Port Macquarie Focus - i91

Feature Story GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

June 2013 // issue 91

Kat Atkins

editor's note.

What’s

ON@ JACK CHARLES V THE CROWN The inspiring and uplifting story of Jack Charles, one of Australia’s near forgotten treasures, his life story, in his own words.

“An inspiring journey of resilience and reconnection.” The Age Friday 21 June, 8pm & Saturday 22 June, 8pm Non Member: Adult $49.50, Conc $45, Under 21/Student/Group (6+) $41.50 GH Member: Adult $45, Conc/Group (6+) $41.50, Under 21/Student $39.50

MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL

editor.

from the

jay beaumont.

Saturday 29 June, 6pm & 9pm

Welcome to the June issue of Greater Port Macquarie FOCUS.

T

here is a chill in the air!

But that didn't stop thousands of locals getting out and about in the recent month to enjoy some great events. The rain threatened to spoil the Camden Haven's big day – but sunny skies looked over the Slice of Haven 2013 so that locals could eat and drink their way around the local fare. Well done to the Slice team for another great event!

Winter may be here, but there will still be plenty of reasons to leave the house in coming months. The Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow will be rolling into town in June; Luke McGregor tells us about his gig in the show on page 21.

There are host of other events; as always, we have included as many as we can in the FOCUS pages for you.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE This month we caught up with a number of locals, including our very own centenarian Keith Dawson – happy 100th, Keith! John Van der Lay also recounts his early years during war times; another great read about a local legend.

or people worth interviewing, make sure you drop us a line: jay@focusmag.com.au We have also put together three great features on local professionals this edition: Lake Road Health; Meet the Experts; and Decades in the Trade feature a wealth of industry experienced professionals. Be sure to check them out and see if they have a service to suit you.

THE COVER Our cover this month is a familiar face to those who watch The Voice. Faustina Agolley is the social media reporter on Australia’s top rating show and will be here in Port Macquarie to headline the inaugural 'Luminosity Youth Summit in July.' This exciting 3 day event will bring a host of celebrity and entrepreneurial speakers to empower young adults in our region. For more info, check out page 15.

FINAL SAY "Never tell your problems to anyone ... 20% don't care and the other 80% are glad you have them!" – Lou Holtz.

Got a story idea? Looking to advertise in Focus? Contact us for more information.

Jay Be Beaumont – Editor jay@focusmag.com.au

Eminent historian Dr Keith Vincent Smith discusses Bungaree’s life and story through the many historical portraits that have been documented throughout history. This talk is held in association with the Bungaree: The First Australian on exhibition until 30 July. Bookings essential.

Friday 14 June, 10am Adult $8, Friends/ Members $5. Includes morning tea.

Peter McKenzie, After Rodius, 2011, graphite on paper, 30 x 24 cm. Image courtesy the artist.

COFFEE MORNING: CONTEMPORARY ABORIGINAL ART Come along for the chance to hear one of the artists from the Bungaree exhibition talk about their arts and arts process. Bookings essential.

Friday 28 June, 10am Adult $8, Friends/ Members $5. Includes morning tea.

STRANDED: WARWICK THORTON

FILM SCREENING: SAMSON & DELILAH

Image: Samson & Delilah, still from movie.

dylan@focusmag.com.au 2007 Business of the Year 2009 Winner Professional Services 2010 Winner Professional Services 2010 Winner Business to Business Choice Award 2011 Winner Creative, IT & Communications 2012 Winner Creative, IT & Communications 2012 Finalist Excellence in Business.

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Joey Dable

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Jeff Cowan

ARTEFACTS: THE MANY FACES OF BUNGAREE

Sunday 16 June, 2pm

ART DIRECTOR: Dylan Gaul

Comments and opinions of our contributors do not necessarily reflect the opinion or view of the Publishers or Editor. All reasonable efforts have been made to trace copyright holders. Information appearing in Focus is believed to be correct at the time of going to press however no liability will be held for inaccurate information approved or supplied by advertisers or contributors.

While all care is taken it is recommended that readers confirm dates, times, prices and any other material including advice with individual businesses and industry professionals. Greater Port Macquarie Focus is produced and published by Creative House Publications PTY LTD ABN: 62128786005 Material in Focus is Copyright © Creative House Publications PTY LTD 2009-2013 and may not be reproduced whole or in part, in any form, without permission of the Publisher. All rights reserved.

On show 25 May - 30 June

Come and see the free screening of this award-winning film directed by Warwick Thornton in the Ross Family Studio. Bookings essential.

jay@focusmag.com.au

joey@focusmag.com.au

ALSO IN THE GALLERY BUNGAREE: THE FIRST AUSTRALIAN

Warwick Thornton, Stranded, 2011. 3D digital video © Warwick Thornton. Commissioned by the Adelaide Film Festival Investment Fund. Courtesy of the artist and Stills Gallery, Sydney.

EDITOR: Jay Beaumont

ADDRESS: 4/74 Clarence Street, Port Macquarie, NSW 2444 PHONE: 02 6584 7433 FAX: 02 6584 6733 WEB: www.focusmag.com.au TV: www.focustv.com.au

Non Member: Adult $40, Conc $36.50, Under 21/Student/Group (6+) $29.50 GH Member: Adult $36.50, Conc/Group (6+) $32.50, Under 21/Student $26.50

On show 25 May - 21 July

Of course, if you know of great local heroes

contacts.

Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow is back, with a big night of comedy from some of the world’s funniest comedians.

PHOTOGRAPHER:

Michael Marchment michael@focusmag.com.au

CARLA COULSON On Show 25 May - 21 July Carla Coulsen, Backstage, Moulin Rouge, Archival pigment fin art pearl print, printed on 100% cotton paper, 21cm x 30cm, (detail). Courtesy of the artist.

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Kyle Rathbone kyle@focusmag.com.au

*Transaction fees may apply

jeff@focusmag.com.au

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER: Louise Beaumont louise@focusmag.com.au

ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: Chrissy Jones chrissy@focusmag.com.au

ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: Jasmin Johansson jasmin@focusmag.com.au

ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: Annette Wannell annette@focusmag.com.au

COPY EDITORS: Jo Atkins / Reg Brookhouse jo@focusmag.com.au / reg@focusmag.com.au

TRAVEL EDITOR: Susie Boswell winwin@portpr.com

FOCUS IS PROUD TO SUPPORT THESE GREAT COMMUNITY EVENTS AND PROGRAMS.

of the

Free Dessert with entree and main meal purchase Monday - Thursday* Open 7 nights & Lunch Friday - Sunday

Book now: 02 6584 3677 *Offer available with entree and main meal purchase from ala carte menu Monday - Thursday for a limited time only. Not available on show nights.

No further discounts apply.

02 6581 8888 glasshouse.org.au

Cnr Clarence & Hay Sts, Port Macquarie, NSW 2444 The Glasshouse is supported by the NSW Government through Arts NSW

greater port macquarie focus 3

focusinterview.

Atkins Where are they now?

on what I eventually want to do. I feel pretty lucky that I have somehow managed to merge my two passions of engaging with nature and design to create One Leaf.

Where does the inspiration come from to create your stunning pieces?

Nature is my never-ending source of motivation, as it is always changing. e to lik ld ou w I When a piece is finally Kat Atkins – a former local making a name for herself become a world completed, I then go lery out on the world stage. renowned jeweln for and journey off to designer know photograph them in i Kat. Describe your backout of the helicopter s and custom design en se ot the same environments ground growing up in the and hanging from a n unique pieces jo y the en that inspired them in Hastings area ...

I line as the helicopter elsewhere. a customof ge the beginning. I am I grew up living in Transit flies along is the biggest n challe ushes p it ; er d or e also inspired by different Hill, Port Macquarie, not far buzz! ad m ore me to get even m cultures and my customfrom Shelly Beach. This was As if your life hasn’t creative .” ers’ own unique styles. my personal playground … whatever the condibeen busy enough, I enjoy the challenge of a tions were, there was always something to do at you’re also becoming quite custom-made order; it pushes me Shellys: explore the rock-pools, snorkel the reef, well known for your jewellery to get even more creative to make such surf the waves, or venture the tracks. designs. Tell us about One Leaf Derare pieces suited to the individuals. I have the I went to Heritage Christian School from signs ... when did you start your business, desire to travel across the world collecting rare K- 12 and worked at the Port Macquarie Sports and what kinds of items do you create? beads and supplies and meeting people from Stadium for 5 years. I also played basketball, was I was making jewellery as gifts and then in different cultures, as the pieces created from a member of Flynns Beach Surf Club and the September 2011, family and friends encourthese journeys will all have an adventure to tell.

Port Tri Club, competing in Triathlons all along aged me to make use of my talents and the What materials do you typically use to crethe coast. Many holidays and weekends were resources I already had. As a result, One Leaf ate your designs? spent camping at Diamond Head. emerged. Many items are one of kind and are I use a large range of products from all over Why did you decide to move to the Gold created from unique beads found from all over the world. I currently use semi-precious gemCoast – how long have you lived there? the world. There is quite a variety of designs, as stones, wood, shell, porcelain, Indian glass, AfriI originally moved to Hamilton Island for 3 I also like to make custom made pieces to suit can beads, sterling silver and other metals. I am years and loved the hot Queensland weather. individuals. I currently design and make earrings, continually researching supplies; where possible, The Gold Coast is nice and sunny and also has necklaces, bracelets and anklets. I am planning I try to buy Fairtrade beads. Fairtrade beads are the waves to surf; I have been here for almost 5 to design and make rings very soon. also the most unique. All sterling silver supplies years now.

Where did the impetus come from to actuused are made from 100% recycled silver.

What’s your day job? ally design and create jewellery – has it I do look for the ethical value and will always I work for SLSQ [Surf Life Saving Queensland] always been a dream of yours? buy the environmentally friendly supplies over Point Danger Branch as a Development Officer, I’ve worked in the Outdoor Adventure indusothers. This does get tricky; however, with assisting the Surf Clubs where necessary and try for 12 years and turned to jewellery in my persistent research I manage to obtain the best training the volunteers who work on the beach. downtime. I always dreamt that down the track supplies. I stay completely away from any cheap You volunteer with the Westpac Rescue I would love to create unique designs and sell manufactured plastics.

Helicopter as one of their Down the Wire them, but thought it would be something that My favourite pieces have also been made Rescue Crew. What are some highlights I would do later in life when I had a family, as I from upcycling beads from old vintage jewellery. from your time with this organisation? love adventuring too much.

Some pieces have been quite sentimental to Assisting with rescues is always rewarding, I finally came to a point and decided that people, such as a necklace given to them many but the training days are the greatest; jumping instead of working numerous jobs, to focus

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years ago that has broken. I am able to pull it apart and make it into an exciting brand new piece, still holding onto the same sentimental value!

Career or design-wise, where would you like to be in 5 years’ time? What’s the dream?

Wow, I would love it all to happen in 5 years!

I am self taught and continually developing my skills, currently learning from some great people in silversmithing and photography.

I would like to become a world renowned jewellery designer known for custom designs and unique pieces not seen elsewhere. I want people to embrace their best selves and celebrate the joys and adventures offered by life when they wear One Leaf.

I am excited to start working with silver; however, I will always keep the beaded collections, as this is where it started and it can be hard to find some quality beaded pieces these days that are different and not just in the next department store, or market.

I want to own a workshop flexible to employees, where people who can only work a couple of hours a day; for example, mums and students, can come and bead.

Combined with this workshop, I would like to create a unique place where people will come from all over to buy the designs and stay and have coffee and lunch – a must see tourist destination. I want to get to a stage where people will say, “I want Kat to design that”. Or have people say, “Where did you get that”, and they reply, “From this cool place called One Leaf in Australia; you have to check it out”.

Where can we buy/source your jewellery?

The Online Boutique: www.oneleafdesigns. com.au One Leaf also offers jewellery parties, which are a unique experience brought straight to your home for you and friends to enjoy. These parties are available from Port Macquarie to the Sunshine Coast QLD. Contact: info@oneleafdesigns.com.au Thanks Kat. Interview by Jo Atkins.

inside this

Issue 91 - June 2013

11.

Jack Charles.

Jack Charles V The Crown – a one of a kind, never to be forgotten production co-written and performed by Uncle Jack Charles himself.

One of the ‘stolen generation’, with a life marked by substance abuse, crime, courage and overcoming adversity, star of several iconic films, now an Aboriginal leader and spokesperson – Jack’s story will move you …

Abel Tasman.

18.

Excited that their music is taking them places, the boys from melodic metalcore band Abel Tasman are looking forward to performing at the Youth Hub in Port Macquarie on June 30.

104.

Army Reserve.

Men and women in our local Army Reserve units form part of 41st Battalion, The Royal New South Wales Regiment (41 RNSWR), which covers an area from Tweed Heads in the North, to Taree in the south...

6. Carla Coulson 12. John Van der Ley 21. Luke McGregor 40. Karen Archer 49. Move Eat Live Well

usual suspects.

the

10. what’s on for June 22. eat featuring local restaurants 37. social scene with Kate Wood-Foye 39. palate pleasures with Lou Perri 43. travel with Susie Boswell 53. starguide with Terri 66. tourism with Janette Hyde 75. port chamber update with Hadyn Oriti 97. landcare with Estelle Gough 97. real estate with Greg Trembath

No matter where you are in the world, read Focus for free online every month @

www.focusmag.com.au follow us on www.facebook.com/focus.mag www.twitter.com/focusmag www.focusmag.com.au/eat greater port macquarie focus 5

focusinterview.

Story by Liz Brennan

Carla Coulson Looking perfectly at home in a classic French café in the heart of the historic Marais district of Paris, the sound of her voice comes as a surprise. Without a doubt, Carla Coulson is Australian born and bred; she’s never shaken the unique Australian drawl, and she doesn’t intend to.

I

t’s been a long time since Carla called Port Macquarie home, but she retains a deep affection for our part of the world.

She returns to Australia regularly and often drops into ‘Port’ to see her lifelong friend, Athalee. She recalls her teenage years here with fondness and remarks that if she was to return, being based in Port Macquarie is not out of the question.

So how did a former Port Macquarie teenager end up a successful Paris-based photographer? By the rockiest road possible, it seems.

Rewind to 2000 … picture a successful, beautiful businesswoman. She’s got the perfect life. Business was good, there’s an inner-city Art Deco flat, a wardrobe bursting with designer labels – a life packed with appointments, meetings and travel. Surely a life to envy?

Apparently not. All that glitters is not gold, and it took a silver jewellery box at the bottom of a Thai takeaway bag to illuminate the souldestroying emptiness of a ‘perfect life’ one lonely Friday night before Christmas over 12 years ago.

A Christmas gift from Carla’s favourite Thai restaurant to their best customer turned out not to be a thank-you present but rather a farewell gift – as Carla began a journey with two packed suitcases, a second-hand Nikon and a ticket to Florence.

“I knew that something had to change, that I couldn’t go on living like this, being the best customer of a takeaway Thai restaurant,” she explains. “I called my friends in a panic to only get their answering machines – they were all out with friends and family – and I was alone. I met with my business partner in a café and explained, rather hysterically I admit, that I could not do it anymore,” she recalls sadly. And she went in search of a new life. Initially intended to be a year of exploration, it’s turned into a lifetime.

And it was in Florence Carla finally stopped ‘existing’ and began living. She settled into a share house with an eccentric loving Italian ‘mamma’, Popi; she completed an Italian language course; she took endless photos and slowly a month turned into two and then three, then four… as the end of the year approached, Carla had a growing sense of anxiety. A fear of returning to Sydney and falling into the same rut – with a silver jewellery box to reflect her sadness.

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“Popi kept saying ‘don’t go back then, why go back? Stay, stay with me',” recalls Carla with a wry smile on her face. And so she did.

She went on to complete photography courses in Florence and Sydney – and just one year later had her first photographic story published in Marie Claire Australia. It sounds so simple. Move to exotic location with a As it turned out, camera and ‘click’, life it was a stroke of is fabulous. d in genius to be base uld Sounds great, co rs Europe, edito doesn’t it? as just call me – I w Not quite. “I to and present her portfolio n, tio ca lo here , on worked really really ng ,” hi before she was admitted to yt er ev se ni orga hard,” says Carla. backstage.

At the heart of her “I thought for a long time story is hard work and a about how to photograph determination to succeed. Her them. I wanted to photograph advice to budding photographers them like a fashion shoot. They are is simple. dancers so they know how to move, but their “Work hard; take photos of everything. If moments are precise, poised. I wanted something you want to be published you need to develop different. I asked them to remember moments, a pitch, a story for editors. I developed a body look down and away from me as if they were in of work with stories and took them to editors a dream,” explains Carla. “I used just one light and one day I heard those words, ‘we like it’,” and 1/60th second shutter speed. I asked them to said Carla. That marvellous day a professional move ever so slightly, and that’s how we created photographer emerged from her cocoon. that soft blur. It created a timeless quality to the “As it turned out, it was a stroke of genius to image, a stillness. I think the girls loved the shoot be based in Europe; editors could just call me – I because someone was photographing ‘them’”. was here, on location, to organise everything,” As magazine publishing morphs to meet the says Carla with a smile. challenges of the digital age, Carla has responded The freelance work began to roll in; the with developing new opportunities for her following year she received two commissions, photography. Increasingly her time is dedicated from Marie Claire Australia and the Qantas to her burgeoning portraiture business. Her Magazine. Since then her fashion, portraiture and gift for this medium surfaced at the Florentine travel photography has been published in Marie photography school. “One of the girls from Popi’s Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue Entertaining and house dressed up, and we did a night shoot in Travelling, Gourmet Traveller, Inside Out, Belle Florence. When I took them in to school, the and the Australian Women’s Weekly. teacher got really excited and kept slapping me on the back and saying ‘Yes, yes, yes! Yes, In 2005, life and love took Carla to Paris. She Carla!’," she recalls with a smile. “I knew that I decided to base herself there when her ‘tigerwas doing something right.” eyed Italian’ boyfriend (now husband) Francesco Whether it’s a classic Paris night street shoot or was accepted into an architecture school in Lyon. movie star glamour in a French hotel, Carla now Once again she was in a new city, learning a new helps people create images to be treasured for a language and seeking professional opportunities. lifetime. “I meet with people a few days before She decided she would like to photograph we do the shoot,” says Carla. “We talk about the Moulin Rouge girls. Just like the infamous their lives, their stories and what they would like dancers, she had to audition, be interviewed,

“

to achieve in the shoot. It’s not just about the photo; it’s part of their bigger life story. It’s about bringing helping them brings dreams into reality, doing something they have always wanted to do.

It’s not unusual for there to be tears and laughter on a shoot. And even more when they see the images – it’s a very rewarding thing to do. I love it.”

She’s got an uncanny ability to capture not just a person but a personality, radiant joy, bubbling laughter, cheekiness, a coy smile, a poignant thought as it traverses a face. Her books, Italian Joy, Chasing a Dream and Paris Tango are filled with lives being lived, moments being experienced, people connecting. “Photography is a reflection of you,” Carla says. “You must work to make those connections and trust.”

In her book Italian Joy, Carla refutes the claim that she was brave to change her life so completely. “A mixture of fear, frustration and anger was what pushed me to go. Fear that I would be trapped in a life that wasn’t what I wanted, frustration that I would never find someone to love; and anger that it was all passing me by.” Whatever it was that drove Carla to pack her bags, she’s found love, a new life and a fulfilling career.

As I leave the Parisian café, I sense that Carla’s story is far from over. She’s happy and content but there are more adventures, stories, dreams and images to come. Carla Coulson: the exhibition is on view until 21 July 2013 at the Glasshouse Regional Gallery.

You can read more about Carla and her photography at carlalovesphotography.com and purchase images online.

The new Golf has just arrived.

Why drive anything else?

Take the new Volkswagen Golf for a test drive and you’ll discover it’s in a class of its own. Redesigned from bonnet to boot, the Golf comes with a new range of powerful and fuel-efficient TSI petrol and TDI diesel engines, eco-friendly BlueMotion Technology, advanced safety systems including 7 airbags and Driver Fatigue Detection plus Bluetooth® Connectivity as standard. It’s even been awarded World Car of the Year 2013.

Test drive one today at John Oxley Volkswagen.

World Car of the Year 2013

Your Volkswagen Partner

John Oxley Volkswagen 130 Hastings River Drive, Port Macquarie MD7571 Tel. 02 6588 8555 www.johnoxleyvolkswagen.com

focusinterview.

White

T

photographer profile

Gaz

ell us a bit about your long and DSLR course at Port Community College with Mike proud history in Port Macquarie.

Kane, then I was hooked. 2012 had 2 heart attacks in Was born here in Port 1951, 5th 3 days, finished up in the Heart Clinic in Sydney many generation local. My Mother was a times that year, until July 2012, I underwent 2 open member of the Hollis family, originatheart operations on the same day, and very nearly ing from Newman Hollis, who came didn’t make it. to Australia to work at the Major Innes property about That’s where & when I decided, IF, I make it out the 1830s. I went to school here, left in 1968 and did of here, I am going to learn as much as I can about my carpentry & joinery apprenticeship. Worked around photography, from anyone who is willing to share their here as a carpenter, then was employed at Hastings photographic knowledge.

District Hospital, where I was born, as a maintenance What kind of gear do you use? carpenter. Then followed a 7 yr stint living in Crescent I first bought the Canon 600D which came with a Head, still working as a carpenter. Then the Canon 18-135 lens.

Canberra soujourn began.

The day after I was discharged You spent some time working in from the Heart Clinic in Sydney, I Canberra before moving back asked my friend to take me out That’s where & home? to the Camera shop at Bondi d, when I decide I went to work in Canberra Junction, where I bought , re he of IF, I make it out on the new Parliament House, my Canon 100-400 L series as n ar I am going to le t with the 2nd oldest building lens. Then I up-graded to ou ab n much as I ca om company in Australia, Kell & my current Canon 7D, with fr y, ph photogra ing to ill w is Rigby. After a few weeks I was a 10-20, 24-70 L, 50mm ho w ne anyo ographic ot ph r promoted to leading hand, 1.4 lens. I always use tripod, ei th e ar sh with 74 carpenters & joiners cable release, many filters etc. knowledge. ” in my crew. Twelve months later What do you love about was promoted to Site Foreman. We photography? built the House of Reps and the Senate I love the idea to be able to get Chambers, and all the Ministerial Offices, ‘out there’ in the fresh air and stop to including the Prime Ministers suites. smell the roses. Look around, plan the shoot, and Then a 5 yr stint at Dept of Defence Offices at Rusenjoy what you are doing. sell headquarters with DSD & DIO, where I was cleared I ‘see’ things very differently now, always on the to Top Secret Level and remained there for 5 yrs ... 12 lookout for that ONE shot. I shoot every morning of yrs after leaving this area, my family & I returned home the week, and am always trying to find a ‘new’ locato my beloved Port Macquarie. tion for that different image. I have also met many What made you first pick up a camera and get wonderful, friendly people with the same photoserious about photography? graphic passion I now have. My health has improved I always have had an interest in photography, but immensely since I became obsessed and now have the have only ever owned small compact cameras. I took “bug’. around 1,000 photos whilst working on Parliament Who has helped you along your photography House. I always took pics of the family, at parties, journey?

BBQ’s etc ... in 2011 I bought a entry level Canon Mike Kane from the Port Community College was 600D DSLR and thus my photography began. I did a my first contact, and he fired up the passion I must

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already have had ... so, my now obsession, is all Mike’s fault! The Sunset Gallery & Framing gang, all members of our Aperture facebook club, have all been extremely helpful, all willing to share their vast wealth of tips and experiences. Andy Smith, Brett Vonholdt, Joshua Davis, Cherie & Tony, Don Taylor, to name just a few.

Nashy & Jackson Rafferty have also given me heaps of advice.

What future plans do you have?

Future plans, to study and learn as much as possible on all aspects of photography. I love shooting seascapes, landscapes, wildlife, birds in flight, and really love shooting surfing with the Canon 100-400L lens.

I am currently a third of the way through a Diploma in Photography with The Australian Photography Institute in Sydney. Just starting to experiement with Astro photography and Portraiture using different forms of lighting techniques.

How can readers buy and keep in touch with your work?

Still awaiting to have my own web site constructed, so at present my work can be seen on Facebook ... with links to Strawny’s Brekkie Show, Bird Rock Surf Classic and The Bluewater Bar & restaurant facebook sites ... look up. Gaz White on Facebook or I can be contacted by Email cadmangaz@gmail.com or 0437 907 383.

Thanks Gaz!

Sienna Grange Sienna Grange is one of Port Macquarie’s newest retirement communities, providing residents with a convenient lifestyle within a close-knit community of friendly neighbours.

between neighbours and staff.

Situated in the centre of Port Macquarie’s new urban growth precinct, a range of local amenities are close by, as are the river and beaches, providing the ideal location for residents who want to enjoy an active lifestyle in a bushland setting.

Sienna Grange is the ultimate destination for your retirement, offering a relaxing and stress-free lifestyle in a safe and secure gated community. All villas feature a 24 hour emergency call system for peace-of-mind and a range of community services are available to residents. Sienna Grange is a vibrant community with so much to offer, including a busy and varied activities calendar and plenty of social and recreational activities.

Sienna Grange is part of a larger organisation called Australian Unity Retirement Living, a mutual organisation with a 170 year heritage of looking after the wellbeing of Australians.

Their retirement neighbourhoods enhance residents’ personal wellbeing because they work actively on maintaining a quality lifestyle, offering support services for residents’ health, providing an environment for personal growth and encouraging relationships and interaction

A brand new and modern community centre is coming soon and will feature a fully equipped gym, outdoor Tai Chi area, library, men’s workshop, bar and open plan lounge and dining areas that flow to an undercover terrace.

To come and experience this lively community, why not register to attend one of our monthly open home events? Contact Sienna Grange on 6581 1322 or visit www.siennagrange.com.au for more information.

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Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow Intrepid travelling comedians are hitting the road, entertaining crowds all across Australia. You can be a part of the fun when they roll into Port Macquarie, with a big show featuring some of the best from one of the world’s biggest comedy festivals!

Where Glasshouse Port Macquarie.

When Saturday 29 June 2013.

More info Box Office by phone on (02) 6581 8888 or email: info@glasshouse.org.au for further information.

more information

Hastings Lights and Sirens Ball To raise funds for the purchase of Fireground Radios for the 21 operational and 1 support brigades of the Hastings area.

Lisa Hunt

When Saturday 3 August 2013; 6pm - 11.30pm.

Where Rydges, Hay Street, Port Macquarie.

Tickets $75 per head.

Tickets Semi-formal (coats and ties for the men).

More info rfsball@gmail.com; Sharon 0429 205 126.

Singer and songwriter Lisa Hunt will be performing at Port Macquarie Panthers as part of her Forever Soul tour.

Where Port Macquarie Panthers.

More info 6580 2300; email at portpanthers@panthers.com.au When Friday 7 June 2013.

Call the Visitor Information Centre on 6581 8000, or log on to the Port Macquarie events website: www.gpmevents.com.au

A COMPLETE NIGHT OUT @ GLASSHOUSE PORT MACQUARIE ILBIJERRI Theatre Company & Glasshouse Port Macquarie present

CHARLES

THE

JACK

CROWN

Jac Starri k C ng har les

Perfect for any occasion

“An

inspiring journey of resilience and reconnection.”

The Age

Now open 7 nights & lunch Friday - Sunday

ILBIJERRI acknowledges the assistance of the Australian Government through the Indigenous Culture Support program, the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body, Arts Victoria and the City of Melbourne.

Toured by Performing Lines with the support of the Australian Government through the national performing arts touring program, Playing Australia

FRIDAY 21 JUNE & SATURDAY 22 JUNE, 8pm BOOK NOW: 02 6581 8888 I GLASSHOUSE.ORG.AU

glasshouse.org.au l 10 greater port macquarie focus.

BOOK NOW: 02 6584 3677 I LEVEL 2 @ GLASSHOUSE

Cnr Clarence & Hay Sts, Port Macquarie, NSW 2444

focusinterview.

Photos Bindi Cole.

V

T h e

C r o w n

Jack Charles V The Crown – a one of a kind, never to be forgotten production co-written and performed by Uncle Jack Charles himself. One of the ‘stolen generation’, with a life marked by substance abuse, crime, courage and overcoming adversity, star of several iconic films, now an Aboriginal leader and spokesperson – Jack’s story will move you …

F

or those who don’t know, you were born in 1943, taken from your family at a young age and spent the majority of your childhood in boys’ homes. How do you feel this shaped your life?

I believe it had a marked impact on the way I developed. Being taken at 12 months from my mum and placed into the City Mission in Melbourne, then when I got too old for the City Mission, being the only Aboriginal there, I was moved into the Box Hills Boys’ Home – still being the only Aboriginal there ... I believe that I was plucked under the Assimilation Policy specifically to be assimilated in white society.

The Box Hill Boys’ Home made me a Christian, gave me a shelter and some education, a sense of what was right and what was wrong – and they gave me elocution lessons, no less! I left there a devout Christian with no interest in my Aboriginality ... so that was my youth, and it shaped my life.

You formed Australia’s first Aboriginal theatre company, Nindethana, in 1971. When were you first exposed to theatre?

When I was 19, I was in the Gladys Nicholls Hostel. A group of Melbourne theatre people came in and wanted a full Aboriginal cast for Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun. I was interested in performing ... I took up the offer, and I learned on the job. In actual fact, I stayed with them, on and off, for 7 years …

Your life has been full of ups and downs – while you’ve acted in amazing productions, such as the Chant of Jimmy Blacksmith and Ben Hall, been awarded standing ovations ... and at the other end of the spectrum, you’re one of Australia’s ‘Stolen Generation’, you’ve battled bureaucracy, have done time in prison. What do you feel has been the most challenging thing you’ve overcome?

Getting off the Heroin – and actually taking myself seriously enough to actually get off Heroin and the Methadone. I found great benefit in

jumping off those two things, because I always knew that somehow or another, I must have been lel Heroin restricted my vocal respected and w ’ ys Bo cords. Once I jumped liked in Box Hill en when ev off it, my voice became Home, because the first r fo e dg more mellifluous, it had ri I hit Pent sense a d ha I , 19 a certain quality to it – at time eird w a some say even it’s sexy! of belonging, in e were er th e (Laughs.) And when I way, becaus there. ” ex-B ox Hill boys got off the Methadone, in particular, I realised I had a … and in particular, clarity of mind and I was able those people who to draw upon my memories of the were struggling with their good parts of the weird and wonderful own addiction, and are still moments – of Box Hill Boys’ Home, going off to struggling with it, admired me and work, finding Collingwood/Fitzroy and meeting were tripping over themselves to inform me and relatives there. It was because of that, going to congratulate me.

Fitzroy … that was my undoing. It was a criminal Bastardy was possibly the impetus for act for me in those days to go off on my own ILBIJERRI theatre company to suggest without permission from my adopted mum. bringing your story to the stage – which This got me into a lot of trouble … when has obviously now happened with the you failed your foster people or your adopted production Jack Charles V The Crown. people in those days, you invariably ended up When it was screened on the ABC, the next in the Royal Park home for juvenile offenders night Rachel Perkins [an Australian film and in Melbourne. I met so many other failed foster television director, producer and writer] rang to kids and adopted kids … and some of them had see if I wanted to do Bastardy, the stage show, developed as criminals already. It was very easy but I’d already been talking to Rachael Maza for me to start learning … I must have been [from ILBIJERRI]. So, there was a competition respected and well-liked in Box Hill Boys’ Home, between the two ‘Rachels/Rachaels’ as to who because even when I hit Pentridge for the first would do Bastardy the stage show. time at 19, I had a sense of belonging, in a weird I was in Melbourne at the time, and Rachael way, because there were ex-Box Hill boys there … – of course, the daughter of Bob Maza, pipped Amiel Courtin Wilson’s documentary, Rachel Perkins at the post. I’ve paid my dues and Bastardy, was about you and your life. After acknowledged my partnering with her father, it screened on the ABC, you received an Bob Maza – my partner in crime in developing enormous amount of positive feedback from Australia’s first Indigenous theatre in the ’70s. I’m people. What does it mean to you to know fulfilling cultural obligations here, I don’t seem to that so many people were moved by your be able to put a foot wrong nowadays! story and wanted to reach out to you?

That must be a great position to be in!

It was conscious forming for me. It really led It’s wonderful, mate! I’m such a wanted man me to believe that I was in a unique position. now … in the right way! (Laughs.)

Everybody was honouring me for being so Jack Charles V The Crown was co-written by upfront, for not hiding anything, for showing you and an old friend, John Romeril. Where the world I was powerless against ‘the powders’ and when did you and John first meet?

“

At the Pram Factory, in the late ’60s and ’70s, was where we met up. He wrote a four-piece play, based loosely on my alcoholic memories of meeting my mum for the first time. Tim Robertson was in it, Jude Kuring, Peter Cummins and myself – and he called it Bastardy. It stands alone, still, as a significant piece of writing and a beaut performance …

Baring your soul and sharing your life story could be seen as a brave act by some – and perhaps crazy by others. What’s the motivation for sharing your story?

It’s a matter for anybody else’s interpretation.

My role as an Aboriginal, self-proclaimed leader … it’s my responsibility to share my journey as far and wide and as long as I can, because I know that my story can awaken dormant consciousness, for both black and white. I realise I’m in a unique position. I work in the arts to showcase: “Look at me”– there is life after drugs, after gaol time, after addictions …

Thanks Jack. Interview by Jo Atkins.

the plug!

See Jack Charles V The Crown at the Glasshouse on June 21 and 22, at 8pm.

Tickets cost $49.50 adult, $45 concession, $41.50 U21/student.

Call the Box Office on 6581 8888 or visit www.glasshouse.org.au for details.

greater port macquarie focus 11

focusinterview.

The outbreak of WWII had a huge impact on the lives of many people. Now in his 92nd year, local man John van der Ley spoke with Chrissy Jones about his involvement with the Dutch Resistance during these trying war time years (1939 to 1945). ou were born in 1921 in Java, in the Dutch East Indies, then a dependency of the Netherlands and now called Indonesia. What was life like back then?

It was good. The natives were treated well and retained their traditional social structure; everything was very peaceful. The Dutch occupation of the thousand islands was triggered by the spice trade. My father was Dutch and was sent out to the Indies to establish electricity supplies, mainly hydro-electric. My mother was Australian; her father was a Country Magistrate in NSW. During my youth, my father’s work took us all over the world, mostly by ship, and as a result I attended school in four continents – amongst others at Canberra Grammar School, which was newly situated in the then very sparsely populated Canberra.

In 1935 my father retired after many years in the tropics; we settled in Europe. I attended boarding school in Bedales, in Hampshire and in 1939 I enrolled for university studies in Delft, in the Netherlands.

In August 1939 you had started your university studies and just missed taking an active part in the Army. Why was this so?

Under Dutch conscription laws, I was scheduled to start army training in June 1940, assigned, due to my scientific education, to be a ‘gas officer’. The conscription stint (1/2 year or more) would have meant postponing my uni studies. On May 10, 1940, the German Army entered the Netherlands, firstly with massive paratrooper drops to secure vital points such as bridges over the many rivers, and these were followed by tanks and infantry.

On May 15, the Dutch Army capitulated to avoid further civilian casualties; a huge part of 12 greater port macquarie focus.

Rotterdam was flattened by a massive bombardment. It was chaos. Being in Dordrecht, close to Rotterdam, I commandeered an abandoned Army truck and drove to Rotterdam to assist, finishing up driving nurses from hospital to hospital. I had not driven such a vehicle before and had some trouble finding the gears in the 6-speed box! This was the start of my association with the efforts of the Dutch Resistance.

I remember selling Socialist (red) political newspapers on street corners wearing a red shirt or bandana, while maybe there was a blackshirt selling Nazi literature on the next corner. It was during that period that I always carried a nightstick in my trouser leg; a hole cut in my pocket and a leather strap attached to my belt let me pull it out quickly. The Dutch did not take kindly to the German occupation, contrary to what the Germans had hoped, so it did not take long before the German attitudes hardened, and we got a new Governor, Seyss Inquart, who had been governor in Austria. During all this I was still furthering my technical education, first in Dordrect, and later in Delft ... at the same time, starting to do resistance work, which entailed several aspects.

What was some of the resistance work that you were involved in?

One was to secure safe living conditions for members of the Jewish faith, and for the young men who were avoiding being sent to work in German factories. Very shortly after the start of the German occupation, Jews were compelled to register and start wearing yellow stars on their clothing. If they were lucky, they were taken in by a Dutch family and hidden; for example, in attics (e.g. the Story of Anne Frank).

There was always the problem that they were no longer receiving ration cards. Some

lucky individuals were able to hide on remote farms, where there was an adequate food supply. It was preferable for them to be domiciled on remote farms, and the task of finding such places and moving them there was undertaken by the Dutch Resistance. I was assigned to do this a few times. The trip required careful preparation. First, there was the problem of finding suitable locations. Usually these would be with families who were often found through contacts with priests and pastors. Then there was the problem of moving them. Petrol was rationed, so we had to either ride on bicycles or use public transport.

Do you have an example you could share with us?

I will describe a trip I took with two Jewish girls. I met them in a park near Utrecht railway station. They had been instructed to wear simple working class clothing and carry no jewellery. As usual, they had been issued with false identifying documents. I had not met them before, and we identified each other by clothing detail and a password. I was to take them to a remote farm in Friesland (Frisia).

Train tickets had been bought for us; we travelled on a very early ‘all stations’ train, as the Gestapo routine was to check mainly on busy daytime routes.

The girls had been instructed to sit separately from me, and they were not aware of their destination, except for the informa-

tion on the train ticket ticket, which actually was for a station further than the one at which we would be debarking. I had been briefed with all the details needed to reach the safe house, but the girls knew nothing. The trip was a nervous one, as Gestapo agents could be anywhere, usually in black suits and a big hat, standing idly around but watching ... watching.

We left the train at a very small station in Friesland (Frisia) and found three bicycles parked on the roadside and rode them to a spot on a waterway, where I had been told there would be a boat hidden in the reeds.

We hid the bicycles and rowed across a wide expanse of water to an isolated farm. There was, of course, the need to identify ourselves with a password. The farming family was hospitable and we shared a meal, eaten in Dutch rural style by all dipping our spoons in the large cooking pot. The girls were billeted in the hay barn. After lunch I said goodbye and rowed and cycled to another train station.

I never saw them again, which was sad.

Your civilian life was very much affected by the war. Tell us more ...

Our house was requisitioned for German officers. Their supporting servants (conscripts) lived in the attic, in what used to be my room, while the officers took all three second floor bedrooms. We moved to a rented house elsewhere. It was in that rented house that

A L O C A L’S H I S T O RY

It was in the last e few months of th ntly war that I frequent bed re ffe di a slept in ays every night, alw under ol with a .4 5 pist Mills my pillow and afloor grenade on the next to me...”

“ the Gestapo conducted a search. I had hidden my pistol behind a loose riser on the stairs, and while the Gestapo searched, my mother coolly sat on that stair tread to stop them finding the pistol. If they had found the pistol, everyone in the house would have been shot on the spot!

Later on the Germans started taking hostages, all prominent persons, and locking them in a prison camp to be shot as reprisal if anything happened to German forces. Opa (my father) was one of the hostages, but managed to survive. We sent him food parcels and clothes, and our letters always had to be in German so they could be censored.

It was in the last few months of the war that I frequently slept in a different bed every night, always with a .45 pistol under my pillow and a Mills grenade on the floor next to me, the Gestapo being only one or two days behind. I had identity papers as Dr Cornelis Veth, which allowed me to travel in curfew time (after dark) and allowed me to keep my bicycle (any German soldier could requisition a bike if he felt like it).

How was the resistance movement structured?

It was compartmentalised into cells. Each cell contained 5 - 8 men. For security, only one of the men would know how to contact other cells, and this man received all the instructions. There was also a female courier attached to each cell who was aware of further connections. So it would be very unlucky if both the contact man and the courier were picked up by the Gestapo, which would make that cell incommunicado.

Were you ever wounded?

Yes, in the last few days of the war; it was when my group tackled German soldiers

occupying a post in the village allotted to me. The Germans were assisted by a group of SS who passed by as they were fleeing back to Germany. I was shot with what probably was a dum-dum bullet in my left thigh. (A dum-dum bullet is a soft nosed bullet which mushrooms when it hits flesh, resulting in a small entrance hole and lots of damage and/or a huge exit hole.) The exit hole in the back of my thigh initially was big enough to put my fist in. To this day, it is still a big hole.

I had to hide in the house of the local doctor, while the Germans searched the village.

They even searched his house, but I was hid behind a panel in the attic, while the maid servant pretended to have been occupying my bed, which was still warm. Next day I was smuggled across the river Rhine, to Dordrecht, which was still firmly under German control and treated in the hospital there. The German commandant, or his deputy, used to inspect all hospitals every day to see if there were any subversives being treated, but I was moved from ward to ward on a wheeled bed ahead of his inspection tour.

Did you receive any medals?

Some time after peace was declared, I received two medals: The Kings Medal for Courage in the Cause of Freedom and the Eisenhower Medal.

Looking back on those years, what are your thoughts?

I realise that not all German soldiers were bad men. Most of them were young conscripts. In the last battle for Berlin, they were arming the teens and even the sub-

teen Hitler Jugend, who would rather have stayed at home. The ‘baddies’ were the SS (Sturm Staffel=Storm Brigade) who had been trained and brainwashed to think they were superior and had the divine right to do anything they liked.

The ordinary Army hated the SS blackshirts, who got the best and most modern weapons, drank champagne and had access to any number of women. Most of the German population was scared of and hated the Gestapo (Geheime STAats Polizei=Secret State Police), who were brutal and not averse to some very forceful interrogation methods. Himmler was in charge of the Gestapo and the SS. After the war, we all had to work at recovery, which was a slow process. Known proGerman individuals were tried for treason.

During the first days after liberation, girls who had associated with German soldiers were shaven bald, stripped, tarred and publicly exposed. Thankfully, this is something

that I did not personally witness, as I was in hospital for some weeks.

Looking back at the resistance work, one realises that the greatest danger to us were loose lips; usually these were our own families, parents proudly saying, “My son or daughter is in the resistance”. I was fortunate in having tight-lipped parents.

After WWII, I married the sister of one of my resistance colleagues and worked for Philips of Eindhoven. In 1951, my then small family and I travelled to Australia, as I was recruited to work as an engineering scientist with AWA (Amalgamated Wireless Australasia). We brought up a family in Australia who have all done well, now having four generations of scientifically orientated people in the family: my father as a professor, myself at AWA, a son as a horticultural scientist and a granddaughter, a University of NSW medalist, and she is about to receive her doctorate in Environmental Science.

Thanks John. greater port macquarie focus 13

‘A national Youth Summit challenging today’s generation to become tomorrow’s leaders’.

300 youth aged approximately 15 – 30 from across the region are invited to attend a 3 day youth summit on July 24, 25, 26 in Port Macquarie.

L

uminosity Youth Inc. is a not-for-profit local organisation that was formed in 2012.

The initiative was established and is driven by a core working group comprising representatives from local business, university and youth in the Port Macquarie region who are passionate about and committed to investing in our future leaders.

Through consultation with local youth, the idea to hold a youth focused summit was born – an event where they would have the opportunity to be inspired by presentations from successful and dynamic individuals. As such, a diverse range and list of potential speakers was established, and there are already 8 reputable guest speakers lined up to visit Port Macquarie.

“Youth are our future, and so it is imperative that we provide them with the building blocks, support and encouragement they need to grow into the best version of themselves. This Youth Summit is an invaluable opportunity to contribute and invest in our future,” Said Kate Wood-Foye, Chair of Luminosity Youth Inc. Key speakers to present at the 3 day summit include: John McGrath, CEO of McGrath Real Estate Agents: Andrew Morello, Winner of The Apprentice Australia; Dan Flynn, Entrepreneur and founder of Thank You Water; and home grown celebrity and Grinspoon frontman Phil Jamieson, to name a few – with more names to be released in coming weeks.

“We are extremely delighted to bring this calibre of speakers to the Mid North Coast and give

our youth the opportunity to hear them and speak and interact with them.

The theme of this year's inaugural summit is 'Dangerous Ideas', where we challenge the youth to be creative and look for opportunities to harness entrepreneurship and set goals for their futures," added Kate.

Taking place over the three days will be a series of keynote speaking presentations, workshops and discussion panels aimed to inspire, challenge and assist the young guns to excel.

There will also be a social aspect to the summit, where youth will have the opportunity to participate in Open Mic Night and Meet and Mingle events to share their ideas with like minded individuals.

The cost to attend the all inclusive summit is $250 per person. Local businesses who want to support the summit are invited to offer 'scholarships' to enable local youth to attend. The investment by their business will be acknowledged, and they will be given the opportunity to support an attendee so they can attend.

Kate adds, "This is a valuable opportunity, and we encourage local businesses to contact us to discuss offering scholarship positions, so that more young adults can attend."

With registrations now open, anyone aged 15 to 30 are invited to check out the Luminosity website for the full details about the summit, and to register/or express interest in being the recipient of a scholarships. www.luminosityyouthsummit.com.au

Luminosity Youth Summit

Our Purpose

T

he aim of the Summit is to: Inspire youth to follow their dreams.

Excel and exceed in their chosen journey

Daring to dream and create, taking calculated risks to achieve success. The aim is to provide participants with the skills, knowledge and confidence to ‘just do it’ and take a risk to achieve success.

We want to provide all youth with a safe environment where they can develop the confidence to unlock their potential and shine their inner light.

The youth will be challenged to create dangerous ideas for the future. New ideas and strategies for business, education, environment, charity and ultimately personal success

This Summit is a great opportunity for youth from all walks of life to come together to start their journey where they will learn from and grow with one another.

What are the risks they will need to take to achieve their dreams? What is their journey going to need to involve in order to successfully execute their dangerous idea?

The Summit Theme The theme for the Summit is ‘Dangerous Ideas’ i.e. Thinking big!

What do they need to do to mitigate the risks involved and achieve success?

Challenge them to be the best person they can be and take a chance on themselves.

Speaker Profile: Faustina Agolley 'The Voice'.

F

austina ti A Agolley ll iis th the social i University. media reporter on Faustina has interviewed some of Australia’s top rating music’s biggest entertainers, show, The Voice. Prior including the Black Eyed Peas, to The Voice, Faustina Alicia Keys, Kanye West, Prior to The spent five years as Voice, Faustina Adele, Green Day, Rihanna, as the host of Australia’s John Paul Jones, Sinead spent five years ia’s al most watched music the host of Austr ic O’Connor and Neil Finn. us program, Video Hits. most watched m Faustina has also hosted .” its H program, Video She is a bright Network Ten’s live national and passionate coverage of the New Year’s presenter, philanthropist, Eve Fireworks from Sydney’s environmentalist, ambassador Harbour Bridge and shared her for the Australian Literacy and opinions on politics and current affairs Numeracy Foundation and graduate as a guest panelist on ABC1’s live political from The University of Melbourne and RMIT show Q&A.

“

Being a strong advocate for the Community, Holiday Coast Credit Union prides itself on supporting a diverse range of community groups and programs as a fundamental component of their social responsibility.

H

oliday Coast Credit Union is proud to be investing in the youth of today and one such initiative is through its sponsorship of the 2013 Luminosity Youth Summit.

All local business are encouraged to get behind this event and support at least one attendee to the Youth Summit.

Holiday Coast Credit Union is extremely excited to be supporting the Youth Summit through sponsoring this event and also through delivery of a Financial Literacy Workshop to Summit Participants. Educating youth in savings and the wise use of credit is something the Credit Union is passionate about.

These workshops will provide participants with the knowledge and tools to:

will encounter and the financial considerations associated with each Set and develop budget strategies to achieve a variety of savings and other financial goals Ensure the wise use of credit and recognise the difference between good debt and bad debt Plan, budget and consider factors specifically associated with Enrolling in tertiary education, Saving for a car Planning to move out of home, taking out mobile phone plans, credit cards, Employment.

Holiday Coast Credit Union is proud to be involved in this fantastic initiative and looks forward to seeing all participants at the Summit.

Prepare for the various life stages that they

Through the generosity of local businesses on the Mid North Coast, there are now a limited number of 'scholarship' positions available. If you are interested in attending the 3 day conference and do not currently have a sponsor, then please log on to the website and register your interest today: www.luminosityyouthsummit.com.au greater port macquarie focus 15

p.a. finance*

The Tax Man can wait.

EOFY Deals until July 9 Put your business first with a wide range of Amarok, Transporter, Crafter and Caddy Van models - the tough workers from Volkswagen. And with tax time fast approaching, now is the time to take advantage of our brilliant End of Financial Year deal. That’s 0% p.a. finance* for approved business applicants, with 3 year unlimited kilometre warranty and Capped Price Servicing#. Offer ends July 9 and only while stocks last.

Stock is limited, so visit www.johnoxleyvolkswagen.com.au today.

Your Volkswagen Partner

John Oxley Volkswagen 130 Hastings River Drive, Port Macquarie MD7571 Tel. 02 6588 8555 www.johnoxleyvolkswagen.com.au

*Available to approved Business Applicants of Volkswagen Finance** for new and demonstrator Amarok, Transporter, Crafter and Caddy Van stock vehicles on a Hire Purchase over 36 & 48 months. Balloon restrictions apply.

Runner edition models are excluded from this 0% p.a. finance offer. Vehicles must be purchased and finance approved between May 1 and July 9, 2013 and must be delivered by no later than July 31, 2013. While stock lasts. Standard fees and charges apply. Full conditions are available on application. Not available in conjunction with any other offer or with Volkswagen’s Corporate, Corporate Plus, Rental or Government assistance programs. Volkswagen Finance** reserves the right to extend or change this offer. **Volkswagen Finance is a trading name of Volkswagen Financial Services Australia Pty. Limited. #Capped price servicing is available on Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles first registered in Australia on or after 1 January 2013 and applies to the first 6 standard scheduled services of your vehicle. Exclusions and conditions apply. For details on pricing, items not included in the capped price and for full terms and conditions please see www.volkswagen-commercial.com.au. Volkswagen Group Australia reserves the right to at any time modify or discontinue the Capped Price Servicing program.

16 greater port macquarie focus.

focusreview.

with Julie from www.gourmetgetaways.com.au

FocusTV .com.au

BY THE

NUMBERS

local dr p.

Black Duck Brewery Indian Runner

With the cooling weather, our tastes turn to cozy comfort food and warming beverages to ward away the chill. Beer drinkers tend to favour a beer which is richer, with a more complex flavor profile – a slower drinking beer with higher alcohol content. The Indian Runner from Black Duck Brewery ticks all the boxes. Beer connoisseurs should consider this Indian Pale Ale for their winter beer of choice.

The IPA is crafted with clear fresh Camden Haven rainwater and quality Australian malts and hops to create a fuller body beer. The higher alcohol content and increased hops builds the flavour profile and adds the signature bitterness you would expect from an Indian Pale Ale. The depth of flavour is furthered by bottle conditioning, and will only improve with time.

There is nothing more warming than spending time enjoying a complex beer, and this range is sure to impress.

GOES WITH: Slow cooked lamb shanks or gamey meats such as duck or kangaroo.

COST: $55 case (16 x 330 ml).

AVAILABLE: Hastings Co-op IGA (Wauchope), Lighthouse Beach Cellarbrations, (Port Macquarie), Kendall Bottlo (Kendall).

Tastings and direct sales are also available at the cellar door, 6B Acacia Ave, Port Macquarie NSW 2444.

Thursday and Friday 10 'til 6; Saturday and Sunday 10 'til 4. www.blackduckbrewery.com.au

347,272 total views 94 videos total 118,569 views for 'Signature Dish Awards 2010' 2,435 views for 'Signature Dish Awards 2010' from Sweden 36,220 views of 'Baby Koala' at the Billabong 28.7percent of plays on mobile devices Source: youtube.com analytics

with Eric from www.theotherchef.com.au

WH

Image of the month.

AT ’ S I N

About: "I took this photo early one morning, down at the break wall. The lighting was perfect!"

Photo by: Marnie Lindifled. Shot on: Nikon D3100 with a 50 - 200mm lens.

KIWIFRUIT

Also kknown as the Al th Ch Chinese G Chi Gooseberry, b kiwifruit k if it grow ki naturally in the forests of the Yangtze River Valley in China. They have been cultivated in China for centuries, with seeds brought to New Zealand in the early 20th century. The name kiwifruit was adopted officially in 1974 by international trade, and today they are grown in all corners of the globe.

Taken a great photo of our local area? Like to see it published in FOCUS for the world to see? Just email editor@focusmag.com.au

Video

3:54

OF THE

MONTH

Botanically, the kiwifruit is a berry and is highly nutritious. They are high in vitamin C, a good source of vitamin E, and packed full of dietary fibre.

They do best in cooler climates, so while you won’t generally find them growing right on the coast, the Comboyne plateau is cool enough to produce quality fruit.

Always a favourite in fruit salads, kiwifruit make a great dessert on their own. Simply peel and serve with some quality pure vanilla-bean ice cream and drizzle with another local product, The Other Chef Toffee Apple Syrup (available from Growers Market and Gourmand Ingredients in Short Street).

WHERE

Comboyne Orchards kiwifruit are available now at Ken Little Fruit & Veg in Munster Street.

Watch on your smartphone

VIDEO BY: Focustv.com.au ABOUT: Training out of the Port Macquarie Boxing Club Jessica Messina is the current 75 kg Australian Amateur Boxing Champion.

WATCH AT: www.focustv.com.au/boxing

greater port macquarie focus 17

focusinterview.

Excited that their music is taking oys from them places, the boys melodic metalcoree band Abel ng forward Tasman are looking he Youth Hub to performing at the in Port Macquarie on June 30. k Cummins Band member Nick introduces us to his fellow musicians and their new single, 'Wake' ...

H O L D

H

i Nick. How do you all know each other – and what led to you forming a band in the first place?

Hi Jo! We all went to the same school (Camden Haven High) except for our new bassist, Nick Bennett, so we all knew each other from a young age. It all started with Brock and Geordie jamming out some Parkway Drive rip off songs in Geordie's shed and the boys needed a singer and bassist, so naturally they asked their best mates, Jacob (vocals) and Darcy (old bassist) to join.

They asked me to join about 5 months before I actually joined, but I was a year above those boys at school and way too cool! I later went and watched the boys play a show at the now shut down Switch Skate Park and was keen to join as the other guitarist. We later met Nick Bennett, when he bought a guitar off me and after Darcy left, we asked him to join on bass guitar after we all temporarily relocated to Lismore for university.

Where did the name ‘Abel Tasman’ come from ... are you history buffs?

We don't mind a bit of history, but the name came about another way. Geordie and Brock were/still are massive Parkway Drive fans and one of our mates lived on a street called Abel Tasman Drive. They thought it sounded cool and didn't sound like too much of a rip off, so they went with it.

You describe your sound as “melodic hardcore/metalcore”. What exactly does this mean?

Fast and heavy music with nice bits thrown into the mix for some balance.

Introduce us to each of the band members and the instruments they play ...

Jacob McCall – horn and indistinguishable word saying.

Nick Cummins – pretending to play guitar.

Brock Conry – also pretending to play guitar 18 greater port macquarie focus.

and smelling bad.

Nick Bennett – wishing he played guitar, but is stuck on bass.

Geordie Timmins – wishing he could understand girls as well as he understands the drums.

You have a new single, Wake ... what was the inspiration behind the song, and where can people download/watch it?

Jacob wrote the song about growing up, the expectation people have for you to achieve and some of the not so appealing truths of the world.

It's a pretty personal song to him, so I can't elaborate on it too much on his behalf.

We recorded a video for the song with Dylan Wiehahn from Spring Pictures up at Lennox Head. It was a super stormy day with wild seas, so it looks more like it was shot at a remote and rugged part of the Irish coastline, rather than 15 minutes away from sunny Byron Bay. We’re very happy with how the video turned out, and you can check it out on YouTube.

Just type ‘Abel Tasman Wake’ into YouTube, and it should be the first result.

You can get a free download of the track off our Triple J unearthed page at http://www. triplejunearthed.com/AbelTasman.

If you end up checking it out, we’re grateful for giving us your time, and we hope you like what you heard.

You have a free gig coming up at the Youth Hub on June 30. What time will this kick off – and what’s the purpose of the event?

The doors open at 2pm with a BBQ run by us for lunch, and everyone will be hanging out and having fun. The first band will kick off at 2.30pm, with heaps of fun times to be had. The aim of the gig is to get people to bring a friend who may not have been to a hardcore/punk show to come and see what it's all about and hopefully encourage them to pick up instruments themselves and start a band with their mates,

Y O U R

O W N

so Port Macquarie has more bands and live What’s the ultimate dream for your band? music. We're trying to build a sweet 'community' It would awesome to see new parts of where everyone knows each other, runs around, Australia that we’ve never been to before e.g. does some stage dives and generally has a sick Adelaide, Tasmania and Perth, and it would be time to live music rather than going to clubs, an even bigger bonus if we got over there and taking drugs and dancing to crappy DJs playing people were yelling our lyrics back at us. mindless Pop music.

We’ll have released a new E.P. that we’re We're going to have a wider range of music currently writing and hopefully that gets a good so it appeals to a range of audience reception and takes us to new heights. members who may not want As for dreaming big, hopefully we to listen to 6 heavy bands will be packing our bags ready r pe in a row. to board a plane to head su a It was ith w y da What’s the clothing overseas and play. y m stor s ok lo it so endorsement your , We’ll probably also be as wild se ot at a sh as w it e band has just dropping speeches at the lik e mor ed part of received – you must grammys for receiving remote and rugg rather ne, the Irish co astli be pretty stoked ‘Best Christian Hip-Hop away es ut in m 15 than with this? album’ and hopefully be n Bay.” from sunny Byro Yeah, we’re super sorting out an endorsement stoked! We just penned with the company that makes (metaphorically) a sweet Zooper Doopers and a meat deal with Anchors Aweigh pie company, so we have all bases Apparel from Melbourne, who covered. make some sweet threads. They’ve sent us some Where’s the best place for people to find beanies to keep our heads warm through winter out more about the band, or to book you and some other goodies. They make some really for gigs? cool stuff and are top dudes. Check them out at The best place to find out about our band is www.anchorsaweighapparel.com to swing us an electronically mailed letter to our You’re planning a 13 gigs in 14 days tour in address at abeltasmanband@hotmail.com, or the near future. Where will you be travelling just ask us anything you desire on our Facebook to for these shows? page, which is located at www.facebook.com/ Unfortunately a couple of the shows got AbelTasmanBand. canned, as some of the venues double booked To book us for any show, hit up our manager for sweet occasions such as bingo nights and Dylan Stockell of Monument Agency at we get scrapped, as some of the ladies at dylanforeverinday@hotmail.com bingo must take their hobby quite seriously.

We’re more than keen to play any show at all, Unfortunately, we’ve had to go back to 10 whether it be an organised gig, a house/birthday shows in 13 days, and we’re lucky enough to party or a school. We just really want to put our see the parts of the state from Lismore, down to music out there, play to new faces and make Wollongong, out to Canberra and everywhere in some new friends along the way. between. We’re so amped that music is allowing Thanks Nick. us to travel to new places and play to new faces.

Interview by Jo Atkins.

“

greater port macquarie focus 19

NICK BAWDEN

One Act Play Festival The Players Theatre is delighted to announce that they will be hosting the 3rd Port Macquarie One Act Play Festival at the Players Theatre on 7 - 9 June, 2013.

The wonderful experiences we have had in the past, has inspired us to offer the same opportunities again here in Port Macquarie for local, country and interstate groups.

The One Act Play Festival is a little like a film festival, it consists of entries from a variety of theatre groups performing one act plays from 20-50mins in length, of various genres. The entries are guided by our terms and conditions, and groups can enter original or published plays providing there are 2 actors or more with dialogue. The companies compete for cash prizes which are allocated by our Adjudicator Sean Hall at the end of the festival.

Port Macquarie has a reputation as the friendly festival, providing home cooked soup and good old fashioned hospitality provided this year by the Hastings Hi! Hatters. The festival is well supported by local businesses, and at a usually quite time of year injects tourism back into the town. The Festival is run by volunteers who rely on the support of the local community to attend this wonderful event.

There will be three sessions on Saturday starting at 10am, 2pm and 7pm and on Sunday starting at 10am followed by the Awards Presentation. Each session costs $15 and will include at least three plays. Tickets are available at the theatre’s Box Office prior to each session. For further information contact Festival Co-ordinator Karen Slater on 0408-984-864.

Ocean Inspired Surf Art Inspired by the amazing surroundings right outside their front door, this talented Bonny Hills couple have created their own unique style of artworks that will be on display at Long Point Gallery this June.

Nick and Nicole Bawden have both channelled their creativity into separate artwork styles and use of materials, Nick with his timber surf art and photography, and Nicole with her intricately detailed handcrafted wallhanging pieces.

Nick uses recycled timbers including oak, cedar, blackbutt and ply to create his clocks, the different grains, colours and lines of the timber making each piece completely individual and unique. Beautiful timber surfboards, are also part of Nick’s collection and are equally at home hanging on the wall or being ridden at your favourite break.

Nicole uses layering and many different types of materials to create her handcrafted individual quilt designs. The beach and ocean is seen as a strong influence throughout her collection also, and you can see a combination of abstract and whimsical characters and techniques.

Nick and Nicole welcome custom design orders.

On display at Long Point Gallery this June, the collection will include a combination of Paulownia and Cedar timber surfboards and recycled timber clocks, handcrafted wallhangings and ocean inspired photography.

“Not only will this Roadshow leave you with all sorts of stitches and aches, it will make your cheeks burn and your jaw sore too.”

Caloundra Weekly (QLD)

SATURDAY 29 JUNE, 6pm & 9pm

(02) 6581 8888 I glasshouse.org.au Cnr Clarence & Hay Sts, Port Macquarie

20 greater port macquarie focus.

focusinterview.

The Festival Club

Luke Laughter is about to arrive in Port Macquarie as the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow arrives in July. Newcomer to the comedy scene, Luke McGregor talks to us about his awkward first dates and how he came to be one of the ‘up and coming’ new faces in comedy.

T

ell us a about your early years ... where you went to school and where you grew up?

I grew up in Tasmania. I went to a Dominic College; it was a pretty boring school. I shouldn’t say that ... that’s mean, but I didn’t have a lot of fun there. I didn’t like school very much.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a doctor when I was at school.

And is that what you studied for?

No, I studied a bit of science and then I ended up doing economics, and then realised halfway through doing that, that I wanted to do comedy.

So where do you base yourself now?

Now I live in Melbourne.

When did you realise you might be a little bit funny?

I liked to joke around a lot at school, but never really thought of it as something I’d do officially.

My housemate went in Raw Comedy, the competition, and he had a spot at the Tasmanian competition. I got a bit drunk and someone had pulled out sick and I said, “Can I get up?” I did it, and I had a lot of fun; I’ve been hooked ever since. It was one moment that literally changed my life trajectory.

Is it rehearsed, or are you just witty?

That night I didn’t have a lot. I thought it would be funny if I got up and talked about how good it was going to be and I didn’t really have any jokes. But now I have stuff I go up prepared with; usually you have a fair idea of what you’re going to say.

Is it stories, or is it jokes?

For me, it’s more stories ... stuff that has happened to me, stuff I’ve seen or thought about, or exploring a topic as opposed to quick gags or a joke. I don’t have heaps of jokes; I usually try to make a story funny.

What preparation goes into making a story?

Does something happen to you that’s a bit

odd and you find the funny side in it?

Yeah, sometimes I think the important thing is to find something that interests you or you like talking about and then finding the funny in it. Or, if something has happened to you or impacted you in a big way, even if it’s something bad that has happened, sometimes it’s healthy to find the funny in it and you usually end up telling that on stage as well.

So what’s your latest funny story?

At the moment I’m trying to go on more dates, so at the moment I’m talking about what my brain goes through when I’m on a date.

And what does happen to your brain on a date, Luke?

Well, usually for 15 minutes or so it’s fine, but 15 minutes into the date my brain will just say something like, “Hey, I know I never bug you about this normally, but ... uh ... you’re blinking too much”, and then I’ll have to deal with that.

You know when you’re on a date and you have a bit of awkward silence, and you look around the room and it’s like every couple is having the best time of their lives except for you guys.

It just gives me all of these unhelpful thoughts, like why aren’t you giving me positive stuff like just saying, “Hey, you’re doing great; you’re doing a really good job”, instead of all this horrible stuff I have to deal with.

So it makes it really awkward, and you don’t get a second date?

Usually, yeah. I feel like it’s a count down until she’s bored. So I’ll try and end it really quickly. I find the bit where you have to leave each other really hard. I don’t know how to do it; I don’t know whether to kiss her or not.

So maybe there should be a social norm that says, “If this is the first date, this is what you do” ... maybe like a book on dating would help?

Yeah, even if there was a specific hand signal, where when the girl touches her knee twice, you know that’s the signal that you can kiss her.

Something universal.

So it says here that you’re a little bit geeky, is that true?

Yeah, I’m not a very cool guy. I like comic books, and I read and I’m a big movie buff and I’ve watched all of Star Trek – stuff like that. I try and resist getting involved too much, so I can write, but I do love all that stuff.

So that obviously doesn’t help out on dates ... or, it does help?

I’ve got a comic book collection, but it’ s pretty well hidden. You’d definitely have to look hard to find it.

I’ve read you’re scared of elevators. What’s with that?

For a long time I was really claustrophobic; I had a fear of being trapped in there. I’m much better now – there’s still a small part of my brain that goes this is the one where it snaps, this is when the cord breaks ... I actually got over it, because a friend who is an engineer explained to me all the safety protocols that elevators have, so it just sort of talked me down. Elevators are off the list now, so I’m OK. Well, it’s lucky that this is a road show, so hopefully you’re driving through NSW with the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. How long is the tour going for?

I think it goes for around 2 months, but I’m doing 3 weeks.

And what places do you get to visit?

I know it’s thick in NSW, but I’m not sure specifically where. I am excited to go to basically any place where I haven’t been. I’m really looking forward to it.

It’s like the nerdy guy from Tasmania goes on tour to get to see Australia.

Yeah, I’ll be wearing a baggy hat with a big camera and stuff; it’s going to be good.

Perhaps you should try and line up a date in every town and make it not awkward.

I guess so, because the towns haven’t met me yet ... so I guess if I rocked up in sunnies and a leather jacket or something, I don’t know if that’s cool or not, I could take on a different persona in

every town.

I think you’ve watched too many Grease movies. Leather jacket and sunnies ain’t gonna work ...

I’ll Google it; I’ll Google whatever One Direction are wearing and just wear that.

With the road show, what kind of content and format does the show take?

To be honest I’ve never been on it, but I’m pretty sure there’s an MC and different comics coming out. It’s a showcase of some really good comedy involvement. Normally I would say the best comedians in the comedy festival, but I feel bad, because now I’m actually doing it and I feel like I’m bragging if I say that. But they’re good; they’re funny people doing a showcase gig.

These days people get a lot of laughs off the internet; it’s very easy to sit at your desk and look up lolcats and get laughs, so what is it that keeps stand up so relevant?

I think it’s just that you can talk about anything. You can watch a funny video on YouTube, but it’s different when you can take a topic that’s relevant to everyone else and then talk about it in a funny way; you make people think about it in a different light. I think it’s never going to go away, it’s such a nice thing to be in a room with other people and laugh together; I think it brings people together. I feel like if you’re laughing with someone you’re automatically friends with them, or you’ve got a rapport with them.

In the reviews they say that you’re one to watch – does that make you feel pressured?

Yeah, I try not to think about it.

You’re going to have to get some new content maybe …

I’ll have to write some new jokes, yeah. I’ve pretty much used up all of my jokes in that show.

Well, thanks for your time today, Luke.We wish you all the best in your up and coming comedy career, and we will see you when you get to Port Macquarie. greater port macquarie focus 21

Greater Port Macquarie

Double baked Tuscan pork belly, with bok choy, kumara potatos and a port and pork jus. from The Wauchope Country Club.

eat. Dining Guide is available for iPhone & Android App Store. www.focusmag.com.au/eat 22

greater port macquarie focus.

eat.

Dark chocolate mousse, strawberry gel, blackberry liqueur foam, pistachio, choc soil & dehydrated rhubarb.

Zebu bar + grill

Café BUZZ is now in its 10th year in the Hastings area. Thank you to everyone who has walked through our doors and shared your time with us. During winter, our taste buds seek out the warming, comforting food our bodies start to carve.

Every day the BUZZ chefs have a box of fresh vegetables delivered from our local suppliers. From these, our special BUZZ soups are made.

The favourite is pumpkin, and at BUZZ we have several versions. From the Classic to Thai Style, or with local honey. The chefs also create other warming soups, depending on what ingredients are available. Check with your local BUZZ and see what is bubbling! Served in house or ‘to go’ with toasted fresh local bread! Add a BUZZ coffee, and you have a smile.

BUZZ coffee is the taste on coffee lovers’ lips ... with over 23 to choose from, everyone will be BUZZed! S! CELEBR

Relax at Zebu this Queen’s birthday long weekend. Kick back with family and friends and enjoy relaxed, contemporary dining, offering everything from plump local oysters to wood fired pizzas, succulent seafood and of course, our speciality char grilled steaks. Serving coastal cuisine from sun up to well after sunset – Zebu is the perfect place to grab a bite, day or night.

R

ING 10 YE AT

10 YEARS

AR

S! C E L E B R

Port Macquarie: Grant St (opposite library) t 6583 5756.

The Marina t 6583 6767. Peachtree Walk (CBD) t 65 83 7979 Laurieton: Bold St t 6559 7744 w www.buzzcoffee.com.au

ING 10 YEA AT

Café Buzz

Diary Date: Saturday 08 June – Planet Zebu with special guest Beth Yen - Sydney’s hottest female DJ from 7pm till late. Hip Hop/Funk/ Disco + House.

Executive Chef Adam Tait.

Breakfast - Coffee - Cocktails - Steaks - Seafood 10 Tap Beers - Wood Fire Pizzas

Hay Street Foreshore, Port Macquarie t 6589 2822 w www.zebu.com.au

open Breakfast and lunch.

open 7 days, from 6.30am - late.

Bar open noon daily. Bookings recommended.

Tempura Soft Shell Crab w/carrot and lime slaw, paprika cream and herbs.

Smoked salmon bruschetta with cottage cheese and avocado salsa.

Bluewater Bar and Restaurant

Port Piazza

There is always something happening at Bluewater.

Come in and experience our great new menu; Bluewater’s famous lamb shank is back!

All kids’ meals are now $5 when dining with an adult.

Lunches: Tuesday to Friday from $12.50; Tuesday V.I.P 2 for 1.

Wednesday $15 Steak & Schnitzel night.

Thursday kids eat free with each adult meal.

Live music Saturday nights; Happy hour Friday 5 to 6 and Sunday 3 to 5.

Courtesy bus available for pick up and drop off (Friday & Saturday).

CHRISTMAS IN JULY - $30 pp. Every day throughout July - lunch and dinner.

Choice of 2 Mains: Traditional roast - turkey and pork, baked vegetables, seasoned stuffing and gravy with cranberry and apple sauce OR baked Barramundi fillet topped with lemon, almond and basil sauce served with seasoned vegetables. Dessert - choice of plum pudding or traditional pavlova, and tea or coffee. BYO no corkage/BOOKINGS required.

Pasta Night 2 for 1 only $24! ($12 per dish). Mon, Wed, Fri & Sat nights.

Wolfgang, Young blood & Mr McQuaid.

New à la carte menu!

Lunch 7 Days - à la carte menu, or $25 lunch specials and including main, dessert, and tea or coffee. Breakfast Specials - Sat and Sun from 8.30am Parking 3 BYO No Corkage 3 Great Food 3 Excellent Prices3 Water Views 3

Ocean Street, Flynns Beach Resort t 6583 5730 or 6583 9073 open 7 days: Monday, 3pm - 7pm (no meals).

Tuesday to Sunday, 10am - late.

168 Settlement Point Rd, Port Macquarie t 6584 2020 open Weekdays from 10am. Breakfast Sat and Sun from 8am.

Lunch and dinner 7 days. Bookings Essential.

greater port macquarie focus 23

eat.

Beef and Black Duck Pie

Wauchope Country Club

QuayLime

This month at the Wauchope Country Club WIN A HAMILTON ISLAND ACCOMMODATION PACKAGE VALUED AT $2,890 To enter, simply purchase a glass of Wild Oats Wines at Wauchope Country Club during the Promotional Period or renew your Wauchope Country Club Membership by 30 June 2013 to go into the draw to win.

Prize drawn Saturday 20 July @ 6pm you must be here to WIN!

Quay Lime is proud to support local wineries, breweries, artists and musicians. What's on @ Quay Lime: * Wednesday night kids eat FREE (1 free kids meal per adult meal purchased) * Thurs & Fri $8 cocktails 5 - 9pm * Sat & Sun Antipasto plate + 2 glasses of wine $35. Avail 12:30 - 6pm * Wed - Sun $25 beer & prawns 3 - 6pm + live music coming soon The Wauchope Country Club Chefs

Coming soon: The Loft Gallery & Wine Bar. Available for functions and private parties.

Fully licensed.

Floor Manager Darren.

Port Macquarie's Best kept Secret!

Shop 9/18 Park St, The Marina, Port Macquarie t 6584 4039 w www.quaylimecafe.com

King Street, Wauchope t 6585 3020 w www.wauchopecountryclub.com.au

Quaylime R E S TA U R A N T

open Open 7 days for breakfast & lunch, and

open 7 days. Mon - Sun, lunch 11.30 - 2.30ish.

Dinner 5.30 - 8.30ish.

Wed - Sat for dinner.

Off the Hook

YESYUM Chinese Restaurant

Off the Hook is owned and operated by Paul and Narelle Walsh.

Authentic Chinese Food & Yum Cha YESYUM – your first choice when dining out in Port Macquarie.

We offer a great variety of choice: tasty old style hamburgers, snacks, salads and of course, fish and chips. We have added a larger selection of fish to our menu, including our favourite, the Flathead fillets.

YESYUM Introduces a new dining experience to Port Macquarie.

NOW OPEN in the New Coles Supermarket on Hayward St. Special offer for our customers:

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday after 4pm are our extra special nights; pay just $9.90 for two fillets of fish and chips.

There’s nothing better than a meal by the edge of the beautiful Hastings River.

The friendly staff.

Lunch: Spend $100 or more, receive a $20 meal voucher.

Dinner: Spend $100 or more, receive a $10 meal voucher.

Available until June 20 • VIP function room available for your next party, business or private banquet. Reservation is essential. YESYUM: best food; great fun!

• We look forward to welcoming you!

Located along Port Macquarie’s Town Green. t 6584 1146 open 7 days, from 11am - late.

EFTPOS available; phone orders welcome.

24 greater port macquarie focus.

2-3/28 Hayward St, Port Macquarie t 6583 7171 or 9191 7655 open 7 Nights: Dinner: Sun. to Thur. 5pm – 9.30pm, Fri. to Sat. 5pm – 10pm.

Meal delivery time: 5.30pm - 8.30pm Lunch: Wed. to Sun. 11.30am – 2.30pm; Lunch Yum Cha and Main Meals.

Head Yum Cha Chef James and Owner George.

eat.

Smoked Salmon Rosettes

Scampis Seafood Bar & Grill

Montana's on High

Fresh seafood, fine wine and beautiful views ...

Montana’s on High is a stylish and modern restaurant offering full table service from our dedicated team. Whether you are planning a romantic dinner for 2, a group dining experience, a casual breakfast or a catch up with friends or family Montana’s on High is the place to come.

Doesn't that sound nice. Give yourself a night off or treat your loved one to a romantic dinner for two. Scampis Seafood Bar and Grill has the perfect setting for any lunch or dinner situation, whether it be with your workmates for a quick lunch out of the office or family dinner with the uncles and aunts, Scampis has a menu that will delight them all.

Chef Daryl prepares delicious dishes each day to tempt your taste buds.

The restaurant is fully licensed offering a large selection of quality wines and beers.

Takeaway or dine in.

Booking for Friday and Saturday nights are preferred.

Owners Mark and Jackie Holt.

Chef Daryl Stuart.

Montana’s on High is located on site at Timbertown Resort & Motel.

Fresh cocktails and cold beer.

230 High Street, Wauchope t 6586 0932

40 William Street, Port Macquarie t 6583 7200 open 7 days for lunch and dinner.

open Tuesday to Sunday for breakfast and lunch and Thursday, Friday and Saturday night for dinner.

Spinnakers Restaurant + Bar

Waterfront Restaurant

Spinnakers Restaurant, relaxing with spectacular views over the marina and Pelican Bay, town lights sparkling over the bay, just set the scene for warm restaurant during this cold month.

Our chefs are looking to make some changes to our menu for winter. We’ll be keeping some of our old favourites, but we’ll also be adding in some great new tastes and flavours. We’ll continue to offer our seafood platter for two, which is packed with a wide variety of hot and cold seafood and has proved very popular. This platter must be pre-ordered, so please be sure to request it when making your booking (min 24hrs notice req). The Waterfront Restaurant is also available for functions. Perfect for 21sts. No room hire charge (conditions apply). Start thinking now about booking in your Xmas party. Choose from a set course menu, buffet or finger food. Please contact us for further info. We're open daily for breakfast from 7am-11am weekdays & 8am-11am weekends / public holidays. Dinner bookings from 6pm - please call 6583 1944 to make a reservation. (Family friendly.)

Have a tantalizing cocktail in our bar or dine in the restaurant with modern cuisine specializing in steaks and seafood, for breakfast, lunch or dinner when booking your table over June mention FOCUS and we will give you a free bottle of wine when two main course meals are ordered or have our locals special Hot Buffet Breakfast for $18 per person.

Our friendly staff with make you feel special and pampered.

Spinnakers Restaurant + Bar at Quality Resort Sails.

Park St, Port Macquarie at the roundabout, opposite Settlement City t 6589 5200 open for breakfast, lunch and dinner from 6.45am, 7 days a week.

Head chef Scott Trotter.

Inside and outside dining.

Sunset Parade, Port Macquarie t 6583 1944 open for breakfast: Mon - Fri, 7am - 11am; weekends 8am - 11am.

Dinner: Monday - Saturday, 6pm - late. greater port macquarie focus 25

focusinterview.

Local Gents enjoying Biggest Morning Tea at Long Flat Pub

With Aaron Rae - Blue Water B ar

Christmas in July

Miso cured salmon with wasabi aioli, avocado mousse, crouton, black sesame and micro leaves Ingredients Time 30 hours for curing

½ cup salt

20 g wasabi paste

1 kg fresh salmon

200 g miso paste

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1 egg white

1 punnet fresh micro leaves

½ cup castor sugar 1 lemon quartered

½ bunch coriander leaves Croutons

1 avocado

250 g whole egg aioli

Black sesame

Method Remove pin bones from the salmon fillet with tweezers. Mix salt, sugar, 3 lemon wedges, sesame oil and miso paste together in a bowl. Place salmon skin side down on clean ceramic tray.

Press and spread out miso sugar mixture evenly on salmon and cover with cling film and refrigerate for 30 hours.

The next day, poke salmon to make sure it’s firm. Wash off curing mixture under cold water and pat dry. Slice salmon with sharp knife very thinly, running the blade evenly from one side to the other and set aside.

To make the avocado mousse, place avocado, coriander leaves, squeeze a quarter lemon juice, egg white and olive oil and a good pinch of salt into hand 26 greater port macquarie focus.

blender. Blitz until smooth.

Place the aioli or (good mayo) into a bowl, add the wasabi paste and mix together with a spoon … (you can add more wasabi to taste if you like it hotter!) Slice some bread loaf very thin and place on a baking tray. Pre heat the oven to 150 degrees Celsius. Place bread onto tray and dry out in the oven for 8 minutes or until lightly brown, and set aside.

To plate up, spread out salmon onto plates, place spots of aioli and avo mousse evenly around and place a couple of croutons in and around salmon. Garnish with micro leaves and black sesame seeds and enjoy.

Serves 4

Located in the picturesque countryside and focused on good old fashioned hospitality, the Long Flat Pub is the perfect place to relax and take a break, celebrate a special occasion, and visit a piece of local history.

Celebrate Christmas in July with family and friends! Enjoy a scenic drive and get into the winter spirit with a hearty traditional Christmas lunch at one of Australia’s original country pubs, located right next to the river and offering exceptional countryside views. Christmas in July Lunch is available every Monday to Friday throughout July, groups are welcome, BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL.

Owners David, Judith and Craig Sonter offer great service, icy cold beers on tap, family-friendly bistro dining and fresh coffee. Pets are also welcome in our outdoor beer garden (leashed pets only), and there is plenty of room for the kids to run around – unleashed!

The Long Flat community Biggest Morning Tea celebrations raised over $1000, and Judith is excited to announce that she will now host a morning tea every 3rd Monday of each month. Come along and bring a plate to share.

Live Music with the popular Andrew Best on the 3rd Sunday of each month.

Accommodation available.

FREE live entertainment Don’t miss the internationally acclaimed and Ultimate ABBA Tribute Show – FABBA! Playing live at the Port Macquarie Golf Club on Friday June 21, this is a FREE show comprising professional musicians and musical theatre performers. While FABBA is dedicated to replicating the ABBA sound, they have also added the theatrics, fun and modern style to the songs as seen in the musical/ movie Mamma Mia. Highly energetic, visually captivating, musically brilliant, audience engaging and always … totally entertaining.

Did we mention that it’s free?

New Chef’s Specials at Aspire restaurant!

Talented chefs Alex Hallam and Keiran English have a fresh new menu now on offer, with a variety of choices to suit all tastes. From fresh local seafood to succulent steaks, come and try the new menu soon!

Some of the favourites include: pumpkin arancini balls with feta cream, rocket and pine nuts, or the duck two ways – Indian spiced duck breast with caramelised pumpkin puree

and slow cooked spiced confit duck leg with pickled cucumber salad.

With so much to do at The Port Macquarie Golf Club, there is something for everyone!

Why not come and join us for BINGO every Monday from 10.30am – bring a friend during the month of June and receive a free Bingo Book! Free courtesy bus to pick you up and take you home. FREE TRIVIA, raffle prize giveaways and cash countdown every Wednesday from 5.30pm and Friday raffles with over 50 prizes to give away; tickets on sale from 6.30pm. FREE live entertainment every Friday night.

greater port macquarie focus 27

David Williamson's The Club “The play, is big, broad and very funny even if you know nothing about footy.” – Herald Sun. Football comes to the Glasshouse this winter with The Club, written by Australia’s bestknown and most widely performed playwright, David Williamson. Starring John Wood of Blue Heelers fame, The Club follows the seismic shift from Australian sport to Australian business.

wit h Belind a G i b s o n

Occasionally in life we meet extraordinary people.

People that bring you into their world, connect with you, inspire you. Jack Charles is one of these people.

J

ack Charles has an electrifying personality. As a professional actor he is a master of the spoken word; his voice is deep, rich and melodic. He is often described as a true gentleman, generous in spirit, warm of heart, sharp of wit, and he has lived a most unique and fascinating life.

Uncle Jack Charles is one of Australia’s living treasures. He is an acclaimed actor, singer, Koori elder, activist, musician and potter. However for a good portion of his nearly 70 years he has also been homeless, a Heroin addict, a cat-burglar and a regular guest of Her Majesty in Victoria’s prisons.

His has been a life of extremes.

Jack Charles V The Crown is the story of this man who has lived a life to its utmost.

What makes this show so special is this story is told by the man who lived it. It is an extraordinary journey that can take a man from receiving the applause of hundreds standing on a stage of the Sydney Opera House to sitting alone in a prison cell.

doing time, Jack performs the story of his life with extraordinary flair.

Accompanied onstage by a three-piece band, this one man show is a theatrical delight. It is a great night in the theatre where you feel you have witnessed something truly special. Jack Charles V The Crown is one of those nights.

This show premiered at the Melbourne International Arts Festival in 2010 with a sell-out season and resulted in standing ovations every night. Now touring the country, this is such a rare opportunity not only to see a well-crafted piece of theatre but to spend a night with a truly amazing Australian. Few of us will ever live a life as diverse in its extremes and richness as the

Self-made millionaire and club president Ted Parker has grand plans to drag them kicking and screaming into the modern era. High priced recruit Geoff Haywood has enough attitude to

Can the proudest club in the history of Aussie Rules football survive the back room dramas and boardroom brawls that are more ferocious than any on-field dust-up?

Football has never been played like this.

Followers and players of AFL, league, union and soccer will identify with all the characters, power and control games being played out – and anyone who has been on a committee or board of any sort will also recognise the timeless nature of politics and personalities.

HIT PRODUCTIONS & Glasshouse Port Macquarie present

David Williamson’s

CLUB THE

Starring John Wood

life journey of Jack Charles.

This is a night for anyone who loves a great story and anyone who is inspired by others who have overcome adversity and achieved greatness – regardless of their field.

Football has never been played like this...

In time, as our nation rediscovers this

Since founding Australia’s first Aboriginal theatre company in the 1970s, Jack has performed with some of Australia’s most renowned actors, including Geoffrey Rush, David Gulpillil and Bill Hunter, starred in major Australian films ,TV series and hundreds of plays and is one of Australia’s most highly regarded performers.

extraordinary individual, we will remember

For 40 years and with infectious humour and optimism, Jack Charles juggled his life of a successful actor with a career of criminal activity. At almost 70, no longer caught in the cycle of addiction, crime and

but humbling. It was that something that

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Old school coach and club doyen Laurie Holden has an eye on the future as well as a deep respect for the foundations and history of the club.

fill the MCG, but is he half as good as he thinks he is? With the finals looming and reputations on the line, the club has to decide – are old traditions worth preserving when success can seemingly be bought with the stroke of a fountain pen on a very large cheque book?

our night at the Glasshouse with Uncle Jack Charles. This man is a part of our living history – do not miss the opportunity this month to share this experience with him.

“There is something special about Uncle Jack. Something about his voice, his

“Williamson’s sharp, insightful and very funny jibe of tribal ritual and boardroom club politics is still goal scoring premiership theatre.”

Canberra Times

stature, his story – something powerful richocheted people to their feet to give the man a standing ovation. It is most certainly, something you won’t want to miss.”

Review from Australian Stage.

TUESDAY 2 JULY & WEDNESDAY 3 JULY, 8pm (02) 6581 8888 I glasshouse.org.au Cnr Clarence & Hay Sts, Port Macquarie NSW 2444

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Out to Lunch

with Susie Boswell

The C U N N I N G S Records show Patrick Cunning, convicted in Lancashire in the early 1800s of a killing, sentenced to life imprisonment at Port Arthur. Yet he ultimately set up home in Port Macquarie, establishing one of our most prominent, long-term families. Over the dining table this month, Susie meets just one of his descendants. esidents of the Crestwood area might be interested to learn their estate was once known by the name of “Blowfly”. Catholic Father Leo Donnelly, as a teenager, used to pick beans on the farm that occupied the land there. These vignettes are among some quirky facts that emerge as I delve into Port’s history with a descendant of one of our oldest families, Val McCoy, nee Cunning. When Val was a child, three-quarters of a century or so ago and pre-World War II, much of the south-eastern part of town - including locales now known as Crestwood (for the forest, prehousing, that topped the hill), Dahlsford (from the developer, Rosendahl’s, name), Emerald Downs and Lighthouse Beach (historically: Tacking Point) - was little more than paddocks sustaining dairy cattle, fruit and vegies, farmed by three Cunning brothers. According to farm practice, paddocks were named to distinguish their location: home paddock, top paddock, and so on. The “Blowfly” paddocks became so identified because Annie Higgins, a worker picking peas there, spent a long hungry day in the fields after her beef-sandwich lunch was ruined by flystrike.

Valerie Doris Mary Cunning, now McCoy, is just one of many descendants of the Cunning pioneers spread throughout the region today. Their links to the town are intimate; for example, Val’s father was educated at St Joseph’s, as was she ... and her great grandson Gus now also attends the school. The family’s local history goes back to the time of Val’s great grandfather, Thomas Patrick (aka Patrick)

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Cunning, born 1815, sentenced at Lancaster Assizes to life imprisonment for manslaughter, sent to Hobart on convict ship Gilmore in 1838 at the age of 23. But Patrick was fortunate that by the time he was 30 he was pardoned; a free man, he married Irish-born Matilda Jane Nelson in Hobart and fathered 13 children.

From her marriage at 20 to the age of 40 Matilda produced a Cunning baby every couple of years: several children in Hobart, another four in Sydney and, after the couple arrived here in 1859, six in Port Macquarie; her final flourish was twin girls. The colonial government’s land grants policy saw Patrick select land to farm in Tacking Point (notice Cunning Street, near the beach) until his death in 1899 at the age of 84, his grave one of the first in Port Macquarie cemetery. (There were many other “Patricks”, too, in the maternal line tracing back to Ireland, a strong Irish-Catholic heritage, and the female children tended to inherit the same family first-names, such as Johanna and Bridget). One of Patrick’s 13 sons and daughters was Walter Matthew Cunning, born here in 1863, Val Cunning McCoy’s grandfather.

Walter married Johanna Welsh, the daughter of Patrick Welsh (born in Ireland in 1838) and Bridget Kenny (from a long line of Irish “Patricks” and “Johannas”). Walter and Johanna had seven children: another Thomas Patrick (“Tommy”) in 1902, Edward a year or so later, and Ernest Walter, the youngest boy, in 1905, and then daughters Ellen May, Mary, Bridget Maud and Honora (known as Nora, who died aged 8). Tommy and Edward each had just one daughter, Cecily and Val respectively; Ernie

But Patrick was fortunate that by e he was 30 he tim e th free was pardoned; ad Irishrie ar m he , an m born Matilda Jane t and Nelson in Hobar ren. ” ild ch 13 fathered

“

sons Barry and had two sons, Darrell. Yet that accounts for just the male progeny of only a single line of 13 Cunning siblings ... who, of course, boast many more local descendants known by other surnames adopted by the Cunning girls, and their own female progeny, on marriage.

Shaky historical records make tracing the Cunning family tree sometimes a challenge. But we looked at the line through just one of the Cunnings born shortly after the turn of the 19th century: Walter’s second son, Edward, who married Lillian Mary Blanchard in 1931, their daughter Val born in 1933. As she looks forward to her 80th birthday on September 22, Val McCoy notes: “The original house [founding father Patrick] built at Tacking Point is still there, been there forever, the old timber cottage (pictured); they’ve put a garage on the side and painted it all up! My great grandfather, my grandfather and my father all lived there, Dad was brought up there. Eventually he sold the original old property and the land – it ran right down to the beach – to the developers.

“My grandparents .... gosh they were poor!

Grandmother used to walk all the way to town carrying buckets of tomatoes to sell. When she died her sheets and pants were found to be patched. Dad inherited land from his father;

he had to pay the others their share of the estate.

Tommy and Ernie also had their own farms in the area south-east of the township. Dad continued dairy and vegetable farming [peas, beans, tomatoes, pineapples, pumpkins] for a while, but eventually went into beef cattle, bought a 1700acre place at Yarras and a fattening property on the Macleay. They lived in a house in Swift Street, at the corner of Grandview. Dad had bought 40acres there from his brother-in-law. He was a hard worker and still working at 76 when he was killed in a tractor accident.” (The Port News recorded Eddie had acquired “extensive” property interests in dairying and vegetable growing and, later on, cattle farming. Fruit and vegies were sent to New England and to Sydney from a growers’ co-op in Munster Street, Val recalls). “Dad kept everything close to his chest so Mum had no idea ... when Dad died she suddenly had a lot of money and assets dropped in her lap.

Dad achieved that from nothing; when he and Mum got married he’d returned from working during the Depression on a Queensland pig farm, then share-farming on the Maria River.

They’d had just 10 pounds in the bank ...”

Out To Lunch is hosted by Lou Perri at The Stunned Mullet on Town Beach.

JANE CITIZEN

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Ahzee Best! Caring for homes Going away and want to know your home is secure?

Not sure what to do with your precious pets while away? Terry and Chris Kirk are a well known local couple who are here to help.

For many years Terry and Chris Kirk have been caring for the homes and pets of friends and family. They can provide you with peace of mind, knowing that all is being looked after.

“Words cannot describe the peace of mind I experienced knowing that my home and pets were being so well cared for

by Chris and Terry while I was away. They really go the extra mile in caring.” Margaret.

“After meeting them, we felt like we’d known them for years – and we were happy to leave our home and dog in their hands. Chris was very keen to meet Skye before we left, so that Skye would feel comfortable with someone else around.

When we arrived home after a month away, we were surprised at how clean and tidy everything was. Chris and Terry are both honest, reliable and very caring people. We certainly wouldn’t think twice about having them home sit for us again.” Robyn and Peter Goldsmith.

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coffee @ munster The missing piece of your Munster Street Shopping Village is now complete with Holy Goat coffee being served at coffee @ munster.

The Munster Street Village is a unique destination which features a range of boutique shopping including Munster St Quality Meats, Baker’s Basket and Ken Littles Fruit & Veg! Now the picture is completed as the Jones Family opens the new espresso bar inside their Foodworks store.

Having lived locally and being able to do all her shopping at Munster Street, Trudi saw the opportunity to combine her other great love - Coffee!

Open daily from 7am, coffee @ munster is a convenient stop on your way into town without having to fight for a car spot.

Enjoy a cup of fresh roasted and prepared coffee before heading off to collect your shopping at the nearby village shops.

Trudi offers up her Barista skills for local coffee lovers - and for local businesses they can easily phone ahead their orders and they will be ready when you arrive at the store.

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M i l l e r - H e i d k e Kate Miller-Heidke will stop over at the Manning Entertainment Centre on June 29 for a fabulous show. With a one of a kind, unforgettable voice and an amazing stage presence, Kate will perform many songs from her new album Nightflight ...

H

i Kate. You trained as a classical singer, but what actually led you to consider singing as a career in the first place?

Did you have a musical family background?

I had a very supportive family. You know, my mother drove me around to piano lessons and singing lessons for years and years. And I guess the reason I ended up studying it was because I wasn't good at anything else!

So you think you kind of fell into it by accident in a way?

Well, because I loved it, and it was the only thing that interested me for a long time.

Having trained classically, you achieved amazing success and numerous awards, but you did actually decide to move into more contemporary music later on in your career - around 2005, I believe. What actually led to that decision? It was a big move …

Well, I'd always written my own songs and always gotten a big kick out of that, and I guess I was feeling a little bit frustrated - creatively frustrated - at the sort of whole career singing other people's music and taking other people's direction on stage and playing characters forever.

No ... I kind of felt like I wanted to be myself and sing my own songs, but I guess I always thought that would just be a hobby; I didn't figure that it would actually be a career. It seemed like a bit of a pipe dream, but I guess I just got lucky, or it was the timing ... or a bit of both!

Yeah, I'm still grateful to be in the position I'm in now.

With the regional tour that you're currently undertaking, you're going to be performing a lot of songs from your third studio album, Nightflight.

Now, Nightflight seems to be quite 34 greater port macquarie focus.

different to the previous two albums you've released. Would you agree: is it a different production for you?

Yeah, it is. It's a lot darker, and I guess it kind of harks back to my Folk roots, in a way. And I guess it's ... you know, I wanted to make Nightflight cinematic in a way that the other two albums weren't.

The other two albums are a bit more like the television, and I wanted to make something a bit broader and a bit deeper with a bit more subtlety to it.

So, tell us a little bit about some of the songs on the album itself. You're a songwriter, and you collaborate with your collaborator, Keir Nuttall, as well … but what are some of the songs that mean the most to you on the album?

Well, obviously they all have a special place in my heart. It'd be clichéd to say that songs are your babies, but it's kind of true. I think Sarah is a song that I still really enjoy playing because it's a story song and it's based on a true story, but I still think it's wrapped up in telling that story.

Nightflight, the title, is something I love to play too … it's quite interesting. Humiliation is a lot of fun to play, because there are crazy opera bits and my collaborator does this amazing thing with a lute guitar.

So yeah ... the songs have kind of taken on a different light since we've put them down recording, and I think they breathe more. There are a lot of different colours coming out too when we play them live.

Now with this regional tour, when you pop in to visit us in Taree, I understand it's actually going to be an acoustic performance?

Yeah, it's going to be good. It's just guitar, voice and piano. It's a set up that I think is going to work beautifully in the theatre there in Taree.

So who is going to be performing with you?

Keir, my collaborator.

Sounds like it'll be a fantastic performance. Just one other thing that I wanted to touch base with, because a lot of the readers may not know about this. I'm going backwards just a little bit here - but the thing that struck me the most reading about you was that you and Keir actually won the grand prize in 2008 in the International Songwriting Competition for your song, Caught In The Crowd. How did that make you guys feel, knowing you were the first Australians to actually win this award?

It was great. Some of the judges were my musical heroes - people like Tom Waite and Robert from The Cure, so just to think that those people had actually heard the song was lovely. All the money didn't hurt either!

Now that you've had an experience such as this, how do you top that? I mean, what are your goals, aims and dreams now?

Well, I can't wait to get back into the studio and make a new album. I feel like it's such a learning process every time, and every time it's different. So I'm looking forward to that. I'm also writing an opera for Opera Australia based on a Shaun Tan book called The Rabbits, so that's something I'm looking forward to getting done.

Do you have an ETA for when you think your next album will be ready?

That's going to be early next year.

Thanks Kate.

the plug!

See Kate perform at the Manning Entertainment Centre on June 29 at 8pm.

Tickets cost $46.80, and can be purchased through Movies Games & More on 6552 5699.

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FARM TOUR H ast i n gs L a n d c a r e I n c .

THE 2013 - FARM GATE TOUR – 8, 9, 10 JUNE - IS A NOT-FOR-PROFIT EVENT SUPPORTING FARMERS AND FARM GATE ENTERPRISES.

New Espresso Bar LV's are in the mood for something business lunch is specially designed for the different and with winter now upon worker and takeway is available. us there is no better time to If it’s not lunch your after why not shake things up a bit. Don’t pull up a seat with friends for hibernate this winter pop in morning or afternoon tea, Enjoy the new and enjoy the atmosphere LV's range of cakes, slices h nc business lu of LV's. and yummy treats will

with your choice

of

Experience the new definitely hit the right spot d wraps, salads an ry coffee bar while sitting this winter. Cakes are baked ve e th se ur co of so back and enjoying the in house with gluten free popular and ever views. Why not give our options availble as well as tasty LVs Slider. new business lunch menu a sourdough breads for sale. try with your choice of wraps, Having a party or celebrating salads and of course the very something special talk to us about popular and ever so tasty LV's Slider. Our our functions options.

t provides a great opportunity to ‘meet the farmer’ on farms not generally open to the public and access information on a range of land management topics. Eleven farms – covering poultry, dairy, garlic and essential oils, beef, pork, eggs, native bush-foods, sheep cheese, alpacas, macadamias and biodiversity conservation will be featured on the self-drive program.

Brian Irving, President of Hastings Landcare Inc. said ‘For 2013, farms have been selected from the Lorne Valley and greater Hastings region to showcase a diversity of enterprise and best-practice land management initiatives. 2012 was the inaugural year of the event – and there was a great response to the initiative. This year we have some new farms on board.

An organic dairy as well as an A2 milk producer - A2 milk is favoured for its low allergenic properties - and a dairy for sheep whose milk is

used in cheese making are open and families will be able to visit the farms and see cattle being milked, calves and sheep being fed along with Award Winning poultry collections.’

Farmers and specialist speakers have been programmed at set times over the 3 days. Topics include biological practices for regenerating soils and pastures, holistic management, biodiversity and water quality protection along our rivers and streams, managing invasive weeds and private land conservation.

The Tour celebrates our farming community and also creates a great opportunity to visit farms not generally open to the public, learn about local farming systems, the diversity of produce in the region and where to purchase local provenance foods. It is an initiative of Hastings Landcare – the catchment based community landcare network supported by Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority.

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Rocking with the front man At The Pier!

Rocking with the front man At The Pier! ednesday nights will never decks with his super styling song selections! be the same! We’re bringing We will also feature burlesque performers back the love and some great up and coming comedito the most ans from all over the nation! All this sensitive night of the week. and a great new food menu every be l e’l W “ ‘Rocking out We know it’s tough, when Wednesday from 7pm. with the front g you hit hump day. Luckily At The Pier we pride ourselves on in ur at man’, fe we have just the thing to having live music 5 nights a week, some of the st country’s fine amp it up! Live entertainthe best cocktails in town and the performers ” ment and a delicious new friendliest darn bar staff you’ll ever food menu, is sure to liven up hope to meet! If it’s a bottle of fine your Wednesday at The Pier. wine you’re after, Matt’s right next door at We’ll be ‘Rocking out with the front man’, The Grape and Petal to look after you. So featuring some of the country’s finest perform- don’t sit at home with the sads this winter, get ers including Wes Carr, Aya Larkin (skunk your glad rags on and get down to the house hour) and our very own Luke Hall. Our DJ of fun, The Pier.

Nathan Healy will be setting the scene on the P. 6584 2800 / 72 Clarence St, Port Macq. greater port macquarie focus 35

focusinterview.

Deborah Conwa y Stories of

Ghosts

T

ell us about the early days with your first band The Benders - what were some of the highlights? I joined The Benders when I was 20 years old; it was a prog-rock style band - they liked to indulge in long solos. I turned up to the audition and got the gig. I performed with them for eight months, during which time we played a lot of shows. The drummer and I decided we wanted to form a different kind of band, so we both left The Benders and moved to Sydney, where we then formed Do Re Mi. In stark contrast, we decided this time around to record some EPs before we went out to play to people, which were released and picked up by alternative radio stations around the country.

How would you describe your style of music, and how it has evolved over the years? This is always a difficult question; I think it has undergone a number of transformations over the years. I suppose at the moment we are playing something that is very true to me; it's Folk but it is very rhythmic as well, so it's hard to put into a particular genre. I have bounced around like a ping pong ball, within that very broad spectrum of Pop and Rock, but at the moment the music is based around acoustic instruments. I'm feeling very comfortable with my current style.

An Australian singer/songwriter who made her way on to the music scene in the ’ 80s , Deborah Conway released her first solo record, String of Pearls, in 1991. Now with musical and lifetime partner Willy Zygier, Deborah tells us about her journey and new album Stories of Ghosts. Deborah and Willy will be performing at The Fig in Port Macquarie on July 5.

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When did you release your first solo album? String of Pearls was my first solo record, and it was released in 1991. It came after having spent a lot of time trying to make another solo record in various places in London and Los Angeles, in which the final results were actually ditched. So I started writing a new batch of different songs, and recorded these for String of Pearls. It was a back-to-basics kind of record ... a very honest type of music. I guess I was just finding my songwriter voice without everybody else who had been around me up until that

time. String of Pearls was experimental in that sense, but it was a very straightforward record in many ways. During the tour of that record, I met and employed Willy Zygier, who has become my lifetime partner in all things including musical collaboration - that was 22 years ago.

In 1993 you produced your first album with Willy Zygier - did this begin a new chapter in your life?

We met in 1991, and this record came out in 1993, so it was more when we met and started writing songs together that a new chapter in life started for me. It was very clear that musically and personally we got on very well - we are now married and have 3 children - and have collaborated on 9 records together. We complement each other, as Willy is a very trained musician, I am very untrained, he writes very complex musical pieces, whereas I tend to find my complexity rhythmically and in different ways. Musically it works very well for us. We have both gone on this musical journey together, down the electronica path, the road of blaringly loud distorted guitars … we have wandered around in our musical landscape together, and it has been good to have a companion to do this with.

Describe your new album, Stories of Ghosts. Stories of Ghosts is an unbeliever’s examination of Old Testament themes from a Jewish perspective, exploring the connections between ancient practice and modern life.The songs on this album are a carefully honed collection reflecting on a long history of composing and living together, infused with memories and the influences of our heroes.

There is beautiful poetry in the old testaments, and I guess that is what we wanted to explore.

Performing at The Fig in Port Macquarie on July 5; for more venues and dates, please visit: http://www.facebook.com/conwayzygier http://www.deborahconway.com

s o c i a l s c e n e with Kate Wood-Foye from Rydges Port Macquarie.

below. Local students learn about Luminosity below. Teale Bryan Introduces his team at the Telstra Business Centre opening

below. Emily Pitt and her hens!

left. Anya & Lee Dixon enjoy Slice of Haven

Social/scene.

My lucky and beloved little sis jets off for a fabulous overseas break tomorrow to the UK, Dubai and Spain. Hard not to feel a little land locked, really! Serious travel envy is starting to take hold … I can literally feel my skin turning an unflattering shade of green and my feet becoming more than a little itchy! he fact she will be gallivanting across the continent soaking up the European sun certainly makes our impending wild and woolly winter even less appealing and my couch all the more boring ... the only consolation being that our little place in the world is ridiculously beautiful even on an average day and that she will be enjoying a well deserved and planned break … still think of me, Sarah, as you sip champers on the top of the Seven star Burj Al Arab in Dubai and also think of me when you see those boutiques and the jewellery stores … and the London summer sales … you get the picture, sis – and the shoe size! Handbags also gratefully accepted!

Teale and Linda Bryan shared a special occasion with clients and friends at the recent opening of their Telstra Business Centre on Lake Rd. One hundred and twenty guests, including new manager Matt Howarth and his team, Milva & Jeff of Fantastic Furniture, Peter Newman, Sandra Wallace of CSU, David Capper of Rydges, Marc Stortenbeker of Prime 7, Bob Knuckey of Moisture Cure, David Plews of First National Real Estate, Glen Towle of ETC, Jo and Steve Cherry, Debbie Moore, Lisa MacPherson, Haydn Oriti, to name but a few, enjoyed an afternoon in the sun with canapés

by SilverSpoon Catering & Events, some thirst quenching ales from Black Duck Brewery and a touch of the local drop from Paul Jogever of Cassegrain Wines. Guests were entertained

by the chilled acoustic sounds of Matt Brooker and Elizabeth Robinson, as the happy crowd helped Teale and his team christen the new home of business communications at the Lake Rd premises.

Mr John Boniciolli, Head of Small Business, flew in to be a part of the opening ceremony, with Mayor Peter Besseling officially cutting the ribbon and drawing the curtain (or boxer shorts, as they became affectionately known!) on the new space. Emcee Mark Strahan of 2MC was among many who wished Teale well on his new journey. Friday afternoon turned into a Friday evening, with guests being chauffeured to Zebu Bar + Grill to continue the celebrations. Congrats, Linda and Teale!

The lovely Ricky Pomeroy and Amelia Moorely organised a hens’ night with a difference for beautiful bride to be Emily Pitt in late May, with a two course dinner at restaurant 1830 and show at the Glasshouse. On a torrential night, 20 of Emily’s gal pals popped on our heels and lippy and braved the hideous weather to celebrate Emily’s last month of singledom.

Guests, including Mum Christine Pitt, sister Amelia, Melinda Dalton, Louise Beaumont and Gwen Newell were just some of the lovely ladies who joined in on the celebration. Cheeky pics of Emily’s well travelled life adorned the table, with plenty of heartfelt and hysterical wifely advice being dished out. In true Emily style - not a plastic appendage straw in sight!

The scrummy dinner was followed up by an AMAZING performance by R&J Dance company

– these dancers were so talented, I literally held my breath for the hour long performance (not recommended after a few bubblies!) which zoomed past in the blink of an eye. The bevy of belles finished the night at Zebu Bar + Grill with cocktails and tunes in front of the fires.

Emily jets off in mid July to say “I do” in picturesque Hawaii with lucky hubby to be Michael … I won’t tell you my advice (or Ms Melinda’s!) ... it’s not really suitable for print!

Keith Dawson celebrated his 100th birthday with 60 family and friends in the waterfront clubhouse of Village Resort in Port Macquarie.

The event, organised by daughter Kathie Taylor of Newport, was a special surprise High Tea by SilverSpoon and included delicious handmade treats such as miniature meringue kisses, raspberry cheesecakes and smoked salmon tartlets.

The special guests flew and drove from all over the country to be a part of this momentous day – Centenarian Keith was over the moon and duly surprised on his arrival with the celebration of his 100 years of life, labour and love! Guests, including Keith’s grandkids and great grand children, spent the afternoon reminiscing with the man of the century! Congrats to you, Keith!

A band of celebs and super business minds are set to converge on Port Macquarie on 24 – 26 July for the first annual Luminosity Youth Summit in July. Inspiring musicians, artists, dancers, business people, young entrepreneurs

and social media gurus will be revealing the secrets of their success to a lucky group of young guns at the Glasshouse and Rydges. Just over 300 regional young people between the ages of 15 – 30 will be a part of this amazing event that connects them with strategies for personal innovation and development The program will be jam packed with amazing stories and Dangerous Ideas for success.

Check out Faustina Agolley (Fuzzy) from Chanel Nine’s The Voice, who will be sharing her tricks of the trade and juicy details on fabulous musicians she has interviewed all over the world, including The Black Eyed Peas, Madonna, to name but a few. Tickets will sell out to this event!

If you have a young person looking to launch into a HUGE future or have a young person in your life who would benefit from 3 days of inspiration, challenge and fun, check out www. luminsoityyouthsummit.com.au I am on the countdown to my first serious gals weekend since before the dawn of time (!) with a jet setting trip to Syd-Vegas with two of my favourite girls in June - I will be converging on Sydney town for 3 days of unadulterated shopping, relaxing, shopping, eating, relaxing, some more shopping and a good lashing of silly shenanigans. Bust out the bubbles and the little black dress (if I can still find it!) Brace yourself, people … this could be big or a total disaster!

Berocca + dark sunnies are already packed, as I am dangerously out of practice! ‘til next month! Kate.

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In Celebration of the French National Day

Burlesque & Bastille

louperri.

from The Stunned Mullet

L OVE ON A PL ATE In one kitchen chefs strive to combine incredible flavours, amazing techniques, exotic ingredients and artful presentation in an effort to strive for heights never previously seen in culinary history.

I

n another kitchen, somewhere in the same town – another chef prepares a timeless classic – a dish we all know and seem to have known as long as we remember.

into the future. We need to experiment with exciting, cutting edge techniques, amazing freshly discovered ingredients, and incorporate brand new global trends into our menus.

A French inspired evening in the cellar!

Saturday 13 July from 6.30pm – join us for a sumptuous French inspired feast accompanied by the tantalising taste of tease – an evening of Neo Burlesque! Be entertained by independently recognised burlesque performers, Caterina Vitt & Rosie Rivette, coming together in a never seen before collaboration, this delectable duo were born to perform together! $85 per person ($80 for Club Cassegrain Members) includes dinner and show, plus a welcome drink on arrival. Cassegrain wines available for purchase on the night. Book a table of 10 and receive 2 bottles of dessert wine free. Why not leave the car at home and organise a shuttle with Cruise in Style Limousines – contact Craig on 0423 117 231 for more information or to make a booking.

or corporate events.

Cellar Door - Award winning wines and regional produce. Open for tastings every day, (9am – 5pm).

Enquire about a private tasting – great for groups

in the beautiful Cassegrain grounds. Go to www.

Free winery tour 2pm – Monday to Friday. This is an opportunity to learn all about the winemaking process and see the inner workings of a medium sized winery – and the largest in the Hastings region. Please note it is a requirement that all visitors touring the winery must wear enclosed footwear. Call the Cellar Door on 6582 8324 for more information.

The Restaurant at Cassegrain Offers morning/afternoon teas and lunch in a relaxed ambience surrounded by grapevines, roses and scenic gardens. Bookings recommended. P: (02) 6582 8320.

The artist market in the vines- Sunday 23 June 9am – 3pm. Local art, craft, music, food and fun facebook.com/The ArtistMarketinTheVines for the latest information on the markets.

But at the same time our palates are so As humans, we are contradictory beasts. very powerfully affected by the aromas and Our palates reflect our approach to life in flavours that have made their impressions on general in such a way that on one hand we us, over the course of our lives. are pretty darn jaded and always The dilemma for today’s chefs is to searching for something brand which aspect of human nature new and mind blowing. to turn towards – is it better Our tastebuds have to play it safe and serve up been there and done the tried, true and tested Chefs the world that, we’ve sampled over will always classics? enting flavours from all over keep on experim Or is the way to go to d the world done in a with the weird an search far and wide for l el multitude of ways. wonderful, as w d ol the newest, cleverest e But we still crave ever as rehashing th up-to-the-minute more exotic offerings, faithfuls .” inspirations, with a finger some different, clearly on the pulse of and some hopefully global food trends? wonderful.

“

But then there’s the other side of us, which clings desperately to the utterly familiar. That creature of habit that resides in us all who does not want to take a risk, who wants to stick with what we know and love.

Both inclinations are equally powerful, and that’s why there are chefs in kitchens everywhere pandering to either trait – and occasionally to both, in the form of ‘reinterpretations’ of classic dishes, which sometimes dismally fail to remotely uphold their original inspirations.

This approach can be particularly dangerous, as it is extremely easy to pay a somewhat sacrilegious tribute to an iconic dish. As many would say – “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”.

Innovation is necessary to propel our world

There is no clear answer to this question. At the end of the day we humans will always be a fickle bunch. Our cravings will shift from day to day as mood and season finds us.

All we can do is whatever it is we do to the very best of our ability – to commit to our ideas with maximum integrity – whether they be old or new, safe or scintillating.

Chefs the world over will always keep on experimenting with the weird and wonderful, as well as rehashing the old faithfuls. Whether it’s Osso Bucco or Tomato Soil with Scalllop Foam, it’s all down to the love that’s on the plate that transforms it from ordinary to extraordinary.

That surely is how today’s crazy and out there stuff will become tomorrow’s classics. greater port macquarie focus 39

By Jane Hillsdon Principal Consultant of Dragonfly Marketing

irst of all, congratulations on your recent selection to provide nutritional guidance to the contestants of the Port Macquarie’s Biggest Loser competition, which ran on the Dig’s and Nic breakfast show on STAR 102.3FM. How did you find this experience, and what value did you add to the contestants?

As a health professional, I am very concerned about the prevalence of weight issues in our society and was delighted to assist the contestants with their dietary needs and meal plans. I applaud Star FM for getting this competition off the ground.

It can be difficult to modify a person’s diet, because it’s such a personal thing, but with good information and encouragement even the most reluctant dieters can change their dietary habits. All of the contestants had a reason not to change their diet, either due to fussy taste buds, working night shift or living in a busy home with young children; but, they also recognise the need for change and are all working hard to shed as much weight as possible throughout the competition.

I enjoyed counselling the contestants on their dietary change and energy needs and hope they appreciated my efforts.

Tell us about your background and how you came to be in Port Macquarie?

My husband and I moved to Port 18 months ago, after living in a mining town for a few years. It was a hot and dusty environment, 400 kilometres from the coast. Apart from those few years, I’ve always lived on the coast.

I even lived on an island for a few years as a kid, so being close to the sand and sea is important to me. We chose Port for its proximity to beaches, its natural beauty and the gener40 greater port macquarie focus.

ally friendly feel of the town. Our neighbours are helpful and friendly; we’ve met some dear friends and feel completely at home in this lovely town.

What was it that first inspired you to start your own business?

There were lots of reasons for my decision.

My family has always been in small business.

My parents owned a milk run, my dad was a builder, mum owned a restaurant and my husband is a plumber. So I’m not afraid to run my own business and most Naturopaths are small business owners; it’s a natural fit to be in private practice. The biggest reason though, is that I’m a bit of a control freak and perfectionist; I like being able to make my own decisions and implement changes when necessary.

What is the most rewarding part about running your business?

Running my own business is immensely rewarding for many reasons, but the best part is meeting and working with people. I love to hear my clients’ stories, to share with them and help them improve their lives. Improving health is not always easy; some people have very complex health problems but when the improvements come, they are incredibly rewarding.

What have been some of the challenges that you have had to overcome operating a small business within a regional area, and how have you overcome these challenges?

When I started my business in Port, I was aware that the local population and medical profession weren’t overly accepting of Naturopathy and Herbal Medicine. So my challenge has been to convince the population at large that naturopathy is safe and effective. I’m not competing with the medical profession; I want to work with doctors and allied health

focusinterview.

professionals in areas of preventative health. every hour that I volunteer is returned to me I haven’t overcome this challenge, but I do in spades. In fact, I am currently assisting the hope to bridge that gap in time by talking to HBWN to organise their inaugural ‘Growing people, demonstrating my professional skills Tall Poppies’ conference in October this year. and the benefits of natural medicine.

So local business women: watch this space for What changes have you noticed in your this fantastic upcoming conference. profession over the past decade, and how What advice would you offer to other have you responded to them? business people looking to maximise their There are two major areas of change; imnetworking opportunities? proved training standards and the movement My philosophy is to be open to opportunity for registration of Naturopaths and Herbalat all times and attend as many events and ists. Modern Naturopaths are highly networking experiences as possible. Don’t trained and educated with university be afraid to expose yourself; you never bachelor degrees in Human know when a connection will Health; they are under the become something special. I paradigm of evidence also believe that mentoring based prescribing and d is an essential element in an sb u h y M use very effective pracsuccess ... ask someone d I moved to an titioner products and ago, you admire to mentor t 18 monthsm or P ining herbal remedies that after living inwayears. you and use that relaare manufactured to town for a feand dusty tionship to grow your a very high standard.

It was a hot t, 400 knowledge. en m environ from the Registration of pracAnd finally, I imagine kilometres titioners is the next vital ast.” co there would be a large step in achieving recogpercentage of business nition of our expertise and minds reading this article inclusion in the mainstream that would do anything to medical model. avoid the unnecessary downtime of You are an active member of the locally getting sick this winter. What would be based business networks: Hastings Busiyour key nutritional advice to people ness Women’s Network (HBWN) and Hastlooking to stay on top of their health over ings Business Enterprise Network (HBEN). the coming colder months?

How do you think your involvement with And hasn’t winter started early this year? these networks has benefited you in busiGood immunity depends on overall good ness? health. My advice is to review your diet and I have met so many fantastic local business people by joining these groups and have learnt lifestyle. Are you eating well, exercising sufficiently, relaxing enough and sleeping soundly? so much from them. I like to be active in my If you have answered NO to any of these, then community, and I do volunteer quite a lot of act now before the nasty winter bugs get you! my time to not-for-profit organisations such Thanks Karen. as Lifeline, the HBWN and Toastmasters. But

“

greater port macquarie focus 41

WAU C H O P E

GUIDE. Class-ique Fashions.

• Simply beautiful fashion clothing for the mature woman.

• Large stockist of Black Pepper, Marco Polo and other leading Australian brands.

• Size range 8 - 24.

• Specialising in smart casual, ‘Mother of the Bride’ and special occasion.

Shop in our town and visit our unique boutique range of businesses. From giftware to fashion, coffee & dining, pubs & clubs all within easy walking distance.

Johnno's Camper Trailers.

Where ever there is weather.

Buy a pair of BOGS boots and receive a pair of BOGS socks FREE. Mens, Womens and Kids sizes and styles. Steel toe, Food Pro and Hunting boots also available.

Call into our show room and see for yourself.

33 High Street Phone. 6586 1324

Class-ique Fashions Style Fit Service Farm Gate Tour.

The 2013 Farm Gate Tour: A self-drive program

in the Hastings and Camden Haven area, with farm tours at set times over 3 days. THIS TOUR IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO INTERACT WITH FARMERS and FARMING LIFE on properties which are not generally open to the public.

Cost $30 per SELF DRIVE BOOKLET - with

property information, maps and travel times.

Available at www.hastingslandcare.org.au Hastings Landcare, 6586 4465 44 Cameron Street, Wauchope.

87 Cameron Street Phone. 6586 0824 Mobile. 0427 861 291 www.hastingsvalley.campertrailer.com.au

de novo • Exquisite jewellery, homewares, furniture and gifts you’ll love to give and receive • Eclectic collection ranging from antique reproduction and fashion jewellery to homewares, handbags, scarves, candles and furniture from around the world • A purely indulgent shopping experience, with easy parking, personalised service and complimentary gift wrapping • Open 8:30am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 8:30am to 12:30pm Saturday.

LJ Hooker Laurieton, 6559 5411 Bold Street, Laurieton.

Ecowild! Healthfood & Organics, 6585 2424 3/21 Bransdon Street, Wauchope.

PMQ Visitor Information Centre, The Glasshouse - Clarence Street, Port Macquarie.

✁

Wauchope On Course Golf Pro Shop.

‘The Best stocked Golf Pro Shop in the Hastings’.

End of Financial Year Clearance Sale.

Cut this out and bring in to receive 10% off your purchase before 30 June 2013.

We stock all the leading brands in golf equipment, clothing and shoes.

Golf Proessional Clark Joyce is the leading Custom Club Fitter in the Hastings. Combine this with our GC2 Launch Monitor, and you have the ultimate Club Fitting Combination.

‘AWESOME!’ Book your Launch Monitor Club fitting TODAY – it’s FREE! 24 King Street Ph: 6585 3885.

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Shop 2, 13 High Street www.facebook.com/denovowauchope

Culture Shock.

WE DARE YA! STAND OUT; BE YOURSELF Stocking Harley Davidson parts and accessories.

• Custom parts, bars, chrome parts, tyres and batteries.

• Ladies and men's clothing, jewellery, patches and belt buckles.

• Alternative clothing and shoes.

• Body jewellery.

17a Graham Street Phone: Vicki: 0448 670 036 Bob: 0437 643 222 Email: cultureshockshop@hotmail.com

focustravel with Susie Boswell

Travel

T R AV E L D E S T I N AT I O N : NSW SKI FIELDS

T

he Australian ski season – four months mid-year that local snow aficionados hang out for throughout the other eight – begins this June long weekend and continues as usual to its finale on the October long weekend.

What’s new is that our main resorts – in NSW, Thredbo and Perisher – have made a concerted effort in recent years to expand both facilities and attractions to cater for dedicated alpine skiers and an expanded cohort of ski-boarders ... as well as for cross-country skiers and non-skiers accompanying downhill daredevils, or who simply want to enjoy the atmosphere and allure of a snow-clad winter break without ever clicking into a ski binding.

Partly in fight-back against aggressive New Zealand ski fields marketing and competitive pricing that captured a big market share in the past, part thanks to the ease of electronic marketing and promotion, and in part a recognition (accompanying the boarding craze) that skiing’s no longer a sport reserved for the cognoscenti and the wealthy, resorts and accommodation houses now offer many price and attractions specials.

The modern lodge with its log fire pictured above is a two-bedroom loft apartment, one of the accommodation styles offered at Lake Crackenback Resort and Spa, ranging from one-bedders to stunning stone-and-timber chalets with massive fireplaces, picture windows to mountain views, superb self-catering kitchens, and private sauna and spa. Some have been highly awarded for their architecture.

The (off-snow) resort is one among the Kosciusko slopes community offering a series of interesting special events this season. First on the list hosting “celebrity” chef weekends is Pete Evans, co-host of TV’s ‘My Kitchen Rules’, who’s preparing and hosting a dinner at the resort on Saturday June 29. It’s being billed as a chance to combine gastronomy with a weekend of skiing, boarding or just exploring winter landscapes, in conjunction with a twonight accommodation package from $593 a couple.

The package includes two nights’ accommodation, daily hot breakfast, a $100 voucher to use at the resort’s restaurants or day spa

(but not towards the Evans dinner), shuttle bus transfers to Skitube (next door to the resort), 10% discount at Harro’s on-site ski hire, 10% discount at the spa and use of facilities such as 9-hole golf, paddleboard, canoes, kayaks, badminton, volleyball, heated pool, gym, spa, and numerous fitness activities.

Tickets for the Evans dinner are $140pp and cover wines with four courses, comprising canapes of kingfish, spiced lamb and mini beetroot tarts; a Moroccan rainbow trout entree; lamb shank tagine main course; and raspberry millefeuille dessert. Other guest chefs hosting dinners this season include Justin North and Steven Snow. See www. lakecrackenback.com.au or call the resort on 6451 3000.

Meanwhile, premier resort Thredbo has plenty of opening weekend special events scheduled to kick winter off in style. There are fireworks and a flare-run to officially mark the season’s start and a new après bar next to the heated pool, live music and partying in the Village Square. On Sunday June 9 the square is home to the Long White Lunch, $50 a head, when guests will enjoy a three-course menu and parade of the latest snow-ski fashions.

Check out www.thredbo.com.au to see its innovative 2013 program of discounted lift passes.

Adult passes are available from $99 a day, a significant saving. Also on offer are Learn To Ride packages, Monday to Friday June 17 to 21, that include a daily two-hour group lesson, lift access and ski/board and boot rental at the same price as for a peak season lift-only pass: $494 for adults and $276 for children.

This year, online pre-purchase of lift passes provides discounts of up to 15 per cent, and you avoid time-wasting ticket queues. There are also: a bonus afternoon free-ski offer; half-day passes; non-peak season discounted passes; and skiers aged 65+ can ski for $64, the same rate as for ages 5-14 years. Passes include access to the 50m heated pool, waterslide, gym, squash courts and other fitness facilities.

There is free night skiing on an expanded Friday Flat in July and August; Merritt’s scenic chairlift rides are $33 for adults, $18 for children. greater port macquarie focus 43

By Judy Plunkett from Plunketts Chemmart Pharmacy

By Glenise McLaughlin from The Natural Health Sanctum

QUIT SMOKING Deciding to quit smoking is one of the most important and life-changing decisions a customer is ever likely to make.

lose Weight.

TRIED EVERYTHING AND STILL CAN’T LOSE WEIGHT? o you ever catch yourself thinking, “How did I end up here?”, or seeing your reflection in the mirror and not recognising yourself? You are not alone; a 2007-08 Australian National Health Survey found that 68% of males and 55% females over the age of 18 were either overweight or obese.

It is not because your body has a vendetta against you, although at times it might feel like it.

In fact, your body is doing exactly what it should be doing; it is storing excess energy as fat just like it is programmed to do. Your body is indicating to you that something needs to be addressed.

What you are doing is not working for you. This is not just about how you look, but it is also about your health and wellbeing. The World Health Organisation says: “Obesity’s health consequences include serious chronic health conditions that reduce the overall quality of life”, such as insulin resistance, high cholesterol, heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

Did you know that 80% of people fail to lose weight if they only do weight loss on its own?

Some of the obstacles to losing weight are digestive disturbances causing fatigue, bloating, wind, diarrhoea or constipation. Evidence is now showing us that intestinal bacteria populations differ significantly between overweight and

D

normal weight people.

Maybe you have a thyroid issue. A thyroid that is functioning on the low side can make it seem like you put on weight just by looking at food – how frustrating is that? Even with a sluggish thyroid it is possible to lose weight; you just have to know how.

Or maybe you have inflammation, which can stop fat burning altogether, so all the effort and still no weight loss.

Without dealing with these obstacles, even with the most stringent diet changes and exercise you won’t be able to reap the benefits of all your hard work and determination. Will power just won’t cut it.

Each person is uniquely different and if you need help to get that fat moving, come and see Glenise McLaughlin at The Natural Health Sanctum, a fully qualified and experienced Naturopath and Nutritionist who can design an individual fat loss program for you and remove your obstacles to fat loss.

Please note that The Natural Health Sanctum has moved its clinic to Suite 10, Level 1, Galleria Building, 128 William St (cnr William & Short Sts) Port Macqurie. Same phone number: (02) 6583 3544.

I

t's not easy and most successful quitters take several attempts before getting there in the end. There are many ways to quit (cold turkey, pharmacotherapy); it's just a matter of finding out what's best for them.

While using willpower alone is the most common method of giving up smoking, only approximately 3% of smokers are still cigarette free after 6 months. However, making the decision to quit using Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) can in fact double their chances of success.

Giving up smoking can be tough, especially on your own. But when you join Chemmart® QuitCamp you’ll receive support, encouragement, and strength to make quitting easier.

A fresh start To start QuitCamp, simply buy any Nicabate® 21mg patch in store and you’ll be rewarded with a Free Chemmart® Health Check valued at $20. Taking only 20 minutes, it’s a quick and convenient way to find out how healthy you are. You’ll feel great knowing you’ve officially committed to a smoke-free lifestyle.

Quitting is easier with support Using willpower alone is the most common method of giving up smoking, yet only 3% of quitters (approximately) remain smoke-free after six months.

But with QuitCamp, you’ll receive support from Nicabate® to assist with your cravings and double your chances of quitting successfully.

Help from Chemmart Staff Over twelve weeks, a dedicated Chemmart® staff member will provide you with expert advice and motivational support, as well as some great tips to keep you on track. Here’s a few to get you going.

Start fresh every way you can. Cleanse your home, car and workplace of cigarettes to make your surroundings completely smoke-free.

You’re about to go through some tough times, so let your friends know that you’re quitting and ask them for support.

Your own reasons to quit are the best forms of motivation. Make a list of them to remind yourself and stick it on the fridge.

For more information, contact Plunketts Chemmart® Pharmacy on 6584 0044.

By Brenda Fernandez - East Coast Laser & Cosmetic Clinic

E A ST C OA ST L A S E R’S B E AU T Y T I P S F O R F L AW L E S S S K I N

Flawless

SKIN

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1. Keep clean - Wash hands regularly, try not to touch your face, change face washers/pillowslips and towels regularly, use spatulas not fingers when dipping into your face creams, wash make up brushes every 3 weeks with a gentle shampoo. Always wash your face at night.

2. Stop Smoking Smoking causes wrinkles, broken capillaries and deteriorates the skin. Every decade of smoking results in a perceived extra 2.5 years of age.

3. Moderate alcohol intake Alcohol increases the level of inflammatory agents in our blood stream, “which can hasten skin sagging over time”.

4. No popping zits This pushes bacteria deeper into our pores, causing inflammation, infection and possible

scarring. We suggest using a spot treatment worsen breakouts by breaking the skin barrier instead. Our pick: ASAP clear skin gel. and spreading bacteria. Exfoliation is best 5. No Junk Food achieved with a good retinoyl cream: my numHigh Glycemic foods cause blood ber 1 choice for anti-ageing anti acne sugars to rise, triggering a surge treatments for all ages (except of insulin – insulin inturn pregnant mums + breastfeedis n stimulates oil producing ing). tio “ Exfolia ith hormone androgens, which 8. Treatments - For extra w best achieved actively creates pimples. needed exfoliation, a glya good retinoyl 6. Don’t waste your colic peel and medical microcream. ” money on a toner - A dermabrasion is our favourite in good cleanser should do the house treatment. job that a toner is supposed to 9. Be sun smart – Definitely predo. vention is your best chance to reduce 7. Stay away from scrubs - particularly from the appearance of ageing and reduce the risk the age of 30+. Scrubs are too abrasive. This of melanoma/skin cancers. A 15 -30 + broad constant physical trauma over stimulates the spectrum moisturiser with sunscreen is best, sebaceous glands, causing blockages in the 10. Sleep with a luxurious silk pillowslip Helps to prevent wrinkles while we sleep! pores, drying out the skin surface. They often

foggy brain?

bloated? tired all the time? stomach upsets?

If you answered yes to any of the above, you could simply be suffering from an intolerance to one or more foods you are consuming.

Macular Degeneration sending Australia blind

Food intolerances may cause a range of slow-onset symptoms that are seemingly unconnected to specific foods. Symptoms can take up to 72 hours to appear, in which time a lot of different types of food and drink have been consumed, baffling the sufferer as to what has caused their discomfort. Although not life threatening, the impact on sufferers can be significant, sometimes affecting their ability to live normal healthy lives.

Main cause of blindness in Australia - Macular Degeneration. One in seven Australians over the age of 50 have signs of macular degeneration. All of us will know someone, or be directly affected by vision loss resulting from Macular Degeneration. The Macular Degeneration Foundation this month is planning its annual campaign to raise public awareness and educate people on how to prevent vision loss from macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is a devastating disease. It affects your central vision, resulting in an inability to read, watch TV, drive and even recognise people.

Symptoms of food intolerance are many and varied and can include anxiety (acute/chronic), arthritis, ADD, bed wetting, bloating, chronic fatigue syndrome, constipation, diarrhoea, depression, muscle aches and pains, headaches, inflammatory bowel disease, insomnia, itchy skin problems, mood swings, sleep disturbances, weight control problems – and many, many more.

Sufferers often complain of seeming to be in a ‘fog’, feeling bloated and being tired all the time.

Up until now, food intolerances have been very difficult and time consuming to diagnose, due to the vagueness of the symptoms and the time lapse.

Now a quick, reliable, simple, safe test for food intolerance to 59 foods is available at The Natural Health Sanctum. This procedure is the world’s first in-clinic test available for food intolerance.

This test now forms part of our comprehensive Food Intolerance Program, which is specifically tailored to suit each individual’s needs. Be quick, be smart, be symptom free – book in for your Food Intolerance Program now.

Glenise McLaughlin – Naturopath with over 18 years’ experience, specialises in the natural treatment of food intolerances.

How do I know I have Macular Degeneration? One of the first symptoms is difficulty reading small print. Another is distortion and/or shadows noted on an Amsler Grid. This is a screening test that people can use at home and is supplied free of charge at any Eyecare Plus practice.

How can I prevent Macular Degeneration? The first step is to have an eye examination and macula check. Secondly, don’t ignore any changes in your vision, as early detection can literally save your sight. Thirdly, adopt an ‘eye friendly’ diet and lead a healthy lifestyle. Don’t smoke, as smoking is believed to be one of the major causes of the disease.

Research has shown that certain diet supplements can also help reduce the onset and progression of macular degeneration. Come in to EYECARE Plus to receive a complimentary brochure on ‘eye friendly’ healthy diet and lifestyle options. Also included is an Amsler Grid screening test with a magnet for sticking on your fridge door. This will allow regular screening to help detect the disease, but in no way should ever replace an eye examination.

Dr. Bobby Kumar Cosmetic Surgeon Winter is the perfect time to pursue Cosmetic Surgery, ready to reveal the refreshed you when the winter clothes are shed next spring!

Dr. Bobby Kumar, Cosmetic Surgeon, specialises in: Breast Augmentation: enhance and/or restore breast size, shape and volume Breast Lift: restore shape and position of breasts, typically after pregnancy, breast feeding and/or weight loss Breast Reduction: reduce size of breasts, common for women experiencing pain, discomfort or lifestyle limitations due to large breasts Tummy Tuck Surgery: restore a flat, tight tummy, typically after pregnancy and/or weight loss Facial Surgery: Facelift, Necklift, Rhinoplasty (Nose), Blepharoplasty (Eyes) – pursued by men and women seeking a long lasting refreshed and rejuvenated facial appearance.

Dr. Bobby Kumar also brings his experience and expertise to Non-Surgical Facial Rejuvenation, including Anti Wrinkle and Dermal Filler Treatments using the latest injecting techniques, maximising effective and tailored results.

Dr. Bobby Kumar provides all consultations and treatments personally (no inexperienced injectors).

For the effective and natural results you deserve, please call or text Wendy on 1300 676 003 or 0430 491 009, or email bobby@bareaesthetics.com.au

greater port macquarie focus 45

focushealth.

Invisalign Lifestyle, health, vitality and your new smile

H

ave you always wanted straight teeth that give you the perfect smile?

If the answer is yes, but you’ve never wanted to wear braces, then read on. Invisalign is the flexible alternative to braces that can work in with your busy lifestyle, and it’s NEVER too late to start.

Exclusive research conducted in Sydney in June 2011 on behalf of Invisalign Australia confirmed just how much Australians value a nice smile, with 99% considering it an important asset and one in five going as far as to say a nice smile is essential. In fact, teeth top the list of facial features most would like to improve.

So what makes a nice smile?

According to 71% of Australians in the study, it goes hand in hand with straight teeth. It appears that straight teeth in a smile actually have many positive characteristics. 54% believe straight teeth are linked to a person’s overall attractiveness and around half say straight teeth even reflect how much pride you take in your appearance. So it’s not surprising that there is almost universal agreement (91%) that when your teeth look good, you feel more confident.

Over one million patients have been treated with Invisalign worldwide. It is a virtually undetectable, easy-to-use, removable, comfortable and hygienic system for correcting crooked or crowded teeth. It can be used to treat a range of orthodontic conditions, including overbites, underbites and even crossbites. Treatment duration usually varies from twelve to twenty four months.

Key benefits of Invisalign are: • It is virtually invisible. No one will know

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you’re in treatment.

• Patients are able to remove Aligners for meals and special events.

• Removable Aligners means that teeth can be easily brushed and flossed, promoting healthier teeth and gums.

• There are no brackets to cause ulcerations or abrasions.

• Fewer visits to orthodontists are required than with braces.

• Patients are able to view their own virtual treatment plan, enabling them to see how their teeth will look on completion of treatment.

So, is it suitable for me?

Whether your smile needs minor improvements or a major overhaul, Invisalign can help.

Research conducted by Galaxy on behalf of Invisalign Australia in June 2011.

We are now also providing AcceleDent.

Acceledent is a small lightweight activator that generates gentle micro pulses by inserting the mouthpiece fitted around your existing orthodontics and wearing the activator for 20 minutes everyday, AcceleDent can speed up tooth movement through the use of SoftPulse Technology™.

Faster tooth movement may decrease the duration of your orthodontic treatment and may help to make your orthodontics more comfortable.

To find out if Invisalign or AcceleDent is right for you, please contact Port Macquarie Orthodontics.

Suite 5, 145 Horton Street, Port Macquarie NSW 2444 T: (02) 6583 8425 F: (02) 6584 1006 Visit our website: www.portmacquarieorthodontics.com.au

Jagged Edge Can you please introduce yourself to our readers?

Hi, I'm Joanna Bruderer. I have worked in the hairdressing industry for 22 years and have had lots of experience in a number of different salons in Sydney and have lots of different techniques under my belt. I am very enthusiastic about my work and have built lots of great friendships with my clients in the past.

You now own Jagged Edge Hair Salon in the Marina. What is in store for clients and the salon?

I have met some of the lovely clients at Jagged Edge already and look forward to meeting them all. I plan on giving them the best service, and our Tigi colouring system is of the highest quality.

Julie and I look forward to doing some amazing work this winter.

We have a Facebook page up, so like it and we will be offering monthly specials also.

Can you tell us about the products you use and sell at the salon?

We stock products such as Tigi Catwalk range with a fantastic styling range, Moroccanoil, which is a very popular range. We also sell a certified organic range for our clients who may be concerned about chemicals; this is called Bamboo, and there is a great variety in their range.

Coming into winter, what would you recommend to our readers when looking after their hair?

Firstly, I would recommend that every client uses the correct products for their hair type. All our ranges have a shampoo and conditioner suited to our clients' hair. I would then suggest that the Tigi leave in conditioner, or our Moroccanoil treatment, be used every day to protect against the elements – even the wind causes damage and dryness to the hair. When styling, make sure you protect your hair against heat. Our Bamboo Kendi oil or Tigi Catwalk Haute Iron spray is the answer.

Massage by Ling 'Oils ain’t oils.'

A quotation borrowed from the motor industry is equally true in the health-related profession of remedial massage therapy.

Some oils are blended specifically for sports massage, some to soothe or to relax and others are purely cost-effective lubricants. In fact, the wide variety of available ingredients can vary the cost of massage oils, by up to a staggering 800%!

He Ling Ying (Ling), the popular proprietor of Massage at Port Macquarie, is firmly committed to using only the finest massage oils, carefully selected for their compatibility with the human skin, exclusively and professionally blended right here in Port Macquarie. Ling’s massage oils deliver an honest and effective benefit to her valued clients, providing not only a lubricant but also an emollient to sooth, soften and relax living tissue. This enables clients to enjoy what many regard as the finest and most beneficial remedial massage in Port Macquarie, without the discomfort of an excessively oily residue.

A highly-qualified member of the Australian Association of Massage Therapists, Ling practices from a serene, airconditioned home clinic in the Lighthouse Beach/Shelly Beach area, where parking is just a few paces from the door. Warm, considerate and surprisingly strong, Ling cares for her clients – male, female, young and not-so-young – with compassion, respect, understanding and always, with traditional Chinese courtesy and values.

greater port macquarie focus 47

Brainstorm Clinic What is Brainstorm Rehabilitation?

Brainstorm Rehabilitation is a functional neurological centre to assist people obtain optimum brain function. This maybe as a result from significant neurological condition like stroke, multiple sclerosis or dementia; or subtle reduced function or performance.

The latter are surprisingly common and may demonstrate as dyslexia, poor handwriting, reading disabilities, coordination disorders, language or problems.

What benefits does this have on today's children when it comes to learning and everyday behaviour?

Brainstorm Rehabilitation is a specifically contracted program of neurological rehabilitation focused on better brain function.

It is not a ‘one size fits all’ program. That will not work with these type of children. After a thorough neurological, functional and physical examination, a consultation regarding therapeutic options and goals is organised.

To date at Brainstorm Rehabilitation, we have experienced great results with brain based therapy for children. Often our programs result from a collaboration between the

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child’s teacher and paediatric allied health professionals such as OT’s, optometry vision therapist and speech pathologist as well as medical professionals.

Due to the intensive personalisation of each ch program we have a limited intake for term m three which is open now. We welcome parents, teachers or co-managed health providers to contact us if your wish for more information about providing optimum brain function with Brainstorm Rehabilitation.

For further information about Brainstorm Rehabilitation I welcome readers to browse, www.brainstormrehab.com.au or call 1300 667 443.

focusinterview.

M O V E E AT L I V E W E L L

Interview with Maya Spannari - Move Eat Live Well - Healthy Communities Coordinator. aya, we’ve spoken about the Move Eat Live Well Program before, but to refresh our memories – how long has it been established now?

The Move Eat Live Well program has been funded through the Australian Government’s Healthy Communities Initiative and has been running since June 2013. The program will run until June 2014. We’ve also received funding to conduct an Aboriginal Move Eat Live Well program (through the Indigenous Chronic Disease package) which works with the Aboriginal community to Close the Gap in health inequality.

This program will also run through to June 2014.

Describe the free exercise programs, HEAL and Heartmoves, which are part of Move Eat Live Well …

The target group for the Move Eat Live Well program is adults over 18 years who are not in full-time employment.

HEAL is a two hour per week healthy lifestyle modification program which has an education component followed by an hour of exercise and is delivered by exercise physiologists.

Heartmoves is developed and accredited through the Heart Foundation and is a 1 hour per week light to moderate exercise program.

Both exercise programs run for 10 weeks during the year, during school hours and during school terms. We do not run programs in school holidays. Our next blocks of programs will start on 22 July and 14 October 2013. Our program activities run in Port Macquarie, Laurieton, Wauchope, Lake Cathie, at Birpai Lands Council and in rural communities.

The healthy cooking classes have also proven to be popular?

We ran a pilot program at the end of 2012, with 46 people participating. Participants split into groups and cooked tofu burgers (which were actually really nice), vegetarian lasagne and a blueberry cake. Everyone also took home a Healthy Food Fast cookbook and a Move Eat Live Well apron.

We’re organising the next series of programs

and currently have 140 people registered (maximum number required is 150). If you’re interested, please be quick!

An exciting project in the pipeline is the planned installation of some fixed equipment at the Town Beach Reserve by mid-August. What types of equipment are we talking about here – and how was the funding for this equipment sourced?

This equipment is being purchased and installed through the grant funding at a cost of $45,000. We worked to incorporate the equipment in the community engagement and overall Masterplan for the north end Town Beach reserve upgrade plans. We sought community comment, and as a result of the feedback, the marine grade equipment will be placed in a single hub with items including a mix of dynamic pieces such as cycling, chest presses, cross trainer with static pieces including sit up bench, stretch stations, chin up and leg raises and steppers.

Each station will have signage and QR codes to show people how to use the equipment. We will also run instructional sessions to show people how to use it safely.

One of the objectives of Move Eat Live Well is to encourage the Heart Foundation Walking Program. How does this program work?

Walking is one of the best forms of cardiovascular exercise, particularly when you can walk with someone else to help keep you company and motivated! Heart Foundation walking is free, social and done at your own pace. Walking groups can be as small as 2 people and as large as you like.

We held a Healthy Heart Week event on 7 May, with 80 participants coming along to enjoy a gorgeous walk along the coastal walk followed by a healthy breakfast at Town Green Inn. We had 9 people register their interest in becoming new Heart Walk leaders - a great result!

Heart Foundation Walking participants can also look forward to the regular Heart Foundation Walking newsletter. The Heart Foundation also has an ongoing rewards scheme, which

Walking is one s of the best form ar of cardiovascul ularly exercise, partic k with al w n ca u when yo help to se el ne eo som ny and pa keep you com ” ! motivated

“

complements the Move Eat Live Well passport incentives scheme.

Passport Incentive Scheme Move Eat Live Well has a Passport incentives scheme - new walk leaders will receive additional points in their passport and will go into draws to win some great prizes, such as fruit and veg vouchers, meat vouchers, pedometers and tickets to shows. We will be having a major prize draw in December, so get started now to accrue your points to win!

How many Heart Foundation Walking groups are currently in our area, and what potential is there for new walking groups to commence?

Currently there are seven existing Heart Foundation Walking groups across the local government area. To get involved, register through Move Eat Live Well and we will put you in touch with the right people.

We would love to hear from people who would like to start a new walking group.

How is Move Eat Live Well helping our local Indigenous community?

Council has also received funding for an Aboriginal Move Eat Live Well program, and we are keen to work in partnership with local services and groups who work with the Aboriginal community. Achievements to date include: Closing the Gap event held at the Birpai Lands Council, with approximately 400 people attending, 28 services and 8 schools. A Healthy Communities BBQ challenge was held between the Deputy Mayor Trevor Sargeant and Uncle Bill O’Brien; a lot of fun was had.

WE are running a healthy breakfast and fruit program with schools in the Camden Haven and Port Macquarie Primary, with a partnership for Wauchope in progress.

We will be building an outdoor kitchen and community garden at the Birpai Lands Council to improve access to fresh food. The kitchen will be used to deliver healthy cooking classes for the

Aboriginal community.

A training and mentoring partnership developed with North Coast TAFE is training two young men in CERT III and CERTIV Fitness.

You have some figures which detail how Move Eat Live Well has been received by locals so far. How were these results sourced, and what do they highlight?

To date, there have been 671 registrations for program activities.

The program has delivered 54 x 10 week programs, and we expect that number to be 88 programs by the end of 2013.

Feedback from the participants has demonstrated that: • 92.3% of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed that as a result of the program their awareness of importance of healthy eating and physical activity has improved.

• 89.4% of respondents stated that the program made them reassess their eating and exercise habits.

• 95.8% of respondents reported a beneficial impact on their wellbeing.

• 99.3% would recommend the program to friends and family.

• 100% of participants from both programs would like to continue activities.

These statistics were sourced through the registration process and trainer attendance lists.

We also conduct evaluations of the programs to help us understand what is working well and to make changes where necessary.

Where can people find out more about Move Eat Live Well, or register their interest in classes or the Heart Foundation Walking Program?

Online registration - www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/ livewell or hard copy registrations at Council offices and libraries or by phoning Council’s customer service centre on 6581 8111.

Thanks Maya. Interview by Jo Atkins. greater port macquarie focus 49

Maria Visvikis, Jodie Kennett and Jessica Moss (Kylie Battiston absent)

JK Healthcare Celebrate their 1st Anniversary JK Healthcare are celebrating their 1st anniversary. Chrissy Jones chatted with owner Jodie Kennett about her first year in business.

H

ow did the business first start?

JK Healthcare is owned by Dietitian/Diabetes Educator Jodie Kennett, who has been working locally for the past 17 years. In June 2012, she expanded to meet the requests of her rapidly growing business, and now has over 8,000 clients!

Tell us about your team members...

Jodie Kennett – Accredited Practising Dietitian and Diabetes Educator.

Jessica Moss – Accredited Practising Dietitian.

Maria Visvikis and Kylie Battiston – Receptionists.

What are the specialised services you offer?

As qualified Accredited Practising Dietitians, Jodie and Jessica provide advice regarding your nutritional needs. Jodie also has additional qualifications in Diabetes Education, which means tailored advice for those with Diabetes or just concerned about high blood glucose or insulin resistance. She can also offer advice regarding topics such as monitoring your blood glucose and which meter to get.

50 greater port macquarie focus.

What do you most like about your job?

We enjoy helping and advising all of our clients, when they need it the most. We listen and respond with clear Dietetic advice, offer realistic education and meet everyone’s individual needs. The practice has a friendly, home-style feeling (and is centrally located).

We also enjoy conducting weekly clinics throughout the local area. These include the Lake Cathie Medical Centre, Port Macquarie Private Hospital, Nursing Homes, schools and daycare centres. You can even ask us to visit you at home, or come to your business to conduct a staff health program or inservice.

Our education room can even be hired by other organizations or support groups, for their own meetings.

What is the future vision for JK's Healthcare?

To continue to grow, and provide more to the local community. We will be holding Weight Loss Groups (men’s and women’s), “Heart Health” to lower cholesterol, virtual supermarket tours (great for those with poor

mobility) and Nutrition For Kids.

We want to meet your needs – just tell us how! Send us an email and let us know what we can do to help you. We are continuing our FREE monthly newsletter full of tips and tricks, which anyone can subscribe to be emailing admin@jkhealthcare. com.au.

15% off book s for ne the month of Ju r ou e at br le to ce ” 1st anniversary!

“

How is JK Healthcare celebrating their first birthday?

By saying thanks to local community for their support. For the month of June, all books and resources will be discounted by 15% to celebrate! Just come in have a browse and say

Madeline, Breanna, Meghan, Timothy and Antonia.

hi ... Topics include Diabetes, Healthy Eating, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, FODMAPS, and Weight Management. We even have plates to help guide to in portion sizes.

Just drop into 1 Begonia Place Port Macquarie (Monday to Friday), or ring 6583 7717.

Thanks Jodie and Happy 1st Anniversary!

Find your way to better health with Brainwave Optimization™

Diabetes Awareness Week 14 - 20 July 2013 Diabetes doesn’t mean that food has to be boring or bland.

Try our simple tips: • Have regular meals and snacks • Choose low Glycemic Index foods such as grainy breads, rolled oats, sweet potato, legumes and low fat dairy foods.

Amounts depend on your individual needs.

• Lower fat especially saturated sources. Grill meats, remove chicken skin, use margarine and limit high fat packaged foods.

• Include small amounts of healthier fats like olive oil, fish, avocado, nuts and seeds.

• Choose high fibre foods - wholegrain breads and cereals, plenty of vegetables, lentils and fruit.

• Avoid sources of sugar such as soft drinks and lollies.

Sources such as those found in fruit and milk are OK. Need more information? Contact Jodie Kennett (Accredited Practising Dietitian/Diabetes Educator) and Jessica Moss (Accredited Practising Dietitian) at JK Healthcare to help manage your Diabetes today (Phone: 6583 7717).

Do you suffer from? Learning disorders * Sleep disturbances * Headaches * Injuries and Pain * Anxiety * Addictions * Depression * Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder * Fatigue * Poor Memory.

How can it help me? Brainwave Optimization™ removes obstacles and assists you to achieve a more balanced, peaceful life. At Brain Wise Australia we understand that the brain (like a fingerprint) is totally unique. We create a plan for you taking into consideration all the influences that will be impacting on your brain state. We fine tune each session, working towards achieving your desired goals. This approach benefits physical, mental and emotional health.

How does it work? The brainwave assessment will identify imbalances and from there a personalised plan is created, just for you. Non-invasive sensors are placed on the head to read and assess your brainwaves. Software then translates your data into sound which allows your brain to become its own mirror.

The Brain recognises the imbalances and recalibrates itself to balance the brainwaves.

Join the more than 50,000 people who have been helped

by Brainwave Optimization™.

For more information or to book an appointment please phone 6582 3633.

greater port macquarie focus 51

focusinterview.

Keith Dawson.

For those who know Keith Dawson, they know he is quite the character!

The cheeky chap, who likes to laugh, turned 100 years young on May 24 - he credits his long life to being happy, a good dose of the outdoors and meeting new people. He still drives and only goes to the doctor for his eye exam. Louise Beaumont caught up with Keith shortly before the big day.

I

sat d down with Keith to catch a ffew pieces of his life story. At his home at Bellevue Gardens, Keith showed me a special book he had written and one of his daughters had bound - 100 years of stories. It was very special. Keith shared with me just a few parts of his story about his early years, married life and love of the outdoors and boating. If you would like to read the whole book - I am sure he won’t mind sharing some yarns with you. You’ll probably find him at ‘The Club’, Westport, where he still plays bowls 4 times a week.Keith, you were born in New Zealand, 24 May 1913.

What was life like as a boy back in New Zealand?

Well, it was very good, really ... very good. I had one older brother and an older sister and a younger sister also.

When you first arrived in Australia, what was your vision for life?

I like the outdoor life and always in the morning or on the weekends you would find me down the beach. I had a small boat and we had a family orchard. I’d fill my shirt up with apples, and off I’d go. I was very fortunate that I don’t get sunburnt; I go brown.

I would leave the apples on the beach and swim out to my little yacht and bring it in to shore, put everything onboard and off I’d go – that’d be the last they would see of me for the day. I’d come home for tea.

It was an outdoor life, and that has been my object all the time. I left school at 14 and a half and did a 48 hour week for ten shillings a week.

So, what was your first job?

I worked with an uncle of mine, and he was a timber exporter. He probably gave me the job as I didn’t want to go on with school.

Then I got into hardware in a wholesale hard-

52 greater port macquarie focus.

ware firm, and I was office boy and built up was great; we were paying 27 and 6 for rentfrom there. I was there for about 7½ years. ing a place. You had to save for everything Then I got a job in Woolworths for about 6 and pay for it, which is different to what you months, before I moved to Australia. do today ... but we had a wonderful life.

A friend of mine and I came here to AusBetty was a wonderful wife and a wondertralia in about 1936. We bought a tandem ful lady. We were just a month short of 73 and set off for Brisbane. We got as far as years married (when she passed), so that tells Macksville and the back wheel collapsed; the story. the roads in those days were a bit Having three daughters was a great rough. We’d camp along the asset really; they are very close to way on the roadside; it me now and are constantly in was the height of the contact. They are very very depression then, and attentive.

As a young man you would hear the As a family, we lived h who went throug pattering of feet in Mossman, but we s ay alw life like I did - I of people in the moved around a bit s es in looked to happ y pp night walking too.

During the war ha be first . I had to a d ge an past. They’d be years, my wife went ch I d in a job, an ine m of nd out of work and up to the Blue Mounie fr a r lot. Fo olscap just trying to get tains, as her father was I wrote up two fo bs I’ve jo e to the next town. very worried about her pages of all th Tell us about and our first baby. At the had.” boating and yachts time we had been living ... they seem to be a down on the foreshores of prominent part of your life.

Darling Point and of course, there I worked in a boat yards in Mosswas a Navy business there. I used to man and Rushcutters Bay, and that travel from there up to Blackheath on the was the life I liked. weekends, then come back down for work.

Later than that, I can’t remember As a young man that went through life when, I got a job on yacht as a paid hand – like I did, I always looked to happiness first. a 48 foot kitsch; that was my full-time job, I had to be happy in a job, and I changed and I loved it. a lot. For a friend of mine, I wrote up two Then the war came along and I tried to get foolscap pages of all the jobs I’ve had. Now, I in the forces, but they didn’t want me; I don’t never got the sack – I always came out with a know why I made 5 attempts! I felt I should promotion or something, but I liked change. do something for the war effort, so I went My idea in life was that you have to be happy into an engineering firm and worked there in what you are doing; for that reason, if I got for a few years. bored with a job ... well, I left it and found The love of your life was Betty and three something else. daughters; what was family life like back What has life been like since you retired? then?

Before I retired, I made sure I had planned We didn’t have much money in those days; out my life as a retiree. I knew what I wanted we got married on 3 pound 3 a week. But life to do.

“

And did you do it?

Yes, I did.

What was one of the biggest things that you wanted to do?

I wanted to be occupied – and happily.

I love gardening; and I usually grew more vegetables than I needed and the neighbours got the benefit of it. I helped the neighbours if they needed something fixing. There were four young children living opposite me, and I taught them all to swim; plus, I had the honour that when the young 7 year old couldn’t rouse up a grandparent to come and do a talk at the school, guess who did it? Me! (Laughs.)

These days, what brings you the most joy?

Waking up well! It’s the simplest thing. I do like to get out and about and meet new people.

I do keep myself very busy. You see, this morning I got up at 5am and had my breakfast and then went and had lunch with the crowd that I used to swim with; I did that for 30 years.

Today I’m off to the club to meet someone.

Just recently I joined a table tennis club, and I still play bowls four times a week at Wesport Club!

I’m out more than I’m in! If I stayed in, I’d nap too much.

I always like a laugh! I like to tease!

Is there anything left on the bucket list, Keith?

Keep on living for a while! I got a new car 6 months ago – a little Suzuki, and I told them if I didn’t make it to 100 I’d kill myself!

(Laughs hysterically).

Thanks Keith.

Thanks to Robbie Butler, our regular columnist for allowing us to profile Keith in FOCUS; she had a special place for him in her column, but we thought he deserved a whole page!

JUNE 2013

WITH TERRI

AQUARIUS.

GEMINI.

January 21 - February 19

May 22 - June 22

You may have been feeling let down lately, but this is only for you to discover how little you need from others and how independent and strong you already are. Knowing that there is no hurdle so big that you can’t push through will boost your strength enormously.

Ruby dissolves fears; carry some in a pocket for a few days.

PISCES. February 20 - March 20

Listen to your wise words when helping others. You often speak your answers to your own dilemmas, but if you are not paying attention, they could escape you. When you are at peace with acceptance, you will notice how fluid things again become, so set some fresh goals make preparations and give yourself permission to succeed. Selenite enlightens our thought processes to help attain goals.

ARIES. March 21 - April 20

You are in reflection at the moment, and this is why passed hurts have surfaced. If you take this opportunity to heal and release the effects of those experiences, your personal power will increase dramatically, as will your confidence and self-esteem.

Turquoise is great for boosting esteem.

September 24 - October 23

You have outgrown your old beliefs in life and so instead of feeling comforted by your beliefs, you feel stuck and trapped. Try debating with your beliefs. Even though this is a very difficult task, picking your beliefs to pieces, helps establish new rules to live by.

VERY LIBERATING! Ruby gives us a secure feeling through times of change.

Your arbitration skills will be drawn on in the work-place; your ability to naturally offer a win/win solution will be greatly appreciated, leading to more responsibility and/or promotion. You are blessed in recognising opportunities that are just waiting to be accessed, and this skill will also bring much personal satisfaction for your career path. Turquoise enhances clear, confident communication.

CANCER.

SCORPIO.

June 23 - July 23 Ju

Your need to withdraw from people or situations must be honoured. You have a lot of people relying on you for guidance and answers to life’s challenges. You often will speak wise words in a counselling situation, which will catch your attention, because these are also for you to hear. Clear quartz is a powerful communication enhancer.

LEO. July 24 - August 23

Inward focus would be of benefit to you at this time. Look at all your traits and qualities you are grateful for, as this will re-empower you. You have a nurturing ability that people are drawn to, because your fire element strengthens those seeking your guidance.

Keep a light heart. Rose Quartz is great for stimulating the heart chakra.

TAURUS.

VIRGO.

April 21 - May 21

August 24 - September 23 A

Avoid being too serious at present. You have disconnected from your humor, and this had led you to take life too seriously. Remember to lighten up and laugh more, then all your fears and insecurities will be shattered, freeing you from an entrapped feeling in life.

Selenite is a powerful negative energy zapper. Carry some in a pocket for a couple of weeks.

LIBRA.

Total change can be expected from fundamental sectors in your life. You have been in reflection for some time now to establish new standards to live by. Love yourself enough to honour these changes, because you need to be happy to help those around you feel happier. Lapis lazuli helps assimilate into change comfortably.

October 24 - November 22

Listen to ‘GUT FEELINGS’ and trust, as you are being guided toward something that is a ‘meant to be’. You will be using gifts and talents relative to your life’s journey. Your confidence and self-esteem will benefit enormously.

You may even need to put your thinking cap back on for some new learning or training.

Record Keepers are excellent study aids. Clear Quartz ones especially.

SAGITTARIUS. November 23 - December 21

Your ability to manifest is heightened at present.

A great time to set some fresh goals and go have fun. If you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right. So, be positively focused with your thoughts, as they create your new reality.

Citrine shatters negative thoughts and attracts abundance.

CAPRICORN. December 22 - January 20

Your focus on wanting a peaceful, uncomplicated existence will soon be rewarded. Remain positive and have a short term plan to boost your confidence in your ability to achieve. Your strong will can be very beneficial when combined with your fearless passion.

Aquamarine keeps our thoughts fresh and focused.

greater port macquarie focus 53

focusinterview.

Solar

Dryers a u s t r a l i a

Solar Dryers Australia (SDA) is the Australian designer/manufacturer of a range of Solar Hybrid timber kilns and dryers for a wide range of food products. Based in Bellingen, NSW, SDA is the only commercial manufacturer of this type of equipment worldwide. Chrissy Jones found out more from SDA director Roger Burke about the award winning kilns.

W

here did the ‘idea’ for the solar dryer come from?

The idea for the kilns originated from our other business, Rose Gum Timbers, which produces furniture grade hardwood. We initially used a simple solar kiln to dry timber to the level required for furniture and joinery grade timber.

Several years of product development involving the initial kiln has resulted in a solar heated system that was a segment winner and the seed winner of the people’s choice award on the ee, while ABC’s New Inventors program. dried ‘lacy’ There are many kilns in operation, with ering or ed. This isthe largest in the world on the Mid North pical fruit Coast. Tell us more ...

Since 1997, Solar Dryers Australia has built urce of some 150 units that are now operating in t spices.

Australia and internationally. These kilns range in capacity from 10 tonnes to 100 tonnes.

Dryers are operating in all states of Australia, as well as Fiji, Hawaii, Africa, Solomon Islands and PNG. The largest solar timber drying operation in the world is at Kempsey NSW, where Australian Solar Timbers runs 13 large SDA kilns.

Are the solar dryers cost effective?

The SDA dryers offer huge advantages in heating costs – typically saving 60% to 80% of the cost of heating conventional drying units. Colder climates are not excluded, with kilns performing well in Tasmania and the high country of Victoria.

These kilns supersede the greenhouse type

54 greater port macquarie focus.

of solar kiln popular with smaller operators.

Apart from the timber drying process, can Overnight heat loss in greenhouse type kilns the kilns be used in other applications? is a major inefficiency due to the lack of Yes. Taking a lead from market demands, insulation. SDA solar kilns are a unique award SDA has also developed drying systems for winning design which uses solar hot water macadamia and pecan nuts, pine cones (for collectors to capture the sun’s energy and the production of pine nuts), concrete block deliver it to a fully insulated kiln chamber via a curing and sea weed. There are also a range of heat exchanger.

Heat Treatment Units for export packaging and The water is then recycled to the for grain. collectors for reheating and One of your current projects there is a gas water heater takes SDA in a new in the system to maintain direction, designing and temperature when building a nutmeg dryer e th is eg solar is not available. for a new project in m ut N , The solar heated Sri Lanka. Why is this seed of the tree e dried th is e ac m air is circulated such an important le hi w vering through the timber initiative? ‘lacy’ reddish co This . or aril of the seed fruit in a similar manner Nutmeg is a valuable ical is the only trop as a conventional crop, and it is still of two that is the source kiln by fans which dried traditionally in .” different spices use mains electricity. racks using natural air What are some of movements. The SDA kiln the economic and system will speed this drying environmental benefits process up considerably and of the kilns? allow for shorter turnaround time Current world concern with between harvesting and processing the energy use and greenhouse gas emissions nutmeg and mace. brings us to examine energy costs involved in The high humidity in the tropical countries drying lumber. The most important difference where this crop is grown results in considerable between Solar Dryers Australia and other degradation of the nutmeg due to the kiln manufacturers is that up to 80% of the formation of mould, so drying the product in heating energy to dry the timber in the kiln is the kiln’s controlled environment will greatly derived from the sun. improve recovery rates.

This single factor represents a huge saving, This kiln design is based on a 40’ shipping not only the running costs for the kiln, but container and it is built then deconstructed also a very significant saving in the amount of and all parts are loaded inside the kiln for greenhouse gas produced to dry the timber. shipping. When the container reaches its final

“

destination, it is able to be rebuilt in just a few hours. The newly designed kiln is currently under construction in Bellingen and will ship to Colombo in June.

Why is nutmeg a valuable crop?

The nutmeg tree is an evergreen tree indigenous to the Banda Islands in the Moluccas (or Spice Islands) of Indonesia.

The nutmeg tree is important for two spices derived from the fruit: nutmeg and mace.

Nutmeg is the seed of the tree, while mace is the dried ‘lacy’ reddish covering or aril of the seed. This is the only tropical fruit that is the source of two different spices. Several other commercial products are also produced from the trees, including essential oils, extracted oleoresins, and nutmeg butter.

The common or fragrant nutmeg is also grown in Penang Island in Malaysia and the Caribbean, especially in Grenada. It also grows in Kerala in southern India and parts of Sri Lanka.

Do the kilns have any other benefits?

Another unique feature of the SDA design is the integration of an internet accessible controller which allows SDA staff to monitor the drying process from Australia. This remote monitoring allows for trouble shooting, reprogramming, data analysis and control from anywhere in the world via a secure internet link. This is invaluable when operating dryers in remote regions, where skilled IT services are not readily available.

More details on the Solar Kilns and Heat Treatment Units can be found at www.solardry. com.au Thanks Roger

YOUR TEAM

H

i Gavin. How have things been going at the new Your Life Fitness Centre?

We have been really busy, which is wonderful. My family and I would like to sincerely thank the community of Port Macquarie and our wonderful members for their support, patience and excitement in our new business.

It has been somewhat humbling and overwhelming. We still have things to finish and improve upon, but we are only new, so just one foot in front of the other and we will keep moving forward consistently.

What are some of the exclusive ‘Firsts in Fitness’ for Port Macquarie that you have

created here?

One of the main things is that we are the only centre locally, and only the second in Australia to offer this cardio equipment range, which allows you to surf the web while you work out, run on virtual courses all over the world where you pass famous locations with real video footage, watch TV (connecting this month), watch iPad/iPhone content and so much more to help the time pass as you burn calories!

We also offer unique international sports flooring and our Synergy 360X masterpiece – check it all out at www.yourlifefitnesscentre. com.au There are videos on the 360X and the

At Your Life

cardio equipment, plus all of our exclusive programs that we run are only available at Your Life. There are plenty more 'firsts' to come for Port Macquarie in fitness from Your Life.

What is coming up next at Your Life?

Our annual 'Shape Shifter' competition will be taking place, to follow on from the amazing results from our local 'Biggest Loser' competition, which really changes the lives or current and new members.

We are also looking forward to completing the finishing touches to our centre, more NEW training classes and programs, and possibly re-investing in more equipment.

Thanks Gavin.

“ Our annual ‘Shape Shifter’ competition will be taking place, to follow on from the amazing results from our local ‘Biggest Loser’ competition, which really changes the lives or current and new members.. ”

greater port macquarie focus 55

focusinterview.

Long serving Rotarian Peter Grey organises the volunteers for Rotary's exciting new local initiative, dubbed Sailability.

It gives people with a disability the opportunity to learn to sail and is becoming a popular fun activity to expand their skills and confidence. We learn how we can help...

WITH PETER GREY

T

ell us a bit about yourself Frayer Luic. She was president of the club and your working life in Sydney and she knew of Sailability from here in Port Macquarie. there. She brought the idea up, and she was Well, I started here as President, so she pushed the club towards the hearing aide specialist it. But it wasn't until last year's committee over on Lake Road in 1988. that Julie and Rick took it on board and went I moved over from Tamworth, and I've been down to Newcastle to training sessions and here ever since. I retired on 29 February last they brought the idea back up here. I was year. It seemed like a good idea to leave for conscripted into it in about October; and I retirement on the Leap Year. basically am the one who organises all the And you're a Rotarian as well? volunteers. We're up to 40 odd volunteers, I joined Rotary at what would've been the and there are 30 actual paid members now. end of 1988, so for about 25 So what is Sailability? years.

I suppose for the people What do you enjoy who know, it's a bit like most about being a riding for the disabled So the idea we Rotarian? with horses, but this t Year ge to is ve ha The service work, is sailing for the lved 10 students invo I suppose. I was disabled. It's taking a with the sport as e brought up in a anybody with a ic community serv eering small country town disability out in these nt lu exercise by vo so if you didn't small boats so they as so and then al r ei th r fo help everybody, you can actually feel free. ng ri mento ates .” m ol ho sc ed were in trouble. It Hopefully by next bl di sa started with Apex over year we'll even have a there. They kicked me pontoon with a winch to out when I turned 40; they load some of the people who give you a walking stick and say are in wheelchairs straight into that's it because you're not allowed the boats. It's very difficult here. I hope to be in it after the age of 40 (laughs). And I that later on one of the local engineers will was briefly in a club up in Tamworth, but then discuss that opportunity with us.

I came over here. There was several people I'd So, how do the young people become met that were going to join Rotary. involved in Sailability?

So one of the projects you have taken We've actually contacted the various on now that you're retired and you're a organisations like Eyedeafanasis. Most of the Rotarian is this group called Sailability. high schools around here have a disability Where did your interest begin with that? section and we contacted the people in charge It was actually a past President of ours, of those as far up as Kempsey - Melville High's

“

56 greater port macquarie focus.

brought ten down recently. Laurieton and Camden Haven High School want to start in the new season. It's getting a bit cold for our passengers, so we'll stop at the end of May and start again sometime towards the end of September.

It seems like a lot of the conversations at the moment are around ability rather than focusing on disabilities, so what are some of the benefits for the people who attend?

Well, there's probably at least 10 of the people with disabilities who are attending who will become sailers. They're actually sailing the boat. There's a chap out there in the blue boat at the moment with our professional sailers who aren't actually doing anything; the kid's actually doing all the sailing.

So, they are taught a new set of skills each week?

Yeah, they get taught, and eventually they'll be able to take others out themselves. In big Sailability, like Maloolabah for instance, they take 84 out every Friday, and 40 per cent of their sailers are actually high school kids.

So the idea we have is to get Year 10 students involved in the sport as a community service exercise by volunteering and then also as mentoring for their disabled school mates.

And what's the feedback been like for this term?

Wonderful. The biggest problem we have is just the shortage of boats. If we had the boats, we'd have no trouble getting 60 every Wednesday.

What can the community do to help Sailability in Port Macquarie?

It's more volunteers, particularly reasonably fit adults who can help with the loading and the handling of the boats or people who can sail.

We'll always have a shortage of sailers until we get the high school kids up to speed, and that's probably a year or two to get to there. One of the guys out there sailing at the moment, one of the kids – he's actually sailed on his own on the rivers. He thought it was fairly easy.

And personally for you? Benefits?

It's fun. When you see, say, a young disabled girl scared stiff about getting on the boat but then she comes back in and she's got a grin from ear to ear for the rest of the day, it's worth every bit of it. And we've got the help of all the other Rotary clubs in the district all making donations this year to get it going.

Port West Rotary has put in four thousand dollars, which is half a boat. Laurieton – their President gave a check of four thousand; that's probably the smallest club in the district, and they've come up with four thousand dollars.

Is there an opportunity for local businesses to get involved as well?

Very definitely, yes. The biggest source of boats in all the other Sailabilitys is local businesses buying us a boat with their logo on the sail, so that every day we're sailing they're getting advertising.

That's generally the most important thing businesses can do – help us with the money it takes to actually run it.

Thanks Peter.

focusinterview.

Grace Church is holding a special conference ce in spired August that they hope will leave visitors inspired unch their and enriched. At the event they will also launch astorYour own locally produced 4th album. Senior Pastor YTodd our Headin Heading H ng H Here! ere! hs ahead.

Murray tell us about the exciting few months

G

race Church is holding an INSPIRE conference in August. What has brought this about?

There are so many great conferences in the large cities of Australia like Sydney and Melbourne with inspirational local and international speakers. We have a great spot here on the Mid North Coast, and we want to bring a quality conference that local people can attend without the inconvenience and expense of having to travel long distances. We hope to make this a yearly event and grow it into an experience that attracts many people from all walks of life and from all parts of the Mid North Coast.

Who is the speaker at the Inspire conference?

Our speaker for this conference is Peter McHugh. With his wife Lyn, Peter has been in pastoral ministry for over 25 years. In that time, he and Lyn have planted two churches as well as facilitating the planting of seven other churches.

He now spends a lot of his time pastoring other pastors, drawing on his experiences from his own walk with God. Peter is a gifted communicator whose greatest joy and privilege is to watch people across the body of Christ rising up and stepping into their identities and demonstrating the Father's love in remarkable ways.

Today, he and Lyn lead Stairway Church in Melbourne and have three married children and four grandchildren.

We are inviting all the senior pastors within the Port Macquarie region to attend both the conference and a special lunch with Peter. We hope to increase the networking amongst the churches within Port Macquarie, and we also envisage that Peter will be able to share some of his experiences with the Pastors.

Who can attend the conference and how many sessions are included?

This conference is open to anyone and everyone. We would love as many

tian and non-Christian, people, both Christian d have an encounter to come along and with God. We havee invited every church acquarie region, as well within the Port Macquarie g from Taree to Coffs as churches ranging worth to Armidale.

Harbour and Tamworth There are a total of six sessions starting on Friday night and Satur going through 'til Saturnations. This album will day night. On Sunday be one of those voices night there is also that will take this one last session The worship team message to the that is open to at Grace Church ends of the earth. y anyone, includman is blessed with so a This is not just ing those who of gifted musicians another bunch of rd da aren't registered professional stan bum songs on a CD, al ip for the conferand this worsh .� nt oi we believe the pp sa ence. will not di themes and lyrics of What do you these songs are writhope that attendten by The Lord himself ees will take away through inspiring our gifted from the event?

We are hoping that people will songwriters. There is a message in leave this conference feeling inspired and this album that will inspire you and transreleased into their calling as a disciple of form your thinking about God. Listen Jesus Christ. We want people to leave to its message, sing the songs and I just feeling better equipped to use the gifts know, that Heavens reality will become and callings that God has placed on their your experience. His Kingdom, on Earth, lives, with an increased level of confias it is Heaven. dence to bring the Kingdom of his rule Where can people buy it? and reign to people around them. We The worship album will be available desire everyone to receive a fresh anointto purchase throughout the confering of God over their lives. ence. Afterwards it will be available to You will be launching the Grace purchase through Koorong and via digital Church Worship album at the event. platforms on the Internet.

Tell us about that?

Last words you would like to share?

On Friday night of the Inspire ConferThis is an event not to be missed. It is ence, Grace Church will be releasing its going to be a weekend that brings the third worship album in 4 years. Our worKingdom of Heaven to Earth. Put it in ship Pastor, Matt Doeland and our amazyour diary, write it up on the calendar ing music team have been working hard and register today! Registration forms are writing songs that will inspire you. Great available through Grace Church, on the Christian music, locally written, locally internet at www.gracechurchpm.org.au produced and recorded. Please come or from Koorong. along and hear this inspiring album; you For more details, contact our conferwill not be disappointed. ence co-ordinator Michelle on email We believe at Grace Church, that God michelle@gracechurchpm.org.au or has given a message to our church that call Grace Church on 6581 0654. will go beyond our borders and into the

“

greater port macquarie focus 57

Seminars on 12, 19 and 26 June, 7 - 9pm.

When you enrol a child, you actually enrol a family.

Love is blind or maybe biased “Love is blind or maybe biased,” says Gary Grant, Clinical Psychologist and presenter of the upcoming Seminar; Your relationship: Surviving and thriving on the high seas. People often enter into relationships without clear and open expectations of what they expect in a partner.

Not everyone is willing or naturally has the capability to put in the work or commitment needed to develop a relationship that hasn’t worked out how they thought it would. “We generally live in a highly consumer orientated society,” he continues, “when things get difficult the line of least resistance is to give it away and try another partner without acknowledging our contribution to the breakdown.”

Gary describes marriage as having a range of developmental stages and says they can be taxed by various life events, sometimes leaving us overwhelmed with the extra stress and tension caused and feeling like our needs are not being met. What is often very useful, he says, is to gain perspective from an outside source. New information can help challenge our perspective of our situation – we can have

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greater port macquarie focus.

Lighthouse Childcare Centre.

“not seeing the forest for the trees syndrome”.

Fresh insight and a newly developed sense of awareness can allow couples to process their relationship in a different way.

Having gained a greater awareness of the factors that contribute to dissatisfaction in a relationship and problem issues, Gary hopes that individuals will leave the seminar empowered with strategies, competencies and self-assessment material to gauge and improve the health of their relationship.

It is intended that this seminar will be beneficial to couples, both married and unmarried, as well as singles who are welcome to attend.

At the Lighthouse Childcare Centre, our curriculum aims to encourage all children to become confident learners through fun experiences and child focused interests.

Our educators focus on a year round age appropriate curriculum, which nurtures a foundation for lifelong learning, as well as teaching respect for diversity, sharing, independence and building friendships within a stimulating and inviting environment.

Dolphin (0 - 2 years) We value children’s learning through the immediate environment, play and using senses. We pride ourselves on setting up an aesthetically pleasing room, which encourages children to explore and develop their skills while experiencing different textures, sights, sounds, and smells.

Katie Alchin, Room Leader.

Starfish (2 - 3 years) We provide experiences based on children’s interests and extend upon these in our daily learning centres. Children in the Starfish room are currently investigating space, ocean life

and we are using our senses to explore our environments.

Nicole Raymond, Room Leader.

Pelican (3 - 4 years) Our learning centres evolve from the children’s interests and ideas, which are built upon daily and in turn encourage exploration, problem solving and investigation. This is also the age when friendships and social skills develop and collaborative play is encouraged.

Diana Sinclair, Room Leader.

Seahorse (4+ years) Our educators dedicate time to children playing freely and in the set environment of small or large groups. We execute a play and interest based curriculum on promoting the development of effective communication, early learning and literature, early maths and science and developing social and emotional skills.

Dominique Nagle, Room Leader.

If you are looking for Childcare, After School Care or Vacation Care, give our office a call on (02) 6584 5585.

Emergency ID

Robyn Butler.

App provides peace of mind A new medical ‘App’ developed in the Hastings by leading medical jewellery provider, Emergency ID Australia, has the ability to transform mobile phones into potentially life-saving devises.

The Emergency ID App, launched recently on the Apple App Store, enables users to display their urgent medical information, such as allergies and emergency contact details, on the phone’s locked screen.

The App also provides a simple way to store, save and share additional important medical details, such as medication dosages and history of procedures.

Director of Emergency ID Australia Nicole Graham designed the App to provide users with peace of mind by giving Emergency Services access to critical information when it matters most.

“When I was working in the Emergency Services, we looked at people’s phones to gain information but they were often locked or password protected,” Mrs Graham said.

“In an emergency situation the ability to find important details quickly can mean the

difference between life and death.

“As someone who has undergone major surgery and had numerous doctors, procedures and medications to keep track of, I understand how difficult it can be to recall everything, particularly when you are ill, injured, or shocked – and obviously impossible if you were unconscious.

“This new App allows you to store medical information for your own records, and to share them with your doctors and health care professionals.”

Users can input current medical conditions, allergies and reactions, medical history, doctor’s details, where records are kept, insurance, medications and dosages, and emergency contact details.

SWITCHED OFF! - Over the last few months I’ve had knocks at the door, telephone calls and letters regarding electricity bill discounts.

With one offering this and one offering better discounts, I became so confused and frustrated, I felt I needed legal advice.

W

hen my present server discovered I was changing over to a better deal, they came back with a counter offer of over 20% off my account … is it just me or do you agree, we all should be paying the same amount for an essential commodity?

How many elderly people and border line elderly people like myself, know you can bargain and get better deals? Isn’t life hard enough keeping up with the times without complicating things with electricity companies, phone companies etc. vying for your business?

WATCHING LOOKING AND LISTENING! Last column I said this month would include a story about a non-profit organisation putting money before care. I am very aware my words have to be chosen wisely, but I can’t let it go without making a comment. As reported last month, all the caseworkers of a branch of an organistion that deals with disadvantaged adults and children were called into the office and given redundancy packages ... no warning to them or their ‘families’. The tears that were shed, and the anger and frustration vented by both parties would make you weep. These families now have the money for physios etc. (as they did before) but the caseworkers were there for them to sort problems out, to cry on their shoulders, to help out when things just got too much for them and endless other ‘personal care’ issues.

One woman said, “What will I do? You have got me on track” etc. To see how much these girls were appreciated, you only had to look at the flowers, cards and presents presented to them by their ‘other families’. Interesting to note many of the ‘therapists’ have since resigned! What has happened to getting the parties concerned together and working out a solution, instead of the ‘ivory tower’ brigade making decisions without watching, looking and listening!

SNIPPETS 1. Congratulations to Kenny Little on his 30 years in the fruit and veg business in the Port

Macquarie area. Everyone knows Kenny and the young people he employs and the work he does for charity … ‘salt of the earth’, or should I say ‘potato of the earth’ person.

Kenny’s organic day is Tuesday, and he sells as much local produce as possible! Happy birthday, Ken and many more years ‘on the patch’.

2. Speaking of fruit and veg, did you know you should leave truss tomatoes out of the fridge at all times? Tomatoes in general are best left out of the fridge ... so I am told.

3. Only been to the races about 3 times in my life, so to Dawn, Faye and Jean (the TAB ladies at the Port Macquarie Race Club) thank you for your help and guidance with my sisters and I when we tried to bet on the local races.

Patience is a virtue and all three of you had it, let me tell you … Dad and his girls had a great day at the ‘local meet’ and only Dad came away a winner, but what a great atmosphere and fun day was had by all. We are so lucky to have such a great venue 5 minutes out of town.

4. Port Panthers are putting on a Ladies Day (men most welcome) on Monday 1 July 2013, where the Port Macquarie Lions Club will hold raffles etc to raise money for the Cancer Council. Hope you can come along and enjoy THREE’S COMPANY … great local band, fashion parades, tea/coffee and slice, lucky door prizes and a fun day to be had by all.

Look forward to seeing you there … 10am to noon. Price undecided, but under $7.

5. Congratulations to Keith Dawson of Bellevue Gardens, who celebrated his 100th birthday last week ... I think everyone by now knows Keith with the wonderful coverage of his coming of age ... nearly as famous as Prince Harry. To read more about this remarkable man, look at page 52 in this edition.

WHY IS LEMON JUICE MADE FROM ARTIFICIAL FLAVOURINGS AND DISHWASHING LIQUID MADE WITH ‘REAL LEMONS’?

Keep smiling, Robbie x greater port macquarie focus 59

focusinterview.

Prolific photographer Steve Harris has established his own business, Fab Ph otos.

With the goal of providing clients a quality and fun photographic experience, Steve specialises in portraiture . He shares his enthusiasm for his craft with us – and a touch of glamour!

S

hare a bit of your background with us please, Steve ...

Well, originally I am from New Zealand but I finished my schooling in Kogarah, a suburb in Sydney and started my working life as a clerk in the Commonwealth Bank on George and Market Streets, Sydney.

I have also lived in Perth and Byron Bay, but moved to Port about 15 years ago.

I have a daughter who is an officer in the Air Force and a son in the Army and am happily married to my wife, Vicky, of 22 years. We have been married 22 years – she is not 22 years!

Your father was a photographer. How much inspiration did this provide you with initially?

I have fond memories (albeit faded) of going to work with Dad on the weekends. He started one of the first automatic colour processing labs in our hometown, and I remember the machine was several rooms’ long. In my twenties, I had a makeshift black and white processing setup in an outside toilet at our house. I would take photos, process the negatives and make enlargements from them in the old fashioned way.

A far cry from today’s digital technology!

You’ve entered the photography world relatively recently. What was the impetus for you to make this move?

I have had creative outbursts punctuating my working life since my teens, including playing guitar in bands, drums and guitar in the orchestra at the Players Theatre and some adventures with local groups in Port. One day we were out and about and I had a hankering to get a nice camera, which I did, and that was it.

Every free hour is now spent either taking photos, studying how to use the equipment or the relationship between the elements that make up good photographic composition.

Tell us a bit about Fab Photos. Why did you establish it, and what do you specialise in?

60 greater port macquarie focus.

I was surprised to find I could have ‘Fab Glamour photography is something you ved with this Photos’ as a name, but I liked the ring to it, and offer clients. What’s involved that is exactly what I am about with photograprocess? phy. I want to take fabulous photos of fabulous Glamour photography is sometimes misunpeople. I pretty much think everyone is fabulous derstood as a genre of photography. in one way or another. I specialise in portraiWhereas it used to be the domain of models ture, which is taking photos of people. I find and magazines, since the 1990s it has become people are the most interesting subjects to more widely accepted. Glamour phophotograph. I love looking at other tography highlights the person’s genres also, like landscape, natural features in a way that sport and street and have is flattering and artistic, as s on ss le n dabbled in each, but they opposed to snapshots, ke I have ta al on si es of have their own unique that are basically photos pr from ed st si as s, er technical challenges. ph taken on the spur of photogra ers in ph ra og ot Where have you the moment with ph r othe ents, been ev d an s ng di found are useful little or no processed w rapher the prime photog places to develop ing, or portraits which read too at other events, your photographic capture the person as d bought and many blogs, an skills ... i.e. do you they are, Glamour has too many downloaded far subscribe to magaa little more mystery, ls.” book s and journa zines/blogs, or listen flirtation and romanticism to other photographers’ about it. Pinup Photograadvice? phy is another genre gaining I have undergone a massive popularity which is similar in nature learning curve. I have taken lessons from to Glamour, but with a little throwback professional photographers, assisted other to the ‘50s. photographers in weddings and events, Do you offer complete packages, with hair, been the prime photographer at other events, makeup etc.? read too many blogs, and bought and downWe offer three standard options including the loaded far too many books and journals. I am Basic Package for the modelling/actress/headactive on a myriad of photographic sites, blogs shot photo shoot, which includes the shoot, and social media. editing and some prints.

What courses/professional photographic The Full Package includes more shoot time, training have you completed? more editing, prints and an iPhone app.

I have completed the Photography Institute’s Then there is the Glamour Package, which Diploma in Professional Photography and taken includes, hair and makeup artist, extra photo way too many photographs in every environshoot, editing/post production, large prints, ment and situation you could possibly imagine. iPhone app, a hard cover lay flat coffee table I have entered images into photographic book and a choice of a Canvas Wrap, Acrylic competitions and received positive feedback, Mount or a large Mounted Photo Print. although I believe that the two main valid What do you feel is needed to capture critics for any portrait are the subject and the someone’s unique personality in a photo ... photographer.

Comfortableness … I know that is not even

“

a word.

If you look at my website, you will notice that the welcome message says: “You will love your photo shoot and the results, or else it's FREE!” I think most people are daunted by the prospect of being photographed, and I understand that, but my job is to make them feel comfortable, understand what they like and want and use my artistic and technical ability to get those results.

At the end of the day, if the whole process is not fun, it was not a success.

Do you feel any of it comes down to luck, or sometimes ‘fluking’ an amazing shot?

He he, that’s a good question!

I think the more skills and technical knowledge I have acquired and the more I have become the master of my equipment, the flukier I have become.

When I first started, I will admit that the process was about taking lots of photos, and some of them would be acceptable.

Now it’s about taking fewer but better quality photos, and most of them are acceptable.

I have become very self-critical and while most of my photos are acceptable, I am looking for the ones that are ‘fab’.

How would you like to develop your skills and your photography over the next 12 months?

I would like the brand ‘Fab Photos’ to be synonymous with quality and fun.

Where can people view samples of your work, or contact you for more information?

My website is called www.fabphotos.com.au I encourage anyone interested to have a read through the Guestbook at the testimonials my clients have provided. But again, I stand by my offer, “If you don’t enjoy the process and the results, it will be free!” You can quote me!

Thanks Steve.

Interview by Jo Atkins.

hy is it when we are young we love being creative, but as we get older we don’t keep pursuing our creative side? We all don’t have to be perfect or win awards; we just have to enjoy being creative in a fun and happy environment with no pressure.

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Our vision for Winterfest is for the community to sample the tastes of different creative courses to suit a wide range of interests.

'Winterfest' is on for four days only from Sunday 7 July to Wed 10 July. Port Macquarie Community College (PMCC) will be showcasing a range of interest and classes including art, singing, drama, photography, cooking, writing and much more. Check out the full calendar of classes below. For further information please see our website: www.portace.com.au or current brochure.

The PMCC has a wonderful array of trainers who are keen to pass on their skills and talents to you. Remember, art doesn’t have to be

serious to be meaningful!

you look; just open your eyes.

A Taste from the Trainers …

Always wanted to know how to create your own unique silver jewellery? Jewellery artist Natalie Kube joins the 'Winterfest' program, teaching basic jewellery making techniques, an introduction to tools and materials, and allowing students to experience the art of turning an idea into a wearable piece of art. Natalie gets inspiration for her pieces from nature and flowers, and sawpiercing is one of her favourite techniques.

Do you want to learn about Drama, Theatre, Singing and Songwriting? Greta Warner will be bringing her talents to this segment, teaching basic singing techniques such as breathing, an introduction to scales and simple melodies and harmonies. Greta encourages people to attend on the day to have a knowledge of how an actor studies their craft, to find out the personal benefits of singing and acting, increase confidence levels and have a whole lot of fun!

Experienced photographer Mike Kane will be passing on his skills and knowledge during the Winterfest Photography workshop.

Attendees will gain experience using Digital SLR cameras in a real studio environment. Mike ensures his class will incorporate easy hands on learning techniques and tech-free explanations.

There is inspiration for photography everywhere

If music is more your thing, come and join guitarist Robert Bullock for his 'Winterfest' session. With 30 years of experience, Robert will be introducing the ‘10 Point Plan’ of basic guitar techniques required for easy learning. It is not so daunting once you’ve learnt the basics!

Songs will be chosen for students to listen and learn about the different types of chord changes and arrangements that a beginner will come across. Music is a form of relaxation, and Robert encourages people to attend his

workshop to learn to focus their attention and to gain co-ordination skills.

Looking to get some new cooking skills and inspiration? Don’t miss out on the 'Winterfest' cooking workshop with Lyn Withers. Lyn brings to the program a love of food and sharing, and will be teaching simple cooking techniques using top quality ingredients – the key to great dishes! Learn to create simple tapas style dishes and also some slow-cooked winter warmers that are delicious during the chilly season. Come along and try new recipes and ingredients, sample some great dishes and leave the class inspired.

'WinterFest' is your chance to sample a taste of creative courses across a wide range of interests, engage with like-minded people and make new friends!

To enquire, please phone 6583 7288 or visit www.portace.com.au for a full calendar of events. ENROL NOW!

greater port macquarie focus 61

62 greater port macquarie focus.

Hastings Physiotherapy Paul Seward purchased a small physiotherapy practice 27 years ago in 1986, which was then located in the Jim Boardman Centre, in Horton Street. After starting with just Paul and one office girl, the practice quickly built a reputation of “hands on” fixing and managing people’s injuries, aches and pains efficiently and effectively, outgrew the premises and moved to the purpose built premises in Hermitage Centre in Lake Road in 1991 The growth of the practice resulted in additional 4 physiotherapists and 6 office and support staff. Nick Ratcliffe joined the practice after he sold his Mosman Physiotherapy Practice in Sydney to do the sea and lifestyle change and move his family to Port Macquarie. Anna Chilko was a country then city girl who chose to come to Port Macquarie for the sporting and outdoor lifestyle but also spends almost every second weekend updating her skills doing various physiotherapy courses.

Jonathan Prowse is a familiar name to locals, born and bred here and son of long-term pharmacist Barry Prowse, Jono graduated from university and within a few years found his way back to Port Macquarie.

The fifth physiotherapist of the practice is Alexandra McQueen, another local girl who has recently returned from overseas and come on board to help with providing to the postoperative care at the Private Hospital next door.

The practice has special interest and skills in treating a wide variety of conditions (see below) The current premises are centrally located, adjacent to X-Ray/Medical Imaging, Specialist and GP services so if needing x-rays, or medical imaging results, these can be obtained immediately and injury management optimised.

We work closely with your doctors and specialists to ensure best treatment outcomes.

Hermitage Dental Port Macquarie.

At Hermitage Dental, your dental health is our number one priority.

Our focus is on the continued care and attention of our patients’ requirements and to provide one of the best Port Macquarie Dental practices in the Hastings.

From the moment you enter our Port Macquarie dental practice, we strive to provide you with all the necessary elements to make your experience as comfortable, satisfactory and successful as possible. Here at Hermitage Dental, we are conveniently located at the Hermitage Medical Centre on Lake Road.

Our dental surgery is easily accessible by public transport; however, a public car park is available for your convenience.

Trusted in Port Macquarie for 30 years.

Here at Hermitage Dental Port Macquarie, we offer a positive dental experience for the whole family. Whether you require a dental hygienist, restorative dentistry, children’s dentistry, crown and bridge work, dental implants, cosmetic dentistry or extraction of wisdom teeth, ours is the Port Macquarie dental practice for you. We also cater for Teen Dental Vouchers, Veteran Affairs and Emergency appointments.

At Hermitage Dental Port Macquarie, we utilise state of the art equipment and the latest techniques to restore your teeth quickly and comfortably. We pride ourselves on offering a calm, friendly and comforting practice atmosphere. Contact Hermitage Dental Port Macquarie on 6584 1466 for a consultation.

Our friendly staff are happy to help you.

greater port macquarie focus 63

Hermitage Hastings Medical Centre

The Grange Eye Centre Dr Confos is a solo general ophthalmologist practicing at The Grange Eye Centre at 81 Lake Rd Port Macquarie(with parking available). Dr Confos decided to specialise in ophthalmology after working several years as a GP, as he became more and more interested in treating eye disordrers.

Most of his training took place at the Sydney Eye Hospital, however his final year of training was undertaken as a 12 month general fellowship in England which was completed in 2006. It was there that he acquired the variety of skills needed to practice as a general ophthalmologist in a regional centre.

At The Grange Eye Centre, the consultation begins with taking measurements of the eye followed by a history and examination with the aid of magnification. Various tests then follow e.g OCT analysis which is used to obtain an image of the retina which is particularly important with disorders such as

64 greater port macquarie focus.

age-related macular degeneration (ARMD).

Dr Confos is required to treat many different types of eye disorders, however the most common include cataracts, glaucoma and ARMD. OCT analysis represents an enormous advance as it provides a detailed image of the macula which is essential when treating and managing ARMD. The bulk of the surgery undertaken is cataract extraction and lens implantation. The private surgery occurs at Coolenberg Day Surgery on Lake road, and public cases are done at Kempsey Hospital. Minor procedures such as intravitreal injections for wet ARMD are performed at the rooms.

The Grange Eye Centre has a friendly and experienced team who look forward to being able to treat any eye problem that you might have. The practice is also accredited for teaching and receives eye registrars from Sydney as part of their specialist training.

Our practice is committed to the highest standard of care to all our patients, promoting good health, wellbeing and disease prevention with professionalism.

the utmost care and attention.

We have a committed staff, including 7 General Practitioners, Registered Nurses and caring and experienced reception staff. We have an onsite Podiatrist and Specialist Surgeon with extensive experience in Skin Lesion Management.

We are an authorised Yellow Fever vaccination provider and all other travel medicine enquires, which includes advice and vaccinations.

Our practice offers our patients Family Medicine, Podiatry, Women’s Health, Shared Ante-natal Care, Diabetes, Asthma Management, Mental Health Counselling, Telehealth, and minor surgery as well as suturing, skin checks, INR checks, Spirometry and ECGs as an adjunct to Occupational Health Medicals or as standalone diagnostic tools. We are actively involved with sports medicine and offer nutritional advice for a range of medical problems. We have expertise in palliative care and ensuring this difficult time is managed with

Our vaccination programs for children and adults are aligned with the National Immunisation Program.

Our experienced staff will provide extra clinics as the need dictates; for example, influenza vaccinations in March.

We support comprehensive Health Assessments for a range of ages and GP Management plans for chronic disease management.

This practice is ideally situated in The Hermitage Medical Centre building, which includes a Pharmacy, Physiotherapist, Chiropractor, Diagnostic Imaging, Pathology services as well as some Specialists.

We are open 5 days a week from 8am for your convenience.

Mid North Coast Diagnostic Imaging

Laverty Pathology Laverty Pathology is a company with a

work throughout Australia.

network of Laboratories and Collection

Our Collection Centres are staffed with

Centres across the state.

friendly, courteous and highly skilled collectors

Laverty Pathology is fortunate to have two

offering the following services.

Collection Centres located with in the Lake Rd

• Blood test

medical precinct, at the Hermitage and Grange

• ECG

Medical Centres. This close proximity allows us

• Holter Monitor

to provide special services to the Private and

• Spirometry

Public Hospitals, Nursing Homes, specialists,

• 24 Hr Blood Pressure Monitoring

general practitioners, commercial clients and

• Arterial Blood Gases

the general public.

• AS4308 Urine Drug Testing

On site at the Grange we have Port Macquar-

• Home visit services available

ie’s only Anatomical Laboratory staffed by two

• Bulk Billing for Medicare rebatable tests

highly respected and qualified Pathologists. Dr

• Fine Needle Biopsy

Michele Fulton who has serviced the extended

The confidence Laverty Pathology has in Port

area for 36yrs and the last 7 years specializing

Macquarie is evident in the expansion of our

in Urological Histopathology and Prof Ibrahim

laboratory services both at the Lake Rd site

Zardawi who for the last 3 decades has had

and Port Macquarie Base Hospital covering all

various involvement in academic and clinical

aspects of pathology locally.

Dr Kim Nolan and Jo Stanley are the radiology experts at The Hermitage Mid North Coast Diagnostic Imaging (MNCDI) centre. Dr Nolan completed his radiology specialty training at the Princess Alexandria Hospital in Brisbane, completing his final year at The Bristol Royal Infirmary. After two years working at Nepean Hospital, Dr Nolan commenced work in Port Macquarie in 1999 as a general radiologist, with special interests in cross sectional imaging, CT, US, MRI, musculo skeletal/ sports injury imaging, CT and US guided spinal and musculo skeletal injections.

Jo Stanley is the Head CT Radiographer at The Hermitage, with 29 years of experience as a radiographer, and 25 years experience as a CT radiographer. Continued professional development is a very high priority for Jo in order to stay abreast of modern technological advances and imaging techniques. Jo’s dedication and technical expertise provides patients with an exclusive service, that is one of the major modern advancements in imaging technologyto minimise the radiation dose required for CT and general X-ray without affecting image quality. Jo says, “At MNCDI we actively promote the ‘ALARA’ (as low as reasonably achievable) principle and understand the benefits for all patients through radiation reduction techniques.”

“Within our department, we have refined CT protocols and through the use of the ‘iDose’ tool on scanners, are able to use up to 40% less radiation whilst maintaining diagnostic image quality. These doses fall between 2040% less than the National Dose Reference Levels (NDRL) recommended by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA). In addition to this, by utilising the latest technology in contrast administration we have reduced the contrast doses to all patients requiring IV contrast by up to 50%.”

Dr Nolan, Jo and the staff at MNCDI pride themselves on patient service and care, and always strive to deliver a service second to none.

All CT examinations with a Medicare rebate are BULK BILLED.

S er v

i ci ng

th

e

M

id N

or t hC oast for the p rs ast 30 yea

BULK BILLING SERVICE

*

* Bulk billing only applies to Medicare rebateable items * Small gap payment for Nuclear Medicine

• • • • • • • • • • •

MRI LOW DOSE CT MAMMOGRAPHY ULTRASOUND NUCLEAR MEDICINE SPECT CT DOPPLER DEXA DENTAL IMAGING GENERAL X-RAY INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY

LOW DOSE MATTERS !

Hermitage Medical Centre Lake Road Port Macquarie

Phone: 1800 620 881 greater port macquarie focus 65

focustourism.

Port Macquarie Tourism Association

T o u r is m From your doorstep to New Zealand

janette hyde.

Held on the 1st weekend in May, Ironman was a resounding success. he weather set the scene right from the start; all of the athletes had nothing but praise for the organisers, the community and the volunteers.

The 1 hour documentary shown on TV this week reinforced what a fantastic area we live in, as it certainly showcased all the wonderful attributes we have in our local government area. iKew Visitors Centre Community was the buzz word when the Visitors' Information Centre at Kew was re-opened on 18 May. The Camden Haven community have totally embraced this new initiative. Congratulations to the organisers and volunteers who were involved in the reopening process.

Our Mayor, Peter Besseling, declared the iKew Visitors Centre open and as part of the celebration narrated a stirring rendition of The Man from Ironbark, which was appreciated by all who attended.

Visitors' Centres are so important to our local area. It is well documented that well informed visitors will stay longer in regions, potentially move on to other neighbouring regions and, most importantly, will want to return to our region.

Our volunteers who man these Centres in Port Macquarie, Kew and Wauchope are fantastic ambassadors for our area.

Slice of Haven The weather again played its part for the Slice of Haven Food and Wine Festival held on the last weekend in May. The sun shone and the music played.

It was a fantastic atmosphere, and the delicious food and wine from the Camden Haven Region was very much appreciated by the throngs of people who attended. It was great to see the Port Venture and the Port Jet boat making the trip to Laurieton – a great way for people to travel to the Camden Haven.

Congratulations to the wonderful group of dedicated people who organised this great event.

Events Coming in June

T

66 greater port macquarie focus.

• Don’t forget the Big Band Blast Music Festival Friday 31 May - 2 June • Jazz in the Vines at Bago Vineyard Sunday 9 June from 11am. Enjoy the ambience of the Vineyards, the wine, food and music this long weekend when Jordan Jive - Jazz 'n' Blues play with special guest blues guitarist Adrian.

• 2013 Farm Gate Tour Saturday 8 June – Monday 10 June 2013 Visitors can self drive to over 10 farms.

Ideal for foodies who want to learn about growing food. The kids will love running among hundreds of free range hens and meeting the baby animals.

The event is a one-off opportunity to tour farms that don’t normally open to the public and is an initiative of Landcare.

Port Macquarie's food bowl is thriving with a diversity of farms and organic growers of beef, pork, eggs, dairy, native bush-foods, macadamias and oysters events. Booklets are available from Hastings Landcare or Greater Port Macquarie Visitor Information Centre at the Glasshouse. www.hastingslandcare.org. au • Australian Skin Cancer Clinics NSW Longboard Titles 2013. Tuesday 18 June – Saturday 22 June 2013.

Proudly sponsored by Port MacquarieHastings Council, Port Macquarie's luscious beaches play host once again to the Longboard titles for NSW in 2013. More than 200 competitors will take part in the event.

13 divisions are being contested – from cadets to over 60s. Surfers come from all up and down the NSW coast and are competing to get into the NSW team for the Australian titles – also to be held in Port Macquarie in June.

• Port Macquarie Mixed Pairs Classic Bowls Tournament 2013. Friday 28 June 2013 to – Sunday 30 June 2013.

This annual event is in its third year, with Port City Bowling Club being the 2013 host with help from the Panthers and Westport Clubs. It is believed to be the biggest tournament of its type to be held in one town. www.portcity.com.au

Your holiday to New Zealand starts the minute you walk out your door! Receive return Coach transfers from Port Macquarie, Taree and Tuncurry to Sydney Airport, plus an extra night’s accommodation pre tour when touring New Zealand with Grand Pacific Tours and Travelworld Wauchope.

These return transfers are operated in our Gold Class Coach, a purpose built, five star vehicle which offers luxury and comfort to get you to and from your hometown to the airport. Grand Pacific Tours Coach Captain will be available to answer any questions you may have. You will also have the opportunity to meet with a number of your fellow travellers before you even reach the airport. This will be the start of many friendships you make whilst on tour.

On the 20 Day Grand New Zealand Tour you

will enjoy the stunning landscapes & intriguing history of New Zealand at a relaxing leisurely pace. As well as discovering all the major attractions, you will also explore lesser known regions such as Napier, a town famous for its beautifully preserved art deco architecture & the Wairarapa, a fine wine region with an off-the-beaten-track charm. This tour includes 2 night stays in Auckland, the Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Queenstown & Te Anau.

As well as the great benefits of Gold Class Coach transfers and an extra night’s accommodation pre tour, this fully inclusive tour includes return airfares, pre paid taxes, superior hotel accommodation, meet and greet on arrival in New Zealand, most meals plus sightseeing and attractions!

For more information contact Travelworld Wauchope on 02 6585 2288

GO WITH THE COACH HOLIDAY SPECIALISTS . . .

From your doorstep to New Zealand!

20 DAY GRAND NEW ZEALAND TOUR Relax and enjoy the stunning landscapes of New Zealand, all at a leisurely pace.

Visit all the ‘must see’ attractions as well as some of the lesser known regions - Napier, the Wairarapa and Blenheim.

Includes 5 two night stays in superior accommodation. Departs 26 Oct 2013.

PER PERSON, TWIN SHARE FROM **Tour includes return Gold Class Coach transfers from Port Macquarie, Taree and Tuncurry to Sydney Airport, one night pre tour accommodation, airfares, pre paid taxes, meals and attractions.

$

4944

*

For a brochure please contact Travelworld Wauchope on 02 6585 2288

*Conditions apply. Price valid for travel ex SYD and includes pre paid taxes (subject to change). Single supplement available. **Extra night is already incorporated in to the above itinerary. No other special offers apply. Lic No 2TA 6027.

focusinterview.

To coach or not to coach – that is the question!

R

obyn Flanagan from Travelworld Wauchope has just returned from a touring holiday in New Zealand. Chrissy Jones chatted with Robyn about her love of the Land of the Long White Cloud.

You were shown around the South Island of New Zealand in April by Grand Pacific Tours in a coach.

Tell us about your travels ...

How often I am asked is it better to go to a destination by coach or do it yourself? I am told, “I don’t fancy lining up with 44 others and waiting for the toilet – or café – I think I should get a hire car and drive”.

I pondered this question while I was shown around the South Island by Grand Pacific Tours. Grand Pacific have been around for over 16 years in the New Zealand coach industry and wanted to show us travel agents what their hotels, coaches, and inclusions were all about. They are a favourite from this region, having local area pickups twice a year on their most popular itineraries. This is great for those of us who dislike having to find their way between airports and manage luggage in Sydney.

Having travelled to New Zealand recently with my own family doing the Camper Van family experiment, I was convinced I would be bored and feel hemmed in by a set itinerary and a bossy coach captain!

Sometimes I groaned when I got the early morning wake up call, because we were heading off after breakfast, BUT the benefits are huge. When someone knows their home so well and proudly shares it with visitors, there are great advantages. I would never have visited a glow worm cave, or spent time at the Antarctic Centre in Christchurch, if I had not been on a scheduled tour. In fact, I would have missed many of the highlights of New Zealand, because I didn’t think they would have interested me. My loss!

There are plenty of horror stories about sharing rooms with strangers on tour; however, there are plenty MORE stories of lifelong friendships being made. Travelling together and experiencing this remarkable part of nature’s wonderland expands the experience and makes it all the more worthwhile.

Were you welcomed by the locals? disgusting? It’s amazing. And at almost $100 per kilo, New Zealand has long been a second home to you cannot find it just anywhere. When you find it, enjoy Australians. Many travellers remember the days when it. a passport was not required to travel between the two As we travelled further south towards Dunedin, I was countries. Those days are long gone, but the delighted to discover a real English/Scottish feeling still remains. As I was travelling heritage there. At one of our morning late April, there were many poignant stops we were treated to high tea – reminders of our shared ANZAC genuine porcelain cups, waitresses ve I would never ha history. It made me realise that in long black dresses with tiny orm visited a glow w while we love a good joke about white caps – and massive e at cave , or spent tim re in the rugby, as far as the rest sponge cakes like Grandma nt the Antarctic Ce is concerned, they are our used to make! Annies Tea t no d I ha Christchurch , if . brothers. ur House in Oamaru will become to d le been on a schedu d se is m You obviously thoroughly a legend – and was declared ve ha ld In fact , I wou of s ht enjoyed your trip. Any lig a highpoint by even the very gh hi e many of th eI us ca standout differences from be junior members of our group. d, an al New Ze ould have w ey th other countries?

If all this talk of food is not k in th ’t didn y loss! ” M e. m For many travellers, New ed enough, we visited the Cadbury’s st re te in Zealand is their first step into the factory and enjoyed a tour (with wider world – ‘overseas’. It’s a great a lot of samples). New Zealand place to whet your appetite for further manufactures several different types of travel. I like to say it is a return to the way things chocolates and even though they are made SHOULD be. There are only two speed limits – in

by Cadbury, we never get to see them in Australia. town, and out of town. While they are very risk Unfair! Fancy a chocolate fish? Or a Perky Nana? If you averse, the tourism operators are not hampered by our don’t know what they are, you will just have to go to massive insurance liabilities and as such offer far more New Zealand to find out. It is close enough to Sydney to exciting adventure tourism options. Jet boat, heliski, consider for long weekends and so easy to find your way bungy jumping, the Luge in Queenstown, world standard around. snow skiing and snowboarding – NZ offers all of these, Tell us about the landscape ... yet still appeals to those who like the pace a little slower.

The scenery is awe inspiring. Green is a whole new Did you sample any of the cuisine? word in New Zealand. Majestic mountains, rainforests, The food and wine is divine. Imagine a plate of plus the amazing scenery internally that features in the green lipped New Zealand mussels, with a glass of Lord of the Rings movies. Middle Earth is definitely a Marlborough white wine – and the breweries! If place you have to visit. wine and seafood doesn’t excite you, there are many Would you recommend New Zealand to those breweries and ‘cheeseries’ (yes, it is a word) that offer considering a holiday? tours and tastings. Be prepared to return a little heavier If you are considering a trip to the Land of the Long than when you left; it’s too tempting to clean the plate White Cloud, don’t hesitate. after their amazing meals. You can’t go past their lamb, It is welcoming, beautiful, accessible, and so, so easy and if you are a seafood lover, try the Whitebait – a to fall in love with. Be warned; you will want to go back. tiny fish that you eat heads and all in a fritter. Sounds Thanks Robyn.

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OUR 4x4 rugged than the eastern side, but still just as pretty and every one of the bays/beaches we visited was just breathtaking. My favourites n would be the Western River Cove and Hanson Bay. We saw the Raptor Demain show, wheree Kylie Van D er Ley lives and breathes 4WDing . She fills us in on one of her recent adventures. m, I found myself with 2 kookaburras on my arm, then just the one. He was given some food, which he decided to kill on my arm as he had climbed up off the glove; he must have e left Port Macquarie Woolshed Penneshaw uick walk along the beach Woolshed. What a day; we had a picnic lunch Penneshaw, had a qu quick beach, whacked my arm 20 times before swallowing early on Boxing Day alongside the river bed and so many camping and then to the local pub for a beer or 2. Then it – everyone was cracking up in the audience, and headed up the spots on the river. The Burke & Wills campwe went back to camp for happy hour/s and hit including me.

Walcha Mountain ground is huge, so you shouldn’t have trouble the hay not long after midnight – yes: we are We visited the Ciffords Honey Farm and and through to Tamfinding a spot. We did venture back to the pub wild party animals. As we were in SA time, we enjoyed some honey ice cream and of course, worth for a bite to for a beer, as this is always a must when we are actually celebrated NYE twice with the ½ hour bought some honey. We went down to see eat. It was very misty with light rain the entire travelling. We really enjoyed the old Woolshed time difference, so we phoned our girls back Admirals Arch (fantastic), where there were so time over the mountain, so it was a little slower too, so definitely recommend this; and as a lot home on NSW time and then celebrated again many New Zealand Fur Seals and yet another than usual. We decided to set up camp for an of old shearing equipment is still there on disin SA time ... the things you have to do. The great long walking platform. Then we overnight stay at Burran Junction and it was play, it really makes you understand how hard caravan park managers were very friendly, ducked over to see the Remarkextremely hot; the wind started howling and they had to work 'back in the day'. We do have and we would definitely recommend able Rocks (loved it). We continued all night and right through into the it pretty easy these days. staying there: 'Kangaroo Island were hit with some very morning, and it wasn’t a cool breeze either.

Day 5: Leaving Menindee, the next place Shores'. hot weather and very 2 Up bright and early the next day and off to we stopped was Pooncarie, where we put Day 7 & 8: Casually und myself with strong winds and fo I Bourke for a quick look around the town for a our tyre pressure back up in the car and the packed up and headed y okaburras on m in fact, we had ko couple of hours. We were excited to get going, camper trailer and had a quick smoko break at to Kingscote, where we e. He on e th st ju a catastrophic en arm, th as we were about to do the 'Darling River Run'. the lovely park they have there. Next town we decided to stay for a , which od fo e m so n ve was gi , We stopped as soon as we ran out of tar to visited was Wentworth, and then we stopped couple of nights and to kill on my arm d de ci de e h drop our tyre pressure, ready to hit the dirt. It for the night in Murray Bridge (and yes, we had check out the town d up off the as he had climbe e wacked was still extremely hot, so we pulled up at the grass again – we are so lucky). We made good and surrounding areas, av glove. He must h pub 'Shindy’s Inn' at Louth and of course, had use of the camp kitchen that night and we disbefore heading over before es m ti 20 my arm a cold beer. We decided this would be a great cussed the next day as we were heading across to the Western side of swallowing it ... ” place to camp, as the camping area next to the to Kangaroo Island, but had all day, as we were the island. The first day pub had 'green grass', which is something you on the late ferry. we went to Seal Bay, and don’t expect in the outback. We were given a Day 6: New Year's Eve – we stopped at a few the view was amazing ... long tour of the cemetery, and this was spectacular. of the little towns along the way to the KI (Kanwinding ramp all the way down When the sun sets on a clear night, it reflects garoo Island) ferry and had a great lunch at Victo the seals and if you do the tour like off one of the graves and “Wow” – let me just tor Harbor at a place called schnitzel encounters we did, you get to walk on the beach near the say, you need to see it to believe it and get the and of course, we got a chicken parma ... it was seals. Definitely recommend this, and the staff story behind it … yummy. After a quick look around Victor Harwere very friendly. On the 2nd day we drove up Day 3&4: Back on the dirt again, and we bour, we headed off on our way to the KI Ferry, to Emu Bay, where the water was full of black deviate a couple of times to drive up to have had a coffee while we waited and before you swans, Cape Cassini, Stokes Bay, King George smoko along the river side. Next stop was Tilpa, knew it, we were on the ferry. We were very Beach, Snelling Beach, Vivonne bay, eucalyptus but the pub wasn’t open, so we took some lucky, as it was nice and calm, so no getting sea distillery and back to Kingscote, which if you pictures, read the information on the 'Darling sick that day, thank goodness. Darren had to check the map is a healthy day’s driving.

River Run' and headed off to Menindee, where back the camper on the ferry ... so well done, Day 9,10 & 11: Travelling to the Western KI we decided to camp for 2 nights so we could Darren. We were the first ones on too. Once Caravan park to set up and spend the next 3 have a rest day and a day of driving around we travelled via ferry from Cape Jervis to Pennights there. It is very different on this side of all the lakes and then taking a look at the old neshaw, we set up camp at the caravan park in the island; I guess you could say a little more

W

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68 greater port macquarie focus.

“

It was still extremely hot, so we pulled up at the pub 'Shindy’s Inn' at Louth and of course, had a cold beer.”

weather warning on one particular day, but we were very well informed and told to be careful.

Many were evacuated who were camped in the National Park, just in case. There was one small fire on the island, but it was contained very early on and was all good. We, as members of the Rural Fire Service for over 25 years, found they had great communication to all those on the island, with updated information – we thank you for that. That particular day, everyone was at the beach or shopping until they were able to return back to camp. The next day we did the platypus bush walk at the Flinders Chase NP; I didn’t check how long it would actually take and sort of told Darren (who loves to walk – not) it was a quick walk ... well, a couple of hours wasn’t too bad lol. We noticed the bush

was very dense and thick, so we totally understood why it was evacuated the day before.

Day 9, 10, 11 continued … we had a dusk Quad Bike tour at 'Bush Getaway Adventures', and it was really fantastic watching the sun setting in the sky, seeing all the Marron in the dam, all the wallabies and kangaroos in the fields and of course, the dust I was eating. But, to top it off we saw a male peacock just sitting in a tree; we hadn’t seen one in a tree before, so that was very worthwhile. As dirty as my face was when I took off my helmet, I really enjoyed myself and could have done it again, as they were really easy to ride. The owners couldn’t have made us feel more welcome and still did the day tours, even though the temperature was in the mid 30s – not the weather we were expecting to have here. We chose the dusk tour; we knew it would be cooler, and yyou need to wear long pants etc. for your own protec protec-

tio on. tion.

There is just so much to do and see on KI, so we recommend spending at least a week to see and do everything. I treated Darren to so some oysters at American River, Marron at the A Andermel Marron & Café Two Wheeler Creek W Wines, and we enjoyed a little wine tasting at the Sunset Wines in Peneshaw. I found the be best lip balm from the Emu Ridge Eucalyptus D Distillery, with 100% natural ingredients and w will be re-ordering when I run out. Definitely re recommend the tour at the Distillery also, and w we got to sit in an old carriage too. We saw all th the lighthouses we could and caught up on a little history while we were there and again, it’s incredible how hard they worked to get supplies etc. up to these lighthouses back in the early 1900s. Make sure you visit the Kelly Hills Caves, as we thoroughly enjoyed the tour they gave and were lucky to have a guide with a good sense of humor too. There is just too much to put down in words, so you will have to check out this third largest island for yourself; I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Day 12: On the ferry again heading back to the mainland, but this time we weren’t so lucky with the weather; we were booked on the 7.30pm SA time one. They announced over the loudspeaker for those who might get seasick to keep cool, and to get fresh air if needed but it didn’t seem to help, as several people were sick. Darren couldn’t cope with seeing this, so he went out for fresh air. I just sat there keeping my mind occupied, as I normally get sick – but

was lucky not to. We only drove for a short time that night and camped in Strathalbyn and when we arrived there, it was 11pm. Luckily, the manager heard us and said it was OK to stay the night. Had to rescue a koala off the road, as the poor thing was just so hot he didn’t want to move; he just sat there and looked at me for a while, poor thing. I don’t know how he sat on that road, as it was boiling.

Day 13: The weather was still hot and there were still catastrophic weather warnings, so we decided to enjoy the air conditioning in the Patrol for as long as we could. We ended up driving to Balranald – and what a lovely spot we had on the river's edge. The bonus was, they had a pool. Everyone in the park was in the pool, as all you could see where all these heads bobbing around in there. We quickly set up, as overnight stays are just a quick flip, and then we joined everyone in the pool and all ended up chatting about our trips around Australia.

Day 14: We decided that we would really pull a big day today as the weather was the same if not worse, and this time we passed many a RFS fire truck responding to the many fires in NSW. Most of the day we had smoke in our revision mirror, so thought it safer not to camp in those areas. We kept on going and ended up in Port Stephens at 9pm. We were booked in there the next day for 3 nights anyway, so the owner kindly found us a temporary spot for the night, and we hit the hay early. I woke up at 1am hearing a noise in the bush like rustling/ crackling and couldn’t believe my eyes, “It was a fire,” I said to Darren, and he said I was dreaming. After realising I wasn’t dreaming, we stood with all the other campers until the Lemon Tree Passage Rural Fire Brigade turned up (fortunately, very quickly) and put out the fire. A fair amount was burnt, and we were disappointed to find out this was deliberately lit, as so many van sites would have gone up in smoke if the RFS hadn’t arrived in time. We ended up moving to our designated spot the next day (not near the bush) and had a great time mingling and socialising with the very friendly neighbours for the rest of our holiday.

Needless to say, a little de-toxing will be in order when we get home.

Yours in 4wdriving, Darren and Kylie Van Der Ley. 'Love this Country'. greater port macquarie focus 69

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focusinterview.

R NE COR

Ch arlee E dward s At just 77, Charlee Edwards is our youngest ever Collectors Corner guest! Charlee’s a bit of a globe trotter already, and her travels have inspired her growing collection of beautiful snow globes.

H

i Charlee. How old are you, and where do you go to school? I am 7 years old. I attend St Agnes Primary School, where I am

in Year 2.

occasions and when my friends and family travel, they collect them for me too.

Francisco, Disneyland, from all over Australia and one from the North Pole (Santa).

Why do you like snow globes – what is it about them that makes you want to collect them? Because they are cool and remind me of all my holidays or cool things I’ve seen, or my friends and family have seen.

I have snow globes with elephants, kangaroos, fairies, frogs, bunnies and heaps more.

How long have you been collecting snow globes, and what was the Which one’s your favourite, and very first one you owned? why do you like it so much?

My first one was from MelThe Disneyland 2013 one with bourne Zoo. I picked it Mickey Mouse, because it because it was pretty, When we go on is the bestest place in the ays holidays, we alw and my favourite aniworld! I recently had my ow sn y bu go shopping to mals are elephants. of t 7th birthday at Disneylis r ou on globes. It’s My collection do. Also, to ve land in Paris; it was so ha e w gs thin sions and started from there; I amazing, snowing just on special occa and was 3 years old. when my friends like my snow globes! I ct

“

How many snow globes do you think you own now?

Seventy-five, and my collection is still growing!

ey colle family travel, th ” o. to e m r fo them

How do you add new items to your collection ... where do they come from/who gives them to you? When we go on holidays, we always go shopping to buy snow globes. It’s on our list of things we have to do. Also, on special

wish I could live in Disneyland and work there when I grow up.

My second favourite is one that lights up that I got on a holiday with friends in Bowral.

What are some of the countries/places your snow globes have come from?

I have snow globes from England, Ireland, France, Holland, Greece, Spain, Italy, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Mexico, New York, San

Where do you store your collection – it must take up a lot of space! I keep them in a book shelf in my bedroom, so I can look at them all the time and I can show all my friends.

What are some of your other hobbies and interests? Swimming, parties, tennis, playing with friends, spending time with Mum and Dad, my dog Popcorn and finding new snow globes!

Thanks Charlee, for being our very first school age collector! Charlee hopes her interview will inspire other children to come forward and talk about their collections too.

Interview by Jo Atkins.

are you a collector?

We want to know about you! Let us know what you collect, and you might just be our next Collectors Corner guest! e. jo@focusmag.com.au ph. (02) 6584 7433.

greater port macquarie focus 71

ENROL NOW for mid year intake.

Choose from over 750 courses, on campus, online or on-the-job.

northcoast.tafensw.edu.au

focusinterview.

Emily was able to use the skills she developed during her Tertiary Preparation Certificate studies to gain entry into university to study her passion – music. Emily hopes to use her music degree to assist her in achieving her goal of teaching music and dance to children in developing countries.

E

mily, you tell us a bit about yourself ...

I went to Camden Haven High School; and at the time I wasn’t focused on my schooling so much as I was always dancing and doing music. But I did finish school, and I went on to study full-time study at Brent Street in Sydney.

Describe your experiences at TAFE ...

I enrolled and completed a Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation through the Port Macquarie TAFE campus. This course is a method of gaining a Tertiary Entrance Score which enables you to study at a Tertiary level such as university. The course involves a student studying numerous subjects, such as English, Maths and History, similarly to the Higher School Certificate.

I chose to study this course as it offered a pathway into a Bachelor of Music at the University of Newcastle, which will help me in accomplishing my dream of being a professional musician. I chose the Port Macquarie TAFE campus, because I heard it was an extremely supportive environment where the teachers were compassionate and nurturing. This was extremely important, as I had not studied for at least two years. The Port Macquarie campus was also situated in my hometown, so it was easily accessible.

Where will you go from here?

By undertaking the Tertiary Preparation course through the Port Macquarie TAFE campus, I have been given the opportunity of gaining entrance into university. I have been lucky enough to be given a position in a Bachelor of Music at the University of Newcastle. Gaining entrance into a Bachelor of Music is the first step towards my dreams of becoming a successful touring songwriter and performer. This degree will also allow me to become a music teacher, as I also wish to travel to underdeveloped countries to teach children English, Music and Dance.

Being accepted into this university degree

Student Achievement awards

S t u d e n t Ac h i e ve me n t aw a rds

will offer me three years of intensive training with some of the finest teachers in the world. The TAFE course has given me countless opportunities I would never have had if I didn’t complete the Tertiary Preparation course, and I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to complete it. It has opened a new world for me with many new experiences and prospects and has begun a new During this time chapter in my life.

I was sleeping What challenges a and studying on or, did you have flo e th on mattress y single to overcome and it also left m and ly al in order to mother financi ught .” ra st di complete your emotionally course while I was studies? faced with all of The biggest these obstacles, it has challenge I have faced made me a more grateful, in my life thus far was the compassionate and resilient utter deprivation of my dreams person in all aspects of my life. when I critically injured my spine while studying full-time dance in Sydney. This What made you choose TAFE over other organisations ? meant that my whole future and outlook on I looked at a few other organisations, life drastically changed. My next step after and I didn’t think they really gave me the a year of intense recovery from my injury grounding that I needed in order to be able was to study music at university level. It was to study full-time - as I had been out of through this second plan that I found out school for about two years. So I went and about the Tertiary Preparation course at the spoke to the teachers at TAFE about the Port Macquarie TAFE. Another unfortunate occurrence that came Tertiary Preparation course, and it looked really really great. about while I was participating in the TAFE So you’ve just completed the Cert IV, course was the event of my house flooding and now you’re of to university, is that and extensive termite damage. This forced correct? How long will you now be my family and I to relocate to a temporary studying for? home for a few months while our house was It goes for three years. completely refurbished. During this time I And how has the TAFE course prepared was sleeping and studying on a mattress on you for the next three years specifically? the floor, and it also left my single mother Even though it is a music course, there financially and emotionally distraught. This is a lot of academic writing and reading, happened during exam time, which was and before TAFE I really wasn’t confident highly stressful. These events have greatly in that area. So completing the Tertiary impacted my family and I in many ways. By Preparation course has re-taught me a lot of achieving my goals in the Tertiary Preparation

“

the basics again - as I said, particularly with the academic writing and referencing and my confidence.

You are a finalist in the TAFE Student Achievement Awards. How do you feel about the nomination?

It’s really exciting! I didn’t think I would be a finalist.

If you were to win, what words would you use to acknowledge those at TAFE who helped you? I would say I am so grateful. I don’t think my life would have taken this path, or I would have done as well as I have, if it wasn’t for their encouragement and help – even outside of TAFE. They were really great at stress management also.

And what advice would you give to those considering TAFE as an option for their studies?

I would say, definitely go there. It is a very different experience compared to when you’re at school.

Thanks Emily.

Congratulations to Emily! Emily was indeed the winner at the TAFE Awards, but at the time of going to print she wasn’t aware of this fact. greater port macquarie focus 73

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focus_business.

mmerce with the Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce

Hadyn Oriti.

MINDING YOUR

BUSINESS LOCAL GOVERNMENT IS IMPORTANT, AND IT IS NOT VALUED ENOUGH.

C

Chamber works closely with our Council and argues strongly for necessary infrastructure and policy development. We have a shopping list of projects, including implementation of our foreshore plan and development of significant roads, which we believe will deliver benefits for the community and provide a strong foundation for our economic development. We are constantly coming up against funding constraints in getting things done. It is a perennial issue. Obviously, we will never find the magic pudding; however, there are some fundamental problems with how local Councils are presently funded, and they must be addressed.

projects. Council funding is largely dependent on rates, developer contributions and grants.

Rates and contributions from developers come nowhere near the amount needed for infrastructure in a relatively undeveloped and growing area such as ours. Grants make up part of the gap. Whenever significant infrastructure works are needed, a Council looks into its own resources and identifies the gap. It must then seek the funding for the shortfall from the State or Commonwealth. The Council will look to see whether there are any relevant grants available from State or Commonwealth sources. If so, success in getting the grant depends on many factors, known or unknown. The decision to award a grant to Council may be conditional and it may be based on State or Commonwealth priorities, not local priorities.

Whether it is rubbish removal, water supply, parks and gardens or pot holes, the services provided by Councils have consequences for each of us. But in the regions, they also take on responsibilities that Councils in the large cities do not; such as airports, cultural activities and economic development.

This arrangement leaves a Council wondering from year to year what funding they will receive in the next 12 months. Instead of being able to plan the implementation of infrastructure works for the next five years to meet community needs, Councils are left to the caprice of the political environment.

ouncils, especially in the regions, are not funded properly, and we need to change that.

The Port Macquarie-Hastings Council does not receive sufficient funds to carry out its day to day operations and then build the sorely needed infrastructure that our residents and businesses are entitled to expect. There is a constant juggling of priorities and a ceaseless search for funding opportunities. I acknowledge it may always be thus. But there must be a better way than the ‘lucky dip’ approach the State and Commonwealth bring to funding Councils now.

This is not good enough. We can do better.

I am not calling for more funding, just more reliable funding. All Councils develop strategic infrastructure plans. Perhaps each Council plan should be reviewed by State Treasury on a cost/ benefit basis and long-term funding awarding accordingly.

Part of the reason for the GST’s success is that it provides a steady revenue stream for the states.

They could reduce reliance on a raft of regressive taxes. The states love the GST, because it provides them with a reasonably stable revenue line. Hence, the present debate about expanding the reach of the GST or increasing its rate.

In any event, communication from Council on needs and priorities is critical, and the State must listen. I am calling for our elected representatives to talk and consult more with each other, which does not mean picking up mega-phones and issuing press releases. Our representatives must work co-operatively to achieve the outcomes the community needs and deserves.

Councils too should be able to expect that steady revenue, especially for infrastructure

Voters will reward delivery of infrastructure and punish playing politics.

Count ry Wholesale Group is no ordinary car yard!

T

he first thing that strikes you as you enter the modern boutique showroom is the high quality of vehicles on offer and the fantastic presentation.

Country Wholesale Group is more than proud to provide a ‘women friendly’ and relaxed atmosphere for you to choose the perfect vehicle to suit your individual driving needs.

All of Country Wholesale Group’s vehicles are set at a no haggle price, which makes the purchase a pleasant buying experience.

All of their vehicles are hand-picked carefully from the best pre-owned used cars available from across Australia.

they are in immaculate condition for delivery or pick-up!

Country Wholesale Group can deliver ANY vehicle ANYWHERE AUSTRALIA wide at just a fraction of the normal retail cost! They can also arrange quick and easy finance to approved applicants.

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Don’t worry! Country Wholesale Group can locate Each vehicle your dream car within es go prior to sale e your budget at no siv en eh pr through a com obligation. il. ta de ol’

“

‘old Scho ocess This detailing pr cleaning includes steam vacuum , s, seats & carpet ffing by bu & t washing , cu better a e uc od pr hand to result.”

All of Country Wholesale Group’s vehicles undergo a thorough mechanical check from their contracted mechanics Mid Coast Mobile Servicing, which includes a mechanical service, brake tests, oil and filter change and a current road-worthy certificate.

Country Wholesale Group has in-house detailers. Each vehicle prior to sale goes through a comprehensive ‘old school’ detail.

This detailing process includes steam cleaning seats and carpets, vacuum, washing, cut and buffing by hand to produce a better result.

When a vehicle is finished being detailed,

Country Wholesale Group prides in providing the public with RETAIL QUALITY USED cars at WHOLESALE PRICES!

Come in and meet the team at Country Wholesale Group – Stephen Rae (Director), Sarah Burch (Administration) and Tanya Gallen (Reception), and of course Nelson the Weinmaraner (The silent CEO).

the plug!

Visit us at our spacious warehouse, visit our site or give us a call.

Address: 15 Uralla Road, Port Macquarie Phone: 6581 2881

www.cwg.net.au greater port macquarie focus 75

focus

motoring.

V O L K S W A G E N

‘The The Smug Smug’ g

This month the Smug takes around a Golf with the 1.4L 90TSI (7 Spd DSG), courtesy of John Oxley Motors Port Macquarie.

I

t’s a bit clichéd I know, but when I think of Volkswagen (VW) my mind automatically pictures the Kombi van or the Beetle (Bug) and little else. So when I was given the opportunity of reviewing the 2013 model VW Golf 1.4L 90TSI, I was keen to explore it without knowing too much about it other than the name.

According to my technical support team (Wikipedia), the VW Golf was Volkswagen’s replacement for the Bug back in 1974, has been through many chassis updates and has most recently won World Car of the Year twice in the last 5 years.

For the trivia buffs out there, the Golf was once sold in the United States as the VW Rabbit, added to which Volkswagen is the world's second largest vehicle manufacturer.

With all this newfound knowledge, I ask the question, VW, where have you been all my life?

Picking up the 90TSI for the test drive, I went for the base model without the optional extras to get a real feel for the value for money one is afforded from the ground up. I wasn’t expecting too much from the 1.4 Lt engine, but it was certainly and surprisingly the first ‘wow’ moment of the vehicle.

Pulling out of the yard, I gave it a bit of a squirt to get out in front of some traffic and was immediately impressed by the kick it had from a standing start. The power and acceleration was just there when I wanted it, and I didn’t feel like I had to wait for it to catch up to me like I would expect from other lightweight 1.4s.

On further inspection of the owner’s manual technical specs was a simple explanation for the ‘at call’ power and torque. The Golf 90TSI that I was testing was a 7 speed DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) or an automatic transmission in practical driving terms. This version comes complete with a stunning Turbochaged TSI petrol engine with a very respectable 90 kW of power with 200 Nm of torque.

The DSG is still a manual gearbox, but the gearshifts are controlled electronically without driver assistance.

It has two separate gear sets operated by two clutches that automatically alternate between each other up and down the gears. The changeover of gears is completed in 76 greater port macquarie focus.

an amazing four one hundredths of a second, which means there is almost no interruption to traction, power or acceleration.

With so much grunt for a buzz box, I dub thee ‘PunchBug’!

For those who like an automatic for its easy driveability but still e Pulling out of th love to be in complete control, a it ve ga I rd ya Speaking of technology, the Golf the DSG has Tiptronic gear squirt to get out a of t bi 90TSI certainly has a few goodies in selection and a sports mode fic ont of some traf fr in the ‘standard features’ range, includfor when you’re feeling a bit iately and was immed ck ing a Driver Fatigue Detection System, e ki frisky. impressed by th ng di Cruise Control and even a programIf you closed your eyes it had from a stan mable speed limiter. whilst driving (and I certainly t.” ar st I might keep that speed limiter in wouldn’t advise that) you could mind for when my kids are of driving be forgiven for thinking you were age – say top speed of 50 km/h? Food for in a prestige family sedan with the thought ... way it cornered and handled itself. For a Again the list goes on with the inclusions, but I can’t small car, the Golf 90TSI certainly feels and acts overlook or understate the incredible 5.8” in dash colour a lot bigger than it is. With minimal body roll and a very display touch screen monitor, which is a central feature of tight cornering ability, you’ll love the ride. the already sleek and stylish front interior ... add to this There is a list longer than your arm of included features the ultra-swish speedo and tacho displays and a steering and optional extras on this one, but I’ll just run through a wheel with more buttons than a haberdashery. As the couple of standouts. driver, there’s certainly nothing you need that isn’t only a The 90TSI 7Spd DSG fuel consumption comes in at a very good combined 5.4 L per 100 km fuel economy and a fingertip away.

As a base model the 90TSI has more than enough going very green (in a good way) 126g/km CO2 emissions. for it but for those that like to add their own artistic flair Volkswagen has spared nothing when it comes to to the visual appeal, there’s a whole bunch of customising safety, with seven airbags including front and rear curtain options to do the trick. From scuff plates, multiple styles of and even trying to save the impact on the driver’s knees paint finishes, upholstery and alloy wheels to LED number in a unique ‘what tha’ moment. There’s rigid safety cells plates lighting, a roof edge spoiler and even the trusty old in the front and rear bumpers’ crumple zones and fully mud flaps come into the picture at a reasonable upgrade optimised and adjustable head restraints to reduce the risk price. of whiplash.

I never talk specific pricing, but I thought the base price For the tech-heads and for further understanding of was very realistic – if not a little underpriced for the packwhere the incredible handling comes from, you only have age and punch this VW offering delivers. to take a quick glance at the acronym list under the headThere’s a huge range of drivers that this little nugget aping of Traction Control. You’ve got Anti-Slip Regulation peals to, and it certainly holds its own on the open road.

(ASR), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), Electronic StabiliFor the younger driver, senior or as simply great second sation Program (ESP) and Extended Electronic Differential car option, the VW Golf 90TSI is a real winner.

Lock (XDL).

“

Newman

D ’t b Don’t be surprised i d if you h have b been recently t served by an eager student from Newman College when buying your morning coffee or if you have seen a student helping out on a building site or in a mechanic's workshop.

on-the-job training

P

ort Macquarie local employers are currently supporting over 340 students from Newman Senior Technical College to complete their on-the-job learning. Over the last 34 years there have been thousands of employers who have fulfilled this vital role in our community, helping Newman College train the business owners, trades people and professionals of the future.

Providing a complete hands on HSC, Year 11 and 12 Newman College students undertake mandatory Workplace Learning Placements with local businesses one day each week, along with block weeks. Students complete this for various courses they are studying for their HSC, including Automotive, Children’s Services, Construction, Metal & Engineering, Hospitality, Business Services, Furniture Making, Retail, Hu-

man Services, Information Technology and Electrotechnology, enabling students to gain National Qualifications in addition to their HSC.

Local businesses and industry generously support over 1,200 Newman College student Workplace Learning Placeese teachers Th ments each year.

The Newman College work closely with Overwhelmingly, model recognises the re ployers and ensu ks em the feedback value of on-the-job ear lin that there are cl from parents is training combined livery between the de a large sense of d an with quality delivery in the classroom e th gratitude that in ed and assessment the skills need employers will within the classes deworkplace.” place the necessary livered at the College. resources towards All of the students at the training students. There College have an Industry is not another community Based Learning teacher who out there that supports on-the-job monitors and supports their learning training as extensively as the business in the workplace. These teachers work community of the Hastings. From all of closely with employers and ensure that there are clear links between the delivery the Newman College community, we say thank you for your unwavering support in the classroom and the skills needed in of the young people of our community. the workplace.

“

greater port macquarie focus 77

78 greater port macquarie focus.

TEAM SHOT FROM LAST MONTH

John Heck Heckenberg and the team.

Area of exper expertise Taxation, superannuation and small business consulting.

I chose to get into this field… Be Because I appreciate the job satisfaction tha that comes with hel helping out clients with their financial affairs affairs.

One of the ke key areas I help pe people/ businesses wi with… Tax planning, busin business entry and exit, superannu superannuation advice.

O'Connor Heckenberg Business Services

been … That has to remain confidential!

To stay up to date and skilled, I/we …

Regularly attend specialist education courses provided by the Institute of Chartered Accountants and other I appreciate the job education providers, as satisfaction that g well as general 'what’s in comes with help happening' seminars put out clients with on by the Tax Office. al ci

“

their finan affairs.”

My biggest su success in this field has

The next step for me is … Continuing to manage change in the financial/ accounting industry – to stay relevant for the needs of local business.

The Team.

We are a qualified and accredited automotive repair centre.

I chose to get into this field … As I always wanted to work with cars and rebuilding cars at a young age. Also, at the time Auto Mechanics was the popular course and sought after trade.

One of the key areas we help people/ businesses with … We help repairing and servicing automotive vehicles - we pride ourselves on honesty and total communication with our customers, as their vehicle is an important asset to them.

My biggest success has been ... Owning our very own UltraTune Centre in a rural area and achieving Franchise of the Year Award

UltraTune Port Macquarie

and Excellence in Service Award for three years in a row. We also achieved the top ranking in the NSW UltraTune Centre Listings.

To stay up to date and skilled … all of our staff attend as many training courses as possible in Port Macquarie, Newcastle and Sydney, including UltraTune in-house training.

This is a fast growing industry that is always changing in technology.

The next step for us ... which we have already achieved is purchasing our own building and extending our services available.

In this fast growing region we need to offer a more extensive and professional service, but also keep the family friendly environment which we have prided ourselves on.

greater port macquarie focus 79

80 greater port macquarie focus.

The best possible returns on your investment.

Sandra Magann.

We are an accounting firm that draws on real business experience to provide smart

SeaChange Accounting Solutions

Terri Tipper.

All Round Property Services

matched and reconciled in real time.

Having worked as a property services

over the past seven months, as more clients realise the benefits of dealing with

Talk to SeaChange - we take the time to get

specialist in the local area for the past

solutions that make your life easier.

a real understanding of what you do, how

20 years, I understand that owners and

a local expert dedicated solely to property

Imagine having a few more hours in your

you do it and why you do things a certain

investors want reassurance that their

management.

week to spend with your family or to ‘work

way. We design the system to suit your

property, which is often their largest

Often clients come to All Round Property

on’ your business. We know from experience

business, show you how to use it and provide

asset, is safe in the hands of a reliable,

Services after being frustrated and

that many small business owners spend too

ongoing advice. It’s all about giving you more

trustworthy and knowledgeable expert.

disappointed to see property management and

many hours entering and reconciling data,

control and better information to grow your

Over two decades in the Port Macquarie-

tenancy services play second fiddle to sales in

rather than focusing on the performance of

business.

Hastings real estate market, I have placed

larger real estate businesses.

My concentration on property management

their business.

“Thank heavens for Sandra and her team

countless suitable tenants and managed

Better solutions are available that can save

at SeaChange Accounting. I have Sandra

hundreds of properties to provide owners with

combined with local experience, attention to

you time, keep you up-to-date and provide

to thank for not only getting the financial

the best possible returns on their investment.

detail and a prominent on-line presence, means I am able to provide solid rental returns and

you with the right information to grow your

side of my business on track, but especially

Drawing on this in-depth knowledge,

business. Online systems have changed the

for the valuable systems and processes she

I launched All Round Property Services

ensure vacancy rates are very low.

way we do accounting and have many smart

has put into place that now allow myself

in October 2012 to provide a focused

By establishing my business under the All

features to make your life easier.

and my staff to spend more time working

and transparent service for clients with a

Round umbrella, clients have access to a wealth

Did you know that banks can now feed

on the part of our business that we love!”

commitment to look after their properties as if

of experience in the areas of financial planning

transactions directly into most cloud

Stacey Morgan, Wauchope & Port Macquarie

they were my own.

and home loans to help guide them through

accounting software so they are identified,

Performing Arts.

The business has experienced rapid growth

the entire property investment process.

greater port macquarie focus 81

M e e t

Tas Tasdemir.

t h e

Michael Huxley.

Tasdemir Lawyers

Area of expertise

I chose to get into this field …

Because I love the law, I have great satisfaction with my job and working with my clients on getting the desired result.

I specialise in Business Insurance. My clients vary from sole traders to large corporations. I am also experienced in Personal Insurance. This allows me to be the one service point for my client’s insurance needs, a significant benefit for time poor business owners.

One of the key areas I help people/ businesses with …

Giving advice on the law in their particular area. The main benefit of having a lawyer is when clients receive advice, they are protected by lawyer/client privilege. I also help my clients achieve their goals.

My biggest success in this field has been …

Achieving the results for my clients is the main success for me. My clients are important to me, and when we achieve the goal we sent out to achieve there is no bigger success than that.

To stay up to date and skilled, I/we …

Attended legal education seminars. I am

e x p e r t s

currently undertaking my second masters course, which will only help me in the future to become the best lawyer I can be and be there for my clients and guide them through their situation, however big or small it may be.

The next step for me is …

To finish my second masters and continue the work I love doing each day.

I chose to get into this field ….because I am passionate about business & the Insurance requirements of my clients. Explaining to clients how their insurance product will respond in the event of a claim is one of my points of difference, as the industry moves more toward call centres & online. There are always cheap options online, but it is very difficult to understand the details of the cover involved.

One of the key area’s I help people/ businesses with…is explaining Commercial Underinsurance & Business Interruption. We feel it is important for our clients to understand the ‘big picture’ should an event happen.

Gio Insurance

Managing & understanding the risk of potential hazards on your business can go a long way to supporting your future success.

My biggest success in this field has been… winning Commercial Insurance Agency of the Year in GIO NSW/VIC. I see this as recognition of our growth, driven by competitive GIO products & our face to face approach.

To stay up to date and skilled, I/we … continue to undergo relevant training. I have completed my Diploma of Financial Services (General Insurance) & I am a Senior Associate of the Australian & New Zealand Institute of Insurance & Finance The next step for me is …to continue to encourage business owners to trust a local expert with their insurance needs. My 15 years industry experience, local knowledge & hands on approach provide clients with much more peace of mind than an online or call centre relationship can deliver.

It’s always better to talk face-to-face A good sit down chat is a great way for you to make the most of our expert insurance knowledge.

Call today to arrange a time that suits you.

Michael Huxley GIO Port Central Shopping Centre Port Macquarie NSW 2444 6515 0500 mhuxley@gio.com.au

AMH Insurance Services Pty Ltd is an Authorised Representative of GIO General Ltd ABN 22 002 861 583 AFSL 229873. 22500 22/05/13 A

82 greater port macquarie focus.

The Team.

Digital Signs & Printing and Olive Communications

Guy, what is your field of expertise, and how long have you been involved in this profession? I’ve been in the design, advertising and printing industries all my working life, starting with a printing apprenticeship, through to board positions in multinational advertising agencies. Gary Hunt is a trained graphic designer and Alex Kilpatrick is currently undertaking a traineeship in graphic design and printing.

What do you think your point of difference is from your competitors? We focus heavily on the customer and we have very high customer service and quality standards across both Digital Signs and Printing and Olive Communications. Having access to state of the art production tools and technologies both within the business and nationally means that we really can offer a broader range of high quality, timely and cost effective printing, signage, point of sale and display solutions for our clients.

What are the latest advancements in printing technologies? It’s about service delivery these days and less steps in the production process. Clients see quality as a given, price is always a topic, but not always the most important factor. From what I see and hear, it’s all about on demand processes and solutions, which is why digital and direct to substrate printing technologies are leading the way in both small and large format printing. The technology is enabling the business as much as the people.

Spring Real Estate.

Local agents Ian Van Vessem and Shayne McCristal

Spring is a new real estate company that believes vendors are paying too much to sell their home.

Brett Jones, founder of the company, is seeking to change the way real estate is sold and managed in Australia by offering top quality, full real estate services for one fixed fee payable only when a home is sold.

Spring’s approach was founded on a belief that the traditional commission system used by real estate agents was unfair to customers and often resulted in poor service delivery. Competition between agents to win commission doesn’t benefit sellers or buyers.

It takes no more work to sell a $1 million house than it does a $200,000 house, and we believe that vendors shouldn’t have to pay more. Our business model and all of our information has been developed by the consumer through focus groups, with 85% of people agree that $10,000 is the maximum an agent should be paid to sell a property, no matter what the sale price is. Also, 92% of people believe that $20 per week is a fair and reasonable amount for an agent to be paid for property management.

So at Spring we have fixed our commission at $9,995 to sell your home and $19.95 per week is all you will pay for property management.

We’re Spring, and we’re reinventing real estate.

greater port macquarie focus 83

M e e t

t h e

e x p e r t s

Matt Thompson + Cameron Stewart.

Westpac Bank

Receiving the 'Local Hero' award this year. It is an award for living the values of Westpac. These values are all about ensuring we do the very best by our customer in every way, every time.

Matt's area of expertise: Home and investment property lending.

I chose to get into this field to ... Have a more fulfilling career and to be able to help people achieve the Australian dream to own their own home.

One of the key areas I help people with is ...

Helping them understand how to use the Westpac product to its best ability. If my clients know how to pay their loan off sooner, it enables them to either create equity to look at another purchase, or just lessen the burden of having a loan.

My biggest success in this field has been ...

To stay up to date and skilled ... I regularly meet with colleagues to discuss updates in policy and attend workshops to develop skill sets.

The next step for me is ... To continue delivering the best possible experience for all my clients, new or existing, for now and into the future.

Matthew Thompson, Home Finance Manager.

35 Horton Street, Ph 6588 8227 0447 486 033. mgthompson@westpac.com.au

Cameron's area of expertise: Business lending,

or buying a new business.

equipment financing and everything else small

To stay up to date and skilled ... I make sure

and medium business.

I'm in touch with local trends in business and

I chose to get into this field because ... Small

understand what it is like out there. Internally, I

business is the biggest employer in Australia. I am entrepreneurial at heart and love to hear people's stories of hard work and determination in getting their business up and running and successful.

attend seminar/courses, which helps me keep up with changes to our products and policies and how they affect my customers.

The next step for me is ... I want to continue to

One of the key areas I help businesses with is ... Giving my customers crucial ideas on how to

help build smaller business in the region, whether

better manage their business finances and cash

it be for their business or consumer needs.

flow through the use of the Westpac products.

Cameron Stewart, Local Business Banker.

My biggest success in this field has been ...

35 Horton St, Ph 6588 8257, 0481 038 086.

Helping people realise their dreams of expanding

cameronstewart@westpac.com.au

here’s one thing that could help you pay off your home sooner For a limited time receive up to 1% p.a. off our standard variable rate, when you take out a

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Enjoy the full discount on loans of $500,000 or more, or receive a 0.9% p.a. discount on new loans between $250,000 - $499,999.

Talk to us today on 6588 8227 about how we can support you.

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Things you should know: Credit criteria, fees (including annual package fee, currently $395 p.a.) and charges apply. Terms and conditions available on request. Special interest rate discounts are only available on 1) the standard variable rate on Rocket Repay Home, Rocket Investment Property and Equity Access Loans which are 2)included in a Premier Advantage Package (PAP) and 3) conditionally approved by 30 June 2013. You must either hold or be approved for a Westpac Choice Transaction account in order to qualify and continue to receive the benefits of the PAP. Before deciding to acquire a Westpac Choice account, consider whether it is appropriate for you. You should read the Terms and Conditions before making a decision. Special rate discount includes the standard PAP discount of: 0.70%p.a. for both full and low doc loans of $500,000 or more, 0.70% p.a. for full doc loans between $250,000 and $499,999 and 0.4% p.a. for full doc loans between $150,000 and $249,999. Low doc loans below $499,999 are excluded from this offer and standard low doc PAP discounts apply. PAP Conditions of Use apply and are available at westpac.com.au Discounts do not apply to internal refinances and are not transferable between loans. Š2013 Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141 AFSL and Australian credit licence 233714. WBC3160_T24_IM

84 greater port macquarie focus.

LouiseHarper.

Genea

Area of Expertise: Fertility Nursing, Early Pregnancy and Pregnancy loss I have a personal history of infertility – after trying for almost 3 years I fell pregnant with my son while waiting to start IVF. When he was very young we tried for another baby; after 4 attempts at IVF we were not successful. Now my beautiful baby boy is happily married – no babies yet but I’m hoping to be a Grandma in the next few years!

I moved to the Hastings when the Base Hospital opened almost 20 years ago. Not long after we moved the process of ICSI (Intra cytoplasmic Injection – injecting the sperm into the egg) was introduced, I rang my fertility specialist and asked him “will I give this ICSI a go or buy a horse? He said – buy a horse Louise, so we did!” Soon after Genea clinic manager Penny O’Donnell (who had been my fertility nurse) rang me and asked if I was interested in setting up a satellite clinic, and I have done so since then. Originally there were 3 staff and we worked out of PMPH, we then moved to Coolenberg clinic where I continued on my own and finally over to Dr Ray Hodgson’s rooms. Over the years we have been able to offer couples from the Hastings a ‘full’ IVF service with egg collection and embryo transfer locally – utilizing the mobile ‘lab’. Unfortunately or fortunately (depending on how you look at it) numbers dropped and it was no longer a viable option to offer these services, now couples have 2 trips to Newcastle – one for egg collection and one for embryo transfer.

I think having a personal history of infertility gives me a closer connection to my patients, I truly understand what they are going through and I think that makes a difference.

My biggest success has been…

Coordinating the egg collections locally – to have up to 20 womens cycles organized for the same 2 weeks was a mammoth achievement!

Success rates worth screaming about.

To find out how we can best help you, call our Genea fertility experts.

04114902 581 271 (02) 7000 genea.com.au/success * 30% greater than the average of other clinics combined, according to analysis of the latest available data 2010 released October 2012 from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (ANZARD data)

– But then down sizing and offering the same level of nursing and support is something that I am very proud of. I am on call almost 24hrs a day 7 days a week for my IVF patients.

Finally being part of a couples IVF journey and then being the midwife assisting with the birth of their baby is such a joy, but also being there when things don’t go so well is an enormous privilege, guiding and supporting a couple through the devastating haze of pregnancy loss – to be able to truly make a difference is something that I am very passionate about.

To stay up to date and skilled …

I go to Newcastle regularly – Penny O’Donnell is very supportive of further education and supports me going to conferences and workshops throughout the year. I am currently undertaking my Masters in Reproductive Medicine, hopefully finish this year, Dr Ray Hodgson has been an enormous support for me – a wonderful mentor and study guide! We have a very close team in PMQ, Dr Hodgson, Dr Black are wonderful to work with and of course our sonographers from PMQ Ultrasound are a vital link in the team, Maryanne and Jill are very skilled and accommodating for women often coming in out of hours to provide the scans needed for a couples cycle. Finally our incredible secretaries Lindy and Rosalie – they are the life source of Dr Hodgson’s rooms, Genea Fertility – Port Macquarie and Port Macquarie Ultrasound, their willingness to go above and beyond is called upon regularly – and they never let me down!

Keeping the tradition of great customer service. Locally owned and employing local people. ow long has M&S Print been around? Established in 1983 and servicing the Hastings/Camden Haven for 30 years, M&S Print is one of the longest serving locally owned printing entity in the area. Our 9 staff have a combined total of 160 years with M&S Print.

H

rolls. Labels and stickers are a fun way to promote your business. Printing your logo or design onto any shape or size sticker provides many applications for business marketing.

Whatever your needs, full or one colour, gloss or matt finish, we would like to help you create it.

What are you offering new clients? Brand development. Branding is all about how the world forms a view before they know who you are. It's a very powerful tool. Your company needs to project a professional and trustworthy image that impresses prospective clients, even before they make direct contact.

What do you provide to your customers, besides printing? Customer care. At M&S Print we endeavour to fulfil our client projects with maximum efficiency, accuracy and visual impact. Our role is to create effective designs and print with the aim of driving your business image and message to your potential customers. We achieve this by developing a mutually beneficial relationship with you, the customer.

What is the main ingredient used to do this? Logo, web and sign design.

Our creative team specialises in exciting and original concepts for new businesses or revamping identities for existing ones.

Comprehensive inhouse design ensures logo integrity, font and colour consistency. Call Jill for an appointment to discuss your requirements.

Our role is to create effective h t wit designs and prin g in iv dr of the aim age your business imyour to and message ers.” potential custom

“

What else do you specialise in? Corporate stationery. At M&S Print we produce a complete range of commercial printing services, offering the best value and quality to suit your personal needs.

We pride ourselves on being Port MacquarieHastings' best value printer for stationery, letterheads, business cards, brochures, flyers, booklets, newsletters, reports, calendars, invoice, receipt and order books numbered to your requirements, 'No Carbon Required' books, presentation folders, labels and more.

Do you do labels and stickers? Sheets and

What are the advantages of Digital Printing? We can produce colour or black & white printing direct from disk or electronic files, specialising in short to medium run projects.

Because of the advantages of digital printing we can produce your printed piece in less time, with less waste, which means a lower cost to you.

On-demand printing is the ability to print exactly the quantity you need when you need it.

How do I order my printing? Drop in to our office, phone or online You are welcome to come and speak to our helpful staff at 36 High St, Wauchope or phone 6585 2522. Our website, www. msprintoffset.com.au is a quick and easy way to order online or request a quote.

Alternatively, our representative is available 7 days a week by phoning 0418 428 027.

greater port macquarie focus 85

M e e t

Mark Prosper.

t h e

e x p e r t s

Start hunting with your local area experts.

Mark and Kathryn are your local St.George Bank Home Lenders, who are wellknown to the local community and have extensive knowledge of Port Macquarie, including surrounding areas Kempsey, Wauchope and Laurieton.

Mark has a financial services career spanning over 30 years and has been a well-known local St.George banker since 1994, while Kathryn has a strong financial planning background including 20 years’ banking experience and 14 years at the Port Macquarie branch.

Your Local St.George Home Lenders

Kathryn McGuire.

Mark and Kathryn come highly recommended by their customers, who send them many thank yous for the level of service they provide.

Kathryn’s exceptional customer service and outstanding performance was recently acknowledged when Kathryn was announced as the inaugural 2012 St.George ‘Banker of the Year, and CEO ‘Employee of the Year.’

be able to work out just how much you can borrow and even provide 6-month pre-approval,” says Kathryn.**

“It’s not as overwhelming as you may think; you can get started in the property market with 5% deposit - plus funds to cover the transactions costs. We’ll start with working out how much you can borrow and we can also arrange a six-month home loan pre-approval period which gives you plenty of Both lending me managers welco time to shop around and find your u are new home.” a chat , even if yo

“

out just thinking ab vating, no re , ng purchasi re-financing or relocating.”

Both lending managers welcome a chat, even if you are just thinking about purchasing, renovating, re-financing or relocating.

“Even if you’re not sure if now is the right time to buy or switch, Mark and I still welcome a chat, where we will

Furthermore, Mark encourages locals to take advantage of the APM property profile report which is available with all St.George Home Loans.

“My customers find it extremely valuable, as it provides not only a property value estimate but also an overview of the property market within the neighbourhood you’re looking to buy into, including recent sales information,” says Mark.

Mark and Kathryn are available at a time that suits you.

They can be contacted at St.George’s Port Macquarie Office on (02) 6583 0700.

Things you should know: *Higher minimum deposit will be required in some areas. 5% genuine savings required. **If you haven’t taken up the loan within 90 days, we will need to reasses the suitability of the loan before it proceeds. Loans subject to credit criteria. Where the loan to valuation ratio is 80% or above lenders mortgage insurance will be required for a fee. APM Property Report: While the APM property Report is being offered to St.George customers with permission from Australian Property Monitors Pty ACN 061 438 006, St.George accepts no responsibility for its accuracy or completeness. We recommend you seek independent advice before making a decision based on this information. Other fees and charges apply. Terms and conditions available upon application. St.George Bank - a Division of Westpac Banking Corporation. ABN 33 007 457 141 AFSL and Australian credit licence 233714. HOM004 04/13

Starˇ hunting

5

%

Deposiˇ Home Loans?*

with 6-month pre-approval**

FIND OUT MORE

Contact your local Lending Manager today.

Mark Prosper and Kathryn McGuire 6583 0700 Visit us at 68 Horton Street, Port Macquarie

stgeorge.com.au/homeloans Things you should know: *Higher minimum deposit will be required in some areas. 5% genuine savings required.**If you haven’t taken up the loan within 90 days, we will need to reassess the suitability of the loan before it proceeds. Loans subject to credit criteria. Where the loan to valuation ratio is 80% or above lenders mortgage insurance will be required for a fee. Other fees and charges apply. Terms and conditions available upon application.

St.George Bank – a Division of Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141 AFSL and Australian credit licence 233714.

STGW2108 05/13

86 greater port macquarie focus.

M e e t

The Team.

t h e

VERTO

If you have questions about apprenticeships or employment, the VERTO team has the answers. VERTO has been a leading provider of employment, recruitment and apprenticeship services on the North Coast since 2009, and earlier this year expanded to include Disability Employment Services.

The VERTO team have extensive local knowledge and can provide free, expert advice and support to both businesses and individuals in a range of areas.

As an Australian Apprenticeship Centre (AAC) VERTO offers businesses a complete sign up and administration management service. They carry out eligibility checks, complete sign ups, organise access to financial incentives and look after all the paperwork from beginning to end. AAC field staff are also highly mobile, so they can be wherever and whenever businesses need them.

VERTO Job Services team work with individuals

and employers to match the right person to the right job. Employment Consultants offer jobseekers one on one help to find and sustain employment, while VERTO’s Business Consultant assists businesses with advertising, screening, recruitment and ongoing support of new employees. Eligible businesses can receive generous financial assistance in the first six months of employment, as well as ongoing practical support including further training for their new employee.

In May this year, VERTO expanded its Disability Employment Service into Port Macquarie and Kempsey and now offers specialist support for local jobseekers with disability. Client consultants work with job seekers to break down barriers to employment and showcase their skills and abilities to potential employers.

For more information about VERTO’s full range of services and how they can work for you, call your local VERTO team today or visit verto.org.au

e x p e r t s

Jan Clogg I established Credence Business Solutions in late 2009 after working in the bookkeeping and accounting industry my whole life, including 25 years with public practice accountants.

My mission is to bridge the gap between what clients want and accountants need and to help small businesses find better ways to manage their frontline finances.

A key focus area is online accounting systems, such as Xero and the latest version of MYOB AccountRight Live released in May, which automate many processes, save time and ensure bookwork is consistent, accurate and up-to-date.

Since 2010, I have harnessed the latest cloud accounting technology to provide businesses with anywhere, anytime access to important financial information. As one of the first locals to use Xero software, I offer in-depth

Credence Business Solutions

knowledge and years of experience.

My approach is hands-on and I design solutions that fit clients’ individual needs. By removing the technical jargon and putting in place easy-to-use, reliable systems, I reduce stress and uncertainty for small businesses.

To stay up-to-date and skilled, and retain my position as a Certified Practicing Accountant, a Registered BAS Agent and a member of several industry associations, I must meet stringent professional development standards. Clients can be sure their finances are in the safe hands of a qualified and experienced bookkeeper.

The next step is to continue to empower clients with the business insight that comes from current, customised information for a successful FY13/14. Now is the right time to upgrade your bookkeeping systems so you can have a fresh start for the new financial year.

Recruitment ExpertLocaladvice

Apprenticeships knowledge Free serviceJob search support Port Macquarie 6580 1900 Kempsey 6563 6000 ongoing support

verto.org.au

greater port macquarie focus 87

NEW TELSTRA BUSINESS CENTRE OPENS +NOT ONLY WILL YOU SPEAK TO S SOMEONE IN AUSTRALIA WHE WHEN YOU CALL, BUT YOU CAN MEE MEET TRAVIS FACE TO FACE AT TTHE TELSTRA BUSINESS CEN CENTRE PORT MACQUARIE.

Q&A WITH TEAL BRYAN Congratulations on the new Telstra Business

in-house product experts to provide guidance

Centre opening; tell us what you will be

on more complex technology issues. We’re

offering?

committed to delivering tangible value

The Telstra Business Centre is run by locals,

through every part of our service - and that

for locals in business. As small business owners we know how important it is to be able to deal face-to-face with your

We’re a locally owned and operated business offering all the benefits of a big name brand with the personal service you’d expect from a local.

telecommunications provider, and we are staffed with local Certified Business

has to be better for your business.

Technology moves at face pace - how can businesses keep up?

There’s no doubt the way we communicate

Specialists who are dedicated, professional

and work is changing. Our business centre

and experienced at helping businesses get

can provide you with information and

the most out of their telecommunications.

advice to keep you abreast of the latest

The Telstra Business Centre on the corner

developments in technology. This includes

Teale Bryan recently opened a new specialised Telstra Business Centre in Port Macquarie as part of a push to provide a better range of communications technology and services for small businesses across the Hastings Region.

of Lake and Central Road is able to offer all

the latest broadband services, mobile options

levels of businesses, from small and medium

as well as the solutions available over Telstra’s

through to large organisations, products and

IP network. We understand the changing

Teale said specially trained staff in the new centre can help unravel some of the complexity surrounding modern business communications and provide new tailor-made business solutions.

our Telstra Shop in Port Central Shopping

services for all of their telecommunications needs. The business centre compliments Centre – now we're able to offer the complete solution for both home consumers and businesses.

“Every business has unique challenges and requirements, and our centre staff can assist local companies to identify their needs, implement effective systems and help manage costs.

How can you help business customers?

“Whether it’s installing the right business connectivity solution for your office or discussing the best mobile phone plan for your staff when they are out and about, our centre staff can help,” said Mr Bryan

mobile options as well as the solutions

Each Telstra Business Centre is staffed with Telstra Business Certified Solutions Professionals who can offer a range of live demonstrations with the latest technology.

Communications play a critical part in business performance and efficiency. This includes the latest broadband services, available over Telstra’s IP network. Using our single source advantage from equipment selection to ongoing service can streamline

needs in businesses and we understand that businesses grow and they change over time.

With the right advice from the start our team can help businesses build efficiencies and a plan for the future. Our business to business approach means we'll be looking for long term solutions to keep your business moving.

What makes the Telstra Business Centre different from other providers?

The local for locals factor. We're a community minded team, and our hearts are in the local area. Our friendly customer service manager is not just a real person that you can call and

your administration, help with cost control,

talk to on the phone, but you can come and

deliver business grade support and connect

meet with him in person. Our Telstra Business

you to world-class networks across Australia.

Centre is all about delivering tailored

Additionally, the centre can call upon Telstra’s

products and services to our local customers.

Left to right: Katrina Bosco, Andrew Bosco, Linda Bryan, John Boniciolli, Teale Bryan, Peter Besseling

OUR GENERAL MANAGER MATTHEW HOWARTH

WE'RE LOCALS We’re a locally owned and operated business offering all the benefits of a big name brand with the personal service you’d expect from a local.

We’ve got an extensive range of services and devices to help drive your business forward. And it’s all with one local contact, one bill, exclusive ABN offers and business-grade support. You’ll have access to: • business phone systems to get you communicating more efficiently • digital business suites to upgrade your business to the digital era • mobile handsets and tablets for business on the go • fixed and mobile broadband to suit how you work • priority service and appointments to suit your schedule.

tral R Lake

Rd

Cen

GO BUSINESS CLASS WITH TELSTRA BUSINESS CENTRE PORT MACQUARIE

d

Get the support and service you really deserve, contact Matt Howarth and the team, today.

Telstra Business Centre Port Macquarie 177/B Lake Road PH: 1300 TBC PORT (1300 822 7678)

D E C A D E S

I N

T H E

T R A D E

Roy Head.

94 years in business.

Australian Solar Timbers.

Over the decades, Australian Solar Timbers has seen the company pioneer, innovate and adapt to emerge as the nation’s most modern, innovative and environmentally sound hardwood flooring manufacturer.

Chrissy Jones chatted with Managing Director Douglas Head.

Being in operation for 94 years, what is the main reason AST has stood the test of time?

As AST approaches a century of trading in the timber business, I suspect that the main reason for our longevity is an underlying capacity to adapt to changing circumstances and to continuously innovate at all levels.

How did the business first start?

Stan Ball and my grandfather, Douglas Oakley, met when they joined up at the start of World War 1. They became best friends and went through Gallipoli and then the Western Front.

Somewhere amid those horrors they committed to go sawmilling together if they ever got home.

From 1919 they had a series of small bush mills in Moripo, Lorne and then Comboyne.

When World War 2 broke out they were deemed too old to enlist again so they sought to make a contribution by answering the call to build a veneer mill to assist in the production of the Mosquito fighter-bomber. They built a veneer mill in Wauchope that worked from 1940-91. The mill then moved to Kempsey, our present location.

90 greater port macquarie focus.

How has the technology changed over time?

When I entered the business in 1986 we were in Wauchope still peeling veneers and using a lathe dating back to 1901. We moved to Kempsey in 1991 and decided that our future direction was in adding as much value as possible to our log resource. To do this we scoured the world to find the latest and best machinery to produce the best product.

Nowadays timber processing is becoming much less hands on and heavy work. Computers and automatic transfer systems make it safer, lighter and more precise but there still is some physical element to some aspects of the process.

What motivates AST to do what they do so well?

We try to relate all our activities to our motto of “natural excellence”. We deal with a natural product, timber, and we try to behave in a natural and unpretentious manner with our suppliers, our clients and our staff.

AST has a commitment to the environment, how has this evolved?

When I was at University I became involved in the world’s first Green ban at Kelly’s Bush, since then I have remained very engaged with environmental issues.

AST pioneered solar kiln drying 20 years ago, we also utilize low grade logs which assist in forest regrowth management and we have pioneered Australian innovation in renewable energy using our residues of sawdust and shavings.

What is the future vision for AST? AST will have a future based on its past. It will continue to evolve and adapt to survive.

I see our future being directed towards developing new and innovative products from our Australian hardwoods, and from developing new formats to distribute our products to our customers.

As a company that has gone through the Great Depression and World War 2 we feel that we are well experienced for facing difficult times.

Thanks Douglas.

Douglas Head.

D E C A D E S

I N

T H E

focusfeature

T R A D E

40 years in business.

Maloney Lighting.

Maloney Lighting is celebrating 40 years in business this month. How did the business get started?

My dad moved to Port Macquarie in 1972 with no employment. A local electrician suggested that Port needed a electrical wholesaler. With the help from a friend and wholesaler in Sydney, he started up. After 18 months he sold off the wholesale section, concentrating solely on the lighting side of the business – the start of Maloney Lighting.

What changes have you seen over time in the lighting industry?

Mostly in the actual light sources, going from incandescent lamps, Halogen, fluorescent and now to LED. Also, the amount of choices that are available now in lights, lamps and ceiling fans.

Four decades is an outstanding achievement in business. To what do you attribute your success? Customer service: we try to provide the

50 years in business.

Jeff and Sharon Griffiths. right product for our customers’ requirements.

Knowledge: Our team have over 57 years of experience in the lighting industry. Loyalty: customers returning to us because of our great knowledge and service.

At this point I would like to say a thank you to some of our loyal building companies in Port Macquarie: Better Homes, Pycon Constructions, Brandon Calder homes, J & E Miller builders, Creative Works Constructions, Richard Swan Constructions and to all of our other builders and electricans, sorry we could not name you all. Without you we would not be celebrating 40 years in business!

Do you have an underlying business philosophy?

Yes: to go above and beyond the average level of service to create a positive impact on our customers!

Thanks Les, and congratulations.

Being in operation for almost 50 years, what is your strength?

The general comment has always been,“If you can't get it at Hilberts, then you probably can't get it”. We have always strived to have in store what the customer wants; if we haven't got it on the shelves, we will source the item as quickly as we can. We are a true, old fashioned hardware store, where you can get everything you want in the one place.

How did the business first start?

Sharon's grandfather, Marten Hilberts, saw an opportunity back in 1965 to service the regional timber industry, starting operations in Wauchope as Hastings Hardware & Saw Sharpening Service – with wife Zwaantje assisting in the shop.

Initially stocking tools, abrasives, fasteners and paints, they also operated as a tool sharpening service for the surrounding timber mills. They catered to the expanding local building trade

Hilberts General and Industrial Hardware

also.

Son Max took over from Marten in 1979 – wife Ann joining him looking after the bookkeeping.

Increasing the stock range, including hydraulic fittings, chains, bulk power tools, gases and equipment, they quickly outgrew the premises.

Max purchased a ½ acre block across the road in 1990, moving the business to its current location. Jeff and Sharon took over after the sudden passing of Max the following year. A children’s play area was added in 1998 to allow for a stress free shopping experience. The business continued to grow and improve their extensive stock range.

What gives the company satisfaction?

Our reputation. Attracting customers from all over the country, from householders to government and corporate firms, we are happy to assist anyone to grow our customer base.

Thanks Sharon and Jeff.

greater port macquarie focus 91

The Hastings

‘Local Printer’ Keeping the tradition of great customer ustomer sse service. Locally oowned wned & employing local ocal people.

DESIGN | PRINT | COPY

celebrating

30

years

‘Truly Local’

C U S T O M E R CA R E

PRINT

yearrs

menus

rubber stamps website design colour copying business cards stickers & labels bindery & finishing wedding invitations

N

IN-HOUSE GR A P H I C A RT S

logo web ideas creative

design

letterheads

s D E L I V E RY

presentation folders

art

ISHING s N I F BI

logo design

RY E D

image

envelopes

signs

magnets

self published books invoice books & forms promotional rack cards no carbon required books promotional posters promotional flyers document binding order of service annual reports gift vouchers raffle tickets newsletters price lists desk pads calendars

SET & D F F O IG E I S

personalised cards

sign design

T

-H O U

laminating

We love making your business look good and catering to your individual print and promotional needs

PRINTING L A

phone 6585

2522 for a FREE design consultation or to arrange a visit from us.

order online: www.msprintoffset.com.au email: sales@msoffset.com.au fax: 02 6585 3696

IN

order books & forms

36 High St Wauchope NSW 2446

spend your dollars with us so we can spend with you 92

greater port macquarie focus.

D E C A D E S

Kim Francis.

I N

T H E

T R A D E

focusfeature

Chris Francis.

Francis Furniture

Francis Furniture have been operating locally with a full showroom and workshop in Port Macquarie since 1982. Building beautiful custom designed pieces, Kim and Chris Francis love facing new challenges, and working with the natural characteristics of different timbers. Chris tells us about his experience over the years.

H

ow did you gain your experience working with the many different types of timber species?

My experience comes from a very early age when I developed a love of timber, building kites and boats as a young kid. From there I began to experiment and learn about the different timbers, and completed formal training at Ultimo Technical College. One of my first loves of timber was of a beautiful piece of Cedar which a friend’s father made into a boat. It was that beautiful deep rich red Cedar that I just fell in love with, the rich and wondrous fragrance’s of Cypress Pine and Coachwood, what variety, I was hooked ... over the years I decided that I wanted to work with timber, so I became a boat builder. I worked with many different timbers, and it just grew from there on.

Experts in custom design furniture pieces, what makes timber furniture so unique?

As far as the timber is concerned, every piece of timber is unique. We’ve had experiences where we can pick a board and think it looks fine, we size it up with another board get a fairly even colour match across a panel. But if you cut it in half and lay the ends side by side, suddenly you could get a black and white board.

You don’t realise how much the colour has changed from one end of the board to the other, let alone across the width of it.

It’s surprising the amount of variation you can have in one piece of timber that you don’t notice until you put the boards right beside each other. I don’t regard a colour change in timber as being a fault at all, it’s the natural beauty of the variations in the timber.

Also adding to it’s uniqueness, some timbers have ‘scribbly gum grub’ marks,

mostly in Rose Gum and Blue Gum, which looks fantastic and really shows you the history of the tree as it was growing.

It gives you some insight into what happened to that tree during it’s life, and this could be a 100 year old tree.

The durability of timber furniture is also a unique trait, and can last hundreds of years. At Francis Furniture we make pieces to last, rather than having a customer come back for a repair job in 5 years time.

We’re more interested in creating an heirloom that will be passed down through generations, and there is no reason why these pieces won’t still be in great condition in 200 years time.

In regards to custom building, we design our pieces and draw the plans out for people so that they can get a really good idea of what the piece will look like in their space. A lot of people find it difficult to actually picture what they want and how it will look, so this new technology allows us to draw it up right in front of them, and give the customer a real concept of the finished product. This 3D program draws items to scale and you really have the full perspective, making the customer more confident about the finished product.

What are some of the challenges faced when crafting your timber pieces?

The challenges are usually given to us by the customers themselves. Sometimes they will come up with a bit of a difficult design brief, the odd thing is that even after nearly 50 years of working with timber, I am always learning something new and facing new challenges that are set.

Sometimes the timber can have particular characteristics that will make it difficult to use in that situation. Some timbers

might expand or contract, so you have to recognise this depending on the type of piece being built.

The other challenge would be the grain of the timber and ensuring it is shown off in the best possible way in that particular piece of furniture.

What are the benefits of having timber furniture pieces in the home?

Everybody loves timber, it’s a beautiful product with its natural grain and abstract swirls. It’s also the feel of timber - it is warm to the touch, for example if you’re going to sit in a chair - would you prefer to sit in a steel chair or a timber chair? You’re always going to choose the timber chair …

It’s the same if you had a choice between a glass table and a timber table. When you put your hands on a glass table it’s cold.

Timber tables are always earthy and warm, it’s a natural living thing.

How is your website a handy tool for customers?

We’d like people to feel comfortable visiting our website, allowing them to browse a larger range of pieces than we could ever have in the showroom on display. We do a lot of custom built pieces, so we can’t possibly have them all on the floor. So we feel it’s ideal for customers to be able go to the website, browse the pictures and see more of what we do.

People can then see what we are capable of and can customise the designs they like to suit their own style. I think this also gives the customer a sense of confidence that we can do the job, and that we can produce a beautiful piece, before they have actually walked into our show room.

Thanks Chris and Kim. greater port macquarie focus 93

D E C A D E S

11 years in business.

Rob & Ross Sewell.

Camden Haven Marine

Camden Haven Marine have been in operation since the early eighties, but present owners Rob and Ros Sewell took over the business in 2002, over 10 years ago.

In those fledgling years a younger Paul Bottomley was the mechanic before circumstances saw him move to Sydney.

For 15 years he has plied his trade in Australia’s most competitive and professional marine industry, rising to the top as assistant workshop manager of one of Sydney’s oldest and largest marine dealerships.

In somewhat of a coup for the boaters of the greater Hastings region and Manning valley, Camden Haven Marine is proud to announce they have once again secured the services of Paul as workshop manager. Paul’s unparalleled experience and knowledge of all outboard brands combined with CHM’s long standing reputation for service and value mean there is only one place to call for your outboard service or repair.

Give Camden Haven Marine a call on 6559 9344 – ask for Paul; he’ll look after you.

94 greater port macquarie focus.

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T R A D E

11 years in business.

Michael Page.

Cullens Carpet One

Cullens Carpet One is a local business you can trust, being locally owned and operated by Michael and Di Page for over 11 years.

How did the business first start?

Michael worked for the previous owner managing the business. We purchased the business and made a minor name change, which we trade with today.

You moved to bigger premises; what's on offer?

We moved to bigger premises in October 2011 and have a full range of residential and commercial carpets, vinyl – sheet, plank and tiles – cork in traditional and pre-finished styles, laminate, timber and bamboo flooring systems, carpet tiles, outdoor carpet and rugs as well as our blinds with venetians, romans, rollers, verticals, panel glides and shutters.

What is the future vision?

To keep pace with development in Port Macquarie and provide first quality service to clients. We are constantly on the lookout for the latest offerings in products to suit residential and commercial projects. We would like to see our family keep running the business for many years to come.

27 years in business.

Earl & Jenelle.

Earl's Turf

For over two and a half decades Earl's Turf (Earl and Jenelle) has been supplying the Mid North Coast with turf. We have a wealth of knowledge and have support from builders, landscapers and the community.

At Earl's we provide our customers with good service and high quality products that they will enjoy for many years.

Sir Walter Buffalo is by far the most popular – an Australian developed soft leaf variety, that is salt, shade and drought tolerant and most of all, low maintenance.

With today’s busy lifestyles, it looks great with little care. Other turf varieties grown are Shademaster Buffalo, Village Green Kikuyu and Greenlees Park Couch.

It is always best to purchase turf grown in your area for similar climate conditions and less delivery time.

We offer service beyond just the delivery of turf, with knowledge and advice for the ongoing care of lawns. We have a turf planting and aerating service, ideal for parks, sporting fields and golf courses.

Thank you to all our fabulous customers, and we look forward to continuing supply of turf for many years to come.

For a full description of products and services, visit our website www.earlsturf.com.au

David Shannon David Shannon is a Director of Searson Shannon and Co Pty Ltd and has been admitted as a Solicitor since 1981.

Born in Forbes, educated at St Joseph’s College at Hunters Hill and trained in Sydney he commenced his career in Port Macquarie in 1981, becoming a partner in a legal firm shortly thereafter and establishing a practice with George Searson in 1995.

100 YEARS

George managed the Laurieton office and David established the Port Macquarie office in 1995, practicing in all areas of litigation but quickly establishing a vibrant and busy conveyancing and commercial practice.

The Port Macquarie practice employs two licenced conveyancers and prides itself on being cost competitive whilst offering a professional and complete service.

David has been involved in numerous sports and activities, being the honorary solicitor for Marine Rescue Port Macquarie, the Salvation Army, the Basketball Association and the Port Macquarie Touch Football Association.

George Searson George Searson is a Director of Searson Shannon & Co Pty Ltd and has been admitted as a Solicitor since 1977.

George practices in the following fields: • Conveyancing • Mortgages • Leases • Estate Planning • Probate • Wills, Power of Attorney and Enduring Guardianship George was the first fulltime Solicitor to establish a practice in Laurieton as a sole practitioner in 1979 and since has developed a sound, reliable reputation within the local community. In 1995 George and David Shannon formed a partnership that is unquestionably a very solid and successful association.

Since that time the Port Macquarie office was established and has grown from the success and goodwill of staff and Solicitors. George spends the majority of his time at the Laurieton branch where he first commenced his practice and is very well known in the area for being a caring and knowledgeable citizen and lawyer.

He takes pride in providing accurate and efficient service and makes every attempt to keep costs to a minimum. George insists on using the latest technology to enable the firm to operate and communicate with clients in an efficient and professional manner.

George is also actively involved with the local Parish in various roles and has for many years supported numerous sporting bodies throughout the community.

OFFERING CLIENTS A DIVERSE RANGE OF PROFESSIONAL AND LEGAL SOLUTIONS

Chris McCarron was admitted as a Solicitor in 1970. Born in Tamworth and educated at Bellata School and the University of New South Wales.

Chris established a legal firm in Port Macquarie in 1972 and raised his family here. Chris still acts for clients of his original firm now, over 40 years later. Chris has also acted for large and small businesses, banks, building societies and credit unions and has a vast amount of practical and commercial legal experience.

Chris left the firm of Priest McCarron Lawyers late 2011 and is no longer associated with the firm that continues to trade under his name.

Port Macquarie Phone 6584 1185 Shop 21 Peachtree Walk Arcade 78 Horton Street

Laurieton Phone 6559 9800 1/75 Bold Street

Chris is very happy to be a part of the Searson Shannon & Co Pty Ltd practice in Port Macquarie working in the close knit team, utilising the latest technology together with common sense and years of irreplaceable experience.

Chris is a prominent and well respected member of the community being involved in Apex, Sailing, Church activities and Rotary.

Chris continues to practice in residential and commercial property law, Wills, Probate, Powers of Attorney , Enduring Guardianship and Living Wills as well as advising people left out of Wills and general legal advice.

www.searsonshannon.com.au greater port macquarie focus 95

HSC Business Studies Meet Gordon Prewett

Are you looking for a HSC Business Studies – work Placement that's a little different? The Region North Zone Office of Fire and Rescue NSW in Port Macquarie, may be just that.

Meet Gordon Prewett, who not only knows the building and property game (he’s a construction carpenter by trade), he also knows the nuances of legislation (he was a Policeman).

“When you do small things right, big things happen,” Gordon says. “Taking the time to ‘measure twice, cut once’ is easily applied to the strata industry. I was in the Quality Assurance area of big multi million dollar constructions, so I know what it means to get it right first time.

Co-ordinating all administration functions for the 19 Fire Stations from Woolgoolga to Tea Gardens may sound a bit daunting, but Administration Officer Brooke Daniels finds the experience rewarding. Everything from ordering a new fire hose, to managing HR and the recruitment of new Retained Firefighters is managed from the Port Macquarie Office.

Brooke concedes that life can be very busy!

“I wanted to provide opportunities for young people to work in an interesting business environment,” said Brooke. “The feedback we receive while working with students can also be valuable and benefit both the student and business. Young people often have a 'fresh outlook ' and can view things from different perspectives.

“At SMS Strata Management Group, my clients have been very generous in allowing me to double check the facts before giving them advice with confidence.”

Gordon has a strong family base on the Coffs Coast, with generations of Prewetts calling Coffs home. Whilst his career has taken him to various locations around the state, Gordon moved back to the Coast in 2005 with his family. Gordon prides himself on his ‘local’ knowledge.

Gordon and the team at SMS Strata Management offer a range of services to ensure the smooth running of the 600 plus owner’s corporation under their management. Dispute resolution, by-law enforcement and fund management are just some of the daily tasks of a Strata Manager.

Year 11 student from Newman College, Jacob Riddell, has found his Business Work Placement with the Office very different from what he expected. Being his first Work Placement, he enjoyed how tasks, set during his initial ‘block week’ gave him time to ‘settle in’ and become more familiar with office routines. Jacob has also been keen to apply his existing knowledge to the IT Systems in the Office. Jacob's technical skills have proved so valuable that he often completes IT tasks, in half the time!

Brooke provided a few Tips for Work Placement Employers: • Be mindful of treating WP students as you would a new Trainee. Don’t expect students to “know what you know” Encourage them to ask questions to clarify tasks.

• Use the first few days to set tasks to help gauge the student’s confidence and ability levels, so you establish good tasksupport within an established routine.

Jacob had some tips for fellow work placement students: • Be flexible. Apply your existing knowledge, even though things may be different from your expectations. Learning to adapt, means you’ll have great skills in any workplace.

•

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Create a good impression and be early for work.

Port Macquarie Landcare President esident

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estellegough.

Ask Greg

Greg Trembath answers wers estions. your real estate questions.

Q

UPDATE

plants aren’t stupid.

Plants are smart and innovative and can even shape their environment.

P

oet Dylan Thomas was fascinated by “The force that through the green fuse drives the flower”.

Evolution by natural selection has given plants clever ways to survive and spread, as they struggle for existence. The ability to move, for instance.

Movement is something we see as characteristic of animals and birds. It enables them to find food, mates and homes, and their exposure to new locations can lead to the evolution of new species.

Well, plants too can move, and they do it for the same reasons.

Once they germinate, individual plants begin to grow through the environment with their roots and stems, to seek the nutrients and support they need.

They occupy space, and can create conditions that suit their survival: a microclimate where the species will thrive.

Plants can also travel as a population and expand their range by using wind, water and animals.

The plant kingdom is entwined with the animal kingdom in a ‘dance of life’ that affects the survival of both. They are interdependent.

Humans are involved too and have actually made themselves the servants of plants!

Travelling the planet, we broadcast seeds, propagate species and provide optimum growing conditions for plants in our gardens and farms.

We are dependent on plants for our survival, and they take advantage of this to spread, thrive, and multiply. No, plants aren’t stupid!

Movement by humans explains why many exotic plants end up in suburban gardens

far from their home continents of Africa and South America.

These plants now call Australia ‘home’ and are adapted to the conditions, just as we humans can find a home in a new country.

Now there may be a time gap before the introduced plant becomes invasive, so we do not notice it’s escaping from cultivation.

Gardeners do know that some exotic plants can ‘jump the fence’ or spread via stormwater.

And gardeners like to swap plants: they pass on cuttings, and they seek new homes for plants they no longer need.

It is at this moment – when giving away a plant to another location – that a little garden gnome needs to tap us on the shoulder to ask what might happen to the giveaway plant in another location.

“You won’t have any trouble growing this; it’s really vigorous,” can mean it will easily become a weed.

“This is a pretty shrub, with red berries,” can mean that birds enjoy eating the berries and will transport the seeds to native bushland.

“This climbing plant grows like mad, and has gorgeous purple flowers,” probably means that it can run up eucalypt trees and eventually smother them. Result: no more koala food.

Some exotic plants look harmless and are initially hard to grow, but given time they adapt to local conditions.

It is a blunt fact for a gardener to accept that every plant (exotic or local) has the ability somewhere, sometime, to become an environmental weed.

Contributed by Janet Slater and Julie Ho.

Our house is on a big block of land, front before you even start looking for a buyer which is larger than we need. What for your land. Of course, you can recover your are the rules and regulations if we outlay once you sell and if the land is appealing want to subdivide? We have one of those and in a good location, you could end up with classic ¼ acre blocks and would like to stay a tidy profit. in our house, but sell off about half the land. One last thing to consider is that you will need A. You will need to speak with the local to adjust to having a neighbour living much Council and consult a surveyor closer than you probably have now. first to determine whether There will also be some disruption your property is suitable to is nd at home once your new neigh... if the la subdivide. Having the large bour starts building on the block. appealing and in land size you describe helps; The whole exercise requires a good location, however, it is also important you could end patience and persistence, so be up with a tidy to consider the practicality prepared if you should decide to profit. and expense of completing embark on this exercise. The steps the subdivision, plus how easily along the way are many and they you could sell the extra block. all take time, but it may well be a great Items that can influence any subdiviinvestment of time and effort in the end. sion are access for motor vehicles, connection to Answers are general comment, and readers sewerage and stormwater drainage facilities. should always seek their own independent Considerable expense (in the tens of thousands professional advice. of dollars) would be involved once you have paid Send your real estate questions to greg@ the Council and consultants’ fees. Then you’ve gregtrembath.com.au got the cost of the engineering works involved Greg Trembath is Principal/Licensee at in creating new connections for sewerage and Greg Trembath Real Estate. Licensed Real stormwater.

Estate Agent – Licensed Auctioneer.

Bear in mind this is money you will have pay up-

greater port macquarie focus 97

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GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

property guide

SHIPWAY CONSTRUCTIONS

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SHIPWAY CONSTRUCTIONS HOUSING IS NOT ABOUT SHELTER ANYMORE ... IT’S ABOUT MAKING A STATEMENT … IT’S ABOUT A BETTER LIFESTYLE … IT’S ABOUT THAT SEAMLESS TRANSITION BETWEEN THE INDOORS AND OUTDOORS. une FOCUS Home of the Month, built of spaciousness upon entry. Bamboo flooring

by Shipway Constructions, is a stunning from Verde Bamboo is the choice throughout all example of this plus more. living areas of the 3 storey dwelling and creates Chrissy Jones had the pleasure of meeting a warm contrast to the crisp, clean whiteness of the extremely happy owners and taking a walk the walls and ceilings that have been expertly through their beautiful residence. painted by Glenn of GN Painting & Decorating.

An eye-catcher from the onset, the Left of entry is the comfortable guest exterior claddings of the home are bedroom that has its very own pria modern blend of materials vate courtyard accessed through t ou and the Dulux colour palette. double sliding glass doors. ab t’s “ ...i A mix of Hardies Sycon Fitted out with built-in mirror ss le that seam Matrix cladding (Cleopatras fronted double wardrobe, n transition betwee Gown Purple) and Hardies supplied by Robes at Port, the the indoors and Horizontal Stria (Monuroom is spacious. Adjoining is outdoors. ” ment), blend well with earthy an en-suite with shower, WC tones of Merbau feature posts and wall hung vanity and floor and Biowood decking supplied to ceiling tiling. The en-suite acts

by Fastplast Building Supplies and as a two way bathroom through to Perisher brick work from PGH/CSR. another room currently housing the home Entrance to the home is via a covered entry gym. This room could easily be converted to patio through a 1200 timber and horizontally another bedroom, having twin walk-in robes, glass panelled entrance door into the extra ceiling fan and carpeting underfoot from Culwide foyer. A void overhead leads the eye to lens Carpetone & Blinds. the 2nd floor of the home and gives a feeling continued over

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Leading to the 2nd floor, a curved bamboo ing of spaciousness, whilst the adjoining kitchen tread stairway with port-hole lighting, and a has a bulkhead ceiling that continues through stylish white powder-coated aluminium framed creating a comfortable intimate lounge. glass panelled balustrade installed by Bonny Port Kitchen World has designed and installed Weld, also provides convenient under stair storthe up to the minute kitchen that features age in the foyer. A purposely placed window, electronic touch to open/softly push to close from Mid Coast Windows, allows a glimpse drawers, walk-in butlers pantry that has plenty to the outdoor entertainment and pool area of built-in shelving and storage. The kitchen creating interest to your ascent to the 2nd floor features a long rectangular Caesarstone island which comprises the family’s living and relaxbench from North Coast Marble and Granite. ation spaces.

Providing an easy clean finish, the island Bamboo flooring continues left has a raised section either end that at the top of the stairs through also has built-in wine racks undert to the study and kids' rumbench. A Blanco electric oven en “ Energy effici pus room and right to the along with induction hotLED lighting has open plan dining, kitchen plates, Smeg dishwasher and been installed in and lounge. a double stainless steel sink, the study as well Energy efficient LED have all been incorporated e th ut ho ug ro lighting has been installed into the island. th as n ha ee in the study as well as Further Caesarstone benchSh home by throughout the home topped cabinetry, with a set Electrical”

by Sheehan Electrical. The of three under-bench storage rumpus will provide a fantasdrawers adjacent to the pantry, tic space for endless hours of fun provides ample work space for food for the younger members of the family, preparation and cooking. A silver mirrored having a walk-in toy room with built-in shelving glass splash-back, from Distinctive Glass, adds a and external access to the backyard and rear touch of class. entertainment Biowood deck through 3 glass Located at the far end of the home is the stacker sliding doors. laundry with dual access to the outside. On one An open plan dining, kitchen and lounge is side are two Merbau decks for clotheslines, one the heart of the home, a place for family and under cover of the upstairs verandah. Very funcfriends to come together, relax and share a meal tional, the laundry has off white floor tiling and and quiet time. The dining room has a raked splash-back above cabinetry that incorporates ceiling following the roof line, giving off a feela deep stainless steel tub. Along with overhead

SHIPWAY CONSTRUCTIONS

storage cupboards, a floor to ceiling broom cupboard provides plenty of storage. A handy separate WC services the living areas. Another entrance door provides access to the outdoor entertainment area that steps down to a grassed courtyard – a private oasis.

L-shaped Merbau decking fringes the home, providing an alfresco entertainment space alongside the magnificent pool that also has Merbau decking and is enclosed with ARC aluminium fencing for safety. The team from Pollard Pools have built a 7 m x 3.5 m resort style pool with 2 water blade waterfalls. Three lights have been installed in the back retaining wall and surfaced with individual sandstone tiles from Amber Tiles. At night, 2 blue in water lights enhance the pool creating a surreal ambience and tranquility.

Progressing to the 3rd level, via a bamboo treaded straight staircase and white powder-

coated aluminium and full glass balustrade one side and glass wall on the other, the family's three spacious bedrooms comprise this floor.

Bedroom 1 is light and airy, perfect for the little lady of the family, having soft carpeting, twin landscape head height windows on two walls with block out blinds from Apollo Blinds, ceiling fan and a 3 door mirror fronted built-in robe with bamboo flooring. The room has been personalised with a hand painted feature wall depicting a brightly coloured aquarium.

Bedroom 2 is mirror image, but with one window on the southern facing wall. A personalised hand painted feature wall, in super hero theme, is in keeping with the young man of the family.

Servicing the children’s bedrooms, the family bathroom has a nice deep bath, separate glass walled shower and WC. The bathroom has

been designed with the safety of the younger members of the family in mind; an example is the stainless steel swivel water spout fitted to the bath.

Bedroom 3 is the Master with en-suite and private screened balcony. A generous room, the Master has his and hers entry to the walkin robe and is fitted out superbly with separate hanging and overhead shelving on one side and a wall mounted cabinet on the other plus 4 levels of shelving.

Continuous off white floor to ceiling tiling, wall mounted vanity with large mirror and a glass walled shower recess with smart tile drain, plus a separate WC make up the ensuite.

To complete the 3rd level, an over-size walk-in linen press has been conveniently placed at the top of the stairs, next door to the bathroom.

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By seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living areas whilst taking full advantage of the home’s available footprint on it’s battle-axe block, by merging the 3 levels by way of open plan design and by the implementation of a modern colour palette and textured finishes, a stunning home has resulted. Overall, the home has been built and finished off to perfection

by Anthony of Shipway Constructions and his team of highly skilled tradesmen and subtrades.

It is obvious that a great deal of collaboration between owner and builder, plus careful thought and planning, has gone into the design and construction of this beautiful residence. The home is testament to the quality workmanship you will receive every time from Shipway Constructions. continued over

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“ I organise

FROM THE BUILDER

ANTHONY / SHIPWAY CONSTRUCTIONS

Tell us a bit about your business - how long have you been operating?

I have been working in the construction industry in Port Macquarie for 12 years, starting Shipway Constructions 2 years ago. My building business has been going well, having completed several quality homes in that time.

I am very proud to have a close association with many skilled local tradesmen and suppliers which enables me and my talented team of Nathan, Steve, Matt and Tom, to always provide a high quality job at the end of the day.

By continually keeping up to date with the newest innovations in products and services in the building industry we are always at the forefront of our field.

What are the types of building that you

specialise in?

I am involved in all building works but am specialising in custom built homes and also duplexes. Having completed quite a lot in a relatively short period, I enjoy being involved in these types of innovative construction.

Excellence in workmanship and a high quality finish is at the forefront of our constructions.

Shipway Constructions strives to build what the customer wants to the best of their ability.

Who designed the home?

We worked with Derek and James from Collins W Collins to come up with a contemporarily designed home. They worked closely with us to design a plan around the client’s desires.

As you can see, the result is quite nice and very functional.

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everything from ed start to finish if ne to ve be; you don’t ha do a thing, and I am only a phone call away. �

If potential owners have specific requirements, do you accommodate and are your designs flexible?

Everything is flexible, and I think that with a little planning and input from our clients, we can meet everyone’s personal requirements. Our houses and developments are designed to look great, be wonderful to live in and are constructed using best building practice. For the buyer, this means two things: having the benefits of a beautiful, architect designed house that you love, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home will be built without delay and compromise.

How do we go about commissioning you to build for us? What is the process?

The easiest way to contact me is by phone or email; whether you have a plan or not, maybe you have just an idea, I can take this and go from there. I organise everything from start to finish if need be; you don’t have to do a thing, and I am only a phone call away.

Also, I am willing to provide help to owner builders. I can be as involved as needed in the entire construction process. Potential clients may phone myself direct on 0402 681 987 to discuss their needs or drop me an email to anthonyshipway@live.com Thanks Anthony.

SHIPWAY CONSTRUCTIONS

FROM THE OWNER

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BRONI & JAMES CRAIG

You chose Anthony Shipway of Shipway Constructions as the builder of your new home - how has it been working with Anthony and his team?

Very smooth for a new home build, which my friends tell me is unusual! Anthony, his direct employees, even his sub contractors were always courteous and seemed to have our best interest at heart at all times. They even cleaned up after themselves! Any issues or concerns we had while building were always dealt with professionally and efficiently by Anthony, and he kept us informed of what was happening throughout the whole process.

Would you recommend Shipway Constructions to other prospective home owners?

Definitely. As a matter of fact, I already have recommended Anthony to two other families we know who are building and one has already started.

What are some of the featured design elements of your new home that you love?

I love everything about my house – from the kitchen with its walk in pantry to my walk in robe, even the front door. There are so many it is hard to pick just one, but the glass balustrade around our staircase is

probably my favourite feature. I also love our pool and entertaining area.

Did you have any specific requirements when you first decided to build?

Not one specific requirement stands out; we just wanted our home to be built to a high standard. We even changed some of the building’s design during the build process due to Anthony’s insight, experience and input.

Tell us a bit about the design of your new home and its functionality. How does it suit your lifestyle?

I love the general warm feel and the ambience of our home from the time you walk in. James Collins has done a wonderful job designing our home to our pretty specific requirements and as we have a steep battleaxe block, it provided some design headaches. We wanted to separate our open plan living areas from the family bedrooms from the guest bedrooms. We did this by using smart design to create functional living areas, whilst maintaining a warm feel and heart to the home.

Thanks Broni.

f o c u s

f e a t u r e

i n t e r v i e w

Below: Members of D Coy 41 RNSWR serving overseas on OP ANODE Solomon Islands. Left to right: Mat Sanson, Dylan Cameron, Geordie Robinson, Daniel Hennessy, Brentt Hodge (this image courtesy of Brentt Hodge).

Men and women in our local Army Reserve units form part of 41st Battalion, The Royal New South Wales Regiment (41 RNSWR), which covers an area from Tweed Heads in the north, to Taree in the south. There are multiple opportunities and advantages available to people who decide to join the Army Reserve – it’s a part-time career many may not have considered, promising both rewards and challenges. Jo Atkins speaks with several people involved with our local Army Reserve units, to learn about their insights and experiences …

B

RIGADIER ALLAN MURRAY Commander 8th Brigade.

What’s your background with the Army Reserve?

I’ve been in the Army for 35 years; I started off as an Army Reserve soldier in Newcastle. After 6 months I transferred to the regular Army, and I went to the Royal Military College, Duntroon, where I was commissioned as an Officer.

I then had 21 years in the regular Army and worked my way up to Lieutenant Colonel.

In that time I was a Logistics Officer; I served mainly in Australia, but I did do service in England, Germany, Singapore, Syria and Lebanon. In Lebanon I was a United Nations (UN) Peacekeeper.

I left the regular Army about 13 years ago, and since then I’ve been an Army Reservist in New South Wales. I’ve worked my way up to the rank of Brigadier, and I am now in command of the 8th Brigade, which is a formation that spreads from the Parramatta River to the Tweed River within New South Wales. I have about 1,800 Reservists and another 100 regular Army soldiers within my formation.

You recently visited the Port Macquarie and Kempsey areas for the weekend. What was the purpose of the visit?

One of the Army units within the 8th Brigade is the 41st Battalion, The Royal New South Wales Regiment. It’s a country unit that spreads from the Tweed River in the north, down to Taree in the south …

On this weekend, Charlie Company and Delta Company, which are the southern two companies of the 41st Battalion, were conducting a combined training activity in the Kempsey area. It was a good opportunity for me to go to Kempsey and see them in the field and also to visit the other depots of Delta Company, which are Kempsey, Port Macquarie and Taree …

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What do you consider are some of the advantages of being an Army Reservist?

People must appreciate that they are joining the Army, and we expect them to serve and achieve the same standards as the regular Army soldiers.

Why we encourage people to join the Army Reserve is it provides the opportunity to work as part of a team … we provide training and an opportunity to display leadership … and we encourage people to join so they can be part of the defence of Australia.

We just recently had 100 odd soldiers from the 8th Brigade in the Solomon Islands in support of the policing effort and Operation ANODE. What’s been the most rewarding thing for you being a part of the Army Reserve?

In the 13 years in the Army Reserve, this job, without any doubt, is the most rewarding. It’s a very senior job in the Army Reserve; I have a large responsibility – 1,800 soldiers spread across a large geographical area.

I joined the Army because I wanted to be a leader. I like working in teams, and I like being part of a leadership group, and this is the most senior leadership position in this part of New South Wales for someone in the Army Reserve.

I’m very fortunate to have been selected to fill this role …

LIEUTENANT COLONEL GRAHAM RUHLE Commanding Officer – 41st Battalion.

What’s your background with the Army Reserve?

I joined in 1987 in Townsville; I’d had a variety of exposures to people who were in the military, who all advised me it would be a good thing to do. My own personal goals were three-fold: I wanted to walk in the bush, carry a pack, and dig holes in the ground – because that’s what I thought the Army did!

And were your expectations met?

They were! And anything after this has become a bonus. I’ve been very fortunate that

I was selected to complete the officer training when my battalion deployed for a weekend early on in the piece … And I’ve since had on a cyclone clean up in Bowen, just south of some amazing postings and some awesome Townsville. experiences along the way.

I had also just marched out of the 9th What’s involved with your role as Battalion two and a half years ago, when that Commanding Officer, 41st Battalion? unit was the first to respond to the Queensland/ Now I’m the boss of the battalion that has Brisbane floods, but the 41st Battalion was on 370 personnel and 7 depots from Tweed Heads standby, and I went to Lismore instead of helping to Taree, so I’m responsible for all capability, out with the floods that may have occurred in personnel, financial and administrative matters northern New South Wales. Fortunately at that … time, the flooding event was no worse than My civilian employer lets me work a flexible normal for this area, and the community was roster that enables me to have most Tuesdays well prepared … and Wednesdays off and free to travel from The careers available to personnel within Brisbane to Lismore, to command in a the Army reserve are extremely part-time function. varied. Why would you Describe what you find encourage others to most rewarding about consider the Reserves being part of the as a career option t os m e th Army Reserve … … are there equal d ha I’ve n io ct fa There are a lot opportunities for tis sa g to in lk ta d an g of memorable both men and in watch , and en om w d an experiences, but women? en m either I think the most In terms of joining helping them to sues is resolve personal atch rewarding for me is the Army Reserve to w they’ve had, or being able to help now, in our area we’re become d them grow an young soldiers, in an infantry battalion, .” ey do better at what th particular, to have a so there’s mostly work career and to learn and to as infantrymen and some develop both as soldiers and supporting roles. Why is it a as men and women. As a leader, good thing to do? You get that you can’t divorce the task from the intrinsic sense of worth in serving the personal lives of the people you command. I’ve nation; but importantly, individuals gain so many had the most satisfaction watching and talking skills with the structured training and activities to men and women and helping them to either provided, they just make better employees, resolve personal issues they’ve had, or to watch better workers and better people. them grow and become better at what they do.

It’s not easy: it’s not easy giving up the time, Army Reserve personnel do get called up to and it’s not easy doing the things we ask the assist with civilian matters from time to time soldiers to do …

– for example, bushfires and major floods.

In terms of equal opportunity, Defence and Have you experienced this personally?

Army are opening up positions for women I have, yes … and almost nearly! I was with in the combat arms; that is going slowly and the 31st Battalion in Townsville back in 1989, according to the Chief of Army’s 5-year plan.

“

Left: Lieutenant Colonel Graham Ruhle – Commanding Officer 41st Battalion, The Royal New South Wales Regiment (left) and Brigadier Allan Murray – Commander 8th Brigade (right).

Images courtesy of Chris Harris.

The 41st Battalion is not not, at the moment moment, in a position where we would have mass recruitment of women as infantry … it will take a while to produce the necessary policy and structural changes and even equipment changes, and this hasn’t filtered down to a regional Reserve like us yet.

I’ve been monitoring the articles of the first women to join the combat arms, and in fact, I met the first female member of the infantry in February. She graduated as a Lieutenant from a Queensland University regiment in Brisbane to the 9th Battalion, which is a Reserve Unit in Brisbane … That being said, we have 26 women in our Battalion … drivers, medics, cooks, and some clerks.

Final words?

It’s interesting … as a regional Reserve Unit, we continue to contribute for Army with operational deployment. In the last two years we’ve sent a large number of soldiers to East Timor. We’ve just had 40 soldiers come back from the Solomon Islands this year, and I might be about to send around another 8 to Operation Resolute, which is the defence response to unplanned arrivals. We’ll assist the Royal Australian Navy with their tasks by providing some extra troops.

CADET OFFICER DANIEL HENNESSEY Port Macquarie Depot When did you join the Army Reserve?

I joined the Army Reserve in August 2008, and I’ve been here ever since without a break … Back in 2011 I was recognised by my peers of maybe being suitable for Officer selection, so I went through the process of that, I was accepted, had a deferral so I could actually go overseas, and I'm doing Officer training at the moment.

Originally I was deciding whether to go fulltime defence or pursue a civilian career. I'd just finished uni at the time, and I was thinking I wanted to try this out before making that four year commitment. From there, it was also if I did pursue a civilian managerial career, I wanted

something different − and that's why I didn't originally apply as an Officer. I didn't want to do something that was similar to what I was doing in my civilian career. That was the main attraction − doing something that you can't do every day.

You have three years now to complete your training. What advantages do you see to being an Officer?

Definitely more responsibility. You need to have a different character about you. You need to be a bit more proactive and have that leading ability and be able to rise to the challenge. Some people are happy to take a back seat, but I'm more happy to take the front seat − and that's probably the main thing. Obviously there's the pay difference as well. It's the further challenges I see along the career, and I’m pursuing that …

What's been the most rewarding experience for you so far being a part of the Reserves?

Definitely deploying. Not only working and operating in a different country, but also dealing with different people was very rewarding … I was deployed over in the Solomon Islands. Our primary role there was to support the existing Police Force.

Has the Army Reserve met your expectations? Yeah. Obviously there are the tough times, but it does build a good character.

There are a lot of physical challenges, but you also have to be quite mentally tough to achieve a lot of the things … The other thing is learning things you might not learn every day. It might be becoming a rifleman, or driving vehicles you never expected to.

I think the biggest thing is if you want to do something for your country but you don't have the time, you're happy because you've got a good career, or you have family commitments, there's still something you can do …

There is a social aspect; you'll meet people from diverse backgrounds, people you've never met before, so that increases your networking ability, and you acquire a skill set you wouldn't

have otherwise come across in your life. ed years now – I enlisted in 2010. I originally joined CORPORAL BRENTT HODGE because I was going to go full-time in the Army, Taree Depot but I wasn’t quite ready to immerse myself Why did you join the Army full-time and someone I know Reserve? suggested the Reserves as I joined in 2005. I was an interim measure … It’s still at school at the given me a good insight ; ct pe as al time, and I'd always into what being with There is a soci le op pe t had a bit of a passion the Army would be like you'll mee s, nd ou gr ck ba for the Army. I just … I was able to go on from diverse et m r ve ne ve u' wanted to test it out deployment to the people yo ses ea cr in at th so before I went full, Solomon Islands for 4 before ility, and ab ng ki or tw ne time … months – I just came your ill set you Tell us about some back a month ago. you acquire a sk rwise he wouldn't have ot of your experiences I didn’t really realise ur life.” yo in ss ro ac come ... what the Army was My deployments have about until I’d been in for been the most rewarding. probably a year and saw how I’ve deployed overseas four things worked. It’s been good, times, and I’ve also done one domestic and it’s changed me in some ways. I was deployment … I've been to Malaysia; that was a pretty quiet dude, and now I have a lot more more of a training deployment. I went there confidence … and I probably have more social when I was 19. Then I went to Solomon Islands skills now too. I’ve been able to do things that I when I was 20, East Timor when I was 22, and never would have dreamed of doing in a civilian job …

I've just come back from the Solomon Islands What have you enjoyed the most about again this year. being a part of the Army Reserve?

The Army Reserve has been described by Probably the most rewarding part was actually other interviewees as both a challenging going to the Solomon Islands. I think it’s and rewarding career. What would you say everyone’s goal when they join the Army, to encourage people to get involved? whether part-time or full-time, to be able to do Certainly, you need to be willing to do something like this … something that you're not used to. You need Why would you encourage people to join? to be willing to go outside your comfort zone.

It’s a good view into the full-time Army And that's a big thing, but the culture shock without actually being full-time, and you get to of the Army only takes about two weeks and do things that you’d never get to do in a civilian once you're settled into a routine and a rhythm, job – all the while getting paid tax-free money you really start to see the rewarding side of the for doing it! training, the deployments and the mateships of Visit http://www.defencejobs.gov.au/army/ just working with good people … reserve/ for more info.

PRIVATE GEORDIE ROBINSON Journalist's note: July 1 is Reserve Forces Day, Kempsey Depot which recognises the value of Reserve service to How long have you been involved with Australia. the Army Reserve? For about three and a half

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greater port macquarie focus 105

O PA L B U I L D E R S

B U I L D I N G N E W H O M E S & R E N OVAT I O N S

With a motto of ‘If a job’s worth doing - It’s worth doing well’ Peter Grelck oversees his team of dedicated tradesmen operating under the banner of SS Commercial Pty Ltd and more recently in the residential sector – Opal Builders. Chrissy Jones found out more... oth branches of his building company are part of the family owned business based in Wauchope. Peter, the director of the Company, has been working in the area for over 38 years with wife Val at his side. In that time they have built up a strong network of highly skilled tradesmen, reliable suppliers and very happy clients.

Peter and his team will tackle any size job, from a room makeover, to a cottage to a shopping centre or a multi-storey commercial project. Residential renovations and alterations have become an increasing part of the services offered with a variety of levels of involvement including project drawings, full project management, contracted work, with the inclusion of specific trades as required, they have access to a wide range of experienced tradesmen and the services of a licenced builder.

Peter and his team place great store on producing a good finished product, with Peter never wanting to be the biggest, but always striving to be the best in the trade.

B

> F RO M T H E B U I L D E R < PETER GRELCK Tell us about your business - How long have you been operating?

Operating in the field of domestic linings as gyprockers for many years, we noticed an opening for commercial work in framing, plus internal and external linings in association with large companies on their projects. SS Commercial Pty Ltd was launched around 15 years ago to cater to this market.

One of my first projects was a 100 bed nursing home in Sherwood Road, Port Macquarie. We also had a lot to do with a large nursing home at Frederickton, also the water treatment plant at the back of Wauchope.

Some jobs in the Port Macquarie area have been the Macquarie Business Centre; the Tasman Building, being one of the older residential buildings in town was given a complete facelift with aluminium composite panel (Alutile). The Coles out at Innes Lake was a job we undertook for local builders – Commercial Project Group as well

as the Port Macquarie Radiology building in Lord Street.

You are expanding more into the residential sector with Opal Builders, what do you offer?

We are often asked about home extensions and the building of new homes. As we have always wanted to expand into this area of residential building work, the Company applied for a Builders Licence and registered the name Opal Builders to take on domestic work.

SS Commercial will always be the main part of our business, but I am growing Opal Builders as I carry all the trades, carpenters, glaziers, painters and plasterers on a full time basis.

I can supply the full team to build a home, or complete a renovation, and sub contract out to any sub trades needed, like electrical and plumbing. We find that by carrying all the trades as employees, we can offer the complete package and maintain better quality control.

Being in operation for nearly 40 years in the Hastings area, why have you stood the test of time?

I put our longevity down to always doing our best on the job, always leaving a good impression with our clients. That has been the foundation of our building company, a good reputation.

Although we are a large company in our work turnover and employees we strive to offer a personalised service for the client.

To have reliability, punctuality, honesty and a pride in workmanship instilled in your team is

vital, pretty important things in any business!

You have had apprentices under your wing over the years, why do you think that is necessary in your business?

When we first started in the commercial side I had a lot of trouble getting good tradesmen, so I decided to train my own. Over the years I have indentured 6 apprentices, handling all aspects of their learning in house.

We currently have a young fellow as a trainee carpenter who will be indentured in due course. He came to our firm from Wesley Uniting Employment in Wauchope and showed a great keenness to learn.

If I see that keenness in a young person I will give them a evity â&#x20AC;&#x153; I put our long hand if I can. Martyn Alvos doing s ay w down to al has been one boy with a b, jo e th our best on very good approach and a challenge. We met od go a g in always leav willingness to work and with the architect in our impression with learn.

Sydney, researched been clients. That has You use many innovathe products, finding our the foundation of tive products, tell us how to use it properly ny, a building compa about some of those ... for the project. The â&#x20AC;? good reputation.

The name SS Commership is still operating cial stands for smart systems on Sydney Harbour and commercial. This name derives having three decks, can hold from the many innovative and com800 people to give some idea of mercial systems that we are involved with such the size. as a project we undertook to clad the exterior What are some of your completed residenof a function boat now operating in Sydney tial projects?

Harbour with Aluminium composite panel Opal Builders recently completed an extenand the interior ceilings. The interior ceilings sion of a home at Telegraph Point that comwere to be lined with a luxalon product that prised a garage and a gymnasium with a fully we have never used before, so this was quite tiled deck area over the top. The job came up

well and on time, so the client was happy. We built one of the first homes in Emerald Downs overlooking the golf course along Emerald Drive. We carried out extensions to a home in Yarranabee Road, Port Macquarie and also a complete makeover to a house in Hastings Street, Wauchope.

How do we go about commissioning you to build for us?

Contact the office directly, if you have plans or an idea we can give a costing on the entire project. We step you through the whole process, Council applications, insurances and everything you need to have when building your new home or carrying out a renovation. continued over

ED COLEMAN POSITION: E S T I M AT O R , F O R E M A N

JILL MITCHELL PETER GRELCK P O S I T I O N: M A NAG I NG D I R E C TO R

With over 54 years in the building industry Peter has a philosophy of hands on, he relishes being involved in all aspects of a project. He believes a Manager of a building company needs to be a good Business Manager to last the distance.

He started his trade at 15 years of age as a fibrous plasterer and has tried his hand to nearly every aspect of building. He is a wealth of experience, but is continually learning as new products and building methods change and evolve. The only break from building was two years in the national service call up of which a year was spent in Vietnam.

Peter has completed many, many projects over the years, one he is very proud of was his work on the Sydney Opera House.

Peter believes that you need an outlet from work and has been involved in the community over the years, from coaching junior soccer, 16 years as a legatee of which he is a past President, to a past trustee of the PMQ RSL. Also being involved with pony club, having a love for horse riding and breeding mainly arab and arab stock horse cross for endurance riding.

108 greater port macquarie focus.

P O S I T I O N : C O M PA N Y S E C R E TA RY & O F F I C E M A NAG E R

Jill handles all aspects of the office in Hastings Street, from the general running of the office to quotations, payroll and accounts. She will be your first point of contact usually when enquiring about your next project, renovation or new home. Jill has been in the office for 6 years.

Licensed builder with over 30 years experience in the building game. Ed trained as a carpenter in Melbourne before moving to the Hastings. Working with Peter for the past 9 years, Edâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s priority is the day to day organisation of materials and the work team. Estimation, tenders and project design are a major component of his role.

T I M GW Y T H E R POSITION: PLASTERER, S U P E RV I S O R

Fully qualified plasterer being in the trade for the past 18 years. Timâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s role, depending on the job at hand involves framing and set-outs. Having worked along side Peter for the past 8 years he is most proud of the quality finish offered by his team and completing work on time.

J O H N LY N E POSITION: FIBROUS PLASTERER AND B O O M O P E R AT O R

A wealth of experience being in the trade for 48 years, 10 of those with Peter. Most proud of his work on the Macquarie Business Centre, Port Macquarie X-Ray and the Lismore Base Hospital.

ROWAN JOHNSTON POSITION: PLASTERER

Completed his 4 year Plasterer Apprenticeship through Peter and now has over 10 years experience in the building industry.

A N T H O N Y S TA N L E Y- S M I T H

BRENTON HUDSON POSITION: CABINET MAKER - CARPENTER

POSITION: GLAZIER & ALUMINIUM C O M P O S I T E PA N E L I N S TA L L E R

Being a self employed carpenter and

He completed his apprenticeship in Tasmania as a

exhibition builder Anthony has trav-

glazier. Affectionately known as Hudo, having lived

elled the country gaining invaluable

in the Hastings area for over 20 years, Brenton has

experience for the past 22 years in the

been involved in many different trades with the

building industry. He has been with

building game. He has been working with Peter and SS

Peter for around 12 months and most

Commercial on and off for about 10 years.

likes the innovative products used in construction of Peter’s projects.

M A RT Y N A LVO S POSITION: TRAINEE CARPENTER

Left school in year 10 and approached Peter for employment. He is now a trainee with the company, a jack of all trades, he is gaining valuable experience alongside the very experienced team of tradesmen.

> M E S SAG E F RO M < W E S L E Y U N I T I N G E M P L OY M E N T Wesley Uniting Employment and Peter Grelck of SS Commercial have partnered for over 2 years to place suitable jobseekers into work, and more recently working with Peter as his business is expanding to include Opal Builders.

It has been a pleasure working with Peter and Jill in creating local job opportunities.

Wesley Uniting Employment

have assisted Peter with Tradespeople and General Labourers, and most recently a young Trainee Carpenter that is showing a lot of potential to move into an Apprenticeship.

Wesley Uniting Employment has been working with local communities across the Mid North Coast for over 13 years providing professional employment solutions.

Call Jillian or Peter Grelck for more informaton • New Homes • Project Managements • Extensions & Renovations • Shop Fitouts 4 Hastings Street, Wauchope.

6586 4711

0438 864 711

www.sscommecial.com.au

greater port macquarie focus 109

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The winter nights are now upon us and the cooler weather is making us want to snuggle up inside at night, so now is the time that you should be thinking of how to bring that warmth and cosiness into your living room.

A

n easy way to create th this his extra warmth is to add some textured cushions in warm winter colours, reds, oranges and purples. There are lots of different textures to choose from, including woollen weaves, knits, fake furs and woven fabric. Chevron stripes are currently a popular trend and feature strongly in the coarse weaves and printed fabrics.

If you are concerned aabout bout the safety as aspect, there are a wide range of attractive hurricane lanterns, glass jars and candle holders available that will add a nice decorative feature while protecting your house from fire risk.

ON SALE WEDNESDAY 5th until SUNDAY 23rd JUNE 2013 Venetian Blind

Choose candles of varying sizes and group them together on the coffee table and side tables. You can also use tealights in coordinating glass tealight holders and as they burn for 4 hours, they are ideal to use while you snuggle down to watch TV. You will also save on your electricity bill if you turn the lights off and enjoy the warm winter glow.

To create a cosy

If you can’t find the right look for your cushions they are very easy to make, and this broadens your choice of fabrics and textures; there are even patterns available for rn atmosphere, tu lovely cable knit and ht lig d an n w do s the light felt embellished cushill w is some candles; th room ions if you are feeling ur instantly turn yo creative. coming haven

“

into a wel

Throw rugs are an of warmth.” essential and will help cut down your heating bill whilst beating the winter chills. There are wide ranges to choose from in wonderful textures, knits, polar fleece and coral fleece.

Look at the blankets too, as you can throw a mink blanket over the lounge then add your coordinating cushions and extra throw rugs for that warm, snuggly feeling; this works especially well on leather lounges that can be a bit cool to sit on through the winter months.

To create a cosy atmosphere, turn the lights down and light some candles; this will instantly turn your room into a welcoming haven of warmth. The soft flickering light and pleasant aroma will help you relax on those cold winter nights.

To keep the cold winter chill from invading and to stop heat escaping through the windows, don’t forget to close your curtains and blinds as soon as the sun starts to set.

Curtain & Roman Blind

Shutters

Window coverings give important insulation against heat transfer through the glass so if your windows are uncovered, you should consider curtains or blinds and save on your power bill.

Now you have that warm winter feeling happening, add a floor rug to keep those feet warm, which will also instantly add a big shot of colour to your décor. There are a number of soft shaggy styles on the market theses days – or perhaps a 100% wool rug which will last you through many winters to come.

So now you have that warm winter feeling happening, sit back, pop your feet up on an ottoman and relax in the new season’s décor.

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ind Roller Blind

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