NRMA President and former politician, Wendy Machin, has made no secret of the fact that she’s sick of the spin and empty promises from politicians about fixing roads. In her role at the NRMA, Wendy has worked to draw attention to issues affecting local communities regarding the appalling state of Australian roads … Read more
Josh Pyke is one of Australia’s favourite home grown artists, with a stack of accolades to prove it. Nicci Seccombe had the chance to speak with Josh as he prepares to embark on his regional tour – which includes a stop at Port Macquarie … Read more
Located 10 km south of Forster and surrounded by Booti Booti National Park, Great Lakes Sailing Club has lapped up the splendid views of Wallis Lake for over 40 years – and in the process, brought a joy of sailing to many people, young and old. Read more
Contemporary artist Shaun Clark’s first time entry in the Archibald in 2000, a painting of iconic Australian actor Ruth Cracknell, hung in the Salon des Refuses. He has painted a slew of other well-known Australian identities and a self-portrait titled Blood, Sweat and Fears, painted in his own blood, toured Australia in 2007. Shaun works from a studio at his bush property at Topi Topi, near Bungwahl. Read more
Tibetan Lama Sogyal Rinpoche is leading a 10-day retreat at Tiona Park, from 12 to 22 January … We talk to Ross Mackay from Rigpa Australia – a centre for the study of Tibetan Buddhism and modern meditation. Ross is Sogyal Rinpoche’s most senior student in Australia and former National Director of Rigpa Australia. Read more
John Waters is one of Australia’s most jwaters television, film and theatre performers. Many would readily recognise John from his roles in All Saints, Offspring and as co-host of Playschool … yet John’s first and great love is music, and 20 years ago he co-wrote Looking Through a Glass Onion, an homage to the music, mystery and memory of John Lennon. Read more
Bennetts Head local, Gabrielle Scollay, recently designed a new beachwear range. We caught up with her to talk textiles and kaftans. Read more
Stephanie Alexander is visiting Forster Public School on December 9 to launch its Kitchen Garden Program, which is run by volunteers. We talk to Stephanie about the program and her plans for Christmas. Read more
In 2005 while in Bali, Australian landscape gardener Brad Little came across a nine year old boy begging for money and living on the streets of Kuta. Read more
A few months ago, a group of men walked into my office to find out if perhaps we might be interested in helping them raise awareness of the local Veterans Centre. What initially took me aback was that two of the men were my age; I realised I had always thought of veterans as elderly gentlemen you see on ANZAC or Remembrance Day. What has transpired since that initial meeting has been some great conversations, interviews and for me personally, an insight into the hurdles that all of our returned servicemen and women face and a whole new respect for those serving our country. Read more
Karen Farrell speaks with Scott Lambert, owner of Mik’s Pet Barn in Forster. Read more
“On White Ribbon Day, we call on all men to swear the oath,” said White Ribbon Chairman, Andrew O’Keefe. “Let’s face it; swearing comes naturally to most Aussie men. We swear when we’re laughing, we swear when we’re mad, we swear whether we’re elated or deflated. But this is an opportunity to swear to make a difference.” Read more
Lucius Borich, drummer with the band Floating Me, shares their musical genesis in the leadup to this year’s FOTSUN.
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This month we had the honour of meeting three humble returned service men. Between them they have served in Vietnam, Afghanistan and East Timor. All of them are involved in the Veterans Centre in Taree and are passionate about the work of the centre.
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This year’s headline act for the Essential Energy Wingham Akoostic Music Festival is legendary Australian singer songwriter, Richard Clapton.
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Karen Farrell speaks with Peter Howard, local movie buff and cinema owner.
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When I organised to interview local artist Malcolm Wallace, neither of us realised that he was about to win the Manning Art Prize. Great timing, I’m never quite sure what to expect when I go to meet an interviewee, but this meeting one of my favourites. By Amy Heague.
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From Guantanamo Bay and Abu Ghraib, to secret ‘blacksites’ in Afghanistan, Lithuania and Poland, individuals were secretly abducted, detained, interrogated and tortured for intelligence …
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Have you ever met someone who makes you smile and feel instantly at ease? Brett Adams is one of those people, which is a great quality in a photographer with whom you are entrusting your special moments.
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It was recently announced that Great Lakes Tourism, Forster Tuncurry Golf Club and local international golfing champ Sarah Kemp have joined forces to showcase the amazing Great Lakes region on the international golfing stage. Read more
Karen Farrell speaks with
Rada Kinkade from Farmers Patch in Forster about her love of quality food, family and community connectedness. Read more
Anna Roberston speaks with Ian Sandercoe, successful singer/songwriter/actor who calls Crowdy Head home. Ian talks about music, mental illness and his commitment to supporting those who need a hand … Read more
FOCUS speaks with Jeremy Saunders about the local lauguage of the Birrbay, Guringay and Wattimay – Gathang.
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Anna Robertson speaks with Chris Fagerstrom, Art Director at Juzvolter, about the perfection of graphic design and the freedoom found in the imperfection of his personal art.
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Christine Anu is well known as a recording artist, dancer and actor, but this entertainment industry icon is also a savvy business woman, mother and someone who’s proud of her indigenous heritage and roots. Christine visits Taree in August, for the heart-warming production Rainbow’s End.
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I just love the fact that this scene accepts me for who I am and allows me to really be true to myself.
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FOCUS catches up with home grown artist, Vicki White, to talk about her artistic inspirations, her work and latest exhibition at the Manning Regional Gallery.
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We are big fans of Ted the Graffiti Buster here at FOCUS, and some of you may remember a story we did on him a year or so ago. Well, he is still at it, cleaning graffiti off buildings, cars, parks and anywhere it is found.
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Passionate in both life and performing, Genevieve Chadwick has found her calling as a musician. She is carving out a solid career as a solo artist.
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This month we catch up with two very passionate local women, who are about to head off to China to volunteer at the Sun Bear Sanctuary in Chengdu.
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