How was Hastings Headway established?

Andrea: Hastings Headway was established in 1995 by the Hastings Parents and Carers Support Group, as there were no services for young people with a brain injury in the Hastings. People who suffered some sort of trauma were sent to Sydney hospitals, and when they returned home, there was very little or no support for them.

When the people came home from Sydney after they’d had their accidents, the only places they could go were mixed in with intellectual disabilities or the aged. There was nothing for brain injury, and people with a brain injury just did not fit in to these particular groups.

In June 1996 Hastings Headway Inc. was granted funding for a Community Access Program, which used the service of volunteers. It was not until May 24, 2000 that Hastings Headway Inc. was granted recurrent funding from the Department of Ageing and Disabilities.

Hastings Headway is a not-for-profit organisation, how do you source funds? 

Andrea: The Community Access program, which is funded through ADHC (Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care) receives block funding – it doesn’t matter how many clients we have, we receive one lot of money. With Hastings Headway, we have a lot of clients who are high care – clients in wheelchairs and so forth. To try and give them one on one support with the kind of funding we get is very difficult.

Jo: Funding is still an ongoing battle – it’s an uphill battle all the time. We have people with multiple disabilities – physical, verbal – we have people who have difficulty understanding, so when they’re out in the community, they need a support worker with them. We hold fundraisers – like BBQs at Bunnings. We hold an annual garage sale that incorporates a raffle.

Andrea: We’ve also held BBQs at Harvey Norman in the past. We fundraise mainly for the extras – like giving the clients a holiday. To get a supported holiday is very expensive. We’ve organised a holiday for our clients to go up to Labrador, and the fundraising allows us to pay for their accommodation and the wages for the support people.

What services does Hastings Headway provide?

Andrea: We have a group here on a Monday, a Living Skills group, with different speakers coming in to talk to the clients. We’ve had dieticians, the fire department – even basic first aid. We have educational programs, music and art workshops, cooking. We have a [Nintendo] Wii as well. Sometimes our clients don’t get to move around very much, if they’re in a wheelchair, and the Wii helps with coordination.

Jo: We’re working on a project for water conservation in October. There’s a massage clinic, computer skills, typing and gardening. We’re always working on something!

How many clients attend your groups?

Andrea: Basically, out of our boys (all of our clients are men at the moment), around ten come on Mondays. We have around 17 clients in all, but not all of them come to the functions. We have a Thursday group and a Friday group – some of our clients go to these, and some of our clients will just come and visit now and again.

Are these services provided free to clients?

If someone wanted to come to Hastings Headway on Monday or Thursday, there wouldn’t be any fee – we only charge a small amount ($7) for lunch. If someone needed to be picked up, we would charge $5 for transport – but mobility allowance more than covers this cost.

If a one-on-one service is needed, we’re very limited with funding. In the case of people who have compensation, for example, there would be a charge. For someone in dire need, without compensation, we would take this case to our management committee and look at ways we can provide the one-on-one service. The funding is just so tight. There is also accommodation support. There are people supported in their own homes, this is different from a lot of people who are supported in group homes. We support people in their homes, to live as independently as possible. It’s best for those concerned to come in and talk to us about the available options and their individual circumstances.

What are your roles at Hastings Headway?

Andrea: I’m the Coordinator. We look after the admin, the pays, rosters, liaise with carers, support workers, doctors and other health professionals. We network with other organisations and attend forums, to keep up with what’s happening in the industry with disabilities and the services available.

I’m on an accommodation placement committee; I travel regularly to Coffs Harbour to attend meetings to prioritise people for accommodation.

Jo: I’m the Assistant Coordinator / Case Manager. Everything’s ongoing, because people and their needs change. We look after the staff – the support workers and organise meetings and training. The job incorporates so much – from buying sausages for BBQs, to attending the fundraisers and selling the sandwiches! We’re always looking for new and exciting ways to approach things.

Andrea: Jo also looks at what goals the clients have, and she monitors them and keeps in contact with both the clients and the support workers to see how things are going.

Jo: Currently we’re working on one-page profiles at the moment – and they’re working out very well. When we have our meetings, everyone contributes to what they like about one particular person who’s there – and it’s all about being positive. These profiles are providing a way of gaining positive feedback about each other – and it’s really empowering.

What is the Community Access program?

Andrea: On Tuesdays for example, we support the clients by taking them to Hydrotherapy at the Port Macquarie Base Hospital’s pool. This gives them exercise, plus they’re getting out in the public. We assist with shopping, banking, budgeting, getting them to the library or to visit their families.

Jo: The Thursday group gets out into the public; for example, we’ve been down to see a motorbike museum at Nabiac. We’ve had BBQs at Kempsey. It’s not only about getting our boys out into the public, but getting the public to accept the guys as well. The more exposure they have, the more accepted the guys become.

Andrea: There are so many different degrees of brain injury as well – they’re all different. Because some of our boys need wheelchairs and walking frames, we found that there were some places we couldn’t go. So, we started the Friday group for those people who had a brain injury, but didn’t have a physical disability. We’re finding that through that Friday group, there are some really good friendships developing.

Another really important thing we do is our school program. Some of our boys go out and visit the schools and talk to the pupils about their accidents and what happened to them. They talk about things like peer pressure.

The boys also talk at the Traffic Offenders program – and it’s very, very effective. Sometimes we hear of people in tears after they hear the boys. It’s great for the boys too, as it helps their self esteem and makes them feel as if they’re doing something worthwhile.

How are people suffering from brain damage referred to your services?

Andrea: Referrals come from different areas. We get referrals from hospitals, from BIR (Brain Injury Rehabilitation), doctors, self referrals – we’ve even had referrals from Centrelink. Sometimes we actually get people who might come and see us, but they don’t want to be in a group. Someone with a very mild type of brain injury might just need help with their memory, or filling out forms for Centrelink, advice or someone to talk to, who understands what they’re going through.

How can the community actually help you to continue providing these services?

Jo: Donations are always welcome – and not just money, but time. Volunteering time. These guys absolutely love to meet fresh faces and tell their stories.

Andrea: Also, acceptance is a big thing. There are still a lot of people out there who do not accept.

The Hastings Older Women’s Network have adopted Hastings Headway as their charity – it’s wonderful! They came out and visited us here, and the boys loved it. The women got so much out of it too.

If we could get more volunteers – that would be great. They would be someone our boys could communicate with – and the boys would love it. Just be aware that all volunteers have to be put through a police check for safety.

Thank you Andrea and Jo.

Hastings Headway Inc. can be contacted on 6581 0180; email: headway@bigpond.net.au

Interview by Jo Atkins.

Please give us a brief bio of yourself as an artist ..

I moved to Elands in 1970 after attending the National Art School (East Sydney Tech). My interest in sculpture came from meeting Bert Flugelman, who was an inspiring teacher and taught me in my first year there.

I started making sculpture seriously about 12 years ago and entering competitions and shows when sculpture became popular and there were more opportunities to show the works. My first public sculpture was the Centenary of Federation sculpture in Victoria St Taree, Balancing Act 2001.

What type of artworks do you typically create?

I make sculptures in steel or wood and installations of short-term site-specific works produced for shows like ‘Sculpture by the Sea’ and ‘Aquasculpture’ etc. These are made from whatever material is available and appropriate: saplings, rope, nets, aluminium- foil pie plates.

How did the opportunity to create the large sculpture adjacent to the new entrance to Port Macquarie on the Oxley Highway come about?

I was one of four sculptors invited to submit a proposal to produce a work as a ‘Gateway’ to Port. We each created a model and responded to the brief. The models were presented to the adjudicating committee, we sold our ideas, and mine was chosen.

Describe the logistics of creating thepiece …
What was the inspiration behind this work … and what does it represent?

The brief was complex, and there were a lot of things the sculpture was meant to represent

– including the 2030 strategic plan for the shire. It’s typical of public art that it is meant to represent just about everything that is noble, civic, just and good, as well as being durable, maintenance free and graffiti proof.

The sculpture is a development of a series of works I had created using hardwood saplings. The brief stipulated durable, low maintenance materials, so the flagpoles were the obvious choice and suited the roadside site. The avenue of flagpoles is a common entrance strategy.

The sculpture is a unique welcome to this beautiful and sophisticated riverside city.

The symbolism in a sculpture is secondary to the actual experience of viewing the work, which is unique for each person. The sculpture is a response to the site i.e. the roundabout. It is circular, see-through and lightweight; it gives the illusion of movement as you drive past it.

The best interpretation of the symbolism I have heard is the Feng shui version: the upper cone reaches out to the Cosmos and draws in positive energy, while the lower cone holds that energy in place, thereby bringing wellbeing to the people of Port Macquarie (Bee Teck Lim). But it’s really for the viewer to decide. It is called the ‘Port Gateway’.

The sculpture was made with the assistance of a number of people: Rob Butler – tech and 3D drawings; Alan Taylor Assoc – engineering, RPE engineering; Ace Flagpoles – supplied and tapered the aluminium tubes; Decke Sheetmetal – the aluminium and steel fabrication; MVP – powder-coating; AJS Welding – onsite installation; RTA – funding; Hastings Council – administration; Greg Wilson – best boy; and special thanks
– Saarasa Madden.

I had the idea, did some drawings, made a model, liaised with the suppliers, woke at 3am worrying about it all, put it all together in the backyard, numbered the pieces, deconstructed it, and trucked it to the site. From contract to completion was about 10 months. Made of steel and aluminium, it weighs about 2 tonnes. It is fully demountable.

What was the biggest challenge for you in terms of creating the roadside sculpture?

The biggest challenge, always, is coming up with an idea that is worth the effort that goes into the making. The next biggest challenge was communicating with the collaborators.

How much did you enjoy creating the work, and did you learn anything from the process?

Each work is a learning experience. Lesson number one: don’t be too precious. Getting to the end of the job and seeing the finished product is pretty enjoyable.

As with all artistic endeavours, we have to be prepared to accept both praise and criticism for our work. How do you deal with negative feedback for your creations (if any)?

Negative feedback is just part of the deal and is often the result of misunderstanding the role of art in society – and a feeling that someone is trying to make a fool of you and you just don’t get it. There is no secret.
It’s just one more thing in the landscape … another piece of the jigsaw.

The signs on top of the Roadhouse, or McDonald’s, have a bigger footprint than the sculpture has. The difference is, the sculpture is not selling anything. It’s free! ‘And just a little bit classy’!

Some people resent the fact that Councils spend big on art, while the infrastructure crumbles. In fact, the funding comes from outside sources, so there is a net benefit to the ratepayers – and if more local contractors were prepared to play, more of the money would stay in the shire.

‘No Art’ doesn’t mean the roads will be repaired.

What other projects do you have in the pipeline at the moment?

I am doing oil paintings and making small sculptures for a show at Gallery Aloft in Rozelle in May.

Where can people view your other work?

There are Flood-markers in North Haven, Laurieton and Dunbogan (sculpted poles with steel fish and flood levels). The Windmill hill sculpture, ‘Foley’, AKA The Pencil.

There was (in living memory), a sculpture at the Sovereign Hills development, ‘the River’, soon to be relocated to a secret site outside the Shire.

Sculptures in Taree: Outside the Gallery, ‘The Weight’ and ‘Lizard Lounge’; and in Victoria St, ‘Balancing Act’.

My website is www.rickreynolds.info

Email:rick.reynolds@bigpond.com

Thanks Rick.

Interview by Jo Atkins.

This story was published in issue 78 of Port Macquarie Focus 

Tell us a little about yourself and why you are running for Council.

I was born here in Port Macquarie and have lived in Bonny Hills all my life,  recently making the move to Lake Cathie.

In my free time, you can find me bike riding, fishing, catching a movie or out on the streets talking to people. I first discovered my ability for leadership when I was asked to join the Student Council in Year 8, where I was an active member until being selected as Captain for Years 11 and 12. Through these roles, I developed a desire for entering politics.

As a person who is known to be very interested in politics, people would talk to me about certain issues that they come across and after consultation with some close family and friends, I decided that I can be one of those 9 Councillors that people will find easy to talk to and willing to do what has to be done to help and serve this community.

I enjoy the skill of listening to people, and I am always seeking wisdom and guidance from those around me. I believe the best Council is one that is diverse and represents all parts of the community.

What are some of your policies leading into the election?

A few of my policies include building stronger relationships with our local community groups, businesses and neighbouring Councils. Building upon existing promotional campaigns for the Hastings to increase the exposure of our community in an attempt to boost our tourism industry.

One policy that I am very passionate about is to try and increase employment for the youth. I feel that increased employment levels for the youth will contribute to lowering levels of anti-social behaviour and give the local economy a little kick – more youth with money is more money spent in the local area.

This is just the tip of the iceberg of my policy plan, but over the next few weeks I will be hosting information sessions where people can find out more, as well as launching my campaign, when my complete policy plan will be released.

If you could fix just one pressing issue for the Hastings immediately, what would it be?

I would like to see some common sense and realism returned to the Council. Most of the issues I have been looking into could simply be solved by giving it some real thought and practical action, which would lead to positive and win-win results. I know Council is often doing what they think is right but as a concerned resident, I think some changes in this regard are necessary.

What is your overall vision for our area heading towards 2020/2030?

My main overall vision is for the Hastings to have a stronger economic status, with our $95 million debt reduced in a fair, manageable and positive way.

I want to see the roads repaired properly and carefully maintained. I believe that the flow on effect from seeing these two visions become reality will be very beneficial for all the people of the Hastings. They don’t necessarily represent the individual views of each resident, but a happy and healthy economy can offer a lot to the community – more than debt can.

Do you feel any pressure from the community at the possibility of being one of the first publicly elected Councillors in almost 5 years?

There is no doubt that I feel some pressure, but I feel that I am stepping forward for the right reasons and overall, I do have a plan. Some may say that a person of my age lacks the experience, particularly ‘business experience’ as a required key or asset to be a good Councilor.

I think most people would agree that that particular asset didn’t work out too well for the last Council. Importantly, it’s not my goal to elect ‘Team Luke’, but to elect a group of capable people who know how to connect with each other and build relationships with our community at large.

As an 18 year old candidate, do you view life experience as a key attribute for candidates to have?

This has been put to me by a few people in the community recently and while I think life experience is important and has its benefits, I don’t think it is the key to a good Council. I want to remind everybody that it is a Council that is being elected, not the Prime Minister, and I think it is important that Council has a large diverse group that will represent the diversity in the area.

I often think, where is our Council now? Where did their years of experience take them? Life experience or not, anybody can still make big mistakes. In life it is unavoidable, and it is not up to us to be solo leaders; we are a team whose task is to listen to the people. One of the huge challenges for youth today is that no one is willing to take them on and give them a go. It is not age that gives someone wisdom and experience; it is the experiences they live and encounter day to day. Many elderly people have had experiences that I will not be able to comprehend right now, but in my few 18 years I have done some pretty amazing things also.

What would you say to people considering putting their hand up to run?

I would say stand up and have a go. The people in this community deserve a large range of candidates, and I think there are lots of people out there who have a lot to offer this community if they choose to. I also think it is important that they start getting out and about now, so the community has a chance to really get to know them.

What’s something most people don’t know about you?

I think one thing would be that as a young contender, I have more ability than the community may assume I have, and I am so ready to build on that ability – which is fuelled by a desire to make our home area greater.

Thanks Luke.

Contact Luke
Email: luke_hadafield@hotmail.com
Mob: 0408 461 038
Facebook: ‘Luke Hadfield for Port Macquarie Hastings Council’.

________________________________________________________________________________

Are you standing?
Are you thinking of standing in the next Port Macquarie-Hastings election? Like to be interviewed in FOCUS? Email us:
editor@focusmag.com.au/

This story was published in issue 78 of Port Macquarie Focus 

Have you had any education related to photography, or have you naturally taken to it?  

I have been asked this question a lot , and the answer is, no, I’ve never taken a course, or read one book on photography. I’m self taught and learning something new every shoot!

My mother has been into photography for a long time; she takes amazing landscape photography, so I learnt a lot from her.

My photography is 100% passion driven, and I love incorporating my own style into every image.

I’m constantly being inspired by the photography world to learn and try new things, challenging myself and finding new ways to make my camera rock every shot.

Your main focus in photography is maternity and newborn shots. Have you always had an interest in this type of photography? 

Yes! My heart has always been with pregnancy and newborns; nothing is more of an absolute miracle than falling pregnant and having a baby, and I get to capture that!

I love meeting with excited first-time mums, last-time mums and mothers who have tried to conceive for years and being able to celebrate with them.

My maternity sessions are becoming more and more popular, as women see that pregnancy is beautiful and should be celebrated and remembered. Nine months feels so long when you are waiting for baby, but in the whole picture, it all goes so fast.

Newborn sessions are not for the faint hearted; they require a lot of time, patience and sensitivity. I’m well aware at every newborn shoot that I have been entrusted with this couple’s whole world, and always follow babies’ lead with lots of cuddles and newborn safety practised at all times. Every newborn, even in those early days, has their own personality. I spend many a session in giggles with their antics; they are nothing short of amazing.

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

The thing I enjoy more than anything else, without a doubt, would have to be meeting my clients and hearing their stories. I meet people at the most exciting times in their lives, waiting for their child, and then those early days when baby arrives. We all see the end result of the image of the mother and father smiling down at their perfect newborn, and so often we don’t hear the amazing stories that got them there. I love hearing them.

Falling pregnant can sometimes be a journey of heartbreaks, loss and love but most of all, full of hope. I’ve made some incredible friends along the way, I could write a book just with the clients I have met already – such inspiring stories … that and of course, getting to snuggle gorgeous newborns all day.

What is the feedback from your photography like, and does that influence the way you take your photographs?

My ‘fans’ feedback drives me every day! Their thoughts and words are so encouraging, and I love reading their every comment. They don’t steer my design, but their encouragement is what makes me want to do so much more than what I would ever had hoped or dreamed of doing.

I love the feel and community of my Facebook page. When a newborn baby’s photo hits the Facebook page, I love how people who have never even met the parents of this child will still leave comments of adorations and congratulations – it’s incredibly heart warming. They are an amazing cheer squad, and I’m grateful to every one of them.

I receive countless emails and messages from my thankful clients that I keep to read back over; it’s nice to know that by simply doing something I love, I can bring a huge smile to people’s lives.

What is the best age to photograph newborn babies?  

This varies for each photographer, but for me and the style of my images, it’s in those first 12 days, when bub is sleepy and content and happy to be fed and sleep.

I know for a lot of people they remember their first 2 weeks with their newborn to be crazy and wonder how they would find the time to fit portraits in, but I love that for a couple of hours my new parents have a chance to sit and just take a moment with their new addition – it’s a great excuse for them to stop their busy morning just to baby gaze.

Do you have a favourite photograph?

Not one particular image, but I love a photograph that tells a story or captures a genuine connection in that exact moment. These are the ones my clients and I treasure the most.

Myself personally, it would be an image I have of our son, Noah. He was born incredibly ill, with no hope of survival. He beat the odds and as soon as we were able to finally bring him home from hospital, I immediately took a picture, raced down to have it printed and framed it – it still hangs in our home 5 years later.

What motivates you in your job?  

The people I get to meet and work with. There have been very busy weeks where in extreme tiredness I ask myself, “Why?” The answer is always the same; I am able to capture little pieces of these people’s story … that’s a pretty great job!

My husband and two children motivate me to be bigger and better constantly and remind me every day how precious life is … and just the adventure of it all! I am a creative person who is now able to create; I love that!

When you are not taking photographs, what do you do with your spare time?

Spare time? I think I handed that phrase in when we had our son 5 years ago, followed by our daughter, Isabella, two years later! But when I’m not photographing, I’m being a mum – my most favourite role ever.

We live in such a beautiful place, so we love to spend days doing the simple things that matter the most: beach, ice blocks and painting, shopping and movies and spending time with family and friends.

People often ask me what I do in general conversation, to which I always reply I am a mother raising two gorgeous children, who also takes maternity and newborn photos.

No matter how much I love my job, which I do, I’m always living life inspired by the quote: “If I fail to raise my children, nothing else I accomplish really matters”.

Thanks Verity.

This story was published in issue 78 of Port Macquarie Focus 

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 

Hi Richard. Where did you grow up?

I was born in Bowraville. We moved around a lot when I was a kid – we lived in Forster, Redfern, Blacktown, trying to stay one step ahead [of the authorities]. In 1966, they caught up to us – me, my older brother and 3 younger girls – and I was in a boys’ home until I was about 18.

What is your tribal background?

Dunghutti on my father’s side and Gumbaynggirr on my mother’s side.             The stories of the Dreamtime from those two different tribes – are they so very different?

Most of the Dreamtime stories connect to each Country – they’re all similar stories.

When did your interest in art begin? Did you draw as a child?

Yes. The old man used to make boomerangs and shields. I’d sketch some things and he’d burn them on the items, and I’d colour them in afterwards.

I used to draw and sketch a lot in the boys’ home to pass the time too and to keep my mind occupied.

What kind of style do you like to paint with, and who inspires you?

European and also traditional. I’d like to think I’ve created my own style of painting; it’s a unique style. I really like Lin Onus … he was an Indigenous artist from Victoria, but he did a little bit more European than what I do. He was a famous artist and passed away a few years ago, at a quite young age.

Also, my older cousin, Robert Campbell Junior, who painted in more of an Indigenous style … but I really like to think I’ve created my own style.

What do you like to communicate with your paintings – what stories do you tell? There appears to be quite a spiritual element to some of your paintings as well.

They’re often based on my own stories … how I was taken away, my mother’s stories, my father’s stories … stories of the Dreamtime.

I met my sisters again about 15 years after we were taken away. About 12 years ago, two of my younger sisters started working for the Catholic system. I was living in Newcastle then, and I had a few paintings in an exhibition in Maitland. One of my sisters saw the paintings – she didn’t know I could paint – and she rang me up and told me she knew a priest who would like me to do some spiritual art.

I worked with the connection between the Dreamtime stories and the spirituality, and that’s where the spiritual paintings all started.

What are you working on at the moment?

I’m working with a school to do a painting of a story where someone stops to help an injured man [a bible story] – I do a lot of work with schools. A lot of my work is commission work.

When you present your coffee morning at the Glasshouse, what will you be talking about?

I have my artwork on a USB stick, and I’m hoping to project the images up on the wall and talk about them and what they mean.

I’m also exhibiting at the Glasshouse. The works are called the Creation Series, and I’ll talk about these artworks as well. There are 10 paintings in the series, and they took nearly 12 months to complete. I like exhibitions like this.

I did one for Deakin University in Geelong, which also took me around 12 months to do. I really enjoy this work.

Your works are very striking and unusual. If someone would like to commission you for a painting, how do they get in touch with you?

They can call my mobile: 0421 757 184.

Thanks Richard.

This story was published in issue 78 of Port Macquarie Focus 

What many of you may not know is that this block of land has a wonderful family history and has been in the hands of the same family for many years – and despite the multi-million dollar development happening there right now, there are no plans to change the ownership. Nev Jones from Better Homes and Shevaun Bruun, one of the property developers, fill us in …

How long has the property at 2 Swift Street been in your family?

Shevaun: My grandfather, William McLellan, bought the land, and he started construction on the home in 1949. As far as we can tell, he originally owned all the land right along Swift Street, from top to bottom, but he ended up gradually selling off the blocks and keeping the 6 blocks we still own today, which cover from the top of Swift Street, to Pacific Drive and across to Wesley Avenue. The blocks have always been vacant land, except for the block where the original house still stands.

The house on the property was built as a holiday home, as my grandfather was a very keen fisherman. He kept his house in Sydney – the same as we still do today – and he would come here to Port Macquarie regularly for holidays.

I never actually got to meet my grandfather, and when he passed away, my father, who was an only child, inherited the property. My father continued the family tradition of holidaying here – in fact, he spent his honeymoon here. My dad passed away 24 years ago, but we’ve continued to holiday here.

My brother, Andrew McLellan, and I play tag team holidaying here, with he and his family of 4 children and 1 grandchild and me and my family of 2 children taking turns to holiday here over the years. My mother, Diana McLellan, still owns the block, but she has been encouraging us to do something with the land.

It was always Dad’s little bit of paradise – he travelled around a lot selling cameras and always visited here at least once a month. While Dad was alive, he maintained the property, and it always looked like a Botanical Garden. But gradually over the years, the building and the grounds began to deteriorate … We have some funny stories about using gaffer tape to hold things together; or we’d come to visit and the lights would’ve blown, or a tap would be turned on and blow off, or the hot water heater wouldn’t work. My mother, brother and I decided we had to do something … and that’s where the idea of the development all began! We ultimately want to spend more time in Port Macquarie and less in Sydney, but we want to maintain control of the property and the development and keep it in the family.
What have been some of the best memories for you holidaying here?

Shevaun: I’ve been visiting since I was a baby – just as my children have done. We were here every school holidays – so around 12 weeks per year. My dad would use this place as a base while he travelled around for work. We used to have watermelon parties in the backyard, and all the local kids would come. My brother and I learned to drive a Land Rover around the property in circles, and we’d both spend hours riding a mini bike around the property. Dad was a keen fisherman too, so we’d use the Land Rover to drive to Lighthouse and fish from sunup to sunset.

So, what is the development you and your brother Andrew are proposing for the site?

Shevaun: The plans have evolved over time. We started off thinking we might only build 3 or 4 houses, plus two separate residences for Andrew and me and our respective families. The plan was designed so we can all holiday here together and not have to tag team anymore!

Nev: Andrew and Shevaun started developing the plans two years ago and the initial concept has changed quite considerably. There has been a lot of discussion back and forth and a lot of consultation with Shevaun, Andrew and the Council, but we are all determined to get the development right. The development as it stands now has 10 homes – the 2 homes for Shevaun and Andrew, 6 x 3-bedroom townhouses and two more 4-bedroom, two-storey houses. There is the ability for the block to carry an even higher density development, but the family have always been determined that the development would suit the local area and the beach lifestyle. The land itself is around an acre with 3 or 4 fantastic street frontages, so there’s a great opportunity to design and develop something that looks fantastic.

Shevaun: We’ve had a lot of input from our Building Designer James Collins, and the concept has changed multiple times. We didn’t want to end up with something that looked like a resort with swimming pools and acres of concrete, and we didn’t want to overdevelop the land. At least a third of the land has been kept for the 2 houses Andrew and I will own, which will be built where the existing old home stands now. We’re pretty sad at the thought of demolishing the old house, but we know it will have to go eventually.
The development project will obviously unfold in stages, so in what order will the buildings be erected?

Nev: The development will unfold in 3 stages.  The first buildings to be constructed will be the 6 townhouses, facing onto Wesley Street, then the other two houses, followed lastly with the two private residences. The first component of the construction is the civil work, which is the sewer work, storm water, electricity and kerb and guttering. This is being done in two stages, with the first stage happening in conjunction with the construction of the 6 townhouses. The second stage of the civil works will cover the remaining 4 homes.

Shevaun: We wanted the development to unfold this way, because we want the old house to remain standing as long as possible. We want to be able to keep coming to stay while the development is being carried out!
What stage is the construction up to at present, and how long do you believe it will take to complete?

Nev: The dwellings have only just started to be constructed, with the pouring of the slabs for the 6 townhouses occurring during April. It will be full steam ahead from there! There will be supervisory and carpentry teams on site full-time from now on. As stage one takes shape, we’ll continue to refine the plans for stage two.

Shevaun: It will probably be a good two years before we get to the stage of finishing the two private residences.

What is the purpose of the 8 buildings that won’t be used by the family as private residences? 

Nev: The first 8 homes have been approved as tourist accommodation, which will be professionally managed as boutique accommodation. Knowing that the family is retaining the whole development to run as a business – which is a pretty rare thing – it’s important to have the accommodation cater for a cross section of the market. Five of the townhouses will be the same, and the sixth is slightly larger. Then you move up to the two 4-bedroom homes, which will be able to accommodate up to 8-10 people. The plan is to get the business side up and running first, so there is some income coming in to support the rest of the development.

Shevaun: Escape at Nobbys is what we’ve decided to call the tourist accommodation. The 6 townhouses will be beautifully appointed, and the two 4-bedroom homes will be yet another step above in terms of quality and fittings. They’ll have beautiful views and be in an amazing location. We don’t want to compete with the resorts in the area by offering pools and a children’s playground; we see ourselves as offering more of a home-away-from-home environment that is quiet and relaxing. The beach playground is right across the road!

It would be wonderful to have Escape at Nobbys Stage 1 finished by this time next year (April), but we don’t want to rush things, as everything needs to be perfect before we open for guests.
What do you have in mind for the two private residences?

Shevaun: They are going to be really special … amazing! The garages will be underneath, with two storeys of living space above.

Nev: They are really going to look the part on the corner (Pacific Drive and Swift Street). They will be large homes – upmarket, modern, contemporary beach style.

Where can people find out more about your plans for the property and Escape at Nobbys?

Shevaun: We have a Facebook page and a website that is still under construction: www.escapeatnobbys.com.au

Thanks Shevaun and Nev. Good luck with the development!

Interview by Jo Atkins.

This story was published in issue 78 of Port Macquarie Focus 

How long has the group been around?

Greg: The group’s been going since about 1989. It started with about 14 members, and today we have about 44 members.

How did you become involved?

Greg: I moved here in 1994. Prior to this, I discovered an interest in model railways in Orange through a friend of mine. When I moved to Port Macquarie, I was introduced to Peter Gannon, who owned Ezy Video Repairs – he had a model railway shop as well. He helped everyone with buying things and becoming involved with the club.

Ross: I’ve been a member since 2006, so around 6 years. My son had met Greg through his work, and we were introduced. We actually had a trip together on the old Tin Hare down to Newcastle in 2006.

I’ve been interested in model trains since I was about 18. I had an old Triang Hornby as a kid, and I never grew out of it.

Are the very impressive model train layouts you have now your first?

Greg: No, this is about number 4. Sometimes you keep going until you get it right – you can be lucky sometimes and get it right first time, but this is number 4 for me.

Ross: This is my first big layout. The other one I had was only a table-top set – a piece of Masonite on the dining table, and the trains only travelled around in a circle.

Describe your setup for us …

Greg: It’s an HO gauge with a double main line and a branch line. There’s quite a large holding yard and quite a bit of variety with the type of engines and trains. It’s taken about 6 or 7 years to get to this stage. This varies for everyone – I’m still working, so I don’t get as much time to spend on it as others do.

Ross: I’ve been working on mine since 2006. It’s an HO gauge, the same as Greg’s, which is 1:87 scale.

I was born and bred in Geelong, so my rolling stock is all Victorian. I have an 8 car set of the Overland, which went from Melbourne to Adelaide. I have a 6 car set of the Victorian red passenger cars, a B Class locomotive and blue and gold Victorian rolling stock.

Is there a train in your layout that’s a particular favourite?

Greg: I have quite a few … any one of the steam models. There are a lot more on the market today that are available from Australian manufacturers. The quality now is great – you can have lights and sound, which are just like the real thing.

People in the club have so much variety in what they’ve done. Some people have layouts based just on certain types of trains, but it depends very much on what each individual wants to achieve.

Where do you source all of your equipment?

Greg: Originally from Peter Gannon’s shop. He’d often buy collections off people and then sell them to others. I also buy things off eBay or direct from the manufacturers.

The beauty of model railway is that everyone can choose how much or how little they want to put into it – if their layout ends up too large, they can on-sell parts of it and downsize, or start again with something else.

What materials have you constructed your scenery, the hills and grounds from?

Greg: Styrofoam and plaster, with a scattering of different materials to provide colour. The grass is a special anti-static product that stands up to give a three dimensional look. There are so many different ways – even using rocks and dirt – depending on what it is you want to achieve.

Ross: It’s constructed out of styrene with plaster cloth over the top, or even some blue Chux. I’ve also used aluminium fly wire, which can be crunched and shaped before the plaster is placed over the top. I’ve used real stones, gravel and twigs. A lot of my trees I’ve made out of twisted wire coated with No More Gaps, which is then painted with colour.

I want to be able to control all of my trains from one handpiece, which I’ve been able to do so far.

What do you personally enjoy about owning a model railway?

Greg: It’s a good de-stresser! It’s hands on – you’re doing a bit of carpentry, electrical work, through to creating scenery, so there’s plenty of variety.

Ross: The relaxation. It’s fun to see things working as you hope they’ll work. When they don’t, it can be frustrating!

How often does the group meet?

Greg: We meet every third Saturday at various members’ places on a roster basis. Sometimes we might go to the Taree model train club for a visit, or we might go to the Dorrigo Steam Museum, or an exhibition in Sydney or Newcastle. It really depends on what members would like to do.

We stay in touch with members via email and the monthly meetings. If there’s something special happening, we may ring members to let them know.

We’re not a formal club, but a group of people who share an interest and enthusiasm for model railway who like to share ideas and experiences. The membership age is open, and we encourage the younger model train lovers to come along.

Why should people interested in model railways join the group?

Ross: It’s a great fun day out together. It’s good company.

Before I joined the group, I didn’t have any idea how I was going to do any scenery – not a clue! Then I saw how other people did it, and I put it all together. There are different levels of interest too – it’s not necessary to have your layout up to exhibition standard, but you can if you want to. With your own layout, you can do what you want.

Contact details for the club?

Phone Greg on: 0408 281 908 or email: gneegreg@bigpond.net.au

Thanks Greg and Ross.

Interview by Jo Atkins.

This story was published in issue 78 of Port Macquarie Focus 

With a career spanning over 30 years in many TV, film and theatre roles, what has been your favourite performance or role to date?

Whenever I am asked that, I always say my favourite role is the fact that I am still employed after 30 years – which is always a good thing for an Australian actor to be able to say!

The six years and eight seasons of Stingers is one of the highlights, because it was just a great character to play; and I met my partner and we had our first child in Melbourne at that time. Lots of good things happened during that time. It was a great part and great people, great scripts, and it just all came together.

You’ve worked in front of the camera and in front of live audiences many times. Have you found as an actor it has given you good balance to do both?

It is a good balance. It’s sort of like any trade or profession – there are ways of honing your craft, and doing live theatre does that; it gets you back to what it’s all about really.

The discipline of getting this performance up every night, or in the day if it is a matinee as well; it really does sharpen the tools.

You will be performing in Let the Sunshine here at the Glasshouse in May. What is the synopsis of the show?

It is about two couples who meet up; one guy is a left wing documentary maker, who is in a little strife with his film. I play a very wealthy Queensland property developer.

What was it like playing him?

It’s great, as it is so different to what I know myself. First of all, being rich – and being a right wing, white shoe brigade Queensland property developer is very different to my own experience. It is something very different to myself and was fun to play.

He is kinda loud and brash and ugly – but charming. And our respective wives are old school friends, and we all meet up and the drama ensues when our respective offspring get together.

How far and wide are you touring?

We are doing every state, in 60 theatres in 6 months. It is a very extensive tour, and we are seeing a lot of the country. We are all getting along, the actors and the crew – we have a couple of cars and truck that we travel with. We are kinda like gypsies. What will audiences love about the show?

They love it! We are doing meet and greets after the show, and it is really resonating with them that they ‘know’ these people … and David Williamson writes like that; it’s very close to their own experiences. I get people all the time after the show who say: “I know that person” or, “That’s my ex-husband you’re playing – he’s a wa**er”.

Do you think it will resonate more so with audiences in towns like Port Macquarie, as we are a ‘sea change’ destination?

Yeah, I think it will. It will really resonate there.

Being that we (the show) are set in a coastal setting, like Noosa, so it is not too dissimilar than the development that would be going on in Port Macquarie.

You have worked with David Williamson before. How did you land this gig?

I was offered the role, and after I read the script I accepted; I really wanted to play this role.

What else are you working on at present?

I am writing my own television pilot for a drama/comedy that will hopefully be picked up by someone soon. I am having meetings for that at present.

So yeah, just generating my own things, and it’s the first one I am going to direct in, not act in.

How do you balance work commitments as well as being a father?

I have a wonderful wife! She works as well, and we kinda juggle it. And I make sure I am not away for more than a month at a time; I make sure I go home, or they come to me.

Thanks Peter.

________________________________________________________________________________

 the plug

See Peter Phelps in Let the Sunshine live at The Glasshouse Friday 25 May or Saturday 26 May at 8pm.

Tickets $39.90 adult, $36.90 concession and groups 6+, $30.90 under 21/student.

Contact 6581 8888  for tickets or buy online at glasshouse.org.au

This story was published in issue 78 of Port Macquarie Focus 

What duties/tasks/responsibilities will you perform at Fashion Week?

I will be allocated an Australian designer and will be working as a Dresser backstage for them.

I will be allocated a model and garment rack, which will have the garments the model will wear on the runway. My duties will be to check any faults of the designer garments, prepare garments by ironing/steaming, have garments in running order, ready with shoes and accessories.

I will dress my allocated model and direct models to catwalk entrance, so they are ready to go out onto the runway.

How long will you be attending, and where will it be held?

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week runs from Monday 30 April to Friday 4 May. It is held at the Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay, Sydney. This is right next to the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, at Darling Harbour.

I will be working for four days of the event, (Monday to Thursday; 8 hour shifts).

Why were you chosen above other members of the class?

Our teachers encouraged both the Diploma and Cert 4 fashion students to apply to work at Fashion Week. I’m not sure as to who exactly applied.

What was the selection process?

I had to register with Miro Door, which is a company that assists you to find employment and work experience, in the Fashion, PR & Event industries in Australia.

I had to provide a resume and outline of experience and achievements in the fashion industry, as well as a photo of myself and cover letter that stated why I would like the opportunity to work at Australian Fashion Week.

I was selected into the final round, where I then had to provide what days I was available to work. I was then one of 400 people chosen to work at the event.

Will anyone be going with you?

Only my partner will travel and stay with me. Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is not open to the public; only exclusive VIP guests can attend the shows. The guest lists only include fashion magazine editors; such as Vouge, journalists, buyers; such as David Jones, celebrities and social types.

The fashion week shows are invitation-only, and each designer is responsible for the guest list to their own show.

Who will you be working for?

I won’t know who I will be working for until my orientation day. There are 12 shows running each day, so I will be able to meet and work with a large range of people.

Is it work experience, work placement or a paid position?

It is volunteer work; I don’t get paid or get any assistance with travel or accommodation.  However, I think it will be a ‘money can’t buy experience’.

Are you expected to report back to the class?

We didn’t have to apply for Australian Fashion Week as part of our TAFE course, nor do we need any sort of work experience for our course.

We as fashion students were encouraged to apply, as it is a great experience, great exposure and fantastic for our CV.

I will definitely be updating my fellow students and teachers on all news from Fashion Week.

Which designer will you hope to meet/work for?

I would love to work for Lisa Ho; her style is similar to mine, and it would be amazing to see her work backstage. Whitney Port from The Hills & The City is also showcasing her collection for the first time in Australia. I would love to have the opportunity to see her and her work, as I follow her shows.

What are you most looking forward to?

Learning the whole process and seeing the work that goes into running such a huge event.

Meeting the designers and their teams. Being up close and personal with their garments, before  the public has even seen them.

Are there any opportunities for you to take advantage of that other people might not be privileged to? 

It’s not every day you get to work right next to some of the biggest Designers in Australia. It is a huge advantage, as you never know what opportunities you may be presented with. I have known of mentors who have worked at these events and were offered internships and further work experience with the designers at their companies.

It will be an event where the best of the best of Australian fashion will all be in one place. You never know what might come of one single conversation.

Is there anything else that may be of interest to the public or those looking to enter fashion courses at TAFE?

I have always dreamed of following a career in the fashion industry, but I always pushed it aside.  I thought nothing could ever come of it, seeing I lived in a small rural area, where there don’t seem to be many opportunities in the industry. Finally last year, I took a step towards that dream and enrolled into a Cert III of Fashion Design & Technology at Kempsey TAFE.

In just 12 months, I learnt and achieved so much and was encouraged by my teachers to continue my studies to Diploma level in 2012. Now it’s not even half way through the year, and I’m on my way to work at Australian Fashion Week. Two years ago I would only dream of this opportunity; I never thought I’d actually be living it. I hope I can inspire fellow people in our area to follow what they have always wanted to do, because there are a number of fantastic resources and mentors around that can assist them.

I have to show gratitude to both Kempsey and Port Macquarie TAFE campuses, as I wouldn’t have the opportunity I do now without their assistance.

Is there any relation between what you are learning at TAFE and what is being practised at Fashion Week?

Yes, absolutely. One of the core units in my Diploma is learning how to plan, organise and run a fashion show. We are in the process of organising the runway show for all fashion students at Port Macquarie TAFE, to showcase their garments at the end of the year. We have been sourcing venues, models, hair and makeup etc, as well as producing run through sheets and a program.

It will be great for me to have an insight into how some of Australian’s best designers run their own fashion shows. I’m sure I will learn a lot in Sydney that I can bring back to assist the development of our own show.

Thanks Shantelle! Have fun.

This story was published in issue 78 of Port Macquarie Focus 

This looks like it’s going to be a fun show!

It is a fun show! People have been laughing a clapping all across Australia.

So you are on tour already?

Yes, we are. We have done 19 shows already and will visit Port Macquarie on May 29!

Tell us about your role as Lead Dancer and Creative Director of the show.

Well, my role is to look for people who are funny and can dance on their toes and can make the audience laugh. We look for talented dancers who are willing to put on a tutu and are able to make the audience laugh – which is a difficult task!

Now just clarify for me, this is an all gentlemen’s cast, correct?

Yes, it is all gentlemen. I have a cast from all around the world, including Chile, Columbia, Argentina, the Philippines, the USA, Puerto Rico.

And they are all trained classically?

Yes, they are all trained classically. They are all hoping to do something a little bit different.

But it’s not a drag show?

No, it’s not a drag show really …

We are playing female characters, but that is just the starting point. You know, that fact that we are in makeup and dancing on our toes and wearing tutus and wigs is just the beginning. I mean, if that was all we did, the show would get boring after three or four minutes …

How hard technically is it for the male cast to perform the female dances – and in pointe shoes?!

Well, it is the same exact steps (for the male dancers) as what the female would do, but on their toes. It takes years of training to learn to walk on their toes and to be able to do this kind of work, but there are not that many people on the planet who have decided that this is viable work for them (laughs).

So what prompted the tour of Australia, considering Les Ballets has been on Broadway for so long?

I had been here about five years ago, and we had a great tour with great audiences. I just thought I would really love to return to Australia and to see it again.

Also, this is a new cast. More than half of them were not with me last time, and the show has changed. So it has been re-worked, there are new jokes and other things going on.

I thought it would be fun to see the world again!

There is a large repertoire in the show.How do you combine the ballet with the comedy?

Well, basically we take each ballet and think it through and think what would be funny. Some of the stories are funny, and with some of them there is not much of a story, but there are certain personalities who are funny. You know, when we perform them (the ballets), I let the dancers interact with each other and develop their own bit to go into it.

But they layer that on top of the choreography – the steps. A lot of the steps are exactly the steps that a ‘traditional’ dance company would do. So, it is pretty hard they have to be doing the same steps and on top of that, telling jokes.

Where does the script come from for the jokes?

Well, it is all physical humour – there is no talking. Some of the jokes are choreographed, so they are built into the show itself. There is also room for each artist to interject their own personality and their own way of making people laugh into the show. So, I allow them room … on occasion they go too far, but at the end of the day, as long as they make people laugh.

It has been described as side splitting humour …

There are a lot of people laughing in the audience! So far we haven’t had anyone with any frowns on their faces (laughs).

So, essentially who will the show appeal to – the traditional ballet goers, or comedy lovers?

I think the show appeals to a really broad audience. We have people who have never been to dance before, and they will say this a great way to break into seeing classical dance for your first time, as I think most people think, “Oh classical dance … there’s going to be a little bit too much culture going on for me”.

But this is a great way to come to the theatre and see what dance is about and have a good time. We also have people come who know a lot about dance, as they appreciate the show on a different level. Children, adults, couples – it is really just about everybody.

So it is suitable for younger audiences?

Yes, it is very suitable for them. If there are kids who are taking dance, then they are really going to appreciate this, because they will know how hard the work is that’s going on, on stage. The dancers make it look really easy.

So after you come to visit us, what is next?

We are looking to go to Malaysia and Japan this year and continue to add new repertoire, go to new places and make people laugh globally. That’s really it … to bring dance to as many communities as we can and convince people that dance is fun.

Any final words?

I think last time we came through NSW we had a dancer from Port Macquarie on our tour – his name was Darren McIntyre. He is in Alabama now running a company there, so he is not with us this time, but he did perform for a month or month and a half with us last tour.

Thanks Victor. Can’t wait to see the show!

This story was published in issue 78 of Port Macquarie Focus 

When was the Port Macquarie Parkinson’s Support Group established, and how much has it grown over the years?

The group’s been in existence for around 15 years and has grown over the years. We now have around 60 members – which represents a small minority of the 300 people we think may have Parkinson’s in the Greater Port Macquarie area. Currently, our President is Stuart Snowden, and his wife Alison is our Secretary.

What’s your involvement with the group?

I joined the group about 9 months ago – I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s 12 months ago. When I joined the group, I became their Publicity Officer – and one of my first tasks has been setting up a website at www.parkinsonspmq.org.au

What is the aim of the group?

One of the big problems with Parkinson’s is that it’s not well understood and there is a general lack of community awareness about the condition. It’s a condition that is progressively degenerative over time, and it puts a big load on carers and family members, so awareness is something we wish to encourage.

Many people know and recognise the hand tremor that some people with Parkinson’s have. Few are aware that the combination of symptoms varies widely and that there is an overlap of symptoms with about 6 other diseases, making diagnosis difficult.

We operate as a local self-contained group under the aegis of Parkinson’s New South Wales which is, in turn, under the umbrella of Parkinson’s Australia.

The group aims to raise awareness and to provide support for those with the condition and also their families and carers. We have our own library of resources for people who’d like more information. We also provide a social environment to help overcome isolation of our fellow people with Parkinson’s and raise money for use by Parkinson’s NSW to maintain a help line and counselling services and to contribute to research.

Please give us some information about Parkinson’s Disease and its associated symptoms …

Parkinson’s Disease is a condition caused by a lack of Dopamine – a chemical found in the brain. Dopamine is an important messenger chemical in controlling nerves that affect muscle movement, so the typical symptoms for Parkinson’s are tremor, rigidity, muscle stiffness, speech problems (because control of the vocal cords is reduced) and problems with peristaltic movement, like swallowing. Over time, people with Parkinson’s disease can have difficulty standing, ‘getting going’ and walking.

As the condition progresses, other symptoms appear, typically diskinesia (sudden violent movement of limbs), poor cognition, memory loss and sometimes Alzheimer’s.

What have been the benefits to you being a member of the group?

I’ve gained a much better understanding of the condition and the treatments available. Knowing there are other people who share a similar situation with you is a help, and being able to talk to others who have, over time, become knowledgeable about the condition is great.

We actually had a disturbing situation recently, where one of our members was put into a care facility for respite care – so his carer could have a break. After a few days, the situation had actually become worse for both of them, as he was not properly cared for, was sedated and had to be admitted to hospital, when he developed pneumonia as a result of the disabling effect of the sedation.

Medical and aged care staff frequently do not realise the importance of timely medication for Parkinson’s and the importance of correct medication type, dosage level and timing. The medication we take typically provides a level of Dopamine in our systems, but it is only temporary, and the levels reduce over time.

It is very important to take the medication at the right time, or the fluctuation in the Dopamine levels can cause severe problems. This highlights the need for increased awareness of Parkinson’s Disease and its treatment options.

Information about problems that occur to our members is passed to Parkinson’s NSW, who advocate to government and health authorities to change inappropriate practices.

How often does the group meet?

We meet on the third Friday of each month at the old Port Macquarie Hospital (in Morton Street). This location may be changing shortly, as The Westport Club has generously offered us their facilities and we’re exploring the possibilities.

What was the event your group held on April 11?

April 11 was World Parkinson’s Day, which is the anniversary of the birthday of Dr James Parkinson – the doctor who originally identified the condition. The purpose of our event was to increase awareness of the condition within the community and to push for further research and support for people with Parkinson’s.

There are treatments that help to reduce and manage the symptoms, but the condition is still progressive.

Something we really need in this area is a community based Specialist Parkinson’s Neurological Educator Nurse. Evelyn Collins is the closest Specialist Parkinson’s Neurological Educator Nurse at the moment, but she is at a hospital clinic based at John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle.

People with Parkinson’s in our area currently have to travel to Newcastle or Sydney for specialist treatment, which can be a big undertaking for those with the condition. There is a neurologist who visits Port Macquarie monthly, but Parkinson’s is only one of the conditions he treats, and he is almost always fully booked, with waiting times in excess of a year.

Anthony Westman from The Westport Club made a formal presentation of Parkinson’s books and media to the Chief Librarian, Jim McGuire. Rob Oakeshott and Terry Sara (representing Leslie Williams’ office) participated at the event and spoke about the need for increased nursing support and facilities in the area.

We are fortunate to have a very active supporter at the Base Hospital in Port Macquarie. Anthony Wall has been working with Evelyn Collins in Newcastle to establish special procedures for Parkinson’s patients when entering the hospital system. This will ensure that all medical staff at the Base Hospital are aware of the special and individual requirements of those with Parkinson’s Disease.

Thanks Gregg.

Interview by Jo Atkins.

This story was published in issue 78 of Port Macquarie Focus 

Hi Ian. Whereabouts are you based?

I’m based in Auckland, New Zealand.

How far and wide around the world does your work take you?

I try to concentrate my work in New Zealand and Australia, but I do have to travel further afield than this. I do about 200 speeches a year on the subject of customer care, business strategy and business growth.

I’m also Customer Care Advisor to a number of retail brands in Australia, including the Holiday Coast Credit Union based in your area and in New Zealand, including the Insurance Brokers Association and the Marine Association.

I have ongoing relationships with many companies, and I’ve written 16 books on the subjects of business management and customer care. I also write a monthly column for New Zealand Business called Customer Excellence. I’m a founding member of Customer Experience Management New Zealand, which is an association for people who are interested in improving their customer experience.

So, this is what I do. I’m passionate about business, and I’m a practicing businessman myself. I’m on the boards of companies, I’m Chairman of a few small companies and have my own businesses.

Was there a moment where you suddenly realised that customer care was key to business success, or was this a gradually evolving thought process?

I’m a clinical psychologist by profession, and many years ago now – we’re talking back in the late 1970s – I started out in private practice as a clinical psychologist in Canada. I realised that the business of psychology was people and that the people were the foundation of every business. So right at the beginning, I became involved in working with businesses as well as doing more traditional clinical things – and the people in business are, of course, business owners, employees and customers. As I worked more and more in business, I grew to understand this.

I also grew to understand how important customers are and that customers are anyone who uses a product or service you produce. Staff are the customers of business owners – so the dilemma of whether you put your staff first or the customer disappeared. It’s all about the customer! Some of your customers are staff, if you’re an owner; some of them may be internal customers, if you’re an employee; and then there are the external customers.

In the late 1980s, I became very involved in the area of quality management. The definition of quality is ‘fitness for purpose as determined by the customer’. Before this, people had thought of quality as being something premium – like a Rolex watch. But if you don’t want a Rolex watch, and you want something that’s inexpensive, attractive and reliable, then that becomes a quality item for you – not the Rolex. This further strengthens the whole position of customer.

So, the first step change was realising that business is all about people and that customers make up one of the important groups; and the next step change is realising whether or not you’re delivering the quality product or service that cannot be determined by you, but only by the customer.

Along the way, you start to understand that 100 per cent of a business’ profits come from its customers, and unless they’re losing money or borrowing to expand, 100 per cent of their operating revenue comes from the customer. I learned from personal experience that no business can possibly succeed unless it attracts, sells to and retains customers.

If we’re employees, we need to understand that customers pay our wages; therefore, it’s really the customer we’re working for. It became very clear to me that customers just aren’t important to your business – they ARE your business.

This all makes great sense, but most businesses don’t get it. As a result, research shows that customers are unhappy; they’re disappointed with the level of service offered.

Business is tough globally these days, but what is something businesses can typically do to improve their customer service?

Fundamentally, businesses don’t understand the significance of customer care; therefore, they’re not putting effort into this. They’re not recruiting people who are strong in this field; they don’t make it a number one priority or provide the training and skills required to do this. Businesses that get this, who are making customers their number one priority, are actually making money – even in this tough environment.

You’ve been appointed to the position of Customer Care Advisor for the Port Macquarie Customer Care Program. What will you bring to the role?

I bring quite a lot of expertise and a lot of passion. Let me make it very clear that I’m doing this in a voluntary capacity – I’m not being paid for doing this, and I’m doing it because when I was in Port Macquarie working with Neville Parsons, the CEO of the Holiday Coast Credit Union, he told me about the Customer Care Program. I was just thrilled that there was a local body, a Council, that understands that the better the service delivered in a local area, the better the growth in that area.

Then I got to know the people within the program and came to understand that the program is facing some challenges. It used to be a free program with roughly 300 members, and when a small membership fee was introduced, the membership dropped to around 130. There was review done by the Council and the local taskforce that identified a number of issues, so by the time I came along, there was some concern about how the program would move forward. I’m hoping to bring to the table the belief that the program should keep going – it’s very valuable to the community as a whole – but there are some things that can be changed.

The program was initially basically an accreditation program … you were mystery shopped to see if you were good enough and then given a sticker to put on your door. In my view, it needs to become more of a membership program … where the decal on the door says to the customer that we are looking after you seriously, and we’re on a continuous journey of improvement to do just that. I’m more than happy to deliver practical solutions to the program. I’ve written a booklet about the ten things we all need to understand to make our business successful; I’ve given the rights of this booklet to the program, so anyone who joins will get a copy. I’m doing a free luncheon for members about growing their business in a challenging market and running a workshop – which may provide me with a small fee, depending on the numbers who attend – about how to get customers keep coming back.

I’ve worked on a project called Tell Simon with somebody else, which is a customer feedback system – an internet based system that makes it easy for customers to offer suggestions, complaints and compliments to businesses. There’s been a small fee customising this program for the Customer Care Program, but it’s basically free to the members of the program. I’ve tried to bring some practical tools, enthusiasm and experience to the program. I think it’s a fantastic program.

What advantages do you see for businesses that join the Customer Care Program?

The advantages are that they will have access to tools and seminars that will teach business leaders and their staff to constantly develop their skills. There will be access to very specific tools, like Tell Simon, so it will be very easy for them to hear from their customers.

They will also have the opportunity to mix and mingle with people who are very like-minded and who are passionate about the service to their customers. That’s what it will all add up to … If someone said to me, “Why should I belong to this program?” I’d say, “Because it will grow your business.”

Thanks Ian.

Interview by Jo Atkins.

This story was published in issue 78 of Port Macquarie Focus 

Comfy timber-framed visitor’s chairs sit handily near Khodary’s dispensaries, for customers waiting for scripts. Intricate carving identifies the upholstered chairs as hand-made, yet they’re at odds with the stores’ modern decor. It’s meant to be: that they make a statement.  They’re the work of Mohamed, an Egyptian who travelled to Lebanon, married Soumaya, came to Oz with their eldest an infant and established a home at Condell Park, in Sydney’s dense mid-west. A talented wood carver, he supported his ultimate brood of six chiselling handcrafted furniture pieces to private clients’ bespoke designs. And sustained them with his philosophy of “family”. “Dad used to say to us,” third son Ibrahim “Ibby” Khodary says of his brothers’ professional and familial bonding, “if you have one stick, you can break it. But put several sticks together and you can’t break them, no matter what. He could see we were all developing in the same profession. He knew in business you have ups and downs but he said it should not affect your relationship.”

When eldest son Fawaz graduated in pharmacy from Sydney Uni 21 years ago, he planted a sapling that’s flourished to a robust multi-branched tree. Absent a suitable city job, Fawaz began work in a Coonabarabran pharmacy, unwittingly founding the family’s fortunes in the bush. He soon bought the business and, having met his wife there, put down roots in the western NSW town, until moving to Port last year. Second son Said, having passed through the Great Hall five years later, ultimately bought a pharmacy at Greenacre, 7km from the family home. Seven years on, Ibby followed them: with a degree in analytical chemistry and a Masters in Pharmacy from Newcastle, he’d also had a bush baptism. He’d met his future wife, a partner who lights up his life, Lina, at uni; she was in youngest brother Hamdy’s year and also a country girl, from Canberra. The coupled shared a Middle Eastern heritage, Lina’s parents Palestinian, from a rural, olive-growing, region too. It seemed like two parallel families, Khodary recalls, in size, origins and, largely, health-care professions: both of them families of four boys, two girls. Lina, herself a pharmacist, has two brothers who are doctors, two brothers in the sciences and a sister a dentist. Khodary’s two sisters, both graduates, are teachers.

As the brothers emerged, so too did their chain of chemist stores. Between them they next acquired the Lake Cathie pharmacy, then Port Macquarie, Laurieton, Lakewood and Lighthouse, the five shops easily the largest grouping among this region’s many chemist stores. Their eighth presence – the family’s seventh in the bush – is at Kurri Kurri. Each brother has his specialty; broadly, Fawaz looks after the financials, Said takes care of discount deals, buying and catalogues; Ibby attends to pharmaceutical reps and online and 1300-number orders and despatch, and Hamdy maintains the website that markets ethical (pharmaceutical) and general products to rural communities, far-flung Australia and overseas. The businesses needed to be online to stay competitive. “If you snooze, you lose” is another family saying I learn.

There’s a dual business philosophy and an accent on range, service and price: “First and foremost”, Khodary says, is primary health care for the community. “People like to know you; they want familiar faces, familiarity with the chemist, it builds trust. It’s what I try to do and what all our staff are trained for. We never sacrifice service. We’re open 365 days a year, 8 to 7 weekdays and 9 to 6 Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays with free deliveries daily.” The 24 employees at this biggest of the local stores are something of a family themselves; they enjoy generous discounts and gather with the wider group staff on occasions like Xmas and for training by Lina, who was Laurieton pharmacist before the couple’s first child, Sophia, arrived 19 months ago. Lina now works part-time to keep abreast of medications and the industry and occasionally subbies on Saturdays if the Horton Street store’s other chemist is away, when her husband plays Premier League first grade with Port Saints on his only day off.

The second aspect of the business is discounting. Eight stores mean keen buying power but the family eschews “discount chemist clutter”. “We don’t want to bring pharmacy down to that level; we have nice clean shops so people can enjoy discounts without feeling they’re in a cheap store. We have carpet, bright lighting, shelving to make self-selecting easy, good staff and our good service,  the core of pharmacy.” Khodary’s decamped in 2010 from near the big banks downtown to their “superstore” in lower Horton Street. The move seems to have “stretched the CBD’s focus”, Khodary feels. “When we moved we weren’t aware of Coles’ intentions. Initially things were a bit slow but everyone was excited about the parking [availability] and now we’ve seen a big improvement in this end of town.” Indeed, the pharmacy’s presence seems to have led the block’s resurgence; a mini food hub of Sushi Train, Pizza Capers and a new Chinese restaurant joining KFC, with JB Hi-Fi and perhaps Officeworks joining Coles.

The elder Khodarys now have 19 grandchildren, the oldest studying biotechnology, so maybe there are more sticks to be added to the bundle. Khodary’s own work seldom stops: there’s his role as pharmacist-in-charge as well as ancillary managerial duties ex-dispensary to think of when the doors close. “I enjoy it, I feel at home when I’m at work. If you enjoy it, it shows. As my daughter gets older I might want a little more time off. We’ve got a nice vegie patch of cucumbers, tomatoes, herbs and fruit trees like I had when we were growing up. Since Sophia started walking it’s been good bonding. I want her to know a cucumber comes from a plant, not a supermarket.

“So we plant it, and then we get out the little pink watering can … and it’s very rewarding when we get our first cucumbers!”

For Khodary, “first and foremost” before pharmacy, still comes family.

With Olympian James Magnussen puffing Port up with pride, we’d hoped to talk to his mother in May. But Donna Magnussen says James’s achievements are all his own and she doesn’t want to encroach. Typical Mum! Happy Mother’s Day to all.

This story was published in issue 78 of Port Macquarie Focus 

Where did the idea come from to bring Illuminated Event Hire to PMQ? A good friend of mine has been heavily involved in developing the Illuminated products up in Brisbane. After being focused on the major cities, they wanted to get things moving in Port Macquarie and cover the Mid North Coast.

It felt like the perfect combination, because I have a business development background and my husband is involved in festivals and events. When we saw the furniture and how it worked, we had no hesitation about wanting to be involved.

Your products are unique to those of other hire companies. Tell us about your range? Basically, we have a range of furniture that lights up. Illuminated furniture is powered by lithium batteries; our exclusive light units last for over 24 hours and recharge in a matter of hours. The sleek remote control gives 15 different colour options and 4 different strobe and pulse effects.

Our furniture includes open and closed cubes, bar leaners and stools, complete bars, DJ consoles, snack bars, ottomans, benches and of course, our wedding range of banquet and dining tables with matching Crystal Tiffany chairs.

We also have event flooring in different colours for outdoor events. The team at Illuminated Industries are always coming up with new concepts.

Mid year we are expecting LED dance floors, where you can run video and images through them. We have had a sneak peek, and they look amazing.

Last but not least, the furniture is Australian made and designed. It’s also environmentally friendly, as we can recycle it into another piece of furniture when it gets wear and tear.

What sort of events and functions would Illuminated products suit? It suits any type of event or function. From backyard parties to poolside cocktail nights, outdoor festivals, dance parties, nightclubs, gala dinners and weddings.

We can cater for a small party, right up to events for a few thousand. We deliver, set up and pack down for our customers as well. To celebrate the opening of our new business, we are offering discounts on all bookings throughout May.

What events have you been at most recently? We recently did Icehouse and the Ministry of Sound dance party at Port Panthers. We also did the Star FM Single Mingle party at Town Green Inn. We’ll be in Coffs Harbour for a big wedding at C.ex, and we’ll be on display at the wedding expo at Port Panthers in May, so please come and say hello.

How can people find out more about Illuminated Event Hire? Check out our website at www.illuminatedind.com or feel free to come and visit us at our warehouse at 4/21 Chesnut Rd, Port Macquarie.

Our contact email is Portmacquarie@illuminatedeventhire.com.au and phone number is 0458 666 227.

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