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COASTIESMAG.COM

SEPT|OCT 20

COASTIES THE LIFESTYLE MAG FOR THE CENTRAL COAST

, ON C'M E. E M K ! TA EE FR I'M

INSIDE

MEET, GREET & EAT BRUNCH WITH ALPACAS THE NEW BEACHY-COOL WAMBERAL CAFE GLOVE-UP FOR SELF-DEFENCE IN GOSFORD

SPOON BAY. @RHYSDRONES

ISSUE 1

G’DAY Welcome to the first issue of Coasties. Let us introduce ourselves… We’re a magazine that’s out every other month, written by Coasties for Coasties about, well, you guessed it, Coasties. We are here to showcase the best bits of the Central Coast. And in each issue you’ll find detailed guides on where to eat, drink and play. But we’re also so much more than that. We’re about uncovering our region’s secret treasures. About telling inspiring local stories. And we’re all about supporting local businesses. In fact, every advert in this first issue of Coasties was given to the cafes, restaurants, bars, hotels and small businesses most impacted by COVID-19 for free. Our mission is simple: we want you to feel inspired to buy local. It’s the only way the Central Coast will get back on its feet post-pandemic. And while we are a print magazine first and foremost, we’re also online at coastiesmag.com, and on Instagram and Facebook, so come say g’day at @coastiesmag. We’d love to hear from you. For now, we’ll leave you to flick through this first issue of Coasties. We hope you enjoy the magazine as much as we enjoyed creating it. Founder & Editor Amy

INSIDE EAT

LOCAL

STEP INSIDE THE NEW WAMBERAL CAFE CAUSING A STIR

THE STORY BEHIND THE RISE OF THE PETAL SISTERS

THE FANCIEST PIZZA PARLOURS ON THE COAST

THE INNOVATOR LEADING WOMEN IN BUSINESS

TAKE A SEAT IN THESE BRILLIANT BEER GARDENS

THE SUPERWOMAN TEACHING FEMALE SELF-DEFENCE

EXPLORE

WELLNESS

IS ETTALONG REALLY THE COASTâ€™S VERSION OF BONDI?

GET SILKY SPRING SKIN AT THESE COAST SPAS

YES, YOU CAN HAVE BREAKFAST WITH ALPACAS

IS NON-SURGICAL LIPO REALLY ALL THAT? (IT IS)

Advertising enquiries: advertising@coastiesmag.com

Coasties is an independent publication. No part of this magazine may be used or reproduced without permission. All information found in this magazine is for information only, and is, as far as we are aware, correct at the time of printing. Coasties does not accept responsibility for errors or inaccuracies in information.

We gave away all the ad space in our first issue for free. It’s our way of paying it forward to local businesses struggling because of COVID-19. So if you decide to visit a shop, cafe or use a local business because of something you’ve seen in Coasties, please do us a favour and let them know!

To be featured in the next issue of Coasties contact us at hello@coastiesmag.com You can also find us on Facebook or Instagram at @coastiesmag or use #coastiesmag and we’ll come find you.

LET’S GET SOCIAL What’s on this Sept | Oct

Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase Tour Saturday 31 October The Art House, Wyong The very best of the Sydney Comedy Festival will be featured in an incredible two-hour show. There’ll be veteran favourites, international stars, and some of the freshest emerging talents. So much better than having to drive down the freeway, right? Visit thearthousewyong.com.au for updates on shows and restrictions due to COVID-19. Box Office services are available via phone only between 12-4pm Monday to Friday.

Alive Plant Based Festival Saturday 26 September Kibble Park Gosford For all the vegan and vegan curious folk, the Coast’s plant-based festival will be held this September. There’ll be food stalls with a wide range of delicious meat-free fare, as well as stands selling ethical and cruelty-free beauty and fashion products. (umbalaevents.com)

Coastal Twist Arts and Culture Diversity Festival Friday 2 October – Sunday 4 October OK, long title, huh? In short, this wonderful three-day festival is all about celebrating the LGBTIQA+ and arts community. There’s cabaret, drag, music, a beach picnic and waterfront festival. For an itinerary or tickets see the website. (coastaltwist.org.au)

Mangrove Mountain and Districts Country Fair Saturday 17 October Mangrove Mountain For chicken races, snake handlers, steam-powered farm machinery, pony rides, bucking bull rides, food stalls, a feel-good community atmosphere and more preserves than you can shake a stick at, this is your event. (mangrovemountaincountry fair.org.au)

Outdoor Cinema and Food Trucks Saturday 3 October Glenworth Valley Book in for a night full of fun, with kids’ entertainment, popcorn, pizza and paella, and a bar. Watch an outdoor movie screening of Peter Rabbit on a huge cinema screen on the scenic lawn at the wonderful Glenworth Valley. BYO chairs and picnic blankets. (glenworth.com.au)

Girls Big Day Out Saturday 12 September Wyong Bottomless champagne. We repeat, bottomless champagne. If you like cute cakes, shopping and champers then Girls Big Day Out is for you. There’s a champagne high tea surrounded by the stalls of local businesses owned by women. For tickets head to the event website. (girlsbigdayout.com)

PSST. These events could be cancelled or changed due to that global pain in the butt called COVID-19, so please check before attending.

THE

ISLAND CAFE

NORAH HEADS 69 Bungary Road

@theisland_cafe

TAE

YOUR TRUSTED COASTÂ PAINTER & DECORATOR We'll Treat Your Home Like Our Own 0422106692

bissettpainters.com

HCNURB Malibu Wamberal 127a Ocean View Drive Wamberal (02) 4302 9050

A fresh modern approach to event catering. We offer a range of options to suit every style and budget. www.freshfoodfast.net.au | 0488 123 931

There’s a new kid on the coffeeshop block. Step forward, Malibu Wamberal. Coasties takes a visit to see if it lives up to the hype.

Food If you like your brunch to be ready for a close-up on the ’gram then Malibu is for you. It’s a little fancy. There’s beetroot cured trout on rye ($21), or goat’s curd, heirloom tomatoes and watermelon on sourdough ($16). There’s also a more down-toearth breakfast burger with Images supplied by Malibu and by Coasties. bacon, egg, hashies and cheese ($14). We road tested the goat’s The Other Stuff curd dish and despite trepidation Trendy interiors. Indoor and about watermelon on toast, it was outdoor dining. Quick and helpful a food-pairing delight. If heading service. Highchairs and childa little later, there’s also a brave friendly mini-options of the main boast of the Coast’s best fries. menu. Brilliant toilets. Seriously, Drink Great coffee. That’s all you need to know, isn’t it? The roast is Five Senses from Sydney and the company has a keen eye on sustainability, so a big thumbs up from us. Prefer a tea? Malibu is stocked-up with Love Tea so again, another win. There’s also cold brew, cold-pressed juices and smoothies. We’d recommend the banana-inspired Elvis smoothie.

go look. So swish. No change tables for babes though. Location is just a few moments from Wamberal Surf Life Saving Club, so it’s great for a pre- or postbreakfast saunter along the beach. Rating: Lives up to the hype. Suitable for: Kids

Friends

e g a t t o C s ' l e Ang

Step Into Paradise

Set a stone's throw away from the idyllic waters of Long Jetty and just streets away from its renowned bustling cafe scene is Angel's Cottage, a threebedroom haven that is a true home away from home.

To enquire about a stay, contact: 0406 466 623 pcardona47@gmail.com

Our Place The Cafe AWARD-WINNING FISH & CHIPS OPEN EVERY DAY 10AM TILL 8PM 85 AVOCA DR, AVOCA BEACH (02) 4381 0600 WWW.AVOCABEACHSEAFOODS.COM.AU

Where Friends Gather Open Every Day 2/97 Anita Ave, Lake Munmorah

0473636186

HCNUL Woy Woy Fishermenâ€™s Wharf The Boulevarde, Woy Woy (02) 4341 1171

In every issue we’ll showcase the best place for lunch. We’re kicking off with Woy Woy Fisherman’s Wharf as it’s one of the most superior spots for al fresco dining on the Coast and, well, spring is here.

Food WWFW proclaims to have the best seafood on the Coast. And that’s spot on. We had the ceviche ($25), unpeeled prawns ($25) and Singaporean-style blue swimmer crab ($37.50), and each mouthful was sent from heaven above. It was damn good. Drink The wine list is also top notch. That’s thanks to the owner’s sister being an award-winning sommelier. Try the Spanish Albamar ($49.90). The Other Stuff Shout out to the outstanding service, which is no different if you’re dining in the more laid-back fish and chip kiosk at the front (perfect for families with young kids as there’s a playground opposite). All in all, an incredible Coastie culinary institution that ticks all the boxes. Top tip? Pre-book the outdoor deck area. It’s very popular for a reason.

Images supplied by WWFW.

Rating: Perfect for all. Suitable for:

Kids

Dates

Friends

UPPER CRUST

Supreme slices, sexy cocktails and stylish interiors? We got you

It’s been hiding in plain sight - a pizza revolution has slowly been taking a grip of the Coast, with the arrival of cooler-than-cool pizza joints. It’s all fine wines, pretty cocktails, trendy decor and of course, superior slices. Here’s where to book.

From top left, Tropicana Pizza Pizza, Woy Woy. Pizza at Rhonda’s. Interior at Rhonda’s. All supplied.

Rhonda’s, Terrigal

Remy & Co., Erina

Beachy, bright and breezy, Rhonda’s is the ultimate spot for a fancy pizza night in Terrigal, either in the restaurant or the pretty slick rooftop bar. The potato pizza might be carbs on carbs, but those calories are worth it. Pair with the Charlie Chaplin cocktail, you won’t be disappointed. (rhondas.bar)

The owner Remy calls himself ‘Jesus’ when it comes to his doughmaking skills, but he’s really doing himself a disservice. He’s the God of pizza. If you want a genuine Italian-style slice in a cool laneway set-up, then this is your spot. Also, the tiramisu is a genuine game changer. (remyandcopastabar.com.au)

The Dart & Feather, Davistown Is it the base? The cheese? Or the tomato sauce? Well, at The Dart & Feather, it’s the pizza sauce that is so delicious it should be bottled. Our advice? Keep it simple and order a margarita. And it's best to always pre-book if you want an outdoor seat with a water view. (thedartandfeather.com.au)

La Bocca Woodfire Pizzeria & Restaurant, Budgewoi Introducing the jewel in the pizza crown of the northern reaches of the Coast. Yep, it doesn’t get much better than La Bocca, a waterfront pizza restaurant in Budgewoi. With an incredible 32 pizzas to choose from, the menu might seem daunting. Our advice? Keep going back until you’ve tried them all. (laboccawoodfirepizzeria.com.au)

Tropicana Pizza Pizza, Woy Woy Take a step back into the ’80s with the retro-inspired Tropicana Pizza Pizza. The names of the pan pizzas are as out there as the decor (palm tree wallpaper and neon lights), but don’t be fooled, there’s substance behind the gimmick. The pizzas are fullflavoured and unforgettable. (tropicanapizzapizza.com)

Top, Pinocchios. Bottom, dessert at La Fiamma. Images supplied.

PSST. If you decide to visit any of the restaurants seen in Coasties, please do us a favour and let them know! And tag us in on social so we can enjoy some food porn, @coastiesmag

La Fiamma Woodfired Pizzeria, Ettalong OK, it might not be as swish inside as some of the other contenders, but what La Fiamma lacks in trendy interiors it makes up for with serious slices. This is one of the best pizza joints on the Coast, not just on the peninsula. It’s also the most family friendly. Top tip? Try the cannoli siciliani for dessert. (lafiammapizza.com.au)

Pinocchios, Gosford For exceptional pizzas, al fresco dining and a buzzy wine bar atmosphere, it has to be Pinocchios. It’s a great spot for the weekend. The wine list is extensive and the pizzas are mighty. Our go-to is always the fennel sausage. A sizzling delight. (pinocchioswinebar.com.au)

Remy & Co. Image by Coasties.

NO-YEAST PIZZA RECIPE Want to give pizza making a go yourself? Try this easy-peasy base recipe that involves zero yeast and zero stress. 350g plain flour 2¾ tsp baking powder 1 tsp salt 1 tbsp oil Toppings of your choice

1. Heat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6. 2. Mix together flour, baking powder and salt in a small bowl, add oil and 170ml water then stir until it forms a ball. If dough is stiff, add more water. It should be soft, but not sticky. 3. Knead on a floured surface for 3-4 mins. Roll into 2 balls, then flatten out. 4. Add your toppings and bake each pizza on a baking sheet for 15 mins.

BRILLIANT BEER GARDENS

Spring has sprung, so letâ€™s get out in the sun for a much-needed beverage

The Boathouse Hotel Patonga, above and cover. Images supplied.

Sunny Sessions Terrigal Hotel

The Boathouse Hotel Patonga

OK, think about it - would it be a true list of Brilliant Beer Gardens on the Central Coast if the Terrigal Hotel wasn’t included? Unlikely. This spot has been the sunny day go-to since the start of time. Best bit? Pimm’s on tap for $9 a cup. (terrigalhotel.com.au)

Waterfront location? Tick. Fancy yacht club feel? Tick. Frozen watermelon margaritas? Oh yes, tick. The Boathouse is the perfect spot for a fancy-schmancy boozy lunch with those stunning beach views over Patonga. (theboathousehotelpatonga.com.au)

The Ettalong It’s all about chowing down on some serious seafood in the beer garden at The Ettalong. The garlic prawns in fettuccine (yep, that’s them on the right), when paired with a glass of sav are so good they rival the arrival of your first born. That’s a fact. (theettalong.com.au)

With the Kids Kincumber Hotel With its huge sandpit, playground and enclosed outdoor space, which often has visiting ducks, the Kincumber Hotel is a wonderful spot for parents desperate to ease the toll of child-rearing with a drink or five (while remaining sensible, obvs). Visit on a Sunday and the kids eat for free. (kincumberpub.com.au)

Davistown RSL Perhaps boasting the largest outdoor area of any pub on the Central Coast, the Davistown RSL is an oldie but a goodie. There’s a kids playground, large area for playing footie or cricket and outdoor seating. The menu is pretty standard fare, but there are a few standouts, like the slow cooked beef cheeks. (davistownrsl.com.au)

Kincumber Hotel. Image supplied.

Wyong Milk Factory Tavern There’s always something on at the Wyong Milk Factory Tavern. There’s regular live music, meat raffles and comedy nights. And best of all, you might actually get to enjoy a few minutes of the entertainment because outside is a huge kids play area, with cubby house, speed boat and swings. (wyongmilkfactorytavern.com.au)

Bateau Bay Hotel Nothing says warmer weather like sitting in the beer garden at the Bateau. We love the sprawling space, the menu packed with everything from light zesty salads to four types of steak, and how you can literally lock the kids in a gated park. For their safety, of course, rather than your alcoholdrinking convenience. (bateaubayhotel.com.au)

Wyong Milk Factory Tavern. Image supplied.

Fires Creek Winery. Image supplied.

Pubs for Pups Fires Creek Winery

The Sunken Money

OK, not a pub as such, but the Fires Creek Winery in Holgate offers a pretty special experience where you can enjoy a wine and chocolate tasting platter in the garden. Not only are the owners massively accommodating and friendly, but they also don’t mind if you bring your dog along for the day out. (firescreek.com.au)

It’s perhaps no surprise this Erina institution made the cut for the Brilliant Beer Gardens on the Coast. It’s been a popular spot since the dawn of time. There are river views, a traditional pub grub menu (but the pizzas are actually a stand-out), and the owners are happy for your dog to visit, however they must stay outside. (thesunkenmonkey.com.au)

EROLPXE

spirit of coastal life New Collection 'Beach Meets Bush' Out Now lisacarneydesign.com

PLAYING ON THE PENINSULA Is Ettalong really the Coast’s version of Bondi? We take a look…

No matter what side your opinion falls, and it’s very likely to fall on one, what's for sure is Ettalong is having a moment. So we’ve decided to showcase the best places to eat, drink and play - from dawn ’til dusk - just in case you need an Etta-refresh.

Top and middle, Box on the Water. Bottom, Osteria Il Coccia. Images supplied.

It all started last year, with the arrival of an Italian restaurant by the name of Osteria Il Coccia. Italian-born Nicola Coccia had moved his talents out of Sydney, and set up shop in Ettalong. The restaurant launch cemented the fact the suburb was no longer on the up, but it had arrived as one of the coolest spots on the Coast. Sydneysiders say it’s the Central Coast’s Bondi. Locals believe it’s the same as ever, but with bit more weekend traffic.

Left, Lords of Pour. Right, Bar Toto. Images supplied.

Let’s Eat

All the Drinks

After cooking at Sydney’s finest restaurants, like Ormeggio, Quay and Otto, it goes without saying that Nicola Coccia’s Osteria Il Coccia (osteriailcoccia.com.au) is the go-to for dinner. There’s currently a fivecourse deal for $85. The handmade spaghetti with black truffles will change your life. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. For breakfast, we head to the ubertrendy Box on the Water (theboxonthewater.com) for the spicy scrambled eggs with super colourful vegies. For lunch, it’s The Ettalong (theettalong.com.au) for oysters and a few glasses of bubbly. Then for a sweet treat it’s all about Palacinki Cafe in Galleria.

First up, we’re getting our doublestrength early-morning coffee hit at Lords of Pour (lordsofpour.com), found at 199 Ocean Street. The breakfast menu is pretty spot on also. For a green juice fix, or something healthy in liquid form, then it’s the Embrace Wellness Bar (0414 915 005). It’s only open on weekends, so plan your visit. Now, the important bit. Alcoholic beverages. We’re heading back to the Box on the Water for some sundowners. Between 4pm-5pm, there are $5 wines and beers. And then for the finest cocktails on the peninsula, it has to be Bar Toto (bartoto.com.au). Try the Miss Jessa. Or a few of them.

Time to Play The beach is undoubtedly where it’s at in Ettalong. The water is mostly calm and shallow, making it perfect for smaller kids. The grass bank that curves around the ocean is ideal for picnics or BBQs. And it’s also shaded by large trees, so perfect on a searing hot day. There’s also a great park for kids. For exercise, walk the 4km to Umina on the sand. Or cycle on the path that runs alongside, with payper-hour bikes available on the corner of The Esplanade and Beach Street if you’re wheel-less. There’s also SUP hire through Bombora Ettalong Beach SUP (bomborasupfit.com.au). In the evening, we head to the vintagestyled Cinema Paradiso for a movie. (cinemaparadiso.com.au)

Tiki La La. Image supplied.

Shop, Shop & Shop We all know that Ettalong Markets is a must on the weekend, running every Saturday between 9am–4pm. The atmosphere is as good as the gozleme. To support local, we also always visit The Galleria Ettalong. It’s packed with 50 boutique and quirky shops. Our favourite has to be Tiki La La, which is bursting with vintage clothes and furniture. It’s like a retro treasure chest! Most of these shops only open at weekends so check ahead if you’re going there midweek. (galleriaettalongbeach.com.au)

SUP on the water.

Guitar and Vocal Lessons located in Woy Woy. Classes for kids, teens, adults, of all ages. Online lessons available. For more information: ccmusic.com.au.

Giving you a reason to smile

Breakfast with Alpacas

There’s only one rule to enter Iris Lodge Alpacas: you need to hand over a banana. Without one, you can’t get past Billy, an alpaca with a deep love of the fruit and the undisputed gatekeeper to the Jilliby farm. Once inside, his furry-faced friends are waiting for a meet, greet and, most importantly, eat. You’ll hand-feed them their breakfast before meeting a few of the other animals that reside on the working farm. Time it well and you might also see a lamb or ten.

Iris Lodge Alpacas 33 Dunks Lane, Jilliby 0411 760 509 alpacas.jilliby@gmail.com

Breakfast with Alpacas, which costs $50 and is suitable for all ages, isn’t just about feeding the animals. You’ll also get a delicious breakfast as the animals take their turn to watch you chow down.

Staycation YOU

DON’T

HAVE

FAR

GET

AWAY

COPACABANA

SLEEPS

SIX

$450

NIGHT

BEACH

HOUSE

This pretty-as-a-picture beach house makes for a perfect staycation, especially if you’re uniting with friends or family. It’s cliffside, so you get stunning sea views. But the real allure here is the interiors. Soft leathers, deep-dark wood and a stand-out statement bathroom, which all make you feel you’re truly living the life you deserve. This spot is adults only and can be booked via Airbnb.

Coasties Weekend Walk LITTLE

LOOP

BEACH

5.8KM

MACMASTERS

HRS

EASY-ISH

Fancy a walk where the foot traffic is a bit less on weekends? The Little Beach to Macs track is where it’s at. The entrance is at the carpark on Grahame Drive, Macmasters. It’s a gravel track that’s pretty flat most of the way, opening up to Little Beach after about 30 minutes. Not a bad stretch for kids. Little Beach is a pretty spot, but do be careful when swimming. It’s not patrolled and the water can get a bit rough. OK, so the nice easy bit is done. Now, step over the stream and up through the bush, following the small sign that points you in the direction of Macmasters. It’s a little steep here so avoid if it’s been raining recently. The rest of the walk to Macs is through vegetation with a small stretch through a residential street, so not many sea views. But you’ll get that stunning Macmasters to Copacabana Beach view on your arrival. Once you’ve tired of it (may take a while) and had a coffee at Barefoot Cafe, walk the same track back.

LACOL

t e e w S of The l el m S s s e c c u S

In four short years, The Petal Sisters has become the ultimate go-to florist on the Central Coast. We meet the women behind the business

The Petal Sisters owners, Hollie (left) and Bree (right). Images supplied.

When Bree Wainiqolo and Hollie Burridge, the women behind The Petal Sisters in Kincumber, think back over the four years since launching their floral business, they confess they can hardly believe how far they’ve come. Just last month they were called upon by skincare beauty giants Dermalogica to create flower designs for its counters in David Jones. They now have a staff of five, selling 50 bouquets a day that have attracted over 2,000 mentions on Instagram alone.

However, you’ll struggle to get the down-to-earth pair to boast about their rise to becoming the top florists on the Coast. “We’re just two mums, both very busy with three children at home, who had an idea and then worked our butts off to try and make it work,” laughs Bree. It all started in 2015 when Bree would spend $150 at the flower markets every Friday, creating neat little bouquets to sell from the boot of her car in Umina. Hollie had just started selling candles when they met at the Ettalong Markets in 2016.

Hollie says, “We had an instant connection and us working together just kind of happened. I don’t think we ever sat down and thought, this is what I do and this is what you do and this is the business. We just worked well together naturally.” Bree adds, “We aren’t real sisters, but I think we’re definitely soul sisters. We are always there for each other.” Their chance meeting was the moment The Petal Sisters was born and since 2016, their bouquets, now sold from a pretty wooden cabin next to the always-busy Kincumber Post Cafe, have become nothing short of iconic. Not bad considering neither are actually trained florists but have simply learnt on the job.

When Coasties says their rise to the top has looked pretty effortless, the pair laugh. “We did everything ourselves for the first few years,” says Bree. “Waking up at dawn and going to the flower markets, then doing the school run, then coming back and putting hours and hours into making bouquets. And then at night doing the accounts and working out if we had enough to pay the rent.” Hollie adds, “Only now we’re finally coming up to breathe and we feel so lucky to have our incredibly loyal customers. Without them, The Petal Sisters wouldn’t be anything.”

The Petal Sisters, 123 Avoca Drive, Kincumber. (thepetalsisters.com.au)

Below, left: Inside their Kincumber shop. Below, right: Hollie (left) and Bree (right). Images supplied.

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INNOVATOR

The Community and Business Women’s Network (CBWN) offers a safe space for women to network professionally and ask questions. It’s the first of its kind on the Coast. CBWN founder, Sharyn Burgess, tells us why the support group is more important than ever.

What was your inspiration for setting up CBWN? CBWN was founded in 2018 with a straightforward purpose – to connect businesswomen in the Upper Central Coast region. Though the population in the area had significantly expanded in recent years, it was clear opportunities for women to connect socially and professionally had not.

What are some of the stand-out qualities of the members? They’re all hardworking, generous, kind women very passionate about their community and really want to give back where they can. They’re also 100 percent supportive of each other and genuinely want to see one another succeed. Can you tell us about the most inspiring speaker you’ve had at one of the meet-ups? They’ve all been amazing, but the one that stands out to me personally was the beautiful Deborah Buckley from Angel Sussurri, Yarramalong Valley. Deb spoke of her struggles as a young single mum to two young daughters and difficulties running a business and not being taken seriously. Deb encountered many highs and lows, but stayed positive and true to her word. During the pandemic, how have you continued to support the women? We were quick to learn the Zoom platform and connected twice weekly. Members attended our virtual 2nd Birthday Party. Lots of fun and laughter were had which was much needed. Our virtual pass the parcel game was a hoot.

Community and Business Women’s Network (cbwn.org.au) Sharyn Burgess. Image supplied.

Fierce Female Club Self-defence trainer Abie Uriel is on a mission to teach every woman on the Coast how to defend themselves. Here’s why

Let’s play with some numbers. One in six women will, at some point during their life, be the victim of violent crime. Ten women will be hospitalised for assault injuries today. One woman this week will be murdered by a former partner. And 73 percent of us will be sexually harassed at least once in our lifetime. The stats are dire, aren’t they? But it’s those startling figures that fuel Abie Uriel to open her studio, the Close Combat Krav Maga in Gosford, each morning and teach women from all over the Coast how to defend themselves with nothing more than their own body. “Each woman who walks through the door to learn self-defence, there’s a reason behind it,” says Abie. “Each has their story and I’ve heard many stories over the years.”

Abie has a long-term love of martial arts, and began training in karate when she was a young girl living in Western Sydney. But it was when she started training in Krav Maga, a smart self-defence system developed by the Israeli army, she found her true calling. So true, in fact, that Abie quit her job in IT in 2008 and with her husband Briel, a fellow Krav Maga expert, opened up a studio space. The couple, who have children, Maia, 10, and eight-year-old Khael, are undoubtedly passionate about self-defence, even continuing to teach during lockdown via Zoom. “If we’re not training, we’re usually researching into why people attack and how,” she admits. “Generally, the first thing an attacker looks at is hairstyle. A ponytail is easy to grab.”

For Abie, it’s always been about helping women. “Modern women are taught to be confident and assertive. We don’t want to admit that a bigger, stronger man can get us. We think it makes us seem weak. But we’re not weak. We’re physically different and it’s about learning how to use that to our advantage,” she explains. In her training sessions, Abie not only teaches women a widerange of self-defence moves, but also works through scenarios, like how to fight off a home invader, a carjacker or even a domestic abuse partner. The simplest move? An open palm to the nose. “It stuns them and gives you enough time to run,” she says with a smile. And while learning Krav Maga is definitely great for fitness, it is more than that: It’s a life-saving skill. “When you learn to defend yourself, you learn a confidence to stand tall and say, ‘no’. And that’s something I want every female to be able to do,” explains Abie. “It’s empowering.”

From top: showing how a kick to the groin is a simple but powerful move; At the studio; Abie with the women she teaches lifesaving skills to. Images supplied.

If you, or someone you know, is the victim of domestic abuse, you can talk to someone at RESPECT: 1800 737 732

Close Combat Krav Maga 2/8 Bowen Cres, West Gosford (closecombat.com.au)

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SSENLLEW

e y b bye ter win in sk

Your skin is beautiful no matter what. But if you want to be super silky for spring, here are a few treatments on the Coast that’ll definitely help

FULL BODY SCRUB

PEEL IT AWAY

Yes, a spring clean of the house is satisfying, but have you ever had someone scrub your naked body from head to toe at a nice spa and left with the skin of a newborn baby? No? Well, we’d strongly advise it. Best place? Head to Aztec Spa, Tuggerah. (aztecdayspa.com.au). It costs $85 and it’s worth every cent.

Sounds terrifying, but a chemical peel is hailed in the beauty world as the ultimate treatment for perfect skin. The acid lifts away dead cells which triggers the production of collagen (the stuff that makes your skin look young and dewy!). Our favourite spot is Face On Beauty in Erina, costing $75. (faceon.com.au)

MICRODEMBRASION

NO TIME? NO PROBS

Micro is essentially the scrubbing of your face with a super fine crystal dust. It goes deeper than your usual exfoliator to get you seriously glowy. Our personal favourite has to be Laser Clinics Australia at Erina Fair. An express treatment will cost you just $50. (laserclinics.com.au)

OK, we know how hard it is to find five-mins free time, so if you prefer an at-home pamper then we’d definitely recommend Avoca-based In The Buff Body Stuff bath teas. Yep, a muslin cloth filled with beautiful botanicals that can be used to buff the body. Dreamy! (inthebuffbodystuff.com.au)

BEAUTY HONESTY BOX THE TREATMENT

DOES IT HURT?

Cryolipolysis (fat freezing).

The suction bit is a little uncomfortable, but otherwise not really. Afterwards, the area is tender for a few days.

WHAT IS IT? Essentially, it’s non-surgical liposuction. Excess fat is sucked up into what looks like a vacuum head and blasted with ice-cold air.

WHO IS IT FOR? If you’re a healthy eater and work out, but still have stubborn pockets of fat that you don’t like then this is for you. It’s not really appropriate if you have a lot of weight to lose.

DOES IT WORK? Drum roll! It does. It takes three months for the fat cells to break down and get flushed out through the lymphatic system. But dropping two dress sizes isn’t unusual. You can find it in most cosmetic clinics across the Coast, starting at $150 per area.

Road testing Cryolipolysis (fat freezing). Image supplied

s e t i r u o v a Local F

Mum-of-one Emma Wright moved to the Central Coast from Sydney two years ago. She lives in Davistown with her husband Mark, her 19-monthold daughter Teddie, and their cat, Tilly. Here she shares her neighbourhood favourites.

Drink The Little Teapot Cafe is the best spot if you’ve a bit of a sweet tooth as it always has freshly baked treats and a lovely garden out the back. I also love The Ferryman for a few sundowners.

Eat If the weather is nice, we love getting a take-out pizza from The Dart & Feather and we’ll sit on the water’s edge with a few beers. It’s also a great spot for a date night. On a Sunday, we generally meet our friends for a late lunch at the Davistown RSL. The outdoor area is perfect for kids.

Play We walk the Davistown and Kincumber bike track at least a few times a week. There are so many amazing wild birds along that walk. And we also spend a lot of time at the pirate park on the waterfront in Davistown, which has a real community feel, especially during the summer months.

@rhysdronesÂ

Issue 1 Sept | Oct Thank you to all the people who have made this issue special. coastiesmag.com @coastiesmag

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