross University Graduate Sophie Cameron is spearheading a new Occupational Therapy (OT) Service in Coffs Harbour, a region desperate for OT specialists.

Sophie’s final year placement was at Health Works NSW, a regional allied health provider based in Orange. They were so impressed with the calibre of her work they offered her a job and incentives to stay.

When Sophie declined the offer in order to stay in Coffs Harbour and seek employment near her family, the company offered her the unique opportunity of leading the start-up of a new Coffs-based operation.

“At first I asked them ‘Are you serious?’ I couldn’t believe I’d be able to keep working for such a reputable company, receiving guidance and mentorship while launching an office here in Coffs.” Sophie said. “I’m just starting out and learning about what I can offer to meet people’s needs

here in Coffs – mainly with NDIS clients, from kids through to the elderly – with things like equipment prescriptions, functional capacity assessment, housing recommendations, workplace assessment and skill development.

be able to keep working for such a reputable company, receiving guidance and mentorship while launching an office here in Coffs..

“The biggest thing I’ve noticed is how

excited people are to finally be seeing an occupational therapist, because there is such a long wait time with huge demand all over Australia.

Sophie says being part of Southern Cross University’s inaugural OT cohort in Coffs Harbour enabled her to pursue her dream career while continuing to live with family

I couldn’t believe I’d

Southern Cross Grad leads

and near the ocean. She began studying her first biology subject through Southern Cross while in Year 12, through what is now known as the UniStart program, which secured her place in the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy.

“I had never heard about OT until I was in Year 10 and I had a great careers advisor who did a quiz to match my skills and interests to possible career outcomes, and so I researched Occupational Therapy and fell in love with the philosophy of it and am so glad I pursued it,” Sophie said.

“Rather than it being about me helping people, I like to see people help themselves, so listening and observing and being able to give strategies and equipment for them to start living life independently. The most rewarding thing for me is when clients start to achieve their goals.

“The biggest thing that attracted me to Occupational Therapy is there are so many avenues you can pursue. I love it all and at the moment I’m not tied to one area or one thing, I get to see every sort of client and gain that experience.”

As a student ambassador for Southern Cross, Sophie represented the Uni at careers expos and even featured on a billboard outside the Uni on Hogbin Drive.

“I really enjoyed studying at Southern Cross. Being in a smaller cohort meant we got to know all our classmates and lecturers really well, through study and annual placements, and we continue to support each other today in all of our adventures,” she said.

“I loved going on placement and exploring different areas of OT. My first placement was at a pre-school, then with Spinal Cord Injuries Australia, a paediatric clinic, and then a full 10-week caseload at Health Works in Orange. I also worked as an allied health assistant at a behaviour support company, an early intervention clinic

and the hospital. I definitely recommend Occupational Therapy students explore all their options and gain as much experience as they can while studying.

“Southern Cross Uni’s Health Sciences Building in Coffs Harbour is a gamechanger for the region and made a massive difference to our learning with state-of-theart equipment which gave us confidence in our skills while out on placement.

“I’m the first in my family to attend Uni, so it was a big step, but they’ve been so supportive, I wouldn’t have been able to do it without them.”

Associate Professor Jacqui Yoxall, Chair of Allied Health at Southern Cross, said demand for allied health professionals such as Occupational Therapists and Speech Pathologists is at an all-time high, with some consumers waiting for more than a year for an appointment.

ABS Census Data released in late 2022 showed Occupational Therapy is one of

the fastest growing professions, having experienced strong growth of 57% between 2016 and 2021 (approx. 7% per annum), with demand for occupational therapists continuing to outstrip supply.

On job website Seek, there are currently more than 7,000 ads across Australia for Occupational Therapists.

“Southern Cross University has long been an advocate for increased Allied Health services in the Coffs Coast region, and we are producing high-quality graduates who have immersive, real-world experience ready for the workforce,” Associate Professor Yoxall said.

“Sophie’s is an exemplary story showing the kinds of opportunities available to our graduates. The NDIS has dramatically increased demand for Occupational Therapists across Australia. Southern Cross University can attest to that, with 100 per cent of our recent Occupational Therapy graduates receiving employment since graduation and a large proportion employed in the disability sector.”

I’m the first in my family to attend Uni, so it was a big step, but they’ve been so supportive, I wouldn’t have been able to do it without them.

Avery Keller has a background in Biology and has worked at Australia Zoo, but HER FASCINATION WITH DOGS, THEIR BEHAVIOURS AND TRAINING, AND HER LOVE OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND PROTECTING ITS INHABITANTS HAS LED HER INTO THE WORLD OF DOG TRAINING, specifically training Conservation Detection Dogs. We just had to find out all about this unique line of work!

AVERY KELLER

Hey Avery, Tell us how you got into the world of dog training?

I’ve had a deep love for animals and nature my entire life, so when I left high school, I studied a degree in Wildlife Biology. After I graduated, I landed a job as a zoo keeper at Australia Zoo, where I worked mostly in the African department. I had an incredible mentor who fuelled my passion for training animals, and I had my own dogs at the time that I put a lot of time, research and effort into training. I knew one day I wanted to professionally train dogs so I studied a Cert III in Dog Behaviour and Training through the National Dog Trainers Federation, read a lot of books, watched a lot of YouTube, went to many workshops and seminars and asked a lot of questions to lots of dog trainers! In 2017, when I moved to Coffs, I decided to start my own dog training business and ended up becoming part of a number of online dog

trainers networks, which have been invaluable for sharing knowledge and getting support. I have learned so much over the past few years, and the more I learn, the more I realise how much more there is to know and I’ll continue to hone my skills and enthusiastically soak up more knowledge about dog training for the remainder of my life!

During this work I heard about Conservation Detection Dogs being used for a variety of scientific projects - finding anything from koalas to invasive weeds. I made it my goal to get into that field.

Your career started with Biology. What inspired you to get into the field and have you always had a fascination with living things?

It all started with David Attenborough! My family and I watched his documentaries over and over, (and later, while I was working at the Zoo, I got to meet and film with him - childhood dream come true!), and I was

an outdoors kid. I’d spend weeks away in Moreton Bay on my family’s boat exploring islands, wandering in bushland, climbing trees and watching wildlife, always outside surrounding myself in nature. I knew I wanted to work with animals, so I went to University and aimed to start my career working at a Zoo. I went on to work in the field as a Fauna Spotter Catcher. My job was working on projects where bush is being cleared and mitigating the impact on wildlife by identifying important habitats, then capturing and relocating any animals displaced by the clearing. During this work I heard about Conservation Detection Dogs being used for a variety of scientific projects - finding anything from koalas to invasive weeds. I made it my

goal to get into that field. Fast forward a little and you were able to work in zoos with some incredible exotic animals. What was that experience like for you?

Working in zoos was an amazing experience. I loved learning about each of the species I had to look after, what made them tick and how you could communicate with them, and then getting to know each of the individuals and their personalities was really special. For example, Marmosets may be small and adorable but they can have big attitudes and seem to find it very amusing stalking you and launching at your face to see how loud you scream. Giraffes have very coarse and oily fur and hate being touched, so it takes a lot of work to condition them for veterinary procedures, but my favourite was DJ, the big male White Rhino. He loved a good scratch, and just like a dog, if you got the right spot, he’d lay down and wait for belly rubs!

What was the reason for starting Apex Canine and how have you found the journey so far?

I started APEX Canine with the end goal to be training and working Conservation Detection Dogs. But when I first started it, I had a lot to learn about dog behaviour and training, so initially I worked with pets and their owners. Just obedience and basic behavioural problems

to begin with, and after a couple of years, I ended up specialising more in aggressive and reactive dogs. Later, I began helping people train more complex skills with Therapy and Assistance dogs. All of that experience added skills to my dog training ‘toolbox’, and I was also acquiring and training potential detection dogs throughout that time. Eventually, I moved away from pet dog training as the working dog side of my business took over and my slogan became ‘training dogs for jobs’. I still do some work with Assistance dogs when I’m not working away, and I help out a few local rescues when I have the time!

What is your approach to training dogs, and how do you tailor your techniques to meet the individual needs of each dog?

Every single dog is unique - just like us, their genetics and their life experiences will determine how they view the world and therefore, how they learn. But the three general, most important factors for dog training, in my opinion, are: the relationship between you and the dog, clarity; having the ability to communicate with each other and motivation, to engage in learning with you. I first spend time with a dog by going for a walk, playing with them or just hanging out - I want us to get to know each other, develop some trust and work out what motivates them - this can take hours, days

or weeks, depending on the dog! Then the very first step for training is developing a system to communicate with them - I do this by teaching the dog a ‘marker’ system. This will create clear communication, engagement between us and a solid foundation for training whatever we need!

How much time and effort goes into training dogs specifically for helping others?

Both detection dogs and assistance dogs are trained to help others, and training one of these dogs from start to finish takes anywhere from 12 months to 2 years. You first need the right dog, and there is only a small percentage of dogs born for professional work - they need to be naturally confident, energetic, focused, motivated and have good work ethic - yes, in the dog world you have the lazy ones, the corner cutters (almost every single dog to be honest!) and the hard workers! Then you need to do environmental exposure to make sure they are confident and stable in the world, develop a clear communication system, build their motivation for a reward (usually ball or food), teach them to learn (through games and exercises) and establish excellent engagement with you. All of this before you even really begin training them for specific tasks! It takes a lot of time, consistency and commitment!

Elizabeth SCOTT

Hi Liz. You’ve been a music teacher in Bellingen for a number of years, where does your love of music stem from?

During my childhood we sang around the piano with my Grandma playing. My grandfather had a great voice and sang harmonies and inspired us children! We sang hymns in church and learnt to harmonise naturally. As siblings we sang together for fun and were inspired by the pop and folk musicians from the 60’s and 70’s.

My mother played piano for our small country school choir, just out of Tamworth, and in high school we had excellent music teachers, more choirs, musicals and orchestras to take part in. Dad believed that encouraging us to have lessons on our preferred instrument was an investment in our future and he wasn’t wrong!

My parents were farmers and made sacrifices to keep us heavily involved in music and they were always incredibly encouraging.

When I was 13 years old the Suzuki Method reached Australia and I found learning the violin so much more fun as there were group lessons

and Graduation Levels, rather than exams. My teacher exchanged with a Japanese teacher, and I was fortunate to have excellent teaching to prepare me for my HSC performance.

My Grandmother left us a little money that was to be used for “Education” and I travelled to Japan and had lessons with Dr Shinichi Suzuki for 3 months to kick off my violin teaching career using this method.

You must have passed that passion on to your kids, as two have pursued music careers. Can you tell us a bit about what they’re up to?

David, Will and Esther all learnt the violin initially from a very young age. Dave wished to play saxophone at 10yrs, and Will switched to learning Classical Guitar at around 14 yrs of age. He proceeded on to the Sydney Conservatorium where he also explored Jazz and Flamenco styles of Guitar playing. Esther continued to learn Violin and has a Jazz Performance Degree from Monash University in

Melbourne. Dave went on to study engineering at UTS and the younger two have continued with careers in music. They are presently singing and playing with an assortment of bands and have a glorious Duo called Gimme Gimme which last week won a prize with one of their songs. The prize includes a review of their band in Rolling Stone Magazine.

Teaching is something that you could say runs in your blood too! What made you want to become a teacher?

My great grandfather was a teacher in the Northern Rivers. My aunts, cousins, brother and sister are all teachers.

Teaching is a noble profession, and it is a privilege to be part of so many children’s lives. All children have so much potential, and teachers endeavour to help them realise this. When a teacher is passionate about their subject, students engage and are likely to continue in the field that really fired them up.

You have recently retired from Bellingen

When a teacher is passionate about their subject, students engage and are likely to continue in the field that really fired them up.

Elizabeth Scott has been a Specialist Music Teacher at Bellingen Public school for the last

20

years, inspiring a great number of children with her passion, humour and

kindness.

She has

also

played a big role in the school becoming part of the Sustainable Schools Movement and the Compost Revolution, and ran the school's Garden Club.

Public School, can you tell us a bit about your time there and some of your favourite memories?

I have worked as a Specialist Music Teacher at Bellingen Public school for 20 years. My favourite thing is to encourage and build singing skills in children as it is a free instrument that they carry around forever. Engaging in singing releases endorphins and you feel happy! Brains love melody and patterns; vocabulary and general knowledge is enhanced through song and there is so much humour in children’s songs that makes them laugh.

Singing from Kinder to Year 6 has contributed to children’s wellbeing and to a happy atmosphere at our school for many years. Building the skills early has meant that our Stage 3 Musicals and the Stage 3 Choir reached a high standard and managed beautiful harmonies. I have taken over 400 children to sing in the Opera House from Bellingen Public School which is something to be proud of as those children will always remember such an occasion with joy and a great sense of self.

Why do you feel music is something that is so important for kids to learn at school?

As Music Coordinator at Bellingen Public School, I worked alongside several devoted peripatetic music teachers that visited the school each week to teach their instrument. Learning an instrument has an incredible effect on your life

and if you can budget to include this in your child’s life, you will be justly rewarded. It not only wires the brain and enhances all learning, but it gives children another form of communication and way of expressing what is in their hearts.

Playing in ensembles and bands is fun and challenging and children have like minded peers to hang out with.

With a bunch of budding musicians, Annie Phelan and I began the Bellingen Youth Orchestra in 2007 and have had 15 years of supreme effort and fun, along with a dedicated committee of parents, giving students fantastic orchestral experiences.

You have also been heavily involved in the Sustainable Schools Movement at Bello, can you tell us a bit about how it works and why you got involved?

At BPS Vivien Evans and I ran Garden Club and imparted our love of gardening and enthusiasm for growing our own food, to many children. Our keenness to reduce landfill and improve soils had children composting and feeding worms with all the food scraps from ‘Fruito’ and lunches. The worm farms have converted these scraps to nutrient rich vermi-compost which is used around seedlings for a great start. Lawn clippings, weeds, cardboard and shredded paper are also broken down in compost heaps which students’ layer, turn, record the temperature of, and top veggie beds with the

finished product. Our school is part of the Sustainable Schools Movement and the Compost Revolution which encourages such effective waste management.

Since retiring from school, you have decided to start a new venture teaching people how to compost successfully. How did this idea come about?

Sadly, arthritis creeping in has bent my fingers and I play notes out of tune on my violin, which you can imagine is soul destroying. I decided I must change tack and concentrate on that part of life that excites me as much as teaching music, which is caring for our environment.

I became a huge fan of composting as my first husband was an agronomist and shared the secrets of soil microbes and their habits with me! It is my passion.

I am excited about my new direction which will involve consulting with interested households and composters. Many of us have taken the plunge and bought compost bins for our food and garden waste, only to be disappointed with the pile of unsightly sludge.

My business involves troubleshooting and assisting successful composting. My business name will be ‘Compost Whisperer’ and I am launching it soon.

I will also be demonstrating with Coff’s Midwaste and for interested teachers through ‘Sustainable Schools’.

CHECK THE FEES YOU ARE PAYING

When living in residential aged care you will face three categories of fees:

1. Accommodation costs – pays for your room and access to available amenities.

2. Daily care fees (basic fee and meanstested fee) – a contribution towards your living and care expenses (eg food, electricity, care staff, cleaning services).

3. Additional services – extras that may add to your lifestyle or convenience (eg Foxtel, newspapers, meal choices, happy hours, transport services).

I am seeing it become more common for aged care providers to offer a package of additional services for an extra (and sometimes compulsory) daily fee. The provider can set what is included in the packages as well as the prices. This means the range of services and daily price can vary widely.

Check your Resident Agreement

The Resident Agreement that you will be

asked to sign when you accept the offer of a room should detail the cost of your room, the type of room and what additional service fees you have agreed to pay.

For the additional services, read the details in the agreement carefully to understand:

• What services you are being provided and whether they are things you want;

• The fee you will be asked to pay each day, and

• Whether you are able to opt-out, and stop paying the fees, if you no longer want to receive the services.

Steps to take

Some simple rules may help you to understand your obligations and rights:

• Always read your Resident Agreement carefully before signing.

• Ask the service provider to explain the additional service fees and help you understand what you are being asked to pay for.

• Query fees for services you don’t think you

P 0431 414 799

need or want and find out if they are optional and/or allowed under the Aged Care Act.

• If you have a dispute with the care provider, you can contact the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission to help resolve.

One of the key planning aspects is to ensure you can create sufficient cashflow from your financial resources to pay your fees, including additional services.

As an FPA Aged Care Specialist, I have helped many clients review finances, calculate fees and provided advice on how to structure assets to meet cashflow and protect the value of your estate.

Call me today on 0431 414 799 to see how I can help with making the right decisions and understanding the impacts of a move into residential care.

This advice is general in nature and everyone’s circumstances are different. So it’s important to speak to someone like myself who is a licenced financial adviser (I am an Authorised Representative of Count Financial Limited AFSL 227232).

E jason@burleyagedcareadvice.com.au

W www.burleyagedcareadvice.com.au

The daily fees you will be asked to pay for residential aged care are based on your financial situation. But more and more providers are charging a fee for additional services, with the ability to set their own fees – so check what you are paying for.

SAWTELL CATHOLICCAR

HOCKEY BARRY

ACCOUNTANTS

Protect your business from cyber attacks

Australian businesses are being targeted by cyber attacks now more than ever. Cyber security starts at the top with owner “buy in”. Cyber Security Governance begins with setting up proactive and continuous risk management procedures. Internal policies need to be aligned with current laws, regulations, and risk management procedures.

Laws and Regulations

• Australian Privacy Principles (APP) – Privacy Act 1988

attacks originate from phishing emails. Implement a service that allows you to filter emails before it hits your inbox.

3. Password management tools

– 73% of users have the same password for multiple sites. Use unique passwords.

4. Multifactor Authentication

– multiple layers of protection make it harder for criminals to get unauthorised access to your accounts.

5. Security awareness training –Your staff are the first and last line

KEVIN HOGAN - The Nationals

Large-scale construction work started last week for the Coffs Harbour Bypass. Works will include building new road connections between Campbell Close and the Pacific Highway and between Russ Hammond Close and Korora School Road. We’ll start to see vegetation clearing, sites established, removing buildings, and fencing

being installed. By late April, the main construction building site for the entire project will be opening. I love popping in to the Orara Valley. It was great to be in Coramba and Nana Glen where I caught up with Gurmesh Singh MP and several wonderful local businesses. It was fantastic to chat to so many lovely locals, and as always, the coffee was great.

KEEP CALM

AND

SEE A LAWYER LEGAL

S

Imagine in an office of twenty people if it was only the “boss” who had authority to sign for goods and services. While it might make sense for a shipment worth $1M, what about a new stapler, more teabags, or a new airconditioner in the office.

As you can imagine, business would grind to a halt.

Authority: The strict rule is that only directors and officers can bind a company to an agreement. But the onus is on you, as a business owner, to get your house in order. The “indoor management rule” in

o many times, people say, “but that’s not my signature, so I don’t have to pay.” When in fact the agreement has been signed by someone on staff. Then they say, “there is a strict rule around here that only the directors have authority to sign documents.”the Corporations Act allows a salesperson, who has made valid enquiries and is acting in good faith, to assume that your warehouse manager was authorised to deal in transactions that would be common for a warehouse manager, or your fleet manager has authority to deal with common vehicle matters. This means it’s up to you to get your internal affairs in order within your company, not up to outsiders.

Ratification: Of course, if your company has been paying an invoice every month for up to 12 months, it is a bit much to now say “that’s not my signature”. Your company has accepted the benefit of goods provided and then paid those invoices thereby ratifying the agreement entered. However, there are other options:

1. Purchase orders/supplier portalsmany big companies (i.e., Woolworths, BHP) ensure that only designated suppliers

provide goods by requiring purchase orders or approved supplier portals. Without a purchase order number or access to the supplier portal, suppliers will not get paid.

2. Limits – often authority will be provided to certain people within an organisation, but only up to certain monetary limits i.e. up to $10,000, anything above that needs Board approval.

3. Staff education - ensuring that all your staff know who has the power to approve different purchases i.e., the CFO for financial matters, the Fleet Manager for vehicle expenses, the Store Manager for warehouse purchases.

Business take-away: If you are in business, it is up to you to get your internal affairs in order with regards to who can sign what and who can authorise certain transactions. It is not enough to simply maintain, “but that’s not my signature.”

SIGNATURES AND YOUR STAFF

CHRIS HINES - UNREAL ESTATE

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PERRY HOMES

DREAM HOME DEAL!

Perry Homes has been building award winning homes for 30 years. A trusted builder, they have a well-earned reputation for delivering quality homes that provide exceptional value for money.

ith an extensive range of house designs available, Perry Homes also understands that there isn’t always a perfect match for everyone, that’s why flexibility is key.

New Home Consultant

Phillip Hitchins commented, “at Perry Homes, we appreciate that building a home is a deeply personal experience and we want our clients to love their home for many years to come. That’s why we are happy to modify our plans or even create a custom designed home that meets our clients’ needs.” And, for a limited time, when you build with Perry Homes, they will include all of their

WInspired Inclusions for only $6,990. That’s over 38 luxury upgrades to your new home valued at $60,000!

Some of the luxury inclusions include

• Ducted air conditioning

• Smartstone benchtops and a choice of highend kitchen appliances

Our Inspired Inclusions allow them the flexibility to explore different materials, fixtures and fittings for an affordable price.

• Colorbond steel roof with statement front entry door

• Mirrored robes to the bedrooms and feature panel internal doors throughout

• Choice of high-end bathroom fixtures and fittings and semi frameless shower screens

• Ample LED downlights and additional LED switches and internal sensor lights throughout the home.

Phillip added, “our clients are often looking at ways to bring their personal flair to their home design without breaking the budget. Our Inspired Inclusions allows them the flexibility to explore different materials, fixtures and fittings for an affordable price.”

Perry Homes has been helping people realise their dream home for 30 years. Their dedicated team have the experience and know-how to help you create your dream home and the expertise to deliver it to the highest of standards.

Perry Homes has a portfolio of over 50 home designs to choose from that will suit flat or sloping blocks, traditional or acreage homeseven knockdown rebuilds and dual occupancy homes.

If you are thinking of building, visit one of Perry Homes’ display homes located in Moonee Beach Estate or Sawtell Commons Estate. You can contact Phillip Hitchins on 0428 271 884 or phillip.hitchins@perryhomes. com.au or visit perryhomes.com.au

Even in this topsy turvy market, with commentators telling us differing opinions depending on who you listen too, some things remain true.

Home owners who make the most money buying and selling real estate are usually keen observers of the market. Where possible they sell when prices are high and buy when prices are stable or dropping. In other words, they act counter to the cycle that most other people are operating on. Property, like any other commodity obeys the basic laws of supply and demand. The properties-forsale-to-purchasers ratio is crucial. The idea is not to buy when everyone is buying and not to sell when everyone is selling. It’s a case of the majority is not always right. “Really good price” occurs at the opposite end of the supply/ demand swing to the purchaser’s “really good buy’.

Doing well in the market is not necessarily following the boom and bust extremes, the big seven to ten year cycles. There are many smaller swings in the supply demand ratio that affect property prices. The graph for a rising or falling market averages out to a straight line but although it may be trending up or down, there are variations within that overall trend. Most people are aware of the big picture market trends through the media but it is much more difficult for those not involved in the industry to track the small movements that sometimes last only weeks and vary from location to

location. The problem for most consumers is how to keep up with the micro conditions of the market. Home owners considering selling should stay in touch with an agent they trust and get specific advice about when to enter the market. Purchasers can do the same thing. Both vendors and purchasers can follow agents’ advertising to see how long properties stay on the market. If they are turning over fast, it means a larger number of purchasers are competing for fewer properties - a seller’s market; if they are taking longer to sell it means there is a glut of properties for sale and not enough purchasers to buy them – a classic buyers’ market.

Many people think that there is a correlation between putting a high initial asking price on an advertised property and achieving a high final selling price. There’s certainly a link, but it doesn’t work the way many people think. In fact, the opposite is often the case. If a property is really overpriced, purchasers just sit back and wait to see what happens. If they’ve been looking around long enough to be ready to commit themselves, they’ve also made themselves very familiar with what they can get for their money.

It is common for inexperienced vendors to overprice their properties in the belief that

the “right” buyer will eventually come along - someone who will fall in love with their property and pay the earth for it. But people buy with their pockets as well as their hearts. No one goes into a real estate purchase without making comparisons and weighing up all the factors. Many inexperienced vendors make the mistake of thinking that no matter what price a property is advertised at, purchasers will always make offers. Put yourself in the purchaser’s shoes, buying a house is really stressful. Most people won’t let themselves get emotionally committed to something they feel is never going to come down to a realistic level. It’s easier psychologically to move on and make an offer on something that is more realistically priced.

It is wise to leave a negotiating factor when setting your asking price, but price your property to create a sense of competition so that purchasers will want to snap it up before someone else does. Contrary to what many potential sellers think, the best price is nearly always achieved in the early stages of the marketing campaign, why, because astute buyers who are in a position to buy see the real value and will be prepared to commit as opposed to looking at lots of overpriced listings.

Many inexperienced vendors make the mistake of thinking that no matter what price a property is advertised at, purchasers will always make offers.

You dream it. We build it.

Creating your dream home couldn’t be easier when you build with Perry Homes. We have over 150 different floor Perry plans to choose from, including single and two storey, granny flat and dual occupancy… there’s sure to be a design storey, flat to to suit your lifestyle. Whether you have a flat or a sloping block of any size, even knocking down your existing even down your existing house to rebuild a new home, you can be sure we can bring your vision to life. new sure

If you can dream it, we can build it.

Visit one of our stunning display homes today! homes today!

Moonee Beach Estate

47 Moonee Creek Drive, Moonee Beach.

Open Saturday to Wednesday 10am-4pm

Contact : Phillip Hitchins 0428 271 884 : phillip.hitchins@perryhomes.com.au perryhomes.com.au

Sawtell Commons Estate 4 Angler Court, Bonville.

Open Thursday to Monday 10am-4pm

Contact : Tracey Lavelle 0434 499 829 829 tracey.lavelle@perryhomes.com.au