COFFS COAST
June 2018. issue 93
MIKE BLEWITT
Celebrating 40 years
1 coffs coast focus.
Feature Story Gary Eichmann
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Photo by Tony Lopes www.tonylopesphotography.com
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team From the
Welcome to the June issue of Coffs Coast FOCUS.
W
ow! Can you believe that we are already halfway through 2018? We have had lots to celebrate recently, between royal weddings, engagements, anniversaries and of course, the NBA playoffs; there have been plenty of excuses we could find to get ourselves some cake and champagne! We couldn’t go past the delicious cake designed and created by Amanda Schenk at Sugar Plum Cakes and desserts to help celebrate a massive milestone for Mike Blewitt Coffs Coast. Todd and his team are celebrating over 40 years in business this year, which is a huge achievement! Congratulations on this milestone from all of us at FOCUS.
Inside this edition Synaesthete artist Tanja Ackerman captures and shares the powerful experience of seeing
sound. For as long as she can remember, she has been able to see multi dimensional visual imagery when listening to music or natural sounds, which she now translates into art pieces for all to see. We talked to her about this incredible gift and her love of art and music. Christopher Beros is a passionate amateur photographer. It’s a hobby that began when he was a young kid and has stayed with him over the years. He recently became inspired by the beauty and diversity of the Coffs region to pick up the camera again and start taking landscape photographs, among other subjects.
Decades in the trade This edition celebrates the milestone of local businesses, with our annual decades in the trade feature. The business landscape is a constantly changing place; it’s competitive, rewarding,
challenging and everything in between. Congratulations to those who have stood the test of time and continue to flourish in the Coffs Coast region.
Arts & Culture Feature The Coffs Coast is thriving with culture and amazing artists. This month we present to you our annual Arts & Culture feature, celebrating the creativity of our local artists and the colourful culture of our community. FOCUS will be combining the Arts & Culture feature from ALL four FOCUS publication regions to create a unique handbook of the entire Mid North Coast and New England regions.
Final Say “It’s during our failures ... That we discover our true desire for success.” - Lebron James.
BONUS ENTRY FORM Complete this BONUS entry form and place it in an entry box in any participating store at Park Beach HomeBase to go in the draw to WIN an $18,000 Home Package from Harvey Norman. First Name:
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Coffs Coast focus 3
issue
Will your child be...
inside this
Issue 93 - June 2018
An exceptional schooling experience is more than a collection of great educational outcomes, outdoor activities and camp, sporting and cultural events or tours. An exceptional schooling experience has social and emotional ties to the community.
Mervyn Kennedy.
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Mervyn Kennedy restores old World War II vehicles in his spare time, as well as being a keen collector of militaria, also mainly from WWII. He is very passionate about this hobby and often ends up taking part in the annual ANZAC Day parade with his incredible cars.
Caiti Baker.
BDC is enrolling Now for 2019 Kindy to Year 12
Sassy songstress Caiti Baker is one of the must see talents on this year’s Bello Winter festival bill. FOCUS chatted to Caiti about her love of music, influences and her upcoming performance.
‘School Prepared’ School readiness programs will run during Term 3 for children starting any school in 2019. This is open to any child on the Coffs Coast. Please email to register your child. enrolments@bdc.nsw.edu/au
“
BDC is a school that we are so proud of sending our children to, and today was a fine example of everything we love about it. Current BDC Parent
”
Enrolling Now 2019 Kindy to Year 12 LIMITED places available in some year groups
To find out more about a BDC education, register for a tour or receive an information pack please email enrolments@bdc.nsw.edu.au or phone 02 6651 5644
Bishop Druitt College | 111 North Boambee Rd. Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 02 6651 5644 | enrolments@bdc.nsw.edu.au | www.bdc.nsw.edu.au
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Carolyn Heise.
Carolyn Heise always knew she wanted a career where she was able to care for others. Being part of the health sector was a natural fit and has been her calling for almost 30 years. Carolyn is now thrilled to be working in what she calls her “dream job”.
Regulars
18. WHAT’S ON FOR JUNE 26. BUSINESS MINDS SAM WARDMAN 51. TOURISM STEPHEN SAUNDERS
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The photographs g ended up circulatin . e world Facebook all over th so al s ha er My daught of entered a photographIndi, , my granddaughter for a leaping over the bales n.” NORCO competitio
“
Gary
RAISING FUNDS AND AWARENESS FOR CANCER RESEARCH
Eichmann
Gary Eichmann is a local farmer whose family history on the Coffs Coast dates back to the 1870s, and he and his wife, Lorraine have run a dairy farm in Fernmount for the last 35 years. On the drive along Waterfall Way into Bellingen, you may notice some pink and blue bales in Gary’s paddocks; these are his way of raising funds and also awareness for breast cancer and prostate cancer research.
H
i Gary. Tell us about your relationship with the Coffs Coast. I have lived on the Coffs Coast for all of my life - residing in Bellingen as a young child, Nambucca as a teenager and back to Fernmount as an adult. I attended Bellingen Primary School and Bellingen High School. My great great great grandfather sailed a boat up the Bellinger River, so our family history goes back to the 1870s. Our family also had sawmills in Urunga and Nambucca during the late 1800s. I have run the dairy farm here for 35 years with my wife, Lorraine. Our two daughters, Danielle and Renee grew up here also, and now both live back on the family property. We also now have our grandchildren growing up here on the farm, and they absolutely love the lifestyle. The drive along Waterfall Way in to Bellingen has had some colourful attractions pop up recently, with blue and pink bales seen in your paddock. What is the reason behind this? The blue and pink bales are representative of an initiative set up by Tapex Agri. Previously we just did pink bales to support the McGrath Foundation but this year my contractor, Brendan Frewen from Nana Glen, suggested
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we support both the McGrath Foundation and Australian Prostate Cancer Research. The bale wrap seems to raise not only funds, but a wider awareness within rural Australia. What charity are the proceeds going to? Tapex Agri donates part of the bale wrap sales toward the McGrath Foundation and Australian Prostate Cancer Research, and I have donated an additional $10 per bale towards the colour corresponding charity. In total, each charity will be given five hundred dollars. Why was it so important to you personally to raise money for these charities? A few years ago my sister in law was diagnosed with breast cancer, which was the driving force behind the initial lot of bales. However since then, a close friend of ours has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Cancer of all sorts is such a frequent thing these days, and many people close to our family, or known in the area, are being directly affected. How long have you been doing this for? This is only the second time we have done coloured bales, but we are hoping next season to decorate the paddocks with yellow for the Children’s Cancer Foundation. How many bales in total have you rounded up? This year we have only baled one hundred coloured bales. The year prior we did three
hundred. We had plenty more bales this season, just not colourful. We bale roughly eight hundred a year to feed to our dairy cows. Do you have a goal as to how much money you’re hoping to raise? THE BALE WRAP SEEMS TO granddaughter, Aria, was With the RAISE NOT ONLY FUNDS, featured in the photo section bale sales and a BUT A WIDER AWARENESS of the paper a few weeks contribution from WITHIN RURAL AUSTRALIA. ago. the business, I Do you have any other am donating five fundraising projects hundred dollars to planned for the future? each charity. And do you think you’ll continue doing This donation will hopefully help the this one in the future? research into these cancers move forward and We will definitely continue this into the provide answers in the near future. future. Hopefully we can continue to mix What have some of the reactions been like up the charities, so as to raise awareness in from people passing by? more than one area. Plus, the colours are very We have had a lot of people stopping, eye catching as you drive through the area. taking photos, asking to sit on the bales for If seeing the colourful bales in the paddock photographic opportunities. Last season, prompts people to think of cancer research, Melinda Pavey stopped by and had some this is already a great step forward. photos taken. The photographs ended up Where can people learn more? circulating Facebook all over the world. My The Tapex Agri website has a lot of daughter has also entered a photograph of information regarding this initiative. People can my granddaughter, Indi, leaping over the also share our great photos on Facebook! bales for a NORCO competition. The Advocate Thanks Gary. also mentioned the bales, and my other
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focusinterview.
focusinterview.
Owen Gareth
Focus caught up with Gareth Owen from Big Garden Furniture to learn more about his business and the life and styles of wood.
FOCUS chatted with GARETH OWEN FROM BIG GARDEN FURNITURE, to learn more about his business and the life and styles of wood.
W
hat is your connection to the Coffs Coast? Lisa and I were looking for a new chapter in our lives and after spending a few holidays on the northern beaches, we fell in love with the area and decided to move from Sydney and bring up our kids at Mullaway. We’ve been here 15 years and still love it every day. What is your trade, and where has it taken you? I come from a construction and marine engineering background and it took me all over Australia and overseas, working on offshore oil rigs off WA and super yatchs in Tasmania, Norway and Italy ... Great life for a single bloke, but hard on a young family. So when the time came for contract renewals, I walked away, and we moved up here. What is the history behind Big Garden Furniture? BGF started at Halfway Creek back in 1996 with Mick Cudgeon, then went to Gavin Byrant and then to us in 2008. The business started as solely making "bush styled furniture", though we have evolved the business into a fully functional joinery and we also handcraft dining chairs and tables. The chairs were mainly for the reseller market in Sydney, Newcastle and Brisbane, though we now sell them direct to the public
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due to their very high quality. So if you want a handcrafted hardwood chair that's made locally, come and see us. Where do you source your timbers, and are they sustainably harvested? Ninety per cent of our timber is sourced locally through small mills, who only use sustainable logging practices and is also solar kilned locally. The other 10% is Tasmanian Oak, Tasmanian Blackwood and Jarrah. Tell us something we don't know about you! I’m an avid surfer and will usually take my board to work or on deliveries, because you never know what you’ll find on the coast. What are your plans for 2018/19? Designing leaner and lighter furniture and incorporating soft furnishings to complement them is where we’re heading in the future. However, there’s always a market for the solid hardwood picnic tables and heavy duty rustic styled furniture, and we do it best! Guaranteed! What is your favourite timber, and why? Blackbutt is my number one choice, due to its versatility, durability and availablity. We have some of the best Blackbutt in the world right here on our doorstep, so why not use this great timber! What inspires your furniture designs? Pinterest, magazines and sometimes just the timber itself can show you a thing or two. We also like to start from scratch, making a one fifth scale model first, then we
use plywood for a full installed it five years Investing in solid hardwood scale model to ensure ago. timber will be something the ergonomics are you have to be prepared Tell us about some right. to pay for, as it’s a life of the furniture you long purchase. You might Do you make custom make for schools... buy our furniture once, but furniture to order? We design outdoor you can always come back to Most of our furniture learning classrooms for purchase more. is "made to order", schools (based on the as we usually only yarning circle concept) have one of each and many local schools style available at the have taken the concept on board. It's a great showroom (which is also for sale if needed straight away). We go through the process learning experience to be outside amongst with customers from concept/idea through nature, which can inspire students. to installation. We have timber, fabric and We use a "bridge timber" style design, leather samples for customers to choose that is not only strong, it's unbreakable, from and Lisa offers advice on the fabrics, and cannot me moved without the aid of because she does the custom seam work machinery. in-house. The furniture is finished with a high quality We been making custom wall hung exterior oil to protect it in the initial years, so vanities and TV units for a few years now it should still be there in a 100 years! and we always exceed the expectations of our customers, so don’t buy these online or at the major stores - come and see us to get exactly what you want. You’ll be glad you did. What is the most interesting request you have had for furniture? We had a customer who wanted a table to seat 24 people, so we designed a 4.2 m diameter octagonal table that was constructed in sections, not only due to its size - the accessibility of the site was tight. The table still looks as good as the day we
What are the benefits of investing in real wood furniture over veneers? Timber has natural and infinite beauty for its entire life; veneers don’t hold up to the rigours of time. Investing in solid hardwood timber will be something you have to be prepared to pay for, as it’s a life long purchase. You might buy our furniture once, but you can always come back to purchase more. Thanks Gareth.
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focus_tech
WITH GAVIN MORONEY
Tech Head
BATTLE Soundbars
OF THE
Today's televisions have come a long way; they're continually getting thinner and they look incredible. But, they only look incredible; in most cases, the sound they produce is as flat and as thin as the panel itself. This is where the Soundbar comes in. They are pretty much a neat strip of speakers in a box, giving you a simple way of achieving better sound. And by better - I mean amazing!
W
e compared the Sonos Playbar, Heos, Bose and the Bluesound Pulse. Right out of the box, there are a lot of similarities, with all of them having wifi connection, they can be controlled by their own app, have 5.1 surround sound and can be paired with subs and satellite speakers - and all can be wall mounted. The Sonos Playbar, $999.00: a perfect blend of simplicity and quality. Straight from the app, this was the easiest to navigate through, and is perfect for iTunes users. The soundstage is impressive and was complemented well by the subwoofer and the TV audio auto sensing, meaning I didn't have to fumble around looking for two remotes. Heos Bar, $1299.00: I found the Heos to be the great allrounder. It has a really nice clean look to it. Whether I was watching Star Wars or listening to Bob Dylan, I was equally impressed. Clarity was key with the Heos, as it has great deep base without being overpowering. Bose Soundtouch 300, $999.00: this was aesthetically the best of the bunch, with its smaller form factor and tempered glass top and an understated mesh front with input LEDs in the top left corner. This is definitely one for the movie buff, as it
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has the biggest soundstage out of the lot, without losing any of the finer details; you quite literally feel like you're a part of the cast of a Michael Bay film. Bluesound Pulse, $1499.00: this one is definitely for the music lovers and it comes with a huge (and I mean huge) dynamic sound. Music is rich, detailed and has a great spread of sound. This is the only one that can be recessed into the wall, as there are no physical buttons, and it has a neat trick that you can flip the bar 180 degrees and a built-in sensor will adjust the left and right channels accordingly. Verdict: Well, it was incredibly hard to crown a winner. To be honest, they were all quite amazing and the way the technology is used to give you that cinema feeling is quite remarkable. I can't say there is a stand out winner for this one, and it will come down to personal taste. For movie lovers, Sonos and Bose might be the best choice, and for those who are more musically inclined, Bluesound and Heos are the pick. Personally, I would go with the Heos. I just found it great for everything I needed out of it, and it's the one that will be mounted on my wall. To test all these out for yourself, head out and see the friendly staff at Coffs Coast Audio, where you can sample each of these soundbars and see which one you think comes out on top.
Community Initiatives
McDonald’s Coffs Harbour and Nambucca are proud to support local children and groups through their Junior Grants Program.
T
he Coffs Harbour Show Society is a not for profit community group which hosts the Junior Showgirl Competition each year. With this competition the
society aims to educate our local juniors about Coffs Harbour in regards to its history, population, agriculture, climate and attractions. This year the society have included a bus tour
for entrants, which will involve visits with a host around Coffs Harbour; the Costa farm, cattle farm, banana farm, Big Banana, Dolphin Marine Magic and Bruxner Park. Entrants are then set up in an interview format and are quizzed on their local knowledge. This competition aims to build knowledge and confidence for our young locals. Winners of this competition have gone on to assist in many community events throughout the year.
Mel Crossland, spokesperson for the see him competing with other talented society, says with the Junior Grant the children from around NSW and receive competition received much needed feedback from high-quality adjudicators, support, “allowing us to have the and will help him improve his performance opportunity to spend more time with skills and vocal quality. the girls and to educate them on Coffs An avid athlete who dreams of one Harbour agriculture and history, and day playing for Australia in Hockey is we felt we were truly able to make a Ashleigh Ensby. Asheleigh was recently difference for these selected in the number girls to help them be ones under 15s NSW better people”. This Hockey team to play event ran throughout in Wollongong for a April. This competition aims nationals competition. to build knowledge and Ten-year old Hunter As she continues to confidence for our young Metcalf from Coffs reach for her goals, she locals. Winners of this Harbour is making appreciates that the competition have gone his voice be heard. Junior Grant will help to on to assist in many The talented vocalist cover just some of the community events and seasoned many costs to get there throughout the year. performer enjoys - including for uniforms, musical theatre, accommodation and singing and acting. travel. He is a member of two choirs, has The McDonald’s Junior Grant Program participated in two musicals at the Jetty Theatre, sung as a soloist in the Urunga Carols by Candlelight for four years and has impressively placed first in over sixty Eisteddfods.
believes that building a successful
Hunter has set his sights on competing in the City of Sydney Eisteddfod, and the McDonald’s Junior Grant will help him with entry and travel fees. This opportunity will
sporting, academic, cultural or community
generation comes from supporting our great locals, so, if you are a local child or group who needs assistance with your project, we want to hear from you. Jump on the Grants website and apply today. www.maccasjuniorgrant.com.au
To celebrate McDonald Jones 30th birthday, we’re giving away a $30k MyChoice design voucher with every house purchased this month. That’s $30K to spend on anything you want. Visit a display home today.
For more info call 5525 2582 or visit our display homes at 7 Cherry Street, Sapphire Beach. mcdonaldjoneshomes.com.au *Conditions apply. The $30,000 MyChoice Design Studio Voucher is available to NSW and ACT clients requesting quotations based on the current price list applicable from 1.05.18, and is subject to the clients obtaining a quote to build and paying an acceptance fee of $5,000 within 14 days of the original quote being issued. The $30,000 Design Studio voucher promotion excludes designs in the Now Series, Granny Flats and House & Land Packages. Promotion concludes 30.06.18. For detailed information on this promotion and home pricing, please talk to one of our consultants. Newcastle Quality Constructions Pty Ltd ABN 82 003 687 232, NSW BLN: 41628, T/A McDonald Jones Homes.
Coffs Coast focus 11
Christopher Beros is a passionate amateur photographer. It’s a hobby that began when he was a young kid and has stayed with him over the years. He recently became inspired by the beauty and diversity of the Coffs region to pick up the camera again and start taking landscape photographs, among other subjects.
Christopher Beros
H
ey Chris. Tell us about your relationship with the Coffs Coast? I was born up here on the Coffs Coast, but my grandparents live down on the Northern Beaches in Sydney and as my parents own a business which is run up here and down there, I lived there a lot when I was younger. I certainly enjoyed my time down in Sydney and now go there for work reasons, but who would want to live anywhere else but here on the Coffs Coast? Our family and friends come up and basically don’t want to leave! You are at the beginning of your photography journey; tell us how it has been so far and what are some of the challenges you’ve faced when getting started in photography and how you have overcome them? Since I was really young, I have had lots of photographers around me. Back then it was one of those hobbies that takes your interest for a while and then every teenage distraction kicks in, and it gets left on the back burner! The passion for photography returned about two years ago and I am now in a position financially to slowly purchase more equipment. One of the problems I had, and still do have, is trying to decide what style of photography really keeps my interest. The best way I overcame this is by 12 Coffs Coast focus
realising it’s just trial and error mixed with perseverance and accepting the fact that you never stop learning. When was the moment you realised you wanted to become a photographer? As I mentioned, I have watched the photographers who have been in my life and I had the pleasure of working for Tom Woods from ST Images, who excels in surf and landscape photography. It was a job I had while I was still at school, and I definitely knew then that I wanted this to play a big part in my life. I also worked for the Brissetts, who owned the Sawtell Cinema. I was with them for about a year and a half and was fascinated by cinematography. The cinema needed to go digital and was sold, and that was that, but fortunately, it got revamped and we still have it. How would you best describe your style of work? As you mentioned before, Gavin, I am at the start of my journey and I am experimenting with different editing styles. I enjoy landscape photography, and a lot of my images have a cinematic style about them. Landscape photography is your passion, but what are some of the other styles of photography that interest you and why? I have also always had an interest in portrait work; I enjoy interaction with people of all different ages and backgrounds and
would love to learn McKinnon and Alen I ENJOY INTERACTION how to capture their Palander. WITH PEOPLE OF ALL stories in an image. What advice DIFFERENT AGES AND What is it you want would you give BACKGROUNDS AND to say with your others looking to WOULD LOVE TO LEARN photographs, and make a start with HOW TO CAPTURE THEIR how do you get your photography? STORIES IN AN IMAGE. photographs to do Like me, you have that? to have a job! Don’t That’s a really hard just assume that if you one, as I am definitely are choosing this as in the learning stage, a profession, you are but I suppose that I want to try and capture going to make a living out of it straight away, memories or encourage people to look at or at all. You have to do it because you are life in a different way. We live in a world passionate about it. You won’t learn anything where technology (phones etc.) are taking if the drive isn’t there! up too much of our time and we forget to What are some of your favourite aspects appreciate the beauty of what the world has of photography? to offer, whether it is raw or subtle. I love it all; it’s endless. The more you Who are some of the photographers that explore, the more your learn - it all drives the inspire you? passion. If we are talking locally, it would be Tom How does the Coffs Coast play a part in Woods from ST Images, Michael Marchment your work? from The Mil Studios and FOCUS, and Living here is amazing for lots of reasons, without sounding soft, I have to say I would but if you are interested in photography, we love to learn more about lighting and are so lucky to have the diversity of being editing from you, Gavin, after looking at a able to capture images of our stunning lot of your work. I would also like to add coastline and then drive up to Dorrigo (like I my mate Bryce Forrest, who is also a Coffs did just recently) and photograph something Coast photographer; he is an ace with car as awesome as the National Park waterfalls photography and is super passionate about up there. Everything is at our fingertips, what he does and takes a lot of pride in literally! his work. I admire professionals like Peter Thanks Chris.
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Simon E A G L E
I N S U R A N C E
O'Dell
SIMON O’DELL FROM EAGLE INSURANCE BROKERS SPENDS A FEW DAYS EACH FORTNIGHT IN SYDNEY, PERFORMING HIS ROLE AS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF INSURTECH AUSTRALIA. SIMON SHARES WITH FOCUS HOW TECHNOLOGY IS ENABLING THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY AND PAVING THE WAY FOR INNOVATION AND IMPROVED CONSUMER VALUE.
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echnology has traditionally served the function of an enabler for business. Technology enables business to achieve a competitive advantage through gains in efficiency and effectiveness. In 2018, technology not only serves as an enabler, but also as a new entrant and a disruptor to industries. The most notable examples include the hotel and taxicab industries, who have experienced significant disruption from platform based tech solutions, and bricks and mortar retail, which has seen disruption from e-commerce tech. These disruptive tech companies are born as "start-ups" and many now represent the largest in their respective industry. This article explores the DNA of a tech start-up, what makes them an expanding global force, and what the proliferation of tech start-ups means for insurance brokers and the insurance consumer. Tech start-ups share different characteristics to that of a typical industry incumbent or new business venture. It is not the products and services that a tech start-up produces that makes them effective. Rather, it is the methodology deployed to create products and services, as this methodology can be applied to any industry or consumer segment with success. This methodology enables tech start-ups to enter an industry, identify problems, work with consumers (B2B & B2C) to create customercentric solutions, and scale. Tech start-ups know the consumer well, in 14 Coffs Coast focus
terms of their values, needs and expectations. to entry, which include regulation and high As of 2018, Millennials represent the largest capital requirements. These barriers have now generational consumer group. The value succumbed to the persistent force of the tech of "sustainability" has become common in start-up revolution. There now exists many consumers, which has given rise to "shared tech start-ups within the industry. Since 2015, economies" principles being embedded into ride start-ups targeting the insurance industry have sharing commerce, hotel and accommodation enjoyed capital investment of >$2bn USD commerce, courier annually. The presence of commerce, car and tech start-ups has awoken asset sharing commerce, the industry to innovation and so on. The value of and highlighted the "trust" is also prominent misalignment between IN 2018, and driving higher levels the needs of the TECHNOLOGY NOT of transparency, especially insurance consumer and ONLY SERVES AS AN in financial services. the current offering. ENABLER, BUT ALSO Peer-to-peer reviews Tech start-ups targeting AS A NEW ENTRANT communicated via rating the insurance industry AND A DISRUPTOR systems are another are referred to as TO INDUSTRIES. example of tech start"insurtech". "Insurtech" ups aligning services to is a compound word the needs and values of formed from contractions today’s consumer. of "Insurance" and Tech start-ups share "Technology". Insurtechs additional characteristics that illustrate their are not all about disruption, however - 65% of uniqueness and lend to their success. These Insurtechs in Australia seek to enable existing include a great culture of failure - "fail often insurance incumbents, including insurance and fail fast". "Anyone who has never made a brokers, insurers, reinsurance brokers and mistake has never tried anything new" - Albert reinsurers; 25% are new entrants seeking to Einstein. Ninety-four per cent of start-ups fail. acquire market share from incumbents; and A lean and agile approach ensures resilient 10% seek to disrupt, meaning they have created founders can seed idea, after idea, until success insurance solutions that sit outside of the is achieved. existing insurance industry, for example, peer-toIn the past, the insurance industry has peer insurance. been protected by moderate-high barriers Insurtechs are empowering insurance brokers
to: achieve operational efficiency, enabling us to spend less time on admin and more time advising; better understand the nuances of our clients’ risks, enabling us to advise with more clarity; transact insurance via a Blockchain ecosystem, delivering unprecedented levels of simplicity, trust and transparency; connect realtime with our clients' risks, enabling brokers to get involved in loss prevention; and enhanced products, enabling brokers to deliver products that capture more losses and protect against emerging risks. Brokers are the channel via which the insurance value chain distribute high quality and competitively priced products and services. Insurtech will enable brokers’ effectiveness, which will in turn have a positive effect on the consumer and the community as a collective. An appropriately advised community is a comprehensively insured community. A comprehensively insured community is more resilient when natural catastrophes strike. When catastrophes strike, as a community, we like to see businesses stay open, aided by cash injections from the global insurance markets, rather than handouts from locals. The tech start-up community is a significant factor in the transformation to an innovative insurance industry. Whilst ever the primary values driving insurance innovation include customer-centricity, effectiveness and optimal user experiences, the consumer will gain.
W.I.R.
ENS'
BED 3
3000 x 3000 ROBE
TERRACE 5240 x 3250
BED 1
LINEN
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3300 x 3980
WM SPACE
L'DRY HOB
BATH
ROBE
5950 x 4880
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DW PROV'
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KITCHEN REF SPACE
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BED 2
3000 x 3000
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3600 x 3310
GARAGE 6000 x 5750
ENTRY BED 4/STUDY 3000 x 2900
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focusMotoring.
FACTOR MERCEDES-BENZ X CLASS UTE THE WORLD’S OLDEST CAR-MAKER IS UNDERSTANDABLY EXCITED ABOUT THE INTRODUCTION OF THE NEW MERCEDES-BENZ X-CLASS DUAL-CAB UTE.
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nter the X 220d and X 250d - the first Mercedes-Benz models to enter a bustling market segment that in 2017 attracted almost 160,000 sales in Australia - or 17 per cent of the overall market. With X 220d and X 250d, Mercedes Benz enters the ladder-frame, one-tonne ute segment with a first-class luxury ute, bringing with it the style and quality that Mercedes Benz are renowned for. A large body with stylish headlights and tail-lights, wide wheel tracks, new infotainment system, updated safety equipment, elegant and functional dashboard and comfortable, supportive seats give the X-Class a distinctly "Mercedes-Benz" character. Much of the three-variant Mercedes-Benz X-Class range is customisable, with a range of trim and paint options to suit any buyer type. It has endeavoured to address the needs of any buyer with the option of a single or dual turbo charged powerful common-rail, direct injection engines, each with a cubic capacity of 2.3 litres, and power outputs of 120 kW and 140 kW respectively, each at 3750 rpm. The common-rail injection system with piezo injectors and a system pressure of up to 2,000 bar ensures accurately regulated combustion processes. Both engines feature intercooling and develop maximum torque of 403 and 450 Nm at rpm as low as 1,500. Two transmission options are offered. The 6-speed manual transmission impresses with precise shift travel and smooth changes. The optional 7-speed automatic transmission can perform multiple downshifts, allowing for comfortable and fuel-efficient driving at low engine speeds, and fast powerful sprints. Making effective use of the engine power, the torque converter lockup clutch is configured for low power losses and high efficiency. Three unique trim grades make up the range - PURE, PROGRESSIVE and POWER. The rear-wheel drive, 6-speed manual-only X 220d heads the X-Class range with 16 Coffs Coast focus
1,067 kg of payload from its largest-in-class tray (1,581mm long, 1,560 mm wide), and a braked towing capacity of 3,500 kg (plus a 350 kg tow ball down-weight). The PURE trim is fitted with 17-inch steel wheels and black-plastic bumpers, cloth trim, manual air-conditioning, cruise control and manually-adjustable seats. Parking sensors and all-wheel drive (4MATIC) are available optionally. The entry-level PURE also includes a 7.0-inch infotainment array with two speakers and Bluetooth connectivity and a reversing camera. And, like all Mercedes-Benz X-Class variants, it is equipped with seven airbags, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), tyre pressure monitoring and lane keeping assist. All this, topped up with a five star ANCAP safety rating, including outboard i-Size/ISOFIX child seat anchorages. The range steps up to the PROGRESSIVE trim grade in conjunction with a twin-turbocharged version of the same 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine. Body-coloured bumpers and 17-inch alloy wheels differentiate the model outwardly, as an extensive equipment upgrade does inside. Satellite-navigation, rain-sensing wipers, a carpeted floor, eight-speaker audio system and self-dimming rear-view mirror join the kit list, and the PROGRESSIVE grade also adds a leather-bound steering wheel, gearshift and handbrake covers, aluminium-look sills, and a black grained instrument panel. Optionally, the X-Class PROGRESSIVE is available with a number of packages that add electric seat adjustment, dual-zone climate-control, man-made leather and suede-trimmed seats, LED headlights and tail-lights, an electric-opening rear window, 360-degree camera and 18-inch alloy wheels. The Mercedes-Benz X-Class range is topped, for now, by the X 250d POWER grade that brings chrome bumpers and garnishes to the exterior, 18-inch alloy wheels and LED headlights and tail-lights as standard. The top-shelf model also scores electrically-adjustable man-made leather and suede-
MUCH OF THE THREEVARIANT MERCEDESBENZ X-CLASS RANGE IS CUSTOMISABLE, WITH A RANGE OF TRIM AND PAINT OPTIONS TO SUIT ANY BUYER TYPE.
trimmed seats, a leather-topped instrument binnacle, climate-control, keyless entry/start and 360-degree camera. The strong equipment list is topped by Mercedes-Benz’s 8.4-inch COMAND online multimedia system with navigation and touchpad, plus the PARKTRONIC parking assistant and digital radio. Heated seats and washers, 19-inch wheels, side running boards and roof rails are available optionally, as is a wide range of recreational and trade-focused accessories. THE DRIVE The X-Class’ unique double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension, hydraulically-assisted steering and four-wheel disc brake tune gives the range a well tied-down feel on a wide variety of surfaces. The variable-rate coil springs, thicker anti-roll bars and quicker steering rack all play a role in refining the drive - a much softer, more car-like ride than other dual cab utes I have driven that use the traditional leaf spring. Engine performance is strong and refined, with only a hint of turbo lag. Gear changes are smooth and effortless. Off-road, the Mercedes-Benz X-Class performed very well, with a selectable high and low range 4WD system; again, the vehicle was less jarring on my back through the ruts, thanks to the coil springs. Rear diff lock is standard to the entire range of 4WD variants, as well as Hill-descent control. Mercedes-Benz quotes a 600 mm wading depth, 222 mm ground clearance, 30-degree approach angle and 25-degree departure angle for the X-Class. Also respectable is a gradeability angle of 45 degrees and side inclination of 50 degrees. However, what came in extremely handy while 4WDing was the 360 degree cam-
with CARL BENNETT from MERCEDES BENZ COFFS COAST era; no matter what angle I had the vehicle in, I could see the whole way around the vehicle - something I have not experienced before on other dual cabs. Cabin noise suppression is impressive, a credit to Mercedes Benz, with virtually any noticeable engine noise. The ergonomics are well sorted too, and front-row seat comfort is on par with the best in class - not to mention plenty of room in the backseat. PRICING (Plus GST and On Roads) X220d Pure RWD Cab Chassis manual $45,450 X220d Pure RWD Load Bed manual - $46,400 X220d Pure 4WD Load Bed manual - $50,400 X250d Pure 4WD Cab Chassis manual $51,540 X250d Pure 4WD Cab Chassis auto - $54,350 X250d Pure 4WD Load Bed manual - $52,400 X250d Pure 4WD Load Bed auto - $55,300 X250d Progressive Cab Chassis manual $53,950 X250d Progressive Cab Chassis auto - $56,850 X250d Progressive Load Bed manual - $54,900 X250d Progressive Load Bed auto - $57,800 X250d Power Load Bed manual - $61,600 X250d Power Load Bed auto - $64,500 WARRANTY The X Class boasts 3 years / 200,000 km warranty (whichever occurs first), 3 years 24 hour roadside assistance and a 3 year / 60,000 km capped price service plan. (Service intervals are 12 months / 20,000km). Up-front capped-price servicing is available for three years as part of Mercedes-Benz Van’s Service Care Promise. MOTORMOUTH HELMETS
Test Drive the All New Mercedes Benz X Class today at Mercedes Benz Coffs Coast, 3 Tolhurst Place, Coffs Harbour. Phone 1800 730 530.
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focus_What’s On Coffs Coast
J U N E
HOODOO GURUS & YOU AM I The Hoodoo Gurus and You Am I have been sharing stages for the last 25 years from New York to Nambucca Heads, culminating in them taking their iconic brands of rock and roll across the country, from Queensland to WA in the middle of last year. When 1st June. Where C.ex Coffs Tickets www.cex.com.au
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MADE with LOVE MARKETS
With between 80 and 100 stallholders at every market, you can find a wide variety of items - everything from jewellery, homewares, bags, clothing, accessories, toys, woodwork, soaps, candles, artwork, gourmet goodies and much more! When 3rd June. Where Park Beach Plaza, Level 1 carpark.
ALEX WILLIAMSON Don’t miss the latest and greatest live comedy show from the brilliantly twisted mind of the “Loosest Aussie Bloke”, Alex Williamson. Alex Williamson’s prolific writing sees him yearly bring a new swathe of characters, songs and stand-up comedy to life in a hilarious live solo show - and has earned him a whopping three million online followers. When 8th June. Where C.ex Coffs. Tickets www.cex.com.au
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BELLINGEN READERS and WRITERS FESTIVAL Much-loved cartoonist Michael Leunig, journalist and Correspondent Peter Greste, ABC TV Book Club panelist Marieke Hardy, acclaimed writer Don Watson, investigative journalist Wendy Bacon, Aboriginal historian Bruce Pascoe and author-broadcaster Caroline Baum are among the many guests for tthis year’s festival. When 8th until the 10th June. Where Hyde Street, Bellingen. Tickets www. bellingenwritersfestival.com.au
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COFFS CON Youth ORCHESTRA
Coffs Con Youth Orchestra and Academy in concert with special guests, Minitones and Microtones choirs and the BDC orchestra. The Coffs Con Youth Orchestra and the Academy join forces with the BDC orchestra to present a stunning evening of passion and enthusiasm! We will be joined by the wonderful Minitones and Microtones, who are sure to get you singing along. When Thursday, June 21, 7pm. Where Coffs Harbour Regional Conservatorium. Tickets via coffscon.org.au as well as our Facebook page.
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ORIENTEERING SCORE EVENTS
When 24th June - Woolgoolga (Urban), 22nd July - Bom Bom State Forest (Bush). Registration 9am, mass start 10am. Your choice of one hour, two hours or three hours. You receive a map with control sites marked on it. Controls have a variety of point values. Your aim is to score as many points within your chosen time limit as you can. Gather your team of two - five people and put your navigation skills to the test, while enjoying a fun day out. More info www.bboc.asn.au or phone Helen on 0478 226 601.
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PETER WILLIAMS Psychic Medium
Peter Williams will demonstrate his amazing ability as he contacts and communicates with loved ones on the other side. He will be delivering their messages to the audience live on the night. When 27th June. Where Jetty Memorial Theatre. Tickets www.jettytheatre.com
T H E S AW T E L L W I N T E R
Street Party FOCUS sat down with Kate Drum from the Sawtell RSL Club to ďŹ nd out about the up and coming Sawtell Winter Street Party - a fabulous community event brought to you buy Sawtell RSL, the Sawtell Hotel and the Chamber of Commerce.
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i Kate. Can you tell me a little bit more about the upcoming Sawtell Winter Street Party? The Sawtell Winter Street Party kicks off from 3pm on Sunday 10th June. We have pulled together three fantastic bands for one massive afternoon of entertainment, bringing it all to you LIVE and FREE! The Sawtell RSL, Sawtell Hotel and the Sawtell Chamber of Commerce have come
together to put on this event. How did this unexpected trio come together to support the community? Sawtell Chamber of Commerce have been running the Summer Sessions for a little while now, but the street parties were the brainchild of Cam Nealer and Kelly Ticehurst from Sawtell Hotel. Cam and Kel saw an opportunity to build on the community event, but realised for it to be a success, the businesses of Sawtell needed to work together. Sawtell RSL and the Chamber
of Commerce understand how important these events are becoming to our area and jumped at the opportunity to be involved! The street parties have been made much easier to coordinate with the support of the local Council and licensing police backing these events 100 per cent. What entertainment can we look forward to seeing at the Sawtell Winter Street Party? The first band to hit the stage are locals Then Jolene, a seven-piece band featuring a double bass, banjo, fiddle, guitars and a lagerphone named Karl. Following them is Brothers 3 - the surprise hit from the sixth season of X Factor and then, to top the night off, Coffs Coast favourites Uncle Jed will be pumping out the tunes from the back of the semi, parked at the northern end of First Avenue. Add to the live music some cold bevvies, fine food from any one of our many
restaurants, face-painting and a jumping castle, and you have an arvo/evening the whole family will enjoy! How will this be different to previous street parties? For the Winter Street party, we are bringing VIVID to Sawtell. With help from the guys at Any Entertainment, our famous figs will be immersed in colour. Also,being the start of winter and with the days getting shorter, we are have bought the start time forward and are winding up a little earlier. We are also taking advantage of the long weekend and have moved to a Sunday. Great, so when is all this happening? And where can we find out more information? Sunday, June 10 from 3pm ‌ Lock it in! Find out more by following Sawtell RSL, Sawtell Hotel and Sawtell Chamber of Commerce on Facebook.
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After landing a scholarship to study at Central Connecticut State University in the USA and play elite level soccer at the same time, Erin Herd learnt the art of making prosthetics through her Biomedical Engineering Degree. We spoke to Erin about her soccer career and her work as a prosthetist, and how she got to where she is today.
Erin Herd
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i Erin. Can you tell us about your relationship with the Coffs Coast? I grew up in Coffs Harbour and moved away after I finished high school. I think I spent the next 13 years trying to find “Coffs” somewhere else. I’m a keen surfer and love the small town feel, so I moved back home mid last year - and it’s been the best decision yet. Can you tell us a bit about your role as a prosthetist? I work with all types of amputees, so I see people who have lost anything from part of their foot to their entire arm. I make and fit custom made prostheses to replace their missing limb. I can provide different prostheses for use in different situations, such as for everyday use, as well as specific sporting or work prostheses. As I am also an orthotist, I also see clients who need custom made supportive braces to help with their mobility. We work with physios, doctors, and occupational therapists to rehabilitate our clients from when they first lose their limb, right through to getting back to what they were able to do before the amputation. At Northern Prosthetics, we cover the entire North Coast from Coffs Harbour all the way to the Gold Coast. We have local clinics in Coffs, Grafton, Maclean, Ballina, Lismore, 20 Coffs Coast focus
Murwillumbah, and Palm Beach. We believe you began learning the art of making prosthetics when you were in the USA. What was it that initially took you over to the States? I was a keen soccer player and when I finished high school, I didn’t like the idea of giving away my sporting career to focus on university. Going to the US gave me the opportunity to pursue both. I landed a full scholarship to Central Connecticut State University to study for four years and at the same time, play soccer at an elite level. Can you tell us about your career as a soccer player? I starting playing when I was four, because my big brother signed up and I didn’t like sitting on the sidelines. At that time there weren’t many girls playing, so I progressed through the representative levels quite quickly. As a 17 year old I played in the WNSL, which has since become the W-League, and then was selected to play for the Australia School Girls. I moved to the States and played Division 1 college soccer for four years and then came back to Australia to be part of the newly rebranded women’s professional league, the W-League, with Sydney FC. I finished up my career at Melbourne City in 2016. Now that you’re back here on the Coffs Coast, do you still play or coach locally? I’ve hung up the gloves (as I was a goalkeeper) but I’ve recently started my
own coaching business then fitting a prosthetic I FEEL VERY LUCKY and I’m coaching or orthotic device. THAT I CAN PROVIDE goalkeepers throughout But in between the SOMETHING THAT CAN the Coffs Coast. I’m casting and fitting CHANGE SOMEONE’S really passionate about stages, we also make LIFE IN SUCH A goalkeeping and the device. At Northern SIGNIFICANT WAY, AND I would love to see the Prosthetics I work with GET TO CALL IT MY JOB. area have a stronger a team of clinical and representation. technical staff who work What motivated you together to create a to get into the field of unique solution for each prosthetics? And can client. you tell us a bit about the training that What are some of the challenges you face was involved? when making custom prosthetics? I first took an interest in prosthetics after Everyone is unique! Not only their bodies, watching Sydney 2000 Paralympics, but it but their personalities too. My job is as much wasn’t until I was at college that I actually about the rapport I have with my patients, looked into studying prosthetics and as it is about fitting the prosthesis/orthosis. orthotics. I completed my Bachelors Degree Making someone’s artificial limb is a very in Biomedical Engineering and then moved personal thing, and it’s essential to treat each to Melbourne to specialise in prosthetics and person individually. orthotics through a Masters Degree at LaTrobe How rewarding is it for you to see clients University. It wasn’t until I landed my first receiving their prosthetics for the first job that the real hands-on training began, time? because of the practical nature of the job. It’s what makes the job worthwhile. I feel Making prosthetics seems like quite a very lucky that I can provide something that specialised field and a very interesting can change someone’s life in such a significant mix of technology, sculpting and way, and I get to call it my job. functionality. Can you tell us a bit about You can contact me via email: erin@northernprosthetics.com.au or phone how this all comes together and the 0476 660 300 if you’d like more information, process of making the prosthetics? or find us online at There’s a clinical side and also a technical side to the job. Clinically, we’re responsible for www.northernprosthetics.com.au Thanks Erin. assessing patients, taking a cast or a scan and
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Eloise
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Bevin
LY D F O R D
N E W T O N
Eloise Lydford is a local tattoo artist at Samsara Tattoo Studio. FOCUS talks to her about her artwork, the process and her passion. Tell us about your style ... I grew up drawing horses, and then moved on to portraits for friends and family, so my comfort zone tattooing is black and grey realism. I also used to do a lot of watercolour painting, so I love incorporating that into my work. Lately I’ve been playing with some surrealism, and I’m loving the playfulness in it. What’s your actual tattooing process like? I do custom designs as standard for each client, so generally I’ll get most of the design ready and then sit with my clients and go over the finishing touches of the design, to make sure it’s exactly what they want. My sessions are pretty relaxed; I like to take my time and make sure I’ve given my clients more than enough of my time and energy for what they need
on the day - so my days are pretty long, but I think it’s worth it. Who is Eloise in her private life? What are your hobbies and your passions? I’m addicted to adventure and am always so curious about the world. I travel a lot and if I can’t go travelling for a while, I get into nature and explore a local waterfall or a new trail. I’m always busy, so the few moments I get to sit without a phone on a plane, or in a café drawing, or in a hammock with my dog in the forest are the ones that restore my energy and keep me refuelled. How can we get in touch? You can find me on Instagram @miss_knees or on my website www.missknees.com
FOCUS tagged along with Bevin Newton - a passionate local skateboarder involved in organising comps and sponsoring riders. How long have you been skateboarding? I have been skateboarding for about 18 years; it has kind of always been a part of my life in one way or another. How are you involved in the Skate, Ink & Rhyme Festival? With my experience in the skateboarding industry, I get involved in a lot of festivals, events and competitions. The Skate, Ink & Rhyme Festival is a big one, and I will be organising most of the skateboarding related activities on the day.
Who and what can we expect to see? As well as sightings of some high profile skateboarders, a portable skateboard ramp will be set up, showcasing demos from experienced skateboarders. There will also be some FREE skateboarding lessons for people of all ages wanting to get involved. We have a few other things happening as well that we are excited to bring to the table and can’t wait to showcase them at the event. For more details about the Skate, Ink & Rhyme Festival, see page 39.
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Synaesthete artist Tanja Ackerman captures and shares the powerful experience of seeing sound. FOR AS LONG AS SHE CAN REMEMBER, SHE HAS BEEN ABLE TO SEE MULTI DIMENSIONAL VISUAL IMAGERY WHEN LISTENING TO MUSIC OR NATUR AL SOUNDS, WHICH SHE NOW TR ANSLATES INTO ART PIECES FOR ALL TO SEE. We talked to her about this incredible gift and her love of art and music.
A R T I S T
P R O F I L E
Tanja Ackerman
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i Tanja. Can you tell us about what drew you to the Coffs Coast as a place you wanted to live and work? As a part-time local of Bellingen for more than twenty years, I have an ongoing love affair with the region and this year relocated permanently to Coffs Harbour. The natural beauty, abundance of National Parks, unspoilt beaches, whales, the Marina and the Solitary Islands called me to the Coffs Coast. Then add the vibrant art and music scene to the mix, and I am now in the perfect surroundings to enhance and explore my creativity and art practice. Coffs is a great source for my synaesthesia paintings. As an artist, how has the area influenced your work? My dream for a long time has been to have my paintings “played”, performed. The Coffs Harbour Regional Conservatorium has given me that opportunity. Last year I had the honour of collaborating with some of Australia’s leading musicians and the Conservatorium’s Sunday Series to produce a body of work called Art Sonata. Each painting was played professionally at an extraordinary level of skill, and my dream came true. A truly life altering magnificent experience for me! I am planning to build on that experience again in October this year. What are some of your favourite mediums to use and why?
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I predominantly paint with acrylics and sometimes oils. I do not have a long term favourite, as I work in a variety of mediums. I love drawing in pen, ink and charcoal, which I find calming, meditative and expressive. In 2017 the addition of digital painting has allowed for the development of new techniques and stretched my art practice. I carry a camera with me most days, as my love of abstract, expressionistic, macro and landscape photography is a huge passion. Combining the disciplines of Dadirri (Indigenous) and both Zen and Tibetan Buddhism results in works that are immediate, meditative and present. How would you describe your style of work? My synaesthesia paintings are a signature style. I capture and share the powerful experience of seeing sound. My works communicate - a multi sensory experience. They speak of the power of art and music to engage, stimulate, transport, heal and unite. Music is cross cultural and beyond words. My paintings allow and encourage an experience of “unseen” worlds. Can you describe how you use sound to create your pieces? Each work is painted whilst listening to a select piece of music, either through my stereo system or quality headphones. I believe we experience music and art firstly on a sensory vibrational level. The reasoning, intellectual,
WHEN I HEAR MUSIC OR NATURAL SOUNDS MY VISUAL FIELD IS POPULATED WITH A MIX OF THREE DIMENSIONAL AND TWO DIMENSIONAL VISUAL IMAGERY.
interpretive part is secondary. We feel music first, then think it. I use sound to create unique works of art. So, my art conveys my experience of this music and hopefully opens up a new level of insight for others to appreciate in the process. What can you tell us about “Synesthesia” - has this been something that’s always affected you? I can see sound. Synaesthesia is the formal name for this gift. When I hear music or natural sounds, my visual field is populated with a mix of three dimensional and two dimensional visual imagery - detailed, delicate, colourful and intricate lines, patterns and textures that move. I have been seeing sound for as long as I can remember. My synaesthesia highlights how the full spectrum of sensory experience informs our individual interpretation of sound and music. Do you listen to a wide variety of music when you paint, and do you find different genres inspire really different looking pieces? I have a wide taste in music, from Mozart to Metallica. I love to just listen to music and natural sounds. Each piece of art is unique and is painted to a particular piece of music, with genres covering orchestral, jazz, metal,
rock, opera, folk, blues, sacred choral works and Requiem Mass. My Pink Floyd paintings are iconic in that they are quite psychedelic, conveying surreal dream like imagery with vibrant colour across the spectrum. In contrast, Bach Cello Suite paintings result in highly detailed, intricate patterns with deep red colourations. Shostakovich viola and piano works are intense, passionate, moving, longing and beautiful, resulting in tender pinks, soft ethereal greys, hints of purple and yellow ochre and light filled peaceful painting. What is the process of creating a piece like? Exciting and intense. I am completely immersed in the music and creative process. To be able to combine two of my greatest passions, art and music, gives me enormous joy, fulfillment and energy. Listening to the music, watching the synaesthesia pulse across my visual field and then the creative addition of my emotional response is a powerful, life enhancing, remarkable experience. I then head to the easel and canvas with the music on loop and paint. I focus, ensure distraction free time - usually blocks of one hour with a 10 - 20 minute break in nature in between, resulting in a seven-hour work day. I wish I could do this all the time and nothing else.
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What sort of reaction do you commonly get to your sound artworks? Do you find people tend to relate to your interpretation of the music? Lots of “WOWs” and “This is amazing!” Especially when it is music that a person loves or is familiar with. I have witnessed many people connecting with my paintings and having tears of joy. Others enjoy the colour and/or patterns, and for some it is all about the music. I have received a lot of wonderful feedback from people relating to my interpretation and representation of the music. As we all experience sound, music or art in our own way, it is fascinating to hear my viewers’ experience of my works. Tell us about how you came to be an artist; has art always been a part of your life? Creativity is the fabric of my being. I am passionate about art and music. Art has been central to my entire life, drawing in a detailed manner from an early age and playing musical instruments from the age of eight. Art and music have allowed me to express myself - it is my zone, my outlet, my passion. They are my way of being in the world and as a professional full-time artist. Would you say you have been particularly influenced or inspired by anyone as an artist? Joni Mitchell is the first person who comes to mind for me. The artist, musician, singer, song-writer. She is the soundtrack to my life, having travelled with me via her music since my
birth. I hold a special place for her music, art and the powerful woman that is Joni Mitchell in my heart. My father died young. However, in the limited time I had with him he gave me the great gift of music exposure, appreciation and the special shared time of listening together. We spent many joyous hours listening, just listening side by side in the music room or in the car. When I was a child he would accompany me on his guitar, and we would MY WORKS play music regularly. COMMUNICATE A MULTI Do you currently have SENSORY EXPERIENCE. any other creative THEY SPEAK OF THE Fugue at The Coffs projects going on? POWER OF ART AND Harbour Regional Cartoon Symphony MUSIC TO ENGAGE, Conservatorium on is currently exhibiting STIMULATE, TRANSPORT, October 7th, 2018. as a body of work that HEAL AND UNITE. A collaboration for artistically joins the forces the Sunday Series of cartoon imagery and with Umberto Clerici music. (Cello) and Daniel de Cartooning in this Borah (Piano) and Patrick Brearley (Acting collection extends beyond the traditional Artistic Director) at Coffs Harbour Regional cartoon stereotypes. This exhibition displays Conservatorium. not only the superheros and pop culture, but What are some other hobbies/activities extends to cartoon as a unique art form. Works you enjoy here on the Coffs Coast? include imagery ranging from Spiderman to the I love attending concerts, art openings, Pink Panther, Paul Kelly to Beethoven. Come festivals, hiking in the numerous national and SEE the Music at The Bunker Cartoon parks, whales, mountain biking, the beach, Gallery, Coffs Harbour. and riding my motorbike through the I am currently painting a new body of profoundly beautiful Coffs Harbour region. work for my upcoming exhibition, Art
Where can people see your work? Current solo exhibition Cartoon Symphony is on show at The Bunker Cartoon Gallery, Coffs Harbour until the 20th May 2018, daily from 10am - 4pm. There’s an event on Friday 18th May, Cartoon Symphony Unplugged - dinner and drinks plus a “trivia style” evening of fun. Upcoming Exhibition Art Fugue - October 7th, 2018 at The Coffs Harbour Regional Conservatorium. Otherwise, I am available and open for commissions of your favourite piece of music on email: tanja_ackerman@hotmail. com or on Facebook: https://www.facebook. com/TanjaAckerman1/ and my online gallery website, which I am aiming to launch soon. Come and SEE the Music. Thanks Tanja. Coffs Coast focus 23
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Coffs Harbour Racing Club has a new Board of Directors. FOCUS had a chat to the team, to find out who is on the board and the plans they have for the future ...
N EW B OA R D, F R E S H O UTL O O K COFFS HARBOUR
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Club
ell us about the new Board at Coffs Harbour Racing Club ... Over the last two years we have welcomed five new Directors to the club’s Board. The Board now comprises a team with a strong mix of business and industry knowledge, experience and diverse qualifications. There are some well-known successful business people, each offering different perspectives, yet complementing the team as a whole. The 2018 Board includes: Alan Johnson (Chairman), Scott Nolan, Shane Burns, Mervyn Mercer, Mark Palmer, Kevin Riddell and Samantha Wardman. We also have a new management team, comprising Tim Saladine (Racing & Club Manager) and Jo Bennett (Licensee & Event Manager), which is very exciting. The Board are really looking forward to working together to create a fresh and energetic feel to the club’s events and race days ongoing. What changes have been made so far at the club? The first priority was to develop a five-year strategic plan, with the vision of becoming: “The Premier Racing Club in country NSW”. This plan underpins the club’s operations and helps direct management towards achieving the club’s goals in a more targeted and planned way. Next step was a review of the club’s existing operations, with a view to improving processes and reducing expenses. By conducting this review, the Board were able to prioritise key actions to achieve the club’s short-term goals - one of the most important of which was the appointment of the club’s new Caterers - The Cater Group - who have a stellar reputation in delivering both a highquality and professional catering service to 24 Coffs Coast focus
a range of clubs throughout NSW. We are incredibly excited with this new partnership, and members and guests can expect to experience an excellent and consistent catering experience moving forward, which we know will be warmly welcomed. Tell us about Coffs Harbour Racing Club? In terms of racing, we are one of the largest training tracks in NSW, providing an establishment that supports 20 trainers with staff of approximately 100 people, working 140 horses at our facilities. In addition, the club employs permanent staff and casual labour upwards of 200 plus, for large events, such as the Coffs Cup race day. We also provide opportunities for allied businesses in the provision of goods and services required to run a facility of this size. We are appreciative to have such enduring relationships with our suppliers and supporters. In 2016, we completed much needed drainage work on the track, which has greatly enhanced the club’s standing in the racing community. We have received excellent reviews from visiting trainers in recent years, some of whom are large players in the racing industry and have indicated they will bring their horses here more frequently. This advancement has already seen a welcomed increase in the number of horses nominating for our race meetings. To cap off the work on the track, we have received funding from Racing NSW to install permanent irrigation worth some $40,000, beginning sometime in the next 12 months. This will really put our track on the map as one of the premier tracks in NSW. Our club is also well situated to be the venue of choice for larger events catering for both the social and business communities. Weddings, school formals, themed fund-
raising events, trade including: gate entry, Recent club events have shows and exhibitions access to the private received wonderful are all well looked after members’ lounge, and reviews, with emphasis on at the club’s expansive reciprocal membership the quality and diversity premises. The new rights to other country of the meals provided. This caterer is also a great race tracks too. We are will complete the missing piece of addition to complete our also family-friendly too, the puzzle in the club’s provision offering and support the with kids' entertainment of a total quality event experience. success of our clients' often provided on many weekend race days. events. What have you got What can we expect lined up for the 2018 to see from the club in Coffs Harbour Gold Cup? the near future? The Coffs Harbour Gold Cup is the largest As mentioned, we welcome The Cater single event held on the Coffs Coast each year. Group to operate our bistro, as well as provide We regularly have over 6,000 in attendance quality gourmet dining experiences for our and the event contributes more than $1.5m packaged race day events and for non-racing in economic benefit to the local economy. events for clients. They have an excellent We have several exciting changes to this reputation from their operations in other Coffs year’s Cup Day. We have secured new brand Harbour Clubs: including the Coffs Harbour sponsors, such as racing giant Godolphin and Golf Club and Park Beach Bowling Club, as Coffs Coast Jaguar and Land Rover, as well well as other successful operations at Ocean as continuing partnerships with our many Shores Country Club, Nelson Bay RSL, to corporate partners and supporters of the Cup. name a few. Recent club events have received Add our new caterers in to the mix, and wonderful reviews, with emphasis on the we can guarantee a high-quality offering in quality and diversity of the meals provided. each of our premium event packages, which This will complete the missing piece of the will all be redesigned this year to create three puzzle in the club’s provision of a total quality new hospitality event experiences for those event experience. premium race goers securing tickets. Our The club also sees an opportunity in layout will be more customer-friendly and engaging with younger patrons. Research has accessible, with improved security and access shown that over 60% of attendees at race for our marquee partners. Interest is already meetings come solely for the social aspect, high. and we would like to encourage a younger Visit our website to purchase tickets demographic to race days and events outside and find out the latest on the 2018 Coffs the annual Coffs Cup Race Day. We have Harbour Gold Cup - www.coffsracingclub. approximately 15 race days a year, and we’d com.au/coffscup. For packages and marquee like to let the local community know that they enquiries, please email our events manager, Jo can enjoy the fun and thrills of going to the on events@coffsracingclub.com.au races more than just once a year. Membership Thanks guys. is affordable and comes with many benefits,
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Business Minds with Sam Wardman of CornerPost Creative
Heidi Vast Interior
B R E T T
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ow did you come to call the Coffs Coast home? I came to the Coffs Harbour area with my family in the mid 70’s, we left Tarro a small town near Newcastle for a working trip around Australia and this was as far as we got. I’ve been lucky enough to travel extensively in Australia and overseas and I can honestly say that the Coffs Coast is the only place I want to live and that it’s possibly the most undervalued place in the world. Tell us a little about Vast Interiors… It’s a wonderful local success story, Vast started in Toormina nearly 20 years ago as a tiny direct importing furniture business and has grown to 30 stores around the country, most of which are owner-operated. The focus was on eclectic, sustainable, recycled and solid hardwood timber furniture. It has grown from a basic warehouse style of business with furniture stacked on top of each other, that had a mainly Balinese design influence to today’s modern and open show room with a range of furniture to suit any home, including many design styles such as: Coastal, Boho, Tropical, Scandinavian, Industrial, Country, Shabby Chic, Hamptons and Retro just to name a few. I believe that being able to individually source and pick unique designs and quality furniture from all over the world, to complement the diversity of home styles found on the Coffs Coast is a real plus of our offering. Many other retailers don’t have this 26 Coffs Coast focus
diversity in style and stock available to them. Which I think sets us apart. The key difference between Vast and many other furniture retailers.... quite simply, is that our furniture is built to last. It’s uniquely designed, well-made and strong (and on top of that, we use up to nine coats of lacquer to preserve the grain!). This gives our pieces a much better chance of lasting several generations. We are also direct importers, so we only keep a small amount of stock on hand and sell our stock off the floor. This means, that if you find something you like, it’s best to get it when you see it. Particularly, with our original pieces, as we may get something similar, but NEVER the same again. Although we can order special requests for customers seeking something unusual, the lead time can be up to six months, so it’s best to seize the moment if you fall in love with a special piece! Vast is not interested in being a “bland brand” and I’m always striving to maintain an eclectic mix of products and styles that is different from anything you will find at another retailer. What have been your biggest lessons learnt to date in being a business owner? One of the biggest lessons I think any one in business can learn is that no matter how well you plan, it can still fall apart through no fault of your own sometimes. It could be external influences that impact your business negatively, but this if often an opportunity to diversify, change and improve things for the
WE DEFINITELY HAVE TO BE ON TREND OR LEADING THE TREND WHEN IT COMES TO HOME DESIGN, STYLING, COLOURS, HOMEWARES AND FURNITURE. KEEPING UP TO DATE WITH THIS IS ONE PART OF THE BUSINESS THAT I ABSOLUTELY LOVE. IT’S THE FUN PART!
better. Also, I think it’s important to not fall into the trap of judging your week or month on one bad day and remember to breathe through it all. To add to this, it’s also incredibly important to be able to step away from your business, to have time for yourself and your family too. Finding this balance is always hard, because we all think that no one will look after our business as well as we will. But finding the right staff and trusting in them to do as good a job as you (or better) is the best thing for you and your business in the long run. How do the latest design trends impact your business and how do you keep up to date? We definitely have to be on trend or leading the trend when it comes to home design, styling, colours, homewares and furniture. Keeping up to date with this is one part of the business that I absolutely love. It’s the fun part! From overseas trips to our suppliers’ warehouses to International and Australian Furniture Fairs and Expos, not to mention constantly keeping up to date with interior design publications and social media trends, it’s a time consuming but rewarding part of the role. What do you see as being the biggest
driving forces of your business? I don’t see a single driving force, but rather a combination of friendly and knowledgeable staff, which results in a good customer service experience and a unique quality product that keeps people coming back. So, really, it’s all about customer loyalty and service experience. What marketing and or sales activities do you find most successful? A combination of print and social media has proved to work best for me with the occasional targeted call to action advertising campaigns on TV and Radio as well. I do enjoy the direct contact I have with my customers on our social media especially with Facebook. I think it’s an awesome way to instantly connect with your customers and for them to interact with you. It also is a great medium to share new stock, sales, stories and experience right away with our followers. Keeping them connected with us and up to date. Top tip for anyone just starting out in business on the Coffs Coast? Be passionate about what you want to do, because being in business is tough, so loving what you do is what keeps you getting out of bed in the morning and making your business a success. Thanks Heidi.
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M E RV Y N K E N N E DY
Mervyn Kennedy RESTORES OLD WORLD WAR II VEHICLES IN HIS SPARE TIME, AS WELL AS BEING A KEEN COLLECTOR OF MILITARIA, ALSO MAINLY FROM WWII. He is very passionate about this hobby and often ends up taking part in the annual ANZAC Day parade with his incredible cars.
Y
ou have quite the vintage car collection when it comes to WWII vehicles. Tell us more about these - and why did you specifically choose the
WWII era? Whilst growing up at Fernmount, I always wore an old WWII slouch hat. As I got older, Mum would purchase military Matchbox vehicles and I played over on the river bank, where I had roads etc, but once real vehicles could be played with - the toys were packed away. What inspired you to restore and build the vehicles you have? We were out at Warren visiting my wife's parents in 1982, and whilst there we attended an ANZAC parade, where I spotted the best toys ever being driven in the parade ... Two Jeeps! I asked the owner of the Jeep if he would sell me one: “NO” was the answer, “but I do know where there is one for restoration if you want to drive to Lightning Ridge”. So, off we went for an afternoon drive to Lightning Ridge, to see this Jeep. This Jeep had been used for chasing wild pigs, and they ended up sinking it in a creek that actually had water in it. Three months later, they pulled it out of the water, and then two years later we purchased it. The Jeep had been left sitting on a mullock hill beside
an unused opal mine in the town centre. We purchased it, but in hindsight should have left it there, as I ended up bashing the pistons out with an axe and a block of rosewood. After much restoration [in Bellingen] and a few years later, we finally had our little 1943 green Jeep up and running, a WWII trailer and uniforms to go with it. The green Jeep has the insignia of the 5th Division, 84 Headquarters [5/84] with the Boars Head; this Division was used in New Guinea during WWII. A few years later, my wife was looking at the original photos of the Jeep, when she realised it had actually been an ambulance Jeep, but the little green Jeep can stay the way she is now. During the 1990s we purchased another Jeep that actually ran if you had a tube running from a petrol drum into the carbie and a piece of string was the accelerator - we were very excited by this purchase. This 1942 Jeep [at Fernmount] has been restored as a LRDG Jeep, which they used in North Africa during the 1940s to do hit and run missions behind the German lines. There are 19 jerry cans [17 were for fuel and two for water] and four “Vickers K Machine Guns” made out of Rosewood, Camphor Laurel, Red Cedar, two inch nails [the sights] and the shelving out of a deep freeze, but WITHOUT working parts. The irony of the “Machine Guns” is that I am required to have a Commissioner's Permit [that I pay for] to
WHILST THERE WE
display this wood. These You also have a great ATTENDED AN ANZAC “guns” spent time in the collection of militaria PARADE, WHERE I Bellingen Police Cells, from the same era. SPOTTED THE BEST until Coffs Harbour RSL What are some of your TOYS EVER BEING offered to store the favourite pieces? DRIVEN IN THE PARADE “guns” until I received As part of our ... TWO JEEPS! this permit. With the display we have a WWII assistance of the RSL Heliograph, WWII Sun and our local member Compass [which would of State Government, I have to be my favourite]. received the permit, but these “guns” have to I have two dummies dressed in WWII military be in a much more secure cabinet than actual clothing. We also have badges, butterflies from working firearms, and I must go to the range at New Guinea, matches, tobacco tins still sealed least once a year to fire these “guns” [haven't with the original tobacco and many other worked the logic out on that yet]. items. And yes, I would do up another Jeep if I After moving to Urunga, we purchased a could get it at the right price, because I have a 1942 Chev. C15A Blitz truck. I restored the Blitz serious disease called “Jeep mania”. So if any as it would have been used during WWII in of your readers have an old Jeep in the bananas North Africa with the 9th Division. This vehicle or know where there is one, no matter how has been sold to a friend in Brisbane. bad the condition (couldn't be any worse than How long did the restorations take? the green jeep), please let me know! Each vehicle took approximately twelve You must get some great responses from months to restore and each vehicle has been the public. How have the responses from restored to resemble what they would have the Coffs Coast public been when they see looked like where they were based in North you driving down the street? Africa or New Guinea during WWII; this There is always a great reaction to the Jeeps. includes the vehicle colour, ropes, blankets etc. People always give a wave and it sure does turn If a piece of equipment wasn't used on these some heads! vehicles, it didn't get fitted. Thanks Mervyn. Coffs Coast focus 27
Barbecue Pork Ribs served with coleslaw and steak fries, from The Hoey Moey. 28 Coffs Coast focus
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King Prawn and Chorizo Pasta.
Joe Fallon
THE BIG BANANA
Plantation Hotel If you’re looking for the best value in Coffs Harbour, look no further than the Plantation Hotel … The team at the Plantation pride themselves on offering outstanding service alongside quality food at an affordable price, that will keep you coming back time and time again. Pop in and try something off our brand new à la carte menu, with a tasty selection of burgers, pastas, salads and premium grade steaks, plus all your pub favourites, cooked using fresh local produce and plated with the personal touches of head chef Dave Newick.
HEAD CHEF DAVID NEWICK.
FOCUS sat down with new Head Chef Joe Fallon from the Going Bananas Café, to find out how he became such an amazing chef and what he’s bringing to the table at Coffs Harbour’s favourite destination, The Big Banana.
The Plantation Hotel … Delicious Food, Friendly Service, Incredible Value!
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88 GRAFTON STREET, COFFS HARBOUR. 6652 3855 WWW.PLANTATIONHOTEL.COM.AU 7 DAYS. MON - THURS & SUN: 12PM - 2:30PM; 5:30 - 8:30PM. FRI - SAT: 12PM - 2:30PM; 5.30 - 9PM.
Lamb tagine, harissa, yoghurt with banana chips and grilled lime, $18
The Big Banana Café Get your taste buds ready and head to “Going Bananas Café” at The Big Banana Fun Park to try our delicious lamb tagine, harissa, yoghurt with banana chips and grilled lime created by our Head Chef, Joe Fallon. Come and taste this delicious special today; it’s only available during June, so be quick! While you’re here, check out our mouth-watering all day breakfast dishes, scrumptious lunches and indulgent desserts. If you prefer something light, we offer the tastiest salads, fresh juices and smoothies; there’s something for everyone! In a hurry or want to grab a delicious takeaway? Just give us a call and we will have your order ready to pick up so you can get straight on to all the fun activities the park has to offer. The Big Banana Fun Park, delicious food and a whole “bunch” of fun! 351 PACIFIC HWY, COFFS HARBOUR 6652 4355 WWW.BIGBANANA.COM 7 DAYS, MON - SUN, 9AM - 5PM.
HEAD CHEF JOE FALLON.
i Joe. Tell us about your Bananas! Where do I start; it’s been an experience and career as a experience coming up with ideas to incorporate chef/Head Chef? the abundance of bananas we have at our I started my chef career 22 fingertips to add to our specials - scones with years ago, right here in Coffs banana jam, banana fritters and fried green Harbour, before moving to the Hunter Valley banana chips. We always ensure all our bananas to pursue my career in the vineyards. I liked it are utilised in the café as much as we can; if that much, I stayed for 12 years. Family brought we are not making our famous choc coated me back to the Coffs Coast, and I opened my bananas, it’s our banana smoothies, big banana own restaurants, Rustic Table and then Rustic pancakes or our big banana burger. Mezedes in Woolgoolga, which has kept me You also cater for large groups, school busy. groups, birthday parties, corporate and How did you become private functions. How a Head Chef at The do you make these Going Bananas Café? events special at The Recently I sold my Big Banana Fun Park? restaurant, and the We cater for all OUR JUNE SPECIAL opportunity came different events and IS LAMB TAGINE, up for a Head Chef functions. For the kids HARISSA, YOGHURT at The Big Banana. It we have our birthday was an opportunity party menu packs; these WITH BANANA to join the team and have something that the CHIPS AND GRILLED bring my knowledge little ones will enjoy. Plus, LIME. $18 and experience to the there are options for the Going Bananas Café. adults as well, so they What’s in store for are able to enjoy some of the Going Bananas our delicious menu items Café? at the birthday parties. In the coming months we have some exciting School groups can choose to take advantage changes happening with our Going Bananas of our school group packs, or they can enjoy Café menu. With the cooler weather upon us, something from our menu that has been put we will be able to keep you warm with some together as a lunch pack. Our private functions new Greek and Moroccan inspired influences have a wide range of options to choose from. to warm up our customers. Our June special is You can pick and choose from various menu lamb tagine, harissa, yoghurt with banana chips items to suit your event, or we can design and grilled lime, $18. some options based on the event. We cater for We know what The Big Banana is famous a wide range of dietary requirements and can for, but what are the ways you use tailor our menu to suit any budget. bananas in the café? Thanks Joe. Coffs Coast focus 29
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A RT S & C U LT U R E F E AT U R E
PATRICK N E W
BREARLEY
A R T I S T I C
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i Patrick. Congratulations on being appointed the new Artistic Director for the Coffs Harbour Regional Conservatorium. Tell us about your journey to this point in your career? Thank you! I grew up in a little village called Wingello in the Southern Highlands, where I would catch the six-hour return train trip to Sydney for lessons each week. In 2008 I moved to Hobart to commence my Bachelor of Music, followed by a stint in Brisbane from 2011-2013. During this time, I worked with the Auckland Philharmonia and performed throughout Australia with orchestras and chamber ensembles. In 2014 I moved to Melbourne for the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM). After three years I felt my small town roots calling and decided it was time for a sea change. The opportunity to move to Coffs Harbour came around, and I jumped at it! Fair to say it has worked out pretty well for me. Who has been your inspiration? I’ve had some truly incredible mentors and teachers over the years. My viola teacher during my
D I R E C T O R
time in Hobart, Jo St Leon, was nothing short of amazing for me. She literally took me from a violist who could hardly read Alto Clef to someone who in the space of three years became a well-respected violist around Hobart and Australia. Jo got my career going and I thank her from the bottom of my heart for everything she has done and continues to do for me. The Conservatorium is a music school and performance space; can you tell us more about the activities that happen here? Here at the Coffs Con we have Early Childhood Music classes, Conservatorium Youth Orchestra, Choirs, our Studio Band and the Academy program, guitar ensembles, one on one lessons and a professional concert series. Never a dull moment! What does the support of the Coffs community mean to you, and how can people get involved? Music education is such an important part of our lives, with so many benefits for learning and everyday life. It’s a fantastic feeling knowing that our work at the Coffs Con is appreciated and supported. If you would like to get involved, come and see our list of available classes, upcoming concerts and
WHAT’S ON events, or simply pop in and say hi! The Conservatorium has been abuzz lately - literally! What changes have been made? Isn’t it great? I believe one major change has been the Coffs Con Youth Orchestra. This humble group started with 11 students and has now grown to around 30. Their passion and pure enjoyment is utterly infectious, and it sure makes the Coffs Con a happy and exciting place to be!
Sunday Series Concert 3, Arcadia Winds. Sunday, June 17, 3pm. Coffs Harbour Regional Conservatorium. Tickets available via our website at coffscon. org.au as well as our Facebook page.
Coffs Con Youth Orchestra and Academy in concert with special guests, Minitones and Microtones choirs and the BDC orchestra ... The Coffs Con Youth Orchestra and the Academy join forces with the BDC orchestra to present a stunning evening of passion and enthusiasm! We will be joined by the wonderful Minitones and Microtones, who are sure to get you singing along. Thursday, June 21, 7pm. Coffs Harbour Regional Conservatorium. Tickets via coffscon.org.au as well as our Facebook page.
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DAN Sultan
KILLER SOLO TOUR
After his highly acclaimed “Killer” record, Dan Sultan is on the road showcasing a stripped back version of the record at regional shows all over Australia. FOCUS chatted to him pending his appearance here on the Coffs Coast …
H
i Dan. You’ve just released your a show and spent a few days trekking through newest body of work, Killer Ungorges and having a swim and hanging out. It der a Blood Moon. what was the was pretty special. inspiration behind and concept This tour just sees you, your guitar, piano of this release? Good question. I ... how are you enjoying the stripped back didn’t want to spend another year without somevibe? It’s pretty nice. I like playing with the band thing out there, so we were talking about doing absolutely, but what I love about playing these an EP, even though I only just did an alstripped back shows are the early evebum last year. This idea came up to nings. I’m off stage by 10pm and work with some mates and have I’m home and in my trackies a real go. It all came around THERE ARE shortly after. The tour goes really quickly; it doesn’t even A LOT OF until the end of July; it’s a N feel like a release for me. PLACES WE CA long tour, but it’s spread
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Who did you collaborate with on this EP? Camp Cope, Meg Mac, Dave Le’aupepe from Gang of Youths and A.B Original.
GET TO SOLO THAT WE CAN’T GET TO WITH A BAND, JUST ” LOGISTICALLY.
What is the feedback you’ve received so far? It’s been great, here and overseas as well. We’ve recently signed a deal out of New York covering Europe and North America. It’s hard to get much of a look in when Courtney Barnett released her album on the same day (laughs) which is great, and it’s an awesome record! You’re currently on a massive solo tour. Where have been some of the highlights or places you hadn’t visited before? There are a lot of places we can get to solo that we can’t get to with a band, just logistically. I’ve just been in the East Kimberely Ranges for five days; I played 34 Coffs Coast focus
out pretty well, so I do two or three days away and then I’m home for the rest of the week.
And you’ll be visiting us here along the way? I’ve played there a few times, but it’s been a while since I’ve been back. It’s a beautiful part of the world, as you know. What’s your next project? At the moment I’m just focusing on the tour; we will wait and see … Thanks Dan.
Dan Sultan - Killer Solo Tour; showing: Wednesday 20 June at 8pm. Tickets $43; price includes booking fee. jettytheatre.com or dansultan.com
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Australia’s largest comedy festival is packing up and ready to roll! Join the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow as it journeys to Coffs Harbour, home-delivering hot and tasty comic treats. Cal Wilson heads the all-star line up, so join us when this bounty of belly laughs rolls into the Jetty Theatre on Thurs 21 and Fri 22 June.
CAL C W ILSON
COMEDY ROADSHOW TO
PA C K A P U N C H I N C O F F S
al Wilson came across the Tasman in 2003 and has gone on to become one of our most popular comedians, a perennial favourite on television shows such as Have You Been Paying Attention?, Spicks and Specks, Good News Week and Thank God You’re Here. Her stand up shows are as engaging as they are hilarious, often bringing the audience’s stories to life alongside her own. Cal earned herself a seat in one of Australia’s most sought after writer’s rooms at the ABC for The Weekly with Charlie Pickering, where she returned for its first two seasons, until she landed one of her dream jobs as an ensemble cast member in Whose Line Is It Anyway? alongside some of the country’s brightest improvisers. In 2017, Cal returned to the stage with Things I’ve Never Said, which drew sold out crowds to comedy festivals around Australia, appeared at the prestigious
Melbourne International Comedy Festival Gala and returned as live host for smash hit story telling show The Moth and their regular monthly shows. So Cal, tell us what you know of Coffs Harbour? That you have a Big Banana, with “The Big Banana” written on it (presumably so tourists don’t think that’s the usual size of a Coffs Harbour banana, thus preventing disappointment at the supermarket). You navigated the Tasman in 2003. What key differences in humour do you see between Australia and NZ, and has it changed? Australians laugh more at my accent. New Zealanders don’t know I have an accent. What's your secret for making people laugh? Writing jokes. Or accidentally tripping over. I’m pretty clumsy, so odds on, the show will have both. Tell us about some of the best and awful decisions that you've made?
At the time it seemed like the best red, black, and blonde striped long hair in the nineties. Looking back, it was awful. Mind you, right now I have short red and purple hair, so ask me again in 20 years. You're a new addition to the crayon box. What colour would you be and why? Purrquoise. Which is turquoise, but for Cat Ladies. Take your seat at the Jetty Theatre in June to catch Cal and other fantastic funny-makers. Check out Bob Franklin, Gillian Cosgriff, Sharul Channa and Tom Cashman! Pack your laughing gear and get on board the Roadshow!
Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow When 21st and 22nd June. Tickets www.jettytheatre.com or by calling our Box Office on 6648 4930.
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3 bears
GONSKI 2.0 What does it all mean? W I T H
B D C
P R I N C I P A L
N I C K
J O H N S T O N E
“Through Growth to Achievement” the Commonwealth commissioned review into Australian schools, headed by David Gonski (referred to as Gonski 2.0 in the media) delivered the final report to the Prime Minister, the Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP and Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham, Minister for Education and Training, on 28 March 2018. Since then there has been a fever of critique into these recommendations. The Sydney Morning Herald has branded the “Gonski 2.0 as a fail”. An ABC Opinion piece showed concern for teachers, stating that “Gonski 2.0 would overburden already stretched teachers”. Kevin Donnelly, prominent academic at the Australian Catholic University, and education writer at The Australian, is concerned that Gonski 2.0 would dumb down the curriculum. I don’t share these reservations. The international data supports the need for action. We do live in a global marketplace and there are significant pressures placed on our future workforce that need to be addressed. The old industrial system of education does not meet the diverse workforce needs of the 21st Century. The Gonski report recognises this and looks at a raft of recommendations. Gonski notes that students will learn successfully if they are taught at an appropriate level. Students benefit from working in an environment with the right amount of challenge. Too easy or too difficult, and they will disengage. The Australian Curriculum holds teachers to tight year level based educational parameters. Teachers are expected to deliver the same year-level curriculum to all students in that year level, with assessment and reporting based on this limiting factor. This model seems logical, but is less and less effective the older the students become. Gonski recommends that schools break from this mould and teach students against a knowledge and skills continuum. Proficiency levels unrelated to students’ ages or year levels would be developed. This would be a difficult transition, as most parents and teachers would look for a standard to compare their child against. This continuum would be developed through a personalised student learning plan and assessed through current assessment methods, togeth-
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image of the month. Title: Urunga Wetlands. Photo by: Sarah Faux. Camera: Samsung Galaxy S8. Taken a great photo of our local area? Like to see it published in FOCUS for the world to see? Just email nicole@focusmag.com.au
er with the recommended online diagnostic assessment tools. This process would remove the need for paper driven NAPLAN style testing, but would follow the online differentiation style of NAPLAN that is being suggested and is being rolled out nationally from 2018. Gonski has also recommended that all Australian students are allocated a unique student identifier, like a tax file number, for students. This number would travel with the student if they moved schools or even states. The number would provide access to the student’s learning progressions and other diagnostic information for their new school. In conclusion, the Gonski 2.0 report recommendations are not new to teachers or principals. The report has collated a number of state systemic requirements, teacher unions’ suggestions and principal forum suggestions. Many of these recommendations are based on a more holistic view of education. The idea that early intervention is key to improved reading, writing and arithmetic development; the notion that supported and professional teachers are more effective educators; and the view that students should be trackable across the country with respect to their attendance and educational outcomes; are not new ideas. Thank you, David Gonski! The next step though, is change management for this process. Teachers, in particular, are change weary with respect to the next “big thing” in education, so careful implementation of these changes is essential to their effectiveness and longevity. Source: https://docs.education.gov.au/system/files/doc/ other/662684_tgta_accessible_final_0.pdf
of The • LEMON THINGY •
Fresh on the cocktail menu at Element Bar on the Coffs Jetty Strip is this zesty little winter warmer. With a delicious sweet and sour balance of citrus infused vodka, fresh lemon juice, triple sec, lemon liqueur, egg white and grapefruit bitters, then topped off with their own special lemon sherbet, this absolute gem is certain to have your lips puckered and your inside nicely warmed up!
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COFFS HARBOUR WHAT’S NEXT AT YOUR GALLERY? REGIONAL REGIONAL CHECK OUT THE CALENDAR GALLERY FOR JULY–DECEMBER 2018 M
13 JULY – 8 SEPTEMBER DAVID FAIRBAIRN \ DRAWN TO PRINT ALEPH GEDDIS \ HARD/SOFT 2018 OPENING NIGHT \ FRIDAY 13 JULY 6–8PM
An exhibition of David Fairbairn’s large scale portraiture. From the etched line, the face and personality of each subject is revealed.
14 SEPTEMBER – 10 NOVEMBER CLAY INTERSECTIONS \
Clay Intersections is an ADC On Tour national touring exhibition that highlights the work of eight contemporary makers selected for their diverse approaches to their ceramic practice.
The sculptural works of Aleph Geddis live at the intersection of traditional methods and geometric forms, informed by the carving techniques of his origins in the Pacific Northwest (USA).
David Fairbairn \ Large Head G.E No.1 2016
Aleph Geddis \ VCF 14.24.00 2017
Kenji Uranishi \ Momentary (installation view) 2015 Photography: Carl Warner
OPEN TUESDAY—SATURDAY \ 10AM—4PM FREE ADMISSION CLOSED PUBLIC HOLIDAYS AND DURING THE WEEK PRIOR TO EXHIBITION OPENINGS COFFS HARBOUR REGIONAL GALLERY RIGBY HOUSE \ CNR COFF & DUKE STREETS \ COFFS HARBOUR
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16 NOVEMBER – 25 JANUARY OPEN HOUSE \
ADC ON TOUR: AN AUSTRALIAN DESIGN CENTRE NATIONAL TOURING EXHIBITION OPENING NIGHT \ FRIDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 6–8PM
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3RD TAMWORTH TEXTILE TRIENNIAL OPENING NIGHT \ FRIDAY 16 NOVEMBER 6–8PM
Open House: Tamworth Textile Triennial celebrates the open-ended nature of textile practice today. Through the processes of creating, talking and exhibiting, artists come together with communities as equal participants in an “open house” where all ideas and responses are welcome.
Ema Shin \ Devoted Body (detail) 2017 \ Photography: Oleksandr Pogorilyi
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au/subscribe FOLLOW US coffsharbourregionalgallery 02 6648 4863
gallery@chcc.nsw.gov.au
coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au/gallery
Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery is a cultural facility of Coffs Harbour City Council.
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focusinterview.
Burn Cultural
FOCUS caught up with Rachael Cavanagh, ABORIGINAL PARTNERSHIPS LEADER WITH FORESTRY CORPORATION TO DISCUSS THE RECENT CULTURAL BURN THAT FORESTRY CORPORATION carried out with the Gumbyanggirr community at Niigi Niigi, or Sealy Lookout.
W
hat is a Cultural Burn? First Nations People of Australia have been using Traditional Cultural Burning Practices to manage land and Country for millennia. There are many layers attached to Cultural Burning Methods; some of these were used for Ceremony, hunting and gathering and to manage country keeping it healthy and safe. Traditional Cultural Burning is carried out through cool burns, using spot ignition through a mosaic pattern. This allows for our wildlife to be able to move freely and carefully away from the fire, protects the top soil and promotes grasses and bush tucker. Traditional Cultural Burning reduces fuel loads and more importantly maintains the health of Country and forests. What is the significance of a Cultural Burn in current land management practices? For far too long burning practices have been about hazard reduction and asset protection, and being able to implement Traditional Cultural Burning methods in managing Country is vital to keep forests healthy. After wildfire you can see the damage it does to the bush and wildlife, and it takes a long time for the bush to recover. Also, due to the lack of the right type 38 Coffs Coast focus
of burning that’s frequent and mild, we are seeing forests across the state becoming sick. As research states and history shows, using these methods ensure that the ecology is balanced. These practices are part of the deep understanding and knowledge of Country by Aboriginal peoples. Being able to engage the local Aboriginal community back out on Country to practice their traditional obligations as the Traditional Custodians is crucial. This empowers local communities, improving the overall health and wellbeing of people and Country. Can you tell us about the Cultural Burn that happened at Niigi Niigi, Sealy Lookout, and how that came about? On the 8th May, in partnership with the wider Gumbaynggirr community, Coffs Harbour and District Local Aboriginal Land Council, Bularri Muurlay Nyanggan, we started our Cultural Burning at Niigi Niigi or Sealy Lookout. The community led partnership started with a traditional performance and Welcome to County by the local Gumbaynggirr people. Uncle Bing, a respected local Elder, then used traditional fire sticks to light the fire. We all conversed and watched the fire slowly move through the bush. The partnership was successful due to the community engagement, with lots of planning and the fact that community from all ages were helping. It was fantastic
to see the transfer of knowledge and stories, knowledge between and the burn at Niigi ONE OF OUR TEAM’S generations. Niigi was a great example GOALS IS TO RETURN THE One of the reasons where we all shared and COMMUNITY BACK TO THE this burn is important is had a great day. BUSH AND RETURN THE that we know the hills What are the future BUSH TO THE PEOPLE, AND traditionally were burnt plans for Cultural BurnWE CAN ONLY DO THIS IF regularly, as the name Niing on State Forests? OUR PARTNERSHIPS WITH igi Niigi in Gumbaynggirr We are currently planCOMMUNITY ARE STRONG. language means charred ning a number of joint charred, and it was great burns we hope to deliver to bring traditional practhis year, if not the next. tice back to this area. The Cultural Burning proTell me about the partnerships with comgram is in its infancy, so we are all still learning munity and why they are important. and working out how to best implement these Community engagement is essential for the methods. We need to follow our organisation’s successful outcomes of our partnerships. It is policies and procedures around safety and important that community is involved in the regulation, so we are still finding our way in planning and has control of the decision-makhow we can burn with community in a conteming, as they hold the knowledge to their porary style. With the bush being sick and with Country. This ensures that we deliver culturally high fuel loads, Cultural Burns need to be fluid appropriate partnerships and outcomes specific and specific to each area to help get Country to each community we work with. back right again. A key part of what we do is maintaining I hope in the near future we will be regularly genuine relationships with community to mainengaging Aboriginal Communities to help tain our partnerships. One of our team’s goals safely manage State Forests using traditional is to return the community back to the bush fire techniques, providing local employment for and return the bush to the people, and we can our communities and allowing for the traditiononly do this if our partnerships with community al connections to Country to be maintained. are strong. It’s about having fun too, sharing Thanks Rachael.
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H
i Rhianon. Can you briefly describe the event? The inaugural Coffs Harbour Skate, Ink & Rhyme Festival is an event celebrating the culture behind skateboarding, tattoo body art and music. The day will be jam packed with fun for the whole family - live music, skateboarding and graffiti. We have a range of selected tattoo artists performing body art on the day, retail/food vendors, children’s entertainment and much more.
COFFS HARBOUR SKATE, I N K & R H Y M E F E S T I VA L
RHIANON TAYLOR
The Inaugural Coffs Harbour Skate, Ink & Rhyme Festival is a cultural gathering of everything art. This event will be made up of local and travelling tattoo artists, musicians, graffiti artists, skateboarders and lots more. FOCUS had a chat to event organiser Rhianon Taylor, to find out more …
Where did the idea for the event come from? Having travelled to many different tattoo, music and skateboarding events around Australia, I always wondered if we could have a similar event here in Coffs Harbour. We had everything here to put such an event together - Coffs is a very cultural town, we have so many talented people here, so it all just made sense. So I started looking into all the nitty grittys to put on this event. With lots of hard work and the support of the Council and local business, we are just under four weeks away from festival day! Who are some of the tattoo artists we can look forward to seeing? We have 25 tattoo artists coming along to this event, all specialising in different areas of art. We have the Samsara Tattoo Studio team coming along, Miss Knees will be present - she has been a huge support for this event. It’s her artwork you see on all the flyers. We have Absolute Tattoo Studio bringing along artists from both their Woolgoolga and Kingscliff studios, such as Cameron Schenk and Shaun Misfud. The guys from Squall and Anchor in Yamba will be present, along with artists from Brisbane
Body Art and Impact Tattoos Newcastle. Come along, get tattooed on the day, choose from a range of talented artists - these artists will have flash designs on display for you to choose from and get tattooed and a special event rate. Who are some of the music acts and attractions people can look forward to seeing? We have a talented range of popular and local artists with plenty more to be announced. Jacquie Lomas will be one of the headliners at the event. We have bands such as Son of Jaguar and Matty Effie Morrison; an acoustic act, Handasyd Williams; and a Welcome Ceremony to respect and teach us about the Gumbayngirr lands we call home. Pops Good Skate Store will have a skate ramp performing live demonstrations and workshops. We have respected graffiti artists painting two vans live, and these vans will be on display. Dunghutti Creations will be hand painting a skateboard deck live; this will be raffled off at the end of the day. We will be running tattoo competitions; we have 20 trophies up for grabs. Enter your body artwork, and may the best tattoo win. We'll run our first ever “Miss Skate, Ink and Rhyme” tattoo model search. We have nine beautiful women taking to the stage to compete for the title. Be sure to check out the expo stage, for circus acts, dance performances and lots more. Is the event child friendly? The event is child friendly; children under five are free. Jumping castles and face painting will be present at the event. This is a fun day for the whole family. More info? Find out more on our Facebook page: Coffs Harbour Skate, Ink & Rhyme Festival and Instagram @skateinkrhymefestival
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Coffs Harbour Creative Arts Group Do you want to paint … to draw … and enjoy other creative arts? Coffs Harbour Creative Arts Group Showground Gallery and Workshop is home to a community of artists with diverse interests who meet to learn, experience and enjoy a variety of artistic pursuits and social interaction. Classes and workshops are held throughout the year, with experienced and visiting tutors in acrylics, pastels, drawing, life drawing, watercolours, fibre arts, spinning and weaving, calligraphy, art classes for kids, photography and more. There are social days too, where artists just meet and work together in a friendly, enjoyable atmosphere. You don’t have to be an experienced artist to join in, we encourage beginners … it’s where we all started! In our gallery, we hold members’ and solo exhibitions and social functions as an active part of the local art community. Upcoming workshops: Four-day Pastel Workshop, Animals and Portraits with fabulous New Zealand tutor Maxine Thompson 14,15,16,17 June. Two-day Watercolour/Mixed Media Workshop, “Turning Negatives into Positives”, with Ivinnie Brown - 9 and 10 July. One-day Oriental Brush Painting with Rikki Allsop - 1 October. Hot off the press ... BAF - Budding Arts Visual and Performing Arts Festival - three days of drama, musical theatre, dance, painting, caricatures and printmaking for seven to 16 year olds - 8, 9, 10 October.
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Bello Winter Music BELLO WINTER MUSIC festival presents a heart-warming selection of acts to bring alive the picturesque town of Bellingen during the coldest months of the year. Each year the line up showcases a sensational mix of local, national and global acts, and 2018 will be no different. Big acts include Justin Townes Earle (US), Lior, Deborah Conway & Willy Zeigler, Z-Star Trinity (UK) to name a mere few. But the festival is not only about the world class music; it uses existing infrastructure within the town, reinforcing the community vibe and reflecting the sustainability consciousness of the organisers. It also runs Bellingen LeaF - a sustainability focused program of timetabled workshops available at no extra cost to festival goers. The street parade will again take place on festival Sunday, and it has quickly become a festival favourite, as has the festival market place and various street performances. The coveted Youth Mentorship Program delights and surprises all who are lucky enough to witness these young aspiring musicians, who are given a mentorship opportunity with an established artist, as well as a chance to perform on the bill in front of a festival audience. Bello Winter Music really does have something for everyone and is the perfect excuse to get away for a weekend and shake off the winter blues. www.bellowintermusic.com 12 - 15 July 2018.
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H SIMON whittaker E N V O G U E W E D D I N G & P OR T R A I T
FOCUS HAD A CHAT WITH SIMON WHITTAKER FROM EN VOGUE WEDDING & PORTRAIT ABOUT HIS LIFE AND LOVE FOR PHOTOGRAPHY.
i Simon. Congratulations on your new business! Tell us about your journey to this point in your career. Whilst I have been around photography all my life, it was something I started to take more seriously after finishing over a decade as a Paramedic, and it has moved to a full-time career. I have been lucky enough to be mentored by some brilliant photographers and they have really encouraged me to specialise and create a business that can grow with a name that captures my style. I have been heavily influenced by Magnum Photos’ photographers over the years, and I suppose the name is a bit of a tip of the hat to that.
there are many others in my Instagram feed whose
What inspired you to become a professional photographer? My father was a successful press and commercial photographer, and I spent a lot of time accompanying him on shoots and in the darkroom developing film growing up. I really enjoyed the creative challenges that photography presents ... it’s so much more than pointing a camera and pushing a button; it’s about being able to tell the literal 1,000 word story in one image, and it is harder than people think.
work is portraiture, weddings, family portraits,
Who’s been your inspiration? I’ve found inspiration from a wide variety of photographers, people like Jean Loup Sieff, Karsch, Wim Wenders and modern photographers like Steve Scalone, Rocco Ancora and Ryan Schembri - in saying that,
How can people learn more and get in touch?
work I love too. What advice do you have for anyone seeking a professional photographer? Avoid going cheap - especially for weddings. Your wedding photographer makes the time capsule that you and your family will look back on for generations to come; they are the ones who are going to record the beautiful details of your dress, makeup, flowers and the memories of friends and family, and just one incorrect setting on a camera can irretrievably ruin so many important photos. What services do you offer? The bulk of my events and such - I enjoy the challenge of trying to capture people in a natural and faithful way, rather than just a “stand there and smile” manner. Funnily enough, I hate having my photograph taken, so it has given me an understanding of what it is like on the other side of the lens. This experience has helped me learn ways to get people to relax and enjoy the process. Probably the best way is to check out my website www.evwp.com.au or call me on 0434 214 504. I’m always more than happy to talk to people about their needs and ideas.
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ANS NING E TO ME THE LE PIRES .
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B E LLO W I NT E R FE S T I V A L
cAiti Baker
SASSY SONGSTRESS CAITI BAKER IS ONE OF THE MUST SEE TALENTS ON THIS YEAR'S BELLO WINTER FESTIVAL BILL. FOCUS CHATTED TO CAITI ABOUT HER LOVE OF MUSIC, INFLUENCES AND HER UPCOMING PERFORMANCE.
bello music MEETING FANS AND LEARNING E ABOUT A PLAC TO T N TA R PO IS IM E ME. IT HELPS MTHE D N A ST UNDER E WORLD A LITTL IRES SP IN MORE AND .” ME TO CREATE
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T
ell us about your history with music; what are your first memories? I’m lucky to have been born because of music. My dad, a blues musician, met my mum through her blues harmonica playing brother in the Adelaide music scene. My earliest memories are music - either my dad playing it, attending gigs or festivals, or listening to it anywhere in the house or car. I have so many memories; I wouldn’t know where to begin! And when did it become apparent to you that it was something you wanted to spend your life doing? As a pre-teen, I became obsessed with Aaliyah, Missy Elliott, Wu Tang Clan, Jay Z, Fiona Apple and the Spice Girls. I loved singing and started writing my own songs around the age of 12. Watching my dad live the life of a musician was sobering; the late nights, dealing with eclectic personalities, drunks in pubs, being responsible and accountable for the band, the instruments and chasing up gigs and the money you might make - it all looked too stressful. I didn’t actively seek a life as a musician. I just don’t think I really had a choice. I studied Graphic Design and became a full-time designer, but it definitely wasn’t my purpose. I was good at it, but it wasn’t my calling. I met James Mangohig through a high school friend and we clicked musically immediately, and from then I knew I could do it. Who are your musical influences? So very many! Let me start, of course, with Big Mama Thornton, Irma Thomas, Etta James, Aretha
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Franklin, Little Walter, Junior Wells, Bobby Blue Bland, Ike and Tina Turner, Bessie Smith, Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Jimi Hendrix, Little Richard, Chuck Berry. Koko Taylor… then I would say Aaliyah, Missy Elliott, Timberland, Lauryn Hill, Faith Evans, Leela James, Fiona Apple … the list goes on! How would you describe your sonic vibe? The music from my debut album ZINC I would describe as rusty blues meets driving hip hop laced with warm R&B and New Jack Swing! How was ZINC received when you released it last year? By industry means, it’s been received amazingly well - I got four stars from Rolling Stone, themusic.com.au and The Australian, all with super nice write ups about it. It’s also been nominated for an Aus Indie Air Award in the Blues and Roots Category, which is super humbling! I’ve definitely gained new fans, and the people who find me through Spotify or Apple Music or anywhere really, who reach out, always have nice things to say! It’s a nice feeling that’s encouraging and validating. It’s what I wanna do for the rest of my life, and I count myself grateful and humbled to be given the opportunity. We are excited to have you on the line up for this year's Bellingen Winter Music Festival. What are you looking forward to about playing this gig? First of all, that I get to play twice and spend at
least two days in Bellingen. It’s gorgeous country, and I love meeting people from the region. Meeting fans and learning about a place is important to me. It helps me understand the world a little more and inspires me to create. What have you got planned for the next 12 months? I’m currently in the UK beginning my career here - getting the ball rolling, I guess! When I get back, I’ll be heading to Barunga - an incredible community festival that I attend every year in my home territory - the NT, 3.5 hours' drive south of Darwin. I can’t recommend a trip to this festival enough! I’ll be doing a national tour with The Teskey Brothers in June, Bello in July of course, then I’ll be locking myself in the studio to write album number two! And the cycle begins again! And lastly, where can our readers go to follow your journey and keep in touch? Social media of course! I’m on instagram @caitibakermusic, Facebook and twitter caitibakermusic, and YouTube - caitibaker. I have a website also - caitibaker.com Thanks Caiti.
plug! Catch Caiti at this year's Bello Winter Music Festival,12 - 15 July. www.bellowintermusic.com
A RT S & C U LT U R E F E AT U R E
Coffs Eisteddfod V AN E S S A C R O S S L E Y
THE COFFS EISTEDDFOD IS IN ITS 46TH YEAR AND IS ONE OF THE LONGEST RUNNING CULTURAL EVENTS IN OUR AREA. WE SPOKE TO VANESSA CROSSLEY ABOUT WHAT’S INVOLVED IN MAKING THE EVENT COME TO LIFE EACH YEAR AND WHY IT’S SUCH A SPECIAL EVENT FOR OUR YOUTH TO BE A PART OF ...
H
i Vanessa. Tell us a little about your relationship to the Coffs Coast. I grew up in Woolgoolga, moving there as a two year old and completing my schooling at Woolgoolga Primary and High Schools. I then spent five years in Brisbane completing my nursing training, but moved back here in 1993 and have been here ever since. Our local area is a perfect place to raise children - great schools, great climate and close enough to Sydney and Brisbane to still be able to have a weekend away. How many children attend the Eisteddfod, and where do they travel from? Taking into account several large group events, school choirs, high school drama and dance groups, at least two thousand children will attend the event. School Choirs Day had over 700 children present last year, and this year has grown in size and will be run over two days. The Dance Groups weekend, including school dance groups, has hundreds of dancers attending over the June long weekend. Entrants come from not only the local performance studios, but from the Gold Coast, Port Macquarie, Taree, Grafton, Lismore and Kempsey, to name a few. Who are some of the professionals you have coming to the 2018 Eisteddfod? Each year we source adjudicators who are experts in their field, to provide the entrants with constructive and nurturing advice and to judge the winners of each section. This year we have the following adjudicators
attending: MARYAN PASS - Dance Adjudicator Maryan Pass trained in Sydney and in the United States; she trained in all genres of dance, studying EDTA, RAD and Cecchetti. CLAIRE HAYWOOD - Dance Adjudicator Born into a dance and theatre family, Claire has been involved in the live entertainment industry her whole life. She has trained in various styles of dance, including Classical, Contemporary, Tap, Jazz, Commercial, Hip Hop, Acrobatics and Cheerleading. DR KERRY VANN - Piano Adjudicator Kerry Vann is a versatile musician who maintains a busy schedule teaching piano, singing, percussion and theory. She is an examiner in music and regularly travels throughout Australia and Asia examining and adjudicating. ANNE WHALE - Vocal and Drama Adjudicator Anne Whale is an experienced and dedicated teacher who lives and teaches in the Hunter Valley, where she runs a private studio specialising in piano and singing. She is proficient in assessment of performances of a wide range of instruments, including voice, piano, violin, cello, guitar and piano accordion. She has also taught the Speech and Drama Syllabus for Trinity College, London, and has conducted school and community choirs. MERRYL LLOYD - School Drama Adjudicator Merryl has an Associate and Licentiate Diploma through Australian Guild of Music and Speech and is an accredited Examiner
for the IMEB and is Why do you It is the longest running cultural and also a member of the think it so bour event in Coffs Har unity for board. She has also an important it is a great opport honorary Fellowship to keep the entrants through the IMEB for Eisteddfod her contribution to going? It Speech and Drama It is d an e nc de nfi through her career as a important to co es promot s.” ip sh nd ie fr teacher. keep the event g on lifel CHARLOTTE HAYES running, as it is Instrumental Adjudicator the longest running Charlotte completed her cultural event in Coffs musical training with two degrees Harbour and it is a great in Musical Performance by the age opportunity for entrants to of twenty. Her professional career, as a perform in a safe, nurturing and Cellist, commenced with the New Zealand friendly environment. It promotes Symphony Orchestra. confidence and lifelong friendships. It also What is the preparation like in the lead brings a lot of visitors to Coffs Harbour over up to the Eisteddfod? a four week period. Preparation starts off slowly around Why is the Coffs Coast such an attractive September, when we start to plan the location for this event? initial parts such as booking venues, setting Aside from all the great things about Coffs dates for the next Eisteddfod and locking Harbour, our location is a selling point, as we in our adjudicators. By January we have our are between major centres such as Sydney, schedules in place, which are then available Newcastle and Brisbane, so it is central via the STARDOM website for entrants to location for competitors who may not want place their entries. to travel to a large city Eisteddfod. We are Entries close by late March, when the real also in our 46th year, so have an established rush begins to format the program and send reputation for being a high quality event. it out to entrants and start the lead in to the Where can we find out some more actual event. The weeks leading up to the information about the event? event are pretty crazy, with a lot of enquiries Visit our website for information regarding from competitors, teachers and accompanists the Eisteddfod and if you would like to be a and all the last minute jobs such as setting volunteer: coffseisteddfod.org.au up the venue, having pianos tuned, programs The Eisteddfod is open to the public if printed and volunteers in place for all the anyone would like to come and watch. jobs on the day. Thanks Vanessa.
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to perform ing in a safe, ndulyrtur and frien ent. environm
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A RT S & C U LT U R E F E AT U R E
off the
Rayles IF YOU’RE PARTIAL TO A GOOD CURRY, THEN KEEP READING ... MEET RAYLES, THE BRAINS BEHIND CURRY PACKS “OFFTHERAYLES” ... SHE SHARES WITH FOCUS HER LOVE OF FOOD AND JUST HOW EASY IT IS TO WHIP UP A DELICIOUS CURRY WITH MINIMAL EFFORT.
Y
ou’re an avid foodie and a lover of Indian cuisine in particular. Tell us about your venture, “Offtherayles”. What inspired you to take your passion for cooking to the next level and make it your bread and butter? My love of Indian food began with a trip to India with a friend some 30 years ago. The house cook taught me how to make a basic curry paste, which I have been tweaking ever since. When I moved to Port Macquarie approx. eight years ago, I was bringing spices from Sydney by the kilo and packing them into meal sized portions for freshness and convenience. After 30 years in QANTAS corporate, I took a redundancy package and found myself three years later with time on my hands and needing an income. Friends suggested I should sell my curry packs, and it just grew from there … offtherayles@hotmail.com has been my email for over 20 years and it often got a giggle when I gave it, so I always thought it would be a cool business name. I just didn’t know what the biz would be! Give us the back story of your spice blends. How did you come up with the recipes, and what names have you aptly called your creations? The “Rogue n Spice” was the original blend that I learnt from Pradeeb in a tiny kitchen all these years ago. It is most like Rogan Josh, so I wanted people to make that connection; it is a really easily adaptable
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blend, very easy to tweak to different meats and tastes … The “Butter me up” is easily recognised as butter chicken flavour and knowing how popular it is in Australia with families, I was determined to show that it has its place as an authentic curry (without chilli). So many people have it from a jar, which of course doesn’t have the therapeutic qualities of fresh spice - not to mention the nasty additives. “Dahl Darl?” just comes naturally off the tongue. I’ve always made Dahl for friends and of course, the question has always been: ”Dahl Darl?” Cute and catchy … “Findaloo” - do I need to explain? OK, I will ... Usually when there is a discussion around curry, a toilet reference will come up (especially from a male - never too old for a loo joke, right!). With Vindaloo being a very spicy blend, it just seemed appropriate. How did you perfect your blends? It must have been a lengthy process … Trial and error - the Rogue n spice and Dahl Darl? were long time hits with family and friends, so no tweaking required there. Butter me up - I did some reseach online and found what the key flavours were and basically added them to the mix - took the chiili out and whilst talking to my Indian spice wholesaler, Les, I asked him in his humble opinion what makes a butter chicken taste like butter chicken. He said, “There is one very special and secret ingredient that only restaurants know - not even Pete Evans knows of it!” I bribed him to tell me! It’s in the pack. I gave some packs to a few friends with kids to sample, and with just a minor
tweak or two it was declared a success! In January this year we expanded our Findaloo - I knew that our local barber, brand to the Coffs Coast, and the locals are Jimbo, was a fan of spicy food, so when I loving our products. We have even started was looking for a sampler, I went to him. sourcing our spices from Woolgoolga, My first batch was declared “mild”, so after keeping it local as much as possible. We another couple of heaped spoons of very hot have a stall at Bellingen’s monthly markets chilli powder, it had the desired effect ... and also a weekly stall at the Coffs a thumbs up from Jimbo and his Jetty markets every Sunday. team! We have a great little team How easy is it to make consisting of Mandy p ee st a one of your curries? Trees, Jesse Wills and on I’m My curries are super Maddie Wood, who learning curve at plan easy to make. I get a lot are all thrilled to be the moment and rries on getting the cu as I of feedback from men sharing the yummy out there as muchking saying they wouldn’t healthy offtherayles can …We are wor ently, usually cook a curry, with the Coffs on a website curr able but mine are as easy as Harbour region. be and people will and authentic tasting. .” Where can e. to buy onlin I have done the hard we sample and part for you by portioning purchase? out the spices. It is curry in Samples of the Dahl Darl? a hurry - frying the onion, garlic, and Butter me up are available ginger at a high temp, adding the whole at our local market stalls. spices, cooking them through, then Bellingen Markets - 3rd Saturday adding the tomatoes and ground spices of each month and weekly at Coffs Jetty and cooking them through. That’s it - no Markets - every Sunday. grinding! That’s your paste made. At that You can also purchase by contacting me point you decide whether to marinate your directly on FB or phone - 0422 226 823. meat, pan cook or use a slow cooker or The following Coffs Coast businesses are pressure cooker. stocking offtherayles: The point of difference of offtherayles curry Rafas Café - Corindi; is that it’s quick and easy, but there’s enough Ground Earth Café - Woolgoolga. interaction for you to feel proud that you We would love to hear from any other local have created an authentic super tasty and cafés or busineses who would be interested healthy meal. in stocking our packs, especially in Bellingen, What have you planned for the next 12 Sawtell and Coffs Central. months with offtherayles? Thanks Rayles.
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Designed by Jess Jess Watters, a local clinical psychologist, has started her own graphic design business. When did you become interested in graphic design? I have been keen on design since high school. I used to spend ages creating elaborate headings for school and for fun! Do you think your psychology skills cross over to graphic design? Absolutely! Good design involves good communication. Communicating the idea between client and designer, and then communicating that idea to the end customer. Design is also based on psychological principles, like colour theory and the rule of thirds. What kind of design work do you do? Logos, websites, business cards, photography and more! I want to help businesses reach their customers through beautiful, quality and functional designs, while still being cost effective. How can people find you? A good place to start is my website - www.designedbyjess.com There you can view my work, download free photography and contact me. You give your photos away for free? I do! My photographs have been viewed over 50 million times, downloaded over 250,000 times and used on 12,000 websites!
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Coffs
GIG
June.
GUIDE
1ST JUNE
Mighty Ocean - Element Bar Sarah Leete + DJ Rjay - Hoey Moey Club Retro Fridays With DJ Flak3y & DJ Bisho - Coast Hotel The Funk Thieves - Seaview Tavern Hoodoo Gurus & You Am I - C.Ex Coffs John Curtin - Sawtell Rsl
2ND JUNE
Owen Shannon - Element Bar DJ Bisho - Hoey Moey One Night Stand & DJ Rjay - Coast Hotel Sarah Leete - Seaview Tavern Willy Wag Tail - Sawtell Rsl
3RD JUNE
Billie-jo Porter - Element Bar Electrik Lemonade - Hoey Moey Wayne Rogers- Sawtell Rsl
8TH JUNE
Chris Grieve - Element Bar Scott Day-vee + DJ Lotek Hifi Hoey Moey Club Retro Fridays With DJ Flak3y & DJ Bisho - Coast Hotel Matty Devitt Band - Seaview Tavern Alex Williamson - C.Ex Coffs Vera Beach - Sawtell Rsl
9TH JUNE
Dean Sharkey - Element Bar DJ Lotek Hifi - Hoey Moey Pink Zinc & DJ Rjay - Coast Hotel
10TH JUNE
Megan Core - Element Bar Lisa Hunt & Forever Soul - Hoey Moey Samantha Shirley - Sawtell Rsl
13TH JUNE
6TH JUNE
Vena Klymo - Element Bar
7TH JUNE
Yhan Leal - Element Bar
Jess Swilks - Element Bar
Peter Barry - Element Bar
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14TH JUNE
15TH JUNE
Josh Matheson - Element Bar D Boyzos + DJ Lotek Hifi - Hoey Moey Club Retro Fridays With Dj Joe & Dj Bisho - Coast Hotel Who’s Charlie - Seaview Tavern The Troubadours - Sawtell Rsl
22ND JUNE
16TH JUNE
Megan Core - Element Bar Richie Williams + DJ Freddy Lee Hoey Moey Club Retro Fridays With DJ Joe & DJ Bisho - Coast Hotel Sabotage - Seaview Tavern Melbourne International Comedy Roadshow - Jetty Theatre Quickfix- Sawtell Rsl
17TH JUNE
Jaie Drieberg - Element Bar DJ Bisho - Hoey Moey Magneto & DJ Joe - Coast Hotel Richie Williams - Seaview Tavern DJ Dales Dance Night - Sawtell Rsl
Benny Black - Element Bar DJ Bisho - Hoey Moey The Aftershock Of Aus Rock & DJ Blakey - Coast Hotel Tangle - Sawtell Rsl
Peter Barry - Element Bar Mckenzie - Hoey Moey Dance Eisteddfod - Jetty Theatre Lonnie Brabender - Sawtell Rsl
20TH JUNE
Jake Davey - Element Bar Dan Sultan - Jetty Theatre
21ST JUNE
Pablo Blitzer - Element Bar Melbourne International Comedy Roadshow - Jetty Theatre
23RD JUNE
24TH JUNE
Billie-jo Porter - Element Bar Bearfoot - Hoey Moey The Naked Magicians - Jetty Theatre Craig Giles- Sawtell Rsl
26TH JUNE
Banff Mountain Film Festival Jetty Theatre
27TH JUNE
Shanteya & Jo - Element Bar Peter Williams Mediu - Jetty Theatre
28TH JUNE
Daniel Hopkins - Element Bar Death Of Stalin - Jetty Theatre
29TH JUNE
Mischa Tanashevich - Element Bar Josh Matheson + DJ Lotek Hifi Hoey Moey Club Retro Fridays With DJ Flak3y & DJ Bisho - Coast Hotel Mason Rack Band - Seaview Tavern Diesel - C.Ex Coffs Roland & Bruce - Sawtell Rsl
30TH JUNE
Owen Shannon- Element Bar DJ Bisho - Hoey Moey Dazed & D Rjay - Coast Hotel Jesse Swilks - Seaview Tavern Top Shelf - Sawtell Rsl
Coffs Coast focus 47
A RT S & C U LT U R E F E AT U R E
The Wadjar Regional Indigenous Gallery Sawtell Framing & Beachscapes New generation of picture framers brings the fusion of creative flair and expert skills together with the best materials from around the globe. You can choose from a wide selection of over 400 timber mouldings made and designed worldwide, including New Zealand, the Czech Republic and Italy. Whether you are looking for ornate, rustic, traditional, timeless, contemporary style, or latest designs by the creative team behind the TV series The Block, you will find it at Sawtell Framing.
The Wadjar Regional Indigenous Gallery is part of the Yarrawarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre, a service of Gurehlgam Corporation Limited. We are surrounded by tranquil bushland, pristine beaches and abundant wildlife in Corindi Beach, the homelands of the Garby Elders and Gumbaynggirr people. Wadjar Gallery celebrates and maintains a deep connection to country, whilst “touching the earth lightly”. We are a conduit for Aboriginal community and artists, students and all visitors wishing to explore and connect with Indigenous identity, history and cultural practices.
To enhance and protect your artwork you can also choose art glass with different finishes, including UV or the popular invisible glass option, all of which are made in the USA to the highest standard.
Our museum houses a heritage collection spanning over 4,000 years of Gumbaynggirr history. Our gallery showcases a vibrant contemporary Aboriginal art program in various mediums, including music, dance, film, ceramics, 3D and 2D works. We provide art and cultural activities for visitors to enjoy and have one of the best verandahs in the region for enjoying coffee and native cuisine.
Only the highest grade UK-made museum quality acid free matboards are being used, and these are cut with absolute precision thanks to the Swiss computerised mat cutter.
Visiting Yarrawarra is an activity everyone can enjoy, regardless of age or background. Our gallery is free to enter, easily accessible, with ample parking for cars and coaches.
But did you know this quirky shop is more than just a picture framing shop? Here you can also have your own photos printed on canvas, old photos restored, and shop for local beachscapes and art prints.
Our Bush Tucker café offers contemporary style cuisine incorporating kangaroo, crocodile, emu, native fruit, vegetables and herbs, as well as delicious coffee and cakes. For bookings or catering, phone: (02) 6640 7105.
D E R E W O P R E SUP CREATIVE TOGE SUPER-CHANRESS YOUR CBUSSUYOSURIDESIGN, WEB
CALL US TO DIS NEEDS u AND MARKETING sasocreative.com.a
6658 7666
WINNER 2016
WINNER 2015
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WINNER 2016
A RT S & C U LT U R E F E AT U R E
AMANDA L ANGL ANDS
Experience a new age in luxury cruising. WHER
E
ART
& REAL ESTATE MEET Art is no longer an afterthought in real estate. It has become a prominent part of the design process and an essential part of the presentation and staging of a property when selling or simply wanting to enhance the emotional experience in your home.
H
ow does art enhance the emotional experience in buying property? Real estate itself is very personal, as is art. Good design influences people
in many ways, both emotionally and through the physicality of having a reaction to it. When you look at art, you have a reaction to a piece of art. This is also a critical component to real estate. We’re all familiar with the experience of walking into a room and instantly feeling the effects of its atmosphere. Our brains are hardwired to emotionally respond to the visual stimuli of colour, form and light, and the mood you create in your home has a powerful effect. The presence of artworks within a space has the potential to reinforce positive feelings of relaxation, curiosity, sensuality or confidence. The precise and smart placement of art around the home makes buyers spend more time looking around. The feeling the artwork creates enhances the buyer experience and therefore enhances the buyer's likelihood of connecting with the property. While minimalism is currently a popular design interior trend, a room totally devoid of artworks can often feel a bit too sterile and unfriendly. By choosing artworks that you love, but which also complement the design of your home, you can achieve a sleek, contemporary look that also feels harmonious and welcoming. The intersection of art and real estate Real estate and art have been linked for some
Do you have any future land and cruise tours coming up? Yes, we do. We are in the process of finalising a Japanese Cherry Blossom fly, cruise and land tour in March next year, which includes an eight-day cruise on the Diamond Princess, plus four nights' sightseeing in Tokyo.
and two nights in FT Lauderdale. All these tours
We are also organising another golf cruise, this time in Asia in July 2019, which includes fly, golf, hotel and cruise on Dream Cruises - five nights' cruise returning Singapore, including two nights in Singapore.
page, come with us cruises.
Also, an east coast USA, Canada and Caribbean land cruise, which includes 13 nights onboard the Caribbean Princess, leaving Quebec city, arriving FT Lauderdale and six nights on Celebrity Silhouette, two nights in Quebec City
will be fully escorted tours. Fantastic! How can we find out more information or book? For any information about our tours or any other travel needs, please call 0412 674 921 or visit www. comewithuscruises.com.au or our Facebook We are also looking forward to organising more tours in 2019 and 2020. Explorer of the Seas - Let's Play Golf six night Sydney to Sydney aboard Explorer of the Seas from $1,379.00pp. Majestic Princess & New Zealand Northern Island Land Tour - 23 Day Cruise and Land Tour of New Zealand from $6,769.00pp Twin.
time, but recently the two are being linked in new ways. Real estate agencies are now beginning to partner with artists and galleries to include art in the staging process. The art adds a certain atmosphere to the home, and creating this atmosphere is essential in the successful sale of a property. In luxury real estate, the buyers are familiar with highly priced items - like the fine art on display. This element of wealth is something that people recognise and helps to create an appealing space. The art pieces on display are not just for the benefit of the sales process, but also for the artists. The works are on sale, and allows the artists to connect with prospective clients. The works are carefully chosen in collaboration with art galleries and interior designers, who choose pieces that work within the space, and will be attractive to buyers. The relationship between high priced real estate and fine art is clear; the buyers of one tend to be buyers of the other. Art in the design process of new homes It’s no coincidence that people who surround themselves with beautiful art want to live in beautiful homes. Art and architecture have a long standing relationship, and what we’re seeing happen in and around residential buildings today seems like a natural progression to those who appreciate the finer things. On a basic level it can be as simple as including creative spaces in the property design, or working with the architect to ensure there is adequate wall space for residents to display their own art pieces. Coffs Coast focus 49
focus_travel W I T H K E R R Y M O S S F R O M Q U A D R A N T T R A V E L
Tips for Travellers
Canadian Agriculture Tour 2018. Eastern Canada is known for its spectacular natural beauty and rich farm land, which makes it a perfect destination for the Quadrant agricultural group visiting in June this year when the snow has melted, the weather is beautiful and views are spectacular! Canada is a great country for beef cattle, so to provide an overall appreciation of Canada’s cattle industry, the group will visit a number of progressive beef operations in Ontario, which produces a quarter of Canada’s beef. In addition, there are some unusual operations including a cropping enterprise growing ginseng, tobacco and sweet potatoes; as well as fruit orchards and greenhouse enterprises.
Is a group tour for you? Ever wondered if travelling in a group is right for you? Kerry Moss from Quadrant Travel gives you her top 10 benefits of travelling on a group tour. 1. You’ll gain valuable local knowledge and get access to things that you can’t do on your own. Whether it’s lunch in a 14th Century castle or knowing which street is the safest to walk on, being in a group allows you to learn from those who have travelled the path before you 2. You can save money. Tour operators such as Quadrant Australia have access to group airfares and discounted hotel rates. When a company is able to purchase a larger number of rooms, they can get it for a cheaper price than if you were to book one room on your own. These savings are then passed on to you. Better still, share the cost of your room with a suitably matched person on the tour. 3. You can relax. Some say that when you travel as a group, you can leave the worry behind. You don’t need to think about flight times, travel routes and restaurant bookings; it’s all done for you in advance. Navigating red tape on your own can be exhausting, especially when you don’t know the language or customs. 4. Your time is precious. So you get your annual three week holiday and you start planning it, an hour here and there, and before you know it you’ve forgotten to pick the kids up from school, because you were too busy researching how to get from Rome airport to your centrally located Rome hotel. Professional tour companies do this for a living; they know when, where and how much, and it takes them a quarter of the time to find it. 5. You’ll share first-time experiences with someone else. Nothing nicer than trekking to the top 50 Coffs Coast focus
of a mountain and turning to the person beside you and saying, “We did that!”. Sharing your experience with old and new friends enhances your holiday. 6. You’ll practice patience. Travelling with a group can be a selfless practice; you’ll share your space, you may compromise on timings and you might need to give up the front seat of the coach occasionally. You don’t need to see this as a negative - quite the opposite. It’s a good reminder of worthwhile life skills. 7. You’ll meet different people from different places. People who travel in groups connect with others who they may not have otherwise. These meetings can result in lifelong friendships or might just teach us tolerance, both nationally and globally, but either way you’re better for it. 8. Food tastes better with friends. Don’t get me wrong; I’m comfortable dining on my own in a crowded restaurant but nothing beats the laughter as you learn to use chopsticks together eating noodles in Shanghai. Being with a group gives you courage. I’m not sure I would have eaten jellyfish or haggis had I not been “encouraged” (some may some pressured!) by my new friends. 9. Safety in numbers. Need I say more? 10. No need to argue over directions any more. Be it in a bus, train or plane, you can be assured that your group travel program will be well managed. Sit back and relax and let someone else drive for a while. It might even save your marriage! Happy (group) travels…
In the spectacular Rocky Mountains, the tour travels along the Icefields Parkway, which National Geographic describes as “the most scenic highway in the world” and visits the Athabasca Falls, before stopping at the Columbian Icefields to ride a SnoCoach over the moving 1,000 foot-thick Athabasca
Glacier. Then it’s on to Banff, the highest town in Canada. The highlight of the tour is Calgary and the Calgary Stampede. Known as “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth”, the Stampede offers all things agricultural and cultural, as well as the traditional side show alley, but there are also concerts and ring events, cattle judging, displays of local Indian history and plenty of unique Canadian food. An optional seven-night Alaskan cruise follows the Western Canada tour, where passengers can relax onboard whilst indulging in world-class restaurants, sipping a favourite after-dinner drink and mingling with new friends. There are opportunities to view amazing wildlife and scenery, meet the locals in historic Alaskan towns and relax and enjoy the myriad of entertainment and services on board. If you’d like to hear more about this tour or any of Quadrant’s special interest tours departing in 2018, drop in to see the team in Harbour Dr, Coffs Harbour, or visit their website at www.quadrantaustralia.com
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WITH STEPHEN SAUNDERS OF TOURISM COFFS COAST
focuskitchens.
MARCUS PHILLIPS FROM DESIGNER LIVING KITCHENS
tourism UPDATE
101 reasons! What a wonderful area we live in - we are surrounded by natural beauty, have access to beautiful local food and amazing locations to call home … for a short or long time.
I
for their visitors t is a great privilege to showcase all our area has to offer to visitors and • There are more than 150 different species locals alike. Destination Coffs Coast has of birds found in our Western Hinterland recently launched 101 Reasons to Play, and coastal areas Stay, Taste and Explore, a publication • The historical Coramba General Store has that showcases the unique opportunities in been a popular meeting place for more than each of the areas that are part of the Coffs 100 years Coast. • The many places on the Coffs Coast where Focusing on destinations in Coffs Harbour, you have an opportunity to meet the artist the Southern and Northern Beaches, the as they work - there’s metal in Dorrigo, Western Hinterland, along with Bellingen wood in Boambee, leather in Bellingen and and Dorrigo, the magazine showcases painting in Coffs both pictorially and descriptively the many • At The Cheesemaking Workshop & Deli delightful experiences that can be found in - you can have the choice of more than 100 our region. different cheeses from all around the world Did you know … • The Buster shipwreck dates back to the • The Gumgali Track at Korora Lookout 1890s and can still be seen on Woolgoolga showcases the story of Gumgali, the black Beach under certain goanna conditions • The Solitary Islands • The Yarrawarra Coastal Walk covers an “Destination Coffs Aboriginal Centre area of over 60 kilometres, Coast has recently showcases indigenous art, between Sawtell and Red launched 101 Reasons bush tucker and cultural Rock to Play, Stay, Taste and programs • There is a great variety of speciality shopping Explore, a publication • Woolgoolga’s CurryFest available in Dorrigo has been wowing the that showcases the • The Big Banana Fun senses of locals and visitors unique opportunities Park has the biggest Giant alike for 20 years. in each of the areas Slide in Australia Along with information on that are part of the • That the only ocean coastal walks, shopping Coffs Coast. ” pool on the Coffs Coast is and markets, national situated in Sawtell parks, arts and culture, and • That the decking at the the amazing opportunities Urunga Wetlands Walk for whale watching, the new magazine is made from recycled plastic waste, diverting showcases individual properties, restaurants 2.5 million plastic bags from landfill and experiences and includes a directory of • Zorb balling and skywire ziplining are tourism businesses on the Coffs Coast. activities available at the Coffs Coast Available from Visitor Service hubs and Adventure Centre Information Centres across the Coffs Coast • The Bellingen Brewery and Co brew their and on www.coffscoast.com, 101 Reasons own craft beers • That LilyPad Luxury Cabins in Bellingen are award winning at local and state level, showcasing their commitment to excellence
highlights what we all know about our region - there is something for everyone to #createyourparadise.
DESIGNER LIVING KITCHENS T E S T I M O N I A L W I T H TA L E I PA R K E R
Marcus Phillips from Designer Living Kitchens is one of the most highly rated Kitchen Designers on the North Coast. FOCUS had a chat to the owners of his most recent project, and this is what the happy customer had to say ... WHY DID WE CHOOSE MARCUS? We first discovered the work of Marcus when one weekend we went looking at open display homes in North Sapphire. There was one home in particular that had such clever kitchen design, with a hidden butler’s pantry and laundry. It was intelligent designing, and the aesthetics greatly appealed to me. I took mental note that is was Designer Living Kitchen (DLK) - a local kitchen company - never thinking for a moment that we could achieve a kitchen of that calibre in our own home. We have been in our current home for 14 years and being built in the 1980s in Coffs Harbour, the kitchen was old and dated. It was the heart of our home and unfortunately falling apart. It had become a safety issue, and it was time for a new kitchen out of necessity. We didn’t know where to start, as we were primarily concerned about how much a new kitchen would cost. We had all these ideas for a luxury kitchen on a hardware budget and did not know if the two could marry. While still working out what to do, we had good friends at Safety Beach put in a new kitchen. DLK was used, and I was blown away that their small galley kitchen was turned into a designer space with a huge six metre working bench and a coveted marble island. When I learnt of the cost, I was shocked at the affordability. This gave me the gumption to contact DLK and request an at home consultation with Marcus, and we haven’t looked back. INSPIRATION My inspiration was definitely my family. We are
very close knit, and we are all very competitive with our cooking. We love to spoil one another with food at family events, and they are food journeys when we get together. PROCESS The process was one of great excitement, as a new kitchen was a long time coming. Marcus was able to establish what we needed as an individual family, and our dream kitchen evolved into reality. We appreciated the weekly phone calls from DLK during the installation journey, and they were always available when we had further questions. FEATURES Family and food are the main ingredients in our home, and it was incredibly important to have history and connection in the new kitchen. The standout feature is the massive island bench, where one end is framed with an old freezer door from Parker Bros Dairy in Inverell, that was owned and operated by Jon’s father. OVERALL SERVICE MARCUS PROVIDED We are incredibly spoilt to have the creative design and ability of Marcus and DLK available on the Coffs Coast. The quality of their design and affordability of their product is their greatest asset, and the result of our kitchen speaks for itself.
plug! Contact Marcus today on 6652 6186 or pop into the showroom at 1/3 Lawson Cres, Coffs Harbour. Coffs Coast focus 51
focus_contributor
WITH CAROLE BEROS FROM LE DĂƒIN DESIGNS
Exhibiting artist Glen Wilkinson
Exhibiting artist Frances Larder
Exhibiting artist Elizabeth Tinker
Gallery Co-ordinator Cath Fogarty, exhibiting artist Timna Taylor, Ella Taylor, Gallery Curator Jo Besley
Cofffs Harbour Regional Gallery Opening night
Cath Fogarty, Glen Wilkinson, Jo Besley, Heather McKinnon, Frances Larder, Kerry Johns, Elizabeth Tinker, Timna Taylor
Social /Scene Leah, Mel, Tessa, Kate
Ellen, Bridget, Lyndal, Robyn
Kelly, Amanda, Jen
Rhonda, Sheenah
Amanda, Nicci
52 Coffs Coast focus
Fiona, Amie
Kirsten, Vanessa, Leah
Vanessa, Kirsten, Kate, Nalia
Lorraine, Brooke, Denise
focus_contributor
Celeste and Michael
WITH CAROLE BEROS FROM LE DÃIN DESIGNS
Ivan and Carole Beros
Maisie Anning, Barab Ellis
Anne Denton, Giane Duone
Social /Scene Melanie, Imogen
Jade Auld, Darleen O’Rourke
Bob, Robin, Anne
Sarah and Nicola Marshall
Vince Nasetta, Bruno Raffone
Sawtell Newsagency
Maria Pennisa, Lina Raffone, Dianna Nassetta
Jade and Riley Cochran
Lillian Fogarty, Kerrie Archer
Lachy, Tim
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54 Coffs Coast focus
professionals
THE BALAYAGE TREND COFFS HARBOUR OSTEOPATHY Do you suffer from pain? We all suffer at some point, whether an acute injury or a chronic condition. Coffs Harbour Osteopathy may be able to help you. I am a highly qualified osteopath, trained to use skilled evaluation, diagnosis and a wide range of hands-on techniques to help identify important dysfunctions of the body. Osteopathy is a form of manual healthcare which recognises the important link between the structure of the body and the way it functions. When you come to Coffs Harbour Osteopathy for a treatment, various osteopathic techniques are used, including massage and stretching, muscle energy techniques, myofascial and ligamentous release, and joint mobilisation, which will be tailored to suit your individual needs. We can then develop an effective course of action to manage your condition using treatment, at home stretches and exercises to help correct your body’s dysfunction. I am also trained to recognise that sometimes conditions may require referral to other allied health professionals or medical practitioners. I am covered by most private health funds and by Medicare CDM (Chronic Disease Management) Plans and registered to provide care for DVA patients.
The Living Doll team think the balayage trend is going to be trending for some time yet … and especially this winter. 1. There are so many ways to do it Balayage isn’t just one-size-fits-all, you know! There are many different ways to take part in this trend. You just need to assess which option is the best for your colouring and the health of your hair. Living Doll’s contouring methods can create bold statement pieces, or have them beautifully melted into a soft balayage. 2. It “lifts” your complexion No matter what colour skin tone you have, it can experience a beautiful lifting effect. The trick is using several different blonde hues to ensure the roots and ends of your hair are tied together in a natural-looking and gradual effect. 3. It can save you time and money Many ladies simply don’t have the time or the money to hit the hairdresser every four - six weeks. This can be problematic, especially if you’re a natural brunette that has come to love her lightened ends. Balayage is a great solution, as it enables you to get more time between hairdresser visits, without rocking terrible regrowth. XO Dolls.
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Meet the Team.
Living Doll Premier Stylists is Coffs Harbour’s leading hairdressing salon. The staff truly believe in bringing out everyone’s inner beauty! FOCUS had a chat with the team to find out more ...
Lauren Vestey When and why did you decide to become a hair stylist? I have been a hairdresser for more than 14 years; I love the diversity of work; no two days are the same. When opening Living Doll in 2010, I had two main goals in mind - one to be a leader in the hairdressing industry and two, to give clients the love and the attention they deserve. I am so proud of what Living Doll has grown to today. What do you specialise in? Experience personalisation; that’s a one of a kind hairstyle. Each individual is unique; we take pride in creating looks just for you. The best hairstyle is one that is tailor made, that complements your face shape, skin tone and lifestyle. #HairContouring with a personal touch of customisation is our specialty; we are here to make you look and feel your best! What advice do you have for people looking to join the industry? If you think a hairdressing career starts and ends with hair, you’re in for a surprise. From client psychology and customer service to time management and balancing your finances, working as a hairdresser will teach you all matter of transferable skills to take out into the world. All of these skills will make you a great hairdresser, but are also great life skills to learn if you do decide to go down another route - not to mention making you a better, more rounded individual. 56 Coffs Coast focus
Kate
Collins
When and why did you decide to become a hair stylist? I started hairdressing while I was still young at school, with my passion and desire shining through at an early age and now have over 16 years’ experience. Since moving to Coffs Harbour, and meeting Lauren, I realise Living Doll was the place for me. I am so passionate about hairdressing and elevating the industry to a new level. Living Doll strives to have the highest standards in customer service, provides ongoing training, keeps up with modern trends and techniques and has a fun, creative passionate team who inspire each other every day and I feel so happy to be a part of. What do you specialise in? I specialise in cutting, colouring and styling. Using my years of experience to create easy to manage styles for my clients is what I love to do. To see clients walk out the door with a smile from ear to ear makes my day. For me it’s about wearable style, working with clients’ complexions, styles and personalities to really help to create that perfect look. What advice do you have for people looking to join the industry? I enjoy pampering my clients; knowing how life can be so busy, we often don’t have that “ME” time. When clients are in the salon, it’s all about them - getting to know them and gain their trust, so they can completely relax with me while I am working on their new styles. Find a salon that is filled with passionate people, who will push you to your full potential.
Sharna
Lindsay
When and why did you decide to become a hair stylist? I have such a passion for the art of hairdressing and making people happy. I feel very lucky to be part of the amazing Living Doll team. I have had some intense training at Living Dolls and am already trained as a Young Gun Stylist in my first year of my apprenticeship. What do you specialise in? I specialise in treatments, beauty and blow-dries. I really enjoy making my clients become completely relaxed and help by massaging away the stress of the day. I love to really do a wonderful blow-dry, where your hair can just sway in the wind. It’s great at Living Doll that we offer waxing and tinting, as I really think it finishes off a fresh new look with fresh eyebrows and lashes that pop. What do you enjoy most about your job? Everything! I love working at Living Doll so much; it doesn’t even feel like work, but more a hobby that I get to do every day. I love that each day you see and do something different, as no one’s hair is the same. You must use your imagination and really engage and listen to your clients’ needs to create that WOW moment. Hair is never boring.
Chloe
Sozou
When and why did you decide to become a hair stylist? I was approached by a salon that knew me and my natural abilities when I was younger. Ever since my first day, I knew it was for me. Eleven years later ... I am new to Coffs Harbour and have been working for a few months at Living Doll. Living Doll’s core beliefs are what I am very passionate about, and I knew straight away this was the team I wanted to be a part of. Continuous training, passionate styling, fantastic customer service, amazing up styling, and on trend cut and colour work is what I am about. What do you specialise in? I love playing with colour to creative texture and excitement in hair. I love balayage, the flexibility of just sweeping it over the hair to be natural or more defined, depending on your desired look, makes me feel like I’m an artist. I love melting multiple colours together in soft foils, so we can say goodbye to boring highlights. I love cutting to create movement and flow within a style, as hair is never perfect and needs to shift with everyday life. What advice do you have for people looking to join the industry? It’s very rewarding being part of the industry. You get to be creative all day long, and I love the relationship you build with your clients; to be able to have their trust with their hair is a great privilege. Knowing at the end of the day you have made people feel and look great, is very rewarding, so just be yourself and treat people how you would like to be treated. You can’t go wrong.
supercharge your winter wellness. Winter is an important time to be proactive in protecting yourself against the potential onslaught of the cold and flu season. The following tips can help you to build your natural defences during the winter months ahead. Get adequate sleep Nothing breaks down the immune system faster than the lack of sleep. Sleep is vital to staying healthy and helps your body repair, rebuild and recharge. We all have the odd night when we struggle to sleep; however, ongoing sleep deficiency has been linked to a number of health issues. If you are having sleep problems, talk to your health professional. Practice good hygiene Viruses are all around us and can live on keyboards, mobile phones, table tops and desks. Washing your hands regularly helps to protect you from germs. If soap and water aren’t available, use a natural hand sanitiser. Use tissues instead of a handkerchief and dispose of used
tissues immediately after use. Strengthen your immune system Keep your immune system strong by boosting your intake of fresh fruit and vegetables. These provide a natural source of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals and play an important role in your body’s ability to fight disease. If you feel the need for extra support, ask your health practitioner about supplements such as Vitamin C, Vitamin D and Zinc. Don’t forget the protein Protein is one of the most powerful nutrients. It is part of every living cell and is vital for human development. It plays a key role in growth and repair of cells and is essential in our diet due to
our increasingly busy lives. An adequate protein intake is important across the whole of your life cycle, especially for busy mums and as we age.
Viruses are all around us and can live on keyboards, mobile phones, table tops and desks. Washing your hands regularly helps to protect you from germs.
Manage stress If you are juggling a busy home life and work life, then the trick is to learn how to prioritise. Finding harmony within your life is critical to staying mentally and physically fit and helps you balance the demands on your time. Stress weakens your immune system and
creates an inflammatory condition within your body, which in turn can lead to infection and disease. Eat for the Season Nutritional needs can change as the cooler weather sets in, and availability of certain fresh produce will change as
well. Adjust your intake accordingly and ensure that you are buying fruit and vegetables that are in season. Enjoy comforting, hearty, slow cooked broths and stews, warm salads and hot drinks such as herbal teas.
Coffs Coast focus 57
professionals
WITH LAUREN VESTEY FROM LIVING DOLL
Rose Hair. Gold
MEANINGFUL
Mother’s Day
Gifts
Whats that all about?
Being a giver! Focusing on community has always been a passionate part of 3 Bears’ wellbeing approach to their service and curriculum. FOCUS had a chat to the 3 Bears to team to find out more. Not quite pink, not quite blonde, rose gold hair is a beautiful hybrid hair colour that is one of the most on-trend looks this year. But before you decide to take the plunge and try the rose gold hair trend for yourself, make sure you know if it's the right colour for you by consulting with your hair colour specialist. Lauren from Living Doll is here to break it down for you.
T
his beautiful trend lends itself looking blonde hair and bring out the healthy well to semi-permanent, low glow of your complexion. Depending on the commitment looks, as it tends to blend of hues, rose gold hair has a magical fade out cleanly without leaving ability to look different depending on where behind unwanted tones. If you you are, as the tones reflect the light, giving want to achieve the look with lighter, cooler you multiple looks in one: from strawberry undertones, you'll need blonde to sun kissed a blonde base - if you honey and even light don't naturally have one, purple. then pre-lightening may How can you try rose be required. Will you suit rose gold gold hair? Because of
hair? Because rose gold What exactly is rose gold the expertise required to hair can be blended in so hair? Rose gold hair does blend the perfect rose many different ways, the not come in a one-sizegold shade, a Premier Premier Stylists at fit-all shade. Red, pink Stylist from Living Doll Living Doll can match and blonde tones are is the recommended it to suit all skin tones. blended together to option. create a pretty pink with Rose Brown Hair; is a chic gold shimmer. But there such a thing? Can the finished result can brunettes get rose gold vary, depending on your hair? While it's simpler chosen tones and intensity. With just a touch for blondes to turn their golden locks into of red and plenty of blonde, for example, the rose gold hair, brunettes can also get in on the result is a delicate golden peach. If you increase trend. Unless you have very light brown hair, the red hues, you'll end up with a vibrant you'll need to lighten it, but not necessarily all warm rose gold shade, or by adding a touch over. The red hues can be increased to create of blue, your colourist will infuse your hair a warm golden dark rose that works really well with cool golden-pink hues that show hints of on brunette hair, especially when applied in a lavender. The choice is yours! balayage look. Alternatively, you could try out Will you suit rose gold hair? Because rose gold hair can be blended in so many different ways, the Premier Stylists at Living Doll can match it to suit all skin tones. The red pigments are responsible for a warm finish, while pink and blue can give a cooler tone. Rose gold hair is particularly flattering, as it can warm up dull58 Coffs Coast focus
cool shades of rose gold on the tips of your hair, to show you're always one step ahead of hair colour trends! The team of Premier Stylists at Living Doll are colour specialists and will match your rose gold dreams to your style. Why not try something new this winter? XO Dolls.
This year for Mother’s Day we provided an opportunity for our families and educators to support a mother in need during this time of celebration, by giving forward to other mothers across our Coffs Harbour community. When choosing a worthy organisation to be the recipient of our gifts, we looked for women driven initiatives that focus on community and empowering women. The Warrina Women & Children’s Refuge this year was chosen as the beneficiary of choice, as their dedicated service helps women in crisis to rebuild critical infrastructures, stability and resources to thrive and overcome hardship.
to encourage all participants of the service to
Our Mother’s Day campaign involved providing a predominantly placed baby bassinet in our foyer,
families at 3 Bears, which also responded to
generously fill the bassinet with much needed baby and mother resources and donations. The aim was to shift the focus away from flowers and cards to more meaningful support. We have been informed that this year a new mum will be receiving all proceeds, which is much needed as she settles into life with her new baby. The inspired educators of 3 Bears were able to promote the idea of helping others and doing charity work from a very early age with our children. The “gift of giving” was an extremely productive and rewarding way to involve all diversity with respect.
Spiced Coconut
GOLDEN
milk
This healing turmeric latte is the perfect way to warm you from the inside out on these chilly days. It tastes amazing, and the health benefits are incredible. INGREDIENTS
(Serves 4)
½ cup water 1 cup full fat coconut milk (or any desired milk) 3 cm piece fresh turmeric root skin on, or 1 tsp ground 2 cardamom pods 1 cinnamon stick, or large pinch ground. 1 star anise 2 cm fresh ginger, skin on, sliced, or ½ tsp ground Pinch of black pepper, ground or freshly cracked
METHOD Combine all ingredients except milk in saucepan. Gently bring to the boil, reduce and simmer for five minutes. Add coconut milk; simmer for further five minutes. Using a strainer, strain desired amount of tea into cups; add honey to taste.
focusinterview.
Carolyn Carolyn Heise always knew she wanted a career where she was able to care for others. Being part of the health sector was a natural fit and has been her calling for almost 30 years. Carolyn is now thrilled to be working in what she calls her “dream job”.
W
hat is your role, and where do you work? I am the Director of Nursing and Midwifery, Manager of Inpatient Services at Coffs Harbour Health Campus. What made you want to become a nurse? As a younger person, still at high school in Tamworth, two of my first jobs were working in a disability group home (in school holidays) and as a pharmacy assistant on weekends. Also at the end of school, one of my best friends lost his battle with Motor Neurone Disease. I was very much part of this journey with him, his family and other close friends. As I watched him struggle to let go of life at 19 years of age, I realised that I wanted to help people with terminal illness. This was a huge and life changing point for me in so many ways. From a young age I was on a health carer’s journey. Why do you enjoy being a nurse? Nursing is such a wonderful career in so many ways. It is a humbling profession where we care for people and their loved ones during the most vulnerable times in their lives. For me, nursing is also the most rewarding, diverse, and flexible career. On a daily basis, nurses and midwives do so much for so many. Whether they’re
I facilitated forums,
helping patients, comforting families, teaching students, or working as a nursing manager, our days are always busy and diverse. There are numerous opportunities to expand a nursing career in a wide variety of venues. I chose nursing leadership and management, because I wanted to help shape the future of the nursing profession. Have there been moments in your nursing career that have changed your life? There have been so many life-changing moments throughout my journey. Living in Alice Springs and working in remote town camps and Aboriginal communities was an absolute eye-opener and career highlight. After so many years of studying and caring for others, I found that 2017 was to be a huge year for me both personally and professionally. My daughter turned 21, my son finished Year 12, and I began seizing opportunities to relieve in senior roles across the Local Health District. I really pushed myself to the next level professionally, and I’m so glad I did. I facilitated forums, addressed conferences, conducted television interviews and just happened to be acting General Manager at Coffs Harbour Health Campus during the busiest winter on record. This all led to me applying for, and being successful in gaining, the role of Director of Nursing and Midwifery and Manager of Inpatient Services, which is really my dream job.
addressed conferences, Why did you choose to to others on their conducted television pursue the leadership professional journey - it interviews and just path? is my aim to support, happened to be acting Early in my journey into inspire and empower General Manager at Coffs nursing I gravitated to others to be our future Harbour Health Campus during leadership roles and have leaders. the busiest winter on record. been supported by the You literally “danced” Mid North Coast Local out of your comfort Health District with many zone last year opportunities to grow and when you and NSW develop. Ambulance Regional I am passionate about the services we Manager Evan Clarke took part in Coffs provide to our communities, about the amazing Coast Dancing with the Stars. Tell us about staff that I have the pleasure to work alongside that experience. and about always improving what we do. Evan and I had so much fun learning to The executives that have had the biggest dance together and fumble our way through influence on my career all seemed to be natural a wonderfully-choreographed routine, but for leaders, respectful communicators with the both it was all about helping to raise money for highest levels of integrity and a clear code cancer research. of ethics. While having a quiet confidence in We were so well supported by the amazing themselves, they always have visible confidence people of the Coffs Coast, and the fact that we in the team surrounding them. They provide were able to raise $15,000 made us both very guidance, share knowledge and expectations, proud of this wonderful community we live in. take a genuine interest in others, display You are a very busy person; do you get empathy and acknowledge our achievements time to relax? regularly. Absolutely! I like nothing more than to be Having also worked in non-nursing positions with my family; we are so very close, and I such as in the Human Resources Team and in am always energised by them. We live in such Quality Improvement Projects, I have been able a beautiful part of the world, so whenever I to expand my skills and knowledge. get the chance I love getting back to nature I now find myself in a place where I have the through bushwalking and camping. important role of being a leader and mentor Thanks Carolyn. Coffs Coast focus 59
focusfitness
W I T H D U N C A N M A R C H A N T , C O F F S C O A S T H E A LT H C L U B
MyFitnessStory
.com.au
This month’s inspirational fitness story comes to us courtesy of Bernadette Bland, who is a married mother of two grown up children and a midwife at Coffs Harbour Health Campus.
B
efore joining Coffs Coast Health Club, what was your exercise background? I didn’t really have a regular exercise regime before joining Coffs Coast Health Club. I had periods where I thought I should be doing something for my health and I would start going to the gym or going for a walk, but it never lasted long - I would lose motivation and give up. What prompted you to change your lifestyle? My health prompted me to change my lifestyle. I watched people around me at my age being diagnosed with things like high blood pressure and diabetes, and at this stage I don’t have either of these, but I knew it was only a matter of time if I didn’t do something about it.
week and how to best manage events like going out for dinner to a restaurant. We have training sessions where Simone runs me through an exercise program she has set for me. She knows my strengths and weaknesses and she introduces me to different exercise, so I don’t get bored and I’m working different muscle groups. What goals have you set yourself in the future? I still have a long way to go in my journey, but with Simone’s help we have broken it down into small, manageable goals. I have a weight loss goal I am working on, but I also have fitness goals as well. At the moment I am working on being able to do more running/ jogging intervals at the 5km parkrun event and building up my fitness.
Has that lifestyle change had a positive effect on you and your family? I am happier in myself and I think that has had a positive effect on my family. I feel like I’m more of a positive role model for my kids when it comes to nutrition and the importance of exercise in your daily life.
How has your exercise changed since joining Coffs Coast Health Club and doing Personal Training with Simone? I am actually exercising now! I have a personal training session with Simone once a week, I generally do two Metafit sessions a week with Simone and usually one other workout session by myself.
What type of exercise do you enjoy doing? I actually enjoy going to the gym and doing Metafit classes with Simone. I love that it’s a whole body workout in under 30 mins, so being time poor is no excuse to skip it.
What is the most useful advice you could share? A healthy lifestyle is important. Food is fuel for our body; if we feed our body nutritious fuel, it will reward us with lots of energy and it will stay healthy, so we are able to enjoy life.
Do you find the support from your Personal Trainer (Simone) helps you achieve your goals? My initial goals centred around weight loss, and I started following the healthy inspirations nutrition guidelines with the help of Simone. She taught me about the program and has motivated me along the way. We catch up weekly, we discuss my food diary and she gives me helpful tips about planning for the next
Thanks for sharing, Bernadette, and if you are looking to kickstart your own inspirational fitness story with the Super Simone, call her directly on 0402 202 864 or drop in to see the team at either Coffs Coast Health Club Toormina or Moonee, to get started today. More inspirational fitness stories can be found at: www.myfitnessstory.com.au
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focus_contributor
Physio for the
fast furious and
fitness fanatics
No matter who you are and what you love doing, there are going to be times your body stops you from achieving your best. However, that doesn’t mean you need to stop doing everything. Many physios will tell you to rest and avoid doing anything heavy, but that shouldn’t always be the case. Aaron Hardaker, director of Mid North Coast Physio, caught up with Julian White, physiotherapist and weightlifting coach, to find out more about how he can help you reach your health and fitness goals.
T
ell us a little about yourself. I have just relocated to Coffs Harbour after completing my Masters of Physiotherapy at the University of Sydney. Before working as a physio, I completed a Bachelors of Psychological Science, served in the Defence Force and worked in international medical assistance. Moving to Coffs Harbour has been amazing, and even with the weather cooling down it is great to get out and about to explore everything the area has to offer. I am a qualified Level Two Australian Weightlifting Federation coach and have been coaching Olympic Weightlifting for the last three years to people of all ages. Outside of the clinic you’ll often find me in the gym trying to lift heavy things! I love physiotherapy, because it gives me the chance to utilise all my past experience to help others. Typically, people think that physios are scared of people who want to train hard, lift heavy weights or do CrossFit workouts - that’s not the case with me. I enjoy pushing myself and enjoy working with anyone who wants to challenge themselves too. What do you commonly see with athletes you’ve coached or treated? Just because you’re active doesn’t mean you just have to accept having a sore back or aching knees and shoulders. People are often scared to get assessed, because they think physios will tell
them to stop training or stop competing in the sport they love. As a physio, I consider keeping you active and regularly training as vital to your treatment. I can help you, and work with your coaches or trainers, to modify your training to keep you progressing while you overcome any obstacles. Does that mean you only work with athletes? Not at all! Physiotherapy can be beneficial to everybody, and for some people the demands of their job are just as taxing as a sport! My goal is to help you understand any physical problems you may have and empower you to overcome them. Whether that is recovering after joint replacement surgery or treating long term back pain, I will work with you to reach your goals. What’s the best way to find out if you can help? You can give our admin team at Mid North Coast Physio a call and request a FREE assessment with me or one of our other therapists. Come in and find out what’s wrong and what needs to be done to address the problem, with no cost to you. Simply call 1300 273 747 to book at one of our clinics in Woolgoolga, Moonee, Toormina or Urunga these appointments are limited, so call now. Remember that the greatest wealth you have is your health! Thanks Julian.
Southern Cross University Sports & Fitness Centre. There is an estimated 5% of our population (Diabetes Australia) who have been diagnosed with diabetes and 85% of these people have type 2, which can be moderated and even eliminated through healthy eating plans and regular exercise. At Southern Cross Sports & Fitness Centre, we love helping people beat this disease. Exercise allows better regulation of our glucose levels and enables insulin to work more effectively. Exercise also allows us to maintain a healthy weight, lower blood pressure and stress levels, which are key factors in diabetes management and prevention.
30 minutes of cardio most days. If you have not been exercising, you would need to start slow and build up to this, remembering that 60 minutes of any exercise is just 4% of your day. Our team can help you to build a routine to suit your lifestyle and be a sustainable part of your week. Southern Cross Sports and Fitness Centre: We cater for all ages and fitness levels and design personalised programs for all of our members. Programs are FREE, there is NO start-up fee, we are always staffed during open hours and memberships start from $6/
How much and what kind of exercise?
week.
Diabetes Australia recommends two to three 30 minute strength sessions/week, as well as
We are open Mon - Thur, 6am - 8pm and Friday 6am - 7pm. Come in and see us today!
Coffs Coast focus 61
You never know what You’ll discover at VAST.
with Clairvoyant Terri Hall Phone. 0424 818 343
find your next treasure today!
June 2018
AQUARIUS.
GEMINI.
LIBRA.
JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19
MAY 22 - JUNE 22
SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 23
Anything that has been unfair in the last twelve months should be brought into fairness soon. You are entering a cycle where balance and harmony are required to achieve maximum benefits. Keep calm and be the answers to your fears. Herderite helps us to see our evolution, thus making it less of a challenge.
You have outgrown some of your old beliefs so instead of feeling comforted by them, you may be feeling trapped. Try debating with your beliefs, as this will change the influences in your life. Be patient with yourself. Topaz strengthens our self esteem and brings personal power to situations surrounding us.
PISCES.
CANCER.
SCORPIO.
FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20
JUNE 23 - JULY 23
OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22
The ending of feeling suspended is almost finished. You are discovering your role in the bigger scheme of things. Set some fresh goals and give yourself permission to walk fearlessly toward them. Try digesting some old undigested emotions. Rose Quartz attracts us towards loving experiences.
Your word is your honour, so speak your truth. You hold great authority and your fairness will always ensure a positive outcome; just remain aware of your motive, as you are a peace keeper, and you will be heard. Phenacite helps us to release other people’s worries from our energies.
Your self worth is vulnerable at present. Avoid making harsh judgements of yourself and avoid entertaining self depreciating thoughts. Mantra to yourself at least six times daily, other people’s thoughts are none of my business. Snowflake Obsidian is wonderful for shattering negative thoughts.
ARIES.
LEO.
SAGITTARIUS.
MARCH 21 - APRIL 20
JULY 24 - AUGUST 23
NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 21
You are about to embark on a journey. For some this will be literal, for others, an inward journey of self discovery. During this time, you will make new friends and acquaintances who will mirror your lessons in life perfectly. Carnelian helps us take active steps towards change.
Some nice changes for career can be anticipated. Your communication will be the major tool you will use; express yourself with confidence but hear your own wise words, as these words will be your guidance. An exciting time for discovering new talents. Turquoise and Rose Quartz will enhance your loving charisma.
You are very clever at manifesting things, but may not realise. This lack of acknowledgement prevents you reaching your true potential. Set some fresh goals and thank yourself when they arrive. Sugilite would be of great benefit at this time, as it helps us face our challenges with a joyful outlook.
TAURUS.
VIRGO.
CAPRICORN.
APRIL 21 - MAY 21
AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 23
DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 20
You are taking life far too seriously. This is leaving you feeling trapped, and your mind is your own worst enemy. Stop worrying about what other people think and be kinder to yourself in thought. You are attracting positive change, so get ready for good things. Tourmaline amplifies your inner peace, playful inner child energy and settles restlessness.
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Time to practice patience. Justice is coming into play, so now is a great time to release old anger or resentment to align yourself with achievement. Become the answers to your fears. Visualisation is always helpful to manifest things. Tiger Eye helps to maintain a sense of balance and direction.
You need to set some fresh goals or new intentions, as you are coming to a place where it’s time for you to have what you’re wanting. Avoid feeling selfish; you have taught others how to receive, and now you can teach them how to give. Personal relationships will empower you. Azeztulite allows us to explore alternate realities comfortably.
You need to love yourself as much as you can, to allow yourself access to some positive changes. Friends are leaving, to allow room for new ones. You are also likely to find a new interest or hobby to benefit your self confidence. Rhodonite helps us to discover new talents.
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Photos supplied by www.facebook.com/coffslocalhistory
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ANDREW WILLIAMS / WILLIAMS TIMBER
Operating since 1900, Williams Timber are well known for supplying quality, affordable timber throughout Coffs Harbour and the Mid Coast region. FOCUS had a chat with business owner Andrew Williams, to find out more about the history, present and the future of the business.
H
i Andrew. Tell us about your connection to the Coffs Coast. I was born on the Coffs Coast and have spent most of my life here, and my family has lived and worked in the area for over 100 years. After moving away for about 12 years, I found myself back on the Coffs Coast and working for the family business, and then taking it over, five years ago. I love the Coffs Coast, and I haven’t looked back! Williams Timber is one of the oldest businesses on the Coffs Coast. Where did it all begin? My family has been involved in the timber industry on the Coffs Coast for over 100 years. Williams Timber Pty Ltd, as it is known now, was formerly known as Leonard J Williams Timber. My grandfather was officially incorporated in 1966; before this he operated 64 Coffs Coast focus
as a sole trader. After his return from service in WWII, the timber industry was passed on to him from his father, Malcolm. How many generations have worked at Williams Timber since its inception, and what is it like being a part of the tradition in 2018? I’m the third generation at Williams Timber as it is today. It was founded by Leonard J Williams and was then passed on to his two sons Chris and (my father) Shane Williams. It is now run by myself, Andrew Williams. I feel very proud of the company’s history as a family-run local business, and the fact I get to wake up every day and continue my family’s legacy and carry on a tradition. It is not very common these days for a business and skill set to be passed down through generations of family members, so it feels like a special thing to be a part of. Are there any other family members working at Williams Timber?
I FEEL VERY PROUD OF THE COMPANY’S HISTORY AS A FAMILY-RUN LOCAL BUSINESS, AND THE FACT I GET TO WAKE UP EVERY DAY AND CONTINUE MY FAMILY’S LEGACY AND CARRY ON A TRADITION.
Yes, my sister Anne-Marie works in the office, which is based in Coffs Harbour. And our father, Shane, still has some involvement in the business from time to time, always sharing his experience and knowledge with us. How has Williams Timber changed over the years? The business originally operated at the Coffs Harbour Jetty and was a major supplier in power poles, girders and bridge timbers in the 1960s and ‘70s, before being moved out on to Wears Rd, Central Bucca in the early 1980s, where it still operates today. This move gave the company room to grow. A sawmill was constructed in the late 1980s, giving the company the ability to provide a
number of different products as the years have rolled on, which in turn has helped the company develop and move forward. There have been several changes in the market, and Williams Timber has always adapted to market trends and provided the highest quality possible to our customers. How have the practices and the introduction of new technologies changed the way you work with wood? New machinery has been introduced into the industry over the years, and this allows us to produce wood more efficiently than ever before and in a safer environment, which is very important. It has given us the ability to provide our customer with the option of a more finished product too. Being able to
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expand our range of product gives us flexibility to provide our customers with a broader range of options. What have been some of the challenges the industry has faced, and how have you overcome these problems? The main challenge is having new blood, young people coming through and wanting to learn and have a career in the timber industry. It may not be a career that comes to mind for many young people,
or it may not seem as attractive as being a plumber or carpenter to some, but can be just as rewarding. Taking something so raw and turning it into something beautiful that can be used in so many different ways is quite special. The timber industry has been around for a long time, my family can vouch for that, and should continue to develop in to the future. So it’s an industry people should consider getting in to. What would you say has been the secret of having such a successful
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BUILDING STRONG RELATIONSHIPS WITH OUR CUSTOMERS AND OUR SUPPLIERS, AND LETTING THEM KNOW THEY ARE RESPECTED AND APPRECIATED IS VERY IMPORTANT TO US.
business last throughout the generations? It’s all about trying to build a culture within your company; employing a hardworking, dedicated team of locals, who take pride in their workmanship and place of work, and then taking pride in and supporting them. Also, building strong relationships with our customers and our suppliers, and letting them know they are respected and appreciated is very important to us. How important is considering the environment in your line of work? The environment is extremely important to us. Williams Timber works heavily in the forest; it’s the first part of the process, conducting logging operations in accordance with strict Forestry guidelines and EPA. We are incredibly committed to sustainable forest
management for future generations to come. What are some of the plans for the future of Williams Timber? There are no particular big changes planned for the future; it’s just trying to maintain our standards and level of quality and customer service, and to beat yesterday’s tally as usual. But you never know what the future can bring! Where can we find out more? If you’re looking to build a deck or patio or even start constructing your dream home in Coffs Harbour or surrounding areas, Williams Timber is the only supplier you need for exceptional quality timber! For more information on the timber products we have in stock, call our friendly team today on 6653 2427. Thanks Andrew. Coffs Coast focus 65
focusinterview. 2005 - Brian at one of his award winning display homes
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Brian Hopwood H O M E S
FOCUS caught up with Brian Hopwood from Hopwood Homes to get his insights after over 40 years in the building trade.
39 YEARS IN BUSINESS.
RLE Electrical & Energy When did your business open, and who was involved? Reg began his career in the electrical trade at the age of 16 as an apprentice in a large Brisbane company, before he moved to Coffs Harbour. Reg, with the support of his wife Alison, started Reg Latter Electrical in 1979.
1977 - A young tradesman ready to tackle the industry!
Reg’s dedication to service and quality workmanship saw his business grow. Reg employed his brother in law and nephew, and shortly after Adam, his son, joined the team in 1999. By 2003 Renae, Reg’s daughter, came on board in the office, and the family business had evolved.
W
hen did your business open, and who was involved? I started Brian Hopwood Homes in 1980 in cold Orange NSW. At 23, my then wife, Sandy and I worked hard to get the business established. Why and when did you make the move to the Coffs Coast? We just got sick of the weather in Orange. It was 1988 when Sandy and I decided to move our three kids, Peter, Renee and David to Coffs Harbour. It was hard leaving family and friends to start up again, but the sunshine and beautiful coastline beckoned us. Hopwood Homes has been part of the Coffs Harbour business landscape now for thirty years. How have you lasted this long, and what changes has the business seen? I believe in treating people how you want to be treated - do the right thing so you can sleep at night. Look, I’m not saying I always get it right, but with error comes correction and reflection. I love building, working with clients and other business here in Coffs Harbour. I have seen so many builders come and go from this town, and unfortunately witnessed the heartache it can leave behind. The industry is forever changing. What I have always tried to do is surround myself with people who are always seeking to better the way we do things. I believe this has helped our business and hopefully the industry in Coffs. What is the secret to your success? Meeting with my clients each and every week on site throughout construction of their home. This keeps me in touch with not only what is happening on site, but with my clients and their dreams! Without clients, we are just a sign over 66 Coffs Coast focus
2017 - A new generation, Brian with his son David.
a door. Strengthening relationships with clients and being available to them has helped guide our success. Plus, having fantastic, dedicated staff helps. What advice do you have for other business owners on the Coffs Coast? Remind yourself of what you do and why. Wanting to make money isn’t enough; you must have drive and passion! In 2004 I had my stomach removed due to cancer; that really changed me. Lucky my wife, Kim, is a health coach - she takes good care of me. How have you adapted as time / technology changes? Having a dynamic team of individuals has always helped. Coffs Harbour is full of business people who have so much pride and care for what they do, I try to work closely with them. Recently my son, David joined the business. His background in banking and sales has really helped our business better understand and meet client needs. Technology plays a huge part in connecting with people. People are time poor, so he has considered how technology can benefit a client’s journey. He often reminds me: “Get with the times” - it really makes me excited for our future! OK, so you’ve been around for a while. Where to from here? It’s OK, you can say it; I am getting older. As I said, I love my job and am lucky that I can still do it. Now that David and I are working together, I can start to slow down as he picks up. No doubt one day he will push me out the door, but until then I will continue to do what I love - meeting people and working with them on building their dream homes! Our newest display home will open this year; that really has me excited!
Now almost 40 years later, RLE employs 35 locals, who share the same integrity and strong work ethic to provide the service excellence and quality of workmanship which forms the foundation of RLE.
What have been some of the changes in your business? One change that RLE decided to make with Adam’s passion for all things High Voltage was to enter the Level 1 energy arena; this has been an exciting addition to our businesses diversification and another service we are pleased to offer our valued clients. What may people not know about your business? We have been the Rheem Service Agents for over 35 years. We have trained over 30 apprentices. We moved into our new workshop at 28 Hulberts Rd in 2015. We are currently updating our van signage. Some of our customers have been with us for the 39 years and remember when Reg first started in business.
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20 YEARS IN BUSINESS.
Rob’s Sheet Metal & Fabrication. Can you tell us a little bit more about yourself and how you and your family come to open Rob’s Sheetmetal and Fabrication? We opened the business in ‘98, started with basic machinery and now have the latest folding, cutting and welding machines. My children and I have always had hard work ethics, passed on by my parents. I began my trade as an apprentice at 15 - I was 47 in April. Having once worked in the West Suburbs trade, training at Miller TAFE as a sheet metal worker, we have taken on all aspects of the trade - stainless steel work, aluminium, steel boat custom work canopies and much more. My youngest son, Riley, currently works alongside me and my eldest son, Mitchell, has certainly spent a few hours in the shed on the welder over the years. People are travelling from far and wide to purchase your trailers, Rob. Why do you think that is? People have bought trailers from far and wide; we have sold as far as Sydney and Armidale due to the high quality strength of our trailers, the price and the fact that we go out of our way too help asap with any issues or add ons if required. We have built trailers ourselves since 1998; we know them inside out and we want our word of mouth from our customers to put our trailer services and sales as no.1 on the coast. Can you tell us a little bit more about the trailers you have on offer? We joined forces with Stongate Industries with new line box trailers, hydraulic tipper trailers, boat trailers and we are also promoting the new teardrop camper. We have been the biggest dealer four years running, with a lot of new products in the pipeline. We do all repairs in house, add ons to trailers and servicing and repairs. We have a dealer’s licence and are a licensed repairer.
41 YEARS IN BUSINESS.
16 YEARS IN BUSINESS.
Tax time’s Looming Fast!
Make the most of it. It is hard to believe how quickly this year is going. We have seen the Government deliver another budget and there are several changes to consider that may impact directly upon you, particularly small business owners and superannuation. The tax office focus this year is on work related expense claims. You need to ensure that the following three things have been considered when claiming your deduction: INCURRED - the expense must have been incurred in earning your income. NEXUS - there must be a direct nexus to your current employment. RECORD KEEPING - you must have a receipt or other evidence that you have paid the expense. You cannot claim the expense if the amount has been reimbursed by your employer. We recommend you check out the ATO app - it’s free and captures all your receipts via a photo image. Small businesses should ensure that their financial information is up to date, so that important decisions can be made prior to June 30. If you are looking for new finance arrangements, it is a good idea to have your accounts finalised so that the bank has up to date information. Choosing an Accountant - why use one? If you are self-employed, an accountant is an essential part of your team. At Barry Hockey Accountants, we have a dedicated team to assist you. We not only specialise in taxation, but we have extensive background skills in finance and banking. Our firm is big enough to get the job done and small enough to care.
East Coast Cabinets
When did your business open and who was involved? East Coast Cabinets was set up by Terry Fletcher and Mark Mavin in 1976. In 1984 it was purchased by Peter and Deb Farquhar and in January 1988 they shifted to 17 Lawson Crescent, Coffs Harbour. What have been some of the changes in your business? Employee levels have varied from two partners and two casuals up to 1984 up to sixteen employees in the early 1990’s and back to between seven and ten in recent times. Advances in equipment and hardware as well as improvements in materials have certainly enhanced production times and resulted in a higher standard of quality in the finished product. What have been some of your challenges and rewards? The period of high interest rates was a real challenge. This was followed by the advent of the mining boom which took many tradesmen and school leavers out of the workplace. Fortunately we have been able to retain some very reliable people for many years. However we are always open to taking on some new “young blood”. What advice do you have to other business owners on the Coffs Coast? Remember that word of mouth speaks louder than written word. Treat your employees and your customers as you wish to be treated.
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MIKE BLEWITT
Celebrating 40 years MIKE BLEWITT COFFS COAST ARE A LOCALLY BASED COMPANY, SPECIALISING IN THE SALES AND SERVICING OF VEHICLES. THE COMPANY IS OWNED AND OPERATED BY THE BLEWITT FAMILY AND EMPLOYS IN EXCESS OF 60 PEOPLE. THEY ARE CELEBRATING 40 YEARS IN BUSINESS THIS YEAR. FOCUS WANTED TO SHARE THEIR STORY AND SUCCESS …
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MIKE
BLEWITT COFFS COAST
Celebrating 40 years
I
HISTORY
WITH
MIKE
BLEWITT
have been in the industry all my life, starting as an apprentice fitter and turner-toolmaker at BMC (British Motor Corporation) at Zetland in 1960. I moved through the drawing office and truck sales, transferring to Melbourne as a truck representative for BMC. In 1969 I joined Ford Motor Company and moved through various sales positions, including Country Sales Manager for VIC and TAS, then I moved to Brisbane as State Sales
R E V E T S BE
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Manager in 1975. I found out that my next move would be Perth as manager. As I did not like the idea of another move, new schools etc., I started talking to the current dealer in Coffs Harbour and he said that he would like to go back to Melbourne, so we came up with a deal to buy Bob Binks Ford. We moved to Coffs on the 30th November 1977 and bought a half share on 1st February 1978 and the other half on 1st July 1978.
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Celebrating 40 years proudly servicing the communities of the Coffs Coast
MIKE BLEWITT FORD. 1800 367 348
3 Tolhurst Place, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450. mikeblewittford.com.au *Offer available at Mike Blewitt Ford on eligible MY17 runout models, while stocks last. ^Offer available to Private, Blue and Silver Fleet buyers only on new and on-sold demonstrator MY2017 Mustangs at participating Dealers. Vehicle must be purchased by 30/06/18 and delivered by 2/07/18. Three standard scheduled services (15,000km/12 months, 30,000km/24 months and 45,000km/36 months as specified in the Customer Assistance, Warranty and Service Guide) are provided free. Customers must comply with scheduled servicing intervals.
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MIKE
BLEWITT COFFS COAST
Celebrating 40 years
HISTORY
WITH MIKE BLEWITT
We were on a 1,000 sq metre block on the corner of Earl and High St (now Harbour Drive). From there, we leased the block next door and established the used car yard opposite (now Fitzroy Motors). We were still growing at a fast pace with only the Ford franchise; we were market leaders for 10 years in a row, with a market share close to 30 per cent. In 1985 we bought the current facility, or should I say the land, as it was a caravan yard
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Celebrating 40 years proudly servicing the communities of the Coffs Coast
MIKE BLEWITT FORD. 1800 367 348
3 Tolhurst Place, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450. mikeblewittford.com.au *Recommended offer available at Mike Blewitt Ford on eligible MY18 models, while stocks last. Private and small business customers only. 1. Braked towing capacity when fitted with a genuine Ford towpack and towball. Subject to State and Territory regulations. 2. Bluetooth® is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG In., and is used under licence. Some phones not compatible.
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with no buildings. We moved there in 1986, opening a new service and parts facility and sales offices. This is our 40th year in Coffs Harbour, so we have had enormous growth - as has Coffs. I guess one of the proudest things about the business is the good name and reputation is has established up and down the coast and out west. This has been achieved by good managers guiding enthusiastic staff.
$55,990 D R I V E A W A Y *
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We have also prided ourselves on being involved within the community; I was the founding chairman of ETC in Coffs. Helen has been involved in more committees and boards than I; notable ones that come to mind are on the board of Coffs Harbour Golf Club, as well as being President of the ladies section of the golf club. Helen joined the Bridge Club and has gone on to be President for three years, and she is currently back as President. I have been involved in Coffs City Rotary since it started in 1986; I currently work a shift at the Park Beach Plaza on the JP desk on
There have been many changes over the years; most have been brought about by computerisation. I’ve always had a love for what they could do for the business ...
Mondays, plus drive most Tuesdays for the Leukemia Foundation, transporting patients to oncology and other appointments. There have been many changes over the years; most have been brought about by computerisation. I’ve always had a love for what they could do for the business ... I remember in the early days with a Commodore 64 in the spare bedroom at home, running off thank you letters to customers at night after work, printing on a tractor feed
printer. Thankfully, it has come a long way since those days. Todd has the same passion for technology and has really taken the business into the 21st Century. Todd was a little reluctant to join the car business; with a commerce degree and a few years in the UK and Europe, Coffs seemed a little slow. But he took up the challenge and jumped into the deep end, joining Thomson Ford at Parramatta as a salesman.
He spent two years in the rough and tumble of a metro dealership. We asked him to come back and join us as Sales Manager in 1996. He has taken to the industry with great passion, and sometimes my ear does get sore. But he does run the now so much bigger operation, always with the customer in mind, and ensuring that the staff works together - some people say like a family, but I am not sure that is always a good comparison. However, I think he can tell the story better from here. Thanks Mike.
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Celebrating 40 years proudly servicing the communities of the Coffs Coast Coffs Coast Kia 3 Tolhurst Place, Coffs Harbour 1300 002 450 coffscoastkia.com.au While stocks last. Offers available on new vehicles and for private buyers only. Vehicles must be purchased and delivered between 1 May and 30 June 2018. Premium Paint at additional cost. Kia reserves the right to change, supersede or extend these offers. A. Recommended drive away price for Cerato S with automatic. B. Recommended drive away price for Sportage Si Premium Petrol with automatic. * Safety technologies are supplemental systems only and do not replace the need for the driver to exercise care and attention. Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and Lane Departure Warning system applies to all MY18 Sportage Si Premium built from January 2018. Bluetooth® is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG. ‡ Not all mobile phones will be compatible with the vehicle’s Bluetooth® system. For warranty terms & conditions visit kia.com.au.
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MIKE
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BLEWITT COFFS COAST
Celebrating 40 years
MEET
TODD
I really love Coffs. I love the lifestyle. In my spare time I enjoy cycling, swimming and I am a member of the tri club. My kids have been involved in soccer clubs, AFL, surf club, Nippers, fun runs, ocean swims etc.
BLEWITT
What is your connection to the Coffs Coast? We moved here in 1978. I went to school at St Augustine’s, which is when my father bought the business ... So I have been a long term resident of the community, having lived here, gone to school here, and then moved away like most young people do. As you get older, you realise what a beautiful location Coffs Harbour is. I really love Coffs. I love the lifestyle. In my spare time I enjoy cycling, swimming, and I have been a long standing sponsor and active
member of the Coffs Tri Club. My kids have been involved in soccer clubs, AFL, surf club, Nippers, fun runs, ocean swims etc. We just like to get out there and have fun. Coffs is a great place to live and work, with its proximity to everything a young, active family needs. How many family members are involved with the business today? How many generations are on board? Today in the business, we have myself and my brother in law - Carl Bennett. I think everybody knows Carl. His nickname is Carlos.
He has been with Isuzu for over 10 years and now he has recently been promoted to the role of Mercedes Benz Manager, which is a new and exciting challenge. We have renamed him “Carl
The new X-Class. First of a new kind. The ute has evolved and is available now. Classic Mercedes-Benz design combined with the durability and backbone you expect from a ute, tough has evolved with the X-Class. Visit Mercedes-Benz Coffs Coast and test drive today. mbcoffscoast.com.au
Mercedes-Benz Coffs Coast 72 Coffs Coast focus
4 Tolhurst Place, Coffs Harbour South
Ph: 02 6648 3505
Benz”. His friendly and outgoing nature and his willingness to help and serve customers is why he is one of the best in the business. Carl has been a real asset to the business. My 21 year old son, Jackson, started with us a couple of years ago and is selling KIA and Ford. He is really starting to find his feet under the steady eye of his manager, Nathan Ballard. So, who knows what the future holds for him? I have a wholistic view on our business, which sometimes “spins people” out - so to speak. I see the car as an extension of a
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person’s direction in life. Generally when our customers are looking at purchasing a car, there has been a change in their life and they are looking for a new start, or they are heading off in a new direction and the car, simply put, is an extension of that direction. They may want to buy a SUV, because they want to tow a caravan, like the Isuzu M-UX (#1 in 2017 in Coffs ) and explore this great country. They may have a new job and they need a new work ute to get their gear to the work site, like the Ford Ranger (#1 in Coffs 2017).
They are starting out with their first new car that’s economical and safe, like a KIA Picanto (#1 in Coffs 2017). Or, they have reached a milestone in life and want to reward themselves and decide on a Mercedes-Benz. The best or nothing! (Luxury segment leader in 2017 in Australia and Coffs Coast.) Whatever the reason, we see people from all stages of life and help them when their needs change. We see a great diversity of people. Some customers have been buying cars from us for 40 years; for example, a local builder has
$
40,990
bought more than 50 or 60 cars from Dad and myself over 40 years. We also have another customer who buys 10 - 20 vans a year from us. Why do these people keep coming back? I say it’s our motto: Drive Away Happy! You employ many people locally ... how would you describe the culture of your 60-strong team? We not only want our customers to Drive Away Happy, but our team too. If you want happy customers, make sure you have a happy team. This is always a challenge in this
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modern era, with so many things competing for people’s time, energy and effort. We are all constantly evolving and changing, but I always think it’s for the better. I am an eternal optimist and try to remind myself that whilst this is my life, for some of my team it’s just a job. So, let’s try to keep it light and happy, and this will also rub off on our customers. Being a business situated on the highway, we see a lot of visitors, and they are not always happy to stop in Coffs Harbour - especially if their car has broken down and they are on
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YEARS CAPPED> PRICE SERVICE
Coffs Coast Isuzu UTE coffscoastisuzuute.com.au 3 Tolhurst Place (just off Pacific Hwy South) Coffs Harbour. Call 1800 367 348
5-star ANCAP safety rating on all MU-X models and 4x4 D-MAX Crew Cab models built from November 2013 onwards and 4x2 D-MAX Crew Cab High Ride models built from November 2014 onwards. ^5 years/130,000km whichever occurs first, for eligible customers. Excludes trays and accessories. >The Capped Price Servicing Program (“CPS Program”) applies to Eligible Vehicles with a Warranty Start Date on or after 1/1/15 at Participating Isuzu UTE Dealers only. The 5 years Capped Price Servicing covers the first 5 Scheduled Services for 18MY and later vehicle models for up to 5 years/75,000km (whichever occurs first) and for 16.5MY and 17MY for up to 5 years/50,000km (whichever occurs first). CPS Program is subject to change. For full terms & conditions and current pricing visit isuzuute.com. au/service-plus. +3.5 tonne braked towing capacity on D-MAX 4x4 and 4x2 High Ride models and 3.0 tonne braked towing capacity on all MU-X models when fitted with an optional genuine Isuzu UTE tow bar kit. ~Includes economy alloy tray fitted at motorpool. #Fuel consumption and emissions figures based on ADR 81/02 (combined cycle test) and are to be used for vehicle comparison purposes only. Actual fuel consumption and emissions will vary depending on many factors including, but not limited to, traffic conditions, individual driving style and vehicle condition. §Seats have leather touches or accents (excluding third row for MU-X), but are not wholly leather. *Private and ABN holders only on 18MY vehicles. Excludes government, fleet, rental & non-profit buyers. Includes one year business vehicle registration, CTP insurance, dealer delivery and statutory charges. Metallic/mica/pearl paint $450 extra. Only at Participating Isuzu UTE Dealers from 1/5/18 until 30/6/18 unless extended, varied or while stocks last. Excludes demonstrators. †Offer is limited to 18MY vehicles 4x4 D-MAX & 4x4 MU-X models sold & delivered between 1/5/18 and 30/6/18 to private & ABN holders only. Excludes demonstrators. The Scheduled Servicing offer covers standard items (normal operating conditions) as listed in IUA Warranty and Service Booklet for the first 2 years Scheduled Servicing (covering the first 2 Scheduled Services up to 24 months/30,000km – whichever occurs first). The free Driving Report must be requested and conducted at the same time as the first 2 Scheduled Services. For full Terms and Conditions of the Service Plus Driving Report Program, visit isuzuute.com.au/driving-report. Offer does not cover any other Scheduled Service, Make-up Scheduled Service or any additional service items or requirements, which are at the owner’s expense. Only at Participating Isuzu UTE Dealers. Not available with any other offer.
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MIKE
BLEWITT COFFS COAST
Celebrating 40 years
MEET
TODD
BLEWITT
their way to the Gold Coast. I would argue that whilst most don’t arrive happy, they certainly leave happy, as our Facebook and Google reviews point out over the years. In terms of team members, the longest serving team member here is Brian Platts. He has been with us since 1982 (36 years). Plattsy is our Warranty Clerk. He has had a number of jobs, from being a mechanic and service advisor. He is a valuable member of the team and after 36 years here, I do have a before and
after photo, but I promised him I wouldn’t put it in this article. Neil Power has been with us for 29 years as our accountant; he has been a real mentor for me in the business, because when Dad sold me the business in 2003, Neil had to take on board a young, eager, enthusiastic 27 year old. Mike was 60 years of age when he sold, so it was a big contrast for the team. I run the business the way I want to run it, which meant there was a lot of change people embraced.
CongrAtulations on yoUr 40th Birthday
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The team is always constantly evolving, and so is the business model; what I mean by that is the people who were great in the past don’t fit into today’s business model, and that’s OK too. What part of the business are you most proud of? Obviously it’s hard to isolate one part of the business. I am most proud of my current management team. Nathan Ballard is my General Sales Manager and a very dynamic young man with some very big goals in front
of him - that he will achieve in time, I am sure. Llewellyn Mitchell is my Group Service Manager; this man leads from the front and is not afraid to get some grease on his hands if the occasion warrants it. He has migrated from South Africa and is in the final stages of getting his permanent residencey and is a true asset to the Coffs Coast. Neil Power, my accountant, has been that rock when times are tough and has helped me stay focused one day at a time. Phil Evans, my Parts Manager,
Overall the team has changed over the years, but in a lot of ways we have stayed true to our values which is our customer service and getting the best out of our team.
has embraced so much change in the last couple of years with the opening of the new pre-delivery centre and parts warehouse. Carl Bennett has shown with passion and conviction that everybody is here to help he has grown well beyond his 33 years. These people are the true face of Mike
Blewitt Coffs Coast in 2018 and into the future, and I am truly grateful to have them in my team. Something we did a few years ago is start an offsite pre-delivery servicing centre, which is where we store all of our cars and get them ready for sale. What this enabled us to do, in terms of our current location, is make sure that our
VALVOLINE CONGRATULATES
MIKE BLEWITT FORD ON 40 YEARS OF SUCCESS
V A L V O L I N E . C O M . A U
CONTACT TECHNICAL: 1800 804 658
SALES ENQUIRIES: 1800 458 237
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MIKE
BLEWITT COFFS COAST
Celebrating 40 years
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workshop in Tolhurst Place is only for the public. So, don’t think those values have changed that much, no internal cars, cars that are sold or getting ready because they are everyday values everybody can for sale block up our workshop; everybody who appreciate. walks into our service department now gets served What is the best advice you can give to a with no implications. This has freed up our service prospective customer? team and made our customers happier. These days the power of choice is with the The Blewitt story is about a family based customer. In the old days we were known as business. Have the dealers, which meant that we original values and goals held all of the cards. In the remained with growth? modern day the customer has Having spent four years most of the information at I guess one of the in London working, I had their fingertips. You can look proudest things about been exposed to European at all of my stock online. The the business is the good models and was a little best thing a customer can do name and reputation it has more open minded about is jump online and do a bit of established up and down these brands than Mike was research before they come in. the coast and out west. and had been for 25 years. Do you offer solutions for This has only been achieved Initially when Mike sold budgets of different sizes? by good managers guiding me the business in 2003, Yes, of course! Entry enthusiastic staff. I added Alfa Romeo, Fiat, level small cars - we have and Citroen. I remember KIA Picanto, which starts at the time Mike thought at $13,888. It is a great I was mad, but I proved it affordable small automatic car was just the beginning of the change needed to with parking sensors, bluetooth reverse camera and make us relevant to the automtive business in the airbags. The great thing about KIA is the seven-year 21st Century. warranty. With the edition of Isuzu Ute in 2008, then We also stock Isuzu. The D-MAX has been a Mercedes-Benz in 2010, and finally KIA in 2012, market leader for over three years in Coffs Harbour we had a range of brands that complemented each and also the Isuzu M-UX. other and didn’t compete with each other. Ford has also been a strong seller. In the Ford, The values are in our mission statement - and I Mustang has had a strong cult selling and has been
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CARL
MERCEDES-BENZ
BENNETT
SALES
a runaway success. Then of course, we move up to Mercedes Benz. Starting at $39,900, the Mercedes brand has so much to offer, it’s ridiculous. Lots of people say they are too expensive, but my suggestion is go for a drive in one - you will be impressed. Thanks Todd. MERCEDES-BENZ SALES - CARL BENNETT Tell us about the models you stock ... Mercedes has a complete range, from
passenger cars, commercial range and buses. We stock all of these vehicles, starting from the “A” class, with prices starting from $39,990. There are so many different models for different budgets and interests.There’s a very large choice of models at the $60,000 range. Jump onto our website: www.mbcoffscoast. com.au and if you want to save dollars, check out our Demonstrator range. Are there any new models that are about to launch?
It has independent rear end suspension, the engine is a mercedes engine through and through and in terms of towing, it tows 3.5 tonne.
Mercedes have finally gone into the ute market, which is fantastic news for everybody out there who wants to drive the best. We now stock the “X” class ute. It is certainly the best from a customer’s perspective. It has independent rear end suspension, the engine is a Mercedes engine through and through and in terms of towing,
it can tow 3.5 tonne. I challenge anyone in the market for a ute to come on in and have a drive. Who makes up the sales team for
Mercedes? Myself, and our product specialist, Lachlan Brown. He has been with us for a number of years, and he is a great guy. Customers
Get moving with Thrifty Whatever your plans, we’ve got a vehicle for you. Choose from small cars to utes, buses and trucks, all at great rates.
02 6652 8622 coffsharbour@thriftycarrental.com.au Well done Mike, Todd and the team. We thank you for your support!
Independent Licensee of Kingmill© Pty Ltd, Trading as Thrifty Car Rental.
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MIKE
BLEWITT COFFS COAST
Celebrating 40 years
love him. He has sold so many cars around Australia. How important is staff training? With Mercedes last year we spent in excess of $50,000 and had staff attend numerous training courses either face to face, online or interstate. There is so much technology, we are constantly being challenged to learn new things - so training is very important.
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The 18MY Isuzu D-MAX has arrived and is a stand out performer on or off-road, with the legendary Isuzu 3-litre turbo diesel engine, available in 6-speed manual or automatic ...
COFFS COAST ISUZU NICK TOWNSEND Tell us about the models you stock. We carry the Isuzu D-MAX, which is a stand out performer on or off-road. With the legendary Isuzu 3-litre turbo diesel engine, a beefed up 430 Nm of torque and an intuitive 6-speed transmission, the
D-MAX is all you need to pump up any adventure. It also has a 5-star safety rating. Your safety is our top priority, so the D-MAX is fitted with the latest in active and passive safety features. With a maximum 5-star safety rating on 4x4 Crew and 4x2 Crew High Ride models, you can have complete peace of
mind. We also stock the Isuzu M-UX. The Isuzu MU-X is a stand out performer on or off-road. All models achieve a maximum 5-star safety rating, which makes it one very safe 7-seat family SUV. Are there any new models that are about to launch? The 18MY Isuzu D-MAX has arrived and is a stand out performer on or off-road. With
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MIKE
BLEWITT COFFS COAST
Celebrating 40 years
the legendary Isuzu 3-litre turbo diesel engine, available in a choice of 6 speed manual or automatic transmissions, backed with 5 years or 130,000km warranty, 5 years roadside assistance and 5 years / 130,000KM capped price service intervals. The D-MAX is still powered by our legendary 3 litre engine producing 130 kw and 430 Nm of torque, boosted by a variable geometry turbocharger, while running a heavy duty steel
If you’re looking for a great deal on a new car in Coffs Harbour, our friendly team are passionate about finding the right vehicle for you.
timing chain in place of a belt, which lasts the life of the engine. It’s then mated together with the option of a six-speed automatic transmission or six-speed manual. Trim grades span EX, SX, LS-M, LS-U and new top of the range model LS-T. Pricing starts at $26,990 drive away all the way through to
$50,990 for the top of the range LS-T. NEW CARS COFFS HARBOUR When it comes to buying a new car, you need a dealership that understands your needs. With over 40 years of experience buying and selling new cars in the Coffs Harbour area, Mike Blewitt has a reputation for providing
a great range of new vehicles and fantastic customer service. Whether you’re interested in a new car to fit the whole family, a small car to get you around town or a ute to get the job done, you can find what you need at Mike Blewitt. We offer a number of renowned new car brands to our customers, including Ford, Mercedes-Benz, KIA and Isuzu ute. If you’re looking for a great deal on a new car in Coffs Harbour, our friendly team are passionate
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MIKE
BLEWITT COFFS COAST
Celebrating 40 years
about finding the right vehicle for you. USED CARS COFFS HARBOUR If you’re looking for a quality used car at a great price, you can’t go past Mike Blewitt. Backed with over 40 years of experience buying and selling used cars in the Coffs Harbour area, our passionate team provides our customers with everything they need to choose the right used car. We are proud to offer a huge range of used cars across a variety of makes and models, that are all in fantastic condition. Whether you are after a used ute, sedan or 4WD, our friendly team are committed to finding the right car, at the right price. With a huge range of used cars and competitive car finance solutions, Mike
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Backed with over 40 years of experience buying and selling used cars in the Coffs Harbour area, our passionate team provides our customers with everything they need to choose the right used car.
Blewitt is your complete used car dealer in Coffs Harbour. Browse our range of used cars for sale in Coffs Harbour, or contact us today to speak with one of our friendly team members. DEMO CARS COFFS HARBOUR Are you interested in buying a demo vehicle in Coffs Harbour? Make sure to visit Mike Blewitt! We offer a range of quality demo vehicles across a variety of renowned brands. At Mike Blewitt, our demo cars are the perfect option for those looking to buy a
near-new vehicle at a reduced price. If you’re looking for a great deal on a demo car for sale in Coffs Harbour, our range is sure to impress. We offer great deals on demo cars for sale across a number of well-known makes and models, including Ford, Mercedes-Benz, KIA and Isuzu UTE. All of our demo vehicles are well-maintained and in excellent condition. View our range of demo cars for sale, or contact us today to speak to one of our friendly team members for more information.
PROMOTIONS Being in the sales industry, it’s important to have promotions that are relevant to our customers. Our $5,000 cash giveaway has been running for over 12 years now. We have given over $180,000 back to the community. It’s funny, because all of our winners have really deserved the win. For example, the young girl who was our most recent winner celebrated her birthday three days after winning the cash. Another example is a gentleman from Grafton, who booked a holiday to Alaska, called the team and said, “Should I drive down for the cash giveaway?” He did, and won, and he now has an extra $5,000 to spend on his holiday. It’s a great feeling knowing that we
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are able to give back to a community that has supported us over 40 years. SERVICING Group Service Manager - Llewellyn Mitchell Workshop Controller - Greg Parsons Warranty Clerk - Brian Platts Service Advisors - Mark Best, Rhiannon Thompson and Emma Ross Receptionist - Mandy Newell
A typical day is fun filled interaction with customers offering outstanding and exceptional service to ALL our customers, with quality workmanship carried out by our professionally trained factory technicians on a daily basis.
Mercedes Benz Technicians - Sebastian Blake, Ben Applebee and Elizabeth Gledhill (Mercedes Benz Apprentice) Ford Master Technicians - Neal Cleary, Frank Nunnari and Michael Britten KIA Master Technicians - Sebastian Blake and
Frank Nunnari Technicians - Adam Corrigan, Kyle Foster and Stephen Degiorgio Apprentices - Kye Goodman, Jonas Wilson, Nicholas Ranieri and Jack Schafer What is a typical day for the service team? A typical day is fun filled interaction with
customers, offering outstanding and exceptional service to ALL our customers, with quality workmanship carried out by our professionally trained factory technicians on a daily basis. We have a fleet of loan vehicles available for all customers; however, booking in early is essential. What services do you provide? Servicing and repairs to all makes of
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We offer a wide range
Mercedes-Benz, Ford, KIA and Isuzu vehicles. We also have a state of the art pre-delivery centre that can fit any accessory a customer requires with professional quality guaranteed workmanship. FINANCE WITH IAN SWANBOROUGH FROM STRATTON FINANCE We aligned ourselves with Stratton Finance to give us the resources to assist our clients with their motor vehicle finance and insurance needs. Partnering with Stratton Finance gives
us access to more than vehicles, and financing can of finance and motor vehicle insurance 25 lenders, so there are be seen to be difficult, so options to assist finance options for all with our extensive finance clients to purchase client profiles. team we take away the their motor vehicles. What services do you running around - which offer? leads to a smooth outcome We offer a wide for our clients. range of finance and Tell us about your motor vehicle insurance options to assist clients personal finance options. to purchase their motor vehicles. Everyone We can provide our clients with low rate has a different need when purchasing motor consumer and personal loans. Not everyone is
the same, so we will tailor a personal finance package to suit everyone’s individual needs. Tell us about your business finance options. Our business packages are one of the best in the market. With the ability to offer Finance Lease, Chattel Mortgages, Operating Lease, just to name a few, there are packages to suit all businesses. Do you offer personal leasing? Yes, we have a great Novated Leasing team
Congratulations
to Todd, Mike, and the team for a fantastic 40-year achievement in the local community.
From all of us here at Andersens Coffs Harbour
7 Collison Pl, Coffs Harbour 82 Coffs Coast focus
6651 7171
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MIKE
BLEWITT COFFS COAST
Celebrating 40 years
that is dedicated to just that. These products give great financial benefits, as well as allowing customers to update their vehicles on a regular basis. APPRENTICESHIPS Do you have many apprenticeships and traineeships? We currently have two x fourth year apprentices, two x third year apprentices, two x second year apprentices ‌ Six in total. What areas do they train in?
All of the activities we get involved with are important in their own way, with the common thread being that they are all aimed at enriching the lives of our community members in some way.
They all attend our local TAFE College (three year course) as well as manufacturer online and face to face training classes for all products. What is the best feedback you hear from your staff? We all work in an environment we are proud of, are always noticed and feel appreciated as
one of the family. We are very team driven and always help one another out when in need. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Mike Blewitt Ford is known for its community involvement. What particular projects have you been a part of and what are you most
proud of? Mike Blewitt Ford has been involved predominantly as a financial support to many community organisations and events. We’ve always tried to support a broad range of activities, including sport, the arts, medical research, local festivals and fundraisers. All of the activities we are involved with are important in their own way, with the common thread being that they are all aimed at enriching the lives of our community members
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MIKE
BLEWITT COFFS COAST
Celebrating 40 years
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in some way. The thing we’re most proud of is that we’ve been able to assist such a diverse range of community activities over such a long period of time. Do you believe that it is important to be part of the Coffs community? Absolutely. We live in a fantastic part of Australia. Our business relies on local support, and we understand and appreciate that by giving back to the community where and when we can. A strong and vibrant
Our business relies on local support, and we understand and appreciate that by giving back to the community where and when we can.
community is essential, not only for the ongoing success of businesses, but for the lifestyle we all enjoy. Are you happy when you know that you have trained so many people in their
various areas and provided employment and upskilling to locals? It’s one of the real privileges of the job seeing so many of our young employees starting their careers full of nerves and apprehension and watching them develop into confident, mature individuals. A lot of them have then gone on to be very successful in their own right in various walks of life, and it is very rewarding to have seen and played a small part in that progression.
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Testimonial
KIRSTEN HOWTON I have had the pleasure of working always greatly appreciated and he was with Todd and the team at Mike Blewitt always willing to contribute happily, Ford through their amazing sponsorship without hesitation or question, and supporting the many Cancer Council wanting nothing in return. He and events I’ve been involved in over the the team are supporters of the Cancer last decade. The Council’s annual highlight was the Relay for Life, as annual Biggest well as Pink Ribbon Morning Tea Day events held We all know at least events I hosted in the dealership someone whose life is at Bonville Golf and other affected by cancer in one Resort, where Cancer Council way or another, so it was Mike Blewitt fundraising such an honour having Ford were major days. The Blewitt Todd’s wife, Nikki, share sponsors providing family, and Mike her personal journey as cars on site, prizes Blewitt Ford are our guest speaker one and generous synonymous for year. financial support. their charitable We all know at work; their desire least someone is to support not whose life is affected by cancer in only the Cancer Council as they do, one way or another, so it was such but many other wonderful charities an honour having Todd’s wife, Nikki, and local worthy recipients as well. share her personal journey as our Congratulations on 40 years in business guest speaker one year. Nikki regularly in Coffs Harbour - a truly wonderful took to the catwalk modelling in the achievement, and thank you for all you fashion parades each year also. Todd’s do in the community. significant support of the event was - Kirsten Howton.
NIKKI BLEWITT & KIRSTEN HOWTON
Commonwealth Bank Commonwealth is proud to bankBank and is proud to bank and support Mike Blewitt support Blewitt Ford whoMike are celebrating Ford whoin are celebrating 40 years business. 40 years in business. Commonwealth Bank is proud to bank and support Mike Blewitt Ford who are celebrating 40 years in business. Damien McConchie Relationship Executive - Coffs Harbour Damien Regional McConchie and Agribusiness Banking Relationship Executive - Coffs Harbour Mobile: 0476 335 Regional and 813 Agribusiness Banking Damien.McConchie@cba.com.au Mobile: 0476 813 335 Damien.McConchie@cba.com.au
Things you should know: Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL and Australian credit licence 234945. Things you should know: Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL and Australian credit licence 234945.
Damien McConchie Relationship Executive - Coffs Harbour Regional and Agribusiness Banking Mobile: 0476 813 335 Damien.McConchie@cba.com.au
Things you should know: Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL and Australian credit licence 234945.
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Bentley Homes is a family business, locally owned by Nathan and Danielle Bentley and Ashley and Ebony Trengove. Nathan and Ashley are brothers in-law and have known each other for over 20 years. They first came into contact after Ashley started going out with Nathan’s older sister, Ebony. FOCUS sat down with Ashley
Trengove, to find out the history behind this family run business and also what’s planned for the future ...
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hat is the history behind Bentley Homes? Nathan and I are brothers in-law and have known each other for over 20 years now. How did you and Nathan first come into contact? I first met Nathan when I started dating his older sister, Ebony. How did you end up opening Bentley Homes together? We had been building houses and units in the area for over 10 years, but these were mainly for private use. We had often discussed that we should do something together, but for different reasons the timing was never quite right. Over three years ago a few things fell into place for us, so we decided to take the jump into the world of residential home building as a full-time job, and Bentley Homes was born.
Ashley Trengove 0428 806 335 | Nathan Bentley 0438 453 251 Shop 8 Moonee Professional Centre, Moonee Beach info@bentleyhomes.net.au | www.bentleyhomes.net.au
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AS WE ARE ONLY A
hat services do we’re equally happy to quote off SMALL COMPANY, Bentley Homes plans that you may already have WE CAN PROVIDE provide? drawn up. In the end, we want to TRUE PERSONALISED Bentley build your dream ‌ SERVICE AND Homes can provide a range of What are the standout features A HANDS ON services, from smaller jobs like or the benefits of building with APPROACH. decks, through to extensions, Bentley Homes? renovations and of course, As we are only a small company, new home construction. We we can provide true personalised have experience in not only service and a hands on approach. urban residential, but also rural When you contact Bentley Homes, residential construction. Sloping sites are no problem for you will be dealing with either Nathan or I. us either. When we begin construction, actually prior to We aim to build modern, practical and well thought beginning construction, either Nathan or I, or both, will out homes with something just a little bit different in all be onsite or a phone call away, to oversee and ensure of them. We can arrange design and drafting for you, or the process runs as smoothly as possible.
Proud supplier to Bentley Homes 88 Coffs Coast focus
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We offer great flexibility in design, than not will know exactly what they in that our homes are tailored to your want and may have plans, engineering lifestyle, your block of land, your budget, and specifications already prepared, so your dream. We can help create your plans they really just need a quote. On the from scratch, or we’re equally happy to other hand, someone might be looking work with plans of your own and bring to build for the first time and may need them to life. more guidance; some might not even have Bentley Homes a block of land is committed to and might be just offering you quality testing the water. construction at an If you’ve got affordable price. a block of land, EVERYONE HAS We don’t believe in you’ve probably VARYING DEGREES taking shortcuts; we put some thought OF EXPERIENCE AND wouldn’t do it in our into how much KNOWLEDGE WHEN IT own homes, so there you can spend COMES TO BUILDING is no way we’d do it on a new house. A HOUSE, SO THE in yours. We use that PROCESS IS DIFFERENT What is the process information, also FOR EVERYONE. when a new client lifestyle factors walks through the such as family size, door? ages, interests/ There is no one hobbies, etc. as size fits all answer to this; everyone well as finding out what features in a has varying degrees of experience and home you like or dislike or simply can’t knowledge when it comes to building live without, and with this we can start a house, so the process is different for building a profile of the type of house that everyone. Some people may be looking to will suit your needs. It is important to have build house three, four or five, so they’ve a contour survey (especially for sloping been through it before and more often sites) and a geotechnical report completed
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in order to best design of finalising particular OTHER THINGS LIKE your new home. Other details to give you the final BUSHFIRE RATINGS, BASIX things like bushfire ratings, fixed figure. AND COVENANTS NEED TO BASIX and covenants need If our quote is successful BE CONSIDERED, AS THEY to be considered, as they and you would like to CAN HAVE SIGNIFICANT can have significant effects proceed, finance, contracts, EFFECTS ON THE DESIGN on the design and cost insurance and building AND COST OF YOUR NEW of your new home. We approvals are required. HOME. can arrange to sit down This can take some weeks, or meet on site with our depending on the financial draftsman/designer to go institution and also the through this home profile Council. Final selections, and begin putting ideas on material procurement paper. Once the plans are finalised, we can then and project scheduling can all take place prepare the quote for your new home. By this while approvals are being sought, so once the stage we will probably already have a pretty good construction certificate is granted, we can start as estimate of the price, so it will be more a matter soon as possible. Then the fun part begins ‌
Proudly supplying Lighting and Electrical to
Bentley Homes Cetnaj Cos Harbour 151 Orlando Street Ph: 6691 6100
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THE SIZE, LAYOUT What are the top three which highlights that sometimes it is AND ORIENTATION things people should easy to overthink things. At the end OF THE HOUSE CAN consider when looking to of the day, building a new home DRAMATICALLY AFFECT build a new house? should be an exciting and enjoyable NOT ONLY THE INITIAL When building a new experience - not a nightmare. COST OF THE HOME, BUT home there are a multitude I think getting the right design/ ALSO THE ONGOING COSTS of things to consider; floorplan is of particular importance. OF RUNNING THE HOUSE. some of these things carry Good house design is more than just significantly more importance picking a floorplan that fits on your than others. I recall a few block of land the best, or having heated discussions during the rooms for the sake of having rooms. construction of our first home The size, layout and orientation - one concerning light switches and power points, the of the house can dramatically affect not only the other to do with door handles. At the time these were initial cost of the home, but also the ongoing costs of “crucial� decisions about relatively mundane things, running the house. Good or bad design can also have
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a dramatic effect on the overall liveability and day to day function of the house and its inhabitants. That’s where the services of an experienced designer can be invaluable. Another thing to keep in mind when comparing the various offerings of all builders is what is actually included in the quoted price. Some builders, for instance, don’t allow for a letterbox - not that this is a major thing in its own right, but the majority of people would simply expect that one would be included. Other common items this is true for are electrical and floor coverings. I’ve been told of many instances where people have been enticed by a cheap price, paid a deposit, then been advised of the actual cost. A lot of people feel they can’t opt out and are obliged to continue with the process. The cheapest quote may
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not always cost you the they don’t have WE ARE ALSO least in the long run. the proximity to CONSCIOUS OF THE Where are the hot the beach, they do FACT WE NEED TO DO spots to build on the have other equally OUR PART AS WELL Coffs Coast? appealing qualities, AND SUPPORT OTHER I think the majority such as larger LOCALLY OWNED, of people would agree blocks and in some INDEPENDENT that we are fairly lucky instances, lower BUSINESSES. to live anywhere on prices. the Coffs Coast, and Since the we are pretty spoilt for conception of the choice. Anywhere near business, what the beach is always has been the most popular, so areas like Sapphire Beach, important thing to you as a local trade? Moonee Beach and Woolgoolga are always One thing we are proud of is being locally favourites; the continual release of land in owned. My family moved to Coffs Harbour these areas is testament to that. in 1980 when I was six months old, and for In saying that though, there are a number all but two years of my life I’ve been lucky to of areas west of the highway that while call Coffs home.
Nathan’s family moved to the area in 1990 when he was four; he has spent a little bit of time overseas and in Queensland, but Coffs Harbour is definitely home for him too. As we are asking people to support us as locals, we are also conscious of the fact we need to do our part as well and support other locally owned, independent businesses. This is true of our suppliers and tradespeople. I think there’s a misconception that bigger means cheaper or better. The other thing is being honest and upfront in what we do. Even though Coffs has grown substantially since our families moved here, it is still a small town at heart, and word of mouth is still crucial to the success or failure of any business. Thanks guys.
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N AT H A N B E N T L E Y .
MEET THE BOYS.
Nathan and I bring experience from various backgrounds. Nathan as a qualified carpenter and licensed builder in his own right, with approximately 15 years’ hands on experience, has been involved in all aspects of the building industry, from repairs and maintenance to residential home building, commercial fitouts and unit development. While predominantly working in the Coffs Harbour area, Nathan has worked as far afield as Armidale, Bundaberg, Cairns and London. In 2016 Nathan was called to Yeppoon, where he worked for his brother’s construction company, which handles insurance repairs. Nathan was in charge of supervising in excess of 40 claims after TC Marcia devastated Rockhampton and Yeppoon; these were completed in approximately six months. By being involved with all these areas of the industry, Nathan’s developed a keen eye for detail and quality workmanship.
ASHLEY TRENGOVE.
My background is in accounting and business management, although I’ve always had an interest in architecture and building. I worked at and managed East Coast Masonry (which has now become Austral Masonry) for a number of years; here we manufactured and sold concrete blocks, bricks, retaining walls, pavers and various other building products. This position provided me with the opportunity to deal with people from all walks of life, from mum and dad DIYers, to property developers and major builders to local tradesmen and architects/designers. These dealings further reinforced my understanding of the building industry from various perspectives. In previous years I managed another construction company for my brother-in-law, which was primarily involved with insurance repairs after natural disasters such as cyclones and floods. In this line of work, understanding the building process and effective communication is paramount to schedule multiple trades on multiple jobs in order to complete repairs on time and budget to a high standard. Together, we feel we make a good combination as we both have different strengths, but ultimately have the same goal or focus.
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R E C E N T LY C O M P L E T E D .
16 Rovere Drive This four-bedroom, two-bathroom, single level home is a very wellproportioned and appointed home. The large rectangular windows really bring the outside in, creating the perfect light filled living area that flows on to a generous undercover alfresco area, ”an entertainer’s delight”, providing the owners with a terrific space to entertain family and friends for years to come. With its bold but yet seemingly simple façade, this house really stands out from the crowd, from the beautiful tiled, open spaces to the seamless and stylish kitchen and bathroom - even the laundry in this home screams modern and stylish. Low maintenance was the goal with this build, so externally the owners selected rendered brick with a tiled alfresco and no timber to be seen.
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THE LARGE RECTANGULAR WINDOWS REALLY BRING THE OUTSIDE IN, CREATING THE PERFECT LIGHT FILLED LIVING AREA ...
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R E C E N T LY C O M P L E T E D .
15 Grandview Where do I start with this home? Positioned on a perfect parcel of land within close proximity of the beach ... We were simply given a brief of “industrial and nothing shiny”, and the end result came together to make something quite unique, with an abundance of amazing features. The kitchen, whilst stylish and seemingly simple, has ample bench space and the feature island certainly delivers adequate functionality for the home owners. Combined with ON THE OUTSIDE, burnished concrete floors and timber CHARRED (READ BURNT) benchtops, this truly is an exquisite space. TIMBER CLADDING AND Equally impressive is the bathroom. DRY PRESSED SOLID CLAY Although contemporary in appearance, the BRICKS ARE TWO THINGS feeling of warmth and comfort has also YOU DEFINITELY DON’T been achieved in this room. The beautiful SEE EVERY DAY. black stained timber floors and stairs really set the tone for the industrial theme. On the outside, charred (read burnt) timber cladding and dry pressed solid clay bricks are two things you definitely don’t see every day; paired with a beautiful entry and outlook, this home is certainly one to envy. Hats off to the owners for making some bold choices; the end result is something they should be really proud of.
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Bentley Homes would like to say a huge thank you to all of our customers for trusting us with their new homes or renovations over the last couple of years. It has been a pleasure to have gotten to know you all and to have been a part of your projects. We’d also like to extend a massive thank you to all of our suppliers and tradesmen & women, without the support and commitment of you it would be extremely difficult to do what we do.
We are so in love with our new home, it’s everything we imagined and more. Thankyou to the team at Bentley Homes! BROOKE & DAN RITCHIE 16 Rovere Drive, Coffs Harbour “THANK YOU! Nathan and Ash for building our dream home, we look forward to spending many happy years here.” RORY AND KAYLA MCDONALD 32 Red Gum Cct “We had a picture in our head of exactly what we wanted and Bentley homes gave us just that! Thanks Ashley and Nathan.” FA L LO N A N D C H R I S 15 Grandview Close, Sapphire beach
Proudly working with Bentley Homes
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nearing completion.
The great thing about our building company is that no two jobs are ever the same. Over the last 12 - 15 months we have encountered a bit of everything ... from the steepest and highest of sites around South Cos to the nice level building blocks at North Sapphire. New builds, renovations and
extensions, single dwellings and multiresidential - seems we’ve had it all.
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28 MARKET STREET
This set of four x two-bedroom units in Woolgoolga have been quite the challenge, due to the tight site they are on. Almost everything in this project has had to be pushed to the limit, to ensure the new owners don’t miss out on any of the modern necessities (two bathrooms, study nook, separate laundry, good storage, etc). While it has been difficult at times, all our tradies have done a great job; they are just about completed and look great. They’ve got a very relaxed look and suit the laid back, beachy Woolgoolga lifestyle. 80 MIMIWALI DRIVE
16 RED GUM CIRCUIT
With a block orientation that is not ideal, this house had to capture the mountain views to the west without overly exposing the house to the western sun, incorporating a rather large raked ceiling in the living area, allowing north facing windows to be included to help get the light in. This neat four-bedroom home with a second living area has been a great build. With a Blackbutt feature wall and a massive island bench in the kitchen, an oversized barn door and a great open living/alfresco space, we can’t wait to see this one at completion.
A little bit of Hamptons comes to Sapphire … This house is going to be another one of those that is quite different to most others around at the moment. From the street, the Scyon Linea weatherboards and pitched roof, with front verandah, is a bit of a throwback to yesteryear and has received tons of compliments. On the inside, steering away from the concrete and timber look that a lot of houses have these days, the owners of this house have decided to back themselves with some great choices, especially with their tiles and kitchen.
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just starting. 9 JASMINE CLOSE
8 REICKS CLOSE
Once again, the owners of this house wanted something a bit different to what you generally see around Sapphire at the moment ... with a very square look, the contemporary colour palette of black and white with a natural timber feature, while not the norm for this area, won’t look out of place. A bit smaller in size than most houses, the internal living space will open up to a terrific north facing, full width rear yard, which will be well used by this young family.
Another block and yet another unique situation. A battle-axe block right beside the highway, great northerly aspect and views of the bush. Positioning the house to allow for a car to drive in, turnaround and drive out was the starting point, due to the length of the shared driveway. Keeping the front of the house looking good although not visible from the street was a concern, as was keeping a good useable rear yard. By opening up the alfresco roof using a scissor truss, the view and aspect from the kitchen and living area will be great. Fairly straightforward house - with a few little design tweaks, it will be a great family home.
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Can you help with the purchasing of for sewer, drainage or power; block land prior to building? orientation; potential views; the makeFor sure. We are more than happy up of the ground itself; the proximity to meet on site to have a walk over to the highway; flood levels; specific the block prior to making a purchase. subdivision covenants … The list of Making sure factors is quite you are well lengthy. While the informed prior effects of some of to making an these and how they offer can save can be dealt with WHILE PURCHASING A BLOCK a lot of money, are well known OF LAND HAS ALWAYS BEEN heartache, or and quite common, A MAJOR PURCHASE, THE both. While some of them are a WAY PRICES HAVE GONE UP purchasing a little more obscure RECENTLY MEANS ACQUIRING block of land has and specialised, THE RIGHT BLOCK AT THE always been a and it’s these ones RIGHT PRICE IS MORE major purchase, where the insight of IMPORTANT THAN EVER.” the way prices a professional can have gone up help you make the recently means best decision. that acquiring How has your the right block at the right price is more business evolved over the years? important than ever. Starting off in 2015 with myself, There are a number of things that Nathan and one other carpenter, the last can influence or impact the potential couple of years has seen our team grow build: bushfire prone land; easements to include two apprentice carpenters,
Looking
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another full-time carpenter, as well as another couple of sub contract carpenters. A regular team of electricians, plumbers, concreters and roofers help keep the jobs ticking over. The first twelve months after opening our display home at Sapphire was harder than we thought it would be. The length of time from enquiry to starting the build was something that took longer than we generally allowed for when building for ourselves; I guess that was part of the learning curve of dealing
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I’VE YET TO COME ACROSS TWO DIFFERENT SETS OF CLIENTS WHO ARE THE SAME OR HAVE THE SAME NEEDS AND WANTS, SO WE FEEL A CUSTOM HOUSE PLAN IS THE WAY TO GO.
with arguably a potential client’s largest investment. At the moment we’re in full swing, with a constant four jobs running at various stages at all times; we look to put a slab down each month. Do you have house plans for prospective clients to choose from? While we do have some plans available to
choose from, all our work to date is custom designed. The main reason behind this is to try and get the most out of the block of land. Blocks of land are rarely the same, and I’ve yet to come across two different sets of clients who are the same or have the same needs and wants, so we feel a custom house plan is the way to go.
A lot of our clients come to us with a sketch or an idea of what they would like; almost always there is at least a list (or becoming more common, a Pinterest link). From this, we can develop a plan for them and their chosen block of land. Alternatively, a lot of our clients have used third party building designers to develop their perfect plan; I guess the benefit of this approach for the client is that they can get like for like quotes on the same house. Either way, we are more than happy to help you out.
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“I looked everywhere for the best place for Mum. Only one ticked the boxes!” $20k
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After a lifetime of caring for her own family, 90 year old Edna finally needed care herself. In his search for a place that provided 24 hour care plus the independence, companionship and lifestyle his Mum deserved, her son Peter visited every nursing home in her region. The only place he found that “ticked all the boxes” was Freedom Aged Care. COMPARATIVE ITEMS
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Visit freedomagedcare.com.au//20k-move-in-bonus 80 Coffs Coast focus
Freedom Nursing Aged Care Home
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