Local photographer, Judith Conning, recently returned from a visit to Yellowstone National Park after photographing both the park and the wildlife in all its winter splendour. Karen Farrell spoke to Judith about her most amazing adventure … Read more
Surfers Joel Parkinson, Julian Wilson and Luke Egan have all been enjoying waves in the area recently. Pro surfers Craig Anderson (Ando) and fellow Quiksilver stablemate Dane Reynolds tore into some waves a few weeks back as well. Read more
The Taree Volunteer Rescue Association (Taree Rescue Squad) has been serving the Manning District since 1975 and was formed in response to Taree North Rotary, who recognised a real need to establish an independent and self-managed volunteer emergency rescue organisation in the area. Read more
On ANZAC Day we gather to remember all those who have served and died in wars, conflicts – past and present, plus peacekeeping operations.Here are excerpts from a letter written by Sergeant Harold Seale about his experience during his service at Gallipoli. Sergeant Seale was a member of the 12th Light Horse Regiment. After Gallipoli, he fought throughout the Jerusalem campaign … The letter has been typed for easy reading. Read more
‘AutumnFest’ – the premiere ‘Kustom Karz & Kulture’ scene on the Mid North Coast returns to Taree Wingham Race Track to showcase a fantastic line-up of hot rods, big motors, bikes, customs and classics … the festival is parading an excellent line-up of live music by Rockabilly, Pyschobilly and Country Swing acts … there will also be vintage clothes markets, memorabilia, car culture products plus record, tattoo and foot stalls … Read more
In turn, this leads to sustainable development and stable prices, enabling farmers to develop their businesses and improve communities, while investing in everyday needs such as healthcare and education. Fairtrade ANZ’s Operations Manager in Australia, Craig Chester, speaks to Karen Farrell about Fairtrade. Read more
In November 2011, artist Ben Quilty went to Afghanistan on behalf of the Australian War Memorial. During this time there he made sketches and drawings, which he subsequently turned into paintings from his studio in Robertson.
The English standup comedian saunters into the Manning Great Lakes to entertain the audience with his revered brilliance and wit… Read more
You may recognise him as the dentist from the classic ABC television series Mother and Son, but Henri Szeps has many other strings to his bow, being no stranger to both television and theatre. But where Henri’s talent truly shines is in is one-man shows – the latest of which, Wish I’d Said That, he’ll be presenting at the Manning Entertainment Centre this month … Read more
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.
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.
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.
This year’s headline act for the Essential Energy Wingham Akoostic Music Festival is legendary Australian singer songwriter, Richard Clapton.
Karen Farrell speaks with Peter Howard, local movie buff and cinema owner.
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.
From Guantanamo Bay and Abu Ghraib, to secret ‘blacksites’ in Afghanistan, Lithuania and Poland, individuals were secretly abducted, detained, interrogated and tortured for intelligence …
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.
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. 
Karen Farrell speaks with
