Coffs Harbour Airport Magazine Issue 14

Kasey Chambers &Shane NicholsonReleasing Wreck & Ruin in September

I’M FREETAKE ME WITH YOU

A I R P O R T M A G A Z I N EIssue 14 • www.inflightmagazine.com.au

Our World ClassAir Ambulance ServiceWith dedicated spirit that is as strong as ever

Break Up a Holiday BreakNew and exciting stay over options when travelling

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contentsISSUE 14

6 OUR WORLD CLASS AIR AMBULANCE SERVICE With dedicated spirit that is as strong as ever

10 KASEY CHAMBERS & SHANE NICHOLSON Releasing Wreck & Ruin in September

14 BREAK UP A HOLIDAY BREAK New and exciting stay over options when travelling

on the cover

5 REVVING UP COFFS COAST The Bosch Australian Rally Championships

12 LET IT SNOW We check out some of the country’s greatest snow fields

19 DECLUTTER YOUR HOME The Swiss cheese approach to tidy

22 DAVSON ART A new record is set for the Australian artist

25 A DAY AT THE AIRPORT An insight into some of the behind the scenes activities at Coffs Harbour Airport

28 CARING FOR COFFS The Coffs Harbour Health Campus

features

regulars4 WelcomeFrom the Airport Manager

16 Talkin’ TechnologyThe latest in gadgets and gizmos

20 Something NewWe bring you products perfect for your lifestyle

30 Talk BackOur regular travel interview

On the Cover:Air Ambulance at Coffs Harbour Airport. Copyright Rob Cleary.

Kasey Chambers &Shane NicholsonReleasing Wreck & Ruin in September

I’M FREETAKE ME WITH YOU

A I R P O R T M A G A Z I N EIssue 14 • www.inflightmagazine.com.au

Our World ClassAir Ambulance ServiceWith dedicated spirit that is as strong as ever

Break Up a Holiday BreakNew and exciting stay over options when travelling

www.inflightmagazine.com.au Issue 14 3

WELCOME TO COFFS HARBOURREGIONAL AIRPORT

Welcome to our early spring edition of Airport Magazine.

With the cooler months almost behind us, the warmth and colour of spring will soon be here. On Coffs Coast, that means school holidays and the fun and frivolity of the Coffs Harbour Buskers and Comedy

Festival. Between the 22nd and 30th September, street performers from around Australia and the world will appear in Coffs Harbour, Woolgoolga and Sawtell. So treat your children and yourself to their colourful costumes, zany humour and mesmerising artistry. Their shows are not to be missed.

While the buskers show is a fun-filled nine days of theatrical performances, the Coffs Harbour Airport is a daily, year round aviation business operation. Most visitors to the airport do so to travel to and from their home and work places unaware of the behind the scenes activity. In this issue we give you some insights to what happens beyond the check-in counters that ensures efficient and secure airport operations.

Another great Coffs Harbour institution that is an essential year round operation is the Coffs Harbour Health Campus. Since opening in 2001 the Campus has attracted more and more skilled specialists and acquired the latest state of the art medical equipment to better serve our mid north coast community. Now, over 90 per cent of medical treatment is able to be provided right here in Coffs Harbour. In the following pages you will read about some of these services and of the dedicated team of health professionals who care for us.

However there are times when we do need specialist care which is only available in Sydney and Brisbane. It is at these times when the Ambulance Service of New South Wales is at our service. Day and night, the ‘air ambulance’ visits Coffs Harbour Airport on missions of emergency as well as transferring patients between home and hospital and vice versa. From humble beginnings in the 1920s and 30s,the Ambulance Service of NSW now operates one of the most modern air ambulance services in the world. We tell you a little of their pioneering history in this issue.

For the more athletic minded and motor sport followers, we profile the up-coming Coffs Harbour Running Festival and the Australian Rally Championships. These and the Buskers Festival make for a entertaining and fun filled spring-time for visitors and Coffs Coasters alike.

Enjoy the season and best wishes for your travels wherever you fly.

Dennis MartinAirport Manager

PUBLISHER Patrick [email protected]

EDITOR Bettina [email protected]

DESIGN Lawrence Borchers [email protected]

ADVERTISING & ENQUIRIES

WESTERN EDITION [WA]

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NORTHERN EDITION [QLD]

Robyn Crouch

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SOUTHERN EDITION [NSW]

Brittany Cavill

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BOATING INDUSTRY

Brittany Cavill

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XP TRAVELLER

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PRINTING

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Airport Magazine is published bi-monthly by Inflight Publishing Pty. Ltd. Views expressed in Airport magazine are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher. No responsibility is accepted by the publisher or the printer for the accuracy of information contained in the text or advertisements.

Advertisements must comply with the relevant Trade Practices Act 1979. Responsibility for compliance with the act rests with the person, company or advertising agency submitting the advertisement. Neither the publisher nor the editor accepts responsibility for advertisements.

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4 Issue 14 www.inflightmagazine.com.au

Coffs Coast will host the penultimate round of this year's Bosch Australian Rally Championships on

the weekend 13th and 14th October.Like it did for last year's World Rally

Championships, Coffs Harbour Regional Airport is supporting the event by providing space for the Rally Service Park. This will be in the general aviation section at the northern end of the of the airport grounds and accessed off Christmas Bells Road and Aviation Drive. This will be open on Saturday and Sunday.

This will be round five of the six round series and will use many of the same roads when last year the region successfully hosted the Australian round of the World Rally Championships.

“Special events like the Australian Rally Championships bring action, colour and vitality to Coffs Coast attracting participants, sponsors, rally enthusiasts and media,” said, Airport Magazine Dennis Martin. “During their time on Coffs Coast, these people purchase accommodation, food and beverages and automotive goods and services contributing to the health of the local economy.”

Mr Martin also recognised the role played by corporate sponsors and local volunteers without whom the event would not occur. The Coffs round is sponsored by Snake Racing while the officials and dedicated members of the Coffs Harbour Sporting Car Club, will administer and organise the event.

Club president, Scott Bedford, is extremely enthusiastic about the rally and believes that by developing club members' event management and operational skills, additional rally events will be attracted to Coffs Coast.

Rally Australia Chairman, Ben Rainsford visited Coffs Harbour recently and met with airport and club officials to review progress and preparations for the Coffs rally. He departed confident that the event is in good hands and like after last year's World Rally Championships, he is expecting glowing praise from drivers, officials and rally enthusiasts.

To celebrate Rally Australia staging another great motorsport event on Coffs Coast, a rally car with displays and banners will decorate the airport terminal welcoming officials, competitors and visitors.

According to Mr Martin, it is collaborative approaches such as this between Coffs Harbour Airport, Coffs Harbour Sporting Car Club and corporate sponsors that ensures motor sport events return and continue to contribute to the economic well-being of the community.

For the latest information of the Bosch Australian Rally Championships, visit www.rally.com.au

For accommodation information and booking, visit www.coffscoast.com.au n

Revving Up Coffs CoastBen Rainsford, Dennis Martin, Mark Fitton

- Australian Rally Championships


It is hard to imagine what a Methodist clergyman, a 19 year old female pilot, a rugged one-

time Cobb and Co driver and a quiet unassuming mining industry aviator could have in common back in the 1920s and 30s.

You could spend hours guessing. However, if you read the book

'Clear the Runway' by Edward Docker, you will discover that these four people; the Rev Stanley Drummond, Sid Cole, Nancy Bird Walton and Sid Marshall were pioneers of today's New South Wales Ambulance Service.

Rev Drummond, based in Cobar, ministered to people living on far flung stations in western New South Wales. On his outback rounds he saw the need for medical as well as spiritual services. So too did Sid Coleman. This ex Cobb and Co driver was a outback entrepreneur. He exchanged horses for horse-power, opening a taxi and hire car business in Bourke in 1924. But in times of flood, roads became impassable. So he decided to supplement his wheels with wings. In 1930 he left Bourke for a year not telling anyone what he was

up to. When he returned he did so with his commercial pilot's license and a three-seater aircraft. With his small Genairco plane, he and the local doctor provided medical services to the people surrounding Bourke - especially in times of flood. However, in 1934 when Sid's eyesight became weak, he had to retire from flying, halting the aerial medical service.

Fortunately, when in Dubbo early in 1935, Rev Drummond happened to meet a young lady flyer who had recently acquired a second-hand Gipsy Moth and was in need of work. He convinced Nancy Bird Walton to visit Bourke and fly the clinic sister on medical missions to the more remote stations when the 'rail car surgery' from Sydney visited the town. This proved so successful that Nancy moved to Bourke, set up her own charter and ambulance business and was able to pay the instalments for her new plane, a high wing Leopold Moth.

While this was happening in the bush, a combination of aerial and land based ambulance services were beginning to develop in Sydney. Up until 1937 Sid Marshall serviced

Our World ClassaerialAmbulance

Service of NSW

Patient Care Pilot Graham Cross


the mining industry in New Guinea ferrying equipment from the coast to the mine sites inland among the mountains. However at 45 years he wanted to return to Australia. He did so by flying his plane, a small Westland Widgeon to Sydney where he set up a charter business. Soon he was flying Macquarie Street specialists to country NSW for emergencies or ferrying patients to Sydney for specialist treatment.

Although still in its infancy, transporting injured persons to hospital by air did improve survival and recovery rates compared to road transport, especially if over long and often bumpy outback roads.

From the late 1930s to the beginning of World War II, a number of community minded people in far flung towns across country New South Wales supported local doctors and aerial operators who established their own 'air ambulance' service. These tended to be independent operations rather than a co-ordinated state-wide service where people, resources and medical expertise could be harnessed to deliver a more efficient and effective medical service. Then came the war. A consequence of the hostilities was the need to quickly extract wounded soldiers from battlefields to medical centres to treat their injuries.

No doubt many of us have seen the television program MASH (Mobile Army Surgical Hospital). Apart from the wry humour, the show demonstrated the benefits of coordinated air transport and surgery services for saving lives. But back to Australia and New South Wales.

Up to the early 60s the Sydney metropolitan road ambulance service was uncoordinated. It operated as eight separate districts with differing administration, funding and even radio communications networks which contributed to inefficient operations. However common sense finally prevailed at a board meeting in October, 1961 when the eight districts became Central District with headquarters at Quay Street, Sydney.

The next challenge for the Ambulance Board was to do likewise for the fledgling air ambulance services operating at various country towns around the state.

'Clear the Runway' is a fascinating read of some of the personalities, politics and parochialism that were involved in the establishment of today's air ambulance service. As with any good story, there is the almost essential ingredient of money. Or the lack of it. For the initial start-up to purchase, maintain and operate highly specialised aircraft and

employ skilled pilots and aviation ambulance personnel it was estimated that £250,000 would be required.

To help raise funds, the Ambulance Board appointed the National Fund Raising Council of Australia. On 17 June 1963 campaign headquarters were opened in Sydney and thus began the task of raising enough money for the service. After a tough few years of seeking contributions from towns and district communities, local governments, corporations and subscriptions from private individuals, the fund tallied £116,000. Not quite the targeted amount but enough to purchase and fit out the NSW Ambulance Service's first twin engine air ambulance - a Beechcraft Queen Air VH-AMB.

On 17th February 1967 the official handover of this aircraft took place at Mascot Airport.

Shortly after, the first person booked to utilise the air ambulance was a patient who required relocation from Canberra to Sydney for hospitalisation. More routine work than an emergency. However the first emergency flight soon followed. On 30th March, when enroute from Tamworth to Sydney, the Queen Air ambulance was diverted to Coffs Harbour Airport due to a motor vehicle accident in Bellingen. Local doctors decided that it would be best the accident victims be treated in Sydney.

From then on, the demand for air ambulance

services throughout the state grew to such an extent that a second aircraft was deemed necessary. As was more fund raising. Fortunately the Royal NSW Bowls Association saw fit to support this and raised $100,000 from its state-wide members. The Coffs Harbour community also contributed to the cause donating $14,481.41. This was the highest amount received from any district in New South Wales.

Since then, the NSW Air Ambulance has been a regular visitor to Coffs Harbour Airport at all hours of the day and night, transporting patients to and from Sydney for a myriad of routine and emergency medical treatment.

Most recently two Beechcraft King Air 350's, VH-NAJ and VH-NAO, have been added to the NSW Ambulance aeromedical fleet. Not only are the new King Airs able to travel further and faster than previous models, they are also fitted with the latest highly sophisticated medical equipment. One piece of onboard technology includes an ECMO (Extra-Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation Machine). This equipment supports a patient's heart and lungs while being treated for other underlying conditions such as asthma, chronic lung disease and diabetes. The combination of new aircraft and medical technology means that the people of New South Wales now have access to world class in-flight patient care. This is a far cry from earlier days when patients were placed on canvas stretchers and man-handled into cramped cockpits of single engine aeroplanes that often landed and lifted-off from paddocks and dirt roads. But that was the pioneering spirit of the air ambulance men and women of New South Wales.

Today, that dedicated pioneering spirit is as strong as ever. Highly skilled pilots and qualified aviation nursing personnel fly at all hours of the day and night on routine and emergency missions. Last year, Air Ambulance officers flew nearly 2500 missions to destinations ranging from the Darling River to Lord Howe Island, Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Coffs Harbour. Each year, many lives are saved due to this quick recovery and treatment of injured people.

So when next you see a red-nosed twin engine aircraft at Coffs Harbour Airport, it is most likely the New South Wales Air Ambulance team on a routine or emergency mission.

If you could get close you would see Nancy Bird Walton painted on the fuselage. This is in honour of her years of dedicated service and of the many pioneers, from priests to pilots, responsible for today's world class aerial Ambulance Service of New South Wales. n

“Highly skilled pilots and qualified aviation nursing personnel fly at all hours of the day and night on routine and emergency missions.”


Organisers of the 2012 Bendigo Bank Running Festival, the Rotary Club of Coffs Harbour and Village Sports are very excited about the

return of Steve Moneghetti for this year’s event on Sunday September 23.

Moneghetti said he was looking forward to returning to defend his half marathon trophy on a course that was one of the best he has participated on. "I've been to a lot of places around the world and can guarantee I've never been to a track that's not just in the CBD, but in the main street.”

The Bendigo Coffs Harbour Running Festival is a community event for people of all ages and abilities and consists of a 21.1km Half Marathon, 10km Fun Run, 5km Fun Run and a 3km Family Fun Run/Walk.

Held on a bush trail on the Coffs Creek walkway, the flat, shady course is ideal for runners. The picturesque track hugs the beautiful Coffs Creek and competitors run over floating boardwalks, through swamp forests of mangrove, casuarina and paperbark trees from the centre of town to the coast and back.

The inaugural Coffs Harbour Running Festival in 2011 attracted more than 1,100 participants from all over the country with those numbers are expected to swell this year with a steady flow of entries already received.

The event raises funds for local children’s charities including Life Education Australia, Coffs Coast Autism, Camp Quality and the Early Childhood Intervention Program Coffs Harbour.

ENTRIESOnline entries are now open at www.coffshalfmarathon.org.au

Bendigo Bank Coffs Harbour Running Festival

An Oriental 'Charlie Chaplin', a scary human gargoyle and a rip ropin cowboy from US A are three of the zany acts that will perform live on the streets of Coffs Harbour at this year's buskers festival.

Some performers are crowd favourites returning for a second time while others are new to the event like the Eljay Freestyle bikers who appeared on Australia's Got Talent. Their motor and bicycle stunts are thrilling and unbelievable. You will be stunned when you see how they manoeuvre their machines in the air and on the ground with skilful and daring agility. Some might say, crazy.

The Wau Wau Sisters return for a one night adults only show. So if you fancy bawdy burlesque humour, mark 22nd September in your diary. It's the Gala Opening Dinner being held at Novotel Pacific Bay Resort. And remember to book early. Right now.

First time visitors to Coffs are Leapin Louie Lichenstein and balloon artist Aaron Smyth from Western Australia. Louie, a holder of three world roping records will lasso you with his wit, charm and backwoods humour. Aaaww shucks. Aaron doesn't twirl rope, rather he blows and twist balloons of all shapes, sizes and colour. In a matter of seconds his creations will astound you.

And so too will the boys of Beat the Streets, billed as Australia's premier street show. Their athletic and artistic breakdancing, aerial manoeuvres and tap dancing is amazing. So too is the strength of the boys. When you see them balance on one arm and spin their body millimetres above the pavement, you will wonder how they do it. Aaaahh, youth.

Festival performances will take place at a variety of venues around the city including; Coffs Harbour City Centre, Palms Shopping Centre, Botanic Gardens, Harbourside Markets, Hoey Moey, Park Beach Holiday Park, Sawtell RSL and Pier Hotel.

A special day at this year's festival is NBN Kid's Day on Tuesday 25th September at the Coffs Harbour Racecourse. A minimum of six acts will entertain the children (and parents) including Clown Loto, Mr Animation, The Zap Circus and Leaping Louis Lichenstein. In addition to the acts, there will also be jumping castles and rides.

With spring in the air this is the ideal time to holiday on Coffs Coast with the added bonus of the best street theatre in Australia. n

Street Theatre at its BestCOFFS HARBOUR BUSKERS FESTIVAL

WHEN AND WHEREThis year's festival dates are 22- 30 September inclusive. For the full list of performers and the program of where and when the buskers will be performing, visit, www.coffsharbourbuskers.com.

For information on 101 other things to do and see while in Coffs, visit www.coffscoast.com.au.


NCC0055_ART.indd 1 7/02/12 1:34 PM

Bendigo Bank Coffs Harbour Running Festival



KASEY CHAMBERS& SHANE NICHOLSONReleasing Wreck & Ruin in September

In 2008, Kasey Chambers and Shane Nicholson became one of the only married couples

in the history of the Australian album charts to have an album collaboration debut at number one, coming second to none other than John Lennon and Yoko Ono.

Almost five years on, Kasey and

Shane have recorded Wreck & Ruin, the highly anticipated follow up to their 2008 platinum #1 hit album, Rattlin’ Bones.

“Having been almost five years since we made Rattlin’ Bones we thought it was time to ‘tempt fate’ and challenge our marriage by making another album together,” the

couple said. “We have both made solo albums in between, but in the back of our minds we always knew we would end up making music together again.”

According to Kasey and Shane, the writing process fell into place easier than they had planned so they grabbed a few of their >>


musician friends and recorded everyone jamming the songs on a farm for a week.

“When the situation is right, it’s not difficult for us to make music together,” said Kasey who lives with Shane and their children on the Central Coast of NSW. “We click on that level.”

“Wreck & Ruin was born and gave us a chance to revisit the sounds of music that we love to make together where it can be traditional, but not conventional.”

Wreck & Ruin was recorded in eight days at Foggy Mountain, and the 13-track album captures each of the various elements of Kasey and Shane’s love for music – from roots to gospel, bluegrass to folk, but always country to the core.

The album opens with the hymn-inspired Til Death Do Us Part, before launching into the title track, a mixture of banjo and bruised

fiddle work all purposefully built around country influences.

It’s as if the pair are stomping in a barnyard weighing up their differences, jamming in the name of revolution and taking a traditional genre and shaking it up for what it’s worth.

The album’s first single Adam & Eve is loaded with religious imagery. There are serpents and sin and storytelling that’s part fairytale and two shakes Biblical.

“There is no symbolic connection between us and Adam and Eve,” said Shane. “I don’t know if that story ended that well anyway!”

Other songs like The Quiet Life beg the question of wishing for a life away from the big city.

“That song is about our lives,” Kasey said. “A lot of people and couples can relate to that.”

“We’ve all thought ‘hey I just want to swap

this life for a quiet life for a while’. It pops

into your mind every now and again. I would

get bored. Shane would love it though.”

“Absolutely,” Shane added. “We wrote that

sitting on the back porch of the cabin and

looking at the mountains and I was thinking

I could easily do this instead of making this

album and going on tour. I could easily sit

here strumming and drink scotch all day.”

Up Or Down was inspired by a day of

listening to the gospel sounds of The Louvin

Brothers’ 1950 album Satan Is Real while

Sick As A Dog literally gets its name from

the entire family being swiped by the flu

earlier this year, and ploughs through a fast,

nasty bluegrass-stomp.

The new album is out Friday 7th

September, and the new single, Adam and

Eve, is out now. n

“Wreck & Ruin was born and gave us a chance to revisit the sounds of music that we love to make together where it can be

traditional, but not conventional.”


NSW Snowfields & ResortsThredbo – Thredbo is a year-round resort nestled at the base of Mount Crackenback in the foothills of the New South Wales Snowy Mountains. Home to Australia’s longest ski run of 5.9km, this is a true European-style mountain resort, just 6km from the peak of Mt Kosciuszko.

Perisher – You’ll find Perisher in the New South Wales Snowy Mountains. It’s 5.5 hours by car from Sydney, via Canberra and Cooma, or about 7 hours from Melbourne. This broad-ranging resort takes in no less than seven spectacular Snowy Mountain peaks centered on Mount Perisher, which stands a formidable 2054 metres above sea level. There are 47 ski lifts and the skiable area measures over 12km, providing something for everyone.

Selwyn Snowfields – Known as Australia’s premier family and learn-to-ski resort, the Selwyn Snowfields flank the sides of Mount Selwyn in the northern Snowy Mountains. Set in the beautiful Kosciuszko National Park of NSW, these snowfields have a long history of Australian skiing. Nearby Kiandra is where skiing began in Australia around 1861 and it’s a great place to begin a snow experience.

Charlotte Pass – If altitude is what you’re after, Charlotte Pass will take you all the way to the top! It’s the highest resort in Australia and lies in the heart of the NSW Snowy Mountains. It’s a mere 8km from the Perisher Valley. Here you’ll be amazed at the majestic views of Mt Kosciuszko and The Snowy Mountain Range. Charlotte Pass is a little more difficult to access, only by Oversnow Transport and is much smaller than other resorts, but what this resort lacks in convenience, it makes up for in some of the most consistent and best-quality natural snowfalls in Australia.

VIC Snowfields & ResortsFalls Creek –Adjacent to the spectacular Bogong High Plains and part of the Alpine National Park, Falls Creek village in north-east Victoria lies 1600 metres above sea level and the highest altitude at 1842 metres. Victoria’s largest alpine resort, Falls Creek is an easy 4.5 hour drive from Melbourne and a full day’s drive from Sydney. If a road trip isn’t on your agenda, you can choose to fly to Albury and take a short coach ride or hire a car from the airport. With 15 ski lifts, 92 ski runs and 65km of cross-country trails, there’s skiing and snowboarding for everyone from beginners and families through to advanced skiers and riders.

Mt Hotham –Located in the Australian Alps National Park, Mt Hotham provides visitors with a classic Australian winter wilderness with plenty of beautiful snowgums, spectacular views and undulating mountain ridges. Hotham is easily accessible along The Great Alpine Road

and even boasts its own airport with direct flights taking just 45 mins from Melbourne and 80 mins from Sydney with Qantaslink in winter. Hotham is known for a lively après ski culture, with more than 20 bars and a range of restaurants to suit all budgets plus two beautiful day spas.

Mt Buller –About 250km and a 3-hour drive from Melbourne is Mount Buller village. The village is picturesquely located on one of the mountain slopes from which it takes its name. You’ll find plenty of ski-in/ski-out accommodation and the resort area can accommodate up to 7000 people, so there’s no shortage of lively atmosphere, fun bars, great restaurants and vibrant nightlife with over 30 places to choose from. There’s also a spa, cinema and plenty of shops for when you need a little downtime.

Mt Baw Baw – Mount Baw Baw snowfields offer the closest downhill skiing to Melbourne; an easy 120km

‘TISTHESEASONfor SNOW


drive away. With 35 hectares of groomed runs, seven ski lifts, three snow play areas, 10kms of groomed x-country ski trails and unlimited terrain amongst the snowgums to explore, you will be hard pressed to find a better outdoor venue so close to Melbourne. Given the nature of the terrain and the lift network, Mt Baw Baw snowfields are ideal for the snowboarder, downhill and cross-country skier.

Lake Mountain –Lake Mountain is just 120km from Melbourne, making it ideal for short and weekend trips, so it’s little wonder it’s the most visited snow resort in Australia. It specialises in cross-country skiing and snowplay, including tobogganing, snowshoe walking and snow bike riding. It also holds numerous events including snow sculpture competitions and its own music festival. Its unique sub-alpine environment is a great introduction to the snow and the majority of the trails are for beginners and intermediate cross-country skiers. It’s important to note, however, that snowboarding is not permitted, as Lake Mountain isn’t a traditional downhill ski resort. There’s no resort accommodation, but there are plenty of great places to stay nearby in the Yarra Valley, Marysville Triangle and Alexandra.

Snowaustralia.com is the official representing body for all that is involved with the Australian snowfields and resorts. It is a complete information hub, introducing new holiday-makers to the Australian snow experience with the choice of nine major alpine resorts in both New South Wales and Victoria.

Snowaustralia.com is the online “go-to” when planning an Aussie snow trip, promising a one-stop shop as well as being simple and affordable. Snow Australia has sourced the best packages across all resorts making it more accessible and giving you the ability to compare prices, locations and accommodation to suit everyone’s needs. n

Australian drivers have rated Avis Car Rental a cut above the rest,

according to a recent car hire customer satisfaction survey by Canstar Blue. Now in its second year, the independent study examined responses from nearly 600 customers who rented a vehicle in Australia in the last 12 months. Avis earned a five-star rating in six of the seven categories, including overall satisfaction, service, vehicle availability, booking process, cost and fee transparency and accessory availability, making it the top-ranked car rental company in the study.

The leading car rental company in Australia, Avis operates at more than 200 conveniently located rental facilities, including all major airports. Avis utilizes numerous feedback systems, including online customer surveys, to enhance the customer rental experience. Customer surveys are aggregated and delivered to field location managers in real-time to enable immediate response to customer suggestions.

For more information on Canstar Blue’s car rental customer satisfaction survey, visit www.canstarblue.com.au and to book through Avis today, visit www.avis.com n

AVIS CAR RENTAL RANKED NUMBER ONE IN AUSTRALIA CAR HIRE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

George Proos, Senior Vice President and Managing Director Avis Australia accepting the prestigious Canstar Blue Award from Vanessa Brennan, Chief Executive Officer of Canstar Blue.


TRAVEL BUG BITES

Travellers are “breaking up their holiday breaks” by staying over at the world’s holiday hotspots on the way to or from

their primary destinations. Flight Centre Limited global executive

general manager of marketing Colin Bowman said growth in the number of airlines servicing Australia, coupled with the emergence of low cost and hybrid carriers, had opened up a variety of new holiday options for travellers.

“As the range of airfare choices takes off, travellers are finding that the conventional flight path from A to B is not always the best or most interesting travel option,” he said. “In

some cases, flying direct to the destination may not be the cheapest flight either.”

To highlight some of the interesting alternatives that are now available, Flight Centre’s airfare experts have compiled a range of interesting “stay over” itineraries.

1) New York, via HawaiiFor most Australians, the journey to the Big Apple typically includes a flight via Los Angeles, but an exciting new option was made available in June, when Hawaiian Airlines introduced direct services from Honolulu to New York’s Kennedy (JFK) airport.

2) New Zealand, with a South American flavour Competition is intense

on the Trans Tasman routes, which are

now serviced by Qantas, Air New Zealand,

Virgin Australia and a host of highly rated

international airlines including Emirates,

Aerolineas Argentina and Lan Chile. In addition

to flying to NZ, travellers taking off to Santiago

with Lan can also stopover in Papeete and

Easter Island.

A HOLIDAY BREAK:Break Up

10 interesting stayover options


3) London, via the MaldivesThere are literally dozens of ways to fly to London. If you’re not in a hurry to touch down in the UK, Emirates offers one of the most interesting alternatives, which includes stops in Singapore, Colombo (Sri Lanka), Male and Dubai.

4) Paris, via ReunionSimilarly, if you’re travelling to Paris and in need of some beach time, consider Air Tahiti Nui or Air Austral. Air Tahiti offers flights from Sydney to Papeete and on to the French capital, while Air Austral flies via Reunion Island, the gateway to Mauritius and the Seychelles.

5) Rome, via DubaiWhile many travellers still fly to Europe via Asia, Emirates’ and Etihad’s rapid growth in recent years has really put the Middle East on the stay over map for Australians.

Passengers taking off from Melbourne on Emirates can stay over in Dubai on the way to or from Rome and other European and UK destinations.

7) Bali and Phuket combinedThese two holiday havens have long been favourites for Australian travellers.

But there’s no need to choose between them, as it’s now easy and affordable to visit both. Flight Centre has created an airfare deal that includes a flight from Australia to Bali, via Singapore, on to Phuket and then home to Australia via Singapore.

8) Kenya, via KoreaAustralian travellers taking off on an African safari now have a new flight option.

Korean Air, which offers flights from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, recently launched non-stop services from Seoul Incheon to Nairobi.

Flights will leave Seoul on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

9) Las Vegas, via HawaiiTravellers taking off to Las Vegas can really hit the jackpot when it comes to stopover options along the way. In addition to taking the traditional route to LA with V Australia, Qantas and others, Aussie travellers can choose to get beached in Hawaii by flying Hawaiian Airlines and stopping over in Honolulu.

6) LA, via FijiThe quickest way to get to Los Angeles is, of course, the direct route to Los Angeles International Airport. But there’s also a host of indirect options for travellers to consider. Fijian carrier Air Pacific, which flies from several Australian cities, offers connections from Nadi to Los Angeles and other North American destinations, including Vancouver.

10) South Africa, via Adu DhabiIf you’re planning a trip to South Africa, there are literally dozens of flight paths to consider, in addition to the direct route from Australia. Examples include flights with Etihad, via Abu Dhabi, and Air Mauritius, via Mauritius. n


technologytalkin

KEEPING UP WITH THE LATEST GADGETS AND GIZMOS

u OUTCASED IPAD AND LAPTOP CASESMade from EVA, a polymer composite most widely used as a shock absorbing material in sporting equipment including sports shoes and ski boots, the ribbed padding of Outcased cases offers extra protection for precious equipment. The wipe clean surface and weather resistant properties of the Outcased bags are an added bonus for those looking to keep their portable technology safe and dry as is the lightweight material, creating the ultimate portable yet protective design.

Outcased laptop bags, currently available in pink, green, blue and silver, fit up to a 15.6” (39.6cm) laptop, with an internal pocket and elastic strap to secure smaller models. The iPad bags, available in a vibrant colour range of pink, green, blue and orange, feature pockets and external handles, making them safer to transport than a simple sleeve.

For stockist details, visit www.outcased.com.au where the bags are also sold with free shipping offered.

Outcased Laptop Bag>> RRP $54.95

Outcased iPad Bag>> RRP $44.95

p NIKON D3200An entry-level DSLR camera with big features, the Nikon D3200 is equipped with a new CMOS image sensor, 24.2-million pixels and the same EXPEED 3 image-processing engine built into Nikon’s flagship D4 and D800, the D3200 which enables the capture of beautiful, high-quality images. Succeeding the ultra-popular D3100, the D3200 offers a refined Guide Mode that is even easier than ever to use. Guide Mode displays instructions for shooting according to the situation, scene or subject and also offers options for playing back and retouching images.

The Nikon D3200 is available at authorised Nikon resellers. For stockist details, call 1300 366 499.

q TOMTOM VIA 620What’s better than a top of the range GPS that updates you on changing road conditions? A six inch screen on a top of the range GPS that updates you on changing road conditions! TomTom knows that for drivers, nothing beats a GPS that’s clear and easy to use but still maintains its style, durability and functionality. That’s why it’s announced the launch of the new Via 620 – featuring its biggest, sharpest GPS screen yet.With a bigger screen than any other TomTom device on the market, the Via 620 brings drivers sharper screen clarity for a clear view of their route ahead. The larger buttons and menu items make it easy to use and clear to see, so that you can spend more time enjoying your time on the road. The TomTom Via 620 also comes with a lifetime of free daily map updates and the most relevant road and traffic information so that you will always be one step ahead of the game.

Available from leading retailers or via www.tomtom.com. TomTom VIA 620>> RRP $249.99


p EYE-FI X2Stay effortlessly connected and organised while travelling with the Eye-Fi X2 series memory cards. Featuring built in Wi-Fi, the new memory cards enable automatic transfer of holiday snaps from camera to smartphone, tablet or laptop, greatly simplifying photo and video upload, sharing, organisation and back-up anywhere in the world.

An Eye-Fi card is used like a regular SDHC card to store photos and videos. However, the built-in WiFi connects the camera to the user’s mobile device or computer. Photos and videos are instantly uploaded from the camera to device as they are taken when within range of a user’s WiFi network. When without access to a WiFi network, Eye-Fi’s unique direct mode enables users to upload on-the-go. Using the free Eye-Fi app, photos and videos are uploaded directly to the user’s iPad, iPhone or Android device, even while at the beach or hiking in a remote area.

Eye-Fi cards are available in leading camera specialists and electronics stores.

4GB Connect X2>> RRP $59.99

8GB Mobile X2 (all features of 4GB plus additional memory)>> RRP $99.99

8GB Pro X2 (includes auto geotagging to map photos) >> RRP $119.99

y X-DORIA DASH IPHONE 4/4S CASE Dashing and durable, the X-Doria Dash iPhone 4/4S case is super tough, yet super sleek. Providing top notch protection for your iPhone, the stylish outer offers double protection, with an impact resistant polycarbonate inner shell. Available in white, black, brown, blue and pink this is the perfect case for those who need something stylish that can withstand a little wear and tear.

For stockist details, visit www.platinumonline.com.au.

X-Doria Dash iPhone 4/4S case>> RRP $49.95

q JABRA SPORT AND JABRA HALO 2Some people like to exercise while listening to music, some talk on the phone. With the Jabra SPORT Bluetooth® stereo headset it’s easy to do both.

With features such as AM3D power bass audio enhancement, a wind-shielded microphone and virtual surround sound audio enhancements, the Jabra SPORT has exceptional music and call sound quality.

Then there’s the Jabra Halo2. Take your musical experience to new heights and control your music directly from your headset. The Halo2 Multiuse™ lets you connect to more than one device at a time. Streaming music wirelessly onto your headset is effortless and the sound quality is amazing. Noise Blackout™ technology ensures your voice to come through crystal clear when making calls using your headset. The Jabra HALO2 also gives you the option of using your non-Bluetooth supported devices, such as your mp3 player, to listen to your favourite music.

Jabra Sport available at Dick Smith (in store and online), The Apple Store (online) and Harvey Norman. Jabra Halo2 available from Dick Smith and Harvey Norman.

l Jabra Sport>> RRP $149

m Jabra Halo 2>> RRP $129


SWITCH PROPERTY MANAGERS & RECEIVE A FREE iPAD*RUN Property Tracker lets your property manager proactively notify you of important changes to your rental property.

We can instantly notify you when:• Funds are paid into your account • Statements are issued• Rents are increased• Invoices paid

Switch online in less than 3 minutes and claim your FREE iPad Visit run.com.au/iPADIF Promo code: iPADIF

* The gift is an Apple iPad 16gb model, awarded in the form of a $540 voucher redeemable at any Apple Inc. store. To qualify you must sign an exclusive authority with RUN Property between 1st May 2012 and 1st August 2012. Gift will be awarded once property generates first rental income. The offer is limited to one Apple iPad per customer and the property concerned must be within the RUN Property service area and earning minimum $350 rent per week. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. RUN Property Tracker to be launch on the app store 28th May 2012.

run.com.au

iPad Offer Ad 190x132.indd 1 13/06/12 2:35 PM

Investors Tim and Nadia Land have been gifted $45,000 and an extra $70 a week in rent

by a smart investment which has rocket-launched their property portfolio.

The young couple bought a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment at Westmead near Parramatta in Sydney off the plan for $385,000 and by the time they settled on the property last year, the value had grown to $430,000.

And the rent estimated at $370 a week had jumped to $440 when the first tenants moved in.

“We couldn’t have anticipated it working out as well as it has,” said Mr Land, a public servant.

Their success is typical of investors who focus on strong capital growth, high rental yields and dedicated property management offered by RUN Property, Australia’s largest metropolitan real estate agency.

RUN is a full service estate agent, which offers conventional property sales and marketing services, investment sales and rental property management. RUN manages properties valued at more than $10 billion in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane and has a

proven track record in matching the needs of individual property buyers with investments that out-perform the market.

RUN has investment partners that cherry pick the most outstanding residential investments in Australia, many of which are offered to clients before their public release.

As property managers, RUN focuses on maximising rental returns, minimising vacancies and maintaining high quality tenancies that make investment easy for property owners.

As an industry leader in the use of technology, RUN has invested millions of dollars in internet and mobile phone technology that puts every detail of an investor’s portfolio at their fingertips.

RUN CEO Rob Farmer said staff were selected because they are passionate about property which flows through to helping clients make smart property decisions.

“We help landlords to make tens of thousands of dollars by showing them how to renovate for profit, boost their rent and attract the best tenants in a hassle-free way because we do all the work,” Mr Farmer said. n

Investors win with RUN Property


A Swiss CheeseApproach toDeclutteringYour Home

THE FIRST BITEWhen decluttering the first rule is use the Swiss Cheese approach. Don't look at the overwhelming entirety of decluttering your house. Look at it one area at a time. Make a mental list. For example the linen press, the kitchen, the boy's room.

MANAGEABLE CHUNKSBreak the areas up into manageable chunks once again, for example, clothes, toys and furniture. Look at these areas separately keeping in mind: will it fit them next season? Does the furniture layout work efficiently with their maturing requirements? And what needs to be on show and what does not?

SORT INTO 4 GROUPSOnce you have reorganised the

furniture and put aside what is no longer required, you are ready to sort into four groups.1. Garage sale/flea market sale items2. Online sale items3. Family or friends4. Charity

Flea market sales: A great way to sell your items and generally more successful than a stand-alone garage sale. Many communities have these events regularly, and they're great if you want a little cash for the things you might have given away.

Selling online: Another way to get good money for your unwanted items, but be warned - unless you have something that will sell for at least $200, it isn't worth doing once you take into account postage and online sale fees.

Family/friends: Friends and family

are a great resource when you're

decluttering.

Charity store: This is my last stop and

it is reassuring that they will take most

of want you haven't been able to get rid

of at this point. Make sure that you take

these items directly to a charity store,

as clothing bins for example are owned

by rag wholesalers so non-fabric items

usually end up in landfill. Most charity

stores cannot resell electrical items, for

safety reasons, and even brand new

items will not be accepted.

Decluttering and organising

doesn't need to be an overwhelming

undertaking. It can provide you with

extra mental clarity in an otherwise

overwhelming day. n


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Competition closes at midnight on 1st October 2012.


t ETHICS 101 CONVERSATIONS TO HAVE WITH YOUR KIDSWould you rather your child was smart or good? Academic achievement is not the only important aspect of raising children. We also need to think consciously as to how we develop the next generation to be ethical thinkers and decent members of society.Taken as a whole, Ethics 101 Conversations to have with your Kids is the guidebook every family needs to needs to navigate their world with thought, reflection and understanding to live an ethical life.Published by Jane Curry Publishing >> RRP $24.95For your chance to win a copy, write to us with your name, mailing address and why you love the magazine to [email protected]. The best answers will win!Competition closes at midnight on 1st September 2012.

u LIFE IN LIMBOThis new book examines infertility, depression and mental illness from male’s perspective. Depression, mental illness, and infertility are issues that many Australian men deal with – yet few are able to openly discuss them. The stigma attached to these issues still lingers, but a new book released aims to shed light for those in need. Published by Big Sky Publishing >> RRP $29.99 For your chance to win a copy, write to us with your name, mailing address and why you love the magazine to [email protected]. The best answers will win!Competition closes at midnight on 1st September 2012.

u ESKAL FREENUT BUTTER A first of its kind in Australia, Eskal FreeNut Butter is a nutritious spread made from specially selected ground roasted sunflower seeds. Peanut free, dairy free and gluten free, Eskal FreeNut Butter can function as a direct peanut butter replacement and is the ideal alternative for people with allergies, those looking for a healthy peanut butter alternative or those who just love the taste! Available in selected Coles and Woolworths stores. Eskal FreeNut Butter (450g) >> RRP $5.69

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A 1985 painting by Sharon Davson recently sold for $5.2 million (US $5.4m) - a new record for a painting by

a living Australian artist.The painting, Points of View, is a major early

career work by the artist. Sharon Davson has a solid three decade professional Australian and international art career to her credit.

Points of View was originally commissioned by Norman Hepburn for his then Central Coast resort in 1985 as three continuous canvases created by Davson. It has changed hands several times over the decades.

It’s most recent sale also places the painting third in the world by value for a painting by a living female artist.

This is causing some excitement as the sale seems to have taken some members of the art world by surprise with a few offering their opinions. However, amidst the opinions, there are the obvious statements in the media that ''the purchaser was obviously happy'' to confirm the $5.2m sale.

Since the early 1980s, Sharon Davson has represented herself through her professional art gallery and studio complexes; which are predominantly open by appointment. Thus, with assistance from her staff and agents, she has remained outside of much of the standard commercial art gallery limelight.

The owners of her art and those who have participated with her work read like a Who's Who of the celebrity and corporate worlds, yet she has maintained a rather private life.

Boyd Nelson of Whitehead Gupta Lawyers, issued the following statement on behalf of the new owner Macquarie Trustee NZ:

"Points of View is an iconic Davson work lavishly themed with her signature jig-saw puzzle pieces, and includes subtle personal motifs woven into the expansive canvas. It is an opportune investment in this leading female artist's work.

This 1.37 x 5.5 metre (4.5 by 18 foot) painting was Davson's second major art commission.

We regard it as a significant work in Davson's career, as well as an important work in the history of Australian art.

Given the comparatively small out-put by this remarkable internationally accredited artist, and with much of Davson's art sold before being created, it is very rare to have the opportunity to acquire such a major early painting. Macquarie Trustee NZ regards the purchase price for ‘Points of View' as an excellent buy."

Davson’s$5.2m Record

Painting

Points of View

Working on the painting in 1985 - Points of View.


Enjoy the benefits…mobile: 0416 026 426email: [email protected] n

Internationally, this $5.2 million (US$5.4m) sale places Davson third in the world ranking by value for a PAINTING by a living female artist. (Marlene Dumas currently holds this record with a sale value of US$6.3 million for her painting The Visitor; a US$5.8 million work by Yayoi Kusama from Tokyo is second. Cady Noland takes the overall value record for art by a living female artist for a US$6.6 million sculpture.)

Achieving the highest sales price for a living artist within a country is predominantly a male domain. Davson is currently the only female holding this title.

"I am delighted about the sale of 'Points of View',” said Davson. “It's testimony to all those who have believed in my work over the past decades.

“I trust it will also be of encouragement to women artists everywhere that in this 21st Century the ‘glass ceiling' in the arts is finally being shattered.

“I am also elated that the sales value reflects that art doesn't need to be confronting or shocking to be considered of high worth.

“It is time for works that inspire and uplift to have their ‘turn in the sun'.

“All the best. Thank you."Davson’s art is represented in public

collections including in the Hikaru Memorial Museum in Takayama, Japan, the Museum & Art Gallery of the Northern Territory in Darwin and 40 public art gallery, city or university collections. Her art is also represented in 2 royal collections and over 60 corporate collections in Australia, the USA, Japan and New Zealand.

From 1999 to 2002, Davson’s major retrospective exhibition With Gratitude For The Light toured 14 public regional art galleries throughout Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. It showcased 63 artworks dating from 1972 to 1999. ‘Points of View’ featured in this inspirational touring exhibition.

The majority of these exhibition pieces were borrowed back from public, corporate and private collections, including the Museum & Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, Coro Corp. New Zealand & Hawaii, Cathay Pacific Airways, Konica Australia, the Rooty Hill RSL Club &

Resort, the Win Davson Art Gallery & Museum and the private collection of James Fairfax AO.

2008-11 saw another retrospective exhibition Davson ~ World Leaders & Enlightenment tour. This featured art works from 1973 to 2007 which were mainly borrowed from superannuation fund collections.

Davson currently resides in Newcastle NSW. Her art and its benefits to the immediate and broader communities are held in high regard. Davson has recently been supported as the creative leader of a new Spiritualism in art and is readily identified as a Personal Globalist. She established two charities, assisting endangered species and promoting world peace, and continues to participate in benefitting other community organisations.

Over 300 world-renowned leaders

have supported her work. From cultural, entertainment and sporting arenas, they have included Sir Edmund Hillary, Neil Diamond, Paul Newman, Sir Cliff Richard, Dame Joan Sutherland, Sir Nigel Mansell, Mario Andretti, Pete Sampras, Linda Evangelista, the Hon. Pat Farmer, Layne Beachley, Cathy Freeman, Andre Agassi, Bon Jovi and many more.

Davson was recently a significant sponsor of Pat Farmer’s epic run from the North Pole to the South Pole through the Americas as documented in his book Pole to Pole run. Pat Farmer was visiting Davson’s studio gallery to discuss the progress of a major painting she is creating as the official artist to the Pole to Pole event, when the Fairfax news photographer arrived recently. Both athlete and artist have received comments such as “can’t be done”. Both are major achievers in their respective arenas.

A realistic visionary, Davson is the artist world leaders follow.

Contact Davson Art management to acquire her art from $5,000 and upwards and to learn more about why Davson’s art has experienced better than approximately 20% per annum growth for collector / investors for more than two decades.

“It’s most recent sale also places

the painting third in the world

by value for a painting by a living

female artist.”

Pat Farmer with Davson and her Farmer’s Run paintings in progress.

Pat Farmer World Record Pole to Pole runner and former Federal Parliamentarian with Sharon Davson and the painting.Photos by David Wallace.


Find out more about the boarding opportunities for boys in Years 7–12. For more information call (02) 9327 9000 or email [email protected] 5 Victoria Road Bellevue Hill NSW 2023www.cranbrook.nsw.edu.au

Where the possibilities are endless



In a supermarket we expect items to be neatly displayed ready and waiting so we can take our pick. Similarly when we flick a switch, we are

confident the kettle will start heating the water for our morning coffee.

But do we ever think that before we reach for a grocery item or the switch, a number of people have been busy behind the scenes ensuring things happen as expected. The same can be said for an airport.

In this edition of Coffs Harbour Airport, we give you an insight into some of the behind the scenes activities undertaken by the people who 'make things happen' so passengers can depart and arrive safely, in comfort and as expected.

At 5.30 am, Biggles Coffee Lounge staff start their day baking cakes and muffins. These are for travellers on the QantasLink dawn service to Sydney and visitors to the airport. Water too is boiled, urns filled and readied for flight. During the next hour while the cakes are baking, kitchen and coffee machines are turned on and food items prepared for sale over the counter. First customers are usually QantasLink and security staff arriving to start their day.

Getting underway outside is the daily runway and airport inspection. Before the first flight, runways and taxiways are inspected for FODs (Foreign Object Debris). Reporting officers visually inspect >>

A dayat the

AIRPORTSTARTS WITH BAKING A CAKE AND FOD FINDING.


over three kilometres of runways, taxiways and parking aprons looking for anything amiss that could potentially interrupt flights. On one occasion, items of clothing thought to have dropped from an unsecured storage hold of a light aircraft were discovered and removed.

With the airport surrounded by scrub and swamp, wildlife sometimes stray onto airport grounds. Birds, wallabies and hares are attracted to the airport grasses to feed which in turn attracts foxes. If any are seen, they are quickly moved on beyond the boundary.

Landing and navigation lights are inspected to ensure all are in working order. There are four major sets of lights used by aviators. Beacons on nearby hilltops surrounding the airport, windsock lights, approach lights and runway and taxiway lights - all are checked and if found faulty, noted and later replaced.

Perimeter fences, gates, hangars and parked aircraft are also inspected for any breaches of security. Once completed, air traffic controllers and QantasLink staff are advised the inspection is complete and runways are clear for normal operations. Next is the main terminal building. The public lounges, overall cleanliness, interior lighting, fire fighting equipment, baggage carousels and exits are reviewed to ensure all are operational and in compliance with operating procedures. Then, it is back to the office to record the morning inspection which is ultimately audited by regulatory authorities.

While the runway and fences were being checked, airport security staff inspect the departure lounges. Seats, bollards, bins and desks are all checked to make certain no unauthorised objects have been left where they should not be. Then the x-ray, metal detector and explosives trace detection machines are all turned on and tested to ensure they are working correctly. Once completed, the lounge is opened to welcome people for the for the first flight at 6.30 am.

Over at the freight section, a flight arrives with express deliveries. This is soon followed by the overnight road freighter

Wind Sock inspection

from Sydney delivering the more bulky items. Over the next 60 to 90 minutes, parcels are sorted and loaded into four vans for delivery around Coffs Coast. These vans and staff are not seen again until day's end.

Around 8.00 am airport administration personnel are next to start their day.

Airport manager, Dennis Martin arrives for another busy day ahead. While the office is still quiet, emails are checked and responded to. Then it's looking in detail at the tasks planned for the day. By 9.00am all administration staff are on-deck.

The first meeting is between Dennis and operations manager Mark Fitton. Tasks to be undertaken that day are discussed and agreed upon. Next a review of major projects. One soon to commence is the extension to the airport apron and a new access road for freight vehicles. This involves a review of architect drawings, a walk over the proposed works site and a discussion on outstanding matters that need resolution. This takes two hours to complete.

In the office, administration staff are busy. In compliance with Civil Aviation Safety Authority directives, airport operations manuals are up-dated and despatched to authorities that partner the airport in times of emergencies - Police, Fire Brigade, Rural Fire Service,SES and Ambulance Services.

Tradesmen booked to

carry out maintenance

work arrive and are

issued with

appropriate access passes. Then they depart, accompanied by reporting officers to the airport work sites. While this is happening, the phone rings. The caller was a passenger on a flight from Sydney who lost a piece of baggage. After a few questions to ascertain the person's flight and description of the bag, a check is made of articles in the Lost Items store. The bag is not there. As it may have been incorrectly tagged, the airline phone number is provided for the caller to enquire further.

Over at Biggles, car park customers have returned for help. After a week away, they returned to find their car has a flat battery. As this is a 'regular' occurrence, owner, Eric Hughes purchased a portable battery charger and leads for times such as these. In under 15 minutes the car is started and the delighted people are on the way home. After cleaning up, Eric is soon back to the coffee lounge with his staff, preparing lunches, restocking magazine shelves and cleaning tables in preparation for passengers and visitors soon to arrive for the next flight.

Around midday, passengers and flights come and go on time, staff take turns in enjoying their lunch break then it's back to business.

The agenda for the afternoon is busy. First up is a meeting between airport management and the airport operators group. Attending are representatives from the control tower, freight forwarder, airlines, security and the airport coffee lounge. Dennis reviews the previous month's operations and discusses any issues. Each operator then reports on their areas of responsibility.

Outside, reporting officers are doing their routine maintenance check of the facility. Inspections are made of the general public and rentals car parks, gardens and the exterior of the terminal building. Being close to the ocean, the salty air is corrosive to plants and metal. Officers note the areas in need of refreshing fertiliser and a lick of paint and

schedule these for action the following week.

Between the midday and late afternoon flights, the Qantas Regional Airport lounge is serviced by Biggles staff. Furniture is rearranged, floors cleaned, fridges restocked and food platters replenished in time for late afternoon guests arriving for departure to Sydney.

With the airport soon to host the Service Park for the Australian Rally Championships in October, special event site plans are being prepared by the Airport's Compliance Officer. Maps showing the layout of the perimeter fencing, entrance and exit points, service pits, amenities and parking for competitor and race official vehicles need to be submitted for approval by the Office of Transport Security.

As with any business, planning for the future is critical. So while reporting officers and administration staff undertake routine tasks, the airport manager is preparing a case for the enhancement of air services. Recent research revealed a growing number of Coffs Coast residents work in the mining regions of Queensland and Western Australia. All survey respondents indicated a preference for directs services to and from their mining work places. However, airlines need to be convinced that there is a viable and profitable opportunity before they commit aircraft. This takes careful and considered planning - time and money. It is one of the major mid-term projects being considered by Coffs Harbour Airport.

After late afternoon flights take to the skies and head south, it's clean-up time in the terminal. Security staff check and secure the departure lounges for the night. Biggles staff clean tables, restock shelves and re-order supplies for the next day.

For the airport manager, it's time to check the in-box of emails, respond to outstanding correspondence and finalise reports on OH&S, staff, security and any urgent matters needing attention. There are always a few.

But it's not over yet.

About 30 minutes after the last flight has landed, the airport closes. That's when the last vehicle is estimated to have departed the general car park - then the car park automatically closes until it automatically opens at 05.30 am next morning.

But the airport never really closes. Incoming aircraft such as the Air Ambulance require landing rights 24/7, 365 days a year. So by selecting an assigned radio frequency and pressing the send button on approach to the airport, landing lights illuminate the runway and taxiways as if to say, “Welcome, we are open for business day and night at Coffs Harbour Airport.” n

Airport Security Customer Service Training between flights

Biggles Coffee Lounge - baking muffins


The building's bright sun-filled lobby is busy. There are people striding down arterial corridors carrying documents

and briefcases, at cafe tables, couples with coffee in hand talk in quiet whispers while animated reception staff are helping customers seeking directions. In another corner a group of women are enjoying a lively discussion about their next exercise session as people clad in blue uniforms wheel trolleys of material supplies to places unknown.

In a quiet alcove in the lobby, a young boy holding a bouquet of brightly coloured flowers watches as his father feeds his credit card to the ATM. And outside a gardener is tending the surrounding shrubbery.

The scene could be at the entrance to a five star hotel or a busy shopping centre. But is not. The people carrying the folders and briefcases are not attired in pin-stripe suits and silk ties. They are dressed in blue coveralls while others are uniformed in smart casual dress adorned with black and silver stethoscope necklaces.

This is the entrance lobby of the Coffs Harbour Health Campus. (CHHC)

It is here that the dedicated team of health professionals and volunteer staff lead by Dr Theresa Beswick, care for the Coffs Coast community.

Each year growing numbers of people from near and far visit CHHC for physical and psychological treatments. When the new CHCC opened in 2001, annual admissions were 16,000 patients. This year that number has increased to around 30,000 including over 1,100 babies being born. Fortunately so too has the budget, staff numbers and inventory of medical

equipment needed to treat all kinds of human ailments. While some people are referred to larger city based hospitals with more specialised physicians and equipment, Coffs Harbour Health Campus now treats over 90 per cent of all patients locally.

This is the result of strategic approach taken to health care in New South Wales by the State Government. Health services have been decentralised to key regional centres and resourced to provide services to wider regional communities. The Coffs Harbour Health Campus in now one of 16 NSW Local Health Districts and is responsible for the health care of citizens from Wauchope to Woolgoolga and the New England Tablelands. Overseen by a governing board, chaired by Warren Grimshaw, governance, strategic direction and planning are the board's primary responsibilities.

The board is also responsible for appointing the Chief Executive of the Local Health District.

This new approach has resulted in many new additions to the Coffs Harbour Health Campus. If you visit the Campus, you will most likely be surprised at the number of buildings

Caring for Coffs

Dianne Davidson - Aged Care Assessment Team

Julie Smith, Radiographer

- Coronary Angiography Unit


adorned with signage announcing their area of expertise. There is 28 specialist services available at CHHC. Some of these include; Aboriginal Health, Child, Adolescent & Family Services, Community Mental Health Services, the Coronary Angiography Unit, Maternity, ICU, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy Services, Speech Therapy, Pharmacy and Radiology.

This expanded range of services is the result of additional specialised staff being attracted to Coffs Coast and the Campus in the last 10 years. A team of 44 junior doctors and 50 specialists provide 24 hour service throughout the hospital including the recently expanded Emergency Department.

Specialist doctors now provide care and rehabilitation for patients in need of specialist surgery, cardiology, oncology, respiratory, renal and mental health.

This expansion has also resulted in a range of new specialised medical equipment being installed. A recent addition is a multi-million dollar Elekta Synergy linear accelerator. This machine greatly assists physicians to more quickly detect and treat people with cancer. Patients no longer need to travel to Sydney or Brisbane for image guided radiation therapy. Another benefit of having this equipment and skilled medical staff in Coffs Harbour is that patient recovery is also quicker. With less travel required, people are now able to recuperate at home surrounded by family and friends.

According to Dr Beswick, in addition to the technological gains, the ways in which patients are cared for and treated is a critical component of the recovery process. The goal is to provide the right care to the patient at the right time and the right place – sometimes this might be in the patient’s home as part of a Hospital in the Home approach.

Following the introduction of the Stroke Unit two years ago, a trial for a new model of treating stroke commenced in August at Coffs Harbour Health Campus, providing treatment with clot busting drugs. Lead by Dr Diez and the Emergency Department team, national and world best practice ways of patient treatment are being brought to local patients. This project will look at the ways people who suffer stroke are assessed, monitored and treated with the most appropriate level of care to save and maximise recovery of brain functionality. Coffs Harbour Health Campus has a long history of participating in national and international clinical trials. Being included in trials means local patients can access new and most current treatments and is testament to the dedication and skill of the CHHC team.

It is the whole of team approach by all staff at Coffs Harbour Health Campus that Dr Beswick is particularly proud of. Naturally there are the highly skilled nursing and medical personnel. However, she is quick to point out that the wardspersons, security, food services and cleaning staff, volunteers, chaplains, administration and reception personnel, gardeners, equipment technicians, and engineers all make equally important contributions to the delivery of quality patient care.

Dr Beswick also recognises the contributions made by the wider medical academic and health partners in the community. The University of New South Wales Rural Medical School Southern Cross University and TAFE and members of the medical and nursing profession based in Coffs Harbour all contribute skills, knowledge and expertise to building the team of the future at the Coffs Harbour Health Campus. Also important are linkages with the General Practitioner Community and the Baringa Private Hospital towards a complete plan of healthcare for the Coffs region, plus the generous contribution made by Rotary International. The 16 accommodation units within the CHHC complex was a community project of the Rotary Club of Coffs Harbour in partnership with the Lions Clubs International, Coffs Harbour City Council, Department of Transport and the NSW Cancer Council.

Operating a major regional health campus is an expensive business too. This year's operating budget for Coffs Harbour Health Campus is approximately $112 million which is funded by state government. Additionally, there are grants and funding from the Commonwealth for community based and primary health programs.

Prior to its current location, the Coffs Harbour

Health Campus was in Victoria Street on the

western side of Beacon Hill. If you visit the

new campus, take a moment to view some of

the pictures of the old hospital mounted on

the 'history wall' on the left hand side of the

entrance lobby. Often referred to as the hospital

on the hill, it had a total of 160 beds. There are

photographs of the laundry with two early model

wringer washing machines, another of Mervyn

Bolt the first and locally trained male nurse and

others showing the wards and corridors of the

facility. It is a trip down a medical memory lane.

And as you stand there, look around and

observe. You can't help but notice the modern

and stylish architecture, the guest lounge and

coffee shop and the signage directing visitors

to the various specialist departments. And

visualise. Picture in your mind the many millions

of dollars worth of expensive, specialised and

invaluable medical appliances located in the

Campus.

However, the real heart and soul of the Coffs

Harbour Health Campus is the 1200 dedicated

staff and the 200 compassionate volunteers

who form our champion team and provide

quality health care to the mid north coast

community 24/7, 365 days every year. n

Aboriginal Health Care Unit - Carolyn Guichard, Richard Widders, Carol Hart, Dr Theresa Beswick, Margaret McAnally, Coffs Harbour Health Campus

Sue Westgarth, Registered Nurse-

Oncology Unit

Dee Turner, Senior Radiation Therapist-North

Coast Cancer Institute


TALK BACKWITH

RobMills

OCCUPATION: Actor, singer, TV host.

FAVOURITE TRAVEL DESTINATION AND WHY:South Africa. I travelled with friends to the World Cup, saw the Aussies play their hearts out, then travelled around. It's a beautiful country.

TRAVEL TIP: Don't fall asleep on the beach - you're bound to lose possessions.

MOST EMBARRASSING/FUNNY TRAVEL MOMENT: In the first few days of the first trip on my own, I lost my wallet and travel documents! Lucky I had a travel agent back home to help.

WHAT’S COMING UP FOR YOU NEXT? On tour with the very talented Young Talent Team, can't wait! These kids are amazing. Then into rehearsals for Legally Blonde The Musical which opens in Sydney in October. n


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Ad.indd 1 7/25/2012 1:56:00 PM

We won’t take from the ground, until we know what we can put back in.

We’d like to shed some light on how little land mining actually

uses. In fact, mining uses less than 0.1% of land in NSW.1 But what

land we do use, we rehabilitate. That’s why even before any

mining starts, we work with scientists, the Government and local

communities to develop plans on how we will restore the land to a

safe, stable and healthy condition.

And it’s not just plans on paper. Right across NSW there are past

mines that are now productive grazing land, forests and even

parks. While mining is a temporary land use, we realise it does

have an effect on the environment. We’re not perfect, but we

are careful and we keep our impacts to an absolute minimum.

And we won’t rest, because it’s not enough just to be good for

the NSW economy.

We want to be good for NSW.

worldclassminers.com.au Source: 1Australian Collaborative Land Use & Management Program.

Westside Mine, Lake Macquarie, NSW

World Class Miners

NM

C00

14/M

LL/M

NMC0014_MLL_M.indd 1 23/07/12 4:35 PM

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Coffs Harbour Airport Magazine Issue 14

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