Ian, what’s your association with Saxbys Soft Drinks and role in the company? Are there any generations of the Saxby family involved in the business today?

My great great grandfather was George Saxby, the founder of Saxbys Soft Drinks in 1864. I have worked at Saxbys since 1972 (as a school boy), having just completed my 40th summer. I have been Managing Director since 1995, after replacing my father Jock Turner, who was Managing Director for the previous 25 years. He had replaced my grandfather, Roy Saxby.

My cousins, Peter Saxby and Reid Farrell, are also 5th generation and have had involvement in the business. Ian and Reid both currently work within the company. Ian Carr (husband of Jenny Saxby) is a Director, and Peter Saxby has also played a valuable role over many years. Over the years, George’s sons, Dolph and E.J (Edwin Jackson), along with grandsons, Roy, Gordon, and Frank and his great grandson, Ted Saxby (of Saxbys Pharmacy) have also been involved with the business.

We have also been privileged to have many long serving staff. The Austin and Monck families have been involved over multiple generations.

Saxbys is Australia’s oldest family owned soft drink manufacturer.

Saxbys Soft Drinks is an iconic business in the Manning Valley, having been established back in 1864. What can you tell us about the founder of the business, George Saxby?

George Saxby immigrated to Australia from Kent in England in the 1850s with his parents. They settled in Sydney, where George trained as a stone mason and also had a brief time in Victoria trying his luck during the gold rush days. He moved to the Manning Valley in the 1860s. George served twice as Mayor of Taree. He was also involved in the Manning’s first newspaper and was a founding member of the Taree Church of Christ. His first soda factory was located by the river near the Taree recreation grounds at Chatham, near Rotary Park. Factories have also been located at Victoria Street (near Valley Fair), opposite Taree Court House in Albert Street and the current location on the Bucketts Way, Taree South. Saxbys also owned and operated a factory on Isabella Street, Wingham.

Back in the early days, cases of Saxbys Soft Drinks were transported on floats to Taree Wharf and then delivered around the area by wheelbarrow! There must have been immense changes in production and distribution over the years; what are some of the innovations you’ve witnessed?

The early days were very manual: hand bottling, labelling and washing. Deliveries to Gloucester used to be a three day trip with horse and cart. Bottles have progressed from ceramic bottle, imported glass bottles from Scotland, to returnable glass with crown seals, returnable glass with screw caps, one way glass, to PET bottles. Bottling technology has changed, with much higher speed lines and packaging innovation. Major producers fill cans at over 2,000 per minute and bottles at over 800 per minute; Saxbys’ current capability is a maximum of 200 b.p.m. Saxbys now deliver nationally and ship internationally.

How many staff are employed by Saxbys these days?
We have 36 full-time and 12 part-time staff, many of them with over 20 years of service. Peter Schneider and Brian Seagrott both have over 40 years of service.

The business has come a long way in terms of its product offering over the years, having established a solid foundation with its famous Ginger Beer in the beginning. What are some of the products available to consumers now?
Saxbys produce a wide variety of both regular and diet soft drinks under the Saxbys, Solis, and Ziestch brands. Varieties include Saxbys new twist range of ginger beer and cranberry, lemon or pineapple, cranberry and raspberry, peach and pear, citrus blend, blood orange in the Solis brand, lemonade, lime, crème soda, cheery cheer, mandarin, lemon squash, pineapple and cola. These are all in both regular and diet. Other flavours include Portello ginger lime and bitters, lemon lime and bitters, raspberry, club nectar, and of course, Saxbys stone ginger beer.

How far and wide are Saxbys Soft Drinks distributed – is there an international market?
We sell our products Australia wide, as well as in New Zealand, Malaysia, Brunei and several other Pacific islands. Several other markets are currently under negotiation.

What is the ethos or the mission statement of the business?
Saxbys’ aim is to provide quality refreshment and service. We have always been proud to support and invest in our local community.

What new products/ideas/developments are in the pipeline?
We are always working on new concepts, whether it is flavours, natural sweeteners or packaging. Sorry … nothing to divulge at this time!

Saxbys is a proud sponsor of the Made in the Manning promotion being held throughout the area in April. Why did you feel it’s important to be involved?
There are several reasons. The Manning Valley produces some great produce, and the community need to know what is available and hopefully enjoy the products. Secondly, although we have been producing our products in the Manning for almost 150 years and actively market our products here, there are still a number of people who do not realise that we are both locally owned and made.

Buying locally is both good for building a stronger community, helping the local economy and helping the environment with fewer food miles.

Where’s the best place for readers to find out more about the Saxbys Soft Drink business?
Our website is fairly comprehensive:     www.saxbys.com.au or www.saxbys.tel
Thanks Ian.

This article can be found in issue 74 of Manning-Great Lakes

What is the age range of your group’s members?

Krysten 18 years to 21 years.

Describe how your group first came together to work on your sustainability project … 

Krysten Homebase Youth Service was successful with a Youth Development and Support Program submission (to deliver a youth-focused sustainability expo during Youth Week) with the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations. The project was promoted via local media and through Homebase’s network and as a result, a team of 12 participants were recruited. Most of the team’s members were sourced through Forster’s BreakThru Employment and came to the project with varying interest and knowledge levels regarding sustainability.

Why do you feel sustainability is such an important issue?

April We can’t move on to another planet, so learning to look after the earth and all its creatures (including humans) is important.

Andrew This is our world, and we only have one chance to keep it the way it is … we also want to improve the way things are.

Amelia I love the area, because it is so peaceful … won’t be here for my children to enjoy if we keep living unsustainably.

Jodie I want to feel happy and secure.

Ivy Sustainability is about living well now in a way that future generations can also live well; we care about this happening.

Ionela I want to keep our environment as natural as possible … breathe clean air … so my children can see it and have a healthy life.

Nathan So others can have good times and make good memories like me.

What activities/programs have you been out and about experiencing in the local community to help you learn about sustainable living?

Krysten The team have been meeting one day a week for the past five months, and during this time have attended and evaluated other expos, participated in workshops to learn about a range of topics including waste management, propagation, organic gardening, efficient energy use and traditional uses of plants and have researched both local and global sustainability issues.

The team have built a garden at The Green that displays companion planting and organic gardening and have also participated in workshops to assist in the planning and organising of a community event.

Tell us about ‘Our World Our Future … Starts With Me’. When and where will you be holding this expo?

Krysten The expo is being run in conjunction with the King of the Krater event being held at Tuncurry Skate Park on Saturday 6 April between 10am and 2pm.

What activities do you have planned for the day?

Krysten The team have organised practical workshops in propagating edible plants, waste to wealth (how to make money from ‘waste’), love food hate waste (making nutritious food from ‘leftovers’), and the Green Bikes crew will be on site for bike repairs and maintenance.

The team have also created poetry and informational and photographic displays of what they value most in their community, traditional uses of local plants, upcycled fashion and the waste hierarchy. The team has invited community service representatives to participate (e.g. Great Lakes Great Health, Youth Mental Health, Great Lakes Council’s Water Catchment Trailer, JR Richards, Great Lakes Climate Action Group, Second Bites, Money for Phones, The Green, Forster Neighbourhood Centre) for information sharing purposes.

Additionally, the team has propagated over 200 edible plants (using newspaper to make plant pots) that they will give away on the day. Visitors will also have the opportunity to create their own plants (to take and plant at home) using organic seed and the biodegradable cups that they sampled food from (reused from the love food hate waste workshop).

What do you see as being the aim of the event?

Krysten Promoting sustainability, caring for our natural systems and encouraging good living practices. The event provides an opportunity for young people to have a voice about their community, their world and their futures. It also provides local young people with the opportunity to be involved in a meaningful project where real skills and knowledge are developed and displayed.

This event is a culmination of the works and efforts of ten local young people who are committed to making better futures for themselves and for the generations that follow, so creating a forum for expression and raising the status of young people in our community are also aims of this event.

Why do you feel it’s important for our youth to get out there, have a go and put some effort and energy back into their local communities?

April Today’s young people aren’t enthusiastic about the future, but we can make a difference … we are the future, and our actions and dreams should be heard and taken into account.

We often hear negative stories about our local young people but in fact, there are lots of young people already making changes and putting effort and energy into community development – perhaps as a community we need to put more energy into and encouraging, valuing and promoting these efforts and providing youth opportunities.

This Youth Week event, run in conjunction with King of the Krater, showcases a depth of capacity, attention, care and creativity that will inspire all community members to envision and work towards a more sustainable future.

Where can people find out more information about the expo?

Contact Krysten at Homebase Youth Service on 6555 5622 or kbanks@glcr.org.au.

Thanks everyone.

People involved with the project are: Krysten Banks, Project Coordinator, and Homebase Youth Service participants: Nathan Dillon, April Stewart, Ionela Cornhill, Joshua Quiring, Jodie Pearce, Morgan Rees, Ivy Lund-Eatock, Andrew Clarke, Jordan Harris, Amelia Allen, Maureen Cooper, Sarah Cooper (Transition Consultants), Breakthru Employment.

This article can be found in issue 74 of Manning-Great Lakes

What’s your family background, Margaret?

We’ve been in Taree since 1973 – we arrived the week before my daughter’s first birthday. We used to own bakeries in Taree, Port Macquarie, Kempsey and Wauchope, and then my husband and I, with our partners, started Bayview Seafoods.

We originally lived in Sydney, but the suburb we lived in was the seventh dirtiest in Sydney – out near Fairfield/Smithfield − and our son was an Asthmatic, so when my husband got the offer of a job up in Ballina, we took it. Ultimately, the job didn’t work out, so we moved to Grafton for over a year, and after that he had the offer of either working in Glen Innes or Taree, so we moved here. It was closer to Sydney and our families.

We have two sons and a daughter, and both sons provided us with two grandkids each.

You’ve been here a long time now … what do you really love about the area?

The beautiful scenery and the lovely people. It can be hard to get to know people in a new town, and I was always told being an outsider in a new place was hard, but the people here are great.

You mentioned your children and grandchildren … did they help you become interested in dance and the local Eisteddfod?

(Laughs). No – none of them dance! In 1983, my good friend Lorna had to step down from the position of Secretary on the Eisteddfod committee, as she became unwell. I told her I would help out – but I had no idea what an Eisteddfod was!

I figured I’d be involved with the Eisteddfod for around 5 years … but I keep getting voted back in!

The following year, Wendy Bourke stepped down as Dance Coordinator, and my friend Bev Kyne volunteered to take on the position if I helped her. When Bev retired, I worked with Kay Bird and Shirley Molloy, and then I held the position on my own. So this year, it’s 30 years I’ve been Secretary, and 29 years as Dance Coordinator. I’m training a new lady now to help me with the dance coordination.

What’s involved with both your roles, and have they changed much since you first became involved with the Eisteddfod?

The Secretary role involves taking the minutes from each meeting. Each Coordinator from the Eisteddfod picks their own adjudicator, and I write to them and supply them with their contracts – it’s a reasonably easy job.

The Dance Coordinator role is a very big job. When Bev and I started, we only held the Eisteddfod over 4 days and the first time we held groups on a Saturday night, we only had 33 groups. Last year, we had 345 groups! We’ve grown so much since we’ve been in the MEC (Manning Entertainment Centre).

So, when was the Eisteddfod’s beginning locally?

The modern Eisteddfod started in 1967, when three people came together and organised it. There was an Eisteddfod back before the first World War, but that folded. The modern Eisteddfod started in ’67 with music, dance, and speech/drama, and it was held in a variety of halls throughout Taree and Wingham.

I remember when the Eisteddfod was held in the Wingham Town Hall … that was a bit of fun, as the girls had to get dressed in the dining hall, and if there’d been a heat wave, all the doors had to be left open!

We really fought to get the MEC open, and in 1988 we moved in.

You mentioned the sections that were open to performers in the early days of the Eisteddfod. What categories are available for competitors these days?

This year we have vocal, piano, instrumental/electronic, speech and drama, dance, and school choirs. So, there are 6 sections at the moment.

What is the upper and lower age limit of people who generally compete?

In the dance section, we’ve had little ones as young as two. The little two and three year olds are so gorgeous on stage! In dance, we have an age cut off for 23 years and under for solos, but groups can have members of any age. We’ve had adult groups with members up in their 80s.

What are some of your fondest memories from all the years you’ve been involved with the Eisteddofd?

I love to see the kids perform and grow in confidence – I just love it. Many of them have gone on to the world stage now, and four of our former competitors have come back as adjudicators. It’s wonderful that they’re able to come back and utilise their skills. Some of them are so nervous when they start out, and to see their talent, confidence and skill grow is wonderful.

At one stage, we had three of our former dancers accepted by the Queensland Ballet, the Australian Ballet and the Western Australian Ballet – and they were all boys!

Every year we have great kids coming through. Our President, Tim Stack, and I work really well together too.

I enjoy meeting the parents and the teachers, and I find the majority of the people are great to work with.

Actually – you brought up a good point. I was going to ask you whether you saw many boys progress through the dancing ranks locally …

The numbers come and go. A couple of years ago, we had 8 or 9 male dancers. This year, I think we have 4. We’ve had some amazing boy dancers over the years!

What are the various categories within the dance section of the Eisteddfod?

The categories are classical ballet, demi-character, modern expressive, contemporary, jazz, tap, variety – there’s a Hollywood Musical within the group section … there is a great range.

As far as I know, we were the first Eisteddfod in Australia to have a modern expressive championship and a contemporary championship.

Our competitors come from as far away as Sydney and Wollongong and Queensland.

Why do you believe Eisteddfods are so important for regional areas? 

I’m a great believer in school, and also in children having cultural experiences, such as Eisteddfods. It expands their knowledge and teaches them confidence.

How did you feel when you received your OAM for your services to the Eisteddfod movement in 2008?

The night before the award, I don’t think I slept … I was so proud!

When will the Eisteddfod be held in Taree this year?

We start on April 23, and go right though until June 1. You can visit www.tareeeisteddfod.com.au for details.

In early April, people can go to Bass n Blues and Taree Ballet Gear to buy a program.

Thanks Margaret. You’re a true local legend.

This article can be found in issue 74 of Manning-Great Lakes

This will be the 9th year King of the Krater has been held. How did the idea to organise the event first come about?

In the early days of King of the Krater, young people set up a small committee to promote an event during Youth Week. The competition evolved due to extensive consultation with the local youth who use the skate park, to see whether they would be interested in competing in a community event such as this.

The spirit around the day proved to be fantastic and it showed that if you put an event together that the young people really want to be a part of, and one which they’re really interested in, then it brings out the best in them.

When and where will this year’s event be held?

King of the Krater will be held on Saturday 6 April at the Tuncurry Skate Park ‘Fazio Park’, Point Road, Tuncurry, with registration starting at 8.30am.

What will happen on the day – what are some of the different events/categories involved?

There are three events: Skate, BMX and Scooter with three categories in each event, Under 12, Under 17 and Opens. Whilst all entrants are encouraged to wear the appropriate safety gear, it will be compulsory for the Under 12 category to wear helmets.

After registration, the heats will start at 10am and run throughout the morning. There will be a short break for lunch, with some novelty activities to entertain the crowds before the finalists are announced. Throughout the day to keep everything flowing, there will be the opportunity for spectators and competitors to showcase their skills in the skate bowl.

Finals will start at around 2pm, with the finalists competing to show their best tricks in order to be crowned King of the Krater 2013 in the individual categories.

While the scores are being tallied, there will be another opportunity for free riding before the winners are announced at the Presentation at around 3pm.

The focus on the day will be on the competition; however, it’s also a great fundraising opportunity, with all funds raised being donated to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, who will be providing an affordable BBQ and drinks for all to enjoy. As usual, we will also be having a young DJ at the event to keep spectators entertained throughout the day.

And this year for something different, we are enhancing our youth focus by including a sustainability expo. The display titled ‘Our World, Our Future … Starts With Me’ is being delivered by a group of local young people who’ve been meeting at Homebase over the past few months to learn about sustainability.

The Sustainability Champions project has organised informational and photographical displays to highlight some of the issues that affect young people in this community.

How many people are you expecting will attend on the day?

King of the Krater drew a crowd of over 500 people last year, living up to its billing as the best event yet and following on from the success last year, we are expecting even bigger numbers for 2013.

What prizes will be offered on the day?

The Under 12 and Under 17 categories will receive some fantastic prizes for first, second and third spots, like skateboard decks and parts, stickers, scooters, bike parts, hats, wristbands, clothing, vouchers etc, all of which have been kindly donated by our loyal sponsors.

The Open categories will receive cash prizes of $300 for first place, $150 for second place and $50 for third.

Who are some of the local individuals/organisations you’d like to thank for their support?

I’d really like to thank some our local supporters: Saltwater Wine, Jungle Surf, NCAC Stash House, Forster Cycles, Tuncurry Bowling Club, Forster Surf & Sport, Great Lakes Advocate, Iguana Surfwear, Great Lakes Council, Mick Perry Concreting, Tuncurry Post Office, JR Richards & Sons, Forster Sports & Tackle, Club Forster, SES Nabiac, Forster Printing and 101.5 Great Lakes FM Radio.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank Ted Bickford, Graffiti Buster and Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service representative, who not only rallies round collecting sponsorship money and donations for King of the Krater, but is also a terrific advocate for young people in the area.

King of the Krater coincides with Youth Week. What does Youth Week mean to you personally?

Youth Week is a fantastic time of year to engage with the young people in the area. It’s the time of year where local youth really show that they are a valuable part of the community.

Do potential entrants have to register for King of the Krater, and are there costs involved?  

Yes, they can register on the day. Registration opens at 8.30am on Saturday 6 April and there will be a registration tent set up at the Skate Park. Entry is only $5. For more information about the event, please contact Briony Joyce at Homebase Youth Service on 6555 5622 or 0407 792 608.

Thanks Briony.

This article can be found in issue 74 of Manning-Great Lakes

Never underestimate the amount of work and creative skill that go into creating a beautiful quilt. Kerry Wakely has a love and affinity for patchwork and shares her talent and passion with others at the Taree Craft Centre. If you’d like to experience some beautiful examples of patchwork for yourself, Kerry invites you to attend the Manning Valley Quilt Exhibition, which runs from April 12 – 20.

What was it about patchwork that first interested you?

I was at my desk one day and a friend was on the phone booking into a workshop to make a ‘quilt in a day’. I said without thinking, “I can I do that”. I was dressmaking for myself, but had never ventured into any crafts. In fact, I had no idea of patchwork and quilting and had never been interested. I did some research prior to the workshop and when the day came around, I was quite excited. I can remember sitting in the workshop thinking: “What have I been missing out on all these years?” That was the year 2000, and I cannot remember a time since when I didn’t have a quilt in the making. 

Who/what has been your inspiration – that have encouraged you to keep up your interest in your craft?
After that workshop, I wanted to learn as much as I could. I enrolled in classes at my local patchwork shop and made a sampler, a quilt that has many different patterns and techniques. I thought that once I did that, I would know it all. Well … 13 years later, I am still learning and hope I never say I know it all. My first teacher always encouraged me to try something new and extend you. I made a rule that every quilt I make has to have some feature about it that I have never done before − a new technique or a particular style of fabric. There are not many quilts I make that don’t comply.

Patchwork fabrics today are generally my inspiration. The colours, the designs, you do not have to make anything; I get pleasure from buying them, looking at the fabrics to think about what to make, folding them up again and putting them away. Every quilter has a ‘stash’. There is a saying: “She who dies with the most fabric wins”.

Describe (and name) some of the traditional patterns we can find in quilting …
I have a book by Jinny Beyer, one of the world’s foremost quilters titled “The Quilter’s Album of Patchwork Patterns”, featuring more than 4,050 pieced blocks. Some of these patterns date back to the 1800s and can have multiple names, as different quilters have used the patterns and given their own version of a name. One of my favourites is the Ohio Star; in the book, it has 23 different names. There can also be different patterns with the same name. It is endless, the patterns available to quilters.

How long would it typically take you to create a quilt from concept to completion?
There is no one answer to this question, as it depends on the type of quilt you are making, the size and  techniques being used. There is a quilt we have been making this year called a Jelly Roll Race or 1600. It can take as little as a day to make the quilt top, but then it has to be quilted, and if you do that yourself you can add days and even weeks to the quilt.

I have made a large quilt that was hand appliquéd and took twelve months to complete the top. Making this quilt was an absolute pleasure, and time wasn’t an issue. It became a friend, a family heirloom in the making.

We generally make quilts for a reason, a special person, a birthday or a newborn. Some of us also make quilts because we love making quilts, the satisfaction of creating something beautiful, trying out a new pattern or technique. We make quilts for a lifetime and hope that they will be passed down to future generations.

How much of the work is done by hand (if any) and how much by machine?
Today, nearly all quilts are made by machine, with only the last stage of a quilt, the binding, being stitched by hand. Even this can be machine stitched.

Some of the more traditional quilters still like to hand appliqué and piece some of their quilts, and also complete the quilting by hand. There is a different set of skills required, and it is really satisfying to complete the hand work as our ancestors would have many years ago.

When and how often do you teach classes at the Taree Craft Centre?
Patchwork classes are held every Wednesday morning at the Craft Cottage Complex from 9.30am to 12.30pm. I specialise in beginners; to take people that would like to learn and introduce them to the wonderful world of patchwork. Some people want to get back into patchwork and some have a ‘UFO’ (unfinished object) from years ago and want to finish it. I use the term ‘people’, rather than ladies, as I have had male students over the years. Everybody is welcome.

What’s the history behind the Manning Valley Quilt Exhibition?
I commenced patchwork classes at the Craft Cottage just before the extensions were commenced in 2010. In discussion with Pam Eyb from the Craft Centre, we came up with the idea that we celebrate the opening of the extensions with a quilt exhibition. The first exhibition was March 2011 and ran for a week. Quilts were exhibited by groups and classes meeting at the Centre, as well as members. This year will be our second exhibition.

What is the venue, date and time for the exhibition this year?
The Manning Valley Quilt Exhibition is 12 April to 20 April 2013 at the Craft Cottage Complex, corner of High and Pulteney Streets, Taree. The exhibition is open every day between 10am and 3pm except for Saturday 20, when it will close at 1pm. Entry is $3.

What will people experience at the event?
There will be approximately sixty quilts on display, from large quilts to wall hangings and table runners. A special feature of the exhibition is a display of older quilts; one is 120 years old and was made by the grandmother of a member. It really is a good example of quilts of a bygone era. The Craft Cottage Complex has a coffee shop, so visitors can have morning tea or a light lunch and of course, there are craft items for sale.

A special quilt will be raffled, with the proceeds going to Rotary to help the eradication of polio in third world countries.

Thanks Kerry.

for more info

Information is available on the Craft Centre website at
www.tareecraftcentre.com.au or
Phone Anne Bloomfield
on 6553 2602.
For general class information and Kerry Wakely on 6556 0265 for more details regarding patchwork classes and the quilt exhibition.

This article can be found in issue 74 of Manning-Great Lakes

Where did you gain your interest in railway memorabilia and model trains?

I remember my first day at Taree Public School, when I was 5. They gave me a wooden train, as obviously I didn’t want to leave Mum … I played with this train all day, and I think this is where the love of trains all began.

Ever since I can remember, all I wanted to do was grow up and be a train driver …

And that dream of becoming a train driver ultimately came true?

Yes. I was in Fourth Form at Taree High, and I was all lined up to join the railway and be a train driver. But then the Royal Australian Navy visited the school to talk about careers in the Navy. They showed a picture of an Australian sailor with Mickey Mouse in Disneyland … so I decided to join the Navy as a cook.

I served my time, and when I’d been in the Navy coming up for 10 years, I saw advertisements for train drivers. So, I left the Navy and became a train driver at State Rail and fulfilled my boyhood dream.

Where were you based when you worked for State Rail?

I started out in Sydney and then moved to Lithgow; where I became an acting driver. It was great at Lithgow … I got to drive the Indian Pacific from Lithgow to Parkes and back − and outside of family, that would be my proudest achievement.

Where did you source all of your amazing items?

I actually bought the railway memorabilia from the railway. Back in the 1980s, if you were staff you could buy redundant railway equipment. I’ve found the occasional item in antique shops and then, of course, along came eBay … and that just opened up a whole new world!

What types of trains and equipment comprise your model train layout?

The older layout I have is called ‘O’ Gauge – they’re Hornby tin wind-up or clockwork trains. They were all built between 1930 and 1940. The biggest trains you can buy are ‘G’ Scale – they’re outdoor trains, and you can create a layout with these out in your garden. The middle range is ‘HO’ Gauge, which are all of the English steam engines I have in my display case. They’re electric – so my collection contains both clockwork and electric trains.

Are you still actively collecting these days?

Oh yes. I’m still very interested. I advertise in The Land magazine to buy railway stuff, and every now and then I get on Buy, Swap and Sell on the radio, and I look at eBay every night to see what’s new

When my wife, Kim, and I travelled to the UK last year for our 30th anniversary, we visited a few of the antique fairs you see on that TV program, Bargain Hunt. I bought a few railway lamps, and a couple of brass plates …

And you had a terrific experience while you were over there too, driving a steam train … 

Yeah. I have a lot of train DVDs, and I saw a DVD a few years ago that featured a story about a man who’d retired. He was in England, and the train societies over there raise money by allowing you to pay money to drive a steam train. When we decided to go to the UK, I booked ahead at Llangothlin in Wales.

When we arrived on the day, I was given overalls, and the driver showed me around the engine – it was an English steam engine, known as a Black 5, and it was called Foxcote Manor. The engine had six carriages attached that were full of tourists …

Once we pulled away from the station, I was able to use the regulator, the water injectors, I had a turn at shovelling the coal, and I was able to drive this train along a valley, through a long tunnel, 9 miles out to a station – where the engine was taken off, put back on the other end of the train, and we drove back …

At the end, when I was standing with the driver, I said to him, “Mate, if there’s such a thing as a childhood dream, I just had mine”. I actually drove a steam engine on the main line! I was overwhelmed …

Where did the bell we photographed you with come from?

I’ve got two bells; they both come from the Hattiesburg Museum in Mississippi. A man who collected stuff from ships went to the US in 1973, and he bought a heap of riverboat items. When his goods were packed in a container and sent back to Australia, two bells were in the shipment. He didn’t realise they’d be in there …

I bought them about 15 years ago now. The biggest bell, and the plate that goes with it, were off a Baldwin Locomotive that was made in 1883.

It’s not only the size of the bell and the condition it’s in that I’m rapt with … to think that this bell and the locomotive were made just 9 years after Billy the Kid was wandering around New Mexico, and just 20 years after General Custer ‘got it’ at Little Little Bighorn … I have letters from the museum which show they realised their mistake and wanted the bells back, but they admitted the items had been bought willingly, and it was their mistake …

If I had to get rid of all my stuff and I was only allowed to keep one thing, I’d keep that bell.

What’s the dream for you? Is there something you’d love to buy that you don’t own yet? Mind you − I’m willing to bet I can guess what it is!

I put that under my Lotto win dream – to buy a real steam engine.

Somehow, I knew you’d say just that! Thanks for sharing your collection with us, John. 

We want to know about you! Let us know what you collect, and you might just be our next Collectors Corner guest!

e. jo@focusmag.com.au

ph. (02) 6555 3381.

This article can be found in issue 74 of Manning-Great Lakes

When did you decide you wanted to be a doctor?

When I was younger, I really wanted to be in the Defence Force. I like the action … the adventure. I think it was also an influence from my dad, who was an Army Officer.

But then I found out that they do require a certain height in order to be qualified, so I decided I’d become a doctor, then apply later on for the military. My applying to the Defence Force didn’t push through, because I was advised I would be a noncombatant and it wasn’t a good career move.

When my dad suddenly died due to an Asthma attack, I was there with him in the emergency room, and the way they managed him was etched into my mind. I vowed right there and then that I would treat my patients as if they’re my own relative, in the way I would like my loved ones to be treated.

Please share a little bit about your background growing up in the Philippines.

I am the eldest of 5 girls. My mum worked as a public school teacher, and my dad was an Army officer. My dad passed away a few months after my debut – and I always joke about me being my dad’s favourite daughter … after all, he was my first dance … he left us when I was just 18 years old, and my youngest sister was in primary school.

It was very unexpected and traumatic for the whole family. I had to step up to a big responsibility the day my dad died – it was a role he strongly reiterated to me when he was still alive. I was just in my third year nursing course when it all happened.

We were drained emotionally, mentally and financially. I remember I had to break my piggy bank just to distribute coins to my sisters … I couldn’t afford to buy myself a new pair of shoes and I had to keep wearing the same pair … even though they were already very old and water came in every time I walked into the flooded streets.

When did you decide to move to Australia?

I first arrived here during World Youth Day in 2008. I have colleagues who had been working here for years, who used to drop by to visit me in Singapore (while I was working there). They all advised me to try working in Australia.

I guess what contributed to my decision to work here is the way I got to know and like the attitudes of Australians when I worked with Leighton Construction and Lafayette Mining Company as a site emergency physician … they were very friendly and down-to earth people who treated everyone equally and had a fantastic sense of humour.

What are some of the hospitals/roles you’ve worked in?

Hunter New England Health was my first employer, and I worked at the Emergency Department of Maitland District Hospital for two years as Senior Resident Medical Officer, after which I transferred to John Hunter Hospital and did rotations at Belmont District Hospital and Port Macquarie Base Hospital as ED Registrar.

What was your experience like working with the John Hunter Hospital Emergency Registrar Rotation Program? 

I always say that Emergency Medicine is my first love. This was reinforced more when I finished the Emergency Medicine Residency Program in the University of the Philippines-PhilippineGeneral Hospital and started working in the different emergency rooms at some public and private hospitals … and even at Tan Tock Seng Hospital in Singapore. I always like the adrenaline rush, the always on the go, never-a-boring-shift mood … the sense of urgency and the art of prioritising are always there and never fail to amaze and excite me. In casualty, you learn to work as a team … you learn to respect all the staff, both medical and non-medical alike, because you know each plays an important and unique role. You learn your strengths and weaknesses … and this makes you a better doctor and a better person.

One of the most memorable experiences I had was in JHH. The radiology, wardsmen, some nurses and doctors back then had this pizza bonding time, where we gathered orders for pizzas for dinner (the more we ordered, the more free garlic bread and soft drinks we received).

On this evening, it didn’t happen, because the X-ray guy decided he didn’t want pizza. Then one of my good friends, who worked as a wardsman, started to complain of central chest heaviness. He informed the nurse, and he was immediately sent to the resus bed and an EKG taken. The nurse then approached me and told me about the complaint. So I went to the resus bay, very surprised to find out it was my friend who was the patient. The initial EKG was unremarkable, but then whilst I was taking history and putting in a cannula, out of the corner of my eye, I saw this significant, very alarming change in the cardiac monitor. Right in front of me, he started to become pale and very sweaty, with the pain becoming unbearable.

Luckily, the ED consultant and the rest of the team were so efficient, he was up to the cath lab after a few minutes, where they found out that he had 99% blockage in his heart. A stent was put in, and he recovered fully after that.

He paid me a surprise visit in Harrington recently … I was so happy to see him that day. It put a smile on my face and made me realise that my stay in JHH may have been for a short while, but the friendships I made will last a lifetime.

These days, you work at the Albert Street Medical Centre in Taree. When did you start there, and what does your job involve?

I joined the practice last July, in 2012. Working as a GP is very different. Now, I’m at the complete opposite end of the spectrum. I deal more with prevention and chronic illnesses.There’s a lot of paperwork. I get to do nursing home visits and house calls. You tend to become more involved with the community and whatever is available in the health care system. You still work as a team, often liaising with other specialists and a wide variety of health support groups, who are very cooperative and helpful in so many ways.

How often do you travel overseas to conduct charitable medical work?

The organisation I joined is the Philippine Australian Medical Association. We do yearly medical and surgical missions in the Philippines.The first one I attended was last year, and there is another one due for June this year. I enjoyed working with my colleagues during the mission, and it’s always fulfilling and satisfying to go back to where you came from and be of service to your own countrymen.

It made me realise that living in this country is indeed a privilege and reminds me time and again to appreciate all the blessings and grace my family and I have received from God and to be thankful to Him each and every day.

I am also a member of a sorority group called PhiloMedica Scientia in the Philippines. It is an all-female medical group that develops this strong bond of sisterhood starting with our medical schooling. During those early years of studying medicine, we were involved passionately in doing charitable medical and surgical missions throughout the year and also in having toy runs, gift giving and World AIDS Day concerts.

What are your future goals and plans? 

I intend to be a successful rural emergency GP. I have plans of settling down for good around the Port Stephens area in 2015.

Thanks Armi.

This article can be found in issue 74 of Manning-Great Lakes

What made you decide to first pick up a camera – and can you remember what make and model it was?

The first camera I had was a completely manual 35 mm Zeiss single lens reflex model, which was state of the art at the time, and it was necessary to know how it all worked to get a good result. This camera was used in some of the most extreme circumstances and never gave any problems.

Share a bit of your work/life background – what brought you to the Great Lakes area originally?

I first came to the Forster area on holidays with my parents in the 1950s, and I still have some images with lots of memories taken by my father on a very basic Kodak camera. As a family, we spent many holidays at Forster.

How long have you been involved with the Australian Photographic Society?

I first joined the APS in 1963 one year after it was formed, but was not a member after 1970, and I rejoined in 1996.

You’ve recently been elected President of the Society. What does this role entail? 

As President, this is for a period of 2 years and I was Senior Vice President for 2 years, Junior Vice President for 2 years and held management positions for 4 years.

The role of President is the Senior Management position of the Society and is required to act as spokesperson and leader of the organisation. The office is in Parramatta and is staffed by 2 part-time employees, who provide support services to the management and the 2,000 members

The aim of the Society is to provide photographic opportunities to its members, whether they live in cities, farms or anywhere in Australia. A Honours System is also provided, which enables members to be recognised for the level of achievement that they have obtained.

The Society is moving forward with the times and also focusing on movie photography these days. Please tell us a bit about this and any projects that may be in the pipeline you’re aware of …  

The Society would not have survived the 50 years since its establishment unless it was able to adjust to the technology changes that have occurred. Some forms of photography have come and gone, such as slides, and film is no longer being used. There have never in the past been so many people taking images and sharing them instantly with friends electronically around the world.

The Society has identified movies as a type of photography that has expanded in the digital age and has established a Division for this, which is chaired by David Price from Forster.

The issue of the use of mobile phones to take images of good quality is being examined, to see how these sorts of directions can be provided for.

Why would you encourage photographers to become members of the Society – what are the benefits?

Whatever stage you are at in your photography, there is more to be learnt in having the opportunity to meet with other members from all over Australia. The Australian Photographic Society gives members this and many other opportunities.

In terms of your personal interest in photography, what are some of your favourite subjects to shoot (and why)?

I like to take images that can make the viewer appreciate the feeling or purpose of the image, and this can be anything from a magical sunrise to the happiness of children at play, or even a case of the sadness at a particular stage of life’s challenges.

Digital photography has had a huge impact on the photographic world. Apart from the obvious changes the digital movement has brought about, what are some of the other changes you’ve witnessed in cameras/photography/film over the years?

The digital era has reduced the cost of image taking dramatically, and the old methods such as the use of film have virtually disappeared. Cameras have become smaller and are able to produce superb images perfectly exposed with auto everything. The camera, of course, is only the tool, and it is the photographer that sees and captures the image.

3D imagery is also a growing part of the film world, but there are bound to be other developments on the cards too. If you had to make a prediction about where the industry or technology is heading, what would it be?

The big change that is coming is the interconnection of cameras and other electronic devices, and the key devices in this will be smart phone cameras, smart TV, Wifi connections and the National Broadband Network.

As TVs move to embrace 3D technology, it could be expected that the development of special cameras at a reasonable price might appear, but this will probably take some time.

If anyone is interested in the Australian Photographic Society, where should they look for more information?

Information about the Australian Photographic Society Inc. can be obtained on their website: www.a-p-s.org.au

Thanks Paul.

This article can be found in issue 74 of Manning-Great Lakes

What’s the history of the Mid North Coast Autism Inc. group locally? 

Tracy: There was another parents’ support group years ago doing a marvellous job in the area. When that finished up, for want of a better term, Mid North Coast Autism was started up by parents Lee and Sally Murray, who ran the group for years. I came on board soon after, and Sue joined up in the last couple of years.
What’s the aim of the group?

Sue: Our main aims are to: support and inform parents and families who are new to the world of Autism; to provide ongoing support to parents and families and to share strategies and ideas; to get families and individuals together to meet and feel a part of our community; and to support schools and students in the form of an outreach service.
Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) is a term many people would be familiar with these days, but it layman’s terms – what exactly does it mean?

Tracy: Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are lifelong developmental disabilities characterised by difficulties in social interaction, impaired communication, restricted and repetitive interests and behaviours and sensory sensitivities. The word ‘spectrum’ is used, because the range and severity of the difficulties people with an ASD experience can vary widely. ASDs include Autism, Asperger’s and Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS).
Typically, in your experience, what are some of the symptoms people with an ASD may display?

Sue: Each and every person on the spectrum is totally unique, but some of the symptoms they may display are: lack of eye contact; no real fear of dangers; difficulty in communicating; anxiety; spinning objects; echoing words or phrases; lining up objects; obsessions; difficulty in interacting with others; difficulty in expressing feelings; sensitivity to sound and textures; and food issues.
What is one of the most challenging experiences you’ve ever had to confront with ASDs, and conversely, what has been the most rewarding?

Tracy: One of my most challenging times was the onset of my child’s diagnosis and falling into the world of Autism. As a mother or parent, we are supposed to be able to fix things, a scratched knee or a broken heart; I could not fix Autism and felt so helpless.

I was overwhelmed, until I attended the Autism group and saw other parents in similar circumstances. I found comfort, unconditional support and a sense of belonging. Over time, I have experienced great challenges as a parent and, working as an SLSO (School Learning Support Officer), I now live in the world of Autism and have a greater knowledge and understanding.

It’s definitely a common pathway, and the families I have been lucky to meet have helped strengthen me as a parent/person. I never take life for granted, and I enjoy the simple things in life. I can’t even imagine living now without an involvement with Autism.

Sue: As a mother, my most challenging experiences have involved trying to get into my son’s world, see things from his point of view, trying to anticipate his needs, as he communicates little verbally. I was told that my son would not be able to ride a bike, go to school or show love due to the severity of his Autism – I am proud to say he is doing all three, albeit with training wheels on the bike.

On the flipside, my son has taught me patience and tolerance and the true meaning of unconditional love … to never give up.  The smallest milestones are the sweetest to our family – the first time he said ‘mum’ unprompted, the first time he allowed me to wash his hair without screaming, hugging his siblings.

Through the group I have met the most amazing parents, all with a common goal – for their children to be the best they can be. Autism has taught me not to sweat the small stuff in life, and that has been a gift.
Where and when does the local branch of the Mid North Coast Autism Inc. group meet? 

Tracy: We meet at the Valley Industries LifeSkills Building, 5-9 Elizabeth Avenue, Taree on the first Wednesday of each month from 10am to noon (except in the school holidays).
What typically happens at these meetings?  

Sue: We take in both the Greater Taree City and Great Lakes Councils’ local government areas. Everyone is welcome – parents, grandparents, carers, children. We have morning tea, and it’s a very casual format; people can come and go as they please, and we have toys for the children.

The group provides families a forum, not only to discuss individual experiences, but to act as a ‘one stop shop’ for information regarding accessing support and medical services in the area. We have guest speakers each meeting – from health, education, government representatives, local therapists, parent presentations/success stories.
April is Autism Awareness Month. Why do you feel it’s so important to raise awareness of ASDs?

Tracy: It’s vitally important to raise awareness, so the community realises people with an ASD are just like anyone else but have different ways of communicating and participating in life. It’s important for the general community to understand and be accepting. Adults and children whom are affected by Autism are similar in a lot of ways; they enjoy experiences in life just like anyone else, but face many challenges along the way.

For example, you may see a child in the shopping centre having a meltdown and instead of thinking the child is being naughty, perhaps they are on the spectrum and are experiencing a sensory overload (sensitivity to lights and noise) − it would be great to offer the parent a helping hand.
How do people access your group and services?

Sue: They can ring Tracy on 6559 3394 or myself on 6554 5351, email us: asdtaree2@hotmail.com or contact us on Facebook. It’s free to join. We are happy to put you on our email list to let you know of any workshops etc in our area.

Tracy and I would also like to give our thanks to the following people for their friendship and support of our group: Sue Russell (Communities for Children), Mark Kircher and staff (National Australia Bank, Taree and Forster) and Trent Jennison and Tracey Tattersall (Valley Industries).

Thanks Tracy and Sue.

This article can be found in issue 74 of Manning-Great Lakes

Please describe your earlier years – where did you originally call home?

I grew up in Folkestone, Kent, UK and lived there until 2009, when I moved to Sydney.

When did you settle in Forster, and what was it that brought you here?

My wife, Mary, and I moved to Forster in late 2011. As much as we enjoyed living in Sydney and being near our children, we prefer a quieter life, and there was no question Forster was where we wanted to settle − a great community atmosphere, fantastic scenery, amenities and a huge range of fascinating marine life.

What do you remember from your very first dive – when and where was it, and what did you see?

My first dive was near a small Egyptian town, Taba, in 1995. I was staggered to discover such a rich and vibrant world existed beneath the waves. Until then I’d had no idea what I had been missing … such stunning soft corals and colourful sea life.

How did the idea to take photos of your underwater experiences develop – which came first, photography or diving?

Diving came first. But like most divers, I had the urge to capture the moment and so it wasn’t long before I took a video camera to take home some memories. Subsequently, I switched to stills photography, which I found more satisfying.

What are some of the most exotic sea creatures you’ve photographed? Do you also photograph animals and plants who live above or adjacent to the water? 

There seem to be almost endless exotic sea creatures. Most of these are pretty small, but one of my most favourites is about the size of a laptop and can be found here in Australia – namely, the Leafy Sea Dragon, which I have photographed at Rapid Bay, South Australia. I only photograph beneath the waves.

What skills are required to take photographs under water – I imagine lack of lighting would be a significant issue?

You need good diving skills. Sometimes you have to try and remain in a fixed position to photograph, perhaps fighting a current or twisting at some awkward angle, and you often have to keep still. Move too quickly, and you can frighten your subject. Be clumsy, and you can cause damage.

Correct lighting is an essential element of a good underwater photograph. If the natural light is poor, you need to compensate with some flash, ideally from an external flash gun, rather than one built into the camera. Getting close to a subject is generally essential. Unfortunately, if there are particles in the water, the flash will illuminate the particles in front of your lens, thereby spoiling your shot. But you can avoid this if you use an external flash gun, angled so that it lights up your target, but not the water between your camera lens and your subject.

The underwater world would be regarded as beautiful and serene by most people, but it obviously also has inherent dangers. Describe an experience or two where you’ve experienced some difficulties or problems …

Although I have dived in open water with many types of sharks, including Great Whites, Tigers and Bull Sharks, I have to say I’ve rarely felt in danger. Despite some at times hysterical media coverage to the contrary, most marine life is very cautious. Their motto seems to be: if in doubt, leave alone. Divers with scuba tanks sound very noisy underwater to marine life − we must seem like strange aliens and are best avoided!

However, ‘silent’ surfers and swimmers can be mistaken for natural prey, and clearly this is a concern. Bizarrely, what felt like my most dangerous experience was an encounter with an over-friendly, large Bottlenose Dolphin. I was diving near my old home town, Folkestone, UK, for what was intended as a simple shallow dive on ‘my home patch’. The dolphin must have heard my bubbles underwater and decided to check me out. She began to play with me, spinning faster and faster around and around me. The underwater visibility turned to zero. She seemed so huge and powerful. Even though I knew that she had no aggressive intentions towards me, I felt very vulnerable. I kept still, and she eventually became bored and disappeared.

How does the local marine life around the Manning-Great Lakes stack up compared to creatures you’ve viewed overseas?

It’s one of the reasons I’ve moved here! We have some great underwater life. Offshore, we can see migrating Humpback Whales. Closer to shore, we have a huge variety of sea life, including sharks, rays and turtles. Getting good underwater shots can sometimes be tricky if there is silt in the water from the Wallingat and Coolongolook Rivers, or plankton or racks of red weed, but there are plenty of days when conditions are ideal. I’m keen to promote our local underwater world and later this year will be publishing images to showcase our Manning-Great Lakes marine flora and fauna.

What are some of the magazines you’ve written articles/supplied images for?

My most prestigious presentations have been to the United Nations and to Visions in the Sea, an annual Underwater Photography Conference held in London. In terms of magazines or newspapers, the UK’s Sunday Times, Marine Conservation Society and DIVE and Food & Travel Magazine and books, DIVE the Ultimate Guide and Dive Red Sea – the Ultimate Guide. Here in Australia, Cathay Pacific’s travel magazine, Australian Cinematographer, ABC Commercial promotions and articles for Sport Diving Magazine.

I’m presently working on a series of articles which will highlight NSW’s marine life and how best to see this. Naturally, I will include Manning-Great Lakes.

Thanks Malcolm.

This article can be found in issue 73 of Manning-Great Lakes Focus