33 summer 2014

magazine

Coastal living at its best! nikki van dijk surfing dream the night party rick sands & buck lexton building & renovating your ultimate guide

A magazine for living, relaxing & enjoying life by the coast coast 1

Superbly located only 800 metres from the main street of Cowes and even closer to the beach, Seagrove is Phillip Island’s most sought after environmentally-sustainable address.

Master-planned by award-winning designers, Seagrove features over eight acres of landscaped parks, wetland habitat, underground services, including gas and broadband, rich birdlife and regionally significant eucalypt woodland.

Select from a range of premium home sites including acre lots 2 with mature trees and land with water views. Titles are available now so you can start building your dream home straight away.

coast 2

“sets a new benchmark for sustainable

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www.seagrove.com.au coast 3

Live where you can breathe the air with a clear conscience.

Cape Paterson Ecovillage is a national benchmark in modern sustainable living.

Fronting South East Victoria’s spectacular Bass Strait coastline and just 1 hour and 40 minutes from Melbourne. Cape Paterson Ecovillage combines the best of sustainable design, habitat restoration and genuine community spirit.

Choose from 10 best practice designs or you can work with our talented builders to customise your environmentally friendly, quality home. All houses have been independently rated at 7.5 star energy efficiency.

Stage 1 and 2 home sites are now selling.

Sizes from 445m2 to 1037m2, LAND now selling from $202,500.

Sales Centre Seaward Drive Cape Paterson. Open Sat & Sun 2pm - 4pm or by appointment coast 4

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CapePatersonEcovillage.com.au 1800 701 471 coast 5

Lifest yle for the young and those that cruise!

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earth art studio 4 William St, Inverloch 5674 1256 coast 7

>

www.penguins.org.au

ur way o y p m o p and r m o with h d c o , i p r e m p o t S Jurassic res! e h t o t back ventu d A r u a s Dino

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Chocolate Cafe

Chocolate Desserts The Phillip Island Chocolate Factory the sweetest attraction on Phillip Island

Home of Pannys Amazing World of Chocolate, a unique, interactive & educational celebration of all things chocolate.

• Daily hot curry lunch from 12 – 3pm • Hot Chocolate made with real chocolate • Choc dipped frozen bananas

Phillip Island Chocolate Factory, 930 Phillip Island Rd, Newhaven phone 5956 6600 web www.phillipislandchocolatefactory.com.au coast 9

the coast team

You know the old cliché, ‘time flies when you’re having fun!’? Well, there is a good sprinkle of truth in that one. As the final touches are put to Summer 2014, our 33rd edition, I often wonder how we got here and how time flies – well, the last 8 years at Coast certainly have!

publisher Maria Reed

The people that have contributed to making it such a wonderful, whirlwind ride are the characters that continue to share their inspirational stories within the pages of Coast. And we wouldn’t be here today if not for our amazing advertisers who believed in our vision: we are excited to share their journey and watch their businesses grow.

managing editor Eleanor McKay sub editor Anne Roussac-Hoyne

While we are giving thanks, we need to remember our small, yet dedicated team who work tirelessly to bring each edition to you, and add their personality to the pages of Coast. We are very excited to introduce three new Coasters that are passionate about making Coast magazine the very best it can be. Graphic guru Suzie Herrington comes to us with years of design experience under her belt, and will add her special flair in editions to come. Advertising Sales manager, Melissa McMillan has taken on the challenge of looking after our advertisers and helping their businesses be the very best they can be!

words Katie Cincotta, Eleanor McKay, Maria Reed Sally O’Neill, Anne Roussac-Hoyne photography Warren Reed coast photography - 0414 753 739 design Suzie Herrington print manager Nigel Quirk advertising Melissa McMillan 0432 273 107 ads@coastmagazine.net

coast magazine PO Box 104, San Remo, Victoria 3925 Phone. (03) 5678 5600 Ads. 0432 273 107 Email. editorial@coastmagazine.net Web. www.coastmagazine.net Coast Magazine is published by Coast Media Pty. Ltd. on a quarterly basis.

We are also very pleased to introduce Eleanor McKay who will be taking over the driver’s seat as Coast’s managing editor. She comes to Coast with years of experience in the music industry and government, and we look forward to seeing her energy and enthusiasm within the pages of your favourite magazine.

from the editor

As publishing editor, I look forward to having time to take stock and work on (rather than in) the magazine to continue to make Coast the best it can possibly be!

Have a wonderful and safe Christmas!

Maria x

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ART STUDIO & GALLERY ANNETTE SPINKS

‘A wonderful selection of original abstract paintings by successful exhibiting artist Annette Spinks.’

60 Dixon St Inverloch Online Gallery: www.annettespinks.com.au Enquiries & Commissions: 0418 555 222 coast 11

132 Whitelaw St Meeniyan VIC 3956 | Phone 5664 0055 | Please visit www.lacyjewellery.com.au coast 12

contents &features

regulars

features

14.

Coast Life

22.

The Night Party - a musical journey

16.

2 coast people - Grant & Helen

30.

Chloe Butt - eyes on the prize

21.

15 minutes of fame - Luke Foster

35.

Sophie Fletcher - surfer profile

27.

Arts & Events guide

38.

Children of the Sun - stories of survival

74.

Feature area - Cowes

42.

Nikki Van Dijk - a surfing dream

82.

What’s new

48.

Usha Emabye Saccaram- a journey for love

91.

Book reviews

52.

Jocelyn Lu & Maria Zeiss - capturing time

96.

Where to eat guide

56.

The girl who grew up in lighthouses

98.

Cafe Review - Red Elk

60.

Artist David Bell - rattling out of Foster

103.

Dine out - Trulli Pizzeria

64.

Jeny Taylor - the lightness of being

109.

Coast Property guide

119.

Building and Renovating guide

154. Coast directory & stockists - Find what you need

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coastlife summer

caring for our oceans

mobilephotos Fish Creek’s Kerry Spokes is one of just 25 mobile-phone artists selected for the showcase exhibition for the international Mobile Photography Awards 2013. This year, Melbourne is hosting the exhibition at Obscura Gallery in St Kilda and it is open until 28th December. www.mobilephotoawards.com

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The Clean Ocean Foundation (COF) is dedicated to protecting our marine environment from pollution.

This includes Operation Sea Eagle, an ongoing project to keep an “eagle eye” on the Bass Coast, and also the increasingly popular “One-Hour Power Cleans”. Nationally, COF is actively campaigning for the closure of all Australia’s ocean outfalls and working towards a community-based ecoaccreditation scheme for our beaches.

You can support this great work by joining the next Power Clean, liking Clean Ocean Foundation and Operation Sea Eagle on Facebook, making a donation or becoming a member.

Visit www.cleanocean.org for details.

Phillip Island is celebrating summer as Victoria’s first National Surfing Reserve. Champion surfer Layne Beachley joined local surfers for the official launch at Cape Woolamai in March with smaller services at Smiths Beach, Summerland and Cat Bay in June.

The project is proudly supported

by San Remo District Financial Services, Phillip Island Nature Parks, Ramada Phillip Island, Bass Coast Shire Council, Phillip Island Boardriders and Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club. www.surfingreserves.org

national surďŹ ng reserve

Support from the Sky - Veterans, Choppers and the Vietnam War is an exhibition of photographs and interviews by Susan Gordon-Brown. Showing at the National Vietnam Veterans Museum, 25 Veterans Drive, Newhaven, until 26 January 2014.

artistic honors Congratulations to local artist Ursula Theinert, who was a semi-finalist in the 2013 Doug Moran Portrait Prize with her painting of Gerri Christie (former CEO of the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Victoria). www.ursulatheinert.com.au

The Lakes at Nyerimilang Heritage Park (near Lakes Entrance) will echo with the sounds of opera.

The lineup includes international flautist Jane Rutter, singers from Opera Australia, Co-Opera, Vic Opera and local youngsters Josh Tomlinson, Maddie Crombie and Alysha Jones.

Bring a picnic or purchase a scrumptious afternoon tea from Red Cross. Wine on sale at the event. 2pm, Sunday 23rd March 2014.

Tickets: $35 Adults, $30 Concession and Seniors $15 Children under 18. Visit www.parkweb.vic.gov.au for details.

opera by the lakes coast 15

coast people words as told to maria reed photo warren reed

Grant Flather and Helen Wilkinson share a love of art and each other. We find out what makes this creative couple tick.

Helen: I was born in Edinburgh, but spent 13 years in Africa as my dad was a traveller at heart. He was a quantity surveyor, and we travelled through Zimbabwe, Egypt and South Africa. Mum was a ballet dancer and would set up ballet schools wherever we went.

I met Grant through mutual friends one New Year’s Eve. It wasn’t love at first sight, but we just got on. It was Hogmanay (Scotland’s New Year festival), so it was crazy. I fell in love with him the next night when we went dancing. Grant’s a great dancer, and I love a man that can dance.

He swept me off my feet, and I thought, ‘This guy is alright!’ It was 1995.

Grant was living in London at that stage, and there were no mobile phones or internet, so we’d send each other little cards and artworks.

He came back to Edinburgh and then I followed him to Australia.

That was 17 years ago. We got married in Edinburgh in 2000 and have friends and family all over the world.

We hadn’t lived together previously, but it just worked. I think you become quite intuitive about people’s energy when you travel. When we met, we were both travelling and working. Moving to Melbourne, our first place together was an incredible space (a warehouse) in Batman Avenue. That’s when we got back into producing art.

Grant has this amazing energy and is very spontaneous – we’re both a little like that and we’ll try anything. We were city people, but we took a trip down to the coast (the Prom) and fell in love with it. Within a month, we’d moved to Yanakie ... that was 12 years ago.

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I get so inspired by living down here. I get on my bike or go for a run to the beach every day. I am inspired by nature. (Her current series reflects the Purple Swamp Hens she often glimpses). Grant and I bounce off each other creatively. It can get quite stressful when we’re coming up to a joint exhibition: we don’t have the time to nurture each other.

We’ve had 3 shows this year, which is massive. We’re quite aesthetic people and not a lot else gets done when we’re working towards a show ... we’ve got 5 acres to look after and we both work full-time, so it can get a little hectic.

We’ve just come back from a trip to Berlin and Paris ... and we just loved it. Berlin had a great energy as it was coming into Spring. Temperatures were in the 30s and we rode our bikes everywhere, sometimes up to 8 hours a day. I got an amazing caravan for my 40th birthday so that will be our next adventure.

Grant is a very giving person: he’s very generous with his time ... and he’s a lot more patient than me. He’s good with words, and the way he speaks with people. He’s more diplomatic, while I’ve got the fiery Scot in me and don’t suffer fools gladly. He is an incredibly hardworking artist who’s always coming up with new ideas. He is so talented and has a beautiful nature ... he is just a very caring person. We’re good for each other and he has become a very good sounding board for my work. You learn from your art all the time, and sometimes mistakes can turn out to be the best thing.

Grant: I was born in Melbourne in 1969. I grew up in Lower Templestowe and moved to Kew when I was a teenager. When I left school I moved out with friends to Port Melbourne, living in a little house near the beach. I studied marketing and finished a three-year business degree, but I never really took to it. I had a couple of office jobs, but the day I turned up to an employment agency and the guy said, ‘If you get a haircut, take out the earring, change your suit and get a new pair of shoes I might be able to find you a job’ ... that was a wake-up call!

I went on a working holiday to the UK, and while I was there I met Helen. I thought she was fantastic. We met at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay festival – and it was huge, snowing and pretty romantic. The next night we went out dancing, and danced all night. That’s when we fell in love, though I was at the end of my trip and wasn’t looking for a relationship. I’d had friends with international relationships and they were quite complicated. I went back to London for a month (to get Helen out of my system), then returned to Edinburgh to say my goodbyes and come home ... but it didn’t quite work out that way. I got a job at a restaurant she was managing, but after two or three months I knew she’d follow me back to Australia. I know it must be hard for her being so far from home now: she really misses her family.

I met Helen through a friend in London. When she said, ‘I’m off to meet my friend Helen in Edinburgh - she eats life!’ I thought, ‘I want to meet this girl!’ She has an amazing fearlessness and she’s a very positive person ... anything is possible. She’s very loving, and she takes amazing care of me. If you are in Helen’s circle of friends you really know about

it, and you can count yourself lucky. We just really clicked. We’ve both got a lot of energy.

We had a creative connection from the start. I believe in her talent, sometimes even more than I think she does. I can see the progression of her work over the years, and she really gets going when there is a deadline, so I just keep booking shows (he laughs) and I watch her go.

We’ve been in a few group shows together, but this year we’ve been exhibiting as a duo. We had a show at Gecko in Fish Creek, and then another in the little Access space at Meeniyan Art Gallery. We did it up like a faux lounge room with faux fireplace, almost like a mini replica of our house. I was offered the Christmas spot at Stockyard Gallery in Foster, so we’ll be doing that together. I think we’ll need a break next year, as the garden needs a bit of attention.

I love that Helen has this genuine ability to live in the moment. She doesn’t worry about things which may not happen, which I tend to do sometimes and I think this is a very rare and beautiful gift. She can also be quite blunt with people if she feels strongly. I tend to be a bit more diplomatic, but I admire that in her; you always know where you stand.

I’m happiest when I’m busy with lots of projects and find it hard to sit still. I inherited this trait from my father and it can make me exhausting to be around. However, it’s who I am, and I’ve come to embrace it.

If I’m not producing art, I’m just not happy. I’m really excited about our work. I think Helen is headed for great things – I’ll just have to keep on booking shows. Life here is about gardening, art, food and friends – which is all you need, really.

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We guarantee to make it worth your while.

Every time you visit Mercedes-Benz Berwick you are greeted with a warm smile, a hand shake and guided to plush lounges for a barista made coffee or a nice cold beverage while you wait for sales expertise or for your car to be serviced.

Open 6 days a week and with over 200 New, Demonstrator, Approved Pre-Owned and Commercial vehicles to choose from you are spoilt for choice and overwhelmed with the highest degree of service and care.

Our already state of the art facility has just endured another facelift and we must say it is nothing short of exceptional.

From the plush leather lounges to the elegant service and parts department you will not be disappointed. Buying a Mercedes-Benz is part of your journey, a destination if you will and at Mercedes-Benz Berwick we believe it should be an experience every time you visit.

As a reader of Coast Magazine when you purchase one of our exceptional vehicles before January 31st 2014 you will receive:

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Visit Craig Howard and the Team at Mercedes-Benz Berwick 518 Princes Hwy Berwick or phone 1300 MBB MBB (1300 622 622) and enquire about our Exclusive Extended Test Drive options or our “We come to you service”.

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Scan QR Code with your smartphone to view the Mercedes-Benz Berwick Branding Commercial *Scheduled Servicing is based on 3 years from the vehicles first registration date or 75,000 km from new, whichever occurs first. Scheduled servicing must be conducted at Mercedes-Benz Berwick. There are some parts and items that need to be checked at set dates and/or set kilometers. The replacement of these parts and items are not included in the standard A and B Service. The cost of replacing and fitting these parts and items is extra, as is the cost of replacing certain consumables, such as transmission oil, and wear and tear items, such as brakes and tyres. For further details in relation to what is included and excluded in our standard A and B Service, and the frequency of your Vehicle’s service intervals, contact Mercedes-Benz Berwick. Upon inspection of your Vehicle, we can advise you of your Vehicle’s specific requirements and provide you with a quote for any additional costs that may be incurred. Mercedes-Benz Platinum Package is exclusive to Mercedes-Benz Berwick and consists of a full aftercare package valued at $3990. The dinner voucher is to the value of $250, the booking will be secured through Mercedes-Benz Berwick and is subject to availability and the rules of the chosen venue. Any additional costs will be at the expense of the customer. Not available with any other offer. Vehicles are subject to availability and must be purchased at the full advertised price to receive the above mentioned offers. This Coast advertisement must be presented at the time of negotiation to receive the above mentioned advertised offer.

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As a teenager, Luke Foster would catch the bus on Friday night from Dandenong and spend his weekends as a volunteer surf lifesaver in Inverloch. A soon–tobe qualified nurse and paramedic, and professional lifesaver, Luke is Inverloch Surf Lifesaving Club’s Director of Competition.

words as told to eleanor mckay photos jed hughes

fifteenminutesoffame My family holidays were based around being near the ocean and I was a swimmer before I joined the lifesaving club. I always had a connection with the water, but it developed into a passion at the club.

My school, Luther College in Croydon, had an affiliation with the Inverloch Surf Lifesaving Club: at 15 I gained my Bronze Medallion and started patrolling straight away. A group of us used to catch the bus from Dandenong station every Friday night and come home on Sunday. Through lifesaving I have developed a huge range of friendships with people who live along the Bass Coast.

When I turned 18, I qualified for my Gold Medallion, so I can do paid life-guarding work from Boxing Day to Australia Day. As a professional lifeguard, I work weekdays along the Bass Coast, from Woolamai through to Tidal River. I still do volunteer patrols with the Inverloch Club on the weekends. Our competition teams train year-round − even through winter I’m here pretty much every second weekend.

I am just about to graduate as a nurse and paramedic. I think this career choice stems from my association with the lifesaving club. I realised that looking after people, not only at the beach, but also in the day-to-day sense, could be the job for me.

When you rescue someone, you switch into action. You do the things you’ve been trained for and you don’t really think about it. It is almost second nature when it happens. The most common mistake people make at the beach is not swimming between the flags. When you

don’t swim between the flags, you’re not giving the ocean as much respect as you should.

Myself and another lifesaver once pulled an eight-year-old boy out of the water. He was floating face-down and we resuscitated him and then looked after him until he was taken to hospital. Two days later, he came back with his family. He wanted to thank me. He asked if we could go out and have a swim together because he was a little bit frightened of going back into the water. We went for a swim, along with his sister and mother, and we were bodysurfing some waves together. His mum was in tears and asked if she could get a photo of me with her son. I’ve got that photo with him up on my wall: it’s great to be reminded that a life can be lost or saved so simply. I didn’t join for the recognition, but when it happens, it is a really strange, amazing feeling. You see the difference you can make to someone. At the end of the day, this is what drives me.

I highly recommend joining a lifesaving club. The life-skills that you learn are invaluable. Through my role on the Board, I can give kids the opportunity to become leaders, and I can push and challenge them to get the best out of themselves. I will probably never see the effect it will have on their day-to-day lives, but I remember the great opportunities it provided for me.

To find out how to become a lifesaver, visit www.lifesavingvictoria.com.au, or www.sls.com.au.

Inverloch Surf Lifesaving Club - www.islsc.org.au.

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Rick Sands and Buck Lexton have shared more than a few bizarre moments together. After 16 years of friendship, travelling, absences, ashrams, marriage and babies, synchronicity has brought them back together to form The Night Party.

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the night party words maria reed photos warren reed

“Originally we met through friends in Melbourne, and then we bumped into each other quite by accident hitching around Tassie in our own ramshackle way,” Rick smirks. The friends finish each other’s sentences and laugh at their travel stories. “We ended up in some strange parts of Tassie. We met some great characters ... and some of the biggest weirdos ever!” Buck laughingly admits. “At times it was like being in the backwaters of the Appalachian mountains.” I can hear the duelling banjos now!

The friends’ shared passion for music and travel guaranteed that their paths would continue to cross on their journey of life. It started with a band called South of Nowhere: a few friends, three acoustic guitars and a folk and country edge. Buck laughs, “We like to keep that a bit of a secret . . .” Rick adds, “but it changed and evolved when we got

a trumpet player and a drummer.” It soon metamorphasised into experimental music − their version of free jazz. “It was all improvised.

Buff, our drummer, brought post-rock and free jazz, and we went from three acoustic guitars to electric bass, electric keyboard, trumpet (and this lunatic on guitar),” Buck laughs, nudging me and pointing at Rick.

“It definitely got our chops in music happening.” They had a regular gig at the Subterranean in Fitzroy for six months. Buck says, “Basically we played gigs for our dinner, released a CD ... oh yeah, and then the band dissolved. Rick moved back to Tassie and I ended up in an ashram, so that band definitely must have done something to everyone! We all scattered in different directions. South of Nowhere ... sure!” he laughs.

Prior to the South, Rick grew up in Gippsland where he made a quick exit to Melbourne after high school. He studied art and design, but>

coast 23

confesses, ‘I got sick of that and went to Tassie.’ It was the mid-90s, and the plan was to take up art school there, but the lure of the road took hold. Among other things, he developed a taste for hitchhiking. He travelled overseas, then came back and travelled around Australia in an old Kombi. While working in Far North Queensland he met his gorgeous Japanese surfer girlfriend (now wife) Atsu. “We just clicked straight away and did a lap of Oz together,” – they have been together ever since and have two beautiful girls.

Buck, on the other hand, was a Melbourne boy at heart. An impressive skier, he spent a good chunk of his teenage years overseas pursuing a career in professional skiing. “All that kind of imploded when I was 18. It was such a big part of my life that when it was over, I was kind of lost ... “ he trails away. “I think when you have such a focus and you lose that ... I guess my mind became a bit of a demon.” Cut to the chase: after years of travelling, jobs and music, he came back to Melbourne and discovered an ashram that was to be his home for the next six years. “I had an epiphany one night. An insight into why my mind was the way it was. I thought, ‘There must be something in this!’”

Buck may have walked away from the band and his old life, but he didn’t turn his back on music, and continued to play privately at the ashram. “There was this full-on culture of music because the head Swami just loved 60s rock n roll. He was an amazing character from Brooklyn and had a pretty incredible life story.” The Swami encouraged Buck to hold onto his passion and play rock n roll. “I got into playing quite a bit of Indian music and bass, but eventually I had to get out and start doing rock n roll music again.” Buck left the ashram and started to play around with some tunes, sending grabs on his iPhone to his friend Rick. “He’d send them back with all these crazy lyrics added, and I thought, ‘That was insane! What was that?!’”

Rick started playing drums around the same time, and says, “I was coming to the music with a different sensibility. I was playing on and off for the six years Buck was away.” He played bass in an indie rock band, and fiddled around on guitar. He always wanted to try the drums and says, “when I made that shift to drums it enabled me to finally write and sing in the style of rock-steady and early 60s soul music that I loved.” He smiles, “ I’d finally discovered this simple, beautiful, heart-felt music.” And it’s something that has stayed with him.

They found themselves in the same groove and decided to join up as a two-man band, calling themselves The Night Party. Buck says, “Rick is definitely the musicologist – he’s into everything. When we first got together he was into indie rock. I’m an R&B man.” Buck holds his hands wide and says, “and he had this epic vinyl collection of old soul and rock-steady music! We always had this Otis Redding connection, but in the time apart I explored a whole new direction.”

Rick reflects, “Some people nail it when they’re 19 or 20 and then lose it later on, but I feel like it’s gone the other way for us and we’re finding our groove in our 30s. It’s just the two of us at present, but

coast 24

we’re open to the idea of introducing other musicians to serve the songs better.” Buck says, “Two-piece bands are massively in vogue,” and Rick laughs, “I think we’re more Captain and Tenille,” but I can see no sign of this in their Stones meet Ramones style of music.

In their secret life, Rick is a local Social Studies and English teacher.

“That’s my thing. I love it and the kids keep me fresh.” Buck runs a company that recycles gypsum for the agricultural industry. “Farmers use it for fertiliser, but don’t blow my rock star cover!” he laughs. The Night Party has been their focus outside their day jobs for the past two years. Rick laughs, “I always joke that we’ve got humble aspirations, but what we want to keep doing is working as a live band, writing songs and playing music.”

They recently returned from a tour of Japan that Rick describes as “Amazing, awesome . . . pretty much went off without a hitch.” They performed five shows in Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka and Kobe and an impromptu set at a Japanese Irish Pub. “The last one was hilarious and tragic at the very same time,” laughs Buck. “Japanese people just love music and they’re so into the whole performance,” adds Rick. Set up in concrete bunkers, the Japanese like to listen to their music loud.

“Where we’d turn the amp to 11, they set it at 20! ... it’s all about stage presence, performance and pyrotechnics.” They had to follow a band called the Kingons, four gents who played like a Japanese version of the Ramones, dressed in full Apache Indian getup. Buck laughs, “I feel like when you come from Australia, rock n roll is a part of your DNA. In Japan, they grab an aspect of it and run with that. We’d come on after a band that had virtually smashed everything on stage and we were like, ‘Holy shit. What are we going to do?’ I thought, ‘We’re going to look like a couple of goons’. We went on after this crazy act and decided to start with a really slow soul song and the room just went silent. After we played it, I could tell they kind of got it, but it was such a shock. It was the best thing for us, though, as it kind of cleared the space for us to continue the show. We had to exorcise the demons!”

The boys have just recorded their forthcoming debut album Get To You with studio producer Paul Maybury (Baptism of Uzi, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard) and mastered by Casey Rice (who also worked with the Dirty Three). Their album will be out in February on Rum Jungle Records. Rick reflects, “The recording experience was amazing for us. It’s always trials and tribulations, but we realised we still have a lot to do in the studio. It’s a funny world for musicians. They’re a bit like actors, really ... there are so many good ones out there, but I often wonder how they sustain themselves between roles. Similarly with musicians: there is a lot of undiscovered talent out there, and for the ones that do break through it often comes down to pure luck or timing ... and the songs ... and whatever is in vogue. We’re just happy to be in our own groove.”

Listen to and/or download their pre-release EP at thenightparty.bandcamp.com www.thenightparty.net If you would like to win your very own copy of The Night Party on CD send us a line at editorial@coastmagazine.net

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December

January

Dean Bowen – paintings, prints & sculptures When: until 14 December Where: Gecko Gallery, 15 Falls Rd, Fish Creek Who: Dean Bowen www.deanbowen.com

Sculptures in the Vineyard When: until 27 January Where: Lyre Bird Winery, 370 Koonwarra-Inverloch Rd, Koonwarra 5664 3204 Who: www.lyrebirdhill.com.au/vineyard_sculpture.php

Looking Back Exhibition When: until 15 December Where: Mingara Gallery, 242 Thompson Ave, Cowes Who: Maria Zeiss and Jocelyn Lu Local Weather Exhibition - Lesley Duxbury When: until 19 January Where: Gippsland Art Gallery, 68-70 Foster St, Sale Who: www.gippslandartgallery.com.au Of the Land Exhibition When: until 27 January Where: Gippsland Art Gallery, 68-70 Foster St, Sale Who: Abby Storey Kongwak Market When: 15 & 29 December Where: Kongwak General Store Who: Jane 0417 142 478 Ebb and Flow Exhibition – Michael Chang When: 15 December – 18 January Where: Gecko Gallery, 15 Falls Rd, Fish Creek Who: www.geckostudiogallery.com.au Cowes Community Christmas Celebration When: 17 December from 5pm, fireworks at 9.30pm Where: Cowes Foreshore Who: Craig Semple 0438 438 175 www.basscoast.vic.gov.au Emu Plains Market (Every 3rd Saturday) When: 21 December, 9am - 2pm Where: Emu Plains Reserve, Coolart Rd, Balnarring Who: www.emuplainsmarket.com.au Mornington Racecourse Markets (Every second Sunday) When: 22 December, 9am – 2pm Where: Racecourse Rd, Mornington Who: www.craftmarkets.com.au Grantville Markets (Every 4th Sunday) When: 22 December, 8am – 2pm Where: Grantville Recreation Reserve Who: John Hulley 5678 8438 Cowes Night Market When: 28 December, 5 - 9pm Where: Jetty Triangle, Cowes Who: Anne-Marie Emanuele 0419 560 293

Summer of Soul – Mossvale Park When: 4 January, gates open 1pm Where: Mossvale Park Rd, Berry’s Creek Who: www.lyrebirdartscouncil.com.au/mossvale Kustom Nationals Where: 4-5 January Where: Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit Who: www.kustoms.com.au Red Hill Market (1st Saturday every month) When: 4 January, 8am – 1 pm Where: Arthur’s Seat Rd Who: www.craftmarkets.com.au Cowes Night Market When: 4 & 25 January, 5 - 9pm Where: Jetty Triangle, Cowes Who: Anne-Marie Emanuele 0419 560 293 Kongwak Market When: 5, 12, 19 & 26 January Where: Kongwak General Store Who: Jane 0417 142 478 Woolamai Picnic Races When: 5 & 18 January Where: Trew Rd, Woolamai Who: 0418 577 330 Flinders Market When: 5 January, 9am – 2pm Where: BA Cairns Reserve, Barkers St, Flinders Who: 0433 792936 Bass Coast Agricultural Show When: 11-12 January Where: Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve Who: Rosemary Loughnan, 5672 3259 www.basscoastagshow.org.au Balnarring Picnic Races When: 12 & 26 January Where: Coolart Rd, Balnarring Who: 5986 3755 www.balnarringraces.com Music @ Meeniyan Town Hall – John Murry When: 18 January, doors open 7pm Where: Whitelaw St, Meeniyan Who: www.lyrebirdartscouncil.com.au

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Commissions available

Lisa Cox Art mb.0412 136 286 coast 28

Paintings to Inspire, Cherish and Decorate your Home. info@lisacoxartist.com

www.lisacoxartist.com

January cont...

February

Mornington Art Show Exhibition When: 18-26 January, 10am - 6pm Where: Mornington Peninsula Theatre Who: www.morningtonartshow.com.au

San Remo Channel Challenge When: 1 February Where: San Remo Foreshore Who: www.islandevents.org.au

Sub Zero Sub Aqua Sublime Exhibition – Mandy Gunn When: 19 January – 15 February Where: Gecko Gallery, 15 Falls Rd, Fish Creek Who: www.geckostudiogallery.com.au

Picasso’s Women – Pablo Picasso 1881 - 1973 When: 1 February – 6 April Where: Gippsland Art Gallery, 68-70 Foster St, Sale Who: www.gippslandartgallery.com

International Island Classic When: 24-26 January Where: Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit Who: www.island.classic.com.au

Kongwak Market When: 2, 9, 16 & 23 February Where: Kongwak General Store Who: Jane 0417 142 478

Dark Sky Exhibition – Deborah Milligan When: 25 January – 10 March Where: Gippsland Art Gallery, 68-70 Foster St, Sale Who: www.gippslandartgallery.com

Flourish – VCE Students Exhibition (Gippsland Sec) When: 6 February – 29 March Where: Maffra Exhibition Space, 150 Johnson St, Maffra Who: www.gippslandartgallery.com

Kilcunda Lobster Festival When: 26 January, 9am Where: Kilcunda foreshore Who: www.kcda.org.au

Woolamai Cup When: 8 February Where: Trew Rd, Woolamai Who: 0418 577 330

Frank Yamma & David Bridie When: 26 January, 7pm Where: 245 Eastbourne Rd, Rosebud Who: www.southernpeninsulaartscentre.com

Serenade at Sunset When: 15 February, 4.30pm Where: The Gurdies Who: www.serenadeatsunset.com

Coastal Exhibition – celebrating Ninety Mile Beach When: 31 January – 25 February Where: Bairnsdale Regional Gallery, 2 Nicholson St, Bairnsdale Who: Helen Masin and Ken Roberts

Cowes Classic & Phillip Island Penguin Swim When: 15 & 16 February, Where: The Esplanade, Cowes Who: www.islandevents.org.au The Mind’s Eye Exhibition – John Adam When: 16 February – 15 March Where: Gecko Gallery, 15 Falls Rd, Fish Creek Who: www.geckostudiogallery.com.au FIM Superbike World Championship When: 21-23 February Where: Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit Who: www.worldskb.com.au Between The Bays Music Festival When: 22 February, 2 – 10.30pm Where: Moorooduc Who: www.betweenthebays.com Bunyip Country Music Festival When: 23 February Where: Bunyip Recreation Reserve, Nar Nar Goon-Longwarry Who: 5629 5388

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eyes on the prize

Don’t let her slight frame and age fool you, Chloe Butt is a fierce competitor with a burning ambition.

The first glimpse I catch of Chloe Butt is outside Winter’s Café on the trendy shopping strip of Newtown. Her tiny, lithe body stands perfectly poised, like a ballet dancer. But there are telltale signs that this pixiefaced 23-year-old who ‘grew up in the water’ in San Remo, sunbaking on the back beach and jetty-jumping in summer, isn’t your average Gen Y heading to the local for a latte.

unblinking when she’s in the grip of explaining her drive to become a world-class triathlete. Her voice is low and measured when she talks training, nutrition, race strategy, as if she’s repeated the words endlessly in her head. “Yesterday our swim session was around 4km, so my warm-up was 3x500m with a few drills, my main set was 40x50m, and my cool-down was a 500m with 300m of kick and 200m of backstroke.”

Her fine freckled face is tanned caramel but perfectly white around the eye sockets – ‘goggle mask’ she bemoans – and as we walk up the stairs to a quiet spot away from the noisy lunch crowd, I notice the fascinating geometric pattern of bather lines on her back – further evidence of her open swimming sessions under the hot Bellarine sun.

Six months after turning professional, Butt has emerged as an elitelevel competitor on the rise, picking up the 2012 Australian Champion Aquathon as Australia’s newest U/23 Emerging Talent.

The tear-away indicator that Chloe Butt is a fierce competitor is her eyes – big and green like a sea turtle’s but intensely gazing, still and

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A competitive swimmer through high school, she’s taken her strength in the water to the road, and aboard a bike, competing in the gruelling multi-discipline event that demands the utmost in physical and mental endurance from ocean to shore. Butt reached pro status by qualifying

“With female triathletes known to peak between the ages of 27 and 32, Chloe feels she’s on the right path at the right time, hoping to qualify for both the 2016 Rio Olympics and 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.”

Chloe feels she’s on the right path at the right time, hoping to qualify for both the 2016 Rio Olympics and 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.

Passing up a nursing job in Wonthaggi feels like the right decision as she travels the world competing, bound only to a training schedule. Butt confesses there were plenty of people who thought she was crazy to forgo a nursing gig close to home. “I got a bit of everyone’s opinion whether I liked it or not. They said I was wasting an opportunity because I’d never get the same money as I would in nursing, but you also can’t travel the world.”

The 6am start in the pool is a grind she seems to enjoy. It’s the rough play in the open water that took some getting used to. “Especially going around the first buoy: nobody is nice, it’s ‘grab your shoulder and move out of my way’. If you’re in the wrong spot and you’re not strong enough to hold your ground you’ll get pummelled. I once had my face pushed under.”

A recent event in Singapore had her in the top three competitors until a flat tyre left her stranded, unable to finish the race. “By the second lap I knew the tyre was going down. My speed was dropping way off, and half-way through the third lap I was onto the rim of my wheel and I could hear a massive screech.”

words katie cincotta photos warren reed

In triathlons, once you fall off the main pack, it’s game over. “In that race, I was second out of the water and I was sitting second or third in the run, so to get a flat tyre was devastating.” Butt says the embarrassment of such an unfortunate and public machine failure is made more excruciating by the fact that her surname – Butt – is emblazoned on the back of her race costume, written in bold letters across her derrière.

in international time trials over a 1km swim and 5km run, completing the swim in 12 minutes 10 seconds.

When I meet with her in November she’s on a ‘break’ – and she’s put on 5kg, which is impossible to discern on her super-slim physique.

She insists she can see and feel it as she tugs on her bicep, pinching up a wafer-thin layer of fat.

Despite being the sport captain at Newhaven College, she recently completed a nursing/science degree, and the move to elite triathlon racing was not pre-meditated. Living on campus at Geelong, Butt embraced uni life – which gained her a great social life but an extra 11kg – and says she decided to get back in form, refusing to ‘jump in front of the town in lycra looking like this’ (despite being at a healthy BMI) before she took on the Channel Challenge.

For triathletes, the body is the machine that takes you to the limits, so the obsession with condition and form seems a natural fixation. But that commitment takes planning, control and discipline and it’s hard to imagine the mind having any room left in it for anything other than the pursuit of winning.

That swim/run event from San Remo is where elite triathalon coach Jarrod Evans of Geelong’s Endurance Team spotted her, seeing potential in her effortless swim, natural running style and lean frame.

With female triathletes known to peak between the ages of 27 and 32,

For Chloe Butt, the intensity shows – in the subtly upright way she carries her body, her broad shoulders stretched, the steely gaze of those flecked green eyes, and the knotted bun of her cursed curls, tightly wound as if in punishment. This girl’s eyes are on the prize and there’s no looking back.

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QUESTION 2

QUESTION 1 Five boys took part in a race.

Word Pairs

Rodney finished after Glenn who did not finish first. Tom had the least time and Craig ran slower than Mark, who had the second fastest time, but faster than Rodney and Glenn.

Sunglasses are to Sun as Umbrella is to:

Who finished third in the race?

d. Lightning

a. Rodney b. Glenn c. Craig d. Mark e. Tom

e. Water

QUESTION 3

a. Rain b. Thunder c. Wet

QUESTION 4

How many hundredths in 0.53?

Which of these diagrams does not form a cube?

a. 5 b. 53 c. 75

a.

b.

c.

d.

d. 530 e. None of these

QUESTION 5 – Verbal Problem Solving Julie works at a hotel making beds. Each room has different coloured linen. The bed in the blue room is made up before the red room, but after the yellow room. The bed in the brown room is made after the pink room, but before the yellow room.

If Julie runs out of pink linen, which bed is made first? a. Pink b. Brown c. Yellow d. Red e. None of these

woodleigh.vic.edu.au

QUESTION 6 The numbers in the grid go together in a certain way.

Which number should be in the square marked by a question mark?

12 11 10

a. 6 b. 7

9

?

7

c. 8

6

5

4

d. 9

+613 5971 6100

Yr 5& 7 Scholarships for 2015 Applications are now open – see our website for details Visit woodleigh.vic.edu.au or call 5971 6100 for details about information nights and monthly tours Junior Campus Minimbah Frankston South Main Office & Senior Campus Langwarrin South

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Woodleigh School is a member of the Round Square Schools Network – roundsquare.org

Leaving, empowered . . .

woodleigh.vic.edu.au

+613 5971 6100

Yr 5& 7 Scholarships for 2015 I will say, without reservation, that it is the best finish to a Year 12 year I have seen in any school.

The Woodleigh School Class of 2013 has played a

profound role in the culture of Woodleigh Applications are now open –moving see our website for details forward. They have set new standards of application, and have committed, across the board, to making the most of their many and hugely varied talents.

Visit woodleigh.vic.edu.au or call 5971 6100 for details about information nights and monthly tours

s as Rose is to:

coast magazine summer.indd 3

Junior Campus Minimbah Frankston As this class heads out into theSouth world it will be their Main Office & Senior Campus Langwarrin ‘human skills’ – the elements of aSouth Woodleigh education beyond that will be most–highly valued, and Woodleigh School is a member of theacademia Round Square Schools Network roundsquare.org looking at this group I have nothing but enormous hope for the future.

Jonathan Walter – Principal of Woodleigh School

Principal Jonathan Walter with the co-winners of the Woodleigh Prize for 2013 Sam Saunders (L) and Daniel Mosele

We are hard workers. We’re competitive, but we understand the value of friendship. We’re motivated, but we’re searching for more than just a number. Each person here has a passion, and I feel incredibly lucky to have met such a diverse and talented group of people.

Woodleigh is a school that both inspires and supports. It inspired me to get involved in debating, public speaking, music and even chess, and supported me to go further with each of these endeavours. But Woodleigh never forced me into anything. Woodleigh taught me that you can’t simply wait to be given things in life. You have to earn them. You have to work for them. You have to go out on a limb and be creative. Most importantly, Woodleigh has inspired a culture of giving and supported well-rounded growth within us all.

Sam Saunders – Co-winner of the Woodleigh Prize 2013 – Inaugural Tuckwell Scholar

We have truly come a long way.

We have travelled a long and hard journey.

But what an amazing journey it has been.

Woodleigh has provided each of us with a unique path built from our own choices and desires. Never has our pathway been mapped for us, we have simply been given the tools, the courage and the support to create our own vision. Woodleigh celebrates the individual, leaving us all feeling successful in our own way. This journey has led us through tough challenges and thus enabled us to ultimately achieve our best, in whatever we decide to do.

Everyone in this year level has accomplished so much. I have been amazed at the diverse talents of all my peers; for we don’t only possess talents in arts and academics but in life skills and friendship. I couldn’t have imagined a better year level, better teachers or a better community to go through this journey with.

Woodleigh School Principal Jonathan Walter with the Year 12 Prize Winners.

L to R: Taylor Rubenstien (Principal’s Award), Oscar Hiscock (Maths Faculty Prize), Max Pragt (Humatities Faculty Prize), Daniel Mosele (Woodleigh Prize), Breezy Maginness (Personal Development Faculty Prize and Principal’s Award), Jonathan Walter (Principal), Tully Hiscock (Maths Faculty Prize), Sam Saunders (Woodleigh Prize, English and LOTE Faculty Prizes), Hunter Reyne (Arts Faculty Prize and Principal’s Award), Alexandra Cornfield (Principal’s Award), Lucy Boehme (Arts Faculty Prize) Yvonne Dang (Principal’s Award) and Angus Taylor (Maths Faculty Prize and Principal’s Award)

Now is the time to celebrate us. Now we celebrate our year, the Class of 2013. Finally, we can sit back and relax knowing that we have all been given not only the skills, but the strength to succeed in whatever we choose to do.

Daniel Mosele – Co-winner of the Woodleigh Prize 2013

coast 33

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words maria reed photos warren reed

She’s impressed Koby Abberton from the infamous Bra Boys, and surfed with big-wave surfers from Hawaii in the barrels at G-Land.

Crossing the cultural divide, she’s ridden the top spots in Indonesia and made friends with boardriders from around the world. So who is this little bleached-blonde pocket rocket earning such a reputation?

Those who know her call her ‘Soph’, and in and out of the water, Sophie Fletcher is a force to be reckoned with. On land, the tell-tale blonde mane and tanned skin only hint at the talent of this humble, quiet achiever. The petite 13-year-old from Phillip Island is a serious contender out in the waves.

She won the last three consecutive Phillip Island Boardrider Under 14 comps, and in the State rounds came overall third for the last two years. Following in the footsteps of fellow islander Nikki Van Dijk, Sophie Fletcher looks headed for great things in the water.

With a shy laugh and brilliant smile, she tells me she has been surfing since she was six years old. “The first proper surf I had, Dad took me out in really big waves and it freaked me out a bit!” She didn’t follow up that experience for about a year, but laughs, “I went back eventually and I’m into it now.” She says, “I can’t really remember how I felt, but I’ve seen photos that were taken and I look pretty excited!”

She remembers getting her first banana, (she laughs) “I ... I mean, surfboard!“ The big yellow foamy (board) was perfect for learning. She reflects, “I always thought surfing was pretty cool, because it means being a part of nature.

It’s so different out there. It’s calm, relaxing and really great to be doing something you love.” She was always destined to be a water-baby, and much to her dad’s delight, they get to surf together regularly.

Sophie has an affinity for the water and her surfing style and ability developed quickly. A student at Newhaven College, she loves the fact that her school has a surf academy. “In my timetable, I have SM (sport & music).

I chose surfing, so I get to bring my surfboard and wetsuit to school.” She continues, “There are lots of people doing surfing at school, from beginners to advanced. It’s great when we’re out there: we cheer each other on when we’re on a wave.”>

coast 35

Hangin at the villa in Indo

Yeehaaa!

Dad & me with Koby Abberton

coast 36

She has just returned from an epic three and a half month surfing trip in Indonesia. “It was Dad’s idea, but the whole trip happened thanks to Mum, really. She was planning a big trip to Italy and Spain walking the 800km Camino de Santiago pilgrim trail and said, ‘I’m going away for a few months: what are you going to do?’ Dad and I looked at each other. She can’t remember who said it, but someone suggested: ‘Well, let’s go to Indo and surf!’” Her dad Fletch had been there before and knew the best spots, and Soph laughs, “It’s cool surfing with Dad ... I’m always asking him to come for a surf when we’re at home.”

New board rocks!

She was a bit hesitant about going for such a long time, concerned about her schoolwork and missing her friends. Arriving in Bali with an open ticket and three months’ homework, she soon changed her mind. Basing themselves at Padma Street in Legian, the pair islandhopped. They hit the waves, and ended up meeting people from all over the world. “I’ve got all these new friends, like Matilda from France, a great guy from Brazil, a really funny guy from Hawaii who was making jokes all the time, and three really good Indonesian boyfriends.” She laughs and corrects herself, blushing. “ I mean, not boyfriends, they were friends that were boys!” She surfed with Agus, Krishna and Putra every day she was in Bali. “Their mum and dad had been working on the same little patch of beach for the past 20 years, renting chairs and selling drinks to tourists ... and watching their boys surf.” By the end of the trip she felt like she knew everyone in Bali. “I’d walk down the street and people would be like ‘Soffeeee! How are you?’ I knew all the locals and I felt right at home.”

Sophie kept a journal while she was away, and it reads like a dream of ideal surf conditions, cultural experiences, travel and socialising (it seems half the population of Phillip Island is in Bali over winter).

“July 1 ... Dad and I checked Legian Beach. Too big, so off to Kuta Reef. .July 7 ... Boat out to reef, jumped off the boat, surf was huge (6ft) ... ended up going to world-famous break Ulawatu. The water was amazing, you could see the reef crystal-clear. July 14 ... Surfing at Shipwrecks ... got so much speed and did a good turn. Massive adrenaline rush and forgot to breathe. July 16 ... A bomb set wave, way over my head and rode it all the way in and cut my foot on the reef. Dad said, ‘now you can call yourself a real surfer’. July 25 ... Saw a traditional Hindu tooth-filing ceremony, felt hot and dizzy ... looks painful. Aug 8 ... Paddled over shallow reef at Balangan Point, scary when you paddle for a wave and 20m in front rocks and reef above the water. Aug 9 ...The plane to Lakey Peak, Sumbawa ... behind us was Koby from the Bra Boys ... he was inspired by what Dad and I were doing and he wrote a story about us on his Instagram page. Aug 13 ...

Took huge drop and did a bottom turn at Nunga’s ... airborne! ...

Aug 17 ... Lakey Peak − so fun. Spent two hours on the right-hander and two on the left. Aug 29 ... G-Land reminds me of Madagascar (the movie) – sand is white, sea is blue, then you turn around and it’s all jungle. Aug 30 ... went to Tiger Tracks and did some really good turns and pulled into some barrels (didn’t come out, just got smashed)...

Sept 4 ... Got stuck on a boat in nine-metre swell coming back from G-Land, it broke down! Sept 24 ... I don’t want to leave ... I have made the best friends ever.”

Despite her whirlwind of travelling and surfing, Sophie dedicated herself to her studies, and did nearly four months of work in four weeks. Her eyes light up as she describes the adventures she had on the Indonesian Archipelago, and how her world has expanded as a response to those experiences. “I met so many amazing people and we had an incredible time.” Her journal carries a quote from Koby Abberton: ‘When you travel, you meet people that make you become you.’

I ask her if it is hard to readjust to life back home, and she smiles. “Dad and I are already planning next year’s trip…”

Footnote: As a rising surf star, Sophie is sponsored by Aqua Diva swimwear (which she models in this story)

coast 37

They have experienced horrors that we couldn’t imagine. These brave Gippsland children share their experiences of life in war torn Sudan in a book , Donkeys can’t fly on planes.

children of the sun words katie cincotta photos warren reed & supplied

To see the deep black faces of Sudanese children up close is at once striking and overwhelming, as if you can feel the hot African sun burning through the dark shine of their skin.

And then they giggle, pulling out wigs and silly glasses from the class costume box, their jumpers tied clumsily around their waists, as they chatter about whether they should eat the cupcakes in the boardroom, what their plans are for the weekend, and all at once these 12year-olds seem like any other primary school children in Australia.

But they’re not like others. They have known the horrors of war, of brutal slayings, burning homes, and the dull ache of long-term hunger.

A 50-year civil war in Sudan stole their childhood – children torn from their family to hunt with rebels as child soldiers, families forced to walk thousands of kilometres on foot through the desert to the safety of refugee camps in neighbouring Kenya.

coast 38

For those who survived the arduous journey, more suffering was to come – the longing for food, the search for clean water, and always the wait for news of a new life in Australia, for a chance at something better.

At Liddiard Rd Primary School in Traralgon, many got that chance.

Some 15% of students here are Sudanese refugees who have traded the perilous lands of Southern Sudan for the lush plains of the Latrobe Valley.

Sharon Sandy, student welfare coordinator at the Latrobe English Language School, where they learn English, says that over the past six years, as the children began to settle in, they would begin to tell their stories. “They would tell me some amazing stories of their formative years, of growing up in a third world country, in a war zone.” Many of the recollections are heart breaking, others are comical, sweet,

insightful. But nearly all are healing, which inspired Sharon and her team to have them published. The proceeds of the collection go to the Bor Orphanage and Community Education Project to support child victims of war in Bor, South Sudan.

I’d sent them away to write I wouldn’t have got much, so I used to say to them, ‘Just talk’ and I’d type quickly, and then the next time we got together we’d edit and they’d add more detail,” says Sharon of the story writing process.

Sunday Garang’s story provided the inspiration for the quirky and evocative title, ‘Donkeys Can’t Fly On Planes’. She writes about being born in the Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya where life was so difficult she didn’t even have the energy to cry. “We had no pillows, but we all had a blanket, and a very special helper. It was a small donkey named Steven”, that Sunday would ride to the nearby well to collect water to grow vegetables. “When we came to Australia, I had to leave Steven behind. Donkeys can’t fly on planes.’’

Nyawech Biliew shares the story of her big sister Nyalat and their little black cat, which they would feed with milk from their cow. It’s a poignant image tainted by the fact that 5-year-old Nyalat, who was living with her grandmother, was separated from the family for eight years by the immigration process, only recently reuniting with her family in Australia at age 13.

Sharon says she found the best way for the children to open up about their experiences in Sudan was by talking in a small group. “I think if

Guiding the Sudanese immigrants into their new life is the school’s multicultural aid Abraham Malual, a former lost boy and child soldier who recently returned to his village of Bor to find more than 150 orphaned children. More devastating still was watching four young>

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girls die in childbirth that week, their starving families having been forced to sell them into early marriage.

Malual, whose parents were slaughtered by rebels in Sudan before he was taken prisoner as a boy, has a crooked smile that lights up the room.

It’s hard to reconcile his tragic past, and the ‘nothingness’ of his 16 years in a refugee camp, with his truly joyful outlook – it’s as if he simply can’t believe he’s free to live and work without a gun to his head, free to begin learning English, free to finish a degree in Community Welfare, free to spend a sunny weekend basking by the creek with his wife and children.

Back in his birth town, things are not so bright. The children there don’t have a school. But with the fundraising efforts of this very dedicated ‘sister’ family in Traralgon, the roots of support are spreading, with the first classroom already constructed and more than 200 children clamouring to come and learn. “Education is everything to them,” says Sharon.

On the other side of the world, the lucky ones who made it to Australia feel tied to that motherland and its struggles. You can feel it when you read these 25 stories of survival – the harrowing truth, the disarming candour of the response to that war-torn hell rises from the pages, whipping you from your inertia.

As writer and holocaust survivor Arnold Zable declared at the book’s launch: “The young authors are to be congratulated for offering us their observations, their natural poetic vision, their unique insights and sharp eye for detail. We thank them, and welcome them to Australia, a country where they have already made a contribution through writing stories which enhance our understanding of what it means to be a refugee and a child of contemporary Africa.”

‘Donkeys Can’t Fly on Planes’ can be purchased through www.bocep.org.au.

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‘On the other side of the world, the lucky ones who made it to Australia feel tied to that motherland and its struggles. You can feel it when you read these 25 stories of survival.’

Over 200 artworks for sale.

Commissions available.

Shop 7/8 Edward St Somerville Open 10am - 5pm 7days a week.

Phone: 5977 8724 Mobile: 0408 833 260 cheryl.petersen@bigpond.com Cheryl’s work can also be viewed at the following galleries: tusk gallery 438 Chapel St, Sth Yarra 9827 3338 & 76 Harold St, Camberwell 9882 2174 Suburban Gallery 312–318 New St, Brighton 9592 1772 Gallery Sorrento 148 Ocean Beach Rd, Sorrento 5984 4933

www.cherylpetersengalleries.com coast 41

i k k k i j N n Di a V A surfing dream is now a serious occupation for Phillip Island surfer Nikki Van Dijk, whose star has risen to stellar heights and is continuing on an upward trajectory.

When Coast first interviewed 11-year-old Nikki Van Dijk in 2007, she was already obsessed with surfing. Now 18 and all grown up, Nikki has carved her way through the waves to surfing stardom. The current world junior champion is poised on the brink of her first year on the professional circuit.

When I speak with Nikki she is at home on Phillip Island for a rare break and is recovering from a bout of tonsillitis. Nikki’s doctor told her to keep surfing despite her illness because that’s what she loves.

“My life is surfing, so it’s part of every day,” says Nikki. “I definitely do it for the love of it – it’s my boyfriend, I guess! It’s crazy – I literally am such a better person when I’m surfing. Everything is much more functional.”

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Will H-S

Being at home on Phillip Island is a luxury these days. Her schedule has her crossing the country and the globe on a regular basis. But Nikki always treasures rare time at home to “re-group”, spend time with her surfing family, catch up with friends and ride the familiar waves which were her training ground. (Her favourite wave on the Island is Woolamai and she “love, love, loves” Powlett River.)

Since 2007, Nikki has worked tirelessly to take her love of surfing and shape it into a very serious profession. “I gradually got busier and busier and I competed in more events in Victoria and interstate,” she recalls.

A family holiday to Hawaii when she was 15 provided a pivotal moment. “The trip really opened my eyes. I was just totally blown away by the whole surfing scene and the lifestyle of the crew, and I thought: ‘I want to do this’.”

words sally o’neill photos supplied will h-s & asp europe

Seeing the surfing pros she was so in awe of and had been watching on DVD since she was young had a lasting impact. “I felt like a tiny fish in such a big pond seeing those pros and how they lived.”

She didn’t have to wait long to start her move into their league. “I surfed in the Rip Curl Pro when I was 15. Surfing next to my heroes like Stef Gilmore in a heat inspired and pushed me.” Her success took her overseas to compete in World Qualifying Series and pro junior events.

“It was all part of my journey to become who I wanted to be.”

The year of 2012 was huge. Nikki was juggling competing internationally along with finishing Year 12. She travelled the world with her board and a suitcase packed with boardshorts and schoolbooks.

Everything culminated in the last event of the year - The World Junior Championships. The stars, planets and Nikki’s hard work, skill and determination aligned. “I thought I had nothing to lose. I’d learnt so much throughout the year and just didn’t think of anything else – I had to perform at my best. I felt so strong, I was just on a roll.” She won the title. “It was really cool. Winning was definitely a huge step for my career and moved things along,” she states in her humble, matter-offact style.

In 2013, Nikki surfed her way into qualifying for the professional circuit.

Press coverage of her performance includes statements like: ‘She let nothing get in her way and displayed commitment and radical manoeuvres’. They also acknowledge her right to ‘be up there surfing with the big names’. And in the Rip Curl Pro she made it to Round>

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ASP Europe

“Our whole family grew up on the beach: we are a surf family and it was such a natural thing to do. It was who we were and it’s now who I am.”

ASP Europe

Four over her childhood hero Stephanie Gilmore.

Now poised on the brink of her first year on the professional world circuit, Nikki is philosophical. “My goal is to learn a lot and have fun.

I don’t expect to be in the top five straight away, but competitive surfing is my job now and I’m going to show everyone what I can do and surf to the best of my ability – and hopefully take down some of the other girls!”

Oh, yes; Nikki has developed that all-important aggressive streak.

“You have to when you take on the champs. It’s not all la-de-dah!

You are friends on the beach, but definitely not in the water – there you’re total competitors. You want yourself to win, not your friend. It does get really competitive, aggressive and feisty,” explains Nikki.

Nikki’s professional success has come with personal sacrifice, but there was never really any choice about what came first – surfing won every time. Catching her first waves on a twin-fin that her Dad had converted into a thruster especially for her was as natural as breathing. “Our whole family grew up on the beach: we are a surf family and it was such a natural thing to do. It was who we were and it’s now who I am.”

From those first waves, she persisted through Phillip Island winters,

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often being the only girl in the surf and missing out on a lot of social life. “When I came home from touring when I was 16 and 17, everyone would be talking about parties and the goss that I had missed out on. It was ok ... achieve your dreams. But it is kind of sad that surfing is my boyfriend!” she jokes.

Her advice for any young aspiring surfers is to go for it. “I’d say: ‘Follow your heart, do what makes you happy, always have fun and have a smile on your face.’ It’s about counting your blessings and living life to the full.”

Her family, all good surfers in their own right, provides ongoing support. She travels the world circuit with her older sister and is always grateful for the inspiration and support she receives from friends, community, sponsors and the surfing role models she aspires to emulate.

The next year will be “crazy” for Nikki but her mature, philosophical attitude along with her skill and gritty determination will see her through. After all, she is doing what she loves and has spent her whole life training for.

“I think I have the best job in the world and I couldn’t see my life going any other way,” she says. Go, girl. Go, Nikki, go.

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surfing for art

words Eleanor McKay photos Warren Reed

Rob Ivers and Gary Miller turned their passion for surfing and building wooden surfboards into a business that is captivating surfers and art-lovers alike.

Introduced by a mutual friend, the pair attended a wooden surfboard event in Queensland and came away inspired to run their own workshops. And with the help of long-time friend and fellow-surfer Darren Minchin, their business, Tree to Sea, began.

The Wooden Surfboard Workshops proved incredibly popular, with people of all ages and from all walks of life coming together to craft their own unique, hand-made wooden board. Gary says people walk away with so much more than just a board. Surf stories are shared.

Skills are acquired. Friendships are forged.

A more unexpected outcome of the workshops is opening up a whole new area of the business. “We did a workshop recently where one of the guys built a 9ft board,” explains Gary. “A few days later we had a request from one of his friends: he didn’t have the time to build a board himself, so he commissioned us to make one for him.”

Soon, more calls started coming in. “Because they are functional boards, most people want them so they can surf them,” says Gary. “But we’ve also had requests for boards to be used as pieces of art – to hang on a wall or stand in a corner to complement a beach house. We have even had calls from architects and interior designers enquiring about boards for clients’ houses.”

It’s not surprising that surfers are not the only people interested in owning these handsome wooden boards. They look so beautiful that

it’s hard to imagine them ever being taken into the water or covered with wax! Rob understands. “Each one is handcrafted from timber, and the appearance varies from board to board. We can embellish a board by using different pieces of timber in the nose and tail blocks, and the boards are finished with a UV marine-grade varnish which is more environmentally-friendly than conventional surfboard finishes.”

Although the workshops are still the core business, anyone interested in ordering a board can get inspired by looking at the Tree to Sea website and seeing just what a custom-made board looks like. “The website shows the standard range of board designs available,” says Gary. “Although the finish on all the boards is pretty similar, the shape and type of board varies. We are also getting to the stage where we could replicate a favourite board for someone.” Gift vouchers for workshops and custom boards are also available if you’re looking for a gift for that special someone.

To capitalise on the interest, Gary, Rob and Darren have taken some unconventional publicity routes. Tree to Sea hopes to feature at the Mornington Peninsula Short Film Festival in February 2014 with a documentary on the Wooden Surfboard Workshops by local filmmaker Dave McIntosh from HM Creative. “We also have a couple of boards on display at the Mt Eliza Deli, the Hunter & Minx clothing store and Rob Lucciardo’s Gallery restaurant,” says Gary. “Just give us a call and we’ll take it from there.” www.treetosea.com.au (see more on page 83)

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A journey for love “I remember that when I was a child, we moved to a house that had only two rooms. We slept in one and the other was our kitchen. We had no power, no light, no stove or running water.” Growing up on the small island of Mauritius, daily life was a struggle, but there was always an abundance of love to go around. “I come from a very rich family,” she laughs. “We were really very poor, but in love and togetherness we had the most wonderful family life. We would have dinner together before it got too dark, and then we would light a candle and sit together on the bed, and my dad would tell us a story. It was the richest part of our lives.”

As the oldest of three girls, Usha wouId go with her father to fetch wood from the forest and light the fire. “The worst thing was when the wood was raw and it wouldn’t catch fire. When it did, the smoke ... oh, my eyes – I’d be crying!” Growing up, Usha and her sisters could see how her parents struggled to buy or have things. “We never asked for anything as we understood how hard it was for them, but we all tried hard together. We had wonderful parents and much love and joy.”

Every day she would walk one mile, dropping her younger sisters to school, and then making her way to her own school.

“We had no brothers, so I wanted to help my mother and father and try to make things easier for them.” Her mother couldn’t find work until Usha was 17. She smiles as she recalls, “I never had a good pair of shoes, and would get hand-medowns from my cousins − and they all broke!” She was quite upset by this, but recalls a nice teacher who came to her rescue. “I will never forget him. He tied my shoes to my feet so they didn’t fall off,” she giggles. When her mother started working she got her first new pair of shoes. “It was my last year at school and I only got to wear them for three months ... ” She left school and found work in a garment factory, moving from the factory floor to the marketing department in no time at all. “I was there for 19 years, but unfortunately the factory closed,” she says sadly. The day she left, she received a letter from the USA that was sent to one of their customers.

“It suggested that if they needed an excellent employee, they should hire me.” She held onto this letter like a treasure.

“It’s so nice!”

Family was the centre of her universe, and growing up, she says, “we tried to do everything to help our parents. We tried to obey them and not to disappoint them.” In her first job she met a man who caught her eye. “I was in love with this one boy but my parents didn’t like him. So then I say no.” >

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With shining eyes and a sweet, singsong voice, Usha Emabye Saccaram tells of a journey that led from the island of Mauritius (off Africa) to the wild coast of Kilcunda in Australia.

words maria reed photos warren reed

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“There is such a big divide between rich and poor in Mauritius – you can work really hard but you can’t get ahead or ensure a good education for your children.”

As the oldest child she knew she had to set a good example for her younger sisters. Usha says, “I had an arranged marriage. It was traditional, and if you have respect for your parents you know that they only want what is best for you. I know my parents wouldn’t choose someone bad for me and sometimes arranged marriages don’t work, but for me, it worked out to be great. I am so happy as I have never disappointed my parents.”

Usha and her husband Sam had two beautiful children, and decided on a course of action that would change their lives forever. “There is such a big divide between rich and poor in Mauritius – you can work really hard but you can’t get ahead or ensure a good education for your children.” They moved to Australia to give their children a better chance in life, and to successfully complete her visa requirements, Usha had to go back to school, where she studied the art of pastrycooking. For the first year, Usha just focused on her studies. In her second she got a job at a bakery. “It started at four in the morning and finished at 8am, so I could still go to school.” After school she had a cleaning job, and even though she had to juggle two jobs and fulltime study, she beams, “I had a job and I was so happy.” Sam got more cleaning work, which allowed the couple to pay for the children’s (and Usha’s) school fees.

When she finished her course she asked her boss from Molly Dene’s Pie House (Braeside) if he needed a full- time employee. “He was so happy and he said yes! They were really very nice and respectful people and I want to thank Ron and Vicky for giving me a chance and my first job.” Her children had settled into life and school in Australia, and the family decided to apply for Permanent Residency (PR) through the Immigration Department. “After two years in Australia, the department said we needed to work in a regional area to hasten the process.” They went to Bendigo and dropped her resume everywhere, but with no luck. Then they did the same in Wonthaggi, and a bakery gave her a call back.

The family moved to Wonthaggi and Usha’s children stayed with her sister during the week to continue their studies at Hampton Park.

The unpredictable hours and rotating shifts played havoc with Usha’s wellbeing. “I was feeling so bad. I couldn’t eat or sleep, and the doctor thought I could be depressed because I had upset my body clock.” He instructed her to take a few days off, and when she returned to work she was told that she was unsuitable for the position and was asked to leave. “That was the worst day of my life,” Usha says quietly as a tear

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rolls down her cheek. “When I left the bakery, I went home very sad, and thought, ‘Nothing can be done now.’”

Their future hung in the balance.

C

“I will never forget when he told me, ‘I will send you home!’ and ‘Don’t beg me’. I like to do good things for people, and sometimes I pray. I don’t know why this happened to me, and I don’t know who is wrong and who is right, but I leave everything in God’s hands. I have cried so much in the past year. When I came home from work at the bakery, I was alone, with no one to talk to. I was so happy when my family was at home, but when they asked me, ‘How was work?’ I used to tell them I was happy because I didn’t want them to worry. But unfortunately, I couldn’t make that job work.”

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Only a week later, despondent and driving back to see her kids, Usha saw an ad in the paper for a pastrycook at the Kilcunda Store. “I got an interview on the Friday with Delyse and Suellen and they were happy,” she beams. Everything they had done towards their permanent residency application was rejected by Immigration when she had to leave the bakery. “ When I started working here I told Delyse what had happened, and she said, ‘No problem, Usha − we will sponsor you.’ I was so so happy! I don’t know how I can thank Delyse and Suellen: they don’t realise how much they have given to me and my family.

The only way I can thank them is to do my very best at work and keep them happy”. She laughs, “If I am at home now for one or two days, I think to myself, ‘I want to go back to work, I miss my work’. I am so well treated and it’s a loving atmosphere. I am so glad to be happy again. I feel like my prayers have been answered.”

Sam won a cleaning contract at Lyndale Secondary College and the kids are happy at school. “It is my son’s last year, and he is working very hard as he wants to study engineering. We hope to find out if our PR application has been approved, so fingers crossed − and toes − and everything! That would be a good thing to happen. For me, my pleasure is to see my kids happy. I want to see them settled and happy, and have the opportunity to be whatever they can be.

“I’m trying my hardest to do the very best for them. In Mauritius, you can work so hard: long hours, weekends ... and it is still hard to get ahead. We can never save enough money to make the lives of our families better. We don’t know what will happen in the future, but we want to give them the wings to fly.”

113a Ocean Beach Rd, Sorrento Upcoming Exhibitions Barbara Tyson 11am, Saturday 16 November - 5 December

David Ardley, Potts, Jo-Ann Hunt and Ross Tamlin 11am, Saturday 11 January - 23 January

Craig Penny and Stewart Westle 11am, Saturday 7 December - 26 December

Rick Matear and Belynda Henry 11am, Saturday 25 January - 6 February

Graeme Altmann and Becky Blair 11am Saturday 28 December - 9 January

John Giese and Jane Donaldson 11am, Saturday 8 February - 20 February

Great Australian artworks.

Explore our constantly changing range of over 200 , high quality paintings and sculptures or visit our website to view creations from over 150 artists.

We can also visit your house should you prefer a no obligation, in-home or office assessment.

This involves digitally recording, measuring, reviewing your lighting needs, assessing tonality and discussion of your hanging or installation options .....all for free!

Please contact the gallery for further information or to book an onsite meeting with you.

We also work extensively with designers and decorators.

Visit our online gallery manyunggallery.com.au (03) 9787 2953 staff@manyunggallery.com.au Open 7 days, 10am til latecoast 51

Capturing

Time

Artists Jocelyn Lu and Maria Zeiss share their love of painting and the ocean.

The view from the first floor of the house is breathtaking. From every window you can see Smiths Beach through to Express Point, with Cape Woolamai beckoning in the distance. Given that view, it’s hardly surprising that Maria Zeiss and her friend and fellow artist Jocelyn Lu cheerfully nominate Smiths Beach as their favourite place on Phillip Island. To avoid distraction, I sit with my back to the view and settle in to talk with Maria and Jocelyn about their exhibition at Mingara Gallery in Cowes.

Friends for over twenty years, the friendly, gregarious Maria and quiet, considered Jocelyn share a passion for art and have studied, painted and travelled together. “Looking Back” is their second joint exhibition, and came from an original idea to do a series of works based on Phillip Island. Although Jocelyn and Maria live in Kyneton and Melbourne respectively, the two share an island heritage, which gives added strength to their connection.

“I love the sea,” says Maria. “It’s part of my cultural heritage. My family comes from the island of Sicily and the sea is very important to us.”

Jocelyn grew up near the sea in Taiwan and remembers going to the beach with her sister to watch the sunset. “That’s a very special memory for me,” Jocelyn says of her connection with the ocean. “I love it.” After an unexpected trip to Taiwan left Jocelyn without time to complete her Phillip Island landscapes, the exhibition evolved into a celebration of landscape from two intensely different points of view.

Maria’s seascapes mainly focus on Smiths Beach, the place she describes as “the starting point for everything”, with paintings of Cape Woolamai, Churchill Island, Pyramid Rock and Rhyll also included.

Jocelyn’s landscapes capture the silent vastness of Central Australia.

During her time there, she was struck by the size and the silence. “I just love that sort of quietness. There was nobody there. It was such a spiritual area, which I’d never seen in my country. I loved the different colours that I’d never seen before.”

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Maria is full of praise for the colour and strength in her friend’s work.

“Jocelyn is very delicate and tiny, but she is actually very strong and courageous in her art making,” says Maria. “That takes a lot of energy and it is very special – not everybody has that ability.” For Jocelyn, it is the honesty in Maria’s Island landscapes that she loves. “It’s about how she has seen nature, and she puts her emotions into her work.”

The almost photographic quality of many of Maria’s landscapes ensures the familiar Island locations will be instantly recognised by locals. Describing her style as “more realistic than abstract”, Maria explains how her paintings are “my interpretation of what I see. Form, colour, shape, space – all these things are basic structures to a lot of

“Really good art has the effect of touching both your heart and your mind.”

words eleanor mckay photos warren reed

artists. And so how you put it down on canvas or paper depends on you as an individual. I guess it is mostly about truth and integrity.”

Her interest in landscape stretches far beyond what she can see. “I am fascinated with the different cultures that have inhabited the land,” she explains. “The people that have passed through, going right back to the aborigines that settled here, the explorers that came. I find that fascinating. When I am painting the sea, I think of these early people.

The landscape is very much alive, but it is also imbued with all these past activities.”

Jocelyn’s landscapes are rich with colour and wonder and evoke a

sense of space on a massive scale, as well as helping her document her own journey of self discovery in her adopted homeland. “I come from a very busy environment,” says Jocelyn. “Taiwan is a small island with a lot of people. And when I settled here [Australia], I just loved it. It was so peaceful and a different sort of landscape.” She says the biggest challenge is “to capture other form, space, colour, how I feel at that moment” when she is painting. “I try to search my surroundings and just be true, honest, and put my feelings into it.”

The two artists say the exhibition’s title Looking Back, encapsulates the many parts of the creative process. Maria describes painting as immersing yourself in the moment and “capturing time”. “Most>

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“Both the interior landscapes and the Island landscapes are very spiritual. Just walking along the beach, being down there, breathing in that sea air, it just goes through you. It is really a gift.”

people don’t stop to look as long as we look,” she explains. “We can spend days looking. And then we try to share that experience of seeing.” The idea of looking back is not about looking back in time, but about the constant looking back and forwards from the canvas to the scene. “It’s not just a matter of looking once,” says Maria. “It’s looking back again and again. It’s also a metaphor. It’s looking back in history, it’s looking back spiritually. Anyone can interpret it the way they like.”

After meeting at Monash University doing their Bachelor of Fine Arts, these two passionate artists have worked hard to hone their skills.

They have both attended the New York Studio School and received grants from Monash University to undertake research tours in Europe.

Both also have a Masters of Fine Arts (by research) and have been part of countless exhibitions in Melbourne, across Australia and overseas.

Jocelyn and Maria hope that people will be inspired to visit the gallery and will connect meaningfully with their landscapes.

“Both the interior landscapes and the Island landscapes are very spiritual,” says Maria. “Just walking along the beach, being down there, breathing in that sea air, it just goes through you. It is really a gift.”

“If [Jocelyn’s] beautiful interiors and my seascapes can create a sense of connection with the people that come to view them, what more can we ask?” says Maria. “Really good art has the effect of touching both your heart and your mind.” Jocelyn agrees, and tries to explain what a personal experience art is. “Every person that looks at a painting responds differently.”

Looking Back is showing at Mingara Gallery, 242 Thompson Avenue, Cowes, until 15 December 2013. www.mingaragallery.com.au

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MINGARA GALLERY Exceptional and Affordable Art since 2002

Paintings Indigenous Art Jewellery Sculpture Creative Gifts

242 Thompson Avenue Cowes 3922 Phillip Island Australia

Phone 5952 3722 www.mingaragallery.com.au | noelle@mingaragallery.com.au coast 55

Amanda Mahomed grew up in lighthouses on the Bass Strait islands with her sisters and parents, the last keepers of manned lights in Australia.

words anne roussac-hoyne photos warren reed & john ibbotson

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At some point in their childhood, most kids consider running away from their own families to find a more exciting, hassle-free life. Amanda Mahomed, now 36 and the mother of a beautiful daughter herself, remembers packing a toothbrush and can-opener and making plans to hike to the far end of Swan Island (off the coast of northern Tasmania) to hail a passing fishing boat. Aged seven, she only made it as far as the garden gate when her mum Ailsa called out to remind her daughter that she loved her.

Those words were enough to bring curly-headed girl running tearfully back into her mum’s arms. From that point on she recalls an idyllic childhood spent almost entirely with her parents and two sisters in remote lighthouse keepers’ cottages throughout Bass Strait.

It’s unusual for lighthouse keepers to have children, but Amanda went to the Point Hicks lightstation as a tiny week-old baby. Over the coming years she and her sisters Tara and Nerissa lived with parents Chris and Ailsa at the Wilsons Promontory lightstation, as well as those on Deal, Swan, and Gabo Islands.

Chris and Ailsa were the last manned lighthouse keepers operating in Australia, Chris finishing up at Maatsuyker Island in 1996.

“I boarded for a while with family at Cann River and went to the local primary school,” says Amanda, “but I couldn’t wait to get back to the light at Point Hicks on weekends. I didn’t think the kids worked hard enough at school, and sometimes they were cruel.”

Amanda and her sisters certainly worked diligently at their schoolwork, supervised by their mother five days a week. Amanda completed her VCE at the high school in Foster while her dad manned the Prom lightstation, and marvels at her mother’s competence: she and her sisters currently hold five tertiary qualifications between them, with more in the pipeline.

“At 28, Mum was living in total isolation with three children under eight, a kerosene fridge and freezer, and power only on Tuesdays and when the light came on daily at sunset. I don’t know how she did it.”

But apart from the odd emergency, life for the lighthouse keeper’s daughters was idyllic. “We’d go exploring, fishing, swimming, playing with the wallabies on Deal Island and dodging the tiger snakes on Swan – we were totally free.

Dad would take us out in the boat to other islands to see pelicans and seals.

We had cows and sheep for meat – and the sheep sometimes arrived by plane.”

It was a red-letter day for the girls when their mum’s order for ‘tinned toms’ (tomatoes) was misread at the supply depot and an industrial-size carton of Tim Tams arrived instead.

“Fresh rock lobster, caught by Dad and the other keepers, or bartered for a pack of frozen chops with cray-fishermen, was almost a staple in our diet for a few years. It wasn’t till I was much older and going to uni in Adelaide that I realised the irony of our complaints: ‘We’re not having crayfish again, are we?’”

Amanda was a lone Brownie attached to a group in Tasmania, and helped her sisters care for their guinea pigs, goldfish, goats, dogs, cats, chooks and ducks.

She recalls Santa arriving in a helicopter one Christmas time. “I think it was the pilot’s father,” she laughs.>

The girl who grew up in lighthouses ... coast 57

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Music was part of life on the islands. Chris’ family had been involved in bands, and one of Amanda’s favourite things was to “sit on a cliff for hours and sing into the wind”. Nerissa now performs as a vocalist and flautist, while Tara sings with several amateur bands and her partner Rich Armstrong is a professional musician and composer in the Bay Area of San Francisco. Amanda performs with the local Foster Amateur Music and Drama Association.

The girls were very self-sufficient, and adored reading and making things: “On stores day we’d collect the cardboard boxes and turn them into doll’s houses, televisions, cubby-houses, rockets to the moon.

Everything was fun. Our homemade billy-cart went with us from island to island. Our parents worked incredibly hard, but they were so loving and caring. There was never any feeling of isolation, just peace and freedom.” “ The weather was our currency,” says Amanda. “Time and money didn’t matter. Resupply ships arrived only once every two years, though fresh food came in fortnightly by air, and if the weather was bad we waited even longer. Getting our birthday presents on time or our correspondence school essays back all depended on the wind and the waves.” One of Amanda’s most exciting memories is of flying through huge waterspouts off Gabo Island. She and her sisters always loved moving on to new islands, as each new station promised different wildlife, new sights to discover, and wonderful new adventures. At 16 she completed underwater survival training - simulating the experience of escaping from a crashed helicopter. It gave the islanders confidence as they were surrounded by one of the most treacherous stretches of water in the world.

Amanda thinks she skipped the hard teenage years, and feels she was lucky in that way. She did manage to make her deb, but even that was an adventure! Based at the Wilsons Prom lightstation, Amanda had to organise hair, make-up and white dress again a week later because the photographer had forgotten to put film in his camera on the night. Racing along bush tracks, the family 4WD came to a stop where an enormous tree had fallen across the road. Amanda and her mother backtracked to the lighthouse, picked up Chris and his chainsaw, made quick work of the huge tree-trunk and turned up on time and immaculate for the second shooting.

Now happily married and the mother of gorgeous Mia, Amanda says that the hardest thing about being back in mainstream life is the difficulty of finding an identity that is not tied to place. For her, security always came from knowing that there was a calm, peaceful place that was her own.

For now, the lighthouse keeper’s daughter carries that place in her heart.

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rattling out of foster words eleanor mckay photos warren reed & city of melbourne public art program

Describing himself as a designer rather than artist, David Bell has created some Melbourne history in Foster with his latest project.

The winter rain has left the paddocks green and luscious and the water in dams and reservoirs across the hillsides sparkles and dances in the sunlight. It does seem slightly incongruous that I’m driving through this bucolic splendour in the hills of Gippsland in search of a Melbourne icon.

In an industrial shed on the outskirts of Foster, self-described designer/maker David Bell has created a life-sized replica of a W-Class tram. Officially known as “Raising the Rattler Pole”, it was commissioned by the City of Melbourne’s Public Art Program. After being brought to life in Gippsland, it will spend its days upended on the corner of Spencer and Flinders Streets, in the heart of Melbourne’s tourism precinct.

Having been a theatre stage manager, prop builder for advertising and film, shiatsu practitioner and author, David has now turned his attention to public art. Over the years though, a passion for building “large, crazy things” has endured. “I like building big things,” admits David with a smile. “I’m not so happy if I’m not. I like the way it occupies your head.

Unless there’s cranes and large trucks involved, it’s not so interesting to me.”

That makes The Rattler one very interesting project! David assembled a crack team that harnessed local skills and farming know-how to help realise his vision, including engineers Paul Berry from Venus Bay and John Hattam from Meeniyan, as well as artists Grant Flather and Trevor Wheeler. The only ring-in was a former film colleague, Hugh Anderson, a scenic painter, who created the bluestone artwork on the tram’s exterior.

“Once we got the project, we thought, ‘How do we work on the four sides of this enormous project?’ We worked out a system where the whole thing was on a massive trolley and we could roll it in and out of the shed,” explains David. “The entire tram was on pivot points at each end − like a giant rotisserie − with boat winches so that we could spin it around to work on any side that we wanted to. Without that engineering breakthrough it would have been very, very difficult.”

As with any large public artwork, a lot of time and money was directed to dealing with the logistics and structural issues. This included ensuring the tram wasn’t too heavy to be transported and installed, commissioning engineering and surveying reports and meeting public safety requirements.

“There are a lot of criteria public artwork has to meet,” explains David. “You know, it has to be unclimbable, inflammable, etc.” But it is vital for David that people can get up close. “It really bothers me if you see a public artwork that is fenced off or a sign saying ‘please don’t touch’.

Who is the work for? The Rattler will be very tactile. It will be hanging over you, suspended above your head and I imagine kids are going to get quite a buzz out of that and get in underneath.”>

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David sees the artwork as a commentary on the huge changes in public transport and as a tribute to the role of the conductors, harking back to a friendly, less regulated time. “I remember the conductor or the driver getting out when the pole had come off the wire and sparks were flying everywhere − and they’re repositioning this thing and everyone is just chatting,” says David. “That’s reflected in the title of the piece.” And working on the project gave him a real insight into the personal connection people had with the old trams.

“I knew very little about W-class trams when I started,” admits David. “I just thought it was a really fun concept ... the idea of making a monument to an icon. A number of elderly people came to an Open Day we had, and so many of them had stories of someone they had met on a tram or something that had happened that they wanted to share with you ... I find that sort of stuff really interesting.”

David is pleased to bring some of the country back into the city with The Rattler, including the local team who helped with the installation. “They are interested and excited about it,” says David. “When we go into the city, we are taking people from this area with us, because we know they will go the extra bit.”

David and Rebecca (and children Ruben and Joni) settled in Foster four years ago to escape the grind of the city. After working in film and television for many years, the pair decided it was time for a change.

The decision was made easier by Foster’s proximity to Melbourne and to Bec’s family. The couple loved the natural beauty of the area, being close to Wilsons Prom (a favourite holiday destination) and the fact there was a good hospital and great local school. They rented a house in town before falling in love with a “challenging” block of land and building their own home. “It’s steep with quite large trees on it,” explains David. “We designed the house around the trees. We walked around the block and thought we could do something really unusual here.”

The resulting passive-solar house, built by David with assistance from local builder Gil Trease, took nine months to complete. David describes the unusual design as “a bit like a factory”. Despite being right in town, the design and surrounding trees give it a sense of being firmly tucked away in the bush.

“We wanted to be really close to town,” explains David. “I suppose it would be lovely to live at a beach but it is nice being part of a community. And within a 20-minute radius you can be at waterfalls or on the mud flats or at a surf beach, which is a pretty amazing position to be in.”

David is keen to give back to the community that welcomed his family.

He has been talking with the Foster Community Association about ideas for projects for the town. And while The Rattler was being constructed, he offered the mezzanine of his workshed to local musicians as a rehearsal space. “I’d like to keep doing that if we could,” he smiles. “I’d go down there sometimes when those guys were rehearsing and it was just so nice.”

Other plans include encouraging other people to come and enjoy the space. “Maybe we could set up group displays of other artists’ work on busy weekends and try to get a bit of activity happening around the shed, so it is not just what I’m putting out.” And when he is not at the shed or finding cranes to help transport his giant artworks, you might just find him walking with the family at one of his favourite local haunts − Foster Beach. “It is very overlooked. It’s a mud flat: there’s no one there. The kids can run free.”

“Raising The Rattler Pole” was installed in Melbourne on the corner of Spencer and Flinders Streets in November 2013. David’s artwork can also be seen at The Nest (City of Darebin), Lake Mulwala Dreaming (Moira Shire Council) and Reflections on High (City of Wodonga). www.davidmichaelbell.com.au

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“It really bothers me if you see a public artwork that is fenced off or a sign saying ‘please don’t touch’.”

• A stunning natural history gallery showcasing banksias, moss, fish and birds • An Australian inspired giftshop • Organic cafe in the most beautiful setting, coffee, cake & biscuits

Open Fri, Sat, Sun 10am to 4pm or by appointment Extended hours in January Promontory Road Fish Creek 3959 Tel. +61 3 5683 2628 www.celiarossergallery.com.au coast 63

The tiny hamlet of Mirboo North in Gippsland has become the centre of life’s journey for Jeny Taylor – a yoga teacher who has taken the road less travelled to reach her perfect destination. coast 64

the lightness of being words sally o’neill photos warren reed

Jeny Taylor, also known as Swami Jayananda Saraswati, has practised yoga for close to 40 years and has taught yoga classes all around Central and South Gippsland. This lifelong journey has taken her to ashrams in India and beyond, but it is at home in Gippsland where she now finds her greatest joy and peace.

It was 1976 when yoga entered Jeny’s life. Soon after, the guru of the movement, Paramahansa Swami Satyananda Saraswati, visited Australia. Jeny and her classmates hired a plane and flew from Traralgon to Sydney to hear him speak.

Sitting amongst hundreds of people listening to Swami Satyananda, Jeny felt as if he was speaking only to her. “There was some sort of heart connection and I knew that this would be my journey – here was someone with the tools and wisdom to provide a deep connection to the real self within,” recalls Jeny.

Swami Satyananda became her guru and in 1980 he initiated her into the Saraswati order, whose headquarters in Australia are near Gosford in New South Wales. “I made the internal commitment to Swamiji to

spread his teachings and that’s become my life purpose.”

Her dedication to Swami Satyananda reflects her admiration for the completeness of his teachings. “He presents all the different yoga pathways: not just the asana, meditations and cleansing techniques but different ways of working with yourself − questioning your mind, jnana yoga; developing your heart, bhakti yoga; and karma yoga, working without attachment to results and with service.”

For Jeny, yoga is many things, and certainly much more than the physical exercises many of us know – these are what she calls merely the ‘introductory offer’ and are just a tiny part of what yoga can provide. She believes that many people don’t understand the depth of experience that yoga can offer, and often don’t stay with it long enough to encounter the true benefits.

“Yoga starts as a discipline, which to be effective, you need to take on board and practise regularly – a minimum of four days a week. Once you experience the benefits of this, it becomes something that you apply to your whole life, and not a separate practice you do>

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“It changes the quality of the way you react to things. There is always something underneath that is guiding you through, so that the traumas we all experience in life don’t take you to the same place.”

occasionally,” she explains. It has taken Jeny years to integrate all of these aspects and she describes the process as “clearing out all the dross at many different levels in order to become more centered and connected to the higher qualities of your being.”

Yoga has also given Jeny a ‘core of strength’ for her own life experiences. “It changes the quality of the way you react to things.

There is always something underneath that is guiding you through, so that the traumas we all experience in life don’t take you to the same place. You still experience the ups and downs, but there’s something deeper than that − some spiritual quality within that is above and beyond.”

And for Jeny, that knowledge has been life-changing. She acknowledges that it is not a ‘quick fix’: it takes time to bring about changes in yourself and then to have impact on those around you.

“Many people are just bouncing from one thing to another, reacting to what’s going on around them without really understanding what’s going on in their lives. If people sit down and ask where they want to be – they start looking past acquisitions, to states of being. Do I want to feel joy, not just happiness, but joy, which glows deep inside of you?”

Yoga offers the tools to achieve this.

Jeny is quick to point out that her journey has not been a selfish one.

“It could be considered that in having these views and goals you are being totally self-focused,” she says. “But it’s really about making the changes within oneself which will automatically have a positive impact on other people. Then committing to teaching becomes actively putting that energy out there, and offering it to others.”

With this philosophy in mind, Jeny developed her own comprehensive teacher-training program, based on the teachings of Swami

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Satyananda Saraswati, which was accepted for accreditation by Yoga Australia in 2005. Taking on two to three students at a time, she is now ensuring that her life’s work and purpose will live on in the teachers she produces, some of whom teach at the studio on her property.

Born in 1943 in Sussex, England, she recalls an idyllic and carefree childhood. After attending art school and majoring in painting, she came to Australia firstly for adventure and then returned to stay for family reasons.

Jeny laughingly describes herself as “pretty ancient” but nothing could be further from the truth: there are no signs of her slowing down. She has just committed to two years of training for a pair of aspiring yoga teachers at her centre in Mirboo North and still practises the same physical exercises and meditations she has done every day since age 30.

Looking back, the four acres at Mirboo North where she raised her two daughters may have originally seemed a long way from the English village of her childhood. “My ex-husband used to say I was drawn here because it’s like the country where I grew up,” she laughs.

As she gets older and wiser, she enjoys more time on her own and the small gifts offered each day. The crabapple tree in bloom, the birds around the pond − the joys to be found in each present moment.

This is the place where she continues to focus on her lifetime goal.

“I always aim, often imperfectly, towards opening up to the higher potential within, to experience something which is more uplifting and caring, and in tune with the divine or spiritual essence of life.

And this is ongoing: it never ends.”

Banfields Aged Care - located in Cowes, Philip Island - a brand new architecturally designed Extra Services residential aged care facility, is part of the Australian Aged Care Group.

The Australian Aged Care Group is owned & operated by the Matthies family, who have provided care to elderly Australians for half a century.

To discuss your individual requirements & experience the Banfields Aged Care lifestyle firsthand, please telephone:

(03) 5951 2500 Banfields Aged Care,

192-198 Thompson Avenue Cowes VIC 3922

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MUSIC TO FILL THE DANCE FLOOR!

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Choose between 3 – 14 full time professional musicians who play Top 40, Classic Rock & Funk, 80s, Swing Jazz and more...

Pricing from $1000 - $5000, depending on band size.

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JAZZ | FUNK | BLUES | ROCK | ACOUSTIC coast 68

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a summer of soul Every year Australians look forward to summer: holidays, family, fun, friends, picnics. There is always a musical backdrop to each of our summers. On January 4th the Mossvale Park oneday music event, Summer of Soul, will encompass all that is summer, give you that backdrop, and deliver it on a platter for your enjoyment. words Ian Bevington photos Supplied

Just two hours from Melbourne, 14kms north of Leongatha in South Gippsland, is an idyllic park, hidden from the road, and bordered by a river. In the centre of this intimate setting is a single stage surrounded by open lawn spaces and giant trees that offers sweet shade from the summer sun. This is the home of the 2014 ‘Summer of Soul’ music event. Whilst you can BYO picnic, including alcohol, there is also a tantalising array of food, wine and craft vendors to choose from.

– time apart can yield some unexpected results. Between Tim’s film work on “The Rise and Rise of Richard Latté”, Wally’s triple Grammy win (as Gotye) and Kris’ latest bout of malaria, all signs point toward an interesting future for the band. Whatever comes next, The Basics will be celebrating their catalogue of good-time genre-bending classics, with their latest single “So Hard For You” showcasing the gritty live sound that has come to define the band.

Gates open at 1pm and the music kicks off at 3pm with Melbourne bands Pony Face and Hiatus Kaiyote. To transport you out of your sedentary state and prepare you for a glorious day and evening the fuzzy guitars, roomy drums and pounding bass lines of indie rock psychedelic band Pony Face will start the day. Independent future soul group Hiatus Kaiyote will then seduce you and get you started on the day’s soul journey. Every so often a band comes along that captures the collective imagination, a band that has all the essential elements in place to become a musical movement. The music of Hiatus Kaiyote strikes the perfect note merging poetry and polyrhythms. On the band’s debut album “Tawk Tomahawk” it’s as if the vast desert landscape has opened up, borrowing ingredients from far-reaching lands to concoct a distinctive flavor that is the essence of all its parts. Each song whispers of delicious, ancient stories untold.

Totally warmed and ready, the full impact of the glory that is soul music will then hit the stage: First with Australia’s own Clairy Browne and the Bangin’ Rackettes and then with American soul hero, Lee Fields and the Expressions. Fierce leading lady Clairy Browne and her harmonizing girl group, the Bangin’ Rackettes, have been tearing down the house at venues all over the country. The nine piece rhythm and blues big band will take you through the hard-hitting sounds of northern soul, jump blues, doo-wop, ska and gospel with influences ranging from Etta James, Tina Turner and Prince to D’Angelo and Salt n’ Peppa. There aren’t too many artists making soul music today who had a release in 1969; Lee Fields, however, is one such artist – or maybe he’s better labelled a phenomenon. With a catalogue that ranges from James Brown-style funk to lo-fi blues to contemporary Southern soul to collaborations with French house DJ/producer Martin Solveig, Lee Fields has done it all. Today, with The Expressions – Truth & Soul’s house band, Lee Fields continues to evolve, enmeshed into the group’s sweeping, string-laden, cinematic soul sound. Their first full-length together, “My World”, released in June 2009 on Truth & Soul, was called “one smoking mother of an old-sound soul record” and a “throwback done right” by Pitchfork.

Whilst the next two bands up don’t strictly play soul music they do have massive soul in their music. The Bombay Royale is a Melbourne band dedicated to honouring and reviving the funky, bizarre and mysterious music of vintage Indian cinema. Their riotously colourful live show is a visual feast, a masala perhaps, with duelling male and female singers of Indian background in traditional dress, a fingersnapping band leader in full ship’s-captain regalia, a blasting horn section and band members sporting Zorro bandit masks. Although it’s a spectacle, the 11-piece band comprises some of Melbourne’s most seasoned musicians. After three years in the wilderness, Melbourne cult heroes The Basics announce their return to the stage! If life experience is the key to a great band, then – as with any relationship

Buy tickets through shops in South Gippsland including Gecko Studio Gallery, Fish Creek; Duck Hutt, Meeniyan; Main Street Revelations, Foster; Dear Antiques, Leongatha or buy tickets online through oztix, or via the Lyrebird Arts Council website. www.lyrebirdartscouncil.com.au Enquiries phone 5664 9239.

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Shearwater Studio presents

New Works by Diana

Exhibition dates: 4 - 26 January 2014 Official Opening: Saturday 4 January: 2 - 4pm Open: Wednesday to Sunday: 10am - 6pm 83 Lantana Road, Cape Woolamai M. 0408 341 898 E. dianab@waterfront.net.au www.shearwaterstudio.com.au

mookah studio including a curated collective of independent designers

11 A’Beckett St, Inverloch or online @ www.mookah.com.au coast 70

soul monster set for WOMAD Fat Freddy’s Drop is a headline act at the WOMADelaide Festival in the Adelaide Botanic Gardens.

The seven-piece from New Zealand is a melting pot of sounds and influences, drawing from dub to reggae, soul, jazz, blues and techno, and mixing a brass section with beats, guitar and keyboards and soulful vocals.

Joe (“Hopepa”) Lindsay, the band’s trombone and tuba player, has fond memories of Phillip Island. “We played Pyramid Rock Festival a few years ago and we pretty much got blown off the stage,” says Joe cheerfully.

“They had to come and drag us off. They were worried about the lighting rig falling on us - but being from Wellington, we’re not scared of a bit a weather!”

Another festival - WOMADelaide - is the focus of our conversation today. “It’s my favourite festival,” says Joe enthusiastically. “Every time I have my mind blown by three or four incredible musicians. There is beautiful music from around the world. You get a chance to hang out with a lot of guys from countries you haven’t even heard of. I have so many highlights, both from performing and being a punter.”

Fat Freddy’s Drop is one of NZ’s most successful bands.

Their debut album was the highest-selling album by a New Zealand artist in the country’s history. Their latest album “Blackbird” spent a month at No.1 and their 2013 Australian tour sold out. “The album’s been very well received and has brought a bigger audience to our shows,” says Joe. “After Australia, we went over to Europe and it was probably our most successful tour yet.”

Deciding on the Womad set list is likely to be “a source of heated discussion”. “It’s hard,” sighs Joe. “Our songs are long. We want to play everything but you’ve got to make some decisive editorial decisions. You try to put together a set list that shows off your skills and includes songs that people know. It’s a juggling act.” The payoff is “the excitement and integration you get from the artists around you and playing to a new audience,” explains Joe. “It opens your ears to new sounds from around the world. That inspiration and cross-pollination is really important to our process.”

Seeing Nigerian musician Femi Kuti, Portugese fado singer Carminho and Awesome Tapes of Africa are high on Joe’s Womad wish list. But he says: “Often it’s the bands that you don’t know, that you stumbled on … last time we played Womad I saw a desert blues band from the Sahara that I had never heard of, but they were just the most inspiring stuff I’d ever seen.”

WOMADelaide is a feast for music lovers on both sides of the stage. “I’d love to program it,” says Joe. “That’d be the best job in the world.” He laughs: “So whoever programs Womad, watch your back: I’m coming for you!”

words eleanor mckay photo supplied

Coast Magazine is offering the chance for one lucky reader to see Fat Freddy’s Drop at Womad (7-10 March 2014). We have one family festival pass to give away. To go into the draw, email editorial@coastmagazine.net by Jan 30 and tell us the name of the latest album by Fat Freddy’s Drop. Festival pass does not include accommodation or flights to Adelaide. www.womadelaide.com.au www.fatfreddysdrop.com

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Open 10:30am–5pm Weekends, public holidays & most weekdays (phone first weekdays). Cottage rental available 60 Kardella-Fairbank Rd, Kardella (via Korumburra) Phone (03) 5655 2405 Email gooseneckpottery@dcsi.net.au Robert Barron

www.gooseneckpottery.com.au

Artfusion

Sculpture and Glass Studio Gallery Steel Sculpture Fused Glass www.artfusionstudioandgallery.com

Open Thur to Mon 10:30am–5pm 9 Anderson Rise, Anderson, VIC

Andrew 0407 368 538 Marlene 0439 368 538 coast 72

fusing soul and glass

words eleanor mckay photos warren reed

The traditional mid-life crisis usually involves abandoning the corporate life and hitting the road in a red sports car. For Marlene Abela, it was more an awakening than a crisis, and in a twist, she left behind a job in finance and a fancy car to follow her passion and become a glass-maker.

With sculptor husband Andrew Kasper, Marlene set up Art Fusion Gallery in Anderson, a studio and artist workspace. Nestled at the foot of the hills, it is another vital step on Marlene’s journey to “find happy”.

The phrase ‘restless energy’ could have been invented to describe Marlene. Bursting with vitality, good health and enthusiasm, her nononsense dialogue is peppered with laughter.

Despite having a successful career, she says she realised about seven years ago it was not what she wanted. “I was in a senior role in finance.

It was good money and it was a great lifestyle. People just couldn’t believe that I wasn’t happy,” explains Marlene.

Sparked by the experience of a leadlighting course ten years earlier, and deciding to pursue her artistic vision, she made a total lifestyle decision. She and Andrew sold their Mount Martha property and moved to Bass Coast, Marlene committing to a mantra of “healthy mind, healthy body, healthy life”. She changed her diet, gave up smoking and alcohol, and started running.

Despite having no technical training in glass fusing, Marlene jumped in head-first to pursue her dream. “I bought a kiln on eBay,” she laughs.

“I didn’t even know what I was buying ... it was delivered to the house and I went, ‘Okay ... I don’t know how to use it!’ I’ve been learning over time. At first, I used to just cut and assemble, but as time has passed, you can see how my work has become more refined, how it’s become more technical.”

Set up in her own studio, her biggest problem is having too many ideas, and she often works simultaneously on several projects ranging from delicate jewellery to platters, dinnerware, coasters and wall panels.

Preferring a jump-in-and-try approach to conceptualising on paper, Marlene has made a few fortuitous mistakes and had the occasional failure. One of her personal favourites was her idea of depicting an ocean scene on glass panels. “I was told it couldn’t happen, that it wasn’t going to work ... and I said, ‘It will work’,” laughs Marlene. Not only did she make it happen, but the “Sea Mist” series is now her signature piece.

Colour is key in the glass pieces Marlene produces, many boasting vibrant hues created from powders, metals and mixed media. Because she rarely records the exact measurements, each piece really is unique.

“If someone says they love the colour of a particular piece, I tell them they’d better buy it, because I can’t guarantee that I can make those colours again,” chuckles Marlene. Other pieces incorporate images from photographic slides or screen-printed images.

Next year she plans to extend her skills by studying Fine Arts full-time, and she’s also keen to explore cognitive therapy with art. Her longterm goal is to fuse her art with her passion for healthy eating and exercise. “I know what I want to offer; I just don’t know yet how I’m going to apply it,” grins Marlene. “But I’ll make it happen. I’m that sort of person ... if there’s something I want to do, I’ll find a way to do it.” www.artfusionstudioandgallery.com

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a fine romance

the character of cowes

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words sally o’neill photos warren reed

Perfect in any season, Cowes really comes alive in summer when the sparkling waters set the scene for a seaside town that has it all.

And there is always a little romance in the salty air…

Originally named ‘Mussel Rocks’, Phillip Island’s main township is now known as Cowes, named after a town on England’s Isle of Wight. Cowes and surrounds have grown significantly over the past decade and continue to expand as more and more people discover their charms.

The Cowes of today is a modern shopping hub with stores, boutiques, restaurants and cafes offering al fresco dining on each side of Thompson Avenue. This tree-lined avenue gently rolls down to the shimmering waters of Western Port Bay with its stunning north-facing beaches. The waterfront Esplanade boasts restaurants, cafes, boutiques and quality holiday accommodation.

With a welcome absence of big chain stores, many of the town’s shops are unique (and even a little quirky), making for hours of retail delight. While away some time browsing in the bookstore, trying on a few numbers in the boutiques, or shopping for homewares for the beach or townhouse. Op-shops, vintage boutiques and secondhand stores ensure you are entertained for hours while fossicking for a bargain. You can even improve your wellbeing with a visit to the substantial health food store or indulging in a haircut, facial or massage.>

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‘In summer, Cowes plays host to regular events and markets, most of which are held along the picturesque foreshore. Here old, twisted Moonah trees bow to the water as they have done for hundreds of years.’

When it’s time to stop for some refreshment, you are spoilt for choice with cafes, providores, sushi places, restaurants and of course the traditional fish and chip shops. After all, the cries of seagulls on the salt air are a constant reminder that this is a coastal town - and that always makes you a little peckish.

The ‘heart’ of the town is the glorious old jetty originally built in 1870.

For me, this is where the true romance of Cowes comes alive. The lovely structure including the original jetty shed (now a kiosk) was the original landing point for countless holidaymakers before the first bridge joining San Remo to the mainland was built in 1939.

In those days, gorgeous steam-driven ferries would bring loads of sightseers from Stony Point on the Mornington Peninsula to enjoy the town’s many guesthouses as well as Phillip Island’s beaches and natural attractions such as its penguins, seals and koalas. A passenger ferry service still runs daily between Cowes and Stony Point – and stepping onto the picturesque jetty is quite a romantic way to arrive.

Cowes Jetty is also the take-off point for exploring Phillip Island by sea, with tours departing daily to view the world’s largest>

COWES AT A GLANCE Alex Scott Real Estate Phillip Island http://cowes.alexscott.com.au Banfields Aged Care www.banfields.com.au Cowes Newsagent www.cowesnewsagency.com.au Harry’s on the Esplanade Restaurant www.harrysrestaurant.com.au Island Quality Meats on Facebook Island Surfboards www.islandsurfboards.com.au Mackalouccoo Retreats on Facebook Mingara Gallery www.mingaragallery.com.au Priceline Pharmacy www.priceline.com.au Ramada Resort Phillip Island www.ramadaphillipisland.com.au Sarsparilla Boutique on Facebook TJs Timber www.tjstimber.com.au Turn The Page Bookshop www.turnthepagebookshop.com.au YMCA www.phillipisland.ymca.org.au

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A gorgeous range of products including Australian designers Locally handmade Fair trade Where : 2/17 The Esplanade, Cowes 3922 Phone : 0400 569 663 petitecollections@bigpond.com

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LATEST RELEASES

OPEN 7 DAYS 44-46 Thompson Ave, Cowes Ph: 03 5952 2046 www.cowesnewsagency.com.au coast 78

Australian fur seal colony at Seal Rocks. Along the way, you can gain a different perspective on Phillip Island’s dramatic and spectacular coastline.

In summer, Cowes plays host to regular events and markets, most of which are held along the picturesque foreshore. Here old, twisted Moonah trees bow to the water as they have done for hundreds of years. If you wander along the foreshore you will pass Erewhon Point (that’s ‘nowhere’ backwards, of course) and reach ‘Lover’s Walk’. This evocatively-named foreshore track is perfect for a dreamy stroll at sundown. As the sun sets, the avenue of trees casts golden shadows as the waves gently roll in ... romantic, huh?

“As the sun sets, the avenue of trees casts golden shadows as the waves gently roll in ... romantic, huh?”

treat your family to a phillip island getaway

leave the rest to us

SM

These school holidays treat your loved ones to a cute and cuddly getaway at Ramada Resort Phillip Island.

Let the little penguins create life-long memories for you and the kids!

book now for great rates and memorable holidays tel: +61 3 5952 8000 • www.ramadaphillipisland.com.au

PHILLIP ISLAND

Resort Management by Wyndham Pty Ltd ACN 099 634 830 trading as Ramada Resort Phillip Island. WHG6999

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words geoff russell photos warren reed

Planning for the sustainable future of San Remo

A community designed with water in mind

Victorian Government funding will help Westernport Water plan and develop local low cost water solutions that take advantage of all water for fit-for-purpose use.

We live in a unique area on the Victorian Coastline, Western Port on one side and the exposed coastline of the Bass Strait on the other.

As Melbourne expands its boundaries, increasing numbers of people are moving from suburbia to live along the shores of San Remo and the surrounding area. San Remo will grow significantly in the next decade and now is the right time to begin planning to deliver water solutions for a liveable and sustainable future.

Understanding the importance of sustainable development and the need to take action, Westernport Water is partnering with Bass Coast Shire Council and has committed to investigate and develop a model for future residential developments in the San Remo and Newhaven district.

Thanks to the Victorian Government, $210,000 has been committed from the Living Victoria Fund to develop a whole-of-water-cycle management plan.

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Over the next 12 months, Westernport Water will be conducting feasibility studies, researching current and future technologies and estimating consumer demand to project communities needs into the future.

The study will look at options for developing an integrated water cycle management solution to address the future impacts of development, and will examine options for water harvesting to expand the use of locally captured rainwater and stormwater for non-drinking purposes.

Westernport Water Managing Director Murray Jackson said: “By developing a smart and resilient whole-of-water-cycle plan for San Remo, we can reduce the drinking water demand in each new property and lower energy costs by reducing the need to pump water and wastewater over long distances. “Tailoring whole-of-water-cycle projects to local conditions delivers

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greater economic and environmental benefits and ensures Westernport Water is better placed to deal with the next drought and the increasing demand our ever increasing population generates. “The smarter, more sustainable use of water resources planned for San Remo will reduce the use of drinking water for watering parks and gardens and flushing toilets by substituting recycled water in its place,� said Mr Jackson.

The capture and use of stormwater from wet weather events will have the added benefit of reducing the amount of polluted runoff flowing into Western Port, which includes the internationally recognised RAMSAR listed wetlands and ecological communities listed as threatened under the Flora and Fauna Act 1978.

Western Port supports some 10,000 birds from 37 species and is one of the three most important sites in Victoria in terms of wader numbers and density. One of the great strengths of whole-of-watercycle management is the potential environmental gains from reduced stormwater flows.

The Victorian Government funding for this study will pave the way for a future of ample water supplies for all our needs at an affordable price.

WESTERNPORT WATER

TM

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’ whatsnew Mossva le Park J A N 4 L E E F IE & THE EX LDS P R E S S IO NS C L A IR Y B ROWNE & THE B A N G IN ’ R ACKETTE S THE BAS IC S THE BOM B AY R O Y ALE H IA T U S K A IY O T E P O N Y FA CE LY RE BI RD

AR TS CO UN

CI L. CO M

2014

.A U

win a summer of soul

an exceptional artist Inverloch artist Annette Spinks draws on her deepest life experiences and exceptionally beautiful surrounds for inspiration. Her love and enthusiasm for painting resonates in her work. You can view her stunning creations at her studio and gallery at 60 Dixon Street in Inverloch, or at Mingara Gallery, 242 Thompson Ave, Cowes. www.annettespinks.com.au

Those gorgeous people from the Lyrebird Arts Council have done it again, serving up great music to the good folk of South Gippsland. They have just been nominated for the Best Regional Venue in The Age Music Victoria Awards.

To celebrate this, Mossvale Music Festival’s Summer of Soul on Jan 4th 2014, is giving away 2 double passes to two lucky coast readers. Just email us at editorial@coastmagazine.net by Dec 30 and tell us why you deserve to win! www.lyrebirdartscouncil.com.au

racv inverloch wins!

RACV Inverloch was inducted into the Hall of Fame category of Deluxe Accommodation in the Victorian Tourism Awards recently. Set in the heart of Gippsland, with panoramic views of Bass Strait and Anderson’s Inlet, the magnificent, eco-friendly resort is the ideal base for a memorable holiday by the coast. www.racv.com.au/inverloch

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curls creative creations

Our super Coast cartoonist Curl has extended his talented hand to clothes design, prints and stickers.

Now available at the Cowes Bazaar & Gallery at Thompson Ave, Cowes. The perfect christmas present or thoughtful gift.

Nothing beats the feeling of riding a wooden board you’ve built yourself

There’s nothing like the ride, feel and experience of an authentic wooden surfboard . . . and when you’ve built that board yourself, with skills that will stay with you for life, nothing beats the feeling.

Tree to Sea offers 3 day workshops enabling you to build your own wooden board and give you the skills to build many more.

The workshops are hands on, grass roots with no prior woodworking experience required. Tools are supplied and no high tech machinery is involved.

Our wooden boards are environmentally friendly, and the feeling of riding one . . . incredible!

There’s no fibreglass, no foam, no chemical resins - the unique construction method utilising sustainable plantation Paulownia timber, delivers a flexible, buoyant, manoeuvrable board that’s as good to ride as it is to own.

SUP’s, long boards, short boards and classics - made by you with a little help from Tree to Sea. Reserve your place now. See our web site for future workshop dates.

Workshops held in Mt. Eliza, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia.

Tree to Sea Workshop Gift Vouchers are available.

Robert 0409 211 751 Gary 0423 804 975 info@treetosea.com.au

Wooden Surfboard Workshops The goodness of wood. Plantation grown timber. No fibreglass. No foam. No resins.

Just wood (and glue). Keeping our environmental splash to a minimum.

www.treetosea.com.au

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words eleanor mckay photos warren reed

a private slice of paradise With amazing 180-degree water views, Island Bay Ranch provides a unique opportunity to enjoy Phillip Island from your own private resort.

Just a short drive off the main road at Newhaven is one of the Island’s hidden gems. The luscious lawns and native gardens of Island Bay Ranch are set in a 130-acre farm complete with wildlife and grazing beef cattle, and offer a truly unique holiday experience. The six studiostyle log cabins sleep up to 27 people and are only available for group bookings, transforming the entire resort into a private paradise.

Inge and Rob Langford run Island Bay Ranch with their two sons, and Inge says that personal connection and their hard-working passionate staff are key to the resort’s success. Rob and Inge have lived all over the world and have travelled a lot. “We know the importance of feeling comfortable and we have high expectations, which has influenced the quality and presentation of our resort,” says Inge. She also attributes the success to the passion of Natalie, her manager. “Nat is always here and she just loves the place. It is such a key factor and it is so good to have great staff.”

Clearly that passion combined with exacting standards is producing results. “We have so many people who come back every year,” says

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Inge. “I think they like the space. They’ve got this whole place to themselves and no one troubles them. And the kids just love it.”

With acres of lawn, a solar-heated pool, trampoline, playground and tennis court, it’s hardly surprising that children can’t wait to come back for more. For adults, the lounge and dining areas; shelves stocked with board games, books and DVDs; beautiful open fireplaces; outdoor barbeque; fully-equipped kitchen and new al fresco area are enticing ingredients for a relaxing getaway. Add the views, access to wetlands and waterfront walking paths – including a foreshore walk to Churchill Island – and it is hardly surprising that some visitors don’t leave the property during their stay.

“I think this place offers total freedom,” says Inge. “People can spend a whole week here and all they really need to do is get the groceries. It’s really a private park.”

When Inge and Rob took over four years ago, they made improvements to the property and took on the year-round

‘Stepping into Island Bay Ranch transports you to another world. This peaceful and tranquil spot offers an absolute getaway from the bustle of modern life.’

maintenance. Two new cabins and the alfresco area were added, while the existing buildings were freshly painted and refurnished.

Ensuring the resort co-existed harmoniously with its surroundings was also a priority. “Rob and I are both very conscious of the environment, particularly in terms of our surroundings, the wildlife and energy use,” explains Inge. “The whole resort now runs on solar power, and we use tank water. We’ve talked about putting in a vegie garden and some fruit trees and having some chickens. I think the guests would really like that.”

Stepping into Island Bay Ranch transports you to another world. This peaceful and tranquil spot offers an absolute getaway from the bustle of modern life.

Inge smiles. “We are so lucky to have this place. It’s got soul. In the buildings, the trees, the garden ... I feel it every time I walk around here.

You can withdraw here and it’s as if you’re in a different world.” www.islandbay.com.au hello@islandbay.com.au

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Small -Group Training Small-group training has been an increasingly popular area within the fitness industry over the past couple of years. This trend is seeing more small-group classes being implemented, and sessions being moved to the forefront of many health club and recreation centre timetables.

Small-group training is fast becoming the exercise session of choice, and it’s no surprise, with smaller participantto-trainer ratios, specialised equipment not available in group-fitness sessions, and higher intensity to push participants to their limits.

The major factor in the increased popularity of small-group training is the balance between close contact with trainers and participation as part of a group. Small-group training gives the trainer flexibility to work more closely with each individual. This environment provides the trainer with a better opportunity to identify the needs of each participant and ensure their exercises are customised to maximise results.

Equipment is designed to push the individual further to achieve more than what can be accomplished by simply lifting weights and using machines. Trainers coach participants through new movements not normally utilised within group-fitness classes or the average gym workout. Benefiting from a very motivating environment, participants regularly drive not only themselves but others to better previous efforts.

A Penn State University study took a group of fitness participants through a 6-week program of small- group training and compared them to a group doing only group fitness sessions and unassisted

workouts. The difference between the groups was vast: it was found that on average the small-group training participants had a decrease of 11.4% in triglycerides (fatty acids) and an increase of 4.7% in oxygen consumption. Furthermore, small-group training participants experienced a decrease of 1.3% in body fat and an increase of 31.5% in back strength in comparison to the other test group.

Statistics show that personal training increases the speed and likelihood of gaining results. As stated in the International Fitness Journal, only 25% of people who work out achieve their desired results. Of the 25% who did achieve their results, some 90% had their own personal trainer. Meanwhile, group fitness classes have proven to be socially motivating, a study by Stanford University finding that those participating in group fitness classes continue to exercise at an increased level for over 18 months. With personal training achieving the best results and group fitness providing the enjoyable and social aspect of fitness, small-group training provides the perfect combination of both.

Small-Group Training is commencing in the Bass Coast region, with programs at the YMCA in Wonthaggi and Phillip Island. For more information on this program contact Bass Coast Aquatic & Leisure Centre on 5672 4194 or Phillip Island Leisure Centre on 5952 2811.

Bass Coast Aquatic & Leisure Centre 41 Wentworth Rd, Wonthaggi 3995 5672 4194

Phillip Island Leisure Centre 10-14 Church Street, Cowes 3922 5952 2811

www.basscoast.ymca.org.au coast 86

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More than Just a Girl Thing

For the past two years, owner and self-professed “arranger of beautiful things” Lysa Kiely has transformed San Remo’s ‘It’s A Girl Thing’ into a wonderland offering gifts, clothes, accessories, treasures and homewares to tempt ‘girls’ of all ages. And even boys think it’s pretty cool!

The exquisite and extensive range has been lovingly and painstakingly sourced by Lysa through searching, perseverance, trade fairs and listening to customers. Lysa often ‘road tests’ items on her nieces and other girls in her life to ensure they are the real ‘girl thing’.

The definition of ‘girl’ is quite loose at It’s A Girl Thing. “We are definitely not just about ‘girly girls’ says Lysa. “We cater for all styles: geeky, sporty, cheeky, casual or formal.” And girls can be all ages. “This is a place where a whole family of women can find something they love and that suits their individual style.

We are the one shop girly shop.”

The clothing range is always age-appropriate, unique and suits all occasions - from casual days through to glamour days and formal evening wear. “I source a lot of one-off pieces so people aren’t wearing the same things,” explains Lysa who is passionate about empowering girls no matter their style, shape or size.

Lysa has created a ‘story’ within the shopping experience. Each room is cleverly themed and stocked with unique items. It starts with a rainbow of treasures and delights for little girls whose wide eyes, smiles and squeals reflect their delight. The magic continues with the fairy room and into the ‘bigger’ girls’ rooms which offer a tempting selection of clothing, jewellery and homewares.

www.itsagirlthing.net.au facebook.com/itsagirlthingSanRemo coast 88

The happy customers’ reactions reflect Lysa’s passion. “I love seeing the kids coming in, and the happy and amazed looks on their faces. They often say: ‘This is the best place in the world!’,” she laughs.

And is it also really a boy thing? “Yes, I get lots of guys shopping for presents for their wives and uncles looking for advice on what to buy, so I help them out.”

advertising promotion

for girls of all ages

Other boy-friendly touches include boys’ lucky dips and pirate themed items. “A lot of boys come to get pressies for their sisters and mums and have just as much fun looking at stuff as their sisters,” says Lysa. And, there’s a rack of rock n roll and motorbike magazines on the front verandah, for the boys who don’t want to go in and get girl germs!

The business is the new creative outlet for Lysa who grew up on Phillip Island and returned to the coast three years ago after a dancing career that took her around the world. Now living her own fairy tale, she has met the man of her dreams and couldn’t be happier. “I’ve come home and it’s the best thing I’ve ever done.”

Phone: 03 5678 5708 lysa@ itsagirlthing.net.au 127 Marine Parade, San Remo coast 89

Unique, bespoke and creative jewellery for every occasion

The Melbourne Ring Cycle Exhibition 2013 Official Opening Weekend 4th & 5th of January View from Saturday 21st of December to Friday 31st of January RSVP to bpratt@bepgold.com.au Featuring Photography by Members of the Phillip Island Camera Club & Ceramics by Lynn Whelan

Handmade, Well made, Australian made Unique Jewellery | Watches | Repairs | Classes | Rethreading | Commissions | Ear Piercing

Shop 3 - Bridgeview Arcade San Remo

e Gold

phone. 5678 5788

Silversmiths

Regular Classes & Exhibitions visit:

www.goldsmithsgallery.com.au

The Guild is the only professional organization in Australia with a traditional and comprehensive system of marking precious metal items.

TM

Est. 1988 coast 90

GSGA

www.gsga.org.au

TM

FICTION

NON-FICTION

NON-FICTION

PICTURE BOOK

“The Narrow Road to the Deep North”

“The Crossroad

“Fil-O-Fish: Waterproof Handbook of Aust. Fishes”

“Kissed by the Moon”

by Richard Flanagan August, 1943. In the despair of a Japanese POW camp on the Thai-Burma death railway, Australian surgeon Dorrigo Evans is haunted by his love affair with his uncle’s young wife two years earlier. Struggling to save the men under his command from starvation, from cholera, from beatings, he receives a letter that will change his life forever.

This savagely beautiful novel is a story about the many forms of love and death, of war and truth, as one man comes of age, prospers, only to discover all that he has lost.

Richard is one of our greatest novelists and this story is a very personal one for him as his father fought in WW2, was captured and worked on the Thai-Burma railway.

by Mark Donaldson A revealing memoir from Mark Donaldson: the first Australian since 1969 decorated with the Victoria Cross, 2010 Young Australian of the Year and serving member of the SAS. On 2 September 2008, in Afghanistan, Trooper Mark Donaldson made a split-second decision that would change his life. His extraordinary courage saw him awarded the Victoria Cross, yet Mark’s journey to those crucial moments in Afghanistan was almost as exceptional as the acts that led to his VC. A rebellious teenager, his father died when Mark was in his mid-teens. A few years later, his mother disappeared, presumed murdered. Choosing the army proved to be his salvation and he progressed to the SAS, the peak of the Australian military.

by Bruce Andrawartha and Don Tuma Bruce has recently become a resident of Phillip Island and together with Don, he self-published this handy little reference book to tuck into your tacklebox when you next go out with your rod and reel. It describes over 400 of Australia’s most popular marine and freshwater angling species, as well as showing you where they can be caught and in what kinds of waters, providing a brief physical description of each fish, average length and weight, whether they are edible and suggestions on how to cook them. For easy identification, there are colour photography matched to the Australian Fish Names Standard.

by Alison Lester Part poem, part lullaby, this gentle story celebrates a baby’s wonder at our beautiful world. From muchloved Australian Children’s Laureate Alison Lester comes a timeless book to share and to treasure. With a gorgeous tactile cover and Alison’s absolutely beautiful illustrations, this book will be cherished for many years to come by the whole family.

Proudly independent ...a book is a place

Over 10 years experience in the book trade • Life-long love affair with books We can help find that special book for yourself or to give as a gift • Don’t forget our famous special tables 40a Thompson Ave Cowes

Phone. 03 5952 1444

Email. lois.turnthepage@bigpond.com

www.turnthepagebookshop.com.au

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Wilson Botanic Park Berwick is 45km southeast of Melbourne.

• Native/Exotic flora • Picturesque views • Plant fossils • Children’s playground • Lakeside vistas • Special Events • Historical site • Picnic Areas Bookings essential for Wedding ceremonies/photography

Princes Hwy, Berwick 3806 Tel: 03 9707 5818 www.wilsonbotanicpark.com.au

123 Marine Parade, San Remo

Telephone 5678 5202

• Friendly Health Advice • Blood Pressure Checks • Webster Packing • Diabetes Support • Home Medicine Reviews • Script Filing Service

Open: Monday-Friday 9am - 6pm Saturday 9am - 12.30pm (extended hours in December & January)

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It all began at a planning meeting where members of the Sandy Point community were asked to place red dots on a “wish list” of projects for their seaside hamlet. When the dots had all been placed and counted, it became clear that a new community hall was top priority for the townspeople.

That was back in the last century – 1999 to be precise. Now, in 2013, the “wish” has finally become a reality.

This tiny town has a permanent population of around 300, but while it might be small on numbers, it is big on dreams and determination. The twelve-year journey is a tale of faith and perseverance for the handful of stalwarts who stayed the course. Not only did they have to negotiate their way through plans, permits and surveys, but there was an almost constant round of fundraising needed to help complete the project.

Long-time local Ann Sim was one of the dedicated team on board from the start of the project. Ann explains that the group needed building plans before the project could be considered for any grants. “Local builder Jo Pawlaczyk got the ball rolling, then Melbourne architects Rob McGauran and Sue Buchanan of MGS Architects, whose families share a holiday house in the town, got involved, coming up with the great design you see today,” says Ann. During the following years, through the endless studies, plans and changes, Rob and Sue continued to contribute their advice and expertise. “When the local authorities wanted to reduce the scope of the proposed construction by about half, Rob came up with a plan which built in opportunities for future expansion while staying with his original design.”

After a hiccup during the building phase – the original builder went bankrupt and South Gippsland Shire Council stepped in as the project manager – the centre finally opened for business in November 2012.

Like any good community hall, it has been embraced by the community and is buzzing with activity. The local indoor bowls team, Kidz Club and annual markets are just some of the groups who have made good use of the new facility. Already the hall has hosted 21st and 50th birthday parties, conferences and weddings, and more are booked in.

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dreams do come true As well as being a perfect entertainment venue (with great indoor and outdoor spaces and a fully-equipped kitchen), the hall boasts a raft of sustainable features, state-of-the-art storage, a well-appointed consulting room for use by visiting medical professionals, and meeting rooms available to the public.

The hall’s committee of management is hosting a Wedding Expo on 19 January 2014 to highlight how the centre could be the perfect setting for that special day. The fabulous outdoor areas are ideal for warm afternoons and summer evening celebrations, and Sandy Point’s small-town charm, native bushland, unspoiled beaches and easy access to Wilsons Prom make it a superb location for a romantic wedding or special occasion.

For more information, phone 5684 1545 or email enquiriesspcc@gmail.com

Sandy Point Wedding Expo Sunday 19th January, 10am - 3pm Sandy Point Community Centre Church Parade, Sandy Point For further details please contact Sally Gibson on 0400 912 224

The best of local wedding services including: caterers, photographers, wedding stationary, music, florists and much more. Lucky door prizes, giveaways on the day. coast 93

adventure adventure underground underground Victoria’s State Coal Mine

40 mins from Cowes Victoria’s State Coal Mine Daily Tours adventure adventure Daily Tours underground underground Garden Street, Wonthaggi Victoria’s State Coal Mine

Light meals the Victoria’s Statein Coal Mine Garden Street, Wonthaggi www.statecoalmine.com.au Daily Tours Cafe &Tours Daily Tours Daily www.statecoalmine.com.au Garden Street, Wonthaggi 13 1963 Garden Street, Wonthaggi www.statecoalmine.com.au 13 1963 www.statecoalmine.com.au 13 1963 40 mins from Cowes

adventure underground

13 1963

Victoria’s State Coal Mine 40 mins from Cowes Garden Street, Wonthaggi

www.statecoalmine.com.au

phone 5672 3053

VIETNAM

THE HELICOPTER WAR AN EXHIBITION BY

SPONSORED BY

AT AT THE THE

17TH NOVEMBER 2013 TO

NVVM

26TH JANUARY 2014

www.vietnamvetsmuseum.org

25 Veterans Drive, Newhaven, Phillip Island Ph: 5956 6400 coast 94

NATIONAL VIETNAM VETERANS MUSEUM PHILLIP ISLAND

loving our waterways While the crowds are flocking to one of South Gippsland’s popular beaches this summer, why not take the time to discover (or rediscover) some of the region’s hidden gems.

Places like Turton’s Creek Falls, Shallow Inlet, Agnes Falls, Nooramumga and other waterways through Fish Creek and Foster are all receiving extra attention to keep them at their best.

Water Team Leader at the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority, Michelle Dickson, has been coordinating some of the projects in these areas. “The work that we do with farmers, landowners and community groups has a direct impact on these beautiful spots that we all love to enjoy,” explains Michelle. “Together we are fencing off fragile coastal vegetation, upgrading visitor facilities and access tracks and removing weeds and debris along waterways. We’ve had a very wet winter and spring and we’ve been grateful for funding from the Victorian Government’s Regional Development Program to be able to coordinate this work.”

While slightly off the beaten track, both Turton’s Creek Falls and Agnes Falls are popular picnic spots. “Both of these falls

are very pretty and definitely worth a visit,” said Michelle.

“You will be able to find maps and more information at visitor information centres throughout South Gippsland.

Parks Victoria has received funding and together with the Friends of the Agnes Falls is working to upgrade the visitor facilities.

“Saltmarsh protection next to the Nooramunga Marine and Coastal Park has been the focus of a lot of work by Yarram Yarram Landcare Network through the Corner Inlet Connections program.

“Over on Shallow Inlet we are working directly with landholders to address erosion and restore vegetation along the waterways that enter the Inlet. While you’re visiting we encourage you to think about how we impact on the health of these beautiful spots and what we can all do to protect and enhance them for future generations.”.

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Champions Cafe

Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit Back Beach Rd Phone 5952 2710 Racing good food!

Chocolate Factory 930 Phillip Island Rd Newhaven Phone 5956 6600 For chocolate lovers

Churchill Island Cafe

Phillip Island Rd, Churchill Island Phone 5956 7834 Historic farm, great food, summer tapas evenings

Esplanade Hotel

1 A’Beckett St Inverloch Phone 5674 1432 Family bistro, al fresco and fine dining

Harry’s on the Esplanade

17 The Esplanade Cowes Phone 5952 6226 Superb local produce with panoramic bay views

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Manna-Gum @ Broadbeach 5 Lindsey Cl, Inverloch Phone 5674 1199 Slow cooked Asian curries and contemporary Australian cuisine

Nobbies Centre

Nobbies, Phillip Island Phone 5951 2816 Cafe and functions with ocean views

Numbers Restaurant Cafe & Bar Ramada Resort, 2128 Phillip Island Rd, Cowes Phone 5952 8000 Steaks, pasta, salads and pizzas

Old Dalyston Deli

74 Glen Forbes Rd, Dalyston Phone 5678 7377 Cafe style food and scrumptious pizza

RACV Resort

70 Cape Paterson-Inverloch Rd, Inverloch Phone 5674 0000 Contemporary cuisine at an award winning resort

Red Elk

27 A’Beckett St, Inverloch Phone 5674 3264 Retro chic, great food and coffee

Smiths Beach Store

59 Smiths Beach Rd, Smiths Beach Phone 5952 2615 Amazing coffee, the Smithys burger and perfect after-sun snacks

Watermark @ Silverwater Resort

Phillip Island Tourist Rd, San Remo Phone 5671 9399 Gourmet dining, great views, wine and tapas

Welshpool Hotel

21-23 Main St, Welshpool Phone 5688 1209 Top quality and stylish cuisine

The Westernport Hotel 161 Marine Pde, San Remo Phone 5678 5205 Famous parma, steak sanga and tasty-licious pork belly

Trulli Pizza

93 Whitelaw St, Meeniyan Phone 5664 7397 Homemade rustic Italian fare

Porter Republic

117 Marine Pde, San Remo Phone 5678 5524 Great food, great coffee, kid friendly

Let’s eat! coast 97

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words maria reed photos warren reed

Been to the Red Elk lately? It’s a little bit of city cool by the sea, not to mention one of the best coffee lounges in the region.

Walk into the Elk and you’ll immediately feel at home. The warm, vibrant retro fit-out is fun and funky with a gorgeous deck designed to catch the sun. Owner Cate Anderson smiles, “We provide a little slice of Melbourne life with the bonus of beautiful, unspoilt beaches literally on our doorstep.”

And coffee at the Red Elk? That’s a whole story in itself. Cate has enjoyed a long and happy relationship with New Zealand company Coffee Supreme. One of the hottest boutique coffeeroasting businesses around, it has a reputation for excellence and consistency, qualities Cate has also brought to the service end of the business. “Our philosophy is to consistently provide our customers with the best possible cup of coffee, and we put a great deal of effort into ensuring we do just that. Our training is designed to create baristas who are at the top of their game: coffee is serious business and our customers certainly know good from bad!”

The Elk recently started roasting their own decaf. As Cate says, “It’s very difficult to buy in decaf and keep it consistently fresh and delicious, so we decided to try small-batch roasting to improve the end product. So far, our decaf customers have been really happy with the results and we’ve had to increase production due to a steady rise in demand.”>

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The incredible influx of summer visitors who flock to Inverloch to enjoy the delights of the seaside present their own set of challenges to local businesses. To counteract the huge queues of coffee enthusiasts, the Red Elk now installs a second coffee machine over this peak period purely to service their takeaway customers. This has been enormously successful in bringing down wait times and keeping customers satisfaction at an all-time high.

And we haven’t even mentioned the food yet! The Red Elk runs a loosely seasonal menu, changing their core meals every three months to take advantage of seasonal highlights.

“We make everything here. Our sweet treats, sauces, pies and sausage rolls are all made by our fabulous kitchen staff and cooked to order.” The food is simple, contemporary and absolutely delicious – and the servings are exceptionally generous.

This is the place to go when you want to escape the stresses and demands of everyday life. Get stuck into one of the many wonderful publications you’ll find at the Elk − there’s something for everyone − then sit back and let the relaxed and friendly atmosphere wash over you.

Coffee Lounge / Bar Retro Chic . Contemporary Menu . Coffee Specialists Wraparound Outdoor Deck . Freshly Baked Treats Licensed . Central Location . Organic Drinks & Gluten Free Friendly . Beautiful Atmosphere.

And while you’re there, treat yourself to a gorgeous Joco reusable cup − and opt out of contributing to the 2.9 million takeaway cups thrown away daily in this country. Recycling and reusing are big themes at this business, and everyone who works here is a believer. The furniture, fixtures, artworks − and everything else possible − is recycled or reused.

And there’s lots more to come . . . “Just watch this space”, says Cate.

Good For Your Soul. Open from 8am.

The Red Elk Coffee Lounge and Bar is open seven days a week from 8am to 4pm over summer. Stay tuned for more information on evening hours.

Follow us on Facebook

“Amazing coffee, an honest healthy menu and a cool, quirky vibe” TripAdvisor Jan 2013 “Great coffee and a big deck make for happy holiday breakfasts” The Age Dec 2012

27 A’Beckett St Inverloch

E redelk@aapt.net.au

8.30am-3.30pm weekdays 8.30am-4pm weekends

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T 5674 3264

• Group bookings • Weddings • Private functions

Open 9.00am-4:30pm daily for Breakfast, Lunch, Morning & Afternoon Tea. Please check our website for extended opening hours during Holidays & Weekends

Ph. 5956 7834

www.churchillislandcafe.com.au

117 Marine Parade, San Remo P. (03) 5678 5524 E. hi@porterrepublic.com.au W. porterrepublic.com.au Open Seven Days 7am-4pm Available for functions

Coffee used to be a sometimes food...

Those days are gone.

San Remo’s new social hub

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Hotel Motel

Open 7 Days for Lunch & Dinner Motel Style Accommodation TAB • ATM • Free WiFi Beer Garden Kids Play Room Ample Boat & Trailer Parking

AHA Nominations 2013 • Best Bistro • Best Menu & Wine List • Best Family Dining • Overall Hotel of the Year - Country

Island QualIty Meats Retail & Wholesale Butcher Shop 4/75 Chapel St, Cowes Ph: 5952 2036 coast 102

21-23 Main St, Welshpool VIC (03) 5688 1209 E. welshpoolhotelmotel@gmail.com www.welshpoolhotelmotel.com.au

Quality meat, fresh seafood, deli, gourmet products, cheese, dips, friendly service and more.

Trulli Pizza

words maria reed photos warren reed & supplied

In the quaint country town of Meeniyan lies a great new venue for authentic Italian hospitality and delicious food.

Francesco Laera and Rhiannon Nix are the impressive talent behind Trulli Pizza, an Italian pizzeria restaurant, delicatessen and social gathering-place in the heart of South Gippsland.

free options. “We’ve even dedicated a small nook to tourist information, complete with a big map on the wall, so people can orientate themselves when they’re here.”

When I meet the recently-married couple, they are up to their elbows in renovations, converting the former office into a warm and welcoming dining space and al fresco area. A huge mural on the wall gives life to the name ‘Trulli’ pizza. It shows the superb limestone trulli houses from Alberobello in southern Italy, the area that resident cook Francesco hails from. “It’s our little play on words … we offer ‘truly’ Italian food, but the name also has cultural roots.”

Alongside traditional wood-fired Italian and Aussie-style pizzas, the couple will offer antipasto, gelato, and beer and wine on tap. Everything is made from scratch; even the BBQ pizza is made with their homestyle braised chicken and homemade barbeque sauce.

Francesco learnt the art of cooking as a small boy sitting in his mamma’s kitchen. “Cooking is part of our culture. When you grow up with this, it’s a part of you,” he smiles. “I have a passion for food, and if you have passion and emotion, it comes through in the flavour … it’s from the heart.”

The couple are no strangers to the area of Meeniyan, moving their small pizzeria from across the road to a larger premises as their popularity and customer base grew. “The people here have been fantastic: they’ve welcomed us with open arms,” smiles Rhiannon.

The larger space will allow for three semi-private areas including inside dining, al fresco area and garden (with extra seating out the front). This will allow them to cater for meetings, small conferences, family gatherings, parties … the list goes on. They will also have a deli area full of homemade goodies including biscuits and pastas, and will stock a range of fine cheeses and meats, and offer gluten-

They hope to offer live music by January, and will offer Italian Sundays, which sound like a lot of fun. “Traditionally, Sunday in Italy is a day when all the family gets together and eats around a communal table for three to four hours. That’s what we want to do here. Once we’re fully up and running we’ll do Sundays with big communal tables and a set menu that will start with antipasto, followed by pasta, roast meats, dessert then coffee,” says Rhiannon. “It works for us and our families to be around the same table, and we’d like to do that with the community too,” laughs Francesco.

Perfectly-positioned half-way between Phillip Island and Wilsons Promontory, Trulli Pizza offers a true taste of Italy in the heart of South Gippsland.

Open Wednesday to Sunday. 4pm until late on weekdays, and 12pm until late on weekends. www.facebook.com/TrulliPizzaMeeniyan 93 Whitelaw Street, Meeniyan 03 5664 7397

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Slow-cooked Asian curries, Contemporary Australian fare, Indoor & alfresco dining, Coffee & cake all day.

Weddings & Functions, Fully licensed.

Available for private & corporate functions.

For enquiries & reservations call: 5674 1199 5 Lindsey Close, Inverloch www.manna-gum.com.au

Old Dalyston Church & Deli Fully licensed café/restaurant • Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner in January & takeaway pizza • Alfresco dining • Garden Bar • Twilight market Monday Dec 30th 3 - 9 74 Glen Forbes Rd Dalyston (Between Kilcunda & Wonthaggi. Turn between pub and general store) • Ring or check the website for opening hours •

Phone 5678 7377 www.olddalystondeli.com coast 104

admin@olddalystondeli.com

local store love Pam Lamaro’s plan for a peaceful retirement went on hold when the lease came up for the Smiths Beach General Store.

Three years ago, Pam sold her business and retired, splitting her time between Melbourne and her Smiths Beach holiday house. It was a conversation with former colleague Mark Fisher that prompted her to get back to business.

“I had a hotel called Lamaro’s in South Melbourne and Mark worked with me there for quite a few years,” explains Pam. “I was having lunch with him, and when I told him the store was up for lease and that I was thinking about taking it on, he said, ‘I’ll run it for you.’ ” So Pam took the plunge, taking over in July, then reopening in October after giving the store a new lease on life with blackbutt timber benches, colourful murals and plywood ceiling panelling. The whole effect is a winning blend of welcoming, contemporary design.

Living opposite the store for 15 years, Pam had a unique insight into its customers and its appeal. “We’re not trying to make this place into something that it isn’t,” assures Pam. “We’re just doing simple things, but doing them well.” This includes sourcing quality ingredients, and doing so locally wherever possible. Meat for the Hamburger and Steak Sandwich comes from Island Produce in Ventnor, and Kim’s Bakery in Cowes supplies the buns. Local fish, eggs, and Gippy Milk are just some of the other locals on the menu. These are all complemented

by Turkish bread from Sydney Road and famous South Melbourne

promotional feature words Eleanor McKay photos Warren Reed

dim sims. The store’s fantastic coffee, sourced from renowned NZbased roaster AllPress, is individually ground for every cup and tastes amazing, while tea lovers can enjoy a range of Larsen & Thompson teas or Mark’s favourite blend of Prana Chai.

With wraps, fresh rolls, homemade cakes, fruit toast and muffins as well as potato cakes, fish and chips, toasties, summer salads and a range of vegetarian options, there is something on the menu for everyone. The popular Smithys Burger remains a standout: “it’s just all fresh produce,” says Pam. The kids haven’t been forgotten either, with ice creams, milkshakes and old-fashioned mixed lolly bags on the counter. To top it off, the general store stocks a handpicked selection of essentials and has a take-away liquor licence.

For fresh food prepared with love and an eye for quality, exceptional coffee and a warm welcome, then you can’t go past the Smiths Beach General Store. “It’s all about service and quality, giving the customer what they want,” smiles Pam.

• burgers, wraps & take-away • speciality ‘Allpress’ coffee • local produce • packaged alcohol • general store grocery items

OPEN 7 DAYS • 219-221 Smiths Beach Rd, Smiths Beach. Ph: 5952 2615

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Fine foods in Foster - 30 years in the making A green grocer, deli and health food store rolled into one, Aherns is a South Gippsland treasure, providing quality fresh produce and speciality foods to customers across the region.

After 30 years in business, owners Paul and Mary-Ann Ahern are a case study in survival. When the shop opened in 1983, theirs was one of a dozen fruit shops between Yarram and Wonthaggi. Now the only fruit shop operating in South Gippsland, Aherns’ reputation for providing an unrivalled food experience is well deserved. The shelves are stacked with a mouthwatering range of artisan breads, sauces, biscuits, cheeses, dips, marinades, antipasto and rare gourmet treats that will delight food lovers and bring a tear to the eye of any gastronome.

From humble beginnings – the store is built on the site of the original tin shed – Aherns has grown into a fine food market with a reputation that stretches way beyond the township boundaries of Foster. As well as providing quality fresh fruit and vegetables,

gourmet goods and hard to find ingredients, the store has a fabulous range of organic, gluten-free and health foods and a selection of locally produced olive oils. You can round out your shopping experience with a little treat – from chocolates to fragrant soaps or fresh flowers.

It is no surprise that the eye for quality and attention detail on display in every facet of this store is deeply ingrained. A truly family business, Paul grew up in the fruit and vegetable industry and now his youngest son Dare has joined his parents in the store. A love of Foster, strong community ties and a desire to deliver the best quality service to their customers has driven the business. That includes three trips a week to Melbourne to be there when the markets open at 2am and years spent developing great relationships with suppliers.

Longevity in business is an achievement in itself, but Aherns is not resting on its laurels. Their commitment to providing fresh, diverse and enticing produce for South Gippsland remains undiminished.

The outstanding shop-front experience is matched by a wholesale service across South Gippsland, delivering to areas between Yarram, Korumburra and Wonthaggi.

Wholesale suppliers throughout South Gippsland

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook

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Phone. 5682 2095 29 Toora Road, Foster contact@aherns.com.au www.aherns.com.au

Products change seasonally however we always have an impressive range of lamb, chicken and pork products, gourmet sausages, fresh fish, vegetables, local eggs, cheese and honey on hand to complement our locally grown grass fed beef from Gippsland Free Range Beef. *Spit hire available.

1c A’Beckett Street Inverloch 3996 t: 03 5674 1635 e: inverlochqualitymeats@gmail.com

aptain’s ounge

• • • • • •

Fantastic Sports Bar and Entertainment venue: Fox Sports/ TAB Racing/ Music.

Thirsty Camel Bottle shop and Drive Through.

Family bistro open 7 days, Alfresco dining.

Breakfast every Saturday and Sundays 8.30-11.30am.

Seniors Meals, Daily Chefs Specials.

Introducing “The G Room” for casual private parties or small conferences/meetings.

• • • •

•

1 A’Beckett St. Inverloch Victoria Australia 3996

Open Thursday Friday and Saturday nights.

Available other days or nights for group bookings of 20 or more.

3 Course Thursdays (every Thursday night) 3 delicious courses for only $35.

See our function co-ordinator to organise your special event: Weddings, Engagements, Birthdays ,Graduation dinners, Conferences.

A sophisticated and beautiful restaurant, Level 1 at the Espy.

03 5674 1432

www.invyespy.com.au coast 107

TRANQUIL WATERFRONT LIVING Offering absolute beachfront wrapped within a quiet enclave.

An exclusive location and lifestyle that can’t be matched.

Great blocks still available from only $249,000 Beat the Summer visitors and secure your block today.

For your own Private Inspection contact Greg Price on 5952 5711 or email gregprice@alexscott.com.au

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Churchill Island Newhaven

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Phil

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While best endeavours have been used to provide information in this publication that is true and accurate all entities accept no responsibility and disclaim all liability in respect to any errors or inaccuracies it may contain. Prospective purchasers should make their own inquiries to verify the information contained herein.

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Melbourne 90 Mins San Remo

Alex Scott and Staff - Cowes 113a Thompson Ave Cowes 3922

Your dedicated lifestyle property guide

home by beaumont concepts

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life at the village ‘If you are looking for the perfect location for a family-friendly lifestyle, a sea-change, an inspiring work-from-home or a low-cost retirement, the Cape Paterson Ecovillage will reduce your cost of living and free you up to enjoy the things that you value most in life.’

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words Eleanor McKay photos Warren Reed

The Cape Paterson Ecovillage combines the best of old-fashioned village atmosphere with modern sustainable design to create a living space that is socially and environmentally positive.

With the serious goal of restoring and protecting the natural habitat and ensuring a light environmental footprint, the Ecovillage is forging new ground in sustainable living. Promoting community, health and lifestyle with a pedestrian-friendly focus, designers hope that the car will take a back seat as people are encouraged to meet up, walk, cycle and exercise while children can play safely in enticing public spaces that are just perfect for exploring.

Located on the western boundary of Cape Paterson, for Project Director Brendan Condon the site overlooking Bass Strait was brimming with potential. “The land had been cleared and used for farming and I saw there was such an opportunity to plan some amazing habitat restoration,” said Brendan. “I knew we could restore the Heathland, Coast Banksia Woodland and Wetland habitat and build some attractive, sustainable housing on the site. We also developed a management framework that will protect those ecological values for future generations.”

With a focus on living sustainably in harmony with the natural environment, community facilities at the Ecovillage include community gardens, walking tracks, a bowls and bocce facility, a community building and parks both large and small. “Our planning and design really focused on making sure that we created spaces where people could be active and engage with each other to help build a healthy, connected community,” said Brendan. “At every stage of the design, we ensured there were spaces that really encourage people to share resources, build friendships and come together to create a truly connected community.”

While the natural environment and habitat is a feature of the design of the Ecovillage itself, it is also just minutes from beautiful beaches and on the doorstep of the stunning and diverse marine environments of the Bunurong Coastal Marine Park. With surf beaches, rock pools and underwater reefs, the area - not surprisingly - is popular with families, surfers, divers and fishermen. For families, the Inverloch Main Beach

and Cape Paterson First Surf are favourite destinations, with both beaches patrolled over summer. There are many local surf breaks along the coast, including Eagles Nest, Shack Bay and The Oaks, and rich opportunities for exploring rock pools, sandy beaches, finding that perfect fishing spot or good right-hander or just having a quiet picnic overlooking the ocean.

Cape Paterson is at the centre of the 17 kilometres of coast that make up the Marine Park. With more than a dozen access points to the ocean, the winding coast road with its stunning views is popular with tourists, locals and cyclists. The area’s boat ramps, look-out points, parking bays, guided walks and picnic spots mean there is no better way to enjoy the ocean.

Matching the beauty and diversity of the surrounding coast, the Ecovillage offers houses full of sustainable design features including 7.5 star energy efficiency solar panels and solar hot water systems and 10,000 litres of rainwater storage. All of the houses have outstanding liveability and comfort, and are designed to operate without the use of fossil fuels. Their low operating costs will protect your wallet as well as the environment.

Residents can choose one of these designs “off the shelf”, or the Ecovillage team and builders can work with you to design and construct a sustainable house to your own unique requirements and configuration on any homesite. All the upfront design work has reduced the costs for housing construction, with the house and land combinations comparable in price to existing good quality properties in Cape Paterson.

So, if you are looking for the perfect location for a family-friendly lifestyle, a sea-change, an inspiring work-from-home or a low-cost retirement, the Cape Paterson Ecovillage will reduce your cost of living and free you up to enjoy the things that you value most in life. www.capepatersonecovillage.com.au

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FOR SALE - Gowrie House, Port Albert Located in the centre of historic Port Albert, this original circa 1856 residence and store has been stunningly renovated. The property presents a blend of traditional and contemporary style, offering a flexible floor plan for family living, entertaining, business or B&B (STCA). View the property on realestate.com.au • • • • • • • •

3 large bedrooms (2 with BIR’s and open fireplaces) 2 bathrooms (main with corner spa bath) Large formal living room with mezzanine & RCAC 2nd spacious living room with new wood heater & RCAC Modern contemporary kitchen with granite bench tops Dining area with internal garden atrium Sitting room or 4th bedroom, Large shop area that can be used as office or study

• Separate guest cottage with living room, double bedroom & ensuite • 170 m2 insulated workshop, mezzanine storage, 3 tonne travelling hoist, high bay lighting • 134 m2 additional workshop • 3 bay carport • Zoned - residential Price: • Land size - 1745 m2 $760,000

Contact David Foat at Landmark Harcourts for an information package ph: 03 5182 5555 or 0428 591 503

“Koorooman Springs” L E O N G AT H A N O R T H Self-Funding Lifestyle Farm 77 Acre Beef Property & Blueberry Orchard Owned and operated by the same family for over 60 years, “Koorooman Springs” is a top quality beef grazing property situated on the rich, red soil for which Leongatha North is renowned. Cattle raised on the property constantly top the market and there is strong demand from local farmers for agistment. The property carries 75 head comfortably, cuts hay and produces well in excess of 2 tonnes of organic blueberries between mid-December and March, with demand constantly outstripping supply.

The custom-built four bedroom homestead-style residence is nestled on a gently undulating hill and features a commanding north facing position and outstanding valley views. The commercially certified, recently renovated modern kitchen is a chef’s delight and the open-plan formal dining and living room is built for entertaining with an open fireplace and bar.

Outside, the residence is equally impressive featuring a double carport, a landscaped low-maintenance garden with a delightful pond-side entertaining and BBQ area, and orchard. The property is divided into eight paddocks with excellent fencing and established fully-functional farming infrastructure and equestrian facilities, including stables and an exercise arena.

Priced to sell at $1,050,000. Please phone Ken Burns from Raine & Horne on 0409 535 269.

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words supplied photos warren reed

seagrove

coastal living in harmony with the environment With over eight acres of beautifully landscaped parks and wetlands, Seagrove sets a new benchmark for environmentally-sensitive coastal living.

The attention to detail of the award-winning design team is reflected in the seamless incorporation of form and function in every aspect of Seagrove. It’s impossible not to notice the acres of landscaped parks and wetland habitat, home to rich birdlife and regionally significant eucalypt woodland, while essential services, including gas and broadband (and recycled water in the latest releases) are hidden underground.

A pair of large bronze Great Egrets Ardea alba, created by awardwinning Mornington Peninsula-based artist Heather Ellis, keep a watchful eye over this serene residential estate, which is located just a short stroll from the main street of Cowes, and even closer to the beach.

Immediately beyond the two bronze birds, within Seagrove’s distinctive, five-acre wetland, a series of curved rock gabion weirs creates striking, leaf-shaped patterns. This leaf motif is also reflected in the shape of the picnic shelter at the end of one of the long elevated boardwalks.

Each of the leaf-shaped spaces – or cells – has been designed with a specific depth and selected plant species. Together, all of the cells work as a natural filter system for the entire estate. Using computer modelling developed by Monash University, the wetland has been designed to increase the quality of water reaching the bay from Seagrove by a factor of twenty.

Less than 100 metres from the wetland in Seagrove Park – the second largest of Seagrove’s three parks – an architecturallydesigned picnic shelter overlooks the children’s playground. The shelter’s skillion roof is angled northward to capture the sun with its six integrated solar panels. This more than offsets the energy consumed by the park’s barbecues.

The barbecue and playground area is set amongst more than 60 regionally significant eucalypts. 4,300m2 of mulched garden beds, brimming with indigenous groundcovers, provide a space where the trees can grow and regenerate naturally, delineated from the grassed playing areas of the park. It is not uncommon to see native animals such as echidnas in the garden beds, while the older, hollow-bearing trees are critically important for nesting birds.

Generous wide streets, featuring garden beds with indigenous groundcovers and native trees, link Seagrove’s parks. Integrated into this streetscape is an extensive network of smaller, rockmulched gardens – or rain gardens - which harvest and naturally filter rainwater. Each garden is planted with selected wetland species, and is designed to fill and then slowly empty after rain, returning naturally-filtered rainwater to the surrounding soil. At night, the streets glow with bespoke silver-coloured street lights, with low-energy lamps and high-efficiency optics to reduce power consumption by almost half.

This emphasis on design and sustainability protects and enhances the local environment and wildlife while delivering the best in coastal living for residents.>

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seagrove “Each of the leaf-shaped spaces – or cells – has been designed with a specific depth and selected plant species.

Together, all of the cells work as a natural filter system for the entire estate.”

Seagrove facts • A 23-million litre, computer-designed wetland works in concert with smaller “rain gardens” located in every street to make stormwater up to twenty times cleaner before it reaches Western Port.

• Over 800m of existing overhead powerlines were replaced with underground power to improve views and allow trees space to grow.

• Seagrove’s 35,000m2 of landscaped open space includes over 130m of elevated boardwalks as well as extensive walking and cycle paths.

• Over 2,500 indigenous trees, 50,000 indigenous mid-and ground-storey plants and 30,000 wetland plants have been planted at Seagrove.

• 4,500-litre rainwater tanks in every home save over 10 million litres of clean drinking water each year.

• An underground LPG network reduces greenhouse emissions by 3,000 tonnes annually by reducing demand on conventionally-generated electricity.

• Energy-efficient street lights powered by accredited green energy reduce energy consumption by 48% and greenhouse emissions to zero.

• The barbecues in Seagrove Park are powered by six solar panels on the roof of the picnic shelter.

For a copy of Seagrove’s complimentary environmental guide, call 1800 61 61 06 or visit www.seagrove.com.au

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quality & service at a great price • free onsite advice, measure & quotation

blinds • drapes • awnings • interior decorating showroom/office 22a cashin st inverloch 3996 tel 03 5674 6247 • fax 03 5674 6249 • email invint@bigpond.net.au • www.invisageinverloch.com.au coast 115

Newhaven College Tours Newhaven College is an independent co-educational school on Phillip Island offering quality education for students from Prep to Year 12.

We invite you to tour our state of the art facilities and experience College life in action.

Tour Dates 9.30am at Junior School Reception 19 March, 18 June 30 July & 10 September Open Day 10.00am – 2.00pm Saturday 17 May

For enrolment enquiries, please contact Carolyn Lipscomb on 5956 7505 1770 Phillip Island Tourist Rd, Sunset Strip www.newhavencol.vic.edu.au

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view from Woolamai beach lookout

Overlooking a native bushland reserve at Cape Woolamai, and only steps to one of the most spectacular surf beaches in Victoria, the art house offers buyers a unique opportunity to purchase in one of the most sought after coastal regions in Victoria.

the art house Imagine waking up to the sounds of the ocean on a beautiful blue day. Grab your surfboard and stroll down the road to one of the best surf spots in Australia. Take a walk along the golden beaches or a dip in the azure waters.

This property is position perfect . . . but it offers so much more.

The home was built by a local designer/builder, and boasts a unique, open plan design - perfect for the aesthetically minded. Offering 3 bedrooms (master with ensuite), bathroom with spa bath, kitchen/dining, laundry, upstairs living with open fire-place and office nook, it would make a perfect home or retreat for a couple, the artistically inclined, or keen surfer.

need pic–

This unique property also offers a large, stand alone studio with bi-fold doors that open into a native garden and entertaining area. Currently used as an artist’s studio, this large space could be used as a working office, extra accommodation, teenage retreat or B&B accommodation. With reverse cycle air conditioning, huge storage areas, built in office area and inside/outside living, the possibilities of this space are endless.

If you are looking for a beachside property with something extra, and you enjoy the bespoke and unique, this could be the home you are looking for.

To view the art house, contact Greg Price at Alex Scott Real Estate (Phillip Island) on 5952 2633, www.alexscott.com.au

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• Specialising in quality coastal homes • Beach houses-units-apartments- renovations • Sustainable - Site specific design

Peter Seccull PO 370 Inverloch 3996 Enquiries 0412 563 718 | cpdev@bigpond.com

www.coastalpropertydevelopments.com.au coast 118

Build the home of your dreams

BUILD ING

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renovating Your comprehensive guide to building by the coast coast 119

Sustainable design, Smart living

Ecoliv’s factory built modular homes use fewer resources and energy to ensure minimal site disturbance right from the start. Our transportable designs allow you to adapt, change or add to your home with ease by simply arranging predetermined modules in a variety of configurations. Each home configuration features 7 star thermal performance rating for affordable, comfortable and sustainable living.

Standard inclusions: 3 Solar Hot Water 3 Solar Electricity 3 Energy efficient lighting 3 Electricity usage meter 3 Maximum star rated appliances

3 10,000 litre water tank configuration 3 Water saving plumbing fittings 3 Double glazed windows 3 No VOC Ecolour paints 3 Renewable plantation timber

3 EarthWool insulation 3 Boral Enviro plasterboard 3 Green First Laminex joinery 3 100% wool carpet 3 Reconstituted Ceasarstone benches

Visit our display home at 332 White Road Wonthaggi Ph. 5672 5196

www.ecoliv.com.au coast 120

Builders, Designers & Architects

AD (ANDREW DONOHUE) BUILDING DESIGN At AD Building Design we see things from your point of view and put many years of practical design experience into capturing our client’s brief and shaping it to a final concept. Providing a quality service is our key objective as we aim to meet our client’s requirements.

Contact our office today to discuss your next project.

Call 5672 1967 www.adbuildingdesign.com.au

A&J JOHNSON CONSTRUCTIONS Pty Ltd

BEACH HOUSE CONSTRUCTIONS

Specialists in custom designed homes, A&J Johnson Constructions’ small, dedicated team offers personalised service and a friendly, adaptable approach. Fully qualified and registered Master Builder with HIA green accreditation we are an architectural preferred company, specializing in individually designed homes. Our in-house design service will maximize your block and our quality finishes and ability to source unusual finishes and décor for interiors means your new home, renovation or restoration will be first class. We also have experience in building in Bushfire Flame Zones.

Winner HIA building award 2013 Winner MBA building award 2013 Beach House Constructions is a multidisciplinary award-winning company that designs and constructs sustainable and energy efficient homes on the Australian coast. Qualified to provide you with an energy-efficient home of the highest quality, the team at Beach House Constructions has the experience and expertise to meet your needs. For those not lucky enough to live by the coast, our city based Mod House can help create your dream house city-side. www.beachhouseconstructions.com.au www.modhouse.com.au

Call 0415 375 443 www.phillipislandbuilder.com.au

BEAUMONT CONCEPTS Beaumont Concepts has forged a reputation for designing award-winning custom designed homes since 2001. We have built our reputation for unique, functional homes one house at a time and this year won the HIA Residential Building Designer of the Year Award. We understand clients are looking for a thoughtful mix of innovative sustainable design, precision construction and attention to detail, as well as a higher level of customer service and personal involvement. Our knowledge of sustainable design methods ensure your home is environmentally friendly and achieves the highest possible energy rating. Our designs make the most of natural elements such as sun, shade, air circulation, building materials and water conservation so you can reduce energy output, save money, save water, decrease waste and improve the health of you and the planet.

Call 5672 5196 www.beaumontconcepts.com.au

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BUILD ING renovating Builders, Designers & Architects

COLDON HOMES

Coastline Concepts & Building Centre services Bass Valley, South West Gippsland, Mornington Peninsula and surrounds. Our team will provide peace of mind while we coordinate every aspect of your new or refurbished home from the initial design process right through to final construction. We undertake commercial and residential work including new homes, renovations, extensions, decks, pergolas, carports, repairs and maintenance. We offer a complete building solution and our team approach will always result in a timely and efficient project that keeps your budget in mind.

Together Signature Designs and JB Carpentry and Construction offer a unique one stop custom design and building service.

For over 50 years Coldon Homes has been building quality coastal and country residences throughout Phillip Island, Wonthaggi and Southern Gippsland.

We build new homes that belong in their landscape and suit your lifestyle. With choices ranging from two to five bedrooms, double and single storey, brick or modern claddings – there is a design perfect for every block. Our designs can be tailored to suit your exact requirements. Our Sales and Design Consultants are experts and will show you a range of finishes, fittings and layouts ideal for your project. With three display centres in Bass Coast and six fully completed displays to look through, Coldon Homes are ready to build your dream home. Visit our website and view our Home Selection Tool or call into a display centre to chat to a consultant.

Jason 0418 142 924 www.jbcarp.com.au David 0423 714 014 www.signaturedesigns.net.au Grantville Office 5678 8288 www.coastlineconcepts.com.au

Call 5672 1999 (Wonthaggi) 5956 7992 (Phillip Island) www.coldonhomes.com.au

COASTLINE CONCEPTS & BUILDING CENTRE

Creating Coastal Lifestyles for over 50 years The Phoenix is Coldon Homes newest display. Featuring our signature ‘upstairs living’ zone, four bedrooms (master with WIR and ensuite), two living areas, gourmet kitchen with stone bench tops, stainless steel appliances and more.

New Display Home NOW OPEN Whytesands Estate, Cowes

Gippsland Sales & Display Centre

Cape Paterson Rd (Next to Mitre 10) Wonthaggi Phone. 5672 1999 Open 7 days (closed public holidays) Mon-Fri – 8am-5pm Sat-Sun – 1pm-4pm

Phillip Island Sales & Display Centre 36 Phillip Island Tourist Rd, Newhaven Phone. 5956 7992 Open Thu to Mon & public holidays 11am to 4:30pm (Closed Tue & Wed)

Phillip Island Display Home

Whytesands Estate (Off Ventnor Rd), Cowes Phone. 0408 103 830 Open Weekends and Public Holidays 11am to 3:00pm, or by appointment

coldonhomes.com.au coast 122

Builders, Designers & Architects

ECOLIV BUILDINGS DARREN BROWN DESIGN CP DEVELOPMENTS Coastal Property Developments is an innovative, 4th-generation building company with a focus on excellence in building. They specialise in quality coastal homes, beach houses, units, apartments and quality renovations.

Call Peter 0412 563 718 cpdev@bigpond.com

With a strong network of building professionals, consultants and builders, db design removes confusion from the building design and documentation process. Their focus is to provide each client with choice and flexibility throughout every stage of their building project, as well as a unique level of assistance in selecting the right builder, whilst working closely with a qualified building design professional.

Call 5672 1144 or 0418 379 301 www.dbdesign.com.au

Ecoliv prefabricated modular buildings are purpose-designed by award-winning building designer Beaumont Concepts to provide a compact, sustainable housing solution. This year, one of our houses won the HIA Residential Design Award. The modular nature of Ecoliv Buildings allows flexibility by arranging predetermined modules in a variety of configurations. Use the standard modules to create a personalised Ecoliv Building to meet your individual living and site requirements or choose from our range of standard configurations. The functional design utilises ‘lived in’ space and embraces a green approach to permanent or holiday living in urban, rural and remote locations. All Ecoliv modules are fully transportable so Ecoliv Buildings can be factory-built and delivered or simply built to order on site. Call 5672 5196 www.ecoliv.com.au

Introducing our new range of Select Homes.

Innovative & energy efficient designs to suit your lifestyle with the satisfaction of choosing your own builder.

Easy, simple, hassle free building. Visit our new look website for more information.

Custom Homes A unique design specifically tailored to the needs and desires of a client whilst remaining cost effective and practical is a speciality of db design.

Challenging sites, stunning views, surrounding buildings and client needs all contribute to the need to develop a solution that is unique to a single situation.

w w w. d b d e s i g n . c o m . a u Phone: 03 5672 1144 Darren Brown Design Pty Ltd t/as db design

Office/ Display Home: 47 Graham Street Wonthaggi 3995, Victoria.

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BUILD ING renovating Builders, Designers & Architects

HOTONDO HOMES

GJ GARDNER HOMES Thousands of satisfied customers can’t be wrong. Here’s just one . . . “Thank you, G.J. Gardner Homes - Bass Coast. You helped guide us through a possibly complex building project and made it all very easy. We were especially happy with the level of enthusiasm and professionalism you showed from start to finish through our building process. The finished product was without doubt of a high standard.

There was a feeling of accomplishment all the way through the building stages.

The end result: On budget – rented out as soon as advertised – generous return on investment – happy! We recommend G.J. Gardner Homes - BassCoast.”

- Brett & Louise Millar Call Gill or Garry seven days a week 5952 2150 www.gjgardner.com.au

Call 0401 416 233 www.jmcladding.com.au

1800 677 156 www.hotondo.com.au

METRICON

JM CLADDING JM Cladding specialise in the installation of aluminium cladding products such as Alucobond & Alpolic, throughout Gippsland and Melbourne. Aluminium composite panel is versatile, sustainable and energy efficient. Its excellent physical properties include: weatherproof, fire rated and noise absorptive. With a wide variety of colours and surfaces, metal cladding systems are the clear choice to give the exterior of your property an architectural edge.

Hotondo Homes has been building affordable homes for individuals and families since 1979. The family business is dedicated to quality, service and the local communities we work in. There are over 90 home designs to choose from, perfect for first home buyers, families, investors, and everyone in between. Each design is completely flexible so you can easily turn the house into your dream home. With over 85 franchisees located throughout Australia, Hotondo Homes is one of the country’s largest building networks.

LANGFORD JONES HOMES Langford Jones Homes has been building quality affordable homes in the Bass Coast area, the South Gippsland shire and in Mornington Peninsula for over 40 years. The company has display homes across the Bass Coast and specialises in mainly coastal designs with a large range of plans. Langford Jones Homes are regarded as a friendly family business, which is one of the best in the Bass Coast area. We have supported the local economy for more than 40 years and can build any design.

Call 9579 2277 www.langfordjoneshomes.com.au

Metricon is Australia’s leading home builder and their homes showcase affordable, luxurious, stylish and spacious modern family living. With a proud history dating back to 1976, Metricon do not build houses, they design homes, homes that celebrate family life in all its wonderful variety. Their local team is committed to designing and building quality homes and offering the ultimate customer experience. With an extensive range of award winning, leading edge single and double storey designs, Metricon aim to create homes where their customers can truly love where they live.

To find out more visit the newly opened Cowes Sales Centre.

2/146 Thompson Avenue www.metricon.com.au

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ALWAYS MORE WITH METRICON

VISIT US TODAY TRARALGON DISPLAY CENTRE

AUSTRALIA’S LEADING HOME BUILDER

Bowral Way, Traralgon VIC 3844 Open Mon-Fri 1-5pm, Weekends 12-5pm

WARRAGUL DISPLAY CENTRE

54 Cedarwood Drive, Warragul VIC 3820 Open Mon-Fri 1-5pm, Weekends 12-5pm

metricon.com.au 1300 METRICON

COWES SALES CENTRE

2/146 Thompson Avenue, Cowes, VIC, 3922 Open Mon, Thurs, Fri 12-5pm, Weekends 10am-5pm

Photograph depicts items not supplied by Metricon namely landscaping. #For details on Metricon’s structural guarantee view metricon.com.au/terms/structural-guarantee. R3149

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robyn’s nest Robyn Carter’s beach house can almost touch the clouds. Sitting high in the hills of Woolamai, her new weekender stands like a sentinel to the mountains, valleys and ocean beyond . . .

words maria reed photos warren reed

I arrive on an overcast afternoon in Ryanston with the wind chasing our heels. Even in this subdued light, I can see the natural grandeur of this cleverly-positioned home that peers down on the coast all the way to Cape Liptrap and beyond. Inside, after braving the southerlies, it strikes me how calm and solid this home is.

Robyn and Michael welcome us like old friends. I wonder aloud how two city journos could find a place further removed from the urban jungle. “It feels a bit remote, doesn’t it?” laughs Robyn. After 35 years holidaying at Phillip Island, a visit to friends in Krowera got them thinking. “We really liked it up here, and we fancied the idea of being neighbours,” she says. They started looking and found a hectare at Ryanston that had been sectioned off a large dairy farm. “It was the view that sold it,” smiles Michael.

Living in Melbourne, the pair confess they were on a budget. “We got our architect to draw up plans, but there was just no way we could afford it.”

She laughs, “We’re in journalism, so we don’t have a high-end budget.”

They sat on the property for six years and let their ideas percolate − between visiting prefab builders and research on the internet.

During their annual summer holidays, a wet and windy day led them to their future builder. “I was surfing the net and saw a house that really appealed to me,” Robyn recalls. The company had a display home in Cowes, so she popped down for a visit and was lucky enough to meet Mark Plant, owner of Beach House Constructions. They chatted for hours, and Robyn says, “Mark understood where we were coming from. He said he could do what we wanted (with a bit of tweaking to their plans) within our budget.”

In a couple of weeks he had plans up and ready; they started building in June and finished in December!

The house stretches its length across the block, maximising breathtaking views from every window. Entry is into a central kitchen/dining/living area, which makes a great communal area for entertaining. “There is an amazing view to the south, but we wanted to get the solar benefits of the north, so Mark installed extra double-glazed windows (to the north) to utilise passive solar and achieve a seven-star rating,” Robyn smiles. “It feels miles away from the hustle and bustle and you feel the stress of daily life melt away when you walk in the door. The dirt road, the sound of the tractor, the birds . . . we love it.”

“The whole process has been great,” says Robyn. “We made a couple of changes along the way and we always had flexibility.” She loved the Beach House design − butterfly roof-line and grey-green sawn timber. “Basically,

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Mark called it a custom build, but we chose their design and then made alterations to suit our site and lifestyle.” The interior is peacefully silent thanks to well-insulated internal and external walls and floor, and doubleglazing. They have a wood heater and reverse-cycle airconditioner which is “rarely used,” Robyn says, but it is a testament to the eco-credentials of the home.

“There are so many things we love about this house. I love the external radial-sawn timber. I love the way the outlook is framed beautifully and there is a great feeling of space in the main room.” The prefabs they viewed had quite flat ceilings, “which were low and felt quite confining to me. By creating the butterfly roof-line, the angled roof creates a feeling of space and light.”

Settling back into the couch, she says, “The afternoon light streams through our double-glazed windows, and the quality of the light is just amazing.

In winter you can lie on the couch with the sun coming in. We take advantage of the north-facing deck in winter and the south-facing deck in summer, and with large windows on either side, we can always enjoy that fabulous view. And I do love the fact you can come here in winter and it is actually warmer and cosier than our house in Melbourne. The doubleglazing makes a big difference, and we haven’t even had to put up window dressings. We can keep the heat in and keep that magic view!”

Their home has won several builders’ awards including (in its price range) the 2013 regional MBA Best Custom Home and HIA Project Home of the Year. Robyn smiles, “I would recommend BHC to anyone considering> building their own home. I’d often ask Mark, ‘Can we do this, or change that?’ and he’d go away and work out how to do it. It was a very efficient process.” Interior consultant Melissa Plant also played an integral role. “I would bounce ideas off her – she is really good with visuals and styling . . . she has a great eye! I think they make a really great team and I think we’ve created something special here.”

“It feels miles away from the hustle and bustle and you feel the stress of daily life melt away when you walk in the door.�

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BUILD ING renovating Builders, Designers & Architects

OMASTI - HOLISTIC HOMES

NOTT ARCHITECTURE Award-winning architectural practice Nott Architecture offers architectural services in the Bass Coast and South Gippsland regions. Principal architect Terence Nott has over 30 years’ experience in a wide range of projects statewide. Specialising in environmentally-sustainable new houses and extensions.

Consultations held in Bass Coast, South Gippsland or in Melbourne.

Call 9489 8863 www.nottarchitecture.com.au

Your home and your family’s health is important to us - we care. The best way to make the transition to a healthier lifestyle is to start with a firm, healthy foundation. Omasti homes provide an environment with clean air, light filled spaces, very low chemical presence, fresh water and natural energy flows. These and many other sustainable, energy efficient options make us the leading light for informed people who are looking to empower themselves with a positive healthy future. Our homes start you on a unique lifestyle journey. For discerning individuals we supply to first home builders to those more elaborate in design. Healthy environment, mind, body and spirit are the true path to happiness. Omasti.

Call 5977 5377 holistic homes@omasti.com.au

sustainable living from a multi award winning builder

ryanston ‘butterfly’ house: winner mba & hia building awards 2013

designers & builders of outstanding homes. visit our display homes to see quality construction & sustainable design.

beach house constructions www.beachhouseconstructions.com.au

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Builders, Designers & Architects

STABILEARTH Stabilearth is South Gippsland’s rammedearth specialist, servicing Victoria and interstate. The team is passionate about its trade and dedicated to producing a superior result. Stabilised rammed earth has a low environmental impact, and its natural appearance has a texture, colour and feel unmatched by conventional building products.

It can be used for walling, fireplace surrounds, landscaping features and more. High thermal mass, lack of maintenance, fire and termite resistance and durability all make rammed earth a sound choice as an environmentallyresponsible building material that is a pleasure to live with. For more information on rammed earth and associated services visit our website.

TS CONSTRUCTIONS TS Constructions has shaped the built environment throughout Southern Gippsland. From much loved family homes through to workplaces, schools, hospitals and offices; people are constantly encountering the results of our labours. Working from architects plans, or using our experienced design and construct services, TS Constructions can deliver a high quality, innovative and professional build. ISO certified to three international standards (Quality, Safety and Environment) and with extensive experience in Environmental products and methods, our clients can be assured their project will progress smoothly and with no surprises.

Visit our website to view our work and discover our capabilities, or phone to make an appointment to discuss your next project.

Call 5672 2466 www.tsconstructions.com.au

www.stabilearth.com.au

Builders of Distinctive, Designer Homes Phone. 03 5672 2466

www.tsconstructions.com.au

admin@tsconstructions.com.au

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StabilEarth rammed earth constructions

... if you can dream it, we'd like to build it!

South Gippsland rammed earth specialists. Servicing the local area, Victoria and interstate. From whole houses to a bespoke piece we are committed to providing a unique and beautiful feature for your home.

Sandy Point, South Gippsland, Vic,

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mob: 0429 841 057

w: www.stabilearth.com.au e: owen@stabilearth.com.au

the beauty of earth

words maria reed photos supplied

Rammed earth adds a warm, organic touch to any building project. The texture, colour and natural appearance is unmatched by any other conventional building material.

Recently, a home utilising the beauty of rammed earth in its cutting edge design - The Sand Dune House in Inverloch - featured on the LifeStyle Channel’s Grand Designs program. Architecture expert David Hallett, from Archicentre, says of the home: “Inspired by nature and the surrounding landscape, the design evokes memories of foreshore shells and sea creatures; of whalers’ shacks and farmers’ sheds.”

Proud owners Glenn and Kate Morris could not be happier with the end result, and the warmth and beauty of their rammed earth walls built by Owen Cowell, director of local company StabilEarth. Kate says, “They really did such an excellent job. The architect wanted sharp edges on the walls and Owen has produced an outstanding result. The architect was really impressed by his work. In fact, we’ve had so many experts in their field look over the house and they have all remarked on the quality of the finished product ... It’s just so beautifully executed.”

Essentially, rammed earth is as simple as it sounds. A carefully-selected blend of gravel, sand, silt and clay is thoroughly compacted in layers between a robust formwork mould. Stabilised rammed earth includes a small amount of cement which adds to the strength and durability of the finished product.

Rammed-earth walls promote good health and are environmentallyfriendly: they contain no VOCs, are fire-retardant, and vermin-and termite-resistant. They have a low environmental impact, with little embodied energy. Typically 90 - 95% of the component materials are

unfired and minimally processed, and the use of local material reduces the impact of transportation. Their high thermal mass evens out temperature fluctuations in a building, and coupled with good passivesolar design, will result in significant savings in heating and cooling energy consumption. Insulation can be embedded in external walls to further enhance these benefits. Stabilised rammed earth is a highly durable product, requiring no ongoing maintenance, and walls can be treated as load-bearing.

Home-owner Kate glows: “It’s a piece of artwork in itself. It not only looks beautiful, but it’s got all these fantastic qualities like retaining a constant temperature. It’s been so cold and wet down here lately and we haven’t even had to put the fire on. We were thrilled to find someone in Gippsland who is so good at this, because it isn’t a common building technique. I hope it becomes more popular as it is so environmentally-friendly and a gorgeous building product.”

Rammed earth creates a feeling of calm solidity, and can be used in a variety of applications including building, landscaping or creating feature pieces. It is an environmentally responsible building medium that is a pleasure to live with and can make a distinct statement in any setting. StabilEarth, the rammed earth specialists based in South Gippsland, are passionate about their trade, and work with a discerning eye and exacting standards. Owen laughs: “If you can dream it, we’d like to build it!”

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Hotondo Homes With over 90 clever and practical floorplans, we can work with you to find the right home for you and your family. Whatever your lifestyle and budget, talk to us today about your dream home.

Airlie Design

Beachview Design

Seaspray Design

• Fixed Price with no hidden extras • Over 90 floor plans • Quality & style from a builder you can trust We have Sales & Selection Centres and Display Homes all over Regional Victoria and Metropolitan Melbourne.

For your nearest location visit www.hotondo.com.au

1800 677 156 coast 132

Birchgrove Design

Dakota Design

Ravenswood Design

life is a beach

words sally o’neill photos warren reed

Inverloch’s Tim and Brodie Scott are living proof that you can create your own dream home and lifestyle on the coast. All it takes is a go-getting attitude and a little patience.

The morning sun floods into the upstairs living area of Tim and Brodie’s new Inverloch home. “The light flows right through because there are so many large windows − that’s one of our favourite features of our house,” says Tim.

Brodie and Tim love the design’s large kitchen, dining and living area which opens out onto two balconies and flows into the large master bedroom with ensuite and walk-in robe – all on the upper level.

It was the large upstairs living area that attracted the couple to Hotondo Homes’ ‘Beachview’ design. Having made the decision to leave the Latrobe Valley and live by the coast, they had considered buying an old beach shack and renovating. But one day they walked into a Hotondo display home and found what they had been looking for. “We both said: ‘Let’s do this’. “

The couple modified the ground-floor plan which contains three additional bedrooms, rumpus room, laundry, bathroom and double garage. “Because the two-storey design allowed us to have such a large backyard, we took out the al fresco area from the ground-floor plan to allow for an additional bedroom and rumpus room,” says Tim. They also added a coastal touch with an adjoining outdoor shower – the quintessential beach-house feature.

Decision made, they searched for a block to suit the 30-square, two-storey design. They found the perfect site just a five-minute walk from the beach in Inverloch.

“Trent from Hotondo was great: he would show us through and give us progress updates. Nothing was too much trouble and he always exceeded our expectations. We would recommend Hotondo Inverloch to anyone − Don, Trent, Caroline and the team were fantastic, and made what is often a stressful experience for people a breeze for us. We loved building our new home.”

The couple chose Hotondo’s ‘Beachview’ plan because it is specifically designed for coastal living, turning the traditional two-storey home ‘upside down’. “This allows for most living to be done upstairs so we can enjoy our views,” Tim explains.

Choosing the fittings was a surprisingly enjoyable task. “We spent a whole day with Caroline from Hotondo and within that time we chose all our colours, fittings and fixtures. Caroline was fantastic: she picked up on our style very quickly and helped with suggestions allowing us to incorporate our ideas while keeping within our budget. It was a really enjoyable day and it was great to spend the time to get it right.”

And the results are stunning. The choice of natural coastal grey tones flows perfectly with the coastal hardwood floors, jarrah decking, granite benches and stainless kitchen appliances. The result is stylish yet casual, with fittings like the concrete pendulum lights adding an edge to the overall feel. The bathrooms also reflect natural stylings with the use of pebbled tiling and little dashes of luxury like the double shower.>

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“One day they walked into a Hotondo display home and found what they had been looking for.

‘We both said - let’s do this’. “ For the furnishings, the couple wanted to reflect their breezy coastal lifestyle and also took inspiration from their love of travel. Many pieces of furniture have an Eastern influence which works well with the open, light nature of the space.

Downstairs, it’s Kombi posters and a beach theme in the rumpus room. The couple’s relaxed, happy vibe is reflected throughout the house which they share with their dog Frank.

Since moving in, the easy, practical living spaces have been put to the test with entertaining being a highlight. Many happy gatherings are enjoyed on the upper deck where fresh herbs grow in pots and the coastal outdoor furniture and decorative features are extensions of the indoor theme.

Living and working on the coast has been life-changing for Tim and Brodie. And the timing couldn’t have been better as they are delighted to be expecting their first child early next year. The house certainly has the room to accommodate any new additions in style. “This house and lifestyle are just perfect for us,” says Tim. “There is plenty of room for our growing family and it’s great being so close to the beach.”

The couple agrees that they have achieved their dream house and lifestyle pretty early in their lives. It was a conscious decision to provide this lifestyle for their family, but it took determination and planning. “Our advice to others is: just do it!” www.hotondo.com.au

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Coastal Refrigeration & Airconditioning we don’t just install, we look after you . . .

Servicing Phillip Island & surrounding areas

Commercial & Domestic Refrigeration & Airconditioning Sales, Installation & service of all major brands.

Rick North is a fully qualified refrigeration & airconditioning technician with over 20 years experience in the trade. Coastal Refrigeration and Airconditioning provide professional before and after sales services.

Shop 2/65A Back Beach Road, San Remo 5678 5190 After hours commercial breakdown coastalrefrigandaircon@bigpond.com

www.mhiaa.com.au ARC Authorisation No: AU22840 www.coastalrefrigandaircon.com.au

Domestic • Commercial • Wardrobes • Creative Storage Wardrobe Sliding Doors • Toilet Petitions • Shop Fit Outs

tel: 03 5956 7415

fax: 03 5956 7885

mob: 0419 596 893

28 boys home road, newhaven, phillip island, info@southcoastkitchens.com.au

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Multi Award Winning Building Designer of Contemporary Sustainable Homes.

WINNER 2013 HIA Victorian Residential Building Design

www.beaumontconcepts.com.au 53 Graham St. Wonthaggi - Tel. (03) 5672 5196 | Level 2, 75 Chapel St. Cowes - Tel. (03) 5952 6868 coast 136

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BUILD ING renovating Timber, garden & outdoors

JINDIVICK COUNTRY GARDENER The Jindivick Country Gardener Rare Plant Nursery specialises in rare and unusual trees, shrubs and perennials. Its collection continues to grow and has developed a clear focus on foliage, form and proven plant performance. We are intent on protecting public access to plant diversity and grow and sell a large range of plants that can make any garden different, dramatic and unique.

A Garden can enhance a home and add value to it. A well chosen collection of plants can create an amazing effect. The nursery stocks a diverse range of plant genera and species but has only limited numbers of each on display. If you are after large numbers of a particular type of plant, these can be supplied from an extensive growing and propagation site. Dare to be Rare!

ISLAND LANDSCAPE AND DESIGN Matt and his team believe there is great benefit in starting with a landscape design or master plan for your outdoor area. You will save money in the long run and achieve the desired outcome for your garden. A well-designed outdoor area is a fantastic way to maximise your appreciation of our stunning coast.

www.jindivickcountrygardener.com.au

Call 0419 356 222 www.islandlandscaping.com.au

TERRA FIRMA EXCAVATIONS Terrafirma has a well established reputation for undertaking and completing a wide range of works. From stump holes, site cuts and driveways to preparation and construction of drainage, stormwater, sewer and water reticulation for new developments, Terrafirma has the equipment, experience and expertise to complete the job. Terra Firma also includes Phillip Island Tree Management, for all your tree removal and maintenance requirements, including a chipper, stump grinder and tower.

Call 5952 2569 www.tfex.com.au

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Real health and happiness is all encompassing. It is about finding that place of balance inside your mind, body, spirit and environment.

One of the best ways we can empower ourselves to make the transition to a healthier lifestyle is to start with a firm foundation. The home environment is one of the corner stones to achieving this outcome.

We at “OMASTI” have applied the Holistic approach to our home constructions. We understand the need for a healthy living environment and we at “OMASTI” are here to create this new age approach.

“O M A S T I “

Call Shane Martin Mob: 0418 390 727 Office: 03 5977 5377 Email: holistichomes@omasti.com.au Website: www.greenconceptbuilders.com.au

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Holistic Homes

Inclusion and options in our home designs  Healthy living environments  Water filters, rain water tanks and water saving concepts  Underground heating and cooling  Solar power and hot water  Zero chemical paints and products  Earth wool insulation  Improved lifestyle  Double glazed windows  Wool carpets  Wind turbines and battery systems  Solar chimneys  Natural light  Environmentally friendly products  New designs  30+ years experience

s

OMASTI “The journey of applying your presence to the now…in all that you do.” words shane martin Omasti Holistic Homes

My drive and passion for something better in the homes that we live in started from a young age. Moving from one rental home to another, the mouldy walls and ceilings, freezing or boiling nights, creepy drafts whistling through the house, the rattling of loose, badly fitted windows, noxious smells that accumulated from lack of air flow and odours of toxic paint fumes that made my head feel blurred were the reasons for me seeking something fresher.

So I started on my journey to finding a better place to live. From the sandpit, to underground huts, to tree houses and bush cubbies the passion grew! Then came home maintenance, renovations, extensions and finally new homes. I am now a fully qualified Green Master Builder with a diploma in building and construction and also a Feng Shui consultant.

During these times I have learnt many practical and easily achievable lessons that help to create a healthy and liveable home and now I incorporate all of these within my building projects. Some of these include the importance of light in the home, the stable natural temperatures that are available below the ground, the lifting feeling an open space can provide and the wonders that clean air and water can have on the mind, body and spirit.

I have come to realise we need to do better in providing healthy environments for our children and ourselves to grow in. With our experience and through consultation with building biologists, we are making a home environment that helps us to reach our full potential. We do this by removing the strain of constant exposure to harmful chemicals, providing a water source that is free of introduced poisons and providing a place to lay our heads at night that is not subject to strong electromagnetic fields.

We aim to create a sanctuary that we can live and relax in, knowing we are providing ourselves and our children with the best options for our health.

We can design and build your next home where we incorporate our holistic principles or help you incorporate the Omasti way into your own home with a consultancy service. Living in an Omasti home will mean that you are living in the best possible environment for your health, your lifestyle and the future.

“We aim to create a sanctuary that we can live and relax in knowing we are providing ourselves and our children with the best options for our health.”

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OutsourceMyMarketing.com.au #15786

Aurora 214

Speak to Garry & Gill 7 days a week.

They live local and support the local community

Images and photographs may depict fixtures, finishes and features either not supplied by G.J. Gardner Homes or not included in any price stated. These items include, fences, landscaping, retaining walls, screens and decorative landscaping items. For detailed home pricing, please talk to a new homes consultant.

Thinking Duplex?

Live in one… rent the other

100’s Plans | Locally Owned & Operated | Custom Design | Two Storey Plus

DISPLAY HOME Open any time by appointment 44 Boardwalk Boulevard, Shearwater Estate, Cowes

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NEW DESIGN CENTRE 25 YEARS STRONG 20,000 + Homes Worldwide

Open Mon – Fri 8.30am – 5pm Open Saturday 9.00am – 4.30pm Open Sunday 9.00am – 4.30pm 1/219 Settlement Rd Cowes, Phillip Island, Vic 3922

5952 2150

VISIT gjgardnerbasscoast.com.au

the right advice Rebecca Mouy, Development Services Manager at Bass Coast Shire Council, says that one of the most common mistakes people make when building or renovating is not getting the right advice at the start. “Building and Planning are two very complex areas, and our Planning and Building teams can help guide you through the process,” Rebecca explains. Here are a few things to consider before you start work on your dream home, extension, renovations or hard landscaping. But this article is not a substitute for professional advice.”

In the zone

In Victoria, land is categorised into various zones, each with specific uses – residential, industrial, business, farming, etc. Each zone has its own set of requirements, such as what the land can be used for, what buildings can be constructed on it, and may even have an overlay applied to it (for example, to protect vegetation).

Do I need a Planning Permit?

The zone and overlays that apply to your land define what you can or cannot do, and what permits you require. It is always best to check this before starting any work. You can find out the zone and any overlays that apply to your land by visiting http://services.land. vic.gov.au/landchannel/jsp/reports/ReportsIntro.jsp and selecting the free planning property report. With this information at hand, you should contact Council, who will be able to tell you if you require a planning permit.

If you do require a planning permit, you need to prepare and submit an application to Council. Getting professional advice will ensure that the application complies fully with any requirements . . . and the process runs more smoothly. People who can help you include land surveyors, planning consultants, architects, drafts people and some builders.

What about a Building Permit?

Building Permits are required for most type of building work, including houses, additions, alterations, garages, sheds (if over 10m2), pergolas, verandas and decks, swimming pools and pool fences. Even if you don’t require a Planning Permit, you will probably need a Building Permit.

You may also need a building permit to demolish a dwelling, shed or structure in your property. Always check with Council before you start.

To apply for a Building Permit you will need to have properly designed and detailed plans, as well as accurate construction specifications.

You can get a Building Permit through Council or a private practitioner. Whoever approves the permit will

inspect the construction at various points to ensure the work is being done to the agreed standard. Once the work is complete, they will also issue a final sign off and certificate of occupancy.

Native Vegetation

Indigenous vegetation in Bass Coast is protected.

This means that you may need a planning permit to remove vegetation, lop overhanging vegetation or clear land.

While you can remove some vegetation without a permit (for example, under the State Government’s 10/30 rule), fines do apply for incorrectly removing vegetation without obtaining a permit. So it is best to check before you start.

Pitfalls

The number one pitfall is not getting the right permit.

This will have implications if you want to sell the property and it is much harder and expensive to get a permit after the fact.

The second is submitting an application without all the necessary documentation. Getting the right advice when you prepare your application will save you time and money.

Finally, when you contact Council, provide as much information as you can. The more information you provide up front, the easier it is for our officers to give you the right advice.

Talk to us

Once you have a firm idea of what you’d like to do, talk to Council’s Planning and Building teams. At this stage you don’t require plans or drawings, just a firm idea of what you would like to do, for example, add two bedrooms, extend the living room, put in a pool, etc. Our officers will tell you what permit you require (if any!) and any conditions that may apply. You will then have all the information you need to start realising your dream.

For more information visit www.basscoast.vic. gov.au/Services/Building_Development or call Council’s Planning and Building team during business hours on 1300 BCOAST (226 278).

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BUILD ING renovating Interior design & furnishings

INVISAGE

FRAMED AT INVERLOCH Ben McMahon from Framed at Inverloch is your personal framing specialist. With over 10 years experience, Ben can advise you on the best colours and frames to make your piece into a ‘masterpiece’.

Call 5674 1333 10 A’Beckett St, Inverloch

The driving force behind the continued success of Invisage Interiors and Quality Window Furnishings is their desire to serve clients with the best of innovative ideas and quality product at competitive prices, all with exceptional service. Whilst specialising in sales and installation of competitivelypriced internal and external window furnishings, they also provide professional services in all aspects of interior decorating.

Servicing South Gippsland, Bass Coast and surrounding areas (including Melbourne) they provide free advice, measure and quotations for all your window covering needs. (see pg 115) Call 5674 6247 www.invisageinverloch.com.au

SOUTH COAST KITCHENS Deluxe joinery, domestic and commercial, using quality Blum hardware and the latest machinery.

Come in and visit us at our excellent showroom located in Newhaven.

Call 5956 7414 or 0409 676 874 www.southcoastkitchens.com.au

MOOKAH STUDIOS Mookah is a small independent handmade label offering a range of stylish, contemporary and eco-friendly home wares, textiles and accessories. Our focus has always been on using fabrics that are predominantly inspired by nature to reflect the local environment, with our studio nestled in Victorian coastal bushland. We love working with natural fibres such as hemp, linen and organic cotton. Most of the textiles we choose to work with are hand screen-printed fabrics designed by us or other Australian textile designers who share our love for natural fibres and the environment.

Call Leisa 0419 306 382 Nicole 0420 935 189 www.mookah.com.au

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SOUTHERN BAZAAR Southern Bazaar is a warehouse full of secondhand furniture with style, from designer Retro pieces to rustic country furniture, antiques, Asian and Industrial. With stock changing daily you are always sure to find that oneoff piece to make your home unique.

Located in the Industrial Estate in Inverloch at 42 Cashin Street.

Call 0407 414 895 www.southernbazaar.com.au

New Homes Extensions & Renovations Garage / Carports Verandah / Pergola & Decks Window & Door Replacement Detailed Architectural Drawings Town Planning Applications Building Permits Soil Testing & Structural Engineering Bushfire Management Reports Energy Rating Reports

David: 0423 714 014 signaturedesigns.net.au

Grantville Office: 5678 8288 coastlineconcepts.com.au

Jason: 0418 142 924 jbcarp.com.au coast 143

&

BUILD ING renovating Timber, garden & outdoors

VAN STEENSELS TIMBER The friendly team at Grantville stocks a range of water tanks and building materials for all your building projects. Helpful staff provide professional service and advice.

Corner Bass Highway and Corinella turn-off.

Call 5678 8552 www.vansteenseltimbers.com.au

TJ’S TIMBER TJ’s Timber sell new and recycled timbers. Their quality (new) timbers are sourced from responsibly managed forests in Australia and overseas. Recycling timber is the environmentally friendliest form of timber production. TJ’s Timber can supply a great range of new and recycled: feature posts and beams, solid timber flooring, decking, unique slabs, cladding, internal linings screening. www.tjstimber.com.au

JM Cladding specialise in the installation of aluminium cladding products such as Alucobond & Alpolic, throughout Gippsland and Melbourne.

Aluminium composite panel is versatile, sustainable and energy efficient.

Its excellent physical properties include: weatherproof, fireproof and noise absorptive. With a wide variety of colours and surfaces, metal cladding systems are the clear choice to give the exterior of your property an architectural edge.

JM Cladding Inverloch, VIC, 3996 coast 144

ph 0401 416 233 e info@jmcladding.com.au

w jmcladding.com.au

Climate & energy

FINDING THE GRAIN Timber solutions for your home using unique reclaimedtimbers. Environmentallyaware clients can enjoy lasting timber furniture without the hugh price tag.

Call 0418 355 148 www.findingthegrain.com.au

COASTAL REFRIGERATION & AIRCONDITIONING Rick North and staff offer quality and reliability when it comes to air-conditioning and refrigeration sales, service and repair – with fully qualified and accredited trade technicians. We are a Mitsubishi Heavy industries dealer/service agent.

We not only offer new installation and service, we can also offer an honest opinion on whether repairs to your product is a viable option.

Call 5678 5190 www.coastalrefrigandaircon.com.au

295 White Rd Wonthaggi t. (03) 5672 1967 e. studio@adbuildingdesign.com.au

adbuildingdesign.com.au coast 145

Building & Renovating Directory BUILDERS, DESIGNERS & ARCHITECTS AD (Andrew Donohue) Building Design 5672 1967 www.adbuildingdesign.com.au

Coldon Homes 5672 1999 (Wonthaggi) 5956 7992 (Phillip Island) www.coldonhomes.com.au

A&J Johnson Constructions Pty Ltd 0415 375 443 www.phillipislandbuilder.com.au

CP Developments Peter 0412 563 718 cpdev@bigpond.com

Beach House Constructions www.beachhouseconstructions.com.au www.modhouse.com.au

Darren Brown Design 5672 1144 or 0418 379 301 www.dbdesign.com.au

Beaumont Concepts 5672 5196 www.beaumontconcepts.com.au

Ecoliv Buildings Call 5672 5196 www.ecoliv.com.au

Coastline Concepts & Building Centre Jason 0418 142 924 www.jbcarp.com.au David 0423 714 014 www.signaturedesigns.net.au Grantville Office 5678 8288 www.coastlineconcepts.com.au

GJ Gardner Homes Gill or Garry 7 Days a week 5952 2150 www.gjgardner.com.au

Langford Jones Homes 9579 2277 www.langfordjoneshomes.com.au Metricon 2/146 Thompson Avenue www.metricon.com.au Nott Architecture 9489 8863 www.nottarchitecture.com.au Omasti-Holistic Homes 5977 5377 holistic homes@omasti.com.au Stabilearth www.stabilearth.com.au TS Constructions 5672 2466 www.tsconstructions.com.au

LJ0105

Hotondo Homes 1800 677 156 www.hotondo.com.au

JM Cladding 0401 416 233 www.jmcladding.com.au

Visit Langford Jones Homes Display Centres: Phillip Island and Wonthaggi.

Melbourne: 9579 2277 Email: sales@ljhomes.com.au www.langfordjoneshomes.com.au

LANGFORD JONES HOMES

OVER 40 YEARS OF BUILDING EXPERIENCE

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INTERIOR DESIGN & FURNISHINGS

TIMBER, GARDEN & OUTDOORS

CLIMATE & ENERGY

Framed at Inverloch 5674 1333 10 A’Beckett St, Inverloch

Finding the Grain www.findingthegrain.com.au

Coastal Refrigeration & Airconditioning 5678 5190 www.coastalrefrigandaircon.com.au

Invisage 56 746247 www.invisageinverloch.com.au Mookah Studios Leisa 0419 306382 Nicole 0420 935189 www.mookah.com.au

Jindivick Country Gardener www.jindivickcountrygardener.com.au Island Landscape and Design 0419 356 222 www.islandlandscaping.com.au Terra Firma Excavations 5952 2569 www.tfex.com.au

South Coast Kitchens 5956 7414 or 0409 676 874 www.southcoastkitchens.com.au

TJ’s Timber www.tjstimber.com.au

Southern Bazaar 0407 414 895 www.southernbazaar.com.au

Van Steensels Timber 5678 8552 www.vansteenseltimbers.com.au

New & Recycled

- Flooring & Decking - Cladding - Slab Timbers - Feature Posts & Beams - Recycled Bridge Timbers - Floor Sanding & Polishing - Floor Laying

9:00 - 4:00 Mon - Fri. Weekends Welcome by Appointment 24 The Concourse, Cowes

Phone: 5952 3232 www.tjstimber.com.au coast 147

terrafirma excavations NUMBER 1 FOR QUALITY & SERVICE

Excavations. Civil Contracts. Drainage.

Terrafirma has a well established reputation for undertaking and completing a wide range of works. From tree management, stump holes, site cuts and driveways to preparation and construction of drainage, stormwater, sewer and water reticulation for new developments.

Terrafirma has the equipment, experience and expertise to complete the job.

Deal with an Established Reputation.

Cowes Vic 3922

P:03 5952 2569

F:03 5952 2577

Email: info@tfex.com.au

www.tfex.com.au

Creating masterpieces from recycled native hardwoods Now at 40 Phillip Island Road, Newhaven Open 7 Days Mark: 0418 355 148 www.findingthegrain.com.au factory@findingthegrain.com.au

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Try our amazing lobster sandwich

Waterfront dining with panoramic bay views

Freshest local seafood on the Island Local fresh produce with seafood straight from the boat, Island grazed beef and lamb and in-house bakery.

Accommodation available.

17 The Esplanade Cowes, Vic.

Ph (03) 5952 6226

www.harrysrestaurant.com.au

HEAR

EAT

DRINK

SLEEP

PARTY

Friendly staff. Welcoming locals. Cold beer. Cool little wine list.

Great food. Live entertainment EVERY Friday, Saturday & Sunday.

Beer garden overlooking the jetty. Even a meat tray raffle every Friday night. The Westernport. Ticking all the boxes.

The Westernport Hotel – where else?

161 Marine Pde San Remo 03 5678 5205 www.thewesternport.com.au

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WOODFIRE

! ed ov M

Trulli Pizza

PIZZERIA

Trulli Pizza specialises in homemade, rustic Italian fare made from family recipes and locally produced ingredients.

Enjoy fine wine by the glass or choose your favourite bottle to have with your BYO food, in the cosy wine lounge or al fresco soaking up the magic of Mordialloc.

Ask our staff for a tasting to help you choose the perfect wine to take home and enjoy.

Now includes Al Fresco and Backyard dining, Deli, and Tourist Information Area!!

Function areas both private and public available.

Call: 03 5664 7397 93 Whitelaw Street, Meeniyan (Sth Gipps Hwy)

Open 7 days 622 Main St, Mordialloc Call 9580 6521 www.mordycellardoor.com.au

Hours: Wed - Friday: 4-10pm | Sat - Sun: 12-10pm (Closed Mon & Tues)

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THE WESTERNPORT

coast directory www.coastmagazine.net

L&J TUDDIN restorations

ANTIQUE & DECOR GALLERY ANTIQUES / / ARTIFACTS / / DECOR / / BEADS

Quality Framing at very Competitive Prices All your picture framing needs Huge selection of frames, professional & helpful advice Gallery of local artworks and framed prints

Ph: 5674 1333

Mob: 0409 809 855

Shop K / 10 A’Beckett St Inverloch framedinverloch@bigpond.com

Over 20 years experience. Private restoration available. Antiques to contemporary.

The Antique gallery is located between the Inverloch Motel and Inverloch Nursery.

Open Fri-Sun 10am-5pm. Public & School Holidays or by appointment.

RESTORED FURNITURE FROM EUROPE & CHINA

37 Powlett Street, Inverloch Tel/Fax (03) 5674 3982 Email ljrestore@live.com.au

Heather

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Fahnle

M O S A I C S B Y T H E B AY

15 Falls Road Fish Creek 03 5683 2481 0423 721 593 0421 209 878

Mosaic Classes with Heather Fahnle It’s therapeutic, fun and creative.

All materials and lunch supplied. *Commissions Available

monthly exhibitions of contemporary artwork | art materials | picture framing | jewellery | ceramics e: framing@geckostudiogallery.com.au w: geckostudiogallery.com.au opening times thurs-mon 10am-5pm

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Open everyday Mid Dec - End of Jan

Phone or email Heather for bookings www.fahnle.com.au | Mosaics By The Bay e: heather@fahnle.com.au | t: 0417 562 625

THEINERT GALLERY Gallery Visits by Appointment

WONTHAGGI 0439 699 241 www.ursulatheinert.com.au www.wernertheinert.com.au

7 McBride Avenue,Wonthaggi.

Open Thursday to Monday, 10.00am to 4.00pm.

Phone: 03 5672 1415 www.wonthaggiartspace.com.au

Werner Theinert

Kongwak Gallery is now a treasure trove of pre-loved, retro, vintage & more...

OPENS AT 10AM

Inspiring Inspiring Inspiring Inspiring Inspiring Inspiring island landscape + design

The market is closed on the 22nd December and reopens 29th December.

Open every Sunday in Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring.

Main Street, KONGWAK, Victoria (only 10 minutes from Inverloch) For more info call Jane on 0417 142 478

coast directory www.coastmagazine.net

Wonthaggi ArtSpace

Ursula Theinert

Matt Crooks . Smiths Beach . Phillip Island. 0419 356 222 t. 5952 3838 e. info@islandlandscaping.com.au www.islandlandscaping.com.au coast 151

coast directory www.coastmagazine.net

Celebrating 10 years 2003-2013

New & Gently Used Quality Goods A nursery that will suprise and delight every garden lover

Cheeki Stainless Steel Bottles Queen B Beeswax Candles Mind, Body & Spirit CD’s

Himalayan Salt Lamps Japanese Incense

Silver Jewellery

Oracle Cards

Inspiration Cards Body Jewellery

Bric-a-brac, Books

Hats, Bags, Scarves

• Rare & unusual plants

Black Ice Sunglasses

• Antique furniture

Gemstones: Tumbled,

• Garden tools

Specimens & Jewellery

• Garden wares • Unique pots • Landscape design consultancy available 1070 Jacksons Track, Jindivick - 10am - 4 pm wed to sun Phone: 5628 5316 or 0417 056 110

www.jindivickcountrygardener.com.au

Bella Donna Harmony Balls

Clothing for Ladies, Men & Kids

San Marco Wildflower Jewellery 31 Main Street Foster Ph: 5682 1381 Weekdays 10am-5pm Sat 9:30am-4pm Sun 10am-4pm Open 7 Days Melbourne Cup Day to Easter

wwwmainstreetrevelations.com.au

It’s a Girl Thing for girls of all ages

For a unique shopping experience for giftware that will add flair and a finishing touch to every home

We now stock a beautiful range of clothing, jewellery, accessories and giftware for adults, as well as all our amazing little girls range.

Trading Hours Thurs-Sun 10am to 5pm

26 Bridge St, Korumburra, 3950 Ph: 5658 1866

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Phone: 03 5678 5708 lysa@itsagirlthing.net.au www.itsagirlthing.net.au 127 Marine Parade San Remo facebook.com/itsagirlthingSanRemo

BUILDING MATERIALS & WATER TANKS

A & J Johnson Constructions Pty Ltd Architectural & Custom Built Homes & Renovations

FRIENDLY & EXPERT ADVICE

t: 03 5952 1311 m: 0415375443 Registered Master Builder DBU-24166 www.phillipislandbuilder.com.au

HUGE RANGE OF WATER TANKS • TIMBER • PAINTS • HARDWARE • TOOLS

CNR. CORINELLA TURN OFF & BASS HWY, GRANTVILLE (03)56788552

Wilsons Prom

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION Agnes Falls, Toora

BP & Castrol Distributors for Gippsland

FUEL BY THE TANK OR TANKER FULL DEPOTS

LEONGATHA SALE TRARALGON

PH. 5662 2217 PH. 5143 1030 PH. 5174 1138

Port Welshpool

Eagles Nest Inverloch

www.promcountry.com.au 90 places to stay. Book online or phone the property.

Availability calendar and secure online bookings.

Properties are located in and around South Gippsland and on the way to the Prom...

FISH CREEK, FOSTER, INVERLOCH, KORUMBURRA, LEONGATHA, MIRBOO NTH, SALE, TOORA, WONTHAGGI & YARRAM Lubricants 5662 2217

www.evanspetroleum.com.au

• • • • • •

Fish Creek Foster Grand Ridge Road Inverloch Kilcunda Koonwarra

• • • • • •

Korumburra Leongatha Meeniyan Port Albert Port Welshpool Sandy Point

• • • • • •

Tarra Region Toora Venus Bay Walkerville Waratah Bay Yanakie

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VAN STEENSEL TIMBERS

coast directory www.coastmagazine.net

directory Accommodation www.promcountry.com.au 153 Mackaloucoo Retreat 77 RACV Resort 58 Silverwater Resort 28 Ramada Resort Phillip Island 79

Antiques L&J Tuddin Antiques

Property & Retirement

Stockists

Baker Boys Cowes Newsagent Kongwak Market Turn the Page Sandy Point Wedding Expo Mossvale Park

Alex Scott Phillip Island Banfields Aged Care Cape Paterson Eco Village Cape Woolamai - Beresford Gowrie House Koorooman Springs Seagrove Estate Shibui - Cape Liptrap Woolamai House

Balnarring Newsagent Bass General Store Beaumaris News Berwick Newsagency Blairgowrie Newsagency Black Rock Newsagency Corinella General Store Coronet Bay General Store Cape Woolamai Bottlo Cowes Mobil Cowes Newsagent Cranbourne Newsagency Dalyston General Store Dumbalk Store Fish Creek Newsagency Fish Creek BP Flinders General Store Foster Newsagent Frankston Newsagency Grantville Newsagent Hampton Newsagency Hastings Newsagency Inverloch BP Inverloch Newsagent Inverloch Foodworks Kilcunda General Store Koonwarra Store Koo Wee Rup News Korumburra Newsagent Lang Lang News Leongatha Newsagent Loch - Hard Loch Cafe Meeniyan Newsagent Mirboo North Newsagent Middle Brighton News Mornington Newsagent Mt Martha Newsagent Mt Eliza Newsagency Newhaven Newsagency Pakenham Newsagency Pearcedale Newsagency Rhyll General Store Silverleaves General Store Newhaven Newsagent Smiths Beach Store Red Hill General Store Sandringham Newsagency Sandy Point General Store San Remo Foodworks San Remo Newsagent San Remo - Freedom Fuels Sorrento Newsagency Tarwin Lower Supermarket Tooradin Newsagent Tyabb Newsagency Venus Bay Store Ventnor Store Wilsons Prom - Tidal River Store Wonthaggi Newsagent Wonthaggi Ritchies IGA Wonthaggi - Mezza Luna Cafe Wonthaggi BP Yanakie Store

68 78 151 91 93 68

150

Fashion

20

Earth Art Studio 6 Its a Girl Thing 152 Petite Collections 77 Sarsaparilla 156 Sketa 19

Automotive Mercedes-Benz Berwick

Entertainment

Artists & Galleries

Annette Spinks 11 Green & Gardens Anita Stepano Ross 26 Island Landscape & Design 151 ArtFusion Gallery 72 Jindivick Country Gardener 152 Artwork by Lisa Cox 28 Terra Firma Excavations 148 Celia Rosser 63 TJs Timber 147 Cheryl Petersen Galleries 41 Gecko Gallery 150 Government & Schools Goldsmiths Gallery 90 Bass Coast Shire Council 141 Gooseneck Pottery 72 Newhaven College 116 Manyung 51 Westernport Water 80 Mingara Gallery 55 West Gippsland CMA 95 Mosaics on the Bay 150 Woodleigh School 32 Theinart Gallery 151 Shearwater Gallery 70 Wonthaggi Art Space 151 Hair, Health & Beauty

Natural Medicine Centre 87

Builders & Designers

A&J Johnson Builders 153 Andrew Donohue 145 Beachhouse Constructions 128 Beaumont Concepts 136 Coastline Concepts 143 Coldon Homes 122 CP Developments 118 Darren Brown Design 123 Ecoliv 120 GJ Gardener 140 Hotondo 132 JM Cladding 144 Langford Jones 146 Metricon 125 Nott Architecture 130 Omasti Homes 138 South Coast Kitchens 135 Stabilearth 130 TS Contructions 129

Priceline Pharmacy Cowes 87 San Remo Pharmacy 92 YMCA 86

Homewares Framed at Inverloch Invisage Main St Revelations Mookah Studios Southern Bazaar The Old Corner Post Office

150 115 152 70 25 152

Food, Restaurants & Cafes Aherns 106 Churchill Island Cafe 101 Esplanade Hotel 107 Harry’s on the Esplanade 149 Inverloch Quality Meats 107 Island Quality Meats 102 Manna-gum @Broadbeach 104 Old Daylston Deli 104 Porter Republic 101 Smiths Beach General Store 105 The Red Elk 100 Trulli Pizza 149 Welshpool Hotel Motel 102 Westernport Hotel 149

Surfing Archysurf 34 Tree to Sea 83 Island Surfboards 45

Tourism & Travel Amaze n Things 46 Atoll Travel 34 Phillip Island Chocolate Factory 9 Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit 83 Phillip Island Nature Park 8 State Coal Mine 94 Vietnam Vets Museum 94 Wilson Botanic Park Berwick 92

Trades & Hardware

Jewellery Denis A Hawkins 26 Goldsmiths Gallery 90 Lacy Jewellery Studio & Gallery 12

Professional Services Zero 3

18

Coastal Refrigeration Evans Petroleum Finding the Grain TJ’s Timber Van Steensels Timbers

135 153 148 147 153

Wineries Mordialloc Cellars

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155 67 4 117 112 112 2 115 108

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F R OM T H E M O UNTAI NS TO THE S EA

CLASSIC GOOD SERVICE Since 1886

We’ve enjoyed a great time over the past 127 years and we’re especially proud of building strong, enduring relationships and contributing to the success of our region during this time. This Summer we invite you to put your trust in our classic good service when it comes to all real estate matters in our local communities.

Melbourne (03) 8610 6578

Inverloch (03) 5674 1111

Leongatha (03) 5662 0922

Venus Bay (03) 5663 7111

Berwick (03) 9707 2000

Korumburra (03) 5655 1133

Pakenham (03) 5941 1111

Warragul (03) 5623 4744

Grantville (03) 5678 8433

Lang Lang (03) 5997 5599

Phillip Island (03) 5952 2633

Wonthaggi (03) 5672 1911

ALEXSCOTT.COM.AU coast 155

like us at www.facebook.com/sarsaparillaboutique coast 156

42 Thompson Ave, Cowes. Phone 5952 1143