Coast Magazine Winter 2011

Coastal living at its best! lost girl a sudanese story winter weddings your complete guide surfing demon steve demos

A magazine for living, relaxing & enjoying life by the coast coast 1

Seagrove is Phillip Island’s premier environmentally-sensitive estate – superbly located in Cowes just 700m from a sandy, safe swimming beach and walking distance from shops, restaurants and cafes.

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 - up to 800m22 plus - including lots with bay views. Titles are available now so you can start building your dream home straight away

“sets a new benchmark for sustainable

residential development”

2007 Urban Development Institute of Australia Awards for Excellence

Freecall 1800 61 61 06 coast 2

www.seagrove.com.au coast 3

Water Sensitive Urban Design Award Winner 2009

Shear possibility.

Located on Settlement Road, Cowes, Shearwater on the Island is only minutes from the beach, the centre of Cowes and is surrounded by the world-class attractions and natural splendour that make Phillip Island famous.

With land now selling Shearwater on the Island is the perfect environment to make your home.

For more information or an immediate on-site tour, call 1300 SHEARWATER (1300 743 279) or visit www.shearwaterestate.com.au

113a Thompson Avenue, Cowes, VIC

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Vibrant events, adventurous art, culinary excellence & superb functions await...

www.chrisppictures.com.au

Fine Dining • Weddings • Conferences • Events • Art Modern Steakhouse Restaurant • Lounge Bar • Cellar Door • Cafe & Wood-fired Pizzas • Sports Bar

81 Archies Creek Road, Archies Creek. For bookings or enquiries: 03 5678 7787 www.archiesonthecreek.com.au coast 6

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W A R R E N R E E D P H O T O G R A P H Y Commercial photography & limited edition prints www.warrenreedphotography.com.au Exhibiting at Archies on the Creek throughout September Call. 0414 753 739 coast 8

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the coast team

from the editor

publisher Maria Reed editor Sally O’Neill sub editor Anne Roussac-Hoyne words Sue Webster, Sally O’Neill, Katie Cincotta, Maria Reed photo editor Warren Reed photography Warren Reed, Maria Reed coast photography - 0414 753 739 design Ryan Thomas, Maria Reed print manager Nigel Quirk advertising call 0432 273 107 ads@coastmagazine.net

coast magazine PO Box 104, San Remo, Victoria 3925 phone. (03) 5678 5600 fax.

(03) 5678 5600 ads.

0432 273 107 email. editorial@coastmagazine.net web. www.coastmagazine.net

In Winter, I keep warm and cosy by thinking about how rich life is on the coast.

This year I’m fuelled by the concept of communing. Not moving to Nimbin, but reflecting on and appreciating who we find ourselves with at any given moment on this vast planet of ours. Why? How? ‘What is she on about?’ you ask? For me it’s the magic of sitting in Meeniyan Hall with a few hundred people and Martha Wainwright; or Shane Howard and another hundred people in the memorial hall at Foster; or experiencing the magic light of dawn as I walk on the beach every day; or sitting with inspired artist Sacha Zoe Lamont or refugee Haluel Herjok, who both feature in this issue.

What I mean is that, out of everywhere on the planet we could be, we are right here on the coast… together.

So, I am pleased to present our Winter edition that once again demonstrates an incredible array of talent and human spirit.

Meet Wonthaggi-born Emile Studham who is taking footy to the world, Ingrid and ‘Hairy’ who were right there when the Espy kitchen began, and forensic technician Rebecca Ellen. John Dwyer looks back on his 80+ years of life on the road and we visit magical Churchill Island. Wedding fever is in the air with our annual Wedding Feature and there’s lots more… Enjoy, keep warm and happy communing. See you in Spring!

Sally X

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Stimulate your Relaxation

contents &features

www.lenstolife.com.au

regulars

features

14.

Coast life

22.

Surfer Profile - Steve Demos

16.

Arts & events guide

26.

Artist Profile - David Frazer

19.

15 minutes of fame - Emile Studham

32.

Lost Girl - Haluel Herjok’s triumph over adversity

20.

2 (coast) people - Ingrid & Peter Hehir

36.

Churchill Island - A step back in time

58.

Feature areas - Archies Creek & Dalyston

42.

King of the Road - Meet John Dwyer

70.

What’s hot (& 111)

48.

Artist Profile - Sacha Lamont

102. Where to eat guide

52.

Mind Games - Bridge club characters

104. Dine out - Archies on the Creek

66.

Silent Witness - Enter the world of forensic medicine

113. Coast property & lifestyle

65.

Book Review - Your guide to winter reading

114. Lifestyle review - Fairweather at Shearwater

77.

WEDDING FEATURE - Your ultimate guide

130. Coast directory & stockists - Find what you need

Open 7 Days a week from 10 am coast 12

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coastlife lyrebird artscouncil

what a great offer!! win 2 nights at silverwater resort!

Hey, what great offer! Subscribe to have four editions of Coast Magazine delivered to your door for just $30 and have the chance to win two nights at gorgeous Silverwater Resort. Subscribe for yourself or as a gift at www.coastmagazine.net or see page 10.

antarctic inspiration

lyrebirdartscouncil.com.au

l

earth station – in tune with

the planet

When local author Alison Lester journeyed to Antarctica in 2005, thousands of children from schools around the world were inspired by her journey. Alison encouraged the students to draw in response to her descriptions and photos. She used these illustrations to complete an exhibition combining the children’s line drawings with her design and colour and they will be at Gecko Studio Gallery from July 17 – August 20. geckostudiogallery.com.au

Lyrebird Arts Council has given us Coasters some memorable musical experiences, like Martha Wainwright, Eric Bibb and Justin Townes Earle to name a few, and in stunning local venues like Mossvale Park and Meeniyan Hall. Don’t miss their upcoming shows including Holly Throsby, Sally Saltman & Sara Blasko on July 23.

penguins celebrate 80 years Millions from around the world have experienced the endearing waddle of the world’s smallest penguins at the sunset Penguin Parade. This ritual is now 80 years old and has evolved from small groups sitting in the dunes watching the penguins by torchlight to the major ecotourism event it is today. Revenue from the notfor-profit Nature Parks’ Penguin Parade goes toward environmental programs across Phillip Island. www.penguins.org.au

dairy in kenya

Inverloch-based Michael Malone recently travelled to Kenya to purchase some cows - JerseyHolsteins, to be exact. This is part of a project to establish a community dairy in a Kenyan village.

“Half of the milk will go to the orphans for a more balanced diet and the other half will be sold to create an income for the school and maintain the dairy,” says Michael. While the orphanage running costs have been covered by Australian charity Orphfund, the dairy is sponsored by Rotary, with support from around South Gippsland. Michael’s aim is to raise $25,000. Call Michael 0407 343 843 or info@eugenies.com.au

get eco organised!

If you love WOMADelaide, then you’ll love its latest lovechild: Earth Station. This new festival of sustainability and music from around the world is both forum and festival. Explore, celebrate and share concerns and ideas for sustainable life on our planet with some of the world’s finest thinkers, musicians, artists and technology innovators. This three-day gathering in secluded bushland will run from October 21-23. www.earthstationfestival.com.au

Getting organised doesn’t need to cost the earth: in fact, we can help protect our environment, reduce our carbon footprint and save a few dollars on the way. Tanya Lewis of Red Hill is one of an emerging field of professional organisers who work with people to help them organise and assist in gaining control over their stuff, leaving them to get on with living. Whether you are down-sizing, or struggling to let go of stuff, overwhelmed or just ‘over it’, Tanya will help you streamline your life and get sorted in a sustainable way. A few simple hints? “Start at the beginning and re-think what you bring into your house.

Think about the true cost of not getting organised, and the effect it can have on your professional and personal relationships, financial situation, physical, mental and emotional health” says Tanya. www.ecoorganiser.com.au

come aboard the sponsor train!

jekyll & hyde Leongatha Lyric Theatre has assembled an amazing cast to present Jekyll & Hyde The Musical from 15 - 30 July. This is only the third time the show has been performed in Victoria, which explains why the cast are travelling from near and far to be part of it. The cast has a combined experience of over 1000 productions, with 100 nominations and awards. Most have previously undertaken leading roles and many have also worked professionally.

For bookings call 5662 3940.

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South Gippsland’s historic railway stations are an important part of each community. Korumburra Community Development and Action Incorporation is launching a competition in six stops along the line to create the best station garden. There’s a prize for ‘most attractive’ and for ‘most sustainable’. Garden guru Jane Edmanson from 3AW and ABC’s Gardening Australia will be involved in the judging and announcing winners of the $750 prize for each category.

Interested parties please call Shirley on 5657 3350 or shirley.cowling@bigpond.com

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Encounters With The Uncanny by Kiron Robinson

When: 9 Jul — 28 Aug Where: Gippsland Art Gallery 68 Foster Street Sale Who: Call 5142 3372 www.wellington.vic.gov.au/gallery

Sarsaparilla Boutique

Holly Throsby, Sally Saltman & Sara Blasko at Meeniyan Hall

June 2011

When: Sat 23 Jul Where: Meeniyan Hall, Meeniyan Who: www.lyrebirdartscouncil.com.au

When: 4 - 30 Jun Where: Hunt Foyer, Archies on the Creek Who: www.archiesonthecreek.com.au

Jekyll & Hyde

Ken Griffiths Exhibits

Primitive Soul & Your Move: When: Where:

Who:

Both until 7 Aug McClelland Sculpture Park + Gallery McClelland Dve, Langwarrin www.mcclellandgallery.com

Flinders Art Show

When: 10 -13 June Where: Flinders Civic Hall, 54 Cook Street Flinders Who: Wayne McDonald 5989 0657

Kiln Opening and Winter Exhibition

When: 11–13 Jun Where: Gooseneck Pottery, Kardella Who: 5655 2405 www.gooseneckpottery.com.au

Welshpool Art Show

When: 11–13 Jun Where: Welshpool Memorial Hall, Welshpool Who: www.welshpool.vic.au

Winter Solstice Festival When: Where:

Who:

17 -19 Jun Peninsula Community Theatre Wilson’s Road, Mornington Doreen Norman 5975 3040

Recent Linocuts by Aileen Brown

When: 19 Jun – 16 Jul Where: Gecko Studio Gallery, 15 Falls Rd, Fish Creek Who: Call 5683 2481 www.geckostudiogallery.com.au

‘Lachlan Cavalier’ by Phil Henshall When: Where:

Who:

25 Jun – 28 Jul Meeniyan Art Gallery 84 Whitelaw St Meeniyan Call 5664 0101 www.meeniyanartgallery.org.au

Kongwak Market

When: Every Sunday Where: Kongwak General Store Who: Jane 0417 142 478

July 2011

Cats - One of the world’s best-loved musicals.

When: 14-17 & 20- 23 July Where: Frankston Arts Centre, Davey St Frankston Who: 9784 1060 artscentre.frankston.vic.gov.au coast 16

When: 15 -17, 21 – 23 & 28 - 30 Jul Where: Mesley Hall, Nerrena Rd, Leongatha Who: Leongatha Lyric Theatre Call 5662 3940

Alison Lester’s Kids Antarctic Project

When: 17 Jul – 20 Aug Where: Gecko Studio Gallery, 15 Falls Rd, Fish Creek Who: Call 5683 2481 www.geckostudiogallery.com.au

Objectiv Collectiv When: Where:

Who:

30 Jul – 25 Aug Meeniyan Art Gallery 84 Whitelaw St Meeniyan Call 5664 0101 www.meeniyanartgallery.org.au

Kongwak Market

When: Every Sunday Where: Kongwak General Store Who: Jane 0417 142 478

August 2011

Malcolm Pettigrove - Pencil Drawings

When: 21 Aug – 17 Sept Where: Gecko Studio Gallery, 15 Falls Rd, Fish Creek Who: Call 5683 2481 www.geckostudiogallery.com.au

‘Fishy Baskets’ by Pat Dale When: Where:

Who:

27 Aug – 22 Sep Meeniyan Art Gallery 84 Whitelaw St Meeniyan Call 5664 0101 www.meeniyanartgallery.org.au

Daffodil Festival & Open Gardens

When: Thurs 25 – Sat 27 Aug Where: Memorial Hall, Leongatha Who: Margaret 5664 9238 or Sue 5668 6334

Psychic & Wellbeing Festival

When: 27 Aug 10am-4.30pm Where: Tyabb Community Hall Who: Maureen Mallett 0435 020 032 shampers@ihug.com.au

The Australian Michael Jackson Tribute Show When: Fri 26 Aug Where: Frankston Arts Centre, Davey St Frankston Who: 9784 1060 artscentre.frankston.vic.gov.au

Kongwak Market

When: Every Sunday Where: Kongwak General Store Who: Jane 0417 142 478

Retail therapy for men + women 42 Thompson Ave, Cowes. Phone 5952 1143

www.facebook.com/sarsaparillaboutique coast 17

Emile Studham grew up with footy. Since then he’s been kicking goals across the world with his brainchild sports program ‘AussieX’. A stint as a stripper, becoming a marriage celebrant and travelling the globe have all shaped this human dynamo who is aiming for a knighthood, but always loves to come home to Wonthaggi…

fifteenminutesoffame words as told to sally o’neill photo warren reed

Where did it all begin?

I was born in Wonthaggi. Mum was an integration aide and Dad was a builder and very successful footy player through the 70s and 80s with the Wonthaggi Blues. My first memories were of footy and sport – I didn’t know anything else. I grew up at the footy club, played with the Blues, then Gippsland Power and Old Melburnians A-Grade Amateurs.

I left home at 18 and went to uni in the big smoke. Going to Melbourne felt like a big deal then! In my second year, I went on a student exchange to Canada - it changed my life. I came home, qualified as a PE teacher but went back to Canada and started an Aussie Rules team and AusKick Canada - taking footy to summer camps and schools all over Toronto.

How did you find your true calling?

I came back to Australia and taught at Kew High. I fell in love with the actual act of teaching but also realised it wouldn’t fulfil my entrepreneurial side – I decided to merge my passion of teaching with footy. Then I won a reality TV show, travelled to LA and upgraded to an around-the-world ticket. I went back to Canada and formed my own business, ‘AussieX’, teaching Aussie Rules footy. Since 2008, we’ve taught 50 000 kids how to play footy and cricket. We also tell them about Australia. Team sport doesn’t really exist in Canada so I’m proud to bring a bit of my culture to them. I mean, I don’t know what we’d do without footy clubs - we’d be bored out of our brains! I’m also proud that we are now working with youth at risk and Native Americans. Being able to introduce them to sport helps them release energy and anger in a positive way. This is it - everything I have in my life! I am following my dream and also combining my passions.

Of being a marriage celebrant?

I offered to become a marriage celebrant for friend’s wedding - I enjoy talking and I was always in school plays. Then, in October last year, I flew home and ‘married’ my girlfriend’s sister. It’s awesome, such a cool moment when you say you are proud and honoured to pronounce your friends as man and wife. I plan to marry everyone from now on!

And what about being a male stripper?

I was poached off the street! We were in Acland St and a guy stopped to talk to the lovely Swedish girl I was sitting with and told us he managed a dance group. She said, ‘Oh, you should get Emile to dance for you’. He said, ‘As a matter of fact we need a blond surfy-type guy’. I’d always loved coast 18

dancing so I went and saw the show - it was very classy and didn’t go too far. I tried out, and two weeks later one of the dancers hit on the manager’s wife and another fled to New Zealand chasing a girl, so he called me. I was a teacher, but it was school holidays so I practised my heart out and, that was it, I did it for two years - every Saturday night.

I was pretty well built at the time and had no hesitation in taking my top off for 500 women! I suppose there’s stigma around it but it’s about what energy you put across. I was always the fun guy in the show - my nickname was ‘Prince of Mischief’ - I was the larrikin of the team!

I met my partner Kaela Bree at the second last show I did. She was working for an events company and came to see the talent. I sent her an email, had a chat, then we went on a date. It was pretty much instant.

She is a talented actress, and gave all that up to come overseas to work on the business with me. She’s starting to get back into acting now.

Your dream?

To become an internationally recognised brand – so you see that logo in any country, and say ‘Oh, Aussie X is in town’. I also want to become a knight – that’s a big dream.

The future?

I want to come back to Wonthaggi in the next few years to settle down and raise a family. I love the beach, not having to lock your back door and just the general vibe of people and your mates knocking at the door. My parents were always really social; they’ve passed it on to my sister and me. I reckon that the core values of growing up in this area set you in such good stead. I thank Mum and Dad for that and the environment here. Now you can access the world through a computer.

There’s a massive disconnection with the new generation and the enjoyment of just being a kid and playing. My fondest memories are being free and kicking the footy around the yard with the old man watching and giving me pointers.

Your personal philosophy?

On the other side of fear is freedom! Focus on giving and the universe will give right back to you! Accept everything that comes your way because it has something to give you. People block spirituality, but there is so much to learn from it. I was a teacher yet also worked as a stripper where I met my lovely Kaela Bree – who would have thought it? C

www.theaussiex.com coast 19

Ingrid I grew up in Ringwood and we always used to come surfing at Phillip Island. Mum and Dad had a block and we’d just camp and surf.

Later when my brother came down, he’d break into a holiday house and stay the weekend, then clean up and leave some money on the bench - that’s just how it was!

After schooI, I worked for a jeweller but didn’t like it - I was more interested in cooking. I worked at Taco Bill in Russell St, then I moved into the city and met Hairy through friends. His name’s Peter Hehir – so he’s called Hairy, cos of his surname - not because he’s hairy! That was 35 years ago – it’s hard to believe we’ve known each other since we were about 20 – since the eighties!

We were just good friends for years. Then I jumped on him at the ‘housewarming’ party for my new stereo! I had to, as nothing would have happened otherwise! I knew it was the right thing. He was a musician and I was a chef, so I brought him into cooking but his real interest was music.

We lived in St Kilda together: I was cooking and Hairy played in different bands. We eventually got our own Taco Bill in Williamstown - that was fun. There I was, a surfie chick, working at the Mexican Restaurant bra-less and free! Hairy used to do gigs as well - I loved going to see him play, because it’s his passion.

One night, a group of us decided to go to the Espy [Esplanade Hotel]. In the corner was a door which we thought led to a broom cupboard. Our mate got the key and the door opened to a kitchen. It was actually the old room-service kitchen for the hotel - all covered in spider webs. Our friends asked the manager if they could re-open it and asked us to join them. It just evolved from there.

There are plenty of funny stories from those days, but none you could really print! The upstairs rooms were rented by artists and the flats next door were where the pub staff lived - it was a real community. We used all organic vegies, long before they became trendy. The cheese truck would pull up once a week and we’d ring the seafood guy every day to see what he had. We never froze anything. It was all just fresh, beautiful, wholesome food.

There was no money spent on the kitchen; we just made do. We did all the catering for the Gershwin Room for the comedians. Then the whole idea of the pub changed and we had a lot of TV personalities and sportspeople coming in because it became cool to eat at The Espy.

It worked really well because it was just the right core group. Everyone cared – no one got paid very much, everyone just wanted to do it. It lasted about eight years.

Hairy and I are better together rather than separate. A lot of people can’t work like that, but we’re happiest when we’re together. It’s our good friendship, I guess – we’re like yin and yang. We’re great mates and back each other up all the way.

If I hadn’t met Hairy, I think I still would have come to the coast because my mum lives here and we look after her. I don’t think I would have

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opened a business on my own, though. I would say Hairy is unique.

A long relationship like ours is special and I think you have to respect each other.

Hairy

I grew up in the Yarraville, Williamstown area. I was a very shy little boy who did what he was told. Then I hit 12 or 13 and pretty much rebelled against everything.

I went to an all-boys school and wasn’t very used to chatting up girls.

So I got into music and art and hung around with all the arty-farty types. Those were the Sunbury [Music Festival] days – you basically cruised around and got out of it. I learnt to cook because I became vegetarian, then met Ingrid, so I’ve been hanging around kitchens for years.

Ingrid was a friend of a friend. I went to visit and she was sharing a house with him. I didn’t think much of it, but met her again. We were mates for a long time. She was hanging around with this loser and I said: ‘I’m a much better loser than he is – you should hang around with me!’

When we saw the Espy kitchen, the boss said ‘Yeah, clean it up, go for it’. As it started to take off, all the junkies would come in. We sold a lot of healthy food and probably kept a lot of them alive, to tell the truth. The Espy was St Kilda’s lounge room and I believe The Espy kitchen helped to create Melbourne’s food culture - it was the forerunner. All of the right people ended up in one place, like a weed growing up through the footpath – you couldn’t formulate it if you tried.

When we were working at the Espy, we decided we’d get married. We chose Ingrid’s birthday so we’d never forget the date! It was the usual story - everyone working - so we decided to just get married on the beach at Red Rocks and have a party later. The day came and the clouds were building… a storm was rolling in. The moment we got married it started to rain and didn’t stop for two months.

words sally o’neill photos warren reed

Ingrid and ‘Hairy’ met in the heady eighties and were in the crew that pioneered the iconic Espy kitchen in St Kilda.

They now spend their days together in the kitchen of their San Remo café. Their lasting love has been a slow simmer rather than a sizzle. And after 35 years, they are proof that respect and friendship are the winning recipe for love.

I want to point out that Ingrid is a top-notch chef and when we came to the island 17 years ago, we worked in many places. We have our own business because we can’t work for anyone else. We’ve got the ability to pretty much get things done on our own. We are a little team sailing through life together.

I’m just starting to really enjoy living here, but now the city is rapidly encroaching. It’s not a good thing – the desal and the building booms are ruining why people come here – that’s my personal opinion. You move to enjoy a semi-rural place and now it’s fence after fence – we came here to get away from that. You also don’t see as much wildlife as you used to.

Without Ingrid – I’d probably be in jail! I would sum her up as unique.

We have true respect for each other. There’s not a lot of respect anymore – we see that in the hospitality industry and across the board in society. Life is so fast - it’s all about making money and profit. We have all become slaves to the dollar. C

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surferprofile

trade winds

“The older you get, the more competitive you get. We don’t get more sensible with age – worse luck.

Twenty years ago, I thought I would have, but it just doesn’t happen. It’s like a drug, a very addictive place.

You get off on the adrenalin and the one-upmanship with your mates.”

words katie cincotta photos warren reed

Sailors have been crossing the world’s oceans for centuries, riding the tropical trade winds in search of unconquered territory. Tradies like Steve Demos have also been in hot pursuit, downing tools to answer the wild call of the ocean, which seems to reel them in, like a blind hypnotic force.

At 54, with a physique that would be the envy of most 30-somethings, the laidback builder says the drive to surf is stronger than ever – especially when there’s competition to be had among the old boys of Express Point. That hallowed right hand shallow reef break off Smiths Beach on Phillip Island has been a sacred site for dozens of Island tradies who’ve built their lives around the surf.

Age hasn’t wearied them, reckons Steve. In fact, with every passing decade, they’re leaching more and more sense through their salty pores. “The older you get, the more competitive you get. We don’t get more sensible with age – worse luck.

Twenty years ago, I thought I would have, but it just doesn’t happen. It’s like a drug, a very addictive place. You get off on the adrenalin and the one-upmanship with your mates.”

As the only child of a gambling Greek concreter and a hardworking Australian mother, Steve moved from Warrnambool to Mooroolbark when he was three. “My mum was working two or three jobs trying to keep us going while my dad was gambling – drinking coffee till four in the morning playing poker. She just got sick of it. When they split, we moved in with my grandmother who lived in an old shack, an artist’s studio with a dirt floor. There were ducks and cows, and a creek going through our backyard. It was a pretty cool way to grow up.”>> coast 22

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surferprofile

“I was 15 years old standing beside the highway with my surfboard every weekend. If you couldn’t get back, you’d sleep in your board cover on the side of the road.”

‘Davros’, as he’s known to his mates, settled on the island in the 80s to raise three kids with his wife Linda. Having purchased their Smiths Beach property for just a five-figure sum, he says it’s been staggering to see the sleepy hollow evolve into a coveted sea-change destination. “We used to live on top of the hill, in the original farmhouse at Smithies in 1982. We paid the massive price of $17,000. I could have bought the house and the block either side for $22,000. It was ‘Paupers’ Paradise’ back then. Nobody wanted to know about Phillip Island. It wasn’t a hip groovy place. There were no cafes. But when we got the Grand Prix it really changed the place.”

For him, the island has always been special. In the mornings, he lifts his head off the pillow to survey conditions at Express Point – which he speaks of with reverence and respect. “It’s a magic place, a special place. There’s no scene, no hangers; most of the guys that go there are pretty hardcore.”

Steve says the Aboriginal middens give Express a tribal intensity, harking back to the indigenous clans who would fossick for shellfish over the reef and cook it up on the beach. “They would have been sitting there thousands of years ago enjoying the same place.”

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As a young apprentice carpenter, Steve barrelled through the bush to hit that rugged coast, even in the depths of winter.

“We used to take our cars and bash through a creek bed to get up there, then we’d get bogged and have to push each other out. In the middle of winter, there’d be cars bogged to the axles.”

Back then, the surf scene was rough and raw. “We used to hitchhike down to the peninsula. I was 15 years old standing beside the highway with my surfboard every weekend. If you couldn’t get back, you’d sleep in your board cover on the side of the road. Sometimes we’d take a tent, and two dozen cans of baked beans, and camp. Those were great years.”

The larrikin tradie is chuffed to report that one of their infamous parties at Dog Hill made the front page of one of the local papers. “We brought 16 bottles of arrack (home brew) back from Bali and made a punch.

About 300 people turned up and everyone was off their rockers on this stuff. But we were innocent. It was a bunch of blow-ins who came in and stole cars and chopped them up with axes.”

As a baby boomer builder who’s constructed around 90 per cent of the homes in Smiths Beach, Steve says what’s been wonderful about the

island lifestyle is achieving the ‘work, rest and play’ balance that eludes most suburbanites. “We work to travel and have a life; that’s what it’s all about. You don’t want to be the richest guy in the graveyard.”

To escape the influx of tourists over summer, the Demos family rents out their family home over Christmas, heading abroad to remote islands across Indonesia and the South Pacific. Many of them are places Steve explored in his younger days, and they’re now being discovered by his travel-savvy Gen Y kids.

“The day I finished my apprenticeship, me and my mate ‘Wellsy’ jumped on a plane to Indo for a couple of months, and went exploring. There were secret places back then with a lot of black magic. You had to go and sign a book to stay with the village chief.”

Steve says that tropical surf possesses a rare and sultry beauty that never fails to inspire him. “The conditions are just beautiful and the surf is amazing – the warm water gets all the swell of here, but it’s fanned by trade winds which blow offshore low, giving it that shape and texture.

There’s nothing like it in the world.”

All the battle scars and the near-misses are quickly forgotten when you’re suspended in that awesome space. “Once, I got pounded into the reef and I was numb from the waist down. I thought I was never going to walk again. Luckily my board was there and I floated in and my toes eventually got some feeling back again. But it was just a freak accident, and I was out there again the next week.”

Vanity and ego also keep the old hands in action. “We’re persistent old bastards. It gives you motivation to stay fit. It’s like the carrot dangling. Otherwise you’d sit around and get fat. If you start to chub up, everyone’s into you. It’s the niggling from your mates that keeps you going.”

So, after all this time, does the cheeky builder consider himself the ‘King’ of Express Point? In his living room, he whoops up a big, hearty laugh that bounces off the spectacular glass facade overlooking the ocean.

“Nah, I’m not the king.”

How about the prince, then?

“Maybe the court jester. That’d be it.” C

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artistprofile

The other kids always thought I’d grow up to be an artist, or at least a cartoonist...

words & photos maria reed

From country kid to renowned world artist, David Frazer has made his mark on the art world.

As a line of canons shot coloured tissue into the heavens, released doves flapped their wings against the papery downpour. It was an opening ceremony the likes of which visiting artist David Frazer had never encountered. As a major prize-winner in the first-ever Print Biennial in Guanlan, China, he recalls it as “one of the most surreal times of my life. It was like a huge communist extravaganza.

I got my first-ever non-homemade trophy,” he laughs. He was put up in a very luxurious golf resort and showered with gifts. “It was ridiculous; I felt like a visiting Brad Pitt – of the art world, that is!”

It’s a far cry from the world of the boy who grew up scribbling in the small Wimmera town of Murtoa. “The other kids always thought I’d grow up to be an artist, or at least a cartoonist,” he remembers, but young David had other plans. Big plans.

Slightly embarrassed, he recalls, “I wanted to be famous and make it in showbiz.” Dreaming of being a singer, he says, “actually, I thought I was pretty good . . . but I wasn’t.” After a brief stint as the self-proclaimed “Karaoke King of Central Victoria”, he gave up on his dream of becoming a music idol.

As a young lad, he was completely unaware that his years spent in Murtoa would eventually lead to fame and fortune in a profession quite out of left field. When the family moved to Rosebud to follow their father as Headmaster at the local high school, his small town became a distant memory. In a much larger school, David says he never really fitted in or felt ‘one of the gang’. Struggling to find his place, he explored art and discovered some amazing art teachers. “I felt a real affinity with them and they really inspired me.” Almost as a rebellion against the bleached-blonde surfie types at school, David let his hair grow longer and finally found a>> coast 26

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artistprofile

I used to busk with a ghetto blaster and karaoke tapes. I’d sing and dance and just act like a bit of an idiot, really. place where he felt he fitted in. He excelled in HSC art and he realised there was no other alternative at that time beyond going to art school.

At 17 he was accepted to study art at Monash Chisholm and later transferred to Phillip Institute, which, he laughs, “was kind of stupid, because it was really dull.” Having studied both painting and sculpture at Chisholm, in hindsight he realises that it was a really great school. “But at that time I thought I was a bit of a genius and no-one could teach me anything,” he laughs.

Leaving art school, David struggled once more to find his place.

Admiration for his former art teachers led to “the one sensible thing I did in my life.” He moved to Bendigo to complete a diploma of education. “I thought it would keep my poor mum happy for a bit. I actually thought it would be a bit of a bludge (it wasn’t), but when I finally finished, I realised the last thing I ever wanted to be in the world was a school teacher!”

With stars in his eyes, his still believed he’d make it in showbiz. “I used to busk with a ghetto blaster and karaoke tapes. I’d sing and dance and just act like a bit of an idiot, really.” He teamed up with a DJ and they rode the karaoke wave of the 90s. “It was a bit of fun, but it was pretty awful, really. There is only so much you can take listening to drunk footballers singing the Chisel’s Kasan.” He persisted for a year and then made a move to Gippsland, where he teamed up with a friend in theatre. “I didn’t really like theatre unless I could be stupid. I did a bit of extras work, Neighbours and stuff like that. It’s a bit embarrassing, but at least I had the guts to try it!”

At (almost) 30 he found himself in a gorilla suit trying to drum up business for a local cafe. “I think that was about as low as I could go,” he laughs. It sent him on a soul-searching mission.

What he should do with his life? He started experimenting with printmaking, a medium he enjoyed. This led to an honours course at Monash in printmaking. He was tutored by some extraordinary printmakers and introduced to wood engraving. “After all the years of mucking about in music and acting, I actually had a subject to draw from.” David’s work features people with failed ambitions yearning to escape and fly away to somewhere more exciting.

But it is not all doom and gloom. Most subjects find a vaguely happy ending – like coming back to find it’s not all that bad.

David is renowned for his printmaking and loves the medium for its storytelling potential. “It suits narrative. It’s small and graphic – so easy to tell a story.” He laughs at the memory of his showbiz stage, recalling that “I’d give my left arm to be a songwriter, to tell a story through song, but printmaking has become my means of telling a story.” Versatile in printmaking, painting and sculpture, David describes the mediums as giving him an outlet to express the full >>

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artistprofile story through art. “My painting provides the setting, or the scene, if you will, and the printmaking provides the narrative.”

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The artist was finally able to draw from his childhood experience.

Smiling, he says, “Suddenly I had a subject – and that’s half the battle.”

He remembers sitting on the roof of his house in the small Wimmera town “looking out with no-one there, just this beautiful but kind of melancholy, sad landscape. That’s basically what I do pictures of.” His wood engravings contain people or animals with a background narrative while his paintings portray empty landscapes and townscapes. “My work captures a bit of that rural decline and the changing nature of country towns.” A recent body of work takes on a bit more of a worldview. Titled ‘Broken Home’, he comments, “it’s about the world, really.

I’ve created all these nocturnal country scenes with no people. I’ve kind of tried to make them attractive, but they’re empty and suggest we’ve maybe stuffed things up.” But always one for a happy ending, David ensures that the final painting in the series is of the regrowth of Kinglake after the fires, the only piece in colour – a redemption of sorts.

The ABC filmed a documentary that put the emerging artist on the map. They followed his journey from attending Anzac Day ceremonies in his old home town to creating images in his Melbourne studio and returning to exhibit them in the old town hall. “They let me take over the hall. The Cromby Brass Band played and the CWA even made sandwiches.” His art was auctioned off to raise money for the local medical centre. “It made me look like a bit of a local hero,” he laughs.

“Mum and Dad were very proud. They interviewed Mum on the show, and I said to her, ‘There’s no mention of the 20 years of hassling me to get a proper job, or sending me cut-out job ads from the newspaper!’ ” The documentary changed his life and propelled his work into a whole new stratosphere. “Sales just went crazy,” he marvels. “I think people like the work and liked the doco because it wasn’t too arty. Things were familiar to people – like the guy hanging off the Hills hoist. It’s something we all did as kids. It’s sort of like an escape back to a time of innocence. I feel pretty lucky. I have just happened to strike upon something that people really like, and I can earn a living from it, too.

A full-time artist now for over 10 years, David is very excited to be exhibiting at the Rebecca Hossack Gallery in London this June. “It’s in a little suburb called Fitzrovia, which is a tiny boutique suburb in the heart of London, very lah-de-dah – very exciting, but also nerve-racking. It’s a very expensive exercise sending work (and yourself ) over. Hopefully it doesn’t ruin me,” he laughs. It’s a long way from the comfortable chair in which he sits, overlooking the trees in his Cape Paterson holiday home. Yet another chapter of his life from which to draw inspiration?

Irony is not lost on the artist as he reflects, “From being a show-off on stage and failing miserably, to then succeeding as an artist – it’s kind of weird, you know.” With his ego now well satisfied, he laughs, “You can’t be someone you’re not – and realising where your talents lie is half the battle.” C

Leongatha Art and Craft Gallery Quality local Art & Craft Changing Exhibitions Cnr Michael Place and Mc Cartin St Leongatha - Opposite the Post Office & next door to the CAB & Visitor info centre.

Closed; Sunday, Tuesday. Open; Sat 10am-2pm. Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri 10am-4pm or when the sign is out.

Gallery; 5662 5370. Contact; 5662 2029 email. lacs@live.com.au www. visitpromcountry.com.au

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David recently exhibited & held printmaking workshops at Gecko Studio Gallery at Fish Creek. If you would like to see more of David’s work or enquire about upcoming workshops you can log onto www.geckostudiogallery.com.au or www.dfrazer.com

“You can’t be someone you’re not – and realising where your talents lie is half the battle” coast 31

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lost girl

words sally o’neill photos warren reed & supplied

Living through the nightmare of war in her home of Southern Sudan has given Haluel Herjok the dream of hope for her country.

For young Haluel Herjok, life in her village of Bor was idyllic. She recalls happy memories of days spent with her grandmother and cousins. “My grandfather had five wives and my dad had two,” explains this beautiful, eloquent woman. “We had goats, chickens and cows. Life was very good, because I was living a village life with my grandma and family.

We were happy and running around – it was my happiest time ever.”

This innocent time was made possible by her grandmother protecting her from the awful truth of the war that has afflicted Sudan for decades. “I used to hear about war across our country and I’d ask grandma where we would go when the war reached our village.

She would say, ‘It has nothing to do with us, we are civilians – it’s mainly a religious war’. But I think my grandmother was hiding the truth because I later witnessed many civilians being killed.”

Haluel’s carefree childhood ended abruptly in 1990, when she was eight. Shooting erupted in her village in the middle of the night. “I didn’t know why my sleep had been interrupted and why everyone was running and there was gunfire everywhere. I woke up and just had to run. My grandmother was calling to me to come back but I couldn’t stop – everybody was running into the bush to hide. It was dark and I couldn’t see her. I never saw her again – she died five years later.”

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She was drawn into the bush with the fleeing villagers. “My village people were with me – we are all related, we are brothers, ancestors.

They grabbed our hands and tried to take care of us, but they didn’t have food or water. I didn’t know what to do, how to act. I had never been alone without my parents or grandma before – it was horrible.

We just had to eat leaves off trees and even drink our own urine, but if you don’t have water in your body, you can’t even urinate. It was just a matter of keeping our heads down, and keeping going.”

For 12 horrific days, they ran for their lives towards East Africa.

“They were shooting at us. As I ran, I could see people falling, being injured, shot dead or raped. We could hear a lot of crying, but we had to keep quiet. When we heard the gunfire coming closer, we had to start running because that meant the soldiers were close.”

During that horrific journey, a lot of the children fleeing died from their wounds, dehydration or starvation, or were killed by snakes and wild animals. Some children had to cross the river to Ethiopia, and many drowned or were taken by crocodiles. >>

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We could hear a lot of crying, but we had to keep quiet. When we heard the gunfire coming closer, we had to start running because that meant the soldiers were close.

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Miraculously, Haluel made it to a refugee camp in Kenya, but more horrors awaited. “I remember during my earlier years in the camp, all my thoughts were about the beautiful way of life I had before I had to flee. I used to think about my village, my people, my grandmother’s beautiful hut and big farm and how my cousins and friends used to play together,” says Haluel. That was replaced by a crowded refugee camp with a dusty mud-hut with a plastic roof to call home.

Overcrowding and poor sanitation made every day a struggle for survival. “We did get food twice a month, which was wheat, beans, oil, salt and powdered food mixture. Sometimes we were only given dried corn and had to grind it into flour. Queuing for food in the sun was shocking with temperatures often getting over 50 degrees.”

The rainy season brought a much needed break from the dust and heat, but brought new problems. Lack of drainage meant that shelters became flooded and diseases spread more easily.

Outbreaks of cholera were a constant feature of life. “Aid agencies did try to supply enough medicine to keep people alive, yet many died everyday. I was struggling and alone - life was terrible.

But I still considered myself lucky to have gotten out alive.”

True to character, Haluel found a positive through this adversity, the camp providing her with an opportunity for education.

“Schools in South Sudan are for boys; girls don’t go to school.

I didn’t know how to read or write. I started my 1,2,3 in Kenya and I learnt English too.” She studied hard, found employment with the UN as a Women’s Rights Activist, married and had two children – all within the confines of the camp.

Using her new skills and with the help of a cousin in Adelaide, Haluel applied for her family to move to Australia. When successful, she embraced the challenge with her usual strength and determination.

But, Melbourne’s suburbs were a culture shock. “I was really homesick.

Even though I had lived in a refugee camp, I was never alone. In Africa, your neighbour is a really important person in your life. When I came here, I couldn’t even see the neighbours. I thought, ‘Maybe there are no people – just houses!’ One time I tried to knock on the neighbour’s door.

The lady asked what I wanted. I opened my mouth and she closed the door on me. I thought ‘Why, why do people have to be in their houses?’

– we have to get out and converse. That’s how we live in Africa. We don’t have enough to eat, but we live through hope and conversation.”

Finally Haluel settled to her life in Melbourne. “My community was getting a lot of bad press due to cultural barriers. I formed a small women’s group and encouraged them to help recognise their individuality in society. I held events for men and women to break down social isolation, keep their minds entertained and promote coast 34

a feeling of togetherness. Home is where you sleep. You have to adapt to life here and just get on with it. I tell the women that the important thing is getting something out of this opportunity.

It was by chance that we came here, and we have to make the most of the situation.”. Haluel achieved a Diploma of Community Welfare Work at TAFE and hopes to attend university in the future.

Haluel went back last year to Sudan with her children, to see and feel the country she left a long time ago. Now back in Australia, she is contented with her people’s progress. Immigration has now stopped so Haluel is focussing on helping women and children in Sudan and realising her dream of building a primary school for girls in her village.

A block of land donated in September last year by the locals has now been cleared and fenced. The next step is to build six rooms for Prep to Grade 6, a water-well for clean drinking water and toilet blocks.

Haluel is trying to fundraise the amount of $A50 000 for this project.

Helping her achieve this goal is Gippslander George Hendry, who was reduced to tears when he visited Haluel’s home village recently.

He reels off some shocking statistics about life for women in Sudan: 94% of South Sudanese women are illiterate, one in six dies in

childbirth and one in six babies dies before the age of nine months.

“The easiest way to change these figures is to give a girl a school uniform. The key to change is the women,” he says passionately.

how you can help

Haluel dreams of returning to work in her own country one day perhaps through the Government, helping women and children.

But until then she is determined to make as much change as she can from her Australian home. Haluel believes that with hope, hard work and determination, you can become who you want to be, no matter what happened to you in the past. It’s all down to strength of mind, hope and self-reliance. “When the war came to my village, I felt that it was the end of my life. But I think I was led to safety for a reason, and that is why I want to help make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate than me.”

Learn more at www.baaiborwomen.org.au Donations can be made directly to the Baai-Bor Women via this website.

Perhaps her greatest regret is not seeing her beloved grandmother again though Haluel knows she would be very proud. “She always said I had a good heart and that if life allowed me to survive, I would serve others. I just wish she had lived to see who I am today and how I want to help others.”

George is planning to return to Southern Sudan to help supervise the building of the school when funds are in hand, and he is happy to talk to any group about this project.

Contact Haluel: haluel@baaiborwomen.org.au

Alternatively you can contact George Hendry www.brynsschool.net or gchendry@gmail.com

I just wish you had been as lucky as I was to meet this inspired woman. C coast 35

featurearea

words sally o’neill photos warren & maria reed

Churchill Island a step back in time >

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Churchill Island, just off the coast of Phillip Island, is a place of mystery and beauty just waiting to be discovered…

Today, the island is part of Phillip Island Nature Parks and, while retaining its historic significance, it has also taken on a modern vibe.

If only the ancient Moonah trees that grace the shores of Churchill Island could talk. Their whorled, gnarled trunks are testament to the hundreds of years they have stood witness to the comings and goings of this tiny isle.

For an ‘island off an island’, Churchill is very easy to access. The road winds through wetlands, past pelicans to a small, single-lane bridge and then you’re there. The 57-hectares offer an experience of old world charm mixed with natural beauty.

Churchill Island is celebrated in Victoria’s history books - somewhere on its shores is the site of Victoria’s first European building and garden, dating back to March 1801. Lt. Grant left his ship, the Lady Nelson, and rowed over from Rhyll. He immediately fell in love with the tiny isle and instructed his men to build a blockhouse and garden and planted seeds given to him by a man named Churchill - hence the name. The Bunurong Aboriginal people knew it as ‘Moonahmia’ – home of the Moonahs.

Grant had to leave his beloved island soon after, but his men did come back later that year and found the crops flourishing and the blockhouse still standing. The story pauses there for over fifty years until the next chapter of history opened. In all of Churchill Island’s passing parade of characters, my favourite is Samuel Pickersgill. Samuel was a squatter with a passion for gambling. He is reputed to have visited and farmed the island as early as the late 1850s – most likely living in the original blockhouse. It is also said that he lost the chance to gain title to the island in a card game. Poor old Samuel met his end when he bet he could ride a horse bareback through a pine forest – he lost and the pine tree won that one…

A much more sensible settler, John Rogers, gained the first legal title in 1866 and worked hard to develop and improve the farm, building cottages for his family that still stand today. He created gardens and grew and harvested potatoes, the rich volcanic soils producing abundant crops.

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The island caught the attention of Melbourne society gentleman, Samuel Amess, who purchased it in 1872. The ex-mayor of Melbourne, this wealthy master builder and stonemason was responsible for many Melbourne landmarks including the Kew Hospital for the Insane and the Customs House. He adored his seaside retreat, a place where he came to ‘loosen his tie’ and relax from the pressures of city life. Floating goods and materials over on the high tide, he built a modest timber home which still stands today and has been restored to its original charm. The Norfolk Pine he planted as a sapling is now a giant, and the orchard trees dating back to the late 1800s bear fruit to this day. Each is on the National Trust’s Significant Tree Register and the entire island is on the Register of the National Estate.

Amess brought the first herd of West Highland Cattle to Victoria, and their woolly descendents still graze the paddocks – often standing right in the middle of the entrance road and delighting visitors. In a controversial move, he also hosted the crew of the Confederate warship Shenandoah when it docked in Melbourne in 1865. The story goes that, as a thank you, he was given the cannon that still stands beneath the Norfolk Pine. Samuel loved to fire the cannon on special occasions, especially New Year’s Eve. After over 30 years of Amess family ownership, in 1929, the island passed to Gerald Buckley, the wealthy heir of the Buckley & Nunn stores in Melbourne. Gerald appointed the local Jeffery brothers and their wives as caretakers. The late Gwen Jeffery often told me the amazing story of the night she went into labour. With no bridge, she had to wade through the water to reach Phillip Island. Despite the rushing tide and stingrays brushing her legs, she made it to the other side and then to hospital in Cowes. She even called her son Gerald in Buckley’s honour.

When Buckley died, Melbourne dentist Harry Jenkins bought the island as a retreat for his wheelchair-bound son, Ted. This era is well >>

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documented in the display in the Visitor Centre. Black and white images vgive a great feel for the good times the Jenkins and their many visitors enjoyed. Harry Jenkins commissioned and built the first bridge to the island in 1959, ending an era of boat crossings, wading through the mud at low tide and swimming stock across the channel.

Eventually, the property was left to Ted’s nurse, Sister Campbell. It was then briefly owned by a Mr Classou before it was purchased by the Victorian Conservation Trust in 1976 for the princely sum of $420,000.

This ended over 100 years of private ownership and secured it for the public to protect and enjoy.

• Group bookings • Weddings • Private functions

Today, the island is part of Phillip Island Nature Parks and, while retaining its historic significance, it has also taken on a modern vibe. You can walk, cycle or drive to the Visitor Centre where the café overlooking the bay incorporates some of the island’s produce into the stylish menu.

Festivals and markets bring the island to life and bind the community together. There’s also sculpture by local artists and a walking and cycle track around the entire perimeter.

Amess House, Rogers’ Cottages and the other outbuildings have now been completely restored. You can wander through the buildings, chat to the volunteer guides and get a feel for times gone by. The working

farm comes alive each day with demonstrations such as milking the house cow, and the ever-popular horse and cart rides with the resident Clydesdale horses.

Just as fascinating as the island’s history is its unique natural environment and birdlife. The walking track takes you around the entire island, with signs providing information about the history, nature and wildlife. To the south, mudflats, saltmarsh and the world’s southernmost mangroves fringe the shore leading to the waters of Churchill Island Marine National Park. The wide expanse of Westernport is an internationally-renowned wetland where migratory birds flock to feed each summer from places as far-flung as Siberia. From North Point, you can look across to French Island, Corinella and the Mornington Peninsula.

The small forest of ancient Moonah trees in the south-west corner is a magical place. Spend a few moments sitting amongst their sculptured trunks and soak up the peace as you gaze across the bay of Western Port to Rhyll on Phillip Island...

Churchill Island Heritage Farm is just off the coast of Phillip Island. Follow the signs from Newhaven. C www.churchillisland.org.au

Mid year functions 2011 for further details check our website, bookings for functions essential.

Game & Wild foods dinner -11 June • Spanish dinner - 9 July • Indian Feast dinner - 16 July Feast from Pacific Rim seafood and anything Australasian dinner - 13 August

Open 9.00am-4:30pm daily for Breakfast, Lunch, Morning & Afternoon Tea. Please check our website for extended opening hours during Holidays & Weekends Ph. 5956 7834 www.churchillislandcafe.com.au coast 40

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of the words sally o’neill photos warren reed

At 82, John William Hugh Dwyer is still king behind the wheel of his transport truck.

Late last year, John Dwyer’s livestock truck broke down. His family took the opportunity to say, ‘That’s it – no repairs, just retire.’ After 65 years of droving cattle and whispering unruly beasts in and out of vehicles across the country, he resigned himself to the fact. But he’s still working - now delivering more inanimate objects such as parcels and parts.

Ask anyone and they’ll tell you that John Dwyer has a way with livestock. There aren’t many like him who can roll up and load ‘em in with no fuss – often on his own, and sometimes in the dead of night.

“I’ve worked with cattle from a very young age,” says John to explain his skill and patience. But it doesn’t always go to plan. Like the time the fully loaded truck tipped over near Koo Wee Rup or when, out the back of Wilcannia, they had to unload the stock, get the truck out of a bog, find the cattle and re-load them. “We got ‘em all in the end,” he says, eyes shining at the memory.

John was born in 1929 in South Melbourne. He came into the world at the Berry Street Foundling Home, but he has no idea why he, a child of two parents, was born there. “That was the start of my story. In those days, things were pretty rough and tough.” And they got tougher.

The family moved to San Remo where his father managed Shetland Heights, “one of the last stations in the area”. When John was six, his mother Marjorie died after giving birth to his third brother. “She bled to death. I can remember it vividly. I was stunned - they couldn’t find me anywhere and I was in the little shed, crying my eyes out - I can still remember that plain as anything. It was pretty devastating really – there was my father left with a young baby. I remember Dad saying they wanted to take the children off him, but he said, ‘That’s not going to happen’. Life really changed when she died.”

John and his brothers were “shipped around to aunties” and also looked after by their father who continued running the Shetland Heights farm.

In another tragic turn, his aunty Vicky came and cared for them until her husband died in a fishing accident and she returned to Sydney. “Then the string of housekeepers began until he found the right one and married her!” recalls John. “Florence looked after us as if we were her own children – we all adored her.”

With Florence at the helm, life resumed some sort of normality. John rode his horse to the local school, worked on the farm and spent holidays in Welshpool and Melbourne with his aunties. He and his brothers also raised extra pocket money trapping rabbits and selling their fur. “I set the traps on the cliffs - San Remo was rural then - I remember there wasn’t one house on the hills, which were ‘alive’ and moving with rabbits. There was also a herd of Shetland ponies that just ran along the beach.” With that many rabbits around, he could trap 2-3 per trap each night, sleeping out under the trees. “During the war, the fur was pretty valuable because they made army hats out of it.” They also sold rabbits to locals: “One old lady, I reckon she was 100 at the time, would say things like: ‘John, please tell me you didn’t catch them at the cemetery’ or ‘You are sure they’re dead, aren’t you?’” laughs John.

“I’d be about 16-17 in that photo,” he says looking back through 60 years at the young lad that still lives inside this man.

After leaving school, John worked on the farm for food and board and did odd jobs around the district. Like when he was 15 and dug out the sand dune with a horse and scoop to form Wynne Road where he now resides. He also built a shed and then a house – he’d never done either before but he thought he’d “give it a try”.

Another job was running San Remo Caravan Park - collecting fees and doing maintenance. There was always great excitement when Thorpe McConville’s Wild West Rodeo did a show at the big oval behind the caravan park. “There were no houses there then. It was a big event in those days and hundreds of people came.”>>

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Bass Coast Community Health Service is a not for profit organisation with PBI status and relies heavily on volunteers, donations and fundraising.

Giving to your local community health service benefits everyone within the Bass Coast Community.

“I’d saved up enough ‘rabbit money’ so we bought this old truck.”

• Nursing • Community Services

He was also the local mailman. In this fortuitous move he met a lovely young lady named Eileen whose parents ran the Newhaven post office.

“I’d see her three times a day when I’d deliver the mail I’d picked up from the train at Anderson.” One day he casually invited her to a dance.

“She nearly jumped the counter when I asked,” he laughs cheekily.

Eileen denies this, but whichever version is true, the couple hit it off and married three years later in 1959 at St Mary’s, Dandenong. “We found out that my grandmother got married in the very same church,” says John.

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Married life began in a small house in San Remo, around the corner from his dad and stepmother. For the births of each of their five children - Brendan, Daniel, Catherine, Roslyn and Fiona - John did his duty of delivering Eileen to hospital then going back to work. “When Dad died, the house was too big for Florence and ours was too small for our growing family, so we did a swap” says John. “We loaded all our possessions into the wheelbarrow, the pram and the ute and wheeled them down the road!” And there they stayed – to this very day.

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Around 1956, John and his brother Kevin had an “inkling” to start a stock business. “I’d saved up enough ‘rabbit money’ so we bought this old truck – it was a GMC and had a 19-foot stock crate on it. Business started off slow - the island was pretty primitive in those days. But after a few months, we were going to Newmarket. In our heyday, I was doing three loads a night to Melbourne.” They raised funds to buy a brand new truck - a ‘Commer Knocker’. After that, they drove a Mercedes, which caused a great stir when it reached 2 million kilometres. “Mercedes sent a bloody photographer for three hours,” recalls John. “He was jumping around like he was photographing for Vogue or something - it was really funny!”

And so the business went - John and Kevin loading and unloading, driving up and down the highway. John carried mostly livestock – his way with animals made him a valuable asset to the area’s farmers for over 55 years. When the rail line closed, the owner of Wonthaggi’s

Miner’s Rest Hotel, Pat Barry, called for help. “He said: I’ve got to get some bloody beer from Melbourne and there’s no train,” recalls John.

“So we carted beer for 35 years, and also general mail freight.” The partnership of brothers ended tragically when Kevin died suddenly, leaving John to run the business single-handed. “It took a long time for that loss to sink in,” he admits.

The Dwyer family always accepted trucking as a way of life. His daughter Rose recalls: “Of a night, Dad would come home late and Mum would have his tea ready. San Remo was so quiet, you could hear him changing down gears in the old Dodge truck at Anderson. We’d say ‘There’s Dad’ and Mum would put the tea on. Three minutes later he’d be home!” John agrees. “I could hear Clarry Spokes starting the three cylinder diesel Commer Knocker in Cowes: we had an ear for it.”

When asked about a favourite memory of those early days, John takes a long pause - and is lost in reflection. “We used to ride the horses down to Cape Woolamai to get the muttonbirds and, before the bridge, I used to swim the cattle across from the Boys’ Home in Newhaven to Churchill Island at high tide – and we never lost one.”

Looking back on 82 years of life, he can’t pick a highlight. “Life’s been pretty good, really – not many setbacks. He admits health is important and he’s been fortunate in that respect. “I can remember our school teacher would say, ‘No matter what you do in life there is something you can’t buy, and that’s health’. He’d drum that into us.”

“It’s the pace of the place and the growth that are the biggest changes I’ve seen in San Remo. When you think there wasn’t a house up on that hill…” he says of this now densely-populated suburb. The open plains of his youth where he camped and caught rabbits are now thick with houses and holiday-makers oblivious to the landscape of his childhood memory. The rail lines and roads of his memory are also transformed, as are the trucks he made his living from. “Trucks are now smooth and air-conditioned. All we’d do was wind the windows down.” C coast 45

word geoff russell photos supplied

advertising feature

From Bass Hills to your tap, we explore a water supply evolution…

Water supply in the Westernport region came to life in the early sixties with the construction of the Candowie Reservoir located at the base of the Bass Hills in Almurta.

Commissioned in 1964, the reservoir’s original capacity was raised in 1978 and again in 1982 to a achieve a capacity of 2264 ML .

Measuring approximately 1,700 hectares with an estimated 25km of waterline, Candowie’s main tributary is Tennent Creek. Before European settlement, the Candowie sub-catchment was made up of swamp scrub, damp and lowland forest. This vegetation was cleared predominantly for cattle grazing. Today, Candowie’s catchment area is made up of mainly privately owned farmland and is part of the Bass catchment.

Originally, water was pumped from Candowie Reservoir to nearby Almurta Basin and gravity fed to the Wimbledon Heights Storage Basin. These open water basins were two main components of the water distribution system of the day and supplied the area from 1964 to 1989.

San Remo Basin was built in 1961 and came into service when Candowie was connected in 1964 to service Phillip Island and surrounding communities with drinking water. Phillip Island and San Remo received mains drinking water from November 1964.

The original water supply to Phillip Island was delivered via a 10 inch cast iron main which was connected under the old swing bridge.

Supply was upgraded when the current bridge was built and opened in November 1969, with the upgrade of the supply main to a 350mm pipe.

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Kilcunda, Dalyston and Archies Creek started receiving drinking water after the drought of 1967. The coastal hamlets of Coronet Bay, Corinella, Grantville and Pioneer Bay tapped into mains water in the early eighties. Outlying areas of Phillip Island did not receive drinking water until the start of the nineties.

Water distribution was different to that of today. Westernport Water’s current Treatment Plant Manager Brett Beaumont explains: “In the 70’s and 80’s we had two operations - winter and summer. During winter we used to gravity feed all the way from the Almurta Basin to the Cowes storage basin bypassing the San Remo Basin. In summer the demand was much greater so we had to give the water a boost and pump it into the San Remo Basin to ensure we had enough storage to cope with demand.”

Water quality was the main driver to build a Water Purification Plant at Candowie in 1988. The water was treated using a technique known as Dissolved Air Flotation and was named in memory of a former engineer and manager Ian Bartlett, who undertook much of the concept design which still exists today.

In March 1991, Westernport Water awarded a contract to implement major water supply extension and sewer works to Phillip Island and Westernport communities.

In 1997 Westernport Water committed itself to further improving its water quality and identified San Remo Basin as a key solution to the water quality equation. It was first thought that the process of using heavy machinery to enlarge the basin would be fairly straight forward, but no one was aware of the volcanic rock that was to be uncovered in the embankments and floor.

The basin was taken out of service for a period of twelve weeks. For a cost of $640,000 the basin was increased to 30ML capacity compared to its original 22ML providing a secure storage for the high quality water that is delivered from the Water Purification Plant. The water supply system is somewhat unique in that this basin is positioned midway on a single source supply main which delivers water from Candowie Reservoir in the north east via the Ian Bartlett Water Purification Plant to all areas stretching from The Gurdies to Archies Creek and includes San Remo and Phillip Island. When the basin came online in 1999 the Almurta and Wimbledon Heights storage basins were decommissioned.

Brett Beaumont explains “San Remo Basin is a vital link in the transfer of water from the Ian Bartlett Water Purification Plant to customers’ properties. Water from the plant is now pumped to an enclosed and lined San Remo Basin from where it gravity feeds to all customers.”

Security of water supply became an issue during the 2006/07 drought and it became necessary to secure alternative water to bolster storage supplies. It was decided to source additional water allocation from Bass River and tap into the Corinella borefields which had been used during the drought. Four ML per day of bore water was sourced from Grantville during the drought and a total of 276ML was extracted. The Corinella borefield was commissioned in 2009 with a bulk entitlement of 490ML. An additional 3000ML per annum from the Bass River was approved by the minister for water in 2009.

Increasing reliability of water supply infrastructure to Phillip Island was identified as a priority considering the age of existing water mains that are suspended from the bridge connecting Phillip Island to the mainland. In December 2010 it was announced that Westernport Water would construct an independent under-channel pipeline, under the San Remo Channel using horizontal directional drilling.

Works for this project commenced in April.

Updated forecasts from the Sustainable Water Strategy Central Region Action 2055, predict a population increase of 58% by 2030 and 166% by 2055. This highlights Westernport Water’s need to develop alternative solutions to meet the future water supply needs of the region.

From January, the total bulk entitlement of water available to Westernport Water is 7400ML per annum. Tennent Creek (2,910ML), Bass River (3,000ML), Corinella borefield (490ML) and Wonthaggi Desalination Plant (1000ML).

The connection to the desalination plant provides Westernport Water with the capability of taking drinking water from the Wonthaggi/ Melbourne pipeline under any circumstances where it is needed. The new desal pipeline to Melbourne due for commissioning in June 2012 can reverse flow and return Melbourne water by valves located at Candowie Reservoir.

Another avenue Westernport Water is investigating is further increasing Candowie Reservoir by raising the dam wall 3 metres to increase storage capacity from 2264ML to 4463ML. A decision is expected to be made in June… C

Who has managed our water through the decades: • The Westernport Waterworks Trust constituted in 1947 • Cowes Sewerage Authority constituted in 1971 • Westernport Water Board constituted in 1984 • Westernport Region Water Authority constituted in 1994 • Westernport Region Water Corporation constituted in 2007

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artistprofile

seventeen shades of black words katie cincotta photos supplied & warren reed

From Communist Yugoslavia to Meeniyan, artist Sacha Zoe Lamont’s journey has had one constant – her love of art – and dogs…

It took Sacha Zoe Lamont more than two and a half years to pass her driver’s licence. When you’re an art historian, trained for tunnel vision precision, it takes a long time to shift out to the periphery. “It took me years to develop the attention deficit disorder that is needed to be able to drive,” she laughs wryly, cupping her lemongrass tea.

As a student studying art history in Communist Yugoslavia, Sacha developed an intense appreciation for art. “We had the benefits of a Communist education, where knowledge was power to the people.

They would give you what only very privileged people in the West could afford. But more than that, they gave you an intellectual rigour.”

Sacha says that exactitude is in pointed contrast to the Australian culture, where everybody has an opinion, regardless of their knowledge base. “Here, people think they can have an opinion about anything, regardless. That was a bit shocking. But – ‘reality check’ – how much do you actually know about the subject matter? You can’t solve the equation if you don’t have all the information.”

One of the more obscure assignments asked of her during her studies was to give unique names to 17 shades of black, and then be able to identify the colour swatches in a test. “The exercise was completely mind-boggling but it was designed to fine-tune your perception. The greatest impediment to actually ‘seeing’ is to have personal taste. You have to chuck it out, or put it in a cupboard, because it’s not for judging art. That purity and that honesty give respect to the artist.”

For this Prussian (German) raised in the Balkans, integrity has been an important life mantra, a quality instilled in her by a scientist mother and a father who served as an intelligence officer for Tito, the revolutionary who ruled Yugoslavia from World War II until 1991. “I was born in Tito’s Yugoslavia, but then it fell apart. Now there is not a single language I speak without an accent. The language I grew up with – SerboCroatian – is dead.” coast 48

During the ensuing Bosnian war of the mid-90s, Sacha says the veils were drawn back to reveal people’s true character. “I spent the last year of the siege living in the frontline of Sarajevo, where people were shooting on either side of the road. During the war I wanted to be there. I liked the intensity and the purity of the war. You could see people for who they really were.”

Humanitarian aid was offered to those who were baptised, but as a third generation atheist, Sacha refused conversion. “It was pure selfpreservation. In dangerous times, your integrity is all you’ve got. You have to be whole. You can’t afford any cracks.”

Targeted because of her father’s secret service, her citizenship was destroyed and five Croatian police came to search her house. “They had the authority to shoot me on the spot, so I let them come in. Two guys with machine guns were guarding the doors, the other two were dismantling the place, and this spindly guy was sitting at the table interrogating me about hidden weapons.” Sacha pointed to a small toy army truck on her kitchen shelf. “I wasn’t Miss Congeniality. We looked at each other for a few long seconds and I knew I was off the hook.

There was a silent agreement between us. We had played our roles and stayed civil and that was the moment that I realised life is wonderful. I felt then that I could get through anything.”

That fearless epiphany saw her rescue a dog from a traumatised soldier who was training the animal to kill. “He was a big black dog – Wolf – a Labrador/wolf cross mongrel I found on the street in Sarajevo. He was shaking and hiding. The psycho who had him was firing pistols next to his head. But being half Labrador, the dog obviously wouldn’t kill, so he kicked him out in the mountains, which were full of landmines.”

“In dangerous times, your integrity is all you’ve got.

You have to be whole. You can’t afford any cracks.”

Six years after the end of the war, Sacha reached a turning point, unable to stay in a country that had been so divided. Australia was the only country that would accept both Sacha and her dog as immigrants.>> coast 49

Sacha reflects in an apartment building on the frontline in war-torn Sarajevo.

The apartment was a means of accessing her own similarly damaged home.

25 June - 28 July Lachlan Cavalier

artistprofile

paintings by Phil Henshall opening Sunday 26 June 2–4pm

30 July - 25 August Objectiv Collectiv

art collaboration of 9 Australia wide artists opening Sunday 31 July 2–4pm

27 August - 22 September Fishy Baskets

multiple art forms by Pat Dale opening Sunday 28 August 2–4pm “I had to swear on a stack of bibles that he wasn’t a wolf cross. I lied and changed his name to Max.” After finding it impossible to rent in Melbourne with a large dog, Sacha and Max moved in with a friend in Leongatha. “People love dogs in Australia. It was one of the things that made me feel at home.”

84 Whitelaw St Meeniyan 3956 Mon-Fri 10-4, Sat-Sun 11-5, Closed Tue Ph. (03) 5664 0101 www.meeniyanartgallery.org.au

Six years later, she’s the curator of the Meeniyan Gallery, but lives alone, without her war buddy. “When he died two years ago, that was when I started studying acting, because I was half crazy. So I did something new and preposterous. I still really, really miss him. There was a synergy between us. I’ve had dogs before but it was not like this. If I believed in soul mates, I would think he was mine.”

For her acting class at Monash University, Sacha is about to play a prostitute in Jean Genet’s ‘The Balcony’. She says the acting is her way of grieving, a chance to better express herself in English. Playing a whore has also helped her understand the shared role of prostitutes and artists. “Artists are a group of people doing practically the same thing as prostitutes. Prostitutes take your urges, desires and pent up aggression and give you some sort of relief. Artists are sensitive people who are picking up the subtleties of what’s in your mind - what’s plaguing you, what’s troubling you, what excites you - and are giving some visual form to what they feel and understand.”

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“If I learnt anything from the war, it’s to live in the moment, to be fully present. That’s all there is.”

After decades of critiquing the work of others, Sacha is now creating her own art, much of it textural, using metal filings, and impasto oil paintings and carved books. “I’ve spent years painting canvases and then scrapping them, but I’m ready to get out of the closet, and stop destroying all that I do. Paintings are just potato peels and fish bones.

It’s the voyage that counts.”

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She’s one of nine artists from different parts of Australia currently collaborating on print posters for ‘Objectiv Collectiv’, an art game where each person must make their mark on a poster, and pass it on. She says it’s a liberating exercise that makes you react to exactly what’s in front of you - the very quality instilled in her as a survivor of war. “If I learnt anything from the war, it’s to live in the moment, to be fully present.

That’s all there is.”

Objectiv Collectiv runs 30 July to 5 August at Meeniyan Art Gallery featuring collaboratively-created print posters by artists including Sacha Zoe Lamont and Churchill-based print maker Kate Zizys. Each artist has added their impression to the paper along the theme of ‘Responding to Corporations’. C

meeniyanartgallery.org.au coast 51

words sally o’neill photos warren reed

It’s the game of bridge, not the large concrete span between Phillip Island and San Remo, that brings the members of Phillip Island Bridge Club together. A bit of old fashioned conversation, a hot cuppa and some serious competition are a winning formula.

It’s icy outside, but warm and cosy at Phillip Island Bridge Club HQ in Newhaven. There’s a sense of anticipation as members and visitors greet each other, make their own cuppa and circulate before the game begins.

Members range in age from 50 to 95, and all share a love of ‘contract bridge’ or ‘bridge’ for short. The intricacies of this cunning card game are way beyond me, but Molly Downing has them licked. In fact, her life revolves around the game she comes here to play two or more times a week.

“There’s been bridge played on the island for well over 30 years,” says Molly. But this was an ‘underground’ movement where card games coast 52

mind games

were conducted in private homes. “Then we bought this old school building bit by bit and the club just took off.”

Molly says the allure of the competition keeps her off the streets and her mind active. “If you don’t use it, you lose it,” she smiles. “It’s a mind game; it takes a lot of concentration and you need a reasonable memory.” The club takes part in the annual ‘Bridge for Brains’ competition to raise money for research into Alzheimer’s disease.

The club is a magnet for both regulars and holidaymakers who check the paper for the local bridge club as soon as they arrive in town.

“That’s what I do – I’ve played in Yeppoon and Cairns – anywhere I can get a game.” >> coast 53

Molly was sitting at home knitting and watching TV, then learnt to play bridge 20 years ago. “I just love the game. It’s interactive and keeps my brain working. It’s a way of life, and it keeps you going – it’s addictive.”

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Silence descends on the room as players pick up their cards, brows furrow in concentration and the game begins, with pairs playing each other throughout the afternoon, moving from table to table in a merry dance.

The club promotes strong social networks, and members look after each other well beyond the game. Many live alone and bridge is their one outlet and support. Molly tells me the story of one member who would have sold her house and moved away when her husband died if not for bridge.

A quick break for afternoon tea, then, when the competition is over and the cards are down, people stay for a drink, some nibblies and a social chat. Molly admits that “it’s not uncommon for a little romance to develop at bridge clubs” – but nothing she can reveal from Phillip Island. I suppose bridge is like romance – getting out, meeting people and a little bit of luck... C

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bridge facts Contract Bridge (called ‘bridge’ for short) was invented in 1925. It is now the most popular card game in the world and is played in over 100 countries by an estimated 60 million+. Bridge is played by four players and is a partnership game with one partnership opposing the other. Source - www.abf.com.au

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Phillip Island Bridge Club meets each Monday and Wednesday with teaching classes on Thursday. Call 5956 6581.

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155 Thompson Avenue, Cowes Ph. 03-5952 1488 Fax. 03-5952 1348 Furniture and beds

22-24 The Concourse, Cowes, Phillip Island 3922 www.southcoastfurnishings.com.au Amigo wall art $89 Monbulk dining suite $1099

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For over 80 years, people have been admiring the world’s smallest penguins, Little Penguins, emerging from the ocean just after sunset on the Summerland Peninsula at Phillip Island. They’ve watched them waddle across the beach and head back to their burrows to feed their young, give their partner a break from ‘egg sitting’, or just settling in for their annual ‘moult’!

This natural phenomena has delighted millions of visitors to Phillip Island, and due to the ongoing conservation, environmental and research work undertaken by Phillip Island Nature Parks’ rangers and researchers, Little Penguin numbers are increasing - there are currently around 28,000 birds in the Summerland Peninsula colony.

Many of you may remember these penguins being called ‘Fairy Penguins’, but these days the name Little Penguin is used, as it is a more accurate translation to their scientific name ‘Eudyptula minor’.

OPEN 7 DAYS Weekdays 8:30am to 6:00pm Saturday 8:30am to 5:30pm Sunday 9:00am to 5:30pm

Stockist of:

The Penguin Parade offers local and international visitors the opportunity to watch Little Penguins and their nightly parade. Many people ask why they can’t take photos of the birds as they emerge and waddle up to their nests. Penguins’ eyes are specialised for seeing underwater and on land in low light. For this reason they are highly sensitive to sudden bright lights such as camera flashes.

Caring for and protecting the Little Penguins is high priority for the Phillip Island Nature Parks’ team, and ongoing research has helped us learn more about their biology and habits – as well as the dangers they face at sea and on land.

Sadly a Little Penguin’s greatest danger is humans. They die from our plastic rubbish, oil spills, cars and introduced animals such as dogs and cats. As well, a fox may kill as many as 30 to 40 penguins a night! Foxes are in fact the greatest predator of penguins.

Natural hazards for penguins are sharks, birds of prey (this reason they only emerge from the water at sunset), rough weather and fish shortages.

Phillip Island Nature Parks’ team of rangers and researchers help Little Penguins by building artificial penguin houses and placing them in

revegetated areas on the Summerland Peninsula; by conducting ongoing vermin, feral animal and weed control programs to ensure a safe habitat; and by tracking and monitoring their movements using the latest technology, to add to existing research data.

The Penguin Parade is Australia’s number one wildlife tourist destination.

It is a truly unique experience, but one which we like to remind visitors is made more enjoyable if ‘courtesy’ rules we have in place are followed. We ask that you are considerate to both other visitors and the Little Penguins!

As a not-for-profit organisation, funds from visitors help continue our team’s wonderful environmental, research and education work. C

Little Penguin facts: • Little Penguins in Australia stand at only 33cm tall, compared to their Antarctic cousin, the Emperor penguin, which is 70cm tall • Penguins are only found in the southern hemisphere, so you will never see a penguin and a Polar Bear together in the wild!

• They can stay at sea for weeks, diving for fish, yet their waterproof feathers keep their skin absolutely dry. They actually sleep at sea, dozing as they float on the surface • Little Penguins’ feathers are a deep, rich blue – camouflaging them from predators above the water.

• Penguins may swim 15 - 50 km a day searching for small fish to eat. One penguin was recorded travelling 100 km in one day!

• The deepest dive recorded `is 73 metres, holding their breath for almost 2 minutes – just to get some food!

Cowes Pharmacy 24 Thompson Ave Cowes Vic 3922 Tel: 03 5952 2061 Fax: 03 5952 2499 cowes@amcal.net.au Visit www.penguins.org.au to view all Penguin Parade tours, make bookings, and for information on the Nature Parks’ other attractions and nature sites, including Churchill Island Heritage Farm, the Koala Conservation Centre and the Nobbies Centre.

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featurearea

Archies Creek

discover the country magic of

& dalyston

words sally o’neill photos warren reed

Dalyston and nearby Archies Creek are picture perfect. I often think there is a great movie waiting to be filmed in these towns – perhaps not a Mad Max or historic piece - more like a ‘Seachange’ filled with quirky characters and romance.

It’s been a heady few years for the tiny towns of Archies Creek and Dalyston. The times they are a-changing: Dalyston’s paddocks are making room for houses, and Archies Creek is evolving into a foodie mecca.

in about 1856. They were the area’s only occupants until John Daly arrived in 1880 and built a 40-room hotel at Powlett Crossing. The inn closed in 1902 when his brother Patrick opened the Ozone Hotel in its current location. The Daly family owned most of the land in the area and subdivide11 d it for business and house sites.

About 125 kilometres from Melbourne, Dalyston is on the Bass Highway between Kilcunda and Wonthaggi, and is located on the mighty Powlett River’s floodplain. The Bunurong people lived here along the wild and beautiful coastline for thousands of years – their enormous shell middens are now strewn through the dunes to the south.

When the railway line to Wonthaggi was built through the town, its name was changed to Dalyston in the family’s honour. There is almost no trace of the railway station, which closed in 1978 and is now part of the Bass Coast Rail Trail that runs from Anderson to Wonthaggi.

At a glance:

The tiny town was originally known as ‘Price’s Corner’. The Price family arrived in the area with their seven daughters and two sons

Today the town’s heart lies in the general store and post office, the tiny Powlett River Primary School, and the pub and footy club.>>

A / Old Dalyston Church, a perfect wedding venue pg. 87 B / Archies on the Creek, fine dining in elegant surroundings pg. 06

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A

B

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featurearea

w w w. a r t g a l l e r y o f i n v e r l o c h . c o m

Paintings • Linocuts • Limited edition prints • Sculpture • Kiln fired glass • Ceramics Decorative tiles • Jewellery • Photography • Art supplies • Textiles & more.

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OPEN Thursday to Monday 10am - 4pm (Tues and Wed by appointment) Helen 0417 954 731 Tamsin 0402 647 915 Located in the arcade next to Alex Scott Real Estate 7 A’Beckett St Inverloch

A retreat from life.

A retreat from living.

Zenergie & SO! me share the same creators & each expresses individuality, passion & style.

There’s also the local hall where 50-50 dances are regularly held. The historic church is now an elegant venue for weddings and functions.

Each summer, the rec reserve is the site of the Mud Run where large, souped-up machines plough through a mud track.

Dalyston’s proximity to Wonthaggi and surrounding heathlands, beautiful ocean beaches and rolling green Strzelecki Hills is being recognized, and the town is becoming a desirable place to live or holiday.

www.zenergie.com.au 3 Luxury self-contained villas on the edge of Kongwak (10kms north of Inverloch) in an idyllic rural setting. Panoramic views, intimate accomodation. A retreat for couples seeking peace, privacy & revitalisation 4star AAA rating 45 Inverloch Rd, Kongwak. ph 5657 4490

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Bags / Jewellery / scarves / clothing / giftware

Turn off at Dalyston and travel to picturesque Archies Creek - it’s a lovely drive or a great bike ride through the hills. This small settlement evolved around the dairy industry, then in 1896 The Melbourne Chilled Butter Factory opened and the place thrived. A post office, hall and hotel emerged in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The streetscape

retains many original buildings and is surrounded by lush green hills dotted with happy dairy cows.

Milk processing ceased in 1983 and the town reinvented itself, with businesses moving into the old buildings and warehouses. The Shire of Bass used the old butter factory as its offices and depot until amalgamation in 1995, when staff relocated to Wonthaggi and Cowes.

In recent years there has been another revival in Archies Creek – and not only at the church on Sundays. Local entrepreneur Vern Rickman put the spotlight on the town when he had the vision of transforming the old shire offices into a restaurant and function centre. He has more than succeeded in his mission. A recently awarded chef’s hat has secured it as a culinary destination. C

57 Bair St Leongatha. Open weekdays 9–5:30 Sat 9–1 Ph 5662 3103 coast 61

Products

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BAZAAR secondhand with Style

L &J Restorations Antique & Decor Gallery French oak wine rack c.1880 - 1900 with maker’s stamp.

L&J Tuddin 37 Powlett St, Inverloch Ph. 5674 3982 ljrestore@live.com.au

Kudos These Alice cups are a tea cup transformed into a retro wine glass – get them while they are hot!

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check out our range at www.southernbazaar.com.au Kongwak Market Every Sunday Main St, Kongwak Ph. 0417 142 478

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Office cupboard from Sapporo University - Hokkaido North Japan - oak c. 1930’s $2500 42 Cashin St, Inverloch Ph. 0409 234 482 www.southernbazaar.com.au

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Retro - Antiques - Art - Quality used furniture Located in a massive warehouse at 42 Cashin St Inverloch (behind Mitre 10) Ph Wendy White on 0409 234 482 coast 63

winter reading ... lois recommends these books for your enjoyment!

FICTION

POETRY

OLDER TEENS

NON-FICTION

‘The Collaborator’

by Mirza Waheed rrp $32.95

‘The Taste of River Water’

by Cate Kennedy rrp $24.95

‘Pig Boy’

by J.C. Burke rrp $18.95

‘The Armchair Book of Gardens’

by Jane Billinghurst rrp $34.99

A stunning and poignant debut novel. At its heart is a 19-year-old narrator, a naive and unpredictable hero. Set in a village in Kashmir in the 1990s, Mirza finds himself compelled to go into the valley to count the corpses, always fearing that he will discover one of his friends lying among the dead. Beautifully written, this will delight readers of quality literature with its lyrical voice, tinged with melancholy and grief.

Cate is the multi-talented, awardwinning author of novels, short stories, memoir and her previous poetry collections ‘Joyflight’ and ‘Signs of Other Fires”’ It is in her poems that Cate shows an instinct for story, character and place as she writes about our everyday lives with a passionate and sensual honesty. In this new collection, Cate’s prose is simple yet compelling.

By the author of ‘The Story of Tom Brennan’, this is the story of Damon, whose life begins to unravel after his expulsion from school on his 18th birthday. He plans to get his firearm licence and go pig hunting, a course of action which will teach him everything he needs to know.

But what does he need to know, and what is he hiding from his mother in his wardrobe? This is the story of a young man on the wrong road, and the decisions which could take him further down that road.

This beautifully presented book, with inspired writing from the author as well as pieces from Charles Dickens, AA Milne, Thomas Hardy and others reflects on the meaning of their gardens in their lives. This fabulous collection of prose and visuals looks at gardens from many angles, celebrating their sensual, practical, spiritual, aesthetic, social, and even political dimensions. A must for the keen gardener and lover of beautiful books.

All available at Turn The Page bookstore, Cowes.

Proudly independent

Winter storms, warm fires, curling up with a good book.

...a book is a place

• Extensive childrens book range • Over 10 years experience in the book trade

Over 200 Artworks on display - Painting Lessons

Available for Commission Work Shop 7/8 Edward St Somerville

cheryl.petersen@bigpond.com

5977 8724

0408 833 260

www.cherylpetersengalleries.com

Open 7 days Mon 9:30am-9pm Tues, Wed, Fri 9:30am-6pm Thurs 9:30am-9pm

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• Life-long love affair with books • We specialise in locating that difficult to find title • We can help find that special book for yourself or to give as a gift

40a Thompson Ave Cowes Phone. 03 5952 1444

Email. lois.turnthepage@bigpond.com

Sat & Sun 9:30am-5pm

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silent witness Forensic technician Rebecca Ellen doesn’t need to watch CSI on TV at night. She lives it during the day …

words sally O’Neill photos warren reed, rebecca ellen and john lloyd-fillingham

Rebecca Ellen doesn’t always tell people what she does for a living. She has to be in the right frame of mind to answer the questions that inevitably flow from a job title like forensic technician. Today she is being patient, allowing me to ask (although she can’t talk specifics) about what it’s really like in her fascinating field of life and death.

While Beck doesn’t usually watch shows like CSI, she does concede they “have done their research” and there is truth in them - combined with a lot of television make-believe. Like you don’t actually put a DNA sample in a machine and get a result straight away – not in Australia, anyway. Things are a little more complicated than that.

Beck works for the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine. Her role is to assist the pathologist (who is a doctor) in performing autopsies.

“Like a nurse assisting surgery,” says Beck. “But it’s very hands on.

I’ll open the body, remove the organs and hand them over to the doctor. I’ll explain what I’ve seen, what appears to me to be normal and abnormal. Then, after their examination the pathologist gives back the organs, we replace them and carefully and respectfully reconstruct the body for collection by a funeral director.”

The team then compiles its information for a report to the coroner.

“The coroner is not a medical person in Australia,” says Beck, dispelling another TV myth. “They are more like a judge, and get information from a range of experts such as police to make a decision or finding.

Our work contributes to findings that prevent further deaths by bringing about legislative changes, like the wearing of seatbelts and helmets and putting roll bars on tractors– that’s the big picture.”

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Not everyone who dies in Victoria comes through the coroner’s office. To be buried, you need a medical certificate signed by a doctor: anything unusual is passed on to the coroner.

This includes unexpected and unnatural deaths and those resulting from accident or crime. “Anything you see on the news comes to us.” This accounts for about 4-5000 cases a year, with autopsy numbers at roughly ten a day.

Sitting at Beck’s kitchen table in Tarwin Lower, with husband Mick in the shed, son Paddy watching TV and baby Georgina asleep, it’s hard to imagine this calm woman in the role she describes.

It’s likely that this enigma is the key to her success in the role. She commutes to Melbourne twice a week and works one day from home doing administration – she is currently heading up the unit while a colleague is overseas. Tarwin Lower and the road from her office provide both distance and sanctuary from her work.

Sometimes, though, she is thrown into the thick of it, going into the field to conduct her work in temporary mortuaries on site and often overseas. “The biggest event was Black Saturday, but I’ve been deployed to Bali, Nauru and Indonesia, and twice to Thailand after the tsunami,” says Beck. Whilst Beck did not travel to Christchurch,

she coordinated a team of four specialists from her unit to assist colleagues in New Zealand following the recent earthquake.

Similarly, offers of assistance were sent to Japan however Beck’s colleagues have not been required to travel to these areas.

I can’t help but ask what those experiences were like. “Bali was massive: it was my first real experience with Disaster Victim Identification. It was very overwhelming being in a different country and coping with the emotion of it all. Our normal work is not publicised, and you go home to your family each night. But when you are away you are working very long hours under pressure, and with different facilities that are fairly rudimentary. It’s a long day, then you go home and are confronted with newspapers and phone calls. It’s very exhausting and emotive. But we started at one end and finished at the other. My role as manager was to keep things going well, working to high standards throughout the whole process with added attention to issues such as privacy and respect.”

Beck knows the role she and her colleagues play is crucial to the families of victims. “It’s critical to be calm and to be able to work quickly: the experiences of Thailand and Bali helped us learn that.

We used that experience in the recent Black Saturday disasters,

and I’m really proud of what we achieved. We got those people home and back to their families as quickly as we could.”

And that’s what Beck keeps in her mind – the families and friends of victims. From her first autopsy, she has been more focussed on doing it correctly, rather than being worried by it.

“For me it’s quite removed, it’s very clinical. I feel for the family left behind. For every person I deal with there are at least ten people grieving and wanting to know why they died. There are not many people who can do what I do. I feel we are helping those left behind and making something really hard a little bit easier.”

A charmed childhood in Tarwin Lower led to high school in Leongatha, and then she got into medical laboratory science at RMIT. “I didn’t really know what I wanted to do. I liked the course, but hated the job: it was indoors and very repetitive. It wasn’t the glamorous job I thought it would be. So, I talked my way into a course called ‘Mortuary Practices’ and loved it. It just sounded really interesting and totally different. At the end of the course, there was a job going at the Institute. They offered it to me and, 17 years later, here I am.”

Inevitably, a few cases do penetrate the tough, professional exterior.

“Some stay in my mind, especially those topical issues you hear>>

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touched by the road toll?

Last year 163 people died on Victoria’s country roads, and an as yet unknown number were seriously injured.

“When major disasters happen, I get calls asking if I am going, or if I need help with the kids.”

about in the media. Or you may come across a girl who looks just like your sister and it strikes a chord.” But if anyone Beck knew personally came through the facility, she would not even be in the building.

“Then I can honestly say that I don’t know anything about it, but I know the people who did and your loved one was well looked after.”

The role has also opened her eyes to issues like suicide. “I thought it was quite selfish before I worked there, but now I know you can’t ever judge. I don’t think suicide is publicised enough - it’s perhaps one of the failings of society,” she reflects.

“Instead of offering support, people are quick to condemn.”

Beck admits that her career has changed her outlook on life. “I look both ways when I cross the road, and I watch my kids like a hawk.

I also have empathy and can help people who are going through the loss of a loved one,” she says. I ask if her experiences have given her an opinion on the difference between body and spirit. “I have never thought about it,” she states. “I see the body in front of me as someone’s loved one - I’m not a very spiritual person in that respect.

The person has gone. They look totally different to the way they look when they are alive – perhaps that is the difference of the spirit.” While I’m on a roll with the questions,

Whilst we are all too familiar with these shocking figures through the nightly news, TAC advertising and TAC billboards along the side of the Bass Coast highway, it is not until you or someone you know becomes one of these statistics that we take the time to reflect on what happens after the accident. Usually, this involves recovery through medical treatment which can include complex surgery for those who have been injured, or counselling for bereaved relatives. However, it can also involve disputes with the TAC over medical entitlements, as well as attempting to access compensation for injured or bereaved people under the TAC government insurance scheme.

Resolving these issues can be both time-consuming and complex for those involved, especially when the person is seriously injured as a result of the accident. Until recently, those living in the South Gippsland area were without local legal representation focused on looking after their TAC claims.

I delicately enquire if the ‘physical realities’ of the job worry her and they never have. “I was always fascinated by natural things as a child, and growing up in the country makes you fairly robust.”

Beck and her family live in the home she grew up in – a stylish farmhouse on the banks of Tarwin River. The close community continues to be a source of strength. “My friends and family are used to what I do,” she says. “When major disasters happen, I get calls asking if I am going, or if I need help with the kids.” She also gives back through her volunteer work for the local Red Cross.

region. Amongst others, Edwin Hume has family ties in the Walkerville area, Sandy Keysers has played representative sport for the local region and Damien McKenna has performed music and surfed along the coast for years. They are not only familiar with the South Gippsland region but also understand the specific issues that people living in a rural setting face, such as travelling for legal advice and gaining timely access to rehabilitation services.

Despite the relatively short period that the practice area has been running, the firm has already met with success on behalf of local clients, increasing compensation payments for people injured on country roads and easing the burden of navigating the TAC system. Indeed, the benefit of having a lawyer involved in a TAC claim is well recognised by the TAC itself: it not only allows the injured or bereaved person to concentrate on recovering as opposed to dealing with red tape, but also ensures that they receive just compensation for what has occurred.

When you or someone you know is touched by the road toll, it’s good to know that someone local is now there to look after your needs. C

In April of this year, longstanding Pakenham law firm Duffy & Simon announced the opening of a practice area focused solely on resolving TAC claims for people in the South Gippsland area, establishing offices in San Remo and Lang Lang to complement their Pakenham, Narre Warren and Drouin offices. The firm has access to the TAC protocols, ensuring that claims are fast-tracked where possible and that the TAC pays legal costs. A free TAC telephone advice line and a No Win No Fee Policy were also launched by the firm, with the aim of making justice more accessible for local residents.

The expansion of the firm into looking after South Gippsland TAC claims appears to be a natural progression, meeting the needs of local people and building on the long-established links of the firm’s lawyers to the

“I’ve got my city life and country life - the best of both worlds. We have a big garden, go to the beach, Mick can take Paddy kayaking after work - you can’t do that so easily in Melbourne. I’m happiest here on the coast. At work I have my professional persona - here I switch off.”

FREE

Careers in this field are limited, but check out www.vifm.org Beck encourages individuals to consider organ and tissue donation – and to have a conversation about it with their families see www.vifm.org for more information. C

Local, Experienced, Connected Offices in San Remo, Pakenham, Lang Lang, Narre Warren & Drouin Call 03 59 455 200 www.duffysimon.com.au/tac

TAC & WORKCOVER ADVICE *

NO WIN NO FEE POLICY * conditions apply

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what’scool

Health Comes First at South Gippsland Family Medicine

on the coast this winter

hotter laps

Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit has added a V8 Supercar to the Hot Lap program alongside the Porsche GT3. This is the real deal and these race cars will get your heart pumping! www. phillipislandcircuit.com.au

the art gallery of inverloch online

This great gallery is now stocking a wide range of quality art supplies. And, check out their new website with artist biographies, current exhibitions and online shopping!

Shop 3 / 7 A’Beckett Street, Inverloch Call 5674 2145 www.artgalleryofinverloch.com South Gippsland Family Medicine is not your average Medical Clinic. The recent expansion of the clinic provides for an outstanding, state of the art practice. South Gippsland Family Medicine is always continuing to improve, taking great pride in the professional quality of our work. Our determination to achieve excellence in everything we do is unwavering.

We have no desire to be the biggest, but we are determined to be the best.

39 years of art for leongatha

Leongatha Gallery was the first local organisation of its type when it formed 39 years ago. Totally staffed by volunteers, it continues to provide artists with a local outlet for their work and visitors to the area love to browse and get a feel for the local art scene. Cnr Michael Place & Mc Cartin St, Leongatha – opposite the Post Office Call 5662 5370.

zumba to fitness

Don’t let the cold weather stop you from working out this winter - get fit the fun way with Zumba! A latin-inspired, calorieburning fitness class filled with lots of laughs and booty-shaking! Join Lisa in a class in Cowes, Newhaven or Wonthaggi.

Hey kids there’s also now 45 minute Zumba classes especially for 4-12 year olds!

Call Lisa 0423 520149.

skin deep

Living by the coast can take a toll on your skin. South Gippsland Family Medicine is proud to announce their new Skin Check-up Clinic. All services now available so you don’t have to travel far for the best care for your skin.

4-6 Billson Street Wonthaggi. Call 5672 4111.

be amazed & save!

Phillip Island’s A Maze’N Things is the perfect way to warm up your mind this winter! Be amazed at the illusions, mazes and puzzons, mazes and indulge at Café Chocolatte after your brain drain! Coast Readers are offered 10% off the entry price – see page 12. www.amazenthings.com.au Call 5952 2283.

rsl new committee

Phillip Island RSL General Manager George Szeitli is pleased to announce three new board members; Chris Thompson, Peter Paul and Terry Heffernen. Their combined experience and community involvement will be a valuable addition to the club’s future. “I’ve worked in RSLs for 20 years and this is the best board I’ve come across,” says Club President Greg Mead. “I’m looking forward to working together to achieve our strategic goals,” adds George. www.pirsl.com.au

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South Gippsland Family Medicine is part of the larger picture that is the Hazelwood Health Group, which has clinics across Gippsland, the South East corridor, Bayside and inner Melbourne.

At South Gippsland Family Medicine our goal is to bring friendly, professional and caring medicine to the community with a commitment to patient feedback and ongoing improvement.

It’s part of the Practice’s philosophy to make health care accessible to all and to encourage patients to make caring for their family’s health a priority rather than a last resort. We are a Bulk Billing clinic with full time nursing and a large range of allied health. “By offering Bulk Billing, people don’t have to make a choice about health care.” says Dr Howard McCormick. South Gippsland Family Medicine strives to make every patient feel valued.

We have a team of outstanding doctors with a great range of specialities, with experienced nursing staff and professional administration support. People are often surprised at the range of services on offer. We have 8 doctors’ consulting rooms, 2 treatment rooms, and rooms for onsite pathology, psychology, podiatry and audiology.

Last year Dr Maurice Haddad commenced a skin care clinic which ensures our patients can get procedures done locally rather than having to make the trip to Melbourne.

Accessibility is another focus. The team knows that children can become sick suddenly or accidents can happen, so we aim to ensure that patients can be seen by a doctor at short notice. Dr McCormick’s key message is not to wait to have your health sorted. “In every consultation we focus on prevention and ‘whole person medicine’,” he says.

The clinic supports Registrar doctors and medical students.

Dr McCormick is proud that their commitment to training is ensuring doctors for future generations on Bass Coast.

Call 5672 4111 4-6/1 Billson Street, Wonthaggi

• Open Monday – Friday – late surgery Wednesday Bulk billing for registered Medicare Card holders

Audiology • Skin check up clinic• ECG • Immunisations • Industrial medicals • Minor surgical procedures Nutritional advice • Pathology • Podiatry • Psychology • Sleep Clinic •Sports medicine • Women’s health coast 71

fulfillinglives words bernard hanily Photos warren reed

For over 50 years, Moonya has been working to fulfil the lives of people with a disability.

The official guest list for today’s occasion is impressive; the list of local identities includes a local Member of Parliament, a pair of former mayors, a councillor or two and a pride of local business identities. As they prepare for the festivities, the majority of the crowd is oblivious to the dignitaries – they are here to send off one of their own.

Margaret Dicker is finishing up with Moonya Community Services after 57 years.

Margie is from one of the founding families that set up Moonya to cater for the needs of six children with intellectual disabilities in the early 1950s. Today is a landmark because Margie’s departure marks the end of an era; she is the last of the originals – of the six children from the founding families still attending Moonya.

Moonya Community Services is a not-for-profit organisation providing a range of services for people with a disability. Over the decades Moonya has literally grown up with its clients, closing the children’s school and becoming a training centre for adults as the children grew older, then opening various businesses to provide supported employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

According to the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer, Mr Bernard Hanily, “Margie will certainly be missed, but the legacy that her family and the other founding families have left for future generations is a remarkable testament to the kindness and generosity of the South West Gippsland community.”

Over five decades on from their humble beginnings in a rented hall, Moonya Community Services caters to more than 120 people with a disability, employs 54 staff (around half have a disability), provides four day service programs, has two Australian Disability Enterprises (a full commercial printing business and a commercial gardening business), and provides the community with a Disability Employment Service.

While Moonya’s mission remains simple – to fulfil the aspirations for life of people with a disability – the reality of operating in the modern business environment for not-for-profit organisations can be difficult.

A tightening of Government regulation and accountability, increasing demands for services, and fewer resources due to the global financial crisis could signal tough times ahead for the not-for-profit sector.

The Disability Care and Support sector received some good news in March. A draft report recommended a $6.3B increase in national spending on disability services, but Moonya isn’t banking on that just yet. “With the number of competing priorities people have these days, modern community service organisations like Moonya can’t afford to sit back and play a passive role in the community. We need to be out there marketing ourselves to ensure ongoing support. We do a great job – we need to tell people so they will keep supporting us,” Mr Hanily says. coast 72

Community support is vital for Moonya. “While Moonya has a mix of State and Commonwealth Government grants for the majority of our funding, each year we need to raise around $500,000 from other sources,” he adds.

Through memberships, donations from the community and a range of fundraising events, Moonya generates the funds it needs for this vital work. “We are pretty lucky that locals and businesses have always given Moonya fantastic support – it’s a great community to be a part of.”

We meet Tarryn Bradworth - Graphic Designer & Production Manager, Moonya Printworkz When did you come to Moonya - how did you come to work there?

I was originally from Mornington and volunteered for two months, then got a part-time job and was granted an amazing offer to finish my sign writing apprenticeship here. I remember the little house on Watt St in Wonthaggi, being so small and cold. But the atmosphere was warm and friendly as soon as I walked in the door!

What benefits has Moonya given to you?

Moonya has given me so much. What more could I want? I tell everyone I know that I have ‘my dream job’ as I get to do the two things I love in life; graphics and working with and caring for some of the most amazing people I’ve ever met. There has never been a day in the past two and a half years when I have not wanted to come into work. I actually go in on my days off just to say hello to everyone!

Moonya is hoping for even more community support as it unveils ‘Friends of Moonya’, a membership drive which seeks to attract over 2000 paid-up members by 2014.

I work with all these amazing people who have different types of disabilities and they give you such an great feeling. Even though they have some barriers in life, they are still joyful and never ever give up on their dreams.

“Membership is important for Moonya for a couple of reasons.

Obviously, the income we generate from fees helps us fund our services. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, we want members of the community to become Friends of Moonya to show their support for the rights of people with disabilities. The services we offer are vital to the well-being of people with a disability.”

What benefits do you see Moonya giving others?

Moonya’s Gardening Services and Moonya Printworkz employ people with a disability. No matter what their disability, we help them to get a job and work for a community business.

Day services programs are geared to help individuals to participate more fully in their lives through a range of social, community and skill building activities. The two Australian Disability Enterprises provide an opportunity for people with a disability to undertake paid employment which develops their pride and sense of dignity through contributing to the community.

Just because someone has a disability doesn’t mean they shouldn’t work and I think Moonya, is an amazing organisation for doing this, and more businesses should allow people with disabilities to work with them.

Any funny moments?

HaHa! Where should I start? There is something funny and memorable everyday. My boss Terry Earl is the best, he never treats you like he is the boss and he’s always good to have a laugh with. People who know him, know he is a big kid at heart. Then there is Mick Speekman; Oh how he makes every Monday full of belly laughs. Mick inspires me the most. He never lets things stop him to get to his dreams and he makes everyone laugh and smile around him. Everything from his WWF smack-down moves to his amazing dance moves! Mick will always find a way to make someone smile who is down.

What you most want people to know about Moonya?

I have noticed that the word ‘Moonya’ has been labelled in a negative light by a small part of the general community. I think it’s sad and really does only offend the staff, carers and people with disabilities.

I want people to know that there is no such word as “NORMAL” and that people with disabilities are no different. Disability doesn’t mean you look different, or you walk and talk different. It’s just just a fancy word for “Restricted capability to perform particular activities” I believe that if people actually spoke to someone with a disability, they would see they are the most friendly and amazing people. Supported Employees and Service Recipients are no different from the rest of us and they definitely don’t judge us. C If you want to find out more about Moonya and its services, or to volunteer, join as a member or make a donation, call 03 5672 4343 for more information, or email admin@moonya.org.au. words tarryn bradworth pictured tarryn with an employee

The Disability Employment Service (South Coast Employment Services) aims to find work for people with a disability with local employers. Moonya Gardening Service is a commercial operation and has been awarded State and local Government contracts as well as a range of large and medium commercial contracts. Moonya Printworkz is a rapidly-growing printing business offering professional graphic design and signwriting and a full range of commercial printing services.

You only have to talk to some of the clients to see the difference that Moonya makes in their lives. Mick Speekman of Korumburra attends the day service three days a week and works one day at Moonya Printworkz. “I like the place. I learn things at Moonya [day service] like cooking, computers and writing skills.” With a big grin, he adds “... and I like mucking around with my mates, too.”

At 27, Mick says the skills he has learnt at Moonya since leaving school have helped him to live successfully in his own unit and take care of himself. In regard to his work, Mick sums things up succinctly: “I like the work at Printworkz. It’s good...I like working and earning money and the people are nice to me.” coast 73

Moon a printwork z Previously known as Moonya Digital Printing

“Your One Stop Shop for Graphics, Printing & Signage

advertising feature

words rachael millar photos warren reed

Yes, we have changed our name to Moonya printworkz!

But that’s the only thing we have changed!

We still provide you with the same great customer service and we can still offer a massive range of products!

● Graphic Design ● Business Cards and Business Stationary ● Signs & Banners ● Clothing, Uniforms, High Vis Workwear ● Printed Vinyl Stickers & Labels ● Posters & Canvas Prints ● Stubby Holders & Mugs ● Coasters & Mouse Pads ● Photo Books ● Car Vinyl Stickers PLUS MUCH MORE!!

Call us for a free quote coast 74

64 - 80 Murray St Wonthaggi p: 5672 4877 e: mdp@moonya.org.au

Country sport is the lifeblood of our community. On Tuesday and Thursday nights in towns across Bass Coast, you’ll find sportspeople at the local football ovals and netball courts slugging it out in preparation for Saturday’s game.

These footballers and netballers are helped out by a host of volunteers who give up their time to ensure clubs remain viable and can get on with the business of playing sport. From running the canteen, organising umpires, coaches and scorers, cooking meals, strapping injuries, ensuring facilities are up to scratch and much more, these volunteers ensure the clubs keep running.

However, looking after a football oval can be tricky business. In the last financial year, Bass Coast Shire Council has taken the pressure off some of these committees by completing pre-season maintenance of Bass, Dalyston and Inverloch, meaning that all ovals in Bass Coast now get a pre-season makeover by Council’s Parks and Gardens staff.

Parks and Gardens Team Leader, Mark Hill, said that on top of this, each oval in Council’s care gets at least one visit a week to mow, treat any weeds and complete other maintenance.

“Inverloch and Dalyston receive a $15,000 grant each year to complete their own weekly maintenance, but each of the other grounds gets a weekly visit from a Council staff member,” said Mark.

“Between football and cricket seasons we complete ‘renovations’. This includes putting on a layer of top soil, treating weeds and scarifying.

“Scarifying puts small holes all over the ground which allows water and air to penetrate deep below the surface giving grass a much better opportunity to take.

“We’ve had some fantastic results in such a short amount of time – particularly at Kilcunda Bass.”

For many years the Bass football oval, like Inverloch and Dalyston, was maintained by a Committee of Management, who had a limited budget to complete all works at the ground.

Bass also received a $15,000 grant to complete weekly maintenance but handed the money back, preferring the expertise of a Council staff member.

“The Kilcunda Bass players and committee have been amazed at the improvements to the ground,” said Mark.

“Looking after football ovals is big business for grounds like Etihad Stadium and the MCG. Although we’re not in the same league as this, looking after grounds is a lot more technical than you think.

“We need to think about how to build up the best base possible under the grass as many of our grounds started off as clay. This is obviously not good for players so we’ve worked hard to improve the quality.

“Bass Coast hosts lots of football and cricket finals because of the quality of our facilities and I think this is a real credit to the club committees as well as our staff.”

It’s not just footballers and cricketers who benefit from these ovals.

“Our ovals are really well used by the community,” said Mark. “All the ovals are used by schools as well as other community members.

They’re a great place to go to exercise and a fantastic investment for all residents in Bass Coast.” C

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Whether it’s a royal occasion or a humble gathering, it’s your special day. You, your dreams and hopes are what make a wedding unique. And, with our wedding guide, you will be sure that all your celebrations are in true coastal style…

contemporary silver jewellery

132 Whitelaw St Meeniyan VIC 3956 | Phone 5664 0055 | Please visit www.lacyjewellery.com.au coast 76

www.lenstolife.com.au

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Wedding Tales

Ceremonies Receptions Photography

We hear from real-life couples who said ‘I do’ on the coast!

Classic, country and relaxed Rebecca & Josh Van Damme Venue: Archies on the Creek ,135 Guests

Why you chose your venue? When we saw the venue, we knew we’d found the perfect spot – beautiful gardens and lake, and the colours of the trees and flowers were gorgeous – it was such a relaxed setting. Sierra Dunton’s assistance during the planning was amazing.

She always went over and above what was expected.

Your wedding theme? Classic, country and relaxed. We decided on a cocktail party rather than a sit-down meal. We wanted our guests to feel like they were at a party, and we tried to make the day as personal as possible – if it didn’t have a meaning for us, we didn’t do it.

Highlights of the day? The bridesmaids, my dad and I arrived in a kombi. I walked down the aisle to ‘Secret Garden’ by Bruce Springsteen, which was performed live by Vika and Linda Bull. I remember Josh whispering in my ear ‘You look so beautiful’. There were beautiful speeches made by our dads,the matron of honour and best man, plus a surprise poem read by my grandpa, which was so meaningful!

I surprised Josh and hired a Rolls Royce to take us home after the reception. He absolutely loved it!

www.lenstolife.com.au

Bright, bold & arty Heather Kitchen and Peter Jones Venue: McClelland Gallery and Sculpture Park 85 guests

Funny moments? We had five bridesmaids, five groomsmen, one flower girl and one pageboy. A big bridal party was so much fun! The venue was decorated with chandeliers and tea-light candles, and as a unique twist we had a candy buffet and it turned out to be very popular. We also hired a photo booth and everyone took funny shots!

Advice to others? Enjoy the planning, because the big day comes around so quickly. We can’t thank our parents enough for all their help and support throughout the planning. Everything was perfect!

Why you chose your venue? We wanted an outdoor ceremony in beautiful surrounds and loved the feel of the sculpture park as well as the restaurant at the gallery. We also knew Chris the events manager and felt we could put our trust in him to cater to our needs... and he was brilliant.

Theme? Bright bold colours and a celebration of the richness of life.

HIghlights? I enjoyed every moment, including getting ready with the girls, the relaxed atmosphere of the outdoor ceremony, having our photos taken in the scupture park, and the delicious buffet spread of food for the reception.

Funny moments? We were smiling and laughing the whole time.

The speeches were pretty funny.

McClelland gallery & sculpture park

390 McClelland Drive, Langwarrin, Vic 3910 ph: +61 3 9789 1671 fax: +61 3 9789 1610 email: christopher.read@mcclellandgallery.com web: mcclellandgallery.com coast 78

Inspire Create Enjoy

Advice? Don’t get caught up in the detail, try to go with the flow and let things unfold... Try to stay relaxed in the lead up and remind yourself that it does all work out on the day... and absorb all the love that is being directed to you; your guests are there to celebrate with you.

www.kristynahess.com.au coast 79

Wedding Tales Stylish, Earthy and Natural

Classic with a Touch of Red

Black and White with Ocean Views

Christina & Ben Stoertebecker

Sophie Reese and Matthew Snell

Tony Lelliott & Nadine Page-Lelliott

Venue: Beach & Captain’s Lounge,

Venue: Old Dalyston Church and RACV Resort Inverloch - 60 guests

Venue: Nobbies Centre, Phillip Isl. - 70 guests

Esplanade Hotel - 70 guests

Ginger & Mint Photography

Kylie Gaffney of Shoot the Bride

Photo: Michael Page

Why you chose your venue?

Why you chose your venue?

Why you chose your venue?

We wanted a classy, intimate venue in the centre of town. We also knew we wanted to have a cocktail-style reception, and The Espy’s comfy couches, large open doors to the balcony and stylish bar complemented our relaxed atmosphere.

We have both holidayed at Cape Paterson, and wanted to bring our two families together for our wedding in this beautiful part of the world. We were drawn to the intimate setting and charm of the Old Dalyston Church, and couldn’t resist the fabulous food, wine, scenery and accommodation at the RACV Resort in Inverloch.

Both Tony and I worked at Phillip Island Nature Parks and met at work. We would meet at the boardwalk at the Nobbies at lunchtime and go for walks, so it only made sense to get married there.

Your wedding theme?

We didn’t have a theme as such, but chose earthy, natural colours with a hint of vintage and DIY decorations. We used native flowers and driftwood at the ceremony and reception.

Classic black and ivory. Touches of red, pearls and lace thrown in to jazz things up!

Highlight of the day?

Highlights of the day?

All of it! It was honestly one of the best days of our lives. We enjoyed every minute and couldn’t wipe the smiles off our faces.

Enjoying the sunset over the ocean at Inverloch with our closest family and friends there to share the moment.

Funny moments?

Any funny moments?

The speeches at the reception were hilarious.

The entire room was filled with laughter and tears. Unfortunately we didn’t tape them (that is my biggest & only regret for the day!).

While Matt was giving me a piggy-back ride along the beach for a photograph, turning around to see two of our groomsmen copying us!

Advice to others?

Advice to others?

Invest your money in things that matter most to you. The day goes so quickly, and I’m thankful we have beautiful photos.

It was more of a whirlwind than we had ever imagined! Slow down, take a deep breath and treasure each moment.

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Your wedding theme?

Your wedding theme?

Black and White

Highlight of the day?

Being surrounded by beautiful friends and family. It was so magical and everything was just so perfect!

Funny moments?

All day we seemed to be laughing. Some highlights were when a friend tipped some rose petals down my wedding dress as part of a family tradition and they went everywhere.

I was finding rose petals on myself for days after! Or our 22-month-old son, yelling out in our speeches and eating the guests’ chocolates from their bombonieres!

Advice to others?

We had an amazing experience and the food was fabulous and staff were very professional.

We would highly recommend it to anyone. Be super organised, and everything will fall into place and it’ll be the best day of your life.

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aptain’s ounge

Venues & Receptions

Archies on the Creek

The Esplanade Hotels Captain’s Lounge.

A beautiful and elegant wedding reception venue with sophisticated menu options to suit your every need.

This lavish, modern venue is set on three acres of beautifully manicured gardens with fountain and a lake. The team will plan every little detail with imagination and vision, and will add an exceptional food and wine experience to your big day.

Call 5678 7787 www.archiesonthecreek.com.au

Esplanade Hotel The Captain’s Lounge is a beautiful and elegant wedding reception venue featuring a private balcony with ocean views. A spectacular water-feature wall forms the perfect backdrop for any function.

With sophisticated menu options to suit your every need, the function co-ordinator is there to help make your special day one to remember. We cater for both seated (between 70 & 100 guests) functions and also the cocktail style (120 to 200 guests). Small intimate receptions can be arranged in Cookies Nook for 25 to 45 guests. Call 5674 1432 www.invyespy.com.au

McClelland Gallery

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.

With high-quality food and service, what more could you ask for?

Only the best will do for your wedding day.

Call 5956 9520 www.theforeshore.com.au

Infused Restaurant & Wine Bar Infused will make your special wedding day stress-free with their exceptionally brilliant food and impeccable service. Regardless of size, budget or style, create the perfect wedding function with the Infused team guiding the way from custom-built menus to the overall running of the function.

Call 5952 2655 www.infused.com.au

The Foreshore Bar & Restaurant

McClelland Gallery & Sculpture Park This venue will give your wedding that magic touch. Select from a sit-down dinner or cocktail function within the intimate café surroundings or a marquee for larger events. Imagine celebrating amidst this beautiful venue’s 16 hectares of spectacular parkland featuring sculpture by artists of international acclaim. The café’s Italian marble décor provides a sophisticated reception venue.

Celebrate in style and let the team transform your experience into an unforgettable work of art!

Call 9789 1671 www.mcclellandgallery.com TheEsplanade

Top Tip: Have a rough idea of your number of guests before you look for venues.

Please contact our Function Coordinator for more information

phone. 03 56 741 432 coast 82

Inverloch Esplanade Hotel 1 A’Beckett St. Inverloch Victoria Australia 3996 fax. 03 56 742 206 web. www.invyespy.com.au email. functions@invyespy.com.au

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Venues & Receptions RACV Inverloch Resort A stunning natural setting with breathtaking ocean views, this is the perfect location to celebrate your special day. Their experienced team will ensure your wedding day is what you’ve always dreamed of. Whether you’re planning a banquet or cocktail-style reception, the chefs use the finest local produce to create a spectacular menu to delight guests and suit your budget. The spacious grounds are perfect for ceremonies and the resort has a range of accommodation options.

Call 5674 0000 www.racv.com.au/inverloch

The Nobbies Centre & Churchill Island Heritage Farm Tie the knot with a backdrop of spectacular ocean views at the Nobbies Centre or on tranquil, heritage-listed Churchill Island. The Nobbies Centre has two function rooms with 180-degree ocean views and can cater for groups from 10 to 160. Plan a romantic garden wedding on Churchill Island with enough room for 500 guests.

Call 5951 2852 www.penguins.org.au

Churchill Island Café Enjoy a stylish reception on your own island at Churchill Island Café. Let Elke and her team look after your special event, from a casual cocktailstyle function to a memorable sit-down dinner. The island’s spectacular views and magical atmosphere are sure to impress, and the bridge from Phillip Island provides easy access for guests. Call 5956 7834

RACV Resort Inverloch

Beach Street Garden Gallery

Leave the hustle and bustle

behind. Relax and enjoy great

coffee, all day breakfast and

delicious restaurant-style meals, while browsing the gallery gift shop and gardens. Memorable

functions and stunning flowers.

Celebrate in style at this warm, vibrant venue. The cafe offers indoor and outdoor dining along with Mediterranean-inspired food and wine to ensure your celebration is truly memorable. The gallery offers creative gift ideas and their florist can create stylish arrangements for your special day. 162 Beach St, Frankston. Call 9783 7109

La Provincia

Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine and hospitality at La Provincia in Corinella. Their newly extended and refurbished restaurant is the perfect location for a relaxed wedding with plenty of Italian charm.

105 Corinella Rd, Corinella Call 5678 0382.

Red Elk

Located in the lovely seaside town of Inverloch, Red Elk offers you a groovy, intimate wedding reception venue. Cate and her team are dedicated to fine, fresh food and the cafe is fully licensed and has a fabulous selection of boutique wines.

27 A’Beckett St, Inverloch Call 5674 3264.

Wilson Botanic Park, Berwick

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162 Beach Street, Frankston T: 9783 7109 www.beachstgallery.com/cafe

Town Halls to the Beach - Bass Coast Shire Council Venues

Located at the foot of the Dandenongs, this Park offers a captivating venue for your wedding ceremony and/or wedding photography.

The 39 hectares of parkland comprises inspirational lakeside views, sweeping lawns and an array of native and exotic gardens, providing varied settings to create a truly memorable occasion.

Call 9707 5818 www.wilsonbotanicpark.com.au

Many local halls and centres are also available for hire for private functions. Informal weddings (not needing a tent or marquee) do not require a permit. A small table and seating for the elderly is permitted.

The wedding should not interfere with the normal use of the area.

Confetti and alcohol are not allowed on our beaches and foreshores.

The Old Dalyston Church

A full list is available in the community directory at www.basscoast.vic.gov.au

This charming church is over 100 years old and is available for weddings and receptions all year round and seats 120. Receptions are held either inside the church or in a marquee in the picturesque grounds.

Call Kelvin Simpson on 5678 7377

Open 7 days from 9am – 5pm

Wilson Botanic Gardens Berwick

For bookings call 1300 BCOAST (226 278).

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wedding venues

wedding venues

The Old Dalyston Church

Discover the most romantic setting you can imagine for the most important day of your life. Beautiful 100 year old church, rolling lawns, weeping peppermint trees.

Weddings . Receptions . Functions Kelvin Simpson 5678 7377 0418 366 369 74 Glen Forbes Rd Dalyston Www.olddalystonchurch.com olddalystonchurch@bigpond.com

A touch of style in a truly unique setting could be your wedding experience

© Lens to Life © Lens to Life

foreshore weddings & special events • amazing water views • outstanding food & service

Telephone (03) 5956 9520 11 Beach Road, Rhyll, Phillip Island Vic www.theforeshore.com.au

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the foreshore bar

&

restaurant

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Catering & Photography

Meikle’s Catering Meikle’s Catering offers a diverse range of wedding catering, consultancy and event management. From city to sea, their passion for quality and attention to every detail will give you a quality result in any setting, ensuring your wedding is as individual as you are. They will provide menu-tasting, and their décor consultants can transform any location into your dream reception venue.

Call 0432 257 874 functions@meiklescatering.com.au

Handy Hint You don’t need to compromise style when you take your wedding outside or to a unique destination such as the beach.

Photography Top tip: Make sure your photographer specializes in weddings and that you ‘connect’ with them when you meet – this will ensure natural and relaxed photos on the day.

Daniel Cranton Photography With extensive international experience, Daniel’s creative approach will bring imagination and spontanaeity to your wedding day.

Call Daniel on 0466 983 242.

Specialising in weddings, corporate events, major events & fine dining

Lens to Life This small exclusive studio approaches your wedding day in a professional manner, ensuring spontaneity and a relaxed atmosphere.

Lucas and his team will exhibit their extensive range of designer albums, and discuss your personal photography requirements.

See ad on page 129. Call 0414 343 104 www.lenstolife.com.au

Daniel Cranton Photography www.wix.com/cranton/photography

Our secret has always been to provide a quality product with attentive service & total commitment to your needs.

Phone. 5678 7034

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Mobile. 0432 257 874

Email. functions@meiklescatering.com.au

www.meiklescatering.com.au

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Beauty, Hair, Makeup & Flowers Blossoms and Branches Sue is happy to work with you to create memorable bouquets, table arrangements and decorations. Her artistic flair will ensure your flowers are truly individual. From something a bit creative and surprising to classic, Sue can take care of your bouquet, ceremony and reception even providing vases, candles and decorative elements. Handmade gifts and pots also available.

Shop 3/2-4 Williams Street, Inverloch Call 5674 3600

Beach Street Garden Gallery

blossoms & branches FLORIST

Shop 3, 2-4 Williams St, Inverloch 3996

(03) 5674 3600

For gorgeous floral arrangements. Call 9783 7109

Top tip: Check that the flowers you want are in season for your wedding date.

Handle with care: flowers are delicate, and bruise easily!

Ale De La Rosa Ale has over ten years’ experience in the beauty industry. Her national and international experience includes Cosmopolitan Bride magazine, Melbourne Fashion Week, film, tv, music videos and advertising. Ale offers special ‘head to toe’ bridal packages to ensure you feel and look your best on the day.

Ale de la Rosa: Ph. 0402 117 280

Top tip: Ensure your eye-make up is waterproof to cope with the inevitable tears on the day!

Beachside Hair & Beauty Offering a full range of services, the team at Beachside ensures a friendly, welcoming environment, and takes pride in its personal and professional approach.

Call 5678 5323 www.beachsidehairandbeauty.com.au

Hair and Make-up Packages

Top tip:

Spray Tanning

Choose your hairstyle before you choose your headdress, hair piece or veil.

Manicure and Pedicure Facials

Special makeup advice from Ale:

Professional Make-up Artist

Do your hair and makeup trial no more than a month before the wedding. Your skin changes constantly, so this will ensure that the trial will be as effective as possible. Start preparing your skin a month before with quality products. Stick to what you normally do with your hair and makeup – don’t wear an extravagant hairstyle or makeup if this is not your usual style - stick to what feels right for you. Getting married overseas or far away? Ale can give you all the tools you need to recreate your look on the day. Mention her ad on page 100 to receive a free eyebrow threading!

Massage Gift Vouchers + more…

Call 5678 5323 103b Marine Pde, San Remo coast 90

Make-up. Cara Robertson

www.beachsidehairandbeauty.com.au coast 91

Jewellery

Artisan and seller of Traditional & Contemporary Jewellery

Denis A Hawkins Create unique wedding rings that are made specially for the two of you. Renowned jeweller and artisan Denis A. Hawkins takes you through each stage of your design to a handcrafted creation that will be admired forever. 3 Lyon St, Leongatha Call 5662 3142 www. denisahawkins.com.au

Lacy Jewellery Studio & Gallery

LEONGATHA STUDIO & SHOWROOM 3 Lyon Street, Leongatha | Tel. (03) 5662 3142 www.denisahawkins.com.au | denisa10@bigpond.com

Weddings Celebrate in Style

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A wedding day may be fleeting, but your wedding jewellery is forever - a timeless and exquisite symbol of your love. Whether traditional or modern, Lacy engagement rings and wedding bands offer the enduring beauty every bride or groom is searching for. Led by our expert manufacturing jeweller, Philip Lacy, our staff will assist you through each step to choosing the perfect rings.132 Whitelaw St, Meeniyan Call 5664 0055 www.lacyjewellery.com.au KOONWARRA STUDIO & GALLERY 11 Swan Road, Koonwarra Village | Tel. (03) 5664 2282

Make your special day an occasion to cherish with Studio 41 – the wedding specialists If you’re planning your wedding, consider a Wedding Wish Registry with Studio 41. With our wide range of jewellery and gifts, it’s a simple and easy way to select objects of desire to cherish for years to come.

Simply create your wishlist and we’ll provide cards to send to your guests with details of how they can view and select gifts.

After a special piece to wear on your wedding day?

Our skilled jewellers can re-create an old family heirloom just for you. Also, we now offer our very own bead range which can be customised with the bride and groom’s name and wedding date, making a stylish and modern memento of the day. View our new bead range online at www.studio41.com.au

So make Studio 41 a part of your wedding plans, and celebrate in style!

Studio 41, Mornington Jeweller Elayne Vears at Studio 41 in Mornington can design and create your dream engagement ring and wedding band. Each can be created to suit your individual style. Why not consider having matching wedding bands designed for you and your partner? Your choice of rings is part of a lifetime decision - the start of a new exciting chapter in your life. Mornington Ph. 5977 0080 www.studio41.com.au

The Goldsmith’s Gallery, San Remo The Goldsmith’s Gallery can enhance your special day by designing and making jewellery for your entire wedding party, as well as wedding rings for the bride and groom. Each ring that Bronwyn makes and sells comes with a free annual clean and polish. Unusual designs are her speciality. If you want something different that will last a lifetime, then have it handmade and well made!

Call 5678 5788 www.goldsmithsgallery.com.au

Top tip: Are you wearing your hair up or down on the day? What type of neckline does your dress have? Keep these factors in mind when choosing your earrings and jewellery for the big day.

DESIGN your desires CREATE your dreams REJUVENATE your memories 41 Main Street, Mornington, VIC 3931 coast 92

P: +61 3 5977 0080

www.studio41.com.au coast 93

Quality accommodation

Get the perfect ring & jewellery for your wedding.

QUEST Phillip Island Transport & Accommodation

Located in the vibrant, holiday township of Cowes, Quest Phillip Island is a short stroll to local shops, restaurants and beaches and within a short travelling distance to Phillip Island’s many attractions including the Penguin Parade, surf beaches and Gallery will be closed from 17 July and reopen on the 24 August Unique Jewellery | Watches | Repairs | Classes | Rethreading | Commissions Shop 3 - Bridgeview Arcade San Remo phone. 5678 5788

Grand Prix Circuit.

Regular Classes & Exhibitions visit:

www.goldsmithsgallery.com.au

QUEST Oceanic

Kombi Love Kombi Love is making a splash with its unique Kombi wedding cars. Once characterising the Coast, the Kombi is fast becoming the contemporary choice for bridal couples wishing to fill their wedding with a little fun and a little Kombi adventure. Whatever the destination a quirky Kombi might be the perfect match!

Call 9876 1000 www.kombilove.com.au

Hilltop Manor This gorgeous home speaks for itself and caters for those who expect quality, comfort and style. It offers four spacious bedrooms and three bathrooms, one with a corner executive spa. The upstairs entertaining deck has unmatched panoramic water views. Call 5952 3922.

Silverwater Resort

Fill your wedding with Kombi Love...

With spectacular views over the bay, Silverwater Resort is the ideal venue for your wedding. Offering onsite ceremony options, seated receptions for up to 120 people, cocktail functions for up to 200 people, and 170 spacious modern apartments, you need not leave the resort! Find time… to celebrate at Silverwater Resort!

Call 1800 033 403 www.silverwaterresort.com.au

Kombi Love is Melbourne’s premier Kombi hire company, where these beautiful classic vehicles are matched with unsurpassed chauffeuring, providing the ultimate wedding car experience.

Q

Quest Apartments

Whether cruising to your dream wedding or touring your favourite wineries with friends, Kombi Love makes any special occasion fun and truly memorable!

Quest Oceanic features one, two and three

So when you bring the love, we’ll bring the Kombi…

The apartments feature quality furnishings

bedroom, fully self contained apartments.

and fittings, dvd players, stereos, full kitchen,

Quest Phillip Island offers one, two and three bedroom modern apartments, all including separate lounge and dining areas. The perfect location for couples and families or wedding groups only 90 minutes from Melbourne.

Call 5952 2644 www.questphillipisland.com.au www.promcountry.com.au has over 110 places to stay.

laundry facilities with large balconies and onsite under cover secure parking for one car.

Lovingly available for… weddings | school formals | tours | special occasions | hire | advertising | tv & film

Call us on 03 9876 1000 or visit www.kombilove.com.au coast 94

Top tip – ask for a late check-out from your wedding night accommodation – you’ll deserve a sleep-in!

Phone: 03 5952 2644

questphillipisland@bigpond.com.au www.questphillipisland.com.au www.questoceanic.com.au Quest_v1.indd 1

12/2/10 12:39:43 PM

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SKETA AUSTRALIA

Fashion Sketa With outlets across the coast, you’ll find a perfect, unique outfit designed by Sketa. Whether you are the mother of the bride or a guest, you are sure to look stylish and stand out from the crowd.

Call 5976 3311

Sarsaparilla Stocking labels such as One Teaspoon, Cassette Society, Finders Keepers, Toi et Moi, Fairground and many more, you’ll be sure that you can attend any wedding, party or gathering in style! Check them out on Facebook at www.facebook/sarsaparillaboutique.

Kudos Give your wedding a vintage theme. Karin can style your complete celebrations with flair and individuality. The Gallery has a range of dresses, decorations, accessories and gifts.

Marine Pde, San Remo Call 5678 5944

Kush Kush

Top tip. Dress elegantly and simply for a wedding and be prepared for any weather. Remember white is a no-go zone – leave it for the bride!

Outfit by Sketa

At Kush Kush you will find simply elegant dresses and accessories at an amazingly affordable price to create the ‘Wow’ factor on your special day. Vista Place, Cape Woolamai, Phillip Island Call 5956 6844 www.kushkush.com.au

Gifts South Coast Furnishings South Coast Furnishings has a bridal registry service where you can suggest gifts that you actually need, and make the selection easy for your guests! Call 5952 1488

Finding the grain Exquisitely handcrafted recycled wood furniture . A perfect gift for those with discerning taste. Call Mark: 0418 355 148 Nick: 0421 867 476 www.findingthegrain.com.au See our Wedding Directory page for more gift options.

Top tips: A great gift comes from the heart, so take time in your choice. Consider maximising your spend by combining with others.

Gifts from South Coast Furnishings

Australian designed and made – Limited quantities for the individual look – Quality accessories Mornington 71 Main Street T 5976 3311 Sorrento 42 Ocean Beach Rd T 5984 0927

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and stores throughout Melbourne and Noosa

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It’s All In the Planning

Wedding planner Rachel Clarke shares her top ten wedding tips:

1. Try on a Wedding dress! …even if your wedding’s not for another two years. After you’ve pictured yourself as a bride, the rest of your day will start to fall into place in your mind…

2. Make a full budget This might seem like the boring part but if you have a budget from the start, you can balance your planning later on.

3. Put together a wedding checklist This will help you to stay focused and organised, and ensure that you don’t forget any of the important stages in the planning.

4. Research!

Get online, browse magazines and watch your favourite wedding movie scenes… You never know what you might find.

5. Discuss!

Don’t forget the other person involved… the groom! Make sure you discuss what you both envision.

6. Put together a provisional guest list It doesn’t have to be final, but starting one is a big help. It will guide you on numbers and venue options, and your budget.

7. Pick the date and venue Decide on your date, be it an anniversary, a seasonal or timing choice.

8. Send out ‘Save The Date’s’ These can be reflect your theme or be just a quick email.

9. Select your wedding party This can be the best (letting them know) and also the hardest (choosing between good friends) part, so have a good think!

6–12 Months Before...

Ceremony - Book your celebrant, priest or chaplain.

Reception - Confirm venues and entertainment.

Catering – Investigate options and book.

Clothes – Research outfits for bride, groom and bridesmaids.

Bridal Party – Choose your bridesmaids, groomsmen and MC. Decide - Make a first-draft guest list.

Memories - Book your photographer and videographer.

Transport – research and book.

Honeymoon – arrange leave and get your passport up-to-date; select a destination.

3–6 Months Before Flowers - Select florist and order wedding and reception flowers.

You - Engage hairdresser and makeup artist. Keep up your exercise program.

Invites - Finalise guest list; design and order invitations, place-cards and thank-you cards. Send invites 6-8 weeks before.

Legals - Complete and submit your “Notice of Intention to Marry” Jewellery - Finalise your wedding rings and any other gifts.

Wedding Night - Book your accommodation.

Cake – select and order your wedding cake.

Reception - Finalise menu, running-sheet, floor plan and seating arrangements.

Ceremony - Finalise order of service, vows and music.

1 Month Before Jewellery - pick up rings and have other jewellery cleaned.

The Day - Finalise schedule, task list and speeches.

Party – Have separate hens’ and bucks’ nights or one big party!

You – Finalise hair, make-up and beauty appointments.

Gifts – For wedding party and each other.

Clothes - Final fittings and pick-up details for outfits, including shoes and lingerie!

2 Weeks Before You - Schedule relaxation, final beauty treatments and lots of sleep!

Ceremony - Rehearsal.

The Night Before 10. Enjoy yourself!

The most important tip of all! Don’t forget what you’re doing… creating your dream wedding! Make sure you enjoy every step of the way!

White Rose Wedding Planners Rachel Clark owns White Rose Wedding Planners, based in Traralgon. Moving to Australia from England five years ago, Rachel hails from a marketing and events background. She is passionate about weddings and it’s this passion, combined with her events management knowledge and strong organisational skills, that makes her a great choice for your wedding. Call 0438 333 791 www.whiteroseweddingplanners.com.au

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Clothes - Lay out clothes and jewellery.

You - Have a long bath, massage, relax... sleep.

On The Day Eat a good brekkie, don’t panic, not too much champers and enjoy the day!

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Alejandrina De La Rosa Directory Accommodation

Jewellers

Harry’s on the Esplanade Call 5952 6226 Hillltop Manor Call 5952 3922 rentals@phillipislandfn.com Quest, Phillip Island: Call 5952 2644 www.questphillipisland.com.au RACV Resort, Inverloch: Call 5674 0000 www.racv.com.au/inverloch Silverwater Resort, San Remo: Call 5671 9300 www.silverwaterresort.com.au Zenergie, Kongwak: Call 5657 4490 www.zenergie.com.au www.promcountry.com.au has over 110 places to stay.

Denis A. Hawkins, Leongatha: Call 5662 3142 Goldsmiths Gallery, San Remo: Call 5678 5788 Lacy Jewellery Studio & Gallery, Meeniyan: Call 5664 0055 Studio 41, Mornington: Call 5977 0080

Catering

Make-up, Hair and Beauty Ale de la Rosa: Call 0402 117 280 Amcal Cowes Pharmacy, Cowes: Call 5952 2061 Beachside Hair and Beauty, San Remo Call 5678 5323 www.beachsidehairandbeauty.com.au San Remo Pharmacy: Call 5678 5202

Meikle’s Catering: Call 5678 7034 www.meiklescatering.com.au

Photography and Prints

Celebratory Dinners, Bucks & Hens Parties

Daniel Cranton: Call 0466 983 242.

Lens to Life, Phillip Island: Call 0414 343 104 www.lenstolife.com.au

Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit: Call 5952 9400 www.phillipislandcircuit.com.au See our Where to Eat Guide on p. 102

Fashion Kudos, San Remo: Call 5678 5944 Kush Kush, Cape Woolamai: Call 5956 6844 Sketa, Mornington: Call 5976 3311 & Sorrento Call 5984 0927 So!Me!, Leongatha: Call 5662 3103

Finance and Legal Duffy & Simon, across Gippsland Call 5945 5200.

Flowers Blossoms & Branches, Inverloch Call 5674 3600 Beach Street Garden Gallery, Frankston Call 9783 7109

Gifts Amcal Cowes Pharmacy, Cowes: Call 5952 2061 Cheryl Petersen, Somerville: Call 5977 8724 Finding the Grain, Call 0418 355 148 Kudos, San Remo: Call 5678 5944 Kush Kush, Cape Woolamai: Call 5956 6844 McClelland Gallery+Sculpture Park, Langwarrin: Call 9789 1671 Mingara Gallery, Cowes: Call 5952 3722 Phillip Island Chocolate Factory: Call 5956 6600 San Remo Pharmacy: Call 5678 5202 So!Me!, Leongatha: Call 5662 3103

Transport Kombi Love, Call 9876 1000 www.kombilove.com.au

Venues & Receptions Archies on the Creek, Archies Creek: Call 5678 7787 www.archiesonthecreek.com.au Bass Coast Shire Council halls, reserves and beaches www.basscoast.vic.gov.au Beach Street Garden Gallery, Frankston Call 9783 7109 Café @ Churchill Island Call Call 5956 7834 Old Dalyston Church Call 5678 7377 Esplanade Hotel, Inverloch: Call 5674 1432 Foreshore Bar and Restaurant, Rhyll: Call 5956 9520 McClelland Gallery + Sculpture Park, Langwarrin: Call 9789 1671 www.mcclellandgallery.com Nobbies Centre, Phillip Island: Call 5951 2852 www.nobbies.org.au RACV Resort, Inverloch: Call 5674 0000 www.racv.com.au/inverloch Wilson Botanic Park, Berwick: Call 9707 5818 www. wilsonbotanicpark.com.au

Wedding Planners White Rose Wedding Planners: Call 0438 333 791 www.whiteroseweddingplanners.com.au

Gift Registry Southcoast Furnishings, Cowes: Call 5952 1488

Make-up•Hair•Beauty Contact Ale on 0402 117 280 www.make-upandbodyart.com

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Archies on the Creek

Cafe Chocolatte

La Provincia

Red Elk Bar & Cafe

Beach Street Garden Gallery

Curry Leaf

Meikles Ocean View Bistro

RACV Resort

Cafe Lugano

Esplanade Hotel

McClelland Gallery Cafe

Old Dalyston Church

Cafe@Churchill Island

The Foreshore Bar & Restaurant

Nobbies Centre

Silverwater Resort

Phillip Island RSL

The Store Cafe, Somers

81 Archies Creek Rd Archies Creek Phone 5678 7787 Unique culinary destination

162 Beach Street Frankston Phone 9783 7109 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Art

71 Thompson Avenue Cowes phone 5952 5636 9am - 3pm everyday

Off the coast of Phillip Island Phone 5956 7834 Fresh produce and great coffee

Champions Cafe

Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit Back Beach Road Phone 5952 2710 Racing good food!

Connells Bakery

33-35 Murray St, Wonthaggi (opp Safeway) Phone 5672 1050 Delicious food & treats

Chocolate Factory 930 Phillip Island Rd Newhaven, Phillip Island Phone 5956 6600 For chocolate lovers

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1805 Phillip Island Rd Phillip Island Phone 5952 2283 Hot chocolate, chocs & more

Shop 9, Vista Place Cape Woolamai Phone 5956 6772 Great curries

105 Corinella Rd, Corinella Phone 5678 0382 Fresh, home-style Italian

Bass Hwy Kilcunda, Victoria Phone 5678 7011 Fresh local seafood & beef

1 A’Beckett St Inverloch Phone 5674 1432 Delicious meals

11 Beach rd, Rhyll Phone 5956 9520 Local produce, fresh seafood

Harry’s on the Esplanade

17 The Esplanade Cowes Phone 5952 6226 Delicious cuisine

390 McClelland Dve Langwarrin Phone 9789 1671 Cafe, sculpture & functions

Nobbies Centre, Phillip Island Phone 5951 2816 Meals & functions with ocean views

Cnr Cowes Rhyll Rd & Thompson Ave Phone 5952 1004 Contemporary dining

27 A’Beckett St, Inverloch Phone 5674 3264 Great coffee & delicious food

70 Cape Paterson-Inverloch Road Inverloch Phone 5674 0000 Contemporary cuisine

74 Glen Forbes Rd, Dalyston Phone 5678 7377 Wedding, functions & sunday pizzas

Phillip Island Tourist Rd, San Remo Phone 5671 9300 Contemporary dining in Watermark @ Silverwater Resort

2 The Boulevade, Somers Phone. 5983 2070 Wonderful coffee & beautiful food

Infused

115 Thompson Avenue Cowes Phillip Island Phone 5952 2655 Restaurant,cafe, wine bar

Let’s eat! coast 103

words sally o’neill photos warren reed

whole lot of love...

It doesn’t matter what walk of life, or your taste, there is something for everyone at Archies.

There are also separate menus for functions and now regular art events and exhibitions.

In less than two years, Archies On The Creek has established itself as a foodie’s destination. We journey to the tiny Gippsland town to experience it for ourselves and discover that their recently awarded Chef’s Hat is well deserved…

From butter factory to the corridors of power to its present day elegant restaurant, function centre, café and bar. That’s the journey the building that is now Archies On The Creek has taken.

Opened in 2009, Archies on the Creek is the realisation of the vision of local entrepreneur Vern Rickman. He has transformed the site of the Melbourne Chilled Butter Factory then Shire of Bass into an elegant restaurant.

It’s almost surreal, walking from the tiny hamlet of Archies Creek into this cosmopolitan scene. My dining partner describes it as “a little New York” in feel. The elegant surrounds overlooking the lake with the signature fountain flowing have me in agreement.

In less than two years, the restaurant has regularly impressed patrons and critics alike. Owner and self-professed foodie Vern Rickman spared no expense to recruit the right team to weave together a menu and wine list reminiscent of the finest Melbourne and Sydney restaurants and has pulled it off in style.

The wine list has its own contents page and traverses the globe with its 32 pages of offerings across the varietals. They have generously considered wines by the glass and we keep it local with a 2009 Mallani Chardonnay – produced literally just down the road, and a light Pinot from Quercus Vineyard not fifty kilometres away in Leongatha.

Entrees are spectacular, with the seared scallops, confit pork belly, apple and braised mushrooms a highlight. Well, the freshly shucked Coffin Bay oysters were also fabulous. The Archies-cured duck prosciutto is a fine example of the philosophy of showcasing local growers and producers and combining their offerings with the kitchen team’s skill.

Archies has established itself on Gippsland’s finest dry-aged premium, grass-fed beef, but vegetarians will also find options on the everchanging menu. Our mains arrive. The selection of lamb - fillet, shank and shoulder with a walnut salad and Labna yoghurt - is superb.

The knife melts into each cut and the rich, tangy, earthy yoghurt complements perfectly. The Crispy Skin Barramundi with spinach and almond puree is fresh and juicy and the 250-gram Black Angus Tenderloin with parsley puree and sauce bordelaise is outstanding, and so popular it doesn’t leave the menu.

Desserts are sublime. We delight in the Valhrona milk chocolate fondant with liquorice caramel salt and Joseph extra virgin olive oil ice cream, and market fresh berries with vanilla mousse and praline filo.>>

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Chocolate Cafe

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

We take our coffee and stroll into the spectacular VR Tasting Room, then settle outside in the shade of the historic elms to reflect on our dining experience, which has demonstrated a high level of skill combined with quality local ingredients. The tasteful surroundings, extensive wine list and attentive service elevate it to exceptional, and this has been the aim of the Archies team since its inception. Now I think the balance is just right. Serves are generous, and prices - with the possible exception of some ‘super steaks’ such as Wagyu ribeye - reasonable : entrees range between $17-20, mains between $35-65 and desserts are under $20.

Executive chef Graeme Heenan grew up in New Zealand where he worked across the land of the Long White Cloud. His training in classical European cuisine is complemented by years living and working in Japan. But Australia is where his heart now lies. “That’s what I like about this country: you can be yourself – and the produce is fantastic.”

Graeme, whose philosophy on food is to keep it simple and natural, has been at Archies since the start and agrees that the menu has evolved.

“It’s now a bit more country and less finicky.”

The venue has also evolved, offering options from fine dining to simple wood-fired pizzas. You can grab a quick coffee in the café or partake of high tea and enjoy other special events. Graeme is currently looking forward to their first cabaret night. “It doesn’t matter what walk of life you are from or what your tastes are: there is something for everyone.

There are also separate menus for functions, and now regular art events and exhibitions.”

Graeme’s take on the recent Chef’s Hat? “The hat? It means a lot – all the hard work is starting to pay off. And, we have to keep on our toes!” he adds. The reason Archies won the accolade? “There’s a lot of love going into each dish,” says Graeme. And we are loving it, too. C Archies On The Creek 81 Archies Creek Rd, Archies Creek Call 5678 7787.

Open Wednesday – Sunday, bookings preferred. Closed July.

Take advantage of the shuttle bus and enjoy the fine wines on offer.

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 106

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simply stylish at somers

With comfortable modern surrounds and a fantastic range of entertainment options, the Phillip Island RSL is the island’s favourite meeting place.

Whether its coffee with friends, dinner with family or a special occasion, our friendly staff and great menu make every visit memorable!

Remember the days when life was slower, summer days went on forever and you could trip down to the local store in your bare, sandy feet?

Built in 1927, Somers General Store has been lovingly transformed into two separate experiences – each loved by locals and visitors alike.

You can now drop in for a newspaper and coffee or make a day of it with breakfast, a walk on the beach followed by a long lunch and a browse through the tempting range of wares on offer . . .

The Store Cafe Somers prides itself on a menu of delicious produce sourced from local suppliers and producers. Enjoy a coffee, tasty snack or meal in the stylish surrounds. Sit out on the large decking and enjoy the relaxed, coastal surrounds.

The Somers General Store abounds with hidden surprises. As well as all the essentials, browse local produce, unique giftware, beautiful books and romantically-inspired glassware by local artists including Leisa Wharington , the proprietor of Somers General Store. Leisa’s work includes romantic, gloriously indulgent chandeliers, unique hanging vases, colourful flower plates, tiny pouting jugs and three legged bowls. You’ll see her creations around Somers General Store.

Be sure to bring your children, your sandy feet and most of all your appetite!

sgs

somers general store & the store cafe

photo Lucas Piera

Phillip Island RSL

Open 7 days • For the benefit of members and guests The ANZAC Room is ideal for weddings, engagements, birthdays, corporate dinners, and conferences. Our boardroom facilities also accommodate smaller training groups or conferences, and the Lone Pine Bistro is ideal for smaller functions and social events.

Visit our website for more information, including upcoming events!

Cnr Cowes Rhyll Rd & Thompson Ave, Cowes, Vic. 3922

www.pirsl.com.au Tel. (03) 5952 1004

Brilliant coffee • Delicious fresh food • Fully licensed • Fabulous new chef • Brand new menu

“Kick start the day with classic cooked breakfasts on the verandah of the Red Elk Cafe overlooking the main street.”

- The Age, Dec 2010

the store cafe & somers general store 2 The Boulevard, Somers

03 59 832 070

somersgeneralstore@bigpond.com www.somersgeneralstore.com coast 108

27 A’Beckett St Inverloch

E redelk@aapt.net.au

T 5674 3264

Open 7 days for Breakfast & Lunch, Dinner - Fri & Sat.

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what’s new in food eat more chocolate! www.phillipislandchocolatefactory.com.au

burger of champions

Open Lunch & Dinner 115 Thompson Avenue, Cowes 3922 (03) 59 522 655 Phillip Island, Vic, Australia www.infused.com.au

Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit’s Champions Café is proud to serve the best burger in town. Come trackside and enjoy the café’s relaxing atmosphere and their new winter menu including pancakes, soups and pastries. All welcome.

Open 9.30am to 4pm daily. www.phillipislandcircuit.com.au

The team at Panny’s Chocolate Factory has prepared a ten-point document on why you should eat more chocolate including facts like ‘it’s a vegetable’ and ‘it contains dairy’. So now you have a reason to indulge and their new fondue nights give you the perfect opportunity!

old dalyston church The Old Dalyston Church now incorporates a full commercial kitchen and will shortly be opening its doors to the public. The chef/owner is busy planning some mouth-watering menus. Look out for Sunday evening pizzas coming soon. www.olddalystonchurch.com

high tea Grab your mum and your friends and enjoy high tea at Archies On The Creek.

Served on a three-tier stand with a glass of bubbly to boot! And, they have just announced a ‘Death By Chocolate’ High Tea – bliss! Bookings essential, see website or phone for details.

Call 5678 7787 www.archiesonthecreek.com.au

special dinners at churchill island Warm up your winter with a special dinner hosted by Café @ Churchill Island. Choose from ‘Game & Wild Foods’ on 11 June, a special ‘Spanish Dinner in1 July’ on 9 July or a ‘Feast From the Pacific Rim’ on 13 August.

Bookings essential on 5956 7834 www.churchillislandcafe.com.au

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the red elk Red Elk Cafe is extremely pleased with their new chef Travis Manhal from South Yarra. They’re looking forward to locals and visitors enjoying the new fresh and exciting menus for breakfast and lunch. New dinner menu starting soon. See you there! 27 A’Beckett St, Inverloch 5674 3264

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Visit a display centre in your chosen dream location

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Bairnsdale Flinns Rd Vic Roads: 689 M5, Ph: (03) 5152 4884

Inverloch 17A A’Beckett St Vic Roads: 712 F3, Ph: (03) 5175 8600

Traralgon Hammersmith Circuit Vic Roads: 343 L5, Ph: (03) 5176 4063

Warragul 54 Queen St Mel Ref: 704 F7, Ph: (03) 5623 3059 Gippsland 3/183 Franklin St Vic Roads: 696 H5 , Ph: (03) 5175 8600

House design: Darren Brown Design

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words sally o’neill photos maria reed

fairweather at shearwater Downsizing was easy for Bob and Pat Baird, who are enjoying a new era in their sustainable home in Cowes.

This isn’t the first time Bob and Pat Baird have been showcased in a magazine. In fact, their house in Flinders featured as ‘Australia’s First Green House’ back in the early 1970s. We laugh together at the hairstyles, tight shirts and flairs they are sporting in the black and white photocopy of the article.

In early 1970s, the couple briefed architect and brother John Baird with business partner John Cuthbert to design them a totally sustainable house with zero external energy input. Electricity, heating, water and gas services were all to be generated on their property in the hills behind Flinders on the Mornington Peninsula.

The resulting house was built of plantation timber only with DIY solar panels (amongst the first in Victoria), wind-powered generator and experimental methane gas producer. The project won prizes for both sustainability and architecture as well as featuring on both Australian and Japanese television.

“It all worked brilliantly with the exception of the methane gas, which failed due to low winter temperatures,” says Bob. “We lived through many winters at Flinders with a lot of energy coming from ourselves and a woodlot on the property.” These conservation pioneers attribute part of their lifestyle change to the hippy era. “We saw the kids going through it and they brought a lot of their philosophies home to us,” says Pat. In 1989, Bob retired from his business and Pat from her work as a librarian and adult literacy co-ordinator, and the couple shifted to Rhyll on Phillip Island. This led to another exciting, low-energy house, this time designed according to John’s ‘Fairweather Homes’ concept that provided an architectural service based on correct orientation, sustainability of materials and passive solar principles. coast 114

The couple recall their time at Rhyll as a fulfilling experience allowing Bob to paint and exhibit and Pat to write several published books.

They also involved themselves in many community activities, especially in the environmental field - Bob was an inaugural Phillip Island Nature Park board member for seven years and Pat contributed through writing and local history.

Heading into their eighties, they decided it was prudent to move to Cowes to be closer to shopping, medical and community facilities.

They took on the challenge of building their new, sustainable home with the energy of a couple half their age, starting by selecting a north-facing block opposite the wetland in the Shearwater Estate.

“I need wide open horizons,” says Bob, whose landscape paintings line the walls of their new home. He’s also a birdwatcher and, after a career as an engineer, appreciates the virtues of the estate’s wetland.

With a few houses under their belt, they knew what they needed.

Their design brief included downsizing, north orientation (essential), double-glazing, solar hot water, solar power from photovoltaic panels, tiled floor for sun and heat absorption and draft-free, ground-level living. “These components were essential to the success of the build.

The house plan needed to accommodate our day to day living with separate guest accommodation for friends and family and a garden small enough for us to maintain,” says Pat. The solution proved to be two units separated by a courtyard – the entire dwelling complex totalling 165 square metres. The front unit is the main living, eating, bathroom and library (cleverly incorporated into the hallway) and the rear has the courtyard and second unit with two guest bedrooms separated by a combined bathroom, laundry and toilet.>> coast 115

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The Fairweather Story Fairweather Homes has been providing high quality, architecturally-designed, sustainable homes to clients throughout Victoria since 1982.

Each new home is unique and customised to the owner’s needs as well incorporating site features and passive energy efficiency principles. Through the use of a flexible preengineered structural system, project costs can be controlled and construction time can be minimised. Call 03 9416 5124 www.fairweatherhomes.com.au See their ad on page 123

Six months into life in their new home, the couple agrees it all works as planned. Pat still has her quiet room for writing, Bob his studio, and it’s all very compact and easy to manage. “All of the sustainable systems are working well, with the inside temperature staying within the range of 17 to 24 degrees most of the time without imported heating or cooling (except for a couple of extreme temperature days)” reports Bob. The photovoltaic cells provide two thirds of the power, and so far no power has been needed to boost hot water – nor have they received any bill.

The house is easy to live in, easy to maintain and having any of their four children or ten grandchildren or great grandchildren to stay is made simple with the discrete living areas. Bob and Pat enjoy life in the Shearwater Estate and the ever-changing landscape the wetlands and seasons provide.

The couple is looking forward to this new stage in their lives and also to contributing to their new community. They also hope that their commitment to sustainable building and living can be an example to others.

They say that ”the business of building a new house at our age (80 and 82) need not be too stressful if you: • Use an architect or design system such as Fairweather Homes that will involve you in the planning and, as in our case, has thorough understanding of a truly sustainable house.

• Find a builder with whom you can both work. As the build progresses there are so many decisions to be made that you must be able to equally participate and enjoy the process.

• Take your time. It takes about three to four months to plan and get started, and six months to complete. Our builder, Paul Wainwright of Wainwright Constructions, Balnarring, was an absolute gem both as a builder and team player with us during construction. Paul approves of and understands the Fairweather system - it may not suit all builders.

It also helps if you feel that you are contributing to a more sustainable building process by creating a house that is no bigger than you really need. Small can be beautiful.” C patbobaird@waterfront.net.au

Designed to Perform when you need it most

www.fairweatherhomes.com.au

Enjoy your own island lifestyle Located next to Cowes Golf Club and minutes to town and Silverleaves Beach, Shearwater on the Island is a premier Phillip Island address. Set amongst five hectares of wetlands teeming with birdlife, Shearwater has been carefully designed to have a distinct casual, coastal style. With an emphasis on open space and natural building materials, this is the ultimate in relaxed, coastal living. Lots ranging from 360sqm to 1,441sqm now available. www.shearwaterestate.com.au or call 1300 743 279.

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Premium Solar Hot Water & Hydronic Heating

Phone: 1300 007652 for more information www.sunplussolar.com.au or check out your local distributor at www.phazer.com.au

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Heating

+

Cooling

“Quality Local Builders”

Coastal Refrigeration & Airconditioning 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.

Servicing Phillip Island & surrounding areas.

Commercial & Domestic Refrigeration & Airconditioning.

Sales, Installation & service of all major brands.

Contact Rick North Ph: 5956 6301 After hours commercial breakdown

ARC Authorisation No: AU22840

“Paul is passionate and enthusiastic about his ideas, skills and craftsmanship.

His attention to detail elevates his results to a high level.”

Paul & Wendy Satchell

Geocrete Concrete Polishers mobile: 0404 786 594 email: info@geocrete.com.au web: www.geocrete.com.au

Sales Claire Brewer: 0447 006 828 Clay Brewer: 0457 813 905 Email: brewerhomes@bigpond.com

www.brewerhomes.com.au coast 118

RBP 24502 HIA 857-853

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OR you’re covered with your local Bass Coast Daikin experts.

Don’t sweat another Summer or freeze another Winter Contact the expert team at Bass Coast Refrigeration and enjoy a perfect climate all year round.

RTA: AU11737

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ISLAND GARDEN SUPPLIES DISPLAY GARDENS NOW OPEN

er n w oo r Ne ea g s n” h n ig i s s om Des e t ow C s C lay ue Q p s Di sea “ t wa

6/03/11 10:58 PM

Langford Jones Homes

886 Phillip Island Road, Newhaven, 3925 Ph: 5956 7397 Fax: 5956 7929

Sand, Pavers, Blended Soils, Screenings, Rocks, Pebbles, Sleepers, Barks, Mulches, Path and Driveway Toppings & Mesh and Trench Reinforcement, also PHILLIP ISLAND PRE-MIXED CONCRETE. We also have a large range of beautiful Garden Ornaments and Pots. coast 120

Melbourne: 9579 2277

e: sales@ljhomes.com.au

www.langfordjoneshomes.com.au

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Visit Langford Jones Homes Display Centres: Phillip Island and Wonthaggi. NEW DISPLAY: Leongatha

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“Innovative, energy efficient designs to suit your lifestyle and budget.”

• Building Design

• Town Planning

• Architectural Drafting

• Land Surveying

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Phone 5672 1144

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Contemporary & innovative landscape designs. mob: www: email:

0401 669 927 jamesrosslandscape.com.au info@jamesrosslandscape.com.au

Landscape Design coast 122

Consultancy

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Matt Crooks . Smiths Beach . Phillip Island. 0419 356 222 t. 5952 3838 e. info@islandlandscaping.com.au www.islandlandscaping.com.au coast 123

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VAN STEENSEL TIMBERS BUILDING MATERIALS & WATER TANKS

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Bikes for all levels Specialising in BMX bikes + accessories.

• We The People • Sunday • Colony • Pilgrim • Scott • Avanti • Trek Bikes for all levels Specialising in BMX bikes + accessories.

Bikes for all levels Specialising BMX bikes + accessories. Distributors for South Gippsland • We The in People • Sunday • Colony • Scott Avanti • Trek • We The People • Sunday• Pilgrim • Colony • •Pilgrim • Scott • Avanti • Trek “FUEL

BY THE TANK OR TANKER FULL” Bikes for all levels Specialising in BMX bikes + accessories.

LEONGATHA DEPOT • We The People • Sunday • Colony • Pilgrim • Scott •PH. Avanti • Trek 03 5662 2217 A/H 0418 595 346 Bikes for all levels Specialising in BMX bikes + accessories.

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At last affordable granite for kitchens, bathrooms, laundries, furniture & commercial applications wide variety of colours to suit your decor Face lifts & Renovations

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

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CNR. CORINELLA TURN OFF & BASS HWY, GRANTVILLE (03)56788552 118 Graham Street Wonthaggi ph: 5672 2270 www.xover.com.au

Inner Space Design

FISH CREEK, FOSTER, INVERLOCH KORUMBURRA, LEONGATHA, MIRBOO NTH TOORA, WONTHAGGI & YARRAM COWES

Castrol Lubricants available

Need a Website?

We can help!

innovative environmentally sensitive building design

Custom made: • Bathroom Interiors • Kitchen Interiors • Furniture The only Certified Kitchen and Bathroom Designer in Gippsland

Kevin Holden PO Box 789, Wonthaggi 0458 520 347 coast 124

6 boathaven grove, san remo 3925 tel:

03 56 785 638

fax:

03 56 785 015

mobile: 0408 138 065 email:

groddabdav@iprimus.com.au

www.purplec.com.au

Call 1300 557 336

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Winter Offer - Free Hosting for a year

specialised joinery solutions

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Metrix Kitchens

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

Love the Coast, Live on the Coast

Your one stop Curry Shop Authentic South African Cuisine

15 Falls Road Fish Creek 03 5683 2481 0423 721 593 0421 209 878

monthly exhibitions of contemporary artwork | art materials | picture framing e: framing@geckostudiogallery.com.au w: geckostudiogallery.com.au opening times thurs-mon 10am-5pm

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

www. fahnle.com.au | heather@fahnle.com.au | mob. 0417 562 625

Kerry Spokes & Michael Lester

Shearwater Studio Semi abstract paintings inspired by Diana’s surroundings.

Commissions welcome

Hours Closed Tuesday Mon-Thurs 4pm–9pm Fri-Sun 12pm–9pm Holidays 12pm–9pm

For all your Real Estate needs Let us help you. . .

Shop 2, 129 Marine Parade, San Remo Phone: 5678 5141 www.sanremorealty.com.au

Take Away or enjoy a unique dining experience under the stars in our country courtyard dining huts - weather permitting licensed and BYO . All Halal food available. all cards accepted Specialty curries; crab prawn fish and biryani Curry Leaf Takeaway Phone 5956 6772 Shop 9 Vista Place Cape Woolamai, Phillip Island

New & Gently Used Quality Goods

Maxines

SUNDAY

Have opened a GRAND NEW STORE 55-57 McBride Ave, Wonthaggi

from 10 am - Inside & Out LIVE MUSIC FROM 11AM

Ph. 5672 3889

Jewellery, summer fashions, handcrafts & homewares

Don’t forget our CLEARANCE STORE 104 Graham St, Wonthaggi Ph. 5672 4108

Open most weekends - please call to confirm Diana: 0408 341 898 or 5956 7370 email: dianab@waterfront.net.au

83 Lantana Road, Cape Woolamai coast 126

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MAXINES also at 220 Commercial Rd, Yarram 1/121 Jupiter Boulevard, Venus Bay 335 Brunswick St, Fitzroy & Maxines Family Emporium, Main Rd, Kongwak (open every Sunday)

Main Street, KONGWAK, Victoria (only 10 minutes from Inverloch)

For more information call Jane on 0417 142 478

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31 Main Street Foster Ph: 5682 1381 Weekdays 10am-5pm Sat 9:30am-4pm Sun 10am-4pm Closed Tuesdays until November

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weddings

weddings

137 Marine Parade, San Remo Ph/Fax 03 5678 5944

From dresses to accessories

Luxury self-contained accommodation on Phillip Island

Mention Coast Magazine to receive a Matchbook Album & 10x10inch Acrylic print!

Valued at over $900! Strictly valid for the first 20 weddings booked,

For Sale

so call lens to life today... 0414 343 104

A remarkable business showcasing one-off hand made articles by local & interstate Artists. Stock ranges from Avante Garde through to nostalgic to downright quirky flights of fancy.

Contact Kaz at Kudos for details.

8 Vista Place Cape Woolamai Vic 3925 Phone 5956 6844 www.kushkush.com.au

Stylish accommodation for couples or groups, Spa & Panoramic water views Servicing Gippsland and Mornington Peninsula Lucas Piera Mobile 0414 343 104 Email lpiera@lenstolife.com.au www.lenstolife.com.au

Call First National Real Estate on 5952 3922 rentals@phillipislandfn.com

L&J TUDDIN restorations

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

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

Waterfront dining with panoramic bay views 17 The Esplanade Cowes, Vic. coast 128

Ph (03) 5952 6226

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

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

Open Fri-Sun 10am-5pm. Public & School Holidays or by appointment.

Family Owned • Wide range of foods Great Coffee • Great local service

RESTORED FURNITURE FROM EUROPE & CHINA

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

33–35 Murray Street Wonthaggi 3995 (opposite Safeway) ph: 5672 1050

Mallani Wines.indd 1

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Freshest local seafood on the Island

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