One day it’s a blank wall, the next, two whales swim through a sunlit ocean. At the Kempsey Central carpark, Daniel Hend has given the community something beautiful to see.

“As I painted people were waving and honking, giving me the thumbs up,’ says Daniel. “Murals do that – people feel a real sense of engagement.”

From Kempsey, Daniel headed north to Coffs Central, in the heart of Coffs Harbour. Within hours he had transformed the pillars on the ground floor near Kathmandu into a landscape vista that stretched from rolling hills, to desert to mountains.

“I paint fast,” says Daniel. “It’s a technique my dad and I developed over the years. We call it our dab-dab method.”

Daniel’s father is well-known landscape artist Len Hend. Len taught Daniel to paint when Daniel was nine. After Year 10, Daniel left school to study visual arts and business at Ace Community College Mullumbimby, ready for a career as a visual artist. His career took off immediately. He completed his first major mural at age 18 and has never looked back.

Painting Techniques

Daniel uses house paints, mostly Dulux, and an array of brushes from huge to tiny. He begins by laying down the base colour: for a landscape, sky blue, green for the hills and rough swirls of white above. These form the shapes and outlines. The next layer adds detail: light green to catch the sun on the hillside, blue and violet for the shadows on the hills and white where he imagines light glinting off water. The process happens quickly. Suddenly a whole world emerges.

Watching Daniel paint is like watching a dancer. He moves as if in a trance, but fluidly and in complete control of each brushstroke. He likens his process to meditation and derives great satisfaction from creating to meet a concept.

“I let my brain identify the shapes then I paint the tones as I am feeling,” says Daniel.

Making the Mundane Magical

Daniel has painted all over Australia, exhibited his fine art work and won numerous painting competitions. He also worked in film and television, creating scenery and props. In fact, there are very few things that Daniel’s brush cannot transform.

As well as murals, for public and private spaces, Daniel is sought after for what is called live painting and art battles. Sounds messy!

Art Battles

“Art battle is an event from the USA. Like a grand slam, with painters facing off in a live competition,” Daniel explains. “And live art is speed painting at a function or event. Often it is themed and sometimes my work is auctioned off afterwards to raise money for a charity or community program. They’re challenging events, but fun.”

Gowings, who own Coffs Central, plan to have Daniel decorate multiple areas in the centre, as well as adding another whale to the building in support of the Gowings Whale Trust. If you’re at Kempsey Central or Coffs Central, drop in and enjoy the art of Daniel Hend.

Visit Daniel’s website to view more amazing art.

The post Daniel Hend, Mural Master appeared first on Coastbeat.

Kaleidoscope Gallery Opening

It was standing room only at the opening of the Kaleidoscope Gallery on the ground floor of Coffs Central. The gallery featured work by many of the prize winning artists from the 2022 Coffs Coast Art Prize, including winner Kelly Finley. This is in addition the exhibition of the 2022 Coffs Coast Art Prize entrants, held upstairs.

Kaleidoscope manager, Katy Dee, said, “There was such a buzz in the air. So many people turned out to celebrate the vibrant arts community of the Coffs coast. We look forward to showcasing many beloved and emerging artists over the coming years.”

Art Studio Available

Of added interest to the Coffs Harbour art fraternity is the maker space at Kaleidoscope. Here artists and other makers can work in a comfortable studio setting that is open to the public. Art lovers get to see the work being created and chat to the artist. It is fascinating to watch artistic process and hear the stories behind each object.

Coastbeat visited while local artist Zepo was at work. Zepo works digitally and on canvas. He told the story of his grandmother, a European artist who traveled the world painting. She gave him a treasured box of pastels that he still uses.

Katy Dee is both store manager and curator of the collection. “The scope of artists and artisans at Kaleidoscope is really diverse. From jewellery to beauty to art. We are becoming known as a go-to place for unique gifts.”

Kaleidoscope welcomes art lovers, art makers and the curious into their boutique of wonders. Read the full story of Kaleidoscope here.

The post Art at Coffs Central appeared first on Coastbeat.

Stress less

Researchers at Duke University have found that stress damages the immune system and ups your odds of getting bacterial infections. Learning relaxation techniques that suit you is crucial: yoga, tai chi and transcendental meditation all decrease stress hormones and get blissful endorphins – the so-called ‘happy hormones – flowing.

Vim, vigour and vitamin C

People who take vitamin C supplements might still catch the odd cold, but research shows that it will be less severe and of shorter duration than if they had not taken vitamin C, which is a great incentive to ensure you are getting enough of it. Your body cannot make or store vitamin C, so you need to take it daily. Top food sources include kiwifruit, strawberries, citrus, Brussels sprouts, capsicum and spinach.

Get out and about

Exercise is one of the best ways to build stamina, stay energised and reduce depression. A University of Southern California study found that when participants went for a vigorous 30-minute walk, they reduced muscle tension in their bodies by 20 percent. Up the ante by walking in natural surroundings: Japanese studies show that ‘forest bathing’ – spending time in bushland or other green space – reduces blood pressure, improves immune function and boosts mental acuity.

Love your guts

Fermented foods, like kombucha, sauerkraut, kefir and kimchi, supply the probiotics you need to maintain a healthy gut microbiome – the trillions of cells, microbes and genetic material that live in your intestinal tract and help to ward off pathogenic bacteria and viruses. Eating foods rich in prebiotic fibre (e.g. asparagus, onions, artichokes and dandelion greens) will ensure the probiotic bacteria thrive.

Spice up your season

Use lots of fresh ginger and garlic in your cooking to boost immunity. Ginger will soothe sore throats and coughs and ease indigestion and nausea, while garlic has powerful natural antibiotic and antiviral properties. Toss hot chillies into your stir-fry – they are excellent for improving sluggish circulation, which in turn keeps you warm.

Pick a plant

Plant-based health remedies have long been an integral part of both traditional Western and Chinese medicine, and herbs have been proven to do everything from alleviating high blood pressure and easing pain to destroying germs. Medicinal mushrooms, such as reishi, shiitake and cordyceps, boost immune cell production and fight inflammation in the body. The antioxidant polyphenols found in green tea boost metabolism, burn fat, protect against liver disease, control blood sugar levels and lower LDL (‘bad’) cholesterol. And, if you do wind up getting sick, try the Chinese herb andrographis – it is one of the most powerful cold-fighting remedies on earth.

Stop SNACC-ing

That stands for Sugar, Nicotine, Alcohol, Caffeine and Chemicals. For one month, cut out sweets, coffee, empty calories and food additives, then reintroduce small amounts of what you’ve eliminated and see how you feel; you might want to leave some behind for good.

This story first appeared on the GO VITA BLOG. You can find GO VITA at Coffs Central

The post Winter Wellness Wonders appeared first on Coastbeat.

When? On Saturday 14 May, 2022.

The historic village of Ulmarra is lighting the way with the new river festival, Riverlight Ulmarra. This one-day community cultural festival will showcase the town and the Clarence River through a spectacular display of floating lanterns.

Lights, Music, Action!

For your entertainment, Riverlight Ulmarra offers live music, food stalls, lantern-making, trash and treasure stalls, vintage farm engine displays, fire twirling and a bar. You can join in the lantern-making workshop from 2.00pm, to make your own ray of light for floating down the river.

The festival centres around illuminated river-based art installations, guided by Master Lantern Maker Phill Relf of IKARA Celebratory Events. Mr Relf has over 20 years’ experience in lantern making for festivals.

Riverlight Ulmarra is produced by events specialist, Phil Nicholas of Events Delivered. Mr Nicholas hopes that Riverlight Ulmarra will provide a focal point for Ulmarra, celebrating the beauty of the Clarence River.

“This is a great opportunity to shine a light on the history, stories and characteristics of this charming town. The festival is designed to attract local families as well as visitors from beyond the region,” Mr Nicholas told Coastbeat.

Created by Master Lantern Maker

“With the help of Phill Relf, who has been the creative mind behind many well-known local and interstate lantern festivals, we will be running a series of public workshops in the lead up, to design and build a large, sculptural lantern to head up the parade.

“On the night there will be a procession through the village before the lanterns are released into the Clarence River, providing an awe-inspiring and memorable sight, which we hope to replicate every year.”

A Perfect Day Trip

The festival has been specifically designed to accommodate day trips from nearby regions. Overnight visitors can stay and experience more of the Clarence Valley, with numerous boutique accommodation options.

“We’ve curated a series of itineraries that guide people through half-day, full-day or two-day drives, allowing them to explore the region while here for the festival,” Mr Nicholas said.

“They’re all downloadable from our website and provide suggestions to help people really experience a local’s insight into the Clarence Valley.”

“These include discovering the many small and unknown hamlets that dot the river, the history of Grafton, and the quirky coastal towns that hark back to a 1950s holiday experience.

Awesome Music

Local musicians have been invited to provide upbeat entertainment to compliment the awe-inspiring and memorable sight of the lantern procession.

The line-up consists of the Downriver Grommets under the tutelage of local music teacher Ryan Enns, and The Enns of the Earth playing everything from bluegrass through to Ed Sheeran. Headlining the event will be the Clarence Valley’s own The Ninth Chapter, plying their trademark funky groove and punchy horns.

“Ulmarra is only an hour’s drive from Coffs Harbour, meaning the festival makes for an easy day trip,” Mr Nicholas said.

Get Ready With A Lantern Kit

“Visitors can get prepared to join the parade by purchasing lantern kits via our website and we post them out with full instructions. They’re simple and fun to make, and they look magical illuminated after dark.”

Don’t hide in the dark! Get lit at Riverlight Ulmarra

For more information and to book tickets visit the Riverlight Ulmarra website.

The post RIVERLIGHT ULMARRA LANTERN FESTIVAL appeared first on Coastbeat.

Ready for whale watching season? Here’s a beautifully crafted picture book from Ngambaa and Gumbaynggirr Countries, told with glorious images by Aunty Shaa Smith with Yandarra. And a whole lot of friends, including Gurruuja, the whale. 

Aunty Shaa tells the story of the Goanna Sisters, Wirriiga, and how they made the waters rise. The Koala Brothers, Dunggiirr, and the whale, Gurruuja, saved the people from drowning. How? No spoilers – you’ll have to read the book.

The Dunggiirr Brothers and the Caring Song of the Whale is told with the permission of the Elders. It gives great insight into First Nations traditions in our area and how if we love Country then Country loves us back. Aunty Shaa shares language and philosophy in a beautiful story simply told. Find a young friend, child or grandchild and share a traditional Australian story with them.

The Islands

The Islands is the first novel by Northern Rivers writer, Emily Brugman. It draws on her Finnish heritage and love for the Australian landscape. The novel is lyrical, evoking WA coastal culture through the eyes of Finnish migrants in the mid-1950s. The characters come from cray fishing families living on Rat Island, off Geraldton. Each migrant brings with them a little of the darkness from their cold country, hoping for illumination beneath the burning skies of this brave new land. 

The story starts with a mysterious death that brings the lost fisherman’s brother, Omni, to Rat Island. We follow Omni, his wife Alva and their daughter, Hilda, as they struggle for footing in their new home. Many of us will recognise ourselves in Hilda, a girl caught between her ancestral past and the future, between self-realisation and the expectations – and dangers – of a man’s world. Brugman’s Australia fills a gap left by Anglo-centric stories such as Tim Winton’s ‘Cloudstreet’. The Islands is an engrossing family tale handled lightly, with great love for all the worlds it touches upon.

Cathy’s Pick

And from our resident bookspert, Cathy at Bookface Port Central, comes these Easter reading recommendations:

When We Fall

This is the third book for Aoife Clifford and in my opinion, the best. We ‘meet Alex Tillerson as she returns to her home town to ‘look” after her mother. She’s escaping a failing marriage and career, and hopes to tidy up any loose ends around her mother’s ailing health as quickly as possible, That is until, while out walking on the beach, they find a severed leg.

Alex’s inquisitive mind won’t leave it alone. She becomes heavily involved in finding out the truth, but at what cost?

An intoxicating combination of family, death and small town secrets When We Fall is a an absolute page turner.

The Labyrinth

Amanda Lohrey’s moving tale of grief and community was the winner of the 2021 Miles Franklin Literary Award. Lohrey explores the possibilities that come with starting over as her protagonist, Erica Marsden, retreats from the city to a small community to escape family tragedy. While finding peace with her situation she obsesses about building a labyrinth. In order to create this she must learn to trust strangers, and herself.

A story of guilt , denial and the tender yet fraught relationship between parents and children.

The Other Side Of Tomorrow

What if you thought you had forever, to live your life? To tell your story. But what if forever was taken from you? When your tomorrows are numbered, all you have is now.

This emotionally gripping Young Adult novel by Port Macquarie author, Hayley Lawrence, is her fourth. It tells a moving story of sadness and sickness, told in Hayley’s uniquely beautiful style, Hayley’s ability to draw you into even the saddest of stories makes her a mesmerising storyteller. A must-read for all teens.

Find these beautiful books at Bookface, Port Central, or The Book Room, Byron Bay and Lennox Head.

The post Best Books for Easter appeared first on Coastbeat.

“I spend so much time trying to develop colour combinations and they always end up the same,” she laughs. “I make a rainbow – I can’t NOT do it!”

Whether it’s her weavings, rugs, paintings or jewellery, Therese’s unique handcrafted pieces inspire joy. A lifelong curiosity for all things art and craft took her to university where she studied textiles. Therese started her business Ena & Albert while living in Sydney and taught workshops around the country. Ena & Albert products were stocked across the city and things were humming along nicely. She was an Etsy darling and enjoying exciting opportunities like the David Jones Christmas markets. The move to the Coffs Coast came about 12 years after Therese’s partner first suggested it. 

“We got together when I was 20 and he started saying he wanted to leave Sydney pretty much straight away,” she recalls. “When I got into my thirties, I closed down my business and felt ready to leave.”

“We wanted to buy a house and get another dog plus we both love the beach,” Therese continues. “It’s four years this year here and we have absolutely no regrets.” 

Colours in Kaleidoscope 

As Therese settled into her new life on the coast, she enjoyed creating just for the fun of it. When she caught wind of Kaleidoscope Coffs Central’s opening, the small fire inside her was stoked. 

“The idea of Kaleidoscope got me really excited – I felt ready to make and sell again.” 

Therese is inspired by the space and her fellow makers. She only set up shop a few weeks ago but she’s already thinking of possible collaborations. Therese acknowledges that the price of handmade items can be daunting for some but explains that each piece requires serious time, skill and love. She’s working on smaller pieces like woven eye patches to make her work a tad more accessible.

“Little handmade things are like a gateway drug,” Therese laughs. “You buy one small thing then turn around and realise your whole house is full of handmade items!”

Shooting and Weaving

It can be difficult to grasp just how much work goes into Therese’s textile pieces. A quick demonstration in her home studio puts the pieces together. Tufting is Therese’s current obsession. She uses the technique to create her retro-looking patterned rugs. 

“You thread your yarn through what looks like a gun, then “draw” onto fabric that is stretched over a frame,” Therese explains. “I’ve been tufting about nine months and it’s the scale that appeals to me – you can go big with it quite quickly.” 

Therese’s pride and joy sits by the window at the front of her studio. The Japanese wooden floor loom was a gift for ten years of service at her last job. The Saori weaving method was founded by Misao Jo when she was in her fifties. 

“A lot of weaving is about perfection whereas the Saori way is about creative expression – finding the joy in making so there’s no such thing as a mistake, that’s just part of the cloth,” says Therese. “It suits me because while there are definitely proper ways to do things, my style is to figure it out myself.”

Find Therese’s textile rugs, bags, mirrors and more at Kaleidoscope Coffs Central and follow her on Instagram. 

The post In Rainbows – Meet the Maker Therese Lyons appeared first on Coastbeat.

These photographs are amazing! Congratulations to winner, Rafael Fernandez Caballero of Spain, overall International winner. And to Matty Smith from Australia, who won British Underwater Photographer of the Year with this awe-inspiring shot of a great white shark.

International Love Fest

The images are incredibly diverse, from up-close-and-personal with a froggy love-fest, to far too up close with Matty’s great white shark.

Coastbeat spoke to Matty from his home on the mid-north coast of NSW.

‘I came to Australia as a backpacker in 1999, surfing. In 2005 I returned to work as an engineer in Queensland and loved it so much that in 2007 I emigrated. Although my background is in engineering, my big love is nature and water.

I’ve been a photographer since the mid-90s. Doing a dive ticket introduced me to the underwater world. I started to dive more than surf. Underwater photography was a natural progression.

My major break came in 2014 when I shot a portfolio of what is called ‘half-over, half-under’ images of Pacific Man of War bluebottles. My images won the Australian Geographic Nature Shot of the Year; first, second and third place in the Ocean Geographic Best Photograph of the Year’; and gained me a Nikon sponsorship. This meant that I could make photography my fulltime career. I teach, lecture and shoot for publications all around the world.’

A shark-eye view

What Matty calls ‘half-over, half-under’ describes the camera position, with the lens half-submerged in the water. It is a striking style that gives his shots great realism, as if we land-dwelling humans have ducked our heads underwater for a moment.

Matty spoke at length to Coastbeat about his style, his process and plans for an expedition to Antarctica. We’ll be publishing the full interview, with some amazing shots he has kindly allowed us to exhibit, in next week’s Coastbeat. See you then.

View all the incredible underwater images here.

The post Best Underwater Photographer 2022 appeared first on Coastbeat.

A Self-Publishing Guide

It’s called ‘Look—It’s Your Book! Write, Publish & Promote Your Non-Fiction Book: A Self-Publishing Guide for Australian Writers’. Cathy, Jim and Leanne’s tips appear alongside advice from successful Australian self-published authors like Kim McCosker. You may be familiar with Kim’s cookbook ‘4 Ingredients’ – it only sold a casual nine million copies (!).  

“The world is ready for fresh voices on subjects that mainstream publishers have for too long closed the door on,” says author Anna Featherstone. “My hope for this book is that it helps people write, plan and publish quality books that solve real problems for their readers.”

“It’s also about making writers aware that getting a first draft is just the beginning,” she continues. “The real work starts when it comes time to edit, publish, distribute and market it.”

Advice from Industry Experts

Anna says being able to interview Cathy, Jim and Leanne was wonderful as they’re at the publishing coal face.

“They know the industry, readers and writing community inside out,” she explains. “It’s advice like theirs that is a highlight and the reason the book is already receiving great pre-orders from libraries and bookstores.”  

Make this the year you write your book or generate content from your unique experiences and knowledge. Book in with Port Macquarie Library for the local launch of Look—It’s Your Book! It’s on Saturday February 19th. It’s also available for sale at Book Face Port Central.

Anna Featherstone is one of a number of authors who live in Port Macquarie. She is the author of five non-fiction books including Small Farm Success Australia and Honey Farm Dreaming.

Read about Pandora Colledge’s experience self-publishing her cookbook Nourished by Nature.

The post A Self-Publishing Guide for Australian Writers appeared first on Coastbeat.

“I’m involved in a lot of things but it’s just who I am – I grew up in this community so I’m trying to give back,” says proud Birpai and Worimi man Jamie Donovan. 

Jamie remembers his childhood in Wauchope surrounded by extended family. They were often out on country – fishing, hunting and gathering – teaching Jamie about his culture. It’s something he’s determined to pass on to his children. Jamie is a father of three and cares for two of his nieces. 

“I take the time to sit down and teach them language, artwork and dance,” Jamie explains. “My boys have come through the ranks in our local dance group and really enjoy embracing their culture.”

Jamie describes the pride he feels when his sons Peytyn and Jye come home asking for help with language as they’ve had a request to give the Acknowledgement of Country at school events. 

Connecting Cultures

Jamie’s children aren’t the only young people who look up to him. He works with the Department of Education across 43 schools running mentoring programs for Aboriginal boys and assisting students who’ve become disengaged. Jamie facilitates cultural awareness training for the staff members, principals and directors, too. 

Such a role would be more than enough for most people, but it doesn’t stop there. Jamie is the Chairperson of the Wauchope Bunyah Aboriginal Land Council as well as the Chairperson of Mid North Coast Regional Aboriginal Men’s Group. Oh, and did we mention he’s studying at university and is an active member of the Beechwood Rural Fire Service? How about the fact that he’s an in-demand artist? 

Art for Reconciliation

What started out as a way to de-stress after work has turned into a meaningful exploration of his cultural art and stories. Jamie collaborates with schools, childcare centres and sporting clubs to create artwork for t-shirts and murals. 

“Many local government and non-government organisations want to promote Aboriginal history so this is a way to support their journey along the reconciliation process,” he explains.  

So what motivates a man to give so much of himself? 

“I want to be a good role model for my kids,” Jamie states without hesitation. “I want to make sure future generations are left with a legacy that they can be proud to continue.” 

Coastbeat would like to congratulate Jamie of his Citizen of the Year nomination!

Community Group of the Year 

• Revive Lake Cathie
• St Agnes’ Catholic Parish Flood Recovery Group
• The Wells Family (Stewart, Josh, Luke & Blake).

Environmental Citizen of the Year 

• Susan Baker
• Peter Fitzroy
• Dr Deborah Geronimi

Young Citizen of the Year 

• Billiejane Ashton
• Georgia Instrell
• Georgia Ryan.

Senior Citizen of the Year 

• Larry Brook
• Reg McGlashan
• Daphne Salt
• Holder Saunderz
• Kingsley Searle

Citizen of the Year 

• Sue Ashton
• Ann Drury
• Jamie Donovan
• Jeanette McCoubrie
• David Tunstread

Read Aunty Patricia Walker’s reflection on January 26

The post An Aboriginal Leader Creating a Lasting Legacy appeared first on Coastbeat.

Develop Your Brand and Electronic Press Kit – Thursday Jan 27

Join Beehive PR’s Sammie Anschau, Liz Browne and Sosefina Fuamoli. Sose will run through getting your bio and assets together, and Sammie will take you through the basics of PR + getting that email pitch on point. Liz will get you digital/online ‘media ready’ and there will be a takeaway kit for attendees. 

Book now

How Can Artists Continue to Book Live Music in the Region – Thursday February 3

Join Casey O’Shaughnessy, senior booking agent at Select Music, Australia’s largest independent agency. She represents a roster of Australian and NZ artists that includes Amy Shark, The Veronicas, Skegss, Ruby Fields, Stella Donnelly, Kian, The Beths, The Chats and many others. Casey is a finalist in the 2021 Women in Music (Live Touring field) Awards and was nominated for Booking Agent of The Year at the inaugural Industry Observer Awards.

Book now

Healthy Mindsets & Work with CHESS Connect Business Resilience – Tuesday February 8

Presented by Emily Denver, Workplace Wellbeing Specialist and Jo Facey, Business Resilience Mentor. The Business Resilience Project is a free workplace wellbeing service, providing small business operators with the tools and guidance needed to support resilience and mental fitness for both themselves and their workforce.

Programming and Marketing Live Music in Your Venue  – A Best Practice Masterclass – Thursday February 10 

Presented by Tracey Griffiths from Kick Music. More info to come!

The post Masterclasses for Musos appeared first on Coastbeat.