magazine
coast Coastal living at its best!
a diamond in the rough boxing legend jim boland art & culture guide an artistic tour of the coast rainbow warrior an epic journey across bass strait
edition 14 Autumn 2009
A magazine for living, relaxing & enjoying life by the coast
Seagrove is Phillip Island’s premier environmentallysensitive estate – superbly located in Cowes just 700m from a sandy, safe swimming beach and walking distance from shops, restaurants and cafes. Master-planned by award-winning designers, Seagrove features over eight acres of landscaped parks, wetland habitat, underground services, including gas and broadband, rich birdlife and regionally significant eucalypt woodland. Select from a range of premium home sites, including land with bay views and the new Kingfisher release overlooking Willoughby Park, priced from $139,900. Titles are available now so you can start building your dream home straight away.
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2007 Urban Development Institute of Australia Awards for Excellence
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www.seagrove.com.au
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Shearwater Wetlands Artist’s Impression
4HE TIME IS NOW TO JOIN #OWES´ NEWEST RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS
Shearwater on the Island has a range of land sizes to suit your lifestyle and budget, with prices starting from $135,000 and lots available from 360sqm to 1441sqm. The Parklands release enjoys close access to Shearwater’s Parklands Reserve, impressive 5 hectare wetlands and an enviable location opposite the Phillip Island Golf Club. *Price correct as at 13.02.09
For more information call Greg Price on 1300 SHEARWATER (1300 743 279) www.shearwaterestate.com.au
1/154 Thompson Ave, Cowes, VIC
Be amazed at the stunning beauty of over 100,000 Australian plants Visit the Gardens Shop - Australian inspired gifts and souvenirs Relax in the Boonerwurrung CafĂŠ - enjoy a coffee or lunch overlooking the Garden Explore the extensive bushland - keep an eye out for koalas, birds and bandicoots Discover the new Woodland Picnic Area Lots of family fun! Group tours and packages available
Experience the Eucalypt Festival 3 – 19 April
Autumn colours of the Australian Garden. ONLY 50 MINUTES FROM MELBOURNE!
Open every day except Christmas Day, from 9am to 5pm.
www.australiangarden.com.au Phone: 5990 2245
contents &features
regulars 12
Coast life
17
Arts & Events guide
21
15 minutes of fame Shandelle Nolan
22
2 (coast) people Travelling Showmen Brian & Dick Watkins
38
Feature areas Cape Liptrap & Mornington (pg 91)
92
Beach life Celebrity surf comp. against desal plant
102
104
features Kustom kings
24
A land of hot cars and swing dancin’
Jim’s gym
28
Rough cut diamond Jim Boland
ART & CULTURE FEATURE
43
Artist profile
50
Rainbow warrior
64
Leader of the pack
72
The amazing works of David Kopelman
An epic canoe journey to honour Chris Robinson
Where to eat A quick handy guide on where to wine, dine and snack Dine out Sherwoods & Verasion Restaurant (pg 104) and The Red Elk Bar (108)
Take a spin with rider Nick Aitken
Riding the concrete aves We skate the streets Richie Hiatt
114
Around town
117
Coast property
130
Coast directory A complete guide to business & services
Make poverty history Johanna Haasjes personal mission
COASTAL WINES FEATURE
76
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Why close your business at 5pm when you can leave the front door open day and night? A website will showcase your business around the clock to everyone from the North, South, East and West Coasts of Australia, and Phillip Island to the Prom! Ensure the next time a customer searches for a holiday, restaurant, health & beauty, tourist attraction and more, they knock on your door ďŹ rst. Visit www.meehandesign.com.au or call (03) 9495 1265 WEBSITE DESIGN
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coastlife autumn
bushfire relief Words fail us when it comes to the bushfire tragedy. There are many charities out there, but we urge you to remember the suffering of wildlife which has lost their homes and will require ongoing care. Check out these charities: Wildlife Victoria www. widlifevictoria.org.au or call 9445 0310, Wildlife Rescue and Protection Inc (WRAP) www.wrap.org.au or call 5681 2367 and Help for Wildlife www.helpforwildlife.com or call 0417 380 687.
go-go surfing mamas Surfing group for mums, any mums! Meet every Friday at the Kiosk cafĂŠ, Inverloch for a coffee at 9.30am and then head to Invy Mains (Inverloch Main beach) for a surf. Call Lucy on 5663 7307 or Geraldine 0400683857 or email lucindacousens@ yahoo.com.au
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eucalypt festival Each autumn the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne celebrates one of Australia’s most iconic trees - the eucalypt. A range of activities, tours and workshops are on offer including didgeridoo workshops, face painting, eucalyptus oil demonstrations, drawing workshops and much more. Every Sunday in April 5, 12, 19) and Monday 13 April 2009. www. australiangarden.com.au
Inverloch Food & Wine Festival The picturesque Inverloch foreshore is the backdrop for a relaxing afternoon of fine food and wine. Enjoy delicious local and regional food, boutique wines and relax to the smooth sounds of South Gippsland’s popular musicians - Daniel and Julia Boden, Troppo, Insol and more. Neighbours’ star Scott Major will MC the day and Melbourne food icon Dur-e` Dara will host cooking demonstrations and interviews with producers. Saturday 14 March at The Glade in Inverloch.
the black jesus experience We speak with singer Aminata Doumbia-Findlay about the exciting nine-piece band Black Jesus Experience that fuses traditional Ethiopian song with jazz, funk and hip-hop. Aminata’s songs are shaped by her Ivoirian and Burundian identity along with her Malian heritage and life experiences in France, Burundi, Uganda, Kenya and now Australia.
Why the name?
It’s a question. Why do people think Jesus is blond and blue-eyed? That’s how we all grew up thinking of him, but why can’t he be a different colour? We added the word ‘experience’ so he can be whatever colour he wants to be in people’s minds. We don’t want to offend people.
How did you join the band?
I came to Australia from Africa two years ago and met Enushu, another member of the band. She and the other members said ‘Join us’! I speak seven languages as a result of living in many different places . We are a very multicultural group, and I write lyrics and sing in French, English, Swahili and more. I want to bring my own style to the group.
Explain the significance of your songs?
Because I have lived on continents experiencing war and poverty, our messages are about peace and unity. If Africa was united, things would be so different. It’s beautiful, but very troubled. Our message is: ‘People come together, be one and love one another’.
What can people expect from your performances?
Celebrate Our Cultural Diversity Now in its third year, Wonthaggi’s annual Gung Ho Festival is a true celebration of cultural diversity. Come along and enjoy Sudanese dancers, eastern belly dancers, songs of Italy, bag pipers and story tellers. Join an origami and Japanese handwriting workshop, learn juggling and more. International cuisine will also be on offer to tantalise your taste buds. 22 March at Apex Park and Mitchell House, 6 Murray Street, Wonthaggi.
It’s not boring! People always say ‘Wow, this is music!’. We do rap and funk and R&B, and sing in many different languages. Our name is unique and so is our band! The Black Jesus Experience live and perform in Melbourne and will be appearing at Womadelaide in March www.womadelaide.com.au
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support your cfa
coast chill photo competition winners!!
Michael Gapper, Captain of San Remo CFA, needs your help. The horrific fires of Black Saturday have put the spotlight on the wonderful work that the CFA does. “We are always looking for volunteers,” says Michael. “You don’t have to fight fires: there are many support roles such as communications, logistics and other tasks. We are also keen to recruit younger, fitter volunteers to our ranks,” says Michael. Men and women of all ages are welcome. Call Michael on 5956 6500.
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the westernport hotel - LIVE!
tool tonight
Rock out at San Remo’s Westernport Hotel this autumn. One of the district’s premier live entertainment venues, the Westernport features live entertainment every Friday and Saturday night. Don’t miss the ever-popular Sunday Blues Session from 5.30pm with upcoming names like Collard, Greens & Gravy, Geoff Achison and Liz Stringer. The hotel also serves great meals with ever-changing daily specials. Check out all the info at their brand new website www.thewesternport.com.au
Local seventeen-year-old filmmaker Sam Petersen has completed a mocumentarystyle pilot series which has been picked up by Melbourne’s Channel 31. It’s all about Sam Deloris Tool, a shonky interviewer that no-one wants to be interviewed by. Sam wants his own talk show ‘Tool Tonight’ and sets abut annoying celebrities to achieve it. “While I find myself embarrassing to watch and completely and utterly unfunny, I am quite proud of it so far,” says the humble Sam. The show features interviews with well-known celebrities and comedians. Check out ‘I.A’ on Channel 31 in June.
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1.Kate Ricardo, Woolamai 2. Bruce Walker, Fitzroy 3. Shayne Dixon, Wonthaggi 4. Carl Swainson, Sommerville 5. Amy Copeland, Cowes
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sanny traders lend a helping hand The San Remo and District Traders Association members are ready, willing and able to raise much needed funds for the Bushfire Victims. They are asking the public donate any spare change when they see one of the distinctive “yellow buckets” on the counter. All donations will be given to the Bendigo Bank Bushfire Fund to help the Gippsland areas hardest hit.
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Spoil yourself with great value accommodation packages Inverloch Resort Offering great value accommodation options and recreational facilities, including tennis courts, spa and sauna, indoor heated pool, walking tracks and playgrounds, RACV Inverloch Resort offers something for the whole family.
Play Leongatha package, including 18 holes of golf and breakfast, or the Pamper Getaway package, including a Koonwarra Day Spa voucher and breakfast. Both packages come with complimentary sparkling wine on arrival and transport to activities.
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Quality brands including Tessa, Parker, Fler, Chiswell, Moran, TH Brown & more
Open everyday except Tuesday 10am to 5pm Located in a massive warehouse at 42 Cashin St Inverloch (behind Mitre 10) We BUY quality secondhand goods
Ph Wendy & John on 0409 23 44 82
Shandelle Nolan has lived in Wonthaggi all her life. Mother of two, Dell is not afraid to stand out from the crowd and believes expressing your own individual style is what’s important in life – as well as being happy and having no regrets.
words as told to Sally O’Neill photo Warren Reed
fifteenminutesoffame What did you want to be when you grew up? I started out wanting to be a hairdresser and then an architect. Once I hit high school I met a boy, and school probably wasn’t as important as it should have been, so I never went anywhere with it. I worked as a waitress until I was twenty-eight. Then my business (01 Soul) kind of fell in my lap and I thought I’d give it a go. It’s fun - I love clothes. What attracts you to street culture? I’m not a surfwear kind of girl. I’m not a ‘sheep’ kind of person. Streetwear is left of centre and I like to be left of centre. I think being different is great, and I like the fact that some people want to express who they really are. You don’t ever really realise that until you grow up a bit. When you are in high school, you want to be like everyone else. As you get older, you realise it’s more important to be who you are. People say ‘you’re a mum and you are this and you are that’, well, yes I am, but I have to be me at the same time. I don’t have to say ‘I can’t wear that, I’m a mother’. Where does your personal style come from? I remember as a little girl seeing people who were dressed differently, like hippies with dreadlocks and stuff like that. I thought ‘I’m going to be like that when I grow up: I’m going to be different’. I guess it’s just in me; it’s part of my make up. I simply don’t want to be like everybody else. I love being radical, but I have to be careful. I often ask myself ‘Is Wonthaggi ready for this?’ That’s a line I have to draw. I have just started stretching my ear and, because of my kids, I’m only going to 8 millimetres. Not everyone is into piercings and coloured hair and tattoos, but I love them. In high school I was the weird one, but today people are embraced for being different. Teenage kids these days are being more and more themselves. I think that’s great.
Do you have any tattoos? Yes, I have two. I have one that I got when I was eighteen. Now I look at it and think ‘it’s not really me’ – it’s a little unicorn with a rainbow on it. On my other leg I have a fairly big tattoo that is really beautiful. It’s a dark, angel-type figure. I got her because I was inspired to get something that really meant something to me. She’s an anime cartoon and she’s got red hair. I was in a bad place in my life for a while and this tattoo was me saying ‘I know who I am now. I have red hair and I am a little bit different, but I’m comfortable with who I am’. It represents that I have found myself. You’ve had some hard times in your life? Yes, I was in a bad relationship for ten years. At a young age, you don’t draw lines in the sand because you don’t know that you need to. I never had ideas about what I would accept and what I wouldn’t, or how I wanted to be treated. This experience taught me a lot of life lessons and made me a better person. I don’t regret it at all as I have two beautiful children and I’m now married to a wonderful man. An amazing life story? My daughter Phoebe was born three months premature on my bathroom floor! We rang the ambulance at 6.23am and it arrived at 6.29am and she was already born. They gave her to me and I remember how tiny she was. When we got to the hospital, they put her in a humidicrib and airlifted her to Melbourne. She didn’t need to go on a respirator or anything; she was just meant to be here. Your personal philosophy in life? Be happy, and be positive. Bad things happen to good people, but you just have to keep on going. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. I went through a really rough patch in my life, but it made me a better person and I’ve moved on. Have no regrets. C
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coast character
words sally o’neill photos warren reed
the kustom kings He’s got more cars off the road than on, and loves rock ’n’ roll, fancy clothes and everything about the era of his youth. Ted Eidem is the Kustom king of Bass. It’s a whole new scene for me, these ‘Kustom cars’. It’s where fluffy dice are cool and people spend an enormous amount of time polishing their cars, talking about their cars, getting outfits to go with their cars… and on it goes. For the lay-person, this amounts to very cool vehicles with owners to match. The true definition of Kustom cars is ‘cars from the 1950s and early 1960s modified in the customizing styles of that time’. It’s often spelt with a ‘K’ because a US business started spelling it that way back in the 1950s and it just stuck. I meet Norwegian-born Ted Eidem at the Kustom Nationals event on Phillip Island where he attempts to explain the scene to me and why, once you’re hooked, you’re stuck in that era for the rest of your life. “I’ve been into cars ever since I came to Australia. My brother was sixteen years older than me, and he gave me the foundation for my passion, which always had to do with cars. He was actually more of a horseman, so we loved different kinds of horse power,” says Ted over the roar of hotted-up cars. “I started with Ford Customlines in the 1960s, and had my first car when I was fourteen and a half. It was a 1947 Pontiac Super Chief
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that my brother gave to me. I’ve always had customlines like early 1939 Fords. They were cheap cars: you could buy one for 30 pounds.” Ted grew up in the heady days of the rock’ n’ roll era. “I lived in Glenhuntly and always went to ‘Malvern Town Rock’ on a Saturday night. I loved Johnny O’Keefe and the Thunderbirds.” “In the 1960s we were lucky – life was free and easy. Police weren’t as tough on young drivers as they are today,” says Ted, although he understands why today’s measures are needed. He remembers one night when he was cruising down the street in his Ford Mainline Ute – aged sixteen and a half. “The local policeman saw me driving past and then caught up with me. He said: ‘Ted, you haven’t got a licence, so get back in the car, drive home and leave it there!’ That was the freedom of those days!” Ted is a member of the Confederate Rod and Custom Club which was started in the mid-sixties. Today it is one of the oldest established car clubs in Australia. They had regular meets where everyone could show off their latest project. “I built a Ford Twin Spinner and re-upholstered it with leopard skin. I had some material left and made a suit out of it! I was the talk of the next meeting!” laughs Ted. He found love when he met his wife Jan “through friends in the
“I built a Ford Twin Spinner and re-upholstered it with leopard skin. I had some material left and made a suit out of it!
pictured: privately owned car from custom nats, phillip island
scene” in those early days. “Jan wasn’t into cars when I first met her, but she loved rock and roll,” says Ted. “Now she likes it all, and even dresses up for meets and dances.” “Kustoms is a car scene and the music goes with it. The clothes, the music and cars are the package,” says Ted. “It’s always either rock and roll or country music with cars.” And Ted likes both kinds. Music is his second passion, especially keeping live music alive. “Live bands are harder to find today, and that’s why I stay involved. I blame the pokies. The pubs thought they didn’t need bands any more to make a dollar, but I think the bands are starting to come back. I have been promoting rock and roll and country bands for many years. This is because I love the music and I believe in live bands. Publicans Terry and Robyn Salmon always supported live bands at the Bass Hotel, and when they left, I took up where they left off. I didn’t want the music to leave Bass.” On the second and fourth Sunday each month, Ted puts on a band at the Bass Hotel. People travel from far and wide to take in the show and kick up their heels, often arriving in a Kustom car and wearing an outfit to match. New owners Paul and Debbie support him all the way.
Ted loves living in Bass, where he has his own car restoration and mechanic business. He also has six of his own restoration projects on the go in the shed. “These are all ‘project cars’ - not one is on the road yet! I actually drove here today in a Nissan Skyline,” he admits. “I don’t know why I didn’t move here thirty years ago. You might live in a lot of places in your life, but once you find Bass, you don’t want to leave. When we bought the property, my wife said ‘Now we’ve bought the coffin’.” C (more photos over page) John Katsonis runs the annual Kustom Nationals event at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. This is the seventh event. “Since I was able to walk, I’ve been involved with cars,” says John as he supervises the dissection of a 1950 Mercury with an oxy-welder. “Every year it’s getting bigger. People love what we do and want to be part of the fun. I love the whole scene. I’ve got ten cars on the road and thirty waiting… I just say to people: ‘Attend the event, find out what we’re about, and have some fun’.”
“Kustoms is a car scene and the music goes with it. The clothes, the music and cars are the package.�
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“Keeping Business Local”
• South Gippsland’s biggest range of quality used cars • Local backup service • Full range of new cars • New, modern workshop for all your after sales service needs • Full range of parts and accessories • Finance available • 10% off all service & repairs through our workshop for concession card holders
346 Bass Hwy Wonthaggi
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“Tough times don’t last. Tough people do. “
Jim Boland has been knocked out only once in his life – and it wasn’t during a fight. Two years ago, outside his Cowes gym, he got sandwiched under a runaway eight-tonne cherry-picker. “Smashed my head,” he said. “My eyes, nose and mouth were cut open and I pushed out four bones in my neck. Broke four or five ribs, too. It was the first time I was ever knocked out... it never happened in the ring.” But he has come a cropper more than once – like his first-ever fight as a 14-year-old at the Athenaeum Hall in Doncaster. “Got knocked onto my arse in the first round,” he said. “I thought ‘this can’t be happening’. So I got up and got my composure back and won.” And won. And won. Jim’s record stands as unbeaten in all his eight professional fights. After ten years in the ring he became a judge and referee, and he has overseen a total of 1380 professional fights, including seventeen
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world titles and forty Australian titles. He has shared a dressing room at Festival Hall with Lionel Rose – who remains a good friend – and officiated in fights featuring names such as Fenech, Ellis and Russell. It’s a long way from a childhood spent wagging school and dodging the blows of a violent, alcoholic father in suburban Melbourne in the 1960s. He recalled: “I was always getting belted by my father. Dad was a bit wild. He would belt the teachers and the coppers who came around when I was a bit naughty. Dad wasn’t much of a dad, he wasn’t around much and he was a bit of a player, but he stood up for us.”
personality profile
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as a plumber. “I didn’t drink until I was 38, and that was because my dad was an alcoholic. He worked in plumbing and drainage and never had equipment. He used to dig all his trenches by hand, so he’d down a box of long-necks for lunch and then go to the pub.” Jim’s decision to stay away from the suds didn’t stop him from joining his drinking mates “although they would constantly pick on me. They’d say ‘This is a pub, not a milk bar’.” Then, aged 38, he just got sick of drinking Coke and orange juice. Bourbon became his drink of choice. With an imperfect upbringing, Jim was a candidate for bad parenting himself. But deserted by his first wife (“she said I was a workaholic and I probably was”) Jim single-handedly raised their two children, then aged five and nine. “I fed them and made sure their assignments were up to date. I was on my own for thirteen years. I never ever thought about farming them out. I was in for the long haul. Tough times don’t last, but tough people do.” He is now clearly proud of his kids - Karen, 30, who designs steel constructions for a Dandenong firm and Darcy, 24, who has followed his dad and is working in plumbing, drainage and earthmoving in Mooroolbark. After qualifying as a plumber, Jim found it difficult to fit work and training into his days. Employing up to ten staff and working on large government contracts, he couldn’t put in the hours. “Also, I was in a division with some serious fighters like Tony Mundine. I realised ‘I’m not that good’ so I gracefully stepped out. I thought ‘enough is enough’. I was about 24 when I gave it away. Looking back, I wish I’d stayed a bit longer.” He became a judge and referee, and in that role travelled to Hong Kong, China, the Philippines, Europe and Nigeria ... which he describes as “the worst place in the world”. “It was hell. The promoter couldn’t guarantee our safety outside the hotel. There was corruption. I wasn’t fed properly and didn’t get paid. In the end I paid my own way back - just to get out of the place.” Saving his own skin was one aspect of his career. Saving others was another. “I’ve saved a few people, but I have had one man die. It was during a bout between a pair of bantamweights, including the Queensland fighter Ahmad Popal. I warned them both they weren’t doing enough fighting for a title fight. They had gone about four rounds. One guy couldn’t fight and the other one didn’t want to. They
fought the next round fairly well and then Popal stepped back, pulled the other guy on top of him and went into a seizure on the floor.” “I’ve seen blokes have fits before, but this was different and I knew he was in trouble. He went into full convulsion: I couldn’t get his mouthguard out, his eyes rolled back and I could see the whites of his eyes.” The ringside doctor rushed in but Popal died a couple of days later. “Afterwards we found out that he’d been in a street fight and got a kick in the head several days earlier.” Jim had to return to the ring that night to referee another fight. “I had to go back in a couple of hours. I didn’t want to do it, but I had no choice. Afterwards, I gave it all up for eight months. I realised I needed a bit of a spell.” An inquiry by sports officials cleared him, as did the coronial hearing two years later. Jim has been close to death himself several times. He once fell out of a hang-glider which collapsed mid-flight in Dromana. He hit the water, breaking both legs, an arm and a thumb. “I needed 87 stitches in my face - my nose was pulled off and my teeth were smashed in. Ugly? Look the word up in the dictionary and you’ll see my photo.” This didn’t stop Jim finding love a second time. “It happened at first sight. I fell in love with her straight away.” Was it the same for her? “Definitely not!” he laughed. The pair moved down to Phillip Island after Jim took up drainage contracting work in 2000. “The first time I came down it was pouring rain. But it was when the place was booming. I got a heap of work down here and I said ‘I think we might stay for a while’.” He put up a small ring in the backyard and started a training gym. He now has a clientele of about 60 regulars ranging in age from 12 to their early 60s, including two state hopefuls - Tyrone Sandbach> 14,
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With two EPs and one demo released, And Burn is on fire. Named after a line in “some movie”, the band has recently been playing with some big names such as 28 Days and Bodyjar . It seems the four members from Wonthaggi are getting serious about life as musicians. And Burn is made up of Cam Jones who plays bass and also does “some screaming”; Jess Cuman who moved from lead guitar to lead vocals last year; Jason Trewin on guitar and vocals; and Jason Byrnes on drums. They are making a name for themselves amongst not only local fans, but a growing following across Victoria and interstate. Though the current line-up has only been established for twelve
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months, this hasn’t stopped the band from experiencing a large array of great gigs resulting in satisfied audiences. They all agree their biggest gig was Pyramid Rock Festival, just before Jason T joined the band. Jason recalls: “I was in the crowd, they were the first band in the tent, and every local at the festival was there, plus hundreds more I didn’t recognise.” Typical of true music-lovers, the answer to a question about their favourite kind of audience comes as no surprise. “I’ll play for three guys in a bar-it doesn’t really matter,” says Cam. However, in reality they have quite a few punters. “Playing with Bodyjar was great: that
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& Walkerville
words sally o’neill photos warren & maria reed
Have you ever braved the elements at Cape Liptrap, explored the rocky shores of Walkerville or browsed the galleries at Fish Creek? These are a few of my favourite things. Often overlooked as a destination in itself as you whiz through Gippsland to Wilson’s Promontory or beyond, this area is a wonder waiting to be explored. Head on down to Inverloch, and then follow the C442 towards Tarwin Lower along the Tarwin Lower-Walkerville Road. From here, you can take a drive down to Venus Bay, where the beach is patrolled during the summer months and is magic for a wild ocean stroll in autumn or winter. As you approach Walkerville, you’ll pass the Bald Hills wetlands - a significant haven for waterbirds and well worth a stop. Turn off towards Walkerville South, then onto the Cape Liptrap Road. It’s a bit of a trek to get to the Cape, but well worth it. The white beaches and majestic mountains of Wilson’s Promontory appear on the horizon as you wind your way along the gravel road. This narrow peninsula is actually a mountain range that runs out into the wild waters of Bass Strait. The steep cliffs were formed by layers of folded marine sediments, and the relentless pounding of the waves has created rocky platforms. Any time of day or any time of year, it’s a breathtaking destination. Lookout points allow you to watch the kelp beds swaying with the swell beneath aqua waters. We see small specks below which turn out to be intrepid surfers who have found a way to access this wild break. The small concrete lighthouse is a replacement for the original automated steel construction that was erected in 1913 by the Commonwealth Government. The light plays an important role in keeping vessels safe, and signs tell the stories of shipwrecks in the area in days gone by. Back in the car, we re-join the road to Walkerville and look longingly at the turn-off to secluded Bear Gully and the luxurious Bear Gully Coastal Cottages, but no time today. The tiny hamlet of Walkerville is divided into two: South and North. Athough only separated by an 800-metre walk along the beach, each area is accessed by a separate, dead-end road. One winds through eucalypt forest from Fish Creek and ends at Walkerville North. The road to Walkerville South joins the Cape Liptrap Road we are already on, so we head south. Down at the beach, there’s a distinctly Mediterranean holiday feel. The safe shores are lined with
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colourful umbrellas and families enjoying all manner of beach activities: kayaking, fishing, swimming, splashing and chatting. There’s a boat ramp here and the car park is littered with empty trailers. Fishing is equally good from the shore where you can try your luck for Snapper, Sweep, Leatherjacket, Salmon, Yellow-tail Kingfish, Trumpeter and Parrot-fish. A short walk around the rocks takes you to a secluded cove where the limestone rock formations and azure waters make you feel as if you could be somewhere in Europe – with a lot fewer people. Walkerville is surrounded by the 4,175-hectare Cape Liptrap Coastal Park, which extends from Waratah Bay to the east to Point Smythe in the west. The Park features extensive coastal heathlands, and many native birds including bush and coastal species. This secluded area was once a bustling township known as Waratah. Limestone from the surrounding cliffs was mined from 1875 to 1926 and burned in large kilns to make ‘quicklime’. Today, you can still see remnants of the kilns and what was once a large jetty used to load trading vessels. Walkerville is a place where you can really get away from it all and be amongst nature. The combination of forest and sea is sublime There is one small store in Walkerville North along with a caravan park where you can camp amongst the wildlife and gaze at the stars every night. There’s great fishing, diving, surfing and kayaking, and walking tracks where you can learn about the history and nature of the area, or you can just relax… C
Close by: Bear Gully Coastal Cottages, Cape Liptrap Gecko Studio Gallery, Fish Creek Ride the Wild Goat, Fish Creek
feature area
“Lookout points allow you to watch the kelp beds swaying with the swell beneath aqua waters.”
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THEY NEED OUR HELP! PLEASE DONATE The recent tragic Victorian bushfires have killed and injured millions of native wildlife and beloved pets. Please help these silent victims of the bushfires by donating to these worthy organisations. A website set up in conjunction with Westpac Bank allows you to find out more information and donate directly to the bushfire appeal:
www.ourcommunity.com.au/bushfire
ANIMAL AID
(03) 9739 0300 www.animalaid.com.au
WILDLIFE RESCUE (03) 5681 2367 www.wrap.org.au
WILDLIFE VICTORIA
(03) 9445 0310 www.wildlifevictoria.org.au
LOST DOGS HOME
(03) 9321 8786 / (03) 9329 2755 lena.condos@dogshome.com
RSPCA
(03) 9224 2222 www.rspcavic.org/
LORT SMITH ANIMAL HOSPITAL (03) 9328 3021 www.lortsmith.com
Don’t abandon the forgotten victims of the recent bushfires
“a wonderous place where art + culture meet”
Australia’s leading Sculpture Park and Gallery set in 16 hectares of serene bushland, lakes and landscaped gardens in Langwarrin, 4 kms east of Frankston on the Mornington Peninsula
ADDRESS : 390 McClelland Drive Langwarrin, Victoria 3910 Australia.
PHONE : +61 3 9789 1671 FAX : +61 3 9789 1610
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OPENING HOURS : Tues to Sun : 10am - 5pm Closed on Mondays and some Public Holidays.
McCLELLAND GALLERY CAFE : Tues to Sun : 10am - 4:30pm Book for a meal or function on +61 3 9789 1671
info@mcclellandgallery.com www.mcclellandgallery.com
21/2/09 7:43:14 PM
gecko
studio gallery
“custom framing, original artworks, select art materials, cards & decorated tiles” email: framing@geckostudiogallery.com.au www.geckostudiogallery.com.au Kerry Spokes & Michael Lester opening times thurs-mon 10am-5pm
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15 Falls Road Fish Creek 03 5683 2481 0423 721 593 0421 209 878
11/2/09 1:17:29 PM
special feature
art & culture The Coast is home to a thriving arts and cultural community. The beauty of its natural environment and close proximity to Melbourne means it attracts a great number of artists, musicians, performers, writers and cultural organisations. You can enjoy visits to studios, galleries, museums, festivals, music and theatre. Participate, be entertained or be made to think. You can share with artists their love of this environment and how they think about the world. Josie Kent, Arts officer, Bass Coast
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andrew mcpherson furniture, objects and paintings created on site original pieces and occasional exhibitions by selected artists
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be inspired!
gallery workshop 5 Falls Road, Fish Creek T 56832661 M 0417370596 E andrew@ridethewildgoat.com.au W ridethewildgoat.com.au hours 10:30-4:30 friday-monday 16/2/09 10:17:25 AM
A month long celebration of the arts across Gippsland May 2009
Be inspired with the innovative & vibrant arts in Gippsland - writer’s festival, various arts workshops, open studios, photographic exhibition, sculpture prize, theatre productions, markets and festivals, art collections on show, touring shows, circus acts, contemporary dance, arts forums and lots more. Look out for - Under the Influence, Bass Coast Councils Art on Show, Prize Winners, Show Yourself Up, Masterpiece Art Market, Many Hands, Reform, Mirboo North Arty Gras Festival, Witches of Eastwick, Classics at the Creek, Baw Baw Open Studios, PaRTnerships, Beanie Festival, Sacred Footsteps from the Roof of the World, Shakespeare Festival, Water Works, 61 Circus acts in 60 seconds, Twitter, In our Nature, The Hole Truth, Scarecrows and more‌
Events brochures will be available at the end of March and can be picked up at your nearest Visitor Information Centre or Council Customer Service Centres. Listings will be available on www.gippslandartists.com/artsfestival
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art & culture guide gecko studio gallery Gecko Studio Gallery presents monthly exhibitions of contemporary art. Specialising in custom picture-framing, the gallery has gained a reputation for high quality work. Gecko Gallery stocks unique jewellery by local artists as well as ceramics and select art materials, including quality art papers and printmaking supplies. An extensive range of locally produced hand-painted ceramic tiles and artist cards is also available. GECKO GALLERY 15 Falls Rd, Fish Creek. Call 5683 2481 www.geckostudiogallery.com.au
arty farty studio Sian Adnam invites you to visit her studio - a vibrant and fun-filled creative workspace for fellow artists and also for beginners to experience sculpture in clay and mixed media for the first time. “Classes are for both children and adults,” says Sian. “My programs inspire and teach how to create larger-scale works for the home or garden. The studio also features accommodation for artistic weekends away. Building and landscaping commissions welcome. 21 Second Avenue, Cape Woolamai Call 5956 6377 or 0418 519 181 www.artyfarty.com.au
renae carmody designs Renae Carmody is on a mission: to help people rediscover their creativity through inspiring workshops and her own artwork. “I believe that imagination and creativity are our greatest gifts and I’m passionate about giving people a chance to explore them,” she says. A qualified art teacher and practising artist, Renae tutors over 100 students weekly at her studio. Anyone is welcome to a weekly class or one-off workshop. Call Renae on 0428 686 250.
red hill cool stores From the moment you walk into this delightful store, your senses are rewarded. Owner Gillian Haig is the perfect hostess. Crammed with her own and other artists’ works, luscious produce, fine wines, gifts, clothing and jewellery, this is a shopping delight. Her personalised hampers of gourmet peninsula produce and wine are made to order, or you can put your own together as you enjoy a tasting of local olive oils, wine and Red Hill cheeses. 1012 Mornington-Flinders Rd, Red Hill Call 5931 0364 www.redhillcoolstores.com.au
Jacq of Hearts Metal Art After working as a jeweller for 23 years, Jacquie Burslem now also creates unique copper sculptures. “I love copper as a medium because the textures and colours work really well with natural designs,” says Jacquie. “My sculptures came from a desire to expand my skills and to work with metal on a larger scale.” She gains inspiration from her travels around Australia and having recently turned forty, she hopes to put her life experiences into her designs. Entry is behind ‘Deboruccis’ off Thompson Ave in Cowes, by appointment please. Call 0438 042 169 jacq.hearts@bigpond.com
Anita Stepano-Ross (Dip. Fine Art/Dip. Education)
ARTISTS STUDIO – Fine Art – Paintings/Drawings Oil/Acrylic/Charcoal
Book Illustration on commission, in any medium
Viewing of works by appointment All works on exhibition for sale T 5678 7346 M 0412 105 841 Email anarte@dcsi.net.au Google redbubble . anarte
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Where quality produce, art and wine combine
Gourmet hampers made to order
Art by Gillian Haig
1012 Mornington Flinders Road, Red Hill Melways 190 E3 redhillcoolstores@bigpond.com.au www.redhillcoolstores.com.au p. 59 310 364 Red Hill Cool Stores_v3.indd 1
17/2/09 9:03:42 AM
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art & culture guide
creative gippsland events
the southern gippsland small sculpture prize
Anita’s extensive experience as an artist includes producing paintings for Neighbours and pavement painting in France. She recently took on the position as Specialist Art Teacher at Bass Valley Primary School. “I amazed at the student’s abundance of creativity,” says Anita. “My passion is creating an awareness of endangered animals by illustrating, orangutans, chimps and birds. I sponsor two gorgeous baby orangutans in Indonesia.” Studio visits by appointment. Works include abstracts, seascapes and the human form. Anita Stepano-Ross 12 Coastal Rise, Kilcunda Call 5678 7346 or 0412 105 841 anarte@dcsi.net.au
mushroom crafts art and craft space Marg Tattersall, owner of Mushroom Crafts and Mushroom Art/Craft Space, loves making jewellery and all things creative. Her gallery reflects this in its varied monthly exhibitions and is also evident in the extensive range of beads and Swarovski crystals available in her shop. Intimate and well-lit, her gallery is at the rear of the store, which also stocks Australiana, giftware, jewellery and alternative products. View Marg’s own work in the gallery space. 40 Bair Street Leongatha Call 5662 2144
4 corners framing Gerard Bruning was born and bred in Leongatha and has over forty years’ experience in photography and framing. “I work with a range of clients including members of the vast art scene out there. Being a photographer helps my framing in terms of composition and creativity,” says Gerard. “I have clients from a vast area. I love taking photos of netball and football for the local papers - it’s honing my spontaneity!” 70b Bair St, Leongatha Call 5662 5216 www.fourcornersframing.biz
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anita stepano-ross
Gippsland’s newest art exhibition and sole dedicated sculpture prize has the theme salvage/ recycle/reuse. Supported by Dame Elisabeth Murdoch and Coast magazine, the show offers prize money of $2000 and will showcase Gippsland artists. The exhibition runs from 14 May to 2 June at Stockyard Gallery, Main Street, Foster. The official opening is at 7pm, Saturday 16 May (all welcome) and the gallery is open daily 10am - 4pm. Entries close 20 April. Download an entry form at www.stockyardgallery.org.au or contact Anne on 5687 1370 or email aroussac@bigpond.com
Wonthaggi Theatrical Group Production of West Side Story When: Friday 22 May – Saturday 6 June Where: Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre. Graham St, Wonthaggi Who: David Wall 5672 4289 Bass Coast Ibis Writers Biennial Writing Festival – ‘Sense of Place’ Featuring Arnold Zable, Mammad Aidani, Danielle Clode and local writers Carolyn Landon and James Phelan. Workshops, forums, poet brawls, dinner and more. When: 1 – 3 May Where: Various venues in Cowes, San Remo & Wonthaggi. Main venue Cowes Cultural Centre, 91 – 97 Thompson Ave, Cowes Who: Tobias 5672 121 www.ibiswriters.googlepages.com Bass Coast Shire Council’s Art Acquisition Exhibition (Wonthaggi) When: 3 – 29 May 11 – 5pm Thurs – Sun Where: Coalfields Art Gallery, 140 McKenzie St, Wonthaggi. Who: Janice Orchard 5672 4004 www.coalfieldsartgallery.com.au Show Yourself Up When: 15,16,17 May 10 – 5pm. Where: Fred Gration Reserve, Bantering Bay Rd, Coronet Bay. Who: Greg Noakes 9808 1482 or 0408 176 135 stills@netspace.net.au Masterpiece Art Market (Coronet Bay) When: 29, 30, 31 May 9 – 5pm Where: Fred Gration Reserve, Bantering Bay Rd, Coronet Bay Who: Anne Caulfield 5678 0273 or Laura Ealey 5678 0884 alannanne@bigpond.com.au Under the Influence Four Phillip Island studios/galleries When: Sunday 3 & 10 May 10 – 5pm Where: Binky’s 18 Surf Cres, Surf Beach; 222 Gallery, 222 The Esplanade, Surf Beach; Shearwater Studio, 83 Lantana Rd, Cape Woolamai; and Galleria del Mare, 28 Tunbridge St, Rhyll. Who: Bill Binks, 5956 7634 Pit Pony Press (Rescue Station) When: Friday 8 May 4 – 6pm Where: State Coal Mine Rescue Station Arts Inc, West Area Rd, Wonthaggi Who: Wendy Crellin 5672 1949 crellin1@bigpond.com Make & Bake Create Market (Rescue Station) When: Saturday 30 May 9 – 1pm Where: State Coal Mine Rescue Station Arts Inc, West Area Rd, Wonthaggi Who: Yvonne McRae 5672 3179 eviemac@dcsi.net.au Arts Forum May: dates to be advised. Contact Josephine Kent Arts Officer on 5671 2492 or j.kent@basscoast.vic.gov.au Corinella Art Show Prize Winners When: Throughout May. Where: Corinella and District Community Centre, 48 Smythe St, Corinella, Wkdys 10 – 4. Who: Janene Blanchfield Brown 5678 0777
Ja c q u i e B u r s l e m
T 0438 042 169
E jacq.hearts@bigpond.com
www.222gallery.com.au
222 Esplanade Surf Beach 222 Contemporary Gallery_v2.indd1 1
brenflor2@bigpond.com
mobile: 0413311824 18/2/09 11:57:27 AM
artist profile
words maria reed photos warren reed
David Alexander Kopelman (otherwise known as DAK) doesn’t consider himself an artist. “I just like to dabble and make stuff,” he shrugs, standing near his latest creation a 10-foot rusty metallic flower that swirls and pivots in the wind. Belying a talent that is truly extraordinary, most of his fans and followers would beg to differ. I find the artist at work in his outdoor studio on a beltingly hot day. An enormous sculpted metal gate opens with chains and pulleys, creating movement in a piece he describes as being “a bit like Willy Wonker and the Chocolate Factory”. Titled ‘Ode to Powlett River’, it is a functional artwork that acts as a personal protest against the building of a desalination plant at Powlett River. Three imposing waves transform into question marks, with buildings towering overhead – sending a clear message about what is at stake.
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A self-confessed outsider, DAK, as he is known around the neighbourhood, likes to throw his energy into creating. “It’s just something I have to do,” he says. “I’m not a real people-person.” Growing up on a Victorian cattle station “out in the middle of nowhere”, DAK would immerse himself in drawing. “It was a place where I felt comfortable,” he says. “I had lots of dramas as a kid at school - I didn’t get along with people very well - so a lot of times I’d spend recesses in the art room just painting and drawing.”
artist profile
started, I remember being out at Cowries all by myself, and it was a really nasty, sharky spot. Young and dumb . . . I didn’t care less. I’m probably a bit more careful now – but the water is a great environment. I just love this place.” At their home in Ventnor, the family set up a shed for the young artist which was perfect for metal sculpting, given that there were hardly any other houses around. “It’s funny – at one time, I found painting too relaxing and soothing, while the metal work allowed me to be angry and aggressive and get all those feelings out. It was good because I could throw a sculpture around and beat it up a bit without hurting it – sometimes it even made it better! I’d get up in the middle of the night and start creating. I’d get a call from Mum in the house asking ‘David, is that you out the front?’ I’d be, ‘Yep, it’s me, Mum – it’s all good.’ I had trouble sleeping for a long time, so it was something I’d do to pass the time.” He laughs, “There is only so much time you can spend watching TV or playing Xbox before you go mad.” He would pass his summer days surfing, and catch up on his artwork at night. “Welding is great at night – especially in summertime when it’s so hot during the day.” “I did one piece called Volatile which was like a ‘vulturerobot-type’ trip. When I was making it, there was a full-on lightning storm. It was a Saturday night and I was like ‘I hate you all. Strike me down, God, if you dare.’ I was yelling abuse, and this thing wasn’t going well, so I ended up cracking it : I threw it across the floor and it smashed into pieces. When I settled down again, I put the pieces back together and then thought, ‘Hang on a minute – it looks better that way’. I took it to a gallery in Acland Street, and within three days it had sold. I tried later on to recreate it, but it got too elaborate . . . I thought too much. The first one was really simple but the next one just didn’t have the same feeling.” DAK’s work has been through many incarnations. “I had a full-on period of creating these things I called pro-defenders. They were probably a subconscious defence mechanism – it was as if they were fighting off those feelings. Then I went through a period of making flowers, and I felt at peace. I >
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artist profile
had a real ‘Day of the Triffids’ kind of thing happening, and I loved using light and movement.” The artist finds himself in a good place at the moment, with a thriving relationship and a head full of ideas. “I love the space I’m creating in the moment. It’s got so much positive energy from the people around here and the surf down the road – that’s why I think all these good things are coming out– it’s a positive energy. I can just do my stuff and enjoy it again . . . it’s cool.” Much of DAK’s work is being noticed around Cape Woolamai, where many of his creations are on show to the public in the form of highlysculpted gates and fences. “I’m loving creating the gates and fences, and my new plasma cutter allows me to cut virtually any shape I want into metal with high wattage - compressed air. Making things move is great: I really like the fact that you just need a little bit of a breeze - nothing else - and you can create this movement. I made a gate around the corner, and to create some movement in it, I added a plastic fan (spray-painted so it looked like metal) that would spin in the wind. I made it out of plastic so it wouldn’t hurt anyone, say if little kiddies put their fingers in it. The movement is enough to catch your eye and add interest. It adds a whole other dimension to it.” With no formal eduction in the arts, DAK says, “I’ve never been taught, but I learn something new with each job, and I’ve had a lot of help from the local crew. I think persistence is the main thing in creating stuff, and being an obsessive-compulsive personality doesn’t hurt either,” he laughs. “Many times I just hate what I do - I just get sick of it - I’m over it. I get poor . . . like, not a cent to my name, and if it wasn’t for my good friends who feed me, I would starve half the time. I’ve done it hard at different times in my life, but I’m really looking forward to winter this year and getting into producing some good stuff. I need to find a new outlet in Melbourne. I really want to push the gates because I’m really enjoying making them, and they help me survive throughout the year. I’m in a great place at the moment. When you create something and people are stoked, that’s a reward in itself.” C If you would like to see more of DAK’s work you can visit the Coalfields Gallery in Wonthaggi. If you are interested in commissioning a work, please call the artist directly on 0418 366 016.
montalto - a passion for culture
words sally o’neill photos warren reed
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Leaving the world of international management for one of art and culture was the perfect move for owners of Mornington Peninsula’s Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove, John and Wendy Mitchell. John Mitchell has a stunning backdrop for his ‘hobby turned profession’ - over 30 acres of rolling hills with ground water which runs all year round, grape vines, olive groves and kitchen gardens to be exact. “I want to have a place where people feel rewarded for spending time. There’s food and wine and art – all the important elements,” says John as we meet in the late afternoon at his vineyard, Montalto. John keeps a close eye on the birds around the netted vines as we meet, and then suggests a walk and sneak preview of the sculpture exhibition which is nearing completion and almost ready for the opening. “We have thirty new works and twenty permanent works including the six previous winners of the prize, which is acquisitional with a $20 000 bonus. “It’s a family project,” says John. Keeping it in the family is a common theme on the property, which is family-owned and run. The Montalto story is a familiar one to connoisseurs of fine food, wine and the arts. It goes something like this: John and wife Wendy have had a holiday house on the Mornington Peninsula for many years, but their work often took them far away from their peninsula getaway. “We lived in the UK and holidayed in the south of France,” says John. “We used to sit on the verandah, look out over the water and drink wine. I thought ‘When we get back, I want to do the same and pretend we are still there’.” John’s plan was to grow fifty vines and keep the vineyard as a hobby. “I did a short course and then got serious and studied viticulture at Dookie – I so knew it was going to be more than fifty vines. It was never going to be commercial: I just wanted to practise what I had learnt and drive a tractor.” A series of events changed this. “My daughter called and said she wanted to be involved, so we contacted some architect friends and then I was at a cocktail party where I bumped into Phillipe Michelle. We got talking and he agreed to establish the restaurant for me, and on it went. He stayed for three months, setting the French and fresh-produce theme. This has continued with top chefs delivering fresh, produce-driven food with a French Provincial feel. “It was six degrees of separation all the way through,” says John. We utilised all our assets to bring it together. Art ties in with quality food and wine to create a total estate experience.” While in Melbourne on business, John saw an ad for a sculpture exhibition at Gasworks in South Melbourne,” says John. “I just thought sculpture would match Montalto perfectly.” This led to one of the highlights of Montalto’s calendar, the annual sculpture prize. It starts to lightly drizzle as we set out for the walk around the magnificent property. John and his son-in-law have just completed the enormous task of installing the entries, some of which weigh many
tonnes and are intricate in the way they balance and are displayed. “We once allowed an artist to stay overnight in his Kombi to complete his sculpture, says John. “The artists put so much time and effort into their work.” The thirty finalists’ pieces are spectacular in this setting. Each has been carefully chosen from the more than one hundred entries – all from Australia this year. The walk around the sculptures is delightful – each is totally unique and many are interactive. They are large and small, of differing mediums, some quirky and humorous and all wellplaced in their setting. We stroll past Angus Hollows’ ‘Gustavo’ - a cow made of driftwood. Then we pass ‘Peter Stared into the Vast Unknown’ by Matt Calvert. This rabbit stands alert and was created from layers of toughened glass discarded by manufacturers. We stop to add a ribbon which symbolises our wish in a Tibetan prayer-flag-style installation ‘Vehicle for Thoughtful Observations’ by Marynes Avila. “This one weighs three ton,” says John as we pass Ben Fasham’s ‘Expected Interrupted’. We continue along the path and then stop, captivated by the simple gold outline of a female form installed in one of the property’s natural wetlands. It shimmers gold and is reflected perfectly in the warm afternoon light. Ewen Coates’ ‘Figure in Landscape’, we find out later, has been judged this year’s competition winner by the five-person judging panel. We stroll through the orchard and in the sloping paddock above we encounter Jos Van Hulsen’s ‘Milestone’. This lone, retro-style petrol pump sits forlornly on the hill and speaks volumes about our changing world. Christabel Wigley’s ‘Ululation’, a series of cypress pine posts, represents the artist’s experience working with terminally ill children. She has captured the emotion perfectly. The sculpture exhibition adds a whole new dimension to the Montalto winery experience. As well as enjoying a meal in the awardwinning restaurant, a casual pizza in the outdoor piazza or a picnic in the grounds and sampling and buying quality boutique wines at the cellar door, you can soak up the inspirational messages and creativity of Australia’s finest sculptors. You’ll leave feeling rewarded and fulfilled. The invitation in the sculpture catalogue sums it up: “In an era where so many forces challenge our security, economy and earth, the passion and beliefs of artists transcend these issues, bringing a balance and reality to what really is important. This creativity is yours to ponder, enjoy and applaud as you meander the sculpture trail.” C The Montalto Sculpture Prize entries are on exhibition at Montalto from 15 February – 26 April 2009. The winner will join the other permanent installations in the grounds.
A
SANDSFORD ANTIQUES SANDSFORD & CAFE ANTIQUES BOUGHT AND SOLD AUCTIONS ARRANGED
13 A’BECKETT STREET, INVERLOCH 3996
PHONE: 03 5674 3339 MOB. 0429 636 289
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Continuous exhibitions in our gallery
Design your own jewellery 40 Bair Street, Leongatha, 3953 T 03 5662 2144 F 5662 2505 E mushroomcrafts@dcsi.net.au Mushroom Crafts_v4.indd 1
17/2/09 3:26:53 PM
pushing the limits pushing the limits
“I am loving where I am, and I believe that everything I produce will just come from that space.”
jonathan hannon
words fiona power photos warren reed
Jonathan Hannon, the creator of the artwork that reminds us to “relax”, is taking his own advice. He has kicked back with a coffee in his Cowes studio to reflect on the current directions his life and artwork are taking … In many ways it’s a classic artist’s studio: perched above a café, with views over rooftops and busy streets, the smell of coffee drifting tantalisingly up the external wooden stairs; artwork in various stages of completion hung, stacked and leaning against easels and walls; brushes and pots jostling for space on shelves with inspirational artifacts; light streaming through the windows onto open art books on the floor. Yet this isn’t a Parisian garret or New York loft but the Cowes studio where Jonathan Hannon lives, works and, judging by the number of visitors arriving during our chat, regularly lays out the welcome mat. And this creative space and home, which he shares with his son, is distinctly personalised by the artist’s unique energy, reflected in the range and depth of the work on display.
Jonathan is in an expansive phase, with his ideas and artwork becoming bigger and brighter. “Where I find myself now is very wonderful and unexpected,” he says. He’s immensely proud of his son - who delivers us steaming cups of coffee – and enjoying sharing his life with him. He’s feeling spiritually nurtured. And a new relationship is inspiring the fresh ideas and confidence displayed on huge canvases he unfurls across the floor. “I suppose what I am doing right now is working out what I want to paint,” he says. “I don’t want to paint birds for the rest of my life. Birds are beautiful and I’m sure I‘ll paint one or two more, but I want to push beyond that. I am loving where I am and I believe that everything I produce, whatever that is, will just come from that space.” He is currently experimenting with acrylics and relishing the chance>
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to stretch his personal and creative boundaries. Jonathan’s style defies simple classification, bringing together his extensive graphic design experience, passion for pop art and acute eye for detail. Soft impressionistic scenes in pastel sit alongside vibrant sculptures, silkscreen prints and boldly brushstroked canvases. A poignant trio of Gallipoli mementos contrasts with a vibrant sea-urchin print. Stencils, brushes and rollers take their place beside the large Mac computer as tools of his trade. For Jonathan, whatever the medium or subject, art must be relevant. He likes to talk to those who buy his work, which is sold through Café Lugano in Cowes and by word of mouth. Technology has given him new ways of designing and creating, enabling him to generate variations on an idea. He understands that buyers can have particular expectations of his work. “Quite often art’s purchased because it matches the couch,” he laughs. Technology has also given Jonathan a new sales outlet, with his website soon to be launched. A sense of fun is central to Jonathan’s work, but he also sees his art as purposeful. When a friend noticed the farfrom-relaxed attitude of many people on holidays, Jonathan decided to make art that reminds us to choose to enjoy life and sustained peace. “It’s easy to be nice when everything’s going swimmingly, when there’s enough money and everyone’s doing what they should be,” he says. “But who you really are is the person you are when the shit hits the fan.” Jonathan studied graphic design at Swinburne Institute and lectured at Monash University for more than a decade. He has travelled widely, worked in advertising and graphic design, held life-drawing and children’s art classes and exhibited throughout Melbourne and the coast. For a decade, Jonathan and his brother and sister also had a fashion label, Bankussi, that they marketed internationally. While this didn’t enjoy sustained success, he is clearly glad he gave it his customary 110 per cent. “A good friend of mine used to say, ‘Well, the only reason you’ve got a candle with two ends is so you can burn it! If you weren’t supposed to burn both ends of the candle, it wouldn’t have two ends!’” Jonathan moved to Phillip Island from an inner-city studio ten years ago, partly so that his son could live with him, and also drawn by the beauty of a place where he spent many happy hours as a child. The son of an Anglican minister, Jonathan and his family regularly enjoyed time in the church’s holiday home in Cowes. He remembers an “idyllic” childhood, including two years in England and holidays driving through France and Spain. “Our parents really expanded our outlook,” he says. “I remember waking up on my sixteenth birthday in a chateau near Paris, and it was snowing.” Jonathan’s mother always encouraged his art. “Without thinking about it she put creativity and art in my life,” he says. “She had five kids and not much money. She became a teacher and painted at night. She put paintings in art shows and often won prizes. I thought that was so cool!” In 2000 they held a joint exhibition, and they continue to support and inspire each other artistically. Jonathan makes the most of living at Cowes, enjoying the natural beauty of the area. He regularly rides his bike to the beach, swims and does yoga on the sand. He also enjoys having his parents and siblings living in the same community. There have been some disappointments and “dark times”, including the breakdown of his marriage. He’s had to let go of some plans in order to fully embrace others, but believes that’s a key to successful living and personal growth. What is his hope for the future? “When I die, I’ll be completely worn out and ready to go! From now until then? Have fun, be really clever and push it. It’s all about pushing out past where you’ve already been.” C Jonathon Hannon can be contacted on 0427 857 233
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re form
Renae Carmody Designs art workshops
NURTURING CREATIVITY
the southern gippsland small sculpture prize 2009
inspired art workshops:
• SCHOOLS • CORPORATE • INDIVIDUALS • AFTER SCHOOL ART CLASSES
salvage recycle reuse EXHIBITION 14 MAY - 2 JUNE, 2009 ENTRIES CLOSE MONDAY 20 APRIL OPENING EVENT SATURDAY 16 MAY 7pm
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WOMENS WORKSHOPS BOOK YOUR OWN INSPIRED WORKSHOPS OR ENROL FOR A PRE-BOOKED WOMENS WORKSHOP DATES FOR 2009 3RD MAY 14TH JUNE 12TH JULY 9TH AUGUST 14TH SEPTEMBER 11TH OCTOBER 15TH NOVEMBER
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CONTACT RENAE 0428 686 250 WEB
www.renaecarmodydesigns.com.au
surfer profile
words sally o’neill photos warren & maria reed
For park ranger Ryan Duffy, surfing in one of Victoria’s most spectacular locations is all about connecting with the ocean, his colleagues and getting a little better every time… As surfers go, Ryan Duffy admits he’s not ‘up there’. “I actually feel a bit of a fake,” he says as we settle down for the interview. He’s only been surfing for a few years, but in one of Victoria’s most spectacular National Parks - Wilson’s Promontory – we are prepared to make exceptions. Ryan is a ranger at Wilson’s Prom, which he describes as a very varied job. He’s had some funny and memorable moments, like when he was on night duty and was called to remove a Tiger Snake that had slithered into the outdoor cinema. “I caught the snake,” recalls Ryan “and then it got free and took off into the crowd! I caught it again, but I think the people spent the whole movie with one eye on the screen and one looking for snakes!” Growing up in Queensland and working as a ranger both there and in other locations in Victoria, he came to the Prom four years ago. “As a kid, I loved exploring and hanging out in the forest, and being a ranger gives you the opportunity to work outdoors and an excuse to just get out and explore the bush,” says Ryan. Living and working in the Park make it “more of a lifestyle than just a job”, and surfing is definitely one of the perks that go with it. “I hadn’t surfed before I came here. I always felt really comfortable in the forest environment, but I never really felt comfortable with the ocean. I thought I’d be an idiot to live at Tidal River, so close to the
beach, and not have a go at surfing. It was a great opportunity to learn,” says Ryan. So at the ripe old age of thirty, he decided to give surfing a try. “My first board was a mini mal and I started off at Norman Bay. My boss Graham took me down to the beach and gave me a few pointers. In that pep talk, he pressed the board down in the sand and got me to lie on it to see where my chin should be. I practised a few snaps and then had a go in the shallows. I went out and had a crack and just kept coming back day after day,” says Ryan. Was he hooked? “It’s one of those things that really grabs you; it’s an addiction,” says Ryan. “When you’ve had a really stressful day, and you want to blow off steam and negative energy, you can do that - it sort of washes away in the ocean!” On the day of our photo shoot, it’s hot and the surf is pumping, but probably not in a good way. “These are not my favourite surfing conditions,” he says looking out into the empty ocean with a little trepidation. “If they had P-plates for surfers, I would still be a P-plater! I’m not the best surfer and I get a lot less waves than other guys, but I still really enjoy it,” he admits. “I like surfing after work until the sun sets. Somewhere like Squeaky Beach is perfect. As you walk back to your car, you think ‘I’m so blessed to be in this environment’.” Ryan is just one of the many staff>
surf ranger ryan duffy
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members at the Prom who surf, and “probably the least experienced,” he admits. Many of the staff have lived and surfed here their whole lives. “Some of my favourite times are when we all surf together and it’s just us with no one else around: they are special moments. And because they are such experienced surfers, you pick up a lot just from being with them.” The beauty of the Prom is that there are different beaches for different people. “The Prom works best on an easterly wind, that’s offshore for us and we tend to get easterlies in summer. The swell is not as consistent as other locations outside of the Park, but there are very few places in Australia where you can surf with a backdrop like this,” he says pointing up towards the spectacular Mt Bishop and Mt Leonard. “I’ve had some magical experiences out in the surf. Once, at the southern end of Norman Bay, I caught a wave and looked down and it seemed like the sand was moving, but it was a big school of fish darting out of my way. That was really nice.” Ryan’s job is to communicate the special values of Wilson’s
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Prom to visitors. “I needed to experience more of the sea to be able to do that. I talk to a lot of school kids who think surfing is cool, and it’s a great way to relate to them. About 90% of the sea-creatures found in south-eastern Australian waters are found nowhere else: there’s an incredible array of unique species in our southern oceans.” “I like just being out on the water and having time to think. Because I picked up surfing at a later age, I approach it with a more senior mind in the sense that I’m not out there to get the biggest or the most waves. I don’t get as much pleasure when the swell is big. I prefer days when the waves are smaller and I can just bob around, taking in the setting and getting some nice waves as well!” I ask Ryan if there is one simple, easy way to help the marine environment. “Picking up rubbish from beaches and making sure rubbish doesn’t get there in the first place - that is important. I have seen seals being strangled by a simple piece of ribbon from a balloon. Just picking up a plastic bag or a small piece of rubbish can help save the environment and wildlife.” C
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www.zenergie.com.au Zenergie.indd 1
20/2/09 4:11:29 PM
South Gippsland Antique Centre SPECIALISING IN FINE QUALITY ANTIQUE FURNITURE Don’t forget to visit our Tyabb store too!
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“He was a humble, gentle, fearless, powerful character who inspired thousands of people. I never felt unsafe on the ocean with him.” pictured centre - chris robinson
In April, a group of intrepid men and women will attempt to become the first to cross Bass Strait in six-person outrigger canoes. Starting at Port Welshpool and island-hopping over 350km to the Tasmanian mainland, this will be a spiritual journey in memory of a true rainbow warrior, Gippsland-born Greenpeace crusader, Chris Robinson. World traveller, Chris Robinson grew up in Port Albert. His dad was a shark fisherman, so he learnt about the sea from an early age. He was a ”free-spirited and determined young boy” who loved sailing, surfing and the outdoors. In 1977, he travelled through Europe and Scandinavia and in an interview with his niece about this time, he recounted the story of his initial involvement with Greenpeace. “I had been kicked out of Norway because I wanted a work permit. I went to England, hitchhiked to London and worked washing dishes and sleeping in a sleeping bag at the Art Gallery. It was November and starting to snow, so I arranged to live in a share house. One of the women living in that house was involved in Greenpeace and they were buying the first Rainbow Warrior. They thought I would make a
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good inflatable boat driver. I had past experience and they had none,” said Chris. The rest, as they say, is history. Chris went on to be involved with the campaigns that made Greenpeace a global force to be reckoned with. His navigational and sailing skills were invaluable, and his passion for the environment infectious. He was prepared to die for the cause, and put his life on the line many times during numerous campaigns to disrupt the French nuclear weapons test site at Mururoa and while fighting to save the world’s whale populations from extinction. In 1982, he was arrested alongside Bob Brown during Tasmania’s Franklin River protests, and he circumnavigated Australia in a series of protests against uranium mining and nuclear weapons - to
rainbow warrior remembering a true
words sally o’neill photos courtesy of Greenpeace & Sandy Scheltema - sandys@mmnet.com.au
name just a few of his crusades. Someone who was lucky enough to know Chris well is Brendan Condon, an environmental crusader in his own right. “I’ve always had a fascination with the environment. Since I was three, I was transfixed by it. I got involved in the Franklin River campaign when I was thirteen, and then environmental politics at school. I started my company, Australian Ecosystems, which now has a staff of 80, and has planted over 15 million plants across Victoria. I’m an environmentalist with business smarts and have built my business around environmental sustainability,” says Brendan. “Last May, a group of friends got together and paddled sea-kayaks across Bass Strait to Flinders Island. We wanted to go all the way to mainland Tasmania, but ran out of time. Chris escorted us on board his boat ‘Vega’ which was formerly ‘Greenpeace 111’, one of the most famous Greenpeace vessels,” says Brendan. “Chris grew up in Bass Strait, and shepherded us across easily. While we were on the boat, I noticed he had dropped condition. When we got back he had some tests and found he had cancer. He had chemotherapy and was one of those rare people whose cancer accelerated when he had chemo, and he went down really quickly and died within two months.”
Brendan was privileged to be with Chris the day before he died. “He said, ‘I’ve been searching for a peaceful place beyond the medication, and I’ve found it,’” says Brendan. “I said, ‘we’re all following you eventually, mate – we’re all going where you are going, and you didn’t waste a second of your life’”. He died at home in Port Albert on the 17 September 2008 aged 55. “I knew Chris for twenty years, but I never understood the rich tapestry of his life until he died. There was a huge outpouring of grief around the world. He was a humble, gentle, fearless, powerful character who inspired thousands of people. I never felt unsafe on the ocean with him,” recalls Brendan. Now, one year later, Brendan will once again be crossing Bass Strait, this time in outrigger canoes and with Chris there in spirit. “I’m in the Melbourne Outrigger Canoe Club and my mate Peter Corbishley (who makes all the outrigger canoes in Australia) rang and said ‘I’ve always wanted to paddle Bass Strait, and I’ve found out I’ve got a rare form of cancer, so I want to do this trip’. Chris hoped to be there, but didn’t make it, so we’ve decided to make it a memorial trip for him,” says Brendan. “We’ve got a crew from all over Australia and we’re taking two 40-foot, six-person outrigger canoes and we’ll paddle>
“This is quite an epic thing to do. It’s spiritual, and a prayer of respect for our friends Chris and Pete, and for all those battling cancer. And we hope that we can make one small step towards helping beat it. This will be a wonderful, powerful journey and Chris will be there with us.”
>right across.” Called ‘Crossing for Cancer’, the trip will raise funds for the Australian Cancer Research Foundation through sponsorship per kilometre, and donations. The team has just secured their escort yacht and are all set to go in April. “We’ll start at Port Welshpool, paddle to Refuge Cove, camp at Hogan Island, then to the Kent Group, Flinders Island and across to mainland Tasmania. We’ve put aside fourteen days of paddle time.” Bass Strait has a fearsome reputation: will weather be a problem? “I’ve studied thirty years of weather records for Bass Strait and March/April is the best time,” says Brendan. The team hopes to be protected by island-hopping, with the largest stretch of open water being 65 kilometres. The crossing has been done before in sea-kayaks, but never in outrigger canoes. Today these craft are made of fibreglass, but
are still very traditional in design. “They are the embodiment of the ancestral spirits for the Polynesians, and we always treat them with a great deal of respect,” says Brendan. “This is quite an epic thing to do. It’s spiritual, and a prayer of respect for our friends Chris and Pete, and for all those battling cancer. And we hope that we can make one small step towards helping beat it. This will be a wonderful, powerful journey and Chris will be there with us.” C
For more information about the crossing visit www.crossingforcancer.org, and for Chris Robinson visit www.greenpeace.org/chris
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PHILLIP ISLAND’S MOST FUN ATTRACTION! “old fashion fun with a bit of technology.” Illusions • Puzzles • Mazes Mini Golf • BBQ’s • Cafe
Open 7 days
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Phillip Island’s premier ice creamery! • Home made Gelato • Cups or cones and take home packs • Ice Cream birthday cakes available - choose your own flavours • Lollies –all your old time favourites.
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1805 Phillip Island Road, Cowes p. 5952 2283 f. 5952 2227 www.amazenthings.com.au
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Located in the vibrant� holiday township of Cowes� Quest Phillip Island is a short stroll to local shops� restaurants and beaches and within a short travelling distance to Phillip Island’s many attractions including the Penguin Parade� surf beaches and Grand Prix Circuit� Quest Phillip Island offers studio, two and three bedroom, fully serviced apartments all including separate lounge and dining areas� fully equipped kitchen� laundry facilities� large balconies and cable tv� Quest Phillip Island’s conference centre is ideal for small conferences� seminars and product launches� Guests can make use of the solar heated pool� gas heated spa and BBQ area as well as off street parking. The perfect location for a family getaway or business retreat is only 90 minutes from Melbourne.
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QUEST OCEANIC Opened in November ����� Quest Oceanic features one� two and three bedroom� fully self contained apartments� which are the latest in modern architecture & design� The apartments feature quality furnishings and fittings, dvd players, stereos, full kitchen� laundry facilities with large balconies and onsite under cover secure parking for one car� Centrally located in Cowes� approximately ��� metres from the foreshore and within close proximity of local shops and restaurants� Phillip island boasts a large range of award winning natural attractions� such as the Penguin Parade – making it the perfect location for families and couples to escape for a relaxing break at any time of the year�
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special feature
the great outdoors There’s miles of it, so get on out there! Turn off the TV, shut down the computer and take to the outdoors on this wonderful coast of ours! Put on your walking boots, breathe the fresh air, grab a paddle, hop on a boat or bike . . . just walk out the back door and enjoy!
Q coast 69
explore the great outdoors on the coast
words sally o’neill photos maria reed
Taking to the great outdoors can be action-packed and adventurous - or quiet, relaxing. Take your pick. You can spend an afternoon, weekend or extended break - or indulge in a passion for an ongoing hobby – it’s all out there.
Quench your thirst for adventure. From walking and camping amidst the beauty of Wilson’s Promontory National Park to jumping on your treadlie and cycling through the rolling hills to getting the adrenalin pumping with a hot lap at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit - there’s so much to explore. Take to the open water with Wildlife Coast Cruises and experience the area’s unique fauna. You can cruise to one of Australia’s largest fur seal colonies off the coast of Phillip Island on the Kasey Lee or enjoy a high-speed ocean rafting adventure. Cycling is a fun way to get fit and enjoy the outdoors. Go and see Ash at Ride on Bikes in Cowes and he’ll have you fitted out in no time. If you’ve always longed for your own backyard pool, the team at Compass Pools will help turn your dream into a reality. Enjoy your own pool all year round. The Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit can satisfy your need for speed. They host a series of world-class events throughout the year as well as giving you a taste of the action with HSV Hot Laps and Go-Karts. For a fun day out the whole family will love, A Maze’N Things is it. Enter a world of illusion, enjoy the antics of Puzzle Island, get lost in the outdoor maze and challenge yourself to a round of mini-golf. If you are more the arty type, you can still brave the elements in a very cultured way by strolling around the impressive sculptures at McClelland Gallery and Sculpture Park in Langwarrin, or view
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the entries and winners of the annual sculpture prize at Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove in Red Hill South. Spend a day outdoors in the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne. Wander amongst the spectacular collection of over 100 000 Australian plants, enjoy the new Woodland Picnic Area and stroll along the bushland pathways. Don’t miss the Eucalypt festival held at the gardens during April. If you are looking for a base for your adventure, there is a wide range of accommodation options to choose from. You can camp under the stars, bring your caravan, rent a house or cabin, or indulge in some luxury at a B&B or resort. Inverloch’s RACV Resort offers magnificent ocean-view rooms through to caravan sites. You’ll find a range of leisure facilities and an impressive array of walking tracks through the wetland areas. Silverwater Resort at San Remo has the full package of recreation options including swimming pool, tennis courts, kids’ activities and more. Zenergie, in the idyllic hamlet of Kongwak, is a brand new lifestyle retreat which promotes harmony and tranquillity. The beach is just a hop skip and jump from the Waves Apartments in Cowes or enjoy a relaxing swim in the pool at Quest Apartments in Cowes. To really get away from it all, Bear Gully Coastal Cottages is the ultimate retreat. Only a stone’s throw from Wilson’s Promontory, you can don the hiking boots and enjoy the walks or sit on your verandah and imagine you are doing it. Go on, get out there! C
outdoor feature
McClelland Gallery and Sculpture Park 360 - 390 McClelland Drive, Langwarrin Call 9789 1671 www.mcclellandgallery.com
Bear Gully Coastal Cottages 33 Maitland Ct, Cape Liptrap Call 5663 2364 www.beargullycottages.com.au
Montalto Sculpture Prize 33 Shoreham Rd, Red Hill South Call 5989 8412 www.montalto.com.au
RACV Inverloch Resort 70 Cape Paterson-Inverloch Rd, Inverloch Call 5674 0000 www.racv.com.au
Compass Pools Call 1300 764 270 www.compasspools.com.au
Quest Phillip Island & Quest Oceanic Cowes, Phillip Island Call 5952 2644 www.questphillipisland.com.au
A Maze’N Things 1805 Phillip Island Rd, Cowes Call 5952 2283 www.amazenthings.com.au
Silverwater Resort 17 Potters Hill Rd, San Remo Call 1800 033 403 www.silverwaterresort.com.au
Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit Back Beach Rd, Cowes Call 5952 9400 www.phillipislandcircuit.com.au
The Waves Apartments 3 The Esplanade, Cowes Call 5952 1351 www.thewaves.com.au
Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne 1000 Ballarto Road, Cranbourne Call 5990 2200 www.australiangarden.com.au
Zenergie (Retreat/Accomodation) 45 Kongwak-Inverloch, Kongwak Call 5657 4490 www.zenergie.com.au
Wildlife Coast Cruises Cowes Jetty Carpark Call 1300 763 739 www.wildlifecoastcruises.com.au
the great outdoors guide:
Ride On Bikes 85 Thompson Ave, Cowes Call 5952 2533 www.rideonbikes.com.au
the leader of the pack words fiona power photos warren reed
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“I sat on the bin across from the finishing line watching, and thinking . . . I want to do that!”
Ask Nick Aitken for the recipe to cycling success and he’ll mention ingredients like endurance and physical build. He’s not one to boast about his achievements and the qualities that have propelled him to an elite level. But make no mistake: Nick is quietly confident, ambitious and very focused … >
A beginner’s guide to cycling lingo Criterium or crit: a race usually held over a short, flat course around a circuit, where the number of laps to go are announced Peloton: the main group, bunch, field or pack of cyclists In the box: hurting lots! Cracked, popped or blown up: run out of energy Smashing: going really well coast 74
>There’s a partly-completed jigsaw on the table when I visit Nick Aitken at his Wonthaggi home. Some of the 1000 pieces form a border; the rest have been sorted into impressive rows of colour. It’s an ongoing group project, a challenge that Nick and his family and friends enjoy. Working systematically towards a goal helps when you’re tackling a jigsaw. It’s an approach that has also served Nick well in his cycling career. For over a decade, the nineteen-year-old has shown great determination and focus, literally putting his head down and tail up in the pursuit of victory. “I’ve enjoyed the training and have always been able to keep up with it,” he says. “The success has kept me going. I might have given up if I hadn’t succeeded.” And the successes have been impressive. As well as a number of state and regional titles, Nick has achieved excellent placings in time trials. In 2008 he narrowly missed qualifying for the world titles, but was selected for the six-member team at the World Cup in Quebec, Canada. The competition included a 17-kilometre race that started in an old gold mine. “It was wet and greasy on the ground, and pretty slippery,” he says. “One of our guys hit the wall. The course had intermittent lights but the steepest part was pitch black. They claim it’s the only race in the world with an underground component.” Nick was named Most Competitive Racer in the initial five-day tour. He won the first stage in the second tour, and a King of the Mountain title. With the highest individual points score for the competition, he earned the orange jersey and was runner-up overall. Last year, Nick was also selected in the Australian Road Cycling squad. This elite seven-member group of young cyclists is part of an initiative which aims to have a team on the European ProTour circuit and in the Tour de France, where individual Australians have had success but a national team has never competed. Nick was less than six when he first rode - and crashed - a bike in his backyard. At eight, he caught the cycling bug when his father took him to the Leongatha carnival. “I sat on the bin across from the finishing line watching, and thinking, ‘I want to do that,’” he says. “It looked exciting. I wasn’t the best at footy but I began riding and I was good at it, so I kept going.” Winning the under-thirteen State Championships time trial at Wangaratta was a significant milestone, and confirmation of his abilities. “Before that, I was always up there but never really winning anything,” he says. “And that was an eye-opener.” Since then, he’s travelled regularly and extensively to compete, always challenging himself to achieve his best. This year, Nick plans to focus on the Australian road series. Ideally, he’d like to be part of the Australian Institute of Sport team. His longterm goal is to race in Europe, and ultimately in the Tour de France. “It’s the benchmark for everything,” he says. “It’s the toughest and most prestigious race and the best riders are in it.” With those goals in mind, Nick keeps up a rigorous training schedule. Most weeks he rides over 600 kilometres and travels to Melbourne for races. Healthy eating and regular sleep are priorities. Last year, he juggled competition, training and an overseas trip with Year 12 studies. How did he do it? “I’ve had lots of support from my family and others who’ve really encouraged me,” he says. His parents, Rob and Leanne, coach Tony Smith and the Leongatha Cycling Club have all been invaluable. Australian Road Cycling has assisted with accommodation, bike and clothing expenses. Nick admires cycling greats Cadel Evans, Rob McEwen and Simon Gerrans and also team member Andrew Stalder, who he regards as a role model. He is also inspired by Russell Mockridge, who won two Olympic gold medals and twelve consecutive Australian titles, and completed the Tour de France fifty years ago, before customised bikes and training schedules were de rigueur. When he finds the time to relax, Nick surfs, goes out with friends and adds the odd piece to the jigsaw. He likes watching cycling in the velodrome, where the action is “fast-paced and exciting, and there’s always something happening,” but he’d rather race. “Doing it is a whole different thing! You get such an adrenalin rush and it’s so good to improve on what you’ve done before. To be up in the middle of a big bunch and push yourself - it’s a great challenge!” And clearly, he’s up for it. C
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coast sports
“No matter how hard you fall, you get back up and keep going - that’s what this sport has taught me,” says skateboarder Richie Hiatt who, after thirty years of skateboarding, has a dream of building something for future generations.
(concrete)
riding the waves
words sally o’neill photos warren reed & damir ivka (damir@fv.com.au)
“I started skateboarding in 1977 because my parents bought me a couple of boards for Christmas,” says Rich. “My uncle skated with me and, in 1978, I really got into it.” Skateboarding has changed a lot since the seventies. The kind of extreme moves Rich does in concrete bowls are way different from the tame rolling along the footpath I remember. “Riding bowls beats riding around the streets. It’s like surfing really big waves, a totally different level, sort of more crazy!!” Rich says. It’s an adrenalin-packed sport where life and limb is often at risk, and riding the concrete waves seems as addictive as surfing the ocean. “It’s a sport but also an art form: it’s gymnastics with a skateboard beneath your feet. You’ve got to want to do it, because it’s really extreme. If you drop down from a 12-foot piece of concrete, one day you are going to hit the bottom and you will get hurt. Anyone that skates ‘vert’ has the same sort of attitude,” says Rich as he shows me magazines with photos of guys skating 58 ft over the Great Wall of China. Now I’m really getting nervous, but not everyone has to be so radical: skateboarding is a sport the whole family can play, and that’s what Rich’s message is all about. Rich’s dream is to build a skate park on Phillip Island or in San Remo that has something for everybody. His dream park would have a variety of levels ranging from a 9-10 foot deep bowl which gives the more adventurous the experience of riding ‘vertical’, down to 3 foot or less, so even little kids on scooters can have a go. “What we have in the area is outdated. With a ramp you can only go backwards and forwards, and
people get bored really quickly. I’m trying to get a groundswell going to get this park built. The sport has given me heaps and now I’d like to give something back.” He believes it will be a great community asset providing an alternative for kids who don’t surf and an addition for those who do. “A lot of the culture down here is based on surfing. Skating is a really good progression. When the waves are no good, you can skate.” Getting the kids off the streets is his biggest concern. Most skate parks are in areas that are hidden and this often leads to violence and vandalism. If they are out in the open, they are safe. “I want to get something in the public eye, to promote the sport and be safe for the kids. My favourite spot would be the foreshore at San Remo, but that won’t happen.” Skating is a worldwide phenomenon and Rich believes that a good skate park will attract large numbers of people. “If we had a good park, it would bring people from far and wide. We are already an international tourist destination, and eventually I would like to bring people from all over the world for a skating competition.” As well as being a great sport, skating can also teach some valuable life lessons. “The main thing skating can do is to teach the young crew that in life there is no challenge, no matter how great, that you cannot meet. You need adrenalin and commitment to skate, and the belief that nothing is impossible if you want it enough. “You’ve got to be able to shoot for the stars, but you can’t do it if the facilities aren’t there.” >
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let’s get physical
promotional feature
words Rachael Millar photos Warren Reed
Bass Coast Shire Council’s Recreation and Leisure Planner, Ella Angarane, talks about coming home, the importance of playgrounds and what she describes as ‘the most important planning’ she’s been involved in.
Ella Angarane always wanted to be a professional athlete, but her five foot three stature promptly put an end to her basketball dream. “My passion is still sport,” laughs Ella, “but it’s now based on encouraging people to get involved in physical activity.” In April 2008, Ella returned to Wonthaggi and started in a newly created role as Recreation and Leisure Planner at Council. “I grew up in Wonthaggi and it’s great to be back,” said Ella. After completing her schooling at Wonthaggi Secondary College, Ella went to Victoria University in Footscray where she completed a double degree in Recreation and Tourism Management. “While I was at uni, I worked at Moonee Valley and Frankston City Councils. When I finished my degree I worked full-time at Frankston for two years, and now I’ve come home,” said Ella. “I’m in a new role at Council and my focus at the moment is working on the Municipal Recreation Plan. This is possibly the most important planning I have been involved in. It sets a ten year plan that will help direct Council priorities. The plan looks at what the current and future community wants and needs are and identifies gaps and how we can address them.” As well as the Municipal Recreation Plan, Ella is also busy at work with the Playground Strategy and Master Plans for Cowes, Wonthaggi and Bass Recreation Reserves. “Recreation plans and strategies help give Council and staff direction,” said Ella. “They also help support our projects when we
apply for state and federal government grants. “It can be hard with sport and leisure facilities as there is so much to do and just not enough money to do it all. The plans help us prioritise where the funding is needed most as well as helping us identify external funding opportunities.” Ella’s passion for travel and sport has taken her around the world. “I’ve been to the last three Olympics, Sydney of course and then Athens and Beijing – it was a fantastic experience.” Moving away for university and international travel has only helped Ella appreciate the area she grew up in more. “When I have friends come down to stay I love taking them to the Kilcunda Rail Bridge or walking the dogs through Tank Hill in Wonthaggi to show off some of the beautiful places around where I live.” “My ultimate vision for Bass Coast would be a place where parks and open spaces cater for everyone and are well used by all, from children and teenagers right through to adults and senior residents. It might be a big challenge, but it’s something I’ll be working towards.” C
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not one palm tree . . .
Some people look at wastewater and remember where it originated. Others think of where it’s going. And how it will get there. words Sue Webster photos Warren Reed
promotional feature
One palm tree outside his workshop - that’s all Mike Gorman wanted. But the Phillip Island builder didn’t get it . . . Passionate gardener Jan Gorman got tetchy when she found some of her treasured native plant seedlings killed by husband Mike. “He was so wayward with herbicide. It was nearly divorce,” she recalled. “And he kept asking for a tropical garden. ‘Just one palm tree’, he begged. But I said: ‘Nope’.” For Jan had her vision set on a native garden for the bald Ventnor acre she and Mike had bought three years earlier. And now, despite two crushing droughts, the pair can lose themselves in the growth of their prize-winning garden. The Gorman garden won the 2008 Urban Landcare award sponsored by Westernport Water for the third consecutive year. Managing Director Murray Jackson called Jan’s garden “a stand-out entry, a testament to unbelievably hard work”. Jan recalled the early days of designing, planting and watering the garden. “It was an amazing time. We moved in April and the skies opened in May; the place became a mud sludge and the septic malfunctioned. We planned a 10,000-gallon concrete tank. The day that tank was poured, it stopped raining. And then it didn’t rain for a year.” Everyone else started losing plants to the dry: Landcare, the Bushbank, everyone with young seedlings was unable to water them. But Jan, with her misbehaving septic, was awash. “I was in a complete
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panic because my plants were drowning, while everyone else had things dying for lack of water,” she said. Donations of tubestock came flooding in. “I mothered every single one, and I bucketed recycled water all over the garden,” she said. “It took hours and hours and hours.” Eventually Mike set up a recycled water system and fixed the septic, creating a pond that now swarms with tadpoles, frogs “and at least one copperhead. I’m honoured that it’s chosen to live here,” said Jan. Not all wildlife was as welcome. After putting in 2000 plants (“and losing count after that”) Jan had to battle rabbits. Every plant wore a bag. “Every one!” she laughed. “People said: ‘Oh, it’s quite sweet, they look like Japanese lanterns’. Others just called it the garden of plastic; it looked unbelievable.” Mike was pressed into building a rabbit-proof fence. Jan works at Phillip Island Nature Park. It was her fellow rangers’ knowledge of local flora that turned her resolve to a native garden. “Working at the Nature Park for the last six years I’ve learned so much,” said the former teacher. “This is the first indigenous garden I’ve ever created. It’s the seventh home we’ve built: the others were in the Otways, the Yarra Valley, the Mornington Peninsula and one on the beach at Ventnor. “Every time we build, we say ‘We are never going to move again’... and no one believes us!” Jan laughed. Opting for indigenous plantings meant she had to ban her long-time favourite flower – the rose. “I had to keep declining when
Mike set up a recycled water system and fixed the septic, creating a pond that now swarms with tadpoles, frogs “and at least one copperhead. I’m honoured that it’s chosen to live here.”
people pressed rose cuttings on me for the garden. It was really hard, but if you had a rose here it would take your attention away from the myriad of greens and the tiny little flowers of native plants. They’re so subtle and beautiful. If you put something big and bright in the garden, you’d lose the understated beauty of the indigenous plants,” she said. Out went roses and in went knobby club-rushes, sedge grass, coastal wattles and kidney weed. Even Mike likes it now. Jan said: “He thought it would be the most boring garden in the world, but he loves it.” In her design she was able to incorporate a long-treasured dream – a walled garden. The private green oasis sits outside her bedroom. Another secret part of the garden is what Jan calls the crying corner. The secluded spot is fringed with the eloquent sadness of moonahs. Last year, a vegie garden was added – built in a distinctive wheel shape. “I really love circles and roundness and flowing shapes,” said Jan. This garden receives only rainwater. The grey water harvested from the house is quickly redirected onto non-edible plants via drip hoses (see guidelines right). The soil is enriched with sheep manure that the Gormans harvest from a local farm, and countless loads of mulch blanket the soil to maintain moisture. And the rewards? “I love seeing the casuarinas after the rain with the light forming diamonds in the raindrops,” she enthuses. “And the allocasuarina have absolutely captured me… and the lomandra ... oh, I love them all!” The rhapsody is uncharacteristically Jan, who is a self-confessed maths gal. “I’m not creative or artistic; I’m good with numbers. But I guess I must finally accept I have a green thumb.” A prize-winning green thumb at that. C
Grey water guide Westernport Water offers this advice: • Only use rinse water and do not use it on plants that could be eaten raw. • Keep children and pets away when you apply it. Wash your hands after watering. • Grey water can contain bacteria and other unhealthy contaminants. These can brew if stored in tanks too long. Do not store grey water longer than 24 hours. • When you apply grey water to the garden, try to limit contact with the air – apply the water as close to the plant roots as possible. • Do not flow grey water through above-ground sprinklers – the vapour could be a real hazard. • It is safe to let it flow through a sub-surface system, or an irrigation system fitted with underground drippers. Remember to clean the filters regularly. • Shandy grey water with potable water and share it around. Ensure that the grey water is used in various parts of the garden. • Do not apply grey water to plants’ leaves. • Don’t overwater. Puddles are bad. • Use low-sodium and low-phosphorus soaps and detergents. • Allow the grey water to filter through mulch. • Don’t use nappy-wash water on the garden. • Make sure the water is cool before applying it to plants. • Don’t let run-off flow into drains. • Don’t use the kitchen waste-water because it usually contains fat and oils.
Denis A. Hawkins
Manufacturer and seller of Traditional and Contemporary Jewellery 3 Lyon Street, Leongatha Tel. (03) 5662 3142 Fax. (03) 5662 5866 denisa10@bigpond.com.au
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travel
lightning ridge life at
words & photos Lucy Di Paolo
Meet the characters of Lightning Ridge. Life is a gamble for these unique adventurers. The magnetism of the black opal keeps this outback town thriving. Its inhabitants are prepared to give up their comfortable lives and escape reality in search of the mysterious gem.
Located 723 kilometres north-west of Sydney, Lightning Ridge is home to a group of people who could rightly be called Australia’s last frontiersmen (and women). Lightning Ridge has a population close to 6,000, but no one really knows exactly. In summer, temperatures reach 45 degrees celcius , but the dry heat proves no obstacle to people who have opted for this ‘outback change’. The people are warm, friendly and fiercely loyal to their town, where mateship and camaraderie are plentiful. There are lawyers and doctors who have opted out of the rat race, and dreamers and drifters searching for an alternative lifestyle. It doesn’t matter how you look, what you wear or how you live. Everyone leads a simple life. Some are third and fourth-generation miners who spend their days looking for precious black opal in the sedimentary rock, which was laid down 110 million years ago. There are enough characters in Lightning Ridge to fill a book. German-born Sebastian Deisenberger, 48, and his wife, Hanna, 46, left the big smoke and professional careers fourteen years ago to come
to Australia and chase the opal. Their big plan was for a two-year journey, but after discovering a genuine passion, they decided to stay. Fourth-generation miner Anthony Melonas and his business partner Victor Johnson, both 36 and single, are known as the ‘Designer Miners’ because of their tendency to wear gloves and expensive aftershave. Then there is Malcolm “Nudie” Holland, a free-spirited 73 year-old who, apart from safety helmet and boots, prefers to do his mining in the buff. A proud, vivacious man, he believes clothes are a hazard: “I’d rather be naked and live the life that I want.” Neil Schellnegger, 43, is a true-blue Australian character who moved to the area with his parents when he was a nipper. He lives with his son Luke just outside town in a typical mining home of corrugated iron with tank water, a log fire and paneless windows. They work most days, but haven’t had much luck over the past couple of years. They love the lifestyle and the tranquillity. Only 10 per cent of people in the black-opal mining business can make a living, and only 1 or 2 per cent make a good living. The majority of miners take on second jobs to subsidise their>
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mining efforts. One of the town’s few female miners, Kim Wiesenberger, has lived there all her life and been mining full-time since November 1994. Her warm and gentle smile belies her determined, strong- willed nature. She likes to work alone, drilling eight to ten hours a day for the duration of her 28-day claim entitlement. The ratio of women to men in Lightning Ridge varies between one to ten and one to six, depending on who you talk to. Although men grumble about the lack of female companionship, women miners like Kim aren’t complaining. “A good man is as hard to find as a good opal.” Miners never know when the next pay-packet will come in or when the next opal-find will happen. Jack Pocock has been in Lightning Ridge since 1974, and met his wife Marinka there. He is a full-time miner and sometime painter who loves the chase of the opal. Marinka grew up in a mining family but hates the industry. Jack believes it is the women who live with the reality of opal mining while the men chase their dreams digging in the dirt. Women who come from opal- mining families tend to stick with their partners. The love and support of these women is phenomenal. They too must share the dream. Travis, 36, is known to the locals as ‘No Shoes’. The only time he wears shoes is at the pub, where footwear is compulsory. Eccentric and a heavy drinker, he is content with his lot in life, and his big heart has room for everyone. Travis likes to “speck” for opals to meet his daily living costs. Specking is fossicking through the leftover rock dumped by miners. Some have made a living from specking, with one lucky tourist finding a $20,000 black opal. Melburnian Tom Boyes has been in Lightning Ridge for 38 years. Now 68, he has put away his pick and hard-hat and retired. He stays for the lifestyle, and reckons Lightning Ridge is “one of the last places in the bush where you will see real mateship.” Asked if he ever gets lonely, Tom says: “No, I don’t. I’ve got quite a few good mates and my dog, BlueBoy.” While travelling solo through Australia, Heather Landini, 57, stopped in Moree to ask a garage mechanic where to go for her next adventure - Lightning Ridge or Inverell. His recommendation was Lightning Ridge. She went there and never left. “I love it! It’s not everyone’s cup of tea: it’s a place you’ve got to like to live in or else
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you wouldn’t survive. But it’s a freer life, and I love the friendliness of being in a country town, the lack of pollution, the stars at night, and the beautiful sunsets and fantastic lightning storms which gave the town its name.” The opal didn’t lure her there, but she may pick it up as a hobby one day. Heather has a job as a support worker for Mission Australia. Her son Andrew followed her from Western Australia and the town grew on him. He has two long, L-shaped divining-wires and believes they will guide him to underground opal. His neighbour ‘Million Dollar Merv’ is teaching him to use them. But he reckons it’s just pure luck. “You gotta be a dreamer or else you never get anywhere.” At the two pubs on the outskirts of Lightning Ridge, the “Club in the Scrub” and the pretentiously- named ‘Hilton’, you can meet the hardcore miners who live and breathe opal and are ready to tell their tales of the pot of opals at the end of the rainbow. Some who have struck it lucky have no intention of leaving. There is something about Lightning Ridge that keeps people tied to its close community. This is a town where hopes and dreams, whether they be spiritual or material, reign supreme and are sometimes fulfilled. If all else fails, at least it’s good to know that there are places like Lightning Ridge where adventurers can take a last gamble. C If you like to see more of Lucy’s work she is having an exhibition at: Forty Five Downstairs Gallery 45 Flinders Lane Opening 24th March 5-7 till Sunday Tues-Friday 11-5, Sat 12-4, Sun 10-12 Sponsors: AWU (Australia Workers Union) AGA (Australia Geneological Association) Bud Severs Opal, Jalee Impressions, INOS Marketing P/L
“My mother was born in Spain and migrated to Australia when she was 18. After 27 years of a failed marriage she wanted to live an Australian adventure, and escaped the southern winter to Lightning Ridge. Her love of opals lured her to the outback and, in 1999, accompanied by her two dogs, she drove her Ford Fiesta to Lightning Ridge in remote New South Wales. The change of lifestyle was a soothing balm and led to lasting friendships and a life closer to nature, with a less frenetic pace. This is a sentimental journey to honour the memory of my late mother who died at 61 after a courageous battle with cancer.’’ Lucy Di Paolo
NEWHAVEN COLLEGE In Quietness and Confidence Shall Be Your Strength Situated on beautiful Phillip Island, Newhaven College is an independent school offering P-12 in a supportive environment with dedicated teachers. Outstanding features of our school include excellent VCE results and a magnificent Year 9 Environmental Centre.
Providing wonderful educational opportunities for your son or daughter An Independent Co-educational School on Phillip Island, Prep to Year 12 Newhaven College, Boys Home Road, Newhaven 3925 Ph: 5956 7505 Fax: 5956 7131 info@newhavencol.vic.edu.au www.newhavencol.vic.edu.au
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“I can’t change the world but I hope that I can just help in a little way every year, through the ‘drip, drip, drip’ principle, just remind people and in time change will come.”
inspiring change johanna haasjes
For social justice advocate Johanna Haasjes, tackling problems like world poverty and climate change begins with individuals’ actions to care for the environment and each other. “It’s easy to be overwhelmed, but you just have to do things step by step,” she says. “What do they say? How do you eat an elephant ?. . . one bite at a time.” Johanna Haasjes likes to talk – and listen. The former teacher, principal and shopkeeper believes conversation promotes understanding and compassion. Now retired, she is committed to volunteer work and raising community awareness about social justice issues through discussion, information stalls, community events and fundraisers. In 2007, Johanna co-founded the Leongatha Make Poverty History Action Group to draw attention to the issues surrounding global poverty. The group has organised a community Expo, banner march, film night fundraisers, petitions and information stalls. Johanna once sat outside a Leongatha supermarket for several days beside a toilet bowl to draw attention to the importance of sanitation. An optimistic, enthusiastic person whose ready laugh belies a reputation for classroom strictness, Johanna is confident that change is possible. “I say to young people, ‘I know I have grey hair. That’s alright, I haven’t given up!’” she laughs. “I’ll be here when I’m in a wheelchair poking people with my walking stick.” For Johanna, greed and apathy are at the root of many problems. She hopes to reach “the silent majority, who don’t care enough, or it’s in the ‘too hard’ basket, or they think it will go away.” Her philosophy is that nobody can do everything but everyone can do something. She encourages people to act according to their social conscience, starting with the things “they know they should be
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doing”, such as conserving energy, avoiding the use of plastic bags, and donating to good causes. Johanna supports several charities and is inspired by stories of change made possible through the work of people all over the world. She has personally witnessed incredible transformation in communities in the Philippines. Gratitude for her life, her faith and her belief in the generosity of her local community motivate Johanna. “The older I became,” she says, “the more I realised that I belong to the one percent of the world’s population privileged to have had a happy family life, to be healthy, to have a job I’ve loved.” Johanna migrated from Holland with her family in 1955 and lived on a farm at Middle Tarwin. She credits the smooth cultural transition and her outlook on life to her parents’ positive attitude, and the oneteacher school where she came alive. Encouraged by a secondary teacher, she went to teachers’ college. She taught in Dumbalk, Corio and South Coast Christian College, Leongatha, where she was the principal for four years. Johanna has always set high standards for herself in terms of work and integrity. “In a small community, you can’t expect people to respect you if you say one thing and do another,” she says. “I am a tall person and I do stand out!” Johanna genuinely loves what she does, even when facing>
surf’nlife photos Warren Reed
Celebrities and local surfers got together recently to add their voice and protest against the building of a Desalination Plant on the Bass Coast in a celebrity surf competition.
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KARMELLA FASHIONS Style for all ages at an affordable price
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Ph/Fax. 5672 5775 Mon-Sat
Stocking
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• Tre Bliss Denim • Roc Eyewear • bassoni lingerie • voodoo hosiery & more Bags and accessories also available
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12 Blake St Mornington Vic 3931
An extensive range of Australian made designs
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Ph 03 5976 3066 Open 7 Days
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If you haven’t visited SKETA lately you will be pleasantly surprised. The Autumn range is spectacular. European quality fabrics, styling and workmanship, with most of the products made in Australia. Be inspired by the latest fashion styles and complete the look with gorgeous accessories.
SKETA Sketa v1.indd 1
Mornington
Sorrento
71 Main Street
42 Ocean Beach Rd
T 5976 3311
T 5984 0927 20/2/09 4:23:02 PM
feature area
words sally o’neill photos warren reed
marvellous mornington town On a clear day, you can see the glimmering Melbourne city skyline across the bay from Mornington, but you always feel a world away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Despite the relaxed atmosphere of this coastal town, you won’t be left wanting for any of the city trimmings - it’s got it all. There’s something about shopping by the sea: it seems so much more legitimate. After all, it’s a little like being on holiday and you are out in the fresh air, so lashing out is allowed. An easy hour’s drive from South Gippsland and about an hour and a half from Melbourne, this seaside town of approximately 17 000 residents is the perfect destination. Take a relaxed stroll down cosmopolitan Main Street (actually the main street) for some shopping heaven. The sea breezes waft up from
the bay along this open-air strip-shopping precinct which features some classic historic buildings. There is something for everyone with fashion, homewares, books, music, art and so much more. The range of cafes, bars and restaurants will easily see you through from breakfast to midnight in style. There are also many health and beauty options with salons and spas for your ultimate indulgence. Every Wednesday, Victoria’s longest-running street market is held along Main Street. You’ll find home-made crafts, plants, produce and>
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many other temptations. Once you’re through shopping, take a stroll along the beach and pier where you’ll find some impressive watercraft. The aqua waters are very inviting, and contrast brilliantly with the multi-coloured beach boxes that line the shore. The township of Mornington is steeped in history, starting with that of the Bunurong Aboriginal people. In 1802, Matthew Flinders landed near the current town, and you’ll find a memorial to him on Schnapper Point above the Mornington Pier. Not to be missed is the famous Mc Clelland Gallery and Sculpture Park. Established in 1971 in honour of artist and philanthropist Harry McClelland, this notable gallery and sculpture park is a major attraction of the area. Set on 16 hectares of bushland and gardens in Langwarrin, just down the road from Mornington, the gallery has changing exhibitions and the outdoor sculptures feature over 70 pieces by leading Australian sculptors including Peter Corlett, Lisa Roet and Inge King. C
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At a Glance:
Close by:
• Coffee Traders • Yoko • Farrells Bookshop • Luduco • Sketa • Studio 41
• Tyabb Antiques • Bluestone Winery & Vineyard • Montalto Olive Grove & Vineyard • Red Hill Cool Stores • McClelland Gallery & Sculpture Park
M O NTALTO V I N E YA R D & O L I V E G R O V E
www.montalto.com.au
Montalto Sculpture Prize open daily until 26 April Restaurant open for lunch daily, dinner Friday & Saturday. Cellar Door open daily 11 – 5pm. Piazza Café open for lunch on weekends. Picnics available from November to April.
Montalto Vineyard & Olive Grove 33 Shoreham Rd, Red Hill South. Victoria. Mel Ref: 256 B2 Tel: 03 5989 8412
“we have the dream, that all who visit feel rewarded by the time shared”
Purple Hen Vineyard & Winery
Bluestone Lane Vineyard
Pinot Noir 2007 An elegant wine with strong varietal form. Spicy and dark cherry on the nose and palate, velvety tannins and long flavour. This drop won the trophy for best wine at 2008 le Concours des Vins du Victoria. This wine goes well with dishes ranging from seared salmon to pork.
Sparkling Cuvee 2006 This is an equal blend of chardonnay, pinot meunier and pinot noir. Whole bunch pressing and bottle fermentation ensures traditional methods are maintained. Features zesty, citrus notes that delight the palate.
Purple Hen Vineyard & Winery 96 McFees Rd, Rhyll, Phillip Island Call 5956 9244 www.purplehenwines.com.au
Bluestone Lane Vineyard and Veraison Restaurant 296 Myers Rd, Balnarring Call 5989 7055 www.bluestonelane.com.au
Vineyard & Winery 96 McFees Road Rhyll Phillip Island Hours: 11am – 5:30pm Boxing Day to end Summer – 7 days a week School Holidays – 7 days a week Other times: 5 days a week (closed Tuesday and Wednesday) Phone: 5956 9244 www.purplehenwines.com.au
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delectable drops La Fontaine Estate
Bass River Winery
Montalto Vineyard & Olive Grove
Pinot Sparkling 2004 A light, delicate, crisp blanc de noir showing great elegance and considerable complexity from three year’s maturation on lees. Nose will exhibit toasty characters from the pinot noir with complex yeast aromas. This wine was recently awarded ‘best sparkling in Gippsland’.
Rose 2008 This is a wonderfully light red wine and medallist at the 2009 Gippsland Wine Show. The bouquet is full of ripe blackcurrants and mulberries. The lively palate is fresh with intense varietal expression and a clean crisp finish. The wine is best enjoyed chilled on a sunny day.
2007 Montalto Chardonnay Winner of Blue Gold Medal at the Sydney International Wine Competition. Achieving both richness and elegance, this is what Mornington Peninsula Chardonnay is all about. Lively fruit characters of white peach, pineapple and grapefruit combine with nutty, spicy oak nuances. A lovely young wine with great ageing potential.
La Fontaine Estate 295 Manks Rd, Clyde Call 5998 1133 www.lafontaineestate.com.au
Bass River Winery 1835 Dalyston Glen Forbes Rd, Glen Forbes Call 5678 8252 www.bassriverwinery.com
la
fontaine
Montalto Vineyard & Olive Grove 33 Shoreham Road Red Hill South Call 5989 8412 www.montalto.com.au
La Fontaine Estate, 295 Manks Road Clyde www.lafontaineestate.com.au Ph. 5998 1133
where to
eat Montalto
Curry Leaf
Boonerwurrung Cafe
Westernport Hotel
Cafe Chocolatte
Coffee Traders
Verasion Restaurant
Hard Loch Cafe
Champions Cafe
Harry’s on the Esplanade
33 Shoreham Road Red Hill South Phone 5989 8412 Vineyard, Olive grove & Restaurant (Royal Botanic Gardens) Cnr Ballarto Road and Botanic Drive, Cranbourne Phone 5990 2247 Casual dining
1805 Phillip Island Rd Phillip Island Phone 5952 2283 Hot chocolate, chocs & more
269 Myers Rd Balnarring Phone 5989 7081 Winery & Restaurant
Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit Back Beach Road, Phillip Island Phone 5952 2710 Casual dining
Chocolate Factory 930 Phillip Island Rd Newhaven Phone 5956 6600 For chocolate lovers
Shop 9, Vista Place Cape Woolamai Phone 5956 6772 Great curries
161 Marine Parade, San Remo Phone 5678 5205 Family friendly and great pub food
3 Blake Street Mornington Phone 5977 1177 Great lunches & coffee
10 Smith Street Loch, Victoria Phone 5659 4466 Divine coffee
17 The Esplanade, Cowes Phone 5952 6226 Delicious cuisine
Infused
115 Thompson Avenue Cowes, Phillip Island Phone 5952 2655 Modern Australian menu
Let’s eat! coast 102
The Esplanade Hotel
The Gilded Lily
Lolly Lips Ice-creamery
Ocean View Hotel
Sandsford Antiques
Tomo Japanese
Shioni’s @ Kaloha
Sherwoods Restaurant Wrap ‘n’ Roll Cafe 5 Thompson Avenue Cowes, Phillip Island Phone 5952 3773 Elegant casual dining
144 Marine Parade San Remo Phone 567 8589 Wraps, rolls & coffee
Phillip Island RSL
Silverleaves Store
Wonthaggi Club
RACV Resort
Watermark @ Silverwater Resort
La Fontaine
Taylors Waterfront
Fai Thai
McClelland Gallery Cafe
100 Monkeys
1 A’Beckett St Inverloch Phone 03 5674 1432 Delicious meals
Bass Highway, Kilcunda, Victoria Phone 5678 7011 Friendly atmosphere & great food
Cnr Steele & Chapel Streets Cowes, Phillip Island Phone 5952 6969
Cnr Cowes Rhyll Rd & Thompson Ave Cowes, Phillip Island Phone 5952 1004 New memberships available
70 Cape Paterson-Inverloch Road, Inverloch Phone 5674 0000 Spectacular views
Red Elk Bar & Cafe 27 A’Beckett Street, Inverloch Phone 5674 3264 Hip cafe/bar
35 Victoria Rd Loch, Victoria Phone 03 5659 4488 Intimate dining, modern menu
13 A’Beckett St, Inverloch Phone 5674 3339 Antiques & cosy cafe
Cnr Sanders Rd & Honeysuckle Gve Silverleaves Phone 5952 1110 Great food & terrific breakfasts
Corner Phillip Island Tourist Rd & Potters Hill Road, San Remo Phone 5671 9300
1215 Phillip Island Tourist Rd, Phillip Island Phone 5956 7371 Seafood a speciality
390 McClelland Drive Langwarrin Phone 9789 1671 Sculpture Park & cafe
1805 Phillip Island Rd, Cowes, Phillip Island Phone 5952 2283 At Amaze’n’things - food & fun
23 A’Beckett St Inverloch Phone 5674 3444 Traditional Japanese
16 McBride Avenue Wonthaggi, Victoria Phone 5672 1007 Modern, fresh men
La Fontaine Estate, 295 Manks Road Clyde Phone 5998 1133 Winery & restaurant
143 Marine Parade San Remo Phone 5678 5020 Tasty Thai delights
293 Rossiter Road Koo Wee Rup Phone 5997 1601 Wholefoods, organic store & cafe
dineout
Eddie and new bride Karen’s vision for Sherwoods is “elegant, casual dining with a focus on fresh produce and house-made dishes.” words sally o’neill photos warren reed
sherwoods good food & great times @
The Sherwood family has been in the catering business since 1899, and when Eddie Sherwood opened his own restaurant in Cowes, his dad gave him a photo of those early days to proudly hang on the wall.
We arrive at Sherwood’s Restaurant in the main street of Cowes on a beautiful, balmy summer’s evening. I have been inside this building many times before, and see immediately that Eddie and wife Karen’s renovations have transformed the setting, completely opening it up and putting the focus on dining. Bi-fold doors open the entire dining area onto the street, and the tables on the terrace are at a premium on a night like tonight. The solo singer and piano player complete the festive and relaxed atmosphere. Karen Sherwood’s friendly smile welcomes us and we take a seat to peruse the menu. Under the headings of ‘Entice Me’ for entrées, ‘Fill Me’ for mains and ‘Little Me’ for the kids is a tempting selection of modern dishes created by Eddie. Don’t expect it to stay the same: the menu changes every day as Eddie adds and subtracts items according to available produce and his whim of the moment. After years of cooking for other people, having your own restaurant has its perks. And don’t worry: the standard favourites stay the same. The wine list is extensive and features many local choices and a selection of quality wines from further afield. Our favourite is Sherwood’s Estate Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough. Karen tells us this is Eddie’s cousin’s vineyard, but we can tell by the look on her face that it’s just a lucky coincidence of names! We start with ciabatta bread with olive oil and balsamic reduction,
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crushed pistachios and pine nuts, and for entrée we select a woodfired garlic pizza (Eddie has re-located the wood-fired oven to his kitchen), chicken wrapped in prosciutto with sweet potato cakes and herbed mascarpone and a dish of seared scallops with a mango, smoked salmon and rocket salad. The presentation is excellent and the pizza’s thin crust is crisp and tasty. My scallops are a multi-layered taste treat. The salad is delightful with the combination of mango, salmon and rocket providing a summer taste treat that combines flavours and textures perfectly. For mains, we indulge in fettuccine pan-tossed with black tiger prawns, cherry tomatoes, bacon, rocket, garlic, and olive oil with a hint of chilli; Moreton Bay bugs in a creamy lemon butter sauce served with a warm salad of butter beans and cherry tomatoes with a pink peppercorn and champagne dressing; and rib-eye steak and vegetables, all baked in the wood fired oven and served with a BBQ and red wine glaze. The fettuccine has infused garlic flavour with a hint of chilli. ‘The succulent prawns mixed with al dente pasta is delicious’ concludes my colleague! The steak is tender, and drizzled with the red wine glaze. The wood-fired oven gives the meal a subtle, smokey flavour. My Moreton Bay bugs are a rare treat. The lemon butter sauce delicately highlights the flavour of the seafood and the accompanying>
vegetables are fresh and crisp. This dish is a standard on Eddie’s menu, thank goodness: those bugs should not be going anywhere! It’s time for dessert and the ‘Indulge Me’ menu is incredibly tempting. We can’t decide, so Eddie puts together a tasting plate for us and sits down for a chat. We indulge in the homemade desserts including a decadent cheesecake that is the highlight for me. “I’ve been changing the menu every day through summer,” says Eddie. “I always thought that if I had my own restaurant, that’s what I would do.” Eddie’s passion for food had started at an early age when he helped his dad on catering jobs. “Dad took me to turn the handle to generate electricity,” he recalls. He started his apprenticeship at the Westernport
at eighteen, and then moved to Noosa where he “learnt more in his first week than he had in his previous career.” He returned to run the kitchen at the Westernport Hotel for five years. Eddie’s excited about his monthly ‘Table for 20’ Sunday dinners where twenty diners pay a set fee to sample a dinner of his choosing. Each course is a chance for Eddie to ‘show off’, and the dinners are proving a popular way to enjoy great food and meet new people. Eddie and new bride Karen’s vision for Sherwoods is “elegant, casual dining with a focus on fresh produce and house-made dishes”. Recently, Karen left her day job to concentrate on creating an exceptional hospitality experience. With this winning duo in the kitchen and front of house, Sherwood’s is sure to succeed. C
SHERWOODS elegant casual dining
Phillip Island’s Newest Beer Garden Ask about our table for 20
Restaurant Restaurant
Bar & Function room upstairs
Water Views Open 6 Days Lunch
5952 3773 Sherwoods_v2.indd 1
Dinner
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Bookings preferred, call Eddie & Karen Sherwood
5 Thompson Ave Cowes
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sherwoodrestaurant@bigpond.com 19/2/09 12:01:08 PM
Panny’s amazing world of chocolates will excite and amaze Phillip Island Chocolate factory is located opposite the tourist information centre on Phillip Island Road in Newhaven. • Delectable chocolates hand made on the premises • Light lunches including Panny’s famous curries • Great coffee and hot chocolate • Friendly service
PHILLIP ISLAND CHOCOLATE FACTORY, 930 PHILLIP ISLAND RD, NEWHAVEN
03 5956 6600
www.phillipislandchocolatefactory.com.au PI Chocolate Factory_v2.indd 1
18/2/09 3:21:23 PM
The Killy Pub & Meikles Ocean View Bistro
“Providing a quality product with
attentive service and total commitment
to your catering needs”
now operating with
Sarah Ashe catering
• Stunning ocean views • Family friendly • Beer garden •70 seater marquee • Delicious meals • Bookings recommended on w/e • Specialising in fresh local seafood & Gippsland beef • Extensive range of specials
www.killypub.com.au Bass Hwy, Kilcunda Bar 56787245 Bistro 56787011 Ocean View Hotel V3.indd 1
www.sarahashe.com.au Enquiries 5672 1216 20/2/09 3:49:20 PM
dineout
bluestone lane vineyard & veraison restaurant History, good food and great wine combine at this stylish vineyard on the Mornington Peninsula.
Contrary to what people think, it’s not all glamour in the magazine business. That said, there definitely are perks to the job every now and again. Recently, we all took some time out to enjoy lunch at the newly-opened Veraison Restaurant at Bluestone Lane Vineyard in Balnarring. The bluestone of this picturesque vineyard originally came from the laneways of Melbourne, and the historic connection sits well in this setting that was established almost a decade ago by the Poulter family. The vines flourish amongst restored wetlands and bush on what was once run-down farmland. We feel relaxed even before we settle in for a glass of wine. We are welcomed into the spanking new dining area that is tastefully appointed and offers indoor and outdoor areas. Sitting on the balcony allows us to look out over the vines and catch the sea breeze as we start with a drink before tackling the menu. Drinking at lunch is definitely the way to go at a winery - just make sure you have your designated driver ready. Wines by the glass are very reasonably priced, and we select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc, though my colleague can’t resist jumping straight into the 2005 Pinot that is served in a generous Pinot glass. The white wine is pale and clear with a delicate flavour and the Pinot is sweet, spicy and delicious. The menu is varied and tempting, with much of the produce being
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sourced from the one-acre organic kitchen garden on site We enjoy the house-baked rolls flavoured with lemon thyme and garlic, and garden herb and dukkah, and decide to share the Veraison Grazing Plate for entrée. It arrives well-presented and is the perfect introduction to local flavours and fare. The plate offers char-grilled vegetable terrine and green tomato dip fresh from the garden, kalamata olives, duck confit, smoked chicken, lyonnais sausage, salt and pepper calamari, beetroot relish and grilled bread. The calamari is absolutely “melt in the mouth”, the duck is superb and the sausage features pistachio nuts and a marvellous spicy flavour. We’re off to a great start! Veronica, our waitress, brings out our mains with wines matched by chef, Mark Poulter: Thai Mussamon Market Fish Cakes with Grilled Prawns, and Rocket, Mango and Coriander Salsa with a glass of house sparkling; Tartlet of Baby Leek, Semidried Tomato and Scallops with Chickpea Shortcrust Pastry accompanied by a 2005 Wooded Chardonnay; and Cantonese Warm Duck Breast Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Fried Shallots, Spring Onions, Mango and Peach slices, Mixed Green Lettuce and Snow Pea Sprouts with a 2005 Shiraz. Each dish is delicious, with its own unique, fresh flavours blending beautifully and perfectly complimented by the recommended wine selection. The prawns add an indulgent twist to the fish cakes with the salsa keeping it fresh and light, and the tartlet is crisp outside and
luxuriously rich on the inside with the scallops and leek. The duck salad is spectacular: a generous serving of duck sits atop an equally abundant salad, each with intense flavours that are well matched by the light and spicy Shiraz. We take a breather after main course, but none of us is willing to pass on dessert. How can you refuse such a tempting selection? We order Almond and Pear Frangipane Tart served with Organic Espresso Ice Cream, Blood Plum Semi-freddo with reduction syrup and Marinated Sweet Figs in Vanilla Syrup with Saffron Yellow Plum Sorbet. We leave the Flourless Chocolate Hazelnut Torte with Ruby Grapefruit Sorbet and the Cheese Selection for our next visit. Each sweet has echoes of the fresh produce theme of the menu at its core, and the result is nothing short of sensational. We are now well and truly full. Chef and proprietor Mark Poulter delivers the desserts personally, and we catch him for a quick chat. “I’ve been cooking for nineteen years and this is my first restaurant,” says Mark. “My influences are European, Thai and Italian, and I incorporate produce from the property’s kitchen garden, and I preserve produce to use throughout the year.” As we speak, Mark is preserving his own duck, prosciutto and venison for the tasting plate, one of the restaurant’s signature dishes. He also risked life and limb jumping a fence to get the blood plums for my dessert, and the figs come from his next door neighbour’s garden. “It’s a lot of work,” he says of using so much home-grown produce. “I’m here at 7am picking vegies and making sauces - everything is made fresh and it’s the flavours that bring people back.” The Veraison Restaurant was three years in the planning and, since it opened in November 2008, its popularity has been steadily growing. It was named after one of the hundreds of stages
of grape development, veraison describing the ripening and maturation stage. The menu is ever changing to reflect seasonal availability, and also features delicious gourmet pizza options. You can visit Bluestone Lane’s cellar door where Mark’s sister, the lovely Juliet, will take you through the wine list which includes 2006 Pinot Noir, 2006 Rosé, 2006 Unwooded Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, 2006 Shiraz, 2006 Merlot and 2005 Wooded Chardonnay. Prices are very reasonable, with discounts per case. The restaurant and cellar door are open Thursday to Monday from 11am to 5pm. C
Veraison Restaurant @ Bluestone Lane Vineyard 269 Myers Rd, Balnarring Phone 5989 7081 www.bluestonelane.com.au
“The beginning of something beautiful”
Veraison Restaurant Now Open open lunch Thur-Mon 11am -5pm 269 Myers Road, Balnarring 3926 Restaurant: 03 5989 7081 Cellar: 03 5989 7055 www.bluestonelane.com.au BlueStoneLane.indd 1
11/2/09 1:13:17 PM
Inverloch
Fantastic Sports Bar and TAB, Thirsty Camel Bottle Shop and Drive through, Tabaret. Entertainment venue: Music Saturday nights in the Sports Bar Friendly staff and great service. Opening soon: Upstairs function room.
Esplanade Hotel
Completely renovated. New Modern Bistro, open 7 days, Alfresco dining, new Autumn menu with seniors meals available, breakfast every Sunday.
1 A’Beckett St Inverloch
03 5674 1432
Esplanade Hotel.indd 1
11/2/09 12:58:15 PM
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 Phillip Island RSL.indd 1
Tel. (03) 5952 1004 11/2/09 10:09:08 AM
my favoriterecipe Beetroot Risotto served with zucchini and haloumi fritters topped with dill yoghurt dressing
for complete Entertainment
Shioni’s at Kaloha is one of Phillip Island’s newest restaurants. Named after owners Darren and Carol Borg’s six year-old daughter, Shioni’s is known for the excellent presentation of food and a variety of cuisines. Darren loves beetroot risotto and here he shares one of his favourite recipes.
Ingredients - Beetroot Risotto 1 bunch fresh beetroot (2 large or 4 small) 1 tbs olive oil 30g butter 1 onion diced 2 cups arborio rice 4 ½ cups vegetable stock (boil) Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Method
Peel beetroot and cut into cubes. Heat olive oil and butter in large heavy saucepan, sauté onion for 3 mins or until soft. Add the beetroot and cook stirring over a moderate heat for 2 mins. Add rice and stir until transparent. Add a little of stock to the rice and stir until absorbed, continue stirring in stock gradually, until the rice is just cooked. This process should take 20 mins. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Ingredients - Zucchini and haloumi fritters 6 large zucchinis, coarsely grated 250g haloumi cheese, coarsely grated 1 egg, lightly whisked 1 tbs olive oil
Method
Place zucchini in a sieve. Use your hands to squeeze excess moisture from the zucchini and place in large bowl. Add haloumi and egg and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Heat oil in large non-stick frying pan, over medium heat. Fry zucchini mix in little batches. Use the back of a spatula to flatten. Cook 2 mins on each side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate.
specialising in quality dining, and function experiences
Ingredients - Dill & Yoghurt dressing 200g Greek-style yoghurt 2 tbs finely chopped dill 2 spring onions thinly sliced 1 garlic clove crushed
16 Mc Bride ave Wonthaggi tel: 5672 1007 e: wonclub@dcsi.net.au www.wonthaggiclub.com.au
Method
Combine the yoghurt, dill, spring onions and garlic in small bowl. Taste and season with salt and pepper. To assemble - place beetroot risotto in bowl, place 3 fritters on top of risotto then top with yoghurt and dill dressing. C Wonthaggi Club.indd 1
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11/2/09 4:35:12 PM
bar review
red elk bar & cafe
words sally o’neill photos warren reed
When the sun goes down, it’s the grooviest place in town! Inverloch’s Red Elk Bar and Café is pumping when we arrive, fashionably late. We weave through the crowd of laughing and chatting groovers on the deck to make our way inside where local band Tropo is funking it up with their eclectic tunes. Red Elk opened last year after extensive renovations including a gorgeous, retro-inspired interior and fabulous brand new deck that has doubled the size of the venue. Behind the stylish bar, owners Cate and son Lachlan Anderson are doing their thing, shaking cocktails and whizzing past with plates of delicious food and keeping the customers satisfied. We order a first round of drinks starting with a wine before easing our way into the cocktail menu. I can’t decide, so Lachlan makes the decision for me preparing his famous Christmas drink ‘Elk in the Snow,’ the perfect after dinner cocktail consisting of Cariel Vanilla Vodka, Mozart White Chocolate Cream and garnished with a maraschino cherry (the elk!). It’s delicious and creamy and puts us in the mood for dancing. As the band grooves along, there’s a constant stream of friends to meet. It’s not as if I even know all of these people I say ‘hi’ to, it’s just we feel as if we should, as if we’re in a big communal (and very funky) lounge room. It’s good to frock up for Red Elk, or you can just be casual, anything goes. I remember on my last visit, I saw a gal who had fashioned an old Brownie uniform into a very stylish outfit and I’ve been inspired by that bit of retro brilliance ever since. When the band has a break, I catch a few words with Matt McFee.
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“We always wanted a wine bar in Inverloch,” says Matt. “Now we’ve got one!” Matt is incredibly humble about the band. “We’re all at the stage of life where we just want a relaxed sound. We’ve been practising at home for years, Trev has been mucking around with his piano in his shed and we’d never ventured out in public before! It’s great for us. Woodsy is from Wonthaggi, but the rest of us are from Invy, so it’s perfect!” Before we start dancing in earnest, I have a quick chat with Cate. “We saw this business as an opportunity to create a stable and successful future for our family in a small and friendly community,” she says. “Inverloch is one of the most beautiful coastal towns in Victoria and we are extremely lucky to live and work in such a gorgeous environment.” The Red Elk opens for breakfast, lunch and dinner and their delicious and fresh menu changes regularly to reflect their philosophy of producing the best meals from the freshest ingredients. The man behind the food is highly experienced chef Andrew Scott who has run several successful cafes and restaurants in Melbourne. “We work with produce that is in season as much as we can,” says Andrew. He and second-year apprentice chef, Lauren Netherway bake all the muffins, cakes and other sweet treats on the premises.
Lachlan’s extensive hospitality background includes years as a barista with some of Melbourne’s hottest cafes and many nights mixing fabulous cocktails. His most recent barista training was with one of Melboune’s coffee experts, Mark Dundon, owner of Seven Seeds Coffee and Brother Budan in Melbourne. Cate’s background in the corporate world is perfect for balancing out Lachlan’s front of house skills and she also offers some behind the scenes expertise and even a helping hand in the busy kitchen! Cate heads back into the crowd and we take to the dance floor. Later, we say goodbye to our new friends and hope we’ll be seeing them next time we hit the Red Elk for music, dancing, fab food and great cocktails. Be there or be square baby! C
Red Elk is open seven days and dinners Wednesday to Sunday. Happy hour 5-6pm Wednesday to Sunday
Brilliant coffee
Delicious fresh food
The best live music
Happy hour every night Wednesday – Sunday
Enjoy dinner and cocktails on our fab new deck
Red Elk Bar & Cafe Open seven days for breakfast and lunch Dinner Wednesday to Sunday Fully Licensed Red Elk_v3.indd 1
27 A’Beckett Street Inverloch E redelk@aapt.net.au T 5674 3264 16/2/09 2:58:10 PM
Photos by Lou Curtis-Smith & Gaby McCrae.
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aroundtown what’s goin’ on around your place
Dr Olga Wingate & son Mattias
coast 115
Introducing the boardwalk series . . .
,500 $274g timber,,
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architectural styling at project home pricing
Over 60 standard plans || Or we can quote your plans || Custom design First homes || Investment homes || House & land packages || Finance available
Part of the Kirway group - winner of four 2008 MBA awards including MBA Victorian regional builder of the year for Racv Inverloch. Display home
3 Endeavour Place, Inverloch Open Sat thru to Tues 1-4 pm T: 03 5674 3700 Susan Stam 0411 212 932
Traralgon OfďŹ ce 66 Church Street Traralgon T: 03 5174 4698
Sale OfďŹ ce
203 York Street Sale T: 03 5143 0030
www.cavalierhomes.com.au E: info@cavalierhomesgippsland.com.au
6/2 The Esplanade, VENTNOR
Prestigious Presentation - Private Position! $POA Prestigious property featuring 4 ultra modern bedrooms each with ensuites, downstairs entertainment area, open fireplace, projection unit with hidden screen, full bar, outside deck, private swimming pool & spa and a generous DLUG. Well appointed kitchen with a fully equipped butler’s kitchen. Outdoor living with kitchen, views of Westernport bay and the Mornington Peninsula. All materials are of the highest quality.
Rusty Waters -Phillip Island Rd, SUNSET STRIP
Popular, fast growing business
$POA
Here is a fantastic opportunity to purchase a very popular, and fast growing business. With great returns, this business has quickly grown a great reputation from both the locals and tourists. Famous for handcrafted ales, and located on the main road and next to the Koala Park, there is plenty of trade. The restaurant has indoor & outdoor seating, lounge area with wood fire, private function room, well stocked bar, great sized kitchen, and plenty of parking. On site brewing permit and packaged sales approved.
47 Manna Gum Drive, COWES
Brand New Designer Home
$440,000
Stunning modern home is brand new and has never been lived in! Situated in a quiet street only a short walk from Cowes and the beach. With quality fixtures, comprising of 4 BRS with WIR and ensuite from master, 2nd bathroom, open plan north facing living/dining/gourmet kitchen with s/s appliances, 2nd living area, and a large outdoor entertainment deck. With brand new carpets, polished boards, curtains and a DLUG this home ticks all the boxes for comfort living.
Judith Wright
real estate 03 5952 5100 www.judithwright.com.au
113 Silverleaves Ave, SILVERLEAVES
Views Views Views!
$1,600,000
Here is a fabulous property located on the esplanade in Silverleaves, with gorgeous views, and private access to the safe beach. Complete with 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms one being an ensuite from master, upstairs has open plan living/ dining/kitchen which walks onto the entertainment deck bringing in the views! Just a short walk from the main street of Cowes along the beach, and a large block of approx 1515m2, this home is truly a gem. Keen vendors, call us for an inspection today!
2 Dunvegan Crescent, SURF BEACH
Two for the Price of One!
$499,000
Here is a fantastic package, on offer is a 3 BR home with a detached studio apartment, ideally for extra accommodation for friends and family, or even a Bed & Breakfast. Situated on a large block of approximately 1214m2, both properties are north facing, with gorgeous views over Swan Bay & Churchill Island. Features of the property include a 5200 litre under house water tank, security alarm, 2 way driveway, dbl carport, DLUG, fully fenced. Close to general store & beach.
Eco Retreat & Day Spa, 1/181-189 Justice Rd,COWES
Day Spa/Wellness Centre Retreat
$850,000
Here is a magnificent opportunity to purchase an award winning day spa & wellness centre in Phillip Island. Situated on 4690m2, including 2 fully self contained eco units, 5 treatment rooms, (3 dual rooms), hydrotherapy capsule as well as a geisha tub, and includes all permits, equipment & chattels (WIWO). Specialising in Li’tya & Pevonia products, this business has an excellent turn over with a fast growing list of clients and has recently won many industry awards.
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
Call us today for a free no obligation appraisal. BIG STATEMENT, BUT A BIGGER VIEW!
0 BIG BLUE VIEWS FOREVER . . .
Address: 34 Lymington Avenue, Ventnor This newly renovated home is magnificent. The view from the main living area across the entrance of Westernport to Cape Schank and Flinders is breathtaking. When I visited this property to list the details of what the home offers, it was hard to concentrate on anything else but the main living area’s stunning outlook. The property is contemporary “Beach” in style and design. The home offers 4 bedrooms and 2 living areas. Ground floor features entry with spiral staircase, double remote control garage with direct access, parent’s retreat with master bedroom, separate living area, large bathroom and spa. Upstairs has 3 bedrooms, bathroom spacious open plan Kitchen (ILVE oven) Daikin split system, wood fire, polished timber floors, sheltered outdoor entertaining deck and beautiful living space with a panoramic comfort glass “wall” with uninterrupted views that draw the Bay into the room. This is a premium piece of real estate. Asking $827,000 Contact: Greg Price 0419 337 441 Brian Silver 0407 347 509
154 Thompson Ave, Cowes
Address: 14 Poulter Avenue, Rhyll Everybody asks, does it have a view? Well this property has a great view. Rarely are homes listed for sale with so much to offer. It is hard to look at the details of this home when your head turns to the unsurpassed water views at every opportunity. Situated on an elevated corner position giving you that feeling of complete privacy and space. The home features 2 living areas, 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The kitchen and main living area are located upstairs with a huge deck and verandah designed to take full advantage of the panoramic views over the Jetty and Rhyll inlet to Churchill Island. The established landscaped gardens have been fully enclosed allowing your property to be child and pet friendly. Inspections welcome. Asking $479,000 Contact: Greg Price 0419 337 441 Brian Silver 0407 347 509
5952 2633 www.alexscott.com.au
meeniyan: turning point to the prom ~ turn to meeniyan for your country change
PHILLIP ISLAND VINEYARD AND CELLAR - Auction Saturday 17th January at 2pm
(if not sold prior)
run your own licensed restaurant in this brilliant location FOR SALE OR LEASE: FREEHOLD WITH PLANT & FITTINGS Wonderful opportunity to start up without “buying the business”. Fully fitted and ready to go restaurant. Character building in prime township position. Attracting clientele from local areas incl. Inverloch, Leongatha, Foster & Waratah Bay. The sale includes all plant and furnishings incl. commercial kitchen, tables, chairs, bar and coffee machine. Flexible lease offers “honeymoon” period and is subject to purchase of plant at below replacement value.
bookworm’s paradise. a wonderful business opportunity
Inspect By appointment 7 days a week Address 89 Whitelaw Street Meeniyan For Sale or For Lease
Inspect By appointment 7 days a week Address 134 Whitelaw Street Meeniyan For Sale with ongoing lease of freehold
Selling high quality, mostly non-fiction books on a broad range of subjects, incl. antiques and collectible authors to local, tourist and out of area clientele. The established, profitable business is a comfortable “one person” operation, in an attractive main street shop with ongoing lease and plenty of potential to develop further with implementation of eBay store or similar, additional lines, new books. The current owner will provide initial product training for book valuations. Existing trade sources, clients, and full sales history available for your perusal. Call for a business profile.
we are open 7 days a week for your buying pleasure ~ call us anytime! allen bartlett 0417 274 624
kaz hughes 0417 516 998
emma sullings 0448 141 309
93 Whitelaw St, Meeniyan coast 120
promcountryre.com.au
5664 0224
The Oceanic
The Links
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.
DISPLAY HOMES NOW OPEN Individual Designs
The Meridian
184 Thompson Ave, Cowes
1pm - 4pm Sat, Sun & Wed or by Appointment
The Le Sands
4 Tamarra Cresent, Inverloch
call Colin 0416 152 075
HOUSE AND LAND PACKAGES AVAILABLE
coast trade
This quick guide is your complete toolbox for building and renovating your dream home from the bottom up! Check the page reference for the full details - or you can go online www.coastmagazine.net and use our online directory to send an email direct to an advertiser , or click onto the link to visit their web-site. Builders & Designers Burke Homes Cavalier Homes Colin Vanderstaay Darren Brown Design Eric Van Agtmaal Builder Home Design & Construction New Dimension Homes Smiths Beach Constructions
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5956 7397 5952 3838 0418 521 976 5674 2830 5952 6566
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0418 304 920 5672 4866
p.141 p. 8
Outdoor/Gardening Blue Gum Garden Supplies Coastal Native Landscapes Compass Pools Eastwood Paving and Landscapes Island Garden Supplies Island Landscape & Design Islandscape Transformations Pellet Fires Gippsland Raw Polymers Eco Waterwise Tanks Reviva Deck The Country Gardener coast 122
& services guide Interiors Aqua Inspired Floorworld Wonthaggi Kudos Kush Kush Luduco Melbourne Furnishings Metrix New Granite Nordic Designs Paint Place Cowes Paint Place Wonthaggi South Coast Furnishings Southern Bazaar Wonthaggi Tile & Woodheating Woodwork Solutions
5678 5580 5672 5590 5678 5944 5956 6844 5973 4899 5672 1027 0428 142 020 5672 5553 5952 2522 5672 5522 5952 1488 0409 234 482 5672 2543 0458 520 347
p.145 p.124 p.135 p.137 p. 33 p.128 p.144 p. 93 p.144 p.144 p. 9 p. 20 p.143 p.143
1300 721 946 1300 786 769
p.129 p.127
0418 919 009 5672 2426
p.139 p.128
5672 1628 0402 454 742 5678 8552 5672 5955
p.127 p.140 p.141 p.144
Solar Solarhart Solar Shop
Trades and Hardware Archisign Bass Coast Refrigeration & Electrical - (Air Conditioning) Loes Hardware New Wave Concreting Van Steensels Wylies True Value Hardware
New display home now open
The Cambridge
Opening Hours: Sat and Sun 1pm – 4pm or by appointment. 8 Artisan Way, Inverloch Take advantage of the First Home Owners Grant now!
CALL BURKE HOMES TODAY ON 5674 1813 OR BRETT ON 0430 068 424 www.burkehomes.com.au
www.glenvill.com.au
Burke Homes_v2.indd 1
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“Go to a store that treats their customers as neighbours, providing quality and luxury at affordable prices. Go to a store that takes care in getting you the best products and installing the job professionally.”
How do you take time out?
Mathew Hadden
WONTHAGGI FLOORWORLD 321 White Rd (Bass Hwy) Wonthaggi VIC 3995. Ph. 5672 5590 Fax (03) 5672 5590
lifestyle review
words kate lindsay photos warren reed
“People are just so friendly; it’s why we kept coming here. Our experience has always been wonderful.”
a home by the seaside After years of holidaying in Inverloch as a child, Helen Crombie and husband Graeme decided they wanted to give their children and future grandchildren the same opportunity to spend summers at the beach. So after purchasing a block in the seaside town fourteen years ago, they finally built their dream family holiday home. From being introduced to Inverloch in 1965, and then jointly owning a holiday home in the eighties, the Crombies knew they never wanted to break their connection to the Bass Coast. “I have wonderful memories of our holidays in Inverloch, so we bought a block in the hope that we would build eventually. There was no hurry as our kids were at an age where they were doing there own thing, and we were running them around to their weekend sports, so we were tied to Melbourne for a while,” explains Helen. The couple however, were never far away from Inverloch, trying to venture down for a drive every couple of weekends, to simply be near the beach and take in the community atmosphere they had grown to love. “People are just so friendly; it’s why we kept coming here. Our experience has always been wonderful,” smiles Helen. For Helen and Graeme, building their new home was something
that was always in the pipeline, but they needed the right timing and right advice and they knew they could not go past a local company. “We had put off building for a few years because we had friends that had built in Melbourne and had run into a few problems, so we were hesitant at first. What drew us to Burke Homes, was that they were so approachable. There’s something about local people; they’re reliable and honest and they’re using local tradespeople which is great because we really wanted to support the community,” explains Graeme. The open-plan home was designed by Graeme with the help of Burke Homes and their draftsmen. “We really wanted an open-plan that was functional and low maintenance and to have our living areas on one side and our sleeping areas on the other. We planned a family-friendly home, where our kids could one day bring their own>
coast 125
says Graeme. And a spacious, light and functional home is what they got. The pale coloured tiling throughout the living areas, adds to the open space, and brings the living areas together. The high ceilings have the ability to appear to bring the outside in. “The tiles were really important, because we had to be realistic that our home was always going to be a beach house, so with sand would always be an issue. Tiles were our choice for ease of cleaning, and they keep the living areas united,” says Helen. The kitchen and dining areas were particularly important to the Crombies. Their large dining table comfortably seats up to twelve people. The dining area merges with the kitchen and opens up through large sliding doors to the outside dining areas. “The kitchen is really the most social part of the house, so we designed it to be part of the living areas. It was really important for us to have a large area where everybody could come together, sit down and share a meal,” says Graeme. “We love our alfresco dining area, and look to eat out as much as we can,” explains Helen. “We wanted to leave a legacy for our children and it’s everything we could have dreamed of. We are really happy with both the process and the end result,” says Graeme. So I questioned him on why he needed a triple garage at a holiday home, and with a laugh he replies, “Because I always wanted one; it was my dream.” C
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lifestyle review
With almost 100 years experience, we carry the best range in furniture. With our professional, friendly service you’ll be sure to find what you’re after.
Our huge range of quality furniture now includes Beds ‘R’ Us, so come in and browse around – we know you’ll be impressed 119 Graham Street, Wonthaggi, Vic. 3995
T: 03 5672 1027 F: 03 5672 2434
E: melbfurnco@bigpond.com
MelbFurnish.indd 1
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The National Asthma Council Australia and Asthma & Respiratory Foundation of New Zealand introduced the Sensitive Choice program to help identify products better suited for people who suffer from asthma and allergies. They chose Daikin as the only Split System Air Conditioners authorised to display the Sensitive Choice butterfly symbol.
ed by ept Z . c c N s a lia & r ne a io ustr t i A ond The only Split System Air C m in gra the Sensitive Choice pro
Daikin Split Systems have advanced air-purifying technology that may help reduce the triggers that affect asthma and allergy sufferers. This technology also helps to provide a cleaner, fresher indoor environment for you and your family. This exclusive acceptance reflects the advanced technology and innovation of Daikin’s Split System Air Conditioners.
www.daikin.com.au
Colin and Rick at Bass Coast Refrigeration are here to serve all your air conditioning requirements. Sales, intallations, service and repairs are all carried out in house by qualified refrigeration mechanics. Call them or drop in for an obligation free quote and find out the benefits and savings a new Daikin Inverter split system can offer you.
Bass Coast Refrigeration V_1.ind1 1
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builders • property • services • homewares • art • food • fashion • attractions • gardening & more
coast directory
Accommodation
So Me
Bear Gully Coastal Cottages 39 Quest Apartments
Silverwater Resort
Yoko
11
Taylors Waterfront Restaurant
Zenergie
37
133
36
94
Ocean View Hotel Kilcunda
142
Philllip Island RSL
Coastal Native Landscapes
142
The Red Elk Bar
63
118
Antiques
Island Garden Supplies
L & J Tuddin Antique & Decor Gallery 134
Island Landscape & Design
Sandsford Antiques
56
The Country Gardener
Artists and Galleries
Solahart
222 Contemporary Gallery
49
137
44
8
127
want more? www.coastmagazine.net
Aromatherapy in Action
136
Beachside Hair and Beauty Cara Robertson
136
McClelland Gallery & Sculpture Park 42
DK Denture Clinic
138
Montalto Sculpture Prize
Future Pure Water
138
Mushroom Crafts & Art Space Peter Walker: Into Art
Island Healing
137
Red Hill Cool Stores Renee Carmody
56
47
John Gemmill
Ride the Wild Goat
Burke Homes
Anderson Buck Stop
116
Aqua Inspired
Colin Vanderstaay Homes Darren Brown Design
141
140
Home Design & Construction New Dimension Homes
140
Mary McKillop
89
134
Awesome Outcome
80
Birch Ross & Barlow
139
01 Soul
Commonwealth Bank Meehan Design
Denis A Hawkins Jewellery
Kush Kush La Bella
coast 130
93
Sketa
Coffee Traders
137
Curry Leaf
135
Lacy Jewellery Studio & Gallery 94
A boutique winery with a fine selection of locally produced wines
147
9
Island Shoes & Leongatha ShoeGallery 135 100 Monkeys, Koo Wee Rup Karmella Fashions
148
Fai Thai
96
131
Esplanade Hotel
110
131
Hard Loch Cafe
132
109 101
Purple Hen Vineyard & Winery
9
Restaurants & Cafes
86
Bluestone Lane, Balnarring
139
Fashion & Jewellery
137
130
20
Phillip Island 10Pin Bowling 145
Begin
2
Bass River Winery
Professional Services Archisign
32
139
Wineries
128
Wonthaggi Tile & Wood Heating 143 134
120
143
93
Southern Bazaar
134
Prom Country Real Estate
144
141
Woodwork Solutions
137
Farrells Bookshop
Kongwak Market
119
Reviva Deck
33
South Coast Furnishings
Inverloch Food and Wine Festival
Judith Wright Real Estate
4
find what you need . . .
Entertainment, Markets & Festivals 97
FKP Shearwater on the Island
120
144
144
Wylies True Value Hardware
135
Nordic Designs
91
Metrix New Granite
145
Melbourne Furnishings
Newhaven College
141
145
Jambolli Wooden Toys
Luduco
Education
144
Van Steensel Timbers
80
124
Kush Kush 141
132
Pellet Fires Gippsland
79
Floorworld Wonthaggi
Kudos
121
Smiths Beach Constructions
133
La Fontaine Estate, Clyde
136
San Remo Pharmacy Home & Homewares
Cavalier Homes
140
138
Builders & Designers 124
127
New Wave Concreting
133
15
Koonwarra Day Spa 44
140
139
Paint Place: Cowes & Wonthaggi
Westernport Hotel
Seagrove Estate
Eric Van Agtmaal Builder
Loes Hardware
111
133
San Remo Realty
128
Montalto Vineyard & Olive Grove
Jeminy Hair & Health
59
136
135
Darren George Hair
98
132
Alex Scott and Staff P/L Phillip Island 138
Bass Coast Refrigeration
Evan’s Petroleum
Real Estate
42
135
133
Amcal Cowes
Gecko Studio Gallery
Kudos Gallery
Taylors Waterfront Restaurant
Watermark Restaurant @ Silverwater
79
27
Trades, Services & Hardware
Hair, Health and Beauty
Ali De la Rosa
59
131
Trace’s Place
89
Reform Gippsland Sculpture Prize
Silverleaves Store
131
6
145
Wonthaggi Toyota & Holden
105
106
The Wonthaggi Cub
75
Wildlife Coast Cruises
113
Shionis at Kahloa
The Gilded Lily
Ride On Bikes
107
75
Royal Botanic Gardens, Cranbourne
Tomo Modern Japanese
Four Corners Framing
49
142
EcoWaterwise Water Tanks 143
Arty Farty Sculpture Studio
Jacqui Burslam
142
129
The Solar Shop
Anita Stepano-Ross 47
Creative Gippsland
129
Islandscape Transformations
Tyabb & South Gipps Antique Centre 63
143
67
Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit
110
Sherwoods Restaurant
Eastwood Paving & Landscaping
A Maze’N Things
15
107
Phillip Island Chocolate Factory
Blue Gum Garden Supplies
Compass Pools
Tourism & Travel & Outdoors
132
Infused Restaurant,Cafe, Wine Bar
Gardens, Landscaping & Green Living
16
The Waves Apartments
Harrys on the Esplanade
Studio 41 Gallery
68
RACV Resort Inverloch
89
Cellar door open 10am-5pm daily 1835 Dalyston-Glen Forbes Road, Glen Forbes Victoria 3990 Ph. (03) 5678 8252 www.bassriverwinery.com
98
100
all dishes cooked fresh from original Wholefoods & Organics family recipes handed down from generation to generation... Store & Cafe
Health Foods inerals â– Vitamins & M s â– Organic Vegie Products re a C in k S l ra â– Natu n Free â– Wheat/Glute Products rocery Items â– Wholefood G
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Open Hours: Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday 9am - 1pm
293 Rossiter Road, Koo Wee Rup
Ph: 5997 1601
Take Away or enjoy a night out in our country courtyard dining huts under the stars licensed and BYO . All Halal food available . all cards accepted Curry Leaf Takeaway Phone 5956 6772 Shop 9 Vista Place Cape Woolamai, Phillip Island
Silverleaves Store RELAX
.
INDULGE
.
ENJOY
Authentic Thai Taste
CAFE
Authentic Thai – cooked fresh to order
FOODSTORE
Open for lunch
WINE
Friday – Sunday
and dinner
Tuesday – Sunday
Eat In or Take Away / BYO 143 Marine Parade San Remo
Tel: 5678 5020 Fai ThaiV2.indd 1
. .BREAKFAST LUNCH
. EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN 1 Honeysuckle Grove, SilverLEAVES , Phillip Island, 3922 PH: 03 5952 1110 XXX QIJMMJQJTMBOEHFUBXBZ DPN BV JOGP!QIJMMJQJTMBOEHFUBXBZ DPN BV
19/2/09 5:23:59 PM Silverleaves Store V3.indd 1
coast 131
21/2/09 4:11:57 PM
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
tomo & joh 23 A’Beckett St Inverloch 3996
1215 Phillip Island Tourist Rd, Phillip Island
p. 03 5956 7371
p 5674 3444
Email: restaurant@waterfront.net.au
Wrap ‘n’ Roll Cafe where fresh is best!
This exciting business is FOR SALE! Call Tracy on 0408 785 589
Gourmet burgers, wraps, foccacias, ice cream, coffee and much more! 144 Marine Parade San Remo
5678 5589 Traces Place.indd 1
Open 7 Days for breakfast and lunch
The coldest beer in town . . . sunny outdoor dining new flavours . . . local produce . . . comfy couches premium wines . . . coffee & cake. 2008 AHA state finalist: Best Entertainment Venue a/ 161 Marine Pde San Remo t/ 03 5678 5205 e/ info@thewesternport.com.au www.thewesternport.com.au
11/2/09 9:08:12 AM The Westernport.indd 1
coast 133
12/2/09 12:35:48 PM
L&J TUDDIN restorations
Jambolli.indd 1
5/11/08 10:12:06 PM
ANTIQUE & DECOR GALLERY A NT I Q U E S / / A RT I F A CT S / / D E C O R / / B E A D S
EVERY SUNDAY from 10 am - Inside & Out
LIVE MUSIC FROM 11AM
RESTORED FURNITURE FROM EUROPE & CHINA
Main Street, KONGWAK, Victoria (only 10 minutes from Inverloch)
For more information call Jane on 0417 142 478
Over 20 years experience. Private restoration available. Antiques to contemporary. The Antique gallery is located between the Inverloch Motel and Inverloch Nursery. Open Fri-Sun 10am-5pm. Public & School Holidays or by appointment. 37 Powlett Street, Inverloch Tel/Fax (03) 5674 3982 Email ljrestore@live.com.au L & J Tuddin.indd 1
18/2/09 8:46:54 AM
CARA ROBERTSON Professional make up artist
137 Marine Parade, San Remo Ph/Fax 03 5678 5944 * Remaking fashion * trollbeads * Original one off clothing, gifts & homewares * Lalo treasures * New range Vintage Kokeshi * Coming soon Dumpling Dynasty * Inimatable style with quirky touch
Karin Booth Retail Therapist
Diana Ferrari Supersoft Rieker Hush Puppies
T: 0412 454 244 • Napoleon Perdis products
11/2/09 9:36:36 AM
Be impressed by our massive selection. • Skechers • Zensu • & much more
Island Shoes...at our new location 134 Thompson Avenue, Cowes, Vic. 3925 Ph/Fax: 03 5952 2515 @phillipislanddirect.com.au
Leongatha ShoeGallery 22 McCartin Street, Leongatha,Vic. 3953 Ph/Fax: 03 5662 2096 @southcoastdirect.com.au
Island Shoes_v2.indd 1
Hair by Beachside hair & beauty
CaraRobertson.indd 1 18/2/09 3:15:35 PM
Kudos_v4.indd 1
• • • •
open every day
• Weddings • Debutantes • Special Occasion
a l l e B a L Available at:
HOME COLLECTIONS
p. 03 5672 4812 m. 0402 244 537
La Bella.indd 1 20/2/09 3:56:34 PM
140 Graham St, Wonthaggi coast 135
20/2/09 10:37:54 AM
still the same salon, just a new look! Ladies & men’s hairdressing, wedding & deb styling, hair extensions, waxing, massages, professional make up artist, solarium & spray tans, gift vouchers available 103b Marine Pde, San Remo, Victoria Ph. (03) 5678 5323
Beachside v2.indd 1
21/2/09 5:53:12 PM
Make-up and Body Art
pre natal belly painting . debs . formals . weddings
workshops - all redeemable in products, MAC, kryolon Contact Ally on 0402 117 280 www.make-upandbodyart.com
Darren George Hair 6-14 The Esplanade, Cowes Phone 03 5952 2647
Darren George Hair_V1.indd 1
20/2/09 4:17:57 PM
begin
jewellery & accessories
Make-up by Ally De La Rosa
Wish, Ladakh, Purr, French Kitty, All About Eve, Mermaid Sister, Grab
clothing
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5952 2209 Shop 1, 18-22 Thompson Ave, Cowes (Next door to Amcal)
Begin_quarter.indd 1
Call Sian on 0418519181 or 59566377
20/2/09 3:29:17 PM
The Oriental Touch Beginner to limited experience.
Introduction to traditional and comtemporary art. Mediums explored. How to prepare canvas and paper for work. Exercises in line and tone and scale. Exercises to loosen up. Drawing from Still Life objects in black and white and color. Descriptive and expressive colour explored. An introduction to the figure and why it should be drawn. Looking at some of the modern and contemporary masters. Demonstrations given.
Not just a shop - a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;destinationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Garden & Gift Gallery
Advanced to Experienced.
Color relationships on a deeper level explained. Drawing and painting. Still life, imaginative landscapes and visual and emphatic analysis of the figure visited. Mediums investigated. How to draw with feeling and loosen up. How to be led, not steer your own work. Tension, exaggeration, expressive growth lines in drawing and painting looked at. Portraiture and how to draw and read the face. What are readable feelings? Demonstrations given.
Stocking
MELA
PURDIE
Enquiries and bookings
Leeson Street Gallery and workshop space. 38 Leeson Street, Cowes, Philllip Island. 3922 Phone 5952 6492. 0400 864 325. Beginner classes. Monday March 30th. 7pm-9pm. 4 weeks Advanced classes. Tuesday March 31st. 7pm-9pm. 4 weeks
Cost: Both classes. $100 payable in advance. Materials list available. Tutor: Peter Walker
CLOTHES THAT TRAVEL WITH YOU
For gifts with meaning 8 Vista Place Cape Woolamai Victoria 3925 Phone: 5956 6844 Mobile: 0408 575 452
Kush Kush_v2.indd 1
coast 137
12/2/09 3:44:07 PM
Filtering your water beautifully
Helping families in South Gippsland by using the best of Eastern and Western natural medicine
Leongatha Natural Medicine Centre Wonthaggi Natural Medicine Centre . 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
John Gemmill -
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
Futurepure Water Purification Systems PO Box 225 Cowes 3922 P. (03) 5952 6735 mobile. 0400 432 149
Morgan Wayaani - Kinesiologist, Chinese Masseur, Massage Therapy Phone 0403 853 141
20/11/08 3:00:40 PM John Gemmill.indd 1
Future Pure Water.indd 1
5/2/09 11:46:15 AM
Making you feel better naturally
By Appointment Only
41 Phillip Island Rd, Newhaven 3925 Consultations available at Cowes Medical Centre - Tues 8.30am - 12.30pm
For Appointments ring 59 567002 A/H Emergency Repairs ring 0412 231 268
· · · · · · ·
Massage Facials Hot Stones Reiki Ear Candling Aromatherapy Health Fund Rebates Patricia Hanrahan First Floor 134-138 Thompson Avenue Cowes, VIC, 3922 (above Island Shoes) Phone: (03) 5952 2771 Mobile: 0412 339 795 Email: info@aromatherapyinaction.com.au Web address: www.aromatherapyinaction.com.au
treasured memories...
Distributors for South Gippsland
....start small canvas prints from....
chiSIGN
“FUEL BY THE TANK OR TANKER FULL”
ARCHITECTURAL+ACCESS SIGNAGE
10/30 The Concourse
COWES, FISH CREEK, FOSTER, INVERLOCH, KORUMBURRA, LEONGATHA, MIRBOO NTH, TOORA, WONTHAGGI, YARRAM &
john@archisign.com.au mob : 0418 91 90 09
MAIN DEPOT 03 5662 2217 A/H 0418 595 346 Mobil.indd 1
13/2/09 9:46:53 AM
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Cowes
BRB
Birch Ross & Barlow
Your local solicitors operating in South Gippsland for over 100 years
/HW XV KHOS \RX 9/95 Marine Parade, San Remo www.sanremorealty.com.au Ph: 5678 5141
OFFICES:
Korumburra (03) 5655 1066 Leongatha (03) 5662 2275 Wonthaggi (03) 5672 1377 Cowes (03) 5952 1325 coast 139
CREATIVE BUILDING SOLUTIONS
www.dbdesign.com.au DARREN BROWN
Registered Building Practitioner
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
home
Darren Brown Design.indd 1
LUKE HINRICHS 0402 454 742
Eric Van Agtmaal
New Wave 18/2/09 9:20:00 AM Concreting_v2.indd 1
design & construction
23/11/08 5:17:54 PM
Builder
master builders & designers
www.homedesignandconstruction.com.au
• Architectural/Custom Built Homes • Extensions • Unit Developments ph. 03 5678 5777 fax. 03 5678 5515
Open 7 days, for expert advice Inquiry office
75-77 phillip island tourist road, san remo 3925
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
Steve Demos 0417 946 878
your ultimate lifestyle builder
SMITHS BEACH CONSTRUCTIONS & DESIGN Pty Ltd
VAN STEENSEL TIMBERS BUILDING MATERIALS & WATER TANKS
HUGE RANGE OF WATER TANKS
TIMBER . PAINTS. TOOLS. HARDWARE.....AND MORE
FRIENDLY & EXPERT ADVICE CNR. CORINELLA TURN OFF & BASS HWY, GRANTVILLE
(03)56788552
colin vanderstaay
building your dreams
Registered building practitioner • Vanderstaay & son PL abn 17 064 900 223 • dba 6261 • mba 46870 • po box 312, San Remo, Victoria 3925 ph 0409 694 270 • fax 03 5956 6611 • web address - http://colinvand.server101.com
Is your deck looking a little tired? Reviva Deck are experts at revitalizing weathered decks, jetties and timber fences. Their qualified tradesmen use professional application techniques to create a long-lasting and durable finish that penetrates and protects against weathering. Their work outlasts oils three to five times and will have your timber looking fresh and ready for summer. Phone 0418 304 920.
Phone: 0418 304 920 or 0407 845 479 coast 141
&RDVWDO 1DWLYH /DQGVFDSHV Creating unique coastal gardens
Specialising in: Consultation, Design, Construction, & Maintenance Soft landscape – using Australian plants Drought tolerant, Low maintenance Revegetation works and Bobcat / Tipper hire Native plants for sale (by appointment)
Jacquie Chambers 0432 060 528
Pat Barrett 0422 685 045
We have an extensive range of soils, sand, mulch, garden rocks, screenings, crushed rock, mushroom compost and much more. �o�� offering free computer ��ater testing. Pool Servicing and pool supplies
• Dingo & • Brick Cutting • Wacker
Fax. 5952 1424
• Bobcat & Tipper
Coastal Native Landscapes.indd 1
92-94 Dunsmore Rd, Cowes 3922 Phillip Island Victoria
Attachments
Fully qualified Horticulturists RMB 5768 Cowes Victoria Email: jcpb@aapt.net.au
BLUE GUM
• Yes We Hire!
Tel (03) 5952 3855 Fax (03) 59521888
16/2/09 3:40:01 PM Blue Gum.indd 1
18/2/09 2:03:37 PM
JTMBOE MBOETDBQF
EFTJHO
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
Concept & detailed Landscaping Plans Supplier of Stone & Marble Water Features Rock/Sleeper retaining walls Paving & concreting Water gardens/features Bobcat & Tipper hire Easily maintained drought tolerant indigenous gardens
Bill Guy
0418 521 976
www.islandscapetransformations.com.au
G N I V A P D O O W T S EA NDSCAPES AND LA
illip ing Ph Servic
www.ecowaterwise.com.au
e!
d a deca r e v o ds for surroun d n a Island
or Seni s en Citiz nt u Disco
RAIN WATER TANKS
SLIMLINE TANKS 2600 LTR $1100
ROUND TANKS 4800 LTR $990 10800 LTR $1760 22500 LTR $2970
Helping save the gift of water EAS AND LANDSCAPES
DESIGNING LOW MAINTENANCE GARDENS TO ADD STYLE TO YOUR HOME Specialising in driveways, outdoor living, retaining walls, brick paving, crazy paving, excavating and all aspects of landscaping.
0408 322 652
Scott Eastwood
(03)5952 6566
M: 0408 322 652 A.H: 5956 8060
Tanks Manufactured on Phillip Island available for FREE DELIVERY now!
www.eastwoodpavingandlandscapes.com.au Eastwood Paving_v2.indd 1
New Season’s
16/2/09 12:51:32 PM
FLOOR AND WALL TILES NOW ON SHOW
Raw Polymers.indd 1
specialised joinery solutions Custom made: • Yacht Interiors • Timber Bi-fold Doors • Sliding Timber Doors • French Doors • Timber Windows • Consultancy for the joinery & interior industry • In house and onsite training • Technical advice and solutions • Representative for StairBiz software in Australia
WONTHAGGI TILE & WOOD HEATING 323a Bass Highway, Wonthaggi, Vic 3995 Phone: 5672 2543 Fax: 5672 2326
Kevin Holden PO Box 789, Wonthaggi 0458520347 coast 143
Metrix New Granite
For everything in hardware …
WYLIE’S TRUE VALUE HARDWARE Friendly service & great advice all at the right price!
Specialist Interior Finishes Italian & New Zealand Engineered Stone
At last affordable granite for kitchens, bathrooms, laundries, furniture & commercial applications Wide variety of colours to suit your decor
Your LOCAL hardware
Face Lifts & Renovations
GREAT SERVICE & PRICEMaster Craftsman
PH. 0428 14 20 20
Peter Barton FAX. 03 5659 4444
CHASE AWAY THE COLD
9 Murray Street, Wonthaggi
03 56725 955
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5/2/09 11:35:43 AM
Pellet Fires Gippsland - Now offer an expanded range of wood pellet fires this coming winter
• High performance • Push button start • Self igniting/self feeding • Economical • Carbon neutral
Call Ken now for a free home demonstration 0403 218 830
for everything in paint
pelletfiresgippsland@msn.com
Pellet Fires Gippsland - Sales, Service and Pellet Fuel Supplies
www.parkwoodfires.com.au www.pelletheatersaustralia.com.au
WONTHAGGI
COWES
21 Billson Street
149 Thompson Avenue
Tel (03) 5672 5522 Fax (03) 5672 5533 Paint place.indd 1
Tel (03) 5952 2522 Fax (03) 5952 2593 18/2/09 3:33:17 PM
Cruise to Seal Rocks on the ‘Kasey Lee’ Functions for all occasions!
Seal Rocks Eco Cruise PHILLIP ISLAND
MARINE WILDLIFE & ECO CRUISE/TOURS FRENCH ISLAND • DINNER CRUISES Bookings & Enquiry Centre Cowes Jetty Carpark
AD THIS T N O I S T MEN OUR COA Y T R N O F OU DISC
Pool Tables, Air Hockey tables, Lounge, Cafe & Fully Licensed Bar, Table Tennis, Internet Access, Interactive Games & Austar Entertainment on a large screen.
91 SETTLEMENT ROAD, COWES
Phone: 1300 763 739
tenpin@pitenpin.com.au www.pitenpin.com.au
www.wildlifecoastcruises.com.au
THE BUCK STOP
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18/2/09 11:43:39 AM Bowling.indd 1 PI 10 Pin
5952 3977 17/2/09 2:57:20 PM
Old & New
Be surprised! you never know what you’ll find
• Rustic Furniture • Bric a Brac • Unique Carvings • Crystals & Crystal Jewellery • Quality Incense • Rocks, Pebbles & Garden Stuff
Cnr Bass Hwy & Anderson Rise, Anderson
5678 5779 www.buckstop.com.au Anderson Buck Stop.indd 1
19/2/09 10:44:59 AM
coast 145
L AC Y JEWELLERY STUDIO
&
GALLERY
Philip Lacy Manufacturing Jeweller Engagement Rings 132 Whitelaw St Meeniyan VIC 3956
|
Wedding Bands
|
Fine Jewellery
Phone 5664 0055 Please visit www.lacyjewellery.com.au