Issue 60 - Manning-Great Lakes by Focus

Feature Story MANNING-GREAT LAKES

February 2012 // issue 60

inside this issue.

I N S I D E 60

NRMA President, former politician and Wingham regular, Wendy Machin has made no secret of the fact that sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sick of the spin and empty promises from politicians about fixing roads.

ARTISANS EXPO A three-day Expo, which includes world-class demonstrations with highly skilled artisans.

GREAT LAKES SAILING CLUB Great Lakes Sailing Club has lapped up the splendid views of Wallis Lake for over 40 years â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and in the process, brought a joy of sailing to many people, young and old.

Two Generations: Twenty Years of Contemporary Chinese Art

editor's note.

editor.

from the

Karen Farrell

Are you tired of rhetoric over the Pacific Highway upgrade? he ongoing delay with the Pacific Highway upgrade is a shameful disgrace and comes with seemingly endless rhetoric and broken promises. Politicians past and present have given priority to the game of politicking over such an important issue as roads, while innocent lives are lost and countless more are aimlessly injured.

I speak from personal experience as such, having lost my grandmother to a tragic road accident on a substandard stretch of the Pacific Highway.

fatalities and that while such tragedies momentarily draw attention to the roads issue – and rightly so – he says he could also write a book about the horrific injuries and road trauma he sees daily… “Severe head injuries, fractures, the elderly, injured children, pregnant women – a whole range of injuries affecting a whole range of communities”.

Taree-born curator, Brian Wallace, tells us about what it’s like working with Chinese artists with Chinese authorites hovering...

The gravity of the recent and very tragic doublefatality at Urunga has again seen people raise questions of both the Federal and State Governments over highway funding. The upgrade to the Pacific Highway is an extremely pressing issue, and we need answers regarding funding. Now.

EDITOR’S PHOTO Your scribe took this month’s photo of my wonderful boys enjoying an evening at the Tuncurry carnival ...

e The gravity of th y lit ta -fa le recent doub again s ha a ng at Uru e seen people raisth bo of ns tio ques State the Federal andover ts en nm er Gov g ... highway fundin

Dr Ray Jones, group member of Doctors for a Safer Pacific Highway (a lobby group of medical professionals) said recently that accidents on the Pacific Highway have become a way of life, and he’s “sick of it”. He makes the point that we often hear about

contacts. Got a story idea? Looking to advertise in Focus? Contact us for more information. ADDRESS: 4/142 Victoria Street, Taree PHONE: 02 6552 7337 FAX: 02 6552 7332 EMAIL: mglinfo@focusmag.com.au WEB: www.focusmag.com.au TV: www.focustv.com.au

Great Lakes Sailing Club informs us of its commitment to developing a junior sailing division. We hear from many amazing and inspiring local business women in our annual Women in Business feature.

QUOTE “Creative play is like a spring that bubbles up from deep within a child.” – Joan Almon.

IN THIS ISSUE Wendy Machin (our cover photo) President for the NRMA, talks about the Pacific Highway upgrade.

Karen Farrell – Editor karen@focusmag.com.au

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focusinterview.

NRMA President and former politician, Wendy Machin, has made no secret of the fact that she’s sick of the spin and empty promises from politicians about fixing roads. In her role at the NRMA, Wendy has worked to draw attention to issues affecting local communities regarding the appalling state of Australian roads ...

Wendy

t approximately this time last year, as part of a survey instigated by the NRMA, the North Coast stretch of the PaciÞc Highway between Coffs Harbour and Macksville was voted the stateÕs worst road leading into the State Election É I spoke to Wendy about the NRMAÕs work in lobbying the State and Federal Government to make good its target of meeting the 2016 PaciÞc Highway Upgrade. Approximately 12 months ago, the NRMA’s Red Flag survey voted the road between Coffs Harbour and Macksville as the worst stretch of road on the Pacific Highway… What funding commitments have you been able to achieve for Mid North Coast road projects since this survey took place? ItÕs important to remember the NRMA is a membership organisation and weÕre a lobby group, and thatÕs the two things our members want us to do in that order Ð roadside and lobbying. We get criticised from time-to-time that we canÕt make things faster, and we share that frustration. We just have to keep pushing and reminding politicians that things need to be done, and we try to use those 2 million members to reinforce our point. Since the time of the survey, weÕve had a change of government and a new Minister. WeÕve had the Þrst State Budget, which allocated a lot of money and made a major commitment over the next three-to-four years for the PaciÞc Highway. We had a meeting with a Federal Minister just before Christmas, and he urged us to continue with our lobbying − because it helps him in his Þght with Treasury to get the money. We were told by the road building authorities that the upgrade can still be done by 2016 if State and Federal Governments make that funding commitment now. The planning is at such a stage that if they know the money is coming, they can still Þnish that road in the next four years É and thatÕs a big ask, when you consider that thereÕs still nearly half of it to be built, with a lot of it still in the planning, and in some cases, early stages, but itÕs not actually done. In terms of the infrastructure, do you really

manning-great lakes focus.

think it’s achievable to meet the 2016 Pacific lot more trucks on our roads, so we have to have Highway Upgrade target? It seems to be a bit roads that can cope with them. nebulous, in terms of whether the funding By reducing the costs of fatalities and injury, will arrive or not … youÕre reducing the cost to the community. Each IÕm told by the local ofÞcers of Roads and death and injury costs millions of dollars to the Maritime Services that their planning and precommunity. By improving the highway youÕre planning and pre-construction work is at such not only just getting rid of the time delays, trafÞc a stage that if they were told this month that jams and risk of crashes, youÕre actually adding theyÕve got a guarantee of money, then they can enormously to the economic beneÞt of the state, do it. The problem is itÕs such a stop-start process. because you reduce the cost of crashes, improve ItÕs a real scattergun approach, and itÕs a really the efÞciency of the trafÞc that moves up and inefÞcient way to build. This highway has cost down that road. So thereÕs a strong economic us God knows much more than it should, than connection to it, as well as a safety one. if weÕd just gone on at the outset and built it There is job creation to consider as well … straight through. ThereÕs job creation along the way. For many In light of the recent tragedy which occurred towns that are bypassed, I know they sometimes at Urunga, do you think there will be feel anxious at Þrst, but then it turns out to be a attention paid to this particular beneÞt. IÕm sure that Kempsey will be stretch of road – the same delighted to get all of that trafÞc stretch of road that NRMA out of its main street. IÕm old members highlighted enough to remember when I by ld We were to g in as the worst part of used to have to go through ild bu the road the at th es iti the Pacific Highway Port Macquarie Ð itÕs gone or th au ill upgrade can st16 approximately this time ahead in leaps and bounds. if be done by 20 ral last year? The main street of Taree is State and Fede Our members actually much more attractive now ts Governmen ing nd fu nominated the PaciÞc and more user friendly than at th e mak w. Highway as the worst road it was when a highway went commitment no − and that wasnÕt just people through there. There can be lots living on it; that was people of beneÞts for local communities outside the region, so it just shows as well. here the concern about the highway and why it What can people on the Mid North Coast needs to be Þnished. That part of the highway is do to persuade the Federal and State clearly substandard by any measure and if we get Governments to provide funding to fix the the work done, then we know those horrendous roads? sorts of accidents are signiÞcantly reduced and They can do what theyÕve been doing. Support head-ons are virtually eliminated. There is no us Ð weÕve all been saying the same thing. The doubt that upgrading the highway greatly reduces group, Doctors for a Safer PaciÞc Highway, the risks. has been busy lobbying State and Federal The safety benefits of a dual-divided Government, trying to fast-track the upgrade. carriageway are far-reaching. Can you tell us Those doctors are to be admired for what theyÕre what the main benefits are? doing, because theyÕre the people who have to There are enormous beneÞts. The risk of go out and pick up the pieces when thereÕs a accidents is reduced enormously. It decreases tragedy. Keep talking to local Members, and keep travelling times, which increases economic the pressure on about those sections of road. beneÞts for tourists and for industry. It allows As I say, the guys who build the roads have told trucks and cars to use the road together much us they could Þnish the roads by 2016 if they have more safely and like it or not, weÕre going to see a a promise by State and Federal Governments that

theyÕll get the money; we need to make sure that money is forthcoming. Collectively, we need to do this as a lobby group with our reports and tools, plus as individuals, by going to local Members and constantly pushing. One of the good things is most parts of the highway are now represented by Members of Parliament who are in government, so they are in a position to make decisions and to push for funding. Do you have any campaigns that you will be rolling out to push for better funding for roads? Funny you should ask that. We are going to be doing another Red Flag survey and are shortly going to be asking people again about the sorts of things that are concerning them. We belong to the AAA (Australian Automobile Association), which represents all of the Clubs around Australia, and theyÕre going to be releasing the AusRAP report (Australians Road Assessment Program), which is modelled on an international effort. Essentially, what it does is looks at all the National and Federal highways and ranks them in a star rating sort of system (like we used to with safety on cars and bridges). This is a fairly scientiÞc way of looking at roads Ð the risk of the shoulders, quality of the pavement, how many lanes, if itÕs divided, if thereÕs a centre lane barrier É They look at the risk and the quality of the road and can directly relate that and improvements on roads to savings to the economy, so itÕs quite a precise and non-emotional tool for looking at our roads and knowing which is the worst in terms of safety. The PaciÞc Highway is not going to come out too well, as itÕs going to show that it has a higher percentage of accidents, and itÕs getting worse since the last survey. Again, this will add to the call for the work to be done. You can Þnd out more about the AusRAP Report at: http://www.ausrap.org/ausrap/ performance-tracking-report/ To Þ nd out more about roads funding, contact Member for Myall Lakes, Stephen Bromhead: 6555 4099 / e: myalllakes@parliament.nsw.gov.au Interview by Karen Farrell.

inside this

Josh Pyke Josh Pyke is one of Australia’s favourite home grown artists, with a stack of accolades to prove it. Josh prepares to embark on his regional tour.

Issue 60 - February 2012

usual suspects.

the

Helga Visser

11.

Local artist, Helga Visser, studied art in Sydney with the late Archibald Prize winner, Arthur Murch. Helga now resides in Taree, where nature, light and patterns provide fascination and inspiration for her work …

12.

Sailing Club Located 10 km south of Forster and surrounded by Booti Booti National Park, Great Lakes Sailing Club has lapped up the splendid views of Wallis Lake for over 40 years.

10. what’s on for February

49. star guide with Terri

20. eat featuring local restaurant

50. Tourism Update with Kerry Johnstone

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

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

Let’s talk. 7 demonstrators available now at Taree Motorama.

Taree Motorama has manufacturer incentives on 7 demonstrators but only while stocks last. You’ll find unprecedented value right across the Mercedes-Benz 2011 registered demonstrator range, including AMG. So visit Taree Motorama today and let’s talk. www.mbtaree.com.au

manning-great lakes focus 5

focusinterview.

years

In February, the Manning Regional Art Gallery brings Two Generations: 20 Years of Contemporary Chinese Art to the region – an exhibition of works by 28 Chinese artists, featuring the very best of modern Chinese art.

Of Contemporary Chinese Art.

n 1991, you founded Red Gate Gallery in Beijing. The gallery is located at the 600-year-old Ming Dynasty Watchtower in Dongbianmen … what spurred your interest in contemporary Chinese art? While studying Chinese at university in Beijing in the ‘80s, my Chinese friends were artists. At that time, there was no support in terms of galleries and museums for young contemporary artists, so we started to organise shows at different spaces around town. The shows were over a weekend and quite often in Ming structures, such as the Ancient Observatory and the Temple of Longevity. The shows I organised were in 1988 and 1989. Everything stopped for a couple of years, while I worked as an editor and then attended a year-long bridging course on Chinese art history at the Central Academy of Fine Arts. Having been in China for five years, I was deciding what to do – go home, get a job, or to possibly open a gallery. I went to the Observatory to see if we could use that space; they said no, and so I subsequently made enquiries about a Ming Dynasty Watchtower … we had a very good introduction. Prior to opening Red Gate Gallery, what considerations had you given to the somewhat precarious meeting of art and politics in China; and by extension, art and censorship in China? It was early days, and there was some concern from the authorities, but the audience was very limited – mainly to the artists and the small expat community, so we were a bit under the radar. Those were the days when things were 6 manning-great lakes focus.

beginning to loosen up, and the economy was starting to move forward. Lots of things were happening! Over time, have the Chinese authorities been supportive of Red Gate’s work? Yes, and the best form of support is allowing us to use the Dongbianmen Watchtower as the venue for so long. Other than that, we’ve had a pretty good run … of course, everyone knows what can and what can’t go up on the walls. Tell us about the exhibition, Two Generations: 20 Years of Contemporary Chinese Art. To celebrate our 20th anniversary with something special, we asked artists who have been with Red Gate Gallery for a long time – now in their 40s and 50s – to nominate a young artist, or an emerging artist ... someone they consider has a lot of promise. The 10 senior artists took this very seriously. We then placed them with eight younger artists, or ones who have only been at Red Gate for a short time, and then we had it – two generations! You’ve been a mentor to emerging Chinese artists for nearly two decades … Is this exhibition a realisation, of sorts, of the progress you have made in providing artists with the opportunity to create work in China? It is a culmination of that work, but also a continuing commitment to these artists. The art scene took a long time to grow. Up until the early 2000s, there were really only four galleries of contemporary Chinese art. For a long time, only a few artists had representation. However, there were many artists moving to Beijing and working away in studios, and you could really feel the scene was growing. There

The co-curators of the exhibition are Taree-born Brian Wallace, who founded the internationally renowned Red Gate Gallery in Beijing in 1991 and Catherine Croll, Director of Cultural Partnerships Australia. 2012 is The Year of Chinese Culture in Australia. We talked to Brian Wallace about his work in China and the importance of bringing this exhibition to his hometown of Taree …

was an excitement and an edge to what was happening. How differently have the artists approached their work from the first to second generation and with the changing face of China? Good question. Generally artists of this second generation (loosely born in the ‘80s) are obsessed with themselves, the consumer society they have grown up in and life in a socially engineered one-child family concept. They can be lost and lonely. The older generation grew up in the turbulent period of the Cultural Revolution, where everything was turned on its head and many families suffered. These artists have a background rooted in politics and the greater issues of life – something very different to the younger generation. The younger artists in this show, both those nominated and the existing Red Gate artists, all have a broader view of their world, and their role in it. They have not taken the commercial path, but have almost decided to stay away from it. They concentrate on their art and their concerns. So, they are very much like our older artists – assessing and criticising societies’ problems. Global concerns, dislocation, government and politics, inequalities, rich-poor, consumerism ... What’s emerging on the contemporary art scene in China right now? The scene has exploded over the last seven years, with many galleries, exhibition spaces, museums, art fairs, biennales and auctions occurring in the main centres and in many regional areas. There are a good number of international galleries opening, which will bring international art to china. We have managed an Artist in Residence

program for over 10 years, which helps to bring 40 to 50 artists from around the world to work in Beijing. Many artists have located there with their own studios, and more are on the way. It’s not NY or Berlin, but is a very lively and stimulating art scene. Is the image titled Chen Qingqing No and Keng 2010 of a pregnant fibreglass sculpture and a seemingly protesting facing sculpture, a comment on the one-child policy in China? No … ‘No’ is a state of mind. A foreigner once said to Qing Qing that the Chinese have a lot of positive attributes, but they do not know how to say ‘no’. So she told herself she should learn to say ‘no’ and since then, life has become a lot easier… ‘Keng’ is another mindset, one that refers to being steadfast and persistent. With this mindset, it is possible to make an achievement or two – no matter how difficult life is. Have confidence that life will be filled with happiness! ‘No’ and ‘Keng’ are two works from the same series of figurative sculptures characterised by big feet and dolls’ heads ... ‘No’ represents a direct communicative style, which goes against the Chinese tradition, whereas ‘Keng’ is inspired by the enduring virtue of determination. Together, the two figures ‘No’ and ‘Keng’ are like the emotional alter egos of the Yin and Yang. How important is it to you to bring this exhibition to your hometown of Taree? It will be great to show everyone what I have been doing in China for the last 25 years. Also, being able to take the show to places other than Sydney or Melbourne is very important. Thanks Brian. Two Generations: 20 Years of Contemporary Chinese Art is on at Manning Art Gallery from 6 February.

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PYKE.

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focusinterview.

Josh Pyke is one of Australia’s favourite home grown artists, with a stack of accolades to prove it. Nicci Seccombe had the chance to speak with Josh as he prepares to embark on his regional tour – which includes a stop at Port Macquarie ... our third studio album, Only Sparrows, has been out for a while now … we actually did a CD review on it a couple of months ago. What was it like writing and recording this album? It was probably the most challenging one that I’ve done so far, for lots of reasons – one of which was having a young baby, and my head being in domestic life for a while. The first two albums came really easily… they always say that your first album you’ve had your whole life to write. With the second one, I was touring so much and my life was changing so much that I was really inspired to write all the time, because everything was new and exciting. So when the third album came around, I’d had quite a long break and I’d had a child – and my life had changed a lot. There’s a lot of material there to write about, but I didn’t want to write like a ‘new dad’ record! So it was a real challenge for me to try and step outside of the life I’d been living and write songs that were still intimate stories, but they weren’t just like reading pages from my diary – which is what the last two albums were about. So that was a really new method for me; I found it really challenging, but really really rewarding when I got into it. What was it like working with Katy Steele (Little Birdy) on your latest single, Punch in the Heart? It was really good, but it’s one of those funny things with music and modern technology these days, where she was in New York and I was in Sydney the whole time. So we sent the files across to her for the song, she recorded over there, then sent it back and we mixed it over here. It was perfect, what she did. And it was the same for the film clip … we filmed our half over here, and she filmed her half over in New York. But then, really by coincidence she was in Perth visiting family when I was touring over there, so we did get to perform the song live together at the theatre where we played. That

was a really special moment, and it kind of felt like it had all really come together. Last year you toured the capital cities with Only Sparrows, and this year you’re doing a regional circuit. What are you looking forward to I really love this e we’v about performing at album and how I just it; g in ur to en these smaller venues? be ganic, think it’s really or Honestly, I am really ant to w and I just kinda at ... loving playing live at the th g in keep do moment, so any chance to do it is great. I love my band – we’ve been playing done Bluesfest, so I’m mainly just together with this line up for about excited about playing the festival three years now, and I feel like we’ve really itself. And it’s never a bad thing to be up in found our true form with the band. It just feels Byron for a couple of days! effortless and really, really fun. We hear you’ve got an iPhone app out So playing the smaller venues makes it more now too. What can we find on that? fun because it’s more intimate. And they’re I don’t really look at it much, to be honest! kind of pub style venues, and that’s where we Ha ha! But I’m pretty sure it’s got things like all came up through the ranks doing shows tour dates, my twitter feeds, and we run a few – it’s just always fun. At the regional venues, competitions through it and that sort of stuff. I generally like to get out and say g’day to It’s mostly just so that fans can keep up to date everybody at the show and make it a bit more with tour dates and that sort of thing. intimate and fun. I guess it’s about getting We’re really fortunate to have a good back to basics. mix of Australian music on our airwaves So can we expect a good mix of the old these days. What are your thoughts about and the new music with the show? where the industry is heading in this Yeah, definitely. We were rehearsing the country? other day, and we’re throwing in songs like Whoa ... that’s a big question! I kind of feel Silver, which is off the very first EP I ever that there’s a definite changing of the guard did. We’ve got a fair bit of new stuff, and moment in terms of music and the bands everything in between as well. coming up through the ranks. Who have you got supporting you on the For example, bands like Boy and Bear, tour this time? Jezebels, Cloud Control and all these bands It’s a band called The Rescue Ships. They’re that have sort of, in the last four years or from Sydney and they’re friends of ours, so so, really started to make their mark – and they’ll be supporting us throughout the tour. it’s clear to me that they’re the new pack of You’re playing the Byron Bay Bluesfest what’s going to be the really successful bands. this year too. What are you looking And to me, that’s really exciting! forward to about performing there? It’s probably safe to say that Triple J has Well, I’ve never done it, so I’m just looking played an important part in your success, forward to the experience in general. It’s one particularly in the early days. Why do you of the premier festivals in Australia these think Triple J and their initiatives are so days. I’ve done pretty much most festivals important to Australian music? at some point in my career, but I’ve never They’re just a pretty unique station, because

they’re a national youth oriented station. Anybody anywhere in the country can access it. And for a band, it is a launch pad that is truly national and not just concentrating on city by city. So, I think it’s really important for that reason. It’s great that they offer competitions like Unearthed as a lot of massive bands have come through them to make it to the top. Yeah, that’s so true. So what can we expect from you in 2012? As you know, I’m touring up until April. But I would really love to get back into the studio before the end of the year and get stuck into a new album. The last one I did in between everything else, so there was a bit of a gap there, but this time I’d really like to push into a new one straight away and just keep going with more of the same. I’m really loving this album and how we’ve been touring it; I just think it’s really organic, and I just kinda want to keep doing that. As clichéd as it sounds, I just want to keep making records that I love and playing to audiences that love them too. That would keep me happy. Thanks Josh.

the plug! Josh Pyke will be performing at Panthers Port Macquarie on Friday, February 3. For tickets, visit www.oztix.com.au

manning-great lakes focus 9

W H A T’ S O N A RO U N D T H E R EG I O N / / F E B R U A RY 2012

25& 26

what’s

Battle of the boats Battle of the Boats is one of the largest surf boat carnivals in NSW. Get down to Pacific Palms for this annual event. When Sat 25 and Sun 26 Venue Elizabeth Beach. Contact Mark Martin: (02) 6554 0757.

The Duelin Piano Show

19 8

Rumbling around the back roads of Australia is a 4WD towing two grand pianos, a drum kit, and a black chandelier. In that car are two of the best international piano players in the country ... Where Nabiac Hall. When Sunday 19 February; 5pm. Bookings www.theduelinpianoshow.com or go to Sotos Café, Forster, or The Old Bank Centre at Nabiac.

Title fight at Club Forster World Boxing Organisation Welterweight ... Chad 'Hollywood' Bennett, Newcastle's two time World Boxing Foundation Welterweight Champion, defends his World Boxing Organisation Oriental Junior Welterweight title against Thailand's Sapapetch Sorsakorat. When Sat 18 February. Where Club Forster. Contact Club Forster: 6591 6591.

Beccy Cole & Gina Jeffreys @ Club Forster When Friday 10 February, at 8pm. Where Club Forster (all ages event). Web www.clubforster.com.au Phone 6591 6591. Tickets Adults $40/child U18 $20/ group of 10 or more adults $35 each.

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Artisans expo Artisans Retreat is hosting a three-day Expo, which includes world-class demonstrations with highly skilled artisans, plus providing an opportunity to engage with suppliers and learn about working with wood and many other materials. When Feb 24 - 26 Contact Peter or Christine Calabria. 6553 1199. expo@artisansretreat.com www.artisansretreat.com

24 to 26

focusinterview.

Artist Profile

Helga

ow long have you lived in the ManningI received a good grounding in drawing and oil painting Great Lakes? techniques. Working on the mural provided practice in We moved to the area in 1996. It was to layout, researching the subject and enlarging the painting be a complete lifestyle change from busy onto a big area. Arthur Murch was a very erudite man Hong Kong to quiet country Australia. We and a patient teacher, so there was a lot to be learnt. still enjoy this hassle-free area and its beautiful surroundings. I remember having to look up many-a-word in the dictionary What brought you to the area? when I got home after work. We visited friends at Coomba Park and fell in love with this One of the things I learnt from the whole experience was part of the country. Then we saw a completely enchanting that fine art wasn't going to provide me with a living, and I property for sale – and bought it. switched to commercial art. I became fascinated with the local wildlife, especially the It is now a great pleasure to paint without having to think birds … watching them, I realised they each have different of an income – and perhaps to sometimes make a statement personalities, just like people. Some, like Bowerbirds, double about modern life, as we know it. as builders and decorators, as well as singers and dancers. You work in oils and pastels and use clay for sculptures. They ate everything we grew, but have since been forgiven, Are you a traditionalist? as they provided the inspiration for my first children’s picture Mostly yes, in the materials I use. I was taught to paint book, The Bush Concert (published in 2011). It’s with oils and could never get used to the slippery a book about the drought and how birds plastic quality of acrylics, which dry so fast you organise a concert to cheer themselves can’t stop for a cup of coffee or answer the up. I hope it’s an entertaining way to phone. Later, I took up pastels and loved t an rt po im introduce kids to our beautiful and their immediacy and texture. The vibrant The interesting Australian birds. colours are easy to blend, and I prefer to thing with the e work is to do th d You worked as a commercial use them for my bird illustrations. best you can an e artist in Hong Kong, and life there Clay is another wonderful material to tiv accept construc provided stimulation for other work with. It can be re-used if something criticism. illustration books. Tell us about goes wrong, and it’s environmentally this ... friendly. Working with clay is fun – it’s like Whenever I move to a different culture, drawing in three dimensions ... if nobody I’m struck by the different attitudes, customs buys the sculptures, I can put them in the garden and way of life. In my illustrations in Life in Hong and create ornamental sunning spots for lizards! Kong, I tried to capture some of the funny, odd and typical Some artists don't like to enter art competitions, yet scenes that are unique to the place. The books proved quite you are prolific in this area and have won numerous popular with tourists and expats and were on the South esteemed awards. How important is this to you? China Morning Post’s best-seller list. It’s nice to get some recognition, but important to During your time in Sydney, you assisted with the mural remember that winning prizes can be, to quote a judge, “A painting at the Overseas Terminal at Circular Quay. Was bit like a chook raffle”… it’s nicer to sell a painting, because it this a career highlight? means that person likes your painting enough to buy it. Then It was when I was studio assistant to Arthur Murch ... again, it might be just because it goes with the curtains! it was an old fashioned art apprenticeship. At the time, I Art competitions do concentrate one's mind on the job was just very happy to be working at what I loved doing and are a good way to get works displayed. There are so few best, and I was very fortunate to learn from such a fine venues available to artists. artist. Everything I learned was very traditional, as Murch The important thing with the work is to do the best you thought Modern Art was just a passing fashion – an can and accept constructive criticism. The fun is really in the aberration to be strictly avoided. doing – prizes are the icing on the cake.

Where did your inspiration for the Burgers of Malaise painting come from? The inspiration came from Rodin's famous sculptures of the Burghers of Calais. The title lent itself to an awful pun and fitted in with my thoughts on fast food and consumerism, which is also reflected in some of the sculptures I make. You're an active member of Taree Artists Inc. Tell us about this organisation? Taree Artists Inc. is the art society of the Manning Valley, which has been active since 1976. It currently enjoys an increased membership, plus several quality workshops and tutorials throughout the year. We have many local accomplished artists in our group and organise a number of exhibitions throughout the year. This involves fundraising for prizes, distributing entry forms, setting up an exhibition area, organising paperwork for entries, receiving and hanging art works and generating publicity. We are now preparing for the annual Taree Open Art Exhibition. It’s taking place in the July school holidays. The exhibition offers prize money of over $5,000 and is open to anyone. Entry forms will be available from March 2012 from the Regional Gallery and All About Arts & Framing at 231 Victoria Street. In 2012, Taree Artists will work with Valley Industries, where some of our members will provide art lessons for handicapped people. What are you working on now & where can we see it? A few months ago, I went on my first trip to Central Australia and was completely enthralled by the land ... its vastness, antiquity, contrasts and colours. It provided a lot of inspiration for the pastels and oil paintings currently on my easel. My orange, red and violet paints all need replacing! Cynthia Bourke, from Bower’s Café & Gallery, asked me to exhibit some of my recent work there this month. What are your favourite words to live by? Fruits and veggies. Thanks Helga.

the exhibition. 10 February - 22 March 2012. Where: Bowers Café. Address: 461 Kolodong Rd, Taree. Phone: 6550 1230.

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G R E A T

L A K E S

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Club.

ew President of Great Lakes Sailing Club (GLSC), Kingsley Pursch, tells us about the club’s commitment to the development of its junior sailing division and sails us through its fourdecade existence … Please tell us about the extensive 40-year history of GLSC. GLSC was established in 1971, and we sail on Sundays from September to May each season. We organise club racing, junior sailing and learn-to-sail programs. We also host state and national titles for a range of classes, and our club is well respected among sailors for its idyllic location, our friendly members and an excellent race committee led by Brian Bath, Ross Kneebone and Tim Haffner. GLSC is also proud to host the annual Wildcat Regatta on the October long weekend, which attracts sailors from all over the country and is one of Australia’s biggest and most successful catamaran regattas. What is required of you in your new role as President of the club? There’s the administration side of things (meetings, policies, safety, finances, race schedules), which is made very easy for me, because our committee is so active, experienced and cohesive. Most of my direct efforts focus on increasing participation through welcoming new members and reducing barriers to participating in the sport. As a club, you are committed to developing the junior sailing division. What does this involve? Getting kids on boats to experience sailing takes a huge effort and commitment from a range of stakeholders. Our current model for junior sailing has proven to be extremely successful. Learn-to-Sail programs

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Located 10 km south of Forster and surrounded by Booti Booti National Park, Great Lakes Sailing Club has lapped up the splendid views of Wallis Lake for over 40 years – and in the process, brought a joy of sailing to many people, young and old.

are delivered by the YMCA through Len Newman and Simon Lee and assisted by GLSC volunteers. YMCA utilises the facilities of GLSC and boats supplied by Gnomes Landscaping (Fay and John Hiley), Brian and Heather Bath, Stacks Law Firm (Digby Dunn), Dr Dave KcKeag (Eye specialist), GLITA and the YMCA. Participants register through the YMCA. Keen sailors then become involved in Sunday racing with GLSC. People can directly join the club, especially if they have previous experience in sailing and their own boat, although for most local juniors the YMCA program is the best entry into sailing. At what age can children start sailing, and what is involved in the beginners’ course? The YMCA program takes children aged eight years or over. Anyone younger would need to contact us directly to discuss sailing opportunities. The course content varies according to the group. Len is an experienced program provider, and every session is customised according to the needs of the group and individuals within the group. The last group that completed the six-week program were so advanced, that by the third week kids were racing a proper course and learning finer details of starting and boat trim. It depends on the starting point of the individuals, their prior experience and transferable skills they might have. What sorts of crafts do the different age categories sail? Sailing can be a lifelong sport, with no age restrictions. John Hiley is 72 years old and racing a high performance catamaran (Nacra 5.8) and alternatively, most juniors are aged between 10 and 15. All classes of boats are encouraged to race at GLSC and we currently

have Hobies, Nacras, Taipans and Maricats (all catamarans), as well as a rapidly growing laser fleet (Monohulls). The junior sailors use Open Bics, which are fantastic boats for leaning to sail. What’s involved with the impending Inter-Club weekend – which clubs will take part, and when does it happen? Fay Hiley recently told me that Booti Booti means ‘Plenty Plenty’. The Booti Cup is the race for Glory and will be held on February 11 and 12. We have some great prizes, along with the overall club trophy. In previous years, this has been a camping and sailing weekend for Taree Aquatic Club. With the growing fleet at Coomba Park Aquatic Club, we feel the weekend will be strengthened if we invite boats from all clubs within the Manning-Great Lakes region. It’s a casual weekend of sailing that will attract a range of competitors from beginners to advanced sailors, with a bit of friendly interclub competition. I wouldn’t be surprised if we have 40 to 50 boats this year. Does Great Lakes Sailing Club attend intrastate competition weekends? Countless members have travelled around Australia and internationally to compete, representing GLSC at state, national and international events over the past 40 years. The most recent international traveller was Ray Muld. who competed on his Hobie 16 in Fiji and has a long list of international travel. Last month Caleb and Ethan White attended the Hobie 16 National Titles and these boys, along with Bryce Haffner, are constantly travelling around Australia to enjoy the toughest competition. Mark Braithwaite and his daughters, Annika, Hannah and Sophia competed in the Taipan National Titles last month and have

placed well in the Taipan class at the past five Taipan National Titles. GLSC members and their families will compete in the Trial Bay regatta at South West Rocks on March 3 and 4. Then at Easter, many of our juniors will compete in the Bic National Titles at Noosa. What are some of the benefits people can expect to gain from learning to sail? Fun, fitness and friendships are the immediate benefits. GLSC is a perfect venue for learning to sail in flat, shallow water and a (usually) steady wind. Sailing can accommodate any person, regardless of age, background or previous experience. It provides a fantastic opportunity for physical activity and for adults, being on the water is a healthy way to escape busy schedules. For children, sailing provides constructive leisure opportunities and builds confidence. I’m a massive advocate of any organised sport. Individuals develop a strong connection to community and make friendships that last forever through sport. Aside from Great Lakes Sailing Club, there are other active sailing clubs dotted around the Manning-Great Lakes … get in touch with your local club.

more info. Great Lakes Sailing Club www.greatlakessailingclub.yachting.org.au Manning River Sailing Club www.mrsc.org.au Taree Aquatic Club www.sailos.info Coomba Park Sailing Club Phone: 0438 542 314

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s e y l o Marg H py Bi hday, Char les Dicke .

Award-winning British actress Miriam Margolyes returns to Australia this year for an encore national tour of her one-woman show, Dickens’ Women, which includes two performances at the Glasshouse in Port Macquarie on Tuesday 17 April at 7.30pm and Wednesday 18 April at 11am.

including Fly the Dog in Babe, The Matchmaker ringing to life twenty-three of in Disney’s Mulan, and the Singing Teacher in the Charles Dickens’ most affecting Oscar-winning Happy Feet. and colourful characters, International stage credits include Sir Peter Margolyes presents her powerful, Hall’s Romeo & Juliet and The Importance of comprehensive, and at times Being Earnest, The Threepenny Opera, The hilarious expose of Dickens the writer and Vagina Monologues and most recently A Day the man, and the real-life women who found in the Death of Joe Egg at the Citizens Theatre, themselves immortalised on his pages. Glasgow. Margolyes appeared as Madame Nominated for an Olivier Award and with tours Morrible in the West End and Broadway throughout the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand productions of the smash hit musical Wicked. and India, this captivating theatrical experience In Australia, Margolyes has also returns as part of the worldwide appeared on stage with Melbourne celebration in 2012 of 200th anniversary of Charles Dickens’ Theatre Company and Sydney birth. Theatre Company. In 2012 l An internationa As Melbourne’s Age she will appear in the ABC icon of stage and reported, “When she television adaptation of Kerry screen, Miriam e appears as herself, Greenwood’s Phyrne Fisher on Margolyes is most Margolyes sparkles with Murder Mystery Series, which s ’ ld or w of the acter intelligence and enthusiasm runs on ABC1 from February celebrated char .. when she inhabits Dicken’s to April. actors. characters, you’d swear they Winner of a BAFTA-award for lived and breathed in front Best Supporting Actress in Martin of you.” Margolyes will present Scorsese’s The Age of Innocence, characters from Martin Chuzzlewit, Sketches Margolyes has also received Best Supporting by Boz, The Uncommercial Traveller, Nicholas Actress at the LA Critics Circle Awards, a Sony Nickleby, The Old Curiosity Shop, Oliver Twist, Radio Award for Best Actress, and multiple Domby and Son, David Copperfield, Mrs Lirripers’ Theatregoers’ Choice Awards. In 2002, Margolyes Lodgings, Little Dorrit, Great Expectations, Bleak was awarded the Order of the British Empire House plus excerpts from Dicken’s Collected (OBE) by HM The Queen. Letters. An international icon of stage and screen, Book Tickets Miriam Margolyes is one of the world’s most for Miriam Margolyes in Dickens’ celebrated character actors. With an extensive film Women, on Tuesday 17 April at 7.30pm and television career, her credits include Ladies or Wednesday 18 April at 11am. in Lavender, Being Julia, End of Days, The Life Glasshouse Box Office (02) 6581 8888. and Death of Peter Sellers, How to Lose Friends www.glasshouse.org.au & Alienate People, with Barbra Streisand in Yentl, and as Professor Sprout in the film adaptations of You can also find out more on www. Harry Potter. She has appeared alongside Rowan dickenswomen.com including several live Atkinson in Blackadder, and on the BBC hit series interviews with Miriam Margolyes. The Port Merlin and Doc Martin. In 1996, she starred as Macquarie performances of Dickens’ Women The Nurse in Baz Luhrmann’s film adaptation of are presented by Andrew McKinnon Fine Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet. Entertainment and Arts and Health Australia As a voice actress, Margolyes has given life (www.artsandhealth.org). to some of film’s most memorable characters, manning-great lakes focus 13

Taree Film Society

Matters.

watch.

[ with Alan T ickle ]

ear Alan,

My wife and I have a farm that had been in the family for 3 generations. The farm house is on one title deed, and the remaining 300 ha is on two separate titles. We want to continue to live on the farm, but our son is keen to run cattle on the remainder, and we understand that we can transfer ownership to him. He does have a job, but feels that he can still work the property with some help. What are the issues applying for the age pension? We are both approaching 70 and have not qualified previously due to the value of the property. FJ. Dear FJ, I suggest that you make an appointment for an interview with the Centrelink Financial Information Officer, but I will endeavour to provide an insight into some of the issues you have raised. I presume that you have lived on the property for more than 20 years, which means that the house and all of the land on that title is exempt from the asset test. When transferring the remainder of the property, there are some issues that need to be thought about, as disturbing though they might be. You need to weigh up gifting the asset verses selling it and providing a more comfortable retirement. If you have other children, you should think about fair provision for them as compensation for gifting to one child now.

member and provided that the asset will continue to be used for the purpose of primary production, no NSW stamp duty applies. Capital Gains Tax In your case, as you have held the property prior to 19 September 1985, capital gains tax is not an issue. Where ownership occurred after September 19 1985, capital gains tax may apply. Obtaining advice well before disposing of a farm property can generally manage CGTS issues, by making sure that asset is active (i.e. producing income) before disposal, enabling rollover of Capital Gains. Gifting and Centrelink You can gift $10,000 per financial year up to a maximum of $30,000 in a five-year period. Any amounts in excess of this will count for five years as an asset. In your case, the value of the farm asset, apart from the house block which you intend to retain, will count as an asset for five years, which will have a big impact on your pension entitlement. What you can do, however, is provide an estimate of the number of hours your son worked on the farm since the age of 15 without payment. Centrelink apply a value based on average weekly earnings for the time worked unpaid and discount the value of the gift by that amount.

The use of asset exempt products such as funeral bonds (investing money to cover cost of funeral in a specified funeral fund is available through Your Heritage and a number of providers) will also assist reduce assessed assets.

Getting specialist legal advice around that would be desirable, with such measures as taking a mortgage over the gifted property, but the legal specialist will discuss other options with you.

As there is a pension reduction of $1.50 per thousand of excess assets, the measures outlined make a significant difference to the assessment.

Stamp Duty Exemption and Intergenerational Transfer. Transferring an asset to an immediate family

Ever since his wife was burned in a car crash, Dr. Robert Ledgard (Antonio Banderas), an eminent plastic surgeon, has been interested in creating a new skin with which he could have saved her. After 12 years, he manages to cultivate a skin that is a real shield against every assault.

Almodóvar at his brilliant melodramatic best,

In addition to years of study and experimentation, Robert needs an accomplice and a human guinea pig. Scruples were never a problem. Marilia (Marisa Paredes), the woman who looked after him from the day he was born, is his most faithful accomplice. And as for the human guinea pig ...

artificial skin. In a role that might have been

Bizarre, shocking, sexy and dark, this is

yyour subscription.

and playing God. Based on a novel by French writer Thierry Jonquet, the story includes many elements that are familiar to lovers of Almodóvar’s works, in his construct about a plastic surgeon intent on recreating a resilient written especially for him, it’s a wonderful return to form for Antonio Banderas, in his first film with Almodóvar for over 20 years. This is the commencement of the Society’s new season and an ideal opportunity to subscribe to the programme. Please arrive early to complete

Casual tickets, membership enquiries or further information are available by 6552 3476 tareefilmsociety@yahoo.com or find the soc society at the food table in the cinema foyer.

Good luck in your new life of retirement and to your son also for his endeavours to keep the property viable. This information and advice is of a general nature only and no reliance should be placed on the information before seeking individual advice from a Financial Planner and Taxation Adviser to ensure the appropriateness to individual circumstances. Alan Tickle and Your Heritage Financial Planning are both authorised representatives of Securitor Financial Group AFSL 240687 ABN 48009189495.

Donate Life Week and the Book of Life Donate Life Week aims to encourage people to discuss organ and tissue donation and their donation decision with loved ones. The Great Lakes Library Serviceis holding a special function during Donate Life Week in Forster Library, at 7pm on Wednesday 22 February 2012. Hunter New England Health Organ and Tissue Donor Coordinator Jeanette Lacey, will make a short presentation and answer questions on the evening. The Book of Life - a book compiled to share the human stories behind organ and tissue

14 manning-great lakes focus.

as he toys with themes of obsession, revenge

The value of the unpaid labour does not create a tax issue for your son, but it will substantially increase pension entitlements by reducing the assessed value of the gift.

Is you son in a marital relationship? If so, is that relationship a stable one, or is there a risk that the property that you intend to gift might become part of a settlement?

For the sake of the exercise, let’s assume that you have made provision for other children and that your son has no marital issues.

Taree Film Society returns for 2012 with The Skin I Live In (MA) by the outstanding Spanish director, Pedro Almodaovar, at Fay’s Twin Cinema on Monday, 27 February.

donation - will briefly be on display in the Library from Monday 20 February. This book contains a collection of life-saving and lifechanging stories from people touched by organ and tissue donation. The book is on a journey to communities across NSW, before its return to the State Library of NSW. The book’s arrival in the Great Lakes will be launched by the Mayor, Cr Jan McWilliams, at 11am on Monday 20 February at Forster Library. Entry is free. Bookings are essential. Bookings: 6591 7256

Forster Luxury Houseboats Picture this … Anchoring at sunset in a tranquil cove, where the only sound is fish splashing in the water or the call of a night bird.

ou go to sleep in these divine surrounds to then wake to the beauty of sunlight sparkling on the water. The only decision you need to make for the day is whether to cruise, fish, waterski, snorkel, sailboard, canoe … or simply relax. Forster Luxury Houseboats offer the ultimate in space and comfort and luxurious sleeping accommodation.The vessels’ spacious decks offer plenty of space to relax and entertain. The superb waterway of Wallis Lake is

26 km long and up to 10 km wide in some places. Picnic, sunbake, fish or laze the day away on one of 30 islands, or explore such rivers as Wallinghat, Coolongolook and the Wang Wauk. We endeavour to ensure your experience is as comfortable and convenient as possible, which are just some of the key features of our Forster luxury boats. Forster and Wallis Lakes are situated just over three hours’ drive north of Sydney and enjoy mild temperatures all year round.

All boats haved, ar facilities on boile t, to a g in ud cl in nhe tc ki , shower ette and lounge.

Why? Look at the map, and you will notice Forster is like an island, with the Pacific Ocean on one side and Wallis Lake on the other. Rain falls mainly at night, which is an indication of the semi-tropical climate residents and visitors love! The natural beauty of the area is hard to describe, with crystal clear, unpolluted water and golden beaches you must see to believe. All boats are fully insured under a Marine

Policy. When making bookings, please note that there must be at least one person per group aged 21 years or older. Hire commences at 9am on the first day and terminates at 4pm on the last day. Weekends comprise three days and two nights. Weekly bookings comprise eight days and seven nights. Come and enjoy the magnificent Wallis Lake in style with Forster Luxury Boats ...

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March 8 to 12 serious family fun.

Saturday 25 February at 8pm.

Now Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re Swinginâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Tom Burlinson was born in Toronto, Canada on Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day, February 14, 1956. His English born parents migrated to Canada after Word War II. The family transferred to New Jersey, USA in 1958. In 1962, the family transferred to England due to his fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s job, and a young Tom took his North American accent to school. In 1965, Tomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family transferred again, this time to Australia. After six months, his parents divorced, and his mother and two younger sisters went back to England, leaving Tom with his dad and his older sister, Susan. Come fly with Tom Burlinson and a fabulous band of top musicians, as Tom salutes the masters of vocal Swing: Frank Sinatra, Nat â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Cole, Dean Martin, Tony Bennett, Sammy Davis Jr, and Bobby Darin and also celebrating the Swing superstars of today â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Harry Connick Jr, Michael BublĂŠ and Robbie Williams. Following on from his successful Frank Sinatra shows, Tom has expanded his horizons and his song list to create a feast for lovers of Swing, including Sway, Just in Time, Beyond the Sea, L-O-V-E, Birth of the Blues, The Way You Look Tonight, Ainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t That a Kick in the Head? and Feeling Good. It also features Sinatra classics such as Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve Got You Under My Skin, Summer Wind, Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Life and Mack the Knife.

Satisfy your creative urge!

Kids at school ... Now itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your turn! We have survived another six weeks of summer holidays, the children are back at school, so it must be time for â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;me timeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. What do you like to do when you can choose? Do you like to go out with some friends for a cup of coffee? Or browse through an interesting and unique gallery, where you might find something that you just have to buy for yourself? Or take on a creative challenge? Well, at Artisans Retreat, we can fulfil all of these. Artisans CafĂŠ is a place for a relaxing short break from your hectic world, where you enjoy the amazing views right down the Manning Valley. The coffee is superb, or enjoy a large range of interesting teas and cold drinks. The delicious food, for morning/ afternoon teas and light lunches, is all cooked on the premises. Artisans Gallery exhibits the works of over forty different artisans, whose creations are different, display a high standard of craftsmanship and are mostly unique. You will be amazed at the range available. To satisfy that creative urge, we have many craft classes. They vary from woodturning to silver jewellery, candle making to kilnformed glass, and silk painting to hebel sculpture, in a weekend, a day or less. You decide when you would like to do a class, and negotiate a date.

Fabulous February

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Great Lakes Fishing Carnival Forster Tuncurry is set to come alive, with the Great Lakes Fishing Carnival and Outdoor Expo from March 8 to 12. The Outdoor Expo will include loads of varieties of fishing, including: blue water, rock and beach, estuary boat, kayak and bank fishing. There will also be an individual childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fishing competition. The pristine waters of Wallis Lake, surrounding headlands, off-shore reefs and beaches offers anglers the complete fishing package. For 2012, entry is free to the expo, which is based on the headland adjacent to Forster break wall â&#x20AC;Ś Come and see the live fish display and exhibits from Industry and Investment (Fisheries) NSW Maritime, childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fishing clinic and more, including fishing tackle, boats, kayaks, 4WD and camping equipment. Sections overall: Bluewater, Beach Rock and Estuary Rules Blue Water: Eligible Species: Mulloway, Snapper, Teraglin, Pearl Perch, Yellowtail King Fish, Dolphin Fish and Cobia. Estuary Boat (including kayak) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; eligible species include Bream, Flathead, Sand Whiting and Luderick. All fish are to be weighed in alive ... This will be a catch and release section. Estuary Bank: eligible species include Bream, Flathead, Sand Whiting and Luderick. This is a catch and release section (photo only). Beach and Rock: eligible species include Mulloway, Tailor, Drummer, Yellowtail Kingfish, Snapper, Northern Blue Fin Tuna and Cobia. All fish in this category are to be weighed-in gilled and gutted. Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s day: eligible species include: Bream, Flathead and Whiting. This is a catch and release section (photo only). Register online at www.greatlakesfishingcarnival.com

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Photo Credit - Manning River Times

In August 2010, a group of local mountain bike enthusiasts started the ‘Tip Riders’ mountain bike club to represent mountain biking in the Manning-Great Lakes area. Chrissy Jones found out all about the group from Club President, Mark Drury. Photo Credit - Manning River Times

hy form a mountain bike club in the first place, Mark? We really wanted to promote mountain biking in this area, to not only increase the profile of our tracks to riders from outside the area that are looking for fantastic riding tracks, but to also increase the number of riders participating in the sport (particularly female riders and families). The club has been a great thing for the local area. Tell us about that ... We’re really seeing the benefits of forming the club now. We have about a dozen female riders who regularly ride together and who have participated in training days with a Cycling Australia instructor. This has really given them the confidence to enjoy riding. I’m sure they will tell you the social aspect of mountain biking is great, as well as just enjoying being in the bush and seeing what nature has to offer us here. The club has also noticed the benefit to the local community through tourism specifically related to mountain biking in the area. Over the Christmas holidays, we met a number of families riding on the Kiwarrak State Forest tracks that were staying in Forster, Harrington, Old Bar and Taree to ride our mountain bike tracks, in preference to holidays that they had normally taken each year to other destinations. We’re pretty chuffed that the work of our club is now starting to benefit the whole community, with people coming here from Canberra, Coffs Harbour, Sydney and Newcastle. We also regularly have groups of riders from those areas taking

Juniors’ membership is for 18 years day trips to Kiwarrak to ride the tracks. of age and under. There is a $10 club Tell us about your social rides... fee plus $65 for MTBA. You receive the Primarily we ride in Kiwarrak State same privileges as seniors for racing and Forest, with over 40 km of single track and insurance. park outside the Tip on The Bucketts Way Social membership (any age) is for those between Taree South and Tinonee. The members who do not wish to race but ride trailhead is straight across The Bucketts socially and would like to support the club Way from the grassed parking area. and receive insurance benefits as a race Social rides are usually held in marshall. There is a $10 club fee Kiwarrak State Forest at: plus $45 to go to MTBA. If 9.30am Monday (ladies you wish to race at our club only) We now have races or at another MTBA 5pm Wednesday (bring e os a Special Purpate affiliated club, you need lights) St ith w Permit This to pay $5 per race. 7am Saturday Forests of NSW. ho ld When is your next 2pm Saturday (ladies will allow us toys, orientation da niors ride, and what’s the only) club races, a jularger format? and 2pm Sunday d program an Rain or shine, the next afternoon rides are races in 2012.. ride will be on Saturday becoming popular. 11 February at 16.00 hours Although, it is best to in the Kiwarrak State Forest, check whether anyone is with the meeting point at Lantana riding before venturing out at Crossing Road. Our meeting times are these times. ‘ready to ride’, so if people need time to Bourke’s Bicycles in Taree (215 Victoria prepare equipment, we ask them to arrive Street) is a good starting point before a few minutes earlier. Duration of the ride heading into the forest, with the staff is 1.5 hours. happy to advise on possible rides. While You can enter as an individual, or enter you are there, pick up a copy of the as a team of 2 or 3 to see how many laps Kiwarrak State Forest Trail Map (view at: you can get out in 90 minutes. Those riders http://goo.gl/PYu8j) who want a format that is more like a cross Is membership open to all? country race will enjoy this just as much as There are three types of membership: those who don’t think they can ride for 90 senior, junior and social. minutes (and want to share the load with Seniors’ membership (19 years of age one or two others). and over) is a $20 club fee plus a payment Hopefully we will have some new race of $90 to MTBA – Mountain Bike Australia. timing software that we’ll be trying out This will allow the member to race in all for this race, so we will have lap times for club races and other MTBA affiliated races individuals and team riders. If it’s a hot day, at other clubs. The member will also have people can leave drinks at the transition certain insurance coverage.

area to collect on the way through – so they can remain well hydrated. Remember that we give recognition to the faster riders, but randomly give prizes away for all entrants. As always, thanks goes to Bourke’s Bicycles Taree, Hogs Breath Café Forster, Manning Valley Free Range Eggs, Mackie Electrics, and Bruce Pain – RFS for their continued assistance in holding these races. How can we get involved with Tip Riders, and what’s the future aim of the club? The club holds monthly club participation events on different ‘loops’ within the Kiwarrak State Forest, to give riders of all levels opportunities to be involved in the sport. For riders who would like to venture out but are intimidated by the thought of getting lost in the forest, the club has a number of coloured loops so you don’t lose your way. Just park at the Bucketts Way Tip entrance (hence the name Tip Riders) and walk your bike across the road to the signs. We now have a Special Purpose Permit with State Forests of NSW. This will allow us to hold orientation days, club races, a juniors program and larger races in 2012. Ultimately, Manning-Great Lakes Tip Riders aims to liaise with Great Lakes and Greater Taree City Council to promote mountain biking in Kiwarrak State Forest and put the region on the map as a mountain bike holiday destination for both racing and social riding. For further information on the club, or to add your name to a mailing list to keep up to date with all the coming events the club has to offer, contact Bourke’s Bicycles Taree or see www.mgltipriders.asn.au Thanks Mark.

manning-great lakes focus 17

18 manning-great lakes focus focus.

75% of funerals in our region result in cremation.

Local Planners Return.

Manning Great Lakes Memorial Gardens continues to set the standard for memorial parks in NSW, a fact that the Management Team and Shareholders are very proud of. During 2011 and early 2012 the Memorial Gardens has continued the trend of investing in continual improvement of the facilities available to families in the Manning and Great Lakes region. The most recent addition to the facilities is addition of Air Conditioning to Tea Rooms following a full power upgrade. This proved the biggest investment in recent times with the upgrade and addition of Air Conditioning totalling close to $60,000. This investment has been warmly welcomed by families and congregation member’s alike coming into the warmest period of the year. This upgrade sees the final item of an 18month Capital works program completed. The program saw the awning for undercover seating off the chapel doubled in size to accommodate an additional seating of 120 congregation members. The chapel also received an audio visual upgrade to cater for the larger funerals of the district. Congregation members seated outside now have access to a live feed of the chapel proceedings via 2 large LCD monitors and audio coverage through speakers situated all around the outside of the main building. The management of the Memorial Gardens

Photo of Kaye and Malcolm Wallace

rest among the gardens

Financial planning team, Kaye and Malcolm Wallace, enjoyed their time away – but agree that it’s great to be back home. “The five years have gone really fast and in some ways, especially when catching up with old friends and acquaintances, it’s almost as though we’ve never been away,” Kaye explained. “Now we’re building a home at Figtree Hill in Red Head, which provided the name for our new business – Figtree Financial Planning.” continues to look at the facility and ways the presentation and experience can remain at such a high standard. The next 25 years have been set out in a plan of management that addresses the issues surrounding growth, access, presentation and overall management.

Malcolm Wallace founded local financial planning firm, Forum Financial Services, in 1988, and he and Kaye transitioned the Forster and Taree offices to other planners in 2004 and 2005, prior to moving to the Margaret River area of Western Australia.

As the gardens form an integral part of the memorials throughout the grounds careful planning is required to ensure locations and planting suit future growth and access. Our groundsman work closely with local nurseries to select species that blends with the well established gardens. The pride taken in looking after the grounds is testament to the great staff that look after the Memorial Gardens. The Memorial Gardens are open 24/7 and we would encourage all members of the public to come and inspect the beautiful grounds.

“Whilst we provide advice in most areas of financial planning, retirement coaching will remain our major focus, educating and assisting clients to better understand their financial and lifestyle options. In the wake of the Global Financial Crisis and with continuing uncertainty all around us, professional advice becomes more important than ever,” Malcolm said. “After an extensive search, we have selected Victorian firm, Dover Financial Advisers, to assist us by providing licensing, technical and

back office support. Dover is part of the 25 year old McMasters group of Accountants and Solicitors. Importantly, there is no institutional ownership, and they share with us an absolute emphasis on putting the clients’ needs first. “Figtree Financial Planning does not accept investment commissions, clients pay fees as with any other professional organisation – and only pay these if they can clearly see the value we can add to their situation,” Malcolm explained. “After existing commissions are rebated, this often results in significant savings for clients.” For a better understanding of how you might benefit from Figtree Financial Planning’s personalised advisory services, Kaye and Malcolm invite you to visit their website at www.figtreeplanning.com.au or attend one of their forthcoming Information Sessions. “This does not constitute personal advice. Please consult your financial adviser for more information.”

manning-great lakes focus 19

Manning-Great Lakes

Cover Dish Prawn cocktail, with a Summer cocktail from 3 Nippers.

eat. Dining Guide is now available on the App Store. www.focusmag.com.au/eat 20 manning-great lakes focus.

eat.

Coffee Grind

Harrigan’s Irish Pub

Coffee Grind is a boutique coffee shop and café located in the Main Street of Forster. Friendly owners, Matt and Cara, invite you to come down and enjoy their beautiful breakfast, lunch, morning and afternoon tea. With gourmet cakes, slices, freshly baked muffins and of course ... ‘the best coffee in town’.

Located on the banks of the beautiful Manning River in Harrington, Harrigan’s Irish Pub is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal while taking in the breathtaking views. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week, we offer a variety of daily specials, as well as a great à la carte menu. Harrigan’s can also cater for groups and functions. Please contact our Functions Manager for more details. Monday – Friday: $12 specials. Choose from 12 great menu options for just $12 each. Saturday: $17.50 steak night. Sunday: $12.50 roast. Contact us on (02) 6556 0555 to reserve your table.

Owners Cara and Matt.

59 Wharf Street Forster t 6557 5155

Head Chef Dale Phillips.

Harrington Waters, Josephine Blvd, Harrington t 6556 0555

open 7 days. From 8am.

open Breakfast: 7.30am-10.30am. Lunch: Mon-Fri 12noon-3pm, 6pm-8.30pm. Sat 12noon-9pm. Sun 12noon-8.30pm

FLOW Espresso

Beach Bums

Experience the Mid North Coast’s newest beach venue. FLOW stands for ‘For Love Of Water’, and the café decor and ambience reflect this theme. The menu caters for the health conscious and the hungry with a wonderful variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner options. Two fully qualified chefs create culinary delights in the outdoor kitchen before your eyes. Kids play area, chill out lounge and alfresco dining – dinner bookings essential.

Beach Bums Café boasts a unique position situated five steps from the sand, overlooking Forster Main Beach. Great food and coffee are the heart of Beach Bums, but you won’t find the snobby coffee crowd here. What you will find is a delicious team, a sexy and simple menu, fresh tunes daily and a great atmosphere. Sit back, relax and watch nature at its best! Current opening times Sunrise to sunset, 7 days a week (weather permitting). Owners Kate and Darrin.

Reservations are recomended for dinner, but we apologise – we don’t take bookings for brekkie or lunch.

31 David St, Old Bar t 6557 4224 open Tue to Sun; 8am to 4pm and Thurs to Sat; 6pm to 9.30pm. Fully licensed.

Located at the corner of North & Beach Streets, Forster Main Beach. t 6555 2840 w beachbumscafe.com.au open Sunrise to Sunset, 7 days a week (weather permitting). manning-great lakes focus 21

eat.

The Belle Bistro

Club Taree Celebrate Valentine’s Day, February 14! Spoil the one you love this Valentine’s Day with a romantic dinner at Club Taree. Along with our à la carte menu, the chefs will be presenting Valentine’s Day specials, and the ladies will also receive a complimentary glass of champagne with main meal purchase. Bookings preferred. Chef Kevin Williams.

Have you experienced the Bellevue Hotel Bistro lately? Bring the whole family down and enjoy a great meal by the pool. Afterwards, the kids can have a dip or play in the games room. Come down on a Friday night and enjoy some quality fresh local seafood in the bistro and listen to great live music, or come and join in the fun on one of our feature nights (Monday – poker, Wednesday – trivia, Thursday – karaoke). Be sure to try our lunch steak special for just $9.50 (7 days). Also keep your eyes out for shopper dockets, to receive your second main meal for just $5. Our experienced, friendly staff look forward to seeing you soon.

Our friendly team.

Manning Street, Tuncurry t 6554 6577

121 Wingham Rd, Taree t 6539 4000 w www.clubtaree.com.au

open 7 days. Lunch Mon - Fri, 11.30 - 2pm; Sat - Sun 11.30 - 2.30pm. Dinner: Sunday - Thursday, 5.30pm - 8pm; Fri - Sat 5.30pm - 8.30pm.

*Opening times vary.

Tuncurry Bowling Club Sail Away Café Specialising in fresh seafood and succulent steaks, the menu offers a delicious range of meals. Try our traditional beer battered fish and chips, a mouth watering mixed grill, tender salt and pepper calamari, or tempura King Prawn cutlets. Club Café Open all day, 7 days a week. Club Café offers a great range of indulgent cakes, slices and biscuits and also a great range of snacks, gourmet sandwiches and melts, plus classic burgers.

i-Dragon Chinese Cuisine

Chef Robert Robinson.

21 Parkes Street, Tuncurry. t 6554 6477 Sail Away Brasserie open 7 days. Lunch 11.30am – 2.30pm, Dinner 5.30pm – finish.

22 manning-great lakes focus.

From being upstairs to a ground floor, we now have a new location and new name. But it is still us: Jenny and Tony Ng operating. Now that it’s summer, mango chicken is available. If you like to challenge your hot taste buds, you have to try our signature dish, ‘Evil Hot Lamb’, that has been tried by a famous TV chef and is now in one of his popular cook books. Take away and dine in. We wish you all a happy, successful and healthy New Year. LUNCH from $8.50. MAIN from $12.50.

Shop 1/10 Head Street, Forster t 6555 2092 open Tuesday to Sunday (B.Y.O). Lunch 12pm to 2.30 pm Dinner from 5pm.

Owner Jenny and her kids.

eat. Weekend breakfast & lunch at the Bean Bar .

Bent on Food Bent on Food is a national award winning café/restaurant specialising in local produce. We are proud to invite internationally trained chef, Michael James, into our valued team. We are now offering dinner Friday and Saturday nights – bookings appreciated. • Cookery classes for adults and kids, including cheesemaking and barista classes. • Catering and private functions. • A large range of gourmet foods, including gourmet hampers, along with fabulous kitchenware in our sister store ‘Bent on Life’ just 2 doors up. Book now for our special Valentine’s Day evening menu.

Bean Bar Open 7 days a week for breakfast and lunch, with an exclusive café menu, and à la carte dinner or Tapas Thursday to Saturday. Tony, Ray and the staff at Bean Bar work effortlessly to prepare amazing meals in a waterfront venue, designed and fully licensed to cater for intimate functions such as weddings, business seminars and birthdays. Bean Bar has now introduced an amazing range of seafood, including oysters, seafood plates and platters, as well as expanding the night dining menu. Head Chef John Barriball.

Head Chef Michael James.

1 Pulteney St, Taree, set on the Manning River t 6550 0022

95 Isabella Street, Wingham NSW t 6557 0727 w www.bentonfood.com.au

open 7 Days Breakfast and lunch.

open Breakfast and lunch 7 days a week (phone to check hours on public holidays)

Chickens @ Forster THE BEST CHICKEN AND HOMEMADE PIZZAS! • Fresh BBQ chicken. • Coleslaw and salad • Chips • Baked potatoes

Stockland Shopping Centre, Forster t 6555 6755 open Everyday from 8:30am.

Raw Sugar Café Bowers Café

Raw Sugar Café, open seven days. Open for breakfast at 7.30am, lunch from 11.30am and afternoon tea until 4pm. Our food is prepared by our qualified chefs, using only the freshest local ingredients and served by experienced and friendly staff. Our specials board changes weekly! Don’t forget our fantastic fresh fruit smoothies, frappes and fresh juices this summer! Come in and enjoy the five star experience today. Freshest local ingredients.

214 Victoria Street, Taree t 6550 0137 open 7.30am to 4pm.

Bowers delights in making all food in house, using the freshest local produce and serving locally roasted coffee. Perfect for functions and intimate weddings. Only 5 minutes from Taree, with a peaceful rural outlook. Art exhibition: Helga Visser – Friday, February 10 - 23.

461 Kolodong Rd, Taree t 6550 1230 open 9am – 5pm, 7 Days. Closed public holidays. manning-great lakes focus 23

eat. Rich Chocolate Tartlet with Cointreau Strawberries, Praline Ice Cream & Persian Chocolate Fairy Floss

Greg Walker Zebu bar + grill Got the love bug? Treat your true love to a night for two at Zebu Bar + Grill. Enjoy our handcrafted Valentine’s menu, including a his and hers cocktail on arrival, a reduced à la carte entrée, main and dessert, topped off with a stunning rose for your Valentine. $85pp - bookings essential. If you prefer something more relaxed, pop into our bar and enjoy contemporary coastal dining at its best.

Ben Holloway Chef.

Breakfast - Coffee - Cocktails - 10 Tap Beers Wood Fire Pizzas - Steaks - Seafood - Purveyors of Peak Coffee

Hay Street Foreshore, Port Macquarie t 6589 2822 w www.zebu.com.au open 7 days, from 6.30am - late. Bar open noon daily. Bookings recommended.

Head chef of Taree’s Raw Sugar Café, Greg Walker, moved his family to the Manning Valley from Sydney over nine years ago.

F 3 Nippers Restaurant Relaxed, casual and fully licensed, the 3 Nippers Restaurant located in the Australis Diamond Beach Resort and Spa trades 6 days for lunch and dinner – open to both local and in house guests. Our menu is a fusion of local produce, modern cooking techniques and cultural influences, with the new seasonal summer menu just released. So call today and book a table to avoid disappointment; the team at 3 Nippers Restaurant look forward to seeing you soon.

Inside Australis Diamond, Beach Resort and Spa t 6557 3871 open Closed Sunday Monday and open Tuesday to Saturday lunch & Dinner.

24 manning-great lakes focus.

or the last six of those, he’s been consistency stays.” with Raw Sugar. Regulars at Raw Sugar have come to expect “Even before it restaurant style food in a relaxed opened, I was café atmosphere, and Greg here with a puts this down to the lack paintbrush,” Greg laughs. of pretentiousness in his His extensive Even though Greg grew attitude to cooking. Also, eans experience man up in the Parramatta area when it comes to the d s, that he love te, all ea of Sydney, his childhood product he uses, he cr to is able fine memories are filled with always tries to choose food styles, from s and dining to burger family trips to the area, local. chips. and his parents eventually “As long as we can moved here permanently 11 source it, we use it! Nothing years before Greg. is as good as fresh local After finishing an produce. Currently we are using apprenticeship at Platter’s Restaurant local mushrooms, eggs, breads and in Northmead when he left school, Greg seafood, as well as other seasonal products.” eventually became the restaurant’s head chef. Greg’s plans for all the regular and new After that, he worked for several years with the customers at Raw Sugar are to keep doing what Country Comfort Hotel Chain, before moving he and the other kitchen staff do so well. into corporate catering. This led on to Greg “We offer good honest food at a reasonable starting his own business contracting in the price.” nursing home and childcare centre sector. After that, it was back to the restaurant and café scene. Greg draws his inspiration for Raw Sugar customers from all influences in food. His extensive experience means that he loves, and is able to create, all food styles, from fine dining to burgers and chips. He believes that great food is always great food, and his approach is more reflective of a fusion of different styles. As Greg says, “Trends come and go;

focusssocial. with Donna Carrier from Bent on Food. pictured

below

Head2Head Ocean Classic.

below The Red Head annual Christmas party.

right Benjamin and Jess - Big Chef Little Chef class.

right Michael & Gaby Big Chef Little Chef class.

very year when I sit down to Ocean Classic was held on Monday 2 January write the Social Scene for the 2012 at Black Head Beach, with fantastic February edition, I seem to get conditions, the sun shining and the seas writers’ block. It’s not that there calm after some pretty heavy swells the week isn’t anything to write about, before. Numbers were up on last year’s swim, because January is an active month; it’s just with a successful day for the hardworking that I have hardly left Wingham. January is team at the surf club. 2012 was the third year a fabulous month for business, when all the for the ocean swims, with 88 finishers in the lovely tourists are in town, and we must make 700 m race and 161 in the 1500 m race. hay while the sun shines. Sixteen year old Kurtis Kavanagh from Now here is a little bit of news from Burleigh Waters in QLD took the honours in Hallidays Point. Yes, some of it is Christmas both races. In the 1500 m race, last year’s related, but they do throw a great party down winner, 15 year old Connor Shakespeare from there, so it is worth a mention – it was sent to Forster, came in 11 seconds later to claim 2nd me by one of our readers. place. Each year the Red Head village In the women’s section, 41 community partakes in a year old Dori Miller from I d an el ha ic Christmas light competition, Sydney NSW was the first M e also taught som where the streets are female home in both races. d ve very well beha beautifully lit up with a Last year’s winner of the to w ho chaildren 3 d an es display of street lights, 1500 m race, 15 year old ak pc cu make icing. helping to keep Essential Maddison Carnegie from different typesnof ere The childre wth Energy afloat and giving Bella Vista in NSW, came in ey delightful, andgood the village a wonderful 13 seconds behind Dori to were all very .. ts en festive feel. At the annual take 2nd placed female. stud Christmas party, the previous This year also saw the year’s winner has the honour of running of the inaugural 10 km selecting the current year’s winner of ocean ski race as part of the day’s events. the competition. 18 hardy paddlers took part in the race from There was great excitement when Maddison Black Head Beach to Diamond Beach and Aiken announced that this year’s winners were return, with the winner being 37 year old Cathy and Grant Whitelaw. More than 100 Shane Cornish from Forster, while 46 year old residents attended the Christmas Party held in Laura Thurtell from Forster was the first female the Red Head Reserve, and the highlight was home. the arrival of the Santa Claus with his endless As I said, Bent on Food has been busy with supply of lollies. He is a hit at every street many happenings, including the successful party, that Santa Claus! launch of our evening menu, cooking classes Still at Hallidays Point, the 2012 Head2Head and the usual chaos.

At the cookery school, Michael and his daughter Gaby enjoyed conducting a Big Chef, Little Chef class, with participants learning the art of cutting a chicken and turning it into the most wonderful Fricassee; I was on the dishes, so I was given a taste ... yum. Not to mention that the dessert was my favourite – vanilla pannacotta, all wobbly, and perfectly formed too! A private class was also held, with the Cudlin ladies learning some pasta making skills and my next favourite dessert, tiramisu. The ladies had a great time, and they were a pleasure to spend the evening with. They were good sharers too, and their ravioli was restaurant quality. Michael and I also taught some very well behaved children how to make cupcakes and 3 different types of icing. The children were delightful, and they were all very good students. I felt very special when they all donated a cupcake to me – like I need any more food! Troy Bayliss was a hit when he visited Taree Motorcycle Club’s annual twilight meet held at Old Bar race track on Saturday 21 January. Troy was competing on the day in a number of classes and was clearly a crowd favourite, with the spectators enjoying seeing their hometown boy race locally. Troy is now retired and living on the Gold Coast with his family. Originally from Taree, he returned to his home track for the first time in 20 years. I would love to hear from you if you have any social events, weddings, parties, anything! Send pics and info to donna.carrier@bigpond. com Cheers, Donna.

manning-great lakes focus 25

10 February. Tickets on sale now at Club Forster.

Cole +

Jeffreys

Two Of Australia’s Favourite Songbirds ... Back Together. Gina Jeffreys and Beccy Cole have long been two of Australia’s biggest Country Music stars. It is 20 years since Gina burst into stardom with her breakout hit Girls Night Out, followed by a Platinum selling album and since then Beccy has followed through the door to mainstream acceptance which Gina knocked down, to become one of the most dynamic stage performers in the country. The girls have played to audiences all over the world – Beccy in the USA and the Middle East, where she entertained the Australian troops, and Gina in Nashville, East Timor and Shanghai. But it is back in Australia that audiences just can’t get enough of these two amazing performers. Longtime best friends, Gina and Beccy come together again on stage with a special chemistry – two-thirds of the highlysuccessful Songbirds show! You will hear all the girls’ timeless hits, plus some special duets. Special guest is the amazing Country voice of young Georgia White. Don’t miss Gina Jeffreys and Beccy Cole back in concert together.

TWO OF AUSTRALIAS FAVOURITE SONGBIRDS .... BACK TOGETHER!

CLUB FORSTER Friday February 10 - 8.00pm TICKETS ON SALE NOW! 02 6591 6591 www.clubforster.com.au

Don’t Miss 2 of Country Music’s Biggest Stars!!! www.beccycole.com www.ginajeffreys.com.au

26 manning-great lakes focus.

focusinterview.

Cole +

Jeffreys

Australian Country Music legends, Beccy Cole and Gina Jeffreys, visit the Great Lakes again to perform at Club Forster on Friday 10 February at 8pm … We caught up with the best friends of 20 years to find that fame and industry acclaim hasn’t affected this down-to-earth duo one little bit …

Beccy Cole What do you like about coming to the Manning-Great Lakes? It’s not too far from home, so I’m often in the area to write songs. I love the beaches, the people and the food! We always have lovely, warm crowds when we come to the Great Lakes. I don’t think I could possibly count the amount of times I’ve been there with the many shows I’ve toured with. You’ve been at the forefront of the Australian music landscape for nearly two decades and are a prolific recording artist, having released seven studio albums ... What motivates you? Life and people. I just love travelling, and I love the creative part of me that finds songs everywhere. My favourite thing to have happen is when a ‘trigger’ goes off and there is an urgency about putting what I have just experienced into a song. Wherever I am, I have to stop and capture the emotion of the moment, and this is where I feel I find good results. Believe me, I’ve written many duds to come up with the selections that make the records, but it’s a process ... Most of all, I love the growth I see when I look at the music on those seven albums, and I count my blessings that I’ve been given the opportunities to explore that growth. I never get complacent about my position in the industry… I’m not the best singer, player or writer in the world, but I am hardworking, and it is very important to me that I give people something they will enjoy. That comes before any self indulgent urges I might have! Songs & Pictures is your most recent release and your most personal album to date, one which you solely financed. What sets this album apart from your others? These songs are real. Each one is from an experience that I have lived and reported on first hand. I can’t explain how much I enjoyed making this record, other than to say that the process was a dream come true, and the results of making the album in this new and different way are extremely precious to me. From the artwork and photographs, which were provided by two very close friends (artist, Judy Nadin, and photographer, Lauren O’Brien)

to the musicians (my touring band, rather than studio musicians) down to a new Producer, in the very talented Shane Nicholson. These were all new steps taken to make the songs come to life in an exciting and different way for me. You’ve won a slew of Golden Guitars. How proud are you of this acknowledgement, and where do all the awards live? Golden Guitars are not something we set out to win when we make records. Winning them, however, is the most incredible feeling of accomplishment that one can experience in my industry. I’m extremely proud of those little fellas, and they hold pride of place on a borrowed baby grand piano that belongs to Sara Storer (I think she has forgotten that I have it, as it’s been here for a couple of years now!) This is where Sara also kept her accolades, and I love the tradition that I have upheld here! In February, you’re performing a run of shows with Gina Jeffreys. How did this come to be? Gina is one of my closest and dearest friends. We were bridesmaids for each other, as well as touring at length with the Songbirds (also with Sara) for over three years. Gina and I just took our families on a camping holiday together, during which I not only beat her several times at Scrabble, I was also witness to a fine moment of her coming an absolute cropper on the ‘bomber’ behind a friend’s ski boat. Special times. We’ll be friends forever; we know too much. Performing with one of your best friends is such a special feeling … Add to this, that I believe Gina Jeffreys to be the woman who singlehandedly changed the way women were perceived in our industry, and you have a unique combination. I can’t wait! What’s next for you? Touring and then more touring. My dates for 2012 are filling fast, with shows across the country and even after 20 years of being on the road, I wouldn’t have it any other way. My itchy feet don’t let me stay at home long; I’m always happiest when I’m either searching for a song, or singing one I’ve found. I’ll be doing this until they throw tomatoes at me. I just hope they’re not canned. Thanks Beccy.

‘90s. She is the first person I ever met who loves Country Music like I do. I grew up in a What do you like about coming to the country town and all those years ago, you Manning-Great Lakes? didn’t tell your friends you loved Country MuThis is one of the prettiest places in Aussic! So when Bec and I met, it was like we had tralia. It always feels more like we are going found our tribe. We found someone else who away on a holiday than heading to town to shares the same passion… Somewhere to feel do a show. like you fit in, I guess. What can the audience expect from your Then we quickly realised we share a crazy impending performance with Beccy at sense of humour. I haven’t stopped laughing Club Forster? with her since the day we met. Being on stage As Beccy mentioned, we were each other’s with Bec is ridiculous fun. Our main aim is to bridesmaids (two weddings and one divorce!) make the other one laugh so hard, that they We’ve been best mates for nearly 20 years, can’t sing! so watching us do a show together What was it like to meet Country is like watching two old friends Music legend Kenny Rogers? out on a girls’ night out! I grew up listening to him! He Lots of laughs, lots of is a big part of the reason I love I d Beccy an stories and of course, a th or w m Country Music, so when I met Ta met in bunch of great music. the early ‘90s. in him I was really nervous! You’re married to She is the firstmet What’s next for you? Rod McCormack, person I ever ntry We are about to record a ou C s ve lo who head of Core music e I do. lik new album, and I’ll be back ic us M label. Rod produced out on the road for more fun! your albums Christmas My life at home now is quite difWish, Walks of Life, Old ferent to how it used to be, because Paint. From an artistic perI run a performance school on the Central spective, what was it like to collaborate Coast. So these days I spend most of my time with your husband? mentoring and helping develop new talent, Rod is a perfectionist, and he really expects and I absolutely love it. that from everyone else too. He is wonderful to work with. He’s so creative, so kind. I love writing with him, love being in the studio with the plug! him (he has very strong opinions, but so do I!) I think we make a great team. Rod knows me When Friday 10 February at 8pm. better than anyone, so creatively, it’s a great Where Club Forster (all ages event). place to start when you are trying to create an album that reflects who I really am. www.clubforster.com.au Both you and Beccy live on the Central 6591 6591 Coast and have been friends for time Adults $40 / Child U18 $20 / eternal. How did you meet, and what do Group of 10 or more adults $35 you like about performing with Beccy? each. Beccy and I met in Tamworth in the early

Gina Jeffreys

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focuseditorial.

SteveAttkins. Ste from Great Lakes Winery

Louise Oldfield

Gloucester

farmers markets

turns

from Red Sky Catering. Gloucester

focuseditorial.

It’s eight thirty in the morning and The Billabong Park is buzzing with stalls, plants, animals and people. There’s the smell of fresh beef cooking, coffee steaming, and tables full of bright colourful produce pack the park ...

any locals come down early for breakfast, as there is always plenty of food on offer. The Gloucester Farmers Market is celebrating its second birthday this month. With the very first market, organisers hoped to entice at least a dozen stall owners it opened with nearly 20 stalls and now boasts over 40 stalls. The second Saturday of every month, Gloucester’s Farmers Market is in full swing. Locals are up early, veggies are picked and cars packed ready for the trip to town. As well as the fresh veggies, herbs and fruit, there are tables of cheese, yogurts, honey, mushrooms, fresh berries and nuts, with beautiful bunches of lilies and flowers also on offer. For those wanting something very fresh, there are plenty of live chickens and ducks. That may be a little too fresh for some ... well, perhaps they could be a pet? I heard one lady say these markets should be called a ‘Smarket’, as there is so much lovely, quality produce for sale. If you like to grow your own produce, there are plenty of stalls with seedlings, herbs and larger plants. Demonstrations are now taking place at the markets. Cecilia Folkes from Raw Reputation was whipping up zucchini pasta and white chocolate cheesecake, all dairy and gluten free, also showing spectators how to make cheese – with plenty of yummy samples available. There is always a line up at the Chillout Coffee Cart for Wombah Coffee, which is grown on the North Coast along the Clarence River. Two ladies, now in their 70s, first transported the coffee beans from PNG over 40 years ago. They grow and roast their own beans. Janeece from the Chillout Coffee Cart is very environmentally conscious and uses Biocups, with lids made from cornstarch instead of plastic. For the suppliers who don’t wish to hold their own stall or worry about personal insurance, the Community Stall is available. Terry Hardwick stated: “The Community Stall has been operating since the inception

fe at u re

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of the Farmers Market. It was established to provide an outlet for smaller local growers and producers, who may not find it economical to pay for an individual market stall or their own public liability insurance. The Stall is operated by volunteers, and profits generated by sales commissions and donations are used to support The Gloucester Project, a local venture dedicated to developing the Gloucester area as a food bowl.” To ensure fresh produce of the highest quality, visits are made to our growers and producers to confirm their certification, the products they produce and methods of production. Rain, hail or shine, produce which has been grown, raised or wild gathered by the stallholder comes in from a 100 km radius and is sold. Value-added products are offered for sale, such as soaps, sauces, chutneys, olive oil and local wines; the ingredients must be grown by the stallholder or substantially sourced from growers in the region. Some new additions at the markets have been fresh fish and oysters. There is always an abundance of garlic for sale, which seems to grow very well in this region. Jan and Lesley Goroncy, owners of Barrington River Organic Farm, are now supplying Jamie Oliver’s Italian restaurant in Sydney with their certified organic garlic, which is used in Jamie’s tasty ‘garlic risotto’. In May 2012, the Gloucester Farmers Market will be combined with the annual Shakespeare Festival, with parts of the main street being closed for a magical day of interesting food, bumper markets and heaps of entertainment. In the evening, a play will be performed with a medieval banquet in the RSL hall. The first ever growers market took place in Australia at Parramatta in 1788. It’s great to see today so many towns happy to grow and sell such great fresh produce to the local residents. Gloucester Farmers Market is next on Saturday 11 February. I will be at the Community Stall – hope to see you there.

WINE

January and February are months of great anxiety in vineyards in this region. Too much rain, not enough rain, too much heat, not enough sun, high humidity ... and definitely too many birds!

oday the sun is shining – the humidity has dropped and the conditions are perfect for ripening before harvest. But how long will

year – vintage. The time has come – the rows are neatly slashed, the netting rests over the vines, the air guns blast intermittently, the ute makes regular rounds through the vineyard. this last? In the winery, cleaning has been the priority. The longer you leave the fruit on the vine It has been scrubbed clean, as has all the to ripen, the higher the sugar content equipment: the destemmer, the crush, and more intense the flavours of the pump, the hoses, the tanks the wine (and the more bird – everything sits and waits. damage). Leave the fruit Contingency plans are in too long, and you risk place should a key piece You have to be , uff summer rains (or worse) of equipment break st n made of ster s of et ck that can be devastating, down, OHS policies bu with ait out with flavours diluted, reviewed – vintage optimism to whi le the these weeks wweather the pierced berry juice is once a year, so we unpredictableing. from bird damage ruining need a refresher. We are does its th whole bunches and ready to jump into action together with high humidity, when the call is made. creating perfect conditions for Everything has gone OK this rot to set in. year – just need summer to start. Definitely a game of chance ... The 2012 vintage is on its way, but I’m bet you didn’t know being a gambler is a not liking the forecast for the next couple prerequisite for viticulturists. You have to of weeks ... rain, rain and just for a change, be made of stern stuff, with buckets of thunderstorms! he optimism to wait out these weeks while the unpredictable weather does its thing. In the vineyard, the investment has been made, the pruning, inner row crops established, spraying, debudding, canopy trimming, fruit thinning, slashing, weed removal ... the work in the vineyard is me of continuous, and all of it leading to this time

You have to be made of stern stuff with buckets of optimism to wait out these weeks while the unpredictable weather does its thing.

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spoil the one you love this Valentine's Day. Well, Valentine’s Day is upon us once again! This gives us the opportunity to spoil the one we love, not just with chocolates and champagne, but with SPOIL YOUR g in DY LA with a laast something that lasts , se ha rc gift pu a lot longer and will , GIFT VOUCHER off % 20 e make them look and iv ce re d an ne eo m so feel great. Here at for your special until 14 X-Styles, we have GIFT February. VOUCHERS available for a huge range of hair care services and products. Come down and talk with one of our experienced stylists, who will help you create that perfect gift. Don’t leave it until the last minute; make sure you get in and SPOIL YOUR LADY with a lasting gift purchase, a GIFT VOUCHER, and receive 20% off for your someone special until 14 February. Call in today and see our fantasitc staff to organise, or give us a quick call on 6559 3569.

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a special gift for your loved one. ne.

J E N AYA & D AV I D WICKS.

Annie and Jan both moved to the Great Lakes 8 - 9 years ago with their families for a sea change. Neither has regretted their respective leaps of faith, and they’ve fallen in love with the region and its people. Together they have built One Hair & Beauty into a thriving business – one which they are both very proud of.

than that.

At One Hair & Beauty, we believe it’s all about making people feel good about themselves. The interaction with people is such a highlight. Helping people change their image and making them look different is very satisfying, as well as maintaining our valued reputation and keeping up to date with all the latest styling and colouring trends in hairdressing ... and having a great time doing it!

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Gift Vouchers for hair appointments and also for Beauty treatments are available. Come in and see Carole for a gift voucher for facials, waxing, or eyebrow shaping. Any staff member will be happy to arrange a gift voucher for haircuts, blow waves, hair Gift packs, shampoo, conditioner and hair styling packs are available. Fellas, your girlfriend or wife will love you forever if they open a GHD pack. Guys have hair care needs too. Gift vouchers for hair cuts or a hair styling pack would make a gift to remember.

ow long have you been together? We have been together for eight years and celebrate our first wedding anniversary in April. High school sweethearts! When did you marry? 30 April 2011 – our 7 year anniversary. Jenaya, how did you meet? Camping at Farquhar Park in January 2004, when I was 14. I whistled while he was walking past me and my friends. David, how did you meet? Camping at Farquhar Park. Was it love at first sight for you, Jenaya? Definitely! I liked what I saw, and I loved his personality and his positive outlook on life. David, was it love at first sight? Yes, it was love at first sight. I couldn’t keep

my eyes off her. Jenaya, any advice for couples about to get married on planning for their big day? Be organised ... very organised. Plan early and delegate jobs for the bridal party to get them involved. They love it! Jenaya, what you think is the secret to a successful marriage? Communication and respect for each other. Show as much appreciation and gratitude in as many ways as possible. Always focus on giving, rather than taking, and always say something nice. You create the present and future with your thoughts, words and actions. David, the secret to a successful marriage? Exactly what Jenaya said, and keeping the romance alive e.g. dinner, movies and saying “I love you” every day.

So call in today for that special gift for your Beauty.

HUGH AND J E N I HARRIS

ow long have you been together and how did you meet? We met in 1980 and have been together for 31 years after meeting through mutual friends at the Commercial Pub in East Balmain. After six months we were married by a celebrant at our home at Neutral By overlooking Sydney Harbour with our children as flower girls and page boy. Was it love at first sight? Considering that we decided to get married a week after we met, it was definitely ‘love at first sight’. Six weeks after meeting, Hugh got custody of his three children from a previous marriage. They threw a bucket of water over me and I became an instant mother. Life was extremely hectic with a new home, new school and a whole new way of life in a very new relationship. However, we have managed to keep the romance bright and alive for the last 32 manning-great lakes focus.

31 years. Is Hugh a romantic? Hugh is a very romantic man and never misses an opportunity to make me feel special. Whether it be my birthday, our anniversary, Christmas, Valentine’s Day or any other day of the week. Most days Hugh starts or ends the day by saying or doing something which makes me feel special. What advice can you give to couples hoping to have a successful marriage? Jeni: the secret to a long and successful marriage is having mutual respect for each other plus laughing and having honesty in the relationship. Love becomes a subconscious desire to make your partner feel happy and special. Hugh: the secret to a long and successful marriage is having a person that you can call your best friend, mate and lover.

focusinterview.

Artisans Retreat is set on five acres of verdant d t dairy country in Mondrook (near Tinonee). The weekend retreat and artisans’ haven provides a myriad of specialist workshop experiences, including woodturning, fabric painting, jewellery making, plus children’s workshops.

n February, Artisans Retreat is hosting a three-day Expo, which includes worldclass demonstrations with highly skilled artisans, plus providing an opportunity to engage with suppliers and learn about working with wood and many other materials. The exceptional calibre of artisans participating in the Expo include Doug Moseley (blacksmith), Peter Minson (glass blower), Warren Targett (luthier), Anne Mitchell (fabric designer) and Alan Williams (sculptural wooden boxes)… FOCUS caught up with Peter Calabria, who with his wife, Christine, created Artisans Retreat, to find out about the Expo. Artisans Expo is in its second year – why was the Expo established? The first Artisans Expo was established last year to fill a void left by the demise of the long running February Newcastle Woodworking Show. Artisans Expo gives North Coast and New England residents the chance to chat to talented artisans, see how they work and hopefully become inspired to challenge themselves to give these crafts a try. We also wanted to create an Expo that would appeal to a wide audience – the whole family can find something of interest going on. There will even be some opportunity to be ‘hands on’ with some of the exhibitors and demonstrators. What can people expect to experience at the three-day Expo? Artisans Expo will be 3 days of mind-boggling displays of skills and crafts, many of which are being lost in this technological age. At the Expo, there will also be suppliers of specialty craft equipment and consumables, BBQ tent, coffee lounge, and of course, Artisans Retreat’s amazing Gallery will also be open. Tell us about some of the demonstrations taking place: Many of the exhibitors will be demonstrating their crafts. Doug Moseley, the blacksmith, will be operating his forge, creating functional and decorative

pieces, including tools. An Artisan is defined as ‘a skilled person who Furniture maker extraordinaire, Howard makes things with his or her hands’. Archbold, will be creating an English Windsor chair Artisans have traditionally made practical pieces from a new fallen log, using only hand tools (some – bridges and buildings from stone, home wares of which he created himself) and a pole lathe. and houses from wood, dresses and furnishings Peter Minson, third-generation glass blower, from fabric, bottles and windows from glass. will be turning rods of glass into magnificent Thankfully we still require many artisans – pieces, from glasses to oil lamps or flowers to making food, buildings, tools, and keeping candelabrum. industry functioning and developing. Colen Clenton will be there with his hand With less demand for the purely practical due crafted precision-made woodworking tools. His to technology, many artisans today are able to tools are in high demand worldwide. experiment and create ‘functional art’ – Anne Mitchell, co-owner things of beauty which still serve a and inventor of Genesis practical purpose. Creations fabric paints and This ‘functional art’ is the Artisans Expo a teacher of fabric design prime focus at Artisans st gives North Coa d an for over forty years, will Retreat. We run a range gl En and New ance ch e th s be demonstrating the of craft workshops all year nt de si re ed multiple uses of these round that allow participants to chat to talentw they artisans, see ho fully incredible paints. to ‘have a go’ at a new craft pe ho d work an ... Alan Williams, the best and then develop their skills d ire become insp band-sawn boxmaker in to a level of their choosing. The Australia, will be showing craft classes include Woodturning, us how to create an amazing Precious Metal Clay, Fabric Painting, sculpted example from one piece of Kiln-formed Glass, and Candle Making. timber. When someone wants to do one of these, we Warren Targett is an amazing luthier and book them ‘on demand’! As well, our Artisans musician. He will bring some of his creations with Gallery contains the ‘functional’ and decorative him and also show how he builds and plays these artisan pieces of over 40 different artisans. great guitars. What precisely is woodturning, and what are We must not forget my wife, Christine, who the qualities of a great woodworker? will be demonstrating the magic of Precious Metal Woodturning is a form of woodworking that Clay – creating pure silver pieces of jewellery from is used to create wooden objects on a lathe and a lump of ‘clay’! differs from most other forms of woodworking in Several of these artisans will not only that the wood is moving while a stationary tool is demonstrate at the Expo, but will stay on and used to cut and shape it. teach ‘hands on’ classes in the week following. I love teaching woodturning, because anyone Anne Mitchell will be running a beginners’ and can do it and finished pieces can be created in a an advanced fabric design workshop over two very short time. New students in my beginners’ days. class will make a bowl in their first day! Alan Williams will divulge his secrets in a 2-day A great woodworker will let the wood tell workshop. them what should be done. A wonderful, organic Peter Minson will have students playing with material, no two pieces of wood are exactly the molten glass. same. A great woodworker will exploit those Define what an artisan does: differences, resulting in exquisite, unique pieces.

They will also have patience and superb attention to detail. On a personal level, you create ‘functional art’. What does this mean? I like the pieces I make to be used, not just displayed on a shelf or in a cupboard. For example, my glass platters are made dishwasher safe, combining pleasing design with functional properties. My wooden bowls, pens, earring stands etc. all have a functional purpose. Even the silver jewellery and silk scarves made by Christine serve a practical purpose. Is the Artisans Expo suitable for people studying art or industrial technology, and can school students attend? The reason Artisans Expo is held over three days, including a Friday, is to give schools an opportunity to bring students studying those subjects to gain first hand knowledge and ideas from some of the best artisans in Australia. Because we want students to attend, entry to the Expo this year is free for everyone, and we have made special consideration for bus and coach access. (It helps a lot if these groups can book an arrival time with us). If students cannot come as a school group on the Friday, we would encourage them to attend as a family on the weekend. To our knowledge, there has never been such a diverse collection of talent and suppliers willing to pass on their secrets in this area. Thanks Peter.

3 Day Expo Friday 24 February from 10am - 4pm. Saturday 25 February from 10am - 4pm. Sunday 26 February from 10am - 2pm. Where. Artisans Retreat, 702 Tinonee Road, Mondrook (Near Tinonee). An indication of attendance will help with catering. Contact Peter or Christine Calabria 6553 1199 expo@artisansretreat.com www.artisansretreat.com

manning-great lakes focus 33

focuseditorial.

Gold Cup Day Carlton Mid Gold Cup day is just around the corner on 10 March …Tickets are on sale NOW! For one of the best racing days on the Mid North Coast, head to the Tuncurry-Forster Jockey Club for the Carlton Mid Gold Cup day on 10 March for a fun family day out. The Tuncurry-Forster Jockey Club is going all out to make this a great family day, with a jumping castle and plenty lar of food and drinks to The annual popud choose from, including fashion parade and will Fiel wood fired pizzas, Fashions on the is year so again th ld he be steak sandwiches and ck-up. make sure you fro German sausages! This year, the Committee is decorating the Pavilion in a classic black and white theme, so keep this in mind when choosing your special race day outfit to wear… The annual popular fashion parade and Fashions on the Field will be held again this year, so make sure you frock-up. Fashions on the Field has great prizes and last year it attracted more than 100 entries! The special pavilion is replete with all the

34 manning-great lakes focus.

essential trimmings to make your day a comfortable and enjoyable one, including a bar area and designated book maker. General admission: Members $10 / nonmembers $15. Pavilion tickets: Members $45; $40 nonmembers. All enquiries, ring Marg 0429 967 823or 6555 6586, or go to www.tfjc.info See you at the Jockey Club on March 10!

tuncurry

Race meets

In 2008, the Jockey Club was granted a license to conduct race meetings on the Tuncurry track. We find out what the the license has meant to the club’s future.

hat was involved is always looking for volunteers, especially in procuring the tradesmen, to lend a hand on different license? projects. The license was If people would like to become a granted to the volunteer, they can contact Garry on 0418 Jockey Club after a lot of lobbing to Racing 677 056. NSW. Finally, with a recommendation from Which types of horses can we see the CEO Peter V’landys to the Minster Kevin racing at the track? Green, we were granted a license to hold Horses racing on 10 March, Tuncurrynon TAB meetings at the Tuncurry-Forster Forster Cup Day, come from near and far. Race Course. The quality of the horses improve, The club is now heading as does the prize money – towards building the final this year’s Cup is worth infrastructure of 50 $10,000. 10 Horses racing onster more horse tie-ups and What does it take to -For March, Tuncurry m near one more stewards make an excellent fro e m Cup Day, co ity of al qu e Th tower. Following this, breeder or horse r. fa d an ove, as the horses impr oney – we will then apply for trainer? does the prize m worth a TAB license. When breeding this year’s Cup is 0. 00 0, In the last twelve horses, a safe option is $1 months, the club has to use quality mares and completed a six window stallions; although this is TAB office, a front gate ticket not always a rule of thumb, as box (with four inlets for better some of the most extraordinary horses traffic control), plus a kitchen, where our can come out of the blue without much volunteers sell hot food, and we’ve also breeding at all. Generally, good horses are half built toilet facilities. just born and love to run. How can people become involved in Why do people feel compelled to dress the Club in a volunteer-capacity, and up to go to the races? what is required of them in this role? Racing is one of the most social events The club’s volunteers come from all you can attend to relax or network for walks of life. We have up to 30 ladies who business, and it provides a completely help on race days, from making food, to different culture than going to a club or showing people where to sit in the Pavilion. hotel. There is nothing that compares to Our male volunteers carry out a variety going to a race meeting – especially in the of jobs, such as filling pot holes in the track country. each morning, mowing, whipper snipping, When is your next race meeting? painting, carpentry, electrical, brick laying, Our next major race meeting dates are 10 roofing and general maintenance. The club March, ANZAC Day and 12 September.

manning-great lakes focus 35

A special focus feature

Amanda Tate. Licensee/Principal L J Hooker

36 manning-great lakes focus.

Women in business

WendyPresident Machin. of the NRMA Wendy Machin has enjoyed a formidable career, previously as a politician, holding portfolios in government and opposition, and she was the first woman elected to represent the National Party in the NSW Legislative Assembly. Wendy is currently President of the NRMA and Principal of her own public relations company, and as if this isn’t already enough, Wendy maintains a beef cattle property near Wingham and is a mother of three children … hat can you say to other women about managing a healthy work-life balance? That’s really important to me. I guess I’ve always taken the view that my family, particularly my children, is my priority. Since I left politics in 1996, I’ve always worked part-time for that reason. I guess the beauty of having the sort of roles I do is that they are part-time, and I can, to a certain extent, pick my hours. Certainly at the farm I can, which really needs a lot more attention than it gets at the moment. My aim is to work myself into a position where I can focus on the farm a little bit more… I try to be efficient and manage my time – sometimes this goes OK, and sometimes it can get a little bit out of control. One of the keys is prioritising and being organised. It takes a bit of discipline. Every now and again, I make a decision to get out … Politics, I guess, was one of those cases. I really loved that role and I think it was a great privilege and a great job to have, but it got to the point where I was busy with the job and I had young children. I didn’t feel I could do everything at the one time, so I had to make some decisions − and in that case, my family came first. While women may be making their way up the corporate ladder, it is still often the case that women earn less than their male counterparts do. It’s fair to say the glass ceiling still exists in Australia …what advice can you give to women about not being perturbed by this? It’s really tough. In the past, I haven’t been a fan of quotas for women on boards, because if I did put myself in that situation and I was appointed to a board as a woman, I would feel a little uncomfortable that I wasn’t there on merit because of my abilities and experience. We maybe have to think of some way of breaking down those barriers. It’s just nonsense to suggest that something like only 11 percent of women are capable of being on

boards. I go to a lot of lunches where people talk about it, so there is a bit of a club out there. There is a circle of people who know each other, and you’ve got to Each Board nuine try and break into that. Member has a gelocal e th in st re My advice to women inte unity business comm this would be, don’t be on n ke ta s ha and perturbed. Don’t be assist voluntary role to t and en If the decision is made from disheartened, but keep pm lo ve de in its s.. es good information, then it succ working at it. Don’t do can’t be challenged − and it can everything at once, because be made with confidence. you just can’t. You can do it Which females have greatly all, but not all at one time − which influenced your career and why? was some great advice that I was given. Chip It’s not just women. Along the way, I’ve away at it. Work on your career, build your CV, make sure you build your skills up and that you looked at people who are good at what they do and tried to learn from them. upgrade them from time-to-time. One of my early mentors and role models If you’re looking at boards, consider what was Jenny Gardiner, who was a Member of you might want to do in the not-for-profit the Upper House. She’s a quiet achiever and sector. If you’re in the workforce in an a highly intelligent person who always knows executive position, make sure you can deliver her business and has great attention to detail. and be assertive. I think women tend to I worked for the National party in one of my not be good at promoting themselves − be first jobs, and she was my boss, so I learnt a lot assertive and confident, without being overly from that role. aggressive. I learnt a lot from watching Nick Greiner in I often find it really patronising that the Parliament from his debating style. He’s a women may not be considered adequate very logical, rational thinker. Tim Fischer taught managerial material, as they are me a couple of things about how to operate considered too soft and not capable of in the Chamber. Helen Lynch was a director making hard decisions. You’ve clearly of Westpac and Coles Myer and on a number excelled in largely male dominated of large publicly listed boards. Again, Helen arenas – what are your thoughts on this is a very successful businessperson, who has stereotype? helped me along the way in my career. It is a ridiculous stereotype. I know plenty In my more recent career at the NRMA, I had of women who can make hard decisions people there mentor me in a professional way, – although, they probably don’t get the and I’ve done professional coaching. acknowledgement for it. Sometimes they get One of my colleagues commented that criticised for it, and it seems that women can’t Tiger Woods and Roger Federer always have a win. If they are ambitious, then that seems a coach, so just because you’re seen to be at the negative. If they do make a tough decision, top of your game, it doesn’t mean you can’t then they can be seen as ball breakers (pardon benefit from some coaching; I’ve found this the phrase). hugely successful in my current role. I think it’s If they don’t do it, then they’re called too always important to keep learning. soft, so I think to a certain extent women just What advice would you give to young have to ignore that and make what is the right women considering entering politics and decision for themselves and for their business.

those just embarking on their career? Definitely consider it as an option. In the past, it was seen as an unusual thing to do − and it probably still is. I do regard it as a privilege. It’s a great opportunity to be in a role to do the sort of things that politicians do. I think definitely have a go and don’t be afraid of losing. People can be put off by stereotypical perceptions, so don’t be afraid to break down some of those stereotypes and have a go. Nobody thought that I would get pre-selected to be a Member of Parliament at the age of 26 in the National Party, but I took the view that I had nothing to lose. Be prepared to take risks, but calculated risks. Make sure that you’ve got a good foundation – don’t put yourself up for a role that you’ve clearly got no qualifications for. Understand what politics is about, be prepared to put in some long hours, and don’t be afraid of failing. Be prepared to stay the distance and keep trying. What is special to you about the ManningGreat Lakes? It’s my roots, and it’s where I come from … I went to Wingham High School. Even though I don’t live there all the time, I love having the farm. I like learning about farming, and I love the peace and quiet. My kids laugh at me, because I go across the road from Bent on Food to get the paper and it takes me half-an-hour, because I still know so many people around town. It’s such a nice community around Wingham and the Manning. I like that … I just think they’re great people. Thanks Wendy. manning-great lakes focus 37

e Women in business focus feature

Kelly Williams. ams.

Sandy Osborne.

(Owner/manager) ter Vast Interior Forster

(Owner/manager) Memorial Gardens

I managed the business for several years an array of beautiful items to observe and before taking it over, but always knew feel. The staff and I are like-minded women this was where I wanted to be. Being part – passionate about our products and always of the Vast family and following its philosophy striving to offer personal service. “… the difference is everything” is very 2012 will be an exciting year for design rewarding. Our design ethos is one of production. The first to arrive will be a Classic sustainability, quality design and Rattan Collection. Rattan and natural individual style. fibres have long been an ecoI am proud to be able to favourite for patio designs. Old offer customers a product classics are reinvigorated with a 2012 will where we know the modern twist on vintage rattan be an exciting gn si de origin of the materials with new contemporary style. year for n. tio uc od used and that their I see the key to business pr production doesn’t have a success as passion for what you detrimental influence on the do. Without that passion, the environment. emotional investment would be What sets Vast apart from other difficult to sustain over time. retailers is not only our exclusive furniture I admire any woman who takes a chance lines, but the vibe and ambience that is on themselves and commits to a business created within the store. It is a feast for the venture. It’s hard work, but women were senses – beautiful smells, ambient music and made to multitask!

When families come together following the loss of a loved one, a caring and understanding nature is required to assist families through the grieving process.

Forster Store 16/21 Breese Pde, Forster p p: ((02)) 6515 0642 e: forster@vastinterior.com.au

www.vastinterior.com.au

38 manning-great lakes focus.

furniture & homewares

staffed by a dedicated team of ladies who take pride in the preparation or freshly cooked treats for family and friends to enjoy while reflecting on a life lived. The ladies working together in the tea rooms are Lyn Griffiths, Marilyn Sandy Osborne heads the sales and opRutledge, Tracie Rushworth and erations of the Memorial Gardens Janenne Higgins. In addition to and has been with the company s ha the Tea Room Ladies, Karen y nd Sa since the start. Sandy has perly al on rs Shorter looks after the graphic pe sonally experienced the grief f rienced the griee, pe ex design and accounting departof losing a loved one, so she on of losing a lovetdhand ment at the Gardens. Sandy has first hand understanding so she has firsg when in Osborne spends much time nd ta rs when dealing with a family unde ith a family w g in al with families following the loss de in mourning. Sandy’s role in mourning. of a loved one and guides them is to assist families and work through the process of selecting a with the Funeral Directors, to fi tting memorial that will perpetuate ensure the final farewell of a loved the memory for generations to come. one runs smoothly and provides everything that a family seeks when saying goodbye. Sandy, along with Jenny Welch, work closely with families when after funeral catering is required in the on ground tea rooms. The Tea Rooms are

The entire team of dedicated ladies at the Memorial Gardens approach their jobs with pride, in the knowledge that they are helping the community when they most need it.

Women in business

Di Nolan. dip.des.int MDIA

artemis interiors

Mary-Jane Silver and Megan Lewis

Vivian Chapman.

Indulge Fashion and Beauty.

MidCoast Mediation Everybody aims for their living or working environment to be a place where they can relax in style, while maximising the function of the space. People don’t realise how stressful design planning and project management can be, until they attempt it alone. When I bring a space to life, the pleasure and satisfaction expressed by our clients is the greatest reward. I love every aspect of it and cannot imagine doing anything else.

When people stop talking to each other - that’s typically when they call us. As mediators, we help people who are in conflict, and we do a lot of work with families who have separated when the Since mid 2006, parents have been required under the Family Law Act to try and work these arrangements out be really difficult if you’re no longer talking to or trust your

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2012 – while our centre of operation is based in our professional studio and retail store in Muldoon Street, we have now expanded to service clients in the Hunter and Central Coast. We are always on the go with new clients and ecstatic with the growing success.

Business Vision for 2012?

parents can’t agree on how they’ll raise their children.

themselves (before going down the Court path). That can

I’m inspired by famous designer Dorothy Draper’s words, “Never look back, look ahead and plan for the future. Keep busy searching out new ideas, and keep ahead of the times.

What do you like about what you do? I have a passion for fashion and style. I enjoy merchandising and seeing my beautiful clients dressed for success.

ex-partner.

fabrics and textures’ unique styles “andI love most importantly, making people happy, so my vision is to continue to engage with my customers to provide stylish fashion that sets them apart and caters for my customers’ needs.

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While we work closely with lawyers, “we’re quite different to them in that we don’t represent one parent or the other. Instead, we work with both parents and help them to talk to each other in a way that’s constructive, rather than destructive. We help them to focus on what their children need and come up with living arrangements that work for everyone involved.

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How have you created business opportunities? I saw a gap in the market. Ladies 35 plus still want to look fantastic, but they tend to like little extras such as sleeves and extra bust room. Which business woman most inspires you and why? Anita Roddick, the owner of the Body Shop. She aims to not only be a successful business woman, but to mentor, inspire and create employment all around the world and to run an environmentally sustainable business.

manning-great lakes focus 39

feature Women in bu business ussiine in ne ess s focus feat

Amanda Tate. L.J Hooker Taree

Lisa Ward. (Co-owner)

What do you like about what you do? I really love helping people, whether it is finding their new home, marketing their existing home, maximising their returns from investment properties and just improving their wealth via property investment.

What do you like about what you do? I love meeting people, and I love interior design. The best part of my job is helping our customers select products that not only satisfy their style and budget, but more importantly, meet with the demands of their lifestyle. This ensures that they feel confident and comfortable with their product, its appearance and performance.

Business vision for 2012? The real estate industry is changing very quickly. Nearly everybody is on the internet, and they want to do business when they are ready. Thankfully, technology makes this easy – especially with the iPad applications available. Now up to 75% of clients and customers view properties first via the internet. Our presence on the internet is more important than ever – especially how our properties are presented. With the introduction of myljhooker.com, we are able to keep in touch with our clients and customers and provide them with up to date information, new listings, recent sales and marketing advice. 2012 is an exciting time for technology. How have you created your own business opportunities? We like to think that we are innovative and are always trying something new for that point of difference. Anyone can sell real estate, but we pride ourselves on working hard for the vendor and/or the landlord and maximising their profit margins. Which business woman most inspires you, and why? I have been fortunate to meet many successful business women who have inspired me at some stage ... hard to name just one. Since starting the Manning Valley Women in Business, it never ceases to amaze me how many astute business women we have hidden in our Valley with really successful businesses. That is always inspiring.

Choices Forster

Business Vision for 2012? 2012 will be a very exciting year of business expansion for Choices Forster. In addition to our exclusive range of carpet, timber, bamboo, laminate, vinyl, cork, rugs and mats, very soon we will be unveiling our exclusive range of floor and wall tiles. Our local tile specialist, who has over 20 years experience in the industry, will be here to advise and assist our customers with all of their tile requirements. So whether you have a commercial or domestic project, Choices Forster will now have ALL of your floor covering needs here, under the one roof! Stay tuned for our tile launch – coming soon! Which business woman most inspires you and why? All business women are an inspiration to me, and I’m continually inspired by business women I meet all the time! Who else, by necessity, will constantly strive to achieve ‘that perfect (yet illusive) work/life balance’, by juggling their business and personal lives (and usually a home and family) in an ongoing attempt to be successful, happy, (sane) people? What’s not inspiring about that?

We’ll help you find the floor you’ve been searching for

Carpet

Timber, Laminate & Bamboo

Vinyl

Rugs

Choices Forster - 6555 5334 31 Breese Parade, Forster

choicesflooring.com.au

40 manning-great lakes focus.

Melissa Battishall.

Glow Beauty Therapy

What do you like about what you do? Giving people the chance to take time out to look after themselves. Even the smallest amount of time for nurturing ourselves can make a huge difference to our wellbeing. Business vision for 2012? To evolve and grow with the ever changing beauty and spa industry. Glow will continue to offer high levels of staff training, which in turn lead to exceptional treatments for clients. Glow will have a real focus on offering advanced and results driven facial treatments.

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Glow will continue to offer high levels of staff training, which in turn lead to exceptional treatments for clients.

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How have you created your own business opportunities? Glow from the start has looked to introduce products and services to the area that have not previously been available. We will continue to build our range of T2 Tea Products, which customers would previously go to Newcastle or Sydney to stock up on. Overall, we are genuine about what we do as beauty therapists and pride ourselves on making our clients feel welcome and at ease within the salon. I think that goes a long way in this industry.

Janet Moffitt.

Forster Private Hospital

(General Manager)

What do you like about what you do? I enjoy that every day has different challenges. I like the opportunity to make a difference. Business Vision for 2012? Forster Private Hospital is in an exciting growth phase at the moment. We have new doctors moving to the area, supporting our existing professionals and providing the community access to new and expanded services. The Rehabilitation Unit is expanding from 12 to 25 beds, and construction is soon to commence on a Hydrotherapy pool. Oncology services now available at the hospital have proved invaluable to patients and their families. The Great Lakes community is fortunate to have this wonderful hospital located in Forster. How have you created your own business opportunities? Networking and mentoring are invaluable resources. Identify someone who is succeeding in what you want to do and ask

them for help. Most people take the request as a compliment. Be prepared to step forward of the crowd and be noticed; seize opportunities and work hard. Which business woman most inspires you and why? Oprah Winfrey. I admire her generosity, commitment and belief that we should ‘pay it forward’ by donating to, and investing in, people and projects that can make positive changes. Your thoughts on the saying ‘what a man can do a woman can do better’? As tempting as it is to agree, I believe that it is the individual who will choose to do better, irrespective of gender. When it comes to multi-tasking, however, the women have it hands down! Words of advice for other women? Believe in yourself and your ability. Set your goals, visualise them, and do something each day to work towards achieving them. You will succeed if you want it bad enough.

Kerryn Rufus.

Community Nursing

(General Manager)

What do you like about what you do? Seeing the difference our nurses and services officers make to the lives of the sick, injured or elderly who are wanting to live in their own homes as long as possible, but need a little assistance.

There is so much help out there, and I am not sure if the general public are aware of it until something happens to them or a loved one.

The nursing or respite support is such a valuable service for those who have just had surgery or a long term illness and are struggling with everyday tasks.

Along with all the other service providers in our region, we are planning open days, expos, free health check clinics at various locations. We hope to remove some of the anxiety experienced by people when life suddenly takes on a different course; people will know how and where to get help.

It is very satisfying to see someone to be able to recover quickly or improve their quality of life, to enable them to stay at home.

How have you created your own business opportunities? By keeping an eye on government funded opportunities.

What is unique about your business? The diversification of services and delivery in 6 different areas, yet originated in Taree and Forster. North Coast Community Care have highly skilled nurses, domestic staff and home and garden maintenance staff.

A successful State Government tender submission has bought further services to the Manning, Great Lakes and Hastings to those with terminal illness living at home. Which business woman most inspires you and why?

Business vision for 2012? To create awareness of the services available in our area.

Erin Brokovich – she doesn’t take no for an answer to help out those who need it.

manning-great lakes focus 41

Women in business focus feature

PICS AND INTR INTRO FROM PORT MAG LAST MONTH

Jodi From a working life in Sydney, a sea change to the Mid North Coast Coast, the birth of identical triplet daughters and an enthusiasm for life has led Jodi McAlary to develop a bright new business venture ... here did you start your working life, and what was your first choice of career? Previously I was a National OHS System Manager for a large labour hire company based in Sydney. What prompted your move to the Mid North Coast, and how long have you been here now? My husband and I moved to here three years ago after our stint in Sydney and some travelling. We grew up in the country, had always holidayed on the Mid North Coast and have family close by. What have been some of the lifestyle changes you've made since moving up the coast? After we decided to make the move I fell pregnant with identical triplet girls. We were advised to stay in Sydney for the pregnancy and birth so moved two weeks after we left hospital. It was a massive team effort from our families and the first year was a blur. It took two hours to feed the girls leaving one hour between feeds before the process started again 24/7. I have so much gratitude for the help our families gave to us and continue to give us. What led to you creating the idea for your new business? When we were finally able to get out of the house with the girls, I found it difficult to easily find or locate activities for us to do. I completed state-wide market research and found this was a universal problem for parents in their home towns as well as on holidays. What is your new business concept, 'todokids' all about, and how will it work? todokids provides information for families across the state (and Australia within the next three years) about what activities are available to do with their kids. Think wotif.com but for activities instead of accommodation. Users of todokids have easy access to a wealth of information about what’s on, places to go and things to do. todokids has a very powerful information sorter which refines a search according to the specific age of children and how much people want to spend (including 42 manning-great lakes focus.

free activities), plus the distance people are prepared to travel as well as the types of preferred activities. Our search criteria include indoor activities, holiday programs, sporting clubs, educational/tutors, special needs children and play groups. We also have family friendly activities and services for parents such as restaurants and gyms with crèches. The best feature for parents is the free weekly todokids Diary that provides a customised list of upcoming events based on each subscriber’s location and age of their children. I know this makes my life easier and I’m sure other parents will love it too. What steps have you taken to get the idea off the ground so far? Initially, I joined a Users of Business Start Up do to kids will ss Program. The program have easy acce to a wealth of out is currently being rolled information abes as I am trying to reach out in the Manning what’s on, placgs to such a large number of Valley and I suggest to in to go and th businesses both in tourism budding entrepreneurs . do and in servicing the local that this is a brilliant community. I have had a program to help with the great introduction with your various stages of starting a new Council Tourism Development new business. It is a real advantage Officer, Kerry Johnstone. The Tourism Industry to the community to have an active program locally is very fortunate to have such an such as this in the local business scene. experienced, vibrant and enthusiastic member After conducting my viability analysis of the team join them. I invested in an IT company to build our Kerry facilitated communication with the sophisticated, yet simple-to-use website. wider body of tourism businesses in the We’re fortunate to have such a world class Manning Valley to make this new opportunity service provider’s right here on the Mid North available to them. I have also had tremendous Coast so we don’t need to rely on services support and interest from several tourism from the city. providers in the Valley, such as Bent on Food What have you learnt throughout your and Artisans Retreat. They both joined me for working and personal life that has the testing and preload phase of the website. helped you with a new business startGiven you've already experienced a huge up? lifestyle and career change, where would No challenge is too big! There is never a you like to see yourself personally and ‘good’ time – just do it. What challenges have you found so far in professionally in the next few years? I have big ambitions for todokids. I establishing a business from the ground really see this as shaking up the marketing up and how have you overcome them? approach of tourism, entertainment and The biggest problem is finding the time recreation businesses all over Australia. My to implement ideas. I’ve taken this into aim is to be the first item on their marketing consideration and have allowed a generous plan. I want to provide a great life for my timeframe to ensure we get it right the first family while growing up on the Mid North time. I figure I only get one shot at this! Coast. Efficient communication is vital for me,

What can you offer local businesses/ organisations through todokids that will be mutually beneficial for your business and theirs? There is a real need for a logical, locationbased activity search tool for parents – especially one that caters to regional areas. todokids provides a platform for businesses to build their profile, gain exposure and access an actively engaged audience looking for things to do with their kids. Mass take-up is key. The more organisations listed on the site, the more valuable it will be to parents… The more parents using the site, the greater the benefit it is to their businesses. To show my long term commitment and my belief in todokids, I am offering all Mid North Coast businesses free access to todokids to input their information on the website by mid-February. Where can people go to find out more about todokids? We are currently cramming the site with loads of activities in anticipation of its launch on 1 July 2012. Businesses who want to take advantage of the free listings should go directly to the website, www.todokids. com.au - From there, they will be invited to choose a username and password and follow the simple, three step process – easy! Thanks Jodi.

Casey Wilson. Lorellin Day Spa

Stefanie Hiles.

Business Vision for 2012?

Position: Owner/Front of House/Events Manager.

I am looking forward to seeing our renovations completed. We are extending the salon to include a twin massage and facial treatment room and two pedicure thrones which will allow couples packages, which are becoming increasingly popular. I also look forward to continuing to provide a professional and first class service for our loyal clients.

What do you like about what you do? Would definitely be the people I’ve met – I’m very much a people person and love to have a chat. One customer was chatting away about how her dad owned The Bellevue, in the early ‘50s. I mentioned that my ancestors also started a hotel in the area. Robyn came back with information from the Museum that ‘The Lakes & Ocean’ (next door) was the spot that my ancestors started the first hotel in 1872. We laughed at how I’m now running a business in the very spot my ancestors used to sit!

How have you created your own business opportunities? I started out in hospitality management but always had a passion for beauty. 10 years ago I undertook a diploma in beauty therapy at the Australian Academy of Beauty. After graduation I worked in the exclusive 5 star Golden Door Health Retreat -Elysia in the Hunter Valley for a number of years. An opportunity arose to start up a business for a friend Java Spa in the Hunter Valley, which gave me a taste for running my own business. So when I moved up here in August 2007 I took over Lorellin and it has been going from strength to strength ever since. Which business woman inspires you and why? Kylie Minogue. She is a successful and stylish icon who has continued to innovate and adapt throughout her career to remain iconic and in style. She is both artist and business woman a feat which I much admire.

The Aztec Mexican

Business vision for 2012? I’m very excited about where our Live Original Music Events are heading. This year we’ll also be holding a fundraising Music Night on Sat 18 Feb – ‘Irie Knights’, a Reggae band. We will be fundraising for ‘Bali Life’, to purchase music equipment for the school. How have you created your own business opportunities? I’m very much a believer in if you put out to the universe what you want, it will manifest. Opportunities came along, and I didn’t hesitate to have a go.

Denise Lambie.

Dreamcatcher Coaching

What do you like about what you do? Life coaching is a world wide respected form of personal growth for individuals, businesses, organisations and corporations. Coaching ignites the potential in its client by facilitating a conversation that helps the client to identify with what is important in their life. Coaches can help you overcome self limiting beliefs, discover passions, clarify values, have better relationships and gain more self confidence. Coaches cannot fix your problems, but instead, help you to find your own solutions. Assisting people in all these areas bring me great joy and personal satisfaction ... Business vision for 2012? In April 2012, I’m very excited to be heading to Los Angeles for a train-the-trainer course by Shajen Joy Aziz, author of the book and movie Discover The Gift. I was personally invited to participate in this course. How have you created your own business opportunities? By becoming actively involved in the community, such as the Women’s Shed in Forster ... I also set up my own website, which articulates what Life Coaching is and can do for people: www.dreamcatchercoaching.org

Which business woman inspires you and why?

People can get in touch with me via the website or by calling 0437 413 647.

I can’t pinpoint just one. I have many female friends in business, and watching how they juggle family and work commitments helps to keep me inspired.

Which business woman most inspires you and why? Shajen Joy Aziz ... she is an humanitarian and an educator – a total inspiration.

manning-great lakes focus 43

Women in business focus feature

We are open at our new premises.

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Francina Mills. X Styles

Suzann Zanesco.

Where did you do your training? I was so fortunate to do my apprenticeship in North Sydney with a fantastic stylist. This is my foundation for what I do today!

What do you like about what you do?

What do you like about what you do? I love a challenge and after hairdressing 35 years, I still enjoy making our clients look fabulous and feel great. I never tire of the work, which is ever changing. Being able to offer new ideas to help our clients keep up with the latest looks and to provide home care products to maintain their style. Business vision for 2012? Maintaining a high level of service with NEW in salon promotions, where our clients receive the full benefits of discounts off services and products. The business just keeps growing; that shows the systems we have implemented work well to keep clients loyal to us. How have you created your own business opportunities? From many areas of networking and also having a reputation for being reliable. Assisting with various events in the Forster/Taree areas: from being the stylists for FLAIR FASHION AWARDS for the last 3 years, to participating in other community based events, as well as sponsoring local events and charities. Which business woman most inspires you and why? My mother was my mentor and the most inspiring business woman I’ve known. Having many successful and different types of businesses, she wasn’t afraid to take risks. Believing in herself and making the hard decisions, with tenacity and vision, I would have to say she has taught me well. THANKS MUM!

44 manning-great lakes focus.

Ambiance Day Spa

I enjoy being able to provide my clients with our signature Ambiance experience, which provides professional services to everyday people. I love to see people leave my salon with a smile and confidence that we are helping them look and feel

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Krystle Molloy-Louis.

Studio 1

Principal Krys Molloy-Louis is extremely proud of her students’ successes this year and is excited to be starting Studio 1’s 8th year in operation at new premises – which will give students one of the largest practice performance spaces in the Manning Valley!

their best.

Achievements for this year include once “again multiple placings with Group and Solo

Business vision for 2012? To keep improving. How have you created your own business opportunities?

By having the confidence in myself and “exploring future possibilities, focusing on strengths, learning to deal with problems, so that they improve business.

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Which business woman most inspires you and why? Gai Waterhouse. She has overcome some huge adversities and criticism, she is a capable trainer and business woman, makes mega dollars and at the end of the day, is a mum and wife.

students, a 100% pass rate for our annual Ballet and Tap Exams (99% of students receiving Distinction), and we also have two students who have gained entry into full-time dance courses.

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What do you love about your job? I love that I get the chance to nurture and inspire my students every day. Dancing is a highly creative and expressive recreation; giving children the ability to show how they feel through even the most simplest of movements is awesome! I also love it when my younger students tell me they want to grow up and be a dance teacher just like Miss Krystle – that’s when you really know you’re making a positive and motivational impact on someone’s life!

Peppa Eden-Shiomi.

Yoga Directions

At Yoga Directions, there are classes and teachers to accommodate everybody. There are so many good reasons to join a Yoga course: reduce your back and neck pain, high blood pressure and stress. IMPROVE your sleep problems, depression and anxiety. Pick up your VITALITY and STRENGTH and slow down your AGEING PROCESS, as well as stretching your muscles, joints and massaging your various organs. From 2012, Laura Armstrong and Chris Harry, two inspiring Hatha Yoga teachers in the Satyananda Tradition, will join Peppa to bring more opportunities for everyone. On Monday mornings, enrol in Laura’s Healthy Weight Management course, which will include traditional Yoga practice, philosophy, weight management issues, as well as herbal and nutritional knowledge, so that you can move towards a happier and healthier YOU.

Lynette Johnson. Myall Beauty & Body Treatments

Cynthia Burke.

Lynette is so proud of her highly trained and

What do you like about what I do? All aspects of my business, getting to know and enjoy Bowers’ customers, organising celebrations – birthday parties, naming days, weddings – encouraging and training staff.

professional staff members, as they have achieved very high standards in the beauty industry. Disabled access is the latest addition to the business – which is a very passionate area for Lynette, who welcomes any new clients to call in and have a chat and go through what is on offer in all of the rooms. Take the time to let Lyn and her staff pamper you in the beautiful surroundings of the luxurious treatment rooms, with the exclusive use of the prestigious Sothy’s treatment

Bowers Café & Gallery

Also, the versatility of the venue; Bowers’ setting allows us to use the grounds in many different ways, such as market days, outdoor movies, show and shine days, to name a few. Business vision for 2012. To continue to grow and expand Bowers’ Events, like the Artist and Farmers’ Market that is held 3 times a year.

products. We at Myall Beauty will work with each and every individual client to achieve the optimum result. We believe that treating people in a good way is such a reward, so Lyn and her friendly staff look forward to going

For those new to Yoga join Chris, Laura or Peppa in the Beginners’ Classes on offer during the day and evening in Taree and Wingham, as well as Intermediate sessions for those with previous experience.

to work every day.

Classes are also expanding in Wingham on Wednesdays, with Fit and Fabulous Women at 10am and Beginners at 6pm.

whitening service.

So step up and into wellness this new year, and don’t put your health off any LONGER …

advice and treatments and to grow the business to the next

We welcome all new and existing clients to take up one of our many treatments, such as one our body wraps, pedi spa, massage, facials, all nail treatments and even a teeth Lyn wishes to continue her excellent service and professional level.

The next Market day is Saturday 31 March. “There is also a Mini Music Festival in the pipeline. ” How have you created your own business opportunities? Through having the courage to try, and not being disappointed if it doesn’t work the first time. Using the experience as a learning curve. Which business woman most inspires you and why? All women inspire me; everybody has a story. More of a motto inspires me: ‘Live what you love’.

manning-great lakes focus 45

focusbusiness.

Women in business focus feature

Suzanne Di Francesco. 5 Minutes with Break Thru People Solutions Taree

What is it like being the Business Manager of the Taree office? It’s a very satisfying and challenging role. It’s fast paced, ever changing and very fulfilling. I enjoy leading my team and am proud to work for such a wonderful cause. What has been your proudest achievement so far? It is really hard to pick just one achievement. I generally have the philosophy that what we do here at Break Thru is always in the best interests of our clients. We have a solid understanding of the local employment market and listen to our clients and local employers. The team has built some very strong networks with small business and various organisations that allow us to really understand the community that we serve. If there was one thing you could change through your role, what would it be?

46 manning-great lakes focus.

The thing I would most like to change is the public's perceptions of people with a disability. I think people would be surprised to realise that at many stages throughout their lives, they will interact with someone who has some form of disability. As an example, growing numbers of Australians are suffering with mental health. It affects many people in different ways. Depression is a common mental illness and has symptoms of despondence, isolation and anxiety that often affect family, friends and others around the person with this type of disability. I think it would be great if everyone knew that people with a disability are no different to anyone else – they lead everyday lives, they go to school, go to work, get married, have children and excel in society. I think if I could use my role to help remove the stigma and get the message out that I think everyone deserves to be treated fairly, I'd be happy with that!

s busy as it gets for all of us during the holiday season, some people still manage that little bit extra. Yet again, a shop a call, and we would be glad to discuss your in Forster went above and beyond the call requirements. Making the effort to be a part of retailing. I stopped to buy bread at a local of the Chamber will revitalise you and your bakery for lunch and realised I hadn’t got business. enough money. I did have the kids with me, Here are some useful tips to consider, if you but thought I could quickly duck down to the haven’t already. ATM. However, the shop manager stopped • Attract new business with consistent me and suggested that I just bring back the promotion; the Chamber is one of many low money another time. Fabulous customer sercost options. People admire successful people. vice! She did not know me, nor did she know Successful people draw more customers, that I would use the story for this article. because success breeds success. Practise selfIt reminds me of a time when I was workpromotion. Consider volunteering to make a ing in Manchester. I took a map out of the presentation at a Chamber event. boot of my car to find directions, when a • Create a marketing plan and follow passer-by stopped and asked if he could be through; hire a Marketing person if you need of assistance. I now think that everyone from help. Manchester is really nice, apart • You don’t have to do everything from Liam Gallagher, of yourself; there must be something course. That is the effect you can relieve yourself of. DelJoining the u yo that one person can have egate what you can. s Chamber giveity to on a whole community. • Consider learning new an opportun ness si meet other buar Perhaps you might skills. Internet skills, whether e in people who tio consider ways to be you like it or not are necesn a similar posi are sh helpful and go above sary and will always be n ca u and yo dge, le ow kn ss and beyond; we could invaluable. There are plenty ne si bu gain experience and really create a great of free webinars online. referrals. reputation for our region. • Set achievable goals and Speaking of holiday take action. Without goals, we are season, many people have been just being reactive, not proactive. putting off work until the kids go back to • Plan your business week. Think about school or have slowed down and just comwhat did and did not work last week/last pleted the essential tasks. I think this is great. month, set a new direction, or adjust what It is important for us to ensure that we can you did. Consider taking a few minutes to maintain a healthy work/life balance. If it can review it daily and document the details. wait, then let it wait. Our families are our first • Drop those ideas that are not working, cut priority. As important as success is, it should your losses and move on; something better never come at the expense of family. It is also will turn up. a good opportunity for us to unwind and re• Consider a regular donation of time or set ourselves for the year ahead. money to an organisation in the community Have you had some time recently to reflect who are trying to make the world or Forster/ on your business and put together a plan for Tuncurry a better place. Those who give, get. your progress for 2012? Speaking with other Sowing goodwill grows healthy harvests for business people can generate new ideas or you and your business. tweak some old ones. Joining the Chamber • And don’t forget the work/life balance; it is gives you an opportunity to meet other busiimportant to work towards getting that right. ness people who are in a similar position, and This is possibly the most difficult goal to set you can share business knowledge, experifor us workaholics. ence and gain referrals. Please consider joinFor details about joining the Chamber, reing if you have not already; it’s cost effective, ceiving our newsletter or to RSVP, please email and there are many interesting events availus at info@ftchamber.com.au, or call 0407 able. If you are interested in a particular topic 006 666. Alternatively visit www.ftchamber. or require training, we can help. Just give us com.au

sharon fowle.

Women in business

Judy Ware. Director of Ware Building

Judy Ware, Director of Ware Building, has achieved huge success in the male dominated arena of building. FOCUS spoke to Judy about her career path and her business vision for 2012 …

in any industry, so for me, any possible

output and efficiency, to your ability to

intimidation simply just won’t work.

manage stress ... and all the running around with your children. Secondly, confidently

I have a genuine respect for the abilities of the tradespeople I have

believe in yourself and your ability.

worked with on site, and I make this

Tell us your thoughts on the current

known. Perhaps in part because of this, I

state-of-play of the glass ceiling?

have not encountered difficulties. Also, I

I would very much like to see this

am committed to this exciting industry; I

disappear. I am passionate about equal

work hard, and my colleagues see this.

career opportunity, and I have never

Ware Building is the recipient of

believed career limitations should exist

a number of significant industry

because you are a woman.

awards. How important are awards hat is your core

designs manufactured. It was great fun and

business?

a dream made a reality. I was approached to

Design and construct or

sell the business – and did so. Again to pay

to the success of your business and

Some cultures teach a philosophy of avoiding head on confrontation, and women can learn from these ideas. A

its reputation? The awards have been important. All of

considered strategy and an approach of

the bills, I found a job with a construction

the awards have been won in open and

going around barriers, rather than trying

These include aged care facilities, multi-

company. I have been in the industry ever

unrestricted competition and judged by

to break through them, while always being

storey residential projects, commercial

since, and this is where I have found my

industry experts. With our team, we are

professional and providing documented

developments, education facilities,

true passion. I have since undertaken

proud to have challenged ourselves in

architectural projects, public works,

training in a variety of industry fields.

statewide competition against our

residential projects, homes and interior

In 1979 you co-founded the business

peers, to prove to our clients

design.

in the local area with your husband

our ability to consistently

What do you enjoy most about what

Mark and have since enjoyed steady,

construct to high standards.

you do?

controlled growth. What do you

I am proud that I have

attribute to the business’ success?

designed and assisted in

construction only projects.

The most enjoyable is working on interior design projects. Also, the considerable

Hard work and commitment. The

project management of

diversity of my roles and the achievement

cornerstone of our business charter is

many of our award winning

of seeing projects actually come to life. And

commitment to the delivery of design and

projects.

of course, working with our great team of

construction excellence and an unequivocal

Business vision for 2012?

talented and dedicated people.

understanding of the obligation to meet

The current business climate is

Tell us about your career path?

our clients’ time and cost requirements.

tough and particularly competitive,

My dream was to work in fashion/fashion

Ongoing continued professional

proof of your achievements, with confidence, may provide a way to career

I’m passionate er about equal care I d an , ity n u opport d ve lie have never be ns tio ita career lim should exist are a because you woman.

and it appears this may continue in

advancement. Who inspires you and why? Ruth Levine, Australian award winning interior designer, who has since 1987 continued to produce amazing work for

leading projects. Seminars I have attended where she has

design and attend what was then known

development has also been a key factor in

many sectors. Apart from maintaining

been a speaker have been informative and

as East Sydney Tech. Unfortunately, the

our company’s advancement. We have also

existing business operations with current

inspirational.

logistics to travel there at that time was

sought to energise our business. Our son

cornerstone projects, we have already

prohibitive. I worked for a while doing

Matthew joined the business in 1999. He

embarked upon a strategy of pursuing new

Lloyd Wright, because he demonstrated

simple accounts work, before I embarked

has worked across a considerable number

target markets. Our vision is to capture and

such remarkable vision in design and

on a nursing career.

of roles, gained much experience and

then succeed in those new markets.

construction methods so far ahead of his

undertaken further training. He brings a

What advice would you give to women

time. Look to ‘Falling Water’, designed in

select the right field for me. At a cross road,

fresh dynamic to Ware Building.

to remain at the top of their game?

1935.

I then moved to Queensland. To pay the

It’s indisputable that you have achieved

bills, I worked at a service station/car wash

career success in a male dominated

and health. I appreciate from first hand

demonstrated peaceful resistance to

‘pumping gas’, wiping down cars and doing

industry. What challenges, if any, have

experience that it is challenging to find the

oppression for many, many years. Her

some accounts work, all the while planning

you encountered along the way?

time. And for women with children, it is

courage and determination is inspirational.

That lasted about 18 months, as I did not

to fulfil my fashion career dream. At age 22, I set up my own business, a ‘trendy boutique’ and had some of my own

There have been some challenges along

First and foremost, prioritise fitness

even more difficult. However, every aspect

The late American architect, Frank

Burma’s Aung San Suu Kyi, who has

Dick Smith, for his push to support

the way, but they were limited. I have a core

of your game will improve, from your ability

Australian growers and business.

belief that women can work and achieve

to focus and think clearly, to improved

Thanks Judy. manning-great lakes focus 47

you’re

invited.

Join us on 27 February for a VIP evening our glycolic range; feel the difference – a spa of endota fun. Slip into endota spa forster, peel can transform your skin from now to sip bubbly, nibble canapés WOW. Come straight from work for a on our verandah and see 5.30pm start, finishing around your spa-kling new skin into ip Sl 7.30pm. Your entry fee of future. Introducing endota spa , ly $20 for a single or $30 a night of treats, bb bu p si r, forste for two is redeemable on launch of our certified nibble canapés on our verandahaendota spa products. Spaces organic glycolic range, and see your sp are limited, so please call treatment specials kling new skin Tracey today to book on 6555 and giveaways. Our future. 8956. amazing spa therapists will endota spa: ‘down to earth whisk you away in different heaven’. treatment rooms to experience forster 6555 8956 forster@endota.com.au our fabulous new addition to the endota diamond beach 6557 3801 spa range. Each person will experience a diamond beach@endota.com.au masterclass on the features and benefits of

48 manning-great lakes focus.

F E B RUA RY 2012

WITH TERRI

A R I E S. MAR 21 - APR 20 Think about what you would like and be aware of why you want it, then get out of the way and let heaven help you get it. You deserve nice surprises, but need to let go of control. Citrine shatters negative energy and attracts great things.

TAU RU S. APR 21 - MAY 21 Love life and relationships should be lifting your mood. Enjoy the little things in life, to realign your energy with joy that can be lasting. Don’t be afraid to wear your heart on your sleeve. Rose quartz is the crystal of love; wear it.

GEMINI. MAY 22 - JUN 22

CANCER.

LIBRA.

JUN 23 - JUL 23 JU

SEPT 24 - OCT 23

Financial contentment can be expected, so avoid worrying about money, as this energy will block the flow of abundance. You are good at saving for a rainy day, so relax and enjoy what you have already. Citrine carried in your wallet attracts wealth.

L E O. JUL 24 - AUG 23 Listen to the words you offer others for guidance, as this is also how you will hear your own answers. Feelings of entrapment will soon dissipate, and you can expect a feeling of freedom and fun. Turquoise is great for confidence.

V I RG O. AUG 24 - SEPT 23

All the hurts from the past are surfacing, so you can recognise how they have changed you. You do have the choice to become more powerful as a result of experiencing these things. Amethyst connects us to our higher knowing and wisdom.

Now is a perfect time to re-establish new rules to live by. You have been feeling frustrated, because you have outgrown your old beliefs and feel trapped by them instead of comforted. Moldavite helps transform us.

Relax about the unknown, and embrace it with excitement instead of fear. Many opportunities are coming your way, so you are likely to be very busy over the next few months. Enjoy! Ruby shatters negative thoughts.

S C O R P I O. OCT 24 - NOV 22 Lighten up your energy and laugh a little more; you are taking life far too seriously lately, and this has shattered your joy of life. Prank, play and connect with your inner child, then you will like you more. Turquoise is a happy crystal lifting our energy.

SAG I T TA R I U S. NOV 23 - DEC 21 Stop worrying about your future finances; everything is lining up for financial freedom. Your negative focus is seriously weighing you down, and this energy is so wasted. Citrine attracts an abundance. Carry some in your wallet.

C A P R I C O R N. DEC 22 - JAN 20 Connect to your ‘gypsy’ energy. Lots of adventure can be expected, but it is important to embrace the unknown – and not baulk at it. Many contacts and positive experiences will cross your path. Selenite keeps our energy clear; wear some.

AQ UA R I U S. JAN 21 - FEB 19 Don’t D ’ bite bi your tongue just to keep smooth waters. Your new cycle asks for you to be open and honouring of yourself; suppressing words will block your energy and cloud your future with insecurity. Turquoise helps with open, loving communication.

P I S C E S. FEB 20 - MAR 20 Adventure is coming into your reality. Enjoy your journey and listen to your ‘intuition’ to avoid being in the wrong place at the wrong time. You will be bringing something back from your travels to enhance your life. Ruby is great for protection.

manning-great lakes focus 49

focusTourism.

Kerry Johnstone from Great Lakes Tourism

focustechnology. with Cameron Illingworth from Harvey Norman

Try to remember back to your childhood and those summer holidays that seemed to stretch forever ...

TECH

UPDATE Kerry Johnstone ll of you piling into the hot Did you know that the Manning Valley sticky car and travelling for is blessed with nine of the most unique what felt like days to arrive and spectacular National Parks and nature at your destination. Sitting reserves in NSW? Have you ever visited any nestled on the worn picnic rug in the late of them? Have you seen every beach we afternoon sun, feeling safe and exhausted have to offer? Or do you only visit the one from a day in the sun. Breathing in the you know of best? aroma of holiday makers’ barbecues, while Have you rented a boat and headed up your own sausages sizzled nearby, just to Manning entrance for a swim or a fish? waiting for the white bread and tomato Have you been into our local Art Gallery, sauce to join them. What happened to which hosts world-class exhibitions? Do those holidays? Do they still exist? you know that we have some of the best As I enjoyed my first Christmas in the award winnings cafés and restaurants? heat in a while, I saw exactly this: the Have you ever embarked on one of our holidays of our childhood. Simple ... many historic walks? How many of the easy ... authentic. Away from high rise local community markets have you visited buildings, endless traffic and stressed out or got involved with? parents. Our area offers everything I know there are some of you from that time, with all the who are nodding frantically creature comforts of today. to many, if not all of the Great food, amazing above; but, if you are Did you know beaches where you like me, then chances g that the Mannind don’t have to fight to are your couch has Valley is blessee lay out your towel, become your refuge, th with nine of and National Parks where and the beauty of e u iq most un al n io at N r la you can walk and not our area is just the cu ta spec see another soul and backdrop from your Parks and nature? reserves in NSW views that stretch on window. forever. Since becoming Watching the influx of Tourism Development visitors to our area, I suffered Officer, I have made a pledge from my usual holiday envy; until it to myself and my community to get dawned on me, that as a local, what they out there and see and do it all, and I want have driven hours to see and do, I have on to take you all on the journey with me. my back doorstep every day. But do I really How does this tie into being an see it? Do any of us really see it day to day, Ambassador, you ask? We know that in as we focus on the negatives of potholes, the Manning, over one quarter of our flies and heat? visitors are here to see friends or family, so Last month, Richard Old, Great for all those visitors who come but never Lakes Tourism Manager, pointed out see anything, I want to remind our locals the importance of tourism to the local to take them beyond the front porch next economy and the role we, as locals, play time they visit and show them just how as Ambassadors for the region. I second much there is to see and do. Richards’s thoughts and would like to They say it takes a nation to sell a take them a step further, to challenge all nation. Well, the same will be said for us ... locals to get off the front porch, verandah it takes a community to sell a community, or couch and remember to really see our and once you remember to see it every stunning surroundings every day. day, selling it will be a breeze.

50 manning-great lakes focus.

Protecting your home ome PC or laptop isn’t an exact science. It is something hi we should h all be doing, though. any PC users spend big PC and being without your product. This sums of money on new and general hard drive faults are good technologies, but overlook reasons to have your precious data like the need to protect their photos, music, movies and documents in a investment. There are a few main products second location to your PC’s internal hard which in my opinion are a must – products drive. Don’t get caught only having music which you wouldn’t catch me without. and movies on one drive, either. A 1TB Power Protection. (Terrabyte: 1,000 Gigabytes) desktop hard Power protection devices, sometimes drive will currently cost you around $88 to referred to as ‘Surge Boards’, are a neat $149, depending on where you shop. This piece of kit to have. Micro electronics will give you roughly 1,000 movies, 250,000 devices are in nearly every appliance songs or 200,000 pictures. and in every computer, and these small Internet Security electronics are susceptible to power spikes If you have ever had a computer virus and fluctuations. Power spikes corrupt your PC, put your hand up. and surges can cause costly I’m guessing there are random damage and in extreme readers’ hands up across the cases (very few and Manning and Great Lakes. e One of th h it w es far between), even Viruses and Trojans su is t bigges fire hazards. Power can range from just faults relatedn’tot just bad power issts; it’s protectors come annoying, to maliciously the repair co age to in a range of causing damage, to also the damC and P e th models, with 4 - 8 heart wrenchingly losing data in ur being without yo outlet boards for months of work due to product. the home, and 1 - 2 corrupt files. The main outlet portable units players here are Trend Micro for laptops and people on Maximum Security, Norton the go. When buying them for 360 version 5 and McAfee Total a home setup, look for the added features Protection, all retailing at around $129.95 of angled plug points and phone line for a 12 month subscription. If you want to protection, to save spikes from either line be safe in the knowledge your personal data into the house. security is not compromised, then Internet For notebooks, look for network Security should be in your armoury. protection and slimline size to fit in the carry The Norton and Trend Micro products bag. Most protectors on the market have a both have online backup included, as well lifetime warranty and connected equipment as data backup software to automate your cover, meaning you only ever buy one backups to your external hard drive when protector for each area of the house, and if you plug it in, and spam filters for your your equipment is damaged, it is repaired email inbox, where many viruses originate or replaced, depending on the terms and and propagate. The Trend product also conditions of the supplier. They can range in has protection for websites you visit and price from $29 to $299, depending on your does ratings checks on the internet daily to level of protection required. monitor bogus sites. Backup Hard Drive It doesn’t cost a great deal to be One of the biggest issues with faults protected, but it’ll make your PC experience related to bad power isn’t just the repair a much less painful one. See you next costs; it’s also the damage to data in the month. CI.

manning-great lakes focus 51

Great value family memberships.

2 million dollar upgrade. The YMCA is a vibrant, self-funding, notfor-profit charity delivering contemporary programs focused on family, healthy living, developing young people and those less fortunate. The Y’s impact on many of today’s biggest social challenges is significant, with its diverse programs and services generating more than four million visits every year across 100 locations in 35 communities in NSW. The role of the Y in building strong people, strong families and strong communities has never been more important. It is one of few not-for-profit organisations tackling today’s ‘social diseases’ associated with sedentary lifestyles, mental health and disconnection. The centre has undergone a 2 million dollar upgrade and features a modern fully equipped health and fitness area, gymnastics arena and

sports hall. Great value family memberships that include free learn to swim or gymnastics lessons for every child in your family. Whether you’re new to the gym or have been many times before, the YMCA’s four step getting started program, regular fitness consultations and connections between members, staff and the community at Great Lakes Aquatic and Leisure Centre will have you seeing results and staying connected in no time. Health and Fitness membership includes unlimited access to the gym, group fitness, Zumba, Yoga, Pilates, RPM, pool, spa, sauna, creche for first 1.5 hours, open squads, challenge fitness camp, gym floor classes such as circuits and ab attack. The YMCA offer specialised classes for the over 50s.

Type 2 diabetes was almost unheard of 100 years ago. However, it is now found in almost every country and evidence suggests that without effective prevention and control, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes will continue to increase. It has been demonstrated that the most dramatic increases in type 2 diabetes have occurred in countries where there have been rapid and adverse lifestyle changes (changes in diet and reductions in physical activity). It is interesting, though, that type 2 diabetes is still rare or non-existent in populations that lead traditional lifestyles, suggesting that perhaps our modern industrialised lifestyles may in some way be implicated in its development and progression. We know that approximately 75% of people with diabetes die of cardiovascular disease, and that people with type 2 diabetes have a much greater risk of heart disease than the rest of the population. It has also been estimated that diabetes can reduce the average lifespan by up to 14 years. Research in the U.S. has shown that of those people born in the year 2000, approximately one-third can expect to develop diabetes in their lifetime. A number of long-term studies in different countries have demonstrated that lifestyle change can improve glucose control and reverse early stage type 2 diabetes more effectively than taking medications alone. These studies generally showed that changes in nutrition (total energy reduction, reduced saturated fat and increased fibre), increases in physical activity and modest weight loss resulted in more effective control of blood glucose levels in the long-term. Whilst the evidence for lifestyle change is compelling, in reality most people with type 2 diabetes find it difficult to introduce and sustain these changes, as our modern society exerts enormous pressure on us to be inactive and to consume energy dense foods. According to the International Diabetes Foundation (IDF), lifestyle modification should be the first choice treatment to prevent or delay diabetes. However, in order for lifestyle changes to be successfully implemented, serious societal changes are also required to reinforce and support these changes.

52 manning-great lakes focus.

For example, technological changes over the past generation have meant that we have a reduced need to be physically active, and this level of inactivity is in many ways linked to our perceived standard of living. Recently, the Department of Health and Ageing introduced the Healthy Communities Initiative, which is aimed at empowering local communities to identify and implement health programs and activities at a local government level. In the Great Lakes area this initiative is called “Great Health Great Lakes”, and one of its flagship programs is HEAL (Healthy Eating Activity & Lifestyle). This program will champion the goal of assisting people to make positive lifestyle changes through an increased awareness of healthy eating and physical activity. It is particularly designed for those participants who have been diagnosed with, or who are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, as this is particularly prevalent in the Great Lakes. Although HEAL is only an eight-week program, it aims to help people develop lifelong healthy eating and physical activity habits – the program is just the beginning! HEAL will: Support participants to become more physically active. Promote and improve healthy eating. Improve nutrition knowledge. Develop skills in goal setting and behaviour modification. Develop an understanding of the psychology of eating. Develop skills required to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Promote measures of success other than weight. Improve understanding of dietary myths and misconceptions. The next HEAL program in the Great Lakes commences in mid-February and will be held at Forster-Tuncurry Community Health. HEAL is facilitated by allied health professionals, who have been trained to support participants who may be unfamiliar with how to make positive lifestyle changes. People who are interested in participating should first contact their GP to discuss a possible referral to the program, which in the majority of cases, will be covered by Medicare. For more information about the HEAL program, or other programs and activities within the Great Health Great Lakes project.

Camden Haven Music Inc

focuseditorial.

The Spirit of Music “What a magnificent concert”...“Looked wonderful ... seven majestic harps” ...“Excellent playing, effortless virtuosity”... “Difficult to imagine a more delightful musical evening” …

hese are just some of the accolades heaped on The Seven Harp Ensemble (SHE) by concertgoers. Under the direction of international harp soloist, Alice Giles, this exciting and enchanting ensemble is committed to encouraging new repertoire, as well as performing arrangements of popular classics. SHE performances include national and international music festivals, ABC Classic FM Sunday Live, state and national tours and recording Australian commissions for the Tall Poppies label. SHE programs are varied and reflect the distinctive techniques unique to the harp. A Seven Harp Ensemble concert is an aural and visual feast both as a ‘crowd-pleaser’ and for serious music lovers. Formerly known as the Kioloa Harp Ensemble, SHE was founded during the Kioloa Summer Harp Camps. Kioloa is on the south coast of NSW, where Captain Cook first landed on Australian soil and where Alice Giles holds an annual summer harp course. Last in the region in 2010, SHE played to a capacity audience in a Candlelight

Concert at Kendall School of Arts. Such was the praise and enjoyment expressed by the audience, that Camden Haven Music organisers decided that on this current visit the Port Macquarie Glasshouse was the ideal venue for them. “Their performance is so visually appealing and beautiful, that we wanted more people to have the opportunity to see and hear them in a larger space,” explained Program Director Alvena Ferguson. Another favourite ensemble re-visiting the area for Camden Haven Music’s autumn concert series is Strelitzia Piano Trio, playing a program titled Feminine Charms, featuring an all-female composer repertoire. Led by violinist Victoria Jacono-Gilmovich, this program has been chosen especially to highlight the often unrecognised talent of female composers. Gayeneh Tchebodarian’s energetic and powerful Piano Trio features driving rhythms and exotic melodies inspired by the music of her native Armenia, while Elena Kats-Chernin’s Gypsy Ramble shows the influence of Eastern European folk music within her uniquely engaging, ebullient style. American composer, Jennifer Higdon,

explores the idea of colour and mood in her 2003 Piano Trio, and Australian composer, Ann Boyd-Carr, has written Fantasy for Strelitzia especially for this ensemble. The piece will have its premiere performance at their Kendall concert. Finally, we hear from Clara Schumann, whose distinctively romantic Piano Trio in G minor is now being recognised and performed alongside those of her husband and male contemporaries. A newly formed piano quartet rounds out the feast of Classical Music being offered in March. The Sydney Piano Quartet led by internationally renowned pianist, Tamara Anna Cislowska, is resident ensemble at UTS. Comprising ACO violinist Veronique Serret, cellist Thomas Rann, violist James Wannen in addition to Ms Cislowska, they will offer an eclectic program of romantic and robust pieces by Mahler, Suk, Chopin and Kats-Chernin. Check out the full program at www.chm. org.au or collect a brochure from libraries and visitor centres. All ticket purchasing details are in the brochure and on the website. For enquiries phone Camden Haven Music on 0401 608 240 or email chm@tsn.cc

manning-great lakes focus 53

54 manning-great lakes focus.

focusinterview.

S po

for carers.

Manning Support Services Inc (MSS) provides a variety and number of services to residents of the Manning, Great Lakes, Gloucester and Hastings areas. One of the services, the National Respite for Carers program, is funded by the Federal Department of Health & Ageing. he National Respite for Carers program provides a respite service for the carers of people who are aged, frail and those suffering from disabilities such as memory loss. A few hours a week can mean the world of difference to the carer and provide their loved ones with social interaction, outings, stimulation and challenges. MSS is proud to be able to re-open Parkside, after the devastating June floods. The building is now spic and span, with a new kitchen, coat of paint and spruced up interior. Parkside is situated adjacent to the clock in Fotheringham Park. MSS has developed a number of new services to operate from the facility as part of the reopening. One of these is the Respite Drop in Day Program. Tell us about the Respite Drop in Day Program? The MSS Respite Drop In Day Program resulted from a need identified by local residents. Existing carers had expressed exhaustion and frustration in regards to the difficulties faced when they needed to attended basic appointments. A carer recalled a time when they had been out shopping, and they could normally leave their loved one with a coffee in the coffee shop while they did the weekly shop. Because of the often subtle progression, which is so often unidentified and easily missed, on this one occasion they left their loved one with a coffee, only to return to find they had wandered off. The anxiety the carer felt was immense. What was once an easy task had now become onerous, as they now had to supervise their loved one at all times. The physical and emotional demands that a weekly shopping

trip poses is challenging and exhaustive for both parties. The MSS Drop in Centre will allow for loved ones to be supervised and provided with meaningful activities. This allows time for the carer to attend to shopping, banking and any other appointments, or even pop in and see a movie, lunch, or coffee with friends. The implementation of this initiative provides a means of social interaction in a caring and supportive environment for older people and individuals with disabilities such as memory loss. How might the community benefit from this program? There are a number of community benefits. The drop In centre provides a break for carers that enhances their ability to cope and may prevent their loved ones early entry into residential care – which of course, is costly, emotionally difficult on families and is often a ‘last resort’. What we are able to provide allows loved ones to stay in their own homes, while carers are able to continue to attend to errands without having to worry about their loved ones. At times where a loved one has wandered, a number of resources, including local police, retail staff, shopping centre security, friends and family assist in locating them. By providing a safe venue where people can come for as little as 15 mins or for the full day if required, MSS not only gives the carer peace of mind, but also alleviate the stress and pressure on community resources. Importantly, the centre provides the carer with some well-deserved respite and time out … The Respite Drop in Day Program allows the carer the opportunity to:

• Attend appointments • A chance to have a fun day away from their • Shopping and Banking home. • Catch up with friends How can you reassure carers that their • Watch a movie loved ones will be looked after with the • Pursue their own leisure interests utmost care? • Have some general ‘me’ time. All MSS staff are qualified and experienced. Plans to launch the program in July 2011 MSS staff are supported by a number of were marred by the preceding floods – caring volunteers that have been screened and tell us about this? trained in all aspects of client care. The care The June floods were and activities provided are person catastrophic, with the flood centred and tailored to the waters several feet deep individuals’ needs and goals. throughout the building. For peace of mind, staff This allows r to MSS lost all of their carry mobiles and are time for the care ng, resources, the furniture able to be contacted attend to shoppiother banking and any even and even the kitchen. throughout the day, and or , appointments movie, The paint bubbled off all carers’ numbers are a e se d pop in an with the walls, and there was available to staff in the case lunch, or coffee friends. a fine layer of silt over the of emergency. As a bonus, floors and skirtings. homemade morning and MSS staff and the Greater afternoon tea is provided, as Taree City Council worked well as a variety of nutritious lunch together to mop, clean and renovate, options (MSS can also cater for dietary install a new kitchen, repaint the interior and needs). bring in new equipment. MSS now has a When is the Respite Drop in Day Program facility that will do the Drop In Centre proud. starting? What sort of outdoor and indoor activities The program has had its training wheels can individuals expect to participate in? on in January 2012 and is now operating in The centre is located in the Parkside full swing! Anyone interested is welcome Building at Fotheringham Park, adjacent to the to contact our Team Leader, Sue Martin, for picturesque Manning River. It will provide: assessment and eligibility on 6551 1800. • An opportunity for gentle walks around the park and other outside activities, e.g. bowls, the plug! quoits and Tai Chi. Indoor activities such as: Times: Each Thursday from 9am - 2pm. • Bingo • Card games • Music • Reminiscing Cost: $3 per hour or $13 for a full day, • Craft activities • Nintendo Wii games includes morning and afternoon tea and • Utilising the local library • Watching a DVD lunch. • Social interaction in a caring and supportive Phone: (02) 6551 1800. environment.

manning-great lakes focus 55

focusfishing.

with Tony Elkins from Forster Estuary Charters

Gone Fishing.

tony elkins

S erb Flathead F hin’

anuary certainly lived up to fantastic fishing. its reputation in the Great Trumpeter Whiting are getting about Lakes Region, with holiday the lake. Numbers are slowing a bit, but makers enjoying the beautiful the average size of the fish is definitely sunshine and fantastic waterways. up. There are a lot of very nice Sand The waterways were alive with boats Whiting getting about as well. I have of all shapes and forms, and been taking some in the area just it was great to see the to the west of the ‘Cut’. sand bar under the Flathead seem to be The waterways bridge alive with in abundance, with were alive with people. large numbers in most es boats of all shap Despite all of this of the usual spots. I it and forms, ande the traffic on the water, have found Hells Gate se was great to r the de n there were some u and west of the wires r sand ba ith w e iv al ge great fish caught (Mather Island) to be id br people. through January. working well on the last The Flathead fishing of the runout tide. on the runout tide has To chase the bigger ones, been superb, with both good I have been using live Herring for numbers and size being taken. bait, which I have been catching with a The full moon for February is the 8th, bait jig up at the step (behind Larni’s ). and with high water in the lake about Remember, big baits only catch big fish, 6.20pm on Thursday the 16th would but small (baits) catch both, and cooked make 8pm a good time to start pawning. prawns still work really well. The prawn dark in January saw some From the beach there are plenty of good quantities of small Schoolies taken, Whiting getting about taken on pipi, but mixed in with them was some good worm and prawn. sized Tigers. Some of the Palagics have been taken Fishing from the breakwall at either on whole Pilchards. Forster or Tuncurry on the full or new Fish well; travel safe. moon should produce some nice Tony Elkins, Mulloway using live baits of slimy Forster Estuary Charters. Mackerel or Yellowtail. There is an www.forsterestuarycharters.com abundance of bait fish about at the www.facebook.com/ Forster-Estuarymoment, which should make for some Mobile 0427 431 131.

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focusinterview.

At last count, Ranger Mick had done over 33,000 talks over the 20 years he’s been resident ranger and talks person at the Australian Reptile Park … we caught up with Ranger Mick to demystify some urban myths about the Sydney Funnel-web. ummer is Funnel-web season. What should people be aware of? Oddly enough, summer is Funnel-web ‘bite’ season. It’s not that Funnel-webs are dramatically more active; in fact, they don’t tolerate direct sunlight or elevated temperatures at all … a Funnel-web on the black asphalt driveway is a dead one. Funnel-webs thrive in damp, dark and moist conditions. What tends to happen is that in summer, humans tend to be in the environment where Funnel-webs are more active such as in the backyard with bare feet. Shoes are the perfect home for the Funnelweb? That’s right, and in that scenario it tends to be the male who is the far more toxic one. If he’s caught outside a burrow when the sun comes up, he’s fundamentally dead, so this is when any Funnel-webs that are out and about and on the move find somewhere to spend the day. Shoes are an attractive second option to the back of a burrow. A garden glove would be another attractive place for a Funnel-web, or a towel or clothing – any place for them to hide. Spider cannibalism exists in a lot of spider species, with the female killing and then eating the male … although, the male is the dominant sex in Funnel-web land, isn’t it? Many species do practice cannibalism and in many species, the female is certainly the larger spider – and part of the reason for this is so she can easily overpower the male. In the case of Funnel-webs, the male has much stronger toxin. People pour kerosene, petrol and boiling water down Funnel-web burrows, but an 58 manning-great lakes focus.

alive Funnel-web is better than a dead one – tell us why? We need the anti-venom. The biggest asset for safety is education; we all need to be aware of Funnel-webs and kids need to be educated. Living with Funnel-webs isn’t quite as life threatening as it was in the ‘40s and ‘50s. The anti-venom does a remarkable job and if I don’t have adequate numbers of Funnel-webs, I can’t produce enough venom. We don’t make anti-venom at the Australian Reptile Park. We produce the raw material itself from the spiders, which is then taken to CSL (Coordinated Science Laboratory) in Melbourne, where it is turned into the antidote. In the case of Funnel-webs, we would milk between 70 and 110 spiders in order to gather enough venom to secure an ampoule of antivenom. Is one ampoule sufficient to treat a Funnelweb bite? Sometimes yes … it depends on the intensity of the bite, and if the spider was male or female. It also comes down to the ‘victim’ and their age, weight and lifestyle. All these sorts of things contribute to the volume of antivenom required. If we’re lucky, one ampoule is enough. Can Funnel-webs jump? It’s a bit of a fallacy. When I was a kid, we were told that Funnel-webs jump six feet and bit through steel cap boots – but they can’t jump. What they do is rear onto the hind legs and strike forwards and down. The only thing they can do is stand up and fling themselves down quite violently in a strike. If people see a Funnel-web, what should they do if trying to catch them? If the spider’s walking along – say it’s been

disl sllod odge ged d from from it iits ts burrow ts b in the garden – grab dislodged a clean, wide-mouthed glass jar from the kitchen. Place the jar lying down on the ground in front of the spider and it will walk into the jar, thinking it is a burrow. You may need to scoop it into the jar with a stainless steel spoon. You then put a little bit of soil into the jar (the soil provides its requirements of being damp and wet), to enable the spider to construct a bit of a burrow and spin a web and make itself as comfortable as possible. Without the damp soil in the jar, its life expectancy will be an hour-and-a-half, tops, in the shade … then place a couple of air holes in the lid, and take it to your nearest hospital. If the spider is in the laundry or in the house and if it’s rearing at you, that means it’s unlikely to move in this position (it’s unable to walk and has to come down from this position to do so). Again, grab a jar, invert the empty glass jar over the spider, and slide a piece of stiff paper, plastic or cardboard under the jar and under the spider. The spider, with a bit of encouragement, will walk onto the cardboard. Reinvert the jar and drop it off to your nearest public hospital. How do you detect a Funnel-web burrow? They’re usually a hole in the ground about

an inch-wide, with radia i ti ting ing g web w ebs eb bs. s. TTh hey ccan hey he an b radiating webs. They be on the edges of rockeries, gaps and crevices. The one thing that’s generally indicative of a Funnel-web burrow is that the sun won’t pass directly over the burrow-mouth at any time during the day. If there is a hole in the middle of the day with sun shining on it, it may well be a Trapdoor or a cicada hole. If it’s radiating webs and not in a sunny spot, that may well be a Funnel-web. One final question ... they’re not necessarily black – are they? No, not all Funnel-webs are black – although they’re predominantly black. They’re always a uniform colour, but they can be a tan colour. The most common colour other than black is rufus, or a dull reddish colour … between the black and rufus ones, that would account for the majority of them. They can also have ghostly white tinges, which means they’re in the process of shedding their skin. Thanks Ranger Mick. Disclaimer: Ranger Mick is an expert in dealing with Funnel-web spiders. Exteme care should be excercised if any spider species are encountered. If bitten by a spider, seek immediate medical assistance.

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