Coast Magazine Autumn 2006

coast Phillip Island to the Prom Only $2.50

Coastal living at its best! food wine fashion home shopping art & culture great coast people

AUS $2.50 (inc GST)

edition 2 autumn 2006

A magazine for living, relaxing & enjoying life by the coast Autumno6 final.indd 1

5/3/06 1:04:24 PM

Cowes Jetty

The next Premier Village at Phillip Island

The main street, Cowes

Seabreeze Estate

Consider a sea change retirement lifestyle...

Premier Villages reputation of developing quality lifestyle estates ‘For those 55 and better’ continues to grow.

Location, Location , Location...

Virtually in the heart of Cowes Phillip Island, Stages 1 and 2 are now released.

SEABREEZE ESTATE offers:

Seabreeze Estate Sales Office: Shop 1, 69B Chapel St Cowes Vic 3922 Autumno6 final.indd 2

info@premiervillages.com.au www.premiervillages.com .au

(03) 5952 3588 5/3/06 1:04:25 PM

WhiteRhino3723/PV/SBCoast

• Outstanding lifestyle • Choice of quality built homes • Magnificent resort facilities • Open space design in natural settings • Support and security you expect

Desert Waterhole 1

K. Adair

Desert Waterhole 2

K. Adair

Billabong 1

G.Jorgenson

Billabong 2

G.Jorgenson

Billabong 3

G.Jorgenson

One will hear the color and see the sound . . .

Landscape lights

Napper by the creek

K. Adair

All bush melon

Gariwerd

Michelle Possum

J.Quinn Iron Red

J.Quinn Beekeepers Track

Minnie Pwerle

J.Quinn

Presenting an exhibition of new work by Kelly Adair, Greg Jorgenson and John Quinn. Also featuring fine paintings by well known indigenous artists including Minnie Pwerle, Bluey Roberts and Michelle Possum. Opens Thursday 13th April until Sunday 28th May. Bush scenes

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Bluey Roberts

5/3/06 1:05:02 PM

Editorial Don’t you just love summer? Long balmy days at the beach - spending time with your buddies in the sunshine and surf. Eating alfresco at great restaurants & cafes.

Well another summer has passed, and believe it or not, Autumn is a fab time to be by the coast. This edition is full to the brim with fascinating stories about local people, things to do, places to shop, where to eat (and drink) - even some idea’s on where to live if your considering making the big move. We talk to a jetsetting couple about their seachange to the area - and why they love to call the coast home.

A Surf beach pair show off their renovated retro ‘surf shack’ and tell us why the area is so special. There are some great feature stories, read on and find out a little bit more about your Coast.

WANT YOUR OWN COPY?

coast Phillip Island to the Prom Only $2.50

Coastal living at it’s best! food wine fashion home shopping art & culture great coast people

AUS $2.50 (inc GST)

edition 2 autumn 2006

Enjoy!

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

Maria and Warren We would like to introduce the newest member of our team “Nuggett”. A pound pup, with no experience of sand & sea, Nuggy is enjoying her new life at the Coast as a beach babe.

PS: Check out the fab Businesses listed on the Coast website www.phillipislandtothepromcoast.com.au

Editor Sub editing Words Photography Design Sales

Maria Reed Alison Hill Kate Hanley, Maria Reed, Sally O’Neill Warren Reed, Maria Reed Positive Exposure Photography 0414 753 739 Maria Reed Warren Reed, Maria Reed Phillip Island to the Prom coast PO Box 104, San Remo, Victoria 3925 Phone (03) 59 566 369 Fax (03) 59 566 369 Advertising 0418 102 607 (Maria) 0414 753 739 (Warren) Email info@phillipislandtothepromcoast.com.au Web www.phillipislandtothepromcoast.com.au

Phillip Island to the Prom Coast Magazine © published by M & W Reed T/A Phillip Island to the Prom Coast. 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. All rights reserved.

COAST MAGAZINE, A BEAUTIFUL FULL COLOR QUARTERLY PUBLICATION IS AVAILABLE FOR $2.50 AT THE FOLLOWING OUTLETS Cowes Newsagent - Phillip Island Cowes IGA Supermarket - Phillip Island Cowes West General Store - Phillip Island Ventnor Store - Phillip Island Smiths Beach Store - Phillip Island Surf Beach Servo - Phillip Island Rhyll General Store - Phillip Island Silverleaves general store - Phillip Island Cape Woolamai Mini Mart - Phillip Island Newhaven IGA Supermarket - Phillip Island San Remo Supermarket San Remo Newsagent Bass General Store Killy Cafe - Kilcunda Wonthaggi Newsagent Inverloch Newsagent Fish Creek Newagency Koonwarra Foodstore Leongatha Newsagent Korumburra Newsagent Foster Newsagent Watsons cafe Meeniyan

MORE LOCATIONS TO STOCK COAST MAGAZINE ARE BEING SOUGHT. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO STOCK THIS MAGAZINE, PLEASE CONTACT COAST ON (03) 59 566369 OR 0414 753739

coast 4

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5/3/06 1:05:17 PM

C Rick Eaves

BIKES FOR ANY BUDGET We stock a great range of bikes We can custom fit you to your bike (with 6 months free service)

We carry Spy, Oakley & Euro sunglasses. Netti, Fox, Mace and Oakley riding apparel. Shimano & Sram components.

. SCOTT . Norco . GT . Mongoose . Road, mountain, comfort, hybrid and BMX bikes . Electric bicycles & tricycles . Bike hire/free maps & tours

BIKE WORKSHOP . Major overhauls . Basic adjustments . Wheel building . Fork servicing . Hydraulic brakes

Ride On Bikes, 2/17 The Esplanade, Cowes 3922 Phone (03) 5952 2533 Email. info@rideonbikes.com.au Website. www.rideonbikes.com.au Autumno6 final.indd 5

5/3/06 1:05:22 PM

the island eco resort

www.theislandecoresort.com.au

the island eco resort is a world class eco tourist facility with 211 fully furnished luxury villas dotted over 65 undulating acres in the midst of the most beautiful ora and fauna Phillip Island has to offer.

Lifestyle Investment Phillip Island is one of Melbourne’s most popular holiday destinations with a combination of surf and sheltered swimming beaches, wildlife parks, abundant birdlife and the famous penguin parade. The island also plays host to the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix.

Investors in and visitors to the island eco resort have an opportunity to participate in a resort that has its eye to the future as the present.

The eco friendly nature of the resort will help to preserve our limited resources making this resort one of only a few to actively promote the importance of maintaining our environment. The reforestation will provide habitats for birds and other wildlife, helping undo the damage done by years of neglect.

Visitors to the resort will be able to experience a peaceful bushland setting in the comfort of quality accommodation.

The facilities includes spas, pools, tennis, cafe, outdoor entertainment, walking tracks, kids club, health club, eco centre, cinema as well as an exclusive Country Club for villa owners.

Where better to go to unwind and re-energise after the hectic pace of modern living?

DO NOT MISS OUT ON THE OPPORTUNITY TO PURCHASE ONE OF THESE SPECTACULAR PROPERTIES. ONLY 20 REMAINING! 2 bedroom villas at $250K and 3 bedroom villas at $280K. No stamp duty - fully furnished!

Judith Wright Real Estate

the phillip island specialists

Autumno6 final.indd 6

54 thomson ave, cowes t. (03) 5952 5100 www.judithwrightre.com.au

5/3/06 1:06:40 PM

contents &features

regulars 14

My favorite Recipe Michael Page share his Thai Nori rolls Mmmmmm!!

17

15 minutes of fame Roy Trumble

18

Dine Out Restaurant review @ Chicory

19

Love that coffee Nikki’s on the MAP with coffee

21

Where to Eat A quick handy guide to fill your grumbling tummy

33

Real Deal Your questions about anything in Real Estate

37

2 (coast people) Bob & Audrey Brown

44

Shop till you drop Time for a spree. Check out all the great local shopping haunts.

features Atom Bomb Baby Karol Brown tells us about life as an Atom Bomb Baby

8

The Surf Shack A renovation transformation of a surf shack

27

The Wooli races Find out what makes the picnic races such a blast

34

A man of Clay Find out all the dirt on potter Zak Chalmers

38

Journey Of Life A sudanese refugee tells us of his personal journey

40

42

56

Getaway Escape to Youki’s at Phillip Island

Colin Suggett The renound venus bay artist talk about his passion

60

Travel The adventures of Asia by bicycle

The fight of her life A courageous story about a young girls fight with cancer

51

62

Around town A snapshot of life

Coastal Secrets Kilcunda rocks!

52

64

Arts & Events guide Find out what to do in the area

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words & photo Maria Reed

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

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

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

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

Karol Brown is an “Atom-Bomb-Baby.”

Karol is a living legacy of the Atomic bomb. “My mother passed away in 1998 due to the after effects of radiation,” Karol says sadly.

Akie Igawa died at the age of 73. Had it not been for her strict Japanese diet, specialists have predicted that she would have died decades earlier.

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

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

“There was nothing left after the bomb - no food - no medicine - nothing. They used sake and miso as substitutes for remedies as they had no medicines”. And it was during these trying times that a young romance blossomed. The couple soon married and spent 13 years living in Japan. They moved back to Australia to start a family.

“When they got off the plane they didn’t know where to go, no one wanted them,” Karol says.

The young couple were close friends with a war bride named Cherry Parker and initially stayed at a boarding house run by Cherry’s mother-in-law. With money saved from his time in Japan, Brown bought his bride a house in Mitcham. Together they had four beautiful children; two girls and two boys. Karol was born nine weeks premature, weighing only three pounds. “When I was born my left foot was facing completely the other way. I sometimes wonder if it (the bomb) had anything to do with it.”

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

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

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

Karol aims to give people a reality check by going back to basics.

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

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

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words Maria Reed photos Warren & Maria Reed

windyridge heavens above

In the recent feature movie Sideways, Miles, a pitiful, depressed would-be writer–cum-wine buff is asked why he loves Pinot so much. He goes on to describe the grape, as much as he attempts to explain his fragile character.

“Uh, I don’t know, I don’t know. Um, it’s a hard grape to grow, as you know. Right? It’s uh, it’s thin-skinned, temperamental, ripens early.

It’s, you know, it’s not a survivor like Cabernet, which can just grow anywhere and uh, thrive even when it’s neglected. No, Pinot needs constant care and attention. You know? And in fact it can only grow in these really specific, little, tucked away corners of the world. And, only the most patient and nurturing of growers can do it, really. Only somebody who really takes the time to understand Pinot’s potential can then coax it into its fullest expression. Then, I mean, oh, its flavours, they’re just the most haunting and brilliant and thrilling and subtle and ... ancient on the planet.”

Winemaker Graeme Wilson is the antithesis of Miles, yet he shares the same passion and awe of this tricky grape.

Before Graeme and his wife Georgia moved to Windy Ridge Winery, Graeme had never drunk Pinot. “I was into the big Shiraz’s and Cabernets,” he remembers with a chuckle, “But now I would have to say that Pinot is probably my favourite.” Graeme agrees with Miles that growing Pinot is all about location, “In the right spot Pinot is no more tricky to grow than any other variety.” But adds that if you go ten kilometres south you might end up with a very acidic wine, and if you went north it would be different again.

At a recent show, the Windy Ridge 2000 cellar reserve came back with: ‘It doesn’t fit the Pinot class - it’s more like Shiraz in its structure’. “We find that quite a few people come here and say ‘I don’t drink Pinot, it’s too light for me’, but they almost always leave with one, as ours are heavier,” says Graeme.

So how do they produce such interesting Pinots? Graeme believes it is the way the vineyard is sited. All vines face northeast and due to a sloping site, the fruit is touched by the first two hours of sunlight. This is notable for two reasons: the first being that it dries the fruit and stops mildew growing. Secondly, it helps warm the fruit which aids the ripening process.

The vines were planted at Windy Ridge by Dr Chris Hill in 1978 making them the oldest vines in South Gippsland. As fate would have it, Graeme and the good doctor attended the same primary school. Dr Hill comes back regularly to ‘help out’. Graeme laughs, “He says he is coming to help, but I really think he’s keeping an eye on the place, making sure we are taking care of his babies.”

You could say that Graeme has motherly instincts when it comes to tending his vines. Having experimented with making his own wines and undertaking a viticulture course at Wagga Wagga, you get a sense that most of what Graeme does is by natural instinct.“We don’t irrigate, and for me the whole process works through minimal intervention,” he says. Though it may look the same, it is not to be confused with neglect. Graeme doesn’t like messing with things, but rather likes to let the grapes grow naturally. “I just let them hang (the vines), and every afternoon I go up and down two or three rows for maintenance, and when I’ve done a section, I’ll go off slashing.” (Graeme hand-prunes every vine). It is extra work to the standard approach, but he feels it is worth the effort. “The vines are open, they are getting the sun and

air through them. The leaves and fruit are exposed to sunlight, so they are achieving incredible colour and flavour,” Graeme remarks.

All this hard yakka comes to fruition at Graeme’s favourite time of the year - Autumn. “The leaves are changing colour, the vineyard looks spectacular, and more importantly it’s harvesting time.”

Family and friends come to assist in the picking of grapes, which is a similarly nerve wrecking and rewarding experience for the pair.

“Picking day is crucial, and if you don’t do everything right you can waste a whole years work in one day,” says Graeme.

One of the lasting impressions of Windy Ridge and the Gippsland wine region is that it is possibly one of the last regions in the country where the person who mans the cellar door is also responsible for growing the grapes and making the wine. It makes for a very ‘real’ experience. After meeting Graeme you gather from his joy and enthusiasm from working the vines and meeting people that he wouldn’t be anywhere else.

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S

arah Ashe

Restaurant, Accommodation, Wedding catering & consultancy

“Our secret has always been to provide a quality product with attentive service and total commitment to the

customers needs�

23 Graham Street, Wonthaggi, Victoria 3995 p.03 5672 1216 m.0417 724 980 email. sarahashe@bigpond.com web. www.sarahashe.com.au Autumno6 final.indd 12

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wining&dining words Sally O’Neill pictures Warren Reed

ON THE MENU Mount Trio Sauvignon Blanc Mount Trio Riesling Entree: King George Whiting Roulade with scallop roe mousseline served on a verjuice sauce with garlic chives and Mexican aniseed (grown in the kitchen garden) Mount Trio Pinot Noir Mount Trio Cabernet Merlot Main: Leg of lamb marinated in sticky soy and garlic, cooked on a spit roast served with Tasmanian Dutch cream potato mash and roasted caramelised cherry tomatoes, onion and garlic.

Mount Trio Shiraz Selection of cheeses from Mama Lucia’s: Stracchino Gorgonzola, Pepato, Mucca Capra – Sarah Ashe is the first restaurant in Australia to serve this mild cheese with a distinctive goats’ cheese astringency.

Dessert: Chocolate fudge tart with caramelised bananas and chocolate fudge and vanilla sauce.

Wine: Mount Trio Vineyard is in Mount Barker in Western Australia’s Great southern region. The Coast team agree that the vineyard produces a quality range which is consistent across each variety - it certainly is a crowd pleaser.

A gourmet food and wine experience, where the wine does all the talking.

It’s a balmy evening, friends are mingling in a fragrant garden and waiters are pouring an excellent chilled Western Australian Sauvignon Blanc. Guests will soon wander inside to enjoy the sumptuous meal prepared to complement the specially chosen wine selection. Where is all of this happening? In the town of Wonthaggi no less!

For the past five years, 50-60 ‘foodies’ have gathered once a month to experience Sarah Ashe’s “Food and Wine dinners”. The night was completely taken care of by Greg Taberner, wine merchant extraordinaire and wine master for the evening. He and chef Shane McRae have carefully prepared the menu. No decisions to be made, leave it to the experts, who may take you to any region in the world.

“Having nights like this and tasting lovely food, coupled with wines means we can experience something which is not so frequent in the country. It gives us an appreciation of what’s available in the world of wine and food - it’s gourmet!”, says Dr Tony Geddes of Wonthaggi and regular dinner guest.

After the cheeses, the wine master and head chef come out to reveal the secrets of the gourmet fare and are met by a warm round of applause.

“Tonight we have been very quiet, we just wanted to let the wine do the talking,” says Greg as he addresses his adoring crowd.

Chef Shane then explains the night’s menu and takes questions from the floor. Food and wine can often be high brow, but here it’s an open conversation. Guests often take home recipes, cooking hints and even herb cuttings from the kitchen garden.

Feeling full and contented, the crowds happily wander home, their minds full of food, wine and the next dinner date. coast 13 Autumno6 final.indd 13

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my favoriterecipe Thai nori fish cakes with palm sugar dipping sauce

fabulous food & provisions

the island food store shop 2 / 75 Chapel Street,Cowes tel: 5952 6400

the foreshore bar & restaurant

photo Warren Reed

Michael Page from Gullivers shares his cross cultural creation.

The Foreshore Bar & Restaurant is situated in the quite little village of Rhyll on Phillip Island. This unique setting with its amazing 180 degree water views has helped us to create a warm and relaxing environment for people to sit and enjoy good food, great coffee or a cool drink. Open all day from 11am.

Our menu’s comprise of local produce, fresh seafood and dishes & influences from around the world. Lunch time we offer light snacks as well as main meals, in the evening we have a full a la carte menu to include starter, mains & desserts. Please refer to our web site for our menu’s.

11 Beach Road, Rhyll, Phillip Island Victoria Phone 03 5956 9520 Fax 03 5956 9039 Email enquiry@theforeshore.com.au www.theforeshore.com.au

Ingredients Nori fish cakes 500g Fish 5 fresh chillies 2 cloves garlic 1 tlbspn grated ginger 1/2 bunch coriander 1/2 bunch vietnamese mint 1 red onion 1 tlbspn fish sauce Pinch of salt & pepper Grated rind of a lemon or lime

Palm sugar dressing 50g palm sugar 100ml rice vinegar 100ml sweet chilli sauce 100ml water Juice of 1 lime 50ml fish sauce

Method

Vitamize all ingredients together. Roll the mix in Nori sheets and rest for half an hour. Fry in batter until golden brown. For dressing - mix all ingredients in a pan and heat until sugar melts, then cool. Serve with salad. Matches beautifully with St.Arnou Pilsner beer.

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Take away open now.

Wine Bar opening in the coming season.

JASPER COFFEE - ST ARNOU BREWERY - GIPPSLAND & MORNINGTON WINES

62 - 66 Thompsons Ave, Cowes. Phillip Island - Victoria

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5/3/06 1:09:50 PM

WANT YOUR OWN COPY? coast Phillip Island to the Prom

You don’t always have to go out for great entertainment.

Rain, hail or shine we will deliver Coast to your door!

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Coastal living at it’s best! food wine fashion home shopping art & culture great coast people

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edition 2 autumn 2006

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

SUBSCRIBE TO COAST Don’t miss an issue, have Coast Magazine delivered to your door!

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photo Warren Reed

Roy Trumble

fifteenminutesoffame

Having recently scooped the pool as ‘Mr Personality’ at three local shows, we ask six year-old Roy Trumble of Kongwak about life, the universe and the price of popularity.

What would you do if you were Prime minister for a day?

I’d get rich.

When you grow up, what would you like to be?

An archaeologist, because I am interested in rocks - or is that a geologist - no I think it’s an archaeologist.

What do you love about where you live?

We live in the country. There’s a huge veggie garden and lots of veggies. The good thing is that mum cooks a lot with things from our garden. I like to eat all the vegies. Sometimes I like to help dad cook pancakes. We have honey and jam on them and they are yummy!

Do you play an instrument?

I play the recorder and I play the guitar. I’m not that good at the guitar - it’s lost a string. I play a french instrument too - I’ve forgot what it’s called, but it’s the one where you can put all your fingers on it. Actually, I play in public all the time - I busk. Last time I busked was at the Kongwak market. I made 19 dollars once. I’m saving up my money for toys - or maybe a house. If I bought a house it would be near the beach and the country - and it would have a big lawn so I could play on it. I would play croquet.

Tell us about your time as Mr Personality.

Well, I’ve won three personality quests. I got one at Bunyip show - that was my first one. I wore my green pants and my green jacket

with little white soft fur on the edge. The second one was as the Bass show at Wonthaggi - I wore the same thing. The third time , hmmmmmmm, I forgot. Actually no, it was the Pakenham show.

Who is your favourite person or animal in world?

Are soft toys included? Well, it would have to be my favourite soft toy dog called Scruffy. I’ve had him since I was a baby. Scruffy goes on most of my holidays, and he goes with me whenever we go to Melbourne. He gets to sleep with me at night, and he doesn’t snore because he is a soft toy!

My favourite thing is ..................?

At school it’s playing basketball and tennis. At home my favourite thing is riding my bike. I fell off my bike when I was training. I do tricks all the time. I do skids, side skids and stunts. I like doing art too. I can paint, but I’m not so good - I’m not like an artist.

My favourite show is .............. ?

I like to watch ‘Recess’. It’s about these kids and the principal. Oh hang on, actually it’s the Simpsons. They are very funny. Oh yeah, and Little Britain. My favourite character is the one that goes on and on with “oh yeah, but no, but yeah, but no,” (in a funny accent).

Or the gay one who goes “ I’m the town gaaaay - I’m the only gay in the village,” but he’s not really the only one. He is very funny.

(Footnote: His mother says he is definitely not watching the second series). coast 17

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dineout

Chicory Restaurant 115 Thompson Avenue Cowes, Phillip Island Phone (03) 5952 2655

Thursday to Tuesday - Lunch & Dinner Happy Hour - Fridays 5-7pm & Saturday 4-6pm Sitting inside Chicory you might think you’re in an inner-city restaurant. Waiters pace around attentively, luscious Asian aromas waft from the kitchen and large artworks hang from the café noir walls. It’s only when you look at the regional produce on the menu that you are reminded you’re on Phillip Island.

At dinner with a friend I had seen too little of for too long our hunger for gossip was matched by the food at this sexy Cowes restaurant. To stave our hunger we were served Hope Farm organic sour dough rolls fresh from the oven.

For entrée I ordered the local quail with Chinese herbs and Nanjin dressing. It was crisp and tender and covered in an unforgettable pickled sauce consisting of lime, chilli, fish sauce and palm sugar. Fresh Vietnamese mint and coriander and a soy reduction further complemented the dish. The bar was definitely raised for the night and our expectations were high. My friend’s Harasume ‘Spring Rain’ Prawns were delicious but paled in comparison to my quail. We then sipped on a carrot, fennel and mint demitasse. Creamy and buttery - it left an aromatic mint and fennel after taste.

Delicious. We both savoured the feeling of the warm liquid running down our chests.

Of the seven mains I chose the Crispy Pork Belly with Bok Choy Colcannon Star Anise infused jus. The pork was rich and succulent and a bed of mashed potato soaked up the juices perfectly.

My friend had the Chicory Filo Spring Roll with wok fried vegetables and lemongrass soy. The pork won hands down.

We shared a Kaffir Lime and Lemon Tart with cassis syrup and finished with mouths singing of citrus flavours.

There are 13 reds and 15 whites to choose from a small but interesting wine list with a number of local wines available by the glass as well as beers from local Grand Ridge brewery. words Kate Hanley photos Maria & Warren Reed

‘Waiters pace around attentively, luscious Asian aromas waft from the kitchen and large artworks hang from the café noir walls.’

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winery

lovethat coffee “I’ve had people say they come here for a 40 dollar coffee” laughs Nikki McFarlane from Shima Salon in Cowes.

A boutique winery with a fine selection of locally produced wines

Cellar door open 10am-5pm daily 1835 Dalyston-Glen Forbes Road, Glen Forbes Victoria 3990 Ph. (03) 5678 8252 www.bassriverwinery.com

You can search far and wide for a great coffee, but sometimes you will find the best brew in the most unlikely places. 40 dollars may seem a little steep even for heavenly coffee, but you’ll get a great hairstyle thrown in for the price.

Nikki has managed to secure the exclusive ‘MAP’ brand of coffee.

The salon owner undertook her own research into coffee, and discovered MAP in all the best cafes. “I tried the coffee,” says Nikki “and I liked the flavour - it wasn’t bitter or overpowering.”

She contacted Carlos, the owner of MAP coffee and asked if she could use his brand in the salon. “Initially he thought I was lying, as his coffee is quite exclusive. He believed I was a cafe owner trying to trick him,” Nikki says. “After a number of calls, he finally realised I was a hairdresser, and he came down to give us lessons in coffee making. “ Carlos was so impressed by Nikki’s skill that he offered her a job making coffee. He said “I would never let my coffee go into a hairdressing salon, but you seem to know so much about coffee, I know you will represent my coffee well.”

Asked if there is a secret to making a perfect coffee, Nikki replies “you have to make sure you don’t burn the coffee when it is the grip head. Having the milk at the right temperature (and not scalding it) - it’s a matter of timing everything perfectly.”

Island Carpet & Vinyl Coast magazine would like to rectify a mistake printed in the Summer 2006 edition. Island Carpet & vinyl were printed as being part of the Carpet Call buying group, but it is in fact part of the CARPET COURT buying group, making their prices equivalent or better than Melbourne carpet stores.

autumn opening hours thursday to tuesday lunch & dinner happy hour fridays 5-7pm & saturday 4-6pm tapas menu available - functions & events catered for

Modern Australian food with some Asian influences

115 Thompson Avenue, Cowes 3922 Victoria p. 03 5952 2655 f. 03 5952 6540 e. info@chicory.com.au w. www.chicory.com.au

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5/3/06 1:10:39 PM

delectabledrops

D.O.Toro TELMO RODRIGUEZ DEHASA GAGO Tempranillo 04 Spain

Temprano meaning “early”. It has a naturally low oxidizing enzyme content, giving this wine exceptional longevity. Even though this vintage is 04 it’s still great for drinking now, especially with food.

It riots in black brambly fruits.

Soft earthy tannins with a buzz of natural acidity. Dark, meaty with a hint of fennel. Yum! Food: Naturally, juicy red meats . . .

Victor Grontier CIDRE BOUCHE’ France

The ‘poor mans champagne’ has been around for centuries - here in Australia it’s not enjoyed or appreciated near enough.

Enchanting the true connoisseur or the everyday lover of booze. A powerful mid-sweet to dry smoky apple fizz. A great salivating Autumn/Summer aperitif. Enjoy with a savoury white meat crepe or runny cheese plate . . . Ave a go.

by Adi Kerr Gullivers Wine Bar

Baillieu Vineyard CHARDONNAY 03 Mornington, Vic

Surrounding itself amongst the best Chardonnay in Australia. This estate grown Chardonnay made

by Rollo Crittenden stacks up brilliantly. Fun, elegant yet complex this wine tugs at your ankle’s for more. Aspiring a wonderful colour of pale gold with a subtle bouquet of peach & lemon. A creamy honeynut palate begging to be sunk down with a fruit texture salad tossed with pine-nuts.

..JETTY.. p h i l l i p Freshly shucked oysters

Silverwaters PINOT NOIR 02 San Remo, Vic

Proud owners Lionel and Lyn along with wine maker Paul have been hand making their varietals in the traditional manner since they started in 95. Dark cherry lifted nose, with a gorgeous savoury plum BOOF. A plush sweet red fruit palate tempered by that forest floor feel, which only the classic pinot’s can deliver. Mouth feel & balance are great. Food: Chermoula rubbed lamb cutlets.

WAT S O N S O N W H I T E LAW

For a “Quality Dining experience”

i s l a n d

Vivian J Viglietti General Manager, The Jetty Restaurant

The Esplanade, Cowes, Phillip Island, 3922. Tel: (03) 5952 2060 Fax: (03) 5952 1829 Inbound Inquiries Tel: (03) 5952 2100 Email: jetty@nex.net.au Mobile: 0419 560 604

Fully Licensed & Air Conditioned Wheel chair access

Modern Australian cuisine

Hours of Operation BRUNCH / LUNCH Wed - Sun 9am-4pm DINNER Friday - Sat 4pm-12pm

Woodfired pizza

8-10 Forest Avenue Newhaven 3925 Phillip Island, Victoria t. (03) 5956 6766

The Esplanade, Cowes, Phillip Island Tel: (03)5952 2060 Fax: (03) 5952 1829 Inbound enquiries Tel: (03) 5952 2100 Email: jetty@nex.net.au

Cafe Lugano <SWISS-ITALIAN COFFEE CULTURE>

Fully Licensed 71 Thompson Avenue, Cowes 3922 Phillip Island 03-5952-5636

On the South Gippsland Hwy, Meeniyan Call us on 03 56 640 088 or Mobile 0434 614257 Bookings appreciated

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5/3/06 1:11:30 PM

wheretoeat

A quick guide for great places to snack, wine & dine

Sarah Ashe

Gullivers

The Foreshore

Marios Bistro

The Killy Cafe

The Chicory

The island food store

The Jetty

Sandbanks

Watsons on Whitelaw

23 Graham Street Wonthaggi, Vic. Phone 03 5672 1216 Intimate dining Simply delicious food

Bar & Restaurant 11 Beach Rd, Rhyll, Phillip Isl. Phone 03 5956 9520 Lunch & dinner by the bay Substantial a la carte menu

Bass Highway, Kilcunda Phone 03 5678 7390 Retro Cafe Great atmosphere, tasty snacks

2/75 Chapel Street Cowes, Phillip Island Phone 03 5952 6400 Simply good food

8-10 Forest Avenue Newhaven, Phillip Island Phone 03 5956 6766 Modern Australian cuisine Freshly schucked oysters

Cafe Lugano

71 Thompson Avenue Cowes, Phillip Island Phone 03 5952 5636 Swiss Italian Coffee Culture

Thompson Ave Cowes, Phillip Island Phone 03 5952 5070 Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner A seafood twist

at the Killy Pub Bass Highway, Kilcunda Phone 03 5678 7011 Lunch & Dinner Big & tasty

115 Thompson Ave Cowes, Phillip Island Phone 03 5952 2655 Modern Australian food with Asian influences

The Esplanade, Cowes, Phillip Island Phone 03 5952 2060 Modern Contemporary food Dinner & Lunch(w/e)

South Gippsland Hwy Meeniyan Ph 03 5664 0088 Quality dining experience

lets eat!

coast 21

Autumno6 final.indd 21

5/3/06 1:11:52 PM

Specialising in wedding & portrait photography

m Mention this Ad and get $100 off your wedding or portrait package upon booking

ʻThey are memories we will treasure forever - we wanted a photographer

we could trust to capture the essence of our day’

Studio: 29 McKenzie Road, Cowes Contact: Lucas Piera Phone: 0414 343104 Email: lpiera@lenstolife.com.au Web: www.lenstolife.com.au

WINDY RIDGE WINERY

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Autumno6 final.indd 22

Registered building practitioner Vanderstaay & son Pty Ltd abn 17 064 900 223 dba 6261 mba 46870 po box 312, San Remo Vic 3925 ph 0409 694 270 fax 0359 566 611

•Healthy Landscapes •Efficient Buildings •Eco-designed Fittings •Land Assessment (including bushfire risks) For ideas & inspiration, book a tour of ‘Ocean Melody’ at Inverloch.

Tours resume in April.

CALL COAST (03) 59566 369

5/3/06 1:12:06 PM

halleys

comet words Kate Hanley photo Warren Reed

Teenager Olivia Halley began playing classical guitar when she was just seven years old.

The advanced Suzuki player was last year offered a place at the prestigious Victoria College of the Arts. “I decided not to go because I didn’t want to leave home to live in Melbourne,” she says.

The energetic Year 9 student also writes her own music which features on her debut CD. “I love writing instrumental pieces. I composed a piece called The Bridge and I’ve been playing that a lot at concerts lately,” she says. “I’m really proud of it. I just have to make all my other pieces stack up to that one.”

Olivia belongs to a family of musicians. Both her younger siblings play and her mother sings and plays African drums. “Our house is just filled with instruments,” says Olivia, “Now we’ve got a drum kit, I think nine guitars that we use plus another two that are from garage sales.”

Olivia started with a $90 Valencia and now has a $1000 Spanish guitar.

“Sometimes when I’m really getting into it makes my heart beat faster and it’s the best feeling,” Olivia says. “It’s like you’re on a scary ride, you know, when your heart jumps.”

Olivia has learnt to cope with performance nerves.

“It’s good if I don’t know who is out there.

When I’m playing I don’t really think about the audience at all I just think about the piece and how I’m expressing it,” she says. “Then after it’s over it’s just the best feeling ever when you pull it off but then again when you don’t pull it off it’s really horrible.”

So what of the future for such a bright talent? “I’d like to study overseas with guitar. Like go to the conservatorium in England,” she says.

“That’d probably be one of my dreams to do something like that and just see where it takes me I suppose.”

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5/3/06 1:12:08 PM

seachange

“It’s the space, the wildness and there’s a very creative energy down here - it’s like nowhere I’ve lived.”

photo Warren Reed

After living in San Francisco, Bali and Melbourne, Leanne Folan and her family talk to Kate Hanley about their seachange to the Woolamai Hills.

Lee-Ann Folan has been through her ‘hippy’ phases. She’s been a hot shot jewellery guru in San Francisco, created organic markets for the Balinese, lived off 50 cent cart food and worked as a spiritual healer. She’s tried to save the world and hit an emotional wall when she couldn’t. But now, sitting in her cosy weatherboard house in Woolamai Hills, she finally feels grounded.

Lee-Ann, husband Jamie and son Akasha made their sea change in January from Melbourne’s Croydon. Before that they had spent seven years in Bali. “We were in the rice fields of Canggu, we had views of the volcanoes. It was just bloody spectacular,” she says offering me a grapefruit from the garden. “In Bali the houses are open. I like to live in the open, I like to be connected with that,” Lee-Ann points to her overgrown backyard filled with trees laden with fruit that ‘actually tastes like fruit.’

Despite almost drowning in Bali when courting her husband, Lee-Ann would like to live right on the ocean. “But Jamie has a thing about tsunamis,” she explains. Their cosy home atop a hill is a happy compromise. “Here I can see it (the ocean) and get to drive around it and it’s just beautiful but we’re not on it,” she says.

Lee-Ann finds the Bass Coast inspiring. “It’s the space, the wildness and there’s a very creative energy down here,” she says.

“It’s like nowhere I’ve lived. I’m appreciating something I’ve never appreciated before,” she says. “It’s small town, so the ability to go up to someone or just be really forward or open with someone and say ‘oh hi I’ve just moved to the area’ is a really easy thing to say.”

It was in Bali that Lee-Ann discovered Avatar, a philosophy that originated in the US. “It’s a hard thing to put into words Avatar because it’s a feel thing not a mental thing. It’s how to actually control your mind but you work on feel,” Lee-Ann explains.

It is this philosophy that inspired Jamie to take up painting after a lifetime of jobs he hated. Lee-Ann is now a master in Avatar and Jamie has just completed his ‘Wizards’ course in America. “It’s like that deep sense of knowing rather than thinking about things,” Lee-Ann says.

Lee-Ann is excited about taking on the role as manager of Megabites café in Wonthaggi.

“I want to create, it’s all about inspiring people,” Lee-Ann says.

“If you don’t have inspiration you can’t create anything.”

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5/3/06 1:12:17 PM

artunearthed words Kate Hanley

Vyvyan Owen gets grumpy if you ask about her art! The 76 year-old sits in the armchair of her San Remo brick veneer blowing smoke from her Winnie Blues. “It is what it is,” she snaps when asked if an etching relates to Alice in Wonderland. Another puff. One gets the distinct feeling Vyvyan, who has worked in the art field all her life, does not suffer fools gladly.

However you don’t need to be an art critic to appreciate her work. Vyvyan’s collages consist of a mix of wood, seaweed, leaves and sand; reflecting the area she has lived for over 30 years. The intricate patterns feature fish, birds, hawks and pigs. Tiny plastic eyeballs, like the ones you buy at a haberdashery, make the collages come alive.

The former arts officer for the Melbourne City Council bought a printing press with her super and now makes relief prints and etchings. But ask her what inspires her and she’s as talkative as the Papua Guinean mask staring down from her wall, “It’s a secret,” she says.

Vyvyan attended the Tasmania Art School and later Melbourne’s National Gallery Art School. “I was broke all the time,” she recalls.

“For lunch I’d go to Myer and buy two sausages in batter for two pence and that had to keep me full until the evening when I worked in a restaurant.”

In the restaurant Vyvyan could eat as much as she wanted. “I used to absolutely stuff myself so I’d last through the next day,” she says.

Vyvyan’s career highlight is having her painting accepted for the prestigious Blake Prize for Religious Art. Past judges have

Autumno6 final.indd 25

included Russell Drysdale, James Gleeson and John Olsen. But this septuagenarian believes her best is yet to come. “Matisse said when he was 90 that if he could live another ten years he’d make a good picture.” She adds, “I have a secret technique I’d like to try,” she says cheekily.

Hmmm. More secrets.

5/3/06 1:12:41 PM

‘We can listen to the surf, observe native birds in our garden, view magnificent sunsets and watch the mutton birds fly over our home. ‘

Autumno6 final.indd 26

5/3/06 1:12:47 PM

words Maria Reed

It

photos Warren Reed & Maria Reed

was on a dusty road to their favourite surf beach that Peter Robbins and Catherine Pyle spotted an original 1960s beach house for sale. “It was a classic surf shack,” recalls Peter of the house he now calls home along with partner Catherine and beloved bull terrier Ella Rose. “For years we used to come down on the weekend to surf,” he says. It was the perfect escape for the pair to unwind with a minimum of fuss and enjoy the sea, surf and potter in the garden.

They purchased the house in 1999 as a weekender and it remained largely untouched for five years except for some groundwork in the garden. “We wanted to contribute to the ‘greening’ of our environment,” Catherine says. They went on to create a coastal native garden as a safe haven for local birds and wildlife.

Several years on, the lure of the sea and surrounding nature proved too enticing and they left Melbourne’s eastern suburbs to make the island their permanent home. “We felt pretty comfortable making the big move,” says Catherine, “We got to know a lot of people surfing down here, so we felt like we were sort of ‘local’ already.” Peter, who works for the Holden racing team, commutes to Melbourne but ‘reckons the drive is worth it.’ Catherine has left her Melbourne work and is looking forward to working locally.

The couple love the style of the sixties. “We weren’t trying to hide the original house. If that were the case we would have bulldozed it and started again,” says Catherine. Instead, the couple tried to keep the character and the ‘bones’ of the old house by working with its original features. The kitchen cupboards are original. With a

lick of orange paint and new sliding panels they just scream 1960s.

Many of the walls are original and the windows have just been updated with larger versions. Even the floorboards are original.

Sanded back and polished they look great and wear well. Since making Surf Beach their permanent home, Catherine and Peter have replaced the original vinyl furniture with their favourite pieces. “We love Australian furniture designers,” says Catherine.

They have a stylish Grant Featherstone setting in their dining room.

“You don’t have to have a big house to make it interesting or to enjoy living in it,” adds Peter.

“One of the most important aspects of their renovation was that no trees were damaged or killed off to make way for the extension,” Catherine says. For structural renovations they sought a local builder who understood their needs with regard to preservation, creative design and privacy. Their ultimate goal was to preserve the original house while allowing for large windows to let in light and accommodate garden views. An interesting stairwell along with a private rear deck amongst the trees was high on their list of priorities. “I love it when we’re out on the deck. We’re up with the birds and near the ocean,” says Catherine. Peter adds, “You don’t need to see the ocean; you can smell it and you can hear it.”

So was the big move and reno worth it? We can safely assume so. They love the renovation, and Catherine says dreamily, “It is our private place to relax. We can listen to the surf, observe native birds in our garden, view magnificent sunsets and watch the mutton birds fly over our home. We feel privileged to be living at the beach. We have found a place where we belong.”

thesurfshack coast renovators

coast 27 Autumno6 final.indd 27

5/3/06 1:13:06 PM

House Now

HOUSE BEFORE

Lounge Now “We weren’t trying to hide the original house.

If that were the case we would have bulldozed and started again.”

LOUNGE BEFORE

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5/3/06 1:13:27 PM

resortliving

promotional feature

words Julie Tompson

“I don’t believe people are looking for the meaning of life as much as they are looking for the experience of being alive . . . The big question is whether you are going to be able to say a hearty yes to your adventure.” - mythologist , Joseph Campbell.

When you think of retirement living, does the image of endless rows of identical small red brick houses, with the same lawns and similar gardens, come to mind? Well, all that is about to change.

The recent opening of the Broadbeach Inverloch display office saw locals and visitors alike buzzing with excitement about a totally new concept in resort living for the over 50’s market.

Owned by an AMP Capital Investors wholly managed fund, Broadbeach Inverloch will comprise of 226 beautifully designed retreats blending seamlessly into the unique landscape and located between the Inverloch township and the tranquil wetlands of the adjacent nature reserve.

After an exhaustive search for the perfect site, a walk along the Inverloch beach convinced the developers that their search was over. Two years of environmental studies and planning have resulted in an extraordinary partnership between local agencies and the developers to ensure that the surroundings are not only maintained but protected and enhanced.

One of the remarkable attributes of this site is that all coastal environments are represented in the nearby natural surrounds; from sand dunes, coastal woodland and salt marsh flats, to tidal creeks and mangrove habitats.

“Broadbeach Inverloch’s unique beachfront location is nestled beside habitats which are classified as being of regional and state significance. A conservation and re-vegetation strategy has been implemented and additional areas have been put aside to be protected and restored. Throughout the site, clearing of significant vegetation will be avoided wherever possible,” says Warwick Savvas

from landscaping firm Aspect Melbourne. Savvas remarks that “open spaces have been created so that residents and visitors are able to be both observers and participants in the natural surrounds - totally immersed in the environment.”

The people behind the project are so passionate about retaining the unspoiled local beauty that they decided to return 9.6 hectares of the land back to the public to consolidate with the Nature Reserve.

This portion of the site, which contains high densities of unique flora and fauna, will be available to all residents of the area, not only those fortunate enough to be living at Broadbeach Inverloch. Nature lovers will have safe and unobtrusive access to walking paths, as the existing network of boardwalks will be duplicated in the community landscape design.

This approach to retirement living is a most welcome departure from more traditional models. The ten design options available at Broadbeach Inverloch have been inspired by the unique features of the surrounding environment. Colors and textures of the finishes will similarly reflect sand, salt marsh, tea tree and other flora. There will be a state of the art community centre offering swimming pools, gymnasium, library, cinema and dining facilities. Residents at Broadbeach will be invited to choose from a wide range of activities and services including massage and other complementary therapies, fitness programs, guest speakers and social events.

The retirees of the 21st century will be looking for new ways to use their leisure time, connect with their community and explore the world around them. Broadbeach Inverloch intends to lead the way. coast 29

Autumno6 final.indd 29

5/3/06 1:13:34 PM

gardens

photos C Andrew Lecky

stylish seaside

How to create a cutting edge design seaside garden

Unless you are a die-hard gardener who loves spending countless hours maintaining your masterpiece, most of us who live by the beach like to spend our time enjoying the seaside - with little time left to tend to our gardens. It’s a choice between having a life or having a beautiful garden. Right? Wrong! You can have a stylish, low-maintenance garden that you are proud to entertain in.

Careful planning and consultation with a good landscape gardener can help you achieve your dream garden. Evaluating the garden site, orientation, wind and existing natural elements all have to be taken into consideration.

Justin Doyle from Desired Landscapes says all these factors come into play when deciding on the type of hard and soft landscapes used. “Our designs incorporate smooth, clean lines along with careful plantings of a variety of species used for their sculptural and colourful impact”, says Justin.

A good design can be eye-catching and save you hours of work, Justin reveals. ”A great percentage of time can be spent viewing a garden, rather than working in it.” This being said, Justin places great emphasis on creating gardens that incorporate recreational

and entertaining areas, maximising time spent enjoying the outdoors.

Justin and his team are well known for their high-profile work in Melbourne, and they offer stylish, structured gardens for their seaside clientele. If your idea of the perfect garden is a space where you can relax and unwind or simply entertain friends with minimal upkeep then consider calling Justin at Desired Landscapes. Phone (03) 5952 5780 or 0411 851 388.

desired landscapes innovative design & construction

Phone: (03) 5952 5780 Mobile: 0411 851 388 Fax: (03) 5952 1012

Web: www.desiredlandscapes.com.au

Autumno6 final.indd 30

Email: justin@desiredlandscapes.com.au

5/3/06 1:13:54 PM

beach house constructions www.beachhouseconstructions.com.au

designers & builders

p.o. box 5106 cowes victoria 3922 fax 5956 6371

Mark Plant 0418 595 410 Dallas Smith 0408 343 367 email beachhouseconstructions@hotmail.com

happyendings A year-long search for the perfect beachside property ended happily at Cowes for new holiday home owner Marilou Thomson. “I actually looked everywhere from Lorne to Portsea, and then around Inverloch and Venus Bay, when I came across a home by Beach House constructions,” says Marilou.

The house was only at frame stage, but after talking with builder Mark Plant and having a look around she says the house ‘just felt right’.

After owning a showpiece home at Shoreham that was never really used, Marilou was on the lookout for a beautiful holiday home that was user-friendly. “I wanted something that looked great, but it had to be a place that a family could feel comfortable in,” she says.

The new beach house is flooded with soft light and has a feeling of space and luxury. The owners love the fact that it is so easy to clean.

The high ceilings, white walls and polished floors add to its elegance, but also make the home very practical. “I absolutely love the resort style ensuite, and my kitchen is just beautiful,” raves Marilou.

We all love happy endings and Marilou couldn’t be happier with her new holiday home.

“The whole process was totally painless, and I just love the finish of the house,” she says, “I’m looking forward to enjoying the house and putting my feet up.”

Autumno6 final.indd 31

5/3/06 1:14:18 PM

Island Living Cowes

154 thompson ave, cowes 3922 ph 03 59522541 fax 03 59522011

furniture for the way you live

Island

Landscape & Design

Cutting edge design & landscaping for seaside gardens

Experts in adding style & value to your property . design consultations . water features . rock gardens . paving . retaining walls . mediteranean/paciďŹ c style gardens . over 10 years experience . latest styles and products

Matt Crooks . Smiths Beach . Phillip Island m. 0419 356 222 p. 5952 3838

Coastal Native Landscapes Australian plant specialists, Hard & soft landscapes, Design & construction

* Design consultation * Drought tolerant/water saving gardens * Low maintenance/bird attracting gardens * Driveways & paths * Frog bogs & rock features * Revegetation & maintenance services

Pat Barrett & Jacquie Chambers - fully qualiďŹ ed Horticulturists RMB 5768 Cowes Victoria phone. 0422 685 045 fax. 5952 1424

Autumno6 final.indd 32

5/3/06 1:14:39 PM

the realdeal at look at local real estate words Jamie Pollock

The baby boomer generation is a source for trends. Spanning between 1946 – 1964 they represent the single largest demographic in history.

They have reshaped our culture spanning from music through to political opinion, and this year the first of millions (of boomers) turn “60”.

They are pioneers in a new stage spanning the decades between middle and late life. Neither young nor old, they represent an extraordinary pool of social and human capital.

They are on the front edge of the largest, healthiest, best educated population of Australians ever to move through and beyond their fifties. Their passion, vitality, health and longevity is driving them out of the suburbs to a coastal lifestyle.

Historically Melbourne’s weakening of property values as seen in the last 18 months is mirrored dramatically on coastal values, as a holiday house was once just a luxury for a select few. Now the aging hipsters who marched under the banner of peace & love in the sixties chanting “hell no – we won’t go!” are marching toward retirement and a sandy seachange.

This summer (05-06) has produced the most spectacular buyer activity in our coastal region since the frenzied heights of the property boom in 2001. Our permanent coastal population is growing faster now than ever before. Local agents are reporting buyers securing property now, with the intention to re-locate here in the next few years.

Developers around the country are attempting to cater for the boomers passion for life with luxurious golf-course developments & lifestyle villagers. But whatever their motive the baby boomers are buying as close to the high tide line as their budgets allow. The volume of foreshore property coming onto the market is down, the amount of days these properties spend on the market is less, and subsequently the values are rising - against historic trends, because we’ve never seen this high a percentage of our population moving toward retirement like that which we are now experiencing.

And 2006 is just the beginning!

Today we note the expansion of freeways into our region reducing travelling time from Melbourne and the investment hundreds of millions of dollars into local developments providing employment for our youth, which only a few years ago were leaving the region in search of opportunity elsewhere. A friend a mine working in the building supplies industry stated business had been slowing down in all regions except the coast. Here they reported a 50% increase in activity over the last 12 months.

Our once sleepy coastal refuge should prepare to embrace the largest demographic trend; the relocation of aging hipsters into our neighbourhoods armed with LP records of The Beatles, Rolling Stones plus the sweet fragrance of burning incense & good karma.

Jamie has many years of experience in Real Estate and he has his finger on the pulse of the local property market. If you would like to ask a question about anything in Real Estate, write to: Jamie Pollock foxsocks 85 Thompson Avenue Cowes, Victoria 3922

coast 33 Autumno6 final.indd 33

5/3/06 1:14:44 PM

words Sally O’Neill photos Maria Reed

Pack a picnic, don a hat and head to the ‘Wooli Races’. Under the shade of grand old trees, relax with a wine, look out to Bass Hills, chat with friends, and, oh yes, watch the horses as they gallop by.

That’s the beauty of picnic races; it’s picnicking first and racing second. Step right up to the rail to catch the sods of dirt, the smell of horse sweat, thundering hooves and witness the determination of jockeys – no binoculars needed. Then you can retire back to your chair for a rest before strolling up to the mounting yards to see all the ‘behind the scenes’ action.

For those of us who have no idea about betting, don’t be afraid! Walk confidently up to the TAB in the knowledge that the staff will take your 50-cent bet as seriously as you do. They’ll even tell you what ‘on the nose’ and ‘trifecta’ really mean! Once you get your confidence up, approach one of the ‘bookies’ who will happily take your money as they change the odds by the minute. You can also bet on city races if you’re really serious about the gee gees.

The Wooli Races has a rich and long history and someone who knows all about it is Phillip Island’s Cefn Price. Cefn has owned and trained many a steed horse at the track, which he first attended in 1945.

Since then he has rarely missed a meet.

Cefn agrees that picnic races are all about the atmosphere and enjoyment, but says that no one should think it is an easier race than the larger Melbourne meets.

“There’s not as much difference in the horses as people think. Many at Woolamai are good enough to weigh in at the professional races,” says Cefn.

“The country atmosphere and the ability to get close to the action is a real hit. There are often more spectators than at a Melbourne race and the Woolamai crowds are growing each year.”

In over sixty years of racing, Cefn has achieved the honour of training ‘Island Beau’, who holds the record of winning the most races. “With ten wins he was the best Woolamai horse without a doubt,” says Cefn.

“My biggest thrill at Woolamai was with ‘Rising Flame’. He broke the track record – which still stands today,” he recalls proudly. “And winning the leading trainers trophy 30 times in 33 years,” he adds.

And what of the future? It’s off to the races for Cefn who sees Woolamai going from strength to strength. For a great day out, my bet is on the Woolamai Races.

thewooliraces

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wooliraces

“There’s not as much difference in the horses as people think. Many at Woolamai are good enough to weigh in at the professional races.”

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coast people Audrey & Bob Brown have been married for 62 years. The Cowes couple met during their time in the army. Bob says “being signallers we were able to talk to each other by tapping on each others knees, doing morse code - it was beautiful.”

Bob: I had just finished my apprenticeship at a bakehouse and I wanted to travel so I joined the military. I just loved it because you got a uniform and rifle straight away.

They needed battalions to go overseas and our whole fort volunteered - not that everyone was chosen. We went in convoy to New Guinea, then onto Rebual and we were left there to guard the entry of Rebual Harbour. We went on to Kaviang, left some more troops there. We found out later that the post left behind at Rebual was wiped out except for two people.

We transferred to Darwin and we manned the guns at the entrance to the harbour. We were pinned down for two weeks and spent most of the time in our bunkers. Ships were exploding in the harbour - we survived that. After Darwin I came back to Queenscliff and to Point Nepean and that’s where I met Audrey.

We were on Charlie Watch together. I was a signaller and a gunner and Audrey was a signaller. We saw each other a lot on Charlie Watch. The women were only able to stay on until midnight and someone had to walk them back (half a mile) to their barracks.

I always got the job. We saw more of each other and we fell in love - it was great.

We used to go to Melbourne on leave by bus and electric train.

Being signallers we were able to talk to each other by tapping on each others knees, doing morse code - it was beautiful.

We married and returned to Point Nepean. I was told straight away by the Commanding Officer that Audrey and I weren’t allowed to stay on the same station. I was sent up to Kunungra, to a big jungle school. All I wanted to do was get home because Audrey was pregnant you see. In Kunungra it was really terribly hard - we were doing bayonet charging all the time and actually one chap got killed down the rifle range.

One day I noticed a job wanted for a typewriter mechanic - I wanted the job so I said ‘oh I’m a typewriter mechanic - my father

used to do it a lot for his job.’ You can’t have a war without a typewriter. Can you imagine trying to start a war today without a computer. I wanted to get out of Kunungra and be close to Audrey. I got the job but ended up being sent to Indonesia to fix typewriters.

I wrote every day and every night to Audrey. We had a son, I never saw him until he was 9 months old, and that’s when I came home. It was the hardest thing I had to do not being with Audrey.

We lived in Melbourne for 54 years before coming down here to Cowes (four years this October).

There is only one boss in this house and that’s Audrey and me we work together. We used to walk along the beach in the shallows and it would be our board meeting. We would discuss everything.

We are not rich in money but we rich in other ways. Since we first met we have always been in love and we have high regard for each other. She is my best mate - and to have each other is great. We are really not looking forward to not being together - but this happens to everyone, you can’t escape that.

Audrey: When I went to Queenscliff they gave us a six week course in signalling until we were itty umpty mad (signallers lingo). When the ships went out we would look to see if they were the enemy.

We had to put up flags when the ships were going out in the day time. I was outside trying to pull up this flag (the winds blowing like mad) and Bob came along and said ‘that’s not the way you do it.’ I said ‘oh well if your so smart - you do it.’ That was the first time we met. We fell in love and decided to get married.

When I was pregnant, Bob was away in the Army. It was hard. I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy, and called him Robert. In later years Robert (and his brother) were called up to go to Vietnam. At the time I cried buckets of tears - but it taught them how to be self sufficient.

I just love being at home with Bob. He goes down to the RSL and I ring him on the mobile to make sure he’s okay. If he’s been a while - it’s okay - as long as he hasn’t ended up in New Guinea again.

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artistprofile

“Most potters do live in harmony with nature - they tend to live more off the land.”

clay

a man of

From an early age potter Zak Chalmers had clay running through his veins. As young as three he remembers “creating clay sausages from the dam out back with my mum”. Zak grew up on a picturesque property in Leongatha South overlooking the Strezlecki’s and you could assume his stunning surrounds influenced his choice of career.

As we sit and drink coffee from beautifully crafted mugs created from the land beneath us, Zak explains why he became a potter. “A great teacher in high school inspired me,” he says. Zak, his partner Tanya and their baby Kody share the house where Zak grew up. We watch a koala waddle across the lawn from an internal herb garden and I marvel at this solar organic house with all its decorative yet functional artworks by Zak. After a short stint as a farmhand and fencer, Zak followed his passion and studied Applied Arts at Monash Caulfield. He completed a Bachelor of Arts and went on to do Honours, focussing on wood firing. “It was basically a year to work out the first kiln I built,” Zak reflects. He spent the year testing the results of different woods and the type of glazing effects he could achieve.

In an age where everything is mechanised and pre-produced, Zak’s work is beautifully handcrafted. It is a laborious process, Zak explains, “Most of the pots I make are with clay dug from the ground. I sieve it, dry it out, and crush it up. I wet it down into a slurry (a paste-like texture), sieve it again and semi dry it.” At this stage, the clay is malleable and is ready to be worked. Most of Zak’s work is thrown on a wheel that runs without electricity, with either a kick wheel or a treadle. Some of his larger pieces are created in sections, with the base being thrown and additional clay coils and throwing at regular drying intervals. The potter tends to do larger work in batches to keep the momentum between drying times.

Firing is a feat of endurance. After the pots have been drying for a number of weeks, they are ready to be fired. Loading the kiln

words & photo Maria Reed

takes approximately two days and the space can be filled with up to 200 pots. A small fire is lit at the front of the kiln for about 24 hours to slowly dry out the pots. “So they don’t blow up,” Zak says grimacing. Over the next 24 hours the kiln is slowly stoked to bring the temperature up to 1300 degrees to make the pots sticky and attract the wood ash. Bringing the temperature up over the next two days allows the silica (glass) in the wood ash to melt onto the pot, creating different glazing effects in colour and texture.

“Where the trees are grown, the type of wood they are, and how rapidly they have grown can all effect the resulting colours and different coverings of ash achieved,” Zak says. The artist has been experimenting for many years. “We’ve got lots of woods to choose from in Australia which is pretty handy,” Zak says, “and I grow my own tree’s to harvest.”

Zak gained valuable experience working with Robert Barron at Gooseneck pottery. “I built up a lot of technical knowledge in my six months there,” he says. Other mentors include older couple Arthur and Carol in far North Queensland. “They are these amazing people in their retirement age, who are still so passionate about making pots, experimenting and learning about the process,” he says. Having been potters all their lives, they still dig their own clay, grow their own wood and maintain their passion.

Looking out over the hills from Zak’s open-air studio, it makes you crave a life of simple pleasures and nature. Zak remarks, “Most potters do live in harmony with nature - they tend to live more off the land.” Being a wood-fired potter almost dictates that type of life, as you do need wood, you need space, and you need clay. “You source most of your basic products from nature,” Zak reflects. “It’s an organic process.”

Valley Plains Pottery by Zak Chalmers is open most weekends, or by appointment on (03)5674 5657.

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ARTY FARTY SCULP TU RE STUDIO

as grass becomes your soul

send my enemies to banks of seed shine upon them a warmer sun

shoo from the crop the devils steed all fury when the light it fails and a score of heaven fold

was on a destined march and hug your glare we watch young stars grow old

like burning wind you hail my memory was in the dust of torrid earth did we deceive some hearts as we twist to fade away push me to your hurt

along the banks i see you run and leaping in the gaps

and shine your eye against the wet your heart this time did catch your spirit so glare

Classes available for adults and children in mosaic design & ceramic sculpture

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beach style, city chic Darren George Hair 6-14 The Esplanade, Cowes Phone 03 5952 2647

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journeyof life words Kate Hanley photo Maria Reed

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

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

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

The tall, slim ex-soldier sits in 43-degree heat in a long-sleeved shirt and trousers with not a bead of sweat in sight. Lual works at the local abattoir in Lance Creek where he earns money to pay for his wife and children’s accommodation in Nairobi while they await visas to come to Australia.

On the television in the background the Australian Open is playing.

“We have a game like that in Sudan,” the 32 year-old jokes. “But we use gear sticks and a hard ball.”

Since arriving in Australia the non-drinking, non-smoking fatherof-two is still undergoing culture shock. “In Australia I don’t hear the sound of a gun or any discrimination or harassment,” says Lual.

“I feel happy because we can hold a mobile phone and no one would come and grab it,” he says.

At just 15 years of age Lual and the other children from his village in Panyagor were marched 1,000 kilometres to neighbouring Ethiopia. The Sudanese Liberation Army had tricked the village elders into believing a ‘better school’ lay ahead for the children. Those 3,000 or so children, as young as 10, who didn’t die of malaria, starvation or dehydration on their gruelling threemonth journey were greeted not with a school but army uniforms.

“We were given a choice of walking back home (risking dying along the way) or joining the army. We didn’t even know the way home,” says Lual.

Lual spent the next 11 years in the army away from his family fighting against the Sudanese Muslim government. Lual talks proudly of his time in the army where he wore two stars on his lapel. “If you fight for your freedom and die, that should be good for you,” he says. In 1992 when his regiment attacked the town of Juba the government retaliated with jet fighters and bombs supplied by Iraq. “A lot of people died. There were only a few people who survived like me,” he says.

Seeing the psychological scars of war on those around him Lual decided to train to be a mental health worker while at a refugee camp in Kakuma. “I wanted to help people affected by war,” he says.

In Kakuma there were more than 60,000 Sudanese as well as

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

Somalians, Congolese, Rwandans, and people from Zaire. “Being a refugee is never good,” says Lual, “I applied for a job for 2 years, but people from Kenya are not welcoming. It is very hot and dry, there is no air.”

To keep amused they would play soccer, basketball and Sudanese ‘tennis’.

The refugee camp in Kakuma was also dangerous. In 2003 the Takuna people, native to the area, killed 25 refugees while looking for money and food. Whilst Lual was tempted to return to Sudan to be with his family, his cousin convinced him to come to Australia by saying, “Whatever you want, you’ll get in Australia. Australia is so good. You’ll get a better future.”

While Lual has found the work hard he is glad to be here. “All people are welcoming in Australia, not like in Kenya,” he says.

Unfortunately while the dowry was still being sorted Lual wasn’t paid in time for his medical check. “So I didn’t include her (Aluel) when I applied for my visa (to come to Australia). I didn’t call her my wife because I didn’t complete the dowry according to Dinka Law,” he explains.

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

children. This will cost him $3,000.

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

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

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

Supporting people like Lual are local student Melanie Mumford.

She is a member of Rural Australians for Refugees (RAR) formed in NSW as an advocacy group in response to Tampa. The South Gippsland branch is three years old and has 270 members. They fundraise and support refugees in and out of detention centres. In 2004 they organised a Sudanese Cultural Day to raise awareness and break down barriers. They got dancers from Melbourne. “It was quite an experience,” says Melanie. Their next project is surf lessons. If you would like to join the RAR or help the Red Cross then please contact Melanie on 5678 3255. coast 41

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artistprofile

words & main photo Maria Reed

Gyrating sausages sway ‘hula hula’ style in a pan of bubbling gravy to the beat of a corny Hawaiian soundtrack. Hawaiian sausages, by Artist Colin Suggett, has been described as ‘the funniest piece of sculpture ever made’. “It always causes people to have a good laugh when they see it for the first time,” says the Venus Bay sculptor. “In some ways, I feel I’ve never had an idea so perfect - which is often what happens when you are pushed out of your mainstream thinking,” he says.

It was during his time as Head of Art at Leongatha Tech that Colin met artist and renowned sculptor Peter Cole. Colin’s interest in sculpture developed along with this new friendship and in 1978 he created his first piece for the Mildura sculpture show. “It was the biggest show in Australia at the time,” Colin explains, “and I was very conscious of the fact that a lot of the sculptures being created made absolutely no sense to the people that were visiting.” In response to this, Colin made a piece called ‘Beach’. The sculpture is a beach scene in miniature, encased in a tall glass box lit above by an intense light. Though the sculpture looks simple enough to interpret, it has a deeper motive behind it. “It was made at a time when flying saucers were being talked about in the papers - the sightings over New Zealand in summertime,” says Colin. On closer examination you will notice the small figures looking skyward and the light fitting above being almost ‘saucer like’ in shape. “Though it is a realist piece, it has undercurrents of meaning,” the artist says. This piece earned Colin a major exhibition with ‘name’ artists that travelled through New South Wales and Queensland.

Most of Colin’s ideas stem from what’s happening in the news of the moment. “I’m a bit of a media mole,” the artist laughs, “I follow everything and find myself responding to the mood of the time.” A riveting piece the artist created, Fork Tie, is a play on the old line ‘to speak with fork tongue’. The sculpture portrays a startled corporate man with his tie rearing up ‘cobra-like’ at eye level. “It’s about the idea of lying - and the tie, which is a symbol of power and reputation is actually sort of fighting back,” Colin says. The artist would love to see Fork Tie in the foyer of a large office building serving as a reminder of ‘the notion of honesty and integrity.’

Colin’s work always provokes thought. “I create the sculptures with an audience in mind,” he says. He is passionate about showing his work through galleries to allow a large audience to view his work. The Morwell gallery has been very supportive over the years and acquired a grant for the artist to restore his impressive body of work for the retroMOMENTS show. “A lot of it was just rotting away in the shed here, so I had about a year to get everything clean and running, improve the mechanics of certain things, build boxes and get the show together,” Colin says. The artist has given ownership of the collection to the Morwell gallery. “When artists own it (their art), they struggle to look after it as they are trying to make room for other things,” he says, “but when it’s owned, suddenly it’s valuable - it’s white glove stuff.”

colinsuggett

Find out what makes this renound Venus Bay artist tick.

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shop(local)till you drop

Mingara Gallery Cnr Thompson & Ventnor rd Cowes Ph 03 5952 3722

Amici Homewares 135 Graham Street Wonthaggi Ph 03 5672 1780

The Red Lion - Craft & Art 14 The Esplanade Sunderland Bay 03 5956 7006

Arty Farty Studio Gallery 21 Second Avenue Cape Woolamai 03 5956 377

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5/3/06 1:17:09 PM

Yoga guru and new mum Fiona Rawson talks about the challenges of motherhood, and the start of a new love affair.

The most frequent advice I heard during my pregnancy was that having a baby was hard work, but a fantastic experience. Now that our little boy Max is eight weeks old, I’ve been thinking how right all those parents were. However, on those nights that he inexplicably wouldn’t settle and my own precious sleep hours were fast disappearing, I had to give myself encouragement to see beyond the ‘hard work’.

I started to reflect on other times in my life that have felt the same. My trips to India came to mind. A year of travel there taught me it isn’t an easy country to explore - especially on a tight budget. But somehow through the discomfort, confusion, and torturously long bus trips, I found a sense of wonder for that country and it developed into a love affair.

Another challenging experience that came to mind was my three years of training to become an Iyengar yoga teacher. I was forced to confront the limitations and challenges of my own mind and body, and that certainly put me through some tests. However, the rewards were immeasurable and yoga became part of the fabric of who I am.

So now we have a baby boy who relies on us for everything from food and bottom wiping to comfort and entertaining. It certainly is constant and tiring work. I guess I will not see India, or study yoga at the institute for quite a few years. Even practising at home now has to fit in around someone else’s demands. However, as I write this there are two beautiful blue eyes staring up at me and they are so innocent and pure. Then there’s a big yawn that turns into a heart-melting smile. His little hands are waving about, because he hasn’t completely figured out that his arms are controllable. And it reassures me that the best things in life are the ones that are hard-earned. It’s the start of a new love affair.

motherhood the joys of

words Fiona Rawson photos Maria Reed

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kidsfashion photos Warren Reed layout Maria Reed

Left: Billiecart stripe knit jumper, Billiecart corduroy appliquĂŠ pant, Billiecart stripe beanie.

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Above: Billiecart corduroy appliquĂŠ skirt, Billiecart crochet cardigan, Mini Minors long sleeve tee. Sizes 3 to 8

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Sizes 2 to 10

Osh Kosh floral skirt with tulle trim, Osh Kosh long sleeve tee with velour trim Sizes 1 to 4.

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We offer professional Clarins make-overs for weddings, debutantes and special occasions. Bookings essential.

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my first dayofschool Preppies Cluney & Sophie head off into the big wide world to take their new school by storm. On the road to being minature adults, we ask them what they would like to be when they grow up . . .

Cluney (Left): I want to

be a farmer and an astronaut.

I love horses - but she warns â&#x20AC;&#x153;you need to watch out for the buffalos.â&#x20AC;? I want cows so we can have lots of fresh yummy milk.

Sophie (right): I want to

be a gardener, and a garden sculptor - like my mum. I already make things out of clay. She is very clever my mum!

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Šwarren reed

commercial photography & limited edition prints

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contact M 0414 753 739 P 03 59 566 369 www.positiveexposure.com.au wreed@positiveexposure.com.au

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5/3/06 1:18:59 PM

herlife the fight of

‘I don’t take anything for granted. Every little moment is so special on a real level.’

A young girls’ love and her families courageous battle against cancer

words Kate Hanley photo Maria Reed

Kahlilla Donahoo loves Harry Potter. That’s why her parents tell her there are wizards inside her with wands making the ‘black balloon’ smaller.

The black balloon is Stage 4 cancer. The two year-old was diagnosed last November with neuroblastoma. Only 30 children in Australia have the disease. At first doctors thought the Cowes toddler may have leukemia. “We were so worried it was going to be leukemia,” explains Kahlilla’s mother Nell. “But we’ve since found leukemia has an 80% success rate,” she says. “The doctors are giving Kahlilla a 25% chance of survival.”

Kahlilla is undergoing 20 weeks of high-risk chemotherapy where, ironically, the side effects can be deadly. Kahlilla once ran a temperature of 40 degrees for 10 consecutive days. She also has to endure surgery, radiation therapy and a bone marrow transplant.

“I don’t take anything for granted; every little moment is so special on a real level. You can actually feel it,” says Nell. “Every

moment is perfect – even the bad moments are good to me now because she is still alive. It’s given me a new appreciation for life.”

Up until late last year Kahlilla was a normal active toddler. “Before she could talk she had this aura about her. A gentle soul,” says her adoring ‘dad’ Colin Bowker. “Even after the hell of chemo her generous nature is still there. When Nell cries Kahlilla wipes her mum’s tears and says, ‘I’m sorry I made you cry mummy.’”

Nell and Colin say alternative medicines are their ‘only hope.’ “Our homeopath gives Kahlilla a 75% chance,” explains Nell. “We’re using alpha-lipoic acid and milk thistle to support her liver and we’re giving her detox drops.” Kahlilla is on an alkalising diet to create an environment where the cancer can’t thrive. There’s lots of things that we’re trying,” she says.

Alternative treatments are expensive. If you would like to help Kahlilla there is a trust fund: J.Donahoo ATF Kahlilla Blyss Donahoo BSB: 083 593 Acc No: 589207038 coast 51

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5/3/06 1:19:06 PM

kilcunda coastal secrets

photos Warren & Maria Reed words Maria Reed

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Phillip Island

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895 Phillip Island Tourist Road Newhaven Victoria 3925 piinfo@basscoast.vic.gov.au

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6 A’Beckett St Inverloch Victoria 3996

1300 762 433

invyinfo@basscoast.vic.gov.au

Wonthaggi

Watt Street Wonthaggi Victoria 3995

1300 854 334

woninfo@basscoast.vic.gov.au

Bass Coast Visitor Information Centres - Information about accommodation, attractions, walks, fishing and much more...

The township of Kilcunda sits on the edge of one of Victoria’s most spectacular stretches of coastline. Its quaint village is part of the Bass Coast Shire and is situated approximately 120km southeast of Melbourne. This area is renowned for its fishing, surfing, swimming and breathtaking nature walks.

The George Bass Walk is a ‘must do’ on a visit to the area. This spectacular walk starts on the outskirts of San Remo at Punchbowl Road and follows the cliffs and beaches for approximately seven kilometres, ending at Kilcunda.

If you don’t have the stamina to walk 14 kilometres (7 kilometers one way) then take a leaf out of one of the local’s book and take two cars. Drive the cars to Kilcunda and fill up with a hearty breakfast at the retro ‘Killy cafe’ - this will give you enough gas in the tank to go the distance. Drive one car back to Punchbowl Road and you’re ready to start the walk.

The walk itself follows the route of epic explorer George Bass. Your eyes will be treated to a feast of rolling green pastures, sandy pristine beaches and rugged coastlines along the way. Roughly two hours later you will be meandering back into Kilcunda.

Stop off at the legendary, newly renovated ‘Killy Pub’ for some refreshments on the deck overlooking an impressive expanse of ocean. If you’re hungry, nosh down on some delicious food at Mario’s Bistro (attached to the Killy Pub). Your appetite and taste buds won’t be disappointed.

To experience the natural beauty of Kilcunda, you could plan an extended escape to explore the area. Kilcunda has fantastic accommodation to suit any budget. The Kilcunda Caravan Park boasts spectacular ocean views.

There are a range of options from campsites and powered sites to units and deluxe onsite vans. Directly below the park is a sandy bay beach with plenty of small rockpools to explore; and even larger pools to swim in. If you love the B&B option, you won’t be disappointed by Ocean Walk B&B. Situated on spectacular ocean front, you can sip a fine bevy on the veranda and watch the sun melt into the ocean. Heaven!

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feature area Like an artists canvas, the Kilcunda coastline comes alive with the painterly hues of nature.

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Killy Cafe Retro & Relaxing

The Killy Pub

& Marioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bistro

Homemade food and great coffee

Stunning ocean views Newly renovated Family friendly Beer Garden Delicious meals from Marioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bistro Specialising in fresh local seafood Bookings recommended on weekends Winner of Golden Plate Award two years running

Bass Highway, Kilcunda, Vic Phone (03)5678 7390

Ocean Walk B&B

A beautifully appointed Victorian style B&B with spectacular views over Bass Strait.

Your host Kaye Churchill 8-14 Gilbert Street Kilcunda 3995 Phone/Fax 03 5678 7419 oceanwalk@waterfront.net.au

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Bass Hwy, Kilcunda Bar 56787245 Bistro 56787011

Spectacular Ocean Frontage

Camp Sites Powered Sites Self Contained & Deluxe Unit Accommodation Featuring magnificent ocean views

Kilcunda Caravan Park

Bass Highway, Kilcunda Victoria Phone (03)56787260

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â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Guests always value the hospitality they receive and many leave as friends.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

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japanesestory words Sally O’Neill

photos Warren Reed

A romantic hideaway at Phillip Island with an oriental twist.

The visitor’s book at Youkis Bed and Breakfast boasts more than a few famous names. Its pages are filled with compliments and flourishing words including, “We felt like emperor and empress in the Maple suite” and “most romantic hideaway, we renewed our passion.”

Such comments are unsurprising as Youkis combines Japanese tradition with a lot of warm hearted ‘Aussie’ hospitality. Set in the peaceful fishing village of Rhyll the B&B earns its 5-star rating with its stylish, luxurious yet casual atmosphere. There’s no need to leave your shoes at the door, just your worries and stress - come on in and relax!

In the true style of hosted accommodation, Peter and Sayuri welcome you and provide that personal touch during your stay. From the exquisite and eclectic furnishings to the unique and fascinating Japanese coffee pots used at breakfast prepared by Sayuri – every

small detail is taken care of.

The retreat features three accommodation options. On the lower level you’ll find the Oak Suite with a super-comfy kingsize bed and a Japanese style bathroom with a huge spa. The Willow Suite has all the trimmings for a couple or two singles.

The upper floor features the stunning Maple Penthouse that has to be seen to be believed! Watch the sunset and the moon rise from your private front and rear balconies – this is the place for romance.

Youkis is named after Peter and Sayuri’s son and is a Japanese word meaning courage. After managing large hotels in Melbourne and travelling extensively the couple pooled their experience to create luxury accommodation with a warm and personal atmosphere. Guests always value the hospitality they receive and many leave as friends.

If you are searching for an exotic and romantic experience, then Youkis offers a first-class stay with a difference.

Youkis Bed & Breakfast has a 5-star rating.

9 Beach Road Rhyll, Phillip Island 03 5956 9022 bookings@youkisonphillipisland.com www.youkisonphillipisland.com coast 57

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EUGENIE’S luxury accommodation

930 Phillip Island Road NEWHAVEN ph. 5956 6450 Open 7 days 9-5pm

INVERLOCH

BIKES Your host Michael Malone welcomes you to this boutique hotel style accommodation.

Eugenie’s is all about indulgence. Located in the heart of Inverloch, just 50 metres from the beach, every room is luxuriously appointed and has an ocean view.

Guests have the choice of a private spa and direct pool access, or the Penthouse suite, with views stretching across Bass Strait.

Enjoy champagne and chocolates on your arrival. Eugenie’s has a small conference facility so corporate clients are welcome.

•SALES •HIRE •REPAIR

Bikes for all ages and all levels

www.eugenies.com.au 16 Ramsay Blvd, Inverloch p. 03 5674 6121 m. 0407 343 843

relax Disabled rooms and facilities available

unwind

* One single and one two bedroom unit for people with disabilities * Hydraulic lift for easy access to pool *12 units, 9 double & 3 family rooms * Indoor heated pool & spa * Breakfast/Conference room * Austar Pay TV * Easy walk to shops & beach * 24 hour security 24 - 26a AʼBeckett Street Inverloch Victoria 3996 Ph 03 5674 1311 03 5674 1377 Fax 03 5674 2173 web www.promcountry.com.au email marksinverloch@bigpond.com.au

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indulge

Five star luxury on the waterfront

Your hosts, Peter&Sayuri, 9 Beach Road, Rhyll, Phillip Island.

Phone (03)5956 9022

AAA

bookings@youkisonphillipisland.com www.youkisonphillipisland.com

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coastmagazinelaunch

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“After a day or so of being tended to like some rare species of beached whale, we decided it was time to go out and explore the island.”

travel

asia

on twowheels

words Maria Reed pictures Maria Reed & Warren Reed

This was the plan. Go to Asia, relax and unwind after working just that bit too hard, for just that bit too long. Three months of being lounge lizards. Here we come! … Well, not quite. It’s funny how life never goes to plan, even with the best of intentions.

Arriving at our first destination, the tropical paradise of Koh Samui, a small island off Thailand’s mainland, we had our books, our magazines, even a travel diary. We were off to a good start.

A luxurious villa on a cliff overlooking the sea was our home for the next week or so. Unaccustomed to being looked after, and much to the confusion of the friendly Thai staff, we repeatedly refused a ride on a golf buggy from our room to the pool/beach just 50 metres away. We had legs - and by golly we were going to use them. On our approach to the beach, we saw men with walkietalkies gesturing wildly and pointing in our direction. We were starting to get the idea that just maybe we should have accepted that lift. The moment our bottoms hit the deck lounges that were carefully aligned in the sand, we had (at least) five eager men holding towels, water, suntan lotion, umbrellas and ice-cooled face washers. Being a fairly independent gal, I felt a little uncomfortable by all this attention. It seems the gods of relaxation were going to make me relax, whether I liked it - or not!

After a day or so of being tended to like some rare species of beached whale, we decided it was time to go out and explore the island. The best way to get around (and probably the most dangerous) was by motorbike. A couple of bucks and a total lack of driving skill was a guaranteed way to get your hands on a twostroke beauty. After a few false starts and conk outs, we were on

our way.

In our lack of wisdom, we decided on one bike, as what better way than touring around holding onto the one you love - right!?

We found this out the hard way. Being twice the average size and height of a Thai person put undue demands on our poor little motorbike. Having gained a little confidence after only an hour on the bike, I told my beloved that I, yes, I, would drive us back to the villa. The approach to reception was rather steep and our poor bike was struggling with two heavies on its back. You could say she wasn’t really making it. Right, I thought, I’ll just give her a bit of stick (you know, extra acceleration) and before you could say ‘there goes my husband off the back of the bike’; there went my husband off the back of the bike! Luckily, like a cat, he landed on his feet. I was also on my feet now, trying somewhat valiantly, to hold onto the bike. I had her firmly by the handlebars, but didn’t realise that I had my hand full on the accelerator while she was doing this beautiful wheelie spin on her back tyre. A small Thai man half my size saw the fight I was having with this wild, out-of-control mechanical beast and wrestled her off me. Flustered, I explained somewhat sheepishly that ‘the accelerator had got stuck’ - more like my brain! After this episode, we felt we had pretty well ‘broken’ our bike in, and we went off to find her a mate. We explored every corner of this balmy paradise without further event.

Next stop on the ‘rancho-relaxo’ calendar was Malaysia. The Malays have a penchant for speed. Everywhere we went, they were racing. Whether it was by car, by bus, or pillion passenger on a motorbike, you got the feeling they were in a hurry - a real

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BIG hurry. I got even more nervous when we saw our over-tired bus driver slapping his face and sticking his head out the window, while dislocating his jaw from yawning. By the time his head started to do the sleepers whiplash, we went up an offered a bag of nuts to munch on to keep him awake. When the whiplash continued, we used the remaining nuts as missiles to stop his peepers from closing. Yes, public transport continued to get more and more interesting as our trip progressed through Asia.

By the time we made it to Bangkok, we decided to take the transport issue into our own hands. Map in hand, we located a bicycle shop in a maze of never ending lanes. Now if you have ever heard about the traffic in Bangkok, you’d pretty much assume you would be taking your life in your own hands riding a ‘pushie’ in such traffic. Between buses, trucks, motorbikes and three-wheeled ‘tuk-tuks’ (really a motorbike with a cabin on its rear) you won’t find a metre of spare bitumen. So with steel in our hearts we loaded up our bicycles and rode out of that city with attitude (or should I say bluff ). The trip out was nail biting, but we soon discovered if you acted like you owned your (one metre by one metre) space, you were given a little breathing room.

Out on the open road biking is the only way to travel. Even though it was monsoon season and the average temperature was 40 degrees, riding allowed us to see, smell and taste our journey. It gave us access to small villages where Coca Cola and Tuk-tuks were happily unheard of. After one particularly hard morning of riding, we stopped at a roadside cafe to fill up our tanks. Another bonus of riding - no petrol - just oodles of food!

Our grasp of the Thai language was pretty basic, which made ordering food in rural Thailand all the more fun. Being a vegetarian, I had wished for better graphic design skills. I would have fashioned a sign (similar to a no smoking sign) with a picture of a chicken, cow, pig or (ahhh) dog with a big cross through it. As we ate our Gang Keow Waan (green curry chicken) without the ‘gang’ or possibly the ‘waan’ we were joined by eight uniformed police in a festive mood. It was one o’clock on a Monday afternoon, and by

two, we had downed three bottles of Thai scotch. A few scotches (or seven) later, we were all happily singing karaoke in Thai to some smarmy girls in bikinis on screen. If this is what happy hour was like on a Monday, we couldn’t wait to see what Friday brought!

800km on, we made it to the Thai/Laos border and hopped aboard an old boat to travel down the Mekong, bikes and all.

Midway down river, we did the obligatory stop at a small village to purchase snacks, food and souvenirs that supported the local community. Liking what we saw, we decided to disembark early (much to the confusion of the captain) and headed off in to the lush green tropical forests that lay ahead. Now there was an old saying of the Thai’s that went something like this (if I haven’t got it confused): ‘The Vietnamese are like a dog: busy, busy, lots of talk, always busy, while the Laos are more like a cat: quiet, gentle and sleepy.’ Now we’d have to agree with the sleepy. We would often have to wake up a cafe owner to order a meal, and wake them after the order to wake the chef to make the meal. These Laos people have sure mastered the art of relaxation.

Bike riding in Laos is an interesting exercise indeed. Laos would probably be up there with the worst made roads (what roads?) in Asia. The larger towns are okay, but how the rural population manages to get about is by sheer determination and grit. Picture landslides, potholes the size of swimming pools and quagmires of mud that would excite the most ardent of mud wrestlers. After a good day’s riding, the only part of us that was not splattered with red mud was our panda eyes (kindly saved by our sunglasses).

Roads aside, Laos is the most beautiful countryside we came across. Lush rain forest mixed with layered rice fields, traditional huts and friendly villagers made our ride unforgettable.

What began as a search for relaxation, ended with the discovery of amazing cultures, spectacular scenery and beautiful people - all on two wheels (mostly). After all, life is short and we’ll have so much time to relax when we’re old. coast 61

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aroundtown

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what goinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; on around your place

5/3/06 1:23:19 PM

attention advertisers

coast magazine is the ideal vehicle to promote your quality business beach house constructions

“ As a young man I had always been passionate about vineyards and the way of life ” A simple philosophy

designers & builders

retroretreat Ask Robin White what she loves about her new beach house at Silverleaves and she’ll talk for hours.

The White family are passionate about their coastal escape that resembles the charming fifties retro shack it replaced. “We were thinking of adding onto the original house,” says Robin, “but it was full of asbestos, and pretty small, so we decided to remove it and start from scratch.”

Our philosophy is simple

Rewind two years and after several bad experiences with builders Robin and Eden White were contemplating becoming owner-builders. Driving around Phillip Island to gather ideas, checking out a variety of houses and different designs, they saw a house they loved. “ We went into a local plumbing store to pick up some supplies, and they recommended Mark Plant from Beach house constructions”. As fate would have it, the design was

by Beach house constructions, and it is the design of house they live in today.

We build quality, innovative, energy efficient housing at affordable prices.

We employ local tradespeople and use local suppliers.

three to four months from start to finish. Really, it went very, very quickly because we had exceptional tradesmen working here, it all went smoothly,” she says.

“I adore the fact that some of the character from the old house remains,” says Robin. Mark kept the old front and back doors from the existing property, stripped and varnished them and incorporated them into the new house. “They now take pride of place in our new home,” Robin says proudly. “I just love the design, the way the glass faces onto the garden and the beautiful big deck.” The house is designed so that rooms can be closed off to save on heating, cooling and cleaning. “The house is beautiful and warm, and so liveable,” Robin says.

BeachHouse Constructions began in 2002 with a simple philosophy. To build environmentally sensitive housing with solar passive design, and create unique designs that people would be proud to own. Houses are made primarily from shadow clad and corrugated iron, and plans can be modified to suit a block of land, or they can implement special designs to make the best use of the block.

They pride themselves that every house from this day forward will be five star rated. Their draftsman, a qualified energy rater can ascertain from a floor plan, how the design will be rated. Orientation to the north, the amount and type of windows and glazing, upgraded insulation, solar and concrete slab all add up to a rating of five stars or above. The higher rating makes the houses more comfortable, efficient and cheaper to run.

Mark and Mellissa Plant, and Dallas Smith are the owners of Beach House Constructions. Together, they make up nine full time staff. “Every tradesman working with us is talented in their area of speciality. We have the same train of thought and take pride in what we do”, Marks says. A great team, they have a pool of invaluable experience in the building industry.

“We employ local people and use local products, which helps to kick along the local economy”, Mark says.

a familytradition Meandering between the vines in the picturesque Bass Valley magically transports you to a small village in Tuscany. Winemakers Pasquale Butera and his son Frank walk the aisles of vines, tutting at an unlikely snail and picking off a small bud here and there. It fills you with the crazy romantic notions of owning a vineyard. And yes, there is romance of owning a vineyard, but there is also a jolly good measure of hard work too.

The Butera Family has a long tradition in wine making, at least four generations to date. As a young man, Pasquale helped his father on the family vineyard in the region of La Mezia Terme in Calabria, Southern Italy. Pasquale reminisces with a twinkle in his eye “ As a young man I had always been passionate about vineyards and the way of life ”. The vineyard created work in their small village for the whole family year round. As one of eleven children, the land passed down to Pasquale’s father became a means for making a living, but also means of making a life, for his large family.

Everything Pasquale has learnt about the vines has been passed down from his father. His abundant veggie garden is a testament to his skill as a grower. “Everything dad knows about vines, how to grow plants, whether it’s tomatoes or grapes has been passed down through the family” says his son Frank, rather proudly. Frank who is an acoustic engineer by trade, is currently undertaking a degree in applied science, majoring in winemaking. He will be able to add his technical skill to the art of wine making. Frank, along with his mum Rosa, sister Maria, brother Angelo, and an extended family of aunts, uncles and spouses help Pasquale run the vineyard.

The communal event of stomping grapes to make wine in their small village in Italy, is remembered fondly. Hydraulic presses may have overtaken foot stomping, but their extended family still manage to get together in harvesting season. Frank says “We only hand pick the grapes, and it takes time, you need a lot of pickers. One of the beautiful things that happens, being an annual event, you have time to reminisce and it’s a wonderful opportunity to catch up on other peoples lives. We have special conversations whilst harvesting”. Picking time turns out to be a big social event - with the added bonus of collecting a couple of tonnes of grapes every day.

coast Mark Plant 0418 595 410 Dallas Smith 0408 343 367

p.o. box 5106 cowes victoria 3922 fax 5956 6371

email beachhouseconstructions@hotmail.com

“We rang Mark and he came around that afternoon,” Robin says. Friendly and professional, Mark showed them a variety of houses, and they decided on a style that worked well with the orientation of the property. “On our first meeting with Beach House Constructions, it was almost like Mark was interviewing us,” Robin laughs. “Boutique builders, they take pride and passion in what they do. They are not mass produced homes.”

Robin and Eden run their own hectic business in Melbourne and were thrilled to see the progress as they escaped to the Island each weekend. “It took

The night before hand over and the dreaded day of unpacking Robin and Eden had a surprise visit to their hotel. “Melissa came around with this beautiful hamper full of food, enough for two days. It was awesome,” Robin remembers.

Robin loves the fact that Mark gave his experience and advice generously. “We were going to have highly polished floors, and he said if you’ve got a dog its better to go with this finish, as it’s a lot easier to live with and hard wearing. Melissa was great too, she’s got a very good eye for interior design, and gave great suggestions,” Robin recalls.

Asked if there was any downside to the entire experience, Robin laughs, “Yes, it’s having to leave and go back to Melbourne, we just love it so much!”

So next time your in the region, be a part of a time honoured tradition and visit the Bass River Winery, a little piece of Italy nested in the Bass Coast Hills.

Phillip Island to the Prom

DON’T WORK HARDER - WORK SMARTER! Coast magazine targets people who appreciate quality & style.

A quarterly publication, Coast offers a fresh new approach to marketing your business.

If you are interested in advertising in the next bumper edition of COAST magazine please contact: Warren Reed 0414 753 739 or 59 566369 or email: info@phillipislandtothepromcoast.com.au coast 63 Autumno6 final.indd 63

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arts & events guide March 2006 Birds of Australia Watercolors by Patricia Reynolds Date: 04/03/2006 - 09/04/2006 Venue: The Red Lion Sunderland Bay Contact: Marlene 5956 7006 Boolarra Folk Festival Date: 4th March Venue: Centenary & Railway Parks, Boolarra Contact: Rich Teychenne 5169 6243 or Ray Stewart 5169 6275

Venus Bay Contemporary Date: 11th -13th March Artists Showcase Contact: Ally Remfry 5663 7103 or 0400 837 693 Phillip Island Surf Titles Date: 11/03/2006 - 12/03/2006 Venue: Woolamai Surf Beach Contact: Max Wells 5674 1948 Stony Creek Cup Date: 12th March Venue: Stony Creek Racecourse, Stony Creek Contact: Admin Office 5127 1380

Inverloch Jazz Festival Date : 10/03/2006 - 13/03/2006 Contact: Noel Bond 0417 134296

Cowes Jazzday â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;06 Date: 18/03/2006 Contact: Warley Hospital 5952 2345

San Remo Art Show & Fishing Village Festival Date: 10/03/2006 - 13/03/2006 Contact: Jeff Sowiak 5956 4166

Coronet Bay Beach Fair Date: 19/03/2006 Venue: Coronet Bay Foreshore Contact: Chris Hutton 5678 0738

Labour Day Jazz Weekend: Date: 11th-13th March Venue: Djinta Djinta Winery, 10 Stevens Rd, Kardella Sth Contact: 5658 1123

Woolamai Picnic Race Date: 19/03/2006 Venue: Woolamai Race Track Contact: Liane Arno 5678 7344 Churchill Island Art Market Date: 26/03/2006 Venue: Churchill Island Contact: Maria 0418102607

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April 2006 Maroondah Symphony Orchestra Date: 02/04/2006 @ 2.30pm Venue: Cowes Cultural Centre Contact: Anne Davie 59568216 Artist Society of Phillip Island Date: 14/04/2006 - 17/04/2006 Venue: Cowes Cultural Centre Contact: Eric Burrows 5956 7006 Bass Coast Artists Society Date: 14/04/2006 - 17/04/2006 Venue: Wonthaggi Comm. Arts Centre Contact: Gloria Growse 5674 1817 Churchill Island Working Horse Festival Date: 15/04/2006 - 16/04/2006 Venue: Churchill Island Contact: Sally Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neill 5951 2825 South Gippsland Easter Arts Trail Date: 15th, 16th and 17th of April Featuring painters, ceramic artists, jewellers and galleries of South Gippsland. Follow the trail, meet the artists and view their studios and work.

For more information contact the Inverloch Information Centre.

Make a wish Day 2006 Date: 28/04/2006 7am-3pm Contact: Nicola Ayling 9863 7433 Churchill Island Art Market Date: 30/04/2006 Contact: Maria 0418102607

May 2006 Light, Line, Texture Ilona Schneider Date: 06/05/2006 - 25/06/2006 Venue: The Red Lion Sunderland Bay Contact: Marlene 5956 7006 Mirboo North Art Show Date: 12/05/2006 - 14/05/2006 Times: Friday 7.30pm to 11pm Opening Night. Saturday 9.30am to 5pm. Sunday 10am to 4pm Show features art work, wood work, ceramics, glass work, jewellery, fibre art, metal work Contact: Jennifer Ryan 5664 8368 contactus@mirboonorthartshow. com.au

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#HANGE THE LIFE OF A CHILD LIKE 0ATHUI 0ATHUI LIVES IN AN URBAN SLUM IN )NDIA AMIDST RAT INFESTED RUBBISH DUMPS A BREEDING GROUND FOR DISEASE #HILDREN HERE STRUGGLE TO SURVIVE EVERY DAY 9OU CAN HELP CHANGE THE LIFE OF A CHILD LIKE 0ATHUI BY BECOMING A SPONSOR TODAY &OR JUST A MONTH YOU LL HELP PROVIDE ESSENTIALS LIKE ENOUGH FOOD TO EAT CLEAN WATER TO DRINK HEALTHCARE AND THE CHANCE TO GO TO SCHOOL

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Order form - send with chq (made out to Phillip Island to the Prom Coast) to COAST PO Box 104, San Remo 3925, Vic

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gotta love a COAST COMPETITION To win FREE Advertising in the next edition of Coast Magazine, Log onto the Coast Website www. phillipislandtothe promcoast.com.au to find out how!

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