Byron Bay Australia....A hidden gem?

Well to my many readers, I must say it's been a while....much has happened and in time the biography attached to this blog will be added to. 

The new writings, I have been told constitute 'movie worthy' material....from media madness, laws that make history, high profile people and much more.

For now though, in our everyday madness, we often want to close our eyes and disappear......in our minds we aspire to a place of beauty and happy times, a place that could whisk away our everyday pressures. 

Byron Bay nestled on Australia's beautiful east coast, is a little hidden gem that paints the picture perfectly. 

Where forest palms meet the ocean

Whenever I drive into 'Byron', as the locals call it, I'm always captivated by the surrounding rolling hills of green, that lead a pathway to the bluest of oceans.

Hidden and dotted amongst the scenic hills, lay the hidden houses of Australia's wealthy counterparts and celebrities alike. Not only that, you will find alternative hippies that choose this area to live their lives with their back-to-nature attitude. 

Pure Rawness - have a seat under a tree,
stare to the ocean and let your cares disappear.

The 'hippie', relaxed way of life carries throughout this town and I've come to realise this relaxed way of life, along with the areas effortless beauty is what makes Byron the place it is. 

Byron Bay's main beach in town

The great mix of people has Byron aspire to some of the most awesome cafes, quaint and trendy clothing boutiques and what I would describe as, different, arty, alternative, with a touch of class and pure rawness.

As the ever so slight ocean breeze greeted me, along with the stunning white sand beach, I pull up to my chosen accommodation...'Rae's', a place I had heard so much about. A small, boutique, world renowned hotel.....

well in saying that, only to the people in the know. The hotel has had the pleasure of accommodating many a celebrity, more so by word of mouth.

Rae's on Watego's Beach

The pretty white hotel with it's slight Grecian or even Moroccan influences sits just a few minutes on the outskirts of town, although conveniently a rainforest timber boardwalk leads you along the stunning coast line and back into the action. 

Following the rainforest boardwalk the other way takes you on a gorgeous walk that leads to the iconic Lighthouse on Australia's most 'eastern' point.

Where there's a lighthouse -
there's a view

Walk to the iconic lighthouse -
 Australia's most eastern point

I can't emphasise enough, the beauty of the region and my time spent here was second to none. 

Rae's was a place of total relaxation and my favourite place to hang out was on my covered terrace, on a massive day bed, with a good book, overlooking the grounds that lined the white sand beach.

I came in winter and was fortunate enough to have beautiful sun kissed warmth throughout the day and at night the hotel staff would stoke my 'real' log fire within my gorgeous moroccan style room. A good bottle of red and a delectable cheese platter was complimentary.....what more could I have asked for?

The deluxe penthouse suite at Rae's

Everything was included, even a complementary massage in the spa, breakfast each morning and a 3 course dinner along with the gorgeous vase of white Lilly's that scented my room.

The calmness and laid back lifestyle of Byron Bay and the wonderful accommodation at Rae's had me wanting to stay longer than the few days I had.

The enormous day bed on our balcony
The perfect place to chill out with a good book

In my time here I ventured around to find it catered for every type of traveller. 

Another beautiful hotel was 'Byron on Byron', which I also recommend for a special time away and don't forget to join in there 8.00am yoga class.

Also check out this site www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au 

It houses a quaint 2 bedroom cottage called 'Imeson',  right on the beach and close to town.

Imeson, of years gone by, was the perfect 'basic Aussie' beach holiday, a hundred year old cottage, in the most perfect location, that has been taken back and revamped by Australia's National Parks.

I also found some other great cottages and camp grounds on this site. 

Accommodation ranges from backpackers to fully stocked houses and as mentioned before the hotel 'Byron on Byron'

My place at heart now is Rae's, which upon my departure, management explained the hotel, would undergo constructive renovations in the winter of 2014. Renovations will see an added basement car park, more rooms, a beach club bar and restaurant and an updated makeover to keep the hotel moving with the needs of evolution. I'm sure it will be nothing short of amazing and within keeping Rae's exquisiteness.

Restaurants hmmm...well, in my time here, I recommend a small, reasonably priced, lane side BYO cafe called 'Fish Mongers', the food was fresh, well presented and I'm pretty sure anybody who loves good seafood won't be disappointed. The restaurant is casual, come as you are, but the food is top notch. 

Fish Monger's is situated behind the famous 'Beach Hotel' where everyone heads to catch up for a cold beer or two. 

Another restaurant I recommend is 'Pacific' Italian, right next door to the Beach hotel, it's great food and  a well presented restaurant if you want to go somewhere nice.

If surf is what your looking for, then Byron has plenty of great breaks, so grab your board and let's go!

The beach at Rae's

Jarrod McCracken Vs Carlos Spencer

Fight For Life Fighters of 2012

Not normally do we see our high profile celebrity's, enabling an everyday sporting stadium to host a coliseum type event, where us mere mortals ferociously chant and shout for a knockout victory.

Michelle McCracken on the Red Carpet

Well I guess we do see these legendary boys, our idols step into an arena of battle on numerous occasions, although it's not to pain stakingly pound the living hell out of each other in a boxing ring amidst 5,000 spectators draped in suits, evening attire and glasses clinking to the formalities of being wined, dined and entertained.

Then their is media crew desperately trying to capture every little fast paced snap of these sheer and pure strength like gladiators to play host to the 'pay to view' spectators that missed out on one of the sell out tickets.

'Fight for Life' an elaborate celebrity, charity event of League V's Union 'boxing' is back with a vengeance when it took to the stage at 'Trusts Stadium' in Auckland New Zealand on December 15th 2012. The event also helps raise money and portrays to men that prostate cancer, if identified early enough, is a curable disease and prevention is now as simple as a blood test.

Jarrod McCracken & Wendell Sailor at the Watermark Fundrasing Luncheon

Lets take it back to approximately 8 weeks prior to the initial event.

Event promoter Dean 'Cowboy' Lonergan, ex league player with his assistant and event coordinator, Carlena who does a fantastic job, were in contact to snag each individual high profile player past and present. Their intention? To create entertainment like never before while raising money for a reputable charity.  This years Fight for Life was going to be enormous and with MMA and the Boxing world growing trendier by the day, before they knew it, the showdown was created.

Daniella Smith Vs Lauren Eagle

In order on the night was;             
 
- Lauren Eagle V's Daniella Smith (Victory to Smith a hard doer, who at 40 years old covered well and had Eagle backing up. Would have been a close decider)

                                                    
- Greg Bird V’s Rene Ranger (Victory to Bird, even though Ranger knocked Bird to the ground twice which landed him a 2 point deduction)

Paul Gallen Vs Hika Elliot

- Manu Vatuvei V's Eric Murray the New Zealand Olympic gold medalist (Victory to Manu Vatuvei although Eric Murry didn't do to bad considering the bagging he gave himself prior to the fight)

- Paul Gallen V's Hika Elliot (Victory to Paul Gallen. Hika found his opponent was like hitting a brick wall that fought back, both fighters did well)

Jarrod McCracken applies the pressure to opponent Carlos Spencer

- Jarrod McCracken V’s Carlos spencer (Victory to Carlos Spencer, definitely the most adrenalin packed fight of the night that had the crowd on the edge of there seats)

                                                

Willie Mason Vs Troy Flavell showing the heart of true rugby stars

 - Willie Mason V's Troy Flavell (drawing after Willie earlier, put him through the ropes and gestured from behind he was going to give it to him doggy style…had to laugh)

I guess each celebrity signed up for there own individual reasons, whether it be the challenge, a goal, their ego, or to support a family member and the prostate cancer cause.

The likes of our Jarrod McCracken, this year, didn't hesitate to sign up, nor did he underestimate his potential when he decided to raise and donate his own '$38 thousand' to the prostate cancer foundation. His father Ken McCracken, another old time league great, severely battles with the disease, so Jarrod put the gloves on and stepped into the ring with no hesitation for the cause and help support his father, who couldn't make it across the Tasman from Australia to support his son.

Sitting at the team McCracken table, it was very emotional and upsetting to see Jarrod's sister Carmel sitting there silent and motionless with tears welling in her eyes and rolling down her face when the rest of the crowd had literally erupted standing and screaming with the most deafening shrieks of enthusiasm. She was witnessing her brother they call 'crackers' 42 years old, go up against a much younger and experienced at boxing, union legend Carlos Spencer.

It crushed her to know her father was not sitting there with her to support and cheer Jarrod on for what he was doing. We clearly saw the emotions for the McCracken family ran quite deep, which to the general public would be rather oblivious.

Jarrod McCracken prior to learning the news of a broken neck

Jarrod an ex Kiwi league captain was known for his brutality on the field before breaking his neck in 2000, but nothing & nobody could really prepare him to step into the ring in 8 weeks. In reality would anybody be crazy enough to go up against Carlos Spencer who had initially fought in the last fight for life, drew with his opponent and was on a mission, with a years training under his belt & two fights in South Africa to come back & prove to his supporters that King Carlos doesn't draw.

Jarrod, once he had initially signed on the dotted line, quickly accessed his fitness calibre and realised, to even be half a show against Carlos, he now had literally 7 weeks to shape up. Jarrod never doubted his ability to fight, because after all, he was the boy from west Auckland, who grew up knowing how to take care of himself, brawling and fighting was part of life. Only difference was, Jarrod's fights of yester-years, sported a no rules attitude.

Jarrod say's, 'you would do whatever you had to do to and I would always make sure I came out on top, but it was far from boxing.'

McCracken with trainer Brian Pierson

His trainer Brian Pierson, whom Jarrod seeked out in his hometown of Townsville, had a job on his hands: to teach Jarrod how to box. Brian an ex strong man and mui thai fighter and from what I hear, just as hardcore and crazy as Jarrod, set out his training schedule to make the most of the minimal weeks they had up there sleeve.

The weekends out drinking with mates, eating whatever he wanted and his normal maintenance of a few gym sessions a week had to drastically change. Instead his training turned into a grueling twice a day programme, a boxing session in the morning and fitness training in the afternoon. Jarrod's previous weight sessions took a back seat during the weeks ahead as Brian had assessed Jarrod's strength was already supernatural for someone his age and fitness would be his first priority if he was going to go up against a much younger Carlos Spencer who was also rumoured to have the assistance of steroids on his side.

Jarrods son watches on as training begins

The majority of people hearing these odds stacked against them would have 'not so politely’ declined the offer, unlike Cracker's who said he was happy to give it a go. Bookies instantly had Carlos Spencer as the favourite, although Jarrod was turning up to fight with his own agenda and in the weeks leading up organised and held two separate luncheons and auctions to raise as much money as he could for Prostate Cancer.

Jarrod tells us the first week of training was that grueling he doubted his 7 week foresight. He was in his garage with one of his mates on the pads and him on the mitts slogging out to what seemed like an eternity for sets of two, one minute rounds of overs and unders, with his kids watching on.

Fight night came around quickly and I must say, hearing the babble amongst surrounding spectators on the night, enthusiasm and anticipation ran high to see these two warriors collide in combat.

Nothing could have prepared the crowd, or even Carlos Spencer for that matter when the referee gave his usual spiel, 'touch gloves, return to your corners and come back fighting.

Both McCracken and Spencer did return to there corners, although McCracken declined Spencer's gesture of touching gloves again and came at Carlos like a raging bull, a man totally possessed and reliving his child hood all over again.

What ever he had learnt from his trainer in the past 7 weeks, went straight out the door, the only thing McCracken didn't put into practice was biting, kicking or just picking Spencer up and throwing him over the ropes…….well even that was debatable at times. Carlos was definitely rattled by the onslaught and did his best to cover up, at one stage even turning on his opponent and running for the corner with Jarrod unleashing his fury to the back of Spencer's head.

Jarrod McCracken Vs Carlos Spencer - the fight that made the crowd roar

Famous fight caller Bob Sheridan screamed….this is war!!! 

Not only was it a war, he now witnessed Jarrod live up to his nickname team mates had labeled him with during his football days…..'Crackers'.

The second round couldn't have come quick enough for Spencer, he had a few seconds to wonder, what the hell just happened, gather himself together and get back out there, step up to McCracken and play the game.

Crackers backs his opponent Spencer into the ropes

Spencer didn't like, the first round upset by McCracken, nor did he like the second, McCracken eventually started to show he wasn't a killing machine and he wasn't going to last the distance, although he frustrated Spencer by tying him up constantly on the ropes. Spencer was getting annoyed, he was there to show people he could box and it wasn't until the third round that King Carlos's boxing talent really got to shine through. McCracken at 42 and only 7 weeks of training had no gas left in the tank and all he could do was hold off his well trained opponent.  After all Spencer didn't do 12 months of boxing training beforehand, and have two fights in South Africa, to turn up on the night to be embarrassed…… and that he didn't.

The judges eventually announcing a close Victory to Carlos Spencer.

The next day seen the boys having lunch together and Carlos sporting a nice shiner to remember this years 2012 "Fight for Life" as for Crackers, when asked if their was any aches or pains, any regrets or if he was going to give it another crack next year, he shrugs and say's no to the 3 questions asked.

Joseph Parker takes on Richard Tutaki

Greg Bird Vs Rene Ranger

Eric Murray (Olympian fighting for rugby) V Manu Vatuvei

The tables ready on arrival to the event

Goals....NEVER GIVE UP

That's right..... NEVER GIVE UP...........all to often people have an excuse as to why they 'can't' do it, or an excuse as to why something 'didn't' work.

Here's a bit of  Cocobongo motivation and advice I love.....

All of us need to set certain goals, have a plan and stick to it....

You may want to loose weight or you may want to start a new venture, what ever it is I always find certain things in one way or another make that huge difference.

1. You need to be strong in the head, the mind is the most powerful thing and is the number 1 answer to any success.

2. Always be positive, never negative, stay away from or ignore negativity.

3. Another thing I find that goes a long way, is being polite to people, treat people with respect and how you would want to be treated and accept criticism, positively and constructively.

4. Always be honest with yourself..... and others, or it will come back to haunt you in one way or another.

5. If you need to change a certain habit, or situation....you may need to look at what your doing, your surrounds, the people around you and this is when you need to make the decision to change it and set your goals.

.....and my favourite one of all, unlike all the ones above.......

6. Bite, kick, scratch and do what ever it takes to get where you want to go!!!!

NEVER GIVE UP

Here's some pic's of goals that have surrounded us here at Cocobongo this past year in one way or another and have been achieved, or on their way to being achieved - We really do surround ourselves with success here and I am a strong believer in the saying....Things always happen for a reason, at the time you wonder, why did this happen, or you may not think it good, but if you turn it around and focus on the positives you will usually always look back and know it has been beneficial in some strange way, it's how we learn and evolve!!

Goal - The start of the new Gold Revolver Dancers - Just some teasers for 2013

Goal - Maximus trains hard to win Townsville's Hottest Male Body takes home cash and prizes and also gains himself a photo shoot with well known magazine photographer Denis Dwan

Goal - Football Legend Jarrod McCracken shapes up to raise money for charity! The celebrity "Fight for Life" event will see Jarrod step into the boxing ring against another all time great Carlos Spencer.

Goal - The gorgeous Lucy Tuttiet to enter Worlds Best Model and Miss Universe. She achieves a tittle of Worlds Best Body and 3rd runner up in Miss Universe.

Goal - Tigers Centrals to win the under 10's Grand Final ( which they did ) and to one day grow up and play for Australia like their idol - the great James (Jimmy) Tamou

Goal - To take a select crew from loyal Consortium Staff on a trip to the World Famous White-Haven Beach in the Whitsunday's - Was a fantastic trip I think all will remember for ever.

An amazing day on White Haven

Goal - To be able to entertain like these performers we've had here at the Consortium - Learn to Juggle, or sing like Australian idol singer "Johnny Ruffo" and Aria Chart sensation "Zoe Badwii", or have an unusual edge like well known" DJ Kitty Glitter", or be one of the awesome "Fire Flies" and do amazing shows with fire, or entertain with glow Hula Hoops like our gorgeous 'Monica Bown' or maybe even go and learn to be a gymnast......anythings achievable

Goal - To start and make successful the new cutting edge design of "Rambutan" coming 2013

Goal - Was to do a 12 week Lyndsey Green Goriss Challenge to loose weight get fit and for some like Sally below to be able to walk to the top of Castle Hill. What a wonderful achievement considering if you read her Fb post Sally stuggled to walk to the corner store 11 weeks ago and now she has conquered Castle Hill and also lost 20kg's.....Don't give up Sally more people should be looking at you for inspiration.

Goal - Sunday morning to meet in the car park and run, walk Castle hill depending on your level of fitness, once at the top, it's dips, stairs, a rewarding cold drink, a view out over another picture perfect day in Townsville's and the best feeling of all knowing you got to the top

 .....

Goal - Next time maybe a trip to Sydney to do the Sydney Harbour Bridge walk

Goal - To create your own paradise - but knowing when to give it up , there is always something bigger and better around the corner

Goal - These Townsville beauties gave the "Miss Hawaiian Tropics" Competition a run for it's money

Goal - Well this one we're not sure about ??????

GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR GOALS....
SURROUND YOURSELF WITH HAPPINESS ......AND EVERYTHING ELSE WILL COME WITH IT..........
LOTS OF LOVE SAGE xxx

FIGHT FOR LIFE 2012

Hi Sage here, well here's some pretty interesting reading.

This fascinated me, so thought I would share it with my readers.

After a sickening career ending neck injury, during a game some years ago, ex international football star Jarrod McCracken has recently decided to shape up for, 'Fight For Life'.

Marcus Bai & Stephen Kearny spear tackle Jarrod McCracken

Just some trivia that people may not know....... is that when Jarrod, 'Crackers' as they called him, broke his neck all those years ago, whilst captaining the West Tiger's against the Melbourne Storm in Melbourne, the real story the media failed to elaborate on was this............
Some players pay an injury insurance, especially one's that are earning big money, it's like any business, you take out insurance.

When Jarrod broke his neck, his career ended suddenly and the money stopped. He had a young family and mortgages like anyone else and he not only broke his neck, the illegal tackle caused severe damage to his central nervous system, that would literally and physically make him sick for years after. In the first few months, his wife Michelle would help him out of bed, he would lean on her and she would help him to the car to drive all over Sydney to find a Doctor that could assist in helping Jarrod on the road to recovery.

Two players, Marcus Bai and Stephen Kearny, were accountable for the illegal spear tackle and the media portrayed that Jarrod filed a lawsuit against the players, this was not the case. It was against the Melbourne Storms' insurance company: CGU, but here's what really astounded me......
The trial was heard 6 years on from the initial critical tackle. When the court decision was handed down as to whether or not Jarrod would receive any type of compensation, the judges findings in plain and simple terms, was that Jarrod 'won' the case.
Now here's the strange part....... although his honor had no doubt the tackle ended Jarrod's career and insurance was paid against such injuries, his honor noted that Mr McCracken had done well for himself financially in the years after the incident, therefore he didn't think he was entitled to compensation. He did however award him the ninety thousand dollars that would cover his legal costs for the case..........
So if Jarrod McCracken had of become a bummed out looser with no money, an alcoholic, or his wife and kids left him, the judge may have awarded him what he was really entitled….
Go figure that one out......

What ever happened to 'award credit where deserved'?


Well years have passed and Jarrod is still initiating success, in more ways than one......

Carlos Spencer, Jarrod McCracken's rival at this years Fight For Life

During his football day's, opposition envisaged sheer and brutal force when taking to the field and having to shape up to this Kiwi born beast. He played hard and mean, he was tough and wasn't out to make friends during a game...........Will this be the case when he crosses the Trans Tasman and heads back to the land of the long white cloud?  'Crackers' will step into a boxing ring against one of New Zealand's most famous greats, Rugby All Black player Carlos Spencer?

Jarrod McCracken during his time with the West Tigers

On the 15th of December 2012 New Zealand will play host to the annual celebrity event "Fight for Life", a boxing charity event which chooses to raise money for 'mens prostate cancer'. It is one event that draws millions of viewers through pay TV and has now become the highest 'pay to view' sporting event in New Zealand and is also aired to pay TV viewers around the world.




This fantastic colosseum like event, only difference being clothed well catered for tables, is held at 'The Trust Stadium’, which will house 5,000 lucky enough to attend spectators. They will cheer on some of the sporting greats mightiest athletes. This dazzling night rolls out the red carpet for the 'who's who' and also display's copious amounts of live entertainment. A night definitely not to be missed… if you can afford a table that is in the price range of above $10,000 for a table of 10.
Well to all of our readers. There is a chance to get yourself and a friend onto a ringside table for this amazing night, with accommodation and airfares included.........

Last years Fight For Life 2011 event

 
Jarrod is holding a 'gentleman's luncheon' on the 23rd of November at the Watermark Restaurant at 12pm. There will be special guest speakers, ringside waitresses, raffles and auctions. One of the items being auctioned on the day will be the trip to NZ to attend the 'Fight for Life' event. The highest bidder will be heading across the Tasman for the night of all nights, so if you would like to make a bid on this amazing trip, you can attend the event or call the Watermark on the day to place your bid at around 2pm Queensland Australia time. +61 7 4724 4281. Credit card payment will be accepted on the day of bidding.
All money raised will go to the Charity 'Fight For Life' for Men's Prostate Cancer.

Tickets for the luncheon are $120..........

Let's all help Jarrod and do what we can to help stamp out Men's Prostate Cancer.
Jarrod would like to dedicate this to his Father Ken McCracken and to a good friend and father like figure George Flemming.

So special...... love to all Sage xx