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THE BEST OF COAST MAGAZINE

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.

Theodore Roosevelt

ed.02

$9.95

THE BEST AIR ANYWHERE

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132 Whitelaw St Meeniyan VIC 3956 | Phone 5664 0055 | www.lacyjewellery.com.au coast 4

A LETTER FROM

the editor

2020 - the year we may choose to forget . . .

As Roosevelt once said, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” This could not be more apt after a year dealing with the challenges of COVID 19.

From lockdowns - to freedom - and back again, if this year has taught us anything, it is the value of family, friends and our communities. Our connection to each other is what makes us fundamentally human, and the virus and lockdown has challenged us all in many different ways.

The virus forced us to look beyond ourselves and act collectively for the good of our communities. It has shown us that we are all interconnected, and without each and everyone one of us, our world as we know it, would cease to exist.

Personally, it has given our family time to re-evaluate where we are at in life, and make positive changes to live life in harmony with each other and our environment.

While we have been locked away, a positive outcome has resulted for our planet . . . it has had a chance to breathe a welcome sigh of relief. A lack of planes in the sky, and reduced cars on the road has given the environment a small reprieve . . . but more has to be done to tackle the ever growing threat of climate change.

This pandemic has proved that we are not in control, so we need to look to areas we can change for the better, and looking after our environment is a legacy we owe our children and future generations.

We would like to extend our thanks to all our loyal advertisers.

This online edition has been put together by the hardworking coast team and has been created completely free for our extraordinary advertisers and readers - in what has been a very difficult year for us all. Please support your local businesses as we are all in this together, and it is with fingers crossed (and breath held) that we aim see you again in print next year. Enjoy the BEST OF COAST!

Coast Magazine, PO Box 104, San Remo, Victoria 3925 PHONE: 0414 753 739 ADS : 0432 273 107 EMAIL: editorial@coastmagazine.net WEB: www.coastmagazine.net

Maria x

PUBLISHING EDITOR: Maria Reed SUB EDITOR: Anne Roussac-Hoyne WORDS: Katie Cincotta, Sally O’Neill, Chloe Kent, Christina Aitken, Maria Reed,

Sue Webster, Anne Crawford, Fiona Power, Lisa Valastro, Kate Hanley PHOTOGRAPHY: Warren Reed, 0414 753 739 DESIGN: Coast Annual PRINT MANAGER: Nigel Quirk ADVERTISING: Robyn Kemp, 0432 273 107, ads@coastmagazine.net

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COAST CONTENTS

68 surfings nice guy

Sandy Ryan is the nice guy of the surfing scene. But don’t be misled: nice doesn’t necessarily mean that he isn’t competitive and isn’t out there to win – he’ll just do it with a smile!

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42 atom bomb baby

Karol Browns life was shaped by the tragedy of the atomic bomb dropped on her mother’s homeland in Japan. Her legacy lives on today.

116 a foodies passion

A country girl turned highcalibre photographer makes a return to the land and her photo-essay is quite spectacular!

the regulars

the people

the places

22 36 40 106 147 182 249

18 30 64 86 94 138 162

124 204 216 226

2 Coast People Fifteen Minutes Coast Life Food & Wine Art & Culture Home & Lifestyle Where am I?

46 paul spiers

We meet the ever-humble Paul Spiers, who has dedicated his life to the trees. We visit his amazing property in South Gippsland to see his painstaking revegetation at work.

Linda Bull - Singing star Rising Star - Nikki Van Dijk Lolly Legs - Maria Jackson Journey of Life - Lual A Gok

The Wonthaggi Show Venus Bay Coronet Bay & Corinella The Australian Garden

Surfer - Amber Goldsworthy Artist Kerry Spokes Birdman - Kevin Mortensen

226 204 australian garden

Do you love contemporary Australian desert native gardens? Then a visit to the visionary Australian Botanic Gardens is a must.

venus bay

If you haven’t had the pleasure of exploring the small coastal hamlets of Venus Bay and Tarwin Lower on the shores of South Gippsland, you will feel like you’ve landed on another planet one where sand, sea, rivers and holiday fun rule supreme.

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COAST CONTENTS

11 ted grambeau

Top surf photographer Ted Grambeau started out as a young man with big dreams and they’ve only got bigger.

He takes us on a journey around the world to the best surf breaks on earth.

58 mark seymour

Do you see what I see? Musician Mark Seymour talks to Coast about education, music, middleclass Australia - and surfing.

76 snake island

Swish - swish - swish - swish.

That’s the sound of horse’s tails and hundreds of legs of cattle walking through the water on one of Gippsland’s fionest traditions – the Snake Island cattle muster.

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Top surf photographer Ted Grambeau started out as a young man with big dreams - and they’ve only got bigger.

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Words Anne Crawford

Photos @tedgrambeau

TED GRAMBEAU MBEAU capturing the power

Ted Grambeau is one hard fish to land. It’s not that the man revered as one of the world’s top surf photographers is trying to be elusive, it’s just that he roams. Chile. Peru. Western Australia. Cape Patterson. Queensland. Torquay. And that was just last month.

He leaves in his wake a string of superlatives; “ace lensman”, “legendary” and “renowned” among them. Also, “Big Ted” (he looks like your archetypal tall, sandy-haired, blue-eyed surfer) and “Reverend Ted” (Australian champ Wayne Bartholomew coined this one for the wisdom he imparts to the younger folk).

So it’s something of a surprise to find the globe-trotting guru to be a down-to-earth, affable chap with all the time in the world to talk, and also that his photography extends way beyond the surf circuit, beyond chasing the perfect wave.

But it all started with surf. Ted grew up in Wonthaggi, then moved to Foster at 13. He surfed at Waratah Bay, Wilson’s Promontory and Cape Liptrap with friends, but was sidelined to shore after a knee injury playing football. So he started photographing them.

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“It’s a great way to see the world, but I think my passion is seeing a bit more of the culture and going beyond it.”

“Phillip Island was really my primary education in surf photography: Express Point at Smith’s Beach. “Any time the conditions were right I’d come across and photograph guys like Matt Ryan, Neil Luke and Tommy Tyrell,” he says.

Ted maintains that Williamson’s and Powlett beaches, once secret spots, are two of the country’s best for surf, and that the Prom beaches are equal in beauty to any beach anywhere.

He enrolled at La Trobe University to study economics (“God only knows why!”) but had a “career crisis” before he was even close to graduating. “I thought ‘what do I do if I finish?’ I was really perturbed about doing something for the rest of my life that I didn’t have a passion for.” He bailed.

And that set him on the road to a lifetime of adventure travel: 80 to 90 countries to date, “with 80 to 90 to go”.

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A formal training in photography at RMIT, then working in a South Yarra studio that was spawning top commercial photographers, set him up. His restlessness as his footloose friends sent back postcards from exotic places spurred him on.

So did the impact of father’s death in 1980. “It made me realise that life was a fairly urgent sort of matter. I’d have to start acting on my dreams.”

He went to Bali in his mid-twenties, had some surf photos published, set off on another trip “and in the end I’m travelling and breaking even”.

The “dreams” happily coincided with the evolution of the surf business from cottage industry to mainstream multinational market. Ted’s background in advertising and fashion served him well: “Rip Curl, Quicksilver, Billabong, I’ve worked pretty much for everyone.”

Initially he submitted photos to a range of magazines too, until the editor of ‘Australia’s Surfing Life’, Peter Morrison, offered him a deal, clinched with a handshake about 20 years ago. “He made me this strange offer: ‘I’ll pay you not to give anything to anyone else, pay you normal rates, and when you’re up here you can have a room at my place’.”

So, for 15 years Ted stayed with Peter Morrison through several Gold Coast homes and “wives and girlfriends”, until he bought his own house in Currumbin five years ago. He still works out of his office and shoots for ASL, although he’s free to appear in magazines overseas. Ted followed the surf circuit for several years, “quite glamorous, going on junkets around the world with a whole lot of friends, partying a bit - a great way to see the world. But I think my passion is seeing a bit more of the culture and going beyond it,” he says.

He has made a niche in adventure-surf travel, shooting for editorial then advertising campaigns in remote locales. “I’d have to be one of the more knowledgeable people doing that - finding the good surf, tying in the weather – there’s only a handful of people in the world doing it well.”

He does “whatever it takes” to get his shots: board, jet ski, boat, helicopter, on land with a 600mm lens. But it’s the know-how (he had the foresight to be interested in geography at school) that counts. Knowing the breaks, wind, weather, swell, the tides that affect different reefs – globally. “Maybe I can’t swim in the impact zone like a 20-year-old kid, but I know where to go by reading the weather,” says Ted, 53.

He can get to the surf in, say, Morocco, mobilising a team of surfers, in three days. The internet helps and so does a good network of people on the ground. He can call his friend Abdul in Africa, for instance, to ask what’s happening on the shore outside his front door. He guards his sources. “It’s almost a Watergate thing, not revealing your location,” he laughs.

In his mid-thirties Ted had an 18-month stint in New York, then honey pot to many of the world’s best photographers, until he “really started to miss the ocean”.

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“Phillip Island was really my primary education in surf photography: Express Point at Smith’s Beach. Any time the conditions were right I’d come across and photograph guys like Matt Ryan, Neil Luke and Tommy Tyrell.”

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Two years ago he travelled for eight months from Los Angeles the length of the South American coast by motorcycle with two friends, joining up with partner Sandy Ogier along the way. He worked with a film crew and aid workers in Liberia, west coast Africa, about a year ago, to document the story of a boy and the birth of surfing there.

(Check YouTube for a short of “Sliding Liberia”.)

Ted, who stays with family in Cape Patterson when he’s not in Currumbin, has pared back his travelling to nine months a year, partly because of his relationship with Ogier (“five years – that’s an extremely long time for me!”) and also because the internet lets him make more targetted, shorter trips.

One big project, however, still beckons: “To visit as much of the surfable coast in the world as possible, to start from the northern tip of Norway and hop, skip and jump.” But for now, mid-afternoon Saturday, there’s a drive to Cape Patterson. Or maybe a plane trip to Brisbane, Ted Grambeau wonders, as he sets off again.

COAST SPRING 2007 www.tedgrambeau.com

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“I’ve seen 80 to 90 countries to date . . . with 80 to 90 to go”.

“Lets face it, 2020 has been HARD. If COVID has taught us anything, it’s the importance of FAMILY, FRIENDS and COMMUNITY. We want to celebrate all great things in life at BEAR ST food - fun - folk - coffee - wine - art & creativity It’s a place to reconnect and enjoy being together.

Follow us on facebook (Bearstreet) and instagram (Bearstreetinverloch) for more updates on our opening date March 2021 . . . give or take.

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Words as told to Sally O’Neill

Photo Warren Reed

making music with linda bull 15 minute katia

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Goddess of the Australian music scene, Linda Bull, talks to Coast about church, singing and why she loves this coast . . .

Tell us about your childhood. . .

We grew up in Melbourne with Tongan/Australian parents.

Our Mum is Tongan and our Dad’s Australian – it’s an unusual combination. Nobody really knows where Tonga is – it’s basically an island in the South Pacific. It’s a kingdom. The people are beautiful, very friendly, they love to cook and they love to sing. Dad has made us remember we are Australian as well as Tongan - it’s a great balance.

How did you first discover singing?

We grew up listening to the Tongans singing in church. That’s where (sister) Vika and I get our training from. Every Sunday we had to go to church - no sleep-ins! I didn’t want to go to church when everyone else was lying on the couch, watching Countdown and having bbqs . . . and it took all day! A four hour service, then four hours of eating. It was very full on.

Pay your respects to God and the people around you - that’s the fundamental message I got from church, but it was the singing that made us want to keep coming back.

When did you first sing together?

In church, Mum made us sing a song in Tongan for the congregation when we were about six and seven. Funnily enough I wasn’t nervous about that, because I knew that’s what everyone did. It was only when we went out singing in pubs that I got really nervous. I was out of my comfort zone.

We became Vika and Linda Bull because that’s how we grew up. With the training we got in church and singing in the back of the car and singing the ads when we were watching TV. Mum would sit there and give advice, like ‘Linda, hold the note’. Mum didn’t want us to be singers, that wasn’t the plan.

She just wanted us to sing well. She’s a great singer, so she’d teach us how to hold our notes, stay in pitch and things like that.

And from there?

Vika was singing around pubs and they said, ‘You’ve got a little sister, haven’t you? Why don’t you get her up to sing?’. I

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said ‘Alright’. So we chose that Nancy and Frank Sinatra song, “Something Stupid” - it’s really, really hard! I was singing the bottom harmony – Mum said, ‘That’s pretty tricky’. Before the gig, I kept going to the car to have sips of brandy, so it was a disaster! But . . . after that first gig, we just had a great ride.

Career highlights?

Meeting the Dalai Lama and Nelson Mandela – within two weeks of each other. It was unbelievable – to be meeting people I had admired for so long. The Dalai Lama was like sunshine walking into the room – he really was incredible, and a beautiful man. So was Nelson Mandela; he was very tall, very slim and very charming. Also singing for the King of Tonga and my grandmother (who had never heard us sing). And Womad Worldwide with Peter Gabriel – and then we spent a week and a half in his studio recording an album, which was incredible.

Issues that are important to you?

Anything about kids and racism, and I feel passionate about the mistreatment of Aboriginal people. The way we’ve handled the whole thing is bad.

Your first live band?

Midnight Oil at the‘Stop the Drop’ concert. I had to leave at four o’clock because Mum made me go home. Peter Garrett goes ‘Where are you going?’ and I said ‘My Mum made me go home’. He said ‘Alright, see you later’. I met him 12 years later and I said, ‘My Mum made me leave your concert’ and he said ‘I remember you!’.

What’s important to you?

The most important thing in life for me is family. I treasure the time I can spend at Phillip Island. I have been coming here since I was fourteen. I work hard all year to get down here.

Vika and I run a shop together in Melbourne called Hoochie Koochie. We love going to Kongwak market, visiting Churchill Island, and the great shops in Loch. It’s a privilege to come here and relax. The more I’m here, the more I love it.

COAST AUTUMN 2010

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‘I’ll be running the nights for old punk rockers, after all, young punks still get old don’t they? The spirit of rebellion never dies!’

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Words as told to Maria Reed

Photos Warren Reed

2 coast people polly caldow + bruce walker Polly Caldow, general manager of The Body Shop Australia and Tarrawarra wine-maker Bruce Walker take time out from their busy lives to talk to Coast magazine from their seaside weekender at Cowes.

Polly: I met Bruce at a weekend away with friends. We had a bit of a chat, and went for a walk. As I was leaving Bruce came and tapped on my car window and asked if I would like to see a movie sometime, and I was a bit shocked because I didn’t think he was interested. I was like . . . oh, oh, okay then, yeah that would be good. I gave him my mobile number, and then he never rang!

Six weeks passed, and I was up in Sydney for work sitting in the back of a taxi, when I thought, stuff it, I’ll track him down. I rang a mutual friend with this ridiculous story to get his number. At that time I was working with The Big Issue magazine, and I made up some excuse that Bruce was to help me with some fundraiser, which was rubbish of course. Anyhow, I rang him and he said, “I’m in Sydney, have dinner with me tonight,” so I did.

We’d only just met when Bruce went on this big surfing trip around Australia with a mate. He asked if I’d like to meet up in Broome. Being a pretty conservative girl, initially I said no, then after a couple of weeks I thought, ‘what am I doing?’ - so I went. I had a lovely time. I think my mum was really happy that I’d met someone and she quickly saw how lovely Bruce was. It’s funny; we kind of did everything back to front. We met each other, bought the house and got hitched all in the same year, and we’ll have been married six years in October.

The thing I most admire about Bruce is that he is incredibly calm and happy.

He’s had a lot of heartache; he lost his brother years ago, and lost his dad last year, but he’s always positive and open to crazy things. He really is my rock and I know I can always rely on him. We do laugh a lot together.

I originally started my life as a teacher and I thought, if I have to do this for the next fifty years, I’ll probably shoot myself (she laughs). So I worked in a retail shop and started to work my way up the ranks. Every year my parents

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“I’d walked into this environment where some people often had a drug addiction, were ex-prisoners or battling chronic mental illness.”

kept asking when I was going back to teaching and I just didn’t want to. Then I sat down and thought ‘who do I want to work for, who do I admire?” I wrote to The Body Shop and got a rejection letter, and about a week later I got a call back and got a job as an Area Manager.

I currently work as the General Manager of The Body Shop Australia. Every year we choose social and environmental campaigns that run in the windows – and often they’re not really popular. A couple of years ago we ran a campaign on reconciliation, in the early 90’s we focussed on wood chipping, and a campaign against battery hens.

Graeme, my boss, is this lovely guy and I’ve worked for him for about 12 years. I took three years off in the middle and ran The Big Issue – a magazine to help the homeless and unemployed. He knew I was looking for a challenge within the organization. So he said to me, “Right - we’ve got this magazine. We’re heavily funding it, do you want to go and run that?” I knew nothing about running a magazine, so I jumped in, boots and all, and did that for three years. For me, probably The Big Issue was the most challenging, but most rewarding time of my life. I’d come from a nice safe country town and I’d walked into this environment where some people often had a drug addiction were ex prisoners and battling chronic mental illness. It was confronting and challenging. I was so naive I thought I’d take in the employment section from The Age and get them all jobs. I look back on that first day and think ‘oh you idiot!’

I’ve got a really great team working with me at The Body Shop. Last issue we ran a campaign to `Stop domestic violence in the home.’ We’ve got a thousand staff out in the shops, and we take them out for a full day of training on the campaign issue we run, so they can talk about the issue and understand it themselves. If you think that one in four women are affected by domestic violence, of 1000 staff we have out there who are primarily women, 250 of those could have been affected by domestic violence. We may have 60 - 100,000 people come through our stores each week and if we can just educate even a small portion of these people then it makes a difference.

Bruce: My marriage had ended six months earlier, and Polly was my first date since then. I was a bit cautious when I first met her - you know, once bitten, twice shy - but Pol is great. I’d just come back from living in Sydney, and a friend had invited me to this weekend away. I remember she was a shocking tennis player, but then again, it’s pretty hard to play tennis with a glass of wine in both hands (he laughs). I

was immediately attracted to Polly’s sense of humour.

On our first date I reckon I failed all the criteria her parents would have employed ; I wasn’t a Catholic, I’d been married, I had long hair, I smoked and was unemployed. I wasn’t looking like a real good prospect (laughs). But I think it’s easier when you meet someone later in life. You can change so much from your teens to your thirties. We should hav+e met a long time before we did. I was thirty-four but I reckon it’s much easier finding someone when you’re not looking.

When I first met Pol everything was an adventure. “What are you doing today?” she’d say, “come on down to Brunswick Street, and, oh by the way, we’re marching down the middle of Brunswick Street with a Big Issue banner.” I tell you, there was never a dull day.

Pol is really organised where I’m not so organised, so I think we compliment each other pretty well. She’s pretty much up for anything and I like her sense of adventure and fun. We’ve managed to do a few things in our time together and we like the same things like eating, drinking and travelling.

Currently I’m the assistant wine maker for Tarrawarra Estate in the Yarra Valley, and we also make the Pinot Gris for French Island Vineyards. Being a winemaker is a combination of being a chef, chemist and a brickie’s labourer all in one. Do I have a great cellar collection? No, but I often describe Polly as my cellar - I store all my good wine in Pol (he laughs).

I never intended to be a winemaker, it just happened that way. We’re having a party next weekend as I’ve just finished six years (part time) study in Viticulture. It’s pretty interesting, you actually become a scientist and I never thought that would happen in my lifetime. It’s funny. I was expelled from school, and I still give my friends a laugh, cos they can’t believe I’m a scientist. A friend well remembers my chemistry teacher saying, “I suggest you get out of this class and study biology as I never want to see you again.” I guess I was a bit disruptive.

I surfed a lot from the age of 7 to 18. My parents had a beach house at Aireys Inlet so I surfed that coast and travelled around the world a bit surfing. Polly found a house down at Cowes and I have to say it’s nice swapping coasts. I’d sort of got used to the surf breaks on the other coast, so it’s nice to discover new ones. Every time I drive around Phillip Island I’m always amazed to find a new spot. The nature here is beautiful and I’m really enjoying it. We’ve spent a lot of time fixing up the old holiday house at Cowes, so I’m looking forward to spending a bit of time relaxing down here and getting in the surf now and again. COAST WINTER 2007

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2 coast people warren + maria reed

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Words as told to Fiona Power

Photos Supplied

Coaxing either Maria or Warren Reed to talk about themselves proved quite a challenge - far easier to get the Coast publishers & photographers to sing the praises of this area, travel and each other.

Maria: I was the youngest of five kids, sharing a house in the country with my sister, three brothers, two dogs, heaps of animals, and Mum and Dad. I was quite shy as a child, which people find funny because I talk so much now! I loved art and had no interest in sport. Once when we were playing softball at school, I was talking so much to my friends that the ball landed in my open glove and I didn’t even notice!

Since I was a kid, all I ever wanted to be was an artist. I’ve painted; I draw and sculpt with recycled woods and metals.

I’m always looking for a new challenge. Most women love shopping. I walk along the beach and I see a bit of driftwood and I say, “Yes! I must have it”. I get such great energy and peace from nature.

I think it’s really important that we care for people and animals in need of help. I might drive some people crazy with this attitude, but I feel that we are so lucky to live where we do. Australia is such an amazing place, I think we have a responsibility to look out for those who aren’t able to look after themselves.

I met Warren when I was nineteen. This young bloke came and asked me to dance. When we caught up again we had so much to talk about. We developed a great friendship, and the more I got to know him, the more I loved him. We got married four years later, and I still remember our best man’s speech. It was something like, “These two love each other so much . . . it almost makes you sick!” I thought that was hilarious.

I think we’re two souls destined to be together - I’ve never met anyone like him. We still do things to annoy each other, but I really enjoy his company. We don’t tire of each other, which is really weird! He is my best friend.

It’s really important that we are both happy in what we do. Warren comes from an accounting background and used to say, “It sounds like you have so much fun being a photographer, and you get to meet all these amazing people”.

I said, “Well, if you want to go back to study, then do that.”

I probably dragged him kicking and screaming into Coast magazine. I’m the one with all the hare-brained ideas. Being passionate about the area, and also being photographers, we thought we could create a magazine that people could feel a part of. Working together, often under pressure, is a challenge.

We do separate things but I trust his judgement entirely. I think we’ve got to the point where we can separate work from home – but that’s not to say we always get it right!

We spent most of our twenties travelling on and off. We lived on a cattle station for two years, and had lots of mad-cap travels in between. We spent three months living with (and photographing) Aboriginal people in the Central Desert to promote reconciliation back in Melbourne. Then we rode around remote villages in Asia for three months on our pushbikes. Setting off from Bangkok in crazy traffic, we shared the road with thousands of tuk tuks, trucks, buses, chickens and donkeys – it was a hoot! We’ve had the most amazing adventures. It is humbling to experience the hospitality of people who live very simple lives, but are so giving. That’s probably what makes us feel strongly about helping others.

Warren’s got the biggest heart. If he sees an animal injured or someone struggling he’ll be there without a second thought.

And it’s not to make himself feel good. He is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met, and that’s a big statement after being together for twenty one years. He’s so understated; he never boasts about himself. He is beautiful to the core of his being.

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Warren: I grew up in Glen Waverley in a great family. I couldn’t wait to finish school and get out and see the world.

I planned to go around Australia with my brother, but about eight weeks before I left I met Maria.

Honestly this is how it happened: I saw this girl walk across the dance floor like a light and I just felt like there was some spiritual connection.

On our first date, we talked the whole time. The second date we saw a really bad movie and I thought, “If she likes this movie, then there’s no future for us”. When we came out she said, “That was rubbish” and I thought, “We’ll be alright”.

I was committed to travel with my brother, so I asked Maria along and she decided to come. My brother’s girlfriend came too, so the four of us set off in an old Holden that had messages written all over it with black texta by our friends.

We did some crazy jobs while travelling. Maria pretended she had experience as a waitress. She turned up to a five-star restaurant and the dishwasher was behind the bar. She pulled it out and about 200 wine glasses smashed on the floor.

Every time we want to do something, if there’s a logical way or a crazy way of doing it, we’ll both go the crazy way. It’s something built into our characters that matches perfectly. I think that’s one reason why we’re so compatible. With some of the things that we’ve done, we’ve looked at each other and said, “We’re absolutely crazy! Why are we doing this?” Plus, she likes to talk a lot and I like to listen.

I admire that Maria dares to dream. And she allows me to do the same. If there is something that I want to do she’ll put

herself on the line too, and say, “Have a shot.” When I was a child I wanted to be either a policeman on a motorbike, a test pilot or a stunt man. I studied accounting as I was good at it, and worked as an accountant for a couple of years. I hated it. I used to draw faces on the teddy bear biscuits – I was so bored.

One day Maria said, “What are you doing with your life?” I loved photography, and she said, “Why don’t you just go back to school and study?”. We had a mortgage, but she said, “I’ll work for the year”. She did all the meals, the shopping, cleaning and gardening, so I could concentrate on my dream.

She’s a great photographer because she doesn’t set things up. She loves speaking to people, so she’s good at getting an emotional connection in a photograph. She also gets the timing right. Maria came up with the idea of Coast and I talked her out of it for about a year. I knew how much effort it was going to take. Sometimes (with the magazine) Maria has to be tough. We’ve gone in with good intentions, promoting where we live, the businesses and characters, being proud of it, but it’s a small business too, and we all work very hard to make it successful.

I really value our freedom. We’ve changed careers, worked and gone overseas. We still love being able to travel, but as you get older you realise that it’s fantastic to have a home base to come back to, a place where you love to live.

Loving and looking after Maria and spending time with her are the most important things in my life. When I look into her eyes, I see a pure soul, someone who’s enthusiastic, cares about other people, loves animals and children - all children, as we both do.

The things I do that would drive other women crazy, Maria loves me for. And I love that about her, too. COAST SUMMER 2009

What brought you to the Bass Coast region?

The people campaigning against the desalination plant (near Wonthaggi) asked me to come down before the election, and I did. I promised to come back afterwards and I promised to take the issue into the national parliament and here I am. Next week parliament starts, and I will be taking the issue up with the new government as they have to decide yes or no - every bit as much as the state government.

Do we need more water? What is the green alternative to desalination?

We don’t need more water. We need to use the water we have more wisely, and if Melbournians were simply to use the same amount of water as Brisbane people - and remember that Brisbane is 1200km closer to the equator, then we would not only save as much water as the desal plant is going to be putting out, but we’d have a third as much again. It’s the wise management of water . . . and with everything – the land, the ocean, the air – we are in a century here where we have to pull in our belts and manage what we’ve got or we’re simply going to leave a disastrous planet, in all sorts of environmental problems, for the next generation.

What is your biggest triumph?

Being involved with the community organizations that saved the Franklin River and the Tarkine Rainforest in Tasmania. And individual things like saving Gandalf’s Staff – the huge 85m high tree in the Styx Valley. Being a part of the growing awareness of Australians who are looking after our environment – and knowing you never succeed if you don’t try.

What keeps you motivated?

The planet. It’s so beautiful – and so are human beings. All we’ve got to do is marshal the best side of human beings, and have ‘green’ instead of ‘greed’ - and we’ll be back on track.

What inspires you?

People do. My mother did. When she said, “that’s a nice bunch of wildflowers, thanks for bringing them home, but it would look so much more beautiful back on the tree where it came from.” Everybody loves the planet. Everybody loves to walk on the beach, to look at the waves, to see the night sky, to have a window box of flowers. We don’t put up pictures of chainsaws and bulldozers in our kitchens or our living rooms – why is that? Because we are creatures of the wild - so as we look after the wild, we look after ourselves.

What makes you angry?

Greed. As Ghandi said, “the world’s got enough for everybody’s needs, but not enough for everybody’s greeds.”

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What is your message to the people of Bass Coast today?

I encourage everybody to join this (desal) campaign to help save one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. This area is better than the Cococabana in Rio. This area is better than the beaches of the Mediteranean that are crammed full.

People of the Netherlands would give their eye-teeth for a coast like this. Recently on a hot day, 2 million people went to the beach there and it caused the world’s largest traffic jam.

Here we have something much more beautiful, and they want to put a giant salt extraction factory on it.

If you were prime minister for a day?

I would bring in good management. It’s all about managing our resources. Australians are very lucky with water. We have huge amounts of water compared to other places, and if we manage it - we’re blessed. But to simply say, ah well, instead of turning off the tap, fixing the pipeline, recycling the water, or putting in tanks, we’ll go and wreck a beach . . . and we’ll go and wreck a marine ecosystem . . . and we’ll go and put 3 billion dollars, (ultimately of the people’s money, as they are going to pay every dollar of that), plus the profits on top of that through their water bills. It’s mis-management and it’s irresponsible. The big test here is when Mr Brumby walks on that beach, and when Prime Minister Rudd walks on that beach - we’ll know if they’ve been moved.

Your perfect day?

Well . . . to come to Churchill Island today, to hear good music that’s got heart and soul in it, with five to ten thousand other people, and to know that this is part of trying to save something exquisitely beautiful, would be pretty close. We’re actually enjoying ourselves, while also giving something back to the planet. All the signs against desal coming in on the way here, and the stalls that are set up to inform people about the environmental impact, and the brochures that are going out, it’s a wonderful combination. All our creativity, including our music is inspired from the planet, which gave us the ears to hear, gave us eyes to see, and hands to create. And it’s about giving a little bit of that creativity back to the planet.

How can people make a difference in their own lives for a cleaner, greener coast?

Clearly we have to think about conserving our resources, and just little things like turning off the light switch, and making sure the tap doesn’t leak. I think that by becoming involved in this campaign (against desalination) – it isn’t something that can be done by sitting at home. We have to go out and get Spring Street to change their mind, and get Canberra to be responsible. We’re a democracy and we’re free to protest, and demonstrate positively for the planet. That’s what saved the Franklin River and the Daintree Rainforest. That’s the only thing standing between this coastline and a desalination factory.

So if people are motivated, the outcome will be different – I truly believe it’s possible to beat this. COAST AUTUMN 2008

Words as told to Maria Reed

Photos Tanya Fry Photography

15 minutes

with bob brown coast 31

words Lisa Valastro photos Warren & Maria Reed

RISING STAR Nikki van Dijk

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The swell is pumping. The water is not too choppy. The wind is right and the sky…crystal clear. Do you ever wish you could be out there cruising down a barrelling wave whilst making it look eff ortless? (without getting completely wiped out of course). Well 11 year old Nikki van Dijk does, tearing it up with the best of them.

Coming from a very active family, Nikki has lived on Phillip Island all her life and admits she just “loves it.” Being taught to surf by her father at the age of 4, Nikki is now a competent and gifted young surfer who is working her way up the surfi ng ranks and being sponsored by Rip curl to compete amongst the next wave of talented surfers.

Living on the Island, the lapping of the waves would almost draw one right to the shore, and Nikki definitely lives in a wonderful spot. She can probably hear the surf beckoning to her at 6am. “I live about a 3 minute walk from the beach. I always went there when I was little, and I just fell in love with it and kept going.”

For those who live so close to the water, it would be hard not to be a surfing fanatic.

But is Nikki keen enough to brave the elements in all seasons even in the wee hours of the morning? “Oh well, I suppose I am a bit of a fanatic because I want to surf all the time, and yeah, I am prepared to go out in most conditions. Sometimes I won’t go out if I’m sick, but Mum complains that I still surf when I’m injured and should be resting.”

Nikki admits that when she first started surfing she never imagined she would end up competing. “I was about 4 or 5 years old when I started standing up on my boogieboard, then at about 6 I jumped onto a surfboard and it was a whole lot easier, so I just wanted to keep surfing. I always used to go surfing just because it is so much fun,” says Nikki.

So from boogie boarding on Phillip Island to surfing all around Australia, the fun, excitement, and the thrill of surf comps have definitely hooked this keen young surfer.

“Yeah, I really love doing the competitions because you meet lots of different people and the whole environment of the competition is so great. They just make you want to keep going back each time.” However, Nikki is not over competitive. “Most of the time, I surf just to enjoy my self.”

Riding the waves and competing against the next lot of little ‘Layne Beachelys’, as well as surfing some of the hottest spots around Oz would surely have to have its fair share of unforgettable moments. “My most memorable moments were both this year,” says Nikki. “The first one was winning the Roxy Pro in January on Phillip Island. I competed in the under-13 event. There were lots of big-name surfers there, the atmosphere was great and the surf was awesome! The next event was the one and only Rusty Gromfest in Lennox Head in northern N.S.W. It was such a fun event and a really big challenge for me. With surfing, there are bound to be lots of great moments, like laughing at other people’s wipe outs (and my own!), being covered in sand and salt, or catching a really good wave.” Being out in the open ocean, you are definitely close to nature. Nikki is

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even lucky enough to have been touched by a baby dolphin.

Competing all over Australia, and having surfed in various spots, Nicky says she is lured to the rugged NSW coast, but she doesn’t forget where her heart lies. “I absolutely love the northern beaches of N.S.W, but I still love to surf off shore Woolamai on a nice summer evening.”

The world is such a huge place and some of the beaches around the globe have impressive surf. “I would love to surf in Hawaii of course, and maybe the Maldives, Tahiti, Mexico and Indonesia,” she says. Being involved in surf competitions and appreciating their atmosphere, does the fame and glory of being a pro surfer tempt this talented young girl? “Definitely.” Move over, Layne Beachley!

The surfing world is home to a vast array of talent, with surfers trying almost ludicrous stunts across the oceans and reefs of the world. Amongst the talent, the smooth finesse of Kelly Slater appeals to Nikki, and she admits he is her favourite surfer. “He is just so amazing to watch and he has taken surfing to a new level.”

Quite an inspirational young lady, a fabulous role model and mentor to other kids, Nikki’s advice not just for surfing but for all sport is to just “get out there have a go and have fun, but make sure you follow your heart to achieve your dreams.” Being so talented at such a young age, what do her friends and class mates think of little Nikki? “ I think they do like the fact that I surf, and they are proud of me when I compete. They also encourage me to do well.”

You may think it a silly question to ask a zealous surfer, but what is the best bit about surfing? “Just having fun and just being able to surf . . . always!!!

Now who could argue with that when those waves are pretty much right at your doorstep?

COAST SPRING 2006

2006 Phillip Island > 2020 World Surf league Australian professional surfer

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E N C H A N T I N G . U N F O R G E T TA B L E . M A G I C A L .

Amazing things happen @TheGroveGippsland, with breathtaking views to shimmering water, rolling green hills and the best of South Gippsland produce it’s the perfect spot for that forever moment.

There’s 60 acres of natural beauty for you to explore and find that perfect spot for your photo shoot.

The Conservatory restaurant @TheGroveGippsland offers you the chance to indulge in a truly local and gourmet food experience with long tables and grazing platters while The Terrace is the perfect place for a relaxed, laid back Marquee style reception amongst the gum trees.

Got your own ideas? Let’s chat about working together for that personalised event.

Call in for a tour or email for a Wedding Information Kit, we’d love to hear from you.

0457 111 026 | info@thegrovegippsland.com | www.thegrovegippsland.com The Grove Gippsland, Krowera Olive Grove, 27 Uren Rd. Kernot 3979 (located on the corner of Loch-Wonthaggi Rd and Uren Rd, about one km south of Krowera) @thegrovegippsland

@thegrovegippsland

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COAST LIFE

pep in her step Way back in 2009, local Phillip Island musician Olivia Hally was busy performing at Port Fairy and Tamworth - winning awards along the way and attending a performing arts school in Melbourne. Fast forward to 2020, she is part of a successful, popular duo alongside Pepita Emmerichs called OH PEP! - characterised as “folk-pop-country with a little bluegrass instrumentation. www.facebook.com/ohpep/

wildlife hospital The wildlife hospital at The Phillip Island Nature Parks looks after over 500 sick or injured animals each year. Starvation, road trauma, pet or feral wildlife attacks, oil spills and boat trauma are common causes of admittance to the clinic. The clinic provides off-site veterinary care and treatment when required. The ultimate aim of wildlife rehabilitation is to return healthy animals to the wild where they can resume life without further support.

Between 7.30-4pm call 5951 2800 After hours 4pm-7.30am call 8400 7300

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have a whale of a time While the 2020 festival was cancelled due to COVID-19, organisers assure us they will be back in 2021 with an immersive three-day festival (during the winter school holidays on Phillip Island). The festival heralds the arrival of these seafaring cetaceans into our marine environment. Local community members and visitors alike have the opportunity to engage with a range of activities that will not only entertain, but also allow you to appreciate the wildlife and natural habitats of Phillip Island and the Bass Coast region. Dont miss a festival that was winner of the ‘Best Small Event’ in the Australian Event Awards and Symposium 2020.

bear street - get creative 2020 has been a hard year. Lets get back together and enjoy all the good things in life: Art - food - coffee - wine - friends + creativity!

Bear Street (cafe + gallery + workshops) Inverloch will be running classes in clay, painting, dyeing, weaving and more. Set to open in March 2021, follow them on facebook and instagram for more updates.

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ATOM BOMB BABY karol brown

words & photos Maria Reed

Karol Browns life was shaped by the tragedy of the atomic bomb dropped on her mother’s homeland.

“When the Atom bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, my mother described ‘a beautiful mushroom-shaped cloud floating in the sky’,” Karol Brown recalls quietly.

Momentarily taken in by its deceiving beauty, Karol’s mother, Akie Igawa was unaware of the devastation this cloud would cause to her countrymen. Nor could she ever hope to comprehend the after effects of the deadly radiation floating over their small town.

“My mother lived in Saijo, only a short train ride from Hiroshima.

She was in the rice fields with her father when the bomb was dropped.”

Karol Brown is an “Atom-Bomb-Baby,” a living legacy of the Atomic bomb. “My mother passed away in 1998 due to the after effects of radiation,” Karol says sadly. Akie Igawa died at the age of 73. Had it not been for her strict Japanese diet, specialists have predicted that she would have died decades earlier.

Karol is as passionate about telling her mother’s story, as she is about the futility of war. “My mum was an amazingly gentle woman. She never got angry - never yelled. And she never really spoke about her experiences in Hiroshima. Sometimes I looked at her and wondered what she saw through her eyes, but we never talked about it. I feel like I can be her voice,” Karol says.

Akie Igawa first met Australian soldier William Brown when he was sent to Hiroshima to assist with rebuilding an army base after the bombing. “Mum was working in the canteen, and I can remember her telling me that soldier Brown was really kind,” she recalls. When times were hard and food was scarce, soldier Brown bravely smuggled sugar and extra food to the Igawa family.

“There was nothing left after the bomb - no food - no-medicine - nothing. They used sake and miso as substitutes for remedies as they had no medicines”. And it was during these trying times

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that a young romance blossomed. The couple soon married and spent 13 years living in Japan. They moved back to Australia to start a family. “When they got off the plane they didn’t know where to go, no one wanted them,” Karol says.

The young couple were close friends with a war bride named Cherry Parker and initially stayed at a boarding house run by Cherry’s mother-in-law. With money saved from his time in Japan, Brown bought his bride a house in Mitcham.

Together they had four beautiful children; two girls and two boys. Karol was born nine weeks premature, weighing only three pounds. “When I was born my left foot was facing completely the other way. I sometimes wonder if it (the bomb) had anything to do with it.”

San Remo became the family’s second home away from Melbourne. “Dad bought land here (San Remo) in the sixties when the sway Bridge was still there,” Karols recalls. Dad would visit his nephew with biscuits and chocolates at the boys’ home in the area.

The Brown family re-visited San Remo on every holiday and became part of the local community. “Dad was the local Santa Claus on the fire brigade truck for quite a few years,” Karol fondly remembers. “They’d drive him up and down the street in his red and white costume.” The family grew to love the area and both Karol’s parents are buried in the cemetery in San Remo.

Karol has since moved back to the area with her daughter Chanel and runs a groovy retro fashion-curio shop called Atom Bomb Baby. “My concern is the age we are living in - the war in Iraq - innocent women and children being affected. My shop is a bit of a political statement,” she says.

Karol aims to give people a reality check by going back to basics. “We live in such a throw away society; the way we eat, the way we think, our clothing,” she says. Karol designs dresses out of cotton as a way of getting ‘back to basics’. “I’ve had a lot of women come and say ‘thank you for taking me back to my past, my childhood’ because of the way the dresses are made,” she says. T-shirts and singlets carry designs crafted by the mother and daughter team and carry thought provoking messages. “Having this shop has helped opened a lot of eyes. It makes people think,” Karol says.

“I believe talking about mum’s life helps give closure on a lot of things. I’m helping to communicate what mum never got to say while she was alive.”

COAST AUTUMN 2006

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THE PERFECT DAY, THE PERFECT GETAWAY

Located on Phillip Island in a picturesque location, Island Bay Ranch is set on a 160 acre rural property with more than a kilometre of waterfront. Set amongst 5 acres of unique and secluded native gardens, the Ranch boasts breathtaking views of Westernport Bay and Churchill Island. Island Bay caters for group bookings with accommodation for 28 guests including couples, families, friends, sporting and corporate groups, bridal parties, weddings and special occasions. The resort facilities include a solar heated pool, spa, tennis court, magnificent alfresco dining and function area, outdoor fire pit, children’s playground and inground trampoline.

Self-cater or let us recommend caterers, event planners and stylists so you can create your perfect day.

100 Churchill Road, Newhaven VIC 03 5956 7457 | hello@islandbay.com.au | www.islandbay.com.au

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“It’s not very hard to remake the bush. Anybody can do it. I had no natural resources training at all. I’m a sociologist.”

STOMPING GROUND paul spiers

We meet the ever-humble Paul Spiers, who has dedicated his life to the trees

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Words Katie Cincotta Photos Warren Reed

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“The most important piece of real estate is the bit between your ears.�

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Sometimes, we’re confronted with mortality in strange and unexpected places. For me, it was on a bushwalk in Glen Forbes, with Paul Spiers guiding me through the cool temperate rainforest he’s been planting over the last 20 years.

As he pointed out trees he’s raised from seedlings, like children he’s watched flourish from birth, it occurred to me that often our life’s purpose is only ever realised in what we leave behind. For this man of the land – a passionate Landcare activist – it’s the transformation of his 40-acre property in the Archies Creek catchment. Where blackberry bushes and weeds once ravaged bare paddocks, Paul and hundreds of volunteers have raised the forest again from the ground up.

The path that we walk along used to carry a timber tramway that wheeled out logs felled from the virgin forest – huge lots of land offered by the government in the 19th century to selectors who would clear it for grazing. “About 120 years ago, you would have been standing here in almost total darkness. The trees were 90 metres tall and under that were massive blackwoods and tree ferns.”

But the timber wasn’t wasted. It was used to build marvellous Melbourne in the 1890s. All those mansions in Armadale and Toorak, with their massive blackwood panelling, came from here – the ‘big scrub’ of the Strzeleckis.

In the last decade, as the trees have stretched tall and the

leafy understorey has spread its wings, Paul has seen his rainforest become home again to koalas, swamp wallabies, echidnas, wombats and some 75 species of birdlife. “The web of life is gradually healing itself up again.”

He says that’s the mission of more than 1000 Landcare groups taking environmental action across Victoria – farmers and communities collectively caring for the land in a grass-roots movement that is as bonded as any local football club. Their goal is to rescue their own territory from degradation – breathing life again into land and waterways ravaged by pollution or overuse.

“It’s not very hard to remake the bush. Anybody can do it.

I had no natural resources training at all. I’m a sociologist,” admits Paul. The boy raised in conservative Balwyn North embraced the radical socialist ideals of La Trobe University in the early 1970s, inspired by green crusaders like Rachel Carson, who spawned the environmental movement with her book, Silent Spring.

After Paul and his then wife moved with their young sons to Glen Forbes, he spent the next 15 years at home nurturing three boys and a fourth love – the forest.

Together, the family often planted trees, swung from ropes over the creek, and ventured through the scrub as it began to prosper. Those ‘apples’ have fallen close to the tree. The eldest son Ben – or ‘Digger’ – recently returned to the farm after travelling around Australia in a van powered by waste vegetable oil. His brother Rory is completing an honours

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The revellers only stayed a few days on Paul’s property, but their mark remains in the thriving forest they unleashed from tiny seedlings. Paul hopes some of them might come back one day to see what they created. year in Physics, and middle child Tom recently ditched a lucrative public service job to teach pre-schoolers how to ski in Whistler.

Most of Paul’s university buddies traded their socialist beliefs for mansions and yachts in bayside Melbourne, but this ‘riparian revegetator’ – who has spent the last two decades getting his hands dirty in the name of renewal – defines success not in dollars, but sense. “The most important piece of real estate is the bit between your ears.”

That’s why he offers schools, politicians - and anyone else keen to learn about Landcare - a personal tour through his rainforest, to show them the value of restoring the natural landscape. Through the DSE (Department of Sustainability & Environment)and Landcare, Paul has taken a delegation of Chinese officials through his forest reborn. In a bid to save their giant pandas, China’s government is considering a stewardship where they would pay landowners to protect the panda’s habitat.

Paul’s regeneration tour is something he does to spread the Landcare message and make others enthusiastic about the potential for repair in their own neck of the woods. But of course everyone needs an escape – somewhere or something that energises them or brings them back to earth.

The wiry-haired farmer in the Yakka overalls found his release in the Psytrance rave scene, also known as the ‘bush doof’, where three or four hundred people let their hair down in the nightclub without walls. “Trance dancing takes place all over the world, from West Java to Morocco: people dance to a monotonous beat, to achieve an out-of-body experience. It goes back to the dawn of time, where tribes gathered together in a clearing in the bush and danced to music. Really, it’s the oldest celebration.”

So, while the average baby boomer unwinds with posh nosh and a bottle or two of pinot noir, Paul reckons there’s no better place to congregate than in the great outdoors. As a man approaching 60, he’s gladly taken on the role of ‘elder’ in the party scene, often stepping up to assist with any problems between party goers and the authorities. “I find there’s a very useful role I can play, like a community relations officer. My community respects me for that. During winter, I also make fires to keep people warm. People like a good fire - it’s part of the tribalism.”

At one point, Paul was able to combine trance dancing and planting at the Tranceplant festivals, where partygoers would plant trees by day and hit the dusty dance floor by night. “I’ve been down here on the road dancing with all three sons, and they haven’t been embarrassed. Actually, I’m a wicked dancer,” he grins. The revellers only stayed a few days on Paul’s property, but their mark remains in the thriving forest they unleashed from tiny seedlings. Paul hopes some of them might come back one day to see what they created.

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Where blackberry bushes and weeds once ravaged bare paddocks, Paul and hundreds of volunteers have raised the forest again from the ground up.

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“I’ve given up thinking globally. I think the world’s stuffed. At nearly seven billion people, there are just too many of us. But in case I’m wrong, you’ve got to do what you can locally.”

Although he’s sceptical about whether we can save the world from environmental destruction, he’s not giving up on saving his ownprecious patch. “I’ve given up thinking globally. I think the world’s stuffed. At nearly seven billion people, there are just too many of us. But in case I’m wrong, you’ve got to do what you can locally.”

As you walk through the forest Paul Spiers has resurrected, you can see the imprint of that philosophy among the towering branches, the delicate flowering bushes and the choir of singing birds among the canopy. “I’ve chosen consciously to do this because it gives the most value to my life. That’s all there is as far as I’m concerned. I don’t have a religion or a particular spirituality, but I think it’s important how you live your life. Have a good influence on other people, and then you compost!

COAST WINTER 2010 www.landcare.net call 5678 2335

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Mary MacKillop College South Gippsland

Making friends, celebrating achievements.

5662 4255 info@mmcrc.catholic.edu.au www.mackillopleongatha.catholic.edu.au Horn St, Leongatha

Cowes

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Foster

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Korumburra

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Leongatha

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Wonthaggi

Words & Photos Maria Reed

MARK SEYMOUR Do you see what I see?

Mark Seymour talks to Coast about education, music, middle-class Australia - and surfing.

Pauline Seymour was a good listener. As a wife and mother of four, it was her keen ear that recognised her kids’ habit of singing to themselves around the house. So when she wrangled her small brood into a family choir, there was no expectation that any of her offspring would end up following a musical career – let alone make a success of it AND become famous. . .

“Mum and Dad were teachers and agitators. Even as far as singing went, they thought it was all part of a well-rounded education,something that made you a better person,” says Mark Seymour. Born in country Benalla, young Mark secretly nurtured dreams of becoming a performer, unbeknownst to his parents. “My family was very musical. We learnt piano from an early age, and Mum taught us how to harmonise.” He also played guitar, and would sit in his room for hours learning songs and singing to himself.

The arts were always encouraged in the Seymour household.

“We weren’t a very sporty family,” laughs Mark. Being reared in a fairly intellectual environment, he reflects, “Singing at that time wasn’t considered a particularly masculine pursuit, and I guess in the country, we never fitted in particularly well as a family group.” In the 60s, the family moved all around regional Victoria following his parents’ educational postings.

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The Seymour choir performed in many country talent quests.

“It was quite cute and quaint really. We were just a family choir in our school uniforms, singing folk songs and harmonising together. . . you rarely came across that kind of thing.” In retrospect he says, “I consider the choir quite a profound and amazing endeavor on my mum’s part. We were all very cooperative and I think the rigour of learning a harmony and being able to lock in to it forced us at a young age to emotionally cooperate.”

Being raised by teachers naturally had its ups and downs. The family moved to Melbourne in the 70s and Mark attended school in Doncaster where Seymour Snr was acting head.

“My adolescence was pretty bleak. I went to this really tough suburban high school where Dad was the principal. There were 1400 kids. Everyone from the local area went there, from immigrant kids to hardcore left-wingers. I understand that education is a massive challenge for any society to get right, but at that time, those big suburban high schools had a really rough side to them.” But it wasn’t all bad. He reflects, “On the positive side, there were some really sophisticated people running it. We had great teachers, a low dropout rate and they encouraged us all to go on to university.”

Born in country Benalla, young Mark secretly nurtured dreams of becoming a performer, unbeknownst to his parents. “My family was very musical. We learnt piano from an early age, and Mum taught us how to harmonise.�

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“People like the idea that all bands are from working-class roots – but many are just middle-class guys from the suburbs like us. It’s where we grew up. We were neither rich nor poor, but it’s where I belonged.

It was where the tension was and it was real . . . and it had more middle-class neurosis.”

Mark followed in the footsteps of his parents and studied the Arts, training to become a teacher. “I spent a bit of time in a couple of schools, but just found the whole system, and trying to make sense of education in the classroom, incredibly hard.

I’d gone back to a place where I had been so unhappy as a teenager, and thought, “Why would I want to go back to that world?”

His university days weren’t wasted, however. He made friends with an engineering student named John Archer (among others), and they started a uni cover band called the Schnorts.

Ever keen to write songs, Mark convinced fellow members of his plan and and they formed the Jettsons. Then a defining moment turned him on to the path of his true career. Mark recalls, “We were on the verge of graduating, and we all were sort of conflicted as to were we wanted to head, particularly our drummer Peter Maslen who was studying to be a doctor. At one point I just said, ‘I want to be a singer,’ and split from the band. I ended up being a bit of a pariah, but then went back to the guys and we formed Hunters and Collectors.”

It took two or three years before they all fully committed to the idea of making a go of being a ‘real working band’, but in the meantime they rehearsed. Mark reflects, “I believe a lot of people like the idea that all bands are from working-class roots – but many are just middle-class guys from the suburbs like us.

It’s where we grew up. We were neither rich nor poor, but it’s where I belonged. It was where the tension was and it was real . . . and it had more middle-class neurosis,” he smiles, as it was a life from which he could draw songwriting inspiration.

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In the 1980’s Hunters and Collectors were regarded as a slightly alternative band, but ended up becoming (in his words), “a massive suburban band that was very mainstream”.

On reflection he says, “ I think people who considered us to be somehow interesting or artistically unique became disillusioned with us over the years as we became more popular. The mass of people that attended our gigs were just ordinary Australians – and that has kind of formed me in a way. I just realised that if I spent all these years with people from the ‘burbs whose names I will never know, then I kind of wanted to stay there in a way because it is just more interesting.”

While the band enjoyed several years of success, both locally and internationally, internal conflict was never far from the surface. “In that era, the idea of equality was paramount, but it needs to be accepted beyond face value and has to work dynamically. People have to be honest with one another, and inevitably, when you’ve got a group of guys travelling around the world on a bus, eventually that is going to falter.”

He became disillusioned and less able to function within the band. Ever the songwriter, he became frustrated by having to create words to a piece of music that was already written.

He says, “The last two albums that the band wrote were done that way. The band would just jam or come up with some chords and I’d sit there and listen and invent some words and lyrics. It was just mad, and not the ideal way to write a song.”

He reflects, “the key to great songwriting is that there has to be a fundamental grain of emotional truth embedded in the story, so when you sit down and play it or you perform it in front or people, they think ‘Yeah, I’m there, or I know where you’re coming from,’ or can instantly connect because it’s coming from an honest place.”

The nature of the band started to change as this group of ‘Aussie blokes’ began to get older, have families and pursue other interests. “Once I had kids, the integrity of our family unit was paramount to me, so when we were touring in Europe, I would insist on my family coming. It was such a male band, and there were two buses, one for the families and one for

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.” Looking back, he says “In the 70s I found localism and surf rage pretty full on, but now that it’s become so popular and somewhat commercial, it’s forced everybody who surfs to learn to deal with every kook out in the water – which is kind of a good thing.”

the blokes – it was just mad.” Eventually they saw the writing on the wall and the band split. Mark continued his songwriting and pursued a successful solo career.

He and his family moved to the coast, which was perfect for his favorite leisure pursuits of surfing, bike riding and running. “I stumbled onto surfing in my early 40’s when I was in New Zealand. I was sitting out in the water off a beautiful volcanic peninsula and thinking ‘How good is this?’ He describes surfing as ‘a kind of mysterious, poetic experience’.

Now he counts Honeysuckles on the Peninsula and Kilcunda on the Bass Coast among his favorite surf spots.

With water as the ultimate equaliser, he enjoys sitting out the back having a chat with ‘Joe Blow’. “You meet all types out in the surf. Builders, doctors, lawyers – just about anyone.” Looking back, he says “In the 70s I found localism and surf rage pretty full on, but now that it’s become so popular and somewhat commercial, it’s forced everybody who surfs to learn to deal with every kook out in the water – which is kind of a good thing.” Meeting a bevy of great people out in the surf, he laments that surfing brings out “the very best and worst in you. You can catch the best wave of your life and feel fantastic - or you don’t catch one, and you come out completely crushed. It’s a difficult lesson to learn.” But it’s a lesson, he recognises, that teaches you acceptance and learning to let go.

So was it surfing that drew him to live by the water? Yes and no. “Coastal living is great. The light. The wind. The water. The great thing about where we live now is that you’ve got these two big bodies of water either side of you, and when you come down from town you feel a change in the atmosphere. We have a different climate to Melbourne and that definitely affects people. When you get those beautiful twilight sunsets on a sunny autumn afternoon – it’s just magic.”

So what of the future for this musician, surfer and poet? He laughs, “I know I’m at the back end of my career now, but I’m still lucky enough to make a living from it.” His dreams include being a member of a crusty old blues band, playing pub gigs purely for pleasure. He says “As Australians, we really struggle to express how we feel, and we don’t tend to sing in public (that’s done by other people), but in the last 20 years we’ve come to appreciate that our bands are doing ‘a real job’ and that definitely is a good thing.” COAST WINTER 2010

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words Lisa Valastro

photo Maria Reed

LOLLY LEGS Maria Jackson

The creases of her hands are black and her voice as rusty as an old chainsaw. She’s as rough and tough as corrugated iron. She swears like a trooper and works like a dog. “You buggers are late,” she bellows, her face forming an enormous grin, as she welcomes us through the gates of ‘Maria’s Recycling Emporium,’ together with a kiss on each of our cheeks.

That’s Maria Jackson for you, a well-known resident, almost an icon of Foster. Nearly everyone in and around the town knows or has heard of Maria. If you haven’t, just take a trip down Amey’s Track in Foster and you’re bound to hear the high flow of expletives amongst the broken toilets, busted television sets and even a few kitchen sinks.

Maria is a scrap-metal dealer for Sims Metal, antique dealer, junkyard proprietor and she’ll even remove your furniture for you. She drives forklifts, trucks, tractors: “anything that’s got a motor underneath it I’ll have a go at,” she says. Maria has been

in the Gippsland region a long time. On the 28th of July it was official. “40 years ago on the knocker” she started up in Foster.

Though as tough as nails, her bark is much worse than her bite.

On the outside, a grizzly bear, the ‘woman of steel’ they call her.

However, if you take the time to sit down and have a cuppa and some sponge cake, you’ll find a gentle lamb. A joyous woman, a real gem, with a heart of pure gold.

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‘If I can make just one person happy each day, I’m doing good. If you multiply that by your lifetime, you done pretty ‘effin good I reckon’

every other room, for that matter. “Don’t ask me to tidy up,” she says with a stern look, “because it’s a non-event, so shut up!”

Deep in conversation, you tend to filter out the expletives flying high and low, and focus on the woman in front of you: a warm, sensitive, somewhat vulnerable lady. A loving mother of four, doting grandmother of two. She looks pretty damn good for someone who recently turned sixty.

There were times during our conversation where my sides and jaw ached from fits of laughter, and I can honestly say that at other times I was fighting back the tears. But Maria is no pushover; she’s in the tough, male-dominated steel industry. “It’s an extremely hard business for a woman to be in,” but she’s tough. “You have to be,” she says.

Just looking at her, you can tell that this woman has lived. She’s been out there and done the hard yards. She knows what it is to be poor, but also incredibly rich, though not so much in material value. Having had her heart broken three times, Maria still believes that the greatest gift is to feel loved. “That’s the truth. That is the most precious thing in the world. I’d say that in a crowded room of people, and not be ashamed. And knowing (focusing on us), that you are here, that you made an attempt to come out in the cold, made an effort to make an appearance, and have shown enough love to walk through that door and say ‘we’re here for you’ – that’s what’s important. If you just analyse that, and focus on how many people have walked through that door, and have made an effort for you, just to acknowledge you – well that’s it – yunno.”

Here is a woman who has the guts to stand up for what she truly believes in. “You have to be comfortable with what you believe.” And rightly so. Maria is determined to call a spade a spade.

“If someone is a bas@#$d, I’ll tell them so to their face; I don’t f%$! around with ‘em. If someone is good to me, they get treated good back. That’s the rules of my game in life. I’ve got a motto: ‘If I can make just one person happy each day, I’m doing good.’ If you multiply that by your lifetime, you’ve done pretty ‘effin. good, I reckon. That’s a f$%&ing lot of people.”

You could say she’s had it tough, with her fair share of injuries and a whole lot of heartache, but time has taught her something- “Don’t get angry – just get even. There’s nothing worse than a woman’s revenge – bloody take it from me. I’ve had it hard, don’t get me wrong, and my job is extremely hard for a woman, but you just have to keep plodding along.”

Some people call her the ‘woman of steel.’ I’d say gold, a trooper, a real inspiration. “I don’t care what you call me,” she says “just don’t call me late for dinner. Forget what they call me, as long as they love me.”

Maria told us that on a visit to the Philippines an elder had said to her, “Maria, you are not only beautiful; you are a woman of the world.” I think you would find for yourself that one visit to meet the ‘woman of steel,’ would prove just that.

COAST SPRING 2006

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Surfings nice guy Sandy Ryan

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“Dad tells me about the early days of surfing on Phillip Island. It was very experimental – there was no guidebook on where the breaks were and when to surf them. Dad and his mates would go and surf breaks that hadn’t really been surfed before.”

Sandy Ryan is the nice guy of the surfing scene. But don’t be misled: nice doesn’t necessarily mean that he isn’t competitive and isn’t out there to win – he’ll just do it with a smile!

Sandy Ryan grew up on Phillip Island and hasn’t really strayed far. Son of surfing legend, Matt Ryan, he had no choice but to get wet from an early age. “When I was about four, I started boogie-boarding . I’d go out at Berry’s Beach with just a little wetsuit vest and no bottoms on! I remember enjoying catching waves, just flying around them.”

Sandy graduated to stand-up surfing at the ripe old age of six.

“It was just a standard short board. Dad was with me in a little shore break that was dumping on the beach. In hindsight it wasn’t the best wave. I had a few pretty bad wipe-outs and ended up rolling up the beach with the leash around my neck and just freaked.” So he was back on the boogie board for a while. “This was good because it gave me experience in the ocean and reading the waves to pick the line up. I just went wherever Dad did, to all the good breaks.”

When he finally started stand-up for real, Sandy was hooked.

“It was just fantastic, really addictive. Now, if I have a few days when I don’t surf, I just feel itchy and have to go for a surf or into the ocean in some way.” It was inevitable that he start competing. “I just went out and caught as many waves as I could. I came last in my heat! I had about 40 more waves than anyone else; the other guys were just waiting for their three good ones. These days, I am a lot more patient, and wait for

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the better waves.” These days he also wins.

After competing only on a short board, he tried a few comps on a long board – just for fun. “A long board is big and slow.

There’s not a rush to move all over the waves. You can just stand there and enjoy the ride. It’s a nice, flowing, slowcarving style. You can even run up and down the board. It’s like you are in slow mo. Instead of being quick and doing a snap, you can get your timing sorted and enjoy it.”

Sandy balances the “slow mo” of long-board surfing with some big-wave action. “Big waves are an adrenalin rush – scary at times, but you feel very satisfied afterwards. The biggest waves I’ve surfed were in Fiji. We towed into them: they were way too large to paddle into. It was ok because I’ve been surfing long enough to know how to put myself in a safe situation.

Today Sandy works with his dad Matt at Island Surfboards and teaches others to surf. “Dad tells me about the early days of surfing on Phillip Island. It was very experimental – there was no guidebook on where the breaks were and when to surf them. Dad and his mates would go and surf breaks that hadn’t really been surfed before. There are still breaks out there to discover. Maybe not on Phillip Island, but around our coast.”

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Dave Fincher is my idol. I always call him up to have a surf. Despite his age, he’s like a grommet. He’s not afraid to come out when the waves are big and gnarly when guys a quarter his age are scared.”

Sandy would still “love to be surfing when I’m 75” and my guess is that it will still be on Phillip Island.

The Island is in the 26 -year-old’s blood. “I can’t see myself moving. Along with dad, Local guys Glyndon Ringrose, Simon Mcshane and Adrian Maier have had a really big influence on me. Dave Fincher is my idol. I always call him up to have a surf. Despite his age, he’s like a grommet. He’s not afraid to come out when the waves are big and gnarly when guys a quarter his age are scared.”

His favourite island wave is Express. “It’s a good, hollow wave. I surf out there all the time and so do a lot of my friends. It’s a social get-together in a way. We just hang out and talk between sets and then a wave comes and you take off and potentially get one of the best waves of your life. It’s special.”

COAST SPRING 2009

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SNAKE ISLAND muster coast 77

Swish - swish - swish - swish. That’s the sound of horse’s tails and hundreds of legs of cattle walking through the water on one of Gippsland’s fionest traditions – the Snake Island cattle muster.

Next year marks 100 years of continual cattle grazing on Snake Island. Named for its shape rather than the wildlife, this sandy strip in the lee of Wilson’s Promontory, is a perfect winter pasture for cattle from surrounding farms.

Horseback musters are rare enough these days, but what makes Snake Island unique, thrilling and even dangerous is the crossing of Lewis Channel. This is the only place in Australia where cattle are taken through the water to be agisted on an island.

During the crossing, you have to trust your horse and the pilots to guide you and the cattle safely from shore to shore.

Only a select few are qualified to lead the water crossing.

These ‘pilots’ have a large stake in the tradition. Many of them following in their father’s and grandfather’s ‘hoof’steps. It’s only the pilot’s word that allows you to cross. The decision is based on a complicated mix of the right tide, wind and weather conditions. No one wants to repeat the disaster of 1933 when one hundred head of cattle was lost due to bad weather causing panic on the crossing. Luckily no other losses have been reported since that date.

Today we are here to witness the men and women of the Snake Island Cattleman’s Association bringing home the winter cattle. (All cattle must be off the island by Spring.)

Scanning the shore as we motor along with skipper Frank in his boat, the Tom Thumb, we spy a dark shape on the shore. It slowly extends to reveal a line of horses and riders protecting

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a mob of cattle. They enter the water to begin the crossing home.

We moor the boat at the deepest and most treacherous part of the crossing: a channel where the cattle have to swim a little and the horses are on their ‘tippy toes’. I have to declare a pang of envy as the group gets closer. We are so close that we hear the splashing, cattle calling, the snap of the stockwhip and chatter of the horsemen and women. But as one who has participated in the journey several times, it’s not the same as being part of it on a trusty steed.

The pilots lead the group; their knowledge and experience guiding the horses and cattle through the water. The other riders flank the herd calling, cracking their whips and keeping the cattle in a tight pack. It’s a spectacular sight and I really feel as if I am witnessing a special piece of history.

Once through the water, the mob comes ashore and wanders along a tree-lined road towards the yards. A riderless horse indicates a foot search is in progress for a stray cow, which has escaped into the bush.

Back at the cattle yards near Port Welshpool, the twenty-six musterers are cold, wet and tired but in good spirits after an early morning start and several solid days of mustering the mob. It’s a challenging and time consuming job – but there’s no complaints from this workforce, many of whom own the cattle they are droving.

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In, around and about the Bass Coast since 2007.

“We got 211 and left about six behind,” says pilot and cattleman David Jones. “I’m the fourth generation of my family coming to Snake Island. It’s just something that has been handed down over the years. You keep going over and getting the experience and the organisation puts their trust in you and makes you a pilot.”

The 3.8 kilometre water crossing takes about an hour and a half. “There’s a special route that we travel. Many years ago, we used a path, which had some very deep channels. The cattle had to do a few strokes and the horses had to tiptoe along the bottom – you’d get wet below the belly button every time,” says David who has been going to the island nearly every fortnight since he was thirteen and always used to have a day off school to join the muster.

Agistment on Snake Island was originally opened up to dairy cattle from the hill-block farms in the surrounding Strzelecki Ranges. Feed on these farms was scarce during winter and it often meant the difference between farmers surviving on their land or having to leave. Today both dairy and beef cattle are taken over.

Knowing he’d have a few stories up his sleeve, I ask Dave for

some tall tales. “There’s lots of great stories, but what happens on Snake Island stays on Snake Island! It’s all in good fun, there’s no harm. There’s the funny side and the hard work side like when you get up at 5am to muster cows,” he says.

Another Snake Island character is Wally Cayzer, from Buffalo, who was the second pilot on this trip. He and horse, Brandy, make at least ten trips to Snake Island each year. “It’s just a love of horses and cattle,” says Wally. “I’ve been working with cattle all of my life. I guess every young fella would like to live in Queensland in 1926 when the whole world revolved around horses and cattle, but it didn’t happen for me. Late in life I heard about Snake Island. I came as a guest and, here I am, one of the old brigade!”

Wally earned the badge of pilot through experience and seniority. “These days we have tide charts but you also need knowledge. It’s knowing when to go, if the sands have shifted and how much water there should be. It’s more than finding your way over to the island; it’s a big responsibility.”

Once on the island, says Wally, the focus turns to the muster.

“The most satisfying moment is going out and getting the cattle you are looking for. Getting those that have always

One hundred years of continuous agistment, plus an estimated century of grazing on and off before that, makes it a time honoured tradition.

One that the Snake Island cattlemen and women will share with their children and grandchildren.

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beaten you. “It’s just a wonderful experience riding around in the bush and seeing the animals. There’s Sea Eagle nesting over there now. It’s just beautiful to show people the eagle that’s been nesting there for ten years, also koalas and emus – it’s a great turn on for anyone who loves nature.”

There’s also a vibrant social life at night when friends get together and have a few drinks and the cooks put on a great spread. “We work hard, but we play hard too,” says Wally.

One hundred years of continuous agistment, plus an estimated century of grazing on and off before that, makes it a time honoured tradition. One that the Snake Island cattlemen and women will share with their children and grandchildren.

“The future for Snake Island is twofold,” says Dave.

“There’s tourism, we hold a license to take people over to experience the island, and there’s the cattle agistment side. Wally echoes these thoughts. “We maintain the cattle agistment> “I’ve been working with cattle all of my life. I guess every young fella would like to live in Queensland in

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journey of life LUAL A GOK

Lual is a refugee from the Sudan who escaped his war torn country and now lives in Wonthaggi

Marriage is an expensive proposition in Sudan. “The cost of a wife is now $20,000,” explains Lual A. Gok, one of about 30 Sudanese refugees living in South Gippsland. Luckily Lual met his wife Aluel when dowries were relatively low. “My wife’s dowry consisted of 15 cows and about US$2,000 dollars,” he says. But poor and unemployed, Lual couldn’t afford to complete the dowry down payment to Aluel’s father. “I only paid him half,” he explains.

Aluel’s father took his pregnant daughter back to his home causing Lual to miss the birth of his first son Aguer. Thankfully Lual’s cousin in Australia came to the rescue by giving Lual the $1,500 needed while Lual’s brother supplied the 15 cows. Aluel and Lual were reunited at a refugee camp in Kakuma, northwest Kenya, only to be separated again when he came to Australia last year. >

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‘We were given a choice - we could walk back home and risk dying on the way or join the army.’

Since arriving in Australia the non-drinking, non-smoking father-of-two is still undergoing culture shock. “In Australia I don’t hear the sound of a gun or any discrimination or harassment,” says Lual. “I feel happy because we can hold a mobile phone and no one would come and grab it,” he says.

At just 15 years of age Lual and the other children from his village in Panyagor were marched 1,000 kilometres to neighbouring Ethiopia. The Sudanese Liberation Army had tricked the village elders into believing a ‘better school’ lay ahead for the children. Those 3,000 or so children, as young as 10, who didn’t die of malaria, starvation or dehydration on their gruelling three-month journey were greeted not with a school but army uniforms. “We were given a choice of walking back home (risking dying along the way) or joining the army. We didn’t even know the way home,” says Lual.

Lual spent the next 11 years in the army away from his family fighting against the Sudanese Muslim government. Lual talks proudly of his time in the army where he wore two stars on his lapel. “If you fight for your freedom and die, that should be good for you,” he says. In 1992 when his regiment attacked the town of Juba the government retaliated with jet fighters and bombs supplied by Iraq. “A lot of people died. There were only a few people who survived like me,” he says. Seeing the psychological scars of war on those around him Lual decided to train to be a mental health worker while at a refugee camp in Kakuma. “I wanted to help people affected by war,” he says.

In Kakuma there were more than 60,000 Sudanese as well as Somalians, Congolese, Rwandans, and people from Zaire. “Being a refugee is never good,” says Lual, “I applied for a job for 2 years, but people from Kenya are not welcoming. It is very hot and dry, there is no air.” To keep amused they would play soccer, basketball and Sudanese ‘tennis’. The refugee camp in Kakuma was also dangerous. In 2003 the Takuna people, native to the area, killed 25 refugees while looking for money and food. Whilst Lual was tempted to return to Sudan to be with his family, his cousin convinced him to come to Australia by saying, “Whatever you want, you’ll get in Australia.

Australia is so good. You’ll get a better future.”

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Unique Getaways For The Curious

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We’ve all had that feeling when travelling to far flung, new and exotic places - a nervous anticipation and light-hearted buzz, a heightened sense of awareness and excitement where colours seem brighter and sounds more acute. At Dufflebird, we believe you don’t need to travel to the ends of the earth to get this joyful feeling.

Over the years we have adopted an eclectic group of Victorian holiday homes, places that we think activate the energising emotions of travel, and have enough warmth, charm, and quirkiness to inspire a wry smile.

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A COMPLETE EDUCATION Prep - Year 12

Newhaven College is an independent school on Phillip Island that offers an outstanding academic and personal education for students from Prep to Year 12. Every student is encouraged to achieve their own personal best based on the College values of Excellence, Responsibility, Honesty, Respect and Empathy.

Our professional teaching staff are second to none and create learning environments which inspire curiosity and creativity. To balance the academic and personal needs of our students, wellbeing programs are embedded into the curriculum at all year levels to build the self-esteem and conďŹ dence that is required for children to learn effectively and grow into well-rounded young people.

For Open Day and College Tour dates, visit www.newhavencol.vic.edu.au Enrolment enquiries - Belinda Manning - 5956 7505, belinda.manning@newhavencol.vic.edu.au

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‘The Dinka traditional dance involves up to 1000 people all singing and dancing and even wrestling’

While Lual has found the work hard he is glad to be here. “All people are welcoming in Australia, not like in Kenya,” he says. Unfortunately while the dowry was still being sorted Lual wasn’t paid in time for his medical check. “So I didn’t include Aluel when I applied for my visa to come to Australia. I didn’t call her my wife because I didn’t complete the dowry according to Dinka Law,” he explains.

He left his wife and children in Nairobi because it was too dangerous for a woman to stay on her own in the camp. Lual pays Aluel’s rent and food, which is about US$100 per week. “I miss them,” he says holding back the tears. Before they can join him Lual has to undergo DNA testing to prove that he is the father of the children. This will cost him $3,000.

While he doesn’t drink, smoke or watch AFL Lual likes to get together with other Sudanese people in Australia and dance. The Dinka traditional dance involves up to 1,000 people all singing and dancing and even wrestling. “If you like to sing you can describe the colour of your cattle,” he says of farming in Sudan. Lual means ‘red colour of cows’.

While Australian law doesn’t permit multiple wives Lual may be relieved – in Sudan each wife must have her own house. However he would like to have more kids. “Maybe five. It’s traditional to have 10 or so kids,” he says.

“I am hoping for a better life for my wife and children and myself in Australia.” Lual plans to go back to school and study Mental Health. “It would be so much better than the abattoirs,” he says.

Supporting people like Lual are local student Melanie Mumford. She is a member of Rural Australians for Refugees (RAR) formed in NSW as an advocacy group in response to Tampa. The South Gippsland branch is three years old and has 270 members. They fundraise and support refugees in and out of detention centres. In 2004 they organised a Sudanese Cultural Day to raise awareness and break down barriers. They got dancers from Melbourne. “It was quite an experience,” says Melanie. Their next project is surf lessons. If you would like to join the RAR or help the Red Cross then please contact Melanie on 5678 3255.

COAST AUTUMN 2006

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SCHOOL VISION:

“To educate our students to communicate, to be kind, to be safe and to be life long learners.�

We accept enrolments at all times of the year provided the eligibility criteria has been met.

03 5672 4474 | bass.coast.ss@edumail.vic.gov.au | www.basscoastss.vic.edu.au | 6 McKenzie Street, Wonthaggi

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POWER OF THE POWLETT

For thousands of years, the Powlett River has meandered through 500 square kilometres of catchment from its source in the Strzelecki Ranges to the wild waters of Bass Strait.

Where this mighty river meets the sea is the Powlett Estuary at Kilcunda. Here, the water slows and freshwater mixes with the sea amidst a magnificent backdrop of pristine white dunes, swaying river reeds and coastal forest paths leading to sweeping ocean beaches. This sacred landscape has been cared for over thousands of years to this day by the Bunurong People.

Estuaries like the Powlett are spread along our coast providing refuge for nature and visitors. Despite their calm nature, they are dynamic places. They can be connected or disconnected from the ocean by a sandbar from one day to the next and water levels rise and fall with the tides. They are sometimes dominated by fresh river water, and at other times salty sea water, or a mixture of the two. For the animals and plants that live and visit these environments, these naturally changing conditions are their survival. Rises and falls in water levels and the movement and mixing of fresh and saltwater brings access to new habitat, new supplies of food and an opportunity for fish to breed and migrate or for plants to spread their seeds and germinate.

The Powlett Estuary is listed as a wetland of national significance and provides refuge for many rare and endangered plants and animals including Hooded Plovers and the critically endangered Orange Bellied Parrot. The surrounding saltmarsh and coastal wetlands are rare and protected in Victoria with 22 species of fish living in the estuary including the native Australian Grayling that relies on coastal rivers such as this for survival.

The power of the Powlett is palpable with its beauty and tranquillity giving it a sacred feel that is enjoyed by walkers, swimmers, fishers, dreamers and kayakers.

Upstream, a dedicated team including West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (WGCMA) staff, Water Watch volunteers and partners Bass Coast Landcare Network cares for the river through programs of restoration, revegetation and removing weeds such as willows.

WGCMA Waterway Projects Officer is passionate about the Powlett and its ever-changing moods.

“Many of our wildlife rely on these environments for survival, particularly our birds and fish. The Powlett and other estuaries in our region naturally close their connection to the ocean during low river flows, this process is very important particularly during dry periods when wetland habitat is limited across the landscape.”

WGCMA believes that learning to understand these cycles and working with them is the key. “Past practices potentially threatened these environments, but the future is looking positive, thanks to the willingness of our local community to share this incredible learning journey with us. The most important thing we can do is raise awareness of this important landscape. I just love the Powlett at sunset – especially when the mouth is closed and the water is still.”

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words Sally O’Neill & Everett O’Keefe photo Everett O’Keefe

captured travel everette o’keefe Wonthaggi-based Everett O’Keeffe has a pretty serious addiction to travel and he’s more than serious about photography.

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THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SPONSORS FOR THE LAST SEVEN YEARS, SEE YOU IN 2022 Alex Scott & Staff, RACV Resort Inverloch, Inverloch Community Branch Bendigo Bank, Bass Coast Shire Council, Marion ChapmanArtist, BJS Insurance Brokers, Yachtmaster Sailing School, UK Halsey, Drift Media, Club Marine, Marine Timbers, AFI Branding, Ian Simonds Solicitor, Guilio Marcolongo-Wood Carver, Southern Bazaar, PurpleX, Burke Marine, Gale & Rimington, Dennis Ginn, Inverloch News Agency, AUS Sailmakers, Woodland Heath, Ullathorne Park, Crescent Estate, Broadbeach Inverloch, Andrew Chapman Consulting Engineer, Wonthaggi Citizens Band, Inverloch Foodworks Supermarket, Allan Driver, Mike Gibbins, Beach Box, Big 4 Caravan Park, South Coast First National, Lewis Stone Real Estate, Slice of Paradise Bakery, Inverloch Pharmacy, Stockdale and Leggo Wonthaggi, Inverloch Central Motel, Earth Art Studio, Hotondo, Serious Surf Stuff, Isabella McLean, Inverloch Fish and Chips, Jeff Cole, Vaughans Café Deli, Motel on A’Beckett, Rod Bending World of Fishing, Vella 9 Restaurant, Inverloch Motel, Dimension Polyant Sailcloth Technology, Ronstan, Boat Books, LJ Hooker, Eugenies Luxury Accommodation, Paul the Pie Man, Coffees Up, Doyle Sailmakers, Mr Video, Peter Green Sails, Terry Hall, Willow, ‘Inverloch 3996’, South Eastern Sails, Donmix, Inverloch Quality Meats, Mark Rimington, Leongatha Star, Burra Brewing Co., South Gippsland Sentinel Times, Hartas Productions.

Inverloch and District Lions Club, Rotary Club of Inverloch, Rotary Club of Wonthaggi, Inverloch Historical Society, Wooden Boat Association, Inverloch Tourism Association, Inverloch Scouts, Australian Sailfish Enthusiasts, International Moth Class Association, Inverloch Bowling Club

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“I’m bit of an adventure man,”admits Everett O’Keeffe. He and his wife Louise, travelled across many continents to capture images from a tiny Vieillot’s Black Weaver bird to a vast Himalayan landscape that took 22 individual photos to represent and left him with an extremely bad case of altitude sickness.

The recent birth of his daughter Savannah has provided him with his “greatest adventure” to date. Here we present some of his favourite photographs and hear the story behind the image. “The world is such a phenomenal place. To bear witness to the interactions between animals and their environment is a privilege. This wonder could be wiped out, but it is all preventable,” he says.

Mountain gorillas, Rwanda

Seeing the gentle nature of the mountain gorillas and how they interacted as an extended family unit in Rwanda was a life changing experience. To stare into an animal’s eyes and know intuitively that they have a same understanding of the interaction is a photographer and wildlife enthusiasts dream. Adolescents played up for the camera, the mothers cradled and protected their young and the alpha male silverback glared at us until he was satisfied that we knew who has in charge.

Walking amongst the great mountain gorillas, it was

easy to agree with Darwin, that somewhere in the evolution of life, we have shared a common ancestry with them. I often look at these series of the mountain gorilla photographs as they are my favourite subject. Sadly, some photographs have our guards/guides in the background with machine guns. It reminds of how close the mountain gorillas are to the Congan border, civil wars and extinction. I live in hope, but wonder if my 18 month-old daughter, Savannah, will walk amongst these noble creatures and share their world.

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Latrobe City is a foodie hub bursting with a range of produce either grown or handmade right on our doorstep. Here, we speak to a number of local artisans, farmers and cooks who offer delicious food and beverages to appeal to every taste: from the staple to the surprising, the fine to the full-flavoured. Please note, we take no responsibility for the effects on your appetite caused by reading this feature.

HURRICANE BAKES

MARINOS DELI

T & S HONEY

@hurricanebakes

@marinocontinentaldeli

@TSHoneyAU

When talented local cake maker Lauren Heard was asked by her brother and sister-inlaw to make their wedding cake, she decided the time had arrived to venture into her own business creating cakes.

When you shop at Marinos Deli, be prepared to leave with more goodies than you intended to buy. The unique store is a special find in the heart of Morwell.

“Now, with two children under two at home, I am very lucky to have such a supportive family to give me the time to bake.”

Hurricane Bakes offers free delivery in Gippsland and the Latrobe Valley. You can find the business on Facebook and Instagram.

Operated by brothers Con and Michael Mavrofridis, Marinos Deli stocks a delectable variety of Gippsland products, such as sourdough bread by Gippsland Wild Yeast Bakery, cheese by Maffra Cheese and meats from Garfield Smokehouse.

Marinos Deli is located at 20-22 Church Street, Morwell, and is open to the public as per regular hours, despite the COVID pandemic.

WATERWHEEL ORCHARDS 250 Fishers Road, Boolarra Treat yourself to berries during the COVID19 pandemic. Sandy and Michael Boka of Waterwheel Orchards, Boolarra sell frozen berries and jams year-round.

EAGLEHAWK CREEK FARM @EaglehawkCreekFarmProduce Chris and Geena Pettigrove operate Eaglehawk Creek Farm Produce at Glengarry North, raising free range pork.

Their fresh cuts of pork and small goods include bacon, kabana, ham, chorizo and kranskies.

Simone’s customers love their honey for many reasons. The first batch of honey from T&S Honey was available just as COVID-19 hit Australia, prompting Simone to change the entire business plan from market-based sales to retail stores, wholesale, online sales and delivery. www.facebook.com/TSHoneyAU info@tshoney.com.au

FIRKIN CELLARS @firkincellars More people have been brewing beer at home during the COVID lockdowns and the team from Firkin Cellars has been there to guide them.

Their jams are available at Yinnar General Store, Marino Deli in Morwell, My Italy Your Greece in Traralgon, Boolarra General Store, Grow Lightly in Korumburra and Sherwood Park Orchard in Bunyip.

“There have been new people wanting to learn how to brew, through to current home brewers upgrading equipment into all grain brewing, and brewers trying new ingredients and different processes,” Firkin’s Karl Bennett said.

To order, send a message via Facebook Waterwheel Orchards or phone 0437 641 072.

Pick-up on-farm by appointment only.

THE BISCUIT SHOP

Firkin Cellars, in Morwell, offers everything the home brewer needs - ingredients, equipment and beer dispensing gear – to craft their own beverages at home, whether it be beer, wine, soft drink, mead and more.

@naturalwildyeast Marcus Winnick’s famed sourdough bread is made from a mother culture that is 40 years old and he has studied his craft with the world’s best in Europe.

Marcus operates Gippsland Wild Yeast Bakery at Morwell and as a wholesaler, sells direct to farmers’ markets and select businesse in Morwell, Traralgon South, Trafalgar and Warragul.

There are no baker’s yeast, dairy, soy, added bread improvers or fats.

His roast pumpkin and rosemary loaves are made with slow-roasted pumpkin. The mother culture is fed with flour and water every second day to produce the wild yeast that underpins the distinctive flavour of his loaves.

NARKOOJEE @narkoojee Narkoojee winery at Glengarry is a family affair.

Harry and Val Friend run the winery and restaurant with their son Axel.

The winery received a five red star status from esteemed wine critic, James Halliday, and four wines scored 94 points and above in the 2020 Halliday Wine Companion.

The Narkoojee restaurant offers seasonal menus inspired by the Mediterranean.

People can buy wines via their website or social media. Wines can also be bought in restaurants, cafes and liquor shops across Gippsland and Melbourne. www.narkoojee.com facebook.com/narkoojee instagram.com/narkoojeewinery

@thebiscuitshopboolarra The Biscuit Shop at Boolarra is a family business run by Jamie and Sarina Sciberras.

A baker and pastry cook with more than 20 years’ experience, Jamie developed the recipes for his hand-made biscuits and tarts over five years.

During the COVID pandemic, the couple has reached new customers by selling through the Victorian Country Farmers’ Market website.

The Biscuit Shop’s famed collection of yo-yos includes such flavours as plain, chocolate, Nutella, 100s and 1000s, chocmint, jaffa and cappuccino.

www.eaglehawkcreekfarm.com.au www.facebook.com/ EaglehawkCreekFarmProduce

That daughter, Simone Krejzlik, now runs T&S Honey, a small-scale beekeeping business providing Gippsland-based honey and beeswax products, including candles and lip balms.

Customers can buy frozen berries and jam from the property, phone to arrange delivery or buy from the Waterwheel Orchards’ stall at the Traralgon Farmers’ Market.

Local customers place orders through the Eaglehawk Creek Farm Produce website and pick-up by appointment or at farmers’ markets, including Traralgon’s.

Eaglehawk Creek Farm Produce is located at 1115 Traralgon-Maffra Road, Glengarry North.

Visit them by appointment or click and collect online:

A bee-keeping business at Toongabbie grew from a father introducing his daughter to hobby bee-keeping during her teenage years.

GIPPSLAND WILD YEAST BAKERY

The Biscuit Shop has expanded its product range by selling yo-yo making kits with everything people need – except butter – to enjoy the process of baking – as well as the outcome.

Phone: 0499 602 562

ISLAND GRAZE GIPPSLAND @islandgrazegippsland Island Graze Gippsland is run by Islynde Anne and offers grazing tables, boxes and boards for all occasions, and catering for any event: weddings, parties, corporate events and more.

“I’ve had so much interest in grazing boxes for contactless delivery for people to enjoy while isolating, including gifts for birthdays, because no-one can visit their friends and family,” Islynde said.

Customers can support Island Graze by liking its Facebook page and sharing posts, and recommending the business to friends and family.

Mountain gorillas, Rwanda At ten frames a second my camera makes quite a racket in the stillness of Rwandan jungle. One particular infant was quite intrigued by the noise of the camera and large glass lens staring at him. Ever inquisitive as an infant should be, and not understanding the rules of distance required between human and gorilla for their safety, she kept inching towards me away from mum’s watchful eye. As soon as she got within a metre or two, her mum would interrupt her repose, reach back, grab one leg and yank her back into her safety. Enjoying the game as much as I, she would sit still until her mum’s eyes closed and then begin to move forward again.

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17 Korumburra Road, Wonthaggi

THE

PLACE TO BE

Ms Bettys cafe is the creation of sisters Jarney and Britt Thomas. The girls wanted to create somewhere with a friendly vibe where locals and visitors could feel warm and welcome. The cafe aims to produce healthy, high quality food like superfood smoothies, Acai bowls, Buddha bowls and burgers, all while keeping it at a great price point. Above all the girls share a dedication and commitment to providing great food in an inviting space for holidaymakers and locals alike.

A purpose-built Yoga & Meditation studio with Treatment Rooms, ArtSpaces, Art Exhibitions and a Holisitic Hair Dresser. This stunning converted warehouse is located behind the bustling Wonthaggi Market and Ms Bettys Cafe. Soulspace is open daily offering Yoga, Meditation, Workshops, Kids Yoga, Family Friendly Yoga, Art Classes, Art Shows ,Massage and Hairdressing.

Pop in or email yogawithnikkidawn@gmail.com.

This award winning market is an all-weather, all-day and all-ages destination. It has a community soul, representing over 40 microbusiness stalls, showcasing handmade, upcycled and quality preloved collectibles and high qualitysecond hand clothing, jewellery, and bric-a-brac. Ms Betty’s serves inconic Seven Seeds coffee and divine homemade goodies.

Soulspace is co-located featuring a yoga studio, wellness practioners, holisitc hairdresser and art space. The market is open daily except Xmas day, from 9.30-4.30.

OPEN 7 Days

M-F 6:30am - 3-ish Sat 8.30am Sun 9am

17 Korumburra Road, Wonthaggi (opposite Bunnings) | Open 7 days

0413 390 889

msbettycafe@gmail.com

@msbettycafe

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@msbettyscafe | @thewonthaggimarket | @soulspace_

Sea cave (Shark Tooth Cave, Vava’u, Tonga)

My ever obliging and patient my wife, posed for this shot at mouth of a sea cave, aptly named after the inordinate amount of shark teeth at the bottom, where White-tipped Reef Sharks gather in large numbers and many give birth there.

Communication underwater is particularly difficult, without adding a model to direct, nor should you ever be that far from your dive buddy. However, it was the only way to have a reference point to show the enormity of the cave entrance. It was a particularly memorable dive as we surfaced inside the cave at an air pocket, only to find a sea krait (snake) basking in the darkness on rocks inside.

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Tree-climbing Lions, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Ishasha, Uganda

This is the only place in the world where lions live in trees. The Ishasha section of the National Park, is quite unique in topography and animal behavior.

The lions seem to be separated from their northern relatives by this behavior and the fact that the males have darkened manes. They laze about a large tree sprawled out during the heat of the day to aid in cooling themselves. Despite this particular tree holding ten lions, they were hard to see until we were right underneath them. Being king of the jungle, their only acknowledgment of our presence was to slowly open one eye and then go back to sleep.

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A huge variety of stalls in a vibrant, friendly atmosphere selling antiques, vintage, locally crafted goods, exotica from far off lands, jewellery, clothing, plants & more.

Weird, Wacky and Wonderful Antiques, Vintage and More.

1 Murray Street Wonthaggi (opposite Aldi, enter through Wolf on Murray café) 0419 362 978. Open 9am – 5pm, Sundays 9am – 4pm

“Two Black Noddys started flying into one another displaying phenomenal acrobatics. It only lasted less than a minute, but revealed the precise nature in which they can interact.�

Black Noddy

In November 2009, I was invited on an ecology research expedition to Lihou Reef, on the north coast of Australia. Lihou Reef is the size of the ACT and has numerous islets and sand cays. It is an important seabird-nesting site for some rare species. Due to the remoteness of Lihou Reef, much is still to be studied.

The permits to study these sand cays are quite restrictive to preserve the ecology and protect the species upon them. Just as the time came to depart this particular sand cay for the day, these two Black Noddys started flying into one another displaying phenomenal acrobatics. It only lasted less than a minute, but revealed the precise nature in which they can interact. The photographs showed the great speeds at which they could manoeuvre - even at ten frames a second, each photograph was remarkable and quite different.

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Visit us to find an eclectic collection of kitchenware, gifts and souvenirs.

Take your time to browse and discover our vast array of treasures.

(03) 5977 0708 | 34 Main St, Mornington ideasbythebay.com.au | ideasbythebay@yahoo.com.au

We are passionate about delivering holistic treatments and personal care to create perfect harmony within the inner and outer self.

Treatments are performed in a warm and friendly environment with a nurturing therapist that will ensure your visit is a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. We invite you to come on a journey to create total beauty and a sense of well-being.

For bookings or more information please call or contact us online now.

SHOP 5, 33-39 McBRIDE AVENUE, WONTHAGGI 03 5672 3800 REVIVEBEAUTYTHERAPY.COM.AU @revivebeautyandspa @revivebeautyandspa

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Ama Dablam, Himalaya Range, Nepal (6856m) and Khumba Valley The image is many photos stitched together. When acclimatising to altitude in preparation of higher summits, it is common to climb high and sleep a little lower. This practice allowed us the opportunity to climb a pass and look into the Khumba Valley, with the glorious Ama Dablam peak. This is quite a difficult technical peak and quite a notch on one’s belt. The weather only cleared for a few minutes to allow us a glimpse of the mountain, and to take a few images, before cloud cover shrouded it again.

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STEAK HOUSE &

FOO

D

S

EA

Specialising in Seafood and Steak cuisine.

Cocktails a speciality 115 Thompson Ave, Cowes VIC 3922 0405 946 505

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FOOD AND WINE A TASTE FOR ALL SEASONS Take your tastebuds on a culinary exploration of the coast.

With an abundance of fresh, local produce, talented chefs and a bountiful ocean - it’s a food lovers paradise!

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From antipasto to dessert we have tonight’s meal and next week’s dinner party covered.

With take away meals to suit every size table, on and off site catering, events, cheese/meat platters, a fully stocked cellar from around the world and light lunches, the Pantry is your one stop shop!

Local and international food and beverages are showcased in store, so come indulge your taste buds!

Home of Fridays on the Deck (street food and live music), follow us on FB to keep up with our events, from Oktoberfest to cooking classes and garden BBQ’s.

82 Whitelaw Street, Meeniyan, 3956 (03) 5602 2124 Check facebook for seasonal openings @meeniyan_pantry_and_cellar

@meeniyanpantryandcellar

WHERE TO EAT

A quick guide to the best eateries in Gippland.

BONEO DISCOVERY PARK

FORK & WAFFLE

695 Limestone Road, Fingal Call 5988 6385 www.boneodiscoverypark.com.au Licensed kiosk

1 Murray St, Wonthaggi Call 0405 941 837 Find us on Facebook Murray Street Bazaar Delicious café food with market stalls

BURRA BREWING

KONGWAK MARKET

CHAMPIONS CAFÉ @ THE CIRCUIT

LA CASA SAWTELLIS

CHURCHILL ISLAND CAFE

LITTLE PIG - AT THE PACKING HOUSE

12 Commercial St, Korumburra Call 5658 1446 www.burrabrewingco.com.au Craft beers, wood-fired pizza, salads & more

Back Beach Road, Phillip Island Call 5952 9400 www.phillipislandcircuit.com.au Modern, café style lunches and snacks

Samuel Amess Drive, Newhaven Call 5956 7834 www.penguins.org.au Rustic, wholesome & hearty homestyle cooking

Korumburra-Wonthaggi Rd, Kongwak Call 0417 142 478 Find us on Facebook Great curries and scrumptious, homemade treats

129 Sth Gippsland Hwy, Tooradin Call 5998 3837 Find us on Facebook Divine coffee, wood fired pizza and beautiful artwork

14 Mornington-Tyabb Rd, Tyabb Call 5977 4414 www.tyabbpackinghouseantiques.com.au Browse antiques & enjoy tasty café fare

DIRTY THREE WINES

LUCINDA ESTATE

FIG & OLIVE STEAK AND SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

MARU – HOMESTEAD BISTRO

64 Cashin St, Inverloch Call 5606 8128 www.dirtythreewines.com.au Distinctive wines and cheese platters

115 Thompson Ave, Cowes Call 0405 946 505 www.figandolivesteakhouse.com.au A seasonally changing restaurant of modern cuisine

108 Parr St, Leongatha Call 0417 337 270 www.lucindaestate.com.au Delicious wines, ciders and woodfired pizza

1650 Bass Highway, Grantville Call 5678 8548 www.marukoalapark.com.au Tasty bistro menu and wildlife park

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For everyday celebrations and special occasions Oceanfront Restaurant Phillip Island 1215 Phillip Island Road, Newhaven, Victoria 3925 hello@thecapekitchen.com.au T 03 5956 7200 thecapekitchen.com.au facebook/thecapekitchen @thecapekitchen thecapekitchen

MEENIYAN PANTRY AND CELLAR

PURPLE HEN WINERY

MS BETTY’S CAFÉ

RACV INVERLOCH

NUI DAT CAFÉ

RATTLING RED CAFE

PHILLIP ISLAND CHOCOLATE FACTORY

SAN REMO FISHERMANS CO-OP

PHILLIP ISLAND NATURE PARK CAFE

SWEET LIFE CAFÉ & CAKES

PHILLIP ISLAND RSL

THE BAY GOURMET

82 Whitelaw St, Meeniyan Call 5602 2124 www.meeniyanpantryandcellar.com.au Exquisite foods and wines from around the world

Wonthaggi Market, 17 Korumburra Rd Call 0413 390 889 Find us on Facebook Bowls, burgers, smoothies and more

25 Veterans Drive, Newhaven Call 5956 6400 Find us on Facebook Vietnam Veterans Museum Tasty café fare and museum

930 Phillip Island Rd, Newhaven Call 5956 6600 www.phillipislandchocolatefactory.com.au Delicious curries, coffee & treats

1019 Ventnor Rd, Summerlands Call 5952 2800 www. www.penguins.org.au See little penguins and enjoy delicious café food 225-243 Thompson Ave, Cowes Call 5952 1004 www.pirsl.com.au Quality food and beverages

96 Mcfees Rd, Rhyll Call 5956 9244 www.purplehenwines.com.au Cool climate wines with plates to nibble

70 Cape Paterson-Inverloch Rd, Inverloch Call 5674 0000 www.racv.com.au Local produce produced with imagination and flair

Tyabb packing house, 14 Mton Tyabb Rd, Tyabb Call 5977 4414 www.tyabbpackinghouseantiques.com.au>cafes Classic café food in an old ‘red rattler’

170 Marine Parade, San Remo Call 5678 5206 www.srfco.com.au Delicious fish n chips & ocean-fresh fish

Shop 2, 3 Bair Street, Leongatha Call 0409 863 299 Find us on Facebook Café fare and mouth-watering cakes

127-129 Jupiter Blvd, Venus Bay Call 5663 7227 Find us on Facebook The perfect place for breakfast or brunch

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WELCOME TO OUR FOOD AND WINE STORE IN BEAUTIFUL VENUS BAY, SOUTH GIPPSLAND. WE OFFER A RELAXING ALL DAY CAFE WITH AN EXCELLENT SELECTION OF BEVERAGES. THERE IS SOMETHING TO SUIT ALL TASTES AND OUR INSTORE PROVIDORE OFFERS HAMPERS, GIFTWARE AND THE BAY GOURMET PRESERVES.

THE BAY GOURMET FOOD & WINE STORE 03 5663 7227 contact@thebaygourmet.com.au 127-129 Jupiter Boulevard, Venus Bay VIC Open 7:30 - 3:30 everyday | Closed on Wednesdays

THE CAPE KITCHEN

THE OCEAN VIEW HOTEL

THE CLUBHOUSE

THE PALMS RESTAURANT AND BAR

1215 Phillip Island Rd, Newhaven Call 5956 7200 www.thecapekitchen.com.au Delicious, ocean-front dining

11 Doctor Sleeman Dve, Wonthaggi Call 5672 1437 Find us on Facebook An extensive bistro menu open 7 days

3531 Bass Highway, Kilcunda Call 5678 7245 Find us on Facebook Great pub food and oceanfront dining

Cnr Chapel Street & Steele Streets, Cowes Call 5952 5858 www.thepalmsphillipisland.com.au Internationally inspired a la carte menu

THE GROVE GIPPSLAND

THE STORE PHILLIP ISLAND

THE ISLAND JUICERY

WONTHAGGI WORKMENS CLUB

27 Uren Rd, Krowera Call 0457 111 026 www.thegrovegippsland.com A delicious seasonal menu with local produce

Shop 2/18-22 Thompson Ave, Cowes Messenger – the Island Juicery Find us on Facebook Fresh juices & smoothies

511 Ventnor Rd, Ventnor Call 5956 8437 www.thestorephillipisland.com.au Great toasties and coffee

75 Graham Street, Wonthaggi Call 5672 1083 www.wonthaggiworkmens.com An extensive menu to suit all tastes

THE NOBBIES CAFE

1320 Ventnor Rd, Summerlands www.penguins.org.au A La Carte café with a modern menu

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Home of Pannys Amazing World of Chocolate, a unique, interactive and 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 coast 116

phone 5956 6600 | www.phillipislandchocolatefactory.com.au

I adore this pilaf. It’s been a saviour for me on many occasions when I need something cooked in advance that happily keeps warm in the pot whilst I get on with other things, or better still, catch up with family and friends.

Nellie’s Freekeh Pilaf SERV ES 4-6 I NGRED I ENT S

- 80ml olive oil - 2 large brown onions, thinly sliced - 3 red capsicum, sliced into thin strips - 1 tablespoon caster sugar - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - A very good grinding of black pepper - 2 teaspoons coriander seeds, toasted and ground

- 1 teaspoons cumin seeds, toasted and ground - 100g currants - 250g freekeh, rinsed really well - 500ml vegetable stock - Sea salt & freshly-cracked black pepper - A good handful of flat leaf parsley, washed, dried and chopped

METHOD

- In a large pot, heat the oil and cook the onions and capsicum together on medium-high heat for 10-12 minutes or until soft.

- Add the rinsed freekeh to the pan.

- Add the sugar, tomato paste, pepper, spices and currants. Stir for a couple of minutes before adding the stock.

- Season well with salt and pepper and bring to a boil.

- Once boiling, cover and simmer for 15 minutes.

- Remove lid and allow pilaf to cool down for 5 minutes before serving.

- Fluff up the pilaf with a fork and add in the chopped parsley and combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning – it may need a little sea salt, pepper and olive oil. COAST SPRING 2018

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words Sue Webster photo Š Carolyn Johns

a foodies passion CAROLYN JOHNS

A country girl turned high-calibre photographer makes a return to the land.

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Bright & spacious Cafe with lots of Gluten Free & Vegan options. Stocking Gelato & Sorbet.

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Come in and try our Real Hot Chocolate, which is made with oozing warm chocolate. Have a tea or coffee and enjoy a cake or slice, or try our Gelato or Sorbet.

0409 863 299

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sweetlife@dodo.com.au

1 Bair Street, Leongatha, Victoria

“I got a shock when I came back.

I didn’t really know where I would fit in because I wasn’t exactly a Women’s Weekly photographer or a press photographer.”

Strapped into harness, legs hanging out the hatch of a KC-135 transport plane, trying to film two oncoming F/A-18 jet fighters … Carolyn Johns has had tougher gigs. Getting Jo Bjelke-Petersen to look halfway human, for example…“He could never look you in the eye,” says the Koonwarra photographer. “And Sir John Kerr, getting him sober...” The thrill of photographing fighter planes in mock combat at 5000ft was nothing compared to her moment of ultimate photographic joy — shooting a monkey and a mouse … but more of that later.

Welcome to the life of Carolyn Johns – international documentary photographer, shortbread maker, former intensive-care nurse, and ex-church organist. She’s covered a bit of turf in her 50-plus years.

“I had a dream, and I’ve had an amazing career,” she says. Her work over 30 years has seen her photographing for the Sunday Times magazine, Conde Nast and Vanity Fair. She was one of the first Australian photographers to be commissioned by National Geographic, and co-founded the Wildlight Photo Agency in Sydney. Her work shooting stills for films has taken her onto the sets of major movie blockbusters such as Babe and Mad Max 2.

A country girl, Carolyn carved a niche in one of the toughest gigs going – freelance photography in London. How did she manage it? “It’s tough. It’s all really tough, but I made them employ me. I just had a dream run from one contact and interesting situation to the next,” she says. “Everything I touched opened up. It showed me I was on the right track.” Carolyn found herself covering a Bogartlookalike event at the Cannes Film Festival, and a double-page photograph that ran in Paris Match shows her among the phalanx of photographers. “They were all male except for one female - me … and I was looking the other way!” she laughs.

It’s a whole world away from the sheep and wheat farm on the volcanic plains of Victoria’s west where she grew up. The day she and her twin were born, their parents topped the Geelong wool sales. One of five girls, she had a classic country childhood. For entertainment, their father played the piano, there was the radio, and Carolyn played the old pedal organ on Sundays at the local bluestone church. She left boarding school in Ballarat and became an intensive-care nurse. Then she had the ‘ah-hah’ moment.

“I was 24 and I went scuba diving with a nursing sister colleague. What I saw revealed underwater was a world of nature I had not been exposed to. I had to tell people about that discovery, and my friend suggested I pursue photography.” She headed off overseas, studying documentary photography with the famous Magnum photographers in Wales and France and paying her way by nursing. The long

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“I need to step out from behind my camera and demonstrate what is important.”

hours took their toll: “I’d often fall asleep in bus shelters waiting for the bus in the snow.”

Her background working with vulnerable patients and their families, as well as some training in psychology, helped give her the edge as a photographer. “I was a nurse for 10 years and you learn to read people very quickly,” she says.

After five years, she started to get a hankering for home. “I think I wanted to come back and see my family. I always knew I was never going to be an ‘English’ person. That was not where my opportunities were going to come from. I knew that was not the way my life was going to go. But I got a shock when I came back. I didn’t really know where I would fit in because I wasn’t exactly a Women’s Weekly photographer or a press photographer. I thought … how am I going to do it out here?

I walked the streets of Melbourne in the early hours of the morning wondering what on earth I was going to be doing.

Days later, she was invited to join 100 photographers from all over the world to shoot A Day in the Life of Australia. Then, using contacts from the Australian film industry, she got an interview with George Miller, who was about to start filming Mad Max 2.

“Film photography is all about storytelling,” says Carolyn. “It’s my job to capture the energy and communicate what that story is. That’s my challenge, taking pictures that capture the energy of the movie – that story – in one picture. I talked to George about the storytelling. It was his great love. He saw that I understood that and employed me immediately, and within a few weeks I was out in the desert shooting Mad Max 2 for 15 weeks.”

“Mel Gibson only had 15 lines to say in the film but I adored photographing him.” She also loved photographing the animal stars of Babe: the pig, the capuchin monkey, a mouse, and a goose called Ferdie were among the best actors she has ever met, she laughs. Are stars different? “You get some amazing actors who don’t act like stars, and then there are stars who act like stars and that’s a whole other breed … there’s a lot more stress in catering for their needs!”

Stress is a thing of the past for Carolyn now. “There’s a point where you project yourself into the future and ask, ‘If I’m going to be sitting on a verandah on a rocking chair … what would I like to see?’ Waking around 5am most mornings, she now sips tea on the balcony of her home on the crest of a hill overlooking Meeniyan to the Prom.

Ten years ago she moved onto five acres, into a new fully solar-powered house using a high level of technology that sees the solar panels track and follow the sun. “Koonwarra reminds me of where I grew up, but more… “pioneering”. It has good rainfall and very clean air. I met a few people who were doing interesting things here. With Melissa Burge, I got involved in the Slow Food movement … that was very important.” Her Story of Food exhibition, formerly on display at Koonwarra’s Peaceful Gardens organic cooking school, now hangs in part among the baskets of fresh food in the Paddlewheel Farmers’ Market Store.

Food…she photographs it, she grows it, she eats it, she understands its value. Her ideal meal? “Very simple,” says Carolyn. “No additives, absolutely fresh from the ground or the animal. I’d want eye fillet that melts in your mouth and the freshest and most exquisite vegetables, and organic if possible.”

She looks out over a vegetable garden and a paddock where,

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until recently, a Murray Grey and an Angus called Osso and Buco grazed. “They were very tasty,” she adds.

For Carolyn, relaxation means flipping dog biscuits for Jack, a three-legged Bichon Frise to catch. Or crafting elegant shortbread biscuits. Or rediscovering the joys of a pressure cooker.

Or playing romantic love songs from the 1930s on her piano.

Her firm, Kingdom Productions, is in the business of photographing “things that people love”, she says. “It’s based a lot around food and nature but I’m definitely not the earth-mother type. I like beauty, not grunge; I like artisan, not hippy.”

With such a stellar career behind her, Carolyn now sees her biggest challenge is in front of her lens.”I need to step out from behind my camera and demonstrate what is important. The way we view and interact with food, which is our life force, has changed so dramatically and is now threatened. Food is no longer understood and valued as our energy source or the very thing that nurtures and loves us. When we understand this, we make clear decisions to support the source of that nurturing. I want everyone to feel that love from food that is free of chemicals, is bursting with energy, taste, and the ‘Oh my god this tastes like heaven’ because that’s what vitality and health is . . . . . . .heaven!”

COAST AUTUMN 2011

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“Margaret doesn’t mind (tasting) “except when you take the lid off a jar of pickles and it’s bubbling, or a white cloud erupts when you lift the lid on a bottle of tomato sauce.

Botulism is very dangerous.”

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words Sally O’Neill photo Warren Reed

on show WONTHAGGI SHOW Beyond the fairy floss and showbags, we discover the highly competitive world of pickles, jams and who can bake the fluffiest sponges at the annual Bass Coast Summer Agricultural Show.

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Cheryl has won prizes across the categories but admits, “I can’t make a plain scone to save myself. Mine are like rocks!”

It’s just gone 9am and the Society Pavilion at the Wonthaggi Showgrounds is buzzing. People of all ages stagger in with boxes laden with farm produce, light as a feather sponge cakes and endless arrays of cut flowers and pot plants. 24 hours until Show Day - judgement day for entrants in the garden, farm produce, baked produce, jams and preserves categories of the all important competitions. Spanning cattle and poultry through to craft and cakes, these competitions are the essence of agricultural shows. They keep traditions alive, help to maintain interest in rare breeds and generate a little friendly competition.

The pavilion fills with baking aromas, the scent of flowers, and nerves.

Cheryl Russell is the steward for the Baked Home Produce section.

Her job is to receive and register entries across the categories, assist the judges and relay their feedback to entrants. She’s been doing this voluntary job since 1983. “I moved here in 1982 and put a few entries in, then was asked to help. I also joined the CWA and they were the backbone of the stewards at the time.” Cheryl has won prizes across the categories but admits, “I can’t make a plain scone to save myself.

Mine are like rocks!” Even though she can’t cook one, Cheryl knows how they should be made: “A scone should not be more than 2 inches wide, must break evenly in half, be cooked right through and taste good,” she explains. “The judges have to taste everything, but I’ve never wanted to do it. I couldn’t possibly taste every single thing!” she laughs.

Try as I might, I can’t get Cheryl (or any of the ladies for that matter) to reveal any juicy stories of disaster, tension or infi ghting. She just laughs.

“Oh no, we’re not fighting for sheep stations! No sabotaging goes on!”

It’s nearing judging hour. “I’m looking forward to seeing who the judges are today. Some are pretty tough and they choose things that I wouldn’t, but then I’m not a judge!” says Cheryl.

Entrants only find out their fate on Show Day when the handwritten cards adorning the fi rst and second prize-winning entries are displayed.

“People come back and ask why they didn’t win, and I tell them so they can improve for next year. That’s part of the steward’s job. It’s very

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The Club’s function facilities are available for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, corporate functions and training sessions. The club offers a range of catering packages.

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“A lot of the men are good cooks and they win quite a few categories. They keep us ladies up to scratch. We say, ‘Good on ‘em!’ Now our society is more equal – my grandsons love working in the kitchen.”

fascinating once you get into it,” says Cheryl, racing to greet a batch of arriving scones.

Over at Jams and Preserves, jars align, glistening in the light. Steward Trish Parsons is going gangbusters. “I lived on a farm for the last 50 years and did all my own cooking, preserving, that sort of thing. For me, it’s the pleasure of submitting my produce,” says Trish, who has received many prizes for her preserved vegies.

Competition is very tough this year,” admits Trish, who attended her fi rst show at age 21 in rural NSW. “I was a raw recruit but I’ve learnt a lot over the years. Are these skills becoming a dying art? I ask. “Oh, no way!” she exclaims. Do judges get paid? “No, it’s done for the glory and joy of what you specialise in.” A wealth of knowledge mixed with humour, Trish recalls an older gentleman who came in with a few jars of jam he’d made. “It was just a beautiful texture – a lot of the men are good cooks and they win quite a few categories. They keep us ladies up to scratch. We say, ‘Good on ‘em!’ Society is more equal now, my grandsons love working in the kitchen.”

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Lyn Cameron, the flower steward, has been attending and competing in shows with her mum since she was young. “I’m proud that I’m the one who’s carried it on. I’m by myself so it means heaps to me. I’m glad I live in a town that still has a show. I’m always trying to convince people to come along and submit things.”

Lois from Wonthaggi comes in with her entries – it’s the first time she has entered, and she’s also encouraged her grandchildren “so there will be a future for this event. I tell them you don’t enter to win, but just so you can come and have a look at your cakes at the show,” says Lois.

“Time for a cuppa, ladies” comes the call. Morning tea is sublime and I sample more than five of the varieties of biscuits and slices on offer!

Excitement reaches a crescendo in the lunchroom as we swap stories.

A nervous hush fills the room at the judges’ imminent arrival… The room is in lockdown – only the judges and stewards – and us – remain …

The judges at Baked Goods work quickly, tasting every entry, the stewards gliding across the floor meeting their every need with precision. When the judging is over, the stewards will set up the public display for Show Day. The preserves also get a good going over, with the judges requesting a new spoon for each sample, often rinsing their mouth between tastes.

Over in the vegies section, the judge is explaining the outstanding traits of a bunch of homegrown silverbeet. “It’s not the easiest thing to write on,” she jokes as she tries to mark the winning leaf.

With the judging over, I pluck up the courage to speak to Margaret Hyde and Evelyn Paterson from Leongatha. Margaret has been judging at shows since 1981. With all those years of experience behind her,

“We just want to keep these skills alive. This year, a lot of young ones have entered, some as young as pre-school age, and they are our future.”

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Order some scrumptious fresh fish & chips for lunch or dinner, featuring gummy shark straight from the San Remo boats.

Pelican Feeding takes place on the San Remo foreshore, every day at noon.

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“Oh yes, people question our judgement,” . . . For example, this slice is more like a cake, so I’ve written: ‘slices are usually a little flatter’. This nut loaf has a nice shape, but it’s a little hollow in the centre, so I’ve written ‘nice shape’ – to encourage them.”

she has no qualms about speaking her mind. “At the next meeting of judges, I’m going to take them to task,” she states. “People say we have to have a regulation size for yo-yos, but the majority voted ‘no’. And, what colour do you expect chocolate crackles to be?” she asks. “Brown,” I reply. “Aha! No, they can also be white – we have to open our minds and modernise the way we think,” she says with glee.

Judges look at colour, appearance, how an entry fits on the board, and they also take into account the degree of difficulty and quality of the end result. “Oh yes, people question our judgement,” says Margaret, who likes to give constructive feedback where she can. “For example, this slice is more like a cake, so I’ve written: ‘slices are usually a little flatter’.

This nut loaf has a nice shape, but it’s a little hollow in the centre, so I’ve written ‘nice shape’ – to encourage them. You provide feedback on the things that you think really matter.”

In my opinion, these judges need danger money to taste everything, but Margaret doesn’t mind “except when you take the lid off a jar of pickles and it’s bubbling, or a white cloud erupts when you lift the lid on a bottle of tomato sauce. Botulism is very dangerous.”

Steward Heather Wallace knows how hard it is to become a judge. “I went in the deep end, not realising there was so much involved. It was a lot of hard work - studying, tasting and looking for little mistakes, and I didn’t finish the training.” Like many of the ladies here, Heather is also a steward at Country Women’s Association competitions. “The CWA is where the real competition is,” she winks. Heather and her husband each have entries in the competition today. Heather confides that she reckons

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“When the hall is empty at the end of the weekend, it’s really quite sad,” says Rosemary. The show is nearly over for another year.

I’d better get cooking…”

her husband is jealous of her obsession with craft. “We just want to keep these skills alive. This year, a lot of young ones have entered, some as young as pre-school age, and they are our future. I say to everyone: “It doesn’t matter what your age is, get in and have a go!”

I turn up on Show Day and my nieces and I enjoy every minute of the fun, music and activities - the show jumping, snake handler, poultry and cattle judging. They pose for a photo in front of the Beaut Utes and look on in awe at the giant Clydesdale horses, regal ponies and axemen. They have to drag me away from the Flyball where dogs of all shapes and sizes vault over jumps to retrieve a ball.

The atmosphere in the pavilion is festive. Crowds file through and admire the exhibits that were only yesterday being scrutinised by judges and are now artfully displayed. I promise to enter my shortbread next year.

Rosemary Loughnan, Show Secretary and tireless worker, rushes past as we wander through. “When the hall is empty at the end of the weekend, it’s really quite sad,” says Rosemary. The show is nearly over for another year. I’d better get cooking…

Bass Coast Agricultural Show is held every January. www.basscoastagshow.org.au

COAST AUTUMN 2012

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“This nut loaf has a nice shape, but it’s a little hollow in the centre, so I’ve written ‘nice shape’ – to encourage them.”

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He loves to collaborate with other passionate local artisan producers, like Nadine at Wattlebank Park Farm, Cherryl and Barry at Berrys Creek Cheese, Ila and Mario at Fish Creek Mount of Olives to mention a few, to create delicious Pizzas, Platters, Cheese boards and cakes, to pair with his wines.

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O P E N 7 D AY S , 10 . 0 0 A M TO 4 . 0 0 P M

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SUPPORTING REGIONAL ARTISTS

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REGULAR EXHIBITIONS

a ART & CULTURE ART IS LIFE

Seeing beauty in the everyday, this coast is blessed with an abundance of local artists. Read on to be inspired.

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laughing at life Kerry Spokes “I’m a Leo, and love hamming it up,” admits Kerry Spokes as she welcomes us to her Fish Creek art gallery. The words cheeky, brash and grounded also come to mind as I meet the renowned artist for the first time.

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Kerry Spokes and partner Michael Lester are dedicated to their art, and that of others. For the past year and a half, they have been busy running Gecko Studio Gallery in Fish Creek and hosting a new exhibition every month – that’s fourteen to date, and they’re only scratching the surface of the local talent.

We sit in the midst of Kerry’s exhibition, titled ‘Stirred and Shaken’, and comment on the fact that until now she has not exhibited in her own gallery. Kerry explains that she’s been too busy to create new work until recently, and even then she’s had to burn the midnight oil.

“I love patterns. I love fish their shapes and patterning and how they swim.”

As you view the exhibition she shares with good friend and artist Sue Hoare, there’s a strong feeling of familiarity. Kerry takes the everyday and explores it through drawings and paintings incorporating her sense of humour, observations of the minutiae of life, and love and use of patterns. There are dogs fighting for territory on a couch, swimming fish, and clever word and picture associations - a connection with her childhood love of puzzles and fun.

In the opening speeches at the exhibition, Kerry’s sensitive appreciation of the everyday and her fine sense of story-telling were applauded. Also acknowledged was the fact that her artistic talents allow her to present familiar objects and scenes in a different light and provide a narrative which is funny, insightful, and very Australian.

“My style is fine art line drawing and my main medium is pen and ink. I also do a bit of watercolour, and am moving into etching and prints now,” says Kerry. “I completed a degree in visual arts and majored in painting and print-making - I love print-making. I try to emulate print in a lot of my drawing.”

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Kerry enjoys working with wordplays and pictograms which relate to imagery from her childhood. Her inspiration is very broad. “I love patterns.

I love fish - their shapes and patterning and how they swim. With dogs, it’s the relationship humans have with them, how they fit into our world and why we have such an attachment to them and other animals. In my work with animals and people, I really try to capture a moment in time like a photograph does, and bring the emotion out.

Aged four, Kerry saw one of her brother’s drawings, was blown away by it, and said ‘I want to draw as well as that.’ She was lucky enough to have great art teachers through school who guided her to continue developing her talents.

Growing up in Fish Creek was difficult for an artistic soul, so Kerry went travelling. She roamed Australia’s north, worked on prawn trawlers (which she describes as ‘unreal hard work’) and lived in Perth and Adelaide before eventually returning to Victoria to be close to family.

Kerry found a different place from the one she had left. “It’s easy to be an artist here now. When I was young, art didn’t figure, and that’s why I moved away to travel. When I came back and discovered how many people had done their sea-change to this area, how many artists were living here, it made it easy.”

“Fish Creek has transformed from a dairy-farming town because of the sea-change people – they have altered the dynamic of the place so much.

The long-term locals have taken the change really well and been very accepting of new people coming into the area. I think it’s to do with the landscape, the proximity to the coast and the really nice views – they’re still available here in Fish Creek.”

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New Sculpture Gallery in Flinders

Manyung Gallery Sculpture Art, transforming spaces Manyung Gallery has introduced a new gallery to Flinders which is specialising in outdoor and indoor sculpture.

On a visit one can view over 90 professionally created sculptures sourced from throughout Australia, ranging in size from small, intricate pieces to large three metre high wind driven and static works.

Established for over 50 years and operating from five sites, the Manyung brand has become synonymous with ‘great art, exceptional service and affordable works’. Throughout the year, exhibitions are launched with feature artists at the group’s art-spaces in Sorrento, Flinders, Mornington, Mount Eliza and Malvern and it is possible to view over 2000 original paintings and sculptures on manyunggallery.com.au

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HUGH GALLERY FLINDERS Cook Street, Flinders Hugh: 0417 800 554 Kate: 0432 777 936 @hughgallery

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Hugh Gallery Flinders

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hugh@hughgallery.com.au

Since her return, Kerry has made an enormous contribution to the arts. She has chaired the Prom Coast Arts Council and been artistic director for the Mossvale Music Festival, both since 1992, as well as working on many other collaborative projects.

With her current exhibition about to close, she is already thinking about new projects and getting more of an ‘edge’ to her work to make it ‘say something’ so people really think about it.

“I want to look at people, how they interact with their environment, emotions and self, and also their relationship with materialism. People are too attached to things, including me - I’m a shocker for it! I love clothes and I love jewellery! I’m fully aware that I am doing the opposite of what I should be doing!” laughs Kerry. But she agrees that, being an aesthetic person, it seems to go with the territory.

In the immediate future is her role as project artist on an exciting venture called ‘Collaborating with Chaos’. Drawing on her passion for patterns, the unique project brings together science and art to explore the geometry of nature. This community undertaking will result in a series of sculptures which will be displayed in outdoor public art spaces throughout Foster.

The girl from Fish Creek, who was a fish out of water, is now swimming free in an ocean of creativity.

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where am I ?

A FAVOURITE SCENE Coast photographer Warren Reed captured this amazing landscape on one of his drives. Do you know where it is?

Photographic images will be available for purchase at 17 Bear Street, Inverloch. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates.

“In my work with animals and people, I really try to capture a moment in time like a photograph does, and bring the emotion out.”

COAST WINTER 2008

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ARTWORK BY COLIN PASSMORE Available at Nissarana Galleries 211 Main St, Mornington, Vic 5 Hastings St, Noosa Heads, Qld www.nissaranagalleries.com.au www.colinpassmore.com coast 151

Words Maria Reed Photos Warren Reed & Maria Reed

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artistic licence mark reyment

Tarwin Lower artist Mark Reyment describes himself growing up as the classic square (or make that a multi faceted octagonal shaped) peg, in a round hole.

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Zoe Ellenberg ’The Fly Catcher’

Bianca Gardiner-Dodd ’Estuarine’

My art reflects the coastal environment and surrounding elements that I live in, the estuaries, the beach and the life that lives within it. Many of the symbols within my art represent my interpretation of coastal life

Our experienced art consultants will assist you in selecting the very best works to meet your needs. in fo @ ng m o rning t o n . c o m . a u w w w. ni s s a ra n a ga l l eri e s . c o m . a u M o rning t o n | N o o s a coast 154

“I spent almost six years working exclusively on bust portraits, and then I moved on to more geometric stuff like landscapes.”

Born and raised in the suburbs, he says, “My family weren’t really that artistic. My parents didn’t quite know what to do with me, as my brothers were footy-playing tradies (who didn’t mind a scrap now and then) and here was this kid in grade 6 who loved art, was writing his first novel and attempting to make a science fiction movie. I even picked up the name Thunderbird from the girls at school . . . so I thought there was obviously something wrong with me.”

From an early age he just knew he wanted to create. He’d pore over copies of magazines and newspapers brought home from his grandmother’s newsagency, copying the cartoons of Jeff Hook and Ken Maynard. “I loved cartooning and cartoon imagery – the use of very simple line always interested me,” he says. “I did have one cousin who was a painter. I’d pretend to be friends with her son just so I could watch Scooby Doo - they had a colour TV and that was a big deal back then!”

She was an abstract painter, and he would watch her paint and try to imitate her style. “I was in primary school when I tried my first *field abstract picture – which ironically was a field of flowers. I hadn’t really understood the process at the time.” His parents sent him off to painting classes at 14 where he learned how to how to organise a palette, buy the right materials and load a canvas. “On the weekends I’d get out on my pushbike and ride to the creek at Warrandyte to paint pictures.”

True to his conservative background, young Mark found himself doing ‘the sensible thing’ and learning the trade of plumbing. “At 24 I wasn’t really happy. I’d been travelling with my tradie’s ticket, the work was pretty bleak and I was trying to escape.” He made a move down to Venus Bay and scored a job at the local pub as a bartender. He painted in his spare time and the pub started buying his paintings. Fate worked its magic and Mark discovered that barman Ross Chandler and regular Peter Cole were fellow artists. His artistic life blossomed when the boys introduced him to the local art establishment which included renowned sculptor Colin Suggett. “There was this real rat pack back in those days. The Tarwin pub was this old hole in

Colin Pasmore ’White Kingfisher Lillies’

Zetta Kanta ’Summer Birds’ in fo @ ng m o rning t o n . c o m . a u w w w. ni s s a ra n a ga l l eri e s . c o m . a u M o rning t o n | N o o s a coast 156

Chris Calcutt ’Pandora’

Philip Ayres ’Hidden Beauty’

the wall, and Pete would show up in this old beaten-up Land Rover convertible, tip a few in (beers) and then there’d be a party back at the Point (Col and Pete’s property).”

Mark recalls, “I didn’t know what sculpture was back then. I’d seen a bit of Pete’s work and a bit of Col’s work, and thought – oh yeah – sculpture. They were the guys that introduced me to the idea of art school. I didn’t know anything about the contemporary art world back then – the only people I knew were quite mainstream like Pro Hart. They were really instrumental in my going to art school.”

Another fateful meeting with sculptor Kevin Mortenson led the young artist on his way. “I was out painting a picture and this dude with this black flier’s jacket, you know this real fancy thing, with this ridiculous curly moustache (I initially thought he was a pompous so-and-so), pulled up next to me and started asking me about my painting. I was like, ‘I’m just an Egyptian mate!’ Well, that was my introduction to Kevin, and he put the idea of going back to art school as a mature age student into my head.”

So to college he went, and he describes it as an awakening in his life. “I just loved it . . . couldn’t get enough of it, and had an absolute ball. I think because I’d been denied the opportunity of doing that kind of thing earlier, I just absorbed every minute of it. It was a whole new way of being, just doing creative stuff.

A revelation, like wow, there are other people in the world like me.” Like being let off the leash, Mark finally felt encouraged

and supported. Rubbing shoulders with fellow artists of the ilk of Jock Clutterbuck, Fiona Orr, Anton Hessel, (the late) Ikke Akio Makigawa, John Davis and Gareth Sampson, he finally felt like he had come home. “They were definitely family as far as I was concerned. I could go out and do what came naturally, and was encouraged all the way without having to justify or feel uncomfortable about what I did.” After a year at Monash in Churchill he transferred to the Victorian college of the Arts where he undertook a further 4 years completing and Bachelor of Arts and Post Grad.

“I could go out and do what came naturally, and was encouraged all the way without having to justify or feel uncomfortable about what I did.”

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Heather

Fahnle

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

Come and spend a creative day and learn the art of mosaic. You will be guided from design to completion. Enjoy a day in my warm, cosy garden studio at Ventnor. All materials and lunch supplied.

Phone or email Heather for bookings.

Commissions Available.

www.fahnle.com.au Mosaics By The Bay heather@fahnle.com.au 0417 562 625 Work available at The Outer Space, Meeniyan

Enquiries and Commissions 0418 555 222 Online Gallery | www.annettespinks.com.au coast 158

He started doing metalwork at school, simply because “no-one else could weld.” He describes creating sculpture as an exercise in trying to create a process to capture a mood. He started making simple bust portraits and exploring the creative medium of wood. “I’d see all these heroic busts sitting in the park and it got me thinking about doing a series of anti-hero portraits . . . you know, of people that weren’t so heroic, like the man at the milk bar or the car wash, or a bus conductor. It was taking a heroic form of art and using it to create unheroic characters.”

From there he went on to produce a series of side-show characters like the tattooed man and bearded woman, continuing on to feature portraits of his friends. “I spent almost six years working exclusively on bust portraits, and then I moved on to more geometric stuff like landscapes.” We head over to the window to view a slide of a 5-metre tall man. “I liked to play with scale a bit, too,” he smiles. “I was just trying to use the process to express a mood.”

Mark works in a variety of mediums, with his wood sculptures being a favourite of gallery curators and collectors. “I’ve never exhibited solo in painting, and sometimes I put a couple of drawings in the group shows, and my own shows, but everyone seems to love the sculptures.”

After leaving art school, Mark recalls, “I’d had a few shows and thought I was doing pretty well. I applied for a loan from the bank to buy a factory site in Collingwood to create a studio space for painters and sculptors, but it just wasn’t going to happen. It was a constant battle trying to make a living out of art. You’d never make enough money out of a showing, and in between doing your own work and holding down several part-time jobs, it was just sort of scratching out a living.”

The artist got tired of the constant cycle of poverty and moved back to Tarwin Lower in 1993. The region seems to attract artists, and as Mark points out, “it used to be pretty cheap to buy into this area, so it’s basically the first place starving artists go to.” At 30, he says, “I didn’t own a thing. I had a beat-up old car, and that was about it. A man has to have a few wells dug by the time he’s 30, and when I met my girl I ended up buying some land and a house and got all that side of stuff started like I thought you should.”

Feeling like he was always falling between two worlds, that of a tradie and that of an artist, he says “I mean to the arts, I was a bit of a bloke’s bloke . . . and to the tradies I was all a bit arty. But I persisted.

And here (at Tarwin) everybody knows who I am, and I’m very well accepted in the community.” The current co-president of the local footy club, he laughs “It’s my second year running. They probably couldn’t find anyone else, but it’s all been really good.”

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“ A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies, said Jojen. The man who never reads lives only one.”

- George R.R Martin

A dedicated bookshop with a wide range of genres: Classics, Biography, Fiction, Suspense, Mystery, Crime, Comic, Humour, Children’s Books, Science Fiction, Poetry, Coffee Table, and more.

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Handmade, wood fired stoneware and porcelain.

Visitors are welcome to inspect the kiln and studio and to purchase pieces from the recent firing.

Open 10:30am–5pm weekends, public holidays & most weekdays (phone first weekdays). Cottage rental available.

Phone for weekend opening times during February.

60 Kardella –Fairbank Rd, Kardella (via Korumburra) Ph. 0403 023 761. E. gooseneckpottery@gmail.com Robert Barron

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“I think when you’re in a very unartistic place, you can often get a lot out of it (artistically). I have found creativity in the crack of a wall. Little things. Even in the aesthetic of a grimy garage, there are a lot of amazing things to be inspired by.”

It’s seems the square peg has finally found a home. “I’ve managed to find a pretty happy medium here. I lost my partner Suzie recently and it’s only really the support of the community that has pulled me through the last couple of years. It’s been really good. Finally, in my midforties, I can say that I feel comfortable crossing the two worlds.

So what inspires this complex character? “Generally, whatever is happening in my life at the time.” Currently the artist has thrown his energies into getting the local service station up and running. “I think when you’re in a very un-artistic place, you can often get a lot out of it (artistically). I have found creativity in the crack of a wall. Little things. Even in the aesthetic of a grimy garage, there are a lot of amazing things to be inspired by. Depictions of less than beautiful places help with the conversation. “ Mark is itching to create a petrol bowser made out of wood and old bits of junk – calling it, ‘For Your Convenience.’ “I also want to make a full-size wheelie bin complete with coffee cups and socket set. I thought I’d put little messages in the cups like, ‘Your secrets are safe with me’ and ‘You have the right to remain silent.’ I’m sort of plotting and scheming – the next body of work will be based around the service station. Here I am – I’m stuck here – I’m not gonna’ give in – and I’m going to hook into it. It’s a means to a creative end.” *** Colour Field painting is characterized primarily by large fields of flat, solid colour spread across or stained into the canvas, creating areas of unbroken surface and a flat picture plane. Less emphasis is placed on gesture, brushstrokes and action and more on overall consistency of form and process. COAST SUMMER 2010

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When you visit Phillip Island Nature Parks

you contribute to Restoring Little Penguin habitat.

Bringing Eastern Barred Bandicoots back from the brink of extinction.

Maintaining beaches for you to enjoy and Hooded Plovers to nest.

Rescuing entangled Australian Fur Seals.

BOOK YOUR VISIT TODAY

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We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation who know Phillip Island as Millowl. coast 162

Build your own farmhouse brekkie on weekends at CHURCHILL ISLAND CAFE

Churchill Island While you’re here, take in the stunning views, explore walking trails, and visit the farm. penguins.org.au/churchill-island

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Words Katie Cincotta

Photos Warren Reed

the birdman kevin mortensen

It takes four emails and six phone calls over eight days to make contact with Kevin Mortensen.

Off the grid and out of reach is exactly how this eccentric artist likes it.

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where am I ?

A STUNNING WALK Coast photographer Warren Reed captured this amazing landscape on one of his walks. Do you know where it is?

Photographic images will be available for purchase at 17 Bear Street, Inverloch. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates.

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… a life dedicated to interpreting the natural world

For the last 30 years, Kevin has called wild, ruggedly-beautiful Venus Bay home. A small winding dirt track leads to his secluded timber pole house, which sits hidden amongst the coastal scrubland of the remote Point Smythe peninsula.

With its dramatic vaulted ceilings, the open-plan home he designed comes alive with wall-to-wall sculptures, paintings, and installations inspired by the animal kingdom – window-shelves lined with bones and skulls; a stuff ed Wedge-Tailed Eagle fl ying from the rafters; the beginnings of a giant raven’s head which will sit atop a 3-metre pole.

The evocative display tells the story of a life dedicated to interpreting the natural world – decades spent considering mythology of his Nordic ancestors, of exploring both our symbiosis with nature and the crisis we face as a result of our relentless consumption in a world of fi nite resources.

At 77, Kevin continues to fi nd inspiration amid the unspoilt hinterland of South Gippsland: land that hasn’t been farmed, land where the kangaroos still outnumber the people.

Seventy kilometres inland from here in East Poowong, his Danish immigrant father put down roots after jumping ship in Port Melbourne. “He sold his sea-boots for six and twopence, and then walked from Melbourne to East Poowong where he heard there was a Danish settlement.”

Kevin believes his gravitation towards 3D art was infl uenced by his father John, who laboured with his hands – a man who built his own slab house, paved the roads of Gippsland and erected the bridges, including the spectacular Kilcunda trestle bridge.

“At the time, painting – like poetry – struck me as rather eff eminate by comparison to working with stone or wood. Something created in three-dimensional space often seems to take on a reality beyond what a painting can.”

SECOND NATURE

As a reputed artist with works in the National Gallery of Victoria and the National Gallery of Australia, Kevin – a contemporary sculptor with a decidedly environmental bent – has used clay, wire, iron and bronze in his practice.

ANDREW LIDSEY

As a reputed artist with works in the National Gallery of Victoria and the National Gallery of Australia, Kevin – a contemporary sculptor with a decidedly environmental bent – has used clay, wire, iron and bronze in his practice. His prolific art career is the subject of an illustrated coff ee-table book, Serious Play: The Art of Kevin Mortensen by Rob Haysom, which documents this unique artist’s place in Australian art folklore. The striking black and white cover depicts Kevin performing as his hybridised Bird Man character – a man’s body, a masked bird head – a motif that has been a constant in his career.

As a child, Kevin listened to his father’s tales of Norse mythology – of birds as the ‘spirit carriers’, of ravens feasting off the dead after battle, of the Viking God Odin and the two ravens that sat on his shoulders to advise him at night.

The greatest tale of all was of the omnipotent Bird King.

“Since my childhood I have been familiar with a Danish ritual that goes back to the year 1473. According to history, the Swedish King was very envious of the Danish King. He sent to Denmark a magic bird, which took with it the symbols of his power – the ring from his finger and the crown from his head.

The Master of Arms saw the bird leaving and called out to his soldiers to shoot it. One man shot down the ring from his beak, another the crown, others its head and each of its wings – but it kept fl ying. Only when a man shot it in the heart did

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Coal Creek Community Park and Museum Coal Creek's 53 historical buildings are situated on 35 acres of beautiful bushland and each have a unique story to tell. Immerse yourself in the 1870 - 1929’s history of South Gippsland’s Coal Mining Town. Old fashioned souvenirs and treats available from the General Store, Bush Tramway rides.

Feed the Ducks and enjoy a picnic by the lake. Visit the giant worm display.

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12 Silkstone Rd, Korumburra VIC 3950 | (03) 5655 1811 www.coalcreekcommunityparkandmuseum.com @coalcreek.korumburra

it fall down to earth, and that man was called the Fuglekonge, the fi rst Bird King.” That story has been re-enacted by Danes ever since, in a ceremony during which an elaborate wooden bird is shot to pieces by participants wielding .22 rifles.

Having watched his older brother return bloodied and bandaged from World War II, Kevin reviles the violence of war. He remains ambivalent about having shot the Wedge-Tailed Eagle that hangs from his roof. “As soon as I did it, the reality was very ugly. The bird didn’t die quickly. And what’s more, when I got it to the taxidermist’s it was the smallest bird there. I’d shot a juvenile. But it’s remained with me ever since.”

His enigmatic art is permeated by an elemental and mythical quality that harks back to his Danish roots – forever elevating the bird as a symbol of power and life. “Did you know that humans and birds have the same number of bones in their bodies, in the same positions? And yet they are so distant from us. They lead such a different life, because they can fly,” Mortensen says.

Grounded by two marriages and three children, the sculptor turned to teaching to earn a living in the 70s and 80s as an art lecturer at both Deakin University and RMIT. He recalls his sabbatical in Italy in 1981, when he represented Australia at the Venice Biennale with a piece titled ‘Even the hairs on your forearms grow in the same direction as feathers’. His work included a sculpture and performance based on the Bird Man in a confronting pose: upright, legs splayed, his penis and testicles front and centre. “I wanted to go from being dressed as a business man to this elemental character, so as part of the performance I went behind a screen and came back naked. Initially, nobody took much notice, but as soon as it hit the local paper, I drew big crowds. It was quite rebellious.”

Kevin made friends with many of the local Venetians and enjoyed a period of hedonistic living among them. “I stayed there for four months, getting to know them, scoring hash from them, living with the local guards in a beautiful old frescoed farmhouse. There were ducks in the yard, a gypsy in the back room, a woman who would ride a rickety old bicycle across town with a huge basket full of marijuana – the Venetians were just so colourful.”

There is humour, and depth, and daring in Kevin’s work – not provocative for its own sake, but confrontational in order to elicit a response: art that you simply can’t ignore. “What has always appealed to me about sculpture is that it inhabits a space like we do. It has its own particular energy.” While Kevin will call himself a sculptor, a painter, a printmaker and a performer, he refuses to use the term himself. “Other people can call me an artist, but it would be quite pretentious of me to use that term. This is a principal of high art – a golden rule that has been in place at least since Leonardo Da Vinci’s time.” Kevin explains that among the Italian art community, legend has it that Da Vinci spoke these dramatic words on his deathbed: “What a pity I’m dying today. I thought for sure that by tomorrow I would be an artist.”

Having watched his older brother return bloodied and bandaged from World War II, Kevin reviles the violence of war.

To this sensitive and charismatic man who lives a simple life among the birds, creating work with real purpose and reflection seems as natural as breathing in the brisk sea air. “You simply have to ask yourself, ‘Is what you’re doing creative enough; is it personal enough; is it important enough?”

COAST SPRING 2016

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Words Sally O’Neill

Photos Supplied

gotye man in the mirror

Gotye’s smash hit ‘Somebody That I Used To Know’ has already gone platinum and the album Making Mirrors is destined to fi nish 2011 on a high note.

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Your first musical memory?

It would have to be a song from Sesame Street. When I was about fi ve or six, I used to record songs from the show onto my much-loved stereo tape recorder. I’d set it up with the microphone in front of the speaker and record it and then make my own radio shows and listen to them later.

How did your parents infl uence who you have become?

My parents were not overbearing in any way: they never set me up or urged me to be creative – they just let me follow my heart, to use a stereotypical phrase. For a good part of my childhood I was just happy billy-carting and riding my bike and was obsessed with video games – on Nintendo and the PC. Was it a risk to choose music full time?

I took a big risk in 2006 when I still hadn’t quite been paid some of the royalties I was owed. I was working in a library in the south-eastern suburbs when I decided to quit my job and move back to my folks’ place for a while to save on rent. I just eked out a living while I tried to work out how to play my music live. That was kind of a struggle and a transition period where I thought I probably wouldn’t be able to sustain a career in music and would have to go and fi nd another job.

But I’ve been lucky that it’s been going from strength to strength since then. I’ve been a full-time musician for fi ve years now.

How does it feel to have gone from recording in your lounge room under a doona to the world stage?

It’s exciting. The pressure sometimes feels a bit overwhelming.

Especially with a record like mine at the moment that crosses over into a broader audience, I feel there is even more sense of anticipation.

About performing live?

I have high aspirations for everything I do – but I never really intended to push the live side with the Gotye project. The way I put my music together in the studio is so fi nicky and complex, but I’ve never been naturally drawn to the incredible amount of work that goes into putting a large band together and producing a live show. It’s a completely different experience from making a record. It’s really challenging just keeping the energy up. You have good shows and bad shows and sometimes you feel like you’ve let yourself down. I feel I’m now striking a balance with my performances, but it does get you down. I’ve seen some negative comments on Twitter here and there and I think, ‘Ohh, I worked so hard’. But you also get people saying ‘Best show I’ve ever seen’. You get that and everything in between.

“For a good part of my childhood I was just happy billy-carting and riding my bike and was obsessed with video games – on Nintendo and the PC. “

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‘

When I’m recording in the studio I’m in a bit of another world.

I’m kind of completely unselfconscious, which is a really nice feeling.

What does your new album mean to you?

I felt really good: there was a sense of relief when it came out. It’s the fi rst time I’ve licensed a record to a label, and there’s a certain satisfaction in handing everything over – it’s done and fi nished and being manufactured. There were moments when I was making this record where I felt like I wouldn’t get over the line and I wouldn’t have enough to off er. It was a real up-and-down experience for me: sometimes I was feeling really depressed, sometimes feeling really happy with everything I’d put together, especially key songs I was really proud of.

Would you say the album has a happy vibe?

I think it starts in a quite frustrated, dejected space and takes until about six songs in, until ‘I Feel Better’, to become very exuberant and playful and more open and free – then there’s a sense of hopefulness. It’s weird when people say that the song ‘Somebody I Used To Know’ makes them feel great, because it’s an angst-y, bitter song about something hurtful to me – it feels peculiar when people say, ‘I love the way I feel when I hear this song.’ On the one hand it’s kind of cool that people are connecting with what you do, but…

Where are you when on stage?

When I’m recording in the studio I’m in a bit of another world. I’m kind of completely unselfconscious, which is a really nice feeling.

Sometimes I can achieve that feeling on stage, but it’s not always easy with 1000 people looking at me. It’s a bit of a struggle, and there’s an internal monologue which means I don’t genuinely let go or step outside of myself in some songs. But sometimes I get there and it’s really good. You come down after the song and there’s applause and you think, ‘I’ve just been away for the last four minutes’.

If you could be born in any musical era, which would you choose?

There is the nostalgic part of me that thinks it would be awesome to be living through the early to middle to late sixties because so much happened then in terms of the way recording techniques changed, as well as new instruments, electronic music and the fi rst mass approach synthesizers like the Moog coming out. It was such an exciting period. But the present day has so much interesting music in so many fractured and niche genres and diff erent directions. And there are so many ways to make and disseminate music and for people to access and comment on it. I think that is really great.

If you could play with anyone, who would it be?

It would be earth-shatteringly awesome, but potentially kind of devastating, to play with Prince. He is the most amazing singer, guitarist, dancer, drummer, instrumentalist and pop songwriter – to play some music with him would be awesome.

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@kongwakmarket

LMCT No 1500

‘

When the Moog synth [synthesiser] came out it was a real phenomenon, and as a result, heaps of American artists put out Moog music records – like songs of the Beatles and Burt Bacharach.

What do you love about the coast?

I grew up in Montmorency but my parents bought a block on the Mornington Peninsula in 1990. They came down regularly and I’d come with them. They eventually moved down permanently. I really fell in love with the place and this is where I wanna be, too. The coast is great!

Your new year’s resolution?

I’ve never really done resolutions, but if I did have one it would be to be less busy, to make sure I say ‘no’ at the right times, and leave myself the headspace to enjoy what I’m doing in my life rather than always be under pressure.

Best op-shop find?

I once found a real treasure-trove of mid-sixties Moog records. When the Moog synth [synthesiser] came out it was a real phenomenon, and as a result, heaps of American artists put out Moog music records – like songs of the Beatles and Burt Bacharach. Some are incredibly cheesy and some are really progressive and have fantastic sounds on them. I found one dude’s entire personal collection – ten records for one dollar each – and I was like: ‘Wooh hoo!’

What are you looking forward to?

I just want to take the Gotye show to a whole new level. I’ve got a lot of touring overseas and in Australia, and then I’ll fi nish the year with the Pyramid Rock Festival, which will be great. My live performances will be a big part of next year, and if I can stay creative and produce stuff for my girlfriend Tash, or friends, that would also be fab – but I get the feeling I might be too busy for that …

Gotye will be performing at the Pyramid Rock Festival. We have 1 Full Pass to give away. Email editorial@coastmagazine.net and tell us why you would love to go in 30 words or less by Dec 20 2011.

COAST SUMMER 2012

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to the Circuit

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swell mama’s gone surfing

Move over Kelly Slater! A go-getting bunch of surfing mums may be coming to a wave near you soon. Swell Mamas, the brainchild of friends Lucy Cousens and Geraldine Archibald, gives local mums the opportunity to get out of the house, socialise . . . and catch a wave or two.

I meet the girls at a beachside café for a coffee and a chat, surrounded by burbling babes and excited mums. A surfer for over 15 years, Lucy is one of the more experienced members of the group – catching idyllic waves all over Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, New Guinea and the Maldives. Since the birth of her daughter Sunny, Lucy says, “I have been desperate to go for a surf.” Making the most of parenthood (and a surfing husband), she says, “We normally do a tag-team effort, but when he’s at work we can’t do that, so we came up with the idea of a surfing mums’ group.” Her best friend Geraldine

has three children and hadn’t surfed since the birth of her first child, so together they decided that Swell Mamas was a great idea.

Living by the coast and growing up with the surfing culture, Swell Mamas has become a natural extension of their coastal lifestyle. “We have been amazed by the response,” says Geraldine. “The local Bass Coast Boardriders’ Association has been so supportive and got the message out for us through their email network. Steve Cousins from Vortex Surf and Skate

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“Just being able to sit on a surfboard out the back chatting with friends or even catching a wave is a great feeling. It’s such great exercise, and you’re having so much fun out there that you don’t even realise.”

has been delivering boards free each week for the girls to use – we even had a local farmer ring to donate wetsuits . . . we’ve been quite overwhelmed.”

The group kicked off in February, and the numbers continue to swell each Friday. Geraldine laughs, “Even my mum thinks it’s a great idea. She joked about starting a surfing grandmas’ club.” Anyone is welcome to join – you don’t even have to be a mother. “It’s been really interesting to see the girls that are coming. Some have never been on a surfboard, while others are regular surfers. It’s a totally nonthreatening environment, getting out with a bunch of mums - and it’s also nice to get to know the kids, who love coming down to the beach.”

With lattes and milk bottles downed, the mums head on down to the main beach car park to pull on wetsuits and wax their boards. Happy chatter follows them to the shoreline, where Lucy takes the girls through a quick warm-up and surf lesson. In the distance a surfboard sitting atop a pram wobbles towards us on the beach. Even mums with heavy commitments make every effort to meet up for their Friday fun. The gals hit the water, and whistles and cheers sail across the waves when the first mum hangs ten.

The aim of Swell Mamas is to encourage women to get out and have a go at surfing in a healthy and supportive environment. Lucy says, “You see the girls coming out of the water refreshed and inspired. It’s so easy to stay at home,

but this gives mums a reason to get outdoors, socialise, be healthy and have some fun.” And people of any age can participate. Lucy laughs, “There are even a couple of guys that have shown some interest - we are happy for anyone to come!”

No level of skill is required and the group shares the care of children when they are on the beach so everyone can have a go. Mother of three, Marilla, says, “I’ve never surfed before and I love it. I look forward to Friday mornings now - it’s just so much fun. Last week I was cruising around in the morning as usual getting the kids ready for school and kinder. When I said that I was going surfing, I suddenly felt so empowered!

Just being able to sit on a surfboard out the back chatting with friends or even catching a wave is a great feeling. It’s such great exercise, and you’re having so much fun out there that you don’t even realise.”

With winter upon us, the girls are seeking any kind donations of 4/3” wetsuits so they can continue catching waves in the chilly winter waters. If you would like to find out more about the Swell Mamas you can contact Lucy Cousens on 5663 7307 or email lucindacousens@ yahoo.com.au, phone or sms Geraldine on the day 0400 683 857 - or just join in the fun by showing up to The Kiosk Cafe in Inverloch on Friday at 9.30am.

COAST WINTER 2008

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Words Sally O’Neill Photos Maria Reed

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Leongatha local Rick Coleman takes us on a clean, green journey to de-mystify the art of permaculture.

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It’s pouring rain. A rare occurrence these days it seems. Rick Coleman greets us on his permaculture property, sensibly rugged up in beanie, jacket and gumboots. He bounds forward, arms outstretched as we take a brief tour of his life’s work. This ten-acre property started as a bare, swampy, windy paddock and is now one of Australia’s best examples of a permaculture lifestyle. He is, it seems, living the dream.

“In a few minutes, we have seen the ‘food forest’, where every plant is edible and recently fed six people for three weeks.”

In a few minutes, we have seen the ‘food forest’, where every plant is edible and recently fed six people for three weeks, watched raindrops fall onto one of his nineteen dams and brushed past over ten of his 250 fruit trees. “Things have changed a lot,” explains Rick through the rain. “Instead of being a rebellious crusader, I’m moving into the mainstream! I feel I am no longer banging my head against a brick wall. Ten years ago, I always had to explain what permaculture is and our classes were attended exclusively by a mixture of greenies, farmers and academics. Our last course had seventeen women from the suburbs. It’s a new market of upper middle class people who are really concerned about the environment and want to do something and be able to feed their family.”

Rick and partner Naomi have dedicated their lives to living the philosophy on their property near Leongatha. They have also consulted to communities on every continent around the globe and head up Southern Cross Permaculture Institute where they teach and hold live-in workshops in the mud brick classroom that Rick built.

Perhaps you could have called it the ‘Ponds Institute’ instead I joke, referring to the dampness of the day and the nineteen dams on the site. All jokes aside though, permaculture is a serious and important business. “It’s not a doctrine, it’s a set of structural design rules,” Rick states. A simple example is putting your chickens into the orchard so they fertilise and de-bug your trees. On a more complex scale, it can

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be whole townships running as a sustainable system on a social, economic and environmental level. Multi-functionality is another feature. It is always the aim to get as many uses as you can out of one object. “An apple tree will shade the side of a house and provide fruit. A shed can be a trellis for a plant, catch water, reflect light and may get hot enough inside to dry herbs. It can be more than just a little tin tool shed and this is better placed in the system,” explains Rick over a cup of tea with organic milk at the Institute headquarters.

“Permaculture takes in everything; energy efficiency, wise use of water, good building design, community and economic design and we integrate the whole lot.”

The aim is to design your garden for effective management or so it looks after itself. The more you have to intensively manage one area, the less time you have for other things.

‘We have a management strategy based on McDonalds theory,” jokes Rick. McDonalds places itself in a position with a huge traffic flow; we put our important plants and animals on the traffic flows. On the way to the letterbox, I’ll pass thirty to forty fruit trees so, everyday without doing anything, I manage them just with a turn of the head. I know when to pick the fruit, when to control the pests, when to prune – everything that’s happening.”

Rick grew up in Caulfield, Melbourne and was “just your average, everyday kid. I got a bit dissatisfied with life in my late teens. I was against the work ethic, against pollution and against injustice. I thought I’m against all these things but what do I stand for? And I didn’t have anything at all,” he chuckles.

So he started looking for something to be for rather than against. One night he and Naomi were watching the ABC in their little farmhouse in Wonthaggi and saw a Bill Mollison documentary and they were hooked on permaculture from that moment on. “It seemed to fit in with all my ethics. I really liked the design approach, the planning and thinking about things before you do stuff. I liked the idea of food in

“Permaculture takes in everything; energy efficiency, wise use of water, good building design, community and economic design and we integrate the whole lot.”

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abundance, so Naomi and I moved pretty quickly in that direction.”

Ahead of their time, Rick and Naomi had global warming in mind when they bought the property in 1994. “We thought if it does come, we’d need water, so we bought a swamp! It was swampy, bare, dead flat and windy,” he says as he points out the window to the lush garden jam-packed with plants.

They had a basic structure, which developed as they learnt more.

In the first Autumn, Rick got up on the highest tree and mapped out where the green lines were and that was where water ran under the ground – so they built their dams along those lines to pick up as much water as possible.

Trials and tribulations? They’ve had a few. “When we arrived, it just kept raining, the swamp was knee deep and I was beginning to doubt my ability to do anything, the first trees were lying sideways (because of the wind), the house was full of bugs escaping the rain, the septic tanks were overflowing and I was extremely doubtful and losing confidence fast! After about four or five years, things started to happen, after that it all took off.”

Rick advises to be prepared to make mistakes and plan for the extremes; design for big winds, floods and dry, and then your

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“It seemed to fit in with all my ethics. I really liked the design approach, the planning and thinking about things before you do stuff.”

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garden is going to survive. Also, plan with the minimum energy you can put in; you can always add more.

Although an Australian invention, the permaculture philosophy is equally applicable overseas. Rick and Naomi are often called to work for aid agencies in the quest for self-sufficiency and Rick is heading to Africa in the next few weeks to work at an orphanage. “There’s such a tidal wave of aid needed around the world, if we can’t get people sustainable, it just becomes overwhelming. Every one we get to be sustainable means we can move on and help someone else. In Australia, we’ve never had a rainfall we could rely on, so we have developed a lot of irrigation techniques and to plant for the available rainfall. In countries I’m working in, they plant expecting rainfall and if they don’t get that rain, their crops fail and there is a famine. So I’m teaching irrigation techniques – they have often never even heard of the concept.”

While you may not be ready to ‘go back to the land’ in your own life, there may not be a choice. “Everyone needs to start growing their own food now because the cost of food is going to go way up due to the growing of bio-fuels in food regions, the intermittence of rainfall, famines and big weather events which destroy entire crops in one swoop. A 1% food shortage means the cost of food doubles. There’s a big panic, people don’t really know what to do.” There will be collapses in different ways, it will be difficult, but people will adapt.”

“Every one we get to be sustainable means we can move on and help someone else.”

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“People will grow veggies and stop travelling twenty miles to the supermarket. Local milk bars will re-emerge and you’ll spend more time in the community.”

Grim predictions indeed but, when I ask Rick about his vision for the future, he is surprisingly optimistic. “People will grow veggies and stop travelling twenty miles to the supermarket. Local milk bars will re-emerge and you’ll spend more time in the community - bring it on!!” “I think it will be really nice – there will be a lot of permaculture, a lot of people growing things, a lot of community interaction, communal energy supplies, dance halls and interest clubs – communities will come back. I think it will be quite lovely.>

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what is permaculture?

While most of us have heard of the term permaculture; don’t be ashamed if you can’t describe it exactly. “It’s a way of life,” states Rick. The philosophy was developed by Bill Mollison and David Holmgren during the 1970s at the University of Tasmania. It started as a thesis, at the selfsufficiency level, concentrating on food species and then it evolved into combining with architecture. It can be as small as a few pots on your verandah through to whole communities working together to design a landscape to provide food, energy, shelter, and other needs.

Techniques and strategies will vary from site to site, but the principles of permaculture design remain a constant. Check out www.southerncrosspermaculture. com.au to learn more.

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take me to venus VENUS BAY

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Words Maria Reed Photos Warren & Maria Reed

If you haven’t had the pleasure of exploring the small coastal hamlets of Venus Bay and Tarwin Lower on the shores of South Gippsland, you will feel like you’ve landed on another planet - one where sand, sea, rivers and holiday fun rule supreme.

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‘Enjoy glimpses of kangaroos grazing on mangrove flats’

The villages are located approximately 160 kms southeast of Melbourne. Venus Bay boasts the state’s longest sand spit at Anderson’s Inlet, providing sheltered beaches, perfect swimming for families, along with five pristine surf beaches. Tarwin village sits along the river, and offers a myriad of water based activities.

The area is renowned for its beautiful coastal walks, swimming, surfing, fishing and windsurfing. The Tarwin River offers great estuary fishing and affords occasional glimpses of kangaroos grazing on the mangrove flats.

Take a stroll along the river boardwalk – or visit the nearby Bald Hill wetlands - a perfect spot to view local bird life. A bushwalk among the tea tree at Cape Liptrap Coastal Park is highly recommended. While you meander through the trees, look out for the historic lighthouse.

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Venus Bay is a holiday town and offers a variety of accommodation styles to suit all tastes and budgets. The quaint village has a small selection of food and dining options, perfect for a holiday escape. The town’s commercial centre is located on Jupiter Boulevard, and features a general store and a number of specialty shops. The town’s 4 star caravan park is only a short stroll from the beach and offers internet access. Tarwin Lower offers a small range of accommodation options, has friendly village shopping, and offers friendly hospitality at the local Hotel.

So take your time and explore the beauty of Venus Bay and Tarwin Lower – they really offer a little slice of heaven.

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The Shoalhaven way of life.

Shoalhaven Phillip Island provides a perfect opportunity to enjoy the peace and tranquility of an island lifestyle. . 5 minutes from the Cowes shopping and dining precinct. . Easy walk to Red Rock Beach. . Features a central park and play equipment.

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. Situated in a sought-after location with a diverse range of allotments. . Choose from three releases with titled lots from 334m2 – 731m2. . Quality house and land packages available.

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While best endeavours have been used to provide information in this advertisement that is true and accurate, Shoalhaven, its consultants, agents and related entities accept no responsibility and disclaim all liability in respect to any errors or inaccuracies it may contain. Prospective purchasers should make their own enquiries to verify the information contained herein. All images are for illustrative purposes only. LAG16018

2

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Words Sally O’Neill Photos Warren & Maria Reed , Sally O’Neill

sublime skies coronet bay & corinella

On the shores of Western Port Bay are the townships of Corinella and Coronet Bay. These idyllic seaside hamlets, just over an hour from Melbourne, are the perfect spots for fishing, exploring, a quiet weekend or maybe even a sea-change . . .

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The sun is shining as I cruise the straight stretch of road from the Bass Highway that leads into Coronet Bay and Corinella. It’s a picturesque, rural scene of lush green paddocks with grazing thoroughbreds and cattle. I find a little car park and follow it through a banksia forest filled with squawking black cockatoos. The calm, blue waters of Western Port Bay open before me and I take a breath. This is stunning. Can I cancel this story? Because I don’t really want many other people knowing about this paradise I’ve just ‘discovered’.

Unfortunately, I am a few hundred years too late with my ‘discovery’. In fact Corinella is an original settlement dating back to 1826 when it almost became Victoria’s first township, while Coronet Bay was ‘created’ when a farm was divided into housing blocks in the 1960s.

These two areas, within the Bass Coast Shire, offer a stunning rural or coastal lifestyle or make for a relaxing visit. Each seems immune to the pressures placed on other similar seaside areas. There are no ritzy coffee shops or boutiques – each community is serviced by its own general store. These seem to be ‘the hub’ of activity and offer a range of services from post office to movie hire, and sell groceries, hot food, bait and fishing tackle.

Corinella was originally named Settlement Point and is the site of Victoria’s first government house. Over the years, fishing families, farmers and entrepreneurs have all played a role in the town. It was once a busy port, handling goods en route to Melbourne. It was also a staging point for servicing the prison farm on French Island, and housed many of its staff. The intriguing prison farm operated from 1916 until 1975. You can spend hours wandering along Corinella’s foreshore taking in

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Corinella boasts sheltered, sandy beaches and the jetty creates a focal point.

views across the bay and discovering more about the township’s history. A small, convict-built cairn at the end of Jamieson St commemorates the first European settlement in 1826, and another memorial at the caravan park acknowledges the visit of the expedition led by Paul Edmund de Strzelecki in 1840. It is said that the name Corinella refers to the name given to the large mobs of kangaroos in the area by the indigenous Bunurong people.

Corinella boasts sheltered, sandy beaches and the jetty creates a focal point. Being the gateway to the ‘fishing heaven’ of Western Port, the dual-lane boat ramp is busy most weekends and operates at all tides. You can buy a daily launching pass from the ramp master’s office alongside the facility, or you can choose a yearly pass. A ferry operates to French Island and boat hire is available. The foreshore provides free electric BBQs and picnic tables as well as a shady rotunda overlooking the water.

If you drop into the store, you may meet owner Barbara Oates. She recently led a major community campaign to save the town’s jetty. When she heard that a section was deemed unsafe and marked for removal, she dug her heels in. “It just wasn’t acceptable. It was part of my cultural landscape and I didn’t want to see it compromised,” says Barbara, who grew up in Corinella. She galvanised the community into action and, through fundraising events, raffles and even selling pumpkins, they raised enough to prove they were serious.

Working with the relevant government departments, they secured grant funding to add to monies raised. The controversial section of jetty was replaced this year and Barbara’s cultural landscape was complete once more.

This type of community action seems par for the course in both Corinella and Coronet Bay. Many residents are involved in more than one committee, like Joe Ford, a retired RMIT lecturer. He enjoys the “power of the people” to tackle issues such as inappropriate development. “We felt we were losing the town’s character - we don’t want it to be like the suburbs. Corinella is a tiny coastal town with very little flora and fauna left, and we need to preserve it,” says Joe, who is also working on community issues such as better health services, improved public transport and getting an ambulance station in nearby Grantville. “The community needs to remain vigilant about sustainable development

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“There are many professional people who don’t want the flash facilities and just enjoy the lifestyle.”

that preserves the character of this coastal rural town,” he says.

Walking is the best way to take in the character and beauty of the town.A stroll around the streets gives you a feel for the area’s history, with lovely homes that once belonged to fishing families, farmers or storeowners. Corinella also boasts Bass Coast Shire’s oldest cemetery, dating back to 1879. The network of coastal walking tracks is maintained by the community-based Corinella Foreshore Committee of Management. Stop at the lookout at Settlement Point and even continue to Coronet Bay. You’ll probably pass black swans on the bay and wallabies browsing in the woodlands.

Coronet Bay, originally farmland, was subdivided into an estate in the 1960s. This residential pocket is now a diverse, yet close-knit little community made up of a mixture of permanent and holiday homes.

Resident Barry Hutton and his wife swapped their Mornington Peninsula home for a quieter lifestyle. “The peninsula wasn’t us, but

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Strolling along Coronet Bay’s idyllic sandy beach at sunset is sublime. I pass two weathered fisherman, deep in conversation. There is no-one else on the beach. Perhaps my secret is safe for another day in paradise.

we loved the feel of Coronet Bay.” This RMIT lecturer says he is typical of many bay residents. “There are many professional people who don’t want the flash facilities and just enjoy the lifestyle,” explains Barry. Since moving down, he has thrown himself into the community – he is secretary of the Ratepayers’ Association and President of the Combined Communities Group. He enjoys the small community that bands together to get things done - he calls it a ‘village democracy’. “We’re not anti-development - we want sensible, sustainable development, and involvement in our own destiny.”

Sue and Pete Keogh moved to Coronet Bay in the 1980s when Sue was pregnant with their first child. They bought a block to build a house and lead a self-sufficient lifestyle. Sue concedes that it was pretty “tough at first” until she met other women at her children’s playgroup. Their good friend Leila has lived in the area since she was a teenager. The three helped found ‘Coronet Bay Unplugged’ – a regular music night held at the community hall. “It was pretty special and helped us come out of our shell,” says Pete.

These three share a love and connection to their home, especially the safe, sandy beach. They also share a concern about the possibility of inappropriate development in the future.

Strolling along Coronet Bay’s idyllic sandy beach at sunset is sublime. I pass two weathered fisherman, deep in conversation. There is no-one else on the beach. Perhaps my secret is safe for another day in paradise.

COAST WINTER 2010

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Words Sally O’Neill Photos Maria & Warren Reed

the australian garden A NATIVE PARADISE

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The visionary native plant lovers selected a sandy site in Cranbourne and, with the support of generous benefactors, in the midst of the Vietnam War, they purchased 363 hectares of land for the purpose of a botanic garden for native plants. I’m truly glad for their forward vision as we now have a world-class treasure right on our doorstep. . .

Two startled wallabies slowly hop away as I enter the Royal Botanic Gardens in Cranbourne; less than a minute from suburbia and the South Gippsland Highway I have travelled so many times. This is my second visit, and there’s always a hive of staff activity.

Last time it was a spectacular controlled burn in the surrounding woodland and today there’s a major rabbit control operation in progress.

For the next four hours I am immersed in a world of colour, texture and the wonder that is Australian plants. The centrepiece of this stunning site is the Australian Garden, which opened in 2006. This garden is a metaphorical journey across the landscapes of Australia showcasing the incredible diversity of plants and the way water or, lack of it, has shaped our country.

It must have taken courage and vision to create a garden to showcase native plants in the camellia-loving days of the 1950s. Yet a group of dedicated fans, with the support of the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne, did just this.

The Red Sand Garden takes your breath away as you step out from the Visitor Centre. Here the striking vision of the project’s landscape designers Taylor, Cullity and Lethlean comes to life. It is in fact this landscape aspect that makes the gardens so special.

The key difference of the Australian Garden, as opposed to many other Botanical Gardens, is that this is not just a collection of plants. It is about how plants fit into a series of fifteen master-minded landscapes.

The angular red dune which represents Australia’s red heart snakes through the arid landscape and leads down to the ephemeral lake sculpture; an installation that simulates the elusive nature of water in the outback and shows signs of animals that have tracked through the landscape – their footprints frozen in time.

The red desert sands are held back by a simulation of the escarpments that make our country so great; Kings Canyon, Kakadu, the Kimberley. The majesty of this iconic landscape is captured in 90 metres of rusting red metal. This is Australia’s longest sculpture and has an almost industrial feel. A rockpool waterway runs along its base, the water streaming in rivulets over the paving stones. Water flow is computer-controlled and children are encouraged to ‘wade between the flags’ – I wade.

Opposite the ‘escarpment’ is a series of five exhibition gardens, each with a different focus and designer. The five themes of Diversity, Water Saving, Home, Kids’ Backyard and Future are explored using unique and highly creative methods. These installations are aimed at inspiring people about using native plants and are packed full of ideas to try at home in your own garden.

The stream continues to a waterfall then flows into a waterhole at the base of Gibson and Howsen Hills. I take a moment to honour the namesakes who made this garden a reality. Maud Gibson who wanted a

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“People used to think that native plants were unexciting and did nothing and this garden proves them wrong. We are so lucky to have this brand new botanical garden – there are very few in the world,”

showcase for Victoria’s plants in as early as the 1940’s and politician, Peter Howson, who helped to cut through the red tape and make the dream of purchase a reality in 1970.

The winding Serpentine Path leads uphill to the Desert Discovery Camp where kids can dig for fossils in the sand. In the Arid Garden, a greater diversity of plants emerges as the landscape transitions from bare red sands to Australia’s woodlands and forests. Four hundred year-old grass trees greet you and tasteful signs encourage you to ‘respect their elders’. The Dry River Bed hugs the curve of the red sand and leads to the Eucalypt Walk: a celebration of the importance and diversity of the good old gum tree. This is a sensory experience with many interactive exhibits encouraging you to smell, look and listen.

I come across volunteer master gardener, Helen Kennedy, who works every fortnight answering visitor’s curious questions and leading tours. Helen, who has a house at Port Smythe, is passionate about the gardens and Australian plants. “I’ve been growing native plants for thirty-five years. We live in this country and they belong here,” says Helen whose enthusiasm for the gardens is infectious. “People used to think that native plants were unexciting and did nothing and this garden proves them wrong. We are so lucky to have this brand new botanical garden – there are very few in the world,” enthuses Helen.

The Australian Garden journey comes full circle at the Visitor Centre building. Designed

by Kerstin Thompson Architects, the weathered timbers and casual feel blends into the surrounding bush. It houses a gallery space, Boonerwurrung Café and the Gardens Shop. With a picture-box view of

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“There has been a great deal of enthusiasm and emotional response from people sharing their experiences with us through poems, photos and stories.”

the gardens, I relax in the café and enjoy a glass of Gippsland Cannibal Creek Sauvignon Blanc and paper-barked smoked salmon on cous cous. The bush-tucker theme blends perfectly with the Australian Garden experience and is equally reflected in the quality goods to be found in the Gardens Shop.

The surrounding woodland has secluded picnic areas and over ten kilometres of walking tracks and boardwalks. Making the effort to climb to Trig Point lookout is well rewarded with a bird’s-eye view of the garden’s expanse. The new Woodland Picnic Area has a children’s playground, free BBQs and shelters, and an extra five kilometres of cycle tracks.

“It’s fantastic to see the connection that people are having with the Australia Garden,” says Matt Jones, Marketing and Tourism Coordinator. “There has been a great deal of enthusiasm and emotional response from people sharing their experiences with us through poems, photos and stories. One man wrote: ‘I haven’t felt so proud since The Man From Snowy River rode into the stadium at the Sydney Olympics’.” The garden’s success was

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rewarded with an Australian Tourism Award in 2006.

“People are coming back and visiting the Australian Garden to see the plants through the changing seasons and to take part in the public programs and events on offer,” explains Matt.

And there’s more to come. The current Australian Garden is only the first stage in the huge task of presenting Australia’s vast landscapes. Works have already begun for Stage two which is scheduled to open in 2011.

“Stage two will complete the vision for the Australian Garden,” says Chris Russell, Director of Royal Botanic Gardens, Cranbourne. “The fullness of Taylor, Cullity and Lethlean’s inspirational design will be realised through an additional eight hectares of garden which will complete the metaphoric journey from the ‘red centre’ to Australia’s eastern seaboard.”

“This certainly is the garden of the future, it works with the land, climate and water availability, not against it. These gardens are a healing, a celebration and recognition of our Australian landscape.”

As I slowly drive away, the workers are rolling up their rabbit nets. I think about the experience I’ve just had. This certainly is the garden of the future, it works with the land, climate and water availability, not against it. These gardens are a healing, a celebration and recognition of our Australian landscape. What the early settlers saw as ‘empty’ is in fact one of the most diverse areas on the planet.

This is definitely ‘the republic of gardens’: proudly Australian without any need for the ‘monarchy’ of introduced plants. Their moment in the spotlight is well deserved.

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“People are coming back and visiting the Australian Garden to see the plants through the changing seasons and to take part in the public programs and events on offer.�

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The key difference of the Australian Garden, as opposed to many other Botanical Gardens, is that this is not just a collection of plants. It is about how plants fit into a series of fifteen master-minded landscapes. COAST SPRING 2008

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stories of courage MUE HSAY “The Karen people have suffered years of persecution in one of the longest-running civil wars in recent history,” says Lisa Sinha, Director of Gippsland Multicultural Services based in Morwell. They have been displaced from their homeland within Burma, many to large refugee camps on the Thai/Burma border. There are currently 150,000 Karen people in these camps. Others are recruited by the military to work as porters – a dangerous job where the person is forced to walk in front of the troops, acting as a human shield against attack and waiting landmines.”

Mue Hsay arrived in Australia in August 2008 and lives in Wonthaggi with her son, daughters, and husband.

“I came to Australia from Mae La refugee camp in Thailand. Before the camp, I was working as a porter in Burma. I got hit by a [land] mine. I was pregnant at the time and my baby passed away. I also lost my leg. They burnt down all the houses and I am very sad and unhappy about that.

Because I was an amputee, I went to the camp in 1998 and stayed there for ten years. You have to stay in the camp, and you can’t find anything for your children. You have to be there all the time; you dare not go outside. You have to live on the angels who are helping.

I was afraid in the camp because there was danger of attack. In summer the Burmese would attack and I was very afraid of that.

Since I was young, life has been very, very hard. My father was killed by the Burmese, and things were very hard for me and mother. Until I had my own children and went to the camp, it was very, very hard for me. Coming to Australia is good and safe and I am very happy for that.

Compared to Burma and Thailand, Australia is the best! Everything is good. Because I am an amputee, I can’t do much physically, but since coming to Australia, everybody has been very kind to me.

Everybody is helping me. You can buy anything here compared to Burma and Thailand. Here you do not need to be afraid; here you are free. It’s very, very different.

I hope to be able to continue my weaving. I want to get a loom from Thailand and teach my daughter weaving and all the Karen traditions. But the looms are all made of wood and I can’t get one into the country*.

Coming here, I see that everybody is happy and has everything they need. They have education and freedom. Here, people look after you very well. If you are sick, you can go to the hospital and people will look after you. But if you were in Burma, you would have to die like that: nobody would care for you. That’s the way it is.” COAST WINTER 2009

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stories of courage MAUNG AYE Maung came to Australia in 2008. He and another Karen monk share a house (called a monastery) in Wonthaggi.

“I grew up in Mae La camp on the Thai/Burma boarder. My parents left Burma when I was very young. I don’t remember much about that time.

When I was three, my parents told me we had to be afraid of the Burmese all of the time. The Burmese came and arrested them and gave them money to carry things for the soldiers. It was very, very hard. It was dangerous because there are a lot of [land] mines. Then, the soldiers came and our parents had to run carrying us under their arms. My whole family went to the camp and they are all still there.

When I was in the camp, there were many great difficulties. My parents had no money; they had to earn their living through nongovernment organisations and other people who were helping them. My parents could not help me very much, so I had to find ways and means to come to Australia by myself. My parents said they didn’t want to come because they are old. Living there, they can’t go back to Burma easily, but Australia is too far away for them.

They hope one day they will have their own country so they can go back to it. I think of my parents all the time, but I have to struggle on.

I am very happy here. In Burma, my world in the camp was very small.

Here, you can see so many things, and I am very happy for that. I am going to learn English. I will try very hard so that when I learn, I can help other people from Burma who can’t speak English.

It is very lucky for the Australian people that they have a very good, nice place. Not like Burma where you have to be very careful. Here you are very lucky to be in a big country. I will try to enjoy that.

I tried to keep up hope in the camp. The life there is routine. The Thai promised they would give us a pass to work outside, but it never came. I had to rely on other people. I had to suffer, but I could not do anything and I am very unhappy about that.

There used to be many, many refugee camps in Thailand and now altogether there are seven camps left. Mae La is the biggest with about 45 000 Karen people there. We lived in bamboo huts with roofing made of leaves.

If I had one wish, I would wish that there would be democracy and peace in my country like in Australia. That people would come to understand each other and live together. COAST WINTER 2009

Gippsland Migrant Services is seeking further support for some more Karen families to join the small Wonthaggicommunity. GMS is presently seeking donations which will cover the cost of the airfares for further families.For information, or to donate, please contact Lisa Sinha on 51 337072 or lisa@ gmsinfo.com.au* People can contact Gippsland Multicultural Services to buy bags made in Mae La camp (cost $20).The service is also arranging to make a loom for Mue Hsay. coast 244

BOAT AND CARAVAN STORAGE NOW AVAILABLE. Easy car and truck access. A wide range of unit sizes to suit all your needs. We stock all your packaging requirements. Access is 24/7. There will be an on-site manager during business hours, all units have an individual alarm and the facility has security cameras inside and out.

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LAURIE COLLINS

SCULPTURE GARDEN AND RED TREE GALLERY

Recycled metal sculptures, garden sculptures, junk sculptures, unique furniture, fun metal animals, and lots of other stuff.

New exhibitions monthly.

Open 9am - 5pm every day.

420 Main Jindivick Rd, Jindivick 03 5628 5224 lcollins@dcsi.net.au www.lauriecollins.com.au | www.redtreegallery.com.au @lauriecollins1 @lauriecollinssculpturegarden | @redtreegallery

GORDON STUDIO GLASSBLOWERS Nestled in the Mornington Peninsula’s stunning Red Hill region, Gordon Studio Glassblowers Gallery and Studio is one hour from Melbourne.

This 60-year-old family business continues to push the boundaries of contemporary art, bringing light and life into homes, offices and gardens across the world.

290 Red Hill Road, cnr Dunns Creek Road, Red Hill 03 5989 7073 mail@gordonstudio.com.au | www.gordonstudio.com.au Open 7 days a week 10am - 5pm @gordonstudioglassblowers | @gordonstudioglassblowers

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 customised hand blown glass art works created to their own specific needs.

When the artists are working, visitors to the studio have the rare opportunity to witness glassblowing from the security and comfort of the light filled viewing mezzanine.

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

Goat Island Gallery & Sculpture Garden Located in a delightful pocket of southern Victoria, Goat Island Gallery & Sculpture Garden 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 contemporary artist, Frank Schooneveldt.

For Frank – it is an inspirational place to create and display work.

For visitors – it is a tranquil and surprising place to share that experience.

18 Boundary Road, Wonthaggi - Inverloch 0412 485 041 schoone@ozemail.com.au | www.schooneart.com Contact Frank for further details and gallery & garden opening hours @goatislandgallery

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The Gippsland Art Gallery has a range of exhibitions and programs to suit everyone. The Gallery has a long tradition of bringing the best art from around Australia (and the world!) to the region, as well as showcasing the extraordinary wealth of artistic talent in Gippsland itself.

Whether you are a local resident or just passing through for the day, we The Gippsland Art Gallery has a range of exhibitions and programs hope you towill enjoy what the Gallery has to offer. suit everyone. The Gallery has a long tradition of bringing the best art from around Australia (and the world!) to Gippsland, as well as showcasing the extraordinary wealth of artistic talent in Gippsland itself.

Whether you are a long-time Gippsland resident or just passing through for the day, we hope you will enjoy what the Gallery has to offer.

Open Mon to Fri 9.00am – 5.30pm Sat, Sun and public holidays 10.00am – 4.00pm 70 Foster Street, Sale a: 70 Foster Street, Sale 03 5142 3500 p: 03 5142 3500 galleryenquiries@wellington.vic.gov.au | www.gippslandartgallery.com e: galleryenquiries@wellington.vic.gov.au Open Mon to Fri 9.00am – 5.30pm, Sat, Sun & Public Holidays 10.00am– 4.00pm w: www.gippslandartgallery.com @gippslandartgallery @gippslandartgallery The Gippsland Art Gallery has a range of exhibitions and programs to suit everyone. The Gallery has a long tradition of bringing the best art from around Australia (and the world!) to the region, as well as

COASTAL NATIVE ART GALLERY At Ladasha Jewellery you will discover fine jewels created with thoughtful intentions.

Our fully equipped workshop, offers all types of jewellery repairs, re-threading of pearls, watch batteries and designs made to order.

Jacquie Chambers is an artist based in south Gippsland on the beautiful Phillip Island. She draws inspiration from her immediate surroundings, living near the beach with its rugged coastlines, wildlife and farm land. She is also inspired by her life long love for surfing, particularly longboarding. At Coastal Native Art Gallery, Jacquie welcomes visitors to view a range of well stocked products from original paintings, stretched canvas prints, placemats and coasters, gift cards and post cards. BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.

Shop 3, Bridgeview Arcade, 157 Marine Parade, San Remo 03 5678 5788 | 0404 122 731 janita@ladasha.com.au | www.ladasha.com.au @ladashajewel | @ladashajewel | @ladashajewel

7 Glen St, Surf Beach, Phillip Island 0432 060 528 coastalnative16@gmail.com | www.coastalnativeartgallery.com.au @coastalnative | Coastal Native Art Gallery

SOL STUDIO + GALLERY Featuring original artworks by award winning artists Meg Hayley and Nick Perrin. Painting and drawing classes available.

Art supplies, bespoke Jewellery and sculptures, prints ,cards etc.

76 Toorak Road, Inverloch, VIC 3996 0408 520 576 | meganhayley@live.com www.solstudioandgallery.com.au | www.perrinart.com.au Open 10:30-5pm, Dec/Jan-Thurs-Mon, Feb/Mar/Apr -Thurs-Sun @meghayley27

WELCOME TO VILLA PATRIZIA. Located in the heart of Wonthaggi, Villa Patrizia is just a short stroll from shops, restaurants and cafes. Its contemporary furnishings and modern equipment make it a perfect escape from the city. Situated between Phillip Island and Wilson’s Promontory, Wonthaggi overlooks the majestic Bass Hills and boasts magnificent beaches just 5 minutes away. Only 8kms away, Cape Paterson marks the start of 12kms of scenic coastal driving along the Bunurong Marine Park, offering spectacular coastal views.

209 Graham Street Wonthaggi 3995 0429 890 011 villapatrizia209@gmail.com | www.villapatrizia.com.au Villa Patrizia

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Photography: Georgia Butterfield

Providing fresh, tasty and healthy options, we cater for all dietary requirements. Providing many different menu options, including our healthy, soft serve Coco-Whip, fresh juices, smoothies, cold brew coffee, salads, rolls, wraps, baked potatoes, stews and soups. Our Acai and Pitaya bowls are amazingly good for you and taste fabulous. Topped with fresh fruits, veganola and dried fruits they are a superfood! We are advocates for being plastic free and encourage the use of keep cups, which we also sell in store.

Shop 2/18-22 Thompson Ave, Cowes, VIC 3922 Open 7 days a week all year round @theislandjuicery | @theislandjuicery

Health and bulk foods, and complementary health space. Offering organic fresh produce, grocery items, herbs, spices, and teas, as well as household cleaning and personal care products, which can be selected from the shelf or dispensed to order. With a focus on sustainable living, we stock a number of eco-friendly homewares and locally sourced produce. We have options to suit all dietary requirements, with qualified health practitioners on staff to help guide you.

3/74 Chapel Street, Cowes 3992 03 5952 3398 info@thecornerdispensary.com.au | www.thecornerdispensary.com.au Open Monday - Friday 9-5 and Saturday 9-4 @the_corner_dispensary | @thecornerdispensary

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The Store is a one stop, dog friendly shop located in Ventnor, Phillip Island.

We provide something for everyone; barista made coffee, delicious toasties, gourmet groceries, local produce, baked goods, flowers, giftware and more.

Come in and see our friendly staff any day of the week.

511 Ventnor Road, Ventnor, VIC 3922 03 5956 8437 www.thestorephillipisland.com.au Open Monday - Saturday 8am - 3pm, Sunday 8am - 2pm @thestore_phillipisland | @thestorephillipisland

Located in central Cowes amongst the tropical setting of the Kaloha resort, The Palms has established itself as a main stay of the Phillip Island restaurant scene. Offering locally sourced produce, fresh seafood and top quality beef. Whether you’re after Tapas and a cocktail or a three course meal, our extensive menu and wine list has you covered.

Cnr Chapel & Steele St, Cowes 03 5952 5858 www.thepalmsphillipisland.com.au Open 7 days 6pm-10:30pm @thepalmsphillipisland

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Elope to Phillip Island, a perfect destination for an intimate wedding.

With a choice of locations from stunning bay or surf beaches to intimate chapels, your own home, or a secret garden, I’ll help you find your perfectly private location.

“I arrange intimate wedding ceremonies that are short and sweet, meaningful, affordable and uniquely individual.”

Save time, money and your stress levels by choosing to elope to Phillip Island with a local, professional, Civil Marriage Celebrant.

40 Boys Home Road, Newhaven, VIC 3925 Patricia Jamieson | 0412 339 795 elopetophillipisland@gmail.com | www.elopetophillipisland.com.au @elopetophillipisland | @elopetophillipisland

Noah’s Ark provides therapy and education for your child with a disability or additional needs (aged 0-12) and we recognise that families play an important role in their children’s health and development.

We support more than 3500 children and their families throughout Victoria, NSW and the ACT. The team delivering our services is made up of a broad range of specialists who have professional backgrounds in speech pathology, occupational therapy, education, physiotherapy, psychology and social work.

Branches in Frankston, Springvale, Pakenham and Morwell 1800 819 140 hello@noahsarkinc.org.au | www.noahsarkinc.org.au @noahsarkaus | @NoahsArkAus

Flowers of Phillip Island is a boutique florist filled with beautiful a range of homewares, body products, plants, pots, gifts and decor. They specialise in weddings, events and corporate functions and general floristry. They service Phillip Island (but welcome any enquires beyond). With over 20 years experience in wedding floristry, they are up with all the current trends. They also have a user-friendly online store. Enquiries welcome.

71 Thompson Ave, Cowes, VIC 3922 03 5952 2235 info@flowersofphillipisland.com.au | www.flowersofphillipisland.com.au Open Mon-Fri 9am - 5pm & Sat 9am - 4pm @flowersofphillipisland | @flowersofphillipisland

Feeling stuck and unsure how to proceed?

Lynda has loads of experience in the world of finance and can assist you with your loan. LS Finance Broking offers Home & Investment Home Loans, Business Finance, Asset Finance and Personal Loans. First Home buyers are her specialty. Call to make an appointment during the day (or evening) in their Wonthaggi Office. Weekend appointments are available for your convenience or call into the office any weekday for an informal chat.

LS Finance Broking Pty Ltd, Credit Representative (495763) is authorised under Australian Credit Licence 389328.

Disclaimer: Your full financial situation will need to be reviewed prior to acceptance of any offer or product.

107A Graham St, Wonthaggi, VIC 3995 03 5672 2606 | 0429 121 082 www.lsfinancebroking.com.au @lyndasainsburyfinancebroker

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The Inverloch Glamping Co Journey back in time to the Kingdom of Happiness Experience an authentic living culture through our unique tours: Cultural Immersion | Women’s Retreats Trekking Adventures | Small Groups Choose ethically responsible tourism

PO BOX 377, San Remo, VIC 0434 106 511 info@50days.com.au | www.bhutanhappinesstours.com.au @50dayslightweight | @50dayslightweight

24 hour self check in with a Kiosk.

Amaroo Park is located in the heart of Cowes.

We have rooms, villas and camping facilities to suit everyone within our well maintained gardens. Amaroo Park Phillip Island is currently rated Number 1 on Trip Advisor and can accomodate the lone traveller through to large groups. Easy walking distance to many Cowes attractions including art galleries, live music, amazing food and vibrant markets. Only 200 metres from the Cowes CBD and a 5 minute walk to the beach!

97 Church St, Cowes, VIC 3922 03 5952 2548 info@amaroopark.com | www.amaroopark.com @amaroopark | @amarooparkphillipisland

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A unique getaway in the stunning coastal town of Inverloch.

For the adventurous traveller, romantic couple or weekend away with friends – a luxury glamping retreat which brings together refined and contemporary comfort with the great outdoors. Bespoke cabins, sumptuous bell tents and a delightful camp kitchen nestled in rural farmland with ocean views. An idyllic venue for special events and lasting memories.

80 Drowleys Road, Inverloch, VIC 3996 0400 168 240 inverlochglamping@bigpond.com | www.theinverlochglampingco.com.au Open all year round @theinverlochglampingco | @GlampingInverloch

Mordialloc Cellar Door is a small, independent family owned business, which was established in 2003. It has become a renowned small wine merchant and local bar. We specialise in Australian and New Zealand wines, Australian micro breweries and ciders. We also have small range of spirits for take away or to enjoy on the premises. BYO food.

PLUS ONLINE STORE! 622 Main St, Mordialloc, VIC 03 9580 6521 mordywine@gmail.com | www.mordycellardoor.com.au Open Mon - Wed 9am - 9pm, Thurs - Sat 9am - 10pm, Sun 10am - 8pm @mordialloc_cellar_door | @mordycellardoor

where am I ?

Prehistoric rock rise up to catch the last light of the day Coast photographer Warren Reed captured this amazing landscape on one of his walks. Do you know where it is?

Photographic images will be available for purchase at 17 Bear St Inverloch. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates.

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where am I ?

Resilient to time and nature, standing proud and beautiful.

Coast photographer Warren Reed captured this amazing landscape on one of his drives. Do you know where it is?

Photographic images will be available for purchase at 17 Bear Street, Inverloch. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates.

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YOUR AWARD WINNING DESIGN & CONSTRUCT SPECIALIST

S U S TA I N A B L E H O M E S B U I L T T O L A S T. SOUTH GI PPSLAND, PH I LLIP ISLAND AND THE MORNINGTON PENI NSULA. www.beachhouseconstructions.com.au | mark@beachhouseconstructions.com.au @beachhouseconstructionsaus | 0418 595 410

FROM THE MOUNTAINS TO THE SEA

CLASSIC GOOD SERVICE Since 1886

Alex Scott and Staff have embraced our regional communities for more than 130 years and we’ve enjoyed seeing our region grow and prosper. We’re part of supporting and enhancing individual, family and community success and a key component of that success is our vibrant property market.

Summer brings with it the pleasure of days at the beach, traditional Australian barbecues, family holidays and a relaxed, joyous vibe. Whilst for many, buying and selling real estate isn’t a high priority in summer months, for our coastal offices it is the busiest time of the year. We encourage those of you considering purchasing or selling a holiday property or family home to contact your friendly Alex Scott and Staff office. We are proudly building enduring relationships and contributing to the success of our region. We hope that success extends to you this summer.

Melbourne (03) 8680 2545

Inverloch (03) 5674 1111

Lang Lang (03) 5997 5599

Phillip Island (03) 5952 2633

Warragul (03) 5623 4744

Berwick (03) 9707 2000

Koo Wee Rup (03) 5997 2133

Leongatha (03) 5662 0922

San Remo (03) 5678 5408

Wonthaggi (03) 5672 1911

Grantville (03) 5678 8433

Korumburra (03) 5655 1133

Pakenham (03) 5941 1111

Venus Bay (03) 5663 7111

CLASSIC GOOD SERVICE SINCE

1886 ALEXSCOTT.COM.AU