Coast Magazine Spring 2018 Edition 52

coastal

living

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its

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in this issue

ISL AN D TIM E

Generations of stories

LIF E IN TH E FAST LA NE

The Rea’s whirlwind adventure

SA RA H & LE IG H An ocean of love

TH E GO OD LIF E

Good for you. Good for the Earth.

ISSN 1833–3648

SAVOUR THE FLAVOU R MAGICAL MEE NIYA N EDU CAT ION GUI DE

YOUR AWARD WINNING DESIGN & CONSTRUCT SPECIALIST

S U S TA I N A B L E H O M E S B U I L T T O L A S T. SOUTH GI PPSLAND, PH I LLIP ISLAND AND THE MORNINGTON PENI NSULA.

0 4 2 5 512 9 9 9

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www.beachhouseconstructions.com.au

@beachhouseconstructionsaus

AWARDS WINNER 2015 Custom Built Home

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YOUR AWARD WINNING DESIGN & CONSTRUCT SPECIALIST

S U S TA I N A B L E H O M E S B U I L T T O L A S T. SOUTH GI PPSLAND, PH I LLIP ISLAND AND THE MORNINGTON PENI NSULA.

0 4 2 5 512 9 9 9

|

www.beachhouseconstructions.com.au

@beachhouseconstructionsaus

AWARDS WINNER 2015 Custom Built Home

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coast 3

from the publisher The tea-tree is in bloom, snapper have hit the ocean . . . it’s spring by the coast!

As we go to print it is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to a legendary talent and soul queen, Aretha Franklin. Now here is a woman that changed the world, and spoke to a generation of women about R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Respect for ourselves - and respect we should expect from our partners in life.

This is such a poignant reminder in our small coastal community currently as we grapple with the tragic loss of one of our own to domestic violence. Respect and safety is a fundamental right, and we need to continue the conversation in 2018 as to why violence in families still occurs. We need to question what we are teaching our children, and ensure that we create an environment that is safe and nurtures respect for oneself and others.

It’s times of sorrow and hardship that show the true metal of small towns, and I am so proud to be a part of ours. As a display of unity and deep respect, the island is covered in thousands of fluttering white ribbons to remember this beautiful mother, and remind us that we are all responsible to speak up and speak out about domestic violence.

As we share our sadness, we also need to share our victories. We celebrate our coastal communities and the people that make living in the regions so wonderful, by banding together, exploring the world, and creating positive change. In this edition we track down our own island girl, Tatia Rea and her World Superbike champion husband, Jonathan Rea as they make their way around with world, living life in the fast lane. We talk to lovebirds Leigh Jackson and Sarah McDonald about falling in love, and how they’re embracing their holistic, sustainable life by the coast. Then, Victorian Small Business Commissioner Judy O’Connell talks to coast about her love of ledgers, and making a tangible difference in the lives of small business owners. We are inspired by music producer Nic Barron as he makes his creative mark on the world, returning from performances in New Orleans.

YEPgallery Local artists using local earth pigments and charcoal Also artisan ceramics, wood, textiles and jewellery

Stay safe and happy.

Maria x

at

its

best

5.95

$

Indigenous players soar

SAVOUR THE FLAVOUR Fabulous food and wine

THE GOOD LIFE Living well

at

its

best

A family in transition

ccooaass tt aa l l ll ii vv ii nn gg aa tt ii tt ss bb ee ss tt

5.95

$ um

LOST AND FOUND

m e r 2 01

AND FREE WILD FROM THE RUINS RISING Kaarin Fairfax’s Big Return

KAY SETCHES

UCK THUNDERSTR OF THE GAME SPIRIT The 1964 Ford About Town

GUIDE TASTE OF SUMMER FOOD BUILDING & RENOVATION SUMMER HOLIDAY GUIDE

FLAVOUR THE RECYCLING SAVOUR RETRO &

A political life

living

at

its

best

95 5.

5.95

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iunm t emr e2r02108 1

A WHALING GOOD TIME

FOUND migration thingsAND All LOST A family in transition MOTHER NATURE orangutan journey Jess McKelson’s THE FLYING CHIPPIE Warrior Our Ninja SHAVE A CLOSE

Rebuilding a life

Barbershops are back

SETCHES

KAY TIME TO CELEBRATE life

parties, weddings Ultimate guideAtopolitical and events FOOD GUIDE TASTE OF SUMMER WONTHAGGI WONDERFUL BUILDING & RENOVATION SUMMER HOLIDAY GUIDE

Indigenous players soar FANTASTIC FLINDERS

and wine CULTURE Fabulous ART &food

THE GOOD LIFE Living well

.

coast 4

coastal in this issue

in this issue in this issue

EN POINTE

IN life of Leigh Rowles The DIGGING Constructing the GP Circuit

THE FLYING CHIPPIE Our Ninja Warrior

95 5.95 5.

$ $

p u t r i n g 0 1 78 u m n 22 0 1

ws

Rebuilding a life

SPIRIT OF THE GAME

living

i n g 2 0 17

sa

RISING FROM THE RUINS

coastal

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s

pr

8

living

in this issue

DIGGING IN

Constructing the GP Circuit

8

coastal

Coast Magazine, PO Box 104, San Remo, Victoria 3925 PHONE: (03) 5956 6781 ADS : 0432 273 107 EMAIL: editorial@coastmagazine.net WEB: www.coastmagazine.net PUBLISHER: Maria Reed EDITORIAL COORDINATOR: Chloe Kent SUB EDITOR: Anne Roussac-Hoyne, Christina Aitken WORDS: Christina Aitken, Katie Cincotta, Chloe Kent, Sally O’Neill, Maria Reed PHOTOGRAPHY: Warren Reed, 0414 753 739 DESIGN: Amelie Pritchard PRINT MANAGER: Nigel Quirk ADVERTISING: Robyn Kemp, 0432 273 107, ads@coastmagazine.net

0408 871 379 | anne@yeppainters.com.au | www.yeppainters.com.au 10-4 Mon - Fri or by appointment | 41A Main St, Foster, 3960

coast 5

from the publisher The tea-tree is in bloom, snapper have hit the ocean . . . it’s spring by the coast!

As we go to print it is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to a legendary talent and soul queen, Aretha Franklin. Now here is a woman that changed the world, and spoke to a generation of women about R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Respect for ourselves - and respect we should expect from our partners in life.

This is such a poignant reminder in our small coastal community currently as we grapple with the tragic loss of one of our own to domestic violence. Respect and safety is a fundamental right, and we need to continue the conversation in 2018 as to why violence in families still occurs. We need to question what we are teaching our children, and ensure that we create an environment that is safe and nurtures respect for oneself and others.

It’s times of sorrow and hardship that show the true metal of small towns, and I am so proud to be a part of ours. As a display of unity and deep respect, the island is covered in thousands of fluttering white ribbons to remember this beautiful mother, and remind us that we are all responsible to speak up and speak out about domestic violence.

As we share our sadness, we also need to share our victories. We celebrate our coastal communities and the people that make living in the regions so wonderful, by banding together, exploring the world, and creating positive change. In this edition we track down our own island girl, Tatia Rea and her World Superbike champion husband, Jonathan Rea as they make their way around with world, living life in the fast lane. We talk to lovebirds Leigh Jackson and Sarah McDonald about falling in love, and how they’re embracing their holistic, sustainable life by the coast. Then, Victorian Small Business Commissioner Judy O’Connell talks to coast about her love of ledgers, and making a tangible difference in the lives of small business owners. We are inspired by music producer Nic Barron as he makes his creative mark on the world, returning from performances in New Orleans.

YEPgallery Local artists using local earth pigments and charcoal Also artisan ceramics, wood, textiles and jewellery

Stay safe and happy.

Maria x

at

its

best

5.95

$

Indigenous players soar

SAVOUR THE FLAVOUR Fabulous food and wine

THE GOOD LIFE Living well

at

its

best

A family in transition

ccooaass tt aa l l ll ii vv ii nn gg aa tt ii tt ss bb ee ss tt

5.95

$ um

LOST AND FOUND

m e r 2 01

AND FREE WILD FROM THE RUINS RISING Kaarin Fairfax’s Big Return

KAY SETCHES

UCK THUNDERSTR OF THE GAME SPIRIT The 1964 Ford About Town

GUIDE TASTE OF SUMMER FOOD BUILDING & RENOVATION SUMMER HOLIDAY GUIDE

FLAVOUR THE RECYCLING SAVOUR RETRO &

A political life

living

at

its

best

95 5.

5.95

$$

iunm t emr e2r02108 1

A WHALING GOOD TIME

FOUND migration thingsAND All LOST A family in transition MOTHER NATURE orangutan journey Jess McKelson’s THE FLYING CHIPPIE Warrior Our Ninja SHAVE A CLOSE

Rebuilding a life

Barbershops are back

SETCHES

KAY TIME TO CELEBRATE life

parties, weddings Ultimate guideAtopolitical and events FOOD GUIDE TASTE OF SUMMER WONTHAGGI WONDERFUL BUILDING & RENOVATION SUMMER HOLIDAY GUIDE

Indigenous players soar FANTASTIC FLINDERS

and wine CULTURE Fabulous ART &food

THE GOOD LIFE Living well

.

coast 4

coastal in this issue

in this issue in this issue

EN POINTE

IN life of Leigh Rowles The DIGGING Constructing the GP Circuit

THE FLYING CHIPPIE Our Ninja Warrior

95 5.95 5.

$ $

p u t r i n g 0 1 78 u m n 22 0 1

ws

Rebuilding a life

SPIRIT OF THE GAME

living

i n g 2 0 17

sa

RISING FROM THE RUINS

coastal

s

s

pr

8

living

in this issue

DIGGING IN

Constructing the GP Circuit

8

coastal

Coast Magazine, PO Box 104, San Remo, Victoria 3925 PHONE: (03) 5956 6781 ADS : 0432 273 107 EMAIL: editorial@coastmagazine.net WEB: www.coastmagazine.net PUBLISHER: Maria Reed EDITORIAL COORDINATOR: Chloe Kent SUB EDITOR: Anne Roussac-Hoyne, Christina Aitken WORDS: Christina Aitken, Katie Cincotta, Chloe Kent, Sally O’Neill, Maria Reed PHOTOGRAPHY: Warren Reed, 0414 753 739 DESIGN: Amelie Pritchard PRINT MANAGER: Nigel Quirk ADVERTISING: Robyn Kemp, 0432 273 107, ads@coastmagazine.net

0408 871 379 | anne@yeppainters.com.au | www.yeppainters.com.au 10-4 Mon - Fri or by appointment | 41A Main St, Foster, 3960

coast 5

contents

SAVOUR THE FLAVOUR 72 Food, glorious food – an enticing guide for your next meal.

PEOPLE 9

15 Minutes of Fame

Matt Calissi

12

2 Coast People

Matt and Laura McNamara

16

Artist Profile

Georgie Cunningham

145

LIFE IN THE FAST LANE 20 Our own island girl, Tatia Rea, and her World Superbike counterpart take time out from their whirlwind travels to discuss establishing roots on Phillip Island.

Young & Inspired Nic Barron

PLACES 90

5 Things we love about...

Meeniyan

118

Lifestyle Review

Langford Jones Homes

126

48 DO THE WRIGHT THING A religious force + a force of nature = surfer Carl Wright

AN OCEAN OF LOVE 42

coast 6

Hotondo Homes

WALKING THE LINE 58 Victoria’s Small Business Commissioner, Judy O’Connell, talks two sets of twins, working abroad and walking the Camino.

A swipe right, a crack at Melbourne’s hectic lifestyle, Sarah & Leigh have found their groove and holistic lifestyle in Cape Patterson.

Lifestyle Review

ISLAND TIME 28 For generations Millowl has been home - now it’s time to celebrate the millions of years and hundreds of heartbeats.

REGULARS

AN ARTISTIC LIFE 68 A lifetime of inspiration fills Bianca Biesuz-Stefani’s artistic walls.

10

Coast Life

14

Latest Products

27

Events Calendar

30

The Good Life Feature

76

Café Review – Coffee Traders

84

Dine Out – Meeniyan Pantry & Cellar

87

What’s Cooking – Relish Mama

88

The Grape Escape

100

Education Feature

115

It’s all about the house

134

Coast Style

142

Coast Directory & Stockists

143

A Good Read – Turn the Page

144

The Right Fit – YMCA

146

Where Am I?

coast 7

contents

SAVOUR THE FLAVOUR 72 Food, glorious food – an enticing guide for your next meal.

PEOPLE 9

15 Minutes of Fame

Matt Calissi

12

2 Coast People

Matt and Laura McNamara

16

Artist Profile

Georgie Cunningham

145

LIFE IN THE FAST LANE 20 Our own island girl, Tatia Rea, and her World Superbike counterpart take time out from their whirlwind travels to discuss establishing roots on Phillip Island.

Young & Inspired Nic Barron

PLACES 90

5 Things we love about...

Meeniyan

118

Lifestyle Review

Langford Jones Homes

126

48 DO THE WRIGHT THING A religious force + a force of nature = surfer Carl Wright

AN OCEAN OF LOVE 42

coast 6

Hotondo Homes

WALKING THE LINE 58 Victoria’s Small Business Commissioner, Judy O’Connell, talks two sets of twins, working abroad and walking the Camino.

A swipe right, a crack at Melbourne’s hectic lifestyle, Sarah & Leigh have found their groove and holistic lifestyle in Cape Patterson.

Lifestyle Review

ISLAND TIME 28 For generations Millowl has been home - now it’s time to celebrate the millions of years and hundreds of heartbeats.

REGULARS

AN ARTISTIC LIFE 68 A lifetime of inspiration fills Bianca Biesuz-Stefani’s artistic walls.

10

Coast Life

14

Latest Products

27

Events Calendar

36

The Good Life Feature

76

Café Review – Coffee Traders

84

Dine Out – Meeniyan Pantry & Cellar

87

What’s Cooking – Relish Mama

88

The Grape Escape

100

Education Feature

115

It’s all about the house

134

Coast Style

142

Coast Directory & Stockists

143

A Good Read – Turn the Page

144

The Right Fit – YMCA

146

Where Am I?

coast 7

15 minutes of fame as told to chloe kent photo warren reed

It’s not often producers step out from behind the camera, and for Matt Calissi, it’s something he prefers to avoid. Modest, intelligent, selfless – Matt is a quiet achiever of the documentary world, even Associate Producing an Emmy award-winning documentary ‘Decoding Immortality’ hasn’t changed his down-to-earth nature.

Growing up, I knew I wanted to do something related to nature. I watched documentaries every Sunday and with my parents help, collected animal posters (my dad later regretted the Blu Tack). They completely covered the walls of my room – rhinos, fish, everything…

A curiosity of science and the natural world, particularly biology, saw me undertake a Bachelor of Science. Whilst studying I came back to documentaries. There’s a gap between science and the ability to communicate discoveries and fact with the layperson. Documentaries bring knowledge and audience together.

I’m most happy when subjects centre around nature and wildlife. Seeing people react to and witness amazing experiences; working with people who’ve gone from hunter to protector.

Home of Pannys Amazing World of Chocolate, a unique, interactive and educational celebration of all things chocolate. ° Daily hot curry lunch from 12 – 3pm ° Hot Chocolate made with real chocolate ° Choc dipped frozen bananas

coast 8

Phillip Island Chocolate Factory, 930 Phillip Island Rd, Newhaven phone 5956 6600 web www.phillipislandchocolatefactory.com.au

My wife was invited to a small island off Zanzibar for research; a coral reef fishing ban had been established. The marine life was diverse, and the country wanted to protect it, but local fishermen were losing out. In the end, a number of fishermen were employed full-time to protect it. They became advocates – educating peers on the importance of coral nurseries. I volunteered – teaching photography; they learnt to record the marine species in the intertidal zones.

Prior to heading over, I was in communication with the Zanzibar Cultural Arts Festival. I wanted to help, and they needed assistance. I met with them and next thing I knew I had a desk and was working on the Zanzibar International Film Festival. I was lucky enough to secure funding and opened a film school; teaching film production skills to the Zanzibari youth with mixed language and computer abilities.

They all had one thing in common, their love of music.

It became a music video school. Musicians would provide a song and a video tape. Students would go through the full creative process – meeting with the band/musician, shooting, editing and producing the final product. Both the students and musicians were rapt, especially when the local television station played the videos.

One of the students went on to work in journalism in Dar es Salaam, another is now a sound engineer. It gave them confidence to believe in themselves.

My specialty is long-form documentary – budgets allow for a deeper dive into the subject matter. I came on board the ‘Vitamania’ documentary after it was knocked back by another network. We restructured it, changed format and SBS picked it up. It was a two-year process. ‘Lawless – The Real Bushrangers’ was different, I came on board after funding was secured. My roles focused on day-to-day operation – the machine behind the creatives. I’m shifting back towards field producing and camera work; you can only book travel to amazing places for others for so long, I want to be back out in the mud.

Challenges are wide and varied, usually weather related.

A hurricane hit mid-filming in America once. Everything was arranged with NASA; it had to be rescheduled. It helps if you have a good relationship and are honest from the start – it makes it easier to work through the bureaucracy if something changes.

I try to align myself with my favourite quote - “why be normal when you can be yourself”. It’s a personal philosophy; listen to instinct – trust who you are and let things fall where they may.

My ideal dinner party would involve Carl Sagan, Einstein and David Attenborough (the ultimate grandfather).

coast 9

15 minutes of fame as told to chloe kent photo warren reed

It’s not often producers step out from behind the camera, and for Matt Calissi, it’s something he prefers to avoid. Modest, intelligent, selfless – Matt is a quiet achiever of the documentary world, even Associate Producing an Emmy award-winning documentary ‘Decoding Immortality’ hasn’t changed his down-to-earth nature.

Growing up, I knew I wanted to do something related to nature. I watched documentaries every Sunday and with my parents help, collected animal posters (my dad later regretted the Blu Tack). They completely covered the walls of my room – rhinos, fish, everything…

A curiosity of science and the natural world, particularly biology, saw me undertake a Bachelor of Science. Whilst studying I came back to documentaries. There’s a gap between science and the ability to communicate discoveries and fact with the layperson. Documentaries bring knowledge and audience together.

I’m most happy when subjects centre around nature and wildlife. Seeing people react to and witness amazing experiences; working with people who’ve gone from hunter to protector.

Home of Pannys Amazing World of Chocolate, a unique, interactive and educational celebration of all things chocolate. ° Daily hot curry lunch from 12 – 3pm ° Hot Chocolate made with real chocolate ° Choc dipped frozen bananas

coast 8

Phillip Island Chocolate Factory, 930 Phillip Island Rd, Newhaven phone 5956 6600 web www.phillipislandchocolatefactory.com.au

My wife was invited to a small island off Zanzibar for research; a coral reef fishing ban had been established. The marine life was diverse, and the country wanted to protect it, but local fishermen were losing out. In the end, a number of fishermen were employed full-time to protect it. They became advocates – educating peers on the importance of coral nurseries. I volunteered – teaching photography; they learnt to record the marine species in the intertidal zones.

Prior to heading over, I was in communication with the Zanzibar Cultural Arts Festival. I wanted to help, and they needed assistance. I met with them and next thing I knew I had a desk and was working on the Zanzibar International Film Festival. I was lucky enough to secure funding and opened a film school; teaching film production skills to the Zanzibari youth with mixed language and computer abilities.

They all had one thing in common, their love of music.

It became a music video school. Musicians would provide a song and a video tape. Students would go through the full creative process – meeting with the band/musician, shooting, editing and producing the final product. Both the students and musicians were rapt, especially when the local television station played the videos.

One of the students went on to work in journalism in Dar es Salaam, another is now a sound engineer. It gave them confidence to believe in themselves.

My specialty is long-form documentary – budgets allow for a deeper dive into the subject matter. I came on board the ‘Vitamania’ documentary after it was knocked back by another network. We restructured it, changed format and SBS picked it up. It was a two-year process. ‘Lawless – The Real Bushrangers’ was different, I came on board after funding was secured. My roles focused on day-to-day operation – the machine behind the creatives. I’m shifting back towards field producing and camera work; you can only book travel to amazing places for others for so long, I want to be back out in the mud.

Challenges are wide and varied, usually weather related.

A hurricane hit mid-filming in America once. Everything was arranged with NASA; it had to be rescheduled. It helps if you have a good relationship and are honest from the start – it makes it easier to work through the bureaucracy if something changes.

I try to align myself with my favourite quote - “why be normal when you can be yourself”. It’s a personal philosophy; listen to instinct – trust who you are and let things fall where they may.

My ideal dinner party would involve Carl Sagan, Einstein and David Attenborough (the ultimate grandfather).

coast 9

coast life

IT’S A BOOMERANG Forgot your shopping bag – don’t stress, borrow a boomerang bag. Plastic bags are disappearing from our supermarkets (and we can only hope the vegies wrapped in plastic will follow too), so if you’re caught short, just borrow one of the many bags scattered across Gippsland. Made locally by volunteers from preloved and scrap materials – just don’t forget to bring them back! @boomerangbagsbasscoast

A BIRD’S LIFE Celebrating community, welcoming Biyadin home from its great migration, sharing indigenous culture, and developing environmental awareness in schools – this year’s festival takes place over the final weekend of November (23rd, 24th and 25th) @biyadinfestival

THE KING OF CURRIES If you love delicious Malaysian food, head on down to Kongwak Market (every Sunday) and see Raj and Gomathy.

Flavoursome curries, dahls and curry puffs are just some of the spicy treats on offer. @kongwakmarket

painting by DIana Bannister

ALL THINGS FISHING MUSIC ON MY MIND Colin Matthews has dropped his latest album, Hearts in Limbo, and it’s perfect for those long drives and chilled afternoons. Best described as electronica with layers of guitar, lyrics and vocal harmonies. Check it out at https://colinmatthews.hearnow.com

Pop along to San Remo’s Fishing Festival & Blessing of the Fleet on Sunday 9th September for a fun filled family day of $5 cruises, fish filleting demos, deckies races, local cooking demonstrations and more. www.srfishfest.com.au

FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD…

What’s not to love about our local lands – and what better way to celebrate the beautiful produce that comes from it. Showcasing the best produce, restaurants and farm-gates from Phillip Island and Bass Coast, come along and indulge your senses on 23rd and 24th November at the Phillip Island Food & Wine Festival, Cowes Jetty Triangle. @phillipislandfoodandwinefestival

coast 10

coast 11

coast life

IT’S A BOOMERANG Forgot your shopping bag – don’t stress, borrow a boomerang bag. Plastic bags are disappearing from our supermarkets (and we can only hope the vegies wrapped in plastic will follow too), so if you’re caught short, just borrow one of the many bags scattered across Gippsland. Made locally by volunteers from preloved and scrap materials – just don’t forget to bring them back! @boomerangbagsbasscoast

A BIRD’S LIFE Celebrating community, welcoming Biyadin home from its great migration, sharing indigenous culture, and developing environmental awareness in schools – this year’s festival takes place over the final weekend of November (23rd, 24th and 25th) @biyadinfestival

THE KING OF CURRIES If you love delicious Malaysian food, head on down to Kongwak Market (every Sunday) and see Raj and Gomathy.

Flavoursome curries, dahls and curry puffs are just some of the spicy treats on offer. @kongwakmarket

painting by DIana Bannister

ALL THINGS FISHING MUSIC ON MY MIND Colin Matthews has dropped his latest album, Hearts in Limbo, and it’s perfect for those long drives and chilled afternoons. Best described as electronica with layers of guitar, lyrics and vocal harmonies. Check it out at https://colinmatthews.hearnow.com

Pop along to San Remo’s Fishing Festival & Blessing of the Fleet on Sunday 9th September for a fun filled family day of $5 cruises, fish filleting demos, deckies races, local cooking demonstrations and more. www.srfishfest.com.au

FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD…

What’s not to love about our local lands – and what better way to celebrate the beautiful produce that comes from it. Showcasing the best produce, restaurants and farm-gates from Phillip Island and Bass Coast, come along and indulge your senses on 23rd and 24th November at the Phillip Island Food & Wine Festival, Cowes Jetty Triangle. @phillipislandfoodandwinefestival

coast 10

coast 11

as told to katie cincotta photo warren reed

It began with a love letter Matt left behind for Laura after he ended up crashing on her couch following a party. Two children, two businesses, a financial crisis and a whole lot of personal growth later, these eco warriors from Cape Woolamai are about to celebrate nine years of partnership by saying goodbye to their Island Whole Foods café and setting off on a caravan trip around Australia.

Laura: We were both out partying at a 30th birthday and

I found him on my couch the next day. We discovered that morning that we were both kind of the same people, into the same things – snowboarding, surfing, travelling, reading the same books.

His friend dropped him home and came back with a letter.

I still have it. He told me I had the most beautiful eyes he’d ever seen, and he felt like we had a connection. I was 23 and still enjoying the party night life but he took me to a Paolo Nutini concert for my birthday and I knew this was more than just a friendship.

A few months later we went on a surfing holiday to Indo and he proposed. I didn’t expect it because we’d been together for less than a year. We had no reception for a week, so we couldn’t even tell our family and friends.

Around the time I met Matt, I was working as a food technologist doing product development for a protein company – creating a range of protein bars, smoothies, cookies. My nutrition journey started from an eating disorder.

When I was 16 I developed bulimia and over the next few years I had to dig deep with psychologists to get better. It wasn’t until about 23, when I felt solid, that I let my family know.

Bulimia was my coping mechanism for stress. Matt didn’t know about it at the start of our relationship. I didn’t want anyone to know that I was weak like that. I eventually came to understand that food is our medicine.

When our daughter Frankie was one I had the choice to go back to Simplot – where I’d been creating flavours for Lean Cuisine – but we decided to bite the bullet and start the café.

coast 12

I’m the ideas person, and Matt is the doer. He will push me to action. I had so much self-doubt. Matt encouraged me to sign the lease and here we are four years later with a successful plant-based cafe. But it wouldn’t have happened without the push from Matt.

The debt from Matt’s shop in Moe meant we had to close the doors. We sold our house, car, couches, TV – everything and became minimalists. It was around this time we also had our beautiful baby boy Myles. We lived together in a tiny room at my mum’s. It brought us closer together as a couple.

Over the last two years we’ve grown as individuals and as a family. There’s a movement here for zero waste and renewable energy and we’ve become conscious consumers. We live in a yoga studio now. Our ultimate goal is to live in a caravan and to go roaming, to live completely off the grid.

After having the café on the market for 18 months, we’ve decided to raffle it off. We will give it away – run a trade promotion to sell raw chocolate bars to get into the draw, with $2 from every sale going to charities like Take 3 for The Sea. We want to give someone the opportunity to live out the dream of running a plant-based café on the island.

We’re not scared of having nothing. We’ve come from nothing.

Through the biggest struggles has come our greatest growth.

I feel like we’re the same people but also completely different because our eyes are open to a different world now – our conversations are deeper, there’s no judgement.

Matt: We were at a mutual friend’s party and I ended up

randomly staying at Laura’s house, on her couch. I’d just started looking after my health, whereas during my footy days I didn’t at all. There’s actually a photo of us back when I was a drunk footballer for Foster – photobombing Laura and her friends.

But there wouldn’t have been any connection then. It’s all about timing.

After we were driving back from a trip to Wilson’s Prom, we said ‘should we make it official?’ We got married in 2012 in Byron Bay, bought a block at Cape Woolamai and moved from Drouin. We’d been driving down to the island every weekend to surf.

At the time that Laura and I met I had a retail shop in Moe that wasn’t going great, a surf and clothing shop. It was a big stock holding and big stress and I didn’t handle it too well. I was experiencing really bad anxiety, so I went and spoke to someone. But as often happens in the country, I simply got offered a prescription. I didn’t want that, so I decided to look into meditation.

Since then, both Laura and I have done a lot of reflection and self-development. Through breathing and yoga, I’ve found a way to not let my thoughts change me. Laura says I’m much less reactive. It’s so powerful to have a conversation and not have 30 thoughts in your head, to not have to rush through a conversation because you think you’re busy.

It used to be hard for me as a guy to go to a yoga class with 20 women. Well it used to be because my ego was involved.

I used to judge people as soon as they walked into a room.

Now I acknowledge that we’re all human and everyone is going through their own stuff.

Over the last two years we’ve learnt so much thanks to the café and the community on Phillip Island, it’s been a blessing.

It’s also been challenging. We had to sell our house that we’d built in Woolamai. We became minimalists and we loved it.

We all sleep in the one room. We don’t have a TV. At night, we dance, and we draw.

The idea of raffling off the café got me really pumped. It was a friend who suggested it after they heard about a resort in Panama who found new owners through a lottery.

I was all for it. But I knew Laura needed time to process this.

She had every question under the sun.

We’ve let go of the idea of selling the café and we’re just enjoying it now and loving the island. Outside of that all we do is surf. We try to surf together but with the kids we have to tag team. I just feel re-energised after a surf, for the kids and my wife.

To have the lows of the business, you learn from that. And you have the same thing as a couple, you learn from it and it makes you stronger.

coast 13

as told to katie cincotta photo warren reed

It began with a love letter Matt left behind for Laura after he ended up crashing on her couch following a party. Two children, two businesses, a financial crisis and a whole lot of personal growth later, these eco warriors from Cape Woolamai are about to celebrate nine years of partnership by saying goodbye to their Island Whole Foods café and setting off on a caravan trip around Australia.

Laura: We were both out partying at a 30th birthday and

I found him on my couch the next day. We discovered that morning that we were both kind of the same people, into the same things – snowboarding, surfing, travelling, reading the same books.

His friend dropped him home and came back with a letter.

I still have it. He told me I had the most beautiful eyes he’d ever seen, and he felt like we had a connection. I was 23 and still enjoying the party night life but he took me to a Paolo Nutini concert for my birthday and I knew this was more than just a friendship.

A few months later we went on a surfing holiday to Indo and he proposed. I didn’t expect it because we’d been together for less than a year. We had no reception for a week, so we couldn’t even tell our family and friends.

Around the time I met Matt, I was working as a food technologist doing product development for a protein company – creating a range of protein bars, smoothies, cookies. My nutrition journey started from an eating disorder.

When I was 16 I developed bulimia and over the next few years I had to dig deep with psychologists to get better. It wasn’t until about 23, when I felt solid, that I let my family know.

Bulimia was my coping mechanism for stress. Matt didn’t know about it at the start of our relationship. I didn’t want anyone to know that I was weak like that. I eventually came to understand that food is our medicine.

When our daughter Frankie was one I had the choice to go back to Simplot – where I’d been creating flavours for Lean Cuisine – but we decided to bite the bullet and start the café.

coast 12

I’m the ideas person, and Matt is the doer. He will push me to action. I had so much self-doubt. Matt encouraged me to sign the lease and here we are four years later with a successful plant-based cafe. But it wouldn’t have happened without the push from Matt.

The debt from Matt’s shop in Moe meant we had to close the doors. We sold our house, car, couches, TV – everything and became minimalists. It was around this time we also had our beautiful baby boy Myles. We lived together in a tiny room at my mum’s. It brought us closer together as a couple.

Over the last two years we’ve grown as individuals and as a family. There’s a movement here for zero waste and renewable energy and we’ve become conscious consumers. We live in a yoga studio now. Our ultimate goal is to live in a caravan and to go roaming, to live completely off the grid.

After having the café on the market for 18 months, we’ve decided to raffle it off. We will give it away – run a trade promotion to sell raw chocolate bars to get into the draw, with $2 from every sale going to charities like Take 3 for The Sea. We want to give someone the opportunity to live out the dream of running a plant-based café on the island.

We’re not scared of having nothing. We’ve come from nothing.

Through the biggest struggles has come our greatest growth.

I feel like we’re the same people but also completely different because our eyes are open to a different world now – our conversations are deeper, there’s no judgement.

Matt: We were at a mutual friend’s party and I ended up

randomly staying at Laura’s house, on her couch. I’d just started looking after my health, whereas during my footy days I didn’t at all. There’s actually a photo of us back when I was a drunk footballer for Foster – photobombing Laura and her friends.

But there wouldn’t have been any connection then. It’s all about timing.

After we were driving back from a trip to Wilson’s Prom, we said ‘should we make it official?’ We got married in 2012 in Byron Bay, bought a block at Cape Woolamai and moved from Drouin. We’d been driving down to the island every weekend to surf.

At the time that Laura and I met I had a retail shop in Moe that wasn’t going great, a surf and clothing shop. It was a big stock holding and big stress and I didn’t handle it too well. I was experiencing really bad anxiety, so I went and spoke to someone. But as often happens in the country, I simply got offered a prescription. I didn’t want that, so I decided to look into meditation.

Since then, both Laura and I have done a lot of reflection and self-development. Through breathing and yoga, I’ve found a way to not let my thoughts change me. Laura says I’m much less reactive. It’s so powerful to have a conversation and not have 30 thoughts in your head, to not have to rush through a conversation because you think you’re busy.

It used to be hard for me as a guy to go to a yoga class with 20 women. Well it used to be because my ego was involved.

I used to judge people as soon as they walked into a room.

Now I acknowledge that we’re all human and everyone is going through their own stuff.

Over the last two years we’ve learnt so much thanks to the café and the community on Phillip Island, it’s been a blessing.

It’s also been challenging. We had to sell our house that we’d built in Woolamai. We became minimalists and we loved it.

We all sleep in the one room. We don’t have a TV. At night, we dance, and we draw.

The idea of raffling off the café got me really pumped. It was a friend who suggested it after they heard about a resort in Panama who found new owners through a lottery.

I was all for it. But I knew Laura needed time to process this.

She had every question under the sun.

We’ve let go of the idea of selling the café and we’re just enjoying it now and loving the island. Outside of that all we do is surf. We try to surf together but with the kids we have to tag team. I just feel re-energised after a surf, for the kids and my wife.

To have the lows of the business, you learn from that. And you have the same thing as a couple, you learn from it and it makes you stronger.

coast 13

gotta get me one of these

FLYING HIGH

FOLLOW THEIR FOOTSTEPS

Gymnastics – $150 Laurie Collins Sculpture Garden and Red Tree Gallery

Adult museum entry – $15 Vietnam Veterans Museum

LATEST NEWS AND PRODUCTS FROM YOUR COAST RETAILERS

COLOURS OF THE RAINBOW 14cm anigozanthos landscape series kangaroo paw – $12-$14 Melaleuca Nursery

A MAGICAL TRANSITION Keiko Uno necklace – $198 Manyung Gallery

TENDER COATING, LUXURIOUS WHIPPED CENTRE

A HOME BY THE SEA… Studio & Villas – from $150 Amaroo Park

REFUGE FROM THE STRESSES OF CITY LIFE Kangaroo Island Ligurian Honey organic body care range – $10-$33 Harmony Home

UN DELICIOSO FESTÍN Cuban-style pork ribs: sweet or hot – $32 Kilcunda Ocean View

Handmade Belgian chocolate truffles – $2 Phillip Island Chocolate Factory

THE GREAT AUSTRALIAN JOURNEY… Vinyl Burke and Wills by Karndean Design LooseLay RRP $55 per sq. metre (product only) Carpet Court Phillip Island & Leongatha

coast 14

coast 15

gotta get me one of these

FLYING HIGH

FOLLOW THEIR FOOTSTEPS

Gymnastics – $150 Laurie Collins Sculpture Garden and Red Tree Gallery

Adult museum entry – $15 Vietnam Veterans Museum

LATEST NEWS AND PRODUCTS FROM YOUR COAST RETAILERS

COLOURS OF THE RAINBOW 14cm anigozanthos landscape series kangaroo paw – $12-$14 Melaleuca Nursery

A MAGICAL TRANSITION Keiko Uno necklace – $198 Manyung Gallery

TENDER COATING, LUXURIOUS WHIPPED CENTRE

A HOME BY THE SEA… Studio & Villas – from $150 Amaroo Park

REFUGE FROM THE STRESSES OF CITY LIFE Kangaroo Island Ligurian Honey organic body care range – $10-$33 Harmony Home

UN DELICIOSO FESTÍN Cuban-style pork ribs: sweet or hot – $32 Kilcunda Ocean View

Handmade Belgian chocolate truffles – $2 Phillip Island Chocolate Factory

THE GREAT AUSTRALIAN JOURNEY… Vinyl Burke and Wills by Karndean Design LooseLay RRP $55 per sq. metre (product only) Carpet Court Phillip Island & Leongatha

coast 14

coast 15

words christina aitken photos warren reed

artist profile

crystal of THE SEA

There’s nothing like walking along the beach after a storm passes through, revealing a beachcomber’s treasure-trove of washed-up shells, driftwood and – if you’re lucky – seaglass.

Georgie Cunningham has always been an artist – painter, sculptor and silversmith – but it wasn’t until a storm lashed her hometown on the peninsula eighteen years ago that she discovered these precious gems of the sea. She remembers that walk along the beach vividly as her first daughter, Billie, had just been born. “The storm washed up masses of seaglass, and I’ve been collecting it ever since,” she says.

Trading her former silver and resin work for seaglass, Georgie’s workshop is bright and busy, with piles of weathered seaglass that cry out to be touched. Their rounded edges and subtle shades of green, white, aqua and brown mirror the hues of the coast where they are formed; every piece has its story. The browns are typically from Australian beer bottles, tumbled remnants of last century’s Saturday afternoon get-togethers.

Aqua seaglass – a favourite for Georgie and her customers – may have once graced a wine cellar or medicine cabinet.

Georgie shows me a cobalt-blue piece, a prized find that was likely a Vicks VapoRub jar before finding its way to the sea. Her most exciting discovery was on a beach walk before school with Saskia, her youngest daughter. “I reckon we found four pieces of cobalt, which is unheard of, she was my lucky charm!”

coast 16

Not all pieces of seaglass make the cut. “If it’s not cooked enough, I throw it back, like a fish.” In another twenty years it will be tumbled to perfection, a treasure for someone else to find.

As well-formed seaglass fresh from the sea is rare, Georgie shapes the glass with a Dremel tool – a type of stone-grinder – fashioning the soft, organic pieces wrapped in silver that mark her style. “I can look at a piece that’s really chunky and feel compelled to set it because I just love the colour: it can take an hour. If it’s a smaller piece and I just need to shape it a bit, it can take minutes. Because it’s all handmade, no two pieces are ever the same.” She pulls out a piece of dome-shaped aqua seaglass wrought into a ring from her display cabinet.

“You can see it’s risen; that can take a bit longer to shape.

It feels like you’re diving into the ocean.” With each piece of seaglass encased in a bezel setting, there are no hard edges.

“Everything is round,” Georgie explains. “It’s got a more relaxed feel about it.”

Georgie collects seaglass from beaches on the peninsula and at Mt Eliza – some of the glass she works with is over 200 years old. Fifteen years ago, she discovered an old bottle-dumping site on the Yorke Peninsula in South Australia. She’s been there >

coast 17

words christina aitken photos warren reed

artist profile

crystal of THE SEA

There’s nothing like walking along the beach after a storm passes through, revealing a beachcomber’s treasure-trove of washed-up shells, driftwood and – if you’re lucky – seaglass.

Georgie Cunningham has always been an artist – painter, sculptor and silversmith – but it wasn’t until a storm lashed her hometown on the peninsula eighteen years ago that she discovered these precious gems of the sea. She remembers that walk along the beach vividly as her first daughter, Billie, had just been born. “The storm washed up masses of seaglass, and I’ve been collecting it ever since,” she says.

Trading her former silver and resin work for seaglass, Georgie’s workshop is bright and busy, with piles of weathered seaglass that cry out to be touched. Their rounded edges and subtle shades of green, white, aqua and brown mirror the hues of the coast where they are formed; every piece has its story. The browns are typically from Australian beer bottles, tumbled remnants of last century’s Saturday afternoon get-togethers.

Aqua seaglass – a favourite for Georgie and her customers – may have once graced a wine cellar or medicine cabinet.

Georgie shows me a cobalt-blue piece, a prized find that was likely a Vicks VapoRub jar before finding its way to the sea. Her most exciting discovery was on a beach walk before school with Saskia, her youngest daughter. “I reckon we found four pieces of cobalt, which is unheard of, she was my lucky charm!”

coast 16

Not all pieces of seaglass make the cut. “If it’s not cooked enough, I throw it back, like a fish.” In another twenty years it will be tumbled to perfection, a treasure for someone else to find.

As well-formed seaglass fresh from the sea is rare, Georgie shapes the glass with a Dremel tool – a type of stone-grinder – fashioning the soft, organic pieces wrapped in silver that mark her style. “I can look at a piece that’s really chunky and feel compelled to set it because I just love the colour: it can take an hour. If it’s a smaller piece and I just need to shape it a bit, it can take minutes. Because it’s all handmade, no two pieces are ever the same.” She pulls out a piece of dome-shaped aqua seaglass wrought into a ring from her display cabinet.

“You can see it’s risen; that can take a bit longer to shape.

It feels like you’re diving into the ocean.” With each piece of seaglass encased in a bezel setting, there are no hard edges.

“Everything is round,” Georgie explains. “It’s got a more relaxed feel about it.”

Georgie collects seaglass from beaches on the peninsula and at Mt Eliza – some of the glass she works with is over 200 years old. Fifteen years ago, she discovered an old bottle-dumping site on the Yorke Peninsula in South Australia. She’s been there >

coast 17

four times to collect glass – ten kilos at a time. “That’s where I get the aquas and mauves, and those really big pieces I use for displays.” Georgie imports orange, red and blue seaglass from an old English glass factory that was closed down 100 years ago. “A lot of people collect Seaham Glass,” she says, but you have to bid for it at auction.”

Some of the glass she works with is over 200 years old.

Georgie credits her children as a significant creative influence for her symbolic work. The birth of her second daughter Minka fifteen years ago was a turning point. “I started making figurative pieces and thought, well, that’s my child. So, I made another one and then Saskia was born. I kept going from there.” Georgie’s distinctive style is influenced by one of her favourite artists, Mirka Mora, a French-born Australian painter, sculptor and mosaicist known for her dolls. An original painting by Mirka hangs above the table where we sit; the connection between their work is apparent – both feature naive, interconnected figures in soft hues. “I’ve always loved her work and was lucky enough for my partner Leigh to organise that piece as a surprise for my birthday.”

Well-known for her figurative pieces and heirlooms representing families and children, Georgie crafts a range of pendants, rings, bangles, earrings and charms with simple forms and oceanic hues. Polished silver contrasts the textured imperfection of seaglass; glistening pearls and china fragments add detail and colour. “I’ve just started getting damaged goods from T2 (tea company). They’re livelier and funkier than the antique china, with more contemporary designs.”

These brightly-coloured pieces find a second life as petals in flower pendants or triangular dresses for silver children with little pearl faces. Thin arms of silver cradle delicately-wrought hearts; mothers, children and angels are recurring motifs.

For Georgie and the people who commission her work, there is a raw connection between art and storytelling embedded in each creation. Most of her work is made to order; people customise the pieces with initials, eye-colours reflected in the hue of the seaglass, a favourite colour or piece of china. “If you want to individualise your children, your partner or lover, I go with their eye-colour. So, there’s a use for all the browns,” she laughs. Georgie is regularly commissioned to make jewellery for 40th and 50th birthday celebrations and also makes pieces

coast 18

for 18 to 21-year-olds who are often drawn to the plainer pieces. Her three daughters love wearing it. “They’re a good ad for my work! They wear it well; it’s nice how it’s symbolic without being contrived.”

People often ask Georgie to create angels to represent a loved one who’s passed. “The angel is close to their heart; when they hold it, they feel like they’re closer to that person.”

Sometimes she is asked to set ashes. “People have come with their dogs, mothers… I don’t advertise it because it’s so personal, but people are drawn to me for some reason, I don’t know why.” Georgie encases the ashes in a silver dome that adorns rings, bracelets or necklaces. She shows the customers photos of the process, so they can see how the ashes are incorporated into the jewellery. A spiritual person, Georgie finds this kind of work moving. “The first time I did it I felt blown away by it. What a beautiful thing to do for someone.”

H A N D C R A F T E D J EW E L L E RY @GCseaglassjewellery seaglassjewellery@gmail.com | www.seaglassjewellery.com.au 0407 544 577

It’s this personal connection with her work that has kept Georgie going for 26 years. When she creates a piece, she tries to think about the client – a fusion between craftsmanship, art and emotion. People tell her they can feel the energy in her work. “It’s not just casting. Every piece has a story. It makes people feel something.”

She remembers a piece she made for a lady who wanted something to represent her deceased husband. “He was a soldier and they’d just had a baby. I made a special piece for her incorporating him – his initials, a love heart and their child.”

She made another piece for a woman who wanted a gift for a friend whose daughter died at the age of five. “We did her favourite colour in the dress, and angel wings. I can feel the tears going in the shed, especially when people send me photos of…’’ Georgie’s voice trails off, her light brown eyes well with tears. “I feel I’m doing something to help with someone’s grief… They feel they have a piece of their loved one with them.”

While Georgie spends most of her time creating heirlooms and treasures to order, there are days where she just wants to make hearts. “It depends how I am feeling. If I’m feeling out there, I might use some bright china.” Emotions give nuance and depth to her art, reflecting her life journey. “I can see myself doing this for the rest of my life. It’s something I love.”

Georgie Cunningham Seaglass: 0407 544 577 www.seaglassjewellery.com.au Also available at local galleries

F U N C T I O N S A N D S M A L L E V E N T S FA C I L I T I E S THE WONTHAGGI CENTENNIAL CENTRE, 1 BENT STREET

|

O P E N 7 D AY S , 10 . 0 0 A M TO 4 . 0 0 P M

W W W. A R T S PA C E W O N T H A G G I . C O M . A U | P H O N E : 0 3 5 6 7 2 5 7 6 7 | A R T S PA C E N Q U I R I E S @ G M A I L . C O M COMMUNITY GALLERY | SUPPORTING REGIONAL ARTISTS | REGULAR EXHIBITIONS

coast 19

four times to collect glass – ten kilos at a time. “That’s where I get the aquas and mauves, and those really big pieces I use for displays.” Georgie imports orange, red and blue seaglass from an old English glass factory that was closed down 100 years ago. “A lot of people collect Seaham Glass,” she says, but you have to bid for it at auction.”

Some of the glass she works with is over 200 years old.

Georgie credits her children as a significant creative influence for her symbolic work. The birth of her second daughter Minka fifteen years ago was a turning point. “I started making figurative pieces and thought, well, that’s my child. So, I made another one and then Saskia was born. I kept going from there.” Georgie’s distinctive style is influenced by one of her favourite artists, Mirka Mora, a French-born Australian painter, sculptor and mosaicist known for her dolls. An original painting by Mirka hangs above the table where we sit; the connection between their work is apparent – both feature naive, interconnected figures in soft hues. “I’ve always loved her work and was lucky enough for my partner Leigh to organise that piece as a surprise for my birthday.”

Well-known for her figurative pieces and heirlooms representing families and children, Georgie crafts a range of pendants, rings, bangles, earrings and charms with simple forms and oceanic hues. Polished silver contrasts the textured imperfection of seaglass; glistening pearls and china fragments add detail and colour. “I’ve just started getting damaged goods from T2 (tea company). They’re livelier and funkier than the antique china, with more contemporary designs.”

These brightly-coloured pieces find a second life as petals in flower pendants or triangular dresses for silver children with little pearl faces. Thin arms of silver cradle delicately-wrought hearts; mothers, children and angels are recurring motifs.

For Georgie and the people who commission her work, there is a raw connection between art and storytelling embedded in each creation. Most of her work is made to order; people customise the pieces with initials, eye-colours reflected in the hue of the seaglass, a favourite colour or piece of china. “If you want to individualise your children, your partner or lover, I go with their eye-colour. So, there’s a use for all the browns,” she laughs. Georgie is regularly commissioned to make jewellery for 40th and 50th birthday celebrations and also makes pieces

coast 18

for 18 to 21-year-olds who are often drawn to the plainer pieces. Her three daughters love wearing it. “They’re a good ad for my work! They wear it well; it’s nice how it’s symbolic without being contrived.”

People often ask Georgie to create angels to represent a loved one who’s passed. “The angel is close to their heart; when they hold it, they feel like they’re closer to that person.”

Sometimes she is asked to set ashes. “People have come with their dogs, mothers… I don’t advertise it because it’s so personal, but people are drawn to me for some reason, I don’t know why.” Georgie encases the ashes in a silver dome that adorns rings, bracelets or necklaces. She shows the customers photos of the process, so they can see how the ashes are incorporated into the jewellery. A spiritual person, Georgie finds this kind of work moving. “The first time I did it I felt blown away by it. What a beautiful thing to do for someone.”

H A N D C R A F T E D J EW E L L E RY @GCseaglassjewellery seaglassjewellery@gmail.com | www.seaglassjewellery.com.au 0407 544 577

It’s this personal connection with her work that has kept Georgie going for 26 years. When she creates a piece, she tries to think about the client – a fusion between craftsmanship, art and emotion. People tell her they can feel the energy in her work. “It’s not just casting. Every piece has a story. It makes people feel something.”

She remembers a piece she made for a lady who wanted something to represent her deceased husband. “He was a soldier and they’d just had a baby. I made a special piece for her incorporating him – his initials, a love heart and their child.”

She made another piece for a woman who wanted a gift for a friend whose daughter died at the age of five. “We did her favourite colour in the dress, and angel wings. I can feel the tears going in the shed, especially when people send me photos of…’’ Georgie’s voice trails off, her light brown eyes well with tears. “I feel I’m doing something to help with someone’s grief… They feel they have a piece of their loved one with them.”

While Georgie spends most of her time creating heirlooms and treasures to order, there are days where she just wants to make hearts. “It depends how I am feeling. If I’m feeling out there, I might use some bright china.” Emotions give nuance and depth to her art, reflecting her life journey. “I can see myself doing this for the rest of my life. It’s something I love.”

Georgie Cunningham Seaglass: 0407 544 577 www.seaglassjewellery.com.au Also available at local galleries

F U N C T I O N S A N D S M A L L E V E N T S FA C I L I T I E S THE WONTHAGGI CENTENNIAL CENTRE, 1 BENT STREET

|

O P E N 7 D AY S , 10 . 0 0 A M TO 4 . 0 0 P M

W W W. A R T S PA C E W O N T H A G G I . C O M . A U | P H O N E : 0 3 5 6 7 2 5 7 6 7 | A R T S PA C E N Q U I R I E S @ G M A I L . C O M COMMUNITY GALLERY | SUPPORTING REGIONAL ARTISTS | REGULAR EXHIBITIONS

coast 19

words chloe kent photos chloe kent, warren reed and supplied

Life in the

FAST LANE

Feet propped up on the sofa of their new island home, as the boys’ race around the deck, it’s pretty hard to imagine that only two weeks earlier one half of this power couple was single-mindedly focused on a goal – retaining his status as World Superbike Champion at Phillip Island.

“During a race I’m focused on my career. It’s really hard to be the friendly, hospitable guy that I am at home. I love entertaining and having people over for dinner, but on a race weekend I hate having people I know around. I like my kids (Jake and Tyler) and my wife Tatia being there – they could be on the grid and it wouldn’t bother me.”

coast 20

But living life in the fast lane is not always so serious. “I got asked to sign a boob once back in the British Championship, which was funny. I obviously obliged, not to let the fan down,” Jonathan Rea recalls. “I think the most surreal thing I’ve experienced is when you go to places like Italy where the fans are so passionate.” He divulges a tale of a crazed fan chasing him around the paddock …

With so many cultural miles under his belt, it’s not surprising this 31-year-old’s language skills once earnt him extra brownie points. “Just before my 16th birthday I was going to audition for a European race team and I’d just come out of school with good grades in Spanish: I ended up reading the menu for the team!” Jake and Tyler have also been quick to pick up the language (thanks to Jonathan’s team), with Jake interacting with his kindergarten teacher in Spanish. “It’s a bit of banter; they love it.”

Aged two and four, what is even more remarkable than Jonathan’s achievements, is Tyler and Jake’s behaviour. Away from the track they’re two boys tearing around on balance bikes, with the occasional argument (like any loving siblings),

but on race weekends they’re completely different. “They’re dead quiet: they stand against the wall and watch,” Jonathan explains. “How do you tell a two-year-old, he cannot run over to dad?”

The boys come tumbling into the lounge, smiles across their faces. It’s clear they love their new home but travelling the world does have its advantages, with the best steak in “dad’s (team) hospitality” and Italy bringing the best pizza, spaghetti bolognaise and ice-cream.

There’s no question about whether the two will follow in their dad’s footsteps: they show me video footage of Tyler riding a trailbike like a pro and Jake getting air on a jump. “I’ve got a proper motorbike helmet, a painted one. The same colour as >

coast 21

words chloe kent photos chloe kent, warren reed and supplied

Life in the

FAST LANE

Feet propped up on the sofa of their new island home, as the boys’ race around the deck, it’s pretty hard to imagine that only two weeks earlier one half of this power couple was single-mindedly focused on a goal – retaining his status as World Superbike Champion at Phillip Island.

“During a race I’m focused on my career. It’s really hard to be the friendly, hospitable guy that I am at home. I love entertaining and having people over for dinner, but on a race weekend I hate having people I know around. I like my kids (Jake and Tyler) and my wife Tatia being there – they could be on the grid and it wouldn’t bother me.”

coast 20

But living life in the fast lane is not always so serious. “I got asked to sign a boob once back in the British Championship, which was funny. I obviously obliged, not to let the fan down,” Jonathan Rea recalls. “I think the most surreal thing I’ve experienced is when you go to places like Italy where the fans are so passionate.” He divulges a tale of a crazed fan chasing him around the paddock …

With so many cultural miles under his belt, it’s not surprising this 31-year-old’s language skills once earnt him extra brownie points. “Just before my 16th birthday I was going to audition for a European race team and I’d just come out of school with good grades in Spanish: I ended up reading the menu for the team!” Jake and Tyler have also been quick to pick up the language (thanks to Jonathan’s team), with Jake interacting with his kindergarten teacher in Spanish. “It’s a bit of banter; they love it.”

Aged two and four, what is even more remarkable than Jonathan’s achievements, is Tyler and Jake’s behaviour. Away from the track they’re two boys tearing around on balance bikes, with the occasional argument (like any loving siblings),

but on race weekends they’re completely different. “They’re dead quiet: they stand against the wall and watch,” Jonathan explains. “How do you tell a two-year-old, he cannot run over to dad?”

The boys come tumbling into the lounge, smiles across their faces. It’s clear they love their new home but travelling the world does have its advantages, with the best steak in “dad’s (team) hospitality” and Italy bringing the best pizza, spaghetti bolognaise and ice-cream.

There’s no question about whether the two will follow in their dad’s footsteps: they show me video footage of Tyler riding a trailbike like a pro and Jake getting air on a jump. “I’ve got a proper motorbike helmet, a painted one. The same colour as >

coast 21

Daddy’s, with my name on it,” Jake clarifies – a present from Jonathan’s sponsor for his third birthday.

As for Jake’s special role on race weekends, it’s simple. “I carry the helmet. It’s my job – I see that it’s clean and I polish it,” Jake informs me, upside down and mid-handstand.

While Jake takes the weekends in his stride, it’s much harder for Tatia. “I think anyone who’s in my situation – wife, partner or parent – has a high level of anxiousness. There is no question, it’s a dangerous sport, and I do worry about his safety. But, I also worry about the competitive nature. Now that Jonathan (a three-time world champion) is at the top of his game, you worry about them getting results – you know how much is at stake.” It’s clear the roles would never be reversed. “I went paddle-boarding and he was worried about me walking back.

I was like, ‘how would you go if I was racing?’” She raises an eyebrow at him and smiles.

Whilst the couple work in perfect unison, they’re quick to disclose each other’s annoying habits. “Jonathan is indecisive,” Tatia exclaims. “And – a hazard of the job – he leaves scabs and bloodstains on my lovely white sheets.” As for Tatia: “She likes to control everything. And she moans a lot about having no time for herself, but she doesn’t make it!”

Outside of family life, the memories for this pair are great and varied. At the top is the British Sports Personality of the Year Awards, and Jonathan being presented with his MBE. “Being recognised is incredible, but it doesn’t give me perks like parking on double yellows (no parking zones). I remember having a conversation with the Duke of Cambridge (at

BEAUTIFUL HOMEWARES AND GIFTS

photo: madras link

17b A’Beckett St, Inverloch | 0491 056 238 | harmonyhomeinverloch@gmail.com @southern.bazaar

@southern_bazaar

“Always have a go. Set yourself realistic goals.”

Buckingham Palace) about bikes. He was talking without an earpiece, so I thought ‘he’s either very clever and knows his briefing notes for the 80-odd people, or he’s genuinely into bikes’. He told me he was into bikes, so that was pretty cool…” From press events with tiger clubs in South Africa and Jonathan being lifted out of the water by dolphins, to their only ‘holiday’, a honeymoon in the beautiful Maldives – they count themselves lucky.

Even with the opportunities they’ve had, Tatia and Jonathan remain humble. “In Qatar I befriended a guy who has four kids; he became a mate. We’d talk in the spa. He flies home only once a year to see his wife and family. He likes living there because of the work opportunities, but it’s a big sacrifice... You only have to walk down Collins Street to see people living rough, I want to take them a coffee, sit down and listen to their story.”

For Jonathan, the key is single-mindedness. “Always have a go.

Set yourself realistic goals. I’ve just started an autobiography and the first chapter is about the worst part of my career.” A period when, the then 17-year old, was told he would never race again after breaking his femur.

While the couple have no particular habits before a race weekend, they always ensure the house is left clean and Jonathan has a haircut. “It’s hard to have routines with young kids – just making it through the airport without a mental breakdown is a challenge!” >

coast 22

NEW & RECYCLED FURNITURE STOCKING QUALITY AUSTRALIAN BRANDS TESSA, MOLMIC, LOCALLY MADE FURNITURE AND MUCH MORE.

check out our range at www.southernbazaar.com.au 13 A’BECKETT STREET, INVERLOCH email sales@southernbazaar.com.au Wendy & Josh deKunder 0407 414 895

Follow us on Instagram

coast 23

Daddy’s, with my name on it,” Jake clarifies – a present from Jonathan’s sponsor for his third birthday.

As for Jake’s special role on race weekends, it’s simple. “I carry the helmet. It’s my job – I see that it’s clean and I polish it,” Jake informs me, upside down and mid-handstand.

While Jake takes the weekends in his stride, it’s much harder for Tatia. “I think anyone who’s in my situation – wife, partner or parent – has a high level of anxiousness. There is no question, it’s a dangerous sport, and I do worry about his safety. But, I also worry about the competitive nature. Now that Jonathan (a three-time world champion) is at the top of his game, you worry about them getting results – you know how much is at stake.” It’s clear the roles would never be reversed. “I went paddle-boarding and he was worried about me walking back.

I was like, ‘how would you go if I was racing?’” She raises an eyebrow at him and smiles.

Whilst the couple work in perfect unison, they’re quick to disclose each other’s annoying habits. “Jonathan is indecisive,” Tatia exclaims. “And – a hazard of the job – he leaves scabs and bloodstains on my lovely white sheets.” As for Tatia: “She likes to control everything. And she moans a lot about having no time for herself, but she doesn’t make it!”

Outside of family life, the memories for this pair are great and varied. At the top is the British Sports Personality of the Year Awards, and Jonathan being presented with his MBE. “Being recognised is incredible, but it doesn’t give me perks like parking on double yellows (no parking zones). I remember having a conversation with the Duke of Cambridge (at

BEAUTIFUL HOMEWARES AND GIFTS

photo: madras link

17b A’Beckett St, Inverloch | 0491 056 238 | harmonyhomeinverloch@gmail.com @southern.bazaar

@southern_bazaar

“Always have a go. Set yourself realistic goals.”

Buckingham Palace) about bikes. He was talking without an earpiece, so I thought ‘he’s either very clever and knows his briefing notes for the 80-odd people, or he’s genuinely into bikes’. He told me he was into bikes, so that was pretty cool…” From press events with tiger clubs in South Africa and Jonathan being lifted out of the water by dolphins, to their only ‘holiday’, a honeymoon in the beautiful Maldives – they count themselves lucky.

Even with the opportunities they’ve had, Tatia and Jonathan remain humble. “In Qatar I befriended a guy who has four kids; he became a mate. We’d talk in the spa. He flies home only once a year to see his wife and family. He likes living there because of the work opportunities, but it’s a big sacrifice... You only have to walk down Collins Street to see people living rough, I want to take them a coffee, sit down and listen to their story.”

For Jonathan, the key is single-mindedness. “Always have a go.

Set yourself realistic goals. I’ve just started an autobiography and the first chapter is about the worst part of my career.” A period when, the then 17-year old, was told he would never race again after breaking his femur.

While the couple have no particular habits before a race weekend, they always ensure the house is left clean and Jonathan has a haircut. “It’s hard to have routines with young kids – just making it through the airport without a mental breakdown is a challenge!” >

coast 22

NEW & RECYCLED FURNITURE STOCKING QUALITY AUSTRALIAN BRANDS TESSA, MOLMIC, LOCALLY MADE FURNITURE AND MUCH MORE.

check out our range at www.southernbazaar.com.au 13 A’BECKETT STREET, INVERLOCH email sales@southernbazaar.com.au Wendy & Josh deKunder 0407 414 895

Follow us on Instagram

coast 23

New Santa Fe. The backseat battle is over. Peace at last.

7 Seat luxury: • Head-Up Display (HUD) • Smart one-touch walk-in • Surround view monitor

Safety first: • Rear occupancy alert • Safe exit assist • Rear cross-traffic avoidance assist

NISSAN PATROL NISSAN PATROL BEYOND POWER BEYOND POWER

Cleverly connected: • Two USB ports in rear seats • 3rd row air con • Wireless charging^

PREMIUM COMFORT AND SERIOUS CAPABILITY PREMIUM COMFORT AND SERIOUS CAPABILITY

Dealer Name

Highlander variant shown

Dealer Name www.dealername.com.au

1 Roughead Street, Leongatha VIC 3953

Dealer address goes here with city – Tel: 0123 456 7890 12327 Roughead Street, T 5662 F 5662 2642

Leongatha VIC 3953

E edney@dcsi.net.au Dealer address goes here with city – Tel: 0123 2327 456 7890 T 5662 F 5662 2642 Opening hours xam-xpm Monday to Friday, xam-xpm Saturday and xam-xpm Sunday

SUV Sale Event

W www.edneysleongatha.com.au www.dealername.com.au E edney@dcsi.net.au Opening hours xam-xpm Monday to Friday, xam-xpm Saturday and xam-xpm Sunday

“It’s really nice travelling together in Europe. We have a tour bus; the kids have bunk beds – it’s pretty amazing. We’ve got all our home comforts – a coffee machine, our own bedding, the kids’ toys – so it’s as nice as it can be. We do an annual trip after Misano. We stay on a campsite opposite the beach and have a really nice time with family and friends.”

...who better to learn from than one of the world’s best?!

With their home on the Isle of Man and tour bus for travelling Europe, they’ve now added roots in Tatia’s hometown, Phillip Island. “We’d been looking for houses, and then we found an empty plot. A builder friend said he could build it – and he did (in six months)! It’s an internet-built house,” Tatia laughs.

“I did everything online. I came back for six days in August to finalise a few bits and pieces. When we walked in on the 20th December, we were in shock. We’d left with nothing and came back to a home with gardens, painted fences and all the furniture in place. It meant the world to us.”

When asked what they love most about the house, they agree it’s their bedroom. “We just didn’t anticipate the beautiful view over the water. The birdlife keeps you awake, and you can hear the rabbits running around. We really love this lifestyle.”

As for activities the pair enjoy together, cycling is definitely on the list, along with hiking. Jonathan recently brought Tatia an off-road motorbike. “I like motocross, but she has never ridden…” And, who better to learn from than one of the world’s best?!

Roots are slowly growing for these travellers, but the future path is unknown. “My goal is to retire healthy, and then our life will be dictated by what the kids want to do,” Jonathan explains. “We’d like to spend some time, for the boys’ sake, in Northern Ireland with my family.” “We’re in the process of trying to move there, though we’ve enrolled them at Newhaven College for their secondary schooling as a long-term plan,” Tatia adds. “I didn’t know about that!” Jonathan pipes in. “He listens to what he wants to hear…”, Tatia Original laughs. “We’ve been so fortunate to have a blessed life full of massive adventure and travel. In ten years’, we’ve got the vegie garden, the dog and drop the kids off at school – things you cannot have whilst travelling. We’ll have accumulated a lot of memories and crazy BEST FAMILY CAR experiences we can look back on and be proud of.” Jonathan UNDER $30K 2017 starts talking about a move to California for motocross (for the boys, of course), Tatia shakes her head …

Jonathan has since broken Carl Fogarty’s race record, with 64 race wins currently under his belt. There’ll be no slowing this team down anytime soon…

Kona

26,990

$

from

A

Outlined

drive away

White

16,990

27,990

$

20% deposit required

from

B

drive away

Plus $1,000 factory bonus*

S TAY, P L AY, R E L A X Black

Large range of accommodation • Indoor heated pool • GamesDroom drive away • Recreation & conference room •

20,990

Plus $500 factory bonus*

•

Toddler playground

• WIFI iLoad

cushion 38,790 Ball court

•$ Jumping

from •

E

drive away

Can’t wait? Don’t wait.

Locate your dealer at hyundai.com.au or call 1800 186 306.

Finance to approved applicants (excludes Government, Rental and Large Fleet Buyers). Finance offer applies to Kona Active models with a maximum finance term of 4 years with a minimum 20% deposit required. +1.1% P.A. comparison rate is based on a 5 year secured consumer fixed rate loan of $30,000. WARNING: This comparison rate is true only for the examples given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate. Credit criteria, fees, charges, terms and conditions apply. Finance applications must be approved and settled by 31/07/2018. Hyundai finance is a registered trademark of Hyundai Motor Company and is operated under licence by St.George Bank – A Division of Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence 233714. All cars must be ordered & delivered between 1st July 2018 and 31st July 2018. A. $26,990 drive away price applies to Kona Active 2.0 Petrol Automatic model with non-metallic paint. B. $27,990 drive away price applies to Tucson Active 2.0 2WD Petrol Manual model with non-metallic paint. C. $16,990 drive away price applies to Accent Sport 1.6 Petrol Automatic model with nonmetallic paint. D. $20,990 drive away price applies to i30 Go 2.0 Petrol Manual model with non-metallic paint. E. $38,790 drive away price applies to iLoad TQ4 3 seat lift back 2.5 Diesel Manual model only. ^Wireless charging requires a Qi-enabled smartphone or adapter in order to operate. *Factory bonus of stated value applies to all new and demo i30 and Tucson models excluding i30 Trophy and i30N. Drive away price includes the recommended retail price, 12 months registration, compulsory third party insurance, dealer delivery charge and stamp duty. Offer valid whilst stocks last and excludes govt, fleet and rental buyers. Hyundai reserves the right to change, supersede or extend these offers at its discretion. Metallic and Mica paint are optional extras and are an additional cost. See your participating Hyundai dealer for details. i30 winner of 2017 Car Sales Best Family Car Under $30K ($30K is not a drive away price).

HMCA14978/FPC/DLR

272 Church St, Cowes , 3922 | Phone : +61 3 5952 2258 | Email: info@anchorbelle.com.au | www.anchorbelle.com.au @anchorbelle

coast 24

LMCT No 15

Tucson Runout

Plus 1.1% P.A. comparison rate+

Family Friendly km fromwith main township Accent• 2Sport Auto i30 C • 100 metres from beach drive $ $ away from from • Powered & ensuite powered sites •

LMCT No 1500

W www.edneysleongatha.com.au

@anchorbelle

coast 25

New Santa Fe. The backseat battle is over. Peace at last.

7 Seat luxury: • Head-Up Display (HUD) • Smart one-touch walk-in • Surround view monitor

Safety first: • Rear occupancy alert • Safe exit assist • Rear cross-traffic avoidance assist

NISSAN PATROL NISSAN PATROL BEYOND POWER BEYOND POWER

Cleverly connected: • Two USB ports in rear seats • 3rd row air con • Wireless charging^

PREMIUM COMFORT AND SERIOUS CAPABILITY PREMIUM COMFORT AND SERIOUS CAPABILITY

Dealer Name

Highlander variant shown

Dealer Name www.dealername.com.au

1 Roughead Street, Leongatha VIC 3953

Dealer address goes here with city – Tel: 0123 456 7890 12327 Roughead Street, T 5662 F 5662 2642

Leongatha VIC 3953

E edney@dcsi.net.au Dealer address goes here with city – Tel: 0123 2327 456 7890 T 5662 F 5662 2642 Opening hours xam-xpm Monday to Friday, xam-xpm Saturday and xam-xpm Sunday

SUV Sale Event

W www.edneysleongatha.com.au www.dealername.com.au E edney@dcsi.net.au Opening hours xam-xpm Monday to Friday, xam-xpm Saturday and xam-xpm Sunday

“It’s really nice travelling together in Europe. We have a tour bus; the kids have bunk beds – it’s pretty amazing. We’ve got all our home comforts – a coffee machine, our own bedding, the kids’ toys – so it’s as nice as it can be. We do an annual trip after Misano. We stay on a campsite opposite the beach and have a really nice time with family and friends.”

...who better to learn from than one of the world’s best?!

With their home on the Isle of Man and tour bus for travelling Europe, they’ve now added roots in Tatia’s hometown, Phillip Island. “We’d been looking for houses, and then we found an empty plot. A builder friend said he could build it – and he did (in six months)! It’s an internet-built house,” Tatia laughs.

“I did everything online. I came back for six days in August to finalise a few bits and pieces. When we walked in on the 20th December, we were in shock. We’d left with nothing and came back to a home with gardens, painted fences and all the furniture in place. It meant the world to us.”

When asked what they love most about the house, they agree it’s their bedroom. “We just didn’t anticipate the beautiful view over the water. The birdlife keeps you awake, and you can hear the rabbits running around. We really love this lifestyle.”

As for activities the pair enjoy together, cycling is definitely on the list, along with hiking. Jonathan recently brought Tatia an off-road motorbike. “I like motocross, but she has never ridden…” And, who better to learn from than one of the world’s best?!

Roots are slowly growing for these travellers, but the future path is unknown. “My goal is to retire healthy, and then our life will be dictated by what the kids want to do,” Jonathan explains. “We’d like to spend some time, for the boys’ sake, in Northern Ireland with my family.” “We’re in the process of trying to move there, though we’ve enrolled them at Newhaven College for their secondary schooling as a long-term plan,” Tatia adds. “I didn’t know about that!” Jonathan pipes in. “He listens to what he wants to hear…”, Tatia Original laughs. “We’ve been so fortunate to have a blessed life full of massive adventure and travel. In ten years’, we’ve got the vegie garden, the dog and drop the kids off at school – things you cannot have whilst travelling. We’ll have accumulated a lot of memories and crazy BEST FAMILY CAR experiences we can look back on and be proud of.” Jonathan UNDER $30K 2017 starts talking about a move to California for motocross (for the boys, of course), Tatia shakes her head …

Jonathan has since broken Carl Fogarty’s race record, with 64 race wins currently under his belt. There’ll be no slowing this team down anytime soon…

Kona

26,990

$

from

A

Outlined

drive away

White

16,990

27,990

$

20% deposit required

from

B

drive away

Plus $1,000 factory bonus*

S TAY, P L AY, R E L A X Black

Large range of accommodation • Indoor heated pool • GamesDroom drive away • Recreation & conference room •

20,990

Plus $500 factory bonus*

•

Toddler playground

• WIFI iLoad

cushion 38,790 Ball court

•$ Jumping

from •

E

drive away

Can’t wait? Don’t wait.

Locate your dealer at hyundai.com.au or call 1800 186 306.

Finance to approved applicants (excludes Government, Rental and Large Fleet Buyers). Finance offer applies to Kona Active models with a maximum finance term of 4 years with a minimum 20% deposit required. +1.1% P.A. comparison rate is based on a 5 year secured consumer fixed rate loan of $30,000. WARNING: This comparison rate is true only for the examples given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate. Credit criteria, fees, charges, terms and conditions apply. Finance applications must be approved and settled by 31/07/2018. Hyundai finance is a registered trademark of Hyundai Motor Company and is operated under licence by St.George Bank – A Division of Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence 233714. All cars must be ordered & delivered between 1st July 2018 and 31st July 2018. A. $26,990 drive away price applies to Kona Active 2.0 Petrol Automatic model with non-metallic paint. B. $27,990 drive away price applies to Tucson Active 2.0 2WD Petrol Manual model with non-metallic paint. C. $16,990 drive away price applies to Accent Sport 1.6 Petrol Automatic model with nonmetallic paint. D. $20,990 drive away price applies to i30 Go 2.0 Petrol Manual model with non-metallic paint. E. $38,790 drive away price applies to iLoad TQ4 3 seat lift back 2.5 Diesel Manual model only. ^Wireless charging requires a Qi-enabled smartphone or adapter in order to operate. *Factory bonus of stated value applies to all new and demo i30 and Tucson models excluding i30 Trophy and i30N. Drive away price includes the recommended retail price, 12 months registration, compulsory third party insurance, dealer delivery charge and stamp duty. Offer valid whilst stocks last and excludes govt, fleet and rental buyers. Hyundai reserves the right to change, supersede or extend these offers at its discretion. Metallic and Mica paint are optional extras and are an additional cost. See your participating Hyundai dealer for details. i30 winner of 2017 Car Sales Best Family Car Under $30K ($30K is not a drive away price).

HMCA14978/FPC/DLR

272 Church St, Cowes , 3922 | Phone : +61 3 5952 2258 | Email: info@anchorbelle.com.au | www.anchorbelle.com.au @anchorbelle

coast 24

LMCT No 15

Tucson Runout

Plus 1.1% P.A. comparison rate+

Family Friendly km fromwith main township Accent• 2Sport Auto i30 C • 100 metres from beach drive $ $ away from from • Powered & ensuite powered sites •

LMCT No 1500

W www.edneysleongatha.com.au

@anchorbelle

coast 25

NOVEMBER SPRING 2018

Your community bank

Giving back is at the heart of what we do

events guide

Over the last 15 years

$3.4 million re-invested locally

At Bendigo Community Bank it’s about giving back. Instead of focusing on what we can take from people, we see what we can give. It’s a philosophy we’ve followed for years – and it works.

In July, we proudly returned over $66,000 to ten local groups.

SEPTEMBER San Remo Fishing Festival & Blessing of the Fleet 9 September, 9am-3pm San Remo Foreshore Contact: Craig Edmonds – 0409 018 980 or srdtb@outlook.com www.srfishfest.com.au @srfishfest Big Boys Toys 9 September National Vietnam Veterans Museum, 25 Veterans Dr, Newhaven Contact: Sonia Hogg – 5956 6400 www.vietnamvetsmuseum.org Grand Final Eve at the Killy Pub Fossil Fuel from 8.30pm 28 September Kilcunda Ocean View Hotel, 3531-3533 Bass Highway, Kilcunda Contact: 5678 7245 @kilcundaoceanviewhotel Victorian State Circuit Racing Championship 29 – 30 September Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Back Beach Rd, Phillip Island www.vicstateraceseries.com/

We return

Latest Round: Over

80% of our profits

$66,000

to the local community annually

grants distributed

Artist’s Society of Phillip Island for a Storage Shed

$11,038

Grantville branch CWA for Catering Equipment

$820

Bass Valley Community Group for an Outdoor Seniors Gym

$11,000

KernArt Inc. for KernArt Prize

$500

Bass Valley Friends of the RSL for a Wall Mural at Grantville

$3,300

National Vietnam Veterans and Museum for Triple A: Antics, Artefacts and Antiques

$13,970

Corinella and District Community Centre towards a Waterline Community Bus

$5,500

Phillip Island Senior Citizens for Crockery

$2,340

$7,700

Wildlife Rescue and Carers Shelter PI for Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation

Corinella Public Hall for a Bass Valley Historical Society Display Cabinet

$10,000

Wonthaggi Car Show to benefit Kids with Special Needs 30 September Recreation Reserve, Wonthaggi Contact: Tony Ludgate – 0473 179 666 @fundraiserforkidswithspecialneeds

Bonsai Workshop 7 October, 10am Grace Landscapes, 8 Vista Pl, Cape Woolamai Contact: Nela – 0434 423 339 or Heath – 0404 596 504 www.heathgracelandscapes.com Parenting in the Digital World 8 October, 7-8pm Beaconhills College Pakenham Campus, 30-34 Toomuc Valley Rd, Pakenham 9 October, 7-8pm Beaconhills College Berwick Campus, 92 Kangan Dr, Berwick Presented by the Alannah and Madeline Foundation, this free workshop covers the risks and opportunities associated with technology use by young people - including practical tips on how to stay safe.

Contact College Shop – https://shop.beaconhills.vic.edu.au/ or 1300 002 225 www.beaconhills.vic.edu.au Australian Superbike Championship 12-14 October Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Back Beach Rd, Phillip Island www.asbk.com.au/ Native Flower Show 13 – 14 October, 10am-4pm SGHAC Club Rooms, Leongatha Rec. Reserve, Roughead St, Leongatha Contact: 5664 2221 Living Art Workshop 14 October, 10am Grace Landscapes, 8 Vista Pl, Cape Woolamai Contact: Nela – 0434 423 339 or Heath – 0404 596 504 www.heathgracelandscapes.com Coal Creek Literary Festival 14 October, 10am-4:30pm Coal Creek, 12 Silkstone Rd, Korumburra www.coalcreekliteraryfestival.com College Tour 18 October Newhaven College, 1770 Phillip Island Rd, Phillip Island Contact: Belinda Manning – 5956 7505 www.newhavencol.vic.edu.au @newhavencollege Blessing of the Bikes 20 October San Remo Foreshore

OCTOBER Barry Versus Kelly 6 October National Vietnam Veterans Museum, 25 Veterans Dr, Newhaven Contact: Sonia Hogg – 5956 6400 www.vietnamvetsmuseum.org Tour of Gippsland 6 October Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Back Beach Rd, Phillip Island www.tourofgippsland.com/

Grade 5 Discovery Day 25 October Mary MacKillop College, 115 Horn St, Leongatha Contact: Carly Kitchingman – 5662 4255 www.mackillopleongatha.catholic.edu.au Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix 2018 26 – 28 October Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Back Beach Rd, Phillip Island Contact: Australian Grand Prix Corporation – 9258 7166 www.motogp.com.au Phillip Island Pro QS1000 2-6 November Cape Woolamai www.worldsurfleague.com

150th Phillip Island 2018 Community Street Parade 3 November Thompson Av, Cowes www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/phillipisland150 150th Phillip Island 2018 Bendigo Bank Community Day 3 November The Esplanade, Cowes www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/phillipisland150 150th Phillip Island 2018 Historical Re-enactment of Land Sales 10 November Cowes Town Square www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/phillipisland150 150th Phillip Island 2018 Gala Dinner 10 November Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Back Beach Rd, Phillip Island www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/phillipisland150 Bass Coast Cycle Challenge 10 November Inverloch and Bass Hills www.basscoastcyclechallenge.com Phillip Island Jazz Festival 16 – 18 November 2128 Phillip Island Rd, Cowes www.phillipislandjazzfest.org.au Music on the Grass 18 November, 11am-3pm Koo Wee Rup Community Garden, 235 Rossiter Rd, Koo Wee Rup Contact: Lea – 5997 9790 www.kooweeruphospital.net.au @kooweerupregionalhealthservice Phillip Island Food & Wine Festival 23 – 24 November Cowes Jetty Triangle Contact: Gill Hardman – 0423 374 733 @phillipislandfoodandwinefestival Great Vic Bike Ride 24 November – 2 December From the Mountains to the Murray www.bicyclenetwork.com.au/rides-andevents/great-victorian-bike-ride/

REGULARS Inverloch Parkrun Every Saturday 7:45am Rotary Centenary Park, Ramsay Blvd, Inverloch Contact: Tony O’Connell – 0438 744886 www.parkrun.com.au/inverloch Koonwarra Parkrun Every Saturday 7:45am Swan Rd, Koonwarra www.parkrun.com.au/koonwarra Phillip Island Parkrun Every Saturday 7:45am Churchill Island Visitors Centre www.parkrun.com.au/phillipisland Kongwak Market Every Sunday, 10am-3pm Kongwak General Store and Shed Contact: Jane – 0417 142 478

coast 27

NOVEMBER SPRING 2018

Your community bank

Giving back is at the heart of what we do

events guide

Over the last 15 years

$3.4 million re-invested locally

At Bendigo Community Bank it’s about giving back. Instead of focusing on what we can take from people, we see what we can give. It’s a philosophy we’ve followed for years – and it works.

In July, we proudly returned over $66,000 to ten local groups.

SEPTEMBER San Remo Fishing Festival & Blessing of the Fleet 9 September, 9am-3pm San Remo Foreshore Contact: Craig Edmonds – 0409 018 980 or srdtb@outlook.com www.srfishfest.com.au @srfishfest Big Boys Toys 9 September National Vietnam Veterans Museum, 25 Veterans Dr, Newhaven Contact: Sonia Hogg – 5956 6400 www.vietnamvetsmuseum.org Grand Final Eve at the Killy Pub Fossil Fuel from 8.30pm 28 September Kilcunda Ocean View Hotel, 3531-3533 Bass Highway, Kilcunda Contact: 5678 7245 @kilcundaoceanviewhotel Victorian State Circuit Racing Championship 29 – 30 September Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Back Beach Rd, Phillip Island www.vicstateraceseries.com/

We return

Latest Round: Over

80% of our profits

$66,000

to the local community annually

grants distributed

Artist’s Society of Phillip Island for a Storage Shed

$11,038

Grantville branch CWA for Catering Equipment

$820

Bass Valley Community Group for an Outdoor Seniors Gym

$11,000

KernArt Inc. for KernArt Prize

$500

Bass Valley Friends of the RSL for a Wall Mural at Grantville

$3,300

National Vietnam Veterans and Museum for Triple A: Antics, Artefacts and Antiques

$13,970

Corinella and District Community Centre towards a Waterline Community Bus

$5,500

Phillip Island Senior Citizens for Crockery

$2,340

$7,700

Wildlife Rescue and Carers Shelter PI for Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation

Corinella Public Hall for a Bass Valley Historical Society Display Cabinet

$10,000

Wonthaggi Car Show to benefit Kids with Special Needs 30 September Recreation Reserve, Wonthaggi Contact: Tony Ludgate – 0473 179 666 @fundraiserforkidswithspecialneeds

Bonsai Workshop 7 October, 10am Grace Landscapes, 8 Vista Pl, Cape Woolamai Contact: Nela – 0434 423 339 or Heath – 0404 596 504 www.heathgracelandscapes.com Parenting in the Digital World 8 October, 7-8pm Beaconhills College Pakenham Campus, 30-34 Toomuc Valley Rd, Pakenham 9 October, 7-8pm Beaconhills College Berwick Campus, 92 Kangan Dr, Berwick Presented by the Alannah and Madeline Foundation, this free workshop covers the risks and opportunities associated with technology use by young people - including practical tips on how to stay safe.

Contact College Shop – https://shop.beaconhills.vic.edu.au/ or 1300 002 225 www.beaconhills.vic.edu.au Australian Superbike Championship 12-14 October Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Back Beach Rd, Phillip Island www.asbk.com.au/ Native Flower Show 13 – 14 October, 10am-4pm SGHAC Club Rooms, Leongatha Rec. Reserve, Roughead St, Leongatha Contact: 5664 2221 Living Art Workshop 14 October, 10am Grace Landscapes, 8 Vista Pl, Cape Woolamai Contact: Nela – 0434 423 339 or Heath – 0404 596 504 www.heathgracelandscapes.com Coal Creek Literary Festival 14 October, 10am-4:30pm Coal Creek, 12 Silkstone Rd, Korumburra www.coalcreekliteraryfestival.com College Tour 18 October Newhaven College, 1770 Phillip Island Rd, Phillip Island Contact: Belinda Manning – 5956 7505 www.newhavencol.vic.edu.au @newhavencollege Blessing of the Bikes 20 October San Remo Foreshore

OCTOBER Barry Versus Kelly 6 October National Vietnam Veterans Museum, 25 Veterans Dr, Newhaven Contact: Sonia Hogg – 5956 6400 www.vietnamvetsmuseum.org Tour of Gippsland 6 October Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Back Beach Rd, Phillip Island www.tourofgippsland.com/

Grade 5 Discovery Day 25 October Mary MacKillop College, 115 Horn St, Leongatha Contact: Carly Kitchingman – 5662 4255 www.mackillopleongatha.catholic.edu.au Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix 2018 26 – 28 October Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Back Beach Rd, Phillip Island Contact: Australian Grand Prix Corporation – 9258 7166 www.motogp.com.au Phillip Island Pro QS1000 2-6 November Cape Woolamai www.worldsurfleague.com

150th Phillip Island 2018 Community Street Parade 3 November Thompson Av, Cowes www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/phillipisland150 150th Phillip Island 2018 Bendigo Bank Community Day 3 November The Esplanade, Cowes www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/phillipisland150 150th Phillip Island 2018 Historical Re-enactment of Land Sales 10 November Cowes Town Square www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/phillipisland150 150th Phillip Island 2018 Gala Dinner 10 November Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Back Beach Rd, Phillip Island www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/phillipisland150 Bass Coast Cycle Challenge 10 November Inverloch and Bass Hills www.basscoastcyclechallenge.com Phillip Island Jazz Festival 16 – 18 November 2128 Phillip Island Rd, Cowes www.phillipislandjazzfest.org.au Music on the Grass 18 November, 11am-3pm Koo Wee Rup Community Garden, 235 Rossiter Rd, Koo Wee Rup Contact: Lea – 5997 9790 www.kooweeruphospital.net.au @kooweerupregionalhealthservice Phillip Island Food & Wine Festival 23 – 24 November Cowes Jetty Triangle Contact: Gill Hardman – 0423 374 733 @phillipislandfoodandwinefestival Great Vic Bike Ride 24 November – 2 December From the Mountains to the Murray www.bicyclenetwork.com.au/rides-andevents/great-victorian-bike-ride/

REGULARS Inverloch Parkrun Every Saturday 7:45am Rotary Centenary Park, Ramsay Blvd, Inverloch Contact: Tony O’Connell – 0438 744886 www.parkrun.com.au/inverloch Koonwarra Parkrun Every Saturday 7:45am Swan Rd, Koonwarra www.parkrun.com.au/koonwarra Phillip Island Parkrun Every Saturday 7:45am Churchill Island Visitors Centre www.parkrun.com.au/phillipisland Kongwak Market Every Sunday, 10am-3pm Kongwak General Store and Shed Contact: Jane – 0417 142 478

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words sally o’neill photos warren reed

island TIME Millions of years, hundreds of heartbeats, the blink of an eye – this is Island time.

For millennia waves crashed against its shores, shaping the spectacular Island known as Millowl to the first people, the Bunurong, as they made the first gentle footsteps across the landscape.

Waves of change continued through Island time, each adding its mark and becoming part of the tiny isle’s story.

Millowl Phillip Island, known as Millowl, is Bunurong/Boon Wurrung Country and part of Victoria’s Kulin nation. All of our Country is highly significant – every square inch, every rock, every leaf, every dune and every artefact. Our ancestors collected an ocean of information about the Island, on every living thing, every tree, every animal, and this is the key to the complex balance of all things that our people managed to evolve and sustain. People today are still learning of the complexities of our ancestors.

The coastline of Millowl contains layers and layers of burnt shell in kitchen middens. There is evidence of gaps of over 1,000 years between some of these layers, showing that our people eventually sat directly over the same place again, over 1,000 years later, to do the same things: make fire, cook food, eat together and tell stories. The whole region is connected by thousands of generations of tradition, story and song.

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Some of our sites were created at a time when our people could look back over Nerm (Port Phillip Bay) to see a grassy plain with the Yarra River winding its way out to sea over a beautiful waterfall. The connection we have to this land as a result of this long history is not easy to express in words, which usually barely begin to scratch the surface, making all attempts to describe its significance feel understated.

Over the last 50,000 years our people have adapted to a range of significant changes within their Country. There are stories of the Bay filling with water; asteroid impacts near Cranbourne; Arthur’s Seat once being an Island; volcanic activity in the western suburbs – the great floods, fires and earthquakes all speak of such events. We continue to adapt today in honour of over 2,000 generations of our people who have been here before us. >

Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation

coast 29

words sally o’neill photos warren reed

island TIME Millions of years, hundreds of heartbeats, the blink of an eye – this is Island time.

For millennia waves crashed against its shores, shaping the spectacular Island known as Millowl to the first people, the Bunurong, as they made the first gentle footsteps across the landscape.

Waves of change continued through Island time, each adding its mark and becoming part of the tiny isle’s story.

Millowl Phillip Island, known as Millowl, is Bunurong/Boon Wurrung Country and part of Victoria’s Kulin nation. All of our Country is highly significant – every square inch, every rock, every leaf, every dune and every artefact. Our ancestors collected an ocean of information about the Island, on every living thing, every tree, every animal, and this is the key to the complex balance of all things that our people managed to evolve and sustain. People today are still learning of the complexities of our ancestors.

The coastline of Millowl contains layers and layers of burnt shell in kitchen middens. There is evidence of gaps of over 1,000 years between some of these layers, showing that our people eventually sat directly over the same place again, over 1,000 years later, to do the same things: make fire, cook food, eat together and tell stories. The whole region is connected by thousands of generations of tradition, story and song.

coast 28

Some of our sites were created at a time when our people could look back over Nerm (Port Phillip Bay) to see a grassy plain with the Yarra River winding its way out to sea over a beautiful waterfall. The connection we have to this land as a result of this long history is not easy to express in words, which usually barely begin to scratch the surface, making all attempts to describe its significance feel understated.

Over the last 50,000 years our people have adapted to a range of significant changes within their Country. There are stories of the Bay filling with water; asteroid impacts near Cranbourne; Arthur’s Seat once being an Island; volcanic activity in the western suburbs – the great floods, fires and earthquakes all speak of such events. We continue to adapt today in honour of over 2,000 generations of our people who have been here before us. >

Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation

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November on the Island Get involved and celebrate basscoast.vic.gov.au/phillipisland150

Settlers and stories in stone THE CLEELAND SIBLINGS For lifelong local Mike Cleeland, Island time is measured in millions of years. Every stone and pebble speaks of the Island’s fiery evolution to this geologist, conservationist and dinosaur enthusiast. “There are key points when we know significant things happened,” he says. Like 360 million years ago as Cape Woolamai’s pink granite formed; 125 million years ago when dinosaurs roamed the land leaving their evidence in the rock; and a mere 50 million years ago when volcanic eruptions layered the basalt bedrock of the Island’s landscape we know today.

Mike’s sister Gaye measures time more in heartbeats. Her focus on family history spans a little over 150 years through the waves of the Island’s European settlement, starting with the first freehold ballots of the 1860s as the land was divided into parcels for eager settlers.

Their family became inextricably tied to Phillip Island when their great-uncles Joseph and Francis each selected a block at a ballot in November 1868. A cottage and sheds were quickly erected by the pair. In 1881, their great grandfather John retired from his role as publican at Melbourne’s Albion Hotel to his island ‘station’ known as Wollomai House. After the initial land-grab, when many settlers realised the Island wasn’t for them, the Cleeland brothers consolidated major holdings in the Island’s east.

Continuing to farm and live on the Island, the Cleelands became intricately woven into the fabric of Phillip Island’s history and story. Both Mike and Gaye were born in Warley Bush Hospital and spent idyllic childhoods roaming the dunes and bush and attending primary school in Newhaven. Mike recalls the day the new Phillip Island bridge opened in 1969.

“They cut the ribbon and all the children ran across the bridge as fast as we could.”

Little did they know of the effect that modern bridge would have on their quiet lives. “In Dad’s day, supplies came by boat or horse and cart from San Remo and Newhaven. Often the

family would ride into Cowes for supplies – it was a full day’s trip. I think we inherited the true Island feeling, as Dad grew up without a bridge when the place was very isolated. The bridge changed Island life irrevocably,” says Gaye.

Mayor’s Message

find us on facebook

Community Street Parade

Mike’s unbroken family connection provides him with a sense of place. “It hits me when I drive over the bridge: I get the feeling of being home. To me, it’s not just being born here, it’s about being involved in the community.” Mike’s favourite place is Kitty Miller Bay in the Island’s west, with its rich geology and gemstones. Gaye sees her study of local history as her way of contributing to her community’s story. She holds treasured memories of a little spot known as Timber Corner on their family farm that was the site of many childhood picnics.

Thompson Avenue Cowes Saturday, 3 November Phillip Island 201811.00am to 12.00pm

Bendigo Bank Community Day

Both have been witness to significant change. Gaye recalls the effects of the housing development that took place through the 1950s and 1960s. “There had been several waves of development during the 1920s and 1930s, but in the 1960s I experienced it first-hand. I was just a child, but it seemed to me that Melbourne was arriving on Phillip Island.” Mike cites the advent of Landcare and the dramatic transformation of the landscape through revegetation and changing farming practices. He also sees the recent elimination of foxes and the subsequent increase of wildlife across the Island as a significant milestone.

Cr Pamela Rothfield

When asked to look 150 years into the future, they are united in the view that the main challenge will be turning the tide on development and somehow saving the Island from being ‘loved to death’. A boom gate on the bridge with a ‘modest toll’ is Mike’s solution. Gaye takes inspiration from the influx of artists to the island and hopes they can emphasise its natural beauty and inspire its protection: “It’s about how the next wave of growth can be contained. But I suppose this has been the Island’s destiny since early settlement.” >

The Phillip Island 150th Celebrations Planning Committee first came together in 2014 to begin planning the 150th anniversary. The focus of the celebrations is to recognise and celebrate our past 150 years, while also acknowledging and respecting our indigenous history and people, who walked this land for many thousands of years.

Bass Coast Shire Council joins the Phillip Island community as it marks the 150th year since crown land on Phillip Island was made available for settlement.

There are many descendants of early pioneers on the Island, and this year is special to them all. I too am a descendant of Phillip Island’s early pioneers. Two of my great grandfather’s brothers were drawn out of the first ballot on that fateful Monday morning on 2 November 1868, at the Courthouse in Schnapper Point, which is now known as Mornington.

The Esplanade Saturday, 3 November Following the parade, the Bendigo Bank Community Day will 12.00pm to 4.00pm be held along the Cowes Foreshore. The Community day runs Saturday, 3 November at 11.00am. In the tradition of New Year Eve’s parades over the years, the street parade will be a fun and lively community event. All groups are being encouraged to participate and be creative.

from 12.00pm to 4.00pm and will include rides, activities, a chance to catch up and lots more.

Historical Re-enactment of the Land Sales

The celebrations are made up of five main events: The Rhyll Wooden Boat Festival was the first feature event on the Phillip Island 150th Celebration year calendar. This small coastal village of some 500 residents offered visitors an amazing array of activities. This festival did an outstanding job of showcasing what can be achieved when the community pulls together.

The re-enactment of first land sales of Phillip Island will take place on Saturday, 10 November, and will be run by the Phillip Island and District Historical Society. It will also include a register for families of original descendants, whom the Society is inviting to inscribe their names for posterity. I imagine we shall see a lot of historic costumes in this re-enactment, which will take place on the Melbourne Cup weekend.

Cowes Town Square Saturday, 10 November The celebrations will culminate in a Gala Dinner held on Saturday, 10 November at the Phillip Island Prix Track 2.00pm toGrand 4.00pm pavilion. This event will be open to the entire community, with tickets available at the Cowes Cultural Centre or online at www.phillipisland150galadinner.eventbrite.com.

Gala Dinner

We invite everyone from the community to be a part of the celebrations.

Phillip Island Grand Prix Track To get involved Saturday, 10emailNovember 6.30pm phillipisland150@basscoast.vic.gov.au. tickets available online For more information, visit basscoast.vic.gov.au/phillipisland150 www.phillipisland150galadinner.eventbrite.com We will of course be making the most of the warmer weather * See Phillip Island 150 Years events on page 27. on the horizon. A Community Streetvia Parade Bass will be heldCoast on and Shire Customer Service at Cowes Cultural Centre 9.00am to 5.00pm.

A local portrait prize at the Artist Society of Phillip Island’s Easter Exhibition was another fabulous event. I was thrilled to be asked to sit for a number of artists, as one of the portrait subjects. As I found out, to sit still and retain the same expression for four hours (yes, there were breaks), takes so much concentration!

coast 30

coast 31

November on the Island Get involved and celebrate basscoast.vic.gov.au/phillipisland150

Settlers and stories in stone THE CLEELAND SIBLINGS For lifelong local Mike Cleeland, Island time is measured in millions of years. Every stone and pebble speaks of the Island’s fiery evolution to this geologist, conservationist and dinosaur enthusiast. “There are key points when we know significant things happened,” he says. Like 360 million years ago as Cape Woolamai’s pink granite formed; 125 million years ago when dinosaurs roamed the land leaving their evidence in the rock; and a mere 50 million years ago when volcanic eruptions layered the basalt bedrock of the Island’s landscape we know today.

Mike’s sister Gaye measures time more in heartbeats. Her focus on family history spans a little over 150 years through the waves of the Island’s European settlement, starting with the first freehold ballots of the 1860s as the land was divided into parcels for eager settlers.

Their family became inextricably tied to Phillip Island when their great-uncles Joseph and Francis each selected a block at a ballot in November 1868. A cottage and sheds were quickly erected by the pair. In 1881, their great grandfather John retired from his role as publican at Melbourne’s Albion Hotel to his island ‘station’ known as Wollomai House. After the initial land-grab, when many settlers realised the Island wasn’t for them, the Cleeland brothers consolidated major holdings in the Island’s east.

Continuing to farm and live on the Island, the Cleelands became intricately woven into the fabric of Phillip Island’s history and story. Both Mike and Gaye were born in Warley Bush Hospital and spent idyllic childhoods roaming the dunes and bush and attending primary school in Newhaven. Mike recalls the day the new Phillip Island bridge opened in 1969.

“They cut the ribbon and all the children ran across the bridge as fast as we could.”

Little did they know of the effect that modern bridge would have on their quiet lives. “In Dad’s day, supplies came by boat or horse and cart from San Remo and Newhaven. Often the

family would ride into Cowes for supplies – it was a full day’s trip. I think we inherited the true Island feeling, as Dad grew up without a bridge when the place was very isolated. The bridge changed Island life irrevocably,” says Gaye.

Mayor’s Message

find us on facebook

Community Street Parade

Mike’s unbroken family connection provides him with a sense of place. “It hits me when I drive over the bridge: I get the feeling of being home. To me, it’s not just being born here, it’s about being involved in the community.” Mike’s favourite place is Kitty Miller Bay in the Island’s west, with its rich geology and gemstones. Gaye sees her study of local history as her way of contributing to her community’s story. She holds treasured memories of a little spot known as Timber Corner on their family farm that was the site of many childhood picnics.

Thompson Avenue Cowes Saturday, 3 November Phillip Island 201811.00am to 12.00pm

Bendigo Bank Community Day

Both have been witness to significant change. Gaye recalls the effects of the housing development that took place through the 1950s and 1960s. “There had been several waves of development during the 1920s and 1930s, but in the 1960s I experienced it first-hand. I was just a child, but it seemed to me that Melbourne was arriving on Phillip Island.” Mike cites the advent of Landcare and the dramatic transformation of the landscape through revegetation and changing farming practices. He also sees the recent elimination of foxes and the subsequent increase of wildlife across the Island as a significant milestone.

Cr Pamela Rothfield

When asked to look 150 years into the future, they are united in the view that the main challenge will be turning the tide on development and somehow saving the Island from being ‘loved to death’. A boom gate on the bridge with a ‘modest toll’ is Mike’s solution. Gaye takes inspiration from the influx of artists to the island and hopes they can emphasise its natural beauty and inspire its protection: “It’s about how the next wave of growth can be contained. But I suppose this has been the Island’s destiny since early settlement.” >

The Phillip Island 150th Celebrations Planning Committee first came together in 2014 to begin planning the 150th anniversary. The focus of the celebrations is to recognise and celebrate our past 150 years, while also acknowledging and respecting our indigenous history and people, who walked this land for many thousands of years.

Bass Coast Shire Council joins the Phillip Island community as it marks the 150th year since crown land on Phillip Island was made available for settlement.

There are many descendants of early pioneers on the Island, and this year is special to them all. I too am a descendant of Phillip Island’s early pioneers. Two of my great grandfather’s brothers were drawn out of the first ballot on that fateful Monday morning on 2 November 1868, at the Courthouse in Schnapper Point, which is now known as Mornington.

The Esplanade Saturday, 3 November Following the parade, the Bendigo Bank Community Day will 12.00pm to 4.00pm be held along the Cowes Foreshore. The Community day runs Saturday, 3 November at 11.00am. In the tradition of New Year Eve’s parades over the years, the street parade will be a fun and lively community event. All groups are being encouraged to participate and be creative.

from 12.00pm to 4.00pm and will include rides, activities, a chance to catch up and lots more.

Historical Re-enactment of the Land Sales

The celebrations are made up of five main events: The Rhyll Wooden Boat Festival was the first feature event on the Phillip Island 150th Celebration year calendar. This small coastal village of some 500 residents offered visitors an amazing array of activities. This festival did an outstanding job of showcasing what can be achieved when the community pulls together.

The re-enactment of first land sales of Phillip Island will take place on Saturday, 10 November, and will be run by the Phillip Island and District Historical Society. It will also include a register for families of original descendants, whom the Society is inviting to inscribe their names for posterity. I imagine we shall see a lot of historic costumes in this re-enactment, which will take place on the Melbourne Cup weekend.

Cowes Town Square Saturday, 10 November The celebrations will culminate in a Gala Dinner held on Saturday, 10 November at the Phillip Island Prix Track 2.00pm toGrand 4.00pm pavilion. This event will be open to the entire community, with tickets available at the Cowes Cultural Centre or online at www.phillipisland150galadinner.eventbrite.com.

Gala Dinner

We invite everyone from the community to be a part of the celebrations.

Phillip Island Grand Prix Track To get involved Saturday, 10emailNovember 6.30pm phillipisland150@basscoast.vic.gov.au. tickets available online For more information, visit basscoast.vic.gov.au/phillipisland150 www.phillipisland150galadinner.eventbrite.com We will of course be making the most of the warmer weather * See Phillip Island 150 Years events on page 27. on the horizon. A Community Streetvia Parade Bass will be heldCoast on and Shire Customer Service at Cowes Cultural Centre 9.00am to 5.00pm.

A local portrait prize at the Artist Society of Phillip Island’s Easter Exhibition was another fabulous event. I was thrilled to be asked to sit for a number of artists, as one of the portrait subjects. As I found out, to sit still and retain the same expression for four hours (yes, there were breaks), takes so much concentration!

coast 30

coast 31

Born to fish RAY DICKIE Someone who knows the sheltered bays and wild straits that surround Phillip Island is fishing legend Ray Dickie. Born in 1936, growing up on his family’s small farm in San Remo was one big adventure. Each day before school he helped to milk twenty cows by hand, carried the milk to the dairy and checked his rabbit traps. “It was hard, but that was just life,” says Ray. “We loved it: we had a great time rabbiting, ferreting and shooting.”

Ray was always drawn to the sea. At age four he was rowing out with one of the village fishermen to catch leatherjackets on a handline, using rabbit for bait. He began taking the dinghy out by himself when he was only eight. “Those days of freedom are gone,” he says wistfully.

His school experience ended the day he turned fourteen: he hated it. “Dad died young and Mum was on her own, so I worked on a farm for six months, but that wasn’t me.” He started his fishing career working on couta boats in the bay and sometimes cray fishing in ocean waters, where he learnt respect for the power of the ocean. At sixteen, he bought his own nineteen-footer with a five-horsepower motor. “It cost three hundred pounds and I had to borrow two, but I caught my share of fish in her – couta mainly.”

As the years went by he ‘moved up’ in the fishing world, commissioning the construction of his own twenty-two-foot boat and thriving in an industry a lot of others ‘couldn’t hack’.

His new, larger vessel made him a little more up-market, and he took to each new venture like a fish to water. By eighteen, Ray was packing and sending his own catch to the Melbourne market as well as overseeing the quotas for the other San Remo fishermen. Years of absorbing the industry had paid off.

In 1960, he launched the Pamela J – a thirty-two-footer built

by Ken Laco in Newhaven. “That was the start of something big,” says Ray. He journeyed to Flinders and King islands for crays and shark while wife Judy held the fort at home with the kids. There were no modern-day communication devices – when the signal was clear, he would report into the base station by radio each day.

Unlike many other sailors, Ray has no rituals or superstitions.

He simply made the grade via his ‘slow and steady’ approach, always making sure he was home to play footy for Phillip Island on the weekends. He managed to clock up over 250 games for the club during his career.

You could say that Ray reigned during the golden era of the Island’s waters. He lucked into a time when fish were plentiful, and the industry was a little more varied and a lot less regulated. “In six weeks at Flinders Island we caught 120 bags of crays with only twenty-two pots. They couldn’t do that in a year with five times the amount of pots these days,” he says.

And they achieved this without radar, automatic pilots, GPS or echo-sounders.

Times changed, and greater regulation means that fishing is now tied up in paperwork and competition is fierce. “When I started cray fishing there were ten boats out of San Remo, now there’s only one or two. Today they have a hundred cray pots each. In my day, those ten boats would have only had twenty to thirty pots each. We had to put each pot out in position – there was a lot of skill involved. I learnt on the jetty as I was growing up – it was just natural.”

The catch of his life is undoubtedly his wife of sixty years, Judy.

They met at a dance at Newhaven Hall when she was only thirteen. Judy’s father, a farmer on nearby Churchill Island Road, ran the weekly dances with his loyal wife working the kitchen. Ray and Judy went on to share a life of fishing, with Judy working at the co-op and raising four children. More recently, they’ve travelled the world together.

Ray started fishing professionally at fourteen and after four fifty-foot boats, sharking, cray fishing and trawling, it was time to hang up his nets at sixty-five. Looking back, he enjoyed his period of cray fishing with his brother best of all.

“I can honestly say there was never a day I didn’t want to go fishing. I was born to fish, and I still go out today. I’ve never lived anywhere else and couldn’t think of anywhere else I’d rather be. I’ve been around the world, but there’s nothing like coming home …”

clothing : accessories : homewares : fabric : furniture

11 A’Beckett St, Inverloch | 15 Smith St, Warragul www.mookah.com.au

BUILD YOUR OWN CASTLE.

He began taking the dinghy out by himself when he was only eight.

Providing specialist financial advice in: Retirement Planning, Superannuation, Life & Personal Insurance and Investments.

Suite 3/33 McBride Avenue, Wonthaggi Phone: 5672 2205 enquiry@markfarmerfs.com.au www.markfarmerfs.com.au MARK FARMER IS AN AUTHORISED REPRESENTATIVE OF GWM SERVICES LIMITED, AN AUSTRALIAN FINANCIAL SERVICES LICENCEE WITH IT’S REGISTERED OFFICE AT 105-153 MILLER STREET NORTH SYDNEY NSW 2060.

coast 32

coast 33

Born to fish RAY DICKIE Someone who knows the sheltered bays and wild straits that surround Phillip Island is fishing legend Ray Dickie. Born in 1936, growing up on his family’s small farm in San Remo was one big adventure. Each day before school he helped to milk twenty cows by hand, carried the milk to the dairy and checked his rabbit traps. “It was hard, but that was just life,” says Ray. “We loved it: we had a great time rabbiting, ferreting and shooting.”

Ray was always drawn to the sea. At age four he was rowing out with one of the village fishermen to catch leatherjackets on a handline, using rabbit for bait. He began taking the dinghy out by himself when he was only eight. “Those days of freedom are gone,” he says wistfully.

His school experience ended the day he turned fourteen: he hated it. “Dad died young and Mum was on her own, so I worked on a farm for six months, but that wasn’t me.” He started his fishing career working on couta boats in the bay and sometimes cray fishing in ocean waters, where he learnt respect for the power of the ocean. At sixteen, he bought his own nineteen-footer with a five-horsepower motor. “It cost three hundred pounds and I had to borrow two, but I caught my share of fish in her – couta mainly.”

As the years went by he ‘moved up’ in the fishing world, commissioning the construction of his own twenty-two-foot boat and thriving in an industry a lot of others ‘couldn’t hack’.

His new, larger vessel made him a little more up-market, and he took to each new venture like a fish to water. By eighteen, Ray was packing and sending his own catch to the Melbourne market as well as overseeing the quotas for the other San Remo fishermen. Years of absorbing the industry had paid off.

In 1960, he launched the Pamela J – a thirty-two-footer built

by Ken Laco in Newhaven. “That was the start of something big,” says Ray. He journeyed to Flinders and King islands for crays and shark while wife Judy held the fort at home with the kids. There were no modern-day communication devices – when the signal was clear, he would report into the base station by radio each day.

Unlike many other sailors, Ray has no rituals or superstitions.

He simply made the grade via his ‘slow and steady’ approach, always making sure he was home to play footy for Phillip Island on the weekends. He managed to clock up over 250 games for the club during his career.

You could say that Ray reigned during the golden era of the Island’s waters. He lucked into a time when fish were plentiful, and the industry was a little more varied and a lot less regulated. “In six weeks at Flinders Island we caught 120 bags of crays with only twenty-two pots. They couldn’t do that in a year with five times the amount of pots these days,” he says.

And they achieved this without radar, automatic pilots, GPS or echo-sounders.

Times changed, and greater regulation means that fishing is now tied up in paperwork and competition is fierce. “When I started cray fishing there were ten boats out of San Remo, now there’s only one or two. Today they have a hundred cray pots each. In my day, those ten boats would have only had twenty to thirty pots each. We had to put each pot out in position – there was a lot of skill involved. I learnt on the jetty as I was growing up – it was just natural.”

The catch of his life is undoubtedly his wife of sixty years, Judy.

They met at a dance at Newhaven Hall when she was only thirteen. Judy’s father, a farmer on nearby Churchill Island Road, ran the weekly dances with his loyal wife working the kitchen. Ray and Judy went on to share a life of fishing, with Judy working at the co-op and raising four children. More recently, they’ve travelled the world together.

Ray started fishing professionally at fourteen and after four fifty-foot boats, sharking, cray fishing and trawling, it was time to hang up his nets at sixty-five. Looking back, he enjoyed his period of cray fishing with his brother best of all.

“I can honestly say there was never a day I didn’t want to go fishing. I was born to fish, and I still go out today. I’ve never lived anywhere else and couldn’t think of anywhere else I’d rather be. I’ve been around the world, but there’s nothing like coming home …”

clothing : accessories : homewares : fabric : furniture

11 A’Beckett St, Inverloch | 15 Smith St, Warragul www.mookah.com.au

BUILD YOUR OWN CASTLE.

He began taking the dinghy out by himself when he was only eight.

Providing specialist financial advice in: Retirement Planning, Superannuation, Life & Personal Insurance and Investments.

Suite 3/33 McBride Avenue, Wonthaggi Phone: 5672 2205 enquiry@markfarmerfs.com.au www.markfarmerfs.com.au MARK FARMER IS AN AUTHORISED REPRESENTATIVE OF GWM SERVICES LIMITED, AN AUSTRALIAN FINANCIAL SERVICES LICENCEE WITH IT’S REGISTERED OFFICE AT 105-153 MILLER STREET NORTH SYDNEY NSW 2060.

coast 32

coast 33

On the road to RECONCILIATION

Fostering the power of positive relationships and mutual respect is at the heart of Westernport Water’s journey to reconciliation.

In its broader sense, reconciliation means coming together.

Westernport Water’s journey began simply by listening and learning from our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

By acknowledging the past, the corporation is now moving forward in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, on a journey of reconciliation and healing.

“Our journey to reconciliation has helped individuals learn more about the area’s rich histories and develop a greater cultural awareness,” Geoff Russell, Westernport Water’s Manager of Communications and Engagement, notes.

“We understand the importance of embedding cultural awareness throughout our organisation and we will continually look for opportunities to develop an inclusive workplace.”

Westernport Water’s Managing Director, Peter Quigley explains.

“Our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) provides a roadmap for how we will work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and create opportunities for increased participation in water and land management.

“We have taken steps towards developing meaningful relationships, spending time engaging with the Registered Aboriginal Party, the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, Traditional Owners and interested local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community members before committing to any particular approach.

“Cultural awareness training sessions and guided walks were enlightening, and our team have embraced each opportunity to learn more about our community and the world’s longest surviving cultures.”

“We are in a unique position as a government water corporation and natural resource manager to actively work with our communities to acknowledge, respect and protect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and wellbeing.

“Our RAP formalises our commitment to reconciliation and we are now focusing on delivering the specific actions and initiatives.”

“The Bunurong Land Council are proud of our relationship with Westernport Water to achieve dual outcomes to care for our ancestors’ lands and waterways, and to support the local community who call the Bass Coast home,” said Mr Magennis.

Bunurong Land Council Cultural Heritage Advisor and Traditional Owner Adam Magennis adds, “Reconciliation and recognition of the First Australians is a significant social and cultural outcome for organisations that work and operate on this country. The Bunurong Land Council are proud of our relationship with Westernport Water to achieve dual outcomes to care for our ancestors’ lands and waterways, and to support the local community who call the Bass Coast home”.

Today, Westernport Water is not only committed to delivering its RAP but moving forward in partnership with the Phillip Island Nature Parks, Bass Coast Shire Council, Bass Coast South Gippsland Reconciliation Group, Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community members to advocate for reconciliation and recognition across the region.

To get involved with Westernport Water’s reconciliation activities please email communications@westernportwater.com.au To read Westernport Water’s RAP, visit westernportwater.com.au

Surfboard artwork designed by Steve Ulula Parker, descendant of the Yorta Yorta, Boon Wurrung, Erub Torres Strait Island.

coast 35

On the road to RECONCILIATION

Fostering the power of positive relationships and mutual respect is at the heart of Westernport Water’s journey to reconciliation.

In its broader sense, reconciliation means coming together.

Westernport Water’s journey began simply by listening and learning from our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

By acknowledging the past, the corporation is now moving forward in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, on a journey of reconciliation and healing.

“Our journey to reconciliation has helped individuals learn more about the area’s rich histories and develop a greater cultural awareness,” Geoff Russell, Westernport Water’s Manager of Communications and Engagement, notes.

“We understand the importance of embedding cultural awareness throughout our organisation and we will continually look for opportunities to develop an inclusive workplace.”

Westernport Water’s Managing Director, Peter Quigley explains.

“Our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) provides a roadmap for how we will work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and create opportunities for increased participation in water and land management.

“We have taken steps towards developing meaningful relationships, spending time engaging with the Registered Aboriginal Party, the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, Traditional Owners and interested local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community members before committing to any particular approach.

“Cultural awareness training sessions and guided walks were enlightening, and our team have embraced each opportunity to learn more about our community and the world’s longest surviving cultures.”

“We are in a unique position as a government water corporation and natural resource manager to actively work with our communities to acknowledge, respect and protect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and wellbeing.

“Our RAP formalises our commitment to reconciliation and we are now focusing on delivering the specific actions and initiatives.”

“The Bunurong Land Council are proud of our relationship with Westernport Water to achieve dual outcomes to care for our ancestors’ lands and waterways, and to support the local community who call the Bass Coast home,” said Mr Magennis.

Bunurong Land Council Cultural Heritage Advisor and Traditional Owner Adam Magennis adds, “Reconciliation and recognition of the First Australians is a significant social and cultural outcome for organisations that work and operate on this country. The Bunurong Land Council are proud of our relationship with Westernport Water to achieve dual outcomes to care for our ancestors’ lands and waterways, and to support the local community who call the Bass Coast home”.

Today, Westernport Water is not only committed to delivering its RAP but moving forward in partnership with the Phillip Island Nature Parks, Bass Coast Shire Council, Bass Coast South Gippsland Reconciliation Group, Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community members to advocate for reconciliation and recognition across the region.

To get involved with Westernport Water’s reconciliation activities please email communications@westernportwater.com.au To read Westernport Water’s RAP, visit westernportwater.com.au

Surfboard artwork designed by Steve Ulula Parker, descendant of the Yorta Yorta, Boon Wurrung, Erub Torres Strait Island.

coast 35

The

ggood ood llifee

D e s i g n e rs of styl i s h , f u n ct i o nal an d sustai nab l e bu i l d i n g s .

GOOD FOR YOU GOOD FOR THE EARTH Green, eco-friendly, sustainable, recycled, renewable, compostable, biodegradable, low-carbon footprint, low VOC, responsible, organic, handmade, outdoor… The good life is all about doing what is right by you and the environment, whether choosing builders, sourcing sustainable products or shopping for local produce. Even selecting handmade goods over massmanufactured products is a step towards reducing your footprint.

If you’re looking for an easy place to start, consider your lunchbox – how far has everything inside it travelled – from the carrot sticks and apple to the chocolate hidden underneath it all… With 7.4 billion people on Earth, if the ingredients in everyone’s lunch travels total on average of a quarter of Earths circumference in one day that’s a lot of miles (or 74,559,537,500,000 to be exact)… Remember, even small steps can make all the difference.

W W W. D B D E S I G N . C O M . A U 03 5672 1144 47 GRAHAM STREET WONTHAGGI 3995, VICTORIA. coast 37

The

ggood ood llifee

D e s i g n e rs of styl i s h , f u n ct i o nal an d sustai nab l e bu i l d i n g s .

GOOD FOR YOU GOOD FOR THE EARTH Green, eco-friendly, sustainable, recycled, renewable, compostable, biodegradable, low-carbon footprint, low VOC, responsible, organic, handmade, outdoor… The good life is all about doing what is right by you and the environment, whether choosing builders, sourcing sustainable products or shopping for local produce. Even selecting handmade goods over massmanufactured products is a step towards reducing your footprint.

If you’re looking for an easy place to start, consider your lunchbox – how far has everything inside it travelled – from the carrot sticks and apple to the chocolate hidden underneath it all… With 7.4 billion people on Earth, if the ingredients in everyone’s lunch travels total on average of a quarter of Earths circumference in one day that’s a lot of miles (or 74,559,537,500,000 to be exact)… Remember, even small steps can make all the difference.

W W W. D B D E S I G N . C O M . A U 03 5672 1144 47 GRAHAM STREET WONTHAGGI 3995, VICTORIA. coast 37

The sanctuary

GRACE LANDSCAPES

Anyone can throw in some plants and call it a garden, but it takes experience, knowledge and passion to build a sanctuary. A sanctuary one can escape into after work and on weekends, a space that grows into the environment, a space that reflects the individual…

Spearheaded by Heath Grace, Grace Landscapes is about to celebrate their 10th anniversary, but Heath’s experience goes back to his childhood days when he started collecting cacti then bonsai, succulents… the list is endless. With work history including Phillip Johnson Landscapes (winner of 2013 Chelsea Flower Show) and multi-million-dollar R.H.A commercial projects – Heath has worked on a variety of assignments around Melbourne and Phillip Island, as project manager.

Landscaping takes time. It’s been two years since one of his Cape Woolamai commissions was completed, but only now has it started to come into its own – the plants, bushes and trees have matured, and the landscape has finally been realised.

Capturing local elements, the brief was straightforward – highlight Cape Woolamai and keep it low-maintenance. For Heath this was a blessing; his favourites are natives. Attracting local fauna and showcasing beautiful flora, natives also have higher success rates. The old stigma is gone – hybrids and enhanced flora species mean there is now a larger selection to

Design Solutions, Beautiful Landscapes LIVING ART

|

LANDSCAPE DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION

choose from – including more size options for our traditional gums. The eucalypt variety comprising of three and five-meter options, not just 10 and 60.

With succulents added for colour and contrast, granite sand for practicality and pink granite, once mined in Cape Woolamai and still found in its natural state, distributed (carefully) throughout, the landscape is a true sanctuary the owners can escape within.

Sustainably-sourced Spotted Gum was used for the front fence, decking and lower façade. The old pail fence was treated with oil to bringing out the natural grain; transforming a tired, boring necessity to life. Soils were imported to add beautiful, undulating mounds and trails that worked with the natural Cape Woolamai sand dunes.

Pulling up to Heath’s creations, one is in awe – you feel instantly relaxed and the worries of the day disappear. With an array of options for interiors as well, there has never been a better time to bring living art into your life. Courses and workshops available.

Heath Grace 0404 596 504 | Nela Grace 0434 423 339 8 Vista Place CAPE WOOLAMAI | Open 6 days | 10am – 7pm Wed - Sat | 10am – 3pm Sun - Tues (closed Mondays) www.heathgracelandscapes.com |

coast 38

@GRACELANDSCAPES

The sanctuary

GRACE LANDSCAPES

Anyone can throw in some plants and call it a garden, but it takes experience, knowledge and passion to build a sanctuary. A sanctuary one can escape into after work and on weekends, a space that grows into the environment, a space that reflects the individual…

Spearheaded by Heath Grace, Grace Landscapes is about to celebrate their 10th anniversary, but Heath’s experience goes back to his childhood days when he started collecting cacti then bonsai, succulents… the list is endless. With work history including Phillip Johnson Landscapes (winner of 2013 Chelsea Flower Show) and multi-million-dollar R.H.A commercial projects – Heath has worked on a variety of assignments around Melbourne and Phillip Island, as project manager.

Landscaping takes time. It’s been two years since one of his Cape Woolamai commissions was completed, but only now has it started to come into its own – the plants, bushes and trees have matured, and the landscape has finally been realised.

Capturing local elements, the brief was straightforward – highlight Cape Woolamai and keep it low-maintenance. For Heath this was a blessing; his favourites are natives. Attracting local fauna and showcasing beautiful flora, natives also have higher success rates. The old stigma is gone – hybrids and enhanced flora species mean there is now a larger selection to

Design Solutions, Beautiful Landscapes LIVING ART

|

LANDSCAPE DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION

choose from – including more size options for our traditional gums. The eucalypt variety comprising of three and five-meter options, not just 10 and 60.

With succulents added for colour and contrast, granite sand for practicality and pink granite, once mined in Cape Woolamai and still found in its natural state, distributed (carefully) throughout, the landscape is a true sanctuary the owners can escape within.

Sustainably-sourced Spotted Gum was used for the front fence, decking and lower façade. The old pail fence was treated with oil to bringing out the natural grain; transforming a tired, boring necessity to life. Soils were imported to add beautiful, undulating mounds and trails that worked with the natural Cape Woolamai sand dunes.

Pulling up to Heath’s creations, one is in awe – you feel instantly relaxed and the worries of the day disappear. With an array of options for interiors as well, there has never been a better time to bring living art into your life. Courses and workshops available.

Heath Grace 0404 596 504 | Nela Grace 0434 423 339 8 Vista Place CAPE WOOLAMAI | Open 6 days | 10am – 7pm Wed - Sat | 10am – 3pm Sun - Tues (closed Mondays) www.heathgracelandscapes.com |

coast 38

@GRACELANDSCAPES

THE GOOD LIFE

Building Design & Architectural Drafting

BUILDING & DESIGN

BEACH HOUSE CONSTRUCTIONS Your award-winning design and construct specialist. Accredited GreenSmart builders, our homes are designed to improve energy, resource and waste efficiency and create healthier homes.

We provide a wide range of designs, quality materials and our exceptional team deliver outstanding service from start to finish. New display home in Blairgowrie on the Mornington Peninsula.

BEAUMONT CONCEPTS

DB DESIGN

ECOLIV BUILDINGS

Beaumont Concepts Building Designs are unique. Each individual design is carefully matched to your environment, desires and lifestyle. Your dream home will be healthy, comfortable, environmentally friendly, costeffective, liveable, functional and stylish. Our designs capitalise on natural elements to reduce energy output, ensuring an environmentally-friendly home with the highest possible energy rating.

Darren Brown has over 20-years’ experience and is one of the region’s leading building design professionals. db design removes confusion from the building, design and documentation process. With our extensive network of building professionals, consultants and builders, we provide clients with choice and flexibility throughout every stage of their building project and offer a unique level of assistance.

Ecoliv Sustainable Buildings are architecturally designed modular homes with inspiring, functional living spaces and a minimum 7-star energy rating.

Our prefabricated modular homes provide a compact yet functional solution, flexible enough to suit your lifestyle and location.

www.dbdesign.com.au or call 5672 1144.

www.ecoliv.com.au or call 5672 5196.

www.beachhouseconstructions. www.beaumontconcepts.com. au or call 5672 5196. com.au or call 0418 595 410.

BUILDING & DESIGN

ISLAND ENERGY

JDESIGN GROUP

MODHOUSE

ONSITE DESIGN

Your local solar specialists. We offer a range of renewable products and other energy related services.

By using our energy-efficient products you could potentially save thousands of dollars in energy costs each year. We offer a large range of Solar products and provide installation and after-sales service. We also supply, install and maintain all types of air conditioning units.

We bring your ideas to life, with strong, structurally-sound monuments of architecture, design and living space. Working with you to design your dream home, we pride ourselves on ensuring your home optimises your life. We utilise passive design elements with sustainable materials, to ensure a higher energy rating and efficiency of your dwelling.

Creating spaces that are aesthetically desirable, functional, affordable and sustainable by using local trades, craftsman and suppliers to reduce carbon miles. We carefully consider the end user and make sure every step of the process is affordable, with intention and has the least environmental impact. With 7.1+ star energy ratings build your own shipping container conversion today.

Crafting superior-quality spaces for you.

www.modhouse.com.au or call 0418 595 410.

www.onsitedesign.com.au or call 0402 620 094.

www.islandenergy.com.au or call 1300 534 110.

www.jdesigngroup.com.au or call 5674 2506.

Guiding you from the initial design concept through to acquiring building permits, the team at Onsite Design are with you every step of the way - whether large or small-scale. With flexibility to select a builder of choice, get in touch today to discuss your ideas.

CRAF TED SPACES TO SUIT YOUR LIFEST YLE BASS COAST | MORNINGTON PENINSULA | MELBOURNE

Call to book an appointment 0402 620 094 www.onsitedesign.com.au Member Building Designers Association Victoria

coast 40

onsite_design_au

onsitedesignau

THE GOOD LIFE

Building Design & Architectural Drafting

BUILDING & DESIGN

BEACH HOUSE CONSTRUCTIONS Your award-winning design and construct specialist. Accredited GreenSmart builders, our homes are designed to improve energy, resource and waste efficiency and create healthier homes.

We provide a wide range of designs, quality materials and our exceptional team deliver outstanding service from start to finish. New display home in Blairgowrie on the Mornington Peninsula.

BEAUMONT CONCEPTS

DB DESIGN

ECOLIV BUILDINGS

Beaumont Concepts Building Designs are unique. Each individual design is carefully matched to your environment, desires and lifestyle. Your dream home will be healthy, comfortable, environmentally friendly, costeffective, liveable, functional and stylish. Our designs capitalise on natural elements to reduce energy output, ensuring an environmentally-friendly home with the highest possible energy rating.

Darren Brown has over 20-years’ experience and is one of the region’s leading building design professionals. db design removes confusion from the building, design and documentation process. With our extensive network of building professionals, consultants and builders, we provide clients with choice and flexibility throughout every stage of their building project and offer a unique level of assistance.

Ecoliv Sustainable Buildings are architecturally designed modular homes with inspiring, functional living spaces and a minimum 7-star energy rating.

Our prefabricated modular homes provide a compact yet functional solution, flexible enough to suit your lifestyle and location.

www.dbdesign.com.au or call 5672 1144.

www.ecoliv.com.au or call 5672 5196.

www.beachhouseconstructions. www.beaumontconcepts.com. au or call 5672 5196. com.au or call 0418 595 410.

BUILDING & DESIGN

ISLAND ENERGY

JDESIGN GROUP

MODHOUSE

ONSITE DESIGN

Your local solar specialists. We offer a range of renewable products and other energy related services.

By using our energy-efficient products you could potentially save thousands of dollars in energy costs each year. We offer a large range of Solar products and provide installation and after-sales service. We also supply, install and maintain all types of air conditioning units.

We bring your ideas to life, with strong, structurally-sound monuments of architecture, design and living space. Working with you to design your dream home, we pride ourselves on ensuring your home optimises your life. We utilise passive design elements with sustainable materials, to ensure a higher energy rating and efficiency of your dwelling.

Creating spaces that are aesthetically desirable, functional, affordable and sustainable by using local trades, craftsman and suppliers to reduce carbon miles. We carefully consider the end user and make sure every step of the process is affordable, with intention and has the least environmental impact. With 7.1+ star energy ratings build your own shipping container conversion today.

Crafting superior-quality spaces for you.

www.modhouse.com.au or call 0418 595 410.

www.onsitedesign.com.au or call 0402 620 094.

www.islandenergy.com.au or call 1300 534 110.

www.jdesigngroup.com.au or call 5674 2506.

Guiding you from the initial design concept through to acquiring building permits, the team at Onsite Design are with you every step of the way - whether large or small-scale. With flexibility to select a builder of choice, get in touch today to discuss your ideas.

CRAF TED SPACES TO SUIT YOUR LIFEST YLE BASS COAST | MORNINGTON PENINSULA | MELBOURNE

Call to book an appointment 0402 620 094 www.onsitedesign.com.au Member Building Designers Association Victoria

coast 40

onsite_design_au

onsitedesignau

words katie cincotta photos warren reed

AN

ocean

OF LOVE

Of all the ways to meet a soul mate, surely the Tinder app – swipe right for like, swipe left to reject – rates as one of the least romantic.

Perhaps second only to a stint on a reality TV show, which is where Leigh Jackson found himself in 2014 on Nine’s rural match making venture, When Love Comes to Town.

Hairdresser by day, rock guitarist by night – Sale’s charming bachelor was enlisted as a prize catch for single city girls touring the country in a love bus.

The reality romance was huge news for the town of Sale but a fizzer for the long-haired lothario. “I think we let it play out the way the producers wanted us to – held hands and off into the sunset for the cameras – and then just went our separate ways.” The girl went back to Perth and Leigh went back to Tinder, hardly suspecting a serendipitous connection through the hook up app.

Sarah McDonald had just landed back in Warragul after a stint in New Zealand. The two were a match on the app, decided to catch up for a drink in Drouin and spoke for the

coast 42

next few hours about their passion for the ocean. “Then he came back to mum’s house and I made him watch a shark documentary. My Nana recognised him from the show: ‘Is that Leigh the hairdresser from Sale?’,” laughs Sarah.

The connection was instant and within a few weeks they’d moved in together in a flat on noisy Chapel St. After an emotional gap year, a life intermission as Leigh describes it, they took one more crack at the city life.

But it didn’t take long before they felt the monotony of the conveyor belt. Despite a successful career in media sales, Sarah started to feel trapped by the corporate jungle. “I felt like no one was being their true self, everyone was putting on a show including me. Partying, drinks, buying clothes.”

Leigh was starting to feel the same, having burnt himself out working as a hairdresser, Uber driver and musician.

For Sarah, the catalyst for change happened on a peak hour train ride. “Everybody’s rammed in there looking miserable, staring down at their phones. And a stop before mine, there were a couple of ladies trying to get off and nobody would move to let them. There was no awareness, everybody was just looking out for themselves and it really upset me. I just felt like I couldn’t live that life any more. It felt so toxic.”

was planning to work on superyachts in the Florida Quays or the Mediterranean.” “And then he met me,” laughs Sarah.

Leigh could see the city lifestyle making Sarah sick – literally – his girlfriend drawing in on herself with gut issues and anxiety. “I thought, we can just drift along and get those dollars, or we can actually do something about this and feel better and enjoy our life,” he says.

But the desire for change kept pulling at them like a tidal force. They were drawn to Cape Patterson; Sarah having holidayed there as a child, and Leigh as a teenager chasing good surf. “We stayed in Cape for a weekend and just fell in love with it, and couldn’t handle Melbourne anymore. We had always wanted to do this but had thought we’d wait until we were older, but then we just decided why not now?

We applied for a rental, got it, quit our jobs and moved down here to put our happiness and our health above everything else.”

Each faced the same dilemma – how to move forward with a fulfilling life. “I wanted to be by the ocean. I wanted to be on the water. I had recently qualified as a deck hand and

Since then, Sarah and Leigh have fallen in love with the community aspects of their small coastal town. They’ve made new friends, source fresh produce from local markets >

coast 43

words katie cincotta photos warren reed

AN

ocean

OF LOVE

Of all the ways to meet a soul mate, surely the Tinder app – swipe right for like, swipe left to reject – rates as one of the least romantic.

Perhaps second only to a stint on a reality TV show, which is where Leigh Jackson found himself in 2014 on Nine’s rural match making venture, When Love Comes to Town.

Hairdresser by day, rock guitarist by night – Sale’s charming bachelor was enlisted as a prize catch for single city girls touring the country in a love bus.

The reality romance was huge news for the town of Sale but a fizzer for the long-haired lothario. “I think we let it play out the way the producers wanted us to – held hands and off into the sunset for the cameras – and then just went our separate ways.” The girl went back to Perth and Leigh went back to Tinder, hardly suspecting a serendipitous connection through the hook up app.

Sarah McDonald had just landed back in Warragul after a stint in New Zealand. The two were a match on the app, decided to catch up for a drink in Drouin and spoke for the

coast 42

next few hours about their passion for the ocean. “Then he came back to mum’s house and I made him watch a shark documentary. My Nana recognised him from the show: ‘Is that Leigh the hairdresser from Sale?’,” laughs Sarah.

The connection was instant and within a few weeks they’d moved in together in a flat on noisy Chapel St. After an emotional gap year, a life intermission as Leigh describes it, they took one more crack at the city life.

But it didn’t take long before they felt the monotony of the conveyor belt. Despite a successful career in media sales, Sarah started to feel trapped by the corporate jungle. “I felt like no one was being their true self, everyone was putting on a show including me. Partying, drinks, buying clothes.”

Leigh was starting to feel the same, having burnt himself out working as a hairdresser, Uber driver and musician.

For Sarah, the catalyst for change happened on a peak hour train ride. “Everybody’s rammed in there looking miserable, staring down at their phones. And a stop before mine, there were a couple of ladies trying to get off and nobody would move to let them. There was no awareness, everybody was just looking out for themselves and it really upset me. I just felt like I couldn’t live that life any more. It felt so toxic.”

was planning to work on superyachts in the Florida Quays or the Mediterranean.” “And then he met me,” laughs Sarah.

Leigh could see the city lifestyle making Sarah sick – literally – his girlfriend drawing in on herself with gut issues and anxiety. “I thought, we can just drift along and get those dollars, or we can actually do something about this and feel better and enjoy our life,” he says.

But the desire for change kept pulling at them like a tidal force. They were drawn to Cape Patterson; Sarah having holidayed there as a child, and Leigh as a teenager chasing good surf. “We stayed in Cape for a weekend and just fell in love with it, and couldn’t handle Melbourne anymore. We had always wanted to do this but had thought we’d wait until we were older, but then we just decided why not now?

We applied for a rental, got it, quit our jobs and moved down here to put our happiness and our health above everything else.”

Each faced the same dilemma – how to move forward with a fulfilling life. “I wanted to be by the ocean. I wanted to be on the water. I had recently qualified as a deck hand and

Since then, Sarah and Leigh have fallen in love with the community aspects of their small coastal town. They’ve made new friends, source fresh produce from local markets >

coast 43

Ne

and consider every small gesture that might help nurture their bodies and the planet. “I think some people put their health and environmental issues in the too hard basket. That’s why I started the A Lazy Girl’s Holistic Life on Instagram. It’s about looking at things from a different perspective.”

“We stayed in Cape for a weekend and just fell in love with it.”

The pub at Archies Creek has become a hub for young ‘hipster’ sea changers like themselves fashioning less consumeristic lives on the coast. “It’s a dimly lit pub with beautiful old furniture and it’s got that great homely feel to it. They do American style street food made from local produce, have craft beer on tap and run trivia, spin your vinyl nights and support local musicians,” says Leigh.

The couple feel there’s a groundswell of holistic thinking across Gippsland. “There seems to be a lot of people and businesses doing amazing things for the community and environment, people coming together, people making plans for how we can make a difference,” says Sarah. “People are looking for easier ways to live and make their money. You can see a shift towards a more sustainable way of thinking,” adds Leigh.

They agree living on the coast has moved environmental responsibility to the forefront of their thinking. “When you live on the coast you’re almost forced to think about what you’re tipping down the drain. When you’re 300 metres from the beach, you think about what’s flowing out into the storm water and into the ocean,” says Leigh.

For the last year, Leigh has been working as a deck hand with an abalone diver. On calm days, the two of them set off on a fibreglass fishing boat in search of rocky outcrops lined with the precious sea snails tucked into pearlescent shells. The marine mollusc has been in demand for thousands of years as a high-status delicacy fetching more than $100 a kilogram in countries like China. Fisheries are working hard to keep the seafood sustainable, halving catch quotas in recent years from 16 to 8 tonne a year per licence.

It’s a risky business, driving the boat close to rocks surrounded by breaking waves like the shark feeding ground of Seal Rocks.

He’s also in charge of the diver’s oxygen supply. “I need to watch his air. He’s breathing through a line attached to the boat. The motor has stopped a few times so if he’s down 20 metres that air in the tank is going to run out real quick.”

They communicate by tugging on the hooker line. “It’s like the kindergarten version of Morse code. Two tugs is: ‘I want you to come up when you’re ready’. Three tugs is: ‘Come up right now, there’s a problem.’ Ten tugs is: ‘There’s a shark, get under a rock.”

When the ocean is your office you also share it with whales.

“I’ve seen four whales this week – a pair of Southern Rights at Cape Schanck and a pair of Humpbacks out off Seal Rocks.

When you’re up close to them, it’s like you’re thrust into this trance. They’re such regal creatures.”

A conversation about the ocean brought Sarah and Leigh together and now it’s fuelling their passion for a better way to live – a sea change they hope others might consider in the push for a less angst-ridden society. The ocean now sits at the core of their lives – Leigh an avid surfer, Sarah a keen scuba diver – the noise of the city a distant memory. Sarah explains: “We used to fall asleep to the sound of trains and here we couldn’t fall asleep because it was so quiet. Now we just love waking up to the sound of the ocean.”

Nest are proud stockists of Fressko Flasks. Say no to single use plastic bottles and take-away cups and say hello to sustainable style.

Nests are woven together with a twig from here, a feather from there.

Every piece is carefully selected and has a different story to tell.

Our Nest is about bringing together the most beautiful goods for you to select for your own nest. Many of which are exclusive ranges and new products to Australia, as well as local and global goodies.

We pride ourselves on our unique range of environmentally friendly products.

When it comes to conscious living, we have you covered with sustainable beeswax wraps, keep cups and flasks, skincare and soaps with no added nasties, a range of men’s bags made from up-cycled military tents and truck tarps, children’s bamboo dinnerware and lunch boxes which are BPA, BPS and phthalate-free, and 100 percent recyclable. And so much more…

You’ll find us nestled behind Dirty Three Wines in Inverloch’s trendy industrial space.

0428 968 325 64 Cashin Street Inverloch nestgiftwareandgallery coast 44

nestgiftwareandgallery

Ne

and consider every small gesture that might help nurture their bodies and the planet. “I think some people put their health and environmental issues in the too hard basket. That’s why I started the A Lazy Girl’s Holistic Life on Instagram. It’s about looking at things from a different perspective.”

“We stayed in Cape for a weekend and just fell in love with it.”

The pub at Archies Creek has become a hub for young ‘hipster’ sea changers like themselves fashioning less consumeristic lives on the coast. “It’s a dimly lit pub with beautiful old furniture and it’s got that great homely feel to it. They do American style street food made from local produce, have craft beer on tap and run trivia, spin your vinyl nights and support local musicians,” says Leigh.

The couple feel there’s a groundswell of holistic thinking across Gippsland. “There seems to be a lot of people and businesses doing amazing things for the community and environment, people coming together, people making plans for how we can make a difference,” says Sarah. “People are looking for easier ways to live and make their money. You can see a shift towards a more sustainable way of thinking,” adds Leigh.

They agree living on the coast has moved environmental responsibility to the forefront of their thinking. “When you live on the coast you’re almost forced to think about what you’re tipping down the drain. When you’re 300 metres from the beach, you think about what’s flowing out into the storm water and into the ocean,” says Leigh.

For the last year, Leigh has been working as a deck hand with an abalone diver. On calm days, the two of them set off on a fibreglass fishing boat in search of rocky outcrops lined with the precious sea snails tucked into pearlescent shells. The marine mollusc has been in demand for thousands of years as a high-status delicacy fetching more than $100 a kilogram in countries like China. Fisheries are working hard to keep the seafood sustainable, halving catch quotas in recent years from 16 to 8 tonne a year per licence.

It’s a risky business, driving the boat close to rocks surrounded by breaking waves like the shark feeding ground of Seal Rocks.

He’s also in charge of the diver’s oxygen supply. “I need to watch his air. He’s breathing through a line attached to the boat. The motor has stopped a few times so if he’s down 20 metres that air in the tank is going to run out real quick.”

They communicate by tugging on the hooker line. “It’s like the kindergarten version of Morse code. Two tugs is: ‘I want you to come up when you’re ready’. Three tugs is: ‘Come up right now, there’s a problem.’ Ten tugs is: ‘There’s a shark, get under a rock.”

When the ocean is your office you also share it with whales.

“I’ve seen four whales this week – a pair of Southern Rights at Cape Schanck and a pair of Humpbacks out off Seal Rocks.

When you’re up close to them, it’s like you’re thrust into this trance. They’re such regal creatures.”

A conversation about the ocean brought Sarah and Leigh together and now it’s fuelling their passion for a better way to live – a sea change they hope others might consider in the push for a less angst-ridden society. The ocean now sits at the core of their lives – Leigh an avid surfer, Sarah a keen scuba diver – the noise of the city a distant memory. Sarah explains: “We used to fall asleep to the sound of trains and here we couldn’t fall asleep because it was so quiet. Now we just love waking up to the sound of the ocean.”

Nest are proud stockists of Fressko Flasks. Say no to single use plastic bottles and take-away cups and say hello to sustainable style.

Nests are woven together with a twig from here, a feather from there.

Every piece is carefully selected and has a different story to tell.

Our Nest is about bringing together the most beautiful goods for you to select for your own nest. Many of which are exclusive ranges and new products to Australia, as well as local and global goodies.

We pride ourselves on our unique range of environmentally friendly products.

When it comes to conscious living, we have you covered with sustainable beeswax wraps, keep cups and flasks, skincare and soaps with no added nasties, a range of men’s bags made from up-cycled military tents and truck tarps, children’s bamboo dinnerware and lunch boxes which are BPA, BPS and phthalate-free, and 100 percent recyclable. And so much more…

You’ll find us nestled behind Dirty Three Wines in Inverloch’s trendy industrial space.

0428 968 325 64 Cashin Street Inverloch nestgiftwareandgallery coast 44

nestgiftwareandgallery

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H O L I D AY V I L L A S H O M E O F F I C E S G U E S T A C C O M M O D AT I O N G R A N N Y F L AT S

Australia’s most beautiful T R A N S P O R TA B L E buiYings f

@soulspacestudios

P: 0418 177 979

w w w. s o u l s p a c e s t u d i o s. c o m. a u

Peace by Piece.

Using mosaics is telling a story in small pieces.

Mosaic Classes with Heather Fahnle.

COMMISSIONS WELCOME

Heather

Fahnle

M O S A I C S B Y T H E B AY

www.fahnle.com.au |

Mosaics By The Bay | heather@fahnle.com.au Work available at The Outer Space, Meeniyan

| t: 0417 562 625

.

.

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H O L I D AY V I L L A S H O M E O F F I C E S G U E S T A C C O M M O D AT I O N G R A N N Y F L AT S

Australia’s most beautiful T R A N S P O R TA B L E buiYings f

@soulspacestudios

P: 0418 177 979

w w w. s o u l s p a c e s t u d i o s. c o m. a u

Peace by Piece.

Using mosaics is telling a story in small pieces.

Mosaic Classes with Heather Fahnle.

COMMISSIONS WELCOME

Heather

Fahnle

M O S A I C S B Y T H E B AY

www.fahnle.com.au |

Mosaics By The Bay | heather@fahnle.com.au Work available at The Outer Space, Meeniyan

| t: 0417 562 625

surfer profile

words sally o’neill photos kane brown

Do the

WRIGHT THING

A religious force + a force of nature = surfing for Carl Wright. Named after St Kilda ruckman Carl Ditterich, he shares all the grit, talent and skill of his footballer namesake – he just chose a board rather than a Sherrin.

Carl recently felt the full brunt of nature when his boat was flipped by a wave on the coral coast off Fiji’s main island.

Thankfully everyone was okay, and his worship of the sport hasn’t wavered. “Surfing really is my religion,” he says. “It’s a practice that requires faith in yourself and your mates.”

Walking in to surf Shipstern’s Bluff in Tasmania with Sandy Ryan was a pilgrimage he’ll never forget. “It was a memorable surfing moment for me: being taken under Sandy’s wing, hiking in before sunrise with a torch, surfing all day on the biggest waves I’d ever surfed, and hiking back.” Sandy is someone Carl has always looked up to. “He took me out to Express Point for the first time and I got caught on the inside,”

coast 48

Carl explains. “Sandy reached out his hand to pull me through the wave – that has stuck in my mind forever.”

Born at Cowes Hospital in 1988, Carl spent his early years on Phillip Island before his father landed a job in Suva, Fiji. The family made the move, with his youngest brother Marcus born just weeks after arriving in the new country. The following five years were formative as he attended school and was literally pushed out of a boat and into the surf for the first time. “The Passageway is a mellow righthand wave requiring boat access and can only be surfed on high tide. My overriding memories are of my older brother Ryan and I being woken up by Dad in the dark before school on the week that the tide was high in >

coast 49

surfer profile

words sally o’neill photos kane brown

Do the

WRIGHT THING

A religious force + a force of nature = surfing for Carl Wright. Named after St Kilda ruckman Carl Ditterich, he shares all the grit, talent and skill of his footballer namesake – he just chose a board rather than a Sherrin.

Carl recently felt the full brunt of nature when his boat was flipped by a wave on the coral coast off Fiji’s main island.

Thankfully everyone was okay, and his worship of the sport hasn’t wavered. “Surfing really is my religion,” he says. “It’s a practice that requires faith in yourself and your mates.”

Walking in to surf Shipstern’s Bluff in Tasmania with Sandy Ryan was a pilgrimage he’ll never forget. “It was a memorable surfing moment for me: being taken under Sandy’s wing, hiking in before sunrise with a torch, surfing all day on the biggest waves I’d ever surfed, and hiking back.” Sandy is someone Carl has always looked up to. “He took me out to Express Point for the first time and I got caught on the inside,”

coast 48

Carl explains. “Sandy reached out his hand to pull me through the wave – that has stuck in my mind forever.”

Born at Cowes Hospital in 1988, Carl spent his early years on Phillip Island before his father landed a job in Suva, Fiji. The family made the move, with his youngest brother Marcus born just weeks after arriving in the new country. The following five years were formative as he attended school and was literally pushed out of a boat and into the surf for the first time. “The Passageway is a mellow righthand wave requiring boat access and can only be surfed on high tide. My overriding memories are of my older brother Ryan and I being woken up by Dad in the dark before school on the week that the tide was high in >

coast 49

“...you always run into someone you know, and I like that.” the morning and thinking ‘Ohhhh no, do we have to get up again?’” They were rewarded with a sleep-in the following week.

Despite the early rises he is forever grateful to his dad for the disciplined regime that cemented his unwavering love of the ocean. “It may sound a little forced, but it never was. Surfing was formed in my mind before I even had a chance to think about it.” He recalls the bright-yellow, seven-foot board of those times. “I cannot stress enough the importance of riding a big board while learning or developing your surfing.”

The family moved back to Phillip Island when Carl was in grade four, plunging him into the icy southern waters. It was a culture shock to wear a wetsuit and brave the Island’s raw and rugged elements. In between surfs he managed to find time to complete high school. “I would say surfing has undoubtedly shaped my life and life choices,” Carl reflects. He completed a carpentry apprenticeship on Phillip Island before pursuing work in Western Australia’s Pilbara region. “I knew that positioning myself in a town with no surf meant that I would be able to work hard without the temptation of an early finish if the surf was up,” he laughs.

his locker before a heat but being blocked by Mick Fanning who was steely-eyed and entering his ‘zone’ before what could be his last-ever heat was a very surreal experience. “There was no way I was going to ask the champ to move just for me to get my headphones.” In round two against Filipe Toledo on Easter Saturday morning, he tried tricking himself into thinking it was just another surf and kept his eyes locked on the horizon. “As Mick caught his last wave, the crowd of thousands erupted. It was definitely not your average surf.”

It also gave Carl an insight into the reality of the circuit. “It was a reminder of how dedicated these guys and girls are. Even though they dedicate everything to winning, they need to be just as prepared to not win. That’s the reality of competitive surfing.”

After years of organising his life around the world’s top surfing spots, Carl is loving being home enjoying his favourite Phillip Island wave at Woolamai. “It’s so consistent. I love its beautiful headland and the community aspect – you always run into someone you know, and I like that.” And he and his dad still set the alarm for the odd surf together. “The last time we went out, I was pushing him into waves – it’s gone full circle.

In true religious style, Carl emerged from his self-enforced desert purgatory thirsting for waves. He made pilgrimages to surf spots across the world, finding friends united by a common interest and love for the ocean. He remains grateful for this wanderlust that leads him to far-flung locations and cultures. “I would encourage young or aspiring surfers to enjoy where surfing can take you: be adventurous, care for the environment, be nice to the locals and always respect the ocean.”

Despite considering himself a free surfer, Carl has also found success in the competitive arena, culminating in a wild-card entry into the 2017 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach. He describes it as a pretty cool experience, if a bit daunting as an amateur going up against the world’s best. The support he received from friends and community was overwhelming. Trying to access

coast 50

coast 51

“...you always run into someone you know, and I like that.” the morning and thinking ‘Ohhhh no, do we have to get up again?’” They were rewarded with a sleep-in the following week.

Despite the early rises he is forever grateful to his dad for the disciplined regime that cemented his unwavering love of the ocean. “It may sound a little forced, but it never was. Surfing was formed in my mind before I even had a chance to think about it.” He recalls the bright-yellow, seven-foot board of those times. “I cannot stress enough the importance of riding a big board while learning or developing your surfing.”

The family moved back to Phillip Island when Carl was in grade four, plunging him into the icy southern waters. It was a culture shock to wear a wetsuit and brave the Island’s raw and rugged elements. In between surfs he managed to find time to complete high school. “I would say surfing has undoubtedly shaped my life and life choices,” Carl reflects. He completed a carpentry apprenticeship on Phillip Island before pursuing work in Western Australia’s Pilbara region. “I knew that positioning myself in a town with no surf meant that I would be able to work hard without the temptation of an early finish if the surf was up,” he laughs.

his locker before a heat but being blocked by Mick Fanning who was steely-eyed and entering his ‘zone’ before what could be his last-ever heat was a very surreal experience. “There was no way I was going to ask the champ to move just for me to get my headphones.” In round two against Filipe Toledo on Easter Saturday morning, he tried tricking himself into thinking it was just another surf and kept his eyes locked on the horizon. “As Mick caught his last wave, the crowd of thousands erupted. It was definitely not your average surf.”

It also gave Carl an insight into the reality of the circuit. “It was a reminder of how dedicated these guys and girls are. Even though they dedicate everything to winning, they need to be just as prepared to not win. That’s the reality of competitive surfing.”

After years of organising his life around the world’s top surfing spots, Carl is loving being home enjoying his favourite Phillip Island wave at Woolamai. “It’s so consistent. I love its beautiful headland and the community aspect – you always run into someone you know, and I like that.” And he and his dad still set the alarm for the odd surf together. “The last time we went out, I was pushing him into waves – it’s gone full circle.

In true religious style, Carl emerged from his self-enforced desert purgatory thirsting for waves. He made pilgrimages to surf spots across the world, finding friends united by a common interest and love for the ocean. He remains grateful for this wanderlust that leads him to far-flung locations and cultures. “I would encourage young or aspiring surfers to enjoy where surfing can take you: be adventurous, care for the environment, be nice to the locals and always respect the ocean.”

Despite considering himself a free surfer, Carl has also found success in the competitive arena, culminating in a wild-card entry into the 2017 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach. He describes it as a pretty cool experience, if a bit daunting as an amateur going up against the world’s best. The support he received from friends and community was overwhelming. Trying to access

coast 50

coast 51

Back from the brink

We hear a lot in the news these days about the alarming loss of animal species and habitat around the globe. But, there is a dedicated group of people on Phillip Island who are doing everything they can to make a difference, in our special corner of the world, and halt this loss.

Local community volunteers and Phillip Island Nature Parks’ rangers created the Hooded Plover Watch in 1998. Since that time, they have taken the island’s population of threatened Hooded Plovers (Thinornis cucullatus) under their wing, preventing the species from becoming just another statistic, another name added to the list of extinct animals in Australia.

Hooded Plovers, colloquially known as Hoodies, are small shorebirds that are found in limited numbers on sandy beaches.

The Eastern subspecies, listed as vulnerable, occurs across south-eastern Australia, including Phillip Island and Bass Coast.

During breeding season from September to April, Hoodies primarily create nests in the sand, above the average high tide line, which are usually a simple depression ‘scrape’, sometimes lined with grit or seaweed; this is where their troubles begin.

The nests can be hard to see and are therefore vulnerable to disturbance and destruction by humans and off-leash dogs.

As soon as the eggs hatch, the fluffy chicks forage along the beach for food, leaving them extremely vulnerable to predation by raptors and scavenging birds, as well as cats and dogs. It’s no

surprise that their population has been in decline, especially in a populous area like Phillip Island.

But the volunteers and rangers at Hooded Plover Watch have been actively managing many of these threats through a range of measures, from monitoring and creating nest refuges to educating community members and visitors. Simple, key actions, we can and have all adopted, include: staying out of sand dunes and keeping clear of nest areas, where possible walking close to the water’s edge and ensuring dogs are on a leash at all times (on dog permitted beaches).

These continuing efforts have seen some great results, including a record 23 breeding pairs during the 2017/18 breeding season, three more pairs than the previous highest recorded total.

Overall 12 chicks made it through to fledging, which is when they learn to fly and leave the nest; this is almost double the long-term average. So, hats off to Hooded Plover Watch and the Phillip Island community for their support in bring these birds back from the brink of extinction.

One of the most significant factors in the fight against extinction is the eradication of introduced pests, and in August 2017 Phillip Island Nature Parks made the momentous declaration, that after years of targeting the European Red Fox, Phillip Island is now fox-free; with no trace of them detected since August 2015. This is by far the largest human inhabited island in the world to have had foxes successfully removed.

This declaration paved the way for the release of another animal species on the brink, the critically endangered Eastern Barred Bandicoot, or EBB which is extinct in the wild on mainland Victoria. Current EBB populations only exist within large fenced enclosures, or captive breeding programmes.

EBBs were first released in a trial on Churchill Island in 2015 by Phillip Island Nature Parks and members of the EBB Recovery Team. The EBBs on Churchill Island increased from 20 to about 120 in two years before the population stopped growing and stabilised. The Churchill Island trial demonstrated that EBBs can successfully establish in island environments and have positive impacts such as reduced soil compaction, and improved nutrient and water infiltration, with no observed negative effects.

Following the successful trial, a total of 67 EBBs were released onto the Summerland Peninsula between October and

December 2017 in the hope that this would provide a solid foundation for the establishment of a sustainable population.

Recent trapping sessions have resulted in a total of 53 of the original 67 founders being re-trapped, as well as a couple of ‘cleanskins’ who were born and bred on the Summerland Peninsula. Almost all of the females were breeding in each session and there have been many sightings of young at foot.

The future is looking much brighter for the Eastern Barred Bandicoot on the Summerland Peninsula, a well-known site of major conservation activities over numerous years. Rehabilitated from a former housing estate, this natural environment is now home to a thriving colony of little penguins, short-tailed shearwaters and hopefully EBBs. Phillip Island Nature Parks announced in 2017 that it would allocate additional funding to enhance its expertise and readiness for the potential re-introduction of threatened or endangered species back to Phillip Island. Watch this space as the Nature Parks and its partners continue working towards pulling species back from the brink of extinction.

Phillip Island Nature Parks is a not-for-profit conservation organisation that relies on its ecotourism attractions to deliver ongoing funding for social, environmental, conservation, research and education outcomes.

words & photos supplied

coast 52

coast 53

Back from the brink

We hear a lot in the news these days about the alarming loss of animal species and habitat around the globe. But, there is a dedicated group of people on Phillip Island who are doing everything they can to make a difference, in our special corner of the world, and halt this loss.

Local community volunteers and Phillip Island Nature Parks’ rangers created the Hooded Plover Watch in 1998. Since that time, they have taken the island’s population of threatened Hooded Plovers (Thinornis cucullatus) under their wing, preventing the species from becoming just another statistic, another name added to the list of extinct animals in Australia.

Hooded Plovers, colloquially known as Hoodies, are small shorebirds that are found in limited numbers on sandy beaches.

The Eastern subspecies, listed as vulnerable, occurs across south-eastern Australia, including Phillip Island and Bass Coast.

During breeding season from September to April, Hoodies primarily create nests in the sand, above the average high tide line, which are usually a simple depression ‘scrape’, sometimes lined with grit or seaweed; this is where their troubles begin.

The nests can be hard to see and are therefore vulnerable to disturbance and destruction by humans and off-leash dogs.

As soon as the eggs hatch, the fluffy chicks forage along the beach for food, leaving them extremely vulnerable to predation by raptors and scavenging birds, as well as cats and dogs. It’s no

surprise that their population has been in decline, especially in a populous area like Phillip Island.

But the volunteers and rangers at Hooded Plover Watch have been actively managing many of these threats through a range of measures, from monitoring and creating nest refuges to educating community members and visitors. Simple, key actions, we can and have all adopted, include: staying out of sand dunes and keeping clear of nest areas, where possible walking close to the water’s edge and ensuring dogs are on a leash at all times (on dog permitted beaches).

These continuing efforts have seen some great results, including a record 23 breeding pairs during the 2017/18 breeding season, three more pairs than the previous highest recorded total.

Overall 12 chicks made it through to fledging, which is when they learn to fly and leave the nest; this is almost double the long-term average. So, hats off to Hooded Plover Watch and the Phillip Island community for their support in bring these birds back from the brink of extinction.

One of the most significant factors in the fight against extinction is the eradication of introduced pests, and in August 2017 Phillip Island Nature Parks made the momentous declaration, that after years of targeting the European Red Fox, Phillip Island is now fox-free; with no trace of them detected since August 2015. This is by far the largest human inhabited island in the world to have had foxes successfully removed.

This declaration paved the way for the release of another animal species on the brink, the critically endangered Eastern Barred Bandicoot, or EBB which is extinct in the wild on mainland Victoria. Current EBB populations only exist within large fenced enclosures, or captive breeding programmes.

EBBs were first released in a trial on Churchill Island in 2015 by Phillip Island Nature Parks and members of the EBB Recovery Team. The EBBs on Churchill Island increased from 20 to about 120 in two years before the population stopped growing and stabilised. The Churchill Island trial demonstrated that EBBs can successfully establish in island environments and have positive impacts such as reduced soil compaction, and improved nutrient and water infiltration, with no observed negative effects.

Following the successful trial, a total of 67 EBBs were released onto the Summerland Peninsula between October and

December 2017 in the hope that this would provide a solid foundation for the establishment of a sustainable population.

Recent trapping sessions have resulted in a total of 53 of the original 67 founders being re-trapped, as well as a couple of ‘cleanskins’ who were born and bred on the Summerland Peninsula. Almost all of the females were breeding in each session and there have been many sightings of young at foot.

The future is looking much brighter for the Eastern Barred Bandicoot on the Summerland Peninsula, a well-known site of major conservation activities over numerous years. Rehabilitated from a former housing estate, this natural environment is now home to a thriving colony of little penguins, short-tailed shearwaters and hopefully EBBs. Phillip Island Nature Parks announced in 2017 that it would allocate additional funding to enhance its expertise and readiness for the potential re-introduction of threatened or endangered species back to Phillip Island. Watch this space as the Nature Parks and its partners continue working towards pulling species back from the brink of extinction.

Phillip Island Nature Parks is a not-for-profit conservation organisation that relies on its ecotourism attractions to deliver ongoing funding for social, environmental, conservation, research and education outcomes.

words & photos supplied

coast 52

coast 53

THE GOOD LIFE

ENERGY, GARDENS & OUTDOORS

SOULSPACE STUDIOS Australia’s most beautiful transportable cabins. Delivered complete and ready for service connection same day, our spaces are built for you. From the colour palette to bathroom accessories and kitchen furnishings, we build dreams. Dreams that inspire and enthuse, dreams that are cherished for years to come. Call us today to discuss your dream space.

www.soulspacestudios.com.au or call 0418 177 979.

BURRA GARDEN SUPPLIES This local family owned business is the largest combined garden supplies and nursery in South Gippsland. Their extensive range includes garden toppings, pavers, screenings, sleepers, soil, mulch, scoria, crushed rock, pebbles, compost and firewood. The nursery carries roses, ornamentals, fruit trees, natives, citrus trees and seedlings. They also offer truck hire and supply pig manure for farms and domestic gardens.

GRACE LANDSCAPES Bringing the outside in and inside out…

Grace Landscapes philosophy is simple – create beautiful, functional and sustainable landscapes utilising the entire space. From their interior living art pieces to full exterior landscaping, the duo are specialists in natural design. With native flora and fauna, bonsai, terrariums and cacti as well as lawns and outdoor living spaces the options are endless.

www.burragardensupplies.com. www.heathgracelandscapes. com or call 0404 596 504. au or call 5658 1687.

WEST GIPPSLAND CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT A natural resource management organisation based right here in Gippsland. From San Remo to Seaspray, Warragul to the Mount Howitt, we’re working with local farmers, Landcare and many other great partners to improve the health of rivers and our local environment

www.wgcma.vic.gov.au or call 1300 094 262.

By EDWARDS FLINDERS

An award-winning Australian owned and designed label, bringing you durable, comfortable, eye-catching apparel for your adventures in the outdoors.

Supporting Trees for the Future every product sold = 5 trees planted.

With a passion for adventure and surrounded by the region’s beautiful beaches and environment, Norte designs stylish gear to equip you for the outdoors year-round.

p: 0448 674 614 e: info@norte.com.au w: www.norte.com.au @norte_wear @NorteWearAustralia

coast 54

By Edwards beanbags are luxurious & amazingly comfortable.

Perfect for relaxing on the deck, poolside, grass or to compliment your indoors. Handmade with pride, using an ultra-durable waterproof fabric, that’s suitable for all conditions and available in a fabulous range of colours.

Located on the Mornington Peninsula, our retail store also stocks a stunning array of quality homewares sourced from around the world.

Visit us online byedwards.com.au or email info@byedwards.com.au to find your nearest retailer.

IDEA DESIGN BUILD A three step conception to your dream living space.

We help bring your ideas to life, with strong, structurally sound monuments of design and living space.

JDESIGN Group Design & Construction

a: 38b Cook St. Flinders e: info@byedwards.com.au w. www.byedwards.com.au @byedwardsflinders

Jaylee Fitzpatrick | 5674 2506 | admin@jdesigngroup.com.au | www.jdesigngroup.com.au coast 55

THE GOOD LIFE

ENERGY, GARDENS & OUTDOORS

SOULSPACE STUDIOS Australia’s most beautiful transportable cabins. Delivered complete and ready for service connection same day, our spaces are built for you. From the colour palette to bathroom accessories and kitchen furnishings, we build dreams. Dreams that inspire and enthuse, dreams that are cherished for years to come. Call us today to discuss your dream space.

www.soulspacestudios.com.au or call 0418 177 979.

BURRA GARDEN SUPPLIES This local family owned business is the largest combined garden supplies and nursery in South Gippsland. Their extensive range includes garden toppings, pavers, screenings, sleepers, soil, mulch, scoria, crushed rock, pebbles, compost and firewood. The nursery carries roses, ornamentals, fruit trees, natives, citrus trees and seedlings. They also offer truck hire and supply pig manure for farms and domestic gardens.

GRACE LANDSCAPES Bringing the outside in and inside out…

Grace Landscapes philosophy is simple – create beautiful, functional and sustainable landscapes utilising the entire space. From their interior living art pieces to full exterior landscaping, the duo are specialists in natural design. With native flora and fauna, bonsai, terrariums and cacti as well as lawns and outdoor living spaces the options are endless.

www.burragardensupplies.com. www.heathgracelandscapes. com or call 0404 596 504. au or call 5658 1687.

WEST GIPPSLAND CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT A natural resource management organisation based right here in Gippsland. From San Remo to Seaspray, Warragul to the Mount Howitt, we’re working with local farmers, Landcare and many other great partners to improve the health of rivers and our local environment

www.wgcma.vic.gov.au or call 1300 094 262.

By EDWARDS FLINDERS

An award-winning Australian owned and designed label, bringing you durable, comfortable, eye-catching apparel for your adventures in the outdoors.

Supporting Trees for the Future every product sold = 5 trees planted.

With a passion for adventure and surrounded by the region’s beautiful beaches and environment, Norte designs stylish gear to equip you for the outdoors year-round.

p: 0448 674 614 e: info@norte.com.au w: www.norte.com.au @norte_wear @NorteWearAustralia

coast 54

By Edwards beanbags are luxurious & amazingly comfortable.

Perfect for relaxing on the deck, poolside, grass or to compliment your indoors. Handmade with pride, using an ultra-durable waterproof fabric, that’s suitable for all conditions and available in a fabulous range of colours.

Located on the Mornington Peninsula, our retail store also stocks a stunning array of quality homewares sourced from around the world.

Visit us online byedwards.com.au or email info@byedwards.com.au to find your nearest retailer.

IDEA DESIGN BUILD A three step conception to your dream living space.

We help bring your ideas to life, with strong, structurally sound monuments of design and living space.

JDESIGN Group Design & Construction

a: 38b Cook St. Flinders e: info@byedwards.com.au w. www.byedwards.com.au @byedwardsflinders

Jaylee Fitzpatrick | 5674 2506 | admin@jdesigngroup.com.au | www.jdesigngroup.com.au coast 55

SEEDLINGS FRUIT TREES ORNAMENTALS NATIVES ROSES SHRUBS

ROCK SAND PAVERS PEBBLES MULCH SOIL

SEASONED FIREWOOD FERTILIZERS ORNAMENTS POTS

TRUCK CARTAGE DELIVERY ALL AREAS

ONE STOP SHOP

Locally owned & operated OPEN 7 DAYS Mon–Fri: 7.30am – 5pm | Sat: 8am – 3pm Sun and Public Holidays: 10am – 2pm coast 56

32 LEONGATHA ROAD, KORUMBURRA 03 5658 1687 burragardensupplies@bigpond.com www.burragardensupplies.com.au

@burragardensupplies

@burragardensupplies1

SEEDLINGS FRUIT TREES ORNAMENTALS NATIVES ROSES SHRUBS

ROCK SAND PAVERS PEBBLES MULCH SOIL

SEASONED FIREWOOD FERTILIZERS ORNAMENTS POTS

TRUCK CARTAGE DELIVERY ALL AREAS

ONE STOP SHOP

Locally owned & operated OPEN 7 DAYS Mon–Fri: 7.30am – 5pm | Sat: 8am – 3pm Sun and Public Holidays: 10am – 2pm coast 56

32 LEONGATHA ROAD, KORUMBURRA 03 5658 1687 burragardensupplies@bigpond.com www.burragardensupplies.com.au

@burragardensupplies

@burragardensupplies1

words christina aitken and sally o’neill photos warren reed and supplied

walking THE LINE

For Victorian Small Business Commissioner, Judy O’Connell, the business of life is order and chaos in equal measure.

I doubt any boardroom stoush could phase Judy O’Connell. Compared with facing a life-threatening disease or having two sets of twins under four, the world of finance is a walk in the park.

Many books have been written about the secrets of success in life and business. Judy’s real-life approach is simple. “When I’m at home, I don’t let work interrupt what I am doing with the family and it’s the same at work.”

Of course, there is actually a lot more to success than that, including hard work, talent, determination and often pure chance.

For Judy, the journey to success started with a good work ethic modelled by her family. Born in Bundoora, her family moved to Dixon’s Creek, just outside Yarra Glen, to live on their Angus cattle stud farm when she was twelve. Her head for business was recognised by her teachers as she studied commerce. “I loved doing ledgers, I know that sounds boring,” she laughs.

Life took anything but a boring turn. Newly married and ready to start a family, she was struck down by a lifethreatening neurological disorder known as Guillain-Barré syndrome. “It paralyses you completely.” Back then it was extremely rare, and Judy was only the five hundredth person to ever present with the disease and spent months in Fairfield Infectious Diseases Hospital. “An experience like that changes your outlook on things and, coming out of that, it was just about living every moment.”

Her new lease on life gave Judy a determination to get back on track and make the most of each day. This was delivered in the form of giving birth to twins and then yet another set of twins three and a half years later. “Four under four was really fun,” she laughs.

Remarkably she was able to continue her career, taking advantage of the new system of part time work in government departments. Judy had worked as an accountant for the Australian Tax Office (ATO) for many years and went back in a supervisory role, heading up the student education unit. Soon after, she discovered the World Wide Web at a conference. “I thought, wow, we could use that.” She wrote to the national office in Canberra and they said, ‘yes, great – you can do it.’ Judy knew nothing about computers, but she found someone who did and the ATO website was born. >

coast 58

coast 59

words christina aitken and sally o’neill photos warren reed and supplied

walking THE LINE

For Victorian Small Business Commissioner, Judy O’Connell, the business of life is order and chaos in equal measure.

I doubt any boardroom stoush could phase Judy O’Connell. Compared with facing a life-threatening disease or having two sets of twins under four, the world of finance is a walk in the park.

Many books have been written about the secrets of success in life and business. Judy’s real-life approach is simple. “When I’m at home, I don’t let work interrupt what I am doing with the family and it’s the same at work.”

Of course, there is actually a lot more to success than that, including hard work, talent, determination and often pure chance.

For Judy, the journey to success started with a good work ethic modelled by her family. Born in Bundoora, her family moved to Dixon’s Creek, just outside Yarra Glen, to live on their Angus cattle stud farm when she was twelve. Her head for business was recognised by her teachers as she studied commerce. “I loved doing ledgers, I know that sounds boring,” she laughs.

Life took anything but a boring turn. Newly married and ready to start a family, she was struck down by a lifethreatening neurological disorder known as Guillain-Barré syndrome. “It paralyses you completely.” Back then it was extremely rare, and Judy was only the five hundredth person to ever present with the disease and spent months in Fairfield Infectious Diseases Hospital. “An experience like that changes your outlook on things and, coming out of that, it was just about living every moment.”

Her new lease on life gave Judy a determination to get back on track and make the most of each day. This was delivered in the form of giving birth to twins and then yet another set of twins three and a half years later. “Four under four was really fun,” she laughs.

Remarkably she was able to continue her career, taking advantage of the new system of part time work in government departments. Judy had worked as an accountant for the Australian Tax Office (ATO) for many years and went back in a supervisory role, heading up the student education unit. Soon after, she discovered the World Wide Web at a conference. “I thought, wow, we could use that.” She wrote to the national office in Canberra and they said, ‘yes, great – you can do it.’ Judy knew nothing about computers, but she found someone who did and the ATO website was born. >

coast 58

coast 59

Healthy, challenging fun for the whole family With 31 wall challenges, including an augmented wall, 4 party rooms and cafe to keep the whole family entertained.

When the twins were 11 and 14, Judy took the opportunity of working in France for a year. She views this experience as something she would never have considered before illness changed her life. “It all just worked, and everyone knew I was a working mum and were quite proud of me,” she says. “People ask how did you end up where you were? I think it was luck, and a bit about: whenever I grab something I get passionate about it and I get involved.”

Returning to Australia, she found that the tax office had changed. “Instead of just auditing people, it decided to help and educate – I got asked to do a lot of that work.” It was not easy at first. “You’d walk up to a small business owner and say, ‘Hi, I’m Judy from the tax office and they’d say, ‘see you later,’” she laughs. “I had this naive approach, that tax was the centre of every small business’ universe. The reality is that it’s just that thing they have to do at the end of the month.”

In her new role as the Small Business Commissioner, Judy assists with a broad range of issues. Dispute resolution keeps the office busy. “Many people don’t know they can come to us for assistance and it’s free.” She spends much of her time on the road ‘catching up’ with small businesses across the state – and she loves it. “You get to chat to all these interesting people and learn so much.”

Passionate about mental health, Judy works with beyondblue to support small business owners who often find it difficult to take time off work if they’re struggling with anxiety or depression. She ranks planning for mental wellbeing as being up there with marketing and business planning. “Do something that relaxes you, that’s important. When you’re not on top of things, everything else will suffer.”

Ten years ago, Judy went through a rough patch of her own, feeling like she’d lost her passion. A life coach advised her to do something she was passionate about. Judy gathered a few friends and took up bushwalking. After training for an overnight hike to the lighthouse at Wilson’s Promontory together, they set their sights on world-famous walking routes like the Annapurna Trail in Nepal and the Camino de Santiago starting in France.

The first time Judy and her friends walked the Camino trail, they missed the small print requiring pilgrims to walk the last

coast 60

100 kilometres into Santiago to get the certificate. While they walked 250 kilometres overall, they used transport for most of the way into Santiago. One of her friends – a devout Catholic – was devastated. “If you walk it and end up in Santiago, you get this certificate that wipes your sins and gets you into heaven.

Peter was so keen,” she laughs. Three years later they went back and made sure they walked the last 100 kilometres.

Judy has fond memories of walking the Camino. She and her friends stayed in albergues (houses) along the way, and the local hospitality left a lasting impression. One day they found themselves in a town with no cafe, minimal breakfast (one slice of toast and jam), nothing for lunch and a 29km mountain traverse ahead. Their luck changed seven kilometres down the road when they found a tiny village with only five houses – one had put up a sign offering coffee. The host provided the hungry walkers with coffee, bread, fresh jam and cream, and wrapped, oven-fresh cake for the road. “We went to pay her and she’s going ‘no, no’. She told us to put a 20 euro note in the little donation box for the church… She wanted to support the church and the pilgrims. That’s what the Camino is like, such beautiful people.”

She also values walks on the beach at her ‘second home’ on Phillip Island; having visited since she was 25. Her father owned the local bus service until recently and her sisters have run businesses across Bass Coast. “My kids feel like it is their second home.” Now adults, they still enjoy going to the beach with Judy and her dog, Ellie.

Does she consider her current role to be the pinnacle of her career? “I am enjoying this new challenge. I love getting a sense of satisfaction of achieving something and giving back.

When I help a small business it gives me a real thrill,” she says.

“I used to have goals – they never end up what you want, anyway. Now I take life as it comes. I just get in and do it.”

Aside from work, Judy has real mountains to climb. Having just returned from conquering Mont Blanc, she is forever planning her next adventure. There is also the business of life to get on with, like preparing for her son’s upcoming wedding and grandchildren, she hopes. Life is good. “I wouldn’t change a thing. I have the philosophy of no regrets, just cherish every moment.”

Tuesday - Thursday First Climb 11am - Last Climb 5pm Friday First Climb 11am - Last Climb 6pm Saturday First Climb 10am - Last Climb 5pm Sunday First Climb 11am - Last Climb 3pm CLOSED PUBLIC HOLIDAYS SCHOOL HOLIDAYS Monday - Sunday First Climb 10am - Last Climb 5pm

NOW OPEN, BOOKING ESSENTIAL 03 5952 6780 6-8 Industrial Way, Cowes, Vic, 3922 hello@islandclipnclimb.com.au www.islandclipnclimb.com.au @clipnclimbphillipisland

coast 61 @clipnclimbphillipisland

Healthy, challenging fun for the whole family With 31 wall challenges, including an augmented wall, 4 party rooms and cafe to keep the whole family entertained.

When the twins were 11 and 14, Judy took the opportunity of working in France for a year. She views this experience as something she would never have considered before illness changed her life. “It all just worked, and everyone knew I was a working mum and were quite proud of me,” she says. “People ask how did you end up where you were? I think it was luck, and a bit about: whenever I grab something I get passionate about it and I get involved.”

Returning to Australia, she found that the tax office had changed. “Instead of just auditing people, it decided to help and educate – I got asked to do a lot of that work.” It was not easy at first. “You’d walk up to a small business owner and say, ‘Hi, I’m Judy from the tax office and they’d say, ‘see you later,’” she laughs. “I had this naive approach, that tax was the centre of every small business’ universe. The reality is that it’s just that thing they have to do at the end of the month.”

In her new role as the Small Business Commissioner, Judy assists with a broad range of issues. Dispute resolution keeps the office busy. “Many people don’t know they can come to us for assistance and it’s free.” She spends much of her time on the road ‘catching up’ with small businesses across the state – and she loves it. “You get to chat to all these interesting people and learn so much.”

Passionate about mental health, Judy works with beyondblue to support small business owners who often find it difficult to take time off work if they’re struggling with anxiety or depression. She ranks planning for mental wellbeing as being up there with marketing and business planning. “Do something that relaxes you, that’s important. When you’re not on top of things, everything else will suffer.”

Ten years ago, Judy went through a rough patch of her own, feeling like she’d lost her passion. A life coach advised her to do something she was passionate about. Judy gathered a few friends and took up bushwalking. After training for an overnight hike to the lighthouse at Wilson’s Promontory together, they set their sights on world-famous walking routes like the Annapurna Trail in Nepal and the Camino de Santiago starting in France.

The first time Judy and her friends walked the Camino trail, they missed the small print requiring pilgrims to walk the last

coast 60

100 kilometres into Santiago to get the certificate. While they walked 250 kilometres overall, they used transport for most of the way into Santiago. One of her friends – a devout Catholic – was devastated. “If you walk it and end up in Santiago, you get this certificate that wipes your sins and gets you into heaven.

Peter was so keen,” she laughs. Three years later they went back and made sure they walked the last 100 kilometres.

Judy has fond memories of walking the Camino. She and her friends stayed in albergues (houses) along the way, and the local hospitality left a lasting impression. One day they found themselves in a town with no cafe, minimal breakfast (one slice of toast and jam), nothing for lunch and a 29km mountain traverse ahead. Their luck changed seven kilometres down the road when they found a tiny village with only five houses – one had put up a sign offering coffee. The host provided the hungry walkers with coffee, bread, fresh jam and cream, and wrapped, oven-fresh cake for the road. “We went to pay her and she’s going ‘no, no’. She told us to put a 20 euro note in the little donation box for the church… She wanted to support the church and the pilgrims. That’s what the Camino is like, such beautiful people.”

She also values walks on the beach at her ‘second home’ on Phillip Island; having visited since she was 25. Her father owned the local bus service until recently and her sisters have run businesses across Bass Coast. “My kids feel like it is their second home.” Now adults, they still enjoy going to the beach with Judy and her dog, Ellie.

Does she consider her current role to be the pinnacle of her career? “I am enjoying this new challenge. I love getting a sense of satisfaction of achieving something and giving back.

When I help a small business it gives me a real thrill,” she says.

“I used to have goals – they never end up what you want, anyway. Now I take life as it comes. I just get in and do it.”

Aside from work, Judy has real mountains to climb. Having just returned from conquering Mont Blanc, she is forever planning her next adventure. There is also the business of life to get on with, like preparing for her son’s upcoming wedding and grandchildren, she hopes. Life is good. “I wouldn’t change a thing. I have the philosophy of no regrets, just cherish every moment.”

Tuesday - Thursday First Climb 11am - Last Climb 5pm Friday First Climb 11am - Last Climb 6pm Saturday First Climb 10am - Last Climb 5pm Sunday First Climb 11am - Last Climb 3pm CLOSED PUBLIC HOLIDAYS SCHOOL HOLIDAYS Monday - Sunday First Climb 10am - Last Climb 5pm

NOW OPEN, BOOKING ESSENTIAL 03 5952 6780 6-8 Industrial Way, Cowes, Vic, 3922 hello@islandclipnclimb.com.au www.islandclipnclimb.com.au @clipnclimbphillipisland

coast 61 @clipnclimbphillipisland

Cowes Dental Surgery

Putting a genuine smile on your face.

We consider ourselves a country practice low in hype but with reliable services in a friendly and happy environment. Cowes Dental Surgery offers oral health and general dental care services including routine preventative treatment, instructions on oral hygiene, gum care and maintenance, restorative fillings, aesthetic fillings, uncomplicated root canal treatments and crown and bridge work.

We bulk-bill Veterans Affairs patients and children on the Child Dental Benefit Scheme. We have EFTPOS and HICAPS facilities.

236 Thompson Avenue, Cowes 3922 | 5932 0880 | cowesdental@gmail.com Open Mon to Thurs, 9am – 5pm

coast 62

Cowes Dental Surgery

Putting a genuine smile on your face.

We consider ourselves a country practice low in hype but with reliable services in a friendly and happy environment. Cowes Dental Surgery offers oral health and general dental care services including routine preventative treatment, instructions on oral hygiene, gum care and maintenance, restorative fillings, aesthetic fillings, uncomplicated root canal treatments and crown and bridge work.

We bulk-bill Veterans Affairs patients and children on the Child Dental Benefit Scheme. We have EFTPOS and HICAPS facilities.

236 Thompson Avenue, Cowes 3922 | 5932 0880 | cowesdental@gmail.com Open Mon to Thurs, 9am – 5pm

coast 62

HEALTH, HOBBIES & FITNESS

CLIP ‘N CLIMB PHILLIP ISLAND

COWES DENTAL SURGERY

CROSS OVER CYCLES

MOSAICS BY THE BAY

Looking for a fun way to stay fit or keep the family entertained for a couple hours? The exciting indoor climbing concept has arrived on Phillip Island. With 30 challenges to suit all abilities and an Augmented Climbing Wall, escape to the vertical maze today.

Party rooms also available as well as a cafe overlooking the climbing arena. Bookings essential.

A full range of oral health and general dental services, including: routine preventative treatment; gum care and maintenance; restorative and aesthetic fillings; root canal treatments; crown and bridge work; and instructions on oral hygiene. Reliable service in a friendly and happy environment.

We bulk-bill Veterans Affairs patients and children on the Child Dental Benefit Scheme. EFTPOS and HICAPS facilities.

We offer the best advice and best prices on all your biking needs, including sales and repairs. We’re passionate about our bikes and only carry brands we support and believe in. Our bike sales include two-year free service and we stock a huge range of accessories and parts.

Create a mosaic with guidance from Heather in a serene garden studio! Take time out from everyday life and let your creativity flow! Experience a day of art therapy listening to the waves washing on the shoreline and the sounds of the many birds that visit Heather’s garden! All-day workshops provide a complete introduction to mosaics and include a home-made lunch.

cowesdental@gmail.com or call 5932 0880.

www.crossovercycles.com.au or call 5672 2270.

www.islandclipnclimb.com.au or call 5952 6780.

www.fahnle.com.au or call 0417 562 625.

“ What could have been a sunny afternoon at a Newcastle or Bondi Hotel or beer garden”…

Within 30 seconds of this photo being taken a wayward rocket from a US gunship landed amongst this group of young men, resulting in 3 of them being killed and 14 wounded.

The photographer, Elvon King was one of the wounded.

ENDLESSLY FASCINATING AND ABSORBING. Holographic Light & Sound Show.

Audio visual devices.

Aircraft, helicopters, Centurion Tank, vehicles, images, dioramas.

--NUI DAT CAFE – great coffee and refreshments.

25 Veterans Drive, Newhaven, Phillip Island Open Daily 10am – 5pm ph 5956 6400 www.vietnamvetsmuseum.org @ NationalVietnamVetsMuseum

national vietnam veterans museum ‘Our museum talks to you’

HOME & GIFTWARE

HARMONY HOME

NEST GIFTWARE & GALLERY

Harmony Home Inverloch is the new sister store of Southern Bazaar, which has been established in Inverloch for over 13 years.

Stocking a vast and beautiful range of homewares and gifts from canvas prints and organic skincare to cushions. Located three doors up from Southern Bazaar in A’Beckett Street, we are stockists of some of Australia’s most loved brands.

Feathering your Nest is good for the soul. With options from Karen Walker jewellery to skincare, bath and body products, New Zealand Merino and Possum products, books and homewares to bags, wallets, watches, sunglasses and children’s items. If you are looking for a gift for that special someone, but can’t quite put your finger on it, then look no further!

Call 0491 056 238.

www.nestonline.com.au or call 0428 968 325.

coast 64

The magazine in your hands (and for the last 50 editions) is proudly printed by Printgraphics on FFC certified traceable paper from a reclaimed farm plantation. The organic soya and vegetable-based inks drastically reduce Volatile Organic Compound emissions compared to traditional products. Supporting one of the original green printers of the industry, whose water is sourced solely from their own rainwater tanks, Coast is proud to do its part in reducing carbon emissions.

p: 5956 6781 e: editorial@coastmagazine.net w: www.coastmagazine.net @coastmagazine @CoastMagazineAustralia @ourcoastmag

coast 65

HEALTH, HOBBIES & FITNESS

CLIP ‘N CLIMB PHILLIP ISLAND

COWES DENTAL SURGERY

CROSS OVER CYCLES

MOSAICS BY THE BAY

Looking for a fun way to stay fit or keep the family entertained for a couple hours? The exciting indoor climbing concept has arrived on Phillip Island. With 30 challenges to suit all abilities and an Augmented Climbing Wall, escape to the vertical maze today.

Party rooms also available as well as a cafe overlooking the climbing arena. Bookings essential.

A full range of oral health and general dental services, including: routine preventative treatment; gum care and maintenance; restorative and aesthetic fillings; root canal treatments; crown and bridge work; and instructions on oral hygiene. Reliable service in a friendly and happy environment.

We bulk-bill Veterans Affairs patients and children on the Child Dental Benefit Scheme. EFTPOS and HICAPS facilities.

We offer the best advice and best prices on all your biking needs, including sales and repairs. We’re passionate about our bikes and only carry brands we support and believe in. Our bike sales include two-year free service and we stock a huge range of accessories and parts.

Create a mosaic with guidance from Heather in a serene garden studio! Take time out from everyday life and let your creativity flow! Experience a day of art therapy listening to the waves washing on the shoreline and the sounds of the many birds that visit Heather’s garden! All-day workshops provide a complete introduction to mosaics and include a home-made lunch.

cowesdental@gmail.com or call 5932 0880.

www.crossovercycles.com.au or call 5672 2270.

www.islandclipnclimb.com.au or call 5952 6780.

www.fahnle.com.au or call 0417 562 625.

“ What could have been a sunny afternoon at a Newcastle or Bondi Hotel or beer garden”…

Within 30 seconds of this photo being taken a wayward rocket from a US gunship landed amongst this group of young men, resulting in 3 of them being killed and 14 wounded.

The photographer, Elvon King was one of the wounded.

ENDLESSLY FASCINATING AND ABSORBING. Holographic Light & Sound Show.

Audio visual devices.

Aircraft, helicopters, Centurion Tank, vehicles, images, dioramas.

--NUI DAT CAFE – great coffee and refreshments.

25 Veterans Drive, Newhaven, Phillip Island Open Daily 10am – 5pm ph 5956 6400 www.vietnamvetsmuseum.org @ NationalVietnamVetsMuseum

national vietnam veterans museum ‘Our museum talks to you’

HOME & GIFTWARE

HARMONY HOME

NEST GIFTWARE & GALLERY

Harmony Home Inverloch is the new sister store of Southern Bazaar, which has been established in Inverloch for over 13 years.

Stocking a vast and beautiful range of homewares and gifts from canvas prints and organic skincare to cushions. Located three doors up from Southern Bazaar in A’Beckett Street, we are stockists of some of Australia’s most loved brands.

Feathering your Nest is good for the soul. With options from Karen Walker jewellery to skincare, bath and body products, New Zealand Merino and Possum products, books and homewares to bags, wallets, watches, sunglasses and children’s items. If you are looking for a gift for that special someone, but can’t quite put your finger on it, then look no further!

Call 0491 056 238.

www.nestonline.com.au or call 0428 968 325.

coast 64

The magazine in your hands (and for the last 50 editions) is proudly printed by Printgraphics on FFC certified traceable paper from a reclaimed farm plantation. The organic soya and vegetable-based inks drastically reduce Volatile Organic Compound emissions compared to traditional products. Supporting one of the original green printers of the industry, whose water is sourced solely from their own rainwater tanks, Coast is proud to do its part in reducing carbon emissions.

p: 5956 6781 e: editorial@coastmagazine.net w: www.coastmagazine.net @coastmagazine @CoastMagazineAustralia @ourcoastmag

coast 65

Caring for the environment

Everyone knows that Landcare projects are good for the environment, but they’re good for people as well.

Eight years ago, Roger Lee left corporate life behind and brought a farm in Blackwood Forest. New to the area and to farming, Roger said he didn’t fully grasp the responsibilities of being a landowner.

“At one site, 300 plants will be added to an already very large revegetation project on Archies Creek. There will be 5000 new plants at Bridge Creek and the final site, close to the Mouth of the Powlett, will have 1000 new plants.

“When you own acreage, you have a responsibility to ensure it is properly managed,” said Roger. “I talked to the local Landcare network, then I started to understand the need for applying good land management practices.”

“We’ll probably do the 300 plants in one day, although the 5000 might be split over two plantings,” laughed Roger.

It was also the start of his involvement in the Landcare movement.

Roger is the Treasurer of the 3 Creeks Landcare group. As well as benefiting the environment and his property, being part of Landcare has given him a new social network.

“You’re not only out there actively planting trees, but afterwards you get together socially. We share a common interest in doing something tangible that leaves the landscape in better condition for the future.”

Recently, the 3 Creeks Landcare Group secured funding from the Victoria State Government to plant 6300 indigenous plants in the Powlett River catchment.

The project was one of ten to receive funding when the Minister for the Environment, Lily D’Ambrosio announced $165,698 of Victorian Landcare Grants for West Gippsland.

Roger says 5.2ha of land will be revegetated along the river, creeks and gullies, creating habitat for threatened species, controlling weeds and improving the health of the waterways.

“Different people get involved – both landholders and nonlandholders. We always have a BBQ after the plantings. It’s a friendly social bunch of families and friends.

“We are likeminded people who appreciate the need for protecting our environment, its biodiversity and waterways.

Some of our members have been planting trees for 25 years or more. The impact of the work is becoming more and more evident. As you drive around you see there are really wellestablished vegetation sites now attracting animals and birds where they used not be.”

For Roger, being part of Landcare is a satisfying, tangible way to contribute to improving the environment.

Ninety five per cent of litter found on our beaches and rivers comes from suburban streets through storm water systems.

We work on public and private land to create healthy rivers and streams.

Do your bit to cut plastic waste. Rivers and plastic don’t mix.

“You hear so much about climate change. People think what can I do about it? Landcare is one small way people can make a positive impact and collectively make a big impact.”

The Victorian Landcare Grants are funded by the Victorian Government.

www.wgcma.vic.gov.au

coast 66 2018 08 07 Coast Plastic Advert_S.indd 1

14/08/2018 9:11:44 AM

Caring for the environment

Everyone knows that Landcare projects are good for the environment, but they’re good for people as well.

Eight years ago, Roger Lee left corporate life behind and brought a farm in Blackwood Forest. New to the area and to farming, Roger said he didn’t fully grasp the responsibilities of being a landowner.

“At one site, 300 plants will be added to an already very large revegetation project on Archies Creek. There will be 5000 new plants at Bridge Creek and the final site, close to the Mouth of the Powlett, will have 1000 new plants.

“When you own acreage, you have a responsibility to ensure it is properly managed,” said Roger. “I talked to the local Landcare network, then I started to understand the need for applying good land management practices.”

“We’ll probably do the 300 plants in one day, although the 5000 might be split over two plantings,” laughed Roger.

It was also the start of his involvement in the Landcare movement.

Roger is the Treasurer of the 3 Creeks Landcare group. As well as benefiting the environment and his property, being part of Landcare has given him a new social network.

“You’re not only out there actively planting trees, but afterwards you get together socially. We share a common interest in doing something tangible that leaves the landscape in better condition for the future.”

Recently, the 3 Creeks Landcare Group secured funding from the Victoria State Government to plant 6300 indigenous plants in the Powlett River catchment.

The project was one of ten to receive funding when the Minister for the Environment, Lily D’Ambrosio announced $165,698 of Victorian Landcare Grants for West Gippsland.

Roger says 5.2ha of land will be revegetated along the river, creeks and gullies, creating habitat for threatened species, controlling weeds and improving the health of the waterways.

“Different people get involved – both landholders and nonlandholders. We always have a BBQ after the plantings. It’s a friendly social bunch of families and friends.

“We are likeminded people who appreciate the need for protecting our environment, its biodiversity and waterways.

Some of our members have been planting trees for 25 years or more. The impact of the work is becoming more and more evident. As you drive around you see there are really wellestablished vegetation sites now attracting animals and birds where they used not be.”

For Roger, being part of Landcare is a satisfying, tangible way to contribute to improving the environment.

Ninety five per cent of litter found on our beaches and rivers comes from suburban streets through storm water systems.

We work on public and private land to create healthy rivers and streams.

Do your bit to cut plastic waste. Rivers and plastic don’t mix.

“You hear so much about climate change. People think what can I do about it? Landcare is one small way people can make a positive impact and collectively make a big impact.”

The Victorian Landcare Grants are funded by the Victorian Government.

www.wgcma.vic.gov.au

coast 66 2018 08 07 Coast Plastic Advert_S.indd 1

14/08/2018 9:11:44 AM

artist profile

words maria reed photos warren reed

AN

artistic

LIFE

Painter Bianca Biesuz-Stefani views the world through the prism of art and has spent a lifetime capturing the environment that surrounds her. She talks to Coast about a passion that has continued for over four decades.

Bianca: I’ve lived in Fish Creek for 49 years. My husband’s family, the Stefanis, are a very close Northern Italian family. They spend every Christmas and Easter here with us at Fish Creek. My mother-in-law lived in this house, and when she passed away it was empty for 12 months. My husband has three brothers, but he was the one who ended up with the family homestead (and the house that became my gallery). We were milking cows at the time, and we thought we might rent the top house out. We had chooks, a vegie garden and orchard there. I said, ‘Can you imagine people mowing the lawn and pruning the trees?’ We couldn’t see that happening, and so it became my gallery – that was over 30 years ago.

Growing up, I had some fantastic art teachers in primary and secondary school. I attended Our Lady of Sion College, and my Year 11 art teacher had all these fantastic, contemporary ideas. She’d just finished a course at Swinburne and encouraged us to enter the Paractete art show in Melbourne. While she warned that we may not get hung, she proceeded to borrow a car and drive us all down to Melbourne to attend. Was I thrilled to see my work hanging in the show?!

She was a dynamic, forward-thinking teacher who really inspired me in art. She’s 92 now and lives in a nursing home in Balwyn. She was born and bred in Fish Creek and still keeps in touch because of her love for her hometown. She was very disappointed that I didn’t go on to tertiary art education, but after boarding-school I was so homesick that I didn’t want to go to Melbourne. I stayed around here and got married to a local Fish Creek football identity. >

coast 68

coast 69

artist profile

words maria reed photos warren reed

AN

artistic

LIFE

Painter Bianca Biesuz-Stefani views the world through the prism of art and has spent a lifetime capturing the environment that surrounds her. She talks to Coast about a passion that has continued for over four decades.

Bianca: I’ve lived in Fish Creek for 49 years. My husband’s family, the Stefanis, are a very close Northern Italian family. They spend every Christmas and Easter here with us at Fish Creek. My mother-in-law lived in this house, and when she passed away it was empty for 12 months. My husband has three brothers, but he was the one who ended up with the family homestead (and the house that became my gallery). We were milking cows at the time, and we thought we might rent the top house out. We had chooks, a vegie garden and orchard there. I said, ‘Can you imagine people mowing the lawn and pruning the trees?’ We couldn’t see that happening, and so it became my gallery – that was over 30 years ago.

Growing up, I had some fantastic art teachers in primary and secondary school. I attended Our Lady of Sion College, and my Year 11 art teacher had all these fantastic, contemporary ideas. She’d just finished a course at Swinburne and encouraged us to enter the Paractete art show in Melbourne. While she warned that we may not get hung, she proceeded to borrow a car and drive us all down to Melbourne to attend. Was I thrilled to see my work hanging in the show?!

She was a dynamic, forward-thinking teacher who really inspired me in art. She’s 92 now and lives in a nursing home in Balwyn. She was born and bred in Fish Creek and still keeps in touch because of her love for her hometown. She was very disappointed that I didn’t go on to tertiary art education, but after boarding-school I was so homesick that I didn’t want to go to Melbourne. I stayed around here and got married to a local Fish Creek football identity. >

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Stefani Hilltop Gallery 39 KEANES ROAD

My husband has always been very supportive of my work and my artistic journey. I first met him in the orchard just in the front of the gallery when I was 11. I’d come back from the Prom with my parents and sister, and had a terrible case of sunburn. I hid in the car while they went into the house. I spotted apples on the tree and went to grab one. My future husband noticed me and said, “They’re no good – I’ll get you a better one!” Later on, we met at the Meeniyan dance, a place where many marriages were formed . . . and the rest is history!

He still remembers that first meeting. It’s so strange. We’re both from Veneto, North East Italy. In fact, we were born about 30km from each other and ended up living 30km apart when we met. It’s amazing if you think about it.

Most painters need to find a teacher who suits them. I went to Lance Sullivan at Korumburra in the late 70s - early 80s.

We used to paint in a little building next to the Korumburra railway station if the weather was inclement. If the weather was good, we’d go out on location. The first day we went to Ritchie Reserve, there were trees everywhere! You had to decide what you would include and leave out of a painting. If it was raining, our teacher would set up a still-life or driedflower arrangement indoors. He was an amazing gentleman.

He really looked after his students and taught us so much. I also went to night school in Foster with Brian Will . . . he ended up buying a painting from me – much to my amazement!

Over the years I’ve taught individuals and groups at the Community House and at my gallery. I always use Lance’s style of teaching: you don’t hold anything back, you just tell your students what you know. If they want, they can paint your way, but there are always other ways of painting – particularly in oils and acrylics. Then watercolour . . . well, anything goes there – it’s that type of medium.

I love plein air painting – painting on location. That doesn’t happen so much these days, as I have to be at the gallery.

When I do go out on my own, I take the farm ute and find a place to paint, often by the roadside. I put blankets on the dashboard and set up my canvas on the steering wheel, then I can lose myself in the moment.

I mainly paint in oils and acrylic on canvas, but I also like to paint on gum leaves. I saw one at Joel’s Auction House and it inspired me to try. They’re actually perfect for painting on.

It’s just a matter of drying them and then painting on that negative space. A lot of my paintings are from my imagination.

The first time I did one, people would come in and ask, where is this? When I’d say, ‘my imagination’, . . . they weren’t impressed! It had taken me years to get to this stage – you definitely develop a photographic memory for places you have been to.

“...he ended up buying a painting from me – much to my amazement!”

FISH CREEK

Situated in beautiful South Gippsland and set in a unique, romantic position, amid a small orchard and vines. The art gallery is a historic home built in the early 1900s. It houses a large range of original acrylics, oils, watercolours and pastels.

Open most days 10.30am – 5.00pm or by appointment 03 5683 2377 | bianca.stefani@bigpond.com 39 Keanes Rd, Fish Creek, VIC

and Wolf on Murray fine food cafe

I really enjoy painting. I get lost in it. It’s like meditation . . . you go to a different level. I’ve always wanted to paint Kilcunda. We went to the Island one day and I didn’t know that they’d put the wind turbines up at Wonthaggi. On the way home I had a good cry to think the beautiful panoramic view was ruined.

I’ve always loved the mountain peaks around here. I look out at the Baw Baw plateau and the Hoddle Range from my gallery. I’m always looking at the light: I’m very aware of light and shade. There are so many trees around here, but I do miss the sunrises and sunsets that I used to see from the milking sheds. I ask my grandchildren or friends if they can see certain colours in the sky or landscape, the ever-changing colours of Gippsland, but they just don’t see them. I guess I must be looking at nature with an artist’s eye.

I consider myself to be very lucky in my artistic journey.

I’ve won a few prizes along the way, taken on commissions and won a lot of People’s Choice awards in shows. I feel truly blessed.

Stefani Hillltop Gallery: 39 Keanes Rd, Fish Creek 03 5683 2377

A huge variety of stalls in a vibrant, friendly atmosphere selling antiques, vintage, locally crafted goods, exotica from far off lands, jewellery, clothing, plants & more..

Weird, Wacky and Wonderful Antiques, Vintage and More.

1 Murray street Wonthaggi (opposite Aldi, enter through Wolf on Murray café) 0419 362 978. Open 9am – 5pm (closed Tuesdays) Sundays 9am – 4pm

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Stefani Hilltop Gallery 39 KEANES ROAD

My husband has always been very supportive of my work and my artistic journey. I first met him in the orchard just in the front of the gallery when I was 11. I’d come back from the Prom with my parents and sister, and had a terrible case of sunburn. I hid in the car while they went into the house. I spotted apples on the tree and went to grab one. My future husband noticed me and said, “They’re no good – I’ll get you a better one!” Later on, we met at the Meeniyan dance, a place where many marriages were formed . . . and the rest is history!

He still remembers that first meeting. It’s so strange. We’re both from Veneto, North East Italy. In fact, we were born about 30km from each other and ended up living 30km apart when we met. It’s amazing if you think about it.

Most painters need to find a teacher who suits them. I went to Lance Sullivan at Korumburra in the late 70s - early 80s.

We used to paint in a little building next to the Korumburra railway station if the weather was inclement. If the weather was good, we’d go out on location. The first day we went to Ritchie Reserve, there were trees everywhere! You had to decide what you would include and leave out of a painting. If it was raining, our teacher would set up a still-life or driedflower arrangement indoors. He was an amazing gentleman.

He really looked after his students and taught us so much. I also went to night school in Foster with Brian Will . . . he ended up buying a painting from me – much to my amazement!

Over the years I’ve taught individuals and groups at the Community House and at my gallery. I always use Lance’s style of teaching: you don’t hold anything back, you just tell your students what you know. If they want, they can paint your way, but there are always other ways of painting – particularly in oils and acrylics. Then watercolour . . . well, anything goes there – it’s that type of medium.

I love plein air painting – painting on location. That doesn’t happen so much these days, as I have to be at the gallery.

When I do go out on my own, I take the farm ute and find a place to paint, often by the roadside. I put blankets on the dashboard and set up my canvas on the steering wheel, then I can lose myself in the moment.

I mainly paint in oils and acrylic on canvas, but I also like to paint on gum leaves. I saw one at Joel’s Auction House and it inspired me to try. They’re actually perfect for painting on.

It’s just a matter of drying them and then painting on that negative space. A lot of my paintings are from my imagination.

The first time I did one, people would come in and ask, where is this? When I’d say, ‘my imagination’, . . . they weren’t impressed! It had taken me years to get to this stage – you definitely develop a photographic memory for places you have been to.

“...he ended up buying a painting from me – much to my amazement!”

FISH CREEK

Situated in beautiful South Gippsland and set in a unique, romantic position, amid a small orchard and vines. The art gallery is a historic home built in the early 1900s. It houses a large range of original acrylics, oils, watercolours and pastels.

Open most days 10.30am – 5.00pm or by appointment 03 5683 2377 | bianca.stefani@bigpond.com 39 Keanes Rd, Fish Creek, VIC

and Wolf on Murray fine food cafe

I really enjoy painting. I get lost in it. It’s like meditation . . . you go to a different level. I’ve always wanted to paint Kilcunda. We went to the Island one day and I didn’t know that they’d put the wind turbines up at Wonthaggi. On the way home I had a good cry to think the beautiful panoramic view was ruined.

I’ve always loved the mountain peaks around here. I look out at the Baw Baw plateau and the Hoddle Range from my gallery. I’m always looking at the light: I’m very aware of light and shade. There are so many trees around here, but I do miss the sunrises and sunsets that I used to see from the milking sheds. I ask my grandchildren or friends if they can see certain colours in the sky or landscape, the ever-changing colours of Gippsland, but they just don’t see them. I guess I must be looking at nature with an artist’s eye.

I consider myself to be very lucky in my artistic journey.

I’ve won a few prizes along the way, taken on commissions and won a lot of People’s Choice awards in shows. I feel truly blessed.

Stefani Hillltop Gallery: 39 Keanes Rd, Fish Creek 03 5683 2377

A huge variety of stalls in a vibrant, friendly atmosphere selling antiques, vintage, locally crafted goods, exotica from far off lands, jewellery, clothing, plants & more..

Weird, Wacky and Wonderful Antiques, Vintage and More.

1 Murray street Wonthaggi (opposite Aldi, enter through Wolf on Murray café) 0419 362 978. Open 9am – 5pm (closed Tuesdays) Sundays 9am – 4pm

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SAVOUR THE FLAVOUR

ssavour aavour vour the flavour fla fl vour

ANGEL’S HEALTH FOODS

BASSINE CHEESE

BURNT TOAST

74 Chapel St, Cowes Call 5952 3398

Bass Hwy, Bass (opp. King Rd) Call 0466 183 513

10 Vista Place, Cape Woolamai Call 5900 0598

Eco-friendly household items, personal care and books. A huge range of food, including nuts, seeds, legumes, dried fruits, and grains, as well as a wide range of herbs and spices, tahini, honey, cleaning products which can be dispensed to order, and our house-milled peanut butter. Also stock organic meat, fermented foods, fresh bread, and locally sourced free-range eggs, with food options to suit all dietary requirements, and qualified advice to help guide you. www.angelshealthfoods.com.au

Treat yourself to delicious, handmade, artisan, farmhouse-cheese at this familyowned boutique cheese factory. Their range of cheese is made on site with milk from their own cows. Watch cheese being made, enjoy a light lunch or cheese tasting at the licensed Cheese Café or buy fresh, non-homogenised farm milk. Small groups welcome. Open from 10am daily.

Under new management. Expect the same friendly faces and chilled vibe, but a new look. With daily and weekly specials and our all new ‘Pie of the Week’ we are open for breakfast, lunch and that coffee catch up with friends. Did you know we cater for parties and functions? And, as part of our revamp we want to get to know you, our customers, so stop by today, we’d love your feedback.

www.bassinespecialtycheeses.com.au

Always on sale: Fresh fruit and vegetables Local and imported delicacies KGS mayonnaise, hummus, chutney and jams Gorgeous home and giftware items

LAUGHTER IS BRIGHTEST IN THE PLACE WHERE THE FOOD IS.

Irish Proverb From the bays, hills and fields in-between, we are incredibly lucky to be blessed with mouth-watering, moreish food sources. Check out the spectacular array of astonishing locations and indulge in delicious flavours and fresh produce.

Kilcunda General Store Mon – Sat: 7am – 5pm Sun: 7am – 4pm 3535 Bass Highway, Kilcunda Ph: 5678 7390 @kilcunda.general.store

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SAVOUR THE FLAVOUR

ssavour aavour vour the flavour fla fl vour

ANGEL’S HEALTH FOODS

BASSINE CHEESE

BURNT TOAST

74 Chapel St, Cowes Call 5952 3398

Bass Hwy, Bass (opp. King Rd) Call 0466 183 513

10 Vista Place, Cape Woolamai Call 5900 0598

Eco-friendly household items, personal care and books. A huge range of food, including nuts, seeds, legumes, dried fruits, and grains, as well as a wide range of herbs and spices, tahini, honey, cleaning products which can be dispensed to order, and our house-milled peanut butter. Also stock organic meat, fermented foods, fresh bread, and locally sourced free-range eggs, with food options to suit all dietary requirements, and qualified advice to help guide you. www.angelshealthfoods.com.au

Treat yourself to delicious, handmade, artisan, farmhouse-cheese at this familyowned boutique cheese factory. Their range of cheese is made on site with milk from their own cows. Watch cheese being made, enjoy a light lunch or cheese tasting at the licensed Cheese Café or buy fresh, non-homogenised farm milk. Small groups welcome. Open from 10am daily.

Under new management. Expect the same friendly faces and chilled vibe, but a new look. With daily and weekly specials and our all new ‘Pie of the Week’ we are open for breakfast, lunch and that coffee catch up with friends. Did you know we cater for parties and functions? And, as part of our revamp we want to get to know you, our customers, so stop by today, we’d love your feedback.

www.bassinespecialtycheeses.com.au

Always on sale: Fresh fruit and vegetables Local and imported delicacies KGS mayonnaise, hummus, chutney and jams Gorgeous home and giftware items

LAUGHTER IS BRIGHTEST IN THE PLACE WHERE THE FOOD IS.

Irish Proverb From the bays, hills and fields in-between, we are incredibly lucky to be blessed with mouth-watering, moreish food sources. Check out the spectacular array of astonishing locations and indulge in delicious flavours and fresh produce.

Kilcunda General Store Mon – Sat: 7am – 5pm Sun: 7am – 4pm 3535 Bass Highway, Kilcunda Ph: 5678 7390 @kilcunda.general.store

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SAVOUR THE FLAVOUR

SAVOUR THE FLAVOUR

THE CAPE KITCHEN

COFFEE TRADERS

1215 Phillip Island Rd, Newhaven Call 5956 7200

3 Blake St, Mornington Call 5977 1177

HARRYS’ ON THE ESPLANADE

The stunning view and an inventive menu make this a unique dining experience, focusing on local ingredients and fresh produce. Specialising in beautiful breakfasts and open for lunch and outside dining there’s a menu to suit every taste and budget, plus an All-Victorian wine list and beer selection. The Cape Kitchen also hosts special events - ring or email them for details or to join their mailing list.

This Mornington coffee institution serves Melbourne quality food and fabulous 5 Sense coffee. They do a roaring take-away trade, but step inside and enjoy the cosy, friendly atmosphere as you indulge in a delicious sweet or savoury treat. Open 6am to 6pm daily, so you can get your coffee fix whenever you need it.

www.thecapekitchen.com.au

17 The Esplanade, Cowes Call 5952 6226 It’s worth a visit for the view alone. Harry’s has been newly renovated but the menu remains focused on local, natural and authentic produce. Seafood fresh off the boat and Island-grazed beef and lamb are specialties. Artisan breads, cakes and icecreams are all made at the in-house bakery.

Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner. www.harrysrestaurant.com.au

KILCUNDA GENERAL STORE 3535 Bass Hwy, Kilcunda Call 5678 7390 This friendly café is famous for beautiful breakfasts, great coffee, delicious lunches and fabulous cakes. They only use freerange eggs and chickens, and all ingredients are locally-sourced where possible. Their pastries, sauces and chutneys are all made from scratch. The gift shop showcases sustainable, locally-produced items.

Open 7 days from 7am.

KILCUNDA OCEAN VIEW HOTEL 3531 – 3533 Bass Hwy, Kilcunda Call 5678 7011 We like it fresh and local and Cuban Head Chef Ivan Sanchez has added an extra layer to our bistro experience. His passion for cooking shines through in every meal and his Central-South American inspired dishes sit alongside Pub favourites like Black Angus steak, chicken parma and local gummy shark. You’ll always get the freshest ingredients and friendly service. No wonder we’ve been named the Top 20 Country pubs in Victoria.

LUCINDA ESTATE 108 Parr St, Leongatha Call 0417 337 270 Farmers Platter at Lucinda Estate - Meats

by Wattlebank Parkfarm & Quattro Stelli, cheese by Berry’s Creek & Prom Country, marinated mushrooms by Gippsland Mushrooms, olives by Mount of Olives Fish Creek, housemade baba ganoush and local seasonal vegetables. Enjoy with our Pinot Noir or Apple & Pear Cider with the tasty fare on offer. Open Friday to Sunday for Lunch and Wine tasting. Monday to Thursday Wine Tasting. www.lucindaestate.com.au

www.kilcundaoceanviewhotel.com.au

Vanille Bistro Cafe Pakenham are renowned for having the best coffee in Pakenham. Featuring two kitchens including a cake section, most of our baked items are produced on the premises & sold directly.

An outstanding breakfast & lunch menu, along with daily specials, consist of well executed comfort food with a difference, all served up in an unpretentious surroundings. Come in for a coffee or stay for breakfast or lunch.

We also have a superb range of baked-on-premises cakes and provide catering services to Pakenham and surrounding areas.

Great food Awesome coffee Great company 15 Treloar Lane, Pakenham, Victoria (03) 5940 9295 info@vanillebistro.com.au | www.vanillebistro.com.au @VanilleBistro

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@vanille_bistro

9 A’beckett St., Inverloch VIC 3996 (03) 5674 1188 Open 7 days with breakfast available from 8am-11:30am and lunch available from 11:30am -3pm

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SAVOUR THE FLAVOUR

SAVOUR THE FLAVOUR

THE CAPE KITCHEN

COFFEE TRADERS

1215 Phillip Island Rd, Newhaven Call 5956 7200

3 Blake St, Mornington Call 5977 1177

HARRYS’ ON THE ESPLANADE

The stunning view and an inventive menu make this a unique dining experience, focusing on local ingredients and fresh produce. Specialising in beautiful breakfasts and open for lunch and outside dining there’s a menu to suit every taste and budget, plus an All-Victorian wine list and beer selection. The Cape Kitchen also hosts special events - ring or email them for details or to join their mailing list.

This Mornington coffee institution serves Melbourne quality food and fabulous 5 Sense coffee. They do a roaring take-away trade, but step inside and enjoy the cosy, friendly atmosphere as you indulge in a delicious sweet or savoury treat. Open 6am to 6pm daily, so you can get your coffee fix whenever you need it.

www.thecapekitchen.com.au

17 The Esplanade, Cowes Call 5952 6226 It’s worth a visit for the view alone. Harry’s has been newly renovated but the menu remains focused on local, natural and authentic produce. Seafood fresh off the boat and Island-grazed beef and lamb are specialties. Artisan breads, cakes and icecreams are all made at the in-house bakery.

Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner. www.harrysrestaurant.com.au

KILCUNDA GENERAL STORE 3535 Bass Hwy, Kilcunda Call 5678 7390 This friendly café is famous for beautiful breakfasts, great coffee, delicious lunches and fabulous cakes. They only use freerange eggs and chickens, and all ingredients are locally-sourced where possible. Their pastries, sauces and chutneys are all made from scratch. The gift shop showcases sustainable, locally-produced items.

Open 7 days from 7am.

KILCUNDA OCEAN VIEW HOTEL 3531 – 3533 Bass Hwy, Kilcunda Call 5678 7011 We like it fresh and local and Cuban Head Chef Ivan Sanchez has added an extra layer to our bistro experience. His passion for cooking shines through in every meal and his Central-South American inspired dishes sit alongside Pub favourites like Black Angus steak, chicken parma and local gummy shark. You’ll always get the freshest ingredients and friendly service. No wonder we’ve been named the Top 20 Country pubs in Victoria.

LUCINDA ESTATE 108 Parr St, Leongatha Call 0417 337 270 Farmers Platter at Lucinda Estate - Meats

by Wattlebank Parkfarm & Quattro Stelli, cheese by Berry’s Creek & Prom Country, marinated mushrooms by Gippsland Mushrooms, olives by Mount of Olives Fish Creek, housemade baba ganoush and local seasonal vegetables. Enjoy with our Pinot Noir or Apple & Pear Cider with the tasty fare on offer. Open Friday to Sunday for Lunch and Wine tasting. Monday to Thursday Wine Tasting. www.lucindaestate.com.au

www.kilcundaoceanviewhotel.com.au

Vanille Bistro Cafe Pakenham are renowned for having the best coffee in Pakenham. Featuring two kitchens including a cake section, most of our baked items are produced on the premises & sold directly.

An outstanding breakfast & lunch menu, along with daily specials, consist of well executed comfort food with a difference, all served up in an unpretentious surroundings. Come in for a coffee or stay for breakfast or lunch.

We also have a superb range of baked-on-premises cakes and provide catering services to Pakenham and surrounding areas.

Great food Awesome coffee Great company 15 Treloar Lane, Pakenham, Victoria (03) 5940 9295 info@vanillebistro.com.au | www.vanillebistro.com.au @VanilleBistro

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@vanille_bistro

9 A’beckett St., Inverloch VIC 3996 (03) 5674 1188 Open 7 days with breakfast available from 8am-11:30am and lunch available from 11:30am -3pm

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words maria reed photos warren reed

cafe review

“It’s a balancing act and a fine art to achieve the perfect coffee.”

Serious coffee-drinkers take note. If you are yet to experience a caffeine hit from Coffee Traders on the Mornington Peninsula, you’re missing out on a seriously good drop.

From its vine-covered walls to bentwood chairs and intimate dark-wood interior, Coffee Traders is a little slice of Europe just off Main Street in Mornington. Manager Hamish smiles, “We live and die by our coffee. It’s made to a formula that comes down to math, so that each and every coffee we produce is consistently the best.”

The café has been going strong for 20 years, and the staff take great pride in their work. “Our baristas are highly trained, and practise regularly to make sure they’re at the top of their

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game. To put out a coffee you are proud of – to me, that’s the perfect cup.”

Coffee Traders has selected 5 Senses Coffee as their supplier of choice, for the quality, taste and consistency. Hamish reflects, “in my opinion, they produce the best quality coffee you can get. They’re an Australian company, and I find their knowledge and service phenomenal. If there are changes in the beans – even the smallest changes – they let us know.” A natural product, there can be small variations in batches and the team

work closely with their supplier to set the correct machine ratios to deliver a flavour profile that maintains consistency.

“The difference of one or two seconds (or grams) can make a huge difference to the flavour. It’s a balancing act and a fine art to achieve the perfect coffee.”

While coffee is the main focus, the team are magicians in the intimate space, and offer delicious snacks, cakes and light meals to enjoy. We peruse the menu and are enticed by the breakfast brioche with smashed egg, bacon, cheddar and

tomato relish on a toasted brioche bun. Other choices include toasted cranberry and macadamia muesli, a Turkish BLAT, ham and cheese croissant and ‘power porrij’ . . . the list goes on.

We finally decide on the banana bread, which is topped with mascarpone and fresh strawberries, then drizzled with maple syrup, cinnamon sugar and crushed pistachios. A sweettooth’s delight, the flavours and textures meld beautifully in the mouth. Finished with a creamy house latte, it’s absolute perfection! My partner chooses the avocado toast with basil >

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words maria reed photos warren reed

cafe review

“It’s a balancing act and a fine art to achieve the perfect coffee.”

Serious coffee-drinkers take note. If you are yet to experience a caffeine hit from Coffee Traders on the Mornington Peninsula, you’re missing out on a seriously good drop.

From its vine-covered walls to bentwood chairs and intimate dark-wood interior, Coffee Traders is a little slice of Europe just off Main Street in Mornington. Manager Hamish smiles, “We live and die by our coffee. It’s made to a formula that comes down to math, so that each and every coffee we produce is consistently the best.”

The café has been going strong for 20 years, and the staff take great pride in their work. “Our baristas are highly trained, and practise regularly to make sure they’re at the top of their

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game. To put out a coffee you are proud of – to me, that’s the perfect cup.”

Coffee Traders has selected 5 Senses Coffee as their supplier of choice, for the quality, taste and consistency. Hamish reflects, “in my opinion, they produce the best quality coffee you can get. They’re an Australian company, and I find their knowledge and service phenomenal. If there are changes in the beans – even the smallest changes – they let us know.” A natural product, there can be small variations in batches and the team

work closely with their supplier to set the correct machine ratios to deliver a flavour profile that maintains consistency.

“The difference of one or two seconds (or grams) can make a huge difference to the flavour. It’s a balancing act and a fine art to achieve the perfect coffee.”

While coffee is the main focus, the team are magicians in the intimate space, and offer delicious snacks, cakes and light meals to enjoy. We peruse the menu and are enticed by the breakfast brioche with smashed egg, bacon, cheddar and

tomato relish on a toasted brioche bun. Other choices include toasted cranberry and macadamia muesli, a Turkish BLAT, ham and cheese croissant and ‘power porrij’ . . . the list goes on.

We finally decide on the banana bread, which is topped with mascarpone and fresh strawberries, then drizzled with maple syrup, cinnamon sugar and crushed pistachios. A sweettooth’s delight, the flavours and textures meld beautifully in the mouth. Finished with a creamy house latte, it’s absolute perfection! My partner chooses the avocado toast with basil >

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OPEN 6AM - 6PM PHONE 5977 1177 pesto and sliced tomato, topped with crumbled feta, olive oil and black pepper. It’s simple, yet bursting with an abundance of fresh flavours.

“…we try to offer the broadest range of dishes possible without having a full kitchen.”

Hamish adds, “we try to offer the broadest range of dishes possible without having a full kitchen. Within the limits we have, we’re very proud of what we produce”. They have new specials every fortnight “to keep it as fresh and new as we can”. Scanning the specials board, I’m tempted by the hearty, slow-cooked beans and chorizo in a rich tomato sauce, served

with yoghurt and olive bread. The warmed pumpkin served on sourdough toast with herbed ricotta, rocket and hazelnuts also looks very enticing.

Coffee Traders offer a range of bagged beans to take home to create your own brew. While most are the 5 Senses label, chosen for their strict quality, they do stock a special dark blend called The Ex-Wife from the Code Black brand (yes, we get the insinuation there!) – which caters to their customers who appreciate a dark roast.

“We don’t take ourselves too seriously,” says Hamish, “but we insist on good coffee.” If you are seeking a cosy, alternative haunt to enjoy the very best coffee and hospitality, look no further than Coffee Traders in Mornington.

3 Blake Street, Mornington 03 5977 1177

MELBOURNE QUALITY COFFEE IN MORNINGTON’S ICONIC VINE COVERED CAFE. 3 Blake St, Mornington | 03 5977 1177 hamishcoffeetraders@gmail.com

Open Mon–Sat 6am–6pm, Sun 7am–5pm @coffeetradersmornington

@coffeetradersmornington

Waterfront Restaurant Phillip Island 1215 Phillip Island Road, Newhaven, Victoria 3925 hello@thecapekitchen.com.au T 03 5956 7200 thecapekitchen.com.au facebook/thecapekitchen @thecapekitchen thecapekitchen

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OPEN 6AM - 6PM PHONE 5977 1177 pesto and sliced tomato, topped with crumbled feta, olive oil and black pepper. It’s simple, yet bursting with an abundance of fresh flavours.

“…we try to offer the broadest range of dishes possible without having a full kitchen.”

Hamish adds, “we try to offer the broadest range of dishes possible without having a full kitchen. Within the limits we have, we’re very proud of what we produce”. They have new specials every fortnight “to keep it as fresh and new as we can”. Scanning the specials board, I’m tempted by the hearty, slow-cooked beans and chorizo in a rich tomato sauce, served

with yoghurt and olive bread. The warmed pumpkin served on sourdough toast with herbed ricotta, rocket and hazelnuts also looks very enticing.

Coffee Traders offer a range of bagged beans to take home to create your own brew. While most are the 5 Senses label, chosen for their strict quality, they do stock a special dark blend called The Ex-Wife from the Code Black brand (yes, we get the insinuation there!) – which caters to their customers who appreciate a dark roast.

“We don’t take ourselves too seriously,” says Hamish, “but we insist on good coffee.” If you are seeking a cosy, alternative haunt to enjoy the very best coffee and hospitality, look no further than Coffee Traders in Mornington.

3 Blake Street, Mornington 03 5977 1177

MELBOURNE QUALITY COFFEE IN MORNINGTON’S ICONIC VINE COVERED CAFE. 3 Blake St, Mornington | 03 5977 1177 hamishcoffeetraders@gmail.com

Open Mon–Sat 6am–6pm, Sun 7am–5pm @coffeetradersmornington

@coffeetradersmornington

Waterfront Restaurant Phillip Island 1215 Phillip Island Road, Newhaven, Victoria 3925 hello@thecapekitchen.com.au T 03 5956 7200 thecapekitchen.com.au facebook/thecapekitchen @thecapekitchen thecapekitchen

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SAVOUR THE FLAVOUR

MANHATTAN IN MORNINGTON

SAVOUR THE FLAVOUR

MARIO’S AT SAN REMO

MEENIYAN PANTRY AND CELLAR

THE PALMS Cnr Chapel & Steele St, Cowes

PHILLIP ISLAND CHOCOLATE FACTORY CAFÉ

RACV INVERLOCH

93 Marine Pde, San Remo

55 Barkly Street (corner Barrett Lane), Mornington Call 5976 4867

Call 5678 5365

82 Whitelaw St

Call 5952 5858

930 Phillip Island Rd, Newhaven

Call 5674 0000

A family owned and operated restaurant evoking the style and flavour of Manhattan’s Little Italy. Traditional and modern Italian cuisine encompassing everything from fresh seafood, to pizza, pasta and desserts. All meals are prepared from scratch, including house-baked bread and fresh pasta. Enjoy lamb, beef or seafood meals from the Josper charcoal oven. Fully licensed with a range of local and imported beer and wine, plus an extensive range of spirits. www.manhattaninmornington.com.au

Mario Zinellu is practically an institution on the coast, and this fabulous bistro is the latest chapter in his food journey. Focusing on ‘food with heart’ with continental influences, you can expect the same focus on flavour, freshness and local seafood.

Come in and experience la dolce vita. All meals available takeaway.

Call 5956 6600

Call 5602 2124 A collection of exquisite foods and wine from across the globe. Whether cheeses from France and cured meats from Italy to create your own antipasto platters, or restaurant-quality mains to take home, Meeniyan Pantry & Cellar has produce and meals to entice even the fussiest of connoisseurs. Offering on and off site catering, events, platters and light lunches, there’s something for everyone. Share our streetfood and live music every Friday at Fridays on the Deck!

top 20 country pubs

70 Cape Paterson Inverloch Rd

Located in central Cowes amongst the tropical setting of the Kaloha resort, The Palms has established itself as a main stay of the Phillip Island restaurant scene.

Offering locally sourced produce, fresh seafood and top quality beef. Whether you’re after Tapas and a cocktail or a three course meal, our extensive menu and wine list has you covered.

This bright and airy café opens out onto an expansive deck and not surprisingly offers a great range of chocolate treats. Drawing on owner Panny’s Indian/Malaysian heritage, the café also serves a variety of superb curries, and the satay wraps are legendary.

Open 7 days from 9.30am to 6.00pm.

In a stunning location, with spectacular views across Anderson Inlet, this is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal with family or friends. Radius restaurant is the ideal setting for breakfast, lunch or dinner, and offers an impressive local wine selection. We also cater for special occasions and large group bookings. In the Zenith Lounge, enjoy all day dining and daily happy hour, with live music on Fridays. There really is something for everyone at RACV.

www.thepalmsphillipisland.com.au

www.phillipislandchocolatefactory.com.au

www.racv.com.au/inverloch

RESTAURANT

CAFE

BEER GARDEN

in Victoria

Elegant, fine dining under the expertise of Nepalese Michelinstar trained chef, Mahesh Raj Dhakel. Under new management, pop upstairs for a quiet pre-dinner drink in our all new “Juniper” Gin Bar, before indulging your senses in the newly refurbished restaurant. Whether a romantic evening or group get-together, the seasonal menu and extensive wine and beer range is bound to impress the most discerning palate. Available for functions, parties and wedding receptions with packages to suit all tastes.

FRESH FUSION.

We like it fresh and local. We like it big and hearty. And we love a hint of spice.

Whether it’s an Aussie pub classic-parma or South American inspired ribs, you’ll always get the freshest ingredients and friendly service. No wonder we’ve been named one of the Top 20 Country pubs in Victoria.

coast 80

5952 3773

Lounge Bar – 03 5678 7245 Ocean View Bistro – 03 5678 7011

5 Thompson Ave, Cowes info@sherwoodsrestaurant.com.au

coast 81

SAVOUR THE FLAVOUR

MANHATTAN IN MORNINGTON

SAVOUR THE FLAVOUR

MARIO’S AT SAN REMO

MEENIYAN PANTRY AND CELLAR

THE PALMS Cnr Chapel & Steele St, Cowes

PHILLIP ISLAND CHOCOLATE FACTORY CAFÉ

RACV INVERLOCH

93 Marine Pde, San Remo

55 Barkly Street (corner Barrett Lane), Mornington Call 5976 4867

Call 5678 5365

82 Whitelaw St

Call 5952 5858

930 Phillip Island Rd, Newhaven

Call 5674 0000

A family owned and operated restaurant evoking the style and flavour of Manhattan’s Little Italy. Traditional and modern Italian cuisine encompassing everything from fresh seafood, to pizza, pasta and desserts. All meals are prepared from scratch, including house-baked bread and fresh pasta. Enjoy lamb, beef or seafood meals from the Josper charcoal oven. Fully licensed with a range of local and imported beer and wine, plus an extensive range of spirits. www.manhattaninmornington.com.au

Mario Zinellu is practically an institution on the coast, and this fabulous bistro is the latest chapter in his food journey. Focusing on ‘food with heart’ with continental influences, you can expect the same focus on flavour, freshness and local seafood.

Come in and experience la dolce vita. All meals available takeaway.

Call 5956 6600

Call 5602 2124 A collection of exquisite foods and wine from across the globe. Whether cheeses from France and cured meats from Italy to create your own antipasto platters, or restaurant-quality mains to take home, Meeniyan Pantry & Cellar has produce and meals to entice even the fussiest of connoisseurs. Offering on and off site catering, events, platters and light lunches, there’s something for everyone. Share our streetfood and live music every Friday at Fridays on the Deck!

top 20 country pubs

70 Cape Paterson Inverloch Rd

Located in central Cowes amongst the tropical setting of the Kaloha resort, The Palms has established itself as a main stay of the Phillip Island restaurant scene.

Offering locally sourced produce, fresh seafood and top quality beef. Whether you’re after Tapas and a cocktail or a three course meal, our extensive menu and wine list has you covered.

This bright and airy café opens out onto an expansive deck and not surprisingly offers a great range of chocolate treats. Drawing on owner Panny’s Indian/Malaysian heritage, the café also serves a variety of superb curries, and the satay wraps are legendary.

Open 7 days from 9.30am to 6.00pm.

In a stunning location, with spectacular views across Anderson Inlet, this is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal with family or friends. Radius restaurant is the ideal setting for breakfast, lunch or dinner, and offers an impressive local wine selection. We also cater for special occasions and large group bookings. In the Zenith Lounge, enjoy all day dining and daily happy hour, with live music on Fridays. There really is something for everyone at RACV.

www.thepalmsphillipisland.com.au

www.phillipislandchocolatefactory.com.au

www.racv.com.au/inverloch

RESTAURANT

CAFE

BEER GARDEN

in Victoria

Elegant, fine dining under the expertise of Nepalese Michelinstar trained chef, Mahesh Raj Dhakel. Under new management, pop upstairs for a quiet pre-dinner drink in our all new “Juniper” Gin Bar, before indulging your senses in the newly refurbished restaurant. Whether a romantic evening or group get-together, the seasonal menu and extensive wine and beer range is bound to impress the most discerning palate. Available for functions, parties and wedding receptions with packages to suit all tastes.

FRESH FUSION.

We like it fresh and local. We like it big and hearty. And we love a hint of spice.

Whether it’s an Aussie pub classic-parma or South American inspired ribs, you’ll always get the freshest ingredients and friendly service. No wonder we’ve been named one of the Top 20 Country pubs in Victoria.

coast 80

5952 3773

Lounge Bar – 03 5678 7245 Ocean View Bistro – 03 5678 7011

5 Thompson Ave, Cowes info@sherwoodsrestaurant.com.au

coast 81

SAVOUR THE FLAVOUR

SAVOUR THE FLAVOUR

SAN REMO FISHERMAN’S CO-OP

SHERWOODS RESTAURANT

THE TERRACE

VANILLE BISTRO

VELA NINE

5 Thompson Ave, Cowes

Phillip Island RSL

116 Main St - 15 Treloar Lane, Pakenham

9 A’Beckett St, Inverloch

170 Marine Pde, San Remo

Call 5952 3773

225-243 Thompson Ave, Cowes

Call 5940 9295

Call 5674 1188

Call 5678 5206

Elegant, fine dining under the expertise of Nepalese Michelin-star trained chef, Mahesh. Under new management, pop upstairs for a quite pre-dinner drink in our all new “Juniper” Gin Bar, before indulging your senses in the newly refurbished restaurant. Whether a romantic evening or group get-together, the seasonal menu and extensive wine and beer range is bound to impress the most discerning palate. Available for functions, parties and wedding receptions with packages to suit all tastes.

Call 5952 1004 Join us every Sunday for Paella, Wine and Tunes at our tapas bar - The Terrace – the perfect place to catch up with friends, relax, and unwind. Open Friday from 4pm-9pm and weekends from noon-9pm, discover our newest bar and casual dining area for over 18’s. Enjoy local musicians each Sunday from 1.30pm with free entry.

Gluten free, vegetarian, vegan, seniors and children’s options (plus fun kids play area) available at our Lone Pine Bistro.

Renowned for the best coffee in Pakenham, come in and enjoy our stunning homebaked cakes or a delicious breakfast or lunch in friendly, unpretentious surrounds.

We specialise in fresh, well-executed comfort food – with a twist! Order a cake for your special celebration, and talk to us about catering for your next party or corporate function. As the weather warms indulge in our homemade ice-cream and gelato – coming soon.

Under new management! Situated in the heart of Inverloch, this café hums 7 days a week, producing fabulous breakfasts and lunches. Free-range, organic and local produce all feature heavily on the menu, including local wines. Dinner coming soon.

www.phillipislandrsl.com.au

www.vanillebistro.com.au

San Remo Fisherman’s Co-op sources fresh seafood from its own fleet of fish, scallop and crayfish boats. Fresh seafood sales include live and cooked crayfish, gummy shark, scallops, prawns, oysters and more.

Enjoy the best fish and chips in town, either dining in, alfresco on the lawn or relax by the beach. And don’t miss their free Pelican Feeding, on the beach every day at noon.

savour a the flavour

A Little Italy in Mornington.

Manhattan specialises in traditional and modern Italian cuisine encompassing everything Mediterranean from fresh seafood, pizzas and pastas to specialty entrées, soups and desserts.

55 Barkly St, Mornington VIC 3931 Phone: (03) 5976 4867 www.manhattaninmornington.com.au

coast 82

coast 83

SAVOUR THE FLAVOUR

SAVOUR THE FLAVOUR

SAN REMO FISHERMAN’S CO-OP

SHERWOODS RESTAURANT

THE TERRACE

VANILLE BISTRO

VELA NINE

5 Thompson Ave, Cowes

Phillip Island RSL

116 Main St - 15 Treloar Lane, Pakenham

9 A’Beckett St, Inverloch

170 Marine Pde, San Remo

Call 5952 3773

225-243 Thompson Ave, Cowes

Call 5940 9295

Call 5674 1188

Call 5678 5206

Elegant, fine dining under the expertise of Nepalese Michelin-star trained chef, Mahesh. Under new management, pop upstairs for a quite pre-dinner drink in our all new “Juniper” Gin Bar, before indulging your senses in the newly refurbished restaurant. Whether a romantic evening or group get-together, the seasonal menu and extensive wine and beer range is bound to impress the most discerning palate. Available for functions, parties and wedding receptions with packages to suit all tastes.

Call 5952 1004 Join us every Sunday for Paella, Wine and Tunes at our tapas bar - The Terrace – the perfect place to catch up with friends, relax, and unwind. Open Friday from 4pm-9pm and weekends from noon-9pm, discover our newest bar and casual dining area for over 18’s. Enjoy local musicians each Sunday from 1.30pm with free entry.

Gluten free, vegetarian, vegan, seniors and children’s options (plus fun kids play area) available at our Lone Pine Bistro.

Renowned for the best coffee in Pakenham, come in and enjoy our stunning homebaked cakes or a delicious breakfast or lunch in friendly, unpretentious surrounds.

We specialise in fresh, well-executed comfort food – with a twist! Order a cake for your special celebration, and talk to us about catering for your next party or corporate function. As the weather warms indulge in our homemade ice-cream and gelato – coming soon.

Under new management! Situated in the heart of Inverloch, this café hums 7 days a week, producing fabulous breakfasts and lunches. Free-range, organic and local produce all feature heavily on the menu, including local wines. Dinner coming soon.

www.phillipislandrsl.com.au

www.vanillebistro.com.au

San Remo Fisherman’s Co-op sources fresh seafood from its own fleet of fish, scallop and crayfish boats. Fresh seafood sales include live and cooked crayfish, gummy shark, scallops, prawns, oysters and more.

Enjoy the best fish and chips in town, either dining in, alfresco on the lawn or relax by the beach. And don’t miss their free Pelican Feeding, on the beach every day at noon.

savour a the flavour

A Little Italy in Mornington.

Manhattan specialises in traditional and modern Italian cuisine encompassing everything Mediterranean from fresh seafood, pizzas and pastas to specialty entrées, soups and desserts.

55 Barkly St, Mornington VIC 3931 Phone: (03) 5976 4867 www.manhattaninmornington.com.au

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words maria reed photos warren reed

dine out

a food lovers PARADISE

Don’t be deceived by the town sign that says, Population-645, as you wind your way into the picturesque town of Meeniyan. The village may be small, but this South Gippsland town punches way above its weight in its gourmet food offerings.

What used to be a stop off point on the way to the Prom, has now become a destination in its own right – and Meeniyan Pantry and Cellar has only added to this reputation. A walk down the main street quickly confirms this with an artisan bakery, food store, cafes, pizzeria, pantry, cellars – plus Meeniyan Square, a market, handcrafted jeweller, specialty gift stores and galleries as added attractions.

The Pantry and Cellar is the brainchild of three local traders; Rhiannon and Francesco Laera, owners of Trulli Woodfire Pizzeria and Gusto Gelateria & Pastry and Marty Thomas from café Moos at Meeniyan. Like most of the retail strip, the traders soon became friends. The idea formed on a weekend away over a glass of wine (as most good ideas do) and the rest is history.

We meet up at the pantry under the shade of a maple tree. Friends Phil and Danielle join us on a beautiful sunny afternoon to enjoy a feisty European red, and a platter piled high with tasty morsels from the deli. An explosion of textures and flavours to enjoy. Spanish Serrano ham cut straight from the bone. Plump Sicilian green olives. A variety of pickled

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vegetables. Creamy, moreish blue cheese, and Puglian fennel salami, a personal favourite of owner Francesco. He smiles, “the flavour reminds me of home!”

Rhiannon adds, “We’re trying to bring a bit of the world to Meeniyan. We have wine, meats and cheeses sourced from all over the planet. We are trying to be that esoteric venue that brings something new to the area to compliment all our delicious, regional Australian flavours.” A quick scan of the deli counter has my mouth watering with exotic cheeses, olives, dips, curd, pastes and an incredible array of specialty meats.

“We just felt there was a niche that could be filled by beautiful imported products.”

The trio have taken on a two-fold approach. While they offer traditional, quality delicatessen fare, Francesco is also an amazing Italian chef - so delicious, restaurant-quality meals are available to take home and enjoy. “This weeks special?

Porchetta; a succulent, hand rolled pork loin full of herbs and spices, smoked and then finished in the oven.” The homecooked meals are suitable for one up to a family, and feature >

coast 85

words maria reed photos warren reed

dine out

a food lovers PARADISE

Don’t be deceived by the town sign that says, Population-645, as you wind your way into the picturesque town of Meeniyan. The village may be small, but this South Gippsland town punches way above its weight in its gourmet food offerings.

What used to be a stop off point on the way to the Prom, has now become a destination in its own right – and Meeniyan Pantry and Cellar has only added to this reputation. A walk down the main street quickly confirms this with an artisan bakery, food store, cafes, pizzeria, pantry, cellars – plus Meeniyan Square, a market, handcrafted jeweller, specialty gift stores and galleries as added attractions.

The Pantry and Cellar is the brainchild of three local traders; Rhiannon and Francesco Laera, owners of Trulli Woodfire Pizzeria and Gusto Gelateria & Pastry and Marty Thomas from café Moos at Meeniyan. Like most of the retail strip, the traders soon became friends. The idea formed on a weekend away over a glass of wine (as most good ideas do) and the rest is history.

We meet up at the pantry under the shade of a maple tree. Friends Phil and Danielle join us on a beautiful sunny afternoon to enjoy a feisty European red, and a platter piled high with tasty morsels from the deli. An explosion of textures and flavours to enjoy. Spanish Serrano ham cut straight from the bone. Plump Sicilian green olives. A variety of pickled

coast 84

vegetables. Creamy, moreish blue cheese, and Puglian fennel salami, a personal favourite of owner Francesco. He smiles, “the flavour reminds me of home!”

Rhiannon adds, “We’re trying to bring a bit of the world to Meeniyan. We have wine, meats and cheeses sourced from all over the planet. We are trying to be that esoteric venue that brings something new to the area to compliment all our delicious, regional Australian flavours.” A quick scan of the deli counter has my mouth watering with exotic cheeses, olives, dips, curd, pastes and an incredible array of specialty meats.

“We just felt there was a niche that could be filled by beautiful imported products.”

The trio have taken on a two-fold approach. While they offer traditional, quality delicatessen fare, Francesco is also an amazing Italian chef - so delicious, restaurant-quality meals are available to take home and enjoy. “This weeks special?

Porchetta; a succulent, hand rolled pork loin full of herbs and spices, smoked and then finished in the oven.” The homecooked meals are suitable for one up to a family, and feature >

coast 85

Italian-influenced meals, Australian classics, curries and more.

“They are unbelievably delicious and easy – and who doesn’t enjoy restaurant quality food at home?”

The cellar features an amazing selection of wines from all over Australia and the world, and they utilize the talents of a winemaker to create an extensive list of superb wines to carry.

The cellar and pantry include a welcoming outdoor deck, complete with open fire and alfresco blinds, making it the perfect spot to sit and enjoy beautiful food and good wine.

Rhiannon says, “While we don’t do full meals as such, we do Fridays on the deck where we offer light meals, little plates, or cheese platters with a fine glass of wine. Last week Francesco produced an amazing smoked pork belly with pickled radish on bread, and a smoked pulled lamb with homemade mint tzatziki and a Greek salad. Then we have music and it’s just a nice relaxed way to get a nibble, drink and enjoy the atmosphere.”

“We really believe in what we are doing. It’s not just our life, it is our passion” Cheese platters are available to enjoy anytime with a beautiful wine, beer, cider or sparkling. Thursday nights are ‘Happy Cheese Hour’ where you can sample a selection of fine cheeses and order your beverage of choice. Rhiannon is always brainstorming ideas; “We will also offer a dinner box where you can order a three-course meal for whatever is on that week, and lunch boxes too.”

The team offer on and offsite catering from 15 to . . . “the skies the limit!” laughs Rhiannon. The Pantry and Cellar also adjoins the spacious Meeniyan Square, which allows them to cater for large events or functions on site. “We’ve catered for birthday parties, weddings, corporate functions . . . you name it, we’ve probably done it!” They also cater for all dietary requirements, so nothing is a problem.

Though the trio make it look easy, a lot of hard work and planning has gone into the site to make it work for the community and its visitors. Marty smiles, “That is what Meeniyan is all about – community – helping and supporting each other. That is our secret success, we all work together to succeed.” Francesco adds, “This works so well as we have combined our three strengths. My passion is food, and coming from Italy, you just don’t mess with food – it is a serious business. Our culture is based on sharing food around a table. . . it’s in our blood. Rhiannon has great ideas and is very good at business. And Marty, well, he is MR customer service. He is a great host and an ideal partner. He really is unique! We took our strengths and together we have formed an unbeatable team. We really believe in what we are doing.

It’s not just our life, it is our passion!”

Come and share their passion at 82 Whitelaw Street, Meeniyan 03 5602 2124

I adore this pilaf. It’s been a saviour for me on many occasions when I need something cooked in advance that happily keeps warm in the pot whilst I get on with other things, or better still, catch up with family and friends.

Nellie’s Freekeh Pilaf S E RVE S 4-6 IN GR E DIE N TS

- 80ml olive oil - 2 large brown onions, thinly sliced - 3 red capsicum, sliced into thin strips - 1 tablespoon caster sugar - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - A very good grinding of black pepper - 2 teaspoons coriander seeds, toasted and ground

- 1 teaspoons cumin seeds, toasted and ground - 100g currants - 250g freekeh, rinsed really well - 500ml vegetable stock - Sea salt & freshly-cracked black pepper - A good handful of flat leaf parsley, washed, dried and chopped

ME THOD

- In a large pot, heat the oil and cook the onions and capsicum together on medium-high heat for 10-12 minutes or until soft.

- Add the rinsed freekeh to the pan.

- Add the sugar, tomato paste, pepper, spices and currants. Stir for a couple of minutes before adding the stock.

- Season well with salt and pepper and bring to a boil.

- Once boiling, cover and simmer for 15 minutes.

- Remove lid and allow pilaf to cool down for 5 minutes before serving.

- Fluff up the pilaf with a fork and add in the chopped parsley and combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning – it may need a little sea salt, pepper and olive oil.

Seasonal trading hours – check Facebook for current times

The team is seeking stallholders for the adjoining Meeniyan Square. If you would like to be considered or find out more detail log onto www.meeniyansquare.com.au

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RECIPE KINDLY PROVIDED BY NELLIE KERRISON W W W.RELISH M AM A.COM .AU OR PH ON E 0 3 9 5 5 3 4 8 4 6

coast 87

Italian-influenced meals, Australian classics, curries and more.

“They are unbelievably delicious and easy – and who doesn’t enjoy restaurant quality food at home?”

The cellar features an amazing selection of wines from all over Australia and the world, and they utilize the talents of a winemaker to create an extensive list of superb wines to carry.

The cellar and pantry include a welcoming outdoor deck, complete with open fire and alfresco blinds, making it the perfect spot to sit and enjoy beautiful food and good wine.

Rhiannon says, “While we don’t do full meals as such, we do Fridays on the deck where we offer light meals, little plates, or cheese platters with a fine glass of wine. Last week Francesco produced an amazing smoked pork belly with pickled radish on bread, and a smoked pulled lamb with homemade mint tzatziki and a Greek salad. Then we have music and it’s just a nice relaxed way to get a nibble, drink and enjoy the atmosphere.”

“We really believe in what we are doing. It’s not just our life, it is our passion” Cheese platters are available to enjoy anytime with a beautiful wine, beer, cider or sparkling. Thursday nights are ‘Happy Cheese Hour’ where you can sample a selection of fine cheeses and order your beverage of choice. Rhiannon is always brainstorming ideas; “We will also offer a dinner box where you can order a three-course meal for whatever is on that week, and lunch boxes too.”

The team offer on and offsite catering from 15 to . . . “the skies the limit!” laughs Rhiannon. The Pantry and Cellar also adjoins the spacious Meeniyan Square, which allows them to cater for large events or functions on site. “We’ve catered for birthday parties, weddings, corporate functions . . . you name it, we’ve probably done it!” They also cater for all dietary requirements, so nothing is a problem.

Though the trio make it look easy, a lot of hard work and planning has gone into the site to make it work for the community and its visitors. Marty smiles, “That is what Meeniyan is all about – community – helping and supporting each other. That is our secret success, we all work together to succeed.” Francesco adds, “This works so well as we have combined our three strengths. My passion is food, and coming from Italy, you just don’t mess with food – it is a serious business. Our culture is based on sharing food around a table. . . it’s in our blood. Rhiannon has great ideas and is very good at business. And Marty, well, he is MR customer service. He is a great host and an ideal partner. He really is unique! We took our strengths and together we have formed an unbeatable team. We really believe in what we are doing.

It’s not just our life, it is our passion!”

Come and share their passion at 82 Whitelaw Street, Meeniyan 03 5602 2124

I adore this pilaf. It’s been a saviour for me on many occasions when I need something cooked in advance that happily keeps warm in the pot whilst I get on with other things, or better still, catch up with family and friends.

Nellie’s Freekeh Pilaf S E RVE S 4-6 IN GR E DIE N TS

- 80ml olive oil - 2 large brown onions, thinly sliced - 3 red capsicum, sliced into thin strips - 1 tablespoon caster sugar - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - A very good grinding of black pepper - 2 teaspoons coriander seeds, toasted and ground

- 1 teaspoons cumin seeds, toasted and ground - 100g currants - 250g freekeh, rinsed really well - 500ml vegetable stock - Sea salt & freshly-cracked black pepper - A good handful of flat leaf parsley, washed, dried and chopped

ME THOD

- In a large pot, heat the oil and cook the onions and capsicum together on medium-high heat for 10-12 minutes or until soft.

- Add the rinsed freekeh to the pan.

- Add the sugar, tomato paste, pepper, spices and currants. Stir for a couple of minutes before adding the stock.

- Season well with salt and pepper and bring to a boil.

- Once boiling, cover and simmer for 15 minutes.

- Remove lid and allow pilaf to cool down for 5 minutes before serving.

- Fluff up the pilaf with a fork and add in the chopped parsley and combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning – it may need a little sea salt, pepper and olive oil.

Seasonal trading hours – check Facebook for current times

The team is seeking stallholders for the adjoining Meeniyan Square. If you would like to be considered or find out more detail log onto www.meeniyansquare.com.au

coast 86

RECIPE KINDLY PROVIDED BY NELLIE KERRISON W W W.RELISH M AM A.COM .AU OR PH ON E 0 3 9 5 5 3 4 8 4 6

coast 87

The T Th hhee

ggrape rraaap p

escape ees s p

“I COOK WITH WINE, SOMETIMES I EVEN ADD IT TO THE FOOD.”

W.C. Fields

BELLVALE WINE 2017 Pinot Noir $24

Peninsula to the Prom, whether clay, volcanic, sand or loam – with such soil varieties, there’s no need to travel far for a good drop.

Fruit for this wine is sourced from our dry grown high-density vineyard in South Gippsland.

Traditional and modern wine-making techniques are maintained, giving this wine a distinct sense of place.

95 Forresters Lane, Berrys Creek 0412 541 098 – Cellar door by appointment www.bellvalewine.com.au

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PURPLE HEN VINEYARD & WINERY

DIRTY THREE WINES

2017 ‘The Rooster’ Shiraz $45 (released Nov 2018)

2018 ‘The Dirty Rizza’ Riesling Gippsland $35

A beautifully integrated cool climate Shiraz held for longer maturation in the barrel. With firm tannins and structure, it’s a bigger style of Shiraz – more a rooster than a hen.

From Holgates Road and Berrys Creek dirt – this off-dry Riesling is picked early to retain high acidity and balance the sugar. Starts sweet, finishes dry. Great with Asian dishes.

96 McFees Rd, Rhyll 5956 9244 www.purplehenwines.com.au

64 Cashin St, Inverloch 5606 8128 www.dirtythreewines.com.au

coast 89

The T Th hhee

ggrape rraaap p

escape ees s p

“I COOK WITH WINE, SOMETIMES I EVEN ADD IT TO THE FOOD.”

W.C. Fields

BELLVALE WINE 2017 Pinot Noir $24

Peninsula to the Prom, whether clay, volcanic, sand or loam – with such soil varieties, there’s no need to travel far for a good drop.

Fruit for this wine is sourced from our dry grown high-density vineyard in South Gippsland.

Traditional and modern wine-making techniques are maintained, giving this wine a distinct sense of place.

95 Forresters Lane, Berrys Creek 0412 541 098 – Cellar door by appointment www.bellvalewine.com.au

coast 88

PURPLE HEN VINEYARD & WINERY

DIRTY THREE WINES

2017 ‘The Rooster’ Shiraz $45 (released Nov 2018)

2018 ‘The Dirty Rizza’ Riesling Gippsland $35

A beautifully integrated cool climate Shiraz held for longer maturation in the barrel. With firm tannins and structure, it’s a bigger style of Shiraz – more a rooster than a hen.

From Holgates Road and Berrys Creek dirt – this off-dry Riesling is picked early to retain high acidity and balance the sugar. Starts sweet, finishes dry. Great with Asian dishes.

96 McFees Rd, Rhyll 5956 9244 www.purplehenwines.com.au

64 Cashin St, Inverloch 5606 8128 www.dirtythreewines.com.au

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1. THE GARLIC FESTIVAL When a third of the town volunteers you know you’re in for a treat. Held annually, indulge your senses with over 300 different types of garlic. From street food to garlic-infused beer and Loch Gin – if you’re game, there’s even garlic ice-cream. Vegies to decorate for the kids, cooking demonstrations for the adults and live music for all ages. Add Meeniyan’s Garlic Festival to your bucket list!

132 Whitelaw St Meeniyan VIC 3956 | Phone 5664 0055 | www.lacyjewellery.com.au coast 90

1. THE GARLIC FESTIVAL When a third of the town volunteers you know you’re in for a treat. Held annually, indulge your senses with over 300 different types of garlic. From street food to garlic-infused beer and Loch Gin – if you’re game, there’s even garlic ice-cream. Vegies to decorate for the kids, cooking demonstrations for the adults and live music for all ages. Add Meeniyan’s Garlic Festival to your bucket list!

132 Whitelaw St Meeniyan VIC 3956 | Phone 5664 0055 | www.lacyjewellery.com.au coast 90

HOMES OF DISTINCTION

2. A GOURMET PLAYGROUND Take a journey around the world on a single street and treat your tastebuds to local and international cuisine. Alfresco dining, picnic delicacies, café delights and restaurant quality take-away - one is spoilt for choice.

91 WHITELAW STREET PO BOX 87 MEENIYAN, VIC, 3956 PH 03 5664 0118 INFO@TREASEBUILDERS.COM.AU TREASEBUILDERS.COM.AU CDB-U 53250 coast 92

HOMES OF DISTINCTION

2. A GOURMET PLAYGROUND Take a journey around the world on a single street and treat your tastebuds to local and international cuisine. Alfresco dining, picnic delicacies, café delights and restaurant quality take-away - one is spoilt for choice.

91 WHITELAW STREET PO BOX 87 MEENIYAN, VIC, 3956 PH 03 5664 0118 INFO@TREASEBUILDERS.COM.AU TREASEBUILDERS.COM.AU CDB-U 53250 coast 92

3. SWING IT, SHAKE IT, MOVE IT, MAKE IT… The entertainment hub for the district Meeniyan Town Hall is renowned for bringing local, national and international acts.

Don’t miss Mojo Juju performing November 10th. Formidable. Enigmatic. Genre-defying. Fragile. Ballsy. Ambiguous. Raw. Blues, noir soundscapes, hip hop, soul – tight, exotic, dark and rhythmic, it’s hard to sum her up and her work.

Visit www.lyrebirdartscouncil.com.au for tickets.

Be lavished with attention at Catherine’s Hair Techniques.

In Meeniyan, we have everything you’d expect from a hair and beauty salon:

LIFE ISN’T perfect BUT YOUR hair CAN BE

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-Ladies & Men’s Hairdressing -Waxing Full Body & Facial -Ear & Nose Piercing -Manicures & Pedicures -Lash & Brow Tinting -Gel Nails

108 Whitelaw Street Meeniyan, 3956 (03) 5664 7211 catherine.waldron@bigpond.com

From antipasto to dessert we have tonight’s meal and next week’s dinner party covered with take away meals to suit every size table. On and off site catering, events, cheese/meat platters and light lunches are just some of what we offer.

Food and beverages from around the world are showcased in store, so come indulge your taste buds!

Home of Happy Cheese Hour and Fridays on the Deck (street food and live music), follow us on FB to keep up with our events, from Oktoberfest to cooking classes and garden BBQ’s.

82 Whitelaw Street, Meeniyan, 3956 | (03) 5602 2124 Check facebook for seasonal openings @meeniyanpantryandcellar @meeniyan_pantry_and_cellar coast 95

3. SWING IT, SHAKE IT, MOVE IT, MAKE IT… The entertainment hub for the district Meeniyan Town Hall is renowned for bringing local, national and international acts.

Don’t miss Mojo Juju performing November 10th. Formidable. Enigmatic. Genre-defying. Fragile. Ballsy. Ambiguous. Raw. Blues, noir soundscapes, hip hop, soul – tight, exotic, dark and rhythmic, it’s hard to sum her up and her work.

Visit www.lyrebirdartscouncil.com.au for tickets.

Be lavished with attention at Catherine’s Hair Techniques.

In Meeniyan, we have everything you’d expect from a hair and beauty salon:

LIFE ISN’T perfect BUT YOUR hair CAN BE

coast 94

-Ladies & Men’s Hairdressing -Waxing Full Body & Facial -Ear & Nose Piercing -Manicures & Pedicures -Lash & Brow Tinting -Gel Nails

108 Whitelaw Street Meeniyan, 3956 (03) 5664 7211 catherine.waldron@bigpond.com

From antipasto to dessert we have tonight’s meal and next week’s dinner party covered with take away meals to suit every size table. On and off site catering, events, cheese/meat platters and light lunches are just some of what we offer.

Food and beverages from around the world are showcased in store, so come indulge your taste buds!

Home of Happy Cheese Hour and Fridays on the Deck (street food and live music), follow us on FB to keep up with our events, from Oktoberfest to cooking classes and garden BBQ’s.

82 Whitelaw Street, Meeniyan, 3956 | (03) 5602 2124 Check facebook for seasonal openings @meeniyanpantryandcellar @meeniyan_pantry_and_cellar coast 95

TREASE BUILDERS

Gippsland’s awardwinning premier builders

The best of Meeniyan LATEST NEWS AND PRODUCTS FROM YOUR MEENIYAN RETAILERS

MEENIYAN IGA

Delicious local brands and supplies

4. A COMMUNITY UNITES A community that plays together, stays together, and it couldn’t be truer of Meeniyan.

Located along the South Gippsland Rail Trail behind Tanderra Park, the Meeniyan Community Gardens is a space to share plots, harvest vegies and build scarecrows.

MEENIYAN PANTRY & CELLAR Delicacies from the doorstop to abroad

LACY JEWELLERY STUDIO & GALLERY

CATHERINE’S HAIR TECHNIQUES Everyone needs a little attention sometimes

Beautiful, timeless custom-made pieces

AN INDEPENDENT RETAILER, PROUDLY SUPPORTING THE MEENIYAN COMMUNITY. We strive to deliver a shopping experience with a great range of products, friendly service and competitive prices.

We support local suppliers and brands that support our community.

facebook.com/Meeniyan-IGA 100-102 Whitelaw Street, Meeniyan, VIC 3956. Phone: 5664 0053

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TREASE BUILDERS

Gippsland’s awardwinning premier builders

The best of Meeniyan LATEST NEWS AND PRODUCTS FROM YOUR MEENIYAN RETAILERS

MEENIYAN IGA

Delicious local brands and supplies

4. A COMMUNITY UNITES A community that plays together, stays together, and it couldn’t be truer of Meeniyan.

Located along the South Gippsland Rail Trail behind Tanderra Park, the Meeniyan Community Gardens is a space to share plots, harvest vegies and build scarecrows.

MEENIYAN PANTRY & CELLAR Delicacies from the doorstop to abroad

LACY JEWELLERY STUDIO & GALLERY

CATHERINE’S HAIR TECHNIQUES Everyone needs a little attention sometimes

Beautiful, timeless custom-made pieces

AN INDEPENDENT RETAILER, PROUDLY SUPPORTING THE MEENIYAN COMMUNITY. We strive to deliver a shopping experience with a great range of products, friendly service and competitive prices.

We support local suppliers and brands that support our community.

facebook.com/Meeniyan-IGA 100-102 Whitelaw Street, Meeniyan, VIC 3956. Phone: 5664 0053

coast 96

coast 97

5eTHINGS love about w

*New pieces arriving weekly.*

Indulge in Peter’s award-winning Anzac biscuits and full continental breakfast, as you take in South Gippsland’s beauty.

Contemporary spacious apartment with separate bedroom, bathroom and living area with undercover parking and complimentary wi-fi – available for overnight and short-stay’s. Walking distance to the Meeniyan Shopping Centre and a stone’s throw from the Great Sthn Rail Trail.

Open Thursday – Sunday 10am - 4pm a: 140b Whitelaw St, Meeniyan p: 0427 375 020 e: theouterspacemeeniyan@gmail.com w: www.theouterspacemeeniyan.com.au

Glenleith at Meeniyan a: 1B Royston Street, Meeniyan p: 0457 221438 e: enquiries@glenleithatmeeniyan.com.au w: www.glenleithatmeeniyan.com.au

Australian-made, original sculpture, garden features, furniture and artwork.

- A fun space to visit or shop!

MEENIYAN HOTEL MEENIYAN HOTEL

MEENIYAN

love e w MEENIYAN

hbstudio

Whether your tucking into one of our low n slow BBQ plates on our sun drenched deck, or savouring one of our mouth watering steaks, feel free to choose from one of our carefully selected cellared wines. We’ve got the perfect place for you to relax and unwind.

Ask us about our courtesy bus available by appointment.

Relocating to Meeniyan has been an exciting time and created a new direction – with a splash of fresh colourways and introducing coastal ranges of natural fibre summer fashion. Combining Australian Made and international ranges of footwear, fashion, homewares & gifts across five intriguing rooms, find your next favourite piece in our quirky new home.

Open Weekdays 10am-5pm & 10am-4pm Weekends, closed Tues (Dec & Jan 7 days) a: 103 Whitelaw Street, Meeniyan p: 0408366271/5606 4421 e: allformsofdesign@westnet.com.au w: https://allforms-of-design.business.site

Whether you’re tucking into one of our low Whether your tucking into one of our low n slow BBQ n slow BBQ plates on our sun drenched plates on our sun drenched deck, or savouring one of our deck, or savouring one of our mouthmouth watering steaks, feel free to choose from one watering steaks, feel free to choose from of our carefully selected cellared wines. We’ve got the one of our carefully selected cellar wines. perfect place for youtoto relax and unwind.

Open 7got Daysthe 12pm Late We’ve perfect place for you to relax a: 117 Whitelaw Street, Meeniyan and unwind. p: 5664 7203 Ask us about our courtesy bus available by appointment. info@meeniyanhotel.com.au www.meeniyanhotel.com.au Askw:us about our courtesy bus available by appointment.

Designed inhouse and crafted from natural fibres featuring stunning embroideries, our boutique line CAKE has a worldwide following. Featuring premium cottons, luscious colours and prints, women of all ages and body shapes have fallen in love with our relaxed chic clothes, with a hint of edge. Ethically manufactured, we also stock leading edge Australian labels.

Open 7 Days 12pm-Late a: 117 Whitelaw Street, Meeniyan p: 5664 7203 info@meeniyanhotel.com.au Open 7e:Days 12pm to Late w: www.meeniyanhotel.com.au a: 117 Whitelaw Street, Meeniyan

Open Thursday to Monday 10am-4pm a: The Square, Main Street, Meeniyan p: 0409 162 372 e: helen@hbstudio.com.au

5. A FARMER’S LIFE

With blue skies and endless rolling hills dotted with trees, old farms and relics from yesteryear, you can leave the hustle and bustle behind, put on your gumboots and immerse yourself in rich dairy land.

p: 5664 7203 info@meeniyanhotel.com.au w: www.meeniyanhotel.com.au

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5eTHINGS love about w

*New pieces arriving weekly.*

Indulge in Peter’s award-winning Anzac biscuits and full continental breakfast, as you take in South Gippsland’s beauty.

Contemporary spacious apartment with separate bedroom, bathroom and living area with undercover parking and complimentary wi-fi – available for overnight and short-stay’s. Walking distance to the Meeniyan Shopping Centre and a stone’s throw from the Great Sthn Rail Trail.

Open Thursday – Sunday 10am - 4pm a: 140b Whitelaw St, Meeniyan p: 0427 375 020 e: theouterspacemeeniyan@gmail.com w: www.theouterspacemeeniyan.com.au

Glenleith at Meeniyan a: 1B Royston Street, Meeniyan p: 0457 221438 e: enquiries@glenleithatmeeniyan.com.au w: www.glenleithatmeeniyan.com.au

Australian-made, original sculpture, garden features, furniture and artwork.

- A fun space to visit or shop!

MEENIYAN HOTEL MEENIYAN HOTEL

MEENIYAN

love e w MEENIYAN

hbstudio

Whether your tucking into one of our low n slow BBQ plates on our sun drenched deck, or savouring one of our mouth watering steaks, feel free to choose from one of our carefully selected cellared wines. We’ve got the perfect place for you to relax and unwind.

Ask us about our courtesy bus available by appointment.

Relocating to Meeniyan has been an exciting time and created a new direction – with a splash of fresh colourways and introducing coastal ranges of natural fibre summer fashion. Combining Australian Made and international ranges of footwear, fashion, homewares & gifts across five intriguing rooms, find your next favourite piece in our quirky new home.

Open Weekdays 10am-5pm & 10am-4pm Weekends, closed Tues (Dec & Jan 7 days) a: 103 Whitelaw Street, Meeniyan p: 0408366271/5606 4421 e: allformsofdesign@westnet.com.au w: https://allforms-of-design.business.site

Whether you’re tucking into one of our low Whether your tucking into one of our low n slow BBQ n slow BBQ plates on our sun drenched plates on our sun drenched deck, or savouring one of our deck, or savouring one of our mouthmouth watering steaks, feel free to choose from one watering steaks, feel free to choose from of our carefully selected cellared wines. We’ve got the one of our carefully selected cellar wines. perfect place for youtoto relax and unwind.

Open 7got Daysthe 12pm Late We’ve perfect place for you to relax a: 117 Whitelaw Street, Meeniyan and unwind. p: 5664 7203 Ask us about our courtesy bus available by appointment. info@meeniyanhotel.com.au www.meeniyanhotel.com.au Askw:us about our courtesy bus available by appointment.

Designed inhouse and crafted from natural fibres featuring stunning embroideries, our boutique line CAKE has a worldwide following. Featuring premium cottons, luscious colours and prints, women of all ages and body shapes have fallen in love with our relaxed chic clothes, with a hint of edge. Ethically manufactured, we also stock leading edge Australian labels.

Open 7 Days 12pm-Late a: 117 Whitelaw Street, Meeniyan p: 5664 7203 info@meeniyanhotel.com.au Open 7e:Days 12pm to Late w: www.meeniyanhotel.com.au a: 117 Whitelaw Street, Meeniyan

Open Thursday to Monday 10am-4pm a: The Square, Main Street, Meeniyan p: 0409 162 372 e: helen@hbstudio.com.au

5. A FARMER’S LIFE

With blue skies and endless rolling hills dotted with trees, old farms and relics from yesteryear, you can leave the hustle and bustle behind, put on your gumboots and immerse yourself in rich dairy land.

p: 5664 7203 info@meeniyanhotel.com.au w: www.meeniyanhotel.com.au

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SPLASH INTO SUMMER

We’re already thinking about our next edition.

Here’s the simple truth: More people read Coast than any other local magazine. And readers love our great photos and stories.

If you’re looking for quality and style, talk to us about the best ad package for you.

Talk to Robyn about your ad or your promotional campaign on 0432 273 107 or email ads@coastmagazine.net Edition 53 – Summer 2019 Ad booking deadline: 8 November On sale: 3 December 2018

OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEA P R I M A RY S C H O O L

Phillip Island’s first and only Catholic Primary school.

Our Lady Star of the Sea has built a reputation around preparing a school for the child, not a child for the school. Providing quality, holistic education our goal is developing well-rounded individuals who grow into global citizens. A focus on the whole child, not just their academic achievements, we recognise individuals and ensure they are valued, affirmed, resilient and empowered.

We are taking enrolments for each level for 2019.

a: 6 Cowes - Rhyll Rd, Cowes p: 5951 1700 e: principal@olsscowes.catholic.edu.au

Discover chairo Leongatha

school’s in

Providing Christian education in the South Gippsland area From Wonthaggi & Inverloch to Mirboo North & Thorpdale, and from Tarwin Lower & Fish Creek to Nyora & Poowong, many families have already discovered Chairo • • •

Kinder, Primary and Secondary Caring Christian community Campuses also at Drouin, Pakenham and Traralgon

Visit our website or contact the campus to find out more and book a personal tour for your family

5662 4355 • www.chairo.vic.edu.au coast 100

“THE MORE THAT YOU READ, THE MORE THINGS YOU WILL KNOW. THE MORE THAT YOU LEARN, THE MORE PLACES YOU’LL GO.”

Dr Seuss

Education is priceless – whether you have young children and prep is on the map or it’s the all-important high school decision, we have you covered from primary to 18 years.

Learning That Lasts a Lifetime coast 101

SPLASH INTO SUMMER

We’re already thinking about our next edition.

Here’s the simple truth: More people read Coast than any other local magazine. And readers love our great photos and stories.

If you’re looking for quality and style, talk to us about the best ad package for you.

Talk to Robyn about your ad or your promotional campaign on 0432 273 107 or email ads@coastmagazine.net Edition 53 – Summer 2019 Ad booking deadline: 8 November On sale: 3 December 2018

OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEA P R I M A RY S C H O O L

Phillip Island’s first and only Catholic Primary school.

Our Lady Star of the Sea has built a reputation around preparing a school for the child, not a child for the school. Providing quality, holistic education our goal is developing well-rounded individuals who grow into global citizens. A focus on the whole child, not just their academic achievements, we recognise individuals and ensure they are valued, affirmed, resilient and empowered.

We are taking enrolments for each level for 2019.

a: 6 Cowes - Rhyll Rd, Cowes p: 5951 1700 e: principal@olsscowes.catholic.edu.au

Discover chairo Leongatha

school’s in

Providing Christian education in the South Gippsland area From Wonthaggi & Inverloch to Mirboo North & Thorpdale, and from Tarwin Lower & Fish Creek to Nyora & Poowong, many families have already discovered Chairo • • •

Kinder, Primary and Secondary Caring Christian community Campuses also at Drouin, Pakenham and Traralgon

Visit our website or contact the campus to find out more and book a personal tour for your family

5662 4355 • www.chairo.vic.edu.au coast 100

“THE MORE THAT YOU READ, THE MORE THINGS YOU WILL KNOW. THE MORE THAT YOU LEARN, THE MORE PLACES YOU’LL GO.”

Dr Seuss

Education is priceless – whether you have young children and prep is on the map or it’s the all-important high school decision, we have you covered from primary to 18 years.

Learning That Lasts a Lifetime coast 101

Sometimes IT TAKES A VILLAGE school’s in

t u o b A n r Le a Pr e p 2 0 1 9

A rare opportunity With a limited number of places available in Prep 2019, now is the perfect time to consider Newhaven College for your child’s primary years education.

Newhaven’s Junior School nurtures Prep to Year 4 children during their early years of learning, with the aim of producing happy, considerate, empathetic and well-rounded young people.

With two small classes at each year level, we foster a community atmosphere where new experiences, challenges and friendships can flourish.

r Prep with fo n re d il h c g n Prepari ching activities ri n e d n a n fu , friendship

This is the third year that the ‘Learn About Prep’ program has been conducted at Newhaven College and it has proven very successful. Both parents and Prep teachers report that children who have attended the ‘Learn About Prep’ program start school feeling more settled, comfortable and confident in the classroom.

Enquiries: Belinda Manning (03) 5956 7505 belinda.manning@newhavencol.vic.edu.au

A strong academic focus in a caring and values-based environment helps students to develop confidence, resilience and a ‘have a go’ attitude where every child is encouraged to strive to reach their own individual potential.

‘Learn About Prep 2019’ is a free program designed to provide children who will attend Prep in 2019 with a smooth transition into school.

A range of stimulating activities will be provided by Prep and specialist teachers which will appeal to children’s varying interests. Throughout the ten-week transition program, there will be opportunities for parents to be involved.

DATE

TIME

CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY

PARENT ACTIVITY

Thurs 18 Oct

2:30-3:15pm

Classroom Story Time

Afternoon tea with the Principal and Head of Junior School

Thurs 25 Oct

2:30-3:15pm

Jump & Move Perceptual Motor Program/PE Session

Join in with or assist your child

Thurs 1 Nov

2:30-3:15pm

Creative Young Artists

Caring for your child and continuous learning feedback

Thurs 8 Nov

2:30-3:15pm

Meet the Orchestra Music & Drama Session

Parent involvement in school life.

Thurs 15 Nov

2:30-3:15pm

Love the Library

Literacy presentation by Linda Austin, Prep teacher

Thurs 22 Nov

2:30-3:15pm

Little Builders

Numeracy presentation by Rikki Porter, Prep teacher

Wed 28 Nov

9.10-9.50am

Come along to the Junior School Assembly

Join the parent gallery and see our students in action

Thur 29 Nov

11.00am

Meet your 2019 Year 6 Buddies

School Transition presentation with guest speaker Melinda Vander Reest from Walker Learning

Fri 7 Dec

9:30am-1pm

Orientation Day - Meet your classmates and teacher

School uniforms will be on display

Stay and play in the playground after each Thursday session

You don’t need to be enrolled to join in the fun!

Come along and participate in these fantastic student and parent activities as part of our Prep Transition Program. coast 102

For enquiries please contact Belinda Manning - 5956 7505 Newhaven College 1770 Phillip Island Rd Phillip Island 3923 www.newhavencol.vic.edu.au

Sometimes IT TAKES A VILLAGE school’s in

t u o b A n r Le a Pr e p 2 0 1 9

A rare opportunity With a limited number of places available in Prep 2019, now is the perfect time to consider Newhaven College for your child’s primary years education.

Newhaven’s Junior School nurtures Prep to Year 4 children during their early years of learning, with the aim of producing happy, considerate, empathetic and well-rounded young people.

With two small classes at each year level, we foster a community atmosphere where new experiences, challenges and friendships can flourish.

r Prep with fo n re d il h c g n Prepari ching activities ri n e d n a n fu , friendship

This is the third year that the ‘Learn About Prep’ program has been conducted at Newhaven College and it has proven very successful. Both parents and Prep teachers report that children who have attended the ‘Learn About Prep’ program start school feeling more settled, comfortable and confident in the classroom.

Enquiries: Belinda Manning (03) 5956 7505 belinda.manning@newhavencol.vic.edu.au

A strong academic focus in a caring and values-based environment helps students to develop confidence, resilience and a ‘have a go’ attitude where every child is encouraged to strive to reach their own individual potential.

‘Learn About Prep 2019’ is a free program designed to provide children who will attend Prep in 2019 with a smooth transition into school.

A range of stimulating activities will be provided by Prep and specialist teachers which will appeal to children’s varying interests. Throughout the ten-week transition program, there will be opportunities for parents to be involved.

DATE

TIME

CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY

PARENT ACTIVITY

Thurs 18 Oct

2:30-3:15pm

Classroom Story Time

Afternoon tea with the Principal and Head of Junior School

Thurs 25 Oct

2:30-3:15pm

Jump & Move Perceptual Motor Program/PE Session

Join in with or assist your child

Thurs 1 Nov

2:30-3:15pm

Creative Young Artists

Caring for your child and continuous learning feedback

Thurs 8 Nov

2:30-3:15pm

Meet the Orchestra Music & Drama Session

Parent involvement in school life.

Thurs 15 Nov

2:30-3:15pm

Love the Library

Literacy presentation by Linda Austin, Prep teacher

Thurs 22 Nov

2:30-3:15pm

Little Builders

Numeracy presentation by Rikki Porter, Prep teacher

Wed 28 Nov

9.10-9.50am

Come along to the Junior School Assembly

Join the parent gallery and see our students in action

Thur 29 Nov

11.00am

Meet your 2019 Year 6 Buddies

School Transition presentation with guest speaker Melinda Vander Reest from Walker Learning

Fri 7 Dec

9:30am-1pm

Orientation Day - Meet your classmates and teacher

School uniforms will be on display

Stay and play in the playground after each Thursday session

You don’t need to be enrolled to join in the fun!

Come along and participate in these fantastic student and parent activities as part of our Prep Transition Program. coast 102

For enquiries please contact Belinda Manning - 5956 7505 Newhaven College 1770 Phillip Island Rd Phillip Island 3923 www.newhavencol.vic.edu.au

s.

school’s in

Special approach, great results

SCHOOL VISION:

“To educate our students to be kind, be safe and be life long learners.”

We accept enrolments at all times of the year provided the eligibility criteria has been met.

Since opening the doors in 2009, Bass Coast Specialist School has continued to grow, adapt and change in response to the shifting student body and the needs of children and adolescents living in the 21st century.

This year, the school has placed an emphasis on developing STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), as an essential curriculum area. With the success of a government grant, students enjoy the challenges offered by relevant technological equipment, including communication aids, BlueBots and Spheros.

The importance of literacy and numeracy skills continue to be critical for all students and this has been brought to the forefront by developing roles for teachers, as specialists, in both areas. Furthermore, two teaching staff have been allocated two and half days each to become mathematic coaches. We pride ourselves on ensuring students numeracy skills are developed to assist their independent lives after graduation. NDIS has made this even more relevant.

Additionally, we are focused on developing post-school options; enabling students to develop real-life experience during their senior years. Partnering with Hope Works, industry recognised Certificate 2’s and Certificate 3’s, in a number of fields, are being offered in school-based traineeships. “It’s an exciting time and a huge trophy for inclusion. It gives students

the chance to be confident and understand they have special gifts and talents that can be utilised in the professional world.”

Ron Townsend, Acting Principal, adds.

Communication and literacy have been supported by two Speech Pathologists and a Literacy Specialist. Communication is seen as the key to a successful life post school and for this reason, Bass Coast Specialist School’s mission statement has recently changed to ‘We are Kind, We are Safe, We Learn and We Communicate’.

Additionally, the school’s prominence on partnerships between staff, families and the community has seen students successfully participate in many community events. These include Young Leaders of Bass Coast, Gippsland Eisteddfod, Focus on Ability Short Film Competitions, Ten Pin Bowling, Soccer and Basketball. Productive “buddy” programs also operate between Wonthaggi Secondary College, Newhaven College and Chisholm College.

This special approach to education is producing some very special outcomes.

03 5672 4474 | bass.coast.ss@edumail.vic.gov.au | www.basscoastss.vic.edu.au | 6 McKenzie Street, Wonthaggi

coast 104

coast 105

s.

school’s in

Special approach, great results

SCHOOL VISION:

“To educate our students to be kind, be safe and be life long learners.”

We accept enrolments at all times of the year provided the eligibility criteria has been met.

Since opening the doors in 2009, Bass Coast Specialist School has continued to grow, adapt and change in response to the shifting student body and the needs of children and adolescents living in the 21st century.

This year, the school has placed an emphasis on developing STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), as an essential curriculum area. With the success of a government grant, students enjoy the challenges offered by relevant technological equipment, including communication aids, BlueBots and Spheros.

The importance of literacy and numeracy skills continue to be critical for all students and this has been brought to the forefront by developing roles for teachers, as specialists, in both areas. Furthermore, two teaching staff have been allocated two and half days each to become mathematic coaches. We pride ourselves on ensuring students numeracy skills are developed to assist their independent lives after graduation. NDIS has made this even more relevant.

Additionally, we are focused on developing post-school options; enabling students to develop real-life experience during their senior years. Partnering with Hope Works, industry recognised Certificate 2’s and Certificate 3’s, in a number of fields, are being offered in school-based traineeships. “It’s an exciting time and a huge trophy for inclusion. It gives students

the chance to be confident and understand they have special gifts and talents that can be utilised in the professional world.”

Ron Townsend, Acting Principal, adds.

Communication and literacy have been supported by two Speech Pathologists and a Literacy Specialist. Communication is seen as the key to a successful life post school and for this reason, Bass Coast Specialist School’s mission statement has recently changed to ‘We are Kind, We are Safe, We Learn and We Communicate’.

Additionally, the school’s prominence on partnerships between staff, families and the community has seen students successfully participate in many community events. These include Young Leaders of Bass Coast, Gippsland Eisteddfod, Focus on Ability Short Film Competitions, Ten Pin Bowling, Soccer and Basketball. Productive “buddy” programs also operate between Wonthaggi Secondary College, Newhaven College and Chisholm College.

This special approach to education is producing some very special outcomes.

03 5672 4474 | bass.coast.ss@edumail.vic.gov.au | www.basscoastss.vic.edu.au | 6 McKenzie Street, Wonthaggi

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coast 105

Sometimes IT TAKES A VILLAGE school’s in

Mary MacKillop College

Mary MacKillop College South Gippsland

Each child is a gift – a unique gift, with their own talent and specialities.

Providing quality Catholic education to the communities of Cowes, Foster, Korumburra, Wonthaggi and Leongatha, our goal is to work with your sons and daughters to grow in Faith, Learning and Self-Esteem. At Mary MacKillop College we recognise the individual. Our programmes focus on the development of the whole person and academic achievement.

We have a reputation across Gippsland for strong relationships between staff, students and parents. Your child will be personally known and a valued member of a close-knit, dynamic school community.

Inclusivity and community are hallmarks. At morning and afternoon homeroom teachers monitor the pastoral needs and progress of each individual. Our qualified team of coordinators, teachers, counsellors and student wellbeing team work closely to ensure our students are challenged to pursue personal excellence, with highest quality pastoral care.

The College leads the way with excellent transition programs.

Commencing with Grade 5 Discovery day, we work with families and feeder schools to ensure students experience the diversity the College has to offer and are ready for the leap to secondary schooling. Through senior school, our careers and transition program helps students decide their futures. Our

applied learners all enter apprenticeships or related study. Our VCE results are excellent. Most of our graduates gain their first preference for university.

Our Active Learning Framework shapes our teaching and encourages learners to Take Ownership, Think Deeply, Be Courageous and Make Connections. The curriculum is broad and academically rigorous. A wide range or practical studies in VET and VCAL are also available.

Making friends, celebrating achievements.

Mary MacKillop College offers a first-class education which is open and accessible to all. The all-inclusive fee includes tuition, bus travel, Apple MacBook laptop, all excursions and camps.

Co-curricular activities include Music, Performing Arts, Sports, Debating, Community Service and Social Justice activities.

We offer a comprehensive program of camps & experiences, including Central Australia and Overseas opportunities.

Our students are successful in all walks of life, all over the world. They do well, but even more, they go into the world inspired by the words of Mary MacKillop: Never see a need without doing something about it!

Book your tour today.

5665 4255 info@mmcrc.catholic.edu.au www.mackillopleongatha.catholic.edu.au Horn St, Leongatha coast 106

Sometimes IT TAKES A VILLAGE school’s in

Mary MacKillop College

Mary MacKillop College South Gippsland

Each child is a gift – a unique gift, with their own talent and specialities.

Providing quality Catholic education to the communities of Cowes, Foster, Korumburra, Wonthaggi and Leongatha, our goal is to work with your sons and daughters to grow in Faith, Learning and Self-Esteem. At Mary MacKillop College we recognise the individual. Our programmes focus on the development of the whole person and academic achievement.

We have a reputation across Gippsland for strong relationships between staff, students and parents. Your child will be personally known and a valued member of a close-knit, dynamic school community.

Inclusivity and community are hallmarks. At morning and afternoon homeroom teachers monitor the pastoral needs and progress of each individual. Our qualified team of coordinators, teachers, counsellors and student wellbeing team work closely to ensure our students are challenged to pursue personal excellence, with highest quality pastoral care.

The College leads the way with excellent transition programs.

Commencing with Grade 5 Discovery day, we work with families and feeder schools to ensure students experience the diversity the College has to offer and are ready for the leap to secondary schooling. Through senior school, our careers and transition program helps students decide their futures. Our

applied learners all enter apprenticeships or related study. Our VCE results are excellent. Most of our graduates gain their first preference for university.

Our Active Learning Framework shapes our teaching and encourages learners to Take Ownership, Think Deeply, Be Courageous and Make Connections. The curriculum is broad and academically rigorous. A wide range or practical studies in VET and VCAL are also available.

Making friends, celebrating achievements.

Mary MacKillop College offers a first-class education which is open and accessible to all. The all-inclusive fee includes tuition, bus travel, Apple MacBook laptop, all excursions and camps.

Co-curricular activities include Music, Performing Arts, Sports, Debating, Community Service and Social Justice activities.

We offer a comprehensive program of camps & experiences, including Central Australia and Overseas opportunities.

Our students are successful in all walks of life, all over the world. They do well, but even more, they go into the world inspired by the words of Mary MacKillop: Never see a need without doing something about it!

Book your tour today.

5665 4255 info@mmcrc.catholic.edu.au www.mackillopleongatha.catholic.edu.au Horn St, Leongatha coast 106

Sometimes IT TAKES A VILLAGE school’s in

Sometimes it takes a village “Oh, the places you’ll go!

There is fun to be done!

There are points to be scored.

There are games to be won.”

“So be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray or Mordecai Ali Van Allen O’Shea, you’re off to Great Places!

Today is your day!

Your mountain is waiting.

So...get on your way!”

– Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You’ll Go! Every child is precious, especially those faced with unique challenges such as intellectual disability, and Autism.

South Gippsland Specialist School in Leongatha has a precious motto – ‘Together We Grow’ under the logo of a tree’s umbrella of leaves, which is a beautiful metaphor for the work it does for children who need specialist learning.

Not just a dedicated school – a second family – that extends its branches of support to welcome students with special needs aged between 5–18. With big classrooms, a pool, multipurpose hall, fruit and vegetable garden, a chicken coop, and a café style kitchen, nobody is missing out on fun and learning.

Our unique kitchen has doors that can be opened up to the courtyard for celebrations, which makes for a wonderful al fresco experience in the fresh air of this beautiful part of Gippsland.

Personalized education programs around Literacy, Numeracy, Communication, Art, Science, P.E., Swimming, The Arts, ICT, Kitchen, Garden, Life Skills and Work Experience deliver a broad range of knowledge and skills.

Small class sizes, one teacher and support worker for each classroom, and social workers, speech pathologists and occupational therapists on hand give every student at South Gippsland Specialist School a chance to thrive.

Dr Seuss inspired us with his delightful spin on planning and success. “So be sure when you step, Step with care and great tact. And remember that life’s A Great Balancing Act. And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and ¾ percent guaranteed).”

Together we grow.

We also want children to experience success, to reach their full potential academically, socially and emotionally, to function independently and cooperatively within the school and to engage in local community programs and activities so they can feel like a valued part of the region.

It’s a framework based on respect, learning, safety, teamwork and social justice, which is how children grow to become empowered members of society. Our focus on social skills and building positive relationships goes beyond text book learning so that children have a caring and stimulating school environment to rely on.

As parents and guardians you are the family tree, and we are the outstretched branches, the open arms, ready to share the load and show your child the beauty and wonder of learning and friendship.

For a tour of the school, please call (03) 5662 4496 during office hours and let us show you our philosophy in action.

Our dedicated staff adopt a flexible approach to teaching and learning bringing with them a variety of skills, interests and experiences to enhance programs.There is strong commitment to the development of the whole child and we are sensitive to individual student abilities and circumstances. Our supportive environment encourages students to be enthusiastic learners.

Our broad curriculum aims to encourage our students to function independently and cooperatively within the school and local community maximising potential in all areas of development. Students are encouraged to reach their full potential in a safe learning environment that fosters positive community relationships.We pride ourselves on providing a caring, stimulating environment for all students and welcome you to visit our school at any time.

WE ARE NOW TAKING ENROLMENTS FOR 2019.

Please call (03) 5662 4496 during office hours to arrange a tour of the school.

13 Horn Street, LEONGATHA 3953. Phone: (03) 5662 4496. Fax: 03 5662 5873. Email: south.gippsland.ss@edumail.vic.gov.au

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Sometimes IT TAKES A VILLAGE school’s in

Sometimes it takes a village “Oh, the places you’ll go!

There is fun to be done!

There are points to be scored.

There are games to be won.”

“So be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray or Mordecai Ali Van Allen O’Shea, you’re off to Great Places!

Today is your day!

Your mountain is waiting.

So...get on your way!”

– Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You’ll Go! Every child is precious, especially those faced with unique challenges such as intellectual disability, and Autism.

South Gippsland Specialist School in Leongatha has a precious motto – ‘Together We Grow’ under the logo of a tree’s umbrella of leaves, which is a beautiful metaphor for the work it does for children who need specialist learning.

Not just a dedicated school – a second family – that extends its branches of support to welcome students with special needs aged between 5–18. With big classrooms, a pool, multipurpose hall, fruit and vegetable garden, a chicken coop, and a café style kitchen, nobody is missing out on fun and learning.

Our unique kitchen has doors that can be opened up to the courtyard for celebrations, which makes for a wonderful al fresco experience in the fresh air of this beautiful part of Gippsland.

Personalized education programs around Literacy, Numeracy, Communication, Art, Science, P.E., Swimming, The Arts, ICT, Kitchen, Garden, Life Skills and Work Experience deliver a broad range of knowledge and skills.

Small class sizes, one teacher and support worker for each classroom, and social workers, speech pathologists and occupational therapists on hand give every student at South Gippsland Specialist School a chance to thrive.

Dr Seuss inspired us with his delightful spin on planning and success. “So be sure when you step, Step with care and great tact. And remember that life’s A Great Balancing Act. And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and ¾ percent guaranteed).”

Together we grow.

We also want children to experience success, to reach their full potential academically, socially and emotionally, to function independently and cooperatively within the school and to engage in local community programs and activities so they can feel like a valued part of the region.

It’s a framework based on respect, learning, safety, teamwork and social justice, which is how children grow to become empowered members of society. Our focus on social skills and building positive relationships goes beyond text book learning so that children have a caring and stimulating school environment to rely on.

As parents and guardians you are the family tree, and we are the outstretched branches, the open arms, ready to share the load and show your child the beauty and wonder of learning and friendship.

For a tour of the school, please call (03) 5662 4496 during office hours and let us show you our philosophy in action.

Our dedicated staff adopt a flexible approach to teaching and learning bringing with them a variety of skills, interests and experiences to enhance programs.There is strong commitment to the development of the whole child and we are sensitive to individual student abilities and circumstances. Our supportive environment encourages students to be enthusiastic learners.

Our broad curriculum aims to encourage our students to function independently and cooperatively within the school and local community maximising potential in all areas of development. Students are encouraged to reach their full potential in a safe learning environment that fosters positive community relationships.We pride ourselves on providing a caring, stimulating environment for all students and welcome you to visit our school at any time.

WE ARE NOW TAKING ENROLMENTS FOR 2019.

Please call (03) 5662 4496 during office hours to arrange a tour of the school.

13 Horn Street, LEONGATHA 3953. Phone: (03) 5662 4496. Fax: 03 5662 5873. Email: south.gippsland.ss@edumail.vic.gov.au

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school’s in

Year 9 at Beaconhills College Beaconhills College was the first Victorian school to establish an on-campus Year 9 program more than 20 years ago.

The program was based on research that showed that Year 9 is a time when students can disconnect from school work and favour friends over family. It’s a time of self-discovery, where young people seek more relevancy and broader experiences beyond the classroom.

This year marks a new era for Year 9 at Beaconhills. The original Year 9 centre at the Pakenham Campus has just made way for a contemporary, spacious new $5.7 million centre (thanks to a $2.8m State Government grant).

Along with a central courtyard and huge multipurpose space for performances and assemblies, the building has a raft of environmental features such as a 130kW solar system, six water tanks and efficient waste recycling systems. But the real value of Year 9 at Beaconhills lies in the program, often described by students as ‘life-changing’.

As part of the experiential program, students spend a day each week for one term in Melbourne’s CBD, navigating public

transport and visiting charity groups such as Urban Seed and the Salvation Army. A highlight is ‘Random Acts of Kindness’, where students simply hand out small gifts to Melburnians to brighten their day. There is also a 10-day camp on Portland’s Great South West walk, with hiking, canoeing and an environmental coastal clean-up.

‘Common Good’ is another feature of Year 9. Students raise money for a chosen charity, volunteer in a variety of ways and write and perform a documentary highlighting their cause.

‘Personal Best’ allows students to choose a project or passion and spend a term bringing it to fruition. The range is endless - from fashion to art, photography, music, writing, sport or furniture design. Personal Best night showcases their creativity and is popular with parents.

Beaconhills College Headmaster Tony Sheumack said Year 9 gave students a “greater understanding of their identity and a new sense of empathy for those less fortunate”.

“They gain much more than skills for Senior School. They gain skills for life,” he said.

A shining light in education

Pakenham Campus 30-34 Toomuc Valley Road Pakenham Vic 3810

Berwick Campus 92 Kangan Drive Berwick Vic 3806

www.beaconhills.vic.edu.au 1300 002 225 coast 110

Little Beacons Learning Centre 30-34 Toomuc Valley Road Pakenham Vic 3810

school’s in

Year 9 at Beaconhills College Beaconhills College was the first Victorian school to establish an on-campus Year 9 program more than 20 years ago.

The program was based on research that showed that Year 9 is a time when students can disconnect from school work and favour friends over family. It’s a time of self-discovery, where young people seek more relevancy and broader experiences beyond the classroom.

This year marks a new era for Year 9 at Beaconhills. The original Year 9 centre at the Pakenham Campus has just made way for a contemporary, spacious new $5.7 million centre (thanks to a $2.8m State Government grant).

Along with a central courtyard and huge multipurpose space for performances and assemblies, the building has a raft of environmental features such as a 130kW solar system, six water tanks and efficient waste recycling systems. But the real value of Year 9 at Beaconhills lies in the program, often described by students as ‘life-changing’.

As part of the experiential program, students spend a day each week for one term in Melbourne’s CBD, navigating public

transport and visiting charity groups such as Urban Seed and the Salvation Army. A highlight is ‘Random Acts of Kindness’, where students simply hand out small gifts to Melburnians to brighten their day. There is also a 10-day camp on Portland’s Great South West walk, with hiking, canoeing and an environmental coastal clean-up.

‘Common Good’ is another feature of Year 9. Students raise money for a chosen charity, volunteer in a variety of ways and write and perform a documentary highlighting their cause.

‘Personal Best’ allows students to choose a project or passion and spend a term bringing it to fruition. The range is endless - from fashion to art, photography, music, writing, sport or furniture design. Personal Best night showcases their creativity and is popular with parents.

Beaconhills College Headmaster Tony Sheumack said Year 9 gave students a “greater understanding of their identity and a new sense of empathy for those less fortunate”.

“They gain much more than skills for Senior School. They gain skills for life,” he said.

A shining light in education

Pakenham Campus 30-34 Toomuc Valley Road Pakenham Vic 3810

Berwick Campus 92 Kangan Drive Berwick Vic 3806

www.beaconhills.vic.edu.au 1300 002 225 coast 110

Little Beacons Learning Centre 30-34 Toomuc Valley Road Pakenham Vic 3810

Sometimes IT TAKES A VILLAGE school’s in

Village Schools

The Gippsland Village Schools – Koonwarra Village School, Phillip Island Village School and Village High School (opening January 2019) – are three independent schools aiming to provide human-scale, democratic schooling that inspires a lifelong love of learning, for students and staff alike. We believe that children need a fresh educational experience if they are to thrive in our increasingly changing world. By combining a range of educational philosophies, new and old, to provide a unique range of learning opportunities, this is possible.

emotional awareness), growing and cooking food, Personal Learning Projects (electives) and the ability to actively participate in the development of the school program and culture through Parliament (which is student-led from Level 2 onwards). Our approach is founded on the idea that young people, with a growth mindset and practical support, are highly capable of setting and achieving their goals. “I like that at a Village School we are trusted to do our work, instead of having to sit at a desk all day,” Tahlia (student), notes.

We plan to remain small (a maximum of 65 students across all year levels for the primary schools, and 150 for the high school), to facilitate our focus on relationships and allow our students to be known and valued as individuals. Our schools’ focus on creating educational pathways that encourage each child to develop their ‘spark’ for learning. “Our high school is on a ‘village’ scale to ensure that, at a time when it’s crucial for young people to be seen and mentored, we will be able to develop academic programs around their personal interests and needs.” School Coordinator, Fiona McKenzie adds.

Curriculum content is not taught to ‘grades’ of same aged children, but to small levelled groups of mixed ages. Students also undertake supported independent learning activities – as their self-management skills develop, they complete these tasks more autonomously.

The Victorian Curriculum is taught at all three schools alongside the ‘Village School Curriculum’; emphasising camps and outdoor time, understanding and developing cognition (including executive skills, growth mindset and social and

Human-scale, democratic education

Village primary school students have developed high expectations for their educational experience, and we feel strongly about the importance of providing an ongoing pathway for our primary school students in which these expectations can be met. Village High School will be a place where students can continue to build on these self-management and decision-making skills. First round enrolments for Village High School are now open.

www.pivillageschool.org.au admin@pivillageschool.org.au

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www.villagehighschool.org admin@villagehighschool.org

www.koonwarravillageschool.org admin@koonwarravillageschool.org

Sometimes IT TAKES A VILLAGE school’s in

Village Schools

The Gippsland Village Schools – Koonwarra Village School, Phillip Island Village School and Village High School (opening January 2019) – are three independent schools aiming to provide human-scale, democratic schooling that inspires a lifelong love of learning, for students and staff alike. We believe that children need a fresh educational experience if they are to thrive in our increasingly changing world. By combining a range of educational philosophies, new and old, to provide a unique range of learning opportunities, this is possible.

emotional awareness), growing and cooking food, Personal Learning Projects (electives) and the ability to actively participate in the development of the school program and culture through Parliament (which is student-led from Level 2 onwards). Our approach is founded on the idea that young people, with a growth mindset and practical support, are highly capable of setting and achieving their goals. “I like that at a Village School we are trusted to do our work, instead of having to sit at a desk all day,” Tahlia (student), notes.

We plan to remain small (a maximum of 65 students across all year levels for the primary schools, and 150 for the high school), to facilitate our focus on relationships and allow our students to be known and valued as individuals. Our schools’ focus on creating educational pathways that encourage each child to develop their ‘spark’ for learning. “Our high school is on a ‘village’ scale to ensure that, at a time when it’s crucial for young people to be seen and mentored, we will be able to develop academic programs around their personal interests and needs.” School Coordinator, Fiona McKenzie adds.

Curriculum content is not taught to ‘grades’ of same aged children, but to small levelled groups of mixed ages. Students also undertake supported independent learning activities – as their self-management skills develop, they complete these tasks more autonomously.

The Victorian Curriculum is taught at all three schools alongside the ‘Village School Curriculum’; emphasising camps and outdoor time, understanding and developing cognition (including executive skills, growth mindset and social and

Human-scale, democratic education

Village primary school students have developed high expectations for their educational experience, and we feel strongly about the importance of providing an ongoing pathway for our primary school students in which these expectations can be met. Village High School will be a place where students can continue to build on these self-management and decision-making skills. First round enrolments for Village High School are now open.

www.pivillageschool.org.au admin@pivillageschool.org.au

coast 112

www.villagehighschool.org admin@villagehighschool.org

www.koonwarravillageschool.org admin@koonwarravillageschool.org

SPRING

it’s all about the house

Ecoliv coast 114

coast 115

SPRING

it’s all about the house

Ecoliv coast 114

coast 115

DISPLAY HOME

2 CITADEL WAY, INVERLOCH.

Robin Bowman 0409 146 877

Multi Award Winning Building Designer of Contemporary Sustainable Homes

Experience the Aspire difference ...

BDAV 2018 Award Winner for the CORE 9 Best Energy Efficient Design and Best Environmentally Sustainable Design

332 White Rd. Wonthaggi Tel. (03) 5672 5196

www.beaumontconcepts.com.au

Ecoliv Sustainable Buildings are architecturally designed prefab modular homes with inspiring, functional living spaces and a minimum 7 star energy rating. Each home saves on build time, energy consumption and environmental impact. From studio retreats, to family homes in rural or suburban settings we can help you achieve your dream sustainable home.

The possibilities are only limited by your imagination.

Visit our display home at 332 White Road, Wonthaggi (03) 5672 5196 | www.ecoliv.com.au

COVERING BASS COAST, SOUTH AND EAST GIPPSLAND. CUSTOM BUILDING IN SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE. Visit our Display Home at 179 Thompson Ave, Cowes Opening hours: Sat/Sun 11am – 4pm Mon/Tues/Fri 10am – 3pm Or by appointment Karen Sherwood, Sales Consultant M 0411 774 699 enquiries@aspiredesignerhomes.com.au | www.aspiredesignerhomes.com.au | Head Office Ph: 9785 5100

coast 116

coast 117

DISPLAY HOME

2 CITADEL WAY, INVERLOCH.

Robin Bowman 0409 146 877

Multi Award Winning Building Designer of Contemporary Sustainable Homes

Experience the Aspire difference ...

BDAV 2018 Award Winner for the CORE 9 Best Energy Efficient Design and Best Environmentally Sustainable Design

332 White Rd. Wonthaggi Tel. (03) 5672 5196

www.beaumontconcepts.com.au

Ecoliv Sustainable Buildings are architecturally designed prefab modular homes with inspiring, functional living spaces and a minimum 7 star energy rating. Each home saves on build time, energy consumption and environmental impact. From studio retreats, to family homes in rural or suburban settings we can help you achieve your dream sustainable home.

The possibilities are only limited by your imagination.

Visit our display home at 332 White Road, Wonthaggi (03) 5672 5196 | www.ecoliv.com.au

COVERING BASS COAST, SOUTH AND EAST GIPPSLAND. CUSTOM BUILDING IN SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE. Visit our Display Home at 179 Thompson Ave, Cowes Opening hours: Sat/Sun 11am – 4pm Mon/Tues/Fri 10am – 3pm Or by appointment Karen Sherwood, Sales Consultant M 0411 774 699 enquiries@aspiredesignerhomes.com.au | www.aspiredesignerhomes.com.au | Head Office Ph: 9785 5100

coast 116

coast 117

words chloe kent photos warren reed

lifestyle review

a musician’s DREAM

A creative charm out the back of Kilcunda.

Walking through the front door, one is struck by the long white corridor and honey timber floors; light and inviting.

Wendy greets me with a smile from ear to ear and ushers me inside, out of the cold.

Passing the coastal décor entranceway, one cannot help but admire Langford Jones Homes’ work. The master bedroom is timeless, but modern with a sleek pony wall ensuite. Passing a spacious, spare bedroom, the main bathroom is a spa lover’s ultimate home retreat; an indulgent white tub sits classically in front of a large window – framed by sleek brown tiles.

But it’s not Wendy’s study or the vast open-plan living area that excite as we move through the house; it’s the musicians treasure trove – two rooms dedicated to Jonathan’s musical endeavours. The deep blue space is a recording haven for Jonathan, a jazz pianist, singer and songwriter. Using specialist plasterboard, insulation and soundproofing materials, Langford Jones Homes has created every musician’s dreams.

After time on the Peninsula, New South Wales and the northern Victoria countryside, Kilcunda felt right for this travelling pair. With seven boys between them, all out of home

coast 118

at last, finding the perfect space was crucial. “I was exploring Kilcunda one day and came across the plot, I fell in love with the atmosphere and sent Jonathan an array of pictures. He came to see it and we bought it in an afternoon,” Wendy explains. “We knew it was an envelope block but didn’t realise the extent of the restrictions.”

With several builders turning Wendy and Jonathan away and questioning why they purchased ‘such a difficult block’, Paul Langford-Jones jumped at the challenge. In his exuberant manner exclaiming “We can do it!”. With adjustments along the way, Langford Jones Homes have created a beautiful, modern home adhering to the restrictions, including height and block limitations.

Whilst most buyers would jump at the chance for a piece of Kilcunda’s views, Wendy and Jonathan’s hideaway is perfect. “If you have views you get the rust and wind,” Jonathan explains.

“We are happily hunkered down. Once next door is built, we’ll have even more protection.” “We love going for walks in the morning, when we are both at home, that’s when we can take in the impressive seascape. We only have to walk to the end of the road and it’s all there,” Wendy adds. >

coast 119

words chloe kent photos warren reed

lifestyle review

a musician’s DREAM

A creative charm out the back of Kilcunda.

Walking through the front door, one is struck by the long white corridor and honey timber floors; light and inviting.

Wendy greets me with a smile from ear to ear and ushers me inside, out of the cold.

Passing the coastal décor entranceway, one cannot help but admire Langford Jones Homes’ work. The master bedroom is timeless, but modern with a sleek pony wall ensuite. Passing a spacious, spare bedroom, the main bathroom is a spa lover’s ultimate home retreat; an indulgent white tub sits classically in front of a large window – framed by sleek brown tiles.

But it’s not Wendy’s study or the vast open-plan living area that excite as we move through the house; it’s the musicians treasure trove – two rooms dedicated to Jonathan’s musical endeavours. The deep blue space is a recording haven for Jonathan, a jazz pianist, singer and songwriter. Using specialist plasterboard, insulation and soundproofing materials, Langford Jones Homes has created every musician’s dreams.

After time on the Peninsula, New South Wales and the northern Victoria countryside, Kilcunda felt right for this travelling pair. With seven boys between them, all out of home

coast 118

at last, finding the perfect space was crucial. “I was exploring Kilcunda one day and came across the plot, I fell in love with the atmosphere and sent Jonathan an array of pictures. He came to see it and we bought it in an afternoon,” Wendy explains. “We knew it was an envelope block but didn’t realise the extent of the restrictions.”

With several builders turning Wendy and Jonathan away and questioning why they purchased ‘such a difficult block’, Paul Langford-Jones jumped at the challenge. In his exuberant manner exclaiming “We can do it!”. With adjustments along the way, Langford Jones Homes have created a beautiful, modern home adhering to the restrictions, including height and block limitations.

Whilst most buyers would jump at the chance for a piece of Kilcunda’s views, Wendy and Jonathan’s hideaway is perfect. “If you have views you get the rust and wind,” Jonathan explains.

“We are happily hunkered down. Once next door is built, we’ll have even more protection.” “We love going for walks in the morning, when we are both at home, that’s when we can take in the impressive seascape. We only have to walk to the end of the road and it’s all there,” Wendy adds. >

coast 119

With so many home building horror stories, Wendy and Jonathan are thankful for Langford Jones Homes’ openness.

From on-site access during construction to design tweaks as challenges arose, there was continuous communication. “It was good to work with them. You can’t do that if you’re not involved in the process,” Wendy exclaims. “The lounge wall needed to be long enough to fit the upright piano, and they worked with our fireplace ideas.”

The space has truly come together. Wendy’s open-plan kitchen is perfect for hosting family and friends; easy to cook in and keep clean with a glossy, grey brick splashback, gas cooker and walk-in pantry. The wide island bench fits proportionately without standing out; plenty of room for Jonathan to prepare his curries.

Sunlight spills in through large, north-facing double-glazed windows, creating a mini-sunroom beside the fireplace; the perfect space to laze on bean bags during the warmer months. And, with top-notch insulation, the space feels far from cold on an icy winter’s day.

Furnished with pieces from different generations and previous uses, everything works; the old timber Organ top, the spraypainted wicker pendant lights, the Wentworth Prison piece – sanded and French-polished. Large bird’s-eye beach canvases adorn the kitchen entrance wall.

The exterior retaining walls and landscaping (built and designed by Wayne of Artis Landscaping) allow for a beautiful outdoor entertaining space that will one day overlook a matured garden of fruit trees, Australian natives and drought-friendly plants; not to mention daily visits from the neighbour’s cat.

“Langford Jones Homes has given us time” With Jonathan performing regularly and Wendy joining on occasion, the pair could not be happier with their ‘sea-change’ choice. “The area has an energy about it, and Gippsland offers creatives a haven to indulge,” Jonathan notes. “We love the Kilcunda General Store and the Pub, we’ve performed there a couple of times. Unlike the suburbs, people give you the time of day, it’s refreshing. We recently performed in Cowes to a full house, we were told it’s the “best night (they’ve) ever had” – even the younger kids hung around all night.

There’s no pretence.”

“We could have purchased a beautiful old house, but refurbishments cost time, we’re past that stage in our lives.

Langford Jones Homes has given us time. It’s given me time to explore my musical endeavours and record a new album. It was a practical choice and we couldn’t be happier.”

A family business building quality homes in coastal areas for more than 40 years.

03 9579 2277 sales@ljhomes.com.au

langfordjoneshomes.com.au

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Display Homes at Surf Beach and Cowes.

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With so many home building horror stories, Wendy and Jonathan are thankful for Langford Jones Homes’ openness.

From on-site access during construction to design tweaks as challenges arose, there was continuous communication. “It was good to work with them. You can’t do that if you’re not involved in the process,” Wendy exclaims. “The lounge wall needed to be long enough to fit the upright piano, and they worked with our fireplace ideas.”

The space has truly come together. Wendy’s open-plan kitchen is perfect for hosting family and friends; easy to cook in and keep clean with a glossy, grey brick splashback, gas cooker and walk-in pantry. The wide island bench fits proportionately without standing out; plenty of room for Jonathan to prepare his curries.

Sunlight spills in through large, north-facing double-glazed windows, creating a mini-sunroom beside the fireplace; the perfect space to laze on bean bags during the warmer months. And, with top-notch insulation, the space feels far from cold on an icy winter’s day.

Furnished with pieces from different generations and previous uses, everything works; the old timber Organ top, the spraypainted wicker pendant lights, the Wentworth Prison piece – sanded and French-polished. Large bird’s-eye beach canvases adorn the kitchen entrance wall.

The exterior retaining walls and landscaping (built and designed by Wayne of Artis Landscaping) allow for a beautiful outdoor entertaining space that will one day overlook a matured garden of fruit trees, Australian natives and drought-friendly plants; not to mention daily visits from the neighbour’s cat.

“Langford Jones Homes has given us time” With Jonathan performing regularly and Wendy joining on occasion, the pair could not be happier with their ‘sea-change’ choice. “The area has an energy about it, and Gippsland offers creatives a haven to indulge,” Jonathan notes. “We love the Kilcunda General Store and the Pub, we’ve performed there a couple of times. Unlike the suburbs, people give you the time of day, it’s refreshing. We recently performed in Cowes to a full house, we were told it’s the “best night (they’ve) ever had” – even the younger kids hung around all night.

There’s no pretence.”

“We could have purchased a beautiful old house, but refurbishments cost time, we’re past that stage in our lives.

Langford Jones Homes has given us time. It’s given me time to explore my musical endeavours and record a new album. It was a practical choice and we couldn’t be happier.”

A family business building quality homes in coastal areas for more than 40 years.

03 9579 2277 sales@ljhomes.com.au

langfordjoneshomes.com.au

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Display Homes at Surf Beach and Cowes.

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Set amongst beautifully landscaped gardens, formerly occupied

Set amongst beautiful landscaped gardens formerly occupied by by the Banfields Motel and Cinema complex, we are an thearchitecturally-designed, Banfields Motel and Cinema complex in Thompson Avenue state-of-the-art, residential aged care Cowes, Banfields Aged Care is a new, architecturally-designed, facility with luxurious amenities. state-of-the-art Extra residential aged care afacility.

From the moment youServices arrive, you know you are entering From the moment you arrive at Banfields Aged Care,team you know you space that cherishes the quality of life; with a dedicated areand entering an inaged facility cherishes the quality of life. programs placecare to care for allthat stages of ageing, including specific wings. To experience thelifestyle Banfieldsfirsthand, Aged Care To dementia experience the Banfields Aged Care lifestyle firsthand, call or visit our website. please call or visit please our website.

ILAB

Banfields Aged CareCare Banfields Aged 192 Thompson Avenue CowesCowes VIC 3922 192 Thompson Avenue VIC 3922 03 5951 www.banfields.com.au (03) 2500 5951 2500 www.banfields.com.au

AUST R ALIA N

AG E D C AR E GROU P PTY LTD

Special Commendation for Best Sustainable Home in MBAV 2018 South East Region

The aesthetically unique, cost effective sustainable design and construct alternative.

0418 595 410 mark@modhouse.com.au modhouse.com.au @modhouseaustralia coast 122

A

RNMEN

VA

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E

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T

GO

Set amongst beautifully landscaped gardens, formerly occupied

Set amongst beautiful landscaped gardens formerly occupied by by the Banfields Motel and Cinema complex, we are an thearchitecturally-designed, Banfields Motel and Cinema complex in Thompson Avenue state-of-the-art, residential aged care Cowes, Banfields Aged Care is a new, architecturally-designed, facility with luxurious amenities. state-of-the-art Extra residential aged care afacility.

From the moment youServices arrive, you know you are entering From the moment you arrive at Banfields Aged Care,team you know you space that cherishes the quality of life; with a dedicated areand entering an inaged facility cherishes the quality of life. programs placecare to care for allthat stages of ageing, including specific wings. To experience thelifestyle Banfieldsfirsthand, Aged Care To dementia experience the Banfields Aged Care lifestyle firsthand, call or visit our website. please call or visit please our website.

ILAB

Banfields Aged CareCare Banfields Aged 192 Thompson Avenue CowesCowes VIC 3922 192 Thompson Avenue VIC 3922 03 5951 www.banfields.com.au (03) 2500 5951 2500 www.banfields.com.au

AUST R ALIA N

AG E D C AR E GROU P PTY LTD

Special Commendation for Best Sustainable Home in MBAV 2018 South East Region

The aesthetically unique, cost effective sustainable design and construct alternative.

0418 595 410 mark@modhouse.com.au modhouse.com.au @modhouseaustralia coast 122

“For anyone with dreams of splashing out on a pool for the coming summer, now is the best time to be making plans.”

RESORT LIVING EVERY DAY. RETIRE IN SOUTH GIPPSLAND. Experience the boutique retirement dream at Mountain View Leongatha

Be on a permanent holiday by joining our exclusive community.

Choice of 2 & 3 bedroom master built luxury homes with single or double garages.

A 24 hour emergency call service and secure caravan and boat storage for peace of mind.

ONLY 45 VILLAS ON COMPLETION

Contact us for further information.

Sanctuary Pools is a family owned business, specialising in the installation of concrete and fibreglass pools.

ASHLEY 0417 377 582 | ANDREW 0418 540 668 sales@sanctuarypools.com.au sanctuarypools.com.au @sanctuary_pools

@SanctuaryPools

Master built luxury homes.

Double Garages now available Community Centre completed and operational.

RESORT LIVING EVERY DAY

Working together to build your dream...

0400 445 350 kcb@outlook.com.au

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OPEN FOR INSPECTION from 10am to 4pm Monday to Saturday.

Ph: 1300 306 255 1 Dale Drive Leongatha VIC 3953 www.mountainviewleongatha.com.au

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“For anyone with dreams of splashing out on a pool for the coming summer, now is the best time to be making plans.”

RESORT LIVING EVERY DAY. RETIRE IN SOUTH GIPPSLAND. Experience the boutique retirement dream at Mountain View Leongatha

Be on a permanent holiday by joining our exclusive community.

Choice of 2 & 3 bedroom master built luxury homes with single or double garages.

A 24 hour emergency call service and secure caravan and boat storage for peace of mind.

ONLY 45 VILLAS ON COMPLETION

Contact us for further information.

Sanctuary Pools is a family owned business, specialising in the installation of concrete and fibreglass pools.

ASHLEY 0417 377 582 | ANDREW 0418 540 668 sales@sanctuarypools.com.au sanctuarypools.com.au @sanctuary_pools

@SanctuaryPools

Master built luxury homes.

Double Garages now available Community Centre completed and operational.

RESORT LIVING EVERY DAY

Working together to build your dream...

0400 445 350 kcb@outlook.com.au

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OPEN FOR INSPECTION from 10am to 4pm Monday to Saturday.

Ph: 1300 306 255 1 Dale Drive Leongatha VIC 3953 www.mountainviewleongatha.com.au

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words sally o’neill photos warren reed

lifestyle review

the last POST

The road to John and Barb Snelling’s ‘forever’ home follows a meandering river, passes through golden grasses waving in the breeze and finally leads to a block nestled in the dunes behind one of Victoria’s most beautiful beaches in Venus Bay’s Second Estate.

Three carefully arranged posts stand sentinel in the yard. Originally from the Welshpool Jetty, these weathered timbers offer a sense of place and permanence to John and Barb’s new home. The couple often pinch themselves, because – after two decades in hospitality running Noojee’s iconic Outpost Retreat – they’re convinced they’ve landed in their own slice of heaven. Making the decision to move seaside after their ‘treeside’ lifestyle, the couple searched the usual coastal spots, finding them to be either beyond their budget or not quite right. Venturing slightly further afield, they drove into Venus Bay and knew it was for them. “We wanted somewhere a little busier than Noojee, which has a population of 150,” laughs Barb. “Venus Bay has 1,500 people.” Her laughter fills the light kitchen as the open fire crackles and I enjoy a latte made in the expansive butler’s pantry.

After looking at many blocks, they found their perfect patch in the area’s Second Estate. “Although a little more expensive, the block just felt so nice,” says Barb. “Venus Bay is still an affordable seachange.” >

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words sally o’neill photos warren reed

lifestyle review

the last POST

The road to John and Barb Snelling’s ‘forever’ home follows a meandering river, passes through golden grasses waving in the breeze and finally leads to a block nestled in the dunes behind one of Victoria’s most beautiful beaches in Venus Bay’s Second Estate.

Three carefully arranged posts stand sentinel in the yard. Originally from the Welshpool Jetty, these weathered timbers offer a sense of place and permanence to John and Barb’s new home. The couple often pinch themselves, because – after two decades in hospitality running Noojee’s iconic Outpost Retreat – they’re convinced they’ve landed in their own slice of heaven. Making the decision to move seaside after their ‘treeside’ lifestyle, the couple searched the usual coastal spots, finding them to be either beyond their budget or not quite right. Venturing slightly further afield, they drove into Venus Bay and knew it was for them. “We wanted somewhere a little busier than Noojee, which has a population of 150,” laughs Barb. “Venus Bay has 1,500 people.” Her laughter fills the light kitchen as the open fire crackles and I enjoy a latte made in the expansive butler’s pantry.

After looking at many blocks, they found their perfect patch in the area’s Second Estate. “Although a little more expensive, the block just felt so nice,” says Barb. “Venus Bay is still an affordable seachange.” >

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The narrow block and strict council building restrictions of 28.5 squares presented challenges, so the next step was to find a builder who could transform these into positives – and their vision – into reality.

Make memories to call your own

Again, it was just a ‘feeling’ that led them to settle on Hotondo Homes in Inverloch. “We looked online and immediately loved The Byron design,” says John. “Hotondo use all their own builders and their design and colour consultant Caroline Allen, is very good. We could trust them, and that’s paramount,” adds Barb.

When the rising sun shines through their bedroom window each morning, they know they made the right choice in The Byron design. John was struck by its wide, welcoming entry, sleek façade, and suitability to narrow blocks. Caroline’s flexible, can-do attitude allowed them to mix and match two designs to suit their exact needs. The house morphed into The Byron exterior with The Hotham interior. They also chose to ‘flip’ the design of the neatly-packed double-storey Hotham with huge open-plan kitchen, family and dining area. This change fills the house with light and links the lounge to the large back verandah and outdoor kitchen, cleverly adding another two rooms.

I visit late on a wintry afternoon and the fire is really only needed for ambience Caroline also suggested unique touches such as a window splashback that transforms washing the dishes into a nature experience as kangaroos graze outside. Being well-insulated and having double-glazed windows also works a treat – I visit late on a wintry afternoon and the fire is really only needed for ambience.

The house is comfortable and stylish yet practical and easy to look after. This feature is essential as three out of the four bedrooms are regularly occupied by children and grandchildren. Their grandkids call it their ‘treehouse’ and snuggle into bed overlooking the treetops or go wild in the carpeted play area upstairs – their noise far away from adult ears. >

It’s my Hotondo Home We have Display Homes and Sales Centres all around Metropolitan and Regional Victoria.

Visit hotondo.com.au for more information. coast 128

Call 1800 677 156 hotondo.com.au

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The narrow block and strict council building restrictions of 28.5 squares presented challenges, so the next step was to find a builder who could transform these into positives – and their vision – into reality.

Make memories to call your own

Again, it was just a ‘feeling’ that led them to settle on Hotondo Homes in Inverloch. “We looked online and immediately loved The Byron design,” says John. “Hotondo use all their own builders and their design and colour consultant Caroline Allen, is very good. We could trust them, and that’s paramount,” adds Barb.

When the rising sun shines through their bedroom window each morning, they know they made the right choice in The Byron design. John was struck by its wide, welcoming entry, sleek façade, and suitability to narrow blocks. Caroline’s flexible, can-do attitude allowed them to mix and match two designs to suit their exact needs. The house morphed into The Byron exterior with The Hotham interior. They also chose to ‘flip’ the design of the neatly-packed double-storey Hotham with huge open-plan kitchen, family and dining area. This change fills the house with light and links the lounge to the large back verandah and outdoor kitchen, cleverly adding another two rooms.

I visit late on a wintry afternoon and the fire is really only needed for ambience Caroline also suggested unique touches such as a window splashback that transforms washing the dishes into a nature experience as kangaroos graze outside. Being well-insulated and having double-glazed windows also works a treat – I visit late on a wintry afternoon and the fire is really only needed for ambience.

The house is comfortable and stylish yet practical and easy to look after. This feature is essential as three out of the four bedrooms are regularly occupied by children and grandchildren. Their grandkids call it their ‘treehouse’ and snuggle into bed overlooking the treetops or go wild in the carpeted play area upstairs – their noise far away from adult ears. >

It’s my Hotondo Home We have Display Homes and Sales Centres all around Metropolitan and Regional Victoria.

Visit hotondo.com.au for more information. coast 128

Call 1800 677 156 hotondo.com.au

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HOUSE AWARDS Winner - Best Energy Efficient Design Residential – BDAV 2018 - Building Design Awards Winner - Best Environmentally Sustainable Design Residential – BDAV 2018 - Building Design Awards Winner - Best Sustainable Home – MBAV 2018 - Master Builders Awards

Builders of distinctive, designer homes.

TS Constructions create living spaces that are stunning, innovative and finished to perfection. Our aim is to work with owners and designers to develop and build exactly to your requirements.

03 5672 2466 | admin@tsconstructions.com.au | www.tsconstructions.com.au |

NEW HOMES

FOR SALE

Barb added her touches with stunning light fittings, dreamy gauze curtains and of-themoment plantation shutters.

Downstairs in the kitchen, the grown-ups can gather around the huge island bench to have a wine as John whips up a storm. In summer, the doors open onto the verandah, and the fully-fitted, weather-proofed outdoor kitchen that reflects his passion for cooking. He started his career as a chef at Melbourne’s Café Di Stasio and put The Outpost on the map with his passion for flavour and fresh produce. He now enjoys cooking for family and has also been head-hunted to work in a local café, prepping a few days a week with Barb doing front of house.

Barb’s sense of style and love of clean, clear lines put her unique stamp on the home’s design. She and John were generally on the same wavelength when choosing colours and fixtures, and then Barb added her touches with stunning light fittings, dreamy gauze curtains and of-the-moment

Grantville: A Place to Relax & Retire

CHOICE OF 1,2 & 3 BEDROOM HOMES FOR SALE

plantation shutters that suit the house down to the ground.

Soft, muted colours form the backdrop for tasteful decorative pieces, and original artworks add splashes of colour – their favourite a specially commissioned piece titled Coastal Dreaming by renowned local artist Kerrie Warren.

And despite Venus Bay being more than slightly over the brink of discovery by Melburnians, the couple’s privacy is assured through their choice of block adjacent to the reserve, and the clever design that opens up views and shields neighbours.

This house is a true home. “We are very blessed; we love it,” says Barb, with John chiming in: “It had to be the right place because this is it.” The end of a beautiful, long and winding road and the beginning of home.

The village is situated on the Westernport Bay Foreshore, with close proximity to Phillip Island, the Mornington Peninsula, and is less than 1.5 hours from Melbourne and only 20 minutes from Wonthaggi.

03 5678 8232 22 Pier Road, Grantville, 3984 coast 130

@TSConstructions

info@frenchview.com.au www.frenchviewlifestylevillage.com.au coast 131

HOUSE AWARDS Winner - Best Energy Efficient Design Residential – BDAV 2018 - Building Design Awards Winner - Best Environmentally Sustainable Design Residential – BDAV 2018 - Building Design Awards Winner - Best Sustainable Home – MBAV 2018 - Master Builders Awards

Builders of distinctive, designer homes.

TS Constructions create living spaces that are stunning, innovative and finished to perfection. Our aim is to work with owners and designers to develop and build exactly to your requirements.

03 5672 2466 | admin@tsconstructions.com.au | www.tsconstructions.com.au |

NEW HOMES

FOR SALE

Barb added her touches with stunning light fittings, dreamy gauze curtains and of-themoment plantation shutters.

Downstairs in the kitchen, the grown-ups can gather around the huge island bench to have a wine as John whips up a storm. In summer, the doors open onto the verandah, and the fully-fitted, weather-proofed outdoor kitchen that reflects his passion for cooking. He started his career as a chef at Melbourne’s Café Di Stasio and put The Outpost on the map with his passion for flavour and fresh produce. He now enjoys cooking for family and has also been head-hunted to work in a local café, prepping a few days a week with Barb doing front of house.

Barb’s sense of style and love of clean, clear lines put her unique stamp on the home’s design. She and John were generally on the same wavelength when choosing colours and fixtures, and then Barb added her touches with stunning light fittings, dreamy gauze curtains and of-the-moment

Grantville: A Place to Relax & Retire

CHOICE OF 1,2 & 3 BEDROOM HOMES FOR SALE

plantation shutters that suit the house down to the ground.

Soft, muted colours form the backdrop for tasteful decorative pieces, and original artworks add splashes of colour – their favourite a specially commissioned piece titled Coastal Dreaming by renowned local artist Kerrie Warren.

And despite Venus Bay being more than slightly over the brink of discovery by Melburnians, the couple’s privacy is assured through their choice of block adjacent to the reserve, and the clever design that opens up views and shields neighbours.

This house is a true home. “We are very blessed; we love it,” says Barb, with John chiming in: “It had to be the right place because this is it.” The end of a beautiful, long and winding road and the beginning of home.

The village is situated on the Westernport Bay Foreshore, with close proximity to Phillip Island, the Mornington Peninsula, and is less than 1.5 hours from Melbourne and only 20 minutes from Wonthaggi.

03 5678 8232 22 Pier Road, Grantville, 3984 coast 130

@TSConstructions

info@frenchview.com.au www.frenchviewlifestylevillage.com.au coast 131

#Most Trusted

A renovation team, specialising in reinventing your bathroom, kitchen and laundry.

Building Bass Coast & Mornington

Garry & Gill - Bass Coast (03) 5952 2150 | 1/219 Settlement Rd, Cowes (03) 5672 1818 | 114-117 Graham St, Wonthaggi

Your trusted local

Give us a call or drop in for a chat today.

Call 132 789 or visit gjgardner.com.au 03-5952 5158 sales@phillipislandtiles.com.au www.beachstylerenovations.com.au

Scott & Judy - Mornington Mornington Peninsula Homes Pty Ltd, CDB-U 58234 Business name G.J. Gardner Homes Mornington Peninsula (03) 5975 1122 | 5/234 Main St, Mornington

ST

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Beach Style Renovations 219b Settlement Rd, Cowes, VIC, 3922

OF THE YEAR 2015

Bespoke homes. Quality craftsmanship. Passionate builders. tel: 03 5956 7415

www.southcoastkitchens.com.au

28 boys home road, newhaven, phillip island. info@southcoastkitchens.com.au Domestic • Commercial • Wardrobes • Creative Storage • Wardrobe Sliding Doors • Toilet Petitions • Shop Fit Outs • Solid Timber Joinery

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We build beautiful homes. We build great relationships. And, we take all the hard work out of your hands so that you can enjoy the process. Talk to us about how our experienced team can create your beautiful new home, extension or renovation.

One-of-a-kind. Your home. Our service.

0419 878 402 | www.sjvuillerminmasterbuilders.com.au | svuillermin@bigpond.com

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#Most Trusted

A renovation team, specialising in reinventing your bathroom, kitchen and laundry.

Building Bass Coast & Mornington

Garry & Gill - Bass Coast (03) 5952 2150 | 1/219 Settlement Rd, Cowes (03) 5672 1818 | 114-117 Graham St, Wonthaggi

Your trusted local

Give us a call or drop in for a chat today.

Call 132 789 or visit gjgardner.com.au 03-5952 5158 sales@phillipislandtiles.com.au www.beachstylerenovations.com.au

Scott & Judy - Mornington Mornington Peninsula Homes Pty Ltd, CDB-U 58234 Business name G.J. Gardner Homes Mornington Peninsula (03) 5975 1122 | 5/234 Main St, Mornington

ST

MASTER

B

LDE R

SOUT

EA

UI

H

Beach Style Renovations 219b Settlement Rd, Cowes, VIC, 3922

OF THE YEAR 2015

Bespoke homes. Quality craftsmanship. Passionate builders. tel: 03 5956 7415

www.southcoastkitchens.com.au

28 boys home road, newhaven, phillip island. info@southcoastkitchens.com.au Domestic • Commercial • Wardrobes • Creative Storage • Wardrobe Sliding Doors • Toilet Petitions • Shop Fit Outs • Solid Timber Joinery

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We build beautiful homes. We build great relationships. And, we take all the hard work out of your hands so that you can enjoy the process. Talk to us about how our experienced team can create your beautiful new home, extension or renovation.

One-of-a-kind. Your home. Our service.

0419 878 402 | www.sjvuillerminmasterbuilders.com.au | svuillermin@bigpond.com

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TYDE

coast style INSPIRATION FOR YOUR HOME

Stylish, relaxed, quality apparel inc. Australian Made and Fair Trade Products 1& 2/17 The Esplanade, Cowes 3922 / 5951 9945 / info@tyde.com.au

follow us on

CHOOSING GIFTS IS AS COMPLICATED OR SIMPLE AS YOU MAKE IT…

With many individuals opting to forgo materialistic lifestyles while others have everything imaginable, it’s hard to know where to start when choosing a gift.

Whether you’re shopping for a wedding, birthday, anniversary, graduation or for yourself, it’s important to buy for the individual.

Look for pieces that are unique, complimentary and jump out – if you’re unsure of their style consider the following: - What is their personality?

- How do they present themselves?

- What material things do they like?

If you’re still unsure check out their social media channels for ideas.

With a variety of options available, shops like Tyde are re-invigorating the ‘old country road’ – unique, handcrafted, fair-trade, locally-made gifts with service above and beyond what you find in larger retailers.

With an eye for what works and what doesn’t, the girls are happy to take their time talking over different options to help you

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@tyde_boutique

find the perfect present; complimentary gift-wrapping an added bonus.

From cheeseboards and knives made of timber, brass or copper, there are designs for everyone, with imperfections adding character. Looking for a truly unique gift, you cannot pass the seed pod toothpicks – environmentally-friendly and a great table feature (not to mention talking point) – or the Indonesian long peppercorn sets.

Local retailers also have the advantage of buying small and bespoke, therefore you’re unlikely to see the same item in any of your friends or neighbour’s homes. Encouraging young talent, I challenge anyone to find wooden clutches in mass-manufacture retailers made by a 17-year-old Victorian boy, but that is just one of the beautiful collections on offer in Cowes – ethical and sustainable.

Remember, gifts should reflect the individual.

aspirations in design HIA member No. 520358

Graeme Alexander Homes P/L

Designing and building your vision is a very personal and rewarding experience.

Helping create the Peninsula Dream for over 30 years, we encourage you to be as much a part of the journey as you wish.

Your involvement increases your enjoyment from the original design lines through to the construction and beyond – we are with you all the way.

Graeme Alexander Homes P/L Factory 12/81 Watt Road, Mornington 3931 P: 1300 301 055 I F: (03) 5976 4561 I www.gahomes.com.au

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TYDE

coast style INSPIRATION FOR YOUR HOME

Stylish, relaxed, quality apparel inc. Australian Made and Fair Trade Products 1& 2/17 The Esplanade, Cowes 3922 / 5951 9945 / info@tyde.com.au

follow us on

CHOOSING GIFTS IS AS COMPLICATED OR SIMPLE AS YOU MAKE IT…

With many individuals opting to forgo materialistic lifestyles while others have everything imaginable, it’s hard to know where to start when choosing a gift.

Whether you’re shopping for a wedding, birthday, anniversary, graduation or for yourself, it’s important to buy for the individual.

Look for pieces that are unique, complimentary and jump out – if you’re unsure of their style consider the following: - What is their personality?

- How do they present themselves?

- What material things do they like?

If you’re still unsure check out their social media channels for ideas.

With a variety of options available, shops like Tyde are re-invigorating the ‘old country road’ – unique, handcrafted, fair-trade, locally-made gifts with service above and beyond what you find in larger retailers.

With an eye for what works and what doesn’t, the girls are happy to take their time talking over different options to help you

coast 134

@tyde_boutique

find the perfect present; complimentary gift-wrapping an added bonus.

From cheeseboards and knives made of timber, brass or copper, there are designs for everyone, with imperfections adding character. Looking for a truly unique gift, you cannot pass the seed pod toothpicks – environmentally-friendly and a great table feature (not to mention talking point) – or the Indonesian long peppercorn sets.

Local retailers also have the advantage of buying small and bespoke, therefore you’re unlikely to see the same item in any of your friends or neighbour’s homes. Encouraging young talent, I challenge anyone to find wooden clutches in mass-manufacture retailers made by a 17-year-old Victorian boy, but that is just one of the beautiful collections on offer in Cowes – ethical and sustainable.

Remember, gifts should reflect the individual.

aspirations in design HIA member No. 520358

Graeme Alexander Homes P/L

Designing and building your vision is a very personal and rewarding experience.

Helping create the Peninsula Dream for over 30 years, we encourage you to be as much a part of the journey as you wish.

Your involvement increases your enjoyment from the original design lines through to the construction and beyond – we are with you all the way.

Graeme Alexander Homes P/L Factory 12/81 Watt Road, Mornington 3931 P: 1300 301 055 I F: (03) 5976 4561 I www.gahomes.com.au

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Melaleuca Nursery INDIGENOUS & NATIVE PLANT FARM

Island Shoes

‘Natives, because they’re beautiful’

If you answer “YES” to any of the following we can help you…

Melaleuca Nursery has been supplying quality indigenous & native plants to West & South Gippsland for over 30 years. Whether it’s a few plants for the backyard or thousands for a revegetation project, we provide excellent advice on what’s best for your area.

• We have empty walls and need advice on our options.

• We have art we love but it needs reframing or hanging.

• We want to know where to source a large, feature piece.

• Our garden really needs some tasteful sculptures.

• We need some help making our house look attractive.

Open Monday to Saturday: 9am – 5pm. Trade enquiries welcome. a: 50 Pearsalls Road, Inverloch Vic 3996 p: 5674 1014 e: info@gonativelandscapes.com w: www.melaleucanursery.com

134 Thompson Avenue, Cowes, Vic. 3922 Ph: 03 5952 2515 Follow us on facebook @islandshoesphillipisland

g estudio c kgallery o

BRIAN PAYNTER MP YOUR LOCAL MEMBER OF STATE PARLIAMENT

Authorised & Edited by Brian Paynter MP, 9 McBride Avenue Wonthaggi 3995.

Tel 03 5672 4755 Email: brian.paynter@parliament.vic.gov.au www.brianpaynter.com.au. @BrianPaynterMP @BrianPaynterMP Funded from Parliament’s Electorate Office and Communications Budget.

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• Malvern

• Mt Eliza

• Mornington

• Sorrento • Flinders

• Asia

• Mobile

Enquiries to staff@manyunggallery.com.au or 03 9787 2953

manyunggallery.com.au @manyunggallery

@Manyung.Gallery

ManyungGallery

LAURIE COLLINS

SCULPTURE GARDEN AND RED TREE GALLERY

Delivered for bass coast

Mobile Art Advice

NEW & GENTLY USED QUALITY GOODS

Recycled metal sculptures, garden sculptures, junk sculptures, unique furniture, fun metal animals, and lots of other stuff.

New Exhibition Monthly FREEHOLD PROPERTY FOR SALE WHICH INCLUDES ACCOMMODATION AND BUSINESS. Contact Joel at Paragreen R.E. 0438 822 614

Open 9am to 5pm every day 420 Main Jindivick Rd, Jindivick 5628 5224 | lcollins@dcsi.net.au

www.lauriecollins.com.au | www.redtreegallery.com.au

monthly exhibitions | art materials | picture framing | jewellery | ceramics

@lauriecollinssculpturegarden | @redtreegallery

15 Falls Road, Fish Creek e: framing@geckostudiogallery.com.au Ph 03 5683 2481 w: geckostudiogallery.com.au opening times thurs-mon 9am-4pm

@lauriecollins1

"Browsers Always Welcome" 31 MAIN STREET, FOSTER PH: 5682 1381 WEEKDAYS 10AM–5PM SAT 9.30AM–4PM SUN 10AM–4PM CLOSED TUESDAYS MAY TO OCTOBER OPEN 7 DAYS NOVEMBER – APRIL

www.mainstreetrevelations.com.au

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coast directory www.coastmagazine.net

coast directory www.coastmagazine.net

Now available at Island Shoes for Spring 2018

Melaleuca Nursery INDIGENOUS & NATIVE PLANT FARM

Island Shoes

‘Natives, because they’re beautiful’

If you answer “YES” to any of the following we can help you…

Melaleuca Nursery has been supplying quality indigenous & native plants to West & South Gippsland for over 30 years. Whether it’s a few plants for the backyard or thousands for a revegetation project, we provide excellent advice on what’s best for your area.

• We have empty walls and need advice on our options.

• We have art we love but it needs reframing or hanging.

• We want to know where to source a large, feature piece.

• Our garden really needs some tasteful sculptures.

• We need some help making our house look attractive.

Open Monday to Saturday: 9am – 5pm. Trade enquiries welcome. a: 50 Pearsalls Road, Inverloch Vic 3996 p: 5674 1014 e: info@gonativelandscapes.com w: www.melaleucanursery.com

134 Thompson Avenue, Cowes, Vic. 3922 Ph: 03 5952 2515 Follow us on facebook @islandshoesphillipisland

g estudio c kgallery o

BRIAN PAYNTER MP YOUR LOCAL MEMBER OF STATE PARLIAMENT

Authorised & Edited by Brian Paynter MP, 9 McBride Avenue Wonthaggi 3995.

Tel 03 5672 4755 Email: brian.paynter@parliament.vic.gov.au www.brianpaynter.com.au. @BrianPaynterMP @BrianPaynterMP Funded from Parliament’s Electorate Office and Communications Budget.

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• Malvern

• Mt Eliza

• Mornington

• Sorrento • Flinders

• Asia

• Mobile

Enquiries to staff@manyunggallery.com.au or 03 9787 2953

manyunggallery.com.au @manyunggallery

@Manyung.Gallery

ManyungGallery

LAURIE COLLINS

SCULPTURE GARDEN AND RED TREE GALLERY

Delivered for bass coast

Mobile Art Advice

NEW & GENTLY USED QUALITY GOODS

Recycled metal sculptures, garden sculptures, junk sculptures, unique furniture, fun metal animals, and lots of other stuff.

New Exhibition Monthly FREEHOLD PROPERTY FOR SALE WHICH INCLUDES ACCOMMODATION AND BUSINESS. Contact Joel at Paragreen R.E. 0438 822 614

Open 9am to 5pm every day 420 Main Jindivick Rd, Jindivick 5628 5224 | lcollins@dcsi.net.au

www.lauriecollins.com.au | www.redtreegallery.com.au

monthly exhibitions | art materials | picture framing | jewellery | ceramics

@lauriecollinssculpturegarden | @redtreegallery

15 Falls Road, Fish Creek e: framing@geckostudiogallery.com.au Ph 03 5683 2481 w: geckostudiogallery.com.au opening times thurs-mon 9am-4pm

@lauriecollins1

"Browsers Always Welcome" 31 MAIN STREET, FOSTER PH: 5682 1381 WEEKDAYS 10AM–5PM SAT 9.30AM–4PM SUN 10AM–4PM CLOSED TUESDAYS MAY TO OCTOBER OPEN 7 DAYS NOVEMBER – APRIL

www.mainstreetrevelations.com.au

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coast directory www.coastmagazine.net

coast directory www.coastmagazine.net

Now available at Island Shoes for Spring 2018

TAKE TO THE SKY.

Where there are no strangers... only friends you’ve yet to meet

• WINE & BEER • MUSIC • DELICIOUS FOOD • LOCAL PRODUCE • WOODFIRED PIZZA • TAKE AWAY

Explore our breathtaking coast from the air, flying in comfort aboard Phillip Island Helicopters’ modern fleet.

Scenic flights, Heli-Adventure packages and gift vouchers available – visit our website for details.

Open Thursday–Sunday: 9am–8pm Friday dinner till late Closed public holidays and all of July.

1075 Loch-Kernot Rd, Kernot Phone: 5678 8555

PHILLIP ISLAND AIRPORT 1 VETERANS DRIVE , NEWHAVEN. INFO@PIH.COM.AU (03) 5956 7316 W W W. P I H . C O M . A U

Clean, fresh, light accommodation – family villas and studios with ensuite

#1 on Tripadvisor 97 Church St, Cowes VIC 3922 Phone: (03) 5952 2548 Email: info@amaroopark.com

www.amaroopark.com

Our Libraries have a huge range of programs and events to suit all ages and interests running throughout Spring, including school holidays. Though free, most of our programs and events require you to book so please browse and book online at www.wgrlc.eventbrite.com.au

Unique designs on ceramic clocks and tile hangers, plus customised mugs and tiles with a choice of names, colours and business logos.

Check out the website to view and order.

Lynn 0400 196 038 | glazeceramics@gmail.com www.glazeceramics.com.au | open 9am - 5pm, Mon - Fri @glazeceramics

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@glazeceramics

Eco Homewares & Organic Grocery Supplies Open 7 Days 127 Marine Parade, San Remo | 03 5603 3681 freedomorganicssanremo@gmail.com | www.freedomorganicssanremo.com

A TREASURE TROVE OF PRE-LOVED, RETRO, VINTAGE & MORE...

CERAMICS

ORIGINAL HAND-MADE & PAINTED CERAMICS

Check out all of our organic products and get ready to stock up on the freshest and best tasting food today.

Drouin | Foster | Inverloch | Korumburra | Leongatha Mirboo North | Neerim South | Phillip Island | Poowong Warragul | Wonthaggi | Northern Mobile | South Coast Mobile

@wgrlc

@wgrlc

(03) 5622 2949 www.wgrlc.vic.gov.au

Experienced finance specialist who cares and listens to his clients. Providing advice, choices and solutions for them to achieve their goals of home ownership or restructure to improve lifestyle. Our services to you are free, we come to you for your privacy and convenience.

Opens at 10 every Sunday in Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring.

JOHN FLANIGAN Dip FMBM

Finance S p ecialis t

M 0417 758 887 | F (03) 9769 4433 CRN 447671 E john@mortgagefs.com.au W mortgagefinanceservices.com.au

Main Street, KONGWAK, Victoria

(only 10 minutes from Inverloch) For more info call Jane on 0417 142 478

coast 139

coast directory www.coastmagazine.net

coast directory www.coastmagazine.net

Real Food Self Sufficiency Super Store

TAKE TO THE SKY.

Where there are no strangers... only friends you’ve yet to meet

• WINE & BEER • MUSIC • DELICIOUS FOOD • LOCAL PRODUCE • WOODFIRED PIZZA • TAKE AWAY

Explore our breathtaking coast from the air, flying in comfort aboard Phillip Island Helicopters’ modern fleet.

Scenic flights, Heli-Adventure packages and gift vouchers available – visit our website for details.

Open Thursday–Sunday: 9am–8pm Friday dinner till late Closed public holidays and all of July.

1075 Loch-Kernot Rd, Kernot Phone: 5678 8555

PHILLIP ISLAND AIRPORT 1 VETERANS DRIVE , NEWHAVEN. INFO@PIH.COM.AU (03) 5956 7316 W W W. P I H . C O M . A U

Clean, fresh, light accommodation – family villas and studios with ensuite

#1 on Tripadvisor 97 Church St, Cowes VIC 3922 Phone: (03) 5952 2548 Email: info@amaroopark.com

www.amaroopark.com

Our Libraries have a huge range of programs and events to suit all ages and interests running throughout Spring, including school holidays. Though free, most of our programs and events require you to book so please browse and book online at www.wgrlc.eventbrite.com.au

Unique designs on ceramic clocks and tile hangers, plus customised mugs and tiles with a choice of names, colours and business logos.

Check out the website to view and order.

Lynn 0400 196 038 | glazeceramics@gmail.com www.glazeceramics.com.au | open 9am - 5pm, Mon - Fri @glazeceramics

coast 138

@glazeceramics

Eco Homewares & Organic Grocery Supplies Open 7 Days 127 Marine Parade, San Remo | 03 5603 3681 freedomorganicssanremo@gmail.com | www.freedomorganicssanremo.com

A TREASURE TROVE OF PRE-LOVED, RETRO, VINTAGE & MORE...

CERAMICS

ORIGINAL HAND-MADE & PAINTED CERAMICS

Check out all of our organic products and get ready to stock up on the freshest and best tasting food today.

Drouin | Foster | Inverloch | Korumburra | Leongatha Mirboo North | Neerim South | Phillip Island | Poowong Warragul | Wonthaggi | Northern Mobile | South Coast Mobile

@wgrlc

@wgrlc

(03) 5622 2949 www.wgrlc.vic.gov.au

Experienced finance specialist who cares and listens to his clients. Providing advice, choices and solutions for them to achieve their goals of home ownership or restructure to improve lifestyle. Our services to you are free, we come to you for your privacy and convenience.

Opens at 10 every Sunday in Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring.

JOHN FLANIGAN Dip FMBM

Finance S p ecialis t

M 0417 758 887 | F (03) 9769 4433 CRN 447671 E john@mortgagefs.com.au W mortgagefinanceservices.com.au

Main Street, KONGWAK, Victoria

(only 10 minutes from Inverloch) For more info call Jane on 0417 142 478

coast 139

coast directory www.coastmagazine.net

coast directory www.coastmagazine.net

Real Food Self Sufficiency Super Store

coast directory

S E E W BOX LL

SE

coast directory

Secure. Safe. Peace of Mind.

SOL STUDIO + GALLERY The newly opened gallery of Gippsland artists Meg Hayley and Nick Perrin. Nick’s awardwinning work depicts textured landscapes, flowers, trees and foliage inspired by travels to Greece and the UK. Meg works on paper and canvas with a unique whimsy, collecting vintage pieces of decorative china to paint. Jewellery, wire works, bespoke furniture and art materials for sale (specialising in Swiss brand Caran d’ache).

Painting and drawing classes available.

Island Secure Storage

As your local Member of Parliament I am keen to hear from the community and assist with any State Government matter.

Warm regards, Daniel Mulino

76 TOORAK RD, INVERLOCH | Meg: 0408 520 576 meghayley@live.com |

@meghayley27

Spring hours: open Friday, Saturday & Sunday | Summer hours: Six days, closed Tuesday.

Appointment anytime

a: 1/23 James Street, Pakenham, VIC 3810 p: 5940 5010 f: 5940 5011 e: daniel.mulino@parliament.vic.gov.au daniel.mulino.1 Authorised by D Mulino, 1/23 James Street, Pakenham. This material has been funded from Parliament’s Electorate Office & Communications budget.

mob: 0400 214 446 4 Industrial Way, Cowes VIC 3922 e: storage@islandsteel.com.au

www.islandstorage.com.au

EXPERT ADVICE AND GOOD OLD-FASHIONED SERVICE. TIMBER

HARDWARE PAINTS HUGE RANGE OF WATER TANKS

TOOLS photo jeremy blode photography

Celebrate In Style

Specialising in clear span marquees and complete event hire, we can design a package that is perfectly suited to your style and budget. We aim to take the hassle out of your special occasion by providing the highest standard of equipment, unique products and styling and flawless service and delivery.

FOR BOOKINGS & ENQUIRIES: CALL +61 407 611 203 OR EMAIL: CAMERON@TANKADVENTURES.COM.AU

tankadventures.com.au 2349 Woorarra Rd, Wonyip. VICtoria Australia 3962

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EST. 1965

Cnr. Bass Highway & Glen Forbes Rd, Grantville 03 5678 8552 421 Princess Hwy, Officer vic 3809 03 5943 2371

5952 1791 | info@overthetopevents.com.au www.overthetopevents.com.au 15 The Concourse, Cowes. @overthetopevents1

@overthetopeventhire

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www.coastmagazine.net

www.coastmagazine.net

REPAIRS, TECHNICAL ADVICE, RESTORATIONS, AND DRIVER TRAINING ALSO AVAILABLE.

Easy car and truck access.

Wide range of unit sizes to suit all your needs.

We stock all your packaging requirements.

Access is 24/7.

On-site manager during business hours.

All units have an individual alarm and the facility has security cameras inside and out.

Storing with us will be a breeze.

coast directory

S E E W BOX LL

SE

coast directory

Secure. Safe. Peace of Mind.

SOL STUDIO + GALLERY The newly opened gallery of Gippsland artists Meg Hayley and Nick Perrin. Nick’s awardwinning work depicts textured landscapes, flowers, trees and foliage inspired by travels to Greece and the UK. Meg works on paper and canvas with a unique whimsy, collecting vintage pieces of decorative china to paint. Jewellery, wire works, bespoke furniture and art materials for sale (specialising in Swiss brand Caran d’ache).

Painting and drawing classes available.

Island Secure Storage

As your local Member of Parliament I am keen to hear from the community and assist with any State Government matter.

Warm regards, Daniel Mulino

76 TOORAK RD, INVERLOCH | Meg: 0408 520 576 meghayley@live.com |

@meghayley27

Spring hours: open Friday, Saturday & Sunday | Summer hours: Six days, closed Tuesday.

Appointment anytime

a: 1/23 James Street, Pakenham, VIC 3810 p: 5940 5010 f: 5940 5011 e: daniel.mulino@parliament.vic.gov.au daniel.mulino.1 Authorised by D Mulino, 1/23 James Street, Pakenham. This material has been funded from Parliament’s Electorate Office & Communications budget.

mob: 0400 214 446 4 Industrial Way, Cowes VIC 3922 e: storage@islandsteel.com.au

www.islandstorage.com.au

EXPERT ADVICE AND GOOD OLD-FASHIONED SERVICE. TIMBER

HARDWARE PAINTS HUGE RANGE OF WATER TANKS

TOOLS photo jeremy blode photography

Celebrate In Style

Specialising in clear span marquees and complete event hire, we can design a package that is perfectly suited to your style and budget. We aim to take the hassle out of your special occasion by providing the highest standard of equipment, unique products and styling and flawless service and delivery.

FOR BOOKINGS & ENQUIRIES: CALL +61 407 611 203 OR EMAIL: CAMERON@TANKADVENTURES.COM.AU

tankadventures.com.au 2349 Woorarra Rd, Wonyip. VICtoria Australia 3962

coast 140

EST. 1965

Cnr. Bass Highway & Glen Forbes Rd, Grantville 03 5678 8552 421 Princess Hwy, Officer vic 3809 03 5943 2371

5952 1791 | info@overthetopevents.com.au www.overthetopevents.com.au 15 The Concourse, Cowes. @overthetopevents1

@overthetopeventhire

coast 141

www.coastmagazine.net

www.coastmagazine.net

REPAIRS, TECHNICAL ADVICE, RESTORATIONS, AND DRIVER TRAINING ALSO AVAILABLE.

Easy car and truck access.

Wide range of unit sizes to suit all your needs.

We stock all your packaging requirements.

Access is 24/7.

On-site manager during business hours.

All units have an individual alarm and the facility has security cameras inside and out.

Storing with us will be a breeze.

coast directory

a good read

directory Artists & Galleries ArtSpace Wonthaggi Gecko Studio Gallery Georgie Cunningham Sea Glass Glaze Ceramics Laurie Collins Sculpture Garden & Red Tree Gallery Manyung Gallery Mosaics by the Bay The Outer Space Sol Studio & Gallery Stefani Hilltop Gallery YEP Gallery

19 136 19 138 137 137 47 98 140 71 5

Automotive Edney’s Leongatha Wonthaggi Toyota & Holden

25 65

Builders & Designers Aspire Designer Homes Beach House Constructions Beaumont Concepts Coldon Homes Darren Brown Design Ecoliv GJ Gardner Homes Graeme Alexander Homes Hotondo Homes JDeisgn Group Kyle Custom Building Langford Jones Homes Modhouse Onsite Design S J Vuillermin Master Builders Soulspace Studios Trease Builders TS Constructions

117 2 116 114 36 116 133 135 129 55 124 11 123 41 133 46 93 131

Entertainment Kongwak Market Island Clip n’ Clip KWRHS - Music on the Grass Over the Top Events Passion 8 Photography Turn the Page

139 61 136 141 148 143

Fashion

www.coastmagazine.net

Allforms of Design HB Studio Island Shoes Main Street Revelations Mookah Studios Norte Tyde

98 98 136 137 33 54 135

Gardens & Landscaping Burra Garden Supplies & Nursery 56 Grace Landscapes 38 Gutter-Vac South & West Gippsland 140 Melaleuca Nursery 137 Sanctuary Pools 124

coast 142

Government & Schools

Restaurants, Cafes & Food

Bass Coast Shire Council 57 Bass Coast Shire Council (150 Years) 31 Bass Coast Specialist School 104 Beaconhills College 110 Brian Paynter 136 Chairo Christian School 100 Daniel Mulino 140 Mary MacKillop College 106 Newhaven College 102 Our Lady Star of the Sea 100 Phillip Island Village School 112 South Gippsland Specialist School 108 West Gippsland CMA 66 West Gippsland Regional Library 138 Westernport Water 34

Angel’s Healthfood Bassine Specialty Cheese Burnt Toast The Cape Kitchen Coffee Traders Freedom Organics Harry’s on the Esplanade Kernot Food & Wine Store Kilcunda General Store Kilcunda Ocean View Hotel Lucinda Estate Manhattan in Mornington Mario’s at San Remo Meeniyan Hotel Meeniyan IGA Meeniyan Pantry & Cellar The Palms Restaurant & Bar RACV Inverloch Relish Mama The Terrace, Phillip Island RSL San Remo Fisherman’s Co-Op Sherwoods Restaurant Vanille Bistro Vela Nine

Hair, Health & Beauty Catherine’s Hair Techniques Cowes Dental Surgery

94 63

Homewares & Furniture

By Edwards Harmony Home Main Street Revelations Mookah Studios Murray St Bazaar Nest Giftware & Gallery Southern Bazaar Tyde

54 23 137 33 71 45 23 135

Jewellery Lacy Jewellery Studio & Gallery

91

Professional Services Bendigo Bank Coast Magazine Mark Farmer Financial Solutions Mortgage Finance Services Passion 8 Photography

26 64 33 139 148

Property & Accommodation Alex Scott Phillip Island Amaroo Park Anchor Belle Banfields Frenchview Lifestyle Village Glenleith at Meeniyan Mountain View Leongatha RACV Inverloch

147 139 25 122 131 98 125 82

73 73 73 79 79 139 74 138 73 80 75 83 80 98 97 95 81 82 87 82 82 81 74 75

Tourism, Travel & Recreation Crossover Cycles & Outdoor 51 Island Clip n’ Clip 61 Phillip Island Chocolate Factory 8 Phillip Island Helicopters 138 Phillip Island Nature Parks 52 South Gippsland Tank Adventure 140 Vietnam Vets Museum 65 YMCA 144

Trades & Hardware Carpet Court Phillip Island Coastal Refrigeration Elegance Tiles Island Energy Island Secure Storage South Coast Kitchens Van Steensels Timbers

141 122 132 62 141 132 141

Wineries Bellvale Wine Dirty Three Wines Purple Hen Wines

89 89 88

Stockists Aspendale News Anchorage Store, Ventnor Balnarring Village News Baxter Newsagency, Frankston Beach St Newsagency, Frankston Berwick Newsagency Bunyip Newsagency Cann River Licensed Carrum Newsagency Carrum Downs News Cape Woolamai Bottlo Chelsea News Cheltenham News Corinella General Store Coronet Bay General Store Cowes IGA Cowes Mobil Cowes Newsagent CP Cellars Cranbourne Newsagency Dalyston General Store Dromana Newsagency Dumbalk Village Store East Brighton Newsagency Fish Creek BP Fish Creek General Store Flinders General Store Foster BP Foster Newsagency Grantville Newsagency Hampton Newsagency Hastings Newsagency Inverloch BP Inverloch Foodworks Inverloch Newsxpress Karingal Hub Newsagency, Frankston Kilcunda General Store Koonwarra Store Korumburra BP Korumburra News Kunyung Newsagency, Mt Eliza Lang Lang Newsagency Laverton Newsagency Leongatha BP Leongatha Newsagency Lonsdale News, Dandenong Meeniyan Pantry & Cellar Mentone Newsagency Middle Brighton News Mirboo North BP Mornington News Morwell Newsagency Mt Eliza Newsagency Mt Martha Newsagency Narre Warren Newsagency Narre Warren North News Neerim South Newsagency Newhaven Newsagency Newsxpress Inverloch Orbost Newsagency Pakenham Newsagency Parkdale Newsagency Pearcedale Newsagency Rhyll General Store Rosebud Newsagency Rye Newsagency San Remo - Freedom Fuels San Remo IGA San Remo Newsagency Sandringham News Sandy Point General Store Scribes News & Tatts, Mornington Seaford Newsagency Silverleaves General Store Smiths Beach Store Somerville News & Tatts Sorrento News Strzelecki News & Tatts, Mirboo Nth Traralgon News & Lotto Tarwin Lower Supermarket Toora Newsagency Tooradin Newsagency Traralgon Newsagency Venus Bay Store Vermont Newsagency Warragul Newsagent Wilsons Prom - Tidal River Store Wonthaggi BP Wonthaggi Newsagent Wonthaggi Ritchies IGA

ADULT CRIME FICTION “THE NOWHERE CHILD”

by Christian White ‘Her name is Sammy Went. This photo was taken on her second birthday. Three days later she was gone.’ On a break between teaching photography classes in Melbourne, Kim Leamy is approached by a stranger investigating the disappearance of a little girl from her Kentucky home twenty-eight years earlier. He believes Kim is that girl.

At first, she brushes it off, but when Kim scratches the surface of her family history in Australia, questions arise that aren’t easily answered. To find the truth, she must travel to Manson, Kentucky, and into a dark past. As the mystery of Sammy’s disappearance unravels and the town’s secrets are revealed, this superb novel builds towards an electrifying climax. The Nowhere Child is a combustible tale of trauma, cult, conspiracy and memory. It is the remarkable debut of Christian White, an exhilarating new Australian talent.

ADULT FICTION “BOY SWALLOWS

UNIVERSE”

by Trent Dalton

A lost father, a mute brother, a mum in jail, a heroin dealer for a stepfather and a notorious crim for a babysitter. Eli’s just trying to follow his heart, learning what it takes to be a good man, but life keeps throwing obstacles in the way and is about to get a whole lot more serious.

He’s about to fall in love. And, oh yeah, he has to break into Boggo Road Gaol on Christmas Day to save his mum. A story of

brotherhood, true love and the most unlikely of friendships, Boy Swallows Universe will be the most heartbreaking, joyous and exhilarating novel you will read all year.

AUTOBIOGRAPHY “STAYING”

by Jessie Cole

As children, Jessie Cole and her brother Jake ran wild. They had each other, parents who adored them, and two mysterious, beautiful, clever half-sisters, Billie and Zoe, who came to visit every holiday. But when Jessie was on the cusp of adolescence, tragedy struck, and her family fell apart. This beautifully written, heartbreaking memoir asks what happens to those who are left behind when someone takes their own life. The importance of home, family and forgiveness - and finding peace in a place where we’ve suffered pain.

“THE POWER OF

HOPE”

by Kon Karapangiotidis An inspiring memoir from Kon Karapanagiotidis, founder of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, which argues that by putting community, love and compassion at the centre of our lives, we have the power to change our world. ‘Once we know our own voice, live the values close to our hearts and follow our dreams, we can be unstoppable. It is both our sanctuary and our destiny to live a life with love, belonging, connection and community’. From one of Australia’s leading human rights advocates, this memoir explores how Kon overcame his traumatic childhood of racism, bullying and loneliness to create one of Australia’s largest and best-loved human rights organisations. The Power of Hope shows us that in times of

“Books are mirrors: you only see in them what you already have inside you.”

- Carlos Ruiz Zafón

darkness, both personal and political, we are powerful if we stand as one.

NON-FICTION “THE PACIFIC IN THE WAKE OF CAPTAIN COOK WITH SAM NEILL”

by Meaghan Anastasios An engaging account of Cook’s voyages across the Pacific, in which actor Sam Neill retraces Cook’s footsteps, in the 250th anniversary year of Cook’s first voyage. A rich diversity of people and cultures navigated, traded, lived and fought here for thousands of years.

Before Cook, the Pacific was disconnected from the power of the known world but in his wake, everything changed. Sam takes a deeply personal, present-day voyage to map his own understanding of James Cook and the immense Pacific Ocean. From container ships to fishing and sailing boats, Sam crosses the largest ocean in the world to experience a contemporary journey in Cook’s footsteps, engaging the past and present in both modern and ancient cultural practice and peoples.

CHILDREN’S PICTURE BOOK “CICADA”

by Shaun Tan

Cicada work in tall building. Data entry clerk. Seventeen year. No sick day. No mistake. Tok Tok Tok! Bullied by his coworkers, Cicada works in an office, dutifully toiling day after day for unappreciative bosses. But one day Cicada goes to the roof of the building, and something truly extraordinary happens . . .

A story for anyone who has ever felt unappreciated, overlooked or overworked, from Australia’s most acclaimed picture book creator.

40a Thompson Ave, Cowes P: 03 5952 1444 E: info@turnthepagebookshop.com.au W: turnthepagebookshop.com.au

coast 143

coast directory

a good read

directory Artists & Galleries ArtSpace Wonthaggi Gecko Studio Gallery Georgie Cunningham Sea Glass Glaze Ceramics Laurie Collins Sculpture Garden & Red Tree Gallery Manyung Gallery Mosaics by the Bay The Outer Space Sol Studio & Gallery Stefani Hilltop Gallery YEP Gallery

19 136 19 138 137 137 47 98 140 71 5

Automotive Edney’s Leongatha Wonthaggi Toyota & Holden

25 65

Builders & Designers Aspire Designer Homes Beach House Constructions Beaumont Concepts Coldon Homes Darren Brown Design Ecoliv GJ Gardner Homes Graeme Alexander Homes Hotondo Homes JDeisgn Group Kyle Custom Building Langford Jones Homes Modhouse Onsite Design S J Vuillermin Master Builders Soulspace Studios Trease Builders TS Constructions

117 2 116 114 36 116 133 135 129 55 124 11 123 41 133 46 93 131

Entertainment Kongwak Market Island Clip n’ Clip KWRHS - Music on the Grass Over the Top Events Passion 8 Photography Turn the Page

139 61 136 141 148 143

Fashion

www.coastmagazine.net

Allforms of Design HB Studio Island Shoes Main Street Revelations Mookah Studios Norte Tyde

98 98 136 137 33 54 135

Gardens & Landscaping Burra Garden Supplies & Nursery 56 Grace Landscapes 38 Gutter-Vac South & West Gippsland 140 Melaleuca Nursery 137 Sanctuary Pools 124

coast 142

Government & Schools

Restaurants, Cafes & Food

Bass Coast Shire Council 57 Bass Coast Shire Council (150 Years) 31 Bass Coast Specialist School 104 Beaconhills College 110 Brian Paynter 136 Chairo Christian School 100 Daniel Mulino 140 Mary MacKillop College 106 Newhaven College 102 Our Lady Star of the Sea 100 Phillip Island Village School 112 South Gippsland Specialist School 108 West Gippsland CMA 66 West Gippsland Regional Library 138 Westernport Water 34

Angel’s Healthfood Bassine Specialty Cheese Burnt Toast The Cape Kitchen Coffee Traders Freedom Organics Harry’s on the Esplanade Kernot Food & Wine Store Kilcunda General Store Kilcunda Ocean View Hotel Lucinda Estate Manhattan in Mornington Mario’s at San Remo Meeniyan Hotel Meeniyan IGA Meeniyan Pantry & Cellar The Palms Restaurant & Bar RACV Inverloch Relish Mama The Terrace, Phillip Island RSL San Remo Fisherman’s Co-Op Sherwoods Restaurant Vanille Bistro Vela Nine

Hair, Health & Beauty Catherine’s Hair Techniques Cowes Dental Surgery

94 63

Homewares & Furniture

By Edwards Harmony Home Main Street Revelations Mookah Studios Murray St Bazaar Nest Giftware & Gallery Southern Bazaar Tyde

54 23 137 33 71 45 23 135

Jewellery Lacy Jewellery Studio & Gallery

91

Professional Services Bendigo Bank Coast Magazine Mark Farmer Financial Solutions Mortgage Finance Services Passion 8 Photography

26 64 33 139 148

Property & Accommodation Alex Scott Phillip Island Amaroo Park Anchor Belle Banfields Frenchview Lifestyle Village Glenleith at Meeniyan Mountain View Leongatha RACV Inverloch

147 139 25 122 131 98 125 82

73 73 73 79 79 139 74 138 73 80 75 83 80 98 97 95 81 82 87 82 82 81 74 75

Tourism, Travel & Recreation Crossover Cycles & Outdoor 51 Island Clip n’ Clip 61 Phillip Island Chocolate Factory 8 Phillip Island Helicopters 138 Phillip Island Nature Parks 52 South Gippsland Tank Adventure 140 Vietnam Vets Museum 65 YMCA 144

Trades & Hardware Carpet Court Phillip Island Coastal Refrigeration Elegance Tiles Island Energy Island Secure Storage South Coast Kitchens Van Steensels Timbers

141 122 132 62 141 132 141

Wineries Bellvale Wine Dirty Three Wines Purple Hen Wines

89 89 88

Stockists Aspendale News Anchorage Store, Ventnor Balnarring Village News Baxter Newsagency, Frankston Beach St Newsagency, Frankston Berwick Newsagency Bunyip Newsagency Cann River Licensed Carrum Newsagency Carrum Downs News Cape Woolamai Bottlo Chelsea News Cheltenham News Corinella General Store Coronet Bay General Store Cowes IGA Cowes Mobil Cowes Newsagent CP Cellars Cranbourne Newsagency Dalyston General Store Dromana Newsagency Dumbalk Village Store East Brighton Newsagency Fish Creek BP Fish Creek General Store Flinders General Store Foster BP Foster Newsagency Grantville Newsagency Hampton Newsagency Hastings Newsagency Inverloch BP Inverloch Foodworks Inverloch Newsxpress Karingal Hub Newsagency, Frankston Kilcunda General Store Koonwarra Store Korumburra BP Korumburra News Kunyung Newsagency, Mt Eliza Lang Lang Newsagency Laverton Newsagency Leongatha BP Leongatha Newsagency Lonsdale News, Dandenong Meeniyan Pantry & Cellar Mentone Newsagency Middle Brighton News Mirboo North BP Mornington News Morwell Newsagency Mt Eliza Newsagency Mt Martha Newsagency Narre Warren Newsagency Narre Warren North News Neerim South Newsagency Newhaven Newsagency Newsxpress Inverloch Orbost Newsagency Pakenham Newsagency Parkdale Newsagency Pearcedale Newsagency Rhyll General Store Rosebud Newsagency Rye Newsagency San Remo - Freedom Fuels San Remo IGA San Remo Newsagency Sandringham News Sandy Point General Store Scribes News & Tatts, Mornington Seaford Newsagency Silverleaves General Store Smiths Beach Store Somerville News & Tatts Sorrento News Strzelecki News & Tatts, Mirboo Nth Traralgon News & Lotto Tarwin Lower Supermarket Toora Newsagency Tooradin Newsagency Traralgon Newsagency Venus Bay Store Vermont Newsagency Warragul Newsagent Wilsons Prom - Tidal River Store Wonthaggi BP Wonthaggi Newsagent Wonthaggi Ritchies IGA

ADULT CRIME FICTION “THE NOWHERE CHILD”

by Christian White ‘Her name is Sammy Went. This photo was taken on her second birthday. Three days later she was gone.’ On a break between teaching photography classes in Melbourne, Kim Leamy is approached by a stranger investigating the disappearance of a little girl from her Kentucky home twenty-eight years earlier. He believes Kim is that girl.

At first, she brushes it off, but when Kim scratches the surface of her family history in Australia, questions arise that aren’t easily answered. To find the truth, she must travel to Manson, Kentucky, and into a dark past. As the mystery of Sammy’s disappearance unravels and the town’s secrets are revealed, this superb novel builds towards an electrifying climax. The Nowhere Child is a combustible tale of trauma, cult, conspiracy and memory. It is the remarkable debut of Christian White, an exhilarating new Australian talent.

ADULT FICTION “BOY SWALLOWS

UNIVERSE”

by Trent Dalton

A lost father, a mute brother, a mum in jail, a heroin dealer for a stepfather and a notorious crim for a babysitter. Eli’s just trying to follow his heart, learning what it takes to be a good man, but life keeps throwing obstacles in the way and is about to get a whole lot more serious.

He’s about to fall in love. And, oh yeah, he has to break into Boggo Road Gaol on Christmas Day to save his mum. A story of

brotherhood, true love and the most unlikely of friendships, Boy Swallows Universe will be the most heartbreaking, joyous and exhilarating novel you will read all year.

AUTOBIOGRAPHY “STAYING”

by Jessie Cole

As children, Jessie Cole and her brother Jake ran wild. They had each other, parents who adored them, and two mysterious, beautiful, clever half-sisters, Billie and Zoe, who came to visit every holiday. But when Jessie was on the cusp of adolescence, tragedy struck, and her family fell apart. This beautifully written, heartbreaking memoir asks what happens to those who are left behind when someone takes their own life. The importance of home, family and forgiveness - and finding peace in a place where we’ve suffered pain.

“THE POWER OF

HOPE”

by Kon Karapangiotidis An inspiring memoir from Kon Karapanagiotidis, founder of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, which argues that by putting community, love and compassion at the centre of our lives, we have the power to change our world. ‘Once we know our own voice, live the values close to our hearts and follow our dreams, we can be unstoppable. It is both our sanctuary and our destiny to live a life with love, belonging, connection and community’. From one of Australia’s leading human rights advocates, this memoir explores how Kon overcame his traumatic childhood of racism, bullying and loneliness to create one of Australia’s largest and best-loved human rights organisations. The Power of Hope shows us that in times of

“Books are mirrors: you only see in them what you already have inside you.”

- Carlos Ruiz Zafón

darkness, both personal and political, we are powerful if we stand as one.

NON-FICTION “THE PACIFIC IN THE WAKE OF CAPTAIN COOK WITH SAM NEILL”

by Meaghan Anastasios An engaging account of Cook’s voyages across the Pacific, in which actor Sam Neill retraces Cook’s footsteps, in the 250th anniversary year of Cook’s first voyage. A rich diversity of people and cultures navigated, traded, lived and fought here for thousands of years.

Before Cook, the Pacific was disconnected from the power of the known world but in his wake, everything changed. Sam takes a deeply personal, present-day voyage to map his own understanding of James Cook and the immense Pacific Ocean. From container ships to fishing and sailing boats, Sam crosses the largest ocean in the world to experience a contemporary journey in Cook’s footsteps, engaging the past and present in both modern and ancient cultural practice and peoples.

CHILDREN’S PICTURE BOOK “CICADA”

by Shaun Tan

Cicada work in tall building. Data entry clerk. Seventeen year. No sick day. No mistake. Tok Tok Tok! Bullied by his coworkers, Cicada works in an office, dutifully toiling day after day for unappreciative bosses. But one day Cicada goes to the roof of the building, and something truly extraordinary happens . . .

A story for anyone who has ever felt unappreciated, overlooked or overworked, from Australia’s most acclaimed picture book creator.

40a Thompson Ave, Cowes P: 03 5952 1444 E: info@turnthepagebookshop.com.au W: turnthepagebookshop.com.au

coast 143

young & inspired

the right fit as told to chloe kent photo henry mckay

A chance to open doors and minds.

Youth for Causes – a 10-week YMCA Victoria programme for 16-24-year old’s.

Imagine undertaking your secondary education certificate whilst building a not-for-profit to raise money for a charity close to your heart? Year 11 and 12 schoolwork leads to a two-year hiatus for most, but not for the students at Chisholm.

With the opportunity to visit Melbourne for nine sessions of mentorship and two weekend sessions, the students have engrossed themselves in developing a social enterprise. Community first then the world.

Whilst most teams across Victoria are focussed on enterprise products, four of the students are taking it one step further. With access to the YES Youth Hub in Wonthaggi, Libbie, James, Rowan and Matt have developed a fitness programme. But forget sweating it out for hours on end, their programme incorporates 45-minute exercise and activity sessions, as well as guest speakers and peer mentoring sessions. “We want to create a friendly environment – not just a space to get fit, but a safe environment for people to feel welcome.” Libbie clarifies.

They’re aiming to raise money for a local domestic violence charity, Gippsland Women’s Health, an issue that has touched each on a personal level. “We hope to raise awareness of just how much violence there is in our community and work to stop it.”

Rowan adds.

direction, they hope to continue their enterprise. And whilst there’s no doubt their not-for-profit will go through change, the core principles will remain; as James puts it, “it’s like playdough – you can shape it any way you want, but the product remains the same.”

As well as mentoring by entrepreneurs and successful businessmen and women, the programme has opened doors for the students, with franchise and international ideas viable possibilities. From their original brief, ‘if you had no barriers and nothing to hold you back, what would you do?’ to scaling the ideas back to feasible options with local resources, the students have a lot to be proud of. Not many 17-year-olds could say they’ve received seed funding and fully budgeted a business plan. Nor could most claim to have initial support from the local police and boxing club, but this team does.

Offering the chance to open doors to those who may not otherwise have had the opportunity, the programme, run in conjunction with support from Bass Coast Shire Council, has the thumbs up from the students. For Libbie, a confessed selfsecluded individual, it’s given her more confidence to follow her dreams and future aspirations; for James, it’s opened his mind to new ideas of what is out there and possible; and for Rowan, it’s experience and a good reference for the future.

As James says, it’s “a good programme. We hope it helps others to rebuild themselves.”

Even when the rollercoaster of life ascends and they each head off in their own

Find your fit.

With the Y, everyone can be healthier, happier and connected to their community, and help those who are not.

WONTHAGGI 41 Wentworth Rd 5672 4194

COWES 10 –14 Church St 5952 2811

A closet poet one might say – calm, composed, humble.

At 19 years old Nic Barron is already making his mark on the world – yet poetry is not his mark, music production is, and his following is much greater than one might think.

I grew up in Inverloch, but never really thought about music.

I was creative (film and photography) but it just happened; when I couldn’t find music, I started to create it. But it’s funny because I don’t really make music I’d listen to.

I first started creating songs at high school. I was accepted into a music institution, but it turned out to be largely theory and I want to produce, so I left.

I’m scared I’ll hate it one day. I obsess over things for a couple of years and then get over it, I hope that doesn’t happen.

I’ve been going for three years, so that’s a good sign. There’s something about finishing a song – uploading one little mp3.

My style has two sides – high-energy trap-esque music, and ambience/chill. Bounce Back would be my most honest song, whilst Ocean Eyes (Remix) is my favourite – I created a part and left it for six months, then picked it back up.

Creative blocks are humbling – it shows you’re pushing yourself. If you don’t, you end up just making the same stuff.

I recently returned from America – touring with producers. We started in New Orleans and I met a musician friend for the first time; he is studying at Loyola University. We were permitted to use the music studios – it was fantastic. A cathedral-like space separated into large studios.

We put on a show in New Orleans – we had everything going against us – no-one came for the intro, it was empty. I’d had a horrible feeling about it – it was Friday, Americans go out on a Saturday; it was a shady area of town; Bonnaroo was on a couple of hours away. But then out of no-where 30-40 people suddenly appeared.

Most of my followers are American, but I hope to travel to Europe one day. The music scene is much more diverse and open than Australia.

I’ve opened for Mr Carmack at the Corner Hotel in Brunswick and my music has been played at events around the world.

Seeing big artists playing it in their sets – it’s an incredible feeling, to think I made it in my bedroom. I’d love to collaborate with Flume; as a producer he’s insane, his sound design, he is next level.

It’s the little things that count – when someone you look up to messages you or follows your music, it’s an inconceivable feeling.

I try not to think about the future too much. I have short term goals, but time flies. Some people are in the right place at the right time and are overnight successes, but a slow rise would be better – you’ve got a tight, almost cult-like following and a body of work people can enjoy, not just a song or two.

www.basscoast.ymca.org.au coast 144

coast 145

young & inspired

the right fit as told to chloe kent photo henry mckay

A chance to open doors and minds.

Youth for Causes – a 10-week YMCA Victoria programme for 16-24-year old’s.

Imagine undertaking your secondary education certificate whilst building a not-for-profit to raise money for a charity close to your heart? Year 11 and 12 schoolwork leads to a two-year hiatus for most, but not for the students at Chisholm.

With the opportunity to visit Melbourne for nine sessions of mentorship and two weekend sessions, the students have engrossed themselves in developing a social enterprise. Community first then the world.

Whilst most teams across Victoria are focussed on enterprise products, four of the students are taking it one step further. With access to the YES Youth Hub in Wonthaggi, Libbie, James, Rowan and Matt have developed a fitness programme. But forget sweating it out for hours on end, their programme incorporates 45-minute exercise and activity sessions, as well as guest speakers and peer mentoring sessions. “We want to create a friendly environment – not just a space to get fit, but a safe environment for people to feel welcome.” Libbie clarifies.

They’re aiming to raise money for a local domestic violence charity, Gippsland Women’s Health, an issue that has touched each on a personal level. “We hope to raise awareness of just how much violence there is in our community and work to stop it.”

Rowan adds.

direction, they hope to continue their enterprise. And whilst there’s no doubt their not-for-profit will go through change, the core principles will remain; as James puts it, “it’s like playdough – you can shape it any way you want, but the product remains the same.”

As well as mentoring by entrepreneurs and successful businessmen and women, the programme has opened doors for the students, with franchise and international ideas viable possibilities. From their original brief, ‘if you had no barriers and nothing to hold you back, what would you do?’ to scaling the ideas back to feasible options with local resources, the students have a lot to be proud of. Not many 17-year-olds could say they’ve received seed funding and fully budgeted a business plan. Nor could most claim to have initial support from the local police and boxing club, but this team does.

Offering the chance to open doors to those who may not otherwise have had the opportunity, the programme, run in conjunction with support from Bass Coast Shire Council, has the thumbs up from the students. For Libbie, a confessed selfsecluded individual, it’s given her more confidence to follow her dreams and future aspirations; for James, it’s opened his mind to new ideas of what is out there and possible; and for Rowan, it’s experience and a good reference for the future.

As James says, it’s “a good programme. We hope it helps others to rebuild themselves.”

Even when the rollercoaster of life ascends and they each head off in their own

Find your fit.

With the Y, everyone can be healthier, happier and connected to their community, and help those who are not.

WONTHAGGI 41 Wentworth Rd 5672 4194

COWES 10 –14 Church St 5952 2811

A closet poet one might say – calm, composed, humble.

At 19 years old Nic Barron is already making his mark on the world – yet poetry is not his mark, music production is, and his following is much greater than one might think.

I grew up in Inverloch, but never really thought about music.

I was creative (film and photography) but it just happened; when I couldn’t find music, I started to create it. But it’s funny because I don’t really make music I’d listen to.

I first started creating songs at high school. I was accepted into a music institution, but it turned out to be largely theory and I want to produce, so I left.

I’m scared I’ll hate it one day. I obsess over things for a couple of years and then get over it, I hope that doesn’t happen.

I’ve been going for three years, so that’s a good sign. There’s something about finishing a song – uploading one little mp3.

My style has two sides – high-energy trap-esque music, and ambience/chill. Bounce Back would be my most honest song, whilst Ocean Eyes (Remix) is my favourite – I created a part and left it for six months, then picked it back up.

Creative blocks are humbling – it shows you’re pushing yourself. If you don’t, you end up just making the same stuff.

I recently returned from America – touring with producers. We started in New Orleans and I met a musician friend for the first time; he is studying at Loyola University. We were permitted to use the music studios – it was fantastic. A cathedral-like space separated into large studios.

We put on a show in New Orleans – we had everything going against us – no-one came for the intro, it was empty. I’d had a horrible feeling about it – it was Friday, Americans go out on a Saturday; it was a shady area of town; Bonnaroo was on a couple of hours away. But then out of no-where 30-40 people suddenly appeared.

Most of my followers are American, but I hope to travel to Europe one day. The music scene is much more diverse and open than Australia.

I’ve opened for Mr Carmack at the Corner Hotel in Brunswick and my music has been played at events around the world.

Seeing big artists playing it in their sets – it’s an incredible feeling, to think I made it in my bedroom. I’d love to collaborate with Flume; as a producer he’s insane, his sound design, he is next level.

It’s the little things that count – when someone you look up to messages you or follows your music, it’s an inconceivable feeling.

I try not to think about the future too much. I have short term goals, but time flies. Some people are in the right place at the right time and are overnight successes, but a slow rise would be better – you’ve got a tight, almost cult-like following and a body of work people can enjoy, not just a song or two.

www.basscoast.ymca.org.au coast 144

coast 145

where am I?

FR O M THE MO UNTAI NS TO THE SE A

CLASSIC GOOD SERVICE Since 1886

Unearthed from the depths, exposed. Vulnerable...

Resilient... Tranquil...

A favourite at low tide

Coast photographer Warren Reed captured this stunning landscape on one of his drives.

Do you think you know where it might be? Why not drop us a line on Twitter or Facebook and tag your suggestions #coastwhereami.

warrenreedphotography.com.au

Alex Scott and Staff have embraced our regional communities for more than 130 years and we’ve enjoyed seeing our region grow and prosper. We’re part of supporting and enhancing individual, family and community success and a key component of that success revolves around seizing opportunities. Spring provides that extra spring in our collective steps. The optimism that Spring always seems to bring is no more apparent than in our property market, where so many new opportunities suddenly present themselves. Call our expert, friendly team and see why Spring is the perfect time to make your next lifestyle move. It’s an uplifting time of the year, so why not seize your Spring moment.

The Winter 2018 edition – Where Am I was taken at Lynnes Road, Wattlebank

Alex Scott and Staff - proudly building enduring relationships and contributing to the success of our region.

@ourcoastmag CoastMagazineAustralia Don’t forget, limited edition images such as this can be viewed and purchased at

Printed using vegetable based inks on an elemental chlorine free paper. Sourced using sustainable forestry practices and manufactured using the ISO 14001 environmental management systems. Coast is printed in Australia under ISO 14001 Environmental Certifications. Coast magazine has chosen to print on FSC certified stock. FSC certification ensures traceability and verification of well managed forest timber, from mill to printer to you.

coast 146

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.

Melbourne (03) 9526 8611

Inverloch (03) 5674 1111

Leongatha (03) 5662 0922

Venus Bay (03) 5663 7111

Berwick (03) 9707 2000

Korumburra (03) 5655 1133

Pakenham (03) 5941 1111

Warragul (03) 5623 4744

Grantville (03) 5678 8433

Lang Lang (03) 5997 5599

Phillip Island (03) 5952 2633

Wonthaggi (03) 5672 1911

CLASSIC GOOD SERVICE SINCE

1886 ALEXSCOTT.COM.AU

where am I?

FR O M THE MO UNTAI NS TO THE SE A

CLASSIC GOOD SERVICE Since 1886

Unearthed from the depths, exposed. Vulnerable...

Resilient... Tranquil...

A favourite at low tide

Coast photographer Warren Reed captured this stunning landscape on one of his drives.

Do you think you know where it might be? Why not drop us a line on Twitter or Facebook and tag your suggestions #coastwhereami.

warrenreedphotography.com.au

Alex Scott and Staff have embraced our regional communities for more than 130 years and we’ve enjoyed seeing our region grow and prosper. We’re part of supporting and enhancing individual, family and community success and a key component of that success revolves around seizing opportunities. Spring provides that extra spring in our collective steps. The optimism that Spring always seems to bring is no more apparent than in our property market, where so many new opportunities suddenly present themselves. Call our expert, friendly team and see why Spring is the perfect time to make your next lifestyle move. It’s an uplifting time of the year, so why not seize your Spring moment.

The Winter 2018 edition – Where Am I was taken at Lynnes Road, Wattlebank

Alex Scott and Staff - proudly building enduring relationships and contributing to the success of our region.

@ourcoastmag CoastMagazineAustralia Don’t forget, limited edition images such as this can be viewed and purchased at

Printed using vegetable based inks on an elemental chlorine free paper. Sourced using sustainable forestry practices and manufactured using the ISO 14001 environmental management systems. Coast is printed in Australia under ISO 14001 Environmental Certifications. Coast magazine has chosen to print on FSC certified stock. FSC certification ensures traceability and verification of well managed forest timber, from mill to printer to you.

coast 146

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.

Melbourne (03) 9526 8611

Inverloch (03) 5674 1111

Leongatha (03) 5662 0922

Venus Bay (03) 5663 7111

Berwick (03) 9707 2000

Korumburra (03) 5655 1133

Pakenham (03) 5941 1111

Warragul (03) 5623 4744

Grantville (03) 5678 8433

Lang Lang (03) 5997 5599

Phillip Island (03) 5952 2633

Wonthaggi (03) 5672 1911

CLASSIC GOOD SERVICE SINCE

1886 ALEXSCOTT.COM.AU

Andrew Harrison - Passion8 Photography 2017 Victorian Wedding Photographer of the Year Brighton & Inverloch 0418 331 162 | www.passion8.com.au @passion8photography

@passion8photography