Coast Magazine Autumn 2007

coast magazine - edition 6 Autumn 2007

coast Phillip Island to the Prom

Coastal living at its best!

Only $3.80

live the dream

art attack mark schaller at the cape

local legend snowy dawson mighty mossvale official program

www.phillipislandtothepromcoast.com.au

AUS $3.80 (inc GST)

edition 6 Autumn 2007

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

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This coasts most prestigious gallery

Paintings Sculpture Jewellery Indigenous Art Pottery

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Quality accommodation

QUEST phillip island

Located in the vibrant, holiday township of Cowes, Quest Phillip Island is a short stroll to local shops, restaurants and beaches and within a short travelling distance to Phillip Island’s many attractions including the Penguin Parade, surf beaches and Grand Prix Circuit.

Quest Phillip Island offers studio, two and three bedroom, fully serviced apartments all including separate lounge and dining areas, fully equipped kitchen, laundry facilities, large balconies and cable tv. Quest Phillip Island’s conference centre is ideal for small conferences, seminars and product launches. Guests can make use of the solar heated pool, gas heated spa and BBQ area as well as off street parking. The perfect location for a family getaway or business retreat is only 90 minutes from Melbourne.

Q

OCEANIC phillip island Opened in November 2005, Quest Oceanic features one, two and three bedroom, fully self contained apartments, which are the latest in modern architecture & design. The apartments feature quality furnishings and fittings, dvd players, stereos, full kitchen, laundry facilities with large balconies and onsite under cover secure parking for one car.

Centrally located in Cowes, approximately 700 metres from the foreshore and within close proximity of local shops and restaurants.

Phillip island boasts a large range of award winning natural attractions, such as the Penguin Parade – making it the perfect location for families and couples to escape for a relaxing break at any time of the year.

Phone: 03 5952 2644 Email: questphillipisland@bigpond.com.au Website: www.questphillipisland.com.au

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contents &features

regulars 10

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

12

Coast life Check out what locals are up to around the coast

15

15 minutes of fame MotoGP champion Nicky Hayden

16

2 (coast) people Nick Seymour & Nicola McCutcheon

52

Coastal secrets Grantville & Loch uncovered

61

Getaway Marks Villa @ Inverloch

63

Where to eat A quick handy guide on where to wine, dine and snack

65

Dine out Groovy Gullivers wine bar & restaurant

66

My favorite Recipe Chef James Gross from The Foreshore

68

Love that coffee Heavenly brews at Hotel

73

Around town A snapshot of life

77

Coast Property Live the dream

82

Coast Gardening Waterwise & wonderful gardens

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features Snowy Nganampa Band 19 Desert music Surf legend 20 Go cruising ‘Malibu style� with Greg Taylor My place 24 Mark Suckling shares his life & dreams Island legend Snowy Dixon talks of 28 times gone by Schaller 32 Artist Mark Schaller takes us on a journey to the Cape Cycle of life 36 We take to the road with Andrew Joyce Mossvale Music Festival 42 Official program For Arts sake 49 Mingara gallery artists Geisha spotting 58 Andre Chiaradia takes us on tour in Japan

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coast Phillip Island to the Prom

Coastal living at its best!

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rising star take a ride with surfer nikki van dijk mighty mossvale celebrate music

coastal dreaming where the desert meets the sea AUS $3.80 (inc GST)

edition 5 Summer 2007

Our

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

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Editorial Do you love where you live?

There are so many things to love and inspire you when you live by the coast. Padding along the beach in bare feet with my bloke and our four-legged waggler the other day, we were spellbound (even the dog!) to see three dolphins circling an enormous school of fish. Working as any good team should, they took turns herding fish and swimming through the bubbling masses to get their dinner – an aweinspiring sight indeed. It’s the stuff of National Geographic - in our own backyard! Times like these remind us of the fragile beauty of the area, and those of us lucky enough to live or holiday here should act as caretakers to this wonderful coastline.

In this edition of Coast we talk to locals who love where they live. Octogenarian Snowy Dawson has had a long and enduring relationship with the Island and reminisces about a time before the bridge was built, and his incredible experiences as a prisoner of war. Heading on down the road, we visit Mark Suckling at his farm at San Remo and find out how this special place overlooking the majestic waters of Bass Strait practically saved his life. From their sunny Kilcunda retreat, part-time coasters Nic Seymour (ex Crowded House) and his gorgeous gal Nicola McCutcheon talk of each other, and their ‘other’ home in Dublin.

This coast is renowned for its creative energy and the artists it attracts. We follow successful Melbourne artist Mark Schaller to the end of the Cape, and find out what motivates this talented painter. We also chat to gallery curator (and artist) Noelle Buckley and her stable of artists about their inspired works.

In need of some inspiration yourself? Take some time out on the coast and you’ll be surprised by what you may find.

Enjoy Autumn!

Maria

Cowes Newsagent - Phillip Island Cowes IGA Supermarket - Phillip Island Cowes West General Store - Phillip Island Ventnor Store - 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 Dalyston General Store Wonthaggi Newsagent Mobil Wonthaggi Mobil Inverloch Inverloch Newsagent Venus Bay Store Tarwin Lower General Store Fish Creek Newsagency Meeniyan Newsagent Koonwarra Foodstore Leongatha Newsagent Korumburra Newsagent Foster Newsagent Foster IGA Grantville Newsagent Lang Lang Newsagency Tooradin Newsagent

Check out the fab Businesses listed on the Coast website www.phillipislandtothepromcoast.com.au Editor Sub editing Words Photography Design Print manager Sales/Marketing

Maria Reed Anne Roussac-Hoyne, Alison Hill Maria Reed, Anne Crawford, Lisa Valastro, Barb & Tatia Weston, Sally O’Neil.

Warren Reed, Maria Reed Positive Exposure Photography 0414 753 739 Maria Reed Nigel Quirk Tatia Weston 0432 273 107 For all advertising enquiries please call Tatia, or email us at ads@phillipislandtothepromcoast.com.au For more information you can log on to www.phillipislandtothepromcoast.com.au

Phillip Island to the Prom coast

PO Box 104, San Remo, Victoria 3925 Phone (03) 59 566 369 Fax (03) 59 566 369 Advertising (0432 273 107) 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.

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Bear Gully Coastal Cottages AAA Tourism Star Rating Four charming contemporary style seaside cottages have been specially designed for you to enjoy the spectacular ocean views across Waratah Bay to Wilson’s Promontory in complete comfort and privacy

33 Maitland Court, Cape Liptrap Victoria

Tel. 03 5663 2364 E. beargully@bigpond.com www.beargullycottages.com.au

Across the Moors Luxurious accommodation for couples. . . . . . in Silverleaves, Phillip Island, Victoria.

Enquiries - www.acrossthemoors.com.au Your host, Susie Stoppa 03 5952 2282 or 0419 515 350 Fax 03 5952 5226

Disabled rooms and facilities available

EVERY SUNDAY from 10 am - Inside & Out

LIVE MUSIC FROM 11AM

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

For more information call Jane on 0417 142 478

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* 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

MARKS VILLA BY THE SEA 24 - 26a AʼBeckett Street Inverloch Victoria 3996

Phone 03 5674 1311 03 5674 1377 Fax 03 5674 2173 web www.promcountry.com.au email marksinverloch@bigpond.com.au

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hotproducts

words & photos Tatia Weston

All the merchandise featured in hot products is available from advertisers in COAST Magazine. Look for their details inside. Happy shopping!

allo aloe Sea Aloe Green Plants . Finally an artificial plant adds that modern touch, without the need for watering.

South Coast Furnishings, Phillip Island

mistress in paradise choker This spectacular piece speaks for itself!

Especially striking with a summer tan.

Mingara Gallery, Phillip Island

gorgeous scandinavian products Looking for something totally unique? Nordic Designs have an amazing collection of fabrics, cushions, bedding, rugs and lots more.

Nordic Designs, Wonthaggi

uniques antiques A must for antique collectors – you’ll be blown away with the display of spectacular furniture with an Asian influence.

LJ Tuddin Antique & Décor Gallery, Inverloch

le cresuset tagines Slow cooking at its best! Sample the exotic flavours of North Africa. These stove top Tagines cook everything from fruit to meats to absolute perfection. The secret lies in its unique shape.

Cleanskin Kitchenware, Phillip Island

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designer pieces Handmade jewellery to die for – a one off piece that will never date!

Kudos, San Remo

aromatherapy In Essence is a luscious aromatherapy body care range. The refining lavender hand scrub and hand cream is a knock out combination, leaving your hands feeling amazing.

Cowes Amcal

lifestyle objects

Stylish giftware, homewares, jewellery and clothes. A shopper’s delight!

Latitude, San Remo

milleni milady!

Everyone knows a girl’s best friend is her handbag and the San Remo Pharmacy has an amazing selection of gorgeous Milleni bags. Go get one!

San Remo Pharmacy

ooh baby!

Garden of Thoughts have a spectacular range of giftware and products for any age.

Garden of Thoughts, Wonthaggi

it’s so me A collection of radical and unconventional clothing, accessories and jewellery influence by the wonders of South East Asia.

SO ME!, Leongatha

funky furniture It’s all about retro, vintage, classic and funky furniture & homewares

Eclectica & Southern Bizarre, Inverloch

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arts & events guide March 2007 Inverloch Food & Wine Festival Date: 03/03/07 Venue: The Glade, Inverloch Contact: David Taylor 5674 3773 Inverloch Jazz Festival Date: 09/03/07 - 12/03/07 Venue: Around Inverloch Contact: Jill McCulloch 0409 220 864 Lions San Remo Art & Photography Show Date: 09/03/09 - 12/03/07 Venue: Stan Watt Rec Centre, Wynne Ave, San Remo Contact: Robyn Dennis 5678 5348 dennis@waterfront.net.au Mossvale Music Festival Date: 17/03/07 Venue: Mossvale Park, Strezlecki Hwy, Leongatha Contact: Ian Bevington 5664 9230 Art Exhibition Works by Pat Dale, Robert Barron, Angela Newberry and more.

Date: 11&12/03/07 Venue: Andersons Inlet Angling Club, Inverloch Contact: Angela Newberry 5668 8213 Korumburra Working Horse & Tractor Rally Date: 24/03/07 - 25/03/07 Venue: South Gippsland Hwy, Nyora Contact: Shirley Watt 5655 1597

April 2007 Nobbies Centre Opening Date: 04/04/07 Venue: The Nobbies, Phillip Island Contact: 5951 2800

Exhibition - Artists Society of Phillip Island Date: 06/04/07 - 09/04/07 Venue: Cowes Cultural Centre Contact: Jenny Broomhall 5952 6167 Ross Wilson & The Urban Legends as a part of the Sea Change Festival Date: 21/04/07 8pm Venue: Foster Memorial Hall Contact: Lyrebird Arts Council 5664 9239 Sea Change Festival Date: 20, 21, 22/04/07 Venue: Around Prom Coast Contact: Joan Liley 5663 2242 www.promcoastseachangefestival.org Working Horse Festival Date: Easter Weekend Venue: Churchill Island, Phillip Island Contact: Hayley Harris 5951 2823 More details: www.churchillisland.org.au Bass Coast Writing Festival Date: 27-29/04/07 Venues: Cowes, Newhaven, San Remo, Wonthaggi Contact: 5952 6167 or 56725702.

May 2007 Trivia Night Date: 05/05/07 Venue: T.P Taylor Hall, Sandy Point Contact: D. Cooper 5684 1545 Jumbunna Bush Market Date: 06/05/07 Venue: The Main Hall, Jumbunna Contact: Dawn Wylie 5657 3253 Kongwak Market Date: Every Sunday Venue: Main Street, Kongwak Contact: Jane 0417 142 478

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coast magazine freelance photography

contact warren & maria reed m 0414 753 739 p 03 59 566 369 e info@phillipislandtothepromcoast.com.au

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coastlife autumn

Remember this little beauty?

“Angel” , a monumental sculpture

by Deborah Halpern, stood in the moat of the National Gallery of Victoria for 17 years. The acclaimed artist is opening a studio on the island for creative workshops for the artisically inclined. Stay tuned . . .

something blue Young local film maker Chase Burns, wowed the island surf crowd earlier this year with his film ‘Something Blue’ - capturing local surfers at some of the area’s hottest surf spots. If you didn’t get a chance to catch the movie, (or spot yourself hanging off a killer wave) you can purchase you own copy from Island Surfboards.

Don’t miss the 20th annual San RemoNewhaven Lions club Art & Photographic show at the Stan Watt recreation centre, Wynne Ave, San Remo. March 10 - 12.

Our ‘Coast’ extends far and wide, attracting readers from around the coast, around the state, and around the world!

Coast magazine would like to congratulate JENNIFER SLATTERY from Ballarat for being a dedicated Coast reader. Jennifer entered last edition’s ‘subscribe & win’ and has won herself a flight over this beautiful coastline on her next holiday (valued at $500) compliments of Phillip Island Helicopters.

coastwinner

art onshow

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walkthisway

evermore

We love our Coast - all the way from Phillip Island to the Prom. We’ve recently discovered that walkers from the Melbourne Bayside Bushwalking Club share our passion.

Club members Greg and Robyn Barnes from Kongwak are leading a series of walks that will cover every accessible inch of sand, rock and cliff from Cape Woolamai to the tip of the Prom. What better way to learn about, and appreciate our wild, beautiful, unique coastline - step by step! Pull on your shoes and go forth and explore . . .

new nobbies centre phillip island

Perched on cliffs overlooking the wild waters of Bass Strait is Victoria’s newest eco-tourism attraction, Phillip Island’s Nobbies Centre.

Inside, cameras allow you to zoom in on the world’s second largest Australian Fur Seal colony offshore at Seal Rocks. Large plasma screens run awesome presentations on local wildlife and feature regular live crosses to Seal Rocks. Relax in the café with ocean views and let the kids run free in the play area.

It’s also a perfect daytime function venue - if your group can take their eyes off the stunning ocean views!

Opening April 4th, centre entry is free.

After wowing audiences at the Pyramid Rock Festival this summer, lovely New Zealand lads Evermore took time out to chat with Coast Magazine’s Sally O’Neill.

Evermore’s keyboard, bass and vocalist Peter Hume (pictured at right) reveals: What I like about outdoor festival gigs….

The sense of community - of everyone coming together.

My New Year’s Resolution…

DESIGNER STYLE Katie Hosking - ex Melburnian fashion designer (and Phillip Islander) has launched a stylish body wear range available at selected retail outlets on Phillip Island and in Melbourne.

The 2006 Katie Hosking body wear collection is influenced by nature and designed to inspire..Katie can be contacted at sales@katiehosking.com.au or 0433 462 622.

Take some time off and smile more. Go overseas – we are releasing in US and Europe next year.

If I could talk to a penguin I would say….

Stop conforming and do something to stick out – a different type of feather perhaps…

Sweet sounds of summer for me are…..

Cicadas - a summer sound of my home in New Zealand.

Peace for me is….

No cell phones, no schedules, being where I wanna be.

With my IPod I can find peace anywhere....

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fifteenminutesof fame Growing up in Kentucky USA, Nicky Hayden, the super laid back 25 year old MotoGP World Champion with an endearing southern drawl, took time out of his busy schedule to chat to Coast on his recent testing stint on Phillip Island.

photos © Honda Repsol Team

How has your life changed since becoming MotoGP World Champion?

Well, I still wake up most days and get a great feeling when I remember I’ve got that number one plate on the bike. But actually life hasn’t changed too much and I’m glad about that. MotoGP isn’t so big in the States so it’s not like I’ve turned into some rock star overnight which is fine with me. Plus my family keep my feet on the ground, especially my big sister – they won’t let my head get too big. I think it’ll be different when I get back to Europe though because the sport is pretty huge over there and I got quite a lot of attention towards the end of the last season from the media and the fans. It’s all good though, I’m so proud to be World Champion - and it comes with the territory.

Having raced on the Island, what are your impressions of the area, the people and the environment?

I really like coming to Phillip Island. It’s a stunning place and the people are really friendly. Most Aussie’s know that the Island is one my three favourite tracks, so I look forward to every visit. Last year I got pole position here, so it’s got some good memories too.

What do you like most about visiting the Island?

We don’t usually get a lot of time off when we come here to test or race, but this place is beautiful and I always try to look around the Island, either driving or riding my bicycle. The Australian fans really like their bike racing and the atmosphere is always really great at the circuit. Outside of the States it’s the place that makes me feel most at home. There’s a great Mexican restaurant too!

If you weren’t a motorcycle rider what would you be?

Motorcycles really are my life so I don’t know where I’d be or what I’d be doing if I wasn’t riding bikes. My dad Earl has a used car lot back at home in Kentucky so I suppose I’d probably be helping him out back there cleaning cars, but I wouldn’t be as happy.

What are you most proud of and why?

Winning the world championship and being on top of the world.

It’s what I have dreamt of since I was a kid and I’ve dedicated my whole life to that goal. It’s been a long road and there has been plenty of hard work and a few set-backs along the way, so to finally get there is a fantastic feeling - and one that makes me very proud.

Who inspires you and why?

Bubba Shobert was my childhood hero. He’s a dirt track champion from back home and I remember watching him as a kid. At last year’s US Grand Prix at Laguna Seca he came into my pit and gave me a replica helmet which I wore through that weekend. I won the race so it didn’t do any harm. Plus, Lance Armstrong is a huge inspiration. What he achieved in spite of huge challenges is amazing.

My friends would describe me as…

That’s a difficult one. Hopefully they would describe me as down to earth and fun to be with – though if things aren’t going well at the track, I’m not much fun to be around. But you’re asking the wrong person really, you’ll have to ask them.

For fun I… Kick back with my brothers and family. We’re really tight and there’s nothing like being back home when all the family is around. I’m not really a big party animal and I’m not in this business to be a rock star. So when I get back home I just like to hang out with my brothers, mess around on bikes and chill out.

In 10 years I hope to…

Be healthy and still be involved in this sport. I don’t know if I’ll still be riding then but I’d like to stay close to motorcycle racing in some way. A few more world crowns on the mantelpiece wouldn’t go amiss either. C

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Having just finished a new album with Neil Finn - Nick Seymour (ex Crowded House fame) and his gorgeous gal Nicola McCutcheon take time out at Kilcunda as a break from their jet setting lifestyles, to share their life, love and a few laughs with Coast Magazine.

Nick Seymour:

The first time I saw Nic, I remember she looked like something out of an Andy Warhol factory. She was in the rag trade at the time and she was wearing a raincoat - this red plastic raincoat, and she was very populicious! Like one of those fabulous young urban things.

We met at a party in Prahran. We were with our respective partners at the time. There were a few of us sitting on this guy’s bed, making fun of a book he had just got for his birthday, and this beautiful girl who I was introduced to (Nic) seemed to be laughing at all my jokes – so I kept playing up to it. I think humour gets guys that aren’t as good looking - with really good looking girls (he laughs).

I was floating on air when I met Nicola. It was like the peak time of Crowded House’s international trajectory, so I no longer felt like I lived in Melbourne - I was like a citizen of the world. I was possibly being a little bit larger than life, and had tickets on myself (laughs) but it seemed to work. At the time I’d packed up my whole former retrospective life in Melbourne into a self storage facility in Clayton, where a lot of it still lives – 15 years later. Neil (Finn) had moved to Auckland in New Zealand, so we didn’t have the previous problem of all having to be in the same town as each other. We all just had to be in Auckland to rehearse. If we had to do a show in the UK or the states, we’d just rehearse there, but if we were writing songs we’d have to go to NZ. Nicola gave up her job in Melbourne to move to Ireland with me.

We were swept away by our romance and our freedom of movement - it was an adventure. Nic said she always wanted to live in Europe at some point in time, and we knew we wanted to be together so we did it – and we haven’t been that much apart since. When we got together, the band was pretty much breaking up, so she was our Yoko Ono (laughs) – only joking. Neil absolutely loves her to bits. He thinks she’s been the making of me, so it’s not like that at all.

One of the most romantic times we’ve had together has been in our campervan in the West of Ireland. You’d think meeting in Venice or Amsterdam would top the list, but finding ourselves cooking a really great meal in the van, with a million dollar, breathtaking view over the West of Ireland - it’s an incredibly romantic lifestyle.

Camping is great. I’m always sceptical of people who don’t appreciate Led Zeppelin or camping (he laughs).

I love Nic’s absolute optimism. She’s able to objectively point out the positives no matter how neurotically pressured you may be because of a frustrating schedule, or having doubts about collaborations. She also does great impersonations of animals, and really understands them. I remember we were driving to a castle in Scotland for New Year’s Eve, when we passed a group of horses covered in snow. We stopped the car and I said, “Look at those poor horses.” You could barely make them out, they were covered in so much snow. They didn’t even have blankets on. She assured me they were fine, and walked into the middle of the paddock. Within twenty seconds, the six horses had found their way to her and appeared to be kissing her. I joined her in the field and she said, “Put your head down and breathe out of your nose,” and all of the horses came to

sniff the air coming out of my nose – they respond to that. She’s just so intuitive.

I think the secret of a happy relationship is maintaining a sense of humour – for us, it’s as simple as that. We make each other laugh and we find each other funny . . . still. The biggest challenge we’ve faced as a couple has probably been the decision to start a family.

I’d never seen myself as a father, but then there came a certain point, where a lot of it was about reaching emotional maturity.

You can afford to specialise in something for a certain period, but when you slow down you realise that you don’t have to be the champion of all things, that a simple order, and happiness in life are important - Nic’s helped me get to that point.

Nicola McCutcheon:

Nick is an incredibly creative person, but he’s also really grounded. He’s very loving, warm and generous - and likes the simple things in life – gawd - this is sounding like a real cliché (she laughs). He has this great conscience and is really interested in what’s going on in the world. He can still be kind of silly and light hearted – but he’s a good blend of both. Sometimes he can be really earnest - then really superficial. He can be difficult - vain and not give a shit (laughs) – but you never get bored. He’s kind of everything.

Our life is very varied at the moment. Nick’s work (like mine) is very project-based, so we never really know what’s up next – but that’s good too. I’m a freelance costume designer in Dublin. I create costumes for theatre, film and dance – which is good fun. I also compete and teach taekwondo to seventy kids, which I really, really enjoy. I won a bronze medal in the World Championships in 2005.

We’ve been together for 12 years. When I first met Nick he was visiting Australia, having based himself in Ireland as Crowded House were starting to tour a lot in Europe and North America.

At the time he was playing on his brother Mark’s record, and he’d bought an apartment in Ireland. We stayed in Melbourne for a couple of years, but I think he was quiet keen to live over there, so I thought ‘why not?’ - and I followed him to Ireland. I was 26, and it was all very exciting.

Nick has taught me to surf, to roller blade, and more importantly, he’s taught me to stay interested and keep learning about things.

He’s enthusiastic and has this great appetite for trying new things. We have a happy relationship and I think humour is very important. You have to be able to laugh at things and each other.

Our biggest challenge as a couple has been possibly changing from being a young thing in my twenties, to realising that when I hit my thirties I probably would want to have kids. I was having to look at this person and start seeing the whole thing seriously, when in fact, up until then, I had just taken each day as it came living by the seat of my pants. I was in love, and I wasn’t projecting too far forward. In making that change, I think I made the transition more difficult than it needed to be. I didn’t think that Nick would be with me on the same wavelength, so I sort of presented myself with all these demands (laughs) and I was really surprised that he said yes. C

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music review

Singing the land nganampa band photos ©Womadelaide words Sally O’Neill

Iriti-nguru Kuwari-kutu

(From Yesterday into Tomorrow)

Music is a universal language but the song lyrics we usually hear are in English. Not so for South Australian band, Nganampa. This newly formed band from the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands in remote northern South Australia, performs only in their native language.

Adelaide based Dylan Woolcock travelled to the remote homelands, which are closed to general access, to undertake a music project six months ago. Anangu culture is strong in the community of approximately 3000 people where Pitjantjatjara/Yankunytjatjara is the first language. He met many artists in the community but formed a special bond with resident Mark Burton.

“What set Mark apart was his deep resonant gentle voice, perfect for ballads and very different,” says Dylan, now the Musical Arranger for the Nganampa Band. “The band’s music has a luscious texture which is extremely complimentary to Mark’s voice…it is quite hypnotic and transports people to somewhere else.”

Together they found a sound that led them to Alice Springs and a songwriting workshop with Australian music legend, Kev Carmody.

Kev refined the tunes and lyrics Dylan and Mark had developed and set them on the path of recording and getting gigs outside of Mark’s homelands at festivals such as the renowned Womadelaide.

“He has sung a lot in his homelands, but this is the first time he will travel to perform,” said Dylan. “This is all very new for him – he has found his voice and playing is his opportunity to be transported

somewhere else.”

Mark’s English is limited, so Dylan relates a recent story where he was being interviewed through a translator. The journalist asked the question, ‘how does Mark feel about this new opportunity to perform music?’. “He talked for ages in answer to the question,” said Dylan. “When he had finished, the translator said simply ‘he is extremely excited’!”

Dylan originally went to Nganampa Community to prepare for their Nganmpa Festival in October 2006. “During the festival there was a re-enactment of the handing back of the land in 1981. “The ceremony focussed on how far the community had come since 1981 – there are still problems, but they are grounded in reality and are moving forward.”

“We hope our music is a sign of respect and reconciliation and we hope reconciliation is the future.”

Nganampa will soon be packing up to travel to gigs in city Australia. “We are all very excited and hope to get it (our message and music) out there,” says Dylan. “We hope that if these gigs go well, we can travel to other countries to perform.”

“But we will just see how Mark goes. He may get homesick for his country – connection to land is extremely important.” C You can see Nganampa will perform at Womadelaide March 9 - 11 in Adelaide Botanic Park this year - www.womadelaide.com.au

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surfer profile Greg Taylor admits to being a surf nut. He laughs, “ I have an ongoing joke with the missus about having a wetsuit for every water temperature, year-round.” As Greg talks about their early years together, it is clear that Pauline Taylor is a good sport and a patient wife. “When we went on our honeymoon to Tassie I took the panel van so I could take the surfboards along – and for some reason that still brings up arguments,” he says sheepishly.

With his rosy cheeks and (almost) teenage enthusiasm, we begin to understand why surfing is so important to Greg. As an ambulance officer, he spends most of his working life assisting those in need, which can prove to be stressful at times. After 28 years on the job, Greg says “surfing is such a good motivator and stress reliever – I find it really helps me relax after a hard day on the job.” He also admits to having ‘a bit of a crook back’ and finds that surfing really helps. “ I was talking to my physio the other day and he reckons ‘surfing is a bit like a washing machine for the brain’. I’d have to agree, as you can’t be thinking about anything else while you’re out there.”

Originally from Mordialloc, Greg discovered the beauty of South Gippsland on his surfing trips to the Prom and Phillip Island. “As a young bloke studying to be an electrician, I got in the habit of nicking down for a surf after trade school.” Greg would surf from Phillip Island to the Prom, and Point Leo on the Peninsula. Kilcunda beach became a particular favorite for this surfing nut. “I would pack my panel van and drive down for a surf, ending up at the Miner’s Rest Hotel on a Saturday night with the locals. They were good times,” he says. Greg discovered Wonthaggi and has been a permanent resident since 1975.

As with most die-hard surfers, Greg finds it difficult to name one beach as his favorite spot. Locally, he is quick to tell me that Killy is right up there, but says “I don’t mind Eagle’s Nest or Shack Bay – and Wooli (Woolamai) is good too.” He also adores the South Australian coastline where there are “some really stunning beaches.” Port Lincoln, Cactus and Victor Harbor rate highly. “I’d surf ‘em all. I used to have a surf, and then stop at a pub in Penong where I’d have a Bundy (& rum) and a good yarn.”

Greg loves his hometown, saying “we feel blessed by the coast here and love it - which is what drew us in the first place.

There’s this lovely beach break at Killy – but you’ve gotta respect it.” This area holds a special place in his heart. It’s a place where he’s made lasting friendships and met a great bunch of locals. He adds cheekily “We conceived 2 kids at Killy in the back of a panel van so you could say the place is pretty memorable!”

Surfing has helped Greg develop his skill at reading the weather. Understanding the tides, the way the clouds move, the weather and wind conditions – “you become sort of like a sea captain,” he says. “I think every surfer is guilty of watching the news and reading their tide charts obsessively,” he laughs.

But it is this knowledge that gives surfers an appreciation and respect for nature. “You have to have respect for the ocean, and what it throws at you. You can never take it for granted or drop your guard – and respect comes with maturity, just like in any other sport.” Greg tells us “I’ve had head injuries, lacerations, cut lips, near drowning… oh, and I had fractured ribs last summer.” So what keeps him coming back? The waves, exhilaration and the salt water. “Just being completely open to all the elements, there’s nothing better!,” he says. “It’s great, as long as you’re not bothered by a shark, that is,” he laughs.

Surfing aside, Greg loves being out on the water where he gets to meet a lot of different people from all walks of life.

Being such a gregarious character, solo surfing is no longer on his agenda, and he enjoys going out with a group of mates or having a chat to the locals. “ I love it in winter when the whole clan goes surfing.” With his days of competitive surfing behind him, Greg picks up his Mal(ibu) and heads off to a nice shore break at Kilcunda. Looking over his shoulder he says, “you form some very long friendships through surfing. It creates a special bond, and a special understanding; it’s just fantastic!” C

surfinglife words Lisa Valastro/Maria Reed photos Warren & Maria Reed

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photos ©Claire Gorman/Chase Burns ‘Liquid pictures’ & ©Steve Robertson ‘Surfing Australia’

There’s been plenty of action out on the waves this season.

The gals showed their style at the Roxy Women’s surf festival and junior pro at Phillip Island.

Hawaiian surfer Bethany Hamilton (top left) wowed the crowds with her outstanding performances.

Meanwhile, local Islander Carl Wright (top right) ripped up the waves at the Billabong Junior Pro at Coffs Harbor - scoring a amazing 9.5 on a peeling left and gave us a bird’s eye view of being in the tube (courtesy of ‘Liquid pictures’ Claire Gorman and Chase Burns).

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“Sometime ago, I went to a guy that read palms in Hong Kong. Sure, I may have paid him $80 Hong Kong dollars, but he told me very earnestly, ‘Mark, you are going to live until you’re 86’ – so I’m putting my money on him.” With a biting dry humour, he says, “after being told I had a brain tumour and only two months to live, I like to ring my oncologist once a year just to annoy him – and remind him that I’m still kicking,” he laughs. That was nine years ago . . . words Maria Reed photos Warren & Maria Reed

Sitting at the Killy Café, Mark looks across the road over to Bass Strait. “Every morning before I get to work, I stop and look at the ocean. I look at the sun coming up, I look at the clouds and I stand there and appreciate it. I get my peace, and know who I am by looking at the world.”

His diagnosis has had the welcome side-effect of giving this bloke a sense of himself. “Through all the praying, swimming, watching my diet, walking, looking into myself, and fighting this thing - I found ME. At a recent healing course I was asked what I had gained, and I said “I’m Mark’ and that’s how it is – I am Mark.”

Serious illness can often affect life in a positive way. Smiling, he says he lives everyday to the full, because “you never know when you’re gonna disappear. As far as I know, you only get one chance on this planet, so you should be happy.”

Mark spent over a decade travelling with his Japanese wife who he describes as ‘highly intelligent and headstrong.’ “I was quite apprehensive about meeting my father-in-law as it is customary in Japan for the bride’s father to ‘ave a go at the prospective sonin-law,” he says. They planned their first meeting in public at an Indian restaurant in Tokyo where her father would (hopefully) feel out of his depth, and it saved Mark from a prospective ‘prenuptial punch.’ “Jules used to put pics of me on her family’s fridge so he got used to the look of me, being Aussie and all – so I think she had softened him up a bit by the time we met. He told me in broken English that I looked like a movie star, and I replied to him in stuttering Japanese, ‘you tell 1000 lies’. After that, our friendship was cemented for life.”

Even with his diagnosis and treatment, the couple travelled through 18 countries in Asia. As his wife travelled for work, Mark went about setting up his own business in Singapore. “I still was pretty crook,” he says, but he went on to set up his own

swimming school. “I called it Bullfrog Swimming – your pond or mine,” he chuckles. He started with one pupil, a young Indian girl who couldn’t swim – and it took off from there. As a reasonable Japanese speaker, Mark became popular as a swimming instructor to many Japanese expatriates who lived in high-rise condominiums. “I made a very good living standing in a pool everyday.”

His work as a teacher of the handicapped in Dubai was very rewarding where he was responsible for seven teenage boys, whom he recalls “couldn’t count to ten in any language,” Mark taught Syrians, Palestinians, an Israeli and local boys, who took to his easy teaching style. The kids had never seen a playground before. They were uncoordinated, and couldn’t walk or balance on the equipment. When they finished they could run around, jump, climb like regular kids, use computers and work in the local supermarket. Their coordination went from zero to ten, and their counting to 100. I was really sad to leave them.”

After separating from his wife, and needing to get away, Mark searched the internet for a job teaching English. “One caught my attention. It read something along the lines of, ‘would you like to come to a nice rural city of only 250,000 people, where there are more donkeys than cars,’ blah blah blah, and I thought, that’s the one I’ll go for.” He got the job and flew from Singapore to Beijing where he met up with two other rookie teachers from America and New Zealand. The three teachers were taken by overnight train to North Western China – only 15km from Inner Mongolia. “It was a great job - I spent a year there. I just loved teaching the college students in China as they were so determined to better their lives,” he says. The children who attended the college were mainly from poor rural farming families, who had to save every precious Yuan to send their children to school. Mark says, “The first thing they>

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coast feature

want to do when they get a job is to pay their parents back for the sacrifices they’ve made for their education. They were a teacher’s dream – inspiring.” Did he ever manage to learn Chinese? “Well, they tried to teach me, but it is so complex. The inflections on each word are so difficult. After six months of study and having a teacher help me every week, I said, ‘Hello – Kneeehoooooww’ (sounds like) to someone, and they replied ‘what?’ so I figured - well, I better give up.”

Feeling homesick, Mark left China and returned to his roots in South Gippsland. His parents lived in Poowong for many years, as his father was the manager of the milk factory. “Mum and Dad used to take my brother Michael and I to Kilcunda on hot summer days, and I developed this love of the ocean. I just love bodyboarding,” he says. Mark started on a blow-up mat with fins on the bottom, and progressed to a fibreglass body-board on meeting a bloke in the Wooli car park, who claimed to be the ‘second best body-boarder in Australia.’ “When I was younger and a bit braver, I didn’t like people dropping in on me. Even though I was a body boarder, it really annoyed me and I often put myself in situations where other boards would hit my board or me. I had so many board points in the shoulder of my wetsuit, especially from Flynn’s Woolamai and Killy.. I was a bit of a kamikaze out there. Not so now.” The board got a lethal hit one day, leaving an unfixable hole in the centre, but it still remains legendary in Mark’s imagination.

It still hangs in his shed as a souvenir “to the best body-board ever made.”

Life has come full circle and finds Mark running the Killy café with his sister Fiona, across from the very same beach where he

learnt to surf. “I bought some land out at San Remo many years ago, and I have to say I love that farm. Mark’s property stretches from the highway to Bass Strait, with a little track that meanders down to the ocean. “When I had brain cancer, all I dreamt of - my only wish and dream that got me through it all was to build a house on my farm.

It will be the most beautiful place in the world (for me) when I’ve finished. A rammed-earth solar house will sit 125m from the cliffs, surrounded by trees. Look to one side and see Woolamai, and to the other, the wide expanse of ocean. My dream is well underway,” he says.

The café door opens and sets off the bell, alerting Mark to a customer, or local coming in for a chat. We wind up our conversation, not before he relates a recent experience which puts his life and simple joy into context. “One day a group of handicapped kids came to the shop. They had a certain amount of money each to spend – for an ice cream, a drink or whatever they liked. There was this young teenager who came up to me who had been looking at all the sunglasses. He was trying them all on, seeing which made him look cool, and finally decided that ‘these are the ones’. He came up to the counter, and I asked if he had any money.

He shook his head, so I asked, “what do you have?” They had been exploring on the beach all morning, and he reached into his pocket and pulled out a handful of seashells. The glasses were twenty bucks, so I counted out the seashells and said, “Well that one’s worth 3 dollars, and that one makes 4, until we got to $19.95. Well, you should have seen the look on his face – he looked like James Dean.

It was really great. I gave him the glasses and some of the seashells are still on the counter. You have to make each day count.” C

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You couldn’t drag me away from the island in a horse and cart, says Snowy Dixon. An expression admittedly you don’t hear a lot now but that was exactly how you got around on Phillip Island when G.F. ‘Snow’ Dixon, grew up on it.

Snowy (Garnet on his birth certificate but no-one ever calls him that) was born on his parents’ farm in Ventnor on June 22, 1919.

With a memory as sharp as a tack and an abiding love of the island he’s just the man to tell you about how it has changed in the past eight decades or so.

Snowy Dixon can tell you how everyone knew everyone and about the handful of farming families whose names once dominated. About the euchre card parties and nights at the Ventnor hall when you danced to the music of the violin, mouth organ, drums and piano accordion. About the holidaymakers from Melbourne who’d come by ferry to stay in the old guesthouses and the chap who would take them to see the penguins in their hire cars. Then, after the war, the waves of tourists who bought the fibro shacks built after developers acquired the land from the farmers and cut it into blocks. (But don’t get him started.) “Now there are units! Sitting on top of each other, it’s ridiculous really.’’ He’ll tell you that the old racecourse out on the Nobbies road is now a ‘’bear farm” (koalas). And about the chicory that has left its name on restaurants and shops.

The youngest of seven children, Snowy grew up on a farm his mother, a Cleeland (another name you see on signs around the island), had inherited. “Grandfather Cleeland” had bought up a lot of land – at one stage “half the island’’ – after people from Melbourne found they couldn’t make a living from land overgrown with gorse and scrub, and left. “Grandfather Dixon”, from England, made his money on the Ballarat goldfields and a cordial company in Melbourne. Snowy’s parents raised sheep and bred horses then switched to dairy cows. Both had died by the time he was 15.

By then he’d already left school to work on the farm. “I couldn’t see where a lot of that school work came in with ploughing the paddocks and milking cows,’’ he laughs.

He and his brother Bill ran the 333-acre family farm – tough work with long hours. Much of it was covered with tea-tree, like a lot of the island, which they would burn every year. “The only way to clear it.” Then, there were no roads, just dirt tracks. There was no

bridge from the mainland, nor until the early 30’s a ferry or punt.

Cattle were swum from Newhaven to San Remo. “We’d pick the tides!”

The first bridge to the island was opened in 1940, a milestone, but Snowy Dixon missed it. He was on his way to the war.

He joined the army at 20, assigned to the transport unit, and left for Singapore in August 1941 - but not before meeting Lola. He and several of the lads on transport training at a camp in Royal Park had met some young women while walking around the park.

“We chatted them up, had a yarn,’’ says Snowy. “Lola was from North Melbourne, a city girl. I thought ‘she’s not a bad-looking sort’.’’

Singapore was the “filthiest city you could ever lay your eyes on’’. Within months of Snowy arriving the Japanese were bombing the island, pounding it until the Allies surrendered on February 15, 1942. Then as World War Two raged and Lola waited, Snowy Dixon spent the next three-and-a-half years as a prisoner of war. His 8th Division was held in an area near the infamous Changi prison.

In April 1943 he was sent to Thailand to work on the Thai-Burma rail-line, made to trudge the jungle track up past Hellfire Pass to a camp near the bridge over the River Kwai. “The conditions were shocking – malaria, cholera, dysentery, little else than rice for food and not much of that.’’ Thousands died; some of them his mates.

The ones who pulled through still ring each other up on birthdays and on the anniversary of the day the war ended, or just for a yarn.

Snowy Dixon, white hair neatly parted to one side, a warm laugh at the ready, speaks of his time as a POW in a matter-of-fact way. If the war and its horrors dented his spirit, it doesn’t show.

After 14 months, 150 of the fittest Australians were sent to Japan’s southern-most island, Kyushu, to work in the coalmines. Twelvehour days but the food was better and they had bamboo-slat beds.

“You woke with a few corrugations on your back though!’’

On August 15, 1945, the mine’s sirens went off and the men looked round to see a flash over Nagasaki, 35 miles away. “We thought ‘what the blazes was that?’.’’ It was, of course, the nuclear bomb, that along with Hiroshima, ended the war.

snowy words Anne Crawford photos Warren & Maria Reed

dixon

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Snowy arrived back in Melbourne by truck at the showgrounds on October 13. His family was there, Lola and her family were there.

He remembers the date but just to check pulls out a small leather notebook he carried throughout the war with entries in ink, in small cursive writing. Inscribed on one side, to ‘’G.F. Dixon, Residents of Phillip Island’’. The Island had farewelled him in 1940, and it welcomed him back in the old shire hall in 1945. He’ll never forget that night, he says.

Snowy and Lola were married soon after he returned and after a time settled in Cowes in a house built on the block next door to his brother, Phillip. The days of dairying were over. “I didn’t fancy it and I didn’t think that Lola, being a city girl, was very suited to farming.’’

They’ve lived in the same house since 1947 tending a backyard garden “five chains long” (about 100 metres) with fruit trees, graceful gums and a walnut tree.

Lola took to the island like a duck to water. She went to help out in the kitchen of the Warley Hospital in Cowes one day and ended up on its board for 47 years. She’s now a life member; Snowy a life governor.

Snowy and Phillip ran a transport company, picking up fuel from

Melbourne, and ice from Dandenong, covering it with a tarpaulin and delivering it for the islanders’ ice chests. The Dixon Transport Company – “I’ve still got the sign’’ – picked up cartage from the wharves in Melbourne and from the train at Anderson (no longer running). “Lola would come with me.” He also worked at a joinery for 21 years.

The couple were big on getting involved, especially in sport – something that for Snowy dated back to his sports-minded father and the days on the farm when the locals would come to play tennis on its court or cricket on its concrete pitch. “There were always footballs on the back verandah and boxing gloves lying around,’’ he recalls. Snowy “did a bit of training and coaching” for the Phillip Island Football Club, becoming a life member. The couple were founding members of the tennis club; Snowy as secretary for 25 years; Lola treasurer for 10. The G.F. Pavilion is a reminder.

They had four children who left Phillip Island and spread out across Australia: “It’s the way.” But Snowy Dixon won’t budge. “I’ve been overseas and to other places and I reckon it’s the best place in the world. And you’d never get Lola away from the island.’’ C

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schaller words Anne Crawford photos Warren Reed

Whether he’s working on a canvas stretched out in the red earth of Central Australia or sitting painting in the sands of Woolamai or journeying to Europe to find an obscure gallery, art is one big adventure to Mark Schaller.

Bunurong people saw it as a schnapper, its promontory a head facing out to sea, and called it Woolamai. Explorer George Bass saw it and thought too that the cape resembled a snapper’s head so gave it the indigenous name. Artist Mark Schaller saw in Cape Woolamai a series of oil paintings, all of the same spot, something to be reproduced in all its moods and subtleties over time.

Entranced, he has returned again and again to capture the cape and its majestic pink granite flanks, forty paintings to date and, he says, years more of them to come. “I think it’s sort of mystical,’’ he says.

The well-collected artist is painting them for himself at the moment.

Several hang – vivid brush strokes and slashes of colour – in the upper level of his lived-in Woolamai beach house, above the crayon scribblings of children on the walls (a practice obviously encouraged). He’s been coming to the island for years, well before he and partner architect Lucy Tibbits designed and built their house with local help. Before he sold his first painting at 18.

For Schaller, 44, there was no choice but art. He’d been drawn to it since he was a child. His earliest works? “In mud or cave painting,” he says, quietly mischievous, fixing his baby blue eyes on you to check your response. He has the friendly, casual air of a surfer – tussled hair, slightly flattened on one side like he’d just slept on it, loose blue T-shirt, stubble – but he doesn’t like talking about himself too much.

He first made his name, after graduating from the Victorian College of the Arts, founding the inner-city Roar Studios with other likeminded students in 1982. Roar was for artists who wanted to work and create on their own terms without having to knock on the doors of commercial galleries. It took off, became a buzz, so much so that “it became the antithesis of our original aim” – the founders’ creative energies were being swallowed up in administration.

Schaller had his first show there then moved on. “It was a launching

Coast Update FINAL.indd 33

pad, the idea was that you didn’t go back,’’ he says.

His exuberant curiosity with life and art took him to Europe and beyond to visit galleries and museums: “mad people’s art” in Lausanne, Switzerland; huge murals by Orozco in Mexico. “I’d find out about these fabulous museums and think ‘I’ve got to go’ – offthe -track places that you really had to find.’’ He and Tibbits lived in Prague and Morocco. Schaller travelled to Jabiluka in the Northern Territory with a couple of friends as part of a group pushing for it to be put on the World Heritage List, meeting a Jabiluka woman who’d grown up in a cave there. He recalls, still with excitement, how he went to see it with her, the area that formed a kitchen, the paintings on the rock walls. The adventures continued, only recently curbed by a more settled home life with children.

Schaller has exhibited just about every year since Roar, establishing himself as a well-regarded figure on the Melbourne art scene and beyond (not that he’d tell you that). “They’ve all been good shows, I’ve like them all,’’ he says. He has produced commissioned works for Doyle’s restaurant in Mordialloc, the Portsea Resort, the Victorian Racing Club, and the Australian National Gallery restaurant. He has donated works to Greenpeace, the Jabiluka Action Group, and as part of a campaign against toxic waste dumping at Woomera.

He was part of the William Creek and Beyond project, in which 10 artists including John Olsen and Tim Storrier were commissioned by an avid art collector to travel into the outback to Lake Eyre and come up with works for a collection and a book. “It was fantastic – a van full of canvasses, the desert – every landscape painter’s dream.’’

While some of the others painted from photographs, Schaller prefers to work on location, taking a visual snapshot then painting quickly. Much like a photographer, he notes the changes in light >

20/2/07 4:15:08 PM

artist profile

which can alter a landscape in a second, capturing the scene as it is at the time. Time lapses fascinate him, whether the transformation of the bush as new species flourish after a bushfire or the kaleidoscope of vistas around the cape, the shadows of passing clouds, a bird or lizard crossing the sand, the surf, the hues of the ancient rock at dusk.

“It’s interesting to do the same thing over and over as a project, to look at it and your perception of it as it changes over time,’’ he says.

Like Cézanne’s repetition of Mont St Victoire. “Lots of the same place.’’

Schaller works from one of three studios (Woolamai, Richmond and the docklands) mainly in oils but more recently with huge, chunky wooden sculptures, rough-hewn by chainsaw. “Prohibitively expensive – you’ve got to have someone who wants it.’’

“First Steps”, (2005), a triumphant 2.5 metre depiction of a child being guided by its mother, took about a year “on and off” to finish. It is of his youngest daughter Ava, now three (Charlotte is eight), and, loosely, Tibbits. He says his children are both his “loyal subjects” and his “ultimate inspiration’’. Otherwise, “It’s mainly nature, the landscape,

the way the light hits it, the way it changes, the colour combinations, the form in it.’’ However, “A lot of the time I just start painting with no idea. I’ll start with orange,’’ he says, gesturing to a catalogue cover with a picture of his oil painting “Big Orange Nude”.

One medium sometimes informs the other. “Rather than paint a foot, I might make a sculpture of the foot then go back to the painting.’’

Schaller has produced still-life, three-dimensional collages from carved cypress and synthetic polymer paints. He delights in telling of his discovery of polystyrene printing, how you paint the polystyrene with turps, which eats into it then print in paint with it. “The purist printmakers don’t like it!’’

The possibilities of his art, you sense, are joyous, unpredictable and endless. But for now, there’s the cape to contemplate, as we head off to see what the granite looks like today, Schaller loosening up and talkative as we tread the sand dunes, reaching the top of a ridge to hear the pounding surf, looking expectantly, towards the snapper’s head. C

coast 34 Coast Update FINAL.indd 34

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Andrew Joyce

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20/2/07 4:15:48 PM

Andrew Joyce is a familiar sight riding his motorised bicycle between Inverloch and Wonthaggi. This appears to be a leisurely ride for him but few people would know that this is a compassionate man used to tough challenges.

cycle of life Andrew Joyce’s

words Barb Weston photos Warren Reed First impressions of Andrew’s place were the number and variety of bicycles outside his house. Sitting in his lounge room, he greeted me a little hesitantly. Surrounded by newspapers, magazines and bookshelves stacked high, he was dressed in his reflective vest, ready to ride into Wonthaggi for a medical appointment. We began to talk about his life’s experiences.

Andrew’s carefree life as a 17-year-old changed forever on April 5, 1978. He was riding his bicycle home from his job, stacking shelves in Leongatha, on the seven-kilometre stretch of road between Wallace Road and Inverloch. Andrew remembers, “at 6.55 pm I had my lights on, but was not wearing a reflective vest or a helmet. Helmets were not compulsory until 1980. The road was under repair and my chain fell off. I was bending over trying to fix it and worrying because I did not want to be late for dinner with Mum. The motorist who hit me, described later what had happened. He said that he did not see me because an oncoming car was scooting up dust.”

Andrew remembers very little about the collision. He suffered an acquired brain injury (A.B.I.) and a smashed elbow from the impact, and as a result was unable to gain a driver’s licence or work again. He was put onto a disability pension in 1981 and says “I’m luckier than most people because I got compensation - others didn’t.” Andrew needed to fill his life with rewarding and challenging activities. He became animated as he talked about his many charity rides and walks. These events were not half-day pleasure trips by any means, but his passion for raising money for Bikes for Bibles transcended the physical discomfort he experienced. In 1992 he completed two rides. Six days riding from Finley, NSW to Ballarat, and a four day ride from Yarrawonga to Geelong. “The money I raised ($700 total) was donated from people I knew,” Andrew said.

The charity walks were far more gruelling for Andrew. “In 1990 I walked 200 kilometres from Warrnambool to Melbourne over eight days but missed 68 kms due to blisters and pulled muscles.

The temperature was a blistering 35 to 39 degrees. Only eight people completed the distance out of 106 walkers. The charity was called ‘Walk For Little Feet.’”

The 1993 Yarrawonga to Melbourne walk cost him dearly. He

Coast Update FINAL.indd 37

clearly relived this gruelling experience as he continued: “We walked 290 kilometres over eight days. I was unable to sleep, battled depression and suffered from Crohn’s disease and fatigue.”

His memory, always precise, recalled the exact times, “but it would take me a fortnight to recover after each arduous walk.” Eventually he had to give up the charity rides due to Crohn’s disease, an ongoing irritable bowel complaint.

Andrew rides five or six motorised bikes as well as pedal bicycles. He does most of his own mechanical work and a visit to the tip is often profitable as he can use the dumped bikes for parts.

He is also proud of his rides to Melbourne from Inverloch. He has done this six times and, his phenomenal memory for facts and figures clicks in when he recalls exact times and dates.

“When you don’t work you need to do these things. My rides and walks gave me the opportunity to go to places I would not have had the chance to see. I am very proud of the greatest amount I once raised, $1,086, through local business support and donations from Wonthaggi, Leongatha and Korumburra.”

Andrew was born at Yallourn in 1961 and grew up in Warragul.

His father was a railway man. When he was 16 he went to live with his mother in Inverloch. He has four siblings, mostly living in the Gippsland area, and a half brother living in England whom he would love to visit.

He still rides to church at Archies Creek every Sunday, something he always enjoys. His friends, Sandra and Phillip who are members of the church, recall fondly that Andrew was best man at their marriage 19 years ago. They admire him immensely and Sandra says “In all kinds of weather – rain, hail or shine – he’s there.”

Phillip said they became friends when Andrew came to stay with his mother in Inverloch 20 years ago. He said “I would cut off my right arm to help him in any way that I can. Whenever I go past Andrew’s door I call in for a pit stop.” John, another of Andrew’s friends, whose friendship with him also goes back 20 years, describes him as “a generous person. He always sponsored my own kids for the MS Readathon. When it comes to causes, he puts in 100% despite blisters and other physical problems.”

Andrew reads mysteries, football magazines and all kinds of history as well as his bike manuals. He has kept diaries and>

20/2/07 4:15:51 PM

certificates of all his rides. “I read them to re-live those experiences.

These help me to tune out my mind and also to get psyched up to face the traffic – especially the trucks – when I ride. I only ride in daylight now… I almost had a collision with a kangaroo one night.”

When asked in what ways he is inspirational to others – which is what prompted the interview with him – he shuffled uneasily at this praise and simply talked about the fact that he gives encouragement to others, has strong faith and sets an example of how to get around independently on a bicycle with a disability. He chuckled and said: “ I don’t contribute to global warming as I don’t use much fuel…but I’m not perfect…I make mistakes.”

Andrew lives eight kilometres from Wonthaggi and still attends a rehabilitation group every Monday in Wonthaggi called Headway.

This group supports road and other accident victims, mostly those with A.B.I. They undertake a variety of activities, including craft and cooking, tenpin bowling and tennis, as many of them do not go out to socialise.

A question in my mind during the interview was why Andrew could not do some kind of structured work. Lyndon, the coordinator of Headway, gave some enlightening information about A.B.I. “There are many causes, not just from road accidents. These can include stroke, brain disease, heavy falls, drug addiction and others,” Lyndon said. “When the frontal lobe of the brain is affected, there are often difficulties with concentration and short term memory.

Emotions can play havoc and there are problems with attention, frustration and sometimes, even triggers like noise and smells can cause aggression.” A significant fact he said, (particularly in Andrew’s case) is that “ intellectual abilities are not impaired.” He also commented on Andrew’s phenomenal memory for dates and distances and said that “ Andrew is a complex character but is generous and sensitive to others. He is generally affable when he knows you.”

Lyndon wanted to convey to readers of this article that: “People with ABI can appear drunk and unsteady on their feet but we need to be careful not to judge when we don’t know what the problem is.”

This certainly does not apply to Andrew.

At the end, Andrew thanked me for talking with him and said: “It is an honour and a privilege to be asked to do this interview.” C

Headway Gippsland Incorporated. What is it?

There are five groups throughout Gippsland funded by this organisation to support victims of ABI and their families. Referral to this group can be from medical practitioners, community health services, other service providers such as the Shire Council and families. The spokesperson from the organisation emphasised that it is not just for road accident victims. TAC is responsible for these people and needs to agree to pay for the cost of using Headway services.

There are many other brain injuries requiring support from Headway, such as hypoxia (lack of oxygen to the brain) resulting from attempted suicide or drowning, brain disease such as tumours, severe falls from ladders (three out of five receive head injuries, especially those over 40), and head injuries sustained from sports such as football, cricket and horse riding.

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Call Coast magazine to advertise 0432 273 107 (tatia) ads@phillipislandothepromcoast.com.au Coast Update FINAL.indd 39

20/2/07 4:16:13 PM

water

working for our Leesa Moir

Customer Service Officer. Years of service - 21 Years 10 months

Leesa has lived on Phillip Island since the tender age of 15. She joined Westernport Water straight from school. Lisa enjoys bike riding, going to the gym, karate and all that Phillip Island has to offer. In her spare time, she involves herself with fundraising for organizations and causes such as Jeans for Genes Day, Shave for a Cure, Canteen and Red Nose Day. “I have volunteered for 10 years at Camp Quality, and most of my holidays are taken up with camps.” When Leesa started her job in customer service for Westernport Water, meter reading, payroll, banking, general customer services and manual banking were all order of the day. “Working with this organization for such a long time gives you a lot of knowledge, and responsibility, which I like.”

The atmosphere is great, and the general public are pleasant - especially the plumbers,” she says. “Customer Services has a great team vibe.

We have all become friends (as well as colleagues) and socialize outside of work. Working at Westernport Water lends itself to a certain lifestyle, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. I love the freedom and the cosiness of a small community.”

Dean Chambers

Water Treatment Plant Operator. Years of service - 15 Years

Dean was born in Rosebud and moved to Wonthaggi at age seven. To this day, he still lives in Wonthaggi, and is married with three girls.

“I started (part-time) with the Coronet Bay project, overseeing works and Occupational Health and Safety, and then moved onto Operations and Maintenance. I was successful in obtaining a traineeship at the Ian Bartlett treatment plant and have been there for over eight years. My work involves co-ordinating the sampling of water quality, making sure it is right for all parameters. One of the biggest challenges is the changing raw water quality and working with this to obtain a desirable result. I work on rotation with two others, 24 hours per day, seven days per week. I enjoy conducting educational tours for universities, schools and community groups. Of late, I have been helping local farmers with drought-related issues. For example, I had three farmers who had problems with stagnating tanks. The issue was caused by a type of algae which I found by using a microscope, and I advised them that they could combat this problem by aerating their tanks and installing an inline filtration system. I like to follow up and check on these people, to make sure they are doing okay.” Helping staff and the general community is a commonplace for Dean and his work colleagues. Nothing is too much trouble, and they are not the kind to advertise these thoughtful acts. “What I like about my job is that I am always learning. I work with great people and really like the variety.”

Prue Bodsworth

Project Engineer (Systems). Years of service - 2.5 years

Prue moved from Melbourne to Phillip Island three years ago. She has an Engineering Science Degree from Melbourne University. Prue lives in Newhaven, loves surfing and is a member of Rural Australians for Refugees, which supports new refugees in the local area.

Her position involves using water and sewer computer models to facilitate growth of the Authority’s network which Westernport Water coast 40 Coast Update FINAL.indd 40

20/2/07 4:16:26 PM

advertising feature

We rarely spare a thought about our water. We have the convenience of turning on a tap, having a shower, or flushing the toilet without thinking of the work involved that brings it to our home. Westernport Water have a dedicated staff who love the region, and they work tirelessly to bring safe and clean water to us. We’d like to introduce some of our water warriors who make water their mission.

Over page - Top L-R Prue Bodsworth, Peter Brown & crew Bottom L-R Leesa Moir, Keith Gregory & customer, Dean Chambers This page - Tony Ferres supplies. Prue says, “I also deal with environmental issues such as EPA reporting and the implementation of recycled water projects. I enjoy working at Westernport Water because of the diversity of my role and working both inside and outdoors. I get to work with great people.” “I love the beach and living in a small community. This job enables me to work in my area of expertise and enjoy my lifestyle.”

Peter Brown (aka Skeeta)

Operations and Maintenance Supervisor. Years of service - 20 years

Peter (Skeeta to his mates) was born in Wonthaggi and lived on a dairy farm at Woolamai. He went to school at Woolamai Primary then went on to Wonthaggi Tech. He lives with his wife and two children at San Remo. Peter says, “I started as a Water Bailiff with Westernport, and then went on to Operations and Maintenance, then Storeman/Leading Hand. After a couple of years I was appointed as the supervisor of six outdoor staff. The area we manage extends from Archie’s Creek to the Nobbies, and onto Pioneer Bay, with 80 sewer pump stations and 60 medium and low pressure sewer pump stations. We take care of the sewer and water reticulation system – which has roughly 17,000 connections. Our team works on a rotation basis. We’re on call - 24 hours per day -7 days per week. I find the work diverse and I like being outdoors. The crew I work with are great. We have a good working environment and we all get together on a Friday night and have a beer and a laugh.”

Tony Ferres

Land Management Officer. Years of service - 19 Years

Born and bred in Emerald, Tony moved to Phillip Island at 26, where he married, had three children and now lives in Coronet Bay. “I started at Westernport Water as Leading Hand/Supervisor, then became Superintendent. The Authority offered me a position as Land Management Officer, which entails the set-up and running of the three farms (at Cowes, Bass and Grantville) owned by Westernport Water . My job involves running a wastewater treatment plant in Bass. We use an irrigation system which operates with 100% recycled water, and grow pasture and lucerne which is cut for hay and silage. I am also responsible for up to 200 head of beef cattle which run on the 500-plus acres of land I manage. “I love the variety of my job, and the profoundly rewarding feeling of working the land and seeing things grow. The only thing I don’t like is the flies - because I know where they’ve been!”

Keith Gregory

Organization Development Manager. Years of service - 3 years

Keith moved to Phillip Island in 1995, after returning from overseas working with BP in Australia, the UK, Middle East, Indonesia and Singapore. His lives with his wife on a property in Ventnor, where he is a keen breeder of Alpacas.

Keith says, “My job entails managing the organisational, human resource and occupational health and safety functions in the Authority. It’s a great place to work. Westernport Water provides employment to a large number of local people , and also provides an essential service to the community in our region. It is rewarding to see how our people have pulled together during a difficult time of drought to continue their work to provide this service. It is terrific to feel part of a team that can produce great results - even when under pressure.” C

Coast Update FINAL.indd 41

20/2/07 4:16:28 PM

mossvale music The majestic setting of Mossvale Park, with its remarkable aged trees and rolling hills, will again host the 2007 Mossvale Music Festival on Saturday 17th March, noon until dusk. By popular demand, famous American blues and gospel artist, Eric Bibb, will return, accompanied by Englishman Danny Thompson, plus a bevy of fresh musical talent waiting to entertain you.

eric bibb & danny thompson

Eric Bibb’s music is a rich blend of the blues with elements of folk, country, gospel, and soul. Eric’s first album, Good Stuff, was released in 1997 and he quickly established himself as one of the great new blues and folk talents in the world. Accolades came from his peers such as Taj Mahal who said, “Eric is one of the new, young singers that has appeared on the scene that, much to my delight, has a great voice, is an excellent performer, and has a great knowledge about the roots of the music.”

A performance by Eric Bibb is an enriching experience – both musically and spiritually.

Purveying a beautifully realised and deftly accomplished, soulful and gospel infused, folk- blues, Eric has no problem melding a traditional rootsy American style with a subtle contemporary sensibility. For fans of incredible bass playing, the exquisite Danny Thompson, who began his career in the legendary sixties folk rock group Pentangle, and went on to accompany artists such as Roy Orbison, Richard Thompson and Kate Bush, will join Eric on stage. In duo mode, audiences will be given an opportunity to hear Eric’s songs in a stunning new light, as Danny casts the music in the warm glow and unmistakable character he is revered for creating.

“Often described as alt-country pop, South Australia’s The Audreys feature the smoky vocals of chanteuse Taasha Coates and a line-up of dapper suited boys on banjo and guitars, violin, double bass and drums. Since forming in 2004 the band have made quite a name for themselves, growing from an acoustic pub outfit to a touring band comfortable on any festival stage. Beautiful musicianship and an unbridled enthusiasm for live performance make their shows unforgettable, and their debut album “Between Last Night And Us” was released in February 2006 to outstanding reviews and ultimately won an ARIA award: Best Folk/Roots CD.

the audreys

c.w. stoneking

“The incomparable, inexplainable blues savant, C.W. Stoneking” Mohair Slim - PBS F.M. He wears a ragged black suit and a preachin’ hat, makes tunes about singing dodo birds, hollers like a 1920’s tent show blues shouter, plays guitar like a demon, and mutters to himself onstage. The legendary king of hokum blues, C.W. Stoneking, is a true entertainer who relies on musicianship, stagecraft, and performance to invoke the spirit of 1920’s Southern blues in his original hokum style. ’King Hokum’, his latest CD, features C.W. Stoneking on his trusty steel bodied dobro and tenor banjo, drawing inspiration from influences that include; pre-war blues, hillbilly, old jazz, prison work songs and 1920’s calypso. ”He’s a national treasure, this guy’s straight out of the dust bowl of the 1930s. I’m just amazed that he exists because I never thought I’d see anything like it.” J. Walker (Machine Traslations)

festival

coast 42 Coast Update FINAL.indd 42

20/2/07 4:16:33 PM

moss vale music festiv al

12.00 - 12.40pm

BILL JACKSON (Oak Stage)

12.40 -1.15pm

FLOYD THURSBY (Lawn Stage)

1.15 - 2.10pm

photos by John Banikos

KEVIN BURKE & GED FOLEY (Oak Stage)

2.10 - 2.50pm

LIZ STRINGER (Lawn Stage)

2.50 - 3.55pm

THE MAMMALS (Oak Stage)

3.55 - 4.35pm

CW STONEKING (Lawn Stage)

4.35 - 5.40pm

le a sv

THE AUDREYS (Oak Stage)

5.40 - 6.25pm

JACKIE MARSHALL (Lawn Stage)

6.25 - CLOSE

l a tiv

s e f ic

s u m

s o m

172007

march

ERIC BIBB & (Oak Stage) DANNY THOMPSON

Adults - $38 Concession - $32 Under 16’s - Free

Mossvale Park Strezlecki Hwy (16km from) Leongatha Enquiries & bookings (03) 5664 9239 . continues over page

www.myspace.com/mossvalemusicfestival coast 43

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Brisbane-based artist Jackie Marshall has just released her much-lauded debut LP Fight n’Flight which has been been cited as “one of the most interesting and original releases in recent Australian music” (The Canberra Times); Jackie herself has been described as “that rare thing: an Aussie original” (The Weekend Australian). “We’re ultimately all alone, we fall in love, we die and without music the road would never bend. To save us from ourselves the Gods are kind enough, once in a while, to send a messenger of such startling originality that life is transformed from being merely bearable to simply divine. Jackie Marshall is such a soul. Hers is a music that enriches one’s life, broadens one’s soul, and speaks to the heart. A song from Jackie Marshall is the play of the divine writ large upon the sensibilities of the world. She’s effing fabulous and far and away the best female singer and songwriter I have heard in Australia.” Sam Cutler Rolling Stones tour-manager ’69, Grateful Dead co-manager, and advisor to Janis Joplin.

jackie marshall

Kevin Burke is one of the true legends of Irish music. Performing with long time accompanist and singer Englishman Ged Foley they form one of the perfect partnerships in Irish traditional music. Over the last 30 years Kevin’s fiddle style has influenced literally thousands of young musicians worldwide. His inimitably silky, lyrical style was a cornerstone of legendary Irish group The Bothy Band. Today he sparks such Celtic super-groups as Patrick Street and The Celtic Fiddle Festival. Burke has recorded with artists as diverse as Kate Bush, Arlo Guthrie, Paul Brady, Tim O’Brien and Doug Dillard, and has released a string of solo recordings. He is also a highly regarded and passionate tutor of traditional Irish fiddle music. Ged Foley hails from the NE of England and was a dynamic musical force in many great traditional bands such as The Battlefield Band, The House Band, and more recently with Kevin in Patrick Street, and the Celtic Fiddle Festival. A gifted singer with an eclectic repertoire of songs, his guitar style exhibits both driving energy and great delicacy and complements Kevin’s fluid style perfectly.

kevin burke & ged foley

Melbourne singer/songwriter Floyd Thursby plays original acoustic folk and alt-country tunes from the dark side of the soul. Raised by a poet and a children’s author, Floyd has been writing and playing his unique style of music since his childhood. Thursby’s evocative songs shows his love of the classic song-writing skills of Tom Waits, Nick Cave and Johnny Cash, and as composer for well-respected film music ensemble the Ang Fang Quartet, he has also been influenced by the Quartet’s Eastern European rhythms and melodies.

floyd thursby Melbourne based original acoustic contemporary roots artist Liz Stringer has emerged triumphant with the critically acclaimed release of her debut album “Soon”. Her innate musicality merged with a true storytellers soul, makes for a truly powerful and unique performance, and leaves the listener with a feeling of having uncovered an emerging artist of significance. Playing guitar, banjo, harmonica (all of which she has taught herself ), and with the help of percussionist Adam May, Liz swings effortlessly from heartbreaking folk ballads and stories of lost love and absent friends, to joyous banjo/bluegrass inspired romps.

She plays with disarming simplicity but can launch into complex, epic, finger-bleeding jams.

She draws inspiration from her years growing up being exposed to traditional folk music and her love of rock and roll, funk and blues.

liz stringer

Albury born, Sale reared singer songwriter Bill Jackson had big advances on his peers – he first visited Texas hot spot Austin before it was popular with faddists. So when Jackson sings about ‘hanging out in Armadillo, smoking joints and writing songs in perfect harmony,’ in the searing Hole in the Chicken Wire he hasn’t pillaged it from a cyber chat room.

Equally importantly the Melbourne University educated some time teacher enriches realism by daubing his timeless tableau with slices from his three siblings’ lives and backing vocals by Olivia Nathan. (Dave Dawson, Beat Magazine)

bill jackson Tao Rodriguez-Seeger, Michael Merenda and Ruth Ungar first played together at an impromptu rum-drinking bash at Tao’s house in October of 2000. The band has evolved since its birth in the spring of 2001, picking up new sounds, styles, and band members (Chris Merenda & Jacob Silver) along the way. A string band at the core, The Mammals augment their sound with drums and electric guitar to create a collectively harmonized howl as thrilling and rocking as any band currently subverting folk traditions” They travel America in a large diesel van filled with drums, amps, an upright bass, fiddle, guitars and banjos. They have crafted a show that connects rock and traditional Appalachian music in a very organic way.

the mammals

C

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20/2/07 4:16:59 PM

health&beauty

A body philosophy

Filtering your water wisely

Beachside & beautiful

Osteopathy is a holistic form of complimentary medicine that uses ‘hands on’ manual techniques to diagnose and treat a wide variety of health conditions. It is based on the philosophy that the body functions as a complete unit. When the body is free of restrictions in movement, osteopathy believes the body can cope better with pain, stress and disease and has the potential to heal itself.

With water being such a hot topic this summer, there’s never been a better time to discuss how we can save it and how we should drink it.

Looking for a great hair and beauty treatment?

Osteopaths don’t just treat the common back pain, neck pain, joint aches, headaches and sports injuries, but a variety of other problems, including digestive problems, period pain, migraines and breathing issues.

Osteopaths utilise a sensitive and finely tuned sense of touch to test motions and tension within the body’s framework.

This is done via a variety of hands-on techniques that are gentle and noninvasive. This means that people of all ages can consult an osteopath, from the newborn to the elderly. Some of the techniques used include soft tissue and muscle stretching, massage, joint movement, gentle release techniques, and joint manipulation. Osteopaths undertake 5 years of tertiary education and have an on going professional development criteria to maintain registration.

Dr Mathew Holmes & Dr Donovan Strachan Bass Coast Sports & Spinal Osteopathy.

Watch for our new premises in Cowes, coming soon!

The Futurepure Water Purification Systems understand the importance of clean, fresh water, and market a range of handmade stoneware water purifiers. The stoneware, due to its insulating effect, keeps the water in a cool, protected state. The filters are English Doulton Ceramic and by simply adding water to the filter container, it passes through a microporous outer wall, leaving dirt and 99.8% of bacteria outside. The inner wall contains silver, which acts as natural biocide. Water then passes into activated carbon and the filter targets heavy metals, bacteria, chlorine and dirt. The filter doesn’t de-mineralize but keeps water continually moving - and does it all for 2 cents per litre.

Ongoing costs are only $35.00 a year.

The exercise of buying or filtering water is not a temporary one, and the real costs lie in the long term. Cheap bottled water costs 40 cents per litre. If you factor that an average family consumes 6 litres daily – the annual figure can blow out to $1600.

Tucked away in the tranquil seaside haven of San Remo – Beachside Hair and Beauty Salon overlooks the azure waters of Westernport Bay and offers all the beauty treatments you could dream of. Priding themselves on the latest hairstyles, trends and cutting techniques, you’ll be up there with the city styles and strutting your stuff before you know it.

The girls in the Salon are passionate about what they do and they really care about how you want to look and feel. From personal experience, I know that no gal enjoys waxing, but I’ve been informed there’s a new ‘waxing queen’ in town. I hear her customers sing her praises – so she must be something!

Exclusive treatments such as hair extensions, spray tanning, solarium, body wraps, facials, manicures, pedicures and massages are readily available and delivered to the highest standard. Beachside Hair & Beauty are experts with ‘brides to be’ . Making you look and feel your best is easy, and they offer the convenience of having all their services under one roof.

Water is an extremely precious resource, and Futurepure Purifications Systems are a cost effective and healthy alternative to allow us all to drink plenty of clean, healthy water in a cost effective manner.

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Call Mary or Dennis for more information or to buy your own Futurepure System 5952 6735 or 0400 432 149.

Beachside Hair and Beauty.

103b Marine Parade, San Remo.

5678 5323.

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Beachside Hair & Beauty

At Beachside Hair & Beauty we offer everything from top to toe to make you look and feel fantastic.

We provide top quality, professional hair styling and coloring, and beauty treatments. From the latest cutting techniques to wedding hair styles and hair extensions, you can be pampered in our beautiful salon overlooking Westernport Bay. From waxing, tinting, manicures, pedicures, spray tanning, solariun, facials, body wraps and massage, we will have you looking gorgeous!

103b Marine Parade, San Remo, Victoria Ph. (03) 5678 5323 model: Emma Escreet

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make up: Ally de la Rosa

hair: Emily Haw

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COUNSELLING MEDITATION REIKI WORKSHOPS PAINTING SALES

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

STOP ACHES & PAIN! YOUR PHILLIP ISLAND OSTEOPATH CAN HELP! Osteopaths are highly trained practitioners specialised in treating:

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Dr Mathew Holmes

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Phillip Island Osteopathy By appointment

234 Church Street, Cowes 3922 p. (03)5952 2822 f. (03)5952 2899

e. rgood@waterfront.net.au www.apartmentsatglenisla.com.au

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Ph. 56 785 966

182 Thompson Ave, COWES

20/2/07 4:17:40 PM

for arts sake

gallery profile

Phillip Island and the South Gippsland region boasts a diversity of talented artists. Nine image makers recently came together to exhibit their work at Mingara Gallery in Cowes. From their use of color, medium and style, they show us life through an artist’s eye and explain the motivation in the creation of their art.

NOELLE BUCKLEY

Mingara Gallery curator Noelle Buckley is an accomplished artist in her own right, and delights in promoting the talents of other artisians in the area. She was born in the region, and spent many weekends and school holidays beachcombing and bushwalking around the Bass Coast.

Her love of art took her around the world visiting all the major art galleries. She attained a BA degree in Fine Art, achieving a distinction in painting. She also won the prestigious Lucato Peace Prize in painting in her final year. She went on to study teaching, and also completed a BA in Fine Arts/Ceramics to further her knowledge of clay as a medium for sculpture.

After managing the successful Cothlestone gallery and studio in Melbourne, six years ago Noelle decided to return to her roots, and she opened Mingara Gallery in Cowes. Noelle says, “It’s a privilege to work with the fine group of artists who display their work at Mingara Gallery. We are always on the lookout for new talented artists, sculptors and craftspeople to join the gallery.” For enquiries please call Noelle at Mingara (03) 5952 1507

GREG JORGENSEN

I paint the stillness and quiet of the Australian bush, and seek metaphors in landscapes for human experience. Sometimes the landscapes are restructured. Different perspectives and spatial relationships are at the service of harmony and design. I aim to create a sense of place, and rich colourful statements of felt experience. Some of the art uses elements of synthetic cubism. From the paintings emerge contradictions of chaos and order, space and contraction, dynamism and stillness.

LYN HAHN

Lyn’ s paintings display her love of the area where she lives and works. Filled with colour and light, her paintings have won numerous awards and are held in both corporate and private collections.

Recently awarded the Thomas Somerscales Marine Art Award she continues to paint from the heart.

KELLY ADAIR

My work explores the many dimensions of the Australian landscape in its gestural form. I work in an abstract way with the use of enamels and oil paint.

Colour is very important to me. I love working with colours that are indicative of a changing landscape evolving through time.

MARY HENNEKAM

Mary Hennekam was born in Reading, UK and arrived in Australia with her Irish parents in 1949. She was educated at Kildare College and Brigidine Teachers College. After teaching in Melbourne for some years she commenced a Fine Arts Degree at Prahran Technical College.

She studied with various distinguished artist over a number of years and has developed her own distinctive style that has won her recognition as an award winning artist.

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gallery profile

Photo above - left to right: Annette Edwards, Lyn Hahn, Mary Hennekam, Julian Di Stefano, Kelly Adair, Greg Jorgensen, Michael Morgan, Noelle Buckley & John Quinn

JOHN QUINN

Over the last five years I have applied myself to painterly printmaking methods. I do this to create effects which cannot be achieved in any other way. A shift from pure paints and canvas is quite refreshing. The print process is considering results to a degree. Using thought processes about how an image will work before the work is created. With painting, works progress and dialogue with artist is established whilst work is in progress. Print is more a process of consequence - not that painting isn’t. I still work with oil paint, because it is the best. My works are an emotive and aesthetic response to where I am in the landscape at a particular time.

JULIAN DI STEFANO

The creation is endless in its diversity and magnificence. Making pictures is one way I respond to the marvels of its workings. I need to make pictures to record a sense of place and my relationship to it. I know I live more, feel more, sense more if I have recorded my experience in some way. My photography is always faithful to its original context, but each image is worked like a painted canvas. Like other arts; poetry, creative writing, music. There is always an interpretation of what I’ve seen and felt. My art is a celebration that affirms the greater order of things and also its mystery. I celebrate life, light and love.

ANNETTE EDWARDS

I majored in print making, but painting is currently my focus of interest. A love of collage has always permeated my work. The gradual unfolding of patterns and the idea of something that is simultaneously static and in flux, brush strokes against applied stencil areas, hard against organic. Like collage, interesting pictorial relationships can develop. A play between concealment and revelation, east and west, through the abstract language of paint.

MICHAEL MORGAN Colour and states of being. My work is about soul and the joy of life.

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winery

James Halliday 5 star rated winery 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

414 Berrys Beach Rd, Phillip Island Open 7 days 11am to 5pm tel 03 5956 8465 www.phillipislandwines.com.au enq@phillipislandwines.com.au

Lyre Bird hill Winery & Guesthouse Cellar Door open every day except Tuesday, for tastings & sales.

Cellar Door Sales

Local produce Light food available and picnic facilities

Waratah Hills Vineyard, Promontory Rd

Fish Creek Tel: 5683 2441

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Wine, dine and recline in style in the Guest House.

Lyre Bird Hill Winery & Guesthouse,

370 Inverloch Road, Koonwarra Phone 03 5664 3204 www.lyrebirdhill.com.au

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Phillip Island 895 Phillip Island Tourist Rd Newhaven Victoria 3925

1300 366 422

piinfo@basscoast.vic.gov.au

Cowes Cnr Thompson Ave & Church St Cowes Victoria 3922

1300 366 422

cowesinfo@basscoast.vic.gov.au

Inverloch

Wonthaggi

6 A’Beckett St Inverloch Victoria 3996

Watt Street Wonthaggi Victoria 3995

1300 762 433

invyinfo@basscoast.vic.gov.au

1300 854 334

woninfo@basscoast.vic.gov.au

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

grantville photos Maria & Warren Reed words Tatia Weston

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coastal secrets

Grantville is better known as the small bridging town on the South Gippsland highway to the popular seaside areas of Phillip Island, Inverloch, and Wilson’s Promontory. But many people would be unaware that it has made its own mark on time and has a fascinating story to tell…

The settlement was named after Lieutenant James Grant, who in 1801 made the first-known east bound passage through Bass Strait followed by the first European survey of the coast between Wilson’s Promontory and Westernport Bay. In the days of old, Grantville was a supply port for settlers and was the commercial hub of the South Gippsland area prior to the establishment of Wonthaggi. Glen Forbes, Glen Alvie and other hillside towns utilised the township as a gateway to the port for shipping timber and supplies to Melbourne. The town’s old mechanics’ institute (1888) remains from the 19th century and the cemetery contains some of the most historic tombstones in the area.

Now with a township of just 400 people, Grantville is located less then 100km from Melbourne and just 500m from the eastern shore of Westernport Bay. The small town continues to provide amenities for people living in the surrounding hills commonly known as the Gurdies. Just five minutes’ drive towards Almurta, you’ll be stunned at the breathtaking views over French Island, Phillip Island and Westernport Bay. Grantville has a small shopping centre, a foreshore caravan park, eateries and various shops selling antiques and bric-a-brac. It’s also a popular pit stop for motorists. A jetty lies at the end of Pier Street with a picnic area and toilets for a welcome stop over and lunch spot. The BMerry Café offers delicious snacks and refreshments for the weary traveller, and a quick trip down the highway will have you following the foot of the Bass Hills to the picturesque Bass River Winery, where you can pick up a fine drop for dinner.

So when you next stop at Grantville, take a moment to appreciate its history and its significant mark on this area. You might just see the ghosts of the horses and carts of old slogging their way up to the hills… C

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THE STUDIO Internet & Ice Cream Cafe

o Confectionery o Specialty & novelty cakes o Icecream cakes wholesale/retail o Award winning icecream o Homemade cookies o Smoothies o Jasper and Fair Trade coffee o Chai - Lattes o INTERNET CAFE o Photocopying

A great place to stop, a great place to stay.

Friendly faces...cold beer...great wine...local produce...live entertainment...Sunday blues...amazing views...

The way you imagine a country pub to be.

a/ 161 Marine Pde San Remo t/ 03 5678 5205 e/ info@thewesternport.com.au www.thewesternport.com.au

eat, drink and...

Shop 8/93 Marine Pde, San Remo 56785332

The studio b.indd 1

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B MERRY CAFE Restaurant and Take away

Contemporary Mediterranean food, restaurant and take away, functions, weddings or just good fun and great food.

Opposite BP Grantville

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-

Shop 7, 1509 Bass Hwy, Grantville ph: 5678 8757

20/2/07 4:19:56 PM

entertainment review

the westernport rock’n hard at

words & photos Tatia Weston design Maria Reed

The Westernport Hotel in San Remo has firmly established itself as the entertainment venue in this region. Situated across from the Sanny (San Remo) pier, it is southern Victoria’s premier live entertainment pub, recognised for staging the best gigs this side of Melbourne.

You could say the Westernport is the jackpot of aussie seaside pubs. Cold beer, great food and stunning seaside views all go toward the making of a good pub, but when you throw in quality entertainment and a cruisy atmosphere – you’ve got a great pub!

With capacity for up to 500 people and a state-of-the-art in-house sound system, there is no doubt why the venue has become a legendary hangout for music lovers both local and afar. The Westernport has featured the Sky Hooks to Pete Murray - and everything in between. Recent impressive line ups included TZU, N’fa, Butter Fingers, 28 Days, Vasco Era, Bodyjar, True Live, Ben Quin, Diesel, Dallas Crane, the Spazzy’s and loads more. It’s not uncommon to see big name bands that have performed in LA, London, Sydney, and Melbourne adding San Remo’s Westernport Hotel on their list.

I was fortunate enough to witness the rocking (and I mean ROCKING!!) of Airbourne – the Aussie band holding the title as the new ACDC. When you’re handed a pair of earplugs with your drink, you know you’re in for a serious ‘eardrum’ workout. Moshing replaced talking and if you were game enough to get near the stage you’d be jumping like there was no tomorrow.

If moshing ain’t your speed, the Westernport offers a variety of live gigs including solo acts, duos, trios, local bands, cover bands, and original artists. They also offer regular comedy acts, fundraiser events, trivia and movie nights and a great line up of chilled acoustic artists who play on Friday nights - and some Sundays.

So whatever your entertainment tastes, the Westernport will have something you will enjoy. Offering great food and bevvies, friendly welcoming staff, accommodation for out-of-towners and a view of the bay thrown in – what more could you want from a great seaside pub?

To see what’s on at the Westernport visit www.westerport.com.au/entertainment or call 5678 5205

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coastal secrets

Prom Country Visitor Information Centre

South Gipppsland Highway, Korumburra, VICTORIA, 3950.

Phone: 1800 630 704 infocentre@southgippsland.vic.gov.au www.visitpromcountry.com Phone us for your FREE Prom Country Visitor Guide & Touring Map.

loch lovely little

photos Maria & Warren Reed words Tatia Weston

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Like a little treasure waiting to be discovered, Loch Village is a quaint township situated on the Old South Gippsland Rail Line in South Gippsland. Just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne, Loch makes for an easy day-trip and offers a welcome stopover on the way to Wilson’s Promontory.

The tiny township provides that old world charm which can be appreciated by every passer-by. The settlement was established in 1876 by pioneer A. R. Smith and the streets are lined with award-winning cottage gardens, and many of the original buildings are still in existence today.

Local traders and residents in the town are friendly, welcoming and happy to share their local stories. The town has an array of charming antique and collectable shops, woodcraft galleries, an internationally acclaimed patchwork and quilting establishment, tea rooms, cafes, restaurants, wineries and various accommodation options. If you’re a coffee lover, be sure to drop into the Hard Loch Café for a fabulous brew.

Every second Sunday between October and May the village comes to life with the Lions’ community market. You can snap up just about everything and anything such as local produce, plants, tools, bric-a-brac and lots of other collectable items. It’s a must for market lovers.

It would be a hard task not to be taken by this delightful village with its ‘step back in time’ atmosphere. The township is well worth the visit or stopover. C

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travel

TWO days doesn’t sound like enough time to experience Japan but, keeping in mind it’s often all the Japanese have themselves for sightseeing, Andre Chiaradia decided to give it a go.

I had spent the week dealing with diving profiles - I was working on diving behaviour of penguins with colleagues from the Japanese Polar Research Institute - and was happy with the business side of my trip so far.

But while I worked, my travelling mob - my son, partner and a very good friend – had already been exploring Tokyo’s culture. Not really fair but the payback was that it gave me the rare chance to choose whatever I wanted to do, in two days, without having to bargain or compromise. Time limited I decided on two things I wanted to see in Japan: Buddhist temples and geishas.

Years ago, in a tropical place on the other side of the globe, I lived next door to a Japanese Buddhist temple which, to the disbelief of my Catholic family, I used to visit on Sunday mornings. I wouldn’t call myself a Buddhist but I liked the peaceful atmosphere of the temple, singing mantras almost inebriated by the foggy incense and the silence of meditation. At that time, I was also introduced to the Japanese cuisine over spring harvesting festivals which included beautifully dressed women in kimonos. They giggled and flirted and I thought then, wrongly, they were geishas. So I decided, being in Japan, I should see and compare a temple and “geishas” from the tropics with the real thing.

My mob, already familiar with vast and crowded train stations of Tokyo, took me to Kyoto, the cultural capital of Japan. Just catching the train was an adventure on its own. And quite terrifying. We had to pinpoint the destination station from a complex web of train lines with names I wouldn’t dream of pronouncing. I didn’t argue about directions and didn’t dare to ask “do you know where are we going, luv?” I was happy to follow my guides to any station without questions and to my surprise, we managed to find the right one with five minutes to spare.

The spotlessly clean and super-fast bullet train was getting ready to depart and was already packed. In the first quarter of the trip we had to sit on the floor and had to somehow store all our luggage. Being 5’7”, I didn’t have too much trouble finding a place to put my legs but I was feeling sorry for the 6’4” - by 6’4” - Kiwi ex-rugby player sitting next to me with his two-year-old son, wife, pram and, of course, lots of luggage. The ride improved dramatically when we finally found seats.

Over the next four hours, the continuous scenery was of small villages and cultivated fields – every single piece of land had been used for

housing or agriculture.

Arriving in Kyoto, Japan’s original capital city and more than 1200 years old, we realised temples were going to be easy to find. They were everywhere! More difficult to locate was accommodation. It was a major holiday weekend in Japan and all the hotels were fully booked. The only room we could find was in a 5-star hotel for 50,000 yen – about $600 – which seemed a lot for a room. But, what the hell, it was our only night in Kyoto and we had nowhere else to stay!

We spent the afternoon visiting Buddhist temples although the ones we came across were shut and we could only admire them from the outside. I had hoped to experience the inside solitude although I realised I had little hope with a toddler in the party.

Back at the hotel I started reading my travel guide. To my surprise I found not all girls dressed in kimonos were geishas! Only a small number - my book says 1000 – are involved in the businesses of this much specialised art of entertainment exclusively catering for men.

As well, I read they only frequented very exclusive and expensive tea houses. Being the only male in the group interested to meet them I realised I had no chance of convincing the girls to spend another fortune to see the back of a geisha’s neck - as sensual to Japanese men as cleavage to Aussie blokes! However my travel book did tip that geishas or geisha apprentices could be spotted moving in the dark lanes of Gion – the geisha district.

Off we went for some geisha spotting to Gion which has a busy night life and is filled with tiny little bars and restaurants, some with seating for only three people. I am not sure how those businesses survive financially but they were everywhere. We visited several sipping the local produce, sake, which was not to my taste but does the trick. We also passed several tea houses, usually owned by former geishas, but there was no sign of geishas. A few more lanes and a few more drinks and we finally spotted a couple of geishas in the distance.

We ran after them trying to get a picture but poor co-ordination, and yes, sake does impair your walking, means we return to our hotel without a decent photo.

The following day, while visiting a native bamboo forest in Arashiyama, on the outskirts of Kyoto, we find what we are looking for.

A beautiful apprentice geisha riding in a rickshaw.

And she was a perfect picture! C

geishaspotting photos Andre Chiaradia & Diana Whittington words Andre Chiaradia

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Geisha – the oldest profession?

The geisha is usually associated with prostitution to most westerners.

This is not true. Geishas are very specialised artists who start their demanding careers very early in life. In ancient time, the first geishas were males. They are all women now and study for years in the arts of dancing, singing, playing instruments, acting and the ritual of the tea ceremony. Their bad reputation probably comes from the WWII when prostitutes in Japan called themselves geishas to be more appealing to the soldiers. The recent movie “Memoirs of a Geisha”, based on the book of the same name, has not done anything to improve the geisha’s image. This fictional book was in fact written by an American male.

Captions: Bottom Left - Two geishas on the back streets of Gion after a few sakes…

Bottom right - Tea house: An old geisha welcomes a guest to the tea house.

This page - Geisha in the rickshaw: Picture perfect – a geisha apprentice (also known as mako) wearing her very elaborate kimono and intricate hairdo.

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Nude Food Organic Gourmet Food Store The way food should be!

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Full a la carte menu all day Modern Australian and international cuisine Fully licenced

Open 7 days Tapas, Juice Bar, Organic Wines & Licensed Cafe Unadulterated, delicious, innovative cuisine

NUDE FOOD 141 Marine Parade San Remo (03) 5678 5530 nudefood@bigpond.com

Gourmet Pizzas Opening Hours Mon-Fri 10am till late Sat-Sun 9am till late 8 Williams St, Inverloch 3996 Ph: 5674 2129

Silverleaves Store

Fabulous food, coffee & wine all day

Discover our Licensed cafe, Gourmet provisions, Gippsland wines, & cellar door sales

DAY & NIGHT

cnr The Esplanade and Thompson ave, Cowes, Phillip Island Tel: (03)5952 2060 Fax: (03) 5952 1829 www.hotelphillipisland.com

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Cnr Sanders Road & Honeysuckle Grove, Silverleaves.

Phillip Island ( 1 km from Cowes) 03 5952 1110 www.phillipislandgetaway.com.au

20/2/07 4:21:24 PM

accommodation review

marks villa memorable

words Maria Reed photos Maria & Warren Reed

If warm and friendly hospitality is a priority on your next holiday, drop into Mark’s Villa at Inverloch. Owner Jenny Villante will greet you on arrival with a huge smile and plenty of local information.

Her relaxed and friendly manner will help you slip into holiday mode with ease. “We have a dog and a cat here, and the guests love it. It’s just like being at home,” she says.

“I have people ring me saying their kids ask ‘can we go back to Aunty Jenny’s?’, which is sweet. I get really nice clientele.”

Jenny had her own sea-change 13 years ago when she moved to Inverloch. She always dreamt of building a motel, and three years ago that dream came to fruition. With an aging population in mind, she designed the resort style motel to be wheelchair-friendly to suit people of all ages and abilities. “There are no steps on the property and there is easy access to two rooms that feature special bathrooms designed for wheelchairs,” she says. The spacious rooms are family-friendly. “We’ve got a big toy box in the communal dining area for the kids to play with, and I even have a lolly jar for the kids who are good and finish all their breakfast.”

The resort-style motel features a tropical indoor pool and spa with a hydraulic lift designed for people with special needs. It is a popular spot for all ages. “It’s the perfect place for mums to sit back and relax by the salt water pool while the littlies can have a splash around,” says Jenny.

The 12 villa units feature nine double rooms and three family rooms. Each room is comfortably equipped with reverse-cycle air and Austar television. A delightful wisteria-covered pergola leads to a barbeque area surrounded by lush gardens, with cutlery and plates available for guests. Enjoy a scrumptious breakfast, which is included in the tariff, and mingle with fellow guests in the communal dining room.

Each villa is bordered by a colourful selection of plants. “Some guests take cuttings and report back how they are growing,” Jenny laughs. As a testament to Jenny’s hospitality, a staggering 80 percent of people are repeat clients. “I have people ring me saying their kids ask ‘can we go back to Aunty Jenny’s?’, which is sweet. I get really nice clientele.”

The villas are perfectly positioned, being mere steps away from the shops and restaurants of Inverloch, and the beach. Jenny glows, “I love the beach here, and that the sun rises out of the water in the morning. I love the inlet, the surf beach and the rugged coastline. We’ve got it all. When you walk through the park and wander down the track and get the first glimpse of the beach – it’s just magic, it’s so beautiful.” C

Marks Villa Inverloch 24-26a A’Beckett Street Inverloch Victoria 3996 Ph (03) 5674 1311 or (03) 5674 1377 Fax (03) 5674 2173 marksinverloch@bigpond.com www.promcountry.com.au

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OPENING HOURS Tuesday to Thursday 5pm - 11pm Friday to Sunday 11am - 11pm

for complete Entertainment

catering services functions partys corporate events ďŹ ngerfoods

specialising in quality bistro, restaurant and function experiences

funky atmosphere, fabulous food Sol Cafe 59 569 169 Beach Road Rhyll, Phillip Island

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The b u l C i g Wonthag 16 Mc Bride ave Wonthaggi tel: 56 72 1007 e: wonclub@dcsi.net.au

20/2/07 4:22:16 PM

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

Mezza Luna

Cafe Lugano

Hard Loch Cafe

The Foreshore

Cafe Tsunami

Flynns Inn

Gullivers

7/1509 Bass Highway Grantville, Victoria Phone 03 5678 8757 Modern mediterranean cafe

60 McBride Avenue Wonthaggi, Victoria Phone 03 5672 1611 Fabulous coffee, cakes & meals 10 Smith Street Loch, Victoria Phone 03 5659 4466 Fine food, organic coffee

71 Thompson Avenue Cowes, Phillip Island Phone 03 5952 5636 Modern style cafe food

8 Williams Street, Inverloch Phone 03 5674 2129 Modern Australian and international cuisine

Restaurant & Bar 11 Beach Rd, Rhyll, Phillip Island Phone 03 5956 9520 Lunch & dinner by the bay

72 Chapel Street Cowes, Phillip Island Phone 03 5952 1800 Traditional Irish bar & restaurant

Thompson Ave Cowes, Phillip Island Phone 03 5952 5150 A seafood sensation & bar

Harrys on the Esplanade

Pelicans Bistro

17 The Esplanade, Cowes Phone 03 5952 6226 Fine dining - Fresh seafood

161 Marine Parade, San Remo Phone 03 5678 5205 Live acoustic guitar and great meals

Tudor Treats

Sol

Hotel

de Vine Restaurant

Shop 2, 72 Chapel Street Cowes, Phillip Island Phone 03 5952 2951 Delicious home made foods

The Esplanade, Cowes, Phillip Island, Victoria Phone 03 5952 2060 Modern contemporary food

Beach Road, Rhyll Phillip Island, Victoria Phone 03 5956 9169 Tapas bar & meals

djinta

djinta W I N E RY

10 Stevens Road, Kardella South (between Korumburra/Leongatha) Phone 03 5658 1163 Djinta Djinta winery restaurant

Sandbanks

Silverleaves Store

Wonthaggi Club

Nude Food

Big Johns Pizza

The Studio

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

16 McBride Avenue Wonthaggi, Victoria Phone 03 5672 1007 Bistro & a la Carte dining Shop 1/72 Chapel Street Cowes, Phillip Island Phone 03 5952 1022 Voted ‘Best pizza in town’

wheretoeat

BMerry Cafe

Cnr Sanders Rd & Honeysuckle Grove, Silverleaves, PI Phone 03 5952 1110 Breakfast, lunch & everything in between

141 Marine Parade San Remo, Victoria Phone 03 5678 5530 Unadulterated, delicious, organic cuisine

Shop 8/93 Marine Parade San Remo Phone 03 5678 5332 Coffee, gourmet desserts & icecream coast 63

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RESTAURANT

& WINE BAR NOW OPEN

5952 5150 62 - 66 Thompsons Ave, Cowes. Phillip Island - Victoria Coast Update FINAL.indd 64

20/2/07 4:23:07 PM

Gullivers great

‘Good things come to those who wait’ – and the wait is finally over! Dedicated patrons of Gulliver’s Eatery have been patiently biding their time, enjoying freshly cooked fish and chips, divine coffee and mouth-watering treats, all the while peering through the doors into the swanky restaurant and bar, awaiting its grand opening.

After a somewhat lengthy 18-month wait (due to license and permit hold-ups), Gulliver’s opened with a flourish over the summer holidays and now boasts a sophisticated bar and restaurant, in the seaside town of Cowes.

Gulliver’s partner and ‘allo allo’ English charmer Adi Kerr is the perfect host - and along with his dedicated staff, he creates a warm and friendly environment where diners and drinkers can relax and unwind.

We arrived at Gulliver’s earlier than our friends, to be welcomed by our waitress to a seat at the bar. The cherry walls, exposed brick, extensive bar and groovy music gave me déjà vu of some fun-filled nights I’d spent at an inner city St Kilda bar.

While the vibe is definitely modern, we were happily reminded of our place by the sea, with the fine food and wine selections, very much favouring local producers.

Our friendly barman suggested a cocktail may be in order, and I have to admit that we didn’t put up much of a fight, ordering a dry martini (for him) and a Bramble (gin and fresh citrus crowned with crème de mure over crushed ice) for myself.

The bar began to fill with the happy chatter of locals and holidaymakers. I could see this being a regular Friday night (or any other night for that matter) kinda place.

The theme at Gulliver’s is definitely social and you will find yourself having a great time without really trying. The tapas/ entree plates encourage you to experiment with new flavours and textures. We enjoyed seared Canadian scallops in pomme puree, with crispy lotus root and madeira sauce. The Pistachio pepper-crusted yellow-fin-tuna sashimi style delighted our

tastebuds and sat upon a bed of vermicelli salad, fresh chilli, and seaweed with a ponzu dressing. The crisp asparagus and truffle salad was delicious and the clear chilled tomato consommé acted as the perfect cleanser between courses.

Gulliver’s Chef de Cuisine, Joshua Tirant is an inspiration. He has trained with the best since he was 13, including Patrick Jennings at the Menzies Rialto, and worked as Sous Chef alongside Paul Rayner at the Hotel Mansion. At 21 he earned his 1st Chef Hat at Stone Lea on the Yarra Valley outskirts, and has won numerous cooking awards – consistently taking out first place prizes.

Joshua’s primary culinary goal is to take an honest and respectful approach to Classical French dining whilst adding his own unique, flamboyant touch. Using modern French techniques, along with lashings of passion and a fine serve of intuition towards flavour combination, he draws on his Australian, French and Seychelles heritage to create exquisite and memorable dishes.

The Chef’s selection of main courses such as seared kangaroo fillet, baby snapper fillets, duck l’orange, crispy Atlantic salmon and Gippsland Angus scotch fillet was not only tantalising to the palate, but beautifully presented. We selected a bottle of French Island Pinot Gris that was fully appreciated as we made future plans to visit the home of this fine drop. With local flavours covered, we chose a nice little Shiraz from Carlei Green vineyard in Heathcote. Should you find the extensive wine list overwhelming, host Adi Kerr will be happy to recommend a bottle to complement your meal. All up, it was a night of delicious flavours, ‘Ow are ya darlin’?’ Adi hospitality, exotic brews, and fine wines rounded up with fun and laughter.

Gulliver’s Bar is open all day, and the restaurant is open for dinner from 6.30pm. Bookings can be made, but are not essential. Phone (03) 5952 5150 Gulliver’s Wine Bar and Eatery is located at 62-66 Thompsons Ave, Cowes, Phillip Island.

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the foreshore bar

&

restaurant

my favoriterecipe Seared Yellow Fin Tuna

topped with a cucumber and ginger salsa, on a bed of wild roquette and peach salad, with a balsamic reduction.

drinks & coffee all day

local produce & fresh seafood Chef James Gross from the Foreshore Restaurant in Rhyll shares his delicious fish dish with Coast readers. He says, “I have some great recipes to compliment fish, as it is one of the favorites at The Foreshore. Our menu is very diverse.

From Morrocan, Indian and Asian flavours to good old English bangers and mash and rack of lamb, we cater to all tastes.”

weddings & special events

open 7 days for lunch & dinner

the foreshore

bar & restaurant

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

Ingredients 2 X 200g Yellowfin Tuna fillets (A grade sashimi) ½ cucumber 1 tomato 4cm fresh ginger Chopped coriander Juice of half a lemon I tablespoon sesame oil 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 1 peach Wild roquette I tablespoon olive oil 2 tablespoons brown sugar 150ml balsamic vinegar

Method Salsa: De-seed and finely dice cucumber and tomato. Peel and finely shred ginger. Toast cumin seeds in a dry pan until aromatic, and then crush in a mortar and pestle. Toss cucumber, tomato, ginger, cumin seeds, coriander leaves, lemon juice, sesame oil in a bowl, and add salt and pepper to taste.

Slice peach into wedges. Toss with roquette and olive oil.

In a small pot bring balsamic vinegar to the boil. Add brown sugar and reduce on a low heat to a syrup. Season Tuna with salt and pepper, then grill or barbeque to rare.

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delectabledrops

by Adi Kerr - Gullivers Wine Bar

Phillip Island Estate 03 Merlot Phillip Island, Victoria

Holly’s Garden 06 Pinot Gris Whitlands, Victoria

Victor Gontier 96 Calvados France

Amaro Averna Aperitif/Digestive Bitters Sicily, Italy

Those ‘undercover’ secretors have come up with a gem of a merlot.

Powerful aromas of sweet mulberry, violets, and plum - with traces of musty coffee.

Intense fruit on the palate initially followed by a delicious secondary flavour of oak.

Lip smacking with rare seared Roo and Juniper jus.

Produced just north of Gippsland in the high country of Victoria this Pinot Gris is made using a different method. The wine is fermented in oak using only ‘wild natural ferment’, resulting in great characters.

It shows off its big and ripe aromas, openly textured with generous melon and apricot flavours. The palate is tangy and fresh, minerally and long. Perfect with fresh snapper fillets & bisque cream sauce

Traditionally around for centuries this spirit made from apples is the perfect accompaniment to a seductive cheese plate, at any time of the day. Intense quince & stewed apple on the nose with a little oak.

Your delicate palate will feel the intensity of stewed apple and tarte tatin flavours. The mouth feel is soft, fine and has an easy, fruity, toffee apple finish.

What better way to start your meal than to whet the appetite and stimulate the taste buds with enlivening, bittersweet flavours. This inky- mahogany digestive can be enjoyed as both. With its aromas of flowers, fresh alpine herbs, licorice and silky texture - its pure gold served chilled on a hot summers day. Accompany with a juicy wedge of orange.

MEZZA LUNA

Coffee Shop

60 McBride Ave, Wonthaggi. Tel: 5672 1611

Coffee Excellence - Quality and service - Terry & Laura Valastro

Coffee & Cakes - a variety of coffex Coffee beans, foccacias, gourmet panini, pasta. Fully licensed - quality range of wines & beer. Coffee garden, Bialetti Range of Coffee making accessories & parts, Coffee loyalty programme, open 7 days. coast 67

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lovethat coffee Jason Teohaere from Hotel in Cowes says with a wink, “the secret to really great coffee is the temp(erature) of the milk.” Though the experts say the optimum temperature is 87 degrees, he says, holding onto a freshly brewed cup, “I’ve always made my coffee by touch.”

Modern Australian Cuisine, Woodfired Pizza, Freshly Shucked Oysters.

8 - 10 Forest Ave, Newhaven, Phillip Island Tel 5956 6766

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Sitting in the laidback vibe of Hotel you know your coffee is in good hands. Jason learnt to make a great brew way back in his hometown of Christchurch. “I picked up some neat tricks from a barrista at a restaurant I was working at in New Zealand at the time,” he says. Jason believes you have to start with a good brand of coffee to get the best results. They use Dimmatina coffee for its smooth and creamy texture. With a great selection including Moccachino, Cappuccino, Latte, Macchiato, short and long black and Irish coffees - match it with one of their great desserts and you’re sure to be satisfied.

Co-owner Vivienne Viglietti has designed Hotel as a place that makes an easy transition from day to night. Open as a café and restaurant all day, it offers delicious fare in the evenings, and seamlessly transforming into a funky club and bar that’s open into the wee hours. It’s a great place to relax the day away in comfy leather banquettes and watch life pass by on Westernport Bay, or wine, dine or dance the night away. Drop in for a visit – you’ll be welcome any time.

20/2/07 4:24:51 PM

flynns inn Irish Bar & Restaurant

HAPPY HOUR 5 - 6.30PM FRIDAY

Traditional Irish pub atmosphere Pool table . Plasma Screen . Comfy Booths

GUINNESS & KILKENNY ON TAP

DELICIOUS HOME MADE FOODS

Map Coffee & a homey comfortable atmosphere

Tudor Treats LOCAL PRODUCE GENEROUS SERVES

Shop 2, 72 Chapel Street, Cowes, Phillip Island Phone 5952 2951 Fax 5952 2951

fast & fresh

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

“ Voted best Pizza in Cowes “

LOCALS CARD 10% OFF FOOD & DRINKS Proprietors: Matt & Sue Tudor Court - opposite Coles 72 Chapel Street Cowes, Phillip Island (03) 5952 1800

large pizza $8.50

TAKE AWAY 5952 1022 SHOP 1 - 72 CHAPEL ST, COWES

tudor court traders . tudor court traders . tudor court traders . tudor court traders . tudor court traders . tudor court traders . tudor court traders

tudor court traders . tudor court traders . tudor court traders . tudor court traders . tudor court traders . tudor court traders . tudor court traders

tudor court traders . tudor court traders . tudor court traders . tudor court traders . tudor court traders .

tudor court traders . tudor court traders . tudor court traders . tudor court traders . tudor court traders .

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phillipislandwines phillip pampered vines at

words Lisa Valastro /Maria Reed photos Warren Reed

The days have turned cooler, as they occasionally do in Autumn, and we are sitting by the fire overlooking Bass Strait with a fine cabernet to our lips and a mouth-watering gourmet food platter waiting to be devoured. Sounds heavenly, doesn’t it?

Just a short drive on from the famous Grand Prix track awaits a little piece of heaven at Phillip Island Vineyard and Winery. As you make your way up the drive you may notice the unusual sight of acres of jade netting. These pampered vines are all under cover, providing a perfect microclimate to produce a wonderful crop. Owners David and Catherine Lance say, “The strong winds that prevail on our part of the Island have ensured that these vines are some of the most cared-for in the country. The permanent two-hectare net was the first such wine-grape vineyard enclosure in Australia, and its effects have been nothing short of excellent.” The harvest attests to this, with their plantings of chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon and merlot just thriving in such a luxurious environment.

The Lance family are no strangers to success in producing award-winning wines. Founders of the prestigious Yarra Valley

winery Diamond Valley Vineyards, they understand the science and complexity of creating fine wines. Building on the success of their first iconic vineyard, the family wished to create a sister vineyard and began searching for a special maritime property.

The search ended in 1993 at Berry’s Beach on the southern coast of Phillip Island. Catherine says, “our aim was to produce the finest quality fruit which would translate into wines of outstanding varietal character.” They understood the challenges of growing vines in such conditions, and with their crops under cover and protected from the Bass Strait winds, they could take advantage of the cool southern climate, rich volcanic soils and moderating influence of the sea.

Award-winning winemaker Dr David Lance is the creator of Phillip Island Wines. He strives for excellence in wine making and laughs, “life is too short to drink bad wine.” We could not

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be in greater agreement. We tested his skill with a tasting of the 2002 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and found the wine to finish with great length and elegance. The Cab Sav was dense red in the glass, and exploded with wonderful aromas of blackcurrant, raspberry, olives and cedar. It was exciting wine indeed, and a testament to the winemaker’s skill. James Halliday scored the wine 89 points, but even with our less experienced palates, we knew we were onto something good.

Manager Matt Cox is a passionate devotee of the world of wine, and couldn’t help but tempt us away with his favourite pinot.

Pouring us a sample of 2003 Nobbies Pinot Noir, Matt tells us of his fascination with wine and his enjoyment of its social aspect. “I enjoy nothing more than sharing a good bottle of wine with friends,” he says. The medium bodied pinot he presented impressed us with its delicious savoury fruit characters and firm finish.

With the sun peeping through the clouds, we made our way to the delightful mediterranean courtyard, overlooking tranquil rural surroundings and ocean beyond. The winery offers a selection of shared plates to complement any wine. We ordered a bottle of the 2005 Cape Woolamai Sauvignon Blanc and enjoyed a smoked trout fillet with dill, served with fresh crusty bread. It was the perfect finish to a very enjoyable afternoon. C

Phillip Island Vineyard & Winery 414 Berrys Beach Rd Phillip Island, Victoria 5956 8465 www.phillipislandwines.com.au

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2007 OPERA TICKETS NOW ON SALE Set Menu Dates:

Sat 12th May Sat 1st September Sat 3rd December

Gift vouchers available

djinta

open public hoiidays

open

de Vine

djinta W I N E RY

RESTAURANT

LUNCH Wednesday to Sunday 12 noon to 4pm DINNER Friday & Saturday 6pm till late

Seasonal menus. Fully licensed. Childrens menu & playground. Disabled ramp & facilities

Local fresh produce with seafood straight from the boat, in house bakery and home made icecream

Waterfront dining with panoramic bay views 12/2/07 Cowes 2:00 ,PM 17 The Esplanade VicPage Phone1 (03) 5952 6226

Coast Ad

Cellar/Restaurant function areas available - BOOK NOW!

Weddings Corporate Accommodation CELLAR DOOR Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm

5658 1163

10 Stevens Road, Kardella South in between Korumburra & Leongatha 50 mins Cranbourne off the Gippsland Hwy

www.djintadjintawinery.com.au

Dinner?

Coast’s “Where to eat guide” PURPLE HEN

page 63

Vineyard & Winery Cellar Door Tasting & Sales 96 McFees Road Rhyll Phillip Island Hours: Friday – Monday 11am – 5:30pm Phone: 5956 9244 www.purplehenwines.com.au

Coast Update FINAL.indd 72

To advertise your restaurant, cafe, takeaway or winery call Tatia on 0432 273 107

20/2/07 4:26:02 PM

aroundtown what’s goin’ on around your place

If you would like your event to appear in the ‘around town’ page, please send your photos along to info@phillipislandtothepromcoast.com.au

coast 73 Coast Update FINAL.indd 73

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aroundtown what’s goin’ on around your place

If you would like your event to appear in the ‘around town’ page, please send your photos along to info@phillipislandtothepromcoast.com.au

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aroundtown what’s goin’ on around your place

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20/2/07 4:28:05 PM

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coast property

Your dedicated lifestyle property guide featuring homes, builders and real estate from Phillip Island to the Prom

in the lap of luxury

A dream home on the Island pg 86 coast 77 Coast Update FINAL.indd 77

20/2/07 4:28:29 PM

coastal property lisitings

your coastal real estate specialists AREA Newhaven Silverleaves Cowes Cowes Smiths Beach Ventnor Rhyll Ventnor

ADDRESS 35 Forrest Avenue “Mirrum” Chale Court 47 Mannagum Drive 2/20 The Esplanade 11 Salmon Row 4 Pall Mall 19 Tunbridge Street 225 Gap Road

EPR

AGENT/CONTACT

PG NO.

$1million + POA $459,000 POA $475,000 POA $550,000 $ 2.75million +

Judith Wright 03 59525100 Judith Wright 03 59525100 Judith Wright 03 59525100 Judith Wright 03 59525100 Judith Wright 03 59525100 Judith Wright 03 59525100 foxsocks real estate 03 5952 6633 foxsocks real estate 03 5952 6633

79 79 79 79 79 79 81 81

.9/2!

Thinking of a sea change? Talk to our coastal real estate specialists.

The grass is ‘greener’ on the Coast!

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"ASS ,%/.'!4(!

3AN 2EMO 0(),,)0 )3,!.$ +ILCUNDA +OONWARRA $ALYSTON "!33 342!)'(4 .EWHAVEN -EENIYAN 7/.4(!'') #APE 7OOLAMAI ).6%2,/#( 3URF "EACH &/34%2 #APE 0ATERSON 3UNDERLAND "AY &)3( #2%%+ 3UNSET 3TRIP 4!27). ,/7%2 6ENUS 3MITHS "EACH "AY 6ENUS "AY #ORNER "ERRYS "EACH )NLET 6ENTNOR 3ILVERLEAVES 2HYLL

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“MIRRUM” Chale Court, SILVERLEAVES

Exquisite Resort Style Living

35 Forrest Avenue, NEWHAVEN

A Boaters Dream

$POA

Set on 3/4 of an acre, this modern masterpiece is one for the most discerning buyer – 3 bedrooms each with ensuites, large study and stunning living areas. The residence overlooks fully landscaped gardens, swimming pool and large outdoor entertaining area with full kitchen.

A magnificent home on the foreshore in Newhaven. Offering 3 large bedrooms, quality timber kitchen and 3 car garage. The study is amazing and the huge master bedroom has stunning water views, WIR & ensuite with spa.

4 Pall Mall, VENTNOR

Foreshore Designer Home

$POA

47 Mannagum Drive, COWES

real estate 03 5952 5100 www.judithwright.com.au

Coast Update FINAL.indd 79

$POA

This penthouse style property is luxury living at its best. Over two luxurious levels - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and 2 living areas over 2 levels. Located on the foreshore in central Cowes - a unique location with sensational water views

11 Salmon Row, SMITHS BEACH

Breathtaking Views

$459,000

This stunning four bedroom home features quality fittings throughout. With polished boards, stainless steel appliances in the kitchen, north facing living area and a large outdoor deck, this home is perfect for entertaining.

Judith Wright

2/20 The Esplanade, COWES

Views Forever!

This is a rare opportunity to purchase brand new and on the foreshore. 3 bedrooms, 3 living, 2 bathrooms (spa) plus powder room.

Other features include video security, electric window, split system, stainless Smeg appliances and DLUG.

Brand New Designer Home

$1 Million +

$475,000

This modern freestanding two-story townhouse has spectacular water views and comprises of 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 living areas, kitchen with ss appliances and dishwasher, polished boards, reverse cycle split system and a LUG. Very close to the beach.

The Phillip Island Specialists Judith Wright 0407 558 933 Mike Foenander 0408 547 677 Peter Buitenhuis 0407 045 525

Judith Wright

real estate

LICENSED ESTATE AGENT

email: jwright@waterfront.net.au 54 Thompson Avenue, Cowes 3922 20/2/07 4:28:40 PM

dream estate

surfbeach beach Inverloch

Located only 2 minutes walk from Inverloch’s patrolled surf beach, don’t miss your chance to live and build your coastal dream. With 98 Lots spread over 12 hectares, Surf Beach Estate is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Perfect for those seeking a sea change, a holiday property or retirement lifestyle.

For more information please contact Kevin McMahon at

SOUTHCOAST FIRST NATIONAL REAL ESTATE, 1B A’Beckett Street, Inverloch 3996.

Tel: 03 5674 2255 Fax: 03 5674 2704 email: southcoast@dcsi.net.au website: www.southcoastfn.com.au

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elite coastal properties 19 Tunbridge Street, Rhyll

Ideal Country Retreat, unsurpassed water views

Wanted to rent

$550,000

Just 100 metres from the waters edge, this irreplaceable, architecturally designed home offers 3 bedrooms, stunning high raking ceilings & exposed beams, polished floorboards, outdoor decking & provides a birds eye view across the bay. The home also provides an extra facility serving as an office, extra living space or visitor accommodation.

For professional management of your investment portfolio please contact us today.

225 Gap Rd , Ventnor

Retirement could be exhilaration one day & pure tranquillity the next $2,750,000 plus

This impressive 4 Bedroom Homestead surrounded by (approx) 40 acres overlooks 180 degrees of sweeping ocean & coastal views including the breathtaking land form of Cape Woolamai to the east, and the sheer magnificence of Pyramid Rock in the west.

This ultimate lifestyle retreat could be utilised to accommodate corporate visitors to the neighbouring World Class Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, providing regular accommodation based income. The quality soils host thriving fruit bearing olive trees & may serve as an ideal location for grapevines. Brilliant flowering native flora lines the long sealed driveway, whilst gazing cattle gently meander the surrounding fields. Extensive shedding, divided paddocks & dams complete a ready made infrastructure. Contact us today to experience this magnificent landmark property.

85 Thompson Ave, Cowes, Phillip Island. p. 03 5952 6633 foxsocks.com.au Coast Update FINAL.indd 81

20/2/07 4:29:24 PM

wonderful gardens water wise&

photos Warren Reed words Lisa Valastro

Water-consciousness is finally creeping into the minds of the average punter, and Islander Matt Crooks is only too happy to assist the process further. As a beachside landscape gardener, Matt is constantly challenged to create attractive, low maintenance gardens, as he explains, “people want to enjoy their garden, rather than work in them.” Add to this the big dry the area is experiencing and water restrictions - and there are some careful considerations to make.

For Matt, from Island Landscape and Design, this means always refining his choice of species and techniques to create an aesthetically pleasing design. “I’ve always tried to focus on lowmaintenance, drought-tolerant plants, but it’s a challenge to find plants that are all these things and also look good,’’ he says.

As one of our most important and precious resources – the scarcity of water is fine-tuning people’s awareness of the need to preserve it. There are many ways of keeping the garden looking great without wasting water.

One of the many practices that landscape designers and the public are now enlisting in the fight to keep gardens green is the use of grey water. “Due to the increased water consciousness in the

community, grey water is going to play a huge part in landscaping and lawn maintenance,’’ says Matt. “Obviously it is still in the early stages, and we are constantly testing out new systems.” Grey water for gardens is generally laundry, shower and bath water. Kitchen and toilet water is generally not good for grey water use. “There are two different systems on the market ranging from $50 to $12,000.

One is a filtration system that filters the water making it safe for sprinklers. The other is a diverter system. When water is diverted the pump is activated, pumping the water to where you need it,” he explains. “If the diverter system is not used over a 24-hour period, the tank automatically disperses the waste water. Grey water should be dispersed evenly through your garden, and should be set up to emerge deep into the soil so a natural filtering process is achieved. You should not allow soil to be oversaturated with grey water, as this can lead to a salinity problem (caused by sodium in detergents),” he says. Matt also recommends that grey (diverted) water should never become airborne. Common sense is a big factor with grey water as all plants – native and exotic – have different requirements.

We asked Matt if he could give gardeners a few of his secrets

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gardening feature

for being water-wise. “Drought-tolerant plants including NZ flax and yuccas (of which there are 50-odd species) are really good for drought resistance and provide an amazing variety of colors and shapes. There is also a substantial list of indigenous grasses to add interest.”

Matt says he tries to stay up to date with the latest information.

“Each house and gardens is unique, and I love being flexible in my designing style,” he says. Matt says he has somewhat of a recurring theme in his designs with the use of recycled timber and stones, as well as a general plant list he uses for his low-maintenance, water-wise gardens. “It’s all about blending, because every garden is different,” he says.

And his inspiration? “I grew up in an Edna Walling garden. She is regarded as one of the best designers in Australia, and is also world-renowned. I was enormously influenced by living there.”

Matt says he’s a big fan of getting the right advice. “Just because of the current situation, it doesn’t mean that gardens are going to disappear! People keep asking me ‘Are you busy?’. I reply, “of course I am! Due to the current restrictions things are obviously going to change, but in the big picture we have to adapt and accommodate.

Even with restrictions, life goes on,” says Matt. And why not live it with a splash of color and style? C

Island Landscape & Design, Smiths Beach, Phillip Island Matt Crooks p. 5952 3838 or m. 0419 356 222 Islandlandscaping@waterfront.net.au

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water savers Matt’s water saving ideas include: Good soil preparation Mulching and re-mulching Water crystals (best to soak before adding to the hole) Fixing leaking taps

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Vanna and Cameron Watters swapped their dark cosy cottage in the hills for a bright new beach house on the Island, and that’s when (they say) “we finally and saw the light.”

Silverleaves converts Vanna and Cameron Watters seem the classic sea-changers.

They’d done the hard yards in their previous incarnation and moved to the Island to slow down and take in life.

The drift to the coast from Melbourne or elsewhere is nothing new. It’s happening all over the island, but what makes the Watters a little different is the way they did it. The couple, who had run a bed & breakfast in the Dandenongs, designed their new island home themselves - cutting out pictures from magazines before going to a designer to have it drafted into reality.

“We hadn’t been to the area for years, and whenever we came down we didn’t want to leave. We both just loved it. We lived in the Dandenongs and worked seven days a week, so we were just looking for a bit of serenity, peace and quiet … some time out,’’ she says. “We had a lot of weekends to catch up on as we were holiday-deprived. So we just decided to retire.”

Vanna and Cameron moved into the area full-time in October 2005. They found what they were looking for in just three days.“We thought ‘hang it, why not?’

We sold the property in the Dandenongs and purchased a new block of land in Silverleaves. We built a house and moved in.’’ coast 86 Coast Update FINAL.indd 86

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coast lifestyle

photos Warren Reed words Lisa Valastro/Anne Crawford

the

lap of luxury

The Watters designed the house themselves, with the assistance of designer Darren Brown. “The house is so modern, unusual - looking, which is what we wanted. It’s quirky and we love it!”

Darren put them onto a great local builder, Brendon McKay from Makar Enterprises, as he shared their vision and is known for his quality work.

It’s a far cry from their previous home. “We used to live in an 80-year-old rustic cottage. It was cosy but dark. We wanted the exact opposite here. Bright sunshine and one big living area with a deck and a pool - somewhere we could have sunshine all day. We wanted to maintain a light, bright, cheery effect.”

Designer Darren Brown believes in harnessing as much energy and comfort from the sun as possible. “I like to work with placing the sun so it is trapped and creates energy and a nice, warm, homely feel. Vanna’s house is called a modern beach scene. When you walk in, the first thing you notice is the large open space that engulfs you, and also the sun creates a light, airy, modern feel,” he says.

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“From our bedroom early in the morning we can see the mist rising from the wetlands and through it we can see the silhouettes of the swamp wallabies,” says Vanna. “It’s just stunning. I’m not too keen on the snakes that slither past, though,” she laughs.

As empty-nesters, the Watters finally were able to design their house for their lifestyle, rather than making it kid-proof or for paying visitors. “This time we built the house for us. No more antiques or nick-nacks. We sold all the old furniture and got everything modern and flashy. Now we have polished wooden floors, steel beams, cream couches, glass coffee tables, glossy fixtures, and everything is light, bright and beachy! Perfect for living by the coast.”

Vanna enjoys having the neighbours over to take advantage of the sunshine with them. “We all sit around the pool, drink champagne and have a great time. I’m no longer working, so I can enjoy myself now with friends and family.” When she’s not entertaining, she and Cameron enjoy all the region’s offerings.>

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“We all sit around the pool, drink champagne and have a great time. I’m no longer working, so I can enjoy myself now with friends and family.”

“We like to walk with our two dogs,” she says, “or we take drives along the coast or have lunch somewhere. We adore the simple things, like strolling along the beach at low tide and seeing small rays in the water. We try to enjoy as many places as we can. My husband Cameron loves to surf!” she laughs.

“He’s got his boogie board and surfboard.”

Vanna’s energy and enthusiasm is uplifting, and I ask here what her outlook is for this new phase of her life. “We’ve done the old world, got married, had a family and we were good and reliable. Now it’s our turn to be a little bit bad,” she says. “There are no guarantees in life, we are only here once and dead a long time, so you should experience as much as you can if you have the opportunity.”

Vanna loves her “dream home” and when I ask Darren about his inspiration for his beautiful houses he answers: “The main inspiration comes from the clients, because at the end of the day they live in the house for the rest of their lives, and I’m satisfied knowing how much they love it.”

From the joy in Vanna’s voice, I gather she is positively thrilled and wouldn’t be anywhere else. C

Designer - Darren Brown Design - San Remo (03) 5678 5226 Builder - Brendon McKay from Makar Enterprises San Remo 0416 201 964 coast 88 Coast Update FINAL.indd 88

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