communitynow NEWSLETTER
S u m m er 2 0 1 6
T HE
perfect pmhc.nsw.gov.au
steak
>T he true meaning of community > Mike keeps things rolling >T he magical world of playgrounds
From the Mayor
W
elcome to the summer edition of the Community Now newsletter. In this edition we’ve focussed on some of the wonderful public facilities we have across the Port Macquarie-Hastings region, and reflect on how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful part of the world. There’s no better time than summer to get out and about and enjoy these facilities, whether it’s taking the kids to one of our many playgrounds, enjoying a bbq with family and friends at one of our parks, or exploring our spectacular hinterland – there is so much to experience and enjoy. A lot was achieved during 2016, and as we enter the new year, we remain committed to listening and representing the community's best interests, and building on the strong performance of recent years. We will be actively focussed on renovating and rejuvenating our many community assets, continuing our delivery of major infrastructure projects and ensuring that our region remains the best place to live, work and play in Australia. Many of us host friends and family over the summer break, so I encourage you to jump onto our new destination website portmacquarieinfo.com.au and explore, play and connect with our beautiful region and experience the many wonderful things to see and do. I look forward to working with you all during 2017. (In case you were wondering, my perfect steak is a nice juicy rump steak, medium rare and turned once ... seasoned.)
Peter Besseling Port Macquarie-Hastings Mayor
Let’s stay connected Stay in touch with the latest news, information and activities. > Subscribe to Community Now enewsletter – pmhc.nsw.gov.au > Connect with us on facebook – facebook.com.au/pmhc2444 > Signup to Communitynow TV YouTube channel – youtube.com/pmhcouncil > Have Your Say – pmhclistening.com.au
> Cover: Foreshore Reserve, Lake Cathie.
Delivering for our growing community The focus on delivering numerous major projects right across our region continues. Here’s a snapshot of what’s going on.
Port Macquarie Indoor Stadium
Lake Road Roundabout
> Our expanded Indoor Stadium is now open providing three additional sports courts, multipurpose activity rooms and new amenities.
> The upgrade to the Lake Road/Blackbutt Road roundabout is now complete providing improved safety and accessibility within the busy Port Macquarie industrial area.
Wauchope Pool
Houston Mitchell Drive
> The Wauchope Memorial Olympic Pool will soon be ready for swimming. This major upgrade saw the 50m pool and toddler pool repaired, and pool surrounds upgraded.
> Construction of Houston Mitchell Drive at Bonny Hills is well progressed with completion expected in March 2017.
Town Beach North
Kew Waste Transfer Station
> Construction of the new Town Beach North Amenities and Kiosk is complete, with the Breakwall HQ Kiosk up and running.
> Construction is progressing on the new waste transfer station at Kew. It’s expected to be finished by early to mid 2017 and will replace the existing Dunbogan facility.
Perfect steak... in the perfect
T
here are many ingredients to throwing a good barbecue, with the steak and the location always taking centre stage. We are lucky to have so many great barbecue locations, and given most of us will have a barbie or two over the summer months, our mission was to track down the best tips on how to cook the perfect steak.
fat content. Good quality olive oil is a must, she always seasons with cracked pepper and salt, turns once, rests and serves medium-rare. Perfect sauce claims are a plenty but Yasmine says the best is a squeeze of fresh lemon which cuts beautifully through the cracked pepper and salt. Carolyn from Lake Cathie-Bonny Hills Lions Club told us the club cooks more than 1,000 steaks a year and that
In a journey of flavour and fun we chatted with a local butcher, an up and coming chef, and a community bbq expert about what makes their perfect steak. Starting the sizzle-off was Kerry from Wiggly Tail Butchers who said his perfect steak is a Scotch Fillet with a small amount of fat running through it. He takes his meat out of the fridge an hour or so before cooking. Kerry doesn’t use any oil, seasons with salt and only turns the steak once, resting before serving. Laurieton United Services Club Chef, Yasmine, believes she has the perfect steak recipe and recommends any meat on the bone with a nice
Kerry from Wiggly Tail
location So what are you waiting for? Get out this summer and wow your family and friends with your perfect steak ... tell us how you go and share your moments, favourite locations and perfect steak by tagging PMHC2444 in your facebook post. Bon Appetit!
LUSC Chef, Yasmine Egan
they make the best steak sandwiches. They use minute steak which is well-priced and something easy for the whole family to eat. Carolyn said the winning combination includes olive oil, turned once, cooked medium and served with caramelised onion and a squirt of tomato or barbecue sauce. Well there you have it, three different methods for cooking the perfect Aussie steak. Tasting the steaks cooked by our guests was the easy part, the difficulty came when trying to decide which one was the best.
Lake Cathie Lions Club
Did you know? > Council provides lots of BBQs for our community to use throughout the Port Macquarie-Hastings. To find a location for your next barbecue visit pmhc.nsw.gov.au/outdoors.
Many people take for granted the ability to go about their daily lives in the community without experiencing any barriers.
M ik e
K e e ps
W
e recently caught up with Mike Ipsen, a North Haven resident who is a keen sailor, access advocate and super nice guy. He talked to us about his passions, his community and his desire to fully take part in all community activities, regardless of ability.
things
roll
For people with a disability to have the same participation opportunities as others, it is important to have services and facilities that address access inclusion in the community. After all, if the access to a building, park, playspace, beach or event is disability friendly, it’s friendly for everyone. Mike volunteers his time on the Hastings Access Sub-committee and works to challenge and remove barriers that stop people participating fully in community life. Its members include people with disability, organisations representing people with disability, Councillors and other community advocates. Mike’s partner Leonie is a keen supporter of his endeavours. “You are not aware of access challenges until it becomes part of your life and I wasn’t terribly aware of things like that until I moved to North Haven with Mike,” Leonie said. “Now I'm always looking at where can we go; that’s a bit steep, is there another way we can get in there? People just aren’t aware, because it’s not > Did you know there is an all abilities part of their lives. I am access fishing platform at Dunbogan and a new platform will be built at Lake probably ignorant of other Cathie early in 2017. things I have not been Want to know more visit pmhc.nsw.gov.au/accessibility. exposed to as well.”
Did you know?
You’ll often see Mike rolling around the Camden Haven testing footpaths, access to buildings, amenities, facilities and roadways. “I get my kicks from taking a roll every morning along the beautiful foreshores of North Haven,” said Mike. “It’s all about teaching, this is how I contribute. People come to me with their feedback and I report back to the Hastings Access Sub-committee.” Thank you Mike for your contribution and dedication, you certainly make life that much easier for so many.
Have your say > Have your say on Council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan for 2017-2021 by visiting pmhclistening.com.au.
The
true
m e aning
community
things
ing ‘
‘
I get my kicks from taking a roll every morning along the beautiful foreshores of North Haven
of
The friendly Pappinbarra community
C
ommunity halls are the lifeblood of many remote communities, and are often the only place for residents to come together. The Hollisdale Hall, the hub of the Pappinbarra community provides such a welcoming place, and offers a full and varied range of activities, providing everyone with a sense of place. This remote valley community of around 300 people has seen an increase in the number of younger families moving into the area for the ‘tree change’ which as you can imagine has altered the dynamics of the community. The hall plays host to so many events and activities, from monthly BBQs, bush dances, weddings, birthday parties, local markets, family nights, working bees, market day preparation and many presentations. There certainly is something for everyone. If you haven’t already been to beautiful Pappinbarra this is one place worth the drive. Just 45 minutes from Port Macquarie, you’ll be in awe of the beauty of this scenic area of the Port MacquarieHastings, and like many before you, may never want to leave. “It's great to see new people coming to the town and surrounds who are contributing to the hall’s history and its stories”, said Lisa McLeod, President of the Pappinbarra Progress Association. “We have a blessed community and have been so lucky to receive money through Council’s Community Grants Program. We spent the money extending the hall and making it weather-proof which has made a real difference to our community,” Lisa said. So why not put a trip to Pappinbarra on your list of must-do's as you’ll definitely feel welcomed. And remember that the first Friday of the month is the local barbie get-together and the first Sunday of each month sees the Grown and Gathered markets come to life.
Mike and Charlton enjoying a fish at the Dunbogan Fishing Platform
pmhc.nsw.gov.au/communitygrants
T h r o ugh
th e
eyes
of
a
child Did you know? > Our new interactive online map shows you where all our playgrounds are and the equipment at each one. Visit pmhc.nsw.gov.au/playgrounds.
W
hen you’re five years old, a playground becomes a magical world filled with imagination, fun, learning and new friends.
This is something Erica Wallis understands. She’s been to lots of playgrounds with her all time favourite friend and mum, Shelle. We caught up with Erica and Shelle at Town Beach Playground where she invited us to experience the wonderful world of playgrounds through her eyes. Erica enthusiastically explained “My name is actually Erica Ann Wallis, and I am five you know. I like milk, apple juice, sweets and my favourite movie is How to Train Your Dragon.” “When I play in the playground sometimes I am me and other times I am Blueberry Muffin from Strawberry Shortcake,” she explained.
It’s this escape into a world of fantasy that makes our playgrounds such special places, providing our young people with the opportunity to be creative, fantasise, learn and experience everything that’s great about being a kid. After a ‘fast lolly’ (aka chocolate) ‘Blueberry Muffin’ took us on a comprehensive and enlightening tour of all the cool play equipment ... each piece with its own original and unique name. Thanks to Erica and Shelle for such an enjoyable morning. We learnt about play through a five year old's eyes, and the importance of ensuring we continue to provide unique playground experiences for our younger community, right across our region. Check out the collection ... We think they’re pretty cool too! pmhc.nsw.gov.au/childsplay.
There’s always something happening in the Port Macquarie-Hastings – from sporting events to art festivals, concerts to exhibitions, conventions to celebrations. Search for events at
Contact us 17 Burrawan Street, Port Macquarie NSW 2444 49 High Street, Wauchope NSW 2446 9 Laurie Street, Laurieton NSW 2443
pmhc.nsw.gov.au/events Share and connect with us
t: 02 6581 8111 e: council@pmhc.nsw.gov.au
Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Watch us on YouTube