Greater Port Macquarie Focus - i205

WOLFORD & M c PHAIL

@ GLASSHOUSE

FARNHAM - YOU’RE THE VOICE

Saturday 22 April, 8.00pm

GLASSHOUSE REGIONAL GALLERY

The Glasshouse Regional Gallery is temporarily closed due to being impacted by a storm.

For updated information please visit our website.

Please check socials for updates: glasshouse.portmacquarie glasshousepmq

SPROUTS

Thursday 13 & 20 April, 10am & 3pm

AUSTRALIAN EAGLES SHOW

Friday 28 April, 7.30pm

CELTIC ILLUSIONTHE MAGIC RETURNS

Thursday 4 May, 7.30pm

6 YEARS OF HAPPY EVER MORE!

Six years ago, we opened our doors, with a goal to change the face of real estate. Moving away from the stereotypical, one-size-fits all approach of the franchise agent, to offer a more personalised service, without the ego, putting the focus firmly back on YOU and your home.

Over 1200 sales later, our fresh approach has seen us become one of Port’s most popular brands. Our philosophy of “happy ever more” is about treating people the way we want to be treated ourselves, and this, combined with our innovative marketing, hard-working and highly skilled team approach, has earnt us a reputation for great results, but above all making the move to the next home run smoothly and stress-free.

As the market is changing, our role has become even more important in influencing the right result. We know that our experience, approach and many additional services that we provide, will make the difference between just another sale and a happy ever more.

We thank all of our clients and the amazing Port Macquarie community who have supported our local business and we look forward to helping many more buy, sell and rent happy!

SKATE. SURF. BEATS. HAPPY EVER MORE 2444.

HEM PROPERTY ARE PROUD TO SPONSOR THE RIDE THE WAVE FESTIVAL 2023

Set over three awesome days at Town Beach, we’ll see surf & skate comps, a music festival, a battle of the bands, markets, food stalls and much, much more!

It is going to be an incredible event, so we encourage everyone to get down to enjoy the festivities and local talent, whilst also helping to raise money for local charity M.A.D. (Make A Difference) who support those in need.

28 -30 APRIL 2023

ridethewavefestival.com.au for full details

See you there!

Well I don’t know about you but I feel like I blinked and March was over.....

It seriously only feels like last week we were putting together our March edition and here I am doing the team note for our April edition....

We hope you loved reading our March edition. We have had such amazing feedback on it and are so grateful that you loved it as much as we loved putting it together.

Now with summer over I guess we look into the next quarter of the year. Easter, school holidays, cooler mornings and nights and the return of our weekends filled with kids sports

(for those parents out there) and, speaking of parents, our very own Sarah Baker will leave us next month to have baby number 2. Sarah will be on maternity leave for the rest of 2023 and rejoin us at FOCUS early next year. I’m sure our readers will join me in wishing Sarah all the best with the newest addition to the Baker household.

Inside our April edition

One big welcome to the newest members of the Port Macquarie Dolphins... the Andres. The Dolphins are super pumped for a huge year. We caught up with Andre and Andre to ask them about their careers in basketball and what made them come all the way from the USA to live and play here in Port Macquarie. We also check in with our very own Blake

contacts.

MANAGING EDITOR Jay Beaumont jay@focusmag.com.au

EDITION COORDINATOR & ADVERTISING SALES Annette Wannell annette@focusmag.com.au

O’Conner fresh off his CMCRocks 2023 gig. Blake has just released a new album and will be playing at The Butter Factory Telegraph Point on April 8th.

Once again FOCUS is jammed packed with great stories, and lots of local businesses with so much to offer. We have an amazing Kids Health and Wellbeing feature with two amazing interviews that you must read. 8 year old Ozzie Roper tells us about his early childhood and coming out the other side of cancer, and we catch up with Irene Mifsud from Hastings Little Wishes. Happy Easter, if you are on holiday these school holidays, near or far, have a great time with your family and loved ones and enjoy our April edition of FOCUS!

ART DIRECTOR Dylan Gaul dylan@focusmag.com.au

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kyle Rathbone kyle@focusmag.com.au

PHOTOGRAPHY Gavin Moroney gavin@focusmag.com.au

ADDRESS 2/28 Fernhill Road, Port Macquarie

POSTAL PO Box 690, Port Macquarie PHONE 02 6584 7433 WEB www.focusmag.com.au IG focus.mag E info@focusmag.com.au

ADVERTISING SALES Sarah Baker sarahmay@focusmag.com.au

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTOR Daisy Moroney daisyfocusmag@gmail.com

CIRCULATIONS COORDINATOR Steve Foye steve@focusmag.com.au

COPY EDITOR Bev Mulcahy info@focusmag.com.au

Craig Williams Photography

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

Blake O'Connor is a local singer who has performed on stages in Nashville and the UK. He will be putting on a special performance on April 8 at The Butter Factory, Telegraph Point.

Irene Mifsud decided to start Hastings Little Wishes in 2022 after wanting to see local families receive quicker and more personal assistance for children living with serious illness.

LITTLE WISHES

DANIEL HEND

EASTER AT DOUGLAS VALE

Featuring the best local Port Macquarie acts including: JackLL, Nic Burton, Spiral Time (Tom and Susan), The Salty Seamen, Force 10 and Gail Nickolina River. Special Guest Comedian Maureen French

MC Dave Reneke from 2WAY FM

Devonshire tea, hot cross buns, sausage sizzle, DV Wine sales, beer and soft drinks available at Cellar Door. Entry donation - Singles $2 Families $5. Free outdoor games. Bring your picnic rug. Strictly no BYO.

Easter Sunday 8th April 10am-3pm

(02) 6584 3792 | douglasvale.com.au events@douglasvale.com.au

PMQ SHARKS RLFC RACE DAY

Get your family and friends together and come and celebrate Port Macquarie Sharks R.L.F.C Race Day at Port Macquarie Race Club.

Entry: $10 Adult $6 Concession & Kids under 15 FREE Gates Open at 11:30am

BRAD COX PRESENTS YARNS AND YODELS

Brad will be taking to the stage at Players Theatre to perform an acoustic, sit down show. Special guest - Sammy White Tickets - playerstheatre.org.au

Adults $61.50

WAUCHOPE SHOW

Come along and enjoy a fun-filled day out with family and friends at the 2023 Wauchope Show! With a range of exciting events, exhibits, and activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss out on this fantastic community event!

Gates open at 9:00am April 15th & 16th

FREE PETTING ZOO WITH OLD MACDONALD’S FARM

Old MacDonalds Farm returns to Port Central! These April school holidays let the kids enjoy meeting and interacting with various farm animals in our FREE petting zoo!

Dates; 17th,18th & 19th April 9.30am-2.30pm

Ground Floor Outside Target

NSW STATE VAN TITLES AND CUSTOM STREET MACHINE SHOW

Custom Vans Australia presents The 2023 NSW State Van Titles and Custom Street Machine Show at Brigadoon Holiday Park at North Haven.

Spectators will pay $10 an adult, $5 for school aged kids or $25 for a family of 4 (2 adults & two kids). Food & Drink availably on-site, with trade stands and kids activities. Contact Ashleigh 0413 765 712

WOLFORD & M c PHAIL

Andre Wolford and Andre McPhail are basketballers from the USA who have both come to Australia to spend a year playing with the Port Macquarie Dolphins, and coaching after school clinics and in-school programs delivered through some local sporting schools.

hat inspired you to start playing basketball, and how did you get started in the sport?

Andre Wolford: My oldest brother, Shawn, put a basketball in my hands at 2 years old! I used to stand in my baby crib and shoot the basketball in the hoop and ever since then, I was in love. Being on the court is how others may feel about swimming or being in the water; it is my safe haven, my escape, my peace, my world.

Andre McPhail: What first inspired me to get into basketball was my parents. I started playing in local youth leagues around the age of 5.

Can you tell us a bit about where you’re from and where you play basketball at home in America?

Andre Wolford: I am from Cleveland, Ohio. I don’t play for any teams in America, but I do play in leagues from time to time that are more local to me or we play a lot of pick-up. Cleveland is a nice city and is where my heart is. There are many cool things to do and experience such as the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame or going to watch the Cavaliers play at Rocket Mortgage arena.

WAndre McPhail: I’m from San Francisco, California. While I’m at home, I usually play in local pro am leagues all throughout California.

How did you find yourself playing in Port Macquarie and what are you hoping to get out of the experience?

Andre McPhail: What drew me to come and play basketball this year in Australia was that I had actually played basketball here in Australia in 2020. Right before the pandemic started, I was playing in the Darwin Basketball Association, in the Northern Territory. I really enjoyed my time out there and was determined to get another opportunity here in Australia once my season was cut short and I had to go back home to the States. I ended up getting connected with one of my friends that I played professionally against in the Maldives, and he helped link me to this opportunity to play for the Port Macquarie Dolphins.  Now that I’m back in Australia, I’m hopefully looking to remain within the Australian market and continue progressing throughout my career here.

Can you describe your playing style and what you’ll be aiming to bring to the Port Macquarie Dolphins?

Andre Wolford: My play style has always been doing what my team needs me to do. I can play point guard or shooting guard. My biggest talent is my 3 point shooting and shot making ability though.

It may differ from the playing style of others because I have good range with my 3 point shot, I love the mid-range game and using footwork and creative ways to create space, and I am also athletic and finish very well, so I can score at all 3 levels.

Andre McPhail: My role here on the Port Macquarie Dolphins will be me playing both the centre and the power forward position. The team is looking for me to bringing a level of intensity, and to come in and set the tone on both ends of the court. Defensively I’ll be looked upon to anchor the defence and remain vocal on that side of the ball. Offensively, I believe my role will be to get my teammates in the proper positions for them to score and to bring a level of intensity on both offensive and defensive rebounding. How do you prepare yourself mentally and physically for a game, and do you have any pre-game rituals or routines?

Andre Wolford: I usually pray and meditate to remind myself how blessed I am to be able to play basketball at all, and to enjoy every moment I get to continue to do so. I get work in at the gym, get lots of shots up, and just try to relax my mind. On game day, I like to listen to music and zone out until it’s time to focus on the game. Then I pretend my family and friends are here watching me play.

How do you work with your teammates on and off the court to achieve success?

Andre Wolford: We practice very hard with each other during our given training days which is helping to build our chemistry and trust within each other. But we also will meet outside of those times to shoot together. Lots of the guys in the team are involved in coaching together, either in schools or the Aussie Hoops program. We’ve hung out at the lake, the beach and the gym together when our schedules allow it as well which is all about building a positive team.

Andre McPhail: I believe my previous experiences in universities and other countries

I’ve played in helps bring a competitive edge on and off the court. I have strong leadership skills that’ll help anchor a team, particularly when we have a number of young players. I believe the skill set and edge I bring to the game allows my teammates to thrive around me.

What motivates you as a basketball player and coach?

Andre Wolford: I am an import professional basketball player and a basketball coach for

the Dolphins, so life is getting pretty busy! In everything to do with basketball I try boosting the level and love of the sport of basketball in any way I can, whether that be going hard in practice and pumping up the young guys, or doing coaching sessions at schools or running the 3x3 pick-up comp on the uni campus, I aim to provide a good role model for the community.

How have you adjusted to life in Australia so far?

Andre Wolford: I love it in Australia so far. It is very far away from home and the time

At first it did naturally seem weird driving on the left side of the road and the roundabouts that are here in Port Macquarie, but I’m getting the hang of it.

difference away from my family and loved ones Is hard to manage sometimes, but as a pro, you learn to adapt and work through those things. In Cleveland, it is cold and snowing right now, so being in Port Macquarie and not having to shovel my car out of snow feels like heaven on earth! We are lucky enough to be living at Charles Sturt University which has given us plenty of people to get to know outside of the Dolphins.

Andre McPhail: So far I feel like I’m adjusting to life here fairly quickly. At first it did naturally seem weird driving on the left side of the road and all the roundabouts that are here in Port Macquarie, but I’m getting the hang of it. I really do like the slower change of pace here and just the overall vibe of the city of Port Macquarie. We’ve met a lot of people so far within a short span of time, and everyone has been very supportive, especially Miedecke Motor Group with their car sponsorship. That’s made a huge difference to sticking to the schedule!

What do you hope to achieve during your 12-month stay in Australia, both on and off the court?

Andre Wolford: I just hope to be able to give kids a good example of someone who never gave up on themselves, someone who has faith in God, and someone who is kind and compassionate to all human beings. In the

world we live in, kids have and always will need positive role models to follow. I hope that I can inspire kids and players around the country to be their best selves and to be good human beings and to be competitive so they can take advantage of any opportunities that come their way.

What are your thoughts on the Australian basketball league, and what do you see as its strengths and weaknesses?

Andre Wolford: Us Americans have loads of respect for Australian basketball, with many great players such as Josh Giddey and Patty Mills players in the NBA. People play with great IQ and play together pretty well, from what I have seen so far. I have also been amazed at the athleticism that people have here. Being new to Australian basketball, I can’t really speak on what strengths and weaknesses there are until I have experienced more of it for myself.

Andre McPhail: I believe the competition here is pretty good. Within the States, you play against a lot of guys who are really athletic and/ or very skilled. In comparison, I believe the skill level here is pretty good, but it’s more of an IQ game than an isolation game. Teams play

more team orientated basketball, while in the States it’s more of a one-on-one game.  Can you describe your long-term career goals and how your experience in Australia may contribute to achieving those goals?

Andre Wolford: My long term goals are to play in the NBL, to be the best basketball player I can possibly be, to win championships, and to continue my basketball training career and keep growing to continue helping kids all around the world be the best version of themselves they possibly can. My experience here in Australia will help me to achieve these by getting my name out there in the market and allow me to showcase my gifts and talents to the world.

Andre McPhail: My goal within the sport of basketball is to compete at a high level, and really see how far I can take this. After basketball, I’d like to stay around the game and possibly get into coaching. I’d also like to be a sports agent as well, and help others get their basketball careers started. I have friends and colleagues in both fields, so hopefully when I do decide to transition out of playing, I can find success within that side of basketball.   Thanks Guys.

People play with great IQ and play together pretty well, from what I have seen so far. I have also been amazed at the athleticism that people have here.

Scott

GREEN

Abstract artist and self-proclaimed ‘amateur’ photographer Scott Green is a British expatriate now calling the coastal surrounds of Port Macquarie home. His works are inspired by his daily walks taking in the beautiful surrounds of the Port Macquarie landscape.

Hi Scott. Thanks so much for speaking with FOCUS. Tell us a little about yourself. Thanks for the great opportunity to talk to you and display my work to your readers. I'm Scott Green and I'm originally from Kent in the UK. I came to Australia on my own about 7 years ago, back to the backpacker mecca of Manly to relive those carefree times I had experienced 6 years prior. It soon became apparent to me that I wanted to call Australia home and set out on a path to make that

happen. I ended up studying business in Sydney full-time at the age of 32 for the next 4 years. After the studies had finished, an opportunity came up for me and my partner, Elle, to move to beautiful Port Macquarie in order to pursue what had now become both of our dreams... to be true blue Aussies.

When did you first develop a love of the art form of photography?

I discovered my love for photography while traveling through Australia and Asia at the age of 25. I returned home with about 30,000 photos on a hard drive, but quickly discovered that quality is more important than

quantity. I soon joined a local photography club and completed a year-long online course on photography, which gave me a good foundation to work from. I then did a lot of studio work for various companies, including product shoots, fashion, and even fetish photography, but don’t tell anyone. However, my real passion has always been for natural light and its environment. It wasn't long before I left the studio and all of its equipment behind and adopted an "all of the idea and none of the gear" approach to my work.

Who or what inspires you creatively?

Inspiration for me comes in many forms, depending on the medium. When it comes to photography, I am drawn to light and how it interacts with the world around us and Port Macquarie is a great place to observe this. You can either manipulate light to achieve your desired image or wait for it to provide the perfect moment of inspiration. I love discovering those moments when I'm out walking and observing its interactions with the world - be it with man-made structures, nature, people,

or even a simple log in the sand. There are moments to be found everywhere.

As for painting, I find inspiration in the methods used by Max Ernst and Jackson Pollock. I use a form of automatic art, which involves painting without conscious thought, bypassing the conscious mind and allowing the hand to paint on more of a subconscious level. It’s a bit like when you’ve been driving your car and you can’t quite remember the last 5 minutes of your journey. However, it’s not easy, thoughts do inevitably creep in and play a part in the final piece.

My latest creative outlet is illustration and product design. Port Macquarie and its beautiful beaches have been my inspiration for my illustrations and product range that I will soon be launching.

I have been wanting to inject my ideas into products for a long time, creating great stuff for people to enjoy - something that makes them smile, feel great, and want to talk about with friends and family. I'm excited to have the opportunity to create creatively inspired products, rather than just

off-the-shelf everyday options. The day is fast approaching when I get to show off to the local community what I have been up to. Your photography style appears effortless; capturing the natural in every image with a propensity for natural landscapes and wildlife. Tell us a little about how you approach your subject matter.

Sure, before even picking up the camera, I visualise the picture that I want to take and frame it in my mind. Composition is vital. A simple trick is to follow the old master painters and divide the scene into thirds. Observe the foreground and background, find the lines, and decide where you want your focus to be. Pay attention to how the light interacts with the scene; it's everything, and that is 90% of the work done before even picking up a camera. The last 10% is checking the exposure and pressing the button at the right time. Simple, right? With enough practice, you'll be able to do all this in under five seconds without too much thought. These pictures were taken with a three-year-old phone! In other words, get the fundamentals down, train your eye, and it won't matter how much your gear costs; you'll be able to capture great pictures. Continued over...

It wasn’t long before I left the studio and all of its equipment behind and adopted an “all of the idea and none of the gear” approach to my work.

What are you working on at the moment?

Since moving to Port Macquarie, I have been on the wild ride of solo-preneurship (not for the faint-hearted) and burned through all my savings in order to focus all my whacky creative ideas into the form of a business, Dolphin & Dog. I created Dolphin & Dog to be a pet/lifestyle brand that focuses on caring for the oceans and the land. Dolphin & Dog is an eco-friendly brand that offers unique and high-quality products, reflecting my perfectionist approach. I design everything myself and source the best materials and people to produce them. While it may take some time to bring my products to market, the end result is worth it, and I'm confident you'll appreciate the thought and hard work that goes into each item.

I built a hard rule into the brand, and that was that it had to be completely plastic-free when it comes to packaging. The plastic pollution issue the world is facing at the moment is something close to my heart, and I didn't want

Dolphin & Dog is an eco-friendly brand that offers unique and high-quality products, reflecting my perfectionist approach.

to be adding to that with my own singleuse plastics. I have designed all packaging to be non-plastic and look to make all future products with this ethos in mind. But that wasn't enough just to be neutral, so I have teamed up with Landcare Australia and 15Trees. Every sale made on the site goes towards planting trees in Australia, allowing Dolphin & Dog to move towards being a carbon-positive brand.

The next step is to find an ocean charity that the brand can team up with and start making a difference in the problem we face with plastic pollution. This is the real driver of the business and not just a guy looking for a better source of income, but knowing that I might actually be able to make a difference in the world, if I work hard enough of course. So the more that Dolphin & Dog succeeds,

the more help I promise to the oceans and the environment we all live in. Creating the brand allows me to roll all my loves into one and enables me to express my creativity not only in the form of a photograph or a painting but now as products that everyone can have a chance of owning that are unique to Dolphin & Dog. I have spent the last year or more designing a range of products and illustrated packaging from scratch while teaching myself every aspect of owning and running a business by myself. It hasn't been an easy feat, and I am now on a first-name basis with the guy at my local bottle shop!

What’s on the horizon for you for the year ahead?

Hopefully, it will be a big year ahead with the launch of Dolphin & Dog, which will happen in the very near future. So keep your eyes peeled, everyone! I will be introducing my Soul Surfer range first, which has been

a big secret until now. It's EXCLUSIVE! The range consists of wearables for your dogs and children, including dog coats and hoodies for all sizes of dogs, from Pomeranian to Great Dane, as well as surf ponchos for babies and children. I will be putting on a market each week, and I'm super excited to get out and about, talking to all the locals and seeing everyone's reactions, whether good or bad! There are several more products planned, and two more ranges to launch, SHORELINE and BEACHBUM, by year-end. Pre-orders are available on the website. The photography and painting will continue, of course, as that’s my inspiration and happy place, allowing me to escape from the currently required ‘business me’ for a short space of time and providing me with my next idea.

What have been some of your highlights of your work looking back?

It has to be a time when I was doing fruit picking out at Stanthorpe here in Australia in order to get the 88 days farm work required for the visa. I was two and a half days into picking apples when I thought, “You must be

joking if you think I'm doing this for another 85 days.” I quit right on the spot in the middle of the day, leaving all my mates to carry on, and walked home eating a few apples.

On the way back I bumped into a lovely old lady from Yugoslavia, and long story short, she commissioned me to paint a mural at the village hall she owned. I was paid well, got my 88 days, and ate chicken schnitzel every day. Meanwhile, my mates got trench foot and couldn't stand the sight of another apple. I learned a few things about myself over that time, such as trusting my gut, taking risks, and not being fearful of the outcome. This instilled future confidence to pursue something creative. I met up with her last year, 11 years on, for a cup of tea and some apple strudel. Away from the camera where would we find you spending your down time?

You can find me on the coastal walk from time to time, where I've unintentionally made a bit of a pastime out of mistakenly stepping on snakes. Alternatively, I might

be down at Lighthouse Beach, breathing in while attempting a sun tan. And of course, I'll be hanging around at the markets - check out my website, www.dolphinanddog. com.au, for a schedule of which ones I'll be at and when. I plan to do a few local markets each month, so you should be able to find me there. If not, I'm happy to offer free delivery to anyone in Port, personally delivered by yours truly. I also have a blog and newsletter that I enjoy writing, featuring articles on a range of topics, including Port Macquarie, entrepreneurship, the environment, photography, art and design, dogs, and more. Be sure to sign up for updates and stay in the loop. The Soul Surfer range is now available to pre-order.

For people wanting to find out more about your work, how can they best connect with you?

Please contact me anytime with any questions and I’ll be happy to help.

dolphinanddog.com.au

dolphin_and_dog

_whoscottgreen_

scott@dolphinanddog.com

DolphinanddogFB

I was two and a half days into picking apples when I thought, “You must be joking if you think I’m doing this for another 85 days.” I quit right on the spot in the middle of the day.

Bar Capone has been in full swing since opening its doors in 2022. Now, the popular establishment welcomes new bar manager Jayden Payne and new managing director David Sherwell to the team.

i David. Tell us a little about what you hope to bring to Capone’s continued success in 2023? I have over twenty years experience running marketing and advertising type business and hope to utilise these skills to help bring Bar Capone to life. Starting out a young entrepreneur I have owned and operated three varying successful companies. For me I have always enjoyed helping other business succeed. This is a new interest and challenge, one that I have been looking at for a while. To couple these skills with Jayden, a seasoned industry expert is comforting. Jayden, as the new bar manager, tell us a little about your experience in the industry? After only six months in the hospitality industry I was poached to open a Japanese restaurant as the venue and bar manager. It was a steep learning curve but taught me a lot about managing people and running a business. From there I was asked to work at one of the best cocktail bars on the Mid North Coast where I spent years gaining and harnessing expert knowledge about mixology and cocktails. This next chapter will put my skills to the ultimate test but I can guarantee to have the best cocktails on the Mid North Coast.

Since launching in 2022 the bar has never been so popular with locals and visitors flocking to Capone’s for that ‘wow’ factor. What exciting initiatives are in-store for the season ahead? We have recently launched daily events and extended the opening hours from 3pm. In addition to this, we are planning a seasonal event calendar to include themed evenings, cocktail lessons and tastings, along with offering the venue for functions that cater to group bookings. We would also like to establish mutually beneficial strategic partnerships with local businesses to help promote the area and associated nightlife.

For people wanting to connect online and find out more about Bar Capone, how can they best get in touch?

Follow along via:

e/ barcaponespmq@gmail.com

fb/ Caponesbarportmacqaurie

ig/ Capones.bar

w/ barcapone.vip

SLICE OF HAVEN

MAY BRINGS A DELICIOUS SLICE OF PEACE.

With all that’s going on in the world, don’t you need a little time to chill and have a little peace?

At Slice of Haven 2023 food, wine, and beverage festival, it’s all about world peace, well, piece… piece of gourmet French cheese, Vietnamese German Kransky, Indian naan, Indonesian samosa, and more.

Discover the world of amazing food and beverages made from local produce by local businesses at this year’s festival on the Camden Haven River foreshore in Laurieton.

“We welcome local restaurants, chefs, cooks, brewers, winemakers, cheese makers,

roasters, food providores and food lovers to join us on May 28, 10am-4pm to serve gourmet flavours from around the world with a backdrop of live local music,” said event chair Robert Dwyer.

“The community is welcome to come, kick back, relax and indulge in this always amazing day.”

As always, Slice of Haven is a celebration of homegrown talent and gourmet food brought to the community by the Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce volunteers.

Keep up to date with the latest info by following @SliceEvents on Facebook.

JOHNSON

Meet Belinda and Ben Johnson. Local power couple Belinda and Ben have established solid businesses - SMART Pilates and SMART Coaching here in Port Macquarie, and together have a combined 40 years’ experience working with athletes and training bodies to be at their optimal.

Hi Ben and Belinda. Thank you so much for speaking with Focus. You have both shown such commitment to the health industry through your work. Where does your passion come from and tell us a little about your individual journeys in business?

Our passion stems from our individual sporting backgrounds and the enjoyment of helping others to be better versions of themselves.

“As a lifelong athlete, performing at a professional level, I understand all too well how muscle tension, muscle recovery, soreness and injuries can affect our everyday life” says Belinda Johnson. My sporting involvement naturally led me to the study of preventative and restorative measures to improve the body’s performance and recovery. The instruction of Pilates allows me to provide my clients with preventative measures to improve their body’s composition. I just love seeing how those bodies respond.

“As a sports enthusiast and a competitive Surf Life Saving athlete in my younger years, I have

always had a passion and desire for sport” says Ben Johnson. I coach and provide personalised and customised training programs across the multi sports platform, namely swimming, riding, and running and have done so for more than 10 years.

More recently, I have been working with clients’ bodies through customised strength and conditioning classes and workouts. “The benefits are so noticeable with my clients. They are stronger, more confident, and able to achieve their sporting or fitness goals smarter” says Ben. It is great to be able to couple the services in the studio across the Coaching and Pilates clientele.

SMART Pilates is a state of the art health and well-being studio in Gordon Street, Port Macquarie and I understand the business has just turned 3 this year. Congratulations on this milestone. What have been some of your highlights over the last few years Belinda?

Thank you, yes SMART Pilates just celebrated its third year in the amazing purpose-built studio in Gordon Street. The location is so central to all as we have clients that pop in before, during

and after work very easily. There have been so many highlights over the last few years. Continuing to enhance and grow the business, provide a range of classes with a great team of instructors and allied health workers across the wellbeing platform under both of our brands is probably the most significant.

“We were very proud to launch our first ‘Kickstart Challenge’ for our clients this year” says Belinda. The program is designed to run over an 8-week period and incorporates pilates, diet and nutrition guidance, weigh-ins, weekly goals and accountability, cardio sessions, online video challenges and wellness sessions, such as, yoga, breath-work, mindfulness and stretch sessions.

The new program is personalised and encourages team motivation and individual participation with weekly prizes. “It has been so great to utilise my 20 years of coaching experience with my new found wellness passion and put it all together with this great challenge which was so popular” says Belinda.

SMART Pilates also provides our individual clients with a total wellness solution. They have access to the best in sports and remedial

massage, dry needling, qualified nutrition, dietician and podiatry consultations and several other wellness solutions. The team has grown significantly over the last three years to give our SMART family access to all things fitness and wellbeing.

SMART Coaching is a multi-sport training facility designed to tailor individual programs for targeted results with a ‘train smarter, not harder’ approach. Ben, what type of clients are you currently working with and what would you say to anyone wanting to embark on a new fitness or health regime?

SMART Coaching provides customised training across the multi sports areas as well as providing performance and recovery sessions to enhance fitness, overcome injury and improve strength. “The focus is always on the individual” says Ben.

Our clients range from elite athletes, to young aspiring teenagers, to people who are seeking strength and recovery from injury or to create better versions of themselves.

SMART Coaching provides the region with daily swim squads and has done for almost a decade. You can find us at the Hastings Port Macquarie Town Pool mornings and afternoons on weekdays rain, hail, or shine. We cater for all. For example, some of our clients are the young nippers from the surf life saving clubs around town, to master swimmers, to busy professionals that enjoy the group training environment. They all get what they need out of our swim squads.

We provide tailored swim sessions for all abilities. We both have a huge amount to offer in the swimming area, with lifelong swimming backgrounds and love to share our knowledge with our clients.

We provide our clients with other great sessions to maximise their fitness and to keep things fun and interesting, providing swim sessions in the ocean and/or river, cardio sessions in and out of the studio, brick sessions, training camps and indoor bike classes.

“Our newest addition of sessions for SMART Coaching is the popular Strength & Conditioning class” says Ben. They take place in our ground floor customised gym, using the best equipment, in a bespoke environment with quality instructors.

We have seen several of our athletes and pilates clients join, as well as new clients that want small classes and personalised attention in their workout to avoid injury.

We provide a high level of technical knowledge based on our combined 40 years of experience working in sports as well as mentoring and encouraging all our clients so that they can perform at their very best. “From Ironman, to triathletes, to ocean enthusiasts, to those that want to get fit or sign up for their first running festival, whatever the fitness or health goal is we can help you get there” says Ben.

May is also the annual Ironman event here in Port Macquarie, a great opportunity for athletes to converge on Port Macquarie and test their fitness prowess. What are

you most looking forward to for this year’s event?

SMART Coaching has been involved in training many athletes for the local Ironman in Port Macquarie for many years as well as many races all over the country. “It is always a big weekend for us” says Ben.

This year, 2023, sees a course change locally for the two races, 70:3 and Ironman.

‘It will be great to see how all the athletes respond” says Ben. Ironman is a busy time for SMART Coaching both from a mentoring and fitness/training and programming perspective. “You must be connected to the athlete and be adaptable” says Ben. It is always great to assist athletes reach their goals. Big races such as these provide a great way to really connect with the athlete, their families support their work, life, training balance and of course support our community.

For people interested in finding out more about each of you and your work or to connect with you online, how can they best get in touch?

SMART Pilates & SMART Coaching information can be found online. Our booking system and packages are online at smartpilates.net. au and some further information about our multi sports training and fitness programs on smartcoaching.net.au

We encourage everyone to follow us on our socials, sign up for our newsletter and see what amazing programs and fitness ideas we offer. Thank you both. Interview: Sarah Baker.

Sizes 8 to 24 Cup size A-G

Fitting service provided

We have mastectomy swimwear, chlorine resistant swimwear, and many brands available including Seafolly, JETS, Sunflair, Sunseeker, Monte & Lou, Sea Level, Resort wear, hats, gift cards, Melissa shoes.

Phone 6584 1088

84-86 Horton St Port Macquarie

Month

Artist of the

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

With most public murals I talk and work

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where can people follow along with your art journey?

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

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

MONTHLY focus contributor.

with

LUSANNA

FROM MEG + ME

So here we are again! Another month, and another set of musings to share…

If you follow me on our social channels you’d know that I have literally just come home after the most fabulous week in Bali.

Now it wasn’t all poolside cocktails and massages, although there were a few of those here and there, no, this trip was “all business” and the timing couldn’t have been better. Let me explain.

You may have seen me last month, sitting front and centre on the cover of this very mag, as the face of the Women in Business edition and I couldn’t have been more proud. Not only that I was asked to be the face of the edition, but that my fabulous team of women was also featured, alongside so many other inspirational, successful and diverse women-led businesses in our region.

But when I was invited to spend 5+ days surrounded by 40 women that I didn’t know at a Business Retreat in Bali, you might be surprised to hear that I didn’t immediately jump at the opportunity. Why not you ask? Well, there are a few things you may not know about me… one of those being that I am actually quite shy, and networking is not my “go to” when thrown into a big room full of people I don’t know. So I was nervous. Imposter Syndrome kicked in big time; I mean there were some very savvy business women going to this retreat. Would I fit in, would I connect with these ladies or would I just want to hide in my

room each night?

Cue my fabulous team here on the ground with me, who said “Oh my goodness Lus, you absolutely have to go, this is exactly what we need” and just like that, my tickets were booked and I was on my way!

Now I’d never been to Bali, and I was nervous. I am not sure if there was one overriding factor about why I was nervous, but I was. Would I get sick? What is international travel like post COVID (especially as I was going without my right hand man, Ant, who has the calmest approach to travel and is exactly what I need when things don’t go 100% to plan)? Will I connect with the other attendees? Will it be too hot? I don’t know, I guess I was just trying to find excuses, but man oh man am I happy I took the advice and went.

Being self employed, in order to attend professional development courses or business seminars you really have to make the effort to find them. There’s not some HR lady sending me off to this or that course (at the company’s expense) to improve my skills. In fact come to think of it, I am the HR lady, and the PR lady and the bookkeeper, and the head buyer and the marketing manager and the payroll lady and the… well you get the picture! So investing in a retreat like this, which was solely designed for business women like myself was just actually

exactly what I needed.

You simply cannot underestimate the power of connection. Even before I hit Bali I was fortunate enough to connect with a fabulous entrepreneurial lady called Lou, who invited me to join her for a glass of Champagne in the Qantas First Class Lounge (no less) even before we left Australia. It was the introduction to the retreat that I needed. These ladies were going to be fab!

I’ve always been interested in knowing the stories behind niche brands, the how and why of their inception. Lou’s brand story was one of those. Last year, Lou a then new mum was feeding her son while casually reading her Kindle… until she dropped it, on his head. Telling her husband Ben about that little incident, he quickly configured a solution for her, a strap which fitted her kindle that she could slip her hand or finger behind and never worry about hurting their new son again! This was how Strapsicle was created! Less than a year later, their brand is now sold internationally as well as on Amazon both here and in the US, amazing huh?!

So as I sit here finishing this month’s musings for you, I would be lying if I said I didn’t have a tab or two open in my internet browser with Qantas and Luxury Escapes for another Bali trip in the making… It really was that good!

COVER DISH

EASTER TREATS from Urban Grain Bakery

now open

Coffee + Food + Views

11 Mcinherney Close | Open 7 days @blackfishonjordans

Palate

FROM THE STUNNED MULLET with LOU PERRI

LONGEVITY

Hrovat’s article in Good Food “Playing the long game; How iconic Sydney restaurants stay relevant” a couple of weeks ago in Good Food, was a timely reminder of the passing years around this neck of the woods too. The Stunned Mullet turns 18 this year…. a coming of age indeed, and hopefully a case of being older and also wiser.

Certainly, Hrovat’s dog year comparison rings true – especially when you factor in the COVID years, where one year seemed to feel more like a decade…even got the extra grey hairs and frown lines to boot!

In an industry rife with challenges, giving your business tireless dedication in a climate where you are required to walk a tightrope between consistency and innovation contributes to the analogy of years.

It is the truest conundrum of the restauranteur. On one hand, you’ve got your diners that come for that same dish they had last time, done exactly the same way, accompanied by the same bottle of wine. That’s the craving, that’s the joy in the experience. Yet on the other hand, you’ve got the camp for change – those

whom seek new thrills and new frontiers. They come to be surprised, amazed, educated, convinced to try something new and to happily dive right out of their comfort zone. So how does one successfully straddle this great divide and achieve some kind of happy medium in the long term? Sure, it’s possible to embrace the trendiest of fads in the short term until, yep you guessed it, they fizzle out as quick as the sparkler on your birthday dessert and the restless crowd of insta-tik-tokkers moves on to the next of the viral bright and buzzys…

As Peter Gilmore of Sydney’s 3 hatted Quay restaurant, turning 21 this year, says in Hrovat’s article “ it’s not really about revolution, it’s about evolution…we make changes slowly and thoughtfully”.

Maybe it is this approach that is key to longevity in this game. Of course change is a necessity over time regardless of long honoured traditions in a restaurant…cue the eventual removal of even the most iconic of dishes. For example the much-lauded Quay dessert ‘The Snow Egg,’ that retired in 2018 and whose demise caused a national mourning period…

As Fink Group’s John Fink said in a Delicious

Magazine article at the time; “We know this is going to cause outrage, who knew one little dessert could have such a snow ball effect, but rest assured whatever Peter comes up with will exceed eggspectations”

I mean no pressure to perform there at all for Peter…but evolution is in progress right here. (Even if the RIP Egg caused somewhat of a revolution). When it is time to make a change, it is just time.

And when you’ve gotten to the point where the seemingly simple task of taking an older dessert off your menu and replacing it with something new becomes a media sensation you know you’ve not just arrived, but you’re in fact in the hall of fame…. for the long haul. Here in Port Mac, we’re a little more low key but the same approach is paramount. To keep things relatively familiar, to keep the place feeling like somewhere to come home to. But yes, also to move with the times, to have a finger on the pulse of what’s going on in the dining scene nationally as well as globally. And yes, to occasionally ‘retire’ or ‘RIP’ an old favourite from the menu.

In the meantime still looking forward to each and every restaurant dog year!

“In the hospitality industry, seasoned professionals liken restaurant years to dog years: one year for a venue is like five years in any other industry” – SMH Good Food, Bianca Hrovat.

HEAD CHEF AT THE NEW BLACKFISH KIOSK AT CAMP JORDANS

Blackfish is the newest kiosk on the block, what was the vision when creating Blackfish? Our aim is to offer a laid-back environment for our guests and their fur babies (yes we are pet-friendly!) to enjoy fresh, local dishes, specialty coffee, and breathtaking views of the Hastings River. Located on the banks of the Hastings River, we have Jordans Boat Shed to our right and Camp Jordans right behind us. It truly is a happening part of town! We invite locals to come for a coffee, hire a boat, SUP board or kayak and hang around!

Tell us about your menu and what is on offer for the customers? Our menu is tailored around fresh and seasonal ingredients, providing the staples for brekky, daily toasties, freshly baked goods, and on-the-go options. For lunch, we offer fresh local seafood, fish and chips, tacos, salads, and burgers.

Tell us about your role in the kitchen, what does a typical day look like for you? My responsibility as the head chef is to create a menu that showcases flavours from our region of producers. I begin my day early in the kitchen by preparing our fresh daily options. Then kick off the breakfast service, soak up the view and chat to the guests from Camp Jordans and locals stopping in. Where did your passion for cooking start, take us back to the beginning of your career? My love for cooking started when I worked as a kitchen hand in a bustling local hotel. From breakfast to dinner, I watched the different chefs handcraft a variety of dishes every day, which captivated me. It was during this time that I discovered my talent and passion for cooking, leading me to pursue a career as a chef.

What ideas do you have moving forward with Blackfish? In the very near future, we plan to offer event and catering services. Looking for a Christmas in July, birthday or wedding venue? We’d love to chat!

Tell us about the days and times that customers can come and enjoy Blackfish? Our doors are open seven days a week from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm, serving breakfast, lunch and the famous Blackfish brew. We look forward to seeing our community enjoy what we have to offer!

ZAK

With charred corn and tomato salsa, coleslaw, sriracha and lime kewpie mayo, pickled onion, avocado and chives.

Ingredients

Snapper - two large fillets skin off Wheat tortillas

SALSA

1 cob of corn (lightly charred))

2 large tomatoes (diced)

Zest of 1 lime

Juice of half a lime

1 tbsp of taco seasoning

2 tbsp of olive oil

Pinch of salt

MAYO

(Combine together)

250g kewpie mayo

1 crushed clove of garlic

2 teaspoons of sweet paprika

3 tablespoons of sriracha sauce

Juice of half a lime

PICKLED ONION

300ml rice wine vinegar

100ml water

1tbsp raw sugar

1/2 tsp salt

1 large Spanish onion

1/2 bunch of fresh thyme

3 white peppercorns

COLESLAW

Cabbage and carrot - Finely sliced

Method

SNAPPER

Slice long ways down the middle into three portions each fillet

Lightly dust the snapper meat in corn flour

Submerge in one egg to 300ml milk or milk alternative that has been whisked together, remove from mixture

Add to panko crumbs

Submerge in egg and milk mixture and crumb once more

Deep or shallow fry for best results

SALSA

Slice Spanish onion to desired shape and put into a 500ml mason jar

Add the rest of the ingredients into a small saucepan and bring to a rolling boil.

Pour the hot vinegar brine into the mason jar to the very top and seal with lid straight away.

Submerge closed mason jar under ice water until cold

COLESLAW

Dressed with kewpie mayo, lemon juice, salt and pepper

TO BUILD IN ORDER

Toasted tortilla, coleslaw, crumbed snapper, salsa, sriracha kewpie, picked onion, chives.

Serve with lemon wedges

CITY

EASTERWEEKEND AT PORT

THURSDAY 6 APRIL

TRAVELLING BOWLERS $1000 SEAFOOD RAFFLE

TICKETS ON SALE 5PM | DRAWN 7PM

FRIDAY 7 APRIL - GOOD FRIDAY

DRIFT SEAFOOD LUNCH & DINNER SPECIALS

$2000 EASTER EGG RAFFLE

TICKETS ON SALE 2PM | DRAWN 4PM

MEET THE EASTER BUNNY & FREE FACE PAINTING

RIPPA RAFFLES

TICKETS ON SALE 5PM | DRAWN 7PM

WEEKEND VIBES

SLINGSHOT DUO FROM 7:30PM

SATURDAY 8 APRIL

TAB HOUR OF POWER 1-2PM

WEEKEND VIBES LOOSE CHANGE FROM 7:30PM

SUNDAY 9 APRIL

ROAST SUNDAY DRIFT SPECIAL

LOCALS RAFFLE OF THE CENTURY

TICKETS ON SALE 3:30PM | DRAWN 5PM

$1800 IN PRIZES TO BE WON!

MONDAY 10 APRIL

BINGO 10AM

STEAK MONDAY AT DRIFT LUNCH & DINNER

What can you do for your staff’s wellbeing?

Here at Kenny’s we like to boost our staff’s health by encouraging healthy eating. Did you know Ken supplies his staff with lunch everyday? Fun fact! (Now that’s a boss). This month let’s celebrate our workers and be thankful for their support.

Available now on our website is our new ‘Staff Pack.’ We can deliver these straight to your office fresh daily. Nurture your employees health and brighten their day with fresh seasonal fruit. Remember your business is nothing without a great team behind you.

GRAND KYIV BALLET of UKRAINE Forest Song & Don Quixote

From the trauma and heartbreak of war in their country, to the major cities of USA and Europe, and now to the stages of Australia, this is the Grand Kyiv Ballet of Ukraine.

Act One – The Ukrainian showpiece - Forest Song. This legendary ballet, which for over 75 years remains not only the pride of Ukraine, but also of world choreography and cultural heritage.  Forest Song is a magical love story, between a fantastical forest creature Mavka and a man, Lukash. The story is of the fearless

and brave Mavka, who longs for peace in her world, just as Ukraine longs for peace in her country today. Forest Song is performed for the first time ever in Australia.

Act Two – Don Quixote

This flamboyant and festive Spanish ballet is a much-loved romantic comedy. It tells the story of a courageous but troubled man’s quest for love. Gypsies, bullfighters, lavish costumes, breath-taking dancers and an inspiring music score ensures that Don Quixote is a not-to-be-missed experience.

Wine with

TIME

ALEX CASSEGRAIN SENIOR WINEMAKER CASSEGRAIN WINES

A great day out with your partner or family can be made even better by visiting a local winery.

It may not seem it, however, a winery trip is a great way to spend quality time with your significant other, friends, your family, or even solo! A trip to Cassegrain Wines for example provides a perfect opportunity to experience the beauty of vineyards close to the coast. You can taste the award-winning wines produced locally whilst the kids are enjoying horse riding at Port Macquarie Horse Riding Centre and afterwards you can all enjoy lunch at Twotriplefour. The Port Macquarie Horse Riding Centre is the perfect destination for horse lovers of all ages and experience levels. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced rider, they offer a range of trail rides and riding lessons to suit your needs. The family-friendly centre makes it easy to book a ride or lesson and you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Cassegrain grounds on horseback. And if you’re looking for something extra special, why not take advantage of the ‘Brunch and Bubbles’ package? Bookings are essential to ensure you don’t miss out on this unique experience!

Our onsite restaurant partner, Twotriplefour by Bills is a paddock-to-plate eatery that offers an artisanal dining experience. They source local produce from the surrounding areas and use it to create delicious meals for both brunch and lunch. The bar serves up Cassegrain wines, a large selection of local beers and cocktails with local spirits, ensuring you can enjoy the best of what our region has to offer. They also offer a range of vegan and vegetarian options for those looking for alternative dining options. I would recommend booking ahead to ensure you don’t miss out on this unique paddock-to-plate experience. Horse riding and lunch are great, however the best part of this time of year for me is the harvest! It’s the middle of our harvest, which is called vintage right now and it is one of the best times to be around a winery. Fruit is coming in at all hours and the whole

Cassegrain team is working tirelessly to ensure those beautiful fresh grapes become the wine you love. You can book a winery tour and learn how grapes are processed into wine, or simply enjoy the end product within our cellar door. Winery tours are a fun and exciting way to experience the beautiful diversity of wine and build on your knowledge, no matter what level. After a winery tour, you will have inside hints and tips for when you are chatting to friends and impress them with your knowledge on the various wine regions of New South Wales –Australia’s First State of Wine!

Whether you are looking for a fun day out with your family or an educational experience about wine production, a trip to Cassegrain Wines is sure to provide an unforgettable experience that everyone will enjoy!

Winery tours are a fun and exciting way to experience the beautiful diversity of wine and build on your knowledge, no matter what level.

Blake

Blake O’Connor is a local singer songwriter who has performed on some of the world’s biggest country music stages in Nashville, the UK and here in Australia. He has taken out a Golden Guitar and top spot at the prestigious Toyota Star Maker competition, and he’s just 22 years old! Blake is currently touring his latest album Finding Light, and will be putting on a very special show at The Butter Factory in Telegraph Point on Saturday 8th April.

Can you tell us about your background and how you got into country music?

I started playing music when I was six years old when I got a guitar from my grandparents. I grew up listening to country music and just about everything really; country, gospel, blues, everything that Mum and Dad or my grandparents played. I was probably around 10 years old and I decided to start singing because that's what guitar players did, I figured I’d give it a crack! And from there I started writing

songs because that's what singers did. When I was 13 or 14 a friend of my Dad's, Brock Mathers, rang up and was like “I'm playing a gig down the road, if Blake wants to jump up and sing a song in the break, then I'd love to have him come along”. And so I played a few songs in his break and from there the venue actually reached out and asked if I’d like to play a few more gigs there. I only knew about seven songs at the time, so I said “Yeah, sure, no worries.” and then sat in my room and learned like 30 new songs so I had enough material to play in front of people. From there I just kept

playing music, and I found the Zac Brown Band and Chris Stapleton and that kind of steered me back into country music.

How do you approach the songwriting process, and where do you draw inspiration from?

I try to write about my own personal experiences or things that are really close to me. My latest single Time To Kill I wrote about a friend who was going through a bit of a rough trot with his partner and, I guess for lack of a better term, just did him very wrong. I try

to draw from things that are quite close to me. Chained To The Ground, a song off the new record, I just woke up one night, and I had the song in my head. So I just started writing down verses and I think I wrote about seven verses in about 20 minutes. And then I fell back to sleep and forgot about it and then a day or two later, I read over the words I was like ‘this is pretty cool’. So I wrote a chorus and a bridge to it and that song was done, and that's probably my favourite song off the record! Most of the time

if they just come naturally like that they are usually the best ones.

You’ve been recognised for your talent with awards such as a Golden Guitar Award for New Talent of the Year. How has it felt for you to be so highly regarded from such a young age?

It's really cool when you’re recognised for all the hard work you've done, especially at a young age. It’s really reassuring that you're on the right path. I remember when I started, I used to enter all the talent quests at school and the local ones, and I didn't win any of them until I went out to Tamworth and then I won a bunch of talent quests out there. I entered five or six of them and won five. So it’s nice when you receive accolades at a young age, it really keeps you going and fuels that fire to keep on working harder. Especially the Golden Guitar win, that was a really good little kick for me to just double down on what I'm doing and run hard. It's pretty special. You have just released your highly anticipated new album, Finding Light. Can you tell us a bit about the album and the process of creating it?

This album is a long time coming! We started working on this in August of 2020. So, in between pandemic lockdowns we got into the studio and we recorded about five songs, and then straight after that the band went home and when we all tried to get back in the studio a few weeks later, we couldn't because of the lockdowns happening. The studio was in Byron Bay and most of the musicians were out of Sydney. So it was really tough, especially with the lockdowns in Greater Sydney, we couldn't get the band back to Byron Bay. So we had to just put it off and let it sit for a while and then I don't think we ended up

getting back into the studio until February of 2022, so it was a good 18 months later. When we went back in, by that time I had a whole collection of new songs to finish the record with. If we were to have recorded it back in August at one time it would have been a totally different album because I wrote a heap of new songs in that break period to pick from. We ended up picking all the new songs to fill in the gaps that we didn't get to the first time around. We ended up recording it out at Beechwood at Michael Lynch’s studio, Shoehorse Sound, which is just down the road from Port Macquarie, it was really nice to have such a good studio and it was just so nice to have it all completed. The album was done in February last year, but then I also wrote another song called Time To Kill at a songwriting camp in September. So the album was already done and we decided I had to go back in the studio and record another one! So we ended up adding that one as an even later addition to the record. So the album really changed and grew throughout the years because I learned a lot more, I wrote a lot more songs and matured a bit over the three years.

You’re also about to tour for the new album, including a show at The Butter Factory in Telegraph Point, what can we expect from the show?

I'm really looking forward to this one because normally when I've played locally, I'd put the big band on and make it a massive production. Whereas this one, I've gone the total opposite and I've stripped it way back. It'll just be me and my acoustic guitar and I'm gonna be playing the songs how I wrote them. So it's going to be a different show for the tour. It's the only show on the tour I'm doing this for, so it's gonna be a bit of a special one for the local area. I'm just going to be playing the songs how they came to me and then telling the stories of how I wrote them. It's probably the smallest, most intimate show I've played locally. I usually play out at the Wauchope RSL and I think that's usually a crowd of about 400 or so people. Whereas this one I think the capacity is about 100 or 150 so it's going to be a lot smaller and I just want it to be a bit more intimate and a bit more personal.

Thanks Blake.

It’ll just be me and my acoustic guitar and I’m gonna be playing the songs how I wrote them. So it’s going to be a different show for the tour. It’s the only show on the tour I’m doing this for so it’s gonna be a bit of a special one for the local area.

Hi Phil. Thank you so much for speaking with FOCUS. You are an artist with tremendous talent who also hails from Port Macquarie. Tell us a little about your background.

I grew up on a few acres just out near the racecourse with my family, hanging with neighbourhood kids, riding our BMX’s around, building cubbies, being little tear-around ratbags. Strangely, I wasn’t a surfie kid like all my school buddies. My thing was always drawing, which I discovered in primary school. I remember my Dad doing a drawing at our kitchen table of a concord with a ruler and it was really basic, but I found it fascinating. After

that I would always sit at the table drawing as a kid. I’d draw Danger Mouse and other cartoon characters by putting tracing paper on the TV screen. My brother was a big drawer too and I’d basically always copy what he did. As a kid I loved that idea of making something from nothing and getting lost in the world of imagination.

Your work has humorous and renegade qualities. Tell us about your creative style which references pop culture of the past to convey various social issues of the present?

A big part of that would be MAD magazine. My brother and I collected the first hundred or so issues from an old secondhand bookstore in Port Macquarie. Each issue would have satirical, political and pop cultural content, referencing

the Vietnam War or the Black Power Movement in America. That had a huge impact on what I do now. Humour in art is what is most important to me. For instance, I used to draw over the cover models of my Mum’s Vogue magazines, that was a fun thing to do –defacing things!

Who or what inspires you artistically Phil? Again, MAD mag would be number one, and its contributing artists like Mort Drucker and Al Jaffee, who recently turned 102. I love that kind of lowbrow, highly skilled artistry closely followed by Loony Tunes and Walt Disney and all their characters. During that time the animation skills and draftsmanship of studios like Warner Bros and Walt Disney were unbelievable. The animation backgrounds were

Glasshouse Regional Gallery gets set to welcome local ‘Artist in Residence’ Phil James in April.

Star Child, 2022, oil on vintage offset lithograph, 75 x 60 cm

Philjames, studio portrait, 2022

amazing paintings. Artists like Paul McCarthy and figures from the punky New York scene have influenced me, though cartoon, film and music more than other capital-a ‘Artists’ do. Being invited back to your hometown as Artist in Residence at the Glasshouse Gallery, you have 10 days to explore and be inspired to plan new work. Tell us a little about what you hope to achieve while you are here?

Returning home is always a nice thing. I haven’t been back in a long time, so I am looking forward to visiting the places I used to haunt and see my old childhood home. Maybe not so much tapping into the local history of Port Macquarie but tapping into my own history of Port Macquarie will be a cool thing while there during the residency. I don’t know what that looks like at this stage, but I’m really looking forward to seeing what comes flooding back. The work to come from the experience will not so much be historically or politically charged, but definitely nostalgic.

Attending your residency is Daniel Mudie Cunningham (DMC), an invited guest curator who will work with you to develop the framework for your solo exhibition at the Glasshouse next year. What are you most looking forward to regarding this collaborative opportunity?

The best thing about this for me is working with a close friend who has informed my work in the past. DMC has put me on to some really good pathways as an

artist that I wouldn’t have considered myself. For instance, painting and drawing over old family documentation was his idea and later sparked a collaboration with world-renowned photographer and longtime friend of his, Polly Borland. It’s always nice to work with a curator who knows you personally. DMC works like that consistently; he’s known for working with people he’s close to. I think he’ll get the best out of me, and I want to deliver for him, so, I think it will be a really cool experience. What is on the horizon for you as an artist for the year ahead?

I just finished a show in Sydney and am working towards a show in Melbourne with Nicholas Thompson Gallery. During the process of making that body of work, I am consistently thinking about what this coming Port Macquarie residency will look like, so I’m pleased to say the development of this project at the Glasshouse is a strong focus currently. For people wanting to find out more about yourself and your work, how can they best get in touch?

Instagram is the most direct way. For sales, commissions, and exhibition enquiries, either of my representing galleries is the way to go –Chalk Horse in Sydney or Nicholas Thompson Gallery in Melbourne.

@philjames

chalkhorse.com.au

nicholasthompsongallery.com.au

Thanks Phil. Interview: Sarah Baker.

Returning home is always a nice thing. I haven’t been back in a long time, so I am looking forward to visiting the places I used to haunt and see my old childhood home.

Jesus Speaks to the Daughters of Jerusalem, 2022, oil on vintage offset lithograph, 150x80cm (installation view, opening night, Chalk Horse Gallery, Sydney). Photograph by Felipe Olivares

Philjames and Polly Borland, Untitled, 2020, oil on archival cotton rag

Enchantment, 2022, oil on vintage offset lithograph, 40 x 82 cm

BIG CHILL FESTIVAL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Come up and visit soon!

SHOW WAUCHOPE

The 2023 Show is on its way!

What do you look forward to each year when starting to organise and get ready for the show?

We love seeing our regular exhibitors and catching up with all our volunteers and other familiar faces. Every year we have new entertainment and new displays and that in itself is very exciting. We are also very thrilled that the office building is being renovated and will be easy to find as it is a lovely pale green colour. We are also looking forward to all our new facilities being used by the general public.

The Wauchope Show is in its 111th year. What makes the show what it is and why is it such an important weekend in

Wauchope’s calendar? The Wauchope Show is considered the Royal of the North due to it being the next biggest Agricultural Show after the Royal Easter Show in Sydney. We have all our usual sections e.g. Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle, Goats, Horses, Poultry, Animal Nursery and childrens “chill out” zone, and of course all the beautiful arts and crafts exhibits, photography, as well as fruit and vegetable, cakes, jams and other exhibits. It is an important event for the whole Hastings area and also further afield as many people travel here to enjoy the wonderful show and we also provide entertainment such as pyrotechnic displays, equestrian displays,

demolition derby, fireworks, lawnmower racing, pipe bands, trotting, and the popular ring events e.g. show jumping, campdrafting and dog jump.

What are the “not to miss” parts of this year’s show? Sideshow alley with all the rides, showbags and trade site stalls selling various items, cattle judging, horse judging and poultry judging, AgTrail competition for the little kids and the chill out zone for those who want to colour in and plant seeds. The fireworks will be spectacular as always and a snake display by Reptile Solutions. The Demolition Derby is always very popular and we are bringing it back!

RIDE THE WAVE FESTIVAL

The 2023 Ride the Soundwave Music Festival features an epic line-up including Boy & Bear, The Waifs, Busby Marou, Mitch Tambo and Tullara rocking the beachside stage, and 100% of the money raised will go to Make A Difference who put on this incredible event to raise funds so they can continue to support local homeless and disadvantaged members of the community.

ERIN

D E N H A M

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Can you give our readers a bit of background info on Make a Differencehow you got started and what you provide in the community?

The Make a Difference (MAD) Charity currently feeds and supports homeless and marginalised people, including families and children, five days a week in the Hastings region. Proceeds from the sale of tickets to the Ride the Soundwave Music Festival will support the vital services that Make a Difference provides throughout the year.

MAD was founded in 2016 with just four committee members, including Rob and I, and a team of ten volunteers. Fast forward to 2023 and Make a Difference now has a wide range of skills from financial governance to graphic artistry across our team of 90 volunteers – who are all working together to stage the Ride the Wave Festival. Our volunteers are amazing and

go above and beyond every week to support people in our local community doing it tough.

The first project for the MAD team was to partner with Orange Sky Laundry to secure one of their mobile laundry vans to service the Mid North Coast of NSW. This entailed raising $110,000 in nine months and was the first regional Orange Sky Laundry Van to roll out in regional Australia.

This year is the biggest line-up for Ride the Soundwave and we hope locals and visitors will support us by purchasing a ticket for a great value afternoon of top Australian live music in a beautiful location beside Town Beach.

Following the Orange Sky Laundry Van project, Make a Difference has gone on to fundraise for a coffee van and food truck. On a monthly basis it fills 30 shifts that feed more than 400 disadvantaged people in the region, with dedicated volunteers giving more than 550

hours of vital assistance. When Make a Difference started, we discovered a need we didn’t know existed. More than 600 people sleep rough on the Mid North Coast every night, and across the state there are more than 50,000 people waiting for public housing. There is a real housing crisis and some of those we help aren’t yet living on the street, but as the cost of living keeps rising, some people are teetering on the brink. We supply support five days a week, with the other two days very well covered by other services who operate on the days we don’t.

Every week of the year Growers Market donates around 40kg of produce to MAD. HEM Property, Coastline Credit Union, Men and

Image. Shania Law-Davis

Image. Brad Collins

Women at Work, John Oxley Motors and many local pubs and clubs have been with us from the beginning and their unwavering support is vital to sustaining our services. Make A Difference has been running Ride the Wave Festival for a few years now, where did the idea for this festival come from and what’s it all about?

The Make a Difference (MAD) Committee realised that the level of funding needed to keep the charity operational and supporting the marginalised in the region would require a high degree of fundraising, so it was decided that rather than continue with multiple events the Committee would stage a major event in the hope it would bring in major funds.

We started off with the surf and skate competitions, which are very well supported, and then added a ticketed music event that we called Ride the Soundwave. This year is the biggest line-up for Ride the Soundwave and we hope locals and visitors will support us by purchasing a ticket for a great value afternoon of top Australian live music in a beautiful location beside Town Beach.

You’ve got a killer lineup for ‘Ride The SoundWave’ this year! Can you tell us about who will be playing at the event?

The line-up this year is epic. Rob worked really hard to put together a line-up that fits with the laid back beach vibe of the event, and has broad appeal, as well as giving us great names and music that most people will know.

Boy & Bear are one of Australia’s best known indie folk bands with Platinum, ARIA chart topping albums and have been nominated for multiple ARIA awards while The Waifs are an Australian folk rock band who celebrated 30 years together in 2022. They’ve also won multiple ARIA awards and achieved double platinum status and have supported music greats such as Bob Dylan on tour and launched independent label Jarrah Records with John Butler. They have also received multiple AIR Awards for Best Independent Blues and Roots Album.

Music duo Busby Marou have toured Australia for more than a decade and have been the face, and music of current Tourism and Events Queensland’s tourism campaigns. Blues and Roots category APRA Music award winners Busby Marou have also had an ARIA Gold Album as well as millions of global streams, top 20 airplay and four ARIA Charting albums. Renowned indigenous performer Mitch Tambo who was an Australia’s Got Talent finalist has more recently joined the line-up and will open the music festival alongside local elder Uncle Bill, Stevie Donovan on didgeridoo, and a spectacular light display of artwork by local indigenous artist Jamie Donovan and local Birpai dancers.

What do you think attendees can expect from this show?

We’ll have awesome, well-known performers putting on a show that will be incredible value.

There’s not many gigs that offer this calibre of entertainment and a cultural experience for just a $90 ticket price. And the music will fit well with our beachside location and the overall vibe of the weekend festival. The festival has quite a boutique and intimate vibe making for a memorable afternoon and we’re family friendly so everyone can come for a fun afternoon and evening.

How does purchasing a ticket for this event support MAD?

100% of money raised from Ride the Soundwave will go to MAD. It allows us to supplement our food donations and make purchases like our coffee and food truck infrastructure to help feed and support more and more people as the cost of living rises, and lack of affordable housing continues to have a huge impact in our region.

What are you looking forward to most about the whole festival?

I love every part of Ride the Wave Festival, especially seeing our youth getting an opportunity to compete and perform in front of their home crowd. Ride the Soundwave Music Festival is really going to be next level this year so I’d have to say that’s the thing I’m most looking forward to seeing grow, especially the opening with Mitch and our local indigenous community. That, and seeing our community come together to support one another via MAD while having a great time. Thanks Erin.

SUNDAY 23 APRIL

12-6PM Parade your HBWN colours for a of fun whilst fundraising at the races

SUNDAY

23 APRIL 12-6PM

PORT MACQUARIE RACE CLUB

TICKETS

Don’t miss out on a great the races. Book your tickets

Parade your HBWN colours for a day of fun whilst fundraising at the races

PORT MACQUARIE RACE CLUB

$89 per person. Includes entrance fee to the track, access to our private suite, (the Clydsdale room) a welcome drink, canapes and an afternoon of entertainment and prizes. Funds are being raised for several local charities.

$89 per person. Includes entrance fee to the track, access to our private suite, (the Clydsdale room) a welcome drink, canapes and an afternoon of entertainment and prizes. Funds are being raised for several local charities.

www.hbwn.com.au/events

TICKETS

SPONSOR TODAY

Don’t miss out on a great day at the races. Book your tickets thru: www.hbwn.com.au/events

hbwnsponsorship@gmail.com

0407 687 333

SPONSOR TODAY

hbwnsponsorship@gmail.com 0407 687 333

t he Village is the longest-running long day care centre in Wauchope. i t W as originally o P ened as ‘ t imbertown c hild c are’ more than 20yrs ago, an D has grown and evolved over the years to accommodate babies, to D dlers and preschool chil D ren within the Wauchope community and surroun Ds.

In early 2021, the business was purchased by Amy Trotter – a born and raised local with an early childhood and primary teaching university degree, 18 years’ teaching experience in the Wauchope and Port Macquarie region and an infectious passion for high-quality, play-based early childhood education and care. The name of the service was changed to ‘The Village’ to reflect the adage “it takes a village to raise a child” and the culture of community and ‘extended family’ support that is The Village’s ethos. We consider that we are not only a service to support the children in our care, but to provide a network for families within our community also. Our education and care team is made up of a diverse network of early childhood professionals, from Certificate 3 trainees to Diploma qualified educators to universitytrained Early Childhood Teachers. Many of our staff come from families who have been locals for generations,

with others joining the crew from further afield.

Amy prides herself on her ability to select like-minded, dedicated early education and care experts whose individual philosophies align with those that The Village encompasses, resulting in a cohesive, supportive, enthusiastic team who care for and nurture not only the children but their families, each other, and the wider community also. Centre Manager Ellie Simpson has just welcomed her own babe and is currently on maternity leave, with experienced leader Crystal Majeski now capably overseeing the leadership and management of our Wauchope team.

What Sets You Apart From Other Child Care Centres?

These days, the majority of children’s services are owned and operated by large, interstate companies or business people with numerous centres across the country and profit-driven priorities. However, in

a town like Wauchope and with the business owner working on site at the helm, we have the responsibility of looking in the eye every day, the very people who our decisions, policies and practices directly affect, and this brings with it a level of care, accountability and integrity which can be lacking in other services. Our service philosophy and culture embody our key foundation statements, “Relationships are Central, Play is Essential, Potential is Infinite”, ensuring that everyone feels welcomed, supported, cared for, appreciated and empowered within our village. This is evident by the countless testimonials of everyone who walks through our front door, with comments of feeling a sense of belonging, warmth and worth that emanates from the genuine care, kindness, dedication, expertise and hard work of our team. During this universal staffing crisis, there has been a steady stream of educators

For F urther in F ormation about t he Village Preschool & lDc , call c rystal on

amy trotter

preschool owner

contacting Amy about gaining employment with her business. It is evident that their ‘people principles’ are one of the greatest strengths at The Village Preschool & LDC.

Also rare in early learning centres these days is the over-sized, natural playground that makes The Village unique. With worn grass, a diggingpatch-come-mud-pit, bike track, giant sandpit and an abundance of natural shade with leaves and flowers carpeting the paths and play spaces, The Village makes no promise of a shiny, flashy, synthetic, pristine environment to present to children and families each day. What it does promise is bare feet, mud pies, egg/ chick incubating, worm hunting, tree climbing, jumping in puddles, cultivating vegie gardens, growing giant sunflowers, and eating mulberries straight from the tree. “An immersion in a rich, natural environment in which the children are free to explore, hypothesise, investigate, take risks,

process and regulate senses and emotions and develop relationships with each other and the natural world is the kind of childhood we believe every child deserves” says Amy. “If you want your child to return home at the end of the day with the same level of cleanliness and composure in which they arrived, we may not be the preschool for you. If you want your child to encounter and enjoy all that nature and the magic of limitless imagination has to offer, then give us a call!”.

Not many people realise that by definition, the only difference between a “preschool” and a “long day care centre” is the amount of weeks per year that the service operates. Our curriculum framework (early childhood equivalent of a school syllabus), qualification requirements, principles, practices and learning outcomes are universal. And as an added bonus, we are open 6.30am-6.30pm, 51 weeks a year. “With the Start Strong Fee Relief

payment for families being applicable to us from 2023, the government is giving recognition to the preschool and school readiness programs that have been delivered in long day care services for as long as they have been delivered in community-based preschools”, Amy says. “It is a welcome and equitable initiative and we are pleased to be able to offer our families the same subsidised access to our highquality preschool curriculum as our community-based counterparts”. In addition to the existing high-quality preschool program we provide, we are excited to reveal that we are also preparing to implement the literacystrengthening Multi-Lit program “Pre-Lit” – the reading and writing enhancement program adopted by local primary schools that has been modified into a play-based pre-literacy development program to support children’s preparation for literacy learning when they embark on formal schooling.

intro please Bev

Ozzie Roper was diagnosed with lymphoblastic leukaemia at the age of 2, but after finishing treatment he now wants to help others and recently participated in Charlie’s Run for Kids, raising money for families with children going through treatment.

OZZIE ROPER

Hi Ozzie, can you tell us how old you are and what school you go to?

My Name is Ozzie Roper, I’m 8 years old and I go to Tacking Point Public School!

My teacher is Miss Thompson.

What are some of your hobbies and favourite things to do on the weekend?

I love soccer, fishing and swimming. I kind of like running but not really. I’ve been doing a little bit of running lately but it’s not my favourite thing in the world.

Ozzie, you had a very different start to life compared to other children, can you tell us your story?

I did have a little bit of a different start to life to most kids! I was sick when I was 2, I got cancer. No one really knows why I got it and I was a pretty normal kid up to this point. I had a pretty hard time for about a year, but after that it just was a normal part of my life. Kids like me with leukaemia go through years of taking medicine and I had loads of them, too many to count. They saved my life!

You are one very brave and amazing

young man. Are you all better now, what do you have to do to make sure it hasn’t returned?

Thank you so much and yes I’m better! I am not yet considered to be ‘cured’ but I’m pretty sure I’m good now, I don’t reckon it will ever come back. I was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in April 2017 and I completed treatment in August 2019. I still go to the hospital now to have blood tests, it changes all the time. I would visit lots at the beginning but now it’s not so much, maybe every three months. I’ll do anything I can to make sure it never comes back, it’s horrible! I don’t remember much from the early days but I see kids at the hospital who are sick and it’s really horrible.

Ozzie, you recently did Charlie’s Run for Kids, for those who don’t know, what is this run about?

Charlie’s Run for Kids is a group of people who run 150km over 5 days from Seal Rocks to Dudley. They raise money for a couple of families who have children going through treatment, as well as the John Hunter Children’s Hospital. I have been training and raising money to run the last 5km, it’s been a lot of running training. I don’t

really enjoy it much but I love raising money to help them.

Such an amazing achievement, why did you want to do this Run?

I think I just wanted to help, there isn’t really much else you can do. You did some practice for this Run including your first Running Festival in Port, did you love it? How did you feel after the race?

I have run a few times in the Running Festival, but this was the first year I properly trained for it. I felt pretty good, happy to be there. It was pretty hot, but we just kept pushing. I ran with my Dad, I walked twice but not for long. Do you have a list of things you want to do and achieve?

I don’t have a written list, but in my mind I really want to run the 150km one day, or I’d love to be a kid ambassador for Charlie’s Run for Kids. I just want to help other people, those who are having a tough time. So many people helped us, I just wanna give back. I’d also love to meet Latrell Mitchell one day or Mr Beast! Maybe visit Lego Land and go to the Melbourne Zoo!

What do you want to be when you grow up?

When I grow up I’d love to be a software engineer or a game designer, I love computers. I also love to draw and create things and think these two things go well together.

I’ll do anything I can to make sure it never comes back, it’s horrible! I don’t remember much from the early days but I see kids at the hospital who are sick and it’s really horrible.

PORT MACQUARIE ORTHODONTICS

We all know that a beautifully aligned set of teeth provides for a dazzling smile, which in turn, can help to improve self-esteem and levels of confidence. Straight teeth can also help us to chew, bite, and speak effectively.

Some of the most common causes of bad bites are crowded teeth, extra teeth, missing teeth, or jaws that are out of alignment. The reason may be genetic, but it also can be a result of an accident, early or late loss of baby teeth, or even a history of sucking the thumb and fingers. Orthodontics is the specialist field in dentistry that treats, corrects, and prevents these irregularities of the teeth and jaw. There are generally three times for orthodontic treatment:

1. Early Treatment (7-11 years): When adult teeth start to emerge, several gum and teething problems can follow. Crossbite, crowding, tipping of teeth and narrow dental arches are among the most common problems. Early orthodontic

treatment is necessary to correct these and to prevent more serious problems occurring in the future.

2. Adolescent Treatment (12-19 years): Orthodontic treatment with braces or other orthodontic appliances will fully correct any teeth and jaw problems.

3. Adult Treatment (20+ years): Whether you are in your 30s, 40s, 50s, or even in your 60s, you can benefit from orthodontic treatment and achieve the smile you have always desired.

School holidays are a popular time for families to take advantage of the no obligation free consultations available at Port Macquarie Orthodontics. Contact Denise and the team of Treatment Coordinators to discuss your child’s treatment needs.

Triple Thread Learning

MINDS DELICATE

Principal and Director of Delicate Minds Support by Choice Pty Limited, Cindy Newman and her team of therapists focus on providing early intervention therapy and support to families raising neurodivergent children.

The therapists at Delicate Minds, are skilled and qualified to match their expertise. They trust in the process of delivering a unique, compassionate, friendly approach to working holistically with families facing the challenges of navigating daily life raising neurodivergent children.

MEET OUR TEAM:

Cindy Newman – Degree

Qualified Clinical Child and Adolescent Counsellor studying her Masters in Child and Adolescent Mental Health. She is a registered Clinical Member of PACFA, Certified Autplay Provider and qualified facilitator for Tuning In To Kids and Cool Kids / Cool Teen Anxiety Program.

Scott Newman – Support Worker. The person all our clients love. He is particularly skilled in supporting our clients to implement the therapy learnings in our community through creative and joyful experiences.

Sharni Geary – Special Education Teacher working in Behaviour Therapy. Sharni loves working with families in the home, clinic

or school to support them in identifying and implementing behavioural strategies. Sharni facilitates social thinking/social skills group therapy for preschool and primary aged children.

Joss Hewitt - Play Therapist earning her qualifications through the Queensland Institute of Play Therapy. She is also an Occupation Therapy AHA and studying towards her Diploma of Counselling. She is our queen of play and provides amazing, competent knowledge in her play skills.

Tegan Picton - Administration / Office Manger welcoming you into our space with her friendly and positive energy. She is passionate in her role, sharing her love for children and always choosing to warmly interact with our families. Her goal is to let our children’s personalities shine.

Unit 9, 10 Bellbowrie Street

Port Macquarie

Email cindy@delicateminds.net

My name is Jessica and I am a local, experienced English teacher who has brought Triple Thread Learning to Port Macquarie and surrounds. I am dedicated to teaching people to read, write and spell, to advocate for themselves, to find strategies to support their learning and to give people more choices about their future pathways.

What is Triple Thread Learning? We are literacy specialists who are dedicated to research and evidence-based intervention for people with dyslexia and other language difficulties aged 4 years to adults. We tailor our sessions to meet the needs of individuals using the direct, explicit and systematic Multisensory Structured Language (MSL) approach endorsed by the Australian Dyslexia Association. We provide in person therapy at

school, your home or our space, or via zoom online.

Who can benefit from Triple Thread Learning? You do not need a diagnosis to receive support. Red flags include difficulty associating letters with sounds, guessing and memorising words instead of decoding, difficulty with word retrieval, inconsistent spelling, strong verbal vocabulary compared to written output, and extreme fatigue from reading.

How common is tooth decay in children?

Unfortunately, it is more common than many of us imagine. According to the Australian Dental Association (ADA), tooth decay is a preventable disease that affects approximately 40% of primary school children in NSW by age 5 years, increasing to affect around 50% of children by age 9.

Does tooth decay in baby teeth really matter?

Baby teeth may be temporary, but this does not mean they are not important. Decay in baby teeth can cause premature tooth loss and serious infections, with young children having the highest rates of preventable hospitalisation due to dental conditions of any age group. Losing these teeth prematurely can lead to significant space loss in the mouth leading to tooth and jaw alignment issues. Also, as early childhood decay is a strong predictor of tooth decay in permanent teeth, prevention and early intervention is critical in developing a healthy permanent dentition.

How can we help to prevent decay?

Surprisingly prevention can start prior to birth! Parents can pass on harmful oral bacteria to

PORT SMILES discusses optimal TOOTH HEALTH in

children.

their children through normal contact, including resilient bacterial strains responsible for severe gum disease and tooth decay. If parents, ensure they have good oral health prior to the arrival of their children they can limit the negative impact of this transmission. Research shows that good diet and dental hygiene habits developed early in an infant’s life, reduces the risk of tooth decay as they age. Good dietary habits include minimising the exposure to decay causing sugars by not allowing the baby to have a bottle in bed or using it as a pacifier. Throughout all childhood it is wise to limit sugary drinks and snacks, as well as sticky foods that tend to stay retained on the tooth surface and in the grooves of the teeth long after eating. Rinsing with water after snacking is also a great habit and the use of an age appropriate fluoride toothpaste is great! Visiting the dentist or oral health therapist every 6-12months from the time teeth are present in the mouth goes a long way in detecting habits that could be harmful, as well as allow for detection of early decay lesions

that may be reversed with good management. What can a dental practitioner do to help prevent decay and other dental problems?

Regular visits allow for good education and motivation which helps to impart good habits that help prevent oral diseases of all types, as well as assists children in being comfortable in this setting should treatment in the future be required. In some cases intermittent application of high level fluoride varnishes can be used to strengthen vulnerable sites, and preventive procedures such as fissure sealants are sometimes recommended for at risk patients to minimise their risk of decay.

In addition to assisting in the prevention of oral diseases, regular dental visits enable early detection of orthodontic (tooth and jaw alignment) issues, and in some cases airway issues that impact on overall health. This facilitates early intervention ensuring a more ideal outcome in jaw and teeth development. Contact the friendly team at Port Smiles to discuss your child’s tooth needs today.

Research shows that good diet and dental hygiene habits developed early in an infant’s life, reduces the risk of tooth decay as they age.

Wilderness

& CAFE ACTIVITY CENTRE

The Centre has undergone a transformation, inside and out, with a significant investment bringing the Centre up to standard with a new café, toilets, floors, outdoor area and foyer as well as significant renovations to the upstairs OOSHC area. This has also seen us transition away from the ‘Crazy Maze’ brand to our new Wilderness branding to better reflect the values of the organisation with focus on an educational play experience for the activity centre. The centre has a ‘Play for Purpose’ commitment with regular activities centred around conservation. The new theme is brought to life by the beautiful murals by local artists, Leanne Prussing and Michelle Dalton.

Surplus generated from the activities conducted under the Wilderness brand will enable a range of educational outreach services aimed at parents and children under age 12, victims of trauma, Indigenous family health, children with a disability, teenage parents, single parents and or families dealing with financial hardship. The before and after school service is funded through customer fees, the Child Care Subsidy, contributions from the parent company and fundraising and provides a critical childcare service with priority given to the socially and financially disadvantaged members of the community. In 2023, Wilderness Activity Centre & OOSHC Service will move forward with the goal of inclusive play, education and care by

providing inclusive Active Play groups. Our Active Play program will focus on fundamental movement skills through play, sensory integration, and team games. We see this as an opportunity to provide a physical play option for children who may enjoy active movement as an alternative to organised sport. Our renovations and collaboration with Mid North Coast Community College have inspired our multi-functional gathering place for families and the community to connect, play, celebrate and access services to meet their needs. We really appreciate the support we have received from the extended community during this transition and look forward to welcoming new families at both our Activity Centre and OOSHC.

Extending our outreach service to children and families enables us to meet a community need that was identified through our work with disengaged youth and vulnerable adults. A whole person, whole family and whole community pledge is needed.

COURAGE& CURIOSITY

CELEBRATING OVER 10 YEARS OF LUMINOSITY! CAN YOU HELP 10 YOUNG PEOPLE TO ATTEND?

Wishes

IRENE MIFSUD

Irene Mifsud decided to start Hastings Little Wishes in 2022 after working within another charity and wanting to see local families receive quicker and more personal assistance. Hastings Little Wishes raises funds so that they can grant wishes for children living with serious illness. Their next fundraising event will be held on Saturday evening May 27th at Rydges Port Macquarie.

Hi Irene. Can you tell us about when you started Hastings Little Wishes and what your role is?

I have been wanting to start a local charity in our area for many years. I was a volunteer with a national children’s charity for over 10 years holding local fundraising events, attending camps and in the earlier years our local group was in charge of many different family days in the Hastings area. It all started to change with local offices closing and less support for our events and

unfortunately the family fun days stopped. We are so very lucky to have very kind and generous people and businesses in our LGA and I find it very important for them to know exactly where their kindness is going. So finally in August 2022 Hastings Little Wishes was launched. I am President and lead a team of amazing volunteers.

Could you share with us what it is that the charity does and how it all works?

We grant wishes to children and teens up to the age of 17 with serious illness, terminal illness, who are on life long treatment, having regular hospital visits and living with serious side effects for the rest of their life. It is a similar concept to Make A Wish but more personal, less guidelines and wait times. I plan on keeping this charity local supporting families in the Hastings LGA .

What are some examples of the kind of circumstances families have been in when nominated?

Our first wish recipient, 2 year old Eden, has a very rare terminal disease called Lissencephaly (smooth brain) and Savvy, at 4 years of age, was diagnosed with advanced cancer and has been through very tough treatment. We have 2 wishes coming up so far this year.

How can people nominate a family and how is it decided who the recipients are?

We have a nomination form set up on our website www.hastingslittlewishes.com.au . We have a small committee who make this decision

We are so very lucky to have very kind and generous people and businesses in our LGA and I find it very important for them to know exactly where their kindness is going.

but as we grow we plan on having a separate Wish Committee. The online process is easy to navigate and anyone, even a family member of the child can fill this form in.

In what ways have you helped families in the community so far and what are some of the ways you would hope to continue providing support to those in need in the future?

Little Eden and her parents were sent on a wonderful 6 night SeaWorld holiday all costs covered. We approached Port Macquarie Travel and Sonya put together an amazing package for us including SeaWorld resort accommodation, flights, hire car and all theme park tickets. I’m happy to say all went smoothly and beautiful memories were made. Savvy was given a very special Harry Potter themed birthday party after 9 months of gruelling treatment and being away from family and friends. We hired the whole Wilderness Activity Centre PMQ and invited all her special people. All the catering, centre hire and décor were covered by our

fundraising efforts.

What do you enjoy most about being part of Hastings Little Wishes?

Being able to meet our families and seeing the joy we can bring to each wish recipient. Being part of an amazing team of volunteers who give their time and skills so generously. The pride of being a part of such a generous community, who are always so happy to support local children.

Little Eden and her parents were sent on a wonderful 6 night SeaWorld holiday all costs covered. We approached Port Macquarie Travel and Sonya put together an amazing package for us...

Can you tell us how you raise funds to support the cause and how community members can donate?

We are so blessed to have the support of Jackie Lawlor and Amanda Roberts from Rydges Port Macquarie, who have always been my biggest supporters and plan on holding special functions twice a year. Our launch last August raised $28k, a beautiful afternoon event thoroughly enjoyed by all. Unfortunately I got COVID so was unable to attend, but my beautiful volunteers smashed our goal and I could not be more grateful. We are now being recognized and local community groups are kindly donating to our cause. Wauchope

Secondary College

held a day for us donating $250, Indian Sun Candles ran a fundraiser for us raising $300, and Poly and Pip’s Anne Newham, another $150. Small businesses are so amazing here. We also have a donate button on our website, so donations can be made at any time. A massive thank you to your team at Focus for also being such a supporter and sharing our story. For those who are inspired to contribute in some way other than a financial donation, are there any other ways community members can help with this wonderful initiative?

Firstly by following our socials. I will be setting up a volunteer registration form on our website for those who would like to help with functions or wishes. We will send a monthly newsletter to keep all volunteers up to date, they can then decide when they are available. Sponsorship packages will also be added to our site soon. Where can people find out more information or get in touch?

DM on our socials or email us on hastingslittlewishes@outlook.com. You can also call me on 0401 283 555. Our next fundraising event will be held on Sat evening May 27th at Rydges Port Macquarie. A fun Mexican themed night with great music, raffles and 100 club. Follow the link on our socials for tickets or go to Rydges PMQ on FB.

contributor.

FROM MISS MOTIVATOR with RACHEL LEMAN UPDATE focus

LET’S CHAT ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF EXERCISE AS WE AGE.

It is very well documented that exercise throughout every stage of your life is beneficial, but as we age and nature slows us down, there are some things you can do to stay fit and healthy into your golden years.

The documented benefits of regular exercise include:

• maintaining strength and muscle,

• reduce risks of heart disease,

• reduced risk of stroke,

• maintain bone density,

• falls prevention,

• improve energy,

• improve brain function and coordination.

This is important to help improve or maintain quality of life and be able to move through life and enjoy all that life has to offer, for as long as possible. This can also mean maintaining your independence in the home and community.

A recent study from the Alzheimer’s Research & Prevention Foundation found that regular exercise has been shown to reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or

dementia by nearly 50%.

So, we know exercise is great for so many things, but in your senior years you might need to focus on a few key areas to maintain optimal health, avoid injury and overexertion.

We recommend a combination of walking, swimming, jogging, strength, flexibility and  balance training as well as eating a healthy nutritious diet.

Participating in a walking or exercise group through a local community group can provide a great environment to socialise. Socialising while exercising, is a win win, you get your regular exercise session as well as a catch up with friends, you may even enjoy a nice coffee after the session.

Swimming – visit the local pool, one of our amazing beaches or do you have a friend that has a pool you could use.

Regular strength training with or without weights, under the guidance of a trained professional (to help you with correct technique and appropriate load)

is something that can really help with maintaining muscle strength.

Regular stretching or gentle yoga is also really beneficial to keep your body moving, reduce stiffness and soreness. Balance work could be part of your regular strength or stretching routine or added in separately but is really important to include so as to minimise the risk of falls.

It really is a case of move it or lose it in the golden years and it is never to late to make a start and reap the benefits!

At Miss Motivator we offer a safe and welcoming environment for seniors to come and exercise amongst friends. We have classes to suit woman of all ages and stages of life.

SENIORS SPECIAL OFFER

April only – 2 WEEKS for $20 missmotivator.com.au

At Miss Motivator we offer a safe and welcoming environment for seniors to come and exercise amongst friends.

LUX LASER & AESTHETICS IS A

CUTTING-EDGE RESULTS DRIVEN CLINIC

Offering a selection of non-invasive treatments using the latest technologies and techniques. Our core focus is providing total skin health and beauty solutions paired with the highest quality products.

Located in the heart of Port Macquarie, our luxurious, architecturally designed interior creates the perfect ambience for relaxation and rejuvenation.

AT LUX LASER & AESTHETICS, YOU CAN REST ASSURED THAT YOU ARE IN THE BEST HANDS.

Injectables

Skin Treatments

Laser Hair Reduction

Automated Spray Tan Booth Waxing & Tinting

ADVENTURE One More

Tamworth Cultural Tours

Experience

The incredible Tamworth Region

Kootingal Horse riding

Nundle Sheeba Dam

Seniors Living

CEREC

RESTORATIONS

At Sundial Dental CEREC restorations include crowns, inlays, onlays, veneers, multiple tooth bridges, and are also used in dental implants. This technology, which we have been using at Sundial Dental for over 12 years, keeps our patients satisfied and smiling.

What is a CEREC restoration?

A CEREC restoration comes in many forms. It can cover a broken/ chipped/cracked tooth, support or reinforce a weak or filled tooth, strengthen “anchor” teeth for a dental bridge, cover a dental implant or protect a tooth after a root canal procedure; or simply serve a cosmetic function!

finished off with a “temporary crown” placed in your mouth for you to nurse for 1-2 weeks (taking active measures not to bite on it!). All this only to return to your dentist, when your permanent crown becomes ready and available, to spend yet another 30-60 minutes fitting the final product.

We find that our patients appreciate no gooey impressions, no temporary crowns, no second visits or metal fused materials.

What is the difference between a CEREC Crown and a Traditional Crown?

Who among us has had a traditional crown? If you have ever had a traditional crown you might well describe the crown prep as tedious, not to mention the gooey impression that probably made you want to gag, only to be

Today, with the assistance of CAD CAM technology, a CEREC crown can be prepared, milled (while you wait; allowing you to watch the milling process) and fitted, on site in a single visit of about an hour. CEREC crowns are fast, precise, durable and attractive; and your personal restoration is crafted from a block of German porcelain, matched to your natural tooth colour, meaning it looks natural and matches the other teeth. Furthermore, your dentist does not need to remove as much of your tooth surface and structure as would be required if you opted for a traditionally crafted crown, inlay, onlay or veneer due to the the precision of the CAD CAM design. These restorations perfectly match your natural teeth because the CAD

CAM technology scans your original tooth to match your tooth’s original shape and contour making it a perfect fit and a perfect match. CEREC restorations are also metal-free which not only make them more aesthetic but also avoids further complications in the body. This technology is backed by years of documented studies showing that these restorations are here to stay. Plus, patient feedback (remember we have been placing CEREC restorations for over 12 years) is overwhelmingly positive. We find that our patients appreciate no gooey impressions, no temporary crowns, no second visits or metal fused materials. In short, patients are in no hurry to go back to traditional methods. What’s more, a CEREC crown costs no more than your traditional crown; they actually save you time and money when you factor in a second appointment, additional time off work or time spent away from the things you enjoy. So if you, or a loved one, is considering restoring their smile or simply crowning a tooth, why not consider CEREC restoration?

Call the caring team at Sundial Dental to book your consultation today or visit our website www.sundialdental.com.au for more information and a full list of our services. Alternatively call our friendly team and have a chat about CEREC restorations on 6583 3533 / 6585 2015.

The technology that is changing the face of dentistry and the way patients experience dentistry at Sundial Dental. CEREC, synonymous with single visit crowns, is an abbreviation for CERamic REConstruction.

WHY CHOOSE HIGHFIELDS MANOR?

THE TEAM AT HIGHFIELDS MANOR IS DEDICATED TO PROVIDING COMPASSIONATE AND CONSIDERATE CARE AND OUR COMMITMENT TO THIS IS AT THE HEART OF EVERYTHING WE DO.

We know that a decision to move into aged care can be extremely difficult and an emotional time for everyone involved and we are here to make the move as smooth as possible. With experience gained from 30 years in the sector, we tailor our services to each of our residents and their individual needs and wishes.

With a focus on wellness and ‘reablement’, we support our residents to remain active and stay connected with loved ones, family, friends and favourite pastimes. This includes facilitating and supporting any existing relationships which would be defined as partnership in care arrangements.

Residents at Highfields Manor will also have access to a range of holistic services to enhance and improve wellbeing, personalised wellness classes and varied social gatherings and activities.

OUR SERVICES

FIND US IN THE HEART OF PORT MACQUARIE’S HEALTH & EDUCATION PRECINCT

Highfields Manor is located at 1 Highfields Circuit, Port Macquarie just minutes away from Port Macquarie Base Hospital. We are conveniently located close to everything you may need in Port Macquarie with shopping, cafes and local services all just a short drive on our the Highfields Manor bus.

DONNA KIEL DAVIS DENTAL RETURNS TO

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? Port Macquarie has been my home for 25 years, I love the beaches and all the beautiful areas to walk and get out into nature. Taking regular time out to explore up and down the coastline and spending time with my daughters is a fun priority in my life. I am a qualified Reiki practitioner and embrace spirituality into all areas of my life. I have a Diploma in Dental Technology and an Advanced Diploma in Dental Prosthetics which allows me to see patients and make dentures for them. The best part of being a Dental Prosthetist is spending time with my patients. I have met some of the most beautiful people, they all have some great stories and helping them with their denture needs is very rewarding for me.

You are back with Davis Dental which is super exciting. What will you be doing? It is very exciting to now be back at Davis Dental as a Dental Prosthetist and to be able to use all of my knowledge and experience helping people with their denture needs. We have an on-site dental laboratory where our technician Danielle and I will personally fabricate the dentures which will be quick and convenient.

Can you describe your personal style when it comes to your work? Accuracy, Inform and Listen. Every step of denture fabrication in the surgery and in the laboratory is important. To me accuracy in each step leads to an optimal outcome. I also find that educating my patients on what I am doing in each appointment and how it affects the outcome has a positive influence on the functionality and acceptance of the prosthesis as their mind and body connection takes affect. Listening to the patient about their experiences with their old dentures and their new dentures is important to me and definitely helps to avoid and fix possible issues. Our laboratory uses high quality materials and the latest technology to process dentures and when you combine every aspect I do, expect the best possible outcome.

Level 1, 75-77 Clarence Street, Port Macquarie NSW 2444

02 6584 7272

Hours 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday

Regis Port Macquarie

At Regis, we understand that ageing can come with its own set of challenges.

That’s why for the past 30 years, we’ve been dedicated to helping senior Australians find joy and fulfillment in every day. Our permanent and respite care services are designed to meet your unique needs and support you in realising your wellbeing goals.

At Regis Port Macquarie, you can expect to be treated with the utmost respect and dignity. Our caring and compassionate team will work with you to create a personalised care plan that fits your individual needs and preferences.

If you’re looking for a place to call home, where you can live a meaningful life surrounded by people who care, look no further than Regis.

To learn more, please call 1300 998 100 or visit regis.com.au.

| 1300 998 100

Regis Port Macquarie

10 Sherwood Road, Port Macquarie NSW 2444

SCAN

love Story KERRY AND JAMES

LOCAL AGED CARE RESIDENCE, REGIS PORT MACQUARIE, IS PROUD TO SHARE THE LOVE STORY OF THEIR RESIDENT JAMES, AND HIS WIFE KERRY.

Alove story about the power of love, adventure, and innovation. They met at a dating night in Sydney, where James entertained the crowd with his classical guitar, and Kerry was captivated. The two fell in love and started dating immediately. James, an adventurous person, invited Kerry to see the yacht he was building from scratch. What started as a simple invitation would lead to the start of their fruitful journey.

The couple spent most of their dating years building the yacht together and enjoyed this quality time on a passion project of theirs. After eventually selling the yacht years later, Kerry and James started a family and moved off-grid to a farm in western NSW, where James restored over 90 cars, particularly VW Beetles, to supplement their income from sheep farming.

During this time, James became interested in fruit grafting and started experimenting with his findings. He successfully grafted an old tree in the yard, not with just one fruit variety but with an assortment of 30

different fruits from the same family. Thus, "The Fruit Salad Tree" was born.  Kerry and James founded the Fruit Salad Tree, a company that sells trees with multiple fruit varieties grafted onto them. James' innovative approach to fruit grafting has been featured in many home and garden magazines. Today, Kerry and their children run the company with James' vision in mind.

At a recent Valentine's Day celebration at Regis Port Macquarie, where James now resides, employees supported the couple to ensure that they could spend this romantic day together.

A high tea was put on for the couple so that they could honour their love and connection with each other.

Regis Port Macquarie General Manager, Jennifer Phillips shares, “it was a pleasure for our team to set up a romantic date for our resident James and his lovely wife Kerry. It’s always special to see how strong their

connection is after many years of marriage and we loved learning more about their life.”

“Kerry and James’ love story is a shining example that love is the one thing that connects us all.”

James also revealed that he has discovered novel and creative methods to stay in touch with Kerry and his family while residing at Regis Port Macquarie. One of these methods involves utilising his "virtual assistant" to engage in video calls, thereby enabling him to maintain regular communication with his loved ones when they aren’t visiting in person.

Regis offers a diverse range of care options including residential aged care, home care, retirement living, day therapy and day respite. Regis is one of the largest providers of aged care in Australia and cares for more than 7,000 residents each year.

It’s always special to see how strong their connection is after many years of marriage and we loved learning more about their life.

The Glasshouse Port Macquarie presents ‘An Afternoon At The Proms’. A promenade of formal special guests in an afternoon of magnificent entertainment. Bring your flags!! Bring your noise-makers and come join the fun and frivolity for the most exciting concert of the year, The Proms Spectacular. This stunning spectacular salutes the famous BBC Proms Concerts of London’s Royal Albert Hall. Join one of Australia’s Multi Award Winning musicians and Gala MC, Ian Cooper, as he presents Opera Australia Stars, a Pipe Band and The Blue Danube Orchestra under

the baton of Conductor Glenn Amer. Enjoy the 2023 program, Love is a Many Splendored Thing, Mario Lanza’s, The Loveliest Night of the Year, Stranger in Paradise and beautiful selections from South Pacific.

The Governor Macquarie

Memorial Pipe Band salutes the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and will also perform many classics with the Orchestra. An Afternoon At The Proms is on - Saturday 3 June - 2.00 pm - 4.30pm

- Tickets available at the Glasshouse, Port Macquarie.

Dementia rates in Australia continue to rise with it now overtaking heart disease as the leading cause of disease burden* among Australians aged 65 and over, according to a report from the Australian Institute of Health & Welfare (AIHW).

The report says that in 2022, over 400,000 Australians were living with dementia, a number that is expected to double over the next 30 years.

Locally, the Port Macquarie state electorate has the second highest prevalence rate for dementia in Australia. In response to this need, St Agnes’ Catholic Parish, through its aged care service provider St Agnes’ Care & Lifestyle, has commenced building Emmaus Village, a residential community based on a proven, innovative model of care specific to the needs of people with dementia.

St Agnes’ Care & Lifestyle Executive Manager for Residential Care, Paul Shields says the Emmaus Village model is designed to cater to the specific needs of individuals living with dementia.

“The model helps residents with the behaviours associated with dementia, normalise their living within a community environment, and slow the onset of the condition,” Mr Shields said.

“Broadly, I believe the aged care industry will be looking at adopting this approach to care in the long term and move away from the traditional nursing home model,” he added. Paul Shields said that during the construction phase of Emmaus Village, the project team has been working with organisations such as Dementia Australia and the Dementia Friendly Community Alliance (DFCA) - Port Macquarie, to seek input into the design and fitout of the Village.

A focus group involving DFCA and the Emmaus Village Project Team convened on Wednesday 1 March, the third in a series of sessions to gather ideas and feedback about the project. DFCA Chair Margaret Allen said members were keen to contribute to the project.

“So far our members, some of whom are living with dementia, provided input on the design of garden areas, signage, kitchen fittings and appliances, pathways, acoustic issues, building colours and windows,” Ms Allen said.

“It is very exciting to be involved in the co-creation of such an innovative project that is based locally,” she added.

It is anticipated that the focus groups will continue in the leadup to the opening of Emmaus Village in late 2023.

*The term “disease burden” applies to the loss of healthy life through injury, illness or premature death.

Further information on the AIHW report is available at: aihw.gov.au/reports/dementia/ dementia-in-aus/contents/about

The model helps residents with the behaviours associated with dementia, normalise their living within a community environment, and slow the onset of the condition.

St Agnes’ Care & Lifestyle’s

Maureen

FRENCH

Maureen French decided to give stand up comedy a go at nearly 70 years of age. She entered Deadly Funny and has won the NSW Finals the past 2 years, and was invited to appear at the Melbourne Comedy Festival both times. Her sense of humour is gorgeously silly and relatable, and now that she calls Wauchope home we are hoping we get to hear more from her!

Hi Maureen. When did you first become interested in stand up comedy? I don’t remember a time in my life when I didn’t love stand up comedy. I grew up watching Morecambe and Wise, Abbott and Costello, The 2 Ronnies. I was always the class clown and I’ve always loved that rush of adrenalin when people laugh at what I’ve said. It was probably a coping mechanism, being a chubby kid I learnt very early that making people laugh deflected from my physical being. Happily, I was never bullied. You worked for 50 years as a nurse, what made you decide to give stand up comedy a go and how have your years as a nurse influenced your routines? I loved nursing, I still miss it. Fifty years of it gave me a lifetime of funny stories. Most nurses have a great sense of humour, you have to or you would end up in therapy. I worked in theatre in anaesthetics, and most days were filled with laughter. If only those poor patients knew what we talked about. Number 1 unwritten rule was that our humour was never directed at them. Three years ago I went on a 4 day comedy cruise with 10 friends that I have been close to since 1957 when we started kindy together. On the last night there was a gong show for passengers to have a go at stand up. I had never done it before and I had nothing prepared. My friends dared me to get up, and I ended up winning. Three professional comedians gave me scores of 10 and one gave me 9! Bob Down was the main comedian on board and he came up to me later and asked if I had ever done stand up before. When I said no, he said I should seriously think about it, and here I am! Can you tell us about some of your comedic influences? I love strong, female comedians. Kitty Flanagan is my favourite. Lucille Ball has to be one of the best in the field, along with Carol Burnett and Judith Lucy. These are women who are not afraid to be outrageously silly, but never nasty. I don’t like comedy that is too sexual or nasty, it’s not necessary, it just makes people uncomfortable. How has your indigenous identity informed your comedy? Growing up in

the 50’s, aboriginal people were mainly anonymous. They tended to be seen as shy, docile and avoided eye contact with white people. In fact that could not be further from the truth, this was only what was expected of us. We are actually a very funny mob. There is now a yearly competition called Deadly Funny for Aboriginal Comedians. The last 2 years I have won the NSW Finals, and was invited to appear at the Melbourne Comedy Festival both times. We are good storytellers, this is how our history has been passed down from our elders. Can you describe your process for crafting a new comedy routine? Most comedians I know write their material down, I don’t, it’s all in my head. I’m one of those lucky people that remembers things easily. Even as an ‘A’ student I never studied, nursing included. I get my material from all sorts of ideas. A lot from nursing of course, but also from small, seemingly innocuous everyday things that I see. I then build that into a larger, sillier story. As my Mother used to say, “don’t let the truth get in the way of a good story”. How do you engage with your audience during a live performance? I actually like the house lights up when I do a show. I love to see and interact with my audience, we feed off each other. Sometimes if I see someone looking as though they have been dragged there, I’ll hone in on them. It usually works, they come around.

Can you tell us about a particularly memorable performance you’ve had in your career? This is an easy question for me. 18 months ago I did a tour of the Northern Rivers. I was still living in Sydney then, so did not know a lot of the history of the towns. I did 3 shows in Bowraville, a time in my life that I will never forget. Back in the past, aboriginal people were not allowed to enter the Bowraville Theatre by the front door, they had to wait until all of the white people had entered, then they entered via the back door and sat under the bleachers. In 1965, Charles Perkins took a busload of black and white university students from Sydney to Bowraville on what was called the Freedom Ride. They tried to enter the theatre via the front door but were stopped and beaten. The Mayor of

Bowraville went on television and said “the only good black is a dead black”. This event was seen in Sydney via TV and newspapers and thankfully caused an uproar. It was seen as the catalyst for change. Two weeks after I arrived home from the tour, I received a beautiful painting commissioned by the Elders of Bowraville with a note thanking me for bringing back the laughter to Bowraville. What advice would you give to aspiring comedians, or anyone wanting to give stand-up a go? I would never in a million years think that I would now be doing stand up at the age of 71. I am fortunate that I have never had a problem standing in front of a large crowd and speaking. However, not everyone can, but if you feel self conscious but would really like to do it, start off trying it out on your friends. You’ve probably been doing this for years anyway because you feel comfortable with them. Then look up comedy clubs that have an open mic night. This is where anyone who wants to, can do a 3 minute gig. Imagine you’re talking to your friends, and remember, you’ll never see this audience again!

Can you tell us about the role of humour in healing and community-building within indigenous cultures? Racism is still alive in Australia, that’s the ugly truth! But we’ve come a long way since I was a child and waited in the car with my Dad while my Mum went into the school to vote because he wasn’t allowed to. The vote came in for Aboriginals 2 years after he died at the age of 42 from complications of malaria he acquired in the jungles of New Guinea during WW2. He could fight for the country he loved, but not vote. You probably wonder what this little anecdote has to do with humour in healing, well, I have seen many leaps forward since then. We do look you in the eye, we do have aboriginal doctors, lawyers, actors, politicians. And you do see us, and I honestly think you are starting to learn from us. Education of our mob is the key to opening the future. Stay at school, get off welfare and hold your heads up high!! Show the world how bloody funny you are. When we laugh at the absurdity of life, we finally start to understand ourselves xx

LEGAL Light

PRIEST LEGAL with ALAN PRIEST

DIVING DEEP INTO SWIMMING POOL LEGISLATION by Alan Priest

Did you know that if you want to sell your house and it has a swimming pool you must have attached to the contract a certificate from the local council? It must state that either the pool complies with the appropriate regulations (e.g. in relation to fencing, gate latches and clearances from vegetation etc) or a certificate of non-compliance which states what is required to make the pool compliant. If the pool is non-compliant, the law requires that it be made compliant within 12 months. But what if neither seller or buyer wants to go to the expense of making the pool compliant? It may be that both parties know what needs to be done and the seller has happily enjoyed the pool as it is, the buyer is also happy with the pool as it is and thinks the work required to make it compliant will spoil the visual appearance of the pool.

In a recent Supreme Court case that was exactly the situation. The parties agreed, by means of a special condition in their contract of sale, that the pool would stay as it was and the purchaser would not object to the fact that no Swimming Pool Certificate was attached to the contract or that the swimming pool was non-compliant.

However, in the 6 week period between the date of the contract and the intended settlement date, the purchaser decided that he no longer wanted to go ahead with the purchase of the house for reasons that had nothing to do with the swimming pool and he refused to complete the sale, notwithstanding the special condition in the contract.

The purchaser relied on the fact that there was no Swimming Pool Certificate attached to the contract and as a consequence alleged he was entitled to terminate the contract and recover the deposit he had paid.

For his part, the seller of the house pointed to the express written condition in the contract by which the buyer agreed that he knew the pool was non-compliant but would raise no objection to that fact or to the absence from the contract of the Swimming Pool Certificate.

The purchaser relied on the fact that there was no Swimming Pool Certificate attached to the contract and as a consequence, alleged he was entitled to terminate the contract and recover the deposit he had paid.

Certificate be attached to the contract was a requirement that the parties themselves could not exclude by inserting the special condition in the contract. Even though they both knew the position in relation to the pool, the parties could not contract out of the law which required the attachment of the Swimming Pool Certificate and the purchaser was entitled to escape the contract and recover the deposit he had paid.

There are many laws which apply unless the parties otherwise expressly agree that they are not to apply to their particular transaction, but the situation in relation to swimming pools is one in which the need for the attachment of the certificate is mandatory and it could not be avoided by a clause in the contract.

Unfortunately for the seller, the Court held that the requirement for a Swimming Pool

If you are buying or selling a property, come and see our experienced solicitors and licensed conveyancers at Priest Legal.

P: 6583 1777; www.priestlegal.com.au

FROM

GLEN-HOLMES

Congratulations and well done to all those businesses that have taken the time to enter the 2023 Coastline Credit Union Greater Port Macquarie Business Awards. I hope that this gave you an opportunity to take time to have a good look at your business and help towards your plans for the year ahead. We can see from the many nominations that we received that your clients really appreciate the services that you offer. I look forward to seeing all of our entrants at our Movie Night on the 27th April thanks to one of our sponsors Majestic Cinemas and the evening is sponsored by Port Medical Aesthetics Clinic. Now the judging process begins. For this section, we have a number of independent judges, many from outside the area to ensure total transparency and fairness. I look forward to being able to announce the successful finalists.

It’s now time to organise your teams to book tickets for the Gala Dinner on Saturday, 20th May. Tickets are on sale from 19 April.

April is Mental Health Awareness Month and we are hosting a breakfast on 20th April sponsored by Linked Community

Services to be held at Westport Club. We will be delving into this important issue that affects all of us, our families and our teams. Join us for this informative morning. Are you a business owner and/or director of your company?  Do you currently sit on a company board or are you looking to be a valuable member of a board?  Would you be open to participating in the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) course to be held in Port Macquarie later this year? We have joined forces with AICD to bring the highly acclaimed Company Directors Course to Port Macquarie.  The course will be offered in a 5-day block held in August to September depending on availability of the AICD faculty. If you would be interested in attending this course, please email Katherine at executive@businesspmq.com. au for more information.

Hastings Business Women’s Network is hosting their inaugural race day at the Port Macquarie Race Club on Sunday 23rd April from 12pm. Come dressed in your best and enjoy a fun filled day with music, food and

TAB facilities will be available. All money raised will go towards helping HBWN supported charities in our local area.

A big thank you to Gary King from Integer IT, Sophos, Charles Sturt University and Oxley Insurance Brokers for your collaboration for a very successful, informative and topical presentation on Cyber Security on 2 March. We have had many ask whether we can run this again as an evening event. If this is of interest to you please let myself or Katherine know via email on executive@businesspmq.com. au and we can then make arrangements for this to happen again.

We would like to wish you, your teams and your families a happy and safe Easter and hopefully you can take a few days to recharge after what has been a very busy start to the year.

Our Quote for the month – “If we did all the things we were capable of, we would astound ourselves” – Thomas Edison. Have a great month.

withALEX

focus contributor.

Alex

If we did all the things we were capable of, we would astound ourselves”

– Thomas Edison.

CAMPUS CONVERSATIONS

FROM

CHARLES STURT UNIVERSITY with KATE WOOD-FOYE

Taylah Debreceny

Taylah Debreceny is an emerging national weightlifting superstar and third year physiotherapy student who is shining bright on the national stage. As a member of the Charles Sturt Elite Athlete and Performer Program she is putting in the hard yards and striving to bring it home for Australia as an Olympic Weightlifter and become a practising physiotherapist.

Taylah, you are a third year physiotherapy student at the Port Macquarie campus - what drove you to pursue study and a career in physiotherapy?

I competed in lots of sports when I was younger, so I have seen lots of physiotherapists due to injuries, they have a special way of motivating people to help them get better and I’ve always loved that they use movement as medicine. The first time I met a physiotherapist was when I hurt my back training at 16. In only a few weeks I went from barely being able stand up because of pain, to back to training because of the help of my physiotherapist. This experience made me want to become a physio so I can help people who were in a similar situation recover and get back to doing what they love.

Alongside your study you are excelling in the elite sport of Olympic weightlifting –can you tell us a little about your journey into lifting and your ultimate goal?

I started doing CrossFit when I was 15 in Wauchope where I learnt how to do the snatch and clean and jerk. I competed in my first Olympic Weightlifting Comp less than a year ago, obtaining the combined lifts to qualify me for the NSW team at the under 23 Australian Championships. Shortly after my first competition I decided to go all in with my training, making the hard decision to quit CrossFit. Competing on the NSW team we travelled to Perth where I placed 7th in my weight class. I recently competed in my first

comp for the year, obtaining qualification for the under 23 Nationals and Senior State Championships with the guidance of my amazing coach Izzy from Uplift Gym. My goal right now is qualifying to compete for Australia and hopefully becoming an Australian Champion one day.

You have been accepted into the Charles Sturt Elite Athlete and Performer Program that provides additional support and flexibility to those studying. How do you juggle the demands of study and competing at a national level?

University can be a very full-on time, and trying to balance it with travelling for competitions and training three hours a day can be very difficult. Having the Elite Athlete and Performer Program at Charles Sturt allows me to not stress about exams when I’m competing. Being able to stay at home while studying has really helped me, as I have such a strong support system which gives me the ability to focus on study and training and not worry about other things while in competition season.

The extra flexibility and support offered to so many athletes across Charles Sturt campuses includes offering an ability to study some courses online, special consideration for admission, options to apply for Elite Athlete and Performer Program scholarships, additional flexibility for assignment extensions when competing, access and tailored study plans and academic support.I also am able to use the University gyms and sporting facilities and get access to Uni Nationals representation subsidies.

What do you hope to share with your patients when you are fully qualified? How can physiotherapists make a difference in our community?

My goal is to work in sport specific physiotherapy in the future, working with athletes that want to return to sport after an injury. I hope to share my love for movement with my future patients, the human body is an incredible thing, and it has the ability to do some amazing things. Giving future patients the ability to pursue elite performance without the fear of injury or re-injury holding them back is something I’m really passionate about. Any advice for those wanting to study and maintain their passion for competitive sport?

It takes discipline and focus but it is definitely worth it. Finding a schedule that suits your study, training and competing will set you up for success. There are so many people who successfully study and do a competitive sport. I believe studying physiotherapy has actually made me a better athlete. It’s given me tools I can use to manage my own injuries, recovery and nutrition. It’s been an exciting journey so far and I’m keen to see where my studies and sport can take me.

Thanks Taylah.

For more details on the Elite Athlete and Performer Program - https://www.csu.edu.au/ current-students/support/elite-athletes

GUUL ABAA

place of koala

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ken, why is this project important to you?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HAVE YOU NOTICED WHAT’S HAPPENING AT BELLBOWRIE PARK BUSINESS CENTRE LATELY?

There’s some new exciting businesses and some old favourites. Conveniently located close to Settlement City and with plenty of easy parking, Bellbowrie Park Business Centre is definitely worth a look.

PC Pitstop

PC Pitstop is an approachable IT business and computer shop that helps you and your business or family embrace technology each and every day.

We provide proactive business IT Solutions, computer and Apple Mac repairs, data recovery, new and refurbished laptop computers, as well as custom built computers for gaming and work power users. Serving the Port Macquarie area for over 25 years, PC Pitstop’s multi award winning edge is exceptional customer service

and dedicated support.

Serving the Port Macquarie area for over 25 years, PC Pitstop’s multi award winning edge is exceptional customer service and dedicated support.

It’s a smile as clients walk in the door, it’s calling you back when we say we will, it’s patience and understanding when you need support fast - PC Pitstop prides itself on their reliability, innovation, and professional staff who speak in easy to understand terms. It’s why we’re still the most trusted name for business IT support and computer repairs in Port Macquarie.

Address: Unit 2 Bellbowrie Park Business Centre, Port Macquarie

Phone: 6584 1551

Email: port@pcpitstop.com.au

Nearly 30 exciting businesses call Bellbowrie Park Business Centre home. DISCOVER THEM TODAY.

Football Mid North Coast

Football Mid North Coast is a member zone of Northern NSW Football & administers football competitions from Bulahdelah in the south to South West Rocks in the north and west to Gloucester, Wauchope and Kempsey.

Football Mid North Coast has more than 6000 players at community club level across 31 member clubs with players from 5 years old to adult age groups, and over 250 high performance players registered, playing in the Premier Youth and National Premier League Competitions. In summer we run a junior six a side comp and looking to introduce walking football to the area in the future.

Football in the area is overseen by a board of directors and all operations are conducted from our office here at Bellbowrie Park. Contact us for all football enquiries.

Address: Unit 24 Bellbowrie Park Business Centre

Port Macquarie

Phone: 6585 0351

Email: admin@footballmidnorthcoast.com

Opening Hours: 9am to 4pm weekdays

Holiday Coast

TOURS

Holiday Coast Tours is your local tour operator offering coach tours from 1 (one) day to a trip of a lifetime – 54 days around Australia.

Operating for over 22 years – 19 from the Bellbowrie Park area – Holiday Coast Tours is locally owned and operated. We cater for all community, social and school groups as well as further afield. We have been the preferred carrier for Linga Longa Holidays based in Yarrawonga – a real success story! Capably managed by Anne-Marie Cecil, our office is open 4 days a week, Monday to Thursday. Drop in to Unit 25 or contact us on (02) 6583 8669. email admin@holidaycoasttours.com.au or on our website www.holidaycoasttours.com.au for all your tour requirements. Happy touring is our aim.

Address: Unit 25 Bellbowrie Park Business Centre Port Macquarie

Phone: 6583 8669

Email: admin@holidaycoasttours.com.au

Website: holidaycoasttours.com.au

Come in to Bellbowrie Park Business Centre to discover these and many other businesses and services

Illuminate

with KATE WOOD-FOYE

COREY TUTT OAM

Corey Tutt, OAM is the ultimate game changer for First Nations youth inspiring a love for STEM education in regional and remote communities - celebrating our First Scientists. Now a Port Macquarie local, this Kamilaroi man discovered a passion for STEM and dreamt of being a zookeeper in high school. In 2018, as a young research assistant at the University of Sydney, Corey founded DeadlyScience, a not-for-profit organisation providing science books and telescopes to remote schools, connecting young Indigenous people with mentors to encourage participation and careers in STEM. In 2020, Corey was named NSW Young Australian of the Year and a Human Rights Hero by the Australian Human Rights Commission. Corey has gone on to make an international imprint speaking at Harvard and Oxford universities. In 2021, DeadlyScience received the Australian Museum Eureka STEM Inclusion Prize. Last year, Corey received an OAM for service to Indigenous STEM education and was recently awarded a Westpac Fellowship. In July this year he will appear on the main-stage at Luminosity Youth Summit to inspire young people across the Mid North Coast.

Corey, you are a game changer and connector with an obvious passion and energy to pass on and celebrate your love of science and First Nations culture and wisdom.  How does the journey go from research lab tech to running a national NFP impacting thousands of young regional and remote First Nations children across the country?  Where and why did it all begin?

When I was little, living in regional and remote Australia, I had to move around alot due to my family circumstances, things were often disconnected and there wasn’t much to do. During this time I discovered a love of animals. My pop gave me a book called Reptiles in Colour by Dr Harold Cogger. This book would really spark a lifelong passion for wildlife. When I was 16 and asked by my careers advisor what I wanted to do when I left school, I said I wanted to be just like Harry Butler or Dr Cogger - failing that just a zoo keeper would do! I was told that I had better stick to a trade or I would end up in jail or dead by 20. I had to overcome a lot of adversity as a young person and that left me with a point to prove when people doubted my abilities. I left school at 16 and went to Western Australia where I worked in the now defunct Roo Gully before becoming a zookeeper at Shoalhaven Zoo. Soon after my best friend passed away and I was a bit lost – I packed myself up and went Alpaca shearing for three years. I also worked for the RSPCA graduating from animal attendant to dog rehabilitator and occasional sheep shearer. I then took on a role

with the Animal Welfare League - it was this exact moment I realised I really wanted to pursue science. I accepted and completed a traineeship with the Garvan Institute of Medical Research. Eventually I found myself at the University of Sydney where I was able to lead the genetic management of modified organisms. In 2018 I started to feel a little bored in my role and wanted to see how I could give back to communities in Redfern and Waterloo. I volunteered with another charity unofficially, (on the invite from a friend who worked there), and was completely shocked to see no STEM careers were being encouraged for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children - this was when DeadlyScience was born! I conducted regular science talks at the University with between 40 to 60 kids who volunteered to participate in my “yarns” where questions were answered and ideas shared. It wasn’t without its challenges - we had to move out of USyd and relocate to Redfern to conduct the talks in a park.

The interest the city kids showed in the STEM talks spurned another idea - if these urban kids loved it what was being done in remote communities and what are the schools like? Do they teach science? Do they have the right resources and facilities?

To my complete shock I found schools with as little as 15 books in their entire school, some of which had no STEM resources and again it wasn’t accessible. So I decided to do something about it. I dropped $1000 at Dymocks and sent books off originally then it morphed into much more elaborate STEM equipment.

THE GUTS, GRIT AND GROUNDWORK OF REMARKABLE REGIONAL ENTREPRENEURS, INNOVATORS, LEADERS AND GAME CHANGERS.

To support the project, I took up a second job and almost a third job to help cover the costs. Luckily, I was convinced to start a Go Fund Me campaign which raised $250,000 in 18 months.

I took a role at the Matilda Centre studying the impacts of crystal methamphetamine and other illicit substances in our First Nations Communities. I helped design and build the “Cracks in the Ice” Indigenous platform which provides information and better understanding of the impacts of Ice on families and health workers, whilst also supporting the person behind the substance. I continued this role until June last year as DeadlyScience started to grow beyond the point of a side project and I had to make the difficult choice between a job I loved and Deadly Science.

When did you realise that the Deadly Science idea could have a real impact on a national scale?

The moment I realised it was a lot bigger than a random guy (ie me!) sending resources to communities, was when an Elder called me and asked me ”How much do we owe you for these resources? Our school can’t afford this.” I of course replied .. nothing! He later invited me to their community and we have remained close friends ever since. When that first school turned into 40 schools in a few weeks I realised that this was a space so much in need. I couldn’t give up - no matter how hard or challenging DeadlyScience would become - we have communities and DeadlyScientists depending on this thing I built in my spare room.

What are the pinnacle or pivotal moments that have marked or changed the course of your journey with Deadly Science?

I am very lucky to have many stories leading to my “Why”. The charity space can be challenging, you must have a presence online and being a single founder can be difficult. You often feel isolated and exposed personally because whether you like it or not, you are the face of the charity. This can lead to challenges from racial abuse online to facing personal burnout.

I am blessed to be able to make a difference. There was this young kid who had a severe disability and it was his dream to see the stars, so I made a promise to him that I would get him a telescope. Unfortunately, despite my best efforts I couldn’t find one and it broke me. How could we have inclusiveness in STEM if we aren’t creating and building the resources for these kids?

The frustration forced me to find an alternative solution - purchasing a galaxy projector online. I said “Hey did you know we are all made of stardust?” Together we would flick the lights off and project the stars all around him - that smile is something I will never forget. We kept in touch sending cards and face-time over the next few years. Last Christmas I found the ultimate projector which had 40 different settings. Sadly it was returned to my house because he had since passed away. I got through that remembering that moment I created happiness for that child and made him feel a part of something bigger. I would trade it all away to ensure every student feels that happiness with DeadlyScience.

How has your business/leadership style evolved from those early days until now?

I have had to let some things go. Being a founder, I have to accept that I have to now grow beyond the guy who does everything himself. Although much to the dismay of our Board you will still catch me packing the boxes full of Lego or books or moving pallets around to pack our resources.

You are a mentor for many in regional, national and First Nations communities. How important are mentors in your journey and what is the most valuable lesson/s they have taught you?

I fully believe that you can’t be what you can’t see. For me I had some amazing mentors, from

Paul Sinclair who was a spider keeper at Taronga, to an Alpaca Shearer named James who most likely saved my life as a young fella. To my older sister who really cared and looked after me as a kid. The most valuable lesson I was taught was to practice kindness. It’s free and you have more to gain by being kind in business and in life.

What does your Order of Australia Medal mean to you?

It meant everything to take my Mum and sister and Aunt to the ceremony. We don’t come from too much and I think every Mum or Dad deserves to see their children honoured in that way, so I was super proud and thankful. What do you hope to achieve with your Westpac Fellowship?

I hope to grow beyond DeadlyScience with the Westpac Social Change Fellowship to invest in my development as a social change maker to allow me to invest more in others long term. I hope to spend time with leaders and do a number of courses to grow my skillset and also give DeadlyScience breathing space from me, because I have always been the guy who is the face and founder of it.

What can we expect from you at Luminosity?

I am so excited to inspire, innovate and encourage curiosity about STEM at the summit and connect with all the people involved. It’s a great thrill and honour to be doing something locally as I often have to travel to connect with people. To be able to inspire young people at home in Port is amazing I am just so excited and grateful for the opportunity.

How important is connection to country and culture to delivering on the Deadly Science Mission?

It is so important – I am a proud Kamilaroi man and our people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, were the first scientists of this country. You just need to look at the bush medicine and astronomy knowledge to see how advanced our mob are.

What is your advice to someone wanting to make positive change in their community by establishing a social enterprise?

Be brave, be Deadly and more importantly be kind to yourself. Start small and make sure you share the good things you’re doing so people can join in and help you along the journey.

Willing & ABLE

WILLING AND ABLE BUILDING COMMUNITY TIES

The presence of Willing and Able in the community is already strong, but the extent of what we do and what we can offer is not as well-known as we would like it to be. So 2023 for us is all about looking for ways to strengthen our community ties, share our good news stories and services and give back to a community that is so loyal and supportive of us.

April sees us as the Proud Sponsor for a Race at the Hastings Business Women’s Network Inaugural Race Day. All proceeds will go to HBWN community beneficiaries.

Bring on our Biggest Morning Tea in May supporting the NSW Cancer Council and ensuring our team are involved, informed and supported.

In June part of the management team, Penny, Linda and Natalie, are throwing themselves into the challenge quite literally, by committing to the Leaders Leap in which they will be abseiling down McDonalds Jones Stadium in Newcastle to support the vital work that

So 2023 for us is all about looking for ways to strengthen our community ties, share our good news stories and services and give back to a Community that is so loyal and supportive of us.

the Westpac Rescue Helicopter provide and demonstrating Willing and Able’s commitment to the local community. We can’t wait to see what the second half of the year brings for us!

For more information about the work of this invaluable local organisation and the services Willing & Able offers, visit willingandable.org.au/

PENNY GENERAL MANAGER LINDA SERVICES MANAGER

NATALIE FINANCE & HR MANAGER

Abode

SOVEREIGN HILLS

SOVEREIGN HILLS

DISPLAY VILLAGE

The simplicity of style… Contemporary inspiration for your abode.

Contemporary style is constantly evolving as each decade passes, there are however some elements which never change. To learn more about this popular trend, look no further than our York Street display village, where space, shape and the art of subtle sophistication abound.

Airy light-filled living spaces, open layouts, large windows and striking clean lines remain highlights of contemporary home designs and interiors.

Live in the 'now'...

To achieve the sleek and fresh look of a contemporary home, it's important to be guided by some of these basic rules.

Contemporary homes feature uncluttered spaces, smooth, clean lines and the deliberate use of texture. While timeless neutral, black and white interiors are often used as a base, you can add pops of contrasting colour with standout furniture and soft furnishings.

Less is more when everything has a place. Interiors tend to showcase space rather than things, and sleek, thoughtful, hidden details emphasise an edited aesthetic.

Contemporary style offers an 'everything in its place' interior featuring designs that are high on function and simplicity and low on collections and fuss.

SORENSEN CALDON FERRIS BUILDERS’ COTTLESLOE DESIGN FEATURES AN OPEN FLOOR PLAN MAXIMISING SPACE AND FLOW

PYCON HOMES & CONSTRUCTIONS SLEEK WARATAH DESIGN IS BRIMMING WITH NATURAL MATERIALS

If you value functionality, efficiency and a streamlined aesthetic, this style is the one for you.

-

Shine a light on your style... naturally

Almost all contemporary houses share common design elements such as tall, irregularly shaped windows, often placed nonsymmetrically to help aid the extensive use of natural light.

Think open planned, when living comes to mind

Contemporary house design embraces outdoor space, with an open floor plan and minimal doors and walls. In keeping with today's lifestyles, the design is functional and flexible. Many feature movable exterior walls and a flexible layout to connect the indoors and outdoors.

Shaped to impress from first sight a distinctive element of contemporary style is strong visible lines, whether straight vertical or horizontal, or even curved shapes. The line is found in architectural details, such as asymmetrical facades, the use of bold colour blocks and high ceilings.

‘Must have’ elements for creating a contemporary chic interior

Flooring:

- Bare and smooth with textured rugs

- T imber and polished concrete work particularly well

Furniture/Styling:

Simple and uncluttered

- Sofas and chairs have exposed legs

- Soft furnishings add colour and texture

- Go basic, bold and structural

- Avoid busy prints

- Stick to larger plant and flower arrangements

For more contemporary home inspiration visit the Sovereign Hills Display Village today.

York Street, Sovereign Hills sovereignhills.com.au

ADENBROOK HOMES’ DESIGN GALLERY IS CHARACTERISED BY CLEAN, SIMPLE LINES AND SHAPES

HOTONDO HOMES’ MASTER ENSUITE FEATURES CLEAN LINES AND TEXTURE

STROUD HOMES’ LIGHT-FILLED ELWOOD DISPLAY HOME

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

THE ALL - NE W LEXU S RX

C omp let el y reim a gined, t he al l -n ew L exu s RX foll ows not hi n g el s e. Fronte d by a rebellious spindle body, it mirrors nothing else. Delivering driving dynamics so scintillating, especially that of the first ever RX 500h F SPORT Per formance Hybrid, it moves like nothing else. And with a driver-focussed cabin and intuitive interface centred around an expansive 14 inch touchscreen display, it feels like nothing else. This is the luxury SUV that defies convention, just as you do. Be no one else in the all-new Lexus RX. Arriving soon.

LEXU S RX