Coffs Harbour Regional Airport Magazine Issue 42

Issue 42 • www.transtasmanmediagroup.com

AIRPORT MAGAZINE

Chillin’ Out

AT SUNNY SAWTELL

SYDNEY COMEDY FESTIVAL

Golf Mania THE LADIES

Our Chat With Luke Heggie

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contents

04 WELCOME 05 AIRPORT UPDATE 06 WHAT’S ON 08 THE QUEEN’S BATON RELAY 10 FREEBIES! 11 IT’S TIME TO TEE OFF WITH THE LADIES GOLF CLASSIC

16 PUZZLE PAGE 17 OZTAG IS RETURNING TO COFFS HARBOUR

PUBLISHER Patrick McElligott

06

patrick@ttmediagroup.com.au

EDITOR Aly Eveille aly@ttmediagroup.com.au

DESIGN Melissa Hanwright melissa@ttmediagroup.com.au

20 COFFS GOSS 22 CHILLING OUT IN

SUNNY SAWTELL

ADVERTISING & ENQUIRIES

24 SURFING WITH

REGIONAL SKIES MAGAZINE

ROSS CLARKE-JONES

26 WHAT TO WEAR IN THE AIR 28 TOP FIVE FOOD FACTS AND FICTIONS

30 JUST FOR LAUGHS: THE

SYDNEY COMEDY FESTIVAL

COFFS HARBOUR AIRPORT MAGAZINE

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SKIPPERS INFLIGHT MAGAZINE [WA] MARINE PUBLICATIONS THE TRADIE MAGAZINE

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SALES Sharon Rose Amos sharon@ttmediagroup.com.au Renae McElligott renae@ttmediagroup.com.au

PRINTING www.spotpress.com.au

Coffs Harbour Airport Magazine is published quarterly by Trans Tasman Media. Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher. No responsibility is accepted by the publisher or the printer for the accuracy of information contained in the text or advertisements.

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Advertisements must comply with the relevant Trade Practices Act 1979. Responsibility for compliance with the act rests with the person, company or advertising agency submitting the advertisement. Neither the publisher nor the editor accepts responsibility for advertisements.

Formerly Inflight Publishing Pty. Ltd.

Ph (07) 3891 7793 • Fax (07) 3891 7702 PO Box 670, Stones Corner, Qld 4120

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WELCOME

W

ith the change of calendar there has been a change of pace with developments in and around Coffs Harbour Airport. While the majority of our refurbishments and upgrade of facilities were completed late last year, we continue to make incremental improvements, albeit at a more measured pace.

The airside gardens at the terminal building were recently replanted, creating a refreshing sub-tropical welcome to the airport and Coffs Coast. We are now underway with renewing all gardens and plantings in front of the terminal to further upgrade airport ambience. Also, new covered walkway awnings have been fully installed for improved protection of travellers from the elements and new hitech LED energy efficient lighting has been erected on the aircraft parking apron to improve visibility and safety.

As we constantly strive to improve our performance and service standards there is no doubt that other positive changes will continue to be made. We will keep you up-to-date with these and other upcoming initiatives as they occur.

Since the start of the New Year it has been exceptionally busy at the airport.

The NSW Oztag State Cup championships saw a significant increase in activity in and around Coffs Harbour when some 15,000 people - players, families and officials, visited the city. The event was a great success for everyone, especially the winning teams and the many businesses that catered for the event including accommodation houses, food and beverage suppliers, rental vehicle operators and the many people employed by these entities. Next came the Australia Ladies Classic golf tournament staged at

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Bonville Golf Resort. Although a smaller event numbers wise, the stunning scenery of the resort’s fairways and greens and various attractions of Coffs Coast were televised live for ten hours to over 60 countries around the globe. This level of promotion greatly assists with getting the message to people, especially golfing enthusiasts, that Bonville Golf Resort is one of Australia’s most challenging and beautiful golf resorts. And so too is Coffs Harbour Golf Club which is hosting the NSW Women’s Open in March. More about this in our next issue.

Inside from page 10, we commence introducing you to some of the smaller villages and towns of Coffs Coast. First off is Sawtell. In future editions, more of our ‘hidden gems’ will be uncovered to encourage residents and visitors to experience all Coffs Coast has on offer.

Finally, we continue our endeavours to maintain the best air services for Coffs Coast residents. QantasLink, Virgin Australia, Tigerair and Fly Corporate provide direct services to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane with connections across Australia and world-wide. As with any business, these services are dependent upon ongoing support and patronage. We ask that whenever you are considering travelling for business, pleasure, sport or any other reason, consider going by air. In doing so you will be contributing to keeping Coffs Harbour Airport the Best Large Regional Airport in Australia.

Until our next issue, safe travels whenever and wherever you fly.

Dennis Martin Airport Manager

OAM

COFFS HARBOUR AIRPORT UPDATE

WHAT’S NEW at Coffs Harbour Airport

A

s mentioned in the welcome to this issue of this magazine, upgrading of the airport precinct continues. The interior of the terminal is complete, so our focus is now on the exterior.

The airside gardens have been landscaped and replanted to refresh the ambience and create a more refreshing sub-tropical welcome in keeping with the idyllic Coffs Coast climate. As with all destinations, it is important to make a good first impression.

For many people, arriving at Coffs Harbour Airport is their first experience of the City of Coffs Harbour and Coffs Coast.

Redesigning and landscaping is now a work-in-progress outside the security parking area which is expected to be completed shortly. Once the plantings are fully established this area will greatly enhance airport ambience, as will the replanting of the ground cover, hedges and bushes that currently surround the general car park.

So over the coming months, expect to see a new and revitalised ‘botanical’ makeover take shape.

When you next depart on the first flight of the day or arrive on the last flight of the evening, glance up and you will see the new light towers illuminating the aircraft parking apron. These high-tech LED lamps have greater ‘candle power’ than their smaller and less effective predecessors. Each lamp post is fitted with four LED lamp heads which will disperse light further and with greater intensity.

This will help improve visibility for passengers walking to and from aircraft and for pilots when inspecting their aircraft prior to early morning departures.

Our other project that is nearing completion is the expansion and upgrade of the drop-off and pick-up area between the departure hall and security car park. There will be space for approximately 12 to 15 passenger vehicles to temporarily park (3 minutes maximum) to allow people to alight from the car, extract their baggage and walk into the terminal and proceed to check-in for departure.

This same area is to be utilised when meeting people arriving on an incoming flight. Be sure to inform any family member, friend or colleague you are meeting to proceed to this area (the northern end of the terminal) to await your arrival to collect them. To ensure all have equal opportunity to this service, airport staff will be on hand to assist with the timely flow of vehicle traffic and assist people with information and directions.

And finally, construction of an addition undercover walkway to and from the drop-off and pick-up area will soon start.

When finished, this will provide greater convenience and weather protection for people arriving and departing Coffs Harbour Airport.

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N O S ’ T A H W L/MAY MA RCH/AP RI

FLICKERFEST

BEACHSIDE RADIOLOGY COFFS OCEAN SWIM

BILLABONG OZ GROM CUP

Flickerfest is Australia’s leading Academy ® Award accredited and BAFTA-recognised Short Film Festival and it returns to the Jetty Theatre with the Best of Australian Shorts programme. This is a one-off chance to see these amazing short films before they continue their journey around the world. Expect to experience the best in short filmmaking Australia has on offer!

The event kicks off from 7.30pm and will be held on the corner of Harbour Drive and Edinburgh Street at Coffs Harbour.

8 APRIL

The Billabong Oz Grom Cup, presented by Flight Centre, is a prestigious Australiawide annual event held in Coffs Harbour in the New South Wales Easter school holidays each year for junior surfers ranging from under 8’s to under 16’s. To partake, entry is $77 and entries can only be made online by Surfing NSW.

For more details, visit: http://bit.ly/2EIc6uQ.

Visit www.villagesports.com.au for further information.

16 MARCH

The Beachside Radiology Coffs Ocean Swims are a charity fundraising event offering participants a choice of distances catering for both the novice and the more competitive with a 600-meter swim around the jetty, 2000-meter swim across the harbour and fun races for children, all held inside our beautiful, protected harbour. All proceeds from the event will be distributed to local charities and sporting clubs.

13 APRIL

For further information contact: lwss@bigpond.com or visit: ozgromcup.com.au.

THUNDAMENTALS: THE BIG SUNDAY SESH 15 APRIL One of Australia’s most beloved Hip-Hop trios Thundamentals, will celebrate their tenth anniversary in 2018 by announcing an epic national tour - Decade of the Thundakat. Announced on Triple J’s Breakfast Show after a very special Like a Version, Decade Of The Thundakat will see Tuka, Jeswon and DJ Morgs take their revered live show across thirty-two regional dates nationwide in early 2018.

See Thundamentals live at the Coffs Hotel this April!

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COLLECTORS FAIR 26 MAY This is a community event not to be missed with special displays and a variety of trading tables offering collectables, antiques, glass, silver, radios, bottles, bric-a-brac and more! There will be a $5 entry fee, a fabulous door prize and a guest appearance by Alan Carter.

COFFS HARBOUR SHOW 27 TO 28 APRIL The Coffs Harbour Show is on Friday 27 April and Saturday 28 April and includes cattle, fireworks, demolition derby, horses, exhibition hall, poultry, showgirl competition and wood chopping. There will also be exciting rides and sideshows, a kid’s zone, face painting, farmyard animals, cake decorating, cats, reptiles, a grand parade and much more!

See you there! www.coffsharbourshowsociety.com.au

BELLINGER RIVER AGRICULTURAL SHOW 5 TO 6 MAY The Bellinger River Agricultural Show is a traditional, rural agricultural show.

It is a sustainable inclusive, community event which reflects the past, celebrates the present and looks to the future. The Bellinger River Agricultural Show has been going since 1881 and we invite you to attend the 2018 show!

Learn more at: www.bellingenshow.com.au.

To learn more call: 0409 860 637.

MILLION PAWS WALK 20 MAY The Million Paws Walk is guaranteed to be another great day for Coffs Coast animal lovers. There will be activities and attractions for participants to enjoy and the walk itself winds four kilometers to the beautiful Coffs Beach Jetty and back. The walk is relatively flat and has an optional beach walk on the return leg. All proceeds will help assist the local RSPCA in operating the animal shelter, supporting local Inspectors and providing community education regarding animal care and welfare.

Spread the word - they look forward to seeing a great crowd of animals and supporters alike.

To register visit: www.millionpawswalk.com.au.

COFFS COAST WEDDING EXPO 3 JUNE Bonville Golf Resort and The Coffs Coast Advocate will host the 15th Annual Coffs Coast Advocate Wedding Expo.

This unmissable event will be held in the beautiful surrounds of Bonville Golf Resort on Sunday 3 June between 10.00am and 1.30pm. Exhibitor sites will be located on the first floor of the clubhouse and the highlight of the day, the fashion parade, will be held on the Terrace Lawn with the beautiful backdrop of the 18th fairway.

For further details call 6653 4002.

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The Queen’s Baton Comes to Coffs

F

or this year’s Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, the tradition of presenting the Queen’s Baton to members of the Commonwealth will be on-the-road for a full year, covering more than 230,000 kilometres. Carried by local representatives, the Baton will pass through cities, towns and villages of the six Commonwealth regions of Africa, the Americas, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia and Oceania, including Coffs Harbour, which it did on 1 February.

But the Baton did not always enjoy a ‘world tour’.

The Queen’s Baton Relay (QBR) was first introduced at the 1958 British Empire and Commonwealth Games held in Cardiff, Wales. Then, a total 1122 athletes from 36 countries and territories participated in the games. However, at that time the QBR was only presented to citizens of England and the host nation. It was not until the 1998 Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia that the Baton was carried to other nations of the Commonwealth. That tradition continues today.

For these games, the QBR journey started at Buckingham Palace on 13 March, 2017, on Commonwealth Day. HRH Queen Elizabeth, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh and Prince Edward

handed the Baton with her ‘message to the Commonwealth and its athletes’ to the first Baton bearer. Since then it has been passed on to numerous other people around the globe and will continue until the last baton bearer finally delivers it to the Gold Coast on 4 April. There, the Queen’s message will be extracted from the Baton and read aloud by Prince Charles at the XXI Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony.

For each Commonwealth Games, the host country is granted the privilege of designing the Queen’s Baton. This Games Baton was designed by Brisbane-based company, Designworks. For those who may have had the chance to hold the beautifully curved Baton and look closely at the fabrication may have had a difficult time determining the components, even if they looked closely. The two distinct sections are made from Queensland Macadamia wood and reclaimed plastic!

In Coffs Harbour, this inventive Baton was delivered in style by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter and presented to awaiting civic officials, military and citizens at the Jetty Foreshore. After speeches by City of Coffs Harbour Mayor, Cr Denise Knight and Commonwealth Government Member for Cowper, Luke Hartsuyker, MP,

the Baton commenced its journey along Harbour Drive to the City Centre.

Fifteen local legends ran, jogged and walked, passing the Baton from one to another, cheered on with shouts of encouragement and applause from family, friends and onlookers enjoying the colourful and special occasion.

Our Coffs Harbour baton bearers, who through their deeds and contributions to their communities earned the privilege of carrying the Queen’s Baton were; Paul Bartholomew, Steel Beveridge, Liam Carruthers, Michael Crossland, Mark Donaldson VC, Peter Kimber, Michael (Mick) Maley, Michael McGavigan, Harry Menzies, Tex O’Grady, Tom Strickland, Richard Taffs, Peter Webster, Glen Williams and Jim Woodlock.

The Queen’s Baton Relay visited Coffs Harbour as part of a tradition that celebrates the Commonwealth’s diversity, inspires community pride and excites people about the world-class festival of sport and culture - a spirit and belief we all share on Coffs Coast.

Our sincere thanks to all who carried the Queen’s Baton in celebration of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. © Rob Cleary / Seen Australia ®

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Australian Ladies Classic BONVILLE

Abundant H2O, sunshine and the stunning fairways and greens of Coffs Coast’s Bonville Golf Resort captivated and challenged the 144 women golfers who competed at this year’s Australian Ladies Classic. www.transtasmanmediagroup.com

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A

contingent of elite professional golfers who compete in the Ladies European Tour and Australian Ladies Professional Golf Tour travelled to Coffs Coast from many countries including Argentina, Australia, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Thailand, Sweden and USA for the chance to hold aloft the winner’s trophy and a share in the $350,000 prize money.

It is another example of how the quality of facilities and a cando approach contributes to events business success for Coffs Coast. This time, Bonville Golf Resort with support from State Government, Destination NSW, Golf NSW and local sponsor Geoff King Motors secured the Australian Ladies Classic for the next five years. But there’s more…

In addition to the government and corporate sponsors, a band of Coffs Coast golfing followers and enthusiasts volunteered their services to the event organisers.

Some accommodated and hosted players in their homes, others scored and caddied for the ladies offering advice and support around the course, while others helped with caring for the players with hospitality and refreshments.

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This was very much appreciated by many of the players who are certain to recount to their families, friends and golfing colleagues the warmth of the welcome and Coffs Coast hospitality. In addition to playing golf, a number of the ladies also enjoyed some of Coffs Coast’s natural attractions. Some went to the beach, some for a swim with dolphins at Dolphin Marine Magic, others ventured up to Sealy Lookout for a walk on the Forest Sky Pier. No doubt some will also tell of the variety of weather experienced over the four days, especially of the tropical thunderstorm and downpour on Sunday afternoon. At around 2.30pm the sky darkened, lightening flashed, thunder boomed, the wind swept down from the hills and the cloud-burst dumped on Bonville halting play for over two hours. There were times when it appeared the tournament might have had to be postponed until the next day.

But finally the sky cleared and rays of cheerful sunshine peeked through parting clouds. That was the cue for the army of Bonville staff, including general manager Brad Daymond to head back onto course to clean, sweep and rake the final six fairways, greens and sand traps to allow players to complete the tournament. At 5.45pm play resumed and at 7.26pm French

player Celine Boutier sunk her final putt for a 10 under score to win the 2018 Australian Ladies Classic.

The event was also another big win for Coffs Coast. In addition to the immediate economic boost from purchases of accommodations, food and beverage and incidental spending by players, officials and followers, the game was also televised on Fox Sports. Apart from the weather delay, the game was broadcast live for 8 to 10 hours to 68 countries around the world helping to promoter golf tourism in New South Wales, Coffs Coast and Bonville Golf Resort.

With an estimated 60 million people playing golf worldwide and television coverage expected to continue at future tournaments the stage is now set to host another four Australian Ladies Classic tournaments.

Despite the weather, the warm welcome and hospitality received from locals, the natural beauty of Coffs Coast and the reputation of Bonville Golf Resort experienced for the first time by many players is certain to draw them back for the next four years and hopefully more.

And that challenge is ours! © Rob Cleary / Seen Australia ®

For the final results of the 2018 Australian Ladies Classic, visit www.alpg.com.au.

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G OLF QUIZZ

If you’re a keen Coffs Coast golfer take the time to visit some of the best greens our community has to offer…

1. Which world Hall of Fame member and winner of 84 professional tournaments has played in the 2018 Australian Ladies Classic?

2. When was the first ever tournament for women held?

3. Who was the 2013 US Masters Champion?

Coffs Harbour Golf Club

Sawtell Golf Club

Earl Street, Coffs Harbour

55 Bayldon Road, Sawtell

27 holes across three different course layouts including the Championship course, The Lakes, as well as East Lakes and West Lakes

• 18 holes • Par 70 • 5,522-meter layout • Carts allowed • Clubhouse with fine food • Junior golf clinics • Established in 1946

• Par 72 • 6,000-meter layout • Driving range • Putting green • Fully-equipped clubhouse, including bistro and bar • Has hosted players including Gary Player and Norman Von Nida

Bonville Gold Resort North Bonville Road, Bonville 4-time winner of Australia’s Leading Golf Resort by the World Travel Awards Voted ‘Australia’s Favourite Golf Course’ by golfers’ 2017 in Golf Australia Magazine • 18 holes • 6,084-meter layout • Par 72 • Award-winning restaurant • 12-kilometers of cart paths • Driving range • Lessons available with PGA Golf Professional Richie Gallichan

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5. Where was the first putting course established?

6. When was the St Andrews Golf Course established?

7. A typical golf course consists of how many holes?

8. How old was Sergio Garcia when he won his first PGA tournament?

9. What is Arnold Palmer’s nickname?

10. When was the Ladies Professional Golf Association formed?

11. What is a triple bogey?

12. Who was the first female to earn over $1 million?

13. How many dimples are on a regulation golf ball?

14. Who was the youngest ever person to play in a PGA tour event?

15. What is the highest golf course in the world?

16. What is the Solheim Cup? 17. What were golf balls originally made of?

1. Dame Laura Davies 2. 1811 3. Adam Scott 4. Mini golf 5. St Andrews in Fife, Scotland 6. 1552 7. 18 8. 21 9. The King 10. 1950 11. Three shots over par on a hole 12. Karrie Webb 13. 336 14. Michelle Wie at 14 years old 15. Tactu Golf Club in Morococha, Peru, which sits 14,335 feet above sea level 16. The women’s equivalent of the Ryder Cup 17. Wood

COFFS COAST COURSE WRAP

4. Which form of golf was first designed for women?

S E L Z Z U P

SUDOKU Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 to 9.

Difficulty rating

Difficulty rating

1

2

Difficulty rating

Difficulty rating

SOLUTIONS

1

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4

4

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OZTAG the greatest show on turf

For three days in February over 5,000 young and enthusiastic Oztag players from 315 teams gathered upon Coffs Coast to compete in the New South Wales Junior State Cup at the C.ex Coffs International Stadium.

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I

n addition to the players, there were around ten thousand mum’s and dad’s, siblings, grandparents, referees and Oztag officials.

Each year when major Oztag events come to Coffs, all 26 fields at the Coffs Coast Leisure Park (the stadium and its immediate surrounding fields) are fully booked. However, this year with so many extra players, teams and games to accommodate, more fields were needed.

Fortunately, the Geoff King Motors Park, on the south side of the stadium was made available. In total, 33 quality playing fields were able to host concurrent games allowing competition to proceed on schedule, commencing from 8.30am until late on the first day of the tournament.

Once the initial elimination rounds were completed, the usual 26 fields were sufficient for all games until the grand final play-offs were held on the revered turf in the C.ex Coffs International Stadium.

But quality fields and top grade turf does not appear magically. It takes knowledge, skill and commitment by people who are charged with the responsibility of preparing and maintaining this first class facility.

This is the domain of Coffs Harbour City Council’s green keeping crew who care for the Coffs Coast Leisure Park and Stadium fields as well as the other 70 hectares of sports grounds throughout the City from Woolgoolga to Coffs Harbour and Sawtell.

Preparing for the NSW Junior State Cup was akin to a military operation during the lead up to the first day of competition. First was cutting the grass. Then marking the perimeter points and key points of each playing rectangle. Next was the full line marking of each playing area during which over 17 kilometres of white lines were painted onto the grass fields. Then, during the seven days prior to the beginning of the tournament, all fields were cut and a final full line marking completed. Once the fields were fully prepared, around seven kilometres of ropes and temporary fences were laid and erected to guide players, officials and fans around and through the playing precincts. Then it’s time to let the games begin.

However, that is not the finish of ground keeping activities. Each morning of the tournament, the green keeping crew arrived at 6.00am or earlier to check on the state of the playing surfaces to make repairs as required, check and repaint lines as needed, realign ropes and fences and cut

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grass if too long. Once completed the all clear is given to event officials for the tournament to proceed.

This year, with fine and sunny weather and timely watering by the ground crew, the playing fields remained firm and did not suffer from gouging which occurs when fields are soggy and wet. But after three days of tens of thousands of feet pounding the grasses of the playing fields and walkways, remedial action was needed.

Using a mechanical ‘power broom’, divots and displaced tufts of turf were swept up, areas of excessive wear were fertilised, watered and fenced to help return the grounds to tip top condition.

With so many sporting codes recognising the quality and capacity of Coffs Harbour’s playing fields there is constant demand for use of the Coffs Coast Sports and Leisure Park and C.ex Coffs International Stadium.

Here are some of upcoming events to be held at the stadium:

Numbers of players

Estimated officials fans and followers

3,800

2,000+

500

500+

Oztag National Junior Cup – October

2,800

3,000+

Tag World Cup – November

3,600

3,500+

Oztag National Senior Cup – December

2,000

1,500+

Event Oztag NSW Senior State Cup – March Ella Sevens Rugby – March

Between the Oztag tournaments there are various school sports championships, Australian Football League games and training camps, football (soccer) games, club rugby and cricket which, requires the fields as well as the playing pitch to be prepared. This is a year round task that keeps the ground staff busy and on their best performance.

If there were to be an Olympic medal for ground keeping teams, the crew based at the C.ex Coffs International Stadium would surely be in the running to receive a gold medal.

According to Oztag Tournament Director, Bill Harrigan, “The reason Oztag and so many other sporting codes come to play on Coffs Coast is simply the quality and capacity of the city’s playing fields.

There is nowhere as good as Coffs for...

...the greatest show on turf ”

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The grasses of the Coffs Coast Sport and Leisure Park (Western Field 1) and C.ex Coffs International Stadium are a mix of Couch (Cyndon dactalon) and Turf Rye Grass (Lolium perenne L).

As Couch is dormant over winter, Rye Grass is planted to protect the Couch from wear and tear.

Then in November, the Rye Grass is removed to allow the Couch to regrow as the dominant grass.

The Western Field 2 is planted with Kikuyu (Pennisetum cladestinum) a tropical grass native to Africa.

It favours moist areas but is also drought tolerant. www.transtasmanmediagroup.com Issue 42

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Ea t, Drin k, Relax, Explore

By Joseph Watts Coffs Harbour is one of the most underrated towns on the North Coast, without a doubt. World-class dining, beaches and fishing are all at your doorstep and can be accessed within minutes. Abundant wildlife, seasonal whale watching and a unique marine life all add to the charm of this coastal town which is quickly becoming a holiday spot for many across Australia.

But for a visitor, or even as a local, where do you start? The harbour city is rapidly coming into its own, with trendy cafes now popping up regularly and new eateries testing people’s perception of the town. It’s time to take a new look at Coffs for what it has become.

There are plenty of restaurants and cafes that are coming up on the scene.

Local and popular cafe on the Jetty Strip, Old John’s, is making the most of the local produce and are having fun with it. It’s all part of the exciting new direction the jetty strip is going in. The boutique cafe is a hit with the locals, open early for breakfast, brunch and offering lunches as well. Coffs Harbour’s food scene has recently experienced a jump in their already high standards, helping bring the best out in the burger scene. Attitude Burgers is a sure fire way to keep a crowd happy. Check out this burger joint for wholesome, weird and wonderful burger choices that are absolute crowd pleasers.

Latitude 30, just above Attitude Burgers, is often missed as a drinking spot but boasts some of the most stunning sunset views with the ability to have a drink in hand at the same time.

The back deck leans onto the break wall and overlooks little Muttonbird Island, leaving you in for some unforgettable sunset drinks. 63 First Avenue, the Sawtell bar a 10-minute drive from Coffs Harbour, is now dishing up locallysourced, craft beers, difficult- to-reach wines and locally sourced drinks to people in the small, hip bar. This a must if you’re looking for a relaxing drink, some live gigs and good coastal vibes.

63 First Avenue is also dishing up some top bites to go alongside their boutique beers and cocktails, so be sure to try the cured meats and cheese platter!

The new jetty foreshore walk is absolute bliss. Recently finishing in late 2017, the boardwalk boasts stunning ocean views and has a lot of easy access and parking. Start your walk on the boardwalk, grab a coffee from Salute, then continue onto the break wall towards Muttonbird Island. This is a highlight walk, offering panoramic views of the harbour town. If you’re lucky, you may be able to see whales going up the coast if you’re visiting at the right time of year. If you’re in Coffs Harbour for the weekend, be sure to check out and relax at the harbourside markets.

The markets are a picturesque way to experience and enjoy an authentic outdoor market bursting at the seams with an enormous range of fresh and local produce and some of the best arts and crafts from up and down the coast.

To chat to Joseph in more detail about his time in Coffs, visit: www.angrybaldmanschutney.com

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The Forest Sky Pier is a spectacular architectural feature providing the panoramic views of Coffs Coast and the Hinterland. Hanging off the edge of Sealy Lookout, the pier sits 22 metres out over rainforest and 15 metres above the forest canopy. The Forest Sky Pier is a 5 to 10 minute drive off the Pacific Highway through banana plantations and forest, taking in amazing views as you travel up the hillside. It’s a mustsee destination. If you’re looking for stunning beaches, start with the Solitary Island Coastal walk. Beginning at Red Rock and ending at Boambee headland, the 80-kilometre stretch is often walked in much smaller sections. Some of the highlights include Emerald beach, which was rated in the top 10 beaches in the world in 2017, as well as Diggers beach, a popular surfing beach. Keep your eyes out for some of the local kangaroos frolicking around the grassy knolls on the headlands – sometimes even having a dip in the ocean!

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Chilling Out

in Sunny Sawtell E

ight kilometres south of Coffs Harbour Airport is the sunny seaside village of Sawtell, affectionately called ‘Sawty’ by locals. Once the ‘shy relation’ to its larger northern sibling, the village has blossomed and become a popular beauty to visit.

What Sawtellian elders have known and loved for many years is now being discovered and appreciated by new residents and visitors alike… Sawty is a welcoming, friendly place to chill, relax and rejuvenate.

At the heart of Sawtell is its shady town centre main street, First Avenue. Graced with four large Ficus trees, their shady branches reach out over the grass and gardens, sidewalk verandahs and the many cafes, restaurants, boutique shops and the art deco picture theatre.

If sitting back, chilling out and sipping your favourite barista-made coffee is your thing, you have ample choice. From early morning the smell of freshly ground coffee beans fills the air around the five cafes that line First Avenue. Enjoy your coffee inside or perhaps a take-away to sit under the street trees or go to the nearby headland to enjoy the ocean views. Later in the day, the lunch and dinner options range from casual cafe dining, tasty pub and RSL Club offerings, to Mexican, Thai, Indian, Japanese and modern Australian cuisine. And for even more choice, there’s take-aways too; bakery treats, burgers, pizza and the tastiest fish and chips on Coffs Coast.

For some retail therapy, fossick for bargains in the local church op-shop and browse chic fashion boutiques, jewellers, a hand bag specialist and bric-a-brac store with hundreds of eclectic and arty offerings.

Entertainment is on tap, too. Bands and solo artists play regularly at the pub and RSL Club. Three eateries also have regular performances by guest artists; jazz on Wednesday and Sunday evenings at the Spare Room, jazz on Thursdays at Kimono and a variety of live music every Friday and Saturday evening at 63 First Avenue. And every day the refurbished and much loved Sawtell First Avenue Cinema has screenings of the latest movies. Here you can chill in cool comfort and enjoy a wine or beer too – bliss!

One hundred metres from the village centre is the Sawtell Surf Club café with views over Sawtell’s main beach. This is an idyllic place to relax and watch the ever-changing sky and seascape.

If you are an early riser and enjoy a walk, jog, run or swim, Sawtell Beach and headland is for you. You can go solo or if you prefer company, there’s Girl Fit. Join like-minded ladies work out at sunrise on the beach or perhaps take a swim with the Sawtell Water Rats.

This group of hardy locals venture seaside every day at daybreak for a leisurely and refreshing communal swim. Or perhaps a session of skipping on the headland before heading back to the village to rejuvenate with a spa and beauty therapy pampering? Then off to your chosen abode; a rental home or apartment, hotel, motel, B&B, camp site or holiday park cabin. There are numerous options.

And for surfers and board riders, keep watch on the wind and waves for the best places to catch a wave - Trapdoors at Boambee Headland, Murrays and Sawtell beaches and Southies on the south side of Sawtell Headland. For stand-up paddle boarders, kayakers and canoeists there’s kilometres of waterway to explore – Bonville Creek winds its way from the surf at Sawtell Headland to the tranquil tree lined upper reaches of Bongil Bongil National Park. And to round things off, there’s golf and tennis and croquet and bowls to enjoy as well.

At day’s end, Sawtell Headland is a popular place to picnic and at times is blessed with a stunning sunset over the sea and distant ridges of the Great Dividing Range.

After all this you just may need a holiday to relax and chill… in Sunny Sawtell, of course!

Further information: www.coffscoast.com.au • www.sawtellnsw.com QantasLink, Tigerair and Virgin have flights and great fares from all capitals to Coffs Harbour and Fly Corporate have flights six days per week direct from Brisbane.

For schedules and fares, visit: www.coffsharbourairport.com.au.

“Sawty” is a welcoming, friendly place to chill, relax and rejuvenate.

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RIDING THE WAVE With Ross Clarke-Jones

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Ross Clarke-Jones is known for being a big wave surfer.

Originally from Terrigal on the Central Coast of New South Wales, Ross likes the speed of the big swells and the largest he has conquered stood at a massive 130-feet.

What does it take to tackle that kind of a challenge?

Ross sat down with us to explain his passion for surfing…

What are your favourite Aussie beaches to surf at?

Tell us about the biggest wave you’ve ever ridden?

My favourite would have to be Bells Beach which is in my backyard – it’s literally only about four metres away from my house. It’s relatively uncrowded for most of the year and it has that beautiful, clean Australian water we’re blessed with. The waves are powerful and fun in the winter, which is when I’m usually there!

It was in Nazare in Portugal just recently, on 18 January. I rode my biggest wave yet which was around 130-feet. It was 20 years ago to the day from my previous biggest wave which was also more than 100-feet, on 28 January, 1998, outside Log Cabins in Hawaii.

The ride 20 years ago was labelled my “Biggest Wednesday” – it was awesome to go even bigger on the same day 20 years later. Both of these waves felt surreal and majestic in their own right.

What about your favourite international beaches?

Sunset Beach at Oahu in Hawaii is my favourite international beach. I have spent the last 32 years living there from October to February. It’s a beautiful spot and such a versatile beach, you can surf with your kids when it is 2-feet and then it can reach 15-feet, plus.

Name three essentials when you’re heading out to surf?

Depending on where I am in the world my surfboard of choice might vary. In Australia it’s my Maurice Cole surfboard. In Hawaii it’s my Bushman Surfboard. I also always need my Quiksilver Airlift, an inflatable vest. It’s vital for helping me resurface in big waves and has saved my life on more than one occasion! Surfboard wax is also a necessity.

Most people find big waves terrifying! Why do you love riding them so much?

Big waves are all about speed and harnessing the speed, with small waves you need to generate speed. I like to go fast, so the big waves are where I like to be!

What goes through your head when you’re approaching a monster wave?

Excitement! It’s just, “GO, GO, GO!” I want to get on it as fast as I can and enjoy the ride.

Ever had any close calls or memorable moments while in the deep blue?

On my “Biggest Wednesday” outside Log Cabins in Hawaii. After I’d ridden my biggest wave at the time I was then left drifting for three hours with Tony Ray on a half sunken and capsized jet ski, heading towards the U.S. mainland!

Another memorable moment was surfing an outer reef where I got plucked from the ocean by a helicopter. The basket was lowered down to me and they were all telling me to get in, then we shot up 400feet straight into the air.

If you could give aspiring surfers one tip to perfect their technique, what would it be?

That’s easy - it would be to relax. Like when you are driving, you’ll enjoy the ride a lot more if you’re relaxed.

What’s your favourite board and why?

The Maurice Cole, 5”9’ Tow Board with C-Drive fins, because it’s the fastest board. It can go anywhere and you can travel anywhere on the wave with it.

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What to wear to help you have a better flight?

Travel designer and experienced traveller shares her 7 tips.

By Sally Van Ruth – Kaleidoscopic Travel

Planning what to wear on the plane depends on a few elements, where are you travelling to, who are you travelling with and what are you travelling for? After 20 years of travel short and long haul, I have picked up some valuable on board tips and hints to help you have a better flight.

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Sally says…

What will the temperature be when you arrive?

Travelling with layers is the best option, because whilst on board it can fluctuate from warm to cold depending on what cities or countries you are flying over and what time of day or night it is. Then ensure you have the layers to strip off at your destination if it is going to be hot/humid or layers you can put on if you will be going to somewhere cold. Wear breathable fabrics that stretch so you don’t feel uncomfortable when you’re sitting down.

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Are you travelling for Business?

Business wear can be restrictive when sitting and if you have meetings on arrival, you don’t want to look or smell like you’ve been wearing your outfit for the last 24 hours! Wear comfortable clothes on departure, take a suit bag with you in the cabin and make a quick change in the airport on arrival.

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Always pack a spare outfit in your cabin luggage You never know what could happen, you don’t want to be caught out by a spilled drink on your lap mid-flight. Or if your luggage is delayed, you will have an immediate back up plan.

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Shoes should be easy to take on and off Not only will you be tempted to slip them off and on inflight, with added security, you may be required to remove them as you pass through airport security. Pack a pair of comfortable socks to wear in transit. For ladies, fold up flats are a great idea in a zip lock bag. There is nothing worse than stepping into the toilets after 12 hours of flying in socks.. it’s a big no-no! And after you have been walking through the cabin, zipping them away in a bag is hygienic.

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Compression socks are your best friend on long haul flights DVT can happen to anyone, so don’t risk it!

Bring a scarf A scarf in transit not only helps you with layering, but can be used as a blanket, bunched up into a pillow or even to shield you from cabin light if you are trying to sleep during cabin service.

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Air pressure and your skin aren’t great friends Take makeup wipes on board, wipe your face as you take off. Pack a moisturiser for your face and hands and a lip balm. Make sure you drink lots of water as you travel to avoid dehydration. Pack your basic makeup favourites for a spruce up prior to arrival and don those sunnies on arrival!

‘STORMSEAL has changed my whole business model’ With Nick Hatch from Insurance Roofing Services Australia

Nick Hatch is the director of Insurance Roofing Services Australia and has been an accredited Stormseal installer for the last two years. We checked in with Nick recently to find out how Stormseal was working for him and what feedback he was getting from his customers.

How has Stormseal been working for you?

Why is Stormseal easier to install?

We never get called back to fix makesafes anymore - we haven’t had one call back.

In the past if we put up a tarp, we would be called back after an event. It wouldn’t matter how good you put the tarp on, it would just come off. Since we’ve been installing Stormseal we haven’t been called back to a single job.

All tarps are square in shape and you can’t join them together properly. With Stormseal you can make whichever size you want. In the aftermath of the Kellyville storms we made custom sizes for each roof on the spot and they fitted each house perfectly. A tarp is one-size-fits-all, which just doesn’t work. The other thing is, you can only carry a certain amount of tarps with you in the ute or trailer, but with Stormseal you can carry three to four times more than that. At one stage we were carrying 2,000 square metres in the back of the ute. It would have been physically impossible to fit that much tarp in our vehicles.

What kind of customer feedback have you had?

The customer feedback has been very positive. Once they see the end result they say, “This is unbelievable”. Not only is their home safe but it looks so much better.

We don’t get a lot of feedback when we’re doing the initial install but when we return clients often tell us about their friends who had tarps put on in the aftermath of the same weather event and how much worse their experience was, with more water getting in during subsequent rainy weather and being kept awake at night with the sound of flapping tarps.

How has becoming an accredited Stormseal Installer impacted on your business?

and repairs but now the whole focus is on Stormseal because it’s the only product on the market that won’t fail. We know that for a fact. My main business is now focussing purely on emergency makesafes and the feedback we’re getting from our Stormseal installs is so good that we’re able to market our business primarily on that feature - being able to provide a Stormseal solution. Stormseal is our niche.

Our guarantee is if you hire us for a makesafe we’ll only charge you once for it, whereas at the moment in Australia a lot of businesses charge you to go back out to attend to a makesafe. It won’t be long before everyone is using Stormseal.

In fact, it’s only going to be a matter of time before it will be the only product that’s allowed.

Why do you say that?

I’ve changed my whole business model for the better thanks to Stormseal. We used to focus mainly on inspections

Because it doesn’t fail. When you put it on you never need to be called back.

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THE DIABETES DILEMMA FIVE FOODS:

r o t Fac ? n o i fict

Apple cider vinegar is vinegar

made from apple cider. Vinegar can be made from any fermentable carbohydrate source, with the active constituent, acetic acid, being produced by yeasts and microbiota called a ‘mother’. Traditionally fermented, organic apple cider vinegar has a greater variety of bacteria and yeasts than industrially produced non-organic apple cider.

While we know the mix of bacteria in our gut is important to health, we don’t know if these particular biome make a difference to the health of people with diabetes.

However, there is evidence to show vinegar or acid foods slow the stomach emptying after a meal. So, what does this mean for us? Add a little vinegar to meals like a salad dressing or include acid foods to keep you fuller for longer and to lower the glycaemic index (GI) of a meal. Take good care of your teeth as acid foods can erode tooth enamel, so clean your teeth after meals!

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Matcha tea is a powdered green tea

made from the Camellia sinensis plant.

Plants are covered for 20 to 30 days to exclude sunlight before farmers harvest the leaves, which is thought to make the leaves produce more naturally-occurring chemicals, such as caffeine. After harvest, the stems and veins are removed and the leaves are ground up to a fine powder.

Tea polyphenols which commonly are grouped under the term “anti-oxidants” are thought to be responsible for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and may reduce the likelihood of gastrointestinal cancers. While it is thought green tea is beneficial for the liver, there have been some recent stories of products with green tea extracts causing liver damage in some sensitive individuals. So what does this mean for us? Drink green tea or matcha tea but be careful of products which contain green tea extract.

We all love to eat and there’s so much information around us about what food or ingredient is good for us and which isn’t that it can be confusing!

Here are five myths about food and for each is a simple answer as to why it is good for us or not…

HAPPY EATING!

By Dale Cooke from Diabetes Queensland • www.diabetesqld.org.au

Turmeric is a yellow spice ground

from a root of the turmeric plant and which gives curry its colour. It contains curcumin and has been used for many years in Aryudivic medicine. Much research has been carried out in rats (which isn’t always applicable to humans) but some has been carried out in people with type 2 diabetes.

Overall research shows curcumin is a star when it comes to diabetes treatment and the complications of diabetes such as neuropathy, as well as a host of other conditions. Turmeric is considered safe for health although high doses may cause gastrointestinal problems. So what does this mean for us? Enjoy turmeric as part of your meals. If you would like to take a supplement of curcumin talk to your diabetes care team.

Cinnamon

is a lovely tasting and aromatic spice added to both savoury and sweet dishes. It comes from the bark of the Cinnamomum tree. Research has reported conflicting results over the years but a meta-analysis published in 2015 reported improvements in fasting plasma glucose but not HbA1c, and improved blood fat risk factors for cardiovascular disease in people with type 2 diabetes.

The trouble is the studies analysed in the meta-analysis used different doses, different forms (aqueous extract, raw powder, in capsules, with or without food), and with or without other ingredients.

We also don’t understand how cinnamon causes these effects either - so if we take a large dose is it causing harm? Possibly, as cinnamon contains coumarin which has been linked to liver damage. So what does this mean for us? Add cinnamon in small amounts (1 to 2 teaspoons) to family meals for flavour but seek medical advice if you would like to use it in larger amounts.

Raw sugar is just cane sugar with a few minerals left in the juice after the molasses is extracted from sugar cane juice. It has the same GI as white sugar and nutritionally it is almost identical, providing 68 kilojoules per 4-gram teaspoon.

So, what does that mean for us? The sugar in fruit, milk, and yoghurt comes with a package of satisfying and healthy nutrients, so avoid cutting those from your daily choices. Do cut back on foods with any added sugars, including raw sugar, such as sugar-sweetened drinks, fruit juices, cakes, biscuits, lollies, and chocolates. If you like to bake, try cutting back on the added sugar and instead use fruit to help sweeten the food. For example, fruit scones instead of sugar sweetened scones.

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J u s t Fo r La u g h s With Luke Heggie

Luke Heggie is fast becoming one of Australia’s most in demand and recognisable stand-up comedians. His no-nonsense one liners delivered in a dry, dead pan manner quickly gained praise after his debut into the comedy world by winning Melbourne International Comedy Festivals 2010 Raw Comedy and jetting off to Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

2017 has seen Luke perform Rough Diamanté to crowds across the Australian Festival circuit. Punters and fellow comedians can’t get enough of his harsh but fair shows about idiots and he was quick to sell out every show and rightfully awarded the Comedian’s Choice Award in Melbourne (AKA Piece of Wood). Luke then went onto make his London debut with a one-week run of Rough Diamanté in August at the popular Soho Theatre.

With a few awards now under his belt and a jam-packed tour schedule, Luke is stopping by the Sydney Comedy Festival to give audiences a good cackle.

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It takes serious guts to get on stage and make people laugh. Can you describe that feeling as a rookie comedian?

I was bricking it the first time I ever touched a microphone, with shaking legs and voice. Every other born-to-entertain bloke seemed to think they belonged on a stage and nowhere else.

Thankfully I was brilliant from the get-go and haven’t looked back.

How do you prepare for a gig now – is there anyone you practise your material on?

I study what I’ve written a lot to try and get it all in my head. I also get around talking to myself like a lunatic. I originally tried practising material on my wife and it was a disaster. She sat there staring at me. Now when she asks me about any of my new jokes, I tell her she’s welcome to buy a ticket to a show and see for herself. People always want stuff for free!

You’ve been awarded a number of formal accolades for your material – does this mean you’ve made it in comedy, in your opinion?

No. The public who actually buy tickets to your show don’t care if some expert on comedy thinks you’re alright!

The SYDNEY COMEDY FESTIVAL is back from 23 April to 20 May! We hear your comedy style is somewhat harsh but fair and based on observation. Can you tell us about an outstanding observation you’ve made recently?

Yes! If you own a massage chair you’ve probably got a restraining order out on you. If there’s something in it for a child to lie about, they’re lying. Under no circumstances should you accept a free hat. Optimistic people have never been bashed for no good reason.

And finally, men who never fart in front of their wives are hiding way more sinister stuff!

Of course, we’d like to ask you tell us your funniest ‘joke’…

Would you?

What can people expect from the Sydney Comedy Festival ?

Probably the same guys who come every year from overseas and tell us about airport customs being uptight about fruit. Also some killer local acts you should know about but don’t, and Rob Schneider.

Most memorable moment from a past Sydney Comedy Festival ?

The Sydney Comedy Festival is Sydney’s biggest annual comedy event. Every April and May, hundreds of the world’s funniest comedians take to stages across Sydney to entertain an audience of more than 122,500 people, followed by a 50+ stop Showcase Tour across Australia that performs to over 25,000 annually.

The Festival kicks off in grand style with lavish gala events: the Sydney Comedy Festival Gala at the Sydney Opera House, Enmore Theatre, The Concourse Chatswood and Riverside Theatres in Parramatta.

The Festival program, curated by Festival Director Jorge Menidis, features performances from the finest Australian acts, the biggest international stars and the most promising emerging talent offering up everything from stand up to sketch, satire, impro, musical, absurdist, theatre, magic and kids comedy.

For venue and event information head to www.sydneycomedyfest.com.au.

Sydney Comedy Festival is my favourite. I’m out working most nights of the year, so come festival time, people generally turn up.

They’re not uptight, usually have a pretty good time, and have never abused me on a one-to-one basis post show.

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