Coast Magazine Autumn 08

coast Phillip Island to the Prom

Coastal living at its best!

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local legend hit the water with Terry Klemm artistic life complete art & culture guide

bob brown environmental crusader

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edition 10 Autumn 2008

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

Perfect Beach Getaway Starts Here‌‌

Welcome to the beautiful Continental Hotel located in the heart of Cowes, where we offer 3 levels of absolute beachfront.

The Continental provides a fun, yet relaxed, holiday setting for families, couples and groups with value accommodation and warm hospitality.

Inside the Hotel, we offer a range of quality suites to suit all budgets. Starting from our Standard Guest Rooms through to our Spa Deluxe Guest Rooms.

The Hotel boasts extensive facilities including a lovely outdoor saltwater pool, free barbecue and picnic areas, guest laundry facilities, 5 star restaurant and bar, room service and direct beach usage.

The famous Sarah Ashe Restaurant has relocated their restaurant to the Continental Hotel site. Our Chef has taken time to design a gourmet menu to entice even the toughest of food critics.

Our Conference and Function Rooms are also available and can accommodate for up to 300 guests. For further information, please contact our Conference Manager, Michelle who will be able to give you a detailed idea of how The Continental Hotel will manage every aspect of your Conference.

The Continental Phillip Island

t. 03 5952 2316 e. info@thecontinentalhotel.com.au www.thecontinentalhotel.com.au

contents &features

regulars 10

Art & Culture guide Artists of Bass & South Gippsland

14

Coast life Check out what’s going on around the coast

18

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

19

15 minutes of fame Linda Bull

25

2 (coast) people Joh Ollquist & Tomo Ezaki

68

Feature Area Idyllic Inverloch & lively Loch pg.72

75

Getaway Accommodation guide

79

Around town A snapshot of life

91

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

93

Dine Out Phillip Island RSL

99

My favourite recipe The Curry Leaf

101

Coast property Real estate, builders & services

features Adventure of love 16 Jess Gower & Pven Pather Klemm We talk to surfing legend Terry Klemm

20

A dogs life The remarkable work of Vets Beyond borders

30

A fisherman’s tale Josh Rule

34

Wild by nature Artist Emily Koenders

48

Bob Brown Ten questions

54

The flying doctor Dr. Dennerstein on Desalination

56

Mossvale Music Festival The offical program

60

Enchanted by India Nia Emmanouil in the villages of India

76

WANT YOUR OWN COPY? coast magazine - edition 6 Autumn 2007

coast Phillip Island to the Prom

Coastal living at its best!

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live the dream

art attack mark schaller at the cape

local legend snowy dawson mighty mossvale official program

www.phillipislandtothepromcoast.com.au

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edition 6 Autumn 2007

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

covernolabel.indd 1

COAST MAGAZINE, A BEAUTIFUL FULL COLOR QUARTERLY PUBLICATION IS AVAILABLE FOR $3.80 AT THE FOLLOWING OUTLETS

20/2/07 6:17:42 PM

DON’T FORGET! YOU CAN SUBSCRIBE. CHECK OUT PAGE 87

from the publisher People often ask how we find such amazing characters for Coast magazine stories. We find them . . . they find us – or a friend of a friend will tell us about this incredible person they know, or did you hear about so and so? . . . and so the story goes. I have to say we are surrounded by people of amazing vision, creativity and desire to make this coast – and this world - a better place.

An example of this is a story in this month’s edition about a water crusader and flying doctor Dr. Graeme Dennerstein. Graeme invited Coast magazine to fly with him over the pristine Bass coastline – to highlight the area that has been marked for a proposed desalination plant. He gives our readers some food for thought, and raises the question of whether the government should even consider such a project when “millions of people still flush their toilets with drinking water.” Turn to page 56 to find out more.

Then we head out on the high seas with fisherman Josh Rule and get a taste of the seafaring life from the docks of San Remo (pg34).

Out on the water, we make a splash with surf filmmaker Chase Burns and find out what drives this young man (pg40). Adding a dash of culture and compassion, we talk to two individuals who are making a positive difference in the world. Newhaven teacher Nia Emmanouil shares her story of exchanging ideas for environmental sustainability in small Indian communities (pg76), while animal crusader and photographer David Darcy goes on a mission to highlight the valuable work of “Vets Beyond Borders.” (pg 30) Finally, we are excited to introduce the newest member of our team, Sally O’Neill. A local ‘coaster’ from way back, Sally is a passionate about Coast (and her home!) and we welcome her in her new role as editor. Our small, local and energetic bunch at Coast would not be able to grow without your support – and we would like to thank our dedicated readers for this.

We hope you enjoy the Autumn edition!

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 Newsagent - Phillip Island San Remo Supermarket San Remo Newsagent Bass General Store Killy Cafe - Kilcunda Wonthaggi Newsagent Wonthaggi Ritchies IGA Supermarket Mobil Wonthaggi Mobil Inverloch Sea Salt Cafe Cape Paterson Cape Paterson Corner shop Inverloch Newsagent Inverloch Supermarket Venus Bay Store Fish Creek Newsagency Koonwarra Foodstore Leongatha Newsagent Korumburra Newsagent Foster Newsagent Foster IGA Grantville Newsagent Lang Lang Newsagency Tooradin Newsagent Tooradin Foodworks IGA

Check out the fab Businesses listed on the Coast website www.coastmagazine.net Publisher Maria Reed Editor Sally O’Neill Sub editor Anne Roussac-Hoyne Words Sally O’Neil, Maria Reed, Anne Roussac-Hoyne Photo Editor Warren Reed Photography Warren Reed, Maria Reed

Positive Exposure Photography

0414 753 739 Design Maria Reed Print manager Nigel Quirk Sales/Marketing Gabriella McRae 0432 273 107

For all advertising enquiries call Gaby, or email us at ads@coastmagazine.net

For more information you can log on to

www.coastmagazine.net 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@costmagazine.net Web www.coastmagazine.net Phillip Island to the Prom Coast Magazine © published by Coast Media P/L. ISSN 1833-3648. The publisher is not responsible or liable for any omissions or human error in Phillip Island to the Prom Coast Magazine. Material in this publication cannot be published or reproduced without the publisher’s written consent.

All material contained in this publication is protected by Australian Copyright regulations. All rights reserved.

LACY_bc

2/12/04

11:53 AM

Page 1

L ACY JEWELLERY STUDIO

&

GALLERY

132 Whitelaw Street Meeniyan VIC 3956 Phone/Fax (03) 5664 0055 Mobile 0417 601 160

Autumn 2008 brings exciting dining options for our guests when staying in one of the 211 self contained, fully equipped individual villas. You will now be able to enjoy the resort’s NEW wood fired Pizzeria, with beer on tap, inside seating and takeaway options available. The Pizzeria is located across the undulating boardwalk from the fully licensed Cafe which is open for breakfast, lunch & dinner and features a large outdoor terrace. Our chefs work closely with local growers to source the best produce of the region, resulting in a delicious, relaxed and unique dining experience.

The Resort is nestled on 65 acres of sweeping countryside overlooking market gardens and farmland and offers studio spas, 2 & 3 bedroom villa accommodation conveniently located in the centre of Phillip Island just 2 kilometres from the Cowes shopping precinct and safe bay beaches.

The new conference and event facilities for 200 guests will be open at the end of February.

ECO RESORT PHILLIP ISLAND

All Seasons Eco Resort Phillip Island 2128 Phillip Island Rd PO Box 858 Cowes Victoria 3922 T 03 5952 8000 F 03 5952 2066 E res@theislandecoresort.com.au Reservations 03 5952 8007

Engagement Rings Wedding Bands Fine Jewellery

Philip Lacy 132 Whitelaw St Meeniyan VIC 3956 Phone / Fax 5664 0055

www.lacyjewellery.com.au

www.theislandecoresort.com.au

guide

art&culture The Bass Coast and South Gippsland regions are bursting with artistic talent. All the pieces featured in the art & culture guide are available from advertisers in COAST Magazine. Look for their details inside - you can turn your home into a masterpiece.

mingara gallery • cowes

Paintings, Sculpture, Jewellery, Indigenous Art, Photography, Pottery. Browse, relax and enjoy a glass of local wine or coffee.

www.mingaragallery.com.au

gecko studio gallery • fish creek Custom framing, original artworks, select art materials, cards and decorated tiles.

www.geckostudiogallery.com.au

fiona kennedy art studio & gallery • inverloch

A picturesque seaside gallery housing contemporary paintings by internationally recognised artist Fiona Kennedy.

www.fionakennedy.com

fleurtations • inverloch

Striking, original artworks at Fleurtations florist & lingerie boutique.

03 5674 1155

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joel gough photography • wonthaggi

Compliment your home with a high quality photographic print of our local area, or the perfect gift as a momento of our coast. Photographs can be purchased unframed or custom framed to suit your taste. For more details and to browse the online gallery

www.joelgough.com

the blue penguin • cowes

Showcasing the artworks of Rafael Gurvich and Jennifer Plunkett. Paintings, watercolors, etchings, silkscreens & pastels.

Framing service also available.

www.bluepenguingallery.com

deborah halpern • warrandyte •phillip island Award winning sculptor offering classes in mosaics and fibreglass sculpture.

03 9844 3247

powlett gallery • wonthaggi

Striking original artworks by Denis & Bev Leversha.

03 5672 2277

dreamers valley wildlife gallery • fairbank

View the stunning works of nature artist Emily Koenders in her beautiful studio gallery overlooking Wilsons Promontory.

03 5662 5808

Emily Pwerle

Title AWELYE- ATNWENGERRP

Paintings Sculpture Jewellery Indigenous Art Pottery

ARTY FARTY SCULPTURE STUDIO

gecko

studio gallery

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

Classes available for adults and children in mosaic design & ceramic sculpture Call Sian on 0418519181 or 59566377

coast 12

“ custom framing, original artworks, select art materials, cards & decorated tiles “ email: framing@geckostudiogallery.com.au www.geckostudiogallery.com.au opening times Fri-Tues 10am-5pm Kerry Spokes & Michael Lester

guide

art&culture stefani hilltop gallery • fish creek

Works by Bianca Biesuz-Stefani.

03 5683 2253

arty farty sculpture studio • phillip island

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

www.artyfarty.com.au

island influence • cowes

Works by Jospehine Allen, Russell Kent and Bruce Tozer.

www.islandinfluence.com.au Russell Kent Bruce Tozer

evonne mcmahon photography • inverloch Local coastal and landscape images.

03 5674 1333

bass coast artists trail

Celebrate the wealth and diversity of our arts community by visiting artists in their studios and viewing their works. The ArtTour is a self drive tour of more than 25 artists’ studios in Bass Coast. Works range from landscapes and portraits to glassware and fabrics.

www.visitbasscoast.com

the framing place • wonthaggi

Art and craft supplies.

Picture framing and laminating.

03 56 722 036

foons photographic • wonthaggi

Like people, creative artworks are individuals.

Photographers Alan & Trevor Foon capture their character and personality in images that are a permanent record of your work.

www.foons.com.au

coastlife autumn

rock

The nights are rocking at the Westernport Hotel in San Remo.

After great gigs such as White Summer and the Custom Kings, and a surprise appearance by the Living End (who were advertised under another name!)

– this is a venue to watch. Coming up is Shihad, an alternative hard-rock band originating from New Zealand, along with Melbourne rock band Horsell Common and The Galvatrons on Saturday March 9th . Don’t miss the Salsa Dancing nights on the first Thursday of each month. The first class of the night is traditional Latin, then stay on for Street Latin. Finally, the music is cranked up for you to let loose on the dance floor with freestyle Latin!

For a little injection of culture, enjoy an afternoon of classical music with the Maroondah Symphony Orchestra at 2.30pm on Sunday, 16th March at the Cowes Cultural Centre. Musical Director, Willem van der Vis will lead the orchestra through performances of Wagner’s ‘Rienzi Overture’, Handel’s ‘Music for the Royal Fireworks’, SaintSaens’ ‘Suite Algerienne’ and Tchaikovsky’s ‘Violin Concerto’ by soloist Jiwan Kim. In a highly civilized manner, afternoon tea is provided. Call Anne Davie 5956 8216. coast 14

gymbythesea

white summer

©Ross Campbell www.bluetomato.com.au

k-reativekitchens

It’s the definitive kitchenware store, where you can browse for hours to gather all you need to be a whiz in the kitchen.

Cleanskin Kitchens has enjoyed great success on Phillip Island, and the word is out that Wonthaggi now has a store all of its own! Conceived as the result of a burning desire to promote the pleasures of preparing fine food, this new baby of the Cleanskin family is a welcome addition indeed.

Cleanskin Wonthaggi is at 11 Murray Street. Call 5672 5122.

classical culture

It was the dream of Inverloch massage therapist Jane Hackel to create an outdoor gym along Inverloch’s beautiful foreshore. This dream has now become a reality, and Inverloch’s Outdoor Gym opened in December 2007.

Enjoy testing your strength and fitness at stations along the foreshore pathway. It’s gym in the fresh air, and you can do it anytime and with anyone, so take the family out and give it a go.

unearthed exhibition

Mingara Gallery in Cowes is set to host a visually stunning and culturally enriching exhibition. “Unearthed” will feature contemporary work by artists Kelly Adair and Andrew Wood with photography by our very own Warren Reed and works by Aboriginal artists from the Central and Western Desert. The exhibition opens on 11 April and runs until 10 May at Mingara Gallery, 242 Thompson Ave Cowes, phone 5952 3722.

. . . sorry ridethewaves Riding your bike to the surf is definitely the green way to go, but how do you carry your board to the waves on your pushy safely and easily? The ‘Carver Surfboard Rack’ is an aluminium rack that attaches to your bike. Available in two sizes, the CSR Mini fits boards up to 8ft and the CSR Max takes boards up to 10ft and has a pack rack included. Available at Ride on Bikes 2/17 The Esplanade, Cowes. Call 5952 2533.

There’s no better combination than good music, great food and fine wine.

During January, Purple Hen Winery on Phillip Island held a music night each Thursday. To keep it in the family, owner Rick Lacey’s daughter, Liena, played her concert harp. Liena was joined by other artists including local favourites such as Simon Curphey and Garry Marr. If you missed out, pop it in the diary for next year! While you have the diary out, pencil in Purple Hen’s music day on Melbourne Cup weekend, when the winery launches its new season’s sauvignon blanc and tops it off with music and fine food.

music@purplehen

bowl me over

curl design 03 5952 5333

words sally o’neill photos warren reed

Jess Gower was always the shy girl at school until she found her voice through acting. “I made a pact with myself to remove obstacles and completely go for my acting,” says Jess. “That’s my one strong passion in life: to story-tell in some capacity.”

Jess studied at the National Theatre Drama School in St Kilda, and while there she landed the role of Sam in the first season of the TV series, ‘The Secret Life of Us’. “I just remember going into the first reading and seeing Claudia Karvan and Deb Mailman sitting there: I had no idea they were working on it. These are girls I’ve always looked up to, and working with such professionals in the industry was a highlight,” recalls Jess.

Husband Puven wasn’t the kind of kid who jumped off roofs, but he is now a professional stuntman and director. “You remember that TV show, ‘The Fall Guy’, with Lee Majors?” asks Puven. “I used to love it, and I thought that would be a pretty good job – just jumping off cars.

Nobody ever told me I couldn’t do it as a profession, so I just did it!”

“In Australia, you have to go through a grading process to become a stunt performer – it’s like an apprenticeship.” There are select criteria to master: body control, driving and water skills etc. “With stunts, it’s all calculated; you know about 80% of what the outcome will be, and the other 20% is unpredictable, so you need to be prepared for the unexpected. The adrenalin junkies don’t last long in the industry. They always end up getting hurt and burning out, whereas for the people coast 16

who are all about control, it’s more of a personal journey.”

“Any idiot can get hit by a car. The idea of stunts is to get hit by that car once, twice, three, four times and make it look good. That’s the art.”

Puven was a stunt character in a memorable soft drink commercial where a group of funsters drive a wheelie bin into Sydney Harbour.

“We got up to 35km an hour and got the bin up on two wheels. There was a narrow ramp to get into the harbour. We had to hit this at high speed with a bin I could hardly steer. I can’t believe we did it twice!”

Jess and Puven met in Sydney. “I remember that moment, I have to admit. There was a total spark: sometimes I do feel like I fell in love at first sight. That’s the hopeless romantic in me,” says Jess.

“When I met Jess, I thought ‘You’re cute, but you’re kooky!” says Puven. “She came up to me and introduced herself and held my hand just a bit too long. I said: ‘Nice to meet you, Jessica. Can I have my hand back?”

After that first meeting, Jess moved back to Melbourne and they continued to get to know each other by phone. “I came down to Melbourne and we went out, and it was like we had known each other for a long time,” says Puven.

“On our second date, he picked me up from the airport in his van and said we had to pick up a few things. We ended up with a big van packed full of stuff. I was like his little removal girl! But he was really lightweight with material things. He said anything that he can’t fit in

The adventure of love For professional stuntman and director Puven Pather, and actress Jessica Gower, every day is ‘the one you aspire to’ and it’s the adventures of the heart, mind and soul that bring these inspiring coast people together.

his van, he doesn’t want. He’s taught me to be like that, that you don’t need things to be happy,” says Jess.

Puven and Jess moved in together in Sydney while Jess worked and Puven fulfilled his ‘secret’ dream of becoming a director.

“I won first prize in a film festival - an all-expenses-paid trip to the Cannes Film Festival,” says Puven. “Jess and I went and one night we hired a scooter and got lost and were riding around for hours. It started raining, so we stopped to take stock. I asked her to marry me.

I hadn’t planned it - it just came out. We took a photo of ourselves in the rain to celebrate.”

After Cannes, the couple decided to move to Los Angeles to pursue their careers. “Since we got together, a lot has happened very quickly – we haven’t wasted a second,” says Jess. “Every decision we’ve made has been together: not to say that we don’t have disagreements about some things, but with the big life choices, we are definitely on the same path.”

“We got blessed at the Indian temple in Malibu and made little wedding rings out of string and beads. The next day, we went to the registry office and legalised it. When we were waiting in the queue, everyone was dressed up and we were in our jeans and t-shirts. Our family was a little sad that we didn’t tell them for a while! We’re still promising some sort of wedding party one day,” says Jess.

“She was a beautiful surprise,” says Jess of their daughter Sequoia,

now three, who has joined them on their life adventure. In November last year, after living in LA for the past two and a half years, the three returned to enjoy the freedom of life on Phillip Island, and have been staying with Puven’s parents, who own the Curry Leaf restaurant.

“The difference is amazing,” says Puven. “This morning, Jess went jogging and I realized I didn’t worry about her – you can’t do that in LA. When Jess goes out of the house, I’m constantly wondering if she is ok. It’s a real stress, even if you don’t realize it at the time. LA is really unpredictable. It has a kinetic energy, and with 18 million people in one place, it’s a recipe for disaster. Just driving along on the freeway you are guaranteed to see an accident with cars burning and choppers flying. You get de-sensitised to abnormal things. When you get back here, you appreciate how quiet it is.”

From here, the journey continues. The couple will divide their time between LA and Australia.

It’s love and trust that keeps the adventure going for Puven, Jessica and Sequoia. When asked to sum each other up in one word, they struggle a little. “I love the fact that he’s a true listener to people,” says Jess. “In one word, I’d say passionate.”

“I most admire Jess’ big heart and generosity,” says Puven. “Extremely loveable, that’s the word. (Well, it’s actually two.) In Aussie slang it’s one word: ‘streamlylovable’!!” C

arts & events guide march 2008 Shannon’s Historic Classic When: Fri 7 – Sun 9 March Where: Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit Who: www.phillipislandcircuit.com.au

Fish Creek Art Group Annual Art Exhibition & Sale When: Thurs 10 April – Tues 29 April Where: Stockyard Gallery Foster Who: June Atkins 5683 2240

Mossvale Music Festival When: Sat 15 March Where: Mossvale Park, Strzelecki Hwy, Leongatha Who: Ian Bevington 5664 9230 www.lyrebirdartscouncil.com.au

Co-opera Australia presents La Traviata When: Thurs 10 April Where: Cowes Cultural Centre Who: Anne Davie 5956 8216

Maroondah Symphony Orchestra Concert When: Sun 16 Mar Where: Cowes Cultural Centre Who: Anne Davie 5956 8216 Gung Ho Multicultural Festival When: Sat 22 Mar Where: Apex Park, Murray St, Wonthaggi Who: Jan Bourne 5672 3731 Churchill Island Working Horse Festival When: Sat 22 and Sun 23 March Where: Churchill Island Who: Cheree Dyson 5951 2823 www.churchillisland.org.au

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

may 2008 ‘The Audreys’ CD Launch When: Fri 9 May Where: Meeniyan Town Hall Who: Lyrebird Arts Council 5664 9239 www.lyrebirdartscouncil.com.au

King Neptune Beach Fair When: Sun 23 March Where: Coronet Bay Who: Chris Hutton 5678 0738

Victorian Masters Surfing Titles When: Sat 3 & Sun 4 May Where: Phillip Island – beaches announced on day Who: Max Wells - mobile 0438 704 020 www.surfingaustralia.com

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

Loch Village Market When: Second Sunday of each month Where: Loch Village Railway Siding Who: 03 5659 2235

april 2008 Jumbunna Bush Market When: Sun 6 April Where: Main Hall, Jumbunna Who: Mrs. Smith 03 5657 3241

coast 18

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

fifteenminutesoffame

Goddess of the Australian music scene, Linda Bull, talks to Coast about church, singing and why she loves this coast . . . as told to Sally O’Neill

Tell us about your childhood. . .

We grew up in Melbourne with Tongan/Australian parents. Our Mum is Tongan and our Dad’s Australian – it’s an unusual combination.

Nobody really knows where Tonga is – it’s basically an island in the South Pacific. It’s a kingdom. The people are beautiful, very friendly, they love to cook and they love to sing. Dad has made us remember we are Australian as well as Tongan - it’s a great balance.

How did you first discover singing?

We grew up listening to the Tongans singing in church. That’s where (sister) Vika and I get our training from. Every Sunday we had to go to church - no sleep-ins! I didn’t want to go to church when everyone else was lying on the couch, watching Countdown and having bbqs . . . and it took all day! A four hour service, then four hours of eating. It was very full on. Pay your respects to God and the people around you - that’s the fundamental message I got from church, but it was the singing that made us want to keep coming back.

When did you first sing together?

In church, Mum made us sing a song in Tongan for the congregation when we were about six and seven. Funnily enough I wasn’t nervous about that, because I knew that’s what everyone did. It was only when we went out singing in pubs that I got really nervous. I was out of my comfort zone.

We became Vika and Linda Bull because that’s how we grew up.

With the training we got in church and singing in the back of the car and singing the ads when we were watching TV. Mum would sit there and give advice, like ‘Linda, hold the note’. Mum didn’t want us to be singers, that wasn’t the plan. She just wanted us to sing well. She’s a great singer, so she’d teach us how to hold our notes, stay in pitch and things like that.

And from there?

Vika was singing around pubs and they said, ‘You’ve got a little sister, haven’t you? Why don’t you get her up to sing?’. I said ‘Alright’. So we chose that Nancy and Frank Sinatra song, “Something Stupid” - it’s really, really hard!

photo Warren Reed

I was singing the bottom harmony – Mum said, ‘That’s pretty tricky’.

Before the gig, I kept going to the car to have sips of brandy, so it was a disaster! But . . . after that first gig, we just had a great ride.

Career highlights?

Meeting the Dalai Lama and Nelson Mandela – within two weeks of each other. It was unbelievable – to be meeting people I had admired for so long. The Dalai Lama was like sunshine walking into the room – he really was incredible, and a beautiful man. So was Nelson Mandela; he was very tall, very slim and very charming.

Also singing for the King of Tonga and my grandmother (who had never heard us sing). And Womad Worldwide with Peter Gabriel – and then we spent a week and a half in his studio recording an album, which was incredible.

Issues that are important to you?

Anything about kids and racism, and I feel passionate about the mistreatment of Aboriginal people. The way we’ve handled the whole thing is bad.

Your first live band?

Midnight Oil at the‘Stop the Drop’ concert. I had to leave at four o’clock because Mum made me go home. Peter Garrett goes ‘Where are you going?’ and I said ‘My Mum made me go home’. He said ‘Alright, see you later’. I met him 12 years later and I said, ‘My Mum made me leave your concert’ and he said ‘I remember you!’.

What’s important to you?

The most important thing in life for me is family. I am married to Justin, who runs the Chill Island festival on Churchill Island. We are getting to spend more time here and I am meeting more people.

I treasure the time I can spend at Phillip Island. I have been coming here since I was fourteen. I work hard all year to get down here. Vika and I run a shop together in Melbourne called Hoochie Koochie. We love going to Kongwak market, visiting Churchill Island, and the great shops in Loch. It’s a privilege to come here and relax. The more I’m here, the more I love it. C

coast 20

words sally o’neill photos warren reed

Local surfing legend, Terry Klemm, recalls the ‘wild west’ era of surfing with no leg ropes and with only a footy jumper for warmth, and laments that the days of hand-shaping boards are nearly gone.

“Surfing is the thing I think most about in my life,” says Terry Klemm, known locally only as ‘Klemmy’.

Terry and partner Reg Bell started ‘Klemm-Bell Surfboards’ in Gardenvale in the late 1960s. A few years later, they built a surfboard factory in Torquay. “It was a bit like the wild west then,” he says. “We were the first surf shop on the main road.”

Those were the days when surfboards were the only item you’d find in a surf shop, before everyone started making boardshorts and wetsuits. “We were hardcore surfers, and all we wanted to do was make surfboards: we made 750 boards a year,” recalls Terry. The business lasted ten years.

“Back then, people had moved from Mals (Malibu) to shorter boards. Not as many people could learn to surf, because it was harder. The whole surfboard market died in a couple of years, so I ended up going down the shooter. It wasn’t easy, but I find it hard to get depressed! No excuses, no one to blame except myself: it was just something that happened in my life. I lost my wife and couple of kids, and started afresh.”

Relocating to Phillip Island in 1980, Terry got a job on a shark boat. “It was pretty exciting, really, and good for my health just to get me back into line with the rest of the world again,” says Terry.

‘Klemmy’ is a wealth of information about surfing’s early days. Sorry to make all you modern surfers jealous, but it was a time when there were more waves than surfers! “Surfing in Australia started in the early 60s. There was a hardcore crew who were lifesavers and got their first boards after the 1956

Olympics. Then, there were little bands of people going from Melbourne to the coast, and there were three or four surfers on Phillip Island and another three or four in Wonthaggi, but that was about it. We used to run into each other around the coast cos we used to do a lot of miles.”

“We went down the Prom and surfed all the beaches around Cape Liptrap. We’d go to Cape Otway and down to Portland. Our original car was a ‘36 Chevy that four of us bought: we dobbed in ten pounds each. We welded some roof-racks on, and had a big trunk on the back for our gear.

We drove everywhere in that car, even up to Sydney and back.”

The early 60s were the years when everyone just slept in panel vans on the beach. “We were all pretty adventurous: we would surf places that no-one had ever surfed before. It was before leg-ropes, so we had to be strong swimmers. It was a whole different challenge.”

“Here’s me at Woolamai in 1964,” he says as he proudly displays one of the many black and white magazine spreads in his collection. “This was taken in June, and I’ve only got board shorts on! Originally we wore footy jumpers, but when they got wet, they nearly drowned ya!”

In the 60s, he featured regularly in ‘Surfing World’ magazine which dubbed him ‘one of Victoria’s most consistent performers’.

Despite his talent, surfing is more about enjoyment than competition for Terry. “I surfed competitively until about 1970, but then I shied away from it because I didn’t believe it was>

klemm a surfing legend

surfer profile

something that could be judged by others – we’ve all got our own styles and different ways of looking at it.”

“I still shape boards. I make about a dozen a year for myself, family and friends. I shape old Mals and traditional three-stringer boards with nose blocks. There are not many people who know how to do that these days - there are no ‘real’ young shapers. Most things aren’t done by hand. The boards are designed with computers and CADS - there’s not as much skill in it as there is if you are doing it from scratch,” he explains.

“I design from what’s in my head and the way a board should feel. You feel really creative. I don’t know how many more I’ll do. It’s very intricate – people don’t have the patience now.”

Along with life-size boards, Terry also designed the ‘Mini Surfer, a very well balanced toy board for kids who want to learn the basics of surfing in knee-high water.

After five decades on the waves, Terry cites the wildest break he’s ever surfed as the bomby near Left Point (Cat Bay) and his favourite wave as ‘always Woolamai’. And, of course he hits the waves as often as he can. “I decide to go out when conditions are perfect and there’s not too many people. After a good surf I feel pretty worn out these days!

It’s very physically demanding. Knocks and bumps hurt more than they used to, so now I’m very cautious. That makes it a bit hard, because the type of waves I like surfing are very heavy breaking with a lot of speed.”

“It’s an exciting life: you have your good times and your hard times, and it takes its toll on you. I love the attraction to the sea, and the challenge. Surfing is my life.” C

coast 22

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Cleanskin Kitchenware is delighted to announce the arrival of its new baby at 11 Murray Street, Wonthaggi.

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Conceived with a burning desire to promote the pleasures of preparing fine food, at Cleanskin you will find everything you need to indulge your passion. Cleanskin understands the importance of being well equipped on your culinary adventures and aims to provide you with all the prerequisites.

From basic utensils and gadgets, all the way to the world’s best cookware, the ranges at Cleanskin are extensive and comprehensive. There’s cookware, bakeware, barware, glassware, serveware, gadgets, knives, electrical items, cookbooks, aprons and more. The depth and breadth of stock at Cleanskin Kitchenware is astonishing and exciting and you may discover items that you’ve never seen before as you mingle with all the big names you know so well … Jamie Oliver, Bodum, Le Creuset, Wusthof, Maggie Beer, Simon Johnson, Victorinox, Calphalon, Essteele, Analon, Scanpan, Bamix, Magimix, Sigg, Peugeot, Global, Zyliss, Emile Henry and a cast of thousands! Cleanskin stocks a wide range of specialist ingredients that you won’t find in a supermarket … wonderful loose leaf teas and coffee beans, aromatic herbs and whole spices, the best olive oils, Ortiz anchovies, great mustards, scrumptious jams and chutneys, Persian fairy floss and more! We think you’ll like the Cleanskin vibe too … it’s relaxed, the natives are friendly and really know their stuff! We are able to help when you need advice and love to hear about your culinary trials, triumphs and needs! There’s plenty of space to browse in peace and always something new to discover. Many a happy cook has disappeared in Cleanskin never to be seen again!

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coast people Tomo Ezaki and Joh Ollquist

Tomo Ezaki has traded the shores of his small home town near Nagasaki in Japan for those of Inverloch. Business partner Joh Ollquist brings the two cultures together. Their restaurant ‘Tomo’ in Inverloch is a place to relax and enjoy – Japanese style.

Joh I grew up in Churchill and went to school in Sale. I first went to Japan with my parents when I was seven. Because I was so young when I had my first experience of Japan, it left an impression on me. We always had Japanese exchange students at our house; I took it all in my stride.

I studied Japanese in high school, then did an exchange in Year Ten. It was a natural progression to go to live in Japan. I was supposed to go for three months, but stayed for ten years! I lived in Osaka: it’s a big city with 13 million people and is famous for its food, which is fabulous! I was a translator, worked a few ski seasons, taught English and went to university.

Tomo and I met at a bar. I worked as a hostess at night and he worked as a fashion designer during the day, so we knew a lot of people in common, but had never met due to the different hours we worked.

We came to Australia in 2004. I went to a breast-feeding class and there was a Japanese lady there who was sort of listening, but not understanding, so I went up to her and I helped her with the translation. Then she invited us to lunch at her house. We didn’t know it then, but her husband was the owner of Ocha, a Japanese restaurant in Melbourne. He said to Tomo, ‘Why don’t you come and work with me?’

It was meant to be!

I used to come to Inverloch as a child. Tomo and I came for a visit and saw an empty restaurant in the main street and thought ‘Let’s give it a go’. We opened in June 2007, and it was crazy right from the start.

Tomo has the creative flair for food and I am more grounded. I’m the business side. Tomo’s English is getting better and I help with translations as needed.

Tomo loves being able to catch fresh fish. You can’t do that in Japan, because of the mercury in the water.

We are grateful to everyone who has supported us; we love it when

people come in and say they haven’t eaten Japanese food before, but want to try it because they have heard about us.

Tomo I grew up just out of Nagasaki in a town called Oseto. It has 8000 people, which is tiny in Japan. My family runs a ferry between Nagasaki and an offshore island. Being the oldest son, I was always going to be captain of the boat, but I suffer terribly from seasickness!!

As soon as I was 18 and had finished school, I moved to Osaka. I worked in a clothes shop and discovered my creative flair and began designing clothes myself. I did that for nine years. I designed the t-shirt for the restaurant and the logo is my family crest.

My family is happy that all is going well for me now, but they were against it at first. Especially because I am the oldest son. I am meant to take over the business, take care of my parents and carry on the Ezaki name in Japan. Also, the eldest son tends the family grave.

Every year we scrub it down and have a beautiful ceremony where we light firecrackers to show the way home for the spirits. They were concerned about who would do that while I was in Australia. Now I have moved to Inverloch, I can go home for a few weeks in winter to take care of it.

My first impression of Australia was that I loved it! I love reptiles, spiders and beetles. When I first saw a blue-tongued lizard, I ran and picked it up. Once, we were at a bbq and there was a red-bellied black snake and I reached out to it, but everyone said ‘Don’t touch it!’.

I know they’re dangerous, but I like them. A long time ago in Japan I used to have snakes, scorpions and tarantulas as pets.

Having my own restaurant feels like a dream; it doesn’t feel real yet.

When people come to Tomo, I want them to have fun, eat and drink and spend time relaxing with friends. To put a bit of my culture and heritage into my food - that’s what I want to achieve. C

coast 26

The stage is set, the sun is slowly rising and the light reflects shimmering silver on the outgoing tide. Enter stage left: four little ballerinas looking perfectly angelic in white tutus. On the sidelines, teenage dancers wait for the chance to show their moves to the camera. words sally o’neill photos maria reed So why are we all at the beach at the crack of dawn? To promote dance and the joys and benefits it brings. True to form, the parents, teachers and students of Bass Coast Ballet School have moved heaven and earth to be here for the photo shoot to help promote their school: and they do look like angels straight from heaven.

When I ask the mini ballerinas aged between “five and a half and seven and three quarters” what they love about ballet, Lily says: “I love learning beautiful steps.”

“I like being in ballet concerts. I have done one concert, and I was a lolly,” Astrid says proudly. Imogen also likes the concerts. And Sianan likes doing split jumps! “It’s good and fun and we learn new things,” she adds.

The older students, Nicole, Amy, Vanessa and Keely have risen at dawn to promote the contemporary, classical and jazz ballet classes run by Bass Coast Ballet School. It seems that ballet means more than just fun for these girls.

“You can express yourself through dance; I dance what I feel,” says Nicole. “It’s fun, and it keeps you happy,” says Amy. Vanessa adds that “it’s the enjoyment of learning something fun, it’s the love of dance. I feel free when I dance.” For Keely “it’s the freedom of movement, the joy of expressing my feelings and performing on stage.” Big stuff.

“If kids dance around the house and love being fairies

and bopping to the music – they’ll love ballet,” says Miranda Kilgovas, principal class dance teacher at the school.

“Dance is far more creative than it used to be – we dance with scarves and props.. I teach with encouragement and not fear. I say to parents who are thinking about ballet for their children that it’s very athletic. It’s not slow and soft – the children work very hard. It’s a beautiful art form.”

“Ballet also gets children to listen to classical music and even if the students don’t continue to dance, it creates appreciative audiences – and it’s so pretty!”

Miranda, who travels from Melbourne each Saturday to teach for a full day, started dancing when she was six, and ran her own dance school in Mooroolbark for 25 years.

“Teaching is my passion. When I was asked to take on the position at Bass Coast Ballet School, I came down to meet everyone. The atmosphere was so delightful and friendly.

The kids wanted to be there, they enjoy it, the concerts are lovely, and the committee is enthusiastic. So I thought I’d ‘give it a go’ and, despite the big travel commitment, I really enjoy it.

“It’s wonderful discovering a little bit of raw talent. You show the parents and students what’s out there in terms of costume, choreography, set design, and they learn that there’s more to the world.” >

ballerinas

pretty

Students compete in Melbourne in an international exam system with great results. The students do one or two hours a week and compete with girls who may dance every day. Some students have been successful in student choreography and have been accepted into the Victorian College of the Arts.”

“The annual concert in December is very successful. It is held in the fabulous community theatre, which compares very favourably with Melbourne venues, and all work is done on a voluntary basis.”

Bass Coast Ballet School started when a local teacher walked out on 30 ballet students mid-class, leaving them far from Melbourne without a teacher. A concerned parent phoned the Australian Ballet School, which provided temporary teachers for the students.

During those early years, parents and friends struggled to maintain the school with raffles, chocolate drives and many other fundraising activities. Today, the school has 120 students of all ages, and runs classes up to four nights a week in Wonthaggi and on Phillip Island.

“Our students are up there with the Melbourne girls,” says classical and contemporary dance teacher, Rowena Campbell.

It’s fantastic to have a dance school of such high quality that we can compete in Melbourne. Living here in the country doesn’t mean we miss out. I’ve been taught by Australia’s best dancers, and it’s good to be able to pass on my knowledge and to communicate a love of dance. Even though we teach correctly, it’s all about fun.”

So, if you think you can dance or want a year-round sport for your kids, or you’re ready to move on from watching dancing on the telly, why not give dance a try? C

coast 28

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a dogs life

on the streets of india

words maria reed photos ©david darcy

Sometimes a problem is so enormous that you can feel helpless - but everyone can make a difference in their own way. Animal lover and photographer David Darcy recently travelled to India to highlight the plight of street dogs and further promote the work of ‘Vets Beyond Borders.’

Sitting at my computer with my dogs snuggled at my feet, I see an image on screen that affects me profoundly. I want to look away, but I can’t help being mesmerised by this poor lost soul with eyes that express more than words could ever do. I am looking at images of David’s recent trip to India, and tears start to well. As a fellow animallover, I wonder how David managed to survive such an assignment.

He reflects, “To be honest, for the first three days I didn’t think I was going to cope. I really had to learn to deal with my feelings. I was in Delhi, and the situation with the dogs there and the state they were in was (sometimes) just horrific. In the end I realised I had a job to do, and I focused on that.”

Looking at the photographer’s images, his natural affinity with animals becomes obvious, as does the trust he creates to capture their spirit on film. “Over the years I have learnt some tricks to gain coast 30

their confidence, but sadly I found that these just didn’t work with the dogs in India”. The animals are so cautious and stressed, it’s a part of their survival mechanism to flee from humans.” He remembers one heartbreaking exception to this, and describes his visit to a shelter in Jodhpur. “The Jains (members of one of the world’s oldest religions – see notes over page) run a shelter, and they don’t believe in euthanasia. There is a room there that is basically considered as Death Row, where the dogs that can’t be helped are left to die. These dogs seemed to know that death was coming, and they’d do their best to wag their tails at you – it was just heartbreaking to see. After a month of this I felt totally bereft.”

On his first day in Johpur, David visited one of the few shelters in the country. “I was dumbfounded, he says. “There were 500 dogs all together in a compound, pretty much in a terrible condition.”

Describing the experience as ‘an emotional rollercoaster’, David points out that not all of the images are as sad as the scene described above.

Rather than taking images of vets operating, David suggested that photos of the dogs in their natural street environment would have more impact with an audience back home. India is an amazing place, and the photos show a vibrant, colorful culture and offer an honest view of the street dogs’ plight.

David was well equipped to handle the work ahead as he had many years’ experience as a photographer. “My dad was a photographer and he taught me the craft at the age of fourteen.”

He spent time away from photography, working his way around the world – but soon realised he wanted more out of life, and returned to his first love of creating images. Uncertain of which direction he would go, he says, “One day I just packed up the car, threw the dogs in the back and took off to shoot landscapes.” By chance, one of his dogs ran through the frame, “and that was it, he says. “The two went so well together; it all just clicked. It was just the dogs being themselves in a magnificent landscape.”

David was encouraged by his friends’ response to the photographs and started showing his work at local markets. “The images struck a chord with people, and eventually I opened a small gallery in my home town in the Blue Mountains.” A publisher saw his work at an exhibition and commissioned the photographer to create a book about dogs (which became a bestseller), and he was off and running in his new career. David says, “it was a really nice way to get started.

It’s my dream job really. It’s all about being inspired by something you love. I feel very, very lucky.”

Even though the experience in India was an emotional one for David, he says, “I feel an obligation to the animals there and I want to do anything I can to help their situation.”

If you’d like to find out more, or help further the humane work of ‘Vets Beyond Borders’, log on to www.vetsbeyondborders.org or visit the photographer’s site at www.mongrel.com.au to view more images.

Fifty percent of profits from the Indian dog series is donated to ‘Vets Beyond Borders.’ >

VETS BEYOND BORDERS

### Jainism, traditionally known as Jain Dharma, is one of the oldest religions in the world. It is a religion and philosophy originating in ancient India.

Jainism stresses spiritual independence and equality of all life with particular emphasis on non-violence.

Compassion for all life, human and non-human, is central to Jainism.

Human life is valued as a unique, rare opportunity to reach enlightenment.

It is the only religion that requires monks and laity, from all its sects and traditions, to be vegetarian.

Some Indian regions have been strongly influenced by Jains and often the majority of the local nonJain population has also become vegetarian. ###

Vets Beyond Borders is an Australian not-for-profit organisation established by veterinary volunteers in 2003. They co-ordinate and run veterinary-based animal welfare and public health programs in developing communities of the Asia and Pacific region.

An important part of their project is the training of local veterinary staff to ensure that work can continue and that the benefits for the animals and communities are ongoing. They rely on the hard work of volunteers, and promote volunteer work amongst the veterinary community. Through their current programs they aim to address one of the world’s most challenging animal welfare issues, which also has serious implications for human health - the overpopulation of street dogs. The World Health Organisation estimates there are over 400 million stray dogs in the world today. Dog bites are the most common cause of rabies infection in humans. WHO estimates that 30 000 people a year die from rabies in India alone. Through street dog de-sexing and rabies vaccinations they can create a smaller, more stable rabies-immune dog population. This has been shown to be an effective way of reducing human rabies cases. De-sexed, healthy dogs pose less of a threat to the local people through aggression or disease, improving the conditions for the whole community.

HOW YOU CAN HELP . Become a volunteer . Become a ‘Vets Beyond Borders’ member . Donate to help ongoing programs . Get involved – your skills may be of great help . Fundraising or publicity – get the word out.

Go to www.vetsbeyondborders.org for more information

a local perspective Local vet, Jenny Hibble, travelled to Sri Lanka after the tsunami disaster of 2004 to help hounds in need. “The whole tsunami was so overwhelming, and I thought if I could help professionally I would,” says Jenny. “Wherever people have suffered, animals have too. There’s always lots of human support, but we wanted to support the animals.”

“I heard that the Tsunami Animal-People Alliance was looking for vets in Sri Lanka, and I just really wanted to go. In April 2005, they rang and asked: ‘Can you come next week’? So I went! I paid my own airfare and our clinic put in $1000 worth of drugs and medical supplies.”

In Sri Lanka, about 35% of dogs are street dogs, so there is constant danger of rabies outbreaks and population explosions. “There will be an estimated ten-year recovery process from the tsunami,” says Jenny. So the Alliance is in for the long haul. “The aim is to neuter 75% of dogs in the area, achieve humane community dog population management and reduce rabies and dog-bites.”

“We ended up in Panadura, near Colombo. Everything was tsunami-affected, and I was the only westerner in a team of Sri Lankans,” recalls Jenny. “People are very strict Buddhists, and worried that we’d put the dogs down.”

“The dogcatchers rounded them up and brought them to us. We worked in tents in a paddock. It’s incredible that there were only a few aggressive dogs. The rest were friendly despite what they’d been through. People also brought their own dogs to us for treatment - they’d just arrive in little tuk-tuks!

There were some bad cases and I had to do a few amputations, but it was mainly de-sexing, parasite control and health checks.”

“I chose to become a vet because I’ve always really loved animals. I’ve been a vet for 25 years and medicine has improved so much. Dogs definitely do feel pain, and reducing it is a priority now. We just wouldn’t dream of letting a dog suffer. It’s important to care for your dog through good nutrition, exercise, training, vaccination, worming, de-fleaing and de-sexing,” advises Jenny. C coast 32

Warren Reed photographer

prints for sale at Mingara Gallery prints on view at Silverwater Resort, Foxsocks Real Estate, Pelican Cafe.

0414 753 739 www.coatmagazine.net

DESALINATION is wrong!

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Never paint your boat green, set off on a Friday or carry pork or bananas on board.

These are just a few superstitions of sea-wary fisher folk, but for third-generation fisherman Josh Rule, life on the rough seas of Bass Strait has little to do with luck. We hop aboard the ‘Sandgroper’ and talk to the Newhaven skipper to discover the ‘secret life’ of fishermen.

My dad was a fisherman for over 30 years and so was my pop. I have a tattoo on my arm of three entwined couta. It was the emblem for my pop’s fresh fish shop, and he always used to draw it for us as kids – so it’s pretty special to me. When I was growing up I rarely got to see my dad as he was always out fishing. I was desperate to get out there during the school holidays so I could be with him. When I was six (and it seems incredible to me now), mum allowed me to go sharking with dad and we ended up in Tasmania. I just loved it! At six years old, I knew what I wanted to do. Being out there was just so different from living on the land. Even at that age, I was hooked on the thrill of seeing a shark coming into the boat, and watching the ice-room fill.

I lived on the roof for the duration of the trip, because Dad thought coast 34

that would be the safest spot for me to be – and I had a ball. After that, every chance I got I was out there in the boat. At that time Sandy Reith owned the local airport, and he used to fly me over to Tasmania so I could be with Dad. I left school in year 9, much to mum’s disgust, but she trusted in dad’s judgement and I went to work for Ray Dickie. He’s a bit of a legend in the fishing industry and such a brilliant bloke - I owe so much to him. I started driving when I was 19, so I’ve been a skipper now for 5 years.

I don’t think people really understand what’s involved in being a commercial fisherman. For me as a skipper, it can be stressful. You can have so many emotions go through you in one day. The weather can

a fisherman’s tale words josh rule photos warren reed

be absolutely horrible and we’re catching nothing; we’re jaded and stressed - then 10 or 12 hours later the weather can fine up, I’ll find fish and your emotions completely change – you go up and down a lot and I don’t know whether it’s healthy. We spend close to 300 days a year out at sea. When I’m home, all I can think about is going fishing and where I’m gonna catch fish, and the moment I leave, all I think is about filling the boat with fish and getting home again. It takes a special person to stay with a fisherman, and I feel grateful to my girlfriend (of 7 years) Lisette, for standing by me.

On a normal trip, I’II pick somewhere that I want to go for fish and there’s a lot involved in that. You have to take into account the moon and tides, the water temperature, weather, time of year – so there’s lots to think about. And intuition too – that’s a big part of it.

It’s just me and another young bloke from home working the boat.

We used to go to school together, and he’s been with me for seven years. We have to go through different logbooks and charts, and we’ll be travelling for at least fifteen to twenty hours before we actually start work because we go long distances - and the boat’s not quick.

We have time to sit, work things out, watch tv, and have cups of tea.

It’s about getting my head right about how we want to attack the trip. It sounds silly, but fishing to me is like chess. It’s complicated and you’ve got to plan your strategy all along. I try to make a plan, and then when we get where we’re going, it’s a matter of shooting the nets. We leave them for four or five hours to see what’s about – or if

there is anything about, and during that time I chew my fingernails and sit and worry about it. Then we pull in the nets, and if there’s nothing there we move around. I try different strategies, different depths of water, different, temperatures, tides. People might think, “These guys just have a ball, they just shoot nets and come back with a boatload of fish, and its all beer and skittles” – but there’s much more to it. Physically it’s hard work. Mentally it’s hard too. Tommo (my crew) is great. He just gives me the space to sort it and he’s absolutely brilliant.

It’s a big boat and a lot goes into bringing the nets aboard. They are brought up by hydraulics, but literally every gummy shark in the nets is taken out by hand. I drive the boat, I haul the nets, I take the fish out and I hand them to Tommo. He guts and heads them, washes and cleans them, and packs them in layers of ice in the ice-room.

It’s quite a big process. Then we have to get the nets back in the water, grab something to eat, and the whole process starts again.

Once you’re on to fish, that’s when it’s full-on because you just can’t stop, and it just keeps going. It’s a rotation really. Depending on circumstances like bad weather or other factors, we can be up long hours. At the end of a long week when you’ve worked really hard and you haven’t had a lot of sleep, you’ll be absolutely buggered. And it’s so important to get on well with your crew. When you’re living in this tiny confined space - we often unload in Tasmania, and you can be literally living in this small space for three or four months before you>

a fisherman’s monument A stone momument has been erected at San Remo in memory of the fishermen lost at sea. A poignant reminder to the local fishing community at San Remo, the monument stands as a tribute to those who lost their lives doing their job.

Josh says, “It’s an absolute reality of the job, but you try not to think about it. There’s a few fisherman that I have known that have lost their lives doing their job. It’s something that I put to the back of my mind and I try not to focus on. You don’t want any negativity when you’re going out – you need you wits about you.”

get home.

Tommo and I have been through a lot together, and looked after each other through some pretty frightening situations. A couple of years ago, we were just south of King Island, (an area that is pretty notorious for bad weather because there’s nothing between you and Antarctica). The wind picked up in the afternoon and it was sou west, and the swell was enormous. As the winds got harder we decided to up the nets because it was too horrible to stay there, and we headed back to Devonport to unload. We were making our way back and Tommo was still heading and gutting sharks. I’d just walked inside to sort a few things and I saw, what we call a ‘rogue wave’ just stand up just 20 metres from us on the starboard side. It was just like a wall of green water with a white bit on top and it would have stood about 30 ft above us. I just thought, ‘this ain’t gonna be good.’ I didn’t even have time to get to Tommo, and I thought, ‘the wave is going to smash the windows for sure,’ so I ducked down on the floor of the wheelhouse. I just hoped that Tommo would be okay cos he was on the other side of the boat. When it hit, it spun the boat around, (and this is a big boat to spin around) and it actually screwed the boat around on top of the wave. The autopilot just lost the plot and it couldn’t drive anymore because it just didn’t have the power to straighten it. The amount of water that came onto the boat was pretty amazing. The boat rolled over that far, that the water was coming in both sides. You know how your boat feels, and the boat never felt that way before, and it felt horrible. It was going really slow and sluggish and it sat way down in coast 36

the water. It just didn’t feel right at all. I ran straight out the back to check Tommo was okay and he’d managed to wedge himself under the wash box table, and he was pretty shaken up. He had to stop and come in for half an hour to settle down. The wave had just swamped him and his gumboots were full of water. Stuff had gone everywhere and our weights and fish were just strewn all over the place. The weight on the deck that day must have been humongous as the bullworks were actually bent on one side. It actually took about two or three minutes for all the water to leave, even with the big outlets on the side. It really shook us up. We were speechless. I have every confidence in the boat – but that’s one experience that will stick in my mind. Moments like these give you a great respect for nature.

We’re only this little boat against a huge ocean, and the minute you forget that you’re in trouble.

Being out on the water gives you a different view of life. You have so much time to think things through.I think life on the land now has become so busy it’s just crazy. To be honest, it can be really hard for me at times, because I concentrate and focus so much on catching fish that sometimes I have trouble adapting back to normal life on the land. Being around a lot of people, even socialising at a party can be hard.

We see lots of amazing things out on the boat. I’ve seen a whale giving birth to a calf, and when I was working on the Tara Lynn we had a whale that appeared to be rubbing itself against us – that was pretty amazing. And the characters you meet. I think nearly all>

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fishermen are a little eccentric, even us, the younger ones.

You have to be a bit eccentric to work this profession.

You gotta trust the boat and yourself, and respect the ocean because if you don’t you’re gonna find yourself in trouble.

People say, ‘You’ve got a big boat,’ but the further you get out, the smaller the boat becomes. When you’re out in the middle of Bass Strait and you’re out 100 miles from the nearest land; you wake up in the morning and all you can see is water and sky, that’s pretty much it, and you feel really small. When you’re out like that for 7 to 10 days you feel pretty small. You need to have total trust in your boat, and keep it well maintained, but it’s definitely a weird feeling. You’ve got to have an affinity with nature and you’ve got to be confident in your own ability and your crew. I always feel relieved when I can spot the head of Cape Woolamai on my way back, because to me it signifies home.

My pop was a fisherman back in the early days, and he can’t comprehend what we have to do now. Back then you could fish for what you wanted and sell it where you wanted to sell it. Their boats were smaller and they didn’t have electronics.

When I was a kid there was close to 30 sharking boats in San Remo, now I think there’s 5. We now have to have licences to catch shark, and the industry is run on a TAC (Total Allowable Catch) quota system. The industry is well managed by AFMA (Australian Fisheries Management Association) and we have log books that have to be filled out every day. We use gillnets which sit stationary on the bottom of the ocean, with a miniminal by-catch, which makes them environmentally friendly. We don’t catch any endangered species of shark. The fish numbers are definitely building, and I’ve never seen it as good as it is now. There’s a lot of flake in Bass Strait. People forget that fishermen want to do the right thing by the environment. If there’s no fish – there’s no fishing industry.

We want to do the right thing, and it’s in our best interest that the industry is sustainable. All of my flake is sold at the Melbourne fish market and none of it leaves Australia. We don’t own any shark quota, so we have to lease it in, and it’s not cheap. On top of high fuel prices and many other running costs, it’s an expensive industry to be in and the pressure is on to consistently catch fish. When I’m running out of quota, we go scalloping or squidding to fill in the time until more shark quota becomes available. This means a different licence, different fishing equipment and more crew – all come onto the Sandgroper. It’s a big job, but catching different species of fish means a whole new challenge for us, and I really enjoy the change.

I absolutely love fishing. I’d have to say I’m obsessed with it and I think a lot of fishermen are, because if you didn’t love it there is no way you’d do it. I’ve had mates and students come with us and they often want to get off straight away and they ask ‘Why would you want to do this?’ I think you’ve got to love and enjoy it. For me, I think it the challenge of finding fish and filling the ice-room – it’s a bit of an adrenaline rush for me.

When I’m steaming home with a boatload of fish, and knowing we’ll be feeding thousands of people with healthy food, it’s a good feeling. It’s an awesome feeling. Like a footballer kicking a goal. It’s the great unknown. It’s awesome.C

coast 38

personality profile

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If you google ‘Chase Burns’, you get 581 000 results in 0.13 seconds. It takes a little longer to get to know the real Chase Burns, who is not the American football player in cyberland, but a 22-year-old filmmaker. Surfing is his only sport, and he’s driven to keep filming to honour the memory of the people in his life who have passed away.

At the tender age of sixteen, Chase Burns moved to Phillip Island with his sister, leaving his mother and brother home alone. “We moved out after Mum’s boyfriend Pierre passed away,” says Chase. “He was a hardcore surfer, awesome skater, extreme snowboarder and such a cool guy - just amazing. He was inspirational and life-changing. He taught us about the ocean, and opened up a whole new world for me that I have loved ever since. After he passed away, we decided to follow the dream of moving down to Phillip Island ‘cos he loved this place and loved to surf here.”

“I wasn’t into filming then. I finished year 12, and after that did a few courses in Melbourne that didn’t really suit me. I was artistic but couldn’t find the right medium. Mum wanted me to join the police force. On the day I was meant to go to the final exam, I just said ‘No, I can’t do this’ and wagged the exam (but don’t tell Mum that). Instead, I went and bought a new camera, and my whole life changed from that point.”

Recognising the great talent of Phillip Island’s surfers and the fact coast 40

that people love to watch them, Chase decided to make a surfing movie. He gathered support from local surf stores and set to work.

“I spent a whole year filming and a summer editing. I did everything myself. I was working all day and then editing all night – it took a lot of Red Bulls! Everything is self-taught. A lot of people do courses and things like that, but I think it’s better to learn by your mistakes, and I made a lot!”

Chase decided to reveal all at a premiere at local cinema, Banfields.

“When the people rocked up for the premiere, they didn’t know what to expect. You know, here’s this 20-year-old making a movie and it could be just a waste of time,” he explains.

“On the night, man I was nervous, really nervous. I hadn’t shown it to anyone. When they rocked up and started watching, they were real quiet, and I’m like… what’s going on? They weren’t cheering like you’d expect with surf movies. But at the end, they just went nuts!

They were saying, ‘Is that really Phillip Island?’ I had a tear in my eye at that moment. And I thought: yeah, I put a lot of my art into it and

chasing waves

words sally o’neill photos warren reed

with young filmaker chase burns

it worked out all right. This is fully worth a whole year of filming and missing all those good surfs.”

With the film complete, Chase can get back into the waves. “My favourite surf spot is Woolamai (Phillip Island). Surfing gets my head back together. As you get older you lose that desire to surf all the time; you have more to do like filming and work. But once you go for a surf you say ‘Man, I really needed this’. Sometimes you’re sitting out on your board and you look back to shore and realise that’s reality there , and it’s good just to get away. It’s like looking outside of the square you live in.”

But riding the waves rather than filming them won’t last for long.

Chase will soon be back to making coffees to raise funds for a new project. “I’m making a new surfing movie. It will be shorter, and I’m going to be very selective about what I use: it will be an upgrade on the previous one.”

“I’m heading to Hawaii next week to start filming in those big waves. I think filming’s harder than surfing. I have to swim to get as close as possible to the action. I get sucked over the falls and nearly drown and have to keep paddling to stay in one spot. But when you watch what you’ve filmed, you know it’s all worth it.”

“At the moment I can’t see anything beyond this project. I’ve got a year to film, so I’ve got to put my head down. In a year’s time, I’d like to have a house in every place I film in – maybe Hawaii, Indonesia, Western Australia – that would be wicked. I could just follow the seasons around. That’s a lot of coffees to make! Or I need a good sponsor - maybe my mum could sponsor me!”

After leaving home at sixteen, Chase is back living with his mum.

“Through all that’s happened in my life, my mum has always been there. She’s why I’m here, why I exist. I’ll always remember her motto: ‘Eagles fly alone’. These words are important in the way I live my life, and the initials form the name of my new film company, EFA Productions.”

Last year was tough for Chase and his family. “The closest person I ever had to a dad passed away. It was a very big shock to have that happen twice in my life. The first time is really shocking; the second time, you just sort of accept it again, then after a while that shock comes back. About a month ago it hit really hard again, but you sort of have to keep going in life. I know he would just want the best for me, want me to be happy. The next movie will definitely be dedicated to Ray.” >

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personality

“You can’t go to war with a crook heart, yunno,” says Lance Watts with a wry grin. As we sit in his small kitchen with his wife of 70 years, Arthurina, he pours us a cup of tea and talks of his 100 years on this planet. “In the war years this army bloke said to me while I was taking my medical (and havin’ a good long listen to my ticker), ‘You’re no bloody good to us!’ Now, I asked him why, of course . . . but he wouldn’t tell, and said I’d have to go and see my own doc.”

As it turns out, the chipper centenarian had a heart condition.

“The doc said, ‘Well, your heart does miss a beat – and if you had to run through a battlefield with a pack on your back and a rifle, you probably wouldn’t make it, son’.”

With a dicky ticker early on, Lance Watts seems to have had luck and good fortune on his side ever since - and he certainly doesn’t fit the stereotype of a 100-year-old. When I meet Lancelot and Arthurina I am surprised to find a beautifully maintained house and garden, with the couple living independently in their own home in Cowes. My offers of assistance in the preparation of tea are tuttutted and I watch in awe as this charming couple goes about their daily routine as a vintage duo. Lance invites me to sit down, and continues on from the war years. “When the war started, the work quickly started to dry up, but I managed to find work as a labourer in a munitions factory in Maribyrnong. I was only there about a fortnight, and an old chook of a lady doctor said to me, ‘I’m afraid we’re going to have to get rid of you’.” The doctor had concerns about his heart missing a beat, and by way of explanation said, ‘Well, say you’re holding a live bomb and you drop it accidentally – you might just blow up the whole damn factory, so you’re no good to us.’ Getting a job in the war years was hard enough, and when you were employed you couldn’t afford to lose your position. coast 44

“I kept at them and in the end they let me stay on, but they put me in a shed with only four other blokes, so if the worst were to happen we’d only blow up the five of us!” Comforting thought . . .

It was their job to push detonators into the head of aircraft shells – the ones that were dropped from planes and designed to explode on impact. A Work Care nightmare, you would think – if such safety matters existed in those days. Lance recalls, “I was looking at this bloke across from me one day, and the detonator fell from the shell and hit the concrete floor!” Expecting to be blown to smithereens, Lance says, “We couldn’t believe it! I said, ‘Are we still here?’ The boss always told us how sensitive they were, and that if the little aluminium top was flattened we’d be history, but we were so lucky.” They discovered that the whole batch was faulty. “We just couldn’t understand it, but we sure were grateful that we got out of that one alive.”

After the war, Lance settled into somewhat quieter vocations.

“I was a house-painter there for a while, before I started on the buses.” Lance learnt to drive at nineteen, in an old ‘eight slot’ gear truck that stood him in good stead for driving buses for over 27 years. Still driving at 100, Lance says, “I won’t drive unless I’m clear in the head – and in all the years I’ve bin drivin’ I only ever had one accident, and that was in the bus. Wasn’t my fault – but isn’t that what everyone says,” he laughs. Always one for a good yarn, Lance remembers an incident that still haunts him. Running late, he had just dropped a busload of passengers at a train station and was about to take off when a young girl ran back towards the bus and said, “Driver, did you know there is a man lying in front of your bus?” Well, I didn’t, and I got out of the bus and found this chap who was a bit under the weather, and he had fallen over and his

Lance a whole lot of years

100 years on the planet, Lancelot Watts talks to Coast about about life on the buses, near misses, the missus and the wonders of Epsom salts. words maria reed photos warren reed

head was fair in line with the front wheel. I would’ve gone straight over him if it weren’t for that girl. She literally saved his life!” Lance dragged the man onto the footpath, and marvels that he was gone when the bus made its return journey.

Life ‘on the buses’ was very eventful for Lance. “I had my regulars, and boy . . . do I have some stories – but most of ‘em I couldn’t tell you,” he says with a cheeky grin. You quickly develop an understanding of the confidence placed in the drivers at the time, and the concept that ‘what goes on in the buses – stays on the buses.’ Pointing out his first car (a T-model Ford on the picture board) Lance says, “You gotta remember that a lot of folk used to ride the buses back then.” In those times, even if you were lucky enough to have a car, it was very hard to get petrol. “For a 10horse-power car you got rationed 1 gallon a month – over 10hp you got 4 gallons. That’s all they’d give ya. And if you had some petrol tickets to spare . . . well, you could swap ‘em for almost anything – so most people rode the buses.”

Lance learnt to ride a pushbike as a young man, and then quickly progressed to a motorbike. He says, “I used to ride my bike past Arthurina’s place every day and we’d wave at each other – then one day I stopped . . . and the rest, as they say, is history!”

Having known the family for years, Lance asked Arthurina on a date, and took her out in his Ford. I asked Arthurina about her first impressions of Lance. “Well, you know how silly young girls are!” she laughs. The pair were married in 1937, and Arthurina believes 7 to be their lucky number. “We got married in ’37, I was born in 1907, Lance was born in 1917, and his 100th birthday was in

2007!” So what is the secret to staying married for over 70 years?

Arthurina says, “A bit of give and take,” while Lance chips in, “having a few fights,” he laughs.

The pair moved to Phillip Island in 2004 to be closer to their daughter Faye. “We had two children, but our first, our little boy, died at 7 months,” says Arthurina with a tear in her eye, showing the pain of a loss that has never really healed. Faye and her husband John run a local caravan park and have two grown-up children. “We used to come to visit Faye and John on holidays, and then we decided it was time to move.”

As a special treat, Lance’s son-in-law shouted him some hot laps at the Grand Prix track for his 100th birthday last year. “ I don’t know how he wangled it, but they put this whopping great skull cap on me head, and we’re getting around the track at 210km per hour. I was thinking if that front wheel came off, we’d be in a bit of trouble,” he chuckles.

Looking at the feisty 100-year-old, I start to wonder if Lance has discovered the fountain of youth. His secret? “Well, you probably wouldn’t believe me if I told you,” he laughs. “Ever heard of Epsom salts? Well, I’ve been taking them of a morning, six mornings a week for the last 70 years. I said to me doctor, ‘I’ve been taking these horse tablets for years now (and the doc’s dead now – he only made it to 68) – he said to me that I couldn’t have bin taking anything better. They checked me liver and kidneys and such, and the results came back tellin’ me I had lungs and kidneys equal to any twenty-year-old!” I think I may just be going to get myself some of these Epsom salts . . . Go, Lance, go! C

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FAST

gung ho celebrating cultural diversity

Wonthaggi’s Gung Ho Multicultural Festival is a celebration of the incredible diversity of cultures to be found in Bass Coast. Now in its second year, the event is jam-packed with activities, food and fun from all corners of the world. words sally o’neill photos maria reed

“Wonthaggi has a migrant history”, says Jan Bourne, of Mitchell House in Wonthaggi. The coal mine brought different cultures to the town and the tradition continues today.”

“When you walk down the street, you see people of many diverse cultures and we want to celebrate this,” says Jan. The first Gung Ho Multicultural Festival was held in 2007 and was such a success that funding for a second event was secured.

So, head down to Apex Park in Wonthaggi on Saturday 22 March for a mini trip around the world, and celebrate the wonders of cultural diversity. Entry is free, and among the attractions there’ll be Sudanese dancing, belly-dancing, Tai Chi demonstrations, Indian music and a Scottish band. Learn the skills of Sudanese drum-making, try the art of Venetian mask-making, have a go at juggling, or join a Bollywood dance workshop. There’s also hoped to be a football game: “Wonthaggi against the world.”

“The Gung Ho Multicultural Festival offers an opportunity for all people to come together to celebrate and enjoy the rich and dynamic cultural diversity within our community. Let’s share our differences in a spirit of goodwill, understanding and acceptance,” says Jan. See you there! C 2008 Gung Ho Festival Saturday 22 March 10am – 4pm Apex Park, Murray Street Wonthaggi

words Maria Reed photos Warren Reed

wild by nature

an artist’s story

Travelling down a long and winding road through chocolate box hills overlooking the Prom and beyond, I start to daydream about the journey of an artist - and how a creative spirit like Emily Koenders managed to find herself a little piece of paradise called “Dreamer’s Valley” on the outskirts of Leongatha in South Gippsland. The road itself gives meaning to the artist’s voyage, and gives me the impression that this artist’s journey may be just as important as her destination . . . and mine.

coast 48

artist profile

It’s a blustery hot day, and we are warmly greeted by Emily at the door and ushered into the cool surrounds of her elegant studio. Her easel stands in the middle of the room, and a work in progress (a painting of delicate small wrens) is surrounded by daubs of paint and a collection of feathers she has found. Small dried flowers given to her by a young admirer are pressed and attached to her work board with a touch of paint. As she prepares cool drinks, I stand behind her work and look at the impressive view that greets the artist as she paints. She catches me gazing into the distance. “The first time I ever saw the place I thought I’d stepped into heaven . . . it was my dream. There was nothing here - it was simply a paddock. I dreamt of having my family home here overlooking the mountains. I could visualise this place in my mind’s eye. I planted all the trees, built my home and surrounded it with a beautiful garden and sculptures and called it “Dreamer’s Valley.”

When she finally created an art gallery, her immediate thought was, “Wouldn’t it be beautiful to share this with people? When visitors come here I think they love it because it’s an escape. It’s a getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.”

Looking at the collection of Emily’s work on the surrounding walls, I see the artist’s obvious love for wildlife, and deep understanding of the natural world around her. “I have always felt a profound connection with animals. When I paint them, it’s hard to explain, but I almost feel them, and it’s my way of connecting

to them. I was born with a love of animals, and my mum and dad certainly fostered that appreciation, always stopping to point out something magical – a beautiful landscape or something as delicate as a feather or pebble.”

Recently turning (as she laughs and grimaces) “the big three zero,” Emily has been painting for 26 years. She took to painting straight away, proudly showing me a picture of her first artwork at four. “Can’t you just picture the future artist?” she laughs, pointing at an abstract work in bright yellow and blue. As a self-taught artist, Emily learnt to hone her skills through meticulous practice.

“You can devote your life to this . . . and I have. I was always drawn to painting and I’m forever learning and evolving. I feel that as a painter I see in images and light – and my hope is that people understand the need for art and beauty in the world.” When Emily paints new subjects she will watch and study them for hours. “If I get the chance I will photograph them and read as much about them as I can. It’s all about capturing them by looking into the spirit of the animal and connecting to that when I paint. When I paint a blue wren I feel the sweetness of the little bird, while a wedge-tailed eagle gives me a feeling of its power and majesty.

They give me that feeling without words, and it is my emotional state that I am trying to convey while I am painting them.”

As an accomplished artist and a spiritual being, Emily believes nature and wildlife are two of life’s greatest creations. “They >

artist profile

really are God’s most beautiful artworks, not that I’m ultra-religious or anything, but I really do believe that. My take on it is that when you have dark times, or you’re feeling down, there is always something beautiful in nature to look at and to provide some hope. To paint it is a privilege, and to move people with my work . . . well . . . ,” she is lost for words. “One day a lady came in and was looking at a picture of a group of flying ducks, and she said, ‘I don’t know why, but that painting makes me want to cry.’ “I laughed, and said, ‘Is it that bad?!’, . . . but she was really touched by the painting.

Sometimes my feelings can be transferred into the painting I am doing at the time and I’ve had people become very emotional after looking at my pieces.”

Art is a universal language and to share your work with an audience requires courage. “You hang your heart on the wall when you exhibit. It can be confronting, and people don’t really think of that. It’s all me. No machine or anything else has been a part of creating this work – it’s a way of channelling my energy, and being able to pour my emotions into something. I think each painting is a moment in time that captures who you really are. A friend said, ‘When people buy a painting from you, they’re really buying a part of you’.” A neurologist once asked whether she thought that painting was a gift or a practice. Emily has put many years of work into her discipline, but considers her art a gift and tries to find the right words to explain it to me. “Sometimes it feels like the paint is falling off my brush in ways I don’t even understand. It’s like I’m in the moment and present, but not quite sure how it’s happening.”

As I study a painting of an iridescent kingfisher and marvel at the fine detail made up of tiny dots and strokes, she says, “I used to just work with coloured pencils, then one day I thought I’d try airbrushing (having never before picked up an airbrush) and I started painting. I did this piece with a waterfall and rocks – with birds flying up out of the water. It’s those moments when I wonder coast 50

where it comes from.”

A phone call from her father late last year came as a personal revelation. “Dad said, ‘We have just received news from Holland that we are related to Vincent Van Gogh’. I just couldn’t believe it. Being told that he was my great, great, great, great-uncle was like a musician being told that he was related to Beethoven. Can you imagine that? Of all the artists I studied, he was the biggest influence in my life. That’s the freaky part. I have studied him most of my life. When I went to Europe at seventeen I visited all the special places he’d painted that I’d read about. This knowledge of our family history is still something I can’t really get my head around.” She describes it as a time when many elements were coming together, as if the universe were conspiring to this great artistic awakening. “I have painted with all my heart and soul for 26 years without knowing of this connection, and when I found out it was as if it was written in the stars. There are just some things we don’t know about that are in our blood. We may not realise it, or think of the bigger picture, but our genetic heritage is a more potent element than we ever imagine. I always had a passion to paint, and to tell you the truth, it’s almost nice that I discovered this relationship with Van Gogh now, at an age when I am established in my own right as an artist, and it doesn’t appear that I am trying to ride on his coat tails – if you know what I mean. For me it’s more of an answer; it’s like the peg has finally found the right hole. I am very humbled by the connection.

If you would like to see more of the work of this renowned wildlife artist, you can visit her at her gallery at 230 Ruby Fairbank Road, Fairbank. Don’t miss Emily’s up and coming major exhibition ‘Feathers’ from 5th to 27th April (including all public holidays).

The exhibition is open daily from 10 – 5pm. Ring for opening hours at other times. For further details on 03 5662 5808 or mobile 0401 379 952 C

Emily Koenders ART GALLERY

Photography / Joel Gough

Capturing Our Coast In The Right Light

A major art exhibition

‘feathers’ 5th - 27th april

(including all public holidays) open daily 10 - 5pm Melways ref:

Compliment your home with a high quality photographic print of our local area, or the perfect gift as a momento of our coast.

Photographs can be purchased unframed or custom framed to suit your taste. For more details and to browse the online gallery visit

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230 Ruby fairbank rd fairbank 56625808

FIONA KENNEDY Art studio & gallery a picturesque seaside gallery housing contemporary paintings by internationally recognised artist fiona kennedy. you can experience first hand a professional art studio and speak one on one with the artist as you watch fiona paint you can also wander around her gallery and sculptural garden and be inspired by contemporary art.

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m. 0413 241 805

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desalination? coast 52

at what cost?

coast 54

What brought you to the Bass Coast region today?

The people campaigning against the desalination plant (near Wonthaggi) asked me to come down before the election, and I did. I promised to come back afterwards and I promised to take the issue into the national parliament and here I am. Next week parliament starts, and I will be taking the issue up with the new government as they have to decide yes or no - every bit as much as the state government.

Do we need more water?

What is the green alternative to desalination?

We don’t need more water. We need to use the water we have more wisely, and if Melbournians were simply to use the same amount of water as Brisbane people - and remember that Brisbane is 1200km closer to the equator, then we would not only save as much water as the desal plant is going to be putting out, but we’d have a third as much again. It’s the wise management of water . . . and with everything – the land, the ocean, the air – we are in a century here where we have to pull in our belts and manage what we’ve got or we’re simply going to leave a disastrous planet, in all sorts of environmental problems, for the next generation.

What is your biggest triumph?

Being involved with the community organizations that saved the Franklin River and the Tarkine Rainforest in Tasmania. And individual things like saving Gandalf’s Staff – the huge 85m high tree in the Styx Valley. Being a part of the growing awareness of Australians who are looking after our environment – and knowing you never succeed if you don’t try.

What keeps you motivated?

The planet. It’s so beautiful – and so are human beings. All we’ve got to do is marshal the best side of human beings, and have ‘green’ instead of ‘greed’ - and we’ll be back on track.

What inspires you?

People do. My mother did. When she said, “that’s a nice bunch of wildflowers, thanks for bringing them home, but it would look so much more beautiful back on the tree where it came from.”

Everybody loves the planet. Everybody loves to walk on the beach, to look at the waves, to see the night sky, to have a window box of flowers. We don’t put up pictures of chainsaws and bulldozers in our kitchens or our living rooms – why is that? Because we are creatures of the wild - so as we look after the wild, we look after ourselves.

What makes you angry?

Greed. As Ghandi said, “the world’s got enough for everybody’s needs, but not enough for everybody’s greeds.”

What is your message to the people of Bass Coast today?

I encourage everybody to join this (desal) campaign to help save one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. This area is better than the Cococabana in Rio. This area is better than the beaches of the Mediteranean that are crammed full. People of the Netherlands would give their eye-teeth for a coast like this. Recently on a hot day, 2 million people went to the beach there and it caused the world’s largest traffic jam. Here we have something much more beautiful, and they want to put a giant salt extraction factory on it.

If you were prime minister for a day?

I would bring in good management. It’s all about managing our resources. Australians are very lucky with water. We have huge amounts of water compared to other places, and if we manage it - we’re blessed. But to simply say, ah well, instead of turning off the tap, fixing the pipeline, recycling the water, or putting in tanks, we’ll go and wreck a beach . . . and we’ll go and wreck a marine ecosystem . . . and we’ll go and put 3 billion dollars, (ultimately of the people’s money, as they are going to pay every dollar of that), plus the profits on top of that through their water bills. It’s mis-management and it’s irresponsible. The big test here is when Mr Brumby walks on that beach, and when Prime Minister Rudd walks on that beach - we’ll know if they’ve been moved.

Your perfect day?

Well . . . to come to Churchill Island today, to hear good music that’s got heart and soul in it, with five to ten thousand other people, and to know that this is part of trying to save something exquisitely beautiful, would be pretty close. We’re actually enjoying ourselves, while also giving something back to the planet. All the signs against desal coming in on the way here, and the stalls that are set up to inform people about the environmental impact, and the brochures that are going out, it’s a wonderful combination. All our creativity, including our music is inspired from the planet, which gave us the ears to hear, gave us eyes to see, and hands to create. And it’s about giving a little bit of that creativity back to the planet.

How can people make a difference in their own lives for a cleaner, greener coast?

Clearly we have to think about conserving our resources, and just little things like turning off the light switch, and making sure the tap doesn’t leak. I think that by becoming involved in this campaign (against desalination) – it isn’t something that can be done by sitting at home. We have to go out and get Spring Street to change their mind, and get Canberra to be responsible. We’re a democracy and we’re free to protest, and demonstrate positively for the planet. That’s what saved the Franklin River and the Daintree Rainforest. That’s the only thing standing between this coastline and a desalination factory.

So if people are motivated, the outcome will be different – I truly believe it’s possible to beat this. C

bob brown ten questions with

words as told to maria reed photos tanya fry ftp photography

words & photos Maria Reed

the flying doctor gives us a bird’s eye view of the proposed bass coast desalination plant site

coast 56

Flying enthusiast, Dr. Graeme Dennerstein offered Coast Magazine the opportunity to fly over the proposed Desalination plant site on the prisitine Bass Coastline With dust kicking up from the runway, I squint to see a small khaki-coloured warplane taxiing along the airstrip at Cape Woolamai. It comes to a stop and a friendly face peers down from the cockpit. Looking the plane up and down, I call over the propeller noise: “That’s some plane you’ve got there.” “She’s a Cessna Bird Dog - one of the 3000 specially-designed aircraft flown during the Korean and Vietnam wars,” smiles Graeme.

A flying enthusiast, Dr. Graeme Dennerstein offered Coast Magazine the opportunity of making an aerial record of the proposed Desalination plant site on the Bass Coastline. As he steps off the Bird Dog, he points out the original bullet holes (now patched) in the chassis, his fingertip tracing the small indents.

He became the proud owner of the plane when he spotted the old aircraft in a hangar in Kalgoorlie.

We are about to take a flight over the proposed desal site just near the mouth of the Powlett River in Dalyston, and as I take my seat directly behind him, he says “mind the pedals on the floor… they control the plane.” Confidence starts to waver as we build up speed for take-off, but nerves disappear as we sail out over the cliffs at Cape Woolamai and enjoy an expansive view of long sandy beaches and aquamarine waters. >

“How can we even consider desalination when nearly 4 million people in the city are still flushing drinking water down the toilet?”

This aerial perspective of the coastline gives new meaning to coastal amenity, and flying has given the good doctor a different view of our water issues.

Travelling regularly from Melbourne to Echuca, Graeme says, “Victoria is criss-crossed with what must be one of the world’s most wasteful irrigation systems.” After talking to farmers in the dry Murray River region, he says, “even they seem to think that desalination is not the answer.” When I ask about the general feeling towards the proposed plant in Melbourne, Graeme says, “I’ve yet to meet anyone who thinks it is a good idea.”

The doctor had such misgivings about the government initiative that he was moved to write to Justin Madden, the minister for planning. Graeme is outraged by the move, when, he says, “nearly 4 million people in the city are still flushing drinking water down the toilet, and discarding stormwater.”

He believes the $3.1 billion allocated for the project would be better spent “plumbing Melbourne dwellings to make them comparatively independent through the use of rainwater.”

For more information - www.yourwateryoursay.org or www.ourwater.vic.gov.au

coast 58

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mossvale music

In 1888 Francis Moss purchased the property now known as Mossvale Park. He established a nursery and planted some of the magnificent old trees (some specimens from around the world) that still dominate the landscape today. In 1946 the property became a public park and the stately trees will again stand sentinel over the annual Mossvale Park Music Festival on Sunday, March 15th. ‘Blues n Roots’ fans, and music lovers in general will flock to the renowned venue for yet another feast of performances by overseas, interstate and local artists. BYO chairs, or rug and a picnic lunch, then relax in the idyllic setting. Add some outstanding musicianship, a dash of local wines, ale and food - and the setting is complete. Come along and be part of a day which is definitely emerging as one of Gippsland’s iconic music events.

MIA DYSON

Mia Dyson is an Australian singer, songwriter and guitarist who shot to fame with her 2003 album Cold Water.

Her follow-up album, Parking Lots, won “Best Blues & Roots Album” at the 2005 ARIA Awards. Now, Mia Dyson is on the road. Yeah, we know she’s been there since she was nineteen, but with her third album, Struck Down, there’s no looking back. . Joining Mia’s regular band members Angus Diggs & James Haselwood will be celebrated Australian guitarist, Matt Walker.

LOUDON WAINWRIGHT III

Candid and emotionally powerful songwriter Loudon Wainwright III is returning to Australia for a highlyanticipated national concert tour. Wainwright began his career as a folk singer/songwriter in the late ‘60s, singing funny and nakedly honest autobiographical songs. Throughout his career, he has engaged in the type of soul-baring that many other artists only dream of. Called “the not-so-sensitive folk singer” by Greg Reibman in Billboard, Wainwright has built a cult following with humorous, biting and incisive songs on a far-reaching range of subjects.

THE BACKSLIDERS

Iconic Australian blues group The Backsliders are the pioneers of their own genre – ‘delta-blues wall of sound’.

These guys have been writing, recording & performing acoustic-based blues for 20 years – even before ‘roots and blues’ became a catchphrase. Guitarist/vocalist, founding member and key songwriter for the band, Dom Turner specialises in bottleneck slide guitar using resonator, and blitzes on 6 & 12 string guitar. Drum and percussion virtuoso Rob Hirst (Midnight Oil, Ghostwriters), a name synonymous with the best of Australian music, has been with The Backsliders since 2000. Broderick Smith, founder member of The Dingoes, plays harmonica.

RUTHIE FOSTER

If you haven’t yet been introduced to the music of this humble and prodigiously gifted singer and songwriter from Texas, you’re in for a major epiphany. And if you’ve been following Foster’s career ever since her selfreleased, 1997 debut, Full Circle, or even since her 2002 breakthrough, Runaway Soul, you’re in for an even bigger surprise, because you really haven’t ever heard Foster until you hear her now. Foster has been steadily winning thousands of fans across North America and Europe, blending contemporary folk with old-school gospel and blues with dazzling efficiency, and showcasing a powerhouse voice that has provoked a torrent of favorable comparisons to the likes of Ella Fitzgerald and Aretha Franklin.

THE DUHKS

The Duhks are at the forefront of a movement dubbed Neo-Traditionalism. With a sound that can only be described as folk/punk/rock/old-time/soul/salsa fusion, this young band of high- energy 20-somethings has been winning staunch support from fans in all walks of life. Their unique sound has also earned them a Grammy Award nomination, one Juno Award plus two nominations. Fiery fiddle, exquisite percussion, high-end guitar and banjo meld with one of the absolutely best female voices in the business. They deliver – it’s that simple!

LISA MILLER

Lisa Miller is acclaimed by critics as a sublime songwriter possessed of an utterly distinctive voice. She will be performing with the renowned Shane O’Mara. Lisa has just released a new album, Morning in the Bowl of Light. “It’s all done with such grace and simplicity, with such intimacy and honesty - lyrical and musical - that it insinuates itself into your life completely. This record is the finest thing Lisa Miller has done. “ Bernard Zuel, SYDNEY MORNING HERALD

LIZ STRINGER

Melbourne-based original acoustic contemporary roots artist Liz Stringer has emerged triumphant with the critically-acclaimed release of her debut album Soon. “A beguiling singer and accomplished songwriter, it is Stringer’s prodigious command of the steel-string guitar and banjo that distinguishes her from the pack.

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LUCY WAINWRIGHT ROCHE

Lucy Wainwright Roche grew up in Greenwich Village, New York City, the daughter of musicians Loudon Wainwright and Suzzy Roche (The Roches).

After singing backup with her brother, Rufus Wainwright, Lucy is now undertaking her debut Australian tour. Described by the New York Times as having a voice “clear as a bell”, Lucy is a refreshing alternative to the jive pop culture. Alarmingly straightforward and unadorned, she is a young singer just beginning to find her own unique perspective.

JORDIE LANE

Arguably one of the finest young singer songwriters to come out of Melbourne in recent years, Jordie Lane “is at the forefront of Australia’s exciting neo-folk country movement.” With his unique finger-style guitar picking, blues harmonica, and a heart-breaking voice. He has been described as “a journey, somewhere between Hank Williams and Ryan Adams, somehow familiar and yet wonderfully new.” He brings to Mossvale a new band featuring Danny McKenna (Jeff Lang) on drums, his good friend Liz Stringer on assorted instruments, Jarrad Brown (Custom Kings) on Upright Bass, and Tracy McNeil (Canada) providing the sweetest damn harmonies you’ll hear this side of the equator.

12PM – 12.30 JORDIE LANE 12.40 – 1.10 LUCY WAINWRIGHT ROCHE (Debut Aust. Tour)

moss vale music festiv al

1.20 – 1.50 LIZ STRINGER 2PM – 2.40 LISA MILLER 2.55 -3.45 THE DUHKS (Debut Australian Tour) 3.55 – 4.50 RUTHIE FOSTER (Debut Australian Tour) 5.05 – 5.55 THE BACKSLIDERS 6.05 PM – 7PM LOUDON WAINWRIGHT III 7.15 – 8.15 MIA DYSON

festival

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Adults - $40 Concession - $35 Under 14’s - Free

Mossvale Park Strezlecki Hwy (15kms from) Leongatha Enquiries & bookings (03) 5664 9239 www.lyrebirdartscouncil.com.au

artist profile

“If I’m planning a piece of art, I don’t like to use words before I have it on paper – if I talk about it, it seems to go away.”

an artist

words sally o’neill photos warren reed

by nature

Taking the time to see the beauty and magic in a simple piece of beach-washed kelp is something most of us just can’t seem to manage these days. Perhaps if we did, the world would be in better shape, says artist Marion Chapman.

“I’m not the best talker,” says Marion Chapman as I arrive at her Inverloch home, but before long Marion opens up about her two passions in life – art and the environment. Or, more specifically, saving the environment and trying desperately to show the beauty and fragility of nature through her stunning artistic ability.

Just like the naturalists of the 19th century who documented what was ‘out there’ through collecting, Marion is dedicated to creating an awareness of the simple splendor and wonder of marine life - before it’s too late. A piece of seaweed strewn on the sand becomes an object of wonder and artistic inspiration.

Each piece conveys the ideas she can’t easily put into words – that beauty is everywhere, that life is precious, that the Earth is irreplaceable and in urgent need of appreciating and saving.

In her recent exhibition, ‘The Flow of Things’, Marion used an coast 62

extensive excerpt from the author Rachel Carson to describe the essence of what she is trying to capture in paint.

“Contemplating the teeming life of the shore, we have an uneasy sense of the communication of some universal truth that lies just beyond our grasp,” writes Carson in her book ‘Silent Spring’, published in 1962. The book is widely credited with helping launch the environmental movement.

“When I read that quote, it put into words where I am coming from.

It’s about the ebb and flow of time,” explains Marion.

Marion’s journey as an artist started in primary school when she painted the fish caught by her brother. Her parents then employed a professional artist to teach her the fundamentals.

Working in acrylics on canvas, and inks on paper for delicate botanical illustrations, Marion studies her subjects, learning their>

scientific names and gathering as much information about them as she can.

“I take photos of things I see at the beach and use them for my paintings. I do this because some pieces involve over a hundred hours’ work, so it’s not possible to do them in situ, as much as I would like to.”

The artistic process is a private one for Marion. “If I’m planning a piece of art, I don’t like to use words before I have it on paper – if I talk about it, it seems to go away.”

Marion’s work moves and shimmers on the canvas, highlighting her attention to detail and appreciation and love of the subject.

“I try to make a painting of seaweed more than a pictorial representation. Those floats (she points to a glowing strand of brine-washed kelp) are just buoyancy floats, a common means that seaweed uses to bring the plant to the surface, allowing light to penetrate so the plant can live and reproduce. But the light actually glows when it comes through and the kelp is no longer brown - it’s as if it’s got a little candle inside.”

One piece depicts a lone strand of seaweed almost lost in the sand on a windy day. The image saddened Marion, and she abandoned the painting until a friend encouraged her to complete it. “She said ‘the death of something is the life of something else’, so I finished it,” recalls Marion.

This work depicting the vulnerable seaweed is my personal favorite as it shows the fragility of nature and the environment, and shows how easily they can be erased before our eyes.

“I studied art at Swinburne, where I met my husband Andrew. We were part of the exodus from Melbourne in the 1970s. We decided to have a better life in the country. Inverloch in the 1970s was amazing;

you just would not believe the transformation since then. All of the shops in the main street were weatherboard – it was just like an old country town.”

“Together we saw the need to use the skills and talents we had to ‘fight the fight’. A painting of a flower is a nice thing to do, but it doesn’t tell you much more.”

“I think a point is reached in your life where you say – ok, I really do love nature and I’ve got to stand up and be counted – otherwise it’s a pretty empty gesture. You can’t just paint paintings of it (nature) and sell them. You have to be part of the campaign to save it in whatever way you can - writing a letter, signing a petition, or taking it further by going to a meeting or even a demonstration.”

“We were involved in the sewerage issue in the 1970s and the (Bunurong) Marine Park in the 1980s.” The current issue is water – specifically desalination. Painted cutouts of penguins scatter the studio as part of Marion’s commitment to the cause. “The de-sal was a bolt out of the blue. I thought, ‘I can’t be involved in this; it’s too hard’. But now I’m slowly doing a few things. The government is just not listening to people. You simply should not flush your toilet with drinking water.”

Despite her passionate views about environmental issues, Marion is first and foremost an artist, only occasionally using her paintings to ‘stick the knife in’. “I am in love with what I am doing. I get completely swept away with the colours, shapes and textures. Everything I need for my art is out there.”

And what’s next? “I’m not good at planning my life; it just sweeps me along from one thing to the next. I’m not sure if it’s a bad thing, it just is. I know I haven’t finished with the acrylic medium and marine theme. There’s a lot more to say…” C

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all in a day’s work promotional feature words Sue Webster photos Warren Reed

Part-slog, part-scavenger hunt, Jane Crump’s working day is like none other.

At 8am she is looking at a computer screen, at 11am she’s chatting in a paddock with a Bass farmer and by 2pm she’s man-handling a lump of pipework out of the ground at Cowes.

Three times a year Jane leads a team of six water meter readers, visiting the 13,000-plus water meters within the Westernport Water region. Well, almost all of them. There’s one that still eludes her.

“There’s an overgrown block at Cape Woolamai,” she said. “The water supply has been turned off; the meter is no longer connected and I’m supposed to go in and reclaim it. I know it’s in the scrub somewhere, but I haven’t been able to find it yet.”

She has the authority to enter any private land. She also has the power to impose fines on water cheats.When people don’t pay their water bills, it’s her job to go in to throttle back the normal flow of about 16 to 20 litres/minute to about three. “It’s enough to provide drinking water – but not enough for a comfortable shower,” she said. “But that’s really only as a last resort. We prefer our visits to be educational to teach people about responsible water use and to help customers who might be experiencing financial hardship. We give coast 66

people a lot of opportunities to pay their bills, we have special payment systems and help eligible customers access government aid.”

Her working day can also include checking new connections, seeing that meters are fitted to new subdivisions and, occasionally, dog handling. “I don’t often get assaulted by dogs,” she said. “In fact, a few of the dogs seem to know me. There’s one farm I go to – the people are never around – but they have a golden retriever and the tiniest little something-of-a-breed. And every time I arrive this little dog tries to jump into the ute. I pick it up and put it out … and it jumps back in again. Over and over. And when I drive away they both run after the ute.

“At Woolamai there’s a dog called Elvis; its owner always comes out for a chat,” she said. “And I’m always being offered home-grown fruit and vegetables to take home. People are really remarkably kind.”

She finds it valuable to chat. “The older people have a wealth of knowledge about their area,” she said. “It’s really valuable hearing about the earlier days of the water supply – they know where the old

a.

b. d.

c.

e.

a. Jane Crump sets off to work. b. Meeting Mozart at a Dalyston smallholding. c. There’s a meter somewhere in the scrub at Cape Woolamai. d. Herefords in her ‘office’. e. Visits to the tourism venues around the region are part of her gig, too. f. Checking a water tank on a farm at Bass.

pipes went and who was linked up to them… information that can pre-date Westernport Water’s records.”

If you’ve ever phoned the switchboard of the water corporation and heard a recorded message – the warm English voice is Jane’s.

She came to the job working initially as a casual in the customer service department and, before that, running a cleaning business with her husband Martyn. But her working life started another world away – amid the grey and grimy potteries of Staffordshire where she began life as a laboratory technician working with ceramics.

“You’d go to work in the dark and come home in the dark.” She gestures to the broad sunlight flooding through the window. “Speaks for itself… doesn’t it?”

Emigrating to Australia with their two daughters, the family set up their cleaning business initially in Melbourne. “With cleaning you mainly work at night. We’d work nights, days, weekends. It was work, work, work. But any weekend we could get off we’d come down here.

They took up fishing and it remains one of Jane’s great pleasures – fishing from the rocks or the beach. “I’m not fussed. I’m just grateful for any fish that comes on my line,” she laughed. For five years they visited the area, all the time thinking how they’d love to live here.

And then, suddenly, they did it.

Nearly three years ago, aged 45, Jane and her husband sold the business, sold the house, put the furniture in storage, packed the car

f.

with clothes, a 17 year-old daughter and two dogs – and headed off.

“I had two weeks use of a holiday house and in that time we had to find a house and a job. It was very exciting.” They rented a house at Cape Patterson, bought a rundown two-bedroom miner’s cottage in Wonthaggi which they are still renovating. It became home to four adults (another daughter moved in), a goat and two cats.

“And I’ve never been happier,” she said. “Of all the places I’ve lived – this is the one where I want to grow old. I love it here.

“Yesterday I was out in Bass, I looked at the blue skies, the rolling hills, the cows dotted over the countryside and I said to myself: ‘This in my office? I must be the luckiest person in the world’.” C

feature area

Idyllic Inverloch words sally o’neill photos maria & warren reed

‘Invy’, as locals fondly know it, is a dreamy seaside village with a vibrant heart of great shops, cafes, restaurants and an abundance of healing and indulgence experiences.

Just 143 km from Melbourne and12 kilometres from Wonthaggi, Inverloch is a coastal dream. There is a range of accommodation on offer, from luxury B&B’s to cabins and family caravan parks.

The town boasts stunning beaches both wild and mild. The foreshore reserve leads down to the sheltered waters of Anderson’s Inlet, which are perfect for swimming, boating and fishing. A walking track complete with a free outdoor gym stretches along the foreshore.

Screw Creek flows into Anderson’s Inlet and a lovely walking track has been created along the creek up to a lookout on Townsend’s Bluff.

This environmentally sensitive area features boardwalks which allow

coast 68

you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area and its wildlife.

To the west, towards Wonthaggi, are Bass Strait and the Bunurong Marine National Park. Don’t miss the drive along the coast road to Cape Paterson for unrivalled ocean views.

Each March, Inverloch comes alive with the Jazz Festival. During the summer months, teams of paleontologists dig for dinosaur bones along the rocky shores. The annual dig at the Flat Rocks site near Inverloch has been taking place since 1994, and more than 12,000 fossil bones have been caalogued in that time.

feature area

The main shopping area features a well-stocked supermarket and a range of fab shops to offer hours of retail therapy. When the shopping’s done, indulge in some beauty or relaxation therapy with any of the quality services on offer. Beyond the main street, you’ll find antiques, retro treasures and galleries. When it’s time for a coffee, drink or food, you are spoilt for choice in the many cafes, restaurants and bars.

And before you leave, take a moment to visit the Stupa for Enlightenment and World Peace at the Health and Energy Education Centre, which is regularly blessed by the Gyuto Monks of Tibet. C

Inverloch at a Glance 3MFM – Inverloch’s local radio station pg.114 Amici – beautiful homewares and interior design pg.71 Barradene Interiors – gorgeous gifts Red Elk Cafe Bar pg.70 Esplanade Hotel – newly renovated modern bistro and sports bar pg.71 Evans Petroleum – fill up at the local Mobil servo pg.114 Fiona Kennedy – contemporary art studio & gallery pg.51 Fleurtations – blooms, lovely lingerie and original artwork pg. 70 Framed @Inverloch – frame your favourite photo or art work pg.85 Health& Energy Education Centre – Chinese massage, meditation and gifts p.84 Jane Hackel – indulgent massage retreat pg.81 Jeminy Hair and Health – create a new look pg. 70 Keepsake Creations – catch the scrapbooking bug! pg.85 L&J Tuddin Antique & Décor Gallery – exquisite antiques and restoration pg.70 Matt Lynch Chiropractor - ease those aches pg.80 Southern Bazaar – second hand with style and groovy retro pg.43 Tomo Japanese Restaurant – Modern Japanese cuisine with flair! pg.71

Close by

Fish Creek: Gateway to Wilson’s Promontory National Park and fabulous galleries – half an hour down the road.

Venus Bay and Cape Liptrap lighthouse are well worth the 45 minutes to an hour’s drive!

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Inverloch

Fantastic Sports Bar and TAB, Thirsty Camel Bottle Shop and Drive through, Tabaret.

Entertainment venu: Music Saturday nights in the Sports Bar and Sunday acoustic arvos 1st Sunday of the month 2-5pm Friendly staff and great service Opening soon: Upstairs function room

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livelyloch words sally o’neill photos warren reed

Nestled amongst the rolling green hills of South Gippsland and just a slight swerve off the highway, the township of Loch is a gem. Park your car under a shady tree and take a stroll through the historic village. Many of the buildings are original, and cottage gardens line the street. The friendly Loch locals are happy to share their knowledge and passion for the place.

Loch’s main street is a shopper’s delight with a wide range of products and crafts available. There are galleries full of country craft, woodwork, jewellery and antiques as well as a good old general store and another dedicated to mystical merchandise. There is also a most extraordinary quilting gallery with unique and exquisite fabrics on sale.

Around the corner is a groovy art-filled pub which is also a bed & breakfast. Sleepover dinner parties are their specialty, so bring your PJs! Loch Market is held on the second Sunday of every month. The village springs to life on market day. The South Gippsland Tourist Railway stops at Loch on Sundays and public holidays. The village also hosts an annual quilting festival in February and a Hymnfest on the second Sunday of October.

Before you head off, take a break in one of Loch’s parks.

Centennial Park boasts ‘the cleanest public toilets in South Gippsland’ and at Sunnyside Park, four-legged friends are welcome: doggy-doo disposal bags are even provided!

for more info log onto www.loch.org.au coast 72

Make time to visit Loch ‌the gateway to South Gippsland Places to explore

Carrington’s

Victoria Rd, Loch P. 56594215 Thurs – Sun

Antiques and collectables.

Be surprised; come and browse. Full of treasures in every room.

Kay’s Artycles

5a Victoria Road P. 5659 4460 Thur –Sun 10-4pm

or by appointment www.kaysartycles.com.au Unique hand-crafted jewellery and accessories.

Individual designs. Beads and jewellery making supplies. Tuition available.

The Quilter’s Barn

35 Victoria Road P. 56594449 Tues-Sun 10-5pm

Victoria Street Gallery Victoria Rd, Loch P. 56594310

Country giftware & Australiana, original artworks, homewares, wood turned products & much more.

Wish Art Design Studio 36 Victoria Rd P. 5659 4247

Unique & original designs in hand painted silk by resident artist. Specialising in Australiana designs.

Scarves, wraps, jackets, bags, ties, silk jewellery & much more.

Hard Loch CafĂŠ

Places to dine

10 Smith Street P. 5659 4466

Fine food, local wines, great coffees and unique teas.

Breakfast, lunch & special events. Open 7 days

The Gilded Lily Restaurant & Bar 35 Victoria Road P. 5659 4488

A huge range of exquisite fabrics for patchwork, home decorating and clothing. Classes available. www.quilters-barn.com

“It’s something special!� Open Fri & Sat evening; Sun lunch. Other times by arrangement. Intimate atmosphere & fine dining.

Rustic Rose Antiques

The Royal Hotel(Syb’s Place)

Victoria Rd, Loch P. 0407 594 445 Thurs - Sun or by appointment

Antique merchants for 15 years. 8 rooms of (,#? X QXP 0- 0AGE Victorian furniture, antiques and collectables.

2 Smith Street P. 5659 4446

Bar, bottle-shop, dining room, B&B, regular live entertainment. Sleep over dinner parties, on-site/offsite catering available. www.royalhotelloch.com

• &INE FOOD GREAT COFFEE UNIQUE TEAS • 6ARIED MENU INFLUENCED BY SEASONAL AVAILABILITY • ,OCAL WINES 'RAND 2IDGE "REWERY BEERS LOCAL CHEESES • ,OCAL TOURIST INFORMATION • )DEAL SOCIAL GROUP OR CORPORATE MEETING SPACE • ,OCAL ARTWORK PRODUCTS PRODUCE • 'ROUP DINNERS REFRESHMENTS AVAILABLE • #ATERING SPECIAL OCCASION CAKES MADE TO ORDER • )NDOOR OUTDOOR DINING

3 MIT H 3 T R EET , OC H

0

modern menu, Intimate & cosy dining, private rooms for group bookings.

35 Victoria St Loch

p. 5659 4488

Bear Gully Coastal Cottages Snugly set into the coastline of South Gippsland, Bear Gully Cottages overlook beautiful Waratah Bay to Wilson’s Promontory. With spectacular ocean views and foreshore frontage, these charming fully self contained two bedroom seaside cottages are definitely for those who enjoy the “difference”.

AAA Tourism Star Rating

Spectacular ocean views day and night Open for Dinner 7 days a week. Fully licensed. Lunches Saturday, Sunday and public holidays, Before & after penguins, Childrens menu, Special events 33 Maitland Court, Cape Liptrap Victoria Tel. 03 5663 2364 E. beargully@bigpond.com www.beargullycottages.com.au

1215 Phillip Island Tourist Rd, Phillip Island

p. 03 5956 7371

Email: restaurant@waterfront.net.au

SHETLAND HEIGHTS SEASCAPE

the castle villa by the sea

phillip island

Luxury 2 bedroom apartment with magnificent sea views

OVerlooking 9 hole golf course SHETLAND HEIGHTS ROAD SAN REMO 3925 WWW.FOXSOCKS.COM.AU WWW.VISITPHILLIPISLAND.COM 1300 366 422 ENQUIRIES: LJW85@HOTMAIL.COM

romantic getaways, weddings and private functions

Luxury Boutique Accomodation Indulge your senses.

7-9 steele street, cowes p. 03 5952 1228

www.thecastle.com.au

coast getaways . . . accomodation guide

riversend where the river meets the sea

318 Mouth of Powlett Rd, Kilcunda phone 03 5674 6171 www.riversend.com.au

bear gully glorious views over the prom

33 Maitland Court, Cape Liptrap phone 03 5663 2364 www.beargullycottages.com.au

castle villa by the sea luxury boutique accommodation

shetlands magnificent sea views

Shetland Heights Road phone 1300 366 422 (Visitor info centre) www.foxsock.com.au

the continental overlooking Westernport Bay

The Esplanade, Cowes phone 03 5952 2316 www.thecontinental.com.au

the eco resort all seasons eco resort

spice island a contemporary rural B&B retreat

taylors b&b restaurant famous for its seafood

ocean walk b&b coastal getaway

1A Hill Street Sunderland Bay phone 03 5956 7557 www.spiceisland.com.au

promhills cabins uninterrupted views of corner inlet

3650 Meeniyan-Promontory Road, Yanakie phone 03 5687 1469 www.promhillscabins.com.au

1215 Phillip Island Tourist Rd, Newhaven phone 03 5956 7371 taylorsrestaurant@waterfront.net.au

cypress hills 4.5 star accommodation

75 Korumburra Bena Road, Korumburra phone 03 5657 2240 www.cypresshillbnb.com.au

7-9 Steele St, Cowes phone 03 59521228 www.thecastle.com.au

2128 Phillip Island Road, Cowes phone 03 5952 8000 www.theislandecoresort.com.au

8-14 Gilbert Street, Kilcunda phone 03 5678 7419 oceanwalk@waterfront.net.au

queens cottage gorgeous garden setting 11 Queens St, Korumburra phone 03 56572268 www.benaway.com.au

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Cascades of colour, the deafening blare of horns, and an intoxicating blend of exotic smells greeted us on landing in Chennai. words & photos Nia Emmanouil Our group, an eclectic mix of 15 people from across Australia, set off in mid-December for India. We came together under the guise of Ceres Global, a not-for-profit Melbourne-based organisation working to encourage global sustainability. I had been involved with Ceres before moving to Phillip Island to work as a teacher, and was excited by the challenge of volunteer work in rural communities on the subcontinent.

The goal of our visit was to create a global network of sustainable communities by facilitating community-to-community connections.

We had been invited to share our skills in many areas, including health education, horticulture, agriculture, sustainability education, engineering, art and outdoor education to name just a few!

The lush green forest of Pitchandikulam, created out of the dust in Tamil Nadu, provided a sumptuous background for our work with local women’s groups and schools. The area is a hive of activity which is gradually building community resilience, with the school at Nadukuppam running innovative educational programs across the Kaluveli bioregion.

Sharing our experiences in sustainability education was both a challenging and humbling experience. Happily (but carefully) negotiating our way through cultural labyrinths, we were overwhelmed by the many innovative programs aimed at teaching

young people how to care for their land. On more than one occasion I found myself saying, “That would be a great project for our Year 9 Centre at home!” Other volunteers worked in partnership with local villagers to develop guidelines for planting ethno-medicinal gardens, marketing the locally produced food supplement, spirulina, and documenting the daily lives of village women.

While the project work we completed gave our trip a real sense of meaning, it was the relationships we developed which captured our hearts. We were profoundly affected by the generosity and hospitality of new friends who offered us amazing food, refreshing chai and many smiles.

Our next stay was with the wonderful people of Pal. This community was founded by Gandhian freedom fighters who had sought to work for the most downtrodden people of India. Home to many tribal villages, this northern region of Maharastra highlighted stark issues such as deforestation and lack of adequate sanitation.

Our arrival in Pal left us feeling as if we had been ‘love-bombed’.

Overwhelmed by the warmth of our welcome, we set about meeting with farmers, women’s groups, school teachers and students. We were the first Ceres group to visit Pal, so we were very keen to listen to the people and find out where they needed our support.

It was in the small village schools of Maharastra that our skills in

creating connections for global sustainability

enchanted by india

Love is the most powerful force in the Universe!

Bazil communicates in a relaxed and easy going way. He made me feel very comfortable. I felt confident in his ability to help and it was sorta fun at the same time.

I left feeling incredibly peaceful and optimistic. Bazil is a natural healer. Roberta, designer/artist, Fremantle.

Theta rocks! The experience with Bazil was amazing, positive and beneficial. All that was required of me was to be open, very little effort for a big result. Amazing!

Scott, disability support worker, Phillip Island.

cultural sharing were put to the test. On congratulating several dancing groups on their cultural presentations, we were invited to join in. “What, an Australian dance?” Unfortunately the hokeypokey was about the best we could do. We vowed to come more prepared next time.

This time our focus in schools was to model hands-on learning (which we discovered was comparatively rare in India) about issues such as deforestation. It was quite an experience watching the reactions of teachers as their classes kicked up an enthusiastic ruckus during a mock community forum on caring for forests!

Our experiences in India left us feeling a strong sense of solidarity with those who are facing the same challenges as we do here in Australia in regard to equity and climate change. The warmth, enthusiasm and determination of our Indian friends are sure to inspire us to keep working towards positive change in our communities.

To become involved, find more information or donate to Ceres Global, visit www.ceres.org.au Nia Emmanouil is a Sustainability Educator who works for Newhaven College at the Year 9 Environmental Centre on Phillip Island. C

After just one session with Basil, I found my life changed. Little things that used to annoy me, didn’t anymore. I felt happier and more relaxed at home and work issues bothered me less.

I really recommend this.

Sue, marketing consultant, Melbourne.

Turn It Around Bazil Theta Healer

Liquid Crystals practitioner located at health on course 28 The Concourse Cowes 3922 for appointments call 5952 5686 jonathan

Filtering your water beautifully . Handmade in Australia . Cost effective. Only 2 cents per litre filtration . High fired stoneware creates the perfect environment to filter and store your water . Removes chlorine, bacteria, amoeba, suspended solids, giardia, cryptosporidium, aluminium, mercury, lead and copper . An attractive addition to any home or office

Futurepure Water Purification Systems PO Box 225 Cowes 3922 P. (03) 5952 6735 mobile. 0400 432 149

coast 78

aroundtown what’s goin’ on around your place

Our thanks go to Lou Curtis-Smith and Gaby McCrae for their contribution to around town.

CARE

Helping you live a healthy lifestyle by the coast

Hair & Beauty

Bored with your hair?

Come ‘to the creative’ team at beachside for all your hair and beauty needs.

Tailored for all ages - men, women & children

Beachside

Dr. Matt Lynch CHIROPRACTIC

make up: Ally Dela Rosa

17c A’Beckett Street, Inverloch 180 Graham Street, Wonthaggi

03 5672 1858

103b Marine Pde, San Remo, Victoria Ph. (03) 5678 5323 Helping families in South Gippsland by using the best of Eastern and Western natural medicine

Leongatha Natural Medicine Centre Wonthaggi Natural Medicine Centre & Island Healing – Newhaven (John only)

John Gemmill

Its an experience!

Darren George Hair 6-14 The Esplanade, Cowes Phone 03 5952 2647

Acupuncturist - (Registered CMRB) Naturopath (including herbs and iridology) Bowen Therapist Phone 5672 2692 or 5662 5644

Louise Norton - Acupuncturist - (Registered CMRB)

General health & fertility management, natal care

Phone 0409 166 924 Morgan Wayaani - Kinesiologist, Chinese Masseur, Massage Therapy Phone 0403 853 141 Alen Cameron - Spinal Therapist, Naturopath & Homeopath Phone 5672 5299

WONTHAGGI SPECIALIST IMAGING 182 Graham St, Wonthaggi. PH: 5672 2066 FAX: 5672 2033

BULK BILLING

OPEN 5 DAYS

ALL REFERRALS ACCEPTED • CT SCAN MULTI SLICE 3D RECONSTRUCTION & IVP • EXTREMITY MRI (NON MEDICARE REBATEABLE) - contact the practice regarding pricing • ULTRASOUND WITH 3D • DOPPLER/VASCULAR ULTRASOUND • GENERAL RADIOGRAPHY • ECHO CARDIOGRAPHY (JAN 2008)

• General Podiatry • Biomechanical Assessment • Paediatric Assessment • Prescription Orthotic Therapy • Diabetes Assessment

182 Graham St, Wonthaggi & Phillip Island Medical Centre, 164 Thompson Ave, Cowes.

5672 2309

for an HI-CAPS and EFTPOS call appointment at either clinic facilities available DVA referrals welcome Enhanced Primary Care (EPC - Medicare) referrals bulk billed TAC and Work Cover referrals welcome

Luke Zoanetti

B Hlth Sc (Pod) M.A. Pod A

Jennifer Lewis

B Pod M.A.Pod.A

Happy Feet. Happy Body!

We provide:

MONTHLY VISITS TO 128 GRAHAM STREET

• comfort, fashion-width/depth, & medical grade footwear, including cast custom.

• Shoes and sandals for orthotics • AA to 5E fittings • Specialist shoes for people with diabetes, arthritis, bunions, hammer toes and more!

• Medical modifications • Fitting and Asssessment by Certified Medical Grade Footwear Practitioner • Approved for: DVA, insurance, health funds cover may apply, Aids and Equipment Program.

Clare & Frank Nelson P: 03 9326 0266 F: 03 9326 0633 APPOINTMENTS REQUIRED Website: www.edf-nw.com.au

182 Graham Street

Currently the services provided are:

chiropractic myotherapy pilates classes reflexology scenar therapy theta healing yoga classes Personal service tailored to your individual needs.

The destination for the discerning devotee.

Bookings are essential please telephone 5952 6003

5952 5686

shop 2, 15 Warley Avenue Cowes 3922 www.withkylieshelp.com.au

28 The Concourse Cowes 3922 additional practitioners welcomed

jona t h a n

Cowes Hair & Beauty

OPEN 7 DAYS • • • •

•Holistic, shape up, lymphatic, remedial, deep tissue and traditional Philippine healing massage.

•Bliss and herbal ball technique •Health retreat •Workshops •Tai chi on the beach •Indulgence massage

a. 53 Toorak Road, Inverloch, Vic p. (03) 56 74 1993 m. 0421 044 388 e. jane.inverlochtreat@gmail.com

Ladies, Men’s & Children’s Hairdressing Waxing, Tuscan Tan & Alysun Solarium Massage, Reiki & Bowen Influence Xtreme Lashes Eyelash Extensions

Phone now to enjoy detoxification and skin purification while relaxing in the gentle warmth of a Sunlight Solo System ( pictured above ).

03 5952 1258

Shop 1/134 Thompson Ave, Cowes Victoria

health & harmony

healing oasis

beauty therapy

island healing 6 Forrest Avenue, Newhaven p. 5956 7886 www.islandhealing.com.au

23 Alvina Cresent, Surf Beach p. 5956 7602 m. 0438 065 367 Beauty at Healing Oasis is more than skin deep. On Phillip Island at Surf Beach, qualified beauty therapist Pam Matthews uses organic Ayurvedic creams and oils with Australian wildflower essences to restore wellness to mind, body and skin. Indulgent facials are individually tailored to cleanse, hydrate, calm and soothe while caring massage, including lomi lomi and hot stones to release tension and restore inner balance. Treat yourself and float away!

services

Facials, massage, body-wraps, waxing, manicures, pedicures, reiki & gift vouchers

facilities Private beauty room

services

Do you suffer from back and neck pain, headaches, stress, sports injuries? Just not feeling 100%?

Your body is an amazing creation with a remarkable ability to maintain it’s own health. However, if you’re feeling tense or stressed, or you’re having trouble shaking that sore spot, or maybe you feel you could be functioning at a higher level so you can perform better at life. At Island Healing we’re here to bridge that gap - the gap stopping you from being you.

Bowen technique, massage, pilates, yoga, circuit classes & naturopathy.

facilities Private massage & bowen rooms, yoga studio, pilates & circuit studio.

annie b

total synergy

16 Peppermint Rd, Kilcunda p. 56787 374 m. 0409 231 735

180 Graham St Wonthaggi p. 5674 8108 m. 0400 982284

Ann Burne - affectionately know as ‘Annie’ by family and friends, lives along the beautiful coast of Kilcunda, on the way to Wonthaggi.

She is a Reiki and Seichim Master who also practices in massage, incorporating both Reiki and Seichim.

Ear candling, massage, Reiki, Seichim and reading packages are also available.

Simply call to arrange an appointment at the location most convenient to you.

services

Massage, ear candling, reiki and seichim.

facilities

Services available at : 16 Peppermint Rd, Kilcunda 56787 374.

Cowes Hair and Beauty, shop 1/134 Thompson Ave. 5952 1258 Island Healing - New haven 59567886.

Do you want to be happier, more fulfilled?

What are you waiting for? Life Coaching with Marilla Greenhalgh will assist you to move forward in the areas of your life that matter most to you, dissolve barriers to your happiness and design a life you love.

life coaching

services

Packages tailored to suit your needs including relationship, career, health and fitness coaching. Call Marilla now to arrange your first appointment ‘I honestly believe that everyone or to secure your can benefit from coaching with place at the next Marilla. It is one of the most inspiring, life changing experiences “introduction to life I have ever had.’ Louise coaching” workshop.

jeminy hair + health A’Beckett Street, Inverloch m. 0418 677 793 Jeminy Hair & Health will provide a range of Alternative Health Therapies commencing on 18th March.

Dennis Cooney offers Traditional Chinese Medicine (Acupuncture), Natural Therapies, Wellness and Lifestyle Counselling, Massage and Remedial Therapies by appointment.

services

akers eyewear 1/41 Murray Street, Wonthaggi p. 5672 1965

services

Seeing is believing!

Traditional chinese medicine (acupuncture), natural therapies, wellness and lifestyle counselling, massage and remedial therapies by appointment.

Akers Eyewear is distinctly different and caters for all your optical needs. The comprehensive range of fashion frames and sun glasses will definitely impress. The range includes Gucci, Dior, Coco Song along with Serengeti, Bolle, Mako and Maui Jim, plus many more. They also carry an extensive range of accessories.

Catering for all ages, their optometrist specialises in children’s vision.

Eye examinations are bulk billed.

Contact lenses, veterans affairs, behavioural optometry.

Reflexology Marjorie Jane

Scott

Feet Treat •Soothing, relaxing massage •Healing for the whole body

Chinese Massage & Cupping Asthma Massage Clinical Hypnotherapy for Non-Smoking and Comfortable Childbirth

30 Years Experience Beverley Thackray HEALTH & ENERGY EDUCATION CENTRE 17C A’Beckett Street INVERLOCH 3996

03 5674 3181 coast 84

Scooters, Lifestyle Products & Aids to Daily Living

Mobility Scooters, Electric Bicycles, Lift Chairs, Stair Lifts, Bedroom & Bathroom Aids, Daily Living Aids, Casio Keyboards and much, much more!

SALE NOW ON!

O P E N MON - SAT

Monday to Sat 9.30am - 4.30pm

Ph: (03) 5952 3352 Industrial Estate (off Settlement Road) 7/28 The Concourse, Cowes, VIC 3922

Inspirational Beachside living

Furniture, Homewares, Sofa Design, Blinds, “we come to you” Complimentary Decorator service

Ph 03 5678 5580

Fx 03 5678 8809

Jewellery . Prints . Artifacts aquainspired@bigpond.com

Shop 1 & 2 107 Marine Parade. San Remo 3925

K

eepsake

K

reations

Scrapbooking

Card Making Stamping and Haberdashery

Keepsake Kreations has all of your scrapbooking & crafting needs. We stock an extensive range of haberdashery including boutique wools, french ribbons, tapestry and more!

NEW STOCK ARRIVING WEEKLY 17a A’Beckett Street, Inverloch

Ph (03) 5674 3377

www.keepsakekreations.com.au

FRAMED Inverloch

Picture Framing & Printing

Take the opportunity to Work One on one with the Framer

LOCAL COASTAL AND LANDSCAPE IMAGES

New! - Color Photo Copier 10 A’BECKETT ST, INVERLOCH 03 5674 1333 0409 809 855 OR 0418 343 366 FramedInverloch@bigpond.com

PHILLIP ISLAND TEN PIN BOWLING & Entertainment Centre

We offer the latest, most modern tenpin bowling experience in Australia, with automatic scoring, bumper bowling for young players and so much more.

We cater for all types of functions!

Pool Tables, Air Hockey tables, Lounge, Cafe & Fully Licensed Bar, Slot Car Racing, X-Box live, Table Tennis, Internet Access, Interactive Games & Austar Entertainment on a large screen.

Sports Power Leongatha

35 - 37 McCartin Street, Leongatha 3953

91 SETTLEMENT ROAD, COWES

www.piaction.com.au tenpin@piaction.com.au

THE BUCK STOP

5952 3977

TEL: 5662 3794

leongatha@sportspower.com.au

Be surprised! you never know what you’ll find.

a l l e B a L

Available at:

Cnr Bass Hwy & Anderson Rise, Anderson

5678 5779

HOME COLLECTIONS

p. 03 5672 4812 m. 0402 244 537

140 Graham St, Wonthaggi

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Foster, Inverloch, Korumburra, Leongatha, Port Welshpool, Sandy Point, Tarra Bulga, Venus Bay, Waratah Bay, Yanakie and surrounds

110 places to stay. Secure online bookings. Availability, contact details, facilities, maps, photos, plans, specials and tariffs!

Glen O’Neill PO Box 179 Leongatha Victoria 3953 E promcountry@dcsi.net.au M 0408 599 732 P 03 5662 4263 F 03 5662 0973

promotional feature

arts & leisure in basscoast The arts play an important role in our lives in Bass Coast. They are also central to two of Bass Coast Shire Council’s Arts and Leisure team, Jenny Churchill and Josie Kent.

Jenny Churchill was still at school when she got seriously involved in acting. “Back in the 70’s, I was part of the Wonthaggi Arts Student Players (WASP),” explains Jenny. “We wrote our own plays and developed them up.”

“We worked with Robert Draffin, who is now a prominent director in Australian Theatre.”

After school, Jenny moved to the Wonthaggi Theatrical Group, where she played an active role for many years. As well as her work on stage, including a favourite role as the lead in Calamity Jane, Jenny took a lead role behind the scenes. “I was the longest serving Treasurer in the history of the Theatre Group,” said Jenny. “I’m now a life member and I’m still on the committee.”

When she wasn’t acting, Jenny could be found singing, either in her band Take 3, or as part of the duo AJ with Anne Tschiderer.

She credits her love of music to her father and his brothers, who she describes as ‘natural musicians’. ‘They didn’t read music; they just picked up an instrument and played.” Her love of performing was matched by her passion for the unique stories of the local communities and their history.

Josie Kent describes herself as a visual artist and says she can’t remember a time when she didn’t draw. Like Jenny, Josie was brought up in a very musical family. “My family was very creative, but they were all musicians, so being an artist I was actually the odd one out.” coast 88

She is currently working on a series called “The Prophets” which she began in 1996. “Every now and then I get a vision of a prophet from the Old Testament and create a picture,” explains Josie. Married to artist Russell Kent for 25 years, Josie says the secret to their successful partnership is having two studios. “We have very different styles and we couldn’t share a space and stay married,” laughs Josie. The couple have worked on community art projects, arts education, craft therapy and exhibitions. “I came to Council with very well established contacts and that has been a wonderful resource.”

Both Jenny and Josie have worked hard to raise the profile and increase acceptance of the Arts. “I’d like to do more to capture the local history,” says Jenny. “We’re really proud of the ‘Celebrating Our Sporting Past’ and ‘I Remember When…’ projects which brought out some of our stories. I’m looking forward to Centenary Celebrations for Wonthaggi. I’d love to hear from people who would like to be part of that.”

Josie still dreams of a proper arts facility, but in the meantime has created an online virtually gallery for Council’s Art Collection, which now boasts 66 pieces. “I really love moving the paintings around as much as possible so that each piece has some kind of public viewing.”

“When I first came here, I thought I’d come to a cultural desert,” said Josie. “But then I realised that this place attracted creative souls.

What they lacked then was meeting places and venues. There has been growth and hopefully what we do helps to continue that.”

Phillip Island RSL Open 7 days • For the benefit of members and guests New memberships available from December Corner Cowes Rhyll Road & Thompson Avenue, Cowes, Victoria 3922

Tel. (03) 5952 1004

The Killy Pub & Meikles Ocean View Bistro www.southcoastdirect.com

Stunning ocean views • Family friendly •Beer Garden • Delicious meals • Bookings recommended on w/e • Specialising in fresh local seafood and Gippsland beef • Extensive range of specials

ENJOY THE FLAVOURS OF SPAIN with our new tapas menu!

Traditional and modern recipes including paella, grilled goats cheese with honey dressing, kataifi prawn salad with soy dressing & lots, lots more.

Bass Hwy, Kilcunda Bar 56787245 Bistro 56787011

Discover our Licensed cafe Jazz nights now on and private functions!

Breakfast lunch & everything in between

Gippsland wines, & cellar door sales

Silverleaves Store relax, indulge, enjoy

Gourmet provisions

Cnr Sanders Road & Honeysuckle Grove, Silverleaves.

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

PANNY’S CHOCOLATE FACTORY & CURRY KITCHEN Also Known as the Chocolate, Food and Wine Cafe, Panny’s Curry Kitchen, and Chocolate factory is located opposite the tourist information centre on Phillip Island Road in Newhaven.

PANNY’S CHOCOLATE FACTORY, 930 PHILLIP ISLAND RD, NEWHAVEN

03 5956 6600

The Guilded Lily

Watsons on Whitelaw

35 Victoria Rd, Loch Phone 03 5659 4488 Intimate dining, modern menu

Sth Gippsland Highway, Meeniyan Phone 03 5664 0053 Quality dining experience

The Continental

Hard Loch Cafe

The Foreshore Rest. & Bar

Nobbies

10 Smith Street Loch, Victoria Phone 03 5659 4466

5-8 The Esplanade Cowes, Phillip Island Phone 03 5952 2316

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

Nobbies Centre, Phillip Island Phone 03 5951 2816 Function centre & cafe

Panny’s Curry

Phillip Island RSL

Harrys on the Esplanade

Pelicans Bistro

Ocean View Hotel

Silverleaves Store

GP Circuit

Curry Leaf

Wonthaggi Club

Infused

Amaze’n’Things

Foster Golf Club

Esplanade Hotel

Tomo Japanese

Churchill Island Cafe

Taylors Waterfront

930 Phillip Island Road, Newhaven Phone 03 5956 6600 Curry House & chocolate factory

Cnr Cowes Rhyll Rd & Thompson Ave Phone 03 5952 1004 New memberships available

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

17 The Esplanade, Cowes Phone 03 5952 6226

Cnr Sanders Rd & Honeysuckle Gve Silverleaves Phone 03 5952 1110

Bass Highway, Kilcunda, Victoria Phone 03 5678 7011

Shop 9, Vista Place, Cape Woolamai Phone 03 5956 6772 Great Indian curries

Back Beach Road, Phillip Island Phone 03 5952 2710

115 Thompson Avenue Cowes, Phillip Island Phone 03 5952 2655

16 McBride Avenue Wonthaggi, Victoria Phone 03 5672 1007

Reserve Road Foster, Victoria Phone 03 5682 2272

1805 Phillip Island Rd, Cowes Phone 03 5952 2283 Puzzles cafe - food & fun

23 A’Beckett St Inverloch Phone 03 5674 344

1 A’Beckett St Inverloch Phone 03 5674 1432 Great atmosphere

Access from Phillip Island via bridge.

The most spectacular view on the Island.

Phone 03 5956 7834

Sandbanks

8 - 10 Forest Ave, Newhaven Phone 03 5956 6766 Family restaurant

1215 Phillip Island Tourist Rd, Phillip Island Phone 03 5956 7371

Lets Eat!

wheretoeat

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

dineout

words sally o’neill photos warren reed

Passionate about cooking and exceeding expectations, chef Michael Donohue is taking Cowes RSL to new heights. Try it - you’ll be pleasantly surprised…

Entering the busy, modern bistro we are greeted by friendly, efficient staff and take our place amid smiling diners. There are locals ‘doing lunch’ and holidaymakers enjoying a great meal.

The newly refurbished Lone Pine Bistro seats 210, and features a great al fresco area. It is modern and comfortable, complete with couches and casual café area. There are no televisions or flashing numbers, and it is well insulated from the electronic chiming of gaming machines.

We settle in with a glass of local wine – the wine list features local selections, popular favourites such as Marlborough sauvignon blanc and an affordable house wine offering.

We have been invited to lunch to experience the bistro’s summer menu. Apart from the standard menu, there are daily specials which give Michael the chance to ‘do something a bit different’ and explore coast 92

new dishes such as Asian soups or ingredients such as kangaroo.

We start with a very tasty garlic, chilli, parmesan and anchovy bread – a great way to rev up the tastebuds.

With the smack of chilli on our lips, we tackle entrees. I enjoy the soup of the day: Asian chicken noodle with dim sum. It is fragrant, sprinkled with cardamom pods and star anise – I’ll be back for more of this dish!

My fellow diners enjoy garlic prawns served in a light cream sauce on a bed of rice, and Thai-inspired prawns with pappadum and fresh coriander. We make a toast to Michael’s philosophy of ‘going against all the rules’. Rule-breaking makes for great food, we decide!

Main course is a difficult decision. The menu features ‘Sensational Summer Salads’, an extensive seafood selection, stir fries and pasta, steaks from the grill and traditional favourites such as good old chicken schnitzel, parma and kiev.

a dining experience phillip island rsl

I decide to sample the Greek lamb salad, and my companions select the tofu salad and an eye fillet – the vegetarian and the meat lover are both happy! In fact, the range of vegetarian options is impressive and well noted by our vegetarian dining partner.

The marinated lamb fillet is grilled pink and served over crisp rocket salad with feta, olives, sun-dried tomatoes and yoghurt dressing – the presentation is topped off with crisp pita triangles. The steak is tender and cooked to perfection with potato wedges and fresh vegetables.

The tofu pieces are tossed through salad greens with cherry tomatoes and roasted pumpkin and drizzled with balsamic dressing.

With dessert on our minds, we order the individual pavlova with cream and fresh summer berries and finish with a coffee and T2 tea.

We then have a chat with Michael, who is bright–eyed and exuberant – amazing for a chef who is serving over 500 meals a night at this time of the year.

Michael’s love affair with food has spanned nearly 30 years off and on, “but I keep coming back to cooking because of my passion for food” says Michael. “ I love food, and look forward to changing the menu for each season – winter is the time to be creative.”

Lone Pine Bistro features a senior’s and kid’s menu. You don’t need to be a member; other patrons can just sign in, although members receive 10% discount on food and drinks.

The brand-new function area seats 120 people and is open to the general public. Michael is currently developing function menus, but is also offering tailor-made menus for weddings and special occasions. C

Lone Pine Bistro, Phillip Island RSL Cnr Thompson Ave & Rhyll Road Cowes 03 5952 1004 Fully licensed Open 7 days Lunch 12pm – 2pm Dinner 5.30pm – 9pm

all dishes cooked fresh from original family recipes handed down from generation to generation...

New! - Dine in our outdoor huts for the ultimate Curry experience. BYO BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL Curry Leaf Takeaway Shop 9 Vista Place Cape Woolamai, Phillip Island Phone - 5956 6772

Local fresh produce with seafood straight from the boat, slow cooked winter foods and in house bakery

Waterfront dining with panoramic bay views 17 The Esplanade Cowes, Vic Phone (03) 5952 6226

Modern Australian Cuisine, Woodfired Pizza, Freshly Shucked Oysters, Pastas, Parmas & Regular Specials.

Family Owned & Operated, Family Orientated, BYO & Fully Licensed 8 - 10 Forest Ave, Newhaven, Phillip Island Tel 5956 6766

open lunch & Dinner • fully licensed • fresh blackboard lunches - changing daily • great coffee, great cake - all day • modern Australian cuisine • chill bar - the perfect place for a relaxed drink

115 Thompson Avenue, Cowes 3922 (03) 59 522 655 Phillip Island, Vic, Australia

cooking class

spice up your life words sally o’neill photos warren reed

I recently spent a night at the Kasbah; well, that’s what I’m telling people. What I really did was travel to Spice Island on Phillip Island to be a part of the Moroccan Magic cooking course…

I could list the ways this experience was different from any kind of school or course I’ve attended, but the facts that a glass of chilled local wine was thrust into our hands as we entered - and that we created a sumptuous Moroccan feast - kind of sum it up, really.

In fact, owner, chef and our food guru for the night, Paul Stafford, is keen to promote his new cooking courses as anything but school – they are themed evenings with a difference.

The classroom is pristine and shining, with stainless-steel benches and top-notch cooking equipment for up to twelve students. Paul’s approach is very hands-on. So, after each demonstration, it’s back to the bench to prepare the dish yourself.

With Moroccan food, it’s all about spices, so we make the spice mixes first. Ras el hanout is a top-shelf mix with exquisite aromas and dhukkah is another stunning spice combination. We tumble the exotic ingredients into our mortar and pestle: allspice berries, cardamom, lavender, and rose petals, to name a few. My cooking partner reveals that she always pretended to have her own cooking show when she was a child, and this feels like doing it for real, so as the wine kicks in, her presentation gets better and better (or so she thinks!).

But, back to the cooking. The evening is so much fun and so relaxed that we forget we are actually doing any work at all. During the course of the four-hour class, we prepare a total of four dishes, as well as two spice mixes, and sample an improvised hommus and flat bread demonstrated

by Paul for our eating pleasure.

As Moroccan music plays in the background and the air fills with the aroma of fragrant spices, Paul demonstrates the first dish – crispy twicecooked quail. I’ve never felt confident to tackle such a delicate ingredient, but Paul makes it look easy, and it actually isn’t that hard in practice.>

cooking class

With the quail carefully crisped and set aside for later, we begin to put together the harira – an amazingly hearty soup traditionally eaten to break the fast at sunset during Ramadan. Then we create a Moroccan classic: Tajine Lamb, which is really very simple.

While our creations simmer on the stove, we sit outside sipping our wine and chatting amongst our new-found student friends.

There are locals and a Melbourne couple, Heather and Ian, who are taking advantage of Spice Island’s luxurious accommodation. They are very happy because they simply have to walk a few metres back to their room at the end of the evening. We take a peek into one of the studio apartments and admire the fabulous artwork and décor.

Even though it’s not far from my home, staying the night would be very tempting!

Our simmering is almost done, so now we learn about the finishing touch to any Moroccan meal: cous cous. Making this simple dish is quite an art, but Paul makes light work if it, even sharing a few of his secret ingredients.

The preparation complete, we gather around the dining table to sample the meal we’ve created. The great part about these classes is that we actually get to take the food home in convenient containers to impress our friends and family, so we taste just a sample. Each dish is nothing short of stunning – even if I do say so myself! The flavours and textures are superb: it just amazes me that we cooked it all ourselves– with Paul’s help of course!

Paul has developed an extensive program with more themed nights such as his ‘Asian Dinner Party’ and ‘Indian Banquet’. There are also practical courses such as ’10 Meals in 10 Minutes’ and for the true professionals, master classes with international chefs. A Spice Island cooking class is a great way to spend an evening with friends, and you can make it even better by planning to stay the night! C coast 96

for complete Entertainment

Sunny outdoor areas, friendly faces, great wine, cold beer and local produce. Comfy couches - live entertainment. It’s 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

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

specialising in quality dining and function experiences

OpenWednesdaytoSunday-lunch, dinner&coffees.Breakfastonweekends 89 Whitelaw Street, Meeniyan

Phone: 5664 0053

16 Mc Bride ave Wonthaggi tel: 56 72 1007 e: wonclub@dcsi.net.au

Phillip Islands most contemporary Bed and Breakfast and Cooking School

James Halliday 5 star rated winery

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

cooking classes

cooking classes now on

tel. (61-3) 5956 7557 fax. (61-3) 5956 7550 info@spiceisland.com.au http://www.spiceisland.com.au

1A Hill Street Sunderland Bay Victoria 3922

my favoriterecipe Red Lentil Dhal

winery

Thumby and Nelan Pather from the Curry Leaf in Cape Woolamai share their traditional, simply delicious recipe with Coast readers. Thumby says, “Dhal is a very versatile, easy to cook meal and can be an accompaniment to any rice dish. A staple dish of any Indian household, it can be eaten as a main meal with rice, roti or naan. If you want to sample the real thing, head on down to the Curry Leaf, Vista Place, Cape Woolamai.

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 Coast Ad 19/10/07 8:49 AM Page 1

Ingredients One 250ml red lentils 1 tspn crushed garlic 1 tspn crushed ginger 1 tspn salt 1 tspn coriander powder 1 tspn cummin 1 tspn chilli 1 tspn mustard powder 1 tspn tumeric powder ½ chopped onion ½ chopped tomato 5-10 curry leaves 2-3 red of green chilli 1 litre boiling water Two I tlbsp ghee 2 cloves slivered garlic ½ onion sliced into rings

PURPLE HEN

Method Wash lentils in cold water until the water runs clear. Add lentils and all other ingredients (one) to boiling water in a saucepan.

Remove the froth that forms with a spoon as the Lentils boil.

Cook for 30 minutes. Add boiling water to dhal if the consistency is too thick.

In a hot pan, (two) add 1 tablespoon of ghee and add cumin seeds. When the seeds stop spluttering add slivered garlic and onion rings. Fry until golden brown. Add to dhal and cover saucepan to retain flavour. Garnish with coriander and chopped spring onions. Serve with rice, roti or naan - enjoy! C

Vineyard & Winery 96 McFees Road Rhyll Phillip Island Hours: 11am - 5:30pm School Holidays - 7 days a week Other times: Friday - Sunday plus public holidays Phone: 5956 9244 www.purplehenwines.com.au

concept

design

create

turning concepts into reality 79 Watt Street Wonthaggi Vic 3995 ph. 03 56725196 m. 0409933771 abeaumont@iprimus.com.au

www.beaumontconcepts.com.au

Laminate flooring is the ideal choice for your coastal home or holiday home. Easy to clean, laminate flooring is a perfect surface for coastal living as it is hard to scratch, dent or stain. Come in and see our extensive range of quality laminate flooring in a range of colors, lacquers and designs.

Wonthaggi Floorworld 321 White Rd ( Bass Hwy ) Wonthaggi VIC 3995.

Ph 5672 5590 Ph 0422 275 532 Fax (03) 5672 5590

coast property

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

a new dimension in homes Looking for a builder that can turn your dream house into a home? Turn to page 112 to find out more.

coastal property lisitings

your coastal real estate specialists AREA

ADDRESS

EPR

Cowes

10 Cornwall Ave Smiths Beach 41 Back Beach Road San Remo 32 Panorama Drive Cape Woolamai 39 Cronulla Ave Rhyll

5 Wolfenden Street Sunderland Bay 2 Ozone Court Silverleaves 93 Silverleaves Ave Rhyll 42 Beach Rd Rhyll 34 Walton Street Cowes 2 Penguin Ave Cowes 7 Harley Street Cowes 30 Jeury Lane Waratah Nth Arawata Leongatha Nth Meeniyan Inverloch Inverloch Inverloch Inverloch Inverloch Inverloch

$525,000 $1,500,000 $875,000 $595,000 $575,000 $POA $POA $1m $1.2m $900,000+ $567,000 $695,000 $1m+ $450-$490 ,000 $800-$875,000 $490-$540,000 $from 460,000 $1,750,000 $610,000 $from 425,000 $695,000 $795,000

AGENT/CONTACT Judith Wright 03 59525100 Judith Wright 03 59525100 Judith Wright 03 59525100 Judith Wright 03 59525100 Judith Wright 03 59525100 Foxsocks 03 59526633 Alex Scott 03 5952 2633 Alex Scott 03 5952 2633 Alex Scott 03 5952 2633 Alex Scott 03 5952 2633 Alex Scott 03 5952 2633 Alex Scott 03 5952 2633 Elders 03 5662 3523 Elders 03 5662 3523 Elders 03 5662 3523 Elders 03 5662 3523 Stockdale & Leggo 03 5674 3977 Stockdale & Leggo 03 5674 3977 Stockdale & Leggo 03 5674 3977 Stockdale & Leggo 03 5674 3977 Stockdale & Leggo 03 5674 3977 Stockdale & Leggo 03 5674 3977

PG NO. 103 103 103 103 103 106 109 109 109 109 109 109 110 110 110 110 111 111 111 111 111 111

Thinking of a sea change? Talk to our coastal real estate specialists. The grass is ‘greener’ on the Coast!

bass coast garages Servicing Bass Coast, Phillip Island & South Gippsland

• roller/sectional doors • remote controls • sheds • carports • service & repairs • quality guaranteed

p. 5672 1846 John & Joanne Ryan f. 5672 4840 m. 0418 121 391 bcgarages@optusnet.com.au coast 102

10 Cornwall Avenue, COWES

Peace & quiet - right in town

$525,000

This family home is fantastically located so close to town and the beach, yet found in a beautiful quiet court. Offering 4 sizeable bdrms all with BIR, large open plan kitchen/dining/living with more than enough room to move, great outdoor entertainment deck, and it is being offered fully furnished – just move in with not a thing to do!

32 Panorama Drive, SAN REMO

The view is stunning

$875,000

This Magnificent residence boasts amazing 270 degree views. Set on a huge block consisting of 936m2 this home features 4 bedrooms with an ensuite to the main, 2 living areas, reverse cycle air conditioning, double lock up garage, internal vacuuming system, impressive 6 metre ceilings and landscaped gardens - quality plus fittings. Inspection will impress.

41 Back Beach Rd, SMITHS BEACH

This House Plus Views

39 Cronulla Ave, CAPE WOOLAMAI

Luxury Living, steps from the beach

Walk to the beach

$329,000

Judith Wright

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

$595,000

This brilliant family home has got everything, offering stunning Woolamai beach just around the corner. Comprising of 2 levels with 5 large bdrms all with BIR, 2 bthrms, open plan living/meals/gourmet kitchen. A lovely spacious entertaining balcony, cinema room, split system air conditioning, outdoor shower area - perfect when you come home from the beach, DLUG.

11 Robert Drive, COWES

Instantly appealing and located within walking distance to the beach and town centre. The welcoming floor plan offers an open living and dining area, wood heater, stylishly painted walls, three bedrooms and separate bathroom - currently being renovated. Outdoors boasts landscaped gardens, DLUG and dbl carport - ensuring all of your parking needs are taken care of!

$1,500,000

One of the last small acreage properties on the South Coast, boasting stunning 180 degree ocean & rural views from Cape Woolamai to Pyramid Rock. 4 bedroom house with in ground pool, landscaped gardens, huge lockable shedding, stables, holding yards, irrigation to all paddocks, self contained one bedroom unit/office. It has possibilities for future developments with large frontage to Back Beach Road.

5 Wolfenden Street, RHYLL

Hilltop Manor

$575,000

‘Hilltop Manor’ says it all. Situated in the sleepy fishing village of Rhyll and within walking distance to restaurants, many days will be spent enjoying beautiful ocean views from the top balcony. The residence boasts 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, one with large spa. Providing a lovely open plan area with spacious kitchen/dining/living which opens out onto a decking to enjoy your bbq’s. Upstairs has a huge living area to relax and enjoy the views.

The Phillip Island Specialists

Judith Wright 0407 558 933 Mike Foenander 0408 547 677 Peter Buitenhuis 0407 045 525 Cameron Watters 0407 803 958

Judith Wright

real estate

LICENSED ESTATE AGENT

email: jwright@judithwright.com.au 54 Thompson Avenue, Cowes 3922

elite coastal properties

what is ‘foxsocks’?

The last thing I wanted to do was create another dull, bland and conservative real estate office. I wanted to create a fresh, fun and vital service. The name itself ‘foxsocks’ had to be every bit as unforgettable as the service standards we deliver, and unforgettable it is!

In fact everything about foxsocks is fresh, fun and vital.

Come in to see our brand new office and meet our friendly team.

Foxsocks -

Real People

Jamie Pollock Director

Jenny Richardson Sales Specialist

Tamara Frederiks Property Management

Carly Trapnell Receptionist

David Foote Sales Specialist

Christy Gilbert Senior Property Manager

Angus Dick Sales Specialist

Helen Foote Property Management

52 Thompson Ave, Cowes, Phillip Island. p. 03 5952 6633 foxsocks.com.au

Display Home NOW OPEN! (pictured above) located at 184 Thompson Ave Cowes

Quality from start to finish With over 50 years experience, the team at New Dimension Homes bring a vast knowledge of building affordable quality homes that suit all tastes and requirements.

We will deliver your new home on time and on budget. With a large range of designs, we can adapt to suit your individual needs. New Dimension Homes can deliver the home of your dreams. Quality design, workmanship and materials go a long way toward achieving a house that you, the home owner and the builder, can both be proud of.

Dont miss our new display home in Inverloch call Colin 0416 152 075 area manager call Karen 0407 852 790

promotional feature

a beachouse

by the sea

Just one door from the ocean foreshore. Behind a contemporary exterior lies a generously proportioned and beautifully appointed home of almost 42 Squares.

For sale: 2 Ozone Crt Sunderland Bay, Phillip Island

Have you ever imagined yourself living by the sea? Relaxed and rejuvenated, far from the hustle and bustle of the busy metropolis?

Stretch out on your deck, dine alfresco on a fine summer’s evening, amble to the nearby shore and cool your toes in the water; this property offers all this and more.

2 Ozone Court is a rare opportunity to own your own slice of designer elegance within this peaceful cul-de-sac, just metres from the ocean foreshore. Stroll along the beach and absorb the rhythmic ambience of the rolling surf, marvel in the far reaching vistas and sublime sunsets, and breathe deeply; this lifestyle is yours for the taking.

Behind a contemporary exterior lies a generously proportioned coast 106

and beautifully appointed home of 41.8 squares. Serviced with all the modern conveniences you could possibly require and characterised by simple elegance in its practical and comfortable design; you will want for nothing.

Stand in the spacious, open plan living area and see yourself, mingling with friends and family, enjoying long relaxed meals, sitting by the open fire on a winter’s evening, or moving comfortably from the indoors to the adjacent outdoors living space, relishing long summer nights. An ambient setting is at your fingertips. Slab heating and reverse cycle ensures year round comfort. The full length louvre windows fill this space with light and natural warmth plus provide subtle cross ventilation throughout the home. All this

is complemented by the designer kitchen, fitted with european stainless steel appliances and generous stone benches together with walk-in pantry. In this home, clean, modern layout melds effortlessly with inviting warmth and sleek styling.

The ample master bedroom boasts a large walk-in-robe and pristine ensuite, and enjoys ocean views to the south, and attractive landscaped gardens to the north. A further four double bedrooms with built in robes are serviced by two large, sleek and stylish central bathrooms on both levels. An additional room gives you options and versatility of a sixth bedroom - office - playroom - library? Use your imagination and mould this home to meet your desires.

This property represents both an exquisite example of living in harmony with nature and skilled craftsmanship at the hand of Beach

House Constructions which was inspired as the company directors own residence.

Opportunities to own within this private cul-de-sac are rare.

Embrace this chance to step into stylish living, step into this coastal lifestyle, and step into 2 Ozone Court. Your inspection is warmly invited; contact our office seven days a week to arrange a time to view.

FOXSOCKS Real Estate 52 Thompson Avenue, Cowes Victoria 3922 p. 03 5952 6633 foxsocks.com.au

for

everything in paint

color consultant available WONTHAGGI

COWES

21 Billson Street

149 Thompson Avenue

Tel (03) 5672 5522 Fax (03) 5672 5533

Tel (03) 5952 2522 Fax (03) 5952 2593

WONTHAGGI TILE & WOOD HEATING A comprehensive range of floor and wall tiles at competitive prices Southern Cross ceramics

Reg i s te red B u i ld i ng P rac t i t io ne r

323a Bass Highway PO BOX 405, Wonthaggi, Vic 3995

Phone: 5672 2543

Fax: 5672 2326

BUILDING DESIGN & DRAFTING BUILDING CONSULTANTS 3/65 Backbeach Rd, San Remo 3925 p. (03) 5678 5226 m. 0418 379 301 e. darren@dbdesign.com.au website. www.dbdesign.com.au

C

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pre-retirement strategy With the overhaul of the super system the pre-retirement pension strategy has now become an even more attractive option for investors.

Barbara Pollock, Financial Planner at Commonwealth Financial Planning, said, “The super reforms have not only made super the most tax-effective way to save; in the case of pre-retirement pensions, the beneficial changes to how these are now taxed further encourage people to take advantage of the flexibility, tax-effectiveness and choice pensions offer. “The great thing about pre-retirement pensions is they allow you to access some of your super while working and still contributing to super through salary sacrifice. With Australians living longer and many choosing to stay in the workforce past the traditional retirement age, this kind of flexibility is important.”

Key Facts:

A pre-retirement pension will allow a person to access their super from the age of 55, while they continue to work full-time or part-time.

This works as the pre-retirement pension allows people to switch their super into a regular income stream once they reach 55. However those considering this option must also take into account for the fact that lump sums from the pre-retirement pension cannot be withdrawn until the age of 65.

While this approach has been available since 1 July 2005 the tax concessions proposed in the new budget could entitle some preretirees to a smoother transition into retirement by boosting their savings.

The legislative changes have meant that for individuals over the age of 60 the pension is now tax-free whereas previously it had been classified as assessable income.

A further advantage to this is that when using super savings any

earnings made are no longer taxed at up to 15% in the super fund and are instead accrued tax-free in the pre-retirement pension.

This strategy operates by salary sacrificing substantial amounts of income to super, while supplementing any loss of revenue through a pre-retirement pension. Therefore it is dependent on an employer agreeing to enter a salary sacrifice arrangement.

For those who undertake this approach it may also affect their super guarantee payments paid out by employers as well as the concession contribution cap so this should be factored into financial planning.

Further considerations also include incorporating income from non-super investments as well as planning for the fact that any retirement savings will be withdrawn at an earlier age.

In summary for those who fit the criteria and choose to adopt this strategy it will mean more savings in retirement.

For more retirement planning advice contact Barbara Pollock from the Commonwealth Bank on 0410 441 098.

promotional feature

LIFE SOUTH GIPPSLAND STYLE WARATAH NORTH Live the dream on 10 acres Organic Grade A certified farm infrastructure with panoramic ocean and Wilsons Prom views in an architect designed luxury residence.

BUYERS PRICE GUIDE More than $1m

LEONGATHA NORTH “Kawana” is an historic Mt Gambier limestone homestead on 8 private acres in a commanding position, 5 mins to Leongatha township.

BUYERS PRICE GUIDE $800,000 to $875,000

ARAWATA (near Korumburra) 55 acres of pure paradise with an original farm cottage making the perfect weekender or new home site.

BUYERS PRICE GUIDE Allen Bartlett $450,000 to $490,000 0417 274 624 Kaz Hughes 0417 516 998 Elders Leongatha MEENIYAN 16 McCartin Street Well planned four acre hobby (03) 5662 3523 farmlet and pristine four bedroom residence. Walk to main street.

BUYERS PRICE GUIDE $490,000 - $540,000

coast 110

INVERLOCH

INVERLOCH

Stunning & close the beach

from $460,000

These spacious and stylish townhouses offer quality living, featuring a light filled, north facing courtyard for outdoor entertaining, ensuite, DLUG and landscaped grounds that provide a quiet space beneath leafy trees. Some available with roof decks that have views of the Inlet beach.

Contact Susan Macaulay 0407 722 945

Sweeping ocean views

$1,750,000

Stunning 3 BR home featuring water views from almost every room. Featuring stone benches & s/s appliances, open plan living & dining areas with sweeping views, huge master bedroom, parents’ retreat, ensuite, expansive north & south decks, spacious 2nd bedroom with sitting area, double spa bath & private entrance.

Contact Russell Wilson 0409 005 524

INVERLOCH

Just a ripple from the ocean

$610,000

Just a very short walk of (approx. 250 m) will land you on the magnificent Inverloch ocean beach at the surf life saving club. 3 - 4 large BRs, ensuite, large living areas and double lock-up garage with remote. A very popular holiday, permanent or investment home that is already showing very good return

Contact Euan Wightman 0409 133 735

INVERLOCH

Ruttle Estate

from $425,000

Exclusive allotments in the last stage are now available for sale. Allotments range from 1.2ha to 1.74ha with sensational ocean views. Ruttle Estate reflects the passion of the Vendors to preserve and enhance the natural environment with both planning scheme provisions and covenants guiding development. This is a unique opportunity to purchase a special lifestyle.

Contact Susan Macaulay 0407 722

INVERLOCH

Luxury Resort Style Living

$695,000

Design, flair and position just 300 m from the beach. This stunning 4 home dev. with shared swimming pool, spa, gymnasium and tennis court. One townhouse left offering 3 BRs, study or 4th bdrm, living area with enclosed gas log fire, hostess kitchen with S/S appliances, marble flooring in ensuite & 2nd bthm, and landscaped gardens.

ARCHIES CREEK

Modern Country Home

Modern lifestyle property set on 11.3 acres, a magnificent 4 bedroom home with 3 bathrooms, study, 2 living areas, 12 x 12 barn / shed, 8 paddocks, all water fed from dam, 20 x 40 horse arena, features galore! Inspection is a must!

Contact Judy Robertson 0412 548 165

INVERLOCH

$795,000

2A A’Beckett Street, Inverloch

5674 3977

slinv@bigpond.net.au

Contact Patrick Barry 0418 124 100

home words Sally O’Neill photos Warren Reed

when a house becomes a

For first time owner-builders, Ben McMahn and Naomi Tew of Inverloch, working together to create a new home has given their life a whole new dimension.

Ben, Naomi, Kai and Tehya are one happy family. It’s not surprising, really. It doesn’t get much better than living and working in an idyllic coastal town in your dream home – and all while the big 40 is still many years away.

“We decided to build because renovations wouldn’t have achieved what we wanted, and would have cost just as much. We especially wanted a pool-room as well as a lounge-room,” explains Naomi, as she juggles concentrating on our conversation with keeping a close eye on her two children, Kai (two) and Tehya (nine months). Kai is making the most of the house’s spacious open-plan design as he hurtles up coast 112

and down the hallway in his miniature fire-truck.

Ben and Naomi selected New Dimension Homes to help them create their dream home. “They were great, and very flexible. We have never built a house before! We got good at making decisions and finding common ground – or giving over to the person who was most determined!!”

The couple chose the single-storey ‘Cumberland’ design to blend in with the feel of the tree-lined street. The house sits on the block amongst large, established trees. “We love trees and we have planted lots more natives,” says Naomi.

their individual needs. “New Dimension didn’t mind, they were very helpful,” Naomi says.

The three-bedroom and two-bathroom home is orientated to capture the morning and afternoon sun, and contains the right balance of open and private spaces for both parents and kids.

I love the spacious rooms,” says Naomi. “The open-plan kitchen, lounge and dining room is great because it lets me see everything and keep track of where the kids are. We’ve got places to go and hide if we need to, but we’re never far apart. It’s very cosy.”

Choosing colours was the biggest challenge for the couple, but the end result works well. The earthy scheme is accented by purple and slate tones. “I do recommend having a third party when it comes to choosing colours, as it makes the decisions a lot easier!” says Naomi.

One lovely feature is the basalt pebble finish on the bathtub. This special touch is part of the selection of finishes presented to New Dimension Home clients.

“My favourite room is the open living area. This is where we spend all of our time and have lots of fun! I especially love the house in the morning when the sun streams in through the

east windows.”

Naomi met Ben – a ‘born and bred Invy boy’ - five years ago when she was holidaying in Inverloch. “I said, ‘I’m not going back to Melbourne’ and he said, ‘Come and live with me, then’, so I did! I’m slowly becoming a local, and I’ve made two little locals, she jokes as Kai does another lap of the house. C

New Dimension Homes With over 50 years’ experience, the team at New Dimension Homes brings to their clients a vast knowledge of building homes to suit all tastes and requirements. Working with Darren Brown Design in San Remo, they create dream homes with an affordable price tag. See their display home in Inverloch.

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townhouse development

4 minute walk to safe swimming beach • 2 bathrooms • 2 separate living zones • 3 accommodating bathrooms • panoramic views • polished hardwood floors • contemporary kitchen • european designed appliances • quality fixtures • remote control lock up garage

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NO W FIS OPE HC N RE IN EK

SUPPLIERS OF

colin vanderstaay

Let us help you . . .

9/95 Marine Parade, San Remo www.sanremorealty.com.au Ph: 56785 141

home design & construction

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

web address - http://colinvand.server101.com

Looking to live by the coast?

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Steve Demos 0417 946 878

your ultimate lifestyle builder

SMITHS BEACH CONSTRUCTIONS & DESIGN Pty Ltd

Bill Guy Landscaping All aspects of landscape construction Bobcat & Tipper Hire

0418 521 976

www.billguylandscaping.com.au

IN2LANDSCAPE DESIGN concept & detailed landscaping plans

0415 510 138

CON

CRETING

LOOKING TO ADD STYLE AND VALUE TO YOUR HOME?

WITH OUR EXCITING RANGE OF PATTERN & STENCIL PAVING, EXPOSED AGGREGATE AND PLAIN & COLOR CONCRETE.

LUKE 0402 454 742

Eric Van Agtmaal

Builder

no job too big or small specialising in pergolas & decking

Wonthaggi eric.vanagtmaal@bigpond.com

B.P No DB -U 6131

03 5672 3590 0417 584 273

JTMBOE MBOETDBQF

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brad hodson 0418 992 130 real estate

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we simplify the process telephone: 03 5674 1602 mobile: 0418 992 130 email: bhodson@rescom.com.au

Cutting edge design & landscaping for seaside gardens . design consultations . water features . low maintenance/drought tolerant gardens . paving & retaining walls . mediteranean/pacific style gardens . over 15 years experience . latest styles and products

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

Come & see the Team at A.W Smith & Sons for all your Hardware & Timber needs. Also see our Garden & Outdoor Centre and Gift & Homwares Store.

A.W Smith & Sons 5-13 Roughead St Leongatha

awsmith2@bigpond.com

Ph: (03) 5662 2311 Fax: (03) 5662 3942

ISLAND GARDEN SUPPLIES

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also PHILLIP ISLAND PRE-MIXED CONCRETE BURT LOENEN - 0400 502 738

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

Coastal Native Landscapes Landscape Design & construction

Australian plant specialists, creating unique coastal gardens * All aspects of landscape design & construction * Fully detailed landscape plans & design consultation * Paving, retaining walls, driveways & paths * Drought tolerant, low maintenance gardens * Revegetation & maintenance services * Garden art & sculpture * Native plants for sale * Truck & tipper hire

MINI DIGGER EXCAVATIONS & LANDSCAPING MINI DIGGER EXCAVATIONS ALL ASPECTS OF LANDSCAPING & CONSTRUCTION

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TRENCHING ALL ASPECTS OF LANDSCAPING & CONSTRUCTION ALL WEATHER ACCESS STUMP HOLES TIGHT & POST HOLES SPECIALISTS DROUGHT TOLERANT GARDENS TRENCHING ALL WEATHER TIGHT ACCESS SPECIALISTS BURT LOENEN - GARDENS 0400 502 738 DROUGHT TOLERANT burtloenen@bigpond.com.au BURT LOENEN - 0400 502 738

burtloenen@bigpond.com.au

Fully qualified horticulturist.

Water tanks, paving, site clean ups, specialised pruning & maintenance.

MINI DIGGER EXCAVATIONS

Pat Barrett & Jacquie Chambers 0422 685 045 0432 060 528 Fully qualified Horticulturists RMB 5768 Cowes Victoria fax. 5952 1424 email: jcpb@aapt.net.au

ALL ASPECTS OF LANDSCAPING & CONSTRUCTION STUMP HOLES & POST HOLES TRENCHING ALL WEATHER TIGHT ACCESS SPECIALISTS DROUGHT TOLERANT GARDENS BURT LOENEN - 0400 502 738

burtloenen@bigpond.com.au

Speak to a personal lender who knows your area.

Trevor Mabin Personal Lender Cowes and Korumburra 0401 480 586

Lynda Sainsbury Personal Lender Wonthaggi 0431 610 806

Fiona Harrington Personal Lender Leongatha 0431 284 207

Patsy Britt Personal Lender Leongatha 0431 284 207

Shopping around for a home loan or investment home loan? Our lending team have a thorough knowledge of the many different home loans offered by the Commonwealth Bank, and are even happy to discuss competitors’ offers. There’s no obligation, no extra cost and best of all they know your local area. To arrange an interview with one of our lenders in your area please contact Trevor, Lynda, Fiona or Patsy. commbank.com.au Important information. Applications for finance are subject to the Bank’s normal credit approval. Full terms and conditions will be included in our loan offer. Fees and charges are payable. Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124.

H981 110208

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