Port Macquarie Focus issue 77 by Focus

Feature Story GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

Adam Roberts

I N S I D E 77

April 2012 // issue 77

JANICE DOWNES Inspirational local Janice Downes is a tireless volunteer worker, poet, radio announcer and reflexologist – a woman who faces life head on with both courage and compassion.

BRYCE PURNELL If this month’s lunch guest is our future, Susie finds we’re in good shape.

s t o k e s. We l l k n o w n f i r s t f o r her print making, a k e y f o c u s o f We n d y Stoke s’ art practice since the late 1990s h as been her stunning an d distinctive paintings ...

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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 new Campus 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.

greater port macquarie focus.

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 undoubtedly shaped my develop a substa s university campu perspective and values complete with ices, around education. residential serv s, When people in the Port to what the community sporting facilitieand 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.

editor's note.

editor.

from the

jay beaumont beaumont.

Welcome to the April issue of Greater Port Macquarie FOCUS. elcome to issue 77 of Greater Port Macquarie FOCUS FOCUS, or for our bingo fans, all the sevens, seventy seven.

Last month for me was a welcome home after a much needed holiday, but instead of tapping together my red shoes, getting home involved 3 planes and 18 hours of flight time. But it’s true, as Dorothy said: “There’s no place like home”. I even kissed the tarmac at Port Macquarie Airport to prove it. A big thanks to the team for putting together such a great edition, while Louise got some ’vitamin D time in’ (sunshine), and I proudly represented Port Macquarie in the ‘Men’s International Belly Flop Competition’ onboard the world’s biggest cruise ship – the Allure of the Seas. For those who are interested in a laugh, you can check out the video on our Facebook page. This month we feature talented artist Wendy Stokes on our cover. We’ve been a big fan of Wendy’s art, and her interview is well worth a read. Also, if you’re a woman in the Hastings area who likes to keep fit, enjoys team spirit and having fun in a social atmosphere, why not consider playing cricket? We catch up with the The Hastings River District Women’s Cricket Association to find out more. Plus, we spend some time with Mayoral Candidate, Adam Roberts, who doesn’t hold back on his

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

ADDRESS: 4/74 Clarence Street, Port Macquarie, NSW 2444 PHONE: 02 6584 7433 FAX: 02 6584 6733 WEB: www.focusmag.com.au TV: www.focustv.com.au 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. Greater Port Macquarie Focus is produced and published by Creative House Publications PTY LTD ABN: 62128786005 Material in Focus is Copyright © Creative House Publications PTY LTD 2009-2012 and may not be reproduced whole or in part, in any form, without permission of the Publisher. All rights reserved.

opinion and backs it up with some interesting plans for our future future. And while I’m on the subject, I must confess Adam is a good friend of mine and shares my personal passion for the local area. All the best, Adam. RUNNING FOR COUNCIL? If you’re thinking of running for Councillor or Mayor in the upcoming elections, we’d love to hear from you. We have been so long without representation, that we’re happy to interview as many candidates as possible before the election, so our readers can get to know them. We hope our Council will be blessed with positive, passionate and community focused locals, who really care about making this town the best it can be. We need to be proactive about creating a vibrant future for our area. If you would like to be interviewed, please email me direct at jay@focusmag.com.au QUOTE OF THE MONTH “I’m selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can’t handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don’t deserve me at my best.” – Marilyn Monroe.

Jay Beaumont – Editor jay@focusmag.com.au

EDITOR: Jay Beaumont jay@focusmag.com.au

ART DIRECTOR: Dylan Gaul dylan@focusmag.com.au

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Joey Dable

2007 Business of the Year 2009 Winner Professional Services 2010 Winner Professional Services 2010 Winner Business to Business Choice Award 2011 Winner Creative, IT & Communications

joey@focusmag.com.au

PHOTOGRAPHER: Michael Marchment michael@focusmag.com.au

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Kyle Rathbone kyle@focusmag.com.au

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Zac Wright zac@focusmag.com.au

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER: Louise Beaumont louise@focusmag.com.au

ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: Chrissy Jones chrissyjones1@bigpond.com

ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: Jasmin Johansson jasmin@focusmag.com.au

ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: Annette Wannell annette@focusmag.com.au

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

TRAVEL EDITOR: Susie Boswell winwin@portpr.com

FOCUS IS PROUD TO SUPPORT THESE GREAT COMMUNITY EVENTS AND PROGRAMS.

of the

greater port macquarie focus 5

focusinterview.

Janice What would YOU do if you suffered from a fear or phobia? At age 50, inspirational local Janice Downes decided to face her fear of sharks by diving with these giants of the deep. Now, at age 74, Janice has lived a rich and full life, providing many years of service to others. Her story serves to remind us that life is what we make it … through hardship, happiness, gratitude and giving.

hat prompted your move to Port Macquarie? My husband, David, had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, so we moved to Port Macquarie in 1996, as we wanted a beautiful place to retire to and live in before he passed away. We moved from Auburn in Sydney. When my husband was diagnosed, he was given 3 months to live. I told him I’d be his nursing sister and reflexologist, so he’d have no pain and he’d die with dignity. David was 10 years younger than me, and we had 28 years of the most perfect marriage. Rather than chemotherapy, radiation therapy or cortisone treatment, he decided he wanted a trip around the world. So, I went to the bank and borrowed $20,000 – which I paid back in 18 months – and we took our first trip around the world in 1994. In fact; we went travelling three times in seven years, to places such as America, Canada, Alaska, England, Switzerland and Nepal. We skied, played tennis and went on elephant safaris … David passed away in 1999. What’s your career background? I am a nursing sister, but I’ve been a reflexologist for 30 years. I trained as a reflexologist, as I’d had many fights with lots of doctors. I saw some doctors treating patients without really listening to them and prescribing medication such as Valium and Mogadon, without understanding what the problem really was. I heard about reflexology, and I went to TAFE to study the field. I started treating people with headaches, kidney stones and back pain – and they found relief without drugs. What exactly is reflexology? Like acupuncture – but without needles – reflexology stimulates the circulation and causes impurities and toxins to go to the kidneys, where they are then flushed away.

greater port macquarie focus.

Another string to your bow is your love and see a show for months. My poetry can of poetry. Where did this begin? make them laugh, and that’s just amazing. From my school years, when my teacher I sent my poetry into a competition, and I recited The Man from Snowy River ... you was asked to present it in Washington DC. know, when you’re upset and you have a lot When I came back to Australia, I decide to of troubles, if you write it down – the troubles write a book. Publishers didn’t seem to be are gone. interested in publishing poetry – so I decided When I was about to take my husband to self publish! on our first trip, I woke up at 2am, I have six books of poetry now, and all of these words were in including a book I produced my head. I sat up and wrote with a lady suffering from ng We went travelli them out by the light of Parkinson’s Disease called ven three times in se ch a torch, and the next A Sprinkle of Magic. I’ve su es years, to plac , da na morning I read them also produced a book on Ca a, ic as Amer d, an gl back. I called this poem reflexology called Take En a, sk la A Nepal. Decisions: One Step at a Time that Switzerland and tennis We skied, played hant Can I afford to take this wasn’t self published. and went on elep trip; can I afford to not? When my husband died, safaris … Can’t see around the it was a very difficult time corners – how much time I’ve for me. I really wanted to go got. with him, but I had my family and I think I’ll jump and take the plunge – my patients to think about. do it here and now. I started to do volunteer work, trained with Priorities in life are right; we’ll pay it back Lifeline and became a suicide counsellor. somehow. I went to the 2WAYFM radio station and Too many old folk say, “I wish I’d gone asked if they could show me how to use a before”, microphone to present my poetry, and they Now I’ve got the ways and means, but my advised me to complete the radio presenter’s health is here no more. course. You realise that you get one chance, and In 2002 I did my first radio program, there’s so much more to see; reading 90 minutes of poetry – and the radio And if you weren’t supposed to roam, you’d station received so many letters and phone have roots down, like a tree! calls, I’ve been doing it ever since every So let your inhibitions go; you must enjoy your Thursday morning. I actually had a man tell life. me I nearly killed him once, as he was driving Stay cool and calm, don’t boil or fuse; stay along while listening to my program – and he away from strife. laughed so hard he nearly ran off the road! Live and love, learn from man, don’t judge I began to visit nursing homes once a and do take care; month to read an hour’s poetry, and I visit Birds of a feather you will find – and you’ll the schools as well. I like to get the children find them EVERYWHERE! to dress up and act out the roles: I feel that if That’s wonderful – like your life’s children are busy being creative, there’s less philosophy. How has your poetry helped chance of them becoming involved with drugs others overcome life’s hurdles? and alcohol. When I go to visit some of my patients, Do you read other people’s poetry for many of them haven’t been able to get out your radio program as well?

Yes. If I need to read a poem about a bushranger, a drover or a shearer, I often walk around town until I hear a really nice male voice, then I approach the man and ask him if he’d mind coming home with me for a couple of hours! I get him to record the poetry reading and put some music and sound effects behind the poem, and then I present it on air. What are some of the other things you like to do with your ‘spare time’? I help with St Thomas’ soup kitchen on Wednesdays, and I volunteer at Players Theatre in the wardrobe section and costume hire shop. I was recently awarded a Hastings Heroine’s certificate for volunteer work, which was wonderful. I’ve also helped people with their own poetry by recording and creating a CD for them at a minimal cost (it costs me $10 to produce a CD copy). At the age of 50, I decided to face my terror of sharks. I did a course on scuba diving at Forster – and they dropped me in with 15 sharks (Grey Nurse, Port Jackson, Reef Sharks and Wobbegongs). I used an hour’s worth of air within 15 minutes! I eventually got over my fear. I haven’t been diving for a few months, as I’ve had a back injury. What’s your life motto? I’m too blessed to be stressed. I’m a Christian, and everything I do, including my reflexology, I do with God. I’m very lucky, and I enjoy every minute of my life. Where can people contact you if they’re interested in reflexology, your poetry or your radio program? My mobile is: 0408 299 205 and email is: cut_downes@hotmail.com Thanks Janice. Interview by Jo Atkins.

the plug! Janice’s books are all available in the local library.

inside this

Issue 77 - April 2012 Mike McClellan

13.

His varied career as an entertainer has seen Mike McClellan and his guitar weave his special magic of songs and stories on both stage and television and as a recording artist. His hits include Song and Dance Man and The One I Love.

Rod Noble

22.

Rod Noble is a local who has visited Bangladesh on several occasions and witnessed first hand both the extreme poverty the Bangladeshi people live with every day, but also their resilience in the face of adversity.

Ride4aCure

43.

One familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tragedy has spurred them on to raise awareness and help find a cure for melanoma. Maura Luxford shares this inspiring story ...

46. Ed Duncan 48-49. Alison Innes 59. X-Trail Adventurers 81. Catherine Vaara 102. Senzes in the Vineyard

usual suspects.

the

12. whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on for April 26. eat featuring local restaurants 29. palate pleasures with Lou Perri 39. social scene with Kate Wood-Foye 57. travel with Susie Boswell 58. tourism with Janette Hyde 74. starguide with Terri 86. port chamber update with Robert Turner 87. landcare with Estelle Gough 87. real estate with Greg Trembath

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

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

90 Horton Street, Port Macquarie (02) 6583 2044 admin@jfj.com.au

greater port macquarie focus 7

stoke s

We l l k n o w n f i r s t f o r h e r p r i n t m a k i n g , a k e y f o c u s o f We n d y S t o k e s â&#x20AC;&#x2122; a r t p r a c t i c e s i n c e the late 1990s has been her stunning and distinctive paintings ...

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focusinterview. hat originally brought you to Port Macquarie? I am a return resident. My partner and I decided on settling in Port Macquarie in the late ‘80s. My parents had retired to Port Macquarie from a rural property in Central Western NSW in the late ‘60s, and my main school years were spent in Port Macquarie. After my postgraduate studies I had spent several years in Sydney and with a network of exhibition contacts in place, it no longer seemed essential for me to remain in the city. Port Macquarie was small enough then to have appeal, close enough to Sydney to maintain my practice, and the return enabled me to spend time with my family. What influenced you to develop an interest in art? There wasn’t really a time when I decided that I would go and pick it off a shelf labelled a career or hobby. It is a part of me from as far back as I can remember and fortunately due to the freedom of my upbringing, I had many hours outside on the farm, in the garden or roaming my front yard, our coastline. Much of this time was immersed in my own imagination: collecting, drawing, making things, just being in an outdoor environment. Sometimes I have considered if it, ‘art’, was something separate like a backpack that you could remove, life would be easier and far less complicated. It is my way of seeing the world, thinking about it and finding a place within it. How has your talent steered your artistic career? To be blatantly honest, talent doesn’t necessarily steer an art career! Any serious artist I know, or even the famous ones embedded in the archives of history, would agree that that is left to trends and opportunity! After completing the HSC, I went onto 4 years of formal art studies in Newcastle, took the ritual art pilgrimage to the UK and Europe on graduation and followed that several years later with postgraduate study at Sydney College of the Arts. From the beginning, I had strong support from my parents; Jim Matsinos, my art teacher at school; Dorothy Hope, the founder of Thrumster Village; and the printmaker, Joan Smith. I mention them because in the 1970s, artists in regional areas, particularly Port Macquarie, were very isolated, and these people understood my language and aspirations. At art school I ended up majoring in Printmaking and Drawing and managed to develop a strong profile as a printmaker very early in my art practice, exhibiting and awarded prizes on a national and international level. It was through my printmaking that I received the residence opportunity in New York. Which medium/media do you like to work with now, and what is it about them that attract you? Painting has become a key focus of my practice since the late 1990s. The reason for the shift was as much about creative development – expecting more from a medium – as it was about eliminating the exposure where possible to solvents and oil based products. I was looking for more freedom in scale and as I was already using the printmaking

medium as a painter would paint, the progression was natural. I adopted water based choices for all my processes, both paint and print. Apart from the ease of cleanup, many artists will identify that we still need to function to some degree in the real world. Time to work often becomes fragmented, so the speed of drying time became a crucial element for my work. Using water based processes also aligned with my aesthetic towards the landscape ... the connections between water and atmosphere, staining, soaking, sliding, immersion and the porosity of the canvas, the porosity of the sand and earth ... I’ve read passages about My paintings are ing not about squint your work, which y tr to es your ey describes it as ‘abstract and make out anthing. impressionism’. Would impression of a are you say this is a fair Hopefully they and be quite dwarfed in museum description – and if not, about synthesis settings. The largest work is e. experienc why? still in progress, but will end up I am often wary of being around 7 metres. The scale categorisation when it comes to is part of the concept of immersion describing art. Art in contemporary which informs my work; not only is it quite terms crosses many boundaries between mediums a performative act making the work, but I aim for as well as professional disciplines. These days, we the viewer to be able to be drawn into the works do not need to go far to see the hybrid practice with little peripheral distraction. Not all my work is between artist and engineer or scientist. Coming large scale. to the ‘abstract impressionism’: both are words What are some of the challenges (if any) for which come with a huge amount of misinterpreted you as an artist completing large works ... and popularised baggage. and how long does it typically take for you to While it may be beneficial to have an finish a piece? understanding of when or why particular styles The physical expenditure is in assembling and developed historically, we all need to be aware stretching the canvases, moving them around in that much history, particularly involving women and out of the studio. I accommodate the size by artists, marginalised cultures and geographically making the works in sections, and that way they isolated artists, has yet to be written or rewritten can fit through my studio door and down the into history. stairs. The length of time is probably irrelevant, Abstract is a term with many meanings and because when does a painting really begin? tends to be seen as a removal from a concrete There is gestation time, the development of source, and Impressionism is unfortunately tied to thought, followed by experience and action the popular historical style of the Impressionists, time, then reflection, ending in satisfaction or which are still firmly set in observational ground. frustration. This can be measured in weeks or This can be misleading. months and has little bearing on the success of Viewers are likely to feel compelled to try the work. and locate references in my paintings to give One of the other challenges is that you know themselves clues to determine the meaning, rather already before you even start a painting that they than allow the viewing experience to be a mutual have a limited market, so you are not market engagement between the painting and them. My driven but instead by your own creative journey paintings are not about squinting your eyes to try and conceptual investigation. People in buying and make out an impression of a thing. Hopefully any large work need to have the courage and they are about synthesis and experience. conviction for that work to become the experience As an artist, what inspires you to create? in the hanging location, and these days the super Energy. It is connected to experience and size TV with the constant shifts in images and immersion in place, but not from the visited entertainment supersedes the wall once reserved experience, where you are a tourist or explorer for that large painting. Paintings can demand from travelling to a place, picking a view and packaging you as a viewer, but they can provide a pause ... a it. place for renewal. Memories obviously play a role for everybody, A few years ago, a buyer of my work sent me not only artists, because we all bring to any a text message to say they had spent the week experience our previous experiences. What without the television and instead spent the time truly moves me to create are the lives of others, immersed in my paintings, which is a validation sacrifice, commitment, that drive of the artist that painting can have purpose. to leave a mark, an image that has the capacity What are a few of the exhibitions you’ve to move or resonate within the viewer. If even been involved with over the years? a momentary thing, it has the capacity to be an I have been exhibiting professionally at a strong experience shared. level for thirty years, but I would like to highlight Much of your work is done on a large scale. that exhibitions serve different functions. It is What’s the largest piece you’ve completed to not always market driven. Solo exhibitions, in date? Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and major regional The scale thing is relative. For a domestic gallery shows as in Tamworth and Coffs Harbour setting it could be considered large, but they can have been essential venues to enable me to

create work and measure it as bodies of work, rather than isolated works hanging on the wall. It enables the work to function within your thematic development and is crucial for your own progression. Curated shows are interesting, as you have the opportunity to have your work interpreted in the context of others’ work and concepts, so you are able to better position where your own practice is heading. National competitive shows, such as the Dobell Drawing Prize, the JADA, The Glover Landscape Prize and The Fremantle Print Prize are reinforcement of the validity of your own work and its contribution to particular mediums or genres within Australian art practice. International shows in which I have participated, and especially Printmaking shows, have been about cultural exchange. Where is the best place for people to view your work? I am represented through Catherine Asquith Gallery, Melbourne and BMG art in Adelaide. I will be showing again with Catherine in Melbourne in September and at Danks Street Galleries, Sydney, in August. Walcha Gallery of Art has an ongoing selection of work, and I will be having a major show with them in May. On a more local note, The Regional Gallery at the Glasshouse is currently hosting an exhibition organised by Port Macquarie High School, showcasing previous students from the school who have chosen art as their career path, celebrating 50 years of the high school. As a previous student, I am participating in this exhibition. On a local level, I have seen my role not so much as an artist, but an advocate for emerging artists in the visual arts through TAFE. In the past 12 years I have taught at Kempsey Campus, participating in the delivery of the Diploma in Fine Art programmes and other fine art courses. As a teaching body of committed professional arts practitioners, we have been instrumental in opening up the value of art making for many individuals in a meaningful way within the region. It is rewarding to help people find their own creative voice and move way beyond their own expectations. Thanks Wendy. Interview by Jo Atkins.

the plug! Readers can contact Wendy by email at wendystokes@ozemail.com.au greater port macquarie focus 9

focusinterview.

LO CA L E L EC T ION 2 0 1 2

M ayo r a l c a n d i d a t e A d a m R o b e r t s r o l l s h i s s l e e ve s u p t o d i s c u s s h i s i d e a s a n d v i s i o n f o r t h e f u t u r e o f t h e P o r t M a c q u a r i e - H a s t i n g s a r e a . I f e l e c t e d , t h e s t a t u s q u o m i g h t j u s t h ave t o c h a n g e . . . ou announced your intentions of running for Councillor in August 2010 and more recently as a mayoral candidate. What makes you believe that you’re up to the task of leading the Port Macquarie-Hastings community? I believe that right now, our region could benefit from a fresh approach, some youth and enthusiasm for the task ahead. I’m an individual with a diverse background, people skills and a desire to work hard to achieve positive results in any project I take on. I’m the type of person that if I’m in charge and the chips are down, I put my hand up and take responsibility for the situation, and the buck certainly stops with me. I hate excuses and have little tolerance for inefficiency. When I look at the work that needs to be done in rebuilding a vibrant and thriving region, I truly get excited about how many opportunities there are to make changes for the better. I know how to lobby hard and have a great understanding of the local area, having grown up here. I’ve been privately preparing for this opportunity for more than four years and if I’m given the opportunity, I would make the role my full-time priority. What are some tangible changes you would like to see implemented to improve the outlook for residents of the Hastings? I’d like Council to adopt a strategy of prioritising beautification works across the region. This would include a focus on parks and gardens, and most importantly, road maintenance and infrastructure. Like most residents, I am saddened to see this once beautiful region on the ‘visual’ slide. 10 greater port macquarie focus.

Dare I say it, I’d also like to see Council take a more proactive approach to working with developers to kick-start the building industry here locally, which would certainly go a long way to breathing some life into our local economy. On the subject of local economy, we still have a predominantly tourism and retail heavy focused region, which I’d like to see re-dressed to be more balanced, with industry that is less susceptible to volatile peaks and troughs. Having been in business in the region over the last ten years myself, I know that when retail is slow and it’s not holiday season, the place just grinds to a halt economically. By attracting and fostering new industries unrelated to tourism and retail, over time, we’ll be able to stabilise the peaks and troughs and eliminate the volatility in the local economy. What would you do to address the poor financial situation of our Council? Comparatively speaking, our Council’s financial position is better than some of its close neighbours, but certainly could be better. After years of rate pegging and cost shifting from other levels of government, it’s no wonder the finances are in a tough position. Granted, waiting around for the other levels of government to come to the party and give more in support shouldn’t be all that is done to address the issues, but I would suggest hard lobbying in this regard is still one important avenue. Another option would be undertaking a line by line audit of all of Council’s current services, assessing their value to the community and quite possibly winding back and/or consolidating departments and functions to free up funds and redistribute personnel to areas of greater priority.

Do you think cutting services is the best approach to cost savings? Isn’t that just a continuation of a previous attempt at a ‘back to basics’ approach? I hate the term ‘back to basics’, as it insinuates that one is simply cutting services to suit a budgetary outcome. My suggestion is that after the ‘audit’ of current services is completed, resources are reallocated across the organisation, to ensure adequate funding or personnel are distributed to priority and core services areas. How this is managed is the responsibility of the General Manager, but the Councillors must make it clear that this is what they are asking for – not simply reducing the budgets of the current departments. I acknowledge that it’s not the role of the Mayor or Councillors to interfere with the day to day operations of Council, but they are charged with the responsibility of ensuring resources are allocated efficiently and effectively. Given your small business background, how are you going to support small business in the region? Empathy for small business is certainly something that I don’t need to try and formulate. I’ve been there – five times. It’s a very tough, near impossible landscape. There are so many pitfalls, and it’s like a battleground every day of the week. The best thing that I could do is work hard on initiatives that will bring about a more stable local economy, as suggested before, proactively attracting a more diverse and balanced industry and ensure the region is growing – therefore creating more opportunities for small business to attract custom. I would also strongly encourage the local business chambers to become more active and

relevant within the local business community and take a proactive role in supporting small business. In my view, business bodies need to step up and support their small business community more now, than ever before. If you could implement one idea that would have an immediate positive impact on the local economy, what would it be and how would you fund it? On a recent trip to the United States, I saw first hand the benefit of world-class transportation systems in many cities that we visited. I would love to see the Camden Haven, Wauchope and Port Macquarie CBD’s linked by a low cost, one dollar fare or similar, ‘express bus’, servicing the route several times per day. This would have many economic and environmental benefits, not least connecting the region and potentially becoming a great way for tourists to see more of the region. I would suggest a partnership between the local business chambers, Council and the State Government would be required to support the project. Further, I would also suggest the projects’ economic windfall, particularly to the Wauchope and Camden Haven centres, would far outweigh the minimal costs. Thank you Adam.

The plug! If readers have any questions or comments for Adam, his number is 0410 658 532.

Are you standing? Are you thinking of standing in the next Port Macquarie-Hastings election? Like to be interviewed in FOCUS? Email us: editor@focusmag.com.au

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what’s

The Foreshore Market

Attilla Sautov & The Muller International Chamber Orchestra

Enjoy a great day out for the whole family. Live entertainment, specialty produce and foods, inspiring artworks from local artisans – it is all here at the wonderful and eclectic Foreshore Market.

As part of its 2012 QLD & NSW tour, Attilla Sautov will be performing in Port Macquarie in the Uniting Church, Cnr Oxley Highway & Sherwood Rd, on Thursday 12 April at 7.30pm, with a beautiful and extremely versatile program featuring, among others, a waltz from Tchaikovsky: the Gypsy Air from Monti and Mendelssohn’s Concerto in D Minor, that he wrote at the age of 13. At the end, you will be able to witness him challenging the Guinness Book world record, playing Flight of the Bumblebee by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov in less than 55 seconds!

When Saturday 14 April. Where Westport park, Port Macquarie.

The 2012 Big Dig The Rotary Club of Port Macquarie Sunrise is proud to present the Inaugural Big Dig, taking place at Town Beach, Port Macquarie on Saturday 5 May 2012. Registration will begin from 9am until start time. Big Dog from NBN will be starting the Big Dig at 10am.

When Thursday 12 April at 7.30pm. Where PORT MACQUARIE – Uniting Church, Oxley Hwy & Sherwood Rd. Tickets The Glasshouse Box office; Tel: (02) 6581 8888; www.glasshouse.org.au and at the door one hour prior to the concert. More info call 0469 155 707 or write to localcommunityevent@gmail.com

This event is a fundraiser for Camp Quality, Rotary Oceanic Medical Aid for Children and the Tacking Point Lighthouse Project.

The Easter Story

There will be four separate digs – three of which will be for children in the age groups of 1 - 5 years, 6 - 10 years and 11 - 16 years. The cost is $5 per dig, with all entrants winning a prize. The fourth dig is the ‘BIG DIG’ for all ages. The cost is $20 per dig, with several major prizes. There will be a Sand Sculpture Competition to be held at a cost of $10 per sculpture, face painting at $3 each, drinks and a barbecue will be available on the day. When Saturday 5 May 2012. Where Town Beach.

more information

1-3 DJ Corza upstairs @ TGs Catch DJ Corza on level one of the Town Green Inn on Easter Thursday from 8pm. Entry is free, and his old school tunes and party beats will ensure a great night for the over 30s! When Easter Thursday 8pm – midnight.

The third annual outdoor presentation of the life of Jesus. Relive life 2,000 years ago in a village with food, activities and live animals. Go on a journey from scene to scene and witness the life of Jesus acted out by actors in full costume. An unforgettable experience for the whole family! When 1 - 3 April; gates open 5.30pm. Where Port Adventist School Grounds, Marantha Place, Port Macquarie. 18 Bookings 6582 6561.

Call the Visitor Information Centre on 6581 8000, or log on to the Port Macquarie events website: www.gpmevents.com.au

12 greater port macquarie focus.

focusinterview.

Mike His varied career as an entertainer has seen Mike McClellan and his guitar weave his special magic of songs and stories on both stage and television and as a recording artist. His hits include Song and Dance Man and The One I Love.

here did your interest in music begin? It really started when I was a kid … school choir, church choir … It was almost innate, in that I always loved it from the time I was old enough to understand it and appreciate it. In my family, I think I was the very first one to buy popular music 45s. I was the oldest child in the family, and I loved early Pop music. It fascinated me. I think that the real interest stemmed from there as a kid, which carried into my school life and adult life. What was the catalyst then, for you to go from simply loving music, to performing? I always loved performing at school – I had no fear of the stage ... even after I left school and became a teacher, it was always in the back of my mind that I would one day try to make my living as a performer. In fact, when I left school, one of the things I wanted to do was go to NIDA. But, my father insisted I should get some qualifications, as he said most actors starved! It was always something that I wanted to do, but when I left school, my love for music led me to people like Dylan and The Beatles, and that’s when I took up guitar. I think that was the time I really thought I’d love to be able to learn to play and sing that way. How would you describe your music? Some would say it’s Folk, others, Country, and still others, Acoustic … It’s a very eclectic mix of all of those. My influences ranged from Jerry Lee Lewis, Buddy Holly, The Beatles … Black music in particular. I can remember being absolutely blown away by a single from a guy called Roy Hamilton the Fourth. I was in high school, and it was called You Can Have Her. It was one of those Black gospel sounding R&B records of the early ‘60s – and I loved it. Essentially, my music started to be influenced by Folk music, by Dylan, by Country. I also loved early Don Gibson. What I discovered was that in the end, all of the music I loved had the same source … the same roots, and that was essentially English Folk music transplanted to America, which then mingled with the Black music of the Africans, who were brought to America to work in the cotton fields. Out of that grew R&B, the Blues, Country and Folk, which then blended with the more traditional music of Europe, which led you to people like Stephen Foster and all of the other great songwriters.

I actually try NOT to classify myself. If you listen to a song of mine called Good Companions, you’ll understand where I come from. The opening lines of this song say: “I ain’t Rock ‘n’ Roll, I ain’t Pop or Soul. Country Music, it ain’t quite my scene. I ain’t Blues, or Jazz, I don’t know where it’s at. I’m just somewhere in between.” That essentially is how I see myself. You released your first album back in 1972 and there have been others since then. What was the standout album for you? The first EMI album that had Song and Dance Man on it was the most influential album. The song itself was song of the year in 1974. The next two albums with EMI were not as commercially successful, and the subsequent album with Albert’s was very successful commercially, as it had the song The One I Love on it, which was a big hit. Then there was an album called The Heartland that came out … I love providing le with some g op pe I would say that as a writer and bein insights behind stories a performer I’ve become better e th d a writer an s. It’s with each album. The album I did behind the songshow, e at last year, If Only for a Moment, is a very intim itar. the best one I’ve ever done. with me and a gu needed a change It was a long gap between your and I went into last two albums. Why the long advertising, there was break? a deliberate plan to build I’d been pouring my creative energies into a reputation there. I worked two running a business. A lot of my creative work years for a company called Mojo, then a partner had been directed towards writing music for the and I set up our own ad agency. advertising industry, some film and television. The ‘90s were less planned. I sold my shares I felt a little bit disillusioned with the music in the agency I’d started and went out on my industry at one point, and I needed to build own. There was a downturn in the industry, and some more security for my family. I was in the position of having to retract the I wasn’t enjoying touring and living out business and retrench people – and I realised I of a suitcase as much … I needed a change wasn’t enjoying it as much as I had before. of direction. I still continued to write songs This was pretty much a situation I feel had and perform a little – particularly corporate been forced upon me ... but other than that, I performing. feel as if things have gone fairly well to plan. As Then, after a period of time I thought that if much as they can do, anyway! I didn’t get the songs down and record them, I You’re well known from your days with may never do so again. the ABC – especially for your program Mike Your career progressed from performing, McClellan’s Country Music. What are some to advertising and television appearances. of your best memories from this time? Was this progression a series of lucky I loved it. I loved performing and meeting breaks – or did you plan it all? people. I played concerts in virtually every To some extent, it was all planned. I had corner of the country, from Darwin to Hobart. a distinct plan when I left the Education I didn’t find it daunting being in front of Department in the late ‘60s that I would go into television cameras – I enjoyed it. television. When I was offered a contract with And you’re still drawing on your former Channel 9, I thought I could work there for 2½ teaching experience and conducting music days a week and finish my university degree on workshops? the other days –which I did. There was always I do indeed. I had been teaching a a plan to leave the Education Department and songwriting course at the Australian make a living off recording. International Conservatorium of Music up By the early ‘80s, when I decided I really

until last year. I’ve also been a tutor and senior tutor at the Tamworth Country Music Academy for the last 6 years. One of the things I’m committed to is passing along my knowledge and some of the techniques I’ve learned with songwriting to young writers. Describe the performance you’ll be presenting at Laurieton in May? It’ll be 2½ hours of songs and stories. I love providing people with some of the insights behind being a writer and the stories behind the songs. It’s a very intimate show, with me and a guitar. I also delve into some of the things from my advertising career – and by and large, have some fun. If people can walk out of one of my performances and feel that it was fantastic, then that’s wonderful. Thanks Mike. Interview by Jo Atkins.

the plug! Mike McClellan will be performing in support of the Watermark Literary Society at the Laurieton School of Arts on Sunday, May 20, at 2pm. Tickets are $38 adult, $34 concession and $30 under 15. Contact Lyndal Coote on 6559 9953 for tickets and details.

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98% of residents own an automobile. $3,866,628.94 total cost of the hole in the ground on William Street. 4,071 public owned car spaces in Port Macquarie town centre. 30 total number of on street disabled spaces in Port Macquarie town centre. 94% all day parking spaces utilised. 2020 the year demand will outweigh supply. 67.5% of residents are prepared to consider car pooling. $12,800,000 estimated cost of 500 space parking station. $466,202 parking fines issued in 2009/2010 financial year. source: pmhc

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Title. Tastings of the Hastings Featuring over 30 recipes from our leading local chefs and provedores. Focus has 20 FREE copies of the Tastings of the Hastings Cook book to give away to the first lucky readers who visit our office at 4/74 Clarence Street, Port Macquarie and ask for their FREE copy. Get in quick! Promote your local book or music album. Send us the details to editor@focusmag.com.au

Image of the month. PMSLSC Patrol 5 SRC lifesavers @ Flynns Beach. Chris Findlay, Tyla Peck, Chloe Mullan, Keely Scully, Kelsea Peck. Photo by: Vanessa Peck. Shot on: iPhone 4 .

W H AT ’S I N

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Taken a great photo of our local area? Like to see it published in FOCUS for the world to see? Just email editor@focusmag.com.au

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with Julie from www.gourmetgetaways.com.au

EGGS. Easter East ter aand nd eggs nd eegg ggss go hand-in-hand, hand an nd-i d-in in-h -ha haan nd, so what better time o off year ar to to feature feat fe ature these little nutritional power-houses. power-houses Eg ggs aare re full fful ul of high quality protein, 11 different vitamins Eggs and d minerals, mineral healthy fats (including omega-3), and recent mi research shows sho eating eggs has very little effect on blood ch hol o es e terol levels. cholesterol In nco corp r or o ate them into your diet, with lovely poached eggs Incorporate fforr breakf fo fas easy frittatas for lunch or dinner, and of breakfast, ccourse, our u se, in all a those wonderful home-baked cakes! Th he best beest way wa to store eggs is in their carton, in the fridge. w The An eegg gg at at room ro o temperate ages 7 times quicker than a refr re frig fr iger ig e at er ateed ed one, and the carton reduces water loss and refrigerated prot pr otteccts the the h eggs from absorbing flavours from other foods. protects Iff tthe he kids kid ds want w to decorate hardboiled eggs and then enjoy them th em for for or Easter Ea lunch, it is best to use eggs which are a few days da ys old. old. ld d. Th The fresher the egg, the more likely the white will stic ick to o tthe h shell! he stick

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greater port macquarie focus 15

Educating Rita. Educating Rita is a stage comedy y by British playwright Willy Russell. It is a play for two actors, set entirely in the office of an Open University lecturer. The play follows the relationship between a young Liverpudlian working-class hairdresser and Dr. Frank Bryant, a middle-aged university lecturer, during the course of a year. Susan (who initially calls herself Rita), dissatisfied with the routine of her work and social life, seeks inner growth by signing up for and attending an Open University course in English Literature. The play opens as 'Rita' meets her tutor, Frank, for the first time. Dr Frank Bryant is a middle-aged, alcoholic career academic who has taken on the tutorship to pay for his drink. The two have an immediate and profound effect on one another; Frank is impressed by Susan's verve and earnestness and is forced to re-examine his attitudes and position in life; Susan finds Frank's tutelage opens doors to a bohemian lifestyle and a new self-confidence. However, Frank's bitterness and cynicism return, as he notices Susan beginning to adopt the pretensions of the university culture he despises. Susan becomes disillusioned by a friend's attempted suicide and realises that her new social niche is rife with the same dishonesty and superficiality she had previously sought to escape. The play ends as Frank, sent to Australia on a sabbatical, welcomes the possibilities of the change. Don’t miss out on Educating Rita, at The Players Theatre from 20 April ‘til the 6 May.

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THEATRE BOOKINGS Online at www.playerstheatre.org.au 1 hour prior to the show Cnr Gordon & Lord Sts Port Macquarie or at the Glasshouse 6581 8888 16 greater port macquarie focus.

Timbertown events Timbertown will hold the most diverse range of events ever held at the popular Wauchope theme park in 2012. The events have a unique feel to each and every one; most will cater for camping as well. Night at the Museum is a family campout to be held several times during the year, with a magnificent late night steam train ride, spooky tales of yesteryear and of course, a wholesome country feed. Timbertown is truly amazing after dark. Winter will see the return of Steamfest, with some very rare major items attending this year – including collectors from surrounding areas and interstate. To learn and admire the skills and talents of timber craftsmen, this weekend in September can not be missed. All aboard for Thomas the Tank Engine’s Big Timbertown Adventure in October, with other Thomas favourites also visiting for the weekend and a themed restaurant; the children will long remember this one! Finally, to wrap up the year, the park will host its inaugural Pacific Coast Ute Muster! Camp Wild will open Friday night with legendary entertainment all weekend; stay tuned for this one. Timbertown is great to enjoy any day of the week; if you’re a local, consider buying an annual pass, which includes all rides – and you can visit as often as you like!

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focusinterview.

Garden Village remembers. ANZAC Day is a day of remembrance and reflection and a day to give thanks to those who have fought for what we have today. Garden Village will hold a special service on April 24, and we spoke with some of the ex-service men and women who now reside at Garden Village about their experiences, the tolerance it built within them and the great friendships and bonds that were made. Beryl Ward – Clerk Well, the first stint I did, I learnt what working as a team and living together was all about. I lived in barracks with the girls, which was the most wonderful experience. I am still friends with some of the girls today. It built a great bond, and I know that soldiers have that same feeling; a great bond is formed with others when you are in the service together. John Smith – Inventory Army I went into the service second intake 1952, in the Infantry. I found I was in with all the country boys (chaps from Dubbo, Broken Hill), and they were pretty wild. The army tamed us, made us respect responsibility and made you a team player. In the infantry you look after two people: the bloke on one side and the bloke on the other. The worst part about being in the Army was when they discharged me, because I knew I would never see a lot of the close friends I had made again. Ron Barr – Nurse in the Navy I joined the Royal Australian Naval Reserve in 1951 when I was 16. My rank was ‘Sick Boy Attendant’, or male nurse. I trained at the land base H.M.A.S Rushcutter in Sydney. In 1953 I transferred to National Service in the

Navy, carrying out the duties of a nurse both on ships at sea and the Naval Hospital at land base H.M.A.S Penguin in Balmoral. I hope it shows that service in the armed forces teaches one that tolerance and discipline is needed, and the friends made in the services stick for a long time. Max Lynch – Armoured Corp Well, I was conscripted, whether I liked it or not. My mother was not very happy, I was the eldest of five. I was almost 20 when I went into the Army. We were in and out of tanks all day, running around the hills. We had the Airforce trying to bomb us and get rid of us. I needed the discipline, but found when I came out of the Army, I had the wallaby in me and hated being in one spot. Frank Darby – Inventory Army I started in the Infantry, the same as John ... a year in Korea and a couple of years in Malaya. I don’t dwell on it much; there’s not a lot I can say about it. I hear people speak about what they think of ANZAC Day and find we are all different. The only service I have attended in the last 50 years was here at Garden Village last year. I wanted to take part, because I really appreciate all the effort the village puts into the service.

Pat Archer – Equipment Clerk I went into the Airforce – did an entry exam and so forth. I was sent out to Laverton to do the training, then over to Point Cook (the home of military flying training for the RAAF from 1914 to 1992). What a wonderful time we had! We weren’t supposed to be up in the planes, but the boys would come over, tell you which plane, and you’d put your hair up under your helmet, slouch across the tarmac like the blokes and sneak onto the plane! During my service I was in different places all the time and would fill in for others wherever needed. From there, I moved into nursing. Jean Lacey – Clerk I was in Sydney, at Glebe Island. When I joined up, I was 17. I wanted to go into the Navy, but there was a six month wait, so I had the choice of the Army or the WAAF – and chose the

Airforce. The camaraderie between everybody was just beautiful. I started off in rookies in Bradfield park and then went to Darling Point. From there, I went to O’Connor St and Glebe Island. I finished up at Central Railway Station; we worked on the tube trains, where thousands of troops boarded and alighted trains during World War II. Kate Chew – Garden Village This year Garden Village will hold our ANZAC Day service at 11am on 24 April. Residents have a large involvement with staff in our service. We also invite representatives from the RSL Sub Branch to speak. Afterwards, there’s a sing-along in the Community Centre, followed by roast lamb for lunch. It’s a nice time for everyone to reflect and remember – a time to also give thanks for the opportunities we have today, because of what others have done for us in the past.

a refreshing experience awaits you Our village residents ﬁnd using the pool is a great way to start the day. While you’re living it up, your family will have peace of mind that you’ll be thriving in a warm and friendly community with four levels of care.

18 greater port macquarie focus.

focus newbusiness.

Creative Entertainment. Sarah Jean Creative Entertainment is your one stop shop for anything when it comes to weddings, parties or any event you may be hosting. • 7 day delivery • Plaster painting parties • Balloon bouquets • Party supplies/hire •Party in a box • Open Monday to Sat (Sun by appointment) • A variety of over 100 foil balloons and over 50 printed latex balloons. If you’re looking for that special gift that’s a little bit different, why not

let Sarah Jean create you a balloon bouquet or hamper that brings a smile to anyone’s face. If we don’t stock what you need, we will source it for you. We are located on Lake Road opposite Bunnings and next door to ACFC. Opening 10 April.

the plug! www.sarahjean.com.au Phone: 0400 136 462 For more info, check out our ad on page 75.

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The Annual Journey off F Flavour lav Car Trail continues to provide an opportunity for the public to visit many of the area’s very best food and beverage businesses. ver 30 cars entered the Car Trail on Sunday 26 February. The journey began at Settlement City Shopping Centre, and then the participants headed to Laurieton, Wauchope and Blackmans Point visiting local wineries, cafés, breweries and producers, before finishing on Town Green outside Zebu, Rydges. The competitors enjoyed a fun filled day, shucking oysters, playing ten pin bowls, completing a treasure hunt and discovering the region's great produce along the way. The Annual Journey of Flavour Car

Trail Winners are: Corporate Prize 1st Place – FOCUS Advertising Package and a Cocktail and Pizza Party at Zebu Bar & Grill. ‘Flavour of Labour Car II’ – Peter & Cheryl Douglas, Men at Work. Corporate Prize 2nd Place – $100 Bar Tab at Zebu Bar & Grill. ‘Laing & Simmons’ – Naomi Hunter, Ingrid Moon, Louise Doig, Kaye Mitchell and Janita Smith. Family Prize 1st Place Winners – 2 Night Family Holiday at Rydges Southbank, Brisbane, including breakfast and a $100 fuel voucher.

‘Sinnet’ – Barry and Jan MacDonald and Ann Gregory. Family Prize 2nd Place – $500 shopping voucher at Settlement City. ‘The Odds’ – Dave Stevens, Kirra Coyne, Mimi O’Donovan and Maggie O’Donnell. Family Prize 3rd Place – $250 shopping voucher at Settlement City. ‘Escapees’ – Leslie Turnbull, David Pettitt and Chris and Pat Tickner. Family Prize 4th Place – $50 dinner voucher at Port Macquarie Panthers. ‘Jag’ – Mike and Cheryl Huntley. The next car trail will be held on Sunday 24 February 2013.

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‘Calling all Mothers’ Hope Shop’s gift for Mother’s Day This year, treat your mum to a ‘High Tea’ in the Dining room @ Rydges – Saturday 12 May, $35 per person. Make this your mum’s present. Stories of nurture, hope, courage & faith, whether you are a mum, a spiritual mum to the kids down road or next door, a grand mum who is doing the mum job again. An afternoon of celebrating mums in all their unique forms. Mary-Ann will bring her mum, Roz Bond, and share her story of being an adopted child, the struggles she faced with this issue, to finding her biological mum and the warmth Roz felt when she was at Mary-Ann’s wedding six years ago. Gail shares as a mum the baby

she gave up for adoption with a teenage pregnancy and the journey & struggles she faced too. Wendy shares the sad loss of her baby at birth. This is an afternoon to share the highs and the lows of being a mum, a daughter, a woman, one who cares & nurtures, stories that we can all relate to, stories of hope, stories of hopelessness. Hope Shop Mid Coast Care invites you along to an afternoon of love & hope. Celebrate Mother’s Day in a space of trust & loveliness, where we not only celebrate, but we can also bring comfort to those spaces that have been buried and need to have life and forgiveness delivered, in order to forge forward towards a promising and hopeful future. greater port macquarie focus 19

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Terms & conditions: All prices are correct as at 22/03/2012. Prices and savings are based on twin share per person travel in April 2012, prices include tour, dinners & breakfast. Valid on select departures until 30/06/2012, valid only for new bookings made by 31/05/2012. SHDVRQDO VXUFKDUJHV PD\ DSSO\ 3DFNDJHV H[FOXGHV Ă&#x20AC;LJKWV WD[HV YLVDV DQG LQVXUDQFH 3ULFHV PD\ Ă&#x20AC;XFWXDWH LI VXUFKDUJHV IHHV WD[HV RU FXUUHQF\ FKDQJH Prices are subject to availability and change and offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offer. Discounts available on select departures only. ^Saving is based two people on a 10 Day Southern Panorama coach tour, departing 11/04/2012. Kirra Holidays Lic No. TTA 164197.

20 greater port macquarie focus.

AU0562

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focusinterview.

Artist Profile

Pe y Growing beautiful Australian native flowers is a passion for Penny Bunting of Nevertirenatives. Waratahs, Wattle, Banksia and many others are all grown on Pennyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s local property, cut and put together in decorative bunches. Come and chat to Penny at The Foreshore Market about her knowledge of native flowers and floristry. hat do you specialise in? Growing Native flowers for the cut flower market. Exporting Flannel Flowers and using natural product to make decorative bunches. Have you always had an interest in growing native flowers? I wanted to pursue a way of making an income from our land and wanted a product that was easy maintenance (pest resistant, water wise, flowers all year round). I found out about a local group called Native Flower Growers Association, and was invited to come to a farm for a visit and meeting, exposing me to native flowers and informing me about growing native Australian and South African flowers for the cut flower market. With our own research through books, internet and discussions with other farmers, we put a test crop in. Several different varieties thrived, so we put more in. We experimented with different soil types for the different species on our land. We picked flowers that would be easy to work with and had a good

vase life. What are some of the common species of Australian native flowers that are grown on your property? Flannel Flower, red, yellow and orange Kangaroo Paw, Banksias, Wattle and Waratahs are some of main species we grow. It can be very busy, as you can see from the amount of Kangaroo paw (thousands of stems!) We also grow south African varieties ie Protea and,Red,Yellow and Green Leucadendrons. So to help me, we have people come to our farm and work with us in exchange for food and accommodation through the WWOOF scheme, which means Willing Workers On Organic Farms. What do you enjoy about the whole process, from growing, to picking, to arranging the flowers for sale? I find it satisfying being a part of the whole process. To start with a plant, cut the flower, process, and then to make something beautiful. It's hard work, but satisfying work in a nice environment with my husband, Mark. It is great to always be home for our three children and living this nice

lifestyle. Do you provide cut flowers for any special occasions such as weddings? So far I have only done this through word of mouth for local people, but it is something I would definitely like to pursue, as the natives make beautiful wedding flowers. Where and how did you gain your knowledge on floristry? I have a passion for native flowers and an artistic eye. With a bit of experimentation with different foliages, I learnt how to grow many different species in a thriving environment. How long have you been attending the Foreshore Market in Port Macquarie, and what do you enjoy most about it? I'm new to the market. Our product and I have been well received and complimented. I enjoy selling something nice that I have made. When you only send flowers to wholesale markets, you wonder where it goes and who it is for. It's nice to see people appreciating and enjoying the flowers, and maybe they will give it to someone else as a gift or just to decorate their house. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great to be a part of that. Thanks Penny. greater port macquarie focus 21

ROD NOBLE

focusinterview.

Rod Noble is a local who has visited Bangladesh Bangla on several occasions and witnessed firsthand both oth the extreme po poverty the Bangladeshi people live with every day, but also their resilienc resilience in the face of adversity.

od will chair a special bre breakfast meeting at Rydges this month, to help promote the Symbiosis organisation and the vital work it does in Bangladesh. Local businesses can also learn valuable strategies for business growth and engaging people ... What is Symbiosis? Symbiosis is a non Government Organisation (NGO) that was set up to help the marginalised and poor in Bangladesh, a third world Muslim country, and is supported by both individual donors, organisations such as Australian Baptist World Aid, TEAR, Global Interaction and the Australian Government through Australian Aid Abroad. It aims to do this by empowering the people themselves, allowing them to take control of their situation so that if and when western money and support eventually dries up, it will still be possible for the structures that have been set up to be run by the local people. A large proportion of Bangladesh is agricultural, and the villages are basically little outcrops of bamboo in the middle of the rice Þelds. The criteria for Symbiosis to work with the people in these villages is that they have no land of their own and their income must be below a certain level. A meeting is held with the leaders of each village, and Symbiosis has to be invited in before they begin work in the village. Among the Þrst things Symbiosis teaches are literacy and numeracy − mostly to the women in each village, as the men are out working. Through written material presented to the women, they begin to understand that they have rights and can gain advocacy through Symbiosis or through the government. Once the numeracy and literacy programs are completed, the women are invited to start their own savings program. The women form a group, and those with the best numeracy and literacy skills become the bookkeeper and accountant. The women save money, which may only be equivalent to a few cents per month and once there is enough money pooled, the money can be loaned to one of the women in the group to start a business, e.g. buy a duck, or a goat or a sewing machine. The produce or money earned is used to pay back the loan. 22 greater port macquarie focus.

Over a period of the past 10 years, some of these savings groups have become quite large, and theyÕre able to make major purchases − such as a bus. e Each time I com When did you first visit I , lia ra back to Aust s. I try to Bangladesh? bring back idea e ideas I Þrst went over in 2005, to implement thesl have a look at what Symbiosis in our own loca area ... does. Bangladesh was an unknown country to me then, and it was a bit well. scary. It would still be difÞcult for me to Seven people in travel around over there without support Bangladesh are now TAFE on the ground, and it can be quite a hostile accredited and run this Þsh farm environment. themselves. I went back in 2009 with a group of doctors What are some of the memories of visiting and physiotherapists. It is a great place to visit Bangladesh that stick in your mind the most? and bring back ideas. When you think about our The greatest achievement is the empowering of immunisation program here ... visiting Bangladesh really poor people. Most Australians would have shows you what problems Rubella, Diphtheria, Polio no concept of the extreme poverty ... when we and Tuberculosis can inßict on an unvaccinated Þ rst arrived in January, we were expecting it to be population. There is now a program set up for hot, but it was the dry season and quite cold. Australian doctors to go and visit Bangladesh and One of the Þ rst impressions was when we met spend some time in hospitals there, to witness what families in the afternoon, and some of the young it is like to treat these diseases. children werenÕt very well. We visited them in their I went back in January this year, to be present at huts. We heard the next day that a few of the the opening of a training centre at Mymensingh. children had died of exposure to the cold. It wasnÕt The training centre has been built with money from really that cold for those of us with blankets in a donors in Australia, Canada and the USA. building. The lasting impact was how precarious What is the function of this training centre? some peopleÕs lives are. The training centre has accommodation for Another impression, though, was how resilient visitors, ofÞce space for Symbiosis and two levels the Bangladeshi people are. If theyÕre given an of training for trades such as hairdressing and opportunity, they really work hard and want to mechanics. Australian volunteers go over to train better themselves and their families. ItÕs amazing people in these professions and introduce them to to see families who, in one generation, go from Australian TAFE accredited courses. people who canÕt read or write, to having children There is a Þsh farming project that has been set studying to become doctors. up and sponsored by the Australian Government. Each time I come back to Australia, I bring At the farm, a small Þsh called Tilapia, introduced back ideas. I try to implement these ideas in our from Africa, is bred. These Þsh thrive in poor quality local area. When I came back last time, I had the water, and they are bred then sold to local farmers, opportunity to apply for a grant for a community who use them to stock their own dams. TheyÕre garden in the grounds of the Port Macquarie a very important source of protein for the local Baptist Church. I see that garden as a direct people. The Þsh are also exported to places such as response to what I witnessed in Bangladesh; itÕs an Hong Kong. opportunity to help the people in Port Macquarie Another positive beneÞt of the Þsh farming to help themselves − and empower them to want project is the health beneÞts for local children. The to do so. local Þsh is a type of carp and has very Þne bones, Please tell us about the special breakfast and there is a high mortality rate for young children happening on 27 April ... choking on the bones. Introduction of the new Þsh There will be a guest speaker Ð Dr Morris Lee Ð species has helped to reduce this mortality rate as

an Australian who has been working in Bangladesh since 1977. He spent 10 years working as a Baptist missionary, and for the Þrst few years he felt as if he wasnÕt making any progress following a Western driven program. He teamed up with a local man, Abdul Mottalib- Akand; the two of them brought together the idea of Symbiosis. Over the past 9 years, Symbiosis has developed from a group with 40 Bangladesh staff workers in 2006, to over 200 today. Anyone working in Port Macquarie in the areas of business, medical Þeld, health issues, disabilities, or working with the poor will learn a lot from MorrisÕ talk. The topic is entitled, Helping the Poor – is Money Enough. Those who are frustrated with throwing money at problems that never seem to be solved and needing a fresh way of looking at a situation will also beneÞt from this talk. The breakfast will be held at Rydges on 27 April; 6.45am for a 7am start. Thank you also to Rydges for their support and providing the breakfast venue. Thanks Rod. Interview by Jo Atkins.

more info. If youÕre interested in attending the breakfast, please RSVP by April 24 to Pix Jonasson, Event Co-ordinator on 0418 211 738 or pix@SuccessDynamicsGroup Cost is $25pp up until April 24 and $30pp from April 25. Students cost $15pp. Payment on line: www.symbiosis.eventarc.com/8288/ For more information about Symbiosis, visit: http://www.symbiosis-int.org/

focusinterview.

Women’s

CRICKET

If you’re a woman in the Hastings area who likes to keep fit, enjoys team m spirit and having fun in a social atmosphere, why not consider playingg cricket? The Hastings River District Women’s Cricket Association meets eets Friday nights for a social comp – and they welcome you to come along! g!

hat is your position without having to bowl numerous balls while with the club, and how learning. long have you held that Fielders other than wicketkeeper and slips position? are a minimum of 10 metres from the bat. Jo Borger – Co President and Megan The Association is also host to the Velardi – Secretary. NSW Imparja Women’s team for practice Please provide a brief history of the club matches before the team heads to the ... Imparja Cup. This year we hosted two North The Hastings River District Women’s Cricket Coast representative sides, of which 1 was Association was formed in 2007. It is the predominately HRDWCA players. Three only women’s cricket competition currently twenty20 games were played on Oxley Oval on the North Coast. in late January. The Westport Club is our major sponsor of The HRDWCA has also travelled to the competition. Murwillumbah last May to play two matches We have four sponsors who against an upper North Coast team. supply team shirts, these This May we are hoping to being: host the Upper North Coast Constable Printing. in Port Macquarie for the rs be New mem Blue Water Legal. games. y an ed don’t ne Friday Filtafry. Tickner’s Golf These games experience. Our n is Factory are also crucial to night competitioal about being soci How many women’s cricket, as and having fun ow members does your they give a chance gr to while trying the in t club currently have? for our experienced ke ic cr s ’ en wom Currently we have players to play in a more area. around 30 registered competitive environment. players and a 9 member We conduct training committee. The ranges of these sessions before the start of our members are from 14 years of age competition, to give our existing players through to 40 plus. a chance to get rid of the rust and our new What competition/s is your club involved players to get the feel of batting, bowling in? What’s involved with these comps? and fielding. The Association runs a Friday night social How much cricket experience is necessary competition for women high school age and for new members wanting to join your up, predominantly fifteen overs a side, but club? this can sometimes vary depending on player New members don’t need any experience. numbers. The competition generally runs Our Friday night competition is about being from November through to Feb/Mar, with a social and having fun while trying to grow Christmas break. women’s cricket in the area. We have players The competition has modified rules to from beginners to previous state and national assist in players getting exposure to all representatives. aspects of the game. Some changes include: We have previously scheduled more no LBW, 6 ball overs, no re-bowling for Twenty20 competitive matches at Laurieton wides and no balls (gives new players a and Oxley Oval, and hosting the Imparja chance to experience and practice bowling Weekend and a few others throughout the

year outside of the Friday night competition has provided representative type games higher in cricket quality. Why do you feel cricket is such a great sport? In this competition, lifelong friendships have been forged by strangers, and there is a camaraderie enjoyed by all who participate. What’s the club’s track record with recent games/comps? Is 2012 shaping up to be a successful year? Due to lack of numbers, we have only been able to field two teams. So, emphasis has been on individual performance with the bat and ball and improving individua figures, rather than which team has won. For anyone interested in joining the club, what is the age limit and what equipment is needed? Joining is as easy as turning up to a HRWDCA registration day before the season start or coming along on a Friday night during competition season and joining then. These are advertised on the Facebook site, website and have been advertised previously in the Port News and on radio. The competition is for high school age and upwards. No equipment is necessary, as the HRDWCA supplies all equipment needed to play. Where’s the best place to go to find out more info about the club? Website: hrdwca.nsw.cricket.com.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ pages/Hastings-River-District-WomensCricket-Association/135304021545 Email: hrdwca@gmail.com Phone: 0411 270 677 (Jo Borger). Thanks Jo and Megan. Interview by Jo Atkins. Photos thanks to Jac Isbel. Main photo pictures Gabe Easey. Inset photo: BR: Kim Broderick, Jo Borger, Lou Ahearn, Lou Phillips, Jackie Kennedy, Kyani McCubbin. FR: Amanda Thomas, Sharon Purcell, Kate Jackson, Mel Norup, Gabe Easey. greater port macquarie focus 23

LOCAL

READ

Local resident and new author, Anthony Beringen has released his first book, THE ME CHANGE … AND THE MODERN MANNERS ADVANTAGE, which has been described as a handbook for navigating the maze of personal success. Anthony defines the so-called ‘Me Change’ as “a clever adjustment to your ‘inner’ thought processes to focus more clearly on what you can do better to cope with what’s happening in the chaotic, aggressive and digitallyenhanced world.” The Me Change … And The Modern Manners Advantage is a well-stocked arsenal of intuitive and no-nonsense strategies for achieving this crucial change of direction and mindset and, ultimately, increased personal success. It aims to replace old, self-defeating habits with new and productive measures, all designed to get one’s desired goals. In a humorous and light-hearted style, the author separates ‘manners’ from ‘etiquette’ and guides readers into the labyrinth of selffulfillment. This is unique handbook that can be applied to various aspects of one’s life, from the boardroom to the relationship arena.

focuseditorial. Many people are aware that the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service plays a vital role in communities throughout NSW – countless lives have been saved because of the skill and dedication of the rescue service’s crew. What people may not be aware of is the fact that there’s a hardworking local support group raising funds for the service. Bruce Cant, Chairman of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service Hastings Support Group fills us in ...

the plug! The Me Change ... And the Modern Manners Advantage will be launched at the Port Macquarie Library on Saturday 28 April at 10am. The book will be available for purchase, and Anthony will be present at the launch to sign copies. The Me Change … And the Modern Manners Advantage is also available for purchase at Bookworld in Settlement City, or for more information, visit Anthony’s website: www.modernmanners.com.au

Bruce Cant. Message Stick s is coming to Port Macquarie for one night only – showcasing the best of Indigenous film, music and performing arts in Australia.

Message Sticks at the Glasshouse is part of The Open House Project, a three year partnership between the Glasshouse and Sydney Opera House. During the day we’ll host an education program for schools to engage and discuss Indigenous film, followed by an evening open to the public featuring Casey Donovan and the film Mad Bastards. Taking place on April 3, Message Sticks features Casey Donovan and band in Mama Cass: The Tribute Concert, a screening of the film Mad Bastards as well as a rare opportunity for a post-screening Q&A with Rhoda Roberts, the lead actor from the film, Dean Daley Jones, as well as the producer and composer, Stephen Pigram. Mama Cass: The Tribute Concert ARIA, Deadly Award and Australian Idol winning performer, Casey Donovan, has made an indelible mark on the Australian theatre and music scenes,

24 greater port macquarie focus.

including standout performances in Company B Belvoir and Black Swan State Theatre Company’s The Sapphires and her Big, Beautiful & Sexy Tour. Casey and her band bring new life to the legendary music of Mama Cass (Cass Elliott) and her superstar band The Mamas and the Papas. Mad Bastards Developed with Aboriginal communities and featuring a local cast from the Kimberly region, Mad Bastards draws from the rich tradition of storytelling inherent in Indigenous life. Using music from legendary Broome musicians the Pigram Brothers, writer/ director Brendan Fletcher poetically infuses the harsh realities of violence, healing and family. Message Sticks is a free, ticketed event. Please book online at www.glasshouse.org.au

Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service Hastings Support Group. ruce, what’s your position with the support group, and how long have you been involved? My position is Chairman. I have been involved since the Hastings Support Group formed in 2005. I was elected Chairman in 2006 and currently still hold that position. Why did you decide to become involved with the group? The original meeting of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service Hastings Support Group was called in Wauchope back in August 2005 by Head Office in Newcastle, with a view to forming a fundraising group in this area – due to a group in Port Macquarie folding up because of lack of support. As I am always interested in community affairs, I attended this meeting and after listening to the Co-ordinator speak, I realised this was a very worthy cause. Some twelve months after our group was formed, tragedy struck my family, involving our son-in-law. The rescue helicopter attended the scene and although he could not be saved, two of the team remained with him through the night until the mission could be completed the following day. After witnessing this commitment and dedication of the service, it gave me and my wife Shirley more incentive to keep the group going.

What is the aim of the group? The main aim of our volunteers is helping to increase awareness of the role of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, as well as raising much needed funds for the maintenance and operation of our rescue helicopters. Apart from all the fun you will have and the interesting people you meet, most importantly you are ensuring that the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service continues to save lives and provide free service to anyone who is unfortunate enough to need the service. Since my involvement, I have spoken with several people who have had firsthand experience, and they all can’t speak highly enough of the service. When, where and how often does the group meet? The group meets the fourth Wednesday of each month at the Wauchope RSL Club at 6pm. What is the best way to contact the group? Anyone wishing to contact the group with ideas, donations or becoming a member may do so by contacting Bruce Cant, Chairman 6585 1393 or Chris Cavanagh, Secretary 6585 1393, or email cavanaghclan01@bigpond.com Thanks Bruce.

focuseditorial.

focusinterview.

Robyn’s Robyn Butler.

Y reaccessorise

Thank you for your comments on the fluoridation of our water in the Hastings, that commenced last month. Surprisingly, there were very divided opinions ...

TO HELP CELEBRATE YOUTH WEEK, TWO CREATIVE WORKSHOPS WILL BE HELD AT THE GLASSHOUSE THIS MONTH. en Y Reaccessorise aims to show young people how to use recycled materials to create funky and exciting jewellery and accessories. Artists Mary Tyquin and Lucy Pascale are the creative inspiration behind the workshops ... What’s your background as an artist? Mary: After leaving school I worked as a screen printer and freelance window dresser, travelling all over Australia. When my youngest started Kindy, I decided to go to Wauchope TAFE to do a Certificate course in art ... this led to Port, Kempsey and FosterTuncurry TAFE Colleges, eventually ending with a degree in Fine Art from Newcastle Uni, majoring in Sculpture. Art in all its many manifestations is full of intrigue and although my latest foray has been in glass and stainless steel, I am equally drawn to two dimensional figurative drawing ... the humble pencil – so easily kept in one’s pocket! I am currently just finishing a Grad Dip Ed, with Visual Arts as my major teaching area. Lucy: A journey through Europe revealed and provided the opportunity to view the works of the great masters in museums and galleries, to interact with the plein air artists in Montmartre, Venice and Rome. Being intrigued by the vast array of colourful darks of the Mediterranean, the textures of old villas, wine cellars and the catacombs still existing from centuries ago became my inspiration for painting. The experience led me to study art and complete a Diploma in Fine Art, to becoming a teacher of art. I exhibit my work both locally and regionally and have works in private collections in Italy and England. How did you become involved with coordinating art workshops at the Glasshouse? Mary: I co-ordinated my first FreshArt Youth Art Festival in 2006, then the year the Glasshouse opened we ran that year’s Festival inside the Glasshouse in the Ross Family Studio. The last FreshArt in 2010 was a Market Day in the Glasshouse forecourt ... the art workshops in the Artlab have been in conjunction with FreshArt and sometimes for other art based projects. Screen printing is always a very popular workshop, as the participants not only learn a new and very useful technique, but they come away with a unique design which no-one else has ... Lucy: I became a volunteer at the Regional Gallery as a gallery attendant and assisted with installing exhibitions. This is where my knowledge of the art world and community art projects broadened. It was during this time I began to work with public programs, conducting some of the creative holiday fun workshops in the art lab.

What are some of the other programs you’ve run at the Glasshouse so far - and how successful have they been? Lucy: The Art Lab is a great space for learning about visual art and the creative process; we have run Indonesian shadow puppet workshops and lantern making. Our tie dying workshops are ongoing by popular demand and fill up very quickly. Young people continually express excitement and interest in coming back to do new workshops. In the leadup to the 2011 Aquasculpture outdoor sculpture exhibition, primary schools participated in constructing and creating fish sculptures. Over four hundred diverse individual fish sculptures were produced. What are the Gen Y reaccessorise workshops all about? Mary: The two Gen Y reaccessorise workshops will focus on making jewellery and revamping old jeans and denim jackets ... so bring them with you, and let’s turn them into something new and groovy. Lucy and I will be scouring the op shops and will have loads of bits and bobs to sew, stick, bead, tie, print and reinvent your old jeans ... turn them into shorts and cut off those sleeves for a new vest. The workshops run for four hours each day; you can stay as long or as little as you like. They are free ... so tune into the Youth Week Facebook to check it all out. Lucy: Creating your own unique funky jewellery and accessories out of recycled materials. It is a unique way to show off your creative talent and to complement your personal style. Today we are seeing a lot more emphasis on hand made designs. The workshops are free and will supply a vast array of materials, such as fabrics, lace, buttons, feathers and beads, or bring along a pair of jeans and cut off to remodel into shorts. What’s the most rewarding thing for you about working with youth and art? Mary: That’s easy! Always the enthusiasm; it’s so contagious. It is so much fun to work with people who want to be there. Art ... and music ... I am always humbled by the sheer talent that oozes out of so many young Hastingites! Lucy: Observing the many ways in which young people respond to discovering their creativity and talent – sometimes just transforming images, mediums and materials into a total mess before becoming a completed work of art. Thanks Mary and Lucy. The workshops will be held at the Glasshouse on April 14 and 15 at 10am. The workshops are free, but places are limited. Please call the Glasshouse to book your spot on 6581 8888.

mong the people I interviewed, to lug around. How many people do you I spoke to my very wise and know remove the phone book from near the wonderful dentist (whose phone? He said to combat the problem, he identity will remain anonymous would send me out a “magnifying glass”, to ... like the ad says on tele), who is all in which I replied that would be nice, but what favour – simply because he sees children about other people? He said: “How many from Sydney, where they have fluoridation, do you want”… rarely detecting any fillings or dental work ”How many can I have? ... required. Different story here, where ”I will send you out five!”. the children’s teeth need endless dental “Thank you!” attention, due to fillings and decaying teeth. I A week later … wait for it … I received five asked about the countries overseas that have magnifying glasses ... in SEPARATE packages. banned flouride, to which he replied: “People The cardboard envelopes were 20 cm by don’t like being told what to do”, and that is 11 cm, and the little plastic magnifying sheet one of the reasons fluoridation is not used in was about 5 cm. To be fair, it was useful to some of these countries. hone in on a number, but what a waste of My friend from Queensland (a town money sending them in separate packages, where they didn’t have fluoridation,) gave when they did come in a little plastic sleeve, her son Fluoride tablets as a child and now at so they couldn’t get scratched. I am hanging 31 has beautiful teeth, is a picture of on to last year’s book. If you would health, and still on the tablets. like one of their magnifying Where my children grew glasses for free, ring and tell t up, fluoride was in our them you are unhappy with os m , ow kn As you s ng water and they all have sti this year’s phone book, and Ha e th in of us w local lovely teeth, requiring maybe next year they will received our ne last very little dental work; telephone book go back to the darker print ow month. I don’t kn whereas, my sisters at least. d ul co about you, but I ith and I didn’t have the SNIPPETS w en ev it barely read fluoride, and all of us say 1. From one yellow item my glasses on our teeth are the ‘bane’ of to another! Bananas … and our lives ... saying this, I still don’t Aussies love them! One have reservations myself regarding a day keeps the doctor away ... fluoridation. whoops, that’s apples, isn’t it? Next month My dentist’s last words were, people we’ll talk about bananas dipped in carbide should be more worried about what is in our and how to tell the difference between that food and drinks that we give our children and the ‘true blue’ natural bunch. rather than what is in our water ... that is a 2. A lady sent me an email saying she has very valid point! My last word on this subject recovered from an illness with heaps of is, how many children do you know drink Vitamin F … I thought reading on that I water out of the tap? hadn’t heard of that Vitamin, until I reached ‘HELLO, IS IT ME YOU’RE LOOKING FOR? the end of the email … F stood for friends! YELLOW PAGES ... 3. Don’t forget the great day at Douglas As you know, most of us in the Hastings Vale Vinery on 14 April 2012, 10am to received our new local telephone book last 3pm for the 150th Anniversary of the month. I don’t know about you, but I could Homestead. Gold coin donation, beaut food, barely read it even with my glasses on. I entertainment, crafts and the works. MC for compared it to last year’s, and the print in the day is the ever dapper Cameron Marshall. this edition is smaller, much paler and with MAKE YOU SMILE … At the Police blue print on yellow paper hardly legible. Academy at Goulburn, one of the questions I rang Yellow Pages and told them of asked in an oral exam to a new recruit: my concern (mainly for old people and “What would you do if you had to arrest people with bad eyesight in general) and your own mother?” He replied: “CALL FOR asked if he’d had any other complaints … BACK UP”. a pregnant pause was followed by, “OH HAPPY EASTER TO YOU ALL, AND DRIVE YES!” He explained that the companies CAREFULLY IF YOU ARE TRAVELLING. who advertised in the phone book wanted Keep smiling, a small and compact book that wasn’t hard Robbie x

greater port macquarie focus 25

Greater Port Macquarie

Cover Dish Freshly baked Caramel Gold Mud Cake, White Gold Mud Cake, and Treasure Cake from The Cheesecake Shop.

eat. Dining Guide is now available on the App Store. www.focusmag.com.au/eat 26 greater port macquarie focus.

eat. Affogato, choc macadamias and caramel slice.

Ocean Breeze Café & Catering

Port Macquarie Golf Club

Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, lunch, or coffee and a sweet treat, the Ocean Breeze Café has something for everyone. Fresh seafood will be the highlight of the Ocean Breeze menu over Easter, with Oysters and Barramundi on offer. Modern dishes with locally sourced produce, prime cut steaks and home-made cakes and desserts are also some of the favourites. Having a function? We can customise a package to suit your needs, including gluten-free and other dietary requirements. Kylie and the Ocean Breeze team cater for all special occasions, so come in for a cuppa and a chat today.

Enjoy lunch or dinner overlooking the beautiful golf course. All meals are perfectly cooked by qualified chefs, including head chef and owner, Ashley Mitcham, who has previously worked in Marco-Pierre White’s kitchen. Family friendly with great views over the golf course, there is something on the menu for everyone to enjoy. LUNCH SPECIAL: Two courses – main and dessert Chef Rachael and Owner Kylie.

only $9.50 every day! Easter Raffle & Seafood – Friday April 6th from 6.30pm

Caterers Ashley and Gabi Mitcham.

Quality steaks, fresh seafood, local produce, home-made desserts.

Ocean Drive, Port Macquarie t 6582 0409

Inside Port City Bowling Club 4 Owen Street, Port Macquarie t 6583 1133

open 7 Days - Lunch & Dinner.

open Menu available from 9am - 8pm daily. Cake and coffee served all day.

Haloumi and Chorizo Bruschetta.

Beantree Garden Café

Authentic Thai Orchid

The Beantree Café serves delicious coffee, breakfast and lunch in a relaxing garden setting.

Why not treat yourself and your family to the exotic flavours of Thailand presented at their best. Outdoor and indoor dining areas, traditional and relaxed atmosphere. Dine in or takeaway available. Banquet menus available for group bookings. Fully licensed restaurant – BYOB (wine only). Home delivery – $30min, fee applies. Perfect venue for birthday, anniversary dinners.

The chefs at Beantree are passionate about using local, seasonal produce, and provide a new specials menu each week. Having a Celebration? Consider the Beantree – no venue hire charged and catering to your budget and tastes. We are excited about welcoming families during the school holidays with a new Kids’ Menu on offer.

124 Horton St, Port Macquarie t 6583 3055 open Mon-Fri 7.30am-3:30pm. (Breakfast 7.30am-11.30am, lunch 11.30am -2.30pm). Sat 7.30am-2pm. Closed Sun and Public Holidays.

Felicity, Sue Rebecca and Kylie.

2011 Port Macquarie Business awards finalist

Owners May and Paul

FINALIST: Best Thai on the North Coast Finalist 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011.

Next to Rivers Menswear, 4 Bay St, Port Macquarie t 6584 9049 open Tuesday - Sunday, from 5pm.

greater port macquarie focus 27

eat. Thai prawn salad.

Scampis Seafood Bar & Grill

Off the Hook

Have you been to Scampis yet?

Off the Hook is owned and operated by Paul and Narelle Walsh and employs thirteen staff. We offer a great variety of choice: tasty old style hamburgers, snacks, salads and of course, fish and chips. We have added a larger selection of fish to our menu, including our favourite, the Flathead fillets. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday after 4pm are our extra special nights; pay just $9.90 for two fillets of fish and chips. We also have a compete selection of Coca-Cola beverages to quench your thirst, including the popular Goulburn Valley milk and juice ranges.

Why not pop down on a Sunday afternoon and enjoy a drink with friends and family while listening to live music and enjoying the wonderful ocean views. Don’t forget to try one of our fabulous cocktails from our new cocktail list! • Daily board specials • Bar facilities • Takeaway available • Indoor/outdoor dining

Owners Mark and Jackie Holt

The friendly staff.

There’s nothing better than a meal by the edge of the beautiful Hastings River.

Bookings requested for dinner time and during the holiday period.

Located along Port Macquarie’s Town Green. t 6584 1146

40 William Street, Port Macquarie t 6583 7200

open 7 days, from 11am - late EFTPOS available, phone orders welcome.

open 7 days

The Ruben – pastrami, coleslaw and Swiss on rye with horseradish cream.

The Cheesecake Shop

The BLOCK

It’s Easter time ... and what better way to enjoy Easter than with a yummy treat from The Cheesecake Shop. The newest edition to The Cheesecake Shops range are these yummy and creative cupcakes. For only $2.95 each, they are the perfect treat for the little ones, or even a sneaky snack for yourself.

The Block coffee and chocolate is Port’s newest little gem located in the CBD Coles building. It is the region’s most extensive specialty chocolate establishment, featuring some of Australia’s premier artisan chocolate makers. Choose from over 20 pieces in the chocolate bar, wonderful figurines or unique single origin bars roasted and milled right here in Australia. The Block has a selection of iced frappes and smoothies, lunch plates and a variety of sweet treats fresh daily.

The staff at The Cheesecake Shop would like to wish everyone a very happy and safe Easter break.

Now introducing Gluten Free Chocolate Cake.

Owner Robbie & Manager Kerrie-ann.

What better way to start the day than with a cup of your favourite coffee, paired with delicious free-range smashed eggs on Morpeth sourdough, or a bowl of the ‘World’s Best Cereal’ bircher (GF), with stewed seasonal fruits and yogurt?

11/4 Bay Street, Port Macquarie t 6583 7811 open Monday - Saturday, 9am - 6pm & Sundays, 10am - 4pm.

28 greater port macquarie focus

New Coles Building, CBD Port Macquarie t 6584 4141 w www.theblockcoffee.com.au open breakfast, lunch & coffee 7.30am to 6pm. Plenty of parking available.

Owner Greg Cacace.

eat. Soft Shell Crab with mango salsa and Asian salad.

G ing it, and k ping it

Watermans Café

louperri. from The Stunned Mullet

We at Watermans Café have just changed our menu, and already it’s been a big hit with our customers.

Crystall Ball ... while cleaning out my garage the other day, I came across a box of vintage Gourmet Traveller magazines ...

Come and see the unique flavours that the new Watermans has to offer. Open Friday and Saturday nights; bookings essential. Watermans Cafe’s staff wish all our customers a very Happy Easter. Hope you all enjoy the holidays. Will be closed for all the public holidays from 6 April to 9 April. Owners Ren & Farrah

56 High Street, Wauchope t 6586 4242 open Monday - Thursday, 8am - 4pm and Friday & Saturdays Bookings Essential, 8am - 9pm.

Slow cooked Northern Rivers pork belly with saffron poached baby corella pear, radicchio and pinot noir glaze.

Zebu bar + grill NEW SEASON MENU IS HERE! Relax at Zebu this Easter long weekend. Kick back with family and friends and enjoy relaxed, contemporary dining, offering everything from plump local oysters to wood fired pizzas, succulent seafood and of course, our specialty char grilled steaks. Serving coastal cuisine from sun up to well after sunset – Zebu is the perfect place to grab a bite, day or night. Breakfast - Coffee - Cocktails - 10 Tap Beers Wood Fire Pizzas - Steaks - Seafood - Purveyors of Peak Coffee

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

pleasures

Executive Chef Ben Holloway.

irca late ‘80s to early ‘90s. Thumbing through such relics of a distant culinary past, I became aware of the massive shifts in the culture of food consumption, both at home and in the restaurant world. The wildly fashionable dishes of the early ‘90s looked jaded and just plain dull to my 2012 self, those of the ‘80s – stodgy and positively retro (not in a good way). During this period, Australia seemed to be fully immersed in the good old cultural cringe; restaurant reviews included local offerings, but also focused heavily on European dining destinations. There seemed to be a complete lack of Australian culinary identity, the style of food borrowed mostly from classical French cuisine, with the occasional nod to the Mediterranean. There was no mention of the origins of produce, nothing remotely ‘local’ in the inspiration for dishes, nothing more exotic in terms of ingredients than sweet chilli sauce and mascarpone cheese. Where did we go from here? Only a mere 25 - 30 years ago, and in most of our conscious memories, there were only two ‘exotic’ cuisines to choose from – Chinese or Italian. For a young country so unsure of who it was, the only other option was the trusty fare of its convict settlers, which mostly consisted of well-done meat and over-cooked three veg, followed by some sort of terrifying wobbly dessert. As the ‘80s became the ‘90s, Thai and Indian flavours started creeping in, followed steadily by a multicultural deluge which still continues to this day, as we search for ever more obscure cuisines and regional specialities. Our insatiable desire to dine around the globe without a passport, as well as the modern phenomena of ‘celebrity chef’, as well as the ubiquitous reality TV cook-off, led to us wanting to master such cutting edge dishes in our own homes; hence, the rising availability of ingredients from everywhere – firstly in Asian and Italian supermarkets and delicatessens and then

available at your local Coles or Woolies. The stakes rose ever higher with the rise and inevitable demise of ‘molecular gastronomy’ – that part chef, part industrial chemist approach to dining. Of course, when we realised the truth in ‘don’t try this at home’, and our local chefs came to the depressing realisation that they couldn’t beat Ferran Adria at his own game, the whole movement was destined to fade quite quickly into obscurity. Not fading, however, is our localised approach to the sourcing of food. Continuing concern for our fragile environment, as well as increasing awareness of what we put in our bodies, has ensured that this trend has not crashed and burned. So where to from here? Simon Thomsen’s article, The Future Eaters, predicts that fine dining will become a “niche product” and that we will increasingly be looking towards the “comfort of home-style cooking”. He says: “Ambitious young chefs keen to experiment will use pop-up restaurants as a low-risk way to test their ideas on the cheap. Conversely, those who invest heavily in the dining-out experience will move towards making people buy tickets for dinner on the internet – just like purchasing your tickets to a concert or the theatre”. Well, that would certainly make life for us restaurateurs a bit less filled with trepidation. No more risky start ups, destined to fail in spectacular fashion as do so many now. And selling tickets to diners – what a great way to fill a restaurant and abolish those pesky ‘no-shows, on whose empty seats we could have filled with many more bums, if only we’d known they weren’t going to make it ... Hmmm, that’s a whole new article, come to think of it. Whatever happens from now, it’s bound to taste pretty good and more than likely be good for you as well. The future ... well, I for one cannot wait to see what happens in the next 25 or so. In the meantime, Buon Appetito! greater port macquarie focus 29

focusinterview.

Affogato, choc macadamias and caramel slice.

Breeze. Ocean Breeze Café & Catering is a diner’s delight, situated in the Port City Bowling Club. Kylie and Rachel pride themselves on quality flavoursome food and great service. Now in its fifth year, the Ocean Breeze Café has gone from strength to strength. We talk to Kylie about how it all got started.

ow long has Ocean Breeze Café & Catering been operating in Port City Bowling Club? We have been here for five years. We are coming into our fifth year this year, which is very exciting. It is a great location for us with a really good clientele base, with a lot of regulars from the area – which is fantastic. What is the history behind Ocean Breeze; how did it all get started? Well, it all started with lamingtons! Always in the sweet thick of things, I joined our preschool fundraising committee. I met Rachel, who was always thinking outside of the box. We seemed to hit it off. Our preschool needed funds to fix the playground and equipment. Rachel and I put our heads together to come up with a lamington drive. But I wanted more than just one hit, so I thought we would do it for four weeks in a row. Brilliant idea! We were thinking of doing maybe one or two slabs a week; well, I went all out and made sure that everyone we knew was buying lamingtons in at least 2 of the weeks or throughout, and I made all of the committee members and mothers do the same. We ended up doing 9 slabs in the first week! Yes, we made them from scratch, so by week 4 we were over it! But we raised a lot of money for our preschool and became very close, bouncing ideas off one another. So then I had another idea – a café/coffee shop. Unsure and needing some confidence, I ran it past Rachel. I was nervous, never having done this – just owning a passion and drive to create something great. Rachel told me to go for it, and she inspired me and has helped me

30 greater port macquarie focus.

create what we have today – Ocean Breeze Café & Catering. What types of ingredients will we often see on the Ocean Breeze menu? There are a lot of local bits and pieces seen throughout our menu: tomatoes from Red Hill, strawberries grown out of Beechwood. We also get a lot of our produce from Kenny Little. A lot of the things we make ourselves, using a broad range of fresh ingredients like macadamia nuts and things. Our house made relishes and goddess dressing are also favourites; we try to make everything we can from scratch s to create unique flavours and We are alwaye; it ov pr im to ng interesting dishes. tryi ith w sh fre us keeps Will you have any special s ideas and keepby dishes on the menu I have always been us on our toes e challenging on throughout the Easter passionate about making another all the holidays? everything from scratch – time!. Yes, we are hoping to have especially the sweets. It’s a bit fresh oysters on the menu, of rivalry between myself and and the ‘Barra’ special, which is Rachel to see who can do the best Barramundi with fresh mango and bacon on of the best! top; it is a really beautiful dish with flavours We are always trying to improve; it keeps that complement each other. Seafood will be us fresh with ideas and keeps us on our toes the highlight of the menu over Easter. by challenging one another all the time. Tell us about your services for functions But the cakes and sweets are certainly my and catering. favourite thing to do. So come on down for a We do corporate functions, weddings, coffee and cake! birthdays, in or out of house. There is a lot How do you incorporate all of the fresh, of demand for outside catering, sandwich local produce that is available in our platters for corporate lunches etc. In the region into your menu? Bowling Club, we can cater for around 200 We try to use as much fresh produce as people, with another 60 in the café area. we can, sourced from different areas. Of Whether it’s a large elaborate function or a a daytime we are serving fresh salads with small get together, we can cater for it all. our meals, and then of a night it’s mash Home-made cakes and sweets are a and beans. We don’t do any deep frying; favourite at the café. Is this something everything is grilled or baked, and we try you have always been passionate about? to do as much as we can with the local

Prawn, bacon, mango and banana stack.

resources available every day. What do you think people enjoy most about coming to the Ocean Breeze Café, whether it is coffee and cake, a light lunch or a function? People love coming in for coffee and cake, but also our meals; it’s all about flavour. They enjoy the different flavours we incorporate, because everything is so freshly made. You can taste the garlic, the butter, all of those yummy things that we are probably not supposed to have! Our food at Ocean Breeze is always nice and fresh and full of passion. Thanks Kylie.

the plug! Ocean Breeze Café and Catering is located inside the Port City Bowling Club, 4 Owen Street, Port Macquarie. Phone: 6583 1133. open Menu available from 9am - 8pm daily. Cake and coffee served all day.

focusinterview.

RICHARDSON

Owner/Chef at the new LV’s on Clarence.

v’s have been open now for I found this site on 74 Clearance Street a couple of weeks. Have you with prime water views – a perfect size for enjoyed starting your own functions or that Sunday morning breakfast restaurant, and what has the with the family and friends. feedback been like? What will be the point of difference Yes, it’s been great – a real learning when dining at LV’s? experience. All the long and hard hours Not only have we sourced the best are worthwhile when we come possible ingredients, we have to work each day and see finished it off with the the transformation. It’s so finer details of beautiful A perfect ns exciting to see what each blossom tea pots and size for functioay day brings. or that Sund locally made wooden

ning breakfast

mor What can we expect boards to serve our slider with the family s. when we come to eat at burgers and steaks on. nd ie and fr LV’s? We make everything The best locally sourced possible in house, including produce this region has to cold smoking our salmon for offer. My style of cooking allows the the Eggs Benedict, using the wood flavours of the food to speak for themselves shavings from the production of our boards. – but of course, with a little twist. Great Another great feature is the local artworks coffee, Paul Basset Espresso and beautiful we have displayed throughout the café loose leaf chemical free bunels from the ‘tea for sale, which will change regularly. Our people’ located in Coffs Harbour. Excellent current artist is Amanda Buntschu. friendly service. Tell us a bit about the menu? Has owning your own restaurant We have a short menu based on what’s in been something that you have always season and available from the local farmers. dreamt of? Specials change regularly, with slider of the Owning my own restaurant is something day, truffles, cakes and slices. Local pork I’ve wanted to do since beginning my belly with sour cherry jam, cauliflower and apprenticeship, and I was so excited when roasted eschalot is a house favourite. greater port macquarie focus 31

focusinterview.

Watermans Cafe

R E N N I E R P A T E R S O N . ow long have you been in the hospitality industry, and where did you start out?

I’ve been in the industry for 12 years and started at East Port Bowling Club. It took me about 6 months to land the job after leaving school. It was hard going at the start, but it’s all paid off in the end. It’s taken me many different places around Australia. Places I’ve worked in are: Sydney – Cronulla; N.T. – Cullen Bay, Darwin; and W.A. – Busselton, Margret River region. The industry has given me many different skill sets, and that’s what I enjoy about hospitality. Being a chef wasn’t enough; I also learnt to work on the floor, bar, and become a barista. All these skills set me up to have my own café. What do you love the most about having your own café/restaurant? The most fulfilling thing about being an owner operator is meeting all my customers and seeing them enjoy the food that we have created. We focus on consistency and meeting our customers’ needs. Tell our readers about the amazing menu you have at Watermans? Our menu is very diverse, and we have structured it to cater for everyone. With the ever growing dietary requirements, we have to adapt to meet customer requirements. Our flavours are modern and seasonal. We try to use as much local produce as we can. Our breakfast menu has all your usuals but also has the Watermans differences, like house made maple roasted muesli with vanilla bean yogurt and berries, and Mediterranean BLT with prosciutto. Lunch has sandwiches, wraps and burgers, light meals, but the one that takes the cake is our BBQ Pork salad with

32 greater port macquarie focus.

crunchy noodles and sweet soy dressing. Dinner at Watermans is starting to take off more, and more people are enjoying the food we have created. With our diverse tapas menu, it’s got flavours to take you around the globe. Our value for money tapas platter for two is a must, and the Malaysian Beef curry is another winner. Watermans Café caters for all types of functions. What are the options that readers have when booking a function? Watermans caters for a wide range of functions and events from weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, canapés, cocktail and groups. We have a 70-seater restaurant for in house functions and also do off-site, wherever your function may be. We tailor menus to meet customer needs and budgets. We also have sandwich platters, dessert and party platters available. For booking enquires, call Ren on (02) 6586 4242 m: 0418 602 291. What would you say is Watermans Cafe’s point of difference? Watermans Café’s point of difference is our quality of food, service and our friendly staff. We make 90% of our menu items on site. So when you have our food, you taste the difference, from our wide selection of cakes in the cake display to our retail jams, relishes and biscuits, to our sauces and menu items. We make it all; it’s harder, but it tastes better. We also have a very relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. What do you have in store for the café/ restaurant over the next 6 months? Our focus in the next six months is to cement Watermans Café as a destination for locals and tourist alike, delivering consistency with food, coffee and service and value for money and keeping our menus new and exciting.

H E R I TA G E

Society

If you’re looking for something just a little bit different to do on a Saturday, mark April 28 in your diary. Take a drive through the beautiful Hastings hinterland to the historic village of Kendall and stop over at the Kendall Services and Citizen club for a special luncheon, held in honour of famous Australian poet, Henry Kendall. Kendall Heritage Society Inc. President, Ray O’Neill, explains the significance of this special event … i Ray. What’s the aim of the Kendall Heritage Society Inc.? The group started 13 years ago, with the aim of preserving the history of Kendall. We’ve been working on this ever since – one of our projects included the Henry Kendall statue in town. In the past few years we’ve also produced three books: one on Kendall and the surrounding area; one on Kew and Herons Creek; and the last one was about the Lorne Valley. We’re currently trying to see if we can have the large axe that was situated at Kew moved to Kendall, so it can be placed near the statue of Henry Kendall. The axe handle was actually damaged by white ants, and we helped to replace it ... We’d also like to raise enough money to create a sculpture of a bullock team, either out of metal or some other material, but this will be quite an expensive project. Where can the public source the Society’s books if they’d like to read them? They’re available at the craft centre near the railway station in Kendall or from the CTC [Community Technology Centre] at Comboyne. The public can also contact members of the Kendall Heritage Society to get a copy. They’ve been very popular, and they’re great books with lots of photos and information from 1860 to 1960. We sell them for $25 each. Describe the statue of Henry Kendall

you mentioned. What was involved with this project? We had this built about 4 or 5 years ago now. It’s made of granite, and we had to fundraise in order to have the statue built. Henry Kendall was the first Inspector of Forests NSW. He was appointed to this position when he was in Kendall, so Forests NSW generously donated $5,000 towards the cost of the statue. What’s the significance of Henry Kendall to the township of Kendall and surrounding areas? Henry Kendall was brought to the Camden Haven from Gosford by the Fagan family, to work in the mills they owned in this area … He lived here from 1876 to 1881, which is when he was appointed Inspector of Forests in NSW. He had to ride a long way around the state to inspect the forests as a part of this job, and unfortunately he grew frail and died about 18 months after he was appointed to the position. Henry Kendall was a great poet, and he wrote a lot of his good poems while he was in this area. He was actually the first Australian-born poet, so he was very important historically. The area Henry lived was originally known just as the Camden Haven, but it was renamed Kendall after him. What’s happening at the Henry Kendall Memorial Luncheon on April 28? We have Don Godden appearing as a guest speaker at the luncheon. Don is well

known in the field of heritage architecture, and he’s Vice President of the National Trust. The patron of our society, Elaine van Kempen, will be introducing Don prior to his presentation. We hold a memorial luncheon every year, and we always hold it as close to Henry Kendall’s birthday – which was on the 18th April – as we can. The luncheon will start at around 12pm. Everyone is welcome to attend by purchasing a ticket for $25 – we always have an interesting guest speaker each year, and the ticket price also includes lunch. We find a lot of people who used to live in the area regularly return for the luncheon and visit for the day. Is the society actively seeking new members? We’d love to have some new members join. We meet on the first Thursday of every month at the Kendall Services and Citizens’ Club at 7.30pm. Where can people purchase tickets to the luncheon or find out more information about the Kendall heritage Society Inc.? Tickets for the luncheon are available for $25pp by calling Sandra Haswell on 6559 4083 or at the Kendall Services and Citizens Club. For further information about the society, please contact the Secretary, Betty Boyd, on 6585 7022. Thanks Ray. Interview by Jo Atkins. greater port macquarie focus 33

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Amazing U P G R A D E E XC E E D S $1 M

EXPERIENCE ALL THAT THE REVITALISED CAMDEN HAVEN GOLF CLUB HAS TO OFFER.

rom the moment you drive through more under construction; the new entrance, you start to realise Practice/Warm-Up Facilities – these include that the aim of the club’s governing warm-up nets, short game practice area; body is to provide a great recreational Driving Range – considerable improvements facility for patrons to enjoy. This is view of are planned for the range to make the golf Laurieton United Services Club (LUSC) General range the best in the area; manager Robert Dwyer, when talking about the Improved Clubhouse – with a new bar, new bowling greens and 5,700 metre 18 equipment, members facilities and major hole layout at the new Camden renovations; ( TAB coming in April) Haven Golf Club. There’s Bowling Greens – now three been a massive continuous greens, including two new allimprovement programme, weather synthetic greens. There’s been a us with new works being The benefit of this will massive continuo improvement done almost every week fl ow on to the club’s w ne programme, with of the last eighteen existing members, with ne works being do eek months. w a plan to attract more y er ev almost en Robert spoke golfing members. With of the last eighte enthusiastically about the months. other clubs in the area huge investment the LUSC closing off membership, the had made to the Camden cost of $375, is considered very Haven Golf and Kew Bowling reasonable. The club also offers a Club, which he said couldn’t have been pay by the month option. provided without great staff and the support of This year the Club is planning to offer a no many volunteers. joining fee membership until June 30th, where “We have taken the view, from the very normally there’s a joining fee of $150. moment we took over the Golf Club, that we Additionally, the Club will offer to anyone wanted to make sure this Golf Club with its joining in the next quarter to June, for their three bowling greens would be one of the membership to run a full twelve months to June premier sporting and community facilities on the 2013. So where someone joins in April, they get Mid-North Coast,” he said. 15 months for the cost of just twelve. The upgrades and improvements have been Golf beginners, watch out for the new golfer substantial and are continuing; they include: drive and the open group lessons planned for Tees – there have been seven new tees built later in the year. Ask for a Golf ‘Expression of on the golf course; Interest’ form now for more information. Landscaping – most tees and fairways have Experienced golfers will love the challenging been landscaped; course. Some say because of the big stands of Drainage and Water Management – major mature trees and water hazards, it is more of a drainage improvement undertaken to make the test than other Mid North Coast courses. course great for year round, all weather play But one thing is for sure: there are few with ... courses anywhere that are so easy to get on Over 150 metres of major drainage pipe and few clubs that are now as ready to attract installed and over 700 metres of ‘ag’ lines; playing members as the Camden Haven Golf Cart Paths – 230 metres of cart paths with Club. greater port macquarie focus 35

focusinterview.

Out to Lunch

with Susie Boswell

Cycling, it’s said, is “the new golf”.

Bryce Purnell. As three established eating houses closed their doors, a plucky 23-year-old plunged everything he owned into opening a new restaurant. The 14-hour days aren’t exactly hard work: digging holes in the road might be, he reckons. If this month’s lunch guest is our future, Susie finds we’re in good shape. hat to make of a young man who bought his own home at age 19? Renovated it over the next few years and, by 22, realised a big profit. Then, barely 23, sold it and risked the lot by plunging it into a start-up business six months ago, after “every bank in town” told him to get lost! Courageous, or crazy? Crazy like a fox, I decide, after lunching with him. “I had no idea about home renovation; everyone knows I can’t use tools. Luckily I had friends who helped me. I tried to borrow against my house to start this,” he gestures around spanking new squeaky clean Yuu Sushi Train on Horton, opposite KFC. “I took my business plan to the banks. E-v-e-r-y b-a-n-k! They just laughed at it.” They threw him out, he recalls with a grin, remarkably upbeat at being kicked to the kerb. “But you have to keep going. I couldn’t sit back and let them tell me ‘No’.” It’s this indomitable spirit that’s the key to him, I learn. “They had no faith in me. I had no choice but to sell my house; now I’m renting.” Earlier, he’d “sacrificed” his motorbike to help buy the house. He “made a fair bit of money” from the sale, the investor maxim You make your money when you buy, not when you sell instinctive to him. Born and bred here to mother Julie and dad John - “Purno” of Flynn’s Beach kiosk - the couple’s older son grew up helping in the family takeaway/cafe, surfing and playing sport. “I was not good at school”, St Joseph’s and Port High, he confesses. Yet it emerges he’s a fast learner, graduate of the University of Life, Gold Coast campus, his remarks reveal. “I finished Year 12, completed Cert III and IV in Fitness at TAFE and moved to the Gold Coast

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as a personal trainer. ”He threw himself “in the deep end. I didn’t know anything; you don’t learn anything [practical] at TAFE. I was just this … kid! But I learned more there He’s always encouraged me. ... you have than in the whole course - it “The three months before to keep going. I k was owning your own busicouldn’t sit bac I opened here and the three ness. You lease your spot and let them tell after were pretty crazy. But in the gym, sign a contract me ‘No’.. that’s the best way to learn.” for $400 a week, after that It was a rigorous start: setting you’re on your own: generate budgets; finding premises; designyour own leads, marketing, ing fit-out, menus; sourcing quality clients. At TAFE they teach you produce; luring Japanese sushi chefs from about the muscular system: they don’t teach you how to make money. You learn more Sydney. “The restaurant’s 100% mine but I’m not going to say I did it all on my own; everyquickly from doing it.” He also worked the bar one’s helped a bit.” His parents are supportive, in uber-trendy Cavill Avenue club Ruby Tramp his girlfriend helps him, and younger brother “getting home at 6am, the pay was terrible … Baden works beside him at the Train. “It’s good it was just to meet people.” After 12 months to have them; you’ve got to have your family “I ran out of money,” he admits. “I actually and friends onside when you do something like had negative money. It didn’t work, so I came this.” home.” Yet it turned out something of a gap Earlier today at the Mullet executive chef/ year, a time to get thoughts, hopes and priorities in order and absorb some of those practical co-owner David Henry served us a smashing lunch of salmon on potato-sopressa croquette, lessons he’d missed out on. “You learn more with gazpacho, confit-garlic aioli and baby by getting things wrong,” he believes. (Chin spinach and a snapper fillet with prawn-pork up, Julia!) velouté, pickled red cabbage and crisped Not counting the kiosk, his first job had polenta. Co-owner Lou Perri said “Bryce’s got been as a dishie at Domino’s. So: “I started what it takes to be a successful restaurateur: again at Finnian’s [where he’d also worked uncompromising in both food and service stanearlier]. I got the assistant manager’s role, the dards, enthusiastic, great personality, a good, pub was left in my charge at night, I was pretty determined young bloke”. Quite a compliment stoked with that.” Progressively, he moved on for a newbie to the trade, from Port’s most acto TGs and later to the new Fig, always learncomplished operator! ing more about management. At the same The Train runs for both lunch and dinner time, a dream took shape. The Gold Coast six days; guests can sit at individual tables if gym had been next door to a sushi train. “I’d they like. “People love that we make everyshowed Dad; he thought it was great.

thing fresh. We’re not only a traditional train: we have authentic sushi and sashimi but also cater to Western tastes with plenty of chicken, beef, cooked seafood and a whole a la carte menu with all our main meals under $20.” My own favourites: soft-shell crab tempura and tuna sashimi with BYO sake, beer or wine, and takeaway mini rolls for serving with drinks. “People pick up platters as instant nibbles for dinner parties, BBQs, card nights, book clubs. We just catered an engagement: guests had drinks while our chef prepared fresh sushi right in front of them! It’s great finger food, and entertaining to watch.” Right now Purno-san, as we might call him, is prepping for the cooler months with new winter dishes such as bowls of Udon noodles topped by selections like crisp tempura vegies “for under $15”. “I’m not too fussed if this doesn’t work,” he mused at one point. “I know I can always start again.” But,” he’d rallied, “I’m going to make it work.” Indeed, with regular customers and business humming, and ever driving his own motivation, he has yet another venture in mind. “I want to open another Yuu Sushi Train. I won’t do it till I see how we go over winter. I’ve only just decided, I’m excited about it, it’s my plan, I’m going to do it. In Sydney. “If I open there I’ll be playing with the big boys. Bigger risk,” he ponders. But: “Bigger thrills,” he grins. “And now I can show the banks it’s going well!”

greater port macquarie focus 37

A relaxed & popular dining experience.

The place to be. If pizza is your go … and let’s be honest, who’s isn’t ... then the Town Green Inn is the place to be! Their wood fire pizza oven is serving up the best pizzas in town – just perfect to feed the family these school holidays! Located on the town’s iconic Town Green and Hastings River, the Town Green Inn combines beachside comfort and a family friendly environment to deliver the most relaxed and popular dining experience in Port Macquarie. It oozes an inviting comfort, which sums up the eating experience.

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holidays! Town Green Inn Venue Manager, Charlie Redmond said: “This Easter we will not only be serving up delicious meals complemented by great cocktails, but some fun entertainment for all ages.”

The traditional coastal seafood flavours make up the bulk of the entrees and lend well to the hearty mains, including the popular Beef & Reef. The extensive pizza menu, refreshing salads and kids’ menu complete this popular destination hotel.

Catch DJ Corza on level one of the Town Green Inn on Easter Thursday from 8pm. Entry is free, and his old school tunes and party beats will ensure a great night for the over 30s! Then relax and recover throughout the long weekend by grabbing a cozy front window seat overlooking the scenic Town Green and sip on the autumn flavours which make up one of the great cocktails on offer at the Town Green Inn.

With a huge kids’ play area, all sports shown live and a huge Easter entertainment line up, you won’t want to be anywhere else these school

“TGs really has a little piece of enjoyment for all this Easter, so pop in, say hi and relax throughout this Easter long weekend,” says Charlie.

focussocial.

social scene.

with Kate Wood-Foye from Rydges Port Macquarie

Natalie Fuhrer, Tahnee Wooden, Nicole Schneider & Olivia Cameron. Photo credit: Photo Elegance.

Anna Fairweather & Alex Abell on their wedding day.

Wedding of Josh Raatz & Clare Byron. Photo credit: Tim Pascoe.

Stacey and Heath Morgan

Leanne Jones and Kate Bisco at Stacey’s 30th bash.

have learnt some serious lessons this month. Number 1: Diesel cars won’t run on petrol … a stressful and inconvenient lesson. Thank God for mobiles and mechanics! Lesson number 2: I am not Betty Crocker … I learnt this one the hard way. Typically used to coordinating events for adults, I had a baptism of fire with a first birthday to pull off with a dangerously heavy baking component. Extreme pressure for the inexperienced! I did what any novice would do and dusted off the old faithful Women’s Weekly Children’s Birthday Cake Book and set out to create a Number One covered in smarties. Predictable, yet delicious! Assumption#1 – the recipe said each cake (of which there were two) would take half an hour. The reality – each cake took a ridiculously long hour and a half! Instead of kicking back and hanging up my apron at 10pm satisfied with cakes well baked, I was still up at 1am half cross eyed waiting for the damn things to cook! After a marathon creation of chocolate crackles and nutless rocky road (children choking at party not high on my wish list), the cake was finally done! Assumption # 2 – when the cake is out of the oven, the hard work is over! Reality – it has only just begun. After crafting the two cakes into my best impression of a number one, I promptly left the kitchen, only to find on my return that my previously beloved cat was happily chowing down on my beautiful creation! Still warm, covered in cat size bite holes! AAAAAH! Thank God for chocolate

icing, a quick re-bake and some quick cosmetic surgery! Some of the slightly cheekier (well loved and truthful!) guests suggested the cake may even look less like a number one and a little more like a body part … this is a G rated column, so I won’t proceed any further! The gorgeous Anna Fairweather and Alex Abell were married in a stunning ceremony at The Fairweather’s waterfront property on Hibbard Drive in late February. Guests from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane travelled to be a part of the elegant riverside garden celebration. The bride was resplendent in her off the shoulder gown, and her bridesmaids wore a deep blue. Guests were treated to a lone harp performance by Lee Marie Cavanagh, with champagne and chilled canapés served on the lawn. Guests were then whisked away from their private jetty on board a privately chartered boat for a surprise evening of SilverSpoon canapés and views over the Hastings. Guests returned to the Fairweather home for the finale of the evening, with delicious noodle boxes, decadent lolly bar and an outdoor dance floor, with Andrew Best and his band ramping up the party atmosphere! Congratulations to a delightful couple, who make their home in Sydney – wishing you both all the very best for the future. Happy 30th Birthday to the bubbly and uber busy Stacey Morgan, who celebrated with a bold ‘80s bash at the Flynn’s Bach Surf Club recently. The event was inspired by the Broadway musical Rock of Ages, with guests doing their best ‘80s impressions. Famous imposters included Ozzy Osbourne,

Slash, Gene Simmons, Bon Jovi, to name a few, all in their Metal Glam Rock attire. Stacey and friends, including hubby Heath and bestie Emily, danced all night to Guns and Roses, Warrant, Def Leppard and Bon Jovi. Local band, the Coastal Suns rocked it out in glam blond wigs, making sure the motley crew had a ball! Stacey is now continuing the party with a nice little trip across the seas to NYC! Happy birthday Stacey! Former local gal Clare Byron and Josh Raatz celebrated their wedding at the Byron family’s riverside property at Rossglen with eighty guests, including gracious hosts, Susan and Allan Byron. Friends and family travelled from Sydney and Melbourne to be a part of the couple’s special day. The bride wore a stunning gown from American designer Maggie Sottero and was attended by Taryn Inkster and Michelle Darmody. Josh was attended by Mitch Way, Greg Peters and Adrian Raatz. The happy couple were married on the lush green lawns of the property, followed by drinks and canapés served on the water’s edge. Guests then meandered up to the marquee, where a three-course SilverSpoon feast ensued, including caramelised onion tartlets, Moroccan racks of lamb and fillet steak with balsamic roasted cherry tomatoes. Guests enjoyed a cupcake tower for dessert with berries and ice-cream, followed by a luxurious lolly bar, which included white chocolate covered strawberries. Congratulations to Clare and Josh, who make their home in Melbourne. Nicole Cameron and Terry Schneider celebrated

their wedding with a ceremony at St Agnes Church in mid March, followed by a garden party on the banks of the Wilson River at Sancrox at the Cameron family home. Nick and Anne Marie Cameron provided an idyllic setting for the nuptials, with perfectly manicured lawns and views to the water. The beautiful bride chose an oriental theme, with bridesmaids Olivia Cameron, Tahnee Woodham and Natalie Fuhrer wearing striking red gowns and the reception venue transformed from a working shed into a stunning wedding venue with white paper lanterns and colourful origami cranes adorning the room. Terry was attended by his brother, James Schneider, and cousins, Alex and Phil Cassegrain. Audrey Booth provided the kooky and delicious cake. Congrats to Nicole and Terry, who partied the night away with 80 family and friends. Birthday baking boot camp is over, the car now has a tank full of the right fuel (my husband and his boss are still talking to me … well, just …), and I am thinking I will book myself a night out with the girls, followed by a nice relaxing day at the beach with a book! If nothing else, I can console myself with the festival of chocolate that is about to begin and have a super charged five day weekend away from the office – filled with hot cross buns, a little Andrew Thomas Semillon and a potentially fatal consumption of Easter eggs. ‘til next month! NB: no animals or children were harmed in the creation of this column ... Kate.

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focusinterview.

sh rt What do you get when you combine a musician/sound guy, a writer/editor and a computer/ IT whiz? A new local film company, with loads of ideas, energy and vision!

Rod Petrie, James Stevenson and Mathew (Maty) Eichorn are the faces behind WTHIS Productions – a trio who have just completed their first short film, Karma, on location in the Hastings area. But watch this space … there are some even bigger projects in the pipeline!

i guys. Tell us a bit about yourselves and how you became interested in film making. Rod: My interest in filmmaking is directing, writing and editing. I’ve been a huge film fan since an early age and when I grew older, I learned to appreciate the work that goes into films and decided it’s something I really wanted to be a part of. I’m interested in the horror, sci-fi, thriller, action, adventure and comedy genres. My favourite directors are Peter Jackson, Stanley Kubrick, Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, James Cameron, Sam Raimi, George Romero, Wes Craven and numerous others. James: I’m into tech stuff. I work in IT, and I’ve always been interested in computers and gaming. Maty handed me a camera one day and asked me to film him trying a self-heating can of soup for a food review – and I think I’ve been holding a camera ever since! Since then, I’ve bought a Canon 550D camera and tripod, and I’m adding to my collection of equipment all the time. Maty: I’m a musician, and I work as a private music tutor, teach at the University of Newcastle campus here and volunteer as a musician, musical director and sound tech at The Players Theatre. I fell in love with film after hearing John Williams’ work on Star Wars and Indiana Jones. It has since grown into an avid interest in sound FXs and Foley work, alongside composing scores. 40 greater port macquarie focus.

t Explain who and what all over the place. He Karma is abou a in WTHIS Productions is? particularly seemed to four people o not Why was it formed? enjoy sleeping on the house who dot know each tuhaterion Maty: WTHIS floor, with his script over and are in a siething’ Productions came about his face. I do wonder where ‘som r them. a little bit by accident. how many times he was fo g in is com four will We started goofing stepped on or kicked! One of the is ion that around with James What technical make a dec ck bite ba will come ... to behind a basic handy cam difficulties occurred on them and Rod and myself in front set that you’ve learned of it, sampling unusual food and from and will put into trying to be funny. practice for your next film? After a while, someone, although I’m not James: We ran the camera battery flat and sure who, realised that between the 3 of us we didn’t have a spare (one had been ordered there was enough skill and experience to take and didn’t arrive prior to the shoot), so we film making a little more seriously. Plans started were forced to take a break while the battery to flow after that realisation. recharged. We won’t have to go through this WTHIS Production’s first short film – Karma again on our next shoot! – was shot on location in the Hastings With hindsight, it was probably a bit area. What is the film about? ambitious to tackle filming the entire movie in Rod: It’s about four people in a house who just one day as well – but we got there in the do not know each other and are in a situation end! where ‘something’ is coming for them. One Overall, how do you feel about your first of the four will make a decision that will come major film shoot? back to bite them. Rod: I’m very happy with the performances How did the idea for Karma first develop? from the actors. There are some great character Rod: It’s based on a nightmare I had years moments captured in the footage, and there ago. I believed it would be a shocking and are some wonderful shots. It was definitely a suspenseful horror film, so I adapted the positive experience and lots of fun! nightmare into a screenplay that I intended to It is one of many projects we have in various direct as well. stages of development, so there is more to What were some of the funny things that come. happened on set during the shoot? What do you plan to do with Karma after Maty: One of the actors had a bit of a late post production is finished? night the night before and kept falling asleep James: We want to make this short film part of

our ever expanding portfolio, as well as release it online (YouTube and WTHIS Production’ website) and possibly enter it in film festivals. But prior to this, we’re looking at holding a premiere of the film in the local area on the big screen: we’re still working on the arrangements for this. Who was involved with Karma that you’d like to say a huge thank you to? James: Our actors: Tim Ronin, Barbara Sherrin, Nathan Totton and Baili Atkins; they were incredible. Also, Cherie Kershaw for her makeup skills, our many extras, and the Sawyer family, for providing us with a location. What projects are in the pipeline for WTHIS Productions over the next few months? Maty: We’re preparing a proposal to shoot a Spaghetti Western at Timbertown in Wauchope very soon. Plans are also in motion for another return to the horror genre, with a double feature to be filmed over the next few months. We hope to have a sci-fi short film and romantic drama filmed before the end of the year, before we launch into our very first feature length film in 2013. We’re always on the lookout for contributors and volunteers to help us out in many capacities. Where can people contact WTHIS Productions if they’re interested in film/ editing projects? Go to our website: www.wthisproductions. com – or find us on Facebook. Thanks guys. Interview by Jo Atkins.

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focusinterview.

ride One family’s tragedy has spurred them on to raise awareness and help find a cure for melanoma. Maura Luxford shares this inspiring story ...

hat’s your background, Maura? I was raised in a large family of nine kids; my father was a drover, Mum a nurse. I spent most of my life up until 1992 on the road droving, firstly with my own family, then from 1988 with my husband, Lindsay Matthews. I spent from 1977-1992 in far western NSW between Moree and Hay droving and contract mustering, then moved up here to the Mid North Coast in 1992 and went to Southern Cross University. Since then, I have worked in the Macleay and Hastings Valleys as a counsellor, youth worker and educator. I’m a mother to three kids aged between 13 - 23. I work part-time for TAFE while doing a huge amount of voluntary work to put melanoma and skin cancer on the radar of young people across the nation. I am also a volunteer with the NSW Cancer Council as MP Liaison advocate, community advocate and Relay for Life Committee member. I have also just won a scholarship to participate in a nine-month study program in Sydney with the School of Social Entrepreneurs, to support the work I am doing in community and schools from March – November 2012. What was the event that occurred in 2008, which ultimately completely changed life for you and your family? Christmas time 2007, [my daughter] Hannah (2nd year livestock science student at UNE in Armidale, keen horsewoman, rodeo and campdraft competitor), aged 19 was diagnosed with malignant melanoma. This was mind numbing, as in our world this disease had never been linked to a young, healthy person. However, exactly a year later after three recurrences, Hannah lost her precious life to melanoma at Christmas 2008. This tragedy was turned to triumph, when I committed to creating a research fund in Hannah’s memory. What is the Hannah Rose Melanoma Research Fund, and what is its aim? The Hannah Rose Melanoma Research Fund raises funds to target adolescent and young

adult melanoma research, improve treatments and find a cure. The platform I created to do this is Ride4acure; I kicked this off in May 2009. I set about planning my first big trek riding my pushbike 1,680 km from Kempsey to Melbourne. A couple of key things that put a fire in my belly and energise me daily to continue to work hard to raise the profile of melanoma is finding out that it’s the most prevalent cancer that young people in Australia get, representing 21% of all cancer in 15 - 25 year olds. Also, that as many people die from melanoma each year as the number who die on our roads nationally. And as my community awareness work began, I realised that most people in rural and regional areas had very little knowledge of skin cancer and melanoma and what to do to prevent it. The good news is that in 90% of cases, it can be prevented when people take the right measures: applying sunscreen every day when the UV’s above 2 (all year here on the Mid North Coast, and of course UV is not about sunlight; it can be extreme in cloudy, wet weather), wearing hats, sunnies, covering up with clothes and seeking shade. Schools can have a big impact by scheduling sports events first thing in the morning, not in the heat of the day, and providing plenty of shade for students. The key thing for young people is that 80% of skin cell damage happens in the first 18 years of life and is irreversible. It is critical that parents, schools and kids themselves get this right and protect themselves outdoors. You have some amazing stories to share about the ways you’ve raised money for the fund ... In three years I have undertaken three long distance treks for Ride4acure. As I mentioned, in 2009 I rode my push bike from Kempsey to Melbourne, 1,680 km over 47 days. Then in 2010, I rode 3 horses (1 saddle horse, 2 pack horses) solo with no support truck, 1,860 km over 86 days from Kempsey to Melbourne inland. In 2011, my daughter, Esther KuxfordMatthews, aged 20, rode three horses 4,700 km over 97 days, Coast2Coast from Crescent Head to

se The Hannah Ro ch ar se Melanoma Re s to Fund raises fund and target adolescentanoma el m t ul ad g youn e research, improvfind a d an ts en m treat cure.

Perth (with me and 13 year old brother Joe as support crew/strappers). This was an incredible experience, traversing four states and some of the most amazing country. Esther kept her focus riding this incredible distance by riding 4,700 km ‘one white post at a time’. We struck all kinds of rough weather. We had, going on past rainfall patterns, hoped it’d remain dry when we went through SA and WA; however, it started raining when we left NSW – and kept going all the way to Kalgoorlie. This, of course, brought some fairly unique issues for us: boggy ground, not bogging the truck in WA sticky, red mud; wet gear, horse and human; leaking roof on the truck into the living area (nothing Joe couldn’t fix with a couple of tubes of silastic!) Discomfort and less than favourable conditions aside, Esther kept mounting up each day, and we all kept putting one foot in front of the other and kept in mind the reason Esther was riding; we were doing this together as a family. These three treks have seen me visit over 120 schools in NSW and VIC, speaking with over 22,000 students and hundreds of communities. In each school I have shared my youth friendly multimedia presentation I created called MelaWhat? What does Mela-What? aim to teach/share with the public? In the year Hannah lived with melanoma, she had two hopes: to raise money to support the research of her doctor, Assoc. Prof. Grant McArthur from Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre; and to tell all her friends to look after their skin and be proactive in preventing skin cancer and melanoma. After Hannah died, I picked up the ball for her and began facilitating skin cancer/ melanoma awareness in schools and communities. I have diligently researched this disease, and from that work created my multimedia presentation I called Mela-What? I am currently working on a project to bring Mela-What? online, for schools to access

resources, encourage their students to be a SunSmart Warrior and also to bust a few myths about skin cancer and young Australians. How successful do you feel you have been in raising awareness of melanoma? Fundraising has included a variety of avenues, including four dinner dances/auctions, two cattle sales, one ram sale, fat lamb sale, shave4acure at a local high school and also by my son Joe at our last dinner dance, Sept 2010. I’ve also branded thousands of items of merchandise and sold them: pens, wristbands, T-shirts, western shirts, vests, hats and stickers. To date, we have raised over $108,000 for the Hannah Rose Melanoma Research Fund. Many thousands of dollars of resources have been donated by sponsors to enable us to undertake the three treks, without which I would never have been able to leave Kempsey! What’s next on the agenda for Ride4acure? 2012 will see me creating more educational resources for schools, networking Australia wide and worldwide with other melanoma foundations, research centres and individuals who are working tirelessly to raise the profile of melanoma. Where can people find out more information about Ride4acure and the Hannah Rose Melanoma Research Fund? Vist www.ride4acure.com.au Thanks Maura. Interview by Jo Atkins.

greater port macquarie focus 43

www.customercareprogram.com.au

NO SMALL ACHIEVEMENT Four local Customer Care endorsed businesses tell us about recent changes or improvements they have made to their business in the pursuit of providing excellence in customer service. Recognising the obstacle and challenges and then finding a suitable solution to help their customers is no small achievement. So, we congratulate them on their efforts and showcase them to you here.

IONS IN PHASE PRODUCTIONS

MEN AT WORK

OBSTACLE:

OBSTACLE: Market place

Corporate client breakdowns always occurr at the most inappropriate times. If it is a majo major or piece of equipment that malfunctions, normal normally ally this would result in the client’s system m being out of action until the unit can be repaired. ired.

CHALLENGE: To be able to guarantee that the client, t, whether it’s a church, school or club, will still be able to function while items are being ing ﬁxed. Example: a local had a problem with h audio in their function room due to lightning htn ning the previous evening. Staﬀ found the p problem roblem setting up for a function that a ernoon. n.

SOLUTION: Staﬀ were dispatched, and the problem m detected. Damaged equipment was swapped wapped out using inventory from our large hire e dept. The function went ahead as planned and a er repairs on the client’s unit, it was replaced aced during down time.

perception of rigidity and inﬂexibility within the existing framework of the current award system.

CHALLENGE: To demonstrate our flexibility and deliver speedy, transparent & effective solutions to our clients. SOLUTION: We showcased our innovation, flexibility and responsiveness by demonstrating g that we could respond in a timely, accurate and compliant manner. Good Customer Service, we believe, involves offering ‘Points of Difference & Beyond Expectation’ delivery – something we have proven and developed since refocusing on our service delivery.

www.inphaseproductions.com.au

www.menatwork.net.au

BEACHSIDE MEDI SPA

PORT FRESH SEAFOOD AFOOD

OBSTACLE: While we are busy at Beachside Medi Spa, we also appreciate that most of our customers are exactly the same – time challenged! g Therefore,, rather than just concentrating on our core product produc ct o off laser tre treatments, reatments, nts, we realise real realised ealised ed tthat hat our busy customers needed access to traditional tradittion i al skin treatments treatments such ha as s facials, acials, tinting and waxing. We also recognised ed that a combination combinat na ation a tion of complimentary compl ry therapies provides better results. Forr example, example e, a facial acial al a a er laser pigmentat pigmentation atio tion enhances that treatment.

OBSTACLE: It was important to our business that our Port Macquarie customers appreciate the importance of buying local. During the last 5 years we have consistently marketed the reasons behind and totally support the Journey of Flavour program.

CHALLENGE: For us the challenge was as to ﬁnd the the right righ r htt

CHALLENGE: It is sometimes more cost

person to perform traditional beauty treatmen treatments, ents, n s,, both as a standalone service or together with ether wit th other therapies. Our ongoing commitment tment to customer service excellence mustt also o remain our Number One priority.

eﬀective to purchase from out of town suppliers.

SOLUTION: We eventually found the pe perfectt Beauty Therapist to suit our Medi Spa. a. Carl Carla la a McManus joined our team, and now we can oﬀer a wider range of treatments s from om anti-wrinkle injectables, laser, cosmetic etic et ic tattooing, teeth whitening, to facials and waxing. The results from our combination ation of therapies provide excellent outcomes mes for our customers.

SOLUTION: Our focus is on Customer Service and the quality of our seafood. By consistently oﬀering these two important aspects, we have been able to supply most of the well known restaurants in the local area. We have a very strong local retail customer base as well.

Further information can be found in the newsletter on our website.

www.beachsidemedispa.com.au 44 greater port macquarie focus.

www.facebook.com/portfreshseafoods

The first round of mystery shopping revealed fourteen top performers, all of whom performed exceptionally well. In December Customer Care Program’s Mystery Shopping top 14 performing businesses were announced. To refresh your memory, these businesses are: The Observatory Hotel; World Par-Tea; The Roving Trainer; St Agnes Early Education Centre; Ryan Financial; Port Macquarie-Hastings Library Services; J R Richards & Sons; Mid North Coast Inclusion Support Agency; Olive Communications; Hastings Family Day Care; Hastings Co-op – Head Office; Hot Graphics; Digital Signs and Printing and C & W Security Doors. To date ten of these top performing businesses have been showcased and, as promised, this month we showcase the next two. Congratulations! These top organisations will continue to be promoted throughout the next months, together with other premium local Customer Care members.

OLIVE COMMUNICATIONS Name of Business: Olive Communications.

Number of Years in Business: 10. Number of Employees: Four, plus a few contractors.

What services or products does your business supply? We are a locally owned and operated supplier of large format digital printing and signage solutions, display and point of sale solutions, pull up banners, brochures, magazines, ﬂyers, direct marketing solutions, print management and lots more.

JR RICHARDS AND SONS

and are still trying to work out who the shopper was. Obviously to have done well in the survey means we are doing some of the customer service skills to a high level within the team.

What is your customer service philosophy? Always make time for your customers when they need you, not when it suits you – be positive, communicative and bring solutions and ideas to the table. Importantly, remember that if you are having a bad d day, ay, they don don’tt need to know w about it.

www.olive.net.au

Why did you decide to join the customer care program?

Number of Years in Business: 54. Number of Employees: Over 300. What services does your business supply? Established in 1958, JR Richards & Sons are experts in providing waste and recycling services for commercial and domestic customers. Specialists in waste management, we can provide solutions for general waste, materials recovery, recycling, liquid waste and more. The company operates widely throughout New South Wales and currently contracts to over thirty diﬀerent Councils and has a ﬂeet of over 250 heavy vehicles in operation. on.

service procedures and ensure we continue to provide our customers with the highest level of service possible.

What is your customer service philosophy? Our customers have our commitment all services will be performed to the highest level possible as and when speciﬁed. To achieve excellence in customer service, JR Richards & Sons aim to establish and maintain close, mutually beneﬁcial working relationships with our customers. Throughout our history, we have established ourselves as a leader in customer service in the waste the aste and recycling r yclin industry. y

Why did you decide to join the customer tomer care program?

I have always thought it is a great local benchmark to help businesses achieve better outcomes for their products and stronger relationships with their customers; plus, it’s a unique identiﬁer for the local businesses who are serious about looking a er their customers.

JR Richards and Sons saw the Customer Care Program as having beneﬁts all round. It encourages our staﬀ to respond in the best possible manner; it is an opportunity to network with other members of the local business community, and we get feedback on the levels of service we are providing.

What benefits has it given you so far? The program keeps me in the loop with what the greater local business community is doing; plus, there is a lot of useful market information that regularly comes out from the Customer Care team.

How will you be using the mystery shopping reports as a tool to identify training needs for your staff in order to service your customers better?

As top performer in the mystery shop, how did you feel receiving your results?

It will allow us to identify and address any gaps in our customer

We are really pleased with the results

CUSTOMER CARE ENDORSED ORGANISATIONS. Alison Spice Technical Services All About Planning Pty Ltd Animal Doctors BALA Vending Bago Vineyards Bay Street Brasserie, Port Panthers Beachside Medi Spa Beantree Café Bendigo Bank – Port Macquarie Broadway Shoes C & W Security Doors Care & Mobility Cassegrain Wines - Cellar Door Childish Photography COMPASS financial management Cullens Carpet One & Blinds Port Macquarie De Novo Creations Digital Signs and Printing Direct Advisers East Coast Locksmiths East Port Veterinary Hospital Emergency ID Australia Enriched Health Ezy Video Service Family Links Program

JOIN THE PROGRAM

GPM FOCUS Gillespie Media P/L Glasshouse Glasshouse Hair & Beauty Grahams Mechanical Repairs Hastings Co-Op Head Office Hastings Family Day Care (HFDC) Hire Port Historical Huntingdon House B & B Holiday Coast Credit Union Ltd Hot Graphics In Phase Productions J R Richards & Sons Joeys House Occasional Care Centre Jons Family Jewellers Learning Insight Life Express Fitness Centre Macquarie Waters Boutique Apartment Hotel Maharaja Tandoori Indian Restaurant Majestic Cinemas McWilliams Quality Meats Men at Work Mercure Centro Hotel Mid North Coast Inclusion Support Agency

Mid North Coast NSW Business Chamber Modishe Espresso Moisture Cure Pty Ltd Mount Seaview Natural Springwater Near River Produce Night Owl Painting Olive Communications Oxley Hwy Veterinary Hospital Oxley Insurance Brokers Pty Ltd Party Professionals Pty Ltd PC Pitstop PC Pitstop Peak Coffee Petstock Port Macquarie PMHC - Customer Service Unit PMHC - Customer Service Unit, Laurieton PMHC - Customer Service Unit, Wauchope PMHC - Water Supply Port Badges and Engraving Port Fresh Seafoods Port Macquarie Day Spa Port Macquarie Golf Club Ltd Port Macquarie Growers Market Port Macquarie Panthers Port Macquarie Trophies

Port Macquarie-Hastings Library Services Port Macquarie-Hastings Library Services Port Macquarie-Hastings Library Services Port’s Mister Whippy Remondis Pty Ltd Restaurant Synergy, Mercure Hotel Ricardoes Tomatoes & Strawberries Rose’s Vineyard at Innes View Rosewood Environmental Services RSPCA NSW (Port Macquarie Adoption Centre) Ryan Financial Rydges Port Macquarie Sara’s Kitchen Sea Acres Rainforest Centre Seabird Swimwear (Soft Edges P/L) Sensory SMART OT Spoilt Diva St Joseph’s Family Services (SJFS) Business Services St Joseph’s Preschool and Long Day Care St. Agnes Early Education Centre Stihl Shop Port Macquarie

Telegraph Retreat B & B Guest House The Corner Restaurant The Little Brewing Company The Observatory Hotel The Other Chef Fine Foods The Rainforest Café The Restaurant at Cassegrain The Roving Trainer Tile Rescue Port Macquarie Touchwood Flowers Trademark Building Supplies Travelworld Wauchope Vast Interior Verde Bamboo Watermans Café Victoria’s Costume Hire, Model Agency & Personal Styling Wendy’s – Port Central Willing & Able Foundation World Par-Tea Wyndham Resort XS Food XYZ Support Zebu, Rydges

If you would like to enquire about becoming part of the Customer Care Program or if your organisation was previously an endorsed member of the Customer Care Program and you have not expressed your interest to continue with the new and improved membership, please contact Rachel Ross on 6581 8036 or email rachel.ross@pmhc.nsw.gov.au to reap the benefits. greater port macquarie focus 45

focusinterview.

E d

D u n c a n .

Ed Duncan is the creator of Metropolis – a stunning and vibrant collection of artwork currently on display at the Glasshouse Regional Gallery. The thought-provoking exhibition explores various themes, including human evolution, environmental destruction, history and human living conditions … i Ed. Please tell us a bit about youreself ... I’m an artist/musician. I grew up in Kempsey with my family. I love the area; we have some of the best surroundings. I find it relaxing; I enjoy being surrounded by nature – it’s inspiration for me. I won the Gosford Regional Gallery – Emerging 2009 and have had solo and group shows in Sydney, Gosford, Port Macquarie and locally since 2008. What first attracted you to art? When I look back, I was always drawing or creating when I was kid. I had music and creativity all around me growing up – my parents gave me the freedom to express myself, and my love for art grew with age. After I finished school, I worked in retail and hated it, so I would sit there and draw all day. A friend had seen my artwork while I was working and told me about the Fine Arts course at TAFE, so I left my job and started the course. What art training/education have you received? In 2008 I completed my Diploma of Fine Arts at Kempsey TAFE Campus, studying in drawing, painting, print making and sculpture. What is/are your favourite medium/media to work with – and why? 46 greater port macquarie focus.

I enjoy working in mixed media on the same ground – acrylic and drawing through and on with multiple materials. Using mixed media allows me to experiment and play with spontaneity, pushing techniques in different directions. I also get a kick out of using recycled grounds to work on, like cardboard, doors, scrap fabrics and pages from old books. The body of work Tiny Animals -1-48 in the Metropolis exhibition is an example of how I use recycled material. I find the textbook pages add another depth to the artwork. If you had to put a label on your style, what would it be … and why would you describe your work this way? It’s hard to put yourself into a style, movement or to say you’re contemporary when you’re inspired by a 70 year old art movement. I find it egotistical to add or to compare yourself to artists in history. I just call myself an expressive artist; I express myself with the stories I tell and the marks I make. What was the inspiration behind your current exhibition, Metropolis, at the Glasshouse? I find my inspiration from many sources: artists, art movements, music, early cinema, old photography and my surroundings. But the main inspirations for Metropolis are the themes I choose to explore in my artwork, from human evolution, primitive culture, environmental destruction, history and human living conditions, with Metropolis mainly focusing on man’s need to flock together and live on top of each other.

Describe the Metropolis exhibition for us. How many and what type of pieces are involved? The exhibition consists of seven mixed media artworks on paper, cardboard and board. The Tiny Animals artwork contains 48 30 x 20 cm drawings/paintings to create a larger body. Each panel symbolises windows in a complex, leaving the viewer to become an unintentional voyeur. This imagery is used in other works in the exhibition. What other projects are you working on at the moment? I’m currently working on a major sound art piece – a collage of sounds focusing on life. The goal is to record sound each day for a year; I’m a couple months in at the moment. When I work with sound it’s normally spontaneous, so just the thought of waiting a year to hear the finished artwork is surreal for me. It’s a dedication piece for sure. Where do you hope to see your artwork taking you over the next few years? I hope that I can keep working with the freedom and time that I have been for the upcoming years; I would be happy with that. I also would like to get some of my sound and music projects off the ground and push them in some direction. Any exhibitions would be a bonus. Thanks Ed. Interview by Jo Atkins. Metropolis is on display at the Glasshouse Regional Gallery from February 24 to April 24.

focuseditorial.

The Poetic Violin. Looking for something completely different to enjoy on an autumn Sunday afternoon? Come to Kendall for Camden Haven Arts Council’s Poetic Violin on Sunday 22 April at 3.30pm. Laurieton resident Faye Owen is a violinist and an awardwinning poet who moved Poetry is Faye’s other After moving from the Blue Mountains to the Mid North love, and she will combine 13 years ago. Coast, Faye both at her Poetic Violin resolved to r She started studying presentation, which she he get back to ic. Classical music at age 11, us m d describes as “baskets of ve lo be later joining a local orchesfruit in the garden of musitra before marrying and havcal styles”. ing a family. Faye’s concert will be presentAs is the way of things, her family ed in several segments, from the light and work responsibilities curtailed her musiand easy to Classical, improvisation to Celtic, cal activities for some time. In spite of always Gypsy and other styles. Her aim is to provide loving music, she played very little over the you with an afternoon of poetic music and next 25 years. lyrical poetry, and at the end, enjoyment of a After moving to the Mid North Coast, sumptuous afternoon tea in the true country Faye resolved to get back to her beloved tradition. music and now admits that while it was one Tickets on sale at the door from 3pm are of the hardest things she has ever done, it $20 (members $15), children $10. Enquiries has also been the most rewarding! to Alvena Ferguson 6559 6874.

greater port macquarie focus 47

focusinterview.

Caption: Cap ptio t n: Loc LLocal Lo aall chi cchildren ch ldr dren dr een n from from Budi Bud ud Budi udi Bu Budi d Yacht rally fleet Is Isl Island, sland and an and, nd n d, PPNG NG G

off Wanim Island, PNG

Alison Innes left behind the corporate world last year to sail with her partner around the islands of Papua New Guinea. She shares with us the adventures and stories of the islanders they met along the way. lison, you used to work at Macquarie Waters Boutique Apartment Hotel for several years but have been on the high seas for the past 6 months. Where did you sail to? My partner and I left Port Macquarie in August 2011 and have sailed over 5,000 nautical miles around Papua New Guinea, West Papua (formerly Irian Jaya) and through islands of Indonesia, including Raja Ampat, Komodo, Lombok and Bali. We are back home for a couple of months and will return to the boat (a 54 foot cruising yacht) in Bali to continue our cruising of South East Asia. What made you leave the business world to undertake such an adventure? My partner is a passionate sailor who has always wanted to cruise around the islands of Papua New Guinea. We heard about a yacht rally to the Louisiades Archipelago off PNG, so we joined the month long rally in September last year with 12 other boats. All rally participants raised money and sought donations prior to leaving, and the boat was loaded with clothes, medical and educational supplies. We then planned to continue around the top of Papua New Guinea and to Indonesia after the rally to explore a 48 greater port macquarie focus.

beautiful but rarely visited landscape. What sailing experience did you have before leaving Port Macquarie? I am a novice sailor and had only been on the boat in the Whitsundays a few times. However, I did undertake training courses in navigation, sea safety and survival, marine radio and basic yachting skills with Master Class Sailing, Lake Macquarie. I am a country girl from Tamworth, and I was most worried about getting seasick. But to my delight, I adjusted well and was never ill! What was the purpose of the Louisiades Rally? The Louisiades is a chain of spectacular islands lying 100 nautical miles east of mainland PNG and comprises sand cays, lagoon reefs, limestone outcrops and continental islands. It truly is paradise, with friendly people and an abundance of coral reefs providing endless opportunities to snorkel, dive, fish and explore. The Rally aims to highlight this stunning region as an emerging tourism destination and to provide assistance to several of the island communities that lead a very simple life. What were some of the projects you undertook in PNG? The Rally was in its 4th year and Guy Chester, the organiser, had identified the

Moored off beautiful Sabara Island in the Louisiades, PNG most immediate needs for the communities. We participated in purchasing and building water tanks, repairing school buildings, providing medical equipment, supplies and money to hospital island clinics and giving much needed educational material. The PNG government does not support these island communities in any way, and unfortunately these beautiful people face a daily battle of getting fresh water and food. Malnutrition, AIDS, high maternal and infant mortality rates are just some of their most pressing health issues. And with all of those challenges, what are the people like? We experienced a race of people who are warm, genuine, happy and do not complain about anything. They are very family oriented and have little use for money. They live day to day on subsistence farming and fishing, with sailing canoes as their only transport. They invited us into their villages and were delighted to share whatever they could spare. I enjoyed learning how to make baskets and cooking with local families, and in return I would cook some western food for the villagers. We invited an island chief and children from his village to the boat for a movie night â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the 20 children were mesmerised, as they had never seen a TV or movie before! The children of PNG were a highlight; most of them were extremely poor, with

little clothing and food, but they were very happy and spent their days singing, laughing, fishing and paddling in their canoes. I understand trading was a way of communicating with the islanders. Can you explain? There are over 700 different languages spoken in Papua New Guinea and almost every island has their own dialect, so trading became a universal language. When we were anchored off a village, the locals would paddle out in their canoes, wanting to trade for their goods. Some of the bounty included fresh lobster, fish, crabs, mango, papaya, pineapple, limes, bananas and coconuts. They would rarely ask for money, but would request a T-shirt, exercise book, pens or fishing line and hook. On one occasion, we were given 29 lobster tails on one day after saying we would like some! The locals donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t eat lobster, as they find it too rich for their basic diet. After being in the busy corporate world, were you bored at all during the 6 months at sea? Never! I can honestly say that I was too busy to be bored. There are always operational jobs to be done, such as servicing the engine and generator, navigating, scrutinising weather forecasts and the mundane tasks of maintenance, cleaning and provisioning. Not once did I lay on deck reading a book

Major storms, rough seas, ripping currents, shallow reefs, uncharted waters, inaccurate marine charts, unlit fish attracting devices, large cargo ships, tropical ulcers, government bureaucracy, extreme pollution and a 5 foot brown snake at my feet when I was changing sails! Just another day in paradise! The stunning Panasia Island, Louisiades Archipelago

Alison enjoying the water of Sabara Island, PNG with a glass of champagne in hand – despite my ffriends i d and d ffamily il thinking hi ki this hi was allll I did! The weather was very hot – on most days it was 30 degrees before 7am and with humidity consistently in the high 90s. As we got closer to the equator, the temperature increased to an average of about 35 degrees. What were the top 5 items you could not live without on the boat? Water maker, iPad with navigation app, iPod and e-Books (it was fantastic even without the internet), yogurt maker, hydro-

gen peroxide for infections and stinger suit. Where did you travell to after the Rally Wh f h R ll finished? We continued up the coast of Papua New Guinea and visited several islands, including New Britain, New Ireland and the remote Hermit Islands and Ninigo Islands. We then undertook a 1,000 mile passage to Indonesia. Unfortunately at 4am on the third day, we were 200 miles from land when a large floating tree hit the boat and damaged the rudder and shaft. Thankfully, we were not sinking and were able to dislodge the tree

Alison learning how to basket weave

Traditional PNG dancing by local children

, On one occasion 29 we were given one lobster tails on we day after sayinge! The would like somt lobster, locals don’t ea o rich as they find it to et. for their basic di

(these floating logs are caused by the logging industry in both PNG and Indonesia). We desperately needed to get to the closest port to get repairs done. However, Indonesia is not an easy country to enter by boat, and the red tape is enormous. Thankfully, we had engaged an agent for Indonesia before leaving Australia, and she negotiated on our behalf to allow us to enter the port of Sorong, Indonesia, for emergency repairs. After spending 8 hours at immigration, we were allowed in the country. How serious was the damage to your boat? We only had limited engine power, and it was too dangerous to continue on our way to Bali, as the currents and winds are notoriously fierce and could push us backwards. So we managed to get the boat repaired in a shipyard that had never worked on a yacht before and without a staff member who spoke English. Thankfully, we befriended a local Chinese businessman and his family, who acted as our translator and host over the Christmas period while the boat was fixed. Christmas was a very low key event in Sorong, as there is a high Muslim population. This town was a great example of Muslims and Christians living peacefully together with respect and tolerance for each other. Did you face any other challenges during your trip? Yes. Major storms, rough seas, ripping currents, shallow reefs, uncharted waters, inaccurate marine charts, unlit fish attracting devices, large cargo ships, tropical ulcers, government bureaucracy, extreme pollution and a 5 foot brown snake at my feet when I was changing sails! Just another day in paradise! Being at sea for such a long time can be quite demanding, and long extended

overnight passages test your stamina and alertness, but there is nothing like sailing through calm waters under a full moon. What have been some of the highlights of sailing through remote areas of Indonesia? Many of the islands are picturesque, with untouched coral reefs and a myriad of sea life, including lots of dolphins. Unfortunately, we did not see any sharks, as they have been decimated for their fins (that fetch high prices in Asia). Again, the people we encountered were wonderful – very hospitable and curious. We would follow the unwritten rules of visiting the village chief with a gift and requesting that we anchor for the night. Thankfully, we did not encounter any dangerous situations or theft during our time away. It has also been interesting to learn about the different cultures, histories and religions. A lowlight of Indonesia is the amount of pollution in the oceans, marine parks and ports. In Ambon, this was so extreme that we couldn’t securely anchor the boat because of the amount of rubbish and plastic. In one section of the harbour 15 years ago it was 300 metres deep, and today it is only 30 metres deep due to the rubbish build up. We are fortunate to have such pristine waterways in Australia and Port Macquarie! What did you miss about Port Macquarie while you were away? Friends, family, fresh air and food, walking along the waterfront, exercise, chai tea from The Corner, fast internet and local news! Thanks Alison.

the plug! For anyone interested in participating in the 2012 Louisiades Rally, please visit www.louisiades.com

greater port macquarie focus 49

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

50 greater port macquarie focus.

between Forster and Tuncurry, to finish on Main Beach in front of hundreds of cheering Part of the spectators. sport attraction of theity to The Junior Spirit is also un rt is the oppo re and back. This unique kids only get close to natu tacular ec sp e adventure race will see kids experienc Natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s obstacles. other 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

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Tickets $8.50

are located throughout the Hastings,” said Angela Hughes, Youth Development Officer.

Passports are available from schools, Council offices and libraries and the Glasshouse and they provide the details on all the events,including the Great Hastings Gnome Hunt, the Youth Homeless Day Matters Concert in Wauchope and the Dive in Movie in Laurieton. More information is also available on Council’s website www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/youthweek or follow the Youth Advisory Council Facebook page for updates on facebook.com/ HastingsYAC

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“The Youth Advisory Council have been really instrumental in developing ideas for events that will appeal to young people and

“The passport is the printed guide to all the Youth Week events, and we are encouraging young people to have their passport stamped at as many activities as they can get to. Completed passports will then go into the draw to win fantastic gift vouchers.

do Shows

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council has launched an innovative program this year, underpinned by the Youth Week passport.

Completed ss pa ports will go into the draw to win fantastic gift vouchers.

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National Youth Week is an opportunity for young people to share ideas, attend live events, have their voices heard on issues that concern them and celebrate their contribution to our community.

Imagine, Create, Inspire is the theme for this year’s National Youth Week, held between April 13 - 22, and the program for the Hastings is set to achieve all that.

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Imagine, Create, Inspire

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holidayfun!

GenY : REACCESSORIZE

Youth Week Workshop Saturday 14 April & Sunday 15 April, 10am – 2pm Celebrating Youth Week, participants will create unique, funky jewellery and fashion accessories out of recycled materials. For ages 13 + Free Bookings required – limited spaces

CRASH, BANG, RATTLE Crash, bang, rattle your way into the world of music with your child. Loads of noisy fun for children aged 6 months to 3 years. Friday 13 April & Friday 20 April

S KI NG BOO NTIAL E SS Eisit

v .org.au house s s la www.g or call 8888 6581

HOLIDAY FUN W WORKSHOPS

DIGGING UP THE PAST DIG Tuesday 17 April 10am – 12pm (ages 6 - 9) 1.30pm – 3.30pm (ages 9 – 13) 1.3

EGYPTIAN MASKS Wednesday 18 April 10am – 12pm (ages 6 - 9) 1.30pm – 3.30pm (ages 9 -13) 1.

RECYCLED MUSIC Thursday 19 April 10am – 12pm (ages 6 - 9) 1.30pm – 3.30pm (ages 9 -13)

ESSENTIAL ENERGY KIDS SPOT Saturday: 7 April, 14 April, 21 April & 12 May @ 11am For the full program of events, go to:

www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/youthweek Zombie March Great Gnome Hunt The Amazing Race Dive In Movies

Location: Essential Energy ArtLab Tickets $25 Child $20 Friend of the Glasshouse

FREE Bring your kids and come along Bookings to one of our Essential Energy required Kids Spots. Kids Spot provides free art activities in the gallery for our Glasshouse ‘sprouts’ – helping them grow their creativity, learn new skills and make Proudly supported by new friends! For ages 4 – 9 & their parents

Gen Y: Reaccessorise

FREE

HISTORY HUNT Turn your Glasshouse family outing into a cool discovery adventure for the kids... and teach them to ‘dig’ heritage in the process.

Inter-Gen Quiz Cosplay Youth Sleepout Pick up your free YOUTH WEEK PASSPORT from school, Council offices and libraries or the Glasshouse and use it to find out where all the action is happening. Get your Passport stamped throughout the week and go into the draw for some great prizes! For more information, contact Youth Development Officer, Angela Hughes on (02) 6581 8625 or by email to angela.hughes@pmhc.nsw.gov.au.

Cnr Clarence & Hay Streets, Port Macquarie NSW 2444 (02) 6581 8888 glasshouse.org.au

The Glasshouse is supported by the NSW Government through Arts NSW

greater port macquarie focus 51

in Greater Port Macquarie

>> Water Activities

>> Food and Wine

>> Lifestyle

>> Sporting

Dunbogan Boatshed & Marina Jordans Boating Centre and Holiday Park Junk cruises & Port Venture Port Macquarie Cruise Adventures Port Macquarie Kayak Adventures Stoney Park Water Ski and Wakeboard School Port Macquarie Surf School San Michelle Charters Amber Healing Farm Aqua Vitae Day Spa Port Macquarie Day Spa Sundowner Holidays The Yoga Shala - Beach Yoga

Bago Vineyards Blue Poles Cafe Gallery & B&B Cassegrain Winery Rose’s Vineyard Long Point Vineyard & Art Gallery Lorne Valley Macadamia Farm Café The Little Brewing Company Moorland Cottage

Port Macquarie Golf Club Emerald Downs Golf Course Port Macquarie Golf Driving Range Wauchope Country Club Port Macquarie Tennis Club

visit

52 greater port macquarie focus.

>> Family Fun

Billabong Koala & Wildlife Park Hydro Golf Jumbos Playland Majestic Cinemas Wave Bowl Sea Acres Rainforest Centre Timbertown Heritage Theme Park Port Macquarie Panthers Ricardoes Tomatoes & Strawberries Predator Outdoor Laser Games The British Lolly Shop Centre of Gravity

>> Arts and Cultural

Glasshouse - Arts, Conference and Entertainment Centre

>> Action and Adventure Bellrowan Valley Horse Riding Coastal Skydivers Ocean Star Deep Sea Fishing Portjet – Wild Thing Port Macquarie Camel Safaris Soul Surfing Skirmish Down Under Rock 2 Road Motorcyles

>> Tours

Port Macquarie Hastings Heritage Roto House Port by Night Tours Port Macquarie Museum Mid North Coast Maritime Museum

Get out there! www.52things2do.com.au

+MOREschool

2012

Skirmish Down Under

Bellrowan Valley Horse Riding

At Skirmish Down Under we ensure our players have the best possible experience, with focus on FUN but with guidelines & procedures in place to provide a safe day of entertainment. We use only the best possible equipment & paintballs available. All safety & protective clothing is provided.

We’re open 7 DAYS, and bookings are essential. Phone 6587 5227 web: www.bellrowanvalley.com.au ■ Daily 1 & 2 hr Trail Rides. Pub Ride 2 Days ■ Tuition before and during every ride ■ Quality horses, beautiful scenery and friendly guides ■ Freshly baked damper & refreshments after every ride.

BRING THIS AD IN & RECEIVE 50 FREE PAINTBALLS - APRIL ONLY

TRAIL RIDES AND TREKS

Check out our facebook page for monthly specials, competitions and events

■ 7 DAYS ■ ALL OCCASIONS ■ INDIVIDUALS WELCOME ■ ESTABLISHED 1993 SAFETY RECORD ■ PERFECT PE Phone: 1300 822 222. Pho facebook: ffac fa a e ‘Skirmish Down Under’ web: www.skirmishdownunder.com.au w web

Cruise Terminal

Free Boom Net Rides

The best of contemporary and vintage river cruises. Our large, fast, modern cruiser has three decks and plenty of space to move around. Choose from one of our river cruises: Bush BBQ, Eco History Cruise, Family Fun twilight Cruise. Our beautiful authentic Chinese Junk has river trips every day on the Hastings River. Be lulled on one of our two hour trips – either a tasty ﬁsh & chip lunch cruise or a yummy morning tea. Sunset cruises also available, and some dolphin spotting on all cruises! BEST BOATS, BEST CRUISES, BEST PRICES.

Extreme Velocity ■ Experience body ﬂight in a vertical wind Tunnel of wind speeds of 220 kmph ■ An adrenalin rush of body ﬂight just like skydiving ■ Fun for all ages phone: 0447 359 669 web: www.extremevelocity.com.au email: enquiy@extremevelocity.com.au

Phone: 6583 3058 or 0409 744 270 Web: www.cruiseterminal.com.au Address: River end Clarence St, Port Macquarie

British Lolly Shop The team here at The British Lolly Shop understand you need your ‘ﬁx’, so come in and try our range of fully imported British sweets, chocolates, crisps, drinks and groceries. Our staff are trained in all things sugar, to help you ﬁnd just what you’re looking for! ■ OPEN 7 DAYS ■ HUGE GIFT RANGE ■ CORPORATE/BUSINESS PACKAGES ■ PRIVATE NIGHT TASTING SESSIONS FOR GROUPS ■ DELIVERY AVAILABLE *All gift ideas & packages customizable* Present this ad for a free tasting and Find us on Facebook Phone: 6584 7505 Facebook: British Lolly Shop PMQ

Hydro Golf & Putt-Putt web: www.hydrogolf.com.au phone: 02 6583 3200 Boundary St, Port Macquarie Open 7 Days

Cut me out Bu uy 2 buc cke etss off ba allss (vvalu ue $16 6) an nd rec ceivve yo ourr 3R RD BU UCKET FR REE E.. not to be used with any other offers

greater port macquarie focus 53

holidayfun!

Kids love Papoose! Play with Papoose is committed to providing a vast range of high quality, distinctive activities and enjoyable experiences for children.

abysitting Play with Papoose provides a trustworthy babysitting service for busy and social parents, with a focus on playing with children, rather than just watching them. Our babysitters bring along a bag full of goodies, which include games and activities. It is what makes Play with Papoose a unique experience for your children. Children’s Birthday Parties We will help take the stress out of children’s parties by sending our team to your home or location to lead the games and activities. Your child is sure to have an unforgettable birthday experience. We are committed to ensuring that the safety, welfare and wellbeing of children is maintained at all times, while having a magical time. Group Functions If you are holding an event such as a wedding or anniversary get together and need the children entertained, we can look after the children, allowing you to entertain your guests. What is Play with Papoose? Papoose is a unique child care service focused on interacting and engaging with children. Tell us about the history of the business? In January 2010, we launched in Brisbane. Business was really blossoming for us. We held trial parties to establish what children and parents’ wants and needs were – and found our niche market. We had a similar program implemented for our babysitting service, which reinforced our decision to include games and activities. Unfortunately when the floods of January 2011 hit, we had to make the heart breaking decision to close our doors because of this catastrophic event. The floods not only affected us, but many of our clients and surrounding businesses. How did you come up with the idea and the name? I have always had a real fascination with Native American Indians and their way of bonding with their children. Papoose is a carrying device that the Native 54 greater port macquarie focus.

American Indians used, and it seemed a natural progression to use this special name. What do you offer that is different? We are passionate about accelerating your child’s learning, communication and motor skills development. It is what makes Play with Papoose a unique experience. What is the Play with Papoose point of difference when it comes to child minding? Our main point of difference is our focus on interacting and engaging with the children. Instead of watching television, we bring along to each sitting a bag full of fun activities for the children to play with, pertaining to individual age groups. What are some of the games and activities used to interact with the children? For our babysitting service, each child receives their own Play with Papoose Colouring in activity booklet, which includes dot to dots, fill in the missing letters, fun facts, plus more. We also bring along a range of crayons, stickers, puzzles and books to keep your children entertained and happy. Why do you think it is important to encourage children to develop their skills? At Play with Papoose, we think it is important to firstly relate with each individual child and assess their personal interests, so we can cater to their hobbies and make their babysitting experience joyful. Your service also provides for children’s birthday parties ... Play with Papoose have different party plans to cater for your little one’s special day. We have a large range of different games and activities to keep your children entertained. Our main goal is to make your child’s birthday a memorable experience. Where can people find out more? For more information or to have your kids entertained, please do not hesitate contact us. Visit our website: www.playwithpapoose.com or email us on catherine@playwithpapoose.com or phone 0458 294 379.

holidayfun!

What’s new @ the Zoo! Billabong Zoo is delighted with their first Snow Leopard and 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.

There are only 5 zoos in Australia with Snow Leopards

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? PAT A KOALA You have the chance to get up close and personal with koalas and are welcome to take photos while having a pat. MONKEY FEEDING Enjoy the antics of mischievous Black Handed Spider Monkeys. Anything can happen when our keepers feed them at 11am and 4pm. MEET THE DINGOS Our friendly dingos love to interact with visitors. You can meet and greet and take some great photos while you have a pat,

focusgiveaway.

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 as they venture out with their keepers for daily walks at 11.30am and 2.30pm. REPTILES CLOSE-UP We present interesting and educational shows weekends and school holidays at 2pm, or book ahead to ensure your group’s own personal presentation. UNDERGROUND WOMBAT HOUSE The wombat house exhibit has zoo professionals and visitors alike raving about this unique display. Venture into the Billabong Mine Shaft to check out the wombats in their burrows behind glass. 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.

Name:______________________________________________________________________________________ Phone:_____________________________________________________________________________________ Email:______________________________________________________________________________________

Send your entry to: FOCUS, Sesame Street Competition,

PO BOX 690, Port Macquarie NSW 2444 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 Port Macquarie Focus Offices, 4/74 Clarence Street, Port Macquarie NSW, 2444.. Phone (02) 6584 7433. 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

greater port macquarie focus 55

focustravel.

explore the world with Port Macquarie Travel Port Macquarie Travel can arrange any holiday of your choice throughout Australia and throughout the world. hether you choose to travel independently or on an organised tour, we are here to help you take all the worry out of organising your dream holidays. We have access to all airlines and tour companies, and we offer old fashioned service from experienced staff with over 132 years of combined experience.

Port Macquarie Travel are advised of specials every week, but often they only have a short sale period i.e. 3 or 7 days, therefore making it hard to advertise them. If you would like to receive details of special offers, our specials email address is specials@pmtravel.com.au Please email your details to this address, so we can let you know when specials come out. Please also advise if you have an interest in any special areas i.e. cruising, Europe or special fares etc. John – Managing Director. John joined Port Macquarie Travel some 37 years ago as a junior consultant and worked his way up to Managing Director.

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He has travelled extensively throughout the world. His favourite destinations are Canada & Alaska. He loves cruising and has cruised on all the major cruise companies, as he finds the lifestyle onboard relaxing as well as a great way to experience many countries. The big benefit is you only unpack your bags once Glen – Travel Manager. Glen has been working in travel for 34 years – 32 of these at Port Macquarie Travel. He started working in travel at Lithgow and then moved to Port Macquarie for a sea and lifestyle change. Glen has travelled to every continent – some more than once. He has been on 25 cruises: Pacific, Alaska, Rhine River and Asia and visited most Pacific Islands, taken many coach tours throughout Europe and America and has also escorted groups to these areas. Sonya – Travel Manager. Sonya joined the team at Port Macquarie Travel as a Junior Travel Consultant in November 1980. During the past 31 years, she has travelled to many countries, visiting destinations like Thailand, Hong Kong, North America, Europe, New Zealand, Australia and many Pacific Islands.

As well as organising travel arrangements for clients, Sonya also looks after the financial side of the business. Leanne – Senior Travel Consultant. Leanne has been in the travel industry for 17 years and has worked at Port Macquarie Travel for 10 years. Before coming to Port Macquarie Travel, she spent two years living and travelling throughout Europe and the UK. She has also travelled to Thailand, Fiji, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Vietnam and New Zealand, not to mention all the wonderful destinations in Australia. Fiona – Senior Travel Consultant. Fiona has

been employed with Port Macquarie Travel for 11 years. During this time she has experienced locations including Canada, Fiji, South Africa, South West Pacific Cruising, Tasmania, Europe, Thailand and China. Prior to entering the industry, she travelled to America, Singapore and Bali. Her favourite destination is South Africa. Jess – Junior Travel Consultant. Jess, the newest member of our team, joined us in 2011 after she completed Certificate III in Retail Travel Sales. She has already experienced a P & O Pacific Cruise and is keen to travel to other exciting destinations.

focustravel.

with Susie Boswell.

D A ROA ESS

Travelled . L

RAROTONGA

Photos: Te Manava, Pacific Resort Hotel Group, Cook Is.

T R AV E L D E S T I N AT I O N :

f you’re after an adrenalin rush, energeticc adventure or a head-banging nightclub scene on your holiday, this is not the e, place! But if you’re seeking a slower pace, relaxation and a reaching out to “smell the roses” atmosphere in one of nature’s loveliest tropical locations, Rarotonga, and the wider Cook Islands, are an ideal “new” destination Although Rarotonga is one of Cook Islands’ for Australian vacationers. biggest land masses it’s easily explored around Long a popular easy-to-reach getaway the perimeter, in the style of Tahiti’s Moorea for Kiwis (you’ll meet plenty of them here), and Lord Howe and Norfolk islands. Hire cars Rarotonga replicates the peace, serenity and are affordable and at only some 30km to travel climate of Bora Bora - but is closer to home the entire circle, it’s an easy and interesting and quicker and cheaper to reach, and reprises outing to get your bearings and see the sights. the charms of Fiji’s quieter islands - yet offers a (Secure your Cook Is driver’s licence at fresh experience for those who want the police station, about $20). to explore new horizons. Te Manava offers several Honeymooners and levels of accommodation but couples of all ages wanting tonga ro Ra most of its entire complean escape, or to celebrate ace, replicates the pe ate ment of villas and suites a milestone birthday or im cl serenity and feature private pools, offert is anniversary, make up of Bora Bora - bu d ing an exclusive protected an e many of the patrons here, closer to hom per environment for swimming ea ch d but it’s popular too with quicker an .. h when the weather is windy ac re to families. Well-equipped or you’re just seeking secluself-catering facilities are a sion. It’s worth a look at the feature of many accommodahotel’s website at www.temanava. tion houses on Rarotonga, with com and, while your fingers are doing meals in the tropics an easy affair and the the walking, check out various other properuse of a villa or apartment kitchen rendering ties you’ll fi nd at www.cookislands.travel; both extended family holidays more affordable. are excellent sites. It’s also worth checking On the score of affordability, tariffs on chat sites for previous guest comment on the offer at hotels and resorts here cover a wide service and facilities offered at your shortlist span. Towards the top of the range is 5-star of hotels. Don’t pay much heed to glowing Te Manava, set on the edge of Muri Beach tributes on such sites as they’re easily posted and Lagoon, an agreeable 20 minutes’ drive by interested parties, but do look at any negafrom the airport. Be in your cossie a half hour tives. While the same situation applies - that or so after arrival! The beautiful sandy beach sweeps in a long arch and is set with tall palms competitors or mischief-makers can post disparaging remarks - I use the points made and other vegetation. The lagoon’s a shallow for reference, to check out the property more azure-tinted marine haven, so that you can fully and satisfy myself about it. Because of the wade to a couple of islets inside the reef and islands’ proximity, many travel agents have visswimming, scenic snorkelling, sailing in wind craft and paddle boating are simple and safe. ited Cook Islands so, once you’ve investigated Bars and cafes are dotted on the shoreline for the destination, my recommendation’s to seek those who’d prefer to just laze back sipping an agent’s advice for booking. cocktails or iced coffee, and watch the aquatic Air New Zealand flies non-stop ex-Sydney. sporting activity in indolent comfort. traveleditor@live.com.au

focustourism.

Port Macquarie Tourism Association

Improve posture. Reduce stress on joints.

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Stimulate your metabolism. janettehyde.

Hi, and welcome to our April Tourism Update. Last month we saw a number of great events, such as the X-Blades National Touch League, the New South Wales Police Rugby League Carnival, Wauchope Lasiandra Festival and the inaugural Port Macquarie Running Festival.

ell, the pace certainly doesn’t stop this month and certainly reinforces the fact that the Business and Sporting Events strategy being followed by Council and tourism marketing is certainly working. Featured events for this month include the International Bodyboarding Association’s Port Macquarie Festival of Bodyboarding, which will bring all the excitement of this expanding sport. The Festival will include a number of individual events, including the 25th anniversary of the 3-day Port Macquarie Team's Challenge and a 5- day mix of action, including the IBA Regions Team Challenge, IBA World Tour Drop Knee Event, IBA World Tour Women's Event and IBA Grand Slam Trials Event for a special East Coast Grand Slam World Tour Event. Make sure you make a point of checking out the action from April 14 to 21 and see some of our local bodyboarders mixing it with some of the world’s best. The annual Mountain Bike Endurance Challenge Race to be held across the weekend of April 21 & 22 is another event where world class competitors will be battling it out. The event now has a 24-hour race option on top of the 12 and 6-hour races, with local world 24-hour Solo Champion, Jason English, racing on his home track out at Telegraph Point Mountain Bike Tracks, keen to do well. We welcome officials, competitors and supporters for both these events. We also welcome all competitors to one of our premier events, the 2012 Ironman Australia Triathlon, as they arrive and prepare for this great race in early May. Once again, we will have 1,500 top athletes competing in this gruelling race. While the majority of events that come to our region that receive the most publicity tend to be of the sporting variety, the importance of Business Tourism should not be underestimated in its role in boosting local tourism. Recently we have hosted the U3A NSW State Conference, as well as a number of Rotary Conferences – among others. Greater Port Macquarie Tourism and Rydges partnered to sell our area to conference organisers at the recent Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo (AIME) in Melbourne. This event is the premier event for the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions industry in Australia. 58 greater port macquarie focus.

There was a strong response this year, with a significant increase in scheduled appointments at the event. The genuine quality of these appointments resulted in a marked increase in conference and event quotations being requested and sent. A number of professional conference organisers and corporate companies have been secured to sample the region on research visits scheduled for May of this year, with the view to securing PMQ for their next conference. The reason for this increased interest lies with a number of changes over the last few months to our conferencing landscape, with both Rydges and Waters Edge Boutique Hotel receiving stunning refurbishments: both fully taking advantage of their great locations. Meanwhile, a new boutique venue HQ Port offers 12 fully serviced office suites and a boardroom with river views catering for 20 people boardroom style or 100 people for cocktail. Combine this with our other conferencing providers, as well as the large list of incentive, team building and extracurricular activities on offer for delegates (some highly unique, such as Jetfighter adventure joy flights and Extreme Velocity’s outdoor vertical wind tunnel) and we are able to cater from small business meetings right up to large events with competitive and unique packages. As a quick aside while talking of events, the Greater Port Macquarie Tourism Association enthusiastically supports the Town Centre Master Plan’s

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.

Committee on their vision to bring events to the CBD and Town Green precincts. We look forward to hearing more on their plans. Finally, I have previously mentioned the great local initiative – the Customer Care Program – as being important in ensuring visitors to our region the best possible service experience, whether it is in a

Normal walking or standing in MBTs also exercises a large number of muscles, stimulating your metabolism, toning your body and helping improve fitness and flexibility.

Win a pair of MBTs Go in the draw to win a free pair of MBTs. All you need do is try on a pair of MBTS

in either our Foster or Port Macquarie store before 22 April to be in the draw to win.

restaurant, retail shop or any one of the myriad of businesses they may visit when in town. It is great to see this program moving forward and going online with a new service, ‘Tell Simon’, a website where the Customer Care businesses can be rated by shoppers via an online customer service rating program. Tell Simon will be a simple and effective means for local businesses to receive instant feedback on their customer service and importantly, the opportunity to address and problems they may be having they are not currently aware of. The website will be promoted via point of sale material to be displayed at member premises.

• 47 Wharf Street, Forster T: 6554 7877 • Port Central Shopping Centre, Port Macquarie T: 6583 6562 www.manningshoes.com.au

focusinterview. NISSAN AND NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CHANNEL

X-trail THE WALSH FAMILY NEED YOUR VOTES TO BE CROWNED AUSTRALIA’S MOST ADVENTUROUS FAMILY. CHRISSY JONES CHATTED TO LOREENA ABOUT THEIR ONCE IN A LIFETIME ADVENTURE ...

att and Loreena to get the holiday just right, and it’s definitely Walsh and their 3 an experience we’ll never forget. children have been on What was your chosen holiday a whirlwind journey, destination? after being chosen as We were so lucky to be able to choose our National Geographic own family adventure. We’d always wanted - Nissan X-trail Adventurers. They are now in to drive the Great Ocean Road and even more the running to be crowned Australia’s Most so, always wanted to visit Kangaroo Island, Adventurous Family, but need your help to so we decided that was our dream trip. We get them over the line by voting for them at had to get the itinerary approved by Nissan, www.natgeotv.com.au/nissanxtrail who loved the idea of such a big road trip, so What did the competition consist of? we submitted our itinerary and waited with Nissan and National Geographic Channel excitement until the time arrived to hit the have chosen 3 families to compete as road. We didn’t want to take part in a Australia’s Most Adventurous clichéd adventure, and Kangaroo Family. Each family was given Island was somewhere we knew $5,000 and a Nissan X-trail we’d be years off seeing le op pe if to use for 5 days and without taking part in ve lo d We’ e word th ad re sp camera gear to capture something like this. It’s so d ul co e title for us. To win th t their chosen journey. unique, and it definitely of Australia’s Mosmily and We flew to didn’t disappoint. Adventurous Fa really ld Melbourne to pick What was your ou an X-trail w . es liv r ou ge up the car, and drove itinerary? chan around 3,000 km over the The entire week was 5 days. The final part of the totally flat out! We headed competition where we’re at to Melbourne a couple of now is to gather as many votes as days early, and managed to get so possible. The family with the most votes confused using the tram network, we opted will be crowned Australia’s Most Adventurous for walking everywhere instead! Family and win their very own Nissan X-trail – When the time came to pick up the X-trail something that would be life changing for us. from Nissan Headquarters, we somehow We were really surprised to be chosen. managed to head the wrong way – but it was We saw the call for entrants while we were a good thing, because we ended up on the watching a documentary on Nat Geo TV and Mornington Peninsula, which is one of the thought we had nothing to lose by giving it most stunning places we’ve ever seen! a go. We were then shortlisted and had to When we got going, we didn’t stop. provide further information, which we did. I DAY 1 think you could hear our excitement from all Mornington Peninsula around the Hastings when we got the call to Surf Museum Torquay say we’d made the cut. Great Ocean Road There was lots and lots of planning and Bell’s Beach working with National Geographic and Nissan Erskine Falls

Split Point Lighthouse 12 Apostles Loch Ard Gorge Camped at Princetown DAY 2 Helicopter Flight over the 12 Apostles Thunder Cave Rescuing a wild koala from the road Crossed to South Australia Blue Lake Mount Gambier The Coorong Stayed Victor Harbour DAY 3 Got to Cape Jervis about 8am Caught ferry across to Penneshaw Film shoot with Nat Geo Crew Found Blue Ringed Octopus Quad Biking Remarkable Rocks Got up close to an echidna Camped Vivonne Bay DAY 4 Explored Vivonne Bay Watched Fur Seals Visited Admirals Arch Went to Cape Du Coeduic Took the X-trail onto the salt lake. Took the X-trail for a cruise along the beach at Emu Bay Went on a Dolphin Cruise Explored Kingscote Parndana dinner/camping DAY 5 It was Byron’s birthday Re-visited Remarkable Rocks Up close to Rosenbergs Heath Goanna Caving at Kelly Hill Caves Sandboarding at Little Sahara Sea Lion tour Left KI Dinner @ Victor Harbour Camped at Frank Potts Reserve

What were the highlights? The two major highlights included swimming with wild dolphins off Kangaroo Island! We were treated to a pod of around 25 dolphins coming to play and even a couple of babies. Just as amazing was flying in a helicopter over the 12 Apostles! Seeing the 12 Apostles from the lookout is wonderful – taking in the views from above is unforgettable! We learned that there are actually still 12 standing, contrary to what we’d heard before we arrived. The pilot counted them out for us. Our first day on Kangaroo Island we had our own private National Geographic film crew who got some professional footage – which was a strange but fun experience. The crew actually told us we’d captured some of the best koala footage they’ve ever seen. We rescued a koala from the Great Ocean Road, got up close to Australian Sea Lions at Seal Bay on Kangaroo Island, came into contact with so much wildlife, went sand boarding at Little Sahara, the biggest sand dune we’ve ever seen (and had to climb!), went quad biking, visited the Melbourne Aquarium and so much more! What happens now; how can people help? Now the final stage of the competition begins. From March 26 to April 21 people can vote for us and go into the draw to win a $10,000 Flight Centre voucher to create their own holiday by heading to www.natgeotv.com.au/nissanxtrail We’d love if people could spread the word for us. To win the title of Australia’s Most Adventurous Family and an X-trail would really change our lives. People can also check out our travel blog: www.littleaussietravellers. com.au or ‘like’ us at www.facebook.com/ LittleAussieTravellers, where we’ll be sharing more photos and stories from our travels. Thanks Loreena, and good luck!

greater port macquarie focus 59

Lindsay Campbell with D/T Kerry before his flight

focusinterview.

Joshua’s The Make a Wish Foundation helps to grant wishes for children with life-threatening illnesses. On March 23, Joshua Marshman, who has a rare metabolic disorder, was granted his wish of a brand new Seadoo gti 130, thanks to Nathan Moy from Seadoo from Port Macquarie and the Make a Wish Foundation. A word from Nathan - Seadoo Make a Wish Foundation approached me a couple of months ago about Josh and told me all about him, and that they wanted to grant him with this wish, which happened to be a new jet ski. I was pretty stoked that he wanted a brand new Seadoo first of all, and to be involved with the foundation has just been awesome. It’s all about Josh and putting a smile on his face, and I am just really happy to be a part of it. It is a brand new 2012 model gti 130, with 130 horsepower. It’s a 3 seater, so that Josh and his mum and dad can all go for a ride together as a family and get hours of enjoyment out of their new Seadoo.

Make-A-Wish Coffs Harbour Branch

Vice-President Emma Rhoades. What do you enjoy about being a part of the Make a Wish Foundation? I have been with the foundation for about a year now, and I just enjoy times like this today and seeing their faces and the joy they have. It is something for them to look forward to in times when they are not feeling very well and going through a bit of treatment. It provides that enrichment of life; we may not be able to provide a cure, but we do whatever we can. It provides memories for them as well. Tell us a little bit about Josh. Have you been working with him for a while now? Yes, we first met Josh over a year ago now. We came down to see him and sat in his lounge room and played Lego

If anyone’s interested in guitar, keyboard, drum or vocal coaching lessons, feel free to email Mathew: roland_ub@live. com.au

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with him, we spoke to his mum, Lynda Gamack and dad, Glen Marshman. We spoke about his wish, and if there was one thing in the world that he could have, what would it be? He originally wanted to go to Legoland in California, then it was a pool or boat .. then after he went on a jet ski ride, he decided this was what he definitely wanted for his wish. It’s a great family activity that they can all do together. Nathan really bent over backwards to fulfil Josh’s wish and has been so happy to be a part of everything.

the plug! To fi nd out more about the Make a Wish Foundation, please see the website www.makeawish.org.au

Fulfilling a Lifelong Dream! Recently Lindsay Campbell, a resident of Garden Village’s Westerweller Hostel, was able to make a long held wish of flying in a plane come true with the help of Garden Village’s new ‘Dream Weaving’ program. Dream Weaving is an initiative designed to facilitate an opportunity that would allow a person to realise the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. So often it is thought only young people have dreams for the future. However, anyone who relates closely with seniors would know that they too have hopes and dreams for the future. Garden Village staff now offer hope, because where hopes are dashed, despair settles in. Facilitated by Garden Village’s Chaplain Tony Sullivan and Diversional Therapist Kerry Latimore, the dreams are identified and the process of dream weaving is put in place, to make the dream a reality. Lindsay has expressed a desire to fly in a plane, so with the help of family and staff, he took his flight last Wednesday with pilot Phil of Johnston’s Aviation. He had a tremendous time.

focusinterview.

de Giustino. History is a source of fascination for many, and local historian David de Giustino has devoted his life to studying, writing and teaching about the he past events that have shaped our world. David has visited the Glasshouse to present nt a series of lectures, with his final presentation due to take place on April 5. hen did your interest in history develop, David? When I was a child, there were some things that happened that I feel pushed me towards history – to write about it, teach it and do radio and television programs about it. When I was about 9 years old, I went with my family to visit Italy. We looked up some distant relatives, and one of them had a very large farm outside Rome. Every time this man ploughed the earth, he’d come across artefacts from the Roman period. He had a beautiful white marble sarcophagus as big as a table that he placed in his courtyard and filled with red geraniums. He had jewellery, pieces of architecture, and on his desk he had a big bag of Roman coins. One day he asked me to take out a couple of these coins and let me keep them. One of them very clearly had the face and inscription of Emperor Nero, and the other silver one was even more rare. I took them back with me to North America, and thought that 2,000 years ago someone had once used these coins … they had a history, and people had once held them as I was now holding them. If these coins could speak, they’d tell all kinds of stories! History for me is everything. Everything has a history … a story. In fact, in a lot of languages, the word for story and history is the same. Where were you born? I was born in the state of Michigan, in North America – right at the Canadian border. I go back every year to visit and spend time with my brother and sister and give some lectures in Canadian universities. What actually brought you to Australia in the first place? Well … I think it was the Australians! When I was finishing a combined Doctorate from the University of Wisconsin in America and the University of London, I met a lot of Australians. I really admired them, because they were intelligent, organised, they made the most of their time overseas, they were loyal, good friends and sensible. It was suggested that when I’d finished my degree, I should go to Australia for a visit.

I then read everything about Australia I could find … I read newspapers, books, atlases, and I put in for jobs. In the end, I had 5 offers, so I took a three year fixed term job at a university in Melbourne. I then spent one year in Auckland, New Zealand, followed by another year in Brisbane. How long have you lived in Port Macquarie? Five years. I retired here for several reasons. One: because the coastline is extremely beautiful, and two: unlike a lot of other towns, Port Macquarie has some historical buildings, which are very interesting. I also didn’t want to retire in Brisbane, as the summers were too hot. You mentioned you’ve retired now, but how much travelling and lecturing do you still do? I’m still lecturing in Canada every year. I have to give a conference paper in Singapore next month, and there are always offers of other conferences and lectures. I’ve joined the U3A here [University of the Third Age], and I’m very interested in this. And of course, I have a series of three lectures at the Glasshouse this year, but there may be more in future. What works have you had published? I’ve published several books. My first book was on pseudo-sciences in the 19th century, including mesmerism, clairvoyancy and phenology. It was a very popular book, and it was reviewed by the London Times Literary Supplement – which was a career highlight for me. I did a book on the history of a tremendous resort hotel in the Great Lakes area, and my third book was on European integration. In that third book, which was published 15 years ago, I made some very caustic remarks about how Greece could not be a good working member of the European community – and it’s turned out that this was perfectly true. And in part, this is why people want me to give lectures now, I think. They comment that I could see what was coming and knew all the milestones, and they couldn’t understand why Greece would be let in when it was so close to bankruptcy. They wonder why didn’t people act on this and why it was hushed up. So in essence, a good historian can look at the past and possibly project their findings forward into the future?

In a way, there’s a projection forward. History doesn’t repeat itself – that would be too much of a mechanism. But someone has said that people who don’t understand the past make the same mistakes in the future. It would be rather like a child who doesn’t learn that touching the top of a stove will burn him. What’s been something about your career you’ve really enjoyed? I’ve been very happy to meet a lot of people who have a natural curiosity about the past, their own town, their community and other distant countries. It’s very obvious you have deep love of history and enjoy your work, but is there a particular time period that interests you more than most? My training was originally in modern history, with much of this the last two or three hundred years of British history. But when I came to Australia, there wasn’t much of a market for this any more – particularly after the 1970s, as we became much more interested in Australian and South East Asian history. So I moved onto Asia and Europe, and I also became much more interested in ancient history and in the way they engineered and built things. You’ve already presented two lectures at the Glasshouse – both of which were extremely popular. What will your lecture in April be about? My third lecture is called Monsters in Art. I take the long view – which basically means I start back with the Ancient Egyptians. Monsters for them were sometimes not scary or frightening things – they often showed their Pharaohs, queens, gods and high officials as part animal and part human. I want to explore why this

was so, and why there was this strange ambiguity between human and animal. But for the Egyptians, monsters were also demons and spirits – and this carries right through into the more modern periods. For example, in the Middle Ages there were maps that showed monsters/dragons in the sea; this suggested sailors were terrified of travelling very far away from the familiar. Then a bit further on, there were monsters appearing in the form of bats and people who were demented, and then still further on in the 20th century, there were monsters in wartime. We tend to demonise our enemies – this was particularly true of the Japanese; although, we also demonised the Germans in the First World War and showed them as half man and half ape. Today, we have monsters and demons aplenty, because in the States, Halloween is the second most commercial festival on the calendar after Christmas. Even in Pop Culture we have monsters – and I tend to think we’ll probably always have them. Thanks David. Interview by Jo Atkins. The Glasshouse after hours art lecture series is a new initiative that has proven to be very popular, and the first two events were booked out.

the plug! Limited spaces are available for David’s presentation, Monsters in Art, on April 5 at 5.30pm. Tickets: $10 adult, $9 student. Contact The Glasshouse Box Office 6581 8888 to reserve your place.

About Shop in our town and visit our unique boutique range of businesses. From giftware to fashion, coffee & dining, pubs & clubs all within easy walking distance.

WAU C H O P E

GUIDE. Class-ique Fashions.

Heart to Heart Lingerie.

• Simply beautiful fashion clothing for the mature woman.

Medicare Rebate $400 on Prostheses Breast Forms. Have a fitting for the right size bra every 6 - 12 months with a Lingerie Specialist. • Prostheses Breast Forms • Prostheses Lingerie & Swimwear • Posture Support Front Closure Bras • Shape wear for that perfect occasion • The fitting specialist in store and mobile • Look for us on Facebook

• Large stockist of Black Pepper, Marco Polo and other leading Australian brands. • Size range 8 - 24. • Specialising in smart casual, ‘Mother of the Bride’ and special occasion. THIS SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS IS OFFERED FOR SALE. GENUINE ENQUIRIES. POA.

Shop 5/7 High Street Email hearttoheartlingerie@iftelecom.com.au Web. www.hearttoheartlingerie.com.au Mobile. 0438 443 124.

33 High Street Phone. 6586 1324.

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Modishe Espresso. • 2011 Customer Care Winner • New range of clocks, picture frames and artwork in store now • Best coffee in town, with a 100% money back guarantee • Award winning Byron Bay Cookies and Modishe Espresso fudge • Call ahead, and we will have your coffee ready to pick up when you arrive! • Birthday and special occassion bookings welcome.

Boutique shopping, giftware, fashion, coffee and dining, pubs & clubs all within easy walking distance. Gateway to the Hastings Hinterland. Sponsored by the Wauchope Chamber of Commerce.

• Supporting commerce, industry and community in Wauchope and surrounds • Individual Membership includes NSW Business Chamber Alliance • Networking functions and information

Modishe Café is for sale. For any enquiries or information, call instore today!

sessions for members • Referrals and cross marketing between

35 High Street Phone. 6586 4088. Open: 8am-4pm Monday - Friday and 8am-12pm Saturday.

members. P.O. Box 270, Wauchope 2446 Web. www.wauchopechamber.org.au

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If you have a problem with procrastination, this is one thing you should definitely get around to doing!

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Phone Kathryn on 6586 0688 or 0417 214 507.

Dafne’s transformation on Agel’s 90 Day Fit Challenge

Joey’s House. Joey’s House Occasional Child Care: An Essential Service for Your Family Joey's House is an excellent Occasional Child Care Service for children 0 – 6 years, providing flexible hours to suit a wide range of family circumstances. Families who work irregular shifts or require short term child care will find Joey’s House will suit your requirements. You can book child care as Our focus is little or as often as fe, to provide a sain g you need, in half day ur rt caring, nu is at th t en nm or full day sessions, ro envi g in at ul im flexible, st Monday to Friday, 49 es ag ur co en d an weeks of the year. children’s

Joey’s House incorporates the Early Years Learning your d an n Framework, Australia’s first io at ip ic rt Our focus is to pa tential. po ng national curriculum framework ni ar le provide a safe, caring, for early childhood education nurturing environment and care. We are also resourced that is flexible, stimulating to support children with additional and encourages your children's needs, with a special emphasis on developing participation and learning potential. Qualified a reciprocal partnership with parents to guide and skilled early childhood educators ensure children's individual development. educational programs are designed to match the individual needs of your child complemented by a wide variety of resources and equipment. Joey’s House Occasional Care can also provide valuable opportunities for your child to interact with children of a similar age and prepare them for transition to school.

Joey’s House Occasional Care Centre is continually taking enrolments. For further information to find out how this service can be an essential service for your family, contact Mary or Julie on 6583 5242 or email joeyshouse@sjfs.stagnesparish.org.au

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Health Benefits of Spirit Yoga.

Feel Well Natural Therapies.

There are a number of healthy benefits a woman can receive from practicing yoga. Women can build on their strengths and focus on bettering themselves through a calming method of breathing, meditation and strengthening poses. Here are some benefits of yoga for women:

At F Fee Feel eell Well Natural Therapies, Ther I will design a treatment plan specific to your needs. I will assess the problem area, to determine the best approach to help you.

• Boosts immune system and decreases chances of illnesses. • Controls the level of cholesterol, as well as blood pressure. • Decreases pre-menstrual syndrome symptoms and aids in period pain reduction. • Helps deal with stress and depression and stimulates positive levels of energy. • Provides flexibility and bone density maintenance. At Spirit Yoga, we have Transformational Packages available for all ages. These 90 day programs include six private fortnightly sessions designed to your specific needs. It includes an individualised work book, with specific yoga corrective exercises, poses, breath work and meditation to help put you back into balance again. These programs specialise in: Asthma, ADD/ADHD, concentration, coughs, colds and sore throats, depression, Diabetes, digestion, lower back issues, stress and anxiety and weight loss. Yoga is the ultimate method to create inner peace in ourselves. So come try a FREE Powser Yoga or Yoga Dance class (a fusion of yoga, classical and modern dance moves).

The appropriate frequency, duration and number of sessions will depend on your problem, its severity and how long you have had it, as well as your general health condition. Massages - Remedial, relaxation, sports, hot rock, holistic and therapeutic. Bowen Therapy is a treatment for almost any problem: chronic pain, sporting injuries, Sciatica, joint problems, stress, fibromylgia, migraines, frozen shoulder, pre and post reconstruction surgery.

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G Gett F Fitted. YES, we are trained bra fitters. YES, most women are wearing the wrong size bra. YES, we measure, and we consider feedback from you during the fitting as important. There is no single bra style that fits all, or that suits all activities. We have T-shirt bras, sport, push-up, soft cup, contour, lacy, padded, wire-free, strapless and convertible bras.

AET - Allergy Elimination Therapy - treats the symptoms,, eliminates and retains the body to react in a positive manner.

YES, we can help. Please mention any current fitting concerns you may have and discuss with us the style of bra which best suits your needs. We offer a wide choice of quality big brand bras and can order in your ‘favourite’ if it is not in stock.

Aqua Detox is a great way to rid the body of free radicles. Aqua detox also assists with cellulite and weight management.

We have a great new range of winter gowns, including WRAP gowns, ZIP gowns, and BUTTON-UP gowns. Perfect to keep you warm and snug this winter.

Empower yourself by becoming proactive about your health and wellbeing. Manage pain and discomfort with Natural Therapies that really work.

Don’t forget about Mum this Mother’s Day! We have some great gift ideas available in store. Come and talk to Lin today at Silkies Lingerie & Sleepwear.

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W O M E N ’ S

H E A L T H

F E A T U R E

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

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Early Detection is vital.

Reach Your Goals. What are some of the tools used to help people change their mindset to overcome obstacles in life? I am an NLP practitioner and use a range of techniques to assist people to gain new skills and thought processes, which enable them to make quick and effective improvements to areas of their life where they are experiencing difficulties. I can assist people to identify their limiting beliefs and change them; I can assist people to release negative emotions, which often hinder people’s self esteem and successes. Tell us about the ‘Empower You Now’ courses currently run at Equalis. We are so excited to offer this course. I work with individuals or groups of individuals to obtain their life goals and achieve their successes. Success is defined by the individual – we are all different and want different things from our life. For example, you may want to give up smoking – I can help. You may want to improve your overall health and wellbeing – I can help. You may want to get more from your relationships or attract someone to form a meaningful relationship – I can help with that. Any area of life or any goal you want to achieve – I can help.

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Breаt Scr n Se ices Gillian McDowell.

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

ell ll us about b t th the B Breastscreen t services available in Port Macquarie. We have a permanent clinic in Port Macquarie which is situated at the Base Hospital and open all year round. It is tucked around at the back of the building. The opening hours at from 0745-1700 and appointments can be made by phoning 132 050. The screening bus travels to Kempsey, Bellbrook and South West Rocks every year. The bus is currently located in Kempsey. Why is early detection vital? First of all it has been demonstrated that if a cancer is detected early when it is small the outcome is much better compared to cancers that are detected when they are large. The smaller the breast cancer the more likely the woman will come out the other side fit and healthy and well. If it is only small it will still require treatment, but early detection gives you different treatment options and choices, and it’s often not as radical compared to larger cancers treatments. What is a screening mammogram, and why are they recommended every two years? A screening mammogram is an x-ray of the breasts to detect abnormalities even before the woman sees or feel any changes. Two Mammograms are taken of each breast, each taken from different directions. This gives a good view of the breast. It is very important to have an x-ray every two years as it helps to compare x-rays taken over a period of time. It is easier to notice changes then – once is never enough when it comes to having a mammogram. There has been a number of studies done over the years especially in Europe where the first screening program started, showing that mammography is the most effective way of picking up breast cancer. BreastScreen offers these x-rays for free and a doctor’s referral is not

needed. At what ages do women need to be most aware of regular examinations? Women of all ages need to be breast aware. The program was set up and targets women aged between 50-69 years of age because research shows that is where the biggest difference is made to saving lives and gaining the benefits of treatment. All women over 40 years of age are eligible for a free mammogram with BreastScreen. What should women look for when performing self breast examinations? A woman needs to look for changes, and we encourage all women to be breast aware so that they are familiar with what their bodies are like and what is normal for them. If a woman notices a change, finds something that isn’t normal or has any doubts, she should see her doctor. Self –breast examination does not replace the need to have a mammogram every two years. What should women with a family history of breast cancer do? Women who have a family history do have an increased risk of breast cancer themselves, but 8 out of 9 women who are diagnosed with breast cancer don’t have any family history. Research has shown that breast screening has reduced mortality from breast cancer by about 25%, and I think that this validates that breast screening is an effective evidence based program. At BreastScreen a woman is asked a set of questions to determine if she is at greater risk of developing breast cancer than the average population. Depending on the result she may be eligible for an annual mammogram with BreastScreen. Thank you Gillian. To find out more about BreastScreen NSW, please visit the website: www.bsnsw.org.au or call 13 20 50 to make an appointment.

W O M E N ’ S

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Built by women for women.

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Curves Complete. Losing weight isn’t easy. It takes t real commitment to make the necessary changes to diet, exercise and lifestyle. And, for most people, it takes a plan. That’s why Curves, the fitness franchise designed exclusively for women, has developed Curves Complete, a simple, easyto-follow weight-loss plan that combines the three keys to taking off weight and keeping it off: diet, exercise and motivation.

Healthy Shoes.

Curves is the only place you can get all three.

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“For many women, managing the simple logistics of sticking to a diet and exercise plan is what defeats them,” says Curves dietitian Nadia Rodman. “Meal planning and preparation, shopping, designing an effective and age-appropriate exercise plan, coping with everyday emotional highs and lows – it can be overwhelming. Sometimes it seems easier to stick with the status quo. That’s why our new Curves Complete program provides a foolproof plan for dealing with all of these diet challenges – and helps keep women on track for success.”

Research shows that up to 95% of dieters regain their lost weight, and then some. It’s not because there’s something wrong with them, it’s because there’s something wrong with conventional weight loss plans. To lose weight and keep it off, you need three secret weapons:

Our successful weight management plan and is designed to help dieters lose up to 10kg of body fat and up to 50cm in just 90 days. Women are seeing real results and sharing their success stories with others at www.facebook.com/curves.

Diet, Exercise and Motivation “Personal coaching is the heart of the program,” said Rodman. “All Curves Complete participants receive a Health Assessment and a 15-minute, personalized, weekly coaching session with a certified Curves Coach that includes a weigh-in, progress assessment, goal review and monthly body measurements to track results. That extra accountability is very motivating, and the coaches help you develop simple, practical strategies for getting and staying on track.”

Ladi LLadies, adi dies es, it it is time to put your you ur feet into shoes that help to keep your feet (and the rest of your body) healthy! The Athlete’s Foot Port Macquarie has an extensive range of ladies footwear – footwear that is good for you and expertly fitted to boot!

For the more active lady, Ryka has the ideal range of shoes. Built by women for women specifically and specifi cally shaped to match the women’s narrower-in-the-heel foot, a true ‘womens’only’ fitness brand!

Exclusive to The Athlete’s Foot, the podiatrydesigned InStride footwear provides an affordable solution to most custom-fit footwear requirements. The seamless linings and multilayered innersole systems make it a comfortable and precautionary option for the lady who is on her feet all day, living with Diabetes, arthritis or who has other foot problems.

While you’re in-store checking out everything The Athlete’s Foot has available for the female foot, simply try on a pair of FitFlop sandals, to discover why women all over the world are falling in love with FitFlop! The triple density Microwobbleboard™ midsole creates a Foot Float™ effect whereby no hot spots or pressure points are created, and therefore no stress penetrates through the body.

Rock Steady in Xelero – the exclusive range of Xelero shoes not only help to make walking easier, they are designed to help reduce ankle and calf stress often associated with the development of Achilles Tendonitis and Plantar Fasciitis conditions.

So ladies, if you are looking for shoes that will help see you through your busy day in ‘healthy’ comfort, come and visit Sue, Simon and the team at The Athlete’s Foot in Horton Street and let them fit you into the ideal ‘ladies’ model that is perfectly suited to your needs.

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focusonwomenshealth

Need Fertility Support? Give your Baby the Hea Healthiest Start in Life If you are having difficulties conceiving, then our treatments can help. Combined with Chinese herbs, fertility acupuncture can help prepare your body for a natural conception. Ivana specialises in fertility and uses traditional forms of diagnosis and prescribes treatment that is unique and appropriate for each individual. Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine has a long, successful history of improving fertility and conception. By creating optimal conditions in your body and improving your health, you can increase your chances of a successful conception and a healthy pregnancy. Scientific studies have confirmed that Chinese Medicine can improve fertility and pregnancy rates in several ways: • Increase IVF success rates • Regulate menstrual cycles • Improve ovarian function • Improve sperm count and motility • Reduce stress and anxiety • Normalise hormone and endocrine systems • Improve blood flow to the uterus • Decrease chances of miscarriage • Strengthen the immune system Acupuncture and Chinese medicine is also a natural adjunct therapy that can be safely

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The New Season.

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Increase your chances of successful conception..

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integrated with your medical treatment to support and assist the body during IVF cycles. Treatments are gentle and aimed to support you physically and emotionally, without interfering with your medical treatment. The Centre for Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture can assist you in preparation and throughout your IVF cycle, working with your doctor. Our acupuncture IVF treatments work in conjunction with your IVF treatment and will be of benefit to your health, as well as that of your baby’s. There is much you can do to enhance your fertility and prepare for pregnancy, whether you plan to do IVF or not. The benefits of comprehensive preconception and pregnancy care extend far beyond nine months – they last a lifetime.

The classic look can never be underestimated; it always stands the test of time, and it’s an important part of any wardrobe. We all need the little black shoe in a couple of different styles that will take us to those all important occasions. But we all love the fun times too. Meeting the girls for coffee, doing a little shopping, or maybe you have a trip planned. Whatever the occasion, we all love to dress up and look our best – and do it in comfort! This season,

boot has

the This season, the boot been featured For those who like to wear of has been featured again, again, with lots e pants in the cooler months, with lots of variations variations on th you just can’t go past a little theme. on the theme. The ankle boot, warm and snug with colour palette has been a pair of socks, but it also creates expanded, with lovely taupes, a very pleasing look. It, too, has been greys and burgundys having some reinvented, with lots of interesting styles and representation. The classic black and tan, colours for you to choose from. of course, is a necessary part of most girls’ Come on in to Colonial Cobbler to see for wardrobes, as it tends to be extremely useful yourself the huge variety of shoes, bags with the many winter colours. Winter taupe is and accessories that are must-haves for the probably one of the most versatile colours you new Autumn season! can have in a boot or shoe.

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Wellbeing By Danielle Allison from Luminesque Clinic

By Glenise McLaughlin from The Natural Health Sanctum

easter

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symptoms.

Wow … Easter is sneaking up on us really quickly. I don’t know about you, but it seems like only yesterday we were getting ready for Christmas. For me, I find Easter has gone a little too commercial, with some shops having had their chocolate eggs on display for months now. However, this can be a fun time for the children, devouring all their chocolate goodies, but just a cautionary note to parents and carers to keep an eye out for indicators of possible food intolerance in your children (or yourselves, for that matter). Symptoms such as a constant runny nose, diarrhoea (which seems to last longer than expected or happens regularly), maybe a flare up of their Eczema or itchy skin conditions,

frequent complaining of stomach pains, headaches, migraines or sleep disturbances, to name just a few. If you suspect there may be an issue, give me a ring at The Natural Health Sanctum, where we have a quick, reliable, simple and safe food intolerance test that forms part of our comprehensive Food Intolerance Program. As an alternative, we will also have some delicious gluten free and dairy free Easter chocolates available. Yes, I know we don’t always associate the word delicious with gluten/dairy free products, but these are pretty good! So, hop into The Natural Health Sanctum 12/14 Clarence Street, Port Macquarie and enjoy your Easter break. Call us on (02) 6583 3544.

By Matt Hempsell (Matt Hempsell Osteopathy & Sports Injury Clinic)

Knees please.

Everyone is susceptible to sports injuries, whether professional, semiprofessional or keen amateurs. Equally, both men and women are susceptible to different kinds of injuries, because our bodies handle the stress and strain of activity differently – simply because we’re all designed differently!

Where women are “concerned, knee injuries rank the highest. Women are two to eight times more likely than men to have certain kinds of knee problems.

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The knee is a complex joint that is constantly under weight-bearing load, and genetically women have a ‘wider’ pelvis than men, putting more of an angle and strain on the knee joints. Injury can affect any of the ligaments, bursae, tendons, muscles, cartilage and bones. Arthritis is also a serious knee problem for many people, especially as we get older. Knee injuries and frankly, simple strains and sprains of various muscles and ligaments that can occur during your weekly tennis match or yoga class can lead to frustration – often causing you to give up 70 greater port macquarie focus.

or modify the activity that you love. But avoiding injury isn’t necessarily as hard as it seems. Below are a few general tips for avoiding injuries which can be adapted specifically for knees or any other part of the body. • Gently ‘warm up’ your leg muscles before exercise and ‘cool down’ afterwards • Take it slow when starting a new exercise program • Wear good shoes that fit well and are right for the kind of sport or exercise that you are doing • Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on your knees • Strengthen your leg muscles by doing specific exercises (walking up stairs or hills, or riding a stationary bicycle) The above is general advice only, and it is advised that you seek professional advice from your GP, Osteopath or other health professional before pursuing any physical activity.

the plug! To keep updated on care for your musculo-skeletal system – check out our clinic’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/matthempsell

During our normal day to day life, our bodies are exposed to harmful toxins in our environment such as tobacco smoke, alcohol, food additives and pesticides, to heavy metals and industrial pollutants. Our bodies absorb and take on these toxins, which prevent us from functioning at our optimum level of performance. Our bodies will attempt to detoxify naturally everyday; however, due to our lifestyles and environment, our bodily system is often unable to eliminate all these toxins completely. In order for our body to function at an optimum level and rid our systems of these toxins, we must rest for 8 - 10 hours per night, have a flawless diet and exercise regularly. Since this is not the case with most people, it is impossible for our bodies to eliminate these toxins on its own, which leads to a gradual build up in our systems. This build up can cause a wide variety of side effects, including: lethargy and tiredness, headaches and migraines, colds and flu, bad skin, breath and body odor problems, sinus problems ... the list goes on. Our body is a very efficient example of engineering. The inner works of our cells consist of electrical charges and contain just the right balance between positive and negative ions. Within this balanced state, we are able to adjust our bodily functions by removing toxins and absorbing nutrients from food, water and oxygen.

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Get a new look for the new season.

women’s H E A LT H

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Food Intolerances. If your child or baby has any of the above, they could simply be suffering from an intolerance to one or more foods they are consuming. Food intolerances may cause a range of slow-onset symptoms that are seemingly unconnected to specific foods. Symptoms can take up to 72 hours to appear, in which time a lot of different types of food and drink have been consumed, baffling the sufferer as to what has caused their discomfort. Although not life threatening, the impact on children sufferers can be significant, sometimes affecting their ability to live normal lives. Symptoms of food intolerance for children are many and varied and can include: Anxiety (acute/chronic) • ADD • Bed wetting • Often complaining of stomach pains • Bloating • Constipation • Diarrhoea • Muscle aches and pains • Headaches or migraines • Inflammatory bowel disease • Insomnia • Itchy skin problems • Mood swings • Sleep disturbances • Baby’s inconsolable crying • Baby’s reflux • Weight control problems – and many, many more. Up until now, food intolerances have been very difficult and time consuming to diagnose, especially in children, due to the vagueness of the symptoms, the time lapse and their inability to express themselves. Now a quick, reliable, simple and safe test for food intolerance to 59 of the most reactive foods is available at The Natural Health Sanctum. This procedure is the world’s first in-clinic test available for food intolerance. Be quick, be smart, be symptom free – if your child is suffering, book in for a Food Intolerance Program now. Glenise McLaughlin – Naturopath with over 17 years’ experience, specialises in the natural treatment of food intolerance.

Toni Wright. Autumn is here and the new season is always a good time for that new look ... colour, cut or both! One of the first things to focus on is repairing the damage that occurred during the summer months. Dry, brittle and unmanageable hair benefits from a deep conditioning moisture treatment such as jojoba, almond or coconut oil and a really good trim to cut away any dry or split ends. Your hair colour could also be feeling the effects of too much sun exposure; is your colour looking faded or too light? For blondes, add a few darker foils which complement your natural hair colour, to bring your colour depth more inline with your skin tone; and for brunettes who are faded, pick an autumnal colour that is rich and fresh, which brings out the colour of your eyes. While our skin tones might change during different times in a year, the colour of our eyes do not, so it is often a more reliable indicator of what shade will look best on us. Toni Wright is a Senior Hairdresser at Glasshouse Hair & Beauty. Having previously been at Vanessa’s, Toni offers excellent customer service and a high level of skills and experience. Specialising in all aspects of women’s and men’s hair styling, you will be in good hands with Toni at Glasshouse Hair and Beauty. If you’re looking for a skilled and friendly hairdresser in a great location, give Toni a call today on 6583 2088 to organise your appointment. Available Thurs, Fri, Sat – 9am ‘til late.

Massage @ Port Macquarie. He Ling Ying (Dip. Rem. Massage) – known as ‘Ling’ – has opened her new practice in the Lighthouse Beach/Shelly Beach area. Until recently, a very popular masseur at Settlement City, Ling felt the need to provide her clients with an even better massage experience, in surroundings totally conducive to complete relaxation and a sense of peaceful well-being. Massage @ Port Macquarie now operates from a purpose-built, air conditioned home clinic, where parking is only metres from the door and where clients need have no concerns of parking fines or congestion; they can arrive relaxed, to enjoy their treatments without a care in the world. Naturally, as Ling is fully accredited, health fund rebates are available and HICAPS provides an instant rebate service. Medical research has evidenced that professional massage therapies provide highly beneficial treatments for a variety of conditions, including management of nausea and vomiting, chronic lower back pain, muscular and depressive disorders and sleep deprivation, substantially improving circulation, to bring fresh oxygen to ailing tissues. A highly experienced (and surprisingly strong) therapist, Ling operated her own clinic in China prior to settling in Australia. Fully qualified to Australian standards, she is now an accredited member of the Australian Association of Massage Therapists. It is impossible to meet Ling and to not be impressed. Sincere, warm and caring, she looks after her patients – male, female, young and not-so-young – with compassion, respect, understanding and always, with traditional Chinese values.

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focushealth.

Invisalign Lifestyle, health, vitality and your new smile ave you always wanted can be used to treat a range of orthodontic straight teeth that give you conditions including overbites, underbites the perfect smile? and even crossbites. Treatment duration If the answer is yes, but you’ve usually varies from twelve to twenty four never wanted to wear braces, then read on. months. Invisalign is the flexible alternative to braces Key benefits of Invisalign are:that can work in with your busy lifestyle and • It is virtually invisible. No one will know it’s NEVER too late to start. you’re in treatment. Exclusive research conducted in Sydney • Patients are able to remove Aligners for June 2011 on behalf of Invisalign meals and special events. Australia confirmed just • Removable Aligners means how much Australians that teeth can be easily value a nice smile, with ht ig brushed and flossed ra st 54% believe 99% considering it an to d ke promoting healthier teeth lin teeth are important asset and l al er ov s ’ on rs and gums. a pe d one in five going as attractiveness anstraight • There are no brackets far as to say a nice around half say t how to cause ulcerations or teeth even reflectake in smile is essential. In u yo abrasions. e id pr h uc m fact, teeth top the list . • Fewer visits to your appearance of facial features most orthodontists are required would like to improve. than with braces. So what makes a nice • Patients are able to view their smile? own virtual treatment plan, enabling According to 71% of Australians in them to see how their teeth will look on the study, it goes hand in hand with completion of treatment. straight teeth. It appears that straight So, is it suitable for me? teeth in a smile actually have many positive Whether your smile needs minor characteristics. 54% believe straight teeth improvements or a major overhaul, are linked to a person’s overall attractiveness Invisalign can help. and around half say straight teeth even Research conducted by Galaxy on behalf reflect how much pride you take in your of Invisalign Australia in June 2011. appearance. So it’s not surprising that there To find out if Invisalign is right for is almost universal agreement (91%) that you, please contact Port Macquarie when your teeth look good, you feel more Orthodontics confident. Suite 5, 145 Horton Street Over one million patients have been Port Macquarie NSW 2444 treated with Invisalign worldwide. It is T 02 6583 8425 a virtually undetectable, easy-to-use, removable, comfortable and hygienic system F 02 6584 1006 www.portmacquarieorthodontics.com.au for correcting crooked or crowded teeth. It

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Enriched Health. It is World Parkinson’s Day on o 11 April 2012. You might be surprised to learn that Parkinson's Disease is the world's second most common neurological condition, with an estimated 80,000 Australians living with the condition. Parkinson’s Disease is a movement disorder typically presenting with symptoms such as slowness of movement, muscle rigidity, instability and tremor. The disease is often thought to only occur in the elderly, and it does most commonly occur in people between the ages of 50 and 60 years of age. Of interest, however, 20% of those who are diagnosed with Parkinson’s are between the ages of 30 and 40. Our depth of knowledge around exercise prescription for neurological conditions continues to increase, and a critical review published in the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine in 2006 found that exercise for Parkinson’s patients increased both their physical performance and activities of daily living. Parkinson’s Disease, along with many other neurological diseases, would benefit from improved research to demonstrate conclusively what exercises have the most positive outcomes. Effectively prescribed exercise for patients with neurological conditions can have the benefit of

It's estimated 80,000 Australians live with Parkinson's.

maintaining function and decreasing the rate of onset of many of the disease symptoms. The approach of exercise prescription for complex health conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease takes careful planning and implementation. With the research evidence that we have, the rehabilitation goals of prescribed exercise for patients with Parkinson’s Disease include maintaining muscle mass, aerobic capacity, movement control, posture and gait and positive mental health, along with reducing the risk of falls and incidence co-morbidities such as heart disease and Diabetes. The overall goal of participating in exercise rehabilitation is often an improved quality of life for the patients and their families. Simon Turnbull ESSA Accredited Exercise Physiologist, Member Gait and Clinical Movement Analysis Society

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APRIL 2012

WITH TERRI

A R I E S.

CANCER.

LIBRA.

C A P R I C O R N.

MAR 21 - APR 20

JUN 23 - JUL 23 JU

SEPT 24 - OCT 23

DEC 22 - JAN 20

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.

TAU RU S. APR 21 - MAY 21

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.

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.

L E O.

S C O R P I O.

JUL 24 - AUG 23

OCT 24 - NOV 22

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.

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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.

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.

AQ UA R I U S. JAN 21 - FEB 19

Y may b You be 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.

V I RG O.

SAG I T TA R I U S.

P I S C E S.

AUG 24 - SEPT 23

NOV 23 - DEC 21

FEB 20 - MAR 20

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Vision For Driving. Many Man y of of u uss drive d a vehicle, wh whether it be for short distance d th bilit tto see clearly is vital for safe driving. or llong, and the ability

East West Health. East E ast W ast West Health â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Acupu Acupuncture, Osteopathy and Chinese Herbal Medicine available here in Port Macquarie. Acupuncture is one the oldest healing practices in the world that is recognised by the world health organisation to have a beneficial effect on both acute and chronic conditions. Osteopathic medicine is a form of manual medicine which recognises the import link between the structure of the body and the way it functions. Chinese Herbal Medicine works on the philosophy of prescribing herbs that restore balance and energy to the body and part of a larger healing practice of traditional Chinese medicine. These three practices combined, complement each other to balance the mind and body and are available here in Port Macquarie by Rob Southwood at Eastwest Health. Rob has lived in Port Macquarie since 2000, after moving from Sydney. He has completed a Masters in Chinese Herbal Medicine and Osteopathic Medicine. To schedule an appointment or to find out how these practices can help you phone Rob on 0414 497 816 today.

Just as your car needs servicing, so too do your eyes. Changes in vision and eye health are often quite slow and can easily go unnoticed if not checked regularly; so it is important to have your vision examined once every two years, unless otherwise advised by your optometrist. Distance Vision: the ability to see clearly in the distance is most important for safe driving. If distance vision is reduced, people, cyclists and other drivers are often not seen until it is too late to react safely and the faster you are travelling, the less time you have to react. A mixture of poor distance vision and excessive speed can have potentially dangerous results. Peripheral Vision: the ability to see objects and movement outside of the direct line of vision is important for the early recognition of pedestrians and animals on the roadside, without taking your eyes off the road. Some eye conditions such as Glaucoma and Retinal Detachment can cause peripheral vision loss. Depth Perception: good judgement of distance is vital to be able to pass other vehicles and change lanes safely. A person with two eyes working together well has the most reliable depth perception. Night Vision: driving at night can be difficult at the best of times. It requires the ability to see in low and variable light conditions and an ability to recover quickly from the glare of oncoming headlights. If it has been some time since you had your eyes examined, call your local Eyecare Plus Optometrist for an appointment now!

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At Davis Dental, we specialise in making the Snoring/Sleep Apnea appliances

Leading the Change.

Sleep Apnea?

Eva Phillips with granddaughter and aged-care assistant, Emma Newman.

Do you snore and not wake up fresh in the morning, or feel excessively tired during the day? If the answer is yes, then you could be suffering from a condition called sleep apnea. In an epidemiological study, it was estimated that 4.2 million people in Australia have a Sleep Disordered Breathing Condition.

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.

At Davis Dental, we specialise in making Snoring/ Sleep Apnea appliances.

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.“

Snoring can greatly disrupt the quality of sleep and also disturb the sleep of those nearby, causing great frustration and placing a strain on relationships. Snoring is the sound of obstructed breathing during sleep, in which the soft tissues at the back of the throat lose muscle tone, fall back and vibrate. This condition is identified as a possible risk factor for heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke and can be a symptom of a more serious medical condition called Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is diagnosed by obtaining a referral by your GP to see a sleep physician. Sleep apnea occurs when the airway becomes completely blocked and the breathing stops. At Davis Dental, we specialise in making the snoring/sleep apnea appliances, often recom-

mended by Sleep Physicians. The appliance is custom made to fit your teeth, after careful assessment for its suitability. The appliance is made of soft plastic or acrylic and looks more like a thin sports mouthguard. It is worn during the night while sleeping and works by gently bringing your bottom jaw into a forward position and thus opening up your airway. There are hundreds of patients who have benefited from this treatment and improved their quality of life. Please feel free to contact one of our friendly, experienced staff to know more about the snoring/sleep apnea appliances and the range of specialist procedures offered at Davis Dental.

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Port Macquarie High School

focus feature

PORT MACQUARIE 50TH ANNIVERSARY

High School

Mark Longstaff ff - Principal

Port Macquarie High School is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Principal Mark Longstaff shares details about the school’s rich heritage ...

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in Year 7 until their HSC in Modern History, with some outstanding education results being achieved and manufacturing a deep friendship with those students. Being leader of a government school with a proven record of success s The school hate d or academically on the sporting fields and in been well supp the financially by uc the arts. As leader, being in a position to of Ed ation Department un er ov es bring about changes, so that all students iti and Comm ye s, to benefit and reach their potential. Facing the last few peararance enhance its ap ow long have you s. the challenges of competition from and facilitie been Principal at publicly funded non-government schools Port Macquarie High and continuing to maintain our reputation as School? a great school. I am the sixth Principal of the school Encouraging teachers to adapt to the changing since it opened in 1962 and now the longest serving, nature of the youth of today, with their different mores having been Principal since 1999 following on from and attitudes to authority, lifestyle and goals. my predecessor David Brown, who was Principal from Being able to coach, manage and train students 1988 - 98. in football and cricket, as well as participating with What have you enjoyed most about your time at students in the City to Surf each year. the school? What is the atmosphere like within the school Having the opportunity to have all my three children community, as Port High approaches its 50th year commence and then complete their secondary education of operation? at Port Macquarie HS, with Samuel’s graduation in As we approach out 50th celebrations this month, 2005, Joshua’s in 2009 and Jacob’s in 2011, as Dux of there is an increasing air of excitement and anticipation the School. Teaching a group of students from 2003 amongst the school community and with the former

stu students from the early 1960s to the present, as well as sta staff members W What events are being held to celebrate the sc school’s 50th anniversary? Currently at the Glasshouse there is an art exhibition, wi with works exhibited by former students and staff fro from the school and the official opening taking place on Friday 13 April at 5pm. This is followed by a music co concert in our hall at 7pm. On Saturday, April 14, th the school will be open for visitors, with stalls and memorabilia on sale, combined with the 20/20 cricket match on Oxley Oval and the official opening at 2pm. Dinner at Panthers follows, commencing at 7pm for 7.30 start. On Sunday, the school is open again until 2pm. How do you plan to build on the school’s success over the past 50 years and carry this forward into the future? The school has been well supported financially by the Department of Education and Communities over the last few years, to enhance its appearance and facilities. Currently, a trade centre comprising a commercial kitchen is being constructed, and the school has been granted major capital works to a figure of about $10 million to bring the school up to being an educational institution for the 21st century. This will mean new blocks being constructed with state of the art facilities such as a senior senior study areas, a lecture theatre and music/drama rooms. We would also like to set up areas where students can use their laptops in specifically designed rooms to study and prepare assignments. I certainly look forward to attending the school’s 75th anniversary in 2037.

focus feature

Port Macquarie High School

Some great people have passed through the corridors of Port Macquarie High School, not only as students, but as staff members and as ancillary staff members.

Tony Cronin - Long standing Teacher

PORT MACQUARIE 50TH ANNIVERSARY

High School

hen did you first commence teaching at Port Macquarie High School? When I transferred to Port Macquarie High School in 1977, my first impressions were: what a beautiful location and what lovely students! The staff members were all experienced and the Principal, Mr Gordon Milne, made me feel very welcome. I felt I was joining a well-run school and a very dedicated team. I loved it. I was teaching English. Later in the ‘80s I got to teach photography as well. What’ve been some of the major changes you’ve witnessed from your early days at Port High? There have been many changes since those early years in the ‘70s. Changes to curriculum affecting the School Certificate and the HSC came and went. We survived. Class sizes came down. dow Corporal punishment became a thing of the past. We bec all missed Gordon Milne when he retired in 1984. The following year, yea the Multi-Purpose Centre was wa opened. When Mr David Brown W became Principal in 1988, bec Distance Education became a Dis new feature added to the school. During the next ten years, many Du renovations and additions were ren built bui by Mr Geoff Schache, which

included playground shelters (jokingly referred How do you feel looking back over your to as ‘Brown’s Barns’), a new canteen, a new time at the school, knowing it’s now been a darkroom and numerous improvements to office vital part of the community for 50 years? space etc. Mr. Brown’s retirement in 1999 was I’ve had a wonderful teaching career, also a sad occasion for us all. spending most of it at Port Macquarie High What has been the most rewarding part for School. I have seen many wonderful students you personally being involved with Port excel in so many different ways, either High? academically, in the Arts or in sport. The book I’ve had the privilege of being a positive I referred to tries to document most of the influence on so many young lives. Most of the achievements of the past 50 years. I feel very students I taught continued to excel out of privileged to have been part of the history school and went on to bigger and better things. of this great school. I’ve worked with all six Some exceeded everyone’s expectations and are Principals, whom I admired and respected. now productive, established and even famous The first Principal, Mr. Stan Condon, was members ofend society. retiredfiwhen I first came, but he often came Eastern of the school (note the newly planted g tree) Their success stories make it all worthwhile. It’s in to help out in times of casual shortages. always delightful bumping into these students as His enthusiasm for teaching, his energy and young adults from time to time. seemingly endless knowledge helped inspire How have you helped to organise the me. Working with Gordon Milne was fantastic school’s 50th anniversary celebrations? and also inspirational, and David Brown’s ten My main contribution as a member of the years were simply magical. Mark Longstaff has 50th anniversary committee was to co-ordinate been guiding the school on a successful path the book on the 50 years of Port High’s history. since 1999 with his inspirational leadership, and Mr. Grimmond, a former Principal, began I have a wonderful working relationship and the work and spent two months researching personal friendship with him. the archives, before handing it on for further Some great people have passed through the development and fine tuning. corridors of Port Macquarie High School, not With 28 students and 50 teachers helping only as students, but as staff members and as over the last three months, the work has finally ancillary staff members. gone to the printers. The 208 page book will be However, the school’s best years may still be available for the anniversary celebrations in April. ahead in the future. It’s looking good. Thanks Tony.

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Port Macquarie High School

focus feature

PORT MACQUARIE 50TH ANNIVERSARY

High School

Kasey Brown - Former Student These days, Kasey Brown, a former student of Port Macquarie High School, is the world number 7 professional squash player ...

hat was it like for you growing up in Port Where did your interest in squash begin? Macquarie? I began playing squash at age 9, when my mother worked I moved to Port Macquarie in 2000 to live at the local squash centre in Taree and I would go on the with my coach, Glenn Reece and his family, weekends and hit squash balls by myself for hours. I then met who graciously took me in and allowed me to train at Glenn Reece, whose sons, Ben and Matt, where the the Oxley Squash Centre after the courts closed in top juniors in the country, and I began working my home town of Taree. I truly believe I would with and travelling to tournaments with not be in the position I am in today if it were them. At age 14, the Taree Squash Centre not for them. closed, and I left home and was taken I attended Port m fro Port Macquarie is such a lovely town in by the Reece family and worked with h ig H ie ar Macqu I re he w and at that time, had a strong squash Glenn throughout my junior career, , 03 20 2000 to The . SC H y community, which allowed me to develop where I won 5 national junior titles m ed et compl a ch su in is f as a player and a person. The town has and the British, Scottish and Malaysian el its school n. tio ca such a unique and relaxed atmosphere Junior Championships. lo tic fantas which I miss and contrasts to my life now in What highlights have you had with New York, USA. your sport over the years? What are your fondest memories from The biggest highlight for me so far was attending Port High? winning a gold and 2 bronze medals at the 2010 I attended Port Macquarie High from 2000 to 2003, where Commonwealth Games in Delhi. I completed my HSC. The school itself is in such a fantastic To represent Australia is the biggest honour and to be on location, just off the beach, and I remember being able to the podium singing the National Anthem after winning gold learn and appreciate ocean life through Marine Biology, which was an experience I will never forget. is a course unique to the school. It was such a pleasure to Also, winning the final match for Australia at the 2010 learn from the great teaching staff, and I developed some World Teams event against England is another highlight in great friendships during my time there. 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.

greater t portt macquarie i ffocus.

focusinterview.

Catherine Vaara. Lifeline provides vital and ongoing services to help support our community. Catherine Vaara, CEO Lifeline Mid Coast, explains some of these services from a local perspective ... lease provide a brief description of your career background ... I studied at the University of New England (UNE). My first job after graduating was a Social Worker position at the Dubbo Base Hospital. I left Dubbo to live and work in Valdez, Alaska and ended up staying for almost 12 years. While in Alaska, I worked as the Direct Services Coordinator and then as CEO for a not-for-profit called Advocates for Victims of Violence – a women’s shelter which also provided training in villages, court advocacy, counselling services and a 24/7 crisis line run by volunteers. What led to you becoming involved with Lifeline in the first place? When I was studying at UNE back in the ‘80s, one of our lecturers recommended we volunteer at Lifeline as a way of learning and practising counselling skills, so I have been acquainted with Lifeline for many years. It wasn’t until I began working for a not-for-profit organisation that I really appreciated the work they do – I became aware of a commitment and passion for community that I hadn’t experienced before. When I returned home to Port Macquarie and saw an opening at Lifeline, I thought it would be a great career opportunity. Lifeline Mid Coast is truly a community based organisation and now in my 9th year, I am very proud to be at its helm. What’s involved on a day-to-day basis with your position as CEO? This is a remarkably hard question to answer. As the CEO of Lifeline Mid Coast, I am responsible, under the direction of our Board, for providing leadership and operational management to achieve Lifeline Mid Coast’s vision and strategic direction. On a daily basis, I may be closely involved in a very real crisis intervention, be a guest speaker at a local organisation, or sitting at my desk writing grant submissions. I am also keenly involved in Lifeline at a national level, participating in strategic directions or discussions to improve services at national, state and local levels. I am also closely linked to my staff and volunteers and feel privileged to be part of an organisation that values the input of its workers. I may attend training sessions for crisis workers, or I could be visiting one of our 6 Lifeline shops. My days are very full and varied. Where are the local branches of Lifeline located, and what services are offered? Lifeline Mid Coast has two offices, one in Port Macquarie and one in Taree. Lifeline Mid Coast’s core services are crisis support and suicide intervention and prevention. Specifically we provide: training in Lifeline’s Telephone Crisis Counselling; 24/7 Telephone Crisis Support through Lifeline’s 13 11 14 number; Support

After Suicide (SAS), a bereavement support group for those in our community bereaved by suicide; Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) workshops; SafeTALK and Suicide Talk presentations; memorial services at Christmas time to remember family and friends who have taken their own life; and together in partnerships with other community groups, we also provide community forums. Lifeline is a community based organisation which relies on volunteers in our Crisis Support programs, as well as in our shops. In fact, Lifeline Mid Coast’s shops are the backbone of our organisation, providing about 80% of the funding needed for our crisis and suicide prevention services. Other funding comes from donations, bequests, sponsorships, and local grants. However, both State and Federal funding supports Lifeline, particularly in developing and maintaining our quality of training and our computerised in telephony system. I’m interested s e’ lin ife L Without this mix of developing pport su to funding and support, role d We do our best to limit the Red Croisssatan we would not be able s n io n ga or er landfill waste, but rely on h ot to provide the vital involved inaster our community to recognise services that we do. communityryd.is the need to be selective when What are some of recove providing donated items for the changes that have re-sale. been implemented locally On average, how many people during your time at Lifeline? would you estimate use Lifeline’s We are now answering the calls services locally each week? from anywhere in Australia, instead of just This is also a diffi cult question to answer. from our local area. Since going national in Think about a pond and the dropping of one 2007, Lifeline Mid Coast is answering calls from pebble into it; that pebble causes many ripples. people in distress from every state and territory This is how I see our Lifeline volunteers. The skills in Australia and even from places like Japan and they learn radiate out, touching many lives, not Serbia. It’s an amazing feeling to know that you only on the phones, but also in their personal have made a difference in someone else’s life, and working lives. Statistically, Lifeline answers and we are now supporting more people than about 500,000 calls a year; Lifeline Mid Coast ever. answers around 10,000 of those crisis calls. Transitioning into a Registered Training About 40% of our calls come from our home Organisation (RTO) was another significant area, the rest from anywhere in Australia. Our change. We are now providing a certificate Life Matters Coordinator provides support to IV level of training and yes, universities still approx. seventy people who have been bereaved encourage their psychology, counselling and by suicide and many more through the provision social work students to volunteer as a Lifeline of resources to schools, organisations and other Crisis Supporter. individuals. We estimate we have trained over We’ve also initiated a lot of change in our 1,000 on the Mid North Coast in ASIST, and shops, especially in their presentation. We hope our memorials services are attended by 20 - 60 to provide a happy and comfortable shopping people each year. experience to our shoppers. We believe that What would you like to see Lifeline achieve donated items need to meet a standard before over the next 12 months? we allow them into our shops, and we believe I’m interested in developing Lifeline’s role to that we all deserve nice things, and this is support the Red Cross and other organisations possible even on a low income. involved in community disaster recovery. We believe in recycling and when an article Lifeline has well trained volunteers, who can of clothing doesn’t meet the standard for rebe quickly mobilised in times of need. We are sale, we turn it into industrial rag for re-sale.

deeply imbedded in our community, and I think we are under-utilised at times. I would also like to challenge more men to think about volunteering. Truck drivers, men to help in our shops, crisis supporters and even men to work on odd jobs makes a huge difference to our organisation’s ability to function at its peak. Having the courage to get out of our comfort zone is always challenging; however, volunteering has many rewards and is worth a try. How can the community become involved in helping Lifeline? We rely on volunteers in our shops and on our crisis support team. Volunteering is crucial for our organisation; without them we would have no shops, and we would not be able to provide the services we do. Interestingly, research is now discovering the benefits of volunteering to the individual. People who volunteer are happier, and tend to be healthier, and evidence suggests volunteers are less like to have symptoms of dementia. Lifelong friendships and bonds are formed while volunteering. We are always in need of quality used furniture, homewares and clothes. Donations and sponsorships are also deeply appreciated and go directly into providing community based services here in our region. Thanks Catherine. Interview by Jo Atkins. Lifeline Mid Coast is online at: http://www.lifeline.org.au/About-Lifeline/ Lifeline-Locations/Mid-Coast-NSW/home greater port macquarie focus 81

Are your Legal Affairs in order?

Firth, McAlpine and Scott Lawyers believe that everyone should know what is involved in properly managing their legal affairs.

any people are unaware of the need

usually by ensuring that appropriate insurance is

to have certain legal documents in

put in place (or maintained if already in place) in

place in order to avoid problems

respect of the deceased person’s residence and

that may arise later in our lives or

that the insurance company is notified of the pass-

sometimes suddenly as a result of accidents. Most

ing away of that person. Often, insurance policies

people are aware of the significance of a Will, but

require such notification to ensure that coverage

many people do not understand the function and

continues. It is also important to ensure that if a

importance of an Enduring Power of Attorney and

residence is vacant following the death of the de-

a Guardianship Appointment. Estate planning is much more than simply having a Will in place. A half hour appointment with an experienced estate planning lawyer can often clarify what legal documents are required and advice can be given, which may potentially save thousands of dollars in probate costs. By reviewing your affairs you may not only save money, you may put in place measures which will

ceased person, insurance is put in place to ensure that any damage or loss sustained to the property is minimised and that the executor is not personally liable in any actions by the beneficiaries of the estate in respect of damaged property. It is not hard to imagine that if a property remains vacant for a period of time following death, the property may be attractive to vandals, vagrants or thieves.

give you peace of mind and also save your family

3. You should ensure that you take all reasonable

members and loved ones from spending a lot

steps to become acquainted with the assets and

of time, money and effort in trying to sort out a

liabilities of the deceased person. You should make

situation that could easily have been avoided by

all reasonable efforts to find details of the de-

planning ahead.

ceased person’s bank accounts, shareholdings and

We provide legal services to hospitals, churches

investments, and liabilities such as credit cards,

and aged care facilities and are very experienced

home loans or other debts. You should ensure that

in dealing with legal issues that confront families,

the assets of the estate, particularly personal items

particularly in the estate planning area. We take

such as furniture and household contents, are

instructions in this important area and are available

protected. It is quite common for family members

to discuss your requirements.

who may or may not be entitled to those assets

YOU ARE AN EXECUTOR OF AN ESTATE –

under the Will to seek to remove those items from

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

the estate residence shortly after death.

The role of an executor is one of the most

4. Assist where you can with the family arrange-

important roles that a person can undertake for

ments in relation to burial and/or cremation.

another person.

5. Once the Death Certificate has been issued (this

An executor is a person appointed in a deceased person’s Will to carry out the terms of that person’s Will. An executor collects, maintains and protects the assets of the deceased person and generally carries out the wishes expressed in the person’s Will. If you have been appointed, or are advised that you have been appointed, as the executor for a person who has recently passed away, there are

usually takes approximately 2 weeks), you should contact a lawyer to assist with administering the estate. 6. If there is more than one executor appointed under the Will, it may often be the case that one or more of those people do not wish to undertake the executorial duties. This is important because the law generally allows executors to “resign/

several things you should do as soon as possible

renounce” their appointment prior to them “inter-

after the person passes away:

meddling” in the estate. This means that provided

1. Contact your lawyer, or the deceased person’s

a person nominated as the executor of an estate

lawyer (who will usually be holding the deceased

has not undertaken anything substantive in rela-

person’s original Will) and obtain legal advice.

tion to the administration of the estate (a case by

2. Take all reasonable steps to ensure that the

case analysis will be required) then that person is

assets of the estate of which you are aware are

able to renounce their appointment. This is an area

protected. Most importantly, this will be achieved

where legal advice is best obtained.

Firth McAlpine and Scott Lawyers are experienced and will make the process easy. If you are unsure of what you need to do or require further information, please don't hesitate to contact us today on 6584 0755. 82 greater port macquarie focus.

Sparta Solutions. With the introduction of new Workplace Health and Safety Laws, many businesses are unfamiliar with their revised duties of care and site specific needs regarding emergency preparedness.

PARTA Solutions specialises in site specific and Individual Public Warden, Chief Warden and First Attack Fire fighting courses that are nationally recognised to ensure compliance and offer greater peace of of e ac mind to persons in Have pe e ar rs ke or w at workplaces and some mind th training learning from m common facilities. t and assess en Organisations that ith w s facilitator l na io at er source training from op e iv extens Sparta Solutions have experience. peace of mind their workers are learning from training and assessment facilitators with extensive operational experience. For employers, now referred to in WHS Legislation as Persons Conducting a Business or an Undertak-

ing (PCBUs) and people controlling premises, the revised Planning for Emergencies in Facilities (Australian Standard 3745) and Healthcare Facilities (Australian Standard 4083), requires businesses prepare for potential emergencies by developing an Emergency Planning Committee (EPC) and Emergency Control Organisation (ECO). This Australian Standard requires personnel responsible for the workplace health and safety of other personnel and staff undertake the required level of training and maintain sufficient evidence of skills retention in accordance with a current site emergency response and safety management plan, regardless of the size of the facility. The breakdown of skills retention is outlined as:

• ECO members including nominated deputies not greater than 6 months. • In workplaces, occupants should participate in skills retention activities at intervals no greater than 12 months. • Personnel trained in First Attack Fire fighting (extinguisher, blanket, hose reel), at intervals not greater than 2 years. NOTE: The Standard also states; • Facility owners, managers, occupiers and employers should obtain professional advice on the level of indemnity provided to ECO members. The ECO members should be advised of the level of indemnity provided. For your free SPARTA Emergency Checklist and Info Pack call now 1300 955 097.

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focusinterview.

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your Future Move? The Federal Government aims to increase the number of 24 to 35-year-olds who hold a university degree to 40 per cent by 2025. In the Hastings region, the percentages of people who hold a Bachelors qualification or above are significantly lower than NSW and Australia-wide figures.

Locals and visitors alike are invited to the many Wauchope and Upper Hastings Events forming a part of the 2012 Heritage Festival over the weeks 14th to 29th April. Chrissy Jones found out a little more from Jeannette Rainbow about whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to see and do during the festival ..

here are many events people can attend, which ones are you involved with? On Saturday 14th April the Official Launch of the Heritage Festival will take place from 10.30 am at Douglas Vale Historic Homestead and Vineyard. This coincides with the 150 Anniversary of the Homestead and there will be gift stalls, craft and light refreshments available throughout the day. There will be steam train rides on the 3237 North Coaster departing Wauchope Railway station from 9am on both Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 April. Also, there will be four shuttles each day to Kendall and Telegraph Point operated by the Lachlan Valley Railway Society (Cowra). This is a great opportunity to share the joy of rail journeys of yesteryear. Old and young alike will hear the whistle blow and smell the smoke from the locomotive. Costs are reduced to $20 Adult, $10 Child (5-15), $50 Family of 4 Additional children $10, Children under 5 will not be allocated a seat free. Bookings can be made on 6342 4999 or Wauchope Railway Station 6589 6540. Also on Saturday 14 April you can experience the Night at the Museum Family Campout at Timbertown, Wauchope commencing at 5pm Saturday to Sunday 9am. There is on-site camping and a Ghostly Tour plus dinner, supper and breakfasts also included. BYO tent and sleeping bag; bookings are essential by phoning 6586 1940 or info@ timbertown.com.au Adults $35, Children $22. You will be personally escorting a tour around the Hastings on Thursday 19 April, what will this involve? The Wauchope and Upper Hastings Treasures Tour will depart at 9.30am from Wauchope District Historical Museum near Timbertown. I will take you on a very informative tour of the Wauchope township by coach. The coach will travel west along the Oxley Highway past the Government Apiary, Huntingdon, Bagnoo, Long Flat, Ellenborough and on to Kindee. After inspecting the 75 year old Kindee Bridge the tour will return to the Travellers Rest Hotel at Long Flat for a sumptuous hot dinner presented by Lyn at the Fig Tree Restaurant. Travelling back, the coach will leave the Oxley Highway at Rosewood via the Crossroads

Cemetery, travel over Bain Bridge, through Redbank and return to Wauchope. This tour is designed for people wishing to learn about Hastings Heritage. Pick up from Port Macquarie can be arranged. Cost is $35 per person including complimentary beer, wine or soft drink. Lunch is $15 and includes a roast dinner, sweets and tea or coffee. Don't miss out book now by phoning 6585 2692 or 6585 1895 or 0424 226 258. Friday and Saturday 20 and 21 April will feature the 102nd Wauchope Agricultural Show Horse events, cattle, poultry, goats, wood chopping, animal nursery, show pavillion, trade exhibits, carnival entertainment, bull rides and fireworks. Bring your family and visitors to this great annual event, 8am to midnight each day. Entry $14 Adults, $7 Child and pensioner, $40 family (2Aand 2C) pre-purchase. Enquiries 6585 3023. What are some of the Festival highlights? From the 14-29 April daily a unique 4WD tour with qualified guide will take you to some of the district's historical sites including the Old convict highway, Mt Seaview, John Oxley History, Cells River and Gold Fields. You will depart Port Macquarie at 7.30am and return 4.45pm or depart Mt Seaview 9am and return 3.30pm. This all day 4WD tour, includes morning tea and lunch. POA. Enquires and bookings 6587 7188 or 6587 7144ah. You can also view a display of Hastings Innovation and Inventions, 9.30am - 3.30pm daily at the Wauchope District Historical Society Museum â&#x20AC;&#x201C; entry is by gold coin donation, Phone 6585 2692 for more information. Timbertown Step back in time at Timbertown and experience the history of yesteryear. Timbertown is a living and breathing depiction of a saw milling village. Entry $19.50 adult, $16 Child, $17 Seniors, $65 Family Includes train, horse and carriage and daily demonstrations. Enquiries 6586 1940. The Heritage Festival Booklet with many wonderful events in Port Macquarie, Camden Haven and Kempsey is available now at Council Offices, libraries, museums, Tourist Information Centres. Happy History Hunting. Thanks Jeanette. Photos provided by Wauchope District Historical Society.

Extensive research shows that there are many factors contributing to participation in higher education. Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; aspirations are based on a combination of knowledge, values, social and cultural capital as well as opportunity. Charles Sturt Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (CSU) Future Moves program aims to build aspiration for university study amongst school students in rural, remote and regional NSW and help deliver upon the Federal Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s targets for tertiary study. CSU School Outreach Coordinator, Ms Sandra Wallace, said studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; intentions to stay on at school are significantly influenced prior to Year 9. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Future Moves encourages students to become more engaged in school studies and more confident in considering tertiary study as a realistic option,â&#x20AC;? she said.

The first workshops were given to Year 10 students at St Josephâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Regional College recently. The 170 students participated in 90 minute workshops, which were designed to broaden their understanding of career possibilities and introduce them to resources that will help them with their career choices. St Josephâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s teachers, Ms Leanne Tinsey and Ms Karen Bale, felt the workshops successfully engaged the students. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We hope this will be the first of many successful partnerships between Charles Sturt University and our College.â&#x20AC;? For more details on the Future Moves program, please contact Ms Sandra Wallace on (02) 6582 9302.

Now you can study what you want without having to leave home. How? Through Charles Sturt Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Port Macquarie Campus. In conjunction with North Coast TAFE, CSU offers a range of courses, including: t #BDIFMPS PG "DDPVOUJOH t #BDIFMPS PG $SFBUJWF *OEVTUSJFT t %JQMPNB PG (FOFSBM 4UVEJFT t #BDIFMPS PG )FBMUI BOE 3FIBCJMJUBUJPO 4DJFODF t #BDIFMPS PG 4PDJBM 8PSL Plus, with CSU, you can choose to study via distance education XJUI ĂžFYJCMF TUVEZ PQUJPOT (PJOH UP VOJ JO 1PSU .BDRVBSJF *U T OPX FBTZ XJUI $46 T DBNQVT BU 4VJUF (SBOU 4USFFU

csu.edu.au/4me

Call today 1300 135 435

F2150A

greater port macquarie focus 85

focusbusiness.

with the Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce

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minding your Need to organise travel, have errands ran, or just some typing done, but never seem to have enough hours in the day? You are not alone. Just imagine if you could get your administration in order, so that you could spend time growing your business and have time for family and friends? At HQ Port, we can provide you with full secretarial, administration and business support, from mail and fax management to call forwarding and event management, all at an affordable cost. As a client, you will want the most cost effective and efficient solution for your current needs. As every business has different requirements, we ask that you provide us with as much information as possible, so we can provide you with a tailored solution suitable for your assignment and budget. We can provide a detailed quotation outlining our costs and once the project is complete, the invoice will outline all expenses committed to your assignment, such as hours, stationery and postage. HQ Port also offers Administration Service Options. These are pre-paid bulk hourly options that do not expire and are valid until they are fully utilised.

Greetings, everyone. It seems that when en y I took over writing Chamber’s monthly article for this magazine from Liesa in o December, she mistakenly took that to mean she had become replaceable.

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our issues later, I’m sorry to say she has left us! Although everyone in the business community is disappointed (except her new employer, of course), we are extremely thankful for the time she spent in the role. Fortunately, Liesa has left the Chamber in a terrific position, and her replacement can fit straight in and really hit the ground running. Good luck Liesa!

see that one of the first acts of the new State Government was to dedicate Westport Park as public open space, with Council having the management rights to oversee and maintain the precinct. In line with better activation of the park and to help promote more movement of people through the CBD and along the foreshore, Chamber is investigating the possibility of a pedestrian bridge across Kooloonbung Creek to provide a better link between the east and the west. The current footpath across the bridge in Buller Street is not ideal, and we’d like to see better access for pedestrians.

One of the exciting things happening right now and a great project for Chamber’s new Executive Officer, is the enhancement of Port’s CBD. The Chamber has a vision to turn our CBD into a world class entertainment precinct that As I’ve mentioned before, Chamber has long can host large scale events and festivals. Under advocated for an enhanced waterfront and the guidance of the Town Centre Masterplan foreshore to give the whole community a lift and Committee, plans are being developed that will to inject some vibrancy into the CBD. A standsee some of Port’s signature events re-located alone pedestrian bridge has been one of the right into the heart of town. This will key features of Chamber’s waterfront be fantastic for injecting a sense proposal and was also a cornerstone of vibrancy and vitality for of Council’s highly consultative Coming up: local businesses and will Foreshore Masterplan. Now N 12 April – HBE es. put a lot more feet on the dg Ry that Westport Park is safely t, as Breakf street. off any development agenda, Speaker: Dr John

As part of the vision, we’re looking to refurbish and regenerate the existing footpaths, street lighting and garden beds, to bring everything back up to mint condition as it was in the ‘90s.

ect a Hinwood – ‘Exp . e’ Miracl droom 24 April – Boar. Sp eaker: es Lunch, Rydg – former nt ra G ll Mr Bi . CEO, Southbank

With the wisdom and foresight shown by our business leaders two decades ago, our CBD is one of the most envied tourist destinations in regional Australia. Even though most touristrelated businesses here are having a tough time trying to compete with the plethora of low-cost international holiday options, we’re doing better than most of our regional competitors. The next step is for the committee to recruit someone with the expertise and drive to implement these exciting plans and take our town centre to the next level. The remarkable confluence of the beach, the river, the Town Green and the CBD conjures up a very unique and distinctive ‘sense of place’, which is one of the main reasons Port Macquarie is such an appealing destination in which to live, work and play. The close alignment of the CBD with the foreshore has been one of the features that sets Port Macquarie apart as a desirable destination. Of course, the foreshore continues west of Koolonbung Creek to the newly sanctioned Westport Park. Chamber was very pleased to 86 greater port macquarie focus.

robert turner.

Chamber would like to see the NSW Government bring the rest of the foreshore plan – especially the Food for Less carpark site – back to the table, so we can get things moving. Perhaps some ideas from the award-winning Southbank precinct in Brisbane might help. Bill Grant is a former CEO of Southbank and is our guest at a Chamber Boardroom Lunch later this month, where he will give us his unique insight on ‘foreshore placemaking’. He is likely to have plenty of ideas and examples, as well as some solutions for turning the ideas into reality. With Southbank’s location by the riverfront in Brisbane and its focus on leisure and entertainment, it will provide many extremely interesting and relevant ideas for our own entertainment and riverfront precinct. Speaking of functions, the HBEN has had a very energetic start to the year, with some packed breakfast meetings. The next one is likely to be another full house, when the renowned international presenter, Dr John Hinwood, shows us all the power of thinking positively and of expecting great things to happen to us. My take on this is that all the businesses in Port Macquarie need to get on board and become a member of Chamber ... great things are bound to happen! Visit: www.portchamber.com.au

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focusrealestate Port Macquarie Landcare President sident

estellegough.

U P D AT E ELFs – Environmental Levy Funds

Ask Greg Greg Trembath answers your real estate questions.

LF AT WORK Who does the work to keep your local bushland healthy and beautiful? It may be a very clever ELF. At Blair Reserve, Landcare volunteers are being helped by ELF (Environmental Levy Funds), where some of the money you pay in rates is distributed through Council’s Community Grants Program. Volunteers are not paid to work, but Landcare uses the funds to employ professional Bush Regenerators on important and demanding tasks. One such task is removal from Blair of a stubborn vine weed, Syngonium, that grows in swampy ground, climbs the wetland trees, smothers native plant growth and hinders wildlife. Landcare argued the need to remove as much Syngonium as possible and stop it spreading downstream, as invasion of bushland by exotic vines is a Key Threatening Process recognised at State and Federal level. Incidentally, neighbours can help a great deal by not letting invasive plants like Syngonium escape from their gardens: even a fragment can start an outbreak, so never put garden waste into the bush. To save Blair’s wetland, $5,000 was granted to Landcare, despite strong competition from other volunteer environmental groups to win a Community Grant. This money must now be spent costeffectively, and ratepayers have to be told what is achieved. The contractors will prise the vines off tree trunks and destroy them, then remove the extensive underground rhizomes that are brittle and difficult to dig up. They will also monitor the work using photopoints, so progress can be measured. During the project, volunteers are

learning from the contractors how to treat the weed and prevent re-infestation. In future, working bees volunteers will regularly check for and remove any Syngonium vines that appear. Landcare is determined to protect Blair from ‘transforming weeds’ – weeds with potential to ruin plant communities. Blair has Endangered Ecological Communities, as well as the rare and threatened Biconvex Paperbark, which grows among a wealth of other moistureloving native plants. Its wildlife includes koalas, frogs and dozens of bird species, living there and using it as a corridor to move safely through suburbia. Already Landcare has added 30,000 native plants to Blair, to help restore it to health. No wonder so many residents and tourists head there to enjoy Blair’s fresh air and shade, birdsongs and frog calls. Walkways are kept safe by volunteers, who remove slippery Casuarina cones and sprawling vegetation. Every Tuesday you’ll see Landcare members there doing maintenance and weed control, clocking up at least 900 hours a year. They work for nothing – yet they look forward to spending time in this lovely place, helping Mother Nature to put things right. That is enough reward. But of course, the volunteers welcome help from the ELF that brings in resources to hit the wicked weeds hard and often. Apart from providing funds, Council also has its Ecologist ensure that all the work is done in accordance with the contract. Council staff also maintain other parts of Blair, which includes a large grassed area with children’s play equipment, and earth jumps for BMX bikes. Contributed by Julie Ho.

We recently missed out on buying a should also establish whether a prospective house we really liked. We made an buyer has reached their maximum or may be offer, but were later told that the prepared to increase their offer. It sounds like owner had accepted a higher offer. Should this was not (but should have been) asked of we have had an opportunity to match it? I you. believe ours was the first offer made. Property remains on the market A: Missing out in these while all offers are considered. An circumstances can be offer is not binding until the disappointing. As far as buyer and seller have signed lk People ta ng matching another offer is and exchanged contracts, yi la ‘p about n concerned, you need to aim so a low offer can leave the the negotiatioyi game’, but bu ng to finish in front. ‘door open’ to other offers. property is no Did you let the agent know If a property looks good to game. how keen you were on the you, it will also look good to property? Always put in a good someone else. My advice is to solid first offer – one to tempt the start with the end result in mind; owner to agree to your price and signal ask yourself: “How will I feel if the serious interest in the property. Being first home sells to someone else?” provides no guarantees nor any rights or Answers are general comment, and readers preference in the negotiation. should always seek their own independent People talk about ‘playing the negotiating professional advice. game’, but buying property is no game. Send your real estate questions to A low offer can offend the owner and greg@gregtrembath.com.au jeopardise your negotiating position. Greg Trembath is Principal/Licensee at Agents are not obliged to disclose other Greg Trembath Real Estate. offers; however, a good agent will tell you Licensed Real Estate Agent – Licensed if your offer is not the highest. An agent Auctioneer.

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property guide

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Purposely built as an investment property, the March Home of the Month is a display of modern day architecture and quality craftsmanship. Chrissy Jones takes us through ...

Little Beach Building Company proudly presents their brand new home as April FOCUS Home of the Month. Chrissy Jones had the pleasure of being one of the first shown through the Living Green Designer Home by builders Peter and Kim Ruming. ocated just a stoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s throw from beautiful Rainbow Beach at Bonny Hills, the home has taken a revolutionary approach to both design and construction and shows a commitment by the builders to remain at the forefront of the latest developments in both green technology and construction. Being not only more energy efficient to run but also by having a simplified construction process of a flat pack system, the majority of the construction work was done in the Living Green factory. This greatly reduces the impact on the site and the overall embodied energy in the finished home. Clever design features mean that the construction process takes approximately 50% of the time required for a typical slab/brick/tile house. This is achieved through a refined assembly process that is continually subject to further research and development, in conjunction with major industry material manufacturers. The home is a passive design utilising natural air movement throughout for cooling and passive solar

hea heating. Research has shown that heating and cooling account for an average of approximately 40% of household energy costs across Australia. Little Beach Building Company has designed the home to suit the climate of their location at Bonny Hills. By positioning the home on-site appropriately, the result will be a significant reduction in the amount of energy that will be required to heat and cool the home into the future, which will result in not only an environmentally friendly but also an economically friendly home. Living Green Designer Homes, built locally by Peter and Kim Ruming of Little Beach Building Company, challenges the way we all live by providing alternatives to standard building and construction methods. By using the latest in sustainable and lightweight building products, cost efficient design principles and encouraging a reduced building footprint, Little Beach Building Company achieves quality homes with superior energy efficiency. continued over

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Little Beach Building Co. Tell us about your business ... how long have you been operating? We have been building in this area for over 23 years. For the last 3 to 4 years we have been a Distributor for Living Green Designer Homes. Peter and I both grew up and went to school here; most of our family still live in the area. We are not planning on going anywhere. What are the types of building that you specialise in? We are definitely not into brick and tile and prefer to build a home that is different from the rest: simple, adaptable and energy efficient. And that is very much what our own new Living Green Designer Home is all about. We designed the plan to suit this block of land and for our family to live and work in. Even though we have great exposure on the main road in Bonny Hills, the design captures the bushy outlook at the back and makes the most of the summer breezes and winter sun. What are some of the featured design elements of this home? With the Living Green construction method, it meant that once we had the floor level down, the home was completed to lock up within the week. I think it certainly turned some heads of passers by. The garage and home office are situated at the street front; that provides a buffer to the main house. We have insulated the home very efficiently in the floor, walls and ceilings. High louvre windows capture breeze and let in lots of light. Although our home is not huge, the design gives the feel that the home is much larger than it is – decks that bring the outside in and open plan design with efficient use of space. If potential owners have specific requirements, do you accommodate and are your designs flexible? All of our designs are extremely flexible. We prefer to customise to suit our client’s block of land, budget and requirements. Everyone is different, and you can’t just plonk a plan on a block of land. Together with Living Green Designer Homes, we can provide a full package, starting from concept design to completion of your home ready to move into. How do we go about commissioning you to build for

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us? What is the process? Our Living Green Designer Home is like a Living Display Home. Even though we live here, it is available for inspection by phoning for an appointment. Have a look at our website; there is a link to the Living Green Designer Homes website. We work from home, so Kim is available through the week in the home office and Peter is a hands on builder. Both Peter and Kim are available for consultations to discuss your project. Thanks Peter and Kim.

FROM THE

DESIGNER.

Craig Riddle–Living Green De signer Home s Tell us about your building company, Living Green Designer Homes. How long have you been operating, and how did the company first come about? I have been operating as a builder since 1983, but Living Green itself was born about 8 years ago now; that was after spending 20 odd years being a conventional builder. I just knew that there was a lot simpler and environmentally sympathetic way to build homes. So, basically we went back to a clean slate, having a couple of years of R & D working out a repeatable pre-engineered light weight system to create custom homes. We came up with a panellised system that we can erect on site and conventionally build. It is partly produced in a factory, which makes it low in embodied energy, low in waste and more manageable with its cost base. We came up with a system that we can dress up and make look like any beautiful home; some of our designs have a real architectural sharpness to them. We build homes in a really quick building time and at the right price, which has become a popular alternative for prospective home owners. How long is the turn around for a normal build? Removing the concept and Council stages, once we get that process done we can get out on site within a couple of weeks. We are building our single level homes in around 12

focusabode.

weeks delivered; that is for a 140 sqm home with a high level of detail and Þnish. By doing a lot of the pre-cutting and culling in the factory, we have taken out about 50% of our exposure to rain and the elements, which helps as well in the construction phase. Our homes seem to get a little bit bigger than originally planned with a lot of our clients; while they like our small and efÞcient designs, they often add to them as they have the budget and they want to make them a bit bigger. This adds to the building time, but usually no more than 14 to 16 weeks. Can you add on to the design after the initial build? The reality is that these homes are not a lot different to the conventional home, but being full light weight, with a lot of our designs we either do a sketch or show people options including pavilions, linking them with a small bit of hallway or ßight of stairs, or even just joining them by a couple of windows Ð and we can add on later. And again, being all timber framed they are very easy to add to. We often do allow in the original set up allowances for

additions. Although Living Green Designer Homes is in its infancy as a company, you have already received impressive recognition. What are a couple that stand out for you? Probably two or three stand out for me. We won the National Green Smart Professional of the Year; that was a real buzz for me personally, to win on a national stage. Also, we have won an environmental excellence award, which is a State Award that covers manufacturing, not only in the construction industry, but over all industries. Thirdly, was a Master Builders Contractor of the Year Award for projects up to ½ million dollars. Our project that won was contracted for $134,000. Just the fact that the judges saw Living Green as such a good product and that it was up against projects worth up to ½ million and won, was just great. We have been very

in We build homesing ild a really quick bu right time and at the come be ice pr , which has native er alt lar pu po a me for prospective ho owners.

fortunate I guess; we seem to keep getting awards for our designs. What is the main aim of Living Green Designer homes? What did you set out to do? Have you achieved it, and what does the future hold? I am as excited and as keen as ever to deliver, I guess, what is really behind what I have tried to achieve Ð and that is to simplify the housing process and to invite the clients or owners back into the process. I truly believe that the way housing has gone in Australia, particularly with project homes being the most predominant build, the home owner is sometimes locked out of the process and only asked what colours they want, which is one of the standards. I wanted to come up with a pre-engineered repeatable process that is cost effective, edu-

cate the owners with how it performs and interacts with the environment, then get them to help design it Ð and we just deliver. We are just the builder in the process; the owner has a lot of say. This way it should be lower budget, and the owner gets a home that not only suits them, but also the environment and performs well. ThatÕs still the same today, and we are trying to improve all the time. We aim to provide affordable, sustainable living with an architectural feel and customise each and every design that we build to suit the individual site constraints. No sites are the same, and we believe a key element to building sustainably is to design the home to the natural contours of the land and orientate it to achieve the best possible solar passive design.

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What type of buildings does Living Green specialise in? Living Green specialises in affordable, sustainable homes with an architectural feel. All homes come with a carbon offset certificate, so each home’s construction is sustainable. LGDH challenges the way we live by providing alternative to standard building and construction methods. By using the latest in sustainable and lightweight building products, cost efficient design principles and encouraging a reduced building footprint, LGDH achieves quality homes with superior energy efficiency. Why should we all be living green? It’s a pretty simple answer that we mostly all have kids and we want to leave them something. I hope that with what we are doing with housing, we do create a lot of carbon emissions to do what we do, but we have had a good hard look at it and have

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measured the emissions we have created for every house per square metre, and we are concentrating on reducing this all the time. We are also focused on the operational energy, while you are living in it; and thirdly, we are looking at what happens at the end of the cycle and the materials, how they are able to rejoin the ecosystem. If you join those three stages together, it is the whole of the life cycle process. I think it is important for any builder to look over all three. We should be living green, as this is ethically and morally a way to give back to the universe. Resources are costly, both financially and environmentally. By LGDH being environmentally sympathetic, our goal is to create the world’s first completely organic residential building structure, thus creating a true ‘closed loop building system’ – created by nature, driven by nature and returned to nature.

ing We should be livcally hi green, as this is et ay to give and morally a w rse. ive un e th to back

Living Green are leaders in Carbon reduction. How is the company taking this concept into the future? We are working really hard. We have Research and Development grants from the Government and contracts with the UTS University with the Institute for Sustainable Futures. We are continually looking at three parts; that is reducing emissions in the built form, reducing the operational energy costs; and maximising the recyclability of the component at the end. LGDH are committed to the development of new technologies in collaboration with various unis as well as government departments, to deliver thermal efficient housing that can be driven by various forms of natural energy systems. This is a continual focus of LGDH and will continue to be moving forward. You have been working with the Depart-

ment of Education in the Public High School system in the Design and Technology departments with a Future Homes Program. Why is this so important to you? One thing I have realised through this journey is the only way to change the housing market is to work with our high school kids who are leaving school, because in the 5 to 7 years after leaving school, they are the housing market. If we can educate them that houses can be smaller, more efficient and more personally adapted to their lifestyle, then they can really start having savings for not only the planet, but also financial savings for themselves. So by educating them, I know that they will go to all builders and ask the question: “Why can’t my home be smaller and cost less?” Thanks Craig.

Kim and Peter Ruming, are the local distributors of the Living Green Designer Home, building themselves their very own energy efficient green home and office which will double as a display home. im and Peter, owners of Little Beach Building Co., have been driving past their dream location for years. “Due to the number of trees many people didn’t realise it was a vacant lot. It’s also on the main road which doesn’t appeal to many people but was perfect for us.” said Kim and Peter. Building on the lot had its own set of challenges though. “We had to be really mindful of the trees and the local koala habitat. While the green, leafy outlook

was a positive for us, we had to meet some further requirements of building in a bushfire zone – which made lightweight construction the safe and smart choice.” The idea was to build a smart 3-bedroom home that would suit Kim and Peter and their two adult sons. The home has different modules, connected by smart hallways and decks which step up and down and separate the different areas of the home. Scyon™, the advanced lightweight cement composite with heavy-duty performance, was used throughout the project. Scyon™ Linea™ weatherboard, a 16mm thick horizontal weatherboard with deep shadow lines, was used for the fascia of the home. The beauty of this product is that it doesn’t weather like a traditional weatherboard and in this case, it created a nice profile along with the covered

eaves which were a bushfire safety requirement. Scyon™ Axon™ cladding, a vertically grooved panel that looks sharp and smooth, was then used on the entire home and office section, creating a nice design contrast. The office cabin also utilises Scyon™ Stria™ and EasyLap™ Panel, showcasing the variety of Scyon™ lightweight construction products available. Scyon™ is efficient to install, needing only a carpenter and a painter. As the product is pre-primed it’s easy to achieve a high-quality finish, allowing the house to be painted in a khaki green, designed to blend in with the surroundings. Working with these products and modular design meant the project took only a week to construct on site. “We certainly got a few looks from cars as they drove past - which is understand

able – at the start of the week there was only the base done and by the end of the week there was a complete house!” commented Kim and Peter. The home was built with a north-easterly aspect to capture the bush outlook. Louvres were installed to offer privacy without blocking out the natural breeze. The home is well insulated ensuring that noise is kept to a minimum and that the home is truly energy efficient year-round. “Through the use of smart design principles and some unique products, we managed to build an energy efficient and low maintenance home that is perfect for our family.” concluded Kim and Peter. Visit www.scyon. com.au for more information.

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F R A N C I S F U R N I T U R E - C E L E B R AT I N G 3 0 Y E A R S I N B U S I N E S S

Kim and Chris Francis of Francis Furniture are proud to be celebrating 30 years in business this year. With a passion for working with timber to create stunning and unique pieces, Kim and Chris enjoy meeting the challenges of different designs and working with their customers to make pieces that are just right for their homes. We speak to Chris about the history of Francis Furniture and their business success.

ell us about the history of Francis Furniture. How did it all get started? Back in about 1980, our sister Kerrie and her husband Neil moved out of Sydney to Port Macquarie. Soon after, I drove up the coast to see for myself what could posses an otherwise sane and rational person to up stumps and move so far north. You see, having been born and raised in Cootamundra, way south west of Sydney, the move north to the big smoke for work opportunities was plenty big enough and far enough for me. So it was that I found myself driving around this seaside town full of koalas and kangaroos and King Neptune’s crocodile. Having had my horizons expanded in surprising and exciting ways, I returned to Sydney and settled back into the life of a young shipwright on the northern beaches, only to be awakened by the suggestion during a phone conversation to the idea of moving up to Port and starting a little business making furniture. And so it was that I, along with my brother Kim, moved out of the big smoke up the coast, to the big hope of a new life in Port Macquarie. Were you building furniture prior to coming to Port Macquarie? Kim was building doors, and I was building boats. When we came to Port, we wanted to do something different and thought furniture would be a good idea. I had done furniture before anyhow, during my boat building career. We did a lot of club work when I was doing my apprenticeship, so it was always flat chat, busy during the summer; then, during the winter the surf clubs and rowing clubs would close down. So to fill the gap, sometimes we would work on some nice commissions on furniture, so I had been doing this since the early days. It wasn’t too far of a jump for us. How does it feel to be celebrating 30 years 94 greater port macquarie focus.

in business this year? We are really happy that we have survived this long, through all of the ups and downs and the political and economical turmoils. Generally speaking, we are very happy with the way things have turned out; the whole thing has come along really nicely. To be celebrating apes 30 years is an unreal I love all of the sh ; rs be creating pieces from start tim milestone, because and grains in is up ck pi u yo e to finish? each on you never go into e ent, and each piec er ff di I have always loved it thinking that it is ality has its own person working with timber itself something you will and uniqueness. – that was why I wanted to still be doing in 50 be a boat builder in the first years. It has been a good place. I thought, “I like boats and challenge and an exciting working with timber, so I’m going to road to be in business, and it’s be a timber boat builder”. But Cedar was always good fun to be able to meet one of my fi rst loves of timber – the rich, dark those challenges and achieve. Cedar which we used to build kits out of when How have things have evolved over the we were kids; we’d build little boats out of years with your designs? window frames and scrap timbers. From there, Well we initially started out doing pine it blossomed into different timbers – Cypress furniture, under the name Aussie Pine aswe Pine was another early one. could see that the market was there at that Each timber has its own character and its time, but we did a better quality pine furniture. characteristics for building. Like Blackwood: We built reasonably simple designs to suit the it’s a beautiful timber when you cut it, keeping pine market, keeping up with the higher end of that nice fresh cut. Rosewood, however, cuts the pine market. at one colour, and then ages After a few years, we found we were being off to a different colour ... asked to make a fair bit of hardwood furniture, rather like Teak; it can have mainly Tas Oak, Jarrah and some Blackwood. a white or even a greenish So we changed the name to Francis Furniture, colour, and then within and we were probably early pioneers of a fairly short time it goes hardwood furniture on the north coast, no to that nice browny deep doubt cabinet makers had been making colour. So all timbers vary in hardwood furniture for hundreds of years, but colour and texture, which is there really wasn’t many doing it around here. fascinating. We basically evolved the company into the I love all of the shapes Francis Furniture that you see today doing fairly and grains in timbers; each sophisticated designs and high quality custom one you pick up is different, built furniture. and each piece has its own What do you both enjoy most about personality and uniqueness. working with different timbers and

When you finally complete furniture and you can see that piece you have in the side or panel, it is very pleasing. Each craftsman takes the piece of timber right through from start to finish on a piece, so the whole satisfaction of starting the job, finishing it off, polishing it up and delivering it, which is just the ideal ... instead of only building one component. What makes Francis Furniture unique? Working with the hardwood timbers and also the fact that we are able to design to suit exactly what the customer wants. If they come in and love a piece, but aren’t happy with a certain component, we can change it to suit their tastes. That is what makes us unique; you can’t find that anywhere else in the area. You might be able to get a different handle if you wait 8

We initially started out doing pine furniture; we could see that the market was there at that time in early 1980 ... weeks, but you can’t get a custom design to suit your existing furniture anywhere but here at Francis. Custom designs are also a big part of the business. How do you work with your customers to create pieces that in business? are just right for their homes? We got burnt down on our 16th anniversary, over the Generally, if a customer knows exactly what they want, then Christmas break. Somebody had broken in and destroyed our that is ideal; we can deliver their desired outcomes. If they business and also two others alongside us. That was a pretty don’t know exactly what they want, we can work with them bad disaster, but out of every bit of adversity comes to achieve a satisfactory outcome by going round to something good, and we decided to kick start the their place and assessing their current furniture business again. and offer some suggestions and solutions. What are you looking forward to in What have been some of the standout 2012? projects you have undertaken? dout Some of the stan We don’t currently have any big plans There have been so many over the es projects are the oncult to for the business itself such as years that stand out, that we finish and that are more diffisult is re expanding etc, but our hopes and just think: “Wow!” Probably some of the d en do, but the g. in fy tis dreams standout projects are the ones that are sa e mor are simply to keep going as we are, to more difficult to do, but the end result is improve our customer service and quality more satisfying. Some of the boat work we of construction, and keep working on new have done over the years, the Silver Cloud interesting designs and styles. recently, doing fitouts and things. But there We are looking to improve our website and have been too many great projects we have done to increase awareness of what we can do for our customers. mention them all. Thanks Kim. www.francisfurniture.com.au Have there been any hardships throughout your 30 years

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focusfeature.

Meet the Tradies.

Creative Design Cabinet Making Inspiration and expertise under one roof Terry and the team from Bristol Paints in Port Macquarie have everything you need to paint and decorate your home, from inspiration through to advice and the right products. Terry has owned and operated Bristol Paints for the past 15 years. Necia Waghorn and Dave Graham (big wave Dave) have been at Bristol for the past 10 years. Necia is a qualified interior designer and colour consultant, while Dave looks after the trade sales and deliveries. Alison Goodman has been with Bristol PMQ for just over 12 months and is also a colour consultant. Our comprehensive range includes wallpaper, paint for any surface, specialty finishes, preparatory products, and borders

and a full range of brushes, rollers and other accessories to finish the job. Bristol’s True Colour Matching System can create your own unique colour. It will match a flat solid colour sample (no less than the size of a 20 cent coin), and tint that colour into the product of your choice. This system is great for matching, fabric, tiles and other features. If you need more of the same colour down the track, let us know, so we can save it for you for up to four months, providing a consistent match for when you next purchase. Bristol can also tint our paints to match most competitor colours, with over 50,000 popular colour formulas in our database. A better finish begins at Bristol.

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The kitchen is the centrepiece of your home; it is also where the family connects. Drew and Trudi of Creative Design Cabinet Making know that a new kitchen is a big investment and that design and quality really matters. It was a passion for producing high quality cabinetry that led Drew Wight to establish Creative Design Cabinet Making. With years of experience around the globe fitting out prestige homes, renowned restaurants and five star hotels, Drew initially started contracting his services, but was immediately frustrated by poor design and manufacturers cutting corners and compromising on quality. His solution was to set up his own workshop and take control from design through to installation. After much hard work, Drew’s reputation has been firmly established on the Mid North Coast, with

his dedication to excellence being his trademark. In 2010 and again in 2011, his outstanding contribution to his industry and his quality workmanship was recognised, when Creative Design Cabinet Making won the prestigious HIA Northern NSW Cabinet Maker/Kitchen Manufacturer of the Year. Drew and Trudi like to make each kitchen an individual project, reflecting their clients’ personality and catering to their lifestyle. They can also provide 3D plans, so you can visualise your investment. Not only does a high quality kitchen add value to a home, but it can also be regarded as a work of art to be enjoyed for years to come. To view their work, testimonials and for further information, visit www.cdcm.net. au or telephone 6584 0773 to arrange an appointment.

Meet the Tradies.

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New apprentices join Port depot

At Australian Solar Timbers (AST) we specialise in Australian hardwood timber flooring offering a wide range of products with choices of species, grade and profile. AST grades to Australian Standards and to our own high standards, on some products, to provide you with a natural and beautiful, solid hardwood floor. Along with our flooring product line AST also provides elegant hardwood timber decking perfect for verandah or outdoor living area. AST also provides sawn hardwood for structural purposes that can be cut to standard structural sizing. Australian Solar Timbers in committed in reducing the environmental impact of our business and have created a number of products to reduce our waste. Through

utilisation of the residues produced from our flooring and decking product lines AST sells sawdust, mulch, landscape woodchip, and now moving into the colder seasons we are also providing fire wood that is certified. With our wide range of hardwood products we are sure that we can help you with any enquiry and will do our best to help you find what you are looking for. All of us believe in our products and stand firmly behind everyone to guarantee quality hardwood timber products. If you have any enquiries regarding hardwood timber flooring, decking or anything else you think we can help you with give us a ring and if we can do it we will. Australian Solar Timbers - Local products produced by locals for locals.

Twenty-four new recruits have joined the ranks of Essential Energy depots in the North Coast. Teams at Port Macquarie have welcomed two new apprentices – part of a 112-strong 2012 apprentice intake. Regional General Manager North Coast, Brian Mclean, said the new recruits would help boost regional employment, reinforcing the company’s ongoing commitment to investing in the future of local communities. “Apprentices are the future of the energy industry,” Brian said. “By employing locally-based apprentices, Essential Energy knows the new employees will understand the places they’ll work in, the communities they’ll provide service to and appreciate the significance of a dependable local energy supply.” Brendon Slade and Joel Asher are both mature age apprentices who will be completing their line worker apprenticeships and will work with

experienced crews while receiving both theory and practical on-the-job training. Prior to joining Essential Energy Wauchope local Brendon worked with his father driving trucks and assisting where necessary. “I was keen to start an apprenticeship with Essential Energy due to the different opportunities it would provide, plus the chance to work in a good job while not having to move my family from the area,” Brendon said. Joel worked as a local plasterer before starting his apprenticeship with Essential Energy. “I have been a plasterer for a number of years but was keen to try something different where I could work outside while having a secure job. Essential Energy provided this for me,” Joel said. Essential Energy has created more than 1,140 apprentice positions since 2001 – making the energy provider one of the biggest regional employers of apprentices in New South Wales.

ERX0 E RX 568. 5 56 568 156. 1 6 125 125. 12 5.5

By locals for locals

“Essential Energy, your local energy company” No other energy company has a commitment to country and coastal NSW like Essential Energy’s. With 147 depots and essential service centres and eight regional offices, Essential Energy brings you world class energy services from local people who are part of your community.

Call Essential Energy on 13 23 91 or visit essentialenergy.com.au

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Tony Rathbone, LJ Hooker Smashes Highest Area Sale Price Record!

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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 and www.growlush.com.au www.bonnyhillsgardencentre.com.au

Hi Tony, I wanted to sincerely thank you and congratulate you and your L.J. Hooker Port Macquarie sales team for the outstanding job you did with our home, 10 Vendul Crescent. You can understand why I did a bit of due diligence prior to selecting an agent. You were on top of our list, due to the fact I had spoken to you, I think, at a few open houses over the past couple of years. You came across as professional, knowledgeable and hard-working. That’s why we chose you over somebody else that was highly recommended to us. We couldn’t be happier with that choice. Lisa and I have averaged a few real estate transactions per year, for many years. We have walked through the sales and purchasing process with numerous agents. You have been, without doubt, the most professional agent we have ever had the pleasure of dealing with. Your integrity is solid and outstanding! Everything you promised us, you delivered and exceeded our expectations. All the above factors resulted in a seamless campaign, resulting in smashing the highest sales price record for the area, in what most people would consider a reasonably challenging market. Once again, congratulations and thank you. Kind regards and best wishes, Anthony and Lisa.

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with Debbie from Pa radiso

Hello and welcome to our autumn

real interiors Walking th the walk

With Easter and the school holidays upon pon us, I thought what better time to take a lookk at the single most cost effective transformation on tool there is in decorating …. paint colour.

ho hasn’t patchworked their Yellow: a happy colour, reminiscient of sunshine wall with paint samples? I and brighter things. An inquisitive colour, thought know in the past I have. That provoking and enquiring. was before I learnt a few Orange: a colour with great punch, right up basic colour rules. there with red for energy. Perhaps not the most Colour arouses an emotional response. Whether appropriate colour for the nursery. consciously or subconsciously, it influences not Purple: used extensively by royals to create feelings only how we feel, but also how we behave. Our of richness and luxury. Purple also evokes a sense of experiences in the past determine our colour based mystery and intrigue. emotions. Brown: the colour of the ground, indicating Think back to the dominant colour in your stability and permanence. Often seen as a masculine parents’ home or the foyer of your schoolhouse. colour, it can be utilised to create a sense of unity What emotion does that colour arouse in you now? amongst other colours. Observing how particular colours make you feel is a Did any of those emotional responses resonate great place to start when it comes to with you? choosing colour. Choosing paint colours can be a The psychology of colour is minefield. Start with a colour that an in depth and constantly arouses positive emotions; one you The psychology evolving topic. The following know you enjoy being around. Take of colour is an colours have been shown to a peep in your wardrobe; what indepth and summon certain emotional colour is dominant there? Flick constantly c. pi responses. through a magazine and tag all to evolving Black: gives a feeling the pics that grab your attention; is of strength and power. there a colour theme emerging? Great for accents, but can Once you’ve established the colours be overwhelming if overused. It you like to surround yourself with, you’re also can be used to define items and ready to start exploring the general principles of highlight details. colour as outlined in the colour wheel. White: evokes emotions of sterility and cleanliness. For further assistance with the next step, it’s wise It is often used as a blank canvas or starting point to have a chat to someone who has experience from which to add other elements of colour. and knowledge in this area. Rennae from Interiors Red: has an immediate and intense reaction. Insider has some great articles on her website www. Associated with passion and movement, Red is eye interiorsinsider.com which will give you a further catching and therefore used to focus attention. It is a understanding of the colourwheel and how colours stimulating colour. relate with one another. Blue: a colour which features strongly in nature Most paint shops also have a consultant who is and has a sense of calmness about it, evoking the qualified to give cost saving advice, or perhaps have feeling that all is well. Often used in areas where a chat with someone whose colour style you admire. calm is required, such as school classrooms or These steps will ensure that when that talented bedrooms. tradie comes knocking saying he’s ready, you’ll have Green: the dominant colour in our surroundings, no hesitation telling him what paint colour you’ve very calming and easy to live with. Shades of green chosen. are symbolic of growth and refreshment. Until next time ... live creatively. 100 greater port macquarie focus.

As the saying goes: “There are those who talk the talk, and those who walk the walk,” Any business can promise the world, then fail to An deliver.. Not McGrath. Each and every McGrath de agent is responsible to a strong code of ethics, age which is the core of the company’s culture and wh McGrath’s undertakings are supported by genuMc ine facts, an entirely unique business model and proven results. pro What are some of the McGrath ‘points of difWh ference’? fer mcgrath.com.au: Real estate’s most popular mc franchise website ranks immediately behind ‘refra alestate.com’ and ‘domain.com.au’, as the site ale with the majority of national and international wit attention. att With searches and features which are unavailWi able elsewhere, mcgrath.com.au receives ab between b t two and three million visitors each month. Unlike other real estate offices, the McGrath business is networked, which provides the benefit of being able to ‘pool’ information. Most major real estate businesses can boast a database of potential buyers, but the average

number is rarely into four figures. McGrath’s pooled database of qualified buyers currently stands at 140,000 and, as Port Macquarie is a region with a steady influx of out-of-town buyers, it is an outstanding sales tool. McGrath Magazine: the industry’s best publication, with 15,000 hard copies distributed through business houses and open homes, plus an online readership of 60,000. Oxygen Home Loans: unlike other in-house finance broking services, Oxygen won the coveted 2011 award for ‘Australian Broker of the Year’, offering 48 hour service and rates that are usually superior to the banks, potentially saving thousands over the purchase of a new home. McGrath also refers to its ‘six star service’. Here, the company relies upon its ability to select the finest people in Australian real estate and to train them to become even better. McGrath’s results are on the board; outstanding sales successes, local and national awards and ongoing innovation by a team that is totally dedicated to exceeding every customer’s expectations. Let others talk the talk; at McGrath, we’re too busy walking the walk!

OUTSTANDING RESULTS Your home is worth more with McGrath At McGrath, we have every conÀdence in today·s real estate market. In Port Macquarie, we set an all-time new sales record in February and, as we prepare this material, March promises to be even better. Where others may have concerns, we have many delighted clients who are now fully convinced that McGrath·s unique business model and superior marketing tools provide the keys to unlock a stubborn market, and to reliably exceed their expectations. If you are considering the sale of your home, why not become a part of the success story? Call today; chat with one of our friendly team and learn why your home really is worth more, with McGrath.

McGrath Estate Agents 147 Gordon Street Port Macquarie T 6589 3777

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senzes in the vineyard Taking place at Long Point Vineyard and Art Gallery on Sunday 15 April, The Mid North Coast Ford Owners Club and the Hastings Old Holdens Club are having a Show n Shine, and there will be contemporary art and sculpture on display and for auction by talented artists, Gail Sue, Lynne Bickhoff and Sarah Avery. Add in some wine tasting, and it is the perfect way to take some time out these holidays and experience some local art, wine and vintage cars.

id North Coast Ford Owners Club: BRINGING FAMILY AND FRIENDS TOGETHER INTERESTED IN FORD VEHICLES AND RELATED EVENTS A group friendly and fun people who all have a love of FORDS ... we meet on the last Sunday of every month for a club cruise to various destinations. As well as camping trips away, we also enjoy attending numerous events throughout the year. All you need to join is own a FORD, any model, any year ... doesn't have to be the flashest one on the street either! Hope to see you on a run! HASTINGS OLD HOLDENS Back in October 2004, a small group of old Holden lovers organised an informal get together at Lake Cathie. An ad was placed in the local paper and flyers handed out to various outlets in the area, inviting all old Holden owners to bring their car and family along – with the intention of forming an old Holden club. The response was overwhelming. Old Holdens of all shapes and sizes attended, ranging from original to modified, and all were made to feel welcome. By the end of the gathering, a committee was elected and the Hastings Old Holdens Car Club was formed. On the third Sunday of every month, the club meets at around 9am at AutoBarn, opposite Harvey Norman on Hastings River Drive. 102 greater port macquarie focus.

painterly affects and textures in my pieces. I regard my style as contemporary abstract, my aim is to capture the essence or spirit of my subject, to create fresh and interesting images, bringing them to life with a personality of their own. I was born and grew ic en sc e up in Oatley, a southern th t si Vi yard ne Vi t in Po suburb of Sydney, Ausng Lo on From there, club and Art Gallery st tralia, residing in the April 15, for the be members get to enjoy d area until relocating to display of Ford antiful driving their pride and Wilmington N.C. U.S.A. Holden cars, beaupture joy to various parts of in 2007, returning to artwork and scul er at the beautiful coastal and gathered togeth Australia in 2010. one venue. hinterlands areas on the Mid I've always had a North Coast. passion for painting, but We also attend other car club really only dabbled until joining ‘show n shine’ events, from Sydney to a weekly traditional oil painting class the Gold Coast. A range of fundraising activiin 1989; then, purely by accident in 2002, ties have been organised by the club, providI attended a workshop in Abstract Painting ing much needed funding for the local SES, using Acrylic paint and Mixed Media. Since Starlight Children’s Foundation, and numerthen, I have worked primarily in Acrylic, going ous Mid North Coast schools and clubs. through many stages and experimenting with In the past 5 years we have organised a different techniques, an ongoing process Hasting’s Old Holdens ‘Classic Cruise’. Each and challengers. Although I have no formal year we have grown in numbers, and people education in Art, I have attended numerous have come from afar; this year we had 2 cars workshops in Australia and USA, have particifrom Victoria. The date for our Classic Cruise pated in group shows and a solo exhibition in this year was 23, 24 and 25 March. Our base North Carolina. is Sundowner Caravan Park. In 2006 I opened my own Gallery in For further info, please refer to our webJannali, NSW and ran workshops in Acrylic site: www.hastingsoldholdens.com.au Abstraction. My work hangs in private collecA FLEETING GLANCE, AN IMAGE REtions in Australia, South Africa, Canada, USA TAINED, AN ABSTACTED FORM IN and the Netherlands. MEMORY, A MOMENT IN COLOUR ... I now work from my Studio at Gum Gail Sue – Artist Scrub on the Mid North Coast of NSW AusI find inspiration everywhere! I use photralia; my goal is to continue experimenting tographs and quick sketches as references to with Encaustic and Mixed Media, start my places I visit, always looking for the mysterinext project and generally settle into my new ous and colourful, relying on my intuition and home in this beautiful country. imagination to guide me as I contemplate the Lynne Bickhoff is a local artist whose injourney through my painting. terpretative, contemporary style has seen I use my fingers, matting board, sticks her winning many awards for her work. ... all manner of found objects to produce Working principally in mixed media, she

has a unique style which conveys her love of the rainforests and gorges of our beautiful Australian landscape. She will work with the subject to recreate the colours and textures to interpret the landscape from her own internal view, using the mood and sense of place to enrich the work. It’s an interesting take on how she sees her world. Another fascination is figurative work – especially the subject of dance and music. Many of her works feature geishas, dancing figures and the beautiful lines and shapes of musical instruments. These works are usually completed in rich colours and textures, reflecting eloquently the essence of the subject. Lynne’s work can be viewed online at www.lbimpressions.com.au Sarah Avery – Artist I first started playing with clay way back in 1973, when I lived in Sydney. I moved to the Mid North Coast in 1976, where I was addicted to the pottery wheel for many years. In 1984, it was time to move on. The world grabbed me. I needed to experience new places and cultures. So, off we went travelling (my husband and I). These travels took me to many far away places, but Venice was where my heart landed for a period of time. I fell in love with the Venetian Masks. On my return to Oz, inspired by the masks of Venice I was determined to teach myself to make them. This I did for a few years, making them out of paper mache. However, my passion is with clay, so this slowly evolved into the sculptures I do today. Most of the body wall plaques are moulded by me from real live bodies (this is fun) and then made from ‘paper clay’, to keep them lightweight for hanging; while, the free standing sculptures, which are made by hand, are made from heavily grogged clay for strength. None of my works are glazed, but instead are painted and then a final finish applied.

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