People don’t like to think that anything terrible could ever happen to their loved ones. But accidents happen, and sometimes people are left with a brain injury as a result. Andrea Kershaw – Coordinator, and Jo Marsham – Assistant Coordinator / Case Manager, explain how Hastings Headway Inc. fights to make a difference…
By now we’ve all seen the large, conical sculpture at the new entrance to Port Macquarie on the Oxley Highway, and most of us have probably wondered who created it and what it represents. Artist Rick Reynolds is responsible for creating quite a few remarkable sculptures throughout the Hastings and Manning areas … sculptures that leave a lasting impression and reflect the imagination of their creator. But as Rick explains, it’s really for the viewer to decide what symbolism and meaning to attach to each piece of art …
Port Macquarie-Hastings has been without elected Councillors for almost 5 years now. With election day not that far away, we catch up with candidate Luke Hadfield about his vision for the future…
Verity Woods’ love of capturing the joy of having a baby and those precious family moments is the driving force behind her photography business. We caught up with the local gal, to see where it all began.
What inspired you to start working in hospitality?
I grew up in the hospitality industry. My mother and father owned a restaurant in Thailand, so I was always around food and cooking.
How long have you been a chef?
I have grown up helping my mother and father in their restaurant, but when I was 18, I did all the correct courses to become a fully qualified chef.
What do you love most about your job?
I just love cooking and decorating the food. I like to try a bit of everything and work with all sorts of ingredients to create new dishes.
What are some of the most popular Thai dishes that you sell at the Thai orchid?
Definitely Massaman Curry. Everyone just raves about it, and also, coming in second would have to be Pad Thai. They are both our specialties here. The third best seller would have to be stirfried chicken and cashew.
What is one ingredient that you can’t go without using?
Chilli is definitely something we use in a lot of things, but I would have to say herbs. We use lots of fresh herbs in everything. That is why Thai food is so healthy, ‘cause all the herbs are really good for your digestive system. We use all different fresh herbs like lemongrass, mint, basil, coriander, ginger and many more. We don’t tend to use as much chilli in our dishes over here as we would back in Thailand, as it is generally too hot.
What does the future hold for the restaurant?
At the moment, we are looking at doing some renovations outside to make it look more traditional Thai and more outdoorsy.
What makes the Thai Orchid stand out above the rest?
I think because we have such a nice big restaurant, and we have a good atmosphere. The price of our food is very reasonable for the large portion sizes. Also, our food is 100% fresh.
We only cook it as it is ordered; no pre cooking takes place. That is why sometimes it may take a little longer for our meals to come out, but they are of the freshest quality.
You have been a finalist for the best Thai Restaurant in the North Coast for the past 5 years. What is the criteria that you have to pass to become a finalist?
They come in and check the food, service, portion sizes, restaurant, kitchen, table setting the lot; it is very strict.
How long has the Thai orchid been open?
Six years, and hopefully we have another 7 or so years in us.
Thank you May.
This story was published in issue 78 of Port Macquarie Focus
Richard Campbell is a well known Indigenous artist, renowned for producing paintings that explore Aboriginal spirituality and its parallels with the Catholic faith. Richard will be discussing his work at the Glasshouse this month at a coffee morning, as well as displaying his Creation Series in a one-of-a-kind exhibition.
By now, many of you may have seen the development underway at 2 Swift Street, Port Macquarie – the huge, 1 acre block of land on the corner of Swift Street and Pacific Drive, which commands magnificent views of the ocean and headland.
Greg McCarroll and Ross Wheadon from the Hastings Model Railway Group have spent years building and refining their wonderful layouts. Both men say that being a member of the group has provided them with support, helpful advice and the ability to make lasting friendships in a fun, social environment…
Peter describes his character in David Williamson’s Let the Sunshine as “loud, brash, ugly, but charming”. We caught up with Peter to find out more about this comedy/drama.
Shantelle Jackson is studying a Diploma in Fashion Design at TAFE and has been invited to attend Australian Fashion Week to gain work experience in the industry and see how a major event operates. She will be working four days, 8hr shifts and will be assigned to a designer to dress models and get garments ready to parade.
Victor Trevino, Lead Dancer and Creative Director of Men In Pink Tights, tells us about the upcoming performance at the Glasshouse. Audiences will experience the amazing spectacle of traditional ballet coupled with the side splitting humour of this all male cast … most of whom are in tutus!
As Publicity Officer for the Port Macquarie Parkinson’s Support Group, Gregg Faulkner’s own personal experience with Parkinson’s Disease has created a desire to raise awareness of the condition within the community. Help and support is available locally for people with Parkinson’s and their families as Gregg explains…
We meet Dr Ian Brooks – the new Customer Care Advisor for the Port Macquarie Customer Care Program …
Four brothers, eight pharmacies, the majority in the Port Macquarie region, with the chain here in the Hastings – literally, on Rawdon Island. This month, Susie chats with Ibby Khodary, the smiling eminence atop the mid-town shop, about the brothers’ drive to build discount pharmacies in country community settings…
Illuminated furniture provides a unique touch for any event, large or small …Tara Mesiti tells us more.
