Manning-Great Lakes issue 62 by Focus

Feature Story MANNING-GREAT LAKES

April 2012 // issue 62

I N S I D E 62

AUTUMNFEST AutumnFest – the premiere ‘Kustom Karz & Kulture’ scene on the Mid North Coast returns to Taree Wingham Race Track on 28 & 29 April, with a fantastic line up.

SOCCER MANIA Scott Fletcher, Coaching Director of Tuncurry Forster Football Club, talks to us about soccer in the Manning-Great Lakes ...

Troy Cassar-Daley

editor's note.

editor.

from the

Karen Farrell

This month we commemorate our past and present servicemen and women. n ANZAC Day, we gather to remember all those who have served and died in wars, conflicts – past and present, plus peacekeeping operations. In this edition we are privileged to have had access to an original letter written by Sergeant Harold Seale (our cover photo) about his experiences during his service at Gallipoli. Sergeant Seale was a member of the 12th Light Horse Regiment. After Gallipoli, he fought throughout the Middle East campaign.

A CHANGE IS IN THE AIR This month the FOCUS office is changing location – moving from our Taree location of five years to our new waterside office in Forster. While we’ve enjoyed our time in Taree, we simply couldn’t refuse the water views of Wharf Street. From this month you’ll be able to find us at Suite 2/42 Wharf Street, Forster … Feel free to drop in and enjoy a freshly made brew from our new coffee machine and

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

welcome us to the neighbourhood!

photos at the local markets. Impressive!

INTERVIEWS AND FEATURES We bring a special feature for the older members of our community this month, with our ‘Retire in Style’ segment. We haven’t forgotten about Youth Week either, and for the younger folk, you’ll want to read our interview about Tuncurry Skate Park’s King of the Krater event. I also caught up with the ultimate top bloke for lunch – Troy Cassar-Daley. He tells us all about his new album, Home. For the soccer (football) fans among you, Scott Fletcher, Coaching Director of the Tuncurry Forster Football Club, stops by to give us his thoughts on the sport in our local area – plus his own views on some of the issues affecting football in the national arena today.

FACEBOOK NEWS If you haven’t had a chance to join us on Facebook yet, then please add us as a friend, www.fb.com/mgl.focus. We’d love to help share your news stories and link up with local businesses. We also offer great competitions and opportunities to contribute ideas about what you would like to read and see in FOCUS each month. Easter is nigh – enjoy a wonderul and safe break with your family. LAST WORDS “Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm.” – Publilius Syrus.

EDITOR’S PHOTO This month’s photo is taken by 14-yearold Matthew Dunk, who has started his own photography buiness and is selling

Karen Farrell – Editor karen@focusmag.com.au

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Comments and opinions of our contributors do not necessarily reflect the opinion or view of the Publishers or Editor. All reasonable efforts have been made to trace copyright holders. Information appearing in Focus is believed to be correct at the time of going to press however no liability will be held for inaccurate information approved or supplied by advertisers or contributors. While all care is taken it is recommended that readers confirm dates, times, prices and any other material including advice with individual businesses and industry professionals. Manning-Great Lakes Focus is produced and published by Creative House Publications PTY LTD ABN: 621 287 8600 5 Material in Focus is Copyright © Creative House Publications PTY LTD 2011 and may not be reproduced whole or in part, in any form, without permission of the Publisher. All rights reserved.

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C A S S A R

- D A L E Y

I confess I’m not naturally drawn to Country Music, but I could be converted to it by an experience I recently had interviewing Troy Cassar-Daley over lunch regarding his new album, Home.

verything I’d heard about TCD being a top bloke proved true … here’s a fella (a word Troy uses often) who has won a swag of ARIA, APRA, Golden Guitar awards plus Deadly Awards (Australian Indigenous artist awards) and four Country Music Entertainer of the Year awards. Yet, after every single show he still spends at least an hour personally signing autographs for fans. Troy’s genuine and affable ‘glass-halffull’ nature really won me over following our interview, while at a photo shoot on the edge of the Manning River. He paused to sing a song – you guessed it, about a river – to a wide-eyed young Aboriginal boy. Deal sealed. If they make them like this in Country Music, I’m listening … You recorded your new album, Home, over two days in Nashville, Tennessee, in October 2011. Was that a short recording time? Only the band tracks took that time; the rest of it took a couple of weeks … it was just the key players who finished it off. The steel and the fiddle came later – they don’t need to be sitting in on the band sessions. Finally, there was a harmony-vocal fella, whom for many years I’ve had heaps of respect for – John Wesley Ryles. He’s sung on just about every hit for Brooks & Dunn. He’s just amazing, and he came in to finish off. How did you manage to access people to participate in the album? Do you have a lot of personal pull in Nashville? I have absolutely no pull in Nashville, but I have friends who do. I went straight to Keith Urban, whom I called for a couple of reasons. Firstly, I wanted to know who he’d use as his session leader, and Keith said: “Biff Watson is the fella. He’s a great guitar player, and he’ll really get what you do because he’s a guitar player”. Secondly, I needed to borrow a car off Keith! As you do … He made me promise I wouldn’t hire a car if I ever came back to town, so I said to him: “Righto, while I’ve got you, is the ute still hanging around the farm?” Keith said, “Yeah man, come and get it, it doesn’t do any miles.” Keith gave me the name of this fella who is really the ‘corner man’ for when you really need someone who is going to write your charts out, deal with the players and talk in their lingo. I don’t record in Nashville, so I just gave him all my demos – 14 songs; I pulled two out at the last minute. 13 tracks ended up on the album …

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Yep, but I had to get it down from 16, and that’s like picking a State of Origin for me. How was the overall recording experience? Those fellas don’t need a rehearsal. They don’t have to run over and over songs until the soul’s gone. They would listen to my demo (which was embarrassing, as it’s me playing guitars and I sort of figured they’re world-class and I felt a bit under-gunned) … they listen to the demo and then they write a chart. This is how they do it over there – talk about capturing the moment. You’re dealing with the ‘best of the best’ in terms of musicians. I was about to go rafton When I was living in back home to G ith w Grafton, I would listen to for a few days them my kids to showand I records made by George Slim Dusty was a huge where I’m from to write Jones and Alan Jackson t one. Slim to me made it an w ‘I t, gh thou ’. and I thought, “One day OK to feel like you could a song about this it’s my dream to make a sing about your own country, record with that band”. I and I’ve continued to sing wanted to hand pick them all about my country in just about one-by-one. It started with the every album I’ve made. There’s also rhythm section and then the guitar player. Merle Haggard, and there was an Indigenous I would have moved the earth to the left by one fella called Roger Knox whom I loved as well. He inch if I couldn’t get guitar player Brett Mason. was so inspiring, because he sang and played He’s my favourite guitar player that’s alive. with his sons in the band – he had a great family What about Tommy Emmanuel; he’d have to unit travelling around the countryside. be a bit of a hero? Tell us about the song Tall, Dark Ringer, I love Tommy. We’ve toured through America which features on Home … together. He’s so patriotic – he takes a lot of I’ve met at lot of these fellas on tour up Aussies overseas to do acoustic openers for around the Cape. I did a documentary up there him. The first gig I did with him was in 2010 in with Ernie Dingo. We sat around the fire talking bloody New York at B.B. King’s House Of Blues to these Ringers, and they told us the Ringers up Bar. I never thought I’d be playing a gig there – there have this mythological presence because amazing. they help all the cattlemen break the Cape – they You made a decision to not play on this help them survive when they’re flooded in and album and to sing only … taught them where to find food. All these things I wanted to be a better singer on this record. were legendary up there. To be able to do this you need be able to hear The title track, Home, a powerful song and what’s going on, and I needed to put myself even a little bit melancholy … outside of the record in order to do that. I was about to go back home to Grafton for You first went to Tamworth when you were a few days with my kids to show them where 11 years old… I’m from and I thought, “I want to write a song I wanted to go to Tamworth pretty bad. There about this”. It was a bit of a sentimental journey were a lot of talented kids there around the and I thought my kids might be bored, as they’re same age as me. 11 and 13. I took them to places that I haven’t I didn’t do any busking the first year, but I been to for a while – back to my mum’s place, came back home totally inspired and nagged which is on 100 acres, and we caught Witchetty mum for a new guitar. The first place I moved Grubs. I took them fishing and went via the when I left Grafton was Tamworth. I lived there cemetery to my nan and pop’s grave, before I got for three years. It’s been a good town to me, and to my little childhood home, where I had my first I learnt a lot there. 10 years at Nan’s house. Who were your musical heroes growing up? That was the final destination. I had a bit of

a howl at the cemetery … my daughter was rubbing me on the back and said, “Dad, you’ll be all right. Look over there Dad, there is a sign which says, ‘no parking on the grass’”. This made us all laugh. That’s where Home came from – if you’re going to write about it, you need to go back there. I looked at how you record the albums. Is it a conscious decision to have a break between albums following a decent tour? It really is making sure that I take my holidays off with my kids. It’s not about money. If you want to give your kids all this stuff that you never had but you don’t give them yourself, then you leave them nothing. You’ve got to say no to things ... my wife and kids come first. You’re a ‘glass is half full’ kind of bloke ... Always. I hate whingers. I reckon surround yourself with positive people. It only takes one on the road to ruin a whole tour – they don’t last very long with me. I just can’t bear negative people. It takes so much less energy to be positive. Thanks Troy. Interview by Karen Farrell.

the plug! Troy will be performing at Club Forster, 19 Strand Street, Forster on Friday 13 April at 8pm. $35 Adults / $15 Children 6591 6591 www.clubforster.com.au/ sabo/troy_cassar_daley.html

Autumn Fest

15.

inside this

‘AutumnFest’ – the premiere ‘Kustom Karz & Kulture’ scene on the Mid North Coast returns to Taree Wingham Race Track to showcase a fantastic line-up of hot rods, big motors, bikes, customs and classics ... the festival is parading an excellent line-up of live music by Rockabilly, Pyschobilly and Country Swing acts ... there will also be vintage clothes markets, memorabilia, car culture products plus record, tattoo and foot stalls ...

Issue 62 - April 2012

Fairtrade Easter

54.

usual suspects.

the

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10. What’s On for April 35. Star Guide with Terri 20. eat featuring local restaurant 46. Tourism Update with Kerry Johnstone

Killabakh Gardens As part of Killabakh Garden Club’s 25th Anniversary celebrations, the Club is opening six of its members’ gardens to the public on Sunday 29 April 2012. Varying greatly in size, style and character, the gardens each share the common setting of the picturesque Killabakh Valley.

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

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The all new B-Class. Arriving soon at Taree Motorama. Find out how the all new B-Class has evolved. Search b class Overseas model shown

manning-great lakes focus 5

focusinterview.

Scott Fletcher, Coaching Director of Tuncurry Forster Football Club, talks to us about soccer in the Manning-Great Lakes ...

lease give us a brief history of Soccer in the Manning-Great Lakes area? Soccer or ‘football’ – it’s now the politically correct name – started in the area approximately 40 years ago. I’m told a fellow named Barry Melville started things off at the Manning-Great Lakes after moving here from Sydney, where his boys played soccer. He found that soccer wasn’t being played in our area and subsequently started an association 1973. The competition was formed with 22 junior teams that year, with the senior teams commencing in 1974. Great debate surround the sports name ... Do residents of the Manning-Great Lakes generally refer to the game as soccer or football, and why? The majority of Australians refer to the sports name as soccer. I am sure this is also the case in our area. While playing soccer growing up, it was referred to by people supporting other football codes, as a variety of names – none of which were particularly complimentary! But I think the game is rightly called football, and it is slowly catching on here. It was easier to call it soccer, because the other codes were already calling their game footy or football. The round ball game arguably has the most amount of players and participants in the region ... does this also reflect in spectator support? I’d say that this football doesn’t end up with the crowd sizes that say Rugby League does, for a couple of reasons. Firstly, Sunday afternoon at the Rugby League has always been a bit of a tradition, and it is a time when little other sport is played. Our football has mainly been a Saturday sport, when most people are actually playing. Secondly, because there are so many men and ladies playing this football, there are so many games being played in several locations at the same time. This also spreads the spectator base. Most towns can field teams from U8s through to 1st Grade and often multiple teams within divisions ... what do you see 6 manning-great lakes focus.

as the reason for the success of the code? Certainly the A League is opening up more I think this football has long been considered opportunities, as well as Asian countries. a safer sport to play. Obviously injuries occur, Traditionally though, England and Europe but the constant contact isn’t there. It is more seems to be the pinnacle to aim for, but skills-based, with enough contact to satisfy representing Australia in our football is gaining those looking to release some aggression as the recognition it deserves. well. It is a sport that is very popular with 6-a-side has quite a big following in our females, which has added big numbers to the region. Generally speaking, do the vast player base of the sport. majority of ‘soccer tragics’ support this Tell us about the dives … do these happen variation of the game, or does the purist in local derbies, or are they only accept 11-a-side? just too un-Australian and 6-a-side is very popular, reserved for highly-paid particularly as a summer sport. TV super stars? It’s very fast and attacking Beckham is a Diving or milking a and is popular with players s role model for hi penalty is something who normally play other generation – an nted that happens in all sports in winter – a bit like le ta ly immense a ith w forms of team sports. r touch footy. It certainly has lle ba ot fo zzi Unfortunately, in this a place, but most people family the papara love to follow.. football code it was can’t wait for the real stuff something that was to start again in winter. exploited in the professional Tell us about the local ladies ranks, due to the high stakes competition? and massive amounts of money The ladies competition is gaining in involved. popularity all the time. So many ladies have It looks terrible, and cheating always robs now grown up playing this sport, that it has a contest of its true spectacle. If it happens raised the skill level immensely. There are also locally, I think even team mates would bag that representative pathways for the girls, with person out. the Matildas a very successful national team. Has any local talent made it into the Locally there are reps for girls in 12s, 14s and international arena? 16s, as well as a ladies premier league team As yet, nobody has gone on to an competing in the Newcastle area. international level. While there has been some There is a ‘battle of the billionaires’ outstanding talent, our area offers too many currently at play between FFA chairman other things to distract anyone from devoting Frank Lowy and mining entrepreneur and their heart and soul to just one sport. enthusiastic soccer backer, Clive Palmer, There are pathways in place and more over the administration of the game ... opportunities for kids these days to pursue a what’s all this about, and how nasty do career in football. you think it will get? What comes after playing local club soccer, The battle of the billionaires comes down and how can committed players set their to a battle between Lowy, a lifelong supporter sights on playing professionally? of football (soccer) in Australia and Palmer, the Young players can represent the area in former licensee of Gold Coast United. representative football from 9 years and up; While Palmer makes some valid points about although, the really committed players have to the lack of input from the owners into the look at larger population areas like Newcastle running of the game, he loses a lot of credibility and Sydney to pursue a professional career. by turning the whole affair into a circus. Lowy

will still be involved in soccer long after Palmer moves onto his next flight of fancy. Diego Maradona and the ‘hand of God’ – what’s your take on this and on Maradona generally? Maradona is undoubtedly one of the greats of the past 50 years of world football. The ‘hand of God’ against England at the 1986 World Cup sadly overshadowed a magnificent solo goal that he scored in the game, where he dribbled the ball some 60 metres from inside his own half through the might of the England defence to score the goal of the century. Maradona sadly, like numerous other elite sports people, allowed the celebrity lifestyle to grab the headlines more than his prowess on the field. In terms of a being a role model for the sport, what’s your view on David Beckham? Beckham is a role model for his generation – an immensely talented footballer with a family the paparazzi love to follow. He has done more to lift the profile of football in the USA in the last 20 years than any other player. Les Murray is an institution to the sport ... how would you rate him as Australia’s ‘face of football’? Les is a great spokesman for football in Australia. He does at times polarise the views of football fans in Australia with some of his comments; however, when Les talks football, fans listen! Thanks Scott. Story by Karen Farrell.

more info. Scott Fletcher – Coaching Directorr Tuncurry Forster Football Club (TFFC). TFFC started in 1973 by Clive Schubert (recently passed away) and others. TFFC is largest club in the area, with 420 registered players from U6s to Seniors in 2011. TFFC rejoins the Football Mid North Coast Premier League for men this year.

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focuseditorial.

A N Z A C

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[w with i th it th A Alan l a n T iickle la ck c k lle e] On ANZAC Day we gather to remember all those who have served and died in wars, conflicts – past and present, plus peacekeeping operations. Here are excerpts from a letter written by Sergeant Harold Seale about his experience during his service at Gallipoli. Sergeant Seale was a member of the 12th Light Horse Regiment. After Gallipoli, he fought throughout the Jerusalem campaign … The letter has been typed for easy reading.

A L E T T E R F RO M T H E L AT E

Sgt.

n the night of the 26th August 1915, we embarked on the troopship ‘Marquette’ (B13) and sailed out of Alexandria on our way to Gallipoli, of course with all light extinguished on account of the submarine danger. Everybody knew the danger to be faced on the seas at that time and consequently the men’s nerves were strained to concert pitch. Three of my mates and myself slept in a lifeboat already swung outboard for immediate lowering in the event of the dreaded torpedo striking our ship. During the day, submarine guards or lookouts were posted in different parts of the ship with rifle and machine guns ready for use. Fortunately for us we did not strike any submarines on our journey to Lemnos Island in the Aegean Sea which was one of our main bases for the troops engaged in the Gallipoli campaign ... Small tenders came alongside and the troops embarked onto these at about 6pm where we remained until about 8pm and then sped silently on our way to the fighting ground where we were all so anxious to be. At about 1am on the morning of the 29th August we hove to about a mile from the shores of Gallipoli and could hear intermittent firing all along the line from rifles and machine guns which sounded like the cracking of so many stock whips, and at intervals the deeper sounds of bursting bombs, barges towed by naval pinnaces came alongside to take us ashore. By this time, spent bullets were falling on the deck of the transport, but nobody seemed to mind as excitement was running high, when without any warning a destroyer dashed close inshore flashing her searchlights for a certain Turkish position afterwards known to us as the bad trenches. A flash shot from her six inch gun on the 8 manning-great lakes focus.

Sgt. Harold Seale on outpost duty, Palestine. Sgt. Harold Seale.

Sgt. Harold Seale, Sinai.

Member for the 12th Light Horse Regiment, who served in Gallipoli and throughout Israel. forecastle and we could hear the missile While waiting there, a huge Watering screeching through the air on its deadly errand. shell (11.2 inch) from the From our ship, we could see the shell burst Turkish fort at the entrance to on our trenches, about six in all were fired the Dardanelles burst on one and then the destroyer slipped away in the of our dressing stations in a darkness as quickly and as silently as it came. communication trench about thirty yards near About 2am we landed on Gallipoli and (sic) where I was standing. set out in the darkness for rest gully where The concussion was terrible and about two we found numerous dugouts. Throwing our tons of earth was knocked down. equipment off and laying our blanket out I The two stretcher bearers in the soon fell to sleep and slept soundly station were killed instantly and not withstanding the incessant sixteen others in the vicinity crackle of rifle and machine were buried but were all We had not long gun fire. rescued uninjured save s rk Tu e started when th n I did not wake til well for a few scratches and tio ra st on m de a started hine gun after sunrise and then severe shaking and of rifle and mac nsity packed my blankets shock. fire of great inte about an which lasted for time up, had a wash and Shortly afterwards ch hour during whi breakfasted on bully beef we entered the frontline ar he ly rd you could ha and biscuits. and were allotted our k. ea sp lf se your I then watched a duel posts, three men having to between one of our field guns eat and sleep in excavations and a Turkish gun, the Turkish shells not bigger than six by four feet, were bursting all around our gun and so our discomfort could be imagined. eventually silenced it. That night I was sent off with a party to shift Well, the regiment remained in the gully the earth that had been displaced by the until midday when Colonel Abbott our exploding shell referred to previously. commanding officer addressed us and told us We had not long started when the Turks that the three squadrons were to be separated. started a demonstration of rifle and machine The guide mistaking his way took us up over gun fire of great intensity which lasted for shrapnel gulley in full view of the enemy who about an hour during which time you could wonderful to say never fired a shot although hardly hear yourself speak. they frequently shelled the spot. Well we It was a great relief to us when the firing eventually arrived at headquarters on shell ceased. green and were allotted to Lone Pine, one of Between sunset and sunrise is the time that the most gruesome and evil smelling positions attacks (sic) are looked for. Consequently all (sic) in Gallipoli. troops are in the line between those times, or The trenches here were only 25 to 30 yards in the support trenches ready for action. apart, and many decomposed bodies were At four in the morning we had to stand to lying in no mans land. arms until sunrise, when the stand down signal My first night on duty in the trenches is one I was given, those not on duty in the front line shall never forget. for the day would have to go on fatigue work When we were filing into the trenches to go at the back of the lines. on duty for the first time, a blockage occurred To all on Gallipoli, the front line was the ahead and we had to remain still for a while. safest place during the day as the enemy

horses near Beersheba

would not shell our front line on account of it being too close to their own, so they paid particular attention to the commissoriar depots at different points. Behind the lines, many casualties were caused to working parties by a Turkish gun known as ‘Beachy Bill’. It was given this name as it was used to shell the beach where most of our stores were, and at times would cause great havoc amongst stores and troops. On one occasion I was the only one left standing out of a party of six on our way for stores. The morale of the troops on this campaign was splendid and all seemed to be cheerful at all times not withstanding the terrible hardships that had to be endured. Our food consisted mainly of bully beef, biscuits and jam for many months. Occasionally a little bread was obtained and desiccated vegetables. This plain food, together with the plague of flies was accountable for the great number of sick. Dysentery raged rampart and I am sure that more were sent to hospital through sickness than wounds. After doing duty for a month or two in Lone Pine, my squadron was given a section adjoining Lone Pine to look after, known as Holly Spur. These trenches were new ones and consequently a little healthier, for after the charge at Lone Pine there were so many dead that it was impossible to bury them all at the back of the lines in ground set apart for that purpose, so the bodies were simply packed up the wall of the trenches with sandbags built up to keep them in place so it is easily imagined what life was like in such a place and naturally we were very pleased to be shifted. We were sent to the back of the lines

A N Z A C

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Turkish field guns captured at Beersheba. I quickly got under cover and not too soon s as shells were commencing to burst very freque e quently. After getting my share of boots and cap p I made back to my squadron through capes e communication trenches and not via the the bea a beach. W about the beginning of December Well the e was a rumour running through the there line e that the battlefield was to be evaculines ated but there was nothing official at all. ated S Something of the kind seemed very imminen n by the way rations were being served nent outt where sometime before four men were out, allo o allotted to a 1 pound tin of jam, it was now give e to two men and cheese was freely given to what is called a rest, but there e was was far far give to us. given more work to be done there than in the This continued for three weeks, up until frontline, and strange to say the danger of the 20th December. getting killed or wounded was far greater, I was in the second last batch to leave, everybody welcomes the news for duty in leaving on the night of the 19th December. the frontline. We had to wrap our feet in pieces of blanOn the 12th of September I was sent ket and sandbags so as to muffle the sound to hospital at Alexandria in Egypt with of marching, as in that class of country dysentery and after a fortnight treatment sounds travel a great distance during night was discharged and returned to Gallipoli in time. When we got to the beach we were October feeling quite well. drafted off in batches like so many sheep, A short time after joining my squadron and had to run along a small pier covered orders were given for a three days and with layers of matting so as to deaden the nights silent stunt. sounds. We were embarked on small naval Not a gun or rifle was fired during this barges and towed to the transports which period and the troops were not allowed to had come close inshore under cover of speak above a whisper. darkness, and felt very relieved to On the third night the Turks get our packs and the padsent out a strong patrol to ding around our boots off. investigate, when they were On the morning of the noticed by our men on Well about the r be m 20th before dawn the ce duty the order was given beginning of De r ou m ru a last batch left, blowing there was to open fire. The weather the h ug ro th g in nn certain positions up ru at the time was bitterly ttlefield lines that the ba d before getting on the te cold and the machine ua was to be evac g in boats. th no as w e guns after firing one shot er but th To make it look as official at all ... jammed as the oil was if everything was the frozen on their bearings, so same as usual, rifles with we had to repulse them with magazines removed and the rifle fire and bombs. end of the barrel cut off were fixed This was successful as the Turks in positions along the line. finding that we’re still there in strength An empty tin was tied to each trigger and retreated hastily leaving many dead and above that a tin containing a certain amount wounded in no mans land in front of my of water with a small plug in the bottom sector. 19 dead Turks were counted. and when the last man left the trench he That night it commenced to snow and loaded and cocked the rifle, pulled the plug kept on for two days, the country all around out of the tin containing the water and let presented a wonderful sight as the rugthe contents drip into the empty tin tied to ged mountain sides were covered in white the trigger and when sufficient weight and mound of snow. pressure was brought to bear on the trigger, The morning after the snow started to fall it would fire the cartridges. many men were sent away with frostbite. These were timed to go off from half an Our quarters were very uncomfortable in hour to two hours after the last man had this kind of weather as winter quarters had left the trenches, thus causing intermittent only started to be erected, we had to be fire all along the line, making it look as if we content with an excavation in the ground were all there, carrying on as usual. with only a blanket for a roof. The evacuation will go down as an amazOn the second day after it started to snow ing ‘feat of arms’ as not a single man was I was sent to Anzac Cove for trench booths lost from the thousands that were taken off. and capes for my squadron when walkAfter arriving at Lemmos we were put on ing along the beach a shrapnel shell burst board the P&O Liner ‘Beltana’ and taken overhead and four men just in front of me to Alexandria where we trained for Maadi and one only yards behind me were struck down with pellets from the shell. I was the about seven miles beyond Cairo to rest and only one left sanding and unhurt. prepare for the Palestine campaign.

L E S T

W E

Port Macquarie focus editorial.High School

F O R G E T

Pictured Grant Pike Inset Padre Daryll Moran and Rodney O'Regan

The Battle of 2012 marks the 95th anniversary of the Battle of Beersheba – one of the great last traditional Cavalry charges in military history of infantrymen on horseback.

he charge went right through the Turkish defensive forces to subsequently take the town of Beersheba, in Israel’s Negev Desert. It was one of our finest victories of the Great War. The Battle of Beersheba was fought on 31 October 1917 as part of the Sinai and Palestine campaign during World War I. The battle changed the history of the Middle East, with the fall of Beersheba swinging the tide against the Turks in Palestine. The charge of the Australian 4th Light Horse Brigade covered six kilometres, to capture the last remaining Ottoman trenches. Nearing dusk and with horses desperate for water – some had not had water for 48 hours – the wells of Beersheba needed to be taken for the horses’ survival. In an audacious and somewhat desperate move, the Light Horsemen galloped at Turkish trenches in open fire. In a short space of time Beersheba was captured by a Cavalry charge of 800 troops of the 4th and 12th Light Horse Regiments of the 4th Brigade. In 2007 on the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Beersheba, members within the whole national Light Horse Association saw it as a great opportunity to travel to Gallipoli and Israel to commemorate the exploits of the ANZACS and Light Horsemen. A troop of three Light Horsemen from the 16th Wingham Troop, including Grant Pike, historian Rodney O’Regan and Padre of the Forster-Tuncurry RSL Sub-Branch, Daryll Moran, travelled to Gallipoli and Israel to be part of the ‘In the Steps of the Light Horse Tour’ to preserve history by re-enacting the Battle of Beersheba. Grant Pike, whose great uncle Sergeant Harold Seale (on the cover of this magazine) describes the execution of the Battle of Beersheba. “It was on dusk at the end of the day. They so very badly needed to get to the water. I think it was approximately 4 o’clock in the afternoon when they decided to just make one great charge for it. “What a lot of people don’t realise is that the Light Horsemen are not Cavalry; they’re infantry. They use the horse to get to where they have to fight and then dismount;

whereas, the Cavalry are rigged up to do their fighting on a horse. “The soldiers didn’t have any swords, as they weren’t geared up to charge. One of the reasons they succeeded is because the Turks and the Germans were watching and waiting for them to stop and dismount. The Turks had their artillery raised at a certain range waiting for them to dismount, but they kept on going and going. “By the time they worked out that it was a charge, they couldn’t get their guns low enough within range. The Australians took Beersheba in a matter of hours. “I spoke to some guys in 2007 who knew the original Light Horsemen, and they told me there was no way those horses were going to stop, because they could smell the water.” Pike credits the Battle of Beersheba for changing the approach of warfare. “After Beersheba, the Light Horsemen were issued sabres. Before that it was only officers who had them. The battle was pertinent in terms of the approach and also in terms of history. “The British government promised the Jewish people a homeland in Palestine, so essentially the history of the Middle East was changed therefore forever.” Grant Pike and Rodney O’Regan will travel to Israel in October 2012 to re-enact the Battle of Beersheba. Padre Daryll Moran will give the address at the Dawn Service and Commemorative Service this ANZAC Day. Thank you Grant Pike, Padre Daryll and Rodney O’Regan for your assistance with this story.

ANZAC Day Date: Wed 25 April. Contact RSL Sub Branch 6554 5959. Details for the Anzac Day Service and march for Forster Tuncurry: - 6am - Dawn Service Memorial Park, Forster - At 10.10am the march starts behind Bilo in Park Street,Tuncurry, and continues towards Beach and Manning Streets along to Point Road to Memorial Park, Tuncurry for an 11am service. manning-great lakes focus 9

A R O U N D T H E R EG I O N / /A P R I L 2 0 1 2

what’s

8th AutumFest 2012

King of the Krater This event draws a crowd of 500 plus young people and provides skateboarding workshops, professional skateboarding exhibitions and competitions for young people.

28-29

The premiere ‘Kustom Karz & Kulture’ scene on the Mid North Coast, showcasing a fantastic lineup of hot rods, big motors, bikes, customs and classics ... When 28 and 29 April. Where Taree/Wingham Race Track, 1 Bushland Dr, Taree. Cost $35 Saturday night (with less than 200 available, as we go to print). $20 Sunday; kids under 16 free. See the website for all ticketing options. www.autumnfest.com.au

Music in the Back Paddock @ Great Lakes Winery When Sunday April 8, 2012 from midday to 4pm Entry $10 adults and kids under 15 FREE. Tickets and Picnic Boxes on 4997 7255.

10 manning-great lakes focus.

When Saturday 14 April; 10am - 4pm. Where Tuncurry Skate Park. More info Contact Corrine Stevenson, Youth Service Coordinator, Homebase Youth Service. Phone: (02) 6555 5622.

The Big g Ol’ Bus Band

When Saturday, April 28 at 8pm.

Troy Cassar-Daley

Where Nabiac Hall. Cost $30. Bookings www.thebigolbusband.com/fr_home.cfm

Troy Cassar-Daley is at the top of the Australian Country Music scene. He has a reputation among his peers in the Australian music industry as being the most loved and respected singer/ songwriter in country music.

Cundletown Museum Opening The official opening of the Cundletown Museum will be held on Sunday 29 April at 9.30am. Expect to see many items on show during the day relating to Cundletown, dairying and farming.

When Friday 13 April at 8pm. Tickets $35 adults/$15 children. Call

6591 6591. More info www.clubforster.com.au/ sabo/ troy_cassar_daley.html

The fresh sound of swingin' Roots music in Australia. 12 singers, dancers and musicians jump on board the ol' 55 seater bus and hit the highway ...

When Sunday 29 April at 9.30am.

to 26

Contact Margaret Love on 6553 9574 or 0428 522 556.

I like chocolate, but love a fresh Easter feast. Meet the Easter Bunny at Stockland Forster FREE Easter Eggs for everyone! Dates: Times:

Easter Saturday & Sunday (7th & 8th April) 11am – 11.30am 12pm – 12.30pm 1am – 1.30pm 2pm – 2.30pm

For information on Easter Trading Hours & School Holiday Activities please visit www.stockland.com.au/forster

Download the free My Stockland App

focusinterview.

RO D N E Y & H I S

let’s go racing. Join The Jockey Club this month in celebrating ANZAC Day, on 25 April 2012.

from 12pm with the gates opening at noon and first race will be at 1.30pm.

The ANZAC Day Race meeting is only $5 entry for non members. Returned Service person, aged pensioners and members are free (upon proof being shown).

Prior to the running of the first race the Australian flag will be lowered to the sounds of the last post and the reading of the Ode, remembering our fallen comrades; then, the Australian flag will be raised to the National Anthem.

Enjoy the races on this special day from The Pavilion – our classy marquee situated right at the winning post, where you'll have your own comfortable tables and chairs, flooring, bar service, TVs and bookmaker. It’s a great place to watch the ANZAC Day races on the Tuncurry track. The club is selling tickets to the Pavilion: non members $35 and $30 for members. Tickets are now available; ring Marg on 0429 967 823 or 6555 6586 (don't miss out; book early). The Jockey Club will be running free buses

There will be plenty of food on hand, with hot ham rolls, pies, hot dogs, fresh cut sandwiches, cranskies, steak sandwiches, snow cones and plenty of cold refreshments for Mum and Dad. The major race of the day is the ’Diggers Cup’ run over 1,400 metres. Let's go racing at the Tuncurry/Forster Jockey Clubs’ ANZAC Day race meeting, with bookmakers and TAB available on course for a great day’s racing and to celebrate ANZAC Day. See you there April 25.

Military saddle 1913 restored

Rodney O’Regan comes from a background of farmers and horses, with grandparents having served in the Light Horse in the First World War.

s a young boy of five, the first present Rodney vividly remembers receiving was a small child’s saddle … the horse came some weeks later after Christmas. When Rodney turned 14, he left secondary school and commenced employment on dairy farms and also worked in outback Queensland as a stockman. In 1963 he purchased his first stock saddle, which he still owns today. Rodney went on to serve in the Mounted Police and managed to buy a police saddle at auction after a number of them had been condemned, paying a mere $20 for the saddle. It was at this time that Rodney became inspired to collect all different types of saddles, including western, stock and packhorse saddles. He has also collected saddles for sulkies and drays and a variety of dressage saddles. There are also Rodney’s prized possessions, which include four military saddles, three of which were made in 1913 and the other in the vicinity of 1930 – all original. Rodney is the proud owner of a rare postilion saddle that was used by horse-drawn artillery roughly between 1880 and 1920. These saddles have to be totally greased and the nickel, brass and chrome polished at least once a year, and when stored, kept away from direct sunlight and heat. Rodney will be displaying his amazing saddle collection at the upcoming Exhibition & Trading Fair.

Exhibition & Trading Fair Calling all collectors! Taree Local Collectors Club celebrates its 21st anniversary with an Exhibition & Trading Fair at the PCYC hall in Taree on 28 - 29 April. Antique dealers and traders will offer for sale a variety of quality collectables and antiques and members will display their exquisite and unique collections. Mr Barry Collier from Isadora’s Antiques located in Taree will be on site to provide immediate appraisals of treasured pieces. There will be a limit of two items per person, with small fee of $2 per item. Great raffle prizes will be on offer, with proceeds supporting 28 gymnastics from PCYC in an international festival of gymnastics in Japan in November 2012.

Exhibition Dates When Saturday 28 April, 9am - 4pm and Sunday 29 April, 9am - 3pm. Where PCYC Police and Community Youth Club, 95 Commerce Street, Taree. Entry $4 adults. Under 15 FREE. Appraiser appraisals of special pieces by Mr Barry Collier from Isadora’s Antiques, Taree. There is a maximum of two items per person for appraisal. Appraiser fee is $2 per item. Highlights: 1. Official Opening Sat 10am by well-known ABC Mid North Coast radio producer, Wendy Collis. 2. New to the Fair this year is a Lucky Door Prize of $100. Daily draw at 3pm Saturday and 2pm Sunday.

1917 Army packsaddle

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3. Refreshments available all day both days.

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focusinterview.

Kasey Brown .

Matters. [ w ith Alan T ickle ]

Dear Alan, I am about to retire but I want to work parttime and still get some age pension. I have about $250,000 in superannuation that I can cash in to live off. There is a further $20,000 in savings between my wife and I. Do you have some suggestions? PW. Dear PW, Please attend the Your Heritage Seminar on May 10 at Taree West Bowling Club, commencing 11am. This is open to the public as well as clients, but please phone 6551 2333 to register and mention FOCUS to be eligible for a special prize being drawn after the seminar. Brian Turner from Centrelink will be speaking, and he will be covering the work bonus income and how it encourages people to continue to work as well as access a pension. Concerning your situation, I suggest that you get advice before cashing in your superannuation or if you have already done so, seek a review of that strategy. I don’t know what your total asset position is, but based on what you have indicated you will not get full pension regardless of what you earn, because of the deemed earnings on the money you are cashing in. Using your superannuation to fund an allocated pension rather than placing in a bank account, will mean that the money won’t be caught under the Centrelink deeming rules, which will allow you to earn more from parttime work, without affecting the pension entitlement. The Centrelink website goes into a fair amount of detail on how paid employment is assessed, but it is worth attending the seminar to have it explained to you. The seminar will also have an update on the economy, and a couple of fund managers will also be speaking about asset allocation and

14 manning-great lakes focus.

expectations. I will also be speaking and covering questions from the floor. Dear Alan, I have been referred to you by my brother. My husband and I are both over 60, and he has cashed in his super for us to live off, because the 15 hours I work does not provide enough income. My husband is looking for work. I wanted to access my super, but the fund said that I can’t because I am working more than 10 hours. Do you have some suggestions. RB. Dear RB, First of all go and see Centrelink, because I suggest that there is an entitlement to New Start allowance. While you might not be able to access the capital from super, you should be able to roll part or all to a Transition to Retirement pension and draw income to avoid using up all of your savings. The Government does not expect nor want you to do that, so support is available. I would be interested to see how much is left in savings, because utilising some of that by placing to an allocated pension in your husband’s name might make a difference in entitlements and assistance from Centrelink. This could be a cash or secure fund and be used as a reserve, as we would a bank account. You do need advice, and unfortunately the general advice only available from your fund does not enable you to get the assistance and advice you need. Give your brother a kiss for suggesting that you need advice. 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.

These days, Kasey Brown, a former resident of the Manning Valley, is the world number 7 professional squash player ... hat was it like for you growing up on the Mid North Coast? I moved to Port Macquarie in 2000 to live with my coach, Glenn Reece and his family, who graciously took me in and allowed me to train at the Oxley Squash Centre after the courts closed in my home town of Taree. I truly believe I would not be in the position I am in today if it were not for them. Port Macquarie had a strong squash community, which allowed me to develop as a player and a person. The town has such a unique and relaxed atmosphere which I miss and contrasts to my life now in New York, USA. What are your fondest memories from attending Port High School? I attended Port Macquarie High from 2000 to 2003, where I completed my HSC. The school itself is in such a fantastic location, just off the beach, and I remember being able to learn and appreciate ocean life through Marine Biology, which is a course unique to the school. It was such a pleasure to learn from the great teaching staff, and I developed some great friendships during my time there. Where did your interest in squash begin? I began playing squash at age 9, when my mother worked at the local squash centre in Taree and I would go on the weekends and hit squash balls by myself for hours. I then met Glenn Reece, whose sons, Ben and Matt, were the top juniors in the country, and I began working with and travelling to tournaments with them. At age 14, the Taree

Squash Centre closed, and I left home and was taken in by the Reece family and worked with Glenn throughout my junior career, where I won 5 national junior titles and the British, Scottish and Malaysian Junior Championships. What highlights have you had with your sport over the years? The biggest highlight for me so far was winning a gold and 2 bronze medals at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi. To represent Australia is the biggest honour and to be on the podium singing the National Anthem after winning gold was an experience I will never forget. Also, winning the final match for Australia at the 2010 World Teams event against England is another highlight in my career. With Australia and England tied at 1-1, I was able to win the final match against the World Number 3, Laura Massaro, to give Australia the title of World Teams Champions. It’s always nice to beat the Poms, but even better when it’s in the finals. What’s in store for you over the next 6 months? The next 6 months is busy, as next week I compete in Montreal, Canada, then fly straight to Malaysia for the KL Open, and then I will be back in Brisbane, training with my coach, Rod Martin, before the prestigious British Open, which will be held at the O2 arena in London. Then it’s onto Mexico and back in New York for summer training, before a busy end of year schedule. The season never ends for a squash player! Thanks Kasey.

focusinterview. ‘AutumnFest’ – the premiere ‘Kustom Karz & Kulture’ scene on the Mid North Coast returns to Taree Wingham Race Track to showcase a fantastic line-up of hot rods, big motors, bikes, customs and classics ... the festival is parading an excellent lineup of live music by Rockabilly, Pyschobilly and Country Swing acts ... there will also be vintage clothes markets, memorabilia, car culture products plus record, tattoo and foot stalls ...

K U S T O M K A R Z & K U LT U R E

ell us how AutumnFest came to be and could you also enlighten us about the weekend’s activities ... I have always loved the whole Kustom Kulture Scene, because it has so many great elements like the cars, art, pinups, tattoos and of course, the music. I love my Rockabilly and Alternative Music, including Country Rock, Swing and Pyschobilly. I must admit people who are involved in the scene are just some of the best people I have ever met. They live and breathe the lifestyle, which is just great. This year, spectators will get to see 5 bands, 200 plus hotrods from all over the country, the tattoo show and low rider bikes. This year AutumnFest will also feature a Low Brow art show, with artists including David Lozeau from Southern California, Dale Habberfield from Qld, Glenn ‘Glenno’ Smith from Sydney and Marcus Thorn of Tikibeats fame. We also have DJ Brian from Sydney, who is familiar with all the dance styles, including Rock ’n’ Roll, Swing and Rockabilly. He will keep the dancers really happy, so pack those dancing shoes. Rusty Pinto from WA will be backed by the incredible Pat Copocci trio. This guy’s voice is smooth, and the women just love him. We are super excited that one of Australia’s biggest Country Rock acts coming off their 5 tour of Texas Chucks Wagon will be here. For those who like their Pyschobilly, we have the one and only Captain Reckless and the Lost Souls attending, who come with their 6 piece band including big brass section. We have really gone all out this year, and we’re bringing one of the biggest ‘revved up’ Rockabilly acts out of the USA, ‘The Chop Tops’ from Santa Cruz, California. These guys are not weekend warriors; they have played at some of the biggest festivals in the US, including Viva Las Vegas and the Texas Rockabilly Revival! We are grinning from ear to ear that these guys will perform on the Saturday night after the pinup comp and will bring the house down, as it is their first time in Australia.

Kustom Kulture is a rapidly growing We have really , year gone all out this ng one scene ... what sort of gi in br and we’re things should you vved of the biggest ‘re ts out love to do if you ac y ill up’ Rockab Chop want to immerse of the USA, ‘Thea Cruz, nt Sa m yourself in this Tops’ fro California. culture? Just come and be part stories. This is a first for Australia. of it! People are always We are very excited and cannot wait welcoming; for instance, if for that part of the event. you want to just come and enjoy the We have also been able to attract some fashion, unique market stalls, music, dancing custom car industry specialists, including and low brow art. Mothers car products, Speedflow and the Many of the car clubs work tirelessly, driving House of Kolor, who will be holding pin striping to shows to support other clubs and charity demonstrations, to name a few. events, so that there is always somewhere to You’ve worked closely with Justin Hills go and show off their wheels. It doesn’t matter (Hills & Co Customs) – a resident car builder if you don’t own a car or a bike or you’re not in Taree who will be showcasing some of an artist or if you don’t have tattoos; there is his incredible cars. Tell us about this ... something for everyone – including this year’s Justin is one of those quiet achievers within ‘Rug Rat’ run on the Saturday, which will raise the area. For instance, his ‘49 Buick aptly named funds for the Taree Children’s Ward at Manning ‘Art Deco’ achieved massive accolades at shows Base Hospital. So, just get in your car and enjoy. like Summernats, and once it hit the USA it was In a first for the town of Taree, we will have so well received, it was requested by shows all the markets open free to the public on the across the USA. Saturday night, so you can shop under the Justin now tours America many times a year lights! as a special guest, and the car will most likely What can the rev-heads expect to see and not return to Australia for some time yet. participate in at AutumnFest? There are many other Custom Car builders This year we have one the biggest Hollywood in our towns, like Elvis from Rodbods at Nabiac hot rodder icons from the movie American and of course, Graeme Brewer from Downtown Graffiti, Paul Le Mat, who was John Milner, the Kustoms in Forster, whose engineering work is 32 Yellow Ford Deuce Coupe Rodder. Paul will second to none. It is a great, great buzz to know be accompanied by one of America’s biggest that we have these kinds of talented people custom car builders, John D’Agostino. right here in our own backyards. A now Australian owned custom car built by To the envy of every woman, artist Marcus John, called the ‘Marilyn’, is a 1953 Cadillac and Thorn will be creating a beautiful stiletto at was built as part of the trilogy commemorating the festival ... Hollywood legends Clark Gable, Elvis Presley Aaah yes ... the wooden Tiki styled hand and Marilyn Munroe. Immortalised by Hot crafted stiletto. There have been so many entries Wheels classic toys, the models have become this year for the Miss AutumnFest Pinup Comp, collectables! we had to limit entries to 12 lovely ladies; we The Marilyn was purchased and shipped to had to change the time slot of the event to the Australia by the late Rene Rivkin, adding to his Saturday night, so we could fit it in. then extensive collection of motor cars. Marcus is one of the most highly respected There will be a seminar on the Sunday, so people Tiki/Hawaiian style carvers; his carvings are can meet both John and Paul and hear their

featured worldwide worldwide, including Hawaii Hawaii, Japan and the USA. He has recently beeen featured in many magazines, such as Fuel, DeadBeat, Cruzin Mag. I hope people will come and meet him on the Sunday at the Low Brow Art Show. I hear the official ‘Ed Hardy Chopper’ will be on display ... this uniquely designed chopper was originally commissioned by Ed Hardy Australia and built by Snake Charmer Choppers, who are nationally known as one of the best custom bike builders ... Yes, the Team at Snake Charmer Choppers are back again, but this year they are bringing to the area for the first time ever the official commissioned built Ed Hardy Chopper! George and his team were asked to build the Chopper exclusively; it has travelled all over the world. When George said he could attend the show, we were thrilled, as this bike is a work of art. It will be on display Sunday due to George’s hectic schedule, so make sure you stop by and meet George and his team. Entrants will be coming from near and far to participate in the coveted Pin-up Girl Competition... Not only will the winner receive the Hand Carved Tiki Stiletto by Marcus, but she will also be the face of the AutumnFest advertisements They will compete in 3 rounds: swimwear/Tiki, lingerie and evening wear, so expect nothing but fierce competition, with nothing but elegance and style, style, style ... oh, did I mention style! Thanks Brett. Interview by Karen Farrell.

the plug! Where Taree/Wingham Race Track, 1 Bushland Dr, Taree. When Saturday night, 6pm to 12pm and Sunday 9am to 5pm. 28 & 29 April ‘12. Cost $35 Saturday night (with less than 200 available as we go to print). $20 Sunday; kids under 16 free. See the website for all the ticketing options www.autumnfest.com.au

manning-great lakes focus 15

focuseditorial.

With Marc McBride, illustrator of Deltora Quest.

G Great Lakes k FM fared f d wellll at the h Southern S h Community Media Association’s ‘X’ Awards recently. These national awards are for Excellence in Community Broadcasting and attract entries from community radio stations all over Australia. Great Lakes FM won the Best Outside Broadcast for ‘Zucchini drop’ (Presented by Pal, Ellie and Bretto), and also snared a Best Locally Produced News Award (presented by Doug Hodgess). The station equalled its own record set in 2011 by being nominated as a finalist in seven out of ten possible categories including: • Best Locally Produced News (presented by

d ) Doug Hodgess). • Best Locally Produced Music Program (Urban Action with Pal and Bretto). • Best Sports Program (presented by Chris Bedwell and Paul Slater). • Best Outside Broadcast (Zucchini Drop by Pal Fleming). • Best Locally Produced Non Music Program (Pet Talk with Dr Dave). • Best In House Production of a Sponsorship (Kev and Bev featuring Andrew Farr and Nicola Bagnall). • Best Outside Broadcast (Up Close Procedure by Andrew Farr). Well done Great Lakes FM!

The stunning award winning new school hall is accessible from Farquhar St, Wingham, opposite Central Park. Winner of the Grand Jury Prize, the 2011 Cannes Film Festival and a Golden Globe nominee for Best Foreign Language Film, the deeply moving new film by the Dardenne brothers delves into the emotional life of troubled 11 year old Cyril (Thomas Doret). When his father (Jérémie Renier) abandons him, Cyril obsessively searches for his bicycle – placing his last bit of hope in this symbol of their relationship. Almost by accident, he becomes the ward of a kind hairdresser (Cécile de France), who seems surprised to find herself so determined to help him. With his wild, unpredictable

16 manning-great lakes focus.

Cost: $5 per person. Where: Hallidays Point Library, Thursday 19 April 10.30am - noon. Wingham Library, Thursday 19 April 2pm 3.30pm. Harrington Library, Friday 20 April 10.30am - noon. Taree Library, Friday 20 April 1.30pm - 3pm. Age: 8 - 14 years. Supervised activity. Be quick, as this will fill fast! BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL; CONTACT YOUR LIBRARY.

focuseditorial.

March 24 was a very special day for local resident Doris Ridge, who celebrated her 100th birthday with family, friends and staff at Storm Nursing Home.

watch. Taree Film Society will screen Kid With a Bike (M) by film festival favourites, Belgium’s Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne. The film society will use a different venue this time – St Joseph’s School, Wingham, at 7pm Sunday 22 April.

Marc McBride’s first picture book was The Kraken in 2001, written by Gary Crew. Since then, he has illustrated many books, including the hugely successful Deltora Quest and Quentaris series, The Deltora Book of Monsters, Old Ridley, Journey From The Centre Of The Earth and Tales of Deltora. His latest book is called World of Monsters. Join Marc McBride and learn how to draw a monster from the ‘master of monster’!

behaviour and his disastrous search for father figures, Cyril risks losing her – though she refuses to give up without a fight. The Society is a non-profit organisation run by volunteers to bring diversity of film to the Manning and to encourage appreciation and discussion of film in a regular social atmosphere. Admission/membership includes some light refreshments before and after screenings. For further information, tickets ($10) or membership ($45 for screenings to June) please phone 6552 3476 or email tareefilmsociety@ yahoo.com.au

the plug! The screening of Kid With a Bike will be at St Joseph’s School, Wingham at 7pm on Sun 22 April.

Doris enjoyed a beautiful cake, gifts and her very own visit from the Wingham Pipe Band. A brief history of Doris’ 100 years follows … Doris May Ridge was born in Stawell, Victoria, on 24 March 1912. She is the second daughter of Henry and Winifred Ridge. She had two sisters and one brother; the younger sister, Joan (90 years), lives in Melbourne with her husband. The family moved to Melbourne in about 1925, and Doris was married to Hiliary Ryan in 1930. This marriage produced two sons, Barry (74) who lives in Sydney, and Peter (71), who lives in Taree. Hiliary, a wharf labourer, was killed in a work accident in 1950, after which Doris and the two boys moved to Sydney and lived at Narrabeen, Neutral Bay and finally settled at North Sydney. Doris met and married Alex Murray in about 1954; unfortunately, Alex passed away after a short illness two years later. At that time, Doris loved Square Dancing and later met Joe Warby, whom she moved to live with at Millegen St, Chatham, in

1965. They were a well known couple around the clubs and the Manning Hotel and had many happy times in the area. Both boys had left home in Sydney, but travelled to Taree often to visit. Joe passed away in 2002. As Doris was on her own, she moved in with Peter, who had moved to Glenthorne in 1986 and unfortunately lost his wife, Lynne. Peter was training race horses, and Doris loved going to the races and talking to the horses at home. Doris stayed with her son for eight years until she suffered a mild stroke and was forced to enter St. Paul’s Hostel, where she was very well looked after by the great staff at that establishment. After having several falls, because she is always on the move, she is now in higher care at another very good nursing home just around the corner from her old address, where she had many happy years. Doris now resides at Storm Nursing Home in Cowper St, Taree, and she would be very happy to see any of her lost friends who would like to wish her a happy 100th.

.D\H DQG 0DOFROP :DOODFH

,Žǁ ĐĂŶ &ŝŶĂŶĐŝĂů Paying too much? WůĂŶŶŝŶŐ ŚĞůƉ ǇŽƵ͍

Do you know how much your investment or super is costing you? KƵƌ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞ ƚĂŬĞƐ ĂƐ Ă ƐƚĂƌƟŶŐ ƉŽŝŶƚ ʹ ǁŚĞƌĞ ĐĂŶ ǁĞ ĂĚĚ

You may ¿nd that you are paying three sets of charges - to ǀĂůƵĞ ƚŽ ŚĞůƉ ǇŽƵ ĞŶũŽǇ ƚŚĞ ůŝĨĞƐƚǇůĞ ǇŽƵ ǁĂŶƚ͍ the investment manager, the administration service and to dŽŽ ŽŌĞŶ ĂĚǀŝĐĞ ŝƐ ĐĞŶƚƌĞĚ ŽŶ ŝŶǀĞƐƚŵĞŶƚƐ Žƌ ƉƌŽĚƵĐƚƐ͘ the adviser who set the arrangement up. ƚ &ŝŐƚƌĞĞ ŽƵƌ ĮŶĂŶĐŝĂů ƉůĂŶŶŝŶŐ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞ ĐŽŶĐĞŶƚƌĂƚĞƐ ŽŶ Often these charges are expressed as a percentage and ŐŝǀĞ ƉƌŽǀŝĚŝŶŐ ĂĚǀŝĐĞ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ĨŽƌŵ ŽĨ ƐƚƌĂƚĞŐŝĞƐ ƚŚĂƚ ǁŝůů individually may not look like much, but added together they ǇŽƵ ƉĞĂĐĞ ŽĨ ŵŝŶĚ ƚŚĂƚ ǇŽƵƌ ŝŶĚŝǀŝĚƵĂů ŶĞĞĚƐ ǁŝůů ďĞ ŵĞƚ͘ can mount upĨŽƌ to aǇŽƵ considerable &Žƌ ĞǆĂŵƉůĞ͕ ŝƚ ŵŝŐŚƚ sum. ŵĞĂŶ ŬŶŽǁŝŶŐ ƚŚĂƚ ǇŽƵƌ ĨĂŵŝůǇ ĂƌĞ ƉƌŽƚĞĐƚĞĚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ĞǀĞŶƚ ŽĨ have ĚŝƐĂƐƚĞƌ͕ ǇŽƵ We have been seeing clients where they beenƚŚĂƚ paying ŚĂǀĞ ƚŚĞ ƌŝŐŚƚ ĂŵŽƵŶƚ ŽĨ ŝŶĐŽŵĞ ŝŶ ƌĞƟƌĞŵĞŶƚ over 3% in total - a large amount to subtract from what haveŽƌ ŬŶŽǁŝŶŐ ƚŚĂƚ ǇŽƵ ŚĂǀĞ ĞŶŽƵŐŚ ƚŽ ƐĞĞ ǇŽƵ ŽƵƚ͕ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞŶ often been modest investment returns in recent years. ƚŚĂƚ ǁŚĂƚ͛Ɛ ůĞŌ ǁŝůů ĞŶĚ ƵƉ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƌŝŐŚƚ ŚĂŶĚƐ͘ If you understand exactly what you are paying and are KŌĞŶ ǁĞ ĐĂŶ ŵĂŬĞ Ă ƚĂŶŐŝďůĞ ĚŝīĞƌĞŶĐĞ ŝŶ ĚŽůůĂƌ ƚĞƌŵƐ con¿dent that you are getting value for money, then that’s ďǇ ƐƵŐŐĞƐƟŶŐ ƐƚƌĂƚĞŐŝĞƐ ƚŚĂƚ ǁŝůů ŝŶĐƌĞĂƐĞ ǇŽƵƌ ƐĂǀŝŶŐƐ ¿ne. Žƌ ŝŶĐŽŵĞ͕ ƉƌŽĚƵĐĞ ŚŝŐŚĞƌ ĞŶƚƌĞůŝŶŬ ďĞŶĞĮƚƐ Žƌ ƌĞĚƵĐĞ If you’re not sure, then ask your adviser to explain all of the ǇŽƵƌ ŝŶǀĞƐƚŵĞŶƚ ĂŶĚ ĂĚǀŝĐĞ ĐŽƐƚƐ͘ costs - ŝŵƉŽƌƚĂŶƚ they are required by law to do so – clearly andĨĂĐƚŽƌ͟ in ƋƵĂůůǇ ƚŚŽƵŐŚ ŝƐ ƚŚĞ ͞ƐůĞĞƉ Ăƚ ŶŝŐŚƚ writing. ʹ ƚŚĞ ƉĞĂĐĞ ŽĨ ŵŝŶĚ ƚŚĂƚ ĐŽŵĞƐ ĨƌŽŵ ŬŶŽǁŝŶŐ ƚŚĂƚ ǇŽƵ If you are not con¿dent that you are getting value for money, ĂƌĞ ǁŽƌŬŝŶŐ ǁŝƚŚ ƚƌƵƐƚĞĚ ĂĚǀŝƐĞƌƐ ǁŚŽ ƵŶĚĞƌƐƚĂŶĚ ǇŽƵƌ then we invite you to get in touch and we will analyse ƐŝƚƵĂƟŽŶ͘ your situation and see if improvements can be made – in ^ŽŵĞ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ƚŚŝŶŐƐ ƚŚĂƚ ĐůŝĞŶƚƐ ƚĞůů ƵƐ ƚŚĞǇ recent weeks we have been able to save new clients many ǀĂůƵĞ ŽƵƌ ĂĚǀŝĐĞ ĨŽƌ ĂƌĞ͗ thousands of dollars – in one case over $6000 per annum.

ͻ WƌŽǀŝĚŝŶŐ ĂŶƐǁĞƌƐ ƚŽ ǇŽƵƌ ĮŶĂŶĐŝĂů ƋƵĞƐƟŽŶƐ ʹ ŝĨ ǁĞ Under Figtree’s service we agree in writing a Àat fee with ĚŽŶ͛ƚ ŬŶŽǁ ƚŚĞ ĂŶƐǁĞƌƐ Žī ƚŚĞ ƚŽƉ ŽĨ ŽƵƌ ŚĞĂĚƐ ǁĞ ǁŝůů you before providing any advice services, and additionally ŬŶŽǁ ŚŽǁ ƚŽ ĮŶĚ ŽƵƚ͘ know where the bestĮŶĂŶĐŝĂů value liesĐŽŶĐĞƉƚƐ amongst the and ͻ we ,ĞůƉŝŶŐ ǇŽƵ ŐƌĂƐƉ ďǇ super ĞǆƉůĂŝŶŝŶŐ ĐŽŵƉůĞǆ ƌƵůĞƐ ƐŝŵƉůǇ͘ investment managers. ͻ This ǆƉůĂŝŶŝŶŐ ǇŽƵƌ ŽƉƟŽŶƐ ĂŶĚ ŚĞůƉŝŶŐ ƐŽƵŶĚ information does not take into accountǇŽƵ yourŵĂŬĞ personal ŝŶǀĞƐƚŵĞŶƚ ĚĞĐŝƐŝŽŶƐ ƌĂƚŚĞƌ ƚŚĂŶ ĞŵŽƟŽŶĂů ƌĞĂĐƟŽŶƐ͘ circumstances, and is not intended to be personal advice.

manning-great lakes focus 17

Get set for the 2012

Forster

The Great Lakes, well known for its spectacular coastline, pristine lakes, deep green forests and limitless experiences, is also the home of adventure on the Mid North Coast.

f itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s adventure you want, then this is the place to visit ... and what better way to get amongst it than by entering the inaugural Forster Adventure Race! On 12 May, adventure racing returns to the Great Lakes with the Forster Adventure Race. The event promises to deliver a unique adventure experience, taking competitors across some of the most challenging and scenic landscapes in the Great Lakes. The course offers something for everyone! Ocean swimming in the crystal clear waters off Pacific Palms; cross country running around rugged escarpments and forests, with a paddle board leg across Smiths Lake; mountain biking through the Wallingat National Park, with a sweet mix of rolling trails, creek crossings and single track; paddling on the pristine Wallis Lake, around islands and past our famous oyster leases; and finally a run across the renowned bridge

18 manning-great lakes focus.

between Forster and Tuncurry, to finish on Main Beach in front of hundreds of cheering Part of the attrac-e spectators. is th tion of the sportget The Junior Spirit is also opportunity to and back. This unique kids only close to nature tacular adventure race will see kids experience spec other Natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s obstacles. National Parks or between 6 and 13 years Part of the . es ac remote pl tackling obstacles, running attraction of the through water, sliding, sport is the opportunity leaping, scrabbling through the to get close to nature bush and exploring. It is a fantastic and experience spectacular event and a 'must do' for local kids. National Parks or other remote So what is adventure racing? places. The Great Lakes is perfect for this Adventure racing can include a variety style of event! of off-road disciplines, including ocean How does adventure racing link to swimming, mountain biking, kayaking and marketing the Great Lakes? running. It demands self-sufficiency and a Adventure is a chance to showcase the high level of concentration, as competitors region in a whole new light. These events negotiate trails, rocky coastlines, river take competitors to different places, off crossings, ocean swells, mountain ascents the beaten track, while at the same time (and descents) and a variety of Mother providing a chance for local communities to

experience something different. Beyond events, the Great Lakes has a wide range of activities for all levels of adventure seekers. You can fill a day, an hour or a week satisfying your need for adventure. Of course, there are plenty of ways to relax as well! Entry forms for the Forster Adventure Race and Junior Spirit are available at www.forsteradventurerace.com.au Whether you are out for the race or just want to watch, the weekend promises adventure for all. If nothing else, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great excuse to get outside. Contact Great Lakes Tourism: Freecall 1800 802 692 www.greatlakes.org.au

focusadvertorial.

he ongoing revitalisation of Coffs Harbour’s CBD will receive a significant boost, with a multimillion dollar upgrade to Palms

Shopping. Following the upgrade, Palms Shopping will be relaunched under the new name of ‘Coffs Central’. “The upgrade works are quite extensive and will transform not just the Centre itself, but the CBD as a whole, to form an exciting hub for food and fashion,” said Julie Smith, the Centre’s Retail Manager. A 450 seat food court with contemporary furnishings will feature an increased array of food offerings with added convenience. The food court will be relocated to the upper level and will overlook Harbour Drive, the City Centre and have distant mountain views through frameless glass. This will provide a central and comfortable space for people to enjoy the growing and vibrant CBD. The improvements to the upper level will also include modern bathrooms and an over sized parents’ room, with the latest fittings and fixtures.

our decision to invest in the property. The The former Coles supermarket is being upgrade works will enhance the existing opened along Harbour Drive, to create a attributes of the Centre, including the number of new prime street-front shops adjacent under cover car park with over and an additional entrance for customers. 1,000 spaces, the prime CBD location and a These new shops will ideally suit alfresco safe and secure environment. café and restaurant operators, as well We anticipate that the as boutique fashion retailers who majority of new want to be a part of the CBD e th , ly al rn tenancies and streetscape. Inte recong in be is e tr en C upgrade works will Internally, the Centre uce figured to introd be delivered in is being reconfigured to of ix m d an increase es, with a time for retailers introduce an increased mix or st lty ia spec s that to capture the of specialty stores, with a fresh retail focuan d will add depthCentre’s Christmas trading fresh retail focus that will quality to the g. period and just in add depth and quality to current offerin time for the Centre’s the Centre’s strong current 26th birthday.” offering. With a passion for Palms Shopping joins Port retail, an eye for detail and Central, Kempsey Central and a strong commitment to the Mid Moonee Beach Shopping Centres as part North Coast, Pacific Coast Shopping Centres of Pacific Coast Shopping Centres, which is is looking for innovative and like-minded owned by Gowing Bros. Limited. retailers to be part of Coffs Central to create The Managing Director of Pacific Coast a contemporary hub for fashion, food and Shopping Centres, John Gowing says, lifestyle conveniently located in the heart of “Knowing that Coles would be moving Coffs Harbour. into its new premises was a key factor in

There are still opportunities in a number of categories for new and established businesses to be a part of this exciting development.

COFFS CENTRAL COMING SOON BE PART OF IT Stephen Byers m. 0418 603 461 e. sbuyers@gowings.com Danae Leeson m. 0428 468 008 e. dleeson@gowings.com

manning-great lakes focus

Manning-Great M anniing-G Greatt L Lakes ak kes

Cover Dish Fried squid with fresh garden salad from Tuncurry Bowling Club.

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

eat.

Bent on Food Bent on Food is a national award winning café/restaurant specialising in local produce. • Bent on Food Joins ‘Plates for Mates’ National Fundraising Initiative. In support of Queensland burns victim and celebrity chef, Matt Golinski and burns research organisation, The McComb Research Foundation. Blake Noble and the Ninja Stars will play out back at Bent on Food; the lads play unique, percussive based, high energy, feel good acoustic music that will have everyone up and dancing. They call it ‘Percussive Acoustic Funk Roots’. Price of tickets: $10 cover charge plus food extra. Date: Sunday 29 April @ 1pm

FLOW Espresso

Bec House with Donna Carrier.

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. Enjoy dinner, drinks and live accoustic music from a variety of impressive local performers every Friday night from 6.30pm, or login into www.facebook.com/flowcafe to keep up to date on our ‘Sunday Sessions’, with $5 Coronas and Tapas menu. 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. Fully licensed. Locally Brewed Black Duck Bitter and Golden Goose Ale on Tap.

31 David St, Old Bar t 6557 4224

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

open 8am to 4pm Thur - Mon (Closed Tue and Wed) Dinners Fri and Sat night from 6pm. Fully licenced

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

Relax with cake and coffee in our newly renovated cafe

Club Taree - Lilly Pilly Café

Bowers Café

All new – Lilly Pilly Café – Opening Monday 2 April 10am. Looking for a place to get together with friends over coffee? Want to satisfy your sweet tooth with a delectable slice, cake or dessert? Looking for a light option for lunch? Visit our all new café open 10am daily. Featuring: • Hot & Cold Beverages • Home made desserts, cakes and slices • Extensive snack menu freshly prepared daily

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.

PLUS a special opening offer! Purchase a coffee from the Lilly Pilly Café between Monday 2 April and Saturday 14 April and go into the draw to win a coffee machine and hamper. Authorised under NSW Permit Number TLPM/11/00418.

121 Wingham Rd, Taree t 6539 4000 w www.clubtaree.com.au *Opening times vary.

Bowers Café & Gallery is proud to present an exhibition of realistic watercolour paintings by Isabel Pringle.

Chef Kevin Williams.

461 Kolodong Rd, Taree t 6550 1230 open 9am – 5pm, 7 Days. Closed public holidays.

manning-great lakes focus 21

eat. Now open Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.

Beach Bums

Bean Bar

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!

Open 7 days a week for breakfast and lunch, with an exclusive café menu, and à la carte dinner 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.

Located at the corner of North & Beach Streets, Forster Main Beach. t 6555 2840 w beachbumscafe.com.au

1 Pulteney St, Taree, set on the Manning River t 6550 0022 open 7 Days breakfast and lunch and dinner Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Current Opening times - 6.30am - 5.00pm - 7 days a week (weather permitting)

Raw Sugar Café

Coffee Grind

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. Come in and enjoy the five star experience today. Open for breakfast at 7.30am, lunch from 11.30am and afternoon tea until 4pm.

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’.

Freshest local ingredients.

214 Victoria Street, Taree t 6550 0137 open 7.30am to 4pm 7 days a week.

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Head Chef John Barriball.

Owners Cara and Matt.

59 Wharf Street Forster t 6557 5155 open 7 days. From 8am.

eat.

Harrigan’s Irish Pub

i-Dragon Chinese Cuisine

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.

Ginger ... garlic: consume as a delicacy, medicine and spice. These are the major ingredients of Chinese cooking. At i-Dragon Chinese Cuisine, you can easily find garlic and ginger in our dishes. It can be used with our seafood, beef, lamb or chicken dishes. Our top of the line, special dish is sliced duck with ginger and shallots. We use boneless duckling stir fry with fresh ginger and shallot ... great with a bowl of steamed rice and a cup of jasmine tea on the side. Head Chef Dale Phillips.

Harrington Waters, Josephine Blvd, Harrington t 6556 0555

We are open Good Friday and Easter weekend.

Owner Jenny and her kids.

Shop 1/10 Head Street, Forster t 6555 2092

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

open Tuesday to Sunday (B.Y.O). Lunch 12pm to 2.30pm Dinner from 5pm.

Tuncurry Bowling Club

3 Nippers Restaurant

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.

Our menu is a fusion of local produce, modern cooking techniques and cultural influences, with the new seasonal summer menu just released. Now open for breakfast on the deck from 8 -11.30am (closed for Sunday lunch and dinner). So call today and book a table to avoid disappointment; the team at 3 Nippers Restaurant look forward to seeing you soon

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

Chef Ian Robinson.

Inside Australis Diamond, Beach Resort and Spa t 6557 3871 Closed Monday. Open Tuesday - Saturday for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner and open Sunday for breakfast only. manning-great lakes focus 23

eat.

focusinterview.

Bean Bar Café Restaurant

The Belle Bistro 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 new lobster special which is available every tuesday for lunch (Half - $20.00/ Full - $28.00) or everyday lunch steak special for just $9.50. 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.

CHEF JOH N BA R R I BA L L

Our friendly team.

Manning Street, Tuncurry t 6554 6577 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.

Thai prawn salad.

Scampis Seafood Bar & Grill Have you been to Scampis yet? Why not pop down on a Sunday afternoon and enjoy a drink with friends and family whislt listening to live music and enjoying the wonderful ocean views. Don’t forget to try one of our fabulous cocktails form our new cocktail list!! • Daily board specials • Bar facilities • Takeaway available • Indoor/outdoor dining Bookings requested for dinner time and during the holiday period.

40 William Street, Port Macquarie t 6583 7200 open 7 Days.

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ow long have you lived in the Manning-Great Lakes, and how long have you worked in the industry? I have over 30 years’ experience in the industry, including 20 years with the Royal Australian Navy, and I was posted to Government House for five years as chef for visiting dignitaries, including the Queen and President Bush. Who inspired your love for food? I have always been a foodie … Is there anyone past or present who stands out as a major influence for your food? Chef Helmut Scheufler, whom I worked with at Government house for five years. We were always creating something different for state dinners. Where do you draw your inspiration from for the restaurant? I can draw it from any chef/person who is willing to give knowledge and experience to create the next perfect recipe. What can people expect from your establishment when they come to dine? A great, modern, relaxing atmosphere, friendly staff and service, with great tasting, fresh food. How important is local produce to you as a business and chef? Local produce is a must, wherever possible. What are your plans for the future? To travel around Australia and enjoy the great cafés and restaurants. Finish this sentence: come for the food; stay for the ... Great relaxed dining for breakfast, lunch OR dinner, superb coffee and also the excellent fully licensed bar facilities. More on the Bean Bar ... The Bean Bar in Taree was purchased 2 years ago by Tony Deaves, who together with Ray Gibson, recognised the enormous potential in the existing café for both its location and extended trading possibilities, as a unique 7 day a week café for breakfast and lunch as well as a new night time dining experience for Taree and the Manning Valley. The Bean Bar is located at the bottom of

Owners Mark and Jackie Holt

ding, Pulteney Street in the Old RSL Club Building, nd across from Taree City Council buildings and facing onto the park and the Manning River, with glass window views, as well as a patio/ deck for alfresco dining. The Bean Bar has, in the last 12 months, expanded internally, as well having completed the construction of a larger alfresco deck, out over Queen Elizabeth Park, with the best views in Taree up and down the Manning River. Tony and Ray previously had a café/ restaurant in Old Bar for three years, after relocating to the area from Sydney some nine years ago, and they continue to live in Old Bar. Tony and Ray are very fortunate to have secured the services of a highly qualified Executive Chef John Barriball, and now also the assistance of not one, but two, excellent apprentice chefs. John uses influences from countries such as Morocco, Spain, France, Cajun Style, Australia, Italy, Germany etc in the range of Tapas plates currently available. There is also a small range of full à la carte meals available. Local produce is utilised wherever possible in all aspects of the menus. As John says, come for the food, stay for the ambience, relaxation, friendly service and staff, as well as the view. Enjoy the fully licensed bar, open 7 days per week as well. The Bean Bar has also two apprentice chefs. Elliott Dunn is originally from Broken Hill, but has relocated to Taree with his wife and young son. Elliott has immediately adapted to his position and is excited to be able to work with a group of people who are giving him extensive training both in the new night time dinner experience, as well the extensive day time breakfast and lunch menus. More recently, a second apprentice chef, Jordon Norwood, originally from Dubbo in NSW, has joined and is proving himself as part of the team. The rest of the team at the Bean Bar are very cohesive and have a great pride in the business. Currently the total staff is 12 and growing; the business continues to expand with the new Saturday night menus and also the many functions, which are now being booked ahead of time.

ffocussocial.

social scene.

with Donna Carrier from Bent on Food.

International Women’s Day 2012

Christine Calabria JennyArtisans Edmunds and Retreat Lauren Charlton from The Westport Club at Ladies in Red.

Michael Pascoe Grahame Nash and Steve Attkins

Trying chocolate mousse at Artisans Retreat

I’ve just returned from Vietnam with a group of clients cooking up a storm and eating our way around this beautiful country. In partnership with Travelworld Taree, Bent on Food hosted a culinary tour, taking in markets and villages and some of the country’s more authentic cooking schools. I learnt a thing or two, and you may see a Vietnamese ‘bent’ on the menu some time soon. e recently held one of our Expo from 24 to 26 February with some great popular cheesemaking demonstrations all weekend, including glass workshops, and I am blowing, silk painting, wood turning, jewellery pleased to announce that making, ironwork, cooking, hebel sculpture we may have set a record and guitar making. It seemed like thousands for the world’s youngest of people came through over the weekend cheesemaker. Baby Caitlyn Grainger donned the to see these artisans at work or to purchase red cap to assist her mum Megan with some equipment for their crafts. cheesemaking. Many of the visitors came from afar and She was so well behaved all weekend and spent money in our region, so thanks to Peter maybe a little spoilt, as cheesemaking can be a and Christine for organising a wonderful waiting game, so what better way to spend our event. Warren Targett, the Luthier, was down time than holding an adorable baby opposite my stand, and it was and eating lots of cheese ... you must fabulous to hear him strum a taste your food, they say! I am tune or two on his very own quite proud of my goat’s cheese guitar. Warren has just treat held Re s an is rt A and love the satisfaction you moved to the area, so isans their annual Art 26 get from making your own you may just get to to 24 Expo from e m so cheese; not only is the hear him play soon ith w ry ua Febr tions all proof in the pudding, in at a venue near you; great demonstraing glass weekend, includ inting, this case the cheese ... it is we will keep you blowing, silk pa ellery a therapeutic way to spend posted on that one. w wood turning, je cooking, k, a weekend! Back to basics, James and Brad were or making, ironw and guitar e ur pt ul with the added comfort of in charge of the kitchen sc hebel g. in ak m airconditioning. and provided yummy Manning Valley Business cupcakes. Chamber held an informative business The Zone Swimming Carnival forum with guest speaker Michael Pascoe, was held recently in Wingham, with who spoke about the Australian economy and lots of parents dropping by for a meal or to do gave us all some hope for the future. Michael some shopping. Many schools are represented at is an entertaining speaker with expertise in the Zone Carnival and it is quite an important day all things financial; he is also a well-known for the children and their parents, who get very journalist. Local business advisor, Grahame Nash excited on the sideline. I always wonder how the from Nash Solutions, spoke about local retail children who normally swim in a 25 metre pool conditions and challenges. Nash Solutions, North can make it to the end without thinking that they Coast TAFE and Taree Community College were have forgotten to turn around? all valued sponsors of the event. I was fortunate to speak at an International Other speakers included Ann Edmonds of Taree Women’s Day function organised by Great Lakes TAFE and Sally Holt of Taree Community College, Council this year and share the limelight with 2 along with Gabi Barlow and Heather Hands, who other inspirational speakers. Donna Muscardin discussed training and traineeships. was the first authorised nurse practitioner in Artisans Retreat held their annual Artisans Australia in sexual health.

Maddie Aiken swimming carnival International Women’s Day “I Am Woman”

Donna shared her great passion for life despite its ups and downs and told us all why she rides her bicycle without hands; it’s all about balance! Donna gave the ladies many tips on living a full and healthy life and even had us all up singing We are Woman. Anne Maxwell is the social worker at Heartfelt Health and Healing in Tuncurry, and she explored personality with a mental health focus in a wonderful presentation What Shoe Fits. I spoke about my business, how I maintain an enthusiasm for work, throwing in a few home truths about how I came to be where I am and talked about a healthy work/life balance. It was wonderful to see around 75 ladies, including many young ladies from the local high schools in attendance. Mayor Jan McWilliams, Councillor Linda Gill and Councillor Leigh Vaughan were all there, and it is fantastic to see so many female Councillors on the Great Lakes Council. Go girls! I am looking forward to 29 April where Blake Noble and his band will play in our newly paved backyard at Bent on Food for a charity day to raise funds for Plates for Mates. I heard him play at Akoostik, and he is fantastic! 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

focusinterview.

Fairtrade Australia & New Zealand (Fairtrade ANZ) tell us that if we purchase Fairtrade Certified products this Easter, we’ll be helping to create a better future for farmers, their families and communities in developing countries ... as a consumer, by buying Fairtrade Certified products we can contribute to greater equity in international trade.

Kuapa Kokoo, Ghana - Cocoa

fairtrade

“

In turn, this leads to sustainable development and stable prices, enabling farmers to develop their businesses and improve communities, while investing in everyday needs such as healthcare and education. Fairtrade ANZ’s Operations Manager in Australia, Craig Chester, speaks to Karen Farrell about Fairtrade.

our work in trying to tackle poverty through Fairtrade is not restricted to just chocolate production – it also extends to coffee, cotton, sugar and tea. Please provide us with an overview of how Fairtrade Certification works? Fairtrade is about better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world. By requiring companies to pay sustainable prices, Fairtrade addresses the injustices of conventional trade, which traditionally discriminates against the poorest, weakest producers. It enables them to improve their position and have more control over their lives. Fairtrade provides farmers and producers in developing countries with a fair price (the Fairtrade Price) for their produce, helping protect them from damaging fluctuations in world market prices. They also receive an additional sum of money (the Fairtrade Premium) for investment in social, economic and environmental development in their community, such as educational and medical facilities. Every time you choose a product carrying the FAIRTRADE Mark, you are making the choice to give a fair go to farmers, workers and their communities in some of the world’s poorest countries. With Easter fast approaching, people will be eager to buy chocolates for their

26 manning-great lakes focus.

Photo by Kennet Havgaard.

children, family and friends; although, there are some sad realities behind chocolate manufacturing. Tell us about these realities. Fairtrade Certification remains one of the best ways of tackling the serious issues of exploitative labour practices and the worst forms of child labour, which fundamentally stem from the endemic poverty faced by West African cocoa farmers and exacerbated by unjust terms of trade, conflict and extreme weather conditions, triggering forced migration. This is the reality that those on cocoa farms in Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) and Ghana have to deal with on a daily basis. Fairtrade prohibits child labour as defined by the International Labour Organization (ILO), minimum age and the worst forms of child labour conventions and is committed to fighting the root causes of child labour and proactively preventing abuse and exploitation of children. We are working with Fairtrade producer communities to support a community based, child sensitive approach to identifying, remediating and preventing child labour. We are also supporting them to form partnerships with child rights NGOs, so that boys and girls in producer communities are agents of change and can help build more protective environments. Your organisation works with farmers in developing countries. What is the general nature of this work, and how does it benefit the local community? Today, more than six million people – farmers, producers, workers and their families – across 63 countries benefit from the unique, independent Fairtrade Certification system. Fairtrade ANZ has its own Producer Support and Relations (PSR) team, who facilitate training in local languages and provide guidance on Fairtrade Certification requirements – helping farmers to gain access to new markets, facilitating relationships with buyers, liaising with support agencies and promoting the development of a regional

Fairtrade network In the Pacific in particular. Fairtrade ANZ has engaged in the task of increasing the number of Fairtrade farmers based in the Pacific and the number of Fairtrade Certified™ products coming from the region to our supermarkets. One specific example of how Fairtrade is benefitting a local community in the region is at the Adelberts cooperative in Papua New Guinea, which received Fairtrade Certification in 2010. In the first half of 2011, it began to sell its Fairtrade Certified cocoa to Monpi Cocoa Exports Limited of Madang. This partnership has provided Adelberts with access to the Fairtrade market. Members and their families now look forward to the economic security and opportunities for development provided by access to global markets through the Fairtrade System. Through the Fairtrade Premium they will receive, Adelberts is looking to invest in a local school and contribute to local road construction projects. What could people consider when purchasing chocolate this Easter ... Poverty is widespread amongst cocoa growers around the world, who face an uncertain future due to unstable world prices. In recent years, volatile prices worldwide have left many disadvantaged producers struggling to support themselves and their families. By choosing Fairtrade Certified chocolate this Easter, you’re helping create a better and brighter future for farmers, workers and their families through the fair price they receive, as well as additional funds to develop their communities and invest in everyday needs like education and healthcare. What sort of Easter products can people expect to purchase when buying Fairtrade? There are a range of different Easter products available this year from Cadbury, Chocolatier, Cocolo, Divine, Lindsay & Edmunds, Oxfam Shop

and Xocolatl. Go to our website for stockists and to see the full range available – www.fairtrade. com.au Where can people purchase Fairtrade Certified products? Fairtrade Certified products are available from most major and independent supermarkets, as well as online. Check the Easter page on our website for stockists of Easter specific products, and take a look at fairlylocal.com.au to search for Fairtrade Certified products in your area. Just look for the distinctive blue and green FAIRTRADE Mark on packaging. Are Fairtrade Certified products more expensive than standard chocolate products? In some markets, Fairtrade Certified products are the same price or cheaper than similar conventional products. The cost of the raw produce that is shipped, processed, packaged and marketed by others in the chain, represents a very small proportion of the cost that consumers pay. It is quite possible for companies to pay the additional costs of Fairtrade, without it being reflected in the retail price at all. It is also important to compare like with like. We expect to pay more for higher quality products. You will find the price of Fairtrade Certified products is comparable with other similar quality products. If a Fairtrade product is targeted at the higher end of the market, then it is likely to cost a similar price to other high quality products. How can consumers and individuals who are against trade injustice support Fairtrade? The best way you can support Fairtrade is to buy products that carry the FAIRTRADE Certification Mark. By doing this, you help workers and farmers to earn a decent living and secure a better life for themselves. Thanks Craig. Interview by Karen Farrell.

focuseditorial.

SteveAttkins. Ste from Great Lakes Winery

WINE

Anyone for a sticky? Love that term: ‘STICKY’ – a highly technical term used by many Australians when referring to the luscious dessert wines that have a texture not dissimilar to honey ... i.e. sticky! ustralia produces plenty of lovely stickies, which are enjoyed with fruit based desserts ideally, and a personal favourite is when it is matched with a stinky blue cheese (stinky – another technical term!) Stickies are made from a range of grape varieties including Riesling, Semillon, Verdelho, Sauvignon Blanc – the main distinction between stickies is whether the fruit used to make these sweet sensations are ‘late picked’ or ‘botrytis’ affected. Botrytis (also called Noble Rot) is a naturally occurring fungus that occurs as a result of grapes being exposed to a combination of rain and warmth, where the water is drawn from the berries and the effect is berries with increased sugar and acid intensity. This sounds simple enough and very convenient when a vineyard has had the ‘misfortune’ of lousy weather; however, there is a fine line between good rot (noble rot) and bad rot. Too much moisture turns the berries grey and unusable, so the weather conditions need to be ideal with the right amount of moisture ideally during the night and early morning, with a good amount of sun to follow. Many vineyards deliberately introduce the fungus, which allows a more controlled process. Naturally

occurring can be hazardous. Botrytis dessert wines can have a golden hue with an intense orange and honey aroma with mouth filling flavours and an acidic finish. Late picked dessert wines have very similar characteristics to Botrytis dessert wines; however, to achieve the same result, the berries have been left on the vine to shrivel naturally (without any rot), which again leaves intense sugar and acid in the berries with the resultant juice of a thick texture and concentrated flavours. It takes more berries to produce a single bottle of dessert wine, which means a dessert wine is typically more expensive. It will also have a higher alcohol content, so it is for sipping ... not gulping! So ... something else to explore at your next dinner party, or with a delicious stinky blue!

manning-great lakes focus 27

focusgiveaway.

focusinterview.

Focus has two family passes to giveaway to Elmo’s World Tour.

To enter just fill in the blanks below and mail in your entry form. It’s easy!

ELM__’S W__R__D TOUR

stu

Flow Espresso Owner

Name:______________________________________________________________________________________ Phone:_____________________________________________________________________________________ Email:______________________________________________________________________________________

Send your entry to: FOCUS, Sesame Street Competition, 2/42 Wharf Street, Forster NSW 2428. Yes, please send me focus updates by email. Entries close on Friday 20 April 2012 at 1PM. The winning entry will be chosen by the first correct entry chosen in a lucky draw held at 5PM on Friday 20 April 2012 at the Manning-Great Lakes Focus Offices, 2/42 Wharf Street, Forster NSW 2428. Phone (02) 6552 7337. The winners will be contacted by telephone. The prize is valued at $119.60 and is none transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash or exchanged for other shows. Conditions of entry: All entries must be originals and no photocopies or facsimiles will be accepted. Staff and immediate family members of the Creative House Publications P/L are ineligible to enter. NSW PERMIT NUMBER: LTPS/12/01055

28 manning-great lakes focus.

ow long have you been at Flow Espresso, & what inspired you to own your own café? When I first took over Namaste Beach House (a guesthouse that caters to groups of up to 30 people) in 2004, I gained approval to open a café. Many obstacles hindered this goal until mid 2011, when a group of friends and family finally encouraged me to take the leap of faith. The local community have been amazing in their support and have continued to present ideas to help improve all aspects of the business. From this feedback, we now have a kids’ play area, outdoor dining area set amongst the trees and a relaxed chill out lounge room to hide out in. My main inspiration to open a café was to create a local venue that offered a relaxed atmosphere, quality healthy food and barista quality coffee, away from the busy main street. My dream was realised recently with the introduction of live music on Friday nights, a chef inspired Australiana menu, local beer on tap and such an amazing turn out of tourists and locals to enjoy the atmosphere The building here is over 100 years old and has always been a guest holiday house catering to locals & vacationers; as such, it has maintained a charming ambience to embrace a beachside café. Tell us about your background in the hospitality industry. I grew up in a café at Bateau Bay on the Central Coast from a very young age, spending every afternoon and weekend there skateboarding in the carpark and helping my parents when it was busy. After year 12, I gained employment at Jupiters Casino on the Gold Coast in banquets, the show room, the nightclub and then as a croupier on the tables. Since then, I have been employed in some form of tourism or hospitality position, either in Australia or overseas, working bars, cafés and restaurants at ski resorts or surfing towns. Over the last 8 years I have built up Namaste Beach House as a group guesthouse catering to family reunions, surfing/kitesurfing groups and many sporting groups. I then set up KiteMuddies kiteboarding lessons as a small hobby career and found it to be in high demand from city and overseas travellers.

Fortunately, the accommodation and kiteboarding businesses are a great spin off for Flow espresso bar, and they are mutually beneficial to each other. What are some of your favourite items on the menu? We have run the current summer menu for the past 4 months, with some great feedback, but are just about to unleash our autumn/winter menu, which will blow your taste buds. Here’s a teaser from the lunch menu: Flow open lamb burger with oven dried tomatoes, Roquette, Spanish Onion and Danish fetta served with beer battered fries. Or a local favourite from our dinner menu: Dukkah crusted Atlantic Salmon served with roasted chats, baby spinach and seasonal vegetables. What is unique about dining at Flow Espresso? The atmosphere at Flow Espresso Bar is super friendly and relaxed. There are 3 dining areas that feel completely different, yet flow together to create a unique experience. We have a locally brewed beer on tap, and two fully qualified chefs combine their creative talents in our alfresco kitchen right before your eyes. We also work closely with local suppliers from Old Bar to showcase their quality meats, seafood and produce, which locals are already aware of and like to support as well. Coming into winter we plan to continue the Friday night live acoustic music weekly and then have a fortnightly Sunday Session, with a local guitarist performing also. A great way to keep up to date with what is happening is check out www.facebook.com/flowcafe Does Flow Espresso cater for functions and special events? We had a great festive season and catered for a variety of Christmas and work parties. With so much space available, guests are able to stand around the bar and outdoors areas, cozy up on the indoor lounges and then move to their tables for a more formal meal. We get many groups who book Namaste Beach House for the weekend and request a fully catered function as well. As Flow Epresso Bar is only 6 months young, there are many possibilities that have not yet been pursued, but if you have any questions or requests, we would be more than happy to discuss.

focuseditorial.

from Red Sky Catering. Gloucester

The

Intolerance scam.

Louise Oldfield

Going gluten-free seems to be all the rage now ... or at least, the trend is on the rise.

o many people are now gluten free, dairy free, coffee free, nut free, you name it free ... and don’t they want to tell us all about it! Stop! I am not interested in your bowel movements, bad breath or bloating problems. Or the huge list of things you can’t eat but constantly moan about wanting to eat. Gluten free means eliminating any ingredients derived from gluten-containing substances, such as wheat, kamut, spelt, rye and barley. Gluten is a protein composite found in foods

processed from wheat and related grain species. It gives elasticity to dough, helping it to rise and to keep its shape and gives the final product a chewy texture. Shops are now stacked with gluten free food and charging double the price compared to normal food. So many people are needlessly avoiding gluten and spending a small fortune on doing so. Now that to me, is a scam. Gluten does no harm at all to most people. Remembering there is a huge difference between symptoms of wheat intolerance and gluten intolerance, many mistake these to be the same, but

they’re not. You really have to have the correct tests. Doctors are now saying it’s not the gluten as much as the preservatives, colours and enhancers that cause allergies. If you tend to consume a lot of over processed foods, you would be also consuming heaps of additives. Yes, you will feel better cutting out bread and cakes, because you’re not consuming all the harmful additives. Take bread: most contain calcium proprionate (282). This substance causes bloating, gastric upsets and irritability, making people intolerant to some bread. There are a few brands that now state on the packaging ‘No preservative 282’. Again: not gluten, but additives. I know many people whom were gluten free for a long time; they couldn’t handle small amounts of gluten, because their body was not used to it. Like a non drinker having a large glass of wine, it will affect them. 80% of people on a GF diet don’t need to be; by slowly introducing whole meal wheat, without the additives, in small amounts, you will be back eating whatever you like. Remember: look at the product’s ingredients. It’s the additives to become aware of. There are some people who really are sensitive to gluten; those are the coeliacs. These people have had the proper tests to discover their illness. Most people are self-diagnosing or using take home allergy tests, live blood analysis or kinesiology. There is no convincing evidence these tests have any useful role to play in allergy diagnosis. They really don’t work; get a professional to test you. Coeliac disease is diagnosed by taking a biopsy of the intestine or via blood tests and stool examination; these three

tests will give you a clear answer. Coeliac sufferers must be strict in avoiding gluten. Symptoms of gluten intolerance include diarrhoea, constipation and bloating, as well as mouth ulcers, bad skin, joint pain and depression. It can lead to infertility, miscarriages, osteoporosis and bowel cancer. Gluten intolerance certainly exists, but we know that the amount of people who truly have Coeliaclike symptoms is a lot less than the number of people who are cutting it out of their diets. And good old cow’s milk is getting a blasting; it’s natural and we love it, so why buy a soy product? Here’s how soymilk is made ... The industrial processes of making soymilk: washing the beans in alkaline or boiling them in a petroleum-based solvent; bleaching, deodorising and pumping them full of additives; heat-blasting and crushing them into flakes; and then mixing them with water to make ‘milk’. Does this sound healthy to you? Personally, I would not touch that milk or give it to my children. The soybean itself is inedible. Soybeans contain toxins meant to ward off insects that were initially used in Asia to protect the soil. If you were to eat unprocessed soy, it would cause cramping, nausea and can cause more serious health problems. A better substitute to cow’s milk would be goat, rice or almond milk. It all comes down to eating right; anyone who eats way too much bread or is drinking litres of milk daily ... well, of course there will be an effect. Moderation is the key. And take that magnifying glass shopping with you, and read those labels. Coffee and cake time for me.

manning-great lakes focus 29

focuseditorial.

of the

Krater National Youth Week is taking place from 13 - 22 April and encourages young people aged from 12 to 25 to get involved in a myriad of activities, including events and competitions. As part of Youth Week’s festivities on Saturday 14 April, Homebase Youth Service is hosting its King of the Krater event – an annual skate, bike and scooter competition – expected to draw 500 spectators to Tuncurry Skate Park.

ing of the Krater has been running for eight years and draws a crowd of 500 people on the day. Why is this event so popular? King of the Krater is a popular event, as it appeals to the strong subculture of skate/ bike and scooter enthusiasts in the area. We have a lot of talented young people and the event gives them a rare local opportunity to demonstrate their skills and challenge themselves at a competitive level. It does also help that in Tuncurry we have one of the best Skate Parks on the coast. All events associated with Homebase Youth Service are run by young people for young people. What are the benefits of this? It’s simple really – young people know what young people want. It is really important to Homebase Youth Service that young people are provided with real opportunities to have their say about the activities and events they would like to see. The young people involved keep us honest and make sure we don’t lose touch with what’s important to them. The benefit to the young people is the sense of pride and ownership that they take over the events – in my experience, the young people involved really step up to the plate and work tirelessly to ensure their event is a success. Homebase supports the YouthPlus Committee, which meets on a weekly basis to organise activities and events, such as King of the Krater,

30 manning-great lakes focus.

for young people. What sort of skills and experience in event management can people expect to gain? There are basic skills that are worked on at weekly meetings, such as organisation skills, running a meeting, working as a team, planning and communication, that will look great on a resume for someone who hasn’t worked before. As we get closer to events, the training is stepped up a bit to include media skills, promotion, event management, budgeting, running consultations, concept design, first aid etc, but it is more about the experience of doing something positive for the community and proving that young people have a valuable contribution to make. Is there rivalry between skaters, scooter riders and BMX riders? There used to be a lot of rivalry but as the facility has improved at Tuncurry Skate Park, it has ensured there is room for everyone and generally speaking, all users of the park are respectful to each other. However, I am sure on any given day a skater, BMX rider or scooter rider will be more that happy to tell you why their chosen sport is better than any other ... In what ways do you consider Tuncurry Skate Park to be a positive resource for young people in the community ... Since it opened in 2005, young people have really taken ownership of the Skate Park. There is a real sense of community amongst the users of the Skate Park, and on any given day you will see young people down there aged from as young as 7 up to 24. The older skaters take the younger ones under their wings and are only too happy to show them a couple of ‘tricks’. It is also a credit to local Graffitti Buster, Ted Bickford, who acts as a mentor to the young people who use the park, to ensure the facilities are always kept in the best condition possible. Tell us about the King of the Krater competition categories ... Categories are yet to be finalised, as we are holding a consultation at the Skate Park on Sunday 25 March to discuss with skaters and get their input into how they want their competition to run. The first thoughts at this stage but yet to be confirmed are: 1. 12 years and under

The older skaters take the younger ones gs under their win and are only too happy to show f c uple o them a co ‘tricks’.

2. 17 years and under 3. Open category How does the open category work? The open category is an opportunity for experienced riders from outside the area to come and be involved in the competition. The open category is for any one of any age who wants to step up to challenge for the ultimate ‘King of the Krater’ title. For the first time, King of the Krater will be offering prize money for the winners of the open category, which we are hoping will draw experienced skaters from days gone past to come out of the woodwork. Who is judging the competition this year? The judges for the competition are decided by the young people. This year, judging will be done a bit differently, with separate judges for Skate/Scooter and BMX sections. This is based on feedback from last year, that you really need to have judges who know what they are looking at making the calls. What other activities can people expect to enjoy on the day? The focus on the day will be on the competition; however, all funds raised will be donated to Westpac Rescue Helicopter, who will be providing an affordable BBQ and drinks for all to enjoy. As per previous years, we will be having a young DJ or band play at the event to keep the spectators entertained between heats. How can people register to enter King of the Krater? Registrations will open from 9am on the day, or preregistration can be done at Homebase Youth Service from 1 April between 9am and 1pm. Thanks Corinne. Interview by Karen Farrell.

The Plug! Date Saturday 14 April. Time 10am - 4pm. Where Tuncurry Skate Park. To find out more contact Corrine Stevenson, Youth Service Coordinator, Homebase Youth Service. Phone: (02) 6555 5622.

focusinterview.

Look what’s new at the Zoo! Billabong Zoo is delighted to welcome their first Snow Leopard into their state of the art exhibit. Be one of the first to be amazed by this beautiful and mystical big cat – one of the most endangered on the planet. The estimated numbers of the Snow Leopard in the wild are below 4,000, and there are only 5 zoos in Australia that have them. CREATURE FEATURE If VIP treatment and a private animal experience is more your thing, then our Creature Feature is a must! We have various experiences available, including holding a snake, bottle feeding one of our zoo babies, feeding our endangered spotted-tailed quolls or a koala experience you’ll never forget. Creature Features can be purchased at our kiosk and bookings are essential – why not book in advance, to be sure you don’t miss out? GET CLOSER THAN YOU THINK Our daily keeper talks allow you to get hands on with some of our unique wildlife. Hands-on presentations happen throughout the day and feature our koalas, dingoes, snakes and crocodile. Other keeper talks allow you to learn about our endangered park residents, such as our Black Handed Spider Monkeys, Spotted-tailed Quolls, Cassowaries and Snow Leopard. AND IF THE MUNCHIES STRIKE A visit to our zoo café is a must, with yummy home-made desserts, fresh ground coffee, scrumptious sandwiches, wraps and burgers, decadent ice chocolates and many other tempting treats.

Bootleg Beatles tribute band Formed from the West End cast of the Broadway musical Beatlemania, The Bootleg Beatles' career

began at a now long forgotten students’ bash in Tiverton, Devon, UK in 1980 – almost ten years to the day since Paul McCartney announced the originals had split. The band’s calendar slowly filled, with a mix of all-night college balls and tough tours of the Working Men's Clubs of the North of England and Scotland – The Bootleg's Hamburg. Since this time, The Bootleg Beatles have played the main stage at Glastonbury, supported Oasis, performed on the Graham Norton show and performed for the Queen in the palace. Now, they are bringing their amazing multi-media production to Australia! 'Mind-boggling accuracy' – The Mail. 'Fastidiously Authentic' – Daily Telegraph. 'I enjoyed their act enormously' – George Martin, The Beatles' Producer.

manning-great lakes focus 31

Great Lakes Children’s Centre. At Great Lakes Children’s Centre, we’ve been upgrading our building and playground facilities. We have also been busily improving our resources by training our educators, to ensure we provide young children with opportunities to develop as confident, independent and resourceful learners. Our learning areas are spacious and filled with natural light. Children enjoy being able to view the outside world while sitting inside. The playground has deep shade in summer and warm, sunny areas in winter. The children are provided with many opportunities for active thinking and are encouraged to develop awareness, empathy and concern as individuals and as members of a group. Great Lakes Children’s Centre prides itself on its excellent facilities, including having laptops available in all rooms plus a smartboard. “Children’s curiosity and individual learning

32 manning-great lakes focus.

styles shape the learning journeys we share and plan. Sharing ideas and planning with children and their families encourages partnerships that support individual and group learning.” Glenyss Gaffney, Diploma of Teaching Early Childhood. “It takes a lot of communication to make it work. Small group sizes provide an opportunity for children to emerge confidently. I enjoy having time in the afternoon to share the children’s daily experiences with parents. It’s also great later in the afternoon, when we join the age groups together to play and communicate.” Jess Bestwick (Diploma Children’s Services). “Our Transition to School Program focuses on self help skills, communication, numeracy and literacy. The children’s learning is encouraged by scaffolding their skills. We adapt the pace of learning and adapt our teaching styles so that children experience success.” Nycolle Clayton, Bachelor of Education Birth to Five Years.

focusfishing.

with Tony Elkins from Forster Estuary Charters

Improve posture. Reduce stress on joints. Stimulate your metabolism.

tony elkins

Gone Fishing.

S erb Flathead F hin’

here is some really good fishing in The Flathead will soon be making their way the lake during April. The water back up the rivers later in the month. temperature is still up a bit, and With the school holidays upon us, it is a there certainly is a mixed bag to great opportunity to get out with the kids and be caught of both Flathead and Bream. There have a fish from the bank; there are some are still some nice sized Sand Whiting about, great places to do this around the lake and along with some solid Leather Jackets. The the river systems. Along the Wallamba river at full moon is on 7 April, so about the Darrawank is a favourite spot of mine. The 14th is a good time to venture wharf at the Wallis Lake Fishermens out if you’re interested in Co-op is another great spot, prawning. along with the wharves along The Blue Lip April is normally the foreshore. Around the m are making ea Br to the last month of the pylons of the bridge is a their way backstin , em sy season for chasing great place to target Bream, y ar tu es the prawns. The crabs are and the kids’ play area in with some good catches taken onof still moving about, and John Wright Park is another the western si.de the full moon is also great spot. Wallis Island a good time to target When you are fishing with Mud Crabs. Blue Swimmer the kids, circle hooks are a good Crabs are active coinciding choice, with the fish being caught in with the prawns, so about the 14th the lip rather than swallowing the hook. of the month. This method increases survival rates of fish Bream: that are released. I am a fan of cooked prawn The Blue Lip Bream are making their way for bait, however, Mullet or squid make great back into the estuary system, with some good bait for children, as they stay on the hook catches taken on the western side of Wallis better. Island. I had one taken last week in that area March saw a large number of Mulloway sitting at about 1.5 kilos. It is reported that in taken from the breakwall, and I can’t see order for a Bream to get to 1 kilo in weight, April being any different. The best time to the fish is 25 years old, so fish of this size target Mulloway is on or around the full raise the question of catch and release. I am moon on a runout tide. I would use live Slimy of the opinion if you are going to consume Mackerel, Yellow Tail, Yakka or Pike for bait. it pretty much straight away, then it is OK to Octopus also makes a great bait and gives a keep. good opportunity of a by catch of the Blue Flathead: Lip Bream, as the make their way into the At the moment, Flathead are about on estuary. Fish well and travel safe. the sand flats, and there seem to be an Tony Elkins, abundance of them that are just on the legal Forster Estuary Charters size of 36 cm. We need to remember that we www.forsterestuarycharters.com have two limits when it comes to the humble www.facebook.com/forster-estuaryFlathead: 36 cm for the Dusky Flathead and charters/Forster-Estuary-Charters/ 33 cm for all others. The Dusky Flathead is 0427 431 131. easily recognised by a distinct spot on his tail.

MBT now at Manning’s MBTs are unlike any shoe you’ve ever worn. The patented curved sole improves your gait and posture and relieves stress on knees, hips and back.

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Great Health Great Lakes. Regular physical activity reduces the risk of many chronic diseases and also helps improve mood and quality of life. Walking is the most popular and accessible form of physical activity, as it is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, has a low risk of injury, can be done just about anywhere and is free.

Walking groups talk allow people to k al while they w ay and are a great wt to ge to le for peop know their local d an neighbourhood ... rs neighbou

Walking groups allow people to talk while they walk and are a great way for people to get to know their local neighbourhood and neighbours. To this end, the Great Health Great Lakes project is pleased to announce that it will be initiating more Heart Foundation Walking Groups in the Great Lakes over the next few months.

34 manning-great lakes focus.

Go to www.greathealth. org.au to join an existing Walking Group or to register your interest in forming a new Walking Group in your area. Alternatively, call Rick Naylor on 0418 378 882 for more information about how you can get involved. The first 10 people to join and participate in one of our Heart Foundation Walking Groups in the Great Lakes will be provided with a pedometer valued at $50.

APRIL 2012

WITH TERRI

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A holiday will soon settle some restlessness within. Visit a travel agent or look at some travel brochures to awaken the adventurous you. A fresh new perspective will be gained, which will reflect positively back on your life. Expect some new friendships too. Carnelian helps us take active steps towards change.

Focus on your most important challenge at this time in order to achieve your hard earned sucess. You are too easily distracted at present, which is causing frustration. Be a little more aware of your thoughts, and eliminate negativity, self doubt and fear. Turquoise and Rose Quartz will enhance your loving charisma.

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

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C A P R I C O R N.

APR 21 - MAY 21

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Even though your challenges may seem overwhelming, look at the new you that you’re expressing to the world. You are a very strong person, so congratulations on owning your own power. Try a little fresh goal setting; this will ease your restlessness. Tourmaline amplifies your inner peace, playful inner child energy and settles restlessness.

GEMINI. MAY 22 - JUN 22

You are in desperate need of some personal time. You make everyone else a priority, but neglect your own personal needs. Set some new goals and try to remain positive. You have such a gift of manifesting; just play with it. Tiger Eye helps to maintain a sense of balance and direction.

Your focus will be clearer after you have set some new goals or direction. Get that clever Virgo mind active and satisfy your intellect. An exciting new opportunity is out there through learning something different, so look for that perfect course or read an imformative book. Azeztulite allows us to explore alternate realities comfortably.

Begin something new. Soon, work opportunities will keep you busy, fill your being with satisfaction and complete you. However, your enthusiasm needs to be strong when the project begins, so now is the time to feed it. Rhodonite helps us to discover new talents in the workplace.

LIBRA.

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SEPT 24 - OCT 23

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

CANCER.

S C O R P I O.

P I S C E S.

OCT 24 - NOV 22

FEB 20 - MAR 20

Remove all self-doubt. You already know what your challenges outcome will be. You even have your answers for getting there quicker. Find out what it is that renders you powerless, so that you can not be played with. Snowflake Obsidian is wonderful for shattering negative thoughts.

Natural spray tans are tailored to suit, with 2 hour and 8 hour development time options … The Brazilian Queen owns its own range of body products, to keep you looking great at excellent prices. You can personalise a product by adding one of the many scents on offer – completely free of charge – or create an individual fragrance as the perfect gift for someone special. All treatments, including waxing, tanning and grooming, are also available to men. We are as individual as you at the Brazilian Queen – come in today to be pampered by professionals.

Y may be You b feeling a little uprooted or unsettled lately. A new move or the discussion of moving is likely to be on the agenda. Avoid rash decisions; wait for what feels right, and you will have no regret. New friends are coming into the picture.

JUN 23 - JUL 23 JU

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

Staff at Brazilian Queen are highly experienced and efficient and specialise in Brazilian waxing, plus all other forms of waxing. A resident eyebrow artist is also available to tame wayward eyebrows into a beautiful facial feature. Eyes can also be immediately glamourised, with fabulous and luxurious eyelash extensions.

An ending of a situation is bringing an exciting new influence into the picture. Your task at the moment is to understand your place in the scheme of things. Don’t compromise your standards to soothe your fears. Keep in touch with what makes your heart sing. Rose Quartz attracts us towards loving experiences. manning-great lakes focus 35

focustechnology. with Cameron Illingworth from Harvey Norman

focusbusiness.

Nokia’s move into Windows Phone.

TECH

sharon fowle.

f there are old fans of Nokia phones era on the Lumia is an 8 mp with Carl Zeiss out there, you’ll understand why the optics. It shoots High Definition video at 30 following is a reason to get excited fps (frames per second), so it’s good enough again. Why did we love Nokia? quality to capture good footage without Innovative design, phones you could drop your video camera from home. regularly over 2 to 3 years and still have The unit also has a GPS built in and ships them work and a simplicity of operawith Nokia world maps, for navigation in tion that make all other handset (phone) any country, and although I haven’t tested manufacturers jealous. The problem they this yet, when I fired it up at work, the had is the operating system they were using interface looked good. (Symbian Nokia) had no real integration Finally, we come to the main feature. I features, making moving things to and from at home use 5 Windows based PCs, mostly the phone quite a difficult process. Windows 7. This now means my phone Enter 2012, and Nokia is back with a experience and my home experience merge partnership which should see them go into one another seamlessly, without the on to bigger and better things. need to run manufacturers’ They have let go of the ropes software. I can transfer files on their own operating from my computers to system, to make way for my phone like I would Enter 2012, and Windows Mobile. an external hard drive. , with Nokia is backw The new Nokia Lumia All of my office Word, hich a partnership em N800 uses the new Excel and Powerpoint th should see and er gg bi to Microsoft Windows documents are now go on . gs in th r tte be Mobile 7.5, and it’s a guaranteed to open in breath of fresh air. I have my phone, and I can use switched to the new Nokia ringtones and MP3 files I to give it a go, having previcreate myself from my own ously been an iPhone user, and so songs on Windows. Compatibility far I like what I see. is for me the key, and the N800 fits this bill So what makes this such a nice phone to nicely. use, you ask? Well, for starters, the screen For us here using Telstra in Taree and on it is a 3.7” AMOLED (active-matrix Forster, look out for the Lumia N800 Telstra organic light-emitting diode). AMOLED variant, which runs on the 850 mhz bandgives a bright, crisp view while using very width for better compatibility. The Nokia little battery life. The screen size is a little Lumia N800 is available in stores now, with bigger than the iPhone, but not overly big a RRP of $698. Optus also have these on like the Galaxy S2, meaning it fits nicely in a $49/month plan with a $4 handset fee. the hand. This is topped with hard wearing Keep your eye on Nokia this year; it could gorilla glass, to protect the screen. The cam- make for some interesting reading. CI.

t’s confirmed: the Great Lakes • Excellence in Tourism Business Awards gala presentation • Excellence in Community or Social event will be on Friday 19 October Enterprise 2012. Now there can be no excuse • Excellence in Marketing for not being prepared! The official launch • Excellence in Primary Industries will be in May. • Excellence in Customer Service This year we have planned • Excellence in Vocational Educaan open forum, where you tion will have the opportu• Excellence in EnvironThis year we nity to put questions to mental Sustainability an d have planne here w a panel on applying for , • Excellence in Training m ru fo open e the awards. The panel & Development you will have thput opportunity topanel will consist of previous • Best New Business questions to a r the winners and judges. The • Employee of the Year on applying fo forum will take place on So start a new file – awards. Wednesday 4 April, from hard or soft, and put on 7am to 8.30am. You will also your thinking caps. Collect have an opportunity to network those achievements and signifiwith other Chamber members while you cant experiences, and illustrate why your are there. Cost is $25 for members, $30 business is the best in its field. After all ... for non-members and includes breakfast. you must be doing something right! Please RSVP before Friday 30 March if you would like to attend. Join the Chamber As an incentive, we are offering a $10 For details about joining the Chamber discount off the price of your Awards Gala or receiving our newsletter, please Dinner Tickets if you attend this breakfast email us at: event. We expect the categories to be similar to last year, and they were: • Business of the Year – the Overall Winner! • Significant Contribution to Local Business

2011 Business of the Year Winner - Free Spirit Cruises 36 manning-great lakes focus.

info@ftchamber.com.au 0499 779 972 www.ftchamber.com.au

focusinterview.

The future of the Hastings and Manning Valley regions has taken a giant leap forward, with the opening of the new Charles Sturt University campus in Grant Street, Port Macquarie. Dr Muyesser Durur is the newCampus Director, a dynamic leader who’s equally passionate about education and sustainable regional development ...

lease tell us a bit about your background ... I was born and raised in Turkey in a region, and indeed in a culture, where education was not something to be taken for granted. As one of the two girls in a large family, I was not considered worthy of education. So at a very young age, I found myself standing at a crossroads – literally. I could take my basket of fruit to my place by the side of the road, where I would sell to passing trade, as my father wished, or I could take the lane to the local school and learn. I chose the path towards education and a path I have chosen again and again throughout my life. My father was incensed when he discovered my choice. In retrospect, I can understand and appreciate his perspective. We lived in a poor community. Educating a child who was already productive in a menial role didn’t make sense. And yet ... how happy am I that I made the choice to learn. Another crossroads came when I knew I had to leave Turkey if I wanted to engage with the wider world. I went to Germany and was fortunate to find a position with Seimens, which offered excellent learning opportunities. My time in Siemens provided me with a very solid foundation in work ethics and discipline. The next choice was to come to Australia, and upon migrating here, I found I needed to reinvent myself again. I was a metallurgist, and women weren’t accepted in this field; and in addition, my qualifications weren’t recognised. At this crossroads, I chose to attend evening classes at TAFE in Sydney and then went on to further studies. I started my work in Higher Education at the University of New England in the ‘90s as the Head of Equity and Diversity and studied parttime for my Masters in Business Administration at the university while I was working. I moved to the North Coast as the Director of People and Organisational Development and Regional HR Services for the schools and TAFE. During this time, I completed my PhD. With every new period of learning, new opportunities presented themselves. In 2008, I was approached for a position at La Trobe University in Melbourne. While at La Trobe, I had the opportunity to travel to Harvard University in Boston to study business strategy and competitive sustainability.

When I look back at the narrative of my life, I see myself at so many different crossroads. My choices always lead me towards learning and good choices, I think. However, my education was equally, if not more, the result of good fortune. It was by chance that I met the teacher, all those years ago in Turkey, who basically smuggled me into the classroom without my father knowing. Choice is only possible when opportunities and supportive people are present. to This journey has Our ambition is ial nt ta bs su a p lo undoubtedly shaped my deve s university campu perspective and values ith w e et pl m co around education. es, residential servics, ie lit ci When people in the Port fa g to what the community tin or sp and Macquarie-Hastings/ social activities urse indicates it wants, and I’ve a full range of co Manning Valley regions discovered a lot of interest offerings ... stand at a crossroads, quality in these particular fields. higher education in areas of We will always try to respond interest should be accessible. The to community needs based on immediate benefits for the individual feedback we receive, to build our are clear, but I strongly believe a local university capacity to deliver. campus will have a profoundly beneficial effect How are you obtaining this feedback? Is on the businesses and cultural life of the region. there a formal process in place to gather this As Campus Director, my role is to get the information? university campus established and to ensure its Firstly, I live locally, and I spend a lot of time sustainable growth. We will do this by ensuring talking to people. I’m a coffee drinker (laughs), that we connect with the region, by engaging and over a cup of coffee, you can find out many with the local communities, with students, things! People have also been walking onto the businesses and institutions. We hope to help campus here and talking to us. people to recognise the opportunities and take Of course, there are more formal ways of them. integrating the future of the university with the I arrived on 12 February, and I visited the people who live and work here. We are part of campus first thing the next morning. There were the Hastings Education Skills Forum and similar wires and construction everywhere, but the groups in the Manning and Macleay areas set up builders, architects and everyone involved were to discuss the educational needs of the region. marvellous, and we were open for orientation These groups comprise people from within 10 days. government, local business, local schools What courses are being offered on campus and community groups. Similarly, we’re also at the moment? setting up a Regional Consultative Group for Social work represents the largest group of the university. I’ll shortly be calling out for students, then health and rehabilitation science, expressions of interest from people who’d like to creative industries and accounting. The numbers be part of this group. are not large at present, but given the short lead What facilities are offered at the Port time to become established, this is not surprising. Macquarie Campus? It also allows us to be very student-focused and Charles Sturt University operates in a variety to get the fundamentals right before we grow of modes. There is distance education or on any larger. campus study. All students have access to our Are there plans underway to extend this facilities in Grant Street. Face-to-face students course offering next year? attend lectures here, and together with distance Yes. Next year we will be offering Allied Health students can access computers and the internet Sciences and Paramedics. The idea is to respond in the Student Commons, connect with all of the

libraries at Charles Sturt University, book facilities and link to lectures in real time at the other campuses via videoconferencing. The facilities as they exist now are fantastic, but I’m sure you have some major plans to extend these? Our ambition is to develop a substantial university campus complete with student residential services, sporting facilities, social activities and a full range of course offerings. It will be a new hub of intellectual, social and cultural activity. I’m so excited by this dimension of the plan. People will see the physical evidence of the investment being made in the region by Government and CSU. We are in the process of identifying the appropriate location. How do you plan to roll out the major university developments you mentioned? The first stage was to get the campus up and running. We’ve achieved that. Between now and 2017, student numbers will grow to around 300 and course offerings will increase. By the middle of this year, we should have obtained land and started construction on a new university campus. By 2030, we aim to have 5,000 students, which will certainly lift the profile of the region and contribute to economic development. Where can people go to find out more information about the university? We are still in the process of developing the website for our Port Macquarie campus, but people can visit www.csu.edu.au/4me and click on the Port Macquarie link. Prospective students can contact Deanne − our Student Central representative. Her number is 6582 9304. Email enquiries to: ask@csu.edu.au Thanks Dr Durur. Interview by Jo Atkins. manning-great lakes focus 37

etire STYLE

38 manning-great lakes focus.

F O C U S

F E A T U R E

focusfeature.

RETIREINSTYLE

Pla ing retirement

Y O U R

FOCUS conducted an interview with our columnist Alan Tickle, to gauge his thoughts on what is important both in retirement and when planning retirement. ocus: Alan, you are one of the

most experienced planners in the area, so over the past 20 years you would have seen a lot of changes. Alan: I think change and managing change is a challenge for all people and the amount of legislative change that has occurred over that period, particularly around superannuation, age care assessment and Centrelink, is mind blowing. One bonus with the changes is that most retirees don’t need to pay tax on retirement if their affairs are well arranged. Focus: What do you mean by well arranged? Alan: The Senior Australian Tax offset enables a single person to earn $30,685 and a couple $26,680 each before paying tax. What I mean by well arranged is to use tax effective income options to utilise that offset. Focus: What do you consider is the most important thing when planning retirement? Alan: Not to leave planning and consultation too late and plan for retirement living, not just the financial aspects. Retirement is a huge change, and it can also affect relationships with those around you. When retirement is forced through redundancy, there might not be time to accept and work through those issues. Retiring for some can cause a period of grief, where the loss of contact and involvement in what might have been a rewarding career can cause depression. Focus: That’s an interesting observation, and I’m sure that others can identify people who seemed to age quickly and not enjoy retirement. Is there a solution? Alan: It is advisable to at least review pre-retirement financial planning strategies in the early to mid 50s. This will allow some focus on retirement and achievable strategies and also get the mind moving in that direction. When planning retirement in the physical sense, there needs to be something tangible to look forward to doing, that working doesn’t allow. Start getting used to retirement by having a break from work and using some long service

just to get used to the idea. The Government has also introduced a Transition to Retirement option, where a superannuation pension can be commenced to supplement wages income, enabling a wind down through part time employment. Focus: The Transition to Retirement is also a strategy used to reduce tax, isn’t it? Alan: While that might not have been original intent, it can be utilised to reduce tax. Focus: How does that work? Alan: Let us assume that a person is over 55 earning about $70,000 and with $300,000 in superannuation. The transition is about shifting superannuation that accumulates to superannuation that pays a pension. The pension fund pays no tax on fund earnings, and the pension paid can be part or fully tax free with a tax rebate of 15% applying to any taxed pension. If $18,000, as an example, is sacrificed to superannuation, $2,700 is deducted by the superannuation fund as a contribution tax, which is about half of what would be paid if the money was received in the pay packet. If the allocated pension paid a pension of $15,300 pa, there would be the same net result, but with the tax of $2,700 saved as a bonus. Not all superannuation funds allow a preretirement pension, so advice and confirmation is needed. Some people who still have a mortgage might use the transition strategy to accelerate paying the mortgage back. Focus: You earlier mentioned Centrelink benefits. How important is getting a Centrelink pension, and what can be done to increase benefits? Alan: Centrelink is a safety net to enable people to survive, but it is not an automatic right. There are some legitimate means of reducing either assessed assets or assessed income to increase or save what would otherwise have been reduced pension entitlements. Anyone under the age of 65 can place money

into superannuation, which can have advantages in either not being assessed if below pension age, or if funding an allocated or account based pension, sidestepping the income test provision of deemed earnings. What many people don’t realise is that a person under the age of 75 can also access that type of product, to reduce assessed income provided that a contribution rule can be met which can make a difference if the age pension is reduced due to the income test. This can be a pretty smart strategy for those receiving an inheritance after they have retired. There are also rules and strategies around reducing assessed assets. Focus: I know single pensioners who find it pretty tough to manage. Alan: I agree, and where there is a death and a pensioner couple drops Centrelink income by about $190 per week when widowed, it can be quite a struggle. That is why I always suggest devising a strategy around retirement income, that allows for the single assessment criteria, with the aim of ensuring the best outcome when there is the death of one of the couple. That can be considered as part of estate planning. Focus: What is your view on reverse mortgages? Alan: They have a purpose, and I have recommended them when appropriate. The purpose is to allow some access to the equity in the home, rather than struggle and leave it to the estate. Such a loan can sometimes be a better option to selling and downsizing, particularly if it is likely that retirement living or a facility is on the horizon in the next few years. The buy and sell costs can run out to be much more than the interest cost on a loan, and it avoids having to sell twice in a short period. Focus: Many people have shares from floats and demutualisation. Do you have any suggestions regarding those share? Alan: I am not going to advise on those stocks except to say that many are now leading

companies paying very good income. What I will suggest, however, is to make sure that the refund of Franking or Imputation Credits are being claimed. A refund of those credits can be applied for over the phone to the ATO or through a simple two page application. Focus: What do you see as a priority with a young family? Is it too early to think about retirement? Alan: No, but the priorities might be different. A financial plan for them might be more around risk management and family protection. If something goes pear shaped with the health of a family member and the family income or the ability to cover a mortgage becomes the issue, then retirement plans would be lost anyway. Family protection through an insurance strategy would be the advice priority in that instance, with reviews capturing retirement issues as they arise in the future. Focus: What about farmers trying to plan to retire and hand over the farm? That is an area where I do have some specialist training, and planning in that case is very much about agreeing on family expectations and then devising a strategy that can deliver income from other sources, so that there is viability for the farm to continue in the hand over. Focus: Any final thoughts? Yes, if you enjoy work or part-time work, don’t just give it up – particularly if you don’t have a lot of money. A simple way to value income earned is to divide the annual income by the current fixed term rate. If there was $6,500pa earned from casual work, that is the equivalent of having $112,000 invested at today’s bank interest rates. Thank you Alan. 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.

manning-great lakes focus 39

40 manning-great lakes focus focus.

Leading the Change. Eva Phillips with granddaughter and aged-care assistant, Emma Newman. One of the most common questions asked of Uniting Care Ageing’s Paula Vaughan is “Can mum go out?” She’s quick to allay their misconceptions, but perhaps Eva Phillips, 83, Mingaletta aged-care facility’s first resident, best provides the answer. “Really the girls here have a laugh when they see me dressed for an outing and say, ‘You’re not going out again?’” Aged care has evolved in the last ten years in response to the needs of this generation. Uniting Care Ageing is leading that change with their fresh approach to care. Says Paula; “The old model was institutionalised. It was a medical model based on impairment and illness. “(Now) it’s about continuing to enjoy their life – enabling people to still use their gifts. Our care is personalised. Everyone is treated as an individual. “Physically we bring the outside world in.” Mingaletta is made up of a series of households, with residents encouraged to continue to participate in community life.

Onsite facilities like a café, hairdressing salon, gym, computers and library are enjoyed by residents, staff and visitors. The household model is strongly embraced. Wings come with their own kitchen, dining and lounge area, also providing private spaces like a personal dining room for when the family visits for a meal. Paula is facilitator of Uniting Care Ageing’s ‘Inspired Care’ philosophy and sees little things every day that make a big difference to the confidence and dignity of residents. “I watched a carer and a resident working in the garden the other day. The resident was teaching the staff member how to prune the roses. That’s our care in action.“

manning-great lakes focus 41

Retire

S Sunrise Supported Living has expanded rapidly and currently m manages over 400 Supported Living units at 6 village locations a across NSW and Victoria.

STYLE

he Sunrise concept pt is is simple and is the most advanced model of senior living available in Australia: residents purchase and live in their own home with personal choice, dignity, respect and 24/7 nursing care and emergency response. Today at Sunrise Supported Living, we pride ourselves on being the leaders in excellence in nursing within a supported living environment. Our Care Staff are not just employees; they are members of the Sunrise community, with a common goal for the elderly to live with choice of level of care and emotional support within their own home. Our staff offers a

Victoria Carter.

42 manning-great lakes focus.

bro knowledge base and skill set to broad model invites their staff to give this pro provide exceptional care. and much more. I have worked at Here at Sunrise Supported Living, Sunrise Supported Living Tuncurry we encourage participation and for over two years. During this time are continually working towards we have grown and flourished into pro providing choices for lifestyle. Sunrise a strong, well rounded team. Today co communities are designed to cater I have the pleasure of leading that for your needs. The Tuncurry Village, team as the Village Operations loc located in the Mid North Coast/ Manager and contributing to the Gr Great Lakes, boasts supported living lifestyle spacious single, of our residents, and I double and even enjoy inviting guests e is nr Su large 2-bedroom at to visit and allow us e er H , we apartments to showcase our Supported Living ipation encourage particually converted by beautiful village. We and are contin ds using existing proudly received an working towar for s dwellings. You Australia Day Mayoral providing choice lifestyle ... can even become Award for Community involved in the Service 2012. design process, as we Sunrise Supported Living convert to order. looks forward to introducing Nursing has been a part of my life you to your new retirement lifestyle. for many years. I have worked in Victoria Carter, traditional aged care, NSW Hospitals Village Operations Manager. and Agency Nursing. For me, I believe Call 0425 543 520 or (02) 6555 nursing is listening, respecting and 3478 to come and see senior living at caring. The Sunrise Supported Living its finest.

focusfeature.

Retire

RETIREINSTYLE

STYLE

from Coasting Home

Small roast only $8 when you present your Seniors Card (12pm - 2pm).

Susan Baker. Australia has one of the highest life expectancies in the world, and the average retirement length has increased accordingly.

Calling all Local Heroes!

You may therefore need to plan for 20 to 30 years without the financial security of regular employment.

Seniors Month @ Club Taree.

So it’s really important you make the most of your super and other savings in the lead-up to, and during, retirement.

If you are looking for a place to dine this month, consider the Iron Bark Restaurant at Club Taree. We offer a seasonally changing, freshly cooked to order, à la carte menu from 10am daily and as a special for Seniors Month during April, we will once again offer a special on our small roast, with the price reduced to just $8 upon presentation of your Seniors Card between 12pm and 2pm daily. If you are looking for a place to enjoy a coffee with friends or family, our newly opened Lilly Pilly Café features a range of hot and cold beverages, delectable home made desserts, cakes and slices and an extensive snack menu for a light meal option. As the premier entertainment venue in the Manning Valley, we offer a fantastic line up of entertainment, with the Happy Days Relive the Magic tour on Thursday 12 April presenting the best of the ‘50s and ‘60s, with tributes to some of the greatest entertainers of that time. Tickets are just $20, now on sale from reception or phoning (02) 6539 4000. April is Seniors Month at Club Taree.

And it’s never too late to get a clear plan for either growing your retirement savings, to make sure you do have your desired lifestyle in retirement – rather than limiting your lifestyle to fit your superannuation – or if you’re now retired and the hard yards are done, making sure your nest egg is going to provide for you for as long as you might live. Your financial advice starts with you ... We like to get to know you and what’s important to you, so that your advice is designed specifically for you using a mix of financial strategies, risk profiling, asset allocation, product choices and personal and investment disciplines. We use market leading specialist researchers, technical experts and consultants to help us form the foundation of quality analysis and tailored advice. At Susan Baker Financial Planning, we care about helping you grow and protect what you’re working hard to achieve – to help you fulfil your dreams.

At FOCUS we love hearing stories from our seniors. To coincide with the month of April which celebrates ANZAC day and also our annual Seniors living feature, we’re putting the call out to locals to dob in your local heros. It’s the stories of yesteryear; times gone by and tid bits of history that we sometimes forget about - but they are the stories we need to be telling and these local characters have truly helped shaped the way our region has grown over the years. We would love to hear from you if you know of a local who has contributed greatly or perhaps an interesting character who has just moved here to retire. We would love to hear from them and give them a small piece of the spotlight and to ask their opinion for the future editions of FOCUS that we can all enjoy. If you are enjoying your retirement but still actively part of a community group or club in the Manning-Great Lakes region then this is also a great time to get in contact with FOCUS and let us know about your club or cause. We’d love to help promote any upcoming events or reunions you are having. Drop us a line to karen@focusmag.com.au

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rest among the gardens

75% of funerals in our region result in cremation.

The loss of a loved one comes as a shock for many and during this time of loss, families are faced with a myriad of decisions. These decisions can prove difficult and extra stress can be added when trying to honour a love one’s memory, especially if the family member didn’t convey their wishes to family. The team at Manning Great Lakes Memorial Gardens are here to assist people in planning for their final resting place and removing the added stress placed on families when the time comes. The options available for individuals and families at the Memorial Gardens are wide-ranging and flexible. The first choice many people need to make is the option of cremation or burial - once this decision is made a pre-paid certificate can be purchased locking in today’s prices. Many people look at burial as a thing of the past but it still forms an important option for people to consider. One of the deterrents for burial has been the poor maintenance of cemeteries by Council’s and Trusts but the memorial gardens provides perpetual care for all sections of the memorial gardens including the cemetery. If the decision is made to choose cremation there are also various options available for

cremation memorials. These memorials can also be pre-purchased to again ensure family is not faced with the uncertainty of knowing which type of final memorial to choose. The location can be pre-selected and reserved until the time of need. There are no restrictions on time or increases in price from the time of purchase. The team and staff at Manning Great Lakes Memorial Gardens are there to assist people when making any Pre-Purchase decisions and can work with Funeral Directors when looking at a Pre-Paid Funeral Plan. Please call out to Memorial Gardens to discuss any of the options available when making these important planning decisions.

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focusTourism.

Kerry Johnstone from Great Lakes Tourism

Kerry Johnstone

UPDATE For any region, the tourism industry needs to be constantly seeking new and revolutionary ideas to market their area and product. Whether it is through print, radio, TV or web, the possibilities are endless and the magic of finding that one memorable idea that will resonate in the hearts and mind of all possible visitors is everyone’s goal.

estimated benefits of these events, based on Tourism Research Australia numbers will be almost $7 million direct spend into the local economy. Indirect spend in the form of future visitation will be immeasurable. hile the Manning may not While the initial upfront spend is somehave stumbled across their thing to be celebrated, it is only the ‘Where the bloody first step. Ensuring these sports hell are you?’ tourists return, either for fumoment yet, we have ture sporting competitions come up with a strategy In 2011, Greater or as leisure tourists is that will bring guaranTaree City Council engaged Sports paramount. As a comteed visitors and their Marketing Australia to munity, we intend to dollars to the area. undertake a capacity show these competiIn 2011, Greater and capability study of tors and their families Taree City Council our infrastructure and state r that they are welcome. engaged Sports to tender for majo and national sporting We will treat them as Marketing Australia events on Council’s well as if they are guests to undertake a capacbehalf. in our own homes and in ity and capability study doing so, we will secure their of our infrastructure and custom well into the future. to tender for major state and The Veteran Women’s Master State national sporting events on Council’s Hockey Championships will be here in July, behalf. with teams from all over NSW, so let’s roll Tourism Research Australia values a ‘sports out the welcome mat, pop on the kettle and tourist’ at $244 per person per day, which offer them a cuppa as the friendly regional makes it easy to see why high participation town we know we are. sporting events are becoming universally These events are only the beginning of recognised as big business. what will be a minimum 3 year project for In only a few short weeks, Council and Greater Taree and Sports Marketing AusSports Marketing Australia have secured tralia, so while we continue hunting for our six sporting events for the Greater Taree perfect leisure tourist ‘hook line’, let’s make region. These competitions will bring an sure we look after the ones we have and expected total of 8,800 visitors to the area, for an average of 3 days each. The combined keep them coming back and time again.

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focusinterview.

care..

just around THE CORNER

Many people can benefit by enhancing their quality of life, improve life expectancy and receive social benefits from accessing services that help them to live more independently in their own home and remain in the community, rather than prematurely entering a residential care facility.

hey may need help for a short time until they can manage for themselves, on a more permanent basis, or they may have a family member or friend that assists them at home. In most cases, people want to stay in their own home, and the large number of community services available aims to help them do just that. There are many services available to support carers, frail older people, younger people with a disability and people with a chronic or mental illness to remain living in their own homes, such as: • Household chores, such as cleaning, laundry, ironing, shopping and cooking, • Home maintenance and modification – help with maintenance and repair of a person’s house and yard to keep it in a safe and habitable condition • Personal care – help with showering, dressing, personal grooming etc • Support groups – meetings with others facing similar life challenges, medical conditions and mental health issues and finding people who understand exactly what you're going through • Respite – assistance provided to carers to allow them to have a break by providing support workers who replace what the carer normally does for the person they care for; this can be either support in the home or in a purpose built facility • Aids and equipment – loaning, hiring or purchasing of medical aids and equipment to assist a person to maintain their independence • Case management – a planned approach to

service delivery for clients with complex and diverse needs. It represents a coordinated, consistent and individualised approach for the client and their family • Community nursing – provides professional nursing care given by registered and enrolled nurses • Day care centres – a non-residential facility providing activities for elderly and/or people with a disability • Transport assistance – helping people to get to appointments, complete their shopping or banking etc. • Outings and leisure activities – structured activities such as group outings, recreational activities to interact with peers. • Meal services – provision of home delivered meals and other food services. May include assistance with meal preparation • Community Aged Care Packages – a mixture of three or more of the above services that assist someone to live in their own home. As well as many services available to help people remain at home independently, there are graduated levels of residential aged care to meet the needs of those that need a higher level of support or would like to live within an environment that provides social interaction with others their own age. Types of residential care include: Retirement Living Units/Retirement Villages – residential communities that offer a range of services for independent older people and are regulated by state and territory governments. Residential Aged Care respite – short stays in an aged care home to enable a Carer to have a break from their caring role or for someone

who lives alone to have some time out or memory loss – risk reduction, who are carers perhaps requiring some additional assistance and accessing respite and aged care services. for a short period of time due to illness. It is hoped that this day will generate Low Level Residential Aged Care – interest for local people to enhance their permanent living arrangement for people who quality of life, improve life expectancy and also do not have very complex ongoing care needs receive social benefits from utilising community but need some help with perhaps one or more services. Make some time to meet your local of the following: bathing, going to the toilet, services to ensure you know what is available eating, dressing, moving around, continence, for when you need it. rehabilitation support and assistance in The Community Care Expo is proudly obtaining health and therapy services. sponsored by Cape Hawke Community High Level Residential Private Hospital Association, Aged Care – permanent North Coast Community Care, living arrangement for Commonwealth Respite & people who have more Carelink Centre Mid North ople In most cases, peown complex health needs Coast and Forster Private eir want to stay in th rge requiring assistance Hospital, with the support home, and the launity with any or all of the number of comme aims of many local businesses services availabl st that assistance provided donating lucky door ju to help them do in low level care, as prizes to be given away on ... well as nursing services the day. and equipment, such as If you are not able to equipment to assist with attend the Community Care mobility, continence aids, basic Expo, then more information can be medical and pharmaceutical supplies accessed about: and equipment, helping with medications, • Aged Care Service through the Aged Care provision of therapy services and short term Australia website www.agedcareaustralia.gov. oxygen. au or call the Aged Care Information Line 1800 To find out more about any of the above 200 422. community services or services offered by • Support for carers through Commonwealth Forster Private Hospital, there will be a Respite and Carelink Centre on 1800 052 222 Community Care Expo at Forster Private or Carers NSW 1800 242 636. Hospital on Thursday 19 April from 10am to • Dementia and memory loss through 2pm, with lucky door prizes and a 3 night Alzheimer’s NSW 1800 100 500 retreat for Carers to be given away. There • Disability & mental health services through will be free health checks, morning tea and Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre presentations about Mature Aged Driving, on 1800 052 222. manning-great lakes focus 47

focuseditorial.

AmandaPriester

from Coasting Home

interior design. ur mood shifts to indoors and readying our homes for comfort and warmth. This winter, the richer tones and colours will envelop you, a slightly retro mood is in the air, and so we will look toward more Bohemian style that takes us back to the '60s and '70s. The growing trend of making the old new again gains strength and hints at the era of days gone by. Will you believe that we will see a return to macramé, that handmade trend so loved by all things hippy. The Industrial emergence of stylistic c hi ap furniture and gr ing icons from that era, in ga e lettering ar e, on nt such as peacock and Pa . m tu en mom g egg chairs and potted the world's leadins given ferns, velvet, beads colour house, haeme – a name to this th and fur, make a leap Craft Industry. into our homes. The richer hues of teal, red, gold, bronze, dark pink, purple and orange mixed with black and neutrals, are giving us a new format for winter colours. Orange, the statement colour, is a perfect bold hue to combat the global economic disappointments. It gives a vivid and spirited

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I can hardly believe that Easter has arrived, as it feels like I just took the Christmas decorations down. As the days get shorter and daylight saving comes to end, we start to enjoy the autumn sun, with winter not far away. energy boost that all of us need to recharge, rejuvenate and move forward. A colour of strength, courage, action and confidence, it is warm, uplifting, and it fits well into all kinds of décor. It works well off timber, sits comfortably with green, chartreuse and teal; it mixes well with a base of neutrals and taupes and can lift a fairly plain colour scheme with punch. It is reflected in metal finishes, in the form of gold and bronze; we can look for it coming more strongly through in fashion jewellery. This Bohemian scheme is perfectly portrayed in the book Nomad, by Sibella Court, who takes you on a magical scrapbook journey through exotic counties such as India, Syria and Mexico, showing you how to combine clashing textures, patterns and finishes, with the confidence of colour. Industrial furniture and graphic lettering are gaining momentum. Pantone, the world's leading colour house, has given a name to this theme – Craft Industry. This recycled style is making more of nature’s resources, exploring the relationship between the urban and the natural landscape, merging industrial and handcrafted techniques. Nature has a man made aspect, taking components and materials that are natural or derivants

from natural sources, which are then remade using industrial techniques, to conserve the environment. Patterns have handcrafted repetitions, embracing the small imperfections, adding unique elements. The term 'Craft Industry’ shows lively surfaces with irregular textures and lots of structured elements. Important are qualities with an authentic image or material base that have vintage character. Furniture made from reclaimed items, that still show the original paint finish or construction details abound. It enables the reuse of fabrics; industrial fittings and signage give character to 'new' items and style ideas. The emergence of industrial items, such as tools and equipment used in construction, printing and communication, are becoming important décor items: letterboxes, telephones, wooden stamps, lamps, maps and clocks are all feeling this influence strongly. The recreation of these items, in retrospect, gives décor a practical, hardy finish. Blackboards and lettering, moulded around inspirational quotes, give our walls ways to talk to us directly. So if you can dream it, you can create it and you can live it …

focusinterview.

Artist Profile

COLLINS.

An accomplished businessman and avid sports enthusiast, Dave Collins’ talent for art provides therapy for his soul. ell us about The Carer painting: I wanted to acknowledge my wife Tina’s hard work caring for injured or orphaned animals. It’s such an unselfish task – not always with a happy outcome. It was important to me to portray the fragile and fleshy skin colour of the joey and also the helpless expression on Tina’s face. It is predominantly oil on canvas, but there is a side portion which is directly drawn and painted onto marine ply. I also have some highlights in gold leaf. The colour in the background around the joey is an orange tone, which is a discordant colour to pink, but I feel this works somehow, creating visual tension. The key to making colours work together, however, is to put a black line between them. The joey was painted with a few coloured layers and finished with a palette knife. In this work, I like the way it shifts from heavy painted sections to under worked wash areas. When starting a new work there is an intense initial period where you ‘overwork the surface to buggery until it loses the white canvas’. Why this process? During art school, a previous lecturer used to drum into me: “Stop being so precious with your work” and would come and scribble over what I was working on. Although this was devastating at the time, this was such a turning point on my approach to painting and drawing, that the stark white precious surface had to go. So, usually a simple sketch and a series of coloured washes to create energy and a direction to head off on. If the painting surface gets out of control, I may come back and block in some lighter sections again to start the whole process over until I’m happy. This can be such an anguishing process at times; a result can be great relief. You avoid ‘painters’ block’ by first mapping out an initial concept for a painting in your head. Tell us about this. After the initial concept, I plan the colours

and approach in my head away from the canvas. The painting process can sometimes be quite quick, until I get to that fork in the road, whether I should go this way or another, always willing to go Williams on a tangent if an unexpected colour or shape takes my was one of the fancy. Priority for me is design family firstly, which is first Australian fundamentals to do with always a big leveller. Sport artists to push balance. If I put a brush of plays a big part in my life. the boundaries colour down in one area, I will I am totally addicted to of landscape repeat it throughout the work, kite surfing and mountain painting … to ensure it sits amongst the bike riding. I support all this other colours. with a great job managing Fred Williams is a landscape painter Barrier Signs and Voltmeter Graphic you admire for his non-traditionalist Design Studio. interpretation of landscapes. What appeals I strongly believe you need a few things going to you about this style? on in your life in order to have balance. Well, Williams was one of the first Australian artists that’s the plan, but we all know life is not that to push the boundaries of landscape painting. easy or simple ... but I do know that painting His work is very abstract and understated. takes me to a place that other activities can’t Williams would suggest a tree with a scrape of satisfy. the palette knife, a line, or dash of colour. The Speaking of linear, there can be a tendency viewer explores the paintings, creating a story with painters to treat the canvas as a flat rather than the literal. Williams uses rich colours surface ... yet, as with Ian Fairweather, not usually associated with landscapes, and I another painter you greatly admire, you are guess this boldness is what has always attracted passionate about texture. me to his work. Fairweather I admire, because he treats Tell us about the figurative suggestions in painting like a drawing, building several layers or your paintings ... more sometimes ... each layer having different I spent six years at art school in Newcastle, content from the next. He built a surface that with life drawing classes every week. The love was totally uninhibited and lives. of the human form is something I can’t shake. This is a bold approach to painting, and the There is usually a suggestion of a figure or artist can’t be afraid of failure. You can see in body part in every work. I am interested in the his work he loses control at times, but regains similarities between the figure and the rolling composure on the next layer. hills and valleys of the landscape. I like to confuse You’re dabbling with mixed media in some those two forms in my artwork, to make the of your more recent works ... Tell us about viewer question the image. this process, and how has your background An artist’s existence can sometimes be as a print maker influenced the work? absorbed wholly and solely with being I usually start my work in acrylic, so the various creatively productive. It’s important to you layers can dry fast. My next process would be that your world isn’t linear and that you adding detail or blocking in areas with oil paint, have interests other than art ... as I do feel oils are much richer and allow you to Well, I do wear many hats! I have a great build texture more easily – though some planning

is required, because it can take months to dry. I spent many years as a printmaker screen printing and etching, which is why my paintings have that linear, layered surface. I try to be loose but controlled, much like a printmaker would produce a monoprint – a process I have always enjoyed, painting onto glass and transferring the image to a sheet of paper. How can we find out more about your work? I am working on a joint exhibition with the boys from Juzvolter, Chris and Daniel. The show will be held at the Manning Regional Art Gallery late next year. Alternatively, there is always a couple of paintings hanging up at work, or chase me down for a special peek. Generally though, I like to travel under the radar, as painting for me is a self indulgent process for my soul. Thanks Dave. Interview by Karen Farrell.

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MANNING-GREAT LAKES

property guide

Renovating

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Renovating

If your business is in the residential or commercial building or renovation and landscape design industry, you cannot miss the Building and Renovating Expo 2012 at the Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre on April 28 and 29.

hy? Because the Expo will be the number one regional event where people planning to build or renovate will attend recommendations.” each year. If this is your market, act now for Massive marketing campaign planned the chance to: An extensive marketing campaign ■ Showcase your products, services and skills developed by 2 Creative Media will promote to more than 12,000 motivated buyers the Expo to people within a from throughout the region. three-hour drive of Tamworth, ■ Write business and generate specifically targeting those sales leads for 2012 – and planning to construct a beyond. ticipate home, a commercial an e W ■ Position yourself building, or to renovate than 6,000 e or m alongside 10+ leading ple from or do some extensive eo p local, regional and landscaping. throughout ournd national businesses. region will atte Every Expo visitor Small, medium and each day. will have the chance to large stands available. win $100,000 towards “We anticipate more than the cost of their new home 6,000 people from throughout or renovations, as well as a our region will attend each day,” VW Amarok 4x4 Dual Cab Ute said Heidi Manning, of 2 Creative Media, from Woodleys Megayard. Also starring at a local design and event agency. the Expo will be Katrina and Amie, from The “They will be highly motivated buyers, ready Block, and landscaping gurus, Nigel Ruck (Sir to make a decision about the products and Walter Lawn) and Jason Hodges (Better Homes services they are looking for. and Gardens). Entry is $10 for adults, $5 for “The Expo will be the perfect platform concessions, with children under 16 free. for local companies to generate substantial There will be loads of entertainment for the business and raise their profile. They’ll make kids, leaving parents free to visit the displays invaluable industry contacts, too.” and speak with the exhibitors. The dynamic team at 2 Creative Media can Book your stand at the Building and also assist exhibitors to develop promotions Renovating Expo today. specifically targeted to generate business from the Expo. Book a stand. “We know exhibitors need more than a To book a stand at the Expo 2012, call venue and a passing parade of people,” Ms 2 Creative Media on Manning said. (02) 6761 2222. “We want to assist exhibitors to really For more details visit: engage with prospective clients. The Expo is a priceless opportunity for them to sell, generate leads, and get word-of-mouth

www.buildingrenovatingexpo.com.au

Don’t hesitate; stands are filling fast!

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Stock up now for all your turf supplies.

Pet’s Holiday Escape. Winter Lawn Care. It’s a good idea to prepare your lawn for the winter months in April/May. It’s best to prepare by fertilising your lawn prior to winter. This will ensure that your lawn is healthy and on its best legs to get through winter. Prune trees and bushes back, so they don’t shade the lawn throughout winter. Another technique to defend your lawn against the cooler weather is to raise the height of your mower blades in the lead up to winter and to keep them up until spring arrives. As winter approaches, you only need to shave off the very tip of the grass. Keeping your grass slightly longer over winter will keep it greener, by allowing more photosynthesis to take place. The taller grass growth will also blanket the ground, keeping it warmer to defend against abnormally cold nights. For more information and to purchase all your lawn needs go to: www.earlsturf.com.au

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Taree Boarding Kennels and Cattery is a small, family operated business caring for your pet in a safe, well fed, healthy and happy environment. We make special effort to ensure that our guests have a comfortable and relaxing time during their stay with us, offering personal care and attention to all kinds of pets. Over 70% of our bookings consist of repeat and local business. The proprietors of Taree Boarding Kennels and Cattery are Meaghan and James. Meaghan is an experienced Veterinary Nurse, having worked at a large and small animal practice in Sydney, working with vets such as Dr Harry Cooper and Dr Reiner Seubert. Meaghan also worked as a locum vet nurse in England in 1997 for six months. We offer a free pick up and delivery service in the local area for boarders staying with us for four days or more. We even offer free pick up and delivery in the Sydney and Newcastle areas, for boarders staying two weeks or longer. If the stay is a shorter, there is a small fee for our chauffeur service.

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focusinterview.

Killabakh Raising Money for Ronald McDonald House

As part of Killabakh Garden Club’s 25th Anniversary celebrations, the Club is opening six of its members’ gardens to the public on Sunday 29 April 2012. Varying greatly in size, style and character, the gardens each share the common setting of the picturesque Killabakh Valley. Club President and garden aficionado, George Hoad, tells us about the open day ...

n 2001 you moved back to the Manning Valley to a 13 acre property at Killabakh, which you named Winchelsea, after a village in England where your forebears are from ... What drew you back to the area? After 20 years of living in Sydney, I tired of the rat race of city life and being a country boy at heart, decided it was time to make a ‘tree change’ and put down my roots, as it were. I started looking for a property to purchase in the Manning area in the 1990s and after a few fruitless years searching in the Upper Manning where my family forebears had settled 150 years ago, I stumbled across the Killabakh Valley and immediately fell in love with it. To my delight, a property was on the market that met my criteria of about 10 acres, a creek, a house and the potential to establish a large country garden. I was also to discover that what makes Killabakh such a special place is not only its natural beauty, but the warm, inviting community that imbues the valley with its unique character. From day one, I threw myself into a long list of local activities, including the popular ‘Day in the Country’, Fire Brigade Cabaret Nights (making a number of memorable appearances), Christmas Concerts, and I joined the garden club. In 2004 I was elected President, and I enjoy the role enormously, organising and participating in numerous outings, trips and currently our 25th anniversary celebrations. Winchelsea’s garden currently stretches across four acres, with the layout influenced again by your love of English garden design with, as you say, “hints of whimsy” from your background in theatre ... sounds intriguing. After leaving school, I headed off to the bright lights of Sydney, enrolled in Drama School and upon graduation, spent the next 20 years as a singer, actor, entertainer, theatre administrator, producer and general dogsbody. When I started to get serious about laying out and designing the garden, about 7 years ago, I drew upon my experience in set design, staging and ‘creating a sense of drama’ and applied this to the garden. I also have a lifelong passion for collecting 54 manning-great lakes focus.

antiques and old wares, which now includes anythe purple paint, the area is now inviting and thing to do with gardening. I can often be found functional all year round. on a Saturday morning rummaging through local The Italianate Border pays homage to my garage sales looking for all manner of odds and many visits to Italy and the Eternal City over the sods, from old tools to discarded bicycles, to enyears and was created to give a home to the 4 hance the garden in my own particular whimsical musical Cupids and to complete the wind break style. I have a great belief that a garden should on the western side of the garden. embody the character of its owner. The Oriental Garden was inspired not by a You’ve created distinct areas in the garden trip to Asia, but from visiting many of the great which each have their own personality, English gardens, such as Biddulph Grange, that some of which include an Italian border, fell under the spell of the Far East in the 19th a native garden, an Islamic inspired pool gar- Century. Started in 2009 and taking advantage den and a large cast iron fountain flanked of a secluded corner for quiet contemplation, I by a pair of Greek statues ... you’ve recently enlarged this area, and it now featalked about your English influtures a unique boundary wall – some ences, but where does the original 1920 stump foundations influence come from for from nearby Marlee Hall. I was also to these disparate settings? Lake St George, the Bog t discover that wha ch English garden design Garden and the Woodland su makes Killabakh not is e evolved and developed Walk were started in late a special plac beauty, l ra tu na over the centuries, 2011 and are still evolving, its only viting but the warm, in imbues influenced by the ideas of all inspired from ideas community thatits many cultures, including picked up on my garden the valley with r. Italian, French, Chinese and trip to the UK last year: the unique characte Japanese, and this blending Greek Temple, Stumpery and of styles is still evident today in Fernery from Prince Charles’ the great English gardens. Highgrove; Beth Chatto’s Water In the early 20th Century, iconic garand Woodland Gardens; the Hydrangea dens such as Hidcote and Sissinghurst influenced Walk at High Tidebrook Manor; and the Azalea, generations of gardeners with their use of Camellia and flowering shrub walks that wind garden rooms or defined areas, which offer a through many beautiful English gardens. different mood, style or stimulation as you pass Provide us with a brief background of the through. other five Killabakh Garden Club members’ My own garden has been heavily influenced gardens which will be open to the public on by this particular style and evolved over the years the day ... after visiting and studying many of these great Chris and Carol Saul’s predominately native English gardens and gardens in other European garden has developed over the last 30 years and countries. evolved into more of a habitat, enticing an array For example, the Islamic inspired Pool Garden of birds, lizards, snakes, bandicoots, echidnas came about after a trip to Turkey and Spain in and wallabies to enjoy its sanctuary. A large 2006, with the purchase in Istanbul’s Grand BaBromeliad collection and productive orchard also zaar of some beautiful tiles titled Paradise Plants, take pride of place. a stay at the Alhambra Palace in Granada and Allan and Lola Mitchell bought Killabakh’s the desperate need to do something about my St. Saviours Church 8 years ago and converted overgrown, underutilized swimming pool area. it into a lovely home, transforming the once After the removal of numerous inapproprigrassed block of ground into a garden of exotic ate plantings, such as 6 mature Cocos Palms, and native plants. The garden is shaded by maenlargement of the area, installing paving and ture Tallowoods, Grey Gums and Stringybarks. decking and going wild with midnight passion, Mavis Bailey moved to Killabakh in 2001, at-

tracted to the beauty of the location and the 70 year old house surrounded by a garden full of old world country charm. Of special interest are the many original plantings, including a magnificent old Frangipani. Mavis has further enhanced the garden with her unique artist’s perspective. Ken and Wendy Boyd’s garden has been developed according to the natural lay of the land, with their home on the upper level, screened from the road with a mixed border planted for seasonal interest. The courtyard has been designed as a quiet retreat for relaxation or a cuppa. To the north, extensive lawns have been planted with both deciduous and evergreen trees, with a natural creek meandering through creating an appealing park-like setting. Mark and Wendy Vaile’s spacious Australian garden has been designed to complement the family homestead, with romantic garden rooms creating an intimate atmosphere that continues as you meander around the gravel pathways, with a feature being the extensive use of sandstone steps and edging. Wendy now relishes the time away from the demanding world of politics to fulfill a lifelong dream of creating and nurturing a large rural retreat, overlooking the surrounding farmland. Where do profits from the day go to: The profits from the day will be donated to Ronald McDonald House Newcastle, a charity which provides comfort, care and accommodation to seriously ill or injured children and their families from the across the Mid North Coast. Thank you George. Interview by Karen Farrell.

the plug! Killabakh Garden Club 25th Anniversary Open Gardens. Killabakh 9am – 5pm; Sunday 29 April. Available at all gardens and Killabakh Hall and are $5 per person. Children Free. George Hoad (02) 6550 5890 ghoad@internode.on.net

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