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BE NO ON E ELSE WITH A DESIGN LIK E NOTHING ELSE

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Locky Miller grew up here on the Coffs Coast playing rugby league for the Coffs Harbour Comets and the Sawtell Panthers. This year he’s playing fullback for the Newcastle Knights after debuting with Cronulla Sharks last year.

Arne Nelson is an artist who has always been inspired by his natural surroundings and Australian landscapes. His paintings capture the mood of the moments he has spent in nature and the amazing colours he sees.

Katie is a volunteer with LifeHouse Care and is the Community Engagment and Fundraising Coordinator of LifeWalk, an event to fundraise in support of community members who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

LOCKY MILLER KATIE ARNE NELSON

elcome to the May edition of FOCUS! A big shoutout to all the fabulous mothers in the Coffs Coast Community… Mother’s Day is a special occasion, celebrating and honouring motherhood and mums in your family. It is a time to honour the powerful maternal bond that connects mother and child and celebrate our mums’ influence on us as individuals and society.

In May 2023, we celebrate twelve and a half years of publishing Coffs Coast FOCUS, making us one of the leading publications in the region. Over 3 million copies later, we have never been more connected to our readers. We don’t just print 10,000 copies monthly; we engage with our readers on social media with our ever-present online audience. Our online

Wflip book is a genuine way for our readers to digest our publication. For our advertisers, this means more unique readers being exposed to your business.

This month’s cover features Award-winning Hollywood superstar Russell Crowe. Russell Crowe’s Indoor Garden Party is coming to Coffs Harbour on the 12th and 13th of May, and after the success of his recent shows in Coffs, we know this will be big! We chatted with Russell about music, the local Arts industry, and what he loves about performing and working in his own community. Inside this edition, we feature Locky Miller. Locky grew up here on the Coffs Coast playing rugby league for the Coffs Harbour Comets and the Sawtell Panthers, and this year he’s playing fullback for the Newcastle Knights in the NRL after debuting with the Cronulla Sharks last year. He will be stepping

out for the Knights on home turf on the 20th of May at C.Ex stadium in Coffs against his old team the Sharks, so it will be an exciting game for him!

Katie has volunteered with LifeHouse Care for almost two years. She is the Community Engagement & Fundraising Coordinator of LifeWalk, an event to fundraise to support community members who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. She has given us all the details of the next event which will be held on the 3rd of June. There are many ways to get involved, and it is a worthy cause! Ryan Hill-Smith is a 16-year-old local bodyboarder gearing up to attend the International Bodyboarding Championship World Tour! He is raising funds through the Australian Sports Foundation to help him achieve his dream of bodyboarding on the World Tour with the best in the world!

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Nicci Seccombe nicole@focusmag.com.au

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COPY EDITOR Bev Mulcahy info@focusmag.com.au

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Bree McNickle wedeliverfocus@gmail.com

INDOOR GARDEN PARTY

Russell Crowe’s Indoor Garden Party is coming to Coffs Harbour on the 12th and 13th of May, and AFTER THE SUCCESS OF HIS RECENT SHOWS IN COFFS WE KNOW THIS IS GOING TO BE BIG! WE HAD A CHAT TO RUSSELL ABOUT MUSIC, THE LOCAL ARTS INDUSTRY, AND WHAT HE LOVES about being able to perform and work in his own community.

Hi Russell. The Indoor Garden Party is coming to Coffs on the 12th and 13th of May, can you tell us how the concept for this tour came about?

It’s been too long since I played shows here in Australia. Before the recent January shows this year, the last time I did concerts in Australia was in 2014, the gap wasn’t intended, it just happened. In the interim, though I’ve done shows in London, Leeds, Dublin, Stockholm, Reykjavik, New York and other places, and I just thought it was about time to be getting back on stage at home. Music is a great love of mine and there’s nothing like a live performance.

Could you tell us about the other musicians you will be touring with?

Some of the relationships in this band, The Gentlemen Barbers, go back 30 years.

Dave Kelly (drums), Stewart Kirwan (trumpet), Stuart Hunter (keyboards), James Hazelwood (Bass), Chris Kamzelas (Guitar).

This lineup has been tinkering around for the past 4 years or so in the rehearsal room and it was just time to put it on stage. The response we got in January when we played in Coffs was fantastic. Among the support acts on tour are Myth of Her, a young band from Maroubra in Sydney. They play very thoughtful and melodic tunes and got called back for encores at the Coffs shows earlier in the year. It’s their first-ever tour.

Lorraine O’Reilly is from Cavan in Ireland, we met when we did a duet. Well, we recorded our parts in different countries, so we had actually sung together before we met.

That was a song called Hand in Hand, for a London Irish band called Bible Code Sundays on an album called Walk Like Kings, and we’ve been doing shows

together ever since. Lorraine has a big raspy beautiful singing voice.

Janet Devlin is also performing with us. I heard of her through Ed Sheeran who loved her version of one of his songs. She’s got a magical quality on stage. A mesmerising, haunting voice and such honesty in her songs. What can we expect from this show? What’s the overall vibe, and how do each of these acts come together to perform?

out on tour again?

I’ve been playing in bands since the late 70’s. Although my day job takes up a lot of my time, my musical roots are deep. I’ve never lost the love for live performance.

The vibe is always high at an Indoor Garden Party show. All the acts connect really well with audiences.

With The Gentlemen Barbers we sway between R&B, gospel, dirty country songs about murder, dark waltzes and powerful inspiring singalongs. It’s always a good night.

What was the motivation for getting

It’s just what I do. I’ve been playing in bands since the late 70’s. Although my day job takes up a lot of my time, my musical roots are deep. I’ve never lost the love for live performance. For a lot of film actors, they reset by doing a season of theatre. Though I did a lot of plays and stage musicals (Grease, Rocky Horror, Blood Brothers) when I was younger, my beginnings were playing in bands in pubs and clubs and touring. It’s like a touchstone for me. I’ve done a lot of things, enjoyed a lot of success, travelled many miles, but in my heart I’m the same artist as I’ve always been. For me it’s the same energy, playing with a band or playing as a Roman General. The distillation required to put a big story into a 3 minute song is as alluring to me as it’s ever been.

Continued over....

You’re touring in towns and cities up and down the east coast and you’ve performed all over the world, what do you enjoy most about performing at home on the Coffs Coast?

I love the enthusiasm of home town crowds and I love seeing a crowd start to warm up and lean in to the songs and stories, and by the end of the night they are up on their feet going crazy.

Like any room I play in, there’s always going to be a huge mix of people. From those who have every record I’ve ever done, to Les Miserables tragics; people who’ve seen various gigs I’ve played over the years, and then there’s those who come because they like my films and never knew about my music at all, and get blown away by the musicianship of the band.

I love that buzz in the crowd when the show’s over and they’ve been dancing and singing and their eyes are shining with the fun of it all. That’s what it’s all about, we are there to put on a show, and blow out the cobwebs. That’s what we do.

The other big local project you’re involved in, the Pacific Bay Resort

Studios & Village, looks set to break ground next year. What are you personally most looking forward to about having facilities like this right here in Coffs Harbour?

I think the Pacific Bay Studio Project is a game changer for the Mid North Coast. We have had a lot of red tape to get through, coming up to 3 years of it now, not least of which has been trying to protect the rights of existing residents in that precinct and trying to help them get the noise abatement amenity wall that they deserve.

What are your hopes for this project and how it will affect the region?

If we can get it built I think it changes the world for young people growing up in the Mid North Coast. It expands their options and their horizons. There’s many different professions that are employed by the film industry, and typically anyone wanting to pursue those professions would have to move away from the area. Is providing local opportunities one of the big positives you see in this project?

I love that buzz in the crowd when the show’s over and they’ve been dancing and singing and their eyes are shining with the fun of it all.

I love the proximity to nature and the ocean, and I love how many secret “locals knowledge only” places there are.

Absolutely. It literally takes a village to make a film, it’s not just producers, directors and actors. It’s electricians, carpenters, IT, hairdressers, makeup artists, wardrobe people, camera crew, caterers, scenic painters and post production. Film crews require so many different skills and professions.

It’s going to include a number of features other than the studios, such as a post production complex and film school. How do you think this will contribute to the success of the facility?

It’s very important to the founding partners that the facility has to be flexible and be able to provide for both large and small productions, but also that it can educate and grow people of our own into the profession and the various associated businesses. At the core of the concept is a

creative hive that serves the community and adjusts and expands the future for the coming generations.

What are some things you’d like to see happening in the Australian film industry in the future?

We need to continue tax relief from the government to overseas productions. The money that big productions put through the local economy is very important.

I’m also very supportive of the current government’s intentions in music and arts to set quotas of local content. That is exactly how to keep the Creative Arts thriving in this country and to keep our stories being told. I think how much richer the cultural life of my generation was compared to my parents, and that was purely due to nurturing the Arts and having Australian radio playing Australian songs.

Currently the spirit of those quotas has

been entangled, and that has shrunk the opportunities for young performers. Re-establishing and adhering to the intentions of quotas in the Arts creates employment, inclusivity, helps live venues and by extension, cafes, restaurants and art galleries. It expands our cultural life and that in turn makes people more curious and adventurous.

What do you enjoy most about living on the Coffs Coast?

I have a very people intensive job. The time I spend here restores me and gets me ready to get out in the big wide world again. I love the proximity to nature and the ocean, and I love how many secret “locals knowledge only” places there are. Hidden waterfalls and creeks, the dawns and the sunsets, the birds and the stars at night.

Thanks Russell.

indoorgardenparty.com

BANANAFEST

3 shows over 2 days featuring the creme of Australian music talent. Children’s Entertainment Icons, Street Performers and Food Delights, Entry and All Rides in The Big Banana Fun Park. A Festival of Music, Food, Fun and Family Entertainment. When 6th & 7th May Where Big Banana Tickets bananafest.com.au

SCHOOL OF ROCK

School of Rock is a two-act musical, based on the 2003 hit movie of the same name. The story follows Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star who decides to earn a bit of extra cash by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. When from 12th May until 4th June Where Jetty Theatre Tickets jettytheatre.com.

CRONULLA SHARKS VS NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS

National Rugby League returns to Coffs Harbour! After a successful NRL event last year, the C.ex Coffs International Stadium will host another Telstra Premiership Game in 2023. When 20th May Where C.ex Coffs International Stadium

Tickets premier.ticketek.com.au

MADE WITH LOVE MARKETS

With over 120 stallholders at each market, everything is handmade and locally made. Find everything from candles and soap, artwork, woodwork, upcycled and recycled products, jewellery, knitted items, kids and baby clothes, delicious cupcakes, artisan chocolate, jams and preserves, plants and flowers, homewares and much more.

When 7th May Where Park Beach Plaza Carpark

RUSSELL CROWE’S INDOOR GARDEN PARTY

The Hoey Moey and Offbeat presents Russell Crowe’s Indoor Garden Party with The Gentlemen Barbers, Janet Devlin, Lorraine O’Reilly, Myth of Her, + Special Guests!

When 12th & 13th May Where Hoey Moey Tickets hoeymoey.oztix.com.au/

STORYLAND

What is Storyland? You’re going to a music festival, a nightclub, a hangout, and a trailer park all in one day – light and sound and art everywhere. Featuring Hiatus Kaiyote, Genesis Owusu, Electric Fields, Ngaiire, Emma Donovan, Horns of Leroy, K+LAB When 20th May Where Park Beach Reserve, Coffs Harbour Tickets swiff.com.au

LOCKY MILLER

Locky Miller grew up here on the Coffs Coast playing rugby league for the Coffs Harbour Comets and the Sawtell Panthers, and this year he’s playing fullback for the Newcastle Knights in the NRL, after debuting with the Cronulla Sharks last year. He will be stepping out for the Knights on home turf on the 20th May at C.Ex stadium in Coffs, against his old team the Sharks, so it’s bound to be an interesting game for him!

Hey Locky, tell us where your football career began?

My football career began back in under 10’s for the Coffs Harbour Comets where I played all my juniors and my first couple of seasons in the senior grades before moving to Sawtell Panthers. My professional career didn’t kick off until I was 22 when I played in the Ella 7’s tournament in Coffs Harbour and from there was lucky enough to find my way into the Australian Rugby 7’s program where I spent 5 years.

Now as fullback in the NRL how has the transition been for you from Rugby to Rugby League?

The transition hasn’t been easy, but it has been enjoyable. Organising a defensive line as a fullback has been one of the toughest differences I have encountered throughout the process along with the higher level of contact you face during an NRL game compared to 7’s.

Naturally over the course of 80 mins compared to 14 you will find a lot more contact but having 13 players compared to 7 means a lot more bodies are in the tackles.

Take us back to last year when you stepped out for the Cronulla Sharks against the New Zealand Warriors for your debut. What was that feeling like?

My debut was exciting. I had always dreamt of playing NRL since I started back in under 10’s and to finally have the chance was surreal. I had a lot of family and friends up there who braved the pouring rain, so it was a very special day for me.

Fast forward a year and you're now playing as fullback for the Newcastle Knights. How's the transition to a more full time role on the field been for you?

Being a fulltime fullback compared to where I was last year comes with more responsibility and a bit more say. Obviously last year I was fresh and didn’t have a lot of input. I was happy to go out there and do my job. Since the move to a full time position, you naturally have a bit more say in how everything happens so that yourself and the other spine members are working to each other’s strengths.

Continued over.

Being a fulltime fullback compared to where I was last year comes with more responsibility and a bit more say. Obviously last year I was fresh and didn’t have a lot of input. I was happy to go out there and do my job.

Can you walk us through a typical day in your life as a Knights fullback?

A typical training day involves a lot of video/ meetings where we do our review and preview along with a field session and some weights. If we have a day off I'll spend the day with my family, surfing or attempting to play golf.

What do you think are the most important qualities for a successful rugby player?

Dedication is important, a lot of people have the skill to go far in the game but out of those people a select few who are willing to do the extra efforts (fitness & skills) along with the sacrifices that might have to be made are a lot of the time the ones that can find themselves going far.

Out of your career so far what has been the biggest highlight for you and why?

I have been very lucky to have such amazing experiences throughout my sporting career but there are 2 moments that really stick out. First the Tokyo Olympics, growing up playing sport I always looked up to teams that represented Australia in any sport. Every 4 years when the Olympics rolled around, and it was all over TV it was always the pinnacle of sport but never did I once think I would get the opportunity to represent Australia at the Olympics. The 2nd would have to be my debut, as I touched on before. I played rugby league since I was very young, whether it was on the weekend or in the front yard, I always had a dream of playing in the NRL. Outside of my sporting career I have an amazing wife and beautiful son with a girl on the way, who I think have to be the highlight.

Dedication is important, a lot of people have the skill to go far in the game but out of those people a select few are willing to do the extra efforts.

What's the dream goal for you and where do you see your football career heading in the next 5 years?

My goal for the moment is to try and play the best footy I can for the Knights and enjoy family life off the field. Ultimately, I want to win a premiership. 5 years from now it would be really nice to still be playing in the NRL, but I guess time will only tell if that will happen.

What advice would you give to young players who aspire to play rugby professionally?

For me my professional career didn’t start until I was 22 and my NRL career until I was 27. So not everyone gets there straight away and not every path is the same.

My advice would be to stay committed, never give up on your goal and take every opportunity that comes your way. For me my professional career didn’t start until I was 22 and my NRL career until I was 27. So not everyone gets there straight away and not every path is the same.

The 20th of May sees you playing against your old team here at the CEX stadium. What can we expect from Locky Miller?

Really excited for the game back in Coffs, obviously I have a lot of good friends in the Cronulla team that helped me get to the position I’m in today. Looking forward to playing in Coffs in front of family and friends and hopefully both teams can produce a good spectacle for the Coffs community. Thanks Locky.

My goal for the moment is to try and play the best footy I can for the Knights and enjoy family life off the field. Ultimately, I want to win a premiership.

EDEN Bennett

Hi Eden. When did you first start dabbling in photography?

My family was given a digital camera for Christmas from my Grandfather when I was around twelve years old. I remember it was a Panasonic Lumix point and shoot, and I was amazed at how they managed to pack a camera into something so small, (which by today’s standards is probably gigantic and cumbersome). I started taking photos of everything, from my pets to portraits of friends and landscapes and my interest grew from there.

I elected to study photography in highschool, which teaches basic technical skills and composition, but am mainly self-taught through practice. I have benefitted from the many online forums in which you can glean information and skills from other photographers, and develop mentor-like

relationships with people from all over the world who excel in different styles and subjects.

While I now use a Pentax DSLR for my photography work, to this day I still choose a Panasonic Lumix as my pocket travel camera. You are photographing a series of landscape pieces for The Shoreline at Park Beach, how did that opportunity come about?

For the past seven years I have volunteered as team photographer for the Coffs Harbour Comets RLFC (@coffsharbourcometsrlfc) and within this community have had the privilege of developing both professional working relationships and personal friendships among the team, committee, and affiliates. I have photographed milestone birthdays, weddings, family photos, annual team photos, functions and events for the Comets, and the players and families within. The Shoreline Project opportunity grew organically from this

Eden Bennett has been developing and finetuning her photography skills since she got her first camera at 12 years old. She volunteers her services with local sports teams and has shot everything from weddings and events, to portraits, family photos and pets! Her most recent project was creating a series of landscape photos for The Shoreline at Park Beach to showcase our beautiful local area.

relationship, and when I was asked if this might be something I was interested in, I was very excited.

I firmly believe contributing to the local community in some way with the skills you can provide is important, and in turn we are rewarded with exposure of our trade, or connections that can lead to business opportunities.

Can you tell us a bit about the works and your inspiration for them?

I was walked through the Shoreline several months ago, and documented the style of finishes, colour palette, aspect and location of where the works would be hung to ensure the images in the portfolio I presented and the subject matter would be suitable.

Coffs Harbour offers a spoil of picturesque locations from the hinterland to the shoreline. With my artwork to be hung nearby the ‘Hinterland’ wing, I took inspiration from this to combine the iconic structures and

coastlines of Coffs Harbour, with a backdrop of mountain ranges. The colour palette for the area in which my art work will be hung features pale pinks, light timber and gold so I felt like sunset was the perfect time to capture what I wanted. What sort of feeling are you aiming to portray through your photos?

When we can stop and watch a sunset, when we can enjoy the vibrant colours in the sky, feel the temperature drop on a hot day and have a moment to ourselves, we can be flooded with a feeling of quietness and peace. That’s the sort of feeling I’d like to portray with these images.

When we can stop and watch a sunset, when we can enjoy the vibrant colours in the sky, feel the temperature drop on a hot day and have a moment to ourselves, we can be flooded with a feeling of quietness and peace. That’s the sort of feeling I’d like to portray with these images.

What has the process been like when working to a brief and photographing images knowing where they will be displayed?

The process has been a rewarding challenge. There are always moments of self-doubt when I look over a portfolio and wonder if this is going to connect with my audience or client, or whether I’ve managed to

successfully apply their requirements or specifications to my own style and composition preferences.

I’ve enjoyed stretching myself creatively to fit a project brief. The process to plan and execute a particular series of images, even down to the time of day and weather forecasts has been highly satisfying.

It’s great to see local artists being commissioned for a job like this, how did it feel to be asked to take this project on? What have you enjoyed most about it?

It’s truly fantastic to see large developments such as The Shoreline hold a place for local artists within their project. It creates a sense of connection within the community while providing employment opportunities and much needed exposure for local artists. In turn, I will be contracting a local business to complete the printing and framing of the works. Small businesses and artists were hit hard during the past few years, and when I was asked to take this on, I was thrilled

at the opportunity, and keen to keep the entirety of the project local. When are you expecting the photographs will be up on display? The works should be hanging by the end of June.

What have you learnt or taken away from this project and what’s next for you and your photography work?

The project provided me with the opportunity to update my portfolio, and I enjoyed the challenge of providing works to match a ‘local’ theme, and existing interior scheme.

The football season is just about to kick off, and I’ll be volunteering as the primary photographer for the Coffs Harbour Comets. I hope to use my skills to promote local football, help build interest for local community sports, and earn player retention in the following years. High-quality online content helps keep our followers and supporters engaged from near and afar. As far as my personal work goes, for now I am enjoying taking photos at leisure. Native flora and fauna, landscapes, and pets are my preferred subjects, and I have prints available for browsing and sale on Instagram @edenbennettphoto.

Thanks Eden.

PFLAG

with

SAM DAWSON

Damien Attwood has just been appointed into a very exciting new role as the first regionally appointed Treasurer of the Board of Directors of a LGBTIQ+ community funder called Aurora - I needed to find out more……

Congratulations on your appointment. Damien, can you explain a bit about your new position? Thank you. I am really honoured to be a part of this incredible not-forprofit organisation, The Aurora Group. The Aurora Group is an LGBTIQ+ community-led funder, empowering Australian LGBTIQ+ organisations to work towards equality and better outcomes for the most marginalised people within the LGBTIQ+ community. By serving on the Board as Treasurer, I can help support my community at a grassroots level.

Who does Aurora Group support in particular? Aurora seeks to bring more awareness and support to these groups, provide practical help, and promote equity

and inclusion. Only 5 cents in every $100 that Australian charities receive goes to a registered LGBTIQ+ organisation. We would like to see that figure be much higher. Could you please tell us a little bit about your business and what EMPOWER Agency does? At EMPOWER Agency, our team of outsourced managers work with you to make data-driven decisions to save you time and money. Every business is unique, and we tailor our approach to meet your needs. We have a small number of clients on our books so we have time to treat them all like gold! Outsourcing business management can be a game-changer for companies of all sizes including non-forprofit organisations so operational costs and systems and processes are monitored closely for maximum efficiency and effectiveness.

empoweragency.com.au

How important are volunteer groups like PFLAG + to our community? PFLAG+ is vital in our region because families are struggling with the best way to support their LGBTIQ+ family members, and they need help to work out what to say, how to approach conversations. They must also deal with their emotions, including grief, surprise, confusion, happiness, sadness and joy. To navigate these emotions, honour them, and still show empathy and compassion towards their loved ones is a challenging time, and PFLAG+ is there to create a safe space and support people through this process. Of course, people love their LBTGTIQ+ family members but may not have the education, cultural background and tools to navigate all the issues that may arise and move forward with acceptance and love.

PFLAGcoffscoast (private, safe closed group)

0417 861 045

pflagcoffscoast@gmail.com

from Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays

AURORA SEEKS TO BRING MORE AWARENESS AND SUPPORT TO THESE GROUPS, PROVIDE PRACTICAL HELP, AND PROMOTE EQUITY AND INCLUSION.

DINING GUIDE

GRILLED SWORDFISH SERVED WITH MARINATED KING PRAWNS, TRUFFLE SCENTED MASH AND SEASONAL STEAMED VEGETABLES. ALSO PICTURED IS OYSTERS KILPATRICK from C.ex Coffs Harbour

BILLIE-JO PORTER

DAN HOPKINS

4th

Musical Bingo

Seaview Tavern

5th

Whos Charlie

Seaview Tavern

Party of One

Element Bar

6th

Disco Disciples

Seaview Tavern

Liam Moylan

Element Bar

Party of One

Dark Arts Cafe & Bar

Bananafest

The Big Banana

Banff Mountain Film

Festival

Jetty Theatre

7th

Adam Hourigan Seaview Tavern

Dan Hopkins Coramba Hotel

Bahira Lionessa Element Bar

Passion Vine Hoppers

Dark Arts Cafe & Bar

Bananafest

The Big Banana

11th

Nathan Brett

Seaview Tavern

12th

Leeroy & The Rats

Seaview Tavern Slim Pickens

Element Bar

School of Rock

Jetty Theatre (until 4th June)

GENESIS OWUSU

BANANAFEST

13th

Dream Frankie, Billie Eternal, Juno

Seaview Tavern

Jack Leopard Element Bar

Kailey Pallas

Dark Arts Cafe & Bar

14th

Mothers Day With The Lachy Doley Group

Seaview Tavern

Mothers Day with BillieJo Porter

Coramba Hotel

Ocean Road Duo

Element Bar

Slim Pickens

Dark Arts Cafe & Bar

18th

Musical Bingo

Seaview Tavern

19 th

Vanessa Lea & Road Train

Seaview Tavern

Someone Reasonable Element Bar

20th

Madam Parker & The Vibe City Band

Seaview Tavern

Jack Leopard Element Bar

Yhan Leal

Dark Arts Cafe & Bar

Storyland Music Festival

Park Beach Reserve

21th

Jess Swilks

Seaview Tavern

Hayden Ashton

Coramba Hotel

Kailey Pallas

Element Bar

Live Music

Dark Arts Cafe & Bar

25th

Karaoke

Seaview Tavern

26th

Greenstone

Seaview Tavern

Grand Baxter

Element Bar

27th

Dj Bisho

Seaview Tavern

Party of One Element Bar

Grand Baxter

Dark Arts Cafe & Bar

28th

Beretta & T’roy’s Blues

Party - Seaview Tavern

Jess Swilks & Rohan

Hems - Coramba Hotel

Bahira Lionessa

Element Bar

Slim Pickens

Dark Arts Cafe & Bar

ELEMENT BAR DPS

BAR ELEMENT

MUSIC FESTIVAL

Triple J Hottest 100 regular Genesis Owusu is joining Storyland co-headliner doubleGrammy nominated, jazz-soul giants Hiatus Kaiyote, who will perform fresh from their set at Coachella.

Festival Director Dave Horsley said “There are all these incredible music artists that just don’t come to Coffs. We started Storyland to change all that,” said Festival Director Dave Horsley.

Storyland has two live music stages, bars, food trucks, largescale artworks (one involving three full-sized caravans in a trailer park), roving performers, interactive cinematic experiences, pole dancers, and – as the name says – a story running throughout the festival, designed by Storyland’s Creative Directors, Zakpage. Storyland is an 18+ only event – and be warned, things are going to get lewd.

It’s an electric, eclectic ride on Storyland’s Main Stage with Genesis Owusu, Hiatus Kaiyote, Ngaiire, Emma Donovan, and Horns of Leroy joined by two new artists – powerhouse First Nations dance party duo Electric Fields join the line-up along with K+LAB, back from his

North American tour, with his larger-than-life big bass and breaks set.

Storyland’s DJ tent, The Yurt Locker, curated by programmer Coco Varma, is headlined by self-styled all-girl, sleazy bass, DJ collective The Clitoverse, complete with pole dancers Filthy Aliens and a big dancey can’t-stopmovin’ beat from Sophdexx & Themzy that will quickly remind you why Storyland is an 18+ event. Disco-funk specialist DJ Jemka also joins the line-up, alongside Resin Dogs resident beats- master DJ Katch. These new dance artists join Papa Boom, Ice G, reggae-dub MC Fitzroy Lee, and the Godfather of UK’s ethno funk scene, Coco Varma – all with projection mapping and visuals by VJ Fluxa.

Music isn’t the only thing on the menu at Storyland. Throughout the festival are large scale film- inspired art installations (remember, it’s made by the folks at SWIFF!). Animated by Caleb Cowie, and written by Storyland’s Creative Directors, Zakpage, festival-goers will experience a signature Storyland narrative backbone that plays out over three chapters across the day and night. Zakpage describes Storyland as “a place where you can run around with your mates and immerse yourself

in your love of movies, music, food and partying.”

Zakpage have also created Gladerunner, a neo-noir cyberpunk experience. Imagine a theatrical, dramatic art installation drenched in themes from sci-fi film classics. There are also chill out areas, a roving band of Mad Maxinspired marauders, heaps of festivalgoers dressing up as their fave movie characters –and even a pop-up costume shop at Storyland on the day.

Film Production Designer Sarah Stollman has designed [Movie] Trailer Park, an art installation, decking out three full-sized caravans with film-themed versus battle motifs, located throughout the Food Village.

Storyland is an 18+ adults only event. For tickets and festival info slmf.com.au

Storyland, Coffs Harbour’s new music and arts festival from the team behind SWIFF film festival, is only a few weeks away now, happening on Saturday, May 20 at Park Beach Reserve – and it’s looking huge.

Storyland is supported by the Australian Federal Government’s RISE Fund, Create NSW, NSW’s Regional Event Acceleration Fund, & Regional Arts NSW.

Can you tell us about your background and how you became interested in art and painting?

I grew up in the Blue Mountains, so I was lucky to be in a place with a beautiful natural environment and a creative culture. I spent my young years exploring the bush, playing in creeks and my Mum’s garden and this gave me my love of the natural world which has

really become the foundation of just about everything I have done in life, including my art. My Mum was a wonderful woman and had the greatest impact on me in many ways as a young child and it was her that introduced me to art. She was very creative and a great artist herself and I was surrounded by art, art literature and all kinds of materials. She encouraged me to play with and try everything from pencils, pastels and charcoal to inks and paint and even collage and clay and to just go at it with total freedom.

She taught me about the art that I came to love myself, that is Impressionist, Post Impressionist, Modernist and Contemporary movements and how they broke free of the stuffy and limiting conventions that came before them. I spent hours getting lost in pictures by Vincent and Picasso and would in my mind wander through the landscapes of Namatjira, Olsen and Dick Roughsey.

I have never lost my interest in visual arts and creative practices in general and have

always been creative and imaginative, though as a young adult I lacked the discipline to develop my painting properly. I ended up studying Horticulture, Landscaping and Conservation Land Management and pursued this field as a career and a big part of that has been designing and creating gardens. This really became my art for a long time but I would

often still draw or paint in my own time. Recently though I’ve been drawn back to it and with maturity I’ve been able to develop that discipline I lacked and take my art to a higher level.

How would you describe your style of art?

I would describe my art as Modern Impressionist though I try not to get too caught up in definitions or categorisation. I feel that my work has quite a unique style as I use techniques that I developed myself. How do you typically approach a new painting? Can you walk us through your creative process?

The initial inspiration for a painting can be either spontaneous or planned, to a degree, but always stems from everyday experiences. When I find or come across a landscape that I want to paint I feel moved by it emotionally. This is important for

me as I try to express something more than just a pretty picture. I really immerse myself in that time and space and take note of how it makes me feel and what it is that is creating those feelings. I then take lots of photos of that scene, trying to capture the atmosphere and colours more than anything else. From that I will often do some small practice pieces but I never go too far with that as I prefer to let the final piece flow.

Where do you draw a lot of your inspiration from?

Nature has always been my biggest inspiration. Australia has such magical scenery and in this region we are blessed with amazing, varied and beautiful landscapes so inspiration isn’t hard to come by. Conservation and treating the land with respect has always been something I’ve believed in and been involved with and I find it distressing to see the way that country has been damaged since colonisation. Painting landscapes that are still natural and beautiful is important for me and by doing so I hope to instil in others a sense of respect and love for our land.

Continued over...

I spent hours getting lost in pictures by Vincent and Picasso and would in my mind wander through the landscapes of Namatjira, Olsen and Dick Roughsey.

How do you decide on the composition and colour palette for a landscape painting?

Modern technology is fantastic in this way as I can take the photos I have and play with them in all kinds of ways, including zooming in on distant views and cropping them down to pleasing compositions. When I do a layout for the painting the final composition is usually altered a little or stylised from reality in order to give the painting a certain feeling or emphasise certain elements within the picture. I am far more interested in this aspect of it than I am in details or photo-realism. I keep to quite a limited colour palette, particularly with the paints I use and the same colours are generally repeated throughout my paintings. I use colours that are sympathetic

with those found in our natural environment and which are created with our unique light. The pastel overlay that I use is a little more varied and gives me more freedom to capture unusual hues and details.

Can you discuss your use of different mediums and techniques in your art?

My paintings are done with acrylic bases built up in washes and layers. These vary from painting to painting, depending on both the type of light that is present and the mood or feeling that I am trying to portray. For example, some pictures or elements within pictures have a pure grayscale under-painting or grey scale with very little colour. Others are built on washes of brighter or more pure colour. Different elements will have more or less layers built

over this with either washes or thicker paint. When dry I then use pastels to add highlights and details and these are blended using a variety of techniques.

I use colours that are sympathetic with those found in our natural environment and which are created with our unique light.

How do you capture the atmosphere and mood of a specific place in your painting?

This is the most important aspect I try to capture in my work. It is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that ‘skies are blue, trees are green’ but careful observation will show that there can be almost infinite shades within those colours and many other colours present as well. These tones and colours change dramatically over a day and also vary in different conditions and capturing these sometimes subtle variations is the key to creating certain moods and atmosphere. For example, two paintings may both feature skies based on the same type of blue but will end up vastly different. Differences of tone can be added within that blue and other colours used in conjunction with it such as ochre yellow or magenta and these are the things that will ultimately give a painting both realism and character.

first public display will be at the Mantova Art Prize Exhibition at the Bellingen showgrounds (opening 6 May 2023). I will have two pieces displayed and for sale.

Can you talk about any challenges you have faced while creating art and how you overcame them?

I would say that the main challenges I have faced are probably similar to those that many people have in the artistic journeys. Finding one’s own style is often very difficult. The way I overcame that was to try many different mediums and styles of art until I found one that I both enjoyed and felt right to me and one that I felt represented or portrayed the subject I wished to paint. Also, learning to be more loose and not as precious helped enormously. This I learnt

through technique but also by just having fun with art and when practising producing things that I had no intention of keeping or even showing others.

How do you envision your art evolving in the future? Are there any new techniques or subjects you are interested in exploring?

Presently I am concentrating on painting this area, that is Gumbaynggirr Country and nearby but in the future I would like to start travelling further afield and painting other places. I would also like to try using different mediums such as oil paint.

Where can people check out your work or get in touch?

My first public display will be at the Mantova Art Prize Exhibition at the Bellingen showgrounds (opening 6 May 2023). I will have two pieces displayed and for sale.

I am in the process of building a website where people will be able to view and purchase both original pieces as well as archival prints. If anyone is interested in my work in the meantime they can contact me via email: arne.nelson@gmail.com

Thanks Arne.

My

The pastel overlay that I use is a little more varied and gives me more freedom to capture unusual hues and details.

READY TO BRIGHTEN UP YOUR LIFE?

Port Macquarie is going to light up this June long weekend! ArtWalk Port Macquarie, Main Event Friday 9 June 2023, 5pm-9pm. Satellite Events throughout the long weekend.

2023 has seen a return to ‘life as we knew it’ and the pace has picked up. Be there to experience a welcome escape into a celebration of all things creative - ArtWalk!

‘Up in Lights’. Shining the spotlight on local creative talent, see the CBD transform with magical lighting, interactive art, musicians, dancers, artists, performers, digital installations and pockets of unexpected delight.

The winter evening will warm up with ‘Fever Dream’ - a show with Puppeteers from Curious Legends, making its debut at ArtWalk. ‘Fever Dream’ allows participants to become a part of a ‘Fever of Stingrays’. Light, colour and a unique soundscape combine into an unforgettable, interactive performance for family audiences.

Featuring 9 open-air precincts throughout the CBD and plenty of participating businesses, cafes, bars and restaurants. Rug up and venture into a gleaming wonderland of our creative talent and experience interactive experiences to inspire both the young and young at heart.

ArtWalk has a revitalised program this year. The main event unfurls around the Port

Macquarie CBD, encompassing Town Green, Clarence Street and Murray Street.

ArtBites Food Truck Central is an enticing new addition with so many options, or book a table at one of our incredible eateries in the CBD.

The amazing team behind last year’s hit ‘Tortuga’, Lucy and Gordo, will bring their unique flair to the Murray Street precinct, along with Leah Doeland and her yarn bombs weaving magic (see what we did there!).

Enjoy meandering through streets of art and entertainment, with CBD businesses continuing the tradition of hosting artists in their venues. Take some fun photos with the neon signs through town – and don’t forget to share them on your Insta – you might see them pop up in unexpected places! - or settle under the heaters in the Town Green ‘Chill Out Zone’ with live music and lighting installations to marvel at.

Port Macquarie Museum will be boasting free entry and an indoor digital exhibition ‘Living in the Seventies’ presenting Port Macquarie during the 1970s.

There are also some amazing satellite events showcasing local artists throughout the long weekend at Serotonin Lighthouse Beach, Brewhaven, The Parade North Haven, Belle Property and Dark Alley Collectables at William Street and more in the works!

Enjoy meandering through streets of art and entertainment, with CBD businesses continuing the tradition of hosting artists in their venues.

This now eagerly anticipated annual event is free, family friendly and fabulous.

ArtWalk will lead into a delectable weekend for Port Macquarie with Sip N Savour kicking off Friday 9 June at Westport Park and carrying through the long weekend. Be sure to check out the ArtWalk website for all the latest updates artwalkpmq.com.au

ArtWalk is brought to you by Port MacquarieHastings Council, with support from our local creative community.

artwalkpmq.com.au

#artwalkpmq

FRIDAY 9 JUNE 5pm - 9pm PORT CBD

FIONA LUGNAN

Mob

YARNZ

My first guest is a staunch Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung Women, Fiona Lugnan (née Webb). Fiona was the Program Manager at the Speaking Hour Lingo Program, a Youth Radio Project that I was part of. This was the platform that gave me the opportunity to explore radio and led me to establishing the first ever Gumbaynggirr web-based radio station. This month I sat down with Fi to yarn!

GIINAGAY Fi, firstly are you able to let our readers know, who’s ya Mob and where ya from? Giinagay! So I’m a Webb and Skinner through Nan Gloria (deceased) who was a Skinner from the Red Rock/ Corindi area and my Pop (deceased) was a Webb from up past Grafton way. I am both Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung. I grew up in Nana Glen area, and have lived almost my entire life on Gumbaynggirr Country. Tell us a little bit about what you have done for work? I am currently at Gumbaynggirr Giingana Freedom School where my role is to set up the secondary

part of the school (years 7-12). This is my absolute dream job and I think my career has certainly culminated to this - I truly believe this role and this school to be my calling to community and culture. Some of my previous roles include a Senior Education Officer for the Department of Education, Teacher at Coffs Harbour High School where I was both classroom teaching and also heading up Aboriginal Education there. I also have worked as a Teacher's Aide (Bishop Druitt College), a Program Manager (Speaking Hour Lingo) and Project Officer (Saltwater Freshwater) on Gumbaynggirr Country, and whilst I was in Sydney I was a Program Manager for AIME and also worked at the Downing Centre Local Court. What motivates you to get up in the morning? My motivation is my own junuybin (children), but also the thought that I am playing a part in the future building of our community and culture. It is honestly a privilege and honour to be part of this education revolution and the responsibility of that is a major motivation, and it fuels my passion for immersion education for our kids. Education OUR way for OUR kids!

You must have lots of great MobMoments! Are you able to share one of your favourite MobMoments? YES, I have so many Mob moments!!! I think going to Aotearoa (NZ) in Feburary of this year to perform at Waitangi Festival, the NRL Allstars and learn from Maori schools is definitely up there! Our dance group (Giingana Yiiliwiyay Giirrwa) Unitand school (GGFS) had the immense privilege of visiting and immersing ourselves in Maori education, language and community, it was actually life altering. The experience was so personally rewarding, but to be able to do this with the Mob was just unexplainable.

What are some of your hopes and dreams for Mob? My hope and dream for Mob is that we have our matters in our hands, that we are handling our own business! I hope that we can recognise our own strength, talents and expertise and we can come together to ensure a strong, staunch community that is self-determined and sovereign. I am so excited for the future of GGFS, I cannot wait to see the incredible, staunch, whole young people that we will have come out into the community!

FROM ONE MOB RADIO with LOCKIE SKINNER

focus contributor.

Giinagay! Lockie Skinner here with my BRAND NEW! MobYarnz column here in Focus Magazine. Celebrating some of the Deadly people in our Community!

Zoe Whiffen

Tell us about your role. Each day is unique and one of a kind. The day might begin with a jewellery design consultation. Sketching and designing with our customer focusing on shapes, form and finish to develop the beginning of a custom design idea on paper. We explore unique design ideas, suitable stones, setting options and precious metals. These designs are then developed in CAD to give the customer a 3D visual of their creation.  The next job of the day will be spent at my work bench repairing broken, much loved and treasured pieces for our clients. These could be ring resizes, soldering chains or repairing broken earrings. After these are complete I move on to hand-making one of our custom design pieces. These pieces vary and could be rings, bangles, earrings or pendants.  Today it was a ring, and I started with a lot of measuring and planning. First, I look at the CAD design, take the custom design measurements, metal weights, metal type and then work on bringing it to life. With a little mathematics I start the melting process to liquify the gold into an ingot. This is then rolled into a bar, to create our desired length and width and forged into shape using hammers, a ring bender and a lot of hand strength. At this point the form starts to take basic shape and the pieces are soldered together, filed and polished. Next, I create the settings for our gems by making gold wire, saw piercing the design features and hand filing the shape

to create the perfect home for our client’s heirloom or selected gems. Then I solder the setting into place and onto the ring. From there it’s on to the final touches, polishing and then to Matt for stone setting.

What motivates you in your role and business? I’m inspired by love and sentiment, the ability to connect people and time to memories by bringing to life inspired, meaningful, creative and innovative pieces of jewellery. The idea that these pieces will be treasured and hold meaning to those that wear them is extremely motivating. I love that each piece we create will transcend our lifetime and become a treasured heirloom for our generation and many more to come.

What is the most interesting part of your role? Working with precious metals and gemstones and forging these by hand to take shape and become wearable pieces of art.  Do you have a goal this year for yourself personally or in business? My main objective this year is to co-design and develop our own Matt Loretan Jewellery designs with Matt and launch these designs in an e-commerce store on our soon to be launched new website. Keep a look out on our socials and on our website: mattloretanjewellery.com.au for updates.

What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date? Successfully changing my career from an Event Planner to pursue my passion for creating unique bespoke pieces of jewellery and

achieving a sustainable and successful career transition.

What has been your biggest inspiration and why? I am most inspired by love, nature and the individual stories that inspire people to come into our studio and start the custom design process.

I get to hold gems that have formed naturally protected by nature deep within the earth over many years in extreme conditions, each rare, beautiful, and unique. To get to work with these gems every day, to be able to armour up these beautiful stones with precious metals that have existed for more than 4 billion years and tie love and connection into these pieces fills my heart with joy and inspires me to be innovative and creative. I believe that jewellery is wearable art, each inspirational story allows me to design with purpose and take pride in creating a treasured heirloom that has been made by my hands with so much love.

What one professional piece of advice would you give any reading this? It’s never too late to change your career and pursue your happily ever after. With a little determination and hard work, you can achieve anything.

APPRENTICE JEWELLER

MATT LORETAN JEWELLERY

Mark Norberry

Congratulations on winning

The Educator Rising Stars National Award 2023! How does it feel to receive such a prestigious recognition for your work as an educator?

Thank you, I feel truly humbled to have received the award. I know so many other educators that work so hard and to be recognised amongst them is really such an honour.

What do you think are the main reasons you have been recognised for this award?

That's a hard one to answer! Looking at it objectively for me is quite difficult as I find it's all just part of the job. Over the last 24 months I have been coordinating the implementation and rollout of our Online Learning Management System. I have also been involved with the setting up of our Innovations Hub at Bishop Druitt College and have been using our brand-new VR lab to engage students in our Kaizen program and facilitate it’s integration and use in High School subjects. My achievements in our sports programs are a standout for me. Last year I was lucky enough to coach an amazing U15 Girls Football (Soccer) team

to the top 16 in the nation in the Bill Turner Trophy. I’m also responsible for convening the Combined Independent Schools Girls Football tournament.

As a Rising Star in the field of education, what specific teaching methods do you implement and what do you hope to achieve or contribute to the education community in the future? My ongoing focus in the world of education is to help support the holistic development of my students, and as such my practice is strongly built around wellbeing and engagement. I find students never achieve their best if they are not comfortable in the classroom and for me that means that I need to build authentic connections with the students, getting to know their interests beyond the science lab. My aim is to be a mentor and someone that a student can rely on not only to teach them to pass their science test, but to come to and develop better learning habits from and provide wellbeing when they

need it. Further to this I wish to continue developing engaging and entertaining lessons that involve the latest technology. In the long term I would like to explore a leadership role involving student wellbeing which is definitely my passion area.

My aim is to be a mentor and someone that a student can rely on not only to teach them to pass their science test but to come to, and develop better learning habits...

What message or advice do you have for early career teachers who aspire to be recognised as Rising Stars in the field of education? Follow your passions, get involved with the sports team, chess club, mentoring group and put your hand up to be involved in implementing new things at your school, but also find balance! And pick the brains of your amazing colleagues…

What’s the best way for other businesses or readers to connect with you? You can follow what is happening daily at Bishop Druitt College through our Facebook (@bdccoffs) and Instagram (@bishopdruittcollege) accounts. Of course, you can contact me via email Mark Norberry mnorberry@bdc.nsw.edu.au

BISHOP DRUIT COLLEGE

Heather McIntosh

Tell us about your role. I am the Educator for our Perioperative and Perianeasthesia Services provided across both Baringa Private Hospital and the Ramsay Surgical Centre Coffs Harbour. This Educator position is a diverse, dynamic and enriching role I am privileged to be a part of. Accelerating professional’s transition and professional development is wholeheartedly rewarding, and is founded in the collaboration with our multidisciplinary team in theatres, Perioperative Services Manager, Facility Education Coordinator, Quality and Infection Control Coordinator and Senior Executive. Together we are facilitating the professional development of our teammates, fostering a supportive culture and ensuring the highest calibre of care for our clients whilst always striving to maintain the Ramsay Health Care’s great reputation.

What motivates you in your role and business? People. I wholeheartedly believe it is a privilege to care for clients in the perioperative environment, to provide and advocate for the most vulnerable patients in the hospital. Further the personal fulfillment to be a member of the team who actively improves peoples lives every day is immensely rewarding and motivating. Additionally, I am motivated by knowledge sharing across colleagues, roles and disciplines to empower

one another to better care for others, facilitating continual growth and fulfillment both professionally and personally. This ripple effect creates an immeasurable amount of good, through improving even just one health care provider’s delivery of service. What is the most interesting part of your role? There is always something to learn in this magnetic and ever evolving specialty. Do you have a goal this year for yourself, personally or in business?

Absolutely. Professionally, my goals are focused on implementing an inclusive and bespoke education program as selected by the perioperative team members. One of my personal goals is to hike Gros Morne Mountain this August in Newfoundland Canada. What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date? This position as Educator. I am fervent about theatres and education; fulfilling a role that entails both passions is my greatest accomplishment to date. Further, the culmination of my experience in perioperative and acute care services, preceptorship, education, leadership, and specialisation as a Registered Nurse First Assistant (North American equivalent of Perioperative Nurse

Surgical Assistants), is now consolidating to facilitate this new role. I am excited about the opportunity and being a part of this extraordinary team.

Who has been your biggest inspiration and why? My parents.  They are exceptional people who instil and exemplify fortitude while being altruistic humanitarians. I love and admire them so very much.

What one professional piece of advice would you give anyone reading this? Come experience Theatre. Take a leap into this challenging yet rewarding field of nursing. Now is the time, with so much support and encouragement to foster an environment of learning. Maybe like me, you will find yourself enthralled and doing whatever you can to direct your professional path into perioperative and perianeasthesia services. But no matter what your career path is, remember that there is always one more thing to learn.

EDUCATOR FOR OUR PERIOPERATIVE AND PERIANEASTHESIA SERVICES

RAMSAY HEALTH CARE

Professionally, my goals are focused on implementing an inclusive and bespoke education program as selected by the perioperative team members...

Tell us about your role at Lifeline North Coast. I began as a phone volunteer in 2001, and several years later I became a support for phone volunteers as a part time employee at Lifeline North Coast. Since then, I have taken on other roles as a full-time employee, Trainer, Centre Supervisor, Student Mentor and Call Coach. I also continue to volunteer on the Lifeline Crisis Line. What motivates and inspires you in your role and the work you do at Lifeline?

Lifeline is highly respected throughout Australia. This is demonstrated by the faith that people have in calling the Lifeline Crisis Line. To be there for those people who trust us is an inspiration.

Having been at Lifeline for over 20 years, what have been the challenges?

Every year Lifeline grows, and we take more calls. Lifeline has embraced new technology. For a senior citizen, such as me, this has offered many challenges. Across Australia it has been noted that fewer people have been able to volunteer. Lifeline is always seeking volunteers both on the phones and in our retail shops and when they are not available, we are challenged.

Lyn, most people are retired at this stage in life, why do you continue to work and support the students you mentor at Lifeline North Coast?

I am passionate about Lifeline. The fact that people volunteer to support others in

the most difficult of times demonstrates how many good people there are in our community. I care very much for our volunteers, and I want to be here to support them.

What is the most interesting part of your role? Watching our phone volunteers develop their skills as they move through the training. When commencing the training many volunteers are apprehensive about their ability to listen and support the people who call the Lifeline Crisis Line. It can be a big ask but with the skills training and the wonderful mentoring available we see their confidence growing along with their sense of fulfillment. Do you have a goal this year for yourself personally or in business? To inspire others to volunteer with Lifeline North Coast. We need more volunteers for the phones, and I would like people to know that a willingness to listen and the ability to care about others are the real requirements to being a Crisis Line volunteer. The skills we can impart. If anyone is thinking of volunteering, what advice or encouragement would you give them to make the call?

If you think this may be for you, please contact us at our office on 6651 4093 or go to our website: lifelinenorthcoast.org. au/volunteer and register. Volunteering with Lifeline is a wonderful way to give back. I would like to mention here that volunteering in our shops is another way to support Lifeline. The profits from the shops come back to help keep the phones going.

What advice would you give anyone going through a challenging time? Seek support. For completely anonymous and confidential support please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Having the opportunity to have someone listen can be a first step forward. As an individual, what advice can you give to anyone reading this article on what they can personally do to keep themselves, their friends, children/family, and community safe from suicide?

If you think a person is having thoughts of suicide, ask them. Yes, this can be challenging, and you need to be brave. Tell them why you think they may be having those thoughts. Maybe it’s what they are saying or what they are doing that makes you concerned. Please ask. You can describe how they seem different and then mention that sometimes when people behave that way, they are having thoughts of suicide. Then say, “Are you having thoughts of suicide?”

Remember that if they are suicidal, it can be a relief that someone recognises it and if they are not, they will know you are a person who will talk about suicide.

How can we get in contact? Online or phone or come to the Lifeline Centre at 2/115 West High Street Coffs Harbour

TRAINER ET.AL.

Lyn Anderson

LIFELINE NORTH COAST

A willingness to listen and the ability to care about others are the real requirements to becoming a volunteer Telephone Crisis Supporter.

Volunteering in our retail shops is a marvelous way to support Lifeline North Coast as all funds earned keep our local call centre going.

National Volunteer Week 15 – 21 May, 2023

Natasha Boyns

Tell us about your role. As well as managing the Property Management Team which includes training, developing and mentoring, I also manage my own portfolio of valued clients.

What motivates you in your role and business?

I love helping the team develop strong technical, communication and client service skills. We have a highly professional and passionate team, and that motivates me to work on my leadership skills to support and elevate them to where they want to be in the industry.

What is the most interesting part of your role? People, people, people! I love meeting and helping people and I get to do that overall, in my role! We are all so different and come with interesting backgrounds and stories.

Do you have a goal this year for yourself personally or in business? My goal is to be bigger and better everyday in all aspects. I thrive on setting the benchmark at a high level and delivering value for our clients. It’s all about positive

Sarah Weerman

momentum!

What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date? Getting to where I am today! Being a department head is a huge accomplishment in any industry.

Who has been your biggest inspiration and why? Our whole team at Florent & Mundey! We all bring together our strengths and are unified. This means great results for our clients and also feeling accomplished personally at the end of the day. We have a fantastic culture.

What one professional piece of advice would you give anyone reading this? I love my job and investment in property is a tremendous gateway for wealth accumulation but you absolutely need a professional property management team to maximise value from the ongoing rental and future capital growth perspectives.

The F&M Team are very very good at what we do!

How can we get in contact?

Call me! I love a good chat, 0417 650 080.

Tell us about your role. As Senior Property Manager I love to look after my landlords and tenants providing the highest level of service and communication. As a Business Development Manager I look after all our new property management business and clients to ensure a high level of clients service and satisfaction.

What motivates you in your role and business? I really enjoy the dynamic nature of the property management industry and developing new relationships with landlords, tenants and contractors on a daily basis.

What is the most interesting part of your role? I enjoy working closely with my landlords and clients to ensure they are getting a high level of service and that their rental investment returns are always within the current market, as well as making sure that the property is always well maintained.

Do you have a goal this year for yourself personally or in business? My goal for the business would be to continue to grow the portfolio, so if yourself, a friend or relative that you may know has an investment property or might be looking for a change please get them to give me a call

I would love the opportunity to meet with them and discuss our services.

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

Being promoted into the Business Development role as I have been in property management for over 20 years, I enjoy meeting new clients and making sure that they receive blue chip service that our team at Florent and Mundey will provide them.

Who has been your biggest inspiration and why? My work colleagues throughout my working experience, everyone has different experiences which we can all share and learn from.

What one professional piece of advice would you give any one reading this. Having a Property Manager that really enjoys what they do every day and actually understands and cares about your situation and is able to use their advanced skills and experience to maximise the value of your investment property.

How can we get in contact?

Please contact me on 0429 359 565 as I would love to have a chat about our latest property management offer for this month for new clients to Florent & Mundey!

FLORENT & MUNDEY REAL ESTATE

SENIOR PROPERTY MANAGER & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

HEAD OF PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Sally

Belfield

Sally Belfield is a mother, grandmother, and midwife who works as a local Child and Family Health Nurse at Coffs Harbour Health Campus supporting new parents in the early years of this lifechanging journey called parenthood. As we celebrate Mother’s Day this month we thought it was a good time to chat about the ups and downs of being a mum and what wisdom she has learnt from her personal and professional experiences with motherhood.

Hi Sally. When did you first start working in midwifery/child and family health, and what inspired you to go into this field?

I was incredibly lucky to have great birth experiences with my own babies back in the eighties with a wonderful midwife. Her skill and experience made me feel safe and supported, but at the same time she was a very quiet presence. She taught me that our role is really to enable the birthing person to own the experience in a safe space. I don’t think I gave any other profession a second thought after that. I trained as a Childbirth Educator while attending home births with her, then did my RN and Midwifery training once my children were both at school. Can you tell us a bit about what you do in your role as a Child and Family Health Nurse.

At one point I was working as a Community Midwife for the Aboriginal Maternal Infant Health Service and realised that my knowledge base didn’t extend very far beyond those first few postpartum weeks. Child and Family Health Nursing was the logical next step and I haven’t looked back. Our role is to connect

with new families, usually in the first week or so after the birth. We offer a home visit which involves spending around an hour doing a postnatal check for mother and baby. It’s an opportunity to provide information, answer questions and make referrals to other services when and if they’re needed. After that the family is free to use

Sometimes ten minutes in a hot shower, without having to have one ear listening out for a crying baby is a luxury only a new mother can appreciate.

our service as little or as often as they like. You’re meeting women at a very special time in their life, what do you find most rewarding about supporting them at that time? Well it’s such a special time in the lives of our clients, so being allowed to play a role, however small, is an honour and a privilege. Families come in all shapes and sizes and I really believe that the most valuable thing we can do is support our clients in the choices they make. It’s less about telling them how things should be done and more about meeting them where they’re at. Becoming a parent is not easy, none of us get it right all of the time but when I see parents and children delighting in each other, then I know they’re doing well.

What are some of the most common

challenges you find women face in the early days of motherhood?

Definitely sleep deprivation and isolation. Gone are the days when most people lived in extended family groups where there was always another pair of hands to cook a meal or just hold the baby. Sometimes ten minutes in a hot shower, without having to have one ear listening out for a crying baby is a luxury only a new mother can appreciate. However, living in a regional area I see more families choosing to live on multi-generational properties and rediscovering the value of having that support close by.

From your own experience as a mother and grandmother, and your years of working closely with mothers and babies, what are some of the most valuable things you have learnt about motherhood?

Definitely that old adage that “good enough is good enough”. Children who are loved generally think the sun shines out of their parents so we don’t need to sweat the small

stuff. When they grow up they won’t care if the apples weren’t organic but they’ll definitely remember that their mum made the best apple pie ever. As a mother I recall many moments I would have liked to do better but I can report that the two beautiful humans I raised seem to be doing just fine as adults.

Being in your role in a regional area like this you must form a pretty nice bond with families in the community, what’s it like for you bumping into ‘your’ babies around town?

It’s such a special community connection and I love bumping into ‘my' babies.

I’ve also now had the pleasure of seeing a baby of one of ‘my’ babies which made me feel a bit old as well as warm and fuzzy. What has been some of the nicest feedback you’ve received over the years in your job?

The newborn bubble can seem like such a big moment in time when you’re in the middle of it and I know the value of having a safe space to ask for advice, or simply hear that you’re doing a good job. Seeing women grow in confidence as mothers is all the reward I need, and the feedback we often receive is just how valuable this service is for new parents.

Thanks Sally.

The newborn bubble can seem like such a big moment in time when you’re in the middle of it and I know the value of having a safe space to ask for advice, or simply hear that you’re doing a good job.

Tamzin Rebel

Describe your business in one sentence. Rebel Hybrid specifically is about overall health and fitness – but it’s just one of the ventures of Rebel Hybrid Industries.

What sets you apart from your competitors? There are no competitors, we’re all in this together. Rebel Hybrid is just an addition to the already abundant fitness industry in this region. I’m collaborating with other incredible coaches in the area and building something bigger to reach further. If you’re in the health and fitness industry you have the intent to help people move better, live better, be healthier. At Rebel Hybrid we have a huge focus on small group personal training –making it an economical solution to help people create a regular routine in the gym, all the while using equipment in the gym, an app to track progressions (or for the client to take with them and train if they go away on a holiday etc) and we teach each person how to confidently use, adjust or setup gym equipment so in the future they can train competently on their own if they choose to.

Tell us the new and exciting products/services that are happening in 2023? I’ve just bought the latest in scanning technology to track progress of body changes. Whatever your goal, this gives you incredible insight into your body’s stats – accurately. Message me on Instagram to find out more.

What advice do you have for other women working and living in such a fast paced world? Don’t stay in the same place and watch the same things then be unhappy and expect things to change. Make the change. Do what feels right. Move away from what doesn’t serve you well. Just because you are a good person does not mean you are bound to stick by those that don’t appreciate your time and effort.

This one’s for you and me, living out our dreams, we’re all right where we should be (one of my favourite songs “Lighters” with Bruno Mars and Eminem).

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

Find me on @_rebel.hybrid_ Call 0432 456 422 tamzin@rebelindustries.com.au

REBEL HYBRID INDUSTRIES PTY LTD CEO OWNER

DAVID

K E N N E D Y

David Kennedy has been part of Woolgoolga Senior Athletic Club for a number of years now, competing locally on Monday nights with his fellow club members. He recently went to Sydney to compete in the 70-74 age bracket of the Australian Masters Athletics Championships, and returned home with a decent haul of medals! His level of fitness and dedication prove that age is just a number when you find something you enjoy!

Hi David. Could you tell us a bit about Woolgoolga Seniors Athletic Club and how you came to join?

Woolgoolga Seniors Athletic Club competes on Monday afternoons from 4:30 pm at the Woolgoolga Sports Ground from October to March. I joined when my sons were doing athletics at school and I have just continued on from there.

What sort of activities are offered at the club and what do you like to participate in?

The club runs track and field events on a 4 week rotational basis so every event is covered. Each Monday night there will be 5 events made up of jumps, sprints, throws,

distance events and walks. I prefer to compete in the jumps and throws events but also like to do the shorter sprint events. I am not too keen on events greater than 400 metres although I will do them on occasions. My favourite events are the Long Jump, Triple Jump, High Jump and Javelin. What have been some of your favourite things about being involved at the club?

Meeting people of similar interest and the friendships made. I enjoy the competition among others and the

opportunity to help and encourage other club members in their events. It is also satisfying when you see the improvement in your times/distances over the course of the season. Have you always enjoyed athletics or is it something you’ve discovered more recently?

I have always played team sports, baseball, cricket and touch football but as I got older it was more difficult to compete with the younger players coming through. I did athletics at school so

This year we had athletes from New Zealand, Cook Islands, USA and India competing in my age division where the competition was strong but friendly.

WOOLGOOLGA SENIORS ATHLETIC CLUB

doing Masters Athletics where you compete with people of your own age appealed to me.

You recently returned from competing at Australian Masters Athletics Championships in Sydney competing in the 70-74 age bracket, what was the competition like and how did you go?

I always enjoy competing at these events with athletes from around Australia and overseas. This year we had athletes from New Zealand, Cook Islands, USA and India competing in my age division where the competition was strong but friendly.

I was able to win gold in the High Jump, Long Jump and Triple Jump. I also got silver in the Javelin and bronze in the 80 metre hurdles.

In my other events I finished 4th in the 60 metre sprint and 7th in the 100 metres. What was your motivation for competing in an event like this?

To see how I compare in my chosen events against others from around Australia and to catch up with athletes I have met previously. It is also an opportunity to compete at first class stadiums.

How often are there events like this that are open to all different ages?

Masters Athletics are open to athletes aged 30 years and above and you generally compete in 5-year age brackets. Each year we can compete at Country Championships, State Championships, National Championships and World Championships. There is also a website dedicated to Master Athletics where results of all athletes worldwide are collated and given rankings so you can easily compare your results to the best in the world.

You’re obviously pretty fit, what effect does being fit and active have on other aspects of your life? Why do you feel it’s

so important to stay active?

I live on 1.2 hectares and I doubt I would be able to maintain the property if I were not fit. Staying fit and active I believe keeps you feeling young in body and mind. I seldom get sick and have very few injuries and I put this down to keeping fit and mobile.

What advice would you give to anyone reading this and thinking of giving senior athletics a go?

If you intend to give senior athletics a go, and I encourage people to try it, just take it slow in the first few weeks of competition and slowly build up your performances. I do a lot of walking and that seems to help with keeping fit. It is low impact and does not put a strain on the body. I generally walk 30 to 40km each week when in training.

Who is Woolgoolga Seniors Athletic Club open to and how can people find out more or get in touch?

The club is open to all athletes 15 years and above. We can be found through our Facebook page and website or you can just turn up at Woolgoolga Sports Ground on Mondays from October onwards at 4:30pm for competition.

Staying fit and active I believe keeps you feeling young in body and mind. I seldom get sick and have very few injuries and I put this down to keeping fit and mobile.

with

It can be confusing to think that your childhood measles vaccination is still going strong, yet other illnesses need regular boosters to work best. So, why do some vaccines last longer than others?

To recap, vaccines work by training the body to recognise an attack and mount an immune response through antibodies and other defence mechanisms. This response needs to be strong enough to decrease the severity of infection or bypass it completely.

When trying to understand why some vaccines last longer than others, as with everything in science, there are several factors. Here are three to remember:

1.Viruses mutate at different speeds. Flu, and now COVID-19, mutate quickly. They can quickly develop new strains that are different from previous ones. This makes it challenging to develop long-lasting immunity against them because the immune system may not recognize the new strains as easily. Polio, for example, does not – making it far easier to contain and potentially eradicate. To address the challenge of new strains, scientists must continuously monitor the virus’s genetic changes and develop new vaccines or update existing ones to match the new strains. This is why flu vaccines are updated annually to match the most prevalent strains circulating in a particular

year. The same approach is being taken with COVID-19 vaccines as new variants emerge.

2.Antibodies

decay at different speeds.

The antibodies developed from measles and mumps vaccination take more than 200 years to diminish by half. On the other hand, those for COVID-19 seem to last just several months. The longevity of the antibody response is essential because it helps the immune system mount a more prolonged and effective response against the pathogen if the person is exposed to it again in the future.

3.Vaccination technology has an effect.

There are multiple ways to develop a vaccine.

that provides the best protection against the disease while minimizing any potential side effects.

Boosters are recommended for some vaccines because the initial immune response may diminish over time, and the virus may evolve or mutate, making the original vaccine less effective.

It’s generally believed that live (weakened) vaccines create a more long-lasting response as they are the closest experience to real infection. However, this type of vaccine is not always the right one for a particular illness. Inactivated vaccines, such as the flu vaccine, are made from viruses that have been killed or inactivated, so they cannot cause the disease. Each type of vaccine has its advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, the goal is to develop a vaccine

So, what’s the takeaway? Well, just because one vaccine provides lifetime protection, we can’t assume all do. Boosters are recommended for some vaccines because the initial immune response may diminish over time, and the virus may evolve or mutate, making the original vaccine less effective. Boosters help to stimulate the immune system to maintain or increase protection against the disease. Ultimately, it’s essential to follow the recommended vaccination schedule to ensure optimal protection against preventable diseases.

At TerryWhite Chemmart Coffs Harbour, we are dedicated to providing vaccination services to our community. We currently offer a range of travel vaccines, flu vaccines, and COVID19 vaccines amongst many others. Want to book for vaccination? Head to www.terrywhitechemmart.com.au or call us at 02-6652 4188.

TERRYWHITE CHEMMART COFFS HARBOUR PARK BEACH PLAZA

SARAH DING

HERO’S JOURNEY

The hero’s journey is a common narrative archetype or story template.

An archetype refers to any image, symbol, pattern, or presentation that occurs and reoccurs in any type of narrative, regardless of place, time, and origin. The form and presentation may vary, but the essential symbol and meaning are similar. So, to some degree, they are fixed and universal since they can be found almost anywhere and in any culture.

From a young age, we see, hear, and feel these archetypes reflected in stories such as fairytales to movies we may watch or be aware of, such as Star Wars, Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, Shrek, Toy Story, and Mulan. According to Joseph Campbell, a scholar of myth studies, all forms of archetypal narratives involve a hero who goes on an adventure, or a quest and learns a lesson, wins a victory with that newfound knowledge, and then returns home transformed. This standard path of the mythological hero represents the rites of passage; separation-initiation-and return, an inward and outward journey.

In most fairy tales, there are usually heroes or protagonists, mostly presented as simple and innocent individuals, who are separated from their ordinary life and must undergo certain tests to achieve their stage of initiation and then return as different individuals.

Using the example of Shrek, the hero’s journey

is a common story structure that takes place in basically three stages. First, the hero’s ordinary life is disrupted by a call for adventure - Shrek loses his land and needs to reclaim it. Second, the hero must overcome ordeals and defeat enemies during their quest - Lord Farquhar, the dragon, and the townspeople. Finally, they return home transformed - Shrek returns to his own land with his bride Fiona, the princess. The hero’s journey demonstrates that change is possible for everyone. It shows us that ordinary people can overcome adversity and defeat enemies or fears. With some help, they can affect the world in some way.

The hero’s journey in real life is personal. It is about you and the ‘here I am now’ moment. Strengths and challenges which are unique to you and that no one else in the world possesses, break through the adversity, which is really us in our transformation. It is little wonder we fear the first steps and our whole body is terrified as we launch on the journey. The ordeal of meeting the dragon is the biggest test yet and a transformative event that affects how the hero goes forward on their journey. This confrontation has the highest stakes, and it’s part of the central conflict. Here we face many emotions such as fear, hopelessness, and anger. Emotional crises usually take us into dark and painful places; however, transformation takes place toward self-awareness and emotional growth.

Early ancestors experienced hero stories that calmed fears, buoyed their spirits, nourished their hopes, and fostered important values of strength and resilience. Life now had greater purpose and meaning. No doubt, humans today are no different from our early ancestors.

Tales of heroes tell our consciousness about the greater things in life. It can be any hero you hear about, but they all have one thing in common; they never give up and they motivate people along the way.

So, you may ask why I am telling you about the hero’s journey. A hero’s journey story provides a soothing psychological function for our wounds, calms our fears, invigorates spirits, nourishes our hopes, and fosters important values of courage, strength, and resilience. Hero stories served at least three important energising functions for early man, and for humans in the 21st century too. Hero stories heal psychic wounds, inspire us to action, and promote personal growth.

(Reference: Campbell, Joseph. The Hero with a Thousand Faces. 3rd ed., New World Library, 2012)

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

with JULIE THOMAS

COUNSELLING CONVERSATIONS

Freckles, age spots, sunspots, liver spots or plain old pigmentation; whatever you call it, irregular skin discolouration is common and can be a distressing problem caused by factors such as sun damage, some inflammatory skin disorders and hormonal fluctuations.

In its various forms, pigmentation affects more than 80 percent of people in their lifetime.

Pigmentation simply means colouring. Skin pigmentation disorders affect skin colour. Normally, your skin gets its colour from a pigment called melanin. Special cells in the body called melanocytes create this pigment when these cells become stimulated or damaged with UV exposure. Essentially the melanocyte creates a dark “hat” to protect the cell from this UV damage.

Pigmentation refers to changes in the melanin (pigment) of your skin, but there are different types and they do not all respond to the same treatments. It goes without saying that correct diagnosis of the type of pigmentation you’re experiencing is essential if you’re to benefit from treatment and topical protocols.

Common types of pigmentation

• Freckles – Genetics and sun exposure.

• Solar lentigines - Sun damage and exposure

• Melasma – Hormonal and medication

• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation –Scarring, picking and genetics.

Pigmentation needs to be treated by a highly trained skin therapist. In the wrong hands, and with the wrong treatment, the pigmentation could get worse. As with all specialised skin treatments, it is important to find a clinic with experienced practitioners who understand exactly which type of pigmentation you have in order to deliver the best results possible.

Light-based therapies such as IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) and LED are highly effective on most superficial conditions such as, sunspots, broken capillaries, redness and uneven skin texture. It can also improve the overall tone and texture of the skin, as well as treating fine lines by creating a more plumped up appearance.

and Mandelic acids work very well to break down the cluster of pigmented fibres in the skin. Picosecond Laser treatment works very well as this penetrates deeper into the skin, where the pigment is sitting. Tinted sunscreens are also recommended for skins diagnosed with Melasma.

Pigmentation refers to changes in the melanin (pigment) of your skin, but there are different types and they do not all respond to the same treatments.

Topical applications containing Retinoids and Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) can help exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin. Also, Hydroquinone 1-5% - medically prescribed, Vitamin B3 – Niacinamide (ideally over 5% concentration), Vitamin C (ideally over 20% concentration), Liquorice, Cucumber, Arbutin, Kojic – (ideally over 4% concentration), Azelaic and Mandelic acids can help lighten skin pigmentation by slowing down melanin production and removing existing melanin.

Melasma is known as hormonal pigmentation. This is easy to identify as it is symmetrical on both sides of the face. This pigment lies deeper in the skin and can be very challenging to treat. Green LED treatments, cold peels, such as Kojic, Azelaic

Mineral based sun protection everyday regardless of sun exposure must be worn daily. If you can see sunlight, then you are getting reflective light. Simply driving during daylight hours is exposure as our windscreens are not tinted. Always remember – daily sunscreen is our best anti-aging product we can use, and prevention is better than a cure.

with WENDII TREADWELL

SKIN SOLUTIONS PIGMENTATION

Katie has volunteered with LifeHouse Care for almost two years and is the community engagement and fundraising coordinator of LifeWalk, an event to fundraise in support of community members who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

Hi Katie. Could you tell us a bit about Lifewalk and how it got started?

LifeWalk is an annual fundraiser started in 2022, run by LifeHouse Care. We wanted to help homeless people and those at risk of becoming homeless.

We asked people to register for the LifeWalk and fundraise. On the first weekend of June we met at Gallows Beach and walked 7km on the beach to Boambee Beach Reserve. We had over 120 participants and raised close to $30K for LifeWalk 2022. The money we raised was used for vital assistance in our local community including dignity bags, food vouchers and essential furniture items for people transitioning from homelessness.

Lifewalk is run by LifeHouse Care, can you share a bit about LifeHouse Care and what else they do?

LifeHouse Care is a local community care service, meeting people where they are at and helping them to take their next steps. Our core distinctives are:-

We’re locals helping locals.

We have 25 years of hands-on service to our community.

We believe in working together with other service providers and work hard to collaborate for people’s best outcomes.

What is your fundraising goal for this year and what do you hope it can achieve in the community?

Our LifeWalk 2023 goal is to raise $200K for

a sleepbus and LifeHouse Care Crisis services. Who benefits from the funds raised and what could the money do to help those people?

Over 700 people sleep rough in our community, every night. This is happening on our watch and it is not ok. It’s a big problem, but TOGETHER WE CAN do something about this! LifeWalk is an opportunity to be part of bringing change.

The funds we raise for sleepbus will give rough sleepers a chance to get a proper night’s rest, knowing that they are safe. This leads to improved mental health and a greater capacity to plan for their next steps.

It’s not a long-term solution, but while we’re working together on the bigger picture,

a sleepbus IS an immediate answer to an urgent need. It’s a step in the right direction and that is what LifeWalk and LifeHouse Care is all about… meeting people where they are at and helping them with their next steps. The crisis work that you are supporting through LifeHouse Care helps people when they can’t afford to pay their bills. Our services often empower people to stay in housing when they are at risk of eviction, and provide dignifying assistance to those who are already homeless. How can community members get behind this cause and what is involved?

The terrain is sand, so for infants a babycarrier would be needed in place of a pram. Dogs are welcome too! If you can’t do the walk, you can still fundraise.

You can register to fundraise and walk on 3rd June or register to fundraise only.

You can donate as an individual or donate as a business (sponsorship options are available) and all donations are tax deductible!

You can volunteer on the day, or be an influencer, encouraging others to get involved, or all of the above!

We have an experienced fundraiser on Team LifeWalk ready to help all participants with fundraising ideas and support to reach your fundraising goals. Me!! Can anyone participate in LifeWalk?

Yes, all ages are welcome. Walkers walk at their own pace. The terrain is sand, so for infants a baby-carrier would be needed in place of a pram. Dogs are welcome too! If you can’t do the walk, you can still fundraise. How did you come to be involved with LifeWalk and what is your role?

I’ve been a volunteer in the LifeHouse Op Shop warehouse for almost 2 years. I’m also a part of the LifeHouse Care Fundraising Committee. We decided that an event like LifeWalk would be a great way to raise money in our local community. My role is community engagement and fundraising coordinator of LifeWalk. I have over 20 years experience with fundraising events including working as a Fundraising Coordinator for large charities.

What do you enjoy most about being a part of LifeWalk?

I have always had a passion for helping others in need. What makes LifeWalk so special to me is that all the funds raised stay local. We make an impact at ground level. I get so much enjoyment working with other passionate, giving people in the Coffs community.

Where can readers find more information or register for LifeWalk?

Visit www.lifewalk.org.au

email info@lifewalk.org.au

register for lifewalk here /lifehouse-care. grassrootz.com/lifewalk-2023

@lifehousecare

Over 700 people sleep rough in our community, every night. This is happening on our watch and it is not ok. It’s a big problem, but TOGETHER WE CAN do something about this!

RYAN

Ryan Hill-Smith is a 16 year old local bodyboarder who is gearing up to head out on the International Bodyboarding Championship World Tour! He is currently raising funds through the Australian Sport Foundation to help him achieve his dream of bodyboarding on the World Tour with the best in the world!

Hey Ryan, Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you got started in bodyboarding?

Hey, my name is Ryan, I am a 16 year old bodyboarder from the Coffs Coast. I started bodyboarding when I was 10 years old. At this time I was playing soccer with all my friends from school but the sport became a bit boring to me and I wanted to do something else. I was doing a little bit of surfing at the time, and my Dad was a bodyboarder so I wanted to give that a shot and I became very passionate towards it.

What does bodyboarding mean to you? Bodyboarding means a lot to me. As unfortunate how small of a sport it is, it is very good because you get to know everyone in the community very well.

What have been some of the highlights so far in your bodyboarding career?

My best achievement so far would definitely be winning the Juniors Box Fest Competition in 2022. I have also got a 2nd in the Open Mens, 3rd in Under 18’s at NSW State Titles, 4th in Juniors and 2nd in Open Men's Elites at this year's Box Fest 2023.

Championship World Tour, just like a world tour in any sport, is a big achievement. To be able to be on the big stage and compete against the best of the best at an international level would be insane to do.

What would it mean to you being able to compete in the IBC Junior World Tour?

WOULD BE INSANE TO DO.

Can you tell us about the IBC Junior World Tour and why it's important to you?

The International Bodyboarding

To be able to compete at this level would be an incredible experience as well as going to these places around the world and getting to surf world class waves and meeting a lot of new people.

TO BE ABLE TO BE ON THE BIG STAGE AND COMPETE AGAINST THE BEST OF THE BEST AT AN INTERNATIONAL LEVEL

Can you describe your training routine and how you're preparing for such a competition?

I have been out in the water nearly every day no matter what the conditions to be prepared for whatever the day throws me. When out in the water you can be seen sporting some fairly rad haircuts in competitions. Who's your hairdresser and where did the best bad haircut competition start?

My hairdresser is either myself or my group of bodyboard mates from up and down the East Coast. The main hair cutter has to be Tye George, a Shoal Bay local, he always manages to give the best (worst) haircuts to everybody.

What inspired you to start a fundraising campaign for the competition, and what are the costs involved?

My friend Paul Ven Dem Boom and my Mum convinced me that I should go on the World Tour and when we saw the costs we instantly started up my ASF (Australian Sport Foundation) fundraising campaign to help get me there.

Who are some of your biggest inspirations in the bodyboarding world?

In the bodyboard scene there are 2 local chargers that really inspire me to get out there and send everything, these 2 guys are Dion Myers and Scotty Mason. What advice would you give to other

young people who are interested in getting into bodyboarding or pursuing their passions?

To the younger people getting into it, don’t give up on it even if people bully you for lying down and not standing up. Keep going, it's such an amazing sport and you should shoot for your goals.

How can people support your fundraising campaign?

They can head to the Australian Sport Foundation and donate to help me achieve my goals of getting over to the World Tour and do this amazing experience. Thanks Ryan.

I HAVE BEEN OUT IN THE WATER NEARLY EVERY DAY NO MATTER WHAT THE CONDITIONS TO BE PREPARED FOR WHATEVER THE DAY THROWS ME.

MYRTLE LEMON

What are the health benefits of Lemon Myrtle?

Indigenous people used lemon myrtle for a host of benefits. Ongoing research shows that the herb has exceptional qualities that make it a powerful superfood to eliminate common health issues and promote wellness.

Some of lemon myrtle’s potential health benefits are quite amazing, such as:-

Gastrointestinal Disorders

Using lemon myrtle as a digestive aid can provide great results, especially if you struggle with bloating, nausea, and other common problems caused by irritable bowels, including pain. The herb helps to reduce inflammation, which can help ease aggravation in the digestive tract.

Sinus Infection

At the first sign of sinus infection, consider turning to lemon myrtle. It’s ability to eliminate germs and reduce inflammation are a powerful combination to help your sinuses.

Bronchitis and Sore Throat

Because of its renowned antiinflammatory action, lemon myrtle may reduce the swelling of lung passages. The herb will have a similar soothing effect on a sore throat that is inflamed.

Women’s Health Concerns

A number of women’s health concerns improve by enjoying lemon myrtle tea. The herb is

known to ease menstrual cramps because it helps muscles relax.

It also reduces premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, especially bloating, headache, and irritability.

Acne and Other Skin Conditions

The naturally occurring antiseptic properties found in this Australian native bush food can help heal skin infections and clear acne. A simple way to enjoy this benefit is to add lemon myrtle leaves to water then wash your face.

Headaches

Indigenous Australians have used lemon myrtle to eliminate headaches for thousands of years. Although they ground the leaves and inhaled the herb, today relief comes from consuming the tea or massaging a bit of lemon myrtle essential oils on your temples.

Improves Your Sleep

If you occasionally struggle to get a good nights sleep, try lemon myrtle tea about an hour before you go to bed. It will help calm and relax your mind, so stress and troubling thoughts do not disturb your slumber. Add lemon myrtle leaves to a warm bath before bedtime to relax even more.

Insect Bites

Not only does the intense lemon fragrance of lemon myrtle help repel insects, applying the essential oil to bites or stings can help relieve the pain and itch while preventing infection.

EDUCATION UPDATE

with NICK JOHNSTONE

I

Snapchat is a social media platform that is primarily used for communication through pictures and videos that disappear after a set amount of time. One of the most concerning issues with Snapchat is that teenagers can use the app to send explicit messages or photos to each other, which can lead to cyberbullying and other dangerous situations. Additionally, the app’s “streaks” feature encourages teenagers to send pictures or videos back and forth with their friends every day, which can lead to a sense of pressure and addiction to the app. TikTok, on the other hand, is a social media platform that allows users to create short videos set to music or other audio. While many of the challenges on TikTok are harmless and fun, some dangerous challenges have put teenagers’ safety at risk. For example, the “Tide Pod Challenge” involved teenagers eating laundry detergent pods, while the “Skullbreaker Challenge” involved tripping a person from behind, causing them to fall and potentially injure themselves.

eSafety for all of us

n today’s digital age, social media platforms like Snapchat and TikTok have become increasingly popular among teenagers. While these platforms provide a means of communication and entertainment, there are concerns over the challenges that teenagers are replicating and participating in on these platforms. These challenges can range from harmless fun to dangerous activities that can risk their safety and wellbeing.So, what can teenagers, parents, and schools do to address these issues?

According to the Australian eSafety Commission, it’s important for parents and caregivers to talk to their children about online safety and to set boundaries around social media use. They suggest discussing the potential risks and consequences of using these platforms, such as cyberbullying, online harassment, and exposure to inappropriate content. Additionally, they recommend monitoring your child’s social media use and reporting any concerning behaviour to the relevant authorities.

For teenagers, the eSafety Commission advises being mindful of what they post online and to think before they share. They suggest considering how their posts might be perceived by others and whether it could harm themselves or others. Additionally, they recommend using the reporting tools available on social media platforms if they encounter any bullying or harassment.

If teenagers or parents encounter any threatening or predatory behaviour online, the eSafety Commission recommends reporting it to the police. They suggest keeping any evidence, such as screenshots or messages, and seeking support from a trusted adult or support service.

Schools can also play a role in addressing these issues. Educators can teach students about responsible social media use and the potential consequences of posting inappropriate content. They can also create a safe and supportive

environment where students feel comfortable reporting any incidents of cyberbullying or other dangerous behaviour.

In addition, schools can work with parents and community organisations to create educational programs that help teenagers navigate the challenges of social media. These programs can provide teenagers with the tools and resources to make informed decisions about their social media use and stay safe online.

It is important to note that social media platforms also have a role to play in ensuring the safety of their users. Snapchat, for example, has introduced measures such as Snap Map, which allows users to control who can see their location on the app. TikTok also has a number of safety features, including the ability to restrict who can view a user’s videos and to filter comments. Overall, while social media platforms like Snapchat and TikTok can provide teenagers with a means of communication and entertainment, there are potential dangers associated with these platforms. It is important for teenagers, parents, and schools to work together to address these issues and promote responsible social media use. Doing so can create a safer and more supportive online environment for all teenagers. And remember, if you encounter any bullying, predatory, or threatening behaviour online, report it to the relevant authorities, such as the police.

Source: www.esafety.gov.au

Faith Excellence Service

Coffs Harbour and Clarence Catholic Schools

COFFS HARBOUR AND CLARENCE CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

Saint John Paul College

Coffs Harbour

Phone: 02 6653 3155

Saint Augustine's Primary

Coffs Harbour

Phone: 02 6652 1204

Mary Help of Christians Primary

Sawtell

Phone: 02 6653 3122

Saint Francis Xavier Primary

Woolgoolga

Phone: 02 6654 1981

Saint Marys Primary

Bellingen

Phone: 02 6655 1432

Mount Saint Johns Primary

Dorrigo

Phone: 02 6657 2552

St Patricks Primary

Macksville

Phone: 02 6568 1397

St Marys Primary

Bowraville

Phone: 02 6564 7369

Catherine McCauley College

Grafton

Phone: 02 6643 1434

St Marys Primary

Grafton

Phone: 02 6642 2262

St Josephs Primary South

Grafton

Phone: 02 6642 2899

St Josephs Primary

Maclean

Phone: 02 6645 2340

St James Primary

Yamba

Phone: 02 6646 3266

SIMMONDS

Emile Simmonds is a 9 year old soccer player who is already showing huge amounts of talent and dedication to the sport. He plays for his local team the Bellingen Bats, and has been invited to attend multiple development programs. The most recent one being an invite to attend a football camp with West Ham United in the UK! He’s busy polishing his skills and raising funds so he can make the most of this incredible opportunity!

Hi Emile. How old were you when you first started playing soccer and what made you want to play?

Hi! I was 5 when I started playing for Bellingen FC. I would have started sooner but they don’t let you play until you’re 5. I’d wanted to play when I was younger because I’d been watching my Dad play my whole life.

What do you love most about the game and playing with your team the Bellingen Bats?

I like dribbling and passing into good spaces. I love scoring goals and watching my friends score goals.

What do you feel have been some of your biggest achievements in football so far?

Scoring a goal in the Futsal Regionals quarter final, that helped my team make it through to the semi finals. It was a great feeling! Also, being selected for the West Ham UK tour. Yes! You have recently been invited to attend a football camp in the UK where you will be participating in some coaching sessions with West Ham United! What did it feel like to receive the email about it and realise it was a possibility?

I was so happy I couldn’t speak. I just had a big smile on my face for ages.

What are you most looking forward to about this trip? What will you be getting up to?

To be trained by the West Ham coaches, in the West Ham facility. We will do training sessions, play some games against West Ham youth teams and watch 4 English Premier League games. We will stay in London and Manchester.

You have been saving all your pocket money towards the trip, and there has now been a GoFundMe fundraiser (gofund.me/f091cd5a) started for you to help you make the trip with your Dad. What would it mean to you to go and how do you think it would help you as a footballer?

It's my dream to become a professional soccer player and this feels like it could be the start of it, so it feels really important!

You’re obviously a very talented player, how often do you normally train and

play and what other development programs or groups have you been part of?

I’ve played with the Bello Bats for 4 years. We train once a week and play once a week. I also did the Liverpool training in Coffs Harbour last off season. This off season I did Futsal and was invited to the Nationals and Regionals competitions and most days I kick the ball with my Dad and little brother - he’s really good for a 3 year old!

Who are some of your favourite players or people that inspire you?

Ronaldinho, I love watching his skills.

Leckie, he scored a really good goal in the World Cup for Australia.

Antonio, from West Ham. I’m hoping to meet him over there!

What are your goals and dreams for your future?

To play in the English Premier League and to be a Socceroo, with my brother and score goals for Australia. Thanks Emile.

IT'S MY DREAM TO BECOME A PROFESSIONAL SOCCER PLAYER AND THIS FEELS LIKE IT COULD BE THE START OF IT, SO IT FEELS REALLY IMPORTANT!

Game changer

Australians love their sport and love it even more when Australians are winning. With future success in mind, the Australian Institute of Sport is funding two new research projects at Southern Cross University, including its first ever grant for the rising field of eSports.

Imagine it, Brisbane 2032, the final about to begin and the Australian team coming in as the hot favourite. In a packed auditorium and before a global audience of tens of millions, the Aussies strike, taking down rival players left and right and executing brilliant team strategy. When the screen flashes 'Game Over', Australia wins the first gold medal in the new Olympic discipline of … wait for it … eSports.

Sound unlikely? Well, think again, because

eSports – the competitive playing of video games – is already an international phenomenon and is only getting bigger. As the Olympic movement strives to remain relevant, particularly among young people, eSports are in the spotlight.

The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) is certainly taking notice, recently awarding Southern Cross University a $37,000 grant to develop a model for our future elite eSports players. It was one of two grants awarded to a new research group

– Physical Activity, Sport and Exercise Research (PASER) – within the Faculty of Health. The second grant is worth $49,500 and will see the Coffs Harbour-based team of Associate Professor Christian Swann, Associate Professor Chris Stevens and Dr Scott Goddard in partnership with Athletics Australia, University of Wollongong and the University of Canberra, build a research-based framework for understanding the psychology of optimal performance in elite sprint, power, and

Dr Dylan Poulus is leading a project at Southern Cross University investigating factors for success in esports.

Cross University,” says Associate Professor Swann. "These grants are a fantastic start for PASER and both projects will lead to exciting outcomes.

“We have around 25 members in total, all of whom are doing great research, so we’re expecting more successes as we build our profile in sport, exercise and physical activity research at Southern Cross University.

“We are also proud that both grants feature early-career researchers who are bringing exciting expertise to the field and building promising track records.”

Dr Dylan Poulus is one of those early career researchers, having completed his PhD less than two years ago. For the eSports project, he and colleague Dr Kyle Bennett will collaborate with Federation University, UTAS and the University of Groningen in partnership with Guinevere Capital, the biggest investor in eSports in Australia.

“This is the first time the AIS has funded eSports-related research and it reflects contemporary thinking around the nature and perception of sport,” he says.

“ESports continues to grow exponentially, with competition leagues for multi-player games such as League of Legends, DOTA 2 and Counter Strike attracting huge prizemoney and global audiences and fan groups in the millions.

Queensland University of Technology (QUT), where he established the first universitysupported esports program in Australia. Within a year it became QUT's biggest sporting club. After completing his PhD in eSports Psychology, he joined Southern Cross University in 2021. He also supports and consults to various professional eSports teams in Australia, including Team Bliss (Brisbane) and Dire Wolves (Sydney), that both play in the League of Legends competition. He has previously consulted for international teams and also supports Higher Degree Research students who are investigating aspects of eSports participation and player performance.

Guinevere Capital CEO, Mr Dave Harris, has welcomed involvement with Southern Cross University, saying: “We’re really pleased to be involved in this important piece of work cofunded by the AIS, framing the requirements for elite eSports competition and investigating how talent can best be developed.”

endurance athletes.

As PASER Lead, Associate Professor Swann says the two grants are significant given competition for AIS funding is always strong, coupled with the fact that PASER formed only last October. It also speaks volumes for the relevance of research conducted at Southern Cross University. “Such recognition affirms the credibility of sport and health-related research at Southern

The 12-month project could not be more timely, especially given the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recently announced nine eSports games to represent its continuing foray into the field.

“We don't know what makes the best gamers in the world, but we do know that luck is not a major element in these games. Like any sport, performance and outcomes are determined by your ability to make complex decisions and perform under extreme pressure.

“So, we will talk to the best coaches, players and team owners to build a model of performance which might then be applied towards Australia's competitive future in eSports – perhaps even inclusion in the Brisbane Olympic Games in 2032.”

Dr Poulus studied sports psychology at

The 12-month project could not be more timely, especially given the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recently announced nine eSports games to represent its continuing foray into the field. This follows a virtual series associated with the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The chosen nine comprise six video game simulations of existing Olympic events – cycling, taekwondo, tennis, archery, sailing and baseball – with the remaining three being motorsport, chess and dance.

And while staunch eSports fans may bemoan the fact that the most popular esports games do not feature on the list, the IOC says the lineup is not complete. In other words, the game is not over.

Whatever happens, the AIS is keeping a close watch on developments and keenly anticipating the research findings.

Says AIS Executive General Manager Ms Matti Clements: “This work aligns with a key priority outlined in Australia’s High Performance 2032+ Sport Strategy to deliver world-leading knowledge, innovation and practice to ensure our athletes, coaches and performance support can work as high functioning performance teams.”

Words: Michael Jacobson

GRXCE

GRACE Jamila

Jamila Grace grew up in Coffs Harbour and went off to the city to chase her dreams of a career in music after she finished school. She formed the band GRXCE in 2021 and they have been steadily gaining a strong fan base through showcasing their music with killer live shows and they now have songs on rotation at Triple J Unearthed.

Can you tell us about the origins of the band and how you came together to form Grxce?

The band came together just after the last lockdown in 2021 and was originally pitched as a solo project. Jono and I had been friends at University and shared a few classes and I was keen to get a band together after releasing my own stuff. I reached out in a Sydney Musicians Facebook group for a bassist and a drummer and that's how I found Emily and Alex. Luckily enough we worked so well together it just had to become a band and thus GRXCE was born.

How would you describe your sound and style, and what influences have inspired your music?

We all have such different musical influences when you look at us individually. Alex loves

hardcore and midwest emo, Emily loves female-led punk rock, Jono loves Blues based guitar such as Tom Misch or John Mayer and I listen to mainly indie rock or indie folk like Spacey Jane, Holly Humberstone or Phoebe Bridgers. I think having such a wide span of influences is what makes our music special because it cultivates something that struggles to be pigeon-holed but still sits really firmly in the indie rock category.

What themes and topics do you explore in your lyrics, and how do you approach writing and recording your music?

Our tagline when we started the band was that we make “sad music to dance to”, and I think that sums up our music still to this day. I write from true experience and always feel most authentic and in touch with what I’m writing if it was a situation or emotion that affected me deeply. I write a lot about family, moving away from a small town to

the city, the effects of that choice on how I’ve grown up and who I’ve become. I also write a lot about love, the awkward stages, the heartbreaks, the complexities of being a young person moving through the world. Overall, I try to capture as much as I can, not shying away from any emotion I feel.

You're currently on an East Coast tour and have recently hit the stage here on the Coffs Coast. What was it like playing back in your hometown?

Honestly? Surreal! Since starting the band I’ve struggled to find time to come home and see my family so it was a good excuse to get to do what I love and be with the people I love. Our single that we are supporting on this tour is all about family so it was very fitting to be back where I grew up.

Have you got any plans of creating and recording an album or EP?

There is no album or EP as of yet but it is

definitely beginning to be something we are thinking about releasing in the coming year or so. I’ve always wanted our first longer format work to be very thematic. I don’t really see a point of releasing a body of work all together if it is not amplified by being listened to back to back.

What was it like when you first discovered one of your songs was on rotation at Triple J Unearthed?

We actually made a bingo card of goals we wanted to achieve about a week or two prior and Unearthed rotation was one of them. We are so grateful to receive any support and it's just crazy to think that our music gets played on a radio station that I listened to constantly when I was growing up. We hope we can just continue to get people loving our music so we can play and create more!

How do you approach live performances, and what do you hope to convey to your audience through your shows?

Our live show is always evolving and I think there will definitely be a point where we will wanna push it bigger and use some more theatrical aspects. However, right now we are focused on creating as much flow as possible, we want an audience to feel swept up by the

set so when we finish they are left having felt all the emotions of the music. We are big on transitions and structure but I still like to throw some jokes in there every now and again haha.

Who have been some of your biggest musical influences or inspirations, and why?

are focused

creating as much flow as possible, we want an audience to feel swept up by the set so when we finish they are left having felt all the emotions of the music.

Lyrically I’d say Asha Jefferies, Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus and Holly Humberstone, Sonically I’d say girlhouse, Tommy Lefroy, Spacey Jane, beabadoobee and Royel Otis.

What do you think sets Grxce apart from other bands in the music scene today?

I would like to say it's that we are complex and we celebrate those complexities but in a scene that is dominated by hooky, instrumentally led soundscapes. We want to balance lyrical complexity with music that is danceable and catchy and fun, and find a middle ground rather than having to be one or the other.

What advice would you give to aspiring musicians who want to pursue a career in

the music industry?

Gig etiquette is everything. If you wanna thrive in the music industry you need to also support the scene you are in; show up to local gigs, watch your supporting bands, stand at the front of the crowd, make friends, respect gear and respect venues and their staff (especially sound techs). There is room for everyone in the industry so we gotta lift each other up and create a scene that is supportive, educating and nurturing and that starts with us as musicians.

Looking ahead, what are your goals for the future of the band, and what can fans expect from you in the coming years?

Our goal is just to play more and release more and hopefully by doing that we get to do this a full-time job one day. As far as what is coming in the very near future I can say we have new tracks coming out in May and hopefully another in August and are working on some really exciting shows and content for 2024. You’ll have to stay tuned to find out.

Right now we

on

Raami LAWRENCE

Raami Lawrence grew up in Repton on the edge of the National Park, and his fascination with reptiles started at a young age. HE BEGAN TAKING PHOTOS OF REPTILES HE CAME ACROSS AND HIS PHOTOGRAPHY HAS DEVELOPED INTO A PASSION, SHOWCASING THE AMAZING CREATURES WE HAVE HERE ON THE COFFS COAST. Raami hopes to show people how beautiful reptiles are and that they are not something to be feared if they are treated with kindness.

Can you tell us about your background in photography and how you first became interested in reptile photography?

Well for as long as I can remember I have loved reptiles. Photography began after a few years of finding all these animals I was absolutely obsessed with. I wanted to start photographing them just as a hobby. I started out with a point and shoot camera I got for $100. I did what I could with that and then upgraded to an entry level DSLR, slowly got more gear specifically for photographing reptiles, I have constantly been upgrading and trying new things, that is part of what I have been enjoying so much about photography. What is it about reptiles in particular that you find so interesting?

I have always had an interest in reptiles, they’re such misunderstood animals, they’re often seen as aggressive, which is entirely untrue, I hope I can educate people about their behaviours and how interesting they are. I grew up south of Coffs Harbour, in a small town called Repton on the southern end of Bongil Bongil National Park.The house was surrounded by all sorts of wildlife, which meant from a young age I was constantly finding new species and watching Steve Irwin, as most kids did, helped to foster my interests in animals, especially reptiles. My Dad, who always was interested in snakes, would often show my siblings and I what was in and around our house and we often had carpet pythons in the house with red bellied black and marsh snakes in the garden, and would find snakes on the road every night in summer driving home. I was 15 when I decided to get more serious about learning as much as

I could about reptiles, their behaviours and habitat preferences. I found it fascinating and from there, photography has become a passion to travel Australia and photograph new species.

What are some of the biggest challenges you face when photographing reptiles, and how do you overcome them?

I am very big on trying not to stress out the subject animal and not interfere with them. I admire and photograph them from a distance, making it safer for all involved. The weather is a big factor when it comes to photographing reptiles, Coffs Harbour has been so wet for the past few years due to the La Nina, it can be quite hard to get out and photograph anything in the rain. The camera gear can also be a big challenge, sometimes a flash decides to stop working or humidity fogging up the lens, all sorts of issues can arise and things like leeches and mosquitoes are always a factor, especially when photographing frogs. How do you approach capturing the personality and behaviour of each individual reptile in your photos?

I always prefer to make the subject look non-threatening so as to show the subject in a different light rather than getting a photo of something that looks aggressive or agitated. Photographing animals in a relaxed and stress free state, allows for more natural behaviour and will often show greater detail of the subjects to be shown. Frogs would have to be my favourite subjects to photograph, they’re such photogenic animals often sitting in their poses ready to be photographed with no interruption or stress on the animal which is what I strive for, it’s much more fulfilling when an animal is in-situ and you can just photograph it.

Continued over...

Most snake bites in Australia are a result of people TRYING TO CATCH OR KILL SNAKES, SO HELPING TO EDUCATE PEOPLE ON SAFELY DEALING with snakes and reptiles is a big aim of my photography.

Can you walk us through a typical shoot, from preparation to post-production?

Starts with having a subject to photograph and an idea for how I want the photo to turn out. I always have an idea in my head of exactly what I want to get out of a photo shoot. I often do photo shoots for people’s pet reptiles so that is always great practice. Making sure you have a setup to make it safe for the animal and myself, make sure camera gear is working, batteries are charged and there’s SD cards in the camera. I usually take test shots to check my settings and adjust accordingly. I use an off camera flash setup so I can adjust the angle and how close I have the flash for more control. Lighting is one of the most important components when it comes to photographing reptiles, especially since many are nocturnal. With lighting, many photographers use a method to create a more creative back lit photo which is something I will start implementing into my own work.

I only minimally edit my photos, only really adjusting highlights and shadows. I try to get the photo right in the field so I have less work to do in post processing. What sort of reptiles do you typically find here on the Coffs Coast?

The Coffs Coast has a great diversity of reptiles as we have quite a number of different habitats, from subtropical rainforest to

paperbark swamps to sandstone escarpments, so depending on the area you’re in you can see many different species. The more common snakes you’ll see around Coffs Harbour are red bellied black snakes and common tree snakes, often called green tree snakes and of course the good ol’ carpet python. In the drier areas you also get eastern brown snakes and loads of different skinks and lizards. With an abundance of waterfalls, swimming holes and walking trails around Coffs it is important to be aware of snakes and always carry first aid,

Lighting is one of THE MOST IMPORTANT COMPONENTS WHEN IT COMES TO PHOTOGRAPHING REPTILES, especially since many are nocturnal.

a snakebite bandage is a must if you’re out in the bush. Never try handling or moving snakes yourself, take a photo and contact a snake catcher if it’s on your own property, they will be able to identify the snake and give you advice about dealing with snakes in the future. If you see a snake in the wild, just leave it alone, it will continue on its own path.

How do you ensure the safety and wellbeing of the reptiles you photograph during a shoot?

Photographing from a distance is a start, making sure you don’t touch the animal is a big one for frogs, especially as many frogs

In NSW are having a hard time because of chytrid fungus. Not handling these animals helps to ensure the safety of them and yourself, which are equally important when it comes to photographing reptiles.

What do you hope to achieve through your reptile photography, and what message do you hope to convey to your audience?

At this time I am trying to improve my photography as much as I can and continuing to share my photos and hopefully changing negative opinions about reptiles. In hopes that the next time someone has a snake in their yard it doesn’t get unnecessarily killed and they call a snake catcher to remove it. Most snake bites in Australia are a result of people trying to catch or kill snakes, so helping to educate people on safely dealing with snakes and reptiles is a big aim of my photography.

Who have been some of your biggest influences or mentors in your photography career?

As I mentioned earlier, Steve Irwin was a huge inspiration when I was young, binge watching all his documentaries was something I would do often as a kid. His passion for wildlife was something I wanted, and am glad that I now have that. I’ve gotten to know some amazing photographers all over Australia such as Rob Valentic (@www.gondwanareptileproductions. com) a very well known and well respected

photographer. He has been an absolute wealth of knowledge when it comes to any photography questions and has always been willing to help me become a better photographer. My best mate Joel Briso who I’ve done a lot of my trips with, has provided me with constant friendly competition. He is also a phenomenal photographer, we both try to top each other's photos which makes the hobby even more enjoyable. There are many more I’ve met over the last few years and followed on social media that I take inspiration from.

Looking ahead, what are your goals for the future of your reptile photography career, and how do you plan to achieve them?

I will be looking forward to continue getting out and about, I enjoy being out in the bush and if I can get some nice photos whilst out there that’s awesome, just being out in the bush is the biggest part for me with photography coming as a bonus. Branching out into other styles of photography such as landscape and astrophotography is something I will be getting into in the future, and hope that I may be able to combine some of these to improve my reptile photography even more.

Thanks Raami

Not handling these animals HELPS TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THEM AND YOURSELF, WHICH ARE EQUALLY IMPORTANT when it comes to photographing reptiles.

Suspending Age Pension

YOUR

MATTERS MONEY

There are important changes to the Age Pension, Carer Payment, and Disability Support Pension in Australia that came into effect on the 20th of March, 2023.

W

hen your employment income goes over the cut-off point, it will reduce your Age Pension to $0 for that fortnight. If your income goes over the cut off point for more than 6 fortnights in a row, your Age Pension payment will be suspended. This will be for up to 2 years, so you don’t have to reclaim if you start earning less or stop working.You don’t need to ask to suspend your payment, and it will happen automatically. When this happens, you will be advised in writing and told the dates of the period of suspension.

You won’t need to report your employment income while your payment is suspended.

You can also keep your Pensioner Concession Card for up to 2 years during the suspension and you won’t need to report your income each fortnight.

• you only earn income from selfemployment, even if your business is in Australia.

In addition to this change, the Age Pension, Carer Payment, and Disability Support Pension will increase by $37.50 a fortnight for singles and $56.40 a fortnight for couples combined.

This increase applies to Disability Support Pension recipients who are either older than 21 years of age or younger than 21 and caring for a dependent child. Please note that you do not need to take any action to receive this increase, as it will happen automatically.

Pension will be suspended if both of these conditions apply:

• you get Australian employment income

• your income goes over the cut-off point for more than six fortnights in a row.

Your Age Pension will not be suspended if any of the following apply:

• you don’t get Australian employment income

• you have a Work Bonus balance

COMMONWEALTH SENIORS HEALTH CARD - ENTITLEMENT

Income limit thresholds:

• Single $90,000

• Couple (combined) $144,000

• Illness-separated couple (combined) $180,000

• For each additional child add $639.60

I HAVE BEEN SUED , WHAT DO I DO NOW?

Firstly - don’t get sued to start with. Before the Court Proceeding arrived, you would have received a letter of demand of some variety outlining the dispute, why the other side felt aggrieved and what they wanted. OK you probably didn’t agree with their version of events or their demand, but that doesn’t mean you stick your head in the sand and ignore them. Get on the front foot, get legal advice on your position and reply to the demand.

Your reply may take the wind out of their sails, or you may be able to negotiate a quick settlement. Secondly – if you have been sued, don’t ignore it. You only have 28 days to file your

defence or try to negotiate an out-ofcourt settlement. If you don’t, the other side can apply for default judgment. This is a decision where they win the amount they sued for, but also extra money for interest and their legal fees incurred. Once a judgement/order has been entered against you, that can be used to wind up your company, or bankrupt you personally, or haul you into court along with your financial documents to extract the money you owe. None of which is pleasant.

Thirdly - Remember once sued, it may be too late to try and go back and re-open an old offer to settle. The other side will have incurred, and be entitled to, interest on the debt (approx. 7% at present), court filing fees, and the fees they have paid their

lawyer for advice and drafting the court documents.

Fourthly – get a lawyer, a good one. Not all lawyers are the same. Some specialise in wills, or tax, or property. Many dabble in disputes, some do it full time. Make sure you get the right one (a full-time disputes lawyer), and not one that wants to just have the court fight, but one that will try and negotiate a settlement and get you back to what you do best – your business – as quickly and cheaply as possible.

Business take-away: If you receive a letter of demand don’t waste time. Get legal advice about your position and your rights quickly, you may be able to settle the dispute. If you get sued, see a good disputes lawyer as you only have a short time to prepare a defence or try to negotiate a deal.

The content in this article should be regarded as general advice only and is not intended as specific legal advice for individual cases.

KEEP CALM AND

If you’ve received a letter of demand, don’t stick your head in the sand and ignore them. Get on the front foot, get legal advice on your position and reply to the demand.

RAD REFUNDED

Room prices in aged care are usually quoted as a lump sum. Often this is a big number, which can cause a lot of worry. But this is also one of the most misunderstood areas of residential aged care. Demystifying the rules may reduce some of the worry.

The lump sum charged for a room in residential care is called a Refundable Accommodation Deposit – RAD for short. While this may look like a lot of money to hand over, it is important to realise that a RAD is not “lost” money. The amount you pay as a RAD is refundable when you leave care or pass away.

If you pay a RAD, you will need to give up access to this money while you live in care, but it remains part of your wealth and is part of the inheritance that you can leave to your family. How much is refundable?

Your full RAD paid will be refundable when you leave care. The amount refunded is only reduced if you have asked (or allowed) the provider to deduct some of your ongoing care fees from your RAD, instead of paying these

amounts from your bank account or other income sources.

The rules were different before 1 July 2014, so you may have had experience with a family member who did not get all their money back in previous years. The rules are also different for retirement villages where you may lose a portion of your entry cost as a deferred management fee or refurbishment fee.

Under the current rules for residential aged care, as long as you pay your other fees in full each month, there will be nothing to deduct from the RAD and all of the money paid is eventually refunded.

When is the RAD refunded?

The aged care provider needs to refund your RAD when you leave care or pass away. When you pass away, your executor may need to obtain probate and show a copy to the

P 0431 414 799

provider. The provider then has 14 days to pay the refund. If the provider does not require probate, they might have a cheque ready to pay the refund when your family come to collect your personal items.

One of the key planning aspects is to ensure you do not leave yourself short by allocating too much towards the RAD, and then not having enough funds to pay other ongoing expenses.

Call me today on 0431 414 799 to see how I can help with making the right decisions and understanding the impacts of the RAD and 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

Understanding the refund rules for RADs may remove some of the stress and worry with a move into residential care.

Under the current rules for residential aged care, as long as you pay your other fees in full each month, there will be nothing to deduct from the RAD and all of the money paid is eventually refunded.

IN BUSINESS WOMEN

with CATH FOWLER

Naomi LISHMAN

Can you tell us a little bit about your business?

5Rhythms is a moving meditation class with no steps. Participants are guided through a 90 minute wave of music, crafted specifically for the class, incorporating the rhythms of flow, staccato, chaos, lyrical and finally stillness in order to calm stressful, busy and disconnected lives and reach a place of calm, harmonious equilibrium.

It can be compared to a yoga class, in that the end goal is the same and it is a practice which deepens over time, however it is really about listening to how your body wants to move, rather than anyone telling you how to move it. This can be challenging, as we live in a world where we are quite confined in our movements and emotional expressions. My job is to release the grip the mind has over the body and allow the body to surrender to its innermost wisdom, allowing emotions and patterns of behaviour to be released.

Gabrielle Roth, the founder of this work, always said “the body doesn’t lie”. Unfortunately we override our bodies instincts on a daily basis and we wonder why we feel depressed, stuck or alienated. This is a practice of getting out of the way of the head and reconnecting with our most sacred essence and anyone can do this. You can crawl, roll, run, skip, jump, jig, jive, cry, scream, laugh and

sweat without fear of any judgement!

What’s your favourite part of the work you do? I love watching newcomers enter the room, usually full of trepidation and feeling quite self-conscious, and transform themselves into a lighter, younger, more connected, bodypositive and peaceful being. I also love how regular practitioners seem more present, more expanded and liberated, gaining more confidence to move out of their comfort zones and express themselves in different ways.

I have had feedback that this is better than counselling, that sore necks and backs have been healed and even that love has been kindled!

but have only just started teaching in Coffs Harbour. I love the area for its stunning natural beauty and believe nature is one of our biggest healers, so obviously I feel very blessed to live in the region.

Gabrielle Roth founder of the 5Rhythms always said “don’t give up your day job” and I would agree as that means you’re not putting all your eggs in one basket.

What piece of advice would you give women making their way in the business world? Commitment is everything. It’s easy to get disheartened when you put so much into something and get so little in return at the beginning, but you must commit to riding the ups and downs in order to get to that steady income level. Gabrielle Roth founder of the 5Rhythms always said “don’t give up your day job” and I would agree as that means you’re not putting all your eggs in one basket.

Who is your greatest influence in business?

My greatest influences have been some of my teachers and mentors, Kate Shela, Alain Allard for their inspirational teaching and somatic knowledge, but as far as business influencers, the closest I can get to is Brene Brown. Have you always lived on the Coffs Coast?

I moved to Bellingen around seven years ago and started teaching weekly classes then,

Where can people find out more about your business? I’m on Instagram 5rhythms_bellingen, my facebook page is 5Rhythmsnaomilishman and my email is naomilishman@gmail.com Classes are held weekly on Friday nights in Bellingen at 6pm St.Margarets Hall and 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month at the Cavanbah Centre in Coffs Harbour.

FROM THE DIGITAL LANEWAY

Home ULTIMATE

O’Brien

COFFS HARBOUR NORTH Plumbing and Relining

At O’Brien Plumbing and Relining Coffs Harbour North we are a professional team built on years of experience, reliability and are passionate about our industry. We are proud to be a part of our local community and work on iconic landmark buildings that define our area.

As a local business we’ve earned a reputation for delivering exceptional residential and commercial plumbing services. Our skilled technicians approach each project with passion and dedication, ensuring our work meets the highest of standards.

We understand the importance of prompt and efficient solutions for plumbing issues, whether it’s for a residential home or a commercial asset we can give you the guidance to make the right plumbing decisions.

At O’Brien Plumbing and Relining

Coffs Harbour

North, we take pride in our work, our commitment to excellence, and our dedication to working with our community.

At O’Brien Plumbing and Relining Coffs Harbour North, we take pride in our work,

our commitment to excellence, and our dedication to working with our community. Trust us for all your plumbing needs, and experience the passion and pride we bring to every project. Contact us today to see the difference that O’Brien Plumbing and Relining can make for your home or business.

Oz Design

Macleods

Godfreys

“Friendly advice from the faces you know...” to create the lifestyle you love…

Amore Lighting

Barbeques Galore

Harvey Norman

BODY BALANCE A Lifestyle Choice

Have you experienced the new technologies at Harvey Norman in the new Body Balance Ranges.

INTEGRA Body Balance, handmade by Australian craftsmen, the Body Balance Integra medium mattress combines Body Balance memory foam and Conforma Technology to create a perfect balance of both comfort and support.

DEVA - Sleep in harmony with the Body Balance Deva mattress. Its Body Balance memory foam offers luxurious comfort while Conforma Support System adapts to your body weight and curves for excellent pressure relief and minimal partner disturbance.

BOTH Deva and Integra Body Balance come with a 15 year warranty.

APPROVED by the National Asthma

Council of Australia.

The BODY BALANCE in any sleep position individually conforms to your body shape. This individual contouring results in minimal partner disturbance and a more restful sleep during the night.

Body Balance Integra and Body Balance Deva are on special currently and come with two bonus pillows valued at over $300 dollars.

Exclusive to Harvey Norman Bedding.

NURSERY BONVILLE

Walking into a plant nursery is much like the feeling you get when you finally see your best friend after a long break. There’s always a lot to catch up on, but you want to take your time and savour the moment. With Bonville Nursery, that feeling is tenfold. This little nursery packs a punch. We caught up with Chloe Brant, Bonville Nursery’s owner, for a bit of a yarn.

Hi Chloe, So what is different about Bonville Nursery? We’re really trying to push the boundaries of what a regular nursery can offer. We’re young, passionate and, most importantly, we want your gardens to be climate change ready. That means helping to plan a customer's garden more intimately, ask the right questions and even offer a service to come to the property to consult on what plants are suited. We especially love to educate our customers on native and waterwise species.

What do you love most about the nursery? Plant people! You can tell a plant person a mile off. Even if you know nothing about how to grow plants or what they're called, plant people are always open, curious and have a love of nature. Along with our neighbours Bonville Landscape Centre, the property is a fabulous hub of like-minded people – we all love being outdoors in the garden and want to

share that passion with others. To build on that foundation, we’ll be launching our workshop series later in the year to help bring the wider community together through the love of gardening and plants.

What's the biggest challenge in the nursery industry? Garden Centres, in the past, have been pretty dated. Filled with European flowers that wither in a day of heat, walls of chemicals that contribute to the problem rather than the solution and unsustainable plants that we know are invasive. We want to appeal to the younger demographic of people who have grown up with that sustainability mentality, from young kids and their indoor plant collection to families looking to plant out a productive and fun garden. This is why so many of our selections are native-focused and why we make sure to have proper conversations with customers about what solutions are available. We aren’t here to gatekeep knowledge on how to make a costeffective, happy, thriving garden!

Favourite plant and why? Ohhh, it changes so often! Today it’s the Wattle – Thousands of species, beautiful flowers/foliage, quick growing, rugged and they prime the soil for other plants with those juicy nitrogen-fixing nodules!

Hi Ben, Tell us a bit about Bonville Landscape Centre? G’day – we’re a family-run business that specialises in premium landscape solutions. We have an amazing breadth of knowledge and a wide-reaching product offering from soils, mulches and stone to garden edging, tools, turf and now outdoor garden furniture, which we make in-house to keep costs down for our customers. We know that landscaping can be a costly exercise and we think we’ve landed the perfect balance of quality and affordability. What is the most important thing when selecting the right landscape materials?

LANDSCAPE BONVILLE CENTRE

Just next door to the nursery the juxatoposition of sand, soil and stone is obvious. Bonville Landscape Centre seems like rugged terrain but the people and service are anything but. We caught up with Owner Ben Dyer to chat more about this dynamic, thriving landscape supplies business.

Quality is huge. For example, all of our soils and compost are heat treated to avoid contamination from weeds like onion grass which is a common occurrence on untreated soils.

I think with the pandemic now passing, our desire to make our homes our castle is something that is hanging around, and landscaping is such a huge part of that. Take front gardens, for example, this is the first thing people see when they come to your house, and landscaping plays a huge role. You want the products you use to reflect the premium nature of the property. What kind of service can customers expect when visiting? Our team are super

approachable and has a great rapport with customers. There are definitely no dumb questions! We have such diverse customers of all ages, genders and with different product requirements so we are used to hairy questions! Also, we have a few extra services we include, like free use of our trailer and affordable delivery options. Finally the fact that we have our good friend Bonville Nursery just next door means that our property acts as a one-stop shop and full-service facility when it comes to landscaping. Finally, what’s the one thing a garden can't go without? Its gotta be a fantastic firepit area. I love the look of a perfectly gravelled firepit paired with some garden planters and timber seating. Who needs a TV when you have a fire?

325 Pine Creek Way, Bonville NSW 2450 (02) 5606 2495

bonvillelandscapecentre

bonvillelandscapecentre.com.au

Selling in a reasonable time frame is every genuine vendor’s aim, second only to selling for the highest possible price. Yet most agents say that the hardest sale to make is the one that comes along in the first days of marketing.

Inexperienced vendors are often unaware of the mechanics of the marketing process. They think that if purchaser one is prepared to pay ‘X dollars” in the first week of marketing, then purchaser two will pay ‘X dollars plus” the next week. Or the other fatal trap that they believe, they may have listed too low. They say things like if the first ad brings in this sort of response, what will the second one bring? – it’s as if price increases incrementally with time.

Vendors should be aware of the processes that are set in motion when a property first comes on the market. A property attracts the greatest amount of attention, if marketed properly, when it is first presented. If you were to plot this information on a graph, you would see a large spike of enquiry in the first week which begins to taper off from about week two.

All the purchasers that have been looking for their ideal home for weeks and months converge eagerly on a new listing. These are the qualified purchasers - the ones who have done their homework and know exactly what their money will buy. New listings attract numbers and numbers mean competition and

it’s competition that creates the climate that generates the highest offers. This is the time when a purchaser who falls in love with a property will be afraid that someone else will snap it up before they do. The longer a property is on the market at a given price, the more the sense of competition fizzles out and the more likely subsequent purchasers are to feel they have plenty of time to make up their minds. The feeling that time is on their side gives purchasers the psychological edge. Basically they feel they can afford to offer less with more chance of getting a bargain, it’s not hard for them to work out that a property is getting stale.

One of the first questions prospective purchasers ask an agent during an inspection is, “how long has it been on the market?” A property starts to go stale once all the “qualified” purchasers have inspected it. Those who come on the scene subsequently are new to the marketplace and have yet to work out what their money will buy. Naturally new purchasers are unready and unwilling to commit themselves until they have done their homework.

In the final analysis, the vendor’s two main aims are not separable, they are two sides of the same coin. Selling for the highest price usually means getting serious about that early offer. Vendors who fall victim to First Offer Syndrome often regret their early refusal to negotiate when they discover that further down the track

they end up settling for less. Purchasers who have done their homework are their own best advisers, especially since a more professional agent will always be acting for the vendor. By the time purchasers are ready to make an offer they know what is selling for what price. But they need to be realistic - a ridiculous initial offer on a competitively priced property rarely ends up in the bargain the purchaser was hoping for. Vendors who are offended often refuse to come back with a counter offer and the purchaser misses out on the opportunity to buy.

Many people forget that negotiation is a two-way process - a kind of adjustment where two parties evolve slowly to a position they find mutually satisfactory. Vendors who won’t negotiate miss out on genuine purchasers and end up selling for less in the long run when the property becomes stale. Only very skilled negotiators know when refusing to negotiate is the best strategy. Whether you’re a purchaser or a vendor, leaving a window open for negotiation usually means you won’t get the door closed on the sale. A non-negotiation stance is confrontationist and leads to a breakdown in communication and a no-sale. Vendors who don’t negotiate never find out the highest price their would-be purchaser is prepared to pay. Even if they don’t like the highest offer the information is useful for future comparison with other offers.

Now the market has done a bit of a swing and more properties are coming to market, vendors are now in competition when selling their homes.

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 be plans to choose from, including single and two storey, granny flat and dual occupancy… there’s sure to be a design and two granny design to suit your lifestyle. Whether you have a flat or a sloping block of any size, even knocking down your existing a any even knocking down house to rebuild a new home, you can be sure we can bring your vision to life. a you be

If you can dream it, we can build it.

Visit one of our stunning display homes today!

Moonee Beach Estate Beach

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. Angler

Open Thursday to Monday 10am-4pm

Contact : Tracey Lavelle 0434 499 829 Lavelle

tracey.lavelle@perryhomes.com.au