Kate McLennan is an everyday hero. Later this year she will be riding her bike from Laos to Cambodia to raise money for water projects in the third world. She tells us more about the adventure and how we can help her raise the funds for this worthy cause!
If James Brown and Joni Mitchell shared one night of passion, they would have conceived Lionheir. The soul-rock artist is a free-spirited live performer who captures imaginations with his cutting-edge songwriting. Lionheir was formerly known as Paul Appelkamp and toured the nation many times over as a solo artist. FOCUS chats to him about his upcoming tour, where he will be performing his debut single ‘Waterfall’.
George Negus is an iconic Australian journalist and one of our best known media personalities. George has had an illustrious career and has travelled the world reporting on major political and international issues. He’s a man who’s not afraid to tell it like it is and despite his career in the spotlight, he still manages to stay grounded. George talks about his life in the media, Australian politics and why he calls this area home …
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Vintage Volkswagens, and especially split windscreen Kombis, are in vogue at the moment. One person who knows a bit about these vehicles after spending most of his life with either his head under the engine lid or his foot on the accelerator of one is Luke Pell. FOCUS caught up with him in his garage to talk about his love of the vee dub and this year’s bi–annual Volkswagen Spectacular. Read more
Cassie Scully is an amazing athlete. She has trained hard for most of her life, first as a gymnast, then moving into aerobics, where she competed on the world stage. Scully finished second at the World Championships on the Gold Coast last year in front of a home crowd. This result was a career best and the crowning achievement of an amazing singles career. Read more
Local photographer, Drew Hopper, was the winner of our Snapshot Competition last year. Finally we get the chance to talk to him about his passion for beautiful pictures. Read more
Assistance Dogs provide independence and freedom plus great companionship for people with physical disabiliites who are not able to do everyday activities such as open and close doors, pick up dropped items and press the buttons at traffic lights. Read more
In Australian culture, heroes are often portrayed as sportspeople or millionaires. They might be a cricket player scoring a double century, a footballer scoring a hat-trick of tries in one match, or an IT technician developing a new generation of smart phones … But the real heroes are those normal, everyday people who are faced with extreme challenges and adversity, but never give up. They fight, they stand strong, and they come out on the other side with a smile on their face and a story to tell. Read more
This is the National Year of Reading, and our very own Coffs Harbour Libraries kick started their 2012 events with a show that booked out virtually overnight. There was a full house on the evening for ‘A Poetry Reading with Jack Thompson’. Read more
At the end of 2001, my achievements and dedication to the art of photography were recognised in Australia in an Award for Visual Arts, given by the Canberra Critics Circle.
Josh Pyke is one of Australia’s favourite home grown artists, with a stack of accolades to prove it. Nicci Seccombe has the chance to speak with Josh as he prepares to embark on his regional tour – which includes a stop at Coffs Harbour …
The Coffs Harbour Men’s Shed is a great place for local men to meet, make new friends, build things and access a great support network. FOCUS chats to the Shed’s manager, Peter Murphy, to find out more about the organisation.
Charlotte French has always been an artistic person, using her creative talents wherever possible. But she also has a strong passion for sustainability and using eco-friendly products. We find out more about Charlotte’s work and how she implements her eco-friendly philosophies in her business.
At only 17 years of age, Billy White is well on his way to a hugely successful theatre career. Billy is an accomplished actor and director, writes his own music and is an independent film maker. FOCUS talks to Billy about his blossoming career and upcoming productions.
Come celebrate our National Day on Thursday, January 26 at Queen Elizabeth Park in Taree. The Saltwater Freshwater Festival promises a positive, inclusive family day, for all communities to enjoy.
