When did you move to Port Macquarie originally, and what was it like for you growing up here?
I moved from the concrete jungle of Sydney to Port Macquarie in 2004, at the tender age of 14. Moving towns and changing schools at that age was something I had only seen in movies … to experience it is a whole different story! Luckily for me, I met some really cool people – most of whom are still some of my best mates today. Growing up here was pretty fun; there’s always something to do!

How did you first become interested in bodyboarding, and how big a part did it play in your life?
Everyone in Port Macquarie has some connection with the beach. Let’s face it; it’s right on our doorstep. All my friends were keen bodyboarders, so it was natural for me to start – and I loved it! It is such a fun, versatile sport.

I used to surf as much as I could, so it played a huge part in my life – and still does. It also keeps you very fit and healthy.

What prompted you to first pick up a camera and turn your enthusiasm towards photography?
Well, myself and 2 other mates went thirds in a camera, to try and start getting surf photos of each other and get some exposure with the magazines. I played with it as much as I could, and it just fascinated me. I guess that is what ignited the flame.

We all had an equal 3 part share in everything, but the problem was, we lived at 3 different addresses. I ended up selling my share to someone else and started saving to get a professional one for myself. It is quite an expensive hobby, but I instantly became addicted. I enjoy the process of constructing a photo. There is always something new you can be trying, and that is something I love.

How did your photos first get noticed by the surfing fraternity?
I first submitted my photos to online websites and directly to editors of various Bodyboarding magazines. I had to do my research and track down the contacts for myself. Before long, they were requesting higher resolution copies. It’s an unbelievable feeling seeing your work printed in magazines that are distributed world wide. The first shot I had printed was from only the second time I used my camera. It has kind of just snowballed from there. My photos have been used in all the leading Bodyboading magazines, also for brand advertising, and just recently, I scored the front cover Issue 38 of Movement Magazine.

What makes a good photo, in your opinion?
In my opinion, understanding light is the key to good surf photography.

What it comes down to the majority of the time is staying focused, adapting to the conditions and being in the right place at the right time.

When I go out to take photos, I aim to capture a perspective you wouldn’t normally see. Water photography is amazing, but I also love landscape/pulled back photos, which gives the viewer plenty to look at.

In what ways are you still involved with bodyboarding these days?
I still surf a little bit. It’s good to go out for a little bash and have some fun from time to time. I travel a lot, judging Bodyboard comps nowadays. I judged all 8 events on the IBA Australasian Tour this year and also judged the IBA World Tour event in Margaret river, WA.

Judging is full on; you have to recall and directly compare every move and wave that goes down, so it’s definitely good training for when I’m shooting. They both require an extreme amount of concentration and awareness.

What do you think is the best photo you’ve ever taken? Why are you so proud of it?
I’m not sure … every photo is different, and that’s what I love about photography. The most rewarding one, that I am most happy with so far, would be the photo of Jones Russell that landed on the front cover of Movement Magazine. It is a huge milestone, that I am so stoked to have achieved.

Apart from surf and beach images, are there any other areas of photography you’re interested in?
I shoot portraits and lifestyles a fair bit. Basically, special occasions and pre-formal type things, where all your loved ones are together. I love working with people, and it makes me feel good giving someone a photo/memory they can keep forever. It is a busy time for me coming up to Christmas and the New Year, with families coming together.

How much do you get to travel around in order to take photos … any future travel destinations in mind?
Photography and judging have taken me all over Australia this year, from Queensland to Cronulla, and everywhere in between … also to the deep south of Victoria, South Australia and over to Margaret River, as I mentioned earlier. I am constantly travelling up and down the coast, chasing the best waves. You have to be on to it!

Living in Port and having some of the best guys in the world here keen to travel makes my job a whole lot easier. Plus, I have a very kind and understanding bunch of Managers down at the Commonwealth Bank [where I work] that allow me to be so flexible with my travels. I’m heading over to Hawaii for the first time in February next year, and then hopefully back over to WA for a stint there.

Where can people view your work?
All my photos found on my blog are available for print in any way, shape or form. If you are interested in a private shoot or you are keen to check out my personal collection, you are more then welcome. Please contact me on 0418 110 980 or through joshua_tabone@hotmail.com

My blog is www.joshtabonephoto.blogspot.com – be sure to add it to your favourites!

Thanks Josh.

Interview by Jo Atkins.

Please tell us a little bit about yourself …
Erin: My name is Erin Duly, and I am 13 years old going on 14 in one month. I have been at St Columba for 3 years and have enjoyed every minute.

I am a full-time dancer at Port Macquarie Performing Arts. I have been dancing since I was three and have never forgotten my passion for dance. I am at the studio 24/7 practicing for exams, eisteddfods and performances. I can never stand still at school, at home and especially at the studio – you can ask anybody. When I leave school, I would like to have a career in dance and teaching. I love to dance. I love to be crafty.

Abi: My name is Abi Smith. I’m thirteen years old, and I go to St Columba Anglican School (SCAS), where students are encouraged to work hard and become entrepreneurs. I love craft, dancing, sewing and horse riding. When I finish school, I would like to be an architect /interior designer. At the moment, I’m actually redesigning my room.

Eryn: My name is Eryn McDermott. I am 13 years of age – a student at St Columba Anglican School, just completing Year 7. I adore sewing, embroidery, learning about etiquette and DANCING. I strive to obtain my dreams to love and live DANCE.

When I finish school, I would like to go to university and study to be a physiotherapist or an interior designer. To support this, I would like a part-time job as a dance teacher, teaching ballet, Jazz, modern and contemporary.

What is the name of your business, and what products do you make?
Erin: My business is called Button on Kidz. Products I design and decorate range from: door hangings to clips, pencil cases to frames. My main sellers are canvases, clips, bags, cards and magnets, but I have much more. Especially next year, as I plan to design new products like glasses cases, new bags, canvases and toys.

I love making all the products for the markets. I have so much fun with my friends.

Abi: ‘Bling Abbey’ is my business name – I made the name up myself. The ‘Bling’ part of it comes from my products, which all have an element of bling, and the ‘Abbey’ part comes from my name.

The products I sell at the markets are environmentally friendly bags, home made cards, DIY pasta necklaces and bookmarks, Wooden Word Art signs, gift tags, fridge magnets, phone covers, baby singlets, baby bibs, gift boxes, decorated note books and fabric owls.

Eryn: My business works with beads, bits and bobs and is named Bodacious Beads Bits & Bobs. My business sells handmade jewellery and gifts for family and friends.

How did the idea for your business originally come about?
Erin: Everyone seems to ask me, “Where do you get the time to make all the products?”

Early this year I had an operation on my leg and wasn’t allowed to dance for twelve weeks … that was hard! I had nothing else to do. Abi, from Bling Abbey, had started making her own products, and she asked if I would be in interested in doing something crafty and sharing a market stall. I said yes, and ever since my business has grown. I am now back dancing full-time.

Abi: The idea for ‘Bling Abbey’ came about after I visited family in South Africa last year. A close family friend had started doing markets there and allowed me to help her. She sold phone covers, photo frames and other little trinkets. I came home with a head full of ideas.

The markets have given me a chance to feel what it is like to earn money and to have to manage a budget and what I buy, as well as how I spend the money I make and what I spend it on … the markets are a great way to spend weekends.

They also provide a hobby and a craft to do when I’m bored and have no homework – which I can assure you is not too often!

Eryn: Erin Duly, Abigail Smith and I came up with an idea of developing a stall at the markets. After discussions, we decided on a different theme for each part of our stall: Erin Duly with her Buttons, named Button on Kids, Abigail Smith with her bling named Bling Abi, and myself with my beads, bits and bobs, named Bodacious Beads Bits & Bobs.

What has your experience at the Foreshore Markets been like so far?
Erin: I have enjoyed the Foreshore Markets this year. My products are going really well. Each market I make some profit to make new products. The customers are very nice and are always amazed by the products we each sell.

The Foreshore Markets have been an amazing time: from gazebos flying away, to products blown away and ending up three stalls down and the freezing mornings! But the markets have been great! I love owning my stall and hope it will grow bigger in the future.

Abi: The cost to join a market was expensive for me to manage on my own, so I joined with 2 of my good friends, and we share the costs. My experience at the Foreshore market has been exciting, fun and really enjoyable! I’ve had the chance to meet new people and see all the AMAZING crafts that people from different backgrounds make. My products have sold very efficiently – all customers seem happy with the items! I enjoy doing the markets with my friends Erin and Eryn.

Eryn: I have enjoyed the Foreshore markets and other markets such as Laurieton markets. Kind customers are helping me support my dreams. My overall experience has taught us that life is never easy and that we should be grateful for what we have – and life is not about money; it’s about building strong healthy relationships with friends and family.

Thanks girls.

Interview by Jo Atkins.

Ryley will share his journey and life story at the Hastings Business Enterprise Network breakfast at Rydges on 19 January. We take a moment to catch up with Ryley, in what will be one of the most focused and critical ‘Olympic’ years of his career.

Ryley and the Australian Team, the Steelers, weren’t content with a silver medal at Beijing and are aiming for gold in London 2012.

You rode a skateboard to get around town until the age of 12 and hadn’t known much about the sport of wheelchair rugby, let alone the mechanics of competing in a chair. A year later at 13, you were competing for Australia, as one of their main ‘go-to’ men, a try scoring machine and emerging MVP. What was the catalyst for the sudden and radical change in your life?
I used to see people in wheelchairs as ‘disabled’ and had always thought that I was just a normal boy living a normal life. The skateboard was a great mode of transport when I was young, because I could fit in with my mates and have fun. The sport of Wheelchair Rugby originally sounded stupid to me. I couldn’t picture guys in wheelchairs pushing around on a massive grass football field. How hard would that be!

I went along to the local PCYC for school sport in Grade 6, where the local former Paralympian, Tom Kennedy, was holding a Wheelchair Rugby game, where all the students could jump in the chairs and have fun. It was then that I realised what the sport of Wheelchair Rugby was and how much fun it could be. It took me a week or two after that to jump in the wheelchair but since that time, I’ve never looked back.

Tell us how the game is played, how many players are on the team and your position on the court.
First thing people think of when they hear of Wheelchair Rugby is, “How do they do a line out? How do they pack scrums?”

You can’t picture it as Rugby League or Rugby Union. It’s totally different. The custom wheelchairs are something you would see out of Mad Max, and they take a lot of punishment on the court. I would describe it as a mixture of ice hockey and basketball, with its own little twist. The game consists of four, eight minute quarters, and the total game time usually ends up going for about 80 – 90 minutes with time outs during the game.

It’s a very strategic game played on a regulation sized basketball court. We have four players from each team on the court at any one time, with usually between six to eight substitutions. There are two cones you must pass through at each end of the court, and a goal (try) is worth 1 point.

All disability sports have classifications. In Wheelchair Rugby we have to make up to 8.0 points on the court at one time. We have classifications from 0.5, being the less able, to 3.5, being the most able. Our best line up is 3.5, 2.0, 2.0, 0.5, equalling a total of 8.0 points on the court.

You play for the Australian Team the Steelers. Do you play for other teams too?
I have played for the NSW Gladiators since 2002. We have won eight National Titles since I have been a part of the team. In 2011 we won our sixth straight Title, with me winning MVP (of the season) for the last five. I have also recently played two seasons in America for the San Diego Sharp. Both seasons we went through undefeated and won the Division 1 Title. I also received MVP for both of those seasons. Playing both stints in America changed my game and made me a more confident player.

Clearly you’ve won multiple MVP (most valuable player) awards for games and overall tournaments, but do you have any favourite achievements in the sport?
It is a team sport, and I only like to celebrate with a team, so winning silver at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics has been by far my favourite sporting achievement. On a personal note, winning the MVP at the 2010 World Championships in Vancouver, Canada has been my highest achievement. You cannot win a higher award on a personal level.

As an elite athlete, surely the training has to be rigorous, scientific and extremely consistent. What would be a typical ‘training day’ in the life of Ryley leading up to London?
I haven’t seen our training program for 2012 just yet. I’m guessing it’s going to be fairly intense, and I’m certainly going to make sure I do everything I’m asked to do. I don’t want to miss out on the opportunity to get that gold in London. I’m actually psyched to see the level of training we will have to do.

The hardest aspect of training in Port Macquarie is waking up every day finding the motivation to go train by yourself, but I’m sure the thought of a third Paralympic Games and a gold medal will motivate me to train harder than ever.

Surely, competing at the highest level takes total dedication and some support from others to ensure you can focus on your goals, so you don’t have to split your time between working and competing. Who are some of the key supporters helping you achieve your dream of one day taking gold at the Olympic level?
Port Macquarie is such a great town to be an athlete. Everyone is so supportive and tells you how much they love watching you or watching the sport. I do have to thank Gavin and the supportive team at Life Express and Clayton from the Port Macquarie Basketball Stadium, who have been with me for a couple of years and have helped me become the athlete I am today. The Australian Paralympic Committee does a fantastic job in paying for all our Australian Team travelling, and the Australian Sports Commission help us out with financial grants from time to time. The grants aren’t equivalent to an average full-time job – they are awarded to pay for equipment and some local training and travelling costs.

Keeping in mind that you’ll obviously be competing in the sport for some time to come, do you have a particular career in mind for when you decide to give the sport away – and what steps are you taking now to pave that pathway?
I have a few things flying around in my head for my career after Wheelchair Rugby. Recently I gained experience and completed a training course in Business Administration with Digital Signs & Printing. When I finished that course in early 2011, the timing was such that I decided to concentrate on my training up until the London Paralympics.

After London I would like to find another job in the Port Macquarie area and maybe another traineeship in management or something similar. In the future I’m going to work on my motivational speaking skills and maybe tryto start a small business somewhere in the Hastings.

Thanks Ryley.
If you would like to hear the full interview ‘live’ with Ryley, the HBEN breakfast at Rydges on 19 January is the place to be. Seats are limited and will book out fast. Simply log on to www.hastingsben.com.au and select the local business calendar and follow the prompts, or call Liesa or Katherine on (02) 6583 4412.

How long have you been involved with BJP Physical Culture?
I started as a preschooler in Port Macquarie and moved over to the Wauchope club from the age of 5. My younger sister is also a Physie girl, with my mum and her mum also being apart of the ‘Physie world’.

This year I started helping the younger classes at Wauchope, and it’s been wonderful watching all the little ones enjoy themselves and learn their Physie dances.

What does Physie involve?
Physie builds confidence and poise, but that’s not all… Physie also develops good posture, strength, fitness, flexibility, co-ordination and balance through a regular program of exercise and dance.

Our choreography is age-appropriately designed to teach the relationship of music to movement, rhythm and musical interpretation.

We provide a new syllabus and music every year and run annual competitions for teams and individuals. You don’t have to compete, but representing your club with your friends can be a lot of fun.

The friends you make at Physie will be friends for a lifetime. Learning Physie improves confidence, develops a sense of achievement and helps to build self-esteem in the best way possible – by encouraging girls to perform in front of an audience.

Those who aren’t involved in Physie don’t really know a lot about it, but isn’t it a very popular sport?
Yes, Physie is actually quite a large sport. There are over 500 clubs Australia wide, with four clubs in the Hastings area alone. Physie is for girls and ladies of all ages and ability.

What is a typical year for a Physie girl?
Classes commence between the last week of January and first week on February. A syllabus for each age group is sent from Sydney, and we learn and practice very hard to perfect each routine before competition time.

Friendly competitions are run from July to August; these are designed to iron out all the nerves and have a relaxed run through of your work before the BIG competitions start later on.

Nationals for both junior and senior girls, as well as ladies, are held in late November, and that is something that each girl works all year to reach. Team events are held around October.

You recently went to the National Finals held at the Sydney Opera House. How well did you perform?
The senior section are for girls aged between 15-28+, and they are broken into their own age groups within this.

Unlike junior nationals, all girls in the senior section must compete at the national semi finals at Homebush and then be selected in the final top 15 in each age group to progress through to the Senior Championships at the Sydney Opera House.

The Senior Championships are the pinnacle of the competitions, and I was lucky enough to be selected to compete there for the past two years. This year, however, I won my section and took out the National Title in my section.

How does it feel to be the national champion, and was it something you ever thought you could achieve?
It’s a very surreal feeling. I wake up each day and look over at my trophy, to make sure that it wasn’t a dream. To win a national tittle was definitely something that I never thought I could do, so for it to actually happen is amazing.

I was so happy to get through to the top 15; every girl who makes it through is amazing and so talented, so to win was really something special.

What is the best thing about Physie?
I have made some amazing friendships from Physie, not just at my own club, but from all over.

Physie is one big family, and at the end of the day no matter what the result, everybody gets along. These are memories I will have forever.

Thanks Rebecca.

If you would like to find out more about Physie and locate a club near you, visit

www.physicalculture.com.au

What exactly is Reap Food Rescue?

Reap is the regional food rescue package of OzHarvest. OzHarvest is a charity that was created by a woman named Ronni Kahn – a chef who saw the amounts of food wasted daily and thought how easy it would be to rescue this food and donate it to charity.

So, the charity OzHarvest basically established Reap as a food rescue ‘toolkit’ for regional areas. How did the Port Macquarie-Hastings area become involved?

My husband and I moved here three years ago from Sydney. I saw OzHarvest’s work down there and thought what a great idea it was.

When we moved, I investigated the area and saw that there was a similar need here.But at that stage, OzHarvest hadn’t established Reap – and the city package wouldn’t have worked quite so well in regional areas.

About 9 months ago, OzHarvest rang me to ask if I was still interested in creating a service here, and they told me about their new regional package – Reap.

What exactly is your position with Reap locally then; is it a volunteer role?

I’m the committee spokesperson and co-ordinate the day to day running. We’ve been getting the program off the ground for the past 9 months, but it’s only very new in terms of delivering food – we’ve been doing that for the past few weeks. I am doing this voluntarily – we’re all volunteers.

It’s a big job. Why do you give up so much of your time to help with this program?

I’m a counsellor by profession, so I guess it’s in my nature to help people. When we moved from Sydney, we had three small children – and they’re all off to school next year. I have the time now … so I thought I’d look into it.

I saw Ronni Kahn’s story, she won Australian of the Year, and it really inspired me. I thought, “This would not be hard to do,” so it inspired me to get up and spend a day with the OzHarvest guys in Sydney.

It’s also inspired me to be more proactive in my own household and recognise the amount of food we use. I’m also buying fresh fruit and vege on a more daily basis now, so it’s not wasted.

What was involved with getting Reap ‘off the ground’ locally?

We formed a great committee – including sourcing the assistance of some accountants, who help us with working out budgets. We were very fortunate to receive a $10,000 grant from the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, which was fantastic.

We had to source some local food outlets willing to donate food. On board now we have Aldis, Bakers Delight in Port Central and Fusion Food Services. We intend to expand as much as possible, of course. So, from this point of view, to get Reap off the ground we originally sourced the local charities, figured out what they needed, and then sourced the food.

We also have on board some volunteers with a van, who collect the food and drop it off for us.

What charities are Reap Food Rescue Service already helping locally?

We’re helping the Catholic soup kitchen, the Anglican soup kitchen, the Women’s Refuge, McCosker House, and in the New Year we’ll be helping out with the breakfast programs at the public primary schools.

The breakfast program ensures kids kick start their day with a healthy breakfast – and when I contacted a few of the schools, I was amazed that the program was in danger of being closed down due to lack of funding.

At one school in Port Macquarie alone, over 80 kids are using the program – which is 80 kids who would have gone hungry otherwise. The timing was great for us to step in and help.

What types of food can businesses donate to Reap?

The requirement is if you wouldn’t eat it, neither will we. For example, Aldis will store their fresh fruit and vege on the shelf for two days only, then they replace it. This fruit and vege is still perfectly fine to eat.

Items like fresh fruit and vege, breads, milk, Fusion Food Service donated hams for Christmas, bacon, cheese etc. Unfortunately, we can’t accept donations from households.

Where would you like to see the program heading into the future?

I’d like to expand the program to Kempsey, Taree and other areas and have the program running smoothly.

There is just so much food wasted, and it would be great to be able to help all the needy charities we can.

We are keeping a tally of how much food we rescue, and at the end of every month we send those figures to Sydney. In just two pickups recently, we rescued over 15 kg of food – you can just imagine these kinds of amounts going to landfill.

So not only is this program feeding people who need it, it is reducing the amount of rubbish going to landfill  and helping the environment. We just want to see this program develop as much as it possibly can …

We’ve started off small – taking baby steps. We’ve started off helping the soup kitchens, as I mentioned, and as we grow, we plan to take on bigger projects next year.

What can locals do to help Reap?

We’re looking for more food donors – and financial donors too. We’re actually planning to hold an official donor/sponsorship luncheon in February – details to be confirmed – in order to get some of the big businesses involved.

Where do people go for more information if they’re interested in helping out?

The website: www.reap.org.au has all the information people need to find out about the program. I can be contacted on 0413 309 385.

Thanks Katrina. 

Interview by Jo Atkins.

Please give us a little bit of your background …
I grew up on a grazing property at Bonalbo, west of Casino. My mother’s family owned a tailoring business in Brisbane, and that is where I first developed my love of clothes and fashion. I met my husband in Wauchope, and we have a daughter who lives in Sydney.

How and when did you first become associated with TAFE?
I decided that I wanted to pursue a career in fashion, and consequently after leaving school enrolled as a full-time student at Lismore Technical College, undertaking the first 2 years of study. I then moved to Sydney, where I completed the final 2 years of my course. I was employed as a full-time fashion teacher upon completion of my course the following year at  East Sydney college. I was then transferred to Wauchope, to complete my 3 years of country service.

What positions/campuses have you worked at since you joined the TAFE team?
When I first arrived at Wauchope, I was the only fashion teacher. Wauchope College serviced circuit centres at Ellenborough, Kendall and the then very small fishing village of Port Macquarie. Each week I would head off to the different towns for the afternoon and evening classes.

Later I became Head Teacher at Wauchope, acted for a period as the Campus Manager; however, teaching was my first love. For the past 14 years, I have been Head Teacher of Fashion Design and Furnishings at Port Macquarie and Kempsey.

How long have you worked for TAFE?
Forty years. I have been one of the very fortunate people who can say that they love their job. I have worked with fantastic and inspiring people at all levels of the organisation and have educated and mentored many very talented students over the years. Due to my love of fashion and design, it is second nature for me to keep up to date with the latest trends, techniques and future concepts.

What has been the most rewarding thing for you about your career?
I would have to say the end of each year’s Showcase/fashion parade. In February, the students come along hesitant and often not fully understanding what they can achieve – the journey that we take them on and their achievements over the next 12 months and beyond is unbelievable and rewarding to both teacher and student.

What’s the most amazing thing that’s ever happened to you while you were at work?
I think it would have to be the hospitality I received when I first came to the Hastings. The old saying of taking an apple for the teacher didn’t work – my students would bring the most unbelievable sponge cakes and slices, that we would consume for afternoon tea.

How has the industry sector you’ve helped students prepare for changed over the years?
I have seen huge changes. When I first started teaching in TAFE,  almost every town had a sewing class – clothes were expensive, and good fashion in chain stores basically didn’t exist. A large proportion of today’s fashion is mass produced offshore. Australia now has a much smaller select industry, where quality, creativity and lifestyle provides a point of difference. The Australian industry now requires highly skilled designers, pattern makers and quality sample machinists in large companies. The remainder of the production can then be taken offshore.

Technology is now playing a huge role, allowing designers to research overseas trends and communicate internationally, both internally and externally of their business.

How have you ensured that your knowledge is passed on?
When we employ new staff, we know that they are current in their industry; however, not always experienced in every aspect of the job. As manager, I have found the best approach is to buddy up the new teacher with an appropriate section specialist. They then work together as a team, researching, planning, delivering and supporting one another.

Julianne Petterson is a great example. She has been shadowing different staff members for a couple of years. Earlier in the year, she took on the course co-ordination role at Kempsey and then organised and was the MC of the Glasshouse fashion parade.

Who would you like to acknowledge for helping to make your work life such a joy?
I would like to thank my colleagues; they have been very generous sharing their fantastic ideas, listening in times of need and at the end of the day, enjoying a good laugh. The students have provided many exciting and unknown challenges. My staff have been incredible, and I know that Julie Johnson, my replacement, will have a ball. It will be hectic – however, fantastic!

We hear you’re enjoying long service leave now and have made the decision to retire from full-time work with TAFE. How hard was this decision?
Yes, I have been enjoying my long service with a trip to central Qld and overseas visiting Italy, Spain, Portugal and Morocco. I was very nervous about how I was going to occupy myself; however, I now know it was time to hand over the reins.

It has been exciting for me to see what Julie Johnson, my replacement, has achieved in the past months. She has been successful in obtaining funding for the very first Diploma in Fashion Technology at the Port Macquarie Campus. This will have a pathway to Charles Sturt University, requiring only 1 year of study to complete a Degree in Creative Industries.

Previously, students have left Port Macquarie to complete their studies; however, Julie is very confident that Port Macquarie now provides the diversity required to offer this qualification. So to all those students out there who have not completed their Diploma in Fashion Technology – contact Julie.

What are your plans for retirement?
We made a sea change 10 years ago and moved to Bonny Hills, so now I will have time to enjoy my local community. My husband retired 2 years ago, and he took on the voluntary role of Bar Manager at the new Wauchope/Bonny Hills Surf Club Function Centre. I have been helping him out on the odd occasion.

I plan to do a photography course and get back into expressing myself creatively (not sure exactly how yet)! Travel is certainly on my list.

Thanks Jill.

Interview by Jo Atkins.

Photo: Jill Woodlands (seated), Julie Johnson (L) and Julianne Petterson (R).

Tell us a little about Ossix and how you got started.
The concept of Ossix started back in 2006 around a table at a local bar over a couple of cold ones. In the company of a few talented and creative minds, Cambo, Kingy, Muzza,  Big Gav and myself, some ideas of developing a clothing label were thrown around. At that time, I was still studying fashion at Port Macquarie TAFE. I already knew one day I would like to own my own fashion label, but it was from there I got the inspiration to later go on and develop ‘Ossix Swimwear’. My TAFE teacher, Jill Woodlands, had faith in me, and all it takes is one person to believe in you for you to be able to believe in yourself.

Since then, I have been having a blast surrounding myself with an incredibly supportive team; it has been a lot of fun. It’s been really lighthearted so far, as I’ve just been trying get a feel for the market and working elsewhere to finance the business.

The girls who have joined the ‘Ossix team’ and modelled the cossies are some of the coolest, down to earth girls I have met. Not to mention how stunning they are … they have also become some of my closest friends! Nationally recognised model Evy La Feurve jumped on board and really helped give Ossix the initial kickstart it needed to get us up and going – thank you EVY!

Evy introduced me to our incredible Photographer Laurie Klippel; he is an amazingly talented human being and works all the magic behind the lens. Between the two of us, over the years, we have managed to avoid a photo shoot on the beach (with one exception – GPM Focus!) The goal here is to be creatively different and utilise other cool locations! So far we’ve had a photo shoot in an old Sydney Army Barrack (that was covered in graffiti) and at Middle Head Fort in Mosman; it was built in 1871 and was an amazing place to shoot in. We also had fantastic shoots at the Bago Winery, Horton St in Port and at the old local skate park. Speaking of the skate park … how awesome is the new one? Wouldn’t mind getting the girls in their Ossix gear down there to do another shoot!

So up until now, we have been getting a feel for the industry, letting all the cool chicks know we are here and that we have something different from all the mainstream brands!

Describe the style of Ossix Swimwear?
The Ossix philosophy is based and inspired by our love for extreme sports, music festivals and chicks who rock. For us, it’s a lifestyle – not just about the cossies. The swimwear has a unique hardcore edge, offering  something different than the existing mainstream brands. A pair of Ossix cossies can be anything from fluorescent stars, to studded rockstar inspired pieces. Each pair of cossies has a unique quality and individual class.

In next year’s line we’ll be seeing bright, bold lines, cute frills, new fabric designed by artist Adam Murray, and I have even introduced a little lace for an extra sexy look.

What’s the design process for your swimwear?
Well, the first step is the conception of the design! I draw inspiration from latest industry trends, other inspiring labels and music artists! Lady Gaga is full of interesting ideas! I actually get pretty pumped up and come out with some good designs when I’m listening to the Hilltop Hoods and Bliss n Eso – nothing like Aussie Hip Hop to pull your finger out!

So after getting some ideas together, I’ll draw up a few designs, taking into consideration the fabric and accessories I have available to me. Then it’s to the pattern making and design room (my lounge room floor), to get the patterns drawn up and cut out. Once I’m happy with the patterns, I’ll lay out the fabric and cut out the pieces. Then it’s off to the sewing room (the garage, also known as my sewing dungeon) for the next step, which is sewing all the pieces together – kinda like a puzzle! And then a sample is born! I take a few pics of the new sample and show the results to a few key people to get some feedback. If the feedback’s all good, the sample will make the cut and join the Ossix range!

I also specialise in custom made cossies, where I’ll sit down with a client and design a swimsuit to suit them. That’s a lot of fun, and we come up with some fantastic designs.

You now have an online store up and running?
Yep! It’s a very basic site, but it does the job! You are able to check out all the current designs, contact us, find out about Ossix and what we are up to and purchase the swimwear! Online shopping has become a major part of our society; we have a great exchange policy, to make sure you get the right fit. We also have a Facebook page you can like to keep in touch and check out all the gear. Check out the website: www.ossix.com.au

What’s the future for Ossix?
The future is very exciting; the stars are the limit! I’m hoping to start stocking stores up and down the coast to expand the label. Macca from Saltwater wine has been great and gave us a foot in the door. We’ll be breaking into the international market down the track, after getting in touch with a few key industry reps and being featured in a European magazine. We’ll be holding ‘Ossix launches’ and shows throughout the New Year, which are a lot of fun for everyone involved!

We are also looking at holding our own competition: “So you wanna join the Ossix team” to give some new girls an opportunity to join the modelling team! We are always on the look out for talented surfers, bodyboarders, skaters and snowboarders to Join the Ossix ‘RIDE’ team and represent Ossix.

Continuing to support youth mental health in the Hastings, the happiness and wellbeing of our teens, is something I’m really passionate about. Raising awareness about depression and other mental health issues is important to us, and we are looking forward to seeing the new headspace up and running here in Port Macquarie!

A board short line could be on the cards; I’m constantly getting asked by the boys for boardies!  I’ve actually had a few young guys ask for budgie smugglers! I’m always up for making those if the boys are game enough to wear them! Basically, the future of Ossix is about having a lot of fun, enjoying the ride and bringing as many people along the way to enjoy it with me!

Thanks Amy.

Nigel, tell us a bit about yourself and how you came to be involved with audio and visual presentation services …
I moved to Australia from New Zealand in 1986 and studied Audio Engineering in Sydney. From there, I started my own business and ended up working for the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre as their Technical Manager, overseeing all audio production.

About 7 years ago, my wife and I decided to relocate to Port Macquarie, where I was fortunate enough to start working with Tom at In Phase Productions.

What’s your role with In Phase Productions?
In Phase productions is a lighting, audio production and installation business here In Port Macquarie. I am their Production Manager.

My focus with that is to liaise directly with clients in what they hope to accomplish with their event, and make it happen – whether it be production for local or touring events, or more permanent installations of production equipment for schools, churches and businesses.

You’ve worked on some interesting projects over the years. How did you first become involved with Gondwana Productions and NITV (National Indigenous Television)?
Kevin Lacey, who is the Manager of Gondwana Productions and I worked together at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre. He approached me a couple of years ago, as he was needing an experienced audio operator to do the Ella Sevens in Coffs Harbour. Since then, I have completed more than 250 hours of television audio for NITV events, including some live to air shows.

What exactly is the Bush Band Bash you recently assisted with in Alice Springs?
The Bush Band Bash is a big drawcard in the Alice Desert Festival, which ran from 9 to 18 of September. It’s a vibrant indigenous music festival in Alice Springs; it celebrates local music and culture and brings together the community in a positive way.

This year there were artists from right across Central Australia performing, as well as a premiere performance of indigenous musicians live with the Darwin Symphony Orchestra.

What was your main role at the Bash?
My role as audio director was to set up a mobile recording studio, liaise with the audio crew regarding microphone placement setups and logistics and send a direct stereo audio to the vision recording unit as a guide track.

I also did a multitrack record of all of the acts when in show mode, there was precious little time to take a breath.

What special equipment/supplies did you need to purchase prior to covering the event?
In Phase had to purchase, prepare and pack specialised audio production and recording equipment. We had to be able to record a variety of artists that had different requirements. I also had a digital mixing and recording audio desk and specialised computer software to enable me to capture the music live.

We hired some equipment from Sydney, including Specific audio isolation transformers, to ensure that what was recorded was free from hums and buzz, giving a very professional result.

What were some of the logistical difficulties involved with helping out at the Bush Band Bash?
The location itself makes it hard. Getting equipment in and out of Alice Springs is expensive and takes time. Finding experienced people locally can be tricky, and you often have to rely on volunteers for help.

There were seven bands in the bash, and there was supposed to be 15 minute change over times between – this did not happen. One band would finish, and the next would start almost immediately; this was a bit of a problem, as I did not have time to stop the record and set it up for the next band.

Not only that, they were starting before the stage guys had a chance to move the microphones and reset them. Well … you often can’t have a perfect world, which for me is the most exciting and challenging part of working in this arena.

You can plan for everything, but there is always a variable … and you just have to jump through hoops to get the job done, as good as humanly possible. Working this close to the edge is my adrenalin rush in life.

What other surprises/unplanned incidents were thrown your way, and how did you answer the challenge?
I found out the day before flying out that we would also be recording an orchestra and three lead vocals … yay! Was not really prepared for that … that’s TV!

The production crew doing the stage, sound and lighting were fantastic; the crew were from AJS Productions in Adelaide. Andy and his team were very easy to work with. They lent me some audio monitors, so that I wouldn’t have to be without mine for weeks … cheers guys – enjoy the beers!

What additional work have you needed to complete post event?
The majority of work done by Gondwana Productions is for television and is broadcast on NITV. For this event I had about 80 hours of post production work to get the audio records to a point that they can be used for television. They were then sent to Geoff at Sound Engine Studios in North Sydney for final mastering and re mixed with the final cuts of vision ready for broadcast.

The Bush Band Bash was obviously a huge event for you to cover. What have you personally learned from the experience – and how will what you’ve learned stand you and the business in good stead in the future?
I enjoy working with Gondwana Productions. The Bush Band Bash was a big, challenging event; you have to be able to work quickly, accurately and under pressure, and you only get one chance to get it right.

In Phase Productions now has the gear to do events like this and larger. We are now capable of recording 24 tracks+ an additional stereo track via Presonus 24 42 digital mixer with a Mac pro laptop direct to Protools 9 … love it – looking forward to the next live record.

Thanks Nigel.

Interview by Jo Atkins.

You’re visiting Port Macquarie in February for the Celebrity Autobiography show. Tell us about the concept and how it works …
It is basically using the own words of celebrities against them (laughs). It is amazing what really famous people will put in print about themselves.

There is a cast of 5 or 6 of us, including James O’Loghlin and Fiona O’Loughlin.

So how did you become involved?
They asked me! It was just one of those things … nothing much happens in January in TV, radio etc. or with the corporate work. I used to go on holidays in January, but my agent called me and said to have a look at this show. I Googled it, saw some of the stuff that was happening in New York, he asked if I wanted to do it, so I said: “Yep”!

There have been some great reviews for the shows in New York, haven’t there?
It has run for 3 years sold out in New York.

Tell us about some of the autobiographies you will be reading from, and who’ll we’ll be laughing at.
We are basically just reading from their words and as I say … you can’t make this s**t up!

I get to be Ricky Martin, Richard Willkins, William Shatner, and bizarrely enough, Carol Channing … plus others.

And which celebrity has made you laugh the most on reading from their autobiography?
Oohhh … Ricky Martin! He’s exceptional.

You see, Ricky has two characters in his head … there’s Ricky and there’s Kicky, who argues with Ricky (laughs).

You cannot believe how self obsessed these people can be. And as I said … I mean, these are the kind of thoughts you should maybe tell a psychiatrist or a priest, but they choose to put them in print.

I think Jeremy Sims is reading from Justin Bieber’s, I mean … shouldn’t you at least go through puberty first before writing an auto biography?

How does the show play out on stage? Is it just reading from the books?
Well yes, there is reading, but with some of these autobiographies you get two different celebrities recalling the same event, so they cut into each other.

Wayne Harrison is putting together the script and is directing it, and he has made it more of a theatrical piece than the New York show.

Who will enjoy the show?
Oh well, anyone who likes to laugh at famous people.

I got the script last week and I have read it a few times – and I still laugh out loud in parts of it.

Having done a lot of radio, TV and stage shows, what do you enjoy doing most?
Well, it is all the same job. It’s all just making up stuff really and hoping people laugh. And any day that I am on a TV stage or live stage with Paul McDermont is going to be a good day – he is the best!

Thanks Mikey.

Hi Michael. I know we’ve interviewed you before, but please refresh our memories and tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m 16 years old, and I attend MacKillop Senior College. I’ve lived in Port Macquarie since 2000. I suppose my passion for photography came from my grandfather; he always had a camera in his hands, but unfortunately we never got to shoot together. My passion really took off in Year 9, and since then I’ve been acquiring skills and learning as much as I can.

What is your photographic business called? What types of photos/film making do you specialise in?
M.J.C Wilkie Productions is my business. Our specialty is online business video production; however, we have a diverse project base – our philosophy is to be creative and enjoy the work, while delivering high quality projects on time and on budget to our clients in the private and public sectors.

What projects have been keeping you busy since we last spoke?
The business has been thriving and rapidly expanding since the last interview. We’ve just returned home from Perth, from the Busselton Ironman – where over 75,000 images were taken.

Some of our other main projects since the last interview include our documentary on Josh Gamack, an amazing 8 year old boy residing here in Port Macquarie. This has taken us many places, and we’ve had the opportunity to meet and interview some of the world’s best specialists.

As well, we’ve helped a range of community organisations, such as Port Macquarie Swimming Clubs. We helped them raise money through photo orders, and we are pleased to announce we will be an official partner of the club next season.

So, what’s happening in Cambodia in February that has you all fired up?
Domincia Roebuck (an amazing young woman) and I are travelling to Cambodia to film a documentary for the Cambodian Children’s Fund (CCF), from the 11 – 19 February. The film is being endorsed by CCF and will be used for fundraising purposes. The sole purpose of this project is to help others in need – this is by no means a holiday.

How did the idea to make the documentary actually originate?
I was inspired by Dominica’s dedication and willingness to help others, so while in study one day, Dominica and I started wondering how we could make a difference – and we decided to combine our talents, mine being film making, and Dominica’s being her charity and ability to act and be in front of the camera. So, it was clear what needed to happen! We then approached CCF and asked for permission to do this documentary, and from there everything took off.

What are you hoping your experience in Cambodia will actually achieve – for you personally, and also for the Cambodian Children’s Fund?
For me personally, I hope this project has the power to inspire change. I want this documentary to make people grateful for what they have, rather than dwell on what they don’t. I want this project to highlight the necessity of our foreign aid policies, rather than the need to have a surplus; furthermore, I hope the project can be used in some regard to persuade federal leaders not to cut the foreign aid program.

For Cambodian Children’s Fund, I hope this documentary results in higher donations, so that their truly amazing work can be continued and can be expanded. I hope this project really promotes their name and exhibits their truly fantastic work on a global stage.

Who is travelling with you on the trip, and what kind of equipment are you planning to take with you?
Dominica Roebuck, her beautiful mother Helen and I are embarking on this journey. For our equipment, we will be taking two Full HD Canon DSLRs, 3 lenses: a Canon 50 mm 1.4f, a Canon 24 – 70 mm 2.8f and Canon 10 – 20 mm 3.5f.

These cameras will do 99% of our filming, but we will also be taking a couple GOPRO cameras for time lapses and point of view shots. We will take some high quality Rode microphones, to ensure our audio matches our crisp image as well.

What kind of expectations do you have about what you’ll experience in Cambodia?
I’m really trying not to have any preconceived ideas about our journey; I want to keep an open mind, so that I’m able to experience everything when I’m there.

I did meet Tim Costello (CEO, World Vision) this month, and he did enlighten me as to the situation in Cambodia. It’s a mixture of nerves and excitement really – excited that we get to make a difference … nervous, because it’s such a huge project, and I want it to be perfect.

What can local businesses/individuals do to help support you with this documentary?
Dominica and I desperately need financial assistance in order to make it to Cambodia. A donation of whatever you can afford would be greatly appreciated.

Businesses who sponsor this project will have their logos put on our shirts, hats, promotional material, website and Facebook page. Major sponsors will also receive their logo/TVC included before and after the documentary.

Thanks Michael.

Interview by Jo Atkins. Main photo features       Dominica Roebuck and Michael Wilkie.

How long have you been making guitars, and where is your business located?
I moved to the area 11 years ago, and I’m located about 7 km outside of Wauchope. I’ve been building guitars since 2006. I do other work as well, but for the last couple of years, I’ve been building guitars more on a full-time basis.

What was the inspiration behind building your own guitars?
I’ve been a woodworker for a long time – making furniture. I started to play guitar, and I realised that really nice instruments were worth quite a bit of money.

I was in the UK in 2006, and I went into a guitar shop that had mostly factory made instruments, but they also had a small listening booth with about half a dozen hand made instruments by an English Luthier named Andy Manson. When I played them and discovered how beautiful they are, I just wanted to make them. That was my inspiration.

So, how long does it actually take you to craft a guitar from start to finish?
Several months. There are certain processes involved that require time to pass – particularly curing the finish before it’s rubbed back. There are also periods of time where the moisture content of the timber must be stabilised.

The critical stages of the guitar being built must be done in a controlled atmosphere, where the relative humidity is around 40 – 45%. This is very important, as the finished guitar must be able to cope with the climatic conditions of its new home.

Why does the humidity have to be controlled in such a way? Does atmospheric moisture warp the timber?

It’s a critical thing, because timber is hygroscopic [i.e. readily absorbs moisture from the atmosphere]. When people talk about timber being ‘dry’, they’re referring to when it has reached its equilibrium moisture content, about 8 – 13%, depending on the local conditions.

An instrument must be built in such a way that it will survive the conditions where it will live, because there’s no allowance in an instrument for movement – like there would be with other wooden items such as the bottom of a drawer, or the panels in a door, for example, which expand and contract according to the relative humidity.

Once a guitar is made, the only way it survives these fluctuations in humidity is because the pieces of timber are thin, and they are able to flex. The top of a guitar will rise in high RH, but at low RH it will sink with the possibility that it will crack if exposed to such low moisture levels for extended periods of time.

Building the guitar at 40 – 45% RH means that it can cope with seasonal variations; the caveat being that extreme conditions must be avoided – for instance, never leave a guitar in a hot car, as disaster (for the guitar) will be the likely result.

What types of timber do you use to construct your guitars, and where do you source them from?

I use both hardwoods and softwoods, depending on what part of the guitar it will be. Softwoods are generally used for soundboards. These woods include Spruce, Western Red Cedar and Redwood.

I use hardwoods for the backs and sides. These can either be Australian or imported, like Mahoganies and Rosewoods, for instance. Australian Blackwood (acacia melonoxylon) is a lovely wood for back and sides. It grows all along Australia’s east coast. I have used locally grown Blackwood (Sally Wattle) for many guitars. I have felled and milled my own wood at times, when the material presents itself. I dry it in stages and saw it into back and side material on my bandsaw.

I also keep an eye out for furniture that sometimes yields instrument grade wood. I have reclaimed Mahogany from bedheads and tabletops. Recently I obtained an antique Victorian Whatnot that was made from Brazilian Rosewood (Dalbergia nigra), that I plan to make into a one of a kind guitar. Brazilian Rosewood is considered by many to be the holy grail of tone woods.

Other woods I have used include Queensland Maple and Walnut, Tasmanian Native Olive, Western Australian Sheoak, Australian Red Cedar and Gidgee. We have some unique and beautiful woods in Australia and many are usable for instrument making – especially guitars.

Do different types of timber all have their own unique tonal quality?
Yes, they do. But, mostly the tone of a guitar comes from what the top is made from and the way it is braced.

What are the different model guitars you make?
In my Journeyman guitar range is an OM – or Orchestra Model, which is based on Martin’s OM and has become one of the most popular shapes, and a Dreadnought. The aim of the Journeyman guitars is to offer great sound and playability at a more affordable price.

I also make premium model guitars, which have  more decoration, a high gloss finish and use rarer tone woods.

What sets your instruments apart from others people would find on the market?
The interesting thing about instrument making is that everyone makes a different instrument. I’ve displayed a couple of times at the National Folk Festival in Canberra, and the great thing is that makers don’t feel they are in competition with each other, because we all make something completely different – they look, feel and sound different.

Hand made instruments don’t have that bland, factory-made look. They are a reflection of the person who made them.

A lot of people have never played a hand made instrument before, and they are so surprised when they try one for the first time. Some people like the idea of having a personalised instrument made especially for them.

The main difference between my instruments and what you’d see in a guitar store is what they sound like. I acoustically test the wood used to determine its properties, and those results lead me to decide on the thickness of each individual piece of timber I use – rather than every piece of timber being put through a machine in a production situation and coming out all at the same thickness, as it would in a factory built guitar.

It’s important to work with the acoustic properties of the timber at hand and design an instrument with those properties in mind. It’s this attention to detail that results in an instrument that is harmonically rich and that sings to you when it’s played.

There is a difference in an instrument that is made by one person instead of being the result of a production line.

How would I go about commissioning you to build a guitar?
My website is http://buckhamguitars.com

I can be contacted on 6585 3626 or 0419 498 484.

Thanks John.

Interview by Jo Atkins.

Beccy Cole

What do you like about coming to the Manning-Great Lakes?

It’s not too far from home, so I’m often in the area to write songs. I love the beaches, the people and the food! We always have lovely, warm crowds when we come to the Great Lakes. I don’t think I could possibly count the amount of times I’ve been there with the many shows I’ve toured with.

You’ve been at the forefront of the Australian music landscape for nearly two decades and are a prolific recording artist, having released seven studio albums … What motivates you?

Life and people. I just love travelling, and I love the creative part of me that finds songs everywhere. My favourite thing to have happen is when a ‘trigger’ goes off and there is an urgency about putting what I have just experienced into a song. Wherever I am, I have to stop and capture the emotion of the moment, and this is where I feel I find good results. Believe me, I’ve written many duds to come up with the selections that make the records, but it’s a process …

Most of all, I love the growth I see when I look at the music on those seven albums, and I count my blessings that I’ve been given the opportunities to explore that growth. I never get complacent about my position in the industry… I’m not the best singer, player or writer in the world, but I am hardworking, and it is very important to me that I give people something they will enjoy. That comes before any self indulgent urges I might have!

Songs & Pictures is your most recent release and your most personal album to date, one which you solely financed. What sets this album apart from your others?

These songs are real. Each one is from an experience that I have lived and reported on first hand. I can’t explain how much I enjoyed making this record, other than to say that the process was a dream come true, and the results of making the album in this new and different way are extremely precious to me.

From the artwork and photographs, which were provided by two very close friends (artist, Judy Nadin, and photographer, Lauren O’Brien) to the musicians (my touring band, rather than studio musicians) down to a new Producer, in the very talented Shane Nicholson. These were all new steps taken to make the songs come to life in an exciting and different way for me.

You’ve won a slew of Golden Guitars. How proud are you of this acknowledgement, and where do all the awards live?

Golden Guitars are not something we set out to win when we make records. Winning them, however, is the most incredible feeling of accomplishment that one can experience in my industry. I’m extremely proud of those little fellas, and they hold pride of place on a borrowed baby grand piano that belongs to Sara Storer (I think she has forgotten that I have it, as it’s been here for a couple of years now!) This is where Sara also kept her accolades, and I love the tradition that I have upheld here!

In February, you’re performing a run of shows with Gina Jeffreys. How did this come to be?

Gina is one of my closest and dearest friends. We were bridesmaids for each other, as well as touring at length with the Songbirds (also with Sara) for over three years. Gina and I just took our families on a camping holiday together, during which I not only beat her several times at Scrabble, I was also witness to a fine moment of her coming an absolute cropper on the ‘bomber’ behind a friend’s ski boat. Special times.

We’ll be friends forever; we know too much. Performing with one of your best friends is such a special feeling … Add to this, that I believe Gina Jeffreys to be the woman who singlehandedly changed the way women were perceived in our industry, and you have a unique combination. I can’t wait!

What’s next for you?

Touring and then more touring. My dates for 2012 are filling fast, with shows across the country and even after 20 years of being on the road, I wouldn’t have it any other way. My itchy feet don’t let me stay at home long; I’m always happiest when I’m either searching for a song, or singing one I’ve found. I’ll be doing this until they throw tomatoes at me. I just hope they’re not canned.

Thanks Beccy.

 Gina Jeffreys

What do you like about coming to the Manning-Great Lakes? 

This is one of the prettiest places in Australia. It always feels more like we are going away on a holiday than heading to town to do a show.

What can the audience expect from your impending performance with Beccy at Club Forster? 

As Beccy mentioned, we were each other’s bridesmaids (two weddings and one divorce!) We’ve been best mates for nearly 20 years, so watching us do a show together is like watching two old friends out on a girls’ night out! Lots of laughs, lots of stories and of course, a bunch of great music.

You’re married to Rod McCormack, head of Core music label. Rod produced your albums Christmas Wish, Walks of Life, Old Paint. From an artistic perspective, what was it like to collaborate with your husband?

Rod is a perfectionist, and he really expects that from everyone else too. He is wonderful to work with. He’s so creative, so kind. I love writing with him, love being in the studio with him (he has very strong opinions, but so do I!) I think we make a great team. Rod knows me better than anyone, so creatively, it’s a great place to start when you are trying to create an album that reflects who I really am.

Both you and Beccy live on the Central Coast and have been friends for time eternal. How did you meet, and what do you like about performing with Beccy? 

Beccy and I met in Tamworth in the early ‘90s. She is the first person I ever met who loves Country Music like I do. I grew up in a country town and all those years ago, you didn’t tell your friends you loved Country Music! So when Bec and I met, it was like we had found our tribe. We found someone else who shares the same passion… Somewhere to feel like you fit in, I guess.

Then we quickly realised we share a crazy sense of humour. I haven’t stopped laughing with her since the day we met. Being on stage with Bec is ridiculous fun. Our main aim is to make the other one laugh so hard, that they can’t sing!

What was it like to meet Country Music legend Kenny Rogers?

I grew up listening to him! He is a big part of the reason I love Country Music, so when I met him I was really nervous!

What’s next for you?

We are about to record a new album, and I’ll be back out on the road for more fun! My life at home now is quite different to how it used to be, because I run a performance school on the Central Coast. So these days I spend most of my time mentoring and helping develop new talent, and I absolutely love it.

Where did you start your working life, and what was your first choice of career? 

Previously I was a National OHS System Manager for a large labour hire company based in Sydney.

What prompted your move to Port Macquarie, and how long have you been here now?

My husband and I moved to Port three years ago after our stint in Sydney and some travelling. We both grew up in the country, had holidayed here and have family close by.

What have been some of the lifestyle changes you’ve made since moving up the coast? 

After we decided to make the move, I fell pregnant with identical triplet girls. We were advised to stay in Sydney for the pregnancy and birth, so moved two weeks after we left hospital. It was a massive team effort from our families, and the first year was a blur.

It took two hours to feed the girls, leaving one hour between feeds before the process started again 24/7. I have so much gratitude and love for our families for the help they gave us and continue to give us, even with my parent’s own commitments as owners and managers at Del’s Curtains.

What led to you creating the idea for your new business? 

When we were finally able to get out of the house with the girls, I found it difficult to discover what was available for us to do. I completed state-wide market research and found this was a universal problem for parents in their home towns, as well as on holidays.

What is your new business concept, ‘todokids’ all about, and how will it work?

todokids provides information for families across the state (and Australia within the next three years) about what is available to do with their kids. Think wotif.com, but for activities instead of accommodation. Users of todokids will have easy access to a wealth of information about what’s on, places to go and things to do.

todokids has a very powerful information sorter, which allows you to refine the search according to the specific age of your

child/ren, how much you want to spend (including free activities), the distance you are prepared to travel, as well as the types of activities you prefer.

Our search criteria includes indoor activities, holiday programs, sporting clubs, educational/tutors, special needs children and play groups, to name just a few. We also have family friendly activities and services for parents such as restaurants and gyms with crèches.

The best feature for parents is the free weekly todokids diary, which provides a customised list of upcoming events based on each subscriber’s location and age of their children. With these weekly email updates, you’ll never miss out on what’s happening in the community or be caught short of ideas to keep the kids amused. I know this would make my life easier, and I’m sure other parents will love it too.

What steps have you taken to get the idea off the ground so far?

Firstly, I engaged Joyer to build the sophisticated, yet simple to use, website. We’re fortunate to have such a world class act right here in Port Macquarie, so we don’t need to rely on services from the city.

I am also busy partnering with industry groups and associations to further build the business across the state.

What have you learnt throughout your working and personal life that has helped you with a new business startup?

No challenge is too big! There is never a good time – just do it.

What can you offer local businesses/organisations through todokids that will be mutually beneficial for your business and theirs? 

There is a real need for a logical, location-based activity search tool for parents – especially one that caters to regional areas. todokids provides a platform for businesses to build their profile, gain exposure and access an actively engaged audience of people looking for things to do with their kids.

Mass take-up is key. The more organisations listed on the site, the more valuable it will be to parents … the more parents using the site, the greater the benefit to businesses.

To show my long term commitment and my belief in todokids, I am offering all Mid North Coast businesses free access to todokids to input their information if they contact me by mid-February.

What challenges have you found so far in establishing a business from the ground up, and how have you overcome them?

The biggest problem is coming up with all these ideas and then finding the time to get it all done. I’ve taken this into consideration and allowed a generous timeframe to ensure we get it right the first time. I figure I only get one shot at this!

The contacts, leads and suggestions provided by Grant Burtenshaw from the local Business Start Up Program have proven to be invaluable. I have also had tremendous support from the ‘big’ tourism providers in town, including Kathy Balodis (The Corner and Macquarie Waters), Jules Hender (Jumbos and Wave Bowl) and Belinda Novicky (Mid North Coast Tourism).

Local business networks such as Hastings Business Enterprise Network and Hastings Business Women’s Network have also been beneficial and introduced me to my wonderful marketing and PR consultant, Michelle Newman.

Despite the assistance and support I have had to date, todokids and the opportunity I have to create this website would not be possible without the confidence, support and encouragement of my husband, Andrew.

Given you’ve already experienced a huge lifestyle and career change, where would you like to see yourself personally and professionally in the next few years?

I have big ambitions for todokids. I really see this as shaking up the marketing approach of tourism, entertainment and recreation businesses all over Australia.

My aim is to be the first item on their marketing plan. I see todokids as a truly valuable resource for parents and carers, enabling them to enjoy more active, fun and exciting outings with their kids. I want to provide a great life for my family growing up here in Port Macquarie.

Where can people go to find out more about todokids? 

Parents will have to wait until we get the site crammed with loads of activities ready for launch on 1 July this year. Businesses who want to take advantage of the free listings should contact me on 0407 016 067 or email me at jodi@todokids.com.au before mid-February.

Thanks Jodi. Best of luck with the new business venture!

Interview by Jo Atkins.

Hi David. What’s your background?

I moved to Port Macquarie when I was in primary school. I started at Port Macquarie Primary, and then went through St Joseph’s and MacKillop.

After I left school, I joined the Navy – I actually did two stints there. My first stint in the Navy was for 11 years, and I did a tour of the Middle East/Iraq on HMAS ANZAC as an Officer of the Watch. It was a very interesting time during 2002/03, with the war on Iraq, as it was the first time a Royal Australian Navy ship had fired in anger since the Vietnam War. After I left, I worked as Assistant Manager at Port Macquarie Race Club, which gave me a lead in to work at Queanbeyan Race Club.

I left the horse racing/Thoroughbred industry after working there for a couple of years, because of the Equine Influenza epidemic that hit, and I went back to the Navy for another 4 years. This time I was involved with a 6 month anti-piracy patrol off the Horn of Africa and other operations associated with the Afghanistan campaign onboard HMAS MELBOURNE.

All up, prior to leaving the Navy for the second time in March last year, I’ve completed 15 years of service – working my way up from Admin Clerk up to Navigator of a frigate.

Having grown tired of being at sea, I moved back to Port Macquarie – and I was very fortunate when the job with the Port Macquarie Marina came up when it did.

What is involved with your role at the Port Macquarie Marina – and when did you start your new position?

I’m the General Manager, which entails managing the retail and commercial tenants of the marina, and I’m also responsible for the boats and customers who visit – both short-term and long-term visitors. I look after the slipway that we rent to SeaKing Marine, and I also refuel boats when they pull into the marina. I’m kind of a one stop shop actually (laughs), with accounts, admin, project management and even doing maintenance work when required.

I started as GM in October last year.

What are some of the renovations/extensions planned for the marina?

We’ve already replaced one of the wharves and it’s made a huge difference to our operation. This happened in December last year, and we’ve had some fantastic feedback from people who’ve already used it, especially visitors for the Golden Lure.

We’re planning to replace the existing berthing arms and also extend the marina by building an additional berthing arm out towards the fuel wharf. Currently we’re a 64 berth marina, and when the new berths are completed, we’ll be able to cater for close to 100 boats. We’re able to cater for boats up to 18-20 metres in length at the moment, but only on one arm. The majority of boats berthing here range in length from 8 – 12 metres.

The second berthing arm is due to be replaced in March/April this year, hopefully followed by the sea arm after that and then the new arm off the fuel wharf. This will make the Port Macquarie Marina comparable in size and capacity to other larger marinas up and down the coast.

The marina was originally constructed over 30 years ago, and demand has increased now to the point where we need to cater for more – and bigger – boats.

The retail complex is also being renovated. What was originally the dive shop is being gutted, and there are plans to turn it into a café with an outdoor deck area. We hope this new café will be operating before Easter next year. We’re also in discussions to establish a new eating venue where Scampis restaurant was formerly located.

The gardens and landscaping around the complex will be revamped, and a new boardwalk will be built around the building to the waterfront.

It’s hoped the large shed currently located on the property will be rebuilt to rehouse the commercial tenants, allowing for an expansion of the existing retail space – but that’s further down the track.

The aim is to have a steady roll out of improvements, with the replacement of the berthing arms being the first priority. Replacing the arms will increase revenue for the marina through increased capacity and use of the facility, and this increased revenue will in turn help the planned expansion of the marina’s other areas.

We’re talking quite a significant investment on the part of Ariadne, the Port Marina owners, here – the replacement of the berthing arms alone is very expensive.

In an ideal world, and obviously it’s dependant on many outside factors, when would the planned renovations actually be completed?

By the end of this year we’d like to have all the arms replaced and the renovations completed for the new café and old Scampis restaurant area. Replacing the drystack shed on the property would more likely happen in 2013.

It’s a massive job we’ve taken on – even just moving all the boats from their berth, trucking all the new pontoons down from a company called Superior Jetties in Queensland; it’s going to take quite a while to complete everything.

What would be the benefits to the community of the planned renovations at the marina?

Extending the marina would generate a lot of interest from outside the town, as well as from within the area. We’re known by the boating community as a small marina at the moment, but providing improved facilities will encourage more out of town boaters – and this will help us to promote the local area, the bar and our waterways.

We do already get quite a lot of visiting boats from out of town, because we are about half way between Brisbane and Sydney. Major boating companies such as Maritimo and Riviera deliver boats up and down the coast and call in to Port Macquarie to rest and refuel. We see the potential for this to increase.

What else would you like to see happen at the marina in months to come?

The idea of all these renovations is to attract people to the marina, so they can enjoy the waterfront and café/restaurant facilities and a great time out. We want to encourage families to visit … it’s a marine sanctuary here, so no fishing is allowed, but I’d love for kids to come down and feed the fish. There are some good-sized fish in the water here!

The dragon boat clubs and fishing clubs use the facilities here; people attending the Golden Lure fishing competition each year berth their boats here, and I’d like to see that continue. We had 11 boats involved with the Golden Lure visiting the marina this year.

I’d also like to try and arrange some fun, family water events in the future – things like a bathtub derby, for example. We don’t really have those kinds of events here, and I think the community would really get behind them.

Thanks David.

Interview by Jo Atkins.

Photo: David (right) with Golden Lure veteran of 28 years, John Fitzpatrick of Newcastle, on the new berthing arm.

Whereabouts in this area do you call home?

I live in Kendall. I was born in the Hunter Valley, raised in Tamworth and I was living in Newcastle when I fell in love with a man from Kendall – and we’re getting married in April.

I really love living in Kendall. It has a lovely village feel, and it’s a wonderful place to write music, because it’s so peaceful.

Congratulations on your engagement! You obviously have a lot to keep you busy at the moment, as I understand you’re wrapping up your tour of Two Grand I’m Yours with fellow performer Trysette Loosemore …

Yes – we did our final concert at the Sydney Conservatorium, in the Verbrugghen Hall, and it went really well.

How was the overall response to the tour?

We’ve been invited back just about everywhere we played, and from the concert we did in the Verbrugghen Hall, I’ve been invited to play at some major music awards at the Opera House next year. One thing has just led to another!

Now, reverting right back to the beginning … I read that it was a fascination with Ravel’s Bolero that really inspired you musically?

I was about 8 years old, and my father had a lovely turntable. I used to put the record on and sit right in front of the speakers. What intrigued me about the piece – and still does – is how the music builds … how the instruments come in one at a time and how the piece changes intensity.

I would listen to it over and over again and try to work out how it was constructed. In essence, I guess I tried to deconstruct it. Still to this very day, I think back to Bolero and how it was constructed and use it in my own music. I was very influenced by it.

I’m guessing you managed to catch Torvill and Dean’s magic performance on the ice to that particular piece of music years later?

Oh yes … so many times I’ve watched that. It was stunning.

How old were you when you started your piano training?

My grandmother lived with us from the time I was 8 years old, and she had a beautiful, old German iron framed, upright piano. It was about 100 years old, with ivory keys. I just fell in love with it straight away. I asked my mother how to read music – and she showed me where Middle C was on the piano and how the staff and stave worked, and for me it was a bit like a jigsaw puzzle. I worked out how to read music fairly quickly, and within 6 weeks I was playing the first page of Fur Elise. I asked for piano lessons – and I loved them!

I decided I didn’t want to be a concert pianist as an adult; I wanted to be a composer and play my own music. But I was always too scared to do it – it isn’t something you see on most people’s business cards, that they’re a composer. I didn’t think it was avery realistic thing to do, so I’d always put it on the back burner – even though it was the thing I wanted to do most.

It took me until I was 38 to get into the recording studio – that was 10 years ago now. It took me all that time to get there … it’s like when you have a wonderful dream in your head that you can always visit; it’s so tangible, but if you try to do it in reality, you risk failing – and you lose the dream.

When I did finally give it  ago, it was because my mother gave me some words of wisdom – telling me that if I didn’t give it a go, I’d have wasted my life. So I tried it … doors kept opening, and it’s been a wonderful journey.

When did singing enter the equation? Did it start around the same time as the piano?

No. When I went to boarding school in Sydney, there was a guitar I used to play – and I’d sit and sing. I’ve always sung, but I didn’t really think of myself as a singer … particularly in the New Age genre, where the voice is used as an instrument and vocalising is used in layers. New Age is a very different approach to vocals.

Is that how you describe your own personal style? New Age?

Yes, I am New Age. In New Age, probably the mantra is there is no integrity greater than the intention of a single note. It is about music that comes from deep down; it’s music that’s conceptually derived from thoughts, images and emotions – it’s storytelling.

Obviously it’s been very successful for you. How many albums are you up to now? 

In terms of original albums, I’ve done 5 and I have 2 coming out 2012/early into 2013 already recorded. I’ve done a number of compilations as well – I have 3 SACDs (Super Audio CDs) for the overseas audio market.

You’ve received a lot of accolades for music too – being an ARIA finalist and a MusicOz Award winner. Are these accolades a motivational force for you, or more of an icing on the cake?

The ARIA was for World Music and the MusicOz was for Classical Jazz, because that’s the crossover I have … where New Age crosses over into Jazz and World Music.

Sometimes these come as a complete surprise – particularly with the ARIA nomination, because the ABC entered me and I didn’t even know! These accolades are the icing on the cake for me … it’s not the be all and end all, but it is so lovely when you get one.

With albums already in the works, do you have any more live touring planned?

Two Grand I’m yours has now been picked up by a promoter in America, so we’re taking it to the US in July/August. And it’s been so successful here, we’ll probably come back and revisit a lot of venues later on next year.

So, among multiple album recording, wedding plans and touring, you’ve somehow managed to work a Christmas album, called Christmas Joy, into the mix as well – which is also doing exceptionally well!

I tried to do something that wasn’t cliched with the Christmas album. I did Walking in the Air in Gaelic, Still, Still, Still with a Paraguayan Harp and Jingle Bells with didgeridoo and an African Talking Drum. And it seems to be working, because it’s been getting some nice reviews!

It hardly seems possible that you’d have time to squeeze anything else into your schedule, but I know you also love to paint. What else do you love to do to help you relax and keep those creative juices flowing?

I like to go Tango dancing with my fiance. I love cooking, listening to Folk music, taking drives in the country and drinking coffee! I actually have quite a few paintings on display at Blue Poles Gallery in Byabarra.

Thanks Fiona.

Interview by Jo Atkins.