Issue 20 - Coffs Coast by Focus

Feature Story

COFFS COAST

Australian Air League

May 2012 // issue 20

inside this issue.

K AT E M C L E N NA N

VINTAGE VOLKSWAGENS

Riding her bike from Laos to Cambodia, to raise money for water projects in Laos.

Whether it is fixing them, restoring them or driving them, Luke Pell lives and breathes Volkswagens.

DARR EN RUDD Guest speaker from NBN Co presents at the T.H.E. Exchange event in Coffs.

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editor's note. editors

kim gould.

editor.

from the

Welcome to the May issue of Coffs Coast FOCUS. know that I’m an adult and that I’m supposed to behave responsibly and be cool, calm and collected all the time ... but I have to admit that for the last week I have been behaving like a kid who has been drinking far too much red cordial!

I have been extremely excited about putting this particular issue together and have been struggling to contain that excitement. I’ve been bouncing around the office doing ‘the happy dance’ and bursting into random fits of giggles. Why so excited about this particular issue? Well … When we first launched Coffs Coast FOCUS, I set some goals regarding certain people I wanted to interview. One of my biggest goals was to interview none other than this month’s cover man, Mr George Negus. As a young journalist myself, George Negus is one of my professional idols, so to have the opportunity to interview someone who has helped shape my own media career was very exciting indeed. And not only that, I can cross another thing off my to-do-list! Find out what Mr Negus had to say about his career, Australian politics and his home on the Coffs Coast on page 24.

installment of our new editorial series, Collectors Corner, where we profile locals who collect weird and/or wonderful things. This month’s guest is James Follett, a model car collector (page 6). FOCUS has partnered with the Cancer Council this year for Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, and we chat to local ambassadors Kirsten Howton and Clayton Donovan on page 11 about their involvement. Local artist Trudy Smith shares her story (page 29) and we catch up with psychedelic musician Lionheir about his upcoming tour (page 20). EDITOR’S PHOTO Our feature photo this month (above) is part of a gorgeous panorama taken by Steve Keenes from the Bruxner lookout. If you’d like to see your photos published in FOCUS, email samples of your work to kim@ focusmag.com.au FINAL SAY “The most important thing is to enjoy your life – to be happy – it’s all that matters.” – Audrey Hepburn.

Kim Gould – Editor kim@focusmag.com.au

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE We’re very excited to announce the first

focus C O F F S C OA S T

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

contacts. EDITOR: Kim Gould kim@focusmag.com.au

ART DIRECTOR: Jay Beaumont jay@focusmag.com.au

SENIOR DESIGNER: Dylan Gaul dylan@focusmag.com.au

GRAPHIC/WEB DESIGNER: Michael Marchment

ADDRESS: 3/57 Grafton St, Coffs Harbour POSTAL: PO Box 286, Coffs Harbour PHONE: 02 6650 9343 FAX: 02 6651 3798 WEB: www.focusmag.com.au iPHONE + ANDROID: www.focusmag.com.au/eat iPAD: www.focusmag.com.au/ipad

michael@focusmag.com.au

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ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: Nicci Seccombe 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. Coffs Coast Focus is produced and published by Creative House Publications PTY LTD ABN: 621 287 8600 5. Material in Focus is Copyright © Creative House Publications PTY LTD 2012 and may not be reproduced whole or in part, in any form, without permission of the Publisher. All rights reserved.

nicole@focusmag.com.au

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

PHOTOGRAPHY: Russell Pell russellpell@gmail.com

coffs coast focus 3

focusinterview.

Kate LAOS TO CAMBODIA Kate McLennan is an everyday hero. Later this year she will be riding her bike from Laos to Cambodia to raise money for water projects in the third world. She tells us more about the adventure and how we can help her raise the funds for this worthy cause!

ate, you’re riding from Laos to Cambodia later in the year. What on earth possessed you to do such a thing? There are a few reasons that urged me to do the Laos Water Cycle challenge. Firstly, 2011 was a bad year for me ... I lost my father-in-law to cancer in June and my job working 60+hours a week finished, as the company liquidated in October. I ended the year feeling really strung out and stressed. I needed to attract some good karma back into my life. I started my own company in December and found out about the Challenge through a client contact. The second reason was that after having 2 children, I needed an amazing goal to strive towards to lose those last few baby kilos and get back in shape. Lastly, but definitely not least, I love charity work! I’ve done a charity challenge before in my early 20s, and it changed my life. I raised $12,000 for Fred Hollows Foundation and trekked through Nepal. I can help others and feel like I am making a difference in the world. This was the main reason for me to take on this challenge. So obviously this is a fundraiser. Tell us about the charity you’re working with and why you chose them. The Laos Water Cycle is co-ordinated by Inspired Adventures for the charity ChildFund Australia. Inspired Adventures co-ordinate charity challenges worldwide. Paris Marathons, Great Wall of China treks, South America treks and Cycling across Asia, all to raise much needed funds for charity. I chose the charity ChildFund Australia and this particular challenge, as their main focus is on children. I love their philosophy that if we can educate the children and their communities, we can empower them to address the issues that affect their daily lives. Australian supporters sponsor over 55,000 4 coffs coast focus.

children through ChildFund Australia child Tell us about the ride itself. How far is it, sponsorship program. The ChildFund alliance how long will it take, who’s going with worldwide helps over 16 million children. How you, etc ... fantastic is that! On the ride will be the 20 participating Your aim is to raise $10,000 through your fundraisers, an Inspired Adventure tour escort, ride. What will the funds go towards? a charity representative, a local tour guide and a The money that I raise goes to install water support vehicle that follows us the whole way. tanks with piping and flushing toilets in The entire trip is about 16 days, including transit the homes of many Laos villages. There are to and from Australia. approximately 20 Aussies doing this challenge, We ride approximately 464 km over 9 days and as a group we will bring in over $100,000 visiting historical landmarks in Laos and meeting for this project. the ChildFund Laos team in Nonghet. Basic necessities like running We will see the work/projects they water and toilets are essential have already completed in some for a healthy life. Can you Laos communities, which I am imagine what life would be really excited about. There Seventy six n ai m re like without them? This is some transit in between bs m million bo en ev d te na is reality for over 75% of Laos and Cambodia which to de un the today. So going tole or the Laos population. is not accessible by road, so toilet in the jungwater They use the jungle/ we will have to fly a portion going to collect bush for the toilets and of the trip from North to . ly can be dead in many cases, it’s the South Laos. We end up in children’s job to fetch the Siem Reap, Cambodia, in the water from the closest spring or last 2 days of the trip. water source. (This can sometimes You must have to do a lot of be a 2 hour trek in the dry season – much training for this. What’s involved, and longer than the average commute in Coffs!) how is it coming along? When children are tasked with such important Yes! I started training before Christmas with roles in their households, it means many of them a personal trainer at Genesis Fitness Club. My are missing out on school or by the time they trainer, Colleen from Collateral Consultancy, is get to school, they are exhausted after all this a force to be reckoned with; she is helping me hard work. to stay focused and motivated to succeed with Another reason why it’s so important to set my fitness goal. I do 2 x Personal Training (PT) up these basic necessities is that Laos is the sessions a week and weights, plus lots of riding most heavily bombed country in the world. In to build up the muscles in my legs. It’s hard to the Vietnam War, the Americans dropped 260 find time to fit everything in, but I have a very million bombs in Laos. Seventy six million bombs supportive husband, mum and mum-in-law to remain undetonated even today. So going to the help me with the girls. toilet in the jungle or going to collect water can I’m trying to work my way up to 3 x 1 hour be deadly. rides and 1 x 2-3 hour ride per week in addition I’ve raised $5,000 so far this year through to my PT. I wish there were more hours in the raffles and an awesome movie night at Sawtell day! Cinema. What fundraising events do you have

coming up that people can attend to help support this cause? I am holding a Charity Auction Night on Saturday 4 August at C.ex Coffs Harbour – joining with another local fundraiser Kylie Sykes, who represents Life and Hope Association, Cambodia. Tickets are $50, which includes dinner, live entertainment, silent and live auctions, lucky door prizes. Tickets can be purchased from Parry’s Jewellers in Coffs Harbour. If you buy a full table of 8 tickets ($400), you also go in the draw for additional prizes. So far for auction items we have been donated local artwork, accommodation packages, outdoor furniture and statues. The Coffs community is so supportive, and they always get behind a worthy cause! I’m hoping for over 200 to attend the event; you can see more details on the Facebook event page: http://www.facebook.com/ events/179345088849789/ If you can’t make the auction night but still want to donate, we have the option of ‘Virtual Attendance’. This means that you donate an amount (anything over $20) and send in your photo and/or business card/logo which will be put onto a balloon at the event, so you will be there in spirit! We need businesses to donate items that we can auction on the night, so don’t hesitate to contact Kate on 0402 100 208 or email to kate.mclennanbt@gmail.com if you can help out. How can people find out more information and/or donate? People can donate directly online for a tax deductible receipt: www.everydayhero.com.au/ kate_mclennan or join my Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/ KatesLaosWaterCycleChallenge for updates and to contact me. Thanks Kate.

20.

inside this

Lionheir If James Brown and Joni Mitchell shared one night of passion, they would have conceived Lionheir. The Soul-rock artist is a free-spirited live performer who captures imaginations with his cutting-edge songwriting. Lionheir was formerly known as Paul Appelkamp and toured the nation many times over as a solo artist.

Issue 20 - May 2012

usual suspects.

the

29.

Trudy Smith Talk about a versatile artist! Trudy Smith creates all kinds of visual masterpieces, from murals to body art. She shares her creative endeavours in art and new business ventures ...

48.

10. whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on for May 14. eat featuring local restaurants 22. social scene with Carole Beros 38. star guide with Terri

Vintage Volkswagens Vintage Volkswagens, and especially split windscreen Kombis, are in vogue at the moment. One person who knows a bit about these vehicles after spending most of his life with either his head under the engine lid or his foot on the accelerator of one is Luke Pell.

46. business voice with the Sawtell Chamber of Commerce

47. tourism with Tourism Coffs Coast

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

www.focusmag.com.au follow us on www.facebook.com/coffscoast.focus www.twitter.com/focusmag www.focusmag.com.au/eat

coffs coast focus 5

focusinterview.

J a m e s F o l l e t

Welcome to the first installment of our new editorial series, Collectors Corner, where each month we will profile a local person who collects something weird and/or wonderful. This month’s guest is James Follett, a motoring enthusiast with an impressive collection of model cars ...

hat do you collect?

A lot people say you should keep the boxes, as it makes

I collect models of the

them more valuable, but I like them on display. Also, the

Australian cars made by the big

value is of no importance to me – I will never sell them.

three American Manufacturers:

I’ll leave that job to my two daughters when I’m gone.

General Motors (Holden), Ford

Do you have one favourite piece in your

and Chrysler.

collection?

How many pieces do you have in your collection?

My favourite pieces are the 1:18 scale models for their

I collect the 1:43 and 1:18 scale models, of which I

attention to detail, and they really are small replicas

have 109 models. I used to have hundreds when I was

of the original. They are quite expensive too, so I only

a child. I had over 500 matchbox cars and a lot of 1:18

purchase the models I have a real love affair with –

scale European vehicles but the collection was getting

which is mainly the seventies and eighties models.

out of control, so I simplified it to the genre I collect

What makes YOUR collection so unique?

now.

I do have three real collectable cars: a Ford Fairmont V8,

Do you remember the first car that started your

Holden WB Caprice and a Triumph 2500TC.

collection?

I also have a complete collection of Wheels Magazines

I got my first Matchbox car, a Ford F100 Ambulance,

from 1985 to date, which is an in depth history of the

when I was three years old – so you could say that was

Australian motoring scene in itself.

the one started it all.

Are you a member of any collectors and/or

Why model cars?

enthusiasts clubs?

I have been a car fanatic all my life; I do not remember

I currently belong to the Saab Car Club of Australia, as

not being one. It has also followed me to my working

I race a 1989 Saab 900 Turbo in hillclimb events around

career. I started out working weekends at a driveway

the area.

service station when I was fourteen, and now I own and

Thanks James.

run the independent used car dealership, Coffs Harbour Motorworld, and the repair shop, Isles Park Motorworx. Are the model cars hard to source? Well, that’s a tricky question. If you buy them when the three big model manufacturers make them, you’re OK, but they become hard to get after that. And there are a lot in that genre that they haven’t made yet, so eventually the collection will 3 or 4 more times bigger than what it is. How do you store or display your collection?

6 coffs coast focus.

are you a collector? We want to know about you! Let us know what you collect and you might just be our next Collectors Corner guest! e. kim@focusmag.com.au ph. (02) 6650 9343

Modern. Sport. Luxury. Three words that perfectly describe the all new BMW 3 Series Sedan. You will love the way you move in this exhilarating Ultimate Driving Machine featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo performance, near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution and the latest BMW ConnectedDrive innovations including optional full colour Head-Up display. You will love the way it makes roads come to life. You will love the way we only make one thing, the Ultimate Driving Machine. The all new BMW 3 Series Sedan, visit McGuigan BMW to arrange a test-drive.

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focuseditorial. 17:44

Video OF THE

MONTH

PICS IN SHORT STORIES FOLDER Watch on your sma phone

VIDEO BY: Mid North Coast Fresh Food Network. ABOUT: A behind the scenes look at our local chefs and producers preparing for the 100 Mile Food Challenge at the Sydney Crave Food

Eric Löbbecke.

festival. If you’re a fan of local produce and sustainability, then this is

Cartoons, Kisses & Canapés

WATCH AT:

To receive a coveted Walkley Award from your peers is one of the greatest accolades of the media world. Equally impressive is a Stanley Award from your colleagues in the cartooning industry. To win the highly competitive Bald Archy Prize for satirical portraiture is yet another proud achievement, as is winning our very own Rotary Cartoon Awards. Cartoonist, illustrator, artist and author, Eric Löbbecke, has notched-up all of these prestigous awards and heaps more … and not just once. For over 22 years, in his daily work as editorial cartoonist and illustrator for The Australian, Eric has sketched powerful businessmen and rubbery politicians to meet critical newspaper deadlines. Eric will demonstrate his magical cartooning skills, as

a must watch.

he works to the clock at a special fundraising night for the Rotary Cartoon Awards, to be held in the gardens of the Pet Porpoise Pool on Friday, May 25. Eric’s satirical works will be on display at the Bunker Cartoon Gallery from May 11 until June 2, accompanying the equally irreverent Bald Archy Prize Exhibition. When: Friday, May 25, 2012 – 6.30pm – 9.30pm.

www.midnorthcoastfreshfoodnetwork.com.au

LOCAL

READ

Local Author. Robyn McLennan Title. The Clunkertons.

Where: Pet Porpoise Pool – Orlando Street. Tickets: Available from Pet Porpoise Pool – $25 – include refreshments, entertainment by Nitebeat, seal kisses, fun and surprises.

Late last year we introduced you to Robyn McLennan, a local author of children’s books. She had been working with cartoonist Jules Faber on her book series The Clunkertons. We are pleased to announce that Robyn has released the second book of the series, The Clunkertons and their Unforgettable Journey.

For further details: www.rotarycartoonawards.com.au or phone Marilyn Cragg on 6651 2310.

“When their peaceful new home on Sunnybank Creek floods, they are rescued, but find themselves in a new part of the bush. They begin their journey to find a safe new home, but in doing so, meet up with an old friend who shows them something they could never have imagined…”

focuseditorial.

Robyn and Jules have managed to create yet another masterpiece, and while you’re busy reading this second installment in the series, they are working hard on the next Clunktertons book. Stay tuned for more adventures!

Both books in The Clunkertons series are available at Dymocks, The Book Warehouse and The Botanic Gardens. Let us help promote your local book or music album. Email: editor@focusmag.com.au

focusreview.

with Julie from www.gourmetgetaways.com.au

Wine

dr p.

fair. This year, for the first time ever, the Annual Collector’s Fair will be held over two days. Organised and run by the members of the Coffs Harbour Collectors Club, the Fair will feature more than 80 stallholders selling, buying, swapping and displaying their collections. There will also be working farm machinery from yesteryear on display, along with vintage cars and live demonstrations of gem cutting and polishing by members of the Coffs Lapidary Club – plus a very special display from the Coffs Harbour Regional Museum, concentrating on the history of the town and the area. This is a teaser for the Museum, which will hopefully soon be moving into its 8 coffs coast focus.

Cassegrain Verdelho 2011.

new premises on Harbour Drive. You don’t have to be a collector, seller or buyer to enjoy the Annual Collector’s Fair; it’s quite simply a walk down memory lane. Plus, there’s a fabulous Lucky Door Prize of two return tickets Coffs/Sydney on Qantas link and two nights B&B in Sydney, kindly donated by Jetset Travel Coffs Harbour.

the plug! The Collectors Fair is held at the Norm Jordan Pavilion, Coffs City Showgrounds on May 26 and 27, 2012. Entry $5 per adult. See you there!

Make the most of the fading weather with this crisp, fresh white wine. It presents as a delicate pale yellow colour, with vibrant, fresh citrus aromas, and the flavour of tropical fruits. Refreshing and easy to drink, it’s a fun wine which will remind you of the summer just past. A great wine for a casual drink with friends. GOES WITH: is the ideal companion to seafood, salads or a spicy Thai curry. COST: $19.95 or a special price of $15.95 for Cassegrain Gold Members. AVAILABLE: All good bottle shops, or online at www.cassegrainwines.com.au

focusinterview.

AUSTRALIAN

The Coffs Harbour branch of the Australian Air League has been operating since 1995 and provides a great way for people of all ages to explore their passion for aviation. Commanding Officer, Ean Rosenberg, tells us more about the squadron.

an, what inspired your love for all things aviation? Since I was about 7 years of age, I was inspired by the efforts of the Air Force during WWII. My dad and oldest brother were members of the Air League until ‘Big Bro’ joined the RAAF and served with 458 squadron flying Wellington bombers throughout North Africa and Italy. My dad was an officer with the League and also an instructor with the Air Training Corp (now Air Force Cadets), so I guess aeroplanes and flying were in my blood. I was building flying model aircraft from balsa sheets and plans when I was 7/8 years old and even used to make my own balsa glue. How did you become involved with the Australian Air League? I was in the League myself as a kid but spent many years in country Queensland, where there were no squadrons. However, I did get mixed up with the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Charleville, so my interest in aviation continued. For many years I travelled from Cairns to Hobart, from Brisbane to Perth, in my position of Sales Manager, but not once did I ever came across any sign of an Air league squadron. Then in 1996 I attended an air show in Coffs Harbour and was surprised to see some 20 or so cadets marching and wearing the Air League uniform. I have been involved with the local squadron ever since. What is involved in being a cadet with the Coffs Harbour Squadron?

Becoming a cadet with the Coffs Harbour sa The squadron haur squadron or any other no ho to e’ rin little ‘sh tmarsh, Australian Air League one Arthur Whi aster When the Air League was nc La a unit involves very little. as who w e th formed in 1995, Newton ith w t bomber pilo If any 8 year old (or on dr ua Sq Lawson thought of the 0 46 s famou older) has an interest ter Longster and in 1998 ring WWII and la du in aviation or any career with Qantas. began to restore it, teaching path associated with the cadets how to apply fabric flying or aviation in general, to the frame etc. all he/she has to do is attend a The project came to a halt when squadron parade over a couple of Newton passed away in 2000, and the weeks and sign the ‘Visitors Book’ so as to be cadets did not have access to the old plane. covered by the AAL’s Public Liability insurance. This was the case until Bellinger Instruments He/she can then observe the squadron provided the squadron with its current activities from the side or join in activities if building, and the restoration resumed against they wish, so that they can get the feel of a lot of difficulties. It was finally completed in belonging to a group. Then after the second August 2011. week, if they feel the Air League is for them, Currently the cadets are involved in a they can join. diorama of the Coffs Harbour airport and a What are the major projects you’ve diorama of the Korean conflict, depicting the worked on, including the rebuild of an involvement of the RAAF. old plane? Seeing the progression of the cadets and The biggest project in which the cadets club over the years, how does it make have been involved was the restoration of you feel? the old 1930 model ‘Longster’, which was Watching the cadets ‘grow’ as they originally built in Canberra in the mid ‘50s. continue with the League is a real buzz. This old plane was brought to Coffs Harbour The improvement in their demeanour, their by Tom Strickland and Newton Lawson as discipline and their overall knowledge and a training item for John Naughton’s ‘Junior their acceptance of other cadets makes up for Flying School’ attached to the Aero Club. all the hard work that goes into the squadron After the local aerodrome became an operation. When you see cadets or ex-cadets airport, the Longster could no longer be used get their pilot wings, or learn that they are for the intended purpose, so it was stored working as electronic technicians in industry, in a carport open to weather in Tom’s yard.

or they have gone into the Airforce, the Army or the Navy, it just seems to make it all worthwhile. The squadron has a little ‘shrine’ to honour one Arthur Whitmarsh, who was a Lancaster bomber pilot with the famous 460 Squadron during WWII and later with Qantas. Arthur started his aviation career with the Australian Air League back in the 1930s. Many Qantas and other airline pilots of today started with the Air League, and this is something of which we, as a group, are very proud. How can people find out more and become involved? People can find out about the Air League through the League’s website by just Googling up the Australian Air League.com.au or by contacting the local squadron on 6658 2315, or coming along to a parade night on Wednesdays at 6.30pm at our building at 60 Aviation Drive, Coffs Harbour Airport, in the General Aviation Section. We would like to see more kids get involved and also more adults. We could do a lot more with the cadets if we had more senior instructors or trainee instructors than we have at present. We have so many career paths for kids to follow that by the time they leave school, they could walk into almost any job they have a desire to do. Thanks Ean.

coffs coast focus 9

W H AT ’S O N A RO U N D T H E R E G I O N // M AY 20 1 2 COFFS COAST

what’s

VIP Night with Event Makeup Artist Nathan Kake

Headspace Art Group Show

Brides & Grooms Wedding Expo

Headspace Mid North Coast’s Art Group has been busy painting for the last six months in preparation for their big art show. The Art Group is a diverse collective of new and experienced young artists. The Art Group is a great example of the work that headspace MNC does alongside its clinical programs.

Future brides and grooms will find all the inspiration and ideas they need for the wedding of a lifetime. Brides and grooms can plan their wedding from A-Z, with more than 45 leading wedding-industry suppliers showcasing traditional and contemporary options. The highlight will be a glimpse of the hottest styles and range of bridal and formal menswear now available, showcased during a fashion parade.

Where Bunker Cartoon Gallery. When Until 5 May. 10am to 4pm, Mon - Sat. More info On headspace MNC or the Art Group,

contact Jesse Taylor on 6652 1878.

10 coffs coast focus.

Where Bonville Golf Resort, Bonville. When Sunday 6 May, 10am - 2pm. Cost Free.

Australia's Biggest Morning Tea 2012 Winter Fashion Preview Superb fashions showcasing designs from Seasons Boutiques and My Sister's Wardrobe, plus stunning jewellery from Le Dãin Designs. Join us for a delicious unlimited morning tea, raffle, giveaways and lucky door prizes. Together, let's make every cup count. Where Bonville Golf Resort, Bonville. When Thur 17 May, 9.30am - noon. Tickets $25 available at the venue.

Are you in a rut with your makeup? Do you want to learn tips to enhance your natural beauty? Then come along to Blush Makeup & Beauty Studio’s VIP Night and learn some tips from celebrity makeup artist, Nathan Kake. Where Blush Makeup & Beauty Studio, Boulevard Arcade, Coffs Harbour. When Wednesday 30 May - 10am ‘til 5pm & Thursday 31 May - 6pm ‘til 9pm. Cost $100 per ticket (fully redeemable on product). More info Blush – 6652 1100.

focusinterview.

FOCUS is proud to be a Regional Sponsor of the 2012 Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea. This annual event, organised by the Cancer Council, makes every cup count and plays an important role in the fight against cancer. We catch up with 2 of ABMT’s local ambassadors, Kirsten Howton and Clayton Donovan, to find out more about their involvement.

HOWTON.

ow did you first become involved with Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea (ABMT)? After a very personal experience with cancer back in 2007, I saw the ABMT advertised, and thought it would be a fun way of raising funds for the Cancer Council so they could continue their vital research; but, it was also an opportunity to honour those loved ones who had lost their battle with cancer. This year you have been asked to become an ambassador for ABMT in the region. How does that make you feel? 2012 marks my 5th year as a local host for ABMT. In addition to hosting a morning tea, I’m active with other Cancer Council events and participate in the Relay for Life, Pink Ribbon Day and am on the organising committee for the successful Dancing with the Stars. To be asked to be an ambassador for ABMT is an honour and I am proud to be part of the amazing and dedicated team in Coffs to spread the AMBT message and through fundraising, help change the lives of those affected by cancer. Most people have been affected by cancer in one way or another. Can you share with us your reasons for becoming involved with the Cancer Council? My husband Rhys was diagnosed with lung cancer a few months after his 39th birthday, and 5 months after our son was born. Despite him not being a smoker, he developed 3 tumours on his lungs and ultimately, tumours on his brain. He endured many months of treatment, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy. During this time, together we learnt another language – the ‘cancer

language’. We also learnt that cancer does not discriminate ... Rhys was a young, fit, active and healthy man, proving cancer can and does happen to anyone, anytime. Shortly after Rhys died, my sister-in-law was diagnosed with breast cancer and then my father with prostate cancer. Thankfully they are both in remission and leading healthy, normal lives. Tell us about the event you’ll be hosting this year for ABMT. My morning tea will be held at Bonville Golf Resort. They are amazing supporters of my annual event, and it’s a beautiful setting for a delicious morning tea. This year we’re having a fashion parade to preview the gorgeous winter fashions from Seasons Boutique and My Sisters Wardrobe and stunning jewellery from Le Dãin Designs. Tickets are $25, which includes unlimited morning tea. Tickets are available from Bonville, Seasons Boutique and My Sisters Wardrobe. We’ve also got a great raffle plus a few auction items and a signed, framed Manly jersey on offer. Any advice for people wanting to get involved and/or host their own event? Hosting a morning tea is so much fun, so very rewarding and best of all, it’s so easy to do! Hop online and order a kit and host a morning tea in your office, workplace, preschool or have a fun street party with the neighbours. Morning tea is a very casual part of the day, where you can stop and raise your cups to the loved ones we have lost, those who have survived and those enduring their cancer battle. They need our funds to enable the continuation of essential research so that the ultimate cure for cancer can be found. Now that’s worth raising our cups for. Thank you Kirsten.

D O N O VA N .

ow did you first become involved with Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea (ABMT)?

after his battle with cancer. Obviously that impacted upon our family and was a sad time for us, so it’s great to be able to give back to The Cancer Council, who work so hard in the fight against this terrible disease.

Last year I was approached by Ruth Gollan, Community Relations Coordinator of Cancer Council NSW. As a What have you got planned this year for local chef, she wanted me to become involved ABMT? with Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea At the moment, we are planning and be a part of their launches some functions for later in the and help out/host other year that will see chefs and d te ci ex ry ve events. producers from all along I am This year you have been asked to become an ambassador for ABMT in the region. How does that make you feel?

given and proud to be to help ity un rt po the op ant with the import er nc Ca e th work ncer Council does. Ca inate; it rim sc di t no does res and touches all cultu communities.

I am very excited and proud to be given the opportunity to help with the important work the Cancer Council does. Cancer does not discriminate; it touches all cultures and communities. Most people have been affected by cancer in one way or another. Can you share with us your reasons for becoming involved with the Cancer Council?

My wife’s father passed away 4 years ago

Get involved – H O S T

the Mid North Coast involved. We haven’t finalised the details yet – it’s a long process, because we want to make sure it’s done properly. But I can assure you it will be big, so watch this space!

Do you see yourself being involved with ABMT for years to come?

Yes, definitely. It’s such a great cause, and I hope to be able to continue my relationship with Cancer Council NSW for many years to come. As I said, it’s great to be able to give back to a worthy cause. Thank you Clayton.

A MORNING TEA.

Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea is one of Australia’s best-loved fundraising events and plays a vital role in raising money towards Cancer Council’s work in research, prevention and support. Every donation makes a big difference!Your support will raise vital funds for cancer research, prevention and support services. www.biggestmorningtea.com.au for more information. coffs coast focus 11

focusreview

meet a

local.

Meet Nicholson, Dealer Principal at Geoff King Motors. Meet M eet ALes Local. H How llong h have you b been on th the C Coffs ff Coast? I have lived in Coffs for 42 years.

vehicle delivers and follow ups. Manufacturers

What’s your favourite thing about this area? The beaches. I’ve been getting back into surfing in the last couple of years and enjoying it. I had a break from it for too long, and now I’m finding that the body is not as fit and flexible as it was. Still very average, though.

is never a dull moment in the car trade.

Describe your typical day. Mostly pretty busy. There’s lots to do, and you don’t know what each day brings. The customers we meet these days are well equipped with what they want, now that the

now want more reporting these days, so there

What keeps you motivated? (The mortgage). Mostly my family – my wife Natasha and our 2 boys, Grant and Tobi. There’s always something on. I try to find a good work-life balance, so we can get away

with Nicci Seccombe

Hilltop Hoods The Boys have done it again ... While Australian Hip Hop continues to break new ground, there is one act that stands above the rest. Within a genre that is growing at an exponential rate, Adelaide's Hilltop Hoods will always remain leaders. Australia's most renowned Hip Hop trio have gone ahead and produced one of the greatest Hip Hop albums of all time. In saying that, it would be pretty hard to back up the last 5 albums the boys have produced, especially State of the Art and, my favourite, The Hard Road – Restrung. Their last album, 2009's State Of The Art, was filled with ace tunes and confirmed their place as the kings of Aussie Hip Hop. And after such a brilliant record, you’d wonder how Pressure, Suffa and DJ Debris could take things up another level and top it again. If you are already familiar with the album, you will see that the Hilltop boys have scratched the surface just that little bit deeper this time around, discussing adult anxieties that will most likely be lost on the bulk of their fan-base. One of the tracks that I have to mention is, of course, I Love It, which features the amazing Sia. It is probably the most commercial track off the album but comes nowhere near the all time favourite Nosebleed Section, from their

early days. The other track off this new album that deserves some recognition is Speaking In Tongues. With its Jazz inspired groove, it was born for the summer festival circuit and will definitely be a favourite. I have seen these boys a few times live and I must say, they never let me down. The energy they have on stage and the way they involve the crowd, whether it's at a festival or an indoor venue, is outstanding. The Hilltops will definitely get your hands in the air. Drinking From The Sun is a slow burner that has enough substance to appease both old and new fans alike. Take your time with this album, and you’ll find the brilliance that lies within.

rating.

on holidays hopefully twice a year and enjoy it when we can.

with Joel McCulla from Zulu’s

What does the future hold? The mortgage disappearing. The boys living a

internet has created the information overload.

happy and fruitful life independently (haha) and

My day often involves checking on stock and

retiring healthy and earlier than 65.

orders, arrivals, advertising, lot presentation,

Thanks Les.

focusgiveaway.

W H AT ’S I N

POMEGRANATE

The origins of High Tea date back to the 1800s. Traditionally, the term High Tea was associated with the working class and referred to the evening meal that was served at a high table. Today however, we refer to High Tea as the earlier practice of Afternoon Tea, and served during mid-afternoon consisting of tea and sweet and savoury foods, rather than the more solid meal in the evening shared by that of the working classes. The popularity of formal High Tea waned as time went on, but thankfully is now enjoying a wonderful revival, as today's society yearns for the elegance and prestige associated with the High Tea setting. (Source: www.highteaaustralia.com.au)

To celebrate the recent introduction of High 12

coffs coast focus.

Tea at Sunny Hill Retreat, Bonville, FOCUS is giving you the chance to win a High Tea for 4. Enjoy your High Tea in the serenity of Sunny Hill Retreat’s beautiful gardens, with abundant bird life and deer wandering around the private lake.

Enter to win. For your chance to win, simply tell us in 25 words or less why you deserve a tranquil afternoon of High Tea with friends. Post your answer, along with your name and contact details, to FOCUS HIGH TEA, Po Box 286, Coffs Harbour, 2450. Entries close 15 May 2012.

The pomegranate Th t h has played l dah heavy role in mythology and religion for millennium. It has even been inferred to be the forbidden fruit from Eden, and referenced in Exodus, Ancient Greek mythology and Hindi Medicinal Texts. Its bright ruby colours and jewel like arils (the seed and y g juicy flesh of the fruit) have also been likened to the colours of the mythological Phoenix,, he exotic and refreshin ng ffruit ru ruit uitt adding to the mystique and opulence of the refreshing ed to as the main food foo od – even to the point that it has been referred d. consumed by the mythological flaming bird. Its intense flavour has been used to accentt dishes through the Middle East and South Eastern Europe for centuries, enriching dishes with its concentrated antioxidants and vitamins. Grenadine, probably the most used form of pomegranate ls and colouring yyour our products, has been accenting your cocktails lemonade as the silent champion of bars worldwide. ecipe books, cocktail cocktaail co But the things that have been left out of recipe nate are thee menus and mythology about the pomegranate een revealing. revealin ng. incredible health benefits it has recently been h and ba arkk to t Once, the Hindi Healers used to use its pith bark ecently, the the treat dysentery and diarrhoea, but more recently, earancce iin n pomegranate has made an incredible appearance canccerr, clinical trials for the treatment of prostate cancer, prostatic hyperplasia, diabetes, lymphoma,, vee rhinovirus infection, common cold, oxidative osi sis, s,, stress, diabetes, hemodialysis, atherosclerosis, and an coronary artery disease, infant brain injury, and hemodialysis for kidney disease. MORE

To read more about the pomegranate, visit my website: www.zuluscoffs.com

focusculture.

of Children’s Day Japanese Festival of Children’s Day is a national holiday in Japan. It is a day set aside to respect children’s personalities and to celebrate their happiness.

he holiday apparently comes from an ancient Chinese story about carp, which swam up a waterfall and turned into dragons. The carp, or Koi in Japanese, became symbols of perseverance. The Japanese version tells of the Koi swimming up the waterfall, but does not mention the dragons. Families fly giant carp windsocks from flagpoles next to the house for about one month before the holiday and about two weeks to a month after. These windsocks are called koinobori, carp flags. Originally, flags with symbols of strength, such as carp, and the family crest were flown on the same flagpole; a streamer called a fukinagashi was also flown. This symbolised the whip, the busho, samurai warrior leaders carried into battle. The busho was a symbol of the samurais’ authority. Later, the other symbols were dropped, and only carp and sometimes the fukinagashi were used. The Koinobori, flown on festival day, were presented to the people of Coffs Harbour in 2005 by the people of our

sister city Sasebo, Japan, to enable the people of Coffs Harbour to understand the cultural significance of the ‘Boys Day Festival’. ‘Boys Day’ has been renamed in Japan as ‘Children’s Day’, to include all children in the festival. What is the Koi Society of Australia? The Koi Society was formed in Sydney in 1974 by a group of hobbyists for the enjoyment, protection, preservation and improvement of the Ornamental Japanese Koi Carp. There are now eight separate branches in NSW from Shoalhaven to Coffs Harbour. The Coffs Harbour Branch was launched at the Coffs Harbour City Council Japanese Children’s Day festival in May 2010 and now has 52 members. They will be holding a display of Koi Fish and an information booth at this year’s Children’s Day festival. How is the Japanese Festival of Children’s Day celebrated locally? In Coffs Harbour we celebrate the day on the first Sunday in May, which is 6 May this year. Celebrations are held at the Japanese Section of the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden in Coffs Harbour.

All children and their parents are invited to come along, bring a BYO picnic and join in activities at the Australian award winning Japanese Festival of Children’s Day. Coffs Harbour City Council and the Friends of the Botanic Garden will be flying the 200 Koinobori carp flags, given to the people of Coffs Harbour by the people of our sister city, Sasebo. Entertainment will be provided by Karate and Judo demonstrations, Taiko Drummers performance group, Kizuna, games and story telling, Anime fashion, kite flying and Bonsai displays. There will also be workshops on origami, calligraphy, sushi making, Manga mask design, kite making and free face painting for the children. The Coffs Harbour Tokonoma Bonsai Society will be holding their annual show and judging. Plus, there’ll be plenty of traditional food, including sushi, Japanese BBQ, Melonpan bread, drinks and confectionery. To find out more, contact Malcolm McLeod at Coffs Harbour City Council on 6648 4840 or email malcolm.mcleod@chcc.nsw.gov.au

coffs coast focus 13

Coffs Coast

Cover Dish Grilled Atlantic Salmon with steamed greens on a potato rosti with tomato and saffron salsa from Horizons Restaurant & Bar.

eat. Dining Guide is available for iPhone & Android mobiles. www.focusmag.com.au/eat

eat.

Latitude 30 Restaurant + Bar

Urban Espresso Lounge

Welcome to Latitude 30, boasting the best view in Coffs Harbour and tantalising food and wine to match. Sit down, chill out and listen to our weekly Jazz bands playing every Sunday between 3pm - 6pm. You can choose from our extensive new menu. There is a choice for everyone, with a huge range of 50 dishes – whether it is sticky pork belly with black pepper caramel or our funky chicken drumettes with white bean puree and garlic croutons.

Stroll into Urban After Dark and see both large and intimate groups sharing Tapas plates, sipping on cocktails, a glass of wine, or chilled beer. Our tasty Tapas menu offers a taste sensation and sets the tone for a great evening with friends. Choose to slowly graze from the Tapas menu, share some pizza or if you are craving a steak, Urban has got you covered. Our wine list complements our menu, with an interesting selection of boutique wines available by the glass, or a fabulous cocktail to awaken your senses. Urban After Dark – the new alternative for your Friday and Saturday nights!

Head chef Ben Massey.

384a Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour Jetty t 6651 1989 w www.urbanespressolounge.com.au

Unit 8/1 Marina Drive, Coffs Harbour t 6651 6888 w www.latitude30.com.au

open: 7 Days from 7am for breakfast and lunch. URBAN AFTER DARK Fri and Sat from 6pm.

open: 8am ‘til late.

Wholly Vegie Breakfast.

Head Chef Blake Walton.

Wholly Cow Café By now you would know that Wholly Cow does great burgers and coffee, but did you know they also have a delicious breakfast menu, served all day! Wholly Cow not only does breakfast burgers, including the ‘hair of the dog’, the ultimate breakfast burger, but also have great brekkie choices such as Eggs Benedict, yummy Wholly Vegie Breakfast or fantastic Banana Omelette, served with a scoop of mascarpone and drizzled with honey, Ciabatta French Toast, to Bircher Muesli for the health conscious.

Bluebottles Brasserie

Owner Ricky Lee

2/39 First Avenue, Sawtell t 6658 2682 open: Mon - Tues. 7am - 5pm. Wed -Sat. 7am - 8pm Sunday – 7am - 3pm.

Bluebottles is located in beautiful seaside Woolgoolga. Open 7 days a week from 6.30am - 3pm and under the guidance of head chef Gerard Geerligs, we offer superb all day breakfast, lunch and daily specials in a relaxed alfresco atmosphere. Bluebottles is also open Friday and Saturdays for afternoon tea and coffee. Bluebottles uses fresh, local ingredients for their seasonal, modern Australian menu. Also on offer is a wide selection of housemade desserts, cakes, muffins and cookies. Bookings are recommended and private functions are catered for.

Head Chef Gerard Geerligs.

Shops 1 & 2, 53 Beach St, Woolgoolga t 6654 1962 open Breakfast and Lunch daily.

coffs coast focus 15

eat. Fiasco Ristorante + Bar

Saltwater Restaurant

Located at the end of the Jetty Strip, Fiasco Ristorante offers an authentic Italian dining experience – with award winning cuisine and service, together with an extensive international wine and beer listing, it has featured in the prestigious SMH Good Guide for the last six years.

Superbly positioned only a few lazy metres from the rolling surf at Emerald Beach, just 15 km north of Coffs Harbour. Take in the view, while our team of award winning chefs and staff look after you. Enjoy breakfast on the terrace, a leisurely lunch, or fine dining in the evening. Saltwater is the perfect location for your wedding reception or function. Recently voted Winner Best Breakfast Restaurant, Northern/New England. Reviewed and recommended by SMH Good Food Guide.

Fiasco Bar has a relaxed feel, and the bar menu offers light meals. Especially popular is our special woodfired Bar Pizza ... a favourite with locals and visitors alike – still only $10 – available Tuesday to Saturday from 6 pm.

Chef Dan Williams.

Head Chef Stefano Mazzina

22 Orlando St, Coffs Harbour Jetty t 6651 2006 w www.fiascorestaurant.com.au open: Ristorante open Tues to Sat from 6pm. Bar open Tues to Sat from 5pm.

Seaview Tavern The Seaview Tavern Family Bistro is open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner. In between we have a great little bar snacks menu – so you are always able to get a great feed. During the winter months you’ll be warmed by our open fires inside, or alfresco in our large beer garden, warmed by mushroom heaters. So, it’s a great place to dine all year round. Our $10 meal deals make us the popular choice from Monday through to Friday, plus we have daily blackboard specials sure to please even the fussiest of palates. We also do takeaway meals – please ring through your order on 6654 1206.

Owner Harry Barry.

51 River St, Woolgoolga t 6654 1206 w www.seaviewtavern.com.au open: 7 Days lunch and dinner.

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104 Fiddaman Road, Emerald Beach t 6656 1888 w www.saltwateronthebeach.com open: Wed - Sun: Breakfast, Lunch. Wed - Sat: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Horizons Restaurant & Bar NEW WINTER MENU We are looking forward to showcasing the best of the region’s produce in the cooler months. So come in our try our mouth watering delights – sensational food at affordable prices. REMEMBER TO BOOK FOR MOTHER’S DAY – Sunday 13 May! All mums receive a free glass of De Bortoli champagne on the day. Breakfast: full buffet breakfast with lots of yummy treats, including Eggs Benedict, chocolate Danishes, pancakes with berry coulis and whipped butter. Lunch: special 2 or 3-course limited choice menu with entertainment. Dinner: à la carte menu from our new autumn dinner menu. Bookings advisable for all.

Clinton Hunter Head Chef.

Opal Cove Resort, Opal Boulevard, Coffs Harbour t 6651 0510 open: breakfast, lunch and dinner – 7 days a week. Happy Hour: 5-6pm daily.

The Pier Hotel Dave Newick, our Head Chef, has come up with his favourite dishes for the new season and added them to our existing comprehensive menu. He has added a little flair by mixing the perfect glass of wine to your meal in his food and wine matching menu. Come along and experience a different theme each night. Monday is burger and beer, Tuesday is macho nacho night, Wednesday is steak and ale night, or try Mexican on Thursday night. Come along and get value for money with our food and drink all in one deals!

Zulu’s Restaurant & Bar There’s only one thing more awesome than having a restaurant quality meal in a beautiful restaurant with someone you love or a group of people you truly care about ... and that would be having that self same meal, in a setting of your choice. Imagine sitting above the city of Coffs Harbour up on the Bruxner lookout, watching the lights come on and the sun go down ... or sitting listening to the waves roll in on the beach ... or better yet ... rugged up ... on the couch ... DVD on ... All of that is now possible with our African Menu being available ... takeaway! See our website for the menu, including exclusive new menu items N.B. We cannot be held responsible for the newfound desire to never cook for yourself again! Begins May 21.

Head Chef Dave Newick.

Chef Joel McCulla.

Cnr Harbour Dr and Camperdown St, Coffs Harbour hotel 6652 2110 bistro 6651 8222

27 Grafton Street, Coffs Harbour (Pacific Highway). t 6652 1588 w www.zuluscoffs.com open: Breakfast: Monday – Friday, 7am – 9am. Dinner: Monday – Saturday, 6pm – late.

open: lunch 11.30-2.30pm, dinner 5.30-8.30pm, 7 days a week.

Oceanfront Brasserie

Red Rooster At Red Rooster Coffs Harbour, our chickens contain no artificial colours or flavours, are hand seasoned and lovingly roasted for 55 minutes to deliver perfect roast chicken every time. Our Peri Peri range features succulent 98% fat-free chicken fillets in a Peri Peri glaze, served with crisp lettuce and fresh tomato, all wrapped up in a soft tortilla, damper bun or a freshly baked baguette. We also offer succulent seafood, freshly cooked deep-sea dory fillets, lightly coated in a golden, crisp tempura batter. Add some delicious sides and you’ve got a tasty, fresh and fast catering solution for any occasion.

at the Deep Sea Fishing Club Looking for the best place in Coffs Harbour to have your special gathering? Let us do the catering for you while you sit back with your friends or family in one of our Seaview function rooms. Our newly designed Tapas Menu has many appetizing choices that will be enjoyed by you and your guests. Call or email our functions coordinator, Lisa for any questions that you may have. She will throw in the best view in the Mid North Coast for free!

Head Chef Craig Clarke

Franchisee Matthew Culgan

4 locations: South Coffs, Bray St, and 2 foodcourt stores located in Palms Shopping Centre & Park Beach Plaza. open: 7 days for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Snacks

Jordon Esplanade, Coffs Harbour Jetty t 6651 2819 w www. deepseafishingclub.com.au open: lunch and dinner daily.

coffs coast focus 17

focusinterview.

Stefano

M A Z Z I N A

Head Chef at Fiasco Ristorante + Bar.

ow long have you been in the hospitality industry, and where did you start out? I have been in Coffs Harbour for seven years now, moving from my home in north Italy. I started working in the hospitality industry in London in 1997. What do you love the most about having your own restaurant on the Coffs Coast? As I am the ‘Boss’, I get to go for a surf before work!

What would you say is Fiasco’s point of difference? I feel the difference is in our attention to the care and level of service offered to our customers. We cater for all e Both our kitchen and th in occasions, bothoffsite. floor staff are passionate d an restaurant ies, rt pa ay about what they do – hd rt bi We do ivate we are always looking weddings and pr dinners. for improvement in the product and service that we offer to our customers.

Tell our readers about the amazing menu you have at Fiasco. Our menu changes with the seasons, and we always prepare our food with passion and care, taking time to find the best local produce and then using all of our knowledge to create a full and flavoursome dining experience. Fiasco Ristorante + Bar caters for functions as well. What are the options that readers have when booking a function? We cater for all occasions, both in the restaurant and offsite. We do birthday parties, weddings and private dinners. We

18 coffs coast focus.

always discuss what the client wants, and the options are open to all discussion until we agree on the special menu for the event.

What do you have in store for the restaurant over the next 6 months? We are continuing our ‘Giro d’Italia’, where we are exploring the different regional foods of Italy – available on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights, it has proved very popular. Look out for the famous Fiasco Bar Pizza … we are updating the pizza menu … but the price of the Bar Pizza will stay the same ... still only $10! Thanks Stefano.

PI C S I N SA M ’S ADS

Yaraandoo Wellbeing Weekends. Youth Directions - Careers Expo. Statistics indicate that today’s youth can expect to be employed in at least four different career fields and over 20 jobs during the course of their working life. With countless choices available, deciding where to start a career pathway can be a confusing experience for students. To make this task easier, Youth Directions has established a range of career development activities including two annual events – Coffs Coast Careers Expo and Health Careers Expo. The Expos encourage students to value learning by linking it to their hopes and dreams for the future. Since 2007, the Expos have connected over 9,000 local high school students with information and career advice from business people, practitioners, industry experts and training organisations. Youth Directions partners with local organisations to create opportunities for young people to realise their potential – Coffs Coast Careers Expo is delivered in partnership with Coffs Harbour Chamber of Commerce. Health Careers Expo, to be held in June, is delivered in partnership with North Coast Medicare Local and NCITAFE. 2012 Coffs Coast Careers Expo – Tuesday 8 May at Coffs Harbour Racing Club between 9am – 3pm. Open to the public. Free entry. Further information, phone Youth Directions 6653 2900.

Yaraandoo Wellbeing Weekends offer two nights’ accommodation in the New England Snowy Mountains, adjacent to New England National Park at Point Lookout near Ebor. Scrumptious healthy meals are lovingly made on site by chef – Paul Mailfert, with fresh regional cuisine sourced from Guyra, Armidale, Dorrigo and Bellingen. Pampering is in abundance and includes a relaxing full body massage, remedial massage, reflexology and Indian head and shoulder massage. These sessions leave one feeling like they are floating on a cloud, washing the stresses of everyday life away. Fun activities include dancing, music, art, nature photography and guided bushwalks in the many different habitats found in the Point Lookout area. Fly fishing or swimming under mountain waterfalls are available in the summer months. The days kick off with guided on-site bushwalks, yoga or Pilates sessions and finish with soothing live music over drinks and Hors d’ouevres in front of the fire. Participants are given one on one wellbeing consultations and can attend workshops on a variety of topics, which vary from diet, communication, finance, mindfulness and exercise. The weekends are all about ‘you time’ – time to relax, rejuvenate, reflect and re-program yourself by focusing on the physical, mental/spiritual and social elements of your life.

Where Music Lives. Coffs Harbour Regional Conservatorium has a range of music groups that students can join to have fun making music with friends. Making music with other players encourages teamwork and provides an opportunity to develop key leadership skills. There are also specific skills that cannot be developed through individual music lessons that come to the forefront in group music making. These skills include learning to balance sound and musical line through listening, empathy with other players, understanding the role that each part plays in the harmonic structure of the music as a whole and knowing where and how you fit into the bigger musical picture. Guitars, clarinets, saxophones, violins, cellos, percussion and brass players, as well as singers, are all catered for in the Ensemble Program at the Conservatorium. We welcome all enquiries, and our dedicated administration staff are always happy to answer your questions. The cost is very reasonable; just $60 per term covers all rehearsals and concert appearances. So telephone today and start making music with friends!

NBLF NVTJD with '3*&/%4 COFFS HARBOUR REGIONAL CONSERVATORIUM

guitar groups ensembles choirs & more Bray Street Complex Cnr Bray Street & Paciﬁc Highway Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 CALL

6652 1592 VISIT www.coffscon.org.au

coffs coast focus 19

focusinterview.

If James Brown and Joni Mitchell shared one night of passion, they would have conceived Lionheir. The soul-rock artist is a free-spirited live performer who captures imaginations with his cutting-edge songwriting. Lionheir was formerly known as Paul Appelkamp and toured the nation many times over as a solo artist. FOCUS chats to him about his upcoming tour, where he will be performing his debut single 'Waterfall'.

ell us a bit about your background. When did you start to become interested in music? I started playing guitar when I was living in New Zealand at about the age of 10 or 11. I started learning at that young age a lot of Rock – Rage Against The Machine, Nirvana, old classics like Jimi Hendrix and stuff like that. So it all started with the guitar, and then I just started singing as time went on and writing some pretty bad songs in my teens – and still the odd bad one. Then I moved to Sydney and started getting involved with some bands in my teens. I read that you studied politics in university. What career path were you hoping that would take you on? I was always socially conscious, and I wanted to get involved in policy research and really trying to make people in my position informed about decisions they make – and also human rights. I was thinking about joining up with the UN but music sort of just took over, so I’ve been following that. I’ve gone back and done journalism as well, which has given me a way to fund my zany music. Do you find that those studies have also helped with your songwriting? Definitely. It gives you a whole new form of issues and feelings to be inspired by. When you know things, you can write about them. If you sit at home every day and you don’t know anything, it’s sort of hard to write about something interesting. You were formerly known as Paul Appelkamp. You toured the nation many times, winning multiple awards. Why did you decide to change your name to Lionheir? I just felt it was time for a change. You’ve got to evolve with the times in music, and artistically as you get older ... it’s a never ending process. You’re always evolving. I thought it was time for a change, so I went in a new direction. I’ve always loved Soul and Rock music. Before, I was playing more acoustic based stuff and there’s still elements of that in this, but this is more of a zany, artistic, out-

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there sort of project that I’ve always wanted to do. That partially answers the next question… which is how has your music changed from your previous album as Paul Appelkamp to your current album as Lionheir? Well, it definitely has changed. When I moved up to the North Coast from Sydney, I really focused on songwriting. That was the Managing to stay major reason I moved up e in the music gam est here … I wanted to get gg bi y has been m t, en hm is away from fast paced life pl m acco en and really concentrate on seriously. I’ve be s natural treasures. And up y an m h ug thro my songwriting. So I’ve having that constant flow and downs, notbut just refined my craft. That, , of inspiration helps you just financially in turn, made the songs . ly with your songwriting. artistical and my music in general a Who has inspired you lot stronger. I could tap into the throughout your music feelings that I wanted to get across career? much more easily. I’d have to say a lot of the classic artists. I’ve incorporated a lot of the horns and brass Definitely Bob Dylan, because my dad was feel from classic Soul, but there’s also more playing his records from before I was born! So psychedelic Rock elements as well. It’s a bit like definitely that warm sort of songwriting has watching a Quentin Tarantino film with your impacted upon me personally. The other major ears. I just wanted to make a CD that I could artists would be Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley and put on with friends over or at a party and just The Wailers. All the timeless artists, I suppose. let it roll from start to finish – you don’t notice Anthony Lycenko is an award winning it’s there, but it creates a really nice vibe ... and producer. What was it like working with if you want to listen to it, it can take you to him on your album? really interesting places. So that was my goal. It was really mind opening, because he works You wrote most of the songs from your purely off the vibe. He’s technically a really upcoming album in Byron Bay ‘up, behind experienced engineer; he spent a lot of time in the hills’. What was it about this location the UK and has worked with some pretty big that inspired you to write? artists. He’s been in the game for over 20 years It was the surrounding hinterland. It’s such now, so he just knows so much about vibe. a naturally beautiful part of the world. I know As I was saying before, I wanted a CD I could that’s a bit cliché, but out of all my travels as put on and just create a nice atmosphere while a solo artist around Australia, this place and there are people over, and that’s what we’ve Tasmania were probably the two most beautiful managed to do. places. I just felt really grounded here. You It’s been invaluable really; I’ve learnt a lot, just get up here and you almost feel at home, and we really got along well together. It’s even though it’s not your home … that’s why not often you work with someone who is on I made it my home! There’s a lot of waterfalls exactly the same level. He’s a bit older than me and hidden treasures that you wouldn’t know but we were just on exactly the same level, so are here, but you can explore … and I’m still the project really came to life. exploring. I’ve been here for 2 years, and it’s a You’re about to go on tour … what do you constant inspiration. There’s a lot of wildlife … look forward to the most before stepping we had a snake living in our roof ... just weird on stage?

That’s a tough one. What I hope for is that I’ll play the songs to the pinnacle of my ability and that people will not leave (laughs)! I hope that people will enjoy the show and feel what I’m trying to get across. If that happens, then the vibe just lifts and by the end of the set, hopefully we’re in a higher and much better place. What do you feel has been the biggest accomplishment of your career to date? Managing to stay in the music game has been my biggest accomplishment, seriously. I’ve been through many ups and downs, not just financially, but artistically. It’s like getting writers' block … as a musician, when that inspiration dies, it’s really hard to switch back on, and I’m just afraid that if that goes off again … you never know what’s going to happen. At the moment it’s on, and I’m feeling really, really good. Now that you have completed your album, what is next for you? Have you got any plans for the future? We’re going to release a single on this tour, then we’ll release another single and we’ll smash out the album. Then we’ll do a much bigger tour. Hopefully in about another 2 - 3 years, I’d like to have another album out, if all goes to plan, and I want to refine my sound even more and my songwriting even more. That’s just what I’m working towards at the moment. Lionheir will be performing at The Hoey Moey on Sunday 20 May. For more information on the show, visit www.hoeymoey.com.au

focusinterview.

PICS IN STORIES FOLDER

K I L L E R If you’re a fan of Queen, don’t miss the amazing tribute show that’s about to hit C.ex Coffs on Friday May 4. The guys from Killer Queen tell FOCUS about their show.

hen was Killer Queen made Queen move perfectly with the times to be in first established? the charts for 40 years. Killer Queen was Queen’s original guitarist, Brain May, has established in 2006. Before even commended Killer Queen as being this, for a short time, it was ‘astonishing’. How amazing was that for you part of a show called the ‘King & Queen Show’, to get such a good review from him? which featured Elvis and then a set of Queen, all Yes, we are on the official website as a tribute in full costume. We realised the popularity of the show, and to have accolades from one of the music of Queen was strong enough for its own people you are tributing is a wonderful compliment. show, so set about the challenge of creating an What have been your career highlights? accurate tribute to this iconic band. Certainly performing in Norway last year with Introduce your band members ... Foreigner and Journey at the Skanevik Blues Festival Firstly, Johnny Blunt as Freddie Mercury. Johnny was an incredible experience; firstly, being on the comes from an acting background and had already same bill as these legendary bands, but to be the performed as Freddie at Movieworld, both first tribute to perform at the festival was an here and internationally. honour. He has been featured in Killer Queen featured on Woman’s Day and recently Australia’s Got Talent. How l appeared on a French has that helped launch you ficia We are on the ofshow, e TV program featuring into the spotlight? ut website as a trib lades co ac lookalikes from all over What has had much more and to have le op pe e th of e on Europe. Johnny was impact than the 3 minutes from is a you are tributingpliment. picked over several Freddie performing on the show wonderful com Mercury impersonators to (cut down to 90 seconds!) perform in the show, and has been the hundreds of was flown from Australia thousands of hits the clip has for the event. The show was had on Youtube. This has definitely televised to millions of viewers put us out into cyberspace and has around the UK and Europe. His closeness in given us the overseas opportunities that looks to Freddie Mercury is now legendary! would have never come about if we were just Next is Anthony Smith, as Brian May. He has to performing in our local clubs and advertising locally. imitate the soaring guitar solos of the legendary You’re coming to Coffs Harbour in May to guitarist, and having the exact replica of Brian perform your latest show. What can we expect May’s guitar is a must and the exact amplifiers. from it? And of course, he plays with an English sixpence Firstly, you will see a full production show for a plectrum as Brian does, to create the instantly complete with laser lighting, accurate looks and recognisable sound of Queen. Many times people costumes and the energy of a live Queen concert – have come up after a gig to ask if he is the real all live, no backing tracks or miming! Great dance Brian May! music, great ballads and unforgettable melodies, Wayne Vitale, as John Deacon on bass, complete with lots of opportunities to sing along with with accurate costumes, instruments and a Freddie! virtuosity that matches this key part of Queen Our aim is for people to walk out of the show perfectly. Kevin Shilling as Roger Taylor, our newest either: thinking that they have just seen Queen; member, creates the thundering drums and high reminiscing about a Queen concert they saw when vocals that make a live Queen show an exhilarating they were younger; never got to see Queen and experience. The fifth member of Queen was a man are happy they got a glimpse by coming to see our named Spike Edney, and we have Ben Crossman show. And finally, it’s just a great night out for all who plays piano and all the synthesizer parts that ages! coffs coast focus

focussocial.

social scene.

with Carole Beros from Le Dāin Designs Tracey & Clinton Hayes enjoying lunch on the Coffs Coast.

BWN President Lorraine Gordon and FOCUS Director Louise Beaumont at the last BWN Breakfast. Karen Lewis of SMS at the last BWN Breakfast.

or all those readers of our fabulous publication who briefly look at the Social Scene and think it’s all about fancy balls, opening nights, dressing up and showing off ... well carry on reading, because it’s not! We like to cover everything – socialising includes the camaraderie within local clubs, groups and any event where people get to make new friends, enjoy old friends or share skills and hobbies of any sort. Charity organisations who work together to raise funds for worthy causes all end up as a way to socialise as well. On the subject of social groups and clubs, we have a new section starting in this publication called Collectors Corner, where we are featuring locals and their large/quirky/rare collections! Really excited about this, as we are a COLLECTING Family and have always fancied joining the Collectors Club. Now, THE HUSBAND does attend some social functions with me, and THE SON isn’t keen at all! So I was attempting to lure them into us joining something all together and was making a few remarks about us socialising more as a family, or maybe joining a club of some sort. This resorted in me getting some (under the breath) remarks from THE HUSBAND and THE LOOK from THE SON! They informed me they had a fabulous social life all of their own! I’ll get back to that later ... We went down to the Coffs Coast Growers Market recently, which is held in the City Centre. Splashes of vibrant colour from farm fresh fruit and vegetables and the scent from gorgeous flowers fill the square. Markets are always visually exciting, and I always get tempted to buy nearly everything ... not good at the chocolate cake stall! Everything is there, including herbs, olives cakes, oils and absolutely delicious wood-fired breads. This market is held every Thursday from 8am - 3pm. These people

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Locals enjoying the Coffs Coast Growers Market.

not only make a living out of these wonderful stalls, but they have become a united group and look forward to socialising with fellow stall holders and market loving customers. For enquires, call 6648 4084. Another example of a really great group to join is the Country Women’s Association. One of the groups of ladies who form a CWA is in Sawtell. They have their own quaint little hall in Elizabeth Street, and it’s not all about making cakes and knitting booties! These girls are involved with so much more. Money is raised for various charities, and hobbies and crafts of every kind are shared between fellow members. The Sawtell CWA also has a Market Day held on the 4th Saturday of every month. The next one is on 28 April. Thirty different stalls are there to show off their wares. Go for breakfast or lunch and enjoy sizzling sausages and bacon, or indulge in one of their delicious Devonshire cream teas. Scrumptious home-made cakes, scones with jam and cream ... YUM! Who could resist that? For enquiries, call Lorna on 6652 4335. Certainly looking forward to the evening fundraising event presented by the Bunker Cartoon Gallery for the Rotary Club. It is being held at the Pet Porpoise Pool on 25 May 2012, from 6.30 - 9.30pm. The evening will be filled with laughter, fun and animal magic from the whiskered ones. The special guest speaker is Eric Löbbecke, who is an award winning illustrator and cartoonist. Sounds will be provided from Nightbeat, which will add to the entertainment for the night. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased from The Pet Porpoise Pool. For enquiries, call Marilyn on 6651 2310. While out with family having lunch, bumped into Tracey and Clinton Hayes, who were out with the family, doing just the same. Clinton has left Coffs Coast Mercedes-Benz to join his wife in their rapidly growing business Go Vita in the

Lorna Dawes and Gloria McKinnon of the CWA.

Palms Centre (soon to be Coffs Central). I hear they have an exciting year ahead of them, with expansion plans and a new store. Two heads are better than one, so they say! Will keep you posted when they do a re-launch, so you don’t miss out on the specials! We attended a breakfast at C.ex Coffs for the Business Women’s Network. The guest speaker for the morning was none other than one of the owners of this publication. Louise Beaumont, along with husband Jay, started out in 2005 in a tiny 4x4 office with big dreams and expanded to four big, glossy coffee table style magazines across the region. They had the idea of providing the public with a free colourful, informative publication delivered right to our door, and that’s just what they have done. Louise went on to enlighten us about their journey and gave a few tips along the way. After enjoying a scrumptious breakfast, we were treated to performances from the talented Julie Ross Dancers. Exciting times ahead for approximately 24 dancers, as they’re off to perform in LA at the Universal Studios in Disneyland! I was super proud, as one of the young and talented was Darci O’Rourke, my girlfriend Natalie’s youngest daughter. These young ones put their all into performing, and I bet they have a fantastic time when they get to perform with dancers from around the world. Great crowd once again for the ETC Business Leaders Breakfast, held at the Novotel Pacific Bay Resort. Food was delicious as usual, and the guest speaker for the morning (or should I say entertainer) was the legendary cricketer and raconteur, Max Walker. There was plenty of hysterical banter, and Max gave away a signed bat to boot. What a light and breezy lead up to the day! Looking forward to attending the next event organised by ETC Business Leaders and WHK. Australia’s iconic international journalist, Mr George Negus, will be the guest speaker.

Can’t wait to hear what he has to say! Looking forward to attending the launch of Elyan Shotbolt-Kirkland’s brand new bigger and better ‘My Sister’s Wardrobe’ Boutique. Elyan is relocating to Moonee Street in Coffs Harbour very soon. The store will be bursting at the seams with fabulous new stock and surprises. Local girl Elyan is a busy bee; she is also off shortly to compete in the Finals for the Pin Up Competition at the Autumn Fest. Good Luck, Elyan. Renet held a rollicking 10 year birthday party down at Barrells Bistro at Sawtell. It is a company which services over 3,000 real estate agents around Australia. Many of the agents from the local area as well, as from Sydney and Brisbane, were out for a night of good food and good fun. Our local Renet is situated on First Avenue at Sawtell, so they didn’t have far to go to kick up their heels! I hear from my spies that the party went on well into the small hours ... I have been informed by THE HUSBAND and THE SON that this weekend is meant to be a time of relaxation and enjoyment. Job lists and nagging are banished from The Kingdom, and the only one I am allowed to boss around is THE CAT! Hmmmm ... not very handy, as the THE CAT is only good at taking notes at the family meetings and raising the odd paw! THE HUSBAND had been reading the column so far and noticed the topic of social clubs and being social generally. So when I suggested we might attack the garden, he politely pointed out that their social life needed attending to and that he and THE SON were off to be SOCIABLE with their crowd this weekend at THEIR CLUB and watch the local football! That left me speechless! There’s a first! Now, where’s that CAT? Here is to being SOCIABLE! Carole, Le Dãin Designs.

Photo by karinasmithphotography.com

May at the Jetty Theatre May at the Jetty Memorial Theatre is all about the community shows. Kicking off on 5 May is the Coffs Harbour Musical Comedy Club, presenting their much anticipated production of Sweet Charity. The Broadway classic from the late sixties takes a tender, poignant and funny look at the misadventures in the life and loves encountered by the gullible and guileless Charity Hope Valentine. This new take on the classic is to be directed by Maureen Burgess and Judi Williams and features the comic wit of writer Neil Simon, stunning choreography and a huge musical score brimming with classics – a true comedy spectacular. The Coffs Harbour Conservatorium of Music will once again be delighting us with their wonderful selection of musical offerings. Next month we have the Sydney Brass gracing the theatre stage on Sunday 24 June. After the sell-out success of both the Soundlabyrinth

and Wheelers and Dealers shows, we expect the Sydney Brass to be a big hit too, so get your tickets early! For all our aspiring theatre artists, Mark Conaghan will be kicking off the Jetty Youth program once again. We’ve had a lot of support for the first term and the classes have proven to be hugely popular, so all those interested in continuing or anyone interested in starting afresh please call us at the theatre ASAP. The big news for our members in May is that our membership packs have been posted out. Inside you will find your key-tag, which you can use to get discounts from our sponsors and at the Theatre Café when you see a show. Anyone interested in becoming a member can now contact us at the theatre and sign up over the phone. So give us a call, and we can share with you the full range of benefits available.

coffs coast focus 23

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C O V E R S T O R Y.

GEORGE N E G U S

George Negus is an iconic Australian journalist and one of our best known media personalities. George has had an illustrious career and has travelled the world reporting on major political and international issues. He’s a man who’s not afraid to tell it like it is and despite his career in the spotlight, he still manages to stay grounded. George talks about his life in the media, Australian politics and why he calls this area home ...

ou have a property up here in Bellingen, don’t you? It’s not a property; it’s home. It’s our real home. We have lived in The Promised Land, outside of Bellingen, for 16-17 years. We come up as often as we can, which is never often enough! What do you love about the area? Pretty much everything. We bought the house around 23 years ago and, while we retained our place in Sydney when we left, we chose to live in The Promised Land. We always fantasised about having the kids grow up in the country. Our theory was you could live in the country and go to the city, but people who live in the city have never really had any serious time in the country. So it was almost a philosophical decision. We were treechangers before the term was even invented! Let’s talk about your career for a second … last month I had the pleasure of interviewing Peter FitzSimons, the Australian writer, whom I’m sure you know. He told me that the reason he got into journalism is because he loves to tell stories. What influenced you to become a journalist? Asking questions. I discovered that they pay you money to ask questions in journalism and, in my mid – late twenties, I started asking some questions about life, love and the pursuit of political happiness.

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I found myself in journalism as a result. I went from school teaching to print journalism, and then from print journalism to television ... and the rest is history. But it was my own inquisitiveness about what made the world tick, or not tick. I haven’t stopped asking those sort of questions ever since. Is it true that when you were first starting out, you were one of only a few journalists who were actually qualified? I’m one of the rare tertiary qualified journalists of my generation, and I was treated with a high degree of suspicion. The attitude then was that you didn’t need a university qualification to be a journalist. So, I was regarded as this suspicious character who had been to university. It’s pretty rare these days of course; university qualified journalists are a dime a dozen. Was it hard for you then, if you were treated that way? It was an attitude, really; it wasn’t that I was treated that badly. It was more like, “You did WHAT? A Diploma of Journalism at university? What’s that all about?” It was more curiosity, but it was my way of getting in. I didn’t start in journalism until I was 29, and I think that also meant that I was treated with a bit of suspicion, because I’d actually grown up by the time I got into journalism. I knew what I thought about things before I started.

As you said, things have changed a bit now. Everyone seems to be qualified and battling for the same big stories. Do you have any advice for young journalists? I think the most non gratuitous advice I’d give is know yourself; and that means knowing what you think about and believe about things, because you can’t start telling other people about what’s going on in the world if you haven’t worked out what you think. I think the problem with the younger generations (without sounding like a dinosaur) is that there are a lot of young people coming out of tertiary institutions with qualifications in Communications and Media and Journalism, which is terrific, but you can’t learn experience and perspectives. So the advice I would give is crawl before you can walk, and walk before you can run. If you think that the tertiary education you’ve got is enough, I doubt that you’ll make it. And that means being a bit humble occasionally and not pretending that you know things that you don’t know. I enjoy working with young journalists who ask a lot of questions of an old bugger like me, and I can bounce off the enthusiasm of youth. So it’s a good thing – the older and experienced and the younger and enthusiastic is what we need. But I’ve never lost my enthusiasm, or I wouldn’t have stayed in the media as long as I have.

always have plusses and minuses, but what I find difficult, as a person who is paid to analyse, criticise, dissect and evaluate … if you do that in the wrong way at the wrong time with the social media and IT generally, then you’re written off as some sort of dinosaur – a mindless old fogie who hasn’t moved with the times. Well, that’s rubbish! What is it about social media and the internet that means someone like myself, who is a professional skeptic, is not allowed to say anything critical without appearing to be out of date? Well, that’s crap! I think one day we’re going to wake up and find all of our mobile phones surgically attached to our ears! They’ll all be nuclear powered, so the battery won’t run out … You know what … it might not be too far away! Maybe that should happen at birth – stick a chip in the kids’ ears at birth, and they won’t ever have to think about anything. They won’t have to go to school, and you can just Google somebody’s brain.

I enjoy working with young journalists who ask a lot of questions of an old bugger like me, and I can bounce off the enthusiasm of youth.

ICONIC AUSTRALIAN JOURNALIST

You’re predominantly a political and international journalist. What do you think are some of the major political issues we’re facing in Australia at the moment, and how do we tackle them? Politics is crap in this country at the moment … absolute nonsense! We have managed to de-ball politics. We talk about the Labor Party leadership crisis – we have a leadership crisis full stop! I’m an ideologist by the way; there’s only one way to understand politics – and that’s to understand why these parties even exist. The Labor Party doesn’t know why it exists, and the Liberal Party isn’t even the Liberal Party. If they told us what they really believed, they’d scare the sh*t out of people! So, we are caught between a rock and a rock politically. Nobody really knows what they’re voting for; hence, a not so well hung parliament. It is extremely ordinary, because people no longer know what the parties stand for. And while they don’t know what the parties are about ideologically, how do they work out the vote, or why do we bother having one? You’ve travelled the world in your career … what have been some of the highlights of where your career has taken you so far? The world has been my oyster. If I told you the highlights, I’d get off the phone and think of 10 more! Everywhere that I’ve been, everything that I’ve done and every person I’ve interviewed has been significant for one reason or another. Psychologically, I’ve always approached everything I’ve done at the time as the most important thing I’ve done. Or, the situation I’ve found myself in internationally or nationally is the most important thing that needed explanation for people. I’ve never really thought: “This is the greatest or most important thing I’ve ever done”. It’s actually an impossible question to answer. That’s a good attitude to have though, because everything IS significant. Yes, it is. Some things are significant because they’re economically or politically important, and sometimes it’s significant because it’s just funny and you meet a really interesting and worthwhile human being occasionally. I’ve also been lucky enough to travel the world at other people’s expense, which is nice! I wanted to ask you about social media. I remember you at Bellingen Readers & Writers Festival last year referring to Facebook as ‘In-Your-Facebook’ … (Laughs). Well, I think it’s potentially very dangerous. We’re seeing instances day after day of the pitfalls of the social media. When you’ve got a technological development like IT, and you’ve got someone sitting at the computer saying something not because they want to help mankind, but because they want to make a lot of dough ... that’s as crude as it gets. When people’s motivation is at odds with the really useful aspect of something like social media, then that’s where we get into trouble. And, I think one day it will cause havoc in one way or another. People say that World War III will be started by water, but I think somebody is going to make a gigantic mistake on the internet or on social media, and who knows what it could lead to! It’s already been seen to have some beneficial effects, but we see far more things like bullying, sexual harassment and people whose reputations are being slandered on the social media, without any recourse. Yes, you certainly have to be very cautious of what is said. Oh yeah. It has got enormous usefulness, but boy oh boy, the dangers and pitfalls have to be watched very carefully as well. We somehow managed to live without it before. It’s just changing the way we interact with each other. Developments

Don’t put ideas in people’s heads, George! (Laughs). I’m joking ... but I’m not. That’s the nature of the beast. You stick your tongue in your cheek and say something absolutely outrageous, but you’re actually saying something that you think is very serious! So, what projects are you working on at the moment? I’m actually deliberately in a transition period. It’s a case of how do you take advantage of the experience you’ve had, rather than keep repeating it. I’ve tried to slow down, and I’m not having much success, but when your brain keeps operating – your body is going to follow! I’ve had a very fortunate life, and I’ve got no complaints about how things have happened. But when you’re a parent of twenty-somethings ... maybe my role in life is to mentor my son’s generation – as long as they don’t get bored sh*tless of the ‘dad jokes’! Thanks George. Interview by Kim Gould.

Listen to George. George Negus will be speaking at the next Business Leaders Luncheon, presented by ETC and WHK on Wednesday 23 May, 2pm - 4pm at C.ex Coffs. $40 and can be purchased by visiting www.etc.ltd.com.au

6648 5400.

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Discover your new look.

African Hair Braids. Have you ever wondered what you would look like with real hair extensions? Do you have thin hair, uncontrollable hair, or are you looking for a lift or instant change?

We’re Moving.

Well, African Hair Braids is your answer, sporting their new and centrally located premises across from the C.ex Coffs in town.

This month, My Sister’s Wardrobe is celebrating moving to a bigger store in Moonee Street! If you’re a lover of lady-like fashion or just looking for something with a retro touch, then pay this quirky store a visit. Upon entering this pretty place, you’ll be enthralled by the history of the old Singers, suitcases and hat boxes adorning the walls and charmed by the reproduction clothing made from beautiful fabrics. Heavily inspired by the 1940s and ‘50s, you’ll find an array of gorgeous frocks, classic hats, high-waisted pants, sweet cardies, and vintage-inspired hosiery you simply won’t find anywhere else. Not only stocking labels from the United States and United Kingdom, My Sister’s Wardrobe is also home to the in-house label, Shotbolt. Owner, Elyan, designs and constructs her own label and is able to take custom orders for race days, weddings and the like

26 coffs coast focus.

(subject to availability.) Elyan’s designs and style have won many ‘fashions on the field’ competitions, and she has long been involved in the now-popular vintage scene and pin-up girl competitions. Between the racks of clothing, your eyes will delight in the little bits and pieces too. Sassy nail files, a selection of jewellery, cats-eye sunglasses highlighted with diamontes, or perhaps a pair of little hair clips; whether you’re looking for yourself or for a gift, you’re sure to find something that will take your fancy. Come and meet the friendly staff, and keep up to date via Facebook or www.my-sisterswardrobe.com.au

Kuei, a professional hair braider, welcomes everybody and is happy to talk to you about your specific needs. She offers a big range of products; from hair maintenance to 14 different colours of extensions to choose from, to get that exact match. And with these hair extensions, you can dye your hair at any time without damaging the extensions. If you are just after clip in hair or something more permanent, extensions will provide your thin hair with thickness, volume and length. At African Hair Braids, your hair extensions are placed in using the ‘Fusion’ technique – a technique which offers one of the most versatile and natural-looking methods for hair extensions. Fusion weave allows you to wash hair frequently and to be able to use regular hair products and gels. In addition to their fantastic range of top

quality hair extensions, African Hair Braids embraces all styles of braids, from corn rows, single plaits, twists, to dread locks and weaves. Kuei is from Africa but her experience extends to years in America, where she was in high demand for hair weaves and extensions. At African Hair Braids, dreadlocks are done properly and professionally, giving you a finished and clean look. So come on in and visit the new and bigger shop; discover your new look. And while you’re there, choose from their new range of pure leather and fashionable handbags, skincare and haircare products, as well as unique cushions for sale on site.

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Win a great gift basket full of goodies for mum.

“I think every woman is beautiful.” - Nathan Kake.

With Love & Kisses.

Spoil Your Mum.

To Mum, with love and kisses and lots of special Mother’s Day wishes from Karen ...” (or Daniel, or Ebony, or Maureen, or Skye, or Connor, or Emily, or Bill!)

BLUSH MAKEUP & BEAUTY STUDIO PRESENTS ...

Whether you decide to buy her a smart new handbag this

Nathan Kake

VIP Night.

Mother’s Day, or if it’s a $5 or $10 pocket money gift that’s

Nathan has worked in the makeup industry for the last 25

If you are looking for that unique gift for your mum this Mother’s Day, you can’t go past the local made products at the Coffs Coast Growers Market.

needed, there are lots of great things to choose from at Love &

years and has worked on famous faces such as Cher, Trinny and

Kisses. You’ll find the prettiest new scarves, with many just $9.95.

Susannah and Cindy Crawford.

Or perhaps you’ll decide on a scarf with a matching necklace. Judy

Nathan’s work has been printed in over 200 magazines, and he

Why not make your mum a gourmet meal, perhaps breakfast in bed? With fresh roasted Artisti coffee, Ulong eggs, baked goodies from Hearthfire or fresh seafood from Its Wild Seafood, mum will not be left hungry this Mother’s Day.

has had so many jewellery deliveries in the last few weeks, that all

has worked in the USA, France, England, Singapore and New

the stock drawers are bursting at the seams; so, if you’re looking

Zealand.

for something special, be sure to ask for help. Beads are the thing

Nathan has also co presented TV shows such as 10 Years

this winter, and some of the new arrivals are just so pretty.

Younger in 10 Days and The Good Morning Show.

Maybe you’ll choose a lace hanky or a jigsaw puzzle for Grandma,

“I think every woman in beautiful,” says Nathan and with the

Blue Berrylicious have a great range of hampers and gift baskets, including products such as their famous Blue Berry Jam, Chocolate Coated Blueberries and Blueberry Rice Pudding. Body Bar Australia have a huge variety of great smelling gifts available, including sample packs of their fabulous soap.

and a new address book for Nana. And most mums would be very

tips and tricks, everyone can look like a supermodel.

happy to receive a little ‘I love you’ box, or a tiny glass bottle filled

DRESS: BLACK, WITH A BIT OF BLING.

with hearts, just to remind her of how loved she is.

DATES: Wednesday 30 – 10am ‘til 5pm (available)

The Coffs Coast Growers Market is also offering a chance to win a great gift basket full of goodies for mum. For further details on how to enter, visit our Facebook page at www.facebook/coffscoastgrowersmarket

When you need to give a gift with love and kisses, Love & Kisses is the first place to go. Give yourself ten minutes this week to take a look at what’s new, check out the quirkiest range of gifts and surprises you’ll find under one roof, and enjoy the Love & Kisses experience. You’ll be glad that you did!

Thursday 31 – 1pm ‘til 4pm (booked out) Thursday 31 – 6pm ‘til 9pm (available) $100 per ticket, which is fully redeemable on product. 30 tickets available only. Champagne and nibbles included. Call to make a booking on 6652 1100. Don’t miss this great event!

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Discover your new look

A taste of Southern India . While it’s famous for its vibrant food and array of spices, Southern India boasts so many more sensory delights. Featuring the beautiful palm-fringed coastline of Malabar, lush green slopes of tea plantations through Munnar, the natural healing treatments of Ayurveda on the backwaters of Kerala and spectacular wildlife, this southern land holds something truly special and captivating for visitors and tourists alike.

spices, India is one of the largest exporters of tea, accounting for over 30% of global production, with many tea growing regions in the South to see. Lovers of nature and all things wild will be in their element with the various national parks, wildlife reserves and natural sites, including Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, where you may encounter tigers and elephants.

The biggest city of the South is Bangalore. Aside from its booming IT Industry, it has some of the most glorious gardens in India and a trendy and progressive culture.

Lucky for readers, Quadrant Australia is taking a special 15-day fully-escorted tour in October, to explore the culinary and cultural delights of Southern India.

Further south, many ancient sites and beautiful temples scatter the land including: – the spectacular Mattancherry Palace – an absolute must-see!

Our leader Jackie Passmore is a well known author and chef who delights in sharing her passion for food – in particular the vast array of tastes and spices that Indian cuisine entertains. The tour will explore this rich cuisine and culture, spectacular sites and temples, lush tea plantations and will have you cooking authentic Indian cuisine first hand.

Foodies will love to explore, with the many local markets overflowing with pure forms of all spices, making for a truly colourful sight to see and experience first hand. Along with

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focusinterview.

Trudy Talk about a versatile artist! Trudy Smith creates all kinds of visual masterpieces, from murals to body art. She shares her creative endeavours in art and new business ventures ...

ow long have you been

Everything. You just have to open your eyes,

living on the Coffs Coast,

look, learn and listen. Being an artist is what I’m

and how did Art by

meant to do. Some people write, dance, sing;

Trudy Smith start?

l’ll try all of these things, but I’m not good at

I have been a local for over

them, I think ... but my family and friends tell me

48 years, starting my art

differently ha ha – that I am best to stick to what

in my kitchen with two very young daughters

comes naturally to me.

running around. The girls tried to paint the walls,

You’re about to launch live drawing classes?

because that’s what they saw me painting. Now

Great for girls’ nights out or mixed groups,

they are older and have the skills to be involved

hen’s nights, birthday parties, team building and

and help me out with my business. I couldn’t be

Christmas parties.

happier having my girls on board. My business

We all need to be creative to

developed from people asking me to do things,

get the balance of life right.

and I saw a need for art in the community.

Experiences stay with you

Who influenced you to develop an interest

forever ... and this one is all

in your art career?

about fun! It’s not serious,

My husband, family and friends. The first job

and you don’t have to be

I did was through a friend who knew someone

artistic. If you can draw a

that needed a mural painting. She said to me,

stick figure, if you have a

“You can do this” ... she believed in me. Thanks

sense of humour, can hold

Cherie.

a glass of champagne in one

How has your talent steered your artistic career? It has challenged me in many different

a If you can draw ve ha u yo if , re gu fi k stic r, a sense of humou of s as gl a ld ho n ca e champagne in onil in the nc pe a d an nd ha awing a others, while dren this th . nude model u. yo r fo is class

get a temporary tattoo as part of the

directions, dare to be different and to have a

experience, then this class is for you and your

crack. It’s important to keep up with trends/

friends.

time with their finished art work on them.

Campus, shopping centres, clubs, motels and private

hand and a pencil in the others while drawing a nude model – also

a number of Murals at the Coffs Health

homes. Mural and commission painting allow me to think big and use different techniques. When designing

Tell us about the Glamour Face Painting Photos and Glow in the Dark Face Painting Parties. As something different, you can have your face or body painted with a touch of glamour

the artwork for clients, I do keep in mind the

and glitter for those special occasions and have

environment and effect the artwork has on the

your photo taken. Ideal for masquerade balls,

purchase: Art by Trudy Smith card range,

customers, patients and staff. I have had many

formals, weddings, hen’s nights, birthday parties,

airbrushed aprons. At the Special Launch, I will

wonderful experiences when I have completed

hire me for the night for a fundraiser, or liven up

techniques and mediums, due to the wide

be donating a class to a local fundraising charity;

the paintings, and the clients are almost in tears

the party with glow in the dark face painting.

variety of jobs that I do e.g: teaching art classes,

all takings will go this fundraiser.

of joy. No words can describe how this feels for

Where is the best place to view your

Do you have to be talented to do the

me; I love my job.

artwork, and how can we find out more or

children’s, teenagers or adult art classes?

We see some of your body art and face

enrol in your classes?

products; it’s part of being creative, and it keeps me stimulated. Over the years I have learnt many different

airbrushing, temporary tattooing, face painting, body art, glamour face painting photos, dealing with clients for commission painting/

There will be a range of merchandise to

No, but it can help. You must love art, be

painting at local festivals, parties and

Please feel free to ring me, so we can arrange

murals, Art by Trudy Smith, a card range; the

very passionate, patient and be prepared to

events. Is this something you enjoy, working

computer is another tool, which is essential for

practice. Over the many years of teaching, it’s the

closely with people? How difficult is it?

communicating and business.

passionate students who achieve in the rewards

Describe your style ...

in the long run.

I get the opportunity, face paint, temporary

Don’t miss out; ring early.

You do commission work, and you have

tattooing, body art or teaching art lessons, I’m

Email: trudy.smith@westnet.com.au

with a depth and photorealism where you can

painted some prominent murals on the Coffs

at my happiest. I have to be patient and a good

www.artbytrudysmith.com.au

feel the emotion of the painting; this is important

Coast. Tell us about those ...

communicator, so my customer feels comfortable

Like us on Facebook, or call 0408 329 009 or

with me. I get such pleasure when I see a

6652 6709.

customer staring into a mirror for long lengths of

Thanks Trudy.

It has been said happy, bright and colourful

to my clients and myself. As a artist, what inspires you to create?

I have been lucky to do quite a few commission paintings for private clients and

I guess I’m a people person, so whenever

an appointment to come to my studio to view art work. Also, there are limited dates and classes for after school classes and live drawing classes.

coffs coast focus 29

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June 8-10 Moments that will last a Lifetime

A must for classical music lovers.

Emma Rhoades Photography. It was when I was about aged 5 that I picked up my first camera. It was pink, horizontal, very thin and plastic – and I loved it! But it wasn’t until I reached my later teen years that my love for photography really sparked. I used to spend all of my lunch breaks and free time in darkroom. So it’s no surprise then, that photography has been a part of my life ever since. Now I have returned to the Coffs Coast with my family to continue my love of photography with my new studio. Located on the top floor above Barry Booth Reality on the Jetty Strip, it is a beautiful, welcoming, sunlit studio for clients to pursue beauty and glamour and have a little fun while at it! My love of glamour photography was born through the passion for women to express their inner beauty on the outside. I have many clients, whether it is mother and daughter,

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grandma, young woman or best friends – they all enjoy the fun of one of my glamour photo shoots. I also love shooting a modelling portfolio for those young beauties. Capturing the life-changing phase of pregnancy to birth and beyond with my ‘Baby Plan’ package is something to be cherished. The Baby Plan captures the stages from pregnancy to baby and through to toddler in a beautiful canvas photography collage to keep on your wall forever.

Have you visited the Bellingen Music Festival website at www. bellingenmusicfestival.com.au? Take in the elegant new look created by local designer Pingala Walsh and find out about the program and the performers. You’ll also find out about places to stay and more at the website. With five major concerts, the Festival takes place over three days at the Bellingen Memorial Hall, with music ranging from early to the very modern.

My other passion is weddings and capturing the pure love and happiness that surrounds this special day. I have photographed many weddings throughout the Coffs Coast, and I always feel a little special to have been chosen by the bride and groom to capture the moments of this day that will last a lifetime.

Delight in the fabulous and world famous ensemble The Song Company, Musica Viva’s Rising Star, the Orava String Quartet and the thrilling Melbourne Guitar Quartet. Accord Pour Deux, a unique horn duo, brilliant soprano Shelli Hulcombe with Deirdre Rickards piano and Bellingen’s up and coming Youth Orchestra complete the major concert line up.

I’d love to hear from you! 0430 535 487 or visit www.emmarhoades.com

Two other delightful (and free) musical events are happening. Local classical guitar duo, Kari

Weiner and Karin Braidwood, will perform at the Nexus Art Gallery, and Bellingen’s renowned AkaBella will sing out on Sunday morning at the Uniting Church. And there’s more! Participate in a singing workshop led by The Song Company’s dynamic musical director, Roland Peelman, and then join The Song Company in performance that night. Weekend passes, providing entry to all five concerts and single concert tickets are on sale via our secure online server at the website, or from Roots Records, Hyde St, Bellingen, ph (02) 6655 2159. The Song Company workshop tickets are also available online or from Roots Records at $20. Hurry – places are limited. The festival committee is especially grateful to all our sponsors, especially SI Clean Energy, ETC and Officeworks, without whom this wonderful event could not take place.

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Make Mum’s Day!

‘Inspiration’

$118.13 $ 118.1 13 $100.40 $

Who Does Your Hair? Your Relaxation Starts Here. Come for a day or come to stay for that special occasion. High tea – birthday pampering – high tea for hen's delight – high tea gathering and pampering – business meetings – indulgence packages and day spa therapy – accommodation facilities. Sunny Hill Retreat Bonville is a unique boutique resort – quiet and peaceful in tranquil settings. Enjoy your high tea in the serenity of our beautiful gardens, with abundant bird life and deer wandering around the private lake. Spoil your mum this Mother's Day, with one of our special Pamper Packages. Our professional team at Sunny Hill Day Spa ensures to provide you with the finest beauty treatment, massage and spa therapy personalised service and products, along with the provision of an indulging experience to enhance your wellbeing. Our clients will be greeted with a warm herbal tea and receive light refreshments on completion of treatment.

Spectrum Hair Salon is focused on providing high quality service in a relaxed atmosphere, with attention to detail and affordable luxury. We specialise in creative colouring, with Master Colourist, Amie Wallace, and Senior Stylists, Rachel Bye and Laura Patterson

‘Wonderful’

$68.93 $ 68.93 $ $58.59

Why not treat your mother to some pampering this Mother's Day? We offer Gift Voucher Packages, or simply purchase one for any amount that you wish. We also have great specials for the month of May: *Long/Medium Gloss Colour plus a De Lorenzo Equilibrium Treatment, Cut & Blow Wave $89 – SAVE $65 *Short Gloss Colour plus a De Lorenzo Equilibrium Treatment, Cut & Blow Wave $60 – SAVE $65 *De Lorenzo Equilibrium Treatment, Cut & Blow Wave $45 – SAVE $25

‘Precious Love’

$107.88 $ 107.8 88 $91.69 $

Located in the heart of the Coffs Harbour Jetty, with plenty of parking; book your appointment today! The salon is open Wednesday through Saturday by appointment only. Phone the salon now on: 6651 7111.

‘Thank You’

$68.93 $ 68.93 $ $58.59

• 100+ Floral Gifts & Hampers • $10 Australia Wide Delivery

Quote promo code: Focus

www.petals.com.au/Focus 1800 738 257

Don’t forget! Mother’s Day is Sunday 13th May. Sunday delivery may not be available in all areas

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Kate Corcoran.

Kate Corcoran, a 25-year-old Coffs Harbour resident living with Cerebral Palsy, has taken to participating in the Coffs Harbour Cancer Council’s Relay for Life event on May 5. articipating ti i ti iin th the charity h fundraiser was made possible thanks to the assistance of another not-for-profit organisation, Northcott Disability Services. Having been supported by Northcott for the past 16 years, Kate accesses the Individual Community Participation Program in Coffs Harbour, where she learns a broad range of daily living skills designed to increase her independence and social interaction. “Northcott has helped me gain the confidence to do the things I’ve never thought possible, and it is with their help that I’ve been able to take part in this fundraiser and achieve my goal of assisting those with cancer,” Kate said. “Northcott have assisted in taking me to my local gym to train for the big day and have also supported me with the fundraising side of things. The Genesis Fitness Club has also been a source of support, pushing me to achieve whatever fitness is possible.” For Kate, who also works part-time at Blush Make-up and Beauty, participating in the

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annual fun run for the first time was an easy decision, having personally had close friends and family lose the battle against cancer. Kate’s grandmother had lung cancer and her aunty also fought and won the battle against ovarian cancer. Just recently, one of the members from a local choir she is a part of, called ‘Coral C’, passed away. “These wonderful family and friends are the real battlers in life; that is the reason why I decided to raise money for Relay for Life,” Kate said. The determined young individual, who uses a wheelchair for mobility, will take part in the relay event using her manual wheelchair, as well as her walker for a portion of the run, and encourages the local community to get behind her and support this cause. Kate has already exceeded her initial target of $200, having already raised $500. She has set a new fundraising goal of $1,000. To donate to support Kate in her quest to raise funds for a cause close to her heart, visit www.relay.cancercouncil.com.au search under ‘Coffs Harbour 2012’ for ‘Hot Wheels Kate’.

Reach Your Goals. What are some of the tools used us to help people change their mindset to overcome obstacles in life? I am an NLP practitioner and use a range of techniques to assist people to gain new skills and thought processes, which enable them to make quick and effective improvements to areas of their life where they are experiencing difficulties. I can assist people to identify their limiting beliefs and change them; I can assist people to release negative emotions, which often hinder people’s self esteem and successes.

Russell Kilpatrick. Personal Training or Fitness courses have been offered at Coffs Harbour Education Campus now for over 4 years. Many of our students find work in the industry locally, and some have set up their own personal training businesses. The fitness courses at Coffs Harbour are coordinated by local teacher/trainer, Russell Kilpatrick. Russell has a 30 year background in the fitness industry, being a Level 3 Registered exercise professional, accredited by Fitness Australia, as well as operating his own personal training and health clinic. Russell said of the students, “I really enjoy the enthusiasm of our students. Watching them learn about the fascinating human body, while working towards their passion of becoming personal trainers, is really rewarding”. When asked about the benefits students get from their studies at North Coast TAFE, Russell said, “I feel it’s the quality of

delivery and the excellent facilities we have on campus, coupled with consistent and thorough assessment, gives them a solid base to access higher level studies.” “Many of our students go on to related further studies with TAFE, such as Remedial Massage, or to university,” Russell added. “This solid training base is also the reason our North Coast TAFE students are very employable as soon as they complete their studies. During the course they set up and operate a Fitness Clinic at TAFE, providing customer service, safety and maintenance of the Fitness Clinic, as well as fitness testing and training of real clients over the final eight weeks of study.”

Tell us about the ‘Empower You Now’ courses currently run at Equalis. We are so excited to offer this course. I work with individuals or groups of individuals to obtain their life goals and achieve their successes. Success is defined by the individual – we are all different and want different things from our life. For example, you may want to give up smoking – I can help. You may want to improve your overall health and wellbeing – I can help. You may want to get more from your relationships or attract someone to form a meaningful relationship – I can help with that. Any area of life or any goal you want to achieve – I can help. What aspects of women’s health do you specialise in? My speciality lies in being a success strategist and as a woman, I understand the challenges

I want people to meet me and judge for “yourself; see if you think I can offer you outstanding results – you have nothing to lose.

”

faced and I have personally experienced the benefits of having a success coach. I have made changes to my life and continue to strive to reach my own personal and professional goals. What motivates you to help others achieve their chosen goals? I have always been keen to learn from others, and I continue to be coached and mentored in all areas of my life. I have seen the benefits, and I want to share that with others. As humans, we all love the feeling of helping, and to see people achieve outstanding results in their life is highly motivating. I want people to meet me and judge for yourself; see if you think I can offer you outstanding results – you have nothing to lose.

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DR.DAVID ARMSTRONG Specialist Orthodontist, BDS, FDSRCS(Eng), MDSc(Ortho), MRACDS(Orth), PhD

Straight Teeth. No Braces. It’s possible with Invisalign™ Thanks to Invisalign’s revolutionary 3D modelling software and manufacturing technology, it is now possible to have straight teeth without visible brackets and wires. From these 3D computerised images, a series of custom-made clear plates (aligners) are manufactured. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks, gradually moving the teeth towards the final aligned position over a period of 9 to 18 months. The advantages of Invisalign treatment far outweigh the disadvantages. It is reliable, effective, practically invisible and comfortable to wear. It doesn’t require a change in lifestyle and because the aligners can be removed, you can floss and brush normally and eat whatever you want; there is no forbidden food. However, if you are tempted to wear the aligners less than 20 hours a day, treatment may take longer or the optimal alignment may not be achieved. Initially, Invisalign was seen as more appropriate for adults, but recent modifications have led to the introduction of Invisalign TeenTM, which straightens teenagers’ teeth with the same custommade clear aligners modified for young adults, whose permanent teeth are still growing and forming. Each set of aligners comes with a colour indicator, which fades when it is time to change the aligner and shows parents that their teenager is keeping up with treatment. There are also six free replacement aligners, because teenagers have a habit of losing, misplacing or damaging them. This makes it easier for teenagers to complete treatment on time and without adding increased costs. If you are interested in treatment with Invisalign or conventional braces, please contact me at Blue Wave Orthodontics. You do not need a referral to see a Specialist Orthodontist.

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Treating Chronic Health Problems. S Seen from f an oriental i t l medicine di perspective, health issues for women can often have their beginnings way back in teenage years and can be linked to debilitating conditions such as endometriosis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, painful periods, pre-natal and post-natal complications, chronic sinus problems, weight gain and chronic tiredness. Often the onset of health problems can be slow and gradual, becoming more complex as time goes on. Because such problems have taken a long time to develop, things like changing diet and exercise, while they can be helpful, often do not improve the situation. What is required is a more sophisticated approach. Oriental medicine has been caring for women’s health issues for thousands of years, and as a result has built up a sophisticated strategy for returning and preserving women’s health. It is with the skilled application of herbal medicine, acupuncture, shiatsu (Japanese massage) and specialised diet advice that many complex chronic problems can be treated successfully. Matthew Sincock and Alasdair Reed have combined experience of 20 years in oriental medicine and specialise in treating chronic and stubborn conditions. Alasdair specialises in herbal medicine, and Matthew specialises in acupuncture and shitasu. It is their experience that these therapies can offer a great deal of relief to women suffering complex and debilitating illnesses which have not responded to other treatment modalities.

What’s Up Your Bum? What a question! How personal person and revealing! Ever wondered why you can’t shift that last 5 kg? Or why your skin has lost its glow? Or why you get so bloated, tired, or depressed? Perhaps your challenge is sinus issues? Bad breath or body odour? Studies have revealed that an average healthy weight adult on a typical western diet holds between 2 - 12 kg impacted fecal matter stuck to their bowel wall. 70% of us will at some time in our lives seek medications to treat our gut – antacids, laxatives ... In today’s world we may be forgiven for forgetting the basics, as we’re taught there’s a pill for every ill. In truth, simple hygiene measures, including maintaining an optimum bowel environment, are a priceless preventative measure for avoiding disease. Introducing Colonic Irrigation (CI) … CI uses warm, filtered, gravity-fed pure water to work in conjunction with your body’s natural eliminatory functions and remove fecal matter. It’s safe, gentle, hygienic and private. Does it hurt? No. The single-use sterile disposable rectal tubes are ‘pencil thin and 1 inch in’! Is it embarrassing? No. No-one sees your bottom except you. Does it smell? No. State-of-the-art colonic equipment includes an extractor fan to remove any odour. More questions? See www.flushedwithhealth.com.au

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PICS ON FILE FROM OLD ADS

Fit Factory.

Health, Wealth & Stealth Seminar.

Fit Factory. Based at Coffs Harbour Olympic Pool, Fit Factory provides great options to stay fit all year round. Owner, Sue Hutchinson, tells us more. o much more than a swimming pool – all your swimming and fitness needs in one place. Winter is almost here, but the Coffs Harbour Olympic Pool will be open right through to summer. The 50 m pool will be closed when the water temperature becomes too cold; however, the 25 m pool is 29.5 degrees all year round and under cover for protection from all weather. Opening times and fees are available on our website: www.coffsolympicpool.com With Supervised Fitness Sessions, Coffee Shop and Kiosk, Learn to Swim and Squad for adults and children, BBQs and Children’s Water Playground, the Coffs Harbour War Memorial Olympic Pool offers you the best in swimming, fitness and a great day out.

Programs Lap Swimming Enjoy your lap swimming all year round in our undercover heated 25 m pool. As we are one of the only pools open all winter, it can get busy. However, observing lap lane etiquette when sharing a lane ensures everyone gets to enjoy the water. Learn to Swim C.H.O.P. Swim School has swimming programs to suit everyone, from babies to adults. AUSTSWIM certified instructors teach a balance of water confidence, aquatic survival and swimming skills in a safe and friendly environment. Class sizes are kept small, to ensure you and/or your child receives the best quality tuition and continue throughout the year to maximise your child’s progression. Children and adults involved in swimming lessons are welcome to use the pools before or after their lesson. There is no extra charge for those children/adults who have participated in a lesson. Squad Squad training for all ages and abilities continues throughout the year. Our swimmers had great success in triathlon, surf and

swimming competitions this year, so join one of our programs over winter, and next summer you will have a head start. If you just like to swim for fitness, there is also a program for you. Call our friendly staff to find out which program suits you best. All coaches are accredited with the Australian Swimming Coaches and Teaching Association. Dryland Fitness Stay fit throughout the winter with our Indoor and Outdoor Fitness, incorporating CrossFit FitFactory, CrossFit Kids and Punchfit Boxing for weight loss and functional strength across all sports from beginners to advanced, including rehab based training. Our group sessions are really popular, because you get the fun and motivation of a group with the one on one attention of a personal trainer. You don’t have to be fit to join our sessions. Classes are suitable for all ages and fitness abilities. The CrossFit program is designed for universal scalability, making it the perfect application for any committed individual, regardless of experience, skill or fitness level. The program works for elite athletes, professional fighters, recreational sportspeople and housewives! No matter what your age, ability or limitation ... we have a program for you! The training is hard and uncompromising, but you will be in the best shape of your life! All classes are fully supervised by professionally trained coaches and even though you are in a group, you are personally coached throughout each class. Technique and safety are most important, but you will get a great workout and great results. We are committed to staying up to date with the most effective training protocols and passing them on to you. If you are finding it hard to get started, come and try your first session for free. Talk to our trainers and our members about the benefits of training and any concerns you might have. Our aim is to make fitness available and enjoyable for everyone. The timetable is available at www.fitfactorypt.com.au

360 Financial Vision are focused on providing you with total financial solutions. All accountants are not the same! We’re different. 360 Financial Vision is inviting you to attend a ‘Wealth, Health and Stealth Seminar’ for Women, which they are holding on Thursday 3 May at the Coffs Harbour ExServices Club at 7pm. The cost is $20 per person, or two tickets for $30. Pensioners/ Concession holders $15. It is an educational seminar focusing on helping women identify their goals, improve their financial

position and personal wellbeing. The guest speakers are Lauren Cayeaux from Count Financial Limited and Maree Loprete from Magdala Cottage. There are lucky doors prizes, which include an Indian head massage, a full Reflexology treatment, a Reiki session and more! Light refreshments and snack will be provided. Seating is limited; call 360 Financial Vision on 6651 5999 to secure your seat! Bring your friends, sisters, mothers and neighbours along to learn more about wealth, health and stealth and to prepare for your future!

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Move Better. Feel Better. Look Better.

Coastal Pilates & Fitness . Baliena Flower Therapies . Have you ever sat there and wondered, w ‘“What can I do to live a happier life”? Clare Chapman, owner of Baliena Flower Therapies, created her business vision to help people like you to ‘find their version of happy’. Clare is an International Certified Teacher and Correspondence Tutor for Australian Bush Flower Essences®, as well as a Bush Essence Practitioner and Keynote Speaker. Clare can teach you about the Australian Bush Flower Essences for yourself, so you can start using them to create greater happiness and wellbeing. Researched and developed for the past 25 years, her courses are suitable for professional practitioners, right through to interested individuals for homeuse. Learning options are so flexible: one-on-one Skype™ coaching, hosted workshops for your group or in-person workshops (visit www.flowertherapies.com.au for her calendar). If learning about the Bush Essences is not really for you, then Clare offers consultations, flower and numerology readings (via phone, email, or Skype™). Get started using Australian Bush Flower Essences with expert guidance, and start enjoying greater wellbeing now. Call Clare today on 6644 9869 and mention ‘Focus Magazine’ to receive your free information pack: get all the details you need to know to start ‘finding your version of happy’.

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Coastal Pilates & Fitness offer offers you the most unique experience in Coffs Harbour. No matter what health and fitness goals you have, you will get results by becoming a client of my studio. I can guarantee that! I only ask that once you get started, you never look back. You need to look at your health and fitness as an investment and a journey. What you put into it you WILL get out of it – more than you can ever imagine. Hi, my name is Lauren Harper, and I am the studio owner and operator of Coastal Pilates & Fitness. Coastal Pilates & Fitness offers Pilates, personal training and nutrition coaching to help you get results. No matter what your restrictions are – age, financial, injury, pain, no time – I can develop an exercise and nutrition plan to help you meet your goals. Once you realise you need to make change, then the rest will come easy. Sure you will have hiccups along the way, but it’s a journey of learning – and that’s what life is all about! As a client, you will have access to any of my standard services, or you can have your own individualised program developed. Coastal Pilates & Fitness offers you a small and nurturing environment for exercise and support, and all clients are cared for equally. The studio offers you a very peaceful and private setting to do your training. See the map below for its exact location. So if you are after results and ongoing support, don’t wait any longer and contact me today!

Christine Young Kinesiology. complementa holistic, healing therapy. Kinesiology is a complementary, Chris provides a nurturing environment for you to explore your unique issues, create new awareness, and use it to create positive, lasting change for yourself. Chris believes one of the first tasks in any successful healing journey involves re-establishing the highest level of inner peace and confidence possible and finding a real purpose for LIVING. Most of us carry suppressed memories of unhealed emotional wounds or traumas from other times in our lives, and they create deep stress and energetic imbalance within us, which suppresses our immune system. Unintentionally, we’re promoting the ideal environment for disease to blossom. These memories, emotions and issues that we’d prefer not to face, need to be encouraged to gently surface, be explored, healed and released. Finding our ‘gifts in the garbage’ is empowering and can create understanding, acceptance, and the possibility for amazing change. Whether it’s by simply talking, or working with the body’s reflex and acupressure points, the use of specific body movements, nutritional support, flower essences or essential oils, our joint intention is to restore your body’s energetic balance. Once restored, your body’s inbuilt healing system can work to its full potential to re-establish health and wellness, and the JOY OF LIVING!

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Yaraandoo Eco-Lodge. araandoo has run respite retreats for carers for the last five years and has gained a reputation for providing a superior wellbeing experience for carers and their families. Not surprisingly, the staff had been recently approached from many different angles as to the possibility of opening the retreats up to the general public and corporate businesses. “We certainly have an excellent team of specialists involved with our retreats who are keen to offer their services to others,” commented Lorraine Gordon, proprietor of Yaraandoo. “We now have a highly capable team of 15 staff; three masseurs, who do relaxing, remedial and reflexology based massages; we have yoga and tai chi teachers, dance, music and art therapists and care workers, who undertake one on one consultations. Our guest speakers vary in topic areas from communication, wellbeing, mindfulness, healthy cooking and financial planning! Meals are lovingly prepared by our chef – Paul Mailfert, who only uses the freshest of ingredients to prepare healthy scrumptious meals utilising regional cuisine,” said Ms Gordon.

Yaraandoo’s 00 location at 1,5 metres abovery sea level is ve health conducive to n. and relaxatio

Yaraandoo has expanded its operations over the years and has a unique focus on health and wellbeing. The organisation has been offering corporate team building activities to the Telcos, banks and government organisations for the past 12 years and was recently approached to offer its wellbeing weekends to an entire workplace team to alleviate their stress levels, that unfortunately accompanied their roles. The weekend was specifically designed to meet the needs of the organisation’s staff and included plenty of outdoor activities in the fresh mountain air. The weekend was given as a reward to the staff, who had worked very hard over the last 12 months on behalf of their organisation through somewhat difficult times. All the staff were given pampering from the masseurs, one on one sessions on conquering bad habits, art lessons and guided interpretive bushwalks. They participated in fun cooking demonstrations that prepared quick, healthy meal choices. There were plenty of laughs and fun activities. One participant commented on the fact that she had never been to a ‘health type’ retreat where

they actually encourage you to eat chocolate before! It was a complete eye opener for her and turned her life and the expectations she placed on herself around. She felt so lucky to work in a caring organisation that would even think to send her on a retreat such as this one. Yaraandoo’s location at 1,500 metres above sea level is very conducive to health and relaxation. Nestled in the bush, surrounded by walking tracks and crystal clear mountain streams, the participants have the space and the time to contemplate their direction in life and their current living habits. Yaraandoo is surrounded by beautiful national parks, including New England and Cathedral Rock National Park, so the variety of walks are endless. “We were looking for something extra to offer our corporate customers, and Wellbeing Weekends as a reward system for their staff was

on the mark,” commented Ms Gordon. “Many organisations bring their teams to Yaraandoo for the traditional team building experience and participate in lots of fun outdoor team building activities – many of which are facilitated by the staff at Yaraandoo. The participants had such a lovely time that they were not keen to leave; hence, the concept of the Well Being Weekends was born,” she said. Participants come away feeling refreshed and rejuvenated after their experience and have a renewed direction when it comes to their personal physical, mental and social wellbeing. Some take up new initiatives, careers and hobbies, while others ditch the lifelong merry-go-round of dieting and self-doubt that has been inhibiting them for years. All found the Wellbeing Retreats a life changing experience.

coffs coast focus 37

M AY 2 0 1 2

WITH TERRI

Sweet Charity. From May 5 – 27, Coffs Harbour Musical Comedy Company will present Neil Simon’s romantic comedy Sweet Charity. SWEET CHARITY is a tender, poignant and funny look at the misadventures of the gullible Charity Hope Valentine, a dance hall hostess who always gives her heart and her dreams to the wrong man. Charity sings, dances, laughs and cries her way through a string of disastrous and hilarious romances. In a curious twist, two of her three love interests are played by one actor, Peter Hodges, who was so impressive as the King of Siam, in last year’s production of The King and I. Charity is supported in her quest for true love by her fellow hostesses at the Fandango Ballroom, including her best friends, Nickie (Maureen Burgess) and Helene (Shannon McDonough), who are always there to pick her up when things don’t quite go to plan. Audiences will love the sophisticated comic wit of writer Neil Simon (Barefoot in the Park, The Odd Couple), and the characteristic choreography of Bob Fosse (Chicago, A Chorus Line), notably ‘The Frug’ dance, choreographed in true Fosse style by Rebecca Ross of the Woolgoolga Dance Studio. With the multi-talented Peter Kaukiainen as Musical Director, the show features many memorable musical numbers, including Hey Big Spender, If My Friends Could See Me Now, and The Rhythm of Life.

A R I E S.

L E O.

SAG I T TA R I U S.

MAR 21 - APR 20

JUL 24 - AUG 23

NOV 23 - DEC 21

Be patient a little longer; you’re about to step into some happier times, but your attitude is critical. If you can step into the unknown fearless, there will be nothing to worry about. Moldavite brings forward change and higher personal qualities.

Now is a really good time to debate your own rules and regulations for life. Your judgement prohibits you from enjoying life to its fullest, so be kinder to yourself. Plan a holiday for yourself and get out of your current circumstance, to try a little new goal setting. Citrine will shatter negative thoughts and attract an abundance of positive ones.

TAU RU S.

V I RG O.

C A P R I C O R N.

APR 21 - MAY 21

AUG 24 - SEPT 23

DEC 22 - JAN 20

A sense of justice will be experienced, to enable you the freedom to move ahead. Avoid giving your personal power away at this time, as this is an action that causes self-disapproval. Rose Quartz will aid in raising self-worth.

GEMINI. MAY 22 - JUN 22

Relationships are likely to be on the main agenda this month. Be open with your communication to avoid any misunderstanding and know which insecurities belong to you and which ones don’t. Kyanite helps build inner bridges so we can literally get over things.

Adventure a little longer. If you’re feeling stuck, write some goals down and plan a course of action. Movement is important for dispersing some of your restless energy right now, so keep busy and keep having fun. Carnelian will empower and enthuse.

Important words need to be spoken to bring a happy outcome to a potential negative situation. Don’t be afraid to speak from the heart, as your intention will be felt. Enjoy some laughter, as celebration is on its way for a family member. Citrine keeps us positively focused and lifts our spirit.

LIBRA.

AQ UA R I U S.

SEPT 24 - OCT 23

JAN 21 - FEB 19

With regards to relationships, instead of looking at what you’re not getting, concentrate on all the special qualities of this relationship. You will feel completely different. Chrysocolla will keep your heart singing.

The challenges you are facing at home, stem from not being appreciated or honoured. It is time you try something new to break the dynamics and re-educate those surrounding you to be a little less selfish and more considerate of your needs. A journey is a strong possibility, resulting in further career success. Rose Quartz is wonderful for self-confidence and appreciation.

CANCER.

S C O R P I O.

P I S C E S.

JUN 23 - JUL 23 JU

OCT 24 - NOV 22

FEB 20 - MAR 20

Don’t get caught up in holding onto garbage or things that are not a priority; this takes your confidence out of the picture, leaving you wondering where to go next. Set some fresh goals and enjoy! Selenite is great for an abundance of crystal clear energy.

38 coffs coast focus.

This month your awareness is being called toward your usual happy way of processing life. The reason why you are so fearful at present, is because you are currently taking life far too seriously. Lighten up and bring back your laughter, and watch your fears disappear. Pyrite will bring back courage.

Life may seem a little suspended at the moment, because you need to let go of something from the immediate past that has been exhausting you and causing sadness. Don’t be afraid to try something different. Your awareness is being called to recognise your creativity, because it’s through this talent you will be drawing success near. Turquoise is great for self-validation.

You may be feeling a little ‘up-rooted’ lately, but don’t forget how badly you wished for change to come into the picture. The reason you may be feeling this way is because your outcome is not quite here yet. Try a little new goal setting, as this will assist in a happier outlook. Ruby or Garnet will help you feel grounded, taking away some of the dilemma.

Volkswagen has just taken home Australia’s Best Car across ﬁve categories. We’re very proud of our success at this year’s Australia’s Best Car awards. And it’s all the more sweet because most of the winning cars happen to be newest models. The awards range from Best Light Car over $20,000 to the Best Luxury SUV over $60,000. So why not visit Geoff King Volkswagen and take one for a victory lap today?

focusinterview.

Recognised for their beauty and individual flair, Vast Interior stores bring together the finest in unique globally sourced treasures and old world craftsmanship, with their new table designs recognised for their durability and quality with exquisite new-age style.

Interior

The Best Of Both Worlds.

alk into the newly revamped Vast Interior Coffs Harbour store and you will find an exciting array of exotic furniture designs that are both beautiful and functional. With fresh products continually being sourced by the new owners, there are always plenty of items in store to add that touch of global style or rustic cottage charm to your home. The Vast Interior store is somewhat of a local icon and since opening its very first store in Coffs Harbour 13 years ago, the retail franchise has expanded to include over 40 stores around Australia and New Zealand. New owner, Heidi Brett, says it’s a destination to find something different for your home, without getting on a jet plane. “Vast was always one of my favourite places to look for old, antique inspired pieces. It’s now so exciting to be directly involved in hand-picking those items. New shipments have been arriving from India, China and Vietnam, so customers will see a total transformation. We have some great 40 coffs coast focus.

pieces from India made out of the old temple doors and other recycled products coming in over the next few months,” she says. Heidi says they aim to ensure their exotic finds add cultural flavour but are also chosen for their quality and timeless design. “Our aim is to always ensure the store is kept fresh and inspiring, whether it be a new range of sustainable timber furniture, new homewares or unique individual pieces of good quality and at the right price,” Heidi says. Heidi purchased the Vast Interior store late last year and says the brand’s environmentally sustainable solid timber designs, along with the freedom and opportunity to globally source individual pieces was what appealed to her as a business and lifestyle model. “Vast is a very unique business model, as each store is given the freedom to choose an element of different designs. I was really drawn to the concept of being able to operate as a direct importer but have the support of a wide global network of reputable suppliers and the experienced retail

operators in the Vast group,” Heidi says. As the new look Vast product collection diversifies, there’s also good news on the design front, with the anticipated arrival of the latest Vast Interior signature timber dining and living collections on their way in the coming months. Whether it’s an edgy industrial look or classic, provincial, rustic, country inspired masterpiece, the new designs handcrafted and designed exclusively for Vast have a soulful, enduring, sought after quality. Whether re-decorating or refurnishing, Vast Interior is the place to be if you are looking to embrace the earthy and eclectic design trends of today.

Vast Interior Coffs Harbour is open 7 days and is located at 153 Orlando St, Coffs Harbour. Ph (02) 6652 1111.

Restoration decoration Your one stop shopping destination for Mother’s Day giftware and home accessories. Explore Vast’s collection of vintage pieces, colourful ottomans, recycled timber cabinets, frames and artwork to find that perfect decoration piece.

A new age ancient design Think rustic French kitchen, think grand European farmhouse, think dining at the new Vast Abbey Table. It’s built to impress and will be one the grandchildren will be fighting over. A bold turned hourglass shape column supports a new hand-distressed antique finish parquetry top.

The Vast Dining Difference • Designed in Australia. • Each signature Vast table is finished by hand, exclusively for Vast Interior stores. • Materials used are sustainable reclaimed or recycled salvaged timbers. • Vast Interiors preferred sustainable timber is mango hardwood. • Built using traditional construction techniques, such as mortise and tenon joinery. • Timeless and durable designs. • Each table is finished with a minimum 9 coats of premium lacquer from naturally rustic, coastal whitewash to traditional teak for any decor. • Vast supports the origin of their creation by supporting community programs in India, such as employee welfare, school education and medical clinics.

coffs coast focus 41

Photo: Cr8studios Coffs Harbour / ‘Flash’ the ﬁsh from Brontosaurus Pet Super Centre Coffs Harbour

Do you work in a mind-healthy workplace, or do your stress levels rise whenever you walk in? While the Microsoft’s and Google’s of this world install games rooms and lounges with pool tables for their staff, there are other ways to make regional workplaces easy on the mind. Here are some tips from locals who have simple, cheap yet effective solutions. “Employers can make many low-cost changes to make their workplaces mindhealthy,” said Paul Kelly, CHESS General Manager. “There are all sorts of things you can do at the workplace to make things less stressful for everyone. The important thing is that you give employees a chance to think about something else during the day, other than their deadlines, quotas, and sales.” According to Paul “Making small, physical changes to workplaces can give everyone’s mood a lift”. Katie Sipple Manager of Brontosaurus Pet Super Centre has lawyers, doctors and many local Coffs office workers who buy gold fish or fighter fish to put in a bowl on their desk as an alternative to staring at their computer screen. “One told me that watching the fish’s fluid movements soothes his mind” said Katie

Julie Worland The owner of Total Gardens is an expert on how plants can increase productivity and decrease stress in a workplace and has the research the prove it. “Often ofﬁce workers do not have access to windows so supplying plants and greenery can promote health by increasing oxygen levels in air conditioned environments and providing focal points to calm busy minds. Also studies prove that people who think about gardening are less likely to get dementia”. Help yourself lolly jars can cause smiles in workplaces. “Choose low calorie sweets if you want to care for the body as well as the mind, or provide fruit, which is something we do at CHESS.” “Also let people know they are appreciated. At CHESS Employment, we’ve just changed our branding, so we decided to invest in business cards for every member of staff. This included administration staff, casuals and bus drivers, who had not been given cards previously’ said Mr Kelly. “It was worth it just to see their faces when we

presented them with business cards and to let them know we value their efforts. Plus, we know these cards are being circulated in the community, so our business beneﬁts as well,” he said. “One local employer we work with runs a prototypical high-stress outﬁt. He noticed that his employees were under increasing stress, and that it was negatively affecting their jobs. So he created a break room with a dart board, magazines and a ping pong table he told us that by giving people a place to go to decompress, his productivity had visibly increased” said Paul Kelly “Communication is key to many popular workplaces, as management can ask staff to share ideas on how to improve their workspace, which charities to support with collected food or gift drives” said Mr Kelly. One local company – Colourworks – sat down with their staff to ask them to choose which charities should be given some surplus photocopiers they had available to donate. This is the kind of communication which makes everyone feel valued.

employment, vocational & support services As a not for profit business, in the last financial year, CHESS invested over $285,000 into projects to help those facing barriers, get confident, get jobs and earn money to stimulate our regional economy. In 2012 we are continuing to contribute to the Coffs Harbour and Clarence Valley communities. Bike Recycling and Repairs

Call us on 6691 9333 • • • •

To ﬁnd a job To ﬁnd good staff To join a project To pitch a project that creates jobs for us to fund • To donate to a project

Visual Noise Innovation Farm

CHESS Community Gardens

Jobseekers gain horticultural skills with hands-on work experience in the great outdoors, often while completing accredited horticultural training.

Art and music classes run in Bellingen, Grafton and Coffs Harbour to promote social connectiveness through painting, clay, sculpture and music. Displayed works at annual art show.

Disadvantaged jobseekers develop work readiness and horticulture skills while growing vegetables in North Coast Botanic Gardens in Coffs Harbour.

CHESS invested $75,000 in 2011

CHESS invested $11,000 in 2011

Bike Recycling and Repairs

e hub Market Stall

In co-operation with TAFE Outreach people can learn how to refurbish computers and apply those skills in the workforce. Courses are tailored to suit each participants skill level.

Organic produce grown by CHESS clients at the Innovation Farm is offered for sale at Thursday Growers’ Markets in Coffs Harbour. Develops retail skills.

CHESS invested $30,000 in 2011

CHESS invested $8,000 in 2011

Grafton Bike Recycling and Repairs

Coffs Harbour Men’s Shed

People with barriers to work, develop bike maintenance, retail and customer service skills while refurbishing donated bikes for people on low incomes.

CHESS pays the rent and wages for a part-time supervisor for this much-loved community workshop for isolated men.

CHESS invested $30,000 in 2011

CHESS invested $56,000 in 2011

focusfeature. Education & Training

Services to help students maintain a healthy balance.

F E AT U R E

Kick-Start Career A young Coffs Harbour man is using a school based traineeship to kick-start his career as a Chef. Brendon Scott, 17, is a student at Bishop Druitt College who is also completing a school based traineeship with North Coast Group Training (NCGT). As part of his HSC, Brendon attends North Coast Institute of TAFE once a week and receives on the job training by working an average of one day a week for C.ex Coffs. Brendon says the school-based traineeship has many benefits. He is being paid to work while he obtains his HSC and the credit towards his further qualification.

NCGT manager Alison Vella says there are many trades available for school based traineeships.

Brendon’s aim is to go on to working as a fulltime apprentice chef at the end of the year. “The traineeship has given me a great insight into the trade and practical experience while I study,” Brendon says.

“We already have a large number of students in health, aged care, hospitality and automotive, and we will be expanding our school-based apprenticeships and traineeships into many more industries next year,” Ms Vella says.

“I believe this trade can take me anywhere, including overseas,” he says. C.ex Coffs Head Chef, Greg Watkins, says a school based traineeship is a great scheme for employers and a fantastic opportunity for young people to move into your career of choice. “Brendon is a great worker and an asset to our kitchen team,” Mr Watkins says.

“School-based apprenticeships and traineeships benefit both students and employers and are a great way for young people looking to have the edge over others when getting a job.” Students, parents or businesses interested in the scheme can contact Alison at North Coast Group Training on 6652 4566 or visit the NCGT stand at the Coffs Careers Expo on May 8.

Skills for life Quality apprentices & trainees An apprenticeship or traineeship is a great way to earn while you learn. NCGT a division of Hunter Valley Training Company (HVTC) is the region’s leading training company with high staff to student ratios and completion rates well above the national average. We’ve already trained more than 18,000 apprentices and trainees.

Develop skills that will help set you up with a career for life!

works for you.

6652 4566

North Coast Group Training

Or visit our office at... 7 / 26-28 Orlando Street Coffs Harbour 30 years of providing quality apprentices and trainees

44 coffs coast focus.

NCGT FM 156x125 120411

ncgt.com.au

E D U C A T I O N

A N D

T R A I N I N G

KIKASS

RTO

Key Employment has been working with local schools to assist students with disability find appropriate post school options for 21 years.

Key Employment became an Accredited Registered Training Organisation (RTO) in February 2010. Over the past two years, it has delivered accredited qualifications to over 370 clients.

In 2010 we began a very successful program with our schools and the business community called KIKASS (Kids in Key’s Apprentice Support Scheme). Key Employment funds the first year’s wages of a 3 or 4 year indentured apprenticeship. The program has been a resounding success, with over 100 students with disability placed into an apprenticeship since 2010. Key has invested over $200,000 in our own funds to support this program. Our relationship with the schools in this time has strengthened and on the back of this very successful program, we have also been assisting students with disability to find part-time after school work and more recently, assisting students complete a Certificate II (Year 12 Equivalent) qualification through our own RTO (Training @ Key Employment). Key Employment now has a dedicated schools team of three full-time staff. Fronted by Schools Project Manager, Simon Booth, the Schools Team uses the latest technology to provide professional career assessments to assist students with disability overcome any barriers to employment. Our schools team helps students with job matching and job searching. We offer accredited and non-accredited training, including job preparation and personal development. We

also offer employers wage incentives and provide ongoing support to our students for as long as needed once employed. KIKASS is gaining recognition as a leader in our community at getting school leavers with disability into the workforce. The KIKASS program is providing hundreds of rewarding career opportunities for local kids with disability across the Mid North Coast. KIKASS also provides local businesses with assistance in the setup of the apprenticeship and helps with the associated costs of hiring a new staff member. Not to mention – we pay the FIRST YEAR’S WAGES! If you are looking for an apprenticeship, or if you are an Employer looking for an apprentice, please contact the Key Employment Schools Team and ask about KIKASS! Contact one of our Schools team members (Sean, Rachel or Simon) at Key Employment: 6691 9999.

focusfeature.

By assisting clients obtain accredited qualifications, we help launch their career and give them a competitive edge to employment. Training at Key Employment is a Corporate Training Provider. We work with organisations to fulfil their training needs and develop the full potential of their staff. We develop and deliver Professional Development programs across a range of qualifications, including Retail, Business and Front Line Management, as well as specifically designed corporate packages that suit the needs of the organisation. We aim to develop, motivate and maximise individual and staff productivity by providing engaging and enjoyable training, complemented by flexible delivery and innovative trainers. We understand that to provide you with the highest quality training solution, we need to be truly flexible, so our programs can be customised to incorporate the most relevant content and effective delivery methods to suit your particular situation. We can use your business objectives and

focus on real life examples, case studies and activities related to your company and industry. Training at Key Employment provides an ongoing service to Key Employment’s clients. Over the past 21 years, Key Employment has found more than 2,500 jobs for our jobseekers – many whom would not have worked without our support. We have placed over 450 apprentices and trainees and delivered accredited qualifications in Business and Retail to many organisations. We take great pride in our quality of service.

coffs coast focus 45

focusbusiness. with the Sawtell Chamber of Commerce

clive greenway. Greetings to all our readers from the businesses and traders in Sawtell. Well, here we are into the month of May ... and how has the year progressed so far?

think the roll on into 2012 has been quite gentle. We have avoided any extreme weather events and disasters of any sort, and the world in general seems to have fared OK too. Our economy seems to have ticked along at a gentle pace as well. While many would have you believe that we are into or headed for a recession, this is simply not the case. A recession is technically defined as two consecutive quarters of negative economic growth but according to the experts, Australia has not recorded a recession since 1991, when Paul Keating declared it the recession’ we had to have’. While economic growth is slow, we are still managing. One of the many reasons why economic growth has been slower since the onset of the global economic crisis can be attributed to the increase in household savings. Obviously if Australians are saving more, they are spending less, and the effects can be felt right across the economy. It appears that many industries

such as accommodation, retail, food and real estate will continue to underperform until consumers decide to spend once more ... and spend they will again! As I have said before, we need to take solace in the comparable strength of our own economy and the riches that abound locally and when it’s time to spend, spend locally! We really do not need to look too far afield to see that we on the Coffs Coast have a vast array of goods and services comparable, and sometimes superior, to that of our cousins in metropolitan centres and abroad. It is so very important that we champion our local economy wherever we can, by shopping at home and supporting our own businesses and services. In saying this, it is essential and equally as important that local businesses deliver on all pricing and policy platforms, and I think it is fair to say that the Coffs Coast businesses do exactly that. This month, as in all months in Sawtell, specials and promotions are plentiful. Coco 39

FAITHFULNESS IN SERVICE

BISHOP DRUITT COLLEGE COFFS HARBOUR

46 coffs coast focus.

has announced that Autumn Vigorella 2012 is currently in store, and the collection is one of the most beautiful they have ever done. Bella Cosa has just returned from lands afar with a range of beautiful antiques and decorative arts. Healthy Inspirations women’s weight loss program has just joined forces with the Coffs Coast Health Club, to provide their members with more variety, professionalism and more classes and can be contacted on 6658 6222. Also, don’t forget that the Sawtell Post Office run promotions every month, with the next draw winning the lucky entrant a new release Optus mobile phone. The Chamber of Commerce is also very busy at this point preparing for the 14th annual Chilli Festival, on Saturday July 7 from 10am until 4pm. Make sure you mark

this day in your diaries – a great day out for all the family and showcasing the usual array of fine foods and chilli products from producers locally and across the country. Stalls, entertainment, fashion and flavour are all part of the spectacle on Chilli Festival day and draw crowds from far and wide each year. Any queries regarding the Sawtell Chilli Festival can be directed to the Festival Co-ordinator, Margaret Schumacher, on 6658 2957 or via the website at: info@ sawtellchillifestival.com.au See you then! We are very proud of what we present and represent and look forward to seeing you in Sawtell. It takes more than just a day to experience all the delights that we have on offer, so take a little time to visit our village soon ... it will delight you!

focustourism.

with Guy Saddleton, President of Tourism Coffs Coast.

focuseditorial.

MARKETING

IDEAS

Social Media.

UPDATE

guysaddleton.

go on enjoying the wonderful things that the Coffs Coast has to offer. So, why not make a point of enjoying and supporting a new local attraction/activity once a month, as well as the one that you already enjoy on a regular basis. If you need help s a destination, we are in an with what’s available to do and see, you can increasingly competitive market, as contact your local visitor information centres people choose whether to holiday (you don’t actually have to be a visitor), in Australia or overseas. With research through websites, research through cheaper airfares and a strong Australian Dollar, social media, ask another locals, etc, etc. overseas holidays are very attractive, and we Remember, you live on the Coffs Coast, where need to work hard to illustrate the benefits of memories are made. holidaying on the Coffs Coast. A recent workshop conducted in Coffs Easter is traditionally a busy time for the Harbour by Destination NSW once again Coffs Coast, and this year was no different, highlighted the diversity of our region as a although some of our members in the major driver for visitation and continued to accommodation sector reported less forward encourage all business owners to present bookings than previous years. This reminds me their products in the best way they possibly of a very, very important sector of our Coffs can. Accommodation was identified as a Coast tourism market, and that is the ‘visiting hugely important sector for all the other friends and family market’, which firmly places business sectors, as well as the local economy locals in the ‘hot seat’ as accommodation generally, and these operators particularly providers and tour guides. were encouraged to constantly review their For many locals, it is when their offerings to the market and action friends and family are visiting upgrades where required. that they actually discover Wintersun comes to the things/places in their home Coffs Coast this year, having , it is region that they hadn’t previously been hosted by For many locaslsand nd ie previously known about. when their fr ting that Port Macquarie, and we family are visidiscover While this is great fun look forward to the boost they actually in their for all concerned, I’d like that this event is expected s ce la /p things at they to encourage all of you to bring to Coffs Coast home region th ly to engage in enjoying the hadn’t previous business operators – as t. ou ab known attractions and activities well as the enjoyment that that we have here before it will bring for many locals and after your friends and as well. This 10-day event starts family have been to stay. You live 6 June and will include an Elvis in one of Australia’s most popular regions, tribute contest, with the winner heading over where one of our biggest assets is the diversity to Memphis – so dust off those blue suede of things to do and places to go that we have shoes and get out there! You can also expect here, both natural and man made. to see some fine displays of hot rods, classic Many people, including your friends and custom cars, and there will be more than and family, travel for hours to get here 50 bands performing during Wintersun at a and thoroughly look forward to their time variety of free and ticketed events. here because of what we have to offer, so I I hear that positive negotiations continue encourage you to get out on a regular basis between Coffs Harbour City Council and and enjoy it yourself. Don’t wait for visitors; the World Rally Championship organisers for build up your own knowledge and memory future events to be staged on the Coffs Coast, bank all year round so that when you do following the successful staging of the 2011 have visitors, you can give them first hand WRC. This event has the potential to provide recommendations and head back to enjoy considerable benefits to the Coffs Coast – and your favourite attractions/activities with them. not just at the time of the event, but all year Not only is this great fun for you, but it is an round, with the region being highlighted in excellent way of supporting your local business world wide TV coverage. owners and the local economy – which is Well, that’s it for me for this month. Support particularly important right now if you want to your local business operators, and ENJOY!

He all – by the time you are Hello rreading this, Easter will have been and gone, and the kids/grandkids will be returning to school for their second term of the year.

How do I get started? Social media is a complex and ever changing marketing paradigm to grasp. The best way to get your head around it is to think simple! Social media is just another marketing channel to use, just like TV, radio or direct mail, except its purpose may be different. Mistake number one samwardman The gurus from My Marketing Data is creating a ge ok pa bo ce Fa Blog suggest that the starting point g and then leavin it to its own ys: for any social media is identifying resources (or pay a specialist) to devices! It sa the 6 WS: post content, tips and engage “I don’t care” tos. your follower 1.Who is your audience? with followers on your business 2.Where can you find them (what page. Mistake number one for any networks are they on)? business is creating a Facebook page 3.When are they most likely to engage in a and then leaving it to its own devices! It says: “I conversation online? don’t care” to your followers. All you need to do 4.Why should they connect with you online? is devote 15 - 30 minutes a day to social media, 5.What do they want to know about? and you’ll be kicking goals! 6.What way do they want information sent to Another important aspect to your social them? (Facebook, Twitter, Blog etc …) media strategy is to promote it! Make sure Once you have identified these core elements, you integrate social media into your existing you will be aware of how your business can marketing channels, so include it in your use social media. You should always look at it email signature, TV, radio, website and print from a content and customer service driven role, media – any marketing you are doing. Use it rather than a sales and promotion tool. You are as an integrated part of your marketing, as a there to provide value to your followers and not communication and awareness tool, which will to bombard their newsfeed with useless selfincrease your brand presence too! promotion. Happy marketing! Sam Wardman. You also need to build into your business plan the

coffs coast focus 47

focusinterview.

Photos by Brian White.

Vintage Volkswagens, and especially split windscreen Kombis, are in vogue at the moment. One person who knows a bit about these vehicles after spending most of his life with either his head under the engine lid or his foot on the accelerator of one is Luke Pell. FOCUS caught up with him in his garage to talk about his love of the vee dub and this year’s bi–annual Volkswagen Spectacular.

Volkswagens.

Luke Pell interview.

The 19th Volkswagen Spectacular will take place this year on 2 – 6 August at the Valla Beach Tourist Park.

ow young ung wer were ere you when you started messing around with cars? My father is a mechanic, and he specialised in Volkswagens. I was very young, probably only crawling from what I have been told, and I would follow him around everywhere – up ladders, under cars; so I guess it started from there. You were born into it then? I remember making up excuses to get out of school to go with Dad in his truck and collect people’s cars. Getting myself as dirty as possible on a Sunday morning, so that I wouldn’t have to go to church. Then the day I was legally old enough, I left school and went to work with him. I couldn’t have been happier. Vintage Volkswagens, especially older model split screen Kombis, have become very popular over the last few years. Why do you think this is? I think a lot of people had them when they were younger, or would have liked to. These people now have the money to buy one and have it restored. A lot of people I know garage them through the week and then drive around in them on the weekend. Many will own modern versions and drive these during the week or use them for their work. What sort of investment would you be looking at to have a split screen Kombi sitting in your garage? It is the same as buying a new car, and the price is reflection of this. If, as most people, you

48 coffs coast focus.

want something different or specialised, d th hen then that amount increases dramatically. Over the last few years more parts have been re-made for the Kombis, in places like Columbia. They are producing most of the parts that are needed for an entire restoration. Also, Volkswagen in Germany recently began to offer restoration services, and they too are beginning to re-make parts ... though, the days of finding an 'old' Kombi laying in someone's backyard are sadly gone. Tell us a bit about your Kombi ... It’s a 1967 Double Cab Utility Kombi that I found lying in a paddock in Bathurst, where it had been sitting for 15 years. How long did it take to restore? About 12 months. I replaced and restored everything on the vehicle. I had assistance from a lot of talented friends and sourced parts from all over Australia, USA and Europe. It was a lot of work, but every time I start it up and drive it, I know it was worth it ... puts a smile on my face. You are one of the organisers of the Volkswagen Spectacular car show. Tell us a bit about that? The Volkswagen Spectacular is a 4-day event held bi-annually at Valla Park. It attracts over 400 cars from all over Australia. People travel from as far away as Perth in the west and Tasmania in the south. I think it’s the biggest Volkswagen car show in Australia and maybe the Southern Hemisphere. This year the event is held from 2 - 6 August. Further information: www.volkswagenspectacular.com

If you love Volkswagens or are just looking for an enjoyable weekend, head to the beautiful Nambucca Valley and check out the action. The event draws Volkswagen enthusiasts from all o over the country to the Nambucca Valley. They arrive, driving all makes and models of V Volkswagens, including split window Kombis, K Karman Ghias, Notch Backs, Fast Backs, Station W Wagons, T4s, Kubel Wagens, Manx Buggies and o of course, the original car of the people – the Beetle. This makes it possible to observe every incarnation of Volkswagen imaginable over the event's duration – and then some. Many of the V Dubbers begin to arrive on Wednesday and stay in the 2448 postcode until the following Monday. Thursday is the start of the racing at Raleigh Raceway. Several of the drivers endeavour to put on a show for the punters, slipping and sliding all over the track. Grab a picnic basket, the family and 'get your backside – trackside'. During the evening, participants enjoy a casual welcome dinner and cruise around the Nambucca Township. Friday is the second day of racing at Raleigh Raceway. Late arrivals and those who posted less than impressive lap times have a chance to impress. Then it’s back to Valla Beach Tourist Park for a bistro and event registration. Saturday morning is the spectacle of the Spectacular, with all of the participating vehicles joining in a parade into the local township of Nambucca Heads. The convoy travels along the Pacific Highway under escort of the local police and arrives in the main street. It is one of the only events in NSW where the police stop traffic on the highway for such a convoy. If you have the chance, it’s worth grabbing yourself a decent vantage point to view the parade as it rolls into town. The sight of 400 odd cars snaking their way up the hill is a memorable one. Upon arrival, the cars are all parked in the main street, that is blocked off to traffic during

the Saturday morning. During these hours, the public and fellow enthusiasts have the chance to check out the amazing collection of VWs. If all this Volkswagen fever gets you inspired to join the ranks of the motley crew of enthusiasts, then head out to the Valla Beach Tourist Park. At the resort through the duration of the weekend, you will find a collection of everything you need at the swap meet to become a bona fide V Dubber – from chrome plated wheel nuts, to underwear with strategically placed beetles. There will also be local markets and a great array of food available on Saturday, so bring the kids and make a day of it. A charity auction is held on Saturday night, with all proceeds being donated to local charities and support groups i.e. Local VRA, Nambucca Lions Club, Nambucca Rotary. In past years, these auctions have raised upwards of $30,000. Saturday evening, a fancy dress/costume themed dance and dinner are scheduled. This is for registered participants of the weekend and not for the general public, unfortunately. Sunday will see the cars on display at the Valla Beach Tourist Park, for the judging of the trophy categories for the weekend. The judging and presentation gives the public and participants an opportunity to check out the best of the best. Sunday afternoon things begin to wind down, and everyone begins to think about packing up and heading home. There will be a fireworks display at Valla Beach Tourist Park on Sunday night to signal the end of the weekend’s events.

Mark it on your calendar and be sure not to miss the 19th Volkswagen Spectacular, 2 - 6 August 2012. For more info www.volkswagenspectacular.com

for the industry

focuseditorial.

K & J Trucks is one of the most successful transport dealerships on the North Coast. Owned and operated by the Schuhmann family, K & J Trucks are renowned for their sterling reputation and excellent customer service.

K&J

K&J Trucks provides sales, service and parts products, as well as a full range of aftermarfor all major transport, specialising in Scania ket, non-genuine parts for all other makes and Mitsubishi-FUSO truck, bus and marine. and models of vehicles. The strength of our business is our focus on In 2005, K&J Trucks' workshop extenquality, customer service and support. We sions doubled the size of its workshop and keep abreast of the latest technolincorporated a five tonne overhead ogy and products available crane, Brake and Suspension today. With a staff of over Testing unit and B-Double Being part 25 people, including drive through access. of the 2nd s 15 trained technicians, In 2009 - 2010, we ha n generatio 4 spare parts staff, 5 constructed our new office given me the d knowledge anat administration staff, premises, highlighting our experience thare including Marilyn Smith, commitment to customer sh Jo Kevin & who has been with the sales and service, providfor the industry. company since 1989. ing easy access and a more In 1985, K&J Trucks was efficient establishment for our established as a 2-bay small mecustomer requirements. chanical repair workshop and Scania According to Nathan, son of business dealership in Lawson Cresent. owners Kevin and Jo, one of the main In 1989, K&J Trucks built a new workshop benefits of running a successful business as and office located on the south side of a family is sharing the same passion for the Coffs Harbour. Being located alongside the transport industry, working for the same Pacific Highway provided greater exposure goals and sharing the same customer focus. and easier access for all heavy vehicles. "Being part of the 2nd generation has In 1991, K&J Trucks took on board given me the knowledge and experience Mitsubishi-FUSO Trucks. We continued our that Kevin and Jo share for the industry." relationship with Scania & Mitsubishi-FUSO, becoming a full range dealership providing For more information, please contact genuine sales, service and parts for both K & J Trucks on 6652 7218.

coffs coast focus 49

focusfeature.

PICS ON FILE FROM OLD ADS, ETC

Energy efficient home. Many people are now considering more environmentally friendly options for a number of reasons. Not only can we hand on a better world to our children, but we can also reduce our reliance on commodities such as electricity, hence reducing our ever-increasing bills. Emerald Energy offers

Going Green Under Foot. At Choices Coffs Harbour, they’re taking steps towards the future, with more sustainable and more environmentally

environmental management. At GeoLINK, we aim to be leaderss in all aspects off sustainable design and environmental management. Our motto is ‘quality solutions for a sustainable future’. We are a design consultancy helping our clients to plan, manage and enhance the urban and natural environment to create communities that are more livable, sustainable and responsible.

friendly products.

a range of energy efficient products designed to reduce your energy use and make your home comfortable. Being the proud dealer for Solahart in the Coffs Coast region, Emerald Energy offers the world leading Solahart solar hot water system, as well as Solahart’s new range of solar power systems,

Like their Embelton Bamboo. As one of the world’s fastest and

ranked as one of the most efficient in the world. Both products

strongest trees, it can be harvested every 5 - 6 years, making it

are backed by Solahart’s comprehensive warranty, which offers

more sustainable than timber. Embelton chooses only the finest

peace of mind in today’s changing world.

raw materials so not only will your bamboo floor look great, it

Emerald Energy is also the dealer for Solatube in the Coffs Coast

will also last for years to come.

region. With its long reputation for quality and innovation,

Then there’s new Brease, the low allergy carpet with amazing

‘Solatube’ is the brand name in the skylight market, now

insulation, comfort and noise reduction. With its asthma and

offering 3 models to suit most homes and budgets.

Our integrated mix of professional disciplines includes urban and environmental planning, civil and environmental engineering, urban design, landscape architecture, ecology and environmental science.

allergy friendly qualities, it is like a breath of fresh air, and it has

SolarVent solar roof ventilation systems reduce both the heat

been recognised by the National Asthma Council of Australia’s

and humidity in homes by roof ventilation, powered solely by the

Sensitive Choice Program. This unique carpet has been especially

sun. You can cool your home by up to 6 degrees, reducing your

developed by Beaulieu of Australia, exclusively for Choices.

air conditioning costs, remove humidity and condensation and

This mix of skills and experience allows us to provide sustainable solutions in all facets of land use, design and management.

Choices and their manufacturers believe that the small steps we

circulate fresh air throughout the home, making the home more

take today will help preserve the environment for our children

comfortable for allergy sufferers. For more information, call 6651

tomorrow.

9926 or visit our website at www.emeraldenergy.net.au

GeoLINK Helping to create a sustainable Mid North Coast for over 20 years

Planning | Engineering | Landscape Architecture Environmental Auditing | Ecology For help with your next project visit us online at www.geolink.net.au PO Box 1446 COFFS HARBOUR NSW 2450 02 6651 7666

quality solutions sustainable future

50 coffs coast focus.

focusfeature. Image supplied by Warwick

Coffs Harbour Eco Housing. Creating Luxury In Interiors. Luxury isn’t always about the glitz and nd glamour – it can be be a texture that evokes a feeling, sensory luxury. Interpretation of luxury is individual. We understand that each client and the architecture of their home are a unique combination, so the designs we produce are also individual, rather than reflecting one particular style. Two Birds Design create ‘luxury’ using the following design principles ... functionality, quality and beauty. Strong, highly functional planning is always the starting point on any project. Well laid out spaces and natural light are key to the overall quality of a space. A strong base will make everything within it function smoothly and look beautiful. Quality, rather than quantity, guides us in selecting materials, fittings, furniture and artwork. Good quality materials and workmanship give longevity and aesthetic appeal and save time, energy and cost in the long run. Beauty is always our prime goal – for its ability to ease the mind, lift the spirit and for the pure, lasting pleasure it brings. Kylie Mackay and Kristie Peel from Two Birds Design offer a diverse range of affordable design services, from hourly rate consultations through to complete exterior/interior design and furniture packages. Everyone needs a little luxury in their lives. We invite you to contact us to discuss your project needs – big or small.

Instead of trying to find a way to sustain stain the way we live li We might ask how to create a sustainable way of living. An exciting new Eco Housing Development is coming to the Jetty in Coffs Harbour asking exactly that question. What is it we really need as human beings? How about –‘Exquisite Sufficiency’: Good food, clean air and water, comfortable and safe shelter, good health, physical, mental and social well-being. Everything else is detail and possibly ‘extravagant’ – in the sense of exceeding the boundaries of something. Can we provide for these core human needs for ourselves while respecting and supporting the needs of all other people and life forms on this planet? Factor 10 How we can lower our ecological footprint by a factor of ten or more, compared to the Australian average today, whilst living a life of exquisite sufficiency in the middle of Coffs Harbour. These four superbly designed dwellings on a north-facing site at the Jetty are an exciting experiment in response and adaptation to Climate Change and related environmental issues. The dwellings will be net producers of energy, not consumers. Urban food production on vertical gardens and roof top gardens, maximizing the efficiency of water use and water recycling, improving biodiversity in micro habitats, Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions – these are just some of the features of this development. Is this how you would like to live?

Danashi Marketing. Is Your Business Mobile Ready? Natasha Dowling, founder and consultant @Danashi Marketing, will make you your very own QR Code & Mobile Website! Eleven million Australians use a mobile phone; 87% of these users are searching for local businesses. 2012 is the year that searches via mobile phones will overtake desktop computer searches. Are you missing out on this large portion of business traffic? What Are QR Codes? QR Codes, or quick response code. QR Codes are scanned using a mobile phone and take you places! QR Codes are making the world clickable, and they are hitting Australia fast. Searching for local businesses via a mobile phone can be very frustrating. You scroll around looking for the contact details, and quickly move away. We know this is not good for business. In 2012, Every Business Will ‘Go Mobile’. Your QR Code combined with Your ‘User-friendly’ Mobile Website is a very cost effective and powerful way to build your customer base and increase recurring customers easily. Put QR Codes on your advertising material – business cards, flyers and newspaper ads for instant connection. Be sure that your customers scan through to a ‘User-friendly’ platform. Implementing this new technology is you tapping into the 87% of 11 million people searching for local business via their phones. Can you afford not to be mobile ready?

coffs coast focus 51

focusfeature.

Coffs Harbour Hardwoods. Coffs Harbour Hardwoods is a Coffs Harbour based family owned and operated company and has been supplying timber products around Australia and overseas since it was established by Timber Merchant and Its natural, d world champion axewarm beauty an st du ic at st ti an w lo man, Ray McCarthy, in it e ak m s tie proper 1961. en more highly Timber has been chosen for centuries as a flooring product.

ev desirable today.

Its natural, warm beauty and low antistatic dust properties make it even more highly desirable today. Timber flooring is available in many colours of single or mixed species, and the floor that you are installing will be unique in character and appearance, because there are no two trees the same. For this reason, timber floors are so valued and the feature

52 coffs coast focus.

of many homes. Another charm of timber floors is that they are totally natural, and with this comes variability. Due to this, there are some things you, as the owner, need to consider about the laying, sanding and finishing of your timber flooring and decking. For further information or sales enquiries, contact us on 6649 2006 or visit www. coffshardwoods.com.au

focusfeature.

FROM

AT L A S P O O L S.

D AV E O R R

Dave Orr, a Coffs Harbour local, established Atlas Pools and Restorations in 2009. Since then, he has introduced Coffs Harbour and the Mid North Coast to o the most superior eco-friendly solutions, cutting edge e filtration systems and integrated control systems thatt the pool building industry has to offer.

hat are some of the products and pool systems that Atlas Pools can offer?

•

At Atlas Pools, we work with the newest technology to provide clients with the most advanced digital control systems. The Easy Touch pool and spa digital control system gives the client full control of all pool and spa features and systems, with the use of various control panel options. An impressive feature of this device is that you can have full control of your pool and spa with use of your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac or your PC. You can control the spa temperature, pool cleaning, lighting and pump and filter equipment with a few touches on your iPhone. • Atlas Pools is licensed to supply and install Paramount in-floor cleaning and circulation systems. This is an in-built, low maintenance, self cleaning pool function that is engineered to clean your entire pool including spas, benches and steps, eliminating the need of a barracuda vacuum hose. The system will clean 99% of the entire pool and significantly reduce heating and chemical costs. When it is not in use, the nozzles disappear back into the pool floor, so that it is barely visible. This system is fantastic for clients who want to spend less time cleaning their pool and more time relaxing around it.

•

We encourage our clients to use an eco-

friendly one pump system, such as the IntelliFlo skin, but can overall help their skin conditions. VS High Performance Pump. The IntelliFlo It does not sting the eyes, leave a salty residue has an onboard computer and intelligent on the skin, turn blond hair green or have software, that can be programmed to supply potent chlorine smells. The by-product found the required and optimal flow rate for the in MagnaPool has been used for health and individual pool tasks. Unlike standard variable beauty applications and can help rid the body speed pumps that produce the same flow of daily toxins, allowing a healthier and holistic rate regardless of the system it is operating, life. What type of pools does Atlas IntelliFlo self-adjusts according to Pools build? the individual system for further • Atlas Pools build energy savings, as well as in-ground concrete saving you the time of swimming pools and having to manually adjust We encourage e our clients to usone spas in any shape pump settings. an eco-friendly ch as • Atlas Pools are also that the client desires pump system, suHigh licensed for the supply and with any features S V the IntelliFlo p. m Pu ce installation of MagnaPool that they want. Atlas’ an rm Perfo magnesium sulphate work ranges from sanitising systems, which basic pool installation are an alternative to a typical to the more advanced chlorine system. MagnaPool systems and features. We provides therapeutic swimming water find that working with concrete and has environmental and health benefits. pool shells, opposed to fibreglass shells, is Can you explain more about the less limiting and find that you can customise MagnaPool system? the size and shape to suit a client’s backyard • The MagnaPool system is based on use of restrictions or allowances. With concrete magnesium and potassium rich minerals with pools, we are confident in guaranteeing our a superior filtration system. It is an Australian product. We strive to incorporate the outdoor made product that is natural and eco-friendly. living area, which are popular on the Coffs • Many people who suffer from severe Coast, with the pool, to give a seamless and skin allergies and conditions find that the functional appeal. Atlas Pools have a strong MagnaPool system is not only gentle on the understanding and interest in the integration

of digital features and filtration systems that result in low maintenance high performance swimming pools. Atlas Pools are perfectionists when it comes to our work, and we want to give people exactly what they want in a pool. What are some of Atlas Pool’s upcoming projects?

• We are in the final stages of finishing a 25 m pool. The pool includes a semi-circular spa and internal swim out acting as an entrance. The pool and spa is fitted with a Paramount in-floor cleaning system, IntelliFlo variable speed pumps, MagnaPool sanitising system, EasyTouch digital control system and spa and pool heating. • We recently started a 20 m x 4.5 m rectangle pool with a 20 m infinity-edge (wet-edge), which will have In-floor cleaning, a cathedral stair entrance and an automatic salt chlorination system. Also coming up in 2012 is an indoor, in-ground 12 m x 4 m custom shape pool with a spa, in-floor cleaning, IntelliFlo variable speed pump, automatic salt chlorinator, Pentair LPG gas heater and a digital control system. • We also have an array of smaller scale pools that range from functional family pools to entertaining leisure areas. We are constantly updating our website to include all product information, as well as photo galleries of completed pools and some ‘under construction’ photos of current jobs.

coffs coast focus 53

focusinterview.

Darren Darren will be raising awareness about The National Broadband Network at the T.H.E. Exchange event in Coffs Harbour on 21 June. or those who don’t know, what is NBN Co? The NBN is the National broadband Network, which is essentially a high-speed internet and communications network that is being rolled out to every premise in Australia. The network is designed to give improved broadband services to Australians, irrespective of whether they live in metro, regional, rural or remote locations. The network has three core delivery technologies to reach each property in the form of fibre, fixed wireless and satellite connections. The NBN is not just about faster internet – it’s about an upgrade to the infrastructure that will underpin the delivery of vital applications that Australians will need over the coming decades. This is a great step forward in preparing our country for the future and helping to address some of its biggest challenges in healthcare, education and business. What is your role with the organisation – and what does it involve? I am the Community Relations Advisor for NBN Co, with a focus on Government and Community Relations in the areas that we are building in across New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Queensland and the Northern Territory. Primarily, my role is to help raise awareness and understanding amongst local stakeholders such as Councils, Regional Development Authority, Chambers of Commerce, universities and TAFEs, Members of Parliament, as well as the local community, as to what the NBN is, what it will mean for locals and prepare the way for its construction in the area. I also spend time with stakeholders looking forward to the Digital Economy and making sure that they are aware of the benefits, as well as prepare for when we switch the network on the NBN to optimise its use in terms of attractive new industries, creating employment and diversifying the local economy to take advantage of the new emerging digital age. Please give us the nuts and bolts details of the National Broadband Network? The NBN will deliver better broadband to every Australian, no matter where they live via a combination of fibre (93% of the premises across Australia) or, 54

coffs coast focus.

where building fibre is cost prohibitive, fixed wireless (4% of the premises) and satellite (3% of the premises). The entire construction project is expected to take around a decade to complete. In terms of improved speeds and capacities, that largely depends on what end users are getting at present. Across all three platforms we will be offering a range of services, that will be represented to end users over time by offers from retail service providers. st For Fixed Wireless The NBN is not ju– it’s et rn about faster inte e to the for example, the more than 3.5 about an upgrad ill introductory services w million homes and at th e infrastructur y er liv de e will be 8 times faster businesses in every th in underp ns than ADSL1. Each state and territory. of vital applicatiowill that Australians ming delivery technology The figures include the need over the co has a road map to three quarters of a million decades. offer even faster speeds premises where construction and capacities over time. work is underway or set to How will the National begin this year, including the eight Broadband Network benefit early locations where the fibre network regional Australians? is already in service. The rollout of the NBN follows a series of We can ramp up activity, because design principles that aim to deliver a highconstruction contracts are in place and speed broadband network in an efficient and the major commercial and regulatory cost-effective manner. hurdles have been cleared, giving us the These principles include: first extending momentum we need. the network in areas where work has already The full list of localities where the network begun; balancing construction across states is up and running, where work is underway and territories and between metropolitan and and where work is scheduled to begin before regional locations; and making use of available mid-2015 can be viewed online at www.nbnco. exchange and transit infrastructure as it com.au/rollout/about-the-rollout/communitiesbecomes available. in-the-rollout.html. Regional Australia will have access to the Communities can also check the progress same services that those in metro Australia of the rollout by typing in their location have enjoyed. Investment in new industries or postcode into the interactive NBN and companies, innovation and incubation can Rollout Map: www.nbnco.com.au/rollout now be done anywhere across Australia. We Looking beyond this three-year plan, what are already seeing people move their business are the next geographical areas likely to to areas that already have NBN activated which be included in the NBN? are not in metro locations. NBNCo will be updating the three-year plan NBN Co has just announced a three-year every 12 months. This essentially means that roll out plan. How will this plan unfold – new areas, towns and cities will be constantly and what areas will it cover? added and communities will have a degree of The National Broadband Network has certainty as to when we are coming. published a three-year plan that will It is important to note that the national see an essential upgrade to Australia’s Fixed Wireless network will be completed by communications rolled out to more than a the end of 2015 and that we will be launching third of the Australian population. two satellites to improve the interim satellite By mid-2015, the network will be up network in 2015 as well. and running and construction will be The NBNCo website www.nbnco.com. underway in areas containing around au is the best place to find out information, 1,500 communities – or areas comprising or people can call our national contact

centre on 1800 881 816 with an enquiry. What is the estimated time frame for most of Australia to be connected? The fibre network roll out will take 9.5 years to complete before the 93% of premises are connected. The Fixed Wireless covering 4% will be completed by 2015 and the interim satellite which is operating now will be upgraded with the addition of our two new satellites in 2015 For those who live in an area where the NBN is being rolled out, how do they go about getting connected? The many Retail Service Providers (the list is currently 39 and growing) will market prices, bundles and a range of offers to end users. The end user will select a service, sign-up with a RSP then the RSP will place an order on NBNCo to connect the property. The end user will be well and truly informed as to when we are coming to their area and see a range of marketing material from the retail service providers, with competitive offers to select from. You’re a guest speaker at the T.H.E. Exchange (Technology Health Education) event in Coffs Harbour on June 21. What topics will your speech cover? NBN Co will have several speakers at T.H.E. Exchange to address the status of the national roll-out, the latest in applications, end-user devices and global trends in other digital economies, as well as what is working well across the country by way of the use of the NBN to drive improvements to the way people work, live, learn and play. Where can people go to find out more information about the NBN? The NBN Co website www.nbnco.com. au is the best place to find out information, or people can call our national contact centre on 1800 881 816 with their enquiry. Thank you Darren.

coffs coast focus 55

COFFS COAST

property guide.

56 coffs coast focus.

focusabode.

Adenbrook Homes. Multi-award winning Adenbrook Homes Mid North Coast has opened their brand new display home at North Sapphire Beach in Coffs Harbour.

The ‘Penn’ is a spacious, modern home, with features that embraces the lifestyle of today’s family. With the relaxing surrounds of North Sapphire Beach, the home is inspired by the bush, beach, sunshine and breezy coastal elements of the local environment. With distinct and deliberate zones for living, entertaining and relaxing, the layout has been thoughtfully designed to incorporate spaces to come together as a family and with friends and private areas for relaxing time alone. The hub of the Penn is a breezy, open plan living space at the rear of the home overlooking the landscaped gardens. For the gourmets of the home, the galley style kitchen features a breakfast

bar and large walk in pantry, or entertaining – an additional space perfect for entertaining or where adults and children can be The hub of the Penn is a relaxing meals with the family. together or have breakout space for breezy, open plan The meals area comfortably time alone. at e living spac seats a table of eight and The bedroom wing is isolated the rear of the g home overlookin overlooks a spacious family from the busy living hub of the the landscaped area. The living space wraps an home for peace, space and privacy. gardens. alfresco, which can be completely Divided into a master suite and opened up by glass sliding doors for children’s wing, the two zones are year round entertaining and relaxing. separated with an internal courtyard with dual A flexible, second living space behind the access from both the master bedroom and the kitchen has been used as a media lounge, with children’s wing. The open outdoor area streams heavy curtains and carpeting for an authentic natural light into the internal space, creating a cinema feel. The space could also be used as leisurely area for quiet downtime. formal lounge or rumpus and is ideal for relaxing continued over

coffs coast focus 57

Adenbrook Homes.

At the Penn, the master suite is a space of private luxury, an escape for parents to retreat and have some time to themselves. The spacious master bedroom has a corner for a reading chair and lamp, while the ensuite has his and her vanities and oversized shower. A large walk in wardrobe has enough space for everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clothes, and the world can be completely shut out once those master suite doors are shut. At the other end of the home, the childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wing is a space that will grow with the family. Three double bedrooms share a family bathroom and access to the internal courtyard, while the retreat and study nook are spaces that

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will still suit as the children grow from toddlers through to teenagers. A bright and breezy home for the modern family, the Penn at North Sapphire Beach has all the essentials of a family home with features for todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family.

Design Principles A spacious, family home with deliberate zones for living, entertaining and relaxing form the design principles behind the popular Penn. Taking the traditional 4-bedroom home, the layout has been thoughtfully designed to create spaces to come together as a family and with friends, and spaces for privacy and time alone.

focusabode.

The open plan kitchen, meals and family and alfresco form a living and entertaining zone, with a media room creating an additional entertaining space. The bedroom zone is divided into a luxurious master suite for the parents and children’s wing with retreat and study for the rest of the household. Adenbrook Homes Designer, Dean Bolger, says the Penn has all the traditional features of a family home, with extras for today’s modern family. “The Penn has additional living spaces that have the flexibility for multiple uses that will grow as the family grows. A media lounge can also be used as an additional rumpus room or formal lounge room, while the child’s retreat can later become a teenager’s retreat. Having an internal courtyard and an alfresco also encourages that outdoor lifestyle,” he said. The Penn is one of Adenbrook Homes’ most popu-

lar designs, appealing to many families because of its clever layout and flexible design.

Interiors Inspiration

of The Penn is one ’ es m Ho k oo br en Ad signs, most popular de any m to g in appeal of families becauseand its clever layout flexible design.

Influenced by the coastal lifestyle presented by North Sapphire Beach, a ‘Beach Life’ theme was created by Windemere Interiors. Drawing inspiration from the sandy beaches, cool sea breezes and ocean waters, Beach Life is created by a fresh combination of whites, sands and blue accents, with textures of natural timbers and fibres. Windemere Interiors’ Designer, Lindy Evans, says the Beach Life theme creates a little holiday paradise at the Penn. “The fresh colours and natural fabrics in this theme are reminiscent of the ultimate beach holiday home. Casual and relaxing, it’s a little coastal

escape that incorporates the natural environment of the home,” said Lindy. The Penn has a neutral canvas of whites and sands that reflect the natural light throughout the home, creating a bright and breezy space. Furniture in soft grained and washed timbers combined with woven wicker emulate driftwood washed up on the shore and the retro beach huts of the past. Blue accents from the teal of the shallow waters to the indigo of the depths of the ocean add splashes of vibrant colour, while over-stuffed cushions in light, natural fabrics are piled across couches and beds for a casual and comfortable feel. Decorator accents of driftwood, model ships and glass bottles add a nautical touch. continued over

coffs coast focus 59

focusabode.

About Adenbrook Homes. Adenbrook Homes is one of Australia’s fastest growing builders, building homes across New South Wales and Queensland. With a multitude of awards over the past 11 years, the company is locally owned and operated by builders who are part of the local community. Father and son team, Matt and Luke Morris, Adenbrook Homes builders on the Mid North Coast, says it’s very much a family business. Matt says, “We’ve lived in the Mid North Coast region most of our lives, as have most of our team and are very familiar with the neighbourhood and the locals.” Matt looks after the business side of things and ensures there’s structure, process and planning, while son Luke is the Construction Manager and point of contact

Al ith our Building B ildi during the construction stages. Along with Supervisor Brett, they ensure that the construction phase runs smoothly. Angie is the customer service officer and looks after all the clients who are building with us, while Karen is the sales consultant who looks after the display at North Sapphire Beach. “We have a dedicated and trusted groups of tradies and subbies who are part of our Adenbrook family. We trust their consistent high quality workmanship and attention to detail,” said Matt. Adenbrooks Homes actively support the local community, sponsoring the local high school and surf lifesaving club. ”We’ve built many homes in the Coffs Harbour area in the past 12 months, and it’s fantastic to drive around and see the families enjoying their new home. We really

Imagine waking up to this every morning..

NEW BUILDER DISPLAY HOMES ROBYN GODDARD Mobile: 0428 619 919 Email: enquiries@northsapphirebeach.com.au

CALL 6653 6288 www.nor thsapphirebeach.com.au

60 coffs coast focus.

Now Open!

LAND SALES CENTRE Cnr of Nor th Solitary Dr & Green Bluff Rd Nor th Sapphire Road

lik to t keep k t h with ith the th local l l community it we build b ild like touch homes for.”

Visit the Penn at North Sapphire Beach The display is located in North Sapphire Beach, in the growing Coffs Harbour region. The estate boasts a community outlook with a distinctive coastal feel. The Penn is on display at North Sapphire Beach 7 days a week.

the plug! Visit the Display home today! 2 Green Bluff Road, North Sapphire Beach NSW 2450 Telephone: 0412 797 925 Opening hours: 10am - 5pm 7 days/week.

9 Church Street 路 Bellingen

55 Hickory Street 路 Dorrigo

6655 2458 6657 2521

www.guysaddleton.com.au

We SELL properties

We RENT properties coffs coast focus 61

with Chris Hines from Unrealestate

real

Stay Warm this Winter. Luxaflex Window Fashions leads the way

customise the product to your needs.”

in outdoor living. Your local LUXAFLEX®

Operating options include internal cord winch,

Window Fashions Gallery, Coffs Harbour Blinds & Awnings introduces the latest innovation to outdoor living with its new designer Evo Awning Range. These functional and stylish awnings are ideal for today’s modern homes. Part of the Contemporary Series of Awnings, the

black, grey and white for easy colour co-ordination. Optional accessories include sun and wind sensors, special remotes and integration into home automation systems.

Evo Awning Range features an array of guiding options, including Evo STC, Evo Channel, Evo

more choice and more solutions for consumers

Cable, Evo Drop and Evo Pivot.

than ever before. Come in and see us and we

Norm Jeff, co-owner of Coffs Harbour Blinds &

can help you create your perfect outdoor space,”

Awnings discusses the top features of the new

concludes Norm.

range.

All Luxaflex Window Fashions awnings are backed

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Australian weather conditions in mind. The choice

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living or provide shading to exposed glass areas to improve your inside living environment. They come with more options than ever before including

44 Park Av, Coffs Harbour. Alternatively, call 6691 5100 or visit www.coffsharbour.luxaflex.com.au. * 5-year warranty excludes clear PVC option which

new wider widths for modern homes as well as a

offers a 12 month warranty. See www.luxaflex.

variety of operating options and fabrics so you can

com.au for Warranty document.

62 coffs coast focus.

Placing your home on the market is one of the largest financial decisions the majority of us ever make.

chris hines.

spring and a manual crank system, available in

“The new range of awnings means we now offer

of styles allows you to greatly improve your outdoor

focusrealestate.

which agent to use to sell their home. s I was thinking of a topic to write about this month, I looked Choosing an agent is not very different from at the state of the market at choosing a doctor or any other service present and thought I would provider. If you were new to the area and rehash a subject I spoke about over twelve were looking for an accountant or a plumber, months ago which seems even more prevalent you would ask local residents to make on the current market. recommendations based on their experience. If we read the papers, apparently properties The best source of first hand information about for sale outnumber purchasers ready and local agents is someone who has recently willing to buy them - a classic buyer’s market. bought or sold a house in. Depressing news? Not so for 90% of Coffs If you don’t know anyone who has recently Coasts residents. bought or sold, long term locals such as Why? Because over 90% of buyers are newsagent, dry cleaners, conveyancers and so upwardly mobile - after selling they go on to on are always a ready source of information purchase a more expensive home than the one about who has the community’s confidence. they sold. Property prices are now at the low The obvious question on every prospective end of the price curve and this makes it a great vendor’s lips is whether the agent in question time to trade up. sold the house for the best price in a If you’re disappointed in the price agents reasonable time, but research shows that indicate as the reasonable selling an issue seldom raised at the start price for your property in the of marketing becomes the main current market, you shouldn’t cause for concern when things You know be - because when it’s what, there go wrong: lack of feedback. are still sold your turn to buy you will One of the key questions up g in go s sign make substantial savings. vendors should ask their and new great properties e You don’t need to be sources is whether their coming on th Einstein to work out that y er agent stayed in constant ev t ke mar if you’re upgrading to a day. communication and provided more expensive property, your regular feedback at every stage percentage gain will be greater of the marketing process. Knowing than the one the purchaser made on what is going on every step of the way your original home. There’s a very old saying reduces vendor stress and contributes to the that the tide takes out all of the ships, the big successful sale of the property, it can help the ones’ and the small. property sell faster and for a higher price. Another advantage of buying and selling in If your checks reveal that an agent has the same market is that property consumers a first class reputation in terms of service, have plenty of time to do their research and feedback and results there is no need to look feel confident they are making the right any further. Above all, vendors should take decision. their time when selecting an agent and not After all, the principal place of residence is let themselves be put on the spot by pressure the single greatest asset for most Coffs Coast selling techniques designed to get them to property owners. There’s nothing worse than sign “now”. After all, for 97% of Coffs Coast feeling you have to make a hasty decision just home owners the family home represents because you’ve sold your home on a rising their single greatest asset and as such their market and are afraid of prices getting away most significant financial transaction. from you. The best thing about buying and Everyone has heard the three most selling in the same market is that you don’t important criteria for choosing a house to buy, become a victim of fluctuating prices. Location! Location! And Location! Choosing Personally I think you are better off staying an agent can be summed up in a similar way away from doom and gloom headlines and “Reputation! Reputation! And Reputation!” taking professional advice off your mortgage Just remember as well, don’t choose your broker / banker or financial advisor. You know agent according to the one who gives you the what, there are still sold signs going up and highest valuation, unless the can substantiate new great properties coming on the market it with comparative sales. And don’t choose every day. your agent based on commission, choose Many vendors say they find it hard to decide based on competence.

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