magazine
Coastal living at its best!
troy cassar-daley coming home mighty mentawai a surfer’s paradise mossvale one perfect day
edition 26 Autumn 2012
A magazine for living, relaxing & enjoying life by the coast coast 1
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Restaurant • Weddings • Conferences • Events • Art Modern Steakhouse Restaurant • Wine Cellar & Tasting Room • Wood-fired Pizzas • Sports Bar
81 Archies Creek Road, Archies Creek. For bookings or enquiries: 03 5678 7787 www.archiesonthecreek.com.au coast 6
Introducing new menus featuring light lunches, delectable dinners, Sunday brunch, and tapas throughout the day affordable elegance awaits...
Zed Photography
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Join a solar powered sustainable community over
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looking the beauty of Bass Strait
The Ecovillage will be a place where people can enjoy a strong sense of community, an active healthy lifestyle and contribute to the restoration and ecological values of the coast. The project will combine beautiful parks, ocean views and open space, walking and cycling tracks, and the light footprint solutions of modern sustainable architecture, solar energy and water sensitive design.
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Prom Country 90 places to stay. Book online or phone the property. Availability calendar and secure online bookings. Anderson Beach House, Inverloch 2 minute walk to the beach
Broadbeach Inverloch Resort Leisurely stroll to Anderson Inlet
By The Beach @ Inverloch 100 metres to the beach
Karingal Homestead 3 minute drive to Inverloch and beach
My Place, Inverloch Easy walk to town centre
The Moilong Express Train Inverloch 3kms to town centre
Zenergie: Villas 10 minute drive to Inverloch
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22 Acacia Street, Sandy Point 3 minute walk to the beach
60 The Boulevard, Sandy Point ½ a block to the beach
A Funky Sandy Beach Shack 5 minute walk to the beach
Blakey’s Losman, Sandy Point 50 metres to the beach
Sandy Point Road 5 minute walk to the beach
The Beach House at Sandy Point 4 minute walk to the beach
The Bothy, Sandy Point 2 minute walk to the beach
The Point, Sandy Point 5 minute walk to the beach
The Quirky, Sandy Point 3 minute walk to the beach
Properties in and around all South Gippsland towns on the way to the Prom... Fish Creek, Foster, Grand Ridge Road, Inverloch, Kilcunda, Koonwarra, Korumburra, Leongatha, Meeniyan, Mirboo North, Port Albert, Port Welshpool, Sandy Point, Tarra Bulga, Toora, Venus Bay, Walkerville, Waratah Bay, Yanakie and Yarram.
The Studio at Sandy Point 1 minute walk to the beach
www.promcountry.com.au coast 11
the coast team
from the editor
publisher Maria Reed
This edition, we were lucky to snare an interview with country-music singer Troy CassarDaley. His new album ‘Home’ is about just that – our connection with home and the way it is woven through our lives. It got me thinking about the definition of home, and how it extends from our own house to our communities and through to the larger picture of the beautiful and rich culture and landscapes of Australia – the country we call home. Our home, the Coast, is a recurring theme with all the wonderful people we meet, and it nurtures the extraordinary creativity and sense of community we enjoy. This edition, we celebrate these creative souls with our Art + Culture Feature. We also journey to destinations that are rich with natural beauty (such as the Bunurong Coastal Drive) and community pride (such as the unique little town of Meeniyan in the coastal hinterlands). We meet artists Leisa Wharington, Jamie Folan and Darren Henderson, go behind the scenes at the Wonthaggi Show, give some hope to homeless hounds (we’re suckers for a dog story) and visit the Holden Proving Ground in Lang Lang. Finally, we give you a roundup of this autumn’s fab events, festivals and exhibitions. And, if you’re reading this under the shade of a tree at Mossvale Park, enjoy … oh, one of the Coast team may be sitting right beside you! Enjoy Autumn.
editor Sally O’Neill sub editor Anne Roussac-Hoyne words Katie Cincotta, Sue Webster, Sally O’Neill, Maria Reed photo editor Warren Reed photography Warren Reed, Lucas Piera coast photography - 0414 753 739 design Ryan Thomas, Maria Reed print manager Nigel Quirk advertising Paul Coleman 0432 273 107 ads@coastmagazine.net
Sally x
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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.
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Printed using vegetable based inks on an elemental chlorine free paper. Sourced using sustainable forestry practices and manufactured using the ISO 14001 environmental management systems. Coast is printed in Australia under ISO 14001 Environmental Certifications. Coast magazine has chosen to print on FSC certified stock. FSC certification ensures traceability and verification of well managed forest timber, from mill to printer to you. Phillip Island to the Prom Coast Magazine © published by Coast Media P/L. ISSN 1833-3648. The publisher is not responsible or liable for any omissions or human error in Phillip Island to the Prom Coast Magazine. Material in this publication cannot be published or reproduced without the publishers written consent. All material contained in this publication is protected by Australian Copyright regulations. All rights reserved.
SKETA AUSTRALIA
Australian designed and made – Limited quantities for the individual look – Quality accessories Mornington 71 Main Street T 5976 3311 Sorrento 42 Ocean Beach Rd T 5984 0927
and stores throughout Melbourne and Noosa
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contents &features
regulars
features
18.
Coast life
26.
Troy Cassar Daley – his home is in the country
20.
2 (coast) people – Shane Most and Anthony De Maria
30.
Mossvale – One perfect day, the full program
23.
15 minutes of fame – Tim O’Brien
32.
On Show – come behind the scenes at Wonthaggi Show
24.
Arts & events guide
38.
Homeless Hounds - Happy ending for pooches
59.
What’s new this autumn (117 & 137)
42.
Artist profile – Leisa Wharington glass artist
60.
Feature drive – we take a spin along the Bunurong Coastal Drive
46.
Paradise Found – a coast house for the travelling spirit
67.
Around town – what’s going on around your town (101)
50.
Surfing life – a dream surf trip to the Mentawis
96.
Feature area – Meandering through Meeniyan
54.
Proving Ground – Come behind the scenes
69.
Art + Culture – the talent of the coast
76.
Artist Profile – Darren Henderson
82.
Artist Profile – Jamie Folan drawing between the lines
103. Book review 108. Accommodation review - Basia Mille 110. Where to eat guide 112. Dine out – Phillip Island RSL 115. My favourite recipe - Churchill Island cafe
120. Marcus Satchell – a rising star in winemaking
119. Café review – Inverloch’s Red Elk 126. Delectable Drops - Autumn wine round up 129. Coast property 132. Coast lifestyle – a spectacular build at Berrys Beach 146. Coast directory & stockists - Find what you need
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coast views Here’s what you had to say about your Coast this summer… I just read this magazine in a hotel in Inverloch. My partner and I absolutely loved it. Great photography, GREAT art, real literature reviewed and great home ideas. Very impressed! Taylah Hawke, Traralgon We have been receiving “Coast’ for several years and look forward to each copy. Thanks. Helen Sandy, Templestowe My partner and I love the mag. It’s probably the best mag I’ve read in years - it manages to be cultured, colourful, interesting and open in its way of seeing the world. Love the art, the home ideas, the reviews (of good books – it’s about time someone recognised Gippsland-ites do read!) and its photography. Jamila Shah, Gippsland
Just confirm that I have today confirmed our annual subscription to your wonderful magazine. Looking forward to receiving my first edition. Paul Sherburn Thank you for Coast Magazine. I believe it is one of the best magazines in the area. I love the characters you profile, and the real stories – rather than those thinly disguised advertorials that some other local publications pass off as stories. Hamish White, Inverloch I have been an avid fan of Coast for the last 6 years. I always look forward to the postman delivering my copy. Living in the city, I dream of escaping to the coast one day. I spent a weekend recently at Silverwater resort. Your magazine is such a valuable resource. I spent my weekend shopping and tried out more than a few the local
cafes. I’ll move there one day! Keep up the great work!! Samantha Graydon, St Kilda The story on Gotye in the summer edition rocked! I saw him perform at Pyramid Rock and the crowd just went off. I really like the stories you do on musicians. Amber Holding, Mordialloc We’ve just recently bought a block of land at Ventnor. Our neighbors gave us a copy of The Coast. The building guide in the back was so helpful, we have employed a local builder and we’ll be coasters by next year. Thanks for featuring such a useful section. Helen & Brad Bevan, Berwick BiG fan of Coast Magazine. Just wanted to say I loved the Summer Cover - it was just gorgeous! Mandy Johnston, Waratah Bay
I really enjoy reading Coast magazine. Could I make a suggestion. I would love to see more homes. I am renovating my house and would appreciate some ideas. Tamara Blythe, Sandy Point Ed: Thanks Tamara. Great idea. Stayed tuned, we will try to feature some ‘before & after’ interiors in the winter edition. My great grandfather Hedley worked in the Wonthaggi mines, so I was thrilled to read about Lou Sorti in the last edition. In my opinion, those men are salt of the earth and heros. Joyce Murphy, Mordialloc I had the pleasure of meeting Ruth Heffer many years ago at Maru. What a lady and what a legend! I was enchanted to read about her in your last issue. What an inspiration! Bill McDonald, Brighton
Open Lunch & Dinner 115 Thompson Avenue, Cowes 3922 (03) 59 522 655 Phillip Island, Vic, Australia www.infused.com.au Infused_v4.indd 1
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26/02/12 11:25 AM
132 Whitelaw St Meeniyan VIC 3956 | Phone 5664 0055 | Please visit www.lacyjewellery.com.au coast 17
coastlife autumn
This isfarty a fashion christmas event an arty Stevie Guilmartin and Phillip Island & San Remo Rotary Club are you won’t want to miss. Enjoy the latest fashions from The Ark Clothing Company, Chatters on Cowes and Stray Katz of Inverloch, plus a silent auction, and champers and nibbles on arrival – and all to raise funds for World Vision. March 22, $20 per person. Call Gail 5952 1763 or Nance 5956 9176.
charity fashion show
open mike Every third Sunday afternoon of the month, talented coasters converge at Archies On The Creek for their Open Mike sessions. Everyone is welcome. If you’re not brave enough to perform, just enjoy a beer or wine and pizza as you listen. Bring yourself and your instrument. Call 5678 7787. coast 18
focussed on raising awareness and money for the needy people of Tibet. They have embraced the work of Tibetan Village Project Australia (www.tvpaustralia.org.au). On Easter Saturday, 7 April, Stevie will undertake a non-stop, 70 km walk around Phillip Island. Friends and fellow Rotarians will join her along the way walking 5-10 km stretches. Contact Stevie on 0417 083 651 or email stevie_g_56@hotmail.com to sponsor this amazing effort. Go Stevie!
walk for a cause
in memory. . . We were saddened to hear of the passing of the effervescent Phillip Island masseur Pam Matthews. When we met her last, she was sharing the joy of her new-found passion for the ancient Hawaiian ‘lomi lomi’ massage technique. Pam had been working in the field since 1983. Her experience and skill were greatly admired and she will be sadly missed.
introducing lucas piera The Coast team welcomes photographer Lucas Piera. An established photographer in his own right, Lucas is enjoying Coast and the wide variety of people he meets in the job. When he’s not coasting, Lucas is busy with his own photography business ‘Lens to Life’. www.lenstolife.com.au
tee off for charity
one tough mudder! Tough Mudder is coming to town! Saturday 31 March and Sunday 1 April at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. For a few days, this exciting new fitness challenge involving a 20km course with militarystyle obstacles will be the centre of our universe. It’s not an individual race; it’s a team challenge, and you need your friends to make it through. In the spirit of mateship and teamwork, Tough Mudder has partnered with Legacy Australia to raise funds for the charity. To get prepared, we chatted to Katy Elias, an Aussie girl now living in the US who has completed several events: Describe the experience? I did my first Tough Mudder in April 2011 with a few friends and also my best friend – my husband, Scott. Tough Mudder kicked our butts – from dangling from a rope and charging through a screen of live voltage wires to running 20km through mud, weeds, snow and fire, it was a massive adrenalin rush! You’re not doing it to win, but just to finish. It challenges you on a whole new level and helps you find strength you didn’t know you had. Any advice?
The You Are My Sunshine Foundation Charity Golf Day is on Friday 23 March at Phillip Island Golf Course. This important charity is seeking sponsors and donations. Call 0409 961 904 for details.
Geoff Nottle loved the concept of community cooking and made it his mission to create a community wood-fired oven in San Remo. The facility is now open for community groups to hire. Volunteer ‘oven masters’ help the groups who have so far cooked pizzas, roasts, breads and more. To become involved, contact ovenmaster@ sanremoforeshore.org.au
Train hard, feed off the energy and excitement of those around you, wear sneakers you never wish to wear again, and do it with friends and loved ones. For more information or to sign up visit www.toughmudder.com.au
fire-up!
Enjoy a day of folk-roots-blues-country music on Sunday 11 March. Featuring country/ folk music legend Mike McClellan, pop-folk sensations The Little Stevies, nine-times ARIAnominated singer-songwriter Lisa Miller and band and many more, the Music Fest begins at 12.30pm and finishes with a bush dance under the stars. www.musicfestphillipisland.com.au
dirtgirl Kids - get ready to rock at the Easter Fun Festival on Churchill Island Heritage Farm off the coast of Phillip Island on April 7 and 8. Get grubby with ‘Dirtgirl’ on Saturday and catch Bananas in Pyjamas coming down the stairs on Easter Sunday. www.penguins.org.au or call 5951 2800. coast 19
Nearly every night Shane Most and Anthony De Maria are in Shane’s shed building model planes, and on weekends they’re out flying them. The pair knows their mates may think it’s ‘geeky’ – but for them, planes are more a story of mateship…
Shane Most I grew up on a farm in Bena. I’ve been flying model planes since I was five, so that’s 35 years. Dad started flying planes with old wire control lines - they’d just start the motor and then chase them! Then the radio-controlled models came out and it’s progressed from there.
went out for a fly and met Anthony. He came over to the shed to have a look at the planes I was building and I haven’t been able to get rid of him since! We keep each other motivated and we both want to achieve the same things.
Dad and I flew together every weekend for 30 years. We spoke each day without fail; more than just a father, he was a best mate I could look up to. He got me flying when I was five – I think I was the youngest kid in Australia to get his solo wings, allowing me to take off and land a model aeroplane by myself. One of my best memories was winning the first competition Dad and I entered when I was about 10 - I even saw a tear in his eye. There was huge competition between Dad and I. Never mind anyone else: I’d want to beat Dad, and he’d want to beat me. I’ve got him to thank for a massive hobby that I love.
During the week, Anthony and I spend about 30 hours together building planes in my shed. He arrives around 7pm most nights and I kick him out about 1am!
I took the first aeroplane I built out to a place near Korumburra and it reached a speed of 157mph, which was the Australian record for a home-designed model. Then I wanted to go bigger, so I built a 2.5-metre model and got it to 210mph on its first flight. I met Anthony two months after my father passed away. I had just about decided to stop flying and sell all my gear – that was Dad and me, that’s what we did together. A mate talked me into keeping my planes and just having a break for a few months, which I did. Then I
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Anthony’s been flying for about three years and he’s pretty well hooked. To make a model we first enlarge a picture, then take moulds from the carvings of foam and wood we make to create the final product. We pretty much just talk about planes while we’re in the shed. Anthony hasn’t got a girlfriend or anything like that to talk about. I joke that he hasn’t really got a life outside of planes! I have learnt patience with Anthony. I can damage something and it doesn’t worry me, but Anthony gets a bit irritated. We help and learn from each other. It’s been good having Ant because I can pass on what I know and what my father taught me. Anthony is pushing me further to go bigger and better. He has a lot of talent. There’s no rivalry; we both just work towards the same goals. You throw the models up into the sky and they look real. People
I like spending time with Shane. We work in the shed most nights and fly together on the weekends whenever the weather is right – we go out as often as we can. Shane is pretty laid back and will help you out with anything. We don’t agree on everything, and have little arguments, but that’s fun as well. We usually agree on a compromise, or else we just say: ‘No, I’m doing it my way.’ It normally works out in the end. We always muck around and have a bit of banter! If I could sum Shane up in one word, it would be ‘easygoing’.
words as told to sally o’neill photos lucas piera & paul gauci
come up and say the planes are magnificent, and that’s what we do it for. I just agree with the people who say it’s geeky. But it’s better than sitting in front of the TV or going to the pub and getting drunk. In one word, Anthony is enthusiastic. Motivation levels are better with two than one - we’ve got about five planes on the go at the moment. It’s just a hobby that I enjoy doing: I don’t have a drive to win and be better than anyone else. There’s so much negativity in the world these days, but you have to get out and enjoy life. Whatever brings a smile to your face - just do it.
Anthony De Maria I grew up in Leongatha and always enjoyed racing cars and motorsport. We went to a lot of car racing and speedway and that sort of thing. When I first met Shane we got talking about flying. I hadn’t flown at all then, so I decided to go out one day and see what it was all about. And I thought it was good! I’d always been interested, but I’d never been triggered to have a go. It seemed like a pretty relaxing thing - to just go out and have a fly.
We motivate and help each other. Sometimes we’ll get heaps done, but some nights we’ll just sit around and talk and come up with ideas and that sort of thing. I can’t seem to get as motivated on my own being around someone else is better. We mostly talk about planes. We don’t talk about work - we leave work at work. I don’t really do football at all – but we’re both into car racing so we talk about that sort of thing. Shane barracks for Ford and I barrack for Holden, so that’s fun! We just agree to disagree on that one! I think building and flying planes is better than watching telly all night or sitting down doing nothing. You have ups and downs when you are building the planes: you get annoyed, so you do something else for a while and then come back to it. But what I really love is flying the new planes that we build from scratch – that’s always a highlight. I definitely want to keep building and flying planes with Shane. I’m always looking forward to the next project. There are not many people around who do what we do: it’s not a hugely popular thing, and we know most of the people who are involved. We go away once a year to a meeting at Camperdown and that’s something I really look forward to. If I hadn’t met Shane, I would probably be racing remote-controlled cars or something similar. Most of my friends don’t really understand what it is that I do. It’s really hard to explain: when you say the word ‘glider’ for example, they think it’s a slow sort of thing, just floating around. It can be that, but you have better days when you fly faster planes and have heaps of fun. My friends are pretty supportive – there’s nothing bad said. You Tube shanemost.com
www.ozskunkworx.com
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Tim O’Brien admits he’s had “a scattered professional career”. He now balances owning and operating a winery on Phillip Island with playing music, running an online motoring magazine and organising cultural events. And although he’s no sportsman, his philosophy is: ‘Just do it!!’
words as told to sally o’neill photo warren reed
The early days? I grew up on a sheep farm at Swift’s Creek on the Tambo River. It was a wonderful childhood, swimming in the river in summer, endless walking in the bush and that sort of thing. It gave me a real taste for farming. I went to boarding school, then teachers’ college and on to university. I ended up at a little one-teacher school at Sandy Creek near Tallangatta. Music in your life? Music was all around me as I was growing up. My mother was an accomplished violinist, and my grandmother was a concert pianist. We were always singing, and soon I picked up a guitar and started playing and writing songs. I performed in Melbourne folk clubs like Frank Traynor’s, Dan O’Connell’s, The Troubadour and the Green Man, singing my own songs. I guess we all aspired to be Bob Dylan! I was originally asked to record with Festival Records but that fell through, so I released my first album on an independent label. It charted briefly; I had a minor hit with the song ‘All I Have’ that everyone has forgotten... fortunately. Your career? After giving away teaching and a few years writing and editing children’s magazines for the Education Department, I worked as a musician for 13 years and did quite a few tours and supports to performers such as Eric Bogle and Pam Ayres. But once I had children I realised that I couldn’t make enough money to sustain my family through the peaks and troughs of a full-time musical career. I thought there might be money in writing jingles, so I picked up some work writing and recording music for TV and film while keeping my freelance writing going. I also wrote a couple of children’s books and produced some educational materials for places like the Gould League. I had a lot of hand-tomouth jobs as a freelancer while trying to support the family.
fifteenminutesoffame My career has been very varied – I think my wife Tricia thinks I’m an idiot! But I guess I’ve always enjoyed being in the limelight – pretty much attentionseeking in one form or another! Life on the coast? We recently moved to Phillip Island from Essendon but we‘d been coming here for thirty years to a family holiday house. I previously owned some land at Sandy Point – I’ve always been drawn to the coast. We absolutely love living on Phillip Island, as we knew we would. We enjoy the tranquillity and not having to battle traffic. There are none of the stresses of city living, but it does have all the conveniences. Your winery? The winery is a dream that combines a lot of the fun of growing up on the farm with the ability to pursue my cultural passions. I continue to write songs and, because we own the venue, I can’t get sacked, so I sing there every Saturday and Sunday! We want the winery to be a real destination with unique events – that’s our underlying principle. We have a beautiful sculpture exhibition happening soon and a Music Fest as part of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival in March. I love jumping in the deep end and organising things; we hope to be able to run the Music Fest every year. I enjoy so many aspects of life, but creative pursuits are my real passion. The music side of the winery is humming, but there is so much to learn about the winemaking business. I’ve been a wine buff for a thousand years. I did a winemaking and tasting course back in the 1970s, and have been very interested in wine for a long time. It’s not an easy time in the industry at the moment, but nothing’s easy whatever you do.
I had my own spot on ‘Shirl’s Neighbourhood’ for a few years, mostly singing silly songs with Norm and Claude the Crow, and ended up with a segment on the ‘Cartoon Company’. That was all just fun while I pursued more serious music and became busier as a freelance writer.
Your philosophy on life? It’s something to do with having a go at things! My general philosophy (it’s a bit hackneyed, isn’t it?) is: ‘It’s not a dress rehearsal’, so you might as well enjoy every part of life as much as you can. If you want to have a crack at something, just do it!
Next, I spent 11 years in a corporate role managing publishing, marketing and government and public affairs in the motor industry. Now I co-own and operate ‘The Motor Report’ – an independent, online news and review site for the automotive industry in Australia.
What are you looking forward to? Putting the winery on the map as a destination, and making a really nice life for my wife and I on Phillip Island. We want an exciting place for our kids to visit and to bring their own kids in the future.
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Colour the Sky Kite Festival When: Sun 11 Mar Where: Rosebud Foreshore adjacent to Jetty Rd. Who: Alison Doherty 0403 889 559 Mossvale Park Music Festival When: Sat 17 March Where: Mossvale Park Rd, Berry’s Creek Who: www.lyrebirdartscouncil.com.au/mossvale
March 2012 Multifold Narrations - works by Frank Wildenberg When: Until 24 March Where: Gecko Studio Gallery, 15 Falls Rd, Fish Creek Who: Kerry and Michael 5683 2481 www.geckostudiogallery.com.au Marlene Abele Glass Art When: 3 Mar – 25 Mar Where: Archies on the Creek Who: Call 5678 7787 www.archiesonthecreek.com.au Phillip Island Classic Cars When: 9-11 Mar Where: Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit Who: www.phillipislandcircuit.com.au Port Fairy Folk Festival When: 9-12 Mar Where: Port Fairy Who: www.portfairyfolkfestival.com Inverloch Art Show When: Sat 10 - Mon 12 Mar 10am-5pm Where: Community Health Centre Inverloch Who: Margaret Call 56741436/0412144483 Email mimibythesea@optusnet.com.au
The Jindivick Food & Wine Festival When: 17 - 18 March, 11am-5pm Where: 1420 Jackson’s Track, Jindivick Who: Haggis 0431 598086 Red Hill Show When: Sat 24 Mar Where: Red Hill Reserve, 180 Arthur’s Seat Rd, Red Hill Who: www.redhillshow.org Freestone Printmakers When: 25 Mar – 21 Apr Where: Gecko Studio Gallery, 15 Falls Rd, Fish Creek Who: Kerry and Michael 5683 2481 www.geckostudiogallery.com.au Human Powered Vehicle Festival When: 24-25 March Where: Wonthaggi Who: www.weif.org.au Steve Earle at Meeniyan Hall When: Wed 28 Mar Where: Meeniyan Hall, Meeniyan Who: www.lyrebirdartscouncil.com.au Tough Mudder When: Sat 31 Mar Where: Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Phillip Island Who: Call 5952 2729 Email info@toughmudder.com.au
Cowes Night Market Where: Cowes foreshore, Phillip Island When: Sat 10 Mar, 3-7pm Who: Anne Marie Emanuele 5952 1131 www.cowesnightmarket.org.au
Western Port Craft Fest When: Sat 31 Mar Where: Hastings Uniting Church Who: Sandra Beckett 5979 1237
San Remo Fishing Village Festival When: Sun 11 Mar Where: San Remo Foreshore, Marine Parade Who: Janine Milton 0419 874 506
Coal Creek Farmers’ Market When: Second Sat of each month 8am - 12.30pm Where: Coal Creek Community Park and Museum carpark, Korumburra Who: Call Suzanne 5655 1811 coalcreekvillage.com.au
Music Fest for Phillip Island When: 11 Mar Where: Phillip Island Winery, 414 Berry’s Rd, Ventnor Who: Call 5956 8465 www.destinationphillipisland.org.au
Kongwak Market When: Every Sunday Where: Kongwak General Store Who: Jane 0417 142 478
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April 2012 Kay Sheean ‘From East Arnhem Land’ When: 1 Apr – 29 Apr Where: Archies on the Creek Who: Call 5678 7787 www.archiesonthecreek.com.au Beyond the Self: Contemporary Portraiture from Asia When: 1 Apr – 15 Jul Where: McClelland Sculpture Park + Gallery, Mc Clelland Dve, Langwarrin Who: www.mcclellandgallery.com Maroondah Symphony Orchestra When: Sun 1 Apr, 2pm Where: Cultural Centre - tickets at the door. Who: Phillip Island Arts & Cultural Committee. Anne Davie 5956 8216 Bass Hills Breathtaker Bikeride When: Sun 1 April Where: Start Archies on the Creek Who: www.eventsupport.com.au Call 5952 2411 Justin Townes Earle at Meeniyan Hall When: Thurs 5 Apr Where: Meeniyan Hall, Meeniyan Who: www.lyrebirdartscouncil.com.au Artists’ Society of Phillip Island Easter Exhibition When: 6-10 April Where: Cowes Cultural Centre, Thompson Ave, Cowes Who: Call Rob McKay 5952 3512 robertmc@waterfront.net.au Cowes Night Market When: Sat 7 Apr 3-7pm Where: Cowes foreshore, Phillip Island Who: Anne Marie Emanuele 0419 560 293 www.cowesnightmarket.org.au Wonthaggi Garden Club Show When: Easter weekend 7 & 8 April Where: Kirrak Room, Wonthaggi Club Who: Colin & Sheila Ormerod 0418 307 768 Churchill Island Heritage Farm Easter Fun Festival When: 7-8 April Where: Churchill Island, Phillip Island Who: 5951 2800 www.penguins.org.au Easter Egg Hunt When: 8 April Where: Coal Creek Community Park and Museum carpark, Korumburra Who: Call Suzanne 5655 1811 coalcreekvillage.com.au Coronet Bay Beach Fair When: 8 April Where: Cnr Cuttysark & Champs Elysees Ave, Coronet Bay Who: Chris Hutton bandchutton@bigpond.com www.basscoast.vic.gov.au
Sustainability Festival When: Sat 14 April Where: Coal Creek, Korumburra Who: www.coalcreekvillage.com.au Black Dog - paintings and printmaking by Abigail van Rooyen When: 22 Apr – 19 May Where: Gecko Studio Gallery, 15 Falls Rd, Fish Creek Who: Kerry and Michael 5683 2481 www.geckostudiogallery.com.au Emotive Jewellery Exhibition When: 28 Apr – 2 Jun Where: The Goldsmith’s Gallery, Bridgeview Ade, San Remo Who: Call 5678 5788 goldsmithsgallery.com.au Kongwak Market When: Every Sunday Where: Kongwak General Store Who: Jane 0417 142 478
May 2012 Australian Masters of Art When: 1-31 May Where: Coal Creek Community Gallery, Korumburra Who: Call Suzanne 5655 1811 coalcreekvillage.com.au Embroiderers Vic Leongatha Country group 25th Anniversary When: 2 May – 14 May Where: Leongatha Arts + Crafts Society Cnr Michael Place & McCartin St, Leongatha Who: Call 5662 5370 Mirboo North Arty Gras When: 11-13 May Where: Mirboo North Who: artygras@mirboonorth.vic.au www.mirboonorthartshow.com.au Emotions - Creative Gippsland Sculpture Exhibition + Chris Shaw Fibre Art Exhibition When: 5-27 May Where: Archies on the Creek Who: Call 5678 7787 www.archiesonthecreek.com.au V8 Supercar Championship When: 18-20 May Where: Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit Who: www.phillipislandcircuit.com.au Arboreal – ‘Out on a Limb’ When: 20 May – 16 Jun Where: Gecko Studio Gallery, 15 Falls Rd, Fish Creek Who: Kerry and Michael 5683 2481 www.geckostudiogallery.com.au Kongwak Market When: Every Sunday Where: Kongwak General Store Who: Jane 0417 142 478
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home
coast profile
words sally oneill photos supplied
Troy Cassar-Daley’s latest album marks the end of a journey that took him back to his childhood in Grafton, through the Queensland floods and all the way home again.
Troy Cassar-Daley strides into the pub in Pakenham looking every bit the rock star. No phone hook-ups or online interviews for him – he’s into doing things the old-fashioned way. He’s excited about his new album ‘Home’, which evolved over the past two years. “It takes me a good six months to get into the mood for writing; I’m not the sort of writer to just turn it on. Once it’s flowing, it’s good – but it takes a while to kick-start the old engine,” admits Troy. The Queensland floods hit Troy’s farm in 2011. “Everyone goes through good and bad in life, but the floods really tested our mettle. We were safe, our horses survived and I still had a guitar in town I could make a living out of. But our neighbours were badly affected. When your truck is completely underwater, it’s basically ‘game over’ for a while.”
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Troy now looks on the floods as being “quite an interesting experience”. And one that allowed him to find the heart for his album. “It showed me the importance of home. After the floods, we all put in a lot of work getting the farm back to what we’d taken for granted. I just felt really humbled by the whole thing, and the community spirit was amazing. Out of that I wanted to make sure the album had a bit of that ‘glass-half-full’ thing going on.” Troy’s earliest memories of scratching his name into cement with his grandfather, and being with his nan and cousins, led him back to the house in Grafton, NSW, where he grew up. It was a tough childhood after his parents separated when he was very young. “I started writing ‘Home’ in Brisbane, but hadn’t been back to back to my old house – and I needed to be able to blend both parts of my life
together to make a proper story. I went to my mother’s house, had a day with my aunty and took the kids to the cemetery where I ‘had a bit of a bawl’ at my grandparents’ grave.” Then they visited the house where he grew up. “I saw the size of the house, my name in the cement, and the old swing set and Hills hoist. I told the kids that as a child, I thought it was the biggest backyard ever, but now it seemed like a little postage stamp.” Growing up, music was Troy’s escape. “I’d use it regularly to get away, whether that meant listening to a record or sitting with a guitar somewhere. Mum would say, ‘Mow the lawns first, then you can play the guitar’. I was just a dreamy kid – and kept wanting to play and play.”
His earliest musical memories are of his dad singing him to sleep when Troy went to visit him in Sydney. Back home with his mum, he recalls listening to records on a Sunday arvo. “I’d finish mowing all the lawns, could smell dinner cooking and Willie Nelson, George Jones or Ronnie Milsap would be playing and that got me big-time,” he recalls. This self-confessed “Merle Haggard tragic” can imagine playing no other music than country. “When I was in bands I played a lot of different forms of music to broaden my mind, but I always went back to what made my heart feel good, and for me that was country. I never thought I’d make a living out of it; I just thought it would be something I would do on the weekends!” >
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Troy took on the challenge of producing his eighth studio album ‘Home’. He also gathered a “gun band” (made up of many of his heroes) to record the album at Starstruck Studios in Nashville last year.
with the area – he was always raving about it and saying, ‘You have to get out there and spend a bit of time in Inverloch and stuff’, so I did – and I’m looking forward to performing here soon.”
Troy handed the reins over to Biff Watson to lead the band and play guitar so he could concentrate on singing and producing. “Biff sat down and learned all the parts exactly the way I played them. I said: ‘Biff, it sounds like me playing.’ I felt totally comfortable.”
If music hadn’t captured Troy’s heart, he thinks he would have been something like a youth worker. “I’d love to be able to encourage kids to stay at school longer. The dropout rate is pretty rugged, and I’d love to be able to put some things into place to give kids incentive to stay.
With the launch of ‘Home’ imminent, Troy is concentrating all his efforts on supporting the album. He’ll soon be heading to Gippsland to perform, and says he has a strong fan base here. “We just get such great support from Gippsland. I’ve been coming here since 1994 when we started hitting the road. Slim [Dusty] had a great connection
“I’ve always encouraged young people not to give up their dreams. It upsets me that some parents interfere with their kids’ dreams. They should give them every chance to do what they want. The world wouldn’t be too good a place without artistic and dreamy people – we need them. Otherwise, there wouldn’t be a lot of soul out there.” Troy will be performing throughout Gippsland and Victoria in March. www.troycassardaley.com.au
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ONE PERFECT DAY MOSSVALE PARK Saturday March 17 2012
Set Times 12.15 – 1pm: Music Victoria Workshop Music Victoria is the contemporary music industry peak body for Victoria; an independent and non-partisan body established to support the Victorian contemporary music industry across all genres. Patrick Donovan, Music Victoria CEO, will chair a discussion panel that will discuss Victoria’s music industry, how musicians can become established and advice about operating a music venue.
1.15 – 1.55: ahab Following the release of their 2009 CD ‘ahab’, Callum Adamson and Dave Burn were invited to play a residency at the famous ‘Tootsies Orchid Lounge’ during Nashville Country Music Awards Week festival. They recruited Seebs Llewellyn and Luke Price and spent a week playing two shows a day to packed houses. They returned to London and decided to make the new line-up permanent. They spent two months busking in east London, which is where their unique sound took shape - four part harmonies accompanying extremely accomplished song writing. This is their debut Australian tour.
3.05 – 3.50: Sal Kimber & the Rollin Wheel Described by Rolling Stone as ‘Australiana-soaked alt-country at its finest’, Sal Kimber & The Rollin’ Wheel have been winning hearts at shows and festivals around the country. Their self-titled album, which showcases Kimber’s award-winning songwriting and the band’s skillful musicianship, was met with an overwhelming response upon its release in October.
4.05 – 4.45: Ben Sollee Ben is a genre-bending cellist and vocalist known for his percussive playing style, genre hopping songwriting, wide appeal, and political activism. His music incorporates banjo, guitar, percussion and unusual cello techniques to create a unique mix of folk, bluegrass, jazz and R&B. Ben Sollee seeks to intertwine his music with art and life.
2.10 – 2.50 Van Walker & Liz Stringer
5 – 5.45: Krystle Warren
Both Liz and Van have played Mossvale Park before. Elementary that Melbourne’s finest singer songwriters should return to this, our tenth anniversary. We are delighted that Liz and Van will be sharing the stage together…something not to be missed!
There’s just something alluringly familiar about Krystle Warren. She instantly sounds classic, like a highly-regarded veteran. Originally from Kansas City, she served her apprenticeship busking in New York and Paris. Her original songs and soulful, husky singing brought her to the attention of the Paris-based ‘Because’ label, home to Manu Chao and Amadou and Mariam, resulting in the release of her debut album Circles.
Please note the creek is completely out of bounds
www.lyrebirdartscouncil.com.au coast 30
6 – 6.50: The Bamboos
8.15 – 9.15: Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires
The Bamboos are generally acknowledged as Australia’s greatest modern Funk & Soul band. Emerging from the ‘Deep Funk’ scene of the early 2000’s, The Bamboos have since forged a unique sound of their own, combining elements of Old-School Funk, Hip Hop, Mod Rock, Psychedelic & Northern Soul. The 8-piece line-up led by guitarist Lance Ferguson and featuring the power-house vocals of Kylie Auldist are renowned for their blistering, high energy live sets which have kept people dancing all the way from Byron Bay to Bratislava. Their four studio albums and one live album for U.K label Tru Thoughts have earned them a place in the very upper echelon of the worldwide contemporary Funk & Soul scene.
Charles Bradley’s unique brand of soul music is highlighted by his exceptionally gravelly voice; the sometimes-pained words truly conveying a life well lived, just as soul should be sung. Howling soul so loud and proud - you’ll think the ghost of James Brown has entered the park. Discovered at the age of 62 by Daptones records and since recording with the all-star Menahan Street Band, Charles Bradley takes life of hard knocks & leaves it all on the stage for one of the most amazing & soulful performances you’ll ever see!
7.05 – 8: Eric Bibb A performance by Eric Bibb is an enriching experience – both musically and spiritually. Purveying a beautifully realised and deftly accomplished, soulful and gospel infused, folk- blues, Eric has no problem melding a traditional rootsy American style with a subtle contemporary sensibility. Eric will be accompanied by beautiful Swedish guitarist Staffan Astner, who is also featured on the live CD Troubadour Live! Eric Bibb serves up some powerful tunes – aimed as much at the brain as well as the heart and soul.
9.30: The Dirty Three The band comprise Warren Ellis on violin (Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Grinderman), Mick Turner (guitar, Cat Power, Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy) and Jim White (drums, Smog, Cat Power, Bonnie ’Prince’ Billy). The Dirty Three are a most unique band whose sparse languid instrumental songs create and change moods. Eschewing traditional song structure, devoid of verses and choruses the songs ebb and flow with a seeming life of their own. This Dirty Three has earned an international fanbase through years of relentless touring and spellbinding performances.
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onshow
the wonthaggi show
words sally oneill photos warren reed
Beyond the fairy floss and showbags, we discover the highly competitive world of pickles, jams and who can bake the fluffiest sponges at the annual Bass Coast Summer Agricultural Show.
It’s just gone 9am and the Society Pavilion at the Wonthaggi Showgrounds is buzzing. People of all ages stagger in with boxes laden with farm produce, light as a feather sponge cakes and endless arrays of cut flowers and pot plants. 24 hours until Show Day - judgement day for entrants in the garden, farm produce, baked produce, jams and preserves categories of the allimportant competitions. Spanning cattle and poultry through to craft and cakes, these competitions are the essence of agricultural shows. They keep traditions alive, help to maintain interest in rare breeds and generate a little friendly competition. The pavilion fills with baking aromas, the scent of flowers, and nerves. Cheryl Russell is the steward for the Baked Home Produce section. Her job is to receive and register entries across the categories, assist the judges and relay their feedback to entrants. She’s been doing this voluntary job since 1983. “I moved here in 1982 and put a few entries in, then was asked to help. I also joined the CWA and they were the backbone of the stewards at the time.” Cheryl has won prizes across the categories but admits, “I can’t make a plain scone to save myself. Mine are like rocks!” Even though she can’t cook one, Cheryl knows how they should be made: “A scone should not be more than 2 inches wide, must break evenly in half, be cooked right through and taste good,” she explains. “The judges have to taste everything, but I’ve never wanted to do it. I couldn’t possibly taste every single thing!” she laughs. Try as I might, I can’t get Cheryl (or any of the ladies for that matter) to reveal any juicy stories of disaster, tension or infighting. She just laughs. “Oh no, we’re not fighting for sheep stations! No sabotaging goes on!” It’s nearing judging hour. “I’m looking forward to seeing who the
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judges are today. Some are pretty tough and they choose things that I wouldn’t, but then I’m not a judge!” says Cheryl. Entrants only find out their fate on Show Day when the handwritten cards adorning the first and second prize-winning entries are displayed. “People come back and ask why they didn’t win, and I tell them so they can improve for next year. That’s part of the steward’s job. It’s very fascinating once you get into it,” says Cheryl, racing to greet a batch of arriving scones. Over at Jams and Preserves, jars align, glistening in the light. Steward Trish Parsons is going gangbusters. “I lived on a farm for the last 50 years and did all my own cooking, preserving, that sort of thing. For me, it’s the pleasure of submitting my produce,” says Trish, who has received many prizes for her preserved vegies. Competition is very tough this year,” admits Trish, who attended her first show at age 21 in rural NSW. “I was an absolute raw recruit but I’ve learnt a lot over the years. Are these skills becoming a dying art? I ask. “Oh, no way!” she exclaims. Do judges get paid? “No, it’s done for the glory and joy of what you specialise in.” A wealth of knowledge mixed with humour, Trish recalls an older gentleman who came in with a few jars of jam he’d made. “It was just a beautiful texture – a lot of the men are good cooks and they win quite a few categories. They keep us ladies up to scratch. We say, ‘Good on ‘em!’ Now our society is more equal – my grandsons love working in the kitchen.” Lyn Cameron, the flower steward, has been attending and competing in shows with her mum since she was young. “I’m proud that I’m the one who’s carried it on. I’m by myself so it means heaps to me. I’m glad I live in a town that still has a show. I’m always trying to convince people to come along and submit things.”>
“A lot of the men are good cooks and they win quite a few categories. They keep us ladies up to scratch. We say, ‘Good on ‘em!’ Now our society is more equal – my grandsons love working in the kitchen.”
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coast the wonthaggi show
Margaret doesn’t mind (tasting) “except when you take the lid off a jar of pickles and it’s bubbling, or a white cloud erupts when you lift the lid on a bottle of tomato sauce. Botulism is very dangerous.”
Lois from Wonthaggi comes in with her entries – it’s the first time she has entered, and she’s also encouraged her grandchildren “so there will be a future for this event. I tell them you don’t enter to win, but just so you can come and have a look at your cakes at the show,” says Lois. “Time for a cuppa, ladies” comes the call. Morning tea is sublime and I sample more than five of the varieties of biscuits and slices on offer! Excitement reaches a crescendo in the lunchroom as we swap stories. A nervous hush fills the room at the judges’ imminent arrival… The room is in lockdown – only the judges and stewards – and us – remain … The judges at Baked Goods work quickly, tasting every entry, the stewards gliding across the floor meeting their every need with
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precision. When the judging is over, the stewards will set up the public display for Show Day. The preserves also get a good going over, with the judges requesting a new spoon for each sample, often rinsing their mouth between tastes. Over in the vegies section, the judge is explaining the outstanding traits of a bunch of homegrown silverbeet. “It’s not the easiest thing to write on,” she jokes as she tries to mark the winning leaf. With the judging over, I pluck up the courage to speak to Margaret Hyde and Evelyn Paterson from Leongatha. Margaret has been judging at shows since 1981. With all those years of experience behind her, she has no qualms about speaking her mind. “At the next meeting of judges, I’m going to take them to task,” she states. “People say we have>
“This nut loaf has a nice shape, but it’s a little hollow in the centre, so I’ve written ‘nice shape’ – to encourage them.”
C
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coast the wonthaggi show
“We just want to keep these skills alive. This year, a lot of young ones have entered, some as young as pre-school age, and they are our future. I say to everyone: ‘It doesn’t matter what your age is, get in and have a go!”
to have a regulation size for yo-yos, but the majority voted ‘no’. And, what colour do you expect chocolate crackles to be?” she asks. “Brown,” I reply. “Aha! No, they can also be white – we have to open our minds and modernise the way we think,” she says with glee. Judges look at colour, appearance, how an entry fits on the board, and they also take into account the degree of difficulty and quality of the end result. “Oh yes, people question our judgement,” says Margaret, who likes to give constructive feedback where she can. “For example, this slice is more like a cake, so I’ve written: ‘slices are usually a little flatter’. This nut loaf has a nice shape, but it’s a little hollow in the centre, so I’ve written ‘nice shape’ – to encourage them. You provide feedback on the things that you think really matter.” In my opinion, these judges need danger money to taste everything, but Margaret doesn’t mind “except when you take the lid off a jar of pickles and it’s bubbling, or a white cloud erupts when you lift the lid on a bottle of tomato sauce. Botulism is very dangerous.” Steward Heather Wallace knows how hard it is to become a judge. “I went in the deep end, not realising there was so much involved. It was a lot of hard work - studying, tasting and looking for little mistakes, and I didn’t finish the training.” Like many of the ladies here, Heather is also a steward at Country Women’s Association competitions. “The CWA is where the real competition is,” she winks. Heather and her husband each
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have entries in the competition today. Heather confides that she reckons her husband is jealous of her obsession with craft. “We just want to keep these skills alive. This year, a lot of young ones have entered, some as young as pre-school age, and they are our future. I say to everyone: “It doesn’t matter what your age is, get in and have a go!” I turn up on Show Day and my nieces and I enjoy every minute of the fun, music and activities - the show jumping, snake handler, poultry and cattle judging. They pose for a photo in front of the Beaut Utes and look on in awe at the giant Clydesdale horses, regal ponies and axemen. They have to drag me away from the Flyball where dogs of all shapes and sizes vault over jumps to retrieve a ball. The atmosphere in the pavilion is festive. Crowds file through and admire the exhibits that were only yesterday being scrutinised by judges and are now artfully displayed. I promise to enter my shortbread next year. Rosemary Loughnan, Show Secretary and tireless worker, rushes past as we wander through. “When the hall is empty at the end of the weekend, it’s really quite sad,” says Rosemary. The show is nearly over for another year. I’d better get cooking… Bass Coast Agricultural Show is held every January. www.basscoastagshow.org.au
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check out our range at www.southernbazaar.com.au
Retro - Antiques - Art - Quality used furniture Massive warehouse at 42 Cashin St Inverloch (behind Mitre 10) Ph Wendy 0409 234 482 or shop 0407 414 895 coast 37
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saveme Homeless Hounds - rescuing and rehoming unwanted dogs and cats, puppies and kittens.
words & photos maria reed
If only I could talk, I would tell you that I’m scared, and I’m lonely and I don’t want to die. If only I could talk, I’d also tell you that miracles do happen and my whole world has changed since I met Leanne my foster carer, who has given me love, security and a second chance at life . . .
Brax, a beautiful Staffordshire terrier, is one of the lucky souls who have been rescued by Homeless Hounds and Pet Rescue, a nonprofit, 100% volunteer-run organisation. Founder Susan Taylor started the charity in 2000 in response to the horrific number of animals abandoned and unnecessarily euthanized in Australia each year. “Animals that end up in the pound are destroyed after 8 days, and as a foster organisation, we are able to extend this period to provide those vital extra days needed to find a safe and happy home for them.” I meet Leanne Piasente and her foster dog Brax at her Wonthaggi home. “When I got Brax he was so scared and timid that any loud noise, even the door bell, would make him cower. In just a few days he has completely relaxed.” This happy chappy greets me at the door with a full body wag and (no exaggeration) a smile from ear to ear. We all take a seat in the lounge room and within minutes Brax is lying on his back, feet in the air and snoring away happily. “Rescued animals make the best pets,” says Leanne. “It’s like they know they’ve been given a second chance at life and they repay you a
hundred-fold in love and affection.” She should know. Her three dogs Scooby, Ginger and Maggie are all foster animals that she couldn’t bear to part with. A committed animal lover, she says, “I cry every time I have to give an animal away. I miss them so much, but it helps that you get to choose the home they go to, and know that they’re going to a family that’s perfect for them.” Most people are unaware that foster care for animals exists. “I certainly didn’t, but it has been one of the best things I have ever done. It’s just so rewarding,” Leanne beams. Foster carers play a vital role in saving animals from being needlessly put down. It costs nothing for people to foster – apart from a bit of food, all that’s required is a fenced area and oodles of love. “The dogs are temperament-checked by Susan (who is a qualified dog trainer and handler), and we organise transport to the carer’s home. We can even provide bedding, collars and anything else that may be required,” says Leanne. “We match animals to their carers, and if people particularly want to foster pups or older dogs, large or small, male or female, we will always accommodate them.” The normal foster care period of about two weeks can be shorter or slightly>
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The Friends of the State Coal Mine invite you to experience the primitive underground conditions of black coal mining during the 1900s.
Let one of their volunteers enthrall you with stories of tunnels filled with men and pit ponies, dust and dim lights. See how their tools and equipment are still in place as if the miners have just walked away...
Tours daily • Garden Street Wonthaggi • Phone. 5672 3053 coast 40
“People often think rescue animals are taking on someone else’s problem, but in my experience, the dogs I have taken on have had lovely temperaments and been well trained.”
longer if this suits the carer. The animals are profiled on the Pet Rescue website and also on facebook on the Homeless Hounds Rescue Victoria page, (https://www.facebook.com/pages/HomelessHounds-Rescue-Victoria/148854968504128). Potential adoptive parents are asked to fill out an application, and the foster carer can make the final decision on which home their foster pet will go to. This ensures the animal will go to people with a lifestyle that suits its needs. “The great thing about foster care is that it’s so easy and flexible - and you are saving an animal’s life!” There is a network of carers involved in Homeless Hounds, and help is only a phone call away. People with existing animals can also be foster carers. Leanne says, “I am more than happy to be there to introduce the foster charges to the family and their pets. People often think that accepting rescued animals means taking on someone else’s problem, but in my experience, the dogs I’ve fostered have had lovely temperaments and been well trained - and the cats and kittens are beautiful, friendly and affectionate.” Leanne takes me through the website and stops at an image of a sweet little white pup with kind eyes. “See this beautiful little girl? She’s deaf, but she understands sign language. Someone has gone to all the trouble of teaching her sign language, but then given her up . . . it’s just so hard to understand.” Leanne says that most of the surrendered animals are trained and housed-trained. They have been someone’s pet – so why were they surrendered? Leanne shakes her head sadly. “It could be any number of reasons: divorce, relocation, changes in rental arrangements, neglect.” Homeless Hounds works with Melbourne and regional vets. “We couldn’t do the work we do without the support of our veterinarians. We hope to involve more pounds in the future and make this an Australia-wide initiative. The staff at the pounds are really good – they work so hard with the limited resources available to them.” If you are considering being an animal foster carer, Leanne enthuses, “Just do it! Yes, it’s very emotional, but very, very rewarding. Removing animals from the confines of a pound (where they are effectively on death-row) and setting them free in your backyard is THE best feeling! Watching them bloom and feel happy and confident again, and knowing that they will never be hurt again, going to a new, loving home . . . it’s just an amazing feeling! They are helpless without us, and they can’t say thanks – but they do in so many ways. It just makes your heart swell with happiness.” Founder of Homeless Hounds, Susan Taylor says, “fostering is a gift to the dog or cat AND to the new owners. It really is a beautiful thing to do.” If you would like to find out more about Homeless Hounds and how you can help email homelesshoundsrrr@gmail.com or pet rescue log onto http://www.petrescue.com.au/ - or you can pop into Leanne’s shop, Garden of Thoughts, in Wonthaggi. If you can’t foster or adopt a lost soul, you can also help by donating bedding/ blankets, kennels, non-perishable dog/cat food, donations, kennels, collars or leads. All donations are gratefully accepted.
DID YOU KNOW? • Last year 250,000 dogs were euthanized in Australia. • England has a no kill policy. • Even America with its huge population has a smaller dump rate than Australia. • The laws in Australia are slow to change, however it is now illegal to sell or give away an animal that has not been micro-chipped (so animals can be traced to control breeding). If you care for animals, lobby your local politicians for animal rights and support a no kill policy. • Homeless Hounds rehoused 550 animals last year. With your help – they can make that number grow.
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words sally oneill photos maria reed
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theartofglass
leisa wharington
coast artist profile
Down a dusty dirt road and through a farm gate sits ‘The Studio’ – heartland for glass artist Leisa Wharington for over 30 years. The Studio in its bushland setting feels like an artist’s camp from a bygone era. It’s McCubbin-like: gum trees ripple in the breeze and through the open woodland I capture glimpses of Port Phillip Bay shimmering in the distance. A rope swing hanging from a tree and remnants of a campfire complete the setting, giving it an earthy, casual feel. It’s no wonder that Leisa has made this her creative haven. From the early days when she built the studio with “no idea” what she was doing, this mud brick building housing the kilns and furnaces of her craft has been the fuel of her creative fire. Leisa arrives in a hurry – and a cloud of dust. She has quite a few irons in the fire at the moment, but slows down a few notches as she walks through the door. She tells me that the artist she has shared the studio with for 25 years will soon be leaving. “We don’t like talking about it. Every time we talk about it, we cry,” she says. In 1981, Leisa ended two years of travelling with a summer in Seattle at the Pilchuck Glass School established by renowned glass artist, Dale Chihuly. “They had an amazing octagonal studio. It was divine, and became the inspiration for this place. I just came back and was driven to build a space.” Leisa and friends built the studio over two years on her mother’s property. “We didn’t have any money, so we made all the mud bricks ourselves. I bought all the window frames from the old Balcombe army camp when it was pulled down, and a friend made the steel frames for the building. It was all made by hand.” A childhood friend, silversmith and jeweller Flick Pope, also moved into the studio. The studio and friendship proved to be the perfect creative combination. Leisa produced work for up to 35 galleries, sold at markets and took commissions. “Flick and I had a show together after our babies were born… it was annoying trying to weld and blow glass when I was eight months pregnant,” she laughs. “Our children all played here together, slept under the trees in cots – we were very lucky. My life was my family and blowing glass and working here with Flick.” At the age of ten, Leisa started pottery classes. “I loved putting my hands in clay. I used to make things that my parents thought were fabulous, but I don’t really know how fabulous they were! I was pretty hopeless at school. I just loved the art room more than anything. >
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+
COWES DOCTORS Medical Clinic Phillip Island
Come in and Meet our friendly team and expert GPs at our new location in cowes DR AZAD KADOM (FRACGP, MBChB)
Dr Kadom has many years of experience in general practice. Trained in the UK, she obtained her higher degree of general practice from the Australian College of GPs. She has worked at the Northern Hospital, Bendigo Base Hospital Emergency Department, the Austin Hospital, Mercy Women’s and the Royal Women’s Hospital. Her many years experience in Women’s health - looking after pregnant women and shared maternity care make her expert in her field.
DR RAWA FADHEEL (MBChB)
Dr Rawa Fadheel is well known by the Island since 2005. She joined Cowes Doctors in November 2011 (and also works as a part-time GP in Melbourne). She enjoys the challenge of working as a GP on the Island, with many complicated cases. Dr Fadheel graduated in Bagdad, Iraq and has worked in New Zealand and Australia for the last 12 years.“I love dealing with people and giving the best of my knowledge and compassion to help them,” she says
DR TAREK IBRAHIM (MBChB)
Dr Tarek Ibrahim has vast experience in general practice - particularly in rural areas. He has a strong interest in Men’s Health and in emergency medical procedures. He gained his qualifications and completed his initial training in Egypt. In 1999 Dr Ibrahim and his family left Cairo and migrated to Australia. He has practiced in every state of Australia except WA and NT.
12 warley avenue, cowes 3925 www.cowesdoctors.com.au coast 44
03 5952 5877
I did sculpture in year 12 and knew that art was always going to be part of my life. I just never stopped.” While studying ceramic design at Caulfield, she was exposed to glass. “Everything was so fluid and immediate. It’s a really different material to clay: with clay you are immersed in it and touch it. With glass there is a barrier between you and the medium, but I could get those organic shapes that I still love 25 years later.” Leisa’s inspiration has always come from nature and the natural beauty of the Mornington Peninsula where she has lived all her life. She personally loves plain glass, but the studio glistens with colourful vases and jugs on shelves, spectacular glass pendant chandeliers and half-finished commissions – the most recent blending steel with her glass creations. “I guess I borrow from the past a lot. I just do what I like. It doesn’t come from any research or anything – I just sketch and then determine how to make each piece work.” She shows us the start of a piece that she is imagining as an outdoor sculpture plunging into a pond. She is always imagining… From Easter onwards, the furnace in The Studio burns 24 hours a day, the temperature averaging 1200 degrees Celsius. Leisa usually blows glass for about four to six hours each day. “People can visit by appointment, and most of them are fascinated. Seeing the process on television doesn’t give you the same feeling as being there with the heat and the noise. When I come in I always listen for the sound of the furnace, and when it’s off, the studio doesn’t feel alive anymore!” Leisa enjoys the physicality of her artform. “I like weightlifting and that sort of stuff – I love the strength of it. I would like to be able to blow larger pieces, but I physically can’t lift any more. Using metal is the only way I can make my pieces bigger.” She has her sights on producing even larger sculptural pieces and would like to enter sculpture competitions in the future. Borrowing ideas and themes from the past is also a passion. Leisa searches antique and junk shops to find treasures for inspiration, and her original decorative style goes beyond her art and into other projects such as the Somers General Store. A few years ago, a friend called to tell her that the store was for sale. “I viewed it, then went to the auction and bought it. The building was empty, dead… I felt really sad. I really love old things and I wanted to bring it alive again.” The Store opened after three months of renovations and is now into its fourth summer. “It’s that old style that I love – the sense of holidays and milkshakes and reminiscing. Those hot summer days, zinc cream, the sound of children’s laughter echoing on the beach – it brings back such great memories.” The store is casual, not too precious, with good, wholesome food. “I just did what I felt was right. The decoration evolved from things that I had in the shed and had collected.” There’s no talk of the future because she “doesn’t do planning”. One thing Leisa knows is that she definitely wants to try to simplify her life – but that may be a few years down the track. In the meantime, Leisa will continue to create and take risks. “I go by the seat of my pants a lot: if it feels right, I do it. I often jump before I think, but I guess I usually land on my feet. It’s that gut feeling, an intuitive thing.” And there’s also her haven, The Studio, to come back to. “There’s a really, really good energy here – such peace and harmony. “It’s like a man’s shed, that equivalent safe space. Flick and our friendship and creativity give me a sense of calm and harmony. It’s a bit like hiding away in the bush – there’s no one to interrupt you except the kangaroos.”
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coast lifestyle
paradisefound coast 46
words maria reed photos warren reed
How do you convince a free spirit to settle down? By creating a home that captures all the wonders of travelling in one magical spot. In a Cape Woolamai street, an extraordinary gate hints at the amazing world that lies behind it – a paradise created by local metal sculptor DAK (David A Kopelman), his partner Kate Raisebeck and her daughter Billie. “This is the first home we’ve ever owned,” says Kate. “We’re gypsies at heart, but I think DAK loves this place so much he’s started to question why we’d ever want to go anywhere else. I never thought I’d hear him say that!” she laughs. Although she still has a little wanderlust, she also loves the home they have created together. “It’s colourful and happy – a unique, self-contained haven that we have made our own.” They bought their home on Valentine’s Day two years ago. The conservative timber cottage and garden became a blank canvas on which the three focused their creative talents. A small sand-pit that was used for golf putting became a tropical pond and green oasis. Kate says, “I love the garden; it’s quirky and different – like us. We can express ourselves here and we both work really well together. We inspire each other.” The front ‘butterfly’ gate was a joint creative effort. “It’s a combination of us both – a bit of dark and light. DAK made it pretty shortly after we moved here, so it’s a bit of a symbol for us. Now we can shut the world out and have a little bit of privacy when we sit out here.” What began as a small cottage garden is now a thriving mix of native, tropical and rainforest plants. DAK is an amazing gardener and proves his skill by the variety of plants that are thriving in their garden. Native Melaleuca sits alongside>
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Oral B professional care range The most technologically advanced toothbrushes for ultimate plaque removal… Now at Cowes Amcal Pharmacy OPEN 7 DAYS Weekdays 8:30am to 6:00pm Saturday 8:30am to 5:30pm Sunday 9:00am to 5:30pm
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Cowes Pharmacy 24 Thompson Ave Cowes Vic 3922 Tel: 03 5952 2061 Fax: 03 5952 2499 cowes@amcal.net.au
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 coast 48
into the vegie garden via aggy pipes, and Pepper adds a good dash of liquid fertiliser every time she goes for a swim!” Kate laughs. Kate’s masterpiece is the tiled mosaic in the bathroom. A self-confessed ‘bath queen’, she has turned the room into a work of art. “It was always something I wanted to do, and when we got this house DAK gave me the motivation and help I needed to get started. I had a vision of flowers, a sun and butterflies,” she says. Every tile was hand cut, and her vision came to life over several months. “The bathroom is still a work in progress, but I am very happy with the result,” she beams. DAK’s favourite place is the outdoor shower. A keen surfer, he says “there is nothing better than jumping out of the surf and having a shower outside, especially at this time of year.” The al fresco shower is an organic space that keeps all three firmly grounded in nature. He also loves to sit in the vegie garden with the birds and animals. “It’s a bit of an afternoon ritual for him,” smiles Kate. She cites the couch on the veranda and the open fire in winter as her treasured spots. Inspired by daily life, this creative trio love to work with their hands. Kate and Billy spend their downtime painting and making driftwood mobiles and mosaics. “I like to dabble,” says Kate, comparing art to a form of meditation. “It’s something that brings us all together.” Billy loves her extraordinary home, but Kate says, “she takes it all in her stride. She has always grown up in this sort of environment, but I think she realises that it’s pretty special when her friends come over.” They shared their first extended family Christmas here this year, and Kate says, “It was such a beautiful, relaxed day.” Both Billy and Kate made gorgeous handmade decorations that still spin in the kitchen.
Ginger lilies and a huge tropical palm that was transplanted from next door. “Most things we’ve planted have either come from someone’s garden or have been grown from seed,” says Kate. “The ferns are from his folks’ house, and the banana plants were rescued from a friend’s garden.” Bougainvillea and potato creepers cleverly hide neighbouring walls and the vegie garden out the back is pumping. Kate would love to spend more time gardening, but her job as a vet nurse, raising Billie and studying part-time fill every spare moment.
So, any plans for the future? “DAK wants to extend the kitchen bench with a large slab of wood so we can all sit around together on stools at mealtimes.” He also plans to create an intimate corner with beanbags and pillows for reading with his girls. Sounds like these gypsies won’t be travelling on for some time...
The house and garden have become an open-air gallery, showing off creations by every member of the family. An 8 ft (metal & fibreglass) daisy turns lazily in the breeze. A wattlebird, confused by its authenticity, slides off one of the large, pink rotating petals. Even the enclosed vegie garden provides an opportunity to create beauty. A weathered steel panel contains an exotic flower that glows purple at night, taking on a whole new dimension. A caravan, adorned with vivid painted flowers, blends seamlessly into the garden. “The X-box is out there, so it doubles as DAK’s ‘man cave’ and a spare room when friends stay over,” says Kate. Furry and feathered companions add to the relaxed nature of the home of these self-confessed animal lovers . “DAK grew up surrounded by animals on a farm in the Grampians. And even growing up in the burbs, I always had animals, too.” Puk the Kelpie, Rio the Shepherd X and Tiggy the small (Broome) camp dog came to the family as lost dogs. “They all get on and feel pretty relaxed here,” smiles Kate. Pepper the duck, Chilli the chicken and Barney the Guinea pig make up the rest of their brood. As a vet nurse, Kate brings many injured animals home to nurse back to health. “I used to be a full-time wildlife carer and have looked after birds, native animals, even a tiny Joey.” She introduces me to Oompa, a baby magpie that they are currently caring for until she is strong enough to fly away. They try to live sustainably, and even the animals contribute in their own way. “DAK has rigged up the duck pond out the back to empty
DAK is available for commissions. Please call on 0418366016 coast 49
surf safari
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A real surfer’s paradise words mal gregson photos sumatran surfaris
It’s the ultimate surf trip – warm water, awesome waves and time with your mates. Mal Gregson takes us on a surf safari through the Mentawai Islands… Late summer through autumn provide the best conditions for surfers on our coast. But with colder weather around the corner, we start to plan our winter escape to warm water and good waves. Queensland and Bali are high on the list, but the more adventurous surfers dream of finding the perfect surf spot and will go to extra lengths to get there. To me, the real Surfer’s Paradise is not the Gold Coast but the Mentawai Islands, a long chain of pristine tropical islands straddling the equator approximately 200 kilometres off the west coast of Sumatra. Surfers from all over the planet make the arduous journey to enjoy the Indonesian culture and enormous variety of world-class waves in this tropical paradise. Surfing the ‘Ments’, as it is known , does present its share of challenges, but it has been made easier by a few trail-blazing experts who offer boat charters to access the region’s surfing delights. Long-time skipper Chris ‘Scuzz’ Scurrah, originally from Mornington, lists the vast Indian Ocean, Sumatra’s topography and a host of other geographical technicalities as the reasons why the surf is so perfect. Tony ‘Doris’ Eltherington, a former pro surfer and now skipper, reckons: “Mate, it’s like being a kid in a lolly shop”. For the rest of us, a trip to the Mentawais is a once in a lifetime chance to surf waves you normally only get to see in surf movies. It’s not always smooth sailing, though – there is always the possibility of a tropical downpour, perhaps a bout of seasickness or even an earth tremor or two. There’s also malaria and the fact that the surf breaks over sharp coral reefs. I strongly recommend you choose a charter boat with an experienced surf charter guide. They will ensure that you surf waves to your level of expertise. And believe me: those waves will stay in your memory bank forever. It’s not only the waves but the whole experience that makes a trip to the Ments so special. Just imagine cruising around with a group of your friends, a friendly Indonesian crew looking after your every whim: it’s a tad decadent, and definitely far from your normal lifestyle. And the great surf and spectacular scenery can almost end in sensory overload. >
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www.xover.com.au
Bike hire, Bike sales and repairs, Large range of hybrid and family bicycles, Huge range of bmx and scooters 118 Graham Street Wonthaggi ph: 5672 2270 info@xover.com.au shop online at www.radtothemax.com.au coast 52
“A trip to ‘the Ments’ is like being a kid again and taking all your best mates to the biggest and best damn lolly shop in the world.”
On a typical day, you wake to perfect, uncrowded waves. A quick breakfast of toast, cereal, fresh fruit and coffee and then you are out for the best surf of your life. A couple of hours later, you’re back in the boat for a second cooked breakfast of pancakes or eggs. Then you may take a short trip around a nearby island in a rubber ducky for your next surf – just for something different. And you have to fit in lunch and some snoozing time in the hammock as well. The sunset is always special, whether you are in the water or sitting on the back deck watching the sky light up as the sun dips into the ocean. Dinner may be some fresh tuna, mahi mahi or Spanish mackerel, caught whilst trawling during the day and cooked to perfection. Then it’s a couple of cool drinks and a slideshow of the day’s surf photos before you pour your aching body into bed. Each day of the trip is different. Surf spots change: you may find a magnificent deserted beach or come across a village and meet the locals. The Indonesians are lovely people. There are hundreds of different dialects and many different religions but there is always a smile and they all want to say hello or give you a wave. Learning some basic Bahasa Indonesian enhances these encounters. Sometimes the
villages are really poor and I must admit I feel a bit guilty when I return to the boat for a delicious meal – that’s the Mentawai dilemma. On some trips, we have taken books and school supplies for the villagers. They love this, and really make us feel like Santa Claus. Most of the time you are surfing alone, but you might sometimes share a surf break with other charter boats. These days you may also see the occasional land surf camp because the Ments are becoming increasingly popular. As for me, I’ll go one step further than skipper ‘Doris’ Eltherington – a trip to the Ments’ is like being a kid again and taking all your best mates to the biggest and best damn lolly shop in the world. Get there while you can…
For more info: www.surfcoaching.biz
www.indiestrader.com
www.sumatransurfariis.com
www.surfaidinternational.org
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I could not count how many times I’ve driven past the Holden Proving Ground in Lang Lang. From the highway, it just seems like a bit of bushland, but stepping inside reveals a whole new world.
proveyourself words sally oneill photos supplied & lucas piera
Security is tight as we enter the proving ground and meet our guide for the day, Operations Manager, Darren Smales. It’s no wonder, as this is the place where the cars of tomorrow are driven today.
“There will always be a need to physically validate a vehicle,” says Darren. The facility performs safety tests, performance testing and has an emissions lab.
Darren is third generation. His grandfather was employed here from the very beginning, back in 1957. His father also worked here and now Darren is in his 18th year of service.
The Lang Lang site was chosen largely for the gradient of the land. The property extends over six farms, was expanded in the 1960s and has undergone recent additions and improvements.
There is an other-world feel to this place. The proving ground is a little like a time capsule – the 2,144-hectare site includes large areas of bushland that have been untouched for over 60 years. The site was expanded in the 1960s and the then-contemporary architecture of the main building, which is now having a renaissance in the outside world, has remained a constant here. The charming setting, however, is just that, a setting, because here at the proving ground, the latest in global automotive technologies are at work as the team develops ground-breaking advances in automotive safety and world’s best practice.
Darren shows us through the crash-testing area of the facility. Dummies of all shapes and sizes sit on shelves waiting their turn to undergo tests at different speeds and angles. These important tests measure the impact of an accident and dummies are wired up and send data through over 60 channels of information. The testing area has banks of lights and cameras to ensure that every second of the crash is captured frame by frame for later analysis. “This is a very elite field,” says Darren. The team maintains and calibrates its own dummies for the approximately 200 crashes performed each year. Results contribute significantly towards improving vehicle strength and safety.
The facility meets global testing standards and recently the team designed, tested and developed the Holden (Chevrolet) Camaro, which is, ironically, only sold in the USA.
‘What we do here is extremely complex,” says Darren. “Most people get into a car and don’t think about it, but developing a car from concept to reality is a lot of work and costs billions of dollars.”
Darren gives us an overview of the site. The team here works in conjunction with Holden at Fisherman’s Bend in Melbourne to test cars for durability and safety, and to meet customer expectations.
Engineers and technicians huddle over computers in the climatetesting department of the facility, and Darren tells me that anything up to 300 people, from drivers to canteen staff, work at the proving>
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Keeping business local
South Gippsland’s biggest range of quality used cars • Local backup service Full range of new cars • New, modern workshop for all your after sales service needs Full range of parts and accessories • Finance available
Phone. 5672 1122
All at one big location. 346 Bass Hwy Wonthaggi
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Blood Pressure Testing available Prescriptions
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123 Marine pde, San Remo, 3925
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Phone: 5678 5202
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Fax: 5678 5376
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Email: sanremo.pharmacy@nunet.com.au
of course the legendary Commodore. “I remember sitting in the Hurricane when I was a kid,” says Darren, who grew up in Frankston, and whose parents both hail from Wonthaggi. Darren knows the maze of tracks and roads like the back of his hand. Over the years, he has worked in most aspects of the facility just like his father and grandfather before him. “My family has clocked up 170 years here in total,” he says. I wonder quietly how many kilometres that would add up to… The test drivers represent all sizes, ages and backgrounds and they can be asked to test any aspect from high-speed performance through to giving the sun visor a good work out. “We do in a short time what a driver does in the lifetime of the car,” says Darren. His favourite car of all time was the HSV W427, a vehicle he describes as “amazing”. Then, we go from 0-100kph and stop – with not even a skid. We also get a taste of the rough track – even at 40kph, it is an extremely bumpy ride. Once the testing is complete, many cars are given to the CFA and SES to practice rescue techniques. After a few lazy laps of the circuit track at 180kph, we head back to base. One day, Darren tells me, he was bitten by a snake in the car park. “I looked down and saw the bite, but thought I’d go and do a few things before I went to the doctor. Then I started feeling pretty sick.” He was choppered out.
Archive photo of testing Holdens in the days of old at the Lang Lang site
ground on any given day . Drivers work in two shifts from the early hours until midnight or longer as needed. We step briefly into the ‘cold chamber’ where cars are tested at -40 degrees Celsius by brave workers rugged up in Antarctic gear. We hop into Darren’s top-of-the-range Caprice to inspect the 44km of test roads and over 100km of tracks through the property. Behind the wheel, Darren is calm and in control and in his natural habitat. Suddenly he accelerates, swerves – and stops safely. As we catch our breath, he explains that this is what is possible with the latest safety systems. Pretty impressive – pretty exhilarating! We continue our site tour, viewing the incredible array of terrain. “It’s a cracker of a property,” Darren remarks. There are a wide variety of areas for the purposes of media, proving and safety testing; and rough tracks and roads to test braking and all areas of handling at varying speeds. Cars criss-cross the tracks in all directions. Test drivers are on the track each day covering a range of conditions, speeds and manoeuvres to check all aspects of a vehicle. “Everything is done to a schedule. It’s not just people out there thrashing cars,” Darren is keen to point out.
Darren introduces me to Gary Turner. Affectionately known as GT, he started working at the site when the HQ Holden was in the development stage. “The prototypes were a lot different then; there was only one seat and they were all hand-built,” says Gary. An employee of nearly 40 years, and originally from the building trade, he says that “it feels like only yesterday” that he joined the team. “There were no women drivers then: they came along in the late 1970s. I’m probably the living archive,” he jokes. GT has enjoyed every one of his years at the proving ground: “I’ve met some great people, like Peter Brock. It’s a great job. Every day is different: you might be driving one day and at a photo shoot the next. We are at the forefront of automotive technology, and what’s old hat to us is new to the market.” And does he drive a Holden? “Just because you work in a sausage factory doesn’t mean you have to eat sausages,” he says cheekily. He’s hard-pressed to single out one highlight, but offers up: “Just recently I drove the Volt, our new electric car. I was quite impressed. We’ve come a long way – from the old HQs to the car of the future.”
Cows graze lazily in the surrounding paddocks and we spy a large deer. Kangaroos, wallabies, wombats and echidnas live on the property, and the local Landcare group conducts regular surveys at the site. There have been some classic cars around these tracks, like the Holden Hurricane two-seat concept car built by Holden in 1969, and
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mobile: 0403 124 806
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A beautiful contradiction. Fun yet frugal, the sporty and stylish CT 200h is the world’s first compact luxury hybrid hatch. Balancing power with fuel efficiency, the 1.8 litre four-cylinder petrol-electric hybrid engine produces low emissions and features an all-new Luxury model alongside Prestige, F Sport and Sports Luxury grades. L Finesse styling combines with four driving modes: refined and efficient in EV, ECO and NORMAL, or switch to SPORT for more fun behind the wheel. Find out why Lexus of Brighton is Victoria’s number 1 Lexus dealer. Contact us to book your test-drive today.
CT 200h Lexus of Brighton coast 58
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’ whatsnew this autumn
sarsaparilla
Venture underground on a guided tour led by volunteers, many of whom are retired miners from the Wonthaggi State Coal Mine. Above ground, meet Cobber the pit pony, climb aboard the old steam locomotive, follow the heritage walk or take in a film in the theatrette in the newly-built Visitor Centre. www.statecoalmine.com.au
garane
underground adventures Renowned psychic medium ‘Garane’ recently made her seachange to Phillip Island. She is available for personal and email readings, house cleansings and more. www.garane.net
purplex design & print Purplex Design and Print is a new Bass Coast business specialising in fine art and canvas printing, while also offering other superior quality printing services including business stationery and signage and graphic design. www.purplex.net.au Call 5672 2455
Sarsparilla is the place for denim this Autumn. With labels such as Lee, Mavi, Elwood, Toi et Moi and One Teaspoon. You’ll be in denim heaven! 42 Thompson Ave, Cowes. Call 5952 1143
events by kate
fine art papers canvas prints Specialising in weddings, special occasions and corporate events, ‘Events by Kate’ is an exciting boutique event management consultancy servicing Gippsland and the Mornington Peninsula. Engaging the professional services of ‘Events by Kate’ will ensure your next occasion has that extra ‘wow’ factor! Call Kate on 0419 599 309 www.eventsbykate.com.au
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The Bunurong Coastal Drive snakes like a bitumen ribbon beside the glistening blue waters of Bass Strait.
This great ocean road, spanning from Cape Paterson to Inverloch, is easily accessed from Wonthaggi, Cape Paterson or Inverloch and offers 14 kilometres of spectacular motoring.
find car parks, walking tracks and boardwalks that provide beach access and information about the area. The main stops are at The Oaks, Shack Bay, Eagle’s Nest, The Caves and Flat Rocks.
Once a simple dirt track, used solely by farmers and miners on holiday, the road was sealed in the 1970s. Today, the drive offers a slice of coastal wildness and beauty with a marine environment frozen in time.
Arguably one of the most spectacular is Eagle’s Nest. The striking rock formation is a much-photographed icon of the area.
The route reveals many twists and turns with wide, expansive ocean views winding into protected, tree-lined gullies. It’s not a road to be driven at speed, but one to take at a leisurely pace. If you have the time, drive it in each direction and you will be rewarded with many different perspectives. Along the way, there are plenty of gorgeous coves where you can pull in and enjoy the sandstone cliffs, rocky headlands and caves. You’ll
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Just down the road, Shack Bay, as its name suggests, is the spot where local coal miners built shacks during their five-month strike in 1934. The simple buildings were removed in 1977 for conservation reasons and now a car park, viewing area and beach access remain. The waters of Bass Strait that hug this coast are renowned for their unique flora and fauna and are part of the 2,100-hectare Bunurong Marine Park. Declared in December 1991, and named after the traditional owners, the Bunurong people, the park protects all the flora and fauna in the fragile marine environments. It is also a no-take zone, making it a magnet for snorkellers and divers.
coast feature area
Bunurong Coastal Drive
words sally oneill photos warren & maria reed
The park’s unique location and landform mean that unusual plants and animals flourish in a rich underwater ‘garden’ of seaweeds. There is an abundance of brightly coloured sea-stars, feather stars, crabs, large marine snails, and many smaller animals. Around the rocks at Eagle’s Nest and Twin Reefs, groups of Port Jackson Sharks rest under the ledges and you can see Rock Lobsters in the crevices, while Zebra Fish, Sweep and Wrasse dart through the seaweed. Popular areas for snorkelling include the large rock pools at Flat Rocks and The Caves, which has a large pool that opens to the sea and is accessible at low tide. Popular areas for diving include Eagle’s Nest, Shack Bay, Cape Paterson and Flat Rocks. Above water, the coast along the drive offers relatively remote beaches and coves to explore. They also provide special areas for secluded picnics and gatherings. The RACV Inverloch Resort sits high
on the hill along the drive and offers a restaurant with spectacular ocean views. It makes the perfect place for a pit-stop for lunch or coffee. The area’s mysterious past is being re-discovered at the ‘Dinosaur Dreaming’ site. The rocky coastline has been scientifically dated at approximately 115 - 120 million years old and contains the remains of ancient rivers that once flowed in the area. Each summer, scientists dig for clues and have found many fossilis from small dinosaurs, mammals, birds, turtles and fish. After your journey along the drive, enjoy the coastal villages of Inverloch and Cape Paterson. Cape Paterson is a coastal hamlet that boasts a store, tavern and caravan park. Along the foreshore reserve, coastal scrub meets>
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pristine beaches. The Cape Paterson Surf Life Saving Club was established in 1960 and patrols the beach once a month, also mounting two ‘retro patrols’ each year where the ‘more seasoned’ lifesavers hit the beach. Community events held each summer include the Cape Aquathon and A Day at the Cape. Inverloch is a bustling seaside village offering restaurants, groovy cafes, some great shopping opportunities, and accommodation ranging from caravan parks to luxury B&Bs. Annual events include the Inverloch Food & Wine Fest held each March as part of the Melbourne International Food and Wine Festival, and the Jazz Festival, also held in March each year.>
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. . . at a glance • Cape Paterson Eco Village – a solar-powered, sustainable community overlooking Bass Strait, now selling p. 8 • Red Elk Café – fabulous coffee, delicious fresh food p. 118 • L&J Tuddin Antique & Décor Gallery – exquisite antiques and restoration p. 141 • RACV Resort Inverloch – choose from ocean-view rooms, villas and caravan sites with onsite recreational facilities p. 14 • Bunurong Environment Centre – learn about this unique area p. 62 • Evans Petroleum – fill up at the local BP servo p. 145 • Southern Bazaar – second-hand with style and groovy retro. Check out their massive warehouse of furniture, clothing, books and records p. 37 • Mookah Studios – stylish, eco-friendly homewares, handmade fashion and more, p. 144 • Rod Bending’s World - for all your recreation and fishing needs p. 65
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Bunurong Environment Centre
The South Gippsland Conservation Society, based at Inverloch, was established 30 years ago to promote and preserve South Gippsland’s natural resources and to encourage conservation education. The Society manages the Bunurong Environment Centre gift and book shop, the Inverloch Shell Museum, and the Bunurong Coast Education facility. The Society has also successfully applied for grants to create walking tracks and boardwalks, revegetate areas of public land and publish books, maps, posters and pamphlets relevant to the local area. The Bunurong Environment Centre, located in the centre of Inverloch, is an ideal stop-off point for those travelling along the Bunurong Coast. The Centre contains a comprehensive range of gifts and books for those seeking more information about the local history and flora and fauna of the area. The shop also contains pamphlets on walks in the area, field guides and maps. Bunurong Coast Education, managed by the Conservation Society, is an environmental education provider which focuses on the ecosystems of South Gippsland. Experienced and qualified education officers offer education sessions and information to students of all ages, tourists, and community members. Programs are conducted for visiting schools during the year and visitors to the area during the school holidays. An understanding of the variety of ecosystems and the biodiversity within these ecosystems enables visitors to gain a deeper appreciation of the fragile and diverse communities along the Bass Coast. Heightened awareness of the rapid developments in this
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environmentally-sensitive area, as well as the significant geological and palaeontological sites along the Bunurong coastline, provide a valuable environmental learning experience. Mike Cleeland is an experienced geologist and palaeontologist who is currently working as Education Officer for the Centre. Mike’s enthusiasm and local knowledge provide an exciting opportunity for visitors to become totally absorbed in the rich palaeontological findings along the Bunurong coastline. A rich layer of fossils of long extinct animals is located not far from Inverloch, at the Flat Rocks site near The Caves. Since 1994, a group of palaeontologists and trained volunteers from Museum Victoria and Monash University has conducted annual ‘Dinosaur Dreaming’ digs at the site. Each summer for 4-6 weeks the dig team collects an average of 700 fossil bones and teeth. The fossils are carefully removed from the rock and then taken to Museum Victoria’s Vertebrate Palaeontology Collection for identification, cataloguing and further research. So far they have collected over 10,000 items. The Dinosaur Dreaming project is vital to the study of what Australia, and particularly Victoria, was like over 120 million years ago. The dig site is easily reached. The closest car park is at The Caves, approximately 5km along the Cape Paterson Road from Inverloch. A short walk down the path and across a bridge leads to the beach and rock platforms. www.sgcs.org.au
Corporate Special/Private Weddings
Engaging the professional services of ‘Events by Kate’ will give your next occasion the extra ‘wow’ factor clients and guests alike will be thrilled with.
Phone. 0419 599 309
kate@eventsbykate.com.au
www.eventsbykate.com.au
Rod Bending’s World
A great way to introduce kids to sailing.
PEDAL,PADDLE,SAIL
www.rodbendingsworld.com Your local Authorised Hobie Kayak Dealer. Family, fun and fishing in your Hobie Kayak, the kayak you can peddle paddle or sail. Call David on 0428637471 for a test drive of the Hobie Mirage Drive Kayak. Feel the comfort, the stability and the performance. Sit back and enjoy the hands free experience. For recreation or fishing, there is a Hobie Kayak to suit your needs. Rod Bending’s has a full range of accessories and specialize in fishing fit-outs.
BOOK A FREE TEST DRIVE 0428637471
VISIT OUR ONLINE STORE FOR ALL YOUR KAYAKING & KAYAK FISHING NEEDS
CHECK OUT OUR ONLINE VIDEOS rodbendingsworld.com
Shops 1 & 2, 8 Williams Street Inverloch Phone: (03) 56743322 email: rodbending@dcsi.net.au www: rodbendingsworld.com
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Mt Eliza Optical Time and Care for You.
5 Davies Ave, Mt Eliza | Ph (03) 9775 2922 | www.meoptical.com.au
155 Thompson Avenue, Cowes Ph. 03 5952 1488 Fax. 03 5952 1348 www.southcoastfurnishings.com.au
Furniture
Homewares
Floor Coverings
interior - exterior - packages
vases - cushions - rugs
carpet - vinyl - timber
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Bedding
Window Coverings
mattresses - beds - manchester
interior - exterior - motorisation
aroundtown
Pyramid Rock Festival photos by Lou Curtis-Smith
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Quality accommodation
QUEST Phillip Island
Located in the vibrant, holiday township of Cowes, Quest Phillip Island is a short stroll to local shops, restaurants and beaches and within a short travelling distance to Phillip Island’s many attractions including the Penguin Parade, surf beaches and Grand Prix Circuit.
QUEST Oceanic
Q
Quest Oceanic features one, two and three bedroom, fully self contained apartments. The apartments feature quality furnishings
and fittings, dvd players, stereos, full kitchen, laundry facilities with large balconies and onsite under cover secure parking for one car.
Phone: 03 5952 2644
questphillipisland@bigpond.com.au www.questphillipisland.com.au www.questoceanic.com.au coast 68
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art & culture
feature • artists
• galleries • events • exhibitions
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• A stunning natural history gallery showcasing banksias and birds • An inspiring giftshop • A cafe in a most beautiful setting, coffee, cake & light lunch
Open Friday through Monday 10am to 4pm Promontory Road Fish Creek 3959 coast 70
Tel. +61 3 5683 2628
www.celiarossergallery.com.au
Celia Rosser Gallery Located in Fish Creek, South Gippsland, on the way to Wilson’s Prom, the Celia Rosser Gallery is not to be missed. Celia Rosser is a world-renowned botanical artist who achieves astonishing realism through her sensitive attention to fine detail. Taking over 25 years to complete, her 3-volume series ‘The Banksias’ forms the basis of the work featured in her gallery. As well as admiring Celia’s magnificent botanical paintings, visitors can view sculptures and changing exhibitions by other artists in the spacious architect-designed gallery. Musical and cultural events are held throughout the year. Enjoy coffee, cake or a light lunch at the café and browse the gift shop for unique pieces crafted from banksia wood. You may even meet the artist herself! All prints for sale are framed with banksia timber mouldings assembled
at the on-site workshop. The gallery also specialises in custom-made picture frames milled from banksia timber, and offers a unique framing service for people wanting to bring in their own artwork for framing with banksia timbers. The timber is sourced from fallen trees, milled, airdried for one year, and then kiln-dried. The distinctive grain and natural features of the banksia timber ensure that each frame is a unique work of art in itself! Open Friday to Monday 10am to 4pm Promontory Rd, Fish Creek. Call 5683 2628
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Australia’s leading Sculpture Park and Gallery set in 16 hectares of serene bushland, lakes and landscaped gardens in Langwarrin, 4 kms east of Frankston on the Mornington Peninsula. Entry by gold coin donation. ADDRESS : 390 McClelland Drive Langwarrin, Victoria 3910 Australia.
PHONE : +61 3 9789 1671 FAX : +61 3 9789 1610
OPENING HOURS : Tues to Sun : 10am - 5pm Closed on Mondays and some Public Holidays.
McCLELLAND GALLERY CAFE : Tues to Sun : 10am - 4:30pm Book for a meal or function on +61 3 9789 1671
info@mcclellandgallery.com www.mcclellandgallery.com
Artwork Key: 1. Lisa Roet White ape 2005; 2. Ken Unsworth Annulus 2007; 3. Foreground Burns and Clark Plantation 2003, background Peter Corlett Tarax play sculpture 1969; 4. John Kelly Alien 2006; 5. Andrew Rogers The Winding Path, the Search for Truth 2010; 6. Norma Redpath Paesaggio Canatide (Landscape Caryatide) 1980-85; 7. Geoff Ricardo Rhino 2010
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Mc Clelland Gallery + Sculpture Park
An inspiring mixture of art and nature, this gallery is a truly magical experience. Stroll amongst 16 hectares of native bush and landscaped gardens and enjoy an exhibition of over ninety sculptures from Australia’s premier artists. There are also three indoor exhibition spaces housing temporary exhibitions, a gift-shop filled with quality art treasures and books, and a cafe overlooking the gardens. Entry by gold coin donation. Opening 1 April - 15 July: ‘Beyond the Self: Contemporary Portraiture from Asia’ (a National Portrait Gallery touring exhibition): The artists in Beyond the Self largely operate in spaces of imaginative invention and intervention. Through their personal perspectives and redefinitions of various cultural and historical landscapes the artists attempt to alter the audiences’ customary parameters - probing, pushing and extending imaginations. They offer alternative ways of operating in and imaging our world and suggest a future of undefined possibilities. Writer Homi Bhabha, describing internationalism, suggests that ‘the ... space ‘beyond’ becomes a space of intervention in the here and now’. The artists in this exhibition create work that reflects that intervention in the here and now, to explore beyond the self. McClelland Sculpture Survey & Award 2012 Finalists: The 36 finalists for the McClelland Sculpture Survey and Award 2012 have been announced, with the finalists in the running for the acquisitive $100,000 McClelland Award. The finalists are: Zoe Amor, Emma Anna, Alfredo & Isabel Aquilizan, Matt Calvert, Bozo Ink: Cameron Bishop & David Fitzsimmons, Daniel Clemmett, Ewen Coates, Augustine Dall’Ava, Robert Delves, Damien Elderfield & Lani Fender, Troy Emery, Antonia Goodfellow, Matthew Harding, Will Heathcote, David Jensz, Greg Johns, Chaco Kato, John Kelly,
Chris Langton, Michael Le Grand, Ian Loiterton, Lucas Maddock & Isaac Greener, Gerard McCourt, Anton McMurray, Karleena Mitchell, James Parrett, Terrance Plowright, Charles Robb, Andrew Rogers, Kate Rohde, Robbie Rowlands, Faustas Sadauskas, Benjamin Storch, Marcus Tatton, Vince Vozzo, Jud Wimhurst. Exhibits will be on display from 18 November 2012. Free children’s activity on Mother’s Day: Make a card and a piece of jewellery to give Mum on her special day. No need to book; just drop in between 12 and 2pm. Book early for Mother’s Day lunch at McClelland Gallery Café. Make a day of it, discovering over 90 permanent outdoor sculptures set amongst the landscaped gardens and natural bushland. Enjoy a seasonal lunch or afternoon tea whilst overlooking the beautiful lake and spectacular sculptures. After lunch, visit the gallery shop and browse interesting art books, exhibition catalogues, cards, jewellery, glassware, ceramics, scarves and children’s toys. The Café also specialises in private functions, weddings and corporate events. Bookings highly recommended. 9789 1671 ext 110. Find out more about our collection and exhibitions by joining a free guided tours on Wednesdays & Thursdays at 11am or 2pm. www.mcclellandgallery.com
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Cheryl Petersen Galleries Shop 7/8 Edward St Somerville Phone: 5977 8724 Email: cheryl.petersen@bigpond.com Web: www.cherylpetersengalleries.com Open 10am - 5pm 7days a week. coast 74
Cheryl Petersen Galleries Cheryl Petersen is known for the vibrant colour and variety of her artwork and design. Currently popular is a range of ‘Flame trees’ and other colorful ‘funky boab’ trees, which will complement any modern or contemporary interior. Her artwork graces the walls of many residential and commercial properties around Australia. You can find Cheryl’s work at Sorrento Gallery in Sorrento, Suburban 321 Gallery in Brighton and Tusk Gallery in South Yarra as well as her own gallery in Somerville.
Other artists featured at the gallery include Rosemary Williams, whose mixed media collages are masterpieces, especially for those who love a neutral palette. Barbara Verity, who has painted with Cheryl for many years, uses her skilled brushstrokes to create textured Chagall-style artwork. At Cheryl Petersen Galleries, they not only display a variety of quality investment art, but also provide Interior Consultant advice on art for your residential or commercial interior. Should you match your artwork to wall colour and décor, or vice versa? This is a question that often has artists and decorators at loggerheads. The investment art collector will argue that you should buy a piece of artwork solely for its value, not
only its monetary value, but its value to you in terms of your passion for it. They will say that matching the colours of your décor to artwork (or vice versa) reduces it to an ordinary decoration piece! The answer to this decorating dilemma is not simple. Yes, you should love the artwork. However, you want your décor to enhance the artwork. You should give your investment the very best showing possible by using complementary colors on the walls. Artwork should relate to your décor and ‘belong’ to the room. It should serve as a ‘unifier’ in your décor – bringing the whole look together. In short, the space and the art should work together to create a cohesive whole.
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coast artist profile
darren henderson
Working in the dead of night, a young graffiti artist walks the streets, searching for walls to use as his canvas. Inspired to create by older street artists, he works quickly under cover of darkness to create his masterpieces.
Sounds sinister? Fast-forward a decade and we meet smiling and affable graphic artist Darren Henderson. “Tagging was fun when I was a kid, but I wasn’t really a troublemaker. If anything, I was just a little mischievous,” he laughs. Enjoying the rush of sneaking around and creating art under pressure, he reminisces, “the size and scale of the work made it quite exciting.” As a child, Darren always loved to draw. “My mum would buy paints and pastels and encourage me to express myself.” He found himself attracted to street art and copied styles and artists till he developed his own unique style. He followed his artistic passion throughout high school, and whilst the graffiti period was short-lived, it has had a definite impact on his art. “To this day I still use spray paints and shellac on plyboard, but that’s not to say I don’t enjoy pulling out the acrylics now and again and drawing.” He counts himself lucky in regard to school. “I went to Hampton High, which eventually closed down and amalgamated with Sandringham College. We were given the opportunity to do our Higher School Certificate as TOP (a Tertiary Orientation Program). We got to take artorientated subjects instead of the usual stuff.” He looks back at this time and realises, “it changed my life.” Painting, ceramics and photography became his key subjects. “It was a year focused on getting our folio together and making it presentable so we could apply for tertiary courses.” His folio saw him accepted into Advertising and Graphic Design at RMIT. “I did that for three years and it led to working in the design and advertising field.” He travelled and ended up working in design in London. “I worked there for 2 years, but after the second summer (that wasn’t a summer) I decided I had to come back to where the sun shines. Getting dark at four o’clock . . . not for me!” He came back to work in Australia as a freelance designer and graphic artist. “My design work complements my art . . . it’s the perfect mix. I find I can’t live without either. Sometimes I just love to paint all day. It’s unplanned and I can do whatever I want. Then with design, I am given a brief, a budget and a deadline. Very left-brain, right-brain. It just makes me happy to be able to produce.” Many Melbourne artists both past and present inspire Darren. A collaboration of minds and ideas saw the creation of The Autopsy Gallery in 2005 with fellow artist Jade Palmer. “It was such a great experience. We had some amazing group and solo shows, made great friends and met some incredible artists.”> words maria reed photos darren henderson & warren reed
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g estudio c kgallery o
15 Falls Road Fish Creek 03 568 3 2481 0423 721 593 0421 209 878
monthly exhibitions of contemporary artwork | art materials | picture framing | workshops email: framing@geckostudiogallery.com.au www.geckostudiogallery.com.au opening times thurs-mon 10am-5pm
Kerry Spokes & Michael Lester
Leongatha Art and Craft Gallery ‘Liberated Books’ Artist’s book competition September 2012, Celebrating 40yrs of Leongatha Art and Craft Society, prizes to $1750. Email or check our website for information and entry forms. Changing Exhibitions Cnr Michael Place and Mc Cartin St Leongatha - Opposite the Post Office & next door to the CAB & Visitor info centre. Closed; Sunday, Tuesday. Open; Sat 10am-2pm. Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri 10am-4pm or when the sign is out. Gallery; 5662 5370. Contact; 5662 2029 email. lacs@live.com.au www.leongathagallery.org.au
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Quality local Art & Craft
A subject that is forever present in his work is the wise old owl. “I’ve had a slight obsession with the owl, and as a subject they have always inspired me. They’re not human, but they have so much character. All cultures assign different meanings to them; they are markers of knowledge, wisdom, fertility . . . even death and destruction. They are a challenge to paint, and I like to take them in other directions. I don’t think they’ll ever go away.” A solo show in 2010 saw the artist undertake a massive project, creating 383 paintings of different sizes that were hung together to form a pixelated version of a world map. “I feel it is my best work to date,” he smiles. The installation measured a whopping 7 metres long by 3.3 metres high, and was initially mapped on computer to work out scale, colour and proportion. The ply boxes took several weeks to construct, and painting them took months. “It was so much fun to create,” he recalls. “ I find painting quite liberating. I don’t have to rush; I can work at my own speed. And the physical labour of building the boxes was really enjoyable – I found the manual labour quite satisfying.” The artist finds himself moving between two worlds – his work in Melbourne with clients such as Adidas, Melbourne Water and Moonlight Cinema, and his artistic life at Phillip Island where painting and surfing are key. “I love being out in the surf. Phillip Island is always an inspiration. I build all my blocks there, and I always feel inspired to paint after a good surf. Aussie Track is my favourite surf spot . . . I just love walking through the wattle and banksia, and jumping in the surf.” So which wins? Surfing or art? “Probably the surfing,” he laughs, “but together, they’re great. You know, sometimes when I’m building and the wind swings round, I’ll go for a surf, and come back reinvigorated, wanting to paint even more. It’s a good mix.” He describes it as ‘the best therapy you can’t buy!’ Designs for the future? “I’m currently working on an exhibition coming up in at Unit 44 Hoults Yard in Newcastle upon Tyne in the UK. I’m just formulating ideas at the moment.I met Danny Hughes in Perth last year at a show organised by Stormy Mills. He liked the work so I’ll be flying there (with my owls) in September, which will be exciting!” If you would like to view more of Darren Henderson’s work, log onto www.worldlycreatures.com
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21 second ave, Cape Woolamai
Call Sian on 0418519181
www.artyfarty.com.au
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artfeature Hunt Foyer, Archies on the Creek Archies on the Creek is gaining a reputation for its changing monthly exhibitions held in the Hunt Foyer. The exhibition space is within the popular restaurant and events centre. Monthly exhibitions provide exposure for artists in an elegant and well-patronised setting. Visitors to the restaurant, café, VR tasting room, the Sports Bar and Conference Centre all wander through the exhibition space and appreciate the quality artwork on display. Enquiries to the Arts Director, Janice Orchard at Janice@archiesonthecreek.com.au www.archiesonthecreek.com.au
Arty Farty Sculpture Studio Sian Adnam is a well-known, quirky artist who offers classes for those who think outside the square and are prepared to be challenged in their artistic pursuits. Arty Farty Studio provides a quiet retreat that allows you to reconnect with your creative side, to understand and work with a wide variety of materials, and to develop that unique piece of artwork that you have been meaning to do for years. You will experience techniques in clay hand-building and slip & glaze decoration as well as working with materials such as recycled wood, wire and found objects to create that special artwork. Children’s classes are also available every Wednesday after school and include sculpture, drawing and painting. Call Sian 0418 519 181 www.artyfarty.com.au
Mosaics By The Bay Come over to Ventnor on Phillip Island and enjoy a Mosaic workshop with Heather Fahnle in her studio garden. It’s therapeutic, fun and creative. All materials and a luscious lunch supplied. Beginners and advanced classes available. Students are given handouts and all the information and knowledge they need to create their own mosaic art at home. Call or email Heather for bookings Weekdays and Saturdays available Phone 0417 562 625 heather@fahnle.com.au www.fahnle.com.au
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Between the lines It took a ‘bloody expensive’ self-development course for 53 year old Jamie Folan to start drawing. The British-born tradie who hails from Southampton – the coastal town from which the ill-fated Titanic set sail– spent much of his early life as an insulation engineer, designing and fitting large scale sheet metal. “As a kid I always drew, but it was the 70s in the UK and money was hard to come by and I had to go and get an apprenticeship.” Like his father before him, Jamie learned how to create domes and bends for pipes, charged with the task of making and fitting shapes together with complete accuracy. And while it wasn’t art, the work did involve outlining an intricate physical map of machinery which he’d draw by hand before construction. “You’d take certain measurements and then you had to make it all real in 3D, fit all the pieces together and put it into a machine. Now it’s done by computer but we used to do it all by hand.” That background might explain why Jamie’s art exudes such precision and repetition.
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In his mid-40s, a self-awakening through the Avatar self-empowerment course unleashed an aspiration he’d long suppressed. Jamie believes his desire to draw was ‘smothered’ by the pressures of everyday living including the need to provide financially and emotionally for a family. “It’s easy to get distracted by money and work, not do the things you want to do because you’re busy doing the things you’ve got to do.” While he began painting in colour, he admits it never felt right. And after a commercial gallery owner suggested he go to Freedom furniture to learn more about colour he thought ‘f#* that’ and committed to black and white. Fascinated by the control he could get with a fine black pen, Jamie began his first strokes toward creative freedom, sketching hundreds of lines against lines. The engineer evolving into an artist resonates strongly in his drawings, with shapes that transform into 3D faces, like trapped souls lifting from >
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fine art papers canvas prints archival quality locally produced
we also offer a full range of graphic design services, business cards, flyers, posters, banners, labels, stickers, wallpapers and graphics, car signage and much more Use promo code CoastMagazine when checking out online to receive
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Visit us in store or shop online! 1/20 Inverloch Road, Wonthaggi 10am - 4pm Mon - Fri & 10am - 1pm Sat www.purplex.net.au | 03 5672 2455 find us on facebook for great specials
What’s on in Autumn Raw Vibes
Youth music festival held in Leongatha Memorial Hall. Entry is only $15. Line up yet to be announced, but will cross genres. Contact Sophie Dixon – 5662 9202 and keep an eye out for facebook news.
The Great Southern Portrait Prize
An exhibition of portraits in any medium of colourful and renowned residents of Gippsland – held at the wonderful Stockyard Gallery in Foster and includes prizes for Junior Section and a People’s Choice Award. www.promcoastarts.org.au
Prom Country Arts & Culture Brochure – available now.
This great guide to arts and culture in South Gippsland has comprehensive listing of galleries, annual events and festivals, music, theatre and a great map of South Gippsland, available by post; request your copy from Sophie at South Gippsland Shire Council. Phone: 5662 9202 or email at sophie.dixon@southgippsland.vic.gov.au
Arty Gras & Mirboo North Art Show A community based Art Festival featuring Street Parade, Music, Performers, Workshops and Family activities. The Arty Gras festival is 3 days of artistic endeavour, of every kind. Arty Gras has as a feature event the fantastic Mirboo North Art Show, located in the historic Mirboo North Old Shire Hall. www.mirboonorth.vic.au
9 Smith Street • Leongatha • Vic • 3953 • 03 5662 9200 www.southgippsland.vic.gov.au
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drawing almanac Vitamin D he talks about celebrated illustrators with such awe and respect, like he’s looking from the outside in. You get the sense that Jamie is still coming to grips with being a professional artist; that he still feels like a fraud. “I love what I do but I don’t feel I’m one of these guys yet. I feel I’ve just broken into it. Sometimes I feel like an imposter, as if I’ve snuck in the back door hoping nobody checks my ticket.” His tradie roots and Catholic upbringing might have something to do with that unease, especially with his family still in the dark about his professional drawing.
the canvas. Painstaking in their time-consuming detail and layered with both angst and erotic joy, Jamie’s characters seem to pop up and float from the paper, like waves in motion. Having spent his childhood and his 20s on the south coast of England, his 30s in Asia and the last few years on the Bass Coast, the connection to water and movement is evident in Jamie’s first collection ‘Inklusion’ with spinning circles, starfish and mermaid-like Medusas among his subjects. But it’s this husband and father’s struggle with opposing forces that resonates most strongly in his work, especially around the push and pull between creativity and responsibility. His current piece centres on a screaming head radiating out to solitary icons of money. To support his family in Australia, Jamie has endured odd jobs, like cleaning toilets and working on the factory floor – and while it paid the bills, he admits that path was a dead end for the soul. Especially after he and his Australian wife Lee-Ann had spent a decade in laidback Bali. But after the terrorist bomb attack that killed 88 Australians, the businesses they had built in Indonesia were all but destroyed.
Jamie recently returned to the UK to visit his mother who still lives in the same house she did 40 years ago. But the only people he shared his artistic endeavours with were his friends and one sister, who were astonished by his complex black and white depictions of knots, ropes and cocoons, like a binding of beliefs. “You can reinvent yourself in another part of the world but when you go back home you’re still that person and it’s a hard thing to shake.” But Jamie Folan’s unfolding talent is already being recognised in Australia, with works sold from Jeremy Kibel’s Gallery Block Projects in Richmond, including one to Melbourne photorealist painter Juan Ford. After decades of keeping his emotions and his dreams in check, he feels like he’s finally burying that silhouette of a man, and stepping out from the shadows. Through his layered, heartfelt drawings, he feels he’s finally freeing himself from the shackles of expectation, letting go of past indoctrinations, and setting course for a whole new direction through the tip of a black felt marker.
“I actually felt the blast. I’d stayed up late to watch the soccer and I remember stepping out to the outside toilet and feeling the ground move and the noise. One of our neighbours died down there at the Sari Club.” Their son Kashi was four when the bomb hit, and Lee-Anne’s mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer soon after, so it was easy decision to return to Australia. Now the family live in the back streets of Wonthaggi, amid rambling gardens, a vegetable garden and fruit trees. It’s a serene hideaway, adorned with Balinese furniture, where Jamie is pursuing his simple wish to draw, slowly learning to wear this new identity that he kept shut away in a closet. He admits he doesn’t feel like a ‘tried and true artist’ yet because he hasn’t come through the ranks of education.When he flicks through the
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Deborah Halpern sculptor
Workshops How to Use Fibreglass 1 day workshop. $190
Mosaic Workshop
Create a stunning tiled panel to hang on the wall or to use as a table. 2 day workshop. $350
Support Nepalese Women and Girls who are Survivors of Child Trafficking: LOVINGLY MADE AND SPECIALLY CHOSEN • Gorgeous felt slippers, bags and hats made from yak wool • Divine beaded bags and wrist cuffs • Delicious handmade felt paper books and cards • Exquisite and unique handmade Tibetan “Tiger” rugs made from yak wool
Enquiries for workshop details, retail or wholesale sales for Nepalese goods please call Deb on m. 0417 352 797 or deborahhalpern@ozemail.com.au
Artisan and seller of Traditional & Contemporary Jewellery
LEONGATHA STUDIO & SHOWROOM 3 Lyon Street, Leongatha | Tel. (03) 5662 3142 www.denisahawkins.com.au | denisa10@bigpond.com
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KOONWARRA STUDIO & GALLERY 11 Swan Road, Koonwarra Village | Tel. 0428 685 282
artfeature
Deborah Halpern Deborah Halpern is probably best known for “Angel”, a 10 metre high, two-headed, three-legged creature, clothed in a vast ceramic mural that is cut to fit the form. “Angel” stood in the moat of the National Gallery of Victoria for 17 years and now stands beside the Yarra in Birrarung Marr. She has been a practicing artist for over 35 years. Deborah is a sculptor, printmaker, and painter, Her work held in many national and international collections, both public and private. She is working with women in Nepal who are survivors of child trafficking. She is also “bejeweling” an “elephant” for the Melbourne Zoo to raise funds to save endangered species. By making beautiful and sometimes weird works, Deborah is committed to making a positive difference to the planet. Deborah is offering a two day Mosaic Workshop for $350, and a one day How to Use Fibreglass workshop for $190. All materials and tools are provided for both workshops, and are suitable for participants at all skill levels. Call 0417 352 797 or deborahhalpern@ozemail.com.au
Denis A. Hawkins Studio & Gallery Master jeweller and sculptor Denis A. Hawkins has a working studio and gallery nestled in the charming village of Koonwarra. With over 40 years’ experience designing and hand-crafting jewellery, Denis is a master of diamond- and gem-setting, and is commissioned by clients worldwide. If you desire a precious piece that uniquely represents you, visit Denis and choose from his collection or collaborate on a design. Leongatha Koonwarra
3 Lyon St 11 Swan Rd
Call 5662 3142 Call 0428 685 282
Leongatha Art and Craft Gallery The Leongatha Gallery has ever-changing contemporary and traditional art and craft for sale. Browse fine art, woodwork, jewellery, pyrographic artwork, basketry, textiles, handmade cards and small gift items. To celebrate its 40th year, the gallery is hosting an Artist’s Book competition with a $1000 first prize and two local awards of $500 and $250. Entry forms from lacs@live.com.au or leongathagallery.org.au and entries close 1 June. See superb stitchery from 2 to 14 May in an exhibition by Embroiderers Victoria, Leongatha Country Group. New members can contact Penny 5659 8118 and meetings are from 9 am to 12 noon on the second Tuesday of the month, Uniting Church Hall, Peart Street. Cnr Michael Place and Mc Cartin St Leongatha Call 5662 5370.
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Heather
Fahnle
MOSAIC ARTIST
M O S A I C S B Y T H E B AY
Come to Phillip Island and enjoy a mosaic workshop with Heather Fahnle in her garden studio. It’s therapeutic, fun, and creative. All materials and a delicious lunch supplied. Beginner and Advanced Classes. Students receive handouts, and knowledge to create their own mosaics at home.
Phone or email Heather for bookings www. fahnle.com.au
email. heather@fahnle.com.au
mob. 0417 562 625
emotive”
“from the depths of despair to the heady heights of Love!”
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You are invited to attend the Emotive Exhibition Official Opening will be held 5th of May at 2pm and will be on from the 28th of April till the 2nd of June
Dates for Classes in Jewellery Making, Precious Metal Clay, Lamp Worked Beading and Enamelling NOW ONLINE!
Unique Jewellery | Watches | Repairs | Classes | Rethreading | Commissions Shop 3 - Bridgeview Arcade San Remo phone. 5678 5788 coast 88
Regular Classes & Exhibitions visit:
www.goldsmithsgallery.com.au
artfeature Purplex Design & Print With strong backgrounds in graphic design and marketing, Denni and Ash specialise in superbly printed, archival quality canvas and fine art prints. They love working with local designers, artists and photographers to showcase their work to its best advantage. Purplex also offers business signage, stationery and marketing materials. 1/20 Inverloch Rd, Wonthaggi. Call 5672 2455 www.purplex.net.au
Gecko Studio Gallery With monthly exhibitions of contemporary artists and a stockroom containing 1works from prior shows, Gecko Studio Gallery also offers a beautiful collection of jewellery, ceramics and selected pieces by local artists. Gecko offers a high quality picture-framing service, a comprehensive range of art materials and regular art workshops. The 7th Great Southern Portrait Prize presented by Prom Coast Arts Council Inc. with assistance from South Gippsland Shire Council, is on again. Entries are now open. The subject of the portrait must be a Gippsland resident, but the artist can be from anywhere - one entry per artist. Junior and popular choice sections. Entries close April 13. For more information log onto www.geckostudiogallery.com.au 15 Falls Road, Fish Creek Call 5683 2481
The Goldsmith’s Gallery Located in San Remo, this gallery showcases the work of some of Australia’s most committed and respected jewellers, goldsmiths, makers and designers as well as members of the Gold & Silversmiths’ Guild of Australia. By purchasing their work you assist artists to make a livelihood from their craft, and nourish Australia’s craft and design culture for future generations. There is also a fully-equipped studio behind the gallery where classes in a variety of jewellery methods are offered each month. The weekend and weekday workshops include courses in areas such as Lamp Worked Glass Beads, Bead and Pearl Threading, Beginners and Advanced Jewellery Skills, and PMC Clay. The “emotive” exhibition official opening will be held on Saturday 5th May at 2pm, so come along and share in the emotion and a glass of bubbly! Exhibition is on from 28th of April until 2nd June 2012. Call 5678 5788 www.goldsmithsgallery.com
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Art events + festivals
Arty Gras owns the Mother’s Day Weekend Arty Gras, the award-winning special event, takes over Mirboo North on the Mother’s Day weekend. Last year 4,000 fun-seeking visitors came to the town atop the ridge. This year, the event is planned to be bigger and even more exciting. Friday is devoted to the opening of the Arts Show, now in its 31st year. The Old Shire Hall is transformed into one of the finest galleries in the region for the weekend. Saturday kicks off with a market in the park. Enjoy the parade, free live music, performances from CircaNICA’s ‘Knock Off ’ and much, much more. Mother’s Day Weekend, May 6, 7 and 8. www.mirboonorth.vic.au/artygras
For some years I have been producing paintings presenting the viewer with a comtemplatory view of institutional space. Recently I have branched out into landscape with an emphasis on cool light which I use to create depth. The intention of my work is to take the viewer on a journey of inner experience.
Geoff Harrison Geoff Harrison Mob. 0403 422 825 www.artstitution.blogspot.com
Sosina Wogayehu, Ethopian circus queen, Caravan Burlesque. Image - Angela McConnell
Creative Gippsland The Caravan is Coming To Town! Gippslanders are in for a treat this year when Caravan Burlesque comes to the Gippsland towns of Bass, Trafalgar and Leongatha during May. From the creators of the multi award-winning, global smash hit The Burlesque Hour, this is a travelling emporium that fuses Parisian nightclub with wild Ethiopian dance, razor-sharp intelligence with sultry songs, Australian whipcracking with Bollywood. Book a table, dress up, and get ready for a sumptuous night that will challenge and charm, an evening of seduction that crosses cultural and political boundaries. The six extraordinary performers will make you laugh, clap, and gasp. With community workshops in Bollywood, traditional Ethiopian coffee-making, Burlesque, Zumba and Circus, you won’t want the Caravan to leave. creativegippsland.com.au
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Mandy has a Fine Art Degree from the Victorian College of the Arts. She works on installations, assemblage and sculpture from found and recycled materials. She exhibits widely across Australia and overseas. Visit the artist at work at her Tarwin Lower Studio where paintings and prints are also for sale. Contact Mandy for details of classes.
Mandy Gunn Mandy Gunn - Windabandi Studios, 746 Walkerville Rd, Tarwin Lower Call 5663 5577 mob 0411257045 web site: www.mandygunnart.com
artfeature - open studios
The studio has a significant collection of works by artist in residence Diana Bannister available for viewing. These include paintings and sculptures using a variety of mediums and if you are looking for something a little different, Diana would welcome the opportunity to discuss your ideas with you. Studio days and hours vary so please call Diana on 0408 341 898 for opening hours or to arrange a viewing appointment.
Warren Curry Shearwater Studio
83 Lantana Road, Cape Woolamai Call 0408 341 898
Fiona’s work is renowned for its magic, colour and vibrancy. Her work is gaining world wide recognition with paintings commissioned to France London Toronto Germany and Japan. Her recent solo exhibition ‘Breathe’ had outstanding reviews . Come visit and chat to the artist at her studio /gallery in Kongwak 10 mins from Inverloch, and see for yourself how Fiona’s paintings take your breath away.
Fiona Kennedy Fiona Kennedy Art Studio and Gallery www.fionakennedy.com 0413 241 805
Born in Yarram in country Victoria, Warren studied art at the City & Guilds Art School, London. In 1973 he established a studio and gallery in the historic village of Port Albert. Working mainly in oils his subjects range from country towns and coastal scenery to the dramatic landscape and village life of the Greek Island of Corfu.
www.fionakennedy.com e: fionakennedy@dcsi.net.au m: 0413 241 805
The Port Albert Art Gallery 69 Tarraville Road, Port Albert, Victoria. Open Sunday 11am-5pm or by appointment. Phone. 5183 2588 currystudios@netspace.net.au www.warrencurry.com
Award-winning potter Robert Barron created Gooseneck Pottery after learning techniques from craftsmen all over the globe. Creating his own style of hand-thrown, wood-fired stoneware, Robert also built one of Australia’s largest wood-fired kilns, a masterwork that is fired only twice a year. Winter Firing - Mid May Kiln Opening and Winter Exhibition - Queens Birthday long weekend (June) Visitors are welcome to inspect the kiln and studio.
60 Kardella – Fairbank Rd, Kardella via Korumburra Call 5655 2405 www.gooseneckpottery.com.au
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advertising feature
passion for
community
words eleanor mckay photos warren reed & lucas piera
Only child and born and bred city girl Chabrelle Chisholm found herself a ‘second family’ when she moved to Phillip Island eight years ago. Chabrelle’s passion for the local community is genuine, palpable and infectious and it goes a long way to explaining her success as a Community Planning Facilitator. “When we moved here, I got involved in a local mother’s group and through that learned a sense of community. There were so many sea changers here without family, so we became each others families,” said Chabrelle. That community connection intersected with her career in 2006. Chabrelle started in the planning department at Bass Coast Shire Council, then moved across to Community Planning after doing some relief work there. “I love it because I get to meet all the wonderful people in our community. I get to help them and tap into the knowledge and skills of the locals, to work in partnership with them.” So when the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) approached Council to take part in their ‘ACMI In the Regions’ series, Chabrelle jumped at the chance to document some of the amazing local stories. “Being part of this project is really a validation of all the hard work that our community members do. They don’t necessarily want the credit. They are just unsung heroes going about their business quietly and don’t ask for anything in return.” Bass Coast Shire Council launched its community planning project in 2008, aimed at strengthening communities and building their capacity to drive change in their own areas. So far, community plans have been developed for five areas - Inverloch, Kilcunda, Southern Communities of Phillip Island, Bass and Cape
Paterson, with the Corinella plan being put together now. “Community Planning helps these groups do things for themselves rather than waiting for others to do things for them. It gives them pride of place,” explains Chabrelle. “Times have changed. Governments don’t necessarily have the same funds now to put into communities. There are opportunities for communities to apply for grants that Council isn’t able to apply for. “A lot of communities don’t know what grants are available or how to deal with the red tape. I know my way around the grants and can help with the process. There are always lots of things the community wants done, and if they have the skills base to apply for help outside, they can get the project done much quicker than if they wait for Council.” Already these groups are seeing results. Inverloch picked up a tidy towns award, the Southern Communities group installed a pathway at Beachcomber, planted out the water catchment area at Sunset Strip park and are developing the Surf Beach community park, while in Bass, the local netball court has been resealed. “The work the groups have done is really amazing,” said Chabrelle. “They have so much knowledge and that is such an asset.” ACMI filmed nine different community projects when they visited Bass Coast in December 2011. The films will become part of ACMI’s national archive and will be launched in early March. For more information, visit www.acmi.net.au For copies of community plans or to find out how get involved in your local area’s planning projects, contact Bass Coast Shire Council’s Community Planning team on 1300 BCOAST (226 278).
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providing equitable access to health services
Volunteer Medical Transport
Distrct Nursing Service Bass Coast Community Health Service (BCCHS) is a stand alone not for profit organisation committed to ensuring equitable access to high quality health care for the communities of the Bass Coast. BCCHS commitment in meeting our vision and building a healthy community, is being achieved through our 6 locations across the shire, and the provision of home visits and outreach services. Some of the services offered are Nursing, Physio, Podiatry, Occupational Therapy, Counselling, Support Groups, Community Services, Maternal & Child Health Nurse, Volunteer programs, Child Youth and Family services, Drug & Alcohol support, Diabetic supplies, Medical Equipment hire and Emergency Relief. Medical transport to specialist health care appointments in Melbourne and surrounding areas is another service provided by BCCHS.
Connecting & engaging communities
As BCCHS is a not for profit charitable organisation we rely on funding and fundraising for the provision of health services and programs. Your valued contribution will support continuous equitable access to health services for people living in your community. Donations can be made over the phone, through the post or visit our website www.bcchs.com.au
Visit www.bcchs.com.au for
1 Back Beach Road,
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Cowes, 03 5952 1200
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Cnr Watt & Billson Streets.
ACN 136 473 660
difference. coast 94
Featuring a stunning range of... JEWELLERY HANDBAGS SCARVES CLOTHING GIFTWARE
57 Bair St Leongatha. Open weekdays 9–5:30 Sat 9–1 Phone. 5662 3103
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words sally o’neill photos warren reed
M
agical meeniyan
This quaint country town is home to some fine food, shopping, wine, art and music.
Meeniyan’s quintessential country town look and feel has not gone unnoticed. It was recently scouted by the ABC and used for filming their popular drama ‘Bed of Roses’. There were few sets needed – the town provided the perfect backdrop for the drama and its characters. In ‘real life’ it’s just as picturesque and the residents equally as interesting. Located 16 kilometres south-east of Leongatha and 150 kilometres from Melbourne on the South Gippsland Highway, Meeniyan is a great place to pause. You can stay a day or a weekend or travel onwards – whether you are turning towards Wilson’s Promontory, Latrobe Valley or passing through to East Gippsland or Melbourne. The wide median strip through the centre of town is lined with shady trees making it a lovely spot to enjoy the thoughtfully provided picnic tables, bbqs and drinking fountain. Take a wander down the main street of this 600-person town and explore hidden treasures such as Lacy Jewellery Studio. Philip and Danielle Lacy grew up around the area and moved back to Meeniyan after living in Melbourne and travelling the world. They found an old store for rent and opened their jewellery studio in December 2004. Today, it is a mecca for people who travel from far and wide to acquire Philip’s unique designs.
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Meeniyan Art Gallery is a dynamic gallery space that opened in March 2002 to provide an exhibition venue for local artists. A group of Meeniyan residents purchased the 1890s building in late 2000. The Baltic Pine floors and original marble slab of the ‘Tobias and Considine’ butchery and bakery retain the building’s historic feel. Regular exhibitions and workshops are held and it’s great to browse their gift shop. Meeniyan Hall has the echoes of district balls, dinners, movie nights and Saturday night dances which ran until 1976. Opened in 1939, it replaced the original hall built in 1892 and destroyed by fire in 1938. The hall is now the beloved venue of regular music nights held by Lyrebird Arts Council. Artists from around the world have performed at Meeniyan, including Paul Kelly, Martha Wainwright, Gillian Walsh, Eric Bibb and many more. For more than twenty-five years, the hall’s ’Tavern Nights’ have showcased the talents of local performers, and an annual art and craft show is held there each November. Stop and enjoy a relaxing coffee, drink or meal in one of the town’s cafes. Moo’s at Meeniyan has developed a strong following since Marty opened the doors a few years ago. Moo’s offers local wines, produce, relaxed dining and regular events.>
Magical Meeniyan Village
words sally oneill photos warren reed
Above - Tex Perkins at the Meeniyan Hall (Lyrebird Arts Council event)
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Magical Meeniyan Village
The mighty Tarwin River borders the town and a wide road-bridge spans its banks and floodplains. The Great Southern Railway opened in 1892 linking Dandenong to Port Albert and passing through Meeniyan. The original trestle rail bridge still stands beside a more modern version that now forms part of the Great Southern Rail Trail. The 129-kilometre trail runs from Leongatha to Foster. You can tackle the Meeniyan – Minns Rd section which is a twohour, 6-kilometre walk that crosses the Tarwin River via the trestle bridge. The 3-kilometre section of trail from Minns Rd to the village of Koonwarra is currently closed. To the west, the trail is flat and easy to traverse and connects Meeniyan with Buffalo. This follows the route the railway took via Fish Creek to avoid the steep Foster hills. The 11- kilometre trail takes you through bushland, horse paddocks and Stony Creek racecourse. The trail becomes undulating between Stony Creek and Buffalo, with wallabies, kangaroos and many birds crossing your path. Also, out of town, you can enjoy a round at the Meeniyan Golf Club on Buffalo Road. The Annual ‘Meeniyan on Fire’ festival is held in July each year. The festival features music all day, stalls, shopping, kids’ entertainment and a campfire at the end of the day.
at a glance: • • • • • •
The Duck Hutt Lacy Jewellery Studio & Gallery Meeniyan Golf Club Moos at Meeniyan Morning’s Light Day Spa & Retreat Tarwin Valley Wines
close by: • • •
Gecko Studio Gallery (Fish Ck) Celia Rosser Gallery (Fish Ck) Denis Hawkins (Koonwarra)
L-R clockwise Moo’s at Meeniyan, The Lacy family jewellers, Paul Kelly (Lyrebird events at Meeniyan),beautiful gifts at The Duck Hutt, Mornings’ Light Spa & Retreat, Moo’s, Tarwin Valley wines, Meeniyan Golf course.
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Magical Meeniyan Village
Moo’s at Meeniyan
Lacy Jewellery Studio & Gallery
There’s always a warm welcome at Moo’s. They’re proud to use fresh, local Gippsland produce. Delicacies such as local cheeses, meats, seafood and local wines and coffee. Their blackboard dinner menu changes every weekend and you can also take a little bit of Gippsland home with you from their produce store.
Where beautiful and artistic pieces of fine jewellery are designed and made. Philip and Danielle Lacy provide their customers with an opportunity to see a jeweller working at the bench, using their skills to create impressive jewellery pieces.
89 Whitelaw Street, Meeniyan Phone: 5664 0010 www.moosatmeeniyan.com.au
132 Whitelaw Street, Meeniyan Phone: 5664 0055 www.lacyjewellery.com.au
Meeniyan Golf Club
Tarwin Valley Wines
The Duck Hutt
Play one of South Gippsland’s most challenging and picturesque golf courses. Licensed bar, grass greens, club and buggy hire and light refreshments. Perfect venue for weddings, parties and family gatherings.
Meeniyan is home to the family-run business Tarwin Valley Wines. Their winemaker Folkert Janssen has experience and passion and sets a high standard for quality both in the vineyard and in the winery.
Unique and stylish homewares can be found at this gorgeous emporium located in the heart of Meeniyan.
Mornings’ Light
Organic Day Spa & Retreat A Rejuvenation Package at Mornings Light is the perfect way to let nature touch your soul and reawaken your senses. You’ll taste the true flavour of herbal tea picked fresh from the garden, then unwind tired muscles in an outdoor hydrotherapy spa. And after surrendering your body to a deep healing massage and nourishing your skin with an organic facial, excite your taste buds with a delicious organic lunch. 760 Meeniyan-Nereena Rd, Nereena Phone: 5664 7400 www.morningslight.com.au
Pick up a bottle of their Cabernet Sauvignon or Riesling at Meeniyan IGA or at cafes, shops and restaurants across South Gippsland.
385 Meeniyan-Promontory Rd, Meeniyan Phone: 5664 7490
Phone: 0459 206439 www.tarwinvalleywines.com
134 Whitelaw Street, Meeniyan Phone: 5664 0100
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autumn accommodation guide
Sandy Point Holiday House 50 metres to the beach
Book these and over 30 more at www.promcountry.com.au
The Beachfront, Sandy Point Private access to the beach
Self Contained 8 Acres Guest House - Foster North: $200-$600 per night Abington Briars Cottage - Foster: $275 per night Bass View Cabins - Yanakie: 2x1BR cabins & 1x2 BR cabin Benaway Cottages: $140 per night Bimbadeen Retreat - Fish Creek: $130-$160 per night Birchwood Retreat Country Cottages: $140-$260 per night Black Cockatoo Cottages - Yanakie: $120-$190 per night Buln Buln Holiday Cabins & Boutique Barn: Yanakie Carrelly Garden Accommodation: $150-$245 per night Eagles Outlook - Foster: $100 per night Emerald Hills Cottage - Koonwarra: $145-$205 per night Fish Creek Farmview Cottages: $140-$280 per night Garden Farm Cottage - Hiawatha: $100 per night Gooseneck Pottery - Kardella: $100 per night Gully Humphrey Cottage - Toora North: $180 per night Koonwarra Cottages: $130-$205 per night Leongatha Country Cottages: $110-$155 per night Loves Lane Cottages - Dumbalk: $150-$170 per night Oaklane Retreat - Foster: 2BR - 1xqueen & 2xsingle, sleeps 4 Prom Gate Vista Cabins - Yanakie: panoramic sea views Sabrelyn Park - Waratah North: $130-$250 per night The Moilong Express Train - Inverloch: $120-$160 per night Tindoona Cottages - Foster: $160 per night Venus Bay Eco Retreat: $250-$400 per night Zenergie: Villas - Kongwak: $130-$205 per night
Beach House 0402 324 725 5682 2502 5687 1207 5657 2268 5683 2687 5668 1757 0438 506 468 0427 339 268 5668 6390 0407 540 269 5664 2414 0427 636 376 5185 1235 5655 2405 5686 2684 5664 2488 5662 4444 5664 1212 5682 2797 5687 1156 0428 571 008 0439 842 334 5682 1072 5663 7525 5657 4490
Bed & Breakfast Bentleys - Korumburra South: 2 rooms, romantic getaway Blithe Spirit - Port Albert: 3 rooms, on the waters edge House on the Hill - Kilcunda: 1xunit & 3 rooms Hudspeth House - Meeniyan: $170-$190 per night Karingal Homestead - Inverloch: $130-$175 per night Percanta - Koonwarra: 2BR - 1xqueen & 2xtwin king Tarra Bulga Guest House & Lyrebird CafĂŠ: $100-$120 p/n Tingara View Cottages - Yanakie: $130 per night Vereker House - Yanakie: $150-$180 per night
5655 1592 5183 2399 5678 7350 5664 7461 5674 3029 5664 2479 5196 6141 5687 1488 5687 1431
5674 3504 5662 2321
Caravan Park Long Jetty Caravan Park - Port Welshpool: cabins & camping Yanakie Caravan Park: 3BR cottage, cabins & camping
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22 Acacia Street - Sandy Point: $110 per night 60 The Boulevard - Sandy Point: $170-$200 per night A Funky Sandy Beach Shack - Sandy Point: $145 per night Anderson Beach House - Inverloch: $200 per night Blakey’s Losman - Sandy Point: $160-$180 per night Blue Oar Cottage - Port Welshpool: $150-$225 per night Elouera Cottage by the Sea - Yanakie: $150 per night Lanes Beach House - Walkerville North: $250-$315 per night Promegranite Beach House - Yanakie: $200-$250 per night Retreat 2 Port - Port Welshpool: $220 per night Sandy Point Road: $150-$200 per night Sandy Point Holiday House: $140 per night The Beach House at Sandy Point: $180-$200 per night The Beachfront - Sandy Point: $140 per night The Bothy - Sandy Point: $160-$210 per night The Point - Sandy Point: $170-$200 per night The Quirky - Sandy Point: $150 per night The Studio at Sandy Point: $125-$145 per night Wilsons Prom Retreat - Yanakie: $250-$300 per night Yaringa Cottage - Walkerville North: $150 per night
5688 1233 5687 1295
1800 889 966 0425 802 669 5689 1311 0431 473 640 0429 822 602 0427 812 203 5687 1239 5663 2291 0408 599 732 0437 601 260 5687 1367 0400 078 713 0418 595 023 9890 2104 0408 599 732 0400 477 794 0408 599 732 8644 8290 5989 7224 5663 2291
Group Lodge Prom Coast Holiday Lodge - Waratah North: lodge & cottages Waratah Lodge - Waratah Bay: $160-$180 per night
5684 1110 5683 2687
Apartment By The Beach - Inverloch: $140-$150 per night
Motel & Unit My Place - Inverloch: motel style unit, sleeps 4 Opal Motel - Leongatha: 13 ensuite rooms, picturesque views
House on the Hill, Kilcunda 5 minute drive to the beach
0418 397 739
Resort Broadbeach - Inverloch: units, restaurant & more
5674 6290
Rates are for two people. Extra adults and children rates apply at most properties. School/Public Holidays and weekends are a higher rate at some properties. Visit www.promcountry.com.au or phone the property to check the current rate. Minimum stay: 2 nights applies at most properties.
aroundtown what’s goin’ on around your place
Photos by Lou Curtis-Smith and Rebecka Johansson
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moonya volunteers
words sally oneill photos lucas piera
Neville Goodwin has dedicated his life to community service and often wonders where the next generation of volunteers will come from… In true style, Neville Goodwin is humble about being awarded ‘Citizen of the Year’ in Bass Coast Shire Council’s Australia Day awards. The award recognises over 30 years of service to the community of Bass Coast – and nearly 20 of those have been spent on the board of Moonya, a muchbeloved community facility that supports adults with a disability. “It’s something that comes along once in a lifetime,” says Neville of the award. “You don’t look for recognition; you work to try and leave the place generally in a better state than when you found it. We can’t change the world, but we can do something in our own community. If we all do a little bit, hopefully those places that are really suffering will benefit.” Shepparton in the 1940s and 50s was the environment that shaped Neville. “My father was a policeman and Mum worked in the local cannery. I was working, like all the kids of my age, and there were just two forms of sport – cricket and football: the rest of the time you were washing your parents’ car and mowing the lawns.” When Neville and wife Lyn had their own family, they began their journey of community service. “I guess it all started with the kids being involved in footy in Mt Eliza in the early 1960s. There was another guy, Ken Smith, who wanted to help: he was a plumber and I was a chippy. So our community development work goes back to 1963 or 4 – that’s a week or two!” he laughs. When the couple moved to Gippsland, the Shire of Bass was in drought and needed help – and Neville pitched in. He helped wherever he thought he could contribute, and this involved a broad spectrum from sport and recreation to local government and people in need. “You didn’t have a conscious thought about it; you just got in and did it. I wasn’t the only one: there were – and still are – many people working tirelessly.” Neville was asked to join the Moonya board nearly 20 years ago and somehow fitted this new responsibility around all his other community
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work – the Grantville Market, the Grantville Hall, Rotary, the hospital, the football league… “Governments don’t fund disability as they should, it’s not on their radar. Moonya plays such a vital role in the community for people less well off than us. It’s not a matter of feeling sorry for them – they are entitled to whatever we can do to make their life better and ensure that they get the services they deserve.” The local service clubs, such as Rotary and Lions, play a vital, ongoing role, and have contributed enormously in providing support for important Moonya projects and the union members at the Desalination Plant have also contributed significantly to some recent ventures. Family members and carers have also, and continue to contribute to the operation and support of Moonya. “John Howard once said that Australia could not function without volunteerism, and that’s true of the CFA, Lions, St Vinnies, Anglicare – a whole host of people worth millions of dollars to the Australian economy in unpaid labour. Yet that responsibility is falling on fewer and fewer and older and older people.” Neville believes that everyone, young and old, has a responsibility to make some contribution to the community in which they live – “No question”. Neville wants to continue working with Moonya as long as he can, but desperately wants to see new and younger people getting involved in this important community facility. “Just pick up the phone and call the team. That’s the best way to start,” he says. To join as a member, volunteer, to donate (as a charity Moonya is a tax deductible gift recipient) call 56724343 or find out more on Moonya’s new look website: www.moonya.org.au which was recently launched by staff at Moonya Printworkz.
Proudly independent ...a book is a place
• Over 10 years experience in the book trade • Life-long love affair with books • We specialise in finding that difficult to find title • We can help find that special book for yourself or to give as a gift
40a Thompson Ave Cowes
Phone. 03 5952 1444
Email. lois.turnthepage@bigpond.com
LITERARY FICTION
PICTURE BOOK
TEENS
NON-FICTION
“The Chemistry of Tears” by Peter Carey (rrp $39.95 Hardcover)
“AGAIN!” by Emily Gravett (rrp $26.99 Hardcover)
“Maze Runner” by James Dashner (rrp $16.99)
“My cool caravan” by Jane Field-Lewis & Chris Haddon (rrp $29.99 hardcover)
This book is about love, loss and a thing of beauty: Catherine is a horologist at London’s Swinburne Museum and is given a project to reconstruct the most fascinating object she has ever seen and to uncover the story of its creation. After the sudden death of her lover she turns to this project to find relief from her grief and to build her life without him. This is one of Peter’s most accessible books and reads beautifully.
Gorgeous, colourful illustrations in a story about Cedric’s love of books, especially the one about a dragon just like him. At bedtime he wants his Mum to read it to him again, again and .... AGAIN! Kids of all ages will love this and you will have so much fun, you will want to read it again, again and ... AGAIN!
This is the first book in this series from James Dashner and it will thrill all teen readers looking for something fast-paced and exciting. The only thing Thomas can remember is his first name, so when the lift doors open he is welcomed to the Glade by boys who don’t know why or how they came to be there, but will risk everything to find out. This is going to be a great series!
For some of us of a “certain” age, this will bring back memories of life when it was simpler and more innocent. This is a truly funky little book with fantastic photography and it will take you back down memory lane to the “good old days”. This is a companion book to “my cool campervan” which will also transport you back to the poptops, the surf and the freedom of life on the road.
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fox on the run A fox-free Phillip Island has always been a dream for the team at Phillip Island Nature Parks and their fox eradication prgram was recently recognised with a prestigious Banksia Environmental Award. For the second year running, and with the help of the community, industry and farmers, not one Little Penguin has been killed by a fox on the Summerland Peninsula. Little Penguins have nested on Phillip Island for thousands of years. They chose the isolated island as it was free from land-based predators such as dingoes. The introduction of foxes in the early 1900s was devastating. Nine of the ten existing penguin colonies were lost – with foxes being the primary cause. In later years, the last remaining penguin colony on the Summerland Peninsula (home to the world famous Penguin Parade) was under serious threat, with Nature Parks rangers recording up to 40 penguins killed in one night. Foxes were also having an impact on other wildlife and livestock across Phillip Island. Farmer Bill Cleeland recalls the night in the early 1980s when 25 of his lambs were killed. “You expect to lose that many over a year, not in one night,” says Bill at his Surf Beach property. For 20 years, rangers controlled the number of foxes using techniques including spotlighting, baiting and trapping. This yielded over 1,000 foxes – but the killings continued. The rangers also knew the devastating impact of foxes on the island’s entire ecosystem, threatening species such as Short-tailed Shearwaters and the vulnerable Hooded Plovers along with livestock on neighbouring farms.
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In 2007, a line was drawn in the sand and war was declared on foxes. The rangers decided to go for broke and work towards the goal of completely eradicating foxes from the island . The Nature Parks’ research team acknowledged that total eradication was possible but would require a significant financial investment and the development of an integrated, targeted Fox Eradication Strategy. They allocated $700 000 over 5 years to a unique, multifaceted approach of science, fieldwork, community partnerships and technological innovation designed to win the war on foxes and reclaim the island for the native wildlife. Farmer Bill Cleeland has been involved since the “early days” and was one of many community members who assisted the Nature Parks team to achieve its goal. “I mainly help out with notification. It doesn’t happen any more, but if lambs were killed, I’d call and the guys would come out spotlighting that night and also carry out hunts during the day. It was all about working together to do a proper job and ensure the best chance of finding the fox without delay.”
promotional feature Opposite page: Beau Fahnle, Bill Cleeland & Stuart Murphy Above Left: Spotlighting Above Right: Stu and Beau inspect Short tailed Shearwaters killed by foxes
Bill always thought it would be possible to get rid of foxes altogether and is pleased with the results (none of his lambs have been killed in the past two years). He is keen for these efforts to continue. “The Nature Parks did a community presentation for Landcare that showed what would happen if their fox control program stopped. Within three years, there could be 200 foxes on the island. It was really concerning.”
celebrating another win, the increase in populations of Little Penguins and other ground-nesting birds including Hooded Plovers. Penguin numbers have increased from 14 000 in 1985 to 32 000 in 2011, with fox control being deemed the major factor in this success.
The Nature Parks team has no plans to discontinue the program, although numbers are now down to the last few cunning foxes. “We will definitely keep going. If we took our foot off the accelerator now, they could rebound in a few years,” says Phillip Island Nature Parks Fox Project Manager, Stuart Murphy. “It hasn’t only taken five years to get to where we are now; it’s the culmination of 30 years of work. But we had to take an island-wide approach and really focus our efforts. That’s what the past five years have been all about, and now we need to maintain the pressure to achieve the optimum result.” Stu and his colleague Beau Fahnle have worked full-time on the program for many years, undertaking island-wide baiting four times a year, endless nights of spotlighting, early-morning tracking in the dunes and the gathering of data. A major public awareness campaign was also crucial, and the concept of asking the community to ‘dob in a fox’ the moment they saw one on Phillip Island has been successful. The program has also incorporated some innovative scientific research and techniques, including a genetic study to determine if migration of foxes from the mainland occurs. It has been found they do cross the bridge - but at very low levels. The team is also using infra-red cameras to locate the last remaining foxes in remote areas of Phillip Island.
Please Dob In A Fox report any fox sighting immediately to the fox team on 0419 369 365 24-hours.
www.penguins.org.au
The Phillip Island fox strategy is now being used as a model for other communities, and a Tasmanian team visits the island regularly to study strategies for fox detection at low densities. The program’s success was recently recognised at a national level when it took out a prestigious Banksia Award for Environmental Excellence. The Nature Parks is also
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Water Quality with Westernport Water Westernport Water is dedicated to providing the highest quality of water possible to our customers. We are constantly upgrading our infrastructure and improving assets to maintain high quality drinking water.
Candowie Reservoir landscape
advertising feature
Chloramination
Benefits
Customers in San Remo and Phillip Island will now receive water treated with Chloramination, an improved treatment process designed to reduce chlorine taste and odour in the drinking water. Managing Director Murray Jackson announced the imminent changeover to Chloramination from 13 February 2012.
Chloramination offers a much longer treatment period than ‘chlorine only’ treatment, helping keep the water fresh for longer. Additionally, the added ammonia reduces the taste and odour of chlorine in the drinking water, as well as reducing the volume of chlorine required. There are also special instructions that some residents will need to follow:
Westernport Water first introduced chloramination in 2009, with an extensive trial program in Corinella, Archie’s Creek, Dalyston, Kilcunda, Coronet Bay, and Tenby Point. After a hugely positive response, it was decided to expand the program permanently to the Phillip Island/San Remo area.
How does Chloramination work? Normally, drinking water piped from Candowie Reservoir is treated with chlorine as it makes its way to homes and businesses. Chloramination involves adding a very small amount of ammonia before the chlorine during the water disinfection process.
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Dialysis patients - People on dialysis machines currently filter their water and this must continue. Fish owners - Owners of aquarium fish must remove chloramines in the water before the water is used. Local pet stores and vets have a range of treatments like carbon filters and water conditioning agents that make water safe for fish.
Water sampling and maintenance Westernport Water conducts rigorous testing and treatment to ensure that our drinking water meets stringent Australian standards. We monitor water quality on a 24 hour basis. Our staff at the Ian Bartlett Water Purification Plant constantly manage Candowie Reservoir’s water supply to sustain a high level of water quality. Over 14,000 samples are taken every year from across our service area to guarantee water quality at the tap. Additionally, our maintenance team undertakes regular maintenance on our supply network and assets. In the past year, over 150 kilometres of piping have been scoured to improve water quality throughout the distribution system. Other works such as flushing water mains and servicing equipment at the Ian Bartlett Water Purification Plant all contribute to providing quality drinking water.
San Remo Basin The San Remo Basin is a vital link in Westernport Water’s supply network. Water from Candowie Reservoir is pumped to San Remo Basin, and from there it is gravity fed to customers’ properties. The enclosed storage area prevents contamination and ensures water quality. It can hold up to 30ML of water, which is roughly equal to five days of water use. Because of its importance, the basin is subject to frequent maintenance to guarantee water quality. Westernport Water contracts diving teams to inspect and vacuum clean the floor and sides of the San Remo Basin, preventing any sediment build up and improving the overall quality of water in storage.
WESTERNPORT WATER
TM
For more information about our water quality projects and initiatives, visit www.westernportwater.com.au or phone 1300 720 711.
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coast stays
words sally o’neill photo lucas piera & supplied
This little piece of Tuscany sits perfectly in the stunning setting of South Gippsland. It was a love of Tuscany and a romantic Roman poet that led Geraldine and Tony Conabere to realise their dream of creating Basia Mille, a unique combination of boutique accommodation, olive grove, vineyard and 9-hole golf course. Tony and Geraldine are passionate about Gippsland and believe the region has many similarities to Tuscany. They are equally passionate about the poet Catullus who lived in Rome in the years of Julius Caesar. “He was the first lyric poet, and inspired Byron and Keats. Basia Mille means ‘a thousand passionate kisses’ and comes from one of his early poems,” explains Tony. The couple had a holiday home in Sandy Point when they purchased the block near Fish Creek. “Tony got me fascinated with the poetry of Catullus and, and as the well-preserved ruins of the Villa he built his beloved Clodia was still standing, I suggested we went to Italy to see the villa the poem refers to.” They had no plans for the land, but walking around the Italian site, Geraldine said: “When we go back, you can build me a villa and we’ll grow grapes and olives.” That throwaway line led to years of research, with a few courses in winemaking along the way.
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“We looked at a lot of books and pictures and did hours of investigation. I had a friend who is a ‘concept architect’ and we started by talking to her.” Britta Weller, “a wonderful young architect” from Sandy Point, took over from there. The ‘castle’, as it is known locally, took shape, with the couple committed to using local materials (apart from the Travertine marble), and the talents of local people in its construction. “We had a dream and saw the vision through to completion – we feel really lucky to live here,” says Geraldine. Today, visitors share in the magic and romance of Basia Mille – either enjoying the accommodation, sipping a glass of the couple’s own wine (their first Pinot won a bronze medal) on the terrace outside the cellar door, or playing a round of golf on the petite nine-hole course. Basia Mille offers three accommodation options. Each suite is luxurious, well-appointed and designed to cater for different sized groups and occasions. “They are all very individual, with unique colour schemes and their own personality,” says Geraldine, as we take a tour.
The property has its own olive grove, producing both eating olives and the Basia Mille olive oil provided in each apartment kitchen. The vineyard produces Pinot Noir and Pinot Grigio, Rose and a touch of Chardonnay. ‘Waratah’, the smallest apartment, is decadently decorated, with a heated floor, luxuriously- appointed marble bathroom and million-dollar views across to the Prom. The small kitchen enables you to cook a meal and enjoy it Tuscan-style on the adjoining terrace. ‘Oliv’ apartment is a little bigger than Waratah and has all the same luxurious features. Oliv looks out over the olive grove and has its own deck for enjoying sunsets and the stunning view of Waratah Bay any time of the day. ‘Luscious’, as the name suggests, is the most luxurious apartment. The layout and décor are inspired, and its spacious rooms have an airy elegance. Families will appreciate the fully-equipped kitchen. With touches like the luxury king-size bed, bath for two, and fluffy robes, this is also the perfect choice for a special night, and is very popular with honeymooners – Basia also specialises in weddings. The luxury accommodation is enhanced by the personal and homely atmosphere of the weekend cellar door experience. Here the walls are scattered with family photos, and guests can choose from indoor and outdoor seating, relaxing with a glass of wine and some delicious Tarago local cheeses while looking out over the golf course to the vines and olive groves. But the true heart of Basia Mille may well prove to be the poetry garden Geraldine and Tony are currently planning. With a backdrop of majestic Wilson’s Promontory rising out of the water beyond, this is where the poem and poet that underpin the couple’s dream will find their real place on the property. Visitors will be able to wander through the garden, read the poems (in Latin and English) and sit and take in the view in a setting that connects, across the world, to a love-struck poet in ancient Tuscany.
Even in winter, this is a magical place... For a weekend escape, a wedding or to taste our wine, oil & cheeses. Vineyard, Olive Grove, Boutique Accommodation & Cellar Door
On the ridge overlooking Wilsons Promontory, Corner Inlet and Waratah Bay. At Waratah North, off Savages and Mathers Roads, at 1 Taylor Court, Fish Creek Victoria Weekend afternoons or by appointment on 5687 1453.
www.basiamille.com.au coast 109
Archies on the Creek
81 Archies Creek Rd Archies Creek Phone 5678 7787 Unique culinary destination
Banksia Cafe
Promontory Rd, Fish Creek Call 5683 2628 Coffee, amazing food and art
Cafe@Churchill Island Off the coast of Phillip Island Phone 5956 7834 Fresh produce and great coffee
Cafe Chocolatte
1805 Phillip Island Rd Phillip Island Phone 5952 2283 Hot chocolate, chocs & more
Carmies Kitchen
144 Marine Pde, San Remo Phone 5678 5589 Delicious homemade food
Champions Cafe
Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit Back Beach Road Phone 5952 2710 Racing good food!
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Chocolate Factory
Mc Clelland Gallery Café
RACV Resort
Coast Restaurant & Bar
Mordialloc Cellar Door
Red Elk Bar & Cafe
Esplanade Hotel
Nobbies Centre
Somers General Store
Harry’s on the Esplanade
Old Dalyston Deli
Silverwater Resort
17 The Esplanade Cowes Phone 5952 6226 Delicious cuisine
74 Glen Forbes Rd Dalyston Phone. 5678 7377 Cafe style food & scrumptious pizza
Infused
Phillip Island RSL
Upbeet Health Foods
930 Phillip Island Rd Newhaven, Phillip Island Phone 5956 6600 For chocolate lovers
Call 9789 1671(ext 110) www.mcclellandgallery.com Dine amongst the sculptures
2827 Nepean Rd Blairgowrie Phone 5988 0700 Open breakfast, lunch and dinner
1 A’Beckett St Inverloch Phone 5674 1432 Delicious meals
115 Thompson Avenue Cowes Phillip Island Phone 5952 2655 Restaurant,cafe, wine bar
622 Main St, Mordialloc Phone 9580 6521 Fine wine, BYO food
Nobbies Centre, Phillip Island Phone 5951 2816 Meals & functions with ocean views
Cnr Cowes Rhyll Rd & Thompson Ave Phone 5952 1004 Contemporary dining
70 Cape Paterson-Inverloch Road Inverloch Phone 5674 0000 Contemporary cuisine
27 A’Beckett St, Inverloch Phone 5674 3264 Great coffee & delicious food
2 The Boulevard, Somers Phone 5983 2070 Delicious fare by the seaside
Phillip Island Tourist Rd, San Remo Phone 5671 9300 Contemporary dining in Watermark @ Silverwater Resort
125 Graham St Wonthaggi Phone 5672 5825 Healthy food & delicious juices
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dine out
fresh and local at phillip island rsl words sally o’neill photos warren reed
Lone Pine Bistro at Phillip Island RSL is a modern mix of all your favourites (with a twist) combined with modern, local cuisine. RSL Clubs across the nation offer dining experiences – and they can vary widely. Phillip Island RSL is a shining example of how bistro dining should be done – with attention to the dining room ambience, a menu combining traditional and modern, and food that delivers on its promises. The Lone Pine Bistro is large and shimmering. Its design is open, modern, comfortable and discreet from the gaming areas. Doors lead onto a wide verandah with bistro blinds for al fresco dining. There are exciting plans afoot to extend this area for the popular tapas nights and other functions. I recommend getting a drink from the bar while you study the menu. The wine list offers local options from Purple Hen, Phillip Island Winery and T’Gallant with most available by the glass. We opt for a glass of Purple Hen Pinot Gris and sip the light, floral white as we make our menu selection. The menu is compact yet wide ranging. There are also daily blackboard specials. Seafood dominates the entrée selection, which also covers light meals like: Prawn and Coconut Salad, Chilli Black Mussels, Tempura Battered Prawns, Tasmanian Half Shell Scallops, oysters, Garlic Prawns and Smoked Trout and Bocconcini salad. I sample the Prawn and Coconut Salad with spinach, rockmelon and chilli coconut dressing. It’s a delightful and light combination and the crunchy toasted coconut is a lovely addition providing contrast in taste and texture. Main courses offer something for everyone and the team is proud to feature local, organic enviromeats and produce such as the Gippsland Venison Burger. There are also some impressive vegetarian meals like Herb and Parmesan Polenta and Paprika Crumbed Eggplant. I note that you can build your own seafood platter from the listed ingredients. I go for the Herb & Parmesan Polenta with capsicum, olives, bocconcini and basil salad and balsamic dressing. The polenta is full of flavour and well complemented by the salad and bocconcini. My dining partners enjoy dishes off the daily specials menu. The Chicken Masala Curry is rich and delicious and well tempered by the mint yoghurt. I find out later that the Indian Chef of the team made this dish, which accounts for its authentic flavours. The Enviro Beef and Haloumi Burger is a classic - and a classic example of how the menu blends hearty favourites with a twist. The Enviromeat mince makes a delicious burger and is sourced from the Davies’ farm just down the road in Ventnor. The grilled haloumi adds a punch of
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flavour to the burger and the thick, crunchy chips are not just your usual fries. Executive Chef, James Gross comes to the table and explains how he is always looking at ways to incorporate local, sustainable products into the menu. “We want the menu to be interesting and a bit different, with something for everyone,” says James whose team sometimes serves over 600 meals a night. James sums up the dining experience as “a semi-traditional Australian bistro menu with modern, local influences”. James has been cooking for ten years and trained in Melbourne spending time at il Solito Posto before moving to The Foreshore Restaurant in Rhyll on Phillip Island. When he came to the RSL, he wanted to be part of eliminating the stereotype of pub/RSL food. “I enjoy not-so-formal food, having fun and the freedom to play around with dishes and to show how good we can be while producing volume,” says James. He enjoys the range of people who come through the door. “There are the old servicemen who are in here everyday and happy with their roasts, through to the people who’ll sit for hours and try every course.” James is proud to support the local Enviromeat, and uses their burgers, topside and corned silverside. “I make sure I use fresh, quality fish and local fruit and vegetables where I can. Customers want to know that produce is fresh and local.” In keeping with the local theme, James has put together an event coming up for the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival where people take a tour to visit local producers, and then come back to the RSL for a three-course lunch – tickets are selling fast. The RSL is also managing the 19th Hole Bar and Grill and Cowes Golf Club which currently offers a simple, affordable menu. “We’re getting a great response and will build on the experience over time,” says James. We share dessert - a delicious house made sticky date pudding. As I lick the rich, caramel sauce from my spoon, I’m glad that this traditional favourite has found a place in Phillip Island RSL’s fresh, modern menu. Lone Pine Bistro Phillip Island RSL Cnr Thompson Ave & Rhyll Rd, Cowes Call 5952 1004 www.pirsl.com.au The ‘Meet the Makers’ tour will be held on Sat 17 March see website for details.
“I make sure I use fresh, quality fish and local fruit and vegetables where I can. Customers want to know that produce is fresh and local.�
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Fantastic Sports Bar & Entertainment venue: Juke box or live music, TAB & Pool table. Thirsty Camel Bottleshop & Drive Through. Tabaret, friendly staff & great service. Modern Bistro, open 7 days, Alfresco dining, modern menu with seniors meals available, breakfast every Saturday & Sunday 8.30 –11.30. Try our Sunday night Buffet from 6pm, a great selection of dishes to tantalise your tastebuds
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Thursday Nights: Summer Sessions 3 course set menu only $35 Open Friday and Saturday nights for an amazing dining experience! See our Function co-coordinator to organise your special function: Weddings, Engagements , Birthdays A sophisticated and beautiful restaurant and function room, Level 1 at the Espy.
1 A’Beckett St Inverloch
03 5674 1432
myfavouriterecipe
vietnamese chicken salad
Country charm and quality produce combine to make the Café @ Churchill Island one of the area’s best-kept secrets. Chicken
2 skinless chicken breast fillets 2cm piece fresh ginger 2 spring onions
Dressing
3 cloves garlic 1 long red chili 1/4 cup lime juice 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 1/3 cup fish sauce 1/4 cup vegetable oil 2 tablespoons sugar
Salad
1 carrot 1/2 red capsicum 1/2 cabbage 1 small red onion 1 daikon (Chinese radish) 20 mint leaves 12 stems coriander handful of fried shallots handful of fried peanuts
Their licensed café offers panoramic views across historic Churchill Island and Westernport Bay. “We love being surrounded by The Island’s array of wildlife and farm animals, including Merlin the Sheep and George the Peacock, who like to visit us daily on the deck.
One of our favourite recipes is Vietnamese Chicken Salad. We love this dish, as it’s fresh, light and full of colour. Our team performs a morning ritual walk to the Island’s herb garden to gather a selection of fresh herbs for this dish and others.”
Method Fill a saucepan with water. Add the spring onion and ginger and bring to a slow boil. Add the chicken, cover with a lid and simmer for 10 minutes and then turn off and leave the chicken to cool in the liquid. To make the dressing, peel and chop garlic, chop chili finely and remove seeds, and add the remainder of the ingredients. Put in a container or jar and shake well. Prepare all salad ingredients - shred all the vegetables and chop the herbs. Combine in a bowl and then add dressing. Dice or slice the chicken and mix through the salad. Arrange on a plate and sprinkle with the fried shallots and peanuts and sprinkle with more coriander.
• 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
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Chocolate Cafe
Chocolate Deserts 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 116
’ whatsnew in food
Aeropress at The Red Elk Cate from Red Elk says this is the best home coffee maker she has used and now has them in stock at The Red Elk. 27 A’Beckett Street, Inverloch. Call 5674 3264
New lunch menu for Infused Infused Restaurant in Cowes has a new-look weekend lunch menu and it’s already causing a stir. With such treats as slow-cooked lamb wrap with basil yoghurt, whipped goat’s cheese tart and cured trout with baby beetroot salad and fresh date and lemon dressing, you’ll wish it was the weekend every day. 115 Thompson Ave, Cowes Call 5952 2655.
New Menu at Archies
Coast Restaurant and Bar
Archies On The Creek is now offering a daytime lunch menu with meals under $25 and an extensive dinner menu with meals $35 and below. They also have a new Tapas menu served all day in the main dining room. Sunday brunch is another new addition bringing affordable elegance to every meal of the day. 81 Archies Creek Road, Archies Creek Call 5678 7787.
This funky restaurant and bar by the seaside at Blairgowrie not only serves up a great menu with an impressive choice of beer and wine, they also have live music every Sunday. Groove on down to 2827 Point Nepean Road, Blairgowrie. Call 5988 0700
Let the sun shine Watch the sun shimmering on the bay and enjoy a meal and glass of wine at Silverwater Resort in San Remo. This venue offers a winning combination of great food and stunning views and is the perfect place to enjoy the autumn sunshine. www.silverwaterresort.com.au
Somers General Store Enjoy magnificent food in a relaxed seaside atmosphere at Somers General Store. Now open for tapas and dinner. Indulge in beautiful food, fine local wines, locally-brewed beer – and great bay views. Open for dinner Wednesday – Saturday, and tapas on Sunday evenings. 2 The Boulevard, Somers Call 5983 2070
Harry’s Restaurant Harry makes regular trips to farms, markets and wholesalers to source the freshest produce available. Harry’s little white van is a frequent visitor to the wharf selecting the very best crayfish direct from the boat. European inspired dining, using local, natural and authentic produce. 17 The Esplanade, Cowes. Call 5952 6226
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Phillip Island RSL Open 7 days • For the benefit of members and guests With comfortable modern surrounds and a fantastic range of entertainment options, the Phillip Island RSL is the island’s favourite meeting place. Whether it’s coffee with friends, dinner with family or a special occasion, our friendly staff and great menu make every visit memorable!
Serving local organic Envirofarm Beef
Cnr Cowes Rhyll Rd & Thompson Ave, Cowes, Vic. 3922
www.pirsl.com.au Tel. (03) 5952 1004
coffee lounge. retro chic. bar. contemporary menu. coffee specialists. wraparound outdoor deck. freshly baked treats. licensed. central location. organic drinks and gluten free friendly. beautiful atmosphere. good for your soul.
“If you want a decent coffee and wholesome food, head to Red Elk cafe and idle away an hour or two on the sunny deck.” - The Age, Nov 2011 follow us on Facebook
27 A’Beckett St Inverloch
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E redelk@aapt.net.au
T 5674 3264
Open 7 days for Breakfast & Lunch
coast cafe review
red hot @ the elk
words sally oneill photos lucas piera
A leisurely lunch at Red Elk in Inverloch reveals why it’s a mecca for foodies and coffee afficionados from far and wide. The sun is shining and the Red Elk is humming – there are probably even fish jumping out in the inlet just down the street. This groovy, retro café has a warm and welcoming vibe – light floods in and shines on the smiling faces of couples, friends and solo souls enjoying lunch, a glass of wine or just a coffee.
“Our aim is to provide the best coffee and freshest food we can,” says Cate, who started the cafe from scratch four years ago with the aim of bringing great food and coffee to an area where these were a little “light on”.
Red Elk offers table service – a welcome personal touch. We grab a filtered water and study the menu. Pity we’ve missed breakfast as there are some very tempting offerings like Red Elk bircher muesli (served with poached pears), pancakes with banana and real maple syrup, Hope Farm fruit toast and the Elk Hunters Big Breakfast. The vanilla breakfast rice pudding sparks my curiosity. (Later I read some rave reviews about this dish on Facebook).
The team makes all the cakes, sweet treats, sauces, chutneys, pestos and aiolis on the premises. They also use panela sugar which is unbleached and unrefined and grown on sustainable farms in Brazil, and unprocessed Himalayan rock salt full of nutrients and minerals, both products being available for take-home as well. Cate is excited about the new addition to her coffee paraphernalia, the incredible Aeropress, which she describes as “the best home coffee maker I’ve ever used”. She’s a latte girl, preferring hers strong with soy milk.
It’s after 12, so we’re focused on lunch. There’s a range of delicious toasties that seem anything but conventional, boasting fillings such as leg ham, vintage cheddar, dill pickles and Red Elk aioli on Turkish bread. There are also varieties on sourdough.
Red Elk fans come from near and far. Marian travels each day from Kilcunda for her Red Elk fix and Brendan and his family have been devoted daily customers for three years and counting. “We love the customers who love what we do and appreciate the effort we put in.”
But it’s not often that this gal gets out from behind her desk for lunch, so I choose to be more adventurous. I toss up between the bruschetta with smoked salmon, ricotta, cucumber and fresh dill and the Poached Chicken Salad with pink grapefruit, basil mayonnaise, baby cos and roasted fennel. My dining partner goes for the Deluxe Baked Potato served with garlic butter, sour cream, crispy bacon, tasty cheese, coleslaw, avocado and pineapple.
Cate jokes that she tells people her great, great grandparents came out to Australia on a ship called the Red Elk and that’s how the name came about. The truth is that the name came from Yakul, Ashitaka’s loyal red elk in the epic Japanese animated film ‘Princess Mononoke’. “We were trying to avoid beach names, and this one is never forgotten and sparks people’s curiosity.”
Cate Anderson, owner and operator, glides into a seat for a brief chat in between coffee-making and being the hostess with the mostess. The café reflects her philosophy of promoting sustainable, healthy foods and also her love for the 1960s and 1970s and their colourful and eclectic style.
My salad arrives and is super fresh and tasty. The pink grapefruit gives a tang to the basil mayonnaise and the fresh basil leaves infuse the dish with flavour. My dining partner tells me that it’s the best baked potato he’s ever had. We top it off with a piece of house-made rocky road which gaily arrives on a retro red and white plate. This traditional favourite has hidden surprises like candied orange peel and pistachios.
Recently she has collaborated with Tim Robbins, a local craftsman she greatly admires, to create unique fittings for the café, cleverly using purely recycled materials. The latest addition is a cake display unit that looks like a Coolgardie safe and blends in perfectly. If you look closely, you can even see the word ‘yummy’ integrated into the wire.
I grab an amazing decaf coffee to go in my Keep Cup – Cate also stocks and sells these cups as part of her passion for preserving the planet. It’s a smooth end to a lovely lunch - but now I’m dreaming of that vanilla breakfast pudding… 27 A’Beckett St, Inverloch. Call 5674 3264 - Open seven days
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wine maker profile
marcus satchell Winemaker Marcus Satchell has the wine industry talking - his star is definitely on the rise. We chat to Marcus about the fine art of winemaking... and the more relaxed art of drinking it…
It just seems right to have a glass of wine as Marcus and I chat. My Purple Hen Chardonnay is nearly empty – his Pinot has barely fallen a centimetre – there is a lot to say.
words sally o’neill photos lucas piera at purple hen vineyard
“A friend of Mum and Dad’s rang who owned a vineyard. He is an intuitive kind of guy, and he said that he thought the wine industry would really suit me. I drank wine, Mum and Dad had given me an appreciation of wine, but I didn’t know anything else about it.” He went to visit his vineyard: “As soon as I drove in it sort of felt comfortable. He put me in contact with a couple of people and the rest is history.”
Marcus came to wine in a roundabout way. Growing up in Wonthaggi, he yearned to learn saxophone from an early age. Inspired by local musician, John Anderson, he got his wish and did his first gig at the Westernport Hotel at age 13. His planned career of Chemical Engineering was dropped when he got a place at Victorian College of the Arts. Marcus was part of the high-energy, jazz/funk band, Cranky, that was “reasonably successful” in the mid-1990s. When the band split, Marcus found himself living in the city, working in a music shop and uninspired.
Marcus worked his first harvest in the Yarra Valley and ended up with a winemaking position with Dominique Portet in the Yarra Valley while still completing his studies at Charles Sturt Uni. When Marcus and wife Lisa had twin girls, they found themselves regularly travelling to the coast so they decided to move back to Wonthaggi. He rang Denise Miller (Marcus had met Denise in the Yarra Valley, she is the previous owner of the winery that is now De Bortoli, and was living in Wonthaggi). “She said: ‘Yep, there are two people you have to ring, Rick Lacey and Lionel Hahn.’ The move was a huge risk from my career point of view, but Rick gave me a job. I became his winemaker and it just went from there.” Marcus admits he has been given “the dream run” in the past few years. Blessed with good growing seasons, his wines have received many accolades. He now works with Waratah Hills and Bellvale, focussing mostly on Pinot and Chardonnay. “It’s where the real joy comes from, when you concentrate on a small number of varieties, and start to understand your vineyards. We work with the seasons and try to keep our product relatively consistent, but then also try to give a sense of what that season gave us, like a reflection of time. Each year tastes subtly different.” Like a chef, searching for fantastic raw ingredients, that’s how Marcus approaches wine making. “I’m concentrating more on the vineyard rather than the winery these days,” he admits. “Making great wine is about finessing everything in the vineyard - basically just taking care of the grapes and rearing them like you would a child – a bit of guidance and then let them blossom.” There is no question for Marcus that wine is there to enjoy. “It’s one of the things that I check myself on all the time – not getting too serious. >
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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.
Waterfront dining with panoramic bay views 17 The Esplanade Cowes, Vic.
Ph (03) 5952 6226
www.harrysrestaurant.com.au
Good Food for all Occasions Weddings • Functions • Pizza • Cafe Sitting on rolling lawns surrounded by century-old cypress trees and only 5 minutes from the stunning Kilcunda coastline, the Old Dalyston Church has found a new lease of life as a fully licensed cafe/restaurant.
The menu features delicious chef-prepared meals such as Sundays Big Church Brekky, a range of home-made pizzas and a busy Specials Board. Ring or check the website for opening hours or call in to discuss menus for weddings, parties or work functions.
Old Dalyston Deli. 74 Glen Forbes Rd Dalyston Phone. 5678 7377
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www.olddalystondeli.com
admin@olddalystondeli.com
It’s like music: you just start listening to stuff, and then you find out what you like. Taste it, dive into it!
We make wine in South Gippsland that sits at a premium price point. I like seeing people sit down and enjoy it with a meal at a social occasion, full of fun and frivolity” Last year, Marcus was one of 12 in Australia to win a Len Evans Tutorial Scholarship and is now involved in show judging across Australia. “My week in the Hunter Valley last November was one of the greatest experiences of my career. It was like I had been invited to the King’s Palace. There basically wasn’t a great wine of the world that I didn’t try. It really helped develop my confidence when communicating about wine.” Fresh from judging at the Royal Sydney Wine Show, Marcus is upbeat about the state of play in Australian wine: “The quality of Australian wine has never been better, especially with regards to cool climate chardonnay.” Of the Gippsland wine scene, Marcus believes that it is “growing up”. When he first judged at the Gippsland Wine Show, he found the quality was very varied. “But the quality has risen a lot over the past six years and that is very encouraging.” Is it because Marcus Satchell came to Gippsland, I wonder?
Also, the paradigm shift to cooler climate varieties works in Gippsland’s favour. “A lot of people are moving towards drinking cool climate wines, especially Pinot and Shiraz. They have spice, complexity and freshness. These wines tend to sit a lot better with food. Not only do I think it’s good for the consumer, but good for the region.” He explains that these wines do tend to be more expensive because they cost more to grow. “The warm climate grapes might cost a couple of hundred dollars per tonne to grow, but down here, it’s a couple of thousand. The yield per acre is different, 20 tonnes to the acre compared with 2 tonnes per acre here. We are never going to make $10 bottles down here.” I ask Marcus’ advice on how to navigate through the many wines on offer. “The smartest thing to do is to find a small, independent bottle shop and get them to understand your taste in wine and let them introduce wines to you. It’s like music: just start listening to stuff and then you’ll find out what you like. Taste it, dive into it! There is an amazing amount of high quality Australian wine out there, so ‘Drink up,’ I say!”
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Carmie’s Kitchen
Carmie’s Kitchen
144 Marine Parade SAN REMO VIC 3925 Phone: 03 56785589 Fax: 03 56785596
somers general store & the store cafe
the store cafe & somers general store 2 The Boulevard, Somers
0 3 59 832 070
somersgeneralstore@bigpond.com www.somersgeneralstore.com coast 124
words rick lacey from purple hen
It’s all in the timing
wine
Autumn – the time for harvesting grapes and making wine. For winemakers it’s a time of hard work, fun, fulfilment, and stress. Why the stress? Well, each year you only get one chance at it. Making wine is not like making other alcoholic beverages – if makers are not happy with their beer, sake, whisky, whatever...they can just start making another brew tomorrow. But if you are a winemaker and you’re not happy with the wine you’ve just made, you have to wait a whole year to have another go.
Open Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 7 Days Live music Sunday afternoons
In all of this growing of grapes and making of wine, the single most important decision for the winemaker is the timing of harvest. Pick too early and you will lose out on flavour, have too much acid, lack structure … and simply produce a low-quality wine. Delay harvest and get hit by a heat wave and the wine will be over-blown and jammy, or you may experience heavy rain resulting in the loss of the whole crop to disease or berry split. So this time of year we spend a lot of time in the vineyard – tasting berries; taking bunch samples and measuring sugar, pH and acidity; and evaluating the flavour and balance of the juice. We build up a picture of how each patch of each variety is ripening and try to estimate when each will be at its prime.
We can cater for functions & special events
We also take an intense interest in weather forecasts. The Bureau of Meteorology and a few other websites are scanned more than daily. I have a particular favourite – metvuw.com – that gives rain forecasts for the next seven days in six-hour windows. Some years the weather is favourable and you are able to harvest when you judge the grapes are at their best. Other years you have to juggle between ideal timing and the risk of unfavourable weather. Enough of the stress side – where’s the fun? Well, it lies in seeing the fruits of your year’s labour – literally. Growing grapes and making them into wine is pretty fulfilling.
Ph. 5988 0700
Just something to think about when you twist a screw cap…
2827 Point Nepean road Blairgowrie
Here’s to a good harvest.
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Mordialloc Cellar Door 2010 Tanjil Pinot Noir A Medium bodied Pinot Noir from the foothills of Mt Baw Baw in Gippsland where the vines have no irrigation resulting in earthy textures, showing cherry and plums with soft tannins. Enjoy this wine now or over the next 4 years for improved complexity. Fantastic with any gamey food dish. A great value Pinot for under $20. www.mordycellardoor.com.au
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Basia Mille 2011 Pinot Grigio di Corinna This is one of Basia Mille’s signature wines. Estate grown, it is a lively, sophisticated wine - delicate, but with the full characteristic flavour of the grape; citrus, pear, and a long, sensual finish. It is very drinkable now, but with the potential to be cellared for several years. A delicious wine to drink in the late afternoon, or with any of the ocean’s beautiful bounty. www.basiamille.com.au
Tarwin Valley Wine 2010 Blackney Rd Riesling Winemaker Folkert Janssen has produced a crisp, delicate and fresh riesling, with a lively texture and a bouquet of cardamom, orange blossom and lime. www.tarwinvalleywines.com
www.purplehenwines.com.au
Archies on the Creek Mallani Chardonnay 2010 Archies on the Creek has an extensive wine cellar and regular wine dinners. The Mallani vineyard is situated in the hills of Woolamai and this wine was very well received at the recent South Gippsland Winefest at Archies On The Creek. This Chardonnay shows plenty of nice summer fruit flavours which match up very well with any seafood dish, especially fresh whiting. www.archiesonthecreek.com.au
Phillip Island Winery 2005 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Dense ruby red with purple hues, the nose is intense with classic Cabernet aromas of blackberry, cassis and dark chocolate. On the palate it is soft yet strong, with delicious dark fruit flavours combined with fined grained tannins, balanced acidity and a long, long finish. www.phillipislandwines.com.au
delectabledrops
Purple Hen 2011 Viognier This Viognier is 100% barrel fermented - a first for Purple Hen Vineyard. The nose is quite lifted, with a mix of fruit notes, distinct barrel ferment characters and a hint of oak. The palate shows confected apricot and a little oak with some grippy texture and crisp acidity. Wonderful with a wide range of foods - try it with a pumpkin and pancetta risotto.
Music at the winery every Friday evening in January (weather permitting) Music 6pm - 8pm, Bring your own food or buy a platter. Bring your own chair or rug if you can.
Winner of Best Pinot Noir, Best Shiraz, Best Sparkling Wine 2011 Gippsland Wine Show Best Red Wine & Most Successful Exhibitor at both 2010 & 2011 Gippsland Wine Shows
Vineyard & Winery 96 McFees Road Rhyll Phillip Island Hours: 11am – 5:30pm 7 days a week in Summer & School Holidays Other times: 5 days a week (closed Tuesday & Wednesday) Ph: 5956 9244 www.purplehenwines.com.au
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san remo renovation
Multi Award Winning Building Designer of Contemporary Sustainable Homes.
www.beaumontconcepts.com.au 53 Graham St. Wonthaggi - Tel. (03) 5672 5196 | Level 2, 75 Chapel St. Cowes - Tel. (03) 5952 6868 coast 128
coast property
Your dedicated lifestyle property guide featuring homes, builders and real estate on the coast.
Create your dream home Beaumont Concepts coast 129
Designs to suit waterfront living
The new Alto 30 by Metricon sliding door
BEDROOM 2 3260 x 3420
LEISURE 4960 x 4570
W.C.
LAUNDRY
BATHROOM
sliding door
linen
KITCHEN
robe
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W.I.R.
DINING
LIVING
2850 X 4620
4080 x 5140
pantry
PWDR linen
ENSUITE
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BEDROOM 3 3300 x 3200
W.C.
DOUBLE GARAGE
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5530 x 6010
MASTER SUITE 4120 x 4740
3120 x 3630
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2
PORTICO
Visit a display centre in your chosen dream location
TRARALGON DISPLAY CENTRE Open weekdays 1–5pm Jane Grieco Weekends 12–5pm Ph: 0403 003 292 John Lizars Hammersmith Circuit VicRoads 343 L5 Ph: 0417 511 018 Ph: 5176 4063
1300 METRICON metricon.com.au
BAIRNSDALE DISPLAY CENTRE Open Mon - Fri 1pm-5pm Sat - Sun 12pm-5pm Flinns Road, Bairnsdale VicRoads 689 M5 Ph: 5152 1332
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Graham Bugbird Ph: 0415 132 446
Images are for illustrative purposes and may include upgrade items above standard specification. R2315
2
INVERLOCH NEW HOME SALES OFFICE Open Mon–Tue 10–3pm Thur-Fri 10–3pm Saturday by appointment 17A A’Beckett St, Inverloch Ph: (03) 5674 6451 Stacey Wilcox Ph: 0423 428 704 WARRAGUL NEW HOME SALES OFFICE Open Mon–Fri 12-5pm 54 Queen St, Warragul Ph: 5623 3059 Angela Williams Ph: 0414 807 462
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
FACTORY OPEN DAY Sat 14th April 2012 11am-2pm at 5 Carneys Road Wonthaggi
Visit our display home at 53 Graham Street Wonthaggi Ph. 5672 5196
www.ecoliv.com.au coast 131
coast lifestyle
words wendy anderson photos lucas piera
For many years, a painting of the view from the hill overlooking Anderson, and another of Red Rocks Beach, have hung in the Carlson family’s suburban California bungalow. And for more years than that, they have been planning a move to Phillip Island. This year, they did it.
The sense of openness, views of seasonal change and the sound of the surf are what drew Peter and Wendy to their 4-acre site on Bass Strait. So, their architect-designed home embraces these aspects of the landscape. A three-storey glass entrance tower fills the house with natural light, while its imposing rough-bricked pillars bring the colour and texture of beach sand into the living areas. Ascending the jarrah staircase to the third-storey viewing deck, you are treated to 360-degree views of farmland, Nature Park and the ever-changing sea. ‘We had a holiday shack in Cowes for about seven years,’ Peter explains. Our friend Terry Sullivan – who also happens to be the architect – was a frequent visitor to that little place, so he not only knows us well, he also knows what we love about the island. All of that is reflected in the design. We asked for a house that would be constructed of natural-
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looking tactile materials, and we didn’t want to dig into the ground. We wanted it to sit high on the landscape but appear comfortable and well-anchored into its surrounds. I reckon he nailed the brief.’ Choosing the builder wasn’t difficult either. Wendy’s brother Graeme is the owner of Bluecoast Builders. He managed the project with his son Jarrod as head carpenter. ‘Because of all the angles and the range of materials in this place,’ says Peter, ‘they had quite a few problems to solve. We reckon the “wiggly wood”, as we call it, – the frames that actually had to be whittled to fit hard against the pillars – are a visible testimony to the complexity of the project, a symbol of the uniqueness of the build.’ The Carlsons are quick to point out that the majority of the tradesmen employed for the job are locals. ‘ I couldn’t fault the quality of the work,’
a view from the hill Peter insists. ‘ The brickies, the concreter, the tiler, the sparky… they were all second to none.’ With their oldest child in his late 20s and their youngest still at primary school, Wendy and Peter wanted a home that allowed for plenty of visitors, plus the possibility that their immediate family could include teenagers and small grandchildren at the same time. Both levels of the house, therefore, have bedrooms, bathrooms and living rooms. The main kitchen and dining room are upstairs, a convenient dumbwaiter installed to allow easy lifting. Downstairs, a bar area opens onto the deck and swimming pool they plan to install. In order to make the most of the inspiring outlook, accommodate the slope of the land, and maximise natural light and airflow, the house sits
at a very specific angle on the block. Wide eaves, double-glazed eco-glass and louvre-windows, plus cathedral ceilings, all contribute both to the airy feel of this home and its more than 5-star energy rating. Every part of this house can be cooled by breezes. And as for coping with Antarctic winter chill, the walls, floors, and ceilings are all heavily insulated. ‘Wind is always going to be a factor here,’ admits Peter. ‘We hope to add a turbine down the track. Establishing any sort of garden will be challenging, too. Wendy has plans to use metal objects and poles to create height and interest because tall trees are not really an option out here.’ The interior design, colour and material choices are Wendy’s too. ‘I really loved the whole creative process of choosing and combining elements to achieve the style I wanted,’ she says. ‘ Even though this house is much>
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Mornington Display & Selection Centre Home Innovations/Peninsula Lifestyle Centre 1128-1132 Nepean Hwy Mornington Vic 3931 Call for free consultation 03 5975 6022
81-83 Williams Road Dandenong South Call 03 9791 8557 saleandadmin@orana.com
www.orana.com
Beautiful windows and doors for beautiful homes Valley Windows is a long-standing family business, and one of Australia’s market leaders in the manufacture and sale of quality energy efficient, high performance, double glazed window and door systems. Valley Windows’ systems are rated up to 7 stars and work to make your home more comfortable all year round. Visit our Camberwell Display Centre to see our extensive range of products and to learn how we can help you improve the beauty, comfort and energy efficiency of your home.
Picture courtesy of Bellemore Homes
Picture courtesy of Bellemore Homes
Melbourne Sales and Display Centre 1188 Toorak Road, Camberwell Vic 3124 | Ph 8832 9000 Head Office, Showroom and Factory 26 Swan Road, Morwell Vic 3840 | Ph 5128 5879 www.valleywindows.com.au
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Available options · Western Red Cedar, Victorian Ash hardwood, and G3 thermally improved aluminium · Extensive range of windows · Bi-fold, sliding, stacker and French doors · Centor retractable insect screens and blinds · Stellar timber lift-and-slide door – Australia’s most advanced timber sliding door system
Original Logo colour C= 100 M= 55 Y= 10 K= 48
Black bigger than where we’ve been living, I was determined that it wouldn’t be a sterile white box. I think of our gorgeous framed views as giant works of art and I wanted to bring the colours of the landscape inside. The cobalt blue of the kitchen cupboards carries right out the window to match the sky some days; the stone in the bathrooms is like polished sand; the staircase is the red of the bluff – and the mud I’ll be washing off all these floors all winter!’
Building notes:
No longer do the Carlsons gaze at that painting of the turn-off to Phillip Greyscale Island and imagine living there. Now, they sit mesmerised by the changing weather over Bass Strait and count their blessings.
• The windows were supplied by Valley Windows who are renowned for their energy effecient windows and doors. www.valleywindows.com.au
• This stunning property was built by Bluecoast Builders. They specialise in quality, unique constructions for the domestic market. www.bluecoastbuilders.com.au • The stylish kitchen was by Orana Designer Kitchens whose dedicated design division insures innovative design and quality manufacture www.orana.com
Bluecoast specialises in quality construction for the domestic market. With Bluecoast, Reversed Out you and your project will receive the individual attention you deserve.
Secondary Logo
Graeme Anderson 0418388159
Stacked Logo
graeme@bluecoastbuilders.com.au
www.bluecoastbuilders.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. ARC Authorisation No: AU22840 After hours commercial breakdown coastalrefrigandaircon@bigpond.com
Langford Jones Homes
O
F
L CO AR AS GE TA RA L NG D ES E IG N
S
Shop 2/65A Back Beach Road, San Remo 5678 5190
Visit Langford Jones Homes Display Centres: Phillip Island and Wonthaggi. NEW DISPLAY: Cowes Melbourne: 9579 2277
Email: sales@ljhomes.com.au
www.langfordjoneshomes.com.au coast 136
whatsnew
Ecoliv Buildings prefabricated modular homes are holding a Factory Open Day on Saturday 14th April from 11am – 2pm at their new factory at 5-6 Carneys Rd Wonthaggi. Come and see how their factory-built homes are constructed and delivered, and view their Materials Selection Centre where clients choose their materials, colours and fixtures with their interior designer.
in building and lifestyle
New Ecoliv Factory Archiblox
ArchiBlox is an exciting, new direction in modular and bespoke housing. A unique collaboration between architect and builder, it streamlines the design and construction process, providing clients with quality, affordable and sustainable housing solutions. ArchiBlox promotes and is passionate about ‘accessible architecture’ and believes that everyone should be able to afford and enjoy an architecturally designed home that is beautiful, respectful of the environment and great for the people who live in it. www.archiblox.com.au
Autumn organising Here are some Eco Organiser tips to help clear the summer clutter and create some space in your life this Autumn; Living Area - Furniture with built-in storage serves two purposes rather than one, better utilising your available space. Kitchen - Use small baskets or unused baking dishes to cluster small items together in the pantry and store like with like. Home Office - While ‘on hold’, use the time to delete unwanted emails and tidy your files. www.ecoorganiser.com.au Ph. 0448 877 902
Complete design & documentation service for all residential & commercial building projects • Building Design • Architectural Drafting • Project Management • Town Planning • Energy Ratings • Bushfire Assessments • Soil Tests • Structural Design • Land Surveying • Interior Design Darren Brown Design Pty Ltd t/as db design
Office/ Display Home:
Phone: 03 5672 1144
47 Graham Street Wonthaggi 3995, Victoria.
w w w. d b d e s i g n . c o m . a u coast 137
A new Angle On HOMe DeSIgn.
By streamlining the design and construction process, Archiblox offers a completely new angle on home design. Archiblox creates clever homes that are unique, affordable and sustainable. Incorporating passive solar design principles, our homes offer inspired living matched with true 8 star energy efficiency. Open up to a new way of living, visit www.archiblox.com.au
OR you’re covered with your local Bass Coast Daikin experts.
Don’t sweat another Summer or freeze another Winter Contact the expert team at Bass Coast Refrigeration and enjoy a perfect climate all year round.
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RTA: AU11737
6/03/11 10:58 PM
ISLAND GARDEN SUPPLIES
DISPLAY GARDENS NOW OPEN 886 Phillip Island Road, Newhaven, 3925 Ph: 5956 7397 Fax: 5956 7929 Sand, Pavers, Blended Soils, Screenings, Rocks, Pebbles, Sleepers, Barks, Mulches, Path and Driveway Toppings & Mesh and Trench Reinforcement, also PHILLIP ISLAND PRE-MIXED CONCRETE. We also have a large range of beautiful Garden Ornaments and Pots.
For all your pool and spa needs. • Mobile Pool & Spa Servicing • Free water testing in-store • Huge range of Pumps, Filters & Equipment • Free professional advice • Focus pool & spa chemicals • Limited display of outdoor furniture • Outdoor living accessories
Your one-stop pool shop! Call. 5952 1414 www.pristinepools.com.au Factory 5, 26 The Concourse, Cowes coast 139
FOR SALE san remo realty
The professionals team put the fun into selling houses! Shop 2, 129 Marine Parade, San Remo
Phone: 5678 5141
www.sanremorealty.com.au
Use technology to reduce paper waste. Make the switch to online marketing and sales. A website is a dynamic business tool to promote your products and services around the clock to every business and household worldwide, reducing the need to print brochures. If you rely on paper-based brochures, catalogues, newsletters, price lists or order forms, talk to Meehan Design and move your business online. Engage and educate customers, increase sales, cut down costs and reduce your impact on the environment with a website. Electronic brochures Email newsletters Mailing lists Search engine optimisation
Product catalogues Online shopping portal Image galleries Update content instantly
Visit www.meehandesign.com.au or call (03) 9495 1265 and make the switch.
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ANTIQUE & DECOR GALLERY ANTIQUES / / ARTIFACTS / / DECOR / / BEADS
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.
Open 7 days 622 Main St, Mordialloc Call 9580 6521 www.mordycellardoor.com.au
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
Simple, stylish, and sustainable.
www.coastmagazine.net
Tom Wilson Architect T. E.
coast directory
L&J TUDDIN restorations
9830 4904 M. 0411 464 838 wilson.tom1@bigpond.com
P.O. Box 195 CANTERBURY VIC. 3126
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coast directory
Ladies & Men’s Boutique
SUNDAY
from 10 am - Inside & Out LIVE MUSIC FROM 11AM
Main Street, KONGWAK, Victoria (only 10 minutes from Inverloch)
For more information call Jane on 0417 142 478
17B A’Beckett St, Inverloch
Ph: 5674 1133
Creating masterpieces from recycled native hardwoods
Maxines Have opened a GRAND NEW STORE 55-57 McBride Ave, Wonthaggi Ph. 5672 3889
Jewellery, summer fashions, handcrafts & homewares
Don’t forget our CLEARANCE STORE 104 Graham St, Wonthaggi Ph. 5672 4108
www.coastmagazine.net
MAXINES also at 220 Commercial Rd, Yarram 1/121 Jupiter Boulevard, Venus Bay 335 Brunswick St, Fitzroy & Maxines Family Emporium, Main Rd, Kongwak (open every Sunday)
Mark: 0418 355 148 Nick: 0421 867 476 www.findingthegrain.com.au factory@findingthegrain.com.au Factory 7/28 The Concourse Cowes Phillip Island
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island landscape + design
Contemporary + innovative landscape designs. Matt Crooks . Smiths Beach . Phillip Island. 0419 356 222 t. 5952 3838 e. info@islandlandscaping.com.au www.islandlandscaping.com.au
acupuncture traditional chinese medicine naturopathy bowen therapy
mob: www: email:
0401 669 927 jamesrosslandscape.com.au info@jamesrosslandscape.com.au
• Fresh Juices and Smoothies • Home made yoghurt • Gourmet salads • Supplements, Vitamins etc • Bulk organic wholefoods
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Inspiring Inspiring Inspiring Inspiring Inspiring
• Local produce
14 Graham St, Wonthaggi - PH 5672 2692 27 Bair St, Leongatha - PH 5662 5644 www.naturalmedicinecentre.net.au or find us facebook johng@naturalmedicinecentre.net.au
125 Graham St, Wonthaggi
Phone: 5672 5825
Open 9am – 5:30pm
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www.coastmagazine.net
• Specialty Foods
coast directory
mookah studio New & Gently Used Quality Goods
Mind, Body & Spirit CD’s Japanese Incense Inspiration Cards Body Jewellery Tilda® Wraps Bric-a-brac Scarves Hats Bags Books Oracle Cards Silver Jewellery Beeswax Candles Himalayan Salt Lamps Clothing for Ladies, Men & Kids Gemstones: Tumbled, Specimens & Jewellery
31 Main Street Foster Ph: 5682 1381 Weekdays 10am-5pm Sat 9:30am-4pm Sun 10am-4pm Closed Tuesdays from 17 April 2012 until Melbourne Cup
mookah studio offers a range of locally made, stylish, contemporary, eco-friendly homewares, textiles accessories and funky womens skirts 32 cashin st, inverloch or online www.mookah.com.au
Not where you want to be in your career, relationships, family or health?
www.coastmagazine.net
Life coaching will unlock your hidden potential, to live the life you desire. You Are Amazing!
Scott Brelsford - 0419 182 235 or coach@yourhiddenpotential.com.au
www.yourhiddenpotential.com.au coast 144
Medium & Psychic Reader Face to face readings • Email Readings Photo Readings • House Cleansings
Now on Phillip Island 0428 159 169
info@garane.net
www.garane.net
Distributors for South Gippsland
“FUEL BY THE TANK OR TANKER FULL” LEONGATHA DEPOT
PH.
03 5662 2217
A/H
0418 595 346
Portraits
FISH CREEK, FOSTER, INVERLOCH KORUMBURRA, LEONGATHA, MIRBOO NTH TOORA, WONTHAGGI & YARRAM
Servicing Gippsland and Mornington Peninsula Lucas Piera Mobile 0414 343 104 Email lpiera@lenstolife.com.au www.lenstolife.com.au
COWES
www.evanspetroleum.com.au
VAN STEENSEL TIMBERS
Lucas.indd 1
24/11/11 11:10 AM
BUILDING MATERIALS & WATER TANKS
HUGE RANGE OF WATER TANKS • TIMBER • HARDWARE
• PAINTS • TOOLS
CNR. CORINELLA TURN OFF & BASS HWY, GRANTVILLE (03)56788552
www.coastmagazine.net
FRIENDLY & EXPERT ADVICE
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Weddings
specialised joinery solutions Custom made: • Bathroom Interiors • Kitchen Interiors • Furniture The only Certified Kitchen and Bathroom Designer in Gippsland
Kevin Holden PO Box 789, Wonthaggi 0458 520 347
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directory Accommodation
Gardens and Green
Restaurants & Cafes
Prom Country Booking Service 10 Quest 68 RACV Resort 14 Silverwater Resort 126
Crossover Cycles 52 Finding the Grain 142 Island Garden Supplies 139 Island Landscape & Design 143 James Ross Landscape & Design 143 Wilson Botanic Park 48
Archies on the Creek Carmies Kitchen Churchill Island Café Coast Restaurant and Bar Old Dalyston Deli Esplanade Hotel Harry’s on the Esplanade Infused Restaurant and Bar Phillip Island RSL Red Elk Café Somers General Store
Antiques L&J Tuddin Antiques
141
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where to stay, eat, shop – fashion - builders – property – gardening & green – live the dream
Artists and Galleries Arty Farty 80 Arty Gras 80 Celia Rosser 70 Cheryl Petersen Galleries 74 Creative Gippsland 68 Deb Halpern 86 Denis A Hawkins 86 Fiona Kennedy 91 Gecko Studio Gallery 78 Geoff Harrison 90 Goldsmiths Gallery 88 Gooseneck Pottery 91 Leongatha Art + Craft Society 78 Mandy Gunn 90 Mc Clelland Gallery 72 Mosaics by the Bay 88 Shearwater Studios 91 Warren Curry 91
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Builders and Designers Beaumont Concepts Archiblox Darren Brown Design Eco Liv Bluecoast Builders Langford Jones Metricon Tom Wilson
128 138 137 131 135 136 130 141
Entertainment Kongwak Market Baker Boys Mossvale One Perfect Day
142 92 30
Fashion Haze Maxines Oyako Living Sarsarparilla Sketa So! Me!
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Bass Coast Shire Council South Gippsland Shire Westernport Water
93 84 106
142 142 58 148 13 95
6 124 115 125 122 114 122 16 118 118 124
Hair, Health and Beauty
Tourism & Travel
Amcal Chemist Cowes 48 Bass Coast Community Health 94 Cowes Doctors 44 John Gemmill 143 Mt Eliza Optical 66 San Remo Pharmacy 56 Upbeet Health Foods 143
Amaze n Things 28 Meeniyan Traders 99 Phillip Island Chocolate Factory 116 Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit 52 Phillip Island Nature Park 104 Rod Bending 65 Wonthaggi State Coal Mine 40
Homewares
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Main St Revelations Mookah Studios Rainbows at Cowes South Coast Furnishings Southern Bazaar
144 144 95 66 37
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Denis A Hawkins 86 Goldsmiths Gallery 88 Lacy Jewellery Studio & Gallery 17 Studio 41 92
Professional Services Your Hidden Potential Garane Lens to Life Purplex Meehan Design Events by Kate Moonya Turn the Page
144 144 145 84 140 65 102 103
Property & Retirement Alex Scott, Phillip Island Cape Paterson Eco Village Parklands San Remo Realty Seagrove Estate
147 8 4 140 2
Bass Coast Refrigeration Coastal Refrigeration Evan’s Petroleum Orana Kitchens Pristine Pools Valley Windows Van Steensels Timbers Woodwork Solutions
138 136 145 134 139 134 145 145
Wineries Basia Mille Mordialloc Cellars Phillip Island Vineyard Purple Hen
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CLASSICSinceGOOD SERVICE 1886
We’ve enjoyed working together with so many families over the past 125 years and we’re especially proud of building great relationships and contributing to the success of our region over this great journey. We invite you to put your trust in our classic good service when it comes to all things real estate related. Melbourne (03) 9526 8611
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
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coast 147
Sarsaparilla Boutique
Retail therapy for men + women 42 Thompson Ave, Cowes. Phone 5952 1143 coast 148
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