I moved back to Forster four years ago with my partner, who is also a chef at 3 Nippers, to be closer to my father. I love the atmosphere of the coastal area we have. With over thirty years in the industry, all with the ups and downs, I have held some interesting positions – one being personal chef for Japanese pilots, who only wanted to eat Australian-type food.

Who inspired your love of food?

I was one of those lucky people that started cooking at an early age and loved it. With both parents working different hours, I had taken on the role of family cook, and I haven’t looked back since.

What can people expect from your establishment when they come to dine?

We have a relaxed atmosphere with a variety of options to choose from, to suit all desires. You are also able to dine either on the deck or in the restaurant, and once per month we run a set menu with live entertainment.

The menu at 3 Nippers offers local produce with seasonal influences … with winter in our midst, what warm dishes will you be spoiling your guests with over the colder months?

We are in the process of launching our winter menu as we speak, and I’m sure that our clientele will not be disappointed. Some of the items we will be adding are gourmet pizzas, pot roast of lamb shank with sweet potato bean and pepper ragout, chili salt squid and some heartwarming desserts.

Tell us about some of your favourite ingredients to cook with?

I have had the pleasure of using lots of different ingredients over time, but would have to say that seafood, pasta and poultry are my favourites.

The restaurant is now open from Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner and Sunday morning (until the end of April from 8am 11.30) for breakfast.

What delicious things are you cooking up for people to enjoy while eating brekky on the deck?

We have a range of delicious items on the menu, from large pancakes with choice of toppings, big Nippers brekky to fluffy omelets with a creamy sauce topping. Although we will not be doing breakfast every Sunday from the end of April, we will still be having the occasional Sunday breakfast with live music.

You cater for everything from weddings to small parties and large conferences. Could you tell our readers about your special events?

Our venue offers a terrific function room, which can be expanded if you wish to book out the whole restaurant. We also cater to your personal needs, with a choice of menu options from canapés through to desserts.

We will also be having a special function for Mother’s Day, as well as other functions throughout the year, including Melbourne Cup day, which will be a day of food, music and entertainment.

What sets you apart from your contemporaries?

We try to do things different than what others are doing; it also keeps the passion alive to try to be different. I found it difficult to start with, as this industry was a very male dominated one, but persistence paid of in the long run, and I think this shows in the way I do things.

What are your plans for the future?

It is my utmost pleasure to be working as Executive Chef here at 3 Nippers. The atmosphere is relaxed; we have a happy, talented and creative team, which all helps me achieve the goal of being the number one restaurant in this area.

Thanks Terrianne.

Describe what Yellowstone National Park is like and why you’ve been lured back to its beauty on three separate occasions.

Yellowstone National Park – mention it to many Australians, and they either say “Where?” or they remember Mr Ranger and Yogi Bear and the picnic basket thefts.

Many Americans, when asked, put Yellowstone at the top of their must see in the US lists. National Parks in the US are stunning, varied and very people-friendly. Yellowstone is 2.2 million acres of wilderness and visited by an average of 3 million people each year.

It never ceases to amaze, from its geothermal features (it is the home of Old Faithful geyser), its amazing geology (much of it is formed by the caldera of one of the world’s active super-volcanos) and its abundant and mostly accessible wildlife. It is a wilderness where for the animals it is business as usual and yet to a certain extent, we can witness this. There’s prey and predator, coping with the changing seasons and extreme winter climate; it is nature on a grand scale.

I had hoped to see wolves, but did not on the first two visits and as the best place in the world to see wolves is Yellowstone in winter, a third visit was necessary.

How familiar are you with the history of Native Americans in the Yellowstone region?

I’m aware that Native Americans have had a presence in the Yellowstone area for some 11,000 years, with the impressive Obsidian Cliff providing the material for their stone tools.

The name Yellowstone is said to have come from an Indian word meaning Rock Yellow River and numerous tribes – Shoshone, Bannocks, Nez Perce, Crow, Blackfoot and Cheyenne have lived and travelled through this area.

Tell us about the photo tour you participated in which travelled by ‘snow coach’ in Yellowstone in 2012 …

One can only travel through Yellowstone in the winter guided by licensed and permitted guides, and the advantages of photo tours is that they are small groups, ensuring you are mostly in the right place at the right time with the best light and led by experienced photographers.

My previous winter visit was on a snow mobile, but this time I felt that a snowcoach tour with Bob Harvey and Diane Kelsay of Nature Photography Adventures would provide a different perspective. All accommodation, travel and most meals were included.

There were 16 in our group – seven Americans, eight Spanish and myself. The Spanish contingent were well-travelled and very accomplished photographers, and we now exchange emails and check out each others’ websites.

You participated in a ‘wolf-watching tour’? 

This was four incredible days with the Wild Side run by two wildlife biologists, Nathan Varley and Linda Thurston. It was not a photographic tour, but an opportunity to observe and learn about the various wolf packs as they went about their daily lives and an opportunity to experience the exquisite Lamar Valley under its cloak of winter white.

We saw three packs – the Mollies, Agates and Lamar Canyon packs and were witness to an amazing confrontation between the Mollies and Lamar Canyon. However, standing around in driving snow at 7.30am and -20°C is not for the faint-hearted, but who noticed?

In 1995 you’ve said that wolves were ‘reintroduced to Yellowstone’ after the last one was killed in 1927… please elaborate on how the wolves were reintroduced and if a breeding program was put in place?

Douglas Smith and Gary Ferguson’s book, Decade of the Wolf, documents far better than I the story of their reintroduction. Briefly, the wolves (31 in all), were captured in Canada over a two year period, transported to Yellowstone and placed in acclimatisation pens for some weeks before being released into the wild, where they quickly established packs and once again took their place in the Yellowstone ecosystem. In 2003, there were some 148 wolves in the park, but today the population is closer to 98, as prey numbers fall to sustainable levels.

While this top predator was absent, elk herd populations exploded, the natural balance was out of kilter and various ecosystems were experiencing much damage. Ongoing study is conducted and many of the wolves wear radio collars and are tracked, changes to fauna and flora are monitored and any killing of domestic stock by wolves outside the park dealt with summarily. Despite this, emotional debate continues to rage over the wolves presence.

How close are you able to actually get to the wolves … I imagine a respectful distance is encouraged?

For the most part, wolves keep their distance from humans – they have been vilified, treated horrendously and subject to extermination in most parts of the world. However, they are extremely intelligent and have a strong social structure.

My goal was to experience truly wild wolves in their natural environment. We had one day where a wolf pack appeared comfortable to be in close proximity, but this is the exception rather than the rule. Most of the time they are dots on the hillside, spotted by the experienced watchers and best seen through a high powered spotting scope. However, I was able capture some reasonable images of these, the wildest of creatures.

Aside from wolves, Yellowstone is home to hundreds of species of animals. Tell us about your favourite animal encounters while visiting there … 

Any animal encounter is amazing, even the ubiquitous bison. Seeing their massive heads and ice encrusted faces as they try to find some sustenance under deep snow is truly awe-inspiring. The red fox, coyotes and bald eagles never fail to delight and one fox came so close I could no longer maintain focus.

I’ve yet to see a bobcat or otters, so I guess there’s at least one more trip in the future and bears are hibernating in winter, so an autumn visit is needed.

As a photographer, what sort of challenges does photographing animals present?

There are a number of things to remember. You are in their territory and all care should be taken not to disturb or cause harm. Animals are not always ‘co-operative’ – they do not pose, stand in the right light or display behaviours you want to capture.

Sometimes it’s behaviours you’d prefer not to capture. Your subject is often some distance away or hidden by foliage or just not in the right environment. A good image is more than a ‘record’ photo, so it’s important to become knowledgeable about the animal/bird and its habits and be able to anticipate actions and behaviours.

Most importantly, be patient, be respectful and be ethical.

You also travelled to Whitehorse in the Yukon Territory, Canada, in the hope of capturing the northern lights (or aurora borealis). What exactly is the phenomenon?

The northern lights, or aurora borealis, are ripples of glowing light seen in the night sky when charged particles from the sun interact with the Earth’s upper atmosphere. They are funnelled to the Earth’s poles by the planet’s magnetic field, thus only seen in the far northern or southern skies; and in the south they are known as aurora australis.

Simply put, they are a fantastic light show which may appear briefly or last for hours and is best seen on cold, clear nights in places such as Norway, Iceland, Greenland, Alaska and Canada. The activity peaks every 10 or so years when solar storms are intense, and 2012 to 2013 is that peak time.

You frequent and have a preference for colder destinations such as Antarctica, Yellowstone, the Arctic and Canada. Why the preference for colder climates as opposed to sun-kissed destinations?

I live in a ‘sun-kissed’ place, so just don’t feel the need to travel to such places. At the end of the day, most of us have to prioritise where we go, and for me it’s places which I won’t experience in Australia. That’s not to say I haven’t seen much of my own country, and Kangaroo Island is high on my list.

Many of the world’s most incredible animals – polar bears, penguins, wolves, bears – live in cold places, and these are some of the final frontiers. These regions and their wildlife are very much under threat by climate change, an issue I feel strongly about.

I am a sponsor of Polar Bears International, so produced a calendar for 2012 of my polar bear images and donated the proceeds to this organisation.

It was amazing to watch David Attenborough’s Frozen Planet and know I have seen many of the places depicted. Vincent Munier and Paul Nicklen are two of my favourite cold place photographers – check them out on the net.

I prefer to be challenged by my destinations – take the path less travelled, so to speak. I don’t travel to have a holiday; I travel to immerse myself in the experience and to record that experience photographically. I have a passion for photography and travel and consider myself immensely privileged to be able to.

Thanks Judith.

This story was published in issue 63 of Manning Great Lakes Focus

For those who don’t know, what is NBN Co?

The NBN is the National broadband Network, which is essentially a high-speed internet and communications network that is being rolled out to every premise in Australia.

The network is designed to give improved broadband services to Australians, irrespective of whether they live in metro, regional, rural or remote locations.

The network has three core delivery technologies to reach each property in the form of fibre, fixed wireless and satellite connections.

The NBN is not just about faster internet – it’s about an upgrade to the infrastructure that will underpin the delivery of vital applications that Australians will need over the coming decades. This is a great step forward in preparing our country for the future and helping to address some of its biggest challenges in healthcare, education and business

What is your role with the organisation – and what does it involve?

I am the Community Relations Advisor for NBN Co, with a focus on Government and Community Relations in the areas that we are building in across New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Queensland and the Northern Territory.

Primarily, my role is to help raise awareness and understanding amongst local stakeholders such as Councils, Regional Development Authority, Chambers of Commerce, universities and TAFEs, Members of Parliament, as well as the local community, as to what the NBN is, what it will mean for locals and prepare the way for its construction in the area.

I also spend time with stakeholders looking forward to the Digital Economy and making sure that they are aware of the benefits, as well as prepare for when we switch the network on the NBN to optimise its use in terms of attractive new industries, creating employment and diversifying the local economy to take advantage of the new emerging digital age.

Please give us the nuts and bolts details of the National Broadband Network? 

The NBN will deliver better broadband to every Australian, no matter where they live via a combination of fibre (93% of the premises across Australia) or, where building fibre is cost prohibitive, fixed wireless (4% of the premises) and satellite (3% of the premises). The entire construction project is expected to take around a decade to complete.

In terms of improved speeds and capacities, that largely depends on what end users are getting at present. Across all three platforms we will be offering a range of services, that will be represented to end users over time by offers from retail service providers.

For Fixed Wireless for example, the introductory services will be 8 times faster than ADSL1. Each delivery technology has a road map to offer even faster speeds and capacities over time.

How will the National Broadband Network benefit regional Australians?

The rollout of the NBN follows a series of design principles that aim to deliver a high-speed broadband network in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

These principles include: first extending the network in areas where work has already begun; balancing construction across states and territories and between metropolitan and regional locations; and making use of available exchange and transit infrastructure as it becomes available.

Regional Australia will have access to the same services that those in metro Australia have enjoyed. Investment in new industries and companies, innovation and incubation can now be done anywhere across Australia. We are already seeing people move their business to areas that already have NBN activated which are not in metro locations.

NBN Co has just announced a three-year roll out plan. How will this plan unfold – and what areas will it cover?

The National Broadband Network has published a three-year plan that will see an essential upgrade to Australia’s communications rolled out to more than a third of the Australian population.

By mid-2015, the network will be up and running and construction will be underway in areas containing around 1,500 communities – or areas comprising more than 3.5 million homes and businesses in every state and territory.

The figures include the three quarters of a million premises where construction work is underway or set to begin this year, including the eight early locations where the fibre network is already in service.

We can ramp up activity, because construction contracts are in place and the major commercial and regulatory hurdles have been cleared, giving us the momentum we need.

The full list of localities where the network is up and running, where work is underway and where work is scheduled to begin before mid-2015 can be viewed online at www.nbnco.com.au/rollout/about-the-rollout/communities-in-the-rollout.html.

Communities can also check the progress of the rollout by typing in their location or postcode into the interactive NBN Rollout Map: www.nbnco.com.au/rollout

Looking beyond this three-year plan, what are the next geographical areas likely to be included in the NBN?

NBNCo will be updating the three-year plan every 12 months. This essentially means that new areas, towns and cities will be constantly added and communities will have a degree of certainty as to when we are coming.

It is important to note that the national Fixed Wireless network will be completed by the end of 2015 and that we will be launching two satellites to improve the interim satellite network in 2015 as well.

The NBNCo website www.nbnco.com.au is the best place to find out information, or people can call our national contact centre on 1800 881 816 with an enquiry.

What is the estimated time frame for most of Australia to be connected?

The fibre network roll out will take 9.5 years to complete before the 93% of premises are connected. The Fixed Wireless covering 4% will be completed by 2015 and the interim satellite which is operating now will be upgraded with the addition of our two new satellites in 2015         For those who live in an area where the NBN is being rolled out, how do they go about getting connected?

The many Retail Service Providers (the list is currently 39 and growing) will market prices, bundles and a range of offers to end users. The end user will select a service, sign-up with a RSP then the RSP will place an order on NBNCo to connect the property.

The end user will be well and truly informed as to when we are coming to their area and see a range of marketing material from the retail service providers, with competitive offers to select from.

You’re a guest speaker at the T.H.E. Exchange (Technology Health Education) event in Coffs Harbour on June 21. What topics will your speech cover?

NBN Co will have several speakers at T.H.E. Exchange to address the status of the national roll-out, the latest in applications, end-user devices and global trends in other digital economies, as well as what is working well across the country by way of the use of the NBN to drive improvements to the way people work, live, learn and play.

Where can people go to find out more information about the NBN? 

The NBN Co website www.nbnco.com.au is the best place to find out information, or people can call our national contact centre on 1800 881 816 with their enquiry.

Thank you Darren.

This story was published in issue 63 of Manning Great Lakes Focus

People volunteer for many reasons – from an innate desire to contribute or for help learning new skills, making friends and improving community life and self-worth.

The theme for National Volunteer Week in 2012 is ‘Volunteers – Every One Counts’. We hear from Great Lakes Neighbour Aid Team Leader, Karen Burton, on this year’s plans for celebrating volunteers.

This year during National Volunteer Week (from 14 to 20 May) organisations are recognising volunteers in many different ways. Plans are in place to provide a joint celebration with Great Lakes Neighbour Aid, Great Lakes Meals on Wheels, Great Lakes Centre-based Respite Service and Great Lakes Leisure and Respite Options to recognise and reward their valuable contribution to these services. What have you got planned for Volunteers Week?

This year, the above services have joined together to host a big BBQ luncheon at the Community Centre for all our volunteers. Meals on Wheels will be cooking up a storm, and we always have a special something to show how much we value and appreciate our volunteers.

We know that some of our volunteers just don’t assist the one service and in fact, some volunteers are very busy working with all of our services – that equates to a huge amount of time and dedication from these wonderful people, for which we are so grateful. As they say – ask a busy person!

Volunteers are an extremely important resource to the community. What are some of their varying responsibilities? 

Our target group is frail older people, younger people with a disability and the carers of both. Depending on the service they are associated with, our volunteers can assist with activities such as food preparation and meal deliveries, taking people shopping, to the doctors and other appointments, assisting with people with memory loss with Centre-Based Respite service, and social support and respite for people with a disability with Leisure and Respite Options.

Tell us about the individual work of the four services mentioned previously which are being celebrated during National Volunteer Week …

The aim of all our services is to keep people in their own homes for as long as possible by providing a range of different services. We are government funded, and, with the aid of our volunteers, we can keep the costs to our clients to a minimum.

Great Lakes Neighbour Aid, Great Lakes Centre-Based Respite Service and Great Lakes Leisure and Respite Options are under the auspice of Great Lakes Council, who manage our funds and support us to do our work.

Neighbour Aid’s core role is to provide social support services, which includes shopping assistance, transport to medical and other appointments, small and bus group outings, a men’s group and information and socialisation for Carers through Support Groups.

We also have a Wheelie Bin service for those who have difficulty in putting out and taking in their bins. Basically, we assist people to access their local community and try to ensure that the service is tailored to each individual’s need.

The Centre-Based Respite Service is a Dementia Specific Day Centre which runs several day programs for people with memory loss who live with a loved one or live by themselves, which includes the Daisy Club, a Ladies Group and a Men’s Group. Volunteers assist the staff with the organising of activities such as indoor bowls, craft and outings. The participants’ days are filled with fun and laughter and while they are with the service, their carers get a well-earned break.

Leisure and Respite Options have a range of programs tailored to meet the individual needs of people with a disability and their carers. This can be a one-on-one outing, a small group foray into the local community, a holiday away or even hosting a person in the family home.

Áll the people we support choose leisure activities which are meaningful, including connecting with surf clubs, sporting clubs and creative and artistic pursuits, while at the same time, their Carers have the opportunity to do something for themselves.

The participants have even won a State Cultural Award for their stage performance of Peregrine in 2009 and are well known for their annual Art Exhibitions.

Meals on Wheels doesn’t just provide meals; they also run other programs such as their meal voucher program, outings and walk in frozen food service. They cover a wide area, including Forster/Tuncurry, Nabiac, Firefly, Krambach, Tarbuck Bay, Coomba Park and Hallidays Point. Volunteers are represented on the Management Committee.

What benefits can volunteers bring to an organisation?

Good question. Volunteers bring many benefits and first and foremost, our services would not be able to function without them – they are the backbone of our organisations, and we would certainly not be able to achieve all that we have in the past and hope to achieve in the future without them.

Volunteers bring with them a wealth of knowledge and experience and are very active within our services, helping us to improve what we do. They attend meetings and have input into decision making, which is rewarding for them and influences how we work with the people we assist. They are our eyes and ears, as they are in constant contact with the people they help, so they are providing a monitoring service to us as well.

The face of volunteering has changed over time and volunteers are no longer restricted to middle-aged retirees with time to spare. People from all walks of life volunteer these days. Who volunteers?

Of course, we still have a large number of people in this age group, and now trends are emerging after initiatives to capture a wider range of volunteers.

Centrelink have their Work for the Dole program, which brings us younger members of the community, and Meals on Wheels is involved with the Student Volunteering Program in partnership with Great Lakes College, targeting our younger school-aged community members to experience the sense of achievement and the many rewards in helping others. Younger people with a disability rely on their school peers for friendship and socialisation.

Why do people volunteer? 

There are lots of reasons volunteers give freely of their time and the majority, when asked, will tell you that they volunteer because they want to give something back to their community, that they love helping people and they get so much satisfaction from knowing that they are making a difference in someone’s life. They make great friendships with the people they work with and just seeing the smile and gratitude on their faces is all that a volunteer needs to feel they are doing something worthwhile.

Another reason why people volunteer is to see if they would like to pursue a career in aged care and/or disability sector. Volunteering in this industry is a great stepping stone to gain employment in their chosen fields. So, volunteering is not just for those with time on their hands – we are actually assisting the workforce in sourcing workers in a skill shortage area.

The theme of this year’s National Volunteer Week is ‘Volunteers – Every One Counts’, which is sending a message to existing volunteers that they are valued and we appreciate their time, commitment and caring nature. The volunteers don’t want rewards or accolades, as they feel they receive this through the work they do, and us, as service providers, want to be able let them know how much they are valued – that is why Volunteer’s Week is celebrated nationally in May each year and we organise a special event in their honour.

Our volunteers are wonderful, and we need more of you! An increasing number of self-funded retirees are moving to this area, and they tend to still be very active with their own pursuits, which is understandable. But, maybe there can still be room for giving just an hour or two per week or fortnight – the rewards will be countless!

Volunteers are reimbursed for their out of pocket expenses and receive ongoing training and support.

So if you like having fun, being with people and having an adventure, contact us for your active involvement in your community. Contact Karen on 6554 8698.

Thank you Karen.

Interview by Karen Farrell.

This story was published in issue 63 of Manning Great Lakes Focus

The Cancer Council of NSW is again hosting its iconic Biggest Morning Tea on Thursday 24 May and is encouraging Australians of all ages from all communities and backgrounds to ‘put the kettle on to put cancer out’…

Coomba resident, Jenny Arnold, has been hosting Biggest Morning Teas since 2000. On May 24, Jenny and the ‘Coomba Cowgirls’ – a dynamic group of women who pour a mean cuppa tea – will host their 13th morning tea in a bid to help defeat cancer …

Who are the Coomba Cowgirls?

 We are a small social group, which was formed in 1995 to learn line dancing.

Over the years, our activities have widened and the annual Biggest Morning Tea has become an important date for all of us.

Several of our members have had cancer, and we all know friends or family who have had it.

Jenny, over the 13 years that you’ve been hosting Biggest Morning Teas, you’ve managed to raise a colossal $34,000 to assist with cancer prevention and research. That’s a lot of cups of tea … how did you initially get involved in this fundraising activity?

 I was invited to a morning tea hosted by my neighbour in 1999 and thought the ‘Cowgirls’ could do a good job at hosting their own one the next year.

We hold our event in the Coomba Community Hall, and it is an open invitation. The first year we made $600 and thought it was wonderful, but now we raise nearly $5,000 each year. This large amount is due to the hard work by our group and also the donations for prizes, which come from local businesses.

What are some of the activities people usually engage in at one of the morning tea events?

It has developed into a real social get together for the people in this small community. There is a lot of talking and laughing, as old friends catch up and new residents are introduced.

We always provide some entertainment, and our big raffle is well supported. And, of course, everyone loves our home cooked goodies.

How does the Cancer Council assist you in running the morning tea?

 I liaise with the Cancer Council on behalf of our group and I’m contacted each year with offers of help, ranging from posters to cups, which we use as part of our raffle.

We have been running the morning teas for so long, we don’t need a lot of help, but I know there is always someone I can call if needed.

 What does the ‘host kit’ that the Cancer Council provides contain?

 It contains posters, receipts, signage, boxes for coins, plus all the administration information required.

Do you use the Biggest Morning Tea as an excuse to turn off your phone and computer and simply enjoy spending quality time with loved ones?

It is quality time, but the hours between 10am and midday are too hectic to relax much.

Each member of our group works hard, and we all know exactly what we have to do.

When our guests leave, we clean up and then have a sit down, a cuppa and a good ‘debrief’.

How do you actually raise funds at the Biggest Morning Tea?

 We usually have about 120 guests at our morning tea. They all know to bring lots of money.

We have a mega raffle with between 40 – 50 prizes. That is popular, because each ticket costs $5, but the same ticket is returned to the barrel and can be drawn again.

We also have two other raffles, each with a specific prize – one for $1 and the other costs $2.

We usually have an encore for whatever entertainment is on the day, but the guests are asked to throw coins before the encore, and they are happy to do so.

The guests always give us a gold coin donation for each cuppa.

At the end of the day, any food that is left is plated and a gold coin donation gets you a plate of yummy goodies. That is very popular.

Thanks Jenny.

Interview by Karen Farrell.

This story was published in issue 63 of Manning Great Lakes Focus

Instead of completely despairing and giving up on life, Mary made the decision to educate herself to support her children and has since become a role model to not only her own children, but to many children in the local community as well. Mary currently sits on the teaching staff of a new TAFE course, the Diploma of Aboriginal studies, which she helped for formulate.

Twelve years ago you went through an extraordinarily difficult time when your husband suddenly died. You made a choice that you wanted to inspire others to succeed. Apart from the obvious necessity of providing for your children, what prompted your decision to become a role model?

I think that there can never be enough role models for our young people. Today’s young people face so many challenges, and they really need to have people to look up to, to help support, motivate and encourage them.

It’s amazing how far a little bit of encouragement can take you.

You initially studied at TAFE in 1997 and subsequently upgraded your qualifications, enrolling in a Bachelor of Secondary Education, majoring in English and Aboriginal Studies. During this time you were also employed at Taree’s Ghinni Ghinni Youth and Culture Aboriginal Corporation and also at St Joseph’s Primary School. As a single mother, it can’t have been easy for you. How did you and how do you continue to manage a work/life balance?

At times it wasn’t easy, and I even had moments when I doubted myself and wondered if I could keep on going, but with the support of family and friends (and a lot of determination) I was able to succeed. I did find though, that as much as I love my family, occasionally I also needed time for myself. Even if it meant just putting my feet up, enjoying a cuppa and just finding a moment to relax.

What advice would you give to other single mothers currently living the daily juggling act of raising children with work and a career?

I think the best advice I can give is to hang in there. Yes, at times it will all seem too much, but the rewards (both personally and professionally) will be so great.

And don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t do it. You are the only one that can hold you back, nobody else. Above all, never lose sight of your goals and never be afraid to ask for help.

Together with Margaret Gardner, you helped formulate The Diploma of Aboriginal Studies, which is based out of Taree and also has relevance on the North Coast, where according to a release issued by NSW TAFE’s North Cost Institute, one in 10 of NSW’s Indigenous people live. Tell us about the course and if you have any plans to expand it in the future?

Heather McGregor (TAFE’s Director of Community Development and Aboriginal Engagement) was instrumental in formulating the course, along with Margaret, as well as negotiating with the Wollotuka Institute at Newcastle University.

Margaret then approached me and asked if I would be interested in helping to deliver the course, which is how my involvement came about.

The Diploma of Aboriginal Studies provides a high-level TAFE qualification and pathway for Aboriginal workers and community members seeking entry into the University of Newcastle’s Bachelor of Aboriginal Professional Practice.

The course also provides a year’s credit towards the degree. This is basically a pilot program for the Taree area, so depending upon the success of the program, it is hoped that we can continue to offer this course to students in the future.

What is involved in your role as Aboriginal Teacher Coach at Taree TAFE?

As Aboriginal Teacher Coach, I provide tutorial support to Indigenous students across all faculties at both Taree and Great Lakes Campus.

This support includes one-on-one, group tutorial and team teaching, as well as supporting students throughout their work placement.

I also liaise closely with Head Teachers to determine the extent of support for the students.

What do you aim to teach your students? 

My main aim is to help the students to course complete, but also to help them realise their potential.

I want them to know that they have true value and have so much to offer – not only to themselves and their families, but to their community as well.

After your life experiences, what have you learnt about the value of family?

To me, family is priceless. My outlook on life is that even if you don’t have anything else in life, you will always have family.

I once heard someone say what children mostly need is stability, patience and love … what do you think children are most in need of?

Definitely all of the above, but also to be made to feel important and that they are really, really special.

Thank you Mary.

Interview by Karen Farrell.

This story was published in issue 63 of Manning Great Lakes Focus

Could you tell us about your background and how you initially developed a passion and love of books?

I have always been an avid reader since childhood. I cannot remember a time when I wasn’t reading. My parents encouraged me from a very young age to enter the magical world of books. Books became close friends and have seen me through some tough times, helped me to relax and encouraged me to think and ponder the world. As a mother, I am only too aware that young people are to have their imagination encouraged and nurtured.

Tell us about how the Gloucester Writers Festival come to be?  

I opened the Gloucester Bookshop four years ago, and it became very apparent that despite a wealth of writers in the Hunter Valley and Mid North Coast, there was no Writers Festival for them to expose their work and for our readers to hear the story behind their stories.

As an avid reader, I have always found it fascinating hearing writers share the stories behind their stories. I really wanted to act as a community catalyst to bring together, stimulate, encourage and support all writers and readers. I want us to be able to present the world of literature as a place of social and cultural dialogue – and fun! I also wanted to create a smaller country festival that would provide a perfect base for emerging writers to engage with award winning guest writers and to learn some of the secrets of their success.

One of our objectives is to advance literacy by introducing youngsters to the wonder of books, and there will be workshops for high school students on writing a short story; every picture tells a story (about the graphic novel and creating caricatures), poetry and creative writing.

As part of our schools program, we are running a short story (500 words) competition, featuring the word/theme ‘edge’. This is open to all high schools in the Mid North Coast and Hunter. The winning entry will be announced and a presentation made on Saturday 5 May, during the Gloucester Writers Festival. The winner will attend a Master Class with a writer of their choosing, based in Sydney or Newcastle.

How does the festival work in terms of attending guest writer talks and panel sessions?

It’s a bit different this year. The venue is Gloucester High School, and we have arranged for a courtesy bus to operate between the town centre and the school during the entire festival.

This year we decided to hold the workshops on a separate day from the panel sessions, so that attendees could attend both. On Friday it is a whole day of workshops – spaces are limited, so if anyone wants to participate, we recommend booking prior to the day.

Saturday and Sunday there are panel sessions which will address a number of genres. These include historical fiction, young people’s fiction, creating alternative worlds (including fantasy and science fiction), travel writing, what makes fiction so popular, chicklit (which does not mean dumblit), poetry (who reads it), what kind of books are selling today, and aspiring writers get the chance to make a real pitch to real publishers.

The panel discussions are followed by questions from the audience, inviting free interaction between thinkers and artists, writers and audience.

We have book launches on both Saturday and Sunday at lunch time, which is very exciting. Saturday a local writers group, ‘River Writers’, will launch their first publication Eavesdroppin, which is a compilation of short stories and poetry. On Sunday our keynote speaker, Susanne Gervay, who is opening the festival, will launch Alien Shores: Tales of refugees and asylum seekers from Australia and the Indian subcontinent. This is a book ahead of its time; it has stories about refugees and asylum seekers from Linda Jaivin, Arnold Zable, Amitav Ghosh, Sophie Masson, Jamil Ahmad, Ali Alizadeh, Sujata Sankranti, Abdul Karim Hekmat, Anu Kumar, Susanne Gervay, Deepa Agarwal, Michelle Cahill, Tabish Khair, Joginder Paul, Andrew Y M Kwong, Bijoya Sawian, JuliaMackay-Koelen, Sharon Rundle and Meenakshi Bharat.

An emerging writer, Anna Campbell, will talk on Sunday about the ups and downs to get her book ‘off the computer and onto the shelves’.

The full program and details of the guest writers is on our website:
www.gloucesterwritersfestival.com where bookings can be made securely on line. Day and weekend passes will also be available at the door from 8.30am each day.

Will people be able to engage in debate and/or meaningful discussion with the writers attending the festival?  

Our audience will have the chance to ask questions at the end of each session, have books signed by our authors in the Festival Bookstore, as well as chatting with our writers at the Welcome Barbecue on Friday 4 May and our Festival Dinner (with guest speaker Jesse Blackadder) on Saturday 5 May. Bookings are essential for these social events.

What are some of the programs taking place in which people can participate in?

People can participate in the Friday Workshops, which include a Master Class on Fiction Essentials (with Dr Kathryn Heyman), the Art of the Poem (a three-hour workshop for poets with Judy Johnson) and Getting Published (a three-hour practical seminar for fiction and non fiction writers with Irina Dunn).

As I’ve said, people can participate at the end of all the panel sessions.

On Saturday after the last panel session, we again have the ‘Poet’s Sprint’, which is free for festival attendees and $5 for others. For anyone wanting feedback on the progress of their ‘work in progress’, the Sunday afternoon pitching session with a panel of publishers will be invaluable. Details are on our website for anyone who wants to register to ‘make a pitch’

Speaking of writers, which writers can people expect to rub shoulders with at the festival?  

Once again a great line up of award winning writers: our keynote speaker, Susanne Gervay AOM, the NSW Ambassador for the Year of Reading in 2012; Jesse Blackadder, winner of the Australian Antarctic Arts Fellowship Award for 2011/12; chicklit writers Lisa Heidke and Lisa Walker; award winning poets Judy Johnson and Robert Adamson. Historical writers Justin Sheedy, Carol Baxter and Isolde Martyn; children’s authors Stephen Measday and Aleesah Darlison. Wildlife photographer Jann Latta; and some great fantasy writers, Kim Falconer, Michael Pryor, Claire Corbett and Meg Mundell. Publishing is represented by Michael Wilding of Australian Scholarly Publishing and e- publisher Jacob Coates of Jaffa Books.

The Gloucester Writers Festival is billed as an ‘intimate festival’ in which people can expect ‘small town informality and hospitality’. Tell us about this …

Many Writers Festivals are held in major cities at very large impersonal venues. Comments we received from participants last year said they loved coming to a Writers Festival that is so personal and not so self promoting as larger festivals. While we do want our Gloucester Writers Festival to grow, we do not want to take away the informal and relaxed atmosphere.

Gloucester is a warm and welcoming town; it is set in a beautiful natural environment and its scenic beauty create a wonderful frame for our guests and participants to meet, discuss, debate and relax and enjoy this literary festival.

Why is this a festival for everyone (and not just for poets and creative writing types)?  

Writers and books – they are intertwined. Readers get the chance to meet writers they would not have otherwise had the chance to, hear why they wrote their stories, as well as be introduced to new writers and ideas. We know that both readers and writers will find something of interest and be stimulated and entertained with the talented line of speakers and guest writers at this year’s festival.

Thanks Lindy. 

Interview by Karen Farrell.

This story was published in issue 63 of Manning Great Lakes Focus

Karen Farrell caught up with Ando to discuss what he loves about travelling up from his current Newcastle hometown to surf our local waves …

You visited Forster-Tuncurry recently and were doing some film recording. What were you up to?

That trip was for Monster Children magazine … We had two photographers on the trip – one of them works for the magazine and the other one was a skateboarder photographer. We were also travelling with three surfers and four skate boarders from America and one Australian skate boarder. We just wanted to do an East Coast trip all the way from Sydney up to the Gold Coast. The skateboarders have surf boards and the surfers have skateboards, and we just hung out and surfed all up the coast.

Nice! Was it a good trip?

It was a really fun 10-day trip. I think we spent three of those days in Forster.

You got some really good waves in the area over that period of time …

Yeah, we were pretty lucky. There are always really fun waves on the east coast around summer.

We’ve got a really hard-core contingency of surfers here who would claim that it’s the best wave in the world. How would you rate surfing in our area compared to some of the other waves that you’ve travelled to?

I would definitely agree with all the local guys. I always try get up here as much as possible. I can sort of compare it to D’Bar on the Gold Coast, but there you’re going to have like 50 or so people out in the water, and people say that D’Bar is one of the best waves in the world.

I think Tuncurry is equally as good or even better, because of the crowd situation. For high performance surfing, I don’t think you can get any better … you get like a southerly wind off cross-shore and for any surfer who loves doing aerials, it’s pretty ideal conditions.

There are obviously certain codes in surfing. It’s just a really good crew of surfers here who understand the way it works, respect-wise …

Yeah, for sure. To me, Forster’s still this little town with not that many people living there. I get out there a bit with a few of the local guys, and they have always been so cool. You travel to other places in the world and even in Newcastle, you get guys who don’t really enjoy themselves as much as opposed to Forster, where everyone’s just having a good time. At Tuncurry there’s a vibe in the water – everyone’s just happy to be surfing and everyone’s friends. The guys were so pumped on how friendly the local guys were and how cool they were to everyone – they would wait their turn, whereas out at Mereweather, if a good wave comes through they just drop in and paddle in the inside and take off. Up at Forster, everyone is just cruising.

So on the Quiksilver website, who you’re of course sponsored by, it says 

your style is “syrupy and effortless”… I’ve also heard you say as well in 

an interview that you have almost got a lazy style – of course this wouldn’t 

be ‘lazy’, but perhaps relaxed.

I don’t really talk about my style in general … I always get a little weird when someone asks me about that because you know, I just paddle out there and get to my feet, and I can’t really think about what I’m doing …

Just like the way a person walks or the way they talk. It’s just instinct, and surfing is second nature to you?

Yes, for sure.

What’s it like to share a few waves and a road trip with your mate, Dane Reynolds?

I’ve been spending a bit of time with him over the last few months through the Quiksilver avenue. It’s super cool watching him surf. He has just been up there with the best of the world. In a row he will just pull off five crazy clips or layers. I get a little down seeing how crazy he is at surfing, and I’m just sitting there. It’s rad though; it’s really cool surfing with him. It definitely lifts your standard of surfing.

Yeah, absolutely. I guess it’s like sparring in a way.

Totally. That’s exactly the way I look at it, but sometimes when you’re out there and he is lighting up every wave, it’s like, “Woah, what am I even doing here!”

Do you think you’ll ever attack the WCT?

I just don’t think I could stand out in that arena in the way that I surf a wave. A lot of the guys in the contest just viciously attack a wave, and I don’t like to do that. I like to sit back and let the wave do what it wants me to do. I just think if I started doing contests, I wouldn’t really go anywhere.

It’s really interesting, I guess in a sense, because for many surfers it’s about being natural, and I guess what you’re saying is competition is in conflict with that.

And all those guys who love to win, and they’re really hungry. They’re just professional athletes, and I just don’t see myself as one of those people. When I was growing up and competing, I won a heat, I lost a heat. I didn’t really care much about that stuff.

But then I see my younger sister, and she’s like 19 and doing the WQS up at the Roxy Pro this year. She won the trials and got into the main event; she’s just really motivated and wants to win. I think she got that gene out of the family pool, and I don’t really care about proving myself to people and judges.

On the WCT, who do you think will go well this year?

I think Kelly will win again. I think he will keep winning for however long he wants to win. Watching him surf up on the Gold Coast, he just looks amazing in the water. He just seems to have this freakish ability to always get the best waves, never falls off so I think he will win again.

Would it be fair to say that he’s the best athlete of all time?

He has got to be, for sure. He is up there with  Michael Jordan and all those guys. It’s just how consistent he is – how many heats and contests he has won.

The ocean is not like a basketball hoop where it’s not going to move; you can be out of rhythm with the ocean quite easily. There are just so many features when you’re dealing with nature, and Kelly always seems to come up on top.

What’s in your car CD at the moment? 

I’ve been getting into all the old stuff like the Rolling Stones and the Beatles and The Doors.

What are you watching at the moment?

I picked up a couple of old skate videos on the road trip, so I’ve been getting into those and looking for inspiration.

What’s your favourite website?

Check out www.stabmagazine.com for all the surfing and what’s going on in the surfing world. I also check out all the forecast websites.

Reading?

Check out Monster Children magazine …

Thanks Ando.

Interview by Karen Farrell.

Thanks to Benny Sounness from NCAC for hooking me up with Ando. A massive thank you also to Bosko (Peter Boskovic) – Senior Photographer at WAVES magazine for supplying our awesome cover shot and inside surf shots of Ando. Check out Bosko’s shots at instagram, BOSKOPHOTO.

This story was published in issue 63 of Manning Great Lakes Focus

As an artist, Jeanette has found exhibiting to be an integral part of her growth and artistic journey, recently opening Gallery Saltair, located at Diamond Beach.

Karen Farrell speaks to Jeanette about her passion for nurturing local artistic talent, with the regular classes she offers at Gallery Saltair.

How long have you lived in the Manning-Great Lakes and from an artist’s point of view, how does the area inspire you?

I moved here with my family in 2000 as part of our sea change and getting out of the Sydney rat race. From the very beginning, I was enchanted by the Manning-Great Lakes region. Its beautiful lifestyle is a double bonus as an artist living here. Even for artists who aren’t into land and seascapes, the colours and textures alone are an inspiration. Basically, this area makes me feel alive. I have never suffered from painter’s block and instead, suffer creative overload.

You initially opened Gallery Saltair as a way of capturing the tourist market over the 2011 Christmas period and are now entertaining the idea of keeping the gallery open due to its success … how were you hoping to capture the tourist market?

For the past two-and-a-half years, the idea of opening a commercial art gallery grew. I had to find the right place for a short-term lease and considering how busy we get each Christmas, I did think it would be a Christmas holiday gig only. The opening night was a great success, with paintings of my own, students and art friends selling to locals before the Chrissie holidays had even begun.

The local artists and community and their extended families’ support was fantastic and frankly, a little overwhelming. I panicked there wouldn’t be enough art left for holiday visitors to view. I approached local artists to put some work in the gallery, and the word quickly spread. I then had artists knocking on my door. What a nice problem to have! I realised that the tourist market would be a bonus on top of local support.

For artists wishing to potentially exhibit at Gallery Saltair, tell us about the space?

I want this space to be a visual creation and constantly changing, with a steady rotation of work. I am a big believer in complimentary opposites or contrasting one painting to the next, including subject matter and mediums. I love to visit galleries and make a point of doing so wherever I go. My favourites are those with a contemporary edge, and this is what I want Gallery Saltair to have and maintain – to be a commercial gallery and not just another shop.

The gallery is not overly large, with a stark white floor and walls that help the art do all the talking. I have one black wall, again for contrast. With the right work hanging, it can make a painting ‘pop’.

I’m running the gallery as you would expect any commercial gallery to operate. Artists are required to submit their work by email and if it looks like we have a match, they are then subsequently required to complete a contract and inventory.

The feedback from visitors is that the standard and diversity within the gallery is simply stunning. I want to remain true to fine art, as well as supporting local artists and have managed to combine creative works from paintings to essential oil candles, hand fused glass, hand painted jewellery, sculptures, tiles, photography and hand spun wool. Eclectically, it all comes together as a funky, edgy and stimulating palette.

Students travel far and wide to participate in your art workshops. What do these workshops involve, and how often do you run them? 

My workshops have been running for three years, with regulars from all over the Manning- Great Lakes region – and some from as far as Barrington and Morpeth! The workshops are definitely not too technically demanding, and I encourage the palette knife style for that reason. It’s important students are guided on an expectation-free journey of discovery, without constant critiquing. Development comes with the discoveries they make. Being hands-on heightens all their senses and makes the process very enjoyable. With a set painting group, the mediums, subject matter and what we are individually working on do change. This is to keep growing and experiencing something different.

I welcome beginners who have always wanted to give painting a go (there are many latent talents ready to be discovered) as well as accomplished artists who are interested in challenging their art practice. Once again, complimentary opposites and the diversity enhance the fun we have as a group. It is very therapeutic.

You’re a strong promoter of fostering new talent and often exhibit newly graduated TAFE students’ work at Gallery Saltair. Why has it been important to you to have a commercial gallery for local artists? 

As a TAFE Fine Art graduate, I realised the ‘real’ art world can be pretty daunting. Part of the TAFE’s professional practice encourages students to think commercially by approaching venues to display their art for potential sale, pricing their work and negotiating commissions.

How the graduates manage this transition after TAFE can be critical to their artistic journey. I wanted Gallery Saltair to provide a platform for those students and TAFE, and I’m thrilled that I can be a part of their experience and hopefully offer some practical assistance.

Why has exhibiting played such a strong role in your artistic journey?

I had to think hard for this question, Karen! What does an artist paint a picture for – is it for instant gratification, or to store in the garage, or to admire for themselves? I’ve done all of these … although for me, exhibiting has been a great learning experience. It has also given me an audience and now a following.

As an artist, it is a huge thrill to see people moved so much by your art. It can’t possess them, and they then have to possess it. Acquiring a painting is a gift that keeps on giving. I had one painting paid off over 12 months – not ideal for me, but I loved the fact that they ‘got’ what I‘d created. It was an itch that had to be scratched.

Gallery Saltair has confirmed that unless your art is visible, it can’t be admired or acquired, which is necessary to keep all artists on their journey.

You’ve described your painting style as once having bordered on being abstract to now being of full abstraction influence … explain to us what this means and how your style has evolved over the years?

I do have a passion for painting with a palette knife, where it is near impossible to get a straight line. The left-hand side of the brain will want to auto correct the line you’re painting to what it is actually observing. It’s surrendering to the right of the brain to loosen up and going with what is developing in front of you.

It demands your observation to really see your subject and not just be looking at it. It’s hard to explain, but I love this challenge, and I am embracing the unknown.

It is this challenge that’s leading my journey to full abstraction, and I see this more clearly when reviewing the progression in my style. I am really enjoying this evolution.

Abstract artists you greatly admire?

My admiration for artist Nicholas Harding has been my greatest influence and continues to be – I want to do one of his workshops so much. Also Fred Williams, Yayoi Kusama, John Olsen, Brett Whiteley, Mic Rees and a photographer, Richard Woldendorp.

What’s next for you?

Being an owner/gallery director is demanding and satisfying. I do feel I’m in the right place at the right time. As long as Gallery Saltair expenses are covered, I’m keeping it happening.

Thanks Jeanette.

This story was published in issue 63 of Manning Great Lakes Focus

On May 12, entrants participating in the Forster Adventure Race will enjoy new tracks and trails, plus an upgraded and improved short adventure course.The popular Junior Spirit is also back on 12 May, providing local kids aged between 6 to 13 with a fantastic new course and some exciting surprises. Karen Farrell caught up with husband and wife duo and ardent adrenalin junkies, Wayne and Vanda Gooley, to find out all about the Forster Adventure Race.

WG: You are President of the GLITA. What is the GLITA, and tell us about responsibilities as President of the organisation?

The Great Lakes International Triathlon Association (GLITA) was formed over 25 years ago to run Ironman when it first began in our region in the mid 1980s. In those days, we had a large committee that worked tirelessly to stage an event that was of great benefit to our community. Over the past few years, our role has been to use our expertise in supporting other events which have come to town, including adventure racing and triathlon.

My role as GLITA President is no different to any of the committee members, who are all hands on when it comes to staging an event. We have 15 members who contribute varying expertise and knowledge to each event we support.

WG: The course is widespread; where are the best vantage points to see all the action?

The Forster Adventure Race is an exciting one-day event showcasing the natural beauty of our region. The course is designed to have minimal impact on local business, with no road closures. A great vantage point to watch proceedings is on Elizabeth Beach where the swim leg will start and finish, before competitors head off on the run leg.

Forster Main Beach will be another great spot to see the adventure race finish and be on hand to watch the younger competitors in the Junior Spirit

Competitors will cross main roads on three occasions, where GLITA will provide accredited traffic marshals to control vehicle flow. These are at the southern end of Boomerang Beach, the northern end of Blueys Beach and at the end of the run leg at Bungwahl. This should ensure minimal disruption to people travelling on our roads.

WG: How many entrants are you anticipating will enter the race, and in what capacity can people enter?

We are anticipating upwards of 200 entries across all categories. So if you’re not up to do doing all four legs on your own, grab another two or three  friends and enter as a team and enjoy the fun of such an event.

VG: If there is a sporting event involving running, swimming, riding a bike or just generally breaking a sweat, you tend to be there … when did your love of sport begin – and what do you love so much about it?

I started running at university to lose a few kilos, after a rapid weight gain during my first year. I discovered that I certainly wasn’t a sprinter, but had endurance. I quickly got the running bug and felt the benefits of endorphins and fitness. That’s over 30 years ago and I’ve never stopped running, apart from occasional injury.

Meeting Wayne and having a common love for running enhanced my passion for the sport. We have travelled a lot and together, we felt that running was a wonderful vehicle to embrace and explore any place in the early morning hours. We’re lucky enough to have seen the sun rise over many beautiful sights.

I found running difficult in the later stages of pregnancy with my first child, when a dear friend gave me swimming lessons. Learning to swim at age 32 was a challenge. Now I love ocean swimming with The Turtles local swimming group, under the fine guidance of Russell Jackson.

A few years ago I was an inspired volunteer at The Ironman Triathlon. Wayne and I decided to give triathlons a go, borrowed bicycles, and we were quickly hooked. When The Anaconda came to Forster I didn’t want to miss out and was ready for a new challenge, so purchased an old mountain bike and entered a team.

I love that sport brings people together from all walks of life and all ages – sport breaks down many barriers.

VG: Do you find living in such a pristine area as the Great Lakes makes it easier to find the motivation to exercise?

Absolutely yes! When I emigrated from London to Forster, I knew I’d found paradise. I truly believe that anyone training in any sport in The Great Lakes is blessed to be surrounded by the most magnificent environment. Over the years, I have trained for a variety of events, and the Great Lakes offers every terrain for every event and discipline.

The Great Lakes is one big adventure playground, whether you’re exploring water activities or are on foot or wheels. It would be hard not to be motivated to exercise through our National Parks and State Forests and through our beautiful coastline and beaches.

VG: What sort of preparations and training have you been doing towards racing in the Forster Adventure Race? 

I’m training for a couple of events at the moment so I’m cross training, which I love – mixing running with swimming and riding. In the Forster Adventure Race I am doing the

18 km run leg. I run 4 to 5 times a week and have been increasing my distances over the past weeks. I’ve also been including hill runs, with laps of Bennett’s Head and the Forster water tower, combined with some beach runs and stairs climbs. I’m now running with the gear I will wear and carry on the day.

I will familiarize myself with the running course before race day. The week prior to the event, I will start to taper and treat myself to a massage.

Through all my training I drink lots of water, eat a mainly vegetarian diet, but enjoy bubbles and a few naughty treats. I fall into bed early, 8.30 – 9pm and rise before the sun. It’s all about balance!

VG: Are you participating as part of a team or solo?

I am participating as part of team called ‘Kings and Old Things’ – I’m one of the old things! We (Leanne and Paul King, Greg Bow and me) made up a team in last year’s Adventure Race and had so much fun together, we decided to enter the same team for this year’s Adventure Race.

The support, friendship and fun is priceless. The team’s run across the finish line is nothing less than euphoric.

WG: Events such as these can be a significant boost to local economy by bringing visitors to the region – what are your thoughts on this?

Whenever we have events in our region, we see an influx of visitors enjoying our cafés, restaurants and shops. Generally, we are a very welcoming community, and when visitors arrive there’s a great energy that ripples through our community.

Our local economy must benefit from this influx and we should support each event for this reason – even if we are not personally involved.

Thanks Wayne and Vanda.

This story was published in issue 63 of Manning Great Lakes Focus