Coast Magazine Spring Edition 2013

magazine

Only $4.95

Coastal living at its best! jess holden journey to pakistan michael gordon a political eye discover the prom your ultimate guide

ISSN 1833–3648

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

coast 1

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

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

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

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“sets a new benchmark for sustainable

residential development�

Urban Development Institute of Australia Awards for Excellence

Freecall 1800 61 61 06 coast 3

www.seagrove.com.au

Wilsons Prom

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION

90 places to stay. Book online or phone the property. Availability calendar and secure online bookings.

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

8 Acres Holiday House 10 minute drive to Foster

Bayview Studio, Inverloch One block from the Inlet beaches

Broadbeach Inverloch Resort Leisurely stroll to Anderson Inlet

By The Beach @ Inverloch 100 metres to the beach

Inverloch Beach House 10 minute walk to Anderson Inlet

Karingal Homestead 3 minute drive to Inverloch and beach

My Place, Inverloch Easy walk to town centre

Ripple Beach House, Inverloch 200 metre walk to the beach

Fish Creek Farmview Cottages 4.5km to Fish Creek

Like us on Facebook Wilsons Prom Holiday Accommodation & follow us on Twitter @wilsonsprom

Zenergie: Villas 10 minute drive to Inverloch

House on the Hill, Kilcunda 5 minute drive to the beach

Emerald Hills Cottage, Koonwarra 2.5km to Koonwarra Village

Percanta B&B, Koonwarra 1km from town centre

Hudspeth House B&B, Meeniyan 2 blocks to the town centre

Blithe Spirit On the waters edge at Port Albert

Blue Oar Cottage, Port Welshpool Opposite the boat ramp

Long Jetty Caravan Park, Port Welshpool Beach Frontage

Toora Lodge Motel Walk to town centre

MELBOURNE WARRAGUL So

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PHILLIP ISLAND

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Mirboo North 1hour

Korumburra 1hour

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Leongatha 45mins

Kilcunda 1hour Ba

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BASS STRAIT

MORWELL

Grand Ridge Road 1 hour

Koonwarra 40mins Meeniyan Stony Creek 35mins 35mins

Inverloch 45mins

Bunurong Coastal Reserve & Marine Park

Venus Bay

Venus Bay 35mins

SALE

Toora 35mins

Port Welshpool Port Albert 45mins 1hour Nooramunga Marine & Coastal Park

Walkerville Cape Liptrap 30mins Lighthouse

Nature-based getaway

Foster 25mins

Fish Creek 25mins

Waratah Bay 20mins

Travel time by car to Wilsons Promontory is indicated next to the town

Tarra Region 11/2 hours

Sandy Point 20mins

Corner Inlet

Yanakie 5mins Waratah Bay

WILSONS PROMONTORY

Tidal River

w w w. p r o m c o u n t r y. c o m . a u

Venus Bay Eco Retreat Bush heaven by the sea

Casuarina Beach House, Walkerville 10 minute walk to the beach

Black Cockatoo Cottages, Yanakie 5 minute drive to the Prom

Buln Buln Cabins, House & Studio, Yanakie 10 minute drive to the Prom

Elouera Cottage by the Sea, Yanakie 10 minute drive to the Prom

Prom Gate Vista Cabins, Yanakie 3 minute drive to the Prom

Tidal Dreaming Seaview Cottages, Yanakie 5 minute drive to the Prom

Tingara View Cottages, Yanakie 2 minute drive to the Prom

Wilsons Prom Retreat, Yanakie 5 minute drive to the Prom

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spring accommodation guide

Book your Wilsons Prom holiday at www.promcountry.com.au

Self Contained 8 Acres Holiday House -Foster: $200-$600 per night Abington Briars Cottage -Foster: $270-$295 per night Bayview Studio -Inverloch: $130 per night Benaway Cottages -Korumburra: $150 per night Bimbadeen Retreat -Waratah Bay: $140-$180 per night Black Cockatoo Cottages -Yanakie: $120-$190 per night Blithe Spirit -Port Albert: 3 rooms, on the waters edge Buln Buln Cabins, House & Studio: Yanakie Carrelly Garden Accommodation: $150-$245 per night Eagles Outlook -Foster: $120 per night Emerald Hills Cottage -Koonwarra: $145-$205 per night Fish Creek Farmview Cottages: $145-$285 per night Koonwarra Cottages: $130 per night Leongatha Country Cottages: $110-$155 per night Oaklane Retreat -Foster: 2BR -1xqueen & 2xsingle, sleeps 4 Prom Gate Vista Cabins -Yanakie: panoramic sea views Tidal Dreaming Seaview Cottages -Yanakie: Prom views Tindoona Cottages -Foster: from $150 per night Top of the Prom -Yanakie: $120-$135 per night Venus Bay Eco Retreat: bush heaven by the sea Whitelaw’s Rest -Korumburra: $145-$240 per night Zenergie: Villas -Inverloch: $130-$205 per night

Beach House 0402 324 725 0419 393 734 0409 742 186 5657 2268 5683 2575 0438 506 468 5183 2399 0427 339 268 5668 6390 0407 540 269 5664 2414 0427 636 376 5662 5600 5662 4444 5682 2797 5687 1156 0427 425 069 5682 1072 5687 1232 5663 7525 0428 912 202 5657 4490

Bed & Breakfast Bentleys -Korumburra: 2 rooms, romantic getaway House on the Hill -Kilcunda: 1xunit & 3 rooms Hudspeth House -Meeniyan: $170-$190 per night Karingal Homestead -Inverloch: $130-$175 per night Percanta -Koonwarra: 2BR -1xqueen & 2xtwin king Tingara View Cottages -Yanakie: $140 per night

0419 594 255 5678 7350 5664 7461 5674 3029 5664 2479 5687 1488

Group Lodge Kanga Retreat -Venus Bay: $392 per night Prom Coast Holiday Lodge -Waratah Bay: lodge & cottages Waratah Lodge -Waratah Bay: $140-$180 per night

22 Acacia Street -Sandy Point: $110 per night 60 The Boulevard -Sandy Point: $170-$200 per night A Funky Sandy Beach Shack -Sandy Point: $145 per night Anderson Beach House -Inverloch: $200 per night Blakey’s Losman -Sandy Point: $150-$200 per night Blue Oar Cottage -Port Welshpool: $150-$195 per night Casuarina Beach House -Walkerville: $190-$290 per night Elouera Cottage by the Sea -Yanakie: $150 per night Inverloch Beach House: sleeps 8 $180 per night Lanes Beach House -Walkerville: $250-$315 per night Promegranite Beach House -Yanakie: $200-$250 per night Ripple Beach House -Inverloch: $200 per night Sandy Point Beach House: sleeps 7 $120-$200 per night Sandy Point Holiday House: $120-$200 per night The Beach House at Sandy Point: $200-$230 per night The Beachfront -Sandy Point: $185-$210 per night The Bothy -Sandy Point: $160-$210 per night The Point -Sandy Point: $170-$200 per night The Quirky -Sandy Point: $150 per night Wilsons Prom Retreat -Yanakie: $250-$300 per night

Motel & Unit My Place -Inverloch: motel style unit, sleeps 4 -$120 p/n Opal Motel -Leongatha: 13 ensuite rooms, picturesque views Toora Lodge Motel: $99 -$145 per night

0418 126 103 5662 2321 5686 2666

Resort Broadbeach -Inverloch: units, restaurant & more Broadbeach Unit 8 -Inverloch: $275 -$350 per night

5674 6290 9744 2687

Apartment

By The Beach -Inverloch: $140-$150 per night

0419 631 713 5684 1110 5683 2575

1800 889 966 0425 802 669 5689 1311 0431 473 640 0429 822 602 0427 812 203 0417 177 234 5687 1239 0434 536 532 5663 2291 0408 599 732 0418 595 011 5687 1367 0400 078 713 0418 595 023 9890 2104 0408 599 732 0400 477 794 0408 599 732 5989 7224

0418 397 739

Caravan Park Long Jetty Caravan Park -Port Welshpool: cabins & camping

5688 1233

Rates are for two people. Extra adults and children rates apply at most properties. School/Public Holidays and weekends are a higher rate at some properties.

Visit www.promcountry.com.au or phone the property to check the current rate. Minimum stay: 2 nights applies at most properties.

BANKSIA STAGE ONE RELEASE NOW SELLING.

Phone our sales team on 1800 701 471 www.capepatersonecovillage.com.au

Sales and information centre is now open on site, cnr Wilson Road and Seaward Drive Cape Paterson every Saturday and Sunday 11 AM – 2PM

Be first to position yourself in the long awaited first release in this unique development. There are now less than 30 home sites remaining in stage one

Cape Paterson Ecovillage features Generous home sites 448 – 1037 sq meters Kilometers of walking & cycling paths Direct access to ocean beaches and short walks to safe swimming beaches Over 50% open space, with landscaped parks, gardens and wetlands Architect designed free house plans Builders who can design and construct sustainable 7.5 star houses to your unique requirements Community gardens, village green, sports facilities and fitness stations Land for Wildlife, restored habitat And much more coast 9

the coast team

The longest days of winter are behind us now and I hope you (our dear readers) have emerged refreshed and rejuvenated, welcoming the new energy of Spring. It’s a time of new life and growth.

publisher/editor Maria Reed

Along that theme, we talk to Boolarra wildlife carer Jean Quick about her 22 years of nurturing orphaned and injured wildlife. We meet her cuddly native charges as she describes the dedication required to care for these vulnerable animals. Don’t miss the photos on page 36 - the pair of albino wombats are the sweetest babies you’ll ever see.

sub editor Anne Roussac-Hoyne words Katie Cincotta, Maria Reed Sue Webster, Sally O’Neill

In this edition (quite by accident) we talk to a number of people who are making the world a better place by their personal contribution.

Medico Jess Holden travels to Pakistan to assist some of the world’s neediest people. Political editor Michael Gordon speaks to Coast from the hills of his Kilcunda getaway, and talks about the power of words to promote reconciliation and highlight the plight of refugees and asylum seekers. Then we meet Loch grandmother Cherie Smirl as she travels to volunteer in Tanzania. They all inspire us to do better.

photo editor Warren Reed photography Warren Reed, Maria Reed coast photography - 0414 753 739

We visit two magical areas that positively bloom in spring, Inverloch and Wilsons Promontory. Then we give you a guide for getting out and about and enjoying the abundance of attractions available to you in this delightful season.

design Ryan Galbraith print manager Nigel Quirk advertising Call Kerrie on 0432 273 107 ads@coastmagazine.net

coast magazine PO Box 104, San Remo, Victoria 3925 Phone. (03) 5678 5600 Ads. 0432 273 107 Email. editorial@coastmagazine.net Web. www.coastmagazine.net Coast Magazine is published by Coast Media Pty. Ltd. on a quarterly basis.

Finally, as it is the GREEN season, we offer a comprehensive guide to living green in the region, with eco-friendly ideas, products, builders, gardening and more.

from the editor

Enjoy Spring by the coast!

Maria x

subscribe to coast...

Post cheques or money orders to PO Box 104, San Remo 3925

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coast magazine - edition 31 Winter 2013

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

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132 Whitelaw St Meeniyan VIC 3956 | Phone 5664 0055 | Please visit www.lacyjewellery.com.au coast 11

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Giving the best pricing and finest service with all Apple Mac products in our beautiful Coastal corner of Victoria.

No need to shout about it.

All the very latest Mac releases in one place. w : www.03.com.au / e: coast@03.com.au fb : www.facebook.com/03AppleMac tw : www.twitter.com/03AppleMac

1300 03 MACS / 1300 03 6227 call, visit or email anytime. coast 12

contents &features

regulars

features

14.

Coast Life

22.

Jess Holden - a doctor without borders

17.

Arts & Events guide

28.

Luke Archibald - surfer profile

19.

15 minutes of fame - Cherie Smirl

32.

Annette Spinks - a splash of color

20.

2 coast people - Leisa & Nicole (Mookah)

36.

Jean Quick - in good hands

22.

Feature area - ever enchanting Inverloch

42.

Michael Gordon - a golden age

59.

Book reviews

48.

Sam Haycroft - the art of music

62.

Feature area - Wilson’s Prom

52.

Green & Garden feature

89.

Feature area - Mt Eliza

93.

Little bit long way - a cross cultural exchange

99.

Spring attractions - things to do

104. Where to eat guide 114. Dine out - The Coffee Collective 115.

Coast Property guide

132. Coast directory & stockists - Find what you need

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101. Bass Coast Challenge - get on your bike

coastlife a whale of a tale

yakkity yak

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A large crowd of whale enthusiasts attended the opening of Watershed’s Whale Watch art exhibition called ‘Whales, Oceans and Ocean Life’ at the Wonthaggi Art Space recently. The exhibition consisted of paintings, photos, sculpture, ceramics and cartoons representing the life in our local ocean. Watershed President Mark Robertson outlined the activities of Watershed since its inception four years ago, and commented on the enormous number of whales that have now been catalogued in nearby waters.

For more enlightening exhibitions log onto www.wonthaggiartspace.com.au

Phillip Island vet nurse Rochelle Thorpe travels to Nepal regularly to assist PA Nepal, a charitable organisation that helps children and their parents living in prison (www. panepal.org). Yakkity Yak is a small business she has set up to sell Nepalese handwares, its profits destined to help support the Nepalese Women’s Skills Development project, and allow her to travel back to volunteer her veterinary skills. She says, “I am particularly focused on treating the 6 dogs who live at the orphanages with the children, so that they are healthy not only for the children but also for their own sake.”

If you would like to purchase some beautiful wares for a good cause, look for Yakkity Yak on facebook or contact Rochelle on rochellethorpe@hotmail.com

Expressions of interest are being sought for a new and exciting mural project for brightening the streetscape of Cowes. The Colour in Cowes (CCC) group is awarding $5000 to the winning artist. Judges include Rowena Martinich, Geoffrey Carran, (artists) Noelle Buckley (Mingara Gallery) & Brian Dawe.

For an entry form please email: lizandmarg@ waterfront.net.au Applications close 27th September 2013

life in the fast lane Local Kilcunda artist and educator Katia Langenheim has written an engaging children’s book about her beloved pet pig, Euphemia.

The book follows all Euphemia’s daily adventures, and there are more publications on the way.

Nick Kingswell, one of the many stars of The VOICE, was recently spotted having a spin around the Phillip Island Grand Prix Go-Kart Track. Coast stopped traffic to ask him about life in the fast lane.

You were born and raised on Phillip Island. What makes the Island special?

The freedom to grow up playing on the beach until it gets dark. To ride your bike, go surfing, and hang with friends... and it never takes more than 10 minutes to get there.

Favorite place on the Island?

My parents’ house that looks out over Churchill Island.

a pig called euphemia

What does music mean to you?

Music is a series of physical and emotional connections that culminate in a sound. Sometimes it’s happy, sometimes it’s heart-wrenching. But it’s always satisfying.

Since appearing on TV, how are you handling the instant recognition?

The double-takes are pretty funny: I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to them!

everyman’s shed Laurie Tuddin and the boys of Inverloch Men’s Shed are on a mission. They want to raise $30,000 to set up a Men’s Shed to honour the countless blokes who have been a part of the community since its earliest days. They have been allotted land on the Inverloch football reserve, but need funds to build their shed. They are busily building outdoor tables and seats for Inverloch Primary School, and are hoping the creation of ‘the shed’ will allow them to do more community work. The government has pledged $2 for every dollar they raise. Help their cause by buying a (theoretical) brick for $20 . . . and any other donation will be most appreciated. Contact Laurie on 5674 3982 or ljrestore@live.com.au for more information.

The Men’s Shed group meets on the1st and 2nd Monday of the month at 10am at the Inverloch community centre. New members welcome.

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What do you love about go-karting at the track?

It’s pretty amazing to drive on a scaled-down replica of the PI track. It lets you believe for a second that you’re racing on the real deal!

Something people don’t know about you?

I have a twin sister who is the exact opposite of me. I think that’s why I like her so much.

Greatest musical achievement?

Playing a gig in China in 2011.

If you could have dinner with any two people?

Jeff Buckley and Ricky Gervais...there’d be great conversation.

What is special about the coast?

You can always find a wave if you’re willing to drive...

If I were prime minister for a day I would . . .

Double…no… TRIPLE funding for music in schools.

If I had a special talent it would be . . .

Better go-kart skills for a quicker lap-time!

November Phillip Island Jazz Festival When: 15-17th November Where: Ramada Resort Phillip Island 2128 Phillip Island Tourist Rd Who: www.phillipislandjazzfest.org.au

October

Leongatha Rose Spectacular When: 8th & 9th November Where: Leongatha Memorial Hall Who: Josie 5657 3292 Sandra samimac@gmail.com

September

Seniors Week at Phillip Island Nature Park When: 1st October Where: 1320 Ventnor Rd, Ventnor Who: www.penguins.org.au

Lyrebird Arts Council Presents Calexico & Brighter Later When: 21st September Where: Meeniyan Town Hall Who: www.lyrebirdartscouncil.com.au

Lyrebird Arts Council Presents Quarry Mountain Dead Rats When: 12th October Where: Meeniyan Town Hall Who: www.lyrebirdartscouncil.com.au

Healthy Living Bass Coast Roadshow When: 3rd September Where: 2 Market Place, Cape Paterson Who: www.basscoast.vic.gov.au

2013 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix When: 18th October Where: Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit Who: www.motogp.com.au

Gecko Studio Gallery - Rachel Warren When: 18th Aug – 14th September Where: 15 Falls Rd, Fish Creek Who: www.geckostudiogallery.com.au

Gecko Studio Gallery - Aileen Brown When: 20th October Where: 15 Falls Rd, Fish Creek Who: www.geckostudiogallery.com.au

Bass Coast Cycle Challenge When: 16th November Where: A’Beckett Street, Inverloch Who: www.basscoastcyclechallenge. com

Gecko Studio Gallery - Paul & Wendy Satchell and Tom Murray-White When: 15th September Where: 15 Falls Rd, Fish Creek

Poowong Pickers Festival When: 26th October 9-2pm Where: In and around Poowong Who: Tammy Logan 0409 400 156

Gecko Studio Gallery - Dean Bowen When: 17th November Where: 15 Falls Rd, Fish Creek Who: www.geckostudiogallery.com.au

Kongwak Market

Phillip Island 360 – V8 Supercars When: 22nd November Where: Cnr Back Beach Rd & Gap Rd, Ventnor Who: www.v8supercars.com.au

Who:

www.geckostudiogallery.com.au

Kongwak Market When: every Sunday Where: Kongwak General store Who: Jane 0417 142 478

When: every Sunday Where: Kongwak General store Who: Jane 0417 142 478

Visions splendid – Mingara Gallery When: 10th November Where: Mingara Gallery, Cowes Who: www.mingaragallery.com.au Contemporary Indigenous Art exhibition “Little bit long way” When: 15-17th November Where: Woodleigh School 485 Golf Links Rd, Langwarrin South Who: www.woodleigh.vic.edu.au

New Works Now Showing

Over 200 artworks for sale Shop 7/8 Edward St Somerville Open 10am - 5pm 7days a week.

Phone: 5977 8724 Mobile: 0408 833 260 cheryl.petersen@bigpond.com

www.cherylpetersengalleries.com coast 17

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At 60, Cherie Smirl defies age and expectation.

While many of her contemporaries would be easing into retirement, the Gippsland grandmother of 2 decided to travel solo to Tanzania, volunteering at a local orphanage.

words as told to maria reed

fifteenminutesoffame

When I grew up, we weren’t encouraged to follow our dreams. I’ve been married to a dairy farmer for almost 40 years, reared 3 amazing children and have run my own business, so between the farm, the café, children and catering, there hasn’t been a spare minute. It’s great now as an older person to finally fulfil those dreams.

I have always had an affinity with Africa, and I truly believe I have been there in another life. I feel at ease there –more so than many other countries. The African people are amazingly warm and soon become a part of you. I went to South Africa several years ago: Johannesburg, Soweto and Botswana. I knew then that I just had to go back. I had an innate desire to work in an orphanage and help children.

Through research I discovered Projects Abroad. They ticked all the right boxes. They gave me all the support I needed to travel there on my own, they organised my placement (which I believe was perfect for me) and they offered pre-project training and a fabulous communication network.

I found it quite hard to adjust to Arusha initially. I have seen poverty before, travelling through Soweto and also much of Asia. When I visited Thailand not long after the Boxing Day tsunami, I saw many things I found hard to accept. I thought that would have prepared me for this trip. I don’t believe it was culture shock as such, but more the realisation of the enormous need of this country. I had a week of feeling this way before really being able to throw myself into the job I went there for. Certainly, to be a volunteer you need a strong resolve: it can be confronting. I do, however, believe it is an experience anyone would grow from.

When I arrived I thought I would be looking after the 22 children in the orphanage, making food and caring for them. But our main role as volunteers on this project was to give added support in the classrooms.

Kindergarten teachers in Tanzania only receive 3 months training, so I had no doubt I could contribute, despite not coming from a teaching background. The children’s ages ranged from 3 ½ to 9 years old. The teachers had a basic plan of what was to be taught, and they were very supportive and receptive of any ideas the volunteers had. They are doing

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such an amazing job with virtually no resources. Our introduction of playdough, goggle eyes and glitter stars inspired many fun learning experiences for these bright-eyed children.

There were approximately 80 other volunteers in Arusha while I was there, but only 5 in my age group. I saw that the younger volunteers have a wonderful capacity to give, are very loving, and enjoy children at that level, but I also realised, perhaps for the first time, that older volunteers have a very worthwhile contribution to make as well. I didn’t feel out of my depth: we were all part of the same team and working toward the same goal, which was very significant. As a volunteer, I expected to see a tangible result for my work, but in this country of such great need, it really was immeasurable.

I was overwhelmed by the giving, generous nature of the children. I anticipated I would be going there as the giver, but I soon found that there was nothing I could give that they didn’t return tenfold. For everything you put in, you get back so much more. The children were of such strong spirit and self-belief, being born into a country where they are unaware of the difficulty of their circumstances. I was surprised every day by their open-heartedness and sincerity. All children have an incredible capacity to love unconditionally, but interestingly, even on the other side of the world and in totally different circumstances, kids are just kids. They live in abject poverty yet they are incredibly happy. I really do believe it’s hard for Australians to appreciate our own situation and realise how lucky we are.

Coming home broke my heart. While in Tanzania I wasn’t homesick at all, but now I’m home I long for the country and being with the children again. It is such an enriching experience. My mission now is to find a way to further help these people. Until I feel I am helping them I will not be satisfied. These are real people I’ve made a connection with: they are in my heart, and will be forever there.

If you would like to find out more about the vital work of Projects Abroad, log onto www.projects-abroad.com.au If you wish to read more about Cherie’s personal journey, her personal journal is there to read at www.coastmagazine.net

coast people

Sisters are doing it for themselves.

Creative duo Nicole & Leisa talk of life, love and their enduring sisterhood . . . words as told to maria reed photo maria reed

coast 20

Leisa

Nicole

Nicole and I have always been close – as sisters and as friends. This must be unusual, as so many people ask me, “How can you work with your sister?” but, to be honest, I don’t know who else I could work with. I’ve always looked up to Nicole as my big sister and wanted to be like her. I suppose having similar interests and liking the same things helps. We’re both just about to build houses and if we’re flicking through a magazine, you can guarantee we’ll pick the same style and stuff. We have a similar design aesthetic.

I don’t remember when Leisa was born. In my mind, she was just always there. As kids we’d ride bikes and kick the footy around, but we never played with dolls. I still have a vivid memory of Leisa and I driving our toy cars through Mum and Dad’s purple shag-pile rug. We went on lots of family road trips as kids and have been on many holidays together as adults.

We both left home and went to university. Later when I worked as a sales manager in Warragul, I’d regularly go to Melbourne to stay with Nic, and she’d come down and stay with me. When Nicole got married we had a little less time with each other, but after her marriage broke down it changed again.

We’d always discussed the idea of running a business together. I had been working for a wholesale flower grower for 12 or 13 years. When my health started to decline I quit my job, sold my house and decided to make a seachange to Inverloch. About the same time, Mum and Dad found a block of land in Inverloch, so it was like a coming together and coming home, in a sense. That’s what it felt like. Nicole and her partner had a little boy, Cooper, and 6 months on they decided to move to Inverloch as well, for family support.

My plan at that stage was to buy a house and take a break from work, as I needed some down-time. Nicole and I started making things and sewing for fun . . . it was never intended as a business. We did a few local markets, but quickly identified a niche market: people looking for quality handmade clothing and products. The market stall soon evolved into our store, Mookah, and before we knew it we were applying for ABNs, registering for GST, and wondering, ‘How did this happen?’ Four years later we’re still here and getting along well.

We had just signed a lease on the premises for Mookah in Oct 2011 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. When I got the news, I thought, ‘What terrible timing.’ In hindsight it was actually great timing, as it gave us a focus during this time. Working from home was a bit isolating, and the moment we moved here it was great: people were dropping in for a chat, we got to meet the locals and network, so it all worked out perfectly. I think it was all meant to be.

Nicole is a very giving, caring, motherly figure, not only to me, but to those around her. She is a nurturer. She always thinks about others before herself.

She was always the creative kid . . . very much a ‘hands-on’ kind of girl. She’d draw and paint and even make her own clothes as a teenager. I absolutely hated sewing back then . . . it was my worst subject. I used to hate going to Spotlight; I tell people this now and they can’t fathom it.

Before we started this business I couldn’t sew, but Nicole could, so she taught me. We have our strengths and weaknesses – we complement each other. We work on the fabric designs together, and a lot of our design is inspired by nature. Ani dea will come to us, and we’ll talk about it or sketch something. If one of us says, ‘Yeah . . . that sounds like a good idea,’ we’ll both keep working on it. If one of us says no, we just let it go. That’s pretty much how it works. We’ve recently completed a ‘words’ fabric design, which is fun.

It’s all the words we came up with when we first started the business. The things we wanted Mookah to signify, to represent . . . the things that are important to us.

It’s been a tough 18 months. But going through the operation, chemo and radiation, I’ve had my family beside me every step of the way. The fact that we’ve been on this journey together makes what we do here together even more special and important. It makes me value my family, friends and relationships. Only a couple of weeks ago we were chatting to our financial advisor, who told us that we shouldn’t be running our own business if we can make more money working for someone else, but we are choosing to do what we love, and working together. We both had good jobs earning good money, but we weren’t happy. It’s all happened for a reason.

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Growing up with Leisa as my little sister was great. We had our arguments and disagreements like any kids, but we’ve always been best friends. I remember a time when we were living in an old weatherboard house that Mum and Dad had just renovated. I was going through a period where I was a bit scared of ghosts. I’d sneak into Leisa’s room with my BYO mattress and doona, put it on the floor beside her, and reach up to hold her hand, scaring the living daylights out of her when I grabbed it. She was pretty patient.

As teenagers we were both creative, but in different ways. For me it was about art, or painting, and designing and making my own clothes. Leisa loved her technical drawing and drawing/designing houses and gardens.

She considered studying landscape architecture, but chose business instead. She’s since renovated and sold several investment properties, enjoying the process of designing, renovating and creating. She has helped me over the years with creating beautiful gardens as well.

As adults, we went on a trip to New Zealand together. I remember sitting in a beautiful winery, drinking a glass of wine, saying,’ Wouldn’t it be nice if we could run a business together?!’ We joked about the skills we could rub together, like washing clothes and ironing, and laughed about running a laundromat . . . that was about as far as we got.

When Mookah started, it was never really meant to be a business. My partner and I had just had my son Cooper, and Leisa wasn’t working at the time. We wanted to do do something fun together, so Leisa suggested sewing cushions. I thought that was funny because Leisa isn’t a sewer; she doesn’t even like going into a fabric shop. I said, ‘But you can’t sew,’ and she replied . . . ‘I can learn’. So she sort of planted the seed. For those who went to school with Leisa, they may remember the first pair of shorts she made.

Instead of sewing the inner legs together to make shorts, she ended up with a weird-looking skirt. We still joke about this today.

We played with the sewing machine at Mum’s house and did a few markets, and it quickly became obvious that people were looking for a different kind of stuff that was handmade. It just blossomed from there. Neither of us would say we are creative or talented, but we do what we like. Being here together, we understand we must have an eye for design. I’m the sewer, and I do what I’m told (so Leisa says), but it’s a great, creative collaboration. We have always shared clothes and had similar likes in houses and designs.

When Leisa was diagnosed with cancer it was a shock for all our family.

We had lost someone close to us about the time of her diagnosis, and the thought of not having her here was just devastating. She has changed so much through her treatment, and I can’t believe how strong she is. We’re both natural worriers; we’d always have plan A,B,C and D . . . checklists on checklists. Since cancer, she’s become really confident within herself and she stands up for what she believes in. She is happy to say no – which is a really healthy thing. She looks after me . . . she looks after everyone.

Leisa has taught me not to worry. She is so much a part of my life that I find it hard to separate her from myself. We are very similar, a bit like twins without being twins. Sometimes, she’ll say, ‘I was just thinking about something,’ and I’ll have been thinking the same thing at the same time.

When we’re not together, I kind of feel like my left arm has been cut off.

Going through her illness together has made us stronger, and just makes us value each other more and makes our collaboration that bit more special.

I couldn’t imagine my life without my sister. Our dad gave us matching fridge magnets many years ago, which from memory said “Sisters by chance, friends by choice.” That sums up our relationship perfectly. C

Jess Holden is a girl on a mission.

Born and raised in the hills of South Gippsland, this devoted medic is off to Pakistan with Médecins Sans Frontières to provide care for some of the world’s neediest people.

a doctor without borders words and photo maria reed

27 years ago, a pair of hands, probably just like her own, delivered a small baby girl into the world at the Mirboo North Bush Nursing hospital. Who could have known that this little baby girl would grow up to be an obstetrician and a passionate campaigner for human rights, travelling the world to help bring other babies safely into this world?

Jess Holden didn’t plan on being a doctor. The self-confessed ‘geek’ at school found her friends seeking female advice from her, rather than fronting up to one of two old, fluffy haired GPs in town. “The resources in our town were fairly scarce, and it was before the internet, so information wasn’t freely available.” Mature beyond her years, Jess would often refer to her mum’s medical book. “We’d sit down and discuss their problem, and I’d always encourage them to see the GP about it.” She laughs, “I thought I may be a vet at one stage as the idea of dealing with patients (back then) didn’t appeal, but I’m so happy I chose medicine.

I love it!”

After finishing high school in Yarram, she decided to study medicine, and did an undergraduate degree at Monash Uni. She enjoyed a country internship posting in Bendigo, and then worked as an obstetrician at Monash Hospital in Melbourne. “I saw many Afghan refugees with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in my time there. They would present with whole-body aches, such was the trauma and stress they had experienced. I heard amazing stories of survival and persecution and it made me think about how I could help.”

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She undertook a master’s degree in public health to get a better idea of how to get healthcare out to the population. “Melbourne Uni’s subjects were very internationally-focused, and I was able to write research projects on a few countries I have volunteered in.” The projects gave her an understanding of the complexities of delivering healthcare in poorer countries. “I did an assignment on ‘Why Pakistan is not going to achieve its goals to reduce obstetric mortality’. She looked at the cultural reasons, gender politics and poverty – in a culture where men make all the decisions. “In Pakistan, sexuality is such a taboo subject. Men can’t talk about it, and when you’re married in Pakistan, you are married into your husband’s family. That means your motherin-law will make the decisions for you. If you don’t get along, she may not want to spend those last precious dollars on her daughter-in-law or the baby. It’s a system open to abuse.”

With a growing social conscience and awareness she approached Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF – Doctors Without Borders) with the view of undertaking volunteer work overseas.

“At that point I was a little under-qualified, so they sent me to do some work in the Northern Territory.” She was disheartened by what she saw. “Communities without running water, shortened life-expectancy, chronic illness. I wouldn’t have believed that such third-world conditions could have existed in Australia today.” She reflects, “I don’t believe people are generally aware of this problem and if you don’t see it, you don’t feel it.” While there has been much research on how things could improve>

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have to live through, but then you find ways of coping, otherwise you wouldn’t be able to help and continue doing what you are doing.” She smiles, “You focus on the small things. The women are so unbelievably happy about having their family with them, and they are incredibly thankful that we’ve even tried to help them.” A colleague in the field suggested taking a blow-up ball or football along with her, and this proved to be the best therapy of all. “It gave us hours of happiness. I took out the ball and within five minutes I had 50 kids shrieking and laughing, playing kick-to-kick with me for hours . . . it warms your heart like you wouldn’t believe!” It must have been a sight to see the young doctor in her scrubs and work boots playing soccer.

in these communities, she feels that “no one is looking at the cause of the problem. It’s a band-aid solution. It’s not simple – there are a lot of cultural factors that don’t impact a western society. Family and community are everything, whilst health ranks quite low in their priorities.”

She was inspired by her time spent in the NT, and took a volunteer placement with Access Aid International in Thailand. Posted to the Thai-Burmese border, she worked with local staff at the Mae Tao clinic in Mae Sot, attending patients and training staff. “It was such an eye-opener.

Burma has experienced one of the longest civil wars in the region and some refugees have been living in that camp for 25 years! Many are not recognised or registered as refugees, so they have no right to the Thai social system or medical care.” As an obstetrician in Australia it was standard practice for her to ask, ‘So what has brought you here today?’ Her first patient in Thailand said, ‘I’ve walked for 4 days with this labour that is not progressing …because this is the closest clinic.’ This made Jess realise the gravity of the situation and the desperate need of these people.

The clinic Jess attended was in the notorious ‘Golden Triangle’ - an area renowned for drug-smuggling across the Thai-Burmese border. “The Thai government is extremely tough on drugs, to the point where the strongest drug we could administer to a woman in labour was Panadol.” She goes on quietly: “I met a woman who was pregnant with her 7th child. Her family lived in abject poverty and her children were severely malnourished. She knew she couldn’t afford to feed another child, so she tried to terminate the pregnancy. The only way she could think of (without medical help) was to lie on her stomach and get her sons to jump on her back repeatedly until she passed out from the pain.” It caused a miscarriage, but it also punctured her lung, left horrific bruising and caused massive haemorrhage around her liver. She’d walked for 4 days in this condition.

Jess was horrified that her husband showed no compassion or empathy, thinking it was her fault for falling pregnant.

“We managed to do an ultrasound and found the baby was dead. She was in active labour, with a massive bleed around her liver, and she was more than likely going to die.” The Thai system is a ‘user-pay’ setup, and as her family didn’t have any money for the hospital, “her options were basically: stay here and die . . . or stay here and die,” she trails off. “It comes down to money, and the lack of it means people get no care in the most desperate of situations.”

How does she cope in such heart-rending situations? “You can’t help but be touched by their stories and you do have moments when you cry. You are shocked by what they

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Thankfully her work also achieves great success, and this motivates her to continue. In 2012 she travelled to the Philippines to assist after the region’s typhoon, working in disaster-affected areas with no running water and only sporadic power. “We examined a man with a large untreated hernia. There was a bit of mysticism in his community and they believed this large protrusion was affecting his sexual organs, so he was unable to marry.” The patient was only 35 and was faced with a life without the hope of marriage or children. “Even working in the most basic conditions, we were able to repair his hernia. He couldn’t stop crying. He was so happy, because now he was able to marry. It would change his entire life – and that’s what makes this work worthwhile,” she smiles. “It’s easy to do this type of work as it is something I really like to do – I genuinely enjoy it.”

Does she ever fear for her safety? “Going into these countries you have to accept that there will be a certain amount of risk, but what’s important is how you manage that risk.” In Thailand, the magnitude of the risk was bought home to her when she began staff training at the local clinic. “We taught basic first aid and field amputations, as these guys were trekking up and down mountains to rescue people who had had limbs blown off by landmines.” She was shocked to discover that most of the local medics do not survive more than five years in the job as they are constantly working in minefields or warzones. “The Thai-Burma border is an area that still experiences active conflict and is simply littered with landmines.” Chiang Mai is a huge tourist area in the region, but the majority of visitors are unaware of the desperate plight of many of those living there.

When she was posted to a dangerous region in the Philippines, she noticed that medical teams were often split up into separate vehicles.

“As they put it, ‘If we lose one vehicle, we won’t lose all of you’.” She reflects, “That really drove the message home. Kidnapping is rife in that area of the Philippines, but you compartmentalise that risk and deal with it later, otherwise you would not be able to function.”>

“It comes down to money, and the lack of it means people get no care in the most desperate of situations.”

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She experienced some culture shock returning to Australia after her time abroad. “It’s hard to accept the ease of life for most of us in Australia once you’ve seen how badly people overseas can be treated by their government, or suffer the effects of natural disasters. These people have so little… and we waste so much in our western countries. Everything over there is re-used and valued.”

She described a wonderful project by a professional photographer working with an NGO. “He travelled around the world to photograph people with all their possessions spread on their front lawn. In Africa, a family showed 2 pots, a wooden spoon, and the clothes they were wearing. He went throughout the world, and the contrast could not have been greater than when he got to America: “The family’s possessions covered an obscene amount of land.” She continues, “I think that is what I have learnt from doing this type of work. It’s not possessions that make us happy, it’s the experiences we have and the people we meet and connect with. The friends you meet, talking to people about how they live their life – that’s happiness to me.”

Jess continues on her journey to Pakistan in July. “There is a global shortage of midwives, so I am looking after two projects over there - working as a midwife and doctor.” Based in Islamabad, she will be remotely supervising obstetrics in two main hospitals – one on the border of Afghanistan and the other on the border of India.

She will also be travelling out to the regions, working in areas of high security. She hopes the cultural training provided by MSF will help in assisting with the predominent language groups including Balochi, Pashtun and Urdu.

It sounds daunting, but Jess is excited by the challenge of working in a society of where culture, religion and class are entirely different to her own. Quite naturally she is apprehensive about gender discrimination. “As women in Australia, we take our freedom for granted. Being in a country where your basic human right is denied simply because you are born female will be confronting.” Women often can be the forgotten victims, and it makes the efforts of obstetricians such as Jess all the more important. “The women can only be seen by a female doctor, so in a small way, I hope I can help to ease their suffering.”

Confronting the problems of the world . . . it all seems a world away from her quiet home-town. “I guess I want people to know that even if they come from small towns like Yarram or Mirboo North, they can make a contribution and create positive change in the world. Wonthaggi High recently produced a cookbook in support of the Karen people (the Burmese refugees I worked with). The money made a tangible difference to the lives of people in that community, and I guess I want people to understand that everyone can make a difference. One of the kids there has just received a scholarship to the UK, and that’s empowering the community!” She goes on to say: “Don’t listen to the naysayers: you can do whatever you want to do . . . don’t let anything hold you back.”

Médecins Sans Frontières

Médecins Sans Frontières provides medical humanitarian aid in over sixty countries, working with more than 24,000 MSF field staff. Its teams provide essential aid to those who need it most, regardless of race, religion, gender or political affiliation. It provides relief after natural disasters such as floods or earthquakes, and helps victims of conflict. The organisation runs emergency feeding programs during nutritional crises and tackles neglected diseases such as malaria, HIV/ AIDS, tuberculosis and kala azar; it also organises mass vaccination programs to prevent the spread of epidemics. Members are also involved in health projects that train local medical staff and put in place safe drinking-water and sanitation facilities.

Teams in the field often witness the result of conflict, neglect and disaster which very often escapes broader international attention. They are committed to speaking out about these international crises in an effort to alert the public to the plight of the people they help.

Their work is based on the humanitarian principles of medical ethics and impartiality. More than 80% of their budget comes from private donations internationally, and in Australia 100% of their budget comes from private sources.

In 1999 Médecins Sans Frontières was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

If you would like to donate or find out more about their vital work, please visit www.msf.org.au

I hope one day to combine practising as an obstetrician in the local district with working overseas, but who knows where life will lead . . .? C

” Women often can be the forgotten victims, and it makes the efforts of obstetricians all the more important. “

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surfer profile

luke archilbald new wave

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Luke Archibald represents the ‘new wave’ of surfers.

He grew up on the coast, but has just returned from a decade of living in Byron Bay. And he’s on fire… words sally o’neill photos warren reed & supplied

The sun was sparkling on the water at Cape Paterson the day five-year-old Luke stood up on his first wave. With bleachedblonde hair and sun-kissed skin, he took the tiny wave on his foam board cheered on from the shore by his family. He remembers the moment vividly. “It was actually a half-sized foamy, but big enough to catch waves and stand up on. I think that’s how a lot of kids start surfing in Australia,” says Luke.

The youngest of eight children, he grew up in Cape Paterson before moving to a large coastal farm. Wherever they were, Luke’s mum always found time to take the kids surfing.

When the family lost their farm in the 1980s recession, they moved to a small mud-brick house in Wonthaggi. “It was fun, but I couldn’t surf as much because Mum was a lot busier searching for a good job and looking after us,” Luke recalls. The house had some quirks, including having only a generator for power. “We’d have to start the generator to watch TV. It would be a special occasion to get petrol for the genny and watch a movie on Friday night – it was an adventure!”

Back on its feet, the family relocated to Inverloch and Luke was in heaven being able to surf every day. “We explored the whole coast. We’d jump on our bikes after school and ride to Eagles Nest in the howling south-westerlies – it was tough on the way

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there, but on the way back we’d fly!

It was really special, and I hold that time very close to my heart.”

Surfing had taken hold of Luke. His world expanded when one of the local dads, Brian Kewming, took him and some other groms to surf at Phillip Island. He then started competing in Phillip Island Board Riders Club events, and his talent shone.

After completing Year 12, Luke surfed every day and spent more time on Phillip Island. “The Island has more consistent waves and more surfers. It was really exciting to hang out with guys like ‘Ringa’, ‘Mc Shane’ and ‘Black Cat’ and learn from them,” laughs Luke.

“Greg Hogan introduced me to surf coaching and got me a job with Island Surfboards, who were sponsoring me at the time.

It was a great experience learning how to coach. I learnt a lot – especially from experienced surfers such as Glyndyn Ringrose, Simon Chipper and Matt Ryan.”

Luke’s own surfing also improved. He surfed in the State rounds and was selected for the Victorian team through Max Wells who was head of Junior Development for Surfing Victoria at the time.

Then, sponsored by Quiksilver, Luke went on to the Pro Junior Series and placed highly at his first National Titles under the mentorship of Glyndyn Ringrose and Greg Hogan.>

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Seeking a break from the intense competition, Luke left the south coast and spent a decade living at Byron Bay, lured by the climate, lifestyle and yearround surfing action on offer.

True to form, he went at it full-on, working his way up to managing a surf school, which involved giving lessons all day to backpackers and then jumping on his bike in the evenings to visit hostels to sell surf lessons.

After five years, he started working with Gary Cruickshank, head coach of the Surfing Australia High Performance Centre, training local kids to advance their surfing.

Luke then felt ready to start his own business, ‘Archysurf’. He ran extra sessions with the same local kids he had been coaching. He dedicated himself to the surfing lives of over 15 grommets, following them to comps, videoing their training sessions and honing their talents. He coached a young Byron girl to become the female under-16 Australian Champion and coached others to achieve State Title and major Junior Competition results up and down the north coast of NSW and southern Queensland.

He also put more focus on his own surfing. He joined Byron Bay Board Riders Club where he did some coaching and was asked to surf in their team events.

He did well on the Queensland Championship Circuit and also competed in some World Qualifying Series (WQS) events and placed highly in a four-star WQS event at Burleigh Heads. “I had great support and learnt a lot from guys like Danny Wills and other top-ranked world tour surfers in the area. I made a lot of good friends,” says Luke.

During this time Luke also started a “world-first” online coaching website to connect surfers with high-profile professional surfers and coaches and to share his own knowledge and experience.

As well as success in business, Luke personally evolved during his time in Byron. “I pretty much changed my whole lifestyle. I dropped the whole partying thing and got into Bikram yoga. It’s very disciplined, and it helped me to focus, control my mind and open up – and the fitness side is also amazing,” says Luke, who describes himself as a “pretty relaxed person”.

After a trip overseas, he visited his home coast. “It was summer; I hadn’t seen my family and friends for a long time and I decided to move back. I realised that there is a lot of opportunity down here – but I had to go away to really appreciate it.“ Luke seized the opportunities he saw, initially starting a surf school in Inverloch and the Bunurong Marine Park. Then he had the idea of setting up a surf tour from Melbourne to Phillip Island, which is ready to go next summer.

His next big project also came to fruition when he opened his own surf shop in Cape Woolamai in June. The concept store represents a new generation of retail and features fresh young brands such as Filtrate Eyewear, Afends form Byron Bay, Devellion, Astrodeck, Level Seven from Melbourne, wetsuits from Sydney-based Adelio, and JR Surfboards (who also sponsor Luke’s surfing).

The store mixes it up with local art on the walls and an in-house massage therapist – which complement the products, surfing lessons and coaching on offer.

Luke is planning many things for the store and is currently excited about his new line of high quality ‘Archysurf’ wetsuits. “We teamed up with a Japanese company who make amazing wetsuits. Our 3/2 is as warm as an international 4/3. The suits are super-light, warm, flexible and can be totally custom made to people’s requirements,” enthuses Luke.

Teaching people to surf and bring out their best is Luke’s passion. He believes that various aspects of your life can affect surfing performance. “It’s not all technique: there is a mental side, the same as in any other sport. Sometimes you have to really focus and change a certain pattern to improve, and you have to be quite aware and disciplined for that.”

His coaching draws on his years of surfing experience as well as self-development undertaken through yoga and CHEK – an institute that reportedly helped Mick Fanning and Steph Gilmore to win world titles. “Training is all about finding what works for you, which can take time.”

His own life philosophy? “Whatever you hold the most of in your mind is the reality that you get.” And he also practises what he preaches. “I sometimes close the shop when the surf is good – it’s important that I do, because if I’m happy and fulfilled, I produce better results for myself and my clients.”

So Luke is back in his home surf enjoying Bass Coast surf spots, Phillip Island’s hollow waves and “his favourite wave just near Kilcunda” (he won’t reveal exact locations!).

“I love all kinds of waves and just being in the ocean. I’m looking forward to the next project, growing the shop, continuing my coaching and giving back to the local area whilst being grateful to those who supported me along the way. People keep coming up saying: “It’s great to see you again.” It’s just like a family here: it’s home and I’m stoked!” C Archysurf@gmail.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Archysurf

“Surfing is really about you and the way you feel – the clearer you are, the more in tune you are with the ocean.”

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a splash of color Artist Annette Spinks fills her world with color.

Sometimes you can see an artist in their paintings. Not in a literal way… there’s no social media ‘selfie’ expression here with Annette Spinks’ choppy blonde hair, or her sea-blue eyes rising from the abstract streaks of her modern art. But you can feel her energy, her optimism, her love of the great outdoors in those big bold hues splashed across the canvas. And you can’t help but be pulled into her work, as if those daring lines and textures are reaching out and drawing you into the chaotic beauty of her midlife sea-change.

At 44, she’s a mother of five, four boys aged from 9 to18… and then there’s a little ray of pink – Kiarra, almost two, who bounced into their lives after a camping trip to Wilson’s Prom.

Her art journey began 12 years ago when her step-father bought her pencils for Christmas, but the interest was pushed to one side while she was busy raising four boys. “My life was hectic and the painting got shelved, but I always knew I’d come back to it.” After moving to Inverloch she threw herself into her art, and has been painting professionally for the last five years. “I need a three- or four-hour session to get started and get into it and and go for it.

There’s no point coming into the studio and dithering for an hour: that’s not me. I need to be consumed.”

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The family recently moved from a 52-acre bush property in Belgrave South, on the outskirts of the Dandenong Ranges, to their summer holiday spot of Inverloch, where Annette has joined a soccer team and is learning to surf. “My first love was always the ocean, so it was my dream to live near the sea. I grew up in southern Tasmania and a lot of my childhood years were spent on the beach, rummaging in rock pools, swimming no matter how cold it was. As a kid, I didn’t realise how special the place was.”

At 15, Annette won a scholarship with Kodak, and spent time in Michigan, but things were very different when she got back.

Her parents, who were married at 16, and had three children by the time they were 19, had split. “It really changed my life. I got back and found Tassie was a bit small and quiet, so I moved up to Queensland, and then I eventually found Melbourne. I’ve led a full, exciting and crazy life and even though my work is abstract, there’s meaning and emotion in there – love and energy. It’s not just somebody throwing paint around.”

Her studio is also her gallery – a giant Colorbond shed in the Dixon Street industrial estate. An ugly khaki green from the outside, but walk inside and it’s an explosion of colour: >

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“I go to bed at night and I just see colours, ideas.

Some people never find their passion. I might have been past 40, but I’m lucky I found mine.”

wall-to-wall bright splashes and sparks layered in resin, capturing the fluid beauty in nature. The joy of the work is infectious, radiating sunshine yellow, the romance of finely sprinkled rain, and resin layers on swirling blue and green that look like the glassy depths of the ocean.

Annette came to abstract by accident. She’d been focusing on finely detailed sketches, forcing herself to be careful and intricate.

“As school, they put some things on the table for us to sketch and I started smudging with the charcoal and my teacher said, ‘You’re an abstract artist.’ And I just let out this huge breath.”

From that realisation that abstract was her true calling, Annette began to develop her style as an artist. “This is me: the unleashing of the paint onto the canvas. I love the freedom and joy of it.”

Annette loves layering her art with resin, a process that can take several months to complete. Once she mixes the two parts, she has only 20 minutes to pour the resin before it hardens. Each layer then has to dry, so with three or four layers it can take weeks.

Since her children were babies, Annette and her family have snorkelled The Great Barrier Reef each year, and she’s captured this in her series Into The Blue. When you gaze into the waves of those

paintings, you can feel the movement and depth of the ocean – a living energy brought to life in mixed media.

In her Melbourne Rain Series, which has almost sold out, Annette tried to capture her love and respect for rain, rather than the depression often associated with a downpour. “I was trying to play with the colours and the reflections in the rain, and behind the rain, rather than the dreary grey.”

For her photo shoot with Coast, Annette asked if we could capture the movement of the paint – a vibrant flamingo pink thrown mid-air from a ladder onto black. “It’s about who I am and about the way I paint. Watching the paint fall before it hits the canvas is quite amazing.”

It might not look like it, but there’s meticulous planning before that final dramatic act – creating the perfect colour, sizing up the canvas, the composition of the liquid fall. When Annette describes it, she’s like a young child in a lolly shop, eyes wide, overwhelmed and overjoyed by the prospect.

“I’m loving this. I’m doing my own thing. My paintings are selling. I go to bed at night and I just see colours, ideas. Some people never find their passion. I might have been past 40, but I’m lucky I found mine.”

C

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“

words & photos maria reed

As a carer you quickly learn to celebrate life and accept death.

“

Sitting in a rocking chair by the light of a window, Jean Quick cradles a small albino wombat, offering her the end of a feeding nipple. The baby happily tugs at the bottle and contentedly starts feeding. “I have to concentrate with this one so she doesn’t bite me – they do get a bit feisty,” she laughs. At 76, Jean spends up to six hours a day sitting in this rocking chair, nursing her charges. “I get such pleasure from caring for these animals. I’m happy when I’m feeding them. I can’t explain it, but I think it has something to do with unconditional love.

Something happens in my chest: I get a good feeling in there and I just love it.”

That’s not to say that she doesn’t get tired and cranky sometimes. “I’m only human, after all!” she laughs. At five this morning she was woken

by Brutus, a cheeky wombat that escaped his playpen and went looking for adventure. “I heard him snuffling at the bottom of my bed, so I got up to take him back to his pouch and things were strewn all over the place. Yes, he was having fun!”

Jean currently cares for 6 baby wombats, 8 adolescents, 4 little wallabies, 4 young kangaroos and one brush-tail possum. I spot a packet of oats tied with a ribbon on the couch. “That was from a couple who bought in a little wombat we named Jamie. Sadly he (and another little one) passed on the other day. They were very upset. They’d come to bring him a gift and see how he was going. As a carer you quickly learn to celebrate life and accept death.”

Jean became a wildlife carer after losing her husband of 33 years.

“We had just finished building our dream home when he passed suddenly.” He was only 53 when he died of arrhythmia. The couple met in Daylesford at a local dance and soon became close. She was only 16 . . . he 18. “I ran away from home to get away from my mother.

I was pregnant, and you didn’t have a baby in those days without being married,” she says. Soon they were engaged, married and had 4 children under school age. “I don’t really think we knew what we were doing. We were just kids ourselves.”

Her husband Don became a Telecom technician and they were stationed at Morwell. “He was there for 5 years and then had a posting to Neerim.” They spent most of their married life in Gippsland and lived in Inverloch for 22 years, where they were heavily involved in their local community. “Don was the branch leader of the conservation society for many years, and I was the minutes secretary.”

The couple involved themselves in a variety of pursuits including the BMX club, Guides and competitive badminton. “I ran a coffee shop called Jean-e-us for a while and even wrote a column in The Sentinel Times,” Jean grins.>

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IN GOOD HANDS Jean Quick has dedicated 22 years to caring for wildlife rescuing and rearing orphaned native wildlife of Gippsland.

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“I heard a noise I couldn’t recognize, and 10m on, I found a baby wallaby that had been thrown from it’s mothers pouch on impact. It was cold and raining, so I wrapped up the little baby and got it warm.”

In 1987 they moved to 10 acres just out of Inverloch to build their dream home of mud-brick and wood. “Don just loved sitting in the bath with the light off, watching the stars. He decided to put some shadecloth over the window to give us some privacy, so I went out and bought a globe which I put outside the bathroom window, hoping it would look like the moon.”

She installed the globe the day he died. He went out to do some work on the property and Jean remembers hearing the hammering stop. “I found him where he lay. I stood and looked at him, and I didn’t know what to do.” After the initial shock she rang an ambulance and her neighbour, Bob. Bob checked for a pulse and thought they’d better call the police. They asked me questions like, ‘Was there any chance that you poisoned him?’

Then I knew how Lindy Chamberlain felt. We were married 33 years. They were pretty happy years, too!”

A friend of Jean’s recognised her loss and, through her daughter, sent her an orphaned wombat to care for. “She said, ‘Take this to your mum: I think she needs it.’ My daughter had always thought her friend was a very wise person.” Jean rang the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) and became an official carer. She was 51, on her own, and about to become a mum again for thousands of orphaned animals. “I think the (not so happy) childhood I had gave me an empathetic nature, and all my happy times and good memories hark back to nature. It made it easy to care for these little ones.”

Jean’s childhood did not come with the unconditional love that most would expect. “Mum and I never got on well and I never knew why”, she explains. “She had to marry my father – maybe she blamed me for that .” Jean left home at 15. “When I was growing up I didn’t really recognise that I had an awful childhood – it was the only one I knew. When I left home, I realised it was pretty miserable – and then it started to cause me problems.” At 28, Jean was hosting the family Christmas when her mother made a brutal declaration, saying: ‘I don’t like you, and I never ever have’.

She promptly had a nervous breakdown. Jean says quietly, ”We made our peace in the end, but they weren’t happy times.”

Her parents separated and she had to deal with a new stepfather and a jealous mother. “I got kicked out of home and spent my first night in a bus shelter.” Her father moved to Melbourne to work as a taxi driver. “I went to visit him one day, and the landlady at the boarding house in Brunswick said, ‘Oh, haven’t you heard? Your dad was bashed on duty and he’s in the hospital’.” She went to the Royal Melbourne Hospital to see him. “I was very innocent back then. They asked me to sit and wait: a trolley went past and I noticed the eyes of the patient following me. Later I realised it was Dad. I had no idea it had been him . . . he was in such bad shape.” Sadly her father passed away. He was only 37 and she had no one to turn to. “There was no solidarity among my brothers and sister, and it only got worse over time.”

In an effort to be happy, Jean looks at this period of her life with a certain amount of detachment. “It sounds strange, but I wouldn’t change anything in my life. I’ve experienced these things and I’ve come through.

It’s no good feeling sorry for yourself, and this is why I do what I do. I love looking after the animals.”>

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When Jean moved to Boolarra in South Gippsland, she considered taking a break from wildlife-caring as “there were so many shelters around at that time.” One dark and drizzly evening she was sitting in her small cottage amongst the trees when she heard a loud bang. “I thought a car had run off the road, so I went to investigate.” Torch in hand, she discovered a large wallaby that had been hit by a car. “I heard a noise I couldn’t recognise, and 10 metres further on, I found the baby wallaby that had been thrown from its mothers pouch on impact.” It was cold and raining, so Jean wrapped up the little creature, got it warm and got into bed. “I remember hearing my Balinese wind chimes rattling in the breeze and thought, ‘Do I really want to do this again?’ The chimes went off again (which I took as a sign) and I thought, ‘Yes: and I will call this one Bell.’

Life in Boolarra wasn’t destined to be quiet, and when the fires swept through the town, she recalls, she had “never been so busy.” Jean was fortunate to survive the fires herself: her little cottage had an incredibly narrow escape. “There was nothing left except the house,” she sighs. Jean was able to farm all her animals out to other carers, and with some help from her son, decided to sit out the fires. “I brought the 3 dogs inside and my son filled up the spoutings with water.

People say they are prepared, but in hindsight we realised we were completely unprepared.” With no water pump and only a trickle coming out of the hose, the situation was dire. “I kept running from window to window to see that my son was still okay. I don’t know what I would have done if something had happened to him.”

The firefront passed quickly and Jean left the house to assess the situation. “As I walked to the top of the driveway I found a blackbird, a rosella and a bronze-wing pigeon – all dead. The house next door was on fire and I felt terribly upset.” The fires left many animals injured and orphaned. “You have to be committed to look after these animals. My day starts before 6 am and I’m lucky to get to bed by ten.”

On a good day she may score a quick ‘nanna nap’, but most days that’s out of the question. “It’s around-the-clock feeds and attention seven days a week”.

A lot of wildlife shelters are closing due to vets charging for their services. “Many carers are unable to afford these fees. What we do is voluntary, and at times it is hard to make ends meet.” Jean is fiercely proud when she says, “I do not want to ask anyone for money: it’s not my thing, or what I am about.” As I watch her cut up countless bags of fruit and sprinkle them with oats, she says she is happy to share her small pension with her animals. Her milk feeds are constant and I imagine this would account for most of her pension.

I watch her try to grab Bree and Vicki (the two albino wombats) for the last feed of the day. They chase each other around the cage and roughhouse like young pups. “You have to remember when you take on this job that the animals are relying on you. I am lucky to have a few volunteers that help out, but there is no back-up support.” What keeps her going? “The feeling you get when they are released back into nature”. Why? “Because you know you’ve done a good job and they are back where they should be. They don’t belong in captivity, they belong out in the wild: that’s what it’s all about. There is nothing better than the moment you let them go. Particularly the birds. Open the cage and see them fly. It’s freedom and it’s beautiful.” C

Footnote: The Coast team is heartened by the wonderful, selfless work of pensioner Jean Quick. If you would like to help Jean in any way, please email us on editorial@coastmagazine.net or snail mail PO Box 104, San Remo 3925

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“You have to be committed to look after these animals. It’s around the clock, seven days a week. My day starts before 6 am and I’m lucky to get to bed by ten.”

He’s shared drinks with Keith Richards and interviewed the likes of Jesse Jackson, Donald Trump and Neil Young. He’s reported from the inner sanctum of political life with Bob Hawke and Paul Keating and helped promote aboriginal reconciliation. We talk to The Age political editor Michael Gordon at his Bass Hills getaway, and find the inner workings of this quiet achiever . . .

Growing up in Hawthorn as a self-confessed, born-and-bred Hawthorn fan, a young Michael Gordon dreamt of the waves of Phillip Island. “I learnt to surf at YCW in my late teens,” he says. “Back in the day, my friend Barnsey’s dad (Tony) told me about other spots called Cat Bay and Flynn’s, and drove us around. It was one big adventure.”

Those were the days . . .

competitive.” Each year he set himself personal challenges such as being in the top ten, placing in the over-40s, then winning the over-50s. Graeme “Armo” Armstrong is his choice as the greatest ever Channel Challenger.

He took to the waves like a duck to water, describing Cape Woolamai as “pretty much” his favorite break in the world. At the time, Mal Gregson was the hottest surfer on the Island and Michael recalls Mal describing the growing sense of anticipation as you cross the bridge after the drive down from Melbourne. “Nothing has changed. There are few better feelings than that first glimpse of the ocean when the banks are good.”

At seventeen, he managed to score a cadetship with The Age newspaper, and convinced the editor to run a surf column in the sports section. He laughs, “Whenever the classified ads fell short, they’d run my column called Making Waves, which started the very same year as the Bells Beach classic – 1973. “I covered the contest for 15 years, even when I was posted to Canberra. My brother (Gordo) started surfing at 12, and he went in it a couple of times.” Gordo became a cameraman and is one of the characters on the world surfing tour.

Phillip Island has always had a hold on his heart, and at every opportunity he would be down at the Island. He competed in and won the very first Channel Challenge, and has competed in roughly 20 Challenges since. “Billy Yusko was my nemesis for many of those years,” he laughs. The night before the first Challenge, his friend John Barnes told him about the $1000 prize money up for grabs and suggested they could win it.

Journalism was not the obvious choice for young Michael, even if his father (Harry) was the editor at The Sun and one of the country’s finest sportswriters. “I applied for a cadetship and enrolled in a commerce degree, but didn’t have a firm idea about what I wanted to.” He was hired by legendary Age editor Graham Perkin and took a year off after completing the cadetship, notionally to concentrate on his studies at Melbourne University.

Despite his nerves, he came first (with Barnsey second) and counts himself lucky to have his name inscribed on the honour board at the San Remo pub. “Since then it’s become exponentially more

It was then that Rip Curl founders Doug Warbrick and Brian Singer and film-makers Jack McCoy and Dick Hoole approached him with the idea of starting a surf magazine to compete with Tracks.

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words maria reed photos warren reed & supplied

Michael was the editor, and covered the events on the North Shore of Oahu for the year, staying with Rabbit Bartholomew and Ian Cairns. Backdoor Surfer made an impact, but didn’t last. “I was the one ‘trained’ journo, but I was only 21 and didn’t have a clue about chasing advertising . . . which would have paid for the mag. Oh, the ignorance of youth!”

He went back to work at The Age and was put onto late-stop police rounds, which suited early-morning trips to the Island. “Then a position came up covering industrial relations from the old Trades Hall building in Lygon Street, which was great because it really increased my interest in politics.” His work included economics, Labor politics and police rounds. “It was a very exciting time, with Bob Hawke as president of the ACTU and lots of national disputes.”

In the early 1980s, Michael moved to The Age bureau in Canberra, but came back to Bells each Easter. It was an amazing time for the young journo. “Back then, access to the politicians was so much greater and everything was less scripted.” When asked for some dirt on former PMs, he diplomatically replies, “They were all different, but we shared a good professional relationship.”

Then came a posting to New York with The Herald. “I was their general correspondent and it was like a journalist’s playground!” He covered

the presidential election, interviewed Keith Richards (among others), followed the US Masters golf and the Wall Street crash. “It was journalism at its most fascinating, with an incredible breadth and variety,” he ponders. His daughter Sarah was only 7 months old when they arrived, and son Scott was born just shy of the 3 years they spent there before their return to Melbourne. He kept up with surfing, often travelling 100 miles to Montauk on Long Island.

“There’s an old motel with this great left- hander in front,” he smiles.

An offer to be the first political correspondent for The Sunday Age brought the family home and, with a resume that reads like a dream, he went on to work for The Australian in Canberra as its political editor before coming back to Melbourne as national editor of The Age. That was about 14 years ago, and he says, “At that stage I was really keen to get back to my home town of Melbourne, and the Island.” This year he succeeded Michelle Grattan as political editor at The Age, but is happy he can stay at home and fly to Canberra ONLY when parliament sits.

I wonder out loud if it is hard to remain objective when covering divisive issues. “You do your best, but I think there are some issues that transcend party politics, like reconciliation and the plight of asylum seekers, where you feel less constrained in putting forward a personal view.” He talks of the spin in politics (from both sides) and>

a golden age michael gordon

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everyone playing so hard with their own agenda, rather than from a perspective of national interest. “It’s a little dispiriting,” he says.

In the lead-up to the reconciliation bridge walks of 2000, Michael approached then Age editor Michael Gawenda with the idea of writing a series of articles on the state of reconciliation. The result was a six-week solo journey that took him to some of the most remote indigenous communities in the country, from Wilcannia to Palm Island to Doomadgee, that resulted in the short book, Reconciliation: A Journey. “People talk about all the problems in indigenous issues, yet when I went out to the communities I came back feeling uplifted and enriched. It was life-changing.”

A year later, John Howard introduced his ‘Pacific Solution’ to the problem of uninvited boat arrivals and, in 2005, Michael became the first journalist to gain unrestricted access to the detention centre on the tiny island of Nauru. His time on Nauru resulted in another book, Freeing Ali: The human face of the Pacific Solution. Ali Mullaie was from Afghanistan and one of the last 54 asylum seekers to be detained for over 3 years. “They were distraught and desperate. There was a sense of hopelessness in their situation as they’d been in limbo so long.” After his article The Forgotten Faces of Nauru was published on page one, the cases were reviewed again, and all but two asylum seekers were freed quite quickly.

Michael returned to Nauru in December last year after the Gillard government re-opened the centre, and witnessed the same cycle of despair, uncertainty and isolation. He was not surprised that it culminated in the July riots that saw the centre burnt to the ground.

“The sad thing was they were about to get decisions on their refugee claims and the minister (Tony Burke) was considering calls for them to be moved to Australia. If communications and case management had been better, the riot might have been averted.”

Michael believes that a lot more could be achieved if Australia didn’t have ‘such combative politics over the asylum seeker issue.’ “Over the years, both sides have had hard, deterrent-based policies and they seem to be competing with who has the ‘biggest deterrent policy’, and slagging each other off, which just plays into the hands of the people-smugglers and their business model. We need to address the reasons why people are choosing to flee – and improving the>

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“When I’m out in the ocean I feel a connection to the land and the sea.”

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situation for asylum seekers in transit countries like Malaysia and Indonesia,” he says.

It’s a challenging and serious issue to cover. How do you minimise the risk of people drowning at sea? “The challenge is to avoid resorting to the blunt instrument of punishing one group of people so you affect the behavior of another group. It’s much more complex than that.” Sending asylum seekers to another country that hasn’t got the capacity to look after its own people is no solution. Another challenge is to keep the numbers coming to Australia in perspective.

“The simple fact is that more people around the world were forced to flee their homes every day last year than the total number who sought asylum in Australia during the entire 12 months,” he says.

The seasoned journalist finds the ethical issue of trying to cover an issue fairly and maintain personal beliefs and relationships a balancing act. “I have many indigenous friends who have enriched my life and understanding of their culture and reconciliation. Similarly, many of those individuals I met in Nauru, I still consider friends and maintain contact with. Ali, for instance, has come with me to Woolamai,” he smiles. Covering such serious issues can be draining, but he finds ‘coming down to the coast’ a perfect tonic for the weight of the job.

Over his career, Michael has written several other books including One for All, the history of the Hawthorn Football Club (with father Harry); Layne Beachley’s biography, Beneath the Waves; a Paul Keating biography called A True Believer; and Bells: the Beach, the Surfers, the Contest, an illustrated history marking 50 years of competition at Bells.

When asked about the contrast between writing about a championship surfer and a controversial Prime Minister, he says, “You’d think they were two completely different propositions, but they had the similarity of complete passion about everything they were into – with a bit of idiosyncrasy thrown in,” he smiles. “Keating was such an interesting figure.

He was compulsory viewing. When he was PM there would be a queue 400m long to get into the public gallery to listen to him. Layne, on the other hand, had overcome all manner of obstacles to win seven world titles and become an icon in the male-dominated world of competitive surfing. She was a very driven person but there was a deeper story of loss, redemption and the search for identity.”

The joy of writing Bells was in interviewing and profiling Australia’s surfing legends, including Victoria’s Wayne Lynch, whose life story is told in the recent documentary Unchartered Waters. “He is a very special person”, smiles Michael. “He personifies the connection we can all feel to the coast and the sea, and I think that is something that transcends one’s surfing ability. It’s not something you grow out of and it just gets better.”

So what’s left on the wish-list of this dynamic journalist? “I feel I’ve had a blessed career, and 40 years on, after starting as a 17-year-old, I still sometimes wonder what it would be like to have a real job. There might be another book project in the pipeline. I like the idea of sitting up on the hill, watching the water and doing that . . . alongside surfing . . . and my day job.” Sounds like the perfect work/life balance. C

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“Keating was such an interesting figure.

He was compulsory viewing. When he was PM there would be a queue 400m long to get into the public gallery to listen to him.”

the art of music words eleanor mckay photos © Shadow Zone Photography

sam haycroft

Painter and musician Sam Haycroft lives with his partner Paula and baby daughter Isis in what he calls a ‘beach shack’ in Ventnor. But don’t expect to see him produce idyllic seascapes anytime soon.

Sam’s conversation is peppered with terms like splattering things, smashing it up, chaos and getting amongst it, and his paintings reflect that energy. Awash with colour and veering wildly from slightly-demented to innocent and child-like, the paintings are the product of a brain (and heart) constantly in overdrive.

Born on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Sam grew up surfing and skating, but painting was always a passion. “Mum has framed pictures in her bathroom that I did in kindergarten,” laughs Sam. “In high school, I duxed art. I didn’t really have interest in much other stuff.”

Rebelling against the structure of school, Sam skipped art college, opting to work in every kitchen on the Sunshine Coast, before falling into music. To him, music and painting go hand in hand. He loves the immediacy of music and the reaction from the audience. “Painting takes a while to express something, but with music you can go ‘bang’.”

With a group of like-minded musos, Sam moved to the New South Wales central coast, then on to Sydney, in search of outlets and audiences for his music and art.

“Sydney to Melbourne was a natural progression,” says Sam. “Melbourne’s the place to be for art and culture.” He met Paula while he was living in Hawthorn, then four years ago they moved to Phillip Island when Paula got her dream job as a penguin researcher.

“Because I was born on the Sunshine Coast and was used to living near the beach, it was nice to come down here,” explains Sam. “I don’t really get the chance to do much surfing. It’s a bit colder here than in Queensland and the sharks are a lot bigger! But we walk on the beach a lot.”

Very few musicians-cum-artists combine their passions quite as literally as Sam. He is a prolific painter and plays in several bands (Sydonia, I am Duckface), but his music and art collide in Afterwhite, which he describes as ‘Jackson Pollack meets The Wiggles’. “It’s musical chaos,” enthuses Sam. “It’s fun, it’s instant, very expressive, very emotive...”

Afterwhite is performance art that breaks down barriers and bangs home the connection between music and art. Sam says he and fellow musician and painter Julian Medor are really just 12-year-old ratbags who like to make noise and a big mess.

“So many of the art galleries or museums you walk into are so stuffy,” explains Sam. “You walk in and it’s like ‘Don’t touch that!’ and the air temperature is perfect. Art is meant to be alive – a living, interactive thing. Not: ‘This is mine: don’t touch it’. [In Afterwhite we say:] ‘No, this is ours: get amongst it: which is way more fun’.”>

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“Music and art collide in Afterwhite; think Jackson Pollack meets The Wiggles.

It’s musical chaos. It’s fun, it’s instant, very expressive, very emotive.”

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Sam says that from the moment he and Julian met, they connected and were soon literally finishing each other’s sentences. They share a passion to fuse art and music and break down barriers between art and the audience. “To be able to combine your art and music with another painter as well...it’s great having that combo,” says Sam. Their set-up includes giant drop sheets, smocks, guitars, drums and paint. Lots of it.

Although Afterwhite perform at clubs, cafes and galleries, they primarily pitch themselves at the children’s market. And kids love the open invitation to get messy. An Afterwhite show is a riot of noise, paint and excitement. “I love making a mess: I just never grew up,” admits Sam. “We are letting people into our space, and if they destroy it, we don’t care…they can knock the kit over. Whatever. It just doesn’t matter. It is just pure expression.”

Sam says it’s hard to understand the impact of the performances without experiencing them in the flesh. “Any live gig is like that, but with ours it’s particularly relevant. The smell of the paint, the joy, the fear, the noise and the chaos: the whole kit and caboodle. It’s just a ‘paint chaos’. Hopefully one day some of these kids will grow up and do something even more wild. It would be great to inspire: that’s what I’d love to do.”

Outside of Afterwhite, Sam’s painting takes a more solitary, but no less frenetic turn. At home, he spreads out 7-8 canvas pads and splats paint everywhere. From there he can draw on the one that inspires him, scribble something on it, or paint over it. “I can paint, I can draw something structured and real,” says Sam. “But I have little or no interest in that. In the end I think, ‘I could have taken a photo of that’.

His artwork includes old frames salvaged from the tip and found objects as well as sketches done while on tour with the bands.

“When I’m on tour I can take a sketch pad quite easily. So I’ll splat watered-down paint on that and draw stuff out of it.”

Sam also harbours dreams of art on a massive scale – truly interactive public art. “It would be crazy to be able to splat paint on a huge level,” grins Sam. “Get the Elvis helicopter and drop some paint in the middle of a field. That would be a good way to raise funds for the bushfire appeals. Have a whole bunch of canvases in a field. Get all the kids to run out and set them up and have the helicopter come in with dyed water or something.” When he is working at his gardening job, Sam dreams of chainsaw sculpturing.

“Sometimes I’m chainsawing and I’ll just shape things. I’d love to do art every day of the week. I cannot imagine life without painting.”

Experience the full Afterwhite experience at Heidi Gallery on 29 August or at Incinerator Arts Complex, Moonee Ponds on 4 and 5 October. See Sam’s art on facebook - Sam Haycroft Online Art Gallery C

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ever enchanting inverloch

If the coastal town of Inverloch were included on the world’s ‘liveability scale’, it would be right up there with the best. And if ‘visitability’ were a word, Inverloch, only 140 kilometres from Melbourne, would score a perfect ten.

It seems Inverloch has come of age. Over the years, the town of approximately 4,000 people has transformed into a cosmopolitan destination while retaining its small-town charm.

You can tell Inverloch is a happening place by its array of great shops, restaurants and cafes, the stylish accommodation on offer, and its exciting community activities and festivals. I think it’s safe to say that Inverloch ticks the boxes on many levels.

And of course the town is surrounded by natural beauty – wild rocky ocean beaches whipped by south-westerlies, tranquil inlets that sparkle in the sun, and forest-fringed creeks abounding with wildlife. There

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are plenty of walks and drives that allow visitors to explore the area.

The quintessential coastal-town feel of Inverloch is reflected in the range of architecture represented in the tree-lined streets. The classic 1970s beach house features highly, as do the even more modest beach shacks. Nestled in amongst the gums you will also find quirky mudbrick affairs. More recently, stylish modern abodes have sprung up – some great renos of the aforementioned shacks and others which are completely new builds that would qualify for their own episode of Grand Designs (in fact some have already made it!).

You can easily while away a day shopping in ‘Invy’ (as locals know it).

•

words sally o’neill photos warren reed

“The town is surrounded by natural beauty – wild rocky ocean beaches whipped by south-westerlies, tranquil inlets that sparkle in the sun, and forest-fringed creeks abounding with wildlife.”

while you’re there . . .

• Stroll along the main street and browse the unique stores, boutiques and emporiums • Explore the areas beyond town for second-hand gems, unique designs and farm-gate sales.

• Indulge your spirit and soul with a massage, or take up a class in yoga or drumming.

• Hire a canoe, kayak or windsurfer and explore the inlet and beyond, or throw a line off the jetty or shore.

The main shopping area boasts emporiums, boutiques and galleries and offers a full day or more of retail heaven. Venture a little further from the town centre and you will be rewarded with some fabulous local haunts such as Southern Bazaar – a retro and second-hand heaven – and Mookah designs, a gem featuring locally-produced fabrics, clothing and homewares.

You can be as active or as lazy as you like. The inlet is famous for wind and kite surfing and kayaking, or you can choose to stay in at your luxury accommodation and book a massage or reiki session.

If you’re planning a visit, or wanting to explore the area you live in, here are my personal ‘favorite’ things to do in Inverloch:

• Tune into local community radio station 3MFM. • Get into nature along Screw Creek and in the Bunurong Marine Park Reserve.

• Dine out from morning till evening and explore local talents and flavours.

• Book tickets for one of the town’s festivals.

• Peruse the real estate agents’ windows and dream a little…>

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Rod Bending

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“Inverloch has some of the most beautiful swimming and surfing beaches in Victoria�

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They live local and support the local community

OutsourceMyMarketing.com.au #16286

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9.2 star energy rating based on a Melbourne location and optimum orientation.

As calculated by ‘Enviro Sustainable Solutions.

Setting, orientation and location may affect the energy efficiency rating and Eeach plan needs to be assessed individually.

Images may depict landscaping and upgraded fixtures, features or finishes which are not included in the prices stated. For availability and pricing of these items please discuss with your new home consultant.

eat, shop,9.2 stayStar & play Energy Efficient Home

• Rod Bending A world of fun, fishing, family, pursuitsOwned www.rodbending.com 100’skyaking Plansand|water Locally & Operated • Arborzone Tree surgery, felling & stump removal 03 5674 3566

| Custom Design | Two Storey Plus

• RACV Contemporary accommodation, ocean views, tennis, pool, BBQs and more. www.racv.com.au • The Chutney Bar Delicious Indian restaurant in Inverloch 03 567425 6999 DISPLAY HOME YEARS STRONG Open every weekend

NEW DESIGN CENTRE 1/219 Settlement Rd Cowes,

+ Homes • Melaleuca Natives Quality indigenous and nativeBoulevard, plants to West and20,000 Sth Gippsland 03 5674Phillip 1014 Island, Vic 3922 44 Boardwalk Shearwater Estate, Cowes

Worldwide

• The Esplanade Hotel Providing excellent food and service www.invyespy.com.au

Open Sat & Sun 9.00 am – 4.30 pm

• Mookah Independent, handmade label offering textiles and more www.mookah.com.au • Southern Bazaar Great range of retro and antique furniture www.southernbazaar.com.au • Inverloch Quality Meats A great selection of fresh, quality products 03 5674 1635 • Mike Gibbins Custom built homes, renovations and extensions 0438 594 697 • Kane Worthy Constructions Homes of distinction, quality and style www.kaneworthy.com.au • Coastal Property Developments A family builder, where quality comes first. www.coastalpropertydevelopments.com.au • Framed at Inverloch For all your framing requirements 03 5674 1333 • L&J Tuddin Antique reproduction & restoration 03 5674 3982 • Hotondo Homes Australia’s leading network of professional builders www.hotondo.com.au • Invisage Quality interiors and window furnishings www.invisageinverloch.com.au • The Red Elk Retro chic coffee lounge and bar www.redelk.net.au

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1. Rod Bending 2. Arborzone 3. Annette Spinks 4. RACV 5. The Chutney Bar VISIT gjgardnerbasscoast.com.au 6. Melaleuca Natives 7. Esplanade Hotel 8. Mookah 9. Southern Bazaar 10. Inverloch Quality Meats 11. Mike Gibbins 12. Kane Worthy Constructions 13. CP Developments 14. Framed at Inverloch 15. L&J Tuddin 16. Hotondo Homes 17. Invisage 18. The Red Elk

at a glance:

• Annette Spinks Art Modern art and contemporary paintings www.annettespinks.com.au

5952 2150

L&J TUDDIN restorations

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

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

The Antique gallery is located between the Inverloch Motel and Inverloch Nursery. Open Fri-Sun 10am-5pm. Public & School Holidays or by appointment.

RESTORED FURNITURE FROM EUROPE & CHINA

37 Powlett Street, Inverloch Tel/Fax (03) 5674 3982

Products change seasonally however we always have an impressive range of lamb, chicken and pork products, gourmet sausages, fresh fish, vegetables, local eggs, cheese and honey on hand to complement our locally grown grass fed beef from Gippsland Free Range Beef. *Spit hire available.

1c A’Beckett Street Inverloch 3996 t: 03 5674 1635 e: inverlochqualitymeats@gmail.com coast 58

FICTION

FICTION

PICTURE BOOK

TEEN FICTION

by Tim Winton

by Tammie Mattson

by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley

by Nancy Farmer

Tom Keely’s reputation is in ruins.

Divorced and unemployed, he’s lost faith in everything. Holed up in a grim high-rise, Keely looks down at a society from which he’s retired hurt and angry. He’s done fighting the good fight, and well past caring. But an awkward encounter in the lobby, a woman from his past, and a boy unlike any he’s met before are all it takes to connect him to two strangers leading a life beyond his experience, and into whose orbit he falls despite himself.

What follows is a heart-stopping, groundbreaking novel for our times – funny, confronting, exhilarating and haunting. Eyrie asks how, in an impossibly compromised world, we can ever hope to do the right thing.

From the jungles of Borneo to the civil strife of Assam and the black markets of Vietnam, Dr Tammie Matson, an Australian wildlife conservationist, continues her quest to help reduce human/elephant conflict around the world. Tammie takes on the black markets of Asia determined to make a difference and break the chains of rhino-horn poaching and the illegal ivory trade.

Travelling throughout South-East Asia she meets presidents and traffickers in palaces and tourist markets, journeying to the dark heart of a dark industry. Returning to her beloved Africa, she finds elephants and rhinos on the brink again.

She sleeps. She eats. She scratches and finds a hole.

When Mothball discovers a new hole, it unexpectedly leads her to the local school. The children learn that wombats love carrots and grass, while Mothball learns that lunch boxes contain very few carrots, that a sports shed can be a good place to have a nap, and that when you’re brown and round, it’s not a good idea to get too close to a ball This is one of the most gorgeous series of children’s picture books, and in the latest laugh-out-loud adventure of Mothball, we follow her to school and witness her adventures there.

Fields of white opium poppies stretch away over the hills, and uniformed workers bend over the rows, harvesting the juice. This is the empire of Matteo Alacran – “El Patron” – a feudal drug lord in the country of Opium. Menial tasks are done by “eejits,” humans in whom computer chips have been installed to insure docility. Alacran has lived for 140 years because of transplants from clones, and Matt, his latest double, grows up in the family’s mansion, alternately caged and despised as an animal and pampered and educated as El Patron’s favourite. As Matt realises the fate that is in store, he escapes to Aztlan. These books are aimed at the 14+ age group.

“Eyrie”

“ Planet Elephant”

“Wombat Goes to School “

“House of Scorpio”

Proudly independent ...a book is a place

Over 10 years experience in the book trade • Life-long love affair with books We can help find that special book for yourself or to give as a gift • Don’t forget our famous special tables 40a Thompson Ave Cowes

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Phone. 03 5952 1444

Email. lois.turnthepage@bigpond.com

www.turnthepagebookshop.com.au

the promise of the promontory

Yes… Wilsons Promontory has rugged granite mountains, spectacular coast and stunning wildlife.

But while you are immersing yourself in nature, remember to feel the area’s unique spirit that is food for your soul.

Undeniably the superstar of Victoria’s National Parks, Wilsons Promontory holds a special place in many hearts – mine included. I vividly recall sitting in the back seat of the two-tone Ford counting the cattle grids and singing ‘Bye Bye Wilsons Prom National Park’ to the tune of American Pie on the way home from yet another memorable camping holiday.

That was a lifetime ago for me, but the landscape has barely changed in all those years. The waters of Tidal River, where I first learnt to swim, still run tannin-stained , and the same granite sentinels still guard the sheltered waters of Norman Bay where indigenous people walked and generations of Australians have enjoyed walking, sun-baking, swimming and surfing. That’s part of the magic of these protected natural places.

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The beauty of the Prom is that it offers a range of experiences from cabin-stays to camping, short strolls to challenging overnight hikes, and coast to rainforest. Many people focus their time in the Park’s south, but I love the feel and spirit of the northern sections. Most of the north is classified as a wilderness zone and it is a little more low-key, preserving the area’s natural values. You often have the area to yourself to really soak up the atmosphere.

Short walks include: ‘Vereker Outlook’, a moderate 3-kilometre return which takes you through banksia and stringybark woodland and offers panoramic views to Corner Inlet; ‘Big Drift’, a 2-kilometre walk through amazing inland dunes; and ‘Millers Landing’, which is an easy 1-kilometre track with stunning wildflowers in season.

“The same granite sentinels still guard the sheltered waters of Norman Bay where indigenous people walked and generations of Australians have enjoyed walking, sun-baking, swimming and surfing.”

There are also four overnight campsites in the northern wilderness. The full Northern Loop offers a real hiking adventure. The 58-kilometre moderate-to-hard hike takes between three and five nights. Park rangers recommend that hikers be experienced and properly equipped to complete a walk.

My favourite short walk in the Prom’s north is to Cotters Lake and Beach – an easy 1.2-kilometre return. Watch for the turnoff from the main road and then look out for emus and wombats as you navigate the sandy track to the car park.

The walk starts on an open plain strewn with rusty-coloured reeds and grasses. This is the basin of Cotters Lake but the walking track is usually dry. You often encounter kangaroos, emus and wombats grazing along the way. I love to stop

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and ‘listen’ to the silence of this tranquil wetland interrupted occasionally by the hollow calls of emus and twittering of bush birds.

The terrain transforms into sand dunes as you near Cotters Beach, which is wild and windswept. The dunes echo with the footsteps of the traditional owners, the indigenous people of the Prom. The wind has revealed shells from enormous middens formed by thousands of years of life in this special area. When you sit nestled in one of these dunes and close your eyes, it’s not hard to feel the spirit and to fill your heart and soul with some Prom magic.>

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Get involved and feel the spirit of the Prom!

There are many ways to get involved in discovering Wilson’s Promontory and having a say in the Park’s future…

Tidal River Open Space Project This community partnership with Parks Victoria aims to create an evolving communal gathering space at Tidal River. Members of the informal group enjoy relaxing, unguided walks and everyone is welcome.

Next walks: Each walk runs from 9.30am - 12.30pm.

Sunday 15 September: ‘Lilly Pilly Gully’ Sunday 20 October: ‘Sparkes Lookout’ Contact: Dana Hughes dana@danahughes.com Visit http://trosp.tumblr.com/ for more information.

Friends of the Prom This group of volunteers aim is to assist Park staff with the preservation and upkeep of the Prom. The group holds six activities weekends a year and an annual luncheon.

On Sunday 3 November, the Friends of the Prom will stage a key event in the ‘Hands Off’ campaign to defend Wilsons Promontory National Park from the threat of private development.

Visit www.friendsoftheprom.org.au for details.

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“The beauty of the Prom is that it offers a range of experiences from cabin-stays to camping, short strolls to challenging overnight hikes, and coast to rainforest.”

To stay and play in and around the prom log onto www.promcountry.com.au for over 90 places to stay

Priceline Pharmacy Cowes Now stocking your favourite brands Priceline ad

Priceline Pharmacy Cowes 24 Thompson Avenue Tel: 03 5952 2061

Trading Hours: Mon - Fri: 8.30am-6.00pm Sat: 8.30am-5.30pm Sun: 9.00am-5.30pm coast 64

Recent Federal Government changes to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme are putting your pharmacy services and local jobs at risk.

Tell the politicians that your pharmacy is important to YOU.

Sign the petition TODAY It’s a Boy! Congratulation www.change.org/en-AU/petitions/ s to Ziggy & Susannah australian-government-to-savebaby William Wong bor on n 4/3 /13 local-pharmacies-jobs-and-patientservices

Artisan and seller of Traditional & Contemporary Jewellery

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

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

MUSIC TO FILL THE DANCE FLOOR!

MORE THAN YOUR TYPICAL ‘WEDDING BAND’

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

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

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

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

JAZZ | FUNK | BLUES | ROCK | ACOUSTIC coast 65

WWW.BAKERBOYSBAND.COM.AU

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Surf Coaching

A Surfing Tours

Archysurf Centre

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Massage Therapy by Keturah | Steel Heart Art by Matt Ware Shop 3/13-18 Vista Place, Cape Woolamai, Phillip Island (new complex)

Phone. 0400 180 505

www.archysurf.com

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Goal Setting to be a Healthier You! Goal setting has been used by athletes, successful business-people and people who want to achieve results for many years.

Without goal setting we tend to just roll along with life and not really end up where we want to go. With definitive and purposeful goal setting all of us can achieve the results we want and be healthier and happier.

Goal setting for fitness, weight loss or better health are no different to any other type of goal setting you do. Here are some tips to get the most out of your better health plans.

A useful way of making goals more powerful is to use the SMART mnemonic.

S – Specific

What exactly do you want to achieve? Be specific. Saying I want to lose weight is not enough. You need to say “I want to lose 5kgs”.

M – Measurable How will you know if you have reached your goal? I want to get fit is too broad – make sure you can measure the result.

A – Attainable Make your goals achievable so you can succeed. If you reach them you can set yourself some more challenging ones.

Setting your goals too high can result in being disappointing and giving up if you do don’t reach them.

R – Relevant Make your goals relevant to the aspect of health and fitness you want to succeed in. There’s no good in trying to put on a lot of muscle if you want to run marathons.

T – Time-bound Give yourself a timeframe to get to your goal. Have a series of goals to reach over a period of time.

Goal setting is not difficult if you follow these simple steps, but remember that people who write down their goals, stick to the plan regardless of how much they like it and constantly review and remind themselves how to get to their goal are much more likely to reach them. Give it a try or come in to the YMCA and see one of our trainers to help set you up for success!

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ryanston winner mba building awards 2013

sustainable living from a multi award winning builder

designers & builders of outstanding quality homes, built for the environmentally aware. visit our display homes to see what is possible in individual, sustainable design & construction

beach house constructions www.beachhouseconstructions.com.au

building sustainably on the australian coast

green+ garden guide The Coast is blessed with an abundant natural environment, but we cannot take this for granted. We need to live sustainably, not only for us, but for future generations.

Plant a tree, recycle, build environmentally and make conscious green choices. Here are the organisations doing it right on the coast.

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food for thought‌

If everyone on earth lived like a typical Australian, we would need about four planets to sustain our lifestyle.

On average, we Australians each use about 7.6 hectares (or the equivalent of 20 footy ovals) of land to provide all the resources and dispose of all the waste we produce. To live sustainably, we can only afford to be using 1.7 hectares per person.

Sustainable design, Smart living

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

Standard inclusions: 3 Solar Hot Water 3 Solar Electricity 3 Energy efficient lighting 3 Electricity usage meter 3 Maximum star rated appliances

3 10,000 litre water tank configuration 3 Water saving plumbing fittings 3 Double glazed windows 3 No VOC Ecolour paints 3 Renewable plantation timber

3 EarthWool insulation 3 Boral Enviro plasterboard 3 Green First Laminex joinery 3 100% wool carpet 3 Reconstituted Ceasarstone benches

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

www.ecoliv.com.au coast 70

green guide

ECOLIV Ecoliv Buildings is leading the way in sustainable and environmental initiatives in new prefabricated homes and commercial buildings. The first builder of prefabricated constructions to introduce 7-star energy rating homes as standard, Ecoliv is committed to continually pushing the boundaries. Its aim is for all new homes to significantly reduce household energy requirements and generate their own solar power, saving greenhouse gases and electricity bills into the future.

Ecoliv buildings incorporate design, construction and operational practices that significantly reduce or eliminate the negative impact of development on the environment and occupants. Ecoliv’s holistic approach to addressing the environmental impact of buildings is consistent with meeting six significant environmental goals. www.ecoliv.com.au

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BEACH HOUSE CONSTRUCTIONS

BEAUMONT CONCEPTS Beaumont Concepts has won numerous awards for its contemporary sustainable home designs including the HIA National Green Smart Award. In every project, its team endeavours to find and apply innovative solutions to enhance clients’ investment in sustainable home design. The staff’s knowledge of sustainable design methods ensures your home harnesses the natural elements of the site and achieves the highest possible energy rating.

The team at Beaumont Concepts can provide design or design-and-construct packages to suit individual requirements. Its experts value the ideas of clients and delight in collaborating and translating these ideas into creative and site-sensitive homes. www.beaumontconcepts.com.au

Beach House Constructions is a multi awardwinning company that designs, builds and decorates sustainable homes. It is the proud winner of the 2012 Master Builders Association’s (South East) Regional Building Award for Best Sustainable Home and the 2012 Housing Industry Association’s Regional (South East) Best Custom Home and Greensmart Energy Efficiency Award.

Sensitive to the environment and qualified to provide you with an energy-efficient house of the highest quality, the team at Beach House Constructions has the experience and expertise to meet your needs, and help you carve out your own little piece of paradise in the Mornington Peninsula and Gippsland. Our Melbourne–based branch, Modhouse, also specialises in sustainable and modular homes. www.beachhouseconstructions.com.au

Omasti

Holistic Homes

Real health and happiness is all encompassing. It is about finding that place of balance inside your mind, body, spirit and environment . “Do you want this ?”

One of the best ways we can empower ourselves to make the transition to a healthier lifestyle is to start with a firm foundation. The home environment is one of the key corner stones to achieving this outcome.

We at “Omasti” have applied the holistic principles to our home constructions. We understand the need for light , clean fresh air within the home and a pure water source as the required base to the home. “Makes good common sense ! “ Our list of many unique features and sustainable building inclusions sets us apart from all others. We build from first home to architectural designs or can provide our own designs. The first step of change to a better place starts at “Omasti” .

The expense from a chemical filled home to a healthy home environment is small and can be scaled to find your balance. Call now to start the journey.

Shane: 0418 390 727 Office: 03 5977 5377 holistichomes@omasti.com.au

StabilEarth rammed earth constructions

... if you can dream it, we'd like to build it!

South Gippsland rammed earth specialists. Servicing the local area, Victoria and interstate. From whole houses to a bespoke piece we are committed to providing a unique and beautiful feature for your home.

Sandy Point, South Gippsland, Vic,

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mob: 0429 841 057

w: www.stabilearth.com.au e: owen@stabilearth.com.au

green guide

STABILEARTH Stabilearth is South Gippsland’s rammedearth specialist, servicing Victoria and interstate. The team is passionate about its trade and dedicated to producing a superior result. Stabilised rammed earth has a low environmental impact, and its natural appearance has a texture, colour and feel unmatched by conventional building products. It can be used for walling, fireplace surrounds, landscaping features and more.

High thermal mass, lack of maintenance, fire and termite resistance and durability all make rammed earth a sound choice as an environmentally-responsible building material that is a pleasure to live with.

For more information on rammed earth and associated services, visit www.stabilearth.com.au

SEAGROVE

CAPE PATERSON ECO VILLAGE

The Urban Development Institute of Australia has recognised Seagrove Estate as setting a new benchmark for sustainable development.

Master-planned by award-winning designers, the estate features over 8 acres of landscaped parks, wetland habitat, underground services, rich birdlife and regionally significant woodlands. www.seagrove.com.au

As the world looks for better models for human settlement, the Ecovillage combines the best of the old village atmosphere with modern sustainable design to build a living space that is socially and environmentally positive. The team is proud to announce that award- winning local designer/builders Beaumont Concepts and TS Constructions have joined the project along with awardwinning architect Adam Dettrick. www.capepatersonecovillage.com.au

OMASTI - HOLISTIC HOMES Your home and your families health is important to us – we care. The best way to make the transition to a healthier lifestyle is to start with a firm healthy foundation. Omasti homes provide an environment with clean air, light filled spaces, very low chemical presence , fresh water and natural energy flows. These and many other sustainable, energy efficient options make us the leading light for informed people who are looking to empower themselves with a positive healthy future. Our homes start you on a unique lifestyle journey . For discerning individuals we supply to first home builders to those more elaborate in design. Healthy environment, mind, body and spirit are the true path to happiness. Omasti

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On a brisk morning in Mt Eliza, the sun streams through tall gums to illuminate a student gently planing the rails of his wooden surfboard.

He gives it all the love and attention of a true craftsman. Running his eye over the smoothly curving rails, his hands follow . . . a study in tactile meditation. It’s the beauty of creating a wooden surfboard from scratch at a Tree to Sea workshop.

Gary Miller and Rob Ivers always had a passion for building their own boards. When a mutual friend introduced them, they recognised this shared passion and travelled to Currumbin to attend a wooden-board workshop. It was a meeting where surfers from around the coast were exchanging ideas and techniques. “There was a real underground movement of people making their own wooden boards, and an interest in alternative building methods,” recalls Rob.

makes the process more environmentally friendly. “There is a totally different process and mindset involved,” says Gary.

They have designed the process so people with little or no building knowledge can build their own boards. “We supply all the materials, tools and guidance,” says Gary. The build is done with very basic handtools, electric tool use being kept to a minimum. “I think that is the beauty of it all. We are in an age where everything is packaged and manufactured, so to be able to plane by hand and get the feel of the wood is very satisfying.

We guide our students through every step, so it’s pretty much foolproof,” he laughs.

They left feeling inspired, and over a cup of coffee and some hastilydrawn notes on a serviette, they decided to start their own workshop.

Rob invited Rich Blundell over from the States to run the first class. “It was great, but in the end, he was still covering the wooden board with fibreglass. I thought, ‘There has to be a better way’.” Heartened by the interest in the workshop, they set about creating their own method. “We wanted to create a surfboard that could be made in 3 days by a person with any skill level in the most environmentally friendly way,” says Gary.

Darren Minchin has recently joined Robert and Gary at Tree to Sea. He is a well-known local surfer who brings with him a wealth of knowledge, including wide experience of shaping foam boards. As a carpenter Darren has a comprehensive knowledge of wood and its characteristics, and his daughter Morgan hand-draws the Tree to Sea logo on their boards. An accomplished surfer, he also ‘road-tests’ the boards in the water. The boys have spent countless hours in development and now have a range of 12 boards to build. Malibus, retro style, short, mid-length and even a standup paddleboard: a smorgasbord of choice for any surfer. “People ask if we can replicate their favorite board in timber, and we’re getting to the stage where that is completely possible,” says Rob.

They decided on the rail method of construction, which can be a timeconsuming process. Traditionally foam boards are carved and shaped, then coated in a chemical fibreglass, which is a relatively quick process.

The construction of a timber board begins with building an internal core then working your way out. Finishing with a UV marine-grade varnish

They’ve come a long way from humble beginnings. Rob’s first board was a $5 find from the local trash and treasure market. “I was about 10, and me and my brother spotted this old 1950s number covered in house-paint.

It was probably about 10ft long, so we always had to go surfing together as we couldn’t carry it on our own.” He eventually remodelled and shaped

words maria reed photos warren reed & hm creative

A shared love of surfing and the art of hand-made has brought two friends together to revive the lost art of wooden-board making.

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the old board, and has not looked back since. “There is something just so satisfying about making anything by hand, and making a wooden board that you can go out in the waves and surf on is just magic.”

The greatest surprise has been the variety of people joining their workshops. “We have retired old hippies that are getting back into surfing, young kids, brothers, girlfriends and boyfriends, fathers and daughters, girls, guys… just about everyone,” says Rob. “The great thing is you can get 6 to 8 total strangers in a workshop and within 10 minutes they’re all working together. It creates a really great experience. It’s really heartening working with the students, and watching people walk away with established friendships.” Rob laughs, “It’s always cool to hear the older guys reliving experiences from the good old days, and the young guys listening to them. It really breaks down the barriers,” he says.

Extending the love and surfing camaraderie, Tree to Sea donates a demo board from each workshop to Marty Brown, a Peninsula local who has set up a charitable organisation that sends surf equipment to Papua New Guinea. Gary has spent years surfing the breaks in PNG, and wanted to give something back. “Everyone in the class is happy to donate some labour, and it is a good feeling to think our boards are going to the village kids back in PNG.” They are looking further afield to extend their workshops into schools, and are working with their local council on the idea of running workshops for underprivileged kids. Rob reflects, “Look; the workshop was never designed to be a huge money-earner. We do it because we love it. We believe in the process, and when I think that there will be more wooden boards out on the waves, it makes me happy.” C

“There is just something so satisfying about making anything by hand, and making a wooden board that you can go out in the waves and surf is just magic.”

Gift Vouchers available

- perfect for the surfer who has everything

A U S T R A LIA

email: info@treetosea.com.au or phone Robert 0409 211 751 - Gary 0423 804 975 Instructors of the Tree to Sea Australia workshops

Custom Boards Available

Workshops are held in Mt Eliza on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula Build your own wooden surfboard in a 3 day workshop. No prior woodworking skills are required.Using the latest construction methods, boards don’t need to be fibreglassed therefore reducing the overall cost of making your board and the time to complete it.

Refer website for Workshop dates, contact us now to reserve your place.

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www.treetosea.com.au

a green approach “We share knowledge and discuss a lot of things as well, which you don’t get to do in your own garden at home; it’s everybody’s patch here.” words simone short photos supplied

In Bass Coast, gardening means more than getting your hands dirty.

It can teach people about healthy eating, promote mental and physical wellbeing and be places of new found friendships.

As part of the Living Healthy in Bass Coast Project, community gardens are sprouting up around the Shire. Since March 2012, an incredible 1,663 people have been involved in the Wonthaggi Community Garden program. Since then, a community garden network has been created, a pool of volunteers trained, and a series of open days and workshops run. Phillip island residents will soon be able to get involved through an exciting new garden currently being built in Cowes.’

tools and knowledge to grow their own vegetables. This, in turn, helps those people improve their health by incorporating more fresh veggies into their diet. Gardening also provides opportunities to get involved in physical activity, which also improves health.” Reports have shown 81 per cent of people said they’ve started growing their own fruit and vegetables at home since joining the community garden program, and 90 per cent believe their health has improved as a result of participating in the community garden.

Linda and Lorraine, volunteer group coordinators for the Community Garden in Wonthaggi, didn’t know each other before meeting there, but are now good friends who share a love and passion for gardening.

“We are gardening friends,” says Linda. “We are similar gardeners, because we aren’t judgmental or precise; we just have a passion for being in the garden!”

The beauty of community gardening in Bass Coast is that it truly is a community-run project and everyone is welcome to join in. When the Harvest Centre at Mitchell House in Wonthaggi was opened in 2010, the raised gardens beds were built by local VCAL students under the guidance of Youth Worker, Murray White. Students from the Bass Coast Specialist School had the honour of being the first group to plant seeds in the new beds.

They are responsible for the ‘big picture’ of the Community Garden in Wonthaggi. “We come every Thursday and look after the community plots,” says Lorraine. “We also oversee tasks such as planting and weeding and maintain the gardening equipment, compost and paths.”

Lorraine continues, “We share knowledge and discuss a lot of things as well,” continues Lorraine, “which you don’t get to do in your own garden at home; it’s everybody’s patch here.”

“Community Gardens are a great example of a sustainable communitybased activity to improve health within a community,” said Living Healthy in Bass Coast Project Coordinator, Kristen Yates’. “Community gardens have many benefits – they provide people with the land,

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The nearby Men’s Shed is currently busy building a series of special access beds which will provide gardening opportunities to people in wheelchairs and the Wonthaggi Primary is also interested in getting involved in some of the gardening work.

A Food Swap program has also been running since November 2011, and workshops and other information sharing opportunities are held every month. “You don’t need to have lots of gardening experience, you don’t need to be a green thumb, you don’t even need to speak English,” says Linda. “That’s the good thing about gardening . . . it’s a common language.”

green guide

BASS COAST SHIRE

PHILLIP ISLAND NATURE PARK

WOODLEIGH SCHOOL

The Bass Coast Shire provides over 100 services to 28,000 residents, 13,500 non resident ratepayers and over three million visitors each year.Their services include everything from kerbside rubbish and recycling collection, maintenance of parks and gardens and roadworks to human services like home care, home maintenance and respite care. Also check out the website for their ‘Sustainable Living Guide’ and remember to always think recycling first.

Call 1300 BCOAST (226 278) or visit www. basscoast.vic.gov.au and remember – enjoy it, don’t spoil it!

The Nature Park’s internationally-renowned rangers and researchers care for the natural areas on Phillip Island and its wildlife. Phillip Island Nature Parks has the highest number of Advanced Ecotourism products of any Victorian tourism attraction including the Penguin Parade, Nobbies Centre, Koala Conservation Centre and Churchill Island Heritage Farm. www.penguins.org.au

Woodleigh School has a strong commitment to the environment – actively promoting environmental awareness amongst the student body and throughout the wider community via a number of programs and initiatives. ‘Respect for the Environment’ is one of the School’s core values. Students participate in regular clean up days, particularly along the Mornington Peninsula’s wonderful coastline, as well as tree planting events. Within the School grounds students, provide significant assistance to maintain an Australian native landscape, and every effort is made by the School to integrate campus buildings in a harmonious fashion.

The Senior Campus, in particular, situated on approximately 20 hectares and protected from future development in the area by a wide border of preserved land, has earned a ‘Land for Wildlife’ classification from the Department of Sustainability and Environment. woodleigh.vic.edu.au

WESTERNPORT WATER Saving water by leak detection. A simple way to check for leaks is by reading your water meter. After your last use at night, record the number and then check your meter again in the morning. If the reading has changed and the meter is still turning over, you may have leak somewhere on your property that is wasting water and money. Visit www. westernportwater.com.au for more water wise tips.

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B s a B currently available in store now.

BsaB are 100% natural,

vegetable (soy) ink is

organic and eco

used for printing on paper

friendly aromatherapy

sleeves. The candles use

products that enrich the

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essential oil for fragrance.

also enhancing the

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quality natural organic

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from 100% post-consumer recycled material and Available at

123 Marine pde, San Remo, 3925 Phone: 5678 5202 Fax: 5678 5376

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green guide

AROMATHERAPY PRODUCTS BsaB are 100% natural, organic and eco friendly aromatherapy products that enrich the beauty and wellbeing of our customers while also enhancing the sustainability of the earth. The packaging is made from 100% post-consumer recycled material and vegetable (soy) ink is used for printing on paper sleeves. The candles use only 100% natural soy wax with 100% natural essential oil for fragrance. The diffusers use the finest quality natural organic essential oil. Available from San Remo Pharmacy, 123 Marine Parade, San Remo. www. bsabaustralia.com.au

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FINDING THE GRAIN

TJs TIMBER

Let the timber live on . . . in beautifully designed furniture. Finding the grain salvages wood from local demolition sites around Phillip Island. This timber would historically been sent to landfill. By sourcing this timber locally we are reducing our carbon footprint and allowing the timber to live on - preserving nature’s history. All the material is used; the offcuts from tables and chairs are then made into chopping boards and picture frames. The sawdust is collected by local’s for the garden and compost heaps. Nothing is wasted, and is returned to the earth as organic matter. www.findingthegrain.com.au

TJs timber sell new and recycled timbers.

Their quality (new) timbers are sourced from responsibly managed forests in Australia and overseas. Recycling timber is the environmentally friendliest form of timber production. They can supply a great range of new and recycled: feature posts and beams, solid timber flooring, decking, cladding, internal linings screening. www.tjstimber.com.au

TREE TO SEA Have you ever thought about making your very own enviromently friendly and sustainable Wooden Surfboard, but didn’t think you had the skill or knowledge to achieve it? Tree to Sea can teach you all you need to know to be able to make your own wooden surfboards at home, and as often as you like. We have taught people from all ages and all skill levels. It doesn’t matter if you are a skilled tradesman or someone that rarely handle tools of any kind. You will not need any wood working knowledge to be able to make your very own fantastic wooden surfboard. www.treetosea.com.au

Multi Award Winning Building Designer of Contemporary Sustainable Homes.

332 White Rd. Wonthaggi Tel. (03) 5672 5196 Level 2, 75 Chapel St. Cowes Tel. (03) 5952 6868

www.beaumontconcepts.com.au

- Rough-sawn feature posts & beams - Solid timber flooring & decking -Lining & cladding - New & recycled timbers - Installation service - Delivery all areas

9:30-2:30 Mon-Fri other times by appointment welcome 24 The Concourse, Cowes coast 80

Phone: 5952 3232 www.tjstimber.com.au

green guide

Electric vehicles . . . the way of the future?

Local building designer and builder Ashley Beaumont has secured a place in the Victorian Governments Electric Vehicle (EV) Trial, which will see the local businesses become a hub for EV technology in the area with a new electric vehicle and charging station.

words esme beaumont photos supplied

The Department of Transport has loaned an electric vehicle to the team from Beaumont Concepts and Ecoliv Buildings over the trial period, while the White Rd Wonthaggi display home and offices will host the first EV charging station for the area. The trial vehicle is a valuable asset to both companies ahead of their work on the Cape Patterson Eco Village development, which proposes solar-powered charging stations for its residents.

Ashley is looking forward to taking the electric vehicle for a spin. ‘It’s exciting technology and we’re really looking forward to testing the car.’ All fun aside, the team is really proud to be introducing the latest sustainable technology to the area. ‘We encourage sustainable living in our designs, so we started looking at other ways we could reduce our carbon footprint’ said Ashley.

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The Department of Transport’s EV Trial will run until December 2013 and involve a wide range of industries across Victoria. More information can be found at http://www.transport.vic.gov.au/projects/ ev-trial/about-the-electric-vehicle-trial.

Over 35 fleets have benefited from participating in the trial, with many EV charging stations appearing across Victoria as part of a statewide infrastructure plan to make electric vehicle use simple and easy.

The trial subsidises the costs involved so small to medium-size businesses can adjust their fleets to EV technology.

For anyone in the community who is interested in viewing the car, it will be on display at the Ecoliv display home at 332 White Rd, Wonthaggi each Tuesday between 10am and 1.00pm for the duration of the trial. C

green+garden guide

ARBORZONE

MELALEUCA NATIVES

Trees are the grand features in all gardens, parklands and reserves, and must be cared for in order to best adapt to their environment.

Arborzone staff train and shape trees to frame landscape, as well as treating and preventing disease so trees remain strong for generations to come. Consultation, arboriculture reporting and problem-tree removal are all carried out by qualified and experienced treedoctors. (03) 5674 3566

Melaleuca Nursery specialises in native plants suited to the various soils and climates found in West and South Gippsland, including a wide range of coastal species. There are native plants suitable for all garden types from bush blocks to formal modern gardens.

If you’re looking for low-maintenance, low water-consuming plants that can provide year-round colour and beauty in your garden as well as attracting many of the wonderful native birds in the region, a visit is a must. www.melaleucanursery.com

ISLAND LANDSCAPE & DESIGN Specialising in sustainable landscaping, the Island Landscape + Design reputation for high quality and attention to fine detail is a reflection of our team ethos and ensures quality of product and client satisfaction.

We offer a full range of services essential to the creation of successful landscapes throughout Phillip Island and the Bass Coast Region. Over 20 years of experience in commercial, residential and government projects. www.islandlandscaping.com.au

Melaleuca Nursery INDIGENOUS & NATIVE PLANT FARM

‘Natives, because they’re beautiful’ Melaleuca Nursery has been supplying quality indigineous & native plants to West & South Gippsland for over 20 years. Whether it’s a few plants for the backyard or thousands for a revegetation project; we provide excellent advice on what’s best for your area.

Address: 50 Pearsalls Road Inverloch Vic 3996

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Open Hours: 9 - 5pm / Thursday to Monday Other times: by appointment

Contact: Phone: 03 5674 1014 Fax: 03 5674 1026

Email & Web: info@gonativelandscapes.com www.melaleucanursery.com

green+garden guide COUNTRY GARDENER Come and see the new look Country Gardener. They have a fabulous range of wall art, garden furniture, mirrors, pots and giftware. Featuring the largest range of natives in South Gippsland, fruit trees, ornamentals, roses and Oasis seedlings. The Country Gardener, 19 Inverloch Road, Wonthaggi. Open 7 days a week. 0356724866

JINDIVICK COUNTRY GARDENER The Jindivick Country Gardener Rare Plant Nursery specialises in rare and unusual trees, shrubs and perennials. Its collection continues to grow and has developed a clear focus on foliage, form and proven plant performance.

The nursery stocks a diverse range of plant genera and species but has only limited numbers of each on display. If you are after large numbers of a particular type of plant, these can be supplied from an extensive growing and propagation site. www.jindivickcountrygardener.com.au

THE COUNTRY GARDENER WONTHAGGI

OPEN 7 DAYS Designer pots, natives, ornamentals & indoor plants

Come and visit the region’s largest nursery with an extensive range of antiques. coast 83

Giftware / Fountains / Garden Furniture / Antiques

19 Inverloch Road, Wonthaggi Vic 3995

T 03 5672 4866

shearwater return the great migration

1 words and photos supplied PINP

Mark it on the calendar - high winds, footy fever and a shadowy moving mass overhead at sunset. It’s the final weeks of September and the short-tailed shearwaters have returned to Phillip Island after one of the world’s great migrations.

An estimated one million short-tailed shearwaters call Phillip Island home over the spring and summer months, nesting in sand dune burrows and undertaking trips to Bass Strait and the Antarctic shelf in search of krill.

The birds have migrated from the Aleutian Islands near Alaska, an epic 15,000 kilometre journey that takes between six to eight weeks. With a wingspan of one metre and weighing only 500 grams, the birds are well adapted to an oceanic existence but are ungainly on land and find it difficult to take flight in windless conditions.

Parents begin their return migration in April with the aid of strong winds. They leave behind a chick still covered with brown down and almost twice the weight of an adult bird. The chick remains in the burrow for the next two to three weeks, surviving on its fat and oil reserves. During this time chicks replace their down with adult feathers and then begin their first migration. With the aid of strong westerly winds the chicks can catch up to the adults on the journey back north.

Cape Woolamai colony

By late September some of the shearwaters have found their way to Phillip Island, while others have headed to colonies elsewhere in Victoria and Tasmania. The total population is estimated at 23 million.

Located on the south east corner of Phillip Island, Cape Woolamai is home to the largest short-tailed shearwater colony on Phillip Island.

Over spring and summer the shearwaters head to sea daily in search of food. Look to the skies at sunset from one of Phillip Island’s southerly or western beaches and you can witness the nightly return of the birds as they circle overhead ready to land.

In the last 12 months rangers from Phillip Island Nature Parks, with the aid of conservation groups and volunteers, have undertaken extensive weed removal and revegetation work on Cape Woolamai to improve shearwater habitat and the ability of birds to burrow.

In November the birds have a ‘honeymoon’ period for two weeks, attempting to fatten up on krill found near the Antarctic shelf before returning in late November to lay a single egg. Chicks hatch in early January and feeding duties are shared between males and females.

The numerous hiking trails across Cape Woolamai wind their way along the Cape’s cliff tops and close to shearwater burrows. The narrow wildlife trails through the colony are known as shearwater ‘runways’ and are used by the birds as they march towards the cliffs to take off.

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Photo captions: 1/ Cape Woolamai walk: Walks across Cape Woolamai offer stunning coastal views and a unique insight into important shearwater habitat.

2/ Shearwater migration: Short-tailed shearwaters head for Antarctica in April before making their way north to the Aleutian Islands near Alaska.

3/ Shearwater chick: Shearwater chicks are covered in brown down and are only ready to migrate once they have their adult feathers in April. Photo credit: Stuart Cameron. C

3

“The birds have migrated from the Aleutian Islands near Alaska, an epic 15,000 kilometre journey that takes between six to eight weeks.”

Help for shearwaters You can help protect the shearwaters and their habitat by: • Remaining on beach access tracks and designated pathways to avoid crushing burrows • Keeping cats inside at night and only walking dogs on designated beaches • Driving carefully at sunrise and sunset to avoid any birds that may be on roads.

Wildlife rescue contact: 1300 094 535

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Upgraded Candowie photos geoff russell

securing water for the future Westernport Water describes how a larger reservoir is essential to optimise the use of all available local water sources and meet future demand.

Recent years have seen both drought and flood-like conditions throughout South Gippsland. Historical rainfall data and monitoring of Candowie Reservoir’s regular fill-and-empty cycle was all the evidence Westernport Water needed to pursue the provision of a larger reservoir.

saving rules and the introduction of recycled water have helped us through the dry times and relieved pressure on drinking water supplies. However, securing a reliable long-term water supply for its fast growing community and one of Victoria’s most popular tourist destinations was Westernport Water’s main concern.

Candowie Reservoir – whose Indigenous name means Good Water – was built in 1963 with a capacity of 1,037 ML and officially opened by the Minister of Water Supply in April 1965. It was then raised from its original capacity to 1,761 ML in 1978 and to 2,263ML in 1982.

The Candowie Upgrade Project, a key component of Westernport Water’s Water Supply Demand Strategy, was seen as the most economical and efficient way to further drought-proof the Westernport Water community. A larger reservoir wall has been constructed to include an embankment and other associated infrastructure works, raising the full supply level of Candowie Reservoir by 3 metres, along with an upgrade to the spillway and outlet tower. The Grantville-Glen Alvie Road was also raised by 1 metre to allow for the larger reservoir.

With the capacity of Candowie equivalent to approximately one year of demand, the supply vulnerability of the annual fill-and-empty cycle of Candowie – the sole water storage for Westernport Water – was exposed in 2006/7. During a two-year drought period the reservoir capacity fell to just 7%, and Stage 4 water restrictions were imposed.

Community water-saving efforts, permanent watercoast 86

Candowie Reservoir remained fully operational during construction, and crucial construction works were completed as planned within a nine-month period when

Photo captions- bottom left to right 1/ Westernport Water Managing Director Murray Jackson and Chairman of the Board Trevor Nink asses the new dam wall and spillway. 2/ Trevor Nink, Murray Jackson and the Hon. Ken Smith unveil a plaque to commemorate the opening of the upgrade. 3/ Cooper Gildon Marco Esposito from Newhaven Primary School, planting some of the 50,000 trees to be planted on site.

the reservoir was naturally at its lowest. This has enabled maximum storage recharge from the regular winter and spring rains now arriving.

improved environmental outcomes for Tennent Creek downstream of Candowie, and offer improved flood protection for communities in the Bass area.

Now complete, the $9.2 million water storage project has effectively doubled the available storage capacity of Candowie from 2263ML to 4463ML. Speaking at the official opening, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Mr Ken Smith Member for Bass MLA said: “Doubling the capacity of Candowie is essential to securing a reliable and affordable water supply for future generations.

Development of sustainable infrastructure like Candowie is important for the region’s growth and is fundamental in building resilience in the face of climate variability.”

Westernport Water now has the capacity to optimise the use of all available local water sources, including its licence to draw water from the Bass River, pump from bore fields in the Corinella groundwater management area, harness inflows from Tennent Creek and connect to the Melbourne pool supply system. A larger reservoir will reduce the chance of future water restrictions, deliver

An extensive revegetation program is underway to restore and increase the vegetation surrounding the reservoir, which will assist in improving water quality by filtering runoff from the surrounding area. With the late winter rain, water levels have already risen well above the old full supply level and are now reflected in the water levels communicated to the community.

WESTERNPORT WATER

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www.westernportwater.com.au

Commissions available

Lisa Cox Art mb.0412 136 286

Paintings to Inspire, Cherish and Decorate your Home. info@lisacoxartist.com

www.lisacoxartist.com

Mt Eliza Optical

Time and Care for You. N

va ow A

ilable

5 Davies Ave, Mt Eliza t: (03) 9775 2922 www.meoptical.com.au coast 88

“This sublime coast features secluded beaches, spectacular cliffs and tranquil bays.”

Magical Mt Eliza Mount Eliza is a charming seaside village. Take a walk down the pretty, tree lined streets, you’ll find a haven set well off the beaten track of other more crowded tourist destinations of the Mornington Peninsula.

Mt Eliza offers the perfect lifestyle balance of coastal living, with great shopping, fabulous eateries and all the services you need. And all only an hour’s drive from Melbourne or Phillip Island.

that will have you coming back again and again. Distincive, owner operated businesses guarantee that you will find something unique to treasure.

This sublime coast features secluded beaches, spectacular cliffs and tranquil bays. The yacht club sits on the shores of Davey’s Bay and from there you can follow a walking track overlooking Mt Eliza Beach on the shores of Canadian Bay.

Discover the village on foot, venture up stairways and explore the meandering lanes. You’ll be pleasantly surprised! From vintage wear, homewares, hair & beauty, kidswear, giftware, locally designed artworks and the best local produce, you’re sure to find exactly what you need.

The lovely village of Mt Eliza is set back about one kilometre from the coast along Mount Eliza Way and Canadian Bay Road. This quaint shopping precinct began to develop in the 1950s and blossomed in the 1960s. The friendly village atmosphere is a mixture of old and new buildings, making shopping a delight. With over 100 or so eateries and boutiques, Mt Eliza has a unique and eclectic range of shops

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When you need a break, enjoy the leafy, relaxed ambience of the Village. Artist-designed wrought iron ‘mermaid’ seating has been strategically placed to give shoppers a well earned rest. There is a whole world to discover at Mt Eliza . . .

another way to look at life . . .

promotional feature words maria reed photos warren reed

Marcus Bland is a contradiction in terms. As his name would suggest . . . he is anything BUT bland, and this Mt Eliza local breaks all the stereotypes of a staid, business owner and optical dispenser.

“I’ve been rollerblading to work for the last 25 years,” laughs Marcus – no mean feat for a 58-year-old. “My mum lived down here about 35 years ago, and when I came to visit, I always thought that I’d like to move here. When I got married we bought a house and optical shop here and moved into both at the same time.” That was 30 years ago . . .

Marcus learnt the art of spectacle-making in Australia, and then got his english qualifications while working in Oxford Street, London. They used only the very best Zeiss lenses. I had a man come in and buy a pair of glasses for 100 pounds, which was a lot of money back in 1978.” He then came back and ordered 10 more pairs.

Back in Mt Eliza, Marcus was never one to follow convention. “My wife used to get told by all the other mothers, like, ‘Get that man off the road!’” he laughs. The only way he could slow down on his rollerblades was to zig-zag on the road: the footpath was too narrow. “I live near a school now and there is too much traffic, and the road is a bit rough, so these days I just walk or ride .” Always one up for adventure, he donned his rollerblades to visit an old client at the Mt Eliza Centre. Located at the bottom of a steep hill, the only way he could stop was tumbling onto the grass nature strip at the bottom. “I was there to visit this man to fix his spectacles . . . and made a bit of a spectacle of myself in the process,” he laughs. After the nurse fixed him up, he went and made his ‘house call’. “Never a dull day . . . “ Marcus embraces life and expresses this philosophy with a small chalkboard in front of his shop. “I’ve been writing sayings on it for over 25 years. I’ve probably made up over 100, and they all relate to smiling.

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The one I’ve got at the moment is ‘Fashion starts on the face: wear a smile and keep it in place’. I always like to make them rhyme, so I’ve had to think of lots of words that rhyme with smile, grin, smirk . . . people love it. I’ve got one lady from Rye that tells me she comes past specially to read the quote of the day. There are too many grumps around: you’ve got to enjoy life.”

And he does. At 50 he took up tap-dancing. “I recently did a concert with lots of kids . . . . and me! I always like to take on something that makes me a bit scared or a bit excited – I keep trying to do that in life.

Enjoy the moment. We mustn’t lose that sense of wonder in life. I can always look at the minutiae of life and think how amazing it is, like looking at a little bud on a tree. I don’t like to step on the lines in the concrete (he laughs) – I do weird stuff like that.”

At 54 he got his motorbike licence and bought a bike. “I enjoyed it, but I’ve sold it now. I used to put it in the front window of the shop.

I like to do weird window displays – they’re more exciting than a normal display.”

The Mt Eliza Optical store is really interesting. “My mirrors and benches are a Couta boat design.” The sails are made out of mirrors, and the benches are small Couta boats made of solid wood. “I’ve got a couple fish below too,” he laughs. After all, how boring is a straight mirror? “I’ve always done my own thing the way I want to do it. It’s a nice store, we carry European frames and high quality optical lenses: it’s not too busy, and I have a really good relationship with my customers . . . we always have a great chat. My catch phrase now is ‘Mt Eliza Optical – Time and Care for you.’ C

1.

4.

eat & shop

2.

3.

5.

6.

@ Mt Eliza

• Rasoi Tandoori Indian Kitchen Great, tasty Indian food. 26 Ranelagh Dr, Mt Eliza 03 9775 3111 • Mt Eliza Optical create exclusive spectacles and sunglasses just for you.

5 Davies Ave, Mt Eliza 03 9708 8216 • Tree to Sea Make your own wooden surfboard www.treetosea.com.au • Lisa Cox Beautiful artwork by local artist www.lisacoxartist.com • Woodleigh School (close by)Woodleigh is a dynamic, creative environment. Progressive & contemporary, our curriculum focuses on educating students for their future, not our past. woodleigh.vic.edu.au

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at a glance: 1. Lisa Cox Artist 2. Woodleigh School (nearby) 3. Lisa Cox Artist 4. Rasoi Tandoori Indian Kitchen 5.Mt Eliza Optical 6. Tree to Sea

hoW To ThiNk not what to think

From Early Childhood through to Year 12, Woodleigh students are encouraged to question, challenge, create, debate, reason and think. for. themselves.

Visit the website, tour each campus, and see we’re not just a school for thinkers, we’re a s c h o o l o f i n d e p e n d e n t t h o u g h t .

woodleigh.vic.edu.au

+613 5971 6100

More questions? Call Sally Hicks in the Enrolments Office on 5971 6100 or visit our school website woodleigh.vic.edu.au Woodleigh School is a member of the Round Square Schools Network – roundsquare.org

NoV em b er 15 -17 2013 eXHIbITIoN oPeNING 7Pm FrI 15 NoVember - TICKeTS $20 10Am-4Pm SAT & SUN - eNTrY $5 DAme elISAbeTH mUrDoCH GAllerY @ WooDleIGH SCHool 485 Golf links road langwarrin South T: 5971 6100 www.woodleigh.vic.edu.au Alison Riley Kungkarangkalpa (Seven Sisters), (detail) 2013 acrylic on canvas, 84 x 170 cm.

Courtesy Ernabella Arts

Woodleigh School & Mcculloch & Mcculloch PreSent

lITTle bIT loNG WAY

Contemporary Indigenous Art Exhibition & Sale

little bit, long way . . .

photo & words supplied

Little Bit Long Way, an exhibition of Indigenous art, aims to raise funds to enable Aboriginal students and Elders to participate in Woodleigh School’s Indigenous exchange program at Langwarrin South on the Mornington Peninsula.

For the last five years, this program has promoted two-way learning for Aboriginal students from Ampilatwatja in the central eastern deserts of the NT, and Miwatj communities of north-east Arnhem Land, enabling them to travel to Melbourne and experience life on the Mornington Peninsula. Elders in both communities want their children to have these ongoing experiences but recent NT government cutbacks have meant planned trips in 2013 have all been cancelled. Without significant outside support, these life-changing opportunities cannot continue. All monies raised from this exhibition will be spent directly on the travel and accommodation expenses of Aboriginal students in these communities.

The exhibition comprises more than 50 works from 20 leading arts centres of the Western, Central and Eastern deserts, Utopia, the APY Lands, the Canning Stock Route, the Kimberley, Queensland and Arnhem Land.

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A highlight will be the works from the arts centres of the two regions whose students and elders participate in the school’s Indigenous program – the Arnhem Land Miwatj community of Yirrkala and surrounding homelands, and the Northern Territory community of Ampilatwatja, some 320 kilometres north-east of Alice Springs. With its diversity and quality of works, Little Bit Long Way adds a new dimension to Woodleigh School’s established Indigenous Education program.

Student-to-student relationships that have been established over the last 5 years, in all three communities, have proven profound and enduring. With patronage and support, this program can continue to flourish and make a tangible difference to the lives of Indigenous children.

It is truly about closing the educational gap. C

10 YEARS OF COMMUNITY INVESTMENT What a wonderful night of celebration for our community, capped off with some very happy local organisations extremely grateful for the existence of our Community Bank速 branch.

The $141,000 distributed on the night gave everyone a lot to cheer about.

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Happy 10th birthday Bendigo Community Bank!

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

San Remo District Community Bank has now seen its tenth birthday come and go. Over this period of time the company – San Remo District Financial Services Ltd – has expanded, opening branches in Cowes (May 2009) and Grantville (Dec 2010).

The objective of our Community Bank is to bring banking back to San Remo and share the profits with the people who had the foresight to invest in this form of community ownership.

Under our franchise agreement with the Bendigo Bank, we return approximately 80% of our profit to the local community in the form of sponsorships and grants, with the balance returned as shareholder funds (dividends etc).

Our expansion into Cowes and later Grantville was foreseeable, and sought-after by various local bodies once the effects of community banking (returns to the community) were noticed in the San Remo area. Over our ten years of business we have managed to return in excess of $1.03 million into our community. $619,000 of this has been as sponsorship and $411,000 in the form of grants. Major beneficiaries have been: • $60,000 • $50,000 • $60,000 • $40,000 • $45,000

Newhaven Recreation Reserve Bass Coast Community Health (community bus) Bass Recreation Reserve Phillip Island Early Learning Centre Woolamai Life Surf Life Saving Club

(Channel Challenges & Cowes Classics)

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

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We are now the major sponsor of the three local football clubs within our catchment area, which causes some of us a problem when the teams come up against each other in competition (this year they sit top three in the Alberton League)!

The return of benefits to different areas has been shared as follows: • San Remo • Cowes • Grantville

$450,000 $274,000 $306,000

& shareholders have received $173,000 in dividends.

The number of staff has increased from four to fourteen, the majority of whom reside within the areas covered by our branches, and two staff members have been with us since start-up.

Director numbers have remained at eleven, and three of these were members of the original steering committee and Company board.

If you live in our area – or any town or suburb with a Bendigo Community Bank outlet – and don’t bank with us, ask yourself: ‘Why not?’ Our excellent results as outlined above have been maintained over ten years and will continue to improve: it makes sense to be a contributor and help yourself and your community.

Grantville & District Community Bank Branch Shop 4, 1503 Bass Highway, Grantville Phone 5678 8773

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

treat your family to a phillip island getaway

leave the rest to us

SM

These school holidays treat your loved ones to a cute and cuddly getaway at Ramada Resort Phillip Island.

Let the little penguins create life-long memories for you and the kids!

book now for great rates and memorable holidays tel: +61 3 5952 8000 • www.ramadaphillipisland.com.au

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

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PHILLIP ISLAND

Resort Management by Wyndham Pty Ltd ACN 099 634 830 trading as Ramada Resort Phillip Island. WHG6999

We are blessed to live by the coast - sandy beaches, salt water and endless blue skies.

Imagine if you or a loved one was unable to enjoy all the wonderful activities that abound due to access issues.

The South Coast Access Alliance (SCAA) is a network group that works tirelessly to help people with disability participate in sport and recreation, their aim is to make our beaches accessible for all. Approximately 6,200 people living in Bass Coast have a disability and the SCAA wants to create an awareness of access issues that face people in our region.

GippSports Access for all abilities program manager Dan Poynton was proud of the recent success and awareness created by the SCAA’s Beach Festival’s in Inverloch & Cowes. “The festivals were a celebration of a larger project called the Better Beach Access Project which encouraged the councils of Bass Coast and South Gippsland to look at beach access issues and incorporate better design principles into their foreshore planning,” he explains. “People don’t realize that the same access barriers that may affect people with disabilities would also have the same impact on a young mum with a pram. We are really trying to encourage universal design providing fair, dignified & equitable access for all.

The events attracted over 100 people with disabilities, their families and volunteers from local sports clubs, which was a great turnout. Festival-goers enjoyed surfing, kite surfing, sand sculpting, beach volleyball, sailing, kayaking, windsurfing and fishing. Local mum Liz enthused, “My little boy Coby was out there surfing, and it’s the first time he stood up! I’m so proud and we want to thank everyone for such a wonderful day.”

promotional feature

Due (in part) to the festival, the planning to extend the foreshore access path at Inverloch was brought forward and an extension of the path right down to rock level at rotary park beach took place – a great outcome. Dan says, “So many people came together on the day. Both to run the activities and support the day. All events were free, and it was great to see everyone out enjoying themselves.”

The SCAA is planning another event on Saturday November 30th to celebrate ‘International Day of People with Disability’ www.idpwd.com.au. Plans are afoot for a “Family Fun Festival” at the Meeniyan Recreation Reserve to celebrate the contribution people with a disability make to our community. Event organisers are encouraging families from the whole community to come and participate in the day and enjoy some of the great activities planned for the day. For more information contact Julia Lomas at the South Coast Primary Care Partnership on 5674 0900.

access all areas words maria reed photos supplied

The SCAA was formed to create opportunities for people with disability to participate in local sport and active recreation through clubs and community activities in the South Gippsland and Bass Coast local government areas. Working together, we aim to include people with a disability in recreation and physical activity and support them to be more socially connected via sports, recreation and community activities. The SCAA network members include GippSport, South Coast Primary Care Partnership, Bass Coast Shire Council, South Gippsland Shire Council, Bass Coast Community Health Service, Yooralla First Base, Connecting Skills Australia and SCOPE.

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T.P. Riding School Catering for beginers to advanced children & adults.

Safe & secure facilities.

Lesson’s Available all day Saturday & by appointment other times.

Private & group sessions available.

Ruby via Leongatha.

Call Cameron for bookings. t: 0403 008 823

On PHILLIP ISLAND the ANZAC SPIRIT LIVES ON Experience the National Vietnam Veterans Museum

When you visit Phillip Island, don’t miss the National Vietnam Veterans Museum An authentic insight into the veterans’ part in Australia’s longest war.

A huge collection of images, artefacts, memorabilia, aircraft, helicopters and vehicles Child friendly, wheelchair access, holographic light and sound show, and the Nui Dat Cafe.

25 Veterans Drive, Newhaven, Phillip Island Ph: 5956 6400

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www.vietnamvetsmuseum.org for visit and Museum information.

spring attractions

The sun is shining and spring is in the air. Get out there and enjoy some of the great attractions on offer. amazenthings

Test your logic and sense of fun at A Maze’N Things. This attraction is all about fun and it’s for all ages, not just kids! Spend a day immersed in illusions, mazes, stimulating puzzles, illusions and memory tests.

Come and get lost with us at Phillip Island’s most fun attraction!

bass coast cycle challenge

Bass Coast Cycle Challenge is a charity cycling event enjoying fantastic scenic views of the Bass Coast hills on an un-crowded course. Test yourself against friends or your own personal best on Saturday November 16th, 2103. For more information, check www. basscoastcyclechallenge.com or find them on facebook

choc factory

This award-winning attraction is an experience unlike anything you’ve seen before. It’s a celebration of all things chocolate. Naturally, there is more chocolate than you can dream of, but also other delectable treats such as choc-dipped bananas, rocky road, ginger and honey.

Panny’s Amazing World of Chocolate is an interactive experience of all things chocolate and Panny’s Café sells the most amazing meals, drinks and snacks, all with a chocolate theme!

phillip island grand prix circuit

Get your heart pumping at the world-famous Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. Test your speed on the all-new suite of Swiss Hutless GoKarts on the 760-metre scale replica track, or go for broke and whizz around the real circuit in a GT3 Porsche with an experienced driver on the ultimate Hot Lap. You can also take a Guided Circuit Tour, browse the History of Motorsport display or just relax in the café.

phillip island nature parks

Phillip Island Nature Parks, home to the world-famous Penguin Parade, are a fantastic summer attraction for all ages! Pick up the 3-Park Pass, which gives entry to the Penguin Parade, the historic Churchill Island Heritage Farm and the unique Koala Conservation Centre.

rod bending

Rod Bending’s world is a lifestyle. It’s all about fun, family, fishing, kayaking and enjoying your time by the water. Get out and enjoy our estuaries, rivers, creeks, surf beaches and protected sandy inlet beaches. Test-drive a Hobie Kayak and enjoy! www.rodbendingsworld.com

tp horse riding

You can’t beat the feeling of freedom that comes with riding a horse. TP Riding School caters for everyone from beginners to advanced riders, children & adults. Enjoy learning to ride in safe and secure facilities. Lessons are available all day Saturday and by appointment at other times. Private & group sessions available. Located at Ruby (via Leongatha). Call Cameron for bookings. 0403 008 823

vietnam vets

The National Vietnam Veterans Museum is a treasure-house of Vietnam War memorabilia and is representative of all Australian veterans and those veterans of other nations residing in Australia. This nationally-recognised museum is dedicated to the preservation and display of photographs, memorabilia, vehicles and aircraft that accurately detail the history of Australian involvement in the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1972. www.vietnamvetransmuseum.org

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The third annual Bass Coast Cycle Challenge is on again, on Saturday November 16th. The Challenge is a charity cycling event in support of Rotary Youth Driver Awareness (RYDA) road safety program for Year 12 students.

ride on . . .

A great opportunity exists to experience this incredible ride, with riders enjoying amazing courses that take in the lush countryside of the Bass Coast hills and the coastline between Cape Paterson and Inverloch. All courses start and finish in the beautiful town of Inverloch.

Once again a range of course distances are being offered to cater for different rider abilities. Rides range from the showpiece 121km challenge and 85km challenge which both include the infamous Mt Misery hill climb, to the spectacular 53km and family friendly 40km courses.

Cycling legend David McKenzie is returning as Ride Ambassador for Bass Coast Challenge in 2013. David McKenzie is a former pro cyclist and national champion. He is a cycling analyst and commentator on SBS and spends much of his year overseas covering events such as Tour de France. David will be home in November and has confirmed he’ll be riding in the Bass Coast Cycle Challenge again as the Ride Ambassador. David rates the Challenge course highly and endorses the ride as one of the best available!

The Bass Coast Cycle Challenge is a charity event supporting the RYDA road safety program. The RYDA Program is a one day out of school program delivering practical road safety information targeting attitude and awareness of young drivers and their passengers. All proceeds from the Bass Coast Cycle Challenge go towards the RYDA program.

It’s a limited field of 1000 riders so make sure you register early to start training and experience this beautiful ride! All information and entries at www.basscoastcyclechallenge.com

words angus cameron photos supplied

Treat your family to a Surf Coast getaway Next school holidays treat your loved ones to the ultimate getaway at Wyndham Resort Torquay.

Get away from the everyday and experience a wealth of family fun attractions.

BOOK NOW! Visit www.wyndhamtorquay.com.au Phone 03 5261 1500 Resort Management by Wyndham Pty Ltd ACN 099 634 830 trading as Wyndham Resort Torquay. WHG6999

WHG6999 Coast Magazine Ads.indd 1

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Torquay 7/02/13 5:00 PM

Get the perfect ring & jewellery for your wedding.

Handmade, Well made, Australian made Regular Classes & Exhibitions visit:

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

Shop 3 - Bridgeview Arcade San Remo

phone. 5678 5788

www.goldsmithsgallery.com.au

Winner of Best Pinot Noir, Best Shiraz, Best Wine of show 2012 Gippsland Wine Show Gold Medal 2012 Royal Melbourne Wine Show - 2011 Shiraz Grown, made and bottled on Phillip Island Beautiful Cellar Door with stunning views Music Day - Cup Weekend (see website for details)

Vineyard & Winery 96 McFees Road Rhyll Phillip Island Hours: 11am – 5:30pm 7 days a week in Summer & School Holidays Other times: 5 days a week (closed Tuesday & Wednesday) Ph: 5956 9244 www.purplehenwines.com.au

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Wholesale suppliers throughout South Gippsland

Phone. 5682 2095 29 Toora Road, Foster coast 103

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook

contact@aherns.com.au

www.aherns.com.au

Carmies Kitchen

144 Marine Pde, San Remo Phone 5678 5589 Delicious homemade food

Champions Cafe

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

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

Churchill Island Cafe

Phillip Island Rd, Churchill Island Phone 5956 7834 Historic farm, great food

Coffee Collective 50-52 McBride Ave, Wonthaggi Phone 5672 4555 Great coffee and food

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Esplanade Hotel

RACV Resort

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

Trulli Pizza

1 A’Beckett St Inverloch Phone 5674 1432 Delicious meals

Flinders Hotel

Red Elk

Youki’s

Harry’s on the Esplanade

Silverwater Resort

17 The Esplanade Cowes Phone 5952 6226 Delicious cuisine

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

Nobbies Centre

The Chutney Bar

Cnr Cook and Wood St, Flinders Call 5989 0201 Fine, fresh and local food

Nobbies Centre Phillip Island, Ventnor Phone 5951 2816 Meal & functions with ocen views

27 A’Beckett St, Inverloch Phone 5674 3264 Retro chic, great food & coffee

93 Whitelaw St, Meeniyan Phone 5664 7397 Homemade rustic Italian fare

97 Church Street, Cowes Phone 5952 3339 Licenced Japanese Tapas Bar

16a Williams St, Inverloch Phone 5674 6999 Great Indian food

The Rusty Windmill Old Dalyston Deli

74 Glen Forbes Rd Dalyston Phone. 5678 7377 Cafe style food & scrumptious pizza

45 McCartin Street, Leongatha Phone 5662 5878 Wholesome, home-made food

Let’s eat! coast 105

THE COFFEE COLLECTIVE words maria reed photos warren reed

Pinch me, I must be dreaming. I’ve just walked into the uber-cool, industrial style space at the Coffee Collective in Wonthaggi . . . and it’s pumping. The rich aroma of coffee awakens my senses, and I feel like I’ve stepped into a café of inner city cool.

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The brains behind this extraordinary offering belong to James Archibald and Ella Godbold. From the moment I walk in I am transported. This space has been transformed by interior design guru Joe Donohue (who also happens to be the couple’s brother-in-law). Exposed brick walls, funky counters, polished concrete floors and enormous sliding grid mesh doors are all a statement in style. “We were after a modern and unpretentious space,” smiles James, and they have achieved this beautifully.

The creation of this pared-back space was no mean feat, and James laughs, “As one of eight siblings, it became a bit of a family affair!” Three brothers-in-law (who also happen to be chippies) spent a weekend installing the high plywood ceilings, and a working bee attracted about 15 family and extended family members. “That’s what we’re all about: family and community.”

When they began to chip away the tired plaster walls, they discovered the original brick bones of the building. “It was really exciting as we didn’t know what we’d find,” says James. “There are some beautiful old buildings here in Wonthaggi with a fantastic past hidden just under the surface.” They uncovered huge old lintels and splashes of duck-egg blue on bricks that were from the original factory at the Wonthaggi coal mine. “We’ve had old dears come in and tell us about the history of the building. We even had a lady from Melbourne, whose grandfather used to run his pharmacy business from here,” says Ella.

What began as a demolition project soon became a piecing together and preservation of history.

They spent countless hours and days cleaning the exposed bricks to bring the building back to its former glory. It became the backdrop, or starting point, for the industrial makeover. “Joe did an amazing job on a tight budget,” says James.

The red pressed-metal counter fronts are a show-stopper. Ella whispers, “They’re actually red resin casts of a pressed-metal ceiling, which allows us to back-light them,” and they simply glow! They wanted to create a demarcation from the side arcade and Joe cleverly used grid mesh (normally used over gutters in the street) as vertical sliding doors that make an industrial statement, but allow light to filter through from the bright arcade. Vintage marine lights and exposed bulbs hang from the ceiling to complete the look.

“As the name suggests, coffee is of supreme importance at The Coffee Collective. Ella and James wanted to ensure that their customers received Melbourne-quality coffee, each and every visit. To achieve this they invested in a Synesso – a top-of-the-line espresso machine that is used in a number of Melbourne’s best cafés. The quality of bean is also extremely important, and after much research the couple decided to purchase from 5 Senses, a boutique roaster known for quality and its ethical approach to working with coffee producers.”

“For us, opening The Coffee Collective was all about offering fresh local produce and great coffee to bring the community together in a friendly, convivial atmosphere,” says Ella. As locals pass through the door, stopping to chat and share a laugh, I see they have already achieved their objective. James continues: “A sense of community is really important to us, as are kids and family, and this allows us to meld all that.” It was a big challenge for the young couple, but James adds that “it was important to show our kids that you can have a go at something and take a risk.” >

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‘

‘

For us, opening the Coffee Collective was all about offering fresh local produce and great coffee to bring the community together in a friendly, convivial atmosphere.

aptain’s ounge

• • • • • •

Fantastic Sports Bar and Entertainment venue: Fox Sports/ TAB Racing/ Music.

Thirsty Camel Bottle shop and Drive Through.

Family bistro open 7 days, Alfresco dining.

Breakfast every Saturday and Sundays 8.30-11.30am.

Seniors Meals, Daily Chefs Specials.

Introducing “The G Room” for casual private parties or small conferences/meetings.

• • • •

•

1 A’Beckett St. Inverloch Victoria Australia 3996

Open Thursday Friday and Saturday nights.

Available other days or nights for group bookings of 20 or more.

3 Course Thursdays (every Thursday night) 3 delicious courses for only $35.

See our function co-ordinator to organise your special event: Weddings, Engagements, Birthdays ,Graduation dinners, Conferences.

A sophisticated and beautiful restaurant, Level 1 at the Espy.

03 5674 1432

www.invyespy.com.au

Old Dalyston Church & Deli Fully licensed café/restaurant Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner • Takeaway Pizza Plenty of onsite parking • indoor and outdoor seating 74 Glen Forbes Rd Dalyston (Between Kilcunda & Wonthaggi. Turn between pub and general store) • Ring or check the website for opening hours •

Phone 5678 7377 www.olddalystondeli.com coast 108

admin@olddalystondeli.com

James and Ella are old hands in the hospitality game, and perhaps this is why they do it so effortlessly. “We first met at The Kiosk in Inverloch – an iconic local café owned by James and his sister Geraldine. With a wealth of hospitality and marketing experience between them, they have worked with the Council, Thiess Degremont, Destination Gippsland and the Phillip Island Nature Parks. It appears life has come full circle, and they are back together in their first love, a café, with two little ones joining the clan – Hugo at 8 months an Ivy at 3.

Running my eye over the menu, my mouth is watering over selections such as warm Otway roast pork and crackling baguette with cabbage and apple slaw, and the South Gippsland beef burger with house-made pickles, cheese, red onion, sweet mustard and hand-cut chips. I choose the Quinoa burger with house-made mayonnaise and beetroot relish, avocado and lettuce. The flavours are fresh, the burger succulent, and the addition of beetroot relish and house-made mayo adds a vibrant splash of flavours. Served on a wooden paddle with hand-cut chips, the presentation is fresh and simple – delightful.

My partner chooses from the specials board and selects the Nicoise salad. The Collective’s take on this traditional dish is a stylish, deconstructed one. Three generous, broad chunks of crispy-skinned salmon are layered on each other, served on fresh greens, potato, black olives and anchovy, with a drizzle of dressing and olive oil – simply divine. The salmon was cooked to perfection and served with crisp, crackling skin.

James says, “For us, fresh ingredients, simple food, local, organic and sustainable (where possible) produce is what The Coffee Collective is all about.” The stylish front counter is piled high with delicious house-made biscuits, brownies, delectable cakes, tarts and baguettes. “Everything is made from scratch on the premises,” say Ella. Honest, clean food is part of their manifesto. “We don’t want to make the menu too complicated. Nice, balanced, café-style choices that make the experience accessible to all.”

With a background in tourism (Gippsland), James knew of the amazing food producers in the area and wanted to showcase the great local produce on offer. Ella explains, “We recently held two Bratwurst Nights which were a great success.” Over 100 people attended their first evening, which coincided with the launch of a local wine called “The Dirty Three”

by Wonthaggi winemaker Marcus Satchell. “James Halliday gave his Riesling 94 out of 100, and we were lucky enough to do his launch locally,” she enthuses. The bratwurst was from Mitchell’s Butcher, which is just a stone’s throw from the café. “It’s great to be creating a dialogue with these amazing producers and showcasing their wares.”

The Collective is starting to produce its own labelled chutneys and relishes, with a view to expand the range.

Currently they open for breakfast, brunch and lunch 6 days a week (closed Sundays), but such an extraordinary space just begs for dinner functions. “Welllll” . . . . smiles Ella, “we are now taking on private functions like birthdays, dinner parties, functions, xmas parties, small weddings . . . almost anything is possible.” With a licence to serve 300, James says the perfect size for an intimate dinner function would be 25-35 people.” The menu is worked out closely with clients, initiating menu choices that are reflective of their own food philosophy and style. In October the MAP photographers will be opening their exhibition there with a series of 50 to 60 works, all capturing local people and subject matter. Ella says, “It’s got a real appeal to locals and visitors alike. It’s pretty amazing how photographers have looked at the area with a fresh set of eyes.”

The Coffee Collective has hit the ground running. Reflecting on its success, James and Ella agree that staff are of the utmost importance. “The staff have been a great support and we want them to feel part of the business and grow with it. It’s all a part of growing personal and professional development. They are a part of our extended family and we want them to stay with us.” As they say, hospitality is an art, and Ella explains: “I love that at our café, we have a sense of community and we want people to feel comfortable, appreciated and welcomed. If we get that right, I think we’re half-way there!” C

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cafe & pantry

The Rusty Windmill is set amongst Gippsland’s rolling hills; the food philosophy is all about local and handmade, the old fashioned way. Our transformed country cottage is relaxed with comfortable dÊcor, including the rear courtyard, which is also designed to make customers feel right at home. And not forgetting our pantry stocked with delectable products jams, sauces, cordial and much more made by The Rusty Windmill team.

Open 7 days 8am-4pm Phone: 5662 5878

www.facebook.com/therustywindmill

the rasoi &

tandoori indian kitchens

chutney bar

chutney bar 16A William St, Inverloch p: 5674 6999 Licensed & BYO

45 McCartin st Leongatha

find our menus at www.therasoi.net Eat In or Take Away Open 7 days from 5pm until late

the rasoi 5 Bay Rd, Mt Martha p: 5974 2323 Licensed & BYO

the rasoi 26 Ranelagh Drive, Mt Eliza p: 9775 3111 Licensed & BYO

Amazing Indian food using the freshest ingredients coast 110

’ whatsnew mingara gallery

rose spectacular

Visions Splendid. The Bass Coast. Two accomplished artists, Maria Ziess and Jocelyn Lu have spent eighteen months preparing for their joint exhibition to be held at Mingara Gallery. Join them at the opening on November 10th at 2pm. 0359523722 www.mingaragallery.com.au

Now in its 42nd year, the 2013 Leongatha Rose Spectacular promises to be an impressive show for exhibitors and visitors alike. Throughout its history, the committee has donated all its proceeds to supporting the visually impaired, firstly through the Blind Auxiliary, and now through Vision Australia. Close to a thousand people in and around Leongatha now avail themselves of Vision Australia programs. The Leongatha Rose Spectacular will take place at Memorial Hall, Leongatha on Friday November 8 and Saturday November 9, 2013. For more details pleasw call Josie 5657 3292 or Sandra 5662 4618

wonthaggi art space calendar

‘Coastal Aspective’ by Phil Henshall 24th October - 18th November

Face to Face’- Group Exhibition 1st of August - 23rd of September A group exhibition displaying an eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary portraits.

‘Our Passion for Painting’ by Judith Garde and Ramon Horsfield. 29th Aug-23rd Sep Painting has always been a passion for Judith and Ramon.

As a husband and wife team this exhibition brings together a selection of works to illustrate their love for still life and landscape painting inspired by local subject matter.

Phil Henshall is exhibiting his coastline responses using a style or method he describes as aspectivism*. Aspectivism endeavours to place the viewer at an unusual viewpoint, or at a moving one. *Aspective and Aspectivism are registered words

www.wonthaggiartspace.com.au coast 111

• Group bookings • Weddings • Private functions

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

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Quality accommodation

QUEST Phillip Island Coffee Lounge / Bar

Retro Chic . Contemporary Menu . Coffee Specialists Wraparound Outdoor Deck . Freshly Baked Treats Licensed . Central Location . Organic Drinks & Gluten Free Friendly . Beautiful Atmosphere.

Good For Your Soul.

“Amazing coffee, an honest healthy menu and a cool, quirky vibe” TripAdvisor Jan 2013 “Great coffee and a big deck make for happy holiday breakfasts” The Age Dec 2012 Follow us on Facebook

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 Grand Prix Circuit.

Mention this ad and receive a 10% discount*

QUEST Oceanic

Q

Quest Oceanic features one, two and three bedroom, fully self contained apartments.

The apartments feature quality furnishings and fittings, dvd players, stereos, full kitchen, laundry facilities with large balconies and onsite under cover secure parking for one car.

Phone: 03 5952 2644 27 A’Beckett St Inverloch

E redelk@aapt.net.au

8.30am-3.30pm weekdays 8.30am-4pm weekends

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T 5674 3264

questphillipisland@bigpond.com.au www.questphillipisland.com.au www.questoceanic.com.au

Coastal Property Developments

is an innovative 4th generation building company with a focus on excellence.

• Specialising in quality coastal homes • Beach houses-units-apartments- renovations • Sustainable - Site specific design

Peter Seccull PO 370 Inverloch 3996 Enquiries 0412 563 718 | cpdev@bigpond.com

www.coastalpropertydevelopments.com.au

Your dedicated lifestyle property guide

home by beachhouse constructions

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Absolute Waterfront Living woolamaihouse.com.au

LAND G N I L SEL FAST

Great blocks still available from only $249,000 Beat the Summer visitors and secure your block today.

For your own Private Inspection contact Greg Price on 5952 5711 or email gregprice@alexscott.com.au

Churchill Island Newhaven

>

Phil

lip Is

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

land

Roa

Airport

d

Melbourne 90 Mins San Remo

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

a house worthy of calling home . . .

words maria reed photos warren reed

When the Arnold family began planning their weekender, they had no idea of the creative adventure they were about to embark on, or the friendship they would form with their builder.

It’s a wintery day when I visit the Arnold family from Melbourne at their sparkling new holiday home in Inverloch. Glenn welcomes me through the doorway to an inviting family room, kitchen and dining area, where the family is snuggled by a warm fire. The polished concrete floors and sleek and stylish kitchen vie for attention, but the showstopper, a timber feature-wall with wall-mounted fireplace, takes the prize. “The wooden feature-wall and fireplace were both last-minute additions,” laughs Glenn. “We found a picture of a wooden wall in a magazine. It was just a nook, but we thought, ‘Wouldn’t the whole wall would look excellent like that!’ . . . then came the idea of the fireplace.”

With a busy recruitment business in Melbourne, the family was looking for a low-maintenance, industrial-style holiday home with plenty of light and space to kick back and relax in. When they found

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the right block, Glenn and Lisa looked to each other and thought, ‘This is it!’ They had chosen a compact block to reduce time spent gardening and maximise leisure and relaxation. ”As a kid I remembered Inverloch as a tiny little seaside hamlet, so it has been lovely to get reacquainted with the area as an adult.” With family and friends in the area, they count themselves lucky to have their own weekend escape. “The kids love it, we love it. . . and we’ll all be down at the beach this summer watching the kids at Nippers.”

They started building last September and were sitting in their new home in under a year. They had started looking for a builder when Paul Hickman, who not only designed their home but five others in Inverloch, referred them to Kane Worthy Constructions. Kane had just finished a project and they were impressed by what they saw. “We’d>

MIKE GIBBINS BUILDERS

Mike Gibbins is a boutique builder with a focus on quality workmanship. For the past 22 years he has been building and renovating homes in the Inverloch region, including renovations to heritage-listed homes and classic beach houses. He prefers to engage with a smaller customer base, allowing him to work closely with his clients to achieve the best possible outcomes.

CUSTOM BUILT HOMES HERITAGE LISTED HOMES RENOVATIONS + EXTENSIONS 30 YEARS BUILDING EXPERIENCE

Inverloch + surrounds tel. 0438 594 697 michael.gibbins@bigpond.com

worked with other builders, but we just found we were on the same page from the start,” says Glenn. “One thing that’s really important to me is to have our builder’s opinion, and Kane was great that way. He had an opinion and could guide us through some of our ideas, which was fantastic.” With a shared love of technology, Glenn enthuses, “We’d get out our iPhones while trying to explain things to each other, then we’d end up sending a photo that said it all. It was like, ‘Yes; we’ve got it!’ We may have used different language, but visually we were on the same page.”

“As we hadn’t worked with Kane before, it was important to get to know each other. We met a few times during the planning and negotiating stages. This was really important for us and we think it helped to achieve a great end result. We gelled straight away and were bouncing ideas around from the get-go.” Glenn set the ground rules up front. “I said, if you think I’m out of line, going off track or suggesting something stupid, just say so ( I tend to get a bit excited and carried away)”. At times Kane would say, ‘I think that may be a little ambitious’, or ‘How about we try this instead?’ Glenn likes the direct approach. “Kane was quite selective with the people he works with

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and they’ve all been good guys. They care as much about the result as Kane does and to me that is just an on-flow of his personality and style. It’s a testament to him and the team in general.”

It’s obvious that Kane’s skill as a builder engaged beautifully with Glenn and Lisa’s enthusiasm and ideas. The seamless ease with which one room blends with another, the attention to detail and the quality of finishes are quite obvious. The spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home with children’s retreat is a work of style and quality craftsmanship. Glenn’s favorite areas include the outdoor shower, and wood feature stairwell. “The wooden beams that follow the staircase vertically add both design and purpose,” says Glenn. “That was the beauty of it. . . nothing was too hard for Kane.”

The black and white kitchen makes a statement with its streamlined design and subway tile splashback. Skylights positioned above the kitchen bench bring extra light into the work area, and a south-facing window is cleverly diffused to give light without sacrificing privacy.

“We’re really happy with the kitchen,” says Lisa. “We are busy people at home and rarely get the chance to entertain and cook for >

CONTEMPORARY NEW BUILD HOMES

STRESS FREE BUILDING - HIGH STANDARDS OF WORKMANSHIP - EXCELLENT COMMUNICATION

Phone. 0419 312 297

kane@kaneworthy.com.au

www.kaneworthy.com.au

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

Servicing Phillip Island & surrounding areas

Commercial & Domestic Refrigeration & Airconditioning Sales, Installation & service of all major brands.

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

Shop 2/65A Back Beach Road, San Remo 5678 5190 After hours commercial breakdown coastalrefrigandaircon@bigpond.com

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www.mhiaa.com.au ARC Authorisation No: AU22840 www.coastalrefrigandaircon.com.au

“He genuinely cares about the job, and cares about the environment we are going to end up living in.”

our friends. We wanted a kitchen that was large enough for people to gather and get involved in the cooking: a really social space.

I enjoy cooking, and down here we can relax and take time to attempt new recipes. That’s also where the local markets are great!”

Upstairs is a children’s retreat, with a large family room complete with beanbags, TV and stereo, 2 bedrooms, an office/spare and bathroom. The children’s bedrooms include corner glass windows (which they just love), and the floor has been given extra soundproofing so the kids can go wild upstairs while Mum and Dad entertain downstairs.

Down the stairs and a small turn to the right is a cleverly-hidden linen press/storage area – another happy collaboration. “I’d seen one of these push open/closed walls and thought, ‘What a good idea!’… and Kane managed it well.” Further down the hall beckons a sundrenched, north-facing master bedroom, complete with bulkhead wall containing a rectangular niche for books and closet storage cleverly hidden behind. Walk behind the bedhead wall and you’ll find a generous ensuite with wall-to-wall tiling.

The family is delighted with the end result, and, Glenn adds, “apart from being able to work on design elements, Kane is also budgetconscious, which was fantastic. We saved money in areas you can’t even see, and that allowed us to buy furniture or special items for the house.” The rug in the lounge is the perfect example. A stunning kilim from Turkey became the focal point of the lounge and everything was built around it. “The money Kane saved in the build allowed us to splash out on this special piece,” enthuses Glenn.

Glenn finishes by saying of his experience, “I’d like to think that we’ve become good friends through this process. Working with Kane has been terrific – nothing has been too complex or too hard. He’s always been willing to listen and help out. We would be happy to recommend him . . . and already have. He genuinely cares about the job, and cares about the environment we are going to end up living in. I think the relationship between you and your builder is an important one, and in the end it wasn’t about time or money (though they won in both areas): it became an exciting project for all of us.

We can’t speak highly enough of Kane.” C For more information www.kaneworthy.com.au

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Domestic • Commercial • Wardrobes • Creative Storage Wardrobe Sliding Doors • Toilet Petitions • Shop Fit Outs

tel: 03 5956 7415

fax: 03 5956 7885

mob: 0419 596 893

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

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.

Bass Coast Refrigeration_v1.indd 1

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RTA: AU11737

6/03/11 10:58 PM

Custom Homes A unique design specifically tailored to the needs and desires of a client whilst remaining cost effective and practical is a speciality of db design.

Challenging sites, stunning views, surrounding buildings and client needs all contribute to the need to develop a solution that is unique to a single situation.

Introducing our new range of Select Homes.

Innovative & energy efficient designs to suit your lifestyle with the satisfaction of choosing your own builder.

Easy, simple, hassle free building.

w w w. d b d e s i g n . c o m . a u Phone: 03 5672 1144 Darren Brown Design Pty Ltd t/as db design coast 123

Office/ Display Home: 47 Graham Street Wonthaggi 3995, Victoria.

OutsourceMyMarketing.com.au #16286

Balance 9.2

Speak to Gill & Garry 7 days a week.

They live local and support the local community

9.2 star energy rating based on a Melbourne location and optimum orientation.

As calculated by ‘Enviro Sustainable Solutions.

Setting, orientation and location may affect the energy efficiency rating and Eeach plan needs to be assessed individually.

Images may depict landscaping and upgraded fixtures, features or finishes which are not included in the prices stated. For availability and pricing of these items please discuss with your new home consultant.

9.2 Star Energy Efficient Home 100’s Plans | Locally Owned & Operated | Custom Design | Two Storey Plus

DISPLAY HOME Open every weekend 44 Boardwalk Boulevard, Shearwater Estate, Cowes

25 YEARS STRONG 20,000 + Homes Worldwide

NEW DESIGN CENTRE 1/219 Settlement Rd Cowes, Phillip Island, Vic 3922 Open Sat & Sun 9.00 am – 4.30 pm

Creating Coastal Lifestyles for over 50 years

5952 2150

VISIT gjgardnerbasscoast.com.au

Discover our Range with our online Home Selection Tool

Gippsland Sales & Display Centre

Phillip Island Sales & Display Centre

Open 7 days (closed public holidays) Mon-Fri – 8am-5pm Sat-Sun – 1pm-4pm

Open Thu to Mon & public holidays 11am to 4:30pm (Closed Tue & Wed)

Cape Paterson Rd (Next to Mitre 10) Wonthaggi Phone. 5672 1999

36 Phillip Island Tourist Rd, Newhaven Phone. 5956 7992

www.coldonhomes.com.au coast 124

n ast t co lay a soo w g p e n s i i N d art w st vie ach e b rf su

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

NEW SEA QUEST DISPLAY AT COWES NOW OPEN

www.langfordjoneshomes.com.au

Melbourne: 03 9579 2277 Wonthaggi: 03 5672 5680 Email: sales@ljhomes.com.au

Builders of Distinctive, Designer Homes Phone. 03 5672 2466

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www.tsconstructions.com.au

admin@tsconstructions.com.au

LJ0098

coast directory

Wonthaggi Artspace Gallery

Shearwater Studio ‘New Works’ Exhibition

www.coastmagazine.net

7 McBride Avenue,Wonthaggi.

Open Thursday to Monday, 10.00am to 4.00pm.

Phone: 03 5672 1415 www.wonthaggiartspace.com.au

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An exhibition of new works by Diana will be held at Shearwater Studio during January 2014.

Additional information be available in the Summer edition of Coast and on the studio website.

Shearwater Studio operates various classes and workshops.

For details please see website.

Studio days & hours vary so please call Diana for opening hours or to arrange a viewing appointment.

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

g estudio c kgallery o

THEINERT GALLERY Gallery Visits by Appointment

WONTHAGGI 0439 699 241 www.ursulatheinert.com.au www.wernertheinert.com.au

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

Kerry Spokes & Michael Lester

Artfusion

Werner Theinert

Heather

Fahnle

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

Sculpture and Glass Studio Gallery Steel Sculpture Fused Glass

Mosaic Classes with Heather Fahnle It’s therapeutic, fun and creative.

All materials and lunch supplied. *Commissions Available

Open Thur to Mon 10:30am–5pm 9 Anderson Rise, Anderson, VIC Andrew 0407 368 538 Marlene 0439 368 538

www.artfusionstudioandgallery.com coast 127

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

coast directory www.coastmagazine.net

Ursula Theinert

coast directory www.coastmagazine.net

t: 56785749

Celebrating 10 years 2003-2013

New & Gently Used Quality Goods

Cheeki Stainless Steel Bottles Queen B Beeswax Candles Mind, Body & Spirit CD’s Himalayan Salt Lamps Japanese Incense Silver Jewellery Oracle Cards Inspiration Cards Body Jewellery Bric-a-brac, Books Hats, Bags, Scarves Black Ice Sunglasses Gemstones: Tumbled, Specimens & Jewellery Bella Donna Harmony Balls Clothing for Ladies, Men & Kids San Marco Wildflower Jewellery 31 Main Street Foster Ph: 5682 1381 Weekdays 10am-5pm Sat 9:30am-4pm Sun 10am-4pm Closed Tuesdays from 30th April to Melbourne Cup Day

wwwmainstreetrevelations.com.au

ALL YOUR BEAUTY SOLUTIONS IN ONE PLACE

OFFERING A FULL RANGE OF BEAUTY SERVICES INCLUDING: • • • • • •

Facials; including microdermabrasion Manicures / Pedicures Waxing Tinting Makeup (occasional & makeover’s) IPL; hair removal, rejuvenation, pigmentation, vascular

SANDY, PERMANENT MAKE UP: • • • • •

Feathered Eyebrow Lipline Lipblend and Full Lip Lash enhancement Eyeliner

Open: 10-5pm Mon-Fri and Saturday by appointment, after hour services available by appointment.

95 Marine Parade San Remo 3925 Sandy, Permanent Make up: 0433001816 Kellie, Beauty Therapist: 0458009575 www.permanentbeauty.com.au

For a unique shopping experience for giftware that will add flair and a finishing touch to every home

• My 24/7 Gym. Memberships less than $15.00 per week plus joining fee. Unlimited entry, 24 hours a day, no contracts.

• Special 7, 14 and 28 day passes available.

• With cardio - pin loaded and free weight areas, My 24/7 Gym is perfect for the serious and casual gym user.

Trading Hours Thurs-Sun 10am to 5pm

26 Bridge St, Korumburra, 3950 Ph: 5658 1866

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Visit our website for more information on staffed hours and membership options.

Call: 03 5678 5533 www.my247gym.com Shop 11, Bridgeview Complex 157-159 Marine Parade, San Remo

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

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

Youki’s www.youkis.com.au

Takeaway dinner is now available from our restaurant!

Enjoy fine wine by the glass or choose your favourite bottle to have with your BYO food, in the cosy wine lounge or al fresco soaking up the magic of Mordialloc.

Ask our staff for a tasting to help you choose the perfect wine to take home and enjoy.

Open 7 days 622 Main St, Mordialloc Call 9580 6521 www.mordycellardoor.com.au coast 129

Open Tuesday - Saturday.

Closed Sunday & Monday.

Phone orders: 5952 3339 / 5:30pm – 9pm.

Enjoy authentic Japanese home cooking with friendly service!

Cowes Take away Shop 1,69B Chapel St, Cowes t: (03) 5952 6444

Youki’s Licensed Japanese Tapas Bar 97 Church Street, Cowes t: (03) 5952 3339

Wonthaggi Take Away 46 McBride Avenue, Wonthaggi t: (03) 5672 4070

coast directory www.coastmagazine.net

SUNDAY

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

coast directory www.coastmagazine.net

A & J Johnson Constructions Pty Ltd Architectural & Custom Built Homes & Renovations

Inspiring Inspiring Inspiring Inspiring Inspiring Inspiring island landscape + design

t: 03 5952 1311 m: 0415375443 Registered Master Builder DBU-24166 www.phillipislandbuilder.com.au Matt Crooks . Smiths Beach . Phillip Island. 0419 356 222 t. 5952 3838 e. info@islandlandscaping.com.au www.islandlandscaping.com.au

A nursery that will suprise and delight every garden lover

• Rare & unusual plants • Antique furniture • Garden tools • Garden wares • Unique pots • Landscape design consultancy available 1070 Jacksons Track, Jindivick - 10am - 4 pm wed to sun Phone: 5628 5316 or 0417 056 110

www.jindivickcountrygardener.com.au

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BUILDING MATERIALS & WATER TANKS

Quality Framing at very Competitive Prices All your picture framing needs Huge selection of frames, professional & helpful advice Gallery of local artworks and framed prints

Ph: 5674 1333

Mob: 0409 809 855

Shop K / 10 A’Beckett St Inverloch framedinverloch@bigpond.com

Distributors for South Gippsland

“FUEL BY THE TANK OR TANKER FULL” DEPOTS

LEONGATHA SALE TRARALGON

PH. PH. PH.

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HUGE RANGE OF WATER TANKS • TIMBER • PAINTS • HARDWARE • TOOLS

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

Pro m p t . Pro fe ssi o na l . Q u a l i fi e d “Performing quality work on your gardens biggest assets”

5662 2217 5143 1030 5174 1138

FISH CREEK, FOSTER, INVERLOCH, KORUMBURRA, LEONGATHA, MIRBOO NTH, TOORA, WONTHAGGI & YARRAM Lubricants 5662 2217

FRIENDLY & EXPERT ADVICE

www.evanspetroleum.com.au

Tree pruning & planting selections Tree preservation & maintenance Tree removal Consulting & Arboricultural reports Call Peter Bateman: 5674 3566 - Mobile: 0411 072 929 arborzone@dcsi.net.au Servicing Gippsland & Bass Coast Areas

coast directory www.coastmagazine.net

VAN STEENSEL TIMBERS

coast directory www.coastmagazine.net

directory Accommodation www.promcountry.com.au 4 Quest 113 RACV Resort 26 Silverwater Resort 66 Ramada Resort Phillip Island 96 Wyndham Resort Torquay 101

Antiques L&J Tuddin Antiques

58

Artists and Galleries Annette Spinks ArtFusion Gallery Artwork by Lisa Cox Cheryl Petersen Galleries Gecko Gallery Goldsmiths Gallery Mosaics on the Bay Theinart Gallery Shearwater Gallery Wonthaggi Art Space

56 127 88 17 127 127 127 126 126

Fashion

Restaurants & Cafes

Stockists

Sarsaparilla 134 Sketa 34 Sketa 50

Arborzone 131 Finding the Grain 78 Island Landscape & Design 130 Jindivick Country Gardener 130 Melaleuca Nursery 82 The Country Gardener 82 TJs Timber 80

Aherns 103 Churchill Island Cafe 112 Coffee Collective 106 Esplanade Hotel 108 Harry’s on the Esplanade 112 Inverloch Quality Meats 58 Old Daylston Deli 108 The Chutney Bar 110 The Red Elk 113 The Rusty Windmill 110 Trulli Pizza 129 Youki’s 129

Government

Surfing

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

Green and Gardens

Bass Coast Shire Council 52&76 South Coast Access Alliance 97 Westernport Water 86 Woodleigh School 92

Hair, Health and Beauty

Mt Eliza Optical 88 My 24/7 Gym 128 Permanent Beauty 128 Edney’s Leongatha 96 Priceline Pharmacy Cowes

San Remo Pharmacy 78 Builders and Designers YMCA 67 A&J Johnson Builders 130

Beachhouse Constructions 68 Homewares Beaumont Concepts 80 Framed at Inverloch 131 CP Developments 114 Invisage 40 Coldon Homes 124 Main St Revelations 128 Darren Brown Design 123 Mookah Studios 56 Ecoliv 70 Southern Bazaar 38 GJ Gardener 124 The Old Corner Post Office 128 Hotondo 44 Invisage 40 Jewellery Kane Worthy Contructions 120 Denis A Hawkins 65 Langford Jones 125 Goldsmiths Gallery 102 Metricon 18 Lacy Jewellery Studio & Gallery 11 Mike Gibbins Builders 118 OBeachy Designs 130 Omasti Homes 72 Professional Services South Coast Kitchens 122 Stabilearth 72 Bendigo Bank 94 TS Contructions 125 Zero 3 12

Automotive

Entertainment Baker Boys Kongwak Market Turn the Page

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65 129 59

Property & Retirement Alex Scott Phillip Island Banfields Aged Care Cape Paterson Eco Village Seagrove Estate Wonthaggi Plaza Woolamai House

133 24 8 2 126 116

Archysurf 66 Tree to Sea 75

Tourism & Travel Amaze n Things 30 Bass Coast Cycle Challenge 100 Phillip Island Chocolate Factory 46 Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit 100 Phillip Island Nature Park 84 TP Riding School 98 Vietnam Vets Museum 98

Trades & Hardware Bass Coast Refrigeration Coastal Refrigeration Evans Petroleum TJ’s Timber Van Steensels Timbers

122 120 131 80 131

Wineries Mordialloc Cellars Purple Hen

129 102

from t he m ou n t ai n s t o t he se a

CLASSIC GOOD SERVICE Since 1886

“spring is the time of plans and projects.” so wrote Leo tolstoy in anna Karenina. and for real estate around our beautiful Bass Coast this has been true for every spring we’ve been involved in our local and regional communities - all the way back to 1886. this spring we invite you to put your trust in our classic good service when it comes to making your property plans, projects and purchases.

Melbourne (03) 9526 8611

Inverloch (03) 5674 1111

Leongatha (03) 5662 0922

Venus Bay (03) 5663 7111

Berwick (03) 9707 2000

Korumburra (03) 5655 1133

Pakenham (03) 5941 1111

Warragul (03) 5623 4744

Grantville (03) 5678 8433

Lang Lang (03) 5997 5599

Phillip Island (03) 5952 2633

Wonthaggi (03) 5672 1911

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alexscott.com.au

like us at www.facebook.com/sarsaparillaboutique

42 Thompson Ave, Cowes. Phone 5952 1143