Coast magazine summer 2017 issuu

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in this issue

E LI ZA B E T H C H O N G celebrity chef

EMMA BOOTH

paralympic equestrian

K E IT H T U C K E R making magic

ISSN 1833–3648

OD GU ID E TA ST E OF SU MM ER FO TIO N BU ILD IN G & RE NOVA NS TIO SU MM ER AT TR AC

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ManDy Gunn Back to Square One – detail

Deb Watson Colouring Outside the Lines

Ply and enamel, 59 x 59 x 9cm

Kiln formed glass. 33 cm diameter

s a L Ly e v e r e t t Scarf

K ay e h at to n Jarrah Burl

Hand woven silk, undulating twill pattern, Lined with black chiffon.

22 x 18 x 4cm

Ken Griffiths A Minor Work

Werner theinert Kilcunda bridge square – detail

Oil on Canvas 101cm x 152cm

digital ink jet print on aluminium. 120 x 120cm

W W W. A r t S PA C e W O n t H A g g i . C O M . A u | P H O n e : 0 3 5 6 7 2 1 4 1 5 | A r t S PA C e n q u i r i e S @ g M A i L . C O M COMMuNity GALLEry | SuppOrtiNG rEGiONAL ArtiStS | rEGuLAr ExhiBitiONS

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PhiL henshaLL powlett river Dam

ursuLa theinert Coastal Scrub – detail

Oil on Canvas. 123 x 183cm

Acrylic and Charcoal on Canvas 91 x 91cm

John Mutsaers Wind Flowers 2 – detail

LaureL biLLinGton Messenger – Save Our Soil

Oil on Canvas 90 x 90cm

Hand built porceain paper clay, underglaze, glaze and lustre 20 x 9cm

Karin eLLis Neck Sculptures

M a r e e G u L Lo c K Eagle’s Nest

refound Objects 30 x 25cm

Lino Print Handburnished on Fabriano 285gsm paper 50 x 70cm

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from the editor

I don’t want to spoil anyone’s holidays by talking politics, but recent events on the world stage have been shocking. The impact of Brexit, the continuing war in Syria and its attendant refugee crisis, the nightmaresideshow that was the US Presidential campaign … it seems like mankind is on a race to the bottom.

Closer to home, Australia’s political escapades haven’t been inspiring either. And it’s not just politics. So much of public discourse these days, whether it’s on social or mainstream media, focuses on division, disunity and mistrust. It seems easier to attack than to try and find common ground, and thoughtful debate has been replaced by a competition to see who can shout the loudest.

It’s fair to say we struggled with Spring this year, but hopefully Summer has her game-face on and there’s sunshine heading our way.

All this had made me want to hit the reset button, or go into hibernation … wake me up when it’s over! I’m tired of seeing supposed leaders acting like over-tired children who’ve guzzled a litre of red cordial. These days, I prefer to take my inspiration from ordinary people doing great things … and these people are all around us.

Which is why, every edition, our goal is to tell the stories of local people – their passions, their creativity, their loves, their triumphs and their hardships. It’s people who make this place truly unique. We’re proud to bring you their stories.

the coast team publisher Maria Reed managing editor Eleanor McKay sub editor Anne Roussac-Hoyne words Christina Aitken, Katie Cincotta, Ulrike Lemmin-Woolfrey, Eleanor McKay, Sally O’Neill, Maria Reed, Simone Short photography Warren Reed 0414 753 739 design Staffan Hakansson print manager Nigel Quirk advertising Robyn Kemp 0432 273 107 ads@coastmagazine.net

Happy holidays and Christmas cheer to you all, Eleanor

su�cribe to coast Please fill in details below and post along with cheque or money orders to PO Box 104, San Remo 3925. Or subscribe online at www.coastmagazine.net

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contents

A TOUCH OF MAGIC 83 Keith Tucker has had an extraordinary career in technical design and event management. His vision and technological expertise has helped create some of the Island’s most popular attractions.

QUEEN OF CHINESE CUISINE 22 Celebrity chef Elizabeth Chong built a career on her love of cooking. At 85 she’s still passionate about food, but finds time to unwind at her Bass Coast holiday retreat.

RIDING HIGH 34 After a horrific accident that left her paralysed, Emma Booth focused on her goal of competing in the Olympics.

Her friend Glenn Carter got on his bike … and raised over $100,000 to help Emma realise her dream.

A GOLDEN BREED 44

FUN IN THE SUN 49

For Andy Neal, surfing has been life’s ultimate teacher.

The ultimate guide to what’s on this summer.

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contents

contents

people

THE ACCIDENTAL ARTIST 60 Her beachside home provides respite and inspiration for artist Vivi Palegeorge.

13

15 Minutes of Fame

18

2 Coast People

40

Time of her life

Sue Mooney

Kelley Raines and Tess Siegfried Jessie Florence Lay

104

The power of love

135

Taking to the skies

201

Young & Inspired

Archie Roach

Tom Osborne Nick Lawson

places

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE HOUSE 144

106

A touch of glass

114

Taste of Summer

140

5 things we love about …

Walkerville

148

Lifestyle Review – Sorrento

164

Lifestyle Review – Frankston South

Packed with information for all your building, renovation and decorating needs.

Collecting sea glass

Where to eat

Beach House Constructions

Aspire Designer Homes

REGULARS

SPICE OF LIFE 110 Gothamy Savasi is sharing the southern Indian flavours of her family recipes and helping build a new life for her family in Australia.

14

Coast Life

20

Latest Products

30

Events Calendar

122

What’s Cooking

124

Café Review – Kernot Food & Wine Store

170

Coast Style

198

Coast Directory & Stockists

199

A Good Read

200

Fitness

202

Where Am I?

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fifteen

minutes

of

fame

words as told to eleanor mckay photo warren reed

Since making the sea-change two years ago, former nurse and paramedic Sue Mooney has immersed herself in local life – cycling along rail trails, joining local community groups, and working as a volunteer at visitor information centres.

Initially we had a little holiday shack here, and we’d come down on the weekends, explore the rail trails and go to the beach. One day we called into a visitor information centre to find out what else we could do, and the person we spoke to there was amazing. She told us things about the area that we had no idea about. She gave us armfuls of brochures and off we went.

a trip online, but you don’t always find out the little nuances of a place that way. It’s great to have a book or a map, but the personal touch is always a plus. The centres are a great resource for locals as well. This is such a wonderful area. We’re so close to the Prom. We’ve got amazing Pinots … world-class vineyards … great cheeses … and we’re only ninety minutes from Melbourne.

It was a life-changing event when we finally decided to move down here. My husband’s sister had died quite suddenly and we thought – ‘What are we waiting for? Life is short; let’s get on with this.’ I wanted to know more about the area, so I decided to volunteer at the local visitor information centre.

That was 18 months ago.

When we moved here, I had to start a life for myself. I thought I’d join everything and see what I liked best. The problem is – I liked everything. I’ve not let anything go. From community singing to cleaning the toilets in Kongwak, I’m on every roster. I volunteer for MS, I’m the secretary of the Kongwak community group and I’m part of a Landcare group. I’m always telling people to just get out there and volunteer, because it’s fun.

Being a visitor information centre volunteer is a refreshing change from being a paramedic. I don’t have all that baggage.

I don’t go home wondering: ‘Did I do enough? Could I have done more?’ Now it’s all fun.

I’ve met some amazing people. It’s been fantastic; people are on holiday when they come to see us and usually they’re really happy. If I can send them away with a little bit more information about the area and really enhance that experience for them, it makes me happy too. You can research

When I was 30, I had a very bad car accident and spent five months in hospital. I had to learn to walk again. I remember waking up in the hospital and thinking, ‘I’m not going to waste another day,’ … because just like that, life can go. I hate wasted days; I love to get out and do something. My philosophy on life is – be in the moment.

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coast life

Prized art Congratulations to Fish Creek artist Linda Gibbs, who won The Best Gippsland Work in the prestigious John Leslie Prize this year with her painting of Tidal River. www.lindagibbs.com.au

Sounds of Summer You’ll want to say you were there at the very first Sounds of Summer festival on 28 December. Join in the fun at the Inverloch Rec Reserve from 2.30pm for a feast of food, wine and music, headlined by Taylor Henderson and Clare Bowditch. Event details and tickets available online. www.inverlochsoundsofsummer.com.au

Smooth flow Holiday traffic is a fact of life on Phillip Island. A traffic jam on a hot sunny day is one sure way to ruin the holiday vibe. That’s why we love the Phillip Island Traffic Check Facebook page. Run by a friendly local, it keeps a tab on local traffic conditions and is regularly updated by its 10,000+ followers.

Garlic Festival

Garlic – we love it! A kitchen essential, a flavour sensation, a handy way to ward off unwanted vampires … Find out everything you ever needed to know about garlic at Victoria’s first-ever Garlic Festival, in Meeniyan on 18 February.

There’ll be music, comedy, stalls, art displays, food, cooking exhibitions … and lots of garlic. www.meeniyangarlicfestival.com.au

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Sugar cane crush Forget paddock to plate: we’ve got paddock to bottle! Whip up a cocktail with Pure Cane – true agricole rum – made from freshly crushed cane juice. Husk Distillers is based in northern NSW, but luckily, you can shop online. www.huskdistillers.com

Summer of Soul Mossvale Park puts the happy into our holidays, with another sweet, swayin’ line up of soul and blues on 7 January. Chill out under the trees at the friendliest festival around.

Book your tickets now! www.lyrebirdartscouncil.com.au

Capturing history Here’s a way to properly document your precious life stories.

Memoir Man is the brainchild of bestselling writer Neil Bramwell.

Through a series of one-on-one interviews, Neil will put together a written memoir for you. Record your life journey or give this unique gift to a special someone this Christmas. www.thememoirman.com

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two coast people

Mother and daughter Kelley Raines and Tess Siegfried share a love of horses. Their regular rides are equal parts therapy, comedy, exercise and exploration, and are definitely a celebration of love and friendship.

KELLEY: I was born in South Africa. I used to ride my Boer pony everywhere – he was a tough little nugget. When I was about 18 my parents moved to Australia: my dad didn’t want my brother ending up as cannon-fodder fighting terrorists on the borders. I rented a semi-desert farm in New South Wales, and Tess and I would ride together. We had a close bond as she grew up with me while I was single before I met my husband.

When I moved to Victoria, I brought a gang of horses with me.

It cost $6000 a year for feed and agistment, so we bought a farm near the Bass Coast. I had a beautiful plan to breed oldfashioned quarter horses like you see in western movies. And we did, for four years, until we had a car crash in 2009. Tess was driving me to work in my pick-up truck. The truck was a complete write-off. Thank God, my daughter was spared.

I snapped my spine, and they said I’d end up in a wheelchair, that I’d never ride a horse or motorbike ever again: there went my future. Tess couldn’t believe the difference in me. I’d been a horse trainer and breaker, but I became chicken-scared of everything. We sold the horses and stopped riding together.

After four years of painkillers, therapy and muscle-building, I got back in the saddle. I was petrified — scared of breaking myself again. Tess kept saying, ‘Come on; you can do this’.

I bought a beautiful horse called Grey Marauder. He was supposed to be my confidence builder, but he was an absolute horror: he’d throw tantrums, he was scared of puddles – of everything. I had to be his confidence builder.

I led him around Koo Wee Rup, then Grantville. The turning point was when I went down to Coronet Bay. I began words as told to christina aitken photos warren reed

coast 18

channelling my chi energy into Grey Marauder and pretended we were warriors. Through my journey with Grey Marauder, Tess and I began exploring Bass Coast. Coronet Bay is my favourite galloping spot next to the waves. You wouldn’t believe how beautiful Corinella is. We’ve ridden around San Remo and along the Kilcunda trail. Riding along the coast is so breathtaking, that honestly, we fall silent. It’s soul-enriching.

The two of us are real explorers, and our horses love it.

One day when we were riding near Leongatha, Tess heard me shriek behind her. Grey Marauder had decided the sand was nice, and before I knew it, he’d dropped like a sack of potatoes and started rolling in it. I went whoosh off his back! It was so funny: we’ve had some crazy experiences.

My first thought when Tess was born was: ‘She’s a girl, not a boy’. I never thought I’d make a good girl’s mum: I grew up in a world of men with my brother, Tess’ dad and their brothers and mates, but Tess was the best thing that ever happened to me. I’m inspired by her tenacity and her strength of character.

She’s so switched on. I look at her and go, ‘Wow! What a woman.’ I love her honesty and straightforwardness. If I had to sum Tess up in one word, it would be ‘courageous’. No matter what she’s thrown into, she has the courage to see it through.

It’s something I’ve learned to respect in my daughter.

Our relationship works because we are so much alike, and yet so different. Tess appreciates me for who I am. She helped me on my journey back from the accident — she rebooted me.

She’s become my best friend.

two

coast

TESS: I grew up on a 200-acre farm in Griffith – it was basically a desert – but it was the best childhood anyone could have.

All I can remember is having horses, and Mum riding. I was tiny when we started riding together: Mum led me off her horse, and I was on a pony. When I didn’t need the lead I’d gallop past Mum, thinking I was really fast. Then she’d come past me, and I’d always be left behind. I used to hate it!

Now I have a big horse, and he’s really fast.

I didn’t have brothers or sisters, but we had ten horses. I jumped on a half-broken pony and learned how to ride: what else was I going to do? Mum never gave me a saddle, because you learn to ride a lot better bareback. I upgraded to a saddle when I was about seven – thought I was real fancy. All my friends would come around and we’d go riding, falling off, like, ten times a day. It taught me how to ride well. Mum used to pick me up from school on a horse – the other kids would go wild!

I started doing equine studies when I was at school, but it didn’t teach me much. Then I worked at Monomeith Stud Farm: they have a huge ‘Aquaciser’ water-exercise facility that can accommodate six thoroughbreds at a time. It’s good rehab for the horses, and I learned a fair bit there. My partner Michael surfs, so we moved to the Island in 2012, and we had a little boy, Dom. Then I began looking for a good horse, one that wasn’t dangerous. I got Occy, an ex-steeplechaser. He was emaciated and horrid when I first got him, but now he’s quiet and easy-going. Mum and Dom have ridden him, but not Michael: he’s terrified of horses!

people

After Mum recovered from the accident, she was very negative. She’d say, ‘What if I slip and sprain my ankle ...

What if …?’ ‘Mum, what happened to that crazy woman who’d jump on horses and go galloping around so confidently?’, I replied one day. ‘We’d race each other and have no fear.

What’s happened to you?’

Eventually she hopped on, and that was it. That ride was a turning point. Our first ride together on the coast was at the Ventnor Pony Club – Mum was shaking. We’d also meet up at Anderson. It was really good for her confidence. I’d tell her what she was doing right and what she was doing wrong.

We have our ups and downs: sometimes I’m too honest, but we always figure it out. We are definitely best friends. We don’t hold grudges, and Mum has learned to deal with my sense of humour. She listens. Sometimes we laugh so much Mum can hardly breathe, and we almost fall off our horses. Her best quality is that she takes life as it comes: she adapts to whatever it throws at her. Mum’s always been a ‘kick-arse’ person – I can’t really describe it any other way. I always knew I was safe when I was growing up, and that she’d back me up whether I was right or wrong. It gave me a lot of confidence. I think of Mum as a ‘warrior woman’. She’s absolutely crazy – in a good way.

If there was a dictionary definition of strength, for me it would be ‘Mum’.

coast 19

Gotta get mee one of thes

Perfect setting Restored Dario Zoureff 1960’s arm chairs and TH Brown fondue table.

Southern Bazaar

Latest news and products from your Coast retailers

Happy hour On the deck from 5pm – 6pm every day.

Numbers Café, Ramada Resort Phillip Island

Rock on Unleash your inner rock star with black window tinting.

Reduces heat, glare and blocks UV rays.

The One Stop Shop Australia

Crispy outside, soft inside A fresh Napolitano doughnut served with housemade vanilla custard.

Trulli Pizzeria $7 or $6 takeaway

coast 20

Fin fresh Yellow Fin tuna sashimi served with infused sake.

The Captain’s Lounge $15

Fair trade Vietnamese handwoven seagrass baskets. S $61.95 M $84.95 L $139.95 Tyde

Brilliant blue Toyota Hilux SR5 Turbo Diesel, Auto. $54,990 drive away Wonthaggi Toyota

Lovely lapis 9ct gold Lapis Lazuli and diamond ring.

Lacy Jewellery Studio & Gallery – POA

Art for art’s sake ‘Study for Bathing Nude’ – Ken Griffiths. Oil on Acrylic on Board (120cm x 100cm).

ArtSpace Wonthaggi. $3,000

Keep your cool Daikin Cora Series – smooth contours, whisper quiet and energy efficient.

Coastal Refrigeration & Airconditioning

Built in beauty Made to order bedroom furniture & robes.

South Coast Kitchens & Island Robes

The teal deal Bubble Gum pots. Set of three $59.95. Square pot $39.95 South Coast Furnishings

coast 21

words katie cincotta photos warren reed

Queen of One of celebrity chef Elizabeth Chong’s earliest memories is playing as a young girl among the fruit and vegetable stalls of the Queen Victoria Market.

It was the ‘30s, and Elizabeth recalls hard-working Chinese immigrants and the scent of spicy Asian cooking rising from the stalls of Melbourne’s bustling food epicentre built on the foundations of an old cemetery. “The Market was my playground. I remember that there was always somebody cooking,” says Elizabeth.

Her father William Chen Wing Young had transported his young family from a tiny rural village in China’s southern province of Guangdong, whose capital Guangzhou was formerly known as Canton. Elizabeth was just three when she arrived in Melbourne, the fourth of six children, in an immigration story that saw her family cast out from the country in a cruel political twist.

Elizabeth’s grandfather had settled in Australia in the 1850s and her father was born here. As a young man her father went to China to marry and bring his Chinese bride Jenny back to Australia. Some years later and in spite of being married to an Australian citizen and having two Australian born children, Jenny was forced to return to China because of the White Australia policy – legislation steeped in racism which one historian describes as “the rigid exclusion of Oriental peoples.”

As a result, Elizabeth was born in China. Five years after being deported, the family were finally reunited with their father and granted visas to return to live in Australia.

coast 22

The family’s involvement with the Melbourne food scene began on Franklin Street. Elizabeth’s father had invested in banana and pineapple plantations in Queensland, and went on to become the owner of one of the largest wholesale fruit businesses at the Queen Victoria Market. The family lived in a two-storey shop that was soon transformed into a busy manufacturing centre for her father’s food inventions, among them the iconic Australian dim sim.

Elizabeth explains that ‘dim sum’ – translated as ‘little morsels that dot the heart’ – is enjoyed in restaurants around Asia.

William Young refashioned one of the favourite dim sum items – the dim sim – for the Australian appetite, making it bigger and heartier. “My father chose the little flower-pot dim sum and made it bigger to suit the Aussie appetite. It couldn’t be little and dainty: the pastry had to be thicker, and it had to be able to be frozen and transported. It was competing with the Four & Twenty pie as a snack,” says Elizabeth. In so doing, he created a Chinese-Australian fusion that would become one of the country’s most popular take-away staples. The dim sims became so popular that caravans selling them sprung up all over Melbourne – the original food trucks – as early as the 1940s.

It was Elizabeth’s older brother Tom, who popularised the dim sim in fish-and-chip shops, and it happened quite by accident.

“One day he was supposed to take a box of dim sims to a >

Everybody understands the common language of food.

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Chinese business in Cheltenham, but the weather was fine and he decided to go out fishing with his Greek friend Joe in Mordialloc instead. Joe owned a fish-and-chip shop, and Tom gave him the box of dim sims. The shop didn’t have a steamer, so they dropped the dim sims in the basket and deep-fried them. Joe rang up a few days later and said his mates all loved them. Soon every fish-and-chip shop in Melbourne wanted to sell dim sims.”

The Young food empire at the Queen Victorian Market was run off its feet. “My father could never let any business idea die. He employed cooks to make and sell Chinese pies and sandwiches for the hungry workers at the market. It was like a Chinese milk bar. And out the back was a huge factory where he initially roasted peanuts, and then manufactured the dim sims and chicken rolls.”

During World War II, the family’s dim sims were rolled out to workers making weaponry and uniforms for the war.

“His dim sims were sold to the munitions workers as part of the war effort. During the war years there was less meat in them, and more cabbage and celery.”

Although Elizabeth has published her father’s famous dim sim recipe in her acclaimed cookbook “The Heritage of Chinese Cooking”, she is otherwise reluctant to share the sacred recipe. She feels the magic of that now-iconic food item rests in its unique flavours, which are a product of the time.

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While there was eager acceptance of Chinese cuisine in Melbourne, Elizabeth says the conservative Anglo culture of the mid-twentieth century took some penetrating. “My first few weeks at secondary school were quite miserable.

My sisters and I were the only Chinese girls there. It was completely Anglo. Names like Macintosh, Montgomery and McIntyre, not Wing Young, which was my maiden name. In the first few weeks I felt I was the odd person out, but by second term I was accepted. I wasn’t going to be browbeaten into being submissive just because I was Chinese.”

The self-confessed ‘scallywag’ intended to go to university, but the expectation to marry young and raise a family soon quelled those aspirations. “I intended to do an Arts degree and become a primary teacher. But I was typically impatient, and I had just met Norm.” Norman Chong, whom Elizabeth met at a Chinese club in Melbourne, was a pharmacist from Bairnsdale – Australian-born of Chinese heritage.

“It was unspoken, but I knew that I dare not marry outside of the Chinese circle. I simply could not go out with an Australian boy.”

When Elizabeth’s sister fell for Norm’s brother, their father, the quintessential businessman, decided to marry his daughters on the same day – with a spectacular ‘two for the price of one’ family wedding.” My father said, “You’re both engaged – I’m not going to have two weddings in the one year!”

There were politicians, celebrities and media coverage for the event at the family home in East Kew, which was transformed with big Chinese arches and imported flowers.

“Our triple garage was converted into a Chinese restaurant and Dad brought in all his chefs from the factory.” Guests dined on a Chinese banquet and danced to Tom Davidson’s band. The double wedding ironically ended in a double divorce 24 years later, with four children apiece.

Although her father never said anything negative about the men his daughters married, Elizabeth knew he felt that the families – the Chongs and Wing Youngs – were very different. “We were business people, they were academics. We had a beautiful car; a beautiful house and we took holidays. My father wasn’t flamboyant, but he used his money well.”

Elizabeth’s cooking classes began in 1961, and by her mid40s, they had become very successful. Her first students were her children’s teachers and the locals of North Balwyn, but it wasn’t long before she had developed a following as Melbourne’s Queen of Chinese cuisine. “My Dad advised me to cook the things I knew, the dishes I had eaten my whole life – a good beef stir-fry, fried rice, the perfect steamed fish.”

Her husband accorded public praise for her achievements, but privately she felt overlooked.

“Everywhere he went he would extol my virtues, but I didn’t get any of that at home. He just couldn’t express it privately – and I was probably needing that affirmation.”

… it wasn’t long before she had developed a cult status as Melbourne’s Queen of Chinese cuisine.

The issue of frugality became one of many sticking points in Elizabeth and Norm’s marriage. She has never spoken about her private life, but admits there were many difficult times.

“There were many sleepless nights and quarrels. When I was 45, I decided I didn’t want to live the rest of my life in conflict. When I told my husband I was going to leave him, it was a bombshell.”

More than 55 years later, some 37,000 students have been trained

by Australia’s first ‘wok star’. It was a rare thing to have an educated Chinese-Australian woman teaching people the secrets of Asian cooking with such warmth and confidence. “In those early days, I think I was instrumental in changing people’s perception of Chinese food.”

To Chinatown’s food industry, she was an important and respected voice. “I think I gained the respect of Chinese cooks and waiters because I represented them in a way >

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… all those years of cooking on television have left an indelible mark on people’s hearts. her elegance, her frank and passionate approach, and her knowledge. It was a stint that was to last more than 15 years.

She proudly shows off some photos taken at the time, which she has displayed in her apartment.

At 85, she realises all those years of cooking on television have left an indelible mark on people’s hearts. She is recognised almost daily. “People tell me, ‘I’ve been watching you since I was this high,’ and then it hits me how old I am.”

that they could not represent themselves because of language barriers.”

Her poised frame and silken skin make it virtually impossible to guess her age. She admits her mother lived until 91, a picture of youth to the end. Her daughter Angie believes genetics may play a part in her mother’s radiance, but that her work ethic and outlook have also been instrumental in keeping her young. “I think Mum has aged well for a combination of reasons: partly the luck of genetics, but also diet, lifestyle and attitude,” says Angie.

Looking back, Elizabeth sees her career in food as a transformative tool, a way of inviting Australians to embrace the melting pot of immigration. And that is reflected by her status as a Lifetime Australia Day Ambassador. “Through the medium of food I have tried to change perceptions. I talk a little bit about the beauty of the food, the recipes that came from my grandmother. I think from that comes tolerance, understanding and affection. It is almost ‘gospelling’ through food. Food is sustenance. Everybody understands the common language of food. It’s a great equaliser.”

Travel, diversity and continuing to work sustain the ‘Empress of Chinatown’, giving her joy and a sense of purpose. “In my career I’ve mixed with all sorts of people – young and old.

I’ve always met a lot of people in my work. I think that keeps anybody vital.”

Of course juggling work and four children wasn’t always easy, and at times, Elizabeth said she did feel overwhelmed.

But with encouragement from her father, and plenty of perseverance, her career continued to flourish. “I feel I got my inspiration from my father – he was always dreaming up ideas – but I definitely got my hard work ethic from my mother.”

Still passionate about expressing her love of Chinese food, she continues her busy work schedule and has only recently begun to contemplate winding down and spending a little more time relaxing at the beach with her daughter Angie and her Staffy, Rufus.

Her successful cooking school was also indirectly responsible for her successful media career. One of her students at the cooking school worked at Channel 10 and invited her to come in and chat to his producer about a cooking segment on Good Morning Melbourne. “I felt like a door was opened for me, and fortunately I had the confidence to say, ‘I don’t know how to do it, but I’ll try’.” She enjoyed the experience and then worked on Good Morning Australia, developing a great rapport with Bert Newton.

The first televisions appearances were a challenge. “All I knew was that I had to cook a dish, and I had seven minutes to do it.” But viewers fell in love with her trademark smile, her energy,

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These days Elizabeth unwinds at her holiday retreat on the Bass Coast – a custom-fitted Jayco caravan facing the ocean.

“We have a view of the sea when we’re cooking and eating,” she smiles.

Angie’s own business, The Humble Dumpling, is carrying the family’s food tradition into its third generation in Australia. She runs dumpling-making workshops, drawing on the flavours of her grandparent’s and her mother’s recipes, adding her own unique interpretation of the modern day dumpling. Elizabeth is proud that her daughter is carrying on the family food legacy.

Elizabeth herself is not yet ready to put down the wok. “I’m still not finished. I’m not the retiring type. I just think every day should bring something else.”

Elizabeth Chong is honoured to be named as Melbourne’s ambassador for Chinese New Year 2017 – the Year of the Rooster. She will be appearing at festival events from 27 January to 12 February 2017. www.cnymelbourne.com.au

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summer 2 017

events guide DECEMBER Christmas Exhibition – Australian Gold & Silversmiths Until 31 January The Goldsmiths Gallery, 157-159 Marine Pde, San Remo Contact: 5678 5788 www.thegoldsmithsgallery.com.au The Dark Passenger – Jordan Wood Until 12 February The Gippsland Art Gallery, 64-66 Foster St, Sale Contact: 5142 3500 www.gippslandartgallery.com.au Human/Animal/Artist: Art Inspired by Animals Until 19 February McClelland Sculpture Park & Gallery 390 McClelland Dr, Langwarrin Sth Contact: 9789 1671 www.mcclellandgallery.com Ros Godman – Animal groups paintings December Red Tree Gallery 420 Main Jindivick Rd, Jindivick Contact: Laurie 5628 5224 www.lauriecollins.com.au The Turner Gallery – JMW Turner Until 12 February The Gippsland Art Gallery 64-66 Foster St, Sale Contact: 5142 3500 www.gippslandartgallery.com.au Unsung Stories Exhibition Until 30 April National Vietnam Veterans Museum 25 Veterans Dr, Newhaven Contact: 5956 6400 www.vietnamvetsmuseum.org Weird Ceramic Until 12 February The Gippsland Art Gallery 64-66 Foster St, Sale Contact: 5142 3500 www.gippslandartgallery.com.au Impermanence – Karen Hopkins 1 December – 18 January Yering Station, 38 Melba Hwy, Yarra Glen Contact: Karen 0402 900 583 www.karenhopkinsart.com

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Allison Svoboda Exhibition 3–20 December Mingara Gallery 242 Thompson Ave, Cowes Contact: 5952 3722 www.mingaragallery.com.au Late Night Christmas Shopping 7 December, until 8pm Organature Shop 1/107 Marine Pde, San Remo www.organature.com.au Here Comes the Wind – Sarah Corbell 8 December – 6 February The Gippsland Art Gallery 64-66 Foster St, Sale Contact: 5142 3500 www.gippslandartgallery.com.au Southern Business Women’s Network Christmas Party 8 December, from 6.30pm Lucinda Estate Winery 108 Parr St, Leongatha Contact: Deanne 0429 999 316 www.sbwn.com.au Inverloch Community Carols 9 December, 6pm The Glade, Inverloch Contact: John 0423 709 395 In A Darkened Room – Melanie Caple 11 December – 14 January Gecko Studio Gallery, 15 Falls Rd Fish Creek Contact: 5683 2481 www.geckostudiogallery.com.au San Remo Celebrates Christmas - Rides, Santa, Carols by Candlelight 16 December, 5pm Contact: Michael 0402 653 315 Stories Scapes and Sojourns – Josephine Allen 17 December – 22 January, 10am–3pm Saraghi Gallery 71 Thompson Ave, Cowes Contact: Josephine 0421 310 204 www.islandinfluence.com.au Wonthaggi Community Carols 18 December, 6pm Apex Park, Murray St, Wonthaggi Contact: Brendan 0412 187 893 Cowes Community Christmas 20 December, 5pm The Ampitheatre, The Esplanade, Cowes Contact: Craig 0438 438 175

Christmas Fireworks Cruise 20 December Rhyll jetty, 16 Beach Rd, Rhyll Contact: 1300 763 739 www.wildlifecoastcruises.com.au Christmas Buffet Lunch – Watermark Restaurant 25 December, 12–3pm Silverwater Resort 17 Potters Hill Rd, San Remo Contact: 5671 9300 www.silverwaterresort.com.au Island Summer Carnival – Cowes 26 December – 26 January, 6pm until late Cnr Ventnor & Phillip Island Rd, Cowes www.isc.amusement-services-australia.com Dazzling Dan’s Magic Manor Shows 27 December – 8 January A Maze’N Things, 1805 Phillip Island Rd, Cowes Contact: 5952 2283 www.amazenthings.com.au Inverloch Sounds of Summer 28 December, from 2.30pm Inverloch Rec Reserve, www.inverlochsoundsofsummer.com.au Push Bike Ride Day 30 December, 5.30–7.30pm Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit Back Beach Rd www.phillipislandcircuit.com.au Summer Vibes 30 December Churchill Island 246 Samuel Amess Dr, Newhaven Contact: 5956 7964 www.penguins.org.au New Year’s Eve Dinner – Watermark Restaurant 31 December, from 6pm Silverwater Resort, 17 Potters Hill Rd San Remo Contact: 5671 9300 www.silverwaterresort.com.au New Year’s Eve Cruise 31 December Rhyll jetty, 16 Beach Rd, Rhyll Contact: 1300 763 739 www.wildlifecoastcruises.com.au

Photographed at Silverwater Resort. Paintings by Michael Whitehead

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summer 2 017

events guide JANUARY Robyn Rinehart – Animals & other friends January Red Tree Gallery 420 Main Jindivick Rd, Jindivick Contact: Laurie 5628 5224 www.lauriecollins.com.au More: Things Of Wood And Stone 1 January – 3 March, 11.30am till late The Fish Creek Hotel ArtSpaces 1 Old Waratah Rd, Fish Creek Contact: 0408 871 379 Push Bike Ride Day 3, 5, 10 & 12 January, 5.30–7.30pm Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit Back Beach Rd www.phillipislandcircuit.com.au Kustom Nats 6–8 January Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit Back Beach Rd www.phillipislandcircuit.com.au www.kustoms.com.au Tidelines – Beach Litter Art Show 6 January – 4 February, 10am-6pm (M-F), 9.30am-4pm (Sat) Bass Coast Library, Murray St, Wonthaggi Contact: Rosemary 0400 602 187 Summer Vibes 6, 13 & 20 January Churchill Island, 246 Samuel Amess Dr, Newhaven Contact: 5956 7964 www.penguins.org.au Mosaic Workshop by Heather Fahnle 6, 13, 20 & 27 January – bookings essential Mosaics by the Bay 8 Mountainview Ave, Ventnor Contact: 0417 562 625 www.fahnle.com.au Phillip Island Model Railway Exhibition 6 & 7 January, 10am–5pm (Sat), 10am-4pm (Sun) Cowes Cultural Centre 91-97 Thompson Ave, Cowes Contact: 5956 9513

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CoolArt Exhibition 7–29 January Coolart Homestead Lord Somers Rd, Somers Contact: Terry 0419 541 892 www.withoutpier.com.au Summer of Soul 7 January, gates open 12noon Mossvale Park, Berrys Creek Contact: 5664 9239 www.lyrebirdartscouncil.com.au Sunday Sessions 8 & 22 January Churchill Island 246 Samuel Amess Dr, Newhaven Contact: Lisa 5951 2800 www.penguins.org.au Shearwater Twilight Cruise 13 January San Remo jetty 190 Marine Pde, San Remo Contact: 1300 763 739 www.wildlifecoastcruises.com.au

FEBRUARY Roni Schell – Horses I have known February Red Tree Gallery 420 Main Jindivick Rd, Jindivick Contact: Laurie 5628 5224 www.lauriecollins.com.au Mosaic Workshop by Heather Fahnle 3 & 10 February – bookings essential Mosaics by the Bay 8 Mountainview Ave, Ventnor Contact: 0417 562 625 www.fahnle.com.au New Directions exhibition 4–26 February Inverloch Community Hub 16 A’Beckett St, Inverloch Contact: Andrew 0407 368 538 www.artfusionstudioandgallery.com

Bass Coast Agricultural Show 14 January, 9am Wonthaggi Rec Reserve, Korrumburra Rd Contact: Rosemary 5672 3259 www.basscoastagshow.org.au

Summer music at Silverwater 12, 19 & 26 February, 3–6pm Silverwater Resort, 17 Potters Hill Rd, San Remo Contact: 5671 9300 www.silverwaterresort.com.au

Summer music at Silverwater 15, 22 & 29 January, 3–6pm Silverwater Resort 17 Potters Hill Rd, San Remo Contact: 5671 9300 www.silverwaterresort.com.au

Shearwater Twilight Cruise 17 February San Remo jetty, 190 Marine Pde, San Remo Contact: 1300 763 739 www.wildlifecoastcruises.com.au

Paintings and Prints – Geoffrey Ricardo 15 January – 18 February Gecko Studio Gallery 15 Falls Rd, Fish Creek Contact: 5683 2481 www.geckostudiogallery.com.au

Memory Mine – Stephen Jansen 19 February – 18 March Gecko Studio Gallery 15 Falls Rd, Fish Creek Contact: 5683 2481 www.geckostudiogallery.com.au

Southern Business Women’s Network 19 January, from 6.30pm Contact: Deanne - 0429 999 316 www.sbwn.com.au

FIM Superbike World Championship 24–26 February Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit Back Beach Rd www.phillipislandcircuit.com.au www.worldsbk.com.au

Wic & Folk Knitting Workshop 22 January Contact: Vanessa 0400168240 www.wicandfolk.com.au AMCN International Classic 27–29 January Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit Back Beach Rd www.phillipislandcircuit.com.au www.islandclassic.com.au

Jubilee Display Village Opening 25 February 19 Congregation Circuit, Jubilee Estate Wyndham Vale Contact: Michael Nikolovski 5282 5732 www.hotondo.com.au Wilsons Promontory Cruise 26 & 27 February Port Welshpool jetty, 93 Lewis St, Port Welshpool Contact: 1300 763 739 www.wildlifecoastcruises.com.au

1 Roughead Street, Leongatha VIC 3953 T 5662 2327 F 5662 2642 E edney@dcsi.net.au W www.edneysleongatha.com.au

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words katie cincotta photos warren reed

Riding high Emma Booth has only a patchy memory of the head-on collision in Dixon’s Creek that changed the course of her life.

It was the night of April 7, 2013 when she and her friend Courtney were driving back from an equestrian event in Albury. The Nissan Navara was pulling a float with Courtney’s two horses, and Emma was in the passenger seat. “It had been raining a little bit, so the roads were wet,” she says. They were rounding a bend on a notoriously dangerous section of the Melba Highway when a semi-trailer travelling at 93kph jackknifed and hit them head-on, crushing the 4WD and trapping them inside. A woman in the car behind them and both horses were killed.

“I remember being trapped in the car: they had to cut the door to get me out. Being pulled out of that car was the most pain I can remember,” says Emma. Almost four years later, Emma talks about that day with calm and an almost eerie distance.

“Removing myself a little bit is the only way I can talk about it.

I have to deal with it as if I’m talking about somebody else.”

Police officers attending the accident described it as a “horrific scene”. In the hour she remained wedged inside the wreckage, the twenty-one-year-old sensed something terrible had happened to her body. “When I was in the car I couldn’t move. I knew something was really wrong.” Emma told paramedics that she couldn’t feel her legs, but given the amount of morphine required to keep her comfortable, it’s unsurprising she has no recollection of the conversation.

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For several days after the accident it was unclear if Emma would survive her horrendous injuries, which included a shattered spine, a broken clavicle and deep abdominal bleeding. “I was highly medicated during the early days in ICU. It was touch and go for a while. My parents were waiting to hear if I would pull through,” says the now twenty-five-yearold. Her injuries were caused by her seatbelt, but without it she would not have survived. Her friend escaped unscathed, the driver’s airbag protecting her from most of the impact.

When Emma was moved to the Spinal Ward of the Austin Hospital she was told she had an L2 spinal injury and would likely never walk again. While the petite blonde still has use of her upper body and her core, she has almost no feeling from the waist down, apart from some altered sensation at the top of her thighs. That medical news left Emma, her family and their close friends shocked and saddened that this vibrant young woman would now be wheelchair-bound. A rising star of the equestrian scene had been dealt a blow that would wipe out her Olympic dream.

What they didn’t count on was Emma’s strength and determination to take this turn of events and use it to fuel her ambitions. In the months after the accident, Emma admits she used goal-setting for the Olympics as self-therapy. The motivation to not only get back to riding, but to compete >

Just weeks after the accident, she announced to her family that she wanted to go to Rio.

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at the Olympic level in Rio, kept her fiercely focused on recovery. “My desire to get out of the hospital and get back on a horse was the motivation I needed to get up and do my physio, OT and exercise every day.”

Just weeks after the accident, she announced to her family that she wanted to go to Rio. It would take work, support and money, but Emma felt the Olympic goal was what she needed to deal with her new life as a paraplegic. Her father’s best mate Glenn Carter, an electrician from Wantirna, was ready to help.

“After that first week, when we knew she was going to live, I’d already thought about trying to raise money for Emma.

Yes, she had some injuries, but she had to start to be positive.

‘Some good will come from this,’ I told her.”

Glenn admits the hardest parts of that arduous journey weren’t just the blisters, incredible fatigue and haemorrhoids the size of golf balls. He’d done triathlons before. He was prepared for the physical pain, but spending more than forty days toughing it out on some of Australia’s most deserted roads made him pine for his family. “There were days when I needed to search for something extra. When things weren’t going too well I used to trick my mind.” Glenn would imagine himself in a wheelchair to distract himself from the pain in his legs. “I would forget about the legs, and all the power would come from my hands.”

Emma wrote Glenn an eight-page letter while he was on the ride and gave it to him on a surprise visit when he arrived in Perth. “For you to have not only planned every inch of this trip from the beginning, but to have the emotional and physical energy to carry out such a task was incredible,” she wrote. “I really don’t want to sound clichéd but you honestly inspire me every day. You have motivated me in so many ways and always make me want to push myself harder.”

Emma says Glenn’s bike ride raised more than $100,000 towards for her Rio Olympics campaign for Rio, but it also helped the Booth family to understand that the community was on their side, and would support them through this new stage of Emma’s life. “I think it was his way of not just helping me, but the whole family as well,” says Emma. Raelene agrees: “You can know lots of people throughout your life, but there are only a few where you can say ‘they are my family’. Glenn is one of them.”

This fifty-something adventurer, cyclist and dirt-bike enthusiast decided he would ride around Australia to raise money for Emma’s Olympic equestrian campaign. Driven by love, he covered an incredible 14,000km in 68 days, demonstrating that he was made of both the tough stuff and the soft stuff, and was the kind of person who regards generosity as one of life’s most noble pursuits. Often when tragedy strikes, it’s hard for loved ones to know what to say and what to do. But Glenn decided to channel that helplessness into something positive and powerful. “He could see that the accident had destroyed us – we were emotional wrecks – but with his help we rallied together as a family,” says Emma’s mother Raelene.

Glenn put on weight in preparation for the epic ride, and consumed copious amounts of carbs to power through 200km a day on the bike. “Every day I’d start with a big bowl of porridge with honey and sultanas – low GI for slow release.

During the day I’d stop every two hours and eat a jam or a honey sandwich, and on the bike I’d eat two bananas or a power bar. At night it’d be straight into rice with frozen peas and corn.”

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When Glenn’s Cervelo bike went up for auction to contribute to the fundraising efforts, his truckie mate John Tomlins, who joined the road crew from the Perth to Melbourne leg, made a surprise final bid of $4000. He then handed the bike back to Glenn – a gesture that still leaves the larrikin sparky emotional. He’s not ashamed to say he cried into his beer that night.

Since winning a pony named Scrappy at the age of eleven on her favourite TV show The Saddle Club, Emma’s life had revolved around horses. Six months after her accident, getting back in the saddle was a momentous occasion. “It was completely uplifting. It was emotional. It was incredible. As much as it felt different, it felt comfortable. There were no nerves. It just felt good,” she says.

She does admit that learning to ride again as a paraplegic was both challenging and liberating. Emma’s rehab and recovery involved regular Pilates sessions to strengthen her core, balance and lower back to help her ride as a paraplegic.

She tends to lean back in the saddle, and had to work hard to become more upright in her posture. Without the use of her legs, she needed to find another way to guide her horse, which she was able to do using voice commands and two whips. “It was different, but my knowledge from before the accident made the transition easier.” >

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You realise that anything is possible.

Emma had to perform well at several international qualifying events before making the Australian Equestrian team for the Paralympics. She found her horse Zidane only a few months before Rio, but he provided the partnership she was looking for. “I needed a horse that was quiet and safe, had a really good walk and trot, and was sensitive enough to respond to voice commands.”

Just three years after her accident, with more than eighteen months of hard work with her horse, her coach, her groom, her physio and team manager, she qualified for Australia’s Para-Equestrian team.

The pair got off to a shaky start at the Paralympics. The crowds at the first trial spooked Zidane, and Emma says they made some mistakes that cost them points. British Para-Equestrian gold medallist Natasha Baker consoled the first-timer after the nervy opening performance. “I was crying in the stables, but she comforted me and talked me through it. She was just amazing: she said all the things I needed to hear.”

Emma held third position for much of the Olympic competition, but was pipped by the German and Dutch competitors in the final test. “We came fifth – but we were only 0.8 per cent off the bronze medal,” she says. “I’m really happy about our performance given it was our first Games. The international experience has made us stronger for the World Equestrian Games in 2018 and the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.”

Emma says part of what made Rio amazing was bonding with other Australian Paralympians in the village – the sharing of

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stories, the realisation of what each athlete had been through on their own personal journey. “It gave me the motivation to want to do more and try harder. You realise that anything is possible.”

For now she’s enjoying the memories, the Olympic notoriety and the family’s new two-acre property in Langwarrin South, which they share with two dogs, two horses and a host of wild rabbits that Rosie, their Cairn terrier, “loses her mind over”.

The champion rider is waiting for her horse Zidane to be flown back to Australia from his time in quarantine. She talks of him with complete devotion. “Zidane is one in a million. The first time I rode him he just picked it up in a few clicks. Horses are really intuitive. That’s something I’ve learnt since my accident – how switched on and in tune they are with what you’re doing.

They can be so sensitive to what you’re asking, so willing to try. Zidane has that knowing feel about him. He’s special.”

This is the only time her voice quavers, and her eyes drift away, out over the open fields. But within seconds she’s smiling again, laughing at the antics of Scrappy, the white pony she won for a year as a child, eventually buying him for herself when he retired from a riding school.

The lost words don’t matter. Her radiant face tells the story. She has everything to live for. Her horses, this family, these friends are all standing up for her. They will never let her fall.

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words sally o’neill photos warren reed

Time

of her life

Just when motorised movie-cameras, the modern crossword and bras were invented, a young girl was born in the harsh Mallee region of Victoria.

Soon after baby Jessie Florence Lay was born at Horsham in 1916, her parents took her to her home behind the bank where her father was stationed as manager. Each night her mother would carefully place her in her cot, its four legs rising out of water-filled kerosene tins. “For the mice …” says Jessie, the glowing centenarian who came into the world in the midst of one of the worst mice plagues in living memory.

Along with the mice, a sudden illness got her long life off to an uncertain start. She nearly didn’t live to see double digits, developing both diphtheria and scarlet fever in their tiny new hometown of Ultima. “Mum and Dad had to beg a ride from one of the few families in town that had a car. We slowly bumped our way to the hospital in Swan Hill,” she recounts.

“About halfway there, Dad told the driver to turn around: he was sure I was dead.” Luckily they travelled on. “Of course I wasn’t dead! And I’m still here today,” she laughs.

Jessie vividly remembers celebrating her fifth birthday in hospital – it was the only time in her three-month stay that her parents were allowed to visit. But her earliest memory, a dark one, is of being marched to the cemetery with her class for the burial of a schoolmate. “And I have never been to a graveside service since,” she declares.

Jessie describes the rest of her childhood as “wonderful”. Her eyes shine brightly in a youthful face as she paints the picture

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of small-town life in Ultima and then Beulah – her very own wild west. “Mum and Dad were quite social. We lived behind the bank, and we’d always be out playing when we weren’t at school. I remember catching yabbies every Saturday morning.”

Along with the idyllic freedom, the Great Depression and major drought formed the backdrop of her early years. “I have vivid memories of the swaggies who’d pass through town looking for work. They were just like you and I, and Mum would always invite them to sit with us at our table. She would send them off with a sandwich and tea, and Dad would give them cigarettes and tobacco.” Jessie recalls watching her father’s hair turn white during those difficult years when many of the locals lost their farms and livelihoods.

With the natural resilience of a child, Jessie thrived, enjoying playing amongst the gargantuan piles of wheat-sacks until her father warned her of possible danger lurking there. An enormous stack, weakened by the burrowing of millions of mice, collapsed the next day. “The sheer volume of the mice … it was terrible,” she shudders. “I can’t even look at a mouse today.”

A local Indian gentleman, Mr Singh, who held shares in the local movie house, would often give Jessie and her siblings threepence each to see the latest blockbusters. It’s hard to believe that this vibrant lady was watching the silent comedies of Charlie Chaplain and Fatty Arbuckle, and the >

Jessie still loves a party and a glass or two of bubbly.

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The couple later moved to Yarram and established a drapery store that would become an institution and the centre of their lives for the next forty-seven years. When their two daughters Susan and Heather came along, they were simply added to the mix. “I’d put them and their toys in a cardboard carton on the footpath just outside the door, and everyone would stop to say hello and play with them. I suppose you couldn’t do that now!” she giggles.

antics of cowboys like Tom Mix when they were the latest craze close to ninety years ago.

Of course, Sunday was for church, and a day of rest – not even games were allowed. But Jessie and her brothers Pete and Wattie used to hide in the office at the bank and play cards.

Daring indeed!

The dirt roads were a hazard when the wind picked up and dust-storms took over. She recalls her father being caught in a dust-storm and having to stay out overnight until it passed. And with no refrigerators, it was always a challenge trying to keep supplies fresh in the Coolgardie safe. “In summer Mum would put the jelly in the empty fireplace to set, as it was cool there. The toilet was way down the back behind the vegie patch, and you had to dodge the ducks and the duck poo to reach it,” she laughs.

Life took on a rhythm of work, sport, community meetings, fun with friends, endless balls and gala affairs, holidays at Wilsons Promontory, boating trips and the much-anticipated sales at the store, where locals would line up at the door before opening time. “We were very involved in the country lifestyle. My husband would often say, ‘I’ll have to make an appointment to see you one night’,” she laughs.

One vivid memory was the day Jessie found herself in the path of an out-of-control milk cart careering down a hill. “It was in about the 1940s, in the days before motor cars, and the poor old horse careered into the shop window. I was lucky not to be in the way. The horse was badly cut, but luckily it survived.”

Another special memory was a five-month overseas adventure in 1967. Jessie and Fred travelled to Europe on the Fairstar with another couple, and spent six weeks travelling around in a campervan and sleeping in a tent. “We were a little like hippies,” she admits.

Jessie vividly remembers celebrating her fifth birthday in hospital …

Her brother would dink her to school on his bike, but that’s where the fun would end. She found school only “okay”. She much preferred to be out playing tennis or yabbying, and left school at fourteen to work in the local general store. For a time her family moved to Melbourne, where a teenage Jessie enjoyed a “proper house that wasn’t part of a bank”. Living right on the Yarra River, her father bought them a canoe. “It was a happy time. I got a position at Smith’s Drapery and my first job was putting tissue paper on the back of every individual button.”

After four years of city life, the family moved to Bunyip in Gippsland. “It wasn’t a big town, but we enjoyed the footy, cricket, dances, movies and tennis.” Once again working in a drapery store, she met and married Fred Macaulay in 1941 at the All Souls Church in Sandringham, the service followed by a lavish reception at the Oriental Hotel in Melbourne. The couple chose their wedding date to fit between the end of the footy season and start of the cricket, and their honeymoon was interrupted by dashes back to the shop for the busy days.

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In 1994, Jessie moved to Wonthaggi to be closer to her grandchildren. Her beloved husband now had to be in care. In her usual style she made lots of new friends, throwing herself into Probus, bowls and croquet. She only stopped playing bowls a few years ago and her social calendar is still as full as ever.

Jessie still loves a party and a glass or two of bubbly. (“Enjoy everything in moderation,” she advises). She loved the two large celebrations held for her hundredth birthday in August, and regularly organises little parties and get-togethers at her home.

Looking back down the long road of her life that began with dust and horses and is now a technology superhighway, she remains philosophical. “We were content. We didn’t try too hard. We were never too big for our boots. We didn’t live beyond our means: we were happy with what we had, we didn’t want more.”

“I’ve been very lucky – I’ve had a wonderful husband, a happy family and no real worries. But you have to create life for yourself and keep busy. Take things as they come. My philosophy is to give as much as you can – friendship and love – to other people.”

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surfer profile

A golden For Andy Neal, surfing has been life’s ultimate teacher.

I bet surfing wasn’t on the curriculum when Andy Neal went to school. Growing up in leafy green Mount Waverley, waves were a mere dream, something reserved for summer holidays and not a pursuit a grown man could make a living from.

How times have changed. Today Andy heads up Victoria’s first Surfing Academy at Newhaven College on Phillip Island, and his day job involves instilling the skills and culture of surfing into the surfers of tomorrow around key values of awareness, respect, safety and fun. Andy and his colleague Mal Gregson have also launched four surfing resource books that map out a progression through key skills and knowledge for improving surfing competence.

Of course surfing isn’t just a school subject that can be ticked off in modules. For true devotees it becomes an inescapable lifestyle where you earn your stripes as a grommet, hone your skills and then try to create a life around the sport.

Andy’s surfing journey started in the seventies, riding the white water on a foamie (foam board) in the shore break at Skene’s Creek near Apollo Bay, where the family camped each summer school holidays. He couldn’t wipe the grin off his

words sally o’neill photos warren reed and supplied

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face, and describes the initial feeling of speed and freedom as a “buzz”. But he wanted more. “One day I saw the guys out the back in their black wetsuits and just started paddling.

I made it out to them on my little foamie,” he recalls. “They were pretty amused when I took off and bellied a big wave in. Mum was really worried,” he laughs as he speaks of his first out-the-back experience.

At teachers’ college he formed a surfing bond with a mate.

They shared the purchase of their first real surfboard, a Mark Loveridge twin-fin, from Laurie Thompson on Phillip Island. The cunning duo also bought a blank to make their own copy – all in the name of learning the art of surfboard shaping. “We registered a business name – ‘Ocean Flight’ – in about 1977-78. We only made a few boards in garages and sheds, but we did enough to learn a bit about shaping and glassing, and to realise how much we didn’t know.” Andy also recounts wearing Golden Breed clothes and trips to Brighton to watch the classic surf movies of the era at the Town Hall and the Dendy, featuring all the icons of the dawn of professional surfing such as Lopez, Richards, Bartholomew, Tomson, Lynch and others. >

breed

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is “Woolamai when it’s good … and also Magiclands. I just love the feel of the place – it’s very special.”

Although coming late to the sport, he was quickly obsessed.

Andy and his college mate would check the wind reports over the phone, and as soon as it swung north-west they’d head down the west coast, sleep in the car, have an early surf and be back for morning lectures. “We would be knocked out, but that was just what we did.” It was always the west coast in winter and Phillip Island for the summer waves. “I clearly remember when I first stood up on the green face of a wave at Forrest Caves, and surfing many breaks with no one else around,” he says of the Island and Bass Coast back then.

As Head of the Newhaven Surfing Academy, Andy is now passing on lessons learned during his surfing life to the next generation. “Surfing is a fantastic thing for kids to get hooked on. It’s an immersion in the physical environment that leads to a lifelong connection with a healthy activity.” He is also intrigued by the sports science, mechanics and mystery of the sport. “What makes a good surfer? It’s almost intangible, but also very coachable. I started at twenty on homemade boards and just had to figure it out for myself, but now there’s lots more encouragement and training, and many more girls involved in the sport, which is great. Certainly having two such high-calibre surfers as Glyndon Ringrose and Jessica Laing employed as coaches is helping the Newhaven students work it out.”

Passionate about his local community, Andy describes it as having a great vibe with a village feel. “It’s multi-generational and respectful. Everyone values the places where we surf.

There are so many good, real surfers on the Island and it’s the same in all coastal communities. We are living, working here and raising our kids here to surf because of the richness surfing gives to our life. There are a lot of other people who have the same connection.”

It was always the west coast in winter and Phillip Island for the summer waves.

After college Andy’s life revolved around travel, and trying to delay getting a real job for as long as possible. He lived in Lorne and combined playing footy and emergency teaching with round-the-world trips. In the mid-eighties he ticked off surfing destinations including New Zealand, Hawaii, California, Mexico, UK, France, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Canary Islands, Sri Lanka and Bali. He also taught skiing in Switzerland when the seasons changed. There were many memorable moments, including being held at gunpoint in LA and Mexico and “nearly” surfing G-Land in 1982. An ear infection prevented this expedition, and Andy reflects it was “probably a good thing – I wouldn’t have handled it on my little twin-fin”. He finally made it to G-Land in 2009 along with trips to Indonesia, Timor, Banyaks and the Mentawais. And of course, there are the many surf pilgrimages with family and surfing mates, particularly to the more remote desert regions of the Australian coast, which Andy says “really get into your soul”.

Andy was later given a teaching position in waveless Wangaratta, where he enjoyed the sporting culture, especially footy (playing with the Hawks Rovers) and coaching the senior school team to a win in the Country Cup at VFL Park as the curtain-raiser to the night Grand Final. “ ‘Wang’ was a great town with welcoming people, and I loved playing footy at that level, but I just missed the ocean too much. I did, however, meet a beautiful country girl, Sonya, who eventually became my wife. She quickly adapted to the coast and the surfing way of life.”

He thought he would transfer back to the west coast, but was placed at Wonthaggi and given a surfing fix on a different coast. School surfing was already an institution at Wonthaggi, and that was a revelation for Andy, and a great introduction to the local surfing scene. He spent over ten years enjoying life and surfing in Inverloch and Kilcunda before moving to Phillip Island to teach at Newhaven College. His favourite Island wave

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Looking back, Andy wouldn’t change a thing. “The longer you are in surfing, the more circles you complete. I’m really happy being a surfer and having that connection. The thread it creates runs through your life – travel, people, places, the constant challenge, physically and mentally, and connection to the environment; it’s just fantastic! And the ‘buzz’ of a good wave is always there …”

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Anchor belle Ho l i day park

Anchor Belle Holiday Park is an ideal family friendly holiday destination, only 90 minutes from Melbourne.

Set amongst 3 hectares of bush, 100 metres to the beach, 2 km from the main shops and restaurants and central to all attractions.

Over the years we have grown to ensure we cover everyone’s accommodation and travel needs. Whether you are here for a short break or a relaxing holiday we’ve got you covered. Offering powered tent and caravan sites and NEW powered ensuite sites – your very own private bathroom! A great range of accommodation from budget

cabins to luxury 2 storey, 3 bedroom townhouses with private court yard and lock up garage.

Our park features: UV protected indoor heated pool with separate toddler paddling pool; complimentary BBQs throughout the park as well as a fully enclosed camp kitchen; toddler playground; brand new jumping cushion; multi-use ball court; games room with free-touse playstations and arcade games; WIFI; 2 well equipped laundries; infant bathroom; kiosk; complimentary secure boat storage area with a boat ramp nearby; excellent modern amenities with disabled access & dump point.

272 Church St, Cowes 3922 | Phone : +61 3 5952 2258 | Email: info@anchorbelle.com.au | www.anchorbelle.com.au

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sun

fun in The

Whether you’re looking to get active or artistic, go shopping or touring, this is the ultimate guide to what’s on. Our summer attractions guide will help you find the perfect way to enjoy the holidays.

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fun in The Sun

Inside the barrel

When the sun is out and the water is sparkling, who hasn’t dreamt of surfing a perfect wave?

The Islantis Surf Experience allows all of us to live that dream, with their unique, multi-media journey through Australia’s surfing culture. This light-hearted trip down surfing’s memory lane captures both the thrill and the maverick spirit of surfing, giving us a potted history from it’s earliest days in Hawaii through to modern times.

Nestled inside the Rip Curl store in Newhaven, the Islantis Surf Experience is a ‘must-see’ for anyone with an interest in the Island’s rich surfing culture.

Walk past the racks of surf wear, wet suits and boards, and you’ll find a doorway to another time and place. Your Surf Experience starts in the chapel, where the surf gods are evoked to bring you an irreverent history lesson.

The gods then put you on a board, including paddling out at Phillip Island’s iconic Magiclands at Woolamai. The 360-degree room takes you right inside the barrel, so you can experience the thrill of carving it up – without even getting your feet wet.

Back on dry land, the exhibition takes you into an iconic Sandman panel van, for a treasure-trove of memorabilia.

A Bells Beach Trophy (courtesy of Ripcurl), and signed competition rashies are just some of the items on display.

Layne Beachley and Mark ‘Occy’ Occhilupo and many other local, national and international surfing legends have donated or loaned boards for the display, including the founder of the original Islantis store, Laurie Thompson.

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The evolution of surfing is captured in a display of the changing shapes and sizes of surfboards through the decades.

And there’s a slice of the Island’s history in a collection of wooden boards once hired out the Penguin Parade to those keen to try their hand (and feet) at surfing.

Immerse yourself in the Islantis Surf Experience - inside the Rip Curl store at the gateway to Phillip Island.

The store also stocks a huge range of surfwear, fashion and surf hardware (boards, wetsuits, accessories). Men, women, toddlers and teen ranges all in store, as well as the Island’s biggest swimwear range.

Located at Rip cuRL phiLLip isLand 10 -12 phillip island tourist Road, newhaven 03 5956 7553 e: info@islantis.com.au www.islantis.com.au coast 51

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 phone 5956 6600 web www.phillipislandchocolatefactory.com.au coast 52

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fun in The Sun

Walking ON WATER

This summer, there’s a new way to get out and enjoy our beautiful beaches … and it’s as close as you’ll get to walking on water!

We’re predicting the waterways craze for this summer will be the new Mirage Eclipse. Marketed as the world’s first legpowered stand up paddle board, it has just been released in Australia and Rod Bendings World of Fishing & Beach Stuff in Inverloch is the exclusive stockist for South Gippsland.

The Eclipse creators claim the board is as easy to use as walking, and Rod Bendings’ David Walsh agrees. “You don’t need to be a surfer or stand-up paddle-boarder to use it. There is a technical aspect to most paddle sports and you do need good balance for them. But this is different. It’s easy to use, suitable for all ages and lots of fun.”

Describing the boards as the ultimate family fun, David says they are also the perfect way to combine recreation and fitness. “It’s like taking the gym and putting it out on the water.

It turns a day at the beach into a full aerobic workout. But trust me, you’ll be having too much fun to realise you’re exercising!”

The lightweight and durable board features hands-free propulsion and an adjustable handlebar with steering controls.

And because you are generating the power through a natural stepping motion, it doesn’t rely on open waves or good surfing conditions. “The board works best in calm conditions or flat water, which makes it perfect for inlets and rivers,” explained David. “Inverloch and the Tarwin or Powlett Rivers would be ideal spots.”

If all this sounds like your idea of holiday fun, drop into Rod Bendings at 8 Williams Street in Inverloch to find out more about this amazing stand-up board. David and his staff are happy to organise a test drive for you.

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The store also stocks a huge range of water sport equipment and accessories; everything from recreational kayaking, kayak fishing, kite flying, snorkelling, pedal-boarding to fishing and beach games. We guarantee you’ll find everything you need to enjoy summer in the water.

Rod Bending’s is Gippslands exclusive stockist of the all-new Hobie® Mirage Eclipse stand-up pedal board – taking stand-up to a whole new level. Call David on 0428 637 471 to organise a test drive.

Shops 1 & 2, 8 Williams St, Inverloch Phone: (03) 56743322 email: rodbending@dcsi.net.au www:rodbendingsworld.com

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Rod Bending’s World Stay safe in the water with a Hobie Inflatable life jacket. $95. www.rodbendingsworld.com 5674 3322

�ings to do,e places to se Fun in the sun this summer.

Islantis Rip Curl Search GPS watch tracks your every move in the water. $499.99. www.theislantissurfexperience.com.au 5956 7553

Bimbadeen Phillip Island Free range eggs, fresh from the Isa Brown hens available at the farm door. $7.50 per dozen. www.bimbadeenphillipisland.com.au 0409 167 001

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Gooseneck Pottery Robert Barron wood fired stoneware and porcelain.

40cm platters. $180-$220. www.gooseneckpottery.com.au 5655 2405

A Maze ‘N Things The new Magic Manor is an Amaze-ing experience.

Family passes from $50. www.amazenthings.com.au 5952 2283

Manyung Gallery “Blairgowrie Moorings 2” – Craig Penny (152 x 92cm). POA. www.manyunggallery.com.au 9787 2953

Georgie Bass Café & Cookery Cooking classes Saturday and Wednesday in January from $125 per person. www.georgiebass.com.au 5989 0031

McClelland Gallery Amber glass beads and silicon bands. $70. www.mcclellandgallery.com 9789 1671

Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit Action and fun for the whole family. www.phillipislandcircuit.com.au 5952 2710

Kongwak Market Fresh produce, vintage wares and warm country welcome.

0417 142 478

Island Surfboards Old school look, new school feel.

Hogan single fin – POA. www.islandsurfboards.com.au 5952 2578

Mingara Gallery “Came Along Way To Wait” – Craig Daniels. Oil on Canvas1(22cm x 92cm). $1800. www.mingara.com.au 5952 3722

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“The cabin we stayed in was so nice for the price and roomy we loved it.”

“The service, prices and park itself ... loved it.”

“Stay here often, ideal location on the beach.”

Park life.

Just a short enjoyable walk to Cowes Esplanade and shops. A marvellous place for family holidays, with absolute beach frontage. Bring your own van or book into our on-site accommodation.

50 grassed sites for caravans, tents, RVs and camper trailers | 2 amenity blocks | Central laundry | Play area Barbecue barn with kitchen | In-ground, heated swimming pool | Beachfront and Island bungalows | Villas | Eco Cabins All accommodation has two bedrooms, ensuite, kitchens and air conditioning. Fully self contained.

2 MCKENZIE ROAD COWES 3922 PHILLIP ISLAND PHONE (03) 5952 2113 e ma il info @bea chpa r k . co m . a u www.bea c hpa rk.co m . a u

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Beach Park T O U R I S T C A R AVA N P A R K

“Phillip Island Beach Retreat Cowes has all the right ingredients to make your stay a memorable one.”

It’s all about the beach.

Relax in comfort in this secluded, luxury beachfront location. Located just moments from the sea, you have a private pathway to the beach and are walking distance from the restaurants and shops of Cowes.

Suitable for couples and families | 2 and 3 bedroom apartments Plush bathrooms with double spas | Designer kitchens |

32-34 Beach Street Cowes 3922 Phillip Island phone (03) 5952 2528 email pibrcowes@beachpark.com.au www.phillipislandtouristaccommodation.com.au

| Double storey lofts Laundry facilities

Phillip Island

Beach Retreat

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artist profile

accidental The

ArTiST

Vivi Palegeorge feels life by the sea is like a permanent holiday. From her beachside home in Victoria, the accomplished artist talks to Coast about her inspiration for painting, and her rich and busy world.

As a young girl, Vivi was unaware she was destined for an artistic life. The closest she came was sketching models from her favourite magazine Dolly. “It was my teenage bible,” she laughs. “I’d save up all my pocket money to buy copies so that I could draw from them.”

Her hard-working Greek immigrant parents instilled a sense of family and a solid work ethic in the young girl. “I was good at maths and science and was encouraged to follow a career in that direction. I think my artistic leanings come from my dad, and even though he wasn’t an artist as such, he was always creating things with his hands.”

has always been very supportive and encouraged me to pursue what I really wanted to do.”

She started watercolour classes with Margaret Metcalf from the Hampton Community Centre and then studied under different tutors to gain an understanding of a variety of techniques. As her own style began to develop, she started painting in earnest. Ironically, a sore back (from sitting down too long with her watercolours) led her to acrylics, which she could use standing at an easel. A new world of opportunities opened up and she progressed to oils and mixed media.

A queen of multi-tasking, she picked up a paintbrush and watercolours, and started to create …

When she left school, Vivi decided she wanted to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

She studied microbiology and immunology, “… so I could help people in a meaningful way.” She worked in the field for many years until her children came along.

“I wanted to be a stay-at-home mum, but I wasn’t really good at sitting around,” she says. A queen of multi-tasking, she picked up a paintbrush and watercolours, and started to create – between sleeps, meals and other work. “My husband

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Moving to seaside Beaumaris, her family was able to walk to the beach from home. “It felt like we were on holidays every day. The beach has always been a great inspiration to me: light can transform its colour and mood.”

Local curator Terry Earle (from Without Pier gallery) noticed Vivi’s work at the local framing shop and contacted her. “Terry was instrumental in helping build my confidence as an artist, and exhibit to a much larger audience. Like most painters, I still feel quite apprehensive about displaying my work. To put your work on show is like exposing your soul for everyone >

words maria reed photos warren reed and supplied

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to see,” she reflects, but now her confidence and creativity have grown exponentially.

The student then became the teacher, and Vivi reflects: “My students have given me the opportunity to speak about art and they have pushed me out of my comfort zone. My philosophy is that my class is on the same journey as me, and we get to explore together. While I can show them techniques and various painting methods, the end goal is to help them develop their own style – their own voice as an artist.”

Studying the masters has been an important process for Vivi and her students. “So many thought of Picasso as simply a cubist, but he was capable of greatness in so many other areas of art. Even if you are interested in abstract or contemporary styles, you still need to know how to draw and understand perspective. The masters learnt the rules first and then learnt how to break them.”

Vivi was lucky enough to visit her favourite artist’s gallery in Madrid last year. “Joaquin Sorolla’s work is so inspiring to me! He paints happiness, light and joy – and it moved me tremendously. Some people may dismiss this as not being enough of a reason to paint, but painting an emotion really

�e masters learnt the rules first and then learnt how to break them. resonates with me.” Now she understands that she can give something positive back with her work. “I try to capture a feeling in my paintings that people can see and feel good about.”

“I take lots of photos, but I always find the best work happens when I’m outdoors. Something in those preliminary sketches seems to capture a feeling that I don’t always capture from a photo.” She continues: “One thing I can’t stress enough to my students is to research the works of past and present masters.

I am constantly referring to my books. It’s so important to continuously educate yourself on how those who came before you created.”

Being an artist can be quite a lonely life, so Vivi makes a point of getting together with a group of artist friends each week to experiment and talk about ideas. She has also taken her painting students overseas.

She reflects: “The more I study, the more I learn about myself.

I don’t call myself an artist – I feel I still have so much to learn.

I can feel myself entering another stage in my journey, and I find myself asking a lot of questions about why and what I am painting … and do I have a story to tell? My life is pretty hectic at the moment. I think I’m searching for a sense of peace in my paintings, and I hope that feeling translates to people who are viewing my work.”

Vivi Palegeorge is part of the CoolArt Exhibition, 7–29 January, Coolart Homestead, Somers.

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Cool Art @Coolart 7-29 January 10am- 4pm Daily

Coolart Homestead

Lord Somers Rd Somers Melway Ref: 193 J7

ALL PAINTINGS, PHOTOGRAPHY & GLASS FOR SALE Drew Gregory Slack Tide, Midday Oil on Canvas 51 x 76cm

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Enquiries: Terry Earle 0419 541 892 enquiries@withoutpier.com.au www.withoutpier.com.au

UNDERGROUND ADVENTURE.

Welcome to the State Coal Mine Visitor Centre with cafe, theatrette and shop, the museum, heritage trail, historic buildings and sheltered BBQ area.

Opening hours 10am – 4.30pm daily. Underground tours run daily at 11.30am and 2.00pm, additional tours during holiday periods. Café on site.

Garden Street, Wonthaggi | Phone 5672 3053 | www.statecoalmine.com.au

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�ings to do,e places to se

Over the Top Events For all your event needs, from event styling to individual item hire. www.overthetopevents.com.au 5952 1791

Fun in the sun this summer.

Lucinda Winery Artisan wines and cider from the South Gippsland hills. From $20 www.lucindaestate.com.au 0439 337 270

State Coal Mine Explore our mining history. Online bookings available from $10.50. www.statecoalmine.com.au 5672 3053

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Factory Seven Vintage, retro, collectables and second-hand designer wares.

0448 804 023

Yanakie and Long Jetty Caravan Parks Get away from it all. Camping and caravan sites and cabin facilities. www.longjettycaravanpark.com.au 5688 1233 www.yanakiecaravanpark.com.au 56871295

The Wonthaggi Market Cushions made from pure linen vintage tea towels. $40-$55.

0419 342 815

Beach Park Caravan Absolute beach frontage.

Onsite accommodation plus 50 grassed sites from $33. www.beachpark.com.au 5952 2113

Cross Over Cycles New Prodigy 2017 Scooters have landed at Cross Over Cycles.

Don’t miss out this Christmas! crossovercycles.com.au 5672 2270

Island Summer Carnival All aboard the Dragon Wagon.

Every night, 26 December - 26 January. www.islandsummercarnival.com

Boneo Maze An enchanted night garden from 26 December. Tickets $15 – $60 (family). www.boneomaze.com.au 5988 6385

Treat Time Old fashioned treats for every occasion. www.treattime.com.au 0418 557 889

Maru Koala & Animal Park Mini golf, family restaurant and animal farm. Family passes from $54. www.marukoalapark.com.au 5678 8548

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fun in The Sun

Creative heart

The newly opened Wonthaggi Market showcases the creative heart of our community.

Antoinette Russo is a qualified anthropologist who has always had a keen interest in the way societies operate. Her latest venture combines her fascination with culture, a desire to reuse and recycle, and an absolute passion for the creative.

Café, it will specialise in fabulous coffee and quick, healthy food – a tasty and nutritious alternative to drive-through takeaways. Over the summer holidays, Antoinette also plans to have local musicians performing on the weekends.

The Wonthaggi Market is a showcase for local arts and crafts and a true community collaboration. “There are so many talented and interesting artists and craftspeople in this area,” said Antoinette. “I wanted a place that would give these artists exposure, and at the same time, to create a space the whole community could use.”

The Wonthaggi Market is open daily from 9.30am until 4.30pm.

Located in Korrumburra Road (opposite the rear entrance to Bunnings), the market already has over 20 stall holders and boasts an eclectic mix of goods - vintage, retro, upcycled, hand-made and curios. “You’ll find things that have been repaired, things that have been repurposed and things that have been remade into something totally different,” explained Antoinette. “I like to think of it as a beautiful circle-of-life!”

With comfy couches and seats so people can sit and read, outdoor seating and a children’s play area, it’s a fabulously welcoming space. “We’ve tried to create a space that is pleasant for people to come to and one that is affordable and accessible,” said Antoinette. “It really is Melbourne quality, without the price tag.”

The market also has a designated community space, which local groups can use for book clubs, craft workshops or gatherings, in return for a gold coin donation.

And to add to the market’s appeal, a hole-in-the-wall café – “small on space, but big on quality” – will be opening soon.

Manned by the former owners of the much loved Kilcunda

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There are still a limited number of stalls available. For details, please contact Antoinette on 0419 342 815.

A mArket with A heArt.

creAtivity, community SpAce, collAborAtion, And GreAt coffee.

17 Korumburra rd, Wonthaggi (opposite Bunnings) 0419 342 815 Open 7 days 9.30am – 4.30pm coast 67

Immersed in art

Right on our doorstep, nestled in 16 hectares of native bushland, is a truly incredible artistic experience.

The McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery in Langwarrin is home to more than 100 major outdoor sculptures. It also boasts idyllic surrounds, three indoor gallery spaces and a fabulous café … the perfect ingredients for an artistic day trip.

Visitors can wander at leisure amongst the sculptures or join a guided tour with one of McClelland’s passionate volunteers.

These popular tours are free, but you do need to book, as space on the tours fills quickly.

The indoor gallery spaces are home to a collection that includes over 200 indoor sculptures and 2000 works of art.

No visit would be complete without stopping at the Gallery Café. Looking out across a beautiful lake and the sculpture garden, this is the perfect spot for afternoon tea or a light lunch. It is a very popular spot on weekends, (booking ahead is recommended) and the seasonal menu focuses on local produce. Come and enjoy a leisurely brunch – and select from scones and jam to poached eggs or waffles – while lunch options range from gourmet sandwiches to cheese platters and roasts. The café also caters for private functions, including weddings and corporate events.

Next stop must be the McClelland Gallery shop. Located in the Gallery foyer, it stocks an impressive selection of local artist wares, jewellery, accessories, art books and catalogues, books and children’s toys. Find the perfect gift or pick up a memento of your visit.

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This summer, the Gallery is hosting an exhibition entitled Human / Animal / Artist: Art inspired by animals. Curated

by Janine Burke, it runs until 19 February. This innovative exhibition features a diverse range of established and emerging contemporary artists and includes international and local sculptors, painters, photographers, video-makers, installation and performance artists, and musicians.

This summer, visit McClelland Sculpture Park & Gallery and immerse yourself in art.

McClelland Sculpture Park & Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10.00am until 5.00pm. Entry by donation.

The Gallery Café is open from 10.00am until 4.30pm.

For exhibitions details and more information, visit www.mcclellandgallery.com.

a wondrous place where art and nature meet

Australia’s leading Sculpture Park and Gallery set in 16 hectares of serene bushland, lakes and landscaped gardens in Langwarrin, 4 kms east of Frankston on the Mornington Peninsula. Entry by donation.

ADDRESS:

PHONE:

OPENING HOURS:

McCLELLAND GALLERY CAFE:

390 McClelland Drive Langwarrin, Victoria 3910 Australia.

+61 3 9789 1671

Tues to Sun: 10am – 5pm Closed on Mondays and some Public Holidays.

Tues to Sun: 10am – 4:30pm Book for a meal or function on +61 3 9789 1671

FAX:

+61 3 9789 1610

info@mcclellandgallery.com www.mcclellandgallery.com

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Creative partners

ARTSPACE EDITORIAL

It is a match made in heaven. The Wonthaggi Centennial Centre will now host the work of local artists and be a focal point for visitors to the area.

At the crossroads of Wonthaggi, the Centennial Centre has a new exciting future. Located at 1 Bent Street (opposite ALDI), it will continue to offer tourist information to locals and visitors, but this great space will now link local artists with collectors, and provide a vehicle for the continuing pursuit of art excellence in the region.

An affiliation between ArtSpace Wonthaggi, Wonthaggi Business and Tourism Association, and the volunteers of the Information Centre have combined to run the Centre.

ArtSpace is a volunteer, not-for-profit incorporated organisation, managed and staffed by a team of artists, artisans and community supporters. President, Ursula Theinert, says: “This new location has so many positives. It is a wonderful space to show off the fantastic art of our local artists. There is parking, and importantly there is wheelchair access that makes our art accessible to more people.” The move to the Centennial Centre took place in late November; however ArtSpace Wonthaggi will be co-located in McBride Avenue, until the 9th of January, operating in the two locations to help the transition.

While Artspace is thrilled with their new space, the new incarnation of the Centre is much more than a gallery. Dee Connell, President of the Wonthaggi Business and Tourist Association, believes the new partnership will help change the town to a destination point and a hub for visitors to explore our local area. She is confident this in turn, will provide opportunities and economic growth for local businesses.

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There is also a spacious boardroom for hire in the Centre, which can be used to host a range of meetings, training and information sessions and more.

And finally the alliance is looking forward to making use of the beautiful surrounds of The Wonthaggi Centennial Centre.

The grounds make an excellent backdrop to any number of community, artistic and cultural events. The Centre will be a dynamic community and tourism hub for art, business and information … so please, come and visit.

For gallery details, see the Artspace ad on page 8 or visit www.artspacewonthaggi.com.au

Unique marine wildlife experiences and stunning coastal viewing.

Explore the waters around Phillip Island on-board the cruiser “Kasey Lee”.

Seal Watching Cruise Twilight Cruise Cape Woolamai Cruise Wilsons Prom Cruise Winter Whale Cruise

Open daily 9.00am–5.30pm Rotunda jetty carpark 11-13 The Esplanade, Cowes p: 1300 763 739, 03 5952 3501 e: info@wildlifecoastcruises.com.au w: www.wildlifecoastcruises.com.au

The Gippsland Art Gallery has a range of exhibitions and programs to suit everyone. Now in its 51st year, 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 10.00am – 5.00pm, Sat & Sun 12.00pm – 4.00pm a: 64-66 Foster Street, SALE p: 03 5142 3500 e: galleryenquiries@wellington.vic.gov.au w: www.gippslandartgallery.com

TREATS FOR ALL THE FAMILY...

Treat Time has an amazing range of treats to suit all the family. Old fashioned lollies like Castlemaine Rock and Choo Choo Bars, or more modern yummies such as sour straps and sherbet bombs. Looking for a gift idea? Treat Time has lolly bouquets, boxed chocolates, unusual and unique gift treats.

Suffer from allergy or diabetes? Treat Time has a sugar free range, gluten free options and lactose free chocolate. Treat Time also offers a wonderful selection of Rocky Road, Fudge, Pink Lady chocolates and some of the old favourites like Humbugs and Bullseyes. Come see us now at Treat Time – it really is a treat.

Open 7 days, 10am–5pm through Autumn, 17a A’Beckett St, Inverloch | 0418 557 889 | www.treattime.com.au

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Laurie CoLLins

g estudio c kgallery o

sCuLpture Garden and red tree GaLLery

Set in Jindivick’s rolling green hills, just below the township where a variety of other delights await. Discover an acre of recycled metal sculptures in a lovely garden setting. Browse the gallery space where the exhibition program changes every month. See the work of local and contemporary artists and Laurie’s small stories sculptures and pick up touring info on the surrounding areas.

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

Open 9am to 5pm every day a: 420 Main Jindivick Rd, Jindivick p: 5628 5224 e: lcollins@dcsi.net.au w: www.lauriecollins.com.au

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

Take To The Sky.

Explore our breathtaking coast from the air, flying in comfort aboard Phillip Island Helicopters’ modern fleet. Scenic flights, Heli-Adventure packages and gift vouchers available – visit our website for details.

P h i l l i P i S l a n d a i r P o r T, P h i l l i P i S l a n d r d ( e n T r y v i a v e T e r a n S d r i v e ) n e w h a v e n . info@Pih.com.au (03) 5956 7316 w w w. P h i l l i P i S l a n d h e l i c o P T e r S . c o m . a u

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M IN SUMMER UNSUNG STORIES U S E U M A Special Exhibition

Unsung Stories features the little-known story of

Private John Densley and his mother Christina, flown by the Australian Government to her son’s bedside in Saigon when a sniper’s bullets nearly took his life, and the tragic tale of Private Errol Noack; controversially, the first conscript soldier to die.

Exhibition runs Wednesday 19 October 2016 to 30 April 2017.

Standard admission fees apply

NATIONAL VIETNAM VETERANS MUSEUM 25 Veterans Drive, Newhaven, Phillip Island ph (03) 5956 6400 Open Daily 10am - 5pm

www.vietnamvetsmuseum.org

BIKE HIRE! Ride the Bass Coast Rail trail from Wonthaggi all the way to Phillip Island!

Half Day hire: $30 per bike Full Day Hire: $40 per bike 2 Day hire: $70 per bike 3-5 Day hire: $120 per bike Kids bikes available on request limited availability.

Trail distance roughly 37km each way!

Book online:

crossovercycles.com.au or or give give us us aa call: call:

03 56722270

or or visit visit the the store: store:

41 McBride Ave, Wonthaggi, Vic 3995

Check weather conditions before you ride! coast 73

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Close encounters of the best kind

Cuddle a koala, hand-feed a kangaroo, test your mini-golf skills, enjoy a delicious meal ... a visit to Maru Koala & Animal Park delights and thrills thousands of families and tourists each year.

Ian and Neroli Heffer are serious about family fun. Their family-owned and operated business includes a wildlife park, a pirate-themed mini-golf course, an indoor playground and a family restaurant. Last year the park celebrated its 30-year milestone and it fully understands the ingredients that turn a good family day out into a great one.

The business prides itself on its focus on high quality, professional customer service. Their impressive array of awards (including Gippsland Business Awards Hall of Fame, Bass Coast Business Awards and Trip Advisor Certificates of Excellence) testify to their commitment.

Even the irresistible chance for a heart-warming encounter with native animals has a serious side. “If people make a real connection with the animals, hopefully this leads to a greater respect and better treatment of animals in the wild,” explains Neroli. As members of ZAA (Zoo and Aquarium Association), Maru is fully accredited, and passionate about animal welfare.

When visitors buy food to hand-feed the kangaroos, the money helps fund their wildlife hospital and rehabilitation service.

Each year, the team at Maru rescues, rehabilitates and releases more than 50 animals back into the wild.

Maru Koala & Animal Park runs a regular schedule of special events including sheep shearing, wildlife presentations and guided tours. You can also book a special encounter with a koala, dingo, joey or reptile, with details and booking options available online.

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Over at The Homestead Bistro, the focus is on providing good quality, affordable food. Local produce is a highlight of the menu and an indoor children’s playground and alfresco area makes for a relaxed family dining experience. The restaurant is fully open to the public (not just visitors to the park) and is now serving dinner on Friday nights, as well as daily lunch and breakfast. So pop in and treat yourself to a light snack, a great coffee or a delicious meal. Maru Koala & Animal Park – close encounters of the heart-warming kind.

www.marukoalapark.com.au

Your adventure starts here!

Maru is an award winning attraction that includes an animal Park featuring koalas and other australian native animals, Pirate Pete’s Mini-golf and the Homestead Bistro. located on the Bass Highway in grantville southern victoria, only fifteen minutes from Phillip island and the Penguin Parade.

Pat a koala and meet a whole range of other native animals in the wildlife Park.

Hand feed kangaroo’s and wallabies including rare albinos. sheep shearing shows daily and wildlife shows on weekends in the undercover auditorium. enjoy a light snack or meal in our Homestead Bistro. adventure around 18 holes of fun at Pirate Pete’s Mini-golf.

maru logo www.marukoalapark.com.au

1650 Bass HigHway grantville viC 03 5678 8548

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Ride ON A DREAM

If you dream of riding the waves this summer, the team at Island Surfboards & Surf School can help make that dream a reality.

Smiths Beach on Phillip Island is home to some of the most beginner-friendly surf in Victoria. On any given day, if conditions are right, groups of hopeful surfers, ranging in age from 6 to 60, paddle out to try and master the waves.

Operating for more than 20 years, the Island Surfboards Surf School has long been regarded as one of the biggest and best in country. The lessons cater for the total beginner through to experienced surfers looking to hone their skills.

For those taking to the waves for the first time, the classes cover basic water safety and board riding techniques. The experienced instructors aim to get you standing on a wave. In fact, they boast a 99 per cent success rate. The classes are also suitable for surfers with some experience, with expert coaches providing advice on technique improvement.

All classes are in line with Surfing Australia guidelines, with a 1 to 8 ratio of coaches to participants and every coach holding a Surf Rescue Certificate. With more than 70 soft boards and over 300 wetsuits, the school is fully equipped to cater for groups of up to 65 at one time.

And while safety is paramount – nothing beats the joy and excitement of those in the class.

“The surf lessons were a highlight of our weekend away.”

– Danny W. “The joy and excitement your lesson provided to the children is something I am sure they will never forget.” – Suzanne C.

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“Thank you for your fabulous enthusiasm, patience and super stylin’ surfing tips!” – Lucy P. “Last Thursday my two boys participated in a surf lesson at Philip Island. They all had a great time not only on the surfboards but learning about currents and waves.” – Emma H. Private lessons are also available for intermediate to advanced surfers wanting one-on-one instruction to improve their skills.

Details of surf lessons are available online at www.islandsurfboards.com.au. Book now on 5952 3443.

Island Surfboards also stock an extensive range of clothing and surf supplies.

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A treASure trOVe OF pre-lOVed, retrO, VINtAGe & MOre...

Opens at 10 every Sunday in Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring.

Main Street, KONGWAK, Victoria

(only 10 minutes from Inverloch) For more info call Jane on 0417 142 478

Second Hand, Vintage, RetRo and collectableS

Our cafe is nOw Open.

9.30am – 4.30pm 6 days a week

(closed tuesdays)

120 McKenzie St, Wonthaggi (behind Voyage gym) Enquiries: Marie 0448 804 023 coast 78

by

Josephine

Allen an exhibition of paintings & drawings by

Josephine

Allen an exhibition of paintings & drawings by

Josephine

Allen an exhibition of paintings & drawings by

Josephine

Allen

Stories, Scapes and Sojourns An exhibition of paintings and drawings by Josephine Allen. Josephine will be exhibiting paintings and drawings inspired by landscapes, allegorical stories and travel sketches. Josephine is fascinated by the stories within stories, the way patterns in nature can inspire imagination. Bark on a tree becomes a bird, an angel, or an elephant; she suggests forms and leaves it up to the audience to see. Artist in residence from Saturday to Tuesday.

Exhibition dates: 17 December 2016–22 January 2017, 10.00am–3.00pm or when the café is open. a: Saraghi Gallery behind Cafe Lugano, 71 Thompson Ave, Cowes p: 0421 310 204 e: islandinfluence@bigpond.com w: www.islandinfluence.com.au

Want to spend a day on the Mornington Peninsula or Phillip Island without having to drive for half the day? WELL NOW YOU CAN! The Penguins and Pinot partnership between Mornington Penninsula and Phillip Island Designated Drivers provides tours of both destinations seamlessly linked with the timetable of the Inter Island Ferry. So all you need to do is jump aboard – and let us do the rest! See our website for tour details.

Ferry departs Cowes at 8.50am (Mon–Fri).

Ferry departs Stony Point at 11.50am (Mon–Fri). p: 0481 265 534 (Nick - PI) or 0407 934 422 (Alicia - MP). e: nick@pidesignateddriver.com.au w: www.penguinsandpinot.com.au

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Take time out Visit our family run working farm

• Farm tours

• Farm retreats

550 B AC K B E AC H R D, V E N T N O R

0409 167 001

• Farm store • Paddock to plate BBQ and café

E N Q U I R I E S @ B I M B A D E E N P H I L I P I S L A N D.CO M.AU

W W W. B I M B A D E E N P H I L L I P I S L A N D . C O M . A U

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.

60 Kardella–Fairbank Rd, Kardella (via Korumburra) Phone (03) 5655 2405 Email gooseneckpottery@dcsi.net.au Robert Barron

www.gooseneckpottery.com.au coast 82

words simone short photos warren reed

A touch of

Over the course of his career in theatre and production, Keith Tucker has conjured up some spectacular events and festivals. His vision and technological expertise have also been behind some of Phillip Island’s most loved attractions.

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Tying technology to creativity is really what we’re �cited and passionate about.

The Amazing Karel was a magician at the height of his powers when he announced to the world he was going to perform the greatest disappearing act ever seen. On the 30th of January 1907 at the Princess Theatre in Melbourne, true to his word, Karel disappeared, never to be seen again.

Until now, that is …

It’s not every day you find yourself on a guided tour of an attraction with the creator himself. As we enter Phillip Island’s Magic Manor, Keith Tucker shares the tale of The Amazing Karel, and as if under a spell, I stare wide-eyed and in awe of the magic within the magician’s lair. Four years in the making, Magic Manor opened in October, but Keith reassures me with a knowing smile that this is a discovery, not a construction.

Within the Manor you will find ninety magical elements, tricks and attractions celebrating the golden era of magic – think top hats, wands and white rabbits – with the majority created from scratch by Keith’s company, Megafun.

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Keith developed the story of The Amazing Karel with the expertise of magical consultant and magician Doug Tremlett. “Doug and I spent the first six months developing the subtext – the theatrical context in which this would occur. How much our audience engages with that story is hard for me to say, but we do go to some lengths to be honest to it. The detail we go to throughout the exhibition is significant,” Keith says. “I was very particular about not making it feel like it was heavily high-tech. There are very few things in there that suggest technology, yet behind the scenes it’s bristling with it.”

Having travelled overseas to investigate the gamut of magical experiences, Keith says he found nothing else like his latest project. “This is equal to anything of this nature anywhere in the world. “I don’t think I’ve ever worked on a project that’s taken this long or that’s been so complex and intense – and I’ve worked on some enormous projects.”

He’s not wrong. Magic Manor is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Keith’s impressive portfolio, which lists

projects including the opening and closing ceremonies of the Pacific Games in Port Moresby in 2015, the worldrenowned arts festival MONA FOMA, the Mbantua Indigenous Festival in Alice Springs, and Keith’s personal highlight, the iconic series of fish on the Yarra River that formed part of the opening ceremony of the Melbourne Commonwealth Games in 2006.

Rachel Perkins, as “hugely rewarding”, as was working on the Pacific Games in Port Moresby. “It was extraordinarily difficult – the most difficult place I have ever worked by a country mile – but on the other hand, incredibly satisfying.

The harder something is, the more it gets into your blood. I do enjoy a challenge – putting a show together and seeing it come to life, and seeing people love it.”

It was the first time a Commonwealth Games opening ceremony had spilled out of the stadium, with thousands of people lining the Yarra River to see the 72 fish sculptures and a pyrotechnic display that rivalled that of the Sydney Olympic Games. “I was the Creative Director, and an opportunity like that doesn’t come along often – the chance to play with one and a half kilometres of Melbourne’s river with a big budget, a team of 500 people and a lot of support,” Keith says. “That was very exciting and enormously successful, which was very encouraging.”

Keith says no two projects are alike, and the sky’s the limit in regard to what his company can do. In particular, he recalls an experience he had while working on the opening of the Museum of Old and New Art – MONA – in Hobart in 2011.

Keith describes working closely on the Mbantua Indigenous Festival with television director, producer, and screenwriter

“There’s a car-crash installation there: it’s a sculpture, but the crash actually happened on the opening day. A brick wall was constructed and a stunt driver slammed the car into the wall, and we managed all that!” It’s been sitting there ever since. “That’s art!’ Keith remarks with a laugh.

Although trained as a secondary teacher, Keith has spent his entire adult life working in the arts. After finishing >

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university, he found a job in theatre working on technical design, from lighting and sound to staging automation and costuming. Theatre is still a big part of his core business: he’s toured with the English National Ballet, the stage production of Mrs Brown’s Boys and the massive arena version of Stade De France’s Ben Hur. When asked if he believes his company raises the bar, doing what others are yet to achieve, Keith laughs. “I like to think so! Tying technology to creativity is really what we’re excited and passionate about.

It’s what we do and what we find fun to do.”

“Kids have fun with it, but what I’ve noticed is that the sense of intrigue is less intense with children. They seem to accept that anything can happen! They see incredible effects on telly and there’s no explanation. They don’t even try to deduce how things have been done, whereas adults – particularly men – do seem to be incredibly intrigued and will stare at something, look behind it, tap it, and try and figure it out.”

Keith says that seeing the awe and wonder on the faces of the audience as they experience Magic Manor for the first time is the biggest reward. The long-awaited opening, however, was a poignant experience for the creators. The magician who’d played such a large role in bringing the project to life was ill with cancer and unable to attend. Doug Tremlett never saw the finished creation. He passed away only days after Magic Manor’s grand opening.

Seeing the awe and wonder on the faces of the audience … is the biggest reward.

Keith admits it’s a niche market and there’s not much else out there that mimics what his company has achieved. “I think we probably have a strong name for that kind of work, and we’ve done quite a bit of work down here on the Island,” he says, mentioning A Maze’N Things’ Puzzle Island, the Islantis Surf Experience and Panny’s Amazing World of Chocolate.

Whilst visitors to these attractions may be familiar with Keith’s work, nothing quite prepares you for this latest, and arguably greatest, project. Keith reports that the feedback so far for Magic Manor has been fantastic. He insists it’s not only for children; in fact, it’s not aimed at children at all. “There are elements appearing to the inner child, but it’s also very cerebral.

We get really positive reactions from older men,” Keith says.

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Having worked as a professional magician his entire life, perhaps it’s only fitting that Doug’s final work revolved around the story of a magician who performed the greatest disappearing act of all time. Keith says that whilst there’s lots of evidence of the magician’s existence, we never do actually find him. Instead, the Manor is a tribute to the magnificent magic he created.

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.

Contact The Frank for further andis gallery garden opening hours Inverloch Jazzdetails Festival held in &the beautiful seaside town of a:18 Boundary Road, Wonthaggi – Inverloch Inverloch in South Gippsland Victoria. p: 0412 485 041 Held over the Labour Day weekend 10th – 13th March, this year marks e: schoone@ozemail.com.au the 24th anniversary of the festival and features an eclectic mix of Jazz, www.schooneart.com a Grand Parade, Market stalls and Big Band in the Park.

A great event for the entire family, come for one day or stay for four.

Information and ticketing visit www.inverlochjazzfestival.com

Held in the beautiful seaside town of Inverloch in South Gippsland, over the Labour Day weekend, 10th – 13th March. This year marks the 24th anniversary of the festival and features an eclectic mix of jazz, a grand parade, market stalls and Big Band in the Park. A great event for the entire family. Come for one day or stay for four. Information and ticketing available online.

a: P.O. Box 154, Inverloch, Vic, 3996 p: 0434 574 516 e: info@inverlochjazzfestival.com w: www.inverlochjazzfestival.com

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Splash out

New EcoBoat tours are set to make a splash. It is surely no exaggeration to say that Phillip Island and the surrounding waters of Western Port are home to some of the most varied and breathtaking coastline in the world.

From the rugged cliffs and blowhole at the Nobbies to the spectacular rock formations at the Pinnacles to the turquoise waters around Cape Woolamai, this area possesses endless backdrops for selfies, great places for exploring and many an opportunity for picturesque beach walks.

While a visit to any of the island’s beaches never disappoints, there is another way to take in the splendour that abounds on these shores. Since December 2014, Phillip Island Nature Parks’ Wild Oceans EcoBoat Tours have been giving visitors an unprecedented view of the coastline, as well as allowing them to get closer than ever to the renowned Australian Fur Seal colony at Seal Rocks.

Operating year-round, this 47 seat rigid-hulled inflatable boat has thrilled those on board, giving them a different perspective of the area’s stunning beauty from out at sea, while Phillip Island Nature Parks’ Environment rangers offer insightful commentary for those onboard.

The new 90 minute EcoBoat Adventure Tour has replaced the original one-hour tour, with visitors treated to an extended and even more unforgettable journey at the same price of only $85 per adult. A trip to Seal Rocks is always a words & photos supplied

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spectacle to behold and the extra 30 minutes provides even greater opportunities for visitors to experience this up-close encounter with the seals, and other wildlife such as gannets, terns and even albatross, along with the spectacular scenery.

For half the year, the Seals also have some special neighbours on Phillip Island as the short tailed Shearwaters return home after their long migration from Alaska to spend their summer here, feeding and breeding. These intriguing birds have been the inspiration for Phillip Island Nature Parks’ latest product offering, a one hour Shearwater Sunset Tour.

This tour offers guests the rare pleasure of seeing the Shearwaters as they fly against the postcard-esque backdrop of the Cape Woolamai sunset. Departing from San Remo and running every Saturday evening until early April, it is as suitable for a family as it is for a romantic evening with that special someone.

The EcoBoat’s unique design allows you to get nice and close to the coastline as it navigates its way around the Cape’s Pinnacles, rising majestically out of the ocean. You will be in awe of the spectacular scenery and the unique view of the shearwaters as they fly around you and over the top of you, bound for their clifftop rookeries. At just $65 per adult this tour is bound to leave you with some unforgettable memories.

For those with a bit more time on their hands, the Island Discovery Tour is a great way to spend three hours embarking on a journey of discovery and exploration, taking in many of the treasures of Phillip Island’s coastline and spotting its unique and varied wildlife.

Cruising under the Phillip Island Bridge gives visitors a great opportunity to see dolphins, sting rays and even sharks.

The Island Discovery Tour includes a gourmet picnic lunch prepared by the chefs at the Churchill Island Café. The EcoBoat’s draught and ability to anchor just about anywhere means you will have the chance to enjoy your lunch at a surprise location, which could be on one of the island’s many amazing beaches, or possibly even across the waters of Western Port on one of the stunning, secluded beaches on French Island.

This tour will operate on weekends between late November and early April, and at only $130, this exciting three-hour boat tour is bound to be a hit with locals and visitors alike. All EcoBoat tours include commentary from one of Phillip Island Nature Parks’ expert Education and Interpretation rangers who offer valuable information, and know these shores as well as anyone.

Visit the website at www.penguins.org.au or call the friendly Nature Parks team on 5951 2830 for any enquiries on these exciting Wild Oceans EcoBoat tours, or how you can Bundle & Save with one of the many discounted ticket options including the Penguin Parade, the exciting new Antarctic Journey at the Nobbies, the Koala Conservation Centre and Churchill Island Heritage Farm.

www.penguins.org.au

The EcoBoat’s experienced Skipper will plot your course subject to daily conditions, but some possible highlights of the journey include Pyramid Rock, views of the GP track from the water, the Pinnacles, Cat Bay and many more.

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It’s a family AFFAIR

A visit to Lucinda Estate is not just a chance to sample hand-crafted wine. It also gives you a taste of life in the Gippsland countryside.

When Andrew and Lucy Gromotka bought their vineyard in 2002, it was always more than a business venture. Set in rolling green hills above Leongatha, the property is their home (which they share with their two young children and two happy Labradors) and their passion. “This is not just a job, it’s a way of life,” says Andrew. “We love being part of a rural community and this is a great place for our kids to grow up.”

This is as far from a corporate wine-tasting experience as you can get. Lucy or Andrew greet visitors to the cellar door – so the people who make the wines will guide you through the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir produced on site. With a focus on quality grapes and winemaking techniques that accommodate the seasons and local conditions, these are artisan wines filled with flavour, texture and aroma.

This summer, the estate is showcasing their 2014 vintage, including Chardonnays and five different varieties of Pinot Noir.

Their Gippsland Cider Company range (made from Gippsland pears and apples) is also available from the cellar door.

The winery offers a select and appetising array of local produce. As a small, family-run business, Andrew and Lucy are passionate about supporting other local family businesses who share their values and that’s reflected in the food they serve. The pizza names read more like a local guidebook than a classic menu! Berry’s Creek Cheese, Fish Creek Mount of Olives, Mirboo North Free Range Poultry, Wattlebank Park Farm and Gippsland Mushroom Company all have pizzas named in their

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honour, and feature their mouth-watering local produce.

The menu also includes a selection of local cheese platters.

In a further local showcase, sculptures by local artists are dotted around the grounds. “We love being able to collaborate with the artists and display their work,” says Andrew. “It’s another way to support the incredible things that are happening in our community. The art that is made here, the food we grow, the wines we produce … it’s all uniquely Gippsland.”

Summer opening hours: Thursday – Monday, 11.30am – 5.00pm.

Other times by appointment.

Come and see the sculptures 3 December to 26 January. Stroll amongst the vines and admire the Sculpture Exhibition showcasing Gippsland premier sculptors and artists.

Wines made from grapes grown, fermented and bottled on site, encapsulating the red volcanic soils and the climatic conditions of the vintage.

Summer @ Lucinda Estate

My favourite Cheese and favourite wine.

Berry’s Creek Oak Blue, a cheese after a gorgonzola style, matched with the ‘Circa 1990’ Pinot Noir.

Gippsland produce inspired Pizza, topped with produce grown by artisan farmers of Gippsland. (Weekends and Wednesday to Monday during January).

Come and enjoy.

Open 11.30 – 5pm Thursday to Monday or by appointment 108 Parr St, Leongatha | inquiries@lucindaestate.com.au | 0439 337 270

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Party PERFECTION

Whether you’re catering for 5 or 500, Over The Top Events has everything you need to celebrate in style.

Over The Top Events was born in July this year when local couple Kristie and Dugald Cameron took over and revamped an existing marquee and events hire business. The newly formed company hires everything you could possibly need for an event. Their extensive range of marquees, flooring, lighting, staging, catering equipment, tables, chairs, linen, decor and styling items make them one of the largest event hire companies in Regional Victoria.

Although Kristie and Dugald were new to the world of marquees, they were no strangers to events. “Dugald grew up on the Island and in the event industry and I have worked in hospitality and events for many years,” says Kristie. This dynamic partnership – Kristie is the creative brain while Dugald handles all event logistics – has already created a reputation for style, reliability and service.

The company prides itself on its flexible and diverse range of services. While they have a roster of happy corporate clients, private parties are also fully catered for. Whether you’re looking for someone to organise every detail of your event or just need extra glasses for a big family celebration, Over The Top Events can take care of it all. “We have everything you’d need – from single item hire through to a whole party theme,” explains Kristie. “We’ve done some fabulous birthday parties, which the kids loved. And the parents did too, because we took all the hassle out of organising the day.”

The team also specialise in wedding equipment hire and styling services. “When you book us for a wedding, we bring a wealth of experience to the table and can guide you through the process of planning your special day,” says Kristie. “We can help with every aspect, from walking you through the design of a personalised marquee wedding to setting up your unique wedding ceremony on a beach. Whatever vision you have we can make it happen.”

Call Over The Top Events to discuss their event, styling and party packages. Individual items are also available for hire including glasses, crockery, tables, chairs, outdoor heaters, linen, vases, candelabras and, of course, marquees.

Whatever you’re planning, make sure it’s an Over The Top Event.

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Celebrate In style Specialising in clear span marquees and complete event hire, we can design a package that is perfectly suited to your style and budget.

We aim to take the hassle out of your special occasion by providing the highest standard of equipment, unique products and styling and awless service and delivery.

5952 1791 | info@overthetopevents.com.au | www.overthetopevents.com.au 15 The Concourse, Cowes.

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Fresh and fantastic

With summer in full bloom, now is the perfect time to bring the fresh flavours from the garden to the dining table.

Located in the beautiful seaside village of Flinders, Georgie Bass Café and Cookery knows a thing or two about fresh, fantastic flavours. The popular café is open every day from 7am and serves up delicious breakfasts and flavour filled lunches.

With their own farm and vegetable garden located just a kilometre outside of Flinders, the café’s seasonal menu features ingredients picked one day and on the plate the next.

They also sell fresh bread daily, house made artisan produce and plenty of takeaway options.

From late afternoon over the summer months, you’ll be able to put out a picnic rug or snuggle into a bean bag and enjoy acoustic performances in the beautiful outdoor areas.

Sample some fabulous Mornington Peninsula produce with a cheese plate or charcuterie board, accompanied by a glass of local wine, and make the most of the extended daylight and warm evenings.

If you still can’t get enough of the fabulous Georgie Bass flavours (even with the extended opening hours) now is the time to book in for one of their celebrated cooking classes. Throughout January, classes will run on Saturday and Wednesday. The range of classes includes Patch to Plate, Georgie Bass Signatures, Cooking with Kids and Secrets of Seafood. A full schedule is available online and you can book online as well. Special ‘patch to plate’ classes start with a tour of the farm, where you get to pick the produce and bring it back to the cooking school to prepare.

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Georgie Bass’ award-winning head chef, Michael Cole, hosts the classes in the purpose built, fully equipped Miele kitchen. Everyone has their own oven, cooktop, equipment and workbench – making this a true ‘hands-on’ experience.

Designed to inspire and challenge, these relaxed and intimate classes (a maximum of 12 people) means everyone receives personal attention.

Whether you’d prefer to pull up a chair or roll up your sleeves, this summer, treat yourself to a Georgie Bass experience.

FARM DINNERS

at

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Each Saturday night in January 2017.

5 courses, $90 per person.

Sat 7th - Harts Farm, Shoreham Sat 14th – Wollumbi Farm, Tyabb Sat 21st – Main Ridge Farms (Red Hill Lavender, Main Ridge Dairy & Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm) Sat 28th – Flinders Gardens (Flinders Mussels & Flinders Hotel garden)

Please visit our website for more details or to book.

Accommodation packages available.

Flinders Hotel Cnr. Cook & Wood St Flinders VIC 3929 PHONE 03 5989 0201 EMAIL info@flindershotel.com.au flindershotel.com.au

Looking for a cooking class over Summer?

Fresh from the farm, straight from the sea, or decadently indulgent; jump on board with one of our scheduled cooking classes or book a private group.

Our purpose-built Miele kitchen allows for ‘hands-on’ cooking experiences where each attendee has their own preparation area, induction cooktops and steam ovens to use for up to 12 people.

Refer to our website for all dates, booking are required.

Georgie Bass Café offers an all day menu, house made artisan produce and take away coffees, open 7 days.

30 Cook Street Flinders VIC 3929, Australia T E

03 5989 0031 georgiebass@flindershotel.com.au

georgiebass.com.au

Brought to you by

In conjunction with

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Magic AT DUSK Lantasia Dreaming transforms the Mornington Peninsula’s Boneo Maze into an ethereal Night Garden.

The enchanting gardens and wetlands of Boneo Maze in Fingal provide the inspiration for over 80 hand-crafted lanterns. As the sun sets, the lights of the stunning silk sculptures illuminate the natural landscape and a journey into fantasy begins.

The lanterns whisper the story of Australian animals and plants and explore ideas underpinning the Dreamtime stories.

Children and adults alike will be captivated as they wander 27 acres of garden, boardwalks and outdoor play spaces.

Returning for a second year, these specially designed new sculptures transform bush land and peaceful gardens into an ethereal walk-through journey. Dreamtime characters will shimmer on the landscape: Elder wombat, Waa the wise crow, the heroic eagle Bunjil, the thirsty frog Tiddalik and others.

Mesmerising 3m high sculptures cast shimmering reflections over the lakes and waterways while cute illuminated critters inspire imagination.

Learn more about aboriginal Australia with Carla Lauch, of Living Culture (a Gunditjmara Kirrae Wurrung-Bundjalung man), through his didgeridoo meditation performances, bush tucker gatherings and tools and weapons demonstrations.

In the games garden, families can picnic under the stars surrounded by illuminated sculptures or enjoy supper at the lakeside café watching the gardens glow. Frogs calls and bush sounds mingle with laughter and chatter– this is an outdoor experience like no other in a truly magical setting.

After a successful Lantasia season last summer, managers Tyson Savannah and Justine Watt are thrilled to incorporate new designs and storytelling elements to this year’s event.“ By opening the gardens at night and creating unique light sculptures, we’re bringing a little magic to the Mornington Peninsula,” said Tyson.

Boneo Maze will take its magic further after the season, with the Bunjil and Waa laterns starring in the Melbourne White Nights event.

LANTASIA tickets also include Boneo Maze’s popular twilight mini-golf in the entry price. The newly licensed cafe will serve Indigenous inspired meals accompanied by local Mornington Peninsula wines and beers.

LANTASIA at Boneo Maze open nightly from 26th December 2016 until April 2017, 6-11pm. Tickets available at the gate.

Visit www.boneomaze.com.au to pre-purchase tickets and dinner deals.

Tickets: $20 Adults/$17 Children (3-17yrs)/$17 Seniors/ $60 Family (2A + 2C) www.boneomaze.com.au

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Heather

Fahnle

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

Mosaic Classes (beginners and advanced) with Heather Fahnle.

It’s therapeutic, fun and creative. All materials and lunch supplied.

Phone or email Heather for bookings. *Commissions available

p: 0417 562 625 e: heather@fahnle.com.au w: www.fahnle.com.au

2017

Save The Dates Two big weekends of events with something for everyone. From food and wine to sustainability and the environment, musicals and art to tours, sport and workshops. Join the communities of the Prom Coast in celebrating culture, creativity, lifestyle and landscape.

24 –26 March & 31 March, 1–2 April 2017 e: info@promcoastseachangefestival.org w: www.promcoastseachangefesival.org

boat ramp cafe

Relax in the sunshine and enjoy a coffee or a meal at this sunny beach-front café. Overlooking the bay, with a great range of kayak and paddleboat for hire, the kids can enjoy the water, while you savour the quality coffee and fine food. Delicious milkshakes, fresh fish and deluxe breakfast rolls are house specialties.

We sell farm fresh beef, lamb, pork, smallgoods, cheese and free range eggs. Our farm shop is open Wed and Thurs from 10am.

You can also find Wattlebank Park Farm at Farmers Markets in: Koonwarra Coal Creek Wonthaggi – Make it Bake it Warragul Inverloch Regional Inverloch Lions Club

Open daily from 7am to 7pm (weather dependent) a: 1 Anderson Rd, Cowes p: 5952 5050 e: cowesboathire@vtown.com.au w: www.phillipislandhire.com.au

Open: Wednesday – Thursday, from 10am a: 425 Lynnes Rd, St Clair VIC 3995 p: 0417 001 287 e: wattlebankpark@bigpond.com w: www.wattlebankparkfarm.vpweb.com.au

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sun

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Our Libraries have a huge range of programs and events to suit all ages and interests running throughout Summer, including school holidays.

Though free, most of our programs and events require you to book so please browse and book online at www.wgrlc.eventbrite.com.au Foster | Inverloch | Korumburra | Leongatha | Mirboo North Phillip Island | Poowong | Wonthaggi | South Coast Mobile

p: 5622 2849 facebook.com/wgrlc instagram.com/wgrlc w: www.wgrlc.vic.gov.au

MINGARA GALLERY Exceptional and Affordable Art since 2002

242 Thompson Avenue Cowes 3922 Phillip Island Australia Phone 5952 3722 www.mingaragallery.com.au | noelle@mingaragallery.com.au

Paintings Jewellery Sculpture Creative Gifts coast 101

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LONG JETTY FORESHORE CARAVAN PARK

Start your South Gippsland discovery with a stay at the Long Jetty Foreshore Caravan Park. Located an easy two hour drive from Melbourne or Phillip Island the caravan park is conveniently positioned on the Corner Inlet coastline close to some of the best fishing spots and walking trails that Victoria has to offer.

A stone’s throw from some of the best snapper spots in Victoria and a short cycle to the Great Southern Rail Trail, the Long Jetty Foreshore Caravan Park is perfect for couples, families or groups. Use the park as a base to explore South Gippsland’s famous farmers’ markets and galleries or explore our abundant natural attractions: Agnes Falls, Wilsons Promontory, Turtons Creek or Tarra Bulga National Park.

The Long Jetty Foreshore Caravan Parks offers clean, comfortable and affordable campsites and cabin facilities in a natural setting. Onsite facilities include free WiFi, camp kitchens and play grounds. Boat ramps are close by.

6 Port Welshpool Road, Port Welshpool VIC 3965 longjettycp@southgippsland.vic.gov.au www.longjettycaravanpark.com.au (03) 5688 1233

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YANAKIE FORESHORE CARAVAN PARK

Yanakie Foreshore Caravan Park is located an easy five-minute drive from Wilsons Promontory National Park. The park offers caravan and camping sites as well as a variety of fully equipped self-contained cabins for a relaxing getaway.

As well as being close to the ‘Prom’ Yanakie is also a convenient location to explore walking tracks and the majestic beaches of Waratah Bay and Sandy Point.

If you enjoy fishing then Yanakie Caravan Park will suprise and delight with easy access to Corner Inlet via the nearby boat ramp. Snapper, flathead, whiting and trevally can all be found in the Inlet... but if you don’t have any success don’t despair our local eateries can help satisfy your seafood craving.

Facilities at the Yanakie Caravan Parks are clean and well-maintained and a number of onsite services are provided including free WiFi, camp kitchen and playground. Cabin accommodation is perfect for families, couples or groups.

Take a trip to Yanakie Caravan Park and experience our unique coastal getaway.

390 Foley Road, Yanakie VIC 3960 yanakiecp@southgippsland.vic.gov.au www.yanakiecaravanpark.com.au (03) 5687 1295

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The power of LoVe

In the 26 years since he released his first album, Archie Roach has become one of our most lauded performers, a voice for indigenous rights and a champion for social justice.

At the 25th Womad Festival in March 2017, artists from around the world will take to the stage in a joyous celebration of music in myriad forms. Joining them is Archie Roach, who has just released his tenth album, “Let Love Rule”, in which he continues to explore the universal themes of love, friendship, family, country and community.

Unlike previous albums, this time Archie says he consciously set out to write songs around a theme. “I wanted to explore love with this album: what it means, what it is. From love between two people to a bigger picture … a willingness to love all things, all peoples.”

Concerned with what he saw happening in the world around him, many of the songs, including the album’s title track, speak to universal truths and the things that bind us. “It’s not too late to find a better way … to find some common ground rather than look at the things that divide us.” In particular, Archie says his song “It’s Not Too Late” is a call for more understanding.

“It’s a prayer and a hope that it’s not too late to turn things around so that goodness can triumph over adversity.

The world, it would seem, is heading towards self-destruction: not just destroying Mother Earth, but also destroying each other in war.”

Events in Australia, particularly in regard to the treatment of asylum seekers, were another inspiration for the album. “We are closing ourselves off, not letting people in. Not just in the sense of not letting them into the country, but not letting them into our hearts, into our minds. This country was built by

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words eleanor mckay photos supplied

people who came here from other lands. We should appreciate everything they’ve already given us to make Australia what it is.”

Again and again the album returns to the themes of love and forgiveness, closing with the powerful “No More Bleeding”.

“The end products of hate are blood, tears and misery,” says Archie. “This song could be seen as a prayer. The bloodshed and the tears of people who’ve lost loved ones and children … it’s so heartbreaking. Love has to be the better way.”

Over the past decade Archie has overcome incredible obstacles including a stroke, lung cancer and the loss of Ruby Hunter, his partner in life and music. Through all this, performing has been his lifeline. “It’s a two-way thing. The audience gives me so much back. It’s hard to explain, but that’s actually why I do this … to get that interaction with the audience.”

In 1990, Archie’s song “Took The Children Away” shone a spotlight on the impact of the forcible removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families. It was also the start of an incredible career that has seen Archie travel the world and record with renowned musicians from across the globe. He remains a powerful voice.

Celebrating its 25th year, Womad is showcasing incredible music from around the globe. 10 – 13 March 2017. www.womadelaide.com.au www.archieroach.com.au

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words ulrike lemmin-woolfrey photos amanda hilditch

A touch of

Although a lifelong beachcomber, forever bringing home shells, pebbles and driftwood, I’d never heard of ‘sea glass’ until it was briefly mentioned in an American sitcom a few years back. Suddenly there was another dimension to those long strolls along the coast.

Fresh air, the sound of waves, the cries of gulls, the horizon stretched out in front; while some go in for meditation, I generally just need to hit a beach and the world’s troubles fall away. And now that I have an additional focus, a walk on the beach always turns into a bit of an excursion – bag at the ready, head down, horizon and ships in the distance often ignored. And I’m not alone. You will have seen people like me: at low tide, they wander along the shore with concentrated looks on their faces. We’re all looking for little pieces of glass, trodden on and ignored by most, but cherished by others.

Sea glass, also known as beach glass, or even ‘mermaid’s tears’, is simply discarded glass found on the shores of rivers, lakes and the sea – nature’s way of recycling lost glass bottles and tableware.

I’d always been attracted by Art Deco opaque glass objects and moonstone jewellery, so it was a very easy step for me to become hooked. My first piece, collected on a MiddleEastern beach, was a crude green shard, still sharp in places.

But the smoother bits, the opaqueness, the matt-yet-

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shimmery glow appealed to me, and encouraged me to start searching for better examples.

Their history can make an intriguing addition to the sheer beauty of some of the baubles. According to archaeological evidence, the first man-made glass was produced around 3500BC in Eastern Mesopotamia and Egypt, and – assuming some of it got broken – that date also marks the birth of sea glass. Of course, sea glass is not created the instant someone drops a bottle into an ocean or river. It takes decades – even centuries – of wave action before shards are smoothed enough to be transformed from ordinary glass to little gems. But the history is there in every piece.

My historic interest was initially sparked by a piece of brown glass found on my favourite beach in Elwood. My research into the intricately entwined letters on its surface led me to the Melbourne Glass Bottle Company. That particular logo dated the piece to somewhere between 1888 and 1900.

Fellow-beachcomber and sea glass artist Amanda Hilditch, of Mornington Sea Glass, agrees on what makes collecting so special. “My favourite quote is from an article in >

‌ the fact is, sea glass is a potential �ture antique.

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The New York Times which describes sea glass collecting as ‘a hobby that seems an odd mix of amateur archaeology, environmental monitoring and antique collecting – with a little chemistry thrown in.’”

The longer an area has been settled, the better the chances that glass objects were discarded there and have had time to be smoothed down by the sea. With Australia’s relatively young history of industrial activity, and the remoteness of the beaches, it’s often difficult to find pieces that can be quite common in other parts of the world.

to the beach in hope of unusual finds.

After a day on the beach, the thrill of the treasures found and the enjoyment of looking into their history, there’s the added fun of using the glass or displaying it. It’s said that sea glass was first used for decorative purposes in Philadelphia around the turn of the last century: families displayed sea glass in jars on their window sills to show the neighbours just how much time they’d spent holidaying on the beaches. I buy interesting glass vases or clear jars to display my finds: some are organised by colour, while others house a selection of favourites such as a rare light-blue bottle-stopper found on Brighton Beach. Some collectors, such as Amanda, make jewellery or interesting objets d’art; others go to conferences like the annual Sea Glass Convention in North America, and try to win prizes for “Best Shard” or “Most Unusual Object”.

Sea glass, also known as beach glass, or even ‘mermaid’s tears’…

Amanda agrees: “The most commonlyfound colours are green, brown and white, originating from glass containers for alcohol, bitters, medicine, milk, soft drink, and also food jars, windows, windshields, tableware and vases.

Others colours are honey amber, seafoam, pale green, soft blue, pale aqua and rarer greens. Unusual sea glass is quite difficult to find in Australia compared to some other coastal and riverside locations around the world. We don’t have the range of sea glass colours found overseas, such as the mecca locations of the United States and the famed ‘multi-coloured’ sea glass from north-eastern England.”

As luck would have it, I have an English husband whose family lives in the north of the country, and I’ve made a few trips to the famed Seaham Beach, just south of Sunderland. This beach is celebrated for the multi-coloured sea glass baubles found here due to its proximity to an old glass factory known for experimenting with coloured glass. In those days, leftovers from experiments were thrown thoughtlessly into the sea, much to the delight of today’s dedicated collectors who flock

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It isn’t until you look closely that you appreciate that sea glass is available around the world, and many a happy hour can be spent on beaches collecting it. Call it beachcombing, call it meditation, call it hunting for resources: the fact is, sea glass is a potential future antique. With less glass being discarded, fewer gems are being formed. Of course, we need to recycle glass and look after our planet, but I can’t help feeling sad that these beautiful little mermaid’s tears may soon no longer be shed.

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words eleanor mckay photos warren reed

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While politicians around the globe debate the “asylum seeker issue”, closer to home, real progress is being made across a kitchen bench. No matter where you come from, sharing a meal is the perfect way to bring people together.

There are six of us gathered in the small, light-filled kitchen and the mouth-watering scent of gently-frying spiced onions fills the air. Our host, the gracious and always smiling Gothamy Savasi, is whipping up a vegetarian Poori Masala, carefully explaining each step as she goes. Ginger, green chillies, mustard seeds and curry leaves are added to the pot, along with chopped tomatoes and turmeric.

This is classic Southern Indian home cooking. Gothamy was born in Malaysia, the second-youngest of thirteen children. Her family are Hindu Tamils. She says she grew up in the kitchen. “All day my mother was in the kitchen, cooking for maybe thirty people,” she smiles. “We were always watching and helping.”

The dishes she now shares at her fortnightly cooking classes are from her family’s extensive recipe collection.

(a minority in the predominantly Muslim country) had dire consequences. “After the protest, the police kept looking for my husband,” she said softly. “We had to keep moving. It wasn’t safe.” That protest was the start of a five-year journey that ultimately brought the family to Wonthaggi.

Back in Gothamy’s kitchen, we’re now making Poori to accompany the Masala. Our questions – What is the best flour?

What is ghee? – are gently fielded by Gothamy as she mixes the ingredients into a dough, kneading it expertly.

The room grows quiet as we watch her shape and roll the Poori mixture, which she slices into small sections.

These little pieces of dough are then flattened and rolled out like pancakes. We all get a turn with the rolling-pin, and the dough is soft and very easy to work with.

I’m rather proud of my effort as my paper-thin Poori is dropped into an oil-filled pan and puffs up like a pappadam. While the Poori are prepared the questions continue, with Gothamy providing expert insights and advice. The conversation ranges from vegetarian food: “I love making vegetarian dishes; they’re so healthy for people,” to the merits of coconut oil beyond >

The couple spent a year in the Broadmeadows detention centre.

Gothamy’s eyes sparkle as she describes her childhood, growing up surrounded by family, food and friends. At college, studying Risk Management, she met and fell in love with Raj, a young engineering student. The couple’s decision to take part in a protest against the government’s treatment of Hindus

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the kitchen: “In our country, we use coconut oil for the hair … to make it grow thicker and darker.” Once all the Poori have been fried, the crispy rounds are piled on a plate and set on the table, ready for our lunchtime feast.

These intimate and friendly cooking classes are hosted in this gentle woman’s kitchen. They not only provide an important income source for her family; they have also helped her forge some valuable friendships. Gothamy, Raj and their 9-month old son Shamakh, who have applied for a protection visa to stay in Australia, needed to raise money to cover the associated legal fees. Felicia Di Stefano, from the South Gippsland Rural Australians for Refugees group (SGRAR), has become a close friend.

“To get permission to stay in Australia, the lawyers’ fees are $8000,” explains Felicia. “Gothamy and Raj have managed to become self-sufficient in a short period of time, but we’re raising money to help them with their legal costs.”

With so many asylum-seeker families needing visas, Felicia says the waiting list for access to free legal assistance is very long.

“There are lots of groups like ours trying to help these families.

We want to see a more humane approach to our treatment of asylum seekers.”

donated household items to help them set up their home.

Now happily settled in Wonthaggi, Raj has again found work as a contract cleaner and car detailer, while Gothamy earns money through henna-painting at markets and children’s parties, and her cooking classes.

With lunch ready to serve, Gothamy prepares a pot of fragrant chai. She encourages us to also make chai at home, explaining that it dissipates negative energy. A mixture of cinnamon, bay leaves, cardamom, fennel, peppercorns, ginger, cloves and black tea leaves, it smells fantastic! We all sit around the table, sipping our chai and feasting on the Masala, Poori and dahl. There’s much laughter over the table and the conversation flows freely.

… the mouth-watering scent of gently-frying spiced onions fills the air.

Gothamy arrived in Australia on a tourist visa in 2012. Unable to afford the price of two visas, Raj sent his wife ahead alone as the threats to their safety continued. “Once I arrived, I didn’t have a permanent visa to stay here and I didn’t know how to apply for one,” she says. In 2013, when he raised the money for a second visa, Raj travelled to Australia. After overstaying their tourist visas, the couple spent a year in the Broadmeadows detention centre. An organisation known as the Brigidine Asylum Seeker Project, helped secure their release, with working rights, while their application for a protection visa was processed.

Raj found work as a cleaner in Melbourne, but when he lost his job and could no longer pay their rent, someone from the Brigidine group offered them temporary accommodation in Cape Paterson. When Felicia learnt of the young couple’s arrival in Bass Coast, she rallied the SGRAR members, who

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We all leave the table richer, not just from the fabulous food, but from the opportunity to get to know each other’s stories. We’ve also helped this family, in some small way, in their quest to stay permanently in our community.

Gothamy hasn’t seen her family in Malaysia for more than five years, but with the police still looking for her husband, returning there is too dangerous. And the cost of visas prevents her family from travelling to Australia. “My family still lives in the countryside. I ring them, but it’s not like having them here. It was heartbreaking when Shamakh was born and no one could see him.”

But she loves her new home. “We feel very safe in this country.

It’s a better place for my son to grow up. I am so grateful to the people who have helped us. And we make lots of friends through my cooking classes. It is good here.”

To get involved in the South Gippsland Rural Australians for Refugees group, or to book a spot in a 2017 cooking class, please email sgrar07@gmail.com. The cost for classes is $25 per head.

Protecting ANDERSON INLET

Beautiful from the beach, from the water and from above, Anderson Inlet is much loved by coastal residents and visitors. However lurking beneath the surface is an introduced weed species that has wreaked havoc with the habitat for native fish.

Over the past 11 years, a program to protect native plants, animals and waterways from spartina has helped create a healthier Anderson Inlet for everyone to enjoy. The spartina control program, run by West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (WGCMA) in partnership with Parks Victoria uses both targeted ground based spraying and helicopter spraying to control the weed.

Spartina, also known as saltmarsh grass or cordgrass, is an introduced species that invades mudflats and mangroves, choking native seagrass and reducing the feeding habitats of shorebirds. It is prevalent along the saltmarshes of South Gippsland, where it tends to grow in circular clumps called ‘clones’ that are bright green in colour.

This year’s control program targeted Anderson Inlet, Shallow Inlet and Corner Inlet, after aerial mapping identified these as the key areas in most need of treatment.

According to WGCMA Water Program Coordinator, Tracey Jones, the spraying program is vital to protecting Gippsland’s coastal areas and studies have shown it does not pose a threat to water birds or their food sources.

“Spartina was introduced to Australia in the 1920s to combat coastal erosion and reclaim mud flats, but like so many introduced species, it has since become aggressively invasive,” Tracey said.

“The combination of ground based and helicopter spartina control ensures that spraying is pinpointed to target the area of infestation. This ensures affected land, estuary and coastal public lands are well-treated for the weed.

“We conducted aerial mapping in December 2015 to better target our control program, and as a result have identified the areas sprayed this year. This has ensured our program has the greatest impact.”

The work within Anderson Inlet augments work done throughout the catchment to help improve the health of the region – from mountains right through to the coast.

Tracey said WGCMA had conducted scientific research in collaboration with RMIT University as part of this year’s spartina control program to further examine the impacts of the spray on non-target species such as seagrass.

“While the final results are not yet in, early results have confirmed the spraying does not have any unintended impacts on the ecosystem,” she said.

The South Gippsland spartina control program is funded through the Australian Government National Landcare Program and the State Government Regional Waterway program.

www.wgcma.vic.gov.au

“It competes with indigenous plants, degrades waterbird and fish habitats, and restricts waterways.

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Paul the Pieman COASTAL ICON It’s an Inverloch institution that has Melburnians gladly making a day trip to stock up on some of Australia’s best pies and pastries.

Much like the delicious breads he bakes daily, Inverloch’s Paul the Pieman has given the bakery a thoroughly satisfying makeover.

It’s a homey place with communal tables and comfortable sofas for coffee and cake catch-ups. The same, friendly personal service awaits.

The brand new cakes and pastries counter is a feast for the eyes and a party for the taste buds. Craving something sweet? Nothing compares to a hand-made cake or pastry. The frostings are fluffier, the fillings are finer and the chocolate is simply divine. Whether you’re in the mood for a traditional pastry like an Almond Croissant or classic Chocolate Chip Cookie, or a trendier Salted Caramel Ganache Tart or White Chocolate and Raspberry Cheesecake, they’re all baked fresh daily. Paul the Pieman fast-tracks any sweet tooth satisfaction.

Celebrated as of one of Australia’s best bakeries – winning 11 medals from 11 entries for specialty pies and sausage rolls at this year’s national Great Australian Pie Competition – Paul the Pieman has added some great new flavours to the gourmet menu. Summer looks a whole lot brighter with Minted Lamb sausage rolls, Pork and Fennel sausage rolls and new tantalising pie varieties including Seafood or Beef Cheek with Vanilla Bean.

To guarantee you don’t miss out, arrive at 7am when the doors open, just as the pies, cakes and breads come piping hot out of the oven!

The family-owned business has made a name for itself through its retail and bakery awards. Trends come and go with gourmet baking, but it’s

quality that Paul the Pieman prides itself on. This staple of the Gippsland and Bass Coast region, with a tradition and ambience strong enough to draw loyal customers from Melbourne and the Peninsula, continues to deliver the goods.

11 medals from 11 entries for specialty pies and sausage rolls at the 2016 National Great Australian Pie Competition.

5 A’Beckett Street Inverloch. Open daily 7am-5pm (except Christmas and Boxing Days) coast 114 1

www.paulthepieman.com.au

summer 2 017

Taste of Summer Bass strait Direct 1/24 Boys Home Rd, Newhaven Call 5956 7980

An explosion of fabulous food and flavours. The finest cafes and restaurants, welcoming wineries, bustling markets, the freshest and healthiest foods … it’s all here in our Taste of Summer.

You won’t find fresher fish unless you catch it yourself! Suppliers of the freshest locally caught seafood, direct from the pristine waters of Bass Strait and beyond. Their huge range includes fresh seafood, filleted onsite along with scollops, oysters and prawns.

Whether you’re planning your Christmas feast or a summer barbeque, put Bass Strait Direct on the menu.

G i p p s l a n d ’s finest dininG experience

CAPTAIN’S LOUNGE 1 A’Beckett St, Inverloch | 03 5674 1432 | functions@ invyespy.com.au | www.invyespy.com.au

RESTAURANT + FUNCTION ROOM

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Bassine specialty cheeses

The Black Sheep café & Wine Bar

The Cape KiTChen

Bass Hwy, Bass (opp. King Rd) Call 0466 183 513

8 Williams St, Inverloch Call 5674 2129

Treat yourself to delicious, handmade, artisan, farmhouse-cheese at this family owned boutique cheese factory. Their wide range of cheese is made on the farm with milk from their own cows. Watch cheese being made, enjoy a light lunch or cheese tasting at the licenced Cheese Café or buy fresh, non-homogenised farm milk. Small groups welcome. Open from 10am daily.

With a fine selection of international and regional wines, and Tapas themed dinners, this is the perfect spot to spend the evening. Over summer, come and relax on the deck or enjoy Friday night acoustic entertainment. The menu changes regularly, with a focus on local, seasonal produce.

Open 7 days for breakfast, lunch and dinner over the holidays.

The stunning view and an inventive menu make this a unique dining experience, focusing on local ingredients and fresh produce. Specialises in beautiful breakfasts and now open for lunch and outside dining, there’s a menu to suit every taste and budget, plus an All-Victorian wine list and beer selection. The Cape Kitchen also hosts special events – ring or email them for details or to join their mailing list.

www.bassinespecialtycheeses.com.au

www.theblacksheepcafewinebar.com

www.thecapekitchen.com.au

1215 Phillip Island Rd, Newhaven Call 5956 7200

Great flavours New owNers

woolamai

5956 6603 – Shop 6/13 -18 Vista Place, Cape Woolamai 1 0 0 % Hal a l C e r t i f i e d

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O P e n t u e S day – S u n day f r O m 1 2 . 3 0 P m . e x t e n d e d O P e n i n g H O u r S OV e r S u m m e r .

Cape Woolamai Bar & Bistro 1/13-18 Vista Place, Cape Woolamai Call 5956 6313 This busy, friendly local bar and bistro has brand new owners and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. Meals, cake and coffee, or a drink and tapas in the sunshine.

This is the ideal spot to enjoy fabulous, restaurant quality food in a relaxed bistro atmosphere. Or come and enjoy the popular Friday and Saturday night happy hour.

Open 7 days until late.

Cheeky Goose

ChurChill island Café

4/72 Chapel St, Cowes Call 5907 6900

246 Samuel Amess Dr, Churchill Island Call 5956 7964

Located in a unique, historical Tudor style building c1933 you’ll find local produce, wine, craft and handmade products showcased at its best. Award winning chef and owner Rob van den Brink welcomes you and your family for breakfast, lunch and dinner, or just pop in for coffee and cake.

We are open all day. Relax, unwind and enjoy a real foodie experience. What will you have next on our newly renovated deck?

Enjoy the tranquility and stunning water views at the Churchill Island Café, where rustic charm, local produce and quality service meet. The abundance of seasonal produce within Gippsland and our immediate community means our dedicated chefs can truly bring the ‘paddock to your plate’. Whether it’s a casual lunch, a function or a wedding, Churchill Island Café will make your day a memorable one. www.penguins.org.au

EAT WELL LIVE WELL SHOP WELL

Grain mills, bamboo brushes, medicinal mushrooms, water systems, organic teas, essential oils, organic skin care, natural makeup, orgone products and much more.

Expert advice, trusted products, healthy living solutions

SHOP ONLINE AT

UPBEET.COM.AU

125 Graham St, Wonthaggi, 3995 | Open 9am – 5pm Phone: 5672 5825 | Email: info@UpBeet.com.au

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Coffee ColleCtive

Connells Bakery

The esplanade hoTel

50-52 McBride Ave, Wonthaggi Call 5672 4555

33-35 Murray St, Wonthaggi Call 5672 1050 Wonthaggi or 5678 2133 Bass Service Centre

1 A’Beckett St, Inverloch Call 5674 1432

Regarded as one of the best cafes in the region, The Coffee Collective offers a contemporary menu and Melbourne quality coffee in a funky industrial setting.

Specialties include soft shell crab, espresso panna cotta and dragon fruit breakfast bowls. It has also been awarded Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence and listed in The Age Good Food Guide 2016.

Open Mon–Fri 7am–3pm. Sat 7.30am–2pm.

Delicious fresh bread, trays of glistening slices and cakes, good coffee and friendly service is the Connells trademark. You can start the day with their Big Breakfast Pie, or something sweeter. For lunch, there’s a great selection of fabulous pies, including the award-winning Miners Pie and platters of salad. Truly scrumptious.

Dine in at the family-friendly bistro or enjoy a fine-dinning experience in the Captain’s Lounge. The Bistro is renown for its fantastic ‘Espy Grill’ and also serves an excellent selection of classic pub food. Upstairs, The Captain’s Lounge showcases seasonal, fresh local produce in innovative, contemporary combinations for the best of a la carte dining. Also available for private functions.

www.connellsbakery.com.au

www.invyespy.com.au

What a sweet dream!

With over 200 varieties of lollies to choose from, you can create your ultimate mixed bag.

2/23-27 Thompson Ave, Cowes | sales@thelollytrolley.com.au 04476 LOLLY(56559) | www.thelollytrolley.com.au

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Gippsland MushrooMs 1880 Loch-Wonthaggi Rd, Ryanston Call 5678 3350 Chris Puyol and partner Anne Marie Chibber own and run Gippsland Mushroom Farm.

They supply IGA supermarkets in San Remo and Tarwin Lower, cafes and restaurants in the region and frequent the local Farmers Markets. Fresh grown and delicious, their mushroom include Champignon, Swiss Browns and Portobello. Open Mon-Fri for mushroom and compost sales, they also host group tours and information days on how mushrooms grow.

Harry’s on tHe esplanade 17 The Esplanade, Cowes Call 5952 6226 It’s worth a visit for the view alone plus the menu uses local, natural and authentic produce. Seafood fresh off the boat and Island-grazed beef and lamb are specialties.

Artisan breads, cakes and ice-creams are all made in-house. Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner, plus breakfast on Saturday and Sunday. Harry’s also offers “EzyMeals” – restaurant quality frozen meals for delivery or pick-up.

IGA SAn Remo 135 Marine Pde, San Remo Call 5678 5337 There is always an impressive array of specials at this newly renovated supermarket. But where the store really shines is in their incredible range of gourmet sauces, expansive cheese selection and local smoked salts. They also stock a great range of local wines and products, from fresh vegetables to honey to snap-frozen fresh seafood.

www.harrysrestaurant.com.au

Relaxed Dining.

The Black Sheep has raised the bar for Inverloch dining. Your choice of tapas, mains or pizza with fine regional wines and boutique beers.

8 Williams Street, Inverloch : 5674 2129 : blacksheepcafe@outlook.com : blacksheepcafewinebar.com

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Jo Jo’s Gluten Free

Jolly lolly Trolley

Call 0404 605 086

Shop 2/23-27 Thompson Ave, Cowes Call 0447 656 559

Gluten free doesn’t have to mean taste free! Jo Jo’s fresh baked, delicious gluten free goodies are packed with flavour. Her gourmet range includes fresh gnocchi, pizza bases, quiches, cakes, trail bars and slices, as well as pasties, sausage rolls and pies (meat, venison and chicken). Vegetarian options available. All made to order. Sales direct to the public and wholesale. Contact Joanne on 0404 605 086 or mammajo.jk@gmail.com.

Kernot Food & Wine Store 1075 Loch-Kernot Rd, Kernot Call 5678 8555

What a sweet dream! With over 200 varieties of lollies to choose from, create your ultimate mixed bag. Giant and unusual sweets, plus a great selection of old time favourites, American lollies, Dutch licorice and English sweets. Over summer, treat yourself to some of the 37 flavours of icecream, gelato, sorbets and yoghurts.

Now located at 23-27 Thompson Avenue – new store, new look, new love.

You always get a warm country welcome at this beautiful heritage store.

Mouthwatering woodfired pizza, homemade pies and local produce are highlights of the menu, and there’s also a great local wine-list. The store regularly serves up a fabulous selection of live music. Open ThuSun, 9am-8pm and Friday dinner till late.

BASS: Located inside the service centre 03 5678 2133.

Open Mon to Fri: 6.30am– 3pm Sat & Sun: 8am– 3pm WONTHAGGI: 33-35 Murray Street 03 5672 1050.

Open Mon to Fri: 6am–5pm Sat: 6am–1.30pm

Baked fresh from our family to yours

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

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

Don’t waste your time waiting in line to place your order just download “Hey You” from your App Store and search for Connells Bakery to view and order from our menu. Your order and payment will all be taken via the app and you can then collect everything from our coffee station at the store you have ordered with!

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COFFee BY

KILCUNDA GENERAL STORE 3535 Bass Hwy, Kilcunda Call 5678 7390 This friendly café is famous for beautiful breakfasts, great coffee, delicious lunches and fabulous cakes. They only use free-range eggs and chickens, and all ingredients are locally-sourced where possible. Their pastries, sauces and chutneys are all made from scratch.

The gift shop showcases sustainable, locally-produced items, and you can pick up a jar of the store’s own range of chutney.

Open 7 days from 7am.

Leongatha heaLth, nutrition & WhoLefoods 21 McCartin St, Leongatha Call 5662 2290 This locally owned health emporium has been operating for 17 years and supplies fresh, certified organic fruit and vegetables.

They also stock a huge range of herbal supplements and healthy proteins with bulk wholefoods of all sizes available.

They keep their customers healthy and happy with the healthiest products and excellent service.

Lone Pine Bistro Phillip Island RSL, 225-243 Thompson Ave, Cowes Call 5952 1004 Famous for Gippsland grass-fed beef and tasty parmas, the menu features high quality, affordable dishes for the whole family. Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner, offering gluten free, vegetarian, seniors and children’s options (plus fun kids play area). Choose from a range of seafood, grills, salads, old-fashioned favourites and daily specials. Bookings essential during holiday periods. Book on line. www.phillipislandrsl.com.au

LOCAL PRODUCE AT ITS BEST. We offer an extensive range of fresh fruit and vegetables, local products, local and international cheese selection, on-site butchers, a fully stocked deli and bottle shop.

facebook.com/sanremosupermarket 135 Marine Pde, San Remo, VIC 3925. Phone: 5678 5337. Fax: 5678 5756.

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What’s c

king

We’re thrilled to welcome Nellie Kerrison from Relish Mama to the Coast Kitchen ... and she’s sharing a few of her summer favourites with us.

Mikey’s salmon fillets with lime, ginger & soy Serves 4 4 Salmon fillets 2 teaspoons of finely grated or finely sliced ginger 2 teaspoons of lime zest 1 red capsicum, seeded & thinly sliced 4 or 5 spring onions finely chopped 2 limes, juiced 4- 6 teaspoons of soy sauce 4 tablespoons of port or muscat Cracked black pepper and a small pinch of Murray River Salt

Preheat your oven to 180 C°. Line the fish fillets in dish. Evenly distribute the ginger, lime rind, capsicum and spring onions on top of the fish fillets. Squeeze the lime juice over the fish, and pour over the soy sauce and port.

Bake for approximately 15 minutes. Halfway through the cooking, spoon sauces over the fish to help keep it all lovely and moist.

In the warmer months, this dish is lovely with ‘al dente’ asparagus or a crisp green salad. I would serve it on top of a delicious yoghurt sauce.

Simply combine natural yoghurt with lemon juice, sea salt and cracked black pepper to taste.

Summer flavour Delicious fruits, the rich colours of summer and just a little zest. Visit www.coastmagazine.net for this fabulous fruit salad recipe.

Voted as one of the best venues and cooking schools in Melbourne. A great variety of classes to choose from.

Book a class today.

www. r eli s h m am a.c om . au o r p h one 0 3 9 5 5 3 4 8 4 6

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words eleanor mcKay photos warren reed

cafe review

Homegrown hosPitALitY

Tucked away in the hills above Grantville, the Kernot Food and Wine Store serves up fabulous food, great music and a big country welcome.

On a sunny Sunday we head for the hills and a leisurely lunch at the Kernot Food and Wine Store. This little store has a big reputation that belies its modest appearance. When we arrive the place is buzzing, with a band pumping out classic country tunes. Fortunately we’ve reserved a table.

If ‘friendly and happy’ is a flavour, it is definitely on the menu here. Our smiling waitress quickly ushers us to our table and points out the regular menu, daily specials and pizza selection.

The focus is on good, wholesome meals made with love and local ingredients.

The lunch menu includes homemade pies, sausage rolls and quiches, toasted sandwiches, baked potatoes, pasta and soup.

From our table we can see the glow of the wood-fired oven, so it is hard to resist the pizza menu. We eventually decide on pizzas and the Steak Sandwich. All that fresh country air has given us an appetite, which is fortunate, because these are generous serves.

I order the Mushroom Pizza: three different types of mushrooms and a sprinkle of feta cheese on a crispy garlic base. The mushrooms, which have been sautéed to coax out the flavours, are truly delicious. With a focus on just a few quality ingredients, the flavours can really shine. Topped with a handful of Rocket and Crumbled Feta salad, drizzled with lemon, this is quite simply the best pizza I’ve eaten in a long time.

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The vegetarian Ortalana Pizza is similarly impressive. In contrast to my simple pizza, this one is loaded with a variety of ingredients: mushrooms, red and green capsicum, Spanish onion, potato, eggplant, sweet potato and mozzarella. My lunch companion says she dislikes a pizza base that’s so tomato-y it overwhelms the rest of the flavours – but that’s certainly not the case here. The crisp base and fabulous fresh ingredients get a big thumbs-up.

On behalf of our meat-eating readers, our other companion selflessly decides to tackle the Steak Sandwich. This impressive stack includes tender Glen Alvie scotch fillet, a free-range egg, cheese, bacon, onion and lettuce, sandwiched between toasted slices of Vienna loaf. Accompanied by beer-battered chips and homemade tomato sauce, it is a tower of flavour.

There’s probably no delicate way to devour this, but etiquette should stand aside for flavour and I’m assured that it tastes absolutely fabulous.

Although we don’t need dessert – in fact we have our leftover pizza packed up to take home with us – we can’t resist inspecting the selection of homemade cakes and slices. In the end, we order a gluten-free Lemon Slice to share with our coffees. Those delightful little squares of tangy lemon layered over a moist coconut-flavoured base disappear in an instant. >

If ‘friendly and happy’ is a flavour, it is definitely on the menu here.

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This fabulous little café oozes personality. “We liked the café so much that we bought the place,” jokes Julie, who owns the store with her husband Paul. The walls are decorated with their family bric-a-brac, and there’s regular live music (Friday and Saturday nights, every Sunday, plus Saturday lunches over summer).

Whether you’re looking for a meal, a drink or just coffee and cake, this is a perfect spot to spend a lazy hour or two. ‘Big Red’ – the coffee machine – is always on, there’s an all-local wine list and a selection of tea, soft drinks and milkshakes. And here, as the motto on the wall says – ‘there are no strangers, only friends you’ve yet to meet.’

This fabulous little café oozes personality.

While the atmosphere might be relaxed, Julie and Paul have a clear focus. “We source as much produce as we can locally, and grow our own herbs and vegetables,” says Julie.

Their eggs are top-notch too, courtesy of Julie’s eighteen happy free-range chooks. The menu includes an expanding range of gluten-free options, including pizza bases, bread, gnocchi and cake.

The Kernot Food & Wine Store is open Thursday – Sunday. Licensed until 10pm on Friday and Saturday nights and 8pm Sunday.

Visit the store’s Facebook Page or website for opening times and details of music performances.

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

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

10am–8pm Thurs and Sun. 10am–10pm Fri and Sat. coast 126

1075 Loch-Kernot Rd, Kernot Phone: 5678 8555.

Meeniyan Garlic Festival

Numbers Café, ramada resort

The Palms

18 February, 9am – 4pm Call 5664 8353

2128 Phillip Island Rd, Cowes Call 5952 8000

Kirsten and David Jones from Mirboo Farm have created Victoria’s first garlic festival, featuring an array of garlic varieties, with tips from the expert growers. Dozens of food and produce stalls will add a ‘garlic touch’ to their featured products. Highlights include the Festival Kitchen cooking shows and the Garlic Institute – a full day of talks and workshops from planting to plaiting and tasting great garlic – hosted by Penny Woodward.

Fabulous food, great service and a genuine family-friendly approach, Numbers Café serves breakfast and dinner every day. The menu caters for all ages and tastes, with a good selection of seafood, plus Asianinfluenced dishes and popular staples like parmas and Gippsland steaks. With full bar service and extensive selection of local wines, it’s also a great place to meet for a drink, with happy hour daily from 5pm.

www.meeniyangarlicfestival.com.au

www.ramadaphillipisland.com.au

Cnr Chapel & Steele St, Cowes Call 5952 5858 This restaurant and cocktail bar in the Kaloha Comfort Resort in Cowes boasts a seasonal a la carte menu with an emphasis on local produce. Chef Tim Stephens’ 20 years experience and passion for seafood is reflected in the menu. Dishes include vegetarian options and excellent local beef, so there’s something for all the family. www.thepalmsphillipisland.com.au

Glorious garlic

Garlic heaven comes to Meeniyan. Taste the best garlic in Australia and talk to the expert growers.

Sample amazing food from dozens of market and produce stalls – with a ‘garlic touch’. Taste our smoked garlic beer from LOCH Brewery. Join in traditional kids games. Enjoy a full day of music on the Festival stage and cooking shows in our ‘Al Fresco’ Kitchen hosted

by Millie and Romeo’s and Tamsin’s Table. Go to the Garlic Institute for talks and workshops on planting, plaiting and tasting – with Penny Woodward and friends.

Guest appearance by the original Choir of Hard Knocks.

Saturday 18th February, 9.00am – 4.00pm Meeniyan Town, South Gippsland

The magical flavour of fresh Australian garlic.

Like us on Facebook. Spread the word about Victoria’s 1st garlic festival.

Tickets available online: www.meeniyangarlicfestival.com.au

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PAUL THE PIEMAN

Pizza Café

The RusTy Windmill

5 A’Beckett St, Inverloch Call 5674 1722

1/72 Chapel St, Cowes Call 0410 507 184

45 McCartin St, Leongatha Call 5662 5878

Much like the delicious breads they bake daily, Inverloch’s Paul the Pieman has given the bakery a thoroughly satisfying makeover. It’s the same friendly personal service with a mouth-watering range of bread, cakes and award-winning pies.

Trends come and go with gourmet baking but Paul the Pieman has a reputation built on freshness and quality with loyal customers from the region, Melbourne and the Peninsula. Open 7 days from 7am.

Gourmet pizza from qualified pizza chefs with a focus on quality. More than 20 different varieties, all pizzas feature fresh, local ingredients, quality cheese and fresh dough made daily on the premises (no chemicals or preservatives). In house made low-fat salami, pizza sauce and GF bases. Don’t miss the fresh baked organic sourdough bread, plus baguettes and other breads made to order.

Bread orders 0431 449 303.

Open Wed-Sun, 5pm – late.

This family owned café boasts a seasonal menu of homemade items, from free range and locally sourced ingredients, with loads of gluten free options. Come and enjoy a delicious cake (all made in-house) with an organic tea or their signature coffee blend. Don’t leave without checking their gourmet pantry selection. Open Thu-Mon 8am-3pm for breakfast and lunch. Also available for catering and private functions.

www.paulthepieman.com.au

Good views, great taste.

Located on the rolling hills of San Remo, the gateway to Phillip Island, Silverwater Resort is the perfect venue for any occasion.

Silverwater’s Watermark Restaurant aims to please all in-house and local guests. The new menu is based around the freshest, locally sourced ingredients. We work closely with our suppliers to get the best produce to the plate.

Our seafood is sourced straight from the boats of Bass Strait Direct – a family-owned local supplier and our beef and lamb are sourced throughout the Gippsland region.

State Awards for excellence

ISM AC

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TOUR

WINNER 2014 OD

ATI

I ON AUSTRALIA (V

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17 Potters Hill Road, San Remo VIC 3925 | 03 5671 9300 info@silverwaterresort.com.au | silverwaterresort.com.au AAA RATED | 4 1/2 STAR RESORT STYLE ACCOMMODATION | STUNNING VIEWS ACROSS THE BAY | WATERMARK RESTAURANT, CAFE AND BAR – ALL VISITORS WELCOME | FUNCTIONS, WEDDINGS, CONFERENCES

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Sherwood’S reStaurant

Sweet Life Café

TeTsu

5 Thompson Ave, Cowes Call 5952 3773

3 Bair St, Leongatha Call 0409 863 299

97 Church St, Cowes Call 5952 3339

Enjoy elegant and casual dining just 100m from the Cowes foreshore. The daily dinner and lunch menus focus on fresh produce and beautiful seafood. We have plenty of vegetarian, gluten free and dietary friendly options available. Also serving Phillip Island’s best seafood platter. Private function room with beer garden available.

An all-day menu to eat in or takeaway, with a fantastic range of smoothies, frappes, milkshakes, gelato and sorbets, as well as cakes and slices for every occasion.

Chocolate lovers will enjoy the extensive range of gourmet chocolates and their hot chocolates made with real chocolate!

Family-friendly with lots of GF menu options. Open weekdays 10am–5pm (closed Tuesdays), 9am–3pm Saturday, 9am–4pm Sunday.

Quality Japanese cuisine using fresh local ingredients located in the heart of Cowes.

Tetsu specialises in mouthwateringly fresh sushi and sashimi and a range of classic dishes, including vegetarian and gluten free options. Great, family-friendly dining. Open for dinner every night, 5.30pm–10pm and lunch Thursday–Sunday, 11.30am–3pm.

www.sherwoodsrestaurant.com.au

www.tetsudining.com.au

Freshest local seaFood on the Island

Freshest local seaFood on the Island

Local fresh produce with seafood straight from the boat, Island grazed beef and lamb and in-house bakery.

Local fresh produce with seafood straight from the boat, Island grazed beef and lamb and in-house bakery.

Waterfront dining With panoramic bay vieWs 17 The Esplanade, Cowes Vic.

Ph (03) 5952 6226 www.harrysrestaurant.com.au

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Travelling Chill Bar

Three Aces cAfé

Cowes, Phillip Island Call 0417 537 506

Shop 2/148 Thompson Ave, Cowes Call 5952 6384

Every event needs something to make it extra special. The team at the Travelling Chill Bar can help you with our delicious menu of gourmet wood-fire pizzas, a visually spectacular cheese board to delight your taste-buds and a range of local wines, beers, popular spirits and even cocktails. We cater for business functions, private and public events. Contact us about creating a custom package for your budget and occasion.

A spacious, light-filled modern café with a family-friendly, relaxed environment, in the main street of Cowes. Global all-day breakfast and lunch, plus daily specials, reflecting the flavours of the season.

Hearty meals crafted from local produce pancakes and crepes are a house specialty.

Our own blend of excellent coffee and a daily selection of house-baked cakes, muffins, slices and scones. Proudly supporting local artists - with a range of artworks available to purchase.

www.travellingchillbar.com.au

Trulli Woodfire Pizzeria 93 Whitelaw St, Meeniyan Call 5664 7397 Delicious wood-fired pizzas are the house speciality, but don’t miss the antipasto plates, Italian-style grilled meats and pasta.

Hosts Francesco and Rhia give everyone a big family welcome and their food transports you to the Italian countryside.

Dine inside, al fresco or in the garden and enjoy their fine Italian wine selection (including Francesco’s brothers’ wine).

Takeaway available. Open Wed/Thu from 4pm til late. Fri–Sun from 12pm til late. www.trullipizzeria.com.au

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

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

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97 Church street, Cowes, VIC 3922 03 5952 3339 www.tetsudining.com.au info@tetsudining.com.au Mon–Sun, Dinner 5:30pm–10:00pm Thu – Sun, Lunch 11:30am–3:00pm

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Upbeet HealtH & WHolefoods

Watermark @ SilverWater reSort

125 Graham St, Wonthaggi Call 5672 5825

17 Potters Hill Rd, San Remo Call 5671 9300

UpBeet Health and whole foods is a healthy living store, stocking an extensive range of clean, ethical and organic products to supplement a well rounded and wholistic life. Serving small batch organic and fair trade coffee from the guys at Wild Timor, cold pressed juices and fresh delicious salads, this store will leave you feeling pampered, nourished and UpBeet!

With an eye for presentation and an innovative approach to flavours, ingredients and techniques, Watermark sets the bar for upmarket dining. The menu is based around locally sourced ingredients.

We work closely with our suppliers to get the best produce to the plate. Seafood is sourced straight from the boats of Bass Strait and all beef and lamb products are from the Gippsland region. Exceptional food served in a stunning location.

Woolamai Kebab Shop 6/13-18 Vista Place, Cape Woolamai Call 5956 6603 The perfect accompaniment to a day at the beach. Freshly made kebabs – lamb, chicken and vegetarian – with a choice of sauces and salads. Also serving chips, potato cakes, dim sims and tempura or teriyaki nuggets.

For a sweet treat, try their Jam donuts or cool down with a Slushie. Open Tuesday – Sunday from12.30pm. Extended opening hours over summer.

www.silverwaterresort.com.au

HANDCRAFTED PIZZA. Packed with flavour, our gourmet delights are a delicious alternative to mass-produced pizzas.

Made fresh daily by qualified pizza chefs, our dough is chemical and preservative free and topped with local produce. We use quality cheese, house-made pizza sauce and salami (low-fat).

We also specialise in organic artisan sourdough – made with no yeast or preservatives. Baguettes and other bread made to order.

1/72 Chapel St, Cowes | Pizza orders: 0410 507 184 | Bread orders: 0431 449 303 | Open 5 days in Summer Wed-Sun, 5pm – late. www.facebook.com/pizzacafecowes | Twitter & Instagram @Pitstop172

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multI awaRd wINNINg seafood BusINess

supplIeRs of tHe fResHest locally caugHt seafood dIRect fRom tHe pRIstINe wateRs of Bass stRaIt aNd BeyoNd.

takINg oRdeRs foR cHRIstmas, New yeaRs aNd easteR. 1/24-26 Boys Home Rd, NewHaveN 5956 7980 I BassstRaItdIRect@outlook.com

Freshly Ground Peanut Butter Best Price Organics Bulk Dispense Wholefoods & Cleaning Friendly Staff Natural Cosmetics Large Nutritional Range Local Produce Personal Care Organic Sourdough and Speciality Bread

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Trulli delightful When you step inside Trulli Woodfire Pizzeria you’re transported to the Italian countryside.

Nestled in the South Gippsland hills, in the gorgeous hamlet of Meeniyan, Francesco and Rhia Laera have created a slice of Italy. It’s not just their authentic wood-fired pizzas that summon up the scent of Puglia. The menu features a selection of simple, flavoursome dishes made from family recipes, including Italian char-grilled BBQ and pasta.

With an array of classic Italian desserts and fine selection of local and imported wines, Trulli has all the ingredients for a perfect day or night out. Their loyal clientele includes locals and visitors from Melbourne who flock to this unpretentious and delicious restaurant – “the pizza is

up there with our fave pizza places in Melbourne – we think even better!” (Trip Advisor, October 2016).

We recommend booking to avoid disappointment.

When you sit down for a meal here, it feels like you’re being welcomed into a big family feast. With options to eat inside, alfresco or in the garden, it’s the perfect setting for relaxed and indulgent summer days … and nights.

Trulli Woodfire Pizzeria is also available for private functions. They cater for all dietary requirements including making their own gluten-free pizza bases.

- Inside, Al Fresco and Garden dining - 3 spaces for functions, all of which can be private/semi-private - Simple, delicious food made from Italian family recipes including woodfire pizzas, Italian char-grilled bbq and pasta - Able to cater for all dietary requirements including our own housemade gluten free bases Open Wednesday and Thursday, 4pm until late. Friday – Sunday, 12noon until late. Call 5664 7397.

93 Whitelaw St, Meeniyan (Sth Gipps Hwy) rhia@trullipizzeria.com.au www.trullipizzeria.com.au

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words sally o’neill photos supplied

Taking to the skies

Freedom is Tom Osborne’s middle name. In the early seventies, he hitchhiked across several continents and, when the bitumen ran out, he took to the skies …

Larger than life is one way to describe helicopter pilot Tom Osborne. This six foot something, New-York-born adventurer has hitched hundreds of thousands of miles across the planet and clocked up over 15,000 hours flight time, mostly in helicopters.

Just like being on the set of a science fiction movie is how Tom described his first impression of downtown Jefferson Parish straight after Hurricane Katrina. The entire city had been evacuated, leaving only death and destruction for the emergency crews to deal with. Over 50 helicopters filled the

skies as Tom flew many hours a day with the local Cajuns during the rescue effort. “If you ever heard Cajuns talking – good luck understanding them,” laughs Tom, demonstrating how his characteristic humour has got him through a career that spans three decades.

Rewind 50 years and Tom recounts his first memory as one of walking down a New York street with his mother and grandmother and hearing the rattle of the subway as it emerged from underground. City streets gave way to open >

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fields when the family moved to western Jersey near the Appalachian Mountains. The town offered plenty of space to run and indulge in his love for sport. It was also in this small town that he developed the “bad habit” of hitchhiking. Even as a child, he would hitch a ride to baseball and football practice.

“I’d just stand on the side of the road in my uniform and always be sure someone would pick me up.”

Age expanded his horizons, and he caught rides beyond the town boundary. One summer he thought he’d just hitch right across the United States. And he did, successfully crossing America to Alaska. “I caught the travel bug, so I dropped out of uni and hitched to South America. And this happened in what was possibly one of the craziest periods the world has ever known.”

Yes, Tom walked right into the middle of the early seventies in the mighty US-of-A. “The ‘bubble’ of our innocence had burst with events such as the Kennedy and Luther King assassinations and Watergate, but it was still very much a time of freedom, with the hippy movement and the belief that you could travel anywhere, do anything, be anything.”

“Don’t move, or I’ll blow your balls off …”

Like the roads he travelled, his life took many twists and turns. “I got one ride in a Kombi van that took me all the way from the Yukon Territories, across Canada to just outside of New York.” His long hair and torn blue jeans gave him trouble at the Canadian border, where he and his travelling companion were searched for drugs – none were found and they made it across. One time out on the road he was “freezing my ass off” as he walked through the Rocky Mountains. “I had only a few clothes because the rest had been stolen, so I had to run to keep warm.”

Dangers lurked around every corner, especially in the middle of the night after a wild ride and a few beers too many: “I was dropped off and just staggered into the bush and crashed out,” Tom recalls. A couple of hours later, he was woken by the ground shaking. “I sat up and saw a huge light from a train shining down the tracks, only metres away.” Another time, he was equally shocked, this time by a policeman with the attitude of a freight train. Supposedly camping illegally in South America, he was woken in the middle of the night with a gun in his crotch. “Don’t move, or I’ll blow your balls off,” the police officer told him, and Tom obeyed. “I’ll never forget that moment.”

Broke and back in Seattle, he decided to earn some cash working on the Olympic Peninsula – which was then the logging capital of the world. It was there that Tom started his high-flying career with Evergreen Helicopters, first with the woods crew and later as pilot. He camped in the local forest using a parachute for a tent, and experienced yet another wild side of life. “Most of the ground crew I worked with were ex-soldiers, and the pilots were ex-Special Forces straight from Vietnam. That summer of 1976 was completely out of control!”

You can almost hear the helicopter rotors echoing off the steep canyon walls as Tom recalls events from those days. With no training or experience, he started as a choker setter, putting ropes around the huge logs before they were pulled out with Sky Crane helicopters. Knowing his colleagues were not the most stable of characters only added to the drama. After

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work it was a stampede to the crummy (work bus) to career down the steep mountain roads. There was often competition between the crews to get back to base first and stunts such as setting fire to the road, crashing through barriers and taking switchback corners at high speeds were par for the course.

As summer faded, he packed up his parachute and moved to the Colorado Mountains to spend winter working for the Outward Bound School while gaining his fixed-wing (plane) licence. He then jumped on a $125 flight to Australia and on to New Zealand, renowned for its helicopters and flight schools. Possum-trapping and deer-hunting enabled him to get enough cash together to secure his helicopter licence and finally fulfil his dream.

“I caught the travel bug, so I dropped out of uni and hitched to South America.”

He took to the Australian skies cattle-mustering and aerialspraying in outback Queensland and wrangling buffalo and leading mineral exploration in the Northern Territory. Navigation was done with just a map and compass, and eventually using sand dunes as markers in the vast desert landscape, yet another eye-opening experience for a new Australian.

He established Osborne Aviation with one single-seater Bell 47 Marc C Tom Cat chopper. For twenty years Tom flew solo, crop dusting and undertaking firefighting, construction and tourism contracts in Australia and the USA. The company now has six machines and permanent bases in Stanley and Port Arthur in Tasmania and Mirboo North in Victoria. His only son

John is at the helm with Tom still involved on a daily basis. “We are small, but we are mighty,” he says proudly.

Tom has travelled many metaphorical miles, from the hippy hitchhiker who was expelled from two schools and dropped out of university to a legend in his field of aviation.

He acknowledges his debt to his father for giving him a childhood that was “just like boot camp”, and a football coach who told him he would never amount to anything. Add to this the real miles spent on the open road and the thousands of hours in the sky that allowed him to dream and soar like an eagle to become the man he was destined to be.

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words geoff russell illustration kobie notting

Let’s talk water Water is essential to building a resilient and liveable community. It plays a key role in supporting a healthy environment and contributes to a thriving coastal economy, providing opportunities for recreation as well as irrigation for agriculture and public open space.

“Water management plays an important part in our community and we need to work together to meet the challenges ahead. Climate change, population growth, and evolving expectations around service quality and affordability must be considered,” said Peter Quigley, Westernport Water Managing Director.

local community about how its future water and wastewater plans reflect their priorities.

There are many factors in determining prices, including growth and capacity, service levels, maintaining safety and reliability, as well as developing infrastructure to meet the needs of the local community and one of Australia’s premier tourist destinations.

“It’s important that we talk to customers to gauge community opinion and enable people to provide feedback on the things that are of most importance to them,” said Mr Quigley.

“We now seek broader input from customers and the community to find out what they want and expect, so we can plan for the future and help ensure that the region remains a place where people love to live, play and holiday.”

Westernport Water’s “Let’s Talk” campaign is making it easier for customers to have their say. “Our team will be out and about this summer at community events and hosting public forums to talk to customers and listen to what they have to say about water and wastewater services.”

In consultation with customers and the State Government, Westernport Water will be setting its prices for a five year period from 2018 and is excited to talk to customers and the

“If you live out of the area and have a holiday home here, or you’re time poor and keen to take part in discussions and

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participate in community debate, we’ve introduced online engagement options to give people a convenient opportunity to express their views.”

“We have a history of seeking direction from the community through annual customer satisfaction surveys and a Customer Advisory Group that has represented customers and actively engaged with us for over 10 years,” said Mr Quigley.

Westernport Water has a long term commitment to customer engagement and has a number of ongoing initiatives including school education programs, regular site tours and water efficiency initiatives.

Westernport Water welcomes and encourages involvement from customers and the community to help shape the future direction for water for the region. “It’s critical that we consider the concerns and needs of the community in the development of our future strategies. So if you see our tent or hydration station at an event this summer, come say hi, have a chat and grab a free water bottle while you’re at it,” said Mr Quigley.

How to get involved You can get involved in a number of ways: • Visit us this summer at one of the community events near you • Attend one of our forums between January and June 2017 • Engage with us online at letstalk.westernportwater.com.au Stay Informed • For more information on our pricing submission process or how to get involved, please visit our website www.westernportwater.com.au

WESTERNPORT WATER

Time poor? Finding it hard to contribute and participate in broader community issues? Don’t worry, we’ve made it easy.

Why not visit our online engagement options at letstalk.westernportwater.com.au

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Early mornings It’s the hidden treasure of Gippsland. If you want to escape the crowds, hit the road and program Walkerville into the GPS. Is there a better way to start the day than strolling along an empty, tranquil beach?

And when you throw in a spectacular sunrise, things really don’t get any finer …

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ABOUT WAlkerville

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5things we love

ABOUT Walkerville

Crystal clear water The aqua waters of Waratah Bay might look like a tropical island, but this is Victoria people – so prepare to be thrilled and chilled!

Just like spring lambs Green fields, gambolling lambs … that’s a slice of heaven.

Lime Kilns These majestic ruins are all that remain of Walkerville’s once thrilling limestone industry.

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Top of the world Whether you’re on the cliffs looking down across that pristine coastline or standing on the sand gazing upwards … the view is incredible.

MASTER BUILT LUXURY HOME & LAND* at Mountain View Leongatha

Would you like a new 2 bedroom, master built, luxury home from as little as $158,000?* At Mountain View Leongatha boutique retirement community that dream can be a reality.

With only 45 villas on completion, the purpose built Community Centre is already up and running. You will enjoy the heated indoor swimming pool, bowling green and great spaces to relax in. A 24 hour emergency call service and secure caravan and boat storage are more reasons why this is your ideal new home base.

With fewer maintenance costs and no deferred management fee. You’ll have more time and more money in your wallet too! *via lease agreement. Other financial options available. Contact us for further information.

RETIREMENT LIVING FROM

$158,000*

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

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

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Mon – Fri 9.30 – 4.00 or by appointment 10 Watson Rd, Leongatha 3953 03 5662 4557 or 0439 921 962 heppell@westnet.com.au

The Country Gardener Wonthaggi

A s T u n n I n G R A n G e o f p l A n T s A n d G I f T WA R e .

QuAlITy | expeRIenCe | f R I e n d ly A d v I C e 19 Inverloch Road, Wonthaggi | countrygardener@bigpond.com | 7 days 9am–5pm | 5672 4866

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summer

it’s all about the house

Aspire Designer Homes

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tel: 03 5956 7415

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

www.southcoastkitchens.com.au coast 146

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Domestic • commercial • WarDrobes • creative storage • WarDrobe sliDing Doors • toilet Petitions • shoP Fit outs • soliD timber Joinery

words eleanor mckay photos warren reed

THiNkiNG

inside the

Inspired by contemporary modular homes, some outside-the-square thinking transformed an old Sorrento beach house into a delightful coastal haven.

Sheltered behind a screen of native vegetation, a landscaped driveway leads to a stylish yet modest entrance encased by a merbau deck and black corrugated-iron walls.

Renovated by Beach House Constructions, this home is an intriguing mix of textures, styles and materials.

Three years ago Dawn and Garry decided to return to Victoria. “We’ve had quite a few moves over our married life, and lived in this country and overseas,” explained Garry. “But we’d never lived by the beach.” Drawn to the diversity of the Peninsula – “you get the bay and you get the beaches” – they purchased a large block with a modest house which they could renovate to suit their needs.

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With graphic-design backgrounds and experience from previous renovations, the couple wanted a modern renovation that integrated the existing house. “Retaining the original house was important to us,” said Garry. “It suited our needs and we wanted to live in it as the renovation took place around us.” They drew up a wishlist of requirements for the remodelled home. “I’d been doing aqua aerobics, so I wanted a pool,” smiled Dawn. “We also wanted an area where our son could have his own space.” Other requirements included a big garage and spare rooms for visiting friends and family.

The existing house sat in the centre of the block, which presented a few design challenges, particularly in terms of

lifestyle review

b� orienting the building to get maximum benefit from the northern sun.

“Initially we thought we’d keep the existing house and drop in some bolt-on modules,” explained Garry. “But the modular concept has a few restrictions which didn’t work for us.

However, we liked the style of them: that square finish; the corrugated iron; the very simple design and the decks.”

Ultimately they decided to marry a modular-home sensibility to the flexibility of a custom design. In the course of her initial research into modular buildings, Dawn had discovered Beach House Constructions. “It was quite clear that Beach House Constructions was able to build the

sort of home we were looking for,” said Garry. “And their reputation for sustainable building appealed to us.” The company’s in-house draughtsperson was also a drawcard.

“We had our own concept of how we saw these modular units working, and then their draughtsperson refined that.”

The design accommodated Dawn and Garry’s original vision, the family’s needs and some practical and environmental requirements. “We were restricted by the width of the block, and as we couldn’t move the original house we had to build as close as we could to the boundary.” The design also had to meet the specifications for a Bushfire Prone Area, and here, Beach House Constructions’ expertise was invaluable. >

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“They had to work to a building fire code, and they were on top of all of that,” said Garry. “For example, we had to use fire-resistant material. So the only options we had to clad the building were metal, masonry or a cement-sheet product.

Which was not a problem for us, because we quite liked the Colorbond option.”

along one side of the hallway feels like an artistic statement, a nod to the metal on the exterior walls.

The home has four bedrooms, four bathrooms (including three ensuites) and several living areas. An expansive polished concrete hallway runs the full length of the house, with large glass sliding doors at its centre that open out onto the pool deck. In fact, you can glimpse the pool from three separate areas – the kitchen, the master bedroom and the hallway/ living area. “Because we don’t have any views, we made the pool a focus,” said Garry.“ This pool deck is our playground, really. It’s a great area during the summer.”

… this is a building that happily throws convention to the wind.

The final design saw the old house essentially sandwiched between three large rectangular modules: one that makes up the new kitchen and lounge/dining area; a second that takes in the master bedroom and their son’s hideaway; and finally an impressive four-car garage.

And snuggled in the middle is the original cottage, radiating its beachside charm throughout the building.

The house encompasses an eclectic mix of textures and styles. In the entrance hall the lime-washed vertical timber walls mimic the dado from the original cottage, while the flat corrugated-iron ceiling and a custom-made ‘industrial chandelier’ make it clear that this is a building that happily throws convention to the wind. While the initial inspiration might have come from modular designs, nothing about this house feels pre-fab. It’s filled with fabulous art and stylish retro furniture pieces. And even the exposed steel support beam

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At the back, the new lounge/kitchen area boasts raked ceilings, windows or sliding doors on every wall, and louvre windows to capture the sea breeze. The room is light-filled and as beautiful as it is functional.

This amazing house is a blend of aesthetics and practicality, the result of a successful collaborative relationship between the owners and Beach House Constructions. An original design with an unconventional use of materials, this is a home that radiates warmth, personality and style.

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iT’S A ll ABOUT THe HOUSe

buildErs, dEsignErs & arChitECts

aspirE dEsignEr homEs Our highly professional team offers quality service, expert skills and attention to detail, combining local knowledge with over 50 years experience in the trade. Innovative designs inspired by local and European trends and floor-plans from 12 – 50 squares, bring international style to your home and allow you to choose a home that perfectly fits your lifestyle.

Call 9785 5100 www.aspiredesignerhomes.com.au Showrooms: 179 Thompson Ave, Cowes or 48 Harnett Drive, Seaford.

bryCam building & rEnoVation spECialist Brycam has developed an enviable reputation as a professional custom builder, working across Melbourne’s south eastern suburbs, Bass Coast and South Gippsland.

We specialise in new homes, extensions, renovations and are certified Green Living Master Builders. We work closely with our clients each step of the way and deliver a high quality build every time.

Call 5956 9342 www.brycam.com.au

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bEaCh housE ConstruCtions Our award-winning sustainable homes work with nature and save on bills year round. We pride ourselves on quality materials and an exceptional construction team. For those not lucky enough to live by the coast, our city-based team at Modhouse can create your dream home in Melbourne. Display home open 11am-3pm Sat & Sun, 201 Thompson Avenue, Cowes.

Call Mark 0418 595 410 www.beachhouseconstructions.com.au www.modhouse.com.au

bEaumont ConCEpts Beaumont Concepts has won a range of industry awards since establishing in 2001 – most recently the HIA Victorian Residential Building Design of the Year. We provide innovative sustainable design and precision construction with high level customer service and personal involvement. Our sustainable designs capitalise on natural elements to reduce energy output, ensuring an environmentally-friendly home with the highest possible energy rating.

Call 5672 5196 www.beaumontconcepts.com.au

Coldon homEs

Cp dEVElopmEnts

For over 50 years Coldon Homes has been building quality coastal and country residences throughout Bass Coast and southern Gippsland. Our homes suit their landscape and your lifestyle. From two to five bedrooms, double and single storey, brick or modern claddings, there is a design perfect for every block or we can tailor the home to suit your exact requirements.

Coastal Property Developments is an innovative, fourth-generation building company with a focus on excellence in building. They specialise in quality coastal homes, beach houses, units, apartments and quality renovations.

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

Call 0412 563 718 www.cpdev.com.au

Wild about wood

We’re passionate about timber. Whether you’re looking for rare and unique timber or building to a budget, we can find what you need.

We stock: feature rough sawn posts, new and recycled timber, cladding, decking and flooring, recycled beams and posts and natural edge slabs.

We can also sand floors and decks and install flooring.

Delivery all areas. Showroom open Mon–Fri 9am–3pm, all other times welcome by appointment.

www.tjstimber.com.au 5952 3232 24 The Concourse Cowes

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iT’S A ll ABOUT THe HOUSe

20 wayS To

live greener Here are twenty ways Phillip Island’s Seagrove development – located 800m from the main street of Cowes – seeks to achieve environmental sustainability:

1. keePing The bay beauTiful – Seagrove’s 23 million litre, computer designed wetland works in concert with smaller “rain gardens” located in every street and large underground pollutant traps to make stormwater up to twenty times cleaner before it reaches Western Port.

2. making iT green – Over 50,000 native plants and trees have been planted to date.

3. oPening uP The viewS – 800m of existing overhead powerlines were replaced with underground power to improve views of the bay and allow trees space to grow.

7. TelecommuTing – Ultra-fast, optic fibre-based broadband makes working from home a practical alternative to the daily drive into the office.

8. PurPle PiPe – Class A recycled water is available at Seagrove.

9. Saving The TreeS – Existing mature eucalypt trees including woodland of regional conservation significance have been protected by parks, the careful location of infrastructure, and by building envelopes on home sites.

4. walking wiTh naTure – 35,000m2 of landscaped open spaces feature extensive walking and cycle paths as well as over 130m of elevated boardwalks.

10. Powered by The Sun – Home sites have been designed to achieve excellent solar orientation, while their generous size (average area of 700m2) allows greater siting flexibility to achieve good solar access.

5. Saving waTer – 4,500 litre rain water tanks in every home save over 10 million litres of clean drinking water each year as well as reducing the volume of stormwater entering the bay.

11. homeS for birdS – Trees in Seagrove Park which have reached the end of their lifespans have been retained as important nesting habitat for some of the sixty-three different native bird species found at Seagrove.

6. linking To habiTaT – An 800m walking track was constructed to link with the Ventnor Koala Reserve.

12. cooking uP a STorm (organic of course) – Energyefficient Australian-made barbecues in Seagrove Park are powered by six solar panels on the roof of the picnic shelter.

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13. iT’S a gaS – An underground LPG network was a first for the region providing residents with savings of over 40% compared with buying gas in cylinders and reducing greenhouse emissions by an estimated 3,300 tonnes annually by reducing demand on conventionally generated electricity.

14. lighTing iT uP – Seagrove was the first in the region to introduce energy-efficient street lighting, which reduces energy consumption by 48% compared with conventional street lights.

15. linkS for wildlife – Extra-wide street reserves up to 25 metres wide and no front fences create open and park-like streetscapes with space for indigenous street trees to grow, creating corridors for wildlife linking together Seagrove’s network of landscaped open spaces.

16. The arT of living SuSTainably – Celebrating the environment in art and design, a bronze sculpture of two endangered Great Egrets by award-winning Mornington Peninsula artist Heather Ellis stands at the entry to Seagrove, while striking architecturally-designed shelters feature in each of the parks.

17. leave The car aT home – Seagrove’s pedestrianand bicycle-friendly street layout and central location close to town and only 700m from the beach encourages residents to drive less.

18. Say no To agaPanThuS – Recognised environmental weeds are not permitted to be planted at Seagrove.

19. good Solar deSign – Architectural guidelines ensure homes are designed to capture the winter sun while excluding unwanted summer sun. This reduces running costs and makes homes more comfortable year-round.

20. PlanTing The Seed – Every homeowner is offered a complimentary twelve-month membership of Urban Landcare including a site visit and personalised advice from a Landcare project officer plus 30 seedlings grown from indigenous seed at the Barb Martin Bush Bank.

For more information, call 1800 SEAGROVE (1800 732 476) or visit www.seagrove.com.au/environment

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A family business building high quality affordable homes in coastal areas for more than 40 years.

Display Homes at Wonthaggi and Surf Beach.

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Wonthaggi Office: 03 5672 5680 | Head Office: 03 9579 2277 sales@ljhomes.com.au

langfordjoneshomes.com.au

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iT’S A ll ABOUT THe HOUSe

Sustainable beauty

Ashley Beaumont has over 20 years experience designing houses and runs a multi-award winning company, Beaumont Concepts. His practical and client-friendly approach, coupled with great design sensibilities, has built Beaumont Concepts into a highly successful design company.

Over the years, the company has picked up many prestigious awards, for their beautiful, contemporary and sustainable homes. Just last month, a Beaumont Concepts house in San Remo won the coveted HIA Victorian Residential Building Design of the Year. The design showcased and framed the coastal views and created a luminous interior. The home’s relaxed holiday ambience, functional efficiency and the seamless way the natural timber and white render façade complemented the surroundings, were praised by the judges.

The key to their success lies in their great working relationships. “Our approach is always client focused,” said Ashley. “We provide an individual design service and we can design to any brief. Over the years, we’ve designed houses in the city, on farms and by the coast. Each site is different, each client is different … every design is different.”

What all Beaumont Concepts designs do share is a strong focus on sustainability. According to Ashley, creating a sustainable house doesn’t require anything unusual. “A sustainable house doesn’t require expensive, one-off items.

You can use off-the-shelf products, because it’s not the products, it’s how you use them that counts.” Alongside the client brief and budget, Ashley says working with the site is the most important part of a sustainable design. “Where the house is going to be built is a substantial part in any design consideration. It has to suit its environment and be positioned correctly so it gets the best energy rating.”

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In addition to their design service, Beaumont’s can advise clients on selecting a builder and Beaumont Concepts Selection Studio, launched in 2016, can help with the choice of construction materials - both internal and external. “Our consultants help people select materials and colours that suit their personal taste,” explained Ashley. “It’s all about creating beautiful and timeless spaces using sustainably and ethically sourced products from local suppliers.”

Beaumont Concepts: creating sustainable, beautiful, energy efficient, homes … that are perfectly suited to your lifestyle.

WINNER 2015 NABD AWARDS Residential New Homes $300–$500,000 Construction Cost

WINNER 2015 BDAV AWARDS Residential New Homes up to $500,000 Construction Cost Residential New Homes up to $300,000 Construction Cost

Multi Award Winning Building Designer of Contemporary Sustainable Homes.

www.beaumontconcepts.com.au 53 Graham St. Wonthaggi - Tel. (03) 5672 5196 | Level 2, 75 Chapel St. Cowes - Tel. (03) 5952 6868 coast 161

e m o H o d n o t o H y It’s m

A more upbeat life

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aNd it’s my

HOTONDO

BONUS

Choose one of our scorching bonus packages for your new Hotondo Home at no cost for a limited time only* Simmering kitchen extras 90cm Blanco Stainless Steel Cooker & Canopy

Hot summer nights Everdure by Heston Blumenthal Electric Ignition Charcoal BBQ & Clipsal 6.5” Bluetooth Speakers

Sizzling lighting ideas Clipsal SILC system - control your lights by phone or tablet & Clipsal Wiserlink – measure and monitor your energy consumption

We have Display Homes and Sales Centres all around Metropolitan and Regional Victoria.

Visit hotondo.com.au for more information.

Call 1800 677 156 hotondo.com.au *Terms and conditions apply. See instore or visit hotondo.com.au

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lifestyle review

THAT’S

entertainment Clever design, quality construction and inspired interior decorating created the perfect place for a busy family to work, rest and play.

Three years ago, Leo and Nat bought a run-down, two-bedroom fibro house in Frankston South. It certainly wasn’t their dream home, but it was the perfect location.

“We were driving down the street and we were taken by the spectacular view,” says Nat. “That’s what caught our attention … the block was at the top of a valley overlooking a creek and it had bay and city glimpses.” And with two young children, the fact it was in a sought-after primary and high school zone was another plus.

But the journey to build their dream home wasn’t a smooth one. Problems with the demolition and boundary issues stalled progress and, after eight months of quotes and tenders, arrangements with their first builder fell through just as they were about to sign on the dotted line. Feeling defeated and back to square one, Nat and Leo literally stumbled across Aspire Designer Homes. “We were living in Seaford at the time and I was in a store across the road from their office,” laughs Nat. “After our false start, we knew we wanted our own design and we needed a builder that understood building in coastal areas. Aspire fitted the bill perfectly.”

From the start, Nat and Leo felt the team from Aspire Designer Homes understood their vision. “They put us in touch with a fantastic designer – Daniel from Vista Lab – who quickly grasped what we were trying to do,” says Nat. “We wanted reverse living (where the living areas are on the top floor) to take advantage of the amazing outlook.”

Once the design was finalised, things moved quickly. “Our journey with Aspire has been fantastic,” smiles Nat. “They understood what we wanted and they built to our budget. We had an fabulous foreman – Neil Davidson – who included us in every step along the way.” Importantly too, given Nat’s background as a designer, the company was happy to let the couple choose the colour palette, purchase their own fittings and use their chosen contractors.

“Being a designer, I had a very distinct idea of how I wanted the interiors to look,” Nat points out. Describing the style as a fusion of modern Scandinavian and industrial, >

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words eleanor mckay photos warren reed

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she says the interiors were designed around a palette of timber, white, grey and charcoal, with a selection of black fittings (from bench tops and taps to door handles) adding an industrial touch.

And the combination is stunning: a beautiful black and white free standing bath and white, black and concrete tiles in the bathrooms; brushed oak floors; custom-made concrete, resin and timber pendant lighting in the stairwell and above the concrete kitchen bench … this is a beautifully coordinated home.

But the house is not just beautiful. It’s also functional, giving Leo and Nat room to entertain their friends and family, with space for their two boys to grow into. The upstairs level includes a master bedroom with panoramic views, and an open-plan kitchen, dining and lounge area. “The kitchen has a servery that opens out to the alfresco area, so in summer the whole area can be open.”

… a fusion of modern Scandinavian and industrial Downstairs, Nat and Leo’s boys have their own domain, which includes their bedrooms, a bathroom and a playroom/rumpus room that opens out onto another alfresco area with an outdoor bar. Cleverly-recessed sliding doors along the hallway allow the downstairs section to be fully closed off for noise reduction and privacy.

As Leo and Nat frequently work from home, downstairs also includes a study that connects to a theatre/presentation room – perfect for entertaining clients. A space that doubles as a mudroom and Nat’s design studio also links to a large garage – where Leo can indulge his passion for restoring 70s cars. With a guest bedroom, well-appointed laundry and plenty of unobtrusive storage spaces, the house has definitely been designed to accommodate the busy lifestyle of the family.

The design has also carefully considered the environment. With a 6-star energy rating, it includes double-glazed windows, solar hot water, LED lighting and a north-west orientation that takes maximum advantage of the available sunshine. The block has been cleverly landscaped into three terraces to allow access to the garden from different points in the house. “Upstairs connects to the top terrace, which is where we have our veggie patch and where we will eventually put in a pool,” said Nat. “The second terrace connects to our outside alfresco area off the boys’ playroom. And the third is connected to the garage – so that will be Leo’s turf!”

Nat and Leo set out to build a home where they could work, relax and enjoy entertaining their friends. They also wanted a space they could grow into as a family. Working with Aspire Designer Homes they’ve achieve all that and more. “We just love it,” says Nat. “Once we get home, we don’t want to leave.”

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Experience the Aspire difference ...

Covering Bass Coast, south and east gippsland.

Custom Built in south/east melBourne suBurBs. Visit our Display Home at 179 Thompson Ave Cowes.

Opening hours: Sat/Sun 11am – 4pm Mon/Tues/Fri 10am – 3pm Or by appointment Karen Sherwood, Sales Consultant M 0411 774 699 enquiries@aspiredesignerhomes.com.au | www.aspiredesignerhomes.com.au | Head Office Ph: 9785 5100 coast 167

iT’S A ll ABOUT THe HOUSe

French style photo Jaime Diaz-Berrio.

Accessible only by boat or passenger ferry, with less that 150 full time residents, French Island is famed for its tranquillity and diverse wildlife.

However, these are the very attributes that present unique logistical challenges for anyone wanting to build a house on the island.

When architect Rowan Brown designed a home for his parent’s farm, he took a unique approach, combining custom design with modular construction. A prefabricated house meant construction could happen off-site. But unlike conventional prefab homes, this project required experience in modular construction and the flexibility to create a one-off design.

With their award-winning sustainable, environmental modules, and decades of experience in building and construction, local company, Ecoliv Buildings, was perfectly placed to help realise this vision. The company has a formidable reputation for providing off-grid homes with high-energy ratings, coupled with stylish design, and this year their EcoGrid display home won the HIA green Smart Energy Efficiency Award.

“Working with modules that need to be a particular size so they can be transported imposes definite constraints,” said Ecoliv Building’s Ashley Beaumont. “But we have the flexibility to accommodate the kind of high level finishes that Rowan required. This is an individual, one-off project with sustainability ingrained in its construction and operation.”

The building was constructed at the Ecoliv Buildings factory in Wonthaggi. Next, the five sections – fully painted and fitted with joinery – were transported by truck and then barge across to French Island, working around tide times.

Given the difficulties the site presented, being able to complete the onsite work quickly was vital. All the material and tradespeople had to be transported by boat. Being able to construct so much of the building beforehand meant

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the amount of time on the physical site was limited to just a few weeks.

The end result is a modern, energy-efficient home that takes in the incredible coastal views, while offering protection from the windswept environment. The house is fully off-grid, as the site has no access to basic services. It features four bedrooms, an enclosed central courtyard and 270 degree coastal views.

Key environmental features include off grid solar power and battery storage, rainwater harvesting, wood heating and wormfarm sewerage.

The result of a creative and innovative partnership – style, selfsufficiency and comfort combine in this beautiful building.

Sustainable design, Smart living

ECOLIV OFF THE GRID DISPLAY

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

Standard inclusions:  Solar Hot Water  Solar Electricity  Energy efficient lighting  Maximum star rated appliances

 10,000 litre water tank configuration  Water saving plumbing fittings  Double glazed windows  Low VOC paints  Renewable plantation timber

 EarthWool insulation  Enviro plasterboard  Green First Laminex joinery  Reconstituted stone benches

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

www.ecoliv.com.au coast 169

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DECORATING INSPIRATION FOR YOUR HOME

If you’re keen to splash some colour on your walls, colour consultants Linda Maree and Karen Sheerin say there are some great new retro ranges available this season.

Staring at a wall full of colour samples can be daunting. If you’re not sure where to start, match a colour to a favourite piece of furniture, advises Karen. “Or if you’re painting a bedroom, expand on the colours in a quilt you love.”

No matter how good a colour looks in another building or on a TV decorating show, Linda says it’s important to see how that colour will work in your room. And when you’re painting an entire house, Karen recommends deciding on a theme that carries the whole way through. “If each room is different, it’s quite hard to coordinate it all successfully.”

To help take the pain out of painting, Karen and Linda share their top tips: • Visit your local paint store, but stick to a few sample pots – “too many just gets confusing” • Paint your sample patch and live with it for a few days – “you need to look at it in different lights”

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• If you’re not confident with colour, go neutral – “White-whites, rather than creamy-whites, are in at the moment” • Select a low-sheen paint for walls – “it’s washable, which is a must if you have kids” – a gloss for your trim and doors, and flat for the ceiling • If you’re doing the painting yourself, invest in good quality brushes and rollers • Don’t be afraid to try something – “It’s only paint; you can always redo it!”

Most importantly, when you pick a paint, make sure it’s the right choice for you.

“You’ve got to think about animals, children, even cleaning,” says Linda. “A certain colour or finish might look fantastic, but it’s got to work with your lifestyle.”

HOMEWARES

FLOOR COVERINGS

vases – cushions – rugs

FURNITURE

carpet – vinyl – timber

WINDOW COVERINGS

interior – exterior – packages

BEDDING

interior – exterior – motorisation

mattresses – beds – manchester

155 Thompson Avenue, Cowes

|

Ph. 03 5952 1488

|

Fax. 03 5952 1348

|

www.southcoastfurnishings.com.au

aspirations in design Graeme Alexander Homes P/L Designing and building your vision is a very personal and rewarding experience.

Helping create the Peninsula Dream for now 30 years, we encourage you to be as much a part of the journey as you wish.

Your involvement increases your enjoyment from the original design lines through to the construction and beyond - we are with you all the way.

Graeme Alexander Homes P/L 1 Albany Way, Mornington Vic 3931 P: 1300 301 055 I F: (03) 5976 4561 I www.gahomes.com.au

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Environmental BEAUTY

This sustainable estate overlooking the sea is leading the way in environmentally-friendly development.

Housing estates with direct ocean views and walk-on access to safe swimming and surf beaches are now almost non-existent in Victoria. One of the last sites available on the Victorian coast, within an hour and a half drive from Melbourne, is The Cape sustainable housing estate in Cape Paterson. Overlooking pristine Bass Strait, with stunning views to Wilsons Promontory and Mt Oberon to the East, and Cape Woolamai to the West, the Cape sits upon a beautiful 40-hectare site with entrancing rises, swales, wetlands and walking paths.

“The Cape is unique in Victoria, with some of the state’s best swimming and surf beaches accessible from our walking paths,” said Director, Brendan Condon. “It is doubly unique because more than 50 per cent of the site has been set aside for wetlands, parks, habitat areas, a community garden and walking paths, compared to the usual 5 per cent of open space in more conventional estates. Our landscape invites you to walk and explore the coast and nature.”

Progress is well underway on this remarkable estate. Stage one is complete and selling out, with the first residents moving in this summer. A cleverly designed community garden is now producing large volumes of fresh organic produce for residents.

The Age newspaper has described The Cape as “Victoria’s most sustainable community”. All homes are designed to be passive solar, highly energy and water efficient, comfortable yearround with minimal heating and cooling, and with annual energy bills as low as $500 per home. High speed broadband with optic fibre runs to each home, and houses even have electric vehicle charge points.

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One of the first residents at The Cape, Tad Hendry, said: “We are moving in to the best designed estate in Victoria.

The project team has combined the finest sustainable homes with a generous layout, and I haven’t seen anything like this anywhere else in coastal Victoria.”

Feel free to visit The Cape display homes on weekends between 12 and 4 pm, or find out more at www.liveatthecape.com.au

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buildErs, dEsignErs & arChitECts

EColiV buildings

gJ gardnEr homEs

Ecoliv prefabricated modular homes provide compact yet functional housing solutions for permanent or holiday living in any location. Sustainable modular design options allow you to adapt, change or add to your home by arranging predesigned modules in a variety of configurations.

Constructed in our factory and transported on site, modules can be used as extension or a complete new home.

Here’s just one of thousands of satisfied customers … “Thank you guys for the wonderful work you did putting our house together. We have had nothing but the utmost professional and courteous service.

Your ability to cater to the alterations we wanted to the design of the house and the flexibility of the planning stage was brilliant.”

- Glen Hatton

Call 5672 5196 www.ecoliv.com.au

Call Gill or Garry 7 Days a week 5952 2150 www.gjgardner.com.au

graEmE alEXandEr homEs The development of exciting designs and quality home construction is at the heart of the Graeme Alexander philosophy. Our homes are well constructed, look good and function properly. It’s been that way on the Mornington Peninsula for 30 years.

Quality and experience don’t just happen: Graeme Alexander Homes’ outstanding team of tradespeople construct homes in a reasonable time to exacting standards.

Call 5975 4561 www.gahomes.com.au

hotondo homEs

langford JonEs homEs

mEtriCon

Hotondo Homes is Australia’s leading building franchise network with over 75 builders across the country. As locals, each builder has a strong understanding of their area and is dedicated to creating a stressfree and easy building journey for their clients. With over 90 beautiful and flexible designs to choose from we’re here to turn your new house into your dream home.

Langford Jones Homes has been building quality affordable homes in Bass Coast, South Gippsland and the Mornington Peninsula for over 40 years. The company has display homes in Surf Beach and Wonthaggi and specialises in coastal homes with a collection of over 100 designs.

Langford Jones Homes can custom design and build your perfect home using the latest 3D technology.

Metricon is Australia’s leading home builder and their homes showcase affordable, luxurious, stylish and spacious modern family living. Metricon has a proven track record of being committed to designing and building quality homes and offering the ultimate customer experience. With an extensive range of award winning single and double storey homes, Metricon create homes where you can truly love where you live.

Call 1800 677 156 www.hotondo.com.au

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Call 9579 2277 www.langfordjoneshomes.com.au

Call 1300 Metricon (1300 786 773) www.metricon.com.au

Be living the Island life before next summer.

PREMIUM ON T BE ACHFR LY AR L A ND NE T S OL D OU

STAGE 2 TITLES EXPECTED EARLY 2017

Start building soon. Let our building and design partners take care of you.

MJ Clarke Developments

woolamaihouse.com.au Grofam Court, Cape Woolamai Phone 5952 5711

Proudly developed by

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

N e w

h o m e s

www.brycam.com.au

|

R e N o v a t i o N s

| sales@brycam.com.au

|

|

e x t e N s i o N s

PO Box 8046 Rhyll VIC 3923

|

0417 105 488

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European sophistication

Add beauty and European sophistication to your home with DOMO’s diverse range of exceptional furniture and lighting for every budget.

For more than 30 years, DOMO has been a leading supplier of luxurious European-styled furniture. From classic to cutting edge, DOMO’s range is distinct for its superior style, exceptional craftsmanship, curated perfection and accessibility to most budgets.

Frank Novembre, founder and owner of DOMO, understands the search for perfection. In 1984, while searching for the perfect coffee table, he discovered the French furniture-label Grange. He was so taken with their collection, that he started importing the brand with the vision to deliver its high quality design to Australia.

Today DOMO supplies more than 13 respected and impressive brands and remains dedicated to delivering practical designs featuring quality craftsmanship for a wide range of budgets.

Brands like Grange, Marchetti and Duresta are steeped in the traditions of fine craftsmanship with collections that appeal to contemporary audiences as well as dedicated devotees.

Grange’s gracious pieces are based on the finest French cabinetmaking while bringing new life to timeless designs.

Marchetti’s Italian craftsmen rely on time-honoured traditions to produce exquisite hand-finished furniture with distinctive inlays and detailing. English style lies at the heart of Duresta furniture, characterised by subtle proportions, fine quality and a unique perspective towards contemporary design.

At the forefront of cutting-edge contemporary design are brands such as Ligne Roset, de Sede and RODA. Ligne Roset’s inspired furniture is the result of its belief in design innovation and collaborations with acclaimed designers such as Erwan and Ronan Bouroullec. From Switzerland, de Sede – considered the Rolls Royce of furniture

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– creates sophisticated leather furniture, while Italy’s RODA delivers a new dimension in outdoor furniture.

DOMO is also the exclusive Australian supplier of Sika Design, Duvivier, Giovanni Visentin, Point, Kettal, HC28 and other sought-after brands.

Committed to helping people live beautifully, DOMO’s diverse and luxurious range of indoor and outdoor collections is loved for its individual style, craftsmanship and practical aesthetics.

DOMO’s unsurpassed collection is available in seven showrooms across Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia, or online at www.domo.com.au

Teka dining table and Double chairs from RODA George Table from Sika Design U Sunbed from Point

Sandringham 03 9277 8888 | 256 Bay Road, Sandringham Hawthorn 03 8803 8803 | 55 Camberwell Road, Hawthorn

Exclusively for DOMO

domo.com.au

Visit your nearest showroom and let our expert team assist with all your outdoor and indoor furniture needs.

Contract enquiries welcome. coast 177

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buildErs, dEsignErs & arChitECts

s.J. VuillErmin mastEr buildErs Named 2015 Residential Building of the Year (South East) at the Master Builders Regional Building Awards, our clients enjoy the benefits of an experienced building contractor, expert local knowledge and outstanding customer service. From renovations to new designs, we look after all domestic requirements and pride ourselves on supporting local trades and suppliers.

With 30 years of experience and competitive prices, we are Gippsland’s premier builders.

Call 0428 598 237 www.sjvuillerminmasterbuilders.com.au

stabilEarth – domEstiC building & rammEd Earth ContraCting Registered Green Living domestic builders and specialist rammed earth contractors, StabilEarth Constructions can complete your project from start to finish. Rammed earth has a low environmental impact, is highly suited to bush fire prone areas, requires little to no maintenance, and its high thermal mass can significantly reduce heating and cooling costs.

Call 0429 841 057 www.stabilearth.com.au

ts ConstruCtions TS Constructions has shaped the built environment throughout southern Gippsland. From much-loved family homes through to workplaces, schools, hospitals and offices, people are constantly encountering the results of our labours.

ISO-certified to three international standards (Quality, Safety and Environment) and with extensive experience in environmental products and methods, TS Constructions guarantees you a high-quality, innovative and professional build.

Call 5672 2466 www.tsconstructions.com.au

gardEns & tradEs

Coastal rEfrigEration & airConditioning Rick North and staff offer quality and reliability when it comes to air-conditioning and refrigeration sales, service and repairs – with fully qualified and accredited trade technicians. We are a Mitsubishi heavy industries dealer/service agent. We not only offer new installation and service, we can also offer an honest opinion on whether repairing your product is a viable option.

Call 5678 5190 www.coastalrefrigandaircon.com.au

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thE Country gardEnEr

graCE landsCapEs

Outstanding plant nursery with over 20 years experience. We pride ourselves on excellent service and quality plants with an extensive range of natives, ornamental, exotic plants and fruit trees as well as stunning giftware and pots. Our staff are knowledgeable and friendly and offer great advice. Open 7 days, 9am–5pm.

Grace Landscapes create beautiful, functional and sustainable residential and commercial landscapes. Specialists in natural and formal design, including native flora and fauna, billabongs and outdoor living spaces, using the latest in design concepts, construction techniques and material.

Their Cape Woolamai store includes living art, bonsai, terrariums and rustic timber furniture made to order.

Call 5672 4866.

Call 0404 596 504 www.heathgracelandscapes.com

Builders of distinctive, designer homes.

TS Constructions create living spaces that are stunning, innovative and finished to perfection. Our aim is to work with owners and designers to develop and build exactly to your requirements.

03 5672 2466 admin@tsconstructions.com.au www.tsconstructions.com.au

Australia’s Largest Flooring & Blind Retailer Carpet • Timber • Laminate • Vinyl • Bamboo • Cork Internal Blinds & Shutters • External Blinds & Awnings Phillip Island Carpet Court 9 The Concourse, Cowes Ph: (03) 5952 6377

K.B. Carpet Court 33 Bair Street, Leongatha Ph: (03) 5662 4164

www.carpetcourt.com.au coast 179

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Quality AND CRAFTMANSHIP Multi award winning builders SJ Vuillermim Master Builders are a family owned and operated business that has been building homes across South Gippsland and the Bass Coast for over 30 years.

Steve and his team of builders and contractors, many who have worked side by side with Steve for up to 20 years, take pride in their quality craftsmanship and the loyal relationships they have with their suppliers and clients.

SJ Vuillermin Master Builders will work closely with you throughout the whole process of bringing not just your investment, but your dream home, seamlessly to life. We are proud and happy to support you through the design stage, assisting you to create an innovative and sustainable design that you will love, whilst helping you to achieve what you want within your budget. We keep in very close contact with you and your architect throughout the build to handover.

And, as we are local builders, we are always nearby should you need us once you have settled in.

The talented and dedicated team at SJ Vuillermin Master Builders have a commitment to quality and craftsmanship.

Whether you are extending, renovating, or designing your architectural bespoke home, we are proud of our ability to exceed our client’s expectations, every time.

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E

B

LDER

SOUT

T MASTER

UI

H

AS

OF THE YEAR 2015

BESPOKE HOMES. QUALITY CRAFTSMANSHIP. PASSIONATE BUILDERS.

We take pride in craftmanship and loyal relationships with both clients and suppliers. Together with your architect we’ ll create an innovative and sustainable design and work closely with you throughout the whole process to bring your dream home seamlessly to life. And as we are local builders, we’re always nearby once you have settled in. Always passionate.

0428 598 237 | www.sjvuillerminmasterbuilders.com.au | svuillermin@bigpond.com coast 181

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Feed the soul

There’s no place like Phillip Island and there is nothing more special than Island life. Lauders Real Estate brings you the stunning Shoalhaven Estate, a prestigious and sought after destination minutes away from Phillip Island’s iconic attractions.

Shoalhaven Estate is located five minutes west of Phillip Island’s centrepiece Cowes and 700 metres from the beautiful Red Rocks Beach which features an outlook towards the majestic Bass Strait and Westernport Bay waterways. Shoalhaven’s unique location makes it the ultimate seaside retreat offering unsurpassed tranquillity but also the convenience and quality of life that modern contemporary living expects.

Phillip Island’s wider seaside villages contain coastal charm that is home to fine dining options inspired by local produce and culinary creations. Local wineries are also popular destinations for locals and visitors alike – keen to sample world class wine produced within the island’s numerous vineyards. And speaking of world class, the island is also home to surf spots that often attract the world’s best surfers and a Moto GP race that annually draws the best motor cyclists on the planet.

Located 90 minutes from the Melbourne CBD, Phillip Island is the perfect location to help you strike a balance between convenient connection with the world’s best city and the freedom to embrace a simpler, coastal inspired lifestyle.

The recent announcement of Shoalhaven’s latest land release ‘Clearwater’ offers you the perfect place to raise a family, retire, build a coastal getaway or invest in your new and exciting future. And with a variety of build friendly land sizes ranging from 391m2 up to a generous 921m2, most with premium elevated views, now is the perfect time to join your new and diverse community at Shoalhaven, Phillip Island.

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To find out more about how you can make the sea change to cleaner, crisper ocean air far removed from the hustle and bustle that is city living, call Daniel Martin on 0414 477 611, visit www.shoalhavenphillipisland.com.au or call into our sales office located on the corner of Goodwood Drive and Elvington Avenue in Cowes, Phillip Island.

Land now selling from an incredible $119,000. Limited lots available so you’ll need to hurry. New affordable summer House and Land packages also available.

Feed your soul in your new living experience at Shoalhaven Phillip Island.

Clearwater Release Now Selling

There's no place like The Island.

Discover endless coastlines, seaside villages, abundant wildlife and modern amenity all within 90 mins of the CBD.

Land from $119,000 Lots up to 921m2

Enquire Now Visit our website, learn more about the little island with a big reputation.

Visit our Sales Office: Corner of Goodwood Dr. and Elvington Ave, Phillip Island

shoalhavenphillipisland.com.au

Call Daniel Martin 0414 477 611 13/78 Nepean Street, Watsonia

WHILE BEST ENDEAVOURS HAVE BEEN USED TO PROVIDE INFORMATION IN THIS PUBLICATION 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.

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• new home • renovation • BEFORE

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• AFTER

Coastal Property Developments

is an innovative 4th generation building company with a focus on excellence.

• Specialising in quality coastal homes • Beach houses | units | apartments | renovations • Sustainable • Site specific design • Outdoor living & lifestyle

Peter Seccull

po 370 inverloch 3996 enquiries 0412 563 718 cpdev@bigpond.com www.coastalpropertydevelopments.com.au

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Quality assurance

Mojo Contracting is a family-owned-and-operated business based on Phillip Island, run by Adam Bailey and his wife Kate.

Adam has always been passionate about the health and safety of trees. The Bailey family has been in the tree industry since the 1920s and Adam has four generations of tree knowledge in his DNA. Care and respect is central to Mojo Contracting. Adam holds a Certificate 4 in Horticulture (Arboriculture) and is passionate about passing on his knowledge and teaching his staff about the safety of the trees, how best to preserve them and how to identify potential future risks or hazards.

“We often repair trees that have been incorrectly pruned,” said Adam. “More often than not, it is more cost-effective and better for the tree to do less heavy pruning and target visual issues or weight reduction of longer limbs. Sometimes people end up spending tens of thousands of dollars to retain and repair their mature trees that have been incorrectly pruned in the past.”

The easiest way to avoid these issues is to be sure you’re using a qualified tradesperson. “Ask to see a qualification. A climbing aborist should have a minimum Certificate 3 Horticulture/ Arboriculture. And anyone giving advice on a tree should hold a minimum Certificate 4.”

With 23 years experience in the industry, Adam has seen and heard a lot of stories of bad practices, including falls from great heights and chainsaw wounds. “These accidents are almost always avoidable,” said Adam. “But this is a dangerous profession, so it is important to know the team you hire is

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properly qualified and will do the work with care and with respect for your property.”

Mojo Contracting is fully insured for public liability and work cover, and as members of VTIO (Victorian Tree Industry Organisation) and ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) they are up-to-date with the latest industry regulations.

Their services include consultations, tree health care, reports, pruning (corrective and risk minimising), tree and stump removal and tree growth management plans. They also provide mulch, firewood sales and tree planting services.

For quality service and peace of mind, contact Mojo Contracting.

Mojo Contracting

Safe, timesaving tree work by qualified professionals. Let us do the hard work to help you enjoy your garden!

Adam Bailey, 4th Generation Tree Feller and Arborist, started Mojo Contracting in 2000. We service Phillip Island, San Remo and Bass Coast.

Large and Dangerous Tree Specialists Tree Removal Stump Removal Pruning Cabling Block Clearing Hedge Trimming Weed Control Fire Wood Supplies Mulch Supplies On Site Wood Splitting On Site Chipper Hire Green Waste Removal

Mojo Contracting | 272 Church St Cowes VIC 3922 Phone/Fax 03 5952 5542 | Mobile 0427 052 173 | adam@mojocontracting.com.au

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iT’S A ll ABOUT THe HOUSe

gardEns & tradEs

intErior dEsign & furnishings

moJo ContraCting

CapE winds

CarpEt Court CowEs

Established in 2000 by Adam Bailey, who holds a Cert 4 in Horticulture/Arboriculture, Mojo Contracting provide safe, time-saving tree work. Fully insured, we specialise in large and dangerous trees and working in confined spaces. Talk to us about green waste removal, chipper hire or wood splitting, as well as pruning, cabling, block clearing, hedge trimming and mulching services.

Find the finishing touch for your home at Cape Winds. With a unique selection of homewares and furniture, whether you need ornaments or crockery, luxurious throws, a colourful cushion or a beautiful rug, you will find the perfect piece to complement your room. Cape Winds showcases a range of locally-made products and Australian-owned companies and also stocks giftware, jewellery and fashion.

Whatever your needs, we’ve got you covered. Our extensive range includes carpets, rugs, timber, laminate, vinyl and tiles. We also stock a wide range of blinds and plantation shutters. As part of a 200 store network nationwide, Carpet Court Cowes can help you choose the perfect flooring solution for your home. Come in and speak to us today.

Call 5952 5542 www.mojocontracting.com.au

Call 5678 5185 www.capewindssanremo.com

Call 5952 6377 www.carpetcourt.com.au

intErior dEsign & furnishings

domo

hEppEll Curtains

mooKah studios

Australia’s leading supplier of Europe’s highest quality and most prestigious furniture and lighting. From classic to cutting edge, DOMO’s diverse and luxurious range is distinct for superior style, exceptional craftsmanship and curated perfection. Stocking more than 13 respected and impressive brands, they are also the exclusive Australian supplier of Sika Design, Duvivier, Giovanni Visentin, Point, Kettal, HC28 and other sought-after brands.

For 20 years, Ann-Maree and Jenny have been decorating windows across South Gippsland. Operating from a delightful showroom in Watson Road, Leongatha, their extensive range of fabrics includes Designers Guild, Clarke & Clarke, Romo, Swaffer, Marco, Warwick and more. They can provide all your window covering needs from curtains to blinds, awnings and shutters as well as bedspreads and cushions.

A small independent handmade label offering a range of stylish, contemporary and eco-friendly homewares, textiles and accessories. We focus on fabrics predominantly inspired by nature and we love working with natural fibres such as hemp, linen and organic cotton. We work with our own hand screen-printed fabrics or use Australian designers who share our love of natural fibres and the environment.

Call 5662 4557 or 0439 921 962

Call Nicole 0420 935 189 www.mookah.com.au

Call 9277 8888 (Sandringham), or 8803 8803 (Hawthorn) www.domo.com.au

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Interior design & furnishings

Organature

Sorrento Furniture

A family owned business that manufactures and sells certified organic cotton manchester, mattresses, beds, baby goods, futons and clothing. Also sells toxic-free hardwood timber furniture.

Environmentally friendly and perfect for anyone suffering from allergies or chemical sensitivity. All fabrics are made from GOTS certified organic cotton, grown by nontoxic methods and only using rain water.

Guaranteed chemical free.

Based in Mornington and specialising in custom made lounge furniture, owners Cynthia and Gerry will work with you to create the perfect piece for your home.

Whether you’re looking for a sofa, an ottoman, the perfect armchair, or a one-off design, you are guaranteed to be impressed with their individual service and quality materials. Full re-upholstering service also available.

Call 5678 5444 www.organature.com

South Coast Furnishings & Flooring Xtra

Call 5975 0344 www.sorrentofurniture.com.au

South Coast Kitchens & Island Robes Servicing the local community for over 25 years, we focus on quality products and superior customer service. Providing competitive joinery for all budgets, domestic and commercial, our local, experienced tradesman use quality hardware with the latest machinery. We offer a one-on-one kitchen design service, plus wardrobe and storage solutions, including flat pack units. Visit our recently updated showroom located in Newhaven.

Call 5956 7415 www.southcoastkitchens.com.au

Southern Bazaar

Tyde

Decorating and finishing your house has never been easier, with an extensive range of flooring and window furnishings.

We supply and install carpet, vinyl, timber and laminates, as well as window coverings – curtains, shutters and blinds. Our furniture and decorator range has a coastal influence, ranging from sofas, beds, rugs, lamps and cushions.

Southern Bazaar features a stylish range of new, vintage and designer retro furniture (including Tessa and Parker) and new Australian-made Molmic lounges. Visit their signature store in McBride Ave, Wonthaggi, and new store at 13 A’Beckett St, Inverloch (opening 10 December). Summer clearout sale at the original warehouse in the Inverloch Industrial Estate (74 Cashin St) – come along and snap up a bargain.

This beautiful store on the Esplanade at Cowes stocks an impressive range of homewares, including rugs, throws, ceramics, indoor plants, candles and baskets. Australian designers, local, handmade and fair trade products.

Call 5952 1488 www.southcoastfurnishings.com.au

Call 0407 414 895 www.southernbazaar.com.au

Call 0400 569 663

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iT’S A ll ABOUT THe HOUSe

propErty & lifEstylE

thE CapE – CapE patErson ECo VillagE

mountain ViEw lEongatha

Australia’s first truly sustainable residential project. Choose from one of ten house plans designed exclusively for The Cape, or design your own. Home sites are set amongst expansive open space including walking and cycling tracks, parks, bbq areas and a community garden, with easy access to a safe swimming beach and onsite sporting facilities. Stage 1 now on sale.

Mountain View Leongatha offers boutique retirement living. Choice of 2 or 3 bedroom, master built, luxury home with low maintenance. Only 45 villas on completion.

The Community Centre, including bowling green and indoor pool was completed and operational from the start.

Call 0413 265 362 www.liveatthecape.com.au

Call 1300 306 255 www.mountainviewleongatha.com.au

sEagroVE Sustainable, coastal living by award-winning designers only 800 metres from the main street of Cowes and even closer to the beach. Enjoy eight acres of landscaped parks, an extensive wetland habitat, generously-proportioned home sites (700m2+ on average) and abundant native bird life. Elevated land with views of the bay and unique acre plus home sites surrounded by mature eucalypts are now available.

Call 1800 SEAGROVE (1800 732 476) www.seagrove.com.au

Landscape design and construction Living art arrangements made to order Bonsai, Tillandsia, cacti, pots, planters, terrariums and glass also sold individually Flowers for all occasions Classes available – learn how to create your own arrangements Indoor and outdoor plant display Rustic timber furniture made to order

GRACE LANDSCAPES

Design Solutions, Beautiful Landscapes

Heath Grace 0404 596 504 Nela Grace 0434 423 339 8 Vista Place CAPE WOOLAMAI | Open 6 days 9am – 5pm, 9 – 3 weekends (closed Tuesdays) | www.heathgracelandscapes.com

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StabilEarth Constructions

DBU-43000

rammed earth

South Gippsland’s rammed earth specialists.

Residential builds in the local area and contracting for rammed earth works throughout Victoria and interstate.

Sandy Point, South Gippsland, Vic. mob: 0429 841 057 w: www.stabilearth.com.au e: owen@stabilearth.com.au

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

Servicing Phillip Island & surrounding areas

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

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

Shop 2/65A Street, Back Beach Road, 5678 San Remo 1/60 Genista San Remo 5190 5678 5190 Afterhours hourscommercial commercialbreakdown breakdown coastalrefrigandaircon@bigpond.com coastalrefrigandaircon@bigpond.com After www.coastalrefrigandaircon.com.au ARC www.coastalrefrigandaircon.com.au ARCAuthorisation AuthorisationNo: No:AU22840 AU22840

AIR CONDITIONERS www.mhiaa.com.au

www.mhiaa.com.au

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iT’S A ll ABOUT THe HOUSe

propErty & lifEstylE

shoalhaVEn EstatE

woolamai housE

Located five minutes from the centre of Cowes and 700 metres from beautiful Red Rocks Beach, with a variety of build-friendly land sizes, from 391m2 to a generous 921m2, most with premium elevated views. Land now selling from an incredible $119,000.

Limited lots available so you’ll need to hurry. Affordable summer House and Land packages also on offer.

Offering the most prestigious real estate in Phillip Island, Woolamai House is a spectacular 68 lot development providing affordable luxury waterfront living along the pristine Cape Woolamai foreshore. Residents will be well serviced by the nearby amenities available in Cape Woolamai, Newhaven, San Remo and Cowes while enjoying renowned attractions at their doorstep. Sales Office open by appointment, Grofam Court, Cape Woolamai.

Call 0414 477 611 www.shoalhavenphillipisland.com.au

Call 5952 5711 www.woolamaihouse.com.au

it’s all about thE housE – dirECtory aspirE homEs P.167 www.aspiredesignerhomes.com.au 9785 5100 bass Coast sECurity P.194

CarpEt Court CowEs P.179 www.carpetcourt.com.au 5952 6377 Coastal rEfrigEration & airConditioning P.191

www.basscoastsecurity.com.au 1300 47 47 48

www.coastalrefrigandaircon.com.au 5678 5190

bEaCh housE ConstruCtions P.151

Coldon homEs P.153

www.beachhouseconstructions.com.au 0425 512 999

www.coldonhomes.com.au 5672 1999 (Wonthaggi) 5956 7992 (Cowes)

bEaumont ConCEpts P.161 www.beaumontconcepts.com.au 5672 5196

5672 4866

bryCam building & rEnoVation spECialist P.175

www.brycam.com.au 0417 105 488

thE CapE P.173 www.liveatthecape.com.au 0413 265 362 CapE winds P. 39 www.capewindssanremo.com 5678 5185

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thE Country gardEnEr P.144

Cp dEVElopmEnts P.184 www.cpdev.com.au 0412 563 718 domo P.177 www.domo.com.au 9277 8888 (Sandringham) 8803 8803 (Hawthorn) EColiV P.169 www.ecoliv.com.au 5672 5196 gJ gardnEr homEs P.204 www.gjgardner.com.au 5952 2150

graCE landsCapEs P.190 www.heathgracelandscapes.com 0404 596 504 graEmE alEXandEr homEs

P.171 www.gahomes.com.au 5975 4561

hEppEll Curtains P.144

5662 4557 or 0439 921 962

hotondo homEs P.163 www.hotondo.com.au 1800 677 156 island ElECtriC motors P.194

0400 677 234

island sECurE storagE P.194

www.islandstorage.com.au 0400 214 446

langford JonEs homEs P.158

www.langfordjoneshomes.com.au 9579 2277

mElalEuCa nursEry P.195 www.melaleucanursery.com 5674 1014

Paving your way to a better Summer.

Expert staff to guide you – All major suppliers on display.

Residential & CommeRCial seRviCes

5662 2430

Plumbers Now Contracting can undertake any residential or commercial plumbing project. We have a team of plumbing specialists with the capability and capacity to tackle any sized job and are experienced in all aspects of new plumbing works, repairs and maintenance. Servicing Phillip Island and the Bass Coast.

22 Ashenden St, Leongatha leongatha@ryansbricks.com.au | www.ryansbricks.com.au

P.O Box 252, San Remo VIC 3925 Phone 5678 5656 Mobile 0400 864 900 daniel@plumbersnowcontracting.com.au www.plumbersnowcontracting.com.au

Metricon P.8 www.metricon.com.au 1300 Metricon

Sala Siam P.194 www.salasiam.com.au 0402 712 707

Mojo Contracting P.186 www.mojocontracting.com.au 5952 5542

Seagrove Estate P.2 www.seagrove.com.au 1800 SEAGROVE (1800 732 476)

Mookah Studio P.33 www.mookah.com.au 0420 935 189

Shoalhaven Estate P.183 www.shoalhavenphillipisland.com.au 0414 477 611

TJ’s Timber P. 153 www.tjtimber.com.au 5952 3232

SJ Vuillermin Master Builders P.181

www.tsconstructions.com.au 5672 2466

www.sjvuillerminmasterbuilders.com.au 0428 598 237

Tyde P.43 0400 569 663

Sorrento Furniture P.154

Organature P.16 www.organature.com 5678 5444

www.sorrentofurniture.com.au 5975 0344

Van Steensels P.195 www.vansteenseltimbers.com.au 5943 2371 or 5678 8552

Plumbers Now P.193

South Coast Furnishings & Flooring Xtra P.171

Wonthaggi Garden Supplies P.195

Mountain View Leongatha

P.143 www.mountainviewleongatha.com.au 1300 306 255

Nik Nak Shack P.196

5678 5544

www.plumbersnowcontracting.com.au 0400 864 900

Ryans Bricks P.193 www.ryansbricks.com.au 5662 2430

www.southcoastfurnishings.com.au 5952 1488

South Coast Kitchens P.146

www.southcoastkitchens.com.au 5956 7415

Southern Bazaar P.12 www.southernbazaar.com.au 0407 414 895 StabilEarth P.191 www.stabilearth.com.au 0429 841 057

TS Constructions P.179

www.wonthaggigardensupplies.com.au 5672 3757

Woolamai House Estate P.175

www.woolamaihouse.com.au 5952 5711

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INDOOR & OUTDOOR GIFTS

Domestic and commercial security products and service Competitively priced, value for money security solutions Alarms and installation CCTV cameras Access control systems Grade a1 24/7 security monitoring

1 3 0 0 4 7 4 7 4 8 | w w w . b a s s c o a s t s e c u r i t y. c o m . a u

Secure. Safe. Peace of Mind.

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

Rewinding

E

L , N AT VA LAB BO RA VAI A CA W D NO AN E AG OR ST

coast directory www.coastmagazine.net

FURNITURE HOME DECOR LIGHTING ART

Island Secure Storage

Pool pumps

GET YOUR MOTOR RUNNING.

ELECTRIC MOTOR REPAIRS AND REWINDING COMMERCIAL AND DOMESTIC.

AC and DC electric motors | pumps fans | power tools | compressors nail guns | ducted vacuum motors

Easy car and truck access.

Wide range of unit sizes to suit all your needs.

We stock all your packaging requirements.

Access is 24/7.

On-site manager during business hours.

All Units have an individual alarm and the facility has security cameras inside and out.

Storing with us will be a breeze. mob: 0400 214 446 4 Industrial Way, Cowes VIC 3922 e: storage@islandsteel.com.au

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www.islandstorage.com.au

Compressors

SUPPLIER OF BEARINGS, CAPACITORS, CARBON BRUSHES

Island Electric Motors Steve Kemp 0400 677 234 | islandelectricmotors@gmail.com 37 Lock Road, Rhyll 3923

Holiday Rentals Laundry Service | Commercial Service Wash All personal laundry | Wash and fold service Pick up and delivery | Top and front loading machines Speed Queen machines | Free Wi-Fi | Gas Dryers

Open 7 Days, 6am – 9.30pm.

Upstairs shOp 4/14 the esplanaDe, COwes GeOrGina, 0413 395 555 www.faCebOOk.COm/phillip.islanD.laUnDrOmat

EXPERT ADVICE AND GOOD OLD-FASHIONED SERVICE. TIMBER

HARDWARE PAINTS HUGE RANGE OF WATER TANKS

TOOLS

EST. 1965

Cnr. Bass Highway & Glen Forbes Rd, Grantville 03 5678 8552 421 Princess Hwy, Officer VIC 3809 03 5943 2371 www.vansteenseltimbers.com.au

Melaleuca Nursery INDIGENOUS & NATIVE PLANT FARM

Much more than just landscape materials.

We carry a great range of mulches, soil, sand, pebbles, toppings, and firewood. Our range of pots, wine barrels, garden tools, bespoke pavers and feature rocks make us your one stop shop for landscaping your garden. With an in-house landscaper and displays we can help you create the outdoor living area of your dreams.

5672 3757

| 11 Inverloch Road, Wonthaggi

Open 7 Days M-F: 7am–4.30pm SAT: 8am–2pm SUN: 9am–12noon info@wonthaggigardensupplies.com.au www.wonthaggigardensupplies.com.au

‘Natives, because they’re beautiful’ Melaleuca Nursery has been supplying quality indigenous & native plants to West & South Gippsland for over 30 years.

Whether it’s a few plants for the backyard or thousands for a revegetation project; we provide excellent advice on what’s best for your area.

ADDRESS: 50 Pearsalls Road, Inverloch Vic 3996 OPEN: Monday to Saturday: 9am – 5pm CONTACT: Phone: 03 5674 1014 | info@gonativelandscapes.com

www.melaleucanursery.com

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it’s all in the wash.

coast directory www.coastmagazine.net

Unique and quirky homewares, jewellery, children’s giftware, art prints, candles and diffusers.

“

lasts all of a second, but the memory lives on forever” A moment Creating videos for every occasion.

• • • •

Shop 2/107 Marine Parade, San Remo | 5678 5544

Wedding Videography.

Memorial Tributes (Funerals) Presentations Events

• Various Media Transfer • VHS, Cassette, Record, Camcorder to CD/DVD

P.O. Box 353, Wonthaggi, 3995 | Bev Main, 0418 345 460 e: M.M.V@bigpond.com | w: mainmemoriesvideography.com.au

NEW & GENTLY USED QUALITY GOODS

‘Browsers Always Welcome’ San Marco Wildflower Jewellery Mind, Body & Spirit CD’s Himalayan Salt Lamps Erstwilder Brooches Japanese Incense Silver Jewellery Body Jewellery Oracle Cards Bric-a-Brac, Books Hats, Bags, Scarves Black Ice Sunglasses Gemstones: Tumbled, Specimens & Jewellery Short Story ‘Hope in a Box’ Bella Donna Harmony Balls Clothing for Ladies, Men & Kids Venezia Murano Glass Millefiori Jewellery

Warm regards, Daniel Mulino

OPEN 6 DAYS MAY – OCTOBER CLOSED TUESDAYS

a: 1/23 James Street, Pakenham, VIC 3810 p: 5940 5010 f: 5940 5011 e: daniel.mulino@parliament.vic.gov.au daniel.mulino.1

www.mainstreetrevelations.com.au

Authorised by D Mulino, 1/23 James Street, Pakenham. This material has been funded from Parliament’s Electorate Office & Communications budget.

31 MAIN STREET, FOSTER PH: 5682 1381 WEEKDAYS 10AM–5PM SAT 9.30AM–4PM SUN 10AM–4PM OPEN 7 DAYS NOVEMBER – APRIL

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As your local Member of Parliament I am keen to hear from the community and assist with any State Government matter.

... but they make our lives whole.

Wo o d l a n d M i r t h Private Luxury Holiday Retreat

Please note, we don’t offer dog grooming, however your pooch is welcome to hang out while we look after you.

an Remo

5678 5323, 103B Marine Pde, San Remo beachsidehairandbeauty.com.au facebook.com/BeachsideHairAndBeauty beachsidehairandbeauty

Enjoy fine wine by the glass or choose your favourite bottle to have with your BYO food, in the cosy wine lounge or al fresco soaking up the magic of Mordialloc.

Ask our staff for a tasting to help you choose the perfect wine to take home and enjoy.

Open 7 days 622 Main St, Mordialloc Call 9580 6521 www.mordycellardoor.com.au

Set in the stunning South Gippsland countryside, close to Wilsons Promontory, with glimpses to the surrounding Inlet. This secluded location is the ultimate getaway indulgence, surrounded by natural beauty and some of Australia’s best beaches. woodlandmirth@gmail.com | www.woodlandmirth.com 350 Lower Franklin Road, Foster, VIC, 3960 (Enter from Gibbett Road)

Bespoke handcrafted knitted baskets and homewares. Unique gift ideas available in our ‘Summer Shops’. We offer knitting kits, workshops and tools. Commissions are welcome.

80 DroWleyS rD, Inverloch 0400 168 240

14 Beach vIeW cr, Torquay 0408 324 420

WIcanDfolk@gmaIl.com | WWW.WIcanDfolk.com.au

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Hair, beauty and pets are not our whole life ...

coast directory www.coastmagazine.net

directory Artists & Galleries ArtFusion Gallery 37 ArtSpace Wonthaggi 4 Gecko Studio Gallery 72 Gippsland Art Gallery 71 Goat Island Gallery 87 Gooseneck Pottery 82 The Goldsmith’s Gallery 39 Island Influence – Josephine Allen 79 Laurie Collins Sculpture Garden & Red Tree Gallery 72 Manyung Gallery 80 McClelland Gallery 69 Mingara Gallery 101 Mosaics by the Bay 100 Without Pier 63

Automotive Edney’s Leongatha The One Stop Shop Platinum UPV Wonthaggi Toyota & Holden

33 47 47 105

Builders & Designers Aspire Designer Homes 167 Beach House Constructions 151 Beaumont Concepts 161 Brycam Building & Renovation 175 Coldon Homes 153 CP Developments 184 Ecoliv 169 GJ Gardner Homes 204 Graeme Alexander Homes 171 Hotondo Homes 163 Langford Jones Homes 158 Metricon 8 SJ Vuillermin Master Builders 181 StabilEarth 191 TS Constructions 179

Entertainment Inverloch Jazz Festival 87 Kongwak Market 78 Main Memories Video 196 Meeniyan Garlic Festival 127 Over the Top Events 95 Prom Country Seachange Festival100 Turn the Page 199 Watkins Amusements 87 The Wonthaggi Market 67

Fashion Main Street Revelations 196 Sketa 31 Tyde 43

Government & Schools Daniel Murlino Newhaven College West Gippsland Library West Gippsland CMA Westernport Water

196 109 101 113 138

Green & Gardens The Country Gardener

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144

Grace Landscapes Melaleuca Nursery Mojo Contracting Wonthaggi Garden Supplies

190 195 186 195

Hair, Health & Beauty Beachside Hair & Beauty 197 Revive Beauty & Spa 43 Wellness Manor 28 YMCA 200

Homewares & Furniture Cape Winds 39 Domo 177 Factory Seven 78 Heppells Curtains 144 Mookah Studios 33 Nik Nak Shack 196 Organature 16 Sala Siam 194 Sorrento Furniture 154 Southern Bazaar 12 South Coast Flooring-Xtra 171 South Coast Furnishings 171 Tyde 43 Wic & Folk 197

Jewellery The Goldsmith’s Gallery Lacy Jewellery Studio & Gallery

39 27

Professional Services Bendigo Bank – SRDFS 109 Mark Farmer Financial Solutions 105 Over The Top Events 95 Phillip Island Designated Driver 79 Phillip Island Laundromat 195 White Rhino 7

Property & Accommodation Alex Scott Phillip Island Anchor Belle Beach Park Caravan Park The Cape Long Jetty Caravan Park Mountain View Leongatha Phillip Island Beach Retreat Ramada Resort Seagrove Estate Shoalhaven Estate Silverwater Resort Woodland Mirth Woolamai House Yanakie Caravan Park

203 48 58 173 102 143 59 37 2 183 128 197 175 103

Food, Cafes & Restaurants Bass Strait Direct Bassine Specialty Cheeses Boat Ramp Cafe The Black Sheep Cafe The Cape Kitchen Cape Woolamai Bar & Bistro Captain’s Lounge Cheeky Goose Cafe Churchill Island Cafe

133 116 100 119 123 117 115 117 117

Connell’s Bakery 120 Coffee Collective 118 Esplanade Hotel 115 Flinders Hotel 97 Georgie Bass Cafe & Cookery 97 Gippsland Mushrooms 119 Harry’s on the Esplanade 129 Jo Jo’s Gluten Free 120 Jolly Lolly Trolley 118 Kernot Food & Wine Store 126 Kilcunda General Store 130 Leongatha Health & Wholefoods 133 Meeniyan Garlic Festival 127 Number’s Cafe, Ramada Resort 127 The Palms 127 Paul The Pieman 114 Pizza Cafe 132 Phillip Island RSL Lone Pine Bistro 121 Rusty Windmill Cafe 128 San Remo IGA 121 Sherwood’s Restaurant 129 Sweet Life Cafe 129 Tetsu Japanese Restaurant 131 Three Aces Cafe 130 Travelling Chill Bar 130 Treat Time 71 Trulli Pizza 135 Upbeet Health & Wholefoods 117 Waterfront@Silverwater Resort 128 Wattlebank Park Farm 100 Woolamai Kebab 116

Tourism, Travel & Recreation A Maze ‘N Things 90 Bimbadeen Farm 82 Boneo Maze 99 Cross Over Cycles 73 Island Surfboards 77 Islantis 51 Maru Koala & Animal Park 75 Phillip Island Chocolate Factory 52 Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit 79 Phillip Island Helicopters 72 Phillip Island Nature Parks 88 Rod Bendings World 55 Vietnam Vets Museum 73 Wildlife Coast Cruises 71 Wonthaggi State Coal Mine 63

Trades & Hardware Bass Coast Security Carpet Court Coastal Refrigeration Island Electric Motors Island Secure Storage Plumbers Now Ryans Bricks South Coast Kitchens TJ’s Timber Van Steensels Timbers

194 179 191 194 194 193 193 146 153 195

Wineries Lucinda Winery Mordialloc Cellars

93 197

Stockists Aspendale News Anchorage Store, Ventnor Balnarring Village News Bass General Store Baxter Newsagency, Frankston Beach St Newsagency, Frankston Benton Square Newsagency, Mornington Berwick Newsagency Black Rock News Blairgowrie Newagency Bunyip Newsagency Caltex Bass Carrum Newsagency Carrum Downs News Cape Woolamai Bottlo Cellar & Pantry, Red Hill South Chelsea News Cheltenham News Corinella General Store Coronet Bay General Store Cowes IGA Cowes Mobil Cowes Newsagent Cranbourne Newsagency Dalyston General Store Dromana Newsagency Drouin Newsagency East Brighton Newsagency Edithvale Newsagency Fish Creek BP Fish Creek General Store Flinders General Store Foster BP Foster Newsagency Gardenvale Newsagency Garfield Newsagency Grantville Newsagency Hampton East Newsagency Hampton Newsagency Hastings Newsagency Highett Newsagency Inverloch BP Inverloch Foodworks Karingal Hub Newsagency, Frankston Kilcunda General Store Koonwarra Store Koo Wee Rup Newsagency Korumburra BP Korumburra News Kunyung Newsagency, Mt Eliza Lang Lang Newsagency Leongatha BP Leongatha Newsagency Longwarry Newsagency Lonsdale News, Dandenong Meeniyan Newsagent Mentone Newsagency Middle Brighton News Mirboo North BP Mornington News Morwell Newsagency Mt Eliza Newsagency Mt Martha Newsagency Narre Warren Newsagency Narre Warren North News Neerim South Newsagency Newhaven Newsagency Newsxpress Inverloch North Brighton News Orbost Newsagency Pakenham Newsagency Parkdale Newsagency Pearcedale Newsagency Rhyll General Store Rosebud Newsagency Rye Newsagency San Remo - Freedom Fuels San Remo IGA San Remo Newsagency Sandringham News Sandy Point General Store Scribes News & Tatts, Mornington Seaford Newsagency Seaview Newsagency, Beaumaris Silverleaves General Store Smiths Beach Store Somerville News & Tatts Sorrento News Strzelecki News & Tatts, Mirboo Nth Tarwin Lower Supermarket Toora Newsagency Tooradin Newsagency Traralgon Newsagency Tyabb Newsagency Venus Bay Store Warragul Newsagent Warren Village Newagency, Mordialloc Wilsons Prom - Tidal River Store Wonthaggi BP Wonthaggi Newsagent Wonthaggi Ritchies IGA Yanakie Store

a good read NON-FICTION

ADULT FICTION “WORKING CLASS BOY”

by Jimmy Barnes This a memoir burning with the frustration and frenetic energy of teenage sex, drugs, violence and ambition for more than what you have. Raw, gritty, compassionate, surprising and darkly funny, Jimmy’s childhood memoir is at once the story of migrant dreams fulfilled and dashed.

A fierce, graphic, bawdy account of his working class childhood – truly harrowing , and yet often tender and funny. So many of us have grown up with Jimmy, and just as we expect, he tells it like it is.

NON-FICTION “THE ART OF CYCLING”

by Cadel Evans The autobiography of a cycling legend. In 2015, Cadel Evans crossed the finish line in the inaugural race of the event that would immortalise his name: the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race.

At that moment, an extraordinary cycling career, spanning 20 years and more than 750 professional races, came to a close.

Cadel tells of the races and moments that mattered. A tale of potential realised and ambition fulfilled, it’s also the inspiring story of a young boy from the Australian bush, whose focus, talent and dedication conquered the elite world of international cycling.

“THE GOOD PEOPLE”

“GHOST EMPIRE”

by Hannah Kent

by Richard Fidler

This much-anticipated new book from Hannah takes us to a different world from “Burial Rites” albeit one that is cold, wet and dark. Set in Ireland in the early 1800s, it is about belief, suspicion and superstition.

“Some folk are born different, Nance. They are born on the outside of things, with a skin a little thinner, eyes a little keener to what goes unnoticed by most. Their hearts swallow more blood than ordinary hearts; the river runs differently for them.”

NON-FICTION “OTTOLENGHI THE COOKBOOK”

by Ottolenghi First published in 2008, this new updated edition revisits the 140 original recipes covering everything from accomplished meat and fish main courses, through to healthy and quick salads and suppers, plus Ottolenghi’s famously delectable cakes and breads.

Ottolenghi is an award-winning chef, and this gorgeously presented cookbook is a fantastic gift for Christmas.

JUNIOR FICTION “ARTIE AND THE GRIME WAVE”

by Richard Roxburgh A fabulously funny madcap adventure from the multi-talented actor, director and writer Richard Roxburgh. Artie and his best friend Bumshoe have stumbled upon a Cave-of-Possibly-Stolen-Stuff.

Their attempt to solve the mystery sparks a chaotic chain of events that involves kidnapping, puppy-dog cutlets, modern art and pioneering the sport of the bungee-wedgie. It’s a sticky situation and if they’re going to escape, they might need help from family, friends, a little old lady, a small dog and the Fartex 120Y.

We read to kNow, we aRe not Alone.

C. S. Lewis

‘A brilliant reconstruction of the saga of power, glory, invasion and decay that is the one-thousand year story of Constantinople. A truly marvellous book.’

- Simon Winchester. In 2014, Richard Fidler and his son Joe made a journey to Istanbul. Fired by Richard’s passion for the rich history of the dazzling Byzantine Empire, we are swept into some of the most extraordinary tales in history.

Turbulent stories from the past are brought vividly to life at the same time as a father navigates the unfolding changes in his relationship with his son.

NON-FICTION “LIVING DESIGN”

by Jamie Durie and Nadine Bush International awardwinning designer and TV host Jamie Durie is passionate about creating outdoor rooms - luxurious living spaces where we can cook, eat, bathe and sleep outdoors – but he is equally driven to create interiors that bring the outdoors inside. Living Design explores ‘Transterior’ homes where the interior and exterior of a home merge, showcasing exceptional houses from around the world. Full of innovative ways to integrate nature into the home with plants, colours, textures, materials and architecture.

Create a home that is a living sanctuary and make the natural world part of your everyday life.

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

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fitness tips

ALL ABILITIES SUMMER SEVENS Keep fit, make friends and have fun.

That’s the philosophy behind the new YMCA soccer program – All Abilities Summer Sevens.

Summer Sevens is a social format of ‘the world game’ and it’s already found some fervent fans in Bass Coast. Once a week, people of all ages from across the region get together for an hour at the Bass Coast Leisure Centre in Wonthaggi to development their soccer skills. And while the games might be enthusiastically contested, the emphasis is on fun, fitness and giving everyone a chance with the ball.

Find your Fit

Michael Feehan from the YMCA describes the ten-week program as “light-hearted, inclusive games of small sided soccer. It’s a chance for people to have a social get-together and really develop their soccer skills.” To date, participants have included students from the Bass Coast Specialist School, Interchange Gippsland, Yooralla – Leongatha and Scope San Remo. “It’s a great way to keep fit, have fun and meet new people,” says Brodie James, one of the programs regular participants.

If you would like further information, please contact Michael Feehan at the YMCA on 5672 4194 or 0409 974 909. Alternatively, you can e-mail: michael.feehan@ymca.org.au.

All Abilities Summer Sevens is a partnership between YMCA Bass Coast, Football Federation Victoria and GippSport through their funding from the Regional Sport Program – VicHealth.

with YMCA Bass Coast

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

Gym • Cycle Studio • Group Fitness • Sauna • Creche • Swimming Lessons Bass Coast Aquatic & Leisure Centre 41 Wentworth Rd, Wonthaggi 5672 4194

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

www.basscoast.ymca.org.au coast 200

young & inspired

I never really thought I was that good. But doing the State Schools Spectacular ... really proved to myself that I can sing.”

Seventeen-year-old Nick Lawson’s “give-it-a-go” attitude has seen him raise thousands of dollars for charity, spend his holidays working with disabled children, and take to the stage.

The shows at Hisense Arena were all glitz and glamour, but in the lead-up the students were rehearsing seven hours a day on the weekends.

His gruelling schedule of rehearsals for School Spec (as he calls it) meant Nick had to step back from his volunteer role with Interchange Gippsland.

“My best friend Brianna and her sister did the Interchange camps and always talked about how much they enjoyed them,” said Nick. “When the opportunity came up, I thought I’d like to give it a go.” The camps cater for children with a range of disabilities, and the volunteers are there to help look after the children and make sure they’re enjoying themselves. “At my first camp it definitely felt a bit confronting. I’d never worked with anyone with disabilities before.

But they’re all such nice, happy kids. I really enjoyed hanging out with them.”

Nick’s first stint on stage came at the age of ten, when he scored the lead role in a local production of ‘Oliver .’ But he didn’t have his first singing lesson until he was fourteen, after he was cast in a second production, playing the role of Archie in the musical ‘13’.

Nick and Brianna took on another challenge when they set out to raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation, inspired in part by Nick’s cousin Corey, who died from the disease.

“We organised a night with games, live music ... and pancakes! It was a lot of fun, and we raised $2,500.” Buoyed by their success, the pair put together a concert showcasing local talent – and raised $5,500 for the Monash Children’s Cancer Centre. “It took a lot of planning and work, but we’d definitely like to do more in the future.”

This year, he trod the boards as a principal vocalist in the Victorian State Schools Spectacular, which featured 3,000 students from across the state. He held his nerve through several rounds of auditions, getting one callback after another as the group of hopefuls was whittled down. “It was pretty nerve-racking going through the process over and over again,” admits Nick. And although he’d been in local productions and always sang around the house, music had just been a bit of fun. “Honestly,

With Year 12 on the horizon, fundraising, performing and volunteering might have to take a temporary back seat to study. But Nick already has his eyes on the future. “The vocal group I sing with is planning an American tour in 2018, and after that, I’d like to head to Canada for a gap year.” Long-term, he has dreams of going to university and pursuing his love of the stage.

“My goal is to get into a professional musical ... to be part of a big show. I want to keep singing for as long as I can.”

words eleanor mckay photo warren reed

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where am I?

This is a magical spot.

I love the way these rocks emerge from the ocean.

How many centuries have they endured the elements?

Coast photographer Warren Reed captured this stunning landscape on one of his walks.

Do you think you know where it might be?

Why not drop us a line on Twitter or Facebook and tag your suggestions #coastwhereami. @ourcoastmag CoastMagazineAustralia Don’t forget, limited edition images such as this can be viewed and purchased at warrenreedphotography.com.au The Spring 2016 edition – Where Am I was taken at Bore Bay in San Remo.

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F R OM T H E M O UNTAI NS TO THE S EA

CLASSIC GOOD SERVICE Since 1886

We’ve embraced our regional communities over the past 130 years and we’re especially proud of building enduring relationships and contributing to the success of our region during this time. We’re part of supporting and enhancing individual, family and community success. This Summer we invite you to put your trust in our classic good service when it comes to all things related to real estate in our community.

Melbourne (03) 9526 8611

Inverloch (03) 5674 1111

Leongatha (03) 5662 0922

Venus Bay (03) 5663 7111

Berwick (03) 9707 2000

Korumburra (03) 5655 1133

Pakenham (03) 5941 1111

Warragul (03) 5623 4744

Grantville (03) 5678 8433

Lang Lang (03) 5997 5599

Phillip Island (03) 5952 2633

Wonthaggi (03) 5672 1911

CLASSIC GOOD SERVICE SINCE

1886 ALEXSCOTT.COM.AU coast 203

Your local builders.

Locally owned & operated, custom homes, house & land packages.

Drop in for a chat at your local G.J. Gardner Homes.

Mornington: 5/234 Main St (03) 5975 1122

Phillip Island: 1/219 Settlement Rd (03) 5952 2150

Visit: gjgardner.com.au

Welcome Home. coast 204

Wonthaggi: 114-116 Graham St (03) 5672 1818

Mornington franchisees: Scott & Judy

Bass Coast & Wonthaggi franchisees: Garry & Gill