Pippa and Co
December 2018. issue 142
Jack River
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Photo credit : Shane Chalker Photography
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PHOTOGRAPHER Craig Mason
ph: 0411 846 084 www.eastcoastphotography.com.au
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team From the
Welcome to the December issue of Manning-Great Lakes FOCUS.
A
nd so, this is Christmas ... It’s been said by many since all the way back in June, but it’s just so, so true - where did this year go! Here we are almost at the end, staring down the barrel of the “silly season”. Whether you’re winding down in the corporate world or winding up in the retail industry, there is so much to look forward to over the coming weeks - and there is no better place to be than our very own backyard. We are spoilt for choice with our piece of paradise and all the wonderful things to do and see. Make sure you look out for our January edition, that will feature our “best kept secrets” - the perfect way to plan what you and your family can get up to, before we all go back to work and school.
One the cover This month our cover star is the one and only Holly Rankin, who will headline the local Grow Your Own festival. If you haven’t got your tickets already, make sure you don’t miss out. You can catch up with Holly on page 10. Team Pic Shane Chalker’s stunning photo has been chosen as the photo behind our team pic for the month. Shane is one of our favourite photographers, and his pictures are incredible. If you haven’t already liked Shane’s page, pop on to Facebook and do so: https://www. facebook.com/shanechalkerphotography/ Facebook There is no secret social media is very popular; it’s a great way to keep in touch and see what is happening. It’s also a great way to get your
event featured in FOCUS! Tag @focusmag and you could see your event or party featured in our social scene pages. Thank you On behalf of my amazing team members and I, we would like to wish you all a very happy holiday season. Thank you for your ongoing support; we love the feedback about how much you all love our publication and reading it each and every month. We look forward to bringing another year’s worth of FOCUS your way. We would also like to give a HUGE shout out to our awesome advertisers and columnists - thank you for your continued support of FOCUS and trusting us each month to deliver your message to our loyal readers. Whatever you are doing this Christmas and New Year holiday, stay safe, enjoy, and RELAX!
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*Comparison rate for the purpose of the National Credit Code is based on a 5 year secured loan of $30,000 ‑ this offer relates to a 36 month term only. WARNING: This comparison rate is true only for the examples given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate. Excludes leasing products, A250, C‑Class, CLS, E53, G63, demonstrator and used vehicles. Available on new vehicles purchased and delivered between 1/11/18 and 31/12/18 unless extended. While stocks last. Not available with any other offer or towards negative equity. Restricted to approved customers of Mercedes‑Benz Financial Services Australia Pty Ltd ACN 074 134 517 Australian Credit Licence 247271 excluding fleet, government or rental buyers. Standard credit assessment and lending criteria apply. Full details at www.mercedes‑benz.com.au.
Taree Motorama 54 Victoria Street, Taree (02) 6539 3300 50223 www.mbtaree.com.au Manning-Great Lakes focus 3
focusinterview.
CAPTURING THAT MOMENT IN TIME HAS LONG BEEN A PASSION FOR PIP CALLAGHER. HER KEEN EYE AND LOVE FOR PHOTOGRAPHY IS EVIDENT IN HER BREATHTAKING SHOTS.
BEHIND THE LENS
Y
ou are obviously very passionate about photography. Where did your love affair with the lens begin? When I was growing up, I use to borrow my mum’s SLR camera. I loved the idea of being able to capture my memories and look back on them. Mum got sick of finding her camera with no film, so she bought me my first camera at eight years of age. It was definitely a shoot and learn process, especially when I had to save my pocket money to get my roll of film developed, just to see if I had captured my subject, which was usually my horse or dog. My grandfather also noticed I was interested in photography; he pulled out his old photos and cameras, igniting my passion even more.
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What inspires you to take photos? The everyday beauty in nature mostly, and my family’s adventures! There’s just something about looking back through photos and remembering those moments or locations. When it comes to subject matter, what do you love to capture and why? Landscapes, especially from above. I have taken a real interest in drone photography over the last year. Abstract photos that you have to look twice at are my favourite. I particularly like photographing out at Crowdy Head, the contrast between land and sea makes for great subject matter. Also, when I am in my hometown of Tamworth, on my parents’ farm, capturing the realities of farming - whether it be from above or from the back of the Hilux. I also love capturing lifestyle images of families,
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I also love capturing lifestyle images of families, particularly in
a natural environment.
There is no posing, just particularly in a natural with you? Why? interaction with each environment. There is I take my whole camera other and the setting. You no posing, just interacbag and drone; you never can get some really beautiful tion with each other and know what you might find natural shots, especially of kids the setting. You can get and what lens you might who are camera shy. some really beautiful need. natural shots, especially Do you have any top tips of kids who are camera for a novice photograshy. pher? There are many amazing photographers; Practice, practice, practice. Get to know your whose work has influenced you most? camera and what it can do when you take it off Eugene Tan of Aquabumps.com has to be my auto mode. Read the user manual and watch favourite. I love his photography; it’s calming and online tutorials. There are plenty of free resources captures beauty in his everyday adventures at the out there to learn from. beach. Your prints are available for purchase. Where Some other photographers I follow are: Matt is the best place to view your work? Lauder (Mattlauder.com.au); Sera J Wright (phoYou can find my photography work and more tographybyronbay.com.au); Brett Wood: (Brettinformation about my little business on my woodphotos.com); Serena Ho (Serena-ho.com). website: www.pippaandco.com.au or you can How do you educate yourself to take better follow me on Instagram, where I post my weekly pictures? photography adventures! @pippa157. I watch online tutorials or do online classes Thanks Pip. for learning new techniques, and then practice Interview: Bronwyn Davis. makes perfect. Traditional photography was somewhat complicated, especially when it came to processing. Tell us the advantages of the digital world? The only thing that can hold you back in the digital world is storage space and your camera battery. Instead of taking one shot on film and hoping you captured the moment you were after, with digital you can take 10 shots, all slightly different, and then choose your preferred shot later in post-production. And certainly the cost associated with developing film vs. the digital world allows photographers to be more click happy. When you go on travels, what do you take Manning-Great Lakes focus 5
contents Issue 142 - December 2018
focusinterviews
12
2018 Taree Showgirl Courtney Robertson.
feature a special
THE CHRISTMAS ISSUE
With a passion for the community, the future is looking very bright for our 2018 Taree Showgirl, Courtney Robertson, who spoke with us recently about the competition and what being Taree Showgirl meant to her.
31
The
Christmas
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Summer Surf Safety.
Little Nippers is a great way to enjoy the beach in a safe environment. We chat with Simon and Beth from Forster SLSC about the skills, knowledge and confidence kids acquire from this programme.
27
Timmy Trumpet.
the Usual
14. WHAT’S ON for December 20. EAT local restaurants 23. WINE TIME with Robyn Piper 26. WHAT’S IN SEASON with Neville Donovan 28. SOCIAL SCENE with Donna Carrier 51. STARGUIDE with Terri Hall 53. MONEY MATTERS with Alan Tickle 54. BUSINESS MINDS with Jeremy Thornton 55. BUSINESS VOICE with John Stevens
Timmy Trumpet gets set to perform at the next instalment of Lunar Electric Music Festival, Australia’s biggest homegrown EDM festival in Port Macquarie.
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Rex Winston Walford. Rex Winston Walford is an established Indigenous artist who now calls the Manning-Great Lakes home … FOCUS chatted with Rex about his artistic background and his latest venture …
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Suspects
follow us on
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No matter where you are in the world, read FOCUS for free online every month @ www.focusmag.com.au
Manning-Great Lakes focus 7
focusinterview.
Julie
Brady
H
i Julie. Would you please tell our readers a bit about yourself, and how you ended up living in the beautiful ManningGreat Lakes region? I was born into an aspirational Catholic family in Randwick in 1949. I was not fond of school and, ungratefully and ungraciously, resolved never to return. It took me many years to realise and appreciate what an excellent education we received from the nuns and other female teachers and what powerful, positive role models they were. I started coming to Coomba Park over 20 years ago with my partner. I moved here fulltime in 2003 to live very happily on a farm on the shores of Wallis Lake, raising beef cattle for fun rather than profit and providing a happy home for a large number of idle, pampered animals, including a few dogs, too many horses, and a retired dairy cow. What is your “volunteer” journey so far? I started volunteering locally with the Coomba Park RFS, served on the Coomba and District Hall Committee, helped to set up our after school programme ASHOW, and for some years tutored at Pacific Palms Primary School. Nine years ago I was invited to join the Committee of Forster Neighbourhood
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Julie Brady has a heart for people, and it shows! SHE WAS RECENTLY RECOGNISED FOR HER VOLUNTEER WORK, ACHIEVING THE TITLE OF SENIOR VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR, as well as being named Overall Winner for the Mid North Coast Region.
Centre, for the last six years as Chair. assisting people seems to be part of my We received a huge offer of help from DNA and certainly reflects my family’s rock Sydney-based Women’s Community Shelters solid values and practices. I seem to have a (WCS), who had heard of our local efforts. (good) compulsion to solve problems and set This was multiplied by a groundswell of things to rights, and volunteering allows me community concern - always working with and support the likes others - to achieve some of which I have never pretty good things, seen. This enabled which is satisfying. One of my favourites is the us, from a standing When it comes to the homeless young man who came start in April 2015, to brain, I believe in the in terrified after having slept in his open the doors of two “use it or lose it” adage, car beside the road. That very shelters on 2nd January and volunteering sure day the Neighbourhood 2016 - a remarkable helps with that! Centre gave him a swag achievement. As Finally, “community” to sleep in, rented a safe Chair of Forster is a place where, space in a caravan park, Neighbourhood whatever the state of and some food to eat. Centre, the “mother” “the world”, any person organisation, I found can have a positive myself also chairing influence. the task force which What was the process brought this community-driven initiative into involved in being nominated for, and being, and I duly became the President of the then receiving, Senior Volunteer of the Board of Great Lakes Women’s Shelter Inc. Year, and then Overall Winner for the (GLWS). Mid North Coast Region? I also convene the Coomba Memorial Well, it kind of snuck up on me. Stephen Committee, and volunteer at the Coomba Bromhead asked me to provide a short bio, Brunch Café once a month. which I did, and then in September, I was Why volunteer? What does it mean to mildly surprised to be reminded to attend you? the Centre for Volunteering Awards in Port While I never wanted to go into any of Macquarie. the traditional female “helping professions”, It is very pleasing to be recognised in that
way, but the reality is, of course, that no-one achieves things without the help and support of many other volunteers and amazing staff, who all do wonderful work under tough conditions. You are currently the President of both Great Lakes Women’s Shelter (GLWS) and Forster Neighbourhood Centre - can you please tell us a bit more about both these organisations? Forster Neighbourhood Centre is where the rubber meets the road for the most disadvantaged members of our community. The problems that walk though their door, or to which they take outreach services, range from homelessness, family distress and dysfunction - to not having food to feed the kids tonight, needing a No Interest Loan to register the car to get to work or replace the refrigerator, or needing help to fill in a form. There are so many good news stories… One of my favourites is the homeless young man who came in terrified after having slept in his car beside the road. That very day the Neighbourhood Centre gave him a swag to sleep in, rented a safe space in a caravan park, and some food to eat. No other organisation can respond on the spot like that. There is no bureaucracy, no hierarchy, just practical help, now! Within two weeks he had a job, was looking for somewhere to share and came back to say, “Thanks”!
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GLWS is another success story, having forged a solid reputation for providing emergency accommodation and support services and has repaid the community’s faith many times over. In a short three years, the shelter has given the opportunity of a new start to around 80 women and more than 100 children. Your career background includes executive business roles in the public and private sector - does this background help in terms of the voluntary roles you have taken on? Until GLWS, all my volunteering was
relatively easy … well within my skill set and time consuming, but not too onerous. However, it is fair to say that with occasional lulls and quiet times, this GLWS gig has consumed a lot of my life over the last three and a half years. Happily, it has made me dust off corners of my business brain that had lain undisturbed for a long time. I sometimes say that all the many skills I acquired over a long career were boot camp training for the things I do now. A dedicated student of human behaviour, by trial and error I realised that people were energised by a sense of purpose, and that, while a bit of
argy bargy seemed to be has been successful part and parcel of getting in achieving and Really happy people are things done, making what this will mean always looking outwards people laugh was a for the organisation. … for something to do for much more effective and We are most grateful others - not worrying pleasant way to go. to the Member for endlessly about their own I joined the then Myall Lakes, Stephen stuff. Really happy people find Federal Department of Bromhead, for something, or a range of things, Employment, Education obtaining a Stronger that make them happy. So get and Training as an Country Communities out there and volunteer, or find a enlisted person and Fund grant of great hobby. worked in the ‘70s $605,000. Added to a and ‘80s, up to senior private philanthropic executive level in grant from Perpetual Canberra and NSW. Impact Grants of $150,000 and building Looking around at 38, feeling restless and funds we have, we now have over $800,000 wondering “what next?”, I decided I needed to build a six-bedroom, purpose-designed the quickest, most career-useful qualification shelter, hopefully by the end of 2020. From in the land, discovered that it was possible to the ever-supportive community we also get into an MBA program as a non-graduate, have many pledges of donations-in-kind of so I did (that is a whole story in itself). materials and labour, adding further value Graduating at the ripe old age of 40, I then and expanding the scope of the project. launched myself into an unsuspecting private Is there anything else that you’d like to sector. share with our readers? I worked for 12 years as an executive Yes. Really happy people are always in insurance and health insurance, in looking outwards … for something to do manufacturing, and with a dot com startfor others - not worrying endlessly about up. My executive roles included Customer their own stuff. Really happy people find Service; Organisation Performance Planning; something, or a range of things, that make Organisation Change and Development; and them happy. So get out there and volunteer, Human Resources. After that I was selfor find a great hobby. employed for eight years as a management Also, believe in yourself and don’t be consultant, working with Boards, Executive afraid of doing new things and trying things teams and specialising in Governance different ways. We too often worry: “What and Board performance management, will happen if I do this?” or, “What will and corporate performance planning and they say if I say that?”. While I can be really management. impatient to create progress by challenging Skills I use every day include financial “the norm” and pushing the edges of the and operational planning and monitoring, envelope, I always try to remain respectful managing and motivating people, to others. That way no harm is created fundraising, prioritising the million-andfor anyone and I don’t have to be (too) one demands on my time. Finally, but most embarrassed when I review the events of the importantly, strategic planning skills allow me day. to help focus the Board and staff on the big things we have to get right. Thanks Julie. Tell us about the grants that the GLWS Interview: Ingrid Bayer. Manning-Great Lakes focus 9
focusinterview.
Jack River Acclaimed artist Jack River gets set to perform at the third instalment of Grow Your Own.
H
i Holly, it’s such a pleasure to speak with you! You’ve had a very big year with the release of debut album Sugar Mountain, congratulations! Tell us a little about that process for you of putting the album together? The album process altogether took about five years. I’ve been working at everything since I was eighteen and made a couple of EPs. Sugar Mountain started to mould a good five years ago. The album was made from quite a dark period of my life in my teens and early twenties. The time kind of added to it and gave me the chance to give that older perspective to my younger self, which was a really beautiful part of the timing. What are some of your stand-out tracks you’re most proud of? I really love Constellation Ball. I’ve always wanted to write a song about the planet, which sounds cheesy. It’s really hard to write a song that’s not about love, but that song; I just had this vision about where we’re at at the moment with climate change, needing to take a look at the planet from afar, and make some big decisions about how we’re acting. This song ended up being about the planet and turning out as a song that I really love. You’ve also just wrapped up your headline national tour, off the back of Jack River’s first UK tour. How do you find performing live as opposed to recording in studio? I really love it - a completely different way of giving music. To play a sold out national tour was insane. To walk into every room and know that all these strangers are there to cheer
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something I’ve worked for so long ... They’re Forster and surrounds, seeing that you can just such beautiful, warm, involved crowds, do something that’s really different from the so it’s been a really special year to make that things happening in your town. turning point. The incredible success of Grow Your Own You are originally a Forster girl. Growing it’s now in its third year and getting bigger up in the small Mid North Coast town, you and better! What can we expect for the have stated previously you felt the desire third instalment? to challenge the conservative nature of It’s grown a lot! We’ve brought the amazing the landscape and felt very supported by company Secret Sounds on board. They’re fellow local musicians behind Splendour and Skeggs and Los Falls Festival, and now Scallywags. How they’re behind Grow Your did their influence Own. That’s a huge thing encourage your love that’s happened. We’ve We all grew up seeing of music from a young got DMA’s and Hockey each other chipping age? Dad, The Preatures. These away at these dreams, Good question! are acts that have never and knowing that we I guess I was really been to our area and were all in it together lucky to be born into probably wouldn’t play if I think really helped us all to a community where at it wasn’t for Grow Your believe that we could make a the same time there Own. So, that’s super dent nationally. were so many people huge! wanting creative things We’ve grown our outside of the norm. Lee growers area that sells McConnell - he does all great local produce and the art for Grow Your local sustainability. There Own and all the art for Jack River. He also does are about twenty amazing young producers June Rats and works for Splendour. We grew involved in that as well. So, it’s grown to up one year apart. another completely huge level. I really hope And the Los Scallywags guys were in my people love it. year at school, Benny Reed from Skeggs was a Why is it important for you to be part of a couple of years younger, and Lenni the Label platform that showcases local artists and is also around my age. We all grew up seeing producers and their talent? each other chipping away at these dreams, and Another good question! For me, growing knowing that we were all in it together I think up in Forster, I really loved festivals and there really helped us all to believe that we could was never one in my home town. I really loved make a dent nationally. I think that’s hopefully home grown produce and being able to know reflecting now in the younger generations in the people who make your food and go and
buy it direct from their farm. We’ve tried to put these two things together, so that we can bring national bands to our town and our area and we can shine a spotlight on the local producers making this food that’s right there. It’s not thousands of kilometres away. How do you see the festival evolving over the next five or ten years? I guess the goal is to keep growing it. We want to make sure that people are really enjoying it, and we’ll grow with the interest and the natural movement of people. We’ll keep trying to bring more amazing bands and grow our produce movement within the festival. We shall see! As an artist, what are your plans for 2019 for Jack River? I am going to release new music very soon. I’ve got some exciting collaborations in the works. I’ll be touring over to the States early next year; I’ve just signed a record deal in America. What are you most proud of looking back career-wise personally? Big life question! I guess just getting to the point where this album Sugar Mountain is out in the world. In itself, it was such a challenge for me and to have it received in the emotional way that it was by people, that’s just the coolest thing to be able to give people something they can really use in their day to day life. So that, and probably creating Grow Your Own. It’s just crazy to think we have a festival now in our home town. My friends and I have pushed for it for so many years. Thanks Holly. Interview: Sarah Dunstan.
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Courtney Robertson With a passion for the community, the future is looking very bright for our 2018 Taree Showgirl, Courtney Robertson, who spoke with us recently about the competition and what being Taree Showgirl meant to her. i Courtney. Can you tell our readers a bit about your background, how long you’ve been in the area, and what you’ve got on the horizon in relation to career options? I’ve lived at Rainbow Flat most of my life and went to school in Forster/Tuncurry. In 2015 I moved to Newcastle temporarily to commence my university degree. I’m currently studying a Bachelor of Nursing at the University of Newcastle Callaghan Campus and completing my entire clinical placement (800 hours) at Manning Rural Referral Hospital as part of a collaborative program through the university. I hope to move back to the area permanently once I’ve graduated and work at Manning Rural Referral Hospital. What was the inspiration for you to enter the Taree Showgirl Competition? Entering Taree Showgirl was always on my to-do list. Miranda O’Brien from Maitland and Ashley Olsen from Wauchope are both close family friends who inspired and encouraged me to enter Taree Showgirl. Both Miranda and Ashley were representatives for their local area. I loved watching both their Showgirl experiences and the opportunities that being a part of the Showgirl movement had to offer them. Leading up to my Showgirl experience, I received a lot of guidance from previous Taree Showgirl contestants. They all encouraged me to get involved, describing it as “an experience you’ll never regret”. All the young women involved in the Showgirl movement are extremely passionate about their local community, in the same way that I am very passionate about my community and the agricultural sector.
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You mentioned the judging process had changed for this year’s competition - how so? In previous years, the judging of Showgirl was conducted in the weeks leading up to Taree Show. This year the Showgirl contestants were judged on the Saturday of the show, before the Grand Parade. This decision was made due to the difficulty arranging a convenient day and time for all Showgirl contestants and judges to meet up prior to the show (work and study commitments were factors contributing to this). The judging criteria for Showgirl has not changed from previous years, although the annual Producers Dinner held the Friday night of the show (a tradition started in 2016 by the 2015 Taree Showgirl winner, Laura Polson) was not held. In previous years, the Taree Showgirl contestants would help host this event. It’s quite an honour to be crowned Taree Showgirl. How did you feel when you found out you had won? I was very honoured and overwhelmed to be selected as Taree Showgirl for 2018. It was a very memorable moment - one that was shared with close family and friends. I’m very grateful for the opportunity, and I’m looking forward to my Showgirl journey and all that it will bring. What does being Taree Showgirl mean to you? The Showgirl movement provides an opportunity for young women to become involved in their local communities as rural ambassadors. Being Showgirl is a fantastic opportunity to network with like-minded individuals and learn from the industry leaders. I look forward to becoming more involved in the community and
gaining life experiences, criteria and how they Leading up to my Showgirl while meeting new peowould go about enterexperience, I received ple. I feel very privileged ing? a lot of guidance and proud to be the The Showgirl compefrom previous Taree 2018 Taree Showgirl. tition aims to find young Showgirl contestants. I imagine your calenwomen aged between They all encouraged me to get dar is starting to fill 18 and 25 years old (as at involved, describing it as 'an up. What do you have 1st May in the year of the experience you’ll never regret'. on the horizon so far State Final) to act as an in your official capaciambassador for the Taree ty as Taree Showgirl? area. Contestants must Taree Agricultural also reside, be educated and Horticultural Society have funded my or work within NSW for at least three months attendance to a personal development training prior to their local Showgirl competition. weekend in November at the Aussie Cabins Contestants are judged on rural knowledge, Complex in Dubbo. This will be my first outing general knowledge, presentation and speech, as the 2018 Taree Showgirl. I’m looking forpersonality, confidence, ambition and life ward to meeting and networking with other goals. Entrants must have a genuine interest representatives from around the state. in, and knowledge of, rural NSW. Showgirl On March 16, 2019, I will travel to Murwilcontestants must also demonstrate knowledge lumbah for Zone 1 finals. If I’m lucky enough of their local community and current affairs, as to become a zone finalist, I will then have the well as their involvement in, and experience of, opportunity to go to the Sydney Royal Easter rural affairs. Show in April. I have many plans for the next To be in the running for the Taree Showgirl, 12 months, and these details will be anwatch the local media for entry information. nounced in the near future. Finally, do you have any advice for young The Taree Showgirl competition goes back women contemplating entering the Taree quite a few years now. What’s the history Showgirl competition? around the competition? Don’t hesitate! I strongly urge any young The Taree Showgirl competition commenced women aged between 18 and 25 years old in 1878. Laura Polson was sashed as the 50th who have a passion for agriculture, rural NSW Taree Showgirl in 2015. Since then, Victoria and our beautiful community to get involved. Lee and Samantha Hamilton have been sashed. The Showgirl movement opens many doors for On the 6th October 2018 I was fortunate to be young women. It’s a fantastic opportunity to sashed as the 53rd Taree Showgirl at the 140th meet amazing women, make new friendships Taree Show. and develop valuable communication and For anyone who is keen to be a Taree networking skills. Showgirl contestant in 2019, can you Thanks Courtney. give our readers an insight into the entry Interview: Ingrid Bayer.
Forster Tuncurry
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Visit our onsite display suite or contact our friendly team
PH: 6555 6555
Onsite display suite now open in Kent St (opposite Woolworths)
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focus_What’s On Manning Great Lakes
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Carols in the Park
D E C E M B E R
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Presented by LJ Hooker Taree & Viatek. Join us to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas surrounded by our friends and community. Entertainment from homegrown talent, local schools, Taree Arts Council and more! Special guests: Andy and Luca Saunders, Mr Hooker Bear, and Santa Claus. The night will conclude with a dazzling fireworks display by Ka-Boom. Food and refreshments available. This is a not for profit community event. When Sunday 9th December; 6:30pm - 9pm. Location River St, Taree. Website www.facebook.com/events/177800579795473/ Phone (02) 6552 1133.
The Merry Widow When Tuesday 11th December, 10am and 7pm. Location 33 Manning River Drive, Taree. Website mec.midcoast.nsw.gov.au Phone (02) 6592 5466. Email box.office@midcoast.nsw.gov.au A Cinema Live Film - Duration approximately two hours including interval. Sessions 10am and 7pm. Tickets adult $25, concession $23, Friend of the MEC $20, Taree Film Society Member / Friend of the Gallery $20 (Available from MEC Box Office), students Group 30+ $15. (For student group bookings, please contact us on 6592 5466.) All tickets are general admission (no numbered seating - you may sit where you wish on the day).
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What’s
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Tuncurry Carols by Candlelight This year marks the 44th anniversary of the Tuncurry Forster Christmas Carols presented by the Rotary Club of Tuncurry Forster Inc and MidCoast Council. This special event will be held at John Wright Park, Tuncurry on Monday 17th December, from 6:30pm. Compered by Lyn Lelean. A special visit from Santa Claus. Food and drinks, glow sticks and song sheets will be available. So just bring a chair or blanket, something warm and your best singing voice and join us to celebrate the coming of Christmas.
Club Forster Christmas Luncheon
Relax on Christmas Day in air-conditioned comfort in our family friendly "242ate Café, Bar & Grill" and enjoy a menu especially chosen by our Executive Head Chef, Steve Curlew. Club Forster will be open from 11am until 6pm on Christmas Day, so we welcome you to enjoy our great facilities and amenities, along with celebrating this very special day! Note: tickets are sold as general admission, with the final seating plan devised by our Functions Department after close of bookings at 4pm on Friday 21st December 2018. When Tuesday 25th December at 12:30pm. Tickets $100 | children 12 years and under $25 | under 2 years FREE. Where CLUB FORSTER. Phone (02) 6591 6591. Contact enquiries@clubforster.com.au
When Monday 17th December, 6:30pm. Location John Wright Park, Tuncurry. Phone (02) 6555 6896.
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Pinks Family Carnival
Pinks Family Carnival will be back for another 18/19 summer season in Tuncurry! With all your favourite carnival rides, including swinging chairs, dodgem cars, laughing clowns, arcade games, food trucks and much, much more. Free entry (purchase ride tickets at the carnival). Operating nightly until 10pm (midnight on New Year's Eve). When Friday 21st December 2018 - Sunday 27th January 2019. Location John Wright Park, Tuncurry.
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New Year's Eve
Club Old Bar Events, Club West Events. New Year's Eve Celebrations at Club Old Bar and Club West. Free entertainment, cocktails, bistro Oopen, live music by The Trapps (Club Old Bar) and Circus Mule (Club West). When Monday 31st December. Where 1 Belford St, Old Bar, NSW. Phone (02) 6553 7224.
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Summer
Safety
When you think of Mercedes-Benz, you could be forgiven for conjuring images of wealthy professionals, power-suits, long lunches and weekend dashes to the snow.
SURF
Little Nippers is a great way to enjoy the beach in a safe environment. We chat with Simon and Beth from Forster SLSC about the skills, knowledge and confidence kids acquire from this programme.
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ell us how you first became involved in Nippers and the SLS club? Simon and I have been involved with Forster SLSC for a long time, having both joined in the early 1990s. We are both patrolling members, coaches at the club and complete in IRB racing and beach events. Simon was actually a Nipper in the club when he was 10. When our son became old enough to attend Nippers, we started as age managers of the U/6 age group - some nine years ago. Our daughter also joined three years later, and we soon moved on to organising the whole programme. Surf lifesaving really is our way of life. Nippers is such a fantastic program for kids. At what age can kids can join, and how often do they need to attend? Children can start Nippers from when they turn five years of age. The age groups are worked out by the age they are as of the 1st October. The age groups start at U/6 and go up to U/14. The nipper season starts in October, usually after the school holidays, and we run through until mid-March, with a few weeks off over Christmas and the New Year. Nippers is held 9am to 11am each Sunday in this period. Most people join up at the beginning of the season, though we welcome new members at any time. As with any sport, the more the kids attend, the more they will learn and the more confident they will be come in and around the surf. Do children need to know how to swim before joining? It is not a requirement to be a great swimmer when first starting Nippers, but as the children progress through the age groups it is an advantage if they are having
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regular swimming lessons and improving their swimming skills. By the time they are in the U/9 age group, eight years old, we hope they will be able to swim 25 m in a pool unaided and do a one minute survival float. We teach all our Nippers how to wade, dolphin dive under waves and swim in the ocean. Becoming a stronger swimmer helps to develop more confidence when playing in the ocean. What are some of the fun activities available? The younger age groups play a lot of sand and water games such as red rover, tug-owar, racing to collect coloured balls and wading in the water. We are extremely lucky to be able to use the “Bull Ring” ocean pool, especially with these children to play lots of fun games and be quite safe. We also move over to the ocean to jump waves and play beached whales. Each game includes some educational aspect, even if it is only in following instructions from their age manager or maybe learning the lifesaving signals, so that we can communicate without shouting! As the kids get older, we move on to beach flags contests, wading races, swimming in the ocean and catching waves. The older kids paddle on Nipper boards, practice rescuing each other with boards and rescue tubes and learning basic first aid and resuscitation. What are some of the more serious skills kids learn at Nippers? Throughout the Nippers programme, the age managers follow educational lessons set out by Surf Lifesaving Australia. These are graded by age and teach kids about such varied subjects as physical health and wellbeing, personal safety, sun safety, how to spot rips and avoid them, natural and manmade factors that affect the beach and what to do in
It is always paramount to swim between the flags, as this will always be the safest place to swim. Always swim at a patrolled beach and never swim alone; make sure you always have a parent or adult with you when swimming.
an emergency. As the kids get older and become more involved, they can take part in surf carnivals and become skilled competitors in the water and on the sand. Forster SLSC offers mid-week training for all members who which to pursue Surf Sports. As Nippers move through to the U/14 age group, they can train for and gain their Surf Rescue Certificate. This gives them the skill and training to be a cadet patrolling member at the club and prepares them to gain their Bronze Medallion when they turn 15. With the summer holidays almost here, what advice do you have to keep us surf safe? It is always paramount to swim between the flags, as this will always be the safest place to swim. Always swim at a patrolled beach and never swim alone; make sure you always have a parent or adult with you when swimming. If you do need assistance at the beach, look for the Lifesavers and Lifeguards in red and yellow; they are there to help you. If you do get in trouble in the water, raise your hand and call LOUDLY for help. If you do see someone in trouble, don’t straight away think you have to enter the water to help them. Many people die each year trying to save others. Look around for Lifesavers or someone else who can help. Call 000 and get help for them. Is there an opportunity for parents to be involved? Parents run Nippers! The club operates entirely from volunteer help. There are many jobs, and you do not need to have had surf lifesaving experience. The club values the contribution from all parents - it makes the club
what it is. We always try to encourage our parents to get involved as much as possible, whether it be by becoming an age manager, gaining a Bronze Medallion so that they can do water safety, or just make sure they join in with the kids. It helps for the kids to see their parents doing the activities too, and they really love it. It is proven that the more the parents get involved, the more children enjoy Nippers too. What clubs are available to join in the local area? In our local area we have six clubs that people can join. From north to south, Crowdy Head SLSC, Taree Old Bar SLSC, Blackhead SLSC, Forster SLSC, Cape Hawke SLSC, and Pacific Palms SLSC. All run Nippers programmes on Sunday mornings. What’s the next step for a child once completing Nippers? Nippers can be just the first step in a life time of Surf Lifesaving. As I said earlier, Nippers can go on to become cadet patrol members and then gain their Bronze Medallion, learn lifesaving skills such as resuscitation and first aid, learn to drive an IRB, jet ski or drone, work as Lifeguards, take part in competition throughout Australia and the world and make some amazing friends, or volunteer at a club to help to nurture the next generation of Nippers. How can we find out more information? Forster Nippers takes place at Forster Main Beach on Sundays from 9am to 11am. Come down and say “Hi”, or look out for posts on the Forster Surf Lifesaving Face Book page. Thanks Simon and Beth. Interview: Bronwyn Davis.
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Mike and Linda Norris
Projects
Old Bar residents Mike and Linda Norris are an inspirational couple who generously volunteer their time to help the vulnerable and less fortunate, both in Australia and overseas. Linda recently spent some time sharing their story with us.
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hat brought you to settle in the beautiful Manning Valley? Old Bar has become a “Shangri-La” for us - a real sea change. We "retired" to Old Bar in 2010 after working in schools and in private tutoring for 38 years. With family in Old Bar and Port Macquarie, the move was a “no brainer”, and it was such a treat to be close to the family after spending so many years teaching in a variety of small and large schools around the country. What was the catalyst for you becoming involved in volunteer work, and what in particular drew you to volunteer with HPI? When we moved to Old Bar, we had lots of ideas about the sorts of adventures that lay in store ... a bucket list! We thought about spending more time with our family, travelling around Australia and maybe overseas and, of course, spending sunny days on the beach or on the tennis courts. Well, we have achieved many of those things, but getting involved with HUMANITARIAN PROJECTS INTERNATIONAL (HPI) has added an even more wonderful dimension to our retirement. The last few years in Queensland had been very difficult for me, as I battled breast cancer in 2002 and then a brain tumour in 2005. Having survived my health scares and recovered well, I began to look for reasons why I had “dodged the bullet” and felt very strongly that there must be a new purpose for my life. We’ve always been passionate about helping children, so Mike retired from his school principal duties, and we set up a tutoring business to help struggling students. We loved the work, but there was still a sense in me that there was more that I could do. My answer came from a friend who was 18 Manning-Great Lakes focus
joining a team of Scrapbookers, organised by World Hope Australia, travelling to South Africa to do a “Memory Book” project with people living with AIDs in a makeshift camp outside of Pretoria. A team member had become ill and they needed one more to go with them ... Me! So, I travelled to South Africa in 2007 - and my life was changed. I fell in love with the people and the country. When I left, I left a little part of my heart there too. I returned in 2008 and completed the “Memory Book” project with a group of abandoned children living in a Safe House in Pretoria. It was called “Precious Pearls” and was a place of hope and inspiration. In 2010, after moving to Old Bar, Mike and I attended a Watoto Children’s Choir concert in Taree, where victims of Joseph Coney’s Civil war in Uganda told their stories in song and dance about being "child soldiers". This time we both knew that we would become involved - and in 2011 we joined a Watoto Australia team on a building project, erecting classrooms for these children in a Watoto village outside of Kampala in Uganda. This led to us joining the Watoto Australia Committee. In 2012 the committee’s name was changed to Humanitarian Projects International (HPI), and under its new name, HPI has undertaken sustainable development projects in AUSAid sanctioned countries such as Uganda, South Africa, Timor Leste and the Philippines. We have also provided volunteers for work with an Indigenous community in the East Kimberley region of W.A. Your work with HPI has taken you to some very different locations - tell us about where you’ve been. In 2011, we travelled to Suubi Village, which is about an hour and a half out of Kampala, the capital of Uganda, for our first building project with HPI. This village has been progressively
built by volunteers from our way of life here in After moving to Old Bar, around the world. All Australia. Here is an Mike and I attended a Watoto the homes housed eight opportunity to give Children’s Choir concert in children, many of whom back to humanity just Taree, where victims of had been rescued from a small portion of what Joseph Coney’s Civil Joseph Coney’s army. we have been given. war in Uganda told In 2012 and 2013, You don’t have to be their stories in song we were fortunate to a tradesperson, just a and dance about being be able to volunteer compassionate volunteer ‘child soldiers’. during a Live-in Drug who wants to make a and Alcohol Intervention difference in our world. Programme held on Perhaps combining a property called travel plans with a HPI “Mirrilingki” in the outback town of Warmun, project in the Philippines or Africa would be a situated on the Great Northern Highway wonderful way to experience other people and between Kununurra and Halls Creek. their cultures, as well as giving hope to some In 2014 we travelled to a village outside of the world’s most vulnerable children. of Tzaneen in the northern part of South If people want to become involved, Africa called Marirone, to assist with our next how can they do so? What are the prebuilding project. requisites? What is on the horizon now in terms of HPI exists to make a difference in the lives HPI and your volunteer work? of vulnerable children and adults who are Travelling overseas has not been possible for suffering due to displacement, maltreatment, us over the last three years, but we are hoping disease, poverty or the ravages of war. that we’ll be able to join another team within To become a member of HPI is free. As a the next couple of years. In the meantime, member you will be kept up to date with our we focus on fundraising to support these current activities, and you can support by projects, and the HPI Committee is absolutely assisting at fundraising events and promoting amazed at the support engendered just in HPI to your friends and associates. our Old Bar community. We recently held a Or you could make a donation, or even join Family Bush Dance and were overwhelmed by one of our project teams. All the details are on the generosity of the local Old Bar businesses the website: and some members of the Taree community www.humanitarianprojectsinc.com - or check as well. out the Facebook page: For any of our readers who are interested www.facebook.com/HPIInc in volunteering, is there anything you The only prerequisite is a willingness to would like to say to inspire or encourage help! them? If you would like to chat with us about HPI, We are so fortunate to live in this amazing you can call us on (02) 6557 4060 or email us country, which is one of the wealthiest in at norris@humanitarianprojectsinc.com the world. HPI can offer us a chance to be Thanks Linda. thankful for our families, our children, and Interview: Ingrid Bayer.
Local farmed rib-eye fillet from The Deck. 20 Manning-Great Lakes focus
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DISHES of the month
DINE ON 19 - CLUB TAREE 121 WINGHAM RD, TAREE (02) 6539 4000 WWW.CLUBTAREE.COM.AU
LAKES AND OCEAN HOTEL 10 LITTLE ST, FORSTER (02) 6554 6005 WWW.LAKESANDOCEANHOTEL.COM.AU
Photo by Matthew Berry
THE DECK @ TUNCURRY 2 RAY ST, TUNCURRY (02) 6555 6060
CLUB FORSTER - KENNY’S THAI 19 STRAND ST, FORSTER (02) 6591 6591 WWW.CLUBFORSTER.COM.AU/DINING-BARS/KENNYS-THAI
THE SICILIAN 1 WEST ST, FORSTER & 139 VICTORIA ST, TAREE (02) 6555 2261 & (02) 6557 8689 WWW.THESICILIANRESTAURANT.COM.AU
CENTREPOINT CAFÉ CENTREPOINT ARCADE, SHOP 4, VICTORIA STREET (02) 6552 5963 CENTREPOINTCAFE.COM.AU/
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Lakes and Ocean Hotel
The Deck Tuncurry The Deck @ Tuncurry is quickly becoming the place to visit. With amazing food, great hospitality and a stunning view of Wallis Lake, it’s the perfect spot to catch up with friends, have a relaxing dinner with family or grab a quick and healthy bite to eat in between all the Christmas shopping rush. The Deck @ Tuncurry is a fully licensed café/restaurant.Come and enjoy a fabulous meal, beer, wine, delicious sweet treat or Holy Goat Coffee on the deck overlooking the translucent aqua colours of the Wallis Lake, Tuncurry. Now open for dinner Thursdays - Saturday nights, with a variety of dishes on offer, including tomato and chilli black mussels; house made, pan fried potato and parmesan gnocchi with a silky gorgonzola and lemon cream sauce; and a local farmed rib eye fillet. The Deck @ Tuncurry menu also accommodates vegetarians and coeliacs and wherever possible, they try to use local produce and suppliers. Check out their Facebook page for glimpses of their meals. Happy Hour: $5 wines, $5 beers and $12 cocktails from 3:30 - 5pm, Thursday - Saturday only.
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Kenny's Thai Kitchen If you’ve travelled and discovered the tastes of Thailand, you’ll love “Kenny’s THAI Kitchen”, now located on the top floor, at the rear of Club Forster, overlooking Forster Golf Course. Revisit your memories with the fragrance of jasmine rice, the richness and colours of Thai curries, visit satays, coconut and pad Thai, journey through tom yum and linger with the tantalising spices of lemongrass, coriander, chilli and Kaffir lime. Kenny welcomes you to “Kenny’s THAI Kitchen” Great Lakes - great authentic Thai cuisine. New lunch special - 12 dishes for only $12 each. Enjoy an entrée of two vegetable spring rolls plus your choice of one main meal - all for only $12! Choose from: Angel Prawns, Hot Chilli Basil Leaf, Kenny Pork, Pepper Pork, Crispy Squid, Pad Thai, Pat Briao Waan Moo, Pad Se Ew, Mango Chicken, Yellow Curry Chicken, Coconut Chicken, Crispy Fish with Ginger Sauce or of course, you may choose from our extensive regular menu at listed prices.
The Lakes & Ocean Hotel might be over 145 years old, but we are always moving forward not only in our renovations, but also in many other areas. Coming in December: We will be introducing our oyster bar mid - late December, with fresh local oysters being shucked each Saturday and Sunday, perfectly timed with our cocktail and music afternoons from 4:30 each Sunday. Not only will we be serving NEW craft beers, we will also be introducing a new bistro menu and we will be serving more fresh local seafood, with specials including buckets of Coronas with our fresh prawn buckets and mouth-watering seafood plates with homemade sauces. Don’t forget to book your Christmas functions NOW! Join us for our live entertainment each weekend, and a “BIG” New Year’s Eve is in the making, with the “Glam Stars” bringing it home for the New Year. We offer plenty of open space, with indoor and outdoor seating areas, and let’s not forget our café, open for breakfast between Wednesday and Sunday for full breakfast and soon offering our continental breakfasts each day. Come and enjoy our pristine water views and our friendly, open environment.
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R O B Y N P I P E R F R O M G R E AT L A K E S PA D D O C K S
Cellaring tips for all those bottles you get for Christmas! Let us pretend we don’t drink all those bottles we receive for Christmas presents and decide to put a few bottles down, so we drink them at their optimum. The majority of us don’t have the discipline to store wine. The urge to consume that tempting bottle of red tonight, rather than look at it for the next five - 10 (or more) years is too strong! So, how do we best store the wine to make sure it tastes as sensational as the back labels tell us it will, when we open it in five years’ time?
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he most important influence tucked nicely next to the oven or the fridge. on the success of wine storage This is not ideal. You can imagine the constant is temperature. Wine doesn’t heating and cooling of the oven and the heat respond well to significant coming from the refrigerator, which does not fluctuations in temperature, do bottled wine any favours. so store your wine in a place where the Most homes have a room or cupboard that has temperature remains relatively constant, ideally the preferred wine storage features. This can somewhere between 14 - 18 degrees. Wine be a linen cupboard, under the stairs, at the bottles typically are made from a quality of glass bottom of the wardrobe, at the back of the that protects the wine garage or ideally in the quite effectively from little room at the back of short term exposure the garage that smells to external variations musty and moist and has in temperature, but if enough space for a bit of We often shake our heads in stored in a hot room racking! despair when we see a over time, the wine Wines that are under fabulously expensive inside a glass bottle will cork will also benefit from kitchen with all the heat up and potentially being stored laying on a must-haves, complete spoil. slight incline, so that the with an in-built wine rack Going hand in hand cork is in contact with tucked nicely next to the oven with the temperature the wine and keeping or the fridge. is finding a place that moist. Many wine racks is away from direct are designed so that the sunlight and ultraviolet neck of the bottle is facing light. So, we are hunting down, such that the cork for a place in the house that is constantly cool is exposed to the pressure of the entire contents and away from direct light ... got any ideas yet? of the bottle. This can cause a problem if the Next is humidity. This applies primarily to wine quality of the cork isn’t “A” grade and may fail, that is under cork. A little bit of moisture in causing “cork taint”. the air is a good thing for cork, as they tend So hopefully this is helpful when you receive the to dry out and shrink when there is little or no mandatory few bottles of wine over the festive moisture in the air. season and you decide to put them aside for We often shake our heads in despair when we a special occasion a few years down the track. see a fabulously expensive kitchen with all the Patience definitely pays when it comes to red must-haves, complete with an in-built wine rack wine! Manning-Great Lakes focus 23
The Centrepoint Café Taree What do customers love about Centrepoint Café? I think they love our friendly atmosphere, unique food options, great coffee and efficient service. The menu changes seasonally, showcasing fresh local produce. We are centrally located, and have secure wifi; you can combine work meetings with lunch in under an hour. We know that busy people don’t want to wait; they want to be in and out. Tell us about hour lunch options? We cater for the health conscious, aiming to increase our low carb, vegetarian and gluten free options. We have added new salad options, roasted sweet potato, capsicum, rocket, feta and cherry tomato salad with Miso Dressing, and a vegetarian bowl. Our favourites still include smashed avo, steak sandwich and BLTs. We also continue to have the café’s old favourite, melts and a range of cakes and delicious goods for the sweet tooth. How can our readers find you? Centrepoint Arcade, 153 Victoria Street, Taree. fb: centrepointcafetaree Mon - Fri 7:45 - 4pm. Sat 8:30 - 12:30pm. Closed Sunday and public holidays.
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The Secret Farmers Market The Secret Weekly Farmers Market is a haven for fresh local, chemical free, and organic seasonal produce, together with handcrafted products, such as pasta, curry, cheese and bread. There’s no better place to taste the difference! The beginning of summer this year has provided us with a bumper crop of produce, including cucumbers, asparagus, tomatoes, all manner of leafy greens, avocados, honey and corn, right through to the juiciest mangos, apples, cherries and rockmelons, to name a mouth-watering few. The 20th December is our last market for 2018, so we are having a party and inviting some of the best local artisans to come along with their beautifully creative and cleverly crafted products. Stay tuned to our Facebook and Instagram pages for the line up and more details. The Secret Weekly Farmers Market is every Thursday 8am until 1pm in the delightful Taree Park, located in Macquarie Street, Taree. The Secret Farmers Market will return on January 24th, 2019. More info and enquiries, call Rosie 0400 637 150.
Club Forster “A Taste of Irish Christmas” ... Hits the stage this December, featuring stars directly from London’s West End. Witness the World Champions of Irish dance take to the stage for a magical night of tunes, taps and tradition! Immerse yourself in an authentic Celtic experience by laughing, clapping and singing along to the story of two star crossed lovers that dance beneath the mistletoe. “A Taste of Irish Christmas” transports the audience to a time and place where music and dance are the cornerstones of celebration. The tale of the world’s most loved nation will come alive in one unforgettable live performance. “The Kings of Comedy” was born ... Performing to a packed STAR LOUNGE! The Kings of Comedy” stars not one … but six of Australia’s funniest comedians! Rex Allison, Kenny Graham, Greg Hayes,
Brett Thomas, Morgan Kent, Al Showman. “The Kings of Comedy”! Over 420 years of comedy experience between them ... For anyone who just loves a good laugh! “All Access ‘80s”. This is your VIP pass to the ultimate ‘80s rock experience. The biggest hair, the tightest pants, the wildest party outside the sunset strip. From hard hitting rock to power ballads, all your ‘80s favourites in one kick-ass show, loud and reasonably priced. These boys have the looks, the moves and the attitude to match, without the substance abuse. Performers are: Jett Black - lead vocals, guitar, Jesse Jäxx - guitar, keyboards, vocals, Bones - bass, vocals. and Mick Fury - Drums, vocals
Under the Southern Stars The Summer Festival is excited to announce this year’s return, with a huge line up of the best of Australian rock. Off the back of last year’s inaugural success, the festival is expanding into six new coastal locations, as it continues to deliver music lovers the ultimate outdoor live music festival in a quintessential Aussie summer setting. This year’s 2019 concert event will be headlined by Australia’s legendary ARIA Hall Of Fame inductees, Hoodoo Gurus, along with Australian rock royalty You Am I. Also on this killer bill is Eskimo Joe, The Superjesus, British India, The Getaway Plan and Scott Darlow. For over three decades the Hoodoo Gurus have consistently been one of the most
inventive, lyrically smart and goddamn exciting rock ’n’ roll bands Australia has ever produced. Along the way they’ve influenced an entire generation of bands, including the likes of You Am I, The Living End, Dallas Crane, Grinspoon and many others. Hoodoo Gurus, by any measure, are one of Australia’s greatest, best loved and most enduring rock bands. Iconic indie legends Eskimo Joe have become one of Australia’s biggest bands. They have successfully straddled mainstream commercial success, while managing to keep their alternative music roots secure. Under The Southern Stars will deliver a great day of rock ‘n’ roll, in superb outdoor locations - it doesn’t get better than this!
Hoodoo Gurus You Am I Eskimo Joe
The Superjesus British India The Getaway Plan Scott Darlow
Sunday January 27th acquarie Park PortrnsMtar Westport un s.com.au derthesouthe Tickets from ticketmaster.com.au | 136 100 Beach House In person at Glasshouse | The
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Baked Apple Gingerbread Smoothie Ingredients
Method
3 large eating apples, peeled, cored, and cut into wedges 1 lemon, juiced 125 g | 2/3 cup soft brown sugar 2 tsp ground cinnamon, plus extra to serve 6 ginger cookies, broken 480 g | 2 cups plain Greek yogurt 500 ml whole milk 400 g | 1½ cups crushed ice
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan forced) 2. Toss the apples with the lemon juice, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a baking dish. Bake for about 25 - 30 minutes, until the apples are very soft to the point of a knife. 3. Remove from the oven and leave to cool for 10 minutes. 4. Scrape everything from the baking dish into a blender. Add the cookies, yogurt, milk, and ice, and blend on high until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. 5. Divide between glasses and serve with a pinch of ground cinnamon on top.
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HORTICULTURALIST NEVILLE DONOVAN - GREENPATCH ORGANIC SEEDS
AT’S IN
season Table Grapes
Among the fruits available this summer, table grapes are delicious, sweet, juicy and refreshing. Grapes make a nutritious tasty dessert, or can be added to a platter with other fruits. Chilled grapes are easy to enjoy on those hot summer days. The grape vine is deciduous and relatively easy to grow. Once established, it’s hardy and produces an abundant amount of fruit in a small area. The vine can also be grown on various support structures. A pergola planted with grapes can create a cool, shady area in summer and in the cooler winter months allows the sun to shine through. An important consideration when choosing a variety is to go with a disease resistant type due to the warm, humid climate of the North Coast, which can cause powdery and downy mildew and can affect the leaves and also spread to maturing fruit. Choose an open site that gets abundant sunlight and a breeze, resulting in minimal leaf disease. An open sunny position with free draining soil is ideal;
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planting in raised mounds is helpful for low lying areas. In dry periods during summer, provide extra moisture. When training a grape to grow on a trellis or support frame, begin by encouraging the main single stem to grow upright using wire or string to the desired height. Then prune the top growing tip out to encourage horizontal branching below. Follow up with more cane training to the left and the right as required, forming the permanent frame work for future years. Depending on the variety, this may take two or three growing seasons. Once a grape vine is established, pruning is required in July or August, cutting back to two or three growing buds on each of the canes. This will produce vigorous new growth in spring and abundant fruiting canes in summer. Grapes are best eaten fresh when fully ripe! Any excess fruit can be made into jam and flavoursome delicious juice. HAPPY GARDENING!
TIMMY TRUMPET GETS SET TO PERFORM AT THE NEXT INSTALMENT OF LUNAR ELECTRIC MUSIC FESTIVAL, AUSTRALIA’S BIGGEST HOMEGROWN EDM FESTIVAL IN PORT MACQUARIE.
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here did music all begin for you? I come from a family of musicians. My dad played trumpet, and his dad played before him. I’ve been playing since I could hold the thing. I actually wanted to play saxophone, but my parents couldn’t afford it. Lucky though, Timmy Saxophone doesn’t have the same ring to it. You’re obviously known for your trumpet skills - what other instruments can you play?
“I’m probably better on piano than I am on trumpet, and I can play guitar too. I’ve played a lot of instruments over the years.“ Tell us about your collaboration with Savage and the Freaks; how did it come about, and who else have you enjoyed collaborating with? Freaks was originally an instrumental, and the A&R manager suggested getting Savage on the track. As soon as Savage sent over a demo, it felt like the track was finally complete. He nailed it, and from then I knew it was something special. Since then I’ve been honoured to work with industry legends like Hardwell, Vini Vici, Blasterjaxx and so many others. I love collaborating with other artists! What goals have you kicked this year? This year I released more music than every before, played more shows in places I’ve never been before and launched my own arena tour called Freak Show. 2019 is going to be even bigger. I can’t wait!
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You’re back for your second consecutive year playing our EDM festival, Lunar Electric. What did you enjoy about last time, and what can fans expect this time around? Lunar Electric has such a great vibe! I love getting to hang out with my mates and play some top shelf bangers. I’ve got some new music coming out early 2019, and you guys are going to be the first to hear it! Future plans? I’ve got so many big plans for 2019 that I can’t reveal yet, but I can say I’m hoping to announce a Freak Show World Tour. Thanks Timmy.
Lunar Electric is on Friday, January 5th at Cassegrain Winery. Tickets are available from oztix.com.au
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WITH DONNA CARRIER FROM BENT ON FOOD
Party at Bellbird B and B
James Bennett at Bent on Food Photo Credit Julie Slavin
Opening of the exhibitions - “Cohesion” and “Terror Australis” at Manning Regional Art Gallery
Party at Bellbird B and B Photo Credit Julie Slavin
Opening of the exhibitions - “Cohesion” and “Terror Australis” at Manning Regional Art Gallery
Photo Credit Julie Slavin
Opening of the exhibitions - “Cohesion” and “Terror Australis” at Manning Regional Art Gallery
social scene.
We have almost made it to the end of the year, with the festive season now well and truly upon us. I am looking forward to Christmas with family in our new home, but for me, as with many who have lost loved ones, there will be an element of sadness, as two very special family members will not be joining us at the table.
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hristmas Day 2017 was the last time I saw my brother James, and whilst I do not wish to make it a sad occasion, I would like to send out love and strength to those who have lost someone, or who are dealing with illness, loneliness, financial difficulties or who just need a hug. Look after those around you; and remember it’s not about the gifts, as the gift of time will always trump a present. November is one of those months that seem to be gone just as soon as it begins, so much to do to get the shop ready, catering jobs, tourism awards and this November a trip to Melbourne to meet up with the amazing Annie Sloan, along with the very talented Jonathon Marc Mendes and some of the wonderful Australian stockists. If you have followed my Chalk Paint journey, you will be pleased to know that I have a few new techniques under my belt for 2019. On Saturday 17th November we catered for two surprise birthday parties. Nigel Ferguson turned 50, and we provided an awesome grazing table filled with tasty produce including Comboyne Culture Cheeses, Mentges Meats, Karls Sourdough, marinated octopus, white anchovies, truffle salami,
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organic nuts, condiments and so much more. Whilst friends took Nigel out, Peak Events set up some fabulous cable tables and chairs, to make the venue look fabulous. Apparently Nigel had an inkling that there was something going on, but he was gracious in his surprise and enjoyed a fabulous night with family and friends and lots of laughter. Raylee Coleman’s 70th birthday at Cedar Party was also a surprise celebration, with around 25 people enjoying shared platters of lamb, duck fat potatoes, and an assortment of vegetables, followed by a large local antipasto platter. Desserts were a joint effort by us and the family, who made a beautiful naked cake to celebrate the occasion. The three Coleman young ladies have all worked with me over the years, so it felt like going to a family event, and we enjoyed being a part of it. Whilst on the Colemans, Grace Coleman, along with many of her friends, graduated from high school this year, with their formal being held on the 22nd November. It is tradition for the staff to get their photo taken with me out front of the café on formal night, but I was in Sydney at the NSW Tourism Awards. Grace got her photo taken anyway. She looked beautiful on the night, and I congratulate her and all of the Year 12 graduates, wishing them every success for
their futures. the cast was extremely strong, and she was The 2018 NSW Tourism Awards were held right. The performances were superb, and on 22nd November at Luna Park. Bent on I was emotionally tugged in many different Food was a finalist in the Restaurant and directions. It was easy to feel a lot of sadness, Catering category and the Excellence in Food but there was also some humour in the mix. Tourism category. We I was grateful for being have been fortunate born in a different in the past to receive a era and for the priest gong at these awards, who saw fit to help but this year wasn’t someone less fortunate. I would like to ours. We were proud I absolutely loved it, and congratulate and to be amongst the it was so good to see a thank everyone best in the state, and local performance giving involved in the super excited that two the city shows a run production for local businesses were for the money. The cast working so hard to announced in the same were amazing, with a give locals fabulous category. In the Caravan fabulous orchestra and entertainment. and Camping category, great costumes. I would BIG4 Great Lakes at like to congratulate and Forster-Tuncurry won thank everyone involved Gold, and Reflections in the production for Holiday Parks Seal Rocks won Silver. This is working so hard to give locals fabulous a fantastic result for our region, with huge entertainment. congratulations to both of them. I would like to wish all the readers a safe Taree Arts Council’s Les Misérables was a and happy Christmas season. huge success, with sell out audiences and I would love to hear from you if you have some people actually seeing the show multiple any social events, weddings, parties anything! times. I have always enjoyed these productions Send pics and info to: donna@bentonfood.com.au by Taree Arts Council, and this was one of the Cheers, Donna. best yet. Director Gayle Cameron said that
Forster Private Hospital - Therapy Garden Opening
Forster Private Hospital - Therapy Garden Opening
Forster Private Hospital - Therapy Garden Opening
Les Misérables - Clever Images
Les Misérables - Clever Images
Les Misérables - Clever Images
Social / Scene Les Misérables - Clever Images
Les Misérables - Clever Images
2018 Pearls Regatta
2018 Pearls Regatta
Brooke and Marcel - East Coast Photo
Brooke and Marcel - East Coast Photo
2018 Pearls Regatta
Brooke and Marcel - East Coast Photo Manning-Great Lakes focus 29
focus_guest contributor Ainslee Dennis from
love A rose equals
A rose equals love. Just ask John Parer. The OneLife Church pastor knows love is the key to transforming lives and our community and will gift 1,500 red roses to men, women and children at Carols in the Park in Taree on December 9.
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he gift of a long stem red rose is striking in its beauty and symbolism of love. Why are you and members of OneLife Church choosing to give so many roses to people that you do not know? A rose equals love, and we want to share and celebrate that it symbolises God’s love for us during a wonderful community Christmas event. I love Christmas. It’s a time of celebration, connection and opportunities to be real with people in our community. We will gift roses to people with the simple message, “You are amazing, and you are passionately loved”. People don’t hear that enough. We gave roses out for the first time during last year’s carols, and it was an amazing experience. Since then we have given roses to people in Manning Mall in Taree and we try to welcome visitors to our church with a red rose. The rose is a key to opening the door to a conversation about God’s love. It’s not my job to make someone believe in Jesus. It’s my job to attract people to Jesus and share the gospel. We hope people at the carols will see our joy, our desire to give to community and want to know more. What prompted you and OneLife Church to claim the red rose as a way to symbolise and speak of God’s love to people? It was about a year and a half ago that as a church we started being interested in flowers. I planted sweet peas around the church, and sunflowers, and we are collecting the seed with the plan being to cover the property with more sweet peas every winter. There was a stirring in my spirit to make flowers a focus of our church. Then in October last year my wife, Mary-Ann and I took a month off and went to Europe. While in Italy, we went to a a little café in Tirano and met this Indian man selling roses. I bought one for Mary-Ann and we couldn’t believe how beautiful it was and it had an amazingly sweet perfume; then as we walked through the streets, we noticed so many more beautiful roses, doors and gates, and it felt significant. On our return home, I went for a walk on Old Bar Beach on the Saturday before I was due to preach; it had been a while, and I didn’t exactly know what to preach. It was a perfect day, 25 degrees, great surf, I was walking in the water up to my knees, but frustrated because I was not really getting any clarity after about 40 minutes on
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what to preach. As I walked back, I We are just one medium-sized saw something on the beach near church in a regional town, but I We need to embrace the surf club and I thought it was believe with all my heart that this new ways of positively rubbish, but as I got closer, I saw it is the call on my life, to break the connecting with our was a perfect red rose, and right next stereotypes, and trust that as we community. to it were two more. follow God as best we can, it is going I was amazed and shocked and to be attractive and we will attract thought, “God, what does this mean people to Him, not to us, but to the and what do you want to say to spirit within us. your people?”. So, I researched and Christmas is increasingly becoming learned that one rose means “you’re my one and only” a commercialised holiday season, and it is easy to and three roses mean, “I love you”. It really excited me to ignore that it is a Christian celebration of the birth of tell our church that God had sent a message, that He loves Jesus Christ. How would you like people to consider them, and He did it in such a beautiful way. Christmas? Jesus is referred to as the Rose of Sharon in the Song of We as a church don’t get uptight about all of the Solomon, and there is also beautiful symbolism in the rose. Christmas commercialism and the fact that they are singing, The five sepals represent the five wounds inflicted on Jesus, “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town”. I love Christmas and the red of the rose is his blood and underneath the petals think the church needs to join with the community, to be and sepals is the stem with its thorns, and it symbolises His real and be where they are at. spilled blood that covers our sins - the thorns. If people haven’t intimately met God, if they don’t I had roses to hand out to people on that day, and we understand who Jesus Christ is, and then we as Christians have kept going with it, and now the church has the “Rose get uptight or upset with them for not behaving in a certain = Love” Facebook page to help us to share the message. way, or with a certain level of reverence towards Christmas, The gifting of so many roses at a large Christmas then we are not being wise, and that’s not loving. community event is a unique way to present Christian If people are willing to come to carols, then they are love to the community. What do you hope to achieve? open to the Christmas message, and it’s a wonderful We need to embrace new ways of positively connecting opportunity for us to connect and be generous and kind. with our community. Lots of people have had bad If they see our joy and the spirit in us, some people may experiences with the church and religion. Nearly every day think about going to a church just for Christmas Day, and there is a negative report in the news about sexual abuse, that is my passion and desire. about war, about Christian leaders abusing positions of Carols in the Park will be in Fotheringham Park power. in Taree on Sunday, December 9 from 6:30pm to I think the church has just got to own the fact that we 9pm. Homegrown talent, local schools, Taree Arts stuffed up, there’s a lot of crap in our history, and we must Council and other community members will perform, be leaders in the process of healing. The church has lost including special guests, Andy and Luca Saunders. The people’s trust, I totally get that, and now we’ve got the big event is presented by LJ Hooker Taree and Viatek and job of rebuilding that. will end with a fireworks display by Ka-Boom.
A special focus feature
Carols Park in the
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his year we have a line up of local talent, so come along, bring a chair and/or picnic rug, settle in and sing along to your favourite traditional Christmas carols with free entertainment. Entertainment starts from 6:30pm, finishing at 9pm with the much anticipated Ka-Boom fireworks finale, some say the best our area has seen. Food will be available from 6pm, which includes the Salvos’ and LJ Hooker’s BBQ sausage sandwiches, fairy floss and of course, our local Saxby softdrinks. This year’s event is heavily sponsored by LJ Hooker Taree and
Viatek, to ensure that this event remains free for the whole community. Glow wands and candles will be for sale on the night to light up the park, and it is always an amazing sight looking back from the stage over the crowd with the wave of colour. Everything is priced to be affordable for families, and you can be confident that every cent raised on the night goes straight back in to this event. The carols line up includes rising talent from Stacey Lee’s Centre Stage, but don’t be fooled by their youthful looks, as their voices are amazing. This year comedian and entertainer Andy Saunders will be our Emcee, along with
Taree Carols in the Park is set for Sunday 9th December in its usual place by the river at Fortheringham Park, Taree. his very talented daughter, Luca, who is going to also make a few guest appearances during the night with her beautiful vocals. Taree Carols in the Park is a wonderful opportunity to bring the whole community together to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas and sing along to all those old favourites. Not sure of the words? No problem; we have our own app you can download on your iPad or smart phones. Just go to the free app “LJ Hooker Taree” and Carols in the Park prior to the event, and you are ready to go. We will also be creating a Taree Carols in the Park filter on Snapchat, so if you are into selfies and love
Snapchat, celebrate the evening on social media using #tareecarolsinthepark2018 and go into the draw to win a dinner for two in a local restaurant. Also appearing on the night are The PCYC Gymaroos, various school choirs, and there’ll be an important Christmas message from Pastor John Parer from OneLife Church. This is a free community event and it is always a pleasure being a part of it each year, and experiencing the generosity from local businesses and artists who either donate items or volunteer their time for a very special Christmas present for Taree.
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focusinterview.
The
Christmas
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focusinterview.
Rex
Winston W A L F O R D
REX WINSTON WALFORD IS AN ESTABLISHED INDIGENOUS ARTIST WHO NOW CALLS THE MANNING-GREAT LAKES HOME … FOCUS chatted with Rex about his artistic background and his latest venture …
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i Rex. Tell us about your connection with the Manning-Great Lakes - and what do you love most about our gorgeous region? I initially came to the area to sort out my health issues with Diabetes. I was living in Sydney in the early 2000s, when I discovered I had Diabetes. My adoptive parents had retired from out west to Mitchells Island, so the decision was made to move up into the area and get on top of my health. I was a bit lost for a while, leaving the security of a working as a bin truck driver to being unemployed, but as it worked out - it was the best move I could have made. Now working full-time as an artist, I get to enjoy our great region, beaches, coastal farmlands and the rivers. I also love the fact I’m still close enough to Sydney, where I deliver art to galleries and clients, and yet far away enough from the hustle and bustle … What initially drew you to art, and how did it all begin for you? I’ve always been drawn in by art and at the time when I was still living in Sydney working the skip bins, I came across a beautiful Aboriginal painting that an obviously affluent client from the Northern beaches had thrown out. I saw this painting and rescued it. Around the same time, my sister gave me a Sotheby’s auction book of Aboriginal art. The art in this book was displayed, along with the prices. And the third piece of the puzzle for me getting into art was also at the time my good friend, Carli, was just starting to dabble with art. Carli, her partner and I were coming to the end of our clubbing and partying days and were now substituting the nights out to nights in at home doing art. So with the combination of
inspiration from an artwork I rescued and used to look at and I’ve been painting now for a bit over 13 years, and I felt it think, “Yep, I could do something like this”, and the book my was time to branch out into something else, but still art related. sister gave me, this pushed me on as well. The nights at home I have just brought out my own range of Winston Walford with my friends was the final factor that pushed me on to be beach towels - there are four designs to choose from. I’m an artist … extremely proud of the towels. They are of the highest quality, Which of your artworks are you most just like my art. They are a one to one proud of and why? scale replica of the original artworks; this I would have to say my favourite is why we are calling them functional art. artworks are the Ancestral Winds They are a massive 180 cm x 90 cm in paintings. They are a strong and definitive size and over 600 GSM. They come with Now working full-time as an artist, painting that have featured strongly my signature embroidered on the towel, I get to enjoy our great region, throughout my career. Also, these swing tags that have the story behind beaches, coastal farmlands and paintings have been featured not only on the artwork, a brief description of myself, the rivers. I also love the fact canvas, but on electric guitars and on my the artist, and what I’ve been up to, and I’m still close enough to beach towels, as well as being the best also a picture of the original artwork from Sydney, where I deliver art seller … which it is derived … to galleries and clients, and Tell us about the accolades you have I feel I have delivered a perfect package yet far away enough from the hustle received for your work. for a gift for birthdays, weddings and and bustle … I’ve had some success in some especially Christmas, which is just around competitions, such as being a finalist the corner. in the NSW Parliament Indigenous Art I also now make it possible for Prize, the Wollotuka Acquisitive Art Prize and some local businesses and companies to have their company logo art exhibitions. I haven’t been chasing the art prizes of late embroidered on to the towel, making it the perfect corporate though, just due to the fact I’m too busy with commissions and git for staff, clients and promotional campaigns. supplying galleries. Where can our readers go to view/purchase your towels? Probably the best accolades I receive though, is from clients I You can order the towels online and we can post them out to work with closely to produce artworks that suit and match the you, but if you’re local to Old Bar or want to pick them up from interiors of their homes or places of business. us in Old Bar, you can always select the local pick up option and Your main focus has primarily been on canvas; however, save on postage. My website for all art enquiries and for towel you have recently released a stunning range of beach sales is: www.winstonwalford.com.au towels … Thanks Rex. Manning-Great Lakes focus 33
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focusinterview.
The
Christmas
Closet
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With school holidays fast approaching, many parents are often looking for activities for the kids. We speak to Kristie Banham from Coco’s Closet about her creative workshops that encourage individuality and a whole lot of fun.
ell us a bit about your creative journey. I have been creating ever since receiving my first Crayola Caddy when I was five. I have drawn, painted, sewn and created art my whole life. My most recent adventure as an artist now spans over 10 years. I am the face behind Coco's Closet. I affectionately refer to it as my happy place. I tend to hashtag that a lot! It is a funky little space, that has transitioned in the past three years from retail store to an art studio where I teach art classes and workshops. You are obviously a very artistic person; what inspired you to open Coco's Closet? Making and creating inspired me to open my own retail store in 2008. My children, Rourke and Mackenzie were both at primary school, and the space that is Coco’s was empty and the perfect size to house my creations. Fast forward 10 years, and Coco’s is now the funky studio space that empowers creatives through making and nurtures their love of art. Art that moves them and makes them smile. Art that encourages them to be the best they can be. Art that inspires hope. Art that helps them be brave and promotes kindness, and we share that kindness with each other and the world. What led you to teaching with children? I originally started with mixed media workshops for adults and then added mixed media workshops for children. These were both really popular, as there was very little offered in our area. I then decided to develop a term program and run After School Art Classes for six - 13 year olds. Each week my creatives complete an artwork using different mediums 36 Manning-Great Lakes focus
and processes in my studio. constitute art. Thier honesty, love for colour, Every term I pick a woman of grit for us to paint, mess making and exploration constantly study; she can be anyone who has made a inspires me to think of new creative journeys to difference in the world, stood up for what she share with them. believes in and never gives up. We’ve studied Being creative is fundamental to our artists, pirates, Egyptian Pharaohs, storybook children’s development. Tell us some of the characters and surfers, just to name a few. I love benefits. showing my creatives the power of never giving Being creative teaches children about self up through great women expression, and it fosters and art. mental growth by I also love drawing providing opportunities inspiration from other for trying out new ideas, Coco’s is now the funky studio space cultures and their art new ways of thinking that empowers creatives through processes, so quite and problem solving. It making and nurtures their love often you will see that is essential in helping of art. Art that moves them reflected in an artwork build fine motor skills, we create. The term and makes them smile. Art as well as their hand-eye then culminates in an that encourages them to be coordination. art exhibition, where the best they can be. Art that My art class also my creatives see their inspires hope. Art that helps them encourages individuality, art hung at Coco’s. My having fun, making bold be brave and promotes kindness, little artists beam with choices, working out and we share that kindness with pride, as they can show solutions, embracing each other and the world. their work to family and beauty, making mess and friends. cleaning up, appreciating It’s taken me a really differences, encouraging long time to be able to say I am an artist, so ourselves and each other to have a go and that when I teach children it’s one of the first things anything is possible. we declare. I believe the more they speak it, Kids are often at a loose end during the write it, paint it, they will indeed own and holidays; do you have any workshops continue to declare it, affirming to themselves during this time? and everyone around them. I know it helps them I have some great creative workshops on offer believe in themselves and their creative ability. in the holidays. Some workshops on offer will Children often have incredible imaginations. be my Kindness Warrior workshop, a groovy How does this inspire you as an artist? owl and a Peter Cromer inspired koala painting, I love the view children have of the world; plus others. All materials are supplied. Artists will they are full of adventure and have no draw, create and paint their very own artwork. preconceived ideas on what does or does not Workshops run for two hours and are suitable
for children aged six - 13 years, unless otherwise stated. Each workshop is $35 per person. What can kids expect when participating in your classes? An opportunity to have loads of fun making. They will explore their creativity in a safe, supportive and friendly environment. They will leave with their very own masterpiece, oh and we have homemade cookies. Because, what’s art without cookies? What kind of mediums do you enjoy working with? I love using and exploring lots of mediums; personally, mixed media is my favourite, but at art class we use a huge variety of different mediums like paper, watercolours, canvas, acrylic paint, pencil, markers, clay, wool, oil pastels, paint sticks, paint pens and glue, just to name a few. Do you have any top tips on how parents can entertain their little ones during the holidays season? I love, love, love drawing and writing on rocks and leaving them for people to find, so I think that would have to be my number one thing for parents to do with their kids. Or, simply pack some pencils, paper, watercolours and head to the park or the beach and draw or paint what they can see together. It’s fun to see the world through the eyes of children. How can we find out more information about your workshops? Keep up to date with what’s on offer on my FB page Coco’s Closet, Instagram cocos_closet or simply call or text 0410 577 050. Thanks Kristie. Interview: Bronwyn Davis.
The
Christmas
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5. 6.
7. 4. 2.
3. 8.
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1. Circle of Friends - Cushions 2. W.Lane - Jewellery 3. Strandbags - Wallet and Document Holder 4. Circle of Friends - Wall Art 5. Heidi Beau - Beach Bag 6. W.Lane - Scarf 7. Heidi Beau - Coasters 8. Manning Shoes - Ladies’ footwear 9. Heidi Beau - Wall Art
Manning-Great Lakes focus 37
s a m t s i r h C ift ideas g
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made easy
with AUSSIE BUSH LEATHER
Bent on Life Christmas is fast approaching, and Bent on Life has some beautiful gifts for all the family. Australian Brand Urban Rituelle uses the highest quality ingredients and formulations, offering genuinely beautiful products with a distinctive design. Who doesn’t love Sunnylife Australia with their funky, colourful beach umbrellas, blow up pool toys and musical instruments? Then we have beautiful recycled ladies handbags and a stunning range of stirling silver costume jewellery. Robert Gordon offers the most stylish range of dinnerware, with a commitment to craft and timeless design. We have a fabulous range of sustainable wares, including beeswax wraps, stainless steel and bamboo straws, local reusable pottery coffee cups from Dollys Flat Studio and more. Why not book a workshop with Donna to learn all about upcycling with Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan? This is the perfect time to upcycle some furniture ready for the entertaining season.
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We have so much more to offer, so spend a day in Wingham, where you will find beautiful stores filled with clothing, shoes, food and antiques, along with local arts and crafts and great coffee! Our sister business Bent on Food Café is only closing Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, with lots of lovely food treats, local hampers and local produce on the menu. Both are trading seven days a week the rest of December, so pop on over. We will be open on the evening of the Wingham Street Carnival on Thursday 13th Dec. Bent on Life - for gifts and homewares with style. Your local stockist of Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan. 89 Isabella Street, Wingham p (02) 6557 0957 www.bentonfood.com.au Find us on Facebook or Instagram.
A special focus feature
Everything old is new again. At VAST TAREE, we design with purpose and craft with passion. We know how important each piece of furniture will be when it reaches its forever home, and for this reason we select materials with unique grains and beautiful textures. We let the materials tell their story and show their distinct personality and soul. Before up-cycling was even a word, VAST was reusing timber that had lived a full life and already had an amazing story to tell. Whether it’s reused timber from construction demolition or plantation hardwood harvested from sustainably managed forests, we’ve given careful consideration to our impact on the world - and yours. With Christmas fast approaching, think VAST for readily available dining suites, entertainment units, occasional furnishings, lounging and decorator items. The showroom is filled with so many beautiful pieces to choose from, including the new summer range of linen and cotton clothing, as well as a selection of leather, canvas or sea-grass handbags and clutch purses. Perfect for gifts, or to just spoil yourself!
Manning-Great Lakes focus 39
focusinterview.
A L A N
the
L E E K ,
A U T H O R
heartbreaking
true story of a VC bearer
Superintendent turned author, Alan Leek talks with us about his book, “Frederick Whirlpool VC”.
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ou’ve had quite an interesting life before you became an author; tell us a bit about that. I worked in the wool as a rouseabout when I dropped out of high school and learnt to swear like a shearer - a talent I still find useful at appropriate times. I went on to become a police officer for over 30 years, where I saw pain and suffering and the best of human endeavour through the prism of a close observer and active participant. I worked as a detective for over half of my career, achieving the pinnacle recognition for performance, the Peter Mitchell Award. I studied at universities and the FBI National Academy in the USA. I attainted the rank of superintendent. For almost 30 years I was founder and codirector of an exhibiting fine art gallery, mostly concurrent with my police duties, so I don’t like to be defined by one role. I assumed that undertaking the Whirlpool story would relieve me of my former police identity, not knowing that I would discover Frederick Whirlpool VC had been a member of the NSW Police Force. Did your life experiences influence your books in any way? Yes, definitely. I was born a few years after the end of WWII, so was very aware of not only the conflict, but the bravery and sacrifice of the men and women who served. As I have grown older, I understand that those who serve are but a microcosm of their wider world, with fears, anxieties, doubts, bad behaviours and frailties found in the greater populace. This makes courageous action all the more laudable. Look at men who have earned the Victoria Cross or women like Edith Cavell and Noor Khan, both of whom died bravely while serving. Your book, Frederick Whirlpool VC is based on this character. Can you elaborate and tell us a bit about him? He was an ordinary man, born Humphrey James, in 1831 in the north of Ireland. His father, also Humphrey, was one of the first constables in Ireland, the font of policing. As many young men did, he changed his name to enlist, in his case to Frederick Whirlpool, to reflect his father’s characterisation of him as having a temper like a whirlpool. He wanted to travel to exotic places and to teach. He was well educated. He became as assistant Army teacher in India, but when the mutiny erupted, he was called to arms. In a gruelling campaign, this ordinary man showed his mettle by his actions in twice saving wounded comrades under murderous fire and a month later in saving his officer and fighting at 40 Manning-Great Lakes focus
least twelve rebels single handedly, allowing his comrades to advance. He suffered 17 dangerous sword cuts and a fractured skull. The horrors he experienced fed his belief that he would burn in Hell, a burden he carried for the rest of his life. Many of those horrors are explored. After failing at policing, he became a teacher in NSW - and again failed. He became a recluse for almost 30 years, until his death near Windsor, in 1899. His subterfuge, deliberately employed to hide his past, has been unfurled in my book. His Victoria Cross was presented in Victoria in 1861, the first to a man in an Australian uniform. He never wore the cross again and once his fame spread across the world, he hid it from all but one man, who left a thread for me to follow. The VC is now in the Hall of Valour at the Australian War Memorial. What inspired you to write about him? As I have grown older I I fell across understand that those who serve him accidentally are but a microcosm of their wider while researching world, with fears, anxieties, something entirely but never expected it. The doubts, bad behaviours unrelated. I knew outcome has been very and frailties found in the his resting place, satisfying. greater populace. This but did not know of Did you face makes courageous action all the him. I was appalled any major challenges more laudable. that he did not have - writers’ block perhaps? a grave marker and The only challenge is the that it might have old bogey of working class been vandalised, as so self doubt about one’s ability many police graves have been. I began to explore to write. I suppose that has been answered by and found the mystery challenging and engaging. not only having this book published, but having My work has filled one of the many gaps in the another being published in Australia next year. lives of VC recipients across the world. The Killing Chronicle is a true crime account of Writing a book takes enormous amount the murders of NSW Police and others, between of research and discipline. How did you go 1940 and 1971. I have just learned the UK rights about acquiring all the information? to Whirlpool VC have been sold, and it will be I made no assumptions and started with a published in England next year. clean slate. Every revelation became a joy, like So there you go; 20 years on, I can’t seem to discovering that his real name was Humphrey get away from policing yet. These stories need James. Others, over more than a century, had to be told. I don’t suffer writers’ block, probably assumed that this was an assumed name. I found because I am not writing fiction. his home and his family in Ireland. I engaged What’s been the most rewarding part for researchers in Ireland and England to dig out you? detail. It was worth the effort and saved me Revealing a mystery - solving a case. It has many days stumbling through the labyrinthine always been rewarding. Telling his worthy story British Library. across the world is very satisfying. I loved the research, and I loved the writing. What’s next in the pipeline; are there any It has never been a burden and I have never additional books we can look forward to been pressured to do it. I hoped for publication, reading?
The Killing Chronicle comes out in August 2019 and I am working on two new works, but no promises there. There are plenty of stories to tell. With Christmas fast approaching, books are often a perfect gift. Where can we purchase one of your books? That’s an interesting point. I know that many people have bought my book with the intention of giving one as a Christmas gift. Some have already left for the UK, Ireland and the USA. It is available direct from www.bigskypublishing.com.au and most online retailers, like Booktopia. Being published in the UK soon makes this Australian copy a first edition, and good bookstores are stocking it too. You’re about to have a book launch at Taree Literary Institute. How can we find out more information? The launch of Frederick Whirlpool VC Australia’s Hidden Victoria Cross will be held at the Institute, 129 Victoria Street, Taree at 11am on Wednesday 5th December. Phone 6552 4361 for details. I look forward to meeting people there and discussing my work and in particular, Frederick Whirlpool. Feedback is welcome on www.alanleek.com.au Thanks Alan. Interview: Bronwyn Davis.
Taree Film Society
watch Taree Film Society screens Wajib - The Wedding Invitation (M) at 7pm, Monday 10th December at the Manning Valley Visitor Information Centre, Taree North.
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riter-director Annemarie Jacir’s multi-award winning comic drama explores the lives of Palestinians living in Israel and stars real-life father and son Mohammad and Saleh Bakri. The title of Wajib translates as “duty”, and it’s duty that brings architect Shadi (Saleh Bakri) from Rome back to Nazareth, where his sister, Amal (Maria Zriek) is to be married. Local tradition dictates that Shadi and his divorced dad, Abu Shadi (Mohammad Bakri), must drive around town delivering wedding invitations.
Friction is in the air even before the duo clamber into Abu Shadi’s beloved and beaten-up old Volvo. Shadi thinks the exercise is outdated and meaningless. For his father, it’s about maintaining important community rituals. Bakri and son Saleh are terrific and earthily funny as the bickering duo who meet colourful characters on their crosscity travels. A Palestinian born in Bethlehem, raised in Saudi Arabia and educated in New York, Annemarie Jacir (Salt of this Sea, 2008; When I Saw You, 2012) brings a
SHADI THINKS THE EXERCISE IS OUTDATED AND MEANINGLESS. FOR HIS FATHER, IT’S ABOUT MAINTAINING IMPORTANT COMMUNITY RITUALS. worldly, wise and witty eye to this hugely entertaining and illuminating slice of Palestinian life. Tickets are $14, including coffee, cakes and chatting. For more info, visit tareefilmsociety.org.au or call 6552 3476.
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W I T H
S U N D I A L
D E N TA L
I
Traditional Crowns vs.
CEREC CROWNS
H A R N E S S T H E P OW E R O F D E N TA L T E C H N O L O G Y T O D E S I G N YO U R D E N TA L S O L U T I O N S T O D AY.
f you have ever had a traditional crown, you could probably describe the crown prep as tedious, followed by a gooey impression that possibly made you want to gag. Then you had the luxury of a “temporary crown” for one - two weeks, in which time you had to nurse the temporary crown until your permanent crown arrived, where upon you returned to your dentist, who would spend another 20 - 40 minutes fitting your permanent crown. Today it is possible to get a crown in a single visit, in about an hour, with no gooey impressions or second visits. CEREC restorations are fast, precise, durable and attractive. Your personal restoration is made using computer assisted design and manufacturing technology (CAD CAM) and milled out of German Porcelain - in just 10 minutes, without the gooey impressions, wait time, temporaries, second visits, or metal fused materials ... so, what are you waiting for? Best of all, you can even watch while your crown mills! CEREC crowns are perfectly
matched to your teeth, because they can be designed exactly as your natural tooth in both shape, colour, contour and can fit perfectly, because they mill with such accuracy. What’s best is they don’t even cost more than your traditional crown; in fact, they save you time, money and worry, if you factor in the second visit and the time off work and away from the things you enjoy. Crowns have many different uses: • They can protect a tooth after a root canal procedure, • They can cover a broken, chipped, or cracked tooth, • They can support or reinforce a weak or filled tooth, • They can strengthen anchor teeth for a dental bridge. • They can even serve a purely cosmetic function. Whatever your motivation to get a crown, take the time to explore the world of CEREC restorations. For more information about the caring and professional team at Sundial Dental, call our local rooms in Taree 6551 1005 or visit our website www.sundialdental.com.au for a full list of services.
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DRYEYE
It’s more complicated than you think.
D
Treat dry eye and possibly give up eye drops.
o you have dry, burning, stinging, gritty or even watery eyes? These are all symptoms of dry eye. Dry eye occurs in 20% of the population. Of these with dry eye, only about 15% are caused by lack of tears alone and the rest (85%) have evaporative dry eye where they have a reasonable amount of tears but the oil layer that sits on top of the tears is inadequate. This oil layer stops tear evaporation. If you have a poor oil layer, your tears evaporate a lot quicker. The poor oil layer is typically due to under or poor production of oils from the meibomian glands in the lower eye lid. Dermatologists treating Rosacea on their patients face with Intense Regulated Pulse Light (IRPL) found that these patient’s dry eye improved or disappeared when used. This treatment is now available to treat dry eye.
At Eyecare Plus we first book you in for a dry eye assessment that measures your tear layer, checks how quickly your tears evaporate and checks the glands that produce oil, to make sure they are still functioning. IRPL is used for patients who have dry eye caused by poor oil The poor oil layer is production of the glands typically due to under in the lower eyelid. The or poor production light treats Meibomian of oils from the Gland Dysfunction by stimulating the meibomian glands in parasympathetic nerve to The IRPL is carried the lower eye lid. unblock these oil glands. out over four This produces better treatments. Studies oil quality in the tears show that patients that leads to better tear quality. Better oil with dry eye that have this procedure production in the tears leads to more stable performed have a 90% satisfaction rate tear layer, less evaporation of the tears and with them reporting relief from dry eye less dry and gritty eyes. symptoms.
62% of patients who have this procedure done have no experience of any recurrence of dry eye symptoms for three years. The average period without needing another treatment is 29.3 months. This is the first time that a solution to dry eye has been available that can alleviate the need for daily eye drops.
Dry, burning, gritty eyes? Eyecare Plus is now offering IRPL® treatments to provide long-term relief of dry eye disease. IRPL® is a non-invasive treatment, utilising intense regulated pulsed light to stimulate the secretion of your meibomian glands. It is quick, gentle and can offer long-lasting relief. Want to find out more? Contact your local Eyecare Plus at one of the following locations.
Eyecare Plus Forster
02 6554 7817
Eyecare Plus Stockland Forster
02 6555 7000
Eyecare Plus Tuncurry
02 6555 8233
Eyecare Plus Tea Gardens
02 4997 0288
Eyecare Plus Taree
02 6552 5044
Eyecare Plus Gloucester
02 6558 1800
Online bookings available at eyecareplus.com.au
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kinetic MEDICINE
The harder the better: experts on exercise in ageing call for change. Older adults and those concerned with their care are being encouraged to reconsider the approaches to exercise used given recent evidence about the effects of some approaches. Increasingly gaining in popular opinion due to emerging science, exercise has been appropriated as a therapy for many conditions, from fertility to improving memory.
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hilst many of the studies used to make such bold claims do indeed hold hope for further research and encourage better health, a recent study has shown that exercise is not a one-size-fits-all solution, nor is all exercise created equal. A study published in the British Medical Journal reported that certain modes of exercise could exacerbate dementia progression. The study looked at the application of varying degrees of low to very low intensity exercise, the kind typically implemented in exercise groups for persons aged over 65 years. Ironically, lower intensity exercise is utilised frequently by community groups and in the aged care setting for its perceived safety and the comfort of those participating. Yet, given this and other research emerging, it would appear safer to complete higher intensity exercise under appropriate supervision, or none at all. “Our aged care industry is saturated with dubious commercial programmes
with questionable scientific backing,” says researcher, Michael Inskip, from Sydney University. “Light exercise has been repeatedly shown to be ineffective for addressing cognitive decline in elderly populations, especially those with dementia,” Mr Inskip said. It has been suggested, however, that under the guidance of an Accredited Exercise Physiologist not only could effective exercise be performed, but the full benefits of its effects might be realised, resulting in an increased likelihood for people to continue living at home and for the burden on residential aged care facilities and staff to be drastically reduced. Mr Inskip said, “These populations need moderate-high intensity exercise. Mild exercise cannot prevent muscle mass loss and associated function and aerobic capacity loss.” With bed rest and inactivity contributing to up to a kilo of muscle mass lost per week, those caring for over 65 year olds are encouraged to seek out expert exercise-based care from their GP and healthcare team to ensure health and vitality in ageing and to reduce easily avoidable harm.
bcu Coffs Tri entries open for the 2019
Entries are now open for one of the Mid North Coast’s most enjoyable and picturesque triathlons, the bcu Coffs TRI on March 2nd - 3rd. The event offers a weekend of races for ages six and over, held around Coffs Harbour’s scenic Jetty Foreshores.
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fter the success of the 2018 event, which attracted 1,200 competitors, Triathlon Australia has awarded the 2019 Coffs Tri Standard Distance Race a World Championship Qualifying event for the third year running. It will also double as the State Championship event to determine the fastest triathletes in NSW. The event is also part of a new competition - the North Coast Interclub Series, an initiative of Triathlon NSW - which will see six North Coast triathlon clubs between Port Macquarie and Kingscliff compete for the title of Regional Club Champion. Seven races, ranging from Sprint Distance to Long Course will decide the Series, culminating at the Byron Bay Triathlon in May 2019. The Series will see a mix of small and large, old and new clubs going head to head in a friendly challenge. The Hat Head Hammerheads and Byron Breakers Clubs are less than 12 months old and see the Interclub Series as a great way to grow the sport of triathlon in their local areas. At the other end of the spectrum, Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour Tri Clubs were both established over 20 years ago and are two of NSW’s largest membership bases. The bcu Coffs Tri is the penultimate event of the Series and is a very unique triathlon, providing a course that is unrivalled in Australia, showcasing all the Coffs Coast has to offer. Triathletes enjoy a pristine ocean
swim in a protected harbour that takes them around the iconic timber Jetty. The two-lap ride is on fully closed roads. “There are not many triathlons that can offer this, ensuring it is one of the safest events in the country,” said Race Director, Noel Phillips. “The run hugs the harbour foreshores and is hard to beat. "It is completely flat and takes in the jetty and southern breakwall, with spectacular views back across the harbour towards the Great Dividing Range and the Coffs hinterland. “The beauty of the Coffs Tri is that it is suitable for experienced athletes, as well as those doing their very first triathlon. "And with the introduction of the new Interclub Series, it is also a great opportunity for local clubs to compete against each other. It is a safe, fun, family-friendly event and we encourage early registration, as we anticipate entries to reach capacity,” said Phillips. The bcu Coffs Tri includes kids' events for ages 6 - 13, an Enticer triathlon (300 m/7 km/2 km), for ages 13 and over, as well as the Olympic or Standard Distance event (1.5 km/40 km/10 km), with individual and team options. It promises to be a weekend full of racing action for all ages, motivations and abilities. Entries for the bcu Coffs TRI on March 2nd and 3rd 2019 are now open, with early bird specials on offer for a short time at www.villagesports.com.au Manning-Great Lakes focus 47
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Aura Skin Spa launches in Forster. Local siblings Alicia and Jesse Williams have recently taken ownership of the well-known local business Endota Spa Forster, which this September marked its 10th anniversary. Alicia and Jesse decided to branch off from the Endota franchise, expanding on Endota’s services to build the brand Aura Skin Spa, thus bringing to Forster a new generation of day spa experience incorporating both deep relaxation and clinical results driven by advanced skin therapy for the Manning-Great Lakes community. Aura Skin Spa were blessed with the opportunity to continue working with the skilled Endota team, including Alicia with extensive training and experience in the beauty industry for over eight years, and Tracey with over ten years’ experience as the spa’s general manager of Endota. Also on staff is Casey, with twelve years’ industry experience, including previous ownership of Lorellin Day Spa, and Carmen, who has been working in the industry for ten years.
Our goal as skin therapists is to assist and educate you on how to care, clean and nourish your skin throughout your lifetime as your concerns and needs change. No skin concern is too great or small. Aura Skin Spa proudly stocks industry renowned products Dermalogica, Pure Fiji, OPI and Vanity tan. The menu has taken on a whole new look and feel, with advanced skin peels, LED and micro dermabrasion services available to our clients. We also offer luxurious spa packages with hot tub experiences, including a guava body wrap and the rose quartz facial, as well as a selection of general treatments ranging from body treatments, massage, waxing and tanning. We look forward to welcoming you at Aura Skin Spa. Bookings available via our website: auraskinspa.com.au - book your December treatment now to avoid disappointment. Weekend spa packages and group bookings available.
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50 Manning-Great Lakes focus
with Clairvoyant Terri Hall Phone. 0424 818 343
December 2018
AQUARIUS.
GEMINI.
LIBRA.
JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19
MAY 22 - JUNE 22
SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 23
A fresh start is about yo be yours. You are about tumble into an experience filled with such happiness that you will probably pinch yourself regularly, to see if it is real. Passion will be high on your list of priorities. Finding new gifts and talents will also bring an air of excitement. Tourmaline brings an inner peace, which helps us receive our true reward.
You don’t need to worry as much as you do. You are currently being given the opportunity to find your inner strength. You are much more capable than you realise. Work with your self-esteem by thinking three compliments to yourself three times a day for three weeks and marvel at the difference. Chrysocolla is wonderful for new discoveries. Wear it on your being whilst thinking about what you want.
The world is your oyster. Set some goals to aid your availability to what the universe is trying to bring into the picture. A journey will help settle your itchy feet/restless energy and when you return home, you will be positively focused and ready to succeed. Sodalite enables our imagination to take us journeying into alternate realities, so we can realize what we desire.
PISCES.
CANCER.
SCORPIO.
FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20
JUNE 23 - JULY 23
OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22
You deserve to have far more happiness than your current circumstance allows. Set some new goals and KNOW you deserve these things. Some outer influence has taught you to believe this is as good as it gets for you. This belief is not accurate. Pyrite will strengthen your self-beliefs and alter your reality.
Your thought processes are at times your own worst enemy. Take some time to reassess where and how you would like to be living in the future and pay attention to the beliefs which hinder this. Then, you will be able to bring forth change. Hematite will aid in goal setting, as it shifts negative thought processes.
Total change to your current circumstance can be expected. The new beginnings will bring such a difference to your attitudes, emotions and intellect, that at times you may feel you don’t know yourself. Travel plans may be on the agenda, as a means of dissipating some restlessness. Rhodochrosite connects us to our inner child energy. This will help you through change easily.
ARIES.
LEO.
SAGITTARIUS.
MARCH 21 - APRIL 20
JULY 24 - AUGUST 23
NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 21
The feeling of being suspended won’t last much longer. New growth awaits. Justice will be granted, bringing a sense of inner peace. Training or learning something new will align you with exciting opportunities, while travel with educational benefits are also on the horizon. Amethyst brings a sense of calm. Sit by the water and hold a piece while stilling your mind.
This feeling of suspension is not going to last much longer. Look for any tendrils of unsolved emotions, and work through them. You cannot take these hurtful things into the future, so be kind to yourself. Labradorite helps with new experiences. Carry it with you for a couple of weeks to set new patterns.
Your leadership skills are about to be tested in the work place. Keep your “win/win mentality” strong, as this will guide you toward further success. Avoid listening to other people’s fears, as these could hinder your progress should you take them on. Selenite strengthens our connection to our higher consciousness. Carry some on your being for a couple of weeks.
TAURUS.
VIRGO.
CAPRICORN.
APRIL 21 - MAY 21
AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 23
DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 20
Find your inner harmony by breathing slow deep breaths, then set some goals (short term, and some further in the distance), change some stubborn thought processes and enjoy the experience you’re about to tumble into. Herkimer Diamonds are great for initiating change.
Discovering your motive behind your current actions will free you from your torment; all you need to do is be totally honest with yourself. You may not like what you discover, but simply remove your judgement and change the pattern and motive. Rhodonite helps us to free binding circumstances from our reality.
The universe is trying to herald you with an answer to a prayer. All you have to do to receive this blessing is know you are deserving of the reward. Angels will help you every step of the way. You will be looked after if you get out of the way and let Heaven help you. Malachite helps bring past hurts to the surface for releasing. Enjoy the newfound changes. Manning-Great Lakes focus 51
focuson_business
FOCUS ON
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BUSINESS
WITH GREG MCINNES FROM ALLIANCE UNITY LAW
A L A N T I C K L E F R O M Y O U R H E R I TA G E
m ney matters. with Alan Tickle
Market Jitters ... it’s not a time to panic. Interestingly, while share markets both domestically and overseas have taken a tumble and residential housing prices have also taken a dip, investors have generally not panicked.
BUYING OR SELLING PROPERTY AT THE END OF THE YEAR: SOME SANTA’S SECRET TIPS. Year-end is the time for relaxation and good times. But it also is the time that many people decide either to move properties, or maybe to buy - to come here to paradise and purchase their own special little slice, perhaps as an investment and maybe one day to retire. Property transaction figures show that, between 2014 and 2017, property prices in ForsterTuncurry increased by 48% [median $371,000 in 2014, $550,000.00 in December 2017]. There were 210 houses sold last year and 160 units sold last year in Forster. The busiest turnover period is in December and January, as compared with other months. We have seen prices and activity levelling, but not falling. We are seeing some exciting and major new investments and businesses coming to our area, which gives us confidence of continuing good times to come. Transacting in property is mostly fairly simple, when things go to plan. But, there are many things to consider. Apart from the “problem stories”, here are some ideas: If you are buying a property otherwise than for your personal residence, avoid settling before
1st January 2019 [it is OK though, to exchange contracts, provided possession remains with the Vendor]. Otherwise, you will become liable for an extra year of Land Tax. Sometimes a Vendor who also is liable for Land Tax might want you to “adjust” by contributing a portion of his Charge. That should not easily be accepted, and you should ask your Solicitor or Conveyancer about that. Be alert to any possible Stamp Duty savings - for instance, we are working on arrangements involving newly constructed homes where savings can be many thousands of dollars. Look for a Conveyancer who can help keep you updated at every stage of your transaction. We will be open and accessible at all times including holidays and weekends during the holiday period. Alliance Conveyancing have installed systems where you can log in, 24/7, to get the very latest developments in your matter. As well, we advise our clients by email and/or text at every stage. Be sure that you are fully protected by an expert qualified professional who is insured and trained up to the latest changes.
The average balanced portfolio, where the assets are spread amongst shares, property, cash and fixed interest securities, has dropped in value or even a bit behind to where those funds were sitting 12 months ago.
when making a beneficiary nomination. SelfManaged Superannuation Funds also have challenges that need addressing, to cover succession should the member trustee or director die.
One client, who came in for a scheduled review, responded to their investment report with the positive response that he received three times the income over the past five years that he would have received in bank interest, and his investment was still well ahead of what he started with.
Many superannuation funds do not have provision for non-lapsing binding nominations, but instead require a binding nomination to be renewed every three years.
This illustrates the need to be patient and to ride out market corrections and the benefit of diversifying investment assets. Having an adviser relationship and regular reviews is important, to ensure that a portfolio and strategy remains appropriate. Superannuation Death Benefit Nominations I recently had a difference of opinion with a solicitor on what was the appropriate death benefit nomination for a client. The solicitor was insistent on having the nomination to the estate rather than to the spouse, whereas both myself and the client’s accountant thought otherwise. The pension proceeds going to the estate, rather than to the spouse, would have resulted in a substantial ongoing tax liability for the spouse, due to the amount involved. The spouse was not eligible to contribute the proceeds back into superannuation, so could not res-establish the tax-free pension that was in place. The Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Regulations 1994 (SIS), the rules of a superannuation or pension fund, contribution rules and limits imposed by the ATO, Death Benefit Tax, as well as just who the superannuation member wants to receive their superannuation benefits, has to be considered
Failure to do so then results in the potential for a trustee to apply discretion on who receives the proceeds, though generally they consider the intent of the lapsed binding nomination. This is particularly an issue to consider when there are blended families involved. Death Benefit Tax Failure to time retirement to enable recontribution of superannuation to remove taxable components can leave potential death benefit tax on the taxable component of superannuation funds. I often see beneficiary nominations to adult non-financial dependent children rather than the spouse of the later relationship, with the house going to the spouse. Having the superannuation going to the spouse removes the death benefit tax that would otherwise apply to non-financial dependant beneficiaries. For that reason, it is often preferable for the adult children to inherit from non-superannuation assets. However, closing a superannuation fund prior to death avoids any death benefit tax attached to the superannuation or pension funds. All of the issues described make liaison with solicitors, financial planners and accountants of utmost importance when considering estate planning.
This information and advice is of a general nature only and no reliance should be placed on the information before seeking individual advice from a Financial Planner and Taxation Adviser to ensure the appropriateness to individual circumstances. Alan Tickle, Jonathon Tickle and Your Heritage Financial Planning are both authorised representatives of Securitor Financial Group AFSL 240687 ABN 48009189495.
Our Client’s Best Interest is Central to all our Endeavours • Income Protection & Life Insurance • Superannuation • Retirement Planning • Investment Portfolio Management • Centrelink and Aged Care Strategy
6551 2333
www.yhfp.com.au
Alan Tickle & Jonathon Tickle (Directors)
Your Heritage Financial Planning Pty Limited Authorised Representatives Securitor Financial Group Ltd ABN 48009189495 AFSL 240687
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focus_contributor.
Business Minds with Jeremy Thornton of Insurance Advisernet
BUSINESS MINDS
Craig and Amanda
Evans
C
Our guests this month are a young family minded couple putting in the hard yards for local people, charity and the community. I sat down with Amanda and Craig Evans and started by finding out about life growing up in the Manning.
E - I was born in Sydney, but relocated to a family farm at Kolodong when I was eight years old. Living on a farm meant plenty of work from a young age with my grandfather, but I also had the joy of spending plenty of time skiing the Manning River, as the farm had a kilometre or so of river frontage. I completed my schooling at St Clare’s and started working at McDonald’s at the age of 16, when it first opened. AE - I had the pleasure of growing up in Tinonee. I have very fond memories of primary school and friends in that tiny community that it was. I completed high school at Taree High. So, let’s dive deeper. How did you two meet? CE - We actually met working at McDonald’s (corny, isn’t it!) We both had a permanent shift together on Wednesday nights, but didn’t start dating until we had both finished school. After finishing school, we did a Gap Year and worked at Taree McDonald’s, prior to going off to do further studies. It was during this year that we started dating, and the rest is history! Amanda left McDonald’s and went to Newcastle to complete a marketing degree, but I didn’t end up going to university and instead took up a management position at the McDonald’s at Settlement City in Port Macquarie. Was owning your own franchise something you both wanted to do from early on? AE - I truly didn’t even think too much about it. We work really well together due to a 54 Manning-Great Lakes focus
strong mutual respect, even though we both have different ideas (which makes for good conversation), strengths and opportunities. It gets us great results. CE - Both coming from a McDonald’s background, it was inevitable I guess. While I’ve stayed in the business my whole career, Amanda has done a few other things, but once we had a plan to one day purchase our own franchise, it made perfect sense for us both to be involved with the day to day operations. When we purchased the Taree restaurant in 2006 from John and Helen Ross, Amanda was the Restaurant Manager at the time, and I was the General Manager of all the businesses that John and Helen ran. While both being in the business certainly can have its challenges (especially for the staff … ha ha) I wouldn’t have it any other way. How do you switch between the professional couple and the family? CE - I think we manage it quite well, and it simply comes down to just having very open and honest communication - most importantly, just remembering that whatever decision is made, Amanda is always right has certainly helped me. Our two oldest boys, Cooper and Levi have both worked in the business, so it’s definitely a family affair. Our youngest, Noah also has aspirations, and if you were to ask any of the staff, they probably already say that he thinks he runs the show. AE - In the early days it can be a real learning curve managing a young family and the hours required by the McDonald’s system to keep the balance. Family time is very important and
Order Kiosks and our digital merchandising something that we focus on. Holidays play a at Front Counter and Drive Thru. All these huge part in switching off and just focusing advancements are about providing choice to on the family. Life is short, so we make the our customers and allowing them to order most of it! and interact with us in a way that they want You are big supporters of the community. Tell us why getting behind local sport and to. It’s about putting the customer at the centre of everything you do. other groups is so important to you? Where is the favourite place for the CE - We’re very fortunate to own a good family to spend time locally? size business in town employing over 300 Friday nights is our family night out, and individuals at any point in time; all our our favourite place to employees come eat is Fish Fish Fish. from the local area, Always a great meal so supporting the and a friendly face to community is also about serve you. We are lucky supporting them and enough to have a place their families. This is only There is a saying in life that that backs on to the one reason though, and you only get out of it Manning River, so for us I could honestly give you what you put into it, spending time at home a hundred reasons why and Amanda and I have this on weekends is always it makes good business prerogative also when it comes very enjoyable; we don’t sense to support the to the community. have to go far to enjoy community. There is a what the Manning saying in life that you Valley has to offer. only get out of it what For you, what is the you put into it, and Amanda and I have this prerogative also when best part about being in business in the Manning-Great Lakes? it comes to the community. Being in business in the Valley is extremely Innovation is so important, even for rewarding; the business community across the the hospitality industry. I believe you region is very close, and the thing that always have been at the forefront of some of impresses me is how much admiration we all McDonald’s recent changes in this space? have for everyone’s achievements. Innovation is truly important in any business Lastly, we are very lucky to have such a and is something that has enabled us, as great staff base and without the efforts of McDonald’s, to continue to grow and grow in our managers and crew, we would not have the last 10 years. We are on a massive journey a business. at the moment with digital innovation, from Thanks Craig and Amanda. our Mobile Order and Pay App to our Self
focus_contributor
J O H N S T E V E N S F R O M TA R E E B U S I N E S S C H A M B E R
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Photo credit: instagram.com/dropzone.photography
Noticing Business. Christmas is a unique opportunity in the year for all of us. No matter what our particular beliefs or perspectives, life tends to have its rhythms, and most of us would attest to the increased pace that comes right before the end of the year as we rush to get everything done before a well-earned rest.
t’s no different for me in my business or at home, and it’s the same for Taree Business Chamber, as we look to carry the momentum of the latter half of the year right through to year’s end.
Light Up the Valley, an initiative founded by our very own Ivor Thomas, is moving under the Taree Business Chamber banner, and we’re looking forward to a focus on CBD businesses bringing some festive cheer to our streets this
In the immediate future, consultation is ongoing regarding changes to the Local Environment Plan which governs zoning and development controls for our region. At initial workshops in Taree that I attended, it was reported that Taree was set to grow by a measly 1,300 people in the next 20 years. These figures, based off projections from census data, must be proven wrong. We won’t be able to sustain our position as a service centre if this is the case.
Christmas. By the time you’re reading this,
Promisingly, some recent land releases in Taree have sold well, and it would seem that we need to ensure that future development is in accordance with consumer demand, enabling sustainable population growth whilst safeguarding all the things we cherish about Taree. Equally, the development of the Taree CBD and Health Precinct plan is underway, and I have taken much of the feedback I have received on the matter directly to Council.
and business, we need you to take an active
Issues with CBD parking is something I hope we can make progress on very shortly, with initial meetings with Council completed. A survey will come out shortly seeking your insights, so make sure you’re connected to our social media and mailing list to have your say.
Victoria St should already be looking the part, and if you’re in business in the CBD we’d encourage you to speak with your neighbours about bringing some seasonal vibrancy. We’re asking business who get involved to make a donation to Ronald McDonald House Charity, so we can help make the season special for families in need. Lastly, if you’ve got a healthy passion for Taree role in your Chamber. We’ve got big plans in the short term to see the beautification of our CBD, bring it alive with markets and outdoor activities, see tourism infrastructure modernised and our amenities improved. In the bigger picture, Chamber wants to see continued investment in our sporting and recreation facilities with the development of a staged action plan, a plan to improve our foreshore use, as well as greater opportunities to showcase existing Taree businesses and to take our city to market to attract new external investment. We can’t do any of this without you.
Delivering for the Manning-Great Lakes region Delivering $17,812,423 this year in Federal Financial Assistance Grants and $1,114,367 in Roads to Recovery, $5-million in Federal funding for Bucketts way and over $7-million in Bridges Renewal funding to Mid Coast Council to assist with local infrastructure projects throughout the Manning-Great Lakes region. Authorised by Dr David Gillespie MP, National Party of Australia, 144 Victoria Street, Taree NSW 2430.
Dr David GILLESPIE MP He Listens. He Cares. He Delivers.
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focusinterview.
Changing
Lanes Whitney Barrett
Originally training as a chef, Whitney Barrett found herself in the position of needing to retrain and move into a totally new career. Her tenacity and vision are inspirational, and she has received some outstanding awards through TAFE, including the prestigious 2018 North Coast Student of the Year Award for Excellence in Technology and Business Services.
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hitney, can you tell me a bit about your life in the Manning Valley? I was born in the area, and am the youngest of five children. We grew up on an Angus (beef) farm between Gloucester and Bundook. At 16 years of age, I left school and commenced a cookery apprenticeship with the 4 star Barrington’s Country Retreat at Dungog, eventually moving from there to the Hunter Valley to continue my career. I moved back to the Manning region with my two young boys, trading the long hours of hospitality for a more family orientated life. I currently work casually at the Tinonee General Store with a fantastic group of staff, and my bosses are the nicest people I have ever met who run a business. It is like having a second family while you are at work, everyone looks out for each other, and that’s what I love about working there. Your training as a chef took you to some salubrious establishments in the Hunter Valley. Tell us a bit about that. During my time in the Valley, I was provided continuous opportunity to challenge myself as an apprentice, often completing and undertaking work/positions at the level of a qualified chef. Back then, there was still a stigma around being a female apprentice in a male dominated workforce. It involved long hours, split shifts, high demand and was physically and mentally exhausting, so I found it very strange when my TAFE teachers encouraged me to attend cookery competitions, where I ended up achieving a handful of placings. During my time at Peppers Guest House, I also worked collaboratively at Peppers Convent, The Great Cask Hall (Hope Estate), Harvest restaurant 56 Manning-Great Lakes focus
(Hope Estate), Bimbadgen Estate, plus many other wedding and event venues. I had the honour of cooking breakfast and serving dinner for one of the first seasons of Farmer Wants a Wife, and met many other famous entertainers through catering for concerts and events. Moving back to the Manning Valley in 2014 saw you totally change your career and begin studying, where you’ve gone on to achieve some fabulous outcomes. Can you tell us a bit more about this change in direction? When I moved back to the Manning Valley, it was clear that I couldn’t fall back on my chef qualifications, because of the lack of opportunity to work child friendly hours. I remember sitting down and talking with a friend, who said to me, “Hey you’re not a stupid person; why don’t you go do a TAFE course and get recognised for what you can do?”. So in early 2015 I attended Taree TAFE Campus Open Day, enrolling in Business Administration Medical. After that, I completed the Certificate III Business Administration (Medical), returning again in 2017 to enrol and complete dual certificates, being Certificate III Business Administration (Legal), plus Certificate IV Business Administration, with the encouragement of my Business Teacher, Deb Kelly. Whilst undertaking the dual certificates, the Head Teacher of Business, Gail Smith, encouraged me to apply for a volunteer role of Secretary with the local Wingham Chamber of Commerce. I have been in this position for the past 20 months and gained huge amounts of practical skills and experience, as well as working with and meeting some fantastic people from our area. Currently, I am also about to complete Certificate IV Human Resources. The outcome for me means that I am now qualified across a broad area of administration,
I was so nervous when I first walked through those doors to Student Central, because I thought I probably couldn’t do it. It is a very scary thing
which hopefully will Liz Jarvis for providing me to say to yourself, ‘Hey, enable me to pick up with skills perspective and I can’t/don’t want to do some work within the practical experience that this anymore, so I need to has helped me reach my next six months. learn something different’. goals and gain valuable And you’ve been real world experience nominated for, and outside of TAFE. won, some amazing Where do you see yourself in five years’ awards? time? At the conclusion of 2017, I was awarded an Ideally, I am aiming to complete my Business Excellence Award at the Taree Campus Student Courses and Teaching Assessment, so that I Excellence Awards for my results in Certificate can start working at Taree TAFE, and once I am IV Business Administration. That night held adequately qualified I would love to join the other surprises, as I also was (unexpectedly) team at Taree TAFE Business Services and teach the first ever student to receive the Women In people just like me and be able to show them Business Leadership Award, and was honoured how easy it can be to follow the path that I have to be asked to be one of two Student Key Note walked to change their career. Speakers for the ceremony that night and to Do you have any words of encouragement participate in the cake cutting at the conclusion for anyone who is thinking about changing of the ceremony. their career? In 2018 I progressed through to the Regional The first thing that I cannot emphasise TAFE Excellence Awards at Coffs Harbour, enough is that TAFE is not just for teenagers achieving the overall North Coast Student of the or people who are stuck without work. I was Year Award for Excellence in Technology and so nervous when I first walked through those Business Services. To be successful in achieving doors to Student Central, because I thought I this honour was an incredibly humbling probably couldn’t do it. It is a very scary thing experience. to say to yourself, “Hey, I can’t/don’t want to At the same time, I also was nominated and do this anymore, so I need to learn something progressed through to the North Coast Finals different”. Don’t worry about what people will for the NSW Government and Training Awards think … If you want the change, go for it. 2018 for Technology and Business Services I started out as a single mum with a career Vocational Student of the Year, where I was a that I couldn’t use anymore. I started at the finalist of three students. bottom and worked my way up. I gained my Is there anyone in particular you’d like to confidence back, acquired new skills and have thank for their support in your journey so helped others along the way. Studying wasn’t far? just about certificates for me; it helped my Mostly I would like to thank my parents, Allen lifestyle, I made friends, lost my anxiety, and and Gail, for their ongoing support in helping realised that I will only achieve what I let myself me with my boys and enabling me to attend try, and there’s no point wasting time wishing TAFE and complete the courses. I had done things years ago when I have the Also my teachers, Gail Smith and Deb Kelly, capability to DO it now! are amazing! Thanks Whitney. I’d also like to thank everyone from the Interview: Ingrid Bayer. Wingham Chamber of Commerce, especially
Forster Tuncurry Awnings and Blinds (FTAB) has undergone
an impressive showroom renovation by new sole owners Greg and Justine Hill. Chrissy Jones spoke with Justine about this exciting milestone and what the future holds for this longstanding local business ‌
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TAB was started in 1980 by Greg’s parents. Tell us a little about the history of the business and its growth … Greg’s parents, Ray and Sue Hill, founded the business in 1980 after seeing a need for window covering specialists in the area, until they retired in 2002. At this point we took over the company, with business partners Leteetia and Geoff Jeffries, who also retired this year. We are now forging ahead alone to take the company with its same family values in a fresh, new direction. Since then, we have more than doubled the number of staff on our team, as we passionately believe in the strength of working as a family and supporting others in our community.
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Greg is the captain of our team, managing quotes and orders for almost 17 years. I manage the showroom and our business centre with my colleague, Lisa, who is very efficient and likes to have a laugh, which is an essential part of our day. Our team of fitters is lead by Kurt, who started with our company as an 18 year old, fresh out of school; he knows more about the blind industry than he would care to admit. We also have Jordan who has come on board; he is Kurt’s right hand man and nothing is too much trouble for him - always ready to help with a big smile. Dave is our part-time fitter; he's a one man band and fits by himself, to make sure that we are delivering on time. Our youngest son, Rory has also just joined
the team, and is the third generation of Hills to work in the business. He starts his Certificate III in Awnings, Blinds and Security Grilles in the New Year, and we are thrilled to have him on board. You have recently renovated your premises and rebranded. Tell us about that … The showroom that we had was functional, but very outdated. Parts of it were from the original fitout from 1980, so while this had obvious sentimental value, it was long overdue for a revamp. We thought very long and hard about what we wanted this update to look like. The new branding was Greg’s baby, and he designed it himself - so it is very authentic to us and what we stand for. The new showroom also looks very fresh and stylish and really helps us display the
unique benefits of our range. We’ve had so many customers compliment us on the new look - one customer commenting that he had previously not noticed our shop front and he drives past every day, so we take that as a positive! With a large scale renovation there are usually always hold ups; however, we experienced none of this, with all of our skilled tradies working together so we could keep the business running smoothly. We would like to thank Daniel Stallworthy Building, Scott Ingram Painting, Coastal Detail Joinery, Choices Flooring - Forster, Leading Edge Computers - Forster, Mackies Electrical, and our staff and family for working hard to make our vision come to life.
What direction is the business heading in 2019? What is your future vision for FTAB? Window coverings are becoming an increasingly vital part of any home design or renovation. We want to be there every step of the way, to make sure our customers get exactly what they want and need for their home. Blinds are a major part of a room visually, and something that you will interact with every day. They are also a crucial aid for things like helping block out light for a good night’s sleep in a bedroom, increasing privacy, and aiding your home’s insulation - so it’s vital you achieve an end result that is both beautiful and practical. Child and pet safety are also becoming an increasing concern for homeowners. All of our Luxaflex window coverings are designed with child safety in mind and are compliant with the latest ACCC Child Safety Regulations. From cordless alternatives to motorised operation systems, there are many innovative lifting systems that incorporate safety, convenience and style in their development. This move towards motorisation and smart
homes is also a key trend we’ve been seeing. With this clever technology becoming increasingly affordable, more and more people are looking at integrated solutions such as PowerView® Motorisation. This automation technology also gives homeowners the ultimate control to really amp up their energy efficiency, as Aussies can schedule their blinds to lower them when they need them covering the windows to provide maximum insulation. Programming the window coverings to lower first thing in the morning when leaving for work will prevent the heat of the day from entering and help retain the coolest temperatures from overnight. What do you offer customers? We are the local Luxaflex Showcase dealer, and therefore offer the exclusive range of products from Luxaflex Window Fashions in Forster - the leading brand in the market. We can provide expert advice when purchasing blinds, shutters and awnings. We consider a variety of factors that others may not, such as window positioning, aspect, and operation
options. Customers can even bring their design plans in, so we can help guide them through the entire process. For example, the windows on south facing facades will need something very different to those on west facing facades. South facing windows are typically dark and cold in winter. For this reason, window coverings that invite light into a space can be very helpful to make these rooms more liveable. Our Luxaflex Silhouette® Shadings in a translucent fabric are perfect for this application, as they feature soft S-shaped vanes between two sheer facings. These vanes then diffuse the light and filter the UV to provide a warm glow, bouncing light up to the ceiling and brightening a room. East and west facing windows receive a lot of direct sun all year round. During the peak of summer, these rooms can become uncomfortably hot, particularly if they have a lot of glass. In this instance, insulating products such as our Luxaflex Duette® Architella® Shades would make a substantial difference to the comfort of the room, by controlling incoming heat. This enhanced
insulation will also help keep the heat in during winter. They can be used for all applications, from doors, windows, shapes and skylights. As well as the magnificent Luxaflex products, we also offer a variety of shutters and broad curtain range. We use popular fabric suppliers such as Wilson and Maurice Kain fabrics, which are well known suppliers that provide the best fabrics in a variety of shades, textures and opacities. Lastly but not least we offer good old fashioned customer service and after-sales care. We like to see our customers time and time again. Our company has seen the same people coming back from original builds, through to a renovation and home updates years later. This is a legacy of good service, and we with all our team will strive to continue this. As a re-opening special, together with Luxaflex we are offering a 30 per cent discount on all of our Luxaflex Soft Shades for the month of December. For further information, visit forstertuncurryawningsblinds.luxaflex.com.au
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A M A N D A TAT E F R O M L J H O O K E R TA R E E
real estate
UPDATE
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Spring has brought around its usual replenishment of new properties, causing another flurry in our market place.
t’s not hard to understand why most while a working 139 acre property at Firefly people wait until spring to put their sold for $1,300,000 and a cattle farm at Cells properties on the market. Everything River for $1,800,000 with over 3,500 acres is lush and green and flowering, to work with. and the warmer weather tends to Residential land is still selling well, with bring everyone outdoors. What is definitely blocks ranging from $112,500 to $290,000, trending in our area at present is the depending on block levels and location. traditional family homes - four bedroom, In the lower price range, a one bedroom brick, double lock up garaging in good unit sold at Forster for $212,000 and a one areas, and buyers are paying a premium bedroom in Old Bar for $169,000, creating to secure them. Forster and Taree are still an easy price point for home owners. If you experiencing strong sales in this category, are not afraid to renovate, there have been with the outlying areas some affordable sales on including Old Bar and good sized blocks with Wingham showing signs older homes, including of slowing - but more to $220,000 in Taree, The number of sales is slightly do with lack of supply $280,000 in Wingham lower; however, as you can see, if than anything else. and Harrington, all a property is priced right, Most properties that are three bedrooms. A it will sell - but that’s now. sitting longer are usually brick duplex with two Who knows what the market will overpriced due to over bedrooms in each bring next year, especially with zealous agents or high sold to an investor the looming elections. vendor expectations, for $335,000 and a trying to cash in on our small brick in Taree for great market. $150,000, providing There have been some significant sales excellent returns. Not wanting to be in over the million dollars, with a home at town? A 1,216 m² block with a three Crowdy Head reaching $1,015,000 at bedroom home in Coopernook sold for auction, proving that buyers will still pay $250,000, whilst a three bedroom home for those exclusive views. A four bedroom on a small block across the road from the waterfront property at Tuncurry for Manning River sold for $335,000 in Croki, $1,165,000 with its own jetty, against a with loads of buyer enquiry. home in Forster overlooking the water for Overall, our market has shown some signs an undisclosed price over the million, and a of slowing, with average days on market three bedroom, three bathroom penthouse stretching out to 39 days for Taree and in Beach Street, Forster with commanding surrounding areas and 59 for Old Bar and ocean views for $1,258,000 provide 60 for Wingham, according to realestate. interesting comparisons. A very modern, com The number of sales is slightly lower; massive, energy efficient home on a few however, as you can see, if a property is acres at Wallabi sold for $1,010,000. Forty priced right, it will sell - but that’s now. Who acres with a beautiful home on the river at knows what the market will bring next year, Mitchells Island just fetched $1,700,000, especially with the looming elections.
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focusinterview.
Postie Jindaboonda
An epic journey into the Australian Outback, all for a good cause.
INTERVIEW WITH DAN KRANZ
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ell us how the Jindaboonda Postie Trek came into being. I organised the first trek after we lost my wife’s Uncle Den (known as Jindaboonda) to complications caused by Pancreatic Cancer. I originally looked into participating in an event already established, but soon found out that only a very small percentage of the funds raised in these actually makes it to the cause. I didn’t feel comfortable about that, so I decided to organise my own event, where all money raised goes to our designated foundation. It's for a wonderful cause; tell us a bit about that? All the money we raise goes to the Australian Cancer Research Foundation. This organisation relies on fundraisers like us, as well as donations to provide funding to front line cancer research projects. Australia is, in fact, the world leader in fighting cancer, so it's good to know the money we raise is going to where it’s needed the most. The trek is an epic 4,000 km into the Australian Outback. Where will the ride be taking you? This time round the trek is taking us from Bundarra to Barraba. On Google maps, the most direct route is 91 km, or 1.5 hours. But we trekkers love taking the long way round, so our route goes via Boulia, in Outback Queensland. We have a stopover day in Winton, to show the kids a dinosaur dig site, and one at Diamantina Lakes. We all fell in love with Outback NSW and QLD on the first trek, so we can’t wait to get back there again. Why did you choose to do such an amazing adventure on a Postie Bike? There are a few reasons. We do the trek
to honour the memory of Uncle Den, and my us are fortunate enough All the money we raise goes granddad Murray. Both to have our families tag to the Australian Cancer men were avid motorcyalong as support crew. Research Foundation. This clists. Den was actually a This is not your first organisation relies on postman for a while, so trek; you completed fundraisers like us, as that’s the first reason. one in 2016. How well as donations ... Secondly, doing such a much did you raise, Australia is, in fact, the world huge ride on such a small and where did you go? leader in fighting cancer, so bike adds to the daring, In 2016 the plan was it's good to know the money difficulty and adventure to ride out to Cameron we raise is going to where it’s of the trek. People seem Corner, but we got to needed the most. more keen to support a little town just out of a cause if it’s a bit more Bourke, and were told difficult. that the Corner had just experienced its biggest Lastly, twenty odd Postie Bikes riding through rain event in seven years, so we changed town in formation attracts a lot of attention. course and headed up through Cunnamulla, On the first trek, I didn’t think to approach to Augathella, then over to Roma, then down the local media in all the towns we visited, but to St George, where by then we were back on it turns out we didn’t have to! Within a few the path we originally set. We ended up raising minutes of rolling into town, more often than over $55,000. not local media found us. This raises a lot of Based on your past experience, what do awareness for the ACRF, which is just as valuyou foresee as being the most challenging able as fundraising. part of this adventure? It's a 13 day journey; how do you prepare The most challenging part of the venture is for a trip of this scale? always logistics. It's trying to find a path that is We are gone for 13 days and we are riding family friendly, but also adventurous. It’s trying the 4,000 km in 11 days. I suppose the most to find towns where we can stay as cheaply as crucial part of preparation is making sure the possible because all the riders are paying for bikes are up to scratch. Generally, the trusty their own food, fuel and accommodation, so old CT110 is a reliable little steed, but for the we try to keep the costs down as much as we whole 11 days, these bikes will be held at full can. throttle - 4,000 km at full throttle is a lot to The second most challenging part is raising enough money and awareness to make the expect from a little eight horsepower engine. venture is worthwhile. Getting businesses on Physically there is not much you can do to preboard has been difficult, even though we can pare for it. A few nice long rides in the months show how much media coverage we obtained leading up. with the first trek. Mentally, it can be draining. A couple of the What amount are you hoping to raise this guys last time were away from their families year, and how can businesses and the comfor the duration, and that took its toll. Most of
munity support you? This time round, I have set the target at $100,000. I know it is a massive task, but with some corporate sponsorship, and a side event that we are planning, it is not an impossible target. This time round we have composed a sponsorship proposal for businesses, where they can essentially buy advertisement space on our riders and support vehicles, as well as in media coverage, on several different levels. The public can help us out by following us on Facebook at Jindaboonda Postie Trek, visiting postietrek.com, or coming along to an event which we are currently planning to be held early next year. Donations are all tax deductible. How many riders do you have participating? If someone would like to partake in the trek, how can they get involved? This time round, it looks like we will have the same amount of participants, which is around 20 riders and 30 support crew. This number is about as much as you want to have for a few of the tiny towns we will be staying in, so numbers are strictly limited. If anyone thinks they may want to tag along, the best way to contact me is through the Facebook page or website. How can we find out more information or follow your journey? If anyone would like any more info on our venture, please visit postietrek.com, or the Facebook page Jindaboonda Postie Trek. To follow us on our journey, like the Facebook page or follow us on Instagram. The links for our Facebook page and Instagram account can be found on our website. Any support for our cause is greatly appreciated. Thanks Dan. Interview: Bronwyn Davis. Manning-Great Lakes focus 61
Lifestyle
the basis of how people are buying property. As people’s lives become busier and more crammed with pressures of today’s modern living, many people are reconsidering where and how they live.
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oday’s real estate market is by some people’s standards “hot” - yet we continue to see demand not being met by supply. The market is uneven when comparing regional
and metropolitan areas - very high pricing in Metro - some bargains or well priced properties regionally.
As the metropolitan areas of Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong become more populated, it is harder to get the work/life balance right with long commutes to and from work. The opportunities that are becoming available are due to technology and travel improvements, such as upgrades to the Pacific Highway and regional airports becoming more accessible than ever. The NBN telecommunications network rolling out into regional centres has connected many business people with their national and international “workplaces”.
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The exit from the Sydney real estate market, in particular, is ever increasing, but the “desire” to exit is even greater. Many people are not able to afford to purchase in the hot markets, so regional areas are becoming far more desirable. Many of the prospective buyers throughout this holiday season have expressed their surprise at the great value in our property market. The Great Lakes region represents excellent value in the current NSW market, but also how the area is such a desirable place to live. The Great Lakes and surrounds is close to Sydney (three hours), one hour to Newcastle and the Newcastle airport, but just a click away from anyone on a computer. NBN is now being rolled out into the Forster Tuncurry CBD and is changing the options available to business and professional people - short trips to Sydney for work with a great local living environment. There
is a broad selection of good schools supported by a state wide first for an integrated TAFE and Senior High School at Tuncurry Combined Campus. The other telltale signs for the change are the change in eateries and food offerings throughout the Great Lakes and the abundance and variety of locally grown produce that is now springing up in the region. Entrepreneurial
businesses are also appearing more and more, as people bring their business skills to regional areas. Sea and tree change has become more of a lifestyle change than ever before, with real estate in the region still within reach of families.
Manning-Great Lakes focus 57
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