coast magazine - edition 12 Spring 2008
coast Phillip Island to the Prom
Coastal living at its best!
Only $3.80
live the dream
the green issue we show you how to ‘go green’ snake island a cattle muster on horseback art icon denis leversha
AUS $3.80 (inc GST)
www.coastmagazine.net
edition 12 Spring 2008
A magazine for living, relaxing & enjoying life by the coast
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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 the new Kingfisher release overlooking Willoughby Park, priced from $135,900, and land with bay views with titles available now so you can start building your dream home straight away.
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“sets a new benchmark for sustainable
residential development�
2007 Urban Development Institute of Australia Awards for Excellence
Freecall 1800 61 61 06 164pgs.indd 3
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t es r e nt 3 i ur ge o r y r sta e t is fo g Re now
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9OUR OPPORTUNITY TO JOIN #OWES´ NEWEST RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS Enjoy your piece of Island life Shearwater on the Island is located only a step away from the Phillip Island Golf Course, minutes from Silverleaves beach and the heart of Cowes retail strip. All of this and 5 hectares of wetlands and village parklands. With flexible lots ranging from 462sqm to 1540sqm, the time is now to register your interest for Shearwater on the Island at www.shearwaterestate.com.au For sales enquiries call 1300 SHEARWATER or visit 1/154 Thompson Ave, Cowes, VIC
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Be amazed at the stunning beauty of Spring wildflowers Visit the Gardens Shop - Australian inspired gifts and souvenirs Relax in the Boonerwurrung Café - 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 (Opening 4 October)
Go wild this Spring at the Australian Garden ONLY 50 MINUTES FROM MELBOURNE!
Open every day except Christmas Day, from 9am to 5pm.
www.australiangarden.com.au Phone: 5990 2200
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contents &features
regulars 10
Coast life
14
15 Minutes of Fame Panny the Chocolate King
16
What’s Fresh Check out what’s new this season
24
2 (coast) People Ben & Britt Lewis
39
Arts & Events Guide
54
Getaway Magical Morrocco
100
Feature Area Tranquil Tooradin
102
Around Town (105,115)
117
Surf ‘n’ Life
122
Where to Eat A quick handy guide on where to wine, dine and snack
124
My Favorite Recipe Taylors’ seafood surprise
127
Dine Out Wonthaggi Club
133
Coast Property
162
A Moment in Time Mike Cleeland
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features Snake Island We head out on a muster
18
We are Family Rahel & Misikir Davies
26
Artist Profile Street artist Seldom Seen
34
Fashion Files Look fresh this spring
43
Artist Profile Icon, Dennis Leversha
50
GREEN FEATURE Live a sustainable life
61
GARDENING FEATURE Make your backyard an oasis
90
EDUCATION SPECIAL 106 It’s back to school! Surfer Profile 118 Jarvis Cininas
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coast magazine - edition 7 Winter 2007
WANT YOUR OWN COPY?
coast Coastal living at its best!
live the dream
I do, I do, I do winter weddings deborah halpern mosaic of life ‘tuff’ times outback challenge
COAST MAGAZINE, A BEAUTIFUL Phillip Island to the Prom FULL COLOUR Only $3.80 QUARTERLY PUBLICATION IS AVAILABLE FOR $3.80 AT THE FOLLOWING OUTLETS
AUS $3.80 (inc GST)
www.coastmagazine.net
edition 7 Winter 2007
DON’T FORGET! YOU CAN SUBSCRIBE. CHECK OUT PG 154
A magazine for living, relaxing & enjoying life by the coast
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Cowes Newsagent - Phillip Island Cowes IGA Supermarket - Phillip Island Cowes West General Store - Phillip Island Ventnor Store - Phillip Island Rhyll General Store - Phillip Island Silverleaves General Store - Phillip Island Cape Woolamai Mini Mart - Phillip Island Newhaven Newsagent - Phillip Island San Remo Supermarket San Remo Newsagent Freedom Fuels San Remo Bass General Store Daylston General Store Killy Cafe - Kilcunda Cellarbrations Wonthaggi Wonthaggi Newsagent Wonthaggi Ritchies IGA Supermarket Mobil Wonthaggi Mobil Inverloch Seasalt Cafe Cape Paterson Cape Paterson Corner shop Inverloch Newsagent Inverloch Supermarket Venus Bay Store Fish Creek Newsagency Koonwarra Foodstore Leongatha Newsagent Korumburra Newsagent Foster Newsagent Foster IGA Grantville Newsagent Lang Lang Newsagency 100 Monkeys Koo Wee Rup Tooradin Newsagent Tooradin Foodworks IGA Mornington Newsagent Mt Eliza Newsagency
from the publisher I had a call from a young friend the other day. She felt so frustrated about the proposed desalination plant earmarked for our coast that she wrote an impassioned plea to the Prime Minister to reconsider this plan. She spoke of her concerns for the environment, particularly the Little Penguins and sea creatures that could well be affected by pumping thousands of litres of concentrated salts and pipe-cleaning chemicals into the ocean. Bella is only seven, but even at this tender age she realises the potential dangers of creating a water-processing factory on our pristine coastline. If you feel similarly passionate about this issue, put pen to paper and let our politicians know how you feel. After all, we live in a democracy and the community should be consulted on major projects that will affect their area. But that’s enough grumbling! In this edition, Coast is going GREEN and looks at coasters who are making sustainable changes to their lives. We visit permaculturalist Rick Coleman at his edible garden and discover how the Leongatha local is spreading the word of sustainability through constructive gardening. Then we pedal down the road to Coronet Bay to talk to Peter Keogh about making a positive change to the way we live by utilising wind and solar power. Artist John Mutsaers shows us his house made of straw – and no, he’s not worried about the wolf blowing his house down! We make a scenic turn at Foster and talk to two beautiful girls about the pride of their Ethiopian culture and growing up in a small, rural town. Then we hit the saddles with horseman at Snake Island and join the muster of cattle to the mainland. Finally, did we happen to mention Coast’s fabulous new web site? Filled with all the things you love, a fully interactive online magazine, and this coast’s best online directory, you must check it out www.coastmagazine.net Enjoy the best Spring has to offer! Maria
Check out the fab businesses listed on the Coast
website www.coastmagazine.net Publisher Editor Sub editor Words Photo Editor Photography Design Print Manager Sales/Marketing
Maria Reed Sally O’Neill Cherie Dyson Kate Lindsay, Alison Hill, Sally O’Neill, Maria Reed, Sue Webster, Fiona Power, Lisa Valastro Warren Reed Warren Reed (Advertising) Maria Reed (Editorial) Coast Photography 0414 753 739 Maria Reed, Jodie Bellett Nigel Quirk Gabriella McRae 0432 273 107 For all advertising enquiries call Gaby, or email us at ads@coastmagazine.net Phillip Island to the Prom coast PO Box 104, San Remo, Victoria 3925 Phone (03) 59 566 369 Fax (03) 59 566 369 Advertising 0432 273 107 Email editorial@coastmagazine.net Web www.coastmagazine.net
Phillip Island to the Prom Coast Magazine © published by Coast Media P/L. ISSN 1833-3648. The publisher is not responsible or liable for any omissions or human error in Phillip Island to the Prom Coast Magazine. Material in this publication cannot be published or reproduced without the publishers written consent. All material contained in this publication is protected by Australian Copyright regulations. All rights reserved.
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Use technology to reduce paper waste. Make the switch to online marketing and sales. A website is a dynamic business tool to promote your products and services around the clock to every business and household worldwide, reducing the need to print brochures. If you rely on paper-based brochures, catalogues, newsletters, price lists or order forms, talk to Meehan Design and move your business online. Engage and educate customers, increase sales, cut down costs and reduce your impact on the environment with a website. Electronic brochures Email newsletters Mailing lists Search engine optimisation
Product catalogues Online shopping portal Image galleries Update content instantly
Visit www.meehandesign.com.au or call (03) 9495 1265 and make the switch.
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coast
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coastlife Ohfabulous my lordy, The andMartha hard- is coming to town! Martha Wainwright that is. Don’t miss working volunteersthis gutsy, gorgeous Canadian/American folk singer at our very own Meeniyan Hall in November. Sister of at South Gippsland Animal Aid’s thrift shop, Rufus and daughter of Loudon Wainwright-the-third and Kate ‘Paws Galore’Martha’s , need help McGarrigle, new album ‘I Know You’re Married But I’ve Got Feelings Too’ is sure to feature in what will be an intimate and memorable show. No doubt tix will sell fast, so contact Lyrebird Arts Council pronto! Call 5664 9239 or check out www.lyrebirdartscouncil.com.au
new coast website! After months of hard work, the Coast team is proud to announce the launch of their new-look website. The site was designed by the talented Matthew Meehan of Meehan Design www.meehandesign.com.au and is stylish and easy to use. When you log onto the site, you can download the latest electronic copy of the mag, learn more about Coast, and subscribe. You can also be one step closer to ‘living the dream’ by accessing the Coast Directory. This is a full listing of the businesses, products and services that make the living on this coast so special. See you at
www.coastmagazine.net
coast champions
spring
With the Olympics fresh in our mind, it seems that we have some budding athletes of our own on the coast. South Coast Athletics Club represents a wide area with members from Berwick, Cranbourne, Phillip Island, Wonthaggi, Inverloch, Leongatha, Korumburra, Mirboo North, Meeniyan, Bairnsdale and many places in between. The club formed in August 2007 and, with a mere forty-seven members, has been very successful in its first year. They have produced ten Victorian Country champions in various age groups, two Victorian Heptathlon Champions, three Victorian Youth Champions in Shot Put, 100 metres and 200 metres. Club treasurer, Steve Plumb, revealed that many of their members have had the opportunity to compete against athletes who went on to represent Australia in the Olympic team such as Tamsyn Lewis, Lee Troop and Craig Mottram, just to name a few. “We cater for everyone,” says Steve. “People who just want to get off their bum and have a go, through to those who have their sights set on the Olympics; we can give them an opportunity to compete at whatever level they like.” So, if you are set on London in 2012, or you just want to become involved in athletics, please call Steve on 5672 4299 or check out www.southcoastathletics.com
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winner of Popular Choice award portrait of Sally Shasser by Ann Parry
Calling all portrait artists for the Great Southern Portrait Prize
photo © John Banikos
This great competition is on again! Entries for 2009 must be based on a live sitting of a Gippsland resident and completed within the last twelve months. Any media may be used and there is an entry fee of $10. The Prize is presented by Prom Coast Arts Council with funding through a South Gippsland Shire Council Community Grant and the generous support of local businesses and individuals. Entries will be exhibited in the foyer of the Foster War Memorial Arts Centre as part of the sixth annual Tastes of Prom Country Festival, on 17 & 18 January. Great prizes are on offer in Open and Junior sections. Entries close 21 December . Information and entry forms available from Jane Power on 5683 2621 (j.power@bigpond.com) or Michael Lester on 5683 2481 or 0421 209 878 (framing@geckostudiogallery.com.au).
Get Ready for Chill 2009
on a winning streak Tis the season for Spring racing and Stony Creek Racing Club has a frisky little program of events for you to enjoy country racing at its best. This picturesque racecourse, located just 4km past the township of Meeniyan, has a colourful history and is a wonderful place for a family day out. Watching the horses gallop around the 1690 metre all-weather track is just one highlight of a day at the races. There will be fashions on the field, children’s fun, great food and, of course, a well-stocked bar. This year’s program commences with Ladies Day on Friday 7 November and a festive Christmas meet on Saturday 13th December. www.scrc.com.au
The Coast team is hearing all sorts of talk about the lineup for this summer’s Chill Island festival. From Elvis Presley to the Sex Pistols, we’ve heard it all. We asked Mr. Chill for a straight answer and received a crooked smile. “Sorry Coast, we can’t confirm our line-up as yet,” he says mysteriously. “All I can say is that we are very close to a final announcement and are pretty sure we will do our next Chill Island on 17 Jan 2009.” Hmmm…. Well what we can confirm is that everyone who signs up to the email list at www.chillisland. org will be first to hear the final line up and date and will also get access to discount pre-sale tickets. So, given the speed of last summer’s sell out, this would be wise.’
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Local building design company, Beaumont Concepts, is thrilled to be announced as winner in the recently held Building Designer’s Association of Victoria Awards. Taking out the category for ‘Residential Home Design up to $300 000 construction cost’ the award was won for Marcus Satchel and Lisa Sartori’s house in Wonthaggi. The Building Designers Association of Victoria holds an annual Building Design Awards competition to showcase the talents and expertise of building designers, and to encourage higher standards of excellence in design. Entries are judged on aesthetics, environment and feasible cost solutions as well as social and technical aspects. Winners demonstrate integration of these elements and innovation of one or more aspect. “The awards night at the Park Hyatt was huge,” says Esme Beaumont. “It was the first time we had entered anything so we are wrapped!” Take a peek into this award-winning house in our Property Section on page 134.
look out for wildlife
Spring is a busy time in nature and also for the hard-working wildlife carers who deal with sick and injured animals. Marg Healy runs the wildlife hospital at Phillip Island Nature Park where she and her team care for wildlife including penguins, seabirds, possums, birds and wallabies. She also oversees a dedicated band of volunteers who are on call twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week to deal with wildlife emergencies. “Be on the lookout for wildlife on the roads this Spring,” pleads Marg. “This is the time when animals are active and their young are venturing out into the world. Baby animals do not understand about cars and can suddenly fly or run unexpectedly. If you come across injured wildlife, please stay with it until help arrives. If it is at all possible to catch the animal and put it into a box, that saves us time and allow us to get the animal to into a safer environment more quickly,” advises Marg. If you come across injured wildlife on Phillip Island, please call 5951 2800 then wait for prompts and dial 8. For all other areas, call1300 094 535.
award winning design
relay for life Spending twenty-four hours walking in a circle may seem like a strange thing to do. But when it is combined with fun, fellowship and the knowledge that you are raising funds for a worthy cause, it all makes sense. On the weekend of 8 & 9 November, almost 1000 people will gather to participate in the world’s largest fundraising event for cancer research – Relay For Life. The relay involves teams of ten or more participants who are challenged to complete a relay-style walk or run. The Cowes Football oval will become a hive of festivity, with tents, marquees and caravans lining the perimeter. Music, food and entertainment is provided and the friendly banter between teams keeps up enthusiasm through the longer hours of the night. This is the fourth event in Bass Coast. From humble beginnings of ten teams who raised an amazing $12,000 in 2003, the event has grown to 364 participants representing thirty-four teams and raising an astonishing $73,000 in 2007. Registration for this year’s event is now open with thirteen teams already confirmed. Entering a team is easy; think up a catchy name and theme and register either on-line at www. relayforlife.com.au or by filling out a registration form. If you need more information, please call Bruce McHenry on 0408 546 211.
She’s A Classic
Spring is the perfect time for a cruise on the bay. Even better, a cruise on an historic old girl named ‘Spina’ - a 35-foot traditional timber fishing boat built in Mordiallic in 1920. Today she is ‘the other woman’ in skipper, Glen Harvie’s life. Glen purchased Spina in 2006 and now runs Classic Fishing Charters on the bay of Western Port. Glen often shares the water with pods of friendly dolphins on his tours and encourages not only fishing, but sight seeing and bird watching groups as well. Everything is provided including a delicious roast lunch, prepared and cooked to perfection as you cruise. www.classicfishing.com.au coast 12
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Did you know we stock PC and Mac Didcomputers you know and we now stock and accessories? service Apple Mac computers? Let us help you get the most out of your IT investment • help desk • full computer support • pc & mac • point of sale • hardware & software sales • website design
PurpleC Pty Ltd - technology for business Mac Showroom - Ground Floor 156 Thompson Avenue Cowes PurpleC IT Business Centre - Upstairs 156 Thompson Avenue Cowes Phone 5952 3392 Fax 5952 2390 www.purplec.com.au purpleFINAL.indd 1 164pgs.indd 13
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The king of chocolate, Kondanapanny Letchumanan, simply known as ‘Panny’ to his friends, talks to Coast about starting again, chocolate, early mornings, painting and more chocolate …
fifteenminutesoffame words as told to Sally O’Neill photo Warren Reed
Tell us about life before Australia? I was born in Malaysia in 1 52 - I am Malaysian-Indian. My Indian forefathers came to Malaysia around 1886. The farm I grew up on was an estate - a rubber plantation. My parents were rubber workers and I used to cut rubber for them on weekends and holidays. I received my education in Malaysia and then went on to study in India only to return and work as an engineer in palm oil mills. I then journeyed to Saba on the island of Borneo, and then to Papua New Guinea where I was general manager and engineer on a coconut and cocoa farm for fifteen years. When did you come to Australia? I obtained a business migration in 2000. We started a chocolate factory on the Gold Coast. It was difficult because the weather was too hot for chocolate, but we learnt a lot. I became an Australian citizen in November 2007; I can no longer call Malaysia home. I think Australia has been very generous to me. I believe all my energy and whatever I am creating should be put back into this country. I consider all the people I meet here as my own family. It was a big decision to move to Phillip Island but we are getting used to it – and the weather is perfect for chocolate! Where did you learn to cook curry? Because I am of Indian origin, my Mum used to cook curries. When I was in Papua New Guinea, it was quite dangerous and I couldn’t go out at night so I spent many nights experimenting cooking curries and perfecting them to my taste. If I don’t like the curries, I won’t serve them to other people. When I arrived here, they were a bit too hot for people’s taste so I toned them down. Just think, I was once an engineer and now I’m cooking curries! In your spare time? I am planning the second stage of Phillip Island Chocolate Factory and trying out some new and unusual curries. Do you think of anything except chocolate and curry?! I paint Indian portraits. Each picture has a caption and, when you look
at the picture, you understand it. When I draw males, the Hindu gods are there. The paintings of females are always related to gods in one form or another. It may look a little bit sensual, it’s simply art; I draw what comes to me. Because the paintings are divinely connected, I have to do the very best I can – it takes a lot of time. About religion… I am a Hindu. My wife and I don’t force that on to our children although we have discussed this very widely with them. They are modern children and wonder if what we’re saying is true. In this modern world, they want proof to believe: this is the difference between the east and west, the present and older society. We don’t ask questions, we follow and go on in life. For Hindus, we follow whatever the guru (or teacher) says. The guru can be your parents or someone else, for me, it was my parents. My wife and I get up at three o’clock every morning to get ready to practise meditation at four o’clock. Hindus believe this is the best and quietest time. Hinduism teaches that you must have creative ideas and a creative mind, if you do not have imagination, you do not feel complete. I always have the imagination of God in my head as I am saying a mantra. We believe that if we keep on saying the mantra, it becomes embedded in your brain and you just believe in that - just follow that. C
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THE BASS COAST’S NEWEST ACCOMMODATION & DINING DESTINATION
Water views
Leisure facilities
Apartment accommodation
Drinks in the bar
Casual dining
Special occasions
CafÊ ¡ Bar ¡ Restaurant t $BTVBM DBG� NFOV BWBJMBCMF EBJMZ t &YQFSJFODF TVQFSC EJOOFST VOEFS QFSGFDU TVOTFUT t 4UVOOJOH WJFXT BDSPTT UIF CBZ GSPN UIF JOEPPS PVUEPPS EFDL t &OKPZ B GVMM -FJTVSF 3FTPSU FYQFSJFODF PO ZPVS OFYU TUBZ BU 1IJMMJQ *TMBOE
Silverwater Resort open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner Visitors welcome! Silverwater Resort 1PUUFST )JMM 3PBE 4BO 3FNP 7JDUPSJB t JOGP!TJMWFSXBUFSSFTPSU DPN BV t Tel: 03 5671 9300 www.silverwaterresort.com.au
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what’sfresh Coast presents the freshest ideas and happenings for the fabulous season of Spring. All the merchandise featured in what’s fresh is available from advertisers in COAST Magazine.
purple C For all your business technology solutions, Purple C is your onestop-shop. The friendly team will have you communicating across the workplace or across the world in no time! Purple C now sells and services Mac computers and they also have a stylish range of computer accessories including ‘must have’ laptop bags and cases. 156 Thompson Ave, Cowes. Phone 5952 3392 www.purplec.com.au
wonthaggi fabrics Let your imagination run wild to create your own Spring fashions at Wonthaggi Fabrics. Kerryn has a full range of patterns, fabulous materials and accessories to get that perfect and individual Spring look which not only includes clothing, but jewellery, hats and fascinators! 133 Graham St, Wonthaggi. Phone 5672 5393
aw smith & sons A.W. Smith and Sons homewares and gifts are back open for business. “We’ve really expanded and rearranged the floor space,” says Louise. The fresh, new layout allows you to see everything at a glance. New stock is arriving every day and ranges are being expanded in preparation for Christmas. “It’s brighter, spacious and easier to browse,” adds Louise. “We think the shop looks great, and we hope our customers do too.”
jeminy hair & health
sandcastles real estate The new kids on the block, ‘Sandcastles Real Estate’ in Cowes pride themselves on their professional service and advice. They offer a full range of services including permanent and holiday property management and sales of residential and commercial properties. If you’re thinking of buying or selling this Spring, give either of the two Petes a call! 43 Thompson Ave, Cowes. Phone 5952 1600.
Spring is the perfect time for a fresh new hair colour. The team at Jeminy in Inverloch use CHI Ionic ammonia-free permanent hair colours. With a range of 82 luxurious shades, they give lasting colour without chemical fumes. Their exceptional ‘high lift blonde series’ is perfect for you to attain this season’s hottest look. 122 Main Street, Inverloch. Phone 5674 3122
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fkp shearwater celebrates Freshly dug soil is what Spring is all about and the crew at FKP Shearwater recently celebrated the turning of the sod to mark the beginning of construction for the first stage of their Shearwater Estate in Cowes. It seems many are sharing the vision for a ‘residential community to sit in harmony within a unified landscape, with the provision of a high standard of urban design and landscaping’. Sales enquiries contact Greg Price 5952 5711 or 0419 337 441.
loch village pantry Here’s a new excuse to take a trip to the lovely village of Loch (as if you need one!). The Loch Village Pantry offers light lunches, scrummy cakes and quality Brazilian coffee. Drop in and say hi to manager, Ian Goodwin. Open Thursday to Sunday. 27 Victoria St, Loch. Phone 5659 4455.
frozen moments After a lifetime of amateur photography Eric Frederiks and wife Avril have started a business in sport and event photography. They specialise in giving the average sportsperson a rare opportunity to be photographed playing the sport they love. They are sure to capture that ‘frozen moment’ to be cherished for many years to come. Being a websitebased business you can view and purchase photos online. Call 0407 807 915 or check out www.frozenmoments.com.au
la fontaine It all started when owners Brett & Helen Glover were told about a group of Buddhist Monks that were looking for a contractor to demolish their existing vineyard. They used the rescued vines, to create the fabulous new vineyard and restaurant, La Fontaine Estate in Clyde. With cellar door sales of their awardwinning wines and quality menu, the detour just off the South Gippsland Highway is well rewarded. 295 Manks Road, Clyde. Phone 5998 1133.
new metrix granite Give your kitchen or bathroom a facelift this Spring. Peter Barton of Loch has over 30 years experience in magic makeovers specialising in high quality interior finishes such as granite. Whether it’s a renovation, brand new or starting from scratch, give Peter a call for a fresh new look. Peter Barton 0428 142 020.
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coast feature
Next year marks 100 years of continual cattle grazing on Snake Island. Named for its shape rather than the wildlife, this sandy strip in the lee of Wilson’s Promontory, is a perfect winter pasture for cattle from surrounding farms. Horseback musters are rare enough these days, but what makes Snake Island unique, thrilling and even dangerous is the crossing of Lewis Channel. This is the only place in Australia where cattle are taken through the water to be agisted on an island. During the crossing, you have to trust your horse and the pilots to guide you and the cattle safely from shore to shore. Only a select few are qualified to lead the water crossing. These ‘pilots’ have a large stake in the tradition. Many of them following in their father’s and grandfather’s hoofsteps. It’s only the pilot’s word that allows you to
cross. The decision is based on a complicated mix of the right tide, wind and weather conditions. No one wants to repeat the disaster of 1 33 when one hundred head of cattle was lost due to bad weather causing panic on the crossing. Luckily no other losses have been reported since that date. Today we are here to witness the men and women of the Snake Island Cattleman’s Association bringing home the winter cattle. (All cattle must be off the island by Spring.) Scanning the shore as we motor along with skipper Frank in his boat, the Tom Thumb, we spy a dark shape on the shore. It slowly extends to reveal a line of horses and riders protecting a mob of cattle. They enter the water to begin the crossing home. We moor the boat at the deepest and most treacherous part of
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snake akeisland muster
words Sally O’Neill photos Maria & Warren Reed
Swish swish swish swish. That’s the sound of horse’s tails and hundreds of legs of cattle walking through the water on one of Gippsland’s finest traditions – the Snake Island cattle muster.
the crossing: a channel where the cattle have to swim a little and the horses are on their ‘tippy toes’. I have to declare a pang of envy as the group gets closer. We are so close that we hear the splashing, cattle calling, the snap of the stockwhip and chatter of the horsemen and women. But as one who has participated in the journey several times, it’s not the same as being part of it on a trusty steed. The pilots lead the group; their knowledge and experience guiding the horses and cattle through the water. The other riders flank the herd calling, cracking their whips and keeping the cattle in a tight pack. It’s a spectacular sight and I really feel as if I am witnessing a special piece of history. Once through the water, the mob comes ashore and wanders along a tree-lined road towards the yards. A riderless horse indicates a
foot search is in progress for a stray cow, which has escaped into the bush. Back at the cattle yards near Port Welshpool, the twenty-six musterers are cold, wet and tired but in good spirits after an early morning start and several solid days of mustering the mob. It’s a challenging and time consuming job – but there’s no complaints from this workforce, many of whom own the cattle they are droving. “We got 211 and left about six behind,” says pilot and cattleman David Jones. “I’m the fourth generation of my family coming to Snake Island. It’s just something that has been handed down over the years. You keep going over and getting the experience and the organisation puts their trust in you and makes you a pilot.” The 3.8 kilometre water crossing takes about an hour and a half.> coast 1
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“There’s a special route that we travel. Many years ago, we used a path, which had some very deep channels. The cattle had to do a few strokes and the horses had to tiptoe along the bottom – you’d get wet below the belly button every time,” says David who has been going to the island nearly every fortnight since he was thirteen and always used to have a day off school to join the muster. Agistment on Snake Island was originally opened up to dairy cattle from the hill-block farms in the surrounding Strzelecki Ranges. Feed on these farms was scarce during winter and it often meant the difference between farmers surviving on their land or having to leave. Today both dairy and beef cattle are taken over. Knowing he’d have a few stories up his sleeve, I ask Dave for some tall tales. “There’s lots of great stories, but what happens on Snake Island stays on Snake Island! It’s all in good fun, there’s no harm. There’s the funny side and the hard work side like when you get up at 5am to muster cows,” he says. Another Snake Island character is Wally Cayzer, from Buffalo, who was the second pilot on this trip. He and horse, Brandy, make at least ten trips to Snake Island each year. “It’s just a love of horses and cattle,” says Wally. “I’ve been working with cattle all of my life. I guess every young fella would like to live in Queensland in 1926 when the whole world revolved around horses and cattle, but it didn’t happen for me. Late in life I heard about Snake Island. I came as a guest and, here I am, one of the old brigade!” Wally earned the badge of pilot through experience and seniority. “These days we have tide charts but you also need knowledge. It’s knowing when to go, if the sands have shifted and how much water there should be. It’s more than finding your way over to the island; it’s a big responsibility.” Once on the island, says Wally, the focus turns to the muster. “The most satisfying moment is going out and getting the cattle you are looking for. Getting those that have always beaten you. “It’s just a wonderful experience riding around in the bush and seeing the animals. There’s a >
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“I’ve been working with cattle all of my life. I guess every young fella would like to live in Queensland in 1926 when the whole world revolved around horses and cattle, but it didn’t happen for me.”
Sea Eagle nesting over there now. It’s just beautiful to show people the eagle that’s been nesting there for ten years, also koalas and emus – it’s a great turn on for anyone who loves nature.” There’s also a vibrant social life at night when friends get together and have a few drinks and the cooks put on a great spread. “We work hard, but we play hard too,” says Wally. One hundred years of continuous agistment, plus an estimated century of grazing on and off before that, makes it a time honoured tradition. One that the Snake Island cattlemen and women will share with their children and grandchildren. “The future for Snake Island is twofold,” says Dave. “There’s tourism, we hold a license to take people over to experience the island, and there’s the cattle agistment side. Wally echoes these thoughts. “We maintain the cattle agistment>
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and this keep us in touch with our heritage and gives us a connection with our past. Through tourism, we can share this wonderful experience with others.” “Snake Island is a big part of my life. It’s a family tradition that’s been going on for many, many years. Everything in my life revolves around Snake Island – a bit too much sometimes,” admits Dave with a cheeky grin. C
We hope the cattle agistment goes on to keep in touch with our heritage. We like to keep it going while we can in order to keep a connection with our past.”
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coast people
2 Britt:
My first memory of Ben was of him not being very nice to me. When I was born, he hated me so much he tried to kill me! He’d tie stuff around my neck, tip me out of the pram, and whack me; that sort of thing. Eventually he was taken to a child psychiatrist and was identified as having the worst case of sibling rivalry they’d ever seen! Now we have grown up we never fight and we get along so well., I started performing in primary school in a choir and had a few solos, and I really loved it. I also started to learn dancing when I was five, but it’s always been singing that I love. At the end of year eight, I auditioned for Leongatha Theatre’s production of Grease and won the lead role of Sandy. Grease was so much fun and it was my first big role. It was all so new, I met so many new people and that led on to me wanting to do more. I wasn’t daunted. The show was everything I had dreamed of yet, Les Miserables was more of what I wanted to do because I have loved the music since I was little. Ben has always played piano, and we both love music, but he was never really a performer. He was slightly contemptuous of the
whole arts/performing thing, but he’d always loved Les Miserables, and he said, ‘I might go in it’ and we all thought he meant playing in the orchestra but he said ‘no I want to go for a main part’. He auditioned and got the role and it was the first time that he had done anything like that. I didn’t mind ‘sharing the limelight’ with Ben. We both love performing, but I know he will be studying medicine next year and I’ll do something more arty. I think the performance has brought us closer together. He has asked me for advice and he’s helped me as well. We have similar values. We think the same way and agree about most things; especially about humanitarian issues. We have the same opinion about doing the right thing, being a good person, treating people the same – our parents taught us that. However, I’m a vegetarian for animal welfare reasons, and he’s not. Ben is more like ‘we eat meat and that’s what people do’ but he does understand my views at the same time. That highlights our differences and similarities. I know sometimes I tease Ben for being so serious, but I think it’s that stable, self-assured quality that I most admire; he brings me down to earth.
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The dramatics started at an early age in the Lewis family with a bad case of sibling rivalry. Today, brother and sister, Ben and Britt, are very close and “can’t even be bothered to fight”. They recently shared the limelight in Wonthaggi Theatrical Group’s production of Les Miserables with fifteen year-old Brit playing Eponine and eighteen year-old Ben taking the role of Enjolras.
love brotherly
Ben:
My first memory of Brit involved a bit of jealousy. She was due to be born on my birthday and, during the party, mum had to rush off to the hospital and that’s where it all began. Because I had been doted upon, I became jealous and I tried to kill her a number of times by doing things like pushing her down the stairs. I guess I’ve matured a bit since then! At the moment, we don’t fight at all. I don’t know why (Brit thinks it because we are just too lazy). I’ve been playing piano for ten years and have always been interested in music, but not acting. When I saw Brit in Grease, I realised it was a really big thing for her. It showed me a whole new aspect about the theatre community with people from all walks of life being involved. I really, really enjoyed it. That’s why I wanted to be in Les Miserables. We were driving home from school one day and I said ‘I guess I’ll try auditioning for it’ and mum said ‘they’ve already got a pianist’, I said ‘no, as a singer’. I’m really glad I made the decision. It was good to have Brit there, to have her support for the auditions and call- backs; especially for the call-back, that was really daunting. You had to run out on stage and act all dramatic and I’m quite reserved and
words as told to sally o’neill photo maria reed
quiet – it was a very new thing for me. I don’t really know how I did it. One of the things that went through my mind was that I’m not important enough to be nervous, it’s more about the show and you can also hide in your character. I’d always thought of performing and acting as a selfish thing . . . so it was a bit of a revelation. I tutor Brit at maths but thinking through a logical sequence is a bit difficult for her. She’s better at English and creative things and that’s why she’ll go down a different path to me. I’d like to be a professional musician, but I don’t think I’m quite good enough. I’m studying medicine next year however I’d like to continue being involved in amateur theatre. Brit brings out the creative part of me; without her I’d just be a very, very logical person. We often wonder where she gets her voice from; we can’t quite work it out. It’s a bit challenging to know what to do with her. I am undecided if she should pursue singing as a career or do a course and have some qualifications to fall back on. But that’s the careful, logical side of me coming out! C
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words Maria Reed photos Maria Reed & The Davies family
family we are
A story of love and identity from two ends of the earth
It’s just started to rain as we make our way down the driveway to pick up Rahel and Misikir Davies from the school bus that pulls up abruptly at the front gate of their home in Foster. While their mum Mohya tries to wind up a phone call, I watch two beautiful young ladies walk to the car and jump in. “Hi, I’m Rahel . . . and I’m Misikir,” they smile the dazzling smiles of African princesses.
Rahel Ephrem Davies and Misikir Amare Davies are like any other teenage sisters. They love to hang out with their friends, go to the movies, and enjoy music and sport. While they love getting together with their grown up brothers and sisters, they do have the occasional squabble as all good families do. The only difference? They have adopted their family. John and Moyha Davies, along with their four biological children, travelled to Addis Abbaba in Ethiopia over eleven years ago to bring Rahel and Misikir into their family. Having lost their biological mothers to AIDS, the girls were put up for adoption at two and three years of age. “Even though I was three I remember the orphanage, and getting in trouble for being naughty at rest time: but that was okay. The smells of the street, like cooking and stuff, it’s stays with you,” Misikir says. The girls, while not biological sisters, were related and it was decided that they should be adopted together. “I’m Rahel’s aunty,” smiles Misika
as she puts an arm protectively around her sister. Growing up in a rural town can be challenging for any teenager, even more so for the girls. “We’ve got some really close friends here, but there is no-one like us, and we need to be with African people to maintain our culture,” says Misikir. “It’s not that we don’t belong, it’s just that we’re always a bit different to everyone else,” adds Rahel. “At school we learn about Australian history, but I’d love to learn about Ethiopian history too. In city schools there are probably more people like us, and though we love our friends it’s also important to have someone to identify with.” While the girls have not experienced racism at school, there are still instances that can make them feel uncomfortable. “Last week we had to look at the test new immigrants have to take to stay in Australia and write about it. Most people thought that if people come to Australia they should only be allowed to speak English, and that coast 27
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we shouldn’t let any more Chinese people immigrate, as there are too many here already. It’s exactly the same thing as saying that about African people, not that they would or anything, but it sort of hurts,” Rahel says. But she points out that her schoolmates have changed from not asking about their Ethiopian heritage and being adopted, to “having people ask me about it, which is much better. I’ve always been treated normally, but I like that people can ask me about being Ethiopian, because they actually get it.” Her mum adds, “if questions are approached from a place of love and care then it’s really good. I personally feel that Foster is getting more multicultural – we have an Iranian and Indian and Chinese doctor, and an Indian dentist.” The girls chime in at this point, “yeah, but they’re all older, we need some African people our own age, or just any age in general,” they laugh. The girls make their African connections by going to Melbourne to meet up with their Ethiopian friends. “Sometimes Misika and I will go to Footscray and lunch at an Ethiopian restaurant. We are really proud of being Ethiopian and enjoy the culture.” They are also part of ICASA, which is an Ethiopian adoption support group. “The group is a terrific support. Every February we have a camp where we cook cultural food. Last year we catered for about 150 people! It’s really special when all the kids get together, and Misikir has formed a really strong friendship with Miki, who she has known for over ten years. We have a lot of Ethiopian kids come through the house, and always encourage these connections,” Mum, Mohya says. “I love talking to African people. Like we were in Wonthaggi the other day and we saw this family there, and they always give you eye contact, say hello and ask where we’re from,” says Misikir. In 2006 the girls made a momentous journey back to Ethiopia. They visited an orphanage in Addis Abbaba where Rahel got to meet her little brother. “It was wonderful to meet him, he ate just like me . . . I love food. He also didn’t really think about things before he did them – just like me!” Misikir got to meet her sister, aunt and a couple of her cousins, which she says, “made going over there really special.” While most of their time was spent in the capital, they also went further up north and visited Harar. They met up with an organisation called ‘Hope for Children’ a group that helps children in Africa. “While we were there three uni students, who raised $16,000, created a program of seven plays with children from the orphanages. It was all
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about important issues that had affected them, like incest, child abuse and living on the streets,” says Mohya. “Then they went on tour and the effect on the audiences was just extraordinary. All the kids were absolutely amazing. Their ability to act, and the genuine warmth they bought to their stories was incredible. I helped with the costumes, and the girls were just included in the whole experience.” The girls agree that it was amazing not be the odd one out for a change. “When we walked down the street everyone was looking at mum – like she was the one that stood out,” say Misikir. “People didn’t look at us like we were tourists, and would come up and speak to us in Amharic and be surprised when we weren’t fluent,” Rachel laughs. “But we got pretty good in the end.” The girls spent a full term in Ethiopia, enjoying every experience. “The landscape over there is really nice, and even though I thought it would be really hot and dry, it rained at least once a day when we were in Addis Abbaba,” recalls Rahel. Misikir loved learning the language. “They have three ways of saying the same thing, depending whether your talking to a boy or a girl, or an elder. It’s all about respect. Ethiopian people are very polite, and not as direct as Australian people.” The girls enjoyed the hospitality of Ethiopian families who would sit and talk over coffee. “The coffee ceremony is very important in Ethiopian culture,” says Moyha. “They grow the beans, grind them and then make coffee. They will always make three small coffees. One to bless the visitor, one to bless the family, and one to bless the world. The coffee is very strong, but the girls loved it as they put in a lot of sugar.” Food was also a highlight. The girls still cook their favorites at home, including Lamb Tibbs which is lamb cooked in beri-beri, a hot Ethiopian red pepper, spices, oil and lots of salt – which their friends at school love, and Doro Wat, a chicken stew with hard boiled egg that is often eaten as a celebratory meal. The girls both agree that they would love to have international days at school where they could cook their food and teach their class more about their culture. As the rain outside starts to settle, the girls are happy, Misikir’s legs resting comfortably across Rahel’s lap. We wind up the interview as their violin teacher arrives, finishing with what they mean to each other. Completing each other’s sentences, the girls smile: “We are best friends and soul mates. We know exactly what it’s like to be us, and we are proud to be Ethiopian – and Australian.” C
18/8/08 3:44:31 PM
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“When I dress up I think that I let myself be the character and I almost give myself permission to be funnier. Having a costume is very liberating …”
photo by Matt Murphy
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coast character
x shirley words Kate Lindsay
larger than life
Through her own admission, Shirley Billing likes to look at the lighter side of life. So, is it any wonder that she spends her days writing comedy, playing the ukulele, dressing up as a man or impersonating Elvis?
Shirley Billing is anything but boring. Her life is filled with making people laugh and connecting with her audience. As an actress and comedian she oozes enthusiasm and appreciation for her chosen career path, which started with a job in theatre and has taken her down many different roads. “I started in performing arts because I got work in a theatre in Melbourne, and from there I got jobs as an actor and musical director,” Shirley explains. At age twenty-five, Shirley landed a position with Circus Oz, and has just finished a stint with them working as a comedy cook. “I’m still recovering from it, and I’ll be glad not to see any donuts for a while,” she laughs. Now forty-seven, Shirley continues to perform her comedy acts, as well as being a freelance writer. “I’m currently writing a musical with Matt Wilson about a human cannonball. It will be a Circus Oz-type show about an accident that Matt had while performing. It sounds serious, but we’re making it quite funny.” Presently living in Melbourne, Shirley was born and raised on a dairy farm in Korumburra. The only daughter of four children,
her passion for dressing up and transforming herself into another character started at an early age. “As kids we only had one cowboy and one Indian outfit, but I loved the cowboy much better because the Indian was made out of a hessian sack and it was a little bit scratchy,” Shirley recalls. Dressing up is now commonplace for Shirley. “When I dress up, I let myself be the character and I almost give myself permission to be funnier. Having a costume is very liberating: I couldn’t just do a standup act as myself, I need that clown costume or character to be able to transform into something,” she explains. There is certainly no argument about Shirley enjoying her occupation. “I like it when I can make myself laugh, as well as others. I do like finding the sense of humour in situations, which can sometimes come across as peculiar. I particularly enjoy being on stage and you can tell it’s going over well and you’re enjoying your audience. I love it when the audience just gets it!” Shirley is a past member of the Drag Kings, where her character ‘Pork Chop’ was renowned.>
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photo by www.gavind.com.au
“I used to perform at sort of like a club in Melbourne where most of the performers are Drag Kings which is really the opposite to Drag Queens. There was a lot of musical acts and lots of lip-synching, but Pork Chop always did comedy. Everyone knows his type: he enjoys bingo nights, drives a brown Cortina, he’s stuck in the 70’s and very sexist but he thinks he’s very charming.” It’s not a surprise to learn that Shirley has also spent time as an Elvis impersonator, and is one of only a few females who have taken on the task of playing The King. “I don’t know why, but it’s a lot of fun dressing up as Elvis - everyone should try it,” she laughs. But it is not just comedy acts that fill Shirley’s days. She also finds the time to teach the ukulele at the Footscray Community Arts Centre and help intellectually disabled actors at a theatre group. She can also be found doing an MC gig somewhere around town. “I enjoy working with people and the challenge that it brings,” says Shirley. While not able to return to South Gippsland as often as she would like, coming home to perform is always a highlight. “One of my favourite places to perform has been the Meeniyan Tavern Night. I was really concerned that my act wouldn’t go down very well, but at the end I was almost mobbed. I was like a rock star, and it was really lovely. It’s funny though, if I had of tried the same act in the city, it just
would not have worked.” Sharing a little local knowledge goes a long way in country performances. “Like Meeniyan being a tidy town three years in a row. Or at Poowong, it’s the green oasis, so I sing songs like the Green, Green Grass of Home but change the lyrics.” Shirley is passionate about her childhood home. “I love everything about the area; the weather, the landscapes and the beaches. I love that I know the meanings of the town names. Take Korumburra, everyone thinks that it means ‘blowfly’ but it doesn’t. I also joke about Wonthaggi meaning wind and water.” As a past local, she loves the changes in the area in the past five years and “how you can go to the Kongwak Market and get a real coffee”. “More people have moved here and it’s changed a lot, but I love the traditional parts as well. I love paradoxes really; a bit of old and a bit of new.” Asked if her parents encouraged her down the performing arts path, Shirley giggles and, with laughter in her voice, states: “I don’t really think that my parents encouraged me, I think they would have really wanted me to have a proper job like a nurse, or play the organ as a hobby, but I don’t think that’s me.” www.shirleybilling.com C
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This coast’s most
prestigious gallery
Paintings Sculpture Jewellery Indigenous Art Pottery
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Quality Art & Craftwork by Bev and Dennis Leversha Reflecting the clarity & freshness of South Gippsland Powlett Gallery.indd 1
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‘By appointment or by chance’ 5 Dunn St Wonthaggi 5672 2277 5/8/08 1:38:12 PM
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artist profile
seldom words & photos Maria Reed
seen
Scene 1: Enter a darkly lit cavern with gothic-style windows directing light onto a small, hand-held pistol. A glint catches the tip of a surgeon’s scalpel and the smell of enamel hangs thickly in the air. Surrounding walls are covered with images of the street. Nameless faces staring blankly; with eyes that look beyond me. Have I stumbled upon the scene of a crime? Hardly . . . it’s the creative space of young stencil artist, Seldom Seen. Seldom Seen, or Noah as he is known to his mates, smiles when I ask him about the gun on his desk. “I began experimenting with a water pistol using inks on my stencils,” he says. His unusual methods caught the attention of international artists recently at the Melbourne Stencil Festival. “We collaborated with guys from Brazil and Melbourne in live sprayings. When I brought out my water pistol, some of the crew were laughing at me and giving quizzical looks, but once they saw it in action, they were pretty stunned. They asked me about my techniques which was pretty neat as they are guys I have always looked up to.” Seldom started drawing from an early age but switched to stencilling a few years ago after visiting his older brother in Melbourne. “I’d seen the art of stencilling on the streets really booming around 2003 and it really inspired me. I started to recognise
artists and the art form.” Living in the heart of rural Leongatha gave no real medium for the young artist, so he began to stencil onto canvas. “You can’t really take a wall home with you, though recently people in the UK have been taking walls painted by a famous street artist called ‘Banksy’, which is really against what street art is all about. It’s there for the public – not to be taken and exploited.” Using a variety of mediums, subject matter and techniques, Seldom creates contemporary images on canvas, paper, board even discarded street signs. “I love stencilling. It’s like print making in a way; once you have designed it and cut it, you can use it over and over again. Not to exploit it, but you can use it in so many different contexts. I’m always trying something new, and sometimes I’ll dig up an old stencil from years ago and incorporate it into new work. I like to try different things. For a long time I was using spray paint > coast 35
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and water, putting a layer of water on canvas and spraying over it. The paint bubbles spread around because the oil and water don’t mix, so you get all these different effects.” From there he moved onto ink and spray paint and water, and now he purely uses ink. “Every mistake you make can lead you to a new discovery,” he laughs. “It’s only really a mistake if you do it more than once.” The design process can be quite lengthy. “When you work on a three or four layer piece you’ve got to get all the detail quite precise.” His contemporaries generally separate the tones of images into layers on computer, but Seldom does it by eye. “You have to be very aware of tonal changes and how each layer will sit on top of the other.” The cutting is done with a surgeon’s scalpel, and is an exact and painstaking process. “When you begin to spray, that really is the most fun because you get to see if your design works.” At present the young artist is thriving in print making and art at high school. “I’m really fascinated by all the techniques and aesthetics you can create. I’m playing around with steel etchings and using multi layer stencils in the process. It’s a really new thing for me. I’ve never really seen it done before as it is a kind of new technique - it’s really exciting. I may continue print making when I go to university, but that seems so far away, I don’t really think about that too much.” Seldom would like a career that allows him to work in a creative field in a practical way but he is not that confident about being a freelance artist. “I think I’d probably
blow it by not being organised enough.” He has been organised enough in seventeen short years however, to have exhibited his work in galleries and on the street, both here and abroad. “I had my first solo exhibition in 2006 at Kongwak Gallery. It was part of a dual show with a photographer in Meeniyan, and exhibited with a jeweller in Leongatha.” He also has been part of several group shows, charity auctions and the Melbourne Stencil Festival. He’s exhibited in America, and painted walls in Melbourne, South Gippsland and St. Louis – all with permission of course. His most recent street work can be seen at the old butter factory in Kongwak. “The owner approached me to do a piece, but after discovering the disused factory was heritage listed, we opted for large wood panels covering the windows.” So what is the attraction of working on the streets? “I like the fact that you’re putting your art out there anonymously and getting possibly hundreds of people viewing and critiquing it. Some might like what they see and some won’t. I’ve walked past pieces I have created and seen people pointing and talking about it – which is really cool because you can get honest feedback.” He also talks of the aesthetics of the streets, finding old walls that are weather-beaten with age - time adding a beautiful rust patina to dilapidated walls. But working on the streets can also present its own set of problems for an artist. “People I know who are working out there regularly have to deal with the police, drunks, homeless, and kids that hassle them or steal their paints. It’s incredible to watch these guys work in such a raw environment often having to work quite quickly. Then in a controlled environment like a studio, you get to see how magnificently they work when they have time to perfect their work.” Living in a rural environment doesn’t provide too many opportunities for a street artist, so Seldom regularly visits Melbourne for inspiration. “I have a great set of mates up there that are working as professional artists and I’m really grateful to have met these guys. They are so skilled and talented, yet they are really humble. They’ve been great. I guess in a way, they’ve taken me under their wing.” A big event on the calendar is the Melbourne Stencil Festival – where street artists from around the world come together and collaborate with local artists. “During the festival there are so many live sprayings you can get in on, with all the finished pieces being auctioned for charity.” In the first year, event organisers were encouraging young artists to participate and enter their work in the charity auction. “I entered a piece, and it was the first one that sold – so I was pretty stoked.” A source of constant inspiration, Seldom is enthusiastic>
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is the vibrant arts community of South Gippsland. The area is really supportive of young artists and it’s great to see that people actually appreciate what I’m producing.” If you’d like to see more of Seldom Seen log onto www.flickr.com/photos/seldomone C
about the event, and Sprayers Poeticus, who were a major draw card last year. “The group comprised a bunch of street artists and poets from Brazil. They incorporate imagery with poetry. We came together with the Brazilian crew and arranged something that could be put out on the streets –that was really cool.” After that experience, he says: “I guess I realised it’s kind of difficult being a street artist out here in the country, as you are really far removed from that urban scene where a lot of the inspiration exists.” But that’s not to say that he doesn’t appreciate his life in the country. “I go to Melbourne now and again, but it’s nice at the moment to come back to a really chilled out spot like Leongatha and work at my own pace. There’s not the daily grind you have in the city. You can live in the country and be either anonymous, or put yourself out there so lots of people know about you – it’s really up to you. Plus there
Seldom seen? “I like all my work to be equated to the word ‘seldom’. I think its kind of pretty and it’s quite ironic that it doesn’t get used that often . . . it’s seldom used. I’ve told friends my age, and they ask, ‘like what does that word mean’? Seldom Seen is more about my infrequent street art. I don’t really do street art that much down here in the country anymore, but that will probably change if I eventually move down to Melbourne. “
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arts & events guide sept 2008 Peter Walker, Kelly Adair Works on Paper & Glass Artist Rick Cook When: Until 14 September Where: Mingara Gallery, Cowes Who: Noelle 5952 3722 www.mingaragallery.com.au 4th Phillip Island Jazz Festival When: 5 - 6 September Where: Cowes Cultural Centre Who: Robin Blackman 0432 814 407 www.phillipislandjazzfest.org.au Lyric Theatre presents: “Shout – The Legend of Johnny O’Keefe” When: 5 – 20 September Where: Mesley Hall, Leongatha Secondary College Nerrena Rd, Leongatha Who: Tix from Mushroom Crafts 40 Bair Street, Leongatha Bookings: 5662 3940 Liz Stringer CD Launch When: Saturday 6 September Where: Meeniyan Town Hall Who: Lyrebird Arts Council 5664 9239 www.lyrebirdartscouncil.com.au V8 Supercar Championship 2008 - Phillip Island When: 12 – 14 September Where: Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit Who: www.v8supercar.com.au Suellen Lee – Orange and Mars An exhibition of colour out of this world. When: 21 September – 18 October Where: Gecko Studio Gallery, 15 Falls Rd, Fish Creek Who: Kerry and Michael 5683 2481 www.geckostudiogallery.com.au Wildflower Festival When: 22 September – 6 October Where: Australian Garden,
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Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne Who: Call 5990 2245 www.australiangarden.com.au Kongwak Market When: Every Sunday Where: Kongwak General Store Who: Jane 0417 142 478
oct 2008 2008 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix When: 3 - 5 October Where: Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit Who: Australian Grand Prix Corporation 9258 7100 www.motogp.com.au Paul Williamsons Hammond Combo at Rhythm Cafe When: Saturday 11 October Where: 3 - 5 Bridge St, Foster Who: 5682 1612 Lyric Theatre presents: “The Magic of Words” Coal Creek Literary Festival Proceeds to “Relay for Life” When: Saturday 11 October Where: Garrard’s Café Licensed Restaurant, Coal Creek Korumburra. Who: Coal Creek 5655 1811 Loch Village Antique Fair When: 4 -5 October Where: Loch Village, Loch Who: Call 5659 4215 www.carringtons.com.au
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arts & events guide oct 2008 Hymnfest When: 12 October Where: Historical Public Hall, Smith St, Loch Who: Bev Button 5659 0240 Jan Stuut - My Menagerie An exhibition of paintings of curious and exotic creatures. When: 19 October – 15 November Where: Gecko Studio Gallery, 15 Falls Rd, Fish Creek Who: Kerry and Michael 5683 2481 www.geckostudiogallery.com.au Kongwak Market When: Every Sunday Where: Kongwak General Store Who: Jane 0417 142 478
nov 2008 November 2008 Coronet Bay Market When: Saturday 1 November Where: Coronet Bay Who: Leeanne Pendlebury 0439 693 072
Who: Cheree Dyson 5951 823 www.churchillisland.org.au Martha Wainwright When: Saturday November 15 Where: Meeniyan Town Hall Who: Lyrebird Arts Council 5664 9239 www.lyrebirdartscouncil.com.au Bo Jenkins at Rhythm Cafe When: Saturday 15 November Where: 3 - 5 Bridge St, Foster Who: 5682 1612 Grant Flather – ‘The Kingdom’ Wireform animal sculptures exhibition When: November 16 – December 14 Where: Gecko Studio Gallery, 15 Falls Rd, Fish Creek Who: Kerry and Michael 5683 2481 www.geckostudiogallery.com.au Justin Townes Earle From Nashville, USA & son of Steve Earle When: Saturday November 29 Where: Meeniyan Town Hall Who: Lyrebird Arts Council 5664 9239 www.lyrebirdartscouncil.com.au Kongwak Market When: Every Sunday Where: Kongwak General Store Who: Jane 0417 142 478
Ladies Day at Stony Creek Racing Club When: Friday 7 November Where: Stony Creek Racing Club, South Gippsland Hwy Who: Call 5664 0099 www.scrc.com.au Churchill Island Garden Lovers Festival When: Sunday 9 November 10am - 5pm Where: Churchill Island off Phillip Island
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Studio 41 specializes in creating unique handcrafted jewellery. Whatever your desire, diamonds or precious stones we can accommodate your requirements. • Obligation free consultations • Insurance quotations • Valuations 41 Main Street, Mornington, Vic 3931 Studio 41.indd 1
Tel: 03 5977 0080
www.studio41.com.au 14/8/08 2:47:34 PM
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
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DF and Supersoft specialists
great service
great range great value
Quality clearance footwear also available, in a variety of styles and sizes Island Shoes
Leongatha ShoeGallery
OPEN 7 DAYS
OPEN MONDAY – SATURDAY
At our new location
Sister to the famous Island Shoes
134 Thompson Avenue, Cowes,Vic. 3925 Ph/Fax: 03 5952 2515 @phillipislanddirect.com.au
22a McCartin Street, Leongatha,Vic. 3953 Ph/Fax: 03 5662 2096 @southcoastdirect.com.au
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Not just a shop - a ‘destination’ The Oriental Touch
Garden & Gift Gallery
For gifts with meaning
8 Vista Place Cape Woolamai Victoria 3925 Phone: 5956 6844 Mobile: 0408 575 452
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fashionfiles island shoe gallery
A girl can never have enough shoes, so check out the great range at Island Shoe Gallery and their sister shop in Leongatha. 134 Thompson Ave, Cowes. Phone 5952 2515.
kush kush
A sumptuous range of beautiful and exotic clothes, shoes and accessories. New and nearly new after-five dresses. 8 Vista Place, Cape Woolamai. Phone 5956 6844.
kush kush
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begin gi
m clothing, jewellery & accessories
Wish Ladakh Purr French Kitty All About Eve Mermaid Sister Grab
5952 2209
Shop 1, 18-22 Thompson Ave, Cowes (Next door to Amcal)
m m m m m m m m m m m
KARMELLA FASHIONS WOMENSWEAR - day to night & clothing for all ages
STOCKING • EVERSUN • THREADz • ELLY M • A JOY & MORE
sizes 8 - 20
beautiful lingerie
• bassoni • honey dew • voodoo hosiery
46 mcbride ave, wonthaggi ph. 5672 5775 mon-sat coast 44
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fashionfiles begin
begin
There is no need to leave our Coast to be a fashionista! Have a sneak peek at what’s on offer to look good this Spring.
begin
Cowes’ newest fashion venue, Begin, caters for all ages and you can expect all your favourite labels. Shop 1/18-22 Thompson Ave, Cowes. Phone 5952 2209.
karmella fashions
karmella fashions
Check out Wonthaggi’s newest fashion store. Be tempted by cute dresses for Spring racing and a their range including lingerie! 46 McBride Ave, Wonthaggi. Phone 5672 5775.
karmella fashions
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Insight Elwood Stussy Freshjive Mooks Mossimo Cult Industries Paul Frank
Dance like the world is your stage, work like you don’t need the money, be the star that you are. That is SO! me!
1SOUL
Bringing you a memorable shopping experience and offering product that will delight.
(03) 5672 5338
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I luv it!
57 Bair St, (opposite Henrietta’s) Leongatha Ph 5662 3103 Open weekdays 9 - 5.30 Sat 9-2
141 graham Street, wonthaggi
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CLOTHING JEWELLERY HANDBAGS GIFTWARE SCARVES
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fashionfiles
01 soul
01 soul
Cutting-edge gear for your urban lifestyle. They’ve also got the best range of body jewellery around. 141 Graham St, Wonthaggi. Phone 5672 5338.
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01 soul
so!me
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Original clothing with a great range of Spring fashion including debutante and a stunning array of jewellery. 57 Bair St, Leongatha. Phone 5662 3103.
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fashionfiles akers eyewear
1/141 Murray St, Wonthaggi Phone 5672 1965.
wonthaggi fabrics
kongwak market
133 Graham St, Wonthaggi. Phone 5672 5390.
Every Sunday, Main St, Kongwak. Phone 0417 142 478.
nordic designs
Arcade, 158 Graham St, Wonthaggi. Phone 5672 5553.
a garden of thoughts 120 Graham St, Wonthaggi. Phone 5672 1622.
extra depth footwear 182 Graham St, Wonthaggi. Phone 9326 0266.
la bella
140 Graham St, Wonthaggi. Phone 5672 4812.
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A
SANDSFORD ANTIQUES SANDSFORD & CAFE
L ACY JEWELLERY STUDIO
&
GALLERY
ANTIQUES BOUGHT AND SOLD AUCTIONS ARRANGED
Engagement Rings Wedding Bands Fine Jewellery
Philip Lacy
13 A’BECKETT STREET, INVERLOCH 3996
PHONE: 03 5674 3339 MOB. 0429 636 289
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132 Whitelaw St Meeniyan VIC 3956 Phone 5664 0055 www.lacyjewellery.com.au
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leversha dennis
words Kate Lindsay photos Maria Reed
g
Renowned for his local murals throughout South Gippsland towns, Dennis Leversha is an iconic artist of the region, but there is much more to Dennis than just the artist. Look a bit deeper, you’ll find a wise man whose work allows him to express his respect for local history. Having acknowledged his gift for drawing at a young age, Dennis recalls using his talents as early as primary school. “In science class, I was always the one doing illustrations of the experiments. It didn’t get me the best grades in science, but at least I could contribute,” he says. Growing up on a pear and apple orchard in Castlemaine, Dennis had very supportive parents who encouraged him to embrace his artistic abilities. “My parents could see my talents in the arts and helped my to gain a studentship, which in those days, saw the government help to fund your education, but you were then tied into working for the Education Department once you had finished your studies,” says Dennis. During his time at RMIT, he met his wife Bev; a fellow student
with a flair for pottery and painting. After completing their degrees, they were allocated to teach at a school in Swan Hill before being transferred to Sale which was closer to Bev’s family in Maffra. From there Dennis applied for a job advertised in Wonthaggi. “I had never even been to the place (Wonthaggi), so I jumped on my 175cc motorbike and drove from Maffra to Wonthaggi. It was December and it was a stinking hot day. The wind was blowing up Graham Street, and it felt exactly like the wild west and then, right on cue, a tumbleweed came from nowhere and blew up the street. I thought: ‘God, what have we come to?’” Together they bought a home in Wonthaggi and Dennis started teaching at Wonthaggi Tech School in 1980. Seven years later, they>
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artist profile
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“Art is about being true to yourself; and constantly asking questions.”
articon
opened their studio, which this year celebrates its 21st birthday. “When we advertise for visitors to come and view our work, we have ‘by chance or by appointment’. It’s not really the way to run a business, but I think people understand.” Their home, in Wonthaggi where the studio is located, has immaculately trimmed gardens, and beautifully paved footpaths. The cottage-style home; in traditional colours, holds onto its past history both inside and out, and Dennis’ studio and art area, are certainly not what you picture as a typical artist’s workbench. Everything has a place and in a tiny corner of the room lays a pile of paints, boards and brushes next to an unfinished work on an easel. “I can thank Bev for the state of the studio, she keeps it very neat,” he explains. Dennis is certainly not your stereotypical artist, and by no means has he pigeonholed himself into any medium. Throughout his collection, he exhibits pieces which have been created from acrylic paint, drawings, charcoal, and pastel. His finished pieces range from realistic and photographic landscapes to imaginative abstract works that rely on the viewer to choose. “I like to dabble in a bit of everything, I like to play around with both abstract and visually
realistic, and I also love to introduce other elements like shadows etc,” he explains. Dennis gains a lot of inspiration from the history and landscapes around him, with particular favourite areas including old buildings surrounding Wonthaggi Coal Mines and picturesque places like the Blowhole on Phillip Island. While Dennis enjoys painting objects from the outdoors, much of his landscape work is painted or drawn from photographs that he has taken, as well as relying on his incredible memory. “I have to take photos. Bugger sitting around with the wind and the flies all day,” he chuckles. The many pieces of Dennis’ work which have been inspired by the Wonthaggi Coal Mine also signify his interest and respect for past history, old things and love of mechanical objects. It’s a common thread in much of Dennis’ pieces and flows on to his other interests, including his love of vintage cars, of which he has six. “I do have a bit of a car fetish, I love all things mechanical but then again sometimes, I just feel as though we are stuck in the seventies,” he laughs. Amongst his great collection is a 1968 Volkswagen Country Buggy of which only 880 were released, a 1963 Carmen Ghia and a Volkswagen> coast 51
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Camper/Kombi (which they have taken across Central Australia), a 1976 Mercedes Benz and a 1977 P6B Rover. “They’re all fully road registered at great expense to the management,” he chuckles. Dennis’ reflection of events from the past has led him to become a member of the local Historical Society. He carries this passion through to his art and also the renovations on his home, which contains as many original parts as possible. “Everything is much nicer when it has a bit of character about it, and I would much rather get old weatherboards off a protected wall, then buy new ones that don’t last,” he explains. It is evident that one of his frustrations is the way society now looks for newer, bigger and brighter things that can be thrown away easily. “Everything that is built now can become dispensable. You can’t even buy a new car without being told how much of the car can be recycled when you’ve finished with it. What kind of lifespan do things have if you’re talking about what to do with them when you’ve finished, before you have even started using it?” Dennis says he doesn’t rebel against new technology, or new concepts, but likes to embrace trusted and proven ways. “The twentieth century only arrived in this house three or four days ago in the form of a computer,” he laughs, “It’s not that I am against them, I just have not felt the need for forty years.” His reflection on the past also extends to his views on the township and community of Wonthaggi, his residence for nearly thirty years. He admires the strength and generosity of the people, “When we first moved here, you would almost get sick and tired of people saying ‘G’day’, because everyone was so friendly. There has always been a great sense of camaraderie, with everyone pulling together around the town, because of the hardships faced during the coal mining days, and I think to a certain extent there is still evidence of those qualities today. There are great people, it’s got great surrounds, clean air, it’s green and everyone is friendly.” His wise thoughts are something he applies to both art and life, “We don’t belong to any church. The closest thing I see to God is nature and our existence. Live in a way that you don’t spoil it for anyone else,” he advises. According to Dennis, art is about being true to yourself; and constantly asking questions. “A good sense of artwork is about being honest with yourself, and working so that other people’s opinions and judgements and not so much excluded, but kept in their place. To develop as an artist you need you be questioning what works and why. It is when you start to answer your questions that you truly begin to develop as an individual; and to know yourself as an artist.” C
“When we first moved here, you would almost get sick and tired of people saying ‘G’day’, because everyone was so friendly.”
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Creating unforgettable memories in pictures
Gerard Bruning 0447 625 216
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words & photos Colleen Cassar
magicalmorrocco Artist Colleen Cassar has an ongoing love affair with Morocco. We travel with her on her most recent journey to this exotic destination.
We were six women from Melbourne and one from London - all meeting in Morocco for four glorious weeks. The weather was delicious and mild, 20 - 35 degrees Celsius tops. Casablanca was smog-free although busy and obviously thriving on the tourist dollar. Morocco seems to have become the ‘Bali of Europe’, although it’s still incredibly beautiful, mysterious, diverse and far away from being totally swamped and bastardised. After a night in Casablanca to recover from our jetlag, we caught the train to the holy city of Fez to enjoy the offerings of the Sacred Music Festival. This annual event brings together leading musicians to share sacred music from the spiritual traditions of both East and West. True to form, the festival delivered. Between us we enjoyed opera star Jessye Norman, Afro American gospel, Pakistani traditional spiritual songs and music from the Sufi brotherhood, all in amazing settings: the forecourt of a palace, the gardens of a grand old ‘dar’ (house), the local square flanked by tall medina walls and a little medieval clock tower that has been turned into a funky cafe in the ancient medina. We ate beautiful food often and dined traditionally with my dear friend Simohamed and his family deep in the maze of the medina where only locals and lost tourists can be found! Of course our day in the souks with Hakima was truly amazing, memorable and eye opening. Souks are the Moroccan equivalent of European street markets and hold a very important place in daily Moroccan life; they are where disputes and debts are settled, and also where wedding
plans are made! And then there was our final treat before we hit the road to travel north to the mountains...a spell at the hot mineral springs of Moulay Yacoub and a massage!! Relaxed and well-equipped with fresh fruit, dates and nuts we headed for Chefchaouen, in the Rif Mountains. A town made infamous for the fact that it is Morocco’s leading producer of cannabis! It was my first visit to the far north and, just when I thought I had witnessed this country’s full diversity, I was pleasantly surprised by yet another shining facet to the jewel that is Morocco. This is a small city nestled on a mountain side, with buildings painted in pale ice-blue wash, fresh air, lazy cafes for people-watching, hillside walks, ruins perched high, shepherds and their flock, Berber women wrapped in colourful cloth, elderly musicians roaming the square and fresh sheep’s milk cheese and mountain honey to die for! This town will definitely stay on my itinerary. Then onto the madness that is Marrakech! Wow, the pace has become even faster in this exotic destination over the last year. Always offering up a photo opportunity, the famous market square of Jemma Elfna was abuzz with snake charmers, dancers, acrobats, musicians, storytellers, lotions, potions and small ceramic bowls aglow with frankincense, myrrh, licorice root and rose oil - my all time favourite smell in Morocco. We attended a magnificent cooking school, and a large and very groovy swimming complex complete with its own dj. The ‘piece de resistance’ was the four-hour hammam> coast 55
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(bathouse experience) where we were exfoliated, massaged and hypnotically indulged in an oriental petal bath and rose water misted tea room. Bliss! On to our next destination; Essaouira on the Atlantic coast. Bags packed and bulging with carpets, teapots and jellabas (hooded kaftans), we board a comfy coach for a relaxed threehour journey, reading, sleeping or listening to our iPods. Ah, beautiful Essaouira. My friend Yacine wrote a lilting song about it and, so did Jimmy Hendrix! Steeped in history and rich in culture. It is here that Orson Welles filmed his Othello, Jimi found his inspiration for ‘Castles In The Sand’ and thousands of hippies have trodden a well-worn trail. This gorgeous little city is my all-time favourite. I have many friends here who are musicians and artists and when we meet it’s a time for catching up on our artistic endeavors over the past year at any of the many cafes overlooking the sea. And of course to share some music, food and dancing. We ate at many new restaurants and bars and danced till the wee hours to gnaoua/reggae/African fusion music. The medina was alive with travelling minstrels from all over Europe; money earnt from gigs furthering their travels. Waking early in the morning to the sound of working donkeys, we have a light breakfast and coffee and take a big walk along the beach to ‘the castles in the sand’ – a picturesque old fort literally crumbling into the sea. The romantics amongst us chose alternate transport via camel or stallion! Very kindly, one of my artist friends, Moulay Ali, invited us into his home for dinner. He met us on the main road and, as we walked to his apartment, we collected the ingredients from the baker, greengrocer and chicken butcher. The chicken was alive when we chose it - super fresh! What a delight it was to be in this artist’s space with his paintings all around us, cooking and laughing together and later tucking into the central dish with hands and bread (typically the Moroccan way). It was a great night of hospitality, passionate discussion and music. Every trip I take to Morocco offers up friendship, deep connections and moving memories. And then on to the last jewel in the crown; the seaside town of Oualidia. Sitting on the lip of a peaceful lagoon and overlooking huge sand dunes and the wild Atlantic Ocean, this is Morocco’s oyster capital. Just imagine; hand-picked catch of the day, spider crab, prawns, dorado, sole, calamari, bamboo mussels, sea urchin, all fresh from the water and barbequed by the fisherman right on the sand before you. We sit under an umbrella in the gentle sun contemplating our wonderful journey - sheer bliss. And all this beauty is guarded by the white-domed tomb of Middle Eastern Saint, Douad, who was laid to rest on a small cliff nearby. Do I sound intoxicated? I am. Intoxicated by the love I have of this amazing country, it’s landscapes, history, folklore, it’s people and their tradition of warmth, healing and open heartedness. C
“Our bags are packed and bulging with carpets, teapots and jellabas (hooded kaftans).”
Colleen has the enviable task of leading small groups of passionate people through Morocco twice a year. Tailored trips are also available for a minimum of six travellers. Living in Melbourne, Colleen also loves this Coast and spends as much time as she can with her family in their house at Kilcunda.
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Tyabb Antique Centre’s new store –
South Gippsland Antique Centre SPECIALISING IN FINE QUALITY ANTIQUE FURNITURE
Owner - Peter McDonnell Manager - Caroline Paturzo
OPEN Thursday – Sunday & Public Holidays 10am – 5pm 7 Mine Road, Korumburra, Vic. 3950 www.tyabbantiquecentre.com.au
Ph: 5655 2605
Carringtons of Loch Village
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Loch Village Antique Fair 4th & 5th October open 9-4 daily
15/8/08 12:33:31 PM
Drop into the
loch village pantry 5 rooms of antiques & collectables • English bone china • Reproduction mahogany furniture • Lamps, art and giftware
for delicious teas, coffees and light lunches OPEN T HURSDAY TO SUNDAY
27 Victoria Street, Loch 56594455 40 Victoria Street, Loch Village 3945 Ph: 5659 4215 M: 0412 459 260 Email: sales@ carringtons.com.au Visit our Bentleigh shop – 331 Centre Rd, Bentleigh
OPEN THURSDAY – SUNDAY & PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 10AM – 5PM
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words Alison Hill photos Tony Quinlan
This is the place where men became heroes, and heroes became legends.�
kokoda trekking
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Local Cape Paterson resident and real estate agent, Tony Quinlan insists he’s just an ‘ordinary’ bloke who happens to know a bit about World War II history. If you pry a bit deeper, you’ll find that when he’s not selling houses, helping out in the community, playing lawn bowls, surfing, fishing or diving, he’s quietly making some history of his own. He’s trekked the Kokoda Track, not once, but many times – sorry he’s too modest to say just exactly how many times. What started as a casual conversation on a building site with a mate has since developed into a passionate hobby, and a sideline business. “It made me think that this could be a great little business to establish because I already had the contacts,” Tony says. So ‘TQ Trekking Adventures in PNG’ was created and the rest, as they say, is history! But be warned, the Kokoda adventure is not for the fainthearted. “I’m sure even the fittest of adventurers would be humbled by the conditions that our vastly outnumbered soldiers endured to secure this track for Australians in 1942,” says Tony. He first tackled the track in 2002 with three mates - Gary Whitten, and locals Jim Quilford and John Harrison. “When we walked the track only about 500-600 people a year went there so information about it was hard to source.” Tony’s search for clues started on the internet but he ended up ringing the Australian High Commission in Papua New Guinea. He spoke extensively with a security officer about getting “land owner permission, borrowing high frequency radios, finding a guide and porter, what food they needed to carry in, what they could buy over there and what was available in the seven villages scattered along the track.” This connection has evolved into an enduring friendship and a love of PNG and its people; “our closest neighbours”. Tony feels there is a lot to be gained from observing the people of PNG’s simple lifestyle and their resulting happiness. “It can change our perspective and attitude towards life, and how we live it,” he reflects. The history of the Kokoda Track is fascinating, and Tony’s knowledge is extensive. “In 1942 the Japanese were knocking on Australia’s doorstep. The Battle of the Coral Sea had slowed Japanese progress by water but their commanders had seen a track on a map that crossed the Owen Stanleys (mountain range) which the Japanese Imperial Army thought could be their land access into Port Moresby. However, they didn’t take into account the terrain they were to cross, and the enemy they had to face. This is the place where men became heroes, and heroes became legends.” The track is an arduous ninety-six kilometres over rugged mountains on a dense jungle pathway in one of the warmer, wetter parts of the world. Its winding pathway has as many challenging twists and turns as life itself. “When you walk the track today, you get a sense how difficult it was for these brave men, however you can’t truly imagine how tough it was for those that served along this track in appalling conditions for four months to keep Australia safe from
invasion,” says Tony. Tony likes to follow the 1942 path as closely as possible. “I always try to walk from the village of Kokoda in the north to Owers Corner in the south because it follows the battle as it was fought,” Tony explains. Part of re-tracing the steps of Aussie troops is as much of a mission of mateship now as it was then. Tony keeps his trekking groups to a maximum of ten because it “gives trekkers a better feel for the track and an opportunity to bond. I like to give the trekkers a feel of what it was like in 1942, without the constant gunfire and the depravities they endured.” Not surprisingly, it’s a gruelling eight days of blood, sweat and tears with spectacular views, and an incredible sense of accomplishment. Cuts, scratches and leech bites, plus hot, muggy weather interrupted by short, torrential rain bursts account for the blood and sweat. So what is it about the Kokoda track that can make a grown man cry? “I love seeing people complete the track and being humbled by those troops who walked and fought before them.” Many trace their forebears’ footsteps which is often a tough, and touching, emotional journey. During the day, lush, tropical rainforests provide a visual feast of stunning scenery while the terrain varies from gardens, to hills and swamp land. There are numerous steep mountains to be climbed, with equally challenging descents, countless creek crossings and visits to remote villages. A plethora of butterflies flitter near creeks, creating a rainbow-coloured sea of vibrancy as they cling companionably to sweaty humans. Singing birds provide a natural symphony during the day while the mad humming of insects and loudly chirruping cicadas echo throughout the night. Fireflies buzz around like wildly swung torches and glow-in-the-dark fungus lights up the terrain at night. When he’s not conquering Kokoda, Tony shares his life in Cape Paterson with his partner Ann, who has been a police officer in Wonthaggi for nearly twenty years. One of about 600 locals, he loves the big-family, small-town feel of Cape Paterson’s community in this idyllic, quiet town peppered with holiday homes. This self-effacing, ‘ordinary’ bloke is also a member for the ‘State Mine 2009’ working party that has won three million dollars of funding for the State Coal Mine at Wonthaggi, he’s also a board member at Bass Coast Regional Health, and the “keeper of the keys” at the Cape Paterson Community Hall where he organises bookings for yoga, aerobics, carpet bowls and the odd party or two. Tony modestly insists he’s got far more out of living at Cape Paterson than he can ever hope to return in kind. He believes in the old adage ‘you only get out what you put in’ and he has applied this philosophy to his own backyard by helping in the local community where possible. “It’s a beautiful area with the nicest people; the only thing is I’ll never be able to give back enough of what I have got out of it.” C
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Phillip Island’s first and only purpose built day spa facility. Treatments include LI’TYA and Pevonia botanica. Treatment rooms for singles, couples, hydrotherapy and geisha tub. Fully self contained spa cottages for couples.
Corner of Justice Road and Ventnor Road Cowes
NOW OPEN!
Ph: 59 526466
www.phillipislanddayspa.com.au
your park,
your pass!
for locals! (with appropriate ID)
annual pass unlimited entry to 4 great attractions
www.penguins.org.au
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green feature Just think…
If everyone on earth lived like a typical Australian we would need about four planets to sustain our lifestyle. On average, Australians use about 7.6 hectares (or 20 footy ovals) of land to provide all the resources and dispose of all the waste we produce. To live sustainably, we can only afford to be using 1.7 hectares per person.
goinggreen The Coast is blessed with a stunning natural environment, yet we cannot take it for granted. It’s time to take stock and go green. In the following pages, we provide some inspiration on how to live green on this wonderful coast of ours, so get to it!
5 ways to live more sustainably right now…
5 ways to live sustainably tomorrow…
1. Switch off appliances at the wall to reduce your use of standby power.
1. Always look for a 4 or 5 Star energy-rating label when you buy an appliance. The more stars, the more energy efficient the appliance and the less it will cost to run.
2. Replace incandescent globes with compact flourescent globes. 3. Keep winter room temperatures at 18-20 degrees and summer room temperatures at 24-26 degrees. Each degree you increase or lower the thermostat can increase running costs by up to 15%. 4. Only run the dishwasher and washing machine with a full load. 5. Reduce showering time to four minutes.
2. Install a solar hot water system. Solar hot water offers savings of up to 60% on annual energy bills and will reduce greenhouse emissions. 3. Use solar powered lights for your outdoor garden lighting. 4. Insulate your walls and ceilings to keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer. 5. Install a rainwater tank and/or grey water system for outdoor use. Taken from Bass Coast Shire Council’s: Sustainable Living Guide www.basscoast.vic.gov.au
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greencrusader Leongatha local Rick Coleman takes us on a clean, green journey to demystify the art of permaculture.
words Sally O’Neill photos Maria Reed
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It’s pouring rain. A rare occurrence these days it seems. Rick Coleman greets us on his permaculture property, sensibly rugged up in beanie, jacket and gumboots. He bounds forward, arms outstretched as we take a brief tour of his life’s work. This ten-acre property started as a bare, swampy, windy paddock and is now one of Australia’s best examples of a permaculture lifestyle. He is, it seems, living the dream. In a few minutes, we have seen the ‘food forest’, where every plant is edible and recently fed six people for three weeks, watched raindrops fall onto one of his nineteen dams and brushed past over ten of his 250 fruit trees. “Things have changed a lot,” explains Rick through the rain. “Instead of being a rebellious crusader, I’m moving into the mainstream! I feel I am no longer banging my head against a brick wall. Ten years ago, I always had to explain what permaculture is and our classes were attended exclusively by a mixture of greenies, farmers and academics. Our last course had seventeen women from the suburbs. It’s a new market of upper middle class people who are really concerned about the environment and want to do something and be able to feed their family.” Rick and partner Naomi have dedicated their lives to living the philosophy on their property near Leongatha. They have also consulted to communities on every continent around the globe>
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“It seemed to fit in with all my ethics. I really liked the design approach, the planning and thinking about things before you do stuff.”
and head up Southern Cross Permaculture Institute where they teach and hold live-in workshops in the mud brick classroom that Rick built. Perhaps you could have called it the ‘Ponds Institute’ instead I joke, referring to the dampness of the day and the nineteen dams on the site. All jokes aside though, permaculture is a serious and important business. “It’s not a doctrine, it’s a set of structural design rules,” Rick states. A simple example is putting your chickens into the orchard so they fertilise and de-bug your trees. On a more complex scale, it can be whole townships running as a sustainable system on a social, economic and environmental level. Multi-functionality is another feature. It is always the aim to get as many uses as you can out of one object. “An apple tree will shade the side of a house and provide fruit. A shed can be a trellis for a plant, catch water, reflect light and may get hot enough inside to dry herbs. It can be more than just a little tin tool shed and this is better placed in the system,” explains Rick over a cup of tea with organic milk at the Institute headquarters. “Permaculture takes in everything; energy efficiency, wise use of water, good building design, community and economic design and we integrate the whole lot.” The aim is to design your garden for effective management or so it looks after itself. The more you have to intensively manage one area, the less time you have for other things. ‘We have a management strategy based on McDonalds theory,” jokes Rick. McDonalds places itself in a position with a huge traffic flow; we put our important plants and animals on the traffic flows. On the way to the letterbox, I’ll pass thirty to forty fruit trees so, everyday without doing anything, I manage them just with a turn of the head. I know when to pick the fruit, when to control the pests, when to prune – everything that’s happening.” Rick grew up in Caulfield, Melbourne and was “just your average, everyday kid. I got a bit dissatisfied with life in my late teens. I was against the work ethic, against pollution and against injustice. I thought I’m against all these things but what do I stand for? And I didn’t have anything at all,” he chuckles. So he started looking for something to be for rather than against. One night he and Naomi were watching the ABC in their little farmhouse in Wonthaggi and saw a Bill Mollison documentary and they were hooked on permaculture from that moment on. “It seemed to fit in with all my ethics. I really liked the design approach, the planning and thinking about things before you do stuff. I liked the idea of food in abundance, so Naomi and I moved pretty quickly in that direction.” Ahead of their time, Rick and Naomi had global warming in mind when they bought the property in 1994. “We thought if it does come, we’d need water, so we bought a swamp! It was swampy, bare, dead flat and windy,” he says as he points out the window to the lush garden jam-packed with plants. They had a basic structure, which developed as they learnt more. In the first Autumn, Rick got up on the highest tree and mapped out where the green lines were and that was where water ran under
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the ground – so they built their dams along those lines to pick up as much water as possible. Trials and tribulations? They’ve had a few. “When we arrived, it just kept raining, the swamp was knee deep and I was beginning to doubt my ability to do anything, the first trees were lying sideways (because of the wind), the house was full of bugs escaping the rain, the septic tanks were overflowing and I was extremely doubtful and losing confidence fast! After about four or five years, things started to happen, after that it all took off.” Rick advises to be prepared to make mistakes and plan for the extremes; design for big winds, floods and dry, and then your garden is going to survive. Also, plan with the minimum energy you can put in; you can always add more. Although an Australian invention, the permaculture philosophy is equally applicable overseas. Rick and Naomi are often called to work for aid agencies in the quest for self-sufficiency and Rick is heading to Africa in the next few weeks to work at an orphanage. “There’s such a tidal wave of aid needed around the world, if we can’t get people sustainable, it just becomes overwhelming. Every one we get to be sustainable means we can move on and help someone else. In Australia, we’ve never had a rainfall we could rely on, so we have developed a lot of irrigation techniques and to plant for the available rainfall. In countries I’m working in, they plant expecting rainfall and if they don’t get that rain, their crops fail and there is a famine. So I’m teaching irrigation techniques – they have often never even heard of the concept.” While you may not be ready to ‘go back to the land’ in your own life, there may not be a choice. “Everyone needs to start growing their own food now because the cost of food is going to go way up due to the growing of bio-fuels in food regions, the intermittence of rainfall, famines and big weather events which destroy entire crops in one swoop. A 1% food shortage means the cost of food doubles. There’s a big panic, people don’t really know what to do.” There will be>
“Every one we get to be sustainable means we can move on and help someone else.”
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What is Permaculture?
collapses in different ways, it will be difficult, but people will adapt.” Grim predictions indeed but, when I ask Rick about his vision for the future, he is surprisingly optimistic. “People will grow veggies and stop travelling twenty miles to the supermarket. Local milk bars will re-emerge and you’ll spend more time in the community - bring it on!!” “I think it will be really nice – there will be a lot of permaculture, a lot of people growing things, a lot of community interaction, communal energy supplies, dance halls and interest clubs – communities will come back. I think it will be quite lovely. C
While most of us have heard of the term permaculture; don’t be ashamed if you can’t describe it exactly. “It’s a way of life,” states Rick. The philosophy was developed by Bill Mollison and David Holmgren during the 1970s at the University of Tasmania. It started as a thesis, at the self-sufficiency level, concentrating on food species and then it evolved into combining with architecture. It can be as small as a few pots on your verandah through to whole communities working together to design a landscape to provide food, energy, shelter, and other needs. Techniques and strategies will vary from site to site, but the principles of permaculture design remain a constant. Check out www. southerncrosspermaculture.com.au to learn more.
“There will be a lot of permaculture, a lot of people growing things, a lot of community interaction and communal energy supplies.”
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Promoting health and vitality through a balanced mind, body and spirit. • Vitamins & minerals • Wholefood grocery items • Natural skin care products • CDs & books • Jewellery, gifts & so much more • Fresh local organic vegies 293 Rossiter Road Koo Wee Rup, Vic. 3981 (just off Sth Gippsland Highway) Proprietor Sandra PHONE: 5997 1601
11 McCartin Street, Leongatha
p 03 56 624 788
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e nflorist@bigpond.net.au NIKOLINAASb.indd 1
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greenguide There’s so many ways to live ‘clean & green’ on the coast, our guide shows you how.
live with nature Seagrove is a high-quality, environmentallysensitive, master-planned community in Cowes, on Phillip Island. Less than 700m from the beach, it enjoys a superb natural environment featuring mature trees and rich native bird life. Great care has been taken by the award - winning designers in the creation of parks, streetscapes, retention of trees, and selection of street lighting, paving, and street furniture to complement the natural environment. www.seagrove.com.au Phone 1800 616 106.
environmental campus Newhaven College gives their Year Nine students a full year of studying the environment at their special Environmental Centre campus on Phillip Island. Away from the main school, the students are immersed in a natural, woodland environment. The purposebuilt, award-winning, centre is environmentally-smart with many sustainable features such as a rammed earth wall that runs along the length of the building. Students attend the Centre for a full year and subjects are integrated with a constant environmental theme. www.newhavencol.vic.edu.au Phone 5956 7505.
a wild experience
Getting close to nature is a great way to get inspired about ‘going green’. Our coast has some amazing scenery and wildlife including Seal Rocks and magnificent Wilson’s Promontory National Park. While hundreds of thousands of people each year visit these places on land, there’s a whole new world to discover from the water. If you want a very special nature experience with a touch of entertainment and mixed with educational conservation messages, take to the water on an eco-cruise with Wildlife Coast Cruises. You can soon be drifting amongst thousands of seals at Seal Rocks or cruising under the awesome caverns and gorges of the remote Wilson’s Promontory coast and islands, visit www.wildlifecoastcruises.com.au Phone 1300 763 739.
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water on tap EcoWaterwise manufacture water tanks on Phillip Island. This means when you buy one of their water tanks, you are doing two great things for the environment: buying locally and saving water through the capture or rainwater. Locally owned and operated and delivering to all areas and they are sure to have the right water tank for you. www.ecowaterwise.com.au Phone 5952 6566.
building on green Sustainability is in the Design
a gift from the sun! Converting your home to solar energy is a meaningful way to make a difference to the environment – and to your electricity bills. Solar Shop Australia has a local team of dedicated advisors who offer their expertise in renewable technology and how you can create a solar system in your home that connects to the main electricity grid. Grid-connect solar systems are not only sympathetic to the environment, but they reduce electricity overheads, literally insulate the building they are on (and further insulate hip-pockets against rising electricity prices), and increase the value of property. Solar systems can also be transferred to another home or business after five years, translating to a meaningful and valuable inheritance for a family member. We are all concerned about our environment and there has never been a more economically favorable time to explore the idea of turning your roof into a ‘mini power station’ using the simplicity of the sun’s energy. Looking after our environment: it’s a legacy to be proud of! Solar Shop Australia 1300 SUN POWER (1300 786 769) www.solarshop.com.au
bass coast shire The team at Bass Coast Shire is working towards a sustainable future for the Shire. Their ‘Sustainable Living Guide’ is packed full of information and handy hints about how to live more sustainably right now, and tomorrow. They also have a comprehensive brochure about the common weeds of Gippsland to help you do your bit in keeping Bass Coast weed-free. Both documents are available in hard copy from Bass Coast Shire outlets, or you can save paper and read or download them from www.basscoast.vic.gov.au
Your sustainable home begins at the design stage. Whether a new house or renovation, the choices you make on paper will mean a big difference in the ongoing sustainability of your home. These days five-star energy rating has been upstaged by six-stars and the rating scale goes up to ten-star. Architects and building designers are leading the green revolution of housing, so employing their services and expertise means you will have the most up-to-the-minute information to design a home that will sit lightly on the landscape and the planet. Coast’s designers and builders are a great place to start, so check out the Property Section on page 133.
good for you - and the environment! Indulging in a little luxury needn’t cost the earth. The team at the Phillip Island Eco Retreat and Day Spa is committed to environmental sustainability and are receiving awards for their innovative and forward thinking. They use solar hot water, have their own Treatment Plant to recycle all waste water and utilise innovative spa equipment and showers that use up to 85% less water than conventional types. Their philosophy is to reduce, reuse and recycle wherever possible! www.phillipislanddayspa.com.au Phone 5952 6466.
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a green vision The friendly, local team at Wonthaggi Retravision is making an impressive contribution to our environment. Every year, they give thousands of dollars to Bass Coast Landcare Network for planting trees across Bass Coast Shire. Their efforts have earned them the status of becoming a Carbon Sustainable Business. This means they are monitoring their carbon usage, running their business in a ‘carbon smart’ way and planting trees to offset their carbon emissions. Well done team! Wonthaggi Retravision 15-17 Murray Street, Wonthaggi. Phone 5672 4733.
future pure
heavenly hemp Change the world by changing your clothes! Hemp is part of the new revolution of sustainable clothing. It is a very eco-friendly crop as it doesn’t need pesticides and uses very little water. Organic and 100% natural, it’s comfortable and one of nature’s most durable fibres. And, once you’ve worn it, there’s no going back! Kush Kush has a stylish range of ‘Eco’ hemp clothing for men and women. They also have ‘worn once after five’ clothing to encourage recycling and savings! 8 Vista Place, Cape Woolamai. Phone 5956 6844 or 0408 575 452.
If you really stop and think about buying bottled water, it just doesn’t add up for the planet. The packaging and transport alone has a major environmental impact. Why, when you can so easily reach for the tap? If you don’t like tap water, a water filter from local suppliers, Future Pure Water can have you drinking pure, fresh water all day long. For only two cents per filtration, it is delicious, good for your health and the planet. Choose from a wide range of stylish filters, which will compliment your décor perfectly. Call 5952 6735 or 0400 432 149.
caring for nature There’s more to Phillip Island Nature Park than the famous Penguin Parade. This not for profit ecotourism organisation is dedicated to protecting and managing over 20% of Phillip Island and its wildlife. The dedicated rangers and researchers manage the beaches, coastline, woodlands and wetlands and run research, education, weed and pest-animal control programs to protect our environment and wildlife. www.penguins.org.au Phone 5951 2800.
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Wonthaggi Superstore §'RLQJ WKHLU ELW IRU WKH HQYLURQPHQW¨
DID YOU KNOW THAT RETRAVISION WONTHAGGI SPENDS THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS PER YEAR ON PLANTING TREES IN THE BASS COAST SHIRE IN CONJUNCTION WITH BASS COAST LANDCARE NETWORK 2008 Carbon Sustainable Business Wonthaggi Retravision
2008 Carbon Sustainable Business
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What are we doing: Monitoring our carbon usage Running our business carbon smart Growing trees in bass Coast We hope you will support your local business and Landcare community for our future.
03 5672 4733 15/8/08 12:32:30 PM
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www.ecowaterwise.com.au
or Seni s en Citiz nt u Disco
Solar hot water – effective, efficient and now more affordable than ever. Generous rebates are available to all regional households in Victoria to retrofit an Electric or Gas Boosted Solar Hot Water Service to a primary place of residence. Sustainable Products NOW is an authorised distributor of AAE Solar Hot Water Systems: • Evacuated Tube Technology, the latest and most effective way of heating water • Up to 40% more efficient than traditional solar systems • Reduce hot water energy costs by up to 80% • Carbon reductions are equivalent to planting 200 trees every year.
Sustainable Products NOW – an initiative from Plumbers NOW
Sustainable Products NOW also sells, services and installs: • Water Tanks and Pumps • Smartbreeze, the green solution to climate control • Photovoltaic Power Generation Systems • Heat Recovery Transfer Systems
Call NOW to arrange a time to find out how you can save energy, save money and reduce your impact on the environment. Plumbers Now v4.indd 1
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Showroom 87 - 89 Settlement Rd Cowes admin@plumbersnow.com.au 18/8/08 6:54:58 AM
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100 monkeys Compliment your green lifestyle at 100 Monkeys. You’ll be bursting with vitality when you stock up on a wide range of organic products including fruit and vegetables, natural skin care products, health foods and vitamins. Take time for a healthy snack in the café featuring great organic coffee. 293 Rossiter Rd, Koo Wee Rup. Phone 5997 1601.
green hot water Plumbers Now is pleased to be supporting the environment through their new service: ‘Sustainable Products Now’. Offering a full range of sustainable services, they can help you to reduce your carbon footprint, and household bills. Solar hot water is now more efficient and affordable than ever. Join the new era of solar hot water with the new AAE system which is up to 40% more efficient than standard solar set-ups. With AAE, you can save up to 80% on your hot water heating costs and five tonnes of greenhouse gas each year. There are substantial Government rebates available which can make moving over to a solar system free (plus installation). Call Plumbers Now and turn on the sun in your house today! Visit the showroom at 87 - 89 Settlement Rd, Cowes. Phone 5952 6066.
naturally healing Living in a sustainable way includes managing stress and looking after yourself. The team at Island Healing are the masters of living well and nourishing your body and soul. With a wide range of exercise, relaxation and remedial therapies on offer including Bowen, aromatherapy and reflexology, you are sure to find a solution that works for you. Go on, you deserve it and your body will thank you. 6 Forrest Ave, Newhaven. www.islandhealing.com.au Phone 5956 7886.
green web There’s a wealth of information out there in cyberspace, here’s a few favourites: www.mobilemuster.com.au - the official recycling program of the mobile phone industry www.greenvehicleguide.gov.au - helps you by rating new Australian vehicles based on greenhouse and air pollution emissions www.sustainability.vic.gov.au - find out about rebates and much, much more www.lowimpactliving.com - calculate your impact and discover how to start making changes towards a more sustainable lifestyle www.westernportwater.com.au - water saving advice and rebate information
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my life as an
words Lisa Valastro photos Maria Reed
avocado
Growing up in Holland with ‘a house full of art,’ artist John Mutsaers made the journey to Australia along with many other migrants during the late 1950’s. Once here, he ignited his love for art, found his life partner and overcame a crippling phobia that eventually took him back to his homeland after a fifty year void.
It was a total surprise to thirteen-year old John when his father announced around the dinner table that they were migrating to Australia – in two week’s time! Despite not being involved in the decision-making, he was excited about the adventure to a far away land. It was this major event that shaped the extraordinary artist’s life work. On coming to Australia from Holland, John felt somewhat alienated and worked hard on becoming a ‘real Australian’- so much so, he lost all trace of his Dutch accent. Journeying through life, he felt a sense of longing and developed a chronic fear of flying which delayed a return visit to his homeland for fifty years. Desperate to overcome his fear, he embarked on a ‘journey through identity’ – a selfprescribed ‘therapeutic program’ he developed “in an attempt to investigate my fears and anxieties in the hope of gaining an understanding of these concerns and to be able to fly back to Holland” he says. Through his studies, John had discovered arts therapy; a process of exploration of themes and paintings, where underlying feelings and emotions surface. By transporting those feelings onto a canvas or other surface, thoughts, fears and even inner demons can be abolished. Whilst creating the exhibition, the flights were booked, cancelled and re-booked three times. The result, ‘My Life as an Avocado’ – was an expression of the thoughts and fears he had around the trip. In the paintings, a combination of acrylic and mixed media on canvas, the stone of the avocado represented a man in many varied emotional states. The process was John’s way of coming to terms with his struggle regarding his identity and loss of culture; John went on his trip back to Holland in 2006. Now back in Australia, John and wife Mary divide their time between a Gippsland farmlet and their straw bale house and studio in Inverloch where they are planning to move permanently in the near future. Whilst chatting to John and Mary, John informs me that credit for their somewhat quirky house by the sea needs to be handed over to an architect friend of his who came up with the idea of a straw bale house and that the slow pace of coastal living and the community spirit definitely captured their attention. Though the neighbours weren’t so ‘spirited’ when they first caught sight of the house. “It took John six and a half years to build, and there was rubbish everywhere. The neighbours are lovely people and they have been astounding, but the first thing they said to us was ‘who is building that big MONSTROCITY next to you?’” laughs Mary. “It was a monstrosity at that stage; there were bits sticking up everywhere,” adds John. “When it wasn’t rendered, it was obvious there were straw bales, so that caused HUGE interest. We even used to get bus tours! A bus pulled up one day and>
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Out of each potato rises a 3 metre high red fork. “The sculptures were commissioned in response to the United Nations national year of the potato – proclaimed because potato growing leaves a very small ecological footprint” John says. The display has now been moved to the highway near Trafalgar as a permanent installation to honour potato farmers in the area and all five potatoes are placed together on a huge 6 metre dinner plate. “My plan is to have a single potato with a red fork in all the major potato growing towns around Gippsland. That will make it one of the largest sculpture installations in the world” he says. John’s life journey has been a tough one. “I must admit I probably wouldn’t have been much without Mary, everything I have done has been in total partnership with her. I take a quote from Plato: ‘that humanity is a being in search of meaning’ and I truly believe that. I think it really sums up all aspects of life, whether it’s meaning through artwork, green living or sustaining the human spirit.” C it was full of architectural students from RMIT. I thought it was gorgeous. We don’t get as many ‘visitors’ now, because it is rendered you can’t really pick it. And of course you get all those silly comments like ‘piggy, piggy in your little house of straw,’” recalls Mary. “Yes I’ll huff and puff and blow your house down,” agrees John. Straw, being a renewable resource and having thermal qualities, is what struck a chord with the couple. “The walls are half a metre thick so it is mostly trapped air that keeps the temperature regulated,” John says. “It is very cool in summer. We rarely use the air conditioning and the whole idea was to try and reduce the use of heating. Most of the timber is recycled and the windows are toughened glass from an old school. The bloke who sold them to me told me they are bullet-proof so we have a catch cry and a bit of a laugh when we tell people our windows are bullet proof,” he laughs. “I think it was important for us to do the house that way because trying to live in an eco-friendly way, is sustainable and hopefully economical,” Mary says. “It also makes you feel good doing your little bit for the environment.” The house definitely has an artistic, ‘organic’ feel to it. ‘Earthy’ is indeed a perfect adjective and I wonder if living sustainably indirectly contributes to ideas for John’s pieces. “Yes I suppose it does in a way,” he replies, though Mary has a somewhat puzzled look on her face. “I think ...well I’m just philosophising here, but when you talk about sustainability, there is also the human factor, like giving people resilience. Of course it’s about the environment and everything else, but how do we sustain the human spirit? I think that John’s work has been very effective in that area. Sustaining the human spirit is where I think his art work is at.” John is clearly impressed by his wife’s philosophy. “Yes I like that; it’s very well put,” he says grinning. “If the human spirit is totally shot, all other spirit of being sustainable is useless. It’s funny because when people talk about sustainability, they talk about ecology but they don’t talk about the human spirit. It’s about making human life more sustainable in our own environments.” John loves to sit in his little studio/sanctuary and ‘percolate’ ideas for his works whether it is for a piece of writing, a sculpture or painting. “Like when you percolate coffee, there are ingredients that go into the pot and it all boils slowly and comes out as something new.” Being a diverse artist, he has tried his hand at various mediums. “I paint and sculpt, but I would call myself a painter rather than a sculptor.” Yet it is sculpture that has occupied his time for the last six months. He recently completed what he called ‘the potato’: a series of five big potato sculptures that were displayed around Federation Square in Melbourne during May. The ‘potatoes’ were carved out of basalt rock from the Thorpdale region and weighed between 1- 2.5 tonne each.
“We used to get comments like ‘piggy, piggy in your little house of straw - yes I’ll huff and puff and blow your house down’.”
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inspiredbynature Farmers along the Foster Creek have joined forces with Landcare in an effort to restore the magic of Gippsland’s rainforest and clear running water When Lee Storti and husband Steve bought their 200-year-old farm, Ferndale, near Kongwak, it was “very run down, bare and lacked trees”. Some remnant vegetation along the creek running through the property was the only reminder of how it had once been. To date, Lee has planted 16 000 trees and constructed fences to protect existing vegetation. Now the wildlife is coming back and her cattle are protected, all through the unique Powlett Project – an inspiring and jointly funded endeavour to reclaim the Foster Creek. “It all started as a committee of concerned landholders that sought funding to get ongoing works done in the Powlett Catchment,” says Powlett Project Officer for Bass Coast Landcare Network, Dave Bateman. “The project has been running for fifteen years and, with an average of 100 000 plants in the ground each year, that’s 1.5 million plants so far.” “My job is to distribute funding to improve the water quality going into the rivers in the catchment, to encourage sustainable farming practices and run courses. We give farmers the opportunity to do environmental works on their properties which is subsidised.” Dave’s enthusiasm for the project is infectious and he never knows what each day will bring. “On my first day on the job, I was doing a farm inspection. A cow was having trouble calving, so I helped the farmer to deliver it. We got it out, it survived and it was happy days. If I hadn’t been there, it wouldn’t have been able to get out.” The Powlett area was denuded of vegetation a long time ago, which effectively provides a ‘clean slate’ for revegetation, works. “There’s some beautiful pockets of cool temperate rainforest that has survived and we are working on building and connecting the remnant vegetation – we are trying to get it back,” says Dave. Farming these days is a tough business and the project allows farmers to undertake work they normally wouldn’t have the time or resources to do. “When you can get help funding, it’s a good thing to do. If we had to do it all ourselves, we just couldn’t do it,” says Lee who is delighted with results so far. “We’re helping nature re-establish. The cattle benefits, everything benefits. Wildlife is coming back, the small birds like the understorey plants and we had
a koala visit this year. A flock of over thirty Black Cockatoos flies down the river and feeds on the wattle flowers and grubs in the dead Blackwoods.” It seems that ongoing corporate funding from International Power /Mitsui, coupled with government allocations is the key to this project’s success and will continue to provide great benefits towards the ongoing works of Landcare in the region. “People think farmers are abusing the land all of the time, but many of them do so much good and this project gives them the time and resources to do it,” sums up Lee. C
words Sally O’Neill photos Gaby McRae
Partnerships matter when it comes to environmental commitment. Landcare Australia � Greenfleet � Bass Coast Landcare Network Phillip Island Wildlife Corridor � Powlett Project � GippsLandcare � Churchill Corridor � Hazelwood Wetlands � Traralgon Railway Reservoir Conservation Reserve � Over 1.3 million trees planted across Gippsland �
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International Power and Mitsui are proud of their environmental performance and their partnerships with the community. coast 77
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Quality accommodation
Spring in the Resort Grounds Autumn 2008 brings exciting dining options forSpring our guests when stayingofin colour one of and the growth to brings a display theself 65contained, acres of native Australian landscape in 211 fully equipped individual which nestled villas. You211 will resort now bevillas able are to enjoy the - The gardens at the resort were designed to provide resort’s NEW wood fired Pizzeria, with beer guests and visitors with sights and smells of Australian on tap, inside seating and takeaway Flora. The gardens function as areas that can options available. The Pizzeria is locatedthe already be used separately or complement across the undulating boardwalk from theof sweeping established surrounding landscape fully licensed Cafe which is open for gardens and countryside overlooking market farmland. breakfast, lunch & dinner and features a Theoutdoor All Seasons Eco Phillip Island large terrace. OurResort chefs work welcomes guests and visitors sample the closely with local growers to sourcetothe culinary excellence of our chefs whilst enjoying best produce of the region, resulting the emerging spring garden. Our Head Chef in works a delicious, relaxed closely with and localunique growers to source dining experience. the best produce of the region, resulting in a delicious, experience. The Resort isrelaxed nestled and on 65unique acres of Guests need travel no further the resort sweeping countryside overlooking than market when visiting Phillip Island, we offer studio spas, gardens and farmland and offers studio 2 & 3 bedroom villa accommodation all self spas, 2 & 3 bedroom accommodation contained and fullyvilla equipped. Guest facilities conveniently located in the of Phillippool, tennis include swimming pool centre plus toddlers courts, and playground, gymnasium, Island just BBQs 2 kilometres from the Cowes sauna and spa and and safe walking tracks. shopping precinct bay beaches. Our fully licensed and Cafeevent is open for breakfast and The new conference facilities lunch seven days per week and dinner Tuesday for 200 guests will be open to Saturday. The Pizzeria with wood fired oven at is theopen end of February. Friday to Monday nights and Sunday from noon and features a large outdoor terrace overlooking the swimming pool.
QUEST Phillip Island
Located in the vibrant, holiday township of Cowes, Quest Phillip Island is a short stroll to local shops, restaurants and beaches and within a short travelling distance to Phillip Island’s many attractions including the Penguin Parade, surf beaches and Grand Prix Circuit.
QUEST Oceanic
ECO RESORT PHILLIP ISLAND
All Seasons Eco Resort Phillip Island 2128 Phillip Island Rd PO Box 858 Cowes Victoria 3922 T 03 5952 8000 F 03 5952 2066 E res@theislandecoresort.com.au Reservations 03 5952 8007
www.theislandecoresort.com.au
Q
Our second property opened in November 2005. Quest Oceanic features one, two and three bedroom, fully self contained apartments. The apartments feature quality furnishings and fittings, dvd players, stereos, full kitchen, laundry facilities with large balconies and onsite under cover secure parking for one car.
Phone: 03 5952 2644
questphillipisland@bigpond.com.au www.questphillipisland.com.au coast 78
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coastalcrusaders
promotional feature
photos Warren Reed words Tracy VanderZalm
The Bass Coast Environment Team are passionate about their jobs and the coastline. One of Paul Smith’s favourite spots is Magic Lands at Cape Woolamai. Here, he often catches the perfect wave, but he’s not your average surfer. As Environment Manager for Bass Coast Shire Council, while he’s got one eye out on the waves, his other eye is on the plastic bag that dances over the dunes. “It really disappoints me when I see people destroying what they come to enjoy,” said Paul. “At least in my job I can make a difference and protect and improve the natural environment.” With thirty years experience in local government, Paul began working for Bass Coast Shire Council twelve years ago. He was the only designated officer responsible for managing our environment. Now, he has a dedicated team of two. Like Paul, Derek Hibbert and Shaun Young moved to Bass Coast for the lifestyle. The opportunity to work using their professional expertise to protect and enhance the natural aspects of the area was too good to refuse. Coast and Bushland Management Officer, Derek, is responsible for bushland reserves and 42 kilometres of Crown Land Foreshore Reserves. He is also heavily involved in supporting thirteen volunteer Coast Action groups. “Working with dedicated volunteers is the most fulfilling part of my role,” said Derek. “We can now see some good onground results.” Newest member of the team, Environmental Project Officer, Shaun, ensures the community remains informed and involved through education programs. He also works closely with the agricultural community. “Working with people and witnessing a cultural change towards the environment is a very rewarding experience,” said Shaun. The team is now focussed on balancing environment conservation with increasing population growth and development. “It’s not about stopping growth,” said Paul. “People come for the Seachange. We have to manage that growth and protect the natural areas so we don’t impact on our quality of life.” The environment is a broad area and the team found they were
skimming the surface, attempting to address every issue at once. This lack of direction meant it was not possible to get the results they and the community wanted and the outcomes the environment needed. Environmental issues had to be prioritised. After much research and community consultation, the team developed the Environment Sustainability Plan 2008-2013. Recently adopted by Council, it identifies priority issues that will be addressed over the next five years. “Without the Plan, we would be running around in circles,” said Paul. “ It’s a major strategic document that ensures the things we do today do not compromise economy, environment or community in the future.” The priorities include managing beaches and bushland reserves, identifying climate change impacts and adaptations, efficient use of resources and managing pollution, litter and stormwater quality. “If there was one thing I’d like the community to get out of this Plan, it is a respect and appreciation for the natural areas they’re living in,” said Shaun. All three spend most of their spare time on the coast. Having the opportunity to improve its quality and sustain its future brings each a unique sense of personal satisfaction. “It’s all about creating a balance,” said Derek. C
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promotional feature
Go online, hit Google Maps and look down from space at Bass River. It looks like a plant. Tracing back from Westernport Bay, it is firstly a single stem that sprouts into a mass of small branchlets – about 16 tributaries – trickling down from the Strzelecki Ranges. The river’s headwaters come from the dairy-rich hills south of Poowong. It is a short, sharp river with a falling gradient for most of its length. The lower reaches are a stately and leisurely stroll to the sea, but soon after rain the whole watercourse surges, sometimes very suddenly. Amid topography of gentleness and rounded hills, it can be the trouble-maker. While the hand of man has redesigned much of the Bass River - and not always for the better - sometimes the river has been its own worst enemy. It breaks the rules. (Believe it or not, the government has rules for rivers, too.) There are times when the river flows too fast and too full for its own good. Here’s the description of what the experts call ‘overbank flow’ (we’d call it flooding) at the Upper Bass River. “These flows occur more frequently than recommendations require. This is not desirable.” Luckily, these waters are retained in-bank by “the incised nature of
the Upper Bass channel”, the experts note. But further downstream, incised channels and scouring are less useful. The experts call it ‘degraded’. Equipped with all the hardware and software available, hydrologists and geomorphologists have been studying the river’s shape, biologists its fauna and flora and water analysts from Westernport Water daily check its chemistry as it feeds into Candowie Reservoir through its Tennent Creek tributary. In June the experts presented a report on the Bass River’s environmental needs. The report was commissioned by Melbourne Water and was timed to be considered alongside Westernport Water’s application for a permanent licence to pump water from the Bass River during high flows. The experts’ findings support the levels proposed by the water corporation. In the meantime, both Westernport Water and Melbourne Water have been removing weeds alongside the river and replacing them with indigenous species. They have also funded Landcare volunteers replanting stretches of Tennent Creek. They have fenced parts of the river banks and undertaken the first all-river study of its animals, plants
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bassriver from source to sea
We follow the Bass River from the hills of the mighty Strzeleckis to Westernport Bay.
words Sue Webster photos Warren & Maria Reed
and geomorphology. The studies have shown that the river is not a singular thing, but feeds anabranches (a bit like a river’s varicose veins) and – in its lower reaches – billabongs which fill in high flows. The experts found that around the Loch area, the Upper Bass River ceases to flow for up to a month over summer and autumn. It is an important part of the river’s cycle because it allows riverside plants to germinate. May to November is another important time for water flow – with a crucial need for three days of high flows from September to November at least once every three years. It’s an exact science when you’re an eel trying to migrate down to the estuary. Midway along the river the water flow is more predictable. It always flows, albeit slowly in the dry months, and the steady trickle delivers the nutrients needed for the animals lurking in the pools. The first flows, between December and April deliver many things – one of them being a signal to the flathead gudgeon to start spawning. The increased water flow allows the fish easier movement to find mates and more prey. Sex and food – works every time!
And then, as the river flattens out and flows into the sea, its influence does not stop at the shoreline. Look out to Westernport Bay. The flow of fresh water encourages black bream and estuary perch to spawn, while the river estuary harbours the young of several species, notably the magnificent King George whiting. And out there, beyond the waterline, fresh water from the Bass River dilutes the salinity to levels needed for seagrass to germinate. Then turn around, look away from the sea and back up the river. Imagine it is 27 December, 1826 and you are Captain Wetherall, writing his report from the logbook of His Majesty’s Ship Fly. You describe the difficulty in sailing into the Bass River estuary owing to its extensive mud banks. “The land, on the right hand as you enter Bass River, appears to be a saltwater swamp, interspersed with a few elevated patches of rich meadow, and occasional rows of tea-tree. Saltwater ponds are also numerous. The trees are dispersed in clumps over an extended plain of rich meadows.” And suddenly, you are seized by the sight and – officialdom aside – you feel moved to write: “Nothing can exceed the beauty of the situation.’” Nothing indeed. C coast 81
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TREE CULTURE Professional Tree Care Services
0412 303 913 Qualified and Fully Insured WHAT IS AN ARBORIST? Arboriculture Arborist
Tree Culture Josh Geyle
Primarily the planting and care of trees and shrubs. Manages trees in both rural and urban environments. In addition to removals, tree care and maintenance, an Arborist can provide technical expertise including problem diagnosis, management programs, tree appraisal and much more. Applies a professional arboricultural approach to each job, ensuring an environmentally sensitive and sustainable tree culture. Josh has been a professional in the tree industry for seven years. He began his career in Elwood under respected Melbourne Arborist Jack Sinclair. Josh studied Arboriculture at Melbourne Uni, Burnley and relocated to South Gippsland in 2004. He and his young family have enjoyed the experience of living in a caring community with a rapidly evolving tree culture.
For everything in hardware . . .
WYLIE’S TRUE VALUE HARDWARE Friendly service & great advice all at the right price!
Your new LOCAL hardware
9 Murray Street, Wonthaggi 03
56725 955
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goinggreen
words Lisa Valastro photos Peter Keogh & Maria Reed
Coronet Bay couple, Peter and Sue Keogh and their four children have recently ‘taken the plunge’ and converted their house to wind and solar power. Coast’s Lisa Valastro gets some answers about what it’s really like to ‘go green’. How did you decide to go green? I’ve always had a concern for the environment. My wife Sue and I really love the country and animals and I’ve always wanted to be self-sufficient. I believe that things tend to come back at you, so if you treat people or the environment right; it all comes around in a circle. If people believed that, everyone would get along better and we would all probably live a lot longer. Concerning the environment you can only do so much, but it is nice to say that you have tried to do your bit. That’s where we are at now. I should mention that I have an engineering background so I am interested in all this anyway. I believe that this is something really relevant to our way of life and we can make a difference however small. It’s satisfying to feel you’re contributing something positive. It’s also about having a bit of independence. Why solar and wind power? The reason we decided to have wind and solar is that quite often you’ll get a sunny day with no wind or a windy day with no sun, so if you’ve got both at least you’re tapping into two energy sources. What changes (if any) did you have to make to your lifestyle? A lot of people like the idea of solar power and being self-sufficient but, to make it work, you’ve got to reduce and change the way you use your everyday power. We have cut down a lot on our power usage by replacing all of our old light globes and trying to use gas for cooking rather than electricity. We still have mains power so if the power does shut down for whatever reason, for example bad weather, the system automatically switches over to mains; the set up is all automatic. What results have you seen so far? We just received our third bill since the solar conversion. It shows the graph of usage, and ours has gone right down to almost zero; which is pretty exciting. We have hardly used any power from the mains so all we’re really paying for is the line rental. Tell us about your ‘green recording studio’. Because of our interest in music, we’ve set up a basic recording studio. Professional recording can be expensive and quite often people starting out want to get a little demo CD down. So, we thought it would be nice to tell people they can record a demo using our wind or solar powered studio. That might make them feel a little bit more ‘warm and fuzzy’ about what they are doing; and that’s what it’s all about. Any handy green tips? You don’t have to fully convert your house to solar and wind power to make a difference. Make sure your house is well insulated and be careful with the way you use electricity. Consider a solar hot water system that will pay for itself in two or three years. It is a pretty simple and effective way of cutting down your power usage. C
Pete’s costs for converting to green energy: 1kW* solar array $8000 1kW wind turbine $2500 3.3kW grid-tie inverter $5000 200AH 48V battery bank $1600 Installation hardware $2700 Professional design & installation by licensed installer $5000(approx). TOTAL $24,800 (less government rebate) $8,000 Total installation $16,800 (* A kilowatt is equal to 1000 watts of energy)
Pete’s advice:
These are the costs for my particular system. There are many different combinations and options available depending on what your energy requirements are. It is a fair bit of money to outlay but, when you consider that you can generate your own power with minimal effect on the environment and with zero ongoing costs, it all starts all to make sense. • If you are interested in having alternative power but don’t want to spend so much, you can set up a small stand-by solar panel and battery which will run lights and television/ computer for a few hours. This costs about $1000 and is simple to install. • It is also possible to reduce the labour cost by working with a licensed installer, however, to receive the government rebate, the installation must comply with strict requirements so there is a limit to what you can do: a licensed electrician must also complete any 240-volt wiring. coast 83
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words Sally O’Neill photos Maria & Warren Reed
the australiangarden
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t
It must have taken courage and vision to create a garden to showcase native plants in the camellia-loving days of the 1950s. Yet a group of dedicated fans, with the support of the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne, did just this.
he visionary native plant lovers selected a sandy site in Cranbourne and, with the support of generous benefactors, in the midst of the Vietnam War, they purchased 363 hectares of land for the purpose of a botanic garden for native plants. I’m truly glad for their forward vision as we now have a world-class treasure right on our doorstep... Two startled wallabies slowly hop away as I enter the Royal Botanic Gardens in Cranbourne; less than a minute from suburbia and the South Gippsland Highway I have travelled so many times. This is my second visit, and there’s always a hive of staff activity. Last time it was a spectacular controlled burn in the surrounding woodland and today there’s a major rabbit control operation in progress. For the next four hours I am immersed in a world of colour, texture and the wonder that is Australian plants. The centrepiece of this stunning site is the Australian Garden, which opened in 2006. This garden is a metaphorical journey across the landscapes of Australia showcasing the incredible diversity of plants and the way water or, lack of it, has shaped our country. The Red Sand Garden takes your breath away as you step out from the Visitor Centre. Here the striking vision of the project’s landscape designers Taylor, Cullity and Lethlean comes to life. It is in fact this landscape aspect that makes the gardens so special. The key difference of the Australian Garden, as opposed to many other Botanical Gardens, is that this is not just a collection of plants. It is about how plants fit into a series of fifteen master-minded landscapes. The angular red dune which represents Australia’s red heart snakes through the arid landscape and leads down to the ephemeral lake sculpture; an installation that simulates the elusive nature of water in the outback and shows signs of animals that have tracked through the landscape – their footprints frozen in time. The red desert sands are held back by a simulation of the escarpments that make our country so great; Kings Canyon, Kakadu, the Kimberley. The majesty of this iconic landscape is captured in 90 metres of rusting red metal. This is Australia’s longest sculpture and has an almost industrial feel. A rockpool waterway runs along its base, the water streaming in rivulets over the paving stones. Water flow is computer-controlled and children are encouraged to ‘wade between the flags’ – I wade. Opposite the ‘escarpment’ is a series of five exhibition gardens, each with a different focus and designer. The five themes of Diversity, Water Saving, Home, Kids’ Backyard and Future are explored using unique and highly creative methods. These installations are aimed at inspiring people about using native plants and are packed full of ideas to try at home in your own garden. The stream continues to a waterfall then flows into a waterhole at the base of Gibson and Howsen Hills. I take a moment to honour the namesakes who made this garden a reality. Maud Gibson who wanted a showcase for Victoria’s plants in as early as the 1940’s and politician, Peter Howson, who helped to cut through the red tape and make the dream of purchase a reality in 1970. The winding Serpentine Path leads uphill to the Desert Discovery Camp where kids can dig for fossils in the sand. In the Arid Garden, a greater diversity of plants emerges as the landscape transitions from bare red sands to Australia’s woodlands and forests. Four hundred year-old grass trees greet you and tasteful signs encourage you to ‘respect the>
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elders’. The Dry River Bed hugs the curve of the red sand and leads to the Eucalypt Walk: a celebration of the importance and diversity of the good old gum tree. This is a sensory experience with many interactive exhibits encouraging you to smell, look and listen. I come across volunteer master gardener, Helen Kennedy, who works every fortnight answering visitor’s curious questions and leading tours. Helen, who has a house at Port Smythe, is passionate about the gardens and Australian plants. “I’ve been growing native plants for thirty-five years. We live in this country and they belong here,” says Helen whose enthusiasm for the gardens is infectious. “People used to think that native plants were unexciting and did nothing and this garden proves them wrong. We are so lucky to have this brand new botanical garden – there are very few in the world,” enthuses Helen. The Australian Garden journey comes full circle at the Visitor Centre building. Designed by Kerstin Thompson Architects, the weathered timbers and casual feel blends into the surrounding bush. It houses a gallery space, Boonerwurrung Café and the Gardens Shop. With a picture-box view of the gardens, I relax in the café and enjoy a glass of Gippsland Cannibal Creek Sauvignon Blanc and paper-barked smoked salmon on cous cous. The bush-tucker theme blends perfectly with the Australian Garden experience and is equally reflected in the quality goods to be found in the Gardens Shop. The surrounding woodland has secluded picnic areas and over ten kilometres of walking tracks and boardwalks. Making the effort to climb to Trig>
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Point lookout is well rewarded with a bird’s-eye view of the garden’s expanse. The new Woodland Picnic Area has a children’s playground, free BBQs and shelters, and an extra five kilometres of cycle tracks. “It’s fantastic to see the connection that people are having with the Australia Garden,” says Matt Jones, Marketing and Tourism Coordinator. “There has been a great deal of enthusiasm and emotional response from people sharing their experiences with us through poems, photos and stories. One man wrote: ‘I haven’t felt so proud since The Man From Snowy River rode into the stadium at the Sydney Olympics’.” The garden’s success was rewarded with an Australian Tourism Award in 2006. “People are coming back and visiting the Australian Garden to see the plants through the changing seasons and to take part in the public programs and events on offer,” explains Matt. And there’s more to come. The current Australian Garden is only the first stage in the huge task of presenting Australia’s vast landscapes. Works have already begun for Stage two which is scheduled to open in 2011. “Stage two will complete the vision for the Australian Garden,” says Chris Russell, Director of Royal Botanic Gardens, Cranbourne. “The fullness of Taylor, Cullity and Lethlean’s inspirational design will be realised through an additional eight hectares of garden which will complete the metaphoric journey from the ‘red centre’ to Australia’s eastern seaboard.” As I slowly drive away, the workers are rolling up their rabbit nets. I think about the experience I’ve just had. This certainly is the garden of the future, it works with the land, climate and water availability, not against it. These gardens are a healing, a celebration and recognition of our Australian landscape. What the early settlers saw as ‘empty’ is in fact one of the most diverse areas on the planet. This is definitely ‘the republic of gardens’: proudly Australian without any need for the ‘monarchy’ of introduced plants. Their moment in the spotlight is well deserved. C
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The Birth of an Australian Garden 1950’s - The search for a site for a collection of Australian plants began. 1970’s - Cranbourne site selected and purchased. The land seemed ‘rather unpromising’, it had been grazed by cattle, extensively cleared and mined for building sand. Pockets of remnant vegetation did remain and these areas were to be preserved. 1980’s - Planning for the Australian Garden began in earnest. 1990’s - Funding received and landscape works began. In 1994, landscape architects Taylor, Cullity and Lethlean were chosen to design the garden in conjunction with native plant expert, Paul Thompson. 2000 - Stage One works began in 2003. Extensive earthworks were undertaken to transform the sand mine to a suitable garden base with appropriate plant growing conditions. Red sands were sourced locally and the dramatic landscaping works began. Planting began in 2004 and the two major art works were commissioned and installed. The Visitor Centre was also constructed in 2004. The Australia Garden opened to the public in May 2006. In 2008 works began for Stage Two which is due for completion in 2011.
Garden Facts -
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Total area: 363 hectares Australian Garden Stage One: 9 hectares Australian Garden Stage Two: 8 hectares Australian plant species represented: 10 000 Total number of plants: 100 000
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THE COUNTRY GARDENER
Giftware / Fountains / Garden Furniture / Antiques
Designer pots, natives, ornamentals & indoor plants
Call the professionals at Reviva Deck to revitalise your old deck, jetty or fence. Their qualified tradesmen will have them looking like new with their professional application techniques.
Phone: 0418 304 920 or 0407 845 479
Come and visit the region’s largest nursery with an extensive range of antiques.
OPEN 7 DAYS
19 Inverloch Road, Wonthaggi Vic 3995
T 03 5672 4866
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gardeningguide revive a deck 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.
the country gardener Visit the region’s largest nursery at The Country Gardener in Wonthaggi. Their range of natives, ornamental and indoor plants will inspire your spring planting and long-term garden planning. If you are looking to create a garden feature, take a look at their designer pots, fountains and outdoor furniture. They also have a selection of giftware and an extensive range of antiques. 19 Inverloch Road, Wonthaggi. Phone 5672 4866.
Thinking of taking the plunge and getting into a pool this summer? Check out the range at Compass Pools. World leaders in the industry, they offer excellent value for money, quality control and service. Compass draw on continuous research in building the best, safest pools possible. They also pioneered an in-floor cleaning and circulation system for composite pools. Their aim: to help create an outdoor area you’ll never want to leave. Phone 9379 1555.
compass pools
van steensels tree culture We all love our trees, but sometimes they need a little tender loving care and management: a prune, repair, or even removal when the trees grow old or die. Josh Grayle has over seven years professional experience in the field of Arboriculture,which is the planting and care of trees and shrubs. After studying at Burnley in Melbourne, he worked with some of the best in the field and then moved to the Coast three years ago. Josh “enjoys the experience of living in a caring community with a rapidly evolving love of trees”. As well as tree care and maintenance, an arborist can provide technical expertise including problem diagnosis, management programs, tree appraisal and much more. Call Josh on 0412 303 913
Water is a resource we all appreciate and having a tank is a great way to conserve it. Van Steensel Timbers in Grantville stock a range of tanks, including the EcoWaterwise range, as well as building materials. Their staff provide friendly, professional service and advice. Call in at their Grantville Store. Corner Bass Highway and Corinella turn-off. www.vansteenseltimbers.com.au Phone 5678 8552
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westernportwater A note on water saving from Westernport Water.
kush kush the australian garden It’s garden royalty and open to everyone. Royal Botanic Gardens, Cranbourne is a garden for getting inspiration about the wonder of native plants. Spring is the perfect time for a visit to experience the Wildflower Festival – a variety of fun events, walks and family activities to celebrate the Garden’s wildflowers. Also, the new Woodland Picnic Area opens on Saturday 4 October, so don’t forget a packed lunch! www.australiangarden.com.au Phone: 5990 2245.
churchill island
You’ll find a treasure trove of distinctive outdoor ornaments and garden features at Kush Kush in Cape Woolamai. Their courtyard display area is packed with a great selection of water features, statues, wall ornaments, pots and figurines. It’s a taste of the exotic with succulents, sculptures and Asian-inspired figurines. Choose from a variety of designs and sizes including glazed and unglazed stone, ceramics and pressed-metal wall displays. Shop 8 Vista Drive, Cape Woolamai. Phone 0408 575 452.
The way you create your garden now will determine its chances of survival through the summer. While Westernport Water is busy balancing customer demand with available supply, there’s plenty of work you can do to make your water use in the garden more efficient. One great water-saving garden tip is to create ‘microclimates’. These are small areas within your garden with their own temperature and water requirements. Microclimates can be created by structures eg. a wall, path, larger tree, slope or groups of plants. So, read your garden’s microclimates and adjust your water and energy usage accordingly: • Discover all the microclimates on your block and choose plants to suit
Churchill Island, off the coast of Phillip Island, is the site of Victoria’s first European garden in 1801. Today it is maintained as an historic garden amongst the remaining heritage buildings and a working farm. The gardens will be showcased to perfection at the annual Garden Lover’s Festival on Sunday 9 November. www.churchillisland.org.au Phone 5956 7214
• Less heat, more shade and more wind protection will save water in the garden • Plants chosen to match microclimates will be healthier, easier to maintain and have reduced water needs • Modify the microclimates and plantings around your house to make the area more water efficient • Position plants, structures and garden beds on slopes to prevent run-off and water wastage
wylie’s true value hardware Check out Wonthaggi’s newest hardware store, Wylies True Value, for all your gardening needs. Wheelbarrows, hoses, you name it, they’ve got it and if you can’t find it, the friendly, knowledgable staff are always on hand to help you. 9 Murray St, Wonthaggi. Phone 5672 5955.
• Improve soil conditions for better water penetration • Use walls, buildings, pergolas and house siting to create useful microclimates. Discover lots more water-saving garden tips – and lists of water-miser plants at www.savewater.com.au www.westernportwater.com.au
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Coastal Native Landscapes Landscape Design & construction Australian plant specialists, creating unique coastal gardens * All aspects of landscape design & construction * Fully detailed landscape plans & design consultation * Paving, retaining walls, driveways & paths * Drought tolerant, low maintenance gardens * Revegetation & maintenance services * Garden art & sculpture * Native plants for sale * Truck & tipper hire
Jacquie Chambers 0432 060 528 Pat Barrett 0422 685 045 Fully qualified Horticulturists RMB 5768 Cowes Victoria
fax. 5952 1424 email: jcpb@aapt.net.au
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Coastal Native Landscapes began in 2003 with a vision to make a difference to the environment. “Greening the planet is very important to me,” says Jacquie Chambers who runs the business with partner Pat. “That’s what motivates me and makes me feel good at the end of the day.” Pat and Jacqui recognise problems such as global warming and lack of water and know that their business targets these issues. Coastal, native landscapes exactly sums up this unique business, which focusses soley on native Australian plants and creating stunning coastal landscapes. After being in business for only four years, this small business took a giant leap forward when it was engaged to design and complete the landscaping for Phillip Island Eco Resort. The job was not without its challenges, but has made the business flourish. “Without a doubt, it’s the biggest job we’ve ever done,” says Jacquie. “We started thinking about the plants we would use. The Eco Resort definitely wanted to be involved with native and indigenous plants and it ended up being 80% indigenous and 20% Australian natives to give colour and attract birds. We chose dwarf eucalypts as street trees because they have prolific flowers throughout the year. We planted six trees around each cabin to shade them in summer and provide light and warmth in winter. In five year’s time the trees will soften the rooflines and change the aesthetic of the whole place.” Jacquie also cleverly incorporated giant dragonfly sculptures into the café garden. The inspiration for the sculptures came to her when a swarm of “chunky blue beautiful dragonflies” flew past her. She then commissioned local artist, Mark Rayment, from Tarwin Lower to create the giant copper insects. The total number of plants used in the project is staggering: 80 000 plants around the units (including 1200 advanced eucalypts), 5000 in the conservation zone and 2000 around the café. A planned buffer-zone planting will take the
after before
during total up to a very impressive 200 000 trees, shrubs and grasses. “We designed the garden with a ninety-year vision and, in years to come, the Eco Resort will be very natural and wildlife will use it as a corridor.” There’s no end to the benefits of native and indigenous plants in this coastal environment and if you are considering a native garden, it’s important to call Jacquie in at the planning stages. “In all our jobs, we encourage people to keep any existing vegetation on site so that we can promote the natural coastal look,” says Jacquie. The consultation and design process will also ensure that the garden suits your block and lifestyle. “Native plants are our passion, that’s what we do. I’m excited when people contact me and I think ‘what can we do for the environment in that little patch?,” says Jacquie.
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island landscape and design Gardens have always been a passion for Island Landscape and Design’s, Matt Crooks. He grew up surrounded by an Edna Walling design, completed an apprenticeship and worked for ‘the big guys’ in Melbourne. Drawn to the sea air, he moved to Phillip Island and established Island Landscape and Design in 1994. Matt likes to takes on jobs from concept, through to construction and completion. He prides himself on specialising in unique products and being up to date with the latest materials on offer. He encourages people to think of their garden as another ‘room’ to their house and he more commonly finds himself working with clients at the house design stage, “working in tandem with the building design”. This allows all aspects of the garden to match the house: pathways, surfaces, colours, functionality, plants and spaces. Matt’s small and talented team of three includes Luke, a qualified gardener, and Aidan a qualified landscape gardener who was awarded apprentice of the year for North Melbourne Institute of TAFE in 2007. “We all like to have fun and we are really interested in what we do,” says Matt. “It’s never boring.” The team loves a challenge and relish the opportunity to be creative. “The last few jobs we have done have been living landscapes. We’ve created real ‘outdoor spaces’ for people. One job incorporated entertaining areas complete with a stage for the kids to perform, chalk boards in the pergola and a quiet, intimate space for the adults to retreat and relax. The team is also loving the use of recycled timbers that they have been collecting for years. They incorporate them into their designs and use quality products to compliment its look and feel. Matt loves living and working on the island and creating gardens that fit with the landscape and his clients’ lifestyles. “Virtually all of our clients want low maintenance gardens, but ones that also look great, are effective and drought tolerant.” Matt’s wide knowledge of plants from around the world allows him to achieve this in many different and creative ways. Matt’s advice for creating the perfect garden? “It all starts with the design, how you want to use the garden, how you want it to work and look; not only now, but in five and ten years. If you deal with us, we have a good understanding of what you want and then we can package it for your budget and lifestyle. We will work with you from concept to design to creating a garden your whole family will enjoy living in. We offer all the services you need, but it’s creating an entire landscape that makes us different.”
Aidan wins apprentice of the year >
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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 IslandLandscaping_b.indd 1
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island garden supplies Looking for ideas to update your garden or outdoor area? There’s no time like spring for making changes that will enhance your enjoyment and lifestyle in the coming warmer months.
Whether you’re looking to maintain or freshen up your garden and outdoor living area or transform a landscape, Island Garden Supplies can assist you with products, professional advice and great ideas. Located in Newhaven, Island Garden Supplies have been offering garden products to the public and trade for thirty-five years. They stock a wide range of supplies that include bark, sand, soils, mulches and sleepers. Thinking of a new driveway or path? Perhaps you’re looking at a water feature or ornamental arrangement? They also supply pebbles, rocks, toppings, trench reinforcement and Phillip Island Pre-Mixed Concrete. If you’re considering change, it’s important to know what’s available and get the best advice from professionals. Island Garden Supplies staff can recommend gardening products, landscaping designs and remodelling options for your outdoor area. No project is too big or too small! Browse the products, ask what’s available or discuss your ideas with experienced staff. Island Garden Supplies now also has a fantastic new display gardens section. For those interested in design, or thinking of change but not sure where to start, this can be a great place to seek inspiration, or simply admire the designers’ skill and innovation. Featuring the work of four local landscapers, the display showcases different design concepts, products and styles. Landscapers featured are Islandscape Transformations, Scott Eastwood, Coastal Native Landscapes and Island Landscaping and Design. The display presents an opportunity to see the work of specialists from this area who are experienced in designing unique coastal gardens and landscapes and using products in creative and innovative ways.
ISLAND GARDEN SUPPLIES
Sand, Pavers, Blended Soils, Screenings, Rocks, Pebbles, Sleepers, Barks, Mulches, Path and Driveway Toppings & Mesh and Trench Reinforcement, also PHILLIP ISLAND PRE-MIXED CONCRETE.
886 Phillip Island Road, Newhaven, 3925 Island Garden Supplies.indd 1
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Ph: 5956 7397
Fax: 5956 7929 14/8/08 4:53:56 PM
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BAYSCAPE CREATIONS Fully qualified horticulturist. Water tanks, paving, site clean ups, specialised pruning & maintenance.
• All aspects of landscaping and construction • Stump holes and post holes • Trenching
• All weather tight access specialists • Drought tolerant gardens
BURT LOENEN
0400 502 738
• Mini digger excavations
burtloenen@bigpond.com.au
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You heard it here first. ‘Bayscape Minidiggers’ are pleased to announce that they are now ‘Bayscape Creations’. Offering a comprehensive gardening and landscaping service, Burt Loenan can set you up with an amazing new garden this Spring. Burt is a qualified horticulturist and has been running his own landscaping and horticultural business since 2003. Fullyequipped with his own mini-digger, Burt can take on any job – large or small. “In the past, my mini-digger work has been a large focus of what I do,” says Burt. “I have always wanted to do more landscaping and Bayscape Creations will make landscaping more of a focus for me. ” Able to meet any client’s needs, living on the coast means that Burt tends towards creating modern, coastal, seaside landscapes, filled with drought tolerant plants. Landscaping your home is a great investment and will add value to your home. Hiring a professional is an important part of the process. As well as getting the work done for you, Burt’s expertise will prove invaluable in creating a design that’s right for you, is long lasting and suits your individual needs. When in the planning stages, it’s important to ensure that you choose a design with features that reflect your lifestyle and the overall look and feel of your home. It’s also a good tip to try and keep any existing features that you already enjoy. Have a look around other gardens and through books and magazines to start to build a picture of what you do and don’t like. Take your lifestyle and future plans into consideration and it’s always a good idea to treat the front and back gardens as two separate, yet integrated spaces. If you bring all of these ideas to your first consultation with Burt, you’re already well on the way to a new landscape for your home. “Everyone’s different and that’s why consultation is so important,” says Burt. If your lifestyle suits a hardy, low-maintenance garden or you want to create an entire indoor/outdoor living space, with the professionals on the job, you’re assured of a quality result every time. coast 95
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eastwood paving & landscaping Scott Eastwood is the third generation of his family that has taken on the business of landscaping. With over fifteen years of experience in paving and landscaping, he has the experience and equipment to create a unique and quality garden, which will make a valuable addition to your home.
Scott Eastwood is the third generation of his family that has taken on the business of landscaping. With over fifteen years of working in paving and landscaping, Scott has the experience and equipment to create a unique and quality garden, which will make a valuable addition to your home. When designing your garden, you may choose to have a variety of hard and soft surfaces. There are so many different options to choose from if you decide to include areas of paving in your overall landscape design. Paving is Scott’s absolute speciality with his years of experience being a great asset. He will guide you towards the right paving option for you. You’ll be amazed at the wide variety of paving materials Scott has to select from: brick, clay, sandstone and crazy paving to name a few and the careful use of paving can add practical and stylish areas to your garden. Retaining walls, whilst being practical, can become an attractive garden feature. A retaining wall is a structure that holds back soil or rock from a building, structure or area. They prevent down-slope movement or erosion and provide support for changes in levels in your garden. Scott can provide you with extensive options for selecting the right retaining wall for your needs and to make it an attractive feature. Scott says that a large part of his job is the final stage of planting. Working in consultation with you, he will choose the most appropriate plants for your garden and lifestyle. There’s a world of plants to choose from and Scott specialises in planting drought-tolerant and native plants, which are perfectly suited to our coastal climate. No job is too big or too small for Eastwood Paving and Landscaping. With all the right tools for the job and generations of experience, Eastwood Paving can make your dream garden a reality.
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0408 322 www.eastwoodpavingandlandscapes.com.au 16/8/08 4:32:49 PM
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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 ISLANDSCAPE_v3.indd 1
Bill Guy 0418 521 976
www.islandscapetransformations.com.au
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islandscape transformations When you select the team at Islandscape Transformations, you are getting experience, accuracy and a garden that will truly stand the test of time. Bill Guy has been landscaping on Phillip Island for over twenty years and prides himself on exceptional workmanship. There are four in the team at Islandscape Transformations – Bill and wife Deb, Tom Grayden and Lucas Kent. Bill’s forte is his attention to detail and accuracy. His designs and landscaping plans are drawn using Autocad, so are always to scale and perfectly dimensioned. Bill’s philosophy on plant selection is to choose varieties that are suitable for the local area and the client’s needs. The team is very conscious of what plant varieties will and won’t survive in this area, and advise people to stick with drought tolerant plants. Continuing the accuracy theme, Bill has an excellent appreciation of levels. Before landscaping, he was a concreter for fifteen years, so he knows that drainage is always a priority when designing an outdoor area. Bill takes the time to ensure everything has been considered and planned before any works are undertaken. Bill is a member of the Landscape Industries Association, Victoria which requires a high standard of workmanship before membership is granted. It also keeps members up to date with all the latest products and techniques. The team is also pleased to announce that they are now importing water features from Indonesia as they could not source any of comparable quality in Australia. Constructed from marble, pebbles and concrete, these are high quality and will last a lifetime. They also use very little water to operate. The team at Islandscape Transformations advise careful planning and consideration before any work begins – this ensures a quality result every time. They also know that one of the most important aspects of landscaping is for it to be functional and enduring taking pride in the fact that their landscapes are timeless and don’t follow the latest fads. “We never cut corners and this is evident when you look at some of our landscaping that has been done a long time ago and has stood the test of time well,” says Bill. coast 97
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an enchantedgarden words sally o’neill photos Corrine Oke & Sally O’Neill
Childhood is a magical time and the little people at San Remo Kindergarten have been given the chance for their imaginations to run wild in their own enchanted garden. What was once a patch of ‘practical grass’ has been transformed into an imaginative journey for the children of San Remo kindy. From the bridges where they can stand and see ‘for miles’ in their own imaginary world to the central totem poles with colourful children’s art, this is a mystical journey. The happy team comprising of staff and parents had a special vision for their ‘patch of grass’. Instead of playing it safe to produce another boring old garden, they set about to create a special and interactive area which reflected the joy, freedom and wonder of childhood – all within Government guidelines. Much loved teacher, Corinne Oke, was inspired by the challenge of creating an area with ‘magic places, full of possibilities where children are in control of their own world’. Many play areas are sterile, highly construed structures made of bright coloured, synthetic materials designed to be neat and orderly. None of this for San Remo Kindy. The team wanted to bring back the days of hand-made cubbies in the bush, being a part of nature and getting your hands dirty. “We designed a magic exploration for kids to create their own memories,” says Corinne. “We’re lucky enough to live in the country and have space to have a garden. I wanted a garden that connects them to the earth; if they connect to the earth, they care for the earth.” Local builder and dedicated dad, Peter Chaston, took on the construction role. Kinder mums, Lou Curtis-Smith and Jaquie Chambers focussed on the garden design and, simply, making it
happen. Jaquie’s background with Coastal Native Landscapes was a huge asset to the project. The garden began to take shape with bridges in animal forms, a dry riverbed which has running water on big rainfall days, vegetable and herb gardens, discovery boxes and a meeting circle complete with totem poles. Within safety requirements, two mounds were created with a tree planted on each. Local artist, Sian Adnam, painted colourful dragonflies, ladybirds and flowers in microscopic view. When I visit the kinder it was a hive of activity. I soon found myself with three four-year-olds attached to each leg taking me on a guided tour of their beloved garden. They run wild over the bridge through the swale and proudly show me their special painting on the buoys on the central totem poles. It’s impossible to catch any students for a chat as they are all very busy playing in their garden. I somehow manage to pin my four year-old niece, Isabelle, down for a second and she says that ‘she loves the garden; especially the bridges and the totem pole’. Corinne often observes children lost in a world of make-believe: having a campfire, playing pirates, harvesting the garden, discovering a dinosaur, fishing in the river bed and more. I think that the only problem with the garden is getting the children back inside again! Projects like this may go unnoticed in our busy world yet they can mean so much to young children. They gain a connection with nature that can stay with them their whole lives. And, I think for the future, this makes a brighter world to live in. For those of you out there who may be thinking of tackling such a challenge, take Corinne’s advice: “Just let your imagination run free.” C
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Are your resort holidays too short and costly?
Your own private holiday resort. With a Compass pool, your family can holiday all summer in your own private resort... year after year! Display centres are open 7 days.
9379 1555 For simply beautiful gifts
15 McCartin Street, Leongatha p. 03 5662 4622 f. 5662 3942 a w smith v1.indd 1
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tranquil tooradin words Sally O’Neill photo Maria Reed
A little waterside haven, Tooradin deserves much more than a quick stopover from Melbourne. It’s a gem just waiting to be uncovered.
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Some habits are hard to break . . . like getting into the car and driving to Melbourne; non-stop. Yes, I’m guilty and now regretful as I’ve been missing some great places – like Tooradin. When you take the time to stop and explore this seaside village, you’ll be amazed by the history, scenery and experiences on offer. Only 64km south-east of Melbourne on the South Gippsland Highway, Tooradin sits on reclaimed swamp land on the banks of Sawtell’s Inlet at the northern tip of Western Port Bay. Now high and dry, the town of approximately 1200 residents offers cafes, take-aways, supermarket, newsagent, chemist, caravan park, gourmet fruit and vegetable store, sports ground, antiques and collectables. There is also an outdoor market on the third Sunday of the month from September to April. It’s the perfect place to break your drive but don’t just keep to the main drag. Venture down Foreshore Drive, the small road which runs south along the inlet, and you’ll come to the shores of the bay which are fringed with mangroves. The scenery is magic and it’s the perfect place for dropping a line, picnicking or just enjoying lazy sunsets. There’s a small beach, bbqs, picnic tables and children’s playground. You’ll also gain a glimpse into the town’s history at one of the last remaining original fisherman’s cottages which is now cared for by the local historical society. Just as you’d hope and expect, there’s fresh seafood on offer at the Tooradin Fish Market. There’s fresh fish daily and a wide range of gourmet seafoods and sauces. To the north, the newly refurbished Foreshore Precinct includes a walk along the inlet and a pedestrian bridge, which links the car park to a small peninsula known as ‘The Island’. The foreshore reserve extends along the inlet offering further fishing and relaxing spots. The Tooradin Town Hall, opposite the inlet is a lovely building and a reminder of the community spirit of the town in the 1940’s and 50’s. At the wharf, fishing boats and ever-present pelicans create an idyllic scene. The town originally developed as a small sea-port for trade between surrounding farms and Melbourne. Today it provides a safe anchorage for boats and is the perfect location to take a cruise out into the bay. For a bit of history, jump aboard the traditional fishing boat, the Spina with local skipper, Glen Harvie of Classic Fishing Charters. Built in 1920, the Spina is a romantic way to travel and you can select from a variety of fishing or sightseeing trips in Western Port Bay. Glen, a former professional shark fisherman, specialises in snapper, whiting and gummy shark and will help you to pull in the ‘big one’ to impress your friends. It is claimed that Tooradin is a Bunurong (local Aboriginal) word for the ‘bunyip-like monster’ which is reputed to reside in a nearby waterhole. Horse-drawn coaches stopped here en-route from Cranbourne to Grantville, the port was used from the 1870s and the railway line opened in 1888, enabling trade with Melbourne and Gippsland. Scotsman William Lyall purchased the ‘Tooradin’ estate in 1851. He built ‘Harewood’ homestead in1857 which still stands on the highway to the east of town. It is also rumoured that some stranded travellers came up with the idea for the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) on the roadside at Tooradin in 1903. C
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tooradin at a glance: Classic Fishing Charters will take you out to explore Western Port in style on their traditional timber fishing boat, the Spina . Fully catered fishing, sightseeing and bird-watching tours. Call Glen Harvie on 0417 332 53 www.classicfishing.com Tooradin Fish Market allows you to take a bit of the sea home with you. Large range of fresh Australian fish and gourmet seafoods. Fresh fish daily and a range of quality sauces and fish accompaniments. Open seven days. The Jetty, Foreshore Rd, Tooradin. Phone 5998 3777
la fontaine
nearby:
La Fontaine Estate, Clyde This new winery and restaurant has a cellar door with award-winning wines. You’ll find them at 295 Manks Road, Clyde. www.lafontaineestate.com.au Royal Botanic Gardens, Cranbourne is only ten minutes up the road. Visit the stunning Australian Garden with wildflowers in full bloom. Phone 5990 2200. www.australiangarden.com.au 100 Monkeys, Koo Wee Rup is just down the road. Enjoy a healthy snack in the café and pick up some great organic products. 293 Rossiter Rd, Koo Wee Rup. Phone 5997 1601.
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aroundtown what’s goin’ on around your place
Photos - Mayoral Ball by Warren Reed.
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Classic Fishing Charters
‘Spina’ built 1920
Tailored charters for everyone!
• Sightseeing • Fishing • Dolphin watching • Bird watching
Westernport Bay - Skipper Glen Harvie 0417 332 533
www.classicfishing.com.au
Tooradin Fish Market COME & SEE OUR NEW LOW PRICES!
UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT
Open Tuesday - Sunday, 10am - 6pm Tooradin Fish Market.indd 1
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FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED Fresh Local Australian Seafood Whole Fish Skinless & Boneless Fillets Aussie King Prawns Tassie Oysters And Scallops Fresh & Frozen Bait Wholesale Enquiries Welcome Foreshore Rd Tooradin
Ph/Fax 03 5998 3777 15/8/08 12:30:33 PM
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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
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E: melbfurnco@bigpond.com 21/5/08 10:19:29 AM
SOUTHERN BAZAAR Second Hand with Style
Quality brands including....... Tessa, Parker, Chiswell, Fler, Moran, Oscar, TH Brown, Featherston and more
Stocking a massive range of Retro, Antiques, Quality Used Furniture, Recycled Clothing, Records, Books and More! Located in a massive warehouse at 42 Cashin St Inverloch (behind Mitre 10) Open Wed to Sun 10am to 5.00pm in Winter
Phone Wendy and John on 0409 234 482
Visit our new web site at www.southernbazaar.com.au
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aroundtown what’s goin’ on around your place
Photos at this year’s Mayoral Ball by Warren Reed.
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education feature
It’s back to school on the Coast! Whether you are looking for a school for a first-grader or thinking about learning computer in your later years, the Coast has it all. We explore the journey of education across the ages and across our wonderful coast.
Learning is for a lifetime
words Fiona Power photos Warren Reed
When was the last time you learnt something new? Perhaps it was in a short course, surfing the web or through a hobby. Or maybe you finally mastered that function on your mobile phone or digital camera. Learning isn’t limited to time or place. It happens in homes, on the sporting field and even at the beach. We learn when we are alone and in company, in silence and conversation and at all stages of our lives. Whether it’s a small step or quantum leap, what we learn can have valuable long-term and wide-ranging benefits. As an ancient Chinese proverb states: ‘learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere’. For the many students in our local schools, each day brings new opportunities to set and achieve a variety of goals. Whether it’s the ‘three rs’, using information technology or crossing the monkey bars, students are encouraged to take on challenges and develop the strategies they need to progress their learning and personal development. The range of primary and secondary schools around the Coast offers parents great choices in the type of education they want for their children. Public or private, small or large, schools in the area cater for the different learning needs of students and families. Schools welcome inquiries, so if you are considering educational options for 2009, make an appointment to discuss what is available. Educational opportunities on the Coast are not limited to schools. For those wanting to enhance their lifelong learning or career options, Adult Education Centres, TAFEs and the U3A run courses in a range of areas. Participants can gain employment related skills and qualifications or pursue an interest area, establishing social networks in the process. Some Adult Education Centres also offer Community VCAL programs, migrant English and Literacy classes, as well as courses in areas such as computing, art and other practical skills. Call the CAE or drop in to your local centre to see what’s on offer. For those wanting to extend their learning in particular interest areas, there are many groups and associations who support and inform members throughout the Coast. Check out local papers, notice boards and web pages for details. The Coast’s library branches are another invaluable learning resource. Browse the shelves, book the Internet or make the most of librarians’ expertise in researching and locating information in our interest area. If there’s something you’ve always wanted to learn, now’s the time to seek it out. You never know, it might change your life! >
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St Joseph’s School - a christian, caring and supportive education
The open plan classrooms at St Joseph’s school, Wonthaggi are always buzzing with students busily working on activities specially planned to cater for their individual needs and talents. Gone are the boxed off classrooms that were once so much a part of a traditional school setting. Instead, there are huge learning spaces in which the students can work in small and large learning groups with children at their own level. The students at St Joseph’s develop their academic potential working confidently and assuredly with a range of adults and learning partners within the open areas, forming wide friendship groups through working closely with a diverse range of students. This social interaction may not have been possible in a traditional classroom setting and often leads to the children being excited about changing classes at year’s end, as their friendship bases are substantial. The latest educational thinking suggests that open classroom learning areas are the way of the future. Many parents, teachers and principals have been touring St Joseph’s to see this philosophy in action. They come away amazed by the workability of the open classrooms, the positive academic responses of the children and the use of computer
St Joseph’s School Wonthaggi provide a Christian, caring and supportive environment where children actively participate in their own education. Programs currently offered at St Joseph’s include: choir program, band program, specialist teachers (music, Italian, physical education, literacy/technology), Active After School, accredited After
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technology within the classroom. Each classroom is fitted with an interactive whiteboard and a bank of individual computers. The interactive whiteboards have enabled a ‘hands on’ approach to teaching computer skills as well as being an excellent educational device for exploration, manipulation and students’ work. Laptop trolleys fitted with thirty computers, all with wireless Internet connection, will also soon be used across the school. All this accessible technology has made it possible for every child, from the first day of Prep, to develop confidence and expertise with computers used as a tool in their learning. St Joseph’s students can confidently approach any of the teaching staff with concerns or triumphs and expect to be helped or celebrated. This close bond gives each child a fabulous sense of community and wellbeing. There is an African proverb that says it takes a community to raise a child. That community of committed and caring teachers, teacher aides, support staff and, most importantly, students, is alive and flourishing at St Joseph’s, Wonthaggi.
School Care (Child Care Benefit applies), University of NSW Testing and our school camp program. This year St Joseph’s will once again be undergoing a building program which will see the construction of our 3/4 learning area. You are warmly invited to attend our assemblies at 2.45 every Friday afternoon in our gymnasium.
St. Joseph’s School Korumburra Road, Wonthaggi P O Box 182, Wonthaggi Telephone: 5672 1052
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NEWHAVEN COLLEGE
An Independent Co-educational School on Phillip Island
PREP TO YEAR 12
Newhaven College is:
Newhaven College offers:
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An independent school, from Prep to Year 12
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A warm, friendly and safe environment with a strong emphasis on the welfare of students and personal development
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Beautifully situated on Phillip Island
A supportive learning environment with dedicated teachers
Diverse and innovative curriculum, catering for individual differences
• A magnificent Year 9 Environmental Centre •
A comprehensive co-curricular program
PROVIDING WONDERFUL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUR SON OR DAUGHTER For further information, visit our website: www.newhavencol.vic.edu.au
Newhaven College, Boys Home Road, Newhaven 3925 Ph: 5956 7505 Fax: 5956 7131 info@newhavencol.vic.edu.au coast 108 Newhaven College V3a.indd 1 164pgs.indd 108
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education feature
Newhaven College - a year to remember Many of us who look back on our school days remember the period when we were fourteen or fifteen years of age. We had been going to school for eight or nine years, following certain routines and fairly predictable programs. Suddenly, adolescence was upon us and we started to question school’s relevance and push boundaries, sometimes in the wrong direction. For fourteen and fifteen-year-olds, social and emotional distractions tend to shift school down the list of priorities. Newhaven College has tackled the possibility of disengagement during the middle years of secondary schooling head on. Four years ago, the College opened its Year Nine Environmental Centre. The centre was built at the top of the College’s magnificent new 82-acre property on Phillip Island and commands spectacular views across Westernport Bay. The College’s year nine students attend the Environmental Centre for a full year. Their program is tailored to meet the needs of fourteen and fifteen-year-olds. Subjects are not taught in isolation but integrated around environmental themes. In learning about geography, students will also pick up on themes in history, science and the social sciences. Aspects of the program can be negotiated between students and teachers. This allows, for example, those with special skills in music, or art or technology, to demonstrate their understanding of science or history through a range of creative approaches. Much of the program is activity-based with the beautiful and diverse natural environment of Phillip Island and South Gippsland being the students’ classroom. Beaches, rock platforms, bushland, dunes, farms and towns will often provide the setting for lessons. Environmental wonders abound on Phillip Island; students and teachers never have far to travel to beautiful and interesting places that engage students and stimulate learning. Often it is simply a matter of getting on the Centre’s bicycles and peddling to a site.
The Year Nine Environmental Centre itself has been purpose-built for the program. It is an award-winning, environmentally smart building. Many features reflect sustainability, such as a rammed earth wall that forms an internal spine along the entire length of the building. The classrooms look out across Westernport Bay, creating a sense that the classroom itself is part of a much bigger outdoor environment. Running through the programs of the Centre is an underlying objective that seeks to build a strong sense of self and community within each student. This is especially evident in the students’ personal best projects: the two weeks spent at City Cite within Melbourne’s CBD and meeting the challenges presented at the Wollangarra Camp in the mountains of Central Gippsland. Newhaven College’s Year Nine Environmental Centre typifies the school’s focus on building quality programs in teaching and learning, pastoral care and co-curricular activities, which target the needs of its students. The College’s 680 prep to year twelve students are provided with an astonishing range of opportunities in their studies and the co-curricular program. Twenty-eight years have gone by since Newhaven College opened its doors to the first intake of fifty-one, year seven and eight students, two teachers and a principal. The students came from Phillip Island, Wonthaggi, Inverloch and the Bass Valley. Later on, the school also began to draw students from the Korumburra, Leongatha and Poowong-Nyora districts. The College’s extensive bus network now provides access to families across South and South West Gippsland and Phillip Island. Since those humble beginnings in 1980, Newhaven College has grown to be a strong and outward-looking school of the Twentyfirst Century. Newhaven’s record, reputation and capacity to turn out successful students place it among the leading Gippsland schools. C coast 109
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Bass Coast Adult and Community Education Centre – a lifetime of learning
Have you always wanted to paint or draw, but don’t know where to start? Does local geology or cryptozoology (expect the unexpected!) sound like something you’d like to explore? Short courses in these and a range of other craft, interest and vocational skills are currently running at the Bass Coast Adult Education Centre. Located in White Road, Wonthaggi, the Bass Coast Adult Education Centre has provided educational support and opportunities for adults in the Bass Coast for twenty-three years. Though its location and name have changed, its purpose - to meet the educational needs of adults in the community - has remained constant. The current selection of academic, info-tech, hobby, art and practical courses reflect this commitment and are proof that learning can be practical, lifelong and enjoyable! The Centre’s first class was in basic computing. This continues to be a popular topic, with courses offered for beginners, through to intermediate computer applications. A computer open night provides support for selfpaced learners. For those interested in art and crafts, the Centre offers classes in areas such as painting and drawing, hat decorating and learning mosaic. There’s also a French class for beginners that offers a great way to exercise your
brain while you socialise and enjoy the cultural experience. You can also extend your local geological knowledge in a combination of theory and field trips as part of a geology course. The Centre has a growing role as a provider of training services in the area. It offers accredited training in hospitality service, first aid and work safety. Migrant English and Literacy courses are also available. The Centre building is home to two groups that offer unique opportunities for residents of Southern Gippsland: the Woodcrafters and the University of the Third Age. The Woodcrafters room provides learning and leisure activities including woodturning and offers achievement and fellowship as well as the sharing of skills. The U3A has over one hundred members and conducts full classes up to five days a week in the Garden Centre. The facility also provides a range of useful services to the community such as photocopying, scanning, and laminating, faxing, resume preparation and digital photography. You can even hire a classroom or computer room. If it’s time you took on a new challenge or brushed up on some skills, visit the Centre or give them a call. C
| Computers for beginners | Computers the next step | Computers step 3 | Quickbooks | Photostory | Migrating to Vista | Open computer night | Red card | Fork lift driver | Traffic management | Spotter course | Chainsaw operator
bass coast adult education centre
| First Aid 1 | First Aid 2 | CPR update | First Aid 2 update | Epipen/allergic reactions | Food safety 1 | Food safety 2 | Responsible service of alcohol | Responsible service of gaming | Certificate II tourism/hospitality | General education for adults | English second language orientation | English second language mixed level | Free English classes (Ames) | Literacy/numeracy assessments | Beginners art | Textile printing | Mosaic workshop | Hats & fascinators
| Jewellery from found objects | Paper mache | Op shop revamps | Xmas craft, cards & wraps | Wood-fired pizza ovens | Local geology 1 | Walking group | U3A
9ROXQWHHUV DOZD\V ZHOFRPH 239 White Road, Wonthaggi, Vic. 3995 Phone: 5672 3115 Email: bcaec@dcsi.net.au Web: http://members.dcsi.net.au/bcaec BC_Adult_Education_v3.indd coast 110
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Newhaven Primary School
San Remo Primary School
Developing the whole child
Learning for the future
Newhaven Primary School
San Remo Primary School
for enrolment call
for enrolment call
Principal Matt McKittrick
Principal Karen Bowker
Telephone: (03) 5956 7326 12 – 22 School Ave, Newhaven 3925 newhaven.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au
P: (03) 5678 5354 22 Bergin Grove, San Remo 3925 san.remo.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au
San Remo and Newhaven Primary - state schools are great schools SanRemo_Newhaven_Primary v2.indd1 1
The Phillip Island area is fortunate to have three very successful state schools that deliver quality education. San Remo and Newhaven Primary Schools work with the Department of Education and Childhood Development to prioritise student learning and achieve excellent results. State-of-the-art technology, such as interactive whiteboards in every room and classroom laptops, gives students the opportunity to engage in learning through modern communication methods. Teachers ensure that each student is learning to their full potential in a quality, learning environment. At Newhaven Primary, teachers aim to provide an education where all children learn and improve. An individualised approach based on learning styles teaches students how to learn rather than what to learn. It offers a learning environment where the staff is equipped to deliver a quality education that builds on previous high achievement and aspires to excellent standards in English and Mathematics. The staff also believe students need to equip themselves for an ever-changing future. The school provides a wide variety of learning opportunities, including implementation of Information and Communication Technology into the curriculum and extracurricular activities that develop self-esteem and social and sporting skills. The school environment is based on the value of respect, with student development directed towards respect for self, family, school and community. As well as a strong focus on English, Mathematics and Integrated Studies, there’s specialist classes in Music, Art, Physical Education and PMP for the junior school. Programs are well-resourced through
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School Council initiatives. San Remo Primary aims to empower each student to reach their highest potential academically, emotionally, socially, and physically in preparation for successful engagement in the global community. San Remo is a well-resourced school in a beautiful setting that celebrates small class sizes. Each classroom has the latest technology, including an interactive whiteboard and flat screen computers. Teachers consistently set high standards for themselves and the children. The diverse curriculum includes a wide range of specialist subjects and extracurricular activities such as district sports, camping and biennial school production. A strong sense of community is evident, with staff passionate about providing a comprehensive education. With the support of an active welfare program, which includes social skills and values education, children are encouraged to develop social awareness. Our school counsellor plays an important role to make sure children feel confident and resilient. Children are nurtured in a supportive atmosphere where family plays an integral role in their child’s education. San Remo and Newhaven Primary Schools are two great State Schools that offer children a high quality, comprehensive education within their community. As State Schools, Newhaven and San Remo Primary Schools have opportunities to utilise experts through the field of statewide education. Programs such as Teaching and Learning Coaches and Ultranet ICT Coaches have been integral in both schools. We welcome school visits and parents are encouraged to contact the principals, Karen Bowker at San Remo Primary School and Matt McKittrick at Newhaven Primary School, to arrange a visit. C coast 111
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mixedmessages words Fiona Power
Whether you’re listening to classical concertos on an old cassette player or a techno beat on your iPod, the important message in clear communication is simply, listening. Earlier this year, a teaching colleague sent two grade six students in search of a tape deck so that she could play an old music cassette during her lesson. They returned, after some delay, with a sticky-tape dispenser. If this story makes you feel old, you’re not alone! There’s nothing like technology to mark the passage of time. And its impact reaches into the very language we speak in the classroom and beyond. Our vocabulary has expanded to include words and phrases describing activities that didn’t exist a generation ago, such as ‘googling’ and ‘pod-casting’. The meaning of words like blackberry, search and tape has changed as a result of their association with technology. Keeping up with technology, and the language it generates, is essential for those of us interested in education and communication. If we want to encourage our own and others’ learning and thinking, we need to consider and practise the most effective and relevant means of communication. Technology offers fantastic opportunities for developing and extending visual and oral communication for all ages. Many students today have access to computer programs, interactive whiteboards and recording devices that provide unique and enjoyable opportunities for learning and entertainment at school and home. Such facilities can engage the most reluctant learner. However it is also important to make sure we practise what seems the simplest form of communication: conversation. This is especially significant in children’s education, where learning foundations are being set down and language needs to be modelled and put into practice. Conversations over a book, meal or during another activity
provide opportunities for questions, reflection and awareness of different points of view. Whether you’re a parent discussing the rules of a board or sports game, student in a study group or member of an interest group, conversations can enhance your learning and personal wellbeing. It’s also important for all of us involved in education to assess whether a message has been understood as well as heard, since it is so easy to assume a shared perception of words and concepts. Carefully considering instructions from the learner’s point of view is important. Creating an environment where students are actively involved in their learning and can ask questions is essential. Sometimes, however, you can’t foresee miscommunication. Several years ago I was speaking to a parent and child in my year two classroom. “I really liked making the phones,” the girl said, raising her eyes briefly above my head. “Phones?” I asked, puzzled. I had just finished teaching a unit on animals and knew we hadn’t made communication devices of any description. “Yeah,” she nodded, looking up at the ceiling again, “the phones we just made”. Following her gaze to the bright, suspended cardboard animals twirling above our heads inspiration struck me. “Mobiles!” I said. “You liked the animal mobiles we made?” She nodded patiently. “That’s what I said.” Fiona Power puts her passion for learning and language into practice by combining work in education and writing. She is the Deputy Principal of St Laurence’s Primary School, Leongatha and is currently completing her Masters in Communication with an internship at Coast Magazine. C
For skin vitality Ageless Skincare and radiance… Timeless Results
at cowes pharmacy All our staff are fully trained to help you with your skincare and make-up needs.
Cowes Pharmacy 24 Thompson Ave Cowes Vic 3922 Tel. 03 5952 2061 Fax. 03 5952 2499 cowes@amcal.net.au cowes@waterfront.net.au
New Super Restorative Range now in store Amcal_v3.indd 1
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WONTHAGGI SPECIALIST IMAGING 182 Graham St, Wonthaggi. PH: 5672 2066 FAX: 5672 2033
BULK BILLING
OPEN 5 DAYS
ALL REFERRALS ACCEPTED • CT SCAN MULTI SLICE 3D RECONSTRUCTION & IVP • EXTREMITY MRI (NON MEDICARE REBATEABLE) - contact the practice regarding pricing • ULTRASOUND WITH 3D • DOPPLER/VASCULAR ULTRASOUND • GENERAL RADIOGRAPHY • ECHO CARDIOGRAPHY (JAN 2008)
• General Podiatry • Biomechanical Assessment • Paediatric Assessment • Prescription Orthotic Therapy • Diabetes Assessment
182 Graham St, Wonthaggi & Phillip Island Medical Centre, 164 Thompson Ave, Cowes.
5672 2309
for an HI-CAPS and EFTPOS call appointment at either clinic facilities available DVA referrals welcome Enhanced Primary Care (EPC - Medicare) referrals bulk billed TAC and Work Cover referrals welcome
Luke Zoanetti
B Hlth Sc (Pod) M.A. Pod A
Jennifer Lewis
B Pod M.A.Pod.A
Tired aching feet? Footwear solutions
for people with orthotics & medical conditions, including diabetes, arthritis & more Ring 03 9326 0266 to make a booking
Happy feet Happy Body!
Assessment & fitting by a Certified Pedorthist Approved for: DVA, A&EP, TAC and insurance work. Health fund cover may apply.
182 Graham Street
Currently the services provided are:
Monthly visits to 182 Graham Street, Wonthaggi.
P: 03 9326 0266 F: 03 9326 0633 APPOINTMENTS REQUIRED W: www.edf-nw.com.au 182 Graham2.indd 164pgs.indd 113 1
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Join us at the Stony Creek Racing Club for a great day at the track! Revel in the off field entertainment, including Fashions on field and the Footballers Sprint on Cup Day. Try your luck with the bookies, or simply sit back and enjoy the atmosphere of race day.
Racedates for 2008/2009 Season Friday 7 November 2008 - Ladies Day Saturday 13 December 2008 - Christmas Celebrations Monday 29 December 2008 - Family Day Saturday 3 January 2009 - Kids Day Monday 12 January 2009 - Family Day Sunday 8 March 2009 - Cup Day and Fashions on Field
Stony Creek Racing Club Inc. Telephone: 03 5664 0099 Fax: 03 5664 7424 Email: stonycreek@countryracing.com.au Web: www.scrc.com.au
HELP KEEP THE SPRING SNIFFLES AT BAY NATURALLY WITH NATURE’S OWN.
Available at San Remo Pharmacy 123 Marine Parade, San Remo Ph: 5678 5202 Fax: 5678 5376
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16/8/08 3:03:38 PM
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aroundtown what’s goin’ on around your place
send a little wish or prayer for Kahlilla who is fighting a valiant battle against cancer
Photos by Lou Curtis-Smith & Warren Reed.
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For all your computing and electrical needs
phillip island grand prix circuit the ride is only half the experience
SLR Karts
Great advice from the friendliest team in town
Hot Laps
Functions
Public Events
Champ Karts
Guided Circuit Tours
Back Beach Rd, Cowes 3922 Victoria Australia
OPEN 7 DAYS
Phone +61 3 5952 9400 Event and Circuit Enquiries Phone +61 3 5952 2710 info@phillipislandcircuit.com.au www.phillipislandcircuit.com.au
37 McKenzie Street, Wonthaggi, Vic. 3995 P: 03 5672 1490 F: 03 5672 2907
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surf’nlife photos Warren Reed
Check out the action on the waves this Spring!
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z surfer profile
fireandwater
With a cutback that ‘sprays fire instead of water’, Jarvis Cininas, the modest and spunky star of the waves, illuminates the water with his sun-bleached hair, dazzling manoeuvres and radiant personality. words Bonnie McRae photos Maria Reed & Jarvis Ci-ninas When your dad pushes you into the waves at age ten, I suppose you have no choice but to sink or swim. For Jarvis, it was a liberating moment and one that changed his life forever. From that moment on, you could say that surfing has ruled his life. Jarvis would say it is his life. Currently studying Year Twelve at Wonthaggi Secondary College, Jarvis has many prospects. “I love to make my own surf and comedy films – just to give my friends a laugh. It could be something for me to look at as a career,” says Jarvis. That is after surfing of course, for that always comes first. Jarvis started competitive surfing when he was about fourteen. Achieving amazing results as runner up in the South Australian Rip Curl Grom Search in 2006, is only one of the many pro junior surfing competitions Jarvis has participated in since his debut. However, it is hardly the thrill of competitive surfing that captures the young maverick. “The most amazing moments are those with nature. It’s great to feel a part of nature seeing the dolphins, the seals: just losing yourself in the moment,” Jarvis says. Just sitting across from
the shy smile and nervous charm, it’s as clear as Hawaiian waters that nothing makes Jarvis feel the way surfing does. “I’m always happy when I’m in the surf – I always get excited just thinking about it,” he enthuses. Focussing his energy from the thought of the sport onto travel, Jarvis, like any surfer is particularly keen to journey to Indonesia. His favourite local break is Woolamai – although it sometimes seems a little too small and unadventurous for the ever-improving Jarvis. “However, when the surf gets really big, I do get scared,” qualifies the modest surfer. “Express Point waves are kind of intimidating.” So here’s hoping the surf sets are perfect where he’s headed. Fear in the ocean can come in many forms and it’s not always just the big waves. “I was surfing at Powlett (River) once and spotted something in the water about five metres away,” he recalls. “Not really sure what it was, I just kept surfing. Once I realized it was a shark, I freaked out all the way back to shore!” Okay, hands up if you’re never going to surf there again! >
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Regardless of the dangers, Jarvis has no other intentions than to “surf and explore”. From his dad pushing him into his first wave at age ten, Jarvis seems to have never recovered from the ‘surf stroke’. Always happy, always relaxed, always making an impression by carving it up on the waves.
Surf lingo Finding it hard keeping up with the surf lingo? Impress your friends with these beauties: Air: When the surfer and board take off into the air and land on the wave again. Alley-oop: When a surfer rotates 360 degrees backward above the wave, made famous by Taj Burrow. “It’s a pretty crazy move, I’ve never done it,” says Jarvis. Barney: A clueless surfer. Bogger: A person or wave that moves too slowly. Bowl: The most hollow section of a wave. Cliff widow: Non-surfing woman who is left behind by a surfer when the waves get good. Duck-dive: While paddling out, the technique of submerging the surfboard under oncoming waves.
Filthy: Flawless wave quality. Goofy-foot: A surfer’s natural stance with the right foot forward, the left back. Grommet: A young surfer. Hellman: A risk-taking surfer. Kook: An inexperienced or older surfer. Lineup: The area where surfers linger for waves. Macker: A large wave. Nugget: An attractive member of the opposite sex. Ripping: When a surfer is ruling the waves. Shoulder-hop: To bust in front of another surfer. Soul surfing: Surfing for the love of it. Stoked: Excited. Surf Stroke: the amazing feeling you get after surfing for the first time. Wipeout: Crash. C
Bonnie McRae, from Wonthaggi Secondary College, is a budding young writer who made her writing debut with this surfer profile.
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. . . offering free hearing check ups
Hearing impairment is frequently misunderstood and the signs of hearing loss can occur gradually over a number of years.
About Bass Coast Hearing is the local clinic in the Bass Coast Shire serving the community 5 days a week. Independent advice, Government, Workcover & Veterans Affairs accredited, Hearing aid prescription, all brands
Early signs of hearing loss can include: • When you can hear but not understand • If you find it difficult to hear in noisy situations • You cannot understand people unless they are facing you • You think people mumble • You need to turn your television up loud • You don’t always hear the telephone or doorbell
Consulting Visits Cowes & Frankston by appointment The Economic Impact and Cost of Hearing Loss in Australia Many of us are aware of relatives or friends with hearing loss, and the significant impact that this has on their ability to communicate and to participate in society, but few of us would be aware that hearing loss represents a real financial cost to Australia of $11.75 billion per annum or 1.4% of GDP according to a new research study by Access Economics. The report identifies that 1 in 6 Australians is affected by hearing loss, and this number is projected to increase to 1 in every 4 Australians by 2050. Hearing loss is age-related, affecting 3 in every 4 people aged over 70 years. “The study reports that hearing loss ranks with asthma, diabetes and musculoskeletal diseases in terms of burden of disability, and should be considered as a national health priority.”
To arrange a free hearing check at any time please phone 5672 5598. Shop 8, Westend Arcade, 152 Graham Street, Wonthaggi. Business Hours: Monday to Friday 9.30am – 4.30pm.
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eat
where to
Nude Food
141 Marine Parade San Remo Phone 03 5678 5530 Wholesome food
Curry Leaf
Shop 9, Vista Place Cape Woolamai Phone 03 5956 6772 Great Indian curries
Hard Loch Cafe 10 Smith Street Loch, Victoria Phone 03 5659 4466 Divine coffee
The Gilded Lily
35 Victoria Rd Loch, Victoria Phone 03 5659 4488 Intimate dining, modern menu
Sandsford Antiques 13 A’Beckett St, Inverloch Phone 03 5674 3339 Antiques & cosy cafe
Pelicans Bistro
161 Marine Parade, San Remo Phone 03 5678 5205 Live acoustic guitar and Great meals
Infused
115 Thompson Avenue Cowes, Phillip Island Phone 03 5952 2655 Modern Australian menu
Sandbanks
8 - 10 Forest Ave, Newhaven Phone 03 5956 6766 Family restaurant coast 122
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Red Elk Bar & Cafe
RACV Resort
Wonthaggi Club
100 Monkeys
Boonerwurrung Cafe
Silverwater Resort
Harry’s on the Esplanade
La Fontaine
Loch Pantry
Tomo Japanese
Nobbies
Champions Cafe
Nobbies Centre Phillip Island Phone 03 5951 2816 Function centre & cafe
Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit Back Beach Road, Phillip Island Phone 03 5952 2710
The Foreshore
The Eco Resort
Cantik Home
The Puzzle Cafe
Ocean View Hotel
Churchill Island Cafe
Taylors Waterfront
The Esplanade Hotel 1 A’Beckett St Inverloch Phone 03 5674 1432 Delicious meals
930 Phillip Island Rd Newhaven Phone 03 5956 6600 Wholesome curries
Marybrooke Receptions
Phillip Island RSL
Silverleaves Store
27 A’Beckett Street, Inverloch Phone 03 5674 3264 Hip cafe/bar
293 Rossiter Road Koo Wee Rup Phone 03 5997 1601 Wholefoods, organic store & cafe
17 The Esplanade Cowes, Phillip Island Phone 03 5952 6226
23 A’Beckett St Inverloch Phone 03 5674 344 Traditional Japanese
11 Beach Rd Rhyll, Phillip Island Phone 03 5956 9520 Lunch & dinner by the bay
1805 Phillip Island Rd, Cowes, Phillip Island Phone 03 5952 2283 At Amaze’n’things - food & fun
1215 Phillip Island Tourist Rd, Phillip Island Phone 03 5956 7371 Seafood a speciality
10 Sherbrooke Rd, Sherbrooke Phone 03 9755 2755 Tavern dining
70 Cape Paterson-Inverloch Road, Inverloch Phone 03 5674 0000 Spectacular views
(Royal Botanic Gardens) Cnr Ballarto Road and Botanic Drive, Cranbourne Phone 03 5990 2247
La Fontaine Estate, 295 Manks Road Clyde Phone 5998 1133 Winery & restaurant
2129 Phillip Island Rd Cowes, Phillip Island Phone 03 5952 8000 Modern Menu
Bass Highway, Kilcunda, Victoria Phone 03 5678 7011 Friendly atmosphere & great food
Cnr Cowes Rhyll Rd & Thompson Ave Cowes, Phillip Island Phone 03 5952 1004 New memberships available
16 McBride Avenue Wonthaggi, Victoria Phone 03 5672 1007 Modern, fresh menu
Corner Phillip Island Tourist Rd & Potters Hill Road, San Remo Phone 03 5671 9300 info@silverwaterresort.com.au Stylish restaurant 27 Victoria Street, Loch Phone 56594455 Tea, coffee and light lunches
Shop 1, Bass Coast Plaza Wonthaggi (Next door to BIG W) Phone 03 5672 5996
Access from Phillip Island via bridge. The most spectacular view on the Island. Phone 03 5956 7834
Pannys Curry
Cnr Sanders Rd & Honeysuckle Gve Silverleaves Phone 03 5952 1110 Great food
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my favoriterecipe Lobster & Scallop Pie
for complete Entertainment
Known for its memorable sunsets over the ocean and sumptuous seafood, Taylor’s Waterfront Restaurant at Phillip Island makes any meal unforgettable. Here, Michael Taylor from shares his delicious Lobster and Scallop pie with Coast readers. Making use of the best local seafood with a French theme, this pie is sure to impress your friends.
Ingredients 4 lobster medallions 6 bay scallops 50g butter 50g flour ½ litre fish stock 1 tsp parmesan 10 grams saffron powder ½ leek 1 sheet puff pastry 1 egg 50ml cream 50ml white wine
specialising in quality dining, and function experiences
16 Mc Bride ave Wonthaggi tel: 5672 1007 e: wonclub@dcsi.net.au coast 124
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Method Melt butter and add flour. Cook roux* for a few minutes and add fish stock. Whisk till smooth and cook out. Finish with parmesan cheese, saffron and cream. Slice and fry leek until wilted, add scallops and lobster medallions, de-glaze pan with dry white wine, add the fish veloute* you have made and place in a terracotta dish. Top with fresh parmesan and bake for 15 minutes in moderate oven. Cut puff pastry to same size of dish and brush with egg and cook to golden brown. Remove dish from oven and place puff pastry on top and serve with fresh seasonal vegetables. * Roux - a mixture of fat (esp. butter) and flour used in making sauces. * Veloute - a rich white sauce made with chicken, veal, pork, or fish stock, thickened with cream and egg yolks. ORIGIN French, literally translates as ‘velvety.’ C
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fontaine la La Fontaine Estate, 295 Manks Road Clyde www.lafontaineestate.com.au Ph. 5998 1133
The best of local live music every second Saturday with delicious dinners & classy cocktails at Inverloch’s cool new lounge bar
Red Elk Bar & Cafe 27 A’Beckett Street Inverloch E redelk@aapt.net.au T 5674 3264
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Open Sunday, Monday & Wednesday Breakfast & Lunch Thursday, Friday & Saturday Breakfast , Lunch & Dinner
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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 Cowes RSL.indd 1
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Churchill Island Café Relax by the fire and enjoy spectacular bay views. Open 7 days for breakfast, lunch, morning and afternoon tea. Great coffee, farm fresh produce and wines. Easy access via bridge from Phillip Island, just follow the signs. Free entry to café.
Ph: 5956 7834
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CHURCHILL ISLAND
relax, eat & enjoy the most spectacular views
discover Phillip Island’s best kept secret
Churchill Island Cafe
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Tel. (03) 5952 1004
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dineout
words Sally O’Neill photos Warren Reed
wonthaggi club ‘wow factor’
After seven years in Asian cities, chef Peter James Waters, has moved to South Gippsland and can be found in the kitchen cooking up a storm at The Wonthaggi Club. This ever popular club offers relaxed bistro dining and is pleased to announce the launch of its new restaurant ’19Eleven’. Named after the year the club was established by the gentlemen of the town, the restaurant (previously the Vineyard) has been totally refurbished. “As the executive chef, I have often been drawn into the creative process of developing new restaurants,” says Peter. “I selected the wall colours and sourced historic images to create the club atmosphere for 19Eleven. With Peter, it’s all about great food and first-class service. He spent the past year working in Burma with the five star hotel group ‘Orient Express’ in the renowned Mandalay Restaurant at ‘The Governor’s Residence’ in Myanmar and on the luxury cruiser, the ‘Road To Manda-
lay’ that travels along the Ayeyarwady River which runs the length of Burma. Using his years of experience, he has developed exciting new menus for the bistro and restaurant and has undertaken a high level of staff training across its dining and function areas. 19Eleven, which is only open on Saturday nights, gives Peter a chance to showcase his talents. “I believe that presentation of food is 60-70% visual - with 80% flavour of course,” explains Peter. He has utlised high quality, local ingredients to create an enticing menu that changes regularly. How does ‘warm salad of seared white scallops, baby rocket, fetta cheese, semi-dried tomatoes, avocado with a lemon & oregano dressing’ or ‘beef carpaccio served with a Spanish onion, tomato, parmesan & baby rocket salsa with herb infused olive oil> coast 127
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wonthaggi club
& balsamic glaze’ sound? And that’s just a small selection of the starters. Mains include such choices as ‘Moreton Bay bugs, scallops, ocean fish fillets, oysters & prawns, grilled with garlic butter and lemon hollandaise sauce’ and ‘cumin and garlic confit of duck served with sautéed spinach and a palm sugar and game jus’. Leave room for dessert as you won’t be able to resist such treats as ‘white chocolate marquise parfait with local strawberries and vanilla bean ice-cream’ and ‘apple tar tar tin served with a hokey pokey ice cream’. Finish off the meal with fresh Italian coffee with a selection of petit fours. Peter has also assembled a selection of local wines to match the food on offer. The large bistro area offers relaxed lunches and dinners for the whole family seven days a week. As the weather gets warmer, you can also enjoy dining in the al fresco mezzanine area. The focus here is quality food at affordable prices in a friendly atmosphere. You’ll be spoilt for choice as the large menu caters for all tastes with tempting daily specials and a comprehensive children’s selection. Peter has revamped the bistro menu for Spring. “The menu takes a fresher, lighter approach whilst keeping all the old favourites including some retro dishes such as lambs fry and bacon,” he says. I recently enjoyed a relaxed lunch with a friend in the bistro and coast 128
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admired the wide variety on offer for all tastes and diets. After sharing a light starter of brushetta, I dined on the daily special of pan-seared ocean trout whilst my friend chose delicious creamy chicken pasta from the menu. We topped it off with a delicious sticky date pudding and coffee. The presentation was excellent and the food was fresh and delicious. Next time I think I’ll try the ‘Turkish bread mezze platter’ or the ‘vegetarian chickpea patties topped with tabouli salsa & and garlic yoghurt dressing’ or maybe the ‘salt and pepper squid’ or ‘veal saltimbocca’ or ‘korma coconut curry’ or ‘Thai rare-roasted beef salad’ and, I definitely want to try the steamed chocolate pudding; or maybe the pear and almond frangipani tart for dessert… The Wonthaggi Club is open seven days a week and, while you can just sign in as you enter, there are many benefits to membership, such as the 15% Food & Beverage discount. The Club features a gaming room and exclusive upstairs members’ bar. Functions are a speciality ranging from intimate gatherings in the 19Eleven Restaurant through to large events for up to 120 guests. C
16 McBride Avenue, Wonthaggi Phone 5672 100 www.wonthaggiclub.com.au Head Chef: Peter James Waters
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Open Lunch & Dinner 115 Thompson Avenue, Cowes 3922 (03) 59 522 655 Phillip Island, Vic, Australia Infused final_v3a.indd 1
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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 winter menu with seniors meals available, breakfast every Sunday.
1 A’Beckett St Inverloch
03 5674 1432 coast 129
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coast magazine DONT MISS your 2009 collector’s calendar!
Tex - the Kilcunda Cowboy
Tex - the Kilcunda Cowboy
breathtaking photos - beautifully finished art calendar.
a perfect christmas gift! available at coast magazine retail outlets and online at www.coastmagazine.net (see page 8 for retail outlets) 164pgs.indd 130
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& CURRY KITCHEN Also Known as the Chocolate, Food and Wine Cafe, Panny’s Curry Kitchen, and Phillip Island Chocolate factory is located opposite the tourist information centre on Phillip Island Road in Newhaven.
PHILLIP ISLAND CHOCOLATE FACTORY, 930 PHILLIP ISLAND RD, NEWHAVEN
03 5956 6600 PI Chocolate Factory.indd 1
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“Providing a quality product with
attentive service and total commitment to your catering needs”
Sarah Ashe catering Now owned and operating though
The Killy Pub & Meikles Ocean View Bistro
Stunning ocean views • Family friendly •Beer garden • Delicious meals • Bookings recommended on w/e • Specialising in fresh local seafood & Gippsland beef • Extensive range of specials
Meikles Ocean View Bistro www.sarahashe.com.au Enquiries 5672 1216 www.southcoastdirect.com
www.killypub.com.au Bass Hwy, Kilcunda Bar 56787245 Bistro 56787011 coast 131
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The Ultimate Escape!
Watch the relentless waves pound the rocks and beaches below your vantage point and wonder at the ever changing moods of mother nature that constantly alter your landscape. This is a place for contemplation. For brisk winter walks and summer surf. Truly a place to enrich your life. There are two parcels of land to choose from: Parcel 1. 25 Acres or 10.12 Hectares. (Approx.) $1,100,000 Parcel 2. 28 Acres or 11.33 Hectares. (Approx.) $1,600,000
List with us this Spring and experience the difference that a thorough, professional and proactive approach to Real Estate Marketing can bring
43 Thompson Ave. Cowes. 3922. Phone: 5952 1600 Fax: 5952 1700 Email: sandcastlesre@bigpond.com
“A Better Alternative.”
If it’s natural beauty you’re after then look no further. These properties take the biscuit, perched high on the cliff overlooking the rugged Southern coastline of Phillip Island and out to sea.
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coast property
Your dedicated lifestyle property guide featuring homes, builders and real estate from Phillip Island to the Prom.
A award winning family home We discover what makes this Beaumont Concepts designed home a winner for the environment. Turn to page 138. coast 133coast 133
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coastal property lisitings
AREA Cowes Pyramid Rock Pyramid Rock Cowes Cowes Cowes SIlverleaves Smiths Beach Ventnor Cape Paterson Woolamai Inverloch Cowes Cowes Ventnor Ventnor Wentnor San Remo Meeniyan Koonwarra Waratah Leongatha
ADDRESS Seagrove Way 25 acres 28 acres 113-119 Justice Rd 9 Broadwater Court 47 Mannagum Drive 2/103 Silverleaves Ave 41 Back Beach Rd Lot 7 Grossard Point Rd Stage 6 760 Woolamai Turnbull Rd 148 Albert Ruttle Drive 2 Penguin Avenue 8 Koonwarra Court 28 Lymington Ave McHaffies Lane 54 Henderson St Lot 2 Phillip Island Rd House on 2.6ac House on 1.7ac House on 10 ac Business - Bair Music
EPR
AGENT/CONTACT
PG NO.
$135,900 $1,100,000 $1,600,000 $2,850,000 $1,100,000 $440,000 $1,600,00 $1,500,000 $739,000 $by Tender $405,000 $1,200,000 $925,000 $798,000 $469,000 $POA $559,000 $POA $POA $POA $POA $POA
Stockdale & Leggo 1800 616106 Sandcastles RE 59521600 Sandcastles RE 59521600 Judith Wright 03 5952 5100 Judith Wright 03 5952 5100 Judith Wright 03 5952 5100 Judith Wright 03 5952 5100 Judith Wright 03 5952 5100 Judith Wright 03 5952 5100 Stockdale & Leggo 0418 124 100 Stockdale & Leggo 0418 124 100 Stockdale & Leggo 0409 133 735 Alex Scott & Staff 03 5952 2633 Alex Scott & Staff 03 5952 2633 Alex Scott & Staff 03 5952 2633 Alex Scott & Staff 03 5952 2633 Alex Scott & Staff 03 5952 2633 Alex Scott & Staff 03 5952 2633 Elders Real Estate 03 5662 3523 Elders Real Estate 03 5662 3523 Elders Real Estate 03 5662 3523 Elders Real Estate 03 5662 3523
2&3 132 132 135 135 135 135 135 135 136 136 136 140 140 140 140 140 140 144 144 144 144
NYORA
Thinking of a sea change? Talk to our coastal real estate specialists. The grass is ‘greener’ on the Coast!
COWES
PHILLIP
ISLAND
LOCH Corinella GRANTVILLE Coronet Bay KORUMBURRA Bass San Remo Kilcunda Dalyston WONTHAGGI INVERLOCH Cape Paterson Venus Bay
LEONGATHA Koonwarra Meeniyan
FISH CREEK TARWIN LOWER Venus Bay
FOSTER
Waratah Bay Sandy Point Walkerville Waratah Bay
Corner Inlet
WILSONS PROMONTORY
concept
design
create
turning concepts into reality 79 Watt Street Wonthaggi Vic 3995 ph. 03 56725196 m. 0409933771 abeaumont@iprimus.com.au
www.beaumontconcepts.com.au
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113-119 Justice Road, COWES
Once in a lifetime opportunity
$2,850,000
Brand New 5 Star Development – approx. 10,000m2 - 1km from Cowes. Purchase the whole property or 8 units available for separate purchase (STCA). All units include quality furniture and appliances and have access to full size tennis court, swimming pool, children’s playground and BBQ area. The main residence comprises 40 sq of living, 4 bedrooms plus study, formal, lounge, billiard room, home theatre, kitchen/ dining, 2 car garage on engineered concrete slab, ducted evap. Cooling/heating.
2/103 Silverleaves Avenue, SILVERLEAVES
Prestigious Waterfront Liviing
$1,600,000
A rare and exclusive property in Silverleaves offers private access to the beach from the back yard. Enjoy stunning views from large entertainment decks, or in the private Jacuzzi room. Comprising of 3 bdrms with BIR, 3 bthrms one being ensuite from master with spa, 2 built in wood fires, billiard room, large open plan living/ kitchen/dining area, DLUG, s/s heating & cooling.Inspection will impress!
9 Broadwater Court, COWES
41 Back Beach Rd, SMITHS BEACH
Prestigious presentation & postition $1,100,000
Picturesque 180 Degree Views, 10acr $1,500,000
This striking home is only a few steps from the beach and a short stroll to Cowes. Complete with quality finishes, it has 4 bedrooms (master with ensuite), a further 2 bthrms, study, parents retreat, bar, open plan living/dining/gourmet kitchen, and 2 outdoor entertainment areas. Other features include a delightful gas log fire, double lock up garage, polished floor boards, and landscaped gardens.
One of the last small acreage properties on the South Coast, boasting stunning 180 degree ocean & rural views from Cape Woolamai to Pyramid Rock. 4 bedroom house with in ground pool, landscaped gardens, huge lockable shedding, stables, holding yards, irrigation to all paddocks, self contained one bedroom unit/office. It has possibilities for future developments with large frontage to Back Beach Road.
Lot 7 Grossard Point Rd, Ventnor
A piece of history - with glorious foreshore views! This magnificent block located right on the foreshore in Ventnor, $739,000 and has a standing historical kiln. With striking views to the Nobbies and Cape Schanck, bordering a reserve, and a land size of approximately 560m2, this beautiful block is priced for a quick sale.
Judith Wright
real estate 03 5952 5100 www.judithwright.com.au
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47 Mannagum Drive, COWES
Brand new designer home
$440,000
This 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. Complete with quality fittings and fixtures, comprising of 4 bdrms with WIR and ensuite from master, second bthrm with separate toilet, open plan north facing living/dining/gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances, second living area, and a large outdoor entertainment deck. New carpets, polished boards and a DLUG. INSPECTION WILL IMPRESS!
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 15/8/08 11:20:05 AM 22/8/08 8:57:28 AM
Last 13 Blocks, Stage 6 , CAPE PATERSON
760 Woolamai Turnbull Rd, WOOLAMAI
See you in an hour
$405,000
Bring the family to the country with this enticingly beautiful 2 bedroom home, set on 2 ¼ acres at the base of the rolling hills of Woolamai. The kitchen and dining area overlooks the fields that are still glowing green, there’s a barn style garage, native gardens, vegie patch, dam and more! Great chance to include a studio or bungalow, for all your guests, (STCA) and with privacy and country views this property will impress!
Contact Patrick Barry 0418 124 100
Land Release For Sale by Tender - closing 2/10/08 This is the last release of land at Cape paterson. Situated across the road from the beautiful beach. Whilst there is no water view, being opposite the Bunurong Coast reserve means you won’t be built out in front! Cape Paterson is located only 1 1/2 hours drive fromMelbourne’s CBD and features beautiful sandy beaches and picturesque countryside. Block sizes ranging from approximately 650 sq.m to 700 sq.m
Kim Ross 0418 806 037 or Patrick Barry 0418 124 100
148 Albert Ruttle Drive, INVERLOCH
A privileged and private Inverloch lifestyle $1,200,000 Located in the exclusive Ruttle Estate is this immaculately presented architect-designed home. Designed by award winning architects Swaney Draper, the home creatively captures natural light while concurrently drawing the sweeping outside landscape into the home. Quality built to exacting standards, the home has much to offer including 4 large BRs, ensuite, an upstairs study / studio or fifth BR, 2 separate living areas overlooking the ornamental lake, kangaroos & wildlife, 3 outdoor decks provide a choice of locations to rest back & listen to the sounds of a myriad of native birds while enjoying a good book & a glass of red. Approximately 3.5 acres of native gardens provide a private oasis away from the everyday. Just over a minutes drive will have you barefoot in the sands of the stunning Inverloch ocean beach or exploring the nearby coves and caves along this magnificent coastline.
Contact Euan Wightman 0409 133 735
WONTHAGGI Cnr Murray & Bilson Sts 5672 1477 CAPE PATERSON Shop 3, 2-6 Market Pl 5674 8208 INVERLOCH 2a A’Beckett St 5674 3977 164pgs.indd 136 Stockdale & Leggo.indd 1
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beach house constructions pty ltd
DESIGNERS & BUILDERS
www.beachhouseconstructions.com.au p.o. box 5106 cowes, victoria 3922 ph: 59 523 900 email: info@beachhouseconstructions.com.au
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words Sue Webster photos Warren Reed
Celebratory drinks flowed at the Wonthaggi house of Marcus Satchell and Lisa Santori in early August. The couple’s new house had just been named a Victorian design winner… a real fillip for architect Ashley Beaumont and his first-ever entry into the state’s Building Designers’ Association Awards. The award honours the smart, sharply designed home created for the couple and their twins Ruby and Ava, age four. The house is sited on a block that served as a childhood cricket pitch for Marcus. “ The block was owned by my parents. I used to play here after school,” he said. “ We’d mow it and all the kids would come around and we’d play cricket. Then in winter we’d play footy.” Today it is a contemporary three-bedroom-plus-studio home that sits sleekly apart in a 1980s-type streetscape of fibro cement houses and brick veneers. It is the only residential house in the street to retain remnant tea-tree and Marcus is planning a completely indigenous garden. But his links with the land run deeper than mere garden design. For Marcus, a winemaker and wine industry consultant – there’s an issue of sustainability. The house boasts a six-star rating for energy efficiency. Marcus doesn’t flinch. “ A five-star-rated home is not fixing a real situation; it is not making a real change as to how we use energy and what we are doing to the environment. It should be mandatory that living areas face north and in those big modern housing estates, developers should be made to build houses with the correct orientation.” The Wonthaggi house is not only this man’s castle – it’s a statement of conscience. Architect Ashley Beaumont of Beaumont Concepts
took the client’s brief on board easily. “ I understood their ideas, I put them on paper for them and made it all work … and added my influence on design too. It was team effort. They’re friends, so it was easy to be honest. They were very easy clients to deal with and the house was a good outcome.” The exterior walls are made from environmentally-sound ply and radially-sawn timber. The design spurns merbau, opting instead for spotted gum decking. Seeking a gentle footprint, Ashley kept construction lightweight and insulated heavily. The Zincalume roof carries a solar hot water heater and there is a 1500-litre water tank. “I knew our ideas would work, but I had no idea how successful it would be,” Marcus said.“ I did a lot of research years ago on energyefficient house design. It’s always been an interest. For example, I calculated angles for the light and window heights.” What’s a wine maker doing tackling trigonometry? “Winery design is all about engineering,” he explained. “We get to understand insulation, heating and fluid mechanics, pumps and pipes … there’s quite a lot engineering involved.” “They came to me as a client wanting an energy-efficient home.
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lifestyle review
“I knew our ideas would work, but I had no idea how successful it would be…”
award winninglifestyle They had an idea to create the house they were after and it meant having all those energy-efficiency design features built in,” explained Ashley. The bedrock to the home’s eco-cred is its polished concrete floor that acts like a thermal sink – absorbing the sun’s heat during the day and releasing it so efficiently that the temperature usually hovers around 25 degrees Celsius, even on the briskest winter days. “A lot of people are amazed at how the passive heating works,” Marcus said. Just as well it does. Warmth was one of the prerequisites stipulated by Lisa, who was working as a bank manager before the babies arrived. The big move to the house, after eighteen months of rented accommodation, came when the girls were just over two. “I guess I was sleep deprived during the house design and it was all a bit of a blur,” Lisa said. “But my one big request was that we lived in a warm home. So Ashley gave me some homework. He told me to go out at 8.00 pm at night to see how warm the concrete path was. I did … and I was sold.” The design optimises the site’s northern aspects offering a long, skinny east-west footprint and generous windows bring sunlight into living areas and heating the slab. Windows offer both cooling and heating. Wide eaves mean shade in summer while the double glazed/louvred windows deliver crossventilation that overcomes the need for any air-conditioning, even on
the hottest summer night.“ At the end of the day, we just open the house to the breeze,” said Marcus. Fuss-free is the buzz word. This is a house with no pretensions. There is, for example, no formal entrance. A series of decks takes the visitor straight into the light and airy living space which is the hub of the home. What you don’t see, however, is the clever hideaway pantry/ laundry space. This utilities room houses inevitable family mess along with the noisy white goods of our modern lives – the dishwasher, washing machine and fridge.“ In this design, it’s nearby, but it’s all hidden - and when the dishwasher’s on you can’t hear a thing,” said Lisa. The kitchen remains quiet, save for the clatter of serious food preparation.“ I really like to cook and Lisa’s getting better. In fact, my love of cooking came before the wine making,” joked Marcus. Which begs the really big question. Where’s the wine cellar? “There’s no cellar. That’s one thing I’m tossing up at the moment. It’s certainly not going to be above the fridge, the most common choice and just about the worst-possible spot. I think I’m going to re-jig a cupboard on the southern wall where it stays cool and maintains a constant temperature. If I put a lot of galvanised concrete reinforcing mesh in there I think I could store about 25 dozen bottles of my better stuff,” Marcus admitted. Thirsty business, this home designing! C coast 139
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SPACE STYLE AND LOCATION – ULTIMATE FAMILY LIVING This quality home is set in one of the Island’s best locations and situated on a magnificent treed allotment of over 800m2. In a secluded court renowned for it’s beautiful trees and birdlife, just seconds to the water and a short walk in to Cowes. The homes unique design offers 2 distinct zones each with a separate staircase linked by a large central living space and kitchen. With 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 4 living zones, stunning river stone fireplace, north facing deck with views to the water and double remote control garage. The outdoor entertaining area also has a full kitchen overlooking a lovely paved courtyard, making entertaining a breeze.
Address: 8 Koonwarra Court, Cowes Asking $798,000 Contact: Brian Silver 0407 347 509 Greg Price 0419 337 441
UNIQUE HOME WITH A KNOCKOUT VIEW
Set overlooking open fields to the sea, this bluestone and cedar home has been built to fit in to its rural and beachside surrounds. The home features 3 bedrooms (master bedroom with ensuite). The upstairs living area and kitchen is spacious and has a central open fire place and a large sunny deck that over looks this fantastic view. This is not your average beach house. It is a home that has been put together with a great deal of thought and care. Regrettable sale as our owner is moving interstate. Inspection will confirm.
Address: 28 Lymington Avenue, Ventnor Asking $469,000 Contact: Brian Silver 0407 347 509 Greg Price 0419 337 441
CONTEMPORARY FORESHORE, STUNNING DESIGN
PARADISE FOUND - McHAFFIES LAGOON It is easy to see why this famous property was chosen as Phillip Island’s first European settlement. With 800 metres of pristine Bay frontage, a magnificent freshwater lagoon with abundant birdlife, plus several potential home sites that offer magnificent views, you will want to choose it too. Inspection will confirm. 85 acres plus 6.5 acres leasehold. Expressions of Interest , Closing 12th September 2008
Just completed, this magnificent home combines elegance with funk. Designed for relaxed modern beach style living this fabulous home features 2 spacious living areas, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a great outlook over the Bay and foreshore. Constructed using natural limestone and beautiful timber finishes this home blends in to its foreshore location. Inspection will confirm.
Address: McHaffies Lane, Ventnor Contact: Brian Silver 0407 347 509 Greg Price 0419 337 441
Address: 2 Penguin Avenue, Cowes Asking $925,000 Contact: Brian Silver 0407 347 509 Greg Price 0419 337 441
YOUR OWN PERSONAL OCEANFRONT PARADISE
SUPERB NEW HOME AMONG THE TREES Bird’s, wildlife abound and house overlooks farms and wetlands and is five minutes walk from beautiful Ventnor beach. With a northerly deck and stainless steel railing the home is ideal for entertaining and having guests over. There are 2 living areas, deluxe ensuite with spa and heated towel rails, 3 spacious bedrooms and study, 3 fujitsu reverse cycle inverters and fans top and bottom, great quality kitchen with Caesar stone bench tops, Blanco appliances, attractive low maintenance garden that attracts many birds.
Address: 54 Henderson Street, Ventnor Asking $559,000 Contact: Brian Silver 0407 347 509 Greg Price 0419 337 441
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Sensational 106 acres overlooking some of Australia’s most picturesque coastline. Located between San Remo and Kilcunda this superb, expansive property has a planning permit approved for a substantial home affording spectacular views. Many attractive features such as an all weather track to the home site, town water, excellent fresh water (creek and dams), 2 road frontages and stockyards all contribute to a simply magnificent and all too rare opportunity to purchase your own piece of paradise by the ocean. Access to beautiful and secluded surf beach adds a final flourish. Expressions of Interest closing 4pm Friday 5th September 2008
Address: Lot 2 Phillip Island Road, San Remo Contact: Brian Silver 0407 347 509 Greg Price 0419 337 441
5952 2633 www.alexscott.com.au 18/8/08 5:18:38 PM
Display Home NOW OPEN! (pictured above) located at 184 Thompson Ave Cowes
Quality from start to finish With over 50 years experience, the team at New Dimension Homes bring a vast knowledge of building affordable quality homes that suit all tastes and requirements. We will deliver your new home on time and on budget. With a large range of designs, we can adapt to suit your individual needs. New Dimension Homes can deliver the home of your dreams. Quality design, workmanship and materials go a long way toward achieving a house that you, the home owner and the builder, can both be proud of.
Dont miss our new display home in Inverloch call Colin 0416 152 075 area manager call Karen 0407 852 790 coast 141
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9/95 Marine Parade, San Remo
www.sanremorealty.com.au Ph: 56785 141
Laminate flooring is the ideal choice for your coastal home or holiday home. Easy to clean, laminate flooring is a perfect surface for coastal living as it is hard to scratch, dent or stain. Come in and see our extensive range of quality laminate flooring in a range of colors, lacquers and designs. Wonthaggi Floorworld 321 White Rd ( Bass Hwy ) Wonthaggi VIC 3995. Ph 5672 5590 Ph 0422 275 532 Fax (03) 5672 5590 coast 142
164pgs.indd 142 San Remo realty.indd 1
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Real homes . . . Real people
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 Office 66 Church Street Traralgon T: 03 5174 4698
164pgs.indd 143 Cavalier Homes_d.indd 1
Sale Office
203 York Street Sale T: 03 5143 0030
www.cavalierhomes.com.au E: info@cavalierhomesgippsland.com.au
18/8/08 4:54:46 5:18:48 PM PM 14/8/08
home design & construction
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
Thinking of a South Gippsland Lifestyle? Meeniyan
Luxurious private residence flowing over more than 40sq (with B&B options) on 2.6ac
Discuss your thoughts with Allen or Kaz at Elders
Waratah
Giverny Lavender Estate - a 10ac retreat with a spectacular Wilsons Prom Vista
Anytime
Koonwarra
Quality homestead on 1.7ac a stroll to Koonwarra village
They’re the Lifestyle Agents
Leongatha
A business lifestyle that will be music to your ears Elders Real Estate, 16 McCartin Street, Leongatha Ph: (03) 5662 3523 Web: eldersre.com.au Allen: 0417 274 624 Kaz: 0417 516 998
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coast directory
want more? www.coastmagazine.net
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Studio 41 Gallery Mornington
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39
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23
All Seasons Eco Resort
78
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Enlighten Now
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78
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100 Monkeys, Koo Wee Rup
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164
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126
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146
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154
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96
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129
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89
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49
Tree Culture
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131
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57
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82
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131
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77
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126
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149
Plumbers Now & Sustainability Now
72
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125
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149
Solar Shop
71
Sandbanks Restaurant & Bar
146
Four Corners Framing
53
EcoWaterwise
72
Silverleaves Store
148
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149
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Taylors Waterfront Restaurant
148
Mingara Gallery
33
182 Graham Street
113
The Foreshore Bar & Restaurant
147
Powlett Gallery
33
About Bass Coast Hearing
121
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38
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124
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112
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137
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152
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134
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155
Real Estate
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143
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152
Alex Scott and Staff P/L Phillip Island
140
Colin Vanderstaay Homes
158
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152
Elders Real Estate Leongatha
144
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158
Future Pure Water
150
FKP Shearwater on the Island
4
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144
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135
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158
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132
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157
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151
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142
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141
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153
Seagrove Estate
2
Revive a Deck
89
Matt Lynch Chiropractor
151
Stockdale & Leggo Wonthaggi
136
Smiths Beach Constructions & Steve Smart
158
Phillip Island Eco Retreat & Day Spa
60
Tooradin, Tourism & Travel
San Remo Pharmacy
114
Classic Fishing Charters, Tooradin
103
151
Tooradin Fresh Fish
103
A Maze’N’Things
29
Computer, IT & Education Meehan Design
9
Turn It Around
Purple C
13
Home & Homewares
Bass Coast Adult Education Centre
110
Amici
155
Jetset Leongatha
159
Newhaven College
108
Aqua Trends
156
Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit
116
Newhaven/San Remo Primary Schools
111
AW Smith & Sons
99
Phillip Island Nature Park
60
St Josephs, Wonthaggi
107
Cantik Home
156
Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne
6
121
Wildlife Coast Cruises
150
Entertainment & Fun
Cleanskin Kitchenware
3MFM
160
Fiddlestix
156
Trades & Services
Kongwak Market
149
Floorworld Wonthaggi
142
Eric Van Agtmaal builder
159
Phillip Island Action Attractions
150
Garden of Thoughts
155
Evan’s Petroleum
160
Stony Creek Racing Club
114
116
New Wave Concreting
157
104
Paint Place
157 159 159
Fashion & Accessories
Harvey Norman Wonthaggi Melbourne Furnishings
01 Soul
46
Nordic Designs
155
Van Steensel Timbers
Begin
44
Retravision Wonthaggi
71
Westernport Roof Supplies
Denis Hawkins Jewellery
41
South Coast Furnishings
9
Weddings & More
Island Shoe Gallery
42
Southern Bazaar
104
Nikolina’s Florist And Gifts
67
Karmella Fashions
44
Wonthaggi Tile and Wood Heating
157
Marybrooke Receptions
53
Kush Kush
42
Professional Services
La Bella
155
Archisign
Lacy Jewellery Studio & Gallery
49
So Me
46
Wineries 160
Purple Hen Wines
148
Birch Ross & Barlow
160
La Fontaine Estate
125
Commonwealth Bank
163
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all dishes cooked fresh from original family recipes handed down from generation to generation...
New! - Dine in our outdoor huts for the ultimate Curry experience. BYO BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL Curry Leaf Takeaway Shop 9 Vista Place Cape Woolamai, Phillip Island Phone - 5956 6772
8 - 10 Forest Ave, Newhaven, Phillip Island Tel 5956 6766
modern menu, Intimate & cosy dining, private rooms for group bookings. 35 Victoria St Loch
Modern Australian Cuisine, Woodfired Pizza, Freshly Shucked Oysters, Pasta’s, Parma’s & Regular Specials. Family Owned & Operated, Family Orientated, BYO & Fully Licensed
tomo & joh 23 A’Beckett St Inverloch 3996
p. 5659 4488
p 5674 3444
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Nude Food Organic Gourmet Food Store The way food should be!
Open 7 days Slow Cooking, Juice Bar, Local Wines & Licensed Cafe
Perfect for end of year functions; night & day • Meet for breakfast, lunch and coffee • Fresh local, and market produce • All dietary requirements catered for • All food made on the premises
141 Marine Parade San Remo
Nude Food.indd 1
Warm and welcoming . . . cosy fireplaces . . . comfy couches . . . friendly faces . . . premium wines . . . cold beer and local produce. Live entertainment with a great pub atmosphere!
(03) 5678 5530
a/ 161 Marine Pde San Remo t/ 03 5678 5205 HLC_132x88.5.qxp 3/08/2007 www.thewesternport.com.au 1:10 PM Page 1 e/ info@thewesternport.com.au
7/8/08 2:07:56 PM
The Westernport.indd 1
To accompany our addictive Fair Trade, Organic Coffee and All Day Breakfast, HLC offers a varied & seasonally influenced luncheon menu to please Local wines available by the glass or to purchase by the bottle Grand Ridge Brewery beers also available HLC also now stocks a GREATER RANGE of local products including Berrys Creek Cheese, Gurdies Wine, Hazelnuts, Hope Farm Bread Fresh Every Wednesday, Sweet Tips Asparagus, cookies from the Home Baked Cookie Co... * Hampers Available - The ideal gift to take home Group dinners/meeting space/refreshments available Local tourist information Indoor outdoor dining
10 Smith Street, Loch
P: 5659 4466
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Coast Ad
19/10/07
8:49 AM
Page 1
PURPLE HEN
Vineyard & Winery 96 McFees Road Rhyll Phillip Island Hours: 11am - 5:30pm School Holidays - 7 days a week Other times: Friday - Sunday plus public holidays Phone: 5956 9244 www.purplehenwines.com.au
Local fresh produce with seafood straight from the boat, slow cooked winter foods and in house bakery. Accommodation now available.
Waterfront dining with panoramic bay views 17 The Esplanade Cowes, Vic Phone (03) 5952 6226
Silverleaves Store relax, indulge, enjoy
Available for private functions!
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
1215 Phillip Island Tourist Rd, Phillip Island
p. 03 5956 7371
Email: restaurant@waterfront.net.au
Breakfast lunch & everything in between
Gippsland wines, & cellar door sales Gourmet provisions Cnr Sanders Road & Honeysuckle Grove, Silverleaves. Phillip Island ( 1 km from Cowes) 03 5952 1110 www.phillipislandgetaway.com.au
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$57< )$57< 6&8/3785( 678',2FRPPLVVLRQV ZHOFRPH EVERY SUNDAY from 10 am - Inside & Out
LIVE MUSIC FROM 11AM
&ODVVHV DYDLODEOH IRU DGXOWV DQG FKLOGUHQ LQ PRVDLF GHVLJQ FHUDPLF VFXOSWXUH
Main Street, KONGWAK, Victoria (only 10 minutes from Inverloch)
For more information call Jane on 0417 142 478
Call Sian on 0418519181 or 59566377
gecko
studio gallery
Workshops with
Deborah Halpern
award winning sculptor
Mosaic Workshops December 6 - 7 Mosaic Workshop, $350 15 Falls Road Fish Creek 03 5683 2481 0423 721 593 0421 209 878
Fibreglass Sculpture Please contact Deborah if you are interested in a one day “How to use Fibreglass Workshop” $220 per person. Class size is 6 - at Deborah’s studio or yours!
“custom framing, original artworks, select art materials, cards & decorated tiles” email: framing@geckostudiogallery.com.au www.geckostudiogallery.com.au opening times fri-tues 10am-5pm Kerry Spokes & Michael Lester
Enquiries and bookings for all classes, please call Deb on
p. (03) 9844 3247
m. 0417 352797
deborahhalpern@ozemail.com.au
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Seal Rocks Eco Cruise PHILLIP ISLAND
PHILLIP ISLAND TEN PIN BOWLING & Entertainment Centre
We offer the latest, most modern tenpin bowling experience in Australia, with automatic scoring, bumper bowling for young players and so much more.
We cater for all types of functions!
FRENCH ISLAND . DINNER CRUISES
Wilsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Prom Day Cruises MARINE WILDLIFE & ECO CRUISE/TOURS
Bookings & Enquiry Centre Cowes Jetty Carpark Phone: 1300 763 739 www.wildlifecoastcruises.com.au
Pool Tables, Air Hockey tables, Lounge, Cafe & Fully Licensed Bar, Slot Car Racing, X-Box live, Table Tennis, Internet Access, Interactive Games & Austar Entertainment on a large screen.
91 SETTLEMENT ROAD, COWES
www.piaction.com.au tenpin@piaction.com.au
5952 3977
Filtering your water beautifully
. Handmade in Australia . Cost effective. Only 2 cents per litre filtration
Each year, around 170 Bass Coast residents face cancer.
. 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
Register your team by Friday 31 October 2008
Futurepure Water Purification Systems PO Box 225 Cowes 3922 P. (03) 5952 6735 mobile. 0400 432 149
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Dr. Matt Lynch CHIROPRACTIC
CARE
Helping you live a healthy lifestyle by the coast
akers eyewear Akers Eyewear is distinctly different and caters for all your optical needs. The comprehensive range of fashion frames and sunglasses will definitely impress. The range includes Gucci, Dior, Coco Song along with Serengeti, Bolle, Mako and Maui Jim, plus many more. They also carry an extensive range of accessories. Catering for all ages, their optometrist specialises in children’s vision.
services
Eye examinations are bulk billed. Contact lenses, veterans affairs, behavioural optometry.
17c A’Beckett Street, Inverloch 180 Graham Street, Wonthaggi
03 5672 1858
1/41 Murray Street, Wonthaggi, 3995
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Give yourself the gift to be free.
p. 5672 1965
15/8/08 Helping families in South Gippsland by using the best of Eastern and Western natural medicine
11:38:24 AM
Leongatha Natural Medicine Centre Wonthaggi Natural Medicine Centre & Island Healing – Newhaven (John only)
Bring about big positive changes in any area of your life, such as; abundance, love, health and relationships... true quality of life! Our beliefs bring about our reality. Most beliefs are held on a very deep level in the subconcious. Theta work is capable of transforming those deeply held beliefs. All that was required of me was to be open, very little effort for a big result. Amazing! Scott, disability worker, Phillip Island. After one session with Bazil, I found my life changed. I really recommend this. Sue, marketing consultant, Melbourne.
‘Turn It Around’ Bazil Theta Healer
Liquid Crystals practitioner located at health on course 28 The Concourse Cowes 3922 for appointments call 5952 5686 jonathan
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
Morgan Wayaani - Kinesiologist, Chinese Masseur, Massage Therapy Phone 0403 853 141 Alen Cameron - Spinal Therapist, Naturopath & Homeopath Phone 5672 5299 coast 151
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BORED WITH YOUR HAIR?
DARREN GEORGE HAIR
Wedding and deb styling, hair extensions, waxing, massages, professional make up artist, solarium and spray tans
make up: Cara Robertson
jonathan
Beachside Hair & Beauty
6 14 The Esplanade Cowes 03 5952 2647
103b Marine Pde, San Remo, Victoria Ph. (03) 5678 5323
CARA ROBERTSON
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Professional make up artist
Cowes Hair & Beauty • Ladies & Mens Hairdressing • Waxing, Tuscan Tan & Alysun Solarium • Xtreme Lashes Eyelash Extensions BEFORE
AFTER
SPRING SPECIAL!
Full set of lashes $120 (expires 31st Oct) Hair by Beachside hair & beauty
• Weddings • Debutantes • Special Occasion coast 152
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T: 0412 454 244 • Napoleon Perdis products
OPEN 7 DAYS
5952 1258
Shop 1/134 Thompson Ave, Cowes Victoria
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Do you have... •back, neck or muscle pain? then you can benefit from... . the bowen technique . massage . pilates . yoga . naturopathy
ARTS OF AFRICA IN CONJUNCTION WITH ISLAND HEALING BRING YOU AFRICAN DANCING CLASSES Wednesday evenings from 7.15-8.30p.m. Enquiries to Susie on 59526767 or 0402557237.
island healing health spa & fitness centre 6 Forrest Avenue Newhaven, Phillip Island
p. 5956 7886
www.islandhealing.com.au
Spring DARE TO BE DIFFERENT
Spring
•accident or sporting injuries? •headaches? •stress? •just not feeling 100%?
into
Hair Leah McKay 5956 6991 0439 866 991 CAPE WOOLAMAI
commercial // alternative // extreme weddings // functions // corporate events
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15/8/08 9:25:51 AM
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L&J TUDDIN restorations
ANTIQUE & DECOR GALLERY
COAST PHOTOSALES You can purchase photos published in coast magazine
A NT I Q U E S / / A RT I F A CT S / / D E C O R / / B E A D S
(Limited edition photo’s available - POA. Framed limited edition prints available from Framed at Inverloch) **bar limited edition photos**
PRINT SIZES 13 X 18 cm 15 X 20 cm 20 X 30 cm 30 X 45 cm 50 X 75 cm
PRINT PRICES $24 $30 $40 $90 $160
Regular post $7.50 Express post $15.00
Send order with chq made out to Coast Media P/L Address - Coast Magazine, PO Box 104, San Remo 3925, Victoria.
Photo (pg no. & description) : ----------------------------RESTORED FURNITURE FROM EUROPE & CHINA 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
the castle villa by the sea
phillip island
---------------------------------------Print Size :----------Your name: --------------------------------------------Address: -----------------------------------------------Phone no: ----------------------------------------------Payment enclosed:---------------------------------------
Rain, hail or shine - we will deliver Coast to your door!
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MY DETAILS Mrs/Ms/Miss/Mr Name ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Address -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Postcode -------------------
images © d-tales photography
Telephone/Mobile -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
romantic getaways, weddings and private functions
Email address ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Luxury Boutique Accomodation Indulge your senses.
7-9 steele street, cowes p. 03 5952 1228
www.thecastle.com.au
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STARTING WITH EDITION (season)--------------------------------YEAR----------------or email your details to subs@coastmagazine.net I have enclosed a cheque
I have enclosed a money order
Made payable to: Coast Media P/L SEND TO: COAST MAGAZINE, PO BOX 104, SAN REMO, VIC 3925
16/8/08 11:40:37 AM
18/8/08 12:35:02 5:23:18 PM 15/8/08 PM
Robot NEW
kids ra
nge 2 008 now in
store !
Jewellery Beautiful baby gifts Homewares Unique Art MOR Body products
a garden of thoughts pure indulgence giftware
Leanne Piasente 120 Graham Street, Wonthaggi Tel. (03) 5672 1622
Shop 2, IGA Supermarket Arcade 156 Graham St, Wonthaggi
03 5672 5553
SHOP ONLINE!! www.nordicdesignshome.com.au
Handcrafted Israeli Jewellery a garden of thoughts v2.indd 1
5/8/08 3:25:35 PM
a l l e B a L
jonathan
Available at:
HOME COLLECTIONS
homeware•interior design
p. 03 5672 4812 m. 0402 244 537
17b a’beckett st inverloch 5674 6060
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140 Graham St, Wonthaggi coast 155
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Wonthaggi Discount Fabrics & Beads Exotic furnishings from around the globe • All types of fabrics • Beads & jewellery making supplies • Patchwork • Patterns & Haberdashery • Classes available
• All types of fabrics • Beads & jewellery making supplies • Patchwork • Patterns & Haberdashery • Classes available
hailand, Bali, Vietnam, India, Peru and more.
OPEN Mon–Fri 9am–5pm Sat 9am– 3pm • Homewares
Relax in our
• Paintings
café with
• Jewellery
‘Robert Timms’
• Furniture
Coffee
• SCENT CHIPS
133 graham St, Wonthaggi 5672 3930 skdren@bigpond.net.au
Shop 1, Bass Coast Plaza, Wonthaggi (Next door to BIG W) (03) 5672 5996
“interior design/decorating service”
fiddlestix Licensed products including AFL, Ford, Holden, Jim Beam, Jack Daniels, Bundaberg Rum and many more. • • • • • •
03 56785580
GIFTS CLOTHING POOL CUES ETC BAR ACCESSORIES GLASSWARE LOCAL POTTERY
Open Monday – Saturday Plaza Arcade, 140 Graham Street, Wonthaggi 3995 Ph/Fax: 03 5672 3304 E: barlyncons@yahoo.com.au
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Metrix New Granite
for everything in paint 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
WONTHAGGI
COWES
21 Billson Street
149 Thompson Avenue
Tel (03) 5672 5522 Fax (03) 5672 5533
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Tel (03) 5952 2522 Fax (03) 5952 2593
14/5/08 8:47:04 AM
Face Lifts & Renovations
Master Craftsman - Peter Barton PH. 0428 14 20 20 FAX. 03 5659 4444
New Season’s
FLOOR AND WALL TILES NOW ON SHOW
Joan and Steven would be pleased to show you around. You’ll be pleasantly surprised!
LUKE HINRICHS 0402 454 742 New Wave Concreting.indd 1
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WONTHAGGI TILE & WOOD HEATING 323a Bass Highway, Wonthaggi, Vic 3995
Phone: 5672 2543
20/5/08 4:57:53 PM
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Fax: 5672 2326 coast 157
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SMITHS BEACH CONSTRUCTIONS & DESIGN Ltd Pty
LANGFORD JONES HOMES â&#x20AC;&#x153;Building quality, affordable homes in South Gippsland and Coastal Phillip Island for the past 40 yearsâ&#x20AC;?
& SMITHS BEACH
site speciďŹ designs c
' # " # CONSTRUCTIONS & $DESIGNS PTY LTD
5 mills crt smiths beach
" # $ % &
Stephen Smart Ph: 5956 6845 Mob: 0419 920 853 www.hipages.com.au/professional/43422 Steve Demos !
0417
946 878 Mob:
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DISPLAY HOME LOCATIONS Phillip Island, Grantville, Korumburra, Wonthaggi & Inverloch For display home locations, price listings, inclusions & plans
LJ0029
Phone: (03) 9579 2277 or 56 725 680 Fax: (03) 9570 1282 Email: sales@ljhomes.com.au
17/8/08 11:51:07 AM
colin vanderstaay
building your dreams
DARREN BROWN
Reg i s te red B u i ld i ng P rac t i t io ne r
BUILDING CONSULTANTS 3/65 Backbeach Rd, San Remo 3925 p. (03) 5678 5226 m. 0418 379 301 e. darren@dbdesign.com.au website. www.dbdesign.com.au
Registered building practitioner Vanderstaay & son Pty Ltd abn 17 064 900 223 dba 6261 mba 46870 po box 312, San Remo Vic 3925 ph 0409 694 270 fax 0359 566 611
web address - http://colinvand.server101.com
CREATIVE BUILDING SOLUTIONS
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Eric Van Agtmaal
Builder
SPRING INTO TASMANIA!
Discover the colours of Spring on Tasmania’s North West Coast – sparkling blues skies and fields of tulips! Experience the excitement of Dismal Swamp’s cantilevered walkway and 110 metre slide to the forest floor! From $618* per person Includes: • 2 night’s accommodation at Lido Boutique Apartments, Launceston, with continental breakfast provisions daily •2 night’s accommodation @ VDL Stanley, Stanley • 2 night’s accommodation at Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village, Cradle Mountain
•Admission into Dismal Swamp
For bookings or more information, phone Jetset Leongatha on 03 5662 3601 or visit them at 16 McCartin Street, Leongatha
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
*Conditions apply, subject to availability. Prices are based on two people sharing a double room and are land content only. Car hire options available. Cancellation policy may apply. Valid for travel, from 1.9.08 to 19.12.08. Photo of Wynyard Tulip Farm by John de la Roche © Tourism Tasmania.
VAN STEENSEL TIMBERS BUILDING MATERIALS & WATER TANKS
SUPPLIERS OF • • • •
CNR. CORINELLA TURN OFF & BASS HWY, GRANTVILLE
(03)56788552
ROOFING METAL FASCIA POLY CARBONATE SKYLIGHTS
• • • •
GUTTERING PURLINS FLASHINGS FASTENERS
87 SETTLEMENT ROAD, COWES
TEL. (03) 5952 5212 FAX (03) 5952 5261
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Proud to be part of South Gippsland
Distributors for South Gippsland “Locals employing locals” 10/30 The Concourse Cowes VIC 3922 chiSIGN 0418 91 90 09 john@archisign.com.au
ARCHITECTURAL+ACCESS SIGNAGE
BRB
Birch Ross & Barlow
COWES, FISH CREEK, FOSTER, INVERLOCH, KORUMBURRA, LEONGATHA, MAIN DEPOT, MIRBOO NTH, TOORA, WONTHAGGI, FISH CREEK & YARRAM.
YOUR LOCAL RADIO STATION
Your local solicitors operating in South Gippsland for over 100 years
OFFICES:
Korumburra (03) 5655 1066 Leongatha (03) 5662 2275 Wonthaggi (03) 5672 1377 Cowes (03) 5952 1325
88.1 Central South Gippsland 89.1 Bass Coast & Phillip Island 89.5 Foster, Yarram & Tidal River
radio@3mfm.com.au
03 5674 1900 www.3mfm.com.au
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31/7/08 PMPM 18/8/087:40:15 5:23:46
THE BUCK STOP Old & New
Cnr Bass Hwy & Anderson Rise, Anderson
5678 5779 The Buck Stop.indd 1
14/8/08 4:35:54 PM
DESALINATION is wrong! 1. Water costs to spiral! 2. Climate change nightmare! The sneaky Private-Public-Partnership funding of this project is effectively privatising YOUR water!
3. 4.
Penguins and whales under threat!
desalination
STOP
LESS THE ENERGY RAIN CYCLE! USE GLOBAL WARMING
“Capture the water falling on Melbourne - you don’t have to have a monstrous energy-sucking, greenhouse-gas-producing, ecology-changing, National Park threatening, farmland-takeover Desal Plant” - Bob Brown
www.coastmagazine.net
• Rustic Furniture • Bric a Brac • Unique Carvings • Crystals & Crystal Jewellery • Quality Incense • Rocks, Pebbles & Garden Stuff
your ultimate online DIRECTORY
Be surprised! you never know what you’ll find
For more information visit www.yourwateryoursay.org
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a moment in time . . .
words Sally O’Neill photo Maria Reed
In April 1989, Mike Cleeland discovered one of the world’s largest fossil amphibian jawbones on the coast near San Remo. At 67 centimetres long, it is still the biggest fossil bone ever recovered from this area and is appropriately named in his honour: Koolasuchus cleelandi. I’d known there was dinosaur bones around this area since I was a little boy. In 1978, I was studying geology at Melbourne University, and remember another student telling me that she had found a dinosaur shinbone at The Punchbowl near San Remo. It wasn’t until I joined the dig team at Dinosaur Cove in the Otways in the summer of 1988/89 that I met Lesley Kool from Wonthaggi. She revealed the secrets of where to look for fossils and what to look for. I then returned to this part of the coast and began studying an area that hadn’t been explored for ten years. When I discovered the fossil, I felt both stunned and exhilarated; up there with the best half-dozen moments I have ever experienced. At first I couldn’t believe it was a bone; it was so big I thought it was a tree. It wasn’t until I got down on my knees and looked at it with the hand lens that I realised the only thing it could be was a jawbone of one of the big amphibians. After the discovery Lesley Kool did all the tedious work of grinding the rock away to extract the bone so it’s great that she was also recognised in the scientific name. This discovery has given me an opportunity to make a worthwhile contribution in an exciting field of scientific research, and brought me in contact with a wonderful group of people - many of whom have become lifelong friends. It has reinforced my faith in the message from The Sound of Music; ‘Follow every rainbow, till you find your dream’!”
“I guess I’m just a fan of charismatic megafauna. I’m fascinated by dinosaurs, diprotodonts, Tasmanian tigers and whales. I’m lucky to have been born in this area where I have a chance to indulge my passion for rocks. Between Phillip Island and Wilsons Promontory we have about three quarters of Victoria’s rock types represented so there is plenty to satisfy anyone’s curiosity. I’m still as excited as ever about the possibilities of new and big discoveries out there. Every time we think that there are no more, someone pops up with another find. I’m outraged about the proposed desalination plant. I found the fossil layer near the mouth of Powlett River and the last thing I expected was for it to be placed at risk from some ‘nutballs’ tunnel drilling to bring seawater in for desalination! It’s supreme irony that a dinosaur fossil site, which gives us a valuable perspective on historical climate change, is in such close proximity to a project which is a response to future climate change. Are we not supposed to be the clever country? Haven’t we figured out that desalination only makes global warming worse? The extinction of dinosaurs wasn’t their fault; they were unaware that a massive rock from millions of miles away was going to stop them dead. We’re now slightly more fortunate - we can control our own destiny to a greater extent. But you know what they say about those who fail to heed the lessons of history . . . C
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18/8/08 5:23:59 PM