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4.95

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R OA D WA R R IOl R Behind the whee on Mad Max Fury Road

H T H E PAT R IA RzoCne Out of his comfort

TER T R E A Su R E HduseNek er

ISSN 1833–3648

Kilcunda hide an och 5 things we love – Inverl Celebrations – weddings, parties, events

int

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

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

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

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from the editor

It’s uplifting to walk along an empty beach with the wind putting a rosy glow on your cheeks (provided you’ve got a fabulous jacket and a good beanie, of course!).

Yes, winter is definitely here.

The night comes rushing in way too quickly at the end of the day yet for all this, winter is a glorious time on the coast.

In this edition, we follow some inspirational Coast locals on spiritual as well as literal journeys. A horrific accident created the path for Jacob Fry’s work as a Red Cross Ambassador and as the latest Mad Max hits the cinemas, Russell Allan, a veteran stunt man on these iconic films, shares his story with us. We talk with a different kind of veteran, Peter Stainthorpe, although he has a movie story too, while Kilcunda dairy farmer Leesa Willmott gives us an insight into the geocaching craze. These remarkable, diverse people are all connected to our fabulous coast – and we’re delighted and privileged to share their stories with you.

There’s no such thing as a simple coffee these days. Coast learned more about this humble bean at a special ‘cupping’ workshop at BEANd café in San Remo. We also enjoyed hearty winter fare at the Kilcunda Ocean View Hotel while taking in a glorious winter sunset.

If you’re planning a special event, check out our Celebration feature. And for those in the mood to build or decorate, our lifestyle and property guide is essential reading.

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

Rug up, stay warm and keep happy!

Eleanor

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Phillip Island to the Prom Coast Magazine © published by Coast Media P/L. ISSN 1833-3648. The publisher is not responsible or liable for any omissions or human error in Phillip Island to the Prom Coast Magazine. Material in this publication cannot be published or reproduced without the publishers written consent. All material contained in this publication is protected by Australian Copyright regulations.

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contents

TrEaSurE HunTEr 36 Kilcunda dairy farmer Leesa Willmott is a master hider and finder in the intriguing and fabulous world of geocaching.

roaD Warrior 16 As the latest Mad Max bursts onto cinema screens across the globe, Russell Allan, the man responsible for hair-raising stunts in all four of these iconic films, shares his incredible journey with us.

THE PaTriarcH 28 Super 8 footage shot by Peter Stainthorpe formed the basis of an SBS documentary on the Vietnam War. Now a grandfather, Peter is still giving back to his country and community.

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call oF THE WilD 41 Jake Greaves lives with 37 huskies and has made his passion for these extraordinary, strong-willed canines into a career.

contents

contents

SPiriT oF SouTH giPPSlanD 62 A spectacular photographic competition by local radio station 3mFM.

people 12 14

©Lens to life

cElEBraTionS 45 Weddings, parties, events ... we list the best venues, providers and services on the Coast, to help you plan the perfect day.

15 minutes of fame Gary Pugh

2 coast people

Dannielle Baylis & Becky Archibald

33

surfer profile

98

young & inspired

Tim Kadwell

Jacob Fry

eat out 70 74

café review

BEANd café coffee cupping

dine out

Kilcunda Ocean View hotel

rEgularS

5 THingS WE lovE aBouT … invErlocH 81

10

coast life

22

coast events

24

latest products

68

where to eat

79

lifestyle and property guide

84

coast style

95

fitness

96

coast directory

97

a good read

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coast life Sisters doing it …

Organic muesli and safe-enough-to-eat skin care is what you’ll find in My Sister’s Pantry. A partnership between Gippslandbased sisters Tracy and Christina has produced scrumptious muesli blends, face serums, cleansers and body butters. Homemade, handcrafted food and skin care without all the BS (bad stuff ). Find them online and on Facebook. www.mysisterspantry.bigcartel.com

Secrets of the sea Carry the ocean with you in a beautifullycrafted piece by Peninsula artist Georgie Cunningham. Using sterling silver, sea glass, pearls and fine china sourced from local op-shops, her work celebrates family, love and life. www.facebook.com/GCseaglassjewellery

celtic soul Inject some heartfelt acoustic soul into your record collection and help get San Remo singer-songwriter Jacqui Sterling back into the studio. Details of how to be part of her Pozible campaign at www.jacquisterling.com.

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a perfect wave The new album by Skipping Girl Vinegar incorporates a few of our favourite things.

Not only was it recorded in tin sheds (one of Warren’s biggest obsessions) and abandoned halls on the coast at Point Lonsdale, it is chock full of great melodies and heartfelt lyrics.

The Great Wave – hooks ahoy.

graphically gorgeous Special occasions require special attention. We love the designs at Nomie Boutique Stationery – they’re quirky, elegant, beautiful, fun … and personalised to reflect your style and personality. www.nomie.com.au

Parklife parkrun Every week, all across Australia, thousands of people race against the clock on timed 5km runs. Join in on Saturdays from 8am at Rotary Centenary Park, Inverloch. Catch up for a coffee afterwards with fellow runners. Get your barcode and find out more at www.parkrun.com.au/inverloch/

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fif teen

minutes

of

fame

Berwick-based Gary Pugh shares his insights on life, calming bridal jitters, and selecting the perfect ribbon for the wedding car. words as told to eleanor mckay photo warren reed

I’m a chauffeur and a finance broker, but when I was a young boy I wanted to be a policeman and drive a car with a siren on it. It’s good to have some versatility, I’m fortunate to have driving and finance as well.

Clients can request that you wear a driver’s cap that matches the company’s blue suit, white shirt and tie. I do weddings, funerals, tours for international guests, private and corporate pick-ups plus airport transfers. The thing I worry about the most is being at my pick-up point on time if the traffic is heavy.

I do have a family connection to weddings … my dad was a minister. As a youngster, I’d go with him and sit and watch in the church. He did quite a few weddings in gardens and at private homes as well.

The best thing about this job is the variety of people you meet and the amazing stories they share with you. Once I was driving a bride and her mum, and as we got closer to the church, the bride burst into tears. I pulled over and asked if she wanted me to wait while she collected her thoughts.

I asked her a few questions and talked about this being her moment to cherish. After a few minutes she said, “Let’s do it!” and I started the car again.

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One time I was waiting for a husband and wife after their wedding. They were having photos taken in a garden and a cockatoo started dive-bombing them. They ran for the car fulltilt with the cockatoo swooping after them. The photographer was running even faster! Another memorable occasion was when I picked up a blind couple from their wedding reception and took them to their hotel. They asked me to describe the journey as I drove.

I like to make sure the car is shiny and looking brilliant inside and out – after all, it’s a special day. You have to watch the bride’s dress on the wheels (so it doesn’t get dirty) and I have a little red carpet to roll out at the door and my high-gloss satin ribbons.

When you’re working you don’t have much of a social life.

Often at big events you’re hired for the whole night, and you just have to sit in your car in the dark and wait. Sometimes the caterers organise a meal for you, or you have a chat with other drivers. You become a master of having a quick nap in your car.

When my daughter got married, it was a special day. As fatherof-the-bride it was my turn to sit in the back of a limousine and enjoy the moment.

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two coast people

Singer Becky Archibald and guitarist Dannielle Baylis are setting the local music scene on fire. They talk to Coast of their shared passion for music, their families and angel’s breath . . .

Dannielle: I grew up on the south coast of NSW and my dad and brother were surfers. I was a tomboy, and anything my brother was into, I was totally into as well. At 12, I had a massive surfboard I’d drag down to the beach. I was very determined and tried to teach myself to ride it. I’d often come out with bumps and bruises all over. When I realised it wasn’t quite happening I asked my mum if she could get me a boogie board. I mastered that and started to compete. My aunty bought me a surfboard when I was 15 and I learnt to ride it in two days.

I was 16 when we moved down to Victoria, and it was the worst thing that ever happened to me … at the time, anyway.

As a teenager, I went from surfing every weekend to surfing once a month. It took me 10 years to get back to the water.

I travelled around Europe for a bit, went to uni and dropped out of an arts course, then worked for a while. I met my friend Lisa while working at a casino as a cocktail waitress. Her parents had a caravan at Phillip Island and I’d invite myself down there on weekends. It was like, ‘Come on: I surf! I should be going down there with you!!!’ … she laughs. We’d go for a surf and then go to the pub afterwards and have a blast.

Over summer I took a job at the Westernport Hotel and it was the best six weeks of my life. I had so much fun. Ironically, I didn’t surf that much as I worked behind the bar, but one day a beautiful guy called Jon walked in to the bar and I was like … who is THATTT?!!! He had beautiful blonde hair and gorgeous blue eyes, beautiful skin and a lovely grin. I kept saying to my friend, that’s my dream man! I bumped into him in the surf one day, and pretty much, it grew from there. I think he’s my perfect match and we now have three kids together!

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I met Bec at the local surf shop. The moment we met, we just clicked. I loved working with her and it made the day go so fast.

We’d muck around together and get in so much trouble. They had to separate us as we both just had this love of fun. We lost touch when we left the shop but reconnected years later.

I knew Bec sang, and I sent her message on Facebook (not really expecting to hear back from her) … but I did! For years, I was telling anyone that would listen, ‘Look! I play guitar now, please play with me … anyone … just play with me!!!’ Eventually we started sending each other songs, and she said, ‘Yep; we can gig here and gig there.’ I hadn’t really performed live. I’d taught myself how to play guitar and ukulele via YouTube, done just a few open mikes and stuff, so I was very nervous.

I was pretty scared, but at least I felt I had something to share.

My mum introduced me to piano and classical music and was a huge musical influence in my life. To get together now with someone who can sing like Bec … it’s just amazing. When we go on stage, I feel like I’m getting better every time. I just love playing and it’s such a buzz when it all comes together. We’re in such a happy place and when it’s over, we’re both on such a high. I love it so much. I can feel my soul pouring into the performance and the audience feels it.

Our kids now come to our gigs, and it’s just amazing.

The other day I had Sy carrying my guitar, Aija carried my songbooks, Izzi had the song stand and Jon carried the speakers. I thought, ‘I am so happy right now’ … they’re all following me into the gig and they’re a part of it all … I just love it! The kids keep asking me why I’m playing everyone else’s songs and why I don’t write my own stuff. That’s the next step. We have so much to draw from: we just need to get it down on paper. A thought struck me this morning. We have to write a song with ‘angel breath’ in it … can we do that? (she laughs and asks Bec). A girlfriend and I used to say that about our kids … what gorgeous angel breath they have.

But they do get to a certain age when they sleep with their mouths open … and phwooaar … no more angel’s breath!

Becky: Growing up, my family was a bit like the Partridge Family*. There are eight of us kids, plus my parents, so we’re a pretty big clan. We always had music around us; most of us sang or played an instrument. We lived at Cape Paterson and we’d often drive around in our Kombi, singing with the door open. One day my sister nearly fell out when we turned a corner, but we grabbed her arm in the nick of time. I had a childhood of playing in the sand dunes, riding my horse and running free … it was just incredible.

Later, we moved to a beautiful farm just outside Inverloch.

As we grew up and left home to travel or go to uni, the farm was a place where all the family would gather. My brothers and sisters had lots of musicians as friends. They’d bring them back home to parties on the farm: we’d light a big bonfire and people would jam and sing … it was a very formative and inspiring time in my musical education.

I always sang in the school choir at Newhaven. In Year 11, I was sent to Methodist Ladies College in Melbourne, and it came as quite a shock when I had to audition for the choir. I walked into a mirrored room with a grand piano and choir selector … I was so nervous that I sang a harmony to Amazing Grace rather than the tune! Even so, I managed to scrape in.

I couldn’t read music but I bluffed my way through. Our choirmaster was amazing – she could pick one voice out of hundreds of girls. I’d get goosebumps when we were

words as told to maria reed photo warren reed performing. To hear 300 voices all harmonising together … it was quite extraordinary. That’s where I learnt projection and a professional attitude towards singing.

I met Dannielle while working at Islantis on Phillip Island.

I felt immediately comfortable with her … it was like we’d known each other forever! Dan was a surfer and worked there for the boards, while I loved fashion, and couldn’t wait to get my hands on the clothes. I had a surfboard, but it never really made it off the top of my car! We had a ball working together and they often had to separate us as we were having too much fun. We lost touch when we left the shop, but reconnected on Facebook.

When we met up again it was an amazing surprise to find out that Dani played guitar. She was really keen to get together and play, so we’d send each other little songs that we’d like to have a go at. We met up at Kilcunda playground and brought heaps of food for a picnic. That first meeting we actually managed to learn six songs while our kids played together.

From there, it just really started rolling. To play with Dani, a mum who is also a musician, is just inspiring!

Before we knew it we had two and a half hours of music we could play, and we decided to form a band called the Sea Ponies. Dan’s a die-hard surfer and I love horses, so we thought it was the perfect choice. It’s so amazing to come back to music as a mum. I performed a bit in Melbourne, but playing with Dani, another mum who understands where I’m

coming from, it is so serendipitous. We also share very similar musical tastes including Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles, Sia, Jewel, Natalie Merchant and Patty Griffin. All these musicians have meant something to us individually and we’ve come together to create a beautiful blend of classic and new music.

We both realise what a gift it is to be able to perform and have our kids and our partners in the audience, and have people appreciate what we do. Mark at the Kilcunda pub has been our champion. We ended up rehearsing on the deck one boiling hot day so the kids could have lemonade in the shade, and the bikies loved us. That’s how it began, and it has just grown from there. We love doing gigs at the pub and Mark and Kate have been incredibly supportive.

Dani and I have incredible parallels in our stories. We share a love of music and have diverse tastes. We’re going to start writing our own songs, so that’s really exciting. We’d love to play local festivals like Mossvale and The Hills are Alive. It all keeps unfolding at such a rapid rate and we’re loving it!

To find out more check out The Sea Ponies Acoustic Duo on Facebook. *A 1970s TV show about a large musical family that travelled around in an old school bus.

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There are actions so precise that a matter of seconds, or centimetres, can mean the difference between life and death. Master stunt-driver Russell Allan came to learn that over the course of his 35-year career as a precision driver for film and television.

words katie cincotta photos warren reed & supplied

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from their families. He refused. Too dangerous, he reckoned. If one of the child actors moved the wrong way, he wouldn’t be able to stop in time. His intuition was right. In the frantic scene where a government official drags the indigenous children into the car, one girl ran the wrong way and had he not swerved to the side, Russell would have hit and killed her. “I told him I couldn’t chase three young girls flying over a hill. There are no front brakes in those old cars. Phillip Noyce was a bit annoyed with me, but the girl could have died.”

There have been other close calls: the scars tell the story. A lacerated face when his Kawasaki ZZR careened into barbed wire. Broken ribs, blood, bruises. But he remembers all the stunts – even the rare times where things went wrong – with a sense of pride for the care and planning that went into every feat. “I was always nervous,” he admits. The tension kept him focused.

He rarely misfired. When he did, the crew took the opportunity to taunt the legend. “Once on a commercial I hit a fencepost and they were all laughing. They said, ‘Look at that: Russell Allan can actually get it wrong’.”

Some of the best car chases we’ve ever seen on the big screen have featured Russell behind the wheel, steering head-first into danger. The lanky bloke from the red dirt hills of Monbulk got his big break in 1979 on Australia’s cult classic Mad Max. Long before the production team began filming the postapocalyptic hit (which went on to gross a record-breaking US$100 million at the box office), Russell was road-testing Fords up on two wheels in the deserted back streets of Dandenong.

Fourteen vehicles were destroyed in that first Mad Max film, and with a budget of only $400,000, each of the crash scenes had to be taken in one shot – no second takes, no room for error. That’s a lot of pressure for the elite few called upon to get it right first go. Russell says his reputation for precision wasn’t accidental. It took visual planning, focus and a strict ‘no alcohol’ rule when he was on a job.

To get a car up on two wheels, you usually need a ramp. Russell could do it without one, and held several world records for driving both cars and trucks on two wheels for the longest distance. He’s probably the only driver in the world who can stop a car mid-air on two wheels, and then take off again. So, how the heck does he do it? “Balance, throttle control and lots of concentration,” he reckons.

The father of six and grandfather of 15 has starred in TV commercials for almost every make and model of car you can think of. One of the most memorable was a Nissan Micra ad that required him to drive blind, squashed in under the steering wheel to create the illusion that the car was driving on its own.

When the producers of TV show Hey Hey It’s Saturday asked him to perform the stunt live in the studio, it took him three days to master the maneuvering required in that tight space with only a voice in his earpiece to guide him. “I had to drive from memory. All I could see was the roof.”

It’s a heartbreaking twist in a thrilling real life adventure that elevated Russell to ‘guru’ status among the stunt fraternity.

While the reading disorder dyslexia held him back from learning at school, forcing him into factory work at the age of 15, it may have helped Russell as a stuntman. Here was a driver who had tremendous visual acuity and timing, his brain finely tuned for problemsolving. Albert Einstein, Richard Branson and Muhammad Ali were similar dyslexic success stories. But without support for dyslexic children in the 60s, Russell’s self-esteem took a beating. “I was really depressed and shy until I was about 30 years old.”

Russell drove for those TAC ads that ripped out our hearts with shocking, slow-motion vision of people being flung to their death as a result of speed, alcohol or fatigue. While he doesn’t consider himself a daredevil, he does admit that as a young man the police once refused to give chase, knowing they couldn’t catch him, choosing instead to wait for him in his driveway to slap a speeding ticket on him.

Roaring around the family farm on a T-model Ford and motorbike and spinning forklifts in the factory into tight corners changed the course of his life. He knew he had a gift. He began racing a Torana, then rally-cars, and ultimately found his calling in the daredevil stunt world – crashing through fences, hurtling over bridges, rocketing through quarries, slewing semi-trailers sideways on dusty dirt roads … wherever the storyline would take him. “It’s all about hitting the mark. You can’t miss it.”

You’d think not much could rattle a man who has spent most of his adult life as a stunt driver. But at the age of 52, the warrior on wheels was dealt a terrible blow. While out watering the garden, he noticed one of his fingers moving involuntarily. Thinking it comical, he pointed it out to his wife Marina. The twitching continued through the night. The eventual diagnosis was Parkinson’s Disease, the neurological disorder that takes away the body’s ability to control movement.

Especially when you’re handling a vehicle with 500 horsepower, or the weight of a 5-tonne army truck. And it’s more dangerous still when there are actors in the shot that you need to navigate with absolute precision.

Fifteen years on, Russell lives in a nursing home. His speech is low and slurred, his gait slow, as if he’s pushing his toes through snow. When we watch the DVD show-reel of some of his best stunt work, I can see the vibrant larrikin he was in his 30s and 40s throwing out the odd wisecrack, a cheeky glint in his eye. But his damaged neurons have trapped him in a body he can’t control.

It’s as if he’s stuck behind glass. It’s a heartbreaking twist in a

On the film Rabbit Proof Fence, the director asked Russell to drive at high speed into three Aboriginal children being stolen

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thrilling real-life adventure that elevated Russell to ‘guru’ status among the stunt fraternity.

But the ride isn’t over yet. In 2012, Russell flew to Namibia for the eight-week filming of the long-awaited Mad Max: Fury Road, which premiered in May 2015 at Cannes, 30 years after Russell was the lead driver on the third film in the series, Mad Max – Beyond Thunderdome. Filming was relocated to Africa after rains turned the land around Broken Hill into lush, green fields, the wrong look for the film’s post-apocalyptic wasteland setting. Despite hand tremors, Russell was confident he could drive on the latest Mad Max film, joining a team of 40 stunt drivers on Fury Road. His peers had no doubts he was still world-class. “When I first got to the location, I walked through the door …”

Life in a retirement home, reflecting on his photo-wall of movie credits, alongside Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman, Mel Gibson, Russell Crowe and Marlon Brando, is an ending nobody saw coming for the well-loved adrenalin junkie.

“After so many years as a driver … “ He pauses. Swallows.

Twitches one eyebrow, trying to find the words to express what seems like an indescribable sadness. He proudly wears the Mad Max: Fury Road crew-cap which may be the last vestige of his career as a stuntman. “It’s hard. It hurts.”

There have been other close calls.

The scars tell the story.

He begins to get teary, his hands lifting up to express the magnitude of the moment. “It’s emotional. Everyone in the whole place stood up. The best from all over the world were there.”

On the last day of shooting, stunt coordinator Guy Norris put Russell in the position to lead the car pack down the mountain – a grand show of respect for the stunt veteran serving on the film where it all began. “I had to bounce the car between a rock and another car without hitting them,” he says. “It was very tight. At the end of the day in the change room, Norris yelled out, ‘Russell Allan, I’d just like to tell you that you stopped four times on the same mark – which takes some doing.”

The people at Banfields love and revere him. The staff tell me that on just his third night there they caught him zipping down the corridors in a wheelchair up on its back wheels. He confesses it’s true, and laughs. You can’t keep a good stuntman down.

Mel Gibson as Mad Max Rockatansky may have stolen all the glory as the hero of the highway, but in real life when people are counting on you to smash, crash, race or roll a car on cue, without killing yourself or anyone else – Russell Allan is the true Road Warrior.

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

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

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

Banfields Aged CareCare Banfields Aged 192 Thompson Avenue CowesCowes VIC 3922 192 Thompson Avenue VIC 3922 03 5951 www.banfields.com.au (03) 2500 5951 2500 www.banfields.com.au coast 20

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Driving ExcellenCe The unforgettable and exhilarating experience of owning and driving a Mercedes-Benz starts the moment you walk through the showroom door of this award-winning dealer in Berwick.

Mercedes-Benz recognise their highest achievers annually at the Mercedes-Benz Dealer of the Year Awards. Dealers from all over Australia come together to recognise their individual and group achievements throughout the year, as well as the coveted Dealer of the Year Award.

The Dealer of the Year award is the most highly acclaimed award, recognising the most successful Dealership in Australia across all categories of sales, aftersales, finance and customer service.

Mercedes-Benz Berwick was awarded Dealer of the Year for the second consecutive year, making them the most awarded Mercedes-Benz Dealership for the 2013 and 2014 period. The recognition is a testament to the dedicated team who pride themselves on excelling in all facets of the business.

From left to right: Jeffrey Simon, Brad Kelly, Craig P. Howard, Neville Bertalli, Jason Nomikos, Horst von Sanden.

Dealer Principal Craig Howard said: “I wish to take this opportunity to extend a sincere thank you to our loyal customers and suppliers. Your loyalty and support in 2013 and 2014 contributed to achieving these prestigious awards and we are so grateful to have you as part of the Mercedes-Benz Berwick family.”

Mercedes-Benz Berwick is a state-of-the-art dealership which was built in 2003. It was the first Auto Haus in Australia and is an authorised dealer of New and Pre-Owned Mercedes-Benz passenger cars as well as commercial vehicles. The dealership also specialises in servicing and supplying genuine parts for all Mercedes-Benz vehicles. The sales and service departments are open six days a week and the service department offers a pick up and drop off service as well as Express Saturdays between 8.30am–12pm.

Mercedes-Benz Berwick’s mission is to exceed your expectations every time you call, email or visit the dealership. Their professional and highly experienced team are dedicated to ensuring this is the case!

Mercedes-Benz Berwick is located only 24 minutes from the Burnley Tunnel, at 518 Princes Hwy, Berwick or alternatively, call them on 1300 MBB MBB (1300 622 622) or visit their website mbberwick.com.au.

words & photos supplied

A shining star.

Mercedes-Benz Berwick Mercedes-Benz Berwick 2014 Metropolitan Cars Dealer of the Year.

Mercedes-Benz would like to congratulate Mercedes-Benz Berwick’s Dealer Principal, Craig Howard and his staff on being awarded 2014 Metropolitan Cars Dealer of the Year. Over the last twelve months they have consistently demonstrated the dedication and excellence that have been hallmarks of the Mercedes-Benz brand. Find out for yourself by visiting Mercedes-Benz Berwick at 518 Princes Highway, Berwick.

2014 Mercedes-Benz Cars Dealer of the Year - Metropolitan www.mbberwick.com.au

Mercedes-Benz Berwick 518 Princes Highway, Berwick, 1300 MBB MBB, www.mbberwick.com.au coast 21 <Dealer logo> <Dealer address> <Dealer phone> <Dealer URL> <Dealer LMCT>

winter 2015

events guide JunE The Roast Collection (Melbourne Food & Wine Festival) One awesome roast meal on menu throughout June BEANd Café, 4/157 Marine Pde, San Remo Contact: 0407 717 588 www.beand.com.au Yanakie Ochre Paintings: Anne Roussac-Hoyne Throughout June Oberon Room Fish Creek Hotel Contact: Anne 0408 871 379 Winter Solstice Exhibition 3 – 29 June, Mon-Thu, 10am – 4pm ArtSpace Wonthaggi, 5-7 McBride Ave Contact: 5672 1415 www.artspacewonthaggi.com.au The Roast Collection – Sunday Roast (Melbourne Food & Wine Festival) Every Sunday in June The Foreshore Bar & Restaurant 11 Beach Rd, Rhyll Contact: 5956 9520 www.theforeshore.com.au Lunch in the Library with Debra Oswald 17 June, 12.30pm Inverloch Library, A’Beckett St Contact: 5674 1912 – friends of Inverloch Library www.wgrlc.vic.gov.au

Never Mind the Stigma 19 June, 7pm Ramada Resort Phillip Island 2128 Phillip Island Tourist Rd Contact: Ben White 5952 8000 All proceeds donated to www.beyondblue.org.au Slow-Cooked Sunday 28 June, 26 July, 30 August Phillip Island RSL 225 Thompson Ave, Cowes Contact: 5952 1004 www.pirsl.com.au Morning Melodies 30 June, 28 July, 25 August – 10am Phillip Island RSL 225 Thompson Ave, Cowes Contact: 5952 1004 $10 Special Seniors Meal Deal www.pirsl.com.au

July Jacqui Sterling – triple bill 5 July Westernport Hotel, San Remo Contact: 5678 5205 www.facebook.com/jacquisterlingmusic Super 8 Soldiers 15 July, 12pm (includes light lunch) Vietnam Veterans Museum 25 Veterans Dr, Newhaven Contact: 5956 6400 – bookings essential www.vietnamveteransmuseum.org

Newhaven College Tours 17 June, 29 July - 9.30am Newhaven College, 1770 Phillip Island Tourist Rd, Sunset Strip Contact: 5956 7507 www.newhavencollege.vic.edu.au/ events

Small Business Clinic, Grantville 15 July Mentoring sessions from 10.30am Grantville Transaction Centre 1504 - 1510 Bass Hwy Contact: Emilie Barkley 1300 BCOAST (226 278) – bookings essential www.basscoast.vic.gov.au

Newhaven College Winter Musical Soiree 17 June, 7pm Newhaven College, 1770 Phillip Island Tourist Rd, Sunset Strip Contact: 5956 7507 www.newhavencollege.vic.edu.au/ events

A Taste of Tamworth 17 July, 8pm Phillip Island RSL 225 Thompson Ave, Cowes Contact promoter: 0416 075 638 www.pirsl.com.au

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auguST Cancer Council fundraiser 8 August - $5 per class “Charged” protein taste test 8am – Spin, 9am – Combat Kick Boxing, 10am Step TTT, Classes run 45-50 min Voyage Fitness 51 McCartin St, Leongatha Contact: 5662 0857 – bookings essential www.voyagefitness.com.au Minefields and Miniskirts 14 – 16 August Vietnam Veterans Museum 25 Veterans Dr, Newhaven Contact: 5956 6400 – bookings essential www.vietnamveteransmuseum.org Cancer Council fundraiser 22 August - $5 per class “Charged” protein taste test 8am – Spin, 9am – Pump Voyage Fitness 2/120 McKenzie St, Wonthaggi Contact: 5672 5505 www.voyagefitness.com.au

Mountain View Leongatha Boutique retirement village Show homes open daily – 10am - 4pm 1 Dale Dr, Leongatha Contact: 1300 306 255 www.mountainviewleongatha.com.au Kongwak Market Every Sunday Kongwak General Store Contact: Jane 0417 327 637

132 Whitelaw St Meeniyan VIC 3956 | Phone 5664 0055 |

like us at www.facebook.com/Lacy-Jewellery-Studio

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Gotta get mee one of thes

Chocolate is the food of love!

Hand made Belgian chocolate heart Phillip Island Chocolate Factory RRP $29.95

Latest news and products from your Coast retailers

Stay fighting fit and boost your health Charged Protein powder Voyage Fitness Wonthaggi & Leongatha RRP $50

Mirror Mirror â&#x20AC;Ś who is the fairest?

Brass oval mirror with leather strap Petite Collections RRP Small $150, Large $275

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Dream on and create your destiny Intrinsic design mug San Remo Pharmacy RRP $19.95

Nature in a beaker Alchemy Flower Pot Mookah Studio RRP 2000ml is $40 1000ml is $30

Handmade sterling silver Rutilated Quartz Pendant by Lauren Harris The Goldsmithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gallery RRP $1,350

Colour me calm Colouring books Turn the Page RRP Books $14.99 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; $19.99 Pencils $15.50

Handcrafted glass vessel Sundancer collection ArtFusion Gallery RRP $145

Latin inspired fresh local produce Watermark Restaurant, Silverwater Resort

The luxury of pure wool underfoot Montana Sands Carpet Court Cowes & Leongatha RRP $59/m2 installed.

Fresh and friendly local fare Kernot Store

Naturally beautiful selection Kilcunda General Store RRP Shoes $240, scarf $85, wallet $160, Cat Hammill bracelet set $70

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ALL-NEW PATHFINDER Nissan Pathfinder 7 Seat Family SUV Available with: 2WD or 4WD Alloy Wheels Intelligent Key ABS & ESP 5 Star Ancap

Call in and test drive today.

Tri Zone Climate Control Reversing Camera

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

finally on Instagram: warren reed _

Coastal landscapes by Coast Magazine photographer Warren Reed www.warrenreedphotography.com.au coast 26

including a curated collective of independent designers

mookah studio 11 A’Beckett St, Inverloch www.mookah.com.au

New Store now open at 58 McBride Ave, Wonthaggi

just up from the Coffee Collective!

VINTAGE - ANTIQUE - UNIQUE FURNITURE AND HOMEWARES WE BUY AND SELL QUALITY BRANDS INCLUDING: FLER • TESSA • PARKER • TH BROWN • FEATHERSTON • DANISH DELUXE • ZOUREFF + MORE

Check out our range at www.southernbazaar.com.au LOCATED IN A MASSIVE WAREHOUSE AT 42 CASHIN ST, INVERLOCH (BEHIND MITRE 10) PHONE WENDY WHITE ON 0407 414 895 EMAIL southernbazaar@hotmail.com

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The Patriarch

The footage Peter Stainthorpe shot on his 8mm camera during his time serving in the Vietnam War was the basis for a 1991 documentary â&#x20AC;&#x153;Super 8 Soldiersâ&#x20AC;?. The Cape Woolamai grandfather is passionate about supporting his community, family and the National Vietnam Veterans Museum.

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I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood and I – I took the one less travelled by, And that has made all the difference.

‘The Road Not Taken’ – Robert Frost The American poet Robert Frost famously wrote about The Road Not Taken. At the age of 20, Peter Stainthorpe’s path was forced upon him – his number came up, inscribed on a tiny marble drawn out of a barrel on the telly, announcing to the nation that he’d been conscripted into the Australian Army to fight in the Vietnam War. “My mother rang and said, ‘There’s a letter here from the Government, in a gold envelope’. She said, ‘You’ve been called up’. At 20, I just thought it was another adventure. ‘I’m getting off the bloody treadmill’. That’s how I took it.”

Unlike many war veterans, the Cape Woolamai retiree looks back at his period of service from 1966 to 1968 with fondness and respect – at the discipline he learnt, at the wonderful friendships he made, and at the political perspective he gained, which has never left him. “It taught me a lot about people, and leadership, and appreciating your life. It was all an experience for a middleclass boy from Ashburton. I had to come out of my comfort zone. But I met all sorts of guys – the blue ribbons, the workingclass heroes, the farmers. That’s the beauty of national service.”

The boy from Melbourne’s east was educated in private Catholic schools including St Kevin’s College in Toorak, and went on to gain a city office job at Sands & McDougall before being called to war. He trained initially at Puckapunyal where reveille would sound at 5am for the chilly morning roll-call, then attended artillery school in Manly and did his final preparation at the Canungra jungle warfare training centre in far north Queensland. “We got so bloody fit. We weren’t allowed to have a drink for weeks or see our parents. At the end of it, you’d jump off this tower into the water, with your rifle and all your gear on.

‘The Tower of Death’ we called it.”

His first night as a solider is one he’ll never forget. Flown out to South Vietnam on an RAAF Hercules, he landed at night, and got caught in the line of fire. “We had no power in Nui Dat – no light, just torches. It was pitch black when I arrived and all I could hear was the ‘bang bang’ from the fire missions – H&I (harassment and interdiction) – guns shooting at targets all through the night to annoy the enemy. I walked into all that.

I walked straight in front of a gun – saw the flash, and the power of the shells blew my slouch hat off. And that was the friendlies, that was us,” he recalls.

words: katie cincotta photos: warren reed & supplied

Assigned to the Royal Australian Artillery, 106 Field Battery 4th Field Regiment, Peter became a ‘gunner’, loading the artillery alongside seven other soldiers on the field gun. “We had to >

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A thinking man, a man of principle, a man clearly defined by national service…

be very careful not to blow up our blokes. The accuracy was vital. The readings for the gun, in degrees, would come out over the tannoy and we’d line it up, make up each bullet with cordite, little bags of gunpowder.”

The most harrowing part of his experience was when one of Peter’s officers was murdered by one of their own, the story making news headlines. “His name was Lieutenant Robert Birse, and he was having a disagreement with one of the diggers, who’d been at him to let him get home to see his new baby. Out on an operation, you’d dig a hole to sleep in, like a trench, on blowup mattresses.” Gunner Leonard Newman threw a hand grenade into the pit where Lieutenant Birse was asleep. “It was shocking.

He was a mess, blown to bits, but he could still speak and just said ‘Newman did it’. They choppered him out, but he died. He was the only one to get killed in our unit.”

Newman was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to five years in prison, but after eight months his conviction and sentence were quashed on appeal.

“A lot of vets ran away and hid after the war: they just opted out of society. We thought we were going to get welcomed home with bells and whistles and ticker-tape, but we didn’t.”

Things got better when one of his war buddies tried to make up for a cheeky prank. Ivan Clyne had taken a photo of Peter on a makeshift toilet out on operations and gave it to Australasian Post Magazine, who splashed it across a double-page spread. Ivan squared it by setting Peter up on a blind date with a pretty blonde at the South Yarra nightclub Winston Charles. “That’s where Lesley and I met and we’re still together. Married since 1970.”

At the end of it, you’d jump off this tower into the water, with your rifle and all your gear on.‘The Tower of Death’ we called it.

But it’s the malarkey he remembers most – the beer and skittles in the downtime – some of the antics captured on film by the men who bought Super 8 cameras while on R&R in Hong Kong. The nightlife – tempting and exotic – was a cesspool of venereal disease. “There were a lot of guys that just wanted to get smashed and find a girl.”

Coming home felt good, but wasn’t easy, admits Peter.

The ‘anti’ feeling from protestors left them feeling ashamed.

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With his strong jaw and friendly banter, the baby boomer has something of the classic Aussie lad about him. But his interest in current affairs, which sees him devouring newspapers and TV news, distinguishes him as a thinking man, a man of principle, a man clearly defined by national service. It’s something he thinks the Australian government should reconsider. “I wish the kids would do national service now – boys and girls – like Sweden and Israel. Not to go to war. It’s just great to have that sort of training. They could be really useful during bushfires or other disasters.”

In 1996, Peter’s military training kicked in when he was caught up in one of the world’s most horrific massacres. He was visiting Port Arthur with a group of Vietnam vets, when lone gunman Martin Bryant went on a killing spree and shot dead 35 innocent people at Tasmania’s former prison colony.

Initially they thought the sound of a gun firing was part of

I walked straight in front of a gun – saw the flash, and the power of the shells blew my hat off. a historic re-enactment. But when people began running out of the Broad Arrow café screaming, he knew something terrible was happening. “About 15 minutes after we arrived, all hell broke lose. He started shooting and we were out the front of the café as he was killing people inside. We were supposed to go in for a coffee but we decided to wait for a tour instead and that was what saved my life.”

Peter says his training helped him remain calm while he sought out safety amid the chaos. “The door had burst open and a woman came running out. Bryant went running the other way, down to the bus and shot some more people.”

Peter and his mate made a run for it and hid in a ditch, warning others, who were unaware of the gunman on the loose. “We were running past people who were sitting on the grass having a picnic. There were hundreds of people on the lawns and none of them knew what was happening. We said ‘there’s a guy killing people, get moving’ and they looked at us stunned.”

While he was lying low in the channel, Bryant drove past Peter who recalls his ‘mad staring eyes’, in the minutes before he went on to shoot Nanette Mikac and her two daughters, Madeleine, three and Alannah, six. Peter says the only good to come of the tragedy was the Howard Government’s gun amnesty, which led to the surrender of tens of thousands of high velocity weapons and tighter gun control.

The retiree, who ran a successful office supplies business in Wantirna, sits at the top of the family tree with eight children and 20 grandchildren who he says, albeit affectionately, always want or need something from him. A conservative, a Catholic, a volunteer for St Vinnies and a guide at the National Vietnam Veterans Museum, Peter continues to be engaged in society, keen to contribute his experience and time. “I go out and visit local families who’ve got financial

or emotional issues and we assist them. I feel like I’ve been successful so I’ve got to do something to help. I still go to church regularly. You don’t want to feel like a hypocrite.”

In retirement, he’s travelled around Australia in a caravan, and recently returned to Vietnam for a holiday. “I saw lots of people rushing around, a lot of poor people on the streets.

And I wondered what the war was all about. Really, we didn’t liberate them. We saved them for a few years (from Communism), but looking back now, you have to wonder if they’re happier. They can’t own a business, or property. A local bloke on the Island had a fishing fleet of 200 boats and three houses and they stole all of that. But the war stopped and that’s what matters.”

National Vietnam Veterans Museum Presents Super 8 Soldiers SBS Documentary instigated by Peter Stainthorpe & Rowan Marsh Servicemen with their Super 8 movie cameras captured moments of their tour of duty in the Vietnam War. SBS compiled a fascinating documentary using this footage. Peter Stainthorpe was one of a handful of veterans supplying film and images to SBS to produce their story.

Peter will introduce Super 8 Soldiers at the National Vietnam Veterans Museum on Wednesday, 15 July 2015.

You are invited to come along, watch the show and take the opportunity to talk to Peter and ask questions about his experiences.

A light lunch is included. Seats are limited and booking is essential. $22 per person.

National Vietnam Veterans Museum 25 Veterans Drive, Newhaven 3925 Ph: 03 5956 6400

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EXPECT the UNEXPECTED - Our Museum talks to You - InfoWand, audio Tour Guide - Our Light and Sound Show - fascinating holographic display - Huge collection of images, artefacts, aircraft, helicopters and vehicles - Life-like Dioramas, some depicting historic events

nui dat cafe Great

Coffee Homemade

Scones & Cakes

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

www.vietnamvetsmuseum.org

Working together.

Achieve your VCE goals at Newhaven College.

We are an independent co-educational school offering a comprehensive and seamless education for students from Prep through Year 12. Places are currently available for Years 10 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12 in 2016.

For enrolment enquiries, contact Kelly Fuery on 5956 7505 (option 1) or visit www.newhavencol.vic.edu.au

coast 32

Yummy lunches.

Daily specials

surfer profile

words: linda ryding photos: warren reed & supplied

a BiT oF anD

yin yang

Mornington Peninsula kneeboarder Tim Kadwell has carved out a life for himself that most only dream about.

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Laid-back and charismatic, the 51-year-old radiates an energy and presence usually reserved for those decades younger.

With a mantra to “just enjoy life and have some fun while you’re at it”, Tim spends the warmer months hitting the waves at his favourite Rye Car Park beach and then relocates the family to snowboard Mt Hotham each winter!

Growing up on the Mornington Peninsula, he started surfing as a teenager and soon progressed to kneeboarding because “I was hopeless at standing up. Why I ride a kneeboard has been the most baffling thing. I don’t understand it. You don’t walk around on your knees, but for some reason it feels totally natural to me”, laughs Tim. A defining moment came as a teenager in the late 70s when he won the kneeboard division of “The Slopabout”, a local competition organised by surfers from Sorrento Back Beach and a few of the Portsea boardriders crew. “I was amazed to win that, and it made me realise that I was actually good at something. I even beat Andrew Callaghan, who was my absolute hero back in those days.”

started raining so I buried my clothes under the sand at the base of the contest tent. While I was out they packed up the tent and I spent the next two hours digging up half the beach to find my clothes. It really wasn’t my year.”

Three decades on, Tim still enjoys competitions even though he admits that it goes against the heart of what surfing is all about. “Surfing can be such a rewarding, spiritual exercise and competitions sometimes feel like they detract from the whole experience. But it’s human nature to be competitive.” Some of his recent achievements include winning the 2014 Victorian Kneeboard Championships and coming third in the 2014 Phillip Island Kneeboard Pro, just edged out by current world champ Dave Parkes and multiple world champ Simon Farrer.

A love of the snow happened “by sheer fluke”, when Tim went on a holiday with his Mum to Tasmania in 1994. “I had a couple of really good skiing days and as soon as I got back home I bought some second-hand ski gear, jumped in my panel van and headed to Mt Buller. I was finishing my final year as an apprentice cook at the Sorrento Pub and I’d head to Buller every single day off I had. I didn’t miss a day: I was totally committed.”

Surfing can be such a rewarding, spiritual exercise, and competitions sometimes feel like they detract from the whole experience.

Forging ahead with his kneeboarding career even though “we were called ‘cripples’ all the time”, he went on to win many titles throughout the 80s and 90s. One memorable contest was in 1986 at Duranbah in Queensland near Snapper Rocks. Tim was placed 7th overall and also won the prestigious “most outstanding surfer” award, earning himself the huge sum of $100. “I went back in 1988 and reckon I could have won. I was killing it. I made the semis but then got to the beach too late and missed the finals completely. I was totally jinxed that year. The day before the contest I went out free-surfing and it

Tim’s relaxed and likeable demeanour has opened many doors, including a number of seasons working at the snow in Methven, New Zealand. His work came a definite second to his primary passion of skiing, and it wasn’t long before he made the move to snowboarding. “1997 was the best year snowboarding. I’d made the transition from soft-booting to hard- booting and was absolutely slaying it everywhere I went. I’d annoyed the hell out of Sean McCarron and Steve Holmes (both instructors at Mt Hutt) and just learnt how to do it through watching them. With hard-booting you can hold a turn easier and it looks really cool. Not many people do it,” he smiles.

Tim met his wife Debbie nearly twenty years ago. They shared a love of the snow and continued working in New Zealand during snow seasons before settling on the Peninsula to start their family. Always on the lookout for excitement and a new adventure, the idea to relocate the family each winter came after a reluctant return from a family holiday to the snow.

When they saw an opportunity to work and live on the mountain, the decision was made. “As soon as we got back from that holiday, Debbie

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With snowboarding, if you’ve got good snow on the ground and reasonable visibility, you’re on.

went into overdrive organising schools for the kids and finding us a lodge to manage. Hotham was the only place we wanted to go,” Tim explains.

So for the past seven seasons, the family have packed up their gear and headed to Mt Hotham where Debbie manages a lodge and Tim works at the Snowbird Inn. Their two boys, Will (15) and Ethan (12) attend Dinner Plain School. “I can’t imagine being on the coast in winter. We don’t drive a car the whole time we’re up there; you just walk or take the village bus. The kids have a lot more freedom and if it’s a good season you just go out your door and you’ve got a sport that you love to do every day right there.”

Tim has a lot of respect for the programs around now for kids starting out surfing with clubs like the Peninsula and Phillip Island Boardriders. “These clubs have a lot of really good mentors and they introduce kids to surfing in the correct way.

I kinda wish we had that when I was younger. When I started out it was just full-on ratbags.”

Although he’s found a perfect way to combine his passion for surf and snow, Tim concedes that surfing is more of a chore and needs a lot more variables to come together to guarantee a buzz. “With snowboarding, if you’ve got good snow on the ground and reasonable visibility, you’re on. And it’s heaps easier than surfing as you don’t have to paddle back out. We need chairlifts and rope-tows out in the water,” he laughs.

Living life embracing the things he loves with dedication and commitment comes easily to Tim and it’s no surprise that this has led to some outstanding results. “If I don’t surf at least twice in a week then I feel like there’s something seriously missing, something I haven’t achieved. I like the balance I have with snowboarding, surfing, stonemasonry and cooking … a bit of yin and yang.”

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The treasure

words: katie cincotta photos: warren reed & supplied

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hunter Out in the natural world there are some 2.6 million hidden treasures. Not gold, not silver, not royal rubies plundered on the high seas. Mainly small plastic containers tucked away in a tree, between rocks, under a bridge. With over six million treasure hunters worldwide trying to find them.

The game is called geocaching. It’s free to play. All you need is a sense of adventure, a player name and a GPS (a smartphone or handheld). Track down the treasure – called the cache – log your find in the logbook inside the container, put the logbook back and record it on the Geocaching.com website or app.

One of Australia’s master finders and hiders is Kilcunda dairy farmer Leesa Willmott, whose geocaching name is Gonefishen07. At 47, Leesa admits she’s hooked on the real world adventure. “A lot of people smoke cigarettes, or drink alcohol, or play the pokies. I’m obsessed with hiding stuff.”

Together with her 10-year-old daughter Zoe and her sister Kerry, Leesa has found geocaching a wonderful way to explore the great outdoors – a chance to use her body and her wits in pursuit of secret stashes, with clues and GPS coordinates to guide her.

surrounding the covert treasure hunt. It’s no coincidence she drives a plug-in hybrid electric, a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, which is eerily silent when it’s running – for ‘stealth’, she reckons. “The idea is to not get seen doing it. Trying to be sneaky is half the fun. It’s good to have kids with you sometimes as a decoy.”

Daughter Zoe says she enjoys it ‘except when Mum drags me off to find lots of caches.’ “The most we’ve found is 300 in a day in South Australia with caching friends,” clarifies Leesa. Detail is important to cachers. So is the competition. At an annual geocaching mega-meet that took place in Stanthorpe this year, Leesa celebrated finding her 3000th cache.

“There are some big trails up there in southern Queensland. We took the bus up and clocked up 3185km.”

She admits she’s hooked on the adrenalin and mystery surrounding the covert treasure hunt.

The sisters who grew up in Glen Alvie, starting caching about five years ago after a family wedding in Darwin, trying out the sport through the thundering waterfalls of Litchfield National Park. When they returned home to Gippsland, the first cache they sought out was under the old Kilcunda trestle bridge.

“The great part of this game is it takes you places you would never normally go. Most people who hide stuff are locals to the area so you’re getting off the beaten track, into all the unknown spots.”

Part of the geocaching game is keeping it a secret, which often means making up stories when ‘muggles’ (non-cachers) question what you’re doing, or ask if you’ve lost something.

“Once I got picked up by a divvy van. The police thought I was doing a runner from a random breath test,” Leesa laughs.

She admits she’s hooked on the adrenalin and mystery

The family’s Toyota Coaster, has earned the nickname ‘Brad Money Pitt’ after Leesa and Kerry flew to Townsville to buy it from a bloke on eBay. After they broke down about 200 kms south of Townsville, and a truckie stopped to help them, the sisters joked that the trip was starting to feel like something out of Thelma and Louise. “We asked the truckie if his name was Brad Pitt, and he said it was Dewane Pitts,” laughs Kerry.

Leesa calls her partner Paul a ‘closet cacher’. While he doesn’t often go out into the field, he does help make some of the intricate casings for Leesa’s caches, or lug the heavy ones into position. “He’s good at welding and at making stuff. At Kilcunda we’ve planted The Ultimate Beach House up in the sand dunes, and I had to get a few of us to help carry it up. It was an old dollhouse, and we painted it up and put a car and a surfboard inside.” >

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Safe and secure Private ladies only area Group Fitness Personalised individual programs LCD TV on fat burning equipment Large free weight area State of the art toning equipment Friendly staff to help you achieve your goals and motivate Open 24 hours, 7 days a week

Claim your membership during STAFFED HOURS: Mon–Thu: 6am – 9pm, Fri: 6am – 8pm, Sat: 8am – 12pm

Sign up online at: www.voyagefitness.com.au

WONTHAGGI Shed 2, 120 McKenzie St.

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5672 5505

LEONGATHA 51 McCartin St.

5662 0857

With her hair pulled back into a tight ponytail and her Aussie drawl, Leesa might seem an unlikely contender, but this woman is a champion in the geocaching community. She’s created and hidden 437 caches – the most owned by any Victorian – some with the highest difficulty rating of five. Many remain elusive to all but the smartest and most diligent trackers.

“Some of my hard ones have no clues, and are micros hidden in the sand dunes,” she says.

A micro is a tiny canister, often the size of a multi-vitamin capsule, which can be a nightmare to spot in the branches of a tree, or when it’s well camouflaged to blend into its surrounds. “I had someone from Wonthaggi try to find a micro out near the wind turbines with a metal detector, but I told him he was wasting his time – because it’s plastic.”

pirate called Captain Zobo and her ship The Red Devil. The final hide is a heavy treasure chest – a real one – made from an old safe, which is hidden high up in the sand dunes. A real treasure, with a story to go with it, it has plenty of ‘favourite’ likes to its name. For the game players, a cache like that is the Holy Grail – adventure, fun, and an adrenalin rush when you finally locate it.

Leesa says the pleasure of the hide-and-seek game goes beyond the thrill of a find, and extends to the friendships and social connections she’s made along the way. Some players write paragraphs about the whole experience – what they loved, what they hated – without giving away too many hints. “You get a buzz when you read the logs.”

A chance to use her body and her wits in pursuit of secret stashes, with clues and GPS coordinates to guide her.

Leesa says travellers often use geocaching as a way to explore a new town, with hides pointing out some of the unique history of a tourist spot which can be written up in the cache’s description.

It’s why Leesa has hidden about 110 caches along the scenic Bass Coast Rail Trail stretching from the Wonthaggi coal mine to the farmland of Anderson. One of those Rail Trail caches is out beyond the Kilcunda cemetery on the cliff-tops, and has a very clever burial theme with a cross and tiny coffin. Standing there looking out to the spectacular coastline is as exhilarating as unearthing the popular cache that pays homage to the former railway bridge.

In Gippsland, Leesa is the phone-afriend lifeline that many players resort to when they’ve been frustrated for hours, unable to hit the target. “Quite often we get a phone-a-friend call from someone looking for help on a tough hide. Usually you give a hint or two depending on the difficulty of the hide.” Leesa says her older sister thinks she and Kerry are nutty. “The other one has had a go but she is too busy with family to really get involved.” She proudly declares she’s converted quite a few locals into geocachers, including the guy who supplies her farm with feed, and one of the field reps from a rival milk company. “With this fun game it doesn’t matter what walk of life you come from.”

One of her favourite hides remains a series she put together with a fellow caching friend, known online as BorisB&Natasha.

It’s an imaginative hunt along Baxter’s Beach about a fictional

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Chocolate Cafe

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

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

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

Phillip Island Chocolate Factory, 930 Phillip Island Rd, Newhaven phone 5956 6600 web www.phillipislandchocolatefactory.com.au coast 40

words: sally oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;neill photos: supplied

Call of the wild Jake Greaves is top dog at his house.

And when you live and work with 37 huskies, it pays to be leader of the pack.

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Jake’s unusual lifestyle happened by accident. Growing up, he had a fascination with native American culture. His bedroom was lined with pictures of wolves, and when other boys were out playing footy, he was home on the couch immersed in documentaries.

With their wolf-like features, huskies seemed a logical fit for him, but initially he got more than he bargained for. “When I got my first husky, Koda, I found it hard to train him, even though I already had a boxer and had been helping out at the local puppy school,” Jake explains as dogs howl in the background. “Koda would typically run away, jump high fences, wander, and explore.”

the number of walks and sourced a specially-designed scooter for Koda to pull him along on. “He had a job and a purpose and that made a big difference.” Jake gradually introduced ‘mushing’ commands such as ‘haw’ (turn left) and ‘gee’ (turn right). Soon he was racing Koda along state forest trails during the winter months.

The bug set in. “I lost my old boxer to cancer and it’s not ideal to have just one husky – they’re pack dogs and don’t like being alone.” So he re-homed a husky named Maximus and stepped up to running two dogs, which soon became three, and then four.

Huskies like to please themselves and that can make it difficult to train them.

The Siberian Husky Club of Victoria helped him to understand that huskies are not like other dogs. “They are hardheaded and think for themselves. Many breeds are intelligent, but also want to please their owners. Huskies like to please themselves and that can make it difficult to train them.”

It was an all-too-typical experience for a first-time husky owner. “People think they’re beautiful, but then find out they’re too hard to handle, and they end up in pounds.” But Jake would not be beaten. He embarked on what would lead to years of research about the breed.

Huskies are instinctively pack animals, so you need to employ different training and leadership styles. “The most important thing is giving them a job to burn their energy.” So Jake upped

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When he couldn’t resist keeping a severely-neglected husky that had spent months in a backyard only being spoken to through a window, he found himself living in a suburban

house with five huskies!

One winter he ran his five huskies as a team, giving sled rides at the snowfields. “The plan was to go back to Melbourne where I was living and working as a landscape gardener – but I never went back.”

Today Jake has 37 dogs, a thriving business – ‘Howling Husky Sled Dog Tours’– and lives on 100 acres in Victoria’s high country. “I changed my whole lifestyle to suit the dogs, and now live and work with my dogs and two goats (who are working on controlling the blackberries).”

‘Howling Husky’ allows people the opportunity to experience a working husky team in the snowfields at Mt Baw Baw, Lake Mountain and Mount Hotham in winter, and at Gumbaya Park from late May to September. The troupe also appears at events, and Jake shares his knowledge with obedience training for all breeds – especially Siberian huskies and Alaskan Malamutes.

The Howling team of six dog-runners comes from a variety of backgrounds. Kyla Siepp, who ran dogs in Canada, came seeking the same experience in Australia two years ago. She found ‘Howling Husky’ and also romance. Jake and Kyla are now a couple, and are currently sourcing a permanent visa for Kyla.

Back home on the farm, the dogs live in open-wire pens, where they can all see each other and the property. The boisterous young dogs run, play and work together while the retired dogs have a separate exercise area and are still gainfully employed leading walking tours.

And never underestimate the power of their instinct and skills in the snow. Jake recalls the night when a sunset tour became clouded in. It was touch and go as to whether they could get down the mountain. He had to put all his trust in his best leaddog, Storm.

“I called her to go haw, jumped on the brakes, hung on and told the others to do the same,” he recalls. “We couldn’t see where we were going and it was a difficult path. It wasn’t really hazardous: we just would’ve ended up wet if we’d missed the trail. Also, the teams could get tangled if she went the wrong way, and it becomes dangerous for the dogs.”

Jake offers all dogs a home for life, and especially enjoys giving those rescued from pounds (27 currently) another chance.

Jake offers all dogs a home for life, and especially enjoys giving those rescued from pounds (27 currently) another chance. He cites Lee as an example of how giving a husky a job can completely transform a ‘problem’ animal. Lee had been through 16 different homes. He was uncontrollable, screaming and digging up backyards. “I had a call from an Arctic Breed Rescue team who were desperate, so I took him on. Usually I wait a week or so until I work a new dog, but with Lee I had to get the harness on him straight away to calm him down. I gave him a job and a purpose and now he’s so placid he’ll just sit and be patted all day long. Huskies can be very hyper, and if you don’t channel that energy it can be difficult.”

Storm led the group down the track, blazing a safe trail to the group’s headquarters – well beyond where Jake thought she would take them. “I couldn’t see anything, but Storm is an amazing lead-dog who can smell and sense a solid trail and keep on it. You can’t teach a dog that sort of thing. Smart dogs like Storm will never let you down.”

Jake can “ramble on about huskies all day” and admits that most of his friends think he’s mad living in the middle of the bush with a whole pack of dogs. “It all happened by accident, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

Victoria Siberian Husky Club www.siberianhuskyvic.org.au

When asked what advice he would give people thinking of getting a husky or malamute as a pet, his answer is simple: don’t. “Huskies are one of the hardest breeds to handle and care for, and need a lot of work compared to your ‘normal’ pet dogs. As soon as they’re unhappy with you they’ll destroy your garden, your fences and more. You have to work with them and walk them, and they need stimulation. Just keeping them in a big fenced-off yard is not enough.”

Huskies are Jake’s full-time obsession and the training goes both ways. “You learn to have a lot of self-control. The dogs love their job, so if I get out a harness or sled, the entire kennel erupts with excitement. If I have a bad day and am in a sour mood, the dogs will turn away. I need to be happy for the dogs because they love life and their job.”

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Celebrating Community

Bass Coast Shire Council CEO, Paul Buckley, guest speaker, Nectar and Stone founder Caroline Khoo, Mayor, Cr Kimberley Brown and Council’s Corporate and Marketing Events Planner, Sam Bennett, at Council’s International Women’s Day celebrations.

Community exists to support, nurture and look out for one another.

There is no better way, therefore, to build passion and pride for a community than to celebrate its achievements.

Bass Coast Shire Council hosts a number of community events throughout the year to celebrate these achievements on a local scale, or sometimes international.

Earlier this year, over 140 women from across Bass Coast came together to celebrate International Women’s Day, raising over $2,000 for the UN Women Cyclone Pam appeal in Vanuatu. With the theme ‘Dream Big: Make Your Passion Your Purpose’, guests also heard from inspirational speaker, founder of boutique chocolate and dessert company Nectar and Stone, Caroline Khoo.

An event held for the past six years, Council’s International Women’s Day celebrations have become a favourite for many local women.

“It’s not only a chance to reflect on struggles women have faced throughout history and their achievements, but an opportunity for women in Bass Coast to meet new people, network with other women and of course, have an enjoyable afternoon together,” Mayor, Cr Kimberley Brown said. “The majority of guests at this year’s event said they left with a sense of pride in their community, and a sense of belonging.”

Another significant event on Council’s annual calendar is the Bass Coast Business Awards.

Held for the past eight years, the awards are an opportunity to acknowledge local businesses for their contribution and valuable service they provide to the Bass Coast community. Businesses both big and small are celebrated and entries for the 2015 Awards are now open. Cr Brown said interest is growing in the awards each year. “Feedback we’ve had from businesses is that entering the awards is a fantastic experience, as it gives them the opportunity to review their business and help make decisions about their goals and direction for the future,” Cr Brown said.

The community’s youngest members don’t go unnoticed either. Council’s brightest young leaders are recognised every year as part of the Bass Coast Young Leaders Awards.

Students from 13 participating schools are presented awards at a special ceremony, and then have the opportunity to participate in Council and community events and activities, and take part in a special excursion to Government House. “We have some outstanding young people who show great potential in our community,” Cr Brown said.

“The purpose of Council’s Bass Coast Young Leaders Program is to foster young leaders within Bass Coast and to recognise students who display leadership qualities, such as respect, responsibility and teamwork.”

Having the chance to meet and network with likeminded people at community events is an essential part of building a tight-knit community, according to Cr Brown.

“Bringing people together, whether they have similar interests and ideas or opposing points of view, and enabling them to listen to and learn from one another, is what makes a group of people a community.”

Anne Selby (far left) and Bass Coast Shire Council Mayor, Cr Kimberley Brown (far right) congratulate Bass Coast Young Leaders Madeliene Murray, Fergus McKittrick, Duncan Hunt and Emma Volard.

Bass Coast Shire Council Keep up-to-date with events happening around Bass Coast.

Visit www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/events

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

photo: laurence mcdonald

Parties Weddi ngs and

Events

Whether it’s sand between your toes or slipping into a pair of Christian Louboutin heels, a Coast wedding or celebration can be everything you’ve dreamed of.

We’ve gathered together the finest suppliers and services to help you create the perfect event.

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© Lens to Life

venues & receptions © Lens to Life

RACV Inverloch Resort

Churchill Island

For an intimate wedding, Churchill Island Heritage Farm is a stunning venue that will have your friends and families talking for years.

This historic site brings together everything you need in one great setting: ceremony, photographic locations and a stunning reception. We have a range of options available to create the wedding of your dreams. www.penguins.org.au/attractions/churchill-island or call 03 5951 2802.

Foreshore Bar & Restaurant

The Foreshore has hosted many weddings from canapé receptions to sit-down dinners, offering a stylish coastal feel with stunning water views that are always amazing no matter what the weather. Each wedding is designed to suit individual needs, with high-quality food and service, Only the best will do for your wedding day. www.theforeshore.com.au or call 03 5956 9520.

Set in a stunning natural environment with breathtaking ocean views, this is the perfect location to celebrate your special day. The RACV Inverloch Resort is a leisurely two-hour drive from Melbourne and only five kilometres from Inverloch. The Resort’s experienced team will ensure your wedding day is what you’ve always dreamed of. www.racv.com.au/inverloch or call 03 5674 0000.

Silverwater Resort

Set high on the rolling hills above San Remo, this is a stunning location for a coastal wedding or celebration, with 21 acres of landscaped grounds and breathtaking views across Westernport Bay. With facilities for weddings of up to 330 people, the resort’s relaxed and friendly staff can help you organise every aspect of your special day. www.silverwaterresort.com.au or call 03 5671 9300.

The Nobbies

Set against a backdrop of spectacular ocean views, the Nobbies Centre offers sweeping outlooks of wild ocean waters from its clifftop location. With a large function space that can accommodate up to 120 guests, on-site catering also offers quality menus at competitive rates. www.penguins.org.au or call 03 5951 2802.

Phillip Island RSL & 19th Hole Bar and Function Centre

From private boardroom functions to formal dinners or receptions (up to 150 guests) Phillip Island RSL has a space to suit. Whatever your needs or budget, the friendly staff offer a flexible, personalised approach that will make your event memorable for all the right reasons. www.pirsl.com.au or call 03 5952 1004.

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© Lens to Life

Beach Weddings

Say ‘I do’ on a beautiful beach by the coast. Informal weddings do not require a permit. A small table and seating for the elderly are permitted, but the wedding should not interfere with the normal use of the area. Confetti and alcohol are not allowed on local beaches and foreshores. For bookings, contact Bass Coast Shire Council www.basscoast.vic.gov.au or call 1300 BCOAST (226 278).

For all oF liFe’s occasions – birthdays, anniversaries, engagements, weddings, wakes, conferences and meetings – 2 great venues – 19th Hole Bar & Function Centre at Phillip Island Golf Course and ANZAC Room at Phillip Island RSL. OPeN 7 dAyS www.phillipislandrsl.com.au enquiries: functions@pirsl.com.au or 5952 1004

For all oF liFe’s occasions

Gallery will be closed for annual vacation from 26th of July – 2nd of September.

Unique, bespoke

and creative jewellery for every occasion.

Handmade, Well made, Australian made.

REGU LAR C L AS S E S & E X H IBI TIONS www.goldsmithsgallery.com.au TM

TM

TM

TM

SH O P 3 – B R I D G E V I E W A R C A D E SA N R E M O PH O N E : 5678 5788

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words & photos supplied

Weddings at Phillip Island In such a competitive market for wedding venues, Phillip Island is a stand out destination. Located 90 minutes from Melbourne, no other location offers an island setting bordered by the stunning waters of Bass Strait or nestled in the tranquillity of quaint farms and natural bush or coastal environments.

Most famous for its resident little penguins, Phillip Island also boasts two renowned wedding venues - the Nobbies Centre and Churchill Island.

Set against a backdrop of spectacular ocean views, the Nobbies Centre offers sweeping outlooks of wild ocean waters from its cliff-top location. The Nobbies Centre is arguably one of Victoriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best kept secrets, with breathtaking views and a large function space that can cater for up to 120 guests. Onsite catering also offers quality menus at competitive rates.

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At the other end of Phillip Island is the tranquil setting of Churchill Island. Stage your wedding against a backdrop of beautiful cottage gardens, heritage buildings and the peaceful waters of Westernport Bay. Fancy trimmings are not necessary in such a stunning location.

Arrive at Churchill Island in a horse drawn carriage and capture stunning wedding photos amongst the heritage grounds.

Over 57 hectares can be utilised for the wedding, making it ideal for marquees with capacity to cater for up to 1000 guests. Allow our experienced wedding staff to help make your day memorable with our special wedding packages, including ceremony, reception and photography.

A wedding at Phillip Island is even more possible with the plentiful accommodation options for the newly married couple and their guests. Choose from cliff top bed and breakfasts, beach houses or fully serviced apartments.

Phillip Island offers every service to help any wedding day run smoothly and with ease. Our wedding and function experts leave no detail unturned and no resource untapped.

All functions at Churchill Island and the Nobbies Centre form part of the not-for-profit Phillip Island Nature Parks. Make your wedding memorable by staging it at one of Victoriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best destinations.

Phone: 03 5951 2802 www.penguins.org.au

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accommodation RACV Inverloch Resort This beautiful resort offers a mix of stylish accommodation options including premium ocean-view rooms (with 180-degree coastal views), luxurious and modern ocean-view rooms, and stylish eco-villas for families and groups requiring that little extra comfort and space. A caravan park featuring 32 sites (12 with private modern ensuites) is set among beautiful native bushland. www.racv.com.au or call 03 5674 0000.

Oaktree Lodge B&B

Treat yourself to an unforgettable experience of self-contained, luxury indulgence at Oak Tree Lodge B&B. Book the whole house or rent one of four stunning units. The beautiful oak tree and English garden provide a perfect backdrop for wedding photos. Stylish and luxurious, ideal wedding guestsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; accommodation. www.oaktreelodge.com.au or call 03 5956 9090.

Silverwater Resort

Overlooking the glistening waters of Westernport Bay, choose from selfcontained apartments (one, two or three bedroom) or hotel-style resort rooms, all with garden terraces or private balconies. Luxuriate in the space and style of these beautiful rooms and treat yourself to the resort facilities including the fine dining options at the Watermark Restaurant. www.silverwaterresort.com.au or call 03 5671 9300.

San Remoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quintessential hair & beauty destination for ladies and gentlemen Relax, revive and reinvent yourself

REDKEN & PUREOLOGY Haircare YOUNGBLOOD Mineral Makeup DERMAQUEST Skin Therapy AVIVA LABS Tanning Boutique Gift Vouchers Available

5678 5323 103B Marine Pde, San Remo beachsidehairandbeauty.com.au facebook.com/BeachsideHairAndBeauty beachsidehairandbeauty

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hair & beauty Parties Weddi ngs and

Events

Beachside Hair & Beauty

The vibrant team at Beachside will ensure all your hair and beauty needs are fulfilled on your wedding day. Personal consultation with your stylist guarantees that your hair and make-up will beautifully complement your wedding dress and theme. Indulge in the relaxing environment that Beachside provides, and allow the team to pamper you on this special day. www.facebook.com/BeachsideHairAndBeauty or call 03 5678 5323.

Luxury Bed & Breakfast Rhyll

Shima Hairdressing Salon

Make sure you’re picture-perfect for your big day with the help of Shima’s Ashlee and Cobi. Their luxury hair treatments guarantee glossy, beautiful hair and they’ll work with you to create the perfect hairstyle. The salon also provides manicure, spray tan, waxing, eyelash and eyebrow tinting. www.facebook.com/shimasalon or call 03 5952 2233.

the foreshore bar

&

restaurant

Oak Tree Lodge provides a luxurious retreat for wedding accommodation.

Three of the self-contained suites can be opened up via interconnecting doorways to provide the perfect place for groups or families to enjoy their stay. With a separate private cottage for the bridal couple.

The Foreshore offers a stylish coastal feel with stunning water views which are always amazing no matter what the weather. Each wedding is designed to suit individual needs and budgets, with a high reputation for quality food and service, what more could you ask for.

Make it memorable... Make it The Foreshore, Phillip Island.

Telephone (03) 5956 9090 32 Walton Street, Rhyll, Phillip Island info@oaktreelodge.com.au www.oaktreelodge.com.au

Telephone (03) 5956 9520 11 Beach Road, Rhyll, Phillip Island Email: enquiry@theforeshore.com.au www.theforeshore.com.au

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fashion Parties Weddi ngs and

Events

Sketa

Australian designed and made, Sketa fashion house creates limited editions for that individual look. From mother-of-the-bride to guests, their gorgeous designs will have you covered for the big day.

71 Main St, Mornington – 03 5976 3311 42 Ocean Beach Rd, Sorrento – 03 5984 0927.

jewellers & galleries

Artfusion Gallery

Artfusion offers unique works of art for that perfect wedding gift or memento for a special occasion. Andrew Kasper specialises in bold contemporary steel sculptures, while Marlene Abela’s glassworks range from art pieces to platters, keepsakes and jewellery. www.artfusionstudioandgallery.com or call Andrew 0407 368 538 or Marlene 0439 368 538.

music

The Goldsmith’s Gallery

Enhance your special day with specially-designed jewellery for your entire wedding party as well as rings for the bride and groom. Each ring Bronwyn creates comes with a free annual clean and polish. For something different that will last a lifetime, have it handmade and well-made.

Gallery closed for holidays from 26th July to 2nd September. www.goldsmithsgallery.com.au or call 03 5678 5788.

Baker Boys

The right band can transform your wedding into a truly spectacular party! A really great band will fill the dance floor faster than any DJ – something about live music just gets people up out of their seats! Baker Boys has years of experience, provides a free Demo CD and can organise music for your ceremony as well as your reception. www.bakerboysband.com.au or call 0438 301 313

Lacy Jewellery Studio & Gallery

Whether traditional or contemporary, Lacy engagement rings and wedding bands offer exquisite beauty to last a lifetime.

Led by manufacturing jeweller Philip Lacy, the Lacy staff will assist you through each step in choosing the perfect rings. www.lacyjewellery.com.au or call 03 5664 0055

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Stunning views, fresh country air, local produce and a little heat.

Bask in the afternoon sunshine on a deck set in seven hectares of landscaped gardens.

Enjoy a cocktail or savour that perfect cup of coffee. If you are looking for a brief escape during the day, you’ll find it at Silverwater Resort. And if that’s not enough, stay on to enjoy the sunset and crystal clear night skies over a mouth-watering meal at Watermark Restaurant.

You just might find you don’t want to leave!

17 Potters Hill Road, San Remo VIC 3925 State Awards for excellence

ISM

WINNER 2014

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03 5671 9300 info@silverwaterresort.com.au silverwaterresort.com.au

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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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Celebrate IN STYLE In terms of stunning backdrops, the RACV Inverloch Resort is picture perfect. But there’s more than good looks to recommend this stylish resort.

If you’ve ever dreamt of a coastal wedding, then the view across Anderson Inlet and Bass Strait at RACV Inverloch Resort will sweep you off your feet. Discovering the venue and accommodation options and that there’s a Wedding and Events Coordinator on hand to help pull everything together makes it pretty much irresistible.

Nina Barry-Macaulay loves her job as the resort’s Wedding and Events Coordinator. “Organising a wedding is notoriously stressful and it’s my job to make the day easier,” says Nina.

Her wedding kit includes a timeline, questionnaire and a list of preferred suppliers to help organise the big day and ensure it runs smoothly. About a third of the resort’s wedding bookings are locals, but couples come from Melbourne, across Gippsland and even interstate. “Many people have a personal connection with the area or the ocean,” explains Nina. “This season I have one couple that live in Queensland, but they met at the Cape Paterson Surf Lifesaving Club, so this is a special place for them.” The fact that RACV Inverloch Resort offers tailored packages to suit different size weddings and budgets and has a great range of accommodation options is

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photos Lucas Piera, Lens to Life also a major draw card for potential wedding parties. “This is not just a beautiful location. We are really flexible in what we offer and we work with people’s budgets and dreams.”

For Melbourne bride-to-be, Simone Hall, the choice to get married at RACV Inverloch Resort was a simple one. “My partner and I always wanted to get married at the beach. We looked at a few beach venues in the city, but they weren’t really us,” Simone explains. “We looked at the resort online, but when we visited, it ticked all the boxes. When we walked into that reception room, we were blown away.” Simone said that until she started looking at venues, she didn’t realised how

much went into organising a wedding. “Having Nina onsite makes the process so easy for us,” says Simone. “To be able to send an email and get an instant response from her has been amazing. It’s well and truly beyond my expectations.

She’s been perfect.”

The admiration is mutual. “It is so rewarding to work with someone on their wedding,” smiles Nina. “My involvement starts from the first time I show them around the venue.

Guiding them along the way and seeing it all come together is so satisfying. I’m really invested in them and their happiness.” Nina is on-hand on the day to make sure things run smoothly and is also available to help organise any pre or post wedding get-togethers, for wedding parties that have their friends and families all staying at the resort.

Whether it’s a wedding or a milestone celebration, a sitdown dinner for 150 or an intimate family get-together of 15, RACV Inverloch Resort is a superb place to celebrate. Visit www.racv.com.au/inverloch or call 5674 0000 to find out how they can help you put together the perfect occasion.

RACV Resort Inverloch offers: • Reception venue that seats up to 220 people • On site ceremony location overlooking picturesque Anderson Inlet and Cape Liptrap • Wedding and Events Coordinator • Menu tasting • Tailored packages and flexibility • On site accommodation to match all budgets • State of the art modern facilities with floor to ceiling views • 25% discount on accommodation for all auto club members

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Parties Weddi ngs and

Events

celebrations directory Accommodation

Motel on A’Beckett, Inverloch p.61 www.motelonabeckett.com.au 03 5674 1311 Oaktree Lodge, Rhyll p.51 www.oaktreelodge.com.au 03 5956 9090.

Prom Country Accommodation p.92 www.promcountry.com.au RACV Inverloch Resort p.55 www.racv.com.au/inverloch 03 5674 0000 Silverwater Resort, San Remo p.53 www.silverwaterresort.com.au 03 5671 9300.

The Goldsmith’s Gallery, San Remo p..47 www.goldsmithsgallery.com.au 03 5678 5788

Make-up, Hair and Beauty

Beachside Hair & Beauty, San Remo p.50 www.facebook.com/BeachsideHairAndBeauty 03 5678 5323 Enter Hairdressing, Wonthaggi p.58 03 5672 1153 Miners’ Dental Clinic, Wonthaggi p.59 03 5672 1948 San Remo Pharmacy p.93 03 5678 5202

Catering, Cakes and Treats

Shima Hair, Cowes p.57 www.facebook.com/shimasalon 03 5952 2233

Celebrants

Baker Boys p.20 www.bakerboysband.com.au 0438 301 313

Dorothy McKay, South eastern suburbs p.60 www.dorothymckay.com.au 0408 576 631

Laurence James Photography p.59 www.laurencephotography.com.au 0409 590 305

Jenny Milkins, Wonthaggi p.61 jenny_milkins@hotmail.com 0439 320 099

Main Memories Videography p.60 www.mainmemoriesvideography.com.au 0418 345 460

Brent Sinclair Catering, Leongatha p.61 www.brentsinclaircatering.com.au 0447 728 547

Iris Bloomer, Gippsland p.60 www.facebook.com/pages/Iris-Bloomer 0411 080 551

Fashion, Flowers

Music

Photography & Videos

Venues & Receptions

Haze Fashions, Inverloch p.61 www.hazefashions.com.au 03 5674 1133

Bass Coast Shire Council p.44 Halls, reserves and beaches www.basscoast.vic.gov.au

Herbaceous Flowers, Mt Eliza p.58 www.herbaceous.com.au 03 9787 4955

Cape Kitchen, Newhaven p.92 www.thecapekitchen.com.au 03 5956 7200

Petite Collections, Cowes p.59 www.ellanipetite.com.au 0400 569 663

Churchill Island, Phillip Island p.48 www.penguins.org.au 03 5951 2802

Sketa p.13 Mornington 03 5976 3311 & Sorrento 03 5984 0927

Manna Gum @ Broadbeach, Inverloch p.60 www.manna-gum.com.au 03 5674 1199

Gifts & Stationery

Phillip Island RSL, Cowes p.47 www.pirsl.com.au 03 5952 1004

Art Fusion, Anderson p.58 www.artfusionstudioandgallery.com 0439 368 538

RACV Inverloch Resort p.55 www.racv.com.au/inverloch 03 5674 0000

Nomie Boutique Stationery & Design, Beaconsfield p.59 www.nomie.com.au 0408 536 936

Silverwater Resort, San Remo p.53 www.silverwaterresort.com.au 03 5671 9300.

Jewellers

The Foreshore Bar & Restaurant, Rhyll p.51 www.theforeshore.com.au 03 5956 9520

Lacy Jewellery Studio & Gallery, Meeniyan p.23 www.lacyjewellery.com.au 03 5664 0055

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The Nobbies, Phillip Island p.48 www.penguins.org.au 03 5951 2802

Wedding Hair @ Shima.

We offer a relaxed and fun atmosphere for you and your Bridal Par ty. Exclusive bookings for Bridal Par ties. We work closely with local make-up ar tists, photographers and Phillip Islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most sought after Wedding Planner/Florist, Tamara Rogers at Styled in Season. For all enquiries please contact us.

3/15 Warley Avenue, Cowes p. 03 5952 2233 www.facebook.com/shimasalon

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Enter Hair

herbaceous flowers 48978 Herbaceous Flowers BC.indd 6

03 9787 4955 46 Mount Eliza Way . Mount Eliza 3930 Victoria herbaceousflowers@herbaceous.com.au www.herbaceous.com.au 21/01/2015 9:19 am

48978 Herbaceous Flowers BC.indd 5

We offer Bridal, Debutante and Evening Hair for all ages – littlies to grandmothers. We are flexible with hours and happy to work around you.

Phone us for a consultation.

Mon to Fri 9am – 5.30pm, Sat 8.30am – 12.30pm Late night Thursdays by appointment 173 Graham Street, Wonthaggi 03 5672 1153 Facebook: Enter-Hair

21/01/2015 9:19 am

organic floral design | weddings & events Herbaceous; a floral & retail store located on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula. Working closely with our clients to create custom designs inspired by fresh seasonal blooms and what beauties nature has to offer where possible. Exploring the season and colour palette desired to create lasting sentiment for the occasion no matter how grand or intimate.

Contact us directly to make an appointment for a consultation for your next unique floral occasion.

03 9787 4955 46 Mount Eliza Way. Mount Eliza 3930, Victoria herbaceousflowers@herbaceous.com.au www.herbaceous.com.au

Artfusion

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

Open Thur to Mon 10.30am – 5pm 9 Anderson Rise, Anderson, VIC

Andrew Kasper 0407 368 538 Marlene Abela 0439 368 538

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Miners’ Dental

clinic Wonthaggi

A stunning collection of jewellery & accessories featuring Australian designers, locally hand made and fair trade pieces.

Timeless designs lovingly chosen to fit your every occasion.

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

Straight, white teeth are no longer just for celebrities. Advancements in cosmetic dentistry over the last several years have made teeth whitening safer and more affordable for almost anyone wanting a brighter smile.

It is non-invasive and relatively quick!

We have two options available for people who want to brighten their smile – in chair and take home. Call us now to find out which one suits your needs best.

Open Mon to Fri 9am – 5pm 169 Graham St, Wonthaggi VIC 3995 (03) 5672 1948 mfsdental@outlook.com

Australia’s leading designer of elegant and contemporary wedding stationery. At Nomie Boutique Stationery we adore weddings and believe selecting a stationery suite for your wedding is as imporatnt as choosing your dress. Proudly offering a complete service from design to print. Visit our online store to view our collection of unique personalised designs.

Nomie Boutique Stationery is a multiple award winner with the Australian Bridal Industry Academy and currently the Palazzo Versace ABIA Designer of Dreams for 2014 and 2015.

Online store open 24 hours Meetings available by appointment only Studio located in Beaconsfield, Victoria Phone 0408 536 936 | 03 8738 9378 weddings@nomie.com.au | www.nomie.com.au

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I create a ceremony for you that will reflect your uniqueness, expressing the importance of the occasion – and it will be done with warmth, style, grace, joy and a touch of humour.

Specialising in slow-cooked Asian curries and contemporary Australian fare. A large selection of wine and beer is available. If you are thinking of having your next function at Manna-Gum, we specialise in big and small functions from weddings to private dinners.

19 Hunter Street Wonthaggi, Victoria 0411 080 551 irisbloomercivilcelebrant@gmail.com Facebook: Iris Bloomer – Civil Celebrant

Open Wed to Sun, lunch from 11am, dinner from 5.30pm 5 Lindsey Close, Inverloch 03 5674 1199 manna-gum@bigpond.com www.manna-gum.com.au

Dorothy McKay civil celebrant

“A moment lasts all of a second, but the memory lives on forever” Creating videos for every occasion • Wedding Videography.

• Memorial Tributes (Funerals) • Presentations • Events • Various Media Transfer • VHS, Cassette, Record, Camcorder to CD/DVD

Occasions of celebrating love and life are very significant and important in our world today, and it is an honour to assist in the creation of an appropriate and special ceremony. We bring together your ideas and my experience, to design a wonderful, memorable ceremony which is just right for you.

Beach or bush, garden or chapel – it’s your day, so you choose where and when. To make the arrangements, I can meet you at my office – either at Coronet Bay or Ferntree Gully, or your home. I can play your music on my p.a. system. I am friendly, professional and affordable and attend to all the legal requirements. Please contact me for any queries.

P.O. Box 353, Wonthaggi, 3995 Bev Main, 0418 345 460 email: M.M.V@bigpond.com M.M.V@bigpond.com

P.O. Box 88, Grantville 3984 p: 0408 576 631 e: dorothymckay@bigpond.com.au w: www.dorothymckay.com.au Facebook: Dorothy McKay Civil Celebrant

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Mona J. (Jenny) Milkins – CIVIL CELEBRANT

Personalised ceremonies for all those significant moments of life.

Weddings Namings Renewal of vows Funerals

Servicing all areas 18 Hunter Street Wonthaggi Vic 3995 P: 03 5672 3123 M: 0439 320 099 Email: jenny_milkins@hotmail.com

At Brent Sinclair Catering we pride ourselves in delivering world class food at your special event. Whether your function is a private dinner at home, a grand cocktail party, a wedding in a winery, a gourmet barbeque, a corporate conference or an afternoon tea, each will receive the same personal attention. Using the best produce from a range of local suppliers, we enjoy a well-deserved reputation for presenting exceptional food that is both delicious and nutritionally balanced.

We strive to deliver “out of the box experiences”. Our mantra is to use top quality produce that is prepared with care and delivered with pride.

146 McCartin Street, Leongatha, 3953 Ph: 0447 728 547 E: brent@brentsinclaircatering.com.au W: brentsinclaircatering.com.au

CLEARANCE SALE W I N T E R FAS H I O N BAGS SHOES ACCESSSORIES C O C K TA I L D R E S S E S

LADIES BOUTIQUE 1 7 B A’ B E C K E T T S T, I N V E R L O C H . P H : 5 6 7 4 1 1 3 3 R E L O C AT I N G T O 3 A A’ B E C K E T T S T, I N V E R L O C H 3 R D O F J U LY. O P E N 7 D AY S

Walking distance to shops, pubs, cafés, restaurants and the beach.

We offer a clean, peaceful, friendly and professional environment suited to corporate clients, couples and families. Great for groups.

Operating hours 7am – 9pm 24 A’Beckett Street, Inverloch 03 5674 1311 stay@motelonabeckett.com.au www.motelonabeckett.com.au

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work/play dale rogers ‘lights out’

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Spirit of South Gippsland Cool mist across green valleys, crystal clear water, breathtaking sunsets and spectacular ocean views â&#x20AC;Ś the spirit of South Gippsland is truly magical. And that spirit is magnificently captured in these photos from local community radio station 3mFMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s photographic competition.

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hidden gems henry mckay ‘crystal ice’

Coast is proud to present the winners and runners-up across the four categories, and special congratulations to overall competition winner Dale Rogers with his shot “lights out”. View all the entries at www.sthgippslandspirit3mfm.com

people/wildlife renee de bondt ‘furever home’

coast/country meredith banhidi ‘magical george bass walk kilcunda’

philip dobson ‘winter fog korumburra’

reuben evans ‘curious chook’

reuben evans ‘sunflower after the rain’

rhia love ‘a simple life is better’

A true community leader

“It’s the people around you that make things happen: I merely supported and enabled the team at Westernport Water to do what they do best.” Outgoing Managing Director Murray Jackson is passionate about people, and that’s been the hallmark of his time at Westernport Water.

“I’ve been involved in a number of large projects in many countries throughout my working career,” says Murray. “But working in this small and passionate corporation with such a strong sense of community has been a real pleasure.”

Murray Jackson arrived at Westernport Water from New Zealand in August 2008, at a time when the corporation and community were recovering from the 2006/07 drought, and water reserves had fallen as low as seven per cent.

In the beginning Murray’s energies were aimed at relaxing tough water restrictions, then the focus shifted to implementing improvements and securing the region’s water supply for future generations. Armed with a raft of qualifications, including a Masters in Business, an Economics degree and a diploma of Mechanical Engineering, Murray was perfectly placed to lead the corporation into a new phase.

“Water security and a reliable local water supply were my highest priorities, especially given a relatively small reservoir and the risk from climate variability.”

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While the improvements and changes that he lead during his time at Westernport Water will benefit the community for years to come, his personal contribution also leaves an indelible legacy.

As well as confronting the obvious water challenges, Murray also found time to help the local community to establish the You Are My Sunshine (YAMS) Foundation, and he became the first Chairman of the YAMS Foundation Trust, which was successfully launched on 20 September 2009.

“We owe Murray a sincere debt of gratitude. His knowledge, experience, professionalism, confidence and leadership in the early phase of the YAMS Foundation were invaluable. He was Chairman of the Foundation Trust for the first three years, and he gave me the confidence to move forward,” said YAMS Chairperson, Jude Donahoo.

The foundation provides funding for research into neuroblastoma and was established in memory of Kahlilla Donahoo, granddaughter and step-daughter of two employees in the Westernport Water family.

Setting up a trust to fund cancer research was not new to Murray. During his time as Chief Executive with Genesis Energy in New Zealand, Murray initiated a Genesis Energy-sponsored charity to fund cancer-control research and education.

Murray’s commitment and drive during his ten years with

words geoff russell photos warren reed Genesis Energy laid a strong foundation for the Trust, which continues to support research in the field of cancer control.

Murray Jackson’s tenure at Westernport Water has been marked by a commitment to improvement and business stability. He leaves the corporation in a strong position. Some of the key water security measures and improvements carried out during Murray’s time as Managing Director include:

• Initiating a pumping scheme on the Bass River to boost water supplies • Securing a licence to extract water from the Corinella Aquifer to top up Candowie Reservoir • Introducing a new treatment process to reduce chlorine levels and improve water quality • Constructing an under-channel pipeline from San Remo to Newhaven to protect Phillip Island’s drinking-water supply • Introducing a mobile drinking-water station and permanent water stations for the community • Establishing a computerised supervisory control and data acquisition system and GIS to manage Westernport Water’s many assets • Setting up the region’s first Class-A recycled water treatment plant and distribution system across Phillip Island, now famous for the excellent playing surface at the Phillip Island Golf Course and Football Club • Doubling the capacity of Candowie Reservoir, the region’s

sole drinking water supply, to 4463ML for water management and flood control • Establishing a connection to the two-way pipeline connecting the Victorian Desalination Plant and the Melbourne supply system At present the Corporation is putting measures in place to address future growth by upgrading the sewer network and the Cowes treatment plant. Murray’s belief in the importance of having clear and open conversations with the community is reflected in the changes to the corporation’s communications, including a new customer service management system and the introduction of social media.

“I’m extremely happy with our achievements and accomplishments over the last seven years. They’re a real credit to the team here, and I look forward to seeing Westernport Water continue its pursuit of excellence in water quality and customer satisfaction.”

Murray made an impressive contribution to Westernport Water and the local community and he will be sorely missed. Next on his agenda … a beach house renovation and splitting his time between the surf at Torquay, the snow at Perisher and his three children and seven grandchildren. We all wish him well.

WESTERNPORT WATER

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Cape Kitchen

winter

where to eat guide

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BEANd Café

Kilcunda General Store

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

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

71 McBride Ave, Wonthaggi Phone 0478 517 464 Locally roasted coffee, fantastic art, friendly service, fabulous food

Cape Kitchen

Kilcunda Ocean View Hotel

RACV Inverloch Resort

1215 Phillip Island Rd, Newhaven Phone 5956 7200 Breath-taking ocean views, fresh produce, brilliant breakfast & lunch

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

Deli on Bass Shop 6/1524 Bass Hwy, Grantville Phone 5678 8288 Small goods, cheese, antipasto, dips plus sweets and coffee

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

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

Manna Gum @ Broadbeach

The Foreshore Bar & Restaurant

5 Lindsey Cl, Inverloch Phone 5674 1199 Asian-fusion, slow-cooked curries and contemporary Australian fare

11 Beach Rd, Rhyll Phone 5956 9520 Relaxed and stylish with fabulous seafood & 180° water views

Nui Dat Café – Vietnam Veterans’ Museum

VelaNine

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

9 A’Beckett St, Inverloch Phone 5674 1188 From breakfast to dinner - stylish, simple modern food

Harry’s on The Esplanade

Nobbies Centre

Watermark @ Silverwater Resort

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

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

Kernot Food & Wine Store

Phillip Island Chocolate Factory

Wonthaggi State Coal Mine Café

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

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

Garden St, Wonthaggi Phone 5672 3053 Delicious scones, soups and homemade meals

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

Phillip Island RSL 225 Thompson Ave, Cowes Phone 5952 1004 Local beef, fantastic parmas, vegetarian treats and great kids meals

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cafe review

It’s bean great It’s a wet, wintry afternoon and I’m excited and more than a little curious as I head off to my first ‘coffee cupping’.

As the regulars at BEANd Café know, owners Graeme and Yuki are mad about coffee. This tiny café in San Remo doesn’t just serve up fine coffee and great meals: the owners also roast their own coffee beans and supply wholesale coffee to venues across the region.

gathered for the session, it’s a chance to compare eight different coffees sourced from seven different countries. Bowls set up on the table in front of us are filled with ground, roasted or raw coffee beans. Every row is numbered and there is no way to identify the different coffee except by smell and taste.

Cupping workshops are the equivalent of wine-tastings in the world of caffeine. As Yuki explains to the twelve people

“Like at a wine-tasting, you smell first, then taste,” explains Yuki, encouraging everyone to get their noses into the bowls and

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explore the scents. To help us, we all have a score sheet as well as an aroma and taste chart, which has descriptions like: nippy, acrid, candy-like, peanut, smoky and my personal favourite, ‘turpeny’ (which apparently means producing a resinous sensation similar to turpentine!).

Although coffee-tasting is serious business, there’s plenty of talk and laughter as we circle the table sniffing the different blends. I catch snippets above the chatter …“there is a smell in there, but I can’t quite get what it is”… but as confidence grows, we start to identify the differences between the blends and find words to describe the aromas. Terry, a coffee enthusiast from Cape Woolamai, declares one of the blends smells of London, while a couple debate if a scent is more herbal (thyme or fennel perhaps) or floral. For Kylie from Newhaven, #2 is already a firm favourite with its delicious caramel aroma.

After much sniffing, it’s time to move on to the tasting. Yuki delicately pours hot water onto the ground beans in a slow circular motion. The room fills with the gorgeous smell of brewing coffee and there are eager noses poised over bowls, taking in the aroma. After a few minutes, Yuki expertly wields two dessertspoons to scoop off the sediment (“taking off the crust”) and it’s time to taste.

“Take a spoonful off the top, so it isn’t too hot,” cautions Yuki.

“Then slurp the coffee in, take air in as well, and taste it under your tongue.” A quiet descends on the room, punctuated by some serious slurping, as everyone circles the table tasting

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the different blends. Surprisingly, the tasting produces different favourites from the smell test. Brian from Cape Woolamai originally thought #6 smelled peppery, but found it quite mild to taste, while his partner Terry “ended up going with something completely different once it was brewed”.

Experienced wine-taster Purple Hen’s Rick Lacey eschewed the notes: “You can spend a lot of time looking for analogies”.

He focuses instead on “length, concentration and the mouth feel” of each blend before declaring #3 his favourite.

With tasting complete, it was time to compare notes and talk coffee. “There are two main plant types – Robusta and Arabica,” explains Graeme. “Today, seven of the eight samples are from Arabica plants, but Robusta has double the caffeine and is traditionally used in instant coffee.” We learn there are literally thousands of different types of beans, and the size of the beans and length of roasting time contribute to the flavour.

So now for the big reveal … Our coffee came from Cuba, Brazil, Guatemala, Java, Colombia, Ethiopia and PNG, and it seems like the love was pretty evenly spread between the different countries. The thick black Robusta from Java scored well with a few of the men, while the fruity cinnamon taste of the Guatemala blend was another crowd-pleaser.

But in the end, the big winner is the coffee enthusiast. All these blends are in stock at BEANd, and Graeme is happy to freshly roast up your favourite to enjoy at home. Contact BEANd for details of upcoming Coffee Cuppings.

BEANd is open from 7am until 4pm every day except Wednesday.

Eatery + Fudge + Micro coffee roastery

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

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â&#x20AC;Ś a selection of quality house specialties puts this charming hotel in a different league from your average pub

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dine out

Winter warmth in view The down-to-earth country atmosphere of the Kilcunda Ocean View Hotel makes you feel immediately welcome. Owners Kate and Mark Volard have breathed new life into the hotel, providing a great smorgasbord of musical entertainment and top-notch pub fare.

Tonight we’re here to check out the Killy’s revamped bistro and new menu. The bistro room really captures the charm of the old hotel building and the Kilcunda mural covering the back wall provides plenty of entertainment over dinner. As striking as the artwork is, there’s no denying that the milliondollar view from our table steals the limelight. With a full moon on the rise over the ocean and a sky fading from mauve through to inky black, it really is a spectacular setting.

Once you drag your eyes away from the view, you’ll see a simple yet delicious selection of meals on the menu.

The friendly wait-staff are more than happy to make recommendations and provide details on the meals. I’ve

got my husband and one hungry teenager on hand to help sample the menu, so we decide to start by sharing an entrée of the house specialty – Lemon Pepper Calamari. The calamari arrives in the blink of an eye. Our waitress wasn’t kidding when she described it as a generous serve. The pyramid of calamari perched atop a bed of salad greens is so tender you’d swear it was just plucked from the ocean. There isn’t a hint of chewiness in the beautiful strips coated in a light peppery batter. This is a superb meal – simple flavours and beautifully fresh, with extra points for the lovely tartare sauce.

After the success of the calamari, we decide to opt for more house specialties for our main meals. Again, the service is >

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incredibly prompt, with our Chicken Breast Parma, Scotch Fillet and Flatty Tails arriving in record time. With hindsight, I realise our eyes were way bigger than our stomachs.

The meals are enormous!

You don’t get much more standard pub fare than Chicken Parma, but there’s nothing standard about the hand-beaten and freshly-crumbed chicken breast on my plate. Juicy and moist, topped with a slice of ham and a generous serve of cheese, a simple, fresh tomato sauce provides a flavour burst between the layers. Like all our main meals, the parma is accompanied by a side-salad with a delicious creamy dressing and thick-cut chips. Coupled with local awardwinning Purple Hen Shiraz, this is a beautiful meal, but as hungry as I thought I was, I struggled to get through half of it.

Fortunately the teenager kindly disposed of a few mouthfuls as well.

With a generous serve of chips and fresh garden salad on the side, this was another king-size meal – perfect for a hungry lad.

The size of the meals really did defeat us, so unfortunately there was just no room to taste the dessert menu, although the pies (apple and blueberry) and strudels made fresh in Newhaven looked very tempting. There is also a fine selection of ice-cream sundaes on the menu.

All in all, a meal at the Kilcunda Ocean View Hotel is a fantastic night out in a friendly, stylish atmosphere. The emphasis on fresh seafood, local produce and a selection of quality house specialties puts this charming hotel in a different league from your average pub. A well- thought-out selection of local wines and craft beers adds another layer to the experience.

And once your meal is done, you can wander into the main bar and enjoy live music from local performers on weekends.

Small wonder that this place is packed over the summer and holiday periods, but fortunately the quieter winter months make it easier to book a table and enjoy the Killy pub’s legendary hospitality.

The pyramid of calamari … is so tender you’d swear it was just plucked from the ocean.

Friendly publican Mark assured us as we took our seats that the bistro was focusing on fresh seafood and local produce and he was true to his word. My hubby declared the flatty-tails were superb. Coated in a light, crisp tempura beer batter, they were served with side-salad, thick chips and another bowl of that wonderful tartare sauce. Sitting at a table looking out over the ocean, nothing hits the spot better than fresh fish and chips, washed down by a Holgate Mt Macedon pale ale.

Meanwhile the teenager tackled the scotch fillet steak, which arrived medium/well done, just as ordered. Tender and tasty, the steak got a big thumbs-up, as did the spicy pepper sauce.

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So if you’re looking for somewhere to spend a cheerful winter’s night, I can’t think of a better place to be than watching the sun go down from this cosy bistro. But a word of warning – make sure you’ve had a day full of exercise and fresh air. It’s best to arrive here with nothing less than a very hearty country appetite!

building stronger communities

Talking and learning “Increasing their oral language is one of the most important things we can do for a child before they come to school.”

Karen Treppo and Sue Becker are passionate about education and through their work (as respectively Director of the Phillip Island Early Learning Centre and Principal of Cowes Primary School and the Centre), they are making a big difference in a lot of small lives.

Their work has been helped in no small part by support from their local Bendigo Community Bank (San Remo District Financial Services), including a recent $5,000 donation for their Talk and Learn Bags.

The idea for the project, aimed at increasing the oral language of pre-school aged children, came from a successful program run at the Bass Valley Primary School. “We hadn’t seen another program that involved parents, kinder and schools in such a hands-on way,” said Sue. “Leanne Edwards, the Principal at Bass Valley has really helped us establish this.”

The concept of the Talk and Learn bags is simple. The bags operate on a weekly loan system open to every child at the Early Learning Centre. Each bag has a theme, such as farm, sea or road safety. As well as a book, the bag also contains a game or puzzle and some sort of related activity. The activities and games encourage children to develop their language and fine motor skills. “There is a tip sheet of suggested activities in the bag for parents,” explains Karen. The activities are designed to help children develop concepts – for example, over and under, classifying shapes, or identifying patterns. “It’s about developing the child’s problem solving skills, their language and their vocabulary. Studies have shown the importance of home-based learning and the link between home, kinder and school. Parents are the first educators and we want to work with them.”

Teachers from Cowes Primary School worked with Early Learning Centre staff on the content and tip sheets for the bags. “It’s been terrific having all the teachers work together to develop the bags,” said Sue. “Projects like

Your Community Bank® has provided

$1.08 million in sponsorships

$411,000

in community grants

$265,000 in dividends

this provide a real continuity between long day care and school.”

The money from the local Bendigo Community Bank (San Remo District Financial Services) has enabled the Early Learning Centre to purchase specially printed bags and high quality books and games for the project. Information nights for parents are underway and Karen expects the Talk and Learn bags to be available for loan from the centre’s micro library later this year. “This is a community based project,” says Karen. “This is not equipment that we are using at the centre. It really is for the parents and families to aid the child’s future education.”

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

Make a dfference to your

• Everyday Banking Accounts • Home Loans • Personal Loans

own banking and your

• Credit Cards • Term Deposits • Insurance

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

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

community. Drop into your nearest branch today.

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

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UNDERGROUND ADVE NT U R E .

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

Opening hours 10am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4.30pm daily. Underground tours run daily at 11.30am and 2.00pm, additional tours during holiday periods.

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

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Southcoast Kitchens

winter

lifestyle property guide

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WHarvES Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a beautiful coastline, but this day Inverloch managed to pull one out of the box. Is it a feather? A spirit? A cloud? Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re just glad Warren was there to capture it. Sitting on the wharf, you can almost reach out and touch Venus Bay. On a low tide, it feels like you could wade across ... but probably best to just cast a line, settle back and enjoy the view.

5things we love ABOUT INVERLOCH

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5things we love ABOUT INVERLOCH

FooD We aren’t always led by our stomachs, but there’s no denying the cafes and restaurants here serve up some tasty treats.

rockS We’re talking the nature’s rocky, not the Sylvester-Stallone-Hollywod type.

Rugged, prehistoric and awe-inspiring.

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WilDliFE

clEar WaTEr

From Screw Creek to the spectacular Bunurong Coastal Drive there is plenty of opportunity to get close to nature. Kangaroos, echidnas and wombats abound, not to mention the mud crabs and water birds that make their homes on the waterways and mudflats.

Surf beaches – yup, Invy’s got ’em, but there’s also plenty of calm stretches of ocean perfect for kayaking.

Built for your lifestyle.

At your local G.J. Gardner Homes office, there’s a team of people ready to help you make the right choices.

Give us a call or drop in for a chat today.

Phillip Island Office - 03 5952 2150 1/219 Settlement Road Cowes Wonthaggi Office - 03 5672 1818 114-116 Graham St Wonthaggi or visit gjgardner.com.au

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coast style decorating inspiration for your Home

Maximising natural light and warmth in your rooms is the key to decorating for winter, says Esme Beaumont of Beaumont Concepts and Ecoliv Buildings.

With an amazing view across the water to Cape Woolamai, the ocean had a definite impact on the decorating choices for refurbishing the lounge and kitchen area of Esme’s San Remo home. “I started with a neutral base that can reflect the tones of the season,” says Esme. “Then I added warmth or accents using other colours.”

The room features blue and green oceanic tones, with a clever use of metallics. In the lounge, a gleaming copper vintage ship searchlight, repurposed as a floor light, provides a splash of warmth echoed in the metallic pendant lights over the kitchen bench. “Copper stands out from neutral tones,” explains Esme. “It reflects light, creates warmth and provides colour.”

The wood for the beautiful and practical upstand at the kitchen bench that conceals the sink from the rest of the room, matches the TV unit, further linking the two areas.

Esme recommends using timber to add warmth and texture and having big, northfacing (ideally, double-glazed) windows.

Sheer curtains over her lounge’s north

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window add warmth to the room, combined with a block-out blind for insulation at night. A 100 per cent wool rug inset into the timber floorboards adds another touch of cosiness and is incredibly easy to clean. Practical, functional and beautiful, this lounge and kitchen perfectly suit the family’s busy lifestyle. “There are no rules for decorating,” says Esme. “Do what you love and try to reflect your personality through colour, textures and specific materials.”

Sustainable design, Smart living

Ecolivâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s factory built modular homes use fewer resources and energy to ensure minimal site disturbance right from the start. Our transportable designs allow you to adapt, change or add to your home with ease by simply arranging predetermined modules in a variety of configurations. Each home configuration features 7 star thermal performance rating for affordable, comfortable and sustainable living.

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

www.ecoliv.com.au

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

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

Multi Award Winning Building Designer of Contemporary Sustainable Homes.

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

www.beaumontconcepts.com.au coast 85

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

tel: 03 5956 7415

www.southcoastkitchens.com.au

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

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

Servicing Phillip Island & surrounding areas

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

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

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

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www.mhiaa.com.au

Creating Quality Coastal Homes for more than 50 years.

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

Take a look online at our complete Leisure Range.

Gippsland Sales & Display Centre

Phillip Island Sales & Display Centre

Phillip Island Display Home

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

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

Whytesands Estate (Off Ventnor Rd), Cowes Phone: 0408 103 830 Open by appointment

coldonhomes.com.au

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We all have a story to tell.

Using mosaics is telling a story in small pieces.

Mosaic Classes with Heather Fahnle. All materials and lunch supplied.

C o M M i s s i o n s AvA i l A b l e

Heather

Fahnle

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

www.fahnle.com.au | Mosaics By The Bay e: fahnle@iprimus.com.au | t: 0417 562 625

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

ArtSpace Wonthaggi

Melaleuca Nursery INDIGENOUS & NATIVE PLANT FARM

‘Natives, because they’re beautiful’ NOW OPEN 6 DAYS

7 McBride Avenue,Wonthaggi.

Open Thursday to Monday, 10.00am to 4.00pm.

Or by appointment 0439 699 241 www.artspacewonthaggi.com.au Phone: 03 5672 1415 | artspacenquiries@gmail.com Community Gallery | Supporting Regional Artists | Regular Exhibitions

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

Quality Framing at Competitive Prices.

The choice of local artists. We cover all your picture framing needs, with a huge selection of frames as well as professional and helpful advice.

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

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.

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

Open 7 days 622 Main St, Mordialloc Call 9580 6521 www.mordycellardoor.com.au coast 89

NEW WORKS

Online gallery â&#x20AC;&#x201C; www.annettespinks.com.au 60 Dixon Street Inverloch | Enquiries and Commissions 0418 555 222

Fish Creek General Store groceries newsagent gourmet produce local produce OPEN 7 DAYS 25 Falls Rd Fish Creek 03 5683 2226 coast 90

Water PLUS

coLoUr MakeS art.

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

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

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

A nursery that will suprise and delight every garden lover

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Rare & unusual plants

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Antique furniture

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Garden tools

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Garden wares

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Unique pots

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Landscape design consultancy available 1070 Jacksons Track, Jindivick. 10am–4pm Wed to Sun. Phone: 5628 5316 or 0417 056 110

www.jindivickcountrygardener.com.au

L&J TUDDIN restorations

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

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

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

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

RESTORED FURNITURE FROM EUROPE & CHINA

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

NEW & GENTLY USED QUALITY GOODS

‘Browsers Always Welcome’ Cheeki Stainless Steel Bottles Short Story ‘Hope in a Box’ Mind, Body & Spirit CD’s Himalayan Salt Lamps Japanese Incense Silver Jewellery Oracle Cards Erstwilder Brooches Body Jewellery Bric-a-brac, Books Hats, Bags, Scarves Black Ice Sunglasses Gemstones: Tumbled, Specimens & Jewellery Bella Donna Harmony Balls Clothing for Ladies, Men & Kids San Marco Wildflower Jewellery 31 MAIN STREET, FOSTER PH: 5682 1381 WEEKDAYS 10AM–5PM SAT 9.30AM–4PM SUN 10AM–4PM OPEN 6 DAYS CLOSED TUESDAYS 7 DAYS FROM NOVEMBER’S MELBOURNE CUP DAY

www.mainstreetrevelations.com.au

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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

Wilsons Prom

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION

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

Wilsons Prom

www.promcountry.com.au Book online or phone the property.

Availability calendar and secure online bookings.

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

• • • • • •

Fish Creek Foster Grand Ridge Road Inverloch Kilcunda Koonwarra

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• • • • • •

Korumburra Leongatha Meeniyan Mirboo North Sandy Point Tarra Bulga

• • • • •

Toora Venus Bay Walkerville Waratah Bay Yanakie

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

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

1075 Loch-Kernot Rd, Kernot Phone: 5678 8555

EXPERT ADVICE AND GOOD OLD-FASHIONED SERVICE. TIMBER

HARDWARE PAINTS HUGE RANGE OF WATER TANKS

Inspiring Inspiring Inspiring Inspiring Inspiring

TOOLS

EST. 1965

Cnr. Bass Highway & Glen Forbes Rd, Grantville 03 5678 8552 421 Princess Hwy, Officer VIC 3809 03 5943 2371

• Friendly Health Advice • Blood Pressure Checks • Webster Packing

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

• Diabetes Support • Home Medicine Reviews • Script Filing Service

Now you can earn valuable points every time you shop – straight away – and convert them into store discounts to reduce the total of your next purchase.

Earn 200 points and you have a $10 discount.

The more you shop the more points you earn and the more you save!

123 Marine Parade, San Remo Telephone 5678 5202 OPEN: Monday-Friday 9am - 6pm Saturday 9am - 12.30pm

(extended hours in December & January)

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Fresh Focus

We pride ourselves on serving fresh seafood and sourcing as much of the produce locally as possible. Behind the bar, the local focus continues, stocking a wide variety of Australian craft beer and Gippsland wines. With great views and the friendliest service, experience the Ocean View Hotel Kilcunda (the Killy pub).

Tapas al fresco dining all homemade open 7 days breakfast and lunch, dinners friday and saturday 9 a’beckett street, inverloch 03 56 74 1188 info@velanine.com.au www.velanine.com.au

Lounge Bar – 03 5678 7245 | Ocean View Bistro – 03 5678 7011

Switch to Project 71.

Deli on Bass is a family owned business. Our mission is to source unique products from around the world allowing you to taste new and exciting foods. Our range includes meats, cheeses, antipasto, dips, jams, relish, pasta, sauces, artisan sour dough breads and much much more. We pride ourselves in providing fresh quality products at affordable prices.

We also serve freshly ground coffee and delicious individually created continental rolls.

Wonthaggi’s newly renovated concept store COFFEE CAKES A RT W O R K LUNCH F R I D AY N I G H T D I N N E R

deli•on•bass

0478 517 464 71 McBride Ave, Wonthaggi facebook.com/ Project-71-café project71cafe

Shop 6/1524 Bass Highway, Grantville, Vic. P: 5678 8288

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coast directory www.coastmagazine.net

directory Accommodation Motel on A’Beckett Oaktree Lodge Prom Country.

RACV Inverloch Resort Silverwater Resort

61 51 92 55 53

Antiques L&J Tuddin Antique & Decor

Artists & Galleries Annette Spinks ArtFusion Gallery Art Space Wonthaggi Goldsmith’s Gallery Iluka Studio & Gallery Mosaics by the Bay

Automotive

Bass Caltex Service Station Edney’s Leongatha Mercedes-Benz Berwick

Builders & Designers

91

Entertainment Baker Boys Kongwak Market Turn the Page

20 92 97

Fashion

Haze Ladies Boutique 61 Petite Collections 59 Sketa 13

Government & Schools 90 58 89 47 91 88 73 26 100

Beaumont Concepts 85 Beach House Constructions 88 Coldon Homes 87 Ecoliv 85 Graeme Alexander Homes 78 GJ Gardner 83 Hotondo 80 Metricon 5 TS Construction 87

Bass Coast Shire Council Newhaven College West Gippsland Library Westernport Water

44 32 93 66

Green & Gardens Island Landscape & Design Jindivick Country Gardener Melaleuca Nursery

93 91 89

Hair, Health & Beauty Beachside Hair & Beauty 50 Enter Hair 58 Miner’s Dental 59 San Remo Pharmacy 93 Shima 57 Voyage Fitness 38 YMCA 95

Homewares & Furniture Framed Inverloch Main Street Revelations

89 91

Mookah Studios

27

Southern Bazaar

27

Jewellery Goldsmith’s Gallery 47 Lacy Jewellery Studio & Gallery 23

Professional Services Bendigo Bank – San Remo District Financial Services 77

Property & Lifestyle Alex Scott Phillip Island 99 Banfields 20 Mountain View Leongatha 6 Seagrove Estate 2 Woolamai House 99

Food, Cafes & Restaurants Beand 72 Cape Kitchen 92 Connell’s Bakery 73 Deli on Bass 94 Fish Creek General Store 90 Harry’s on the Esplanade 90 Kernot Store 92 Kilcunda General Store 90 Kilcunda Ocean View Hotel 94 Manna Gum 60 & 96 Phillip Island RSL 47

Project 71 94 The Foreshore Bar & Restaurant 51 Vela Nine 94 Watermark@Silverwater 53

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

Trades & Hardware Carpet Court 96 Coastal Refrigeration 86 Shorelec 82 South Coast Kitchens 86 Van Steensels Timbers 93

Weddings

Brent Sinclair Catering Dorothy McKay, celebrant Herbaceous Flowers Iris Bloomer, celebrant Laurence James Photography Main Memories Videography Mona J Milkins, celebrant Nomie Boutique Stationery

61 60 58 60 59 60 61 59

Wineries Mordialloc Cellars

MANNA GUM IS FOR SALE! B U S I N E S S O N LY

For enquiries & reservations call: 5674 1199 5 Lindsey Close, Inverloch www.manna-gum.com.au coast 96

88 40 48 78 32

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a good read 2015 STElla PriZE WinnEr This heartwarming story is the latest book from kilcunda author anne crawford.

“RALF”

by Anne Crawford Ralf the Giant Schnauzer was a small puppy with a big barking problem. He was facing an uncertain future until Caroline Lovick and her family rescued him and welcomed him into their family. Ralf received lots of cuddles from Caroline’s four children and became a part of their daily walk to school and a celebrity at the school gates where children would stop to pat him. When Caroline and her family took Ralf to compete at the Royal Melbourne Show his potential as a therapy dog was spotted. Ralf then began working at Trinity Manor nursing home followed

by The Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne where he was an instant hit with children and their families and became a permanent fixture. Ralf’s story is by turns heart-warming and inspiring and full of his amusing antics. It is a true tale of how the love of an owner can change a dog’s life and how the love of a dog can bring hope to those who need it most.

Junior FicTion “BIGGLES”

“THE STRAYS”

by Emily Bitto Infamous Evan Trentham, wild child of the 1930s Melbourne art world and his captivating wife Helena, attempt to escape the stifling conservatism they see around them by gathering together other like-minded artists. They create a utopian circle in their family home, offering young artists a place to live and work, and the mixed benefits of being associated with Evan. At the periphery of this is Lily Struthers, best friend of Evan and Helena’s daughter Eva. Lily is infatuated by the world she bears witness to, and longs to be part of this makeshift family. As the years pass Lily observes the way the lives of these artists come to reflect the same themes as their art: Faustian bargains and spectacular falls from grace. Yet it was not Evan or the artists he gathered around, but his own daughters, who paid the debt owed.

PicTurE Book “TEDDY TOOK THE TRAIN”

by Nicki Greenberg Dot loves Teddy, and Teddy loves Dot. So when Teddy goes missing, she misses him a lot! But Teddy is a brave bear. What wonderful adventures will he have when he rides away on the train?

Will there be picnics? Will there be parties?

Will he have time for a nap?

And most importantly, will he find his way home to Dot – or will she never see him again? A thoroughly delightful picture book about courage, resilience and imagination.

The more things you read, the more things you will know.

The more that you learn, the more places you�ll go.

- Dr. Seuss

by Captain W. E. Johns At last! The Biggles books that many of us grew up with have been rereleased with fantastic new covers and they can now be shared with new generations of children. The six titles in this first release are Biggles and the Rescue Flight, Biggles in France, Biggles Flies East, Biggles the Camels Are Coming, Biggles Learns to Fly and Biggles of the Fighter Squadron.

TEEn FicTion “A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES”

by Sarah J. Maas Feyre’s survival rests upon her ability to hunt and kill - the forest where she lives is a cold, bleak place in the long winter months. So when she spots a deer in the forest being pursued by a wolf, she cannot resist fighting it for the flesh. But to do so, she must kill the predator and killing something so precious comes at a price ... Dragged to a magical kingdom for the murder of a faerie, Feyre discovers that her captor, his face obscured by a jewelled mask, is hiding far more than his piercing green eyes would suggest. Feyre’s presence at the court is closely guarded, and as she begins to learn why, her feelings for him turn from hostility to passion and the faerie lands become an even more dangerous place. Feyre must fight to break an ancient curse, or she will lose him forever. This is the first of a sensational romantic fantasy trilogy by the bestselling author of the Throne of Glass series.

40a Thompson Ave, Cowes P: 03 5952 1444 E: lois.turnthepage@bigpond.com W: turnthepagebookshop.com.au P R O U D LY I N D E P E N D E N T

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young & inspired “Life can change in an instant”.

It’s a phrase you see everywhere, from self-help guides to greeting cards. But for Red Cross Ambassador Jacob Fry, it’s much more than a platitude. On 5th June 2009 at 8.20am, a car accident changed the course of his life.

I had a head-on collision with a truck on Phillip Island Road at Surf Beach and sustained multiple life-threatening injuries. It took 45 minutes to cut me out of the vehicle and I was air-lifted to The Alfred with a five per cent chance of survival.

By the time I arrived, I was pretty much out of blood. I went through 36 litres of blood in the first nine hours, which is about six times the amount in an adult’s body. I was given blood from over 100 donors while I was in hospital.

words as told to eleanor mckay photos supplied

The doctors predicted I would stay in ICU for five or six weeks, but I was out in seven days. I spent another 10 days in the ward and then I moved into Rehab. I was back home on Phillip Island in two months.

I’d been a blood donor before my accident because I thought it was a good thing to do.

But after my accident, I knew that without the generosity of donors I wouldn’t be alive. I wanted to pay back this debt, so I rang Red Cross to try and organise the Blood Bank to come to Phillip Island. When I told them my story, they asked me to come and speak at schools. I’ve been travelling around Victoria as a volunteer for Red Cross ever since.

I’ve spoken in front of more than 3,000 people … and also when there have only been five people in the room. But whatever the size of the audience, there’s always an amazing reaction and a really positive response. I love the fact that I can use my accident for good. Doing this for Red Cross makes all the pain and hard work seem worth it. I have a saying, “Live a life that enriches other lives, which in turn will enrich your own.” My story can be the inspiration and motivation to get people to save lives. It shows that miracles happen and that life is precious.

Hopefully I can make people appreciate life and want to live it to the fullest.

One in three people will need a blood transfusion during their lifetime, and only one in 30 people donates. There’s a real need for blood donors, so I started the Jacob Fry Blood Drive.

The idea is to get 30-50 mates to come along on a particular day to donate blood. For my first blood drive I booked out the Ringwood Donor Centre – it got quite a bit of media attention.

I’ve also had the opportunity to promote blood donation on radio and TV. One of the doctors told me there was no medical explanation for my survival. I fully believe that God had a helping hand in that.

Since my accident, I know there is a God somewhere looking out for us. I also know I can make a difference – not just in one person’s life but in thousands – by telling my story.

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SALE OFFICE OS SATURDAPEN Y 1â&#x20AC;&#x201C;3PM S

THE BEST LAND RELEASE ON PHILLIP ISLAND ENTER FROM GROFAM COURT, CAPE WOOLAMAI

PREMIUM LIFESTYLE. PREMIUM LAND.

NOW SELLING FROM $249,000

woolamaihouse.com.au Contact Greg Price or Cameron Watters on 5952 5711 While best endeavours have been used to provide information in this publication that is true and accurate all entities accept no responsibility and disclaim all liability in respect to any errors or inaccuracies it may contain. Prospective purchasers should make their own inquiries to verify the information contained herein.

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