Port Macquarie Focus i106 by Focus

Feature Story

GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

September 2014 // issue 106

Kitty Flanagan

Truly great stories often begin somewhere special. At Adenbrook Homes, we believe that one of our thoughtfully designed and carefully built homes will be your special place. From inviting outdoor entertaining areas ideal for every occasion to the sanctuary of stunning bedrooms and retreats, your own great story will unfold before your eyes.

Grant’s and Carolyn’s Story We had a fantastic experience building with Adenbrook; nothing was a problem and we ended up with a quality home to be proud of. From the initial meeting right through to construction completion, Adenbrook’s staff and tradespeople – especially the site foreman – were fantastic and very obliging. I would fully recommend Adenbrook to anyone considering building a new home and I am conﬁdent that they would be as happy with their home as we are. Grant and Carolyn, Port Macquarie NSW

Visit the Display Home: Barton Ridge Estate 84 Capital Drive Port Macquarie NSW 2444 10.00am – 5.00pm 7 days/week

T 02 5524 7902 or Scott Good 0401 091 313 W adenbrookhomes.com.au

editor's note.

editor. H from the

jay beaumont.

Welcome to the September issue of Greater Port Macquarie FOCUS.

ello spring! How I have missed you. We have a jammed packed issue this month, which you might have guessed by how heavy this edition is. A lot of hard work by the team here at FOCUS goes into each and every issue, and this one especially has been no mean feat. Every page has a story behind it and requires a lot of time and effort, not only from our team, but all the local businesses that support what we do every month. OUR COVER Arguably the biggest day on the social calendar, the Port Macquarie Cup is fast approaching. This year we have $5,500 in prizes to give away to the best dressed in the FOCUS Fashions on The Field, sponsored by Port Central Shopping Centre. Check out the special fashion feature on page 62. We would like to say a HUGE thank you to our wonderful cover models, Samantha Lewis and Alex Cassegrain for being a part of this month's spring fashion and racing edition. Fashion was supplied by Port Central Shopping Centre, hair and makeup by Jolin Shead, photogrpahy by Michael Marchment. We hope you get some fashion inspiration and have fun at the Port Cup Racing Carnival on October

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

ADDRESS: 4/74 Clarence Street, Port Macquarie, NSW 2444 PHONE: 02 6584 7433 FAX: 02 6584 6733 WEB: www.focusmag.com.au TV: www.focustv.com.au Comments and opinions of our contributors do not necessarily reflect the opinion or view of the Publishers or Editor. All reasonable efforts have been made to trace copyright holders. Information appearing in Focus is believed to be correct at the time of going to press however no liability will be held for inaccurate information approved or supplied by advertisers or contributors. While all care is taken it is recommended that readers confirm dates, times, prices and any other material including advice with individual businesses and industry professionals. Greater Port Macquarie Focus is produced and published by Creative House Publications PTY LTD ABN: 621 287 86005 Material in Focus is Copyright © Creative House Publications PTY LTD 2009-2014 and may not be reproduced whole or in part, in any form, without permission of the Publisher. All rights reserved.

10th! GIVEAWAY FOCUS and Park Beach Plaza in Coffs Harbour are giving away two nights' accommodation in a one bedroom spa suite for two adults and two kids including full buffet breakfast daily at Novotel Pacific Bay Resort, Coffs Harbour. The giveaway is to celebrate the opening of Dinasours Alive, which the kids will love! You can find out more on page 58. To enter the competition, visit www.focusmag.com.au/ giveaways WELCOME A big welcome into the world to Finn Leo Cowan, born on the 12th August 2014 at Port Base. Congratualtions to one very happy father, Jeff (one of our talented designers) and his lovely wife, Kelly. Finn is boy number two for this beautiful family. FINAL SAY "Why do they call it rush hour when nothing moves?" - Robin Williams.

ant, reverant c, dynamic , vibr ti is al tu ri , al er sc April 2012. “Thunderous, vi sexy” Arts Hub, and downright

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Jay Beaumont – Editor jay@focusmag.com.au

EDITOR: Jay Beaumont jay@focusmag.com.au

ART DIRECTOR: Dylan Gaul dylan@focusmag.com.au

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Joey Dable joey@focusmag.com.au

PHOTOGRAPHER: Michael Marchment michael@focusmag.com.au

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Jeff Cowan

2007 Business of the Year 2009 Winner Professional Services 2010 Winner Professional Services 2010 Winner Business to Business Choice Award 2011 Winner Creative, IT & Communications 2012 Winner Creative, IT & Communications 2012 Finalist Excellence in Business 2013 HALL OF FAME

jeff@focusmag.com.au

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Annalise Montgomery annalise@focusmag.com.au

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

ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: Chrissy Jones

love with tion and fall in uc od pr us llo l over again” “see this marve e first time... al th r fo re ea sp Shake Stage Whispers

TU ES DAY 14 OCTO BE R, 11

AM & 8P M

chrissy@focusmag.com.au

ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: Jasmin Johansson

ent through by the Australian Governm This project has been assisted advisory body. and for the Arts, its arts funding

jasmin@focusmag.com.au

the Australia Council

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

SALES & ADMIN SUPPORT: Sarah Gale sarah@focusmag.com.au

COPY EDITOR/JOURNALIST: Jo Atkins jo@focusmag.com.au

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

of the ancing Dwith hastings Stars P R E S E N T E D

B Y

02 6581 8888

glasshouse.org.au

focus

greater port macquarie focus 3

focusinterview.

PORT MACQUARIE ROCK 'N' ROLLERS ARE COMING TOGETHER FOR A SPECTACULAR WEEKEND OF DANCE AND ENTERTAINMENT, AND ALL IN AID OF A GOOD CAUSE ... ell me a bit about Rock Around the Clock; how and where did it all begin? This is the third year we are celebrating Rock around the Clock; Port Panthers has stepped up again to provide us with a cracker event. It’s a full weekend of foot tapping fun for Rock and Roll dance enthusiasts. We have two great bands in our line up; The Black Cats Reloaded out of Brisbane will be opening Friday night, and we have the Jive Bombers direct from Sydney to rock our socks off on the Saturday night. DJ Dale will be razzle dazzling the crowd both nights. Loads of great '50s - '60s outfits and hairdos, glamour photos by Wild Cherry Photography, and a variety of great Rock and Roll merchandise stalls; it is an action packed event. You're running some workshops during the weekend of the event. What is involved, and what can participants expect to get out of it? This year we are offering a diverse blend of mini “enhance your dance” workshops to give dance enthusiasts the opportunity to add something new to their toolbox! From some swing moves to a great little sequence dance, “The Toowoomba Shuffle”, and a cool Slow Rhythm sequence – everyone will come away with a new dance they can use. The workshops will be held on Saturday at Port Panthers from 11am - 3pm, giving dancers plenty of time to Frock Up for the night. By pooling the resources of our talented instructors, we will provide everyone with access to a really fun learning experience.

greater port macquarie focus.

The Jive Bombers will be pumping out Port Panthers have afforded the Rock and Roll tunes, entertaining guests; tell us about scene in Port Macquarie; without their genthe band ... erosity, these events just would not happen. The Jive Bombers are a Sydney based We are very fortunate to be able to enjoy the group. They are bringing the full seven piece exposure to bands of this calibre, and felt band to perform for us, so it will be strongly that we would like to pass a big; the auditorium will be a contribution on – to “pass the perfect venue to enjoy their baton of generosity”, if distinctive sound. They you like. have been around since We have a club TH IS YE A R W E 1985 and have won member in our A G A RE O FF ER IN I IN prestigious awards for Panthers dance M F O D DI V ER SE BL EN DA N CE ” R U both Jazz and Rock group, Maureen YO CE “E N H A N GI V E and Roll and/or reCooke, who is WO RK SH O PS TO A ST S SI U TH corded with some of DA N CE EN one of the most N IT Y TO TH E O PP O RT U the world’s greatest amazing people IN G N EW A DD SO M ET H ” ! OX artists, including The you will ever meet. LB TO TH EI R TO O Beatles, Little Richard, Maureen is a hardLong John Baldry and working visionary and many more. The band is part of a team of likeincludes vocalist Narelle Evans minded people have been and husband Jack on guitar, and instrumental in developing the Carolyn "Pine" Packer has returned on Endeavour Mental Health Clubhouse piano, accompanied by new bass player in Port Macquarie. Chris Perry. This has given the band even Their project commenced as an idea born stronger vocals, with four part harmonies on out of need to provide a non institutional sermany tunes, plus one of the most powerful vice through which adults recovering from a horn sections. mental illness can gain support as they work The feedback from fans is that this is the to rebuild their self confidence, social and best line up we’ve had. vocational skills. The vision of the Endeavour Tell us about your partnership with EnClubhouse is to support people with mental deavour Clubhouse ... illness in regaining the self esteem, skills and This is a wonderful partnership that the dignity needed to attain a productive place members of Port Macquarie Panthers Rock within our community. and Roll Dance Club are very excited to be a This has been a 13 year project that has part of. seen the Clubhouse built and fitted out with As a Club, we love the contribution that funds raised by this group of dynamos. The

“

building was constructed using the “work for the dole” scheme through Wesley Uniting Employment. Right now, the team are struggling to get the government funding necessary to provide the mental health services so badly needed in our community. Without the necessary government funding and support from our community, this project will flounder. This is our turn at the Port Panthers Rock and Roll Dance Club to contribute by dedicating our Saturday night's event with the fabulous Jive Bombers to raise funds to assist them with their endeavours. We will be running several different fundraisers on the night to contribute to this important project for our community.

the plug! Tickets are just $15 for the Friday night, with the Black Cats Reloaded and $20 for the Saturday night with the Jive Bombers. To book your tickets, simply call Port Macquarie Panthers: (02) 6580 2300 or call in to the reception desk. Panthers has also organised some special accommodation packages for our visitors with Sails, perfectly situated across the street from the venue. For more information, head to www.portrocknroll.com.au Special events.

inside this

Issue 106 - September 2014

25. 11.

Wildwood Festival Celebrating the first day of daylight savings in the leafy surrounds of Cassegrain winery Port Macquarie. Wildwood’s inaugural show features one of this country’s finest and favourite acts, Ash Grunwald.

TaikOz

44.

Ian Cleworth is the Artistic Director of TaikOz – a spectacular aural and visual feast which marries the dynamic sounds of Japanese drums with the more delicate tones of both flutes and Koto. The sheer physicality and movement of this production also have to be seen to be believed – and we’re very fortunate to be able to experience this for ourselves at the Glasshouse …

76.

Becoming Dad Darren Mattock, passionately proud father and Dadvocate, changing the way men are involved in birth and creating a support network for expectant and new dads. Darren shares with FOCUS his journey and details of his upcoming workshop in Port Macquarie.

6. Kitty Flanagan 12. Chris Bradley 47. Katie Noonan 49. CUSP 82. Rotary Programs for Young People

usual suspects.

the

10. what’s on for September 28. eat featuring local restaurants 34. palate pleasures with Lou Perri 41. social scene with Kate Wood-Foye 81. starguide with Terri 87. port chamber update with Hadyn Oriti 99. tourism with Janette Hyde 100. travel with Susie Boswell 101. real estate with Greg Trembath 101. landcare with Estelle Gough

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

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

focusinterview.

KITTY F L A N A G A N

KITTY FLANAGAN

KITTY FLANAGAN’S NEW SHOW, SERIOUSLY?, IS BOUND TO

MAKE YOU QUESTION YOURSELF, LIFE, AND WELL … JUST BASICALLY ASK THE DIFFICULT QUESTIONS – SUCH AS, “WHY ARE B&B OWNERS SO WEIRD AND CREEPY?” BUT, THE SHOW IS ANYTHING BUT SERIOUS! KITTY’S UNIQUELY HUMOROUS TAKE ON HER OWN LIFE EXPERIENCES WILL LEAVE YOU IN STITCHES, AS SHE TAKES

S e r io u s ly ?

TO THE STAGE AT THE GLASSHOUSE THIS MONTH …

i Kitty. In a previous interview you did with Coffs Coast FOCUS a year or so ago, you mentioned you wanted to be an actor as a youngster, but found standup was a faster way to get noticed on stage (plus, it didn’t involve lots of study!) How much are you still enjoying the limelight these days? There's nothing better than doing your own show and being your own boss. That's why I think standup is the ultimate gig. The only problem is, you don't have anyone to tell you where you're going wrong … Which is why I have my sister in my show. She not only does the music in the show, she also tells me when I'm going wrong. It occurs to me that being a stand up comedian probably requires great observation and listening skills, and I guess you could be called a bit of an expert on human nature/human interactions. Where do you draw most of your material from? Any funny stories to share about that person you observed on the train this morning, for example? Yes, this new show is quite personal. I talk about a few odd relationships I have had - like going out with a policeman for 18 months. That was a strange match - a cop and a comedian. I also dated a gravedigger. I've made some "interesting" decisions over the years. But it's never about skewering those people; it's more about my own stupidity. Like many of us, you’re a pet owner. Tell us about your furry family ... how do they help inspire your creativity? I recently had an epiphany and realised that dog people are far more mental than cat people. I have a cat and a dog and all the time you hear the term "crazy cat lady", but I have discovered in my dealings at the dog park that dog people are proper nutjobs. 6

greater port macquarie focus.

You’re well known for your TV work, including shows like The Project. How much do you enjoy work in front of the camera – it must I've made some be quite different "interesting" from stage work? e years. si deci ons over th t I love the pressure of ou ab But it's never live television. I literally people; skewering those own have two minutes, I my it's more about Describe your new often have someone .” ity id stup show, Seriously?, for talking in my ear telling our readers. How does me to "hurry up", and it differ from your previthere's always that tiny bit ous shows? of your brain going: "Hey! As I said, it is a little more Flanagan! Don't stuff this up, it's live personal this time. I also focused on television. Don't swear and for God’s sake voices - I love doing voices and characters. don't say anything libellous!" In this show I'll even teach you the key to talking Working on Utopia was different again. like an old person. But just to be clear, despite It was great fun working with people I admire. the title, it's in no way "serious". The title has Also, being surrounded by funny, brilliant people a question mark, "Seriously?" I noticed that always makes you want to lift your game a bit whenever anyone does or says anything stupid, you don't want to get left behind! I'm always going: "Oh, come on, seriously?!" So You’ve received quite a few accolades for that's where the title came from. your work, including Best Comedy from the You’ll be visiting the Glasshouse in Port MacAdelaide Fringe Festival. What’s the ultimate quarie in September. Are you familiar with dream for you – what would you like to the Hastings area – and will you get much achieve that you haven’t already accomchance to explore while you’re here? plished? This will be our third trip to the Glasshouse, I want to be able to keep doing live shows and it's one of my favourite venues. I know there and touring. It's been so satisfying being able to was a lot of controversy about how much it cost, come up with a new show that I could take on but all the performers I know absolutely love that the road again. I was worried after my last tour theatre, which means you'll always get the top - the Hello Kitty tour - that I wouldn't be able quality acts and shows coming to your town - so to come up with another show. So the fact that trust me, Port Mac, it was worth every penny. Seriously? has finally come together and is now touring around the country is a dream come true. And good on you for supporting the arts with a top notch venue. My sister reminded me I had the same What’s the best thing for you about perpanic after we finished the first ever tour - the forming in front of a live audience? Charming and Alarming show. Apparently I was Instant, honest feedback. When I was putting convinced I'd never be able to write another this new show together, I did weeks and weeks show. And then Hello Kitty came about and was of little tryout shows where I went on stage with even more successful. So for now, I'm living the a whiteboard full of ideas and told the audience dream.

“

I was workshopping new stuff. It was a really fun and very practical way to put together a new show, because you learn very quickly when something isn't funny. Suddenly, you're standing in a room full of people staring at you in silence. So, you cross that "idea" of the whiteboard pretty damn quickly. Why would you encourage people to come along and see you perform? My sister reckons it's worth coming to the show just to see me do my "cop" impression. She stands side of stage every night just to see that. But if you ask me, I reckon it's worth coming along to hear our new song, A Tribute to the Middle Aged Lady. Plus, it's a pretty fun way to spend an evening. I'll be up on stage giving it plenty of petrol and taking you through everything from how a newsreader speaks to why B&B owners are so weird and creepy. You'll also learn a few new words and phrases. So there should be something for everyone. Thanks Kitty. Interview by Jo Atkins.

the plug! FRIDAY 26 SEPTEMBER, 8PM at the GLASSHOUSE, PORT MACQUARIE $44.90 adult $39.90 concession, group 10+, child/youth 15+ Call the Box Office on 6581 8888 or visit www.glasshouse.org.au

greater port macquarie focus 7

focusinterview.

If you live on the North Shore, you will know Will from travelling to and from home on the Ferry, but did you know he is a nature lover and talented photographer?

E a d e s

i Will. Tell us about your connection with our beautiful region ... Hi. Well, I’ve lived in Port Macquarie for most of my life - on the Hastings River growing up, and now over at Eastport. I currently manage the Hastings Council’s vehicular ferries at Settlement Point and Hibbard, and on weekends you might see me out with my camera. Where did your passion for photography come about? I suppose the seed was planted when I was 18 and began work on the Hibbard Ferry. I realise that doesn’t seem to have any connection to photography at all, but if you’ve had the good fortune of travelling across the Hastings river during a sunset, you’ll agree that it offers up a terrific view. It was this outlook that first sparked my interest. I would spend up to 8 hours a day keeping a lookout as I made my crossings, and during that time you can’t help but see all kinds of rare and interesting things - stingrays jumping, sea turtles coming up for a look, birds of prey plucking fish from the shallows etc. The pivotal moment was when I witnessed a shag struggling with an octopus wrapped around its face. I reached for my camera phone to capture the moment, but was left frustrated with a blurry, tiny image. I bought a second hand Nikon DSLR soon afterward, and I haven’t looked back. What was the first image you shot in your photography journey, and how far have you come? 8

greater port macquarie focus.

I couldn’t pin point my great exposure, so that’s My most recent first image, though there exciting. success was re ve were many blown out It's clear that you an image of a se er sunsets, clouds and out love photographing thunderstorm ov that I h of focus magpies. These nature; what is it Lighthouse Beac Bureau of were all great subjects that draws you in? licensed to the for someone learning the For me, it’s knowMeteorology.” ropes, but far from someing that there is always thing you would frame. something great to see if After I learnt my way you get out there, and it’s around the camera, I grew hapalmost always surprising. There pily obsessed with photographing is also that nagging thought that if Port’s local birds of prey. They’re fast and you don’t get out there for that sunrise, they dislike people, so getting close enough or see where that thunder is coming from, to capture anything is a considerable chalyou might miss out on something spectaculenge. I’m still striving for that elusive shot of a lar. Two months ago I went out with a mate sea eagle catching a fish, but I’ve been unsuclooking to shoot some local wildlife at Tacking cessful to date. They must see me coming. My Point. Nothing much was happening, so I friend actually got me a "ghillie suit" as a joke, turned my long lens on the horizon, and way which is an extreme type of camouflage that out at sea a storm put down two waterspouts snipers wear to blend into the jungle. I’m not right in the path of a tanker. The scene only that desperate yet, but if you do see me creeplasted five minutes, but we were there to ing around in the bush, don’t worry; I’m more capture it. than likely there for the wildlife. Photography has given me an excuse to In regard to how far I have come, I can actually have a look around. It lets me stop and say I’m happy with my progress, though I’m take notice, which is a rewarding change from under no illusion as to how far I still have to smart phones and computer screens. go - especially seeing some of the high quality What do you feel is the most important images coming from other local photograelement for capturing a great shot? phers. Their work drives me to keep improvWhen you’re dealing with nature, it has to ing my technique and to keep experimenting be preparation. If you know where your subject with the seemingly limitless variety of ways to is going to be, then you can prepare and show photograph a given scene or subject. My most up early. I should premise this by saying there recent success was an image of a severe thunare never guarantees with this sort of thing, derstorm over Lighthouse Beach that I licensed but take wildlife for example; many animals are to the Bureau of Meteorology. They have used creatures of habit, so learning their routines, it for a national project that has given me some their routes and their favourite places to hang

“

out will increase your chances of getting a good photograph. Maybe a local eagle has a favourite spot to hunt? Or maybe you saw a pod of dolphins cruising up the river on the high tide? I would encourage anyone interested in this kind of photography to take notice of these things, do some research, and then time your outings so that you aren’t standing around for hours at the wrong time of day, in the wrong part of town. Most of this you learn through trial and error, but a lot of research can be done from home, which is handy for predicting things like storms. I try to monitor weather reports and prepare ahead of time where I can, but thunder is always a good bet. Storms move quickly and quite often bring rain, so timing your shoot and getting to a nice open vantage point prior to the storm hitting is the best chance at getting a great photo and avoiding shooting in the rain and lightning. What are your future plans for your photography? At the moment I’m just happy shooting in my spare time and sharing my work with others, though falling short of a career with National Geographic, I’ve thought about running outdoor workshops for people wanting to learn better techniques for photographing nature and wildlife. Where can our readers view your images and find out more about your work? My favourite images can be found at http:// will_eades.500px.com, but also follow me on Facebook at Will Eades Photography, or on Instagram under my alter ego - ‘Huxcam’. Thanks Will.

greater port macquarie focus

A R O U N D T H E R E G I O N / / SA EU PG TU ES MT B 2E 0R 1 42 0 1 4

The Mad Ma Hatters Tea Party Pa See page 61 for details

When 20th September at Sails - 2pm - 5pm. Resort by Rydges Ry $39pp. Tickets $39 Rachelle Dufty Bookings contact c Phone 6589 5100 rachelle_dufty@rydges.com rachelle_duf

20 20

Bravehearts Mid North Coast

13 Planes Red carpet screening

Second Annual White Balloon Day Breakfast Special guest speaker CATHY STONER (public speaker and wife of the Hon. Andrew Stoner MP) will share her inspiring story of survival and healing. When Friday 12th September from 6:45am to 8:30am at Panthers Port Macquarie. Tickets are only $30. Contact Janette Hyde 0418 837 683 or Louise Rakowski braveheartsmnc@gmail.com. 6581 0518. Email: braveheartsmnc@gmail.c

See page 36 for details! Tickets Kids $20, adults $25, available at Rydges reception. Contact Kate Wood Foye on 6589 2888 or email kate_woodfoye@rydges.com

Garden Village Giant Clearance Garage Sale Furniture, toys, Books, bric-a-brac and clothes for sale at the Op Shop storage garage, located via Access 1 from Findlay Ave. Remember, open days for the Op Shop are every Wednesday and Thursday from 9 - 12:30pm and the 2nd Saturday of each month.

When Saturday 13th September from 8:30am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12:30pm.

more moreinformation information

Dinner Dance on the Bay Sails Resort by Rydges When Friday 12 Sept 2014 6pm for a 6:30pm start. Booking Rachelle Dufty (02) 6589 5100 email rachelle_dufty@rydges. com

Call the Visitor Information Centre on 6581 8000

10 greater port macquarie focus.

MicroBirth The Hastings Maternity Coalition are holding a screening of the documentary MicroBirth, which will be released via hundreds of premiere screenings taking place all around the world. When Saturday, September 20th, 2014; 2pm. Contact Hastings Maternity Coalition to secure your seat, as spaces are limited. Email: hmaternitycoalition@gmail.com or phone 0419 125 725. Cost $8 or $10 per family.

focusinterview.

Fatty

MITCH OXBOROUGH AND ANNE WINTER ARE THE PROUD OWNERS OF FATTY – A BEAUTIFUL 1951 DODGE FARGO, O, WHO NOW HAS HER VERY OWN BOOK. YOU TOO, CAN MEET FATTY – AND SHE’S FULL OF SURPRISES! FROM 1951 HA’PENNIES USED AS WASHERS, A DECOUPAGE CEILING, LITTLE CRITTERS LURKING IN THE GLOVEBOX – FATTY IS FULL OF PERSONALITY! HER RHYMING STORY, THE ADVENTURES OF FATTY THE RATROD, WILL MAKE YOU SMILE LE …

i Mitch and Anne. How and when did you two meet – I hear that’s a bit of a story in itself! Mitch: We met almost three years ago at a bus stop, in Landsborough, at the foot of the Glasshouse Mountains, after an interesting chain of events brought us to the same place at the same time. I had travelled up from Port Macquarie to pick up a motorbike in Maleny and Anne was on her way to a job interview, also in Maleny. We had the bus to ourselves and chatted all the way up the mountain. Surprisingly, we got off the bus, said our goodbyes and parted ways. Then another interesting chain of events brought us back together again. Who (or what) is Fatty the Rat Rod, and how did she become a part of your lives? We had decided we wanted to build a vehicle that was different and fun. So, when we heard about an old truck needing a new home, we jumped at the chance. Fatty is a 1951 Dodge Fargo Truck, that we saved from a scrap yard in Dubbo, western New South Wales, some two and a half years ago. It was a case of love at first sight, much like our meeting at the bus stop. What inspired you to write a book about Fatty (and as a sidenote, why is Fatty actually called this? Some would say it’s not the most flattering name!) On the trip home from Dubbo with Fatty on the trailer, we started wondering how she got so many dents and scratches and what her life had been before she ended up at the scrap yard. We started making up a poem about it, for our little girl, Grace, who was seven at the time. We had got about six verses in and we

both looked at each other and said, “Darlin’, there’s a kids book in this”. So, we ran with it. Twelve months later, almost to the day, we had the books in our hands. Mitch: The moment I first saw her, I named her Fatty. She is big, round and beautiful. How long did it take you to complete the story? How did you go about getting it published, who wrote all the verse, and who completed the beautiful illustrations? Anne: It took approximately seven months to write, much of which was done over the phone as I was still living in Queensland and Mitch was in Port Macquarie. We wrote the verse together, which seems to work very well, as we both bring something different to it. The illustrations are the combined work of two very talented artists here in Port Macquarie. The sketches are done by John Horvath, the water colour by Glo Hill. Even though they have never met, they work beautifully together, and we are extremely thrilled with the results. I had to do a lot of research into how to go about publishing the book. We were very lucky to find Ocean Reeve, currently Publishing Manager for InHouse Publishing, in Queensland. With Ocean’s expertise and friendship, we have produced a very high quality book, and we cannot recommend him highly enough. This is evident in a great Author Interview video which can be viewed on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=5z_3Ssyz9w4 So, Fatty’s not just a storybook character, but a real life heroine! Share with us how you’re able to introduce Fatty to people – especially children We take Fatty to schools, libraries, hot rod shows, festivals and markets. With her doors

tied open so little fingers cannot be caught, kids both young and not so young, are able to hop into her cab, sign Fatty’s first big their name on her tray run was down to ch, this and, of course, listen to More shows, more Victoria in Mar round m 0k 20 3, recitals of her story. schools and more kids. year, a ly been What are some of We love what we do. trip. We had on ys before da home for ten the typical reactions We can’t see ourselves y vey Ba we drove to Her children display when doing anything else. r he rt a fu in Queensland, they meet Fatty for the Fatty’s second book, ” ! ip tr 2, 500km round first time? about rescuing her old Mitch: Pure delight! They friend, Bella, is nearing love it! Many of the kids have completion and due for release never seen a steel dash before. Anne next year. We have work already has decoupaged the ceiling card with pages started on a further seven books, and from the book. Watching the kids pointing characters for many more. Fatty’s journey has at the pictures and reading the verse is a just begun. scene of which we’ll never tire. Fatty has had Where can people purchase your book, well over two thousand kids in her cab and just and how much does it cost? as many signatures on her tray. We have books available for purchase Where’s the furthest you’ve travelled with everywhere we go. You can keep track of that Fatty so far? on Facebook, as we always post where we will Mitch: We got Fatty on the road in February, be visiting next. Books are also available online this year. My best mate, Kim, did much of the through our website, as is the e-book. fabrication. There were many times when Anne The hardcover, A4 size book is $25 with a would bring food and coffee out to the shed bookmark and colouring-in sheets. We are at three in the morning, so we could keep more than happy to sign and dedicate them, as working. It was a real team effort. We’d like to well. The e-book is $6.99. take this opportunity to thank our neighbours How can people go about requesting for their patience and in putting up with the a visit from Fatty, or find out more noise! information? Fatty’s first big run was down to Victoria in We can be contacted a number of ways, by March, this year, a 3,200 km round trip. We visiting www.fattytheratrod.com, by emailing had only been home for ten days before we gem_anne_i@internode.on.net, messaging us drove to Hervey Bay in Queensland, a further on www.facebook.com/FattyTheRatRod 2,500 km round trip. Everywhere we go, we vvor phoning us directly on 0439 852 007. get waves and smiles. It’s so much fun! Thanks guys. What are yours (and Fatty’s) plans for the Interview by Jo Atkins. future? Photos courtesy of Buttola Images.

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focusinterview.

CHRIS IS AN ARTIST WITH A FLAIR FOR PORTRAITURE – AND NOT JUST OF THE HUMAN KIND! HE LOVES

TO CAPTURE PERSONALITY IN HIS ARTWORK AND COMBINED WITH HIS PASSION FOR ANIMALS (ESPECIALLY DOGS!) THIS HAS FORMED THE BASIS FOR HIS UPCOMING EXHIBITION AT THE SUNSET GALLERY.

d I like to paint an . ity al draw person it be , re I love portraitu al and try human or anim ality to express person e, of lin through layers ure. ” xt colour and te

“ i Chris. What’s your family history ... how long have you lived in Port Macquarie? I was born and bred in the small NSW country town of Leeton, where my parents still live, but moved around a lot independently after high school. Like most young people in small country towns, I was itching to explore after I finished my HSC. I achieved an undergraduate degree in visual arts at Australian National University in Canberra and moved to the Gold Coast to study teaching shortly after that, and I have also studied graphic design. Since then I have travelled and worked in Europe and various regional locations here in Australia. I have been in Port now for almost two years, and I’m finding myself pretty settled. I really like it. Please tell us a bit about your career background and your current job ... I have been a visual arts teacher in secondary schools for the past five years; however, have recently transferred across to the vocational education system working for North Coast TAFE. I teach graphic design subjects here in Port and visual arts subjects down in Forster/ Tuncurry. I also work in a freelance capacity in graphic design and take on private tutoring at times. I love being able to switch between the disciplines of Art and Design. I have equal interests in both and love to share that love 12 greater port macquarie focus.

and expertise with students who value similar things. I have always found the time to practice as a visual artist alongside other day jobs and exhibit as regularly as possible. My last solo show was at a small gallery on Sydney’s Oxford Street and was titled, My mates that skate, a collection of mixed media portraits of my friends involved in the skate scene. My next show is pretty different in terms of subject matter, and it’s been super fun to make. How and when did you first become interested in art? Hmmm … I think I have always loved making things - particularly 2D things. There was a bit of a jump in age between myself and my siblings, so as a child I often had to entertain myself. I distinctly remember this one time, when I was quite young, maybe only 5 or 6. I had the urge to paint but could not find any paint brushes. I found a stick though - and sticky tape! All I needed was something to use as bristles. My dog at the time, Belle, helped solve that problem by allowing me to cut a part of her long black locks and tape them to the stick. It didn’t work very well, but I recon that’s where my passion for art (and animals, for that matter) was initiated. Describe your artistic vision/technique ... what subjects do you most like to paint/ draw? I like to paint and draw personality. I love portraiture, be it human or animal and try to

express personality through layers of line, colour and texture. I use a range of media, like oil paint, acrylic, pastel, pencil, spray paint etc. - whatever I have lying around in my studio, really. I like the way that some mediums can work in very unusual and unique ways when used in conjunction with materials that you wouldn’t normally use side by side. What media do you most like to work with (and why)? At the moment, its oil stick. I consider myself more of a drawer than a painter, and it kind of allows me to “draw with paint”. Such fun! Describe some of the pieces you’re currently working on? Dogs, dogs and more dogs! You’re planning to hold a solo exhibition of your work in the Sunset Gallery. What dates will the exhibition be held? It will run from December 13 through to January 3. Give us some idea of how many pieces of work you’re hoping to display in the exhibition? Is there a theme that will connect all the pieces? Well, that depends on how proactive I can be over the next couple of months and how long I lock myself up in the studio for. I’d say upwards of 10 pieces of a variety of sizes. The theme is dogs basically. I love dogs!

My mum is a vet nurse, and growing up all of our family pets were rescue puppies. The aim is to reflect the variety of wonderful personalities that dogs have to promote more pet adoption. You plan to donate some proceeds from the exhibition to the RSPCA. Why have you chosen this charity to be the beneficiary? I have chosen this charity because of the fantastic work they do here in Port Macquarie and all over Australia. I will be donating part of the proceeds from the entire show to the RSPCA and will be having a silent auction on opening night for one of the pieces, from which 100% of the proceeds will go to the charity. It’s all still in the planning stages, however … there may be some other exciting thing to occur on the night to help raise further funds. Where can people see samples of your work, or contact you if they’d like more information? I’m working on my website at the moment, but in the meantime people can see work on my Facebook and Instagram accounts and also the loop for graphic design portfolio. Instagram@cradley theloop.com.au/cradley/portfolio or I can be contacted at cbradl10@gmail.com for commissions. Thanks Chris. Interview by Jo Atkins.

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Editorial

I T ’S O N AGA I N – P O RT M OTO R M A N I A – T H E P O RT F E ST I VA L – 6 T H A N D 7 T H S E P T E M B E R .

THE

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HASTINGS

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GUILD T H E H A ST I NG S WO O DWO R K E R S GU I L D C E L E B R AT E S 20 Y E A R S O F E X I ST E NC E T H I S Y E A R . T H E GU I L D S TA RT E D W I T H A FEW MEMBERS IN A SMALL SHED SHARED WITH T H E P O N Y C LU B AT T H E WAU C H O P E S H OWG ROU N D S. I T NOW O C C U P I E S A 400 M E T R E S Q UA R E S H E D AT T I M B E RTOW N.

he Club has 60 plus members, of The Exhibition will be held on Friday 26th and which 10 are female. Numbers of Saturday 27th September from 9am. Entry female members has is free. The ladies of the CWA steadily increased in will be serving their famous recent years. Devonshire Teas during To celebrate, the Club the Exhibition. There ill The Exhibition w has decided to hold its will be some fine be held on Friday Anniversary Show this woodworking items ay 26th and Saturd year at the CWA Hall on display and for from 27th September in Port Macquarie. sale. Perhaps if you . The 9am. Entry is free ill The theme for this are looking for that Aw ladies of the CW s ou m fa exhibition will be special Christmas be serving their during Woodworking by the gift for someone Devonshire Teas River, taking advantage who has everything, the exhibition.” of Port's beautiful Town you may find it here. Green area. The Club's If you would like previous involvement with the more information about the CWA was when its members made exhibition or about joining the over 1,000 wooden toys for the CWA, who Woodworkers, you can contact the then distributed the toys to the drought President Kev Carmody on 6581 5704 affected regions of NSW. The toys were well or visit our website received by the children and gave members a www.hastingswoodworkers.com.au great deal of pleasure. Photo: Heather Jones and Roy Brown.

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ort Macquarie’s Westport Park will be alive … 7 bands, a Miss Port Macquarie – Port Motor Mania Pin Up Girl (contestants needed), a car stereo sound off comp, a display of cars, bikes and vintage caravans from around the country, a kids’ activity centre, rides and amusements.

Saturday morning will be a swap meet, trash and treasure market – come down, bring a table and set up a stall for $15. Music all day, with Elvis appearing live, and then The Chosen Ones until 8:30pm. Sunday will host the biggest car show we’ve ever had, cars, bikes and vintage caravans –

all types of vehicles welcome. There’ll be a huge selection of vendors, a skydiving display by Coastal Skydivers, two reptile shows, and more music all day. Elvis (Steven Head) will appear again, and The Bounty Hunters will wrap up the afternoon. The fun starts 9:30am Saturday and finishes at 3pm Sunday. Entry is a donation of $5 and $10 for a family. All profits go to the Give me 5 4 Kids Appeal and the Mitochondrial Disease Foundation. For more info and enquiries, Phone Mick: 0416 809 533 or www.portmotormania.net

E d ittor Ed o ia al Editorial

W A U C H O P E

BONSAI GROUP BONSAI IS THE ART OF GROWING TREES IN MINIATURE. IT ORIGINATED IN CHINA, AND LIKE MANY OTHER ART FORMS, WAS ADOPTED BY THE JAPANESE, AND HAS SINCE SPREAD TO THE WESTERN WORLD.

hilst artistic design plays an important part in creating a bonsai, growers need certain horticultural skills in order to keep their trees alive and thriving. Bonsai are modelled on trees in nature, and many trees and shrub species make suitable bonsai – conifers, tropical trees, flowering and fruiting species are most prized. Our native species are being used, including banksia, callistemon, lilly

greater port macquarie focus.

pilly and melaleuca. On Saturday and Sunday, 20-21 September, Wauchope Bonsai Group is presenting a major Bonsai Exhibition, featuring a magnificent display of both traditional and native bonsai as well as suiseki (viewing stones). Suiseki is a classic oriental art form which is frequently shown in conjunction with bonsai. It involves the collection, preparation and appreciation of unaltered, naturally formed stones. These stones are found in mountain streams, on windblown deserts, along

ocean beaches. This exhibition will be held at the Laurieton United Services Club from 10am - 4pm. Demonstrations will be held at 11am and 2pm daily. There will be sales of bonsai, plants, pots and books. Repotting will be available for a small fee. Free advice on growing bonsai will also be available. Entry is adults $3, and families $5. Enquiries phone Jan on 65853995 or Maree on 0408 161 625. Photo: Member Ray Gaul with his magnificent fig tree.

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photographer

Local photographer Jeremy Rogers will be spending a bit of time on the Coffs Coast this month … his aim? To capture the thrills, colour and action from Round 10 of the FIA World Rally Championship. The skill, patience and technical know-how needed to capture these fast-paced action shots can’t be underestimated, but Jeremy thrives in this type of environment; he’s been the official photographer for Rally Australia since 2009 …

i Jeremy. What originally brought you to Port Macquarie? The lifestyle, great weather and perfect location. We sold our property in Tasmania, put the camper trailer on the back of the car, caught the ferry and headed north with no preconceived idea as to where we would end up. Then we found Port … and never left. When and where did your interest in photography begin? Many years ago - in Saudi Arabia, of all places. I had a great life as a child, as my parents took us all over the world with their work. I was about 14 and expressed an interest in photography, so my father bought me a rather complicated Mamiya C330, which is considered a classic nowadays. He always said if you want to learn something, you should do it properly. When I arrived back in the UK at 18, I was very lucky to be offered a job in a studio in London, and it all really started from there. Tell us about your business, Jeremy Rogers Photography. How long has it been established, and what types of photography does it specialise in? I have been a freelance photographer for many years and specialise in commercial, industrial and advertising photography. It is not often that an issue of FOCUS comes out that does not have my photographs in it somewhere. For example, they have recently been featured in ads for Ocean Club Resort and Adenbrook Homes. I also launched a new brand called Industrial Photography Australia about a year ago to showcase our industrial, architectural and aerial photography.

How did you first become involved with Rally Australia? What have been some of the roles you’ve been involved in with this organisation? Rally photography is my passion, and I'm very lucky to have travelled all over the world because of it. I have been the official photographer for Rally Australia since it returned to the WRC calendar in 2009, and I also produce the media photographers' guide for the event each year as well. So, to further expand on this, describe the media guide you’ve produced for Rally Australia. What’s involved with this project – have you worked on it again this year? Yes, this is the fourth one I've put together. The media guide is given out to all the accredited international and Australian photographers and TV crews. I drive the rally stages multiple times looking for great photo spots and then draw up diagrams with example images plus information on access roads, times and the GPS co-ordinates. As you can imagine, if you are an accredited photographer who arrives straight from Europe for the weekend and then have to scour the forests for picture locations, this is a great help. Round 10 of the FIA World Rally Championship, the Coates Hire Coffs Coast Rally Australia event, will take place in Coffs Harbour on September 12th, 13th and 14th. What will your responsibilities be during the event? Well … it's not all glamour, I can tell you. It is dirty, tiring work. We often have to walk kilometres carrying heavy gear to reach a good photo point which we have identified during our pre-event reconnaissance - preferably one rival photographers have not found - work fast

to cover as many stages as possible each day involved must be quite different from and return to the Media Centre at day's end portraiture or landscape photography, for caked in dust. We will then start example? a long night sorting, editing, My advice for any budding captioning, uploading or rally photographers out there y Rally photograph emailing hundreds of is to experiment with how is my passion, images for websites and you shoot. If you have cky to and I’m very lu media clients. a jump or water splash l over have travelled al of What are some of and want to freeze the e the world becaus ial your tips for the action, then fine - use fic of it. I’ve been the best vantage points a fast shutter speed of r fo er photograph it to view all the at least 1/1000th of a e nc si ia al tr Rally Aus RC action at the rally? second. W e th to ed return ...” My top point to view But if you want to try calendar in 2009 the cars from over the something different, slow it weekend would have to right down to 1/125th and try be Sunday's VisitNSW.com panning with the car to blur the Flooded Gums Rally Village. You background and really show of the can see the dust and hear the noise as the speed of the car. This can also work well cars descend into the valley. They then if you find you have arrived too late for the approach the lower spectator area through best spot and the background is not as nice as it a water splash before turning hard right and could be. Don't just crop tight on the car either. heading uphill. Try shooting wider and incorporating parts of There is also a spot that I have picked out the scenery like the trunks of gum trees or old near the upper spectator area that could well farm fences. Don't forget your fellow spectators be a jump for the faster cars. On Saturday, the can also be very photogenic, with their colourful ECB Rally Village is a great spot too. The cars flags and banners. descend downhill at very high speed before Where can people go to see samples of negotiating a 90 degree left that proved very your work, or to find out more info about challenging to more than a few cars last year. your business? If you are fit enough, you can hike to the Rally Australia followers will be able to see top of the hill for a panoramic view, or you can my work posted every day of the event in also go on the inside of the corner and watch the gallery at www.rallyaustralia.com.au and the different styles the drivers have as they in publications around the world after. You approach and exit it. can also visit my websites to view my other What’s some advice you can give to photography www.jrphoto.com.au and www. budding photographers who’d like to industrialphotos.com.au specialise in action shots – the skills Thanks Jeremy. Interview by Jo Atkins.

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Our fave little home grown music festival - FOTSUN (Festival of the Sun) celebrates 10 years this December. We caught up with founder Simon Luke and this year's creative artist Jimbo Phillips to talk about the event.

o FOTSUN turns 10 this year! Congratulations! tell us a little about this unique festival. FOTSUN evolved from the desire to attempt something that the younger people of Port Macquarie would embrace - something that would put our region on the map and make us as younger people proud of living in Port Macquarie. The original team originally consisted of myself, my now wife, Alana, and a whole bunch of legendary local friends. We would set up the stage on the grass adjacent to Sundowner, and I would attract bands with the promise of free accommodation and meals. In the early days I used to have my board next to the front of the house, and I’d go for a wave between sets with Jorgo and a few of the boys. By pure coincidence, I met both Scott Mesiti and Linzi Steele from the band Gabriel’s Day at one of the first years of FOTSUN. After a late night percussion session with a few beverages, Scott and Linzi decided to get on board to help launch our first ticketed festival. Linzi made the unfortunate decision to work in a 3 m by 4 m office with me for many years ha ha. He has become one of my best mates and was key to managing the daily dealings of Luko and FOTSUN, for which I’m very grateful. Each year you source a line up of well known, upcoming and local artists - how and where do you look for the talent, and how do you decide who to pick? It can be very overwhelming selecting a festival line up. In the original years we would be faced with literally hundreds of CDs mailed to us, which would fill a suitcase. Our Entertainment Manager, Scott Mesiti, would churn through these CDs tirelessly, and I believe that his effort to really listen to what was out there makes the difference between

someone simply selecting what’s expected in the industry as opposed to making your own line up decision, which is unique and inspiring. The philosophy was to ensure that we created a really nice balance of artists who would represent what we felt our fans were expecting. I find a lot of FOTSUN fans expect to hear new acts and perhaps they can later say, “Yeah, I saw these guys only 2 m from the stage with 3,000 people”. From day one we have also been very passionate about giving local bands the opportunity to play, as it's rare to get to stand on a stage of that size with so much power and technology behind you! The Festival attracts people from all over Australia - do you have any plans to make it bigger or change the format? FOTSUN prides itself on offering a boutique festival environment, and that is something I certainly won’t be changing into the future. My favourite Fotsunner response when asking customers about the event is when they say, “Don’t change a thing; we love it as it is”. As long as the quality continues to be there and we take on what our fans want, I believe this is a great formula. Who are you most excited about seeing this year? You know what ... I'm normally stuck somewhere boring away from the stage when my favourite acts are on at FOTSUN, but I gotta say this is my year, so I’ll definitely be sneaking up for plenty of favourites. My little girl, Willow, is currently right into the funky beats, so I'll be stealing a quick dance with her to Allday if she’ll let me! Is there a theme to this year’s event? If so, what is it and why? We wanted to celebrate our 10 years somehow, and I feel FOTSUN is still such a young festival and our fans are so young at heart - the childhood superhero thing sort of

s i m o n l u k e & J i M B O P H i L l i p s You were commissioned to create the made sense. I was so stoked when Jimbo agreed artwork for this year's FOTSUN event - tell to grace us with his art this year - very humbled us about the design. by his support! To put his trust in myself so far The FOTSUN design was a lot of fun, showing away from the shores of Santa Cruz as well just people having fun in the sun, enjoying music shows great karma, so a massive thanks to him. and letting loose with crazy costumes and really JIMBO enjoying life. I like to use lots of colours that When and where did art as a career start really make it fun to look at. for you? I always like to incorperate a little humour I have been drawing as early as I can in my art because art, like life, should be fun! I remember. My father is an artist, so I was always hope the art inspires people to go to the festival drawing with him. He would show me how to and cut loose and enjoy themselves! draw things and tricks for getting a Artistically, what other projects bold look to a drawing. When I are you working on lately? graduated from high school, The FOTSUN I have a lot of projects he hired me as an apprentice design was a going on right now. I am to help him with designs ing lot of fun. Show working on a pro series skate for the skateboard n people having fu graphic line for Santa Cruz industry. That is where I ng yi in the sun, enjo Skateboards due out next learned a lot of techniques g in tt music and le season. I do stuff for Volcom to get your art to a y az cr loose with ly al re clothing, which is always fun. professional graphic level. d an es costum ” e. They are a great company to After a couple years working lif ng yi jo en work for and know how to treat for my father, I branched out artists. I am working with some and started my own business really cool bands creating album covers, doing graphic art and design. But I still T-shirt designs and gig posters. And I have my design for skateboards, because they are my online shop, which is taking off. I wanted to favourite surface to create for. have stuff to directly offer to fans, and the Tell us about your different styles and response has been great. genres of art? Check it out: www.jimbophillips.com Skate graphics is my main style. With skate Thanks guys. graphics there are no boundaries to what you can create. The more radical, the better! I also love to surf, so creating surf related art is a lot of the plug! fun - using the ocean and nature as inspiration FESTIVAL OF THE SUN - 12TH & 13TH and creating flowing elements and colours that DECEMBER delight your eyes. Rock art is another big influence for me. I love On sale from Sept 2nd music and have played in bands, so creating from 10am rock art comes naturally to me. Bands are always needing a visual element to go along with www.fotsun.com music, and I love to crank up the tunes and dive Includes 2 nights' free camping. into some high energy artrageousness!

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Paul Bishop, spokesman for local band Jokers Wild, is a typical Aussie larrikin – which leads us to believe the band’s name is a true reflection of its members’ personalities! But, this band takes their music

seriously – the crew can really rock out and get the crowd pumping - so there’s big things on the horizon for these guys!

ho are the current members of Jokers Wild? Steve Bailey (band founder) - lead vocals, percussion, Paul Bishop (spokesman) - piano, keyboards, vocals, Tim Parry - lead guitar, vocals, Ellis Ding - lead guitar, vocals, Nat Green – drummer, Matt Ackland - bass guitar, rhythm guitar. What’s the history behind Jokers Wild? The band's founder and unofficial “frontman” Steve Bailey originally conceived the idea of having his own band many moons ago. He thinks it might have been in the late 1970s, but he doesn't really remember much of the ‘70s. Steve originally started a band with his family, but over the years the band members have changed. A few years back Steve met guitarist Tim Parry, who has a strong musical background, then I joined on keyboard and well, the band just continued to grow from there. As it turns out, Steve, Nat, Ellis and Matt all work together. What started out as a bit of fun, has progressed into a serious professional band, but we still know how to have loads of fun too! I have to ask: the name of the band – Jokers Wild. Would this name have more to do with the band members’ personalities, rather than playing cards? Like many rock bands before us, the true origin of its name eludes rock historians and onomatologists. However, several rumours persist about how Steve Bailey came upon the name Jokers Wild. These include: one night the mysterious Archangel “Hank” descended and appeared to Steve in a dream, with the name engraved on a gold tablet. Legend also says that when he was about 19, Steve spent three days meditating in a cave and a quokka whispered the name in his ear, or when setting up for their first gig they realised they didn't actually have a band

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name, and looking around the pub the first thing he saw was a Batman comic book with that title. Perhaps one of these rumours is true, but we'll never know? Bottom line, we are all fun loving larrikins, so the name suits! What do you feel are some of the major ways the band has evolved since you’ve first formed? The band initially had a strong country western flavour, and the original quartet donned their Akubras and started playing a few gigs around the Port Macquarie area in 2010. As the band grew from four to six when Steve’s work colleagues came on board, our musical influences were much more varied. We added a lot of Aussie rock and a few “eighties” songs, and a few more modern pop songs from this century. We still have a few country songs in our repertoire, but nowadays prefer to be considered more of a rock cover band, and most of our songs are more middle-of-the-road to cater to a wider audience. As a band, our style has become more “interactive”, with the members of the audience occasionally joining in on microphone or being handed a tambourine. Wireless devices now let Ellis and Matt “mingle” on the dance floor, or go walkabout to the bar, or even strut on top of bar tables while still rocking away on their guitars. I should also add the invaluable contribution that is made by our management team of Mella and Dave at Live2U. We invited them on board to manage the band only a few months ago and our workload and fan base has already increased exponentially thanks to their advice, expertise and professionalism. They are like members of the band now. We are one big family! What individual talents do you feel each of you bring to the band? Steve is certainly no stranger to a microphone, having DJed many local events, and hosted dozens of karaoke and trivia nights at pubs and

We play everything an from Keith Urb d an to Pearl Jam e W ! A even ABB ussie are typical A and larrikins too,em to the crowd se age love our onst humour and anti cs .”

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clubs in the Port Macquarie area for many years. The band is pretty diverse; we have some really experienced seasoned musicians and then we have the young guns, Matt and Ellis. These guys add a metallic flavour to our playlist with hard-rocking Ellis on guitar, and head-banging Matt on bass guitar. In addition to Steve, Matt and Ellis, we have Tim on guitar and me on keyboards, and collectively, we have over 50 years’ experience playing in bands. Then of course, we have the percussion gal that keeps us all in time, the lovely Nat on drums (she’s very experienced – I’m not saying how many years, because she has sticks and isn’t afraid to use them)! What are some of the songs you most commonly perform? Each of our band members has different musical influences, and because there are so many of us, it reflects in our playlist. We play everything from Keith Urban to Pearl Jam and even ABBA! We are typical Aussie larrikins too, and the crowd seem to love our onstage humour and antics. If I had to name one we know the crowd always go crazy for, I would probably say the Aussie rock classic Khe Sanh by Cold Chisel. If you had to sum up what you thought was a successful night out - how would you describe it? A successful night would be one where the audience looks like they're having a good time. If they like us and are singing and dancing along to the band, then we enjoy ourselves more and are more relaxed. I suppose we judge our success on how many people tell us afterwards how much they liked us. And if we get invited back again,

then we know we've done something right. We can also see how may new fans we attract on our Facebook Fan page after a gig. If we see many new faces and comments, then this is good indication that we have made an impact. What’s in the future for you guys? We recently recorded a novelty single for the Wauchope Cricket Club in a local recording studio, an experience we all enjoyed. We all agreed we'd like to one day make a CD or have one of our songs played on the radio. We’re also working on some “themed” shows, such as Oz Rock, maybe even a 1980s Spectacular, or dust off some of our earlier work for a country western show… I reckon Port Macquarie would love an Eighties New Year’s Eve Party! Where can we catch you all performing over the next few months? We've just had an incredibly hectic six months, thanks mainly to our Manager doing a fantastic job, and the next couple of months aren't quite as busy. However, we will be on the main stage of the Port Motor Mania Festival at Westport on Sept 6 for two sets in the afternoon and at Port City Bowling Club on December 12th. Where can we book you for a gig? You can visit our Management’s website and view the full band members profiles and listen to our demo at www.live2u.com.au and we have a Facebook fan page: FACEBOOK.COM/JOKERSWILDAUSTRALIA For bookings contact: Mella on 0427 032 345 or email: Enquiries@live2u.com.au We love to entertain, and are available for private bookings! Thanks Paul. Interview by Jo Atkins.

LOCAL RECIPE

Korean Short Rib Taco m i llo s w

Image of the month. Young Twinkle toes Tanya Helen Newman got kicked out of a local ballet school at age 5. More than three decades later, she has decided to try hitting the dance floor again. This time it's to raise funds for the Cancer Council, as part of the 2014 Hastings Celebrity Dance for Cancer. Many of you may know Tanya from Bennetts Steel, and we loved the vibrant and colourful shots taken at her promotional photo shoot. To donate to Tanya and this great cause, visit nsw.cancercouncilfundraising.org.au/DOIT14TNewman Focus is giving away 5 copies of 100 Dishes. To enter visit focusmag.com.au /giveaways

This dish is a clever fusion of Korean and a traditional Mexican taco. The bulgogi marinade sweetens the rib meat and when combined with the kimchi/tomatillo salsa spiciness, it balances the delicious combination of flavours.

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

with Eric from www.theotherchef.com.au heotherchef.com.au

INGREDIENTS 8 short ribs 10 corn tortillas Kimchi/tomatillo salsa (blend can of whole tomatillos with cup of kimchi) ¼ Chinese cabbage Bulogogi marinade Bulgogi Sauce Marinade 150 ml soy sauce 2 cloves crushed garlic ½ cup of Maple syrup 1 peeled, chopped Nashi pear 1 diced white onion 1 tbsp sesame oil 1 spring onion, finely sliced

M E T H OD

AT ’ S I N

BLOOD ORANGE Chef Charlie Edwards

Cultivated for centuries in Italy, the crimson colour of the blood orange relies on hot, dry summers, and cool, nippy winters to build the levels of anthocyanins – pigments more commonly associated with berries and grapes, but rare in citrus. Some of Australia’s best blood oranges are grown in the Riverina, where the climate and fertile soils resemble the environmental conditions of the much revered Sicilian fruit. The flesh is rich and sweet, loaded with juice and is high in vitamin C. Simply peel and enjoy or use in salads – try combining with ingredients such as feta, red onion, fennel, artichoke hearts, black olives, walnuts, and olive oil. As we move into spring, be quick to enjoy these fragrant, exotic oranges during their very short season - check quality greengrocers for supply. Here at The Other Chef Fine Foods, we make an award-winning blood orange marmalade for a family owned grower from the Riverina – Redbelly Citrus. You can find thier products at their online farmgate stall at www.farmhousedirect.com.au/redbellycitrus

C s & Co. 3/73 Clarence Street, Port Macquarie (02) 6583 9009 /CarlosandCo SERVES 10

Bulgogi Sauce Marinade Combine all ingredients and make into a thick sauce. Tacos Marinate beef ribs overnight in Bulgogi marinade, then slow roast in a pan at 120°C for 4 hours approx. When cooked, separate bone, slice rib meat finely and place back into pan juices. Spread a teaspoon of kimchi/tomatillo sauce on to each corn tortilla and add three spoons of shredded white cabbage. Add two tablespoons of warm rib meat, served after a minute of heating on a hot skillet pan.

To purchase the cook book featuring 100 local recipes, visit 100dishes.com

Find out more about The Other Chef at www.theotherchef.com.au greater port macquarie focus 19

focusinterview.

Stormriders

altwater Wine & Stormriders are the retail stores of parent company Wilson Retail. Founded in 1975, Saltwater Wine is one of the largest surf stores in New South Wales and a local icon on the NSW’s Mid North Coast’s. Stormriders is the company’s most recent retail venture and was developed to cater for an increasing demand of products that targeted a broader youth culture, particularly within the skating lifestyle. Here we talk to some of the stores staff to gain an insight into some of this summer’s hottest products YOUR GUIDE TO SUMMER STYLE WITH HEAD BUYER FOR WILSON RETAIL EMMA O’BRIEN AND MEN’S BUYER MATT COX As the key buyers for Stormriders stores throughout NSW, please describe the "Stormies" style? Our Stormriders product offering is all about street fashion and skate. What fashion trends can we expect to see coming in this summer to Stormriders? For guys, there is a big focus on tie dye and bucket hats. There’s also a new product line which will hit stores called “submersibles”. These take the best elements of a board short and walk short and fuse them together into a brand new style. Short sleeve party shirts and button up 20 greater port macquarie focus focus.

shirts with crazy colours and quirky prints will also be huge. For all the savvy fashion forward girls out there, maxi skirts will still be a wardrobe must have. We are seeing a real swing back to the more feminine, girly styling of years past! The season’s hottest look will be all about beachy hair, maxi kaftans and flirty printed playsuits and dresses. These styles will all be taking centre stage in our stores. Another trend will be "moody blues" and denim everything! The return of the denim shirt, newly shaped denim skirts and denim shorts will be staples. We are seeing more classic washes and a cleaner finish on all denim. What will be this summer’s essential pieces for girls? For our Stormriders girl, the Urban Original travel wallet will be essential, as well as the freshest Mink Pink Shades and a Stussy logo tee. A pair of White Converse Chuck Taylors will top the look off perfectly. And for boys? The Stormriders guy will be after a Santa Cruz muscle tee, Rusty elastic cuffed pants and the Oakley Frogskin sunnies. You guys stock an awesome range of sunnies. Which brands and styles should we be looking out for this summer? We stock a range of shades from Oakley, Dragon and Arnette. These brands are constantly pushing the boundaries with product innovation, releasing pieces such as the "Oakley Holbrook" and "Dragon Mansfield". We also have the must have eye wear accessories from Mink Pink and

you to build your dream set up from scratch. So what are your top selling skate boards at the moment? Right now the "DGK" and "ANTIHERO" are selling fast. YOUR GUIDE TO BUYING A What other skate products do you stock SKATEBOARD WITH DAVE GROTH – at Stormriders? STORMRIDERS SKATE BUYER. We have everything you need when it comes to skating. We stock a range of So Dave, what are the key things completes, decks, trucks, wheels, bearings, that customers should be looking for bolts, grip, risers, bushings and skate when they are thinking of buying a tools. Best of all, we have the experienced skateboard? staff to give you the right advice when it Skateboards cop more abuse comes to selecting the best fit out than your average sports for you. equipment, so first Do skateboard decks and foremost we have warranties? When it comes recommend you Some skateboards our n, io sh fa to invest in a high will have a small t to stay customers wan quality board, or it warranty of a month ith ck . W ahead of the pa won’t be long until or so which will am te e ic a customer serv thes you are replacing cover you in the case ea br th at lives and ow kn e it. of de-lamination w , ry the indust e.” er th em th If you're just (separation of the ply). ep we’ ll ke getting started and However, due to the want a great quality nature of skateboarding, set up without breaking that's about all that will be the bank, then the best covered by warranty. thing to go for would be a Boards won’t break just rolling complete board which includes deck, along. If you scrape it along the wheels, trucks, bearings and is fully ground, it will wear the material away, if constructed and ready to skate. Our your board hits a wall at top speed it can complete boards start from $99.95. chip, if you jump off something high and On the other hand, if you've been skating land in the middle, it can snap. for years, there can be a few more things All of that is considered normal wear to consider. Depending on your individual and tear for a skateboard and will not be skating style and your personal preferences, covered. we have a bunch of different ingredients for Thanks everyone. Le Specs, which are worn by the likes of Rihanna and Beyoncé. These sunnies will keep you up with current trends at an affordable price.

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AFENDS

hEllO KoaLaS sCuLptUrE tRaiL O p e n i n g

M i d

S e p t e M b e r

2 0 1 4

50+ uniquely designed and handpainted koala sculptures in 50 locations throughout the Port Macquarie Hastings

wAucHopE

n W

cOmbOynE e

s vIsIt OuR wEbSitE GalLeRy To seE MorE InfOrMatIoN oN Our sCulPtUre dEsiGNs, Our sPonSoRs AnD oUr arTiSts wWw.hEllOkOalAs.cOm/gAllErY Principal Sponsor

22 greater port macquarie focus.

Project owner and Manager

Supporting Partner

bLacKmAns pOinT

pOrt mAcqUaRie

Hello Koalas Sculpture project has over 100 sponsors, artists, event partners and suppliers, primarily from the local community, who are contributing to this new

bOnnY HilLS

signature region, nature cultural eventt for the re egion, which willl run until at least December 2015.

lAurIeTon

fO r M oR e I n F o r M aT i o N A b o U t t h E S c u L pT u r E T r a I l co N tAct e info@hellokoalas.com p 0428 975 650 w www.hellokoalas.com

greater port macquarie focus 23

focusinterview.

here did you grow usually start to happen”. When opportunities up, and where did come your way and you’ve been doing it for a music start for you? while, I guess there’s no situation that is new I grew up in Melto you - you just do what you do. I feel I have bourne, and I started been in music for long enough now to say that music at a young age. it’s definitely the right time for things to start When I was 10, my granddad taught me how moving forward for me. to play the guitar - and I took it from there. In Headlining the Wildwood Festival here in my early 20s, I decided to make music a profesOctober, what can fans look forward to? sional career. I have been doing a fair few new songs How have you developed your because I am currently demoing for style of music? my next album. There is going to I play lots of differbe my new show, which I’ve ent styles. The whole been doing this year; it’s all e One of th r motivation for that was about getting people up fo s ht highlig e th at g to mix it up and do and partying. It’s a little in ay me was pl cisco an Fr n Sa something that was bit like I used to play 5 in e Fillmor nI he w re fo be new in the genre. e or 6 years ago - newer us beca lidays, After going down the material, but with some was there on ho ken electronic route, then older styles and songs for I got my photo ta ore llm in front of the Fi doing the rock band people to enjoy. ol .” co as w it ng ki thin thing, it just felt really What is special about good this year to go back visiting and performing in to my first love, which is the the Port Macquarie region? one-man band. That is what I have got lots of fond memories I have been doing in America and of Port. When I first started out, I was Canada this year. travelling up and down the coast, living in You’ve not long finished touring the a van and surfing every day and loving life. It US with fellow talented Aussie, Xavier was always just as much about the lifestyle and Rudd. Tell us about some of the highlights what you did during the day as it was about of the tour? the gig at night; it was a never ending party, The tour was absolutely amazing, and we and I’m still on that! (Laughs). The show is at played in some amazing venues. Every stage Cassegrain, and I absolutely love it there. I met that we played on, you know from movie or a some really lovely people there a few years ago song. One of the highlights for me was playing and got some nice bottles of wine; it’s going to at the Fillmore in San Francisco because before be a great day out. when I was there on holidays, I got my photo Future plans? taken in front of the Fillmore, thinking it was I will continue touring into next year. I just cool. So it was an amazing experience traveling started up with a really good agency in the US through and playing at iconic venues where all called The Agency Group, so that will be really my heroes have played. good for gigging and doing festivals; that is You recently won the “Best International what I was hoping for. I will be living in a moAct” for the LA Music Critic Awards. How torhome and travelling around a lot, and about does it feel to be at such a great place in 20 minutes ago I got the news that we have got your career? the same agency based in Canada as well! So It’s really cool. I was talking to this old guy at that was absolutely fantastic news; it’s going to a venue, and he was saying, “Well, you’ve been be a real adventure. doing this for 15 years - that’s when things Thanks Ash.

“

24 greater port macquarie focus.

ASH GRUNWALD IS KNOWN FOR HIS ENERGETIC LIVE SHOWS AND UNIQUE BLEND OF ROOTS, BLUES, BEATS AND A WHOLE LOTTA GROOVE! WE SPEAK TO ASH ABOUT HIS US TOUR WITH XAVIER RUDD AND THE UPCOMING WILDWOOD FESTIVAL AT CASSGRAIN WINERY.

DALE AND JOSIE ARE INDIE FOLK DUO THE FIRETREE. DALE TELLS US ABOUT THEIR TIME SPENT RECORDING AT THE CONSERVATORIUM IN PARIS, EMBRACING A MULTI-INSTRUMENTAL CULTURE AND CREATING A CAPTIVATING RAW INDIE POP SOUND.

here did you grow up, and where did music start for you? I grew up in Western Sydney up until I was about 12, and music was always a big part of my life. My folks moved to Nelson Bay and I spent about four years there, where I started to dabble in playing a few little shows, playing guitar and learning other instruments. I was about 16 when I grabbed my guitar, hit the road, and went busking up and down the coast. I ended up in Melbourne for a while, Noosa and Byron Bay. Music has been in my blood for many years, and I couldn't think of anything else to do. How would you describe your musical style? I guess we are folk based, but we do incorporate a lot of blues, rock and even some bluegrass into it. It's myself and Josephine playing in The FireTree; we are engaged and we tend to work with that and play lots of loves songs, but we play them with a bit of an edge. I play a kit drum and snare on my feet, while playing guitar and harmonica. Josephine is playing a djembe sometimes and also electric guitar, and we both sing along in harmony. So we really try to bring a full man band sound to the little duo that we are, and it seems to be working really well. We haven't seen anybody else creating the same sound that we are, so we are really enjoying it and having fun at the moment. Josie is an amazing finger picker; we also incorporate the mandolin and banjo mandolin - our banjo mandolin is actually 100 years old and we had it restored, so it's quite a little treasure to have and to play. What can fans expect to see from you at the upcoming Wildwood Festival? We just spent the last three months travelling across Europe; we are in Paris right now recording at the Conservatorium of Music, which has been absolutely amazing. We have just been inspired from all of the

influences we have had, from the South of France, Amsterdam, Berlin and London. We have spent about a month and a half in Paris, living in a beautiful apartment in the city. The language, people, architecture and overall atmosphere of Paris has been a big influence. Fans can look forward to a brand new album, which still has a bit of work to be done; we recorded everything ourselves and produced it. We are leaning in a bit of a different direction with the sound, and we have incorporated double bass and piano, which we've never used before, but it still does capture The FireTree and what we've been working towards for all these years. We are really keen to play at the festival. It's going to be our first show back in Australia, so we just want to blow the roof off and show everyone what we have been up to! Have you visited Port Macquarie before? We've played a few times over the last two years in Port Macquarie, and it is definitely a special place for us. When we played our first show there, it was at the Glasshouse supporting a local guitarist, Smokin' Joe Robinson. It was probably one of our biggest shows at the time, and we managed to really connect with the audience. There is a real appreciation for music and art and something special about the Port Macquarie culture, and I think it's a really cool spot. Thanks Dale.

the plug! WILDWOOD MUSIC FESTIVAL IS ON SUNDAY 5TH OCTOBER AT CASSEGRAIN WINERY. Tickets are $45 +bf or $55 at the gate - available online at Oztix, The Guitar Factory and Cassegrain Winery. Under 14s free (must be with an adult ticket holder). More. wildwoodmusic.com.au

focusinterview.

WILDWOOD F

C E L E B R AT I N G T H E F I R S T DAY O F DAY L I G H T SAV I N G S I N T H E L E A F Y S U R RO U N D S O F C A S S E G R A I N W I N E RY P O RT M AC Q UA R I E . W I L DWO O D’S I NAU G U R A L S H OW F E AT U R E S O N E O F T H I S C O U N T RY ’S F I N E ST A N D FAVO U R I T E AC T S, A S H G RU N WA L D.

It’s going to be all about getting together ds, with good friend chilling out an enjoying the O ctober longh some weekend wit local great music, d.” wine and foo

“

he music begins at Midday with Imaginary Friends, and winds its way with some of the best up and coming acts in the land such as The FireTree, Woodlock, Galleri and local talent James Bennett. This may be the last chance to see Ash in Australia for some time, as he finishes up his Australian tour at Wildwood in Port Macquarie. After a successful tour of the US with Xavier Rudd, Ash is keen to get back over, record a new album and play some more shows. Another act who are busy overseas as we speak

are The FireTree. Choosing to spend our winter in Paris, the guys have been busy touring the countryside, playing shows and recording at the Conservatorium in Paris. While Ash Grunwald is definitely the drawcard act at Wildwood this year, the supporting artists, such as The FireTree, Woodlock, James Bennett and Galleri are well worth the

admission price. Woodlock are a highly talented trio based in Melbourne and are about to hit the road to promote their new EP. The Garden is the second single from their recently released EP, Labour of Love, which debuted in the overall ARIA charts top 100 and also in the ARIA top 50 digital downloads chart. The release also sat comfortably, for over 3 weeks, in the iTunes singer/songwriter charts. Brothers Eze and Zech Walters and Bowen

Purcell, who are Woodlock, do things differently. They built the love around their music through busking. Many of their over 17,500 fFacebook followers enjoyed their street shows and have supported them since. James Bennett is another in a long line of world class acts to have emerged from this area. James has had a busy year touring the East Coast, playing festivals promoting his single Colourful Kites and writing and recording his first album, due out in November. It’s going to be all about getting together with good friends, chilling out and enjoying the October long weekend with some great music, local wine and food.

greater port macquarie focus 25

Tastings on Hastings will return to Port Macquarie’s Town Centre from 9am to 4pm on Sunday 26 October 2014, with a fresh new flavour. We speak with four local foodies involved in bringing the event to life…

Necia Waghorn

stewart s Stewart Clarkclark

ecia is Tastings on Hastings Event vent ent Coordinator. Last year the event tors hosted more than 100 exhibitors 000 and welcomed more than 15,000

visitors. Necia, what can we expect this year? This year Tastings on Hastings will come to life with a new theme, “Our Story, Our Soul, Our Food”, which embraces the multicultural influences within our local community. Tastings on Hastings 2014 will be a celebration of the people, stories and heritages that have influenced our individual cooking styles to make us the diverse culinary region we are today. We are thrilled to welcome celebrity chef Peter Kuruvita, renowned chef from Flying Fish restaurants and cooking shows such as ‘My Sri Lanka’, ‘Island Feast’ and his latest series on SBS ‘Mexican Fiesta’. Peter will host a Tastings Dinner on Saturday 25 October at The Fig Restaurant and will hold two cooking demonstrations during the main event on Sunday 26. This year the event will feature distinct precincts and some exciting new additions. Can you tell us about those? The 2014 event will feature six distinct areas: The Farmers Markets presented by Cassegrain Wines; The Restaurant Precinct presented by Coast Front Realty; The Main Stage presented by Doppio or Nothing Espresso; The Beer and Wine Precinct; The Cooking Demonstrations presented by PYE Provedores; The Makers Market presented by Marketplace Events. The exciting addition of the Makers Market, which will welcome patrons as they enter Tastings via the Glasshouse forecourt, will showcase an eclectic, vibrant and colourful collection of works by local artisans and artists.

mayor peter besseling

lease tell us about Port MacquarieHastings Council’s involvement with Tastings on Hastings? Port Macquarie-Hastings Council has been proudly presenting this much-loved community event for over a decade. We’re pleased to be supporting the event in its 12th year. It’s always wonderful to see the excellent spirit of the volunteers, exhibitors and members of our community who come out in force every year to support Tastings on Hastings. Tastings on Hastings is a highlight on our local events calendar, but also shines a spotlight on our region. What are the plans to expand the catchment this year? Tastings on Hastings is not just one of the region’s premier events for locals, but also an opportunity for local providores to showcase their best and most beautiful produce and wares. This year the catchment boundary had been expanded to include exciting offerings from neighbouring regions in support of the 100 mile food movement. Tastings on Hastings will continue to showcase the amazing variety of top quality food and beverage producers we have here in our local Hastings region. We will also welcome exhibitors from as far afield as Nelson Bay, Armidale and Woolgoolga, reflecting the significance of the Hastings as a culinary centre and the broader economic potential of the event.

tew tewart from Doppio or Nothing Esp Espresso is a passionate supporter of Tastings on Hastings, both as an exhibitor and sponsor. Stewart, how long have you been involved with the event? This will be our third year as an exhibitor. Tastings on Hastings is a terrific event that brings the community into the town centre to celebrate what makes our region special. We’re pleased to be a major sponsor of the entertainment precinct this year. We’re also supporting by supplying the environmentally sustainable packaging with our distribution partner Biopak, who are generously supporting the event for the second year. What do you have in store for visitors at this year’s Tastings on Hastings? We’ll have high quality, freshly made espresso coffee for people to enjoy as they soak up the atmosphere. We’ll also have our ‘DONE cold brew’ coffee, along with our retail coffee blends, certified organic teas, and ‘Fresh nine spice chai’. What are some of the most common questions you get asked at Tastings on Hastings? Even though we’ve been around for 10 years, we still get plenty of people asking us who we are, where we are from, and what we do. Tastings on Hastings gives us a chance to talk to people about our commitment to quality and let everyone know we don’t just make coffee – we provide ‘customised hospitality solutions’ including consulting, training and events. Tastings on Hastings is a great example of what we believe in – locals supporting locals. It’s not just about promoting our products, but also promoting the region.

Interested in exhibiting, volunteering or attending? Visit 26 greater port macquarie focus.

tastingsonhastings.com.au

peter goodwin

eter has signed up as a volunteer for Tastings on Hastings and urges others to do the same. Peter, how long have you been volunteering with Tastings on Hastings? I’ve been helping for more than six years. I’ve got a great assortment of caps and t-shirts to show for it. I’m looking forward to adding this years’ volunteer apron to the collection. Over the years I’ve been involved with selling raffle tickets, working in the information booth, and collecting surveys. How did you get involved as a volunteer? I moved to Port Macquarie in 2001 and thoroughly enjoy living here. It’s all about what you make of a place, and I like to find ways to put something back into the town. I have been the Coordinator of the Greater Port Macquarie Tourism Ambassadors for more than nine years, and this year I’ve got another band of helpers coming along, with 12 Tourism Ambassadors putting their hand up to volunteer. What are the benefits of volunteering at Tastings on Hastings? If you enjoy talking to people, like I do, then it’s a lot of fun. I’ve got around to talking to a lot of stall holders over the years, and have enjoyed finding out what our region has to offer. It’s surprising what’s growing up in ‘them thar hills’! Volunteering is a great way to meet people and keep active. Give it a go!

greater port macquarie focus 27

Rainbow cake from The Cheesecake Shop.

download our eat. dining guide for iPhone & Android www.focusmag.com.au/eat

greater port macquarie focus.

salty's bar and grill

The Cheesecake Shop

Spend this Father's Day at Salty's Bar and Grill

Happy Father's Day Come in and get Dad a delicious cake to celebrate Father's Day. We have a huge range of Mudcakes, Tortes, Cheesecakes, Lemon Meringues and Pavlovas, something for everyone! Everyone who buys a cake before 14/9/14 can enter our Father's Day competition to win a 4.5 kg bar of Toblerone! For all the dads out there, we wish you all a very happy Father's Day!

Treat Dad to great food and enjoy a day overlooking the water in quiet and peaceful surroundings. Bookings essential Breakfast 8:30am - 11am Lunch 12pm - 3pm Owner Andrea & Head Chef Sam.

9 McInherney Close, Port Macquarie 6584 0841

11/4 Bay Street, Port Macquarie 6583 7811

Monday - Saturday, 9am - 6pm and Sundays, 10am - 4pm.

scampis seafood bar & grill

off the hook

Come in an enjoy Scampis Seafood Bar and Grill's lunch specials from only $15.

Spring time means outdoor time! Enjoy the sun and the breeze from the ocean whilst enjoying many of the great options from Port's number one fish and chip shop, Off The Hook.

Beer battered Flathead Salt and pepper squid Pot pie of the day Pulled pork roll Licensed resturant open for lunch and dinner.

Owner Robbie.

Grilled or battered, with chips or salad. Fishermen's baskets, hamburgers, kids' packs and so much more! Owners Mark and Jackie Holt.

Don't forget Fathers Day is perfect for a picnic on Town Green with Fish and Chips from Off the Hook.

The friendly staff.

Family friendly. Book now for Father's Day.

40 William Street, Port Macquarie 6583 7200 6 days for lunch and dinner.

Located along Port Macquarieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Town Green. 6584 1146 7 days, from 11am - late. EFTPOS available; phone orders welcome. greater port macquarie focus

Ameretto cheesecake, almond tuile biscuits, peach and sour cherry gel.

Spinnakers Seafood Platter for Two

restaurant synergy

Spinnakers Restaurant + Bar

Where food and service work in harmony.

Get marina side for a springtime session on the Spinnakers Deck with a sun infused breakfast, or treat yourself to an espresso coffee and sneaky weekend sugar fix with a devilishly sweet treat from our talented in-house pastry designers. Our resort restaurant is open to the public everyday with plenty of free off street parking – pop in for a relaxed lunch with friends or business associates.

Synergy Restaurant & Bar located at the Mercure Centro Hotel in the heart of town. For an intimate dining experience, offering modern Australian cuisine at its best. Intimate private dining rooms available on request, for bookings of 10 or more guests. Also consider our rooftop banquet room, offering amazing ocean views, for that spectacular event.

Executive Chef Nathaniel.

Diary Dates: Dinner Dance on the Bay – Friday 12 September 6pm for a 6:30pm start – Two Courses, a complimentary drink on arrival with the Jordan Jive 4 Piece Dance Band and a specialty dance floor- just $49pp.

Head Chef Michael Schubert.

Mad Hatters Tea Party - Saturday 20 September 2pm – 5pm - Fabulous afternoon of scrumptious High tea, fashion, fantastic hats and fascinators and live entertainment in the resort grounds- just $39pp.

Located inside Sails Resort Port Macquarie by Rydges. Park St, Port Macquarie at the roundabout, opposite Settlement City 6589 5100

Cnr Hay & William Streets, Port Macquarie 6583 0830 www.centrohotel.com.au

7 days, from 6:30am - late. Bar open noon daily. Bookings recommended.

7 days, from 6:30am 'til 10am for breakfast; 5pm – late for dinner. Bookings essential.

Rhubarb, white chocolate, creme fraiche and mint.

zebu bar+grill

mi casa cafÉ & restaurant

The sun has arrived! Perfect weather to head down to Zebu to soak up that springtime vibe and beautiful water vistas as you enjoy one of our signature

Mi Casa Café and Restaurant is bringing an authentic taste of Spain to Port Macquarie. With a cool Spanish vibe and relaxing views overlooking the Town Green, the wide menu range boasts an array of tapas, seafood dishes and traditional Spanish favourites. Spring Tapas Menu - a great way to share time and food with friends. Choose from a delicious selection such as Croquetas, Chorizo con Gambas, Carne de res Marinada, Potatas Bravas and many more. Top it all off with a jug of our housemade Red Sangria! New Wine Menu including Marlborough 3 Tales SB and local Cassegrain Verdelho, plus all of your Spanish favourites. To celebrate our anniversary, we would like to thank all our loyal customers, and future regulars, by offering a free glass of bubbly on the 26th of this month.

cocktails, or a glass of vino from our award winning list with some duck spring rolls or a wood fired pizza. Make it a mid week evening session and get groovy with our Jazz Club every Wednesday, with live Jazz tunes from 6pm. Diary Date: Saturday 13 September 2014; noon @ Rydges for Planes Fire & Rescue Red Carpet Kiddies Screening - Party food, fire engines, seaplanes, face painting and fun followed by a red carpet screening at Majestic Cinemas at 2pm. Fun for the whole family! $20 Kids $25 Adults. Tickets available at reception or by contacting (02) 6589 2888 or email kate_woodfoye@rydges.com

Hay Street Foreshore, Port Macquarie 6589 2822 www.zebu.com.au 7 days, from 6:30am - late. Bar open noon daily. Bookings recommended.

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Executive Chef Adam Tait.

3/2 Horton Street (Located on Town Green), Port Macquarie. 6584 4559 Lunch / Tapas: Wed - Sun from 11am - 2pm. Dinner: Tues - Sun from 5:30pm.

Owners Brendan & Jennis Field.

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Fresh coffee and cake every day

• Q U AY L I M E • RESTAURANT + BAR

encore cafÉ + bar Encore café + bar is not just the Glasshouse theatre bar; it’s a café and bar every day for everybody. Drop in for a Lavazza coffee, a refreshing cold drink or something sweet to eat. Bask indoors in winter sun on a lounge, or idle away some time with friends on the podium, watching the world go by. The Encore bar offers an extensive drinks list for all your pre and post show drink desires – celebrate with a glass of bubbles or a premium beer. Relax with a drink – perhaps a Grandfather Port post show. Encore at the Glasshouse is for you; come join us.

Corner of Clarence and Hay Streets, Port Macquarie 6581 8888 Monday - Friday, 9am to 2pm, Saturday - Sunday 10am to 2pm. Open one hour prior to a show and post show.

WE SPEAK WITH JACOB FROM QUAYLIME AND FIND OUT ABOUT ALL THE NEW AND EXCITING CHANGES TAKING PLACE.

Pulled pork belly baguette with slaw, smokey BBQ sauce and aioli.

hy did you decide to make Quaylime? cooking a career? The current menu has been revamped to From a young age I was incorporate more local produce, new trading interested in food and hours for both restaurant and roller door, cooking; I knew it was definitely going to be which also allows a more affordable menu. a big part of my future. Once I was There's a new nautical themed loft old enough and school was with an extensive range of finished, I didn't waste alcoholic beverages, with any time. I went straight the addition of patio TH E CU RR EN T into the industry as heaters on the balcony M EN U H A S TO D PE a kitchen hand. It for chilly afternoons M BE EN RE VA O RE M TE RA O RP didn't take me long and evenings. IN CO CE , N EW LO CA L PRO DU to realise this is what What are some R RS FO TR A D IN G H O U N T A N D I wanted to do as a of your favourite RA BOTH RE STAU H IC H W career. ingredients to use R, O O D RO LL ER A M O RE S OW LL Tell us about your on a daily basis? A O LS A M EN U. ” background in the A FF O RDA BL E I like to use all hospitality industry. ingredients from paddock Where have you gained and ocean also try new your experience? twists on meals, but if I had to I started my apprenticeship at a choose, it would be fresh, locally small café at Lighthouse Beach, before grown beetroots. going on to finish my time at Port What will people enjoy most about Panthers. I have been very lucky to work coming to Quaylime? at some great venues in and around Port The friendly staff and excellent service. Macquarie, such as Town Green Inn, The We use all local suppliers and the freshest Corner and Cassegrain Winery. Over the years fruit and veg. The outstanding river views, I have been very lucky to work under and whether it's downstairs feeding the array of alongside some excellent chefs. fish, or upstairs in Gav's loft camping with Can you tell us about the changes that local beers while soaking up the sun on the have been made not only to the menu, balcony. but the the whole look and feel of Thanks Jacob.

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cafÉ treeo sawtell We’ve made it through the winter, and Café TREEO are excited to announce their spring menu! As always using the freshest ingredients, TREEO’s chefs have created a mouth watering menu, with something for everyone. You’ll find long-time TREEO favourites alongside new, fresh and fun dishes to welcome in the warmer weather. With lots of new businesses opening up in Sawtell, it’s well worth the short drive from Coffs to spend the day browsing the boutiques and scoring yourself a delicious meal!

18 First Ave, Sawtell 6653 1099 7 days from 7am for breakfast and lunch.

Owner/Chef Duncan Elliot.

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M A C L E A Y

Festival Visit Riverside Park in Kempsey on September 20 to witness

loads of entertainment, arts and crafts stalls, water displays, art installations and light projections … or even take part in juggling or drumming workshops! The Macleay River Festival has something for everyone! Joel Salom is just one of the acts who’ll be keeping the crowds entertained with his own highly unique brand of comedy and juggling skills ...

Joel Salom

i Joel. You’ve probably been asked this a thousand times before, but where do you call home these days – and how and why did you first became involved with the entertainment industry? Hi, I'm based in Northern NSW with my girlfriend and our two kids. It's a beautiful part of the world, with a great community. The more I tour, the more I appreciate having a home base that is a small country town. I first became involved in the entertainment industry when I was in Year 2. I performed at a clown convention in WA; I owned my own unicycle and had a little clown routine. Why? I loved it, and my parents were brave enough to let me go. Share with us some memories from your very first performance ... where was it, and how did it go? One of my first professional gigs was stilt walking as a clown at a shopping centre, near my home town in WA. I was very nervous, so my dad dressed as a clown and came along as support. I juggled three stuffed frogs and would pretend to drop them into the crowd; the little kids loved it, and they would throw them back to me. I couldn't believe I could get paid to perform. How has your act these days changed from your early days of performing? My act has changed so much, and yet there are elements that are similar. Juggling and making “mistakes” is still a huge part of my performance but after 30 years of training, performing and working with 32

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Directors, I have managed to create routines that are a lot more sophisticated. What are some of the more unusual items you juggle (or methods you use to juggle) - and how did you come up with these ideas? The most unusual items I juggle are Chuka Chuks, which are my juggling percussion balls that I invented. For the last 14 years I've been playing with percussion from juggling; it started with percussion eggs, and I've been in love with developing the technique since then. Introduce us to your friend, Erik the Dog. What’s special about Erik? Erik is a very charming mechanical dog, but I often can't believe what comes out of his mouth. He's quite rude and always treading the line of what’s appropriate to say, but somehow he gets away with it. He's fantastic and very popular, but he kind of annoys me. You’ll be visiting the Macleay River Festival to perform on September 20. How much are you looking forward to this trip? What are you hoping to do/see while you’re here? I'm really looking forward to this trip, mainly excited about performing in a new area for me and to teach my juggling percussion workshops. Unfortunately, I'm not going to have much time for checking out the area, but I hope to catch some of the festival. Without giving us too many spoilers, what are some of the things we can expect to see and hear in your show? My show is an interactive concoction of

Visit the

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comedy, improv, for reading - if you website: www. . al music and got this far! iv st fe er riv macleay e th electronics. A Thanks Joel. e lik or u .a com : ge lot of things go Interview by Jo Pa ok bo ce Fa m/ wrong, most of Atkins. www.facebook .co estival .l” them deliberately Further Info: MacleayRiverF - but regularly The Macleay unexpectedly. People River Festival will be tell me that they cry held on Saturday 20 during my shows … September, from noon from laughing, I presume. until 9.30pm at Riverside My guess (correct me if Park, Kempsey. I’m wrong!) is that you’re pretty Other entertainers/activities tech-savvy and have the ability to include: Shane Howard as the headlining create some amazing gadgets. What act, who will be performing in his acoustic are some of the other gizmos and trio; musical entertainment includes creations you’ve come up with over the Afro-fusion band Bakoomba, Sugar, local years? country music star, Amos Morris, Sages To be honest, I have limited tech-savvy, but Muses, Didjital, Liam Moylan and Annalise get very creative it. I like to improvise with Beechman. making ideas come together with limited There will be various children’s activities, resources.Work with what you've got; it a drumming workshop, and youth activities. doesn't need to be state of the art to be a Marine Rescue and Surf Life Saving will re-invention. be doing some water displays on the river My electronic juggling triggered music during the day, plus there will be art system is simple technology re-invented. installations and light projections . It has certainly taken a lot of rewiring and Best of all, the festival entertainment is exploring, but it's simple stuff, really. totally FREE! Where can people find out more about A variety of food stalls will also be on offer, you, or possibly see some videos/photos including Laotian/Thai food, sausage sizzle, of you in action if they can’t make it to hotdogs, fairy floss, coffee. There will also be the festival? arts and crafts stalls from local artisans. www.joelsalom.com has a bunch of videos Visit the website on and more. www.macleayriverfestival.com.au Final say … Like the Facebook Page www.facebook. A wise friend called Dr Reg Bolton once com/MacleayRiverFestival or said, “Do what you like and do what you're contact Olivia Parker on (02) 6566 3200 or good at”, and that's what I try to do. Thanks email olivia.parker@kempsey.nsw.gov.au

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from The Stunned Mullet

fr esh foo d resh food… the joy in true freshness. We are so fortunate in this day and age to be able to experience the amazingly superior taste of truly fresh produce. Once you find it, you realise how inferior any other option is - how bland and flavourless, how entirely lacklustre and disappointing in comparison. Our consciousness of our environment - the awareness of food miles, emphasis placed on sustainable farming practices and desire for foods free from chemicals and hormones has the added advantage of bringing us back to a place where freshness is implicit. We tend to wait for seasonal produce to become available - avoiding imported items and waiting for local, suspiciously eyeing off and rejecting apples in January and mangoes in July ...

The same is true of meat and fish -“Is it fresh?" we ask our fishmongers and butchers. Or, “What’s good today?" As consumers, we demand the best and reject the even slightly inferior. We are high maintenance and knowledgeable customers. The providores of fresh foods fight to stay current with food issues and trends, which range from ethical food production methods to individual dietary considerations - grass fed, grain fed, free-range, biodynamic, line caught, Fair Trade, wild… all the way to gluten free, paleo, non-dairy, wholefood … The list goes on and on - food is no longer fuel, but a complex web of intricacies, affecting our every sensibility from global consciousness to overall health and wellbeing - we are far more aware of what we are actually putting in our

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Cnr. Clarence & Hay St, Port Macquarie • OPEN 7 DAYS • Ph: 6583 4544 • www.pancakeplace.com.au

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declared. A stern and suspicious eye is cast over the contents of many a plate being put on a table near you, right now. All this has to keep us providers of food firmly on our toes. And the push from consumers exists all the way from the budget to the top end of the market. Whilst it is essential that anyone who considers opening a modern and successful food service establishment is aware of this demand from consumers, it is sometimes somewhat of a challenge to rise to the occasion … As always, homage needs to be paid to the bottom line, in that yes you still get what you pay for - in budget eateries a $15-20 main course is most likely not going to be line-caught and biodynamic. And the carb fillers on the plate aren’t going to be hand picked micro-greens; they are most likely being tumbled out of a big packet straight into the deep fryer. And the staff might not know if the salmon is from a sustainable source - although gluten free or nut free may very well be marked on the menu, such is the prevalence of dietary requirements nowadays. So clearly, it is all very awesome that as consumers we have educated ourselves to the point of absolutely wielding power over many of our smaller food providers (the two supermarket chains - we are still working on). And we restaurants are doing our best to keep up with the cool kids. Just bear in mind though, we are still learning ourselves and in a fast moving, fickle and cynical marketplace who still demands value for money, it’s not always easy.

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bodies - demanding purity, clarity on ingredients lists and even educating ourselves and learning to make things from scratch after casting a stern and suspicious eye on the evils of major supermarket chains and the like. We carry this super-awareness and passionate philosophy with us from our greengrocers and fishmongers to our local restaurants when we dine out. Menu offerings need to meet and then exceed regular and daily expectations in terms of quality and freshness. The sourcing of produce needs to be undertaken with the utmost dedication and passion. Customers often demand to know the history of ingredients used – the when, where and how, the questions of ethics and sustainability … It is no longer a question of looking at a nice piece of fish on a plate, admiring the aroma, colours, textures and flavours; it is indeed about a complex intellectual interplay embodying a range of philosophical, ethical and scientific elements. It is undeniable that there are huge benefits to be gained from the global food conscience that has been developed over the past few years. The message spoken out loudly and clearly by consumers has played a massive role in at least reducing shonky food production practices the world over. The knowledgeable consumer also treats their body as a temple, and this awareness leads to fewer health problems and hesitancy by food service providers to sneak in inferior ingredients in the hope of keeping costs down. There is an overall sense of there being nothing to hide behind anymore - freshness itself cannot be faked, additives and impurities need to be

MAIN MEAL GET ANOTHER AT HALF PRICE* *Available LUNCH AND DINNER ONLY MONDAY - FRIDAY on presentation of this coupon. Dine-in meal only. Offer ends 26th Sept 2014. Not to be used with any other offer.

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Come and Visit Port Golf Club! Come and visit the Port Macquarie Golf Club! With raffles and entertainment, a delicious new menu from Aspire restaurant and a relaxed atmosphere with friendly service, you are sure to enjoy your experience with us. Need a venue for your next party or function? The Port Macquarie Golf Club is an ideal place to have your celebration. With a large function room catering from a small gathering through to large corporate functions, banquets and Christmas parties. Providing everything you need to make organising easy, our qualified team will make every effort to ensure your function is planned and catered to your complete satisfaction. Aspire Restaurant is located within the Port Macquarie Golf Club, and has an extensive range of menu packages to choose

from to suit every taste and budget. Choose a full 3 course dinner for your guests, a buffet style menu, or for a more casual function, a range of canapés are available. Aspire Restaurant specialises in a large range of fresh local seafood and succulent steaks. Come and join us for BINGO every Monday from 10:30am and every Thursday from 6:30pm, Wednesday raffles from 5:30pm with FREE Trivia and Members Badge Draw, and Friday night raffles and Members Badge Draw. Great Golf, Great Food, Great Fun!

The coffee industry in Peru is one of that country’s most important agriculture sectors, accounting for 12% of all agricultural products. Surprisingly, Peru is one of the world’s largest producers of coffee, with over 216 million kilograms exported annually. f more note, most is organic and Fair Trade. It is the ninth largest producer in the world! Peruvian coffees are grown very high in the Andes Mountains. This exceptional altitude creates a coffee with bright effervescent snap, gentle sweetness, and nice, medium body. Peru is an excellent origin for organic coffees, due to the hard work of a few exporters/importers in getting the farms and the mills up to organic standards. Arabica coffee is grown on approximately 200,000 farms in Peru. Most are small, averaging less than two hectares. Most coffee is processed through co-operatives. Rainforest Alliance Certified sees the coffee grown under the canopy of the rainforest, so that the local flora and fauna and the coffee beans are all protected. Our BUZZ shade-grown Peru HB MCM Rainforest Alliance Organic exhibits a vanillanut-toned sweetness full of subtle citrus acidity. Extremely well balanced with a pleasing finish,

the cup has it all: body, brightness and good depth in the flavours. Our BUZZ Sencha Vanilla Tea is Sencha green tea flavoured with vanilla and a sprinkling of vanilla pieces. The vanilla sweetens the grassy flavour of the green tea. It is delicious as a warming tea and also as an iced tea. Green tea is taken without milk or sugar. “One or two cups of tea, depending on tea strength, are equal in anti-oxidant activity to five portions of fruits or vegetables, or 400 mg of vitamin C.” (Ref Tea and Health by The Tea Research Institute of Sri Lanka). If you love the social pleasure of Facebook, then you will love to see what is happening at your local Café BUZZ. Come and like us to enjoy the newsfeed. All BUZZ coffees and teas are available at your local Café BUZZ or online at www.buzzcoffee.com.au Regards, Harry harry@buzzcoffee.com.au

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Opening in November Book Now!

Ken LITTLE'S DEB'S DELISHES DISHES Catering hot and cold dishes, most of the food is made from local produce. I believe in using quality ingredients from the local area to keep an even balance. The look and taste of my food is sure to entice everyone. I know that your function will be delectably delicious, therefore promoting my business to others. I will ensure quality and quantity of food, specifically for each individual function. Giving that extra personal touch, making sure your function is memorable as it should be. My aim is to keep my clients happy, as well as all of the invited guests, making the occasion memorable for everyone. My prices are from $15pp to $55pp, depending on the menu you choose. The amount of people and where your function is depends on whether or not you require service or just a drop off. I will ensure that you are looked after, no matter what the requirements are at your function. Phone Deb on 0487 187 543 or email deb_ashmore@live.com

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Spring time is the change over month. The favourite fruit of many is the mango. They are starting to appear in the markets now. The first of our stock will come from the Northern Territory, and then we will work our way down into Queensland. This month we will also see some stone fruit, mainly peaches and nectarines. Mandarins will start to disappear, but the apple will still be around. It is always a stable fruit. Bananas will rise in price because the cooler months have taken their toll and supplies are a little scarce. In the vegetable department, local broccoli is just about finished, but the local cauliflowers are still in good supply. We have some lovely local Asian vegies available. Baby bok choy, gai lum, choy sum and some very nice Asian spinach are some products in stock. You should be looking to start summer with a good feed of local kale to put your â&#x20AC;&#x153;motorâ&#x20AC;? in healthy shape for the coming hot weather. Or, a glass of green juice will do wonders for your energy levels. Look forward to saying hello when next you visit our shop. - Ken.

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Maharaja Tandoori Indian restaurant Maharaja Tandoori-Indian Restaurant is one of Port Macquarie’s iconic Indian eateries, having been established in the centre of town since 1999. With water views overlooking the Hastings River, Maharaja offers the best quality cuisine on the coast with authentic taste and flavour.

up in Bollywood costume and accessories, and enjoy an array of traditional Indian cuisine. Book now for your next Corporate Event, Christmas Party, Birthday Party or Function, or attend one of our upcoming Bollywood Nights to experience the fun and tastes of India!

Maharaja Bollywood Nights! Bring some colour, culture and fun to your next party or function with a Bollywood themed event. You know that nothing is more glamorous, colourful, and full of glitz than Bollywood. So, leave it to us to decorate the venue in an Indian way and create the Bollywood atmosphere. Have fun with friends dressing

Maharaja is also a great place for lunch any day of the week, with beautiful views overlooking the Hastings River. It is also convenient, with Lunch Specials starting at only $5.50 for a small curry and rice, and Combo Meals including your choice of a medium curry with rice, 1 x naan and a can of soft drink for $15.90.

WINNERs

C E L E B R AT I O N S A R E U N D E RWAY AT Z E B U BA R + G R I L L W I T H T H E R E STAU R A N T B E I N G AWA R D E D

T WO W I N E G L A S S E S I N T H E

P R E S T I G I O U S G O U R M E T T R AV E L L E R F I N E W I N E PA RT N E R S AU S T R A L I A’S W I N E L I S T O F T H E Y E A R 2014 .

he iconic waterfront eatery was congratulated all entrants for the quality of this recognised for its passionately year’s lists. He commented on the extraordinary patriotic curation of their modern growth in the Best Listing of Australian Australian wine list expertly Wines category, with 63% more entries this matched with modern Australian cuisine. year. “This is great news for Australian wine Top drops include the Peter Lehmann Wigan producers and interestingly, this came with a Riesling of the Barossa SA, Xanadu Shiraz significant increase in the Best Food and Wine from Margaret River WA and Matching entries, which were up 25%.” with international picks Other trends noted by Judy such as the NAPA Sarris, Editor, Gourmet Traveller Cellars Napa Valley WINE included the rise of Cabernet Sauvignon wines by the glass listing be to ed ur We are hono from Southern and an increase in listing t gs on am recognised s nt California. of spirits. “Wines by ra au st re p to some of the the in The extensive the glass are on the be to – y tr in the coun mple, Te e Museum List on increase and spirit ic Sp of ny compa uko Seibo of offer at the busy om lists are more exciting M d an s G’ MS. g considering bar and grill also ...than ever, with is really excitin e years warranted a nod many showcasing the we are just thre ted on the from the judges. new raft of spirits from young and loca t.” Established in Australian producers. Mid North Co as 1994, Australia’s Overall, lists are showing Wine List of the Year better balance with due Awards has an impressive support being given to Aussie local and international panel to winemakers, and it’s pleasing to see maintain integrity and independence. regional restaurants sourcing local wines Headed by leading wine commentator to marry with the local ingredients used in Peter Forrestal, the long-term panel their kitchens.” of 30 includes industry figures such as Food & Beverage Operations Manager Justin Brian Julyan MS – CEO The Court of Master Cave was over the moon with the result. “We Sommeliers, Gerard Basset MBE, MW MS are honoured to be recognised amongst some MBA, Evan Goldstein MS, Toni Paterson MW, of the top restaurants in the country – to be Bob Campbell MW, James Lawther MW, in the company of Spice Temple, MS.G’s and Andrew Caillard MW, Huon Hooke, Jeni Port, Momofuko Seibo is really exciting, considering Mike Bennie and Peter Bourne to name a few. we are just three years young and located on Over 370 restaurants, clubs, pubs, hotels the Mid North Coast. It’s great to see regional and brasseries entered this year’s awards, with venues being recognised on a national stage.” 94 achieving the highest rating of 3 glasses, The winning wine list was created by Justin 149 were awarded 2 glasses and 121 achieved Cave and Brent Tozer and is a result of three 1 glass. years of development, with many more fine Fine Wine Partner Chairman, Rob Hirst, wines to be showcased in the months to come.

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C O F F E E . WHAT PROBABLY LY A LOT OF PEOPLE DON’T ’T REALISE ABOUT PEAK COFFEE OFFEE IS THAT WE ARE BRINGING RINGING TO PORT MACQUARIE RIE SOME OF THE WORLD’S S LEADING COFFEE AND CAFÉ AFÉ TRENDS. MANY PEOPLE SAY AY THE COFFEE/CAFÉ INDUSTRY NDUSTRY IS SATURATED, BUT T WE KNOW THERE IS STRONG NG GROWTH IN THE YEARS AHEAD HEAD FOR THE COFFEE AND D CAFÉ BUSINESS.

eak Coffee has some very interesting backgrounds within its team. The business is owned by Sean and Kristine Edwards, who also own Café Culture International, which is a national media company that runs events like Café Biz and The Golden Bean. They also run Café Culture Magazine and have shares in The Cutthroat Journal. Sean is also a consultant to many corporate clients who supply the café industry, along with helping his son, Charlie, with his new venture - Carlos and Co. Kristine spends most of her time with Peak Coffee but has also just purchased the Comboyne Hideaway, which offers holiday accommodation. Steve Foye, Peak’s Sales Manager, is a sommelier and retired stuntman; Ainsley Harrison, Peak’s Roaster, is an electrical engineer; Kenny Seno, the Head Barista at Peak Coffee, is a Marine Biologist; and Andrew Veitch, our Technician, is an Electronics Engineer. This large skill set is linked together through a passion for coffee, which spills over to Peak Coffee’s loyal following. Having so many clever people involved in the business has kept this business moving forward, even through the tough years. It has also led us to be the innovators of change and to follow the coffee trends that are going to work in Port Macquarie and surrounding areas. We know that Australian coffee consumption is now at 13 billion dollars a year, with over 3 billion cups of coffee sold in the café and other food service sectors. Our research also shows most people want more from their local café, and food is becoming the next hero after good coffee service. This is good news for our business, as it tells us we have to look at ways we can complement our beverage range while considering the growing trends in foods service. Coffee, we know, is the hero across all food service sectors and has a strong position in cafés, restaurants, bars, clubs and catering, and we have been very focused recently on introducing some of these trends into the cafés we service. One recent trend with the health conscious diner is 38 greater port macquarie focus.

the emergence of the Paleo diet, that has innovated the No more bacon and egg rolls for breakfast, when I can now “bulletproof coffee” craze. This coffee drink is a mix of get an eggs benedict baguette with maple bacon and lime organic grass fed butter, coconut oil, and organic coffee. hollandaise. It sounded very confronting, and we decided to trial it For café owners, it has come down to customer Peak’s Brew Laboratory at Port Macquarie. After some expectations and the fight to stay in that top one percent of experimentation with the recipes and some willing punters the hit list of Australia’s best cafés. With an industry of over to sample the concoctions, we came up with a mix that thirty thousand cafés nationally, the competition is tough. suited all. The Lab now does at least 20 of these beverages We are seeing the restaurant chef moving into café service. a day, and we get people coming for this health And for them, it’s a smart choice. They can make drink on their way home from the gym. more money with 25% profit margins, versus Another health/food related fact we 8% in a restaurant. And secondly, they are surveying is the amount of light work better hours (all day work) and d We have worke milk verses full cream. Nearly fifty city CBD cafés have weekends off. st hard over the la e percent of all the coffees sold The third reason is that they can be ffe ak Co eight years at Pe ugh now are light milk. We catered more experimental and inventive, as thro and have gone for coffee at a recent sporting the rules are much more relaxed in as , es cl cy many growing , do es event, where the age group café world. ss ne si bu many new d ne ai was, on average, between The other big factor as to why m re ve but we ha a ed w 40 to 50 years old, and the the café has become popular, as llo fo d an strict ality and qu light milk numbers were 80%. our latest Café Culture Pulse report gh hi of an pl ahead of This is why food and beverage shows, is that café service is used service, staying businesses have to be flexible monthly by 81% of the population future trends.” and adapt to change; as the media and is the most popular part of the spreads the healthy lifestyle message, it hospitality sector. has definitely affected the way consumers We see a big future in café growth in the spend - especially in our café world. next 10 years, and the stronger areas are food, We are also seeing trends with restaurants tea and iced drink sectors. The industry is growing at a becoming cafés. It has always been a debate among rapid rate, and the emphasis is still big around quality and café owners as to what point a restaurant becomes speed of service. Coffee will remain the main drawcard for a café. We have used the scenario that once the white daily visits but as our lifestyles get busier, so will the demand tablecloth comes out, the business becomes a restaurant. for better and complete café services. We now know that this is not the case, as the two have We have worked hard over the last eight years at Peak merged into what I would call now the Super Café. Coffee and have gone through many growing cycles, as This new look business offers exceptional coffee service many new businesses do, but we have remained strict and and in turn, has to offer unique food offerings and great followed a plan of high quality and service, staying ahead of customer relations. If I go into one of these new emerging future trends. café businesses and ask for a single estate espresso, I want Peak Coffee, 30 Jambali Rd Port Macquarie it backed up with a great meal like pork and duck rillettes www.peakcoffee.com.au or a goat ragu with a cob of warm home baked sourdough. Phone: (02) 6581 2677

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focus interview.Fun.. Chocolate Fountain s o c i a l s c e n e

Photo Credit: Steve Harris Fab Photos

Below Sue Pitman and Chris Plater

with Kate Wood-Foye from Rydges Port Macquarie.

Above and Left Masquerade Ball Fun at Rydges

After a hugely, almost unnatural period of hibernation ... I find myself emerging slowly from the comfy cocoon of winter (and hideously addictive and mind rotting reality TV) to say a tentative and squinty hello to the promise - dare I say it - of sunshine.

’m certainly not one to guarantee the sun, as its typical of late that the much longed for weekends have been raining cats and dogs or blowing a gigantic gale - super incompatible with social activity; however, it is regularly and annoyingly balmy on a Monday AM on the drive into work ... irritating in the extreme! This springtime return to the human race and to the racing season itself can be quite arduous and enjoyable in equal parts. The countdown to the racing carnival is already on, with high fashion, afternoon teas, cup days and ladies that lunch readying their arsenal of stilettos and shellac as we speak! Guests certainly shunned the disgraceful weather and donned their stunning full length best for the 8th Annual Rydges Masquerade Charity Ball in honour of the Hope Shop - “A Night with Oscar”. The drizzle didn’t put the glambunctious guests off, as they arrived at the hotel to the retro sounds of Phil Luke and his five piece Dixie band; an uber chic white Cadillac and vintage MG set the scene topped off by the golden glow of life size Oscar himself. Generous Papparazo Steve Harris of Fab Photos snapped the guests on the red carpet, as they sashayed their way stylishly though the crowd, sipped on De Bortoli bubbles and dined on delish canapés. Ever Dapper MC Michael Crossland and lovely wife Mel led the night, with over $14K raised for the local charity. John and Maryanne Parer all but stole the show as Cary Grant and Marilyn Monroe, with stylish turns by the lovely Karen Quinn and Kate Hutten.

Fab Models, Astra O’Brien and Tahne Holcroft created a fashionable feast with a live fashion auction of vintage and bespoke evening gowns. Gaz Livingston and the boys from the Quantum Souls got the Oscar goers burning up the dance floor, with Matt J and the lovely Shari of Pose It Photo booths - sponsored by Colourworks - providing the fun factor and plenty of embarrassing evidence of a fab night out. Best dressed lady sponsored by the lovely Carole Beros of Le Dãin Design was the stunning Kathyrn Foran of NBN Television. Best Dressed Gent went to the stylish Dan Parlievet and quite scandalously, the best dressed duo actually went to a trio … ahem… Alexandria Barron, Kalray Menezes and the lovely Sarah Roswell. Guests, including Amanda Roberts, Melinda Dalton, Sarah Wood, Lisa McNaughton, Hayley Young, Hayely Branch, Tone and Krysia Mailo and the ever generous Evelina Kemp all got their groove on. Some fabulously foolish types even ventured onward and outward in the pouring rain to another little known establishment for just a titch more dancing - clearly led astray by none other than Miss Misty, Sweet Chilli Philly and French starlet Juliette. Needless to say, the Sunday to follow was long … oh so long … but absolutely worth it … including the “Mummy, is it wake time at 5am” and the third degree self inflicted stiletto injuries incurred from the adventure. Priceless! A very happy birthday lunch was spent with the gorgeous Emily Pitt and hubby Mick

Godwin with their beautiful newborn baby boy, Oliver James Godwin, just a few weeks new at Quaylime. Guests, including Ricky and Samantha Taylor, Greg and Layla Porter, Louise and Jay Beaumont, the Foye lads and myself enjoyed a superbly cruisy afternoon of bubbles, beer and sun. Congrats, and happy birthday Emily! Congrats also to the beautiful Kelly and Jeff Cowan, who welcomed handsome little Finn Cowan in late August - he is a much loved little brother to big brother Sonny. Happy days to you all! Mid North Coast Imaging held its inaugural celebration for all medical secretaries in the region on Thursday 7th August 2014 at Rydges Port Macquarie. The event, coordinated by Shayne Trotter and Nurit Thompson, was in recognition of their important role in the health industry. Congratulations ladies! A new little event has reared its quirky head at Sails Resort, daring you to head down the rabbit hole to a fabulous high tea and afternoon of fashion and fun in the sun in the gardens of the resort at the inaugural Mad Hatters Tea Party on Saturday 20 September, from 2pm - 5:30pm. Guests will spend an afternoon enjoying live entertainment, drinking teapot cocktails and bubbly wearing fabo hats and fascinators, with gorgeous prizes for best hat and fascinator on the day. Glam afternoon tea frocks and sun dresses will be the norm, with bocci and croquet an option for those who like to dabble in a little Alice in Wonderland fun. The event will showcase stunning millinery from local

and regional artists, with handmade hats and fascinators on show and divinely scrumptious treats to be enjoyed whilst relaxing on the water. Funds raised from the event will benefit the Braveheart Foundation. Don’t miss this very important date - get the girls or the guys together for a fabulous afternoon out! Not to be left out, the lads, ladies and little ones can enjoy an afternoon at Rydges at the Red Carpet screening of Planes: Fire & Rescue with a pre screening party at Rydges at noon with face painting, a real life fire engine courtesy of Tim Hitchen and the Rural Fire Service, Charlie the Seaplane, and scrum-diddly party food followed by a red carpet screening with lots of popcorn the at Majestic Cinemas at 2pm with Dusty Crophopper and Co. Head to Rydges and attend the event to go into the draw to win a joy flight in Charlie the Seaplane courtesy of Judge Hodge and Port Macquarie Seaplanes. $20 for littlies and $25 for adults includes pre show party food/movie ticket and popcorn! Dusty amazing! So, it looks like the gloves are off and the frocks are on (if they still fit!) A huge season ahead … food fests, red carpets, degustation dinners a plenty, artists' markets, launches and lunches and some serious excuses to just enjoy life and get out amongst it! Thinking I can squeeze in one more lazy weekend before the silliness hits warp speed - just one more chillax in PJs with tea and toast … at least one sneaky lie in, possibly even two ... or three… 'til next month - Kate.

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Out to Lunch

with Susie Boswell

Kate Wood-Foye S H E ’ S P ORT M ACQUA R I E ’ S QU E E N OF T H E S O C I A L S C E N E , OU R T O W N ’ S S O L E S O C I A L C O L U M N I S T, W R I T I N G F O R F O C U S S I N C E W E B E G A N I N 2 0 0 5 . S U S I E S I T S D OW N F O R L U N C H W I T H K AT E , A N D I T T U R N S O U T S H E ’ S N O T J U S T A P R E T T Y FA C E .

wardrobe of party frocks, chic hats, stylish stilettos. Champagne cocktails, formal balls and all that jazz. A diary crammed with social engagements. Beyond glamourous. It sounds like Hollywood, but it’s Port Macquarie: specifically, Kate WoodFoye’s world, packed with laughter, dancing, canapés and chocolate fountains. An enormous invitation list of friends, contacts. Over the past year Wood’s organised and/or attended as many as 600 functions, from two to eight of them often falling in a single day and night. That’s not counting entertaining at her own hilltop home. It’s incredible, yet fact: over the past 15 years she’s been at the centre of near 6000 of the best, fun, times. Partly it’s due to a gregarious extrovert nature and innate talent as hostess and party planner, stemming from childhood. “The Woods were known for a good ‘do’: birthdays, Xmas, BBQs often on an epic scale!” she laughs. “Mum and Dad always had a focus on food, music, decorating the table and creating the right vibe to relax and enjoy.” And it’s partly due to her job. Clients of her early career on London’s social scene were Tate Gallery, Royal Ascot race committee, Chelsea Flower Show, and Prince Charles and the Queen, no less. Today, slim, attractive, fashionable - clever and inventive too - in her prime at 36, she’s married with a tiny tot, a new dream kitchen at home and newly promoted in her job, now Sales and Marketing Director of Rydges and of Sails Resort. She moved up to the title and greater responsibilities after seven years as executive sales/ marketing manager with the riverfront hotel when it recently assumed operation also of Sails. How does she do it all? Behind the scenes there’s not-soglam meetings, budgets, targets, humdrum details, hard work, hectic days. In fact, she and husband Steve Foye have just mothballed a business they founded 11 years ago and operated concurrently with their mainstream jobs, SilverSpoon Catering & Events. The company was noted for the elan of its gallery openings, christenings, business

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launches and premium, unrivalled service. Foye’s an outgoing personality and hospitality guru too; the couple met at the opening of the then Blue Gecko bar on Clarence, where he was restaurant manager. They married eight years ago when he’d become national sales manager for Cassegrain, a near 10-year stint that ended when their son Jack arrived three years back and travelling took Foye from home too often. He’s now GM of locally-owned Peak Coffee yet, as Jack grew, TO the pair decided SilverSpoon “ I'M LU CKY ... VE EA W meant one party too many, TO E BE A BL LOV E for now anyway. Born and TH E TH IN G S I O educated in Taree, Wood IN TO W H AT I D .” G has a younger sister, Sarah, a full calendar of social IN V LI FO R A in property management events the hotel itself here, and youngest sibling drove, rather than being just Patrick, in IT and with a family the venue.” in Taree. Work at a local Italian Now, aside from regular restaurant had seen her “exposed to the fare - restaurant fixtures, functions, world of hospitality and events, good food and meetings, birthdays, receptions etc with the wine. I thought ‘I like this!’” She trained in hotel extended Rydges team - there’s an amped-up and events management at Sydney’s prestigious Melbourne Cup (Wood hired the racehorse, above, Williams Business College then took off on a to greet guests at the foyer) and a cavalcade of working holiday to visit extended family in England, themed events: annual fashion fundraiser Ladies deploying her emerging flair with elite cateringin Red, for the Sallies; a New Year’s Eve cabaret events specialist Esprit. “I thought ‘Wow, this is themed around Casablanca; High Tea on the amazing! I love it!’ It whetted my appetite for the Hastings: 240 women on the hotel rooftop at the industry.” Back home, with a corporate cadetship inaugural event, for Camp Quality; Six Degrees of at Sails, she moved fast through all facets from Degustation, Tastings on Hastings’ flagship event. room service to restaurant manager, food & This month at Sails (she’s come full-circle) it’s a Mad beverage and conferences, events and weddings. Hatter’s Tea Party, an Alice in Wonderland-inspired “I realised my heart lay with this industry. I loved high tea-garden party designed and coordinated the business and learnt about everything from by Wood, putting her touch on the marina venue’s teaspoons to the accounting side.” By 21 she was identity. Not only adults but kids attend dedicated assistant GM, at 23 named Young Achiever in red-carpet movie premieres, youngsters arriving the Businesswoman of the Year awards. Shortly at Rydges dressed up - many “in character” - for after, SilverSpoon was born, its reputation for the “paparazzi” and some gala kiddie-style party excellence ultimately seeing her head-hunted for food, then to the cinema for animated features like Rydges. “The hotel was a very successful corporate Toy Story or, soon, Planes, when a real aircraft will and functions hotel but its own events were only feature at the hotel. Wood’s annual Masquerade the Melbourne Cup and Christmas Day. I wanted Ball has grown to a “must” attraction for more to attach a personality, a profile people would than 200, last year Great Gatsby, last month an associate with Rydges, add more fun stuff to create Oscars flavour. It aids local charity, HOPE: “I wanted

to do something coming directly back to locals,” Wood explains. It’s raised close to $100,000. So there’s more to her than the froth and bubble, or even generating hotel revenue. She’s co-founder and chair of a substantial three-day youth conference challenging and inspiring Port’s 15 to 25-year-olds to excel in their careers, the Luminosity Youth Summit, at the forefront of convening a Port Who’s Who of sponsors, using her formidable skills, inventiveness and deft organisation. Now heading into its third year it’s won her admiration in education, employment and business circles. The feeling’s mutual: “It’s one of the most exciting experiences of my professional life, shared with some truly wonderful people,” Wood declares. “I’m lucky to have family and a workplace that support flexible hours, to weave the things I love into what I do for a living: I get to express my creative side and love seeing people’s faces when they arrive at what’s a memorable experience for them; and creating events that give back to the community through fundraising. I meet some amazing people in the charities we work with.” When the party’s over though, family are “first and foremost the huge part of who I am. Jack opens my eyes to a whole new world; he makes Steve and I laugh every day. “It’s really cool to watch our little person grow and learn ...”

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TAIKOZ Ian Cleworth is the Artistic Director of TaikOz – a spectacular aural and visual feast which marries the dynamic sounds of Japanese drums with the more delicate tones of both flutes and Koto. The sheer physicality and movement of this production also have to be seen to be believed – and we’re very fortunate to be able to experience this for ourselves at the Glasshouse …

n It involves seve rs … be em m z O ik Ta w s er ho they are the play Taiko e th will be playing ums, dr of e or that rang autiful be e m so as well as ere’s flute playing. Th of t bi a actually quite lots of e’s er th singing and movement. ”

“

i Ian. How did you become involved with the entertainment industry? I’m a percussionist. For 20 years I was principal percussionist of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, but, alongside that, when I had finished my degree at Adelaide University, I travelled to Japan and lived there for a while and I studied the Japanese drum, which is called the Taiko - that was right back in the mid ’80s. So, it was quite a while - a kind of gestation - before TaikOz was born in 1997. With TaikOz, as the name suggests - the Oz bit is selfexplanatory - but the Taiko bit of TaikOz refers to the Japanese word for Japanese drums. For quite a few years I was playing both in the Sydney Symphony and developing the ensemble, and gradually over time TaikOz started to take on a life of its own and, eventually, I resigned from the orchestra in 2005 and went full-time with TaikOz. Ever since then, I’ve been involved with the group as its Artistic Director. Over those years, 17 years now, we’ve been developing a very original repertoire of music, and we’ve also just gradually been travelling further and further afield. We’re based in Sydney, but we travel a lot around Australia, so that’s why we’ll be up at Port Macquarie before too long. And internationally as well … the group has just come back from the USA and a tour of the West Coast there … Could we have some more clarification on the term “Taiko”? The term can be used to refer to a group of drums, or just one drum. In terms of this production, what does it mean? As I mentioned, Taiko is actually the 44 greater port macquarie focus.

Japanese word for drum and it refers specifically to the Japanese drum. It’s just a generic word meaning drum or drums, but the thing is … there’s a whole family of Taiko instruments, Taiko drums, and that ranges from very small, high pitched instruments to huge Taiko. The biggest Taiko is well over a metre in diameter and it weighs two hundred kilos, so this particular instrument is played with very big drum sticks and has, obviously, a very deep tone. And, then - there’s everything in between. The other thing with Taiko, too, is that flutes and singing and movement is also a part of Taiko … so, you’re quite right to ask the question, “What is Taiko?”- because it’s actually a whole world of drumming and rhythm, but also melody and movement as well. Where does the reference for the title of your show, Crimson Sky, come from? It comes from a line of a haiku and, a very short form of Japanese poetry, seventeen syllables long … When I composed this for the Crimson Sky, which is the full name of the piece that’s the centrepiece of this program, it’s actually a fifty minute work of mine that I composed back in 2012. When I compose, I like to have some kind of inspiration or impetus for creating the music; and in this case, it was this particular haiku. I just find that image of a crimson sky is a very powerful image, so it sort of sparks off all of these musical ideas … How many people are involved on stage in this production? It involves seven TaikOz members … they are the players who will be playing the Taiko or that range of drums, as well as some beautiful flute

playing. There’s actually quite a bit of singing and there’s lots of movement. There is also an eighth player, and that is our guest soloist Satsuki Odamura. Satsuki is a virtuoso of the Japanese Koto, and it’s actually the Bass Koto - a 17 string Zither-like instrument. Satsuki is a wonderful performer and what she brings to the performance is her melody; it’s just great to have the combination of the melody from the Koto and the flutes pairing up with all the energy and rhythm of the drums. How much skill is involved with the drumming? What sort of techniques do you have to learn to be able to play these instruments – it looks to be very physical and a lot of hard work! Like in a lot of drumming traditions, it’s not so difficult to get a sound. Most people can grab a drum stick and strike a drum and, of course, you get a sound and that’s part of the satisfaction of drums - you get that immediate gratification and can even play simple rhythms. Most people are capable of doing this, but like anything, if you want to do something really well and really get to a high level, you’ve got to work extremely hard. But, Taiko also demands a lot physically from the players and it’s a very visual style of playing, so this marriage of the visual with the aural is really important. Not only do we have to practise all of the very complex rhythms that we play, but we also have to practise the actual technique. In fact, the actual style of playing, which involves complete integration of the body with the sound; you have to be pretty fit to do it as well because when you get going on those big drums and you put out 15 minutes of full-on energy playing, it really

can take a lot out of you! I know, for me personally when I’m performing, if we do a two hour show I’ll easily go through 2,500 calories in a show. And, certainly, by the end of a show you’re pretty spent, but it’s a good feeling. What will our readers get to experience firsthand from Crimson Sky? I think, in a general sense, the one thing that really characterises our shows is the real sense of drama, theatre, virtuosity, theatricality which is incredibly dynamic and very powerful in its impact. The other thing is, I think people are always pleasantly surprised … sometimes they think, “Oh, two hours of full-on drumming - I couldn’t think of anything worse” - but the thing is, we balance things out with really intimate, almost meditative moments as well. I think people will find that they’ve been taken on a journey through the whole program, and I’m absolutely convinced they’ll be totally drawn in and excited by the end of the performance. I hope they’ll be quite intrigued. Our instruments themselves are beautiful and hand crafted instruments and they’re quite impressive, almost like sculptures, because they’re all made of wood and skin - they have this beautiful natural quality. I think even when people just walk into the theatre and they see the instruments up on stage, it really sets the atmosphere for all of that drama and theatricality and dynamism to come. Thanks Ian. Interview by Jo Atkins.

the plug! WEDNESDAY 8 OCTOBER, 8PM $49.90 adult $45.90 concession/under 21/student

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

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What’s On

E S U O H S S A L G @ TH E

KITTY FLANAGAN S E R I O U S LY?

School Spectacular

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Riley Paige is one talented young girl, having achieved so much at such a young age. Riley is chasing her dreams to perform at the Schools Spectacular ... FOCUS finds out about her journey to success ...

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10th Anniversary Spectacula

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ow old are you, and when did Spectacular in Sydney? you start singing? I’m not sure yet, as I won’t find out 'til the I am 11 and I started singing lesend of September. sons at the age of 8 with Ian Castle The Schools Spectacular is a huge event; so of Centre Stage Theatre Factory. you will have to be doing a lot of travel. Tell Your YouTube channel as an impressive me about the fundraising concert you have amount of views! What’s your favourite organised ... part about having a YouTube channel? As we have to spend most weekends and a My favourite part is getting to record some of couple of full weeks in Sydney in the lead up my favourite songs so other people get to hear to the Schools Spectacular, we have arranged them. a fundraising concert to help with the costs. What has been your best This will be held on Sunday, September achievement since you 14, at the Port Primary School hall began performing? from 3pm. I will be singing a It was winning at range of my favourite songs Sydney Eisteddfod, but and have asked some of g I will be singin now I think that being my Centre Stage Theatre y m a range of ve chosen as a featured Factory friends to join me. ha d an s favourite song re nt artist for the School Tickets will be $10 each, Ce y m of e asked som y or ct Spectacular may be and refreshments will be Fa e tr ea Stage Th ” e. m even better. available. in jo to s nd frie What do you like to Over thirty students from do on the weekends? public schools across the I like to hang out with state have been chosen to front my friends, go shopping, go this year’s School Spectacular. to the beach. *"The talented students will be Tell us about the audition process leading the cast of 3,600 outstanding for the Schools Spectacular. performers taking part in this year’s Schools The first step was to send a video of Spectacular, which is known as the biggest entwo contrasting songs to show the range of tertainment event of its kind in the world. what I could sing. Then I was chosen to go to "This year marks the 31st Schools SpectacuSydney and perform these songs in front of a lar at the Qantas Credit Union Arena (formerly panel of 5 judges. After making it through this known as the Sydney Entertainment Centre). round of auditions, I was given some songs to The theme will be This Is Australia, which will learn, to perform at the next audition. There pay tribute to the diversity that Australia offers. were four rounds, and I was so excited every "The show casts a spotlight on some of this time I found out that I’d made it to the next country's most incredible young talent whilst level. All of these auditions were in Sydney, so paying tribute to some of our nation’s most it meant that we had to do lots of travel. I met significant people, places and moments."* some really cool people at these auditions, and * Adapted from the Schools Spectacular MeI’m really excited to know that I’m going to be dia Release - Media Liaison Unit - Grant Hatch performing with some of them. - Media Liaison Officer. What will you be performing at the Schools 6334 8080 or 0419 284 243.

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Katie KATIE NOONAN IS GRACING PORT MACQUARIE WITH HER ANGELIC VOICE IN AN INTIMATE, STRIPPED BACK PERFORMANCE ... l So I thought, wel I g in th e ... the on ne is haven't really do e a ad m I so , lo play so me and a record with just piano d an t string quarte ck .” ba ed very stripp

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ot only have you been voted in the top 20 Greatest Australian Singers of all time, along with Aussie legends Michael Hutchence and Bon Scott, to name a couple, you've also been labelled by BMA Magazine as "Australia’s greatest music superwoman". How do you stay humble? Those sayings are obviously beautiful, and ultimately most artists are their own harshest critics … all trying to get better and improve things about what you do, so at the end of the day you kind of have to listen to your own internal voice. That's the only real thing; the ultimate challenge of what you do. The best thing for me is when people come up to me and let me know that the song is important to them; that's the ultimate gift, and that's why we do music - for the purpose of connecting and feeling like you're a part of something bigger than yourself. And children ... children are great at keeping you humbled. Tell me about the songbook you've released to accompany your new album, also titled Songbook ... I released this album last year. It felt like a really lovely kind of moment, like a book end moment. I'd realised that I'd been a full-time musician for exactly half of my life,18 years, which is great a privilege - and I wonder really that I get to do this! So, I thought, well ... the one thing I haven't really done is play solo, so I made a record with just me and a string quartet and piano - very stripped back. That was the CD Songbook, a selection of songs from my whole career, but then a lot of people have been asking for years for the sheet music for quite a few of the songs … it was interesting going back and writing them all out and thinking about where I was when I

first wrote them and putting together photos. It's mainly music, but there are little anecdotes throughout about where I was when I wrote a certain song and what it's about and all that kind of stuff, and lots of photos from early gigs, but then also photos of when I was a little kid learning piano, all through to more recent gigs. It's just like a little snapshot into my musical evolution, I guess. Being a selected list of works from your collection of past albums, how have you recreated the songs; what's different? Well, it's interesting, because a lot of the songs I haven't sung in years and years - like early George songs that I hadn't been singing at all and haven't really thought about … I do these secret by request shows every now and then, mainly in Sydney and Melbourne … and that gave me a bit of an indication of what songs resonated most with people. Basically, I stripped it right back to just me and the piano. Some of these songs I'd never played with a piano at all; they were George songs, and they had guitar and drums and all sorts of stuff. I worked with my friend, who's an amazing string arranger and composer… beautiful quartet friends of mine, originally from Brisbane but now in Melbourne, and they played beautifully and we recorded it together; it was a really fun process. You're bringing along super talented lad Jack Carty for this tour. Will you be performing together at the show? He was doing a gig with me in Sydney a couple of years ago. He was just working out that song, and I thought, "Oh gosh, that song's beautiful". So when he went to record it for his album, he asked me to sing it with him. He's a lovely guy, Jack - he's originally from Bellingen, now living in Melbourne. He has his own album

coming out in about a month, I think. We've been touring quite a lot together; he's a very special dude. Solo can be a bit lonely, so it's nice he comes on stage for a few songs in the middle of the set. He plays guitar for one of my songs he learnt for me, and we do The Universe together and also a few other tunes; we might do a Nick Drake song. These gigs are fairly relaxed and people can pull out tunes that they want to hear and I'll try to play them. I don't really have a set list; I have a fair idea of what ones I might play, but I keep it super open - which you can do solo, because there's no one else to explain to what you're doing! With a huge and impressive music career such as yours, what would you say is your most memorable moment to date? I guess when we played at the ARIA awards. That was pretty amazing, singing a song that I'd written and then suddenly I was playing it at the ARIA awards. We'd just won our first ARIA, so that was just … I don't even remember the performance at all; I was kind of spun out by it all. It was a pretty amazing moment, because the music that I've made I never intended to have commercial viability in anyway, so to get to have considerable commercial exposure was sort of weird and wonderful. That was kind of cool, because I've always made the music that I needed to make, and I've always tried to do it with as much integrity as possible - so it was nice to be on that platform when that wasn't the platform we were aiming for. Making my Blackbird album in New York with a ridiculously amazing jazz band, some of the greatest legends like literally of all time - that was crazy, singing with Ron Carter. He's just the grandfather of the double bass - he's

played with everyone, Roberta Flack … and I was really incredibly nervous. I just remember the pressure I was under leading up to that was quite considerable, but after the first rehearsal I was feeling OK ... That was a huge thing, and sometimes I still can't quite believe that I made that album with those people; it's just phenomenal. I can imagine you have many favourite musical artists and songs? What are they? My very first album that I ever bought was Crowded House - Crowded House, their first album so anything off that record I just love; it takes me back to suburban Brisbane in the '80s. I was seven or eight years old and saved up my pocket money and went halves in the record. That and Icehouse - Man of Colours album; those two albums I still listen to in excess; they're a must. Oh, and the Eurythmics - I love the Eurythmics. Annie Lennox is my hero. What's on the horizon for you? Port Macquarie will pretty much be the end of this tour. I'm really focusing on putting together my project called Songs That Made Me, which is ian all female project with various amazing Australian singer/songwriters. We are touring that again in October/November and we are releasing an album in October, which is the pink ribbon month, so all the funds for that will be going towards female cancer research and support … and then focusing on making my next solo record. I'm pretty crazy busy. But next year I want to be making another band album! Thanks Katie.

the plug! YOU CAN CATCH KATIE NOONAN AT PORT MACQUARIE PANTHERS, SUNDAY 14 SEPT. portmacquarie.panthers.com.au Doors open 7pm | Show 7:30pm. Tix Presale $35 | $40 door.

greater port macquarie focus

Twelve visionary Australian designers working on the ‘cusp’ of exploring the potential of design in our lives.

CUSP Designing into the Next Decade

NT: NG EVE OPE N I tember 12 Sep y a id r F @ 6pm to:

12 SEPTEMBER — 12 OCTOBER

ation go for inform u use.org.a glassho

cusp-design.com

GLASSHOUSE REGIONAL GALLERY AUSTRALIAN ICONIC HOUSES

ARTEXPRESS

5 December 2014 — 15 February 2015

17 October 7 December 2014

Buhrich House II, architect Hugh Buhrich. Photograph © Michael Wee.

This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, its arts funding and advisory body.

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Sharni Wilson, Breeding the Black Out and “Lost Connection”, acrylic on board (detail), Westport High School.

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Designing into the

Next Decade with contributing designer Florian (Floyd) Mueller

CUSP is An Object: Australian Design Centre Creative Program, which allows designers to examine problems that face the human race across various industries, then come up with a design concept to address the problem. Multiple designers now showcase their vision at the Glasshouse Regional Gallery, with this unique exhibition containing diverse installations from architects, robotics experts, fashion and sound designers – to name a few. Florian (Floyd) Mueller is Director of the Exertion Games Lab and one of the designers involved with CUSP …

i Floyd. Tell us a bit about yourself please ... how did you first become interested in gaming/sports technology? I have an education in Digital Media and Multimedia from Germany and Australia, and then studied Media Arts and Sciences at the MIT Media Lab. During my PhD I focused on the playful interactions people have with technology and realised that most thinking around gaming is focused on the mind, forgetting the role our bodies play in our lives, which seems to be in stark contrast to sports, another form of play, which I thought was strange. Through a Microsoft Research Asia Fellowship, I got involved with the development of the Kinect, which I see as an important step towards a future that highlights an equal consideration of the body, play and technology when it comes to how we interact with interactive technology and each other. This became the founding view when I established the Exertion Games Lab. What’s your role at the Exertion Games Lab (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology)? I am the Director of the Exertion Games Lab at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia. Describe your installation “Hanging off a Bar”, which readers will be able to experience for themselves as a part of the CUSP exhibition in Port Macquarie. It sounds exciting – and challenging! Hanging off a Bar explores the idea of combining intense physical effort with digital play. It does so by contrasting the conventional button-controlled virtual fantasies, where the participant’s avatar is often instructed to perform physically effortful actions, with a provocative interaction where the participant invests real, intense physical effort to navigate virtual danger. Players are invited to hang off an exercise bar installed above their heads. They are engaging in an action-hero inspired fantasy where they

are hanging over a virtual river, projected underneath them, for as long as possible. At specific intervals, virtual rafts pass by, inviting participants to rest on them, but they pass by quickly, and participants have to jump back up onto the bar. The longer the player is able to hang on, the less frequent the rafts become, rapidly exhausting the hands, arms and stomach muscles. This deceptively easy game is in fact difficult – very difficult. A typical round lasts a mere 30-50 seconds before players drop from the bar exhausted. Hanging off a Bar raises the following questions: what does it mean for the participant if interactive technology supports and motivates such extremely intense bodily experiences, reframed as play? What might the experiential but also engagement and health benefits are? How can such interactive works contribute to our understanding as well as appreciation of our bodies as part of interactive experiences? How do you and your team come up with concepts such as Hanging off a Bar? For example – are these concepts sometimes based on real life experiences? In the Exertion Games Lab our goal is to invent the future of digital play. We do so by making arguments about this future that we demonstrate in the form of inspirational play experiences: provoking where games can - and should be - in 10 years time. Our process is one of design thinking; after all, we are placed in the Design Hub, RMIT’s centre for design research, where we focus on game design research. For our processes, I draw on my experiences at Stanford University, in particular the d.school, where I was a Fulbright fellow. It taught me how to challenge myself everyday when I am designing in order to make a positive contribution to the future. What are some of the other projects you’re currently working on?

We have a whole set of exciting new projects going on at the Exertion Games Lab: we are currently installing 3D printers in people’s homes that automatically print 3D souvenirs based on how physically active people are during the day to understand how material representations of physical activity affect our relationship to being physically active. We are also currently installing an interactive water fountain in a gym that mixes personalised sports drinks based on people’s exercise intensity, allowing participants to relive their exercise experience and share with others - and ultimately drink it! We also have a chocolate printer that prints chocolate based on people’s physical activity in order to begin to understand the energy-in, energy-out cycle we experience with exercise and food. Another project explores how interactive technology can support extreme-sports such rock-climbing, and we are also examining what happens if digital games become more like party games such as Twister, using the ambiguity of our bodies as key ingredient of game design. We are also currently augmenting a public basketball court with interactive technology to engage the audience more, fostering urban play in public spaces, which is very exciting! What do you see as the future of melding sports/fitness with online technology ... ultimately, how far do you think we can take this partnership? Originally, digital games were designed to engage players with digital content, as this is what mouse, keyboards and gamepads suggested. With the advent of the Wii and later Kinect, the body is currently used as a new interface for this digital content. Our vision, however, proposes that we should see the body as a form of digital play, rather than just an interface, reminding us of the joy of being physically active. How do exhibitions such as CUSP aid in

supporting the work you and your team do? Exhibitions like CUSP are great in getting our vision and arguments out from the research lab to the world, allowing people to experience our arguments we make with our inspirational play experiences. We often write academic papers, but we also know that the best arguments we make are the ones that people experience themselves; this is particularly important as we know that play is an experience, and should therefore be tried out, not just read about! And CUSP supports us in making this happen. Where can people go to see other examples of your work – whether it’s online, or in person? The Exertion Games Lab is located at the Design Hub on RMIT’s city campus right in the heart of Melbourne where we often hosts visitors. Our many projects are detailed, including with many videos, on exertiongameslab.org And we invite everyone to have a look. We are also currently looking for smart PhD students who want to invent the future of play with us. Thanks Floyd. Interview by Jo Atkins.

the plug! SEE CUSP AT THE GLASSHOUSE REGIONAL GALLERY FROM 12TH SEPTEMBER – 15TH OCTOBER. An education kit has been developed for secondary students studying a variety of subjects, including Design and Technology, Visual Design, Textiles and Design, Visual Arts, Society and Culture, Engineering Science and Geography (suitable for Years 5 -12). Education bookings must be made online www.glasshouse.org.au/ education/how-to-book greater port macquarie focus 49

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JAMES Originally from Port Macquarie, singer/ songwriter Patrick James now has two EPs under his belt and has been touring and garnering fans everywhere! Back in his hometown for a gig on September 20, you can see Patrick at Port Panthers …

ou’re originally a local lad … What are some of your favourite memories from Port Macquarie? I obviously started my music career in Port Macquarie as well. So, my first musical memories are of playing in little cafés and bars, and I think I played at the Mecure Hotel as one of my first gigs. And then there’s just the usual stuff, like surfing with my mates and growing up in a good community. The music scene was really supportive, amongst the friends that I had. It was probably a great way to start and get used to playing live. What led to you moving to Sydney? I actually started an acting course in Sydney. So, that was separate from my music, but then I quickly discovered that the acting thing was just to get my confidence levels up with performing in general - and then I decided to get a few gigs around Sydney, and that kicked off the cycle for me there. I met a lot of great people in the Sydney music scene who helped me along the way. The acting thing was short lived … I don’t know if I’ll go back to it. You had a lot of success with the first EP you released (All About to Change), to the point where two of the singles were used on television in Wonderland. That must have felt great! Yeah, it was really good, and those shows are great for exposure. The amount of people who watch those shows and are really loyal to the music that comes from those programs is really good. That EP was really surprising to me, because I literally just recorded it in a bedroom setup, so there was no real heavy production. I guess those songs just struck a chord - no

pun intended - with those TV programs. It was it was really professional when I was recording really great, that first moment, sitting down in and playing that one, because I’d never used front of the TV hearing your song playing. It’s those bigger instruments in my songs. As a pretty cool. folk singer, you can get stuck in the habit of How much does your second EP going back to the same things with (Broken Lines) differ from the the acoustic guitar, so that one first? was a really new sound for I think the main thing me; I think I like that one was, because I was dothe best. That’s why I ing so much touring You’ll be appearing so love touring over the last year and at Port Panthers on e’s er th much, because a half, I was playing September 20th. an th r nothing bette g with a full live band Will you be perin ar sh t each nigh ur yo d as well. So, that really forming songs from an cs ri ly your le.” op pe shaped the way I was both your EPs? ith w s ng so writing the new songs. I’ll be singing tracks And then when it came from the old EP and, to working with producer obviously, from the new Wayne Connolly, I just exone as well, but, I think, that’s plained to him that I really wanted what’s kind of cool about the live to take that live approach and make the elshow - there’s a lot of different stuff ements of a full bigger band come through happening out of the music, because the on the recordings - and that’s something EPs are so different from each other, and obvithat wasn’t that evident in the first one. ously, there’s a massive bank up of songs that Think that’s the main thing - touring so I haven’t released yet, so I’ll be playing those much really shapes the way that you write … songs as well. And, maybe one or two covers especially when you’ve got three other guys as a surprise! playing instruments that you’re with all the What’s the best thing for you about pertime. It has a massive influence on you. forming in front of a live audience? Often the first single released from an I reckon it’s the best thing about what I do EP may not necessarily be the artist’s as a musician. That’s why I love touring so favourite, nor the one they most connect much, because there’s nothing better than with. If you had to pick one of the songs each night sharing your lyrics and your songs as your favourite or the one that you feel with people. That’s actually what my first you really do relate to off Broken Lines, single was about - how it’s such an amazing what would you pick? thing to be given opportunities to tour and reI think I would pick the song that’s the ally share your music every night. I love it. second track. It’s called Home No More, and it What’s the dream for you? What would really takes me to the recording electric kind of you like to accomplish in the next twelve feel - that was just a little bit different for me; months?

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I’m already gearing up towards demo-ing and recording a full album. It’s been a couple of years in the works. Like I said before, I’ve got a bank of songs that I really want to sit down and focus on for a few months. So, there’s that, and I just want to tour and be in a position to be on the road almost full-time and be constantly recording new songs. I don’t want to be an artist who just releases one album and drops off the face of the Earth. I want to release albums for the next five to ten years and keep going. That’s my dream … just to keep the ball rolling and, hopefully, make it something that I can stick at for a lot of years to come. Where can people buy your music? The main way is through iTunes and also my online store, which is www.patrickjames.com. au. JB Hi-Fi has the Broken Lines EP and the All About to Change EP. Final words … The show in Port Macquarie is going to be a really special one, because the last time we played there it was a sold out crowd, and that was really cool. I hadn’t been back to Port for about two years, and it’s always really refreshing going back there and playing - I’m just super pumped and psyched for that gig. Thanks Patrick. Interview by Jo Atkins.

the plug! See Patrick at Port Panthers. Saturday 20th September Door 7.30pm | Show 8.00pm | Presale $20 | Door $25 Call 6580 2300 for more details.

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JED TALENTED FAMILY MUSICAL TRIO UNCLE JED HAVE EMBARKED ON A NATIONAL TOUR, STOPPING OFF TO BRING YOU A STELLAR PERFORMANCE IN PORT MACQUARIE ON SATURDAY 27 SEPTEMBER. FOCUS CATCHES UP WITH THE DELIGHTFUL SONGBIRD, LAURA, TO FIND OUT MORE …

i Laura. Tell us the story of Uncle Jed ... where did it all start, and where did the name come from? The two boys grew up in Coffs Harbour, and I grew up in Avalon in Sydney. It pretty much began when we spent family holidays together; I'd go there with my family, or they'd come down here to Sydney with their family, and usually at Christmas time we'd all get together. Then we started getting into music and discovered that the three of us have a passion for the same sort of stuff; we started writing together, and it was like a long distance project where they'd send me cassettes of song ideas in the mail. It was really old school; I'd get all excited, and I'd record my part over the top and send it back. It was kind of a cute story! and We'd get together a few times a year probably and just play the songs together for the first time; it was quite electric when we'd get together and play in the same room. That's how it all started. Uncle Jed is my dad - he's our number one fan, so we named the band after him. What has changed for you guys since taking out Australia's Got Talent, both personally and as a band? As a band we've been able to spend a lot more time on songwriting and touring and just playing music. Before we had our day jobs and we were trying to squeeze things in here and there. But now, we're really lucky enough to have the time to get new material out there, tour the new material and play lots more gigs and have people come to our gigs out of Sydney. we weren’t really doing much apart from East Coast

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U N CL E JE D

tours up to Coffs and Byron, in Sydney - that wasn't big IS M Y DA D. R BE M U N R but now we're able to go to compared to the TV show, U H E’ S O E W SO , N FA Perth and Tassie and we've but it was something that E ON ND BA E TH ED M got people coming to see our A we will remember for ever. N A FT ER H IM .” shows, which is so surreal. We sold out the Basement; We never ever thought it was our first little baby and about doing a show like that - it was our debut launch. Just wasn't even on our list of things the feeling of walking into that but the opportunity got presented to basement and seeing so many people us and we ummed and ahhhed and a lot there for us ... So, that was one of the before we made the decision to go on the show. best feelings we've had at a gig before. We decided to just go for it and do it and see what What words of wisdom do you have for happened, then if it was a platform for us to even young musicians? get more hits on our Facebook page, or YouTube hits The industry is really hard. You do have to we were happy with whatever. It's been good. compromise a lot, but if you really really love it and you You're coming to Port Macquarie soon. What are really want to do it, you just have to stick to it and you you looking forward to most? have to live it and you have to dream it and eat it and Well, we haven't been to Port Macquarie for ages. breathe it - and you have to put up with all the crap We're excited to play to a fresh crowd, and it's always that comes along with it. so nice playing gigs where you don't know how many Where can our readers find out more? people have heard your music or have come to see You can check out our website: www.unclejed. your show. You play a show in Sydney, and you've got com.au on our Instagram and Twitter @unclejedmusic, your family and your friends and all your usuals come Facebook/unclejedmusic twitter and our YouTtube along to the Uncle Jed gigs ... it's so nice to be able to channel Uncle Jed. play music to fresh ears and see what their response is Thanks Laura. to it all. Uncle Jed’s most memorable gig so far? the plug! Obviously the TV show gigs. They were unexplainable; they were just electric, and you just YOU CAN CATCH UNCLE JED AT PORT knew that so many people were watching either at MACQUARIE PANTHERS, SATURDAY 27 SEPT. home on the telly or in the audience, and the room was just so great to play in. That was probably one portmacquarie.panthers.com.au of our biggest highlights. Also, The Basement - our Doors open 8pm | Show 8.25pm. Tix $25. first ever album launch that we did at the Basement

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O c t o b e r

MARINA PRIOR SONGBIRD LIVE IN CONCERT

Marina Prior is renowned for thrilling audiences across the country and is highly regarded as Australia’s leading lady of the theatre stage. On Friday, April 4, Marina Prior released a special edition boxed set titled Songbird through Fanfare Records, which included a brand new single, Songbird, written by famed singer/ songwriter and Fleetwood Mac keyboardist Christine McVie, ahead of a national Australian Marina Prior is Tour. r

Diesel - LIT UP THE SINGLES TOUR '89 - '14

renowned fo

Released in time for Mother’s ces across thrilling audien is highly Day, this special edition threethe country and alia’s tr CD box set bundled her 2013 regarded as Aus e th of Encore album featuring a leading lady ” e. ag collection of Marina's theatre theatre st hits, Marina Prior Live recorded at the spectacular Glasshouse Theatre in Port Macquarie, and 2012’s album Both Sides Now, which showcases a journey of songs from some ress off in August, which will see the songstress of the greatest singer/songwriters and popular alia and d tour to the East and West Coasts of Australia artists of our time, including Joni Mitchell, Kate ending in the Southern State of Tasmania. Bush, Leon Russell, Stephen Stills, The Carpenters, Lennon and McCartney, George Harrison, Maria 2013 marked the first time Marina embarked on Muldaur, Billy Fields, The Seekers, Don Mclean, ore, a concert tour celebrating the release of Encore, Freddy Mercury, Wendy Matthews and ABBA. nd selling more than 10,000 tickets nationally and Songbird will be followed by a national tour kicking

a t

glasshouse

MARINA PRIOR ANNOUNCES SONGBIRD NATIONAL TOUR AND NEW 3CD BOXED SET

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e n t e r t a i n m e n t

performing to sold-out theatres.

After 25 years of music making, DIESEL leaves his front door again to bring you DIESEL LIT UP – THE SINGLES ’89-’14. A tour to “look back at the sparks and smell the roses” of the

accumulated singles that have etched their way into our music landscape. With over 30 singles and 13 albums, DIESEL has the fortunate problem of having to try and fit all of this in to a performance, a performance that is littered with milestones, with familiar songs taking on a new life in the uncluttered solo environment.

Saturday 11 October

Glasshouse Theatre PORT MACQUARIE www.glasshouse.org.au | 02 6581 8888

NEW 3 CD SPECIALLY PRICED BOX SET OUT NOW

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Bellrowan Valley Horse Riding The North Coast’s No#1 Horse Riding & Adventure Tourism business We’re open 7 DAYS, and bookings are essential. Phone 6587 5227 web: www.bellrowanvalley.com.au ■ Daily Trail Rides, Overnight Packages, Pub Ride 2 days ■ Beginners to experienced riders ■ Great for kids, families & couples ■ Tuition before and during every ride ■ Quality horses, beautiful scenery and friendly guides ■ Freshly baked damper & refreshments after every ride.

TRAIL RIDES AND TREKS

T RY N E E E R F

Ricardoes Tomatoes & Strawberries FREE ENTRY 364 days a year, farm from 7am weekdays, 8am weekends. All activities under cover, away from wind and rain.

Port Macquarie’s

‘BEST TOURIST ATTRACTION’

A wholesome farmgate day out in all weathers * Country Café (Ai C d

GPS: Lat -31.39 Long 152.82 Address: 221 Blackmans Pt Rd, Port Macquarie Phone: 6585 0663 Web: ricardoes.com

Hydro Golf & Putt-Putt web: www.hydrogolf.com.au phone: 02 6583 3200 Boundary St, Port Macquarie Open 7 Days

Cut me out Buy 2 buckets of balls (value $17) and receive yourr 3RD BUCKET FREE.. not to be used with any other offers

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4x D TE VO

■ FREE farm tours, every weekday at 11am, no booking required ■ Pick your own strawberries, pay only for what you pick. ■ Port’s most awarded tourist attraction: the only attraction awarded Hall of Fame. ■ Cafe ‘Red’ open 9-3, 7 days: brekkie, brunch, lunch, morning/afternoon tea, snacks. Local produce, gifts, souvenirs. ■ 10 mins from town on Pacific Hwy: see our highway signposts

Bago Vineyards & Bago Maze Take time out to visit Bago Vineyards, a unique and pleasant experience offering a diverse range of activities for all ■ Enjoy wine tasting in the Cellar Door, enjoy a local cheese platter on the pergola overlooking the vineyards & surrounds ■ Join us for Jazz in the Vineyards – Sunday 14th Sept and Sunday 12th Oct. ■ Explore and lose yourself within the Bago Maze, the largest hedge maze in NSW Phone: 6585 7099 Open: daily until 5pm Address: Bago Vineyards, Bago Rd, Wauchope Web: www.bagovineyards.com.au

Black Duck Brewery Come down and relax at the brewery. Enjoy some cool tunes, some craft beer on tap and local produce and nibbles. Why would you be anywhere else? Our cellar door hours are: ■ Wednesday and Friday 11 'til 6, ■ Saturday and Sunday 10 'til 4. ■ Other times you are welcome by appointment. Call Al on: 0407 874 474 Address: 6b Acacia Ave, Port Macquarie.

Black Duck BREWERY

& BAR

Majestic Cinemas Movies Come Alive in Port Macquarie ■ New Screens ■ New Foyer ■ New Candy Bar Join the Movie Club for great discounts!

Billabong Zoo Wow! Billabong Zoo can’t wait for the

can get up close and learn more about

start of another school holidays. Shrek the

our amazing wildlife during our keeper

monster croc has made himself quite at

presentations, which start at 10am and

home and has been thrilling crowds with his

conclude at 4:15pm – with something

feeding shows at 12:30 daily.

happening every half hour, you’re sure to

Our gorgeous "Happy Feet" Little Penguins

keep the kids on their toes! If watching the

star in their own daily feeding routine at

animals eat is making you feel hungry, why

10am, and not to be missed are our beautiful Majestic Cinema's Select Series showcases a range of high quality content to engage the discerning audience. Hand picked for excellence.

red panda sisters, Rato and Tito, who enjoy their dinner at 2:30pm daily. The latest arrivals are our two mischievous meerkats, Bido and Pongo, who are on the go nearly all day, digging, taking turns to act as the sentry

Join us on Facebook! Phone: 6583 8400 Web: majesticcinemas.com.au

Sea Acres

Rainforest Centre

and of course, munching down on as many

not grab a bite yourself from the zoo café; our new chefs are sure to have something to tempt the tastebuds, with fresh ground coffee, homemade scones and biscuits, burgers, wraps and sandwiches made to order. Take home a special memento

bugs and worms as possible.

from our huge gift shop and remember –

Our special animal encounters are a great

Billabong Zoo is the place for you!

way to get even closer than you think and

Enquire about our catering for group

feature our pythons, koalas, snow eopards,

functions and children’s birthday parties.

penguins, meerkats and red pandas. Prices,

Visit our website www.billabongkoala.com.

times and experiences vary, and bookings

au and like us on Facebook for the up to the

are essential. Throughout the day you

moments goings on around the zoo.

■ Rainforest boardwalk. ■ Discovery tours ■ Spirit of the Land Exhibition ■ Gift Shop ■ Rainforest Cafe ■ Entry fee applies for boardwalk Address (Shelly Beach) Paciﬁc Drive, Port Macquarie Phone 6582 3355 Web: www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au Open 7 Days 9am-4:30pm Cafe Open 9am-4pm

Cruise Terminal The best of contemporary and vintage river cruises. Our large catamaran cruiser has three decks and plenty of space to move around. Choose from one of our popular river cruises: BBQ cruise, Eco History Cruise, Family Fun Twilight Cruise (including free boom net rides). Our beautiful authentic Chinese Junk has river trips every day on the Hastings River. Be lulled on one of our two hour trips – either a tasty ﬁsh & chip lunch cruise or a yummy morning tea. Sunset cruises also available, and some dolphin spotting on all cruises! BEST BOATS, BEST CRUISES, BEST PRICES. Phone: 6583 3058 or 0409 744 270 Web: www.cruiseterminal.com.au Address: River end Clarence St, Port Macquarie

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to do in the

South PACIFIC Players Theatre’s next production is the musical masterpiece – Rogers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific on stage from September 26th to October 19th, 2014. South Pacific features some of the most loved songs of all the modern musicals. Some Enchanted Evening, Bali hai, There is Nothing like a Dame, Wash that Man out of my Hair, Younger than Springtime and Happy Talk make up a memorable song list. The musical is taken from a Pulitzer Prize winning novel by James A. Michener and features powerful themes about racism, war, tolerance and of course, love. Directed by Players President Peter Dransfield and Sue Morvan, this production features a cast of 50 actors, magnificent costumes and fine singers.

Come along and show your support for the great talent from around our region. The exhibition will be open Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm, Saturday 9am - 2pm, and Sunday 10am - 1pm. The following artists will be on exhibition during September:

crowdy bay national park walk Take a walk and check out the spring wildflowers at Kattang Nature Reserve and the Diamond Head Loop Walk in Crowdy bay National Park.

• Kim McLean and Harold Le Jeune are versatile talented water colourists

The Players Theatre has two superb actors performing in the leading roles, with Barbara Sherrin playing Nellie and Bruce Dawson as Emile. Barbara has recently performed in Players productions Nunsense2 and Kiss me Kate. Bruce Dawson returns to the Players Stage after several years away and has featured in many past Players musicals.

• Lynne Bickhoff does amazing contemporary mixed media. • Ruth Bergin, using a range of mixed mediums to create beautiful artworks. • David Little is new this month specialising in rich oils. • Jen Andrews and her sister Jean McCurren are also showcasing their works for the first time. Jen uses Pastels and Jean uses a mixture of pastels and mix mediums. • Jacki McCann brings her works to life with acrylics. • Cheryl Parker also has a love of pastels and this shows in her wonderful arkworks.

Book now at the Glasshouse or online at playerstheatre.org as tickets will sell out quickly. Why not get a group together for a truly enchanting evening of theatre entertainment?

Limited Space available for Bookings months of Oct, Nov & Dec. Our visitor’s choice winner for July was Lynne Bichoff; Congratulations Lynne!

South Pacific opens on September 26th and plays through to 19th October.

Photographers are welcome to exhibit.

Friday and Saturdays at 8pm and Sunday matinees at 2pm.

Masterpiece Framing & Gallery

2 camden haven cruises Take a cruise with Camden Haven Cruises aboard the beautiful Far Lap. This is the ideal way to experience the beautiful waters that make up the Camden Haven Inlet.

Watercolour classes have now started and run each week on Thursday between 10am and 12.30pm, come and join the fun.

picnic lunch Gather some local produce and head for a picnic. Try Lake Cathie or North Brother Mountain for ideal settings.

4 clubs & cafes Grab breakfast, lunch or dinner nner at one of our great cafes or clubs.

local markets Check out one of our greatt local markets - Kendall Showground ound Markets and Car Boot Sale on the first Sunday, Johns River Markets arkets on the second Saturday of the month, of the month or the Laurieton ton Riverwalk Markets, held on the e third Sunday of every month.

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Masterpiece Framing & Gallery Meet the artists who are on display this month at Masterpiece Framing and Gallery. What art pieces will you have on display this month at Master Piece Framing and Gallery? David Little - Oil Paintings from Australian landscapes Ruth Bergin- A lot of mix media works and a series on the colour of Australian Crabs Harold Le Jeune- I have about 12-14 various types of artworks, mainly water colouring, also there are some pencil sketches, which I really have a passion for. Jen McCurren- I have about three or four figures, as well as a landscape piece and Jean Andrews- I have eight on display this month, including My dog Molly and a duck. My works are pastels and mixed medias. Cheryl Parker- A selection of pastel and charcoal drawings featuring birds and animals, both Australian and some exotic animals. Where does your inspiration come from? David - The beautiful Australian landscape, locally and while on trips in our caravan. Ruth - Intuition more than anything else, whether it's light or shaw or colour. Harold - We have been very luckily to be able to travel a fair bit, a lot of my inspira-

tion comes from these trips, both locally and overseas. Everything I paint is from somewhere we have been. Jen - I take a lot of photos, I live at the beach so i'm always across there taking pictures of different things. Jean - Other artist would be a big part of my inspiration, when I see what they can do and think wow that's great. I also use books and nature. Cheryl - Love of all CO M E A LO N G birds and animals A N D SH OW FO R What piece of art YO U R SU PP O RT N T LE as historic buildings over work that you TH E G R EAT TA U R DO there are like no other have done is your FRO M A RO U N anywhere else. R EG IO N.â&#x20AC;? favourite and why? Jen - I'm big on detail, David - I don't have a I have done one of the particular favourite, but interior of a cottage and the I really love the painting suns coming into the window of the Australian Gums. with all the pieces of the cottage Ruth - At the moment it would highlighted. be the macaw's that I did. They have Jean - I did some gum nuts, it was the first led me to do a series of birds, which painting I ever sold and I really enjoyed doi'm working on at the moment. ing them and I have kept going since then. Harold - I think it it would have to be anyCheryl - My favourite pieces would be the thing I done done from Italy, Venice or my Blue Wrens and the horses Tuscan trips, the colour and lighting as well

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

What are you working on at the moment? David - A painting of my granddaughter, playing with her dog Boots. Harold - We just had about a week in the Blue Mountains, I got really inspired by the colours and rock formations, so that's what I'm doing at the moment. Jen - I'm working on a miniature at the moment, which is a painting that can't be more than 16 square inches, this one is of a seascape. Jean - Currently working on poppies, I like poppies and all flowers.

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DINOSAURS

ALIVE

C A R O L I N E

B L E E C H M O R E

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING JUST A BIT SPECIAL S PECIAL TO DO IN THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS? WHY NOT TAKE A SHORT DRIVE TO COFFS HARBOUR TO HAVE A ROARING GOOD TIME! CAROLINE BLEECHMORE FROM PARK BEACH PLAZA TELLS US THE SHOPPING CENTRE WILL BE HOSTING DINOSAURS ALIVE!

i Caroline. What’s your role at Park Beach Plaza? I’m the Marketing Manager for Park Beach Plaza and Park Beach HomeBase in Coffs Harbour. I look after all the marking, advertising and promotions for both shopping centres. I love my role, as no two days are ever the same! I think this is one of the unique aspects of working in a shopping centre environment - it’s a living entity that brings new challenges along with the opportunity to meet new and interesting people. I’m lucky that I get to be creative and organise so many different activities, events, promotions, assist businesses grow and work in partnership with our local media. I feel fortunate that I am able to do something I love, which makes a normal day in the office pretty “awesome” - as my kids would say! Describe the exciting display, Dinosaurs Alive! that Park Beach Plaza will be hosting. The exhibition is an exciting and educative exhibition featuring nine robotic dinosaurs that takes visitors along the 165 million year journey of the Age of Dinosaurs! It consists of 5 fully landscaped displays located throughout Park Beach Plaza, plus an interactive activity area where kids can get hands on with dinosaur related educational activities. Visitors can marvel and learn about the nine dinosaurs on display as they walk through the exhibition. By seeing the life-like dinosaurs move in front of them, visitors can imagine how the magnificent creatures once roamed the Earth. The exhibition will include the mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex, a Mother Triceratops with baby and egg nest, Apatosaurus, the vicious Velociraptor, Ornithomimus, Stegosaurus, and the flying Pteranodon. The exhibition will educate

greater port macquarie focus.

the public with the latest known facts about the prehistoric era. There will also be dinosaur facts throughout the shopping centre linking the displays, and kids will have the opportunity to complete a Dinosaur Fact scavenger hunt to win some fabulous prizes. StageWorks Corporate, a Perth based company, is a producer and operator of themed attractions, special events and exhibitions in the cultural-tourism and leisure industries. StageWorks researches and develops new projects independently and in partnership with the public and private sector. They work around the globe including Australia and New Zealand, SEA, China PRC, India and Africa. They produced Dinosaurs Alive, which has been touring both internationally and in Australia. Why was it decided to bring Dinosaurs Alive! to Park Beach Plaza – it sounds amazing, but it’s not the usual type of exhibition you’d see in a major retail centre? Many families find it difficult to visit capital cities to experience exhibitions of this quality due to costs associated with travelling to major cities. Park Beach Plaza actually hosted a similar event 17 years ago, and we felt it was time to bring the new version back to a whole new generation of children. We are thrilled to have been able to secure and host a world class educational exhibition for the benefit of families living in regional New South Wales. The event has been secured for families to enjoy over the October School Holiday period. There are not many venues that can actually house an exhibition of this size, which makes Park Beach Plaza unique. What dates/times will people be able to view the display? “Dinosaurs Alive!” will open for a limited fiveweek season at Park Beach Plaza Coffs Harbour

from Wednesday 10 September until Sunday 13 October. It is open 7 days a week during shopping hours. Will there be any costs involved for people to view Dinosaurs Alive!? Entry is FREE, as the event is fully funded by Park Beach Plaza, with landscaping supplied by TG Jung Quarries and Total Gardens Landscaping Supplies, media support from StarFM and of course Focus Magazine plus accommodation packages from Novotel Pacific Bay Resort. Yes it’s FREE; it’s incredible, but true. For those who don’t live on the Coffs Coast, but maybe a couple of hours’ drive away, why do you feel Dinosaurs Alive! is worth the trip to visit? Dinosaurs Alive! gets a huge reception wherever it goes, but the venues it’s visited are usually only major cities. After a four-year tour of Australia and the Philippines, Park Beach Plaza, Coffs Harbour is thrilled to be bringing Dinosaurs Alive! to regional New South Wales. The entry cost would usually be over $50 for a family of four to see if you were to visit this exhibition in a major city! What other facilities does Park beach Plaza offer the out of town visitor? Park Beach Plaza is the largest shopping centre between Newcastle and the Gold Coast, located on the Coffs Coast. The centre has the largest and most diverse variety of specialty stores on the Coffs Coast, with over 120 stores together with Target, Big W, Woolworths, Ritchies Supa IGA, Aldi and JB Hi-Fi. Coffs Coast is the regional tourism destination taking in the Coffs Harbour and Bellingen areas on the North Coast of NSW, approximately halfway between Sydney and Brisbane. The heart of the Coffs Coast, Coffs Harbour, is well-known for its friendly, relaxed

atmosphere, its spectacular coastline, and its many attractions and events. There is plenty to see and do for all visitors, including art with a number of thriving galleries, markets, a wealth of shopping experiences and popular theatre and cinemas. Novotel are providing an exciting opportunity for FOCUS readers too, with a chance to win an accommodation package. What prizes are on offer? Novotel Pacific Bay Resort, Coffs Harbour are generously offering FOCUS readers the opportunity to win 2 nights’ accommodation in a 1 bedroom spa suite for 2 adults and 2 kids, including full buffet breakfast daily. Where can people find out more info about Park Beach Plaza and the Dinosaurs Alive! display? Information is available on our website www. parkbeachplaza.com.au or at www.dinosaursalive.tv. If readers are wanting information on accommodation or other exciting things to do on the Coffs Coast during their visit, they can contact www.novotelpacificbayresort.com.au or www. coffscoast.com.au Thanks Caroline.

win2 nights at

Novotel Pacific Bay Resort

2 nights’ accommodation in a 1 bedroom spa suite for 2 adults and 2 kids including full buffet breakfast daily at Novotel Pacific Bay Resort, Coffs Harbour. To enter this competition, visit www.focusmag.com.au/giveaways/ Closes midnight September 18 2014. LTPM/14/00922.

PORT MACQUARIE SPORTS STADIUM

SPRING TIMETABLE

WEDNESDAY Basketball

Year 7/8 Boys Year 9/10 Girls / Boys Seniors Men’s & Women’s Register at www.portmacquarie.basketball.net.au

THURSDAY

MONDAY Futsal

Team registration for the ‘Summer Competition’ commencing soon! portmacquarie.australianfutsal.com - See below for details

Women’s Netball

Games beginning 6pm, 7pm, 8pm & 9pm (Seniors) 10th March - September. www.hvna.netball.asn.au

TUESDAY Volleyball

Multi Sports

Team registration for the ‘Spring Competition’ is now open! Competition Commences: 9th October – 11th December 2014 Played Thursday evenings: between 5.50 – 9.30pm Team Registration Cost: $80 per team Team Game Fees: $45 per team

FRIDAY Team registration for the ‘Spring Competition’ is now open! Competition Commences: 7th October – 9th December 2014 Played Tuesday evenings: between 5.50 – 8pm Team Registration Cost: $60 per team Team Game Fees: $40 per team

Seniors Badminton

9.15 – 11.15am. Just come and have a try. Only $6 includes racquet, shuttles & a free tea or coffee!

Basketball

Year 3/4 and 5/6 Year 7/8 Girls Register at www.portmacquarie.basketball.net.au

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focusinterview.

Tea Party CELBRATING 10 YEARS! September marks the start to the busy season at Port Macquarie Seadoo and 2014 is also a special year because it's our 10th birthday! That's right! Port Macquarie Seadoo is celebrating 10 years in business and we would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to all of our loyal local customers, and also to our existing customers from all over the state. We have had great pleasure serving the PWC community in the area and hope we have provided many hours of family fun on the water for our customers. So for the month of September, Port Macquarie Seadoo is giving a $1,000 instore voucher with every new Seadoo and trailer package sold!

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Or if you book in for a service this month, we will give you a $50 in-store voucher. These vouchers can be used for any accessories you may wish to fit to your Seadoo, such as covers, ski pole, boarding step or any of the wide range of accessories available. You can also use your voucher for the next service of your Seadoo, or any of the waterskis, wakeboards, kneeboards, tubes or clothing in store at Port Macquarie Seadoo. 2014 is shaping up to be another exciting year with the range of Seadoo Watercraft available and on display at Port Macquarie Seadoo! This includes the NEW SEADOO SPARK, which comes in five different colours and two or three seaters, all of which can be found on our website: www.portmacquarieseadoo.com.au

A new fabulously fun event has reared its quirky little head at Sails Resort by Rydges, daring each of you to head down the rabbit hole ...

o a fabulous high tea and croquet an option for those who like to afternoon of fashion and fun in the dabble in a little Alice in Wonderland fun in sun in the gardens of the resort, the sun. The event will showcase stunning at the inaugural Mad Hatters Tea millinery from local and regional artists with Party on Saturday 20 September, handmade hats and fascinators, from 2pm - 5pm. divinely scrumptious treats, Guests will be greeted all whilst guests relax on by Alice herself the water. Funds raised The event, and spend an from the event will by d sponsore le ro afternoon enjoying benefit the Braveheart Ca d D e Bortoli an n ig es D n ãi a delicious high Foundation. D Le Beros of rs fe of , tea of tasty treats, Don’t be late for ry le Jewel e prizes ok sp be us luxuriating with this very important eo rg go ne live entertainment, date – get the girls or for the most divi g in hat and fascinat sipping on the guys together for a day.” e th on or at fascin tremendously scrummy fabulous and fashionable teapot cocktails and afternoon out and some bubbly (of course!) ridiculously good fun! whilst wearing fabo hats and Tickets are $39pp and include fascinators. a complimentary teapot cocktail on The event, sponsored by De Bortoli arrival, scrumptious high tea of sweet and Carole Beros of Le Dãin Design and savoury treats and live entertainment Jewellery, offers gorgeous bespoke prizes throughout the afternoon. for the most divine hat and fascinating Individual tickets and tables also available fascinator on the day. from reception. Don’t be late! Glam afternoon tea frocks and sun Contact Rachelle_dufty@rydges.com or dresses will be the norm, with bocci and (02) 6589 5100.

“

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focus

FASHIONS ON THE FIELD

ALEX WEARS CONNOR BLAKE NAVY SLIM SUIT CONNOR WHITE GERALD SHIRT CONNOR NAVY JACQUARD TIE CONNOR SMOKE CUFFLINKS MANNING SHOES FLORSHEIM KASHMIR

SAMANTHA WEARS DOTTI FLORAL SPLIT-HEM DRESS MANNING SHOES-NEO SANDAL TARGET FASCINATOR WITH LOVISA HEADPIECE COLETTE HANDBAG

focus

FASHIONS ON THE FIELD

SUNGLASS HUT PRADA POLARISED SUNGLASSES CONNOR RIDGE TRILBY HAT

CONNOR CHECKERED BOW TIE

MANNING SHOES FLORSHEIM KASHMIR

SUNGLASS HUT PRADA SUNGLASSES

PROUDS CHISEL GOLD WATCH

LOVISA FLOWER HEAD PIECE

MANNING SHOES WALTZ NEO & 'SIGRID' GLAMOUR COLETTE 'SERA' METAL TRIM BAG

PORT CENTRAL STYLING WORKSHOP

LEARN HOW TO BE A FRONT RUNNER IN THE FASHION STAKES AT THIS YEAR’S PORT MACQUARIE CUP.

Fashion stylist and Milliner, Rebecca Hillis from

Enjoy bubbles and canapés while you uncover

WHEN: Thursday 25th September.

Ostentatious Hats, will be hosting a Styling

the secret of achieving the perfect look this

TIME: 6pm – 7:30pm.

Workshop featuring the latest fashion and on-

spring.

WHERE: Port Central Food Terrace.

trend styles from Port Central's fashion retail-

Numbers are limited, so what are you waiting

RSVP: Phone 5525 1003 or

ers, at Port Central Food Terrace, on Thursday

for? Book you and your girlfriends in today. It’s

Email lchurcher@gowings.com

evening 25th September.

the perfect excuse for a girls' night out!

before Monday 22nd September. greater port macquarie focus

f o c u s o n s p r i n g f as h i o n

Spring fashion

Harlequin Belle Meg & Me Boutique PHONE 6583 7773

Tropical Isles dress The Shanti Butterfly Phone 6583 500

Technotan Products Elysium Beauty Day Spa PHONE 6583 2217 Technotan T echnotan Prod Products Elys siu um Be B auty Day Spa PHON ON O NE 65 6583 583 2 217 Elysium Beauty PHONE 2217

easy steps Colonial Cobbler Phone 6583 3525 AmelleĂŠ Jewellery Range D&D Designer Jewellers Phone 6583 2040

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66 greater port macquarie focus.

COLONIAL COBBLER For the new spring season we are seeing neutral and earthy tones e, throughout the Rieker sandal range, embellishments and use of multitonal textures to match any outfit. Rieker footwear is unique, with the brand having won numerous awards in the footwear industry over the years.

wear er ffoottw

Riek your foot and are made of Durability - Rieker is unique, with material that expands and shoes are extremely won e brand having th contracts as the situation durable. They can ds in numerous awar demands. The soles are ry handle all manner of dust the footwear in made of shock absorbing misuse and changes over the years. ” rubber that prevents you in environment without from feeling bumps when their stitching fraying walking on uneven surfaces. and colour fading. These extremely comfortable shoes Fashion style - It is important retain their usability for years; this for most people to have stylish, good has created a very strong following and looking footwear. Rieker shoes do not an endless list of satisfied customers. disappoint in this respect. The range of

“

Comfort - another added benefit of wearing Rieker shoes is comfort. You won't have to carry an extra pair of shoes to change into during the day, as is the case with most designer shoes. These shoes are designed with the wearer’s foot in mind. They fit around

sandals are very stylish and are bound to get you noticed every time you wear them. These shoes are designed to keep your feet happy all day long! Let us help you choose the perfect style and fit for spring instore at Colonial Cobbler today.

greater port macquarie focus 67

By Dr. Peter Elfar, Sundial Dental.

By The Medicine Chest

SPRING s the only thing holding you back from full health yourself? Have you ever considered how the dietary and lifestyle choices we make affect our bodies and our wellness? Sometimes we need a helping hand to get over our indulgences or poor dietary choices in order to get us back to full health, and a detox program can be the perfect solution. At The Medicine Chest Compounding Pharmacy for the month of September, we are running a specialised Integrated Detoxification Program designed to reduce dietary toxins, improve your detox capacity and elimination. This could leave you feeling full of energy and renewed after a long winter.

Preventive care is a modern approach to dentistry. Traditionally the trend was that patients would present only if they have a problem; the shift now is towards promoting and maintaining a healthy mouth. revention begins with the first exam, identifying risks the patient may have to predispose them to dental diseases such as decay, gum disease and oral cancer. Some risks may include diet, genetics, habits such as smoking, medications and medical disorders, just to name a few. A crucial part of the preventive treatment plan is an oral hygiene regime tailored to each patient. This is achieved by our dental hygienist, who will demonstrate the most effective way to prevent disease. Each mouth is different, and so different techniques and products need to be used by the patient to effectively clean dental plaque off their teeth. Dental plaque is a sticky film consisting of many species of bacteria that can produce toxins that can cause dental decay or gum disease. Brushing and flossing will disrupt this plaque to prevent disease. Brushing should be done with a soft toothbrush 2 times a day for about 2 minutes. Tooth brushing alone cannot reach the plaque that accumulates between the teeth, which is why it is important to floss. Many patients present with concerns of bleeding gums; this is called gingivitis. Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums due to plaque deposits. Without effective removal of plaque, the minerals in your saliva can cause the plaque to harden into calculus that cannot be removed with brushing and flossing alone. Calculus can only be removed by a dentist or hygienist with specialised instruments. Over time if calculus is left on the tooth, the gums and eventually the bone surrounding and holding the teeth in place 68 greater port macquarie focus.

can begin to recede, the body’s way of trying to get away from the calculus - this is called periodontitis or gum disease. Gum disease ranges in severity depending on how much bone has been destroyed. Mild to moderate gum disease is treated and managed by removing the calculus. Severe gum disease where significant bone has been destroyed is managed with painful and difficult surgery which can often leave the patient looking “long in the tooth”, where the gum and bone has been lost. Sundial offers breakthrough technology in the form of LANAP - laser assisted new attachment procedure. The specially designed laser can selectively target out and remove diseased tissue and leaves healthy tissue intact. This promotes the regeneration and reattachment of gum and bone, preventing recession and eventual tooth loss. “Eyes are the window to the soul”, but the mouth is the window to the body, which is why there is a strong link between dental diseases and general health. Gum disease has been closely associated with heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease and problems with pregnancy. This could be caused by the bacteria entering the blood stream leading to systemic problems. This is why it is so important for good preventive care. In all aspects of dentistry, arguably the most crucial stage, but often the most commonly missed stage is the maintenance phase of treatment. This occurs after treatment has been completed to prevent relapse into a diseased state. A strong active maintenance schedule is important for the patient, which is why Sundial promotes a 6 monthly check up.

What you get: A series of 3 individualised, supportive and informative naturopathic consultations, including testing to assess your cellular health and current health

status as well as a specialised detoxification massage. Why you should detox: We come into contact and exposure to dietary and environmental toxins every day. The body is designed to be able to change these toxins into less harmful substances and excrete them from the body, but sometimes we need a little help to do this, especially if we are overloaded. Also at The Medicine Chest Compounding Pharmacy you will find Jurlique natural and organic skincare, natural chemical free hair care and nvey eco natural makeup. Melanie uses these products in our beauty treatments to help you reduce all aspects of toxin exposure. Contact us today at The Medicine Chest Compounding Pharmacy to find out more and make an appointment for your Detox Program, and don't hold back from health.

By Wendy, Bare Aesthetics

L A C I D ISM. MEU TO R WHY TAKE THE RISK? edical tourism is now a big market, targeting people wanting cheaper cosmetic surgical procedures ranging from breast augmentation to facelift surgery. Unfortunately, the serious pitfalls don’t make it into the glossy advertising!

(each breast implant used in Australia has a registered number that can be traced and identified with the individual patient) • Very low rate of complications in Australia (compared with risk of complications overseas of up to 50-60%)

So why would you choose to pay more to stay in Australia, rather than go overseas? • Ability to confirm the qualifications, training and experience of the Surgeon and meet with him/her face to face well in advance of scheduling surgery • Access to pre operative planning with your Surgeon, essential to facilitating your desired results • Access to consistent post operative care to facilitate a healthy recovery and an optimal outcome

Too frequently we are contacted by patients having had surgery overseas experiencing serious issues such as extensive and ugly scarring, use of non medical grade implants, poor and mismatched implant sizes, extensive bleeding/bruising that compromises skin and tissue healing and ultimately affects results, incorrect surgery performed, and a consistent need for corrective and reconstructive surgery in Australia, at further cost to the patient.

• In the case of breast augmentation, use of recognised and registered breast implants by the TGA & FDA

The moral of the story: cheap prices are not worth the risk to your health and wellbeing.

Eyecare Plus Why are some spectacles more expensive than others? As the old saying goes, you get what you pay for. Just as there are different costs for cameras, shoes and clothes the same is true for spectacle frames and lenses. All cameras take a photo, all clothes can be worn and all spectacles will generally help you to see. However, the level of research and development & quality of design and manufacture varies just as it does in any product. The premium brands of lenses and frames that we recommend at Eyecare Plus result in improved visual performance & durability plus fashionable styling and comfort. We pride ourselves on using only the best quality products available selected from a wide range of suppliers. Such as Nikon, Varilux, Hoya, Gucci, Christian Dior, Silhouette, Nike, Adidas, Converse, Maui Jim, Mako, Jag, David Lawrence, Seiko and many more. A recent survey ran by a leading consumer magazine here in Australia concluded: a. BEWARE as many advertised prices are simply too good to be true and don’t include common recommended extras b. In ‘like for like’ comparisons there were only small price differences between the big chains and independents c. CHECK PRICES from your local optical store, where you may be paying the same price and also be offered a more personalised service Eyecare Plus also offers lower cost alternatives when appropriate for your needs that are still backed by our quality assurance. Also ask our staff about our price match promise on any products and services as well as our complimentary “Buddy Spectacles” offer.

Dr. Bobby Kumar Cosmetic Surgeon Considering Tummy Tuck Surgery? • Tried diet & exercise but frustrated by that last bit of fat & skin that won’t budge? • Or are you a Mum wanting to restore the flatness & firmness of your pre pregnancy tummy? • Have you lost weight but are left with excess hanging skin? If you answer ‘YES’ to any of these questions, then Tummy Tuck Surgery might be for you. Tummy Tuck Surgery achieves a flat, tight tummy by removing residual excess tissue & skin, & tightening the underlying tummy muscles. Liposuction may also be used to create a natural & contoured result. Can Liposuction alone create a fl at, tight tummy? Liposuction works well on its own if the underlying tummy muscles are already tight, only a small amount of fat requires removal & the skin has good elasticity. Can I have Tummy Tuck Surgery if I am overweight? Tummy Tuck Surgery should not be used as a weight loss strategy. Dr. Bobby Kumar, Surgical Fellow of the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery, recommends patients are at, or close to, their optimal weight to achieve the best results. For a consultation with Dr. Bobby Kumar, Cosmetic Surgeon, call Wendy on 1300 676 003 or 0430 491 009 or email bobby@bareaesthetics.com.au

PORT MACQUARIE: 95 William St... 6583 7333 29 Horton St.... 6584 3948 WAUCHOPE: 6 Bransdon St... 6585 2393 *Conditions apply. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. 2nd pair SV hard coated lenses into a select range of frames. Ask in practice for details.

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focusinterview.

YOU KNOW HIM AS “THE COMMANDO” FROM THE BIGGEST LOSER ... NOW, HERE’S YOUR CHANCE TO TRAIN WITH COMMANDO STEVE - ALL THE WHILE KNOWING YOU’RE ALSO HELPING TO RAISE FUNDS FOR LOCAL INSPIRATION MEEGAN MALOUF ... i Steve, tell us about your life prior to joining The Biggest Loser? I joined the Army at 18 years of age, as soon as I finished Year 12. I did selections for Special Forces and spent the better part of 10 years as a Commando based in Sydney. That involved all things military, being deployed a couple of times overseas, and at around the 10 year mark I started to get itchy feet; I was questioning myself and what life meant and felt that there was a lot more on offer, so I chose to leave. In leaving, I had to figure out what I wanted to do, and I had always enjoyed training and being very physical - so I did all of the courses required to become a PT and started working in a gym. Within two years of being out of the military, The Biggest Loser opportunity presented itself, so I jumped at the chance and found myself on the show as a trainer. One of your mottos is “being fit is as much about the mind as the body”. How do you shift people's way of thinking? It is a gradual process, and it depends on what environment you are in. Helping to break these habits in someone’s everyday life is about showing them and making them realise that it all comes down to conscious living. It's about making decisions and choices around what they are doing with their time. Controlling the variables of eating the right foods, getting support, and training enough is what is important. We all learn in different ways; you have to tackle issues one at a time and what it is they need to change. How do you feel when you see contestants on the show after their transformations? Elation! It's amazing to see in such a short period of time how they can turn their lives around. More so than anything, it is a feeling of satisfaction because I'm not the one 70

greater port macquarie focus.

enforcing the change. I am just providing the tools and the know how; they are the ones who have to really do the hard work. It's fantastic; there is a camaraderie and likemindedness built over time, and to see people take on your advice and way of thinking is really great. What encouraged you to support Meegan Malouf in her fundraising efforts? Meegan has had it hard, and she's been one of those people who has come from behind. With Multiple Sclerosis, Meegan has managed to dig deep and keep fighting. Someone like Meegan who deals so well with the hand they have been dealt is what inspires me. To support someone like Meegan ... she wasn't sure if she would be able to secure me to come up to Taree and Port Macquarie to do these training sessions, but she put it out there and everything has come together. Someone like Meegan who has really been through a life changing experience herself and wants to raise that awareness within her own community by having these events and inviting visiting identities to raise even more awareness is just fantastic. What can we expect from the upcoming training sessions at Taree and Port Macquarie? In the training sessions, first and foremost is to have some fun. Fitness exists within movement, so I focus on helping people move better with form, technique and range of movement. The Commando that you may think of isn't all about smashing people; he's about getting in there, addressing the foundation and building that up. It's not to say it's not going to be hard training - it's more so that it's relative. If someone hasn't done much training for a while, I'm not expecting them to break world records, as long as they push themselves both physically and mentally. Thanks Steve.

i Gavin, how will Your Life Fitness Centre, Port Macquarie be involved with helping Meegan to raise funds for her battle with MS? At Your Life Fitness Centre we have taken on hosting the unique opportunity in Port Macquarie, “Train with Commando Steve at Your Life Fitness Centre” event to raise funds for Meegan’s cause to get treatment for her MS. By selling tickets to the event, we are aiming to raise funds beyond the costs of the event to donate to Meegan’s cause. Our centre is not profiting from this event; it’s for charity to help Meegan get the help she needs to improve her lifestyle for herself, which will also benefit her family as a whole. Our team will be assisting in the lead up and on the day to ensure this event is something special and raises the much needed funds plus awareness of the treatments available in the local community. Describe this unique opportunity with celebrity trainer Commando Steve ... This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to train with Commando Steve at Your Life Fitness Centre; there are strictly limited tickets available for the sessions on Sunday the 14/9/2014. Commando Steve will take us through a workout utilising his many years of fitness industry experience and his extensive military training experience. Commando Steve has been successful on the TV show The Biggest Loser and will no doubt motivate you to achieve more! If you’re looking for a training experience that’s never been held in Port Macquarie before or want some motivation to kick off your fitness routine for spring, then sign up for this event. The event will cater for all fitness levels and will be an amazing atmosphere in the exclusive group personal training sessions. How can the community help Meegan at the fundraising day? Get into Your Life Fitness Centre and purchase yourself a training session ticket before they sell out is the main way to help Meegan’s cause in fundraising; plus, you will get an amazing training experience. Tickets are available to the public, not just our members. There will also be two meet and greet sessions where you can buy pictures or get autographs with the Commando on the day. We have a Facebook event page you should check out if you’re interested in making donations: https://www.facebook.com/ events/1448637375423767/?ref=5 We have all our event information; plus, you can

watch Meegan’s story and make donations. You can also contact Gavin or Your Life Fitness Centre reception on (02) 6581 0059 to find out more about the Port Macquarie sessions. Commando Steve will also be visiting Taree on Saturday 13th September: see Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ events/1457226841196362/?ref=22 or contact Meegan (see below) for details). A Few Words From Meegan ... I've been battling Multiple Sclerosis now for seven years. It hasn't been easy, with my MS not responding to five different medications and a continual decline in my physical abilities. My biggest achievement that I thought was not possible after my diagnosis was the birth of my 6 year old son and my miracle baby daughter, who turns two this month. It was not expected that my fertility would remain under heavy medical treatment for my MS, so subsequently our babies were beautiful surprises - especially our daughter - who is our only girl after four sons. I was also diagnosed halfway through my midwifery degree. I completed my degree, as well as having my Bachelor in Nursing before my diagnosis; it was a major achievement to not only deal with learning about MS and my symptoms, but doing this whilst studying full-time and working as a student midwife, all at the same time. As far as my health is concerned, with the help of the Commando and his inspiration and no excuses attitude and the Michelle Bridges 12 week body transformation, I was able to lose over 60 kg. I learnt how to chnage from having an unhealthy view of my own body image to being happy in my own skin and enjoying life far more as a result. I was even awarded Most Inspirational Role Model by Michelle Bridges in December 2010 for my no excuses attitude.

the plug! People can jump online and donate at http://www.gofundme.com/7f1tdw Anyone interested in following my journey, I have set up a Facebook page and soon a blog to record from now through my treatment and beyond. All fundraising events will be linked here as well. www.facebook.com/ pages/My-ever-after-My-Journey-with-MSand-HSCT/776963402324551 It’s called My Ever After. You can contact us via email stephenmalouf@live.com.au or Erin Quinn, co-ordinator on 0404 114 116.

By Bodiline Pilates

Pilates hundreds.

A traditional pilates exercise to warm up the whole body. Hold your body still in the 100’s position, bo chest lifted, arms reaching, legs at the height you ch can ca an maintain holding your abdominals in (navel

Pilates

to o spine), bend knees or head down to modify. Breathe Br reathe in for 5 beats as you beat arms up and down, do own, and out for 5 beats. Build up to 10 sets of 10 0 beats.

In 10 sessions 20 you feel better, tt ok be er, sessions you lo have a 30 sessions you body.” w completely ne

“

- Joseph Pilate

ROLLER ARM WORK.

A series of arm exercises on the foam roller is a great way to work your arms while you release your shoulders, align your body and stabilise through your core muscles. Lying on the roller with knees bent and feet hip

Neck and shoulder towel release.

Combat the effects of our technological lives. Hold a towel wide (rolled up) taut over head, pull down behind (or on top) of your head, keeping your shoulders down return to start. Repeat 6-10 times.

THE BRIDGE.

distance apart, maintain a small space under your lower back while drawing abdominals in.

Mobilises the spine, works the abs, hamstrings, glutes and inner

Lift arms above shoulders and open arms out

thighs. Lie on your back (knees bent arms by your side). Exhale to

to the side as you breathe in, exhale return to

scoop abdominals in and curl your tailbone off the floor to peel the

start 10 times, continue with arms circles, and

spine in to bridge. Inhale hold (option lift one leg up to hold), then

arm lifts from the side of the body to over

exhale as you uncurl the spine back to start. Repeat 6 times slowly.

head.

13B Peachtree Walk Arcade 78 Horton Street PORT MACQUARIE

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focushealth.

GET INVOLVED IN HEALTH. Would you like to have a greater involvement in the health of your community? There are many opportunities to contribute to local decision-making on matters concerning health. We discuss the benefits of becoming involved in health with Helen Byrnes from the Mid North Coast Local Health District.

hat does community engagement in healthcare mean? The health of our communities is vital to the future of the Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD). To achieve this, we are committed to returning as much decision making as possible to local communities and those affected by those decisions. We are asking community members and consumers of health services to have a direct say and more involvement in decisions that affect them, because we know that this will lead to better health outcomes. We want to engage with communities and consumers by inviting them to participate in committees and forums to help plan, design and evaluate healthcare services. Community reference groups and forums are held across the district, and we are planning to expand this consultative process by encouraging the involvement of more community and consumer representatives on these groups and on other committees. On an individual level, we are encouraging patients, families and carers to be more actively involved in decisions about their care and treatment when receiving healthcare. We also seek feedback from patients, families and carers on their experience of healthcare via the NSW Health Patient Survey, by collecting patient stories, and through the compliments and complaints process. What are the benefits of community and consumer participation? There are significant benefits for consumers, the wider community, and the health system itself. Partnerships between healthcare providers and consumers provides an opportunity to consider the consumer perspective when redesigning services or making improvements to ensure health services meet the needs of consumers and the community. Consumers who participate in this way say they have a greater sense of wellbeing, empowerment, and ownership over services and

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their own health related options and decisions. It can bring about improvements in the way we meet the health needs of specific consumer groups and people from diverse, disadvantaged and marginalised backgrounds, such as people with a disability or mental illness, and Aboriginal communities. Health services can gain an earlier awareness of emerging issues in the community and respond appropriately by improving the quality and relevance of services, policies and programs. Who can be involved in healthcare committees and forums? Community members and health consumers with an interest and commitment to making services better and safer can be involved. Community members should have a strong community focus and be able to represent the broader community or a particular community group. Consumers should have had a recent experience with a healthcare service, as a patient, family member, or carer, and have a desire to make a positive contribution to the service. Areas of interest could include aged care, falls prevention, quality of patient care, mental health, oral health, paediatrics, palliative care, chronic disease and Aboriginal health. We even have opportunities for members of the community to become involved in areas not usually associated with health, such as environmental sustainability. This committee looks at ways that the MNCLHD as an organisation can become more sustainable and play a greater role as a regional leader in this area. How do interested community members and consumers get involved? To register your interest in being involved as a community or consumer representative with the Mid North Coast Local Health District, email your name and contact details to: MNCLHDCommunityEngagement@ncahs.health. nsw.gov.au

great survey results LOCAL RESEARCH INITIATIVE HIGHLIGHTS THE NEED FOR FURTHER EDUCATION ABOUT PROSTATE CANCER

eptember is International Prostate discovered how much men living within our community Cancer Awareness Month. The Jim Bruce know about some of the major urological issues that Urology and Prostate Cancer Trust will may affect them,” he said. “By gaining insight into this join the Prostate Cancer Foundation awareness level, we are now able to clarify what gaps of Australia and other organisations all exist in the communication about these issues and around the world in an effort to raise identify how we can successfully close these gaps.” awareness and provide help in the fight From the survey responses that were received, against prostate cancer. the Trust have been able to ascertain that while In June this year in association prostate cancer is acknowledged as the with Men’s Health Week, the most important health issue facing men, IN R EA Y EACH , A Jim Bruce Urology and Prostate there remains a gap in knowledge about LI A R ST AU R CE N Cancer Trust ran a local prostate cancer, a further gap in taking CA E AT ST PRO R FO research initiative: The Great action to be tested REGULARLY, and TS N U O CC A Y Man’s Survey. The survey even a gap in willingness to think about A PP ROX IM AT EL RS was distributed widely to men being tested. 30% O F CA N CE 1. residing on the Mid North Coast The Trust now plan to address these D IAG N O SE D ” which included men from all walks gaps with targeted communication of life who were generally aged campaigns that aim to raise awareness and between 30 and 70. education levels among men on the Mid North The survey yielded well over 400 Coast about the importance of regular prostate responses. checks. These survey results have been a key factor in Dr Awad recommends that all men over the age of 40, assisting the Trust to determine a baseline of community or earlier if they have a family history of prostate cancer, awareness in the three significant urological challenges should talk to their doctor about testing for prostate most directly relevant to men of our region. cancer. Men should make an individual informed decision “For many men, urological issues can be very difficult about testing based on discussion with their doctors. to talk about,” said local Urologist and Trustee Dr Nader 1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2012). Cancer incidence projections: Australia, 2011 to 2020. Cancer Series no. 66. Awad. Cat. No. CAN 62. Canberra: AIHW. “By conducting The Great Man’s Survey we have

“

So how much do the men of our region know about urological issues? THE GREAT MAN’S SURVEY - KEY FINDINGS •

According to respondents, the top 3 most important health issues facing men are prostate cancer (80.8%), heart disease (49.1%) and depression (40.8%)

•

Most respondents (92%) indicated they don’t know much or don’t know anything at all about bladder cancer

•

Most respondents (90.4%) were not aware of the connection between bladder cancer and cigarette smoking

•

Despite ranking prostate cancer as the most important health issue facing men, only 10.2% claimed to know a lot about it and 40.1% indicated they don’t know much about it

•

About half of respondents (48.5%) indicated they don’t know much or anything at all about the procedure involved in the initial screening test for prostate cancer

•

43.2% of respondents have never had a test for prostate cancer

NB. The majority of respondents were men aged between 30 and 70 years residing on the Mid North Coast of NSW.

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The RADICAL ABDOMINOPLASTY OPERATION ‘Tummy TUCK’

he gradual increase in girth in pregnancy and in weight gain causes tissue-expansion and stretching.

When the above situation is reversed, i.e. after delivery of a baby or weight loss, there are different types of reversal in the various tissues affected. Muscles do best and can almost recover completely. The two large columns of muscles in the anterior abdominal wall, the right and left Rectus Abdominus muscles, which give great strength to the anterior abdominal wall as well as the back, are such examples. The fascia covering these muscles, a strong sleeve around the muscles and fused (attached) in the midline, stretch up to a point before further stretch causes irreversible damage.

When the muscle recovers, the fascia does not, and this results in a weak and stretched midline. Instead of a fused midline keeping the muscles together, the central stretched ellipse of fascia causes the muscles to be separated, weakening the anterior abdominal wall as well as the back. This ‘divarication or diastasis’ of the muscles is equivalent to a midline hernia and causes significant weakening of the anterior abdominal wall, and protrusion of the abdominal contents, especially in the standing position. The correction The radical abdominoplasty procedure described by Dr. Ivor Pitanguy, the doyen of Brazilian plasticsurgery, is an excellent operation which fixes this problem very well. The surgery results in the re-

establishment of the central fascial fusion, with the muscles back together in the midline and with recovery of strength and contour. A bonus of this operation is the removal of a good amount of skin and fat from the anterior abdominal wall. The surgery is major, needing general anaesthesia and hospitalisation as well as time for recovery, but the excellent resolution of the problem makes it all worthwhile. Recurrent abdominal wall hernias. An extension of this technique is the use in the correction of recurrent abdominal wall hernias, resulting from multiple previous operations and attempted hernia repairs. A very significant advantage of this type of repair is the avoidance of the use of synthetic mesh grafts with its many attendant problems.

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focusinterview.

Becoming Dad Dadvocate - darren mattock

Darren Mattock, passionately proud father and Dadvocate, changing the way men are involved in birth and creating a support network for expectant and new dads. Darren shares with FOCUS his journey and his upcoming workshop in Port Macquarie.

i Darren. Please tell us a little bit about your own experience at "Becoming Dad"... I was one of those really involved to the point of can't keep me away dads. I went to all the antenatal appointments, basically every check up; everything to do with the baby, I was a part of it. We did birth preparation classes together, as Charlie was a planned home birth; it was really amazing. We had a midwife and doula team and we also had an obstetrician who was on call in case he was needed, which was a really good safety net. The OB didn't have to have to be called; it all went to plan, eventually. I ended up playing a much bigger role than I had anticipated I would. Even though I was really involved in everything, I can see when I reflect now; it's so clear ... there was so much I hadn't prepared for … I didn't have people reaching out offering the support. So even down to things like when Charlie was born and him being a home birth, it never even crossed my mind that I could possibly be the one to catch him … there was so much more practical and emotional stuff that I just hadn't even thought about before. Fortunately, it was a really positive experience in a lot of ways ... but ... I feel like I was really under prepared. I made the transition to fatherhood really well;

greater port macquarie focus.

it was just pure joy for me. I was really excited about becoming a dad, and I bonded with him instantly. It was just really beautiful. I took a month off work getting to know him, and it was a really positive experience. Charlie is really my source of inspiration and why I do this work. In a lot of ways, I want dads to have the positive experience that I had, and I also want dads to get more than I did. It goes both ways - I want to share the good stuff, and I also want to improve on the stuff that could've been better for me. What is the "Becoming Dad Movement" about? Really, following on from that answer is that expectant and new dads just need more opportunities to be engaged, educated and supported in father focused and male friendly ways … The role of men has changed radically in a few decades; it's gone from pretty much zero men at birth to over 90% of men at birth now, but the time hasn't really caught up to meet the needs of men to acknowledge that change in a way that brings a greater balance. Antenatal education classes are all very mother/baby focused. They typically don't do a great job at engaging and educating and supporting dads and usually there's not much on offer for expectant dads as they're making the transition. So, it's about filling the gaps and meeting the needs, really and trying to learn more about what works for dads. What will they say yes to, what do they need, how do

They don't do a great job at ucating engaging and ed ds. da and supporting not e's er th lly ca pi Ty r fo r fe much on of at all, expectant dads the g as they're makin transitio n.”

“

they need it? That's really what its about. It's very munch a process of discovery at the moment; I've been doing it for 5/6 years, so I know quite a bit, and I'm in a position where I probably know more than a lot of people do. Which is why I'm now educating birth professionals and midwives too, because there's a gap in knowledge ... and that's also part of my work with Becoming Dad. I'm playing that dual role of working directly with dads, but I'm also passionate about working with healthcare and birth professionals who work with dads to support them to achieve better outcomes. You're facilitating a workshop here in Port Macquarie in September. What can participants expect to get from this on the night? What I intend to bring on the night is some information and to invite participation as well. I think it's a good opportunity for people to hear from me about the work that I'm doing and why I think it's important - what I do and why I do it - but then I actually want to make it interactive; I want people to have conversations, I want people to ask questions, I want to draw upon the Port Macquarie community and the people who do turn up to share with me what's going on

in their world, what they need, what do they want to know? And I want to come up with some answers together. When you get people asking and talking and sharing, inevitably the answers come from everyone too. It's not just going to be me straight talking and telling everyone how it is; I try not to come from the point of being an expert too much, because I think everyone's situation is unique and even though there are a lot of things in common that I do know about and there are generalisations based on all of the experience I have, I feel that it’s important to hear from people about their situation and their stories. That’s how I keep learning, too! After the workshops, do you find that there are some common bonds formed between men within the community who have attended? Is that another aim you have for these workshops: to provide a support network for each other? It's definitely one of the big possibilities on offer, and it has happened with the work that I've been doing. It's a really positive thing ... one of the bigger pictures for this kind of work is breaking down those masculine barriers, getting men together to do this type of stuff in groups, when it's not about sports or alcohol and it's actually

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talking about real life stuff. And that's one of the reasons I do it … It is a masculine, men's only, dads' only space ... men role modelling with other men, and that is OK we can get real together. What ends up happening is often men are very nervous and unsure; they know that it's important, so they turn up, but once the ice is broken and they're comfortable, they know that there's a level of safety there. They start to open up and and once they start to talk and share, you can see they just really switch on to how good it is to get together and get outside of their own heads and hear from other guys about what's going on for them in their world and to normalise their experience. I've run fatherhood preparation courses before that run once a week for 4 weeks; for the first week they talk a little bit, but by the end of the course they're out in the car park for an extra half an hour at the end of the night, chatting. I've followed up with some of the guys who have attended the courses, and I've had someone pick up the phone straightaway and say, "You'll never believe it: three of the guys from the last course, we're all the hospital right now having our babies together!"So they were walking into each other's rooms and showing off their babies together. One of the guys was a young 17 year old dad … a couple of the other guys took him under their wing. He was walking in and hanging out with those guys, and the guy that I was talking to was saying, "He's just walking around like Mr

r me, it's

Fo Daddy; he's so confito about bringing dent and so proud". ing be of s es en their awar It was a big e iv us more father incl do it, experience and start turnaround for him; n ca ey th w ho d an to work through some ds tting da from someone who strategies for ge to be things in their minds and w was potentially not on bo ard and ho tune in as much as they d se cu going to be there [at more couple fo other/ can to what's going on m st the birth] to being the rather than ju ” and what's coming. d. proud dad on the ward. baby focuse There's are practical ways What would you say is such as going to the appointthe biggest fear men experiments, and then there are other ence pending the birth of their ways men can start to tune in. Very comchild? Do you find there's a pattern to mon feedback I get from dads is that at appointwhat men fear? ments, they're not looked at, they're not talked Yeah, the fears happen on different levels. to, they're not asked questions, or they're not They're really worried about their partner and given time to ask questions - so they go, but they their baby; they just want them to be OK, don't feel a part of it. because birth is what it is and it's so out of their That's where my help with healthcare profescontrol. Some men will struggle with this. sionals comes in. For me, it's about bringing to On a practical level, they have a fear about their awareness of being more father inclusive money and finances; is there going to be enough, and how they can do it, strategies for getting and are we going to be able to do this? And on a dads on board and how to be more couple fopersonal level, they're fearful of the changes that cused, rather than just mother/baby focused. are coming; like, is life going to change so much? I believe you're currently in the process of Because the changes are unknown, they just writing your fi rst book? Who are the other have fear around what's coming and diving contributors to the book? into the unknown - and are they going to lose The book is called Aussie Dads Behaving Dadly; themselves? it is is a collection of dad stories. It's actually It's a very different experience, and that's why based on a book that was published in the US it's so important to get in early during pregcalled Dad's Behaving Dadly, which I contributed nancy and start to have these conversations. a story to and had published. I was approached Even though they are not having the physical by Hogan Hilling and Al Watts to do an Ausexperience, they can start to have the emotional

“

tralian version, so basically what I'll be doing is putting a call out Australia-wide for dads to contribute their dad stories to be published in this book, and I'll be writing the introduction. It's not atcually exclusively a "Becoming Dad" focused book; it's not just new dad or expectant dad birth stories. It's a fatherhood book, so there will be some "Becoming Dad" focused stories, as well as other stories from dads with toddlers and older kids who contribute too, so it will be a general fatherhood book. If you're interested in attending one of Darren's "Becoming Dad" workshops, he will be facilitating both community and professional workshops; see details below.

the plug! BECOMING DAD COMMUNITY TALK, WATERS EDGE FRIDAY 10TH OCTOBER 6:30 - 8:30PM. Professional Workshop: Saturday 11th October 9:30 - 1pm at UNSW campus, Wrights Road. For more informatio,n call Meegan 0424 032 990 or Melanie, 0428 867 723 from Gaia Health. meegan@gaiahealth.net

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focusinterview.

4LIFE

C A R E

T R A I N I N G

THE COST OF LIVING, THE NUMBER OF HOMELESS AND PEOPLE LIVING IN POVERTY IS GROWING IN THE HASTINGS AND MACLEAY AREAS. ONE LOCAL ORGANISATION TIRELESSLY WORKING TOGETHER IN AN ENDEAVOUR TO HELP IS 4LIFE CARE & TRAINING. CHRISSY JONES HAD THE PLEASURE OF MEETING SOME OF THE VOLUNTEERS AND SPOKE WITH JANN ELDRIDGE TO FIND OUT JUST WHAT THEY OFFER THOSE LESS FORTUNATE. ell us about your organisation. Kempsey/Wauchope deliveries are made on a 4Life Care & Training is a local Wednesday and Lake Cathie/Laurieton on a not-for-profit charity established in Friday, with Port Macquarie either day. 2008 to assist those in need and aims 4Life Care run workshops, tell us more... to ease the cycle of poverty in our local area. Living Skills Workshops are run a few times During this time 4Life Care & Training has had per year. These workshops include cooking skills, 1,352 families register with the service and has budgeting, menu planning, using leftovers, food provided approximately 7,000 food parcels. We storage, nutrition, healthy lifestyle, self -esteem commenced in Port Macquarie and now cover and stress management. the area from Smithtown/Kempsey in the north, Bookings are now being taken for a Food out to Wauchope and down to Laurieton in Safety & Hygiene Course. We also offer the south. Our home base is at Unit a Computer Basics Course and 22/10 Bellbowrie Street, Port Business Services Course. Macquarie. Please contact us for further rs Helping those in need information. ee nt lu Vo is a passion of the Can anyone access the are kept busy rcels, pa od fo volunteers who g service? in ck pa ery work at your service; To access our service providing a deliv e ic what do they do and you will need to hold and pick-up serv ing and running liv provide? a pension or health .â&#x20AC;? ps skills worksho Volunteers are kept care card. We are open busy packing food parcels, from 9:30am to 4pm on providing a delivery and Wednesdays and Fridays. pick-up service and running Please phone us on 6584 living skills workshops. 2951 for more information or an By creating a food partnership we appointment; if unanswered, leave a are able to supply substantial, free food message and we will get back to you as soon parcels which include a variety of groceries as we can. including bread, milk, cereal, tinned food, You have an event coming up; when is biscuits, desserts, household cleaning items, that? personal hygiene items, frozen goods, cooking Our next venture is a BBQ for Anti-Poverty items, baby food, fruit and vegetables. A small Week to be held on Wednesday 15th October. packing and handling subsidy is charged, and Further details are to be found on the Events this enables us to purchase groceries to restock page of our website: www.care.4life.org.au. our shelves and help other families. Any donations of fruit, vegetables and On-line ordering is available through our groceries would be much appreciated and website at www.care.4life.org.au. The website would help families in need. Cash donations is under maintenance, but you can also check are tax deductible. We have a donation gift out our events here or keep updated through recipient (DGR) tax status. Facebook. How can you be contacted? If you are unable to attend the Care Centre, If you would like to talk to us about you can access our delivery service, which is sponsoring a family or making a donation please available to all areas for a small fee. Smithtown/ phone us on 6584 2951 or 0488 300 384.

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greater port macquarie focus.

focusinterview.

by Michelle Newman from Newman Communications

The “Day in the Life” series gives us a glimpse into the working lives of the people we don’t often see or think about, but who play an important role in keeping our community running.

t's a familiar phrase, but it doesn’t make much sense child’s temperament and family values. Once the solution is – “I slept like a baby”. In reality, sleep, or lack of it, created she meets with them for an in-home consultation, then rates as one of the biggest worries for new parents. follows up with daily chats, emails and Skype sessions to make However, Certified Baby Sleep Consultant Bec Masure things are progressing. her is out to change that for local mums and dads. Taking a holistic approach, the solutions focus on "sleep founBec has been around babies, toddlers and children dations", including the sleep environment, nutrition, emotional all her working life and is known as a “baby whisperer” to her wellbeing and optimising naps. Often sleep can dramatically imfriends and clients. Working as a nanny in London and prove by tweaking a few of these elements. “The sleep Sydney gave her hands on experience and an interest solutions empower clients to make confident and in establishing healthy sleep habits. consistent changes in the comfort of their “I was inspired to complete specialist trainown home.” ing in infant sleep after seeing so many Hearing the excitement in her clients’ friends and customers of our family busivoices as they see improvements is O FT EN W E’ R E ED ness, Mid Coast Motorsafe, struggling with incredibly rewarding for Bec. After W EL L PR EPA R CE N O T BU , H RT sleep. Often we’re well prepared for birth, working through the plan, families are FO R BI , W E’ R E but once baby arrives, we’re left to wing more refreshed, relaxed and happy, and BA BY A R R IV ES .” IT LE FT TO W IN G it. Some parents are blessed with natuenjoying a lot more "shut-eye". rally great sleepers, but generally sleep is a Bec meets with groups of parents for learned skill for most babies.” an informal coffee chat about sleep topics Bec completed her training with the Internarelevant to their children’s ages. She also tional Maternity Institute in May, while juggling her runs sleep and settle sessions to provide families own three young children and the family business, and with newborns techniques to calm baby. launched The Sleep Centre in June. “Research shows that babies thrive on consistency Clients call Bec looking for help with their children’s sleep and learn through repetition. Investing in sleep and estabchallenges, such as an inability to self-settle, multiple night lishing healthy sleep habits is important for the whole family,” wakings, short or non-existent naps, early morning wakings Bec said. and sleep associations. Often the sleep deprivation can affect When families are all finally getting their cherished sleep, Bec the whole family, leading to relationship stress, increased health is often up late working on a sleep solution for a new client, or issues and can contribute to post natal depression. lying awake in bed wondering how they’re all getting on. Bec works through the options for each family, based on the Bec can be contacted at bec@thesleepcentre.com.au

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My Day 7:00am

Wrangle kids to get dressed, race out the door, miss the North Shore ferry.

9:00am

Arrive at the office. Take calls and emails from desperate parents.

10:00am Coffee group chat at Zebu, cuddle the babies and give the mums some hope. 1:00pm

Visit a new client, present sleep solution.

3:15pm

Pick up the kids. Miss the ferry again.

7:00pm

Get my own kids off to bed. Put feet up; enjoy a glass of wine.

8:30pm

Call from client. Troubleshoot tricky bedtime with her 9 month old.

10:00pm Tune in to recording from my Advanced Sleep Consultant course. Prepare client solutions. 11:00pm Bed. Lie awake hoping all my clients are asleep.

greater port macquarie focus

The Medicine Chest Compounding Pharmacy The Medicine Chest is Port Macquarieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exclusive compounding pharmacy. We are able to collaborate with doctors, specialists and patients in order to prepare patientspecific medications, allowing an individualised prescription based on your unique needs. Compounding Pharmacist Virginia Baker has been practising at The Medicine Chest for 20 years and is a compounding specialist using the highest quality ingredients and state of the art equipment. Virginia has a special interest in anti-ageing medicine and also specialises in bio-identical hormone replacement therapy, as well as specific medications in areas such as hospice care, pain management, paediatrics, dermatology, cosmeceuticals, weight loss and even veterinary formulations. The Medicine Chest also features experienced Naturopath Nyree Pryce. Nyree offers Bio Impedance Analysis, Iridology

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and Live Blood Analysis to assess your health and design an individualised treatment to help you reach and maintain your health and wellness goals. Nyree has 15 years of clinical experience, with a special interest in Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health, as well as general Naturopathy. Come and see Nyree for a full naturopathic consultation to evaluate your current health to help you make changes to reach your full potential. The Beauty Chest boasts qualified Jurlique consultant, Melanie Reynolds. Melanie offers the highest quality facials and treatments available using Australian made Jurlique products. Other services include waxing, manicures and pedicures, lash and brow tinting and ear piercing. Melanie is also a talented makeup artist and can recommend the right colours for you. Makeovers with nvey makeup (new in store) for any special occasions.

SEPTEMBER 2014

with Terri

AQUARIUS.

GEMINI.

LIBRA.

January 21 - February 19

May 22 - June 22

September 24 - October 23

You may be feeling a little uprooted or unsettled lately. A new move or the discussion of moving is likely to be on the agenda. Avoid rash decisions; wait for what feels right, and you will have no regret. New friends are coming into the picture, so relax and enjoy the social interactions. Herderite helps us to see our evolution, thus making it less of a challenge.

Focus on your most important challenge at this time in order to achieve your hard earned success. You are too easily distracted at present, which is causing frustration. Be a little more aware of your thoughts, and eliminate negativity, self doubt and fear. You have worked for the changes trying to enter your reality, so allow yourself the excitement of receiving. Turquoise and Rose Quartz will enhance your approval.

Connect with a passion you have. Your love of life needs satisfying. Change is coming forward, and this is a natural challenge for the Libran. Start a project or play with your creative energies. You will soon offer your family members some profound healing advice, so don’t be afraid to speak. You would benefit from spending some quality time expressing some thoughts and feeling into poetry or words. Topaz strengthens our self-esteem and brings personal power to situations surrounding us.

PISCES.

CANCER.

SCORPIO.

February 20 - March 20

June 23 - July 23

October 24 - November 22

An ending of a situation is bringing an exciting new influence into the picture. Your task at the moment is to understand your place in the bigger scheme of things. Don’t compromise your standards to soothe your fears. Keep in touch with makes your heart sing. Rose Quartz attracts us towards loving experiences.

Be patient just a little longer. You are likely to be very busy over the next few weeks, offering you some distraction from your thoughts. Relax and let go of the need to know what will be and enjoy just being in the now. Set some fresh goals and wait for their arrival. Rose Quartz is a very powerful calming crystal.

Remove all self-doubt. You already know what your challenges outcome will be. You even have your answers for getting there quicker. Find out what it is that renders you powerless, so that you cannot be played with. You are gifted at thinking outside the square, so allow yourself this enlightenment and treat you as you would another. Snowflake Obsidian is wonderful for shattering negative thoughts.

ARIES.

LEO.

S A G I T TA R I U S .

March 21 - April 20

July 24 - August 23

November 23 - December 21

Your leadership skills will be sought after in the work environment over the next few weeks. Allow your strengths to shine, and don’t be afraid to put your hand up for a promotion. Connect with your laughter a little more, as you are currently taking life too seriously. This is waking up old fears and insecurities and leaving you feeling trapped by life. Turquoise is great for communication.

Your self-opinion is at present under attack. Be kinder to your sensitivity, and stop believing negative things about you. Instead, wake up tomorrow with a brand new beginning attitude and watch your determination return. You have a wonderful connection with a soul mate; enjoy their company, without imposing any negative influences on your precious time together. Citrine connects us to our happier energy.

TA U R U S .

VIRGO.

April 21 - May 21

August 24 - September 23

You so desperately want a change in direction, but this is challenging your rules and boundaries in life. At present, your personal strength is being tested, which also may make it harder to pursue your desires. Ask yourself how badly do you want change? Let this motivate you. Set your sights and then give your-self permission to receive. Phenacite helps us to release other people’s worries from our energies.

Your focus will be clearer after you have set some new goals or direction. Get that clever Virgo mind active and satisfy your intellect. An exciting new opportunity is out there through learning something different, so look for that perfect course or read an imformative book. You can anticipate new friends in this next cycle, ones that give unconditional love and support. Topaz strengthens our selfesteem and brings personal power to situations surrounding us.

Bring out your happy self, as you are taking life far too seriously. This has left you drained lately and feeling unenthused. You just do things, you don’t need to talk about it or plan it, so remember this when you are next tempted to procrastinate. Give yourself permission to receive the things you so desperately desire. Sugilite would be of great benefit at this time, as it helps us face our challenges with a joyful outlook.

CAPRICORN. December 22 - January 20 Begin something new. Soon work opportunities will keep you busy; fill your being with satisfaction and complete you. However, your enthusiasm needs to be strong when the project begins, so now is the time to feed it. Help your mind to get ready for this opportunity by writing lists, and setting goals. Rhodonite helps us to discover new talents through our creative energy.

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focusinterview.

PROGRAMS FOR

HELEN GLEESON

Rotary Clubs coordinate a range of programs for young people, with very positive results! On these pages, Helen Gleeson, Youth Services Director of Port Macquarie West Rotary Club, discusses some of the youth programs that Rotary offers, while two people, Amanda Gordon and Adam Honeybrook, both of whom have been assisted by Rotary, share their experiences …

ELEN GLEESON Helen, tell us about your role as the Youth Services Director of Port Macquarie West Rotary Club. My role is to promote Rotary’s programs that are available to young people and to liaise with schools, businesses and my fellow Rotarians to find the young people who will most benefit from what is on offer. Most of these programs are for secondary school students. One that isn’t is called RYLA - Rotary Youth Leadership Awards - an annual program for 18 to 25 year olds who show leadership potential and would greatly benefit from a one week intensive leadership training course. Rotary works with employers to find suitable people and selects those who are expected to gain the most from the course. The change that takes place in each participant is amazing. They gain a lot of confidence in expressing their views and working as a team on challenging problems. How does the Rotary Youth Exchange Program work? Each year about 7,000 senior secondary school students from countries all over the world are selected by Rotary Clubs to spend a year living in another country. Each student usually spends about three months with each of four families in the particular town or suburb of the sponsoring Rotary Club. The student attends school, makes new friends and, in many cases, learns a new language and culture. Each exchange student is assigned an experienced Rotarian from the host club to act as their counsellor for the year. It is a time of considerable personal development with a multitude of unique never-to-be-forgotten experiences coupled with an enormous amount of fun. Lasting friendships are formed with 82 greater port macquarie focus.

other exchange students and with host families … Our local Rotary Clubs have sent over 100 students overseas to countries like Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Austria, Japan, USA, Canada, South Africa and have, in turn, hosted a similar number from those countries. What are some of the youth programs for secondary school students? One is called RYPEN - Rotary Youth Program of ENrichment. Students, mostly from Years 9 and 10 and not necessarily high-achievers, attend a weekend camp designed to develop their potential through a mixture of teambuilding sessions and adventure-based learning. The results include increased confidence, better self image, pride in personal and team achievements, increased motivation and improved life skills. Group leaders often come from recent graduates of RYLA. Speakers and trainers are generally a little older. A Rotary Club is the host, providing an older adult presence, including the Camp parents. Another program helps Year 9 and 10 students plan their senior secondary and tertiary studies direction. Rotary is a keen supporter of the ConocoPhillips Science Experience, which is a three/four day program of hands-on science activities conducted each year at 35 tertiary institutions around Australia. The aim is to inform students of the importance of Science, Technology and Engineering while stimulating and heightening their interests in a wide range of science disciplines and career opportunities. This program is designed and managed by the Science Schools Foundation Inc. Other supporters are the Australian Science Teachers Association and the Young Scientists of Australia. The program is one way of reversing our declining trend in the uptake of the sciences as a career. Another is the National Youth Science

AMANDA GORDON IMAGE BY FAB PHOTOS.

Choice … Forums. These forums provide opportunities About 10 years ago, our community was for students entering Year 12 to explore saddened by three P Plate driver fatalities prospective vocation, study and employment in the Port Macquarie-Hastings area. Since options within science, engineering and 2005, there have been hard-hitting and quite technology. About 500 students attend these graphic presentations to large groups of Year forums, which are held in January in Canberra. 11 students at schools in the Port MacquarieThey take part in a 12-day intensive residential Hastings area. Rotary was heavily involved program living on campus at ANU. They attend in the development and presentation of this lectures and seminars, tour labs and talk program in conjunction with police, our local with leading researchers and visit industrial magistrate, automotive experts and a crash sites. Rotary clubs approach local schools for victim survivor. Students get to appreciate how nominations and may assist with funding little it takes to become a road crash statistic where necessary. and how devastating the consequences can be. Yet another is known as MUNA, which AMANDA GORDON stands for Model United Nations Assembly. Amanda, tell us where you grew up. Teams of high school students in Years 10 I grew up near Fremantle in WA. In my teens to 12, each representing a different country, I won a place at what is now called attend a 2-day session where they the John Curtin College of the debate dozens of serious Arts, which specialises in world issues. Each team is theatre and dance. I was encouraged to research Each exchange a busy kid … piano their chosen countries ed student is assign n ria and clarinet lessons, well in advance of ta Ro an experienced as t ac to gymnastics, ballet, the event, adopt the ub from the host cl . ar ye e th r fo r jazz and tap dancing, national dress of llo their counse able er id ns co of theatre school and their country and e It is a tim t with en pm lo ve de netball! al assertively argue person ue neveriq un of e ud tit In 1987 you spent ul their case. Feedback am periences a year in Denmark from students, to-be-forgotten ex ormous en coupled with an on a Rotary Youth team counsellors and ” n. fu of nt amou Exchange. Tell us how sponsoring Rotary clubs that came about. shows that MUNA is a The family of a former significant learning experience, Rotary Youth Exchange student both in knowledge of international encouraged me to apply. I recall affairs and in speaking and debating skills. submitting my CV and an essay on why There are other secondary school youth I would like to be an exchange student and programs, including Short Term Youth interviews before selection. Exchange with New Zealand, a Public Speaking Did you have any doubts about spending 12 Competition, various Youth in Agriculture months in a foreign country? vocational programs … Although only 17, I don’t remember having And Rotary has been involved in running an any doubts. From a young age, I had been awareness program for youth called Power of

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focusinterview. visiting family in Singapore every couple of years. In later years I lived and worked in Ireland and Indonesia before settling in Port Macquarie. There must have been much to do before you departed for Denmark. There was a lot to organise. My mum bought me a lot of ski gear that she thought all the kids in Denmark wore to school. But they didn't, and I spent the first month or so looking like I should have been hitting the slopes and not the books! Tell us some of your memories of Denmark. Some memories … the way snow dampens sound … the distinct smell of cold and ice in the air … walking in pine forest … ice skating on the lake in front of our house … struggling with a new language …birthday parties that always took place 2 hours before school started … the smell of burnt chocolate drifting through the school (next to a chocolate factory). Did it have a big impact on your life? I quickly overcame my shyness, because I was there as an ambassador for my country. It made me think about being an Australian and I had to be ready to answer many questions about Australia and our way of life. What happened on your return to Australia? I worked for a year and then completed a Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing) at Curtin University. I worked at the West Australian Ballet Company and also a children’s book publishing company, both creative arenas. Have you maintained contact with anyone in Denmark or fellow exchange students? I’ve kept in contact with one particular host sister. She came to Australia to visit and I also saw her about 14 years ago when travelling through Copenhagen. I have remained in close contact with quite a few of my fellow exchange students. Did your Rotary Youth Exchange experience play any part in your singing and acting career? On my return, I was asked to sing at a Rotary District Conference. It was a thousand strong gathering, so not a bad audience for a firsttime singing gig! In the last 10 years I’ve been able to give back to Rotary through performing at Rotary and Inner Wheel events and speaking at club meetings. Do you have any advice for young people interested in Rotary Youth Exchange? Just give it a go. It’s such a wonderful program for young people. ADAM HONEYBROOK Adam, tell us where you grew up. I grew up on a rural property near Cowra, but was fortunate to receive my secondary school education as a boarder at St Joseph’s College in Hunters Hill, Sydney. You chose to study medicine at UNSW in Sydney. How did that come about? I wanted to pursue a medical career, so I worked pretty hard at Joeys and obtained a university admission score of 97. I was fortunate to gain a place at UNSW. Your parents were experiencing the effects of severe drought while you were at UNSW. That must have been tough for them and you.

It was very tough for them, and I didn’t want to be an additional burden. I took a year off after high school and worked in Perisher, which was a great break, but also set me up financially for the 6 long years of medical training. I also applied for scholarships, and this helped a lot. You completed your 5th and 6th years of medicine at the Port Macquarie Rural Clinical School. Why at Port? As a country boy I always wanted to go to a rural medical campus for my final two years. Port Macquarie appealed to me, because the School has a fine reputation for top quality teaching and consistently top results. In March 2008, you sought financial help from Port Macquarie West Rotary Club. What led to this? In 2007 I worked with the HIV NetherlandsAustralia-Thailand Research Collaboration completing a research project, and the results were then published in a leading medical journal. I was invited to present my research at the International AIDS Conference in Mexico City in August 2008, which was an incredible opportunity for a I grew up on a 5th year medical student. rural property I didn’t have the funds to was Co near wra, but go. I asked Professor Peter ive ce fortunate to re Reed and Dr Sengupta hool sc y ar my second for guidance, and they arder bo a as n educatio suggested I should write llege in at St Joseph’s Co ey.” dn to Rotary. Hunters Hill, Sy What happened? My letter, CV and other documentation was checked ADAM HONEYBROOK. out and then I was interviewed by two Rotarians. Port West Rotary Club agreed to provide the funds I needed. So in August 2008, I presented my research in Mexico City, thanks to Rotary. This unique opportunity proved to be a point of considerable interest when I applied for specialty surgical training. It was an incredible boost to my career and has helped me to get where I am today. That was six years ago. How has your medical career progressed since then? I completed my MBBS in 2009, did 18 WHERE ARE THEY NOW? months of general pre-vocational medical training at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and OVER THE YEARS LOCAL ROTARY CLUBS HAVE ASSISTED then undertook surgical training at Vanderbilt OVER ONE THOUSAND YOUNG PEOPLE WHO HAVE University Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. PARTICIPATED IN ROTARY’S YOUTH PROGRAMS. This spurred my interest in ear, nose and Many of those young people are now at various stages of their adult life – throat surgery. I then returned to Australia from some in their twenties right through to a few in their sixties. Some still and completed a year of ENT training at John reside here, but many now live elsewhere in Australia or live in another country. Hunter Hospital, Newcastle. I’m now doing Conversely, there will be many now living here (like Amanda Gordon) who 5 years of ENT training at Duke University participated in a Rotary youth program when living in some other part of Australia Hospital in North Carolina. or even overseas. What will you do after you complete your If you were a participant in a Rotary youth program or you are a relative or training at Duke? friend of someone who was, we’d love to know about it. The training over here is really fantastic and Just email secretary@rotarypmwest.org.au with the details or drop us a line hopefully I will bring back skills and knowledge at PO Box 330, Port Macquarie NSW 2444. We may just throw a big party to that will add to the specialty in Australia. I celebrate! intend to return to Australia and set up my If you are wondering whether we have you or someone you know listed as a own practice offering specialised ENT surgical Rotary youth program local participant, go to http://rotarypmwest.org.au/rotarytreatments that are only currently available in us/youth-services/youth program participants. If the name and details are missing large centres in the US like Duke University or incomplete, please let us know. Hospital. Thanks everyone.

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greater port macquarie focus 83

it's about the customer . . . a lway s !

lthough the means of providing products and services has changed over the last 47 years the reason for the credit union’s existence has not… Holiday Coast Credit Union exists to enhance the financial and social wellbeing of its members and their community. As a business, we focus on providing our members, as customers, with quality products and services with a continuing emphasis on the education of members in the benefit of saving and the wise use of credit. In addition to this, and in the true spirit of a mutual organisation, we also provide much needed funding to local community groups who, like us, work to make our communities a great place to live, work and play.

It is our belief that the very have principles that ast built Holiday Co here w to Credit Union inue nt co ill w y it is toda e nc to deliver releva to the in ty ili ab vi d an futu re .”

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Like all businesses, we have to position for the future and respond to change that continues to be driven by technology and societal changes that are themselves often driven by technological change. It is important though, in responding to the digital revolution, that we continue to recognise and value the power of relationships and the value of being authentic and caring and simply being there when our members require to meet our staff face to face. It is our belief that the very principles that have built Holiday Coast Credit Union to where

HAVING STARTED AT THE LOCAL DAIRY COOPERATIVE IN WAUCHOPE ON 4 SEPTEMBER 1967, HOLIDAY COAST CREDIT UNION HAS ALWAYS KNOWN AND CONTINUES TO RESPECT THAT IT EXISTS TO PROVIDE AFFORDABLE AND CARING FINANCIAL SERVICES FOR ITS MEMBERS, WHO ARE ITS OWNERS.

it is today will continue to deliver relevance and viability into the future. That is an absolute focus on our members, who are our customers and our owners and more specifically, on their individual financial needs. The future in banking is with us now and our challenge continues to be one of engaging new members, especially the younger generations, while at the same time continuing to meet the needs of long term members. The delivery of online anytime, anywhere banking services is a key focus of our business, as is the maintenance of the personal

engagement. We continue to invest in our people and in particular the focus on customer care and the importance of being customer driven. The encouragement of our team to be fully engaged in and conversant with social media and continue to have conversations with our customers at every opportunity will drive the Holiday Coast difference. To me, the investing in our team is critical for us to maintain our value proposition and mantra of: “It’s about the customer … always” Our success to date, and indeed into the future, will continue to be dependent on our relationships with members and the trust and respect that exists within each of those relationships.

It’s where you belong... Our vision conﬁrms that our business is not just about selling ﬁnancial products and services.

Amanda Hudson

Our business is also about helping our customers structure their personal ﬁnances in a way that eases stress and supports the making of wise and informed ﬁnancial decisions. Our aim is to help customers live the lifestyle they want now, whilst preparing them for the achievement of their future dreams and goals.

Kempsey Branch Manager

By helping our customers better manage their money, it not only helps them personally, but the benefits extend to the broader community through stronger, happier, and wealthier families that are in control of their finances and their financial future. Being a 100% Customer-Owned business, it makes sense that everything we do is because of, and for the benefit of, our customers. We are more than just a banking solution. We are a community.

5 Reasons to do business with us: 1. We are friendly & helpful 2. We have great Business Products 3. We smile 4. We make “banking” easy 5. It’s about the customer... always!!!

Congratulations to all recipients of the 2014 HCCU Community Partnership Program Grants. Over $1,200,000 in Community Partnership Program Grants since 2005 More than 320 Community Groups Supported

1300 365 7 24

hccu.com.au

/holidaycoastcreditunion

Holiday Coast Credit Union Ltd ABN 64 087 650 164, AFS & Australian Credit Licence: 240782. Registered Office: 1 Commerce Street, Wauchope.

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Newman College Leading the nation At Worldskills Our local community continues to benefit from the highly skilled young people that Newman Senior Technical College produces, which is once again about to be showcased on a national stage. TI ON TH E CO M PE TI IN TH E LD HE W IL L BE TI ON AN D PE RT H CO NV EN RE , W IT H NT CE EX HI BI TI ON PE TI TO RS OV ER 50 0 CO M LE OP PE AN D 40,0 00 TE ND AT TO ED CT EX PE RE E DAY OV ER TH E TH .” ON TI TI PE CO M

“ ive students from Newman Senior Technical College will compete at the 2014 WorldSkills Australia competition in Perth during September, where they compete over three days. For Alexander Ramsay (Construction), Luke Staunton (Automotive), Katelyn Dwyer (Business Services), Dylan Perry (Electrotechnology) and Liam Norman (Metal & Engineering) it is an opportunity to have all of their skills tested at Australia’s largest trade and skill competition. The WorldSkills Australia competition brings together the best apprentices, trainees and students across the nation to compete for the title of the “Nation’s Best”. In the Vocational Education and Training in Schools (VETis) category, the Newman students will come up

ag against highly skilled students from the rest of the country and demonstrate the level of excellence achieved through their training at the College. On top of the individual challenge, Newman College will be seeking to maintain its standing as the most successful secondary high school in the country, a title it has now held at the last two national competitions. As he prepares for the construction category of competition, student Alex Ramsay explained, “Students will undertake a project based on the completion of a vergola, where I will have to plan out, measure, cut material and build. You have to be on the ball, because judges are watching you every step of the way, checking accuracy along with quality. ” “Making the choice to complete my HSC

at Newman College has provided me with this opportunity. I wasn’t sure about changing schools for Year 11 and 12 because my old school offered some of the courses I study here; however, I would never have achieved to this level without the training that the teachers at Newman Senior Technical College provide,” Alex said. This unique event, held every two years, will provide these young professionals with the opportunity to benchmark their skills against their peers in over 50 specialised competition

categories, ranging from the traditional trades such as Automotive Mechanics, Cookery and Plumbing to the more contemporary professions of Mechatronics and Web Design. The competition will be held in the Perth Convention and Exhibition centre, with over 500 competitors and 40,000 people expected to attend over the three day competition, with over $10 million in sponsorship to help with the 5,000 tonnes of equipment and tools including trucks, cars and car shells. The size of this event only serves to highlight the significance of the achievement of these Newman students.

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HUMAN CLONING

How to make the day last 48 hours

CSU Justice Studies Opportunities Abroad Students undertaking a Justice Studies degree with Charles Sturt University in Port Macquarie get an education grounded in real experience in the Australian community.

Port Macquarie student Tim Lord took his education a step further in July this year, when he undertook a two-week study tour with Donguuk University in Seoul, the capital of South Korea. While in Seoul, Mr Lord was able to compare the Australian and Korean criminal justice systems and was stunned by the differences, particularly in juvenile justice. “Basically, the Korean system is more like a technical training college, where inmates learn skills and trades to prepare them for outside life, while Australia has a prison-like system. And as the Korean system has far fewer repeat offenders, perhaps we can learn from their experience.” Mr Lord said at the end of his course he would like to join the police force, but is keeping his options open. “My travels to Korea have also opened my eyes to working overseas and to

alternative systems of justice in place around the world.” The two-year Justice Studies course prepares Port Macquarie students to either apply to join the NSW Police Force for their third year as a probationary constable, or complete CSU’s three-year Bachelor of Social Science (Criminal Justice). From 2015, these courses are combined into a new Bachelor of Criminal Justice. To learn more about the opportunities available at Charles Sturt University, especially in Port Macquarie, call 1800 334 733 or visit www. csu.edu.au/port-info

Curious about where you’re heading? That’s why in 2015 at CSU’s Port Macquarie Campus we’ll be offering courses in the following exciting areas: • • • • •

Accounting Advertising Business Studies Criminal Justice Education (K-12)

• • • • •

Graphic Design Medical Imaging Paramedics Psychology Public Relations

CSU Port Macquarie and North Coast TAFE will also offer options in these areas: • Accounting • Gerontology • Social Work

FIND OUT MORE www.csu.edu.au/port-info 1800 334 733

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ost businesses that I come across have one big problem. There is never enough time to get everything done. Our role as businesses coaches is to go further Wouldn’t it be good if you could design things into your specific time challenges and find the in a way that gave you more time to manage nerve centre of the issue. Once we hit upon your business effectively and also more time to that nerve we can then rewire it; it’s kind of like have a lifestyle? having a jolt from a business pacemaker. Real Now I know what you are about to say… change can then happen. ”David, we have read all the time management A different approach books, listened to all the tips, but we still just When you have the right mindset, a different seem overloaded!” approach can be taken to time, and we can If this is you, then we need to talk. then get to work on applying solutions with You see, you can’t change time (unless you you. are Marty McFly from Back to the One of my favourite strategies Future), but you can change is the Pomodoro technique. your mindset and your Pomodoro uses 25 minute u yo n he W approach to it. So come on, blocks to focus on tasks have the right it’s time to step up and ent and get things done. A mindset, a differ confess to the creeping approach can be we timer is used for each d inefficiencies, or time taken to time, an ork block, with short breaks can then get to wtions habits, that have now taken between each. on applying solu infected your day to day. Tasks are set out at the with you.” Time to Rewire your start of the day, a To-Day MINDSET (not To-Do) list. Apps are I recently asked a group of 20 now available, such as 30/30, business owners a simple question, which allow you to easily get moving “What do you want?” The most common on tasks. answer after more money, was MORE TIME. OK stop … I can hear you again. The habitual Now despite all our Superpowers we can’t attitude to time again, which is the very reason create more time, but we can delve deeper you need to rewire. to work out what more time means to you These strategies work, but without the right and what can be done to switch on the right mindset, they are doomed to fail, which is why mindset. all your previous attempts did not work. Until Does more time mean: Now. • Less Distraction David Ross is a business coach with over 21 years • Less Procrastination experience working with small business. David is the founder of Supercoach – business coaches specialising • More Delegation in enhancing the knowledge and profits of business But you can’t stop there, it’s time for us to keep owners. Connect with David at david@thesupercoach. com.au or on Facebook: supercoachdavidross digging…

David Ross

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focus_business.

with the Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce ce

Hadyn Oriti.

MINDING YOUR

business OUR GREAT LOCATION AND BEAUTIFUL CLIMATE IS NOT ENOUGH TO SECURE OUR ECONOMIC FUTURE. he decision of the Council to delay the rezoning of the proposed Masters Home Improvement store site on John Oxley Drive is disappointing and could have an adverse effect on business confidence. Now while reasonable people may disagree, and in fact I think they do disagree, not only is the loss of the investment and potential jobs that

would have come with the Master development on John Oxley Drive a disappointment, but so too is the failure on the part of Council to grasp its true role in economic development. It appears from reports that some Councillors considered the traffic issues to be a major concern. However, it is clear those issues were being addressed. Some Councillors also voiced concerns with the nature of the proposal being

propose They were concerned that it would proposed. be a large corporation rather than a have been ho local home grown company investing in the site. Cha The Chamber considers such thinking to diam be diametrically opposed to the economic develop development strategy that has been adopted by Council The first item in the strategy recognises Council. imp the importance of a strong economy and the need to foster a culture that is supportive of b i business, ensuring that economic development is central in all its considerations. To use traffic as an excuse for not approving the re-zoning in this case is disingenuous. However, it brings into stark relief the need to ensure that the economically important industrial, medical and educational precincts located to the south of Lake Road, the Oxley Highway and John Oxley Drive are not stranded by traffic congestion. The Chamber strongly advocates for a link road connecting Ocean Drive through to Thrumster, making sure that it has appropriate links to the southern ends of the three key precincts and the residential areas all the way to the Pacific Highway. We made this point in a recent infrastructure gap analysis project seeking support for this crucial infrastructure to be on the Council radar and forward planning agenda. The Chamber backs the Council’s business confidence surveys, the first of which was released in April this year. The second is now underway. Business confidence was good in the

first survey. However, it is a fickle thing. Business looks for consistency in government. When a proposal is submitted meeting all the requirements in relation to a rezoning and issues of traffic have been addressed with contributions from the state government and others, it beggars belief that the Council would say no to the rezoning, especially one with the potential to create more than 200 jobs. As Mayor Besseling said, “The traffic issues have been resolved to the satisfaction of RMS and I can see no reason we should not move forward on this”. I heartily endorse Mr Besseling’s comments and am dismayed that the decision went otherwise. The decision seems to be from the “picking winners” syndrome of government. Had the development been other than the Masters Home Improvement development, I suspect the approvals would have been forthcoming despite concerns about traffic. If all Council rezoning requirements are satisfied, then investors and owners are entitled to expect that Council will act consistently with published policies and strategies. Otherwise, we send exactly the wrong message to investors and others. I ask that the Council focus on ensuring that it leaves the game of picking winners to the market to determine. We want to be known as a region that embraces opportunities and attracts investment to create additional jobs and increase the wealth of this region and our residents.

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Business

avid, can you tell us a bit about your business, SuperCoach, and what it offers businesses? SuperCoach is a Professional Business Coaching company that works with business owners to help them achieve not only significant, but also sustainable results. As business coaches, we’re there to equip them with the skills, mould their talent and hold them accountable when they need it most. Our coaching model has been developed to apply to a wide range of businesses and rather than be stuck to a franchised system, businesses can receive tailored coaching to suit their needs. Our coaching is based around the 6 Superpowers for business success. These enable a business owner to try a little or a lot when using our services. I see many of the businesses we work with progress from power to power as they become better equipped and see the real results that can be achieved from working with us. You are well known in local business circles for your background and experience in accounting. What inspired you to make the transition to business coaching? In reality, I’ve been coaching since 1995, so you could call it the slowest transition in history! In 2001, I founded Direction Accounting, but I was determined not to get stuck in just doing tax. The plan was to become a business advisory and coaching business. From day one, we offered business coaching as part of our suite of services. With this focus on business, we were able to grow the firm to include multiple divisions such as finance broking and business sales. That multi-disciplinary model is still being emulated today by many firms. During that time, I had the opportunity to work with literally thousands of businesses in very diverse industries. That type of experience is invaluable when coaching a business client. It’s

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kind of an advisor sixth sense which can really keep one step ahead of their competitors. help not only troubleshoot quickly, but profesWhat are some of the bigger challenges sionally assist a business to achieve their best. that you have faced over the years as a Unfortunately, being part of an accounting business owner and how have you manbrand, you can find yourself being drawn into aged to overcome them? the brown cardigan, tax world too often. Those Expansion always brings challenges, and we who have been to any of my seminars know certainly weren’t immune from those in the Acthat my passion lies in helping business owners counting business. Growth for growth’s sake is make real changes and achieve real results. not always the answer. From the very start, the aim has been Another key lesson I have learnt over to help businesses increase their time is to be very clear about what profits, improve cash flow and you want to offer your clients design a business that is a or customers. One service valuable asset to them. In offered in an amazing With this focus order to do that, I had to way will always trump on business, change my focus. That spreading yourself too ow gr we were able to change in focus gave thin. e ud the firm to incl ch birth to SuperCoach. What is the most su s on si vi multiple di d an More and more busig rewarding part about in ok br ce as finan nesses seem to be your role as a Supers.” le sa ss busine utilising coaching and Coach? support services such Results. Every time a clias yours. How do you ent achieves positive change, differentiate your coaching is not only a win for them but a services from others? win that we are very proud of havI am often asked, what makes a great ing a hand in. I love those real light bulb Business Coach. My answer is always....Any moments when we are able to make the good coach needs to understand how the connection for a business owner and then they game is played. run with it. It sounds corny, but it’s like teaching With my strong business accounting and your kids to ride a bike. That moment when they managerial background to call upon, Su“get it”, that feeling makes it all worthwhile. perCoach provides more than just the quick I always get a buzz from doing seminars and motivational hit typically on offer. Too often I see speaking gigs as well; it helps let my inner rockbusinesses that have been mentored, then left star out. floundering when they get to the end of “the What do you think is the single most imporbook”. This is known in the industry as template tant factor in running a successful regional coaching. business? We are not template coaches; instead, we Sales. Without an adequate level of sales, all work with a business' specific issues. Our proother business issues are irrelevant. Sure, many grams and methods are grounded in the numareas go hand in hand such as staff, leadership, bers but rounded in all other key areas such as service, but I am often astounded at how little marketing and mindset. Our ability to be at the planning goes into how sales levels are going leading edge of strategy is also of great value to be achieved or maintained. Profitability and for our clients. We are not afraid to work with cashflow are critically important, but first and clients on early adopter concepts, helping them foremost, sales drives the bus.

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What are some of the common challenges that you see some of your business coaching clients facing? The top 3 at the moment would be: Cashflow – Understanding the cycle of cash within the business vs seat of the pants management Efficiency – Clear focus on what needs to be done by all of the team. Distractions are rife. Competition – Many industries are seeing increased direct and indirect pressures on their traditional markets and sales planning is critical. What advice do you have to offer to local business people wanting to build a profitable and sustainable business? This sounds like a blatant plug, but "Seriously commit to a coach“. Not a free part time mentor, not a friend, not Google, but a coach flexible to your needs. It is only when you commit with serious intent that results will occur. Whilst it is changing, there’s a distinct aversion to seek advice on how to achieve more in business. Be it pride, doubt or for some other reason, there’s still many business owners that continue to plug along by themselves. Business can be a lonely existence, and a coach can add huge value to your business. Not just a short quick burst but year upon year results and improvements. But first you have to commit. And finally, if you could invite any three business people to lunch, who would they be and why would you invite them? Other than my current top 3 client targets, I think I would settle on: My late Dad: An entrepreneur well before his time, who was never short of an idea, a useful quote or a bit of wisdom. Paul Keating: Not strictly a business person as such, but I have always admired his no BS approach. Jeffrey Slayter: A training legend in executive coaching and a guy who recently challenged my thinking for the first time in 20 odd years. Can we get a bigger table! Thanks for your time, David!

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Wauchope Lions Club will host its annual Antiques and Collectables Fair on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th September at Wauchope showground. Chrissy Jones caught up with a couple of the busy organisers, Greg Cavanagh and Jim Munro. hat can visitors expect to People in previous years comment that they see at this year’s Fair? had some of the items in their lifetime and are Greg: As in past years, the sorry that they threw out something that was in Club expects many exhibitors everyday use but has now become a collectable and traders to present an amazing and wide item. range of collectables and antiques. We will also And there will be demonstrations; tell us have displays of antique vehicles and orchids to about those ... add colour to the day. Greg: As a special feature this year, Lions Are there any special displays this members, at set times during the Fair, year? will use original separators and Jim: Because 2014 is the churns to make butter 100 year anniversary something that will bring ure of the start of World back memories to the As a special feat this year, Lions War I, we will have more senior visitors times during members, at set a memorabilia and will be a new e original the Fair, will us urns to make collection experience to many ch separators and and historical ill young visitors. w ng that butter, somethi e th to information from s Is there an entry ie or bring back mem rs and will to WW1. In addition, fee? si more senior vi ence to many a local model maker Jim: Yes, there is an be a new experi ” . rs to si will display a very entry fee of $5 per vi g youn detailed collection person. All monies raised of Army tanks in battle will be donated by Lions to scenes. local projects, national medical What are some of the other research and major disaster relief. items that will be on display? The Wauchope Showground gates Greg: There are over 100 classes of items open both days from 9am; there is plenty of that may be on display, including tin parking, level walkways to displays and nearby toys, antique telephones, bottles, Depression toilets. Wauchope Lions will provide a sausage glassware, fine china, old tools, silverware and sizzle at a small fee, plus tea/coffee and light coins. One unique collection will be of vegemite refreshments will be available in the main hall. jars - not many people realise just how many Whom do we contact for more information? shapes of vegemite bottles and glasses were Contact Jim on 6586 4744 or Greg on 6585 produced. 1393. Jim: Past Fairs have attracted outstanding Thanks Greg and Jim. displays both in relation to quality and content; Mark this one in the diary as a must do: our current listings mean this trend will Wauchope Antique & Collectables Fair continue. Traders, as well as exhibitors, will at Wauchope Showground, 13th & 14th operate at the Fair. The saying that “one man’s September, go along and enjoy the beautiful rubbish is another man’s treasure “ will be well and intriguing items on display; you may even and truly on display this year. pick up a bargain from one of the traders.

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Destination: NSW State Forests

Robyn Butler.

If you haven’t already visited your local NSW State Forest, now is the time to do so! There are some beautiful awardwinning State Forest destinations on the Mid and North Coast of NSW just waiting for you to visit, and they’re absolutely free. Old Bottlebutt, Burrawan State Forest Gold Award, New Tourism Development, 2014 North Coast Tourism Awards This grand Red Bloodwood tree, known as Old Bottlebutt, is the Mid North Coast’s newest tourist destination. Located close to the Pacific Highway, off Bago Road, Old Bottlebutt is accessible via a short 600 m loop walk through dry rainforest under a canopy of Bangalay Palms. An architectdesigned viewing deck allows visitors to rest and enjoy the grandeur of this magnificent tree. Over 200 years old, Old Bottlebutt measures 54 m in height and a massive 16 metres in girth. Burrawan Picnic Area is at the start of the loop walk, and includes a covered picnic area, toilets and car-parking. State Forests of the Coffs Coast Gold Award, Specialised Tourism Services, 2014 North Coast Tourism Awards Lower Bucca, Orara East and Wedding Bells State Forests are unique in offering visitors a diverse range of visitor experiences located close to Coffs Harbour and the Pacific Coast. Visitors can ride their mountain bike, trail bike or horse through these forests; they can even bring their dog. Walking tracks criss-cross creeks and gullies, taking visitors on a journey through lush rainforest. Korora Lookout and Sealy Lookout are located in Orara East State Forest, approx. 9 km or around 15 minutes drive from

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Coffs Harbour city centre. The centrepiece of these areas is the majestic Forest Sky Pier, a 22 metre viewing platform at Sealy Lookout surrounded by towering trees. The Forest Sky Pier offers an expansive vista encompassing Coffs Harbour city, its foreshore and marina, coastal mountain ranges and the shoreline far into the distance. Experience a Forest Playground Gold Award, Destination Marketing, 2014 North Coast Tourism Awards NSW State Forests are yours to share and enjoy. With picnic and camping areas, lookouts and walking tracks all free to visit, they are your ideal day-trip or holiday destination. Next time you’re visiting your local State Forest, we’d love you to share your experience by adding #visitnswforests to your uploaded images via social media. We love to see them and share them via our Facebook page. Want to know more? W: www.forestrycorporation.com.au E: visit@fcnsw.com.au P: 1300 655 687 Join the conversation: www.facebook.com/forestplayground www.twitter.com/visitnswforests #visitnswforests

Spring is approaching, and let's hope a little more rain is heading in our direction. hat a dry and somewhat mild winter we have experienced. Personally, I think the winter months went very fast, mainly because there were not too many days you were confined to the house with cold, wet and windy conditions, like in previous years. ELECTRICITY BILLS BURN A HOLE IN YOUR POCKET! I think you will agree, unless you put some money aside each week for your electricity bill, you get the “shock” of your life when it arrives in the post … What I am to tell you, hopefully will get you to check your bill thoroughly, as one elderly man’s daughter did when reading his account. How's this? An elderly gentleman living in a small retirement village, never cooks, washing is done for him, never uses the air conditioner, goes to bed at 8 o’clock and never puts the TV on during the day received an account for $240 for the quarter. When he gave his account to his daughter to pay, she decided to ring the company and find out why the account was so high … She managed to get on to a delightful young man, who went through the account thoroughly and found her father had not received any of the pension discounts all year (even though they were on his account to do so) and also he didn’t receive the discount for paying on time for the whole year … He went on to explain that most of the account was administration costs and his actual power used was less than half of other people living alone. To cut a long story short, the young fellow cancelled the bill and is sending another account with all the discounts for the whole year and pay on time payment deductions … good result for him, but … how many people paying their bills (particularly the elderly) are unaware of what they are paying, and that they have to renew their “discounts” annually (and haven’t they gone down this year)? Still waiting for the carbon tax to “come off”… Ho! Hum! I think that idea has gone up in "smoke"!

SNIPPETS: 1. Congratulations to the Tuncurry Lakes Resort (4 km north of Tuncurry ) for one of the nicest caravan parks I have been to. During July/ August it was only $28 a night for a site for a family, with a bike ride course, free paddle boats, fishing, jumping pillow cover, beaut swimming pool etc. Sep/Oct it is $45 a night and over Christmas/January break $65 a night ... so clean, on the lake, and so family orientated, with craft activities etc. free throughout the school hols - very impressed. Don’t get me wrong, I love our local caravan parks, but for a change of scenery this one was tops! 2. I know I have mentioned this before, but beware of some frozen vegie products from New Zealand marked Local and Imported products … usually it means they are vegies from China but packed in New Zealand. Always look at the bar code … Australia is 93 and China is 690 to 699. Could not find NZ’s number. 3. What is it with the roadworks in Port Macquarie… how unfortunate for the shopkeepers in Horton Street. The sign says roadworks until November …Why not get a team in and work day and night and get it done quickly like they have done with other roadworks around the Hastings? 4. How lucky are we in the Hastings to have so many services for the elderly. As my dad is a 93 year old War Veteran, I am so impressed by the services available to him around the clock. Thank you to all the “girls” and “boys” who make him and many others feel special and cared for. I would like to send a cheerio to my very very special lovely Shirley, who has been sick for months but coming good at last. Hang in there, girl, we miss you in our lovely circle of friends and look forward to seeing you walking Lighthouse Beach very soon. TRUE FRIENDS ARE THOSE WHO ASK HOW WE ARE AND THEN WAIT TO HEAR THE ANSWER. Keep smiling, Robbie x

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K U N DA B U NG

R E G I O N A L

ART PRIZE Leigh Carnsew is one of the enterprising people behind a very unique art competition – the Kundabung Regional Art Prize. With quality art displays, market stalls, great food and kids’ entertainment, the KRAP will provide a fun day out for the whole family on September 21!

hat are origins of the Kundabung Regional Art Prize (KRAP) ... We retired to Kundabung from a small village outside Canberra in 2008. Not knowing anyone in the area, we threw ourselves into everything to meet our fellow residents. I desperately wanted to start doing some art again after a 40 year lapse (life gets in the way sometimes!) Much to my delight, we found a thriving art community in Kundabung. We were talking about how talented everyone in the area was one night over a few drinks (as you do), when Stewart suggested we should have some sort of event to showcase that talent. He jokingly came up with the acronym KRAP – Kundabung Regional Art Prize. I loved it! However, it wasn’t until 2010 that we seriously discussed it again with our arty mates. They thought it was great too. So, a group of us got together to make it happen. The original crew were Maree McKibbin, Helen and Phil Minty, Jim Moulton, Stewart Johnston and myself. On 6 November 2011, the inaugural KRAP took place with a $200 prize. We had 6 stalls and 76 art entries. From small beginnings! In 2013 the prize rose to $300 and sponsors came on board for a 2nd and 3rd prize. We had 21 market stalls, 85 entries, kids’ activities and a very popular art café. We are expecting this year to be even better! What’s the aim of KRAP? None of us take ourselves too seriously, but we all love our art, whatever form it takes. So the aim of the KRAP was to showcase the local talent and give the public the chance to choose the winner, rather than professional judges - a matter of “I know what I like”. Everyone who comes through is given a voting slip and asked to cast their vote for the piece they like best. At the end of the day, the votes are counted, and the artwork with the most votes wins the KRAP. Simple! When and where will the event take place this year? The KRAP is being held on Sunday 21 September, 9am - 3pm at the Kundabung Community Hall in River Road, Kundabung. The popular Arts Café will be on again, run by our wonderful hosts Kristy Quill and Val Wright, with homemade treats and vegetarian and gluten free dishes available, as well as a variety of teas and

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coffees. The Kundabung Rural Fire Service will be holding their open day and ever popular BBQ. The kids are not forgotten either, as there will be a jumping castle and face painting to keep them occupied. There will also be over 20 market stalls and entertainment around the hall during the day. What categories form part of the competition this year? There are no specific categories in the KRAP. We accept any form of art work: paintings, sculpture, glass work and ceramics. However, for the last three years, paintings have formed the majority of entries. The KRAP carries a cash prize of $300. Vouchers are provided by our sponsors for 2nd and 3rd places. What’s the closing date for entries? Are there any costs involved the aim of with entering the KRAP an artwork, or to was showcase and for viewing the the local talent e th ic bl pu entries on the give the the se oo ch to ce chan day? an th winner, rather Entries close es - a professional judg hat on Sunday 14 w ow kn 'I of matter September. It is very ” I like'. affordable to enter at $7.50 per artwork (maximum 3) or $20 for three artworks. All entries must be the original work of the artist and be no larger than 1,000 x1,000 mm. All artworks can be for sale and one of the big attractions is that we don’t charge commission on sales, which means that the artist gets paid the full amount for their talent and hard work. On the day we do ask for a gold coin donation, with all money raised funding next year’s event. Thanks Leigh.

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the plug! For more information and KRAP entry forms, please email Jim Moulton moulton44@hotmail.com or pick one up from Wonderland Art & Framing in Kempsey or the Kundabung General Store. Market stalls can be booked with Val Wright on 6561 5213.

Smarter Property NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY Photography by Linda Specialises in newborn and portrait photography; the huge studio is not too far away for Port Macquarie residents. Linda Bryant has been photographing the Manning Valley for 10 years. Linda has been awarded internationally for her photography as well as receiving many business awards, including business of the year and even being inducted into the Hall of Fame recently. She now trains other photographers who have come from as far as Melbourne and Brisbane to be taught her photography style. So when choosing your newborn photographer, consider a visit to Photography by Linda.

At Smarter Property you will have access to an independent, qualified professional who will help you succeed with your property purchase or investment. As we are professional Buyers Agents we only work for you exclusively, negotiating the best deal for you, not the vendor. We research and can access properties all over Australia, so we can always help you find a property that suits your needs. If needed, we can help you develop a property plan specifically tailored for you to help you reach your goals faster. We work for YOU, so let us help you reduce the risks and control the process, so you can build a property portfolio that meets: • your goals,

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ass. ‘The Smug’

P R E C I O U S M E TA L G I N G E R S

MERC SMUG

C R E E K

THE MERCEDES-BENZ PRECIOUS METAL ROADSHOW 2014 WAS CONDUCTED IN PORT MACQUARIE IN AUGUST. OUR RESIDENT MOTORING COLUMNIST, THE SMUG, WAS INVITED ALONG TO EXPERIENCE THE DAY-TRIP WHICH STARTED FROM PORT MACQUARIE MERCEDES BENZ (ANDREW MIEDECKE MOTORS) DEALERSHIP ON HASTINGS RIVER DRIVE, TO THE POPULAR GINGERS CREEK IN THE PORT MACQUARIE HINTERLAND.

What did come through quite at strongly was th el od m e th r ve whate ubtedly do un as w it , type g, lin nd the superb ha r ee sh d power an ing that comfort of driv attributes were prevalent s.” in all model

“ arlier this year MercedesBenz announced its muchanticipated Precious Metal Roadshow for 2014, which is a showcasing of some of the most exciting and exclusive Mercedes-Benz motor vehicles on offer today. Dealerships from up and down the east coast of Australia have been hand selected to experience the exciting new range of models from August through to December 2014 with Port Macquarie Mercedes-Benz being at the front of the schedule, taking delivery in early August. In this year's exciting range we have some of the most exhilarating and finely tuned, technologically advanced and sweet looking rides – possibly known to mankind. This year's Roadshow models include the ML 63 AMG, SL350, S500, A45 AMG, GL500 BE, E400 Cabriolet, CLS500 AVG10 Edn and the CLA250 Sport 4Matic. All in all, well over $1 million worth of precious metal. These model numbers may not mean a lot to some, but I would strongly suggest asking Mr Google to tell you a bit more about each one when you get a few minutes. One of the key benefits of the Precious Metal Roadshow is to bring to the regional areas a select range of new vehicles that otherwise wouldn’t necessarily be stocked at every dealership. It’s quite a pro-active and powerful way of selling the range, as much as the brand.

As a keen motoring enthusiast, I must admit that the slightest mention of a "new vehicle drive day" tickles my ears. But if you throw in an iconic brand name such as Mercedes-Benz and add a free lunch, then I’m cancelling all other plans to take on the challenge. Never before have I had the privilege of driving seven different brand-new MercedesBenz, all in the one day. I’m not sure if I’ve even driven a total of seven different brand new Mercedes-Benz, period. The drive day itself was well thought through and professionally co-ordinated by host Dylan Ward, Sales Manager of Port Macquarie Mercedes Benz. In attendance on the day were a small group of locals from various backgrounds, and not all of whom are current or previous Mercedes-Benz owners. Instead of critiquing each individual vehicular specimen driven on the day for this review, I would suggest that the opportunity to drive multiple models in succession reveals some common themes and attributes for the brand are worth noting instead. As the group headed out through Wauchope and on the road to Gingers Creek, we took the drive at our leisure and met up at pre-determined checkpoints to swap cars and also share feedback on the vehicles’ performance and handling. The selection of vehicle types included (in layman's terms) a family-mobile, a sporty

SUV, a hot hatch, a couple of sedans and two convertibles. Going from the family-mobile to the hot hatch took some getting used to, and the open aired feeling of freedom in the convertibles made it quite tricky, if not impossible, to compare one vehicle against another. What did come through quite strongly was that whatever the model type, it was undoubtedly the superb handling, power and sheer comfort of driving that were prevalent attributes in all models. On every occasion I made the conscious effort to test each vehicle's capability in speed off-the-mark, very late braking and all speed cornering and handling. The drive from Port Macquarie to Gingers Creek provides so many great straights, flowing or tight bends, as well as some steep incline and declines. Every vehicle took the test in its stride, and I have a feeling that I’ll never experience that drive as quickly and as comfortably as I did on the drive day. It didn’t matter which vehicle I was in, each one had its own unique features and drive performance, and all made the grade quite comfortably. There was no particular standout

performer on the day, because each vehicle either consistently met or exceeded expectations. The hatch was incredible, the family mobile had a bucket load of room, style and comfort, and the convertibles were simply stunning to experience on a blue-sky 22 degree winter's day. Having said that, I did fall in love with the ML 63 AMG and if money was not a factor, I would own one today. It’s simply flawless. Take a few minutes to look it up. I’ve not been more impressed with a brand or fleet of vehicles for their overall consistency, comfort and performance and although we’re talking some high-end pricing for motoring, it’s very easy to see that your money is well spent after a decent test drive. Getting up the mountain to stop for a beautiful and fresh sandwich and coffee at the Gingers Creek Café was a blast, and I can’t ever remember enjoying that drive so much. The drive back was a little bitter-sweet, as it meant that the day was halfway over and the keys had to be handed back. All good things must come to an end, though – unless you own one of these pieces of precious metal! greater port macquarie focus

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H A S T I N G S

R E G I O N

rowing club The upper Hastings area around Wauchope is a great place for the sport of rowing. Minimal tidal flow, shelter from the wind, some nice wide, straight sections and waters that are reasonably free of other marine vessels provide a great place for juniors and beginners to learn the sport safely.

astings Region Rowing Club was formed in 2012 and meets each Saturday morning at the Rocks Ferry Reserve in Wauchope. Chrissy Jones chatted with one of the Coaches, Alan McCartney, about the club and the upcoming regatta at Rocks Ferry Reserve on the 19th of October. Why was the rowing club formed? Twelve months after the St Josephâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Regional College rowing program began, some of the parents of the students showed an interest in trying the sport. We also had a lot of inquiries from locals after regular sighting of rowing sculls training on the river at Wauchope. This prompted us to start a rowing club on some of the

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best rowing water the Hastings River has to offer. When and where do you meet? Saturday mornings for beginners at 8:30am and Tuesday afternoons for the advanced rowers who like to compete, at Rocks Ferry Reserve, Wauchope. At the moment we operate off a trailer; we don't have a club house or rowing shed to work from, which limits the amount of training and learn to row sessions we can offer. Only a set number of boats can be used; rowers have to be catered for in different time groups. Rigging and unrigging adds to training time. There is a lot of potential for junior rowing in the region, as there are eight high schools in the shire. Our main obstacle for growth in the sport is not having a spot

to set up facilities; we need a shed at least, as a permanent home base and ideally, a spot near the water where there is access to the river. Most public land spots we have looked at are unsuitable for rowing or access or have other obstacles, such as 1:100 year flood regulations or other land and environment issues. We have had talks with the Council about a suitable place on the river to put a rowing shed; as yet, we have had no luck securing a site and are always looking for a spot. The river is a wonderful asset to the Wauchope area and is relatively under utilised - being able to bring another sport into the town is wonderful for the community. There are every few areas on the coast that have such protected waters for the sport of rowing; due to this, rowing has the potential to bring people and events to the area - and with that come financial gains.

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be This season will at th e tim st fir the r new they represent ou Region gs club, The Hastin club Rowing Club, at seph’s Jo St d regattas an at school Regional College regattas .”

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Who's involved? We have about 35 members - 20 of those are school students, ages ranging from 11 to 18. They come from a variety of schools, including Wauchope High, St Joseph’s Regional College, St Paul's and St Columbus campuses. We also have qualified coaches, 15 master rowers, some 15 rowers who are experienced, and some who are learning to row. Anyone can be involved; rowing is a sport that any age group can be involved in. It is great for the mind and body; you can row competitively or just for pleasure. Everyone is welcome to come along and give it a try. Do members compete? The last two seasons, 12 of the students have competed at regattas for St Joseph’s Regional College. This season will be the first time that they represent our new club, The Hastings Region Rowing Club, at club regattas and St Joseph’s Regional College at

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school regattas. It will also be the first time some of our senior members will compete for our club. We have competitive members who competed in five regattas last year. We usually compete in Newcastle, Taree and at home at the Port Macquarie regatta. This year, however, we are hoping to travel to the Northern Rivers District; they have a very strong competition up there, so we would like to see how our juniors perform. Our junior rowers have had some great successes; with only about a dozen rowers competing, we have managed many top results. Are there any upcoming events? There are around nine regattas per season, which runs from September through to March. Regatta locations are at Wauchope, Taree, Newcastle, and Grafton. The first competition for the year is at Rocks Ferry Reserve, Wauchope on 19th October. The first rowing event that we are involved in this year is the 3 Rivers Marathon. The marathon was hosted by the Port Rowing Club on Sunday 24th August. Four of our juniors rowed in a quad in a time of 2 hours

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20 minutes over a distance of 26 km. All other participants in the rowing were seniors. Can anyone be involved? Anyone is welcome to come and be involved. If rowing is not your thing, we have other supportive roles you might like to do, such as driving a power boat, repairing rowing boats, assisting at regattas, or just plain socialising. The club is open to all ages, so as long as you are in good health, we encourage you to come along and give it a go. Rowing may look easy, but it is very challenging both physically and mentally - and at the same time very rewarding. Just being able to stay upright will bring a smile to your face, and then comes the technique - that’s a whole other story. So if you like a challenge or just want to give it a go, come along - we would love to see you. Whom do we contact for further information? Readers who wish to find out more about our club can contact Club Captain Alan McCartney, 6582 3113 Mobile 0478 416 859 or Vice-Captain and secretary Michael Watts Mobile 0488 125 592, or come down to Rocks Ferry Reserve on a Saturday morning and meet us. Thanks Alan.

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Edstein Stone Many people wander through a cemetery looking at the vast amounts of history on display, and as a community we should preserve this tie to our past. History is important to preserve so when looking to renovate an older monument, careful restoration practices must be followed to ensure the longevity of the memorial. Edstein Creative Stone have a team of trades qualified Stone Masons who specialise in restoration of existing monuments and provide the peace of mind when looking to have a loved oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s memorial restored. When considering carrying out a restoration, our team can meet onsite to discuss the best course of action. As many of the older memorials in our cemeteries are marble or sandstone, we must carefully consider the material and the best ways to preserve the heritage of the memorial. We must also consider the things that are not seen, such as the foundations which form the key to ensuring the memorial has a long, solid future. Some examples of the vast number of restorations are available for viewing on our website: www.edstein.com.au To contact one of our consultants or to make general enquiries, please contact us at info@edstein.com.au or call toll free on 1800 621 599.

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COASTfront R E A L T Y It’s “home sweet home” for the Coast Front team at their new William Street address. Celebrating a successful year in business, Principal Sue Jogever tells us a little about her business philosophy and what makes this boutique agency different ...

ue, tell us a bit about Coast Front Realty. It has always been one of my goals to create a boutique agency that offers a difference to the normal real estate businesses. When the opportunity came up to purchase this business, in August 2013, I jumped at the chance. This has given my team and I the opportunity to ensure that our customers and clients get to experience the real difference in their real estate journey. We provide a very important role in uniting people together when selling or buying property to ensure that they have a “trusted” professional advisor with integrity, and clear and transparent communication to ensure our clients can make an informed decision when selling or buying their home. How is your approach different to other agencies? My approach is to ensure we continue with our success and have that point of difference. For Coast Front Realty it’s not about the volume of listings; it’s about the quality of service we provide. This allows us to achieve premium results for our vendors and ensure a positive journey for our buyers. We pride ourselves in knowing our clients are “wowed” by the services we offer, and we are achieving great results from word of mouth from our clients that have experienced our difference. In fact, one of our clients has recently said… “We had no idea that Sue and her team had such an eye for detail. Her styling was

ry We provid e a ve in le ro important people together ng iti un buying when selling or re that su en to ty proper ed” st they have a “tru r ...” so vi ad professional

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amazing; the way the photography and marketing was done just blew us away. “Sue literally spent hours with us helping to style our home to make an even stronger impact to buyers and at no extra charge, Coast Front Realty certainly does thing differently and it pays off,” – Nicole and Barry Barnes. Having a team that has energy and absolute passion for customer service is integral to providing an amazing customer experience that exceeds their expectations, whilst still delivering good old-fashioned service well after the “SOLD” sign goes up at the property. It’s all about relationships and the connections we make along the journey. I have always worked under four key values, and at Coast Front Realty we pride ourselves on these: 1. Absolute integrity in everything we do 2. Continue to deliver premium results 3. Unparalleled local hyper knowledge and expertise 4. Exceptional client service By working with these values it has helped me shape Coast Front Realty to be the business it is today and that we continue to make a difference with the way real estate is done in Port Macquarie. So how have the first 12 months been? And to what do you credit your success so far? I have had an amazing first 12 months

in this business, especially receiving the 2013 Greater Port Macquarie Business Award for “Real Estate and Residential services”. I guess for me I am doing what I love, and you can’t ask for any more than that. Meeting so many new people and making lifelong friends is what it’s really all about. It’s the way we interact with our vendors, clients, customers and the community that is making a difference in the real estate scene of Port Macquarie. I am so proud how we continually surprise our clients with the added value we offer at no additional cost. It’s so humbling at the referrals we receive from our clients, who are happy with what we do and how we do it. We aim to provide honesty, integrity, transparency and exceeding the expectations of service we provide and if I can inspire and motivate other small locally owned businesses to become involved in their community and to provide excellent customer service, then that’s an added bonus. Our slogan is “it’s all about you” (the client). To us it is not just a slogan; it’s how we conduct our business. You are very passionate about being involved in the local community. Tell us about some of your interests. I truly believe in having an attitude of gratitude in all that you do in life.

Being involved in the local community is a big part of my vision for Coast Front Realty. For the past three years I have been a member of Port Macquarie Rotary Club of Sunrise and several other community organisations. One of the highlights has been my involvement as Committee Board Member for the Luminosity Youth Summit. This inaugural event was held in 2013, and we have now completed the second year with over 250 “Young Guns” aged between 1525 years old. The positive energy, smiles and motivation from our “Young Guns” makes it extremely rewarding. I really enjoy working with and meeting other people in our community who are passionate about giving something back and helping others, and I hope to continue doing this for many years to come. What is the Coast Front Realty difference? The benefits of being an independent boutique agency allows us to react quickly to suit all of our clients’ needs. Our branding is consistent and has always been a fresh unique style with “out of the box” thinking to provide solutions for our clients and adopting to the ever changing technology and marketing solutions. Our new location fits perfect with our vision and showcases the Coast Front Realty difference. We will continue to challenge the norm in the real estate scene in Port Macquarie and look forward to being of service for years to come. Thanks Sue. greater port macquarie focus

focusmotoring

‘The Smug’

THIS MONTH THE SMUG TEST DRIVES THE ALL-NEW 2014 NISSAN QASHQAI TI 2.0L (AUTO) COURTESY OF JOHN OXLEY MOTORS PORT MACQUARIE.

ronounced “cash-kai”, the 2014 Nissan Qashqai is a marked improvement on the earlier generation Nissan Dualis. The Qashqai sits comfortably between the quirky stable mate Nissan Juke and the Nissan X-Trail. On broader marketplace comparisons, the Qashqai would come under notice when exploring the Kia Sportage or Suzuki SX4. The suggestion of the Qashqai being a “pumped up hatch” is pretty accurate, but I’d say only in reference to its physical shape and size. Taking to the road with patchy rain around, I certainly got a feel for how well this one performed in the wet and dry. The corner handling was quite tight with minimal body roll, and the Qashqai felt quite light and nimble on the road. The 2.0 L petrol engine was certainly enough to get up to speed quite comfortably and probably just the right size for the overall weight of the vehicle. Trying to sum up the driveability of the Qashqai, I’d say that it’s quite comfortable and drives much like a mid-sized sedan rather than either a hatch or an SUV, which for some may be just perfect for the commute or city driving. The fuel consumption for the 2.0 L Ti version is suggested at a meagre 7.7/6.9 L per 100 km, which is quite respectable for its size and weight. As with a number of new vehicles these days, the amount of technology that is included as standard or at minimal upgrade pricing is simply amazing. The Qashqai is no different and includes AroundView 100 greater port macquarie focus.

Satellite Navigation (Ti model), To cover the feature really The fuel Blind Spot Warning, Lane quickly, simply select the Park consumption Departure Warning and Assist feature from the controls rsion for the 2.0 L Ti ve Moving Object Detection panel, size up your park suggested at a is r systems. utilising the vehicles’ Around pe meagre 7.7/6.9 L ite qu is The above safety systems View system and when the onch hi w , km 100 its size r fo e help deliver the 5 Star board computer detects your bl ta ec sp re safety rating, which ensures parking spot, simply follow the and weight.” that you’re in pretty safe and prompts to the perfect handscompetent hands. free parallel or bay park. No more Looking closer at the technology, bumper cars or multiple attempts to the NissanConnect smartphone get into that tight spot. integration system ensures that you’ve got no The interior of the Qashqai is comfortable, reason to pick up that phone whilst driving. With sleek and conservative. Apart from some of hands-free access to Pandora (Android), Facebook the technology upgrades in the control systems, and Google as well as your usual calls, messages and the standard interior appointments are more than texting through your smartphone – you’ll never be adequate. There’s always the upgrade to leather unplugged from the interwebs. appointments to dress it up, if you’re so inclined. The push-button start, keyless entry and the front With plenty of interior space between seats and a heated seats on the Ti model just shows that the once rather McLarge boot space, there’s plenty of room for luxurious options are becoming more the norm, if not a handful of kids as well as the footy and netball gear, expected by a more value-driven market place. or the luggage to and from the hotel or airport. Continuing on with the range of features, the Nissan The brand new Nissan Qashqai ST (base model) is a Qashqai 2.0 L Ti comes standard with auto dual-zone great starting point to get into the Nissan brand but I’d climate control, cruise control, power adjusted drivers suggest looking at the price differential between the seat as well as a colour 7” in dash display screen. ST and the Ti, with the latter certainly being a great One of the more exciting key features of the value option given the range of additional or upgraded Qashqai Ti model is the Intelligent Park Assist. This features. feature could sell the car on its own. The target market for the all-new Qashqai, given If you’ve never experienced an automatic parking that it is quite a unique and versatile offering, would system before let alone ever thought you’d be in a be for someone looking for anything in the range of a position to buy yourself a vehicle that comes with the value-priced, feature loaded, small to medium vehicle feature, you’re in for a treat if you decide to take this for general purposes. one for a test drive. Overall, a great drive and well worth a test drive.

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focustourism.

Port Macquarie Tourism Association

T o u r is m

janette hyde. It was a great night for Greater Port Macquarie at the Regional Tourism Awards at Trial Bay Gaol in South West Rocks on the 16th August. The setting was magnificent and in spite of the very heavy rain, everyone had a great time. he winners were: North Coast Holiday Park at Bonny Hills, Vacation Village, Port Macquarie Historical Museum, The Corner Restaurant and Café, Billabong Zoo, Port Macquarie Beatles Festival, Telegraph Retreat Luxury Cottages, Old Bottlebutt, Burrawan State Forest and Bellrowan Horse Riding. The Glasshouse, Port Macquarie, went into the Hall of Fame. Congratulations to everyone. Port Macquarie Museum David Wells from Mid North Coast Brochure Distribution Service has installed an impressive new Brochure Rack in the Port Macquarie Museum. It will encourage our visitors to have a look at just what is on offer in our region. Hello Koalas Sculpture Project has gone global! Talented Aussie Artist, Sophie Corcoran, and her very cute koala friend, whom she has lovingly created, were special guests at the L'Australie en France Embassy last month. Froggy (sponsored by Cassegrain Wines) has arrived back in Port Macquarie to take up his new position at Cassegrain Wines when the Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail open in September, just in time for the NSW school holidays. Looking for a great drive? Then why not travel to Ellenborough Falls! Start your tour in the bustling rural township of Wauchope. There are many galleries, scenic lookouts, walking tracks, historic sites to see along the way. Take some time to explore the town and discover its many “country treats”, before continuing west along the Oxley Highway approximately 12 km, and turn left onto the Comboyne Road, which will take you through the villages of Byabarra and Comboyne. From Comboyne, head west via Innes View Road to Boorgana Nature Reserve. Parts of this reserve were gazetted in 1904, making it the second oldest in NSW. From the main picnic area, you can stroll down the 2.7 km walking track, which descends into the magnificent rainforest.

About halfway along this track, Rawson Lookout overlooks the 40 metre drop of Mumfords Creek. For an even more impressive waterfall, visit the 200 metre Ellenborough Falls at Elands, approximately 30 km further west via Wingham Road. Ellenborough Falls is one of the longest single drop waterfalls in Australia. From Ellenborough, you can retrace your drive back to Port Macquarie. EVENTS PLANNED FOR SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER King of the Mountain – Laurieton “Fun” Run Sunday 7th September (new date) A five kilometre fun run to the summit of Laurieton’s North Brother Mountain, climbing 450 metres, attracting runners from around the state and organised by the Camden Haven Surf Club. The event is open to all levels of fitness, and teams are welcome. Run, walk, skip, scooter your way to the top of the mountain. visitcamdenhaven.com.au Hello Koalas Public Art Sculpture Trail September (launch early September) 50 large-scale koala sculptures will dot the landscape from the mountains to the sea to create the Hello Koalas Public Art Sculpture Trail in Greater Port Macquarie. www.hellokoalas.com Kendall National Violin Competition Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th September One of the most exciting events on the Australian music calendar, attracting young violinists from around the country to compete in this event. www.kendallviolin.org.au Fun Weekend at Timbertown Saturday 4th to Monday 6th October Thomas the Tank Engines' Timbertown Adventure will be three days packed full of Thomas fun! Tickets include unlimited steam train rides behind Thomas the Tank Engine, as well as unlimited rides on the horse and carriage, mini steam train, and all other amusement rides operating on the day. www.timbertown.com.au greater port macquarie focus 101

focus_Travel with Susie Boswell.

Hawaii Tourism Authority/Tor Johnson

T R AV E L D E S T I N AT I O N : H AWA I I A N I S L A N D S s Renee says to Tom: Hawaii has me at “Aloha”. This glorious destination lying splendidly isolated in the Pacific, enjoying eternally balmy temperatures, seems to have it all, not least for travellers from the Hastings. We’re back merely a week, still sporting a holiday glow, when we encounter numerous locals who share our enthusiasm for these six wonderful islands. “We’re just home from Hawaii,” we tell a shopkeeper. “Isn’t it great!” he responds. “My wife and I were there in May.” “How was your holiday in Honolulu?” the doctor’s receptionist asks. “We’ve booked our trip for next month,” she adds. The tradesman says: “Our family’s going back again soon.” Four Focus staff alone have been there this year, a couple more are on the way. Hawaii’s reputation, it turns out, precedes it. In fact, Hawaii Tourism says, after visitors from North America and Japan, Australasians are the biggest group of visitors to the islands of Aloha, travelling there in record numbers. Statistics show Aussies love Hawaii: last year more than 300,000 of us visited. It was an increase of near 25 per cent on the previous year, which itself saw a one-third jump in Down Under passport holders passing through US Customs, mirroring a similar increase again in the figures for 2011 over 2010. Why? Well for us, Hawaii’s the total package. We go island-hopping, flying from Honolulu to Maui for a day touring pristine natural wonderland. We dine at Alan Wong’s, Oahu’s best restaurant, and delight in an amazing Asian fusion menu presented on iPads, with tantalising images of

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the evening’s dishes. Perfectly-formed waves roll in on Waikiki Beach as if commanded by the Creator ... brushing the bare feet of Santa Claus as he wanders by (in June), slippin’ sand and playing his violin. While window shopping on the captivating main drag - gloriously long, wide and vibrant Kalakaua Avenue - we think a store called The Stupid Factory is pretty amazing ... until things become even more surreal when Spiderman saunters by! The famous costumed characters of Times Square and Hollywood Boulevard have come to Waikiki. Hawaii is GO. It’s American, yet Polynesian. The American ethos means no language barriers, easy visa entry, familiar currency - and an excellent exchange rate that perhaps explains we’re travelling here in big numbers because it’s great value. It means fantastic shopping for Western goods from the far greater range generated by a nation of more than 320m people. And standards of food, service, hygiene, safety, accommodation and touring we’re accustomed to. From the Polynesian angle it means the carefree island holiday atmosphere, plumeria (frangipani) and palm trees lining the main street, their trunks lit by twinkling fairy lights at dusk, and luaus, steel guitar bands, the Polynesian Cultural Centre, banana daiquiris at sunset, sand and surf. A highlight of our visit, my fifth, was the day spent island hopping, the newest popular trend for visitors. Up at 5, we were whisked to the airport by Roberts, the islands’ big coachtour operator, and despatched for Maui, an easy 20-minute flight. There our delightful, local, driver took us via mini-bus on a magical all-day tour circling the imposing volcano,

The American ethos means no rs, easy language barrie ar ili m visa entry, fa an d an currency ge rate excellent exchan ns ai pl that perhaps ex re in he g we’re travellin cause it’s big numbers be great valu e. ”

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Haleakea, its graceful slopes visible from every point on the island, and its national park. His knowledge of, pride in and evident love of his home island made it genuine, engaging and especially enjoyable. It’s billed as “the journey of a lifetime”, showcasing some of the islands’ most scenic spots: the Heavenly Hana Adventure Tour, a 100km roller-coaster ride along a steep and plunging roadway winding around 600 hair-raising curves across 60 narrow bridges. We wove our way through a lush landscape of rainforest and beautiful waterfalls, streams and pools tumbling down the mountain towards the beaches and ocean edging the route. Heavenly indeed; no wonder Oprah, Clint, Kris, Woody, Willie and Owen Wilson choose to live here. Our purpose was to get a glimpse of the islands other than the usual magnet of Oahu, enjoy a “dual destination” and see if we wanted to return to Maui for longer, next time. (Yes!) Indeed, so many Aussies visiting Hawaii are venturing beyond traditional tourist spots to the neighbouring islands. Roberts offers day tours to them all. Recently, our island-hopping tendency has increased overall by almost a third: near 40 per cent more of us exploring Maui, a quarter more seeing Kauai and close to 20 per cent more choosing the island of Hawaii. Hawaii Tourism says it’s because of the breadth of experiences across the nation’s six distinct islands: the geographic diversity and unique character of each, thanks to differing nuances

of history and culture. Roberts also took us on the standard Circle Island tour of Oahu shortly after we arrived – for newcomers, it’s an easy, economical and handy way to get a feel for your surroundings on the main island. One of the most popular tours of all, the enduring attraction, is Pearl Harbour and USS Arizona Memorial. The pull of the 1941 tragedy’s all the more powerful and drawing renewed attention in this centenary year of WW1 as historic battlefields the world over experience heightened interest and a greater influx of visitors. This time we tried out Discover Hawaii Tours, “Hawaii’s Ambassadors of Aloha”, and couldn’t fault the service. Our driver-guide was solicitous of some (inevitably) older tourists aboard and – it sounds insignificant but it’s not, on a very full all-day tour – the packed lunch provided was fresh and tasty, not soggy and stale. The actual Pearl Harbour experience needs no embellishment; it speaks for itself. And then: diversions at two of Waikiki’s historic beachfront hotels - a sundown pina colada under the banyan tree in the colonialstyle Moana Surfrider gardens, and a luau feast and hula to the distinctively-Hawaiian strain of ukuleles, under the stars at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, the striking pink palace right at the spot once chosen as his playground by King Kamehameha. As Tom tells Renee: Hawaii, you complete me.

focusrealestate

estellegough.

Ask Greg

Greg Trembath answerss ns. your real estate questions.

UPDATE

missing rain The trees are telling us what we already knew – our long spell of dry weather is causing stress.. ven native plants feel it, and have to make sure we have local genes. have to find ways of coping. By the way, the botanical name for lilly pilly Lilly pilly trees are usually comes from the Greek “Acmene”, a beautiful covered with pink or mauve wood nymph. fleshy fruits at this time of year, providing a Lilly pilly is beautiful, with pretty pink new feast for pigeons, parrots and people. leaves turning glossy green, fragrant white But almost no lilly pillies (Acmena smithii) flowers in spring, and edible bird-attracting have fruit, say Landcarers hunting seeds for fruit. the Community Nursery. This plant is perfect for local gardens, as Note that rainfall was about 420 mm in it is evergreen and fire-retardant. Living for Port Maquarie from January to June 2014: at least 100 years, it grows to about 8 m in about half the average for the first six cultivation, with a dense oval canopy. It can months, which is 820 mm. also be pruned. Normally each of those six It likes some sun, not full shade, months sees more than and moist loam or clay soil. 100 mm, but this year Young lilly pillies may need only February and to be watered if rain is e ag B elow aver e March did. lacking. ov ab rain and s re u at Below average er Speaking of rain, p m average te fe difficult li rain and e our annual average is have mad e iv at N . ts n above average 1,417 mm. la for p ay m s ie ec sp t n temperatures The Bureau of pla ing respond by puiottn and have made Meteorology, at off reproduct sources life difficult for www.bom.gov.au saving their reme.” plants. tells us that warming for a better ti Native plant of the tropical Pacific species may Ocean over recent months respond by putting off has primed the climate reproduction and saving system for an El Niño to develop their resources for a better time. during spring 2014. El Niño is often Now is not a good time to be associated with below-average rainfall producing seeds, as they may not over southern and eastern inland Australia, grow in soil that’s very dry. The weather and above-average daytime temperatures bureau confirms soil moisture here is below over southern Australia average, while rainfall has been severely However the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) deficient. index has been below the negative threshold Moisture is important for lilly pillies; they since mid-June. A negative IOD typically are rainforest trees that like shelter (while brings wetter winter and spring conditions to being salt tolerant). inland and southern Australia. Seed collectors found just a few with fruit, It’s possible that the effects of the Indian growing in protected places where the soil Ocean and Pacific Ocean are competing, and is always wet. So there will be few lilly pilly cancelling each other out. seedlings in our pots this year, just as there We will have to wait and see, but we need will be few to germinate in the bush. lots of rain just to catch up, and the lilly pillies The Community Nursery collects only from are not taking any chances. wild plants, not garden specimens, as we Contributed by Julie Ho.

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I’m a baby boomer without a lot of money in superannuation but enough cash for a sizeable deposit on an investment property. I am considering buying an apartment for some extra retirement income. Friends have shared horror stories of properties getting trashed by tenants and being owed heaps of rent. What is your advice to avoid any bad experience; should I become a landlord? Peter, Sancrox

A. My advice is to treat property investing as a business – and as every successful business owner knows, this requires diligence, discipline and a healthy investment of both time and money from time to time.

Try to engage an experienced property manager, with as much diligence as yourself. Make sure regular inspections are undertaken and include yourself on the inspection team if possible. This allows you to see the property for yourself and stay completely informed about its condition.

Be prepared for fair wear and tear, but don’t defer maintenance. By fixing problems immediately, you’ll set a good example for the tenants and show the property manager re you expect high standards Make su tions c e p to be maintained. s in r la u

reg aken, and are undert urself include yo ection on the insp team.

Quality property attracts quality tenants, so make sure you select the right property in the first place and keep on top of any maintenance or refurbishments needed.

Property in poor condition requiring ongoing maintenance not only affects your bottom line, but rarely attracts good tenants. Who would want to live in a place where things constantly go wrong? If you are considering trying to self-manage the property, watch out; this can be full of pitfalls. A professional property manager will find and qualify suitable tenants, look after your asset and help you avoid the horror stories you mentioned.

I also recommend landlord insurance as money well spent. For a relatively small outlay, you can be covered for accidental or malicious damage, as well as loss of rental income.

Peter, don’t let fear hold you back from benefiting from the type of solid monthly income only bricks and mortar can provide. Give me a call if you need more guidance when the time comes. Answers are general comment, and readers should always seek their own independent professional advice. Send your real estate questions to greg@gregtrembath.com.au Greg Trembath is Principal/Licensee at Greg Trembath Real Estate. Licensed Real Estate Agent – Licensed Auctioneer.

gregtremb th REAL ESTATE

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GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

property guide

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property, the two storey home is a standout in its surrounds.

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eptember FOCUS Home of the Month is an eye-catcher in its street-scape. Having a modern blend of exterior finishes, a spacious open plan design incorporating separate living zones, the home built by Freedom Design Homes ticks all the boxes. Chrissy Jones had the pleasure of being shown through the residence by the builder, Josh Peir. Found at 21 Jupiter Crescent, Port Macquarie this tri-level home is an exceptional example of the builders exacting eye for detail. Designed purposely for a young, growing family by the builder, in close consultations with James Collins of Collins W Collins, a prerequisite was to not only create privacy for

those living within, but to also provide a place to bring family and friends together in a relaxed space. The result is stunning. From first look the home presents beautifully; from the low maintenance, landscaped gardens to the combination of exterior finishes, it draws you in. James Hardie wind spray grey Stria and loft Matrix exterior cladding combines extremely well with brickwork, both bare and cement rendered, and the warmth of Merbau timber posts and decking. A striking feature of the exterior is the cantilevered section of the guest and main bedrooms, cladded in cedar panelling, this addition to the design not only emphasises the

aesthetic appeal of the exterior, but also adds to the style and space of the interior bedrooms it is a part of. An expansive driveway with a flecked spray finish, leads to a double garage fitted with an automatic panel lift door, and a concrete pathway branches off left from the drive to the main entrance. Entry through a timber and glass panelled Corinthian door is into the welcoming tiled foyer. Left of entry is the very comfortable guest bedroom. A large walk-in robe and en-suite, ceiling fan, plush carpeting and ducted air conditioning provides guests all the comforts of home in their own private space. Taking advantage of the cantilevered alcove, a timber topped bench seat provides a secluded spot to relax with a book.

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The guest ensuite has a glass walled shower with square set roof mounted rain shower, floor to ceiling, crisp white wall tiling in contrast to a dark grey floor tile, wall mounted vanity with mirror and in bench hand basin, all from Tiles With Style. Taking you to the top level of the home is an Ironbark timber staircase. Framed with a glass safety balustrade, the stairway has a slight curve to the second level and is finished off beautifully with an Ironbark timber hand rail. Top of the stairs, stunning Ironbark hardwood timber flooring, from Australian Solar Timbers, is the choice throughout the lounge, master bedroom and kitchen/dining living areas. Left at the top of the stairs, the master bedroom is a private parents' retreat positioned at the opposite end of the home to the children's bedrooms. The ensuite has twin ceiling mounted rain showers tucked away

behind a textured tiled wall that has a wall mounted vanity and mirror on its front. A spacious lounge will bring the family together and by having an adjoining balcony accessed through glass stacking doors, a pleasant indoor/outdoor feel has been created. Adjacent to the lounge, a centrally located kitchen/dining room also opens out through glass stacking doors to the outdoor entertaining area poolside. Designed and installed by Keena Kitchens, the kitchen is a home cook's delight. Having all the modcons, including a walk-in pantry complete with Butler's Kitchen, it is an ingenious layout. A long island bench separates the cooking area from the living spaces and also acts as a breakfast bar. The island has a high section placed in front of the double stainless steel sink with built-in cabinetry concealing the work area, plus

Mid North Coastâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s No.1 Choice in hardwood flooring Proud Suppliers of solid hardwood flooring to Freedom Design Homes Mention this ad to recieve trade pricing on this product* *Valid September 2014, while stocks last 80x19mm Feature Grade Ironbark

Phone (02) 6562 6839 email sales@astfloors.com.au 116 Armidale Road, Kempsey www.astfloors.com.au 106

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â&#x20AC;&#x153; has plenty of under bench storage. Keeping with the timber accents throughout, an Ironbark post supports the cantilevered island bench top and industrial look pendant lighting adds a touch of class above. Nothing has been left to chance in the kitchen, with quality European stainless steel appliances incorporated into the cabinetry. Clever push to open doors placed either side of the hotplate give easy access to the pantry, so all cooking condiments and appliances are at hand, but easily out of sight if desired. A north facing highlight window allows loads of natural light to flood into the kitchen/dining area, adding to the comfort all round. Varied window styles, from Oxley Nu-Look Windows allow the direction of light and airflow. A bank of louvre and flat panel windows look out onto the outdoor area from the dining room giving all a fantastic outlook. The outdoor entertaining area is much

more than that! Found in the centrally placed landscaped courtyard, it takes in a plunge pool, an undercover outdoor kitchen, dining and lounging areas. Continuing on with the skillion roof line of the interior kitchen/dining, the outdoor entertaining area is protected from the elements by a timber lined ceiling fitted with downlighting. Merbau timber posts provide support to the structure and also add an earthy contrast to the grey tones of the tiling and cement render of the home surrounding. A stone tiled back wall adds to the organic, relaxed resort look of the pool area which is enclosed with a glass balustrade. Having a nonslip tile surround; safety for the young family has been front of mind in the pool design and layout. The outdoor entertaining area is a perfect example of blending indoor living areas with the outdoors seamlessly. Glass stacking doors open onto a tiled undercover space

incorporating an outdoor kitchen, complete with wide bench tops, stainless steel sink and under-bench cabinetry. A casual outdoor dining setting and comfy lounge area complete the picture. Remaining parts of the home are the younger family members domain. Comprising rumpus/play room with access to the rear yard, family bathroom, separate WC, linen press and 3 spacious bedrooms. All bedrooms are of a good size with built-ins, ceiling fans and downlighting. A great part of the layout is that this part of the home is easily viewed from the living areas so Mum can keep a close eye on the kids at play at all times. The main bathroom is a great layout ideal for a young family. Having floor to ceiling white wall tiling and a charcoal floor tile that

continues on the back wall; it has a clean, fresh look. A deep, rectangular bath tub, wall hung vanity flanked either side by opaque glass vertical panel windows allowing natural light and airflow, plus a glass screened shower recess with square roof mounted rain shower have all been installed. Overall, the home is a credit to both the builder, Josh Peir of Freedom Design Homes and the designer, James Collins of Collins W Collins. A design ideal for a young, growing family that has an emphasis on relaxed, comfortable living has been achieved. By having an open plan incorporating separate living zones, nothing has been left to chance; there is a definite purpose in the overall layout - one that would serve any family well now and into the future.

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A design ideal for a young, that growing family on is as ph em an has ble rta fo m co relaxed, living has been achieved .â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x153; FROM THE BUILDER â&#x20AC;&#x201C; JOSH PEIR Tell us about your business? I established Freedom Design Homes over 6 years ago and the company has grown considerably ever since. Over the years I have been lucky enough to gather a great bunch of tradespeople in all aspects of the construction process, which is definitely a FDH valued attribute. All trades that work for FDH have an extremely high quality of work and attention to detail, which comes together to produce our quality product. We pride ourselves on delivering the project to our clients in a timely manner and to budget. What do you specialise in? We specialise in all forms of residential construction, from brand new homes, major renovations and additions including decks and patios, to building on difficult or sloping blocks of land.

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Did you have any specific requirements to take into account when you first decided to build this home for your family? Once we sourced the block we met with FDH designer James, from Collins W Collins and discussed a few areas that were very important to our family. This included having open plan living area that enabled us to see the kids where ever they were playing, but also gave us separate living areas. We wanted privacy from neighbouring properties and also to have a home to entertain with plenty of space. James did a great job meeting all our wishes. What are some of the homes features? Features are the open plan kitchen living area and the raked ceiling. The living area flows out to the outdoor entertaining area overlooking the pool; this space has been situated in the centre

of the house for privacy and to achieve maximum light and sun shine. The raked ceilings of the living area continue outside and give you a great feeling of space. The entire house has been square set opposed to cornice, which gives you a sophisticated feeling of space. As the front of the house faces north, it was designed to capture the winter sun and summer breezes into the living areas and the outside entertaining area. Did you have any challenges? The block was quite sloping, this was overcome by building the garage and guest bedroom into the hill, and by stepping the back part of the house up from the main living area as the house continues up the slope.

How do we go about commissioning you to build for us? Contact me via phone or email, we have house plans available to suit most blocks and size requirements. If a custom built home is required, we will walk clients through the entire process from design to construction. Our website is being updated and should be available with plans and recent jobs, testimonials + more soon. Thanks Josh.

the plug! To find out more about building with Freedom Design Homes, phone 0408 668 542 or visit www.freedomdesignhomes.com.au

Getting Real with David Plews! Considering A Renovation? completed – begin with the end in mind. Some areas of Port Macquarie contain When renovating, you are likely to recoup homes that are ripe for renovation, including money spent on bathrooms, kitchens, Transit Hill, Shelly Beach, Bellevue Hill, lifestyle areas like decks and windows that Eastport and Lighthouse. provide good light and, in more recent If you are on the hunt for a home ready times, the garden/yard area. for renovation this spring, I encourage If you decide to renovate, it’s important you to be thorough with your research, to have consistency in the home. By this rule up a strict budget and stick I mean don’t renovate the home to it as best you can. The key and exclude some parts, like the when renovating is not to kitchen or bathroom, as this over-capitalise (especially if will let the marketplace down. David Plews Again Major renovating for profit). I define The locations ripe for rt Po Sponsor of The Life rf over-capitalisation as money renovation mentioned Su ie Macquar spent on your property that above offer homes worth Saving Club.” the market is not willing to in the vicinity of $300,000 re-pay when the renovation is to $400,000 however these completed. areas have been known to support Every area of Port Macquarie has a homes worth excessively more, allowing different average price and a maximum you the opportunity to renovate. ceiling the market is willing to pay. It is With financial institutions offering cheap therefore imperative that you factor this interest rates at 4.99 per cent for a fixed rate in when considering a renovation. Any over five years, now could be your time to trustworthy, knowledgeable agent will be buy that renovator delight. able to provide a fair and accurate idea The more renovations that occur in an area of the property’s worth post-renovation will help to build the value of the location. This article has been prepared in good faith with due care by David if provided with the plans and intended Plews. No representation or warranty is made as to the accuracy of quality of finishes. Only begin a renovation information contained in this article and readers should make and rely on their own enquiries as to the correctness of such information. once you know your property’s worth when

NOW E L B A L I A V STAGE 1 A

“

• Neighbourhood Park with picnic facilities • Bike Park • 1.2km off road footpath • Level Blocks • Registration October 14 • Lots from $145,000 • House & Land Packages available from $350,000

LOCAL | QUALIFIED | PROVEN mobile 0448 836 000 email david@portmacquariefn.com.au 69 Horton St, Port Macquarie

www.glenviewparkestate.com.au Andrew 0424 172 353 or Lisa 0422 233 650 greater port macquarie focus

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photo by Hydro Photography

Property News T O

ouses selling before the marketing campaign begins, rental demand increasing during the typically quieter winter months and a growing number of people relocating to the area are all definitive signs of strength for the local property market, says Chris Koch, Principal of Laing+Simmons Port Macquarie. According to Mr Koch, property market activity in the Port Macquarie region has bucked the mid-year seasonal cooling trend, with transactions ticking over at a steady rate since the beginning of spring in 2013. “Typically winter is the quieter period but this has certainly not been the case this year,” Mr Koch explains. “With interest rates remaining low and no imminent rises predicted, both owneroccupiers and investors are out in force. Frustrated buyers are missing out on the limited stock available so, in the current climate, there appears no reason for vendors weighing up a sale to wait until summer.” “Demand is robust right now and waiting for the warmer months, when more stock traditionally becomes available, might mean vendors face extra competition from other properties that come to market,” he says. “Laing+Simmons Port Macquarie sold 29 properties in September of last year and have achieved similar impressive sales in each month since. The average number of days properties are

C O O L W E A T H E R F A I L E D D A M P E N M A R K E T A C T I V I T Y

staying on the market has declined in this time,” Mr Koch says. compared to other areas of New South Wales.” “We forecast demand to remain steady going forward as some “As new infrastructure comes online and demand remains interesting trends emerge in the local market. For instance, strong accordingly, Port Macquarie presents as a standout in we’ve seen a growing number of developers building granny terms of long term property price growth as well as attractive flats for new properties, while investors are increasingly buying rental returns,” Mr Koch said. larger homes with multiple bedrooms with a view to letting the However whilst the property market is buoyant, he cautions rooms on an individual basis,” Mr Koch says. vendors about being complacent when selecting a selling agent “From a leasing perspective, vacancy remains very tight, for their property. underpinning strong rentals and contributing to rental growth. “There are still around 450 properties for sale in Port MacquaThere has been no noticeable rise in vacancy rate in the winter rie. Buyers have unprecedented access these days to industry months this year as tenant demand remains resources and information, and as a result are more eduresilient.” cated about the marketplace,” Mr Koch explains. “We are also seeing a steady supply “I strongly recommend to those considering Demand is of Sydney buyers who are achieving selling their property that they take the time robust right amazing sale prices for their properto thoroughly acquaint themselves on the r fo g tin ai w now and ths, ties. These people not only find Port agent’s service offering. It’s the combination the warmer monk Macquarie a great place to relocate of an extensive market reach, a comprewhen more stoccomes traditionally be mean and live, they also see the market hensive advertising campaign across all ht ig m available, tra as offering very good value for mediums, consolidated by a dynamic sales vendors face exm other money compared to Sydney.” team that achieves the best results.” competition frocome to properties that “Additionally, it’s interesting to see a “Of course, there are obvious advantages market.” new focus from investors around the of selecting an agent with the proven track Innes Lake area, as the hospital expanrecord, experience and access to a large database sion and Charles Sturt University building of genuinely interested buyers. You want to make progresses to draw activity to the surrounding sure you are getting every opportunity to have as many areas.” buyers as possible view your property,” he said. “All in all, the current market conditions should appeal to both buyers and vendors. There are some fantastic prices being achieved by agents with the right blend of experience and For further information or advice regarding the current know-how, while buyers can still see value in Port Macquarie real estate market, contact Chris Koch on 0427 831 100.

Expert Advice. Proven Marketing Strategies. Exemplary Service.

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2014

ANNUAL AWARDS WINNER

Outstanding Customer Service

The Most Awarded Ofﬁce... Another awards night, more accolades for Laing+Simmons Port Macquarie

Laing+Simmons Port Macquarie, the most awarded office in the five decade history of the entire Laing+Simmons real estate network, walked away with another swag of trophies at the recent Annual Awards for 2014. Unsurprisingly for the current and past customers of Laing+Simmons Port Macquarie, the office took out the Gold Award for Outstanding Customer Service. Additionally, the office was recognised with a string of individual and team awards across multiple categories. Notably, Principal Chris Koch, David Evans and Naomi Hunter all qualified in the Top 10 agents across the country, and Damian King was awarded top honours in the ‘Rookie of the Year’ category, while Louise Doig won Gold for Office Manager. According to Mr Koch, the Customer Service Gold Award is one the team is perhaps most proud of. “To be recognised for our genuine commitment to exceed the expectations of our clients, day-in, day-out, is a testament to each member of our team,” Mr Koch said.

“For us, striving to achieve the best possible outcomes for our customers in the friendliest, most professional manner is the reason we’re in this business.” The group General Manager of Laing+Simmons, Ms Leanne Pilkington, praised the customer focused mantra of the Laing+Simmons Port Macquarie team. “Port Macquarie has won our major Customer Service Award for a number of years in a row, a clear demonstration of the office’s commitment and professionalism in putting their customers first,” Ms Pilkington said. “By taking the time to listen to each customer’s needs, treating everyone with an equal amount of respect and care, then doing everything possible to secure the best possible outcome, Laing+Simmons Port Macquarie has been able to maintain a leading position in the local market over the long term,” she added.

Beyond the expectedTM 6583 7733 | lsre.com.au/portmacquarie greater port macquarie focus

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ENS BED 2

CARPET FINISH

L'DRY

WIR

GARAGE

STORE

LOT 1

ENTRY

BED 1

LINEN

ROBE

CARPET FINISH

STUDY

KITCHEN

DISPLAY SHELF ROBE

PAT TIO

LOUNGE TILES FINISH

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focusinterview.

Award winners: Brandon Calder (right), Michelle Burton, James Collins

New display home from a w a r d w i n n i n g t e a m What do you get when you combine thee talents t l t off an award-winning custom builder, an award-winning building designer and an award-winning interior designer?A new display home of outstanding quality and value. Now open at the boutique residential development at Shelly Beach in Port Macquarie. ute We never su bstit . ity price for qual visitors to the k in I th me will new display ho in ity al qu discover n be ca g in ild bu house rs real fe of affordable and .” ey on value for m

“ randon Calder Homes is the recommended building firm on the charming Shelly Beach Homes beachside development. The company took the opportunity to build a superb 3 bedroom display home showcasing leading edge products and interior design features usually only associated with much larger luxury homes. “We are not project home builders; we are custom builders,” explains Brandon Calder, “ but we can build a custom-built home at a project price, to the clients’ design and budget. This new display home is a great example of our custom building process.” The process starts with a DA pre-approved building plan. In the case of the display home this was developed, with Brandon, by local award-winning building design firm Collins W Collins. “We have been associated with James Collins and his brother, Derek, for many years, and they are able to come up with functional and inspired residential plans to suit a defined budget. Then they are able to talk to a client and adapt their plans to meet any individual requirements.” One of the great aspects of this beachside development at Shelly Beach is every one of the 23 lots comes with a different DA preapproved north-orientated house plan - all designed by Collin W Collins for developer Peter Kallin. Brandon Calder Homes has worked with Peter Kallin Custom Developers on a number

of projects over the years. The Shelly Beach Homes sub-division, because of its fantastic location in a natural rainforest setting, has been particularly popular, with many of the 23 lots already sold. More recently Brandon Calder Homes has also been utilsing the services of local design consultants Designing Divas and in particular, the award-winning principal interior designer Michelle Burton. “As part of our building service to clients,” explained Brandon, “we include consultations with Michelle and her team so our clients can be professionally advised. It means they can confidently select colours, finishes, fixtures and fittings, so their new home is truly customised to suit their style and taste.” Brandon Calder is a highly respected master builder with amazing organisational skills. Last year his construction firm was a double award winner for a luxury custom home built on the prestigious North Shore in Port Macquarie: The Master Builders Association NSW Excellence award for Best Custom Built Home, which then went on to be the National MBA winner.* He is locally known as “quick quality Calder”. He and his team are renowned for building quickly, without sacrificing quality. Clients are often astounded that the building process is so quick at such a high quality. Brandon Calder has a simple philosophy when it comes to custom building. “Take the time to really understand what the client wants and expects, be detailed in the quoting process, then only employ the best available

consultants, trades, contractors, and quality products. Look after your team and you can be confident they will look after all the small detail which, in the end, produces quality building.” Brandon’s role is definitely hands on in a project management role - he likes to be involved in a project from start to finish. Brandon said, “We never substitute price for quality. I think visitors to our new display home will discover quality in house building can be affordable and offers real value for money.” Having lived in Port Macquarie for over 30 years, Brandon has formed strong trade and supplier associations and has an extensive knowledge of the building industry within this region. This gives him a good standing with his team of expert consultants and trusted local suppliers. Brandon has access to a network of fully qualified and licensed tradesmen many of whom have been working with him and the company for over ten years. Where possible, the company always buy locally, the new display home is testament to the quality products and building expertise available within the Port Macquarie area. One of the main priorities at Brandon Calder Homes is the necessity to establish a good working relationship with clients from the very beginning of a project. “It’s very important to get to know each client’s lifestyle

to ensure that the home they have in mind is actually going to meet their requirements,” said Brandon. “That’s why we recommend utilising the skills of our building and interior designers to add the finishing details to the building plans. It’s also just as important to make sure we stick to the clients’ budget. And timing. I am proud of our company’s commitment to the quoting process - it's easy to understand, and clients are left in no doubt as to what is included. Nothing is hidden.” The display home at the Shelly Beach Homes residential development is now ready for inspection, by appointment only. Details below. Display Home (by appointment): Shelly Beach Homes, 158 Pacific Drive (opposite Sea Acres Rainforest centre), Port Macquarie, NSW 2444 To make an appointment for inspection, call 6583 4637, email info@ brandoncalderhomes.com.au or book a viewing online at www.brandoncalderhomes. com.au Further information can also be found at: Building designers: www.collinswcollins.com.au Interior designers: www.designingdivas.com.au Shelly Beach Homes development: www.shellybeachhomes.com.au *For full details of awards and to view the range of services, visit the websites above. greater port macquarie focus

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LOAN Solutions Are you looking for a home or investment loan? Are you paying too much for your home or investment loan? Just because your current loan was once competitive, doesn’t mean that it still is. Interest rates, particularly fixed rates, have been decreasing, so opportunities are abundant! More than ever it is important to choose the right loan. There are hundreds of loan products to choose from, so how do you know which one is the best for your situation? If you are concerned about finding the right mortgage to suit your situation, make sure you get professional advice from Longview Solutions. We’re happy to visit you to answer any questions and discuss your needs. Longview Solutions is not aligned to any bank or loan providers. We know home and investment loans so you can feel comfortable that we will search for the best result for you (not the best result for the bank). You don’t have to worry about "shopping

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around", because we do it for you. It’s like having your own personal banker, but with access to a vast range of products. Why settle for just what your bank can offer, when we can source hundreds of the most reputable, researched and quality loans available, all for you? We look forward to helping you find the right mortgage or refinancing option to meet your needs and lifestyle. Also, speak to us as soon as possible about reviewing your loan, including: • Extending your repayment time • Reﬁnancing at a lower rate • Changing your repayment structure • Considering ﬁxed or variable interest, or a split loan to take advantage of both options. Call us now to set up a meeting: 6586 3191 or find us at www.longviewsolutions.com.au

RESIDENTIAL SALES

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have a true passion for the waterfront precinct having worked tirelessly to achieve an amazing 47 sales the latest being 42 The Promenade and 165 Park St within just five years.â&#x20AC;?

I pride myself on protecting the integrity of pricing and recognize real value having recently achieved (the highest priced home sale for 3 years) at $1.65ml. MY RECENT SALES OF 7 WATERFRONT BLOCKS THIS LAST 8 MONTHS INCLUDE ONE PRESTIGE WATERFRONT BLOCK AT $920,000. I believe I have the largest waterfront data base of any agent and have genuine buyers waiting to purchase both non waterfront and waterfront property. If you are looking for a true Real Estate Specialist who lives and loves this area and really works hard to achieve great results call me today on 0412654646 R E S I D E N T I A L

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02 6583 8606 106 William Street, Port Macquarie

Michelle Percival Principle 0404 466 500

Neroli Reid Licenced Agent 0488 060 755

Di Calder Licenced Agent 0412 654 646

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Call 1800 332 332 today www.bradfordsolar.com.au CSR Bradford Energy Solutions is a business division of CSR Building Products Limited ABN 55 008 631 356. * For product warranty and other system details, go to www.bradfordsolar.com.au. ** Cash price is net of any Small-scale Technology Certificate discount or rebate and subject to change. ^ 1. Credit provided by Classic Clean Energy Finance Pty Ltd (ABN 87 145 265 103), Australian Credit Licence Number 434863. 2. Approved applicants only. Credit criteria and terms and conditions apply. 3. Monthly repayments are indicative only and are rounded up or down to the nearest dollar. 1. Total repayable over 7 year finance term, including $99.00 credit application fee (a) $5,643.00, (b) $8,163.00, (c) $10,683.00. 2. Annual Percentage Rate 12.99%. Comparison Rate 13.68%, based on a 3 year fixed rate secured consumer loan of $10,000.00. 3. Other fees and charges may be payable. 4. WARNING: This Comparison Rate is true only for the examples given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different Comparison Rate.

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All time GLASS

ETA Constructions Build a brand new outdoor living space with ETA Constructions and bring a whole new dimension to the way you dine, entertain and relax at home. Creating an outdoor living area is the perfect way to expand your living space at home and the best part is, you can take all the comforts of indoor living outside without knocking down any walls. “Because of the climate in the Hastings, we build as many decks, pergolas and outdoor living spaces as we do internal extensions,” says ETA master builder and craftsman Ezra Atkins. “Most of our customers want value for money without cutting corners … building outdoors allows us to deliver amazing spaces perfect for enjoying with friends and family that have a wow factor that makes the process very rewarding for everyone.” ETA Constructions have over 20 years of expertise in the building industry and can even offer the more environmentally conscious customer a Master Builder Association Green Living Certified Project, which is the highest certified standard for sustainable building. Get inspired today, visit www.ETAConstructions.com.au

The weather is warming up! Now is the time to check your window screens and doors. Don’t delay! Get in now before the rush. Here at All Time Glass & Aluminium, we pride ourselves on a friendly professional service and would be happy to answer any questions you may have on our services. Call today for a free measure and quote. Below are a few frequently asked questions: What type of screens do you provide? We manufacture and install a wide range of fly screens and security screens for windows and doors. Our range includes Diamond Grill, Colonial Cast Decorative, Perforated Aluminium, our top of the range being stainless steel security doors by Prowler Proof. Do you repair doors and windows? Yes, we provide a full range of repairs and maintenance to all windows and doors, including installation of new rollers, fly screen re-meshing, new handles and locks, cracked glass and installation of pet doors. Are you fully licensed? Yes, we are fully licensed. We hold a Master Security Licence and use fully qualified installers. Do you offer free measure and quotes? Yes, we provide free measure and quotes throughout the Hastings Valley area. We also provide a 24 hour Emergency Glass Replacement Service.

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FASTPLAST BUILDING SUPPLIES FASTPLAST BUILDING SUPPLIES HAVE INTRODUCED SOME NEW SOLUTIONS FOR HOMEOWNERS WHO WANT TO ADD STYLE AND LIVEABILITY TO THEIR HOMES. he LYSAGHT Living Collection® and Versiclad Insulated Roofing The LYSAGHT Living Collection® is a range of verandahs, patios, carports and decks designed to add value and increase year-round entertaining or vehicle storage options. All designs provide good-looking, low maintenance structures featuring 100% Australian made COLORBOND® steel, ensuring durability and fire and termite resistance. Styles available include Skillion, Pitched Hip, Pitched Gable, and Dutch Gable designs. Fastplast’s in-store designer Damon Ryan offers you the ability to create a custom home improvement roof style with a gable

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insert, and the matching deck options ensure your outdoor area is complete. The range includes styles to suit any home and budget, with flexible, engineered free-standing or attached designs that can be tailored to meet roofing, gutter and colour requirements. Skillion or pitched rooflines can be clad in a wide range of colours, a variety of translucent sheeting options or a combination of both to provide just the right mix of light and shade.Versiclad Insulated Roofing Versiclad Insulated Roofing, a brand of high performance insulated panels, can be used in various architectural, design and industrial applications. The roofing is cooler in summer, warmer in winter, is low

maintenance, is excellent for reducing noise and offers a quick construction time. The insulated roof panels are available in a huge range of internal and external materials and finishes, with an expanded polystyrene core to suit your desired insulation rating or free span requirement. Versiclad’s insulated roof panels are made using traditional roofing profiles, perfect for matching existing roof products, or creating an architectural look for your home. Versiclad has amazing usage flexibility, suiting your design look as well as practical requirements of span and thermal performance. It can be used for complete homes, outdoor living and verandah applications, or even use as walling for your

workshop or garden studio. Using insulated panels dramatically reduces construction times and site mess compared to traditional forms of construction, and is amazingly simple to install. The insulated roof panels provide a clean crisp uninterrupted ceiling finish, reducing the number of unsightly and costly support beams normally associated with traditional roofing methods. For more information about the LYSAGHT® Living Collection or Versiclad Insulated Roofing, call Damon Ryan at FastPlast Building Supplies, located at 16 Blackbutt Road Port Macquarie. Phone 6581 2526 to arrange an appointment, and he will help you design your new home addition.

Seascapes landscapes + garden Chris Briscoe of Seascapes Landscape & Garden is a fully licensed, insured and experienced structural landscaper. He specialises in structural work, paving including pool surrounds, all types of retaining walls, stone work, decking, garden edging, new gardens, garden renovations, turf laying and planter boxes. Being a qualified horticulturist, Chris will not only condition your soil, but also plant the right plants for your soil type and aspect, so your gardens will thrive - not just survive. All work is done to a professional standard, which includes building to Australian Standards as a minimum, a high attention to detail, keeping a safe and tidy site, always cleaning up after ourselves as we go, so you only have to do some watering (if needed)

and enjoy your new outdoor space/garden once we are finished. Seascapes Landscape & Garden offer free quotes for your next outdoor project. If you're thinking of having work completed before Christmas, you should get in early, as it's common for Seascapes Landscape & Garden to be booked 2 months in advance in those lead up months. We will be striving to shorten the lead time this year with our new trainee landscaper, several on-hand casuals, and the machinery and equipment to efficiently and safely deliver your landscape project. Call Chris on 0427 464 584 or check out his Facebook page - Seascapes Landscape & Garden for heaps of images of completed work.

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Our entire sales team is there to work for you. Between us, we offer 102 years experience in real estate sales. 6 out of 7 of our sales team are licensed real estate agents; and 4 are active auctioneers. We also offer stability, having worked together as a team for a number of years. With First National Port Macquarie, you are engaging a team of agents, instead of one, to sell your home.

kept us motivated

You responded

in the loop

Extremely professional and kept

You responded efficiently with any

I was always in the loop - we

us motivated via exceptional

queries and if you couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t obtain

built a trust which was wonderful

communication skills

an answer quickly, you would let us

- John Brownsberger

- Kara De Maria and Randall Dewhurst

know and give a time frame as to when you would be able to do so - Mark and Kerry Crawford

very professional

informative

I found them to be very professional in trying to

Your attention to detail and continued informative

get the best price for our property. As a business

correspondence during all facets of the selling process

owner myself, I know the importance of being

and final sale provided us with extreme confidence

genuine and giving the best service possible

- Mal Callaway

- Phillip Saltafosso

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W. portmacquariefn.com.au

Port Macquarie Experience + Stability + Knowledge + the best result for you, our client at heart

care and attention

positive experience

Really felt you had our interests at

Even though our purchase has been

Their professionalism ensured what

heart during the whole process.

extremely quick and straightforward,

we had been warned could be a

Could not have been happier.

much of that is greatly due to your

trying experience was a positive one

Completely professional at all times

care and attention

in all aspects

- Kay Croft

- Julian and Ruth Duckworth

- Grant Heaton

prompt return

attention to detail

Appreciated prompt return of

Special thanks for your attention to detail,

calls, courtesy and introduction to

professionalism, honest appraisal, willingness

property pre advertising. A pleasure

to assist and prompt dealings with us in all

to do business with your firm

aspects of our sale and purchase

- John Geisker

- Paul and Carol Murphy

P. 02 6583 6000

E. mail@portmacquariefn.com.au greater port macquarie focus

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