Coast magazine autumn 2015

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living

at

its

4.95

best

$ a

ut

umn 2015

in this issue

h ow i m e t Yo u r m o t h e rbe

love starts in a test tu

’s g A ll iP o li g iP Ps lA N Dor ies of war our mem

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ISSN 1833–3648

autiful shocking, confronting, be Bay 5 things we love – Venus Art & Culture

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

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

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

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“sets a new benchmark for sustainable

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Urban Development Institute of Australia Awards for Excellence

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www.seagrove.com.au coast 3

Custom made fire pits made On Phillip Island, delivered to your door.

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We hand forge outdoor fire pits based around the individual needs of our customers.

We know that each customer has their own set of taste and their own style and will go through fire to get it right just for you. Get a free quote at 5elementsfirepits.com

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the coast team

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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.

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Image depicts items not supplied by Metricon namely landscaping, fencing, decking and driveway

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coast 7

The autumn edition of Coast is one of my favourites … and not just because of its focus on the arts. When I moved from Sydney to Melbourne, I fell in love with Victoria’s definite seasons.

Autumn, with its bright blue days and cool, crisp nights, was a new experience. I loved the chill in the air, the golden leaves underfoot and the way the community collectively seems to take autumn’s arrival as a sign to pull on a coat and head out to enjoy life.

from the editor

Here on the coast, I get a similar feeling. As the crush of the summer crowd subsides, there’s an almost audible sigh as people emerge to enjoy the uncrowded beaches and sidewalks, the galleries and attractions. Our Art & Culture feature is a quick guide to some of the artists who enrich our world, and also contains in-depth conversations with musician/artist Caroline Kennedy (visiting Phillip Island as part of the inaugural WWAM Festival), and artists Clive Sinclair and Anda Banikos … plus an insight into the marvelous world of MONA. It’s exhilarating to live in a place where so much art is being created all around us. If art is soul-food, then we are standing in front of a smorgasbord … and I think it’s time to feast.

Art, history, celebration, love – all these are on my mind at the moment.

This edition we also fall in love with the thoroughly modern love story of Scott Andersen and Aminah Hart, and look at how our towns and communities are marking the 100-year anniversary of Gallipoli. Although these might seem worlds apart, I see family at the heart of all these moving stories.

Breathe out and enjoy.

Eleanor

staff profile katie cincotta, writer

Katie has been writing for Coast Magazine since 2010. We love the humour and passion she brings to her work … and her fearless pursuit of the heart of a story … even if that means donning a wetsuit and braving the ocean!

“In my 20 years as a journalist, I’ve told a lot of stories – for magazines, newspapers and television. But it’s the features for Coast Magazine that I rate among my finest work. They’re the stories I’m most proud of, the tales of ordinary people living extraordinary lives: creative, eclectic and humble folk who share with me their tragedies, their hopes, and their secrets. It’s a great privilege to immortalise someone’s journey, to shine a light on a life in words. In this autumn edition of Coast, it was Scott Andersen and Aminah Hart who let me into their world. Their story will make you believe in fairytales – an improbable romance between a country boy and a city girl – a love that began inside a test tube.”

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Over 200 artworks for sale. Commissions available Open 10am to 4pm 6 days a week

Closed Tuesdays

Shop 7/8 Edward St Somerville Phone: 5977 8724 Mobile: 0408 833 260 cp@cpgalleries.com.au

Cheryl’s work can also be viewed at the following galleries: tusk gallery 438 Chapel St, Sth Yarra 9827 3338 & 76 Harold St, Camberwell 9882 2174 Suburban Gallery 312–318 New St, Brighton 9592 1772 Gallery Sorrento 148 Ocean Beach Rd, Sorrento 5984 4933

www.cpgalleries.com.au coast 9

contents

LETTErS TO ThE FuTurE 50 Musician and artist Caroline Kennedy tasted success in her 20s with her band Deadstar. After negotiating the harsh realities of the music industry, she has carved out a niche as an independent artist, juggling music, painting, lecturing, studying and raising a family.

Her band Caroline No is performing at Phillip Island’s WWAM Festival in March.

hOW I mET YOur mOThEr 22 A fairy-tale love story that started in a test-tube.

When Gippsland farmer Scott Andersen agreed to donate sperm to a Melbourne IVF clinic a wedding was the last thing on his mind. But the universe had other ideas. Scott, Aminah and Leila’s story is a beautiful combination of science, love and kismet.

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DO BELIEVE ThE hYPE 58 Tasmania’s Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) exploded onto the scene in 2011. Just a quick trip across Bass Strait, this extraordinary museum is an essential destination for anyone interested in art. Shocking, confronting, thought provoking, beautiful and addictive. Time to take a trip.

GALLIPOLI 32 As the centenary of Gallipoli approaches, we explore the impact of World War One on our local communities and the work being done to ensure the sacrifices are never forgotten.

contents

contents

ArT & CuLTurE 47 If art is a test of the quality of a civilization, we are indeed thriving here on the coast. Our art and culture feature highlights some of the amazing artists, galleries and venues helping to enrich our lives.

people 15 16

15 minutes of fame Ernstjan van Geest

2 coast people

Les Guilfoyle and Elisabeth Jones

40

surfer profile

66

opening minds

72 121

Bob “Hippo” Hosking

Anda Banikos

artist profile

Clive Sinclair

young & inspired Grant Hill

places 98 104

5 ThINGS WE LOVE ABOuT … VENuS BAY 88 There’s more to Venus Bay than stunning, unspoilt beaches. We share a few of our favourite things about this beautiful part of the coast.

lifestyle review

Inverloch coastal haven

lifestyle review

Beach House dream house

rEGuLArS 12

coast life

20

latest products

26

coast events

28

events calendar

80

where to eat

95

lifestyle and property guide

118 coast directory and stockists 119 fitness 120 a good read 122 where am I?

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coast life All good in Theory From the curious to the beautiful, Theory of Willow creates things of purpose and artistry. Phillip Island furniture-maker Kyme Farley fashions unique furniture, lighting and ornaments from eco-friendly and recycled materials. We’re besotted with his tri-hex bookshelf. See more at www.theoryofwillow.com.au

Something to relish Great ingredients stirred with love and laughter. That’s the motto of Relish Mama author Nellie Kerrison. We love the recipes in this beautiful book (try the divine Thai-Inspired Coleslaw) and want to book in for a cooking lesson at her Cheltenham kitchen. But first, we just need to choose between Greek, Italian, Mexican, Moroccan, Asian, Spanish … every flavour of yum! www.relishmama.com.au

coast 12

Musical collision

g, folk-infused Fancy some quick-pickin is the latest CD from country? “Worlds Collide” Colin Matthews and acclaimed local guitarist le sure strikes a tic his raw and authen sty on Facebook or at chord with us. Find him .com.au www.basscoastpickers

A hero on the bed Marking the centenary of Gallipoli is the poignant story of “Anzac Ted”, a much-loved bear that brings the Anzac legend to life for children.

This superb book is filled with beautiful watercolour illustrations and is sure to wins hearts old and young. “Anzac Ted” is available from www.anzacted.com and wherever good books are sold.

Express yourself Have fun and feel the joy of art!

Whether you’re an absolute beginner or an advanced artist, there’s a Cheryl Petersen Galleries art workshop that’s just right for you.

Bold flowers, Pop Art animals, Klimt patterns – these are just some of the workshops on offer. Find out more at www.cpgalleries.com.au or call 5977 8724.

Low Rez: So Far Melbourne’s top male pop choir will wow festival-goers as part of the 2015 Prom Coast Seachange Festival. Be delighted as over 40 performers present fabulous arrangements of a wide range of popular music. Fish Creek Hall - Saturday 25 April at 7.30pm. Tickets $30 trybooking.com or phone 0408 871 379

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Retro - Antiques - Art - Quality used furniture Located in a massive warehouse at 42 Cashin St Inverloch (behind Mitre 10) Ph Wendy White on 0407 414 895 email: southernbazaar@hotmail.com

coast 14

fif teen

minutes

of

fame

EJ (Ernstjan) van Geest is a qualified medical scientist and has also trained as a barista. But his real passion is handcrafting and restoring musical instruments. words as told to eleanor mckay photo warren reed

When I was young I wanted to be an astronaut. I was really into science at school. I didn’t end up going to the moon, but I did end up on the other side of the world. After school, I studied Industrial Design. But after one year, I knew it wasn’t really my thing.

Cape Paterson. I’m not a surfer. I’m not really a water person at all, but I love going to the beach. I like the rural aspect, too. I think the weather in Bass Coast is fine. It doesn’t get as cold as Belgium. People are open here. They have time for each other.

I started playing guitar when I was seven. At the age of 15, I wanted to learn how to play electric guitar, so my teacher suggested I build one myself. There was a music shop in town that sold kits, or you could buy a neck and a body and assemble it yourself. I don’t think that guitar ever got finished.

When I quit my design course, I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I thought I’d try a guitar-building course while I figured out what I was going to do with the rest of my life.

In the third year of my guitar-building course, I built a lute.

It’s a renaissance instrument. A girl from Germany was my first client – she saw my website and asked if I could build her a 7-course lute. Nowadays, I do a lot of repair jobs. No job is too strange. For a luthier, to have an instrument that is broken and make it playable again is a dream.

I moved from Holland to Belgium to study guitar-building, and stayed to do a medical science degree. I worked in medical science for ten years and built guitars on the side. I met my partner in Belgium and she had the dream to come to Australia. It took us about two years to get a visa. My girlfriend is an occupational therapist, and after we’d been here a few months she was offered two jobs – one in Shepparton, one in Wonthaggi. We chose the seaside. We found a beach house in

I’m building cookie-box guitars at the moment because I only have a small workshop. You use a biscuit tin as the body – I get really lovely old tins here and they sound pretty good. It’s fully playable, but it’s also a bit like an art object.

I can repair any sort of stringed instrument and I work on a ‘no cure, no pay’ system. If I can’t do it, I don’t charge.

I’ve got a passion for the job, so I want to do it right and treat a customer’s instrument like it was my own.

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two coast people

With his work as a blacksmith and her background in the arts, Les Guilfoyle and Elisabeth Jones have forged a relationship on a shared sense of humour and great conversation. We talk to the creative duo about life, love and creativity in the hills of South Gippsland.

Elisabeth: I grew up in sunny Bris-Vegas (Brisbane). I was the youngest of seven kids … five sisters and one brother! We were a big Irish Catholic family. We loved going dancing and that type of thing. I grew up babysitting my sisters’ children …

I’ve sure got a lot of nieces and nephews!

In my twenties I went to Borneo as a volunteer with Prof.

Galdikas to work with the orangutans. It was amazing! On the way back to Brisbane I visited my sister in Melbourne.

She was in the arts, and someone had asked her to step in as the Admin Manager for Arena Theatre, which does shows for schools that tour Victoria. She said, ‘I’m sick at the moment … but my sister is here and she’s fantastic! Can she come in?’

They were so desperate that they took me on. I went in with no background in the arts for what was supposed to be a twoweek stint. They were like, “OMG, you’re so fantastic! Could you stay?” I loved it, so I stayed with them for a year. They had an ensemble, which is very rare now. I managed their tours and worked the office … they were a great bunch of people. That was my introduction to the arts.

When I met Les it was love at first sight. I picked him up at a party (laughs). I saw him standing there (and I was in a terrible mood) so I said to my girlfriend, “I’m going to go home, but before I do I’m going to ask if that man is single, and if he is I’m going to ask him out!” I think women should be in charge of choosing partners … they’re often much better at organising something that works for both people (laughs again)! I didn’t realise he was quite a foodie (I wasn’t), and I took him to a terrible African restaurant. I’d been to the restaurant before and it was fantastic, but this night it wasn’t so great. He didn’t complain … which was nice of him.

I was drawn to Les by an intuitive sense. The way he was standing, alone and seeming perfectly comfortable and secure in himself had a strong attraction for me. Tall, dark, handsome, gorgeous! Black coat, red scarf … he had the lot (and he matched my lipstick!). We started going to exhibitions and gigs. He came to a lot of crazy avant-garde performances and we had lots and lots of fun before we really got involved.

We enjoyed each other’s company and we still do.

Les is incredibly talented. I love his work. I love his work ethic (I don’t think I could be with a lazy person). He runs his own business, and he works very generously and easily with people. He’s very confident in what he does as he’s been doing it for a very long time, and he loves a challenge and likes to work through things. He is incredibly easy-going, and has a great sense of humour. He’s a great cook – and anyone who cooks for me is my dearest friend or lover (laughs).

I couldn’t imagine being with anyone better. He’s one in a million and I am very lucky.

Les: When I left school I landed a trainee apprenticeship in golf and was a professional golfer at age 21. It wasn’t really my bag, so soon after I moved to Perth and started my own metalwork business. After 10 years I moved back to Melbourne and started blacksmithing.

I’ve always enjoyed working with metal … it’s a very forgiving material, unlike wood. If you cut a piece of wood too short it becomes firewood, whereas with metal you can add to it, bend it, twist it, shape it – do almost anything to it. It can be fine but also have a great deal of strength.

words & photos maria reed

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For 13 years I worked with society interior designer Stuart Rattle (who was recently murdered by his partner). A lot of

the work in my folio was created for Stuart. I’d been working in the city for a long time, and six years ago we decided to move to Korumburra. I wanted to find a property with a workshop, and for the same money that I could buy a workspace in Melbourne, we could get a house, land and a workshop in the country! Now we’ve got the lifestyle and the views. I simply love it out here.

I met Liz at a friend’s 50th birthday party. She actually picked me up at the bar! (laughs). It was very fortunate timing as we’d both been in long-term relationships that had just ended, so there was a very small window where everything aligned and was meant to be. Apparently I didn’t notice Liz first up … as I was informed later. She made a couple of attempts to catch my eye, but I must have had my blinkers on.

I thought she was very attractive, and it was the ease with which we struck up a conversation that impressed me.

Sometimes it can be very hard to communicate easily when you first meet someone. A couple of weeks later we caught up over dinner. It was a very interesting African restaurant … it must have been the chef’s night off, as the food was probably some of the worst I’d ever seen served up on a plate. It was

memorable all right, but for all the wrong reasons. It was a funny night, but we made the most of it.

We didn’t want to rush things, and took it really slowly. At the time, Liz worked at Arts Victoria, so we went to watch lots of plays and dance troupes. It was just fantastic. It got me thinking … ‘Who is this cosmopolitan woman/gal about town?!’ Not even a bad African dinner could scare me off … and she was a bit mortified when she discovered I could cook!

I tend to do most of the cooking and she does the cleaning – it all works out okay. Liz is very funny and she makes me laugh a lot. She has an amazing sense of fairness and justice and she’s very forthright … with me anyway (laughs again).

Very early on, we went on a crazy camping trip in Tasmania in a ute. We got bogged in really remote places where we thought we may not get out, but she always held it together.

One time we improvised by jamming the frying-pan and the cutting board under the wheel: I pushed the car while she revved it … and I told her if she got going, not to stop! We’ve had many adventures together and we’re always laughing.

Liz looks fine but she’s very strong … a bit like the metal I work with (laughs). I love her to bits!

coast 17

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Offer is not in conjunction with any other offer and is exclusive to Mercedes-Benz Berwick. Coast Magazine must be mentioned at the time of arrival or first phone contact in order to receive the special offer. ^3 Years Scheduled Servicing is based on 75,000 kms or 36 months whichever occurs first. For full terms and conditions on our complimentary 3 Years Scheduled Servicing please phone 1300 622 622 or visit www.mbberwick.com.au *$500 fuel card will be presented upon delivery of the vehicle. The fuel supplier is subject to change and may vary between vouchers.

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ANNETTE SPINKS – ART STUDIO & GALLERY 60 Dixon Street Inverloch Enquiries and Commissions 0418 555 222 | Online Gallery | www.annettespinks.com.au

coast 19

Nissan X-Trail Edney’s Leongatha RRP Manual $3999 drive away

Gotta get mee one of thes Latest news and products from your Coast retailers

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Crittenden Estate 2013 Peninsula Pinot Noir Mordialloc Cellar Door RRP $30

Spell & The Gypsy Collective Luxe Tropic RRP Shirt $139, Skirt $149

Custom made metal fire pits 5 Elements Fire Pits Prices start at $2,000

coast 20

Sterling Silver Chaorite Pendant Main Street Revelations RRP $185

2013 Shiraz and 2012 Blanc de Blanc Purple Hen Winery RRP $30

The sun always shines in San remo, regardless of authority series #112 Artwork Kelly & Gemelli RRP $1,200

Cloud Nine hair Straightener and Eleven miracle hair Treatment Beachside Hair & Beauty RRP Straightener $299, Treatment $24.95

Crispy skin blue eyed fillet Captain’s Table, Esplanade Hotel Inverloch RRP $33 (main)

Jewellery by helen Zitkevicius ArtSpace Wonthaggi RRP Necklace $230, Earrings $30, Bracelet $110

handcrafted wooden ornaments Petite Collections RRP $55

coast 21

your mother

hOW I mET YOur

Long before the couple ever laid eyes on each other, Scott Andersen’s sperm and Aminah Hart’s egg hooked up in a test tube. Fusing together, creating new life inside a glass Petrie dish, the incredible medical marvel of in-vitro fertilisation granted 42-year-old Melbourne advertising executive Aminah something that had eluded her for more than a decade – a healthy child.

words katie cincotta photos warren reed

coast 22

The bouncing baby girl was blonde and blue-eyed, a surprisingly stark contrast to her mother, whose dark skin and wiry black curls declare her West Indian heritage. Leila was clearly of strong Australian stock – one-half Gippsland farmer, in the person of a shy, skinny bloke from San Remo who made good on a call to donate sperm to help single women just like Aminah realise their dream of motherhood.

In 2007, when Scott received a call asking if he would consider anonymous sperm donation, he laughed it off as a prank by one of his mates. “I thought it was a joke. It was a bit heavy at the time, so I told the caller that if they were serious they

should ring me back in a year’s time – which they did, almost to the day.” After being interviewed and counselled by Melbourne IVF, Scott agreed to contribute his seed for a good cause – to help infertile women access IVF, specifically single women who were allowed to access the service when the law changed in 2010. “They couldn’t get donors and there were so many women on waiting lists. I thought, ‘Nobody need ever know about this’.”

As a stud breeder of Swiss-origin Simmental cattle, and a manager of a Hereford stud in Inverloch, Scott knew the ins and outs of the process long before he offered up his own genetic code.

He told his mum about his decision, and never thought about it again… until donor recipient Aminah Hart sent him an email. “Legally a child can make contact at 18, but I thought that people wouldn’t be interested until they were having their own families in their 30s, so I wasn’t really expecting to hear from anyone until I was around 70.” >

coast 23

Scott had agreed to contact with Aminah. The first he heard from her was a formal but heartfelt email thanking him for a beautiful, healthy daughter, with photographs of the fairhaired cherub attached. “She definitely looked like one of my kids. It’s a funny experience. You don’t quite know how to feel.”

Aminah thought it would be nice for her daughter to one day meet her biological father. Just after her first birthday, Scott met Leila for the first time. “It was pretty nerve-racking,” he admits. A humble cattle farmer, he didn’t quite know what to expect when meeting a toddler he’d fathered via a sperm donation.

Aminah felt the time was right to tell Scott her entire story – the tragedy of giving birth to two boys, Marlon and Louis, both born with a rare genetic defect, X-linked myotubular myopathy. “It involves a protein that doesn’t express properly, so the muscles don’t have any contractile ability. Victims can’t breathe properly, they can’t swallow, all their muscles are very floppy. It’s catastrophic, affecting only boys, but thankfully it’s very rare,” Aminah told the ABC’s Australian Story. She’d lost Marlon at 14 weeks and Louis at 14 months. So when Leila was a healthy girl, suddenly there was a happy twist to a tragic story.

The man who had changed her life was sitting there in front of her, the wind whipping at his messy whiteblonde hair. “I was really blown away by her story.”

“A humble cattle farmer, he didn’t quite know what to expect when meeting a toddler he’d fathered via a sperm donation”

Explaining the situation to his four children from his first two marriages also demanded some sensitivity.

Raised on his family’s cattle farm in Corinella, Scott had married his high-school sweetheart, bought a house at 19 and had three boys in his 20s. But by the time Scott was 30 the marriage had ended. His fourth child Belle, who is now nine, came from his second marriage, but that relationship, too, came to a close.

For Scott, meeting Leila was a wonderful experience, and eventually her parents decided to meet once a month – often halfway between Hawthorn and Phillip Island. “Meeting regularly was a good way to get to know her. Sometimes we’d have lunch at Tooradin on the foreshore. After the second or third time she’d come to me and give me a cuddle, which was really gorgeous.”

And then something magical happened to this very modern family. Coming together for the first time without Leila, Scott and Aminah met for a beer. It was a hot day at the Kilcunda Pub overlooking the ocean.

coast 24

The connection between them was intensifying: as Dennis Denuto famously said in The Castle, Scott could sense ‘a vibe’. Aminah was feeling the same thing. When her girlfriend came out from London she confessed to her, “I think I might have a crush on Leila’s dad”.

Initially, Scott was hesitant about acknowledging his feelings.

“I thought it was a chemical thing. I’d heard of weird stories where people in our situation have an attraction because of the child. But Aminah was lovely and we were getting on so well.” After a couple of beers at the Killy, Aminah gave Scott the gentle push he needed. “She said, ‘So what are you going to do, Mr Andersen’? And I said, ‘About what?’ She replied, ‘I think you should kiss me’. It took me a few minutes to get up the courage. And that was it.”

The love between the two is palpable – it’s comfortable and effortless, but also electric, buzzing with playful humour and

genuine respect for each other. As Aminah told Australian Story: “One thing that the boys’ lives taught me was to live in the moment. I feel incredibly fortunate to be having this moment. I can’t quite believe my luck, to be honest. Scott is such a loving partner and he’s such an amazing dad. How many people get to experience that from the kind of ruins that went before?”

Aminah now divides her time between Scott’s home in San Remo and her inner-city pad, and the couple plans to marry in December 2015 on Manly Beach. When Leila wakes from her afternoon nap, Aminah carries her into the room on her hip and Scott’s face and voice come to life. “Here’s the little grumpy!

Hello, Bubby.”

“The love between the two is palpable – it’s comfortable and effortless, but also electric”

While on holiday in Thailand, Scott proposed as only a humble farmer from Sanny could. He went out to get milk, and stopped in at a jeweller’s in Krabi to buy Aminah a ring she had tried on that afternoon. “She liked this ring and so I snuck out and bought it.”

The day was the anniversary of her son Louis’ death, when he would have turned six. “She’s so sensible about her boys, but obviously she feels a bit down on those days.” Scott thought it was the perfect opportunity to suggest giving their improbable romance a happy ending. “She was pretty happy, though she did question whether I wanted to get married a third time.

And I said, Yeah: I want to get it right.”

Leila has launched her parents into a fairytale love-story with a very country flavour. Aminah is already writing the book. Hollywood is interested in the movie. Local television has proposed a mini-series. And Sportsbet is taking wagers on which actors will play Scott and Aminah on the big screen. High School Musical heartthrob Zac Efron is currently the frontrunner to play Scott. His teenage boys reckon if that happens, they’re changing the family name.

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autumn 2015

events guide Our pick of events this autumn

WWAM Festival Phillip Island’s first Women Words Art Music Festival focuses on women’s contribution to literature, visual arts and music. Enjoy the chance to exchange ideas and experiences plus live performances, exhibitions, Q&A forums, literary events and a ‘food & thought’ dinner. Performances include Bluehouse, Caroline No, Silvi Glattauer and Bronwyn Lovell.

15 – 21 March, see website for event details. Most events are free. www.wwam.org.au Acknowledging International Women’s Day.

Bass Coast Community Foundation Mayoral Ball

The Gippsland 14 This exhibition showcases multi-media artworks by award-winning Gippsland artists. Featured works are by Peter Biram, Sue Coppock, Ken Griffiths, Mandy Gunn, Susan Hall, Carolyn Henry, Wayne Milner, John Mutsaers, Graeme Myrteza, Tracy Roberts, Kerry Spokes, Ursula Theinert, Meg Viney and Libby Witchell.

Until 22 April – Media House Gallery, The Age, 655 Collins St, Docklands (Mon – Fri, 7am – 7pm) 26 April – 22 May – Meeniyan Art Gallery, Whitelaw St, Meeniyan (10am – 4pm weekdays except Tuesdays. 11am – 5pm weekends) www.meeniyanartgallery.com.au

Spoil yourself and support your community by coming along to this year’s Mayoral Ball. Tickets are $100 and include a three-course meal, drinks and entertainment.

This fantastic night is the major fundraiser for the Bass Coast Community Foundation, which focuses on creating opportunities for young people, supporting the aged, and building community well-being.

17 April, RACV Inverloch Resort, 70 Cape Paterson-Inverloch Rd For tickets and information, contact Kate at Bass Coast Community Foundation on 0418 592 305. www.bccf.org.au info@bccf.org.au

Shoreline – Marlene Abela Nothing is more intoxicating than our beautiful coastline, and it’s from here that glassmaker Marlene Abela draws her inspiration for her exhibition – “Shoreline”.

Using purchased, reclaimed and repurposed glass, Marlene aims to “create works that reflect imagery, texture and depth”. Beautiful and sustainable, this show is the first of a series for the year.

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Artfusion Studio and Gallery, 9 Anderson Rise, Anderson 2 April – 4 May, 10.30am – 5pm Thur – Mon Contact: Marlene 0439 368 538 www.artfusionstudioandgallery.com www.marleneabela.com

132 Whitelaw St Meeniyan VIC 3956 | Phone 5664 0055 |

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WWAM Festival – Bronwyn Lovell & Philippa Armstrong 20 March, 5.30 – 7pm Phillip Island Library, Thompson Ave, Cowes www.wwam.org.au

autumn 2015

events guide

Getting the best from Ancestry – Valda Scrase 20 March, 10.30am – 12pm Wonthaggi Library, Murray St www.wgrlc.vic.gov.au WWAM Festival – Women in Music Caroline Kennedy (Deadstar, Caroline No) & Bern Carroll (Bluehouse) 21 March, 2 – 5 pm Phillip Island Winery, 414 Berrys Beach Rd Contact: 5956 8465 www.wwam.org.au

march The Gippsland 14 Exhibition March & April. 7am – 7pm weekdays Media House Gallery, 655 Collins St, Melbourne Waves Exhibition – Annette Spinks March/April/May, Saturdays 10am – 4pm Art Studio & Gallery, 60 Dixon St, Inverloch Contact: 0418 555 222 www.annettespinks.com.au Jane Flowers with Karen Hopkins – exhibition 4 – 18 March, Mon – Sat 10am – 5pm, Sunday 12 – 5pm Without Pier Gallery, 320 Bay St, Cheltenham Contact: 9583 7577 www.withoutpier.com.au White Light Exhibition – Owen Piggott Until 19 April Gippsland Art Gallery, Sale www.gippslandartgallery.com Newhaven College Musical Soirees 11 & 25 March, 7pm (VCE & Autumn Soirees) 1770 Phillip Island Tourist Road, Sunset Strip Contact: 5956 7505 www.newhavencol.vic.edu.au/events World’s Longest Lunch 13 March, 12 - 4pm Rhyll Foreshore Bar & Restaurant, 11 Beach Rd www.visitphillipisland.com/event/ regional-worlds-longest-lunch-philipisland Funky Animals Workshop 13 March Cheryl Petersen Galleries Shop 7 / 8 Edward St, Somerville Contact: 5977 8724 www.cpgalleries.com.au Stories for Grown ups 13 & 27 March, 11am – 12pm Wonthaggi Library, Murray St Contact: 5672 1875 www.wgrlc.vic.gov.au

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Live Music on the Hill 14 March, 3 – 6pm Silverwater Resort 17 Potters Hill Rd, San Remo www.silverwaterresort.com.au Tree of Life Workshop 14 – 15 March Cheryl Petersen Galleries Shop 7 / 8 Edward St, Somerville Contact: 5977 8724 www.cpgalleries.com.au WWAM Festival Opening 15 March, 2 – 4 pm Phillip Island Winery, 414 Berrys Beach Rd Contact: 5956 8465 www.wwam.org.au The Whole Shebang (paintings) – Susan Quinn 15 March – 14 April Gecko Studio Gallery, 15 Falls Rd, Fish Creek Contact: 5683 2481 www.geckostudiogallery.com.au Toora Pear Party 15 March, 10am – 4pm Toora Heritage Pear Orchard, Mill St Contact: 0428 864 520 www.toorapears.info.

WWAM Festival – young Adult Event 18 March Phillip Island Library, Thompson Ave, Cowes Sue Saliba and Leanne Hall Contact: 5952 2842 www.wwam.org.au WWAM Festival – Food & Thought Dinner 19 March, 6pm Cliff Top, 1 Marlin St, Smiths Beach Contact: 5952 1444 info@turnthepagebookshop.com.au

The Meanies, Warped & Boxthorn – Thin Green Line fundraiser 21 March, 8pm Westernport Hotel, Marine Pde, San Remo Contact: 5678 5205 www.thewesternport.com.au www.oztix.com.au Bold Flowers Workshop 21 - 22 March Cheryl Petersen Galleries Shop 7 / 8 Edward St, Somerville Contact: 5977 8724 www.cpgalleries.com.au South Gippsland Relay for Life 21 – 22 March, 4pm – 10am Terrill Park, Fish Creek Contact: Meg Edwards 0429 841 555 Lego Club – Wonthaggi Library (5-12 year olds) 25 March, 4pm & 28 March, 2.30pm Murray St, Wonthaggi www.wgrlc.vic.gov.au Group Exhibition – paintings & sculpture 26 March – 30 April Kelly & Gemelli – Art & Design 57 Phillip Island Rd, San Remo www.kellyandgemelli.com Floral Impressions Workshop 27 March Cheryl Petersen Galleries Shop 7 / 8 Edward St, Somerville Contact: 5977 8724 www.cpgalleries.com.au Author Talk – John Howell 27 March, 5 – 6pm – “The Only Woman At Gallipoli” Inverloch Library, A’Beckett St www.wgrlc.vic.gov.au www.theonlywomanatgallipoli.com Southern Gippsland Sustainability Festival 29 March, 9am State Coal Mine, Garden St, Wonthaggi Contact: Roslyn Jenzen 5951 3317 www.basscoast.vic.gov.au Phillip Island – Kids’ Movie Club 31 March, 3pm Phillip Island Library, Thompson Ave, Cowes Contact: 5952 2842.

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GIPPSLAND ’S GALLIPOLI of war our memories

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autumn 2015

events guide april Gallipoli Exhibition – Leongatha Ongoing, 12 – 4pm Thursdays or Fridays by appointment Leongatha Mechanics Institute, 10 McCartin St Contact: Lyn 0400 249 048 or Pat 5668 6365 Book Chat with Friends 1 April, 3pm Phillip Island Library, Thompson Ave www.wgrlc.vic.gov.au Shoreline: Glass Sculpture Exhibition 2 April – 1 May Artfusion Gallery, 9 Anderson Rise, Anderson Contact: Marlene 0439 368 538 www.artfusionstudioandgallery.com Easter Fun Festival – Lego event 4 – 5 April, 10am – 4pm Churchill Island at Phillip Island www.penguins.org.au/news/events 50 Shades of Colour 4 April – 10 May Opening – 4 April at 2pm Mingara Gallery, 242 Thompson Ave, Cowes www.mingaragallery.com.au Sandy Point Art Show 4 - 6 April, 10am – 5pm Sandy Point Community Centre, Church Parade Contact: Sally Gibson 5684 1545 www.sandypoint.vic.au South Gippsland at war – 1914 to 1918 From 7 April Museum, Old Post Office, Main Street, Foster Contact: secretary@promcountryhistory. org.au www.foster.vic.au Phillip Island - Kids’ Movie Club 10 April, from 3pm Phillip Island Library, Thompson Ave, Cowes Contact: 5952 2842.

Gippsland Hills CWA Exhibition 10 - 11 April, 10am – 4.30pm Meeniyan Hall, Whitelaw St Contact: Heather Scott 5662 2175 www.cwaofvic.org.au National Surfing Reserve Teams Challenge 11 – 12 April Cape Woolamai Contact: Geoff Owens 0418 521 425 www.facebook.com/PhillipIslandnsr

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Gippsland Rare & unusual Plant Fair 11 April, 10am – 4pm Jindivick Public Hall, Jacksons Track Contact: David Musker 5628 5316 www.jindivickcountrygardener.com.au Broughton House Open Garden 11 – 12 April, 10am – 4.30pm 125 Palmer Rd, Jindivick Contact: 5628 5316 www.jindivickcountrygardener.com.au Gallipoli Exhibition – Phillip Island 16 – 25 April Musuem, Cowes Civic Centre, Thompson Ave Contact: Phillip Island & District Historical Society history@waterfront.net.au Great Southern Portrait Prize 16 April – 11 May Gecko Studio Gallery, 15 Falls Rd, Fish Creek Contact: 5683 2481 www.geckostudiogallery.com.au Bass Coast Community Foundation Mayoral Ball 17 April, 7pm RACV Inverloch Resort 70 Cape Paterson-Inverloch Rd Contact: Kate at Bass Coast Community Foundation 0418 592 305 www.bccf.org.au Prom Coast Sea Change Festival 17 – 19 & 24 – 26 April 40 Events across two big weekends www.promcoastseachangefestival.org youth Week Event 18 April, 11am – 3pm Wonthaggi Town Hall Contact: Geraldine Archibald 5671 2211 www.basscoast.vic.gov.au Western Port Craft Fest 18 April, 10am – 4pm Hastings Uniting Church, Cnr Marine Pde & Hodgins Rd Contact: 59791237 wpcraftfest@gmail.com Hundertwasser Workshop 18 – 19 April Cheryl Petersen Galleries Shop 7 / 8 Edward St, Somerville Contact: 5977 8724 www.cpgalleries.com.au Kerry Spokes Exhibition 19 April – 16 May Gecko Studio Gallery, 15 Falls Rd, Fish Creek Contact: 5683 2481 www.geckostudiogallery.com.au Lunch with Colin L. Grey OAM – “Rise of the Phoenix” 21 April, 12 – 2pm National Vietnam Veterans Museum 25 Veterans Dr, Newhaven Contact: 5956 6400 www.vietnamvetsmuseum.org Lego Club – Wonthaggi Library 22 April, 4pm (5 – 12 year olds) Murray St, Wonthaggi www.wgrlc.vic.gov.au

The Gippsland 14 - Exhibition 24 April – 22 May 10am – 4pm weekdays (closed Tues), 11am – 5pm weekends Meeniyan Gallery, Whitelaw St www.meeniyanartgallery.com.au Cityscapes Workshop 26 April Cheryl Petersen Galleries Shop 7 / 8 Edward St, Somerville Contact: 5977 8724 www.cpgalleries.com.au Faces Workshop 29 April Cheryl Petersen Galleries Shop 7 / 8 Edward St, Somerville Contact: 5977 8724 www.cpgalleries.com.au “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” A Newhaven College Production Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre 30 April 7.30pm, May 1 – 7.30pm, May 2 – 1.30pm & 7.30pm May 3 – 1.30pm Contact: 5956 7505 www.newhavencol.vic.edu.au/events

may Bianca Biezuz-Stefani – various works 1 – 31 May Stefani Hilltop Gallery, 33 Keanes Rd, Fish Creek Contact: 5683 2377 Creative Gippsland Swap Exhibition 7 May – 1 June ArtSpace Wonthaggi, 5-7 McBride Ave Contact: 0439 699 241 www.creativegippsland.com.au/ festival_2015 From My Travels – Bianca Biesuz-Stefani 14 - 31 May Stockyard Gallery, Main St, Foster Contact: 5682 1125 Newhaven College Open Day 16 May, 10am – 2pm 1770 Phillip Island Tourist Rd, Sunset Strip Contact: 5956 7505 www.newhavencol.vic.edu.au/events Open Day At National Vietnam Veterans Museum 24 May, 10am – 4pm 25 Veterans Dr, Newhaven Contact: 5956 6400 www.vietnamvetsmuseum.org Lego Club – Wonthaggi Library 27 May, 4pm (5 – 12 year olds) Murray St, Wonthaggi www.wgrlc.vic.gov.au Lego Club – Wonthaggi Library 30 May, 2.30pm (5 – 12 year olds) Murray St, Wonthaggi www.wgrlc.vic.gov.au

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words eleanor mckay photos supplied

Gippsland remembers

April 2015 marks the one-hundred-year anniversary of Gallipoli – a battle that has come to symbolise Australia’s involvement in the First World War. This important part of our history is captured on monuments and honour boards right across the country, from the National War Museum to the halls of small country towns.

My grandfather was 22 years old when he set sail for France in September 1916. As part of the Australian Imperial Force, he fought in many major battles in France and Belgium, including the Somme. At the end of the war, he returned home to his farm, married, raised a family and tried to forget the horrors of the battlefield. Stories like his, or of those lost on the battlefield, played out in families across the country, which goes some way to explaining why ANZAC Day and Gallipoli have become such an important part of Australia’s national identity.

The statistics on the loss of life in World War One are astounding.

Records show that almost 50 per cent of those Australians eligible to enlist marched off to war. Of these, 30 per cent never came home. Behind these figures are the real-life stories of everyday people, and the importance of honouring and safeguarding their memory increases every year. As the Gallipoli centenary approaches, dedicated volunteers across Gippsland are working to ensure the sacrifices made in wartime will never be forgotten, as they find new ways to preserve the meaning and the memories for current and future generations.

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In Korumburra, three brothers are writing a book on the men whose names are listed on the town’s cenotaph. Tony Moon’s family has a proud record of military service, including his father’s 36-year stint in the Army Reserve and brother Michael’s 31 years in the regular army. Like their father, Tony and his twin brother Andrew spent over 20 years in the Army Reserve. “Like many people, we’ve been attending the ANZAC and Remembrance Day services, standing there and saying ‘Lest we forget’,” explains Tony. “About two years ago we decided that we, as a community, had forgotten these names.

We had no idea about the lives of these people whose initials were carved into the granite.”

The brothers set out to simply identify the 218 locals recorded on the cenotaph. But with the support of Coal Creek, the RSL and the local historical society, the project has expanded.

“We’ve created a permanent record of these men’s service history, as well as when, how and where we lost them,” says Tony. “We’ve managed to put some historical context around their actions, find eyewitness accounts, and in many cases identify the exact location where they were lost.”

Walter Richardson

Through their research, Tony says they discovered that in fact some of the men listed did return home, while other names were missing from the roll. “We certainly found that in our district, some honest mistakes were made. I think in the rush to put up a memorial there wasn’t a proper vetting process before names were added. Some people were actually friends of local families, or relatives of families that moved into the district at a later date.” But what cannot be denied is the terrible impact of the loss, and the conviction that the individual stories deserve to be remembered.

The brothers’ research also uncovered specific dates that were notable for all the wrong reasons. On19 July 1916, six local men died, with another three dying later from the wounds they received that day. Over the month, 16 men from South Gippsland were killed. And if the sheer weight of these numbers is enough to make you stop and think, then stories such as that of the Poole brothers, Harry and Ernest, who served together and were killed within three weeks of each other in late 1917, bring a heartbreaking focus to the statistics.

“… some of the men didn’t even make it off the boat at Gallipoli.”

Tony says the South Gippsland region mirrors the national average in terms of enlistment numbers and lives lost. Around 600 people left the area to fight in the war, and 30 per cent of these never returned. “Plus, for every name recorded, another two were wounded,” says Tony. “The number of siblings killed really surprised me. One family lost three sons, and there are nine or ten sets of brothers on our cenotaph alone.”

Richard Evans is part of a working committee researching the military records of soldiers lost from the area covered by the old shire of Gippsland (taking in Foster, Fish Creek, Toora and Welshpool, as far down as Sandy Point and Waratah Bay). The group has organised an exhibition that will open just before Easter.

“The exhibition will focus on the people who died in the war, but also on the community and how it coped,” says Richard.

“Around 73 people from the area died, and we have put >

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“There are 154 names on the honour board and that includes families that lost several sons” Andrew Richard Larken

Harry Poole

together their service records and war memorabilia. But we also want to show other aspects of the war effort – the enlisting and fundraising meetings, the impact on schools, the way the honour boards and memorials were organised at the end of the war.” Richard says local nurses who enlisted and several people from the area who were POWs will also feature in the exhibition.

The group has tackled the task of keeping the history and memory of the ANZACs alive for the younger generation through a unique collaboration with the local secondary school. Working with the school’s History Coordinator, Justine Kirwan, 11 students from Years Nine and Ten were each allocated two of the local men listed as losing their lives on the battlefields of World War One. “For most people, these men had literally been reduced to just names on a roll,” explains Justine. “The students have done a tremendous job researching the military records from the National Archives.”

The men had very different backgrounds and stories, and the project vividly bought home the heartbreak of war. “The students did find parts of it very difficult and confronting,” said Justine. “Finding out the ages of the men, most of whom were farmers and labourers, and what they were sent off to do really shocked the kids.” The research also revealed that some of the men didn’t even make it off the boat at Gallipoli. “Reading the posthumous correspondence between the families and the

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George Wyeth

military as they tried to retrieve personal effects really showed what the war was doing to families.” This unique project is forging a bond across the generations. At the Foster exhibition, the students’ photos will be displayed alongside the biographies they’ve compiled for the soldiers.

In Leongatha, retired schoolteacher Lyn Skillern is part of a group researching the war records of the local men who served and died in World War One. “There are 154 names on the honour board and that includes families that lost several sons,” says Lyn. Lyn’s initial interest in the local war records came from her time as a teacher at Leongatha High School. “The school had an honour roll with 22 names on it. I decided that when I retired I’d find out what happened to those men and make a presentation to the school about them.” A woman of her word, Lyn did just that, and from there her research led her to different battles, other servicemen, and an ongoing involvement in recording the war history of the district.

The stories and a collection of war photos, documents and memorabilia are on display at the Historical Society, including a dedicated Gallipoli photographic exhibition.

On Phillip Island, similar preparations are underway for an exhibition in April to mark the ANZAC celebrations. John Jansson from the Phillip Island and District Historical Society >

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Ernest Poole

Granado Foreman

“We all know about the war, we’ve seen the movies, but when you read these stories, it becomes personal”

is compiling the stories of the 21 Island residents who served at Gallipoli. Two of the men, John Lock George and Raymond Slade Thornton, died during the battle, while a third, Walter Richardson, died of fever several months later. In addition, a permanent display opened in late 2014 and will run through until 2018.

Many of these local stories are also taking to the airwaves as part of an ANZAC tribute by community radio station 3mFM. Work began last year to compile and record a series of short pieces highlighting the contribution of local men and women in the war. 3mFM volunteer Robyn Joyce contacted historical societies and RSL groups across Gippsland to access their records. “We all know about the war, we’ve seen the movies, but when you read these stories, it becomes personal,” says Robyn. “You think of the families left behind, waiting.”

The difficulty of communication at the time provides a stark reality check for this generation of the internet and instant communication. “There was no reliable way of contacting anyone. Families just had to sit and wait.” The short histories being broadcast on the radio each week give new life to the stories of the people who served in the war. “They’re a local reference,” says Robyn. “You’re hearing about someone from your town, or finding out why someone had a street named after them. It brings it all home.”

This April, huge crowds are expected at ANZAC celebrations and memorials right across the country. Here in Gippsland, the sacrifice of local families is being remembered, preserved and passed on. Lest we forget.

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A UNIQUE APPROACH TO customer engagement As part of its strategy to get closer to the customer, Westernport Water has a permanent customer advisory group, referred to as the Customer Consultative Panel or CCP, which provides a unique communication channel for customers and community.

Being an essential service provider delivering water and wastewater services to the community, Westernport Water uses the customer consultative panel as a sounding board, shares information, consults and in some circumstances invites active participation in the decision making processes.

The panel was initially formed in 1997, and has helped Westernport Water gain a real understanding of consumer experiences and views on its products and services.

Having access to a diverse group of individuals from various customer segments across the service area is considered a real advantage for Westernport Water. Regular contact and consultation enables them to quickly respond to customer and community concerns and provide a better understanding of what the community expects and values in relation to water and wastewater services.

Westernport Water’s Public Relations Manager Geoff Russell sums it up well: “Engagement is more than simply informing the customer and community. It should be a two-way conversation and where possible the customer should be actively involved in decisions that affect them. ”

“One of my main concerns is how Westernport Water overcomes the challenge of achieving the highest possible water quality in an open catchment surrounded by farmland.

Melbourne’s water supply comes from a closed catchment protected by forest and as such has among the best water quality in the world. We may not have the same water quality as Melbourne but the quality of our water has improved so much in recent years I now drink it straight from the tap. The more Westernport Water works with farmers and Landcare to increase tree planting in the catchment, the better our water quality will become,” said member Linda Cuttriss.

words geoff russell photos warren reed

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“Our meetings are informative and full of lively inquiry and discussion. Meetings include briefings from Westernport Water business, service and operational managers. There are also occasional field trips to increase our

knowledge. Having a Board member present at every meeting is a great way to get two-way information flow between CCP members and the Board,” said member Glenda Salter.

“One of the ideas which started out as a basic water wise garden demonstration site has now evolved into the Phillip Island Community Orchard. Another suggestion was this installation of drinking fountains where you can fill a bottle and give your pet a drink and now there are seven installed around the area. As a customer it is very satisfying to be a member of the CCP. I’m in a position to ask questions, provide feedback and ideas which I can see are being listened to and acted upon,” said member Pam Lamaro.

“I’m a member of the CCP because I believe that the security and supply of high quality water is fundamental to our health and lifestyle. During my time on the panel I have provided comments and suggestions with respect to the service and performance, and when requested I have provided feedback on policy and strategic planning,” said Chair Neil Beddoe.

Long standing member of the panel Phil Dixon commented: “I have learned a lot in my nine years as a CCP member. One of the most important topics which is often on our agenda is education. I’m a great believer in getting out to schools and providing students with opportunities to learn all about water. As a CCP member I’m always encouraging Westernport Water to do more with schools and offer opportunities for water education, and I’m so pleased with the progress in this area.”

How the CCP works The CCP consists of nine volunteer members who are appointed by the Westernport Water Board following a formal expression of interest. Meetings are attended by a Board Director and are held once every two months or six times per year.

Westernport Water is always on the lookout for prospective panel members. If you would like to represent the interests of customers on a range of issues including pricing, water quality, development, the environment and future planning initiatives check out www.westernportwater.com.au

Thanks past members Westernport Water would like to acknowledge the work of past and present volunteer panel members for their contributions. The long lasting success of such an advisory group is only possible with people who are willing to contribute to their community.

WESTERNPORT WATER

TM

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Memory wave Bob Hosking’s surfing recollections read like a who’s who of the Phillip Island surf scene dating back to the early 1950s.

words sally o’neill photos supplied

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surfer profile

Bob Hosking is a successful businessman by day, but he speaks more like a surfer than an entrepreneur. His speech, typically laconic and laid-back, notably lifts a tone when he talks about his main passion – surfing. Bob won’t be drawn on his achievements in the world of business: “I just walked a lot of streets and got educated in the school of hard knocks,” is his only comment on the subject.

Bob entered Phillip Island’s surfing scene in its formative days.

During family holidays at Newhaven in the late 1950s, he joined the Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club as a cadet.

It was there he met ex-State swimming champion Dave Fincher in 1960/61. They started hanging out and surfing whenever they could.

In 1964, when Bob was 17, a few newcomers from Williamstown hit the scene. “We got a lot of pushover from the Williamstown/Torquay boys – there was Klemmy (Terry Klemm) who was number two man in the state and John (Jerka) Jenkins, Noel Goldsworthy and the Point Lonsdale boys.

That was also around the time that Bob and his mates started the Phillip Island Boardriders Club. “Belonging to a club allowed us to compete in teams titles, and the standard of surfing really improved. Ross Stansfield-Smith and Bruce Richardson, who were also State swimmers, came onto the scene around that time, about 1964,” he recalls.

“Sometimes, we’d save a life and the people would give us some money and we’d live off that for a week or two.”

“Dave had his licence, and used to take me to the Island in the school holidays. Mum would lend him the car because it would save her the trip!”

Bob laughingly recalls. “We’d stay in the Nissen Hut at Cape Woolamai. This was around 1960, and we’d all started surfing on the foam boards that had just come in.”

During winter holidays, the gang took a few road trips to Sydney, staying in the North Steyne Surf Club accompanied

by Phillip Island surf legends Dogga (Graeme) Luke and Yardo Johnson.

Their enthusiasm for their home breaks encouraged surfers they met to venture south to see what the fuss was all about.

“I remember surfing Woolamai in around 1961 and the best surfer there at the time was a guy called Brian from Manly who was working in Korumburra. He later died while surfing Fairy Bower in Sydney – that was pretty tragic.”

Phillip Island was never crowded in those days. The few surfers stuck together, sharing cars and petrol money and staying rent-free in the Nissen Hut that served as the clubhouse for lifesavers at Cape Woolamai.

“We would do patrols to earn our keep.

Sometimes, we’d save a life and the people would give us some money and we’d live off that for a week or two. We all played footy for Phillip Island during the early 1970s and I also worked at the Koala Restaurant in Cowes pulling milkshakes during the holidays.”

His footy mates like John Townsend and Kenny Emselle, who played for the Melbourne Football Club, named him ‘Hippo’, short for Hippocrates. “It was something to do with the Hippocratic Oath, about ethics and proper conduct…” explains Bob. >

Dave Fincher looms large in Bob’s surfing memories. “He led the pack as he was quite aggressive in big surf. In the early sixties, he and Dogsy [Dogga Luke] discovered all the waves on the other side of Phillip Island and started surfing breaks like Flynn’s and Right Point.”

He clearly recalls the day he met lifelong friend Bobby Matthews. “We couldn’t get over this guy who kept coming down the beach with all these tall chicks! We thought: ‘Who is this guy?’ He had a car, so Bruce Richardson (who led the Phillip Island pack then) and I rang him to ask for a lift one weekend. We got the ride, but he didn’t bring the chicks!” laughs Bob.

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“In about 1965, all the Western Australia guys arrived. I’d met some of them when I was there in 1964, and told them about the Island’s great surf. About 20 to 30 guys came over, and some stayed for more than 30 years,” he recalls.

All the surfers got along, united by their passion for the waves, as a surfing industry of sorts grew up around them. Some started their own businesses while others worked as shapers.

“Laurie Thompson started Islantis around 1965-66, and then Brian Murphy and Matty Ryan and Tom Tyrrell (a great surfer) started Island Surfboards, employing guys like ‘Bevis’ and ‘Pants’ from WA. Matt Ryan was king of Express Point for years,” says Bob.

appeared on the scene. Glyndon went to top 10 in the world pro standings. My own four kids started surfing, and Sandy Ryan hit the scene in the early 1990s. Sandy won many state titles and still chases some of the biggest waves in Oz. It’s such a time warp,” says Bob of his memories, which reel through the decades.

Bob still surfs whenever he can, with his favourite waves being Woolamai and Kilcunda – although he says he has enjoyed memorable waves all over Phillip Island. “I really don’t think surfing has changed significantly.

It’s still grass-roots. We’re all very lucky that we surf. Only surfers and skiers know the feeling – it gives you a natural high.”

“Only surfers and skiers know the feeling – it gives you a natural high”

Bob’s surfing timeline recollections continue in waves of ‘surfer migration’ to Phillip Island’s breaks. “Around 196768, guys like Phil Grace and Mick Pierce hit the scene, and in 1971 the Chelsea, Aspendale and Bonbeach crew arrived.

“Steve Smart, Billy Neaves, his brother Nude, the Mason Brothers, Mal Gregson, and then Shirley [Graeme] Strachan arrived. Shirl was a real happening and his career with Skyhooks got started at Lyall’s Hotel in San Remo where I misspent many hours.”

The early 1980s brought young Tasmanian lad Matt Dayton, followed by Simon McShayne and Andy McDougal, who’d been among the first to surf Tasmania’s big waves. “Simon ended up with more Victorian titles than any one else in 1990 - 2000. And then in the late 1980s, Glyndon and Tony Ringrose

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He enjoys watching the next generation of surfers emerge. “Today, the Phillip Island kids do well. Nikki van Dijk (daughter of Robbie, who hit Phillip Island in the early 1970s) is a world pro female surfer along with Courtney Dunlop, Walter Hiatt and a long list of other successful young Phillip Island surfers, which is great to see.”

“I love surfing for the nature aspect. Woolamai is a beautiful beach with really good waves. For me, being in the water and close to nature is almost like doing yoga. We’re very fortunate to have clean water and good waves to keep us in shape as we get ready for the great unknown and visit the twilight of our life. I haven’t found anything better to do. Without a doubt, it gets you there, it keeps you going.”

Chocolate Cafe

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

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

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

Phillip Island Chocolate Factory, 930 Phillip Island Rd, Newhaven phone 5956 6600 web www.phillipislandchocolatefactory.com.au coast 43

Newhaven College

– A small school with a big heart “Have a go at everything. Try all of the different opportunities that school will offer you and just do your best. Attempt things you have never done before and don’t worry if you make mistakes because that’s all a part of growing and learning.”

This message was delivered to Junior School students at their first assembly this year by Ralph Arceo, Head of Junior School.

At five years of age, a Prep won’t remember these words of wisdom, but that’s okay, because at Newhaven College this ‘can do’ attitude is taught to every student in every classroom, every day.

Second to None Gea Lovell, Principal of Newhaven College, is proud of Newhaven’s 35-year history and reputation as a leading education provider. “Our teachers are second to none. The quality of teaching and learning at Newhaven College is reflected in our students’ achievements – and not just in an academic sense. We are very proud of our high standards and excellent academic record, which consistently produces the strongest V.C.E results in our region.”

“We are equally delighted in the achievements of students who make every effort to dedicating themselves to continuous improvement and who strive to be the best they can be in both academic and co-curricular fields. Our emphasis on personal development of each individual child prepares our students equally to either enter further study, or join the workforce equipped with the skills necessary to adapt and succeed in their chosen field.”

Confidence is the Key Newhaven College students are presented with an extensive range of co-curricular opportunities designed to build confidence and team spirit including: Leadership Music Drama Surfing Academy Equestrian team House competitions Interschool sport Cultural events The Duke of Edinburgh and Compass programs Public Speaking and Debating Japanese studies, and International travel experiences

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Newhaven Grows Again The $3.2 million Trade Skills Centre opened its doors to students in 2015, including 34 Building and Construction (carpentry) VCE students. A state of the art Library/ Administration building will be completed mid 2015. The College master plan will be on display at Open Day showing future developments including; an Early Learning Centre; a Senior School; Sports Facilities; a Games Hall; a Performing Arts Centre; and Weekly Boarding Facilities.

Discover a World of Opportunity at Open Day Gea Lovell invites you to discover what Newhaven College has to offer your child at Open Day. “Whether you are choosing your child’s first school, their next school, or just researching the best education opportunities available, a visit to meet our outstanding teaching staff and explore our magnificent Phillip Island Road Campus is essential.”

The Phillip Island Road Campus at 1770 Phillip Island Tourist Road, Sunset Strip will be open from 10am to 2pm on Saturday, 16 May. For more information contact Carolyn Lipscomb on 5956 7505 (option 1) or visit www.newhavencol.vic.edu.au.

Open Day

Saturday 16 May, 10am – 2pm

We invite you to visit Newhaven College, an independent co-educational school on Phillip Island offering the highest quality education for students from Prep to Year 12.

Junior School (Prep–Year 4) and Middle School (Year 5–9) students enjoy state of the art facilities at the 82 acre Phillip Island Road Campus that includes an award-winning separate Year 9 Environmental Centre. Year 10–12 students attend the Boys Home Road Campus in Newhaven.

PhilliP islanD ROaD CamPus OPen Day – satuRDay 16 may, 10am tO 2Pm. alteRnatively, exPeRienCe sChOOl life in aCtiOn at a COllege tOuR: All tours commence promptly at 9.30am at the Middle School.

Tour Dates – 18 March, 17 June, 29 July, 9 September and 14 October.

For enrolment enquiries, please contact Carolyn Lipscomb on 5956 7505 (Option 1) Phillip Island Road Campus, 1770 Phillip Island Rd, Sunset Strip www.newhavencol.vic.edu.au

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a naturally beautiful

Exchange your vows in the picturesque countryside or with an intimate gathering poolside. Ramada Phillip Island is set on over 65 acres where there is ample space for a marquee. Our function centre provides the perfect venue for a memorable reception.

Our affordable wedding packages are specially designed to make your big day absolutely perfect. They offer a choice of menus and an exclusive accommodation rate can be arranged for your guests, so they can relax and unwind in our stylish studio rooms and cottages.

Best of all, you will receive personalised and friendly service, ensuring that your wedding is nothing short of spectacular.

WEDDING DAY AT

RAMADA RESORT PHILLIP ISLAND

ENQUIRE NOW

T: 03 5952 8000 E: events@ramadaphillipisland.com.au www.ramadaphillipisland.com.au

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

123 Marine Parade, San Remo

Telephone 5678 5202

LITTLE GREEN - A Skincare range for babies & children

* Formulated for sensitive skin * Hypoallergenic. * Clinically & dermatologist tested * No Allergens, parabens or sulfates * Gluten free * Safe, gentle & pure Open: Monday-Friday 9am - 6pm Saturday 9am - 12.30pm (extended hours in December & January)

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2015

R A& tU Lture C A community’s artistic life is a litmus test for its overall health. Here on the coast, we are clearly thriving, with fantastic art being produced in all its forms. In this year’s Art & Culture feature, we meet the artists who are following their passions and making us all richer for it. If, as JFK once said, the arts are “a test of the quality of a nation’s civilization”, then we are indeed living in an enlightened part of the world!

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Annette Spinks Annette’s Art Studio And Gallery has an amazing selection of original abstract artwork, including her acclaimed ‘Wave’ series inspired by her love of the ocean. The Gallery is open on Thursdays and Saturdays, 10am - 2pm. Please contact by phone to visit on other days, or check website for the online gallery.

Call 0418 555 222 Open 10am – 4pm 60 Dixon Street, Inverloch www.annettespinks.com.au

Art Fusion Studio and Gallery Artfusion Studio and Gallery specialises in works of sculpture and kiln-fused glass. The gallery is nestled between two working studios with an open viewing space where you can interact with the artists. All are welcome to visit and experience the working studio and gallery during open hours.

Call Andrew 0407 368 538 Marlene 0439 368 538 Open Thu to Mon 10.30am – 5pm.

9 Anderson Rise, Anderson. www.artfusionstudioandgallery.com

Baker Boys The Baker Boys is a 3-to-14-man band that specialises in high-energy music for festivals, events and private functions. With their ‘coolerthan-average’ song list and some of the country’s finest musicians, their focus is squarely on filling your dance floor. Fabulous, affordable and fun.

Call 0438 301 313 info@bakerboysband.com.au www.bakerboysband.com.au

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Cheryl Petersen Galleries Cheryl Petersen Galleries offer diverse works displaying a broad range of colour and texture.

All works are for sale, and pieces can also be commissioned in any size or style and to suit any budget. Cheryl’s own style exudes vivid design and enriching colour. She is well known for producing extra large artworks, which can also be viewed online.

Call 5977 8724 Shop 7/8 Edward Street, Somerville www.cpgalleries.com.au

Creative Gippsland This will be the sixth Gippsland-wide celebration of the region’s creativity during the month of May. The Festival theme for 2015 is ‘Swap’ or ‘Exchange’ – something artists and performers have been doing throughout the ages … swapping concepts, exchanging thoughts and opinions. As in previous years, following the theme is encouraged but not compulsory.

For event details, check the website and like us on Facebook www.creativegippsland.com.au www.basscoast.vic.gov.au www.southgippsland.vic.gov.au

Denis A Hawkins With over 40 years’ experience designing and hand-crafting jewellery, Denis A Hawkins is a master of diamond and gem setting and is commissioned by clients worldwide. For a precious piece that uniquely represents you, visit Denis and choose from his gallery or collaborate on a design.

Call 5664 2282 11 Swan Rd, Koonwarra www.denishawkins.com.au

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“It’s funny what songs do – you write them and then they disappear, they go into other places.”

words katie cincotta photos warren reed

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In her early 20s, musician and visual artist Caroline Kennedy tasted success with her band Deadstar. Since those days in the harsh spotlight of the music industry, she’s continued to create music, to paint, to study and raise a family, all the while juggling the vagaries of the creative life.

Some of the stars we see in the night sky are dead. Their light might be travelling at 300,000km per second, but by the time those photons reach our galaxy, the star itself may have ceased to exist.

Imagine it – a glow so powerful it’s been travelling for millions of years, until it hits your eye as a pinpoint in the night sky.

And so it is with music – that kaleidoscope of melodies, riffs, lyrics and beats, unfurling onwards and outwards, sonic sound-sparks moving about in the ether, making connections with listeners throughout time.

On December 31, while her young children were sleeping, singer-songwriter Caroline Kennedy heard one of her songs blaring from a backyard in Melbourne’s inner north. “It was quiet in the suburb and I remember hearing my own song pumping out of someone’s New Year’s Eve party at 1am.

It’s funny what songs do – you write them and then they disappear, they go into other places.”

As the lead singer of 90s pop/rock band Deadstar, Kennedy remembers the giddy heights of music success with ambivalence. “To this day Deadstar, and a lot of my material, is still played on the radio. We were very well known for a short period of time. I was on the road an awful lot. It was a great time but I was glad when it was over.”

After living in Castlemaine for five years, raising two young children, Kennedy separated from their musician father and has moved back to Melbourne into a hulking period home perched above the Merri Creek in Northcote. I’m talking to her in her tiny, cluttered kitchen as she peels potatoes at the sink, the afternoon light streaming through the grand windows.

Tight jeans gripping her wiry body, a thatch of thick black hair is pulled back to expose arresting features. Dark eyes, pointed nose, full lips – she has a real poise, exuding both a sharpness and softness that she wears like a proud vintage coat.

Music for her was never about commercial success. Like her paintings, she regards writing and performing as very signature forms of communication. “As a teenager, songs were letters from a world that I didn’t know yet – a world I couldn’t wait to be in.”

Heavily influenced by early David Bowie and The Beatles, Kennedy admits she was always glancing backwards musically.

Her parents were both history teachers who used to take their children on driving expeditions to cemeteries in a bid to unravel the past from the engraved writings on headstones.

“We used to drive around the Victorian countryside visiting graveyards, looking at the graves of all these unknown people who had died in dreadful circumstances. I found it as dull as >

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“We used to drive around the Victorian countryside visiting graveyards, looking at all these unknown people who had died in dreadful circumstances.”

can be when I was a nine-year-old, but I have an enduring fascination for graveyards now.”

That focus on the past has certainly carried Kennedy into a rich back-catalogue of musical influence. “When it came to music, I never felt like I had to understand what was happening now or be in the zeitgeist. I was never a songwriter who needed to be a pop star. I thought of myself as somebody engaged in making history, in writing letters to the future via song.”

She’s about to meet her boyfriend’s parents for the first time, and yet she’s in the moment with me, talking so poetically about songwriting that it casts an intangible veil of energy into the air – it’s as if you can sense a transient speck of the magic that happens when an artist puts pen to paper. In the last decade of child-rearing, the yoga devotee and teetotaller has also been studying, and has written songs for other people – like Been Good for Deepface – which was nominated for Best Dance Release at the 2005 ARIA awards.

Her talent also extends to the canvas as an expressive colourist.

She’s studied and lectured in fine art and is now completing her PhD on a topic that manages to combine her passions for both art and music. “I wanted to look at my practice, which is about both painting and songwriting. I barely make a

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distinction between (the two) – for me they’re the same thing.”

She’s had time to think, to reflect, and to consider her creative expression which she’s now passing on to others as a lecturer at Melbourne Polytechnic for the country’s first Bachelor degree in Songwriting.

Her current band Caroline No is named after a Beach Boys’ song. “It’s an amazing song … it’s from the perspective of a man re-connecting with a woman he once loved, and I

thought it would be a great name for a comeback record. ” It’s a soft, whimsical ballad – a romantic soul-searching song that perfectly foreshadows the music Kennedy is now crafting on a record produced by The Dirty Three’s Mick Turner.

While Kennedy’s speaking voice is strong and measured, her singing voice is its polar opposite: soft, lilting, ethereal, in the vein of vintage songbirds such as Karen Carpenter and Judy Garland. “In rock n roll, the tenor male voice is very evocative because it’s where men have that moment of gendered ambiguity, that abstract tone. For lots of female singers, the equivalent is a broken childlikeness that can come through.

You see it in Billie Holiday, Karen Carpenter and Karen Black.

Sometimes when I listen to my own voice, I think that it sounds like somebody who is 14, that there’s something to do with longing that stays there in your voice.”

A note from long ago, reaching out to the future, sounding the same intransient ache – a call to love and be loved.

Caroline No performs on 21st March at the inaugural Women Words Art Music (WWAM) festival on Phillip Island.

“Kennedy remembers the giddy heights of musical success with ambivalence.”

The first Woman Words Art Music (WWAM) Festival will be held on Phillip Island from 15 – 21 March 2015. WWAM focuses on women’s contribution to literature, visual arts and music and is an opportunity for the Bass Coast community to share and exchange ideas and experiences with women working in the arts. Professional artists will be exhibiting and performing as well as sharing their insights and experiences at open forum events. Join the celebrations at the official opening from 2pm on 15 March at the Phillip Island Winery. A full list of events (many of which are free) is available at www.wwam.org.au.

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5 Elements Fire Pits Drawing inspiration from the five elements of nature, these designs are based around the individual needs of the customer. For a fire pit that perfectly complements your garden or home, talk to Matt or Cara and let them create a unique piece of outdoor art for you.

Call Matt 0409 920 771 or Cara 0412 454 244 www.5elementsfirepits.com cara@5Elementsfirepits.com

Framed Inverloch For quality framing at an affordable price, talk to Ben McMahon and the team at Framed Inverloch.

The right frame can transform any image into a piece of art, so drop by for some professional advice. The store stocks a huge selection of frames, plus a gallery of local art and framed prints.

Call 5674 1333 framedinverloch@bigpond.com

Kelly & Gemelli – Art & Design This commercial contemporary gallery exhibits challenging contemporary art works and sculptures.

An artist-run space, it focuses on promoting artists and presenting exciting, dynamic work that brings about a fresh aesthetic. An in-house café is also located onsite. Gallery open 9am – 4pm Thursday to Sunday. Café open weekends only.

Call 5678 5101 57 Phillip Island Rd, San Remo www.kellyandgemelli.com

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coast ad 14 copy

9/2/15

2:54 PM

Page 1

Without Pier Gallery Exhibition Jane Flowers with City of Bayside’s Karen Hopkins Premier Art Gallery 4 -18 March

Karen Hopkins - Through The Trees 25 x 31cm Mixed media on canvas

Jane Flowers - Finishing The Hobart 182 x 86cm Oil on Canvas

320 Bay Rd Cheltenham

•• •

nd thla Sou

wy nH pea Ne

t tS mle Ha

For exhibition program go to our website and click on Exhibition Diary

•• • Rd ve ser Re

T: 9583 7577 M to S 10am-5pm Sun 12-5pm enquiries@withoutpier.com.au www.withoutpier.com.au

d Roa Bay

GIPPSLAND ARTS FESTIVAL MAY EXHIBITION 2015 Exhibition Dates: 1st – 31st of May – Official Opening May 2 & 3, 11am – 4pm.

A collection of unique, bespoke Jewellery by Australian Goldsmiths, Artisans and Jewellers.

Featuring the photography of Tony Middleton & Ceramics by Darren Talbot & Lynley Northcott.

TM

TM

TM

TM

Handmade, Well made, Australian made.

Unique Jewellery | Watches | Repairs | Classes | Rethreading | Commissions | Ear Piercing

Shop 3 - Bridgeview Arcade San Remo

phone. 5678 5788

Regular Classes & Exhibitions visit:

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ture Kilcunda Ocean View Hotel Featuring great food and a spectacular ocean view, the Kilcunda Hotel also hosts an array of music events. This includes a popular Sunday acoustic session with local talent. As the cool weather approaches, you can relax and cosy-up in the piano bar on Thursday evenings or in front of the fire in the lounge bar.

Details on Facebook or call 5678 7245 www.facebook.com/ kilcundaoceanviewhotel

Facebook “f ” Logo

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CMYK / .eps

Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .eps

Mingara Gallery Located in Cowes, Phillip Island, Mingara Gallery presents a varied selection of Australian contemporary art of the highest calibre, produced by local, regional and interstate artists. The gallery also has unique contemporary jewellery, homewares and gifts. The friendly, trained staff are happy to assist with any queries you may have.

Call 5952 3722 Noelle@mingaragallery.com.au www.mingaragallery.com.au

Mosaics on the Bay Heather has been teaching and working in the mosaic art field since 2003. Join a one-day workshop and create a mosaic you will love.

Beginners and advanced groups catered for and workshops can be customised to suit your needs. These are a great gift or a wonderful way to spend time with friends or family.

Call 0417 562 625 heather@fahnle.com.au www.fahnle.com.au

Quality Framing at very Competitive Prices.

The choice of local artists and we oer all your picture framing needs. We have a huge selection of frames as well as professional and helpful advice.

G A L L E RY W IT H LO C A L A RT W O R KS A N D F R A M E D P R I NT S

Shop K/10 A’Beckett St Inverloch, Ph: 5674 1333 Mob: 0409 809 855 framedinverloch@bigpond.com

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Do believe the hype Tasmania’s Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) exploded onto the scene in 2011, creating a unique museum experience that definitely competes on the world stage.

words sally o’neill photos leigh carmichael, rémi chauvin, matt newton

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This is art – but not as you know it. MONA in Hobart comes with its own content warning. And justifiably so: MONA is shocking, confronting and sometimes repulsive. It’s also beautiful, gentle, inspirational, thought-provoking and, most of all, addictive.

Located a little way out of town, the best way to arrive at MONA is via the museum’s exclusive ferry where you can sit atop sheep (not real of course) or choose the ‘Posh Pit’ experience – which speaks for itself.

As you arrive at the Berriedale Peninsula, you ascend stairs towards the architectural magnificence of the museum building.

The museum (said to be nearly twice the size of New York’s Guggenheim) literally emerges – organic, solid, and spectacular – from the site. The exterior of the four-storey monolith is concrete and steel with a highly photographed, mirrored visitor entrance that has you smiling even before you walk in the door.

It’s recommended you start your experience on the ground floor, so I enter the circular glass lift and slowly descend deep into the sandstone cavern. I emerge at the welcoming Void Bar where, seated on plush velvet couches, you can enjoy great coffee, wine, cocktails and snacks. The atmosphere is burlesque, quirky, lush, unexpected and always ready to shock and surprise.

You feel slightly intoxicated as your senses reel from the sights, sounds and smells.

There are no labels on the walls at MONA. Visitor receive their own iPod set up with ‘The O’

system that tracks your movements, allowing you to access information about exhibits close by. Loose and casual, this unpredictable commentary, developed under the direction of the museum’s creator David Walsh, has random facts and snippets (provided under the title ‘Art Wank’) along with casual conversations with the artist, music, and sometimes silence.

The O invites you to ‘love’ or ‘hate’ exhibits and then responds with a message about how many other visitors have shared your view. You can also save the tour and revisit it at your leisure.

This style of artistic interpretation also allows for a different exhibition style that utilises dim, atmospheric lighting.

It effectively creates a completely unpredictable flow of exhibits that allows you to feel a sense of discovery around every corner.

Even if you are visiting with others, you will soon find yourself alone in your own MONA world as you’re drawn like a magnet from object to installation. I often felt that I had taken a wrong turn as I entered Alice in Wonderland-like spaces that challenged my senses – tiny poky corners where Egyptian artefacts sit amongst old David Bowie record covers, and whole rooms with spectacular audio-visuals filling the void with colour and sound.

Even the trip to the ladies’ room is a sensory experience – the sound of revving motorbikes exploded when I shut the door.

I spent a long time in front of a tiny television screen showing a 1975 black- and-white recording of a performance piece by former Yugoslavian artist Marina Abramovic titled ‘Art Must Be Beautiful’. I don’t know why this was so intensely captivating, but who knows why anything at MONA is? And who cares?

Just go with it. >

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“… a completely unpredictable flow of exhibits that allows you to feel a sense of discovery around every corner…”

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“You feel slightly intoxicated as your senses reel from the sights, sounds and smells.”

I also spent a considerable amount of time sitting on ‘Zizi, the affectionate couch’ that cuddles as you recline. And I wish I could take back the moments in ‘Cloaca Professional’ where I happened to arrive right on ‘pooing time’.

You can’t expect MONA to be nice, comfortable or predictable: that’s definitely not ‘Walshy’s’ style. The museum’s founder and co-curator is a formidable legend who has won and lost many fortunes through gambling.

His idea of creating this ‘anti-museum’ was perhaps his ultimate gamble, and has not been without its critics. He has been reported as saying that he doesn’t even really know if

his collection is valuable. He simply enjoys challenging the establishment. Judging by the hoards of visitors that have flocked to the museum since it opened in 2011, it seems he has successfully captured the public’s imagination, even if not all of the world’s art critics are on board.

MONA has changed the landscape of Hobart and Tasmania, harnessing a creative energy that is taking on a life of its own.

The venue offers ever-changing exhibitions and has injected two sensational events into the city’s calendar: Dark Mofo held each June; and MONA FOMA every January – a Festival of Music and Art curated by Brian Ritchie (Violent Femmes). mona.net.au

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Wonthaggi art hits the streets

If you’re wandering through Wonthaggi and take a detour down Abrahams Lane, you will be met with a colourful collection of intricate artworks in place of a plain, brick wall.

With plenty of local references, such as tributes to Wonthaggi’s coal mining history or the waves Bass Coast’s beaches are famous for, to colourful characters from home grown artists and Wonthaggi Secondary College Satellite VCAL students, there is no denying the wall is a true work of art.

The newest addition to Wonthaggi’s growing street art scene and led by talented local artist and no stranger to street art himself, Tom Murray-White, this mural is the first component of the Stop Tagging Start Street Art Project funded by the Department of Justice and led by Bass Coast Shire Council.

Council’s General Manager Healthy Communities, David Elder, said the aim of the project is to divert the rapid increase of graffiti and tagging that has occurred over the past year in the town.

young people to take part in an extensive art project, and collaborate with businesses, schools and young people to reduce graffiti and tagging.”

Project as a demonstration of how to run similar street art projects in the future, how to report acts of graffiti and tagging and how to remove graffiti and tagging.

So how was the grant used to achieve this?

“The Stop Tagging Start Street Art Project has been an energetic and successful collaboration between Wonthaggi Police, the Wonthaggi Business Association, Wonthaggi Community VCAL students and staff, and Council,” Mr Elder said.

Mr Elder said the purpose of the grant was to raise community awareness that graffiti and tagging is illegal, and build community experience and awareness around ‘how to’ facilitate legal Street Art projects.

“The Bass Coast community wanted to get projects like this happening and Council saw this as a great opportunity to seek funding and lead an exciting project that would address issues of tagging and graffiti by getting people involved in legitimate street art projects they could be proud of instead,” Mr Elder said.

“Wonthaggi Police approached Council because they were concerned about the increase in graffiti, particularly within proximity of the project site, Abrahams Lane,” Mr Elder said.

“Getting people involved in these kinds of projects can also increase skills and opportunities for local artists and young people, and support the community to develop the networks, skills and project model for a street art program.”

“Council was then able to apply for a grant from the Department of Justice, which gave both the Police and Council the chance to reduce tagging, provide opportunities for

The second aspect of the grant will be to develop a brochure that will highlight the Wonthaggi Stop Tagging Start Street Art

“We’d like to thank our partners and the steering committee, who will oversee this project from start to finish.”

For more information and updates, you can ‘like’ the Wonthaggi Street Art Facebook page at www.facebook.com/streetartwonthaggi.

Bass Coast Shire Council 76 McBride Avenue, Wonthaggi VIC 3995 1300 BCOAST (226 278) or (03) 5671 2211 Fax (03) 5671 2222 National Relay Service 13 36 77 basscoast@basscoast.vic.gov.au

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MUSIC TO FILL THE DANCE FLOOR!

MORE THAN YOUR TYPICAL ‘WEDDING BAND’

With regular showcase performances and a free demo CD you can see and hear them live before booking them.

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

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

Call 0438 301 313 or email info@bakerboysband.com.au for more information

JAZZ | FUNK | BLUES | ROCK | ACOUSTIC

WWW.BAKERBOYSBAND.COM.AU

Shearwater Studio

Shearwater Studio is a working studio and gallery located within minutes of the beautiful Cape Woolamai beach. A relaxing, stimulating environment alive with artists participating in workshops.

We are proud to offer monthly portrait workshops with Alyson May. These workshops provides the opportunity to paint portraits using live models, and to challenge themselves in all aspects of portraiture painting.

For more information or to register for one of the workshops please contact Alyson.

0417 0148 0815, artistalyonmay@hotmail.com For painting and sculpture classes please contact Diana.

0408 341 898, dianab@waterfront.net.au 83 Lantana Road, Cape Woolamai www.shearwaterstudio.com.au

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Prom Coast Seachange Festival Featuring more than 40 events over two big weekends in April, the festival celebrates creativity, culture, lifestyle and landscape.

Includes live performances, bush walks, sporting events, exhibitions, street food festival, workshops, art installations, ANZAC Day commemorations, ‘Waratah the Musical’ and the 10th Anniversary Great Southern Portrait Prize. Plus fun activities for the kids. 17–19 and 24–26 April.

For the full program of events, visit www.promcoastseachangefestival.org

Shearwater Studio This working studio and gallery located within minutes of beautiful Cape Woolamai Beach hosts regular painting and sculpture classes as well as monthly portrait workshops with portrait artist Alyson May. This relaxing and stimulating environment is perfect for artists participating in classes, workshops and individual endeavours.

Call Diana 0408 341 898, for opening hours and further information 83 Lantana Rd, Cape Woolamai www.shearwaterstudio.com.au dianab@waterfront.net.au

The Goldsmith’s Gallery Showcasing some of Australia’s most talented jewellers, goldsmiths and designers, the Gallery also specialises in jewellery repairs and remaking and remodelling old jewellery. See award-winning gold and silversmith Bronwyn Pratt, a member of the Gold and Silversmiths’ Guild of Australia, working on her unique designs. Visit the website for details of exhibition and workshops.

Call 0409 934 543 157 Marine Pde, (Bridgeview Arcade) San Remo www.goldsmithsgallery.com.au www.facebook.com/TheGoldsmithsGallery

Artisan and seller of Traditional & Contemporary Jewellery

KOONWARRA STUDIO & GALLERY 11 Swan Road, Koonwarra Village | Tel. (03) 5664 2282

www.denisahawkins.com.au | denisa10@bigpond.com

Artfusion

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

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

Andrew 0407 368 538 Marlene 0439 368 538 coast 65

words rebecca matthews photos warren reed

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Opening mINDS Anda Banikos believes art can change the world, one person at a time.

Elegant, blonde and quietly exuberant, this dedicated volunteer has a longstanding history of working on community arts projects and is passionate about art and the way it encourages people to listen and open their minds. Throughout her twenty-one years in Gippsland she has been involved with arts organisations, festivals and community work while raising her four children. Her current busy schedule includes work as a specialist teacher at Fish Creek Primary School, and spending one morning a week as a disability carer to two young women.

As an artist Anda has exhibited drawings and paintings, and designed costumes for local theatre. She attributes her broad range of creative skills to a bicultural upbringing. “My parents were immigrants from Latvia, and I grew up speaking Latvian as well as English,” she says. “I really enjoyed being bilingual and felt very privileged to have both cultures available to me. That’s fed into the way I’ve grown creatively.”

The small and close-knit Latvian community she was a part of as a child gave Anda a strong sense of belonging. Volunteer work was an accepted part of life. “I grew up with the idea that to keep the community going you had to volunteer, and the fact that you weren’t paid didn’t make it any less valuable.”

She maintained that commitment as an adult and sees volunteering as part of the fabric of life in a rural community.

“People give what they can, when they can,” she says. She believes that arts projects are just one way of addressing issues such as the isolation that faces rural communities. Anda also takes her passion for the arts – and her belief that they can broaden people’s outlook – into local classrooms. Fostering creativity in young children is a vital part of helping to cultivate the next generation of innovative and broad-minded thinkers “to work towards solving the problems we are facing as a global community.”

“… people’s natural curiosity would make them inclined to go and see portraits of local people”

Anda’s imagination was nourished by traditional folktales from her parents’ homeland. She has published her own illustrated translation of one of her favourite Latvian tales, and would like to do more. Translating is a job that requires sensitivity to capture the sound and the magic of the original, she says.

“You can tell pretty quickly a good translation. It will either flow or it won’t.”

The book was intended as a gift for her two daughters, who also have Greek heritage through her husband, photographer Yianni Banikos. The girls spoke very little Latvian at home while they were growing up, but Anda was nonetheless keen to share her European heritage with them.

Anda’s latest project ties in with the biennial Prom Coast Seachange Festival in South Gippsland. The festival celebrates community, creativity, local culture, lifestyle and landscape but also has philanthropic roots, raising funds for causes such as the recently-opened aged care facility in Foster. This year, as part of the festival team, Anda is coordinating the ‘Double Take’ project – a collaboration between twelve traders in Foster’s main street and twelve local artists. A shop-window installation will represent the artist’s unique style, but will also incorporate an aspect of the trader’s practice. “It’s called ‘Double Take’ to reflect the reaction we hope we’ll achieve when passersby glimpse these unexpected installations in familiar shopfronts,” Anda explains. >

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“…helping to cultivate the next generation of innovative and broad-minded thinkers” Also coinciding with this year’s Seachange Festival is another project Anda has longstanding involvement with – The Great Southern Portrait Prize. This annual art exhibition, run by the Prom Coast Arts Council, started out with the mission of making art as accessible to as many members of the community as possible. This year marks the tenth anniversary of this popular competition and exhibition. “The thinking was that people’s natural curiosity would make them inclined to go and see portraits of local people,” says Anda. “Once they were there in an art gallery looking for their friends on the wall, they might find it was a rather fun place to be.” Mission accomplished! The Portrait Prize draws a wide range of visitors from South Gippsland and beyond.

Over two weekends in April, the South Gippsland community will be out on the streets, in galleries, at exhibitions, in parks and halls, opening their minds, filling their hearts and enriching their lives. For Anda Banikos, this is what art is all about.

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The Prom Coast Seachange Festival occurs over two weekends, 17 – 19 and 24 – 26 April 2015. It offers a diverse range of over forty events at venues in a variety of towns in the Prom Coast area and will incorporate several significant Anzac Day events.

The Double Take shop-window exhibition will run for the duration of the festival in Main Street, Foster.

Check out the festival website www.promcoastseachangefestival.org and Facebook page for program updates and booking information.

The Great Southern Portrait Prize runs from 16 April to 11 May at Stockyard Gallery, Main St Foster. The gallery is open every day from 10am – 4pm.

ArtSpace Wonthaggi

7 McBride Avenue,Wonthaggi.

Open Thursday to Monday, 10.00am to 4.00pm. Or by appointment 0439 699 241 www.artspacewonthaggi.com.au | Phone: 03 5672 1415 | artspacenquiries@gmail.com Community Gallery | Supporting Regional Artists | Regular Exhibitions coast 69

A&RtU L 2015

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West Gippsland Regional Library Corporation A world of words awaits you at your local library. Enjoy your library’s selection of fiction and non-fiction books, e-books, book club and other programs. Bring the kids in for Story Time, Baby Rhyme Time or Lego Club. Sign up to our newsletter to find out what’s happening in your library.

Contact your local library or email wgrlc@wgrlc.vic.gov.au www.wgrlc.vic.gov.au www.facebook.com/wgrlc

Without Pier Gallery Celebrating 20 years in June this year, Without Pier has an enviable reputation as a specialist in contemporary Australian art from established and emerging artists. With over 100 artists represented, it is the largest gallery in the city of Bayside, and operates annual art shows in Mansfield at Easter and Coolart in January. Open daily.

Call 9583 7577 320 Bay Rd, Cheltenham www.withoutpier.com.au

ArtSpace Wonthaggi Amazing artists exhibit in ArtSpace’s sought-after hanging and shelf space.

With unique pieces of art at very reasonable prices, there is something here for everyone. The gallery is run by a committed team of volunteers who believe art makes a difference in our lives. Why not come and join them?

Call 5672 1415. 7 McBride Ave, Wonthaggi.

Open Thursday to Monday, 10am to 4pm, or by appointment – 0439 699 241 artspacenquiries@gmail.com www. artspacewonthaggi.com.au www.facebook.com/WonthaggiArtSpace

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Light and

Clive Sinclair’s love of producing art is eclipsed only by his passion for art history and those who have gone before him ‌ those who inspire him to create.

words & photos maria reed

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shade I find the artist’s studio nestled on the side of a wild, expansive and sun-filled garden. A giant pepper-tree casts delicate shadows across his workspace, gently dappling his collection of tonal, figurative paintings in a bath of light and shade. Here is an artist who is affected by his environment, and to watch him interpreting the world around him in strong, brave brushstrokes is exciting indeed.

“I’m an atmospheric painter; I live in a coastal environment and I’m greatly influenced by that. I admire the work of Turner and the Impressionists, and when I paint, I need to express a feeling, an emotion.”

artist profile

At 19 he sought out painter and mentor John Lennox, who became a huge influence in his life. At the time, Lennox was reproducing his own images of the Heidelberg School. “He did a beautiful four foot painting of the Tar Boy and it was wonderful.” He re-ignited a passion for painting in Clive, and he proved to be the right teacher for the aspiring artist.

Lennox was a George Bell student; he’d been through Cubism, Dadaism and Expressionism. “He was a very successful painter, and ran drawing classes in his wonderful studio in Brighton.

I thought, ‘Wow, is this what an artist does?!’ I was only starting out … but he taught me to draw and how to see things.” Clive went on to study with Max Casey, who was a part of the Meldrum School. “He taught me about tonal realism. Up until then I could only mix light and shade and colour, but from him I learnt what tone, light and shade were all about.”

“I stood in front of John Longstaff’s painting of Black Friday …

I was about ten, and my jaw just hit the floor!

I couldn’t believe someone had actually painted this: it moved me beyond words.”

With artistic DNA written in the family genes, Clive was destined to follow a creative path. He admired his uncle, a commercial artist and lithographer, and his cousins, an artist and a sculptor.

“I think creativity runs in most families, but some hide it more than others,” he smiles. His aunt, a fervent member of the MCC, would take young Clive along to the cricket, giving him a sketchbook and encouraging him to draw and sketch. “I was always drawing and living in a creative world with my thoughts. I think all kids have this amazing imagination. I’ve always believed that it’s between the ages of one and ten that your thoughts and early loves become cemented forever.”

Art was always encouraged. “I remember the very first time my uncle to me took me to the National Gallery. I stood in front of John Longstaff ’s painting of Black Friday … I was about ten, and my jaw just hit the floor! I couldn’t believe someone had actually painted this: it moved me beyond words. The impact was huge. I immediately thought, ‘This is what I’d like to do’.”

As a young man of that era, he was encouraged to gain a trade to save him from the perceived fate of the poor, struggling artist. He went to trade school to learn signwriting and ran a successful business for over 25 years. “It’s the old story: your parents want you to have security.

I’ve had artist friends that are poor and have never married.

I think an artist’s life is a lot to drag a family through.”

Throughout the years of signwriting, raising a family and earning a living, he continued to paint and exhibit. Showing all around Australia, he nominates Melaleuca, on the west coast of Victoria as his favourite gallery. “Adrienne Smith ran the gallery and she loved her artists, genuinely caring for them and their craft.” Her deteriorating health led to the demise of the gallery. “I was with her for about 15 years, and it broke her heart when she had to close,” Clive reflects. >

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A member of the Victorian Artists’ Society for over 40 years, he cites his involvement in the ‘20 Melbourne Painters Society’ as one of his greatest achievements. The group started controversially in 1918, and has been running ever since. “It’s a good story, actually,” he laughs. “The Victorian Artists’ Society had started a year earlier. President Max Meldrum, who was a very controversial teacher and artist, upset McCubbin and a host of other artists. It was the main exhibiting institution at the time, and at the opening of the exhibition, he got up and said, ‘There are only two worthwhile painters being exhibited here … myself and Jock Frater (who happened to be a good friend of his) … it caused a huge storm!”

The committee promptly sacked Meldrum, but his students felt sorry for him. His protégés, including Clarice Beckett and Justus Jörgensen (founder of artists’ colony Monsalvat), suggested they start their own breakaway group, calling themselves the ‘20 Melbourne Painters’. “Meldrum, a tonal painter, rejected modern painting, but in a sense, he produced his own style of extremely modern work,” he says. Ironically, he doesn’t recall whether Meldrum ever exhibited with the 20.

“He never paid his apprentices and was known for being a bit of a skinflint,” he laughs. The Melbourne 20 has been exhibiting every year since 1918, and the creation of a hardcover book documenting the work of the artists is currently in production.

Examining his own painting, he observes, “I try to evoke a feeling through my work … simplicity, minimalism, and an ethereal quality. I look for emotion.” Painting in three mediums – watercolour, acrylic and oil – he reveals that watercolour is his favourite. “It gives you that lovely, intimate softness that I cherish so much in a painting. When you drop paint onto wet paper, it is the only medium that moves and keeps on moving with water. It has that little bit of magic … it’s beautiful.”

With over 50 years of painting and 20 years of teaching under his belt, the artist reflects, “I think to be a good artist you need to appreciate art history and who has come before you.

We borrow from other artists that influence us – in my case

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“I was always drawing and living in a creative world with my thoughts. I think all kids have this amazing imagination.” people like Rembrandt, Longstaff, Freud. I think you can teach someone to paint, but in my experience, the truly gifted have it in their genes. When a new student starts, I can pretty much see that phenomenal gift shine through even when they’ve never painted before. It’s quite extraordinary.”

Clive Sinclair’s painting are available at Mingara Gallery at 242 Thompson Ave, Cowes. www.mingaragallery.com.au

“Ocean”

Sara Paxton

MINGARA GALLERY Exceptional and Affordable Art since 2002 Sara Paxton New Exhibition

50 Shades of Colour!

Meet the artist from 2.30pm Saturday 4th April 2015. All welcome

Paintings Jewellery Sculpture Creative Gifts

242 Thompson Avenue Cowes 3922 Phillip Island Australia

Phone 5952 3722 www.mingaragallery.com.au | noelle@mingaragallery.com.au coast 75

Live the dream

Stunning coastal landscapes by Coast Magazine photographer Warren Reed

www.coastmagazine.net www.warrenreedphotography.com.au

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Gordon Studio Glassblowers

We source products that are sustainable and ethical. We provide the Thai artists who make the pieces with direct income.

Furniture Home Decor Lighting Bathroom Indoor & Outdoor Gifts

Nestled in the picturesque hills of Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, an hour from Melbourne, Gordon Studio Glassblowers gallery and studio caters for those wishing to view and buy an existing work of art glass as well as those interested in having customized hand blown glass art works created to their own specific needs.

Visitors to the studio have the rare opportunity to witness glassblowing from the security and comfort of the light filled viewing mezzanine.

Thurs–Sun 10am–5pm Sun 10am–4pm (Wed on School holidays) 34 Bear Street, Inverloch p: 0402 712 707 e: admin@salasiam.com.au w: www.salasiam.com.au

7 days a week 10am–5pm 290 Red Hill Road, cnr Dunns Creek Road, Red Hill p: 03 5989 7073 e: mail@gordonstudio.com.au w: www.gordonstudio.com.au

fashion, art and homewares

Artworks by Renowned Artists David K Taylor A.W.I.F.V.A.S & Diana Edwards A.G.R.A

Spell and the Gypsy Collective Arnhem Steele Lilya Primness, Zulu and Zephr Arrow Divine Celeste Twikler Local designer Shelley Shapcott (Luxe Tropic) Krystal Knight

7 days, 10am – 5pm 1/75 Chapel St, Cowes p: 0422 377 904 e: shellsanchia@hotmail.com Luxe Tropic Facebook / Instagram

Specialising in art captured from locations around the world, including Phillip Island, Gippsland and the Bass Coast. Enjoy the visit and take away a great memory.

The Iluka Studio Gallery also arranges special watercolour classes for beginners and advanced.

On Wednesdays 1.30 pm – 4 pm watercolour class intermediate to advanced with David Taylor 0427 947 889 Thursdays 9.30 am – 12 pm watercolour class beginners to intermediate with Diana Edwards 0418 565 796

All viewing is by appointment 28 Settlement Rd, ( P.O. Box 9097) Cowes 3922 p: 0427 947 889, 0418 565 796 e: davidktaylor@waterfront.net.au w: www.davidtaylorartist.com

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g estudio c kgallery o

monthly exhibitions of contemporary artwork | art materials | picture framing | jewellery | ceramics

Open Thur to Mon 10am – 5pm 15 Falls Road, Fish Creek, VIC p: 03 5683 2481, 0423 721 593, 0421 209 878 e: framing@geckostudiogallery.com.au w: geckostudiogallery.com.au

Stefani Hilltop Gallery FISH CREEK

Situated in beautiful South Gippsland and set in a unique romantic position, amid a small orchard and vines. The art gallery is a historic home built in the early 1900s. It houses a large range of original acrylics, oils, watercolours and pastels. Artist-in-residence Bianca Biesuz-Stefani.

Open most days 10.30am – 5.00pm or by appointment 03 5683 2377 bianca.stefani@bigpond.com 39 Keanes Rd, Fish Creek, VIC

Goat Island Gallery & Sculpture Garden

Original Artwork & Limited Edition Prints Featuring Local Artists Glassworks Sculptures Jewellery Homewares Soft Furnishings & more ...

Located in a delightful pocket of southern Victoria, Goat Island Gallery is a welcome addition to the Bass Coast art scene. The acres of gardens, pastures and wetlands surrounding the gallery make it a unique setting for owner/artist, Frank Schooneveldt. For Frank – it is an inspirational place to create and display work. For visitors – it is a tranquil and suprising place to share that experience.

And then there are the resident goats, Esmerelda & Dulcie who lend their name and personalities to Goat Island Gallery.

Opening Hours Fri & Mon 10am – 4pm Sat & Sun 10am-2pm Or by appointment ~ 0439 39 5060 3/154 - 156 Thompson Ave, Cowes p: 0439 395 060 e: jjcoastalmagic@gmail.com

Contact Frank for further details and gallery & garden opening hours 18 Boundary Rd, Wonthaggi–Inverloch p: 0412 485 041 e: schoone@ozemail.com.au w: www.schooneart.com

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Featuring Australian artist originals and prints.

A gorgeous range of products including Australian designers, locally handmade and fair trade.

2/17 The Esplanade, Cowes 3922 0400 569 663 petitecollections@bigpond.com

It’s therapeutic, fun and creative in a stunning garden setting Mosaic Classes with Heather Fahnle. All materials and lunch supplied. Commissions Available

Heather

Fahnle

Phone or email Heather for bookings www.fahnle.com.au | Mosaics By The Bay e: fahnle@iprimus.com.au | t: 0417 562 625

M O S A I C S B Y T H E B AY

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The Captain’s Lounge, Inverloch

autumn

where to eat guide

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BEANd Café 4/157 Marine Pde, San Remo Phone 0407 717 588 Coffee connoisseurs, brilliant benedicts & all-day breakfasts

Kernot Food & Wine Store

Numbers Restaurant, Café & Bar

1075 Loch-Kernot Road, Kernot Phone 5678 8555 Rustic wood-fired pizza delights

Ramada Resort, 2128 Phillip Island Rd, Cowes Phone 5952 8000 Steaks, pasta, salads and pizza

Connells Bakery

Kilcunda General Store

33-35 Murray St, Wonthaggi Phone 5672 1050 Pies, mouthwatering muffins and fresh-baked bread

3535 Bass Hwy Phone 5678 7390 Friendly staff and fresh local ingredients, an all-day-breakfast favourite

Esplanade Hotel & The Captain’s Lounge

Kilcunda Ocean View Hotel

Phillip Island Chocolate Factory 930 Phillip Island Rd, Newhaven Phone 5956 6600 For chocolate lovers, plus buffet and all-day menu

Purple Hen Winery 96 McFees Rd, Rhyll Phone 5956 9244 Dips, dukkah, olives, cheese and wine tasting

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

3531 Bass Hwy, Kilcunda Phone 5678 7011 Top notch bistro food, friendly service, fabulous view

Harry’s on The Esplanade

Nui Dat Café – Vietnam Veterans’ Museum

Watermark @ Silverwater Resort

25 Veterans Drive, Newhaven Phone 5956 6400 Delicious homemade cakes and scones

17 Potters Hill Rd, San Remo Phone 5671 9300 Latin-inspired menu and stunning locale

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

Kelly & Gemelli Art Gallery Café 57 Phillip Island Rd, San Remo Phone 5678 5101 Coffee, sweet treats and fine art

Nobbies Centre Nobbies Centre, Phillip Island Phone 5951 2816 Functions and café with ocean views

Wonthaggi State Coal Mine Café Garden St, Wonthaggi Phone 5672 3053 Delicious scones, soups and homemade meals

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BASS: Located inside the service centre 03 5678 2133 Mon to Fri: 7am-4pm Sat & Sun: 8am-4pm WONTHAGGI: 33-35 Murray Street 03 5672 1050 Mon to Fri: 6am-5pm Sat: 6am-1.30pm

ALTY CARD

CUSTOMER LOY

Join our loyalty program and take advantage of some great rewards at either of our stores: Connells Bakery is a family run and owned business. Our store in Wonthaggi was opened in 1993 and in December 2013 we opened our second store in Bass looking to provide a fresh food option for the locals as well as the travellers on the highway passing through.

We bake all our breads, pies and cakes in our Wonthaggi Bakery and deliver each day to Bass.

It is our aim to provide good quality fresh food at reasonable prices and hope that you will come visit either of our stores to see for yourself.

Captain’s Lounge The Captain’s Lounge, upstairs at the Inverloch Esplanade hotel, has re-opened with a new team.

Head Chef Tony Richardson has created a menu that reflects an emphasis on utilising seasonal, local produce to create innovative contemporary combinations that surprise and tempt the taste buds.

Restaurant Manager & Event Coordinator, Ari Same has 10 years hospitality experience and brings professionalism and a vibrant energy to the front of house.

The Captain’s Lounge offers an a la carte fine dining menu and provides a function space that can be booked for special occasions. For those after a relaxed wine after work or to catch up with friends there is plenty of bar space and lounge seating as well as the beautiful outdoor balcony. Drinks may then evolve into casual share plates from the bar menu or a sneaky dessert and coffee.

OPEN Wed - Sat nights from 6pm, Sunday for lunch from 1pm

1 A’Beckett St, Inverloch Vic 3996 03 5674 1432 e: functions@ invyespy.com.au w: www.invyespy.com.au

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4 1/2 Star Apartment Accommodation Stunning views across the Bay Watermark Restaurant, Cafe and Bar - All Visitors Welcome ●

●

AAA Rated 4 1/2 Star Resort Style Accommodation ISM AC

WINNER 2014 MM

CO

Watermark Restaurant, Cafe and Bar – All Visitors Welcome

TOUR

Stunning views across the Bay

State Awards for excellence

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OD

ATI

I ON AUSTRALIA (V

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Functions, Weddings, Conferences

17 Potters Hill Road, San Remo VIC 3925 Potters Hill Road, San Remo 3925 I Call today: 1800 033 403 www.silverwaterresort.com.au Enquiries: 17 info@silverwaterresort.com.au I 03 VIC 5671 9300 Enquiries & Reservations: sales@silverwaterresort.com.au I www.silverwaterresort.com.au coast 83

Locally owned � Locally grown

Great relationships take time. Paul Ahern’s personal connection with local producers guarantees the freshest, best selection. Alan Favero, a third generation market gardener, has supplied fresh celery to Ahern’s for 25 years.

Aherns and Favero Gardens: Fresh. Local. Quality.

Wholesale suppliers throughout South Gippsland

Phone. 5682 2095 29 Toora Road, Foster coast 84

contact@aherns.com.au

Follow us on Facebook

www.aherns.com.au

Ocean Fresh Kilcunda is a small hamlet with a big personality and the Kilcunda Ocean View Hotel is right at the heart of it.

The inviting wooden deck with its spectacular views across the ocean has tempted many a weary traveller on the Bass Highway to stop and treat themselves to a cool drink. Affectionately known as “The Killy”, the hotel has served up great views and top-notch pub meals for decades.

When new owners, Kate and Mark Volard, took over the reins in August 2014, they concentrated on retaining the things people loved about the place, while making a few well-chosen innovations.

Inside the bistro dining room, the biggest change – aside from the stunning wall mural by acclaimed artist Sadie Chandler – is a firm commitment to fresh. With regular favourites like chicken parma and salt and pepper calamari still on the menu, the kitchen prides itself on serving only fresh seafood and sourcing as much of the produce locally as possible. Behind the bar, the local focus continues, with a wide variety of Australian and craft beer and Gippsland wines.

As well as putting local produce on the table, The Killy is also putting fine local musicians on stage three times a week. With live bands every Saturday night in the lounge bar, plus Sunday afternoon acoustic sessions on the deck and a Thursday night piano bar, there’s something for every musical proclivity.

As summer fades, treat yourself to some local warmth at The Kilcunda Ocean View Hotel and get great view, good food, friendly service and fabulous entertainment. See you there!

Lounge Bar – 03 5678 7245 | Ocean View Bistro – 03 5678 7011 | Follow us on Facebook – Kilcunda Ocean View Hotel. coast 85

Threatened shorebirds flock to Phillip Island As holidaymakers from across the state flocked to Phillip Island for summer, so too did thousands of migratory birds who came to set up camp around Phillip Island’s Rhyll Inlet.

The shorebirds completed one of the world’s greatest migrations, flying thousands of kilometres south along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway from their food-rich Arctic breeding grounds. The birds arrive between October and December with severely depleted energy reserves. Western Port’s tidal mudflats provide a welcome and much-needed feeding ground before the shorebirds begin their non-stop journey back to the Arctic between March and April.

Dr Roz Jessop, Environment Manager at Phillip Island Nature Parks, explained: “Rhyll Inlet is a declared Ramsar wetland of international significance and eastern curlews, bar-tailed godwits, red-capped plovers and red-necked stints can often be seen feeding on the tidal mudflats or resting on high-tide shorelines.”

Rhyll Inlet Walks around the Conservation Hill and Rhyll Inlet area afford excellent views of the birds and wetlands. Visitors are encouraged to bring binoculars and a bird book or app, to remain on designated pathways or viewing platforms and observe local dog regulations to ensure the best chance of not disturbing the birds. Information is provided on a series of signs along the walk.

Find out more about Rhyll Inlet at www.penguins.org.au/ attractions/recreational-areas or join an Island Bird Tour with a ranger from Phillip Island Nature Parks Ph: 03 5951 2800.

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Special Shorebird Conservation Areas At the September 2014 Australasian Shorebird Conference in Darwin, scientists warned that many of the migratory shorebirds are disappearing by the tens of thousands. The declines are attributed to increasing habitat loss, particularly in the northern hemisphere around the Yellow Sea where the birds ‘layover’ to refuel along the long migration route.

Eastern curlew numbers are reported to have collapsed by 75 per cent in Tasmania, the southern end of the flyway. The dramatic decrease has pushed them to be nominated for the Australian threatened species list.

“The alarming reports of shorebird population declines filtering in from around the world highlight the importance of places like Rhyll Inlet as critical habitat refuges.

“We’re very fortunate to have these special shorebird conservation areas within our own backyard and to be able to welcome these migratory birds given the challenges they’re facing elsewhere in Australia or the world,” Dr Jessop said.

Rhyll wetlands: One of the many views across Rhyll Inlet and beyond to Western Port.

Pied Oystercatchers Easily recognised by their black and white plumage and red bill.

Uses its bill to feed on pippies, mussels and the occasional oyster. Residential species breed and raise chicks on shorelines.

Rhyll Inlet mangroves The mangroves of Rhyll Inlet provide an important nursing ground for fish and home to other animals that are an important food source for visiting shorebirds.

Rhyll Inlet boardwalks The winding boardwalks through Rhyll Inlet’s mangroves afford a unique view of that dynamic habitat that changes with rising and falling tides.

words & photos supplied

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5things we love abOUT VenUs baY

BEAChES If you are looking for an uninterrupted stretch of beach, Venus Bay has 24 kilometres of it, including Victoria’s longest sand spit at Anderson Inlet. With five established beach access points, there are plenty of options for getting to the surf, but Venus Bay also has the unenviable reputation of having some of the most dangerous rips and undertows in the state. If you do fancy a dip in the ocean, best to stick to the patrolled area on Beach 1, which also boasts the largest carpark, a kiosk and other amenities.

FrESh SEAFOOD If you love fresh seafood, then Venus Bay is a dream destination. The local cafe/restaurant and fish and chip shop always have mouthwateringly fresh fish on the menu and we have it on good authority that this is one of the best spots to catch some local salmon. Beach 1 and Beach 5 are very popular fishing locations and the best time to cast a line is a couple of hours either side of high tide.

Over summer, you’ll also see groups of families and friends foraging in the sand in search of pipis. Cook up these fresh ocean treats in white wine, lemon or tomatoes, or fry them in butter and garlic. words eleanor mckay photos warren reed

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Art Gecko Studio & Gallery recently hosted the “Circus of Life” exhibition by acclaimed artist and Venus Bay resident, Peter Cole.

Peter describes his work as “mostly autobiographical – a form of self portraiture in that it deals with aspects of the self.”

Oppression in its various social, political and personal forms is a common thread. Peter says he prefers not to talk about possible levels of meaning in his art. “I like the viewer to bring their own experience and interpretation to the work and for there to be an element of mystery. The works can be read in a number of ways. I am an object maker and my sculptures say a lot about myself and how I feel about the world.”

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5things we love abOUT VenUs baY

POINT SmYThE The Point Smythe walk is part of Cape Liptrap Coastal Park. It feels like time has stood still when you make this stunning 6km walk through thick coastal vegetation. Apparently much of the poetically named vegetation (Coast Dune Scrub Mosaic) is unchanged since before white settlement. At the end of the walk, you arrive at the pristine beach at Point Smythe, which really does feel like paradise.

SuSTAINABLE ACCOmmODATION It is possible to get a very authentic 70s beach shack at Venus Bay or treat yourself to an eco-friendly luxury retreat set in acres of bushland.

From cosy cottages to stunning beachfront houses, there is something for every taste and budget.

Whatever your preference, one thing that every stay guarantees is relaxation, friendly smiles and miles of uninhabited beaches.

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adventure adventure underground underground Victoria’s State Coal Mine Victoria’s State

Light meals in the Cafe &Mine Daily Tours 40 mins from Cowes Coal

adventure adventure underground underground Victoria’s State Coal Mine

Daily Tours Daily Tours Victoria’s State Coal Mine Garden Street, Wonthaggi Daily Tours Garden Street, Wonthaggi Daily Tours www.statecoalmine.com.au Garden Street, Wonthaggi www.statecoalmine.com.au Garden Street, Wonthaggi 13 1963 www.statecoalmine.com.au www.statecoalmine.com.au 13 1963 13 1963 40 mins from Cowes

adventure underground

13 1963

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

www.statecoalmine.com.au

phone 5672 3053

We grow, make and bottle on Phillip Island Beautiful Cellar Door with stunning bay and farm views

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

B e s t P i n o t N o i r, B e s t S h i r a z a n d B e s t W i n e o f S h o w - 2 0 1 4 R AC V G i p p s l a n d W i n e S h o w coast 91

building stronger communities

community bank … community benefits When you choose to be a customer at your local Community Bank® Branch your decision benefits you and your community.

That’s because with every saving or investment account, every home or personal loan and every product and service we offer, money goes back into our community.

It means you benefit from competitive products and great service and feel satisfied knowing your banking is making a difference.

The unique thing about your Community Bank® branch is it’s not just a business in a community; it is owned by the community.

Shares in this local company are owned by local people and their support has allowed us to set up branches in San Remo (2003), Cowes (2009) and Grantville (2010).

Already we’ve contributed more than $1.5 million to the local community through sponsorships, grants and dividends.

The more people choose to bank with us, the more we can contribute.

It’s simple

$983,000

in sponsorships

$411,000

in community grants

$265,000 in dividends

1. You choose to bank with your locally-owned Community Bank® branch.

2. You select from a competitive range of banking products.

3. The local community shares in the income generated by your banking.

The more you bank with us, the more the community benefits.

4. The community chooses which local projects receive financial support.

Community Promise Our Bank believes successful customers and successful communities create a successful bank – in that order.

First and foremost, we’re a good bank. But it’s the way we help communities to prosper that makes us unique.

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Your Community Bank® has provided

“We return approximately 80% of our profit to the local community in the form of sponsorships and grants.”

Get to the heart of it If someone had a heart attack, would you know what to do? Each year, over 30,000 people die from heart attack (or sudden cardiac arrest). Every minute that a victim remains untreated their chance of survival reduces by 10 per cent.

An easy-to-use piece of equipment known as a defibrillator can change those frightening statistics. There are currently 19 of these fantastic life-saving machines installed across Bass Coast in local sporting clubs, businesses and shopping centres, thanks to San Remo District Financial Services Limited.

“Unfortunately recently someone suffered a heart attack in a local business and although the defibrillator was installed there, it wasn’t necessary to use it on this occasion,” said Terry.

“Our sessions will give people the information they need to use the machine properly.”

With such a huge impact on survival statistics, ensuring that people understand how to use the defibrillator is vital. San Remo District Financial Services Limited is organising free information sessions to help people familiarize themselves with the equipment.

The point of a defibrillator is to recognize any irregularity and restore the heart’s normal rhythm. It shows quickly and easily if someone needs cardiac treatment and guides you through the process. Gordon Sanders, an Emergency Response First Aid trainer is conducting the local information sessions. “The machines are built to save lives and they are designed for general use,” said Terry. “We want to encourage as many people as possible to familiarise themselves with how the defibrillators work because they really are life savers.

The sessions are open to everyone, you don’t need any medical or first aid training to attend.”

“It is so important that people know where these machines are located and they feel confident to use them,” said Chair of the San Remo Community Bank ® Branch, Terry Ashenden.

Information sessions are available to all organisations who have received a defibrillator through San Remo District Financial Services by contacting Gordon Sanders on 0488 390004

According to St John Ambulance, 90 people a day have a sudden cardiac arrest outside of hospital. Having a defibrillator on hand means a patient can be treated while the ambulance is on the way, dramatically increasing their chances of survival.

Defibrillator locations : Masonic Lodge, Cowes

San Remo CFA

Newhaven Hall

San Remo Recreation Centre

Newhaven Hardware

San Remo SES

Newhaven Yacht Club

San Remo IGA

Phillip Island Tennis Club

Silverleaves Store

Phillip Island Croquet Club

Woolamai Surf Life Saving Club

St Philip’s Anglican Church, Cowes Kasey Lee Wildlife Cruises Corinella Hall Grantville CFA Kernot Tennis Club Kilcunda Community Hall

Phillip Island Senior Citizens Club

We offer a diverse range of products and services that can satisfy all our customers banking needs:

Make a dfference to your

• Everyday Banking Accounts • Home Loans • Personal Loans

own banking and your

• Credit Cards • Term Deposits • Insurance

Cowes Community Bank Branch Shop 1, 209-213 Settlement Road, Cowes Phone 5952 3383

• Business Banking • Superannuation • Financial Planning Grantville & District Community Bank Branch Shop 4, 1503 Bass Highway, Grantville Phone 5678 8773

community. Drop into your nearest branch today.

San Remo & District Community Bank Branch 103a Marine Parade, San Remo Phone 5678 5833

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TS Constructions

autumn

lifestyle property guide

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We strive for perfection Domestic • Commercial • Wardrobes • Creative Storage Wardrobe Sliding Doors • Toilet Petitions • Shop Fit Outs • Solid Timber Joinery

tel: 03 5956 7415

www.southcoastkitchens.com.au

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

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Designer home at Woolamai House Set on 7.9 hectares and overlooking the pristine waters of Cape Woolamai, Phillip Island’s most tightly-held piece of real estate, ‘Woolamai House’, is set to welcome its first architecturally-designed home.

Located within the grounds of one of Phillip Island’s first homesteads, the estate is redolent with history, having been established in 1876 and owned by famed Melbourne horse-trainer Captain John Cleeland.

Now reimagined as a quiet enclave community featuring 68 stunning blocks ranging from 503sqm to 971sqm, ‘Woolamai House’ is just moments away from one of the island’s best and most secluded beaches offering crystal-clear water and kilometres of pristine sandy banks.

Local building designer Stephen Fullarton has designed what will become the first completed home at ‘Woolamai House’, a contemporary four-bedroom, two-bathroom house with two magnificent living-rooms overlooking the waters of Bass Strait.

A local himself, Stephen has been practising building design on Phillip Island since the mid-70s. His design briefs have ranged from large beach-houses to resort-type developments, but he says residential design reaps the greatest personal reward.

Stephen said the final design for the home has been a collective effort in collaboration with the homeowners in order to achieve their vision for a dream family home.

“The owners were respectful of the requirements set down under the design guidelines, but at the same time were eager to take full advantage of the magnificent views across the

eastern entrance to Western Port and over to San Remo. They had preconceived ideas of what they wanted, so we worked together to achieve a dwelling that not only respects the site, but maximises the beautiful views and meets the design they had in mind,” says Stephen.

Situated only 100 metres from the original Woolamai House homestead, construction of the first home in the secluded pocket is set to commence early in 2015.

As part of the new development, the historic homestead has been retained and carefully restored along with 1.6 hectares of communal tree-lined grounds to create a fitting centerpiece for this unique project.

With Melbourne’s CBD located just a 90-minute journey away by car, ‘Woolamai House’ is the perfect location for residents who’ve been waiting for a prestigious pocket of history to call home, as well as those seeking the perfect holiday dwelling or a home-away-from-home.

To register your interest, please call Greg Price on 5952 5711 or visit www.woolamaihouse.com.au

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lifestyle review

words: eleanor mckay photos: warren reed

“… a�ernoon sun floods the open-plan area …”

Coastal hAVEN When a boy from Leongatha meets a girl from the US midwest, finding the perfect place to settle down can take time, research and a little help.

Inverloch couple Carrie and Dan joined forces with the team at Hotondo Homes Inverloch to create their ideal home.

After meeting in Perth and then living in Chicago for six years, the couple decided it was time to return to Australia.

With Dan’s family based in Leongatha – and Melbourne, Phillip Island and The Prom within driving distance – the couple decided Inverloch was the perfect location. “I grew up land-locked, so I said if I’m going to move to the other

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side of the world, I want to live two minutes from the beach,” laughs Carrie. With a short drive to work and the beach at their doorstep, it was just a matter of finding the house that suited their lifestyle.

The couple lived and rented in Inverloch for several years, buying and renovating a number of properties. With a baby

“Our key words were ‘raw, earthy, organic’” on the way, it was time to find a place they could call home.

During a house inspection, they saw a vacant block of land and knew they’d found the perfect location. “We had the block for three years before we built,” said Dan. “We wanted to make sure the design was right before we started.” Being involved in the construction industry, Dan and Carrie wanted to use a local builder, and said that its quality workmanship made Hotondo Homes an obvious choice.

With some very specific requirements, such as a second storey to catch the sea glimpse, outdoor entertainment area and self-contained space for their frequent overseas visitors, Hotondo’s flexibility with design was a big factor. “Trent from Hotondo Homes Inverloch was very receptive to our specific needs and really helped transfer our ideas into a functional floor plan,” explains Dan. “We used the façade from a different design and pushed out the open-plan area.” They also modified the plans to make the front room a stand-alone area for visitors, with its own bathroom, living area and entry. The ground floor includes a kitchen complete with butler’s pantry, and an open-plan lounge/dining with sliding doors onto an alfresco area.

The second storey is a nod to Carrie’s upbringing. “I grew up in a house with all the bedrooms upstairs. It’s very common in America.” With a clear distinction between sleeping and living areas, they installed additional insulation and soundproofing between the floors. Clever design has yielded impressive results with spacious rooms, excellent storage space and sea glimpses from the upstairs balcony. As well as the beautifullydecorated nursery, there is a second bedroom, bathroom, a study/gym and master bedroom with ensuite. The large window in the stairwell and the computer nook tucked away on the landing highlight the thought and creativity of the design, which maximises natural light and space. Carpet throughout the bedrooms adds a luxurious touch.

Back downstairs in the living areas, the house is designed to capture the natural light. The glass splash-back in the kitchen warms the area in the mornings (as well as providing great light for the work benches), while the orientation of the house means afternoon sun floods the open-plan area. “It keeps this whole area warm,” says Dan. “We probably only ran the heater 20 times over winter.” The passive-solar design is aided by insulation underneath the bamboo floors, chosen because the material is “fast growing and sustainable, it wears really well and it feels fantastic.” The house has water tanks and solar hot water, while the decision to use timber veneers in the kitchen was also motivated by the desire to minimise environmental impact.

As well as their specific design needs, Carrie and Dan had their own ideas for decorating their home. Caroline from Hotondo Homes also helped with the interior design and picked up on their style easily. “Our key words were ‘raw, earthy, organic’,” explains Carrie. “We kept to this concept when we made our colour selections for the cabinetry, fixtures, fittings and painting.” Caroline also encouraged the couple to explore their love of colour. “She made us a colour-board and we sat it up on the mantle in our rental house.” >

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“Clever design has yielded impressive results”

Signature pieces like the multi-coloured sofa in the lounge, the green theme that carries through the bamboo cupboards and glass ornaments in the guest room, and the shell fragments embedded in the bath and laundry benchtops add warmth and character to the home. The stunning dining table incorporates a door from the farm where Dan’s father grew up – a unique and functional piece that captures his family history.

This family-friendly home reflects Carrie and Dan’s warm and welcoming personalities, and perfectly complements their lifestyle. With plans to add a vegie patch, a full kitchen in the alfresco area and a vertical garden outside the kitchen window, this house – a perfect family haven by the ocean – will continue to grow and develop.

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Take us with you wherever you go.

Read every edition FREE online at www.coastmagazine.net

Follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/CoastMagazineAustralia).

Stay connected via Instagram @coastmagazine and Twitter @ourcoastmag

Our door is always open.

G.J. Gardner Homes Cowes & Wonthaggi offices are open 7 days a week all year round!

At G.J. Gardner Homes, your friendly, local team ensures the whole building process is simple and stress-free. All our designs are customisable, so you can add your own personal touches throughout.

What’s more, we offer all this choice with build time certainty and a fixed price contract with no hidden extras.

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Drop in for a chat at your local G.J. Gardner Homes 1/219 Settlement Rd, Cowes (03) 5952 2150 114-116 Graham St, Wonthaggi (03) 03 5672 1818 gjgardner.com.au

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lifestyle review

words: supplied photos: warren reed

Beach House DrEAm hOuSE

An ‘in sync’ collaboration has transformed a vacant block into a holiday dream-home overlooking the nature reserve of Cape Woolamai.

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“… affordable, low-maintenance, and jaw-droppingly beautiful.”

Rainer and Narelle, long-time fans of Phillip Island’s windswept shorelines and other natural treasures, had been spending weekends at the family holiday ‘shack’ for decades. But 12 years ago they decided to stake a permanent claim when they spotted an empty lot for sale overlooking the foreshore nature reserve at Cape Woolamai.

This patch of land was to be the site of their dream home, a weekender of their own to escape the hubbub of Melbourne – and to retire to, eventually.

Fast-forward 10 years, and the couple were ready to begin their adventure. The brief was to create a home built to make the most of the exquisite location – to bring the outdoors in while being affordable, low- maintenance and jaw-droppingly beautiful: the ultimate beach home.

The search began for the right team to turn this dream into reality.

“We were originally looking to use a Melbourne builder, or perhaps prefab for speed and efficiency,” says Rainer. “But we decided to canvass local options as well. Once we’d spoken to Mark and Melissa Plant from Beach House Constructions our minds were made up. They just understood what we wanted in terms of vision and were extremely cost-effective. They were also willing to go the extra mile to achieve the energy starrating we wanted for the home. It was an easy choice to make.”

The couple had a strong idea of what they wanted from a design point of view. They were looking for a minimalist aesthetic with an industrial feel and concrete in the palette. “The great thing about Mark and Melissa is that they really listened to what we wanted, and were very adaptable,” says Rainer. The couple had their heart set on a >

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“This house was designed for the lifestyle we want”

challenging skeletal steel-frame balcony feature for the home.

“Mark’s response was, ‘Oh cool! We can do that!’. The logistics of building this could have been a nightmare, but with Beach House nothing was too difficult,” laughs Rainer.

Rainer and Narelle discovered one of the major benefits of working with an integrated design-and-build business is the flexibility it allows along the way. Although a contract and quote was set up at the beginning, the process was very hands-on, and responsive to the homeowners’ needs. If something needed to be redrawn it could be, and the team got to re-examine each stage as it drew near. This allowed Rainer and Narelle to make decisions along the way rather than having to visualise every detail. With this process, says Rainer, “you can see it evolve, which is exciting.”

This process also allowed the Beach House team more flexibility to get the project ‘right’ down to the last little detail.

“Mark and Melissa would send us regular text and photo updates to let us know what was happening,” adds Rainer.

One day the couple received an email about the position of the hand-towel rail in the bathroom. Mark was reconsidering its original placement after seeing the space unfold, and he wanted their feedback on a new location for the rail. “It sounds like a small thing, but it made a massive difference,” laughs Rainer. “They were thinking about how we’re going use the space. We felt like they really cared about how it’s going to be for us living in the home.”

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The final result: a 7-star energy-rated, heavily-insulated home with double-glazed windows, 5kW solar power system, water tanks, low VOC paints and water-efficient tapware. It has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and glimpses of ocean through the window-lined open-plan living, dining and kitchen areas.

The Beach House team even designed and built the beds, the feature timber shelves and the cabinetry. “Working with Rainer and Narelle, and being part of a team effort that was so much in sync, has been a highlight of my career,” says Mark.

“We were promised that we would be in by Christmas,” says Rainer. In fact the couple were in three weeks earlier. And now, leaving has become harder than ever. “We never want to go back to Melbourne,” declares Rainer. “This house was designed for the lifestyle we want. We’d love to stay here with the wallabies bouncing about and the landscape everpresent through the glass. Every time we have to go back to Melbourne we feel like crying.”

Rainer and Narelle’s house was designed and built by Beach House Constructions: www.beachhouseconstructions.com.au.

Need Heating? NeedCooling?

Shop 10/95 Marine Pde San Remo 03567 85361 *Conditions apply. For purchases made between 01/03/2015 and 31/072015. Entries close 31/08/2015. For full terms and conditions and how to claim go to www.fujitsugeneral.com.au

Set amongst beautiful landscaped gardens formerly occupied by the Banfields Motel and Cinema complex in Thompson Avenue Cowes, Banfields Aged Care is a new, architecturally-designed, state-of-the-art Extra Services residential aged care facility.

From the moment you arrive at Banfields Aged Care, you know you are entering an aged care facility that cherishes the quality of life.

To experience the Banfields Aged Care lifestyle firsthand, please call or visit our website.

Banfields Aged CareCare Banfields Aged 192 Thompson Avenue CowesCowes VIC 3922 192 Thompson Avenue VIC 3922 (03) 2500 5951 2500 www.banfields.com.au 03 5951 www.banfields.com.au

AUST R ALIA N

AG E D C AR E GROU P PTY LTD

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NEW RELEASE VILLAS DON’T DELAY SELLING FAST

NEW YEAR NEW HOME NEW LIFE at Mountain View Leongatha Only a limited number of villas remain for sale at Mountain View Leongatha.

There are only 8 stand alone villas with double garages available in our New Release 2015, so limited time remains to secure a villa here.

Visit Mountain View Leongatha for an insight into our beautiful South Gippsland community and see how you could be living a new life, in a new home in 2015.

Open 10am - 4pm Daily.

Closed Sundays

Visit www.mountainviewleongatha.com.au for more details, or call 1300 306 255 to arrange a tour or to request a free information pack.

Phone: 1300 306 255 1 Dale Drive, Leongatha, VIC 3953 coast 108

Creating Quality Coastal Homes for more than 50 years.

With choices ranging from two to five bedrooms, with double and single storey, brick or modern claddings – there is a design perfect for every lifestyle.

Take a look online at our complete Leisure Range.

Gippsland Sales & Display Centre

Phillip Island Sales & Display Centre

Phillip Island Display Home

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

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

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

coldonhomes.com.au

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coast style

DecorAtiNg iNsPirAtioN For Your gArDeN

Painting the fence a charcoal colour brings out the greens in the plants.

The boulders and stones around the shower mimic a natural waterway.

Matt Crooks from Island Landscape & Design says a few simple steps can create an outdoor area that is beautiful and functional.

The Jindara drystone rock wall ties the area beautifully into the front entrance.

When working with clients, I always ask them about their preferences, what they want to use the area for, and if they are after a high or low maintenance garden. We always consider sun, wind and shade, and how the area interacts with the environment. When it comes to plants, it helps to think about colour, texture and foliage.

Using different types of plants – exotics and natives, for example – can give a great result.

Don’t be afraid to experiment.

When I landscaped our own front garden, I knew what we wanted to achieve. It’s a small space – perfect for chilling out on a Sunday afternoon – and because it’s right by our front entrance, it needed to complement the style of the house.

We chose plants that would eventually mass out and give the area a softer feel, and contrasted the granitic sand with bluestone steppers. The curved deck works well in the space and adds to the relaxed feel. We used old jetty pylons for the outdoor shower (a must after a surf ). A friend created a water feature based on the Agave plant, which I use a lot in gardens, and it’s set on another piece of the wharf timber. Having the trickling water adds a tranquil element to the garden.

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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.

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

www.ecoliv.com.au

Winner 2014 nABD AWArDs Residential New Homes up to $500,000 Construction Cost

Winner 2014 BDAV AWArDs Residential New Homes up to $300,000 Construction Cost

Multi Award Winning Building Designer of Contemporary Sustainable Homes.

332 White Rd. Wonthaggi Tel. (03) 5672 5196

www.beaumontconcepts.com.au coast 111

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

Woolamai beach at sunset, at end of street

the art house

Imagine waking up to the sounds of the ocean on a beautiful blue day.

Grab your surfboard and stroll down the road to one of the best surf spots in Australia. Take a walk along the golden beaches or a dip in the azure waters. This property is position perfect . . . but it offers so much more.

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

This unique property also offers a large, stand alone studio with bi-fold doors that open into a native garden and entertaining area. Currently used as an artist’s studio, this large space could be used as a working office, extra accommodation, teenage retreat or B&B accommodation.

With reverse cycle air conditioning, huge storage areas, built in office area and inside/outside living, the possibilities of this space are endless.

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

To view the art house, contact Scott Lethbridge at Garth Lisle Property Consultants on 5678 5878, www.glpc.com.au.

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

Servicing Phillip Island & surrounding areas

COMMERCIAL & DOMESTIC REFRIGERATION & AIRCONDITIONING Sales, Installation & service of all major brands.

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

Shop 2/65A Back Beach Road, San Remo 5678 5190 After hours commercial breakdown coastalrefrigandaircon@bigpond.com www.coastalrefrigandaircon.com.au ARC Authorisation No: AU22840

www.mhiaa.com.au

5 Kent road, the Gurdies

$595,000

Wonderful vieWs of french island and across the Bay. Generous proportions with quality fittings.

Seperate lounge and timber kitchen.

3 bedrooms plus study/4th bed.

Large bathroom with separate shower and bath.

Ducted heating/cooling.

Double garage and established garden set on 7507 m2.

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

Beautiful 180 degree views of Westernport, French Island, hills and rural vistas. Great hidden gem location with easy access to beaches, fishing, wineries, Phillip Island and Bass Coast. Cranbourne is only 30 min away, Phillip Island 20 mins and Melbourne City 1 hr 15 min.

(03) 5678 8700 Madeline Mills Shop 1/1501 Bass Highway, Grantville VIC 3984

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coast directory www.coastmagazine.net

Eatery + Fudge + Micro coffee roastery

Fish Creek General Store groceries newsagent gourmet produce local produce

7am – 4pm, 6 days (closed Wednesday) breakfast + lunch + coffee + sweets 4/157 Marine Pde, San Remo 0407 717 588 email: hello@beand.com.au http://beand.com.au

OPEN 7 DAYS 25 Falls Rd Fish Creek 03 5683 2226

Always on sale: Fresh fruit and vegetables Local and imported delicacies KGS mayonnaise, hummus, chutney and jams Gorgeous home and giftware items

Waterfront dining with panoramic bay views Freshest LocaL seaFood on the IsLand Local fresh produce with seafood straight from the boat, Island grazed beef and lamb and in-house bakery.

17 The Esplanade, Cowes Vic. Ph (03) 5952 6226 www.harrysrestaurant.com.au coast 114

Kilcunda General Store Mon – Sat: 7am – 5pm Sun: 7am – 4pm 3535 Bass Highway, Kilcunda Ph: 5678 7390

Inspiring Inspiring Inspiring Inspiring island landscape + design

• Rare & unusual plants • Antique furniture • Garden tools • Garden wares • Unique pots • Landscape design consultancy available 1070 Jacksons Track, Jindivick - 10am - 4pm wed to sun

Matt Crooks . Smiths Beach . Phillip Island. 0419 356 222 t. 5952 3838 e. info@islandlandscaping.com.au www.islandlandscaping.com.au

Phone: 5628 5316 or 0417 056 110

www.jindivickcountrygardener.com.au

L&J TUDDIN restorations

ANTIQUE & DECOR GALLERY ANTIQUES / / ARTIFACTS / / DECOR / / BEADS

Over 20 years experience. Private restoration available. Antiques to contemporary.

The Antique gallery is located between the Inverloch Motel and Inverloch Nursery.

Open Thurs-Sun 10am-4.30pm or by appointment.

New & Gently Used Quality Goods Cheeki Stainless Steel Bottles Short Story ‘Hope in a Box’ Mind, Body & Spirit CD’s Himalayan Salt Lamps Japanese Incense Silver Jewellery Oracle Cards Inspiration Cards Body Jewellery Bric-a-brac, Books Hats, Bags, Scarves Black Ice Sunglasses Gemstones: Tumbled, Specimens & Jewellery Bella Donna Harmony Balls Clothing for Ladies, Men & Kids San Marco Wildflower Jewellery

RESTORED FURNITURE FROM EUROPE & CHINA

31 Main Street Foster Ph: 5682 1381 Weekdays 10am-5pm Sat 9:30am-4pm Sun 10am-4pm Open 7 Days from Melbourne Cup Day to Easter

37 Powlett Street, Inverloch Tel/Fax (03) 5674 3982 Email ljrestore@live.com.au

wwwmainstreetrevelations.com.au coast 115

coast directory www.coastmagazine.net

A nursery that will suprise and delight every garden lover

coast directory www.coastmagazine.net

Kongwak Gallery is now a treasure trove of pre-loved, retro, vintage & more...

OPENS AT 10AM

The market is closed on the 21st December and reopens 28th December.

Open every Sunday in Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring.

Main Street, KONGWAK, Victoria (only 10 minutes from Inverloch) For more info call Jane on 0417 142 478

Wilsons Prom

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION

Where there are no strangers... only friends you’ve yet to meet

Inverloch

www.promcountry.com.au 90 places to stay. Book online or phone the property.

Availability calendar and secure online bookings.

Properties are located in and around South Gippsland and on the way to the Prom...

• • • • • •

Fish Creek Foster Grand Ridge Road Inverloch Kilcunda Koonwarra

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• • • • • •

Korumburra Leongatha Meeniyan Mirboo North Port Albert Sandy Point

• • • • • •

Tarra Region Toora Venus Bay Walkerville Waratah Bay Yanakie

• WINE & BEER • MUSIC • DELICIOUS FOOD • LOCAL PRODUCE • WOODFIRED PIZZA • TAKE AWAY

Open Thursday–Sunday: 9am–8pm Friday dinner till late

1075 Loch-Kernot Rd, Kernot Phone: 5678 8555

BUILDING MATERIALS & WATER TANKS

N ative G rain T i m b e r

F l o o r s

Premier flooring services

FRIENDLY & EXPERT ADVICE HUGE RANGE OF WATER TANKS • TIMBER • PAINTS • HARDWARE • TOOLS

CNR. CORINELLA TURN OFF & BASS HWY, GRANTVILLE (03)56788552

Laying, sanding & polishing of strip timber, engineered & existing flooring.

Extensive variety of coatings available including environmentally friendly, water base and hard wax oils.

0409 333 623 chris@nativegraintimberfloors.com www.facebook.com/nativegraintimberfloors www.nativegraintimberfloors.com

IslantIs at the BIg Wave Complex 10 -12 phillip Island tourist Road, newhaven 03 5956 7553 e: info@islantis.com.au

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VAN STEENSEL TIMBERS

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directory Accommodation Prom Country.

Ramada Resort Phillip Island Silverwater Resort

Fashion 116 46 83

115

Artists & Galleries

Annette Spinks 19 ArtFusion Gallery 65 Art Space Wonthaggi 69 Cheryl Petersen Galleries 9 Creative Gippsland 56 Django Gallery 78 5 Elements Firepits 4 Gecko Studio & Gallery 78 Goat Island Gallery 78 Goldsmith’s Gallery 55 Gordon Glass Blowers 77 Iluka Studio & Gallery 77 Kelly & Gemelli 69 Mingara 75 Mosaics by the Bay 79 Shearwater Studio 63 Stefani Hilltop Gallery 78 Warren Reed Photography 76 Without Pier 55

Automotive

Edney’s Leongatha Mercedes-Benz Berwick

35 18

Builders & Designers

Beaumont Concepts 111 Coldon Homes 109 Ecoliv 111 Graeme Alexander Homes 94 GJ Gardner 102 Hotondo 101 Metricon 7 TS Construction 109

Electricals

Shorelec 107

Entertainment

Baker Boys 63 Kongwak Market 116 Prom Coast Seachange Festival 71 Turn the Page 120

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77 79

Government & Schools

Antiques L&J Tuddin Antique & Decor

Luxe Tropic Petite Collections

Bass Coast Shire Council Newhaven College West Gippsland Library Westernport Water

62 45 71 38

Green & Gardens Island Landscape & Design Jindivick Country Gardener

115 115

Beachside Hair & Beauty 31 San Remo Pharmacy 46 Shima 37 Voyage Fitness 124 YMCA 119

Homewares & Furniture 57 115 31 77 14

Jewellery Denis A Hawkins Goldsmith’s Gallery Lacy Jewellery Studio & Gallery

Aherns Fruit Market 84 Beand 114 Cape Kitchen 116 Connell’s Bakery 82 Esplanade Hotel 82 Fish Creek General Store 114 Harry’s on the Esplanade 114 Kernot Store 116 Kilcunda General Store 114 Kilcunda Ocean View Hotel 85 Watermark@Silverwater 83

Surfing

Hair, Health & Beauty

Framed Inverloch Main Street Revelations Mookah Studios Sala Siam Southern Bazaar

Food, Cafes & Restaurants Stockists

65 55 27

Professional Services Bendigo Bank – San Remo District Financial Services 92

Property & Lifestyle Alex Scott Phillip Island 123 Banfields 107 Judith Wright Stockdale & Leggo 103 Mountain View Leongatha 108 Seagrove Estate 2 Stockdale & Leggo Grantville 113 Woolamai House 123

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Tourism & Travel Phillip Island Chocolate Factory Phillip Island Nature Parks State Coal Mine Vietnam Vets Museum

43 86 91 35

Trades & Hardware Carpet Court Coastal Refrigeration Native Grain Timber Floors South Coast Kitchens Van Steensels Timbers

117 113 117 96 117

Wineries Mordialloc Cellars Purple Hen

113 91

Anchorage Store, Ventnor Balnarring Newsagent Bass General Store Berwick Newsagency Corinella General Store Coronet Bay General Store Cape Woolamai Bottlo Cowes General Store Cowes IGA Cowes Mobil Cowes Newsagent Dalyston General Store Dumbalk Store Fish Creek Newsagency Flinders General Store Foster Newsagent Grantville Newsagent Hastings Newsagency Inverloch Newsagent Inverloch Foodworks Kilcunda General Store Koonwarra Store Koo Wee Rup News Korumburra Newsagent Lang Lang News Leongatha Newsagent Meeniyan Newsagent Mirboo North Newsagent Middle Brighton News Mornington Newsagent Mt Martha Newsagent Mt Eliza Newsagency Newhaven Newsagency Pakenham Newsagency Pearcedale Newsagency Rhyll General Store Silverleaves General Store Newhaven Newsagent Smiths Beach Store Red Hill General Store Sandy Point General Store San Remo IGA San Remo Newsagent San Remo - Freedom Fuels Somerville Newsagency Surf Beach General Store Tarwin Lower Supermarket Tooradin Newsagent Venus Bay Store Wilsons Prom - Tidal River Store Wonthaggi Newsagent Wonthaggi Ritchies IGA Wonthaggi - Mezza Luna Cafe Wonthaggi BP Yanakie Store

fitness tips

Running the Road to betteR health Mum of two, retired hairdresser, body combat instructor, all round great chick and soon to be marathon runner. We can all be inspired by Lisa McLure’s story of getting up one day and deciding to change her life for the better.

Lisa’s story starts out like many peoples.

After her son was born, she had been walking regularly, but then she saw a photo of herself at her son’s first birthday in a big flowing top with “chubby arms” (her words).

She realised she needed to do more to get healthier and happier.

already fit and looked good in gym clothes.

On her first attempt she sat in her car in the YMCA car park and then drove away without coming in. The second time she called a friend from the car park in a panic, before finally coming in and doing a group fitness class.

That was four years ago. Since then Lisa’s life has been transformed. She fell in love with exercise, group fitness and the feeling that comes from challenging herself and being fit.

Lisa also really enjoyed the social aspect of being a member of the YMCA and instantly met new people who helped motivate and encourage her.

During this time Lisa also set herself challenges to run further and faster. Starting out with the goal of running 5km without stopping, this increased to 10km and then 15km over a 12-month period.

Although she does not consider herself a runner, Lisa completed her first half marathon in October 2012 and has now completed four half marathons. In true Lisa style, after having her second child a year and a half ago, she is now working up to competing in her first full marathon in October this year.

Lisa became a staff member at the YMCA Phillip Island Leisure Centre in mid 2014 and is a huge asset the centre. Her incredible enthusiasm about health and fitness motivates everyone around her and ensures that no one ever feels left out. Her story has inspired many people and is proof that with a little hard work and commitment you can do anything you put your mind to.

Next came the big challenge … to walk into the gym! It might not seem like a hard thing to do, but like many others, Lisa didn’t feel she could not join the gym unless she was

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

In 2013 Lisa completed her Certificate III in Fitness and followed this in early 2014 with the Body Combat Instructors course. By late 2014 Lisa had also completed her Certificate IV in Fitness – Personal Training.

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

www.basscoast.ymca.org.au

Our qualified staff and modern equipment combine to offer you a great Health Club catering for almost all training goals.

Gym • CyCle Studio • Group fitneSS • Sauna • CreChe

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a good read NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK “Encourages us to discover the wonderful coastline of Western Port and its islands”

“COASTAL GUIDE TO NATURE AND HISTORY 2: MORNINGTON PENINSULA’S OCEAN SHORE, WESTERN PORT, PHILLIP AND FRENCH ISLANDS”

by Graham Patterson This book, a companion to Graham’s “Coastal guide to nature and history: Port Phillip Bay” is equally interesting and valuable, especially in light of the threats to Western Port’s natural environment from development. This book encourages us to discover the wonderful coastline of Western Port and its islands and brings to life its natural and cultural heritage. It will enrich your appreciation of what you see: local history, common coastal animals and plants, landforms and how they are influenced by geology. There are also guides on how to get to lesser known spots in the area. Graham’s book is for locals and visitors alike and contains lots of photos and maps, both old and new. It is a never ending source of information for those interested in this beautiful place that we live in and those who want to know more about what they have seen.

“LENNIE THE LEGEND: SOLO TO SYDNEY BY PONY”

by Stephanie Owen Reader This is the inspiring true story of nineyear-old Lennie Gwyther. At the height of the Great Depression in 1932, Lennie rode his pony from his home-town of Leongatha to Sydney, to witness the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Lennie’s 1000-kilometre solo journey captured the imagination of the nation, and his determination and courage provided hope to many at a difficult time in Australia’s history. There are plenty of adventures along the way including a thief lurking in the bush in the dead of night, a raging bushfire, surprise appearances, celebrations in his honour, being the star of a newsreel, and meeting the Prime Minister. A great story to inspire kids to chase their dreams.

COOKING “A PIECE OF CAKE”

by Sophia Purvis This book is too beautiful to miss! The gorgeous, totally indulgent, wonderful cake on the cover is just the start of loads of fantastic, mouth watering treasures. Sophia lives in Melbourne and has the “Little Box Brownie” caravan that was at the recent music festival on the Island. With 100 recipes for biscuits, cakes, slices, tarts, pies and puddings, there’s something in these pages to please everyone. The recipes are simple and have stood the test of time, with no fancy ingredients, just standard pantry items. Baking hints and tips are provided to help new and experienced cooks. As Sophia says “The aroma of a freshly baked cake is so comforting and delicious. It’s the kind of smell that makes a house a home.” I couldn’t agree more!

TEEN FICTION “FOR THE FOREST OF A BIRD”

by Sue Saliba This is the third book by local author Sue Saliba, winner of the Victorian Premier’s Literary Award for young adult fiction. This is a novel about love and the things you can and can’t change. Nella waits for the swallows by the creek each spring. It’s a secret vigil she’s followed ever since her father left.

This year she’s going to take him with her … but can things ever return to the way they were? “I want to tell you that he’s coming home … and it’s going to be like it was before he went away, before everything broke apart.” Full of adolescent yearning for what was and hope for the future, this is a lovely read.

CRIME FICTION “THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN”

by Paula Hawkins Rachel catches the same commuter train every morning. She knows it will wait at the same signal each time, overlooking a row of back gardens. She’s even started to feel like she knows the people who live in one of the houses. ‘Jess and Jason’, she calls them.

Their life - as she sees it - is perfect. If only Rachel could be that happy. And then she sees something shocking. It’s only a minute until the train moves on, but it’s enough.

Now everything’s changed. Now Rachel has a chance to become a part of the lives she’s only watched from afar. Now they’ll see; she’s much more than just the girl on the train...

This enthralling, compulsive read will keep you engaged right to the very end.

Proudly independent

...a book is a place We can help find that special book for yourself or to give as a gift.

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40a Thompson Ave, Cowes P: 03 5952 1444 E: lois.turnthepage@bigpond.com W: turnthepagebookshop.com.au

young & inspired Things are firmly in focus for Grantville teenager Grant Hill, who’s spending his gap year working locally – and taking photos – before studying Orthoptics at La Trobe University next year.

Armed with his trusty Canon 600D, the keen photographer explores coastal landscapes and says it’s important to know the rules and when to break them.

words as told to eleanor mckay photos grant hill

About two years ago my brother bought a camera. He never really used it, so I picked it up and started taking photos around the house. I haven’t had lessons. I think you really need to teach yourself how to use the camera. That’s how you get the most out of it.

A photo tells a story and captures a moment in time. It’s a moment that you’re experiencing, that is personal to you, but you can share it with others. Finding the right location and the perfect time to capture it is a big challenge. Once I was on the jetty at Grantville and there was a storm brewing, so I thought I was going to get a great picture. A freak wave came and knocked my tripod and camera over, ruining any opportunity to capture the amazing sky I was seeing. I had to go home straight away and clean the saltwater from my camera. I’m usually pretty relaxed about things, but this lost opportunity really frustrated me. But I went back to the same location a couple of weeks later … and captured one of my favourite images.

A photo of the Twelve Apostles by Ken Duncan (renowned Australian landscape photographer) that hangs in our house inspired me to start taking photos. It would be a great opportunity to work with someone like Ken, just to see how he goes about his photography. You can pick up a lot of tips from other photographers. At school they taught us about the rule of thirds, which is really handy, but you have to know what’s good for you and what works for your eye.

I think Photoshop is a necessity in this day and age. The camera can’t capture all the colours that you actually see, so the app enables you to enhance them to try and recreate the moment you were in. I use a digital camera and it’s easy to work with, but I would like to work with film someday. There’s something about it that inspires me. I like the tones and the colours – even the blacks and whites are so rich.

I’m really grateful to my media teacher Tony Dalmasetto for his tips and support throughout the year. Having my work accepted into Top Designs (an exhibition of the folios of the top five percent of the 2014 VCE media and design students) was a real high point for me. It was nice to have so many people appreciating my work, and it’s inspired me to do more.

In five years time, hopefully I’ll have finished my university course and be working towards my career (as an optometrist). I’ll still be taking photos; it’s a good hobby to have.

Top Designs is showing at the Melbourne Museum from March until June.

Visit www.museumvictoria.com.au/ melbournemuseum

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where am I

“This is one of my favourite locations along the coast.

It truly feels like it is a prehistoric landscape, a place that was made at the start of time and has watched our world progress without changing.”

Coast photographer Warren Reed captured this stunning landscape on our coast.

Do you think you know where it might be?

Why not drop us a line on Twitter or Facebook and tag your suggestions #coastwhereami @ourcoastmag CoastMagazineAustralia Don’t forget, limited edition images such as this can be viewed and purchased at warrenreedphotography.com.au The Summer 15 edition – Where Am I – featured a photo taken of the rocks just near the trestle bridge in Kilcunda.

Log onto our facebook page to find out the answer www.facebook.com/CoastMagazineAustralia coast 122

ABSOLUTE WATERFRONT LIVING BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME NOW Titled land now selling from $249,000

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Organise a private inspection today - contact Greg Price or Cameron Watters on 5952 5711 or email cowes@alexscott.com.au

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Churchill Island Newhaven

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

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Airport

Melbourne 90 Mins San Remo

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

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