Dan Flynn is a young entrepreneur who at 19 years of age established ‘Thankyou Water’, after learning of the effects of the world wide water crisis and seeing an opportunity to direct revenue from the water industry back to people who needed it most. Thankyou water now funds water projects in 9 countries and has just sold its 6 millionth bottle of water. Dan is a guest speaker at the Luminosity... [Read more]

Hello Koalas is an exciting new local initiative that will bring national and international attention to our very own official Koala Sculpture Trail … we find out more about this signature cultural event  from Project Manager, Linda Hall. Tell us about the background to this event … Hello Koalas is a three year public art project, spanning 2013 to 2015. It is based on the creation of... [Read more]

Training out of the Port Macquarie Boxing Club,  Jessica Messina is the current Australian Elite Female 75kg Australian Boxing Champion .         What was the journey to the Australian Title like? The journey I had for the Australian Titles was a bit rough at first. A couple of months ago I wasn’t ready, and my trainers told me that. About a month before, it just clicked; it’s... [Read more]

Local artist Kerry Kranitis uses mixed media to create her unique pieces. Kerry plans to hold an exhibition of her work entitled the studio within at the Macleay Valley Community Gallery in Gladstone from 2 – 12 May 2013 …   What led you to discover your talent and love for art? I have known all my life that I have a talent for art. As a child, I was always creating, whether that was by drawing,... [Read more]

Up and coming singer/songwriter/guitarist KITA describes her sound as Folk/Alternative.KITA’s just released her first EP, Lion Hat … but this talented local also has dreams of hitting the festival circuit   You were originally from the Gold Coast. What brought you to Port Macquarie?  Yeah, I was. It was family which brought me here and to live a healthier life. The Goldy is just pumping... [Read more]

With over 22 years’ experience as a paramedic in the field, Joe is also Paramedic Program Leader and Senior Lecturer at Charles Sturt University in Port Macquarie.     Please share a little about your background …  I grew up in a small town of about 20,000 people near Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The main industries are cattle ranches and farms, and my first career plan was to be... [Read more]

With things heating up in Federal Politics and an election date annouced, we catch up with Federal Member Rob Oakeshot in the FOCUS Studio. Below is just an excerpt of the full interview available via the QR code. (found at the bottom of the interview) Federal politics aside, and we’ll get to that, you’ve had a lot of big wins for the area. Tell us a bit about them … Two universities coming... [Read more]

Channelling the unique energy and cool vibe of Byron Bay, Pete Murray will stop over at Club Forster this month, as a part of his Blue Sky Blue – The Byron Sessions tour …       Good morning Pete! The tour you’re just about to kick off is Blue Sky Blue – The Byron Sessions. Why inspired you to take your Blue Sky Blue album, which was originally released in 2011, and re-release... [Read more]

The Melbourne Ballet Company is headed to the Glasshouse, bringing 9 dancers for their performance of Infinite Space. Choreographer Simon Hoy tells us more about this not to be missed April event.     Hi Simon. How did your dance career begin? I’m a graduate of the Australian Ballet School – I graduated in 1997. Then I moved to Europe, and I worked as a soloist in Austria, Germany and... [Read more]

George is taking his career as a racing driver to a whole new level with his switch to Matt Stone Racing this year, and it’s a case of deja vu …With his family’s solid support, he is set to achieve his ambitions as a Supercar driver.     You spent last year racing with Sonic Motorsports in the Dunlop Series. How would you rate the season? I’d rate it a B, if I’m honest. There... [Read more]

Her energy is electric … a bubbly, fun and super excited Yellow Wiggle, Emma, shares with FOCUS her unbridled enthusiasm for the new look Wiggles, as they get ready for their ‘Taking Off’ tour and wiggle their way up the Mid North Coast, entertaining their young fans as they go!   Congratulations on becoming the first female Wiggle! What has the reception been like for you? We’ve had... [Read more]

Birds of Tokyo is a five-piece alternative Rock band from Perth, Western Australia.  In 2010 the band released its highest charting album to date, Birds of Tokyo, which reached No. 2 on the ARIA Albums Chart. They are playing at The Laurieton United Services Club, Tuesday 19 March.   How did the band form? Where are you guys from? I’m not entirely sure how the band formed. I’ve only been... [Read more]

Astonishingly creative shadow puppeteer Mr Bunk (aka Jeff Achtem) transforms household items into magical creations, in a show that encourages everyone to play in the dark! Mr Bunk is currently touring with his show Sticks, Stones, Broken Bones, and he’s bringing his suitcase full of magic to the Glasshouse this month … with Ninjas, UFO Abductions, brain transplants – open your mind to the power... [Read more]

If you want to take your recreational enjoyment to the next level, consider joining up with the hot new sport in town – Roller Derby … fun, fitness, friendship and freedom of expression on wheels. Photo’s Courtesy Jade Douglas at Wild Cherry Photography The PMRDL was formed almost 12 months ago. How did the idea form originally? Late in 2011, a handful of girls and guys with an appreciation... [Read more]

After travelling to a cricket carnival in Tamworth with other talented young players from around the state and a two-day training camp in Sydney with Mark Waugh, 14 year old up and coming cricket player David Wilkie is set to bowl us over with his amazing talent. This young man is destined for big things in the world of cricket … Hi David. How old are you, and where do you go to school? Hi, I am... [Read more]

Well, what really happened was I was in a cover top 40 band with my brother for years and then he fell in love with a girl, and we ended up breaking up. I was having dinner at my parents’ house one night and I was saying, we have been together for years and we are going to break up … what do we do, what do we do? With all the bands I’d ever been in, we had always played some Beatles... [Read more]

Nick Skubij, an Artistic Director from Shake and Stir Theatre Company, is also one of the cast members of the theatrical production Animal Farm − a fantastic adaptation of George Orwell’s original novel. Examining themes of power, corruption, freedom and trust, this not to be missed production visits the Glasshouse on February 15. What are the origins of Shake and Stir Theatre Company? The company... [Read more]

2011 X Factor champ, ARIA award winner and a Rock Star who’s achieved legions of fans in a relatively short time, Reece Mastin will be dropping in at several venues across the Mid North Coast in January. Don’t miss Reece’s Summer Nights Tour, with support act ‘At Sunset’, at Port Panthers on January 17. This show will sell out!   What surprises us here at FOCUS and what a lot... [Read more]

Brisbane based band The Medics will be honouring their heritage by playing at what they describe as a special and significant Festival. The Saltwater Freshwater Festival will be held in Taree on Australia Day, January 26. We caught up with the young band to find out more about them.   For those of us who haven’t’ heard of The Medics before, please tell us who makes up the band members? My... [Read more]

Teams of surf boat crews will contest Round 8 of the North Coast Surf Boat Series (NCSBS) at Bonny Hills on January 5. Damian Bennie, Surf Boat Captain for Tacking Point Surf Life Saving Club, shares some history about the Series, which promises a day of action on our local waves …   How long have you been involved with Tacking Point Surf Life Saving Club, and what is your role there? I have... [Read more]

A milestone in local surfing was met last month, with 100 years of surfing in the area showcased. Helen Cross-Glover has been researching the history of surfing for the past 2 years and along with the assistance of a team of supporters, was instrumental in organising the event. Chrissy Jones found out more about the night and who received the prestigious Surfer of the Century Award … Where were... [Read more]

Recently announced as Cycling Australia’s 2012 Australian Mountain Bike Rider of the Year, Jason English has his sights set on even bigger achievements – competing at the 24 hour World Championships in Canberra next year …       It’s been a little while since you last spoke to FOCUS, but what’s been keeping you occupied for the past 12 months? In the past 12 months I have... [Read more]

Spirit of the Land is a new exhibition at the Sea Acres Rainforest. We catch up with Janet Cohen to find out more. How did the idea for the exhibition come about? The idea for Spirit of the Land originated through Sea Acres Rainforest Centre’s work over the last six years with community leader and chair of the Birpai LALC, Uncle Bill O’Brien, and other local Aboriginal community members. The... [Read more]

We were travelling in the ruggedly beautiful Kimberley region in Western Australia when we made the decision. After years of putting it off, of sitting on the fence and peering nervously over the other side, we were finally ready. It was time to start a family. It was 2007 and my husband Adam and I were already in our early thirties, but we hadn’t felt ready to have children earlier. We wanted more... [Read more]

Kimbra is a singer/songwriter bringing her own style, talents and inspiration to the world of experimental music and communicating her inner vision more clearly.         At 17 you discovered your musical talents and skill for songwriting. Most kids would have been studying and looking towards the end of school; so what prompted your inquisitiveness about music? It was just always... [Read more]

This month Port Macquarie welcomes its latest brewery. After travelling throughout the UK, tasting all the great small batch beers, Alistair has decided to recreate that experience right here in Port Macquarie. Here at FOCUS we’re fond of the odd beer, so we thought we’d find out more …   Hi Alistair. Thanks for inviting us to Port Macquarie’s latest Brewery, Black Duck Brewery.... [Read more]

The thrill of rally driving has taken team mates Michael and Helen to new heights in their passion for the sport, they share their excitement about their DREAM YEAR of success …       For those who aren’t familiar with the sport, what is involved? What are your roles in the team? Michael: Rallying is all about completing each special stage in the shortest amount of time.... [Read more]

Bangarra Dance Theatre presents Of Earth and Sky at the Glasshouse in early December. This amazing production is a double bill showcasing two standout performances that meld visual art, theatre and dance. In a similar way, Daniel Riley McKinley blends his dancing and choreographic talent on stage …   Hi Daniel. Share some of your back story with us – particularly your cultural and Indigenous... [Read more]

In April this year, I volunteered with Habitat for Humanity to help build a home for a family living in poverty in Nepal. On 6 October, I flew out of Australia with an idea of what I was expecting to see and do and came home with a totally new and different perspective on how the world is and how the world should be. My husband, David, told me an ancient Chinese quote which says: “Tell me and I... [Read more]

Up and coming band Tin Sparrow is part of the lineup at this year’s Festival of the Sun. This year has seen them touring extensively and releasing a new single … even receiving some airplay on a couple of popular American TV shows. Performing at more festivals in the future is also on the agenda for this popular group.   Tell us a little about Tin Sparrow and how and when you got together? Well,... [Read more]