ON PAKO and beyond...GEELONG #014 Autumn/Winter 2022 by Eden Enterprises

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autumn/ winter 2022

SERGIO JE W E L L E R AN D DE S I G N E R Your Specialist for Jewellery Remodels and Repairs... Craftmanship should never be compromised.

125 Pakington Street, Geelong West | 0400 100 989 | sergio.m.macchia@gmail.com www.jewellerybysergio.com

SERGIO JE W E L L E R AN D DE S I G N E R Your Specialist for Jewellery Remodels and Repairs... Craftmanship should never be compromised.

125 Pakington Street, Geelong West | 0400 100 989 | sergio.m.macchia@gmail.com www.jewellerybysergio.com

Client

Job Number

Project

Date

Response

Stage

Stage Objective

Miss Lillypilly

LIL001

BCard

20/10/2016

4.0

Concept Development

Exploration to establish, territory, hierarchy and brand structure via rough computer

FRONT OF BUSINESS CARD

MISS LILLYPILLY BUSINESS CARD

BACK OF BUSINESS CARD

vicki wiggins 3/26 high st, drysdale, vic 3222 e vicki@misslillypilly.com.au p (03) 5216 3018 w misslillypilly.com.au flowers for

all occasions

GREY CIRCLE ON BACK OF BUSINESS CARD DESIGN INDICATES USE OF SPOT UV - WHICH IS A GLOSSY, CLEAR VARNISH THAT MAKES THE SURFACE SHINY (LIKE IN EXAMPLE PICTURED LEFT) WON’T PRINT OUT GREY - BUT AS A GLOSSY FINISH. ALTERNATIVE IT VERSION THIS EFFECT WILL PRINT OF THE BACK OF THE BUSINESS CARD WITHIN THE WHITE SPOT AS REQUESTED. D & Co Studio © All rights reserved 2016

3/26 HIGH ST, DRYSDALE

PH. 5216 3018

www.misslillypilly.com.au

FINE DINING

FUNCTIONS

WEDDINGS

EVENTS

*10% surcharge applies for weekends

4.01

··· PRIVATE FUNCTION ROOM AVAILABLE Seats 10-30 People ··· BAY END OF YARRA ST, GEELONG | P: 5222 4100 | OPEN 7 DAYS |

fishermenspier.com.au

AVAILABLE AT:

Barwon Heads Brewery 29-31 Sinclair Street Ocean Grove

Beach House Barwon Heads 48 Hitchcock Avenue Barwon Heads

M hello@barwonheadsbrewing.com.au I @bhbrewingco

Style Bar Barwon Heads 1/77 Hitchcock Avenue Barwon Heads

barwonheadsbrewing.com.au

03 5254 3376

BREAKFAST WEEKDAYS - 9 til 11.30am WEEKENDS - 8 til 11.30am GRAZING 11.30am til late LUNCH 12 noon til 3pm DINNER 5.30pm til late COURTESY BUS AVAILABLE 7 NIGHTS A WEEK

48 Hitchcock Ave, Barwon Heads | P. 03 5254 3376 | info@beachhousebarwonheads.com.au | beachhousebarwonheads.com.au

Welcome to ONPAKO and beyond... Issue #14, 2022. Like so many others, we’re extremely happy to be back in business and presenting to you, the reader, our fourteenth publication of this passionately received and greatly supported magazine, designed to showcase our premier lifestyle destination, Pakington Street, and our beautiful region beyond.

CONTENTS Christine Couzens MP

Cultura

Eyewear On Pako

National Celtic Festival

Arts & Culture

Of course, this publication would also not have been possible without the amazing efforts and dedication of our greatly admired and professional team members to whom we also extend, as always, our greatest appreciation.

Geelong Arts Centre

Taste Destination

As we all go about embracing a hopeful return to some form of pre-pandemic normal in this very lucky country of ours, we hope that throughout the months ahead, many of you will also go about supporting the local businesses within this issue so they may also have the opportunity to return to better times.

i Ragazzi

The Fox & Hen

Bellarine Smokehouse

We hope you also enjoy reading the wonderful articles presented in this complimentary publication of which additional copies can be sourced from participating businesses throughout the Geelong region and beyond.

Friends of the Festa

Fashion & Beauty

Style Bar, Barwon Heads

Grooming by Heidi & Clippd Canine Styling

Geelong Aquatic Centre

Wathaurong Glass

Interior Trends with Katrina Harmon

While we’re always sincerely grateful to each and every business that supports this publication, we have never been more appreciative as what we are now for that support. We are very much aware that every business that has contributed to this issue is continuing to recover from the impact of COVID-19, however, both existing and new clients, who we extend a very warm welcome to, have shown great enthusiasm in wanting to be part of this autumn/winter edition and for that we express a huge THANK YOU!

Mark & Donna W ilkins Geelong Visitor Information Centre 26 Moorabool Street, Geelong Ph: 1800 755 611

ON PAKO ISSUE #14 AUTUMN/WINTER 2022 PUBLISHED BY EDEN ENTERPRISES AUSTRALIA PTY LTD P.O. Box 2065, Indented Head, VIC 3223 PRINTED BY Printgraphics Pty Ltd PUBLISHER/SALES – Mark Wilkins EDITOR/ACCOUNTS – Donna Wilkins DESIGN & PRODUCTION – Donna Sceney WRITERS – Mackenzie Pennycook, Amanda Sherring CONTRIBUTORS – Donna Wilkins, Deb Gill, Katrina Harmon PHOTOGRAPHY – Mark Wilkins & supplied

If you would like to be a part of ON PAKO and beyond... please contact Mark Wilkins phone 0438 297 969 email mark@edmag.com.au ON PAKO and beyond… now available at edmag.com.au 8

ONPAKO

Acknowledgement of Country Eden Enterprises Australia Pty Ltd respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land and country on which we publish, the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to their Ancestors, to Elders past, to Elders present and to emerging leaders, recognising their continuing connection to land, water, culture, and community.

eclectica ♥ fashion ♥ home ♥ indulgence ♥

celebrating our 12th birthday

thank you 35 years in retail

for your support

_ ______________

148 Pakington St, Geelong West ph. 5222 1115 www.eclectica.com.au Follow us on our socials

fIp

fresh, quality produce quality wholesale friendly staff

gluten free range flowers & plants local products

TRADING HOURS: MON–FRI 7.30am–6.30pm | SAT 7.30am–5.30pm | SUN 8am–5.30pm

SITIONING • TO

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Be sure to visit Greg and the team for a great shopping experience like no other

PLASTIC FREE

11 Ormond Road, East Geelong | Ph 5221 4860 | www.eastfruit.com.au

CHRISTINE COUZENS MP

ARTICLE AND IMAGES: SUPPLIED

It’s great to see Pakington Street thriving again. Whether it’s meeting friends for coffee, or visiting our amazing stores, Pako offers something for everyone. And there’s no better magazine to showcase Pakington Street than the On Pako magazine.

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Pakington Street is the cultural heart of our city. Celebrating everything that makes our city great. Pako gives us a sense of community and connection to the city. We’ve got our favourite café, the barista who knows our order, the amazing street art and the countless hidden gems to discover. And it’s great to see Pako thriving after two tough years for all of us. As the Member for Geelong, it’s amazing to see the enthusiasm from people, organisations and community groups across our city. Because it’s been a challenging time for everyone. But our community remains resilient and connected – always looking after one another and the community. Geelong stepped up and supported each other, especially those most vulnerable in our community. And I couldn’t be prouder of our incredible and inclusive community. And Geelong is bouncing back. We’re continuing to see the return of major events to the region. It was great to see the return of Pako Festa this year at the Northern Community Hub. Pako Festa celebrates our incredible multicultural

community. And while it was reimagined this year, it didn’t stop the colourful celebration. From the Welcome to Country by the traditional owners, cultural music, dancing, and food – there was something for everyone. It was with great sadness that, with other Geelong Labor MPs, I met with members of Geelong’s Ukrainian community who performed proudly, but with heavy hearts, given what is occurring in their country. Geelong’s Russian community were also present, reminding us that our multicultural community is respectful and supportive of each other’s right to live together peacefully. This is something we can be so proud of. And it is what makes Geelong such a wonderful, vibrant multicultural place to live. The festival is organised by Diversitat, a not-for-profit charity based in Geelong, which aims to promote equity, harmony and social justice. More than one fifth of Geelong residents come from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Pako Festa is a great opportunity to showcase the artistic and cultural expression within Geelong’s multicultural community.

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Proud to be supporting Geelong-based organisation Ngarrimili

Dave Grohl from the Foo Fighters, performed as part of the ALWAYS LIVE program

Unveiling design concepts for the new Geelong Art Centre 14 ONPAKO

Geelong also celebrated the return of live music with international rock supergroup, the Foo Fighters. The iconic band performed at GMHBA Stadium as part of the Labor Government’s ALWAYS LIVE program. The Foo Fighters always put on an epic performance and this concert will further cement our position as Australia’s home of live music. The program will deliver live music right across Victoria with both local and international artists – showcasing the state on the global stage.

Christine Couzens MP

STATE MEMBER FOR GEELONG

And there was such a buzz around the city – many of us hearing the music from our homes. This event showcased a diverse mix of local and international talent and helped to support local jobs and tourism businesses. Supporting the arts is vital to our growing city. The new Geelong Arts Centre will become the country’s biggest regional arts centre, with new designs revealing state-of-the-art facilities and two flexible performance spaces to host local, national and international performers. It was great to join Daniel Andrews to unveil designs for the $140 million Andrews Labor Government redevelopment. The project will create around 600 construction jobs and provide opportunities for local apprentices, in a major economic boost to the Geelong community. The striking design brings together elements drawn from the history of Geelong – showcasing the region’s strong and continuing First Nations culture, its proximity to the ocean, and the local history of circus and theatre. The new facility will include a 500-seat theatre that expands to an 800-person capacity in ‘live gig’ mode, as well as a hybrid theatre with more than 250 seats connected to the Little Malop Street Plaza. The design features a playful connection portal with interactive lighting that links it with the nearby Ryrie Street building, as well as bars and alfresco dining for locals and visitors. We’re also supporting Ngarrimili, a Geelong-based organisation supporting First Nations businesses, artists and creatives. A first of its kind, the business and retail hub for Aboriginal entrepreneurs will be established in Geelong in partnership with the Andrews Labor Government. The cultural hub will take the form of a retail shop front and feature a café for training and employment opportunities, while also serving as a co-working space for Aboriginal people to grow their businesses and seek employment assistance. The retail store will also showcase local First Nations businesses and sell their products, from clothing to skin care.

christine.couzens@parliament.vic.gov.au 5221 4821 F: Christine Couzens MP Shop 9, Pakington Strand 9/95 Pakington St Geelong West www.christinecouzens.com ONPAKO 15

We’re also building the Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCEC) precinct, which is the centrepiece project of the Geelong City Deal and will receive an additional $120 million from the Victorian Government to include a luxury hotel, retail and commercial outlets. A centre of this size located on Geelong’s spectacular waterfront will be a magnet to events of all sizes from across the state, the country and internationally. I was joined by Mary-Anne Thomas to announce the project’s new scope. The additional funding builds on the existing $141 million commitment from the Victorian Government, $30 million from the Australian Government and $3 million from the City of Greater Geelong – bringing the total project value to $294 million. The precinct will include a 200-room luxury hotel and commercial spaces, and a 1,000seat plenary venue which will be developed with 3,700 square metres of flexible multipurpose space to allow large and small

Christine Couzens MP Shop 9 Pakington Strand 9/95 Pakington Street, Geelong West VIC 3218 16 ONPAKO

events to run concurrently. The GCEC will support 600 jobs during construction and an additional 270 ongoing jobs once complete. The hotel will further boost employment opportunities and strengthen the region’s visitor economy. Deakin’s current waterfront car park site will become state owned allowing the GCEC to be built on the car park site, paving the way for works to start on the precinct next year. Deakin University will separately construct a replacement car park facility at a nearby site. There’s so much happening in our city. As the Member for Geelong, I’m always keen to speak to our community. My office is located along Pakington Street and always open. Please don’t hesitate to contact me to share your views or concerns.

VV 03 5221 4821 OO christinecouzens.com MMchristine.couzens@parliament.vic.gov.au

LL/ccouzensmp FF/ccouzensalp Business Hours: Monday – Friday 9am–5pm

ONPAKO 17

ARTICLE AND IMAGES: Supplied

GEELONG WELCOMES ‘CULTURA’ AS THE NEW FACE OF DIVERSITAT AND MACS

A new era has begun for Geelong’s multicultural communities, with the unveiling of ‘Cultura’ as the new name of the organisation formed from the merger of Diversitat and MACS. 18 ONPAKO

The new name and brand were unveiled at a special event held at The Pier, Geelong, which even included the unfurling of a sail by the Geelong Yacht Club with the new logo shimmering on the bay under a full moon and a blanket of stars. “It was wonderful to see the faces of our friends and supporters light up as they watched the new brand unveiling. It was certainly a wonderful way to mark this momentous occasion,” Cultura CEO, Joy Leggo, said. “By joining forces at Cultura, we combine over 70 years of knowledge and experience from Diversitat and MACS – which have historically been

two of the Geelong region’s largest and longest serving multicultural organisations,” she said. Cultura is a Latin term relating to ‘cultivation’, ‘to tend to’ for ‘improvement’ and reflects the diverse nature of the people the organisation works alongside. According to Ms Leggo, the actual logo itself has been well received by the community due to its striking, bold, progressive and colourful brandmark and the story behind it. “The circular symbol is representative of the four corners of the globe coming together. The term ‘cultures’ can reflect diverse sub-cultures within a whole,

including people of all ages and stages, genders and abilities,” Ms Leggo said. “I am thrilled to start this new journey as CEO of Cultura with an exciting new brand that reflects who we are and our vision and goals as Geelong’s largest multicultural voice and support network,” Ms Leggo said. With the launch now completed, the critical community support work continues for the Cultura team. “We have an ambitious intent to connect, inspire and embrace culturally diverse individuals throughout their entire life journey, and after 70 years, I think we’re just getting started,” Ms Leggo added. ONPAKO 19

WHO IS CULTURA? Cultura supports people with a range of services including settlement services, youth and community programs, arts programs and cultural events, community services and aged care. Cultura also provides a support network and a unified voice for multicultural communities in Greater Geelong. We provide a support network and a unified voice for multicultural communities in Greater Geelong. We offer services in settlement services, youth and community programs, arts programs and cultural events, community services and aged care. Cultura also operate a range of social enterprises including The Pulse community radio and various community events including the popular Pako Festa.

Our Purpose: To provide innovative services to support, care for and celebrate culturally diverse individuals through their life journey.

Our Vision: To empower diverse individuals and communities to reach their full potential.

Our Values: Inclusion, Integrity, Sustainability, Kindness

Cultura is affiliated with 50 cultural communities in the Geelong region who each celebrate their diverse cultures by sharing their language, food, dress, music, art and lives together. Some meet regularly throughout the year, others come together for special events and performances, such as PakoFesta. Settlement Services Cultura’s Settlement Services team help people entering Australia for humanitarian reasons to settle in the city of Geelong and Victoria. Our experienced and professional team provides support through the entire migration journey, from assisting with immigration, visa and citizenship services before arrival, through to helping newly arrived people to establish support systems and live independent and happy lives in the community. Each year, Cultura helps around 300 refugees settle in Geelong and surrounds, welcoming people from countries including Afghanistan, Congo, Iraq, Iran, Liberia, South Sudan, Sri Lanka (Tamil) and Karen and Karenni communities from Myanmar. Community Services Cultura provides a broad range of programs to assist newly arrived residents, individuals and groups from multicultural and diverse backgrounds living in the Greater Geelong and Barwon region. We can support you through all stages of life, from services for young families and homework clubs for school children, through to driver education and employment programs. We also offer a range of financial, legal and health related programs to support you and help you thrive through challenging times.

20 ONPAKO

Aged Care At Cultura we want all our aged care residents to flourish. In well-being. In health. In life. Since we opened in 1994 as the Geelong Multicultural Hostel, we have been helping our residents to flourish in their later years. Transitioning to aged care is a big decision. We understand that it can be stressful and full of uncertainty. We see aged care not so much about letting go, but more about giving some control and independence back. Instead of losing their independence, we empower our residents to maintain it. It always starts with the individual – their needs and wants, and how we can support them. We listen first, always. We meet people where they are at, whether that is providing support in their own home, in one of our residential care homes, or helping them to pass away with dignity and on their terms through our Home Services palliative care service. Our goal was, and always will be, to provide the best aged care services for the vibrant, culturally-diverse communities of Geelong and the western metropolitan area. Our residents and Home Care consumers represent over 30 different nationalities, including Australians. This makes Cultura different. It makes us who we are. We also run Support and Social programs, community visitor programs and café style support. Diversitat Training Diversitat Training operates as a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). Cultura is working towards securing our own Registered Training Organisation (RTO) status in the future. Find out more at cultura.org.au

Cultura Wadawurrung Country

25-41 Arunga Avenue Norlane VIC 3214

VV 03 4210 0000

OOcultura.org.au FF@CulturaAustralia MMconnect@cultura.org.au

Business Hours: Mon-Fri: 8.30am-5pm

ONPAKO 21

ARTICLE: MACKENZIE PENNYCOOK

IMAGES: MARK WILKINS

An Eyewear Era to Be Celebrated and Raved About It may be the end of an era, but it’s also the start of an exciting new one at Eyewear on Pako.

22 ONPAKO

Eyewear on Pako has been servicing the local region with Chris Benning as one of the figureheads at the helm for almost 20 years, but he has recently retired from the business in search of a leisurely paced lifestyle. Locally owned and operated, Eyewear on Pako has an incomparable reputation for being the best optometry service and premium eyewear retailer servicing Geelong West and wider surrounds since 2002. It’s like one big family at Eyewear on Pako. The close-knit team understands the importance of great customer service and value the relationships formed with clients, suppliers, and the local community alike. Chris established Eyewear on Pako through a handshake with optometrist Peter Weston, and whilst he doesn’t like to say it was destiny (Chris believes you make your own), it certainly felt like that.

Chris Benning, quietly retiring after serving 54 years in the industry

“Peter and I worked for the same company at the time, but we very rarely worked in the same practice,” Chris says.

the business. That is until Chris quietly stepped away from Eyewear on Pako early this year.

“It just happened one Saturday. I didn’t normally work Saturdays, but Peter was working in the same place that same morning. Through the course of a conversation, we agreed to form a business partnership, shook hands and a short time later we started Eyewear on Pako.”

“I quietly retired on January the 8th this year,” he says.

Peter has not only carried out the role of senior optometrist for many years but has also quietly and successfully taken care of the general operations of the business from behind the scenes. Chris however has always been more comfortable in front of customers as the recognisable and ever reliable face of

“The reason I chose January the 8th was because that’s the exact date that I started in the industry 54 years prior.”

worked with sent well wishes which I really appreciated.” The success Chris has experienced through his time in the business is something he’s worked incredibly hard for, he’s very humble and is always the first to tell you just how lucky he is to have his family and the entire team at Eyewear on Pako behind him.

The response to his retirement was overwhelming, with messages of support coming from far and wide.

“In all honesty, I’ve been very fortunate,” he says.

“The staff announced it (my retirement) on social media and the response just blew me away - it was really wonderful,” Chris says.

“I’ve done something that I’ve loved from day one, I’ve definitely had my ups and downs and I’ve changed direction a few times too but through all of that I’ve had the support of my lovely wife and my two boys.”

“Many, many of our clients and colleagues in the industry that I have

Chris and Peter have created and curated a work environment that is not

The Eyewear on Pako team

ONPAKO 23

only professional, but also encourages staff to enjoy their job and to have a bit of fun most importantly. “Eyewear on Pako has always been a special place to work,” Chris says. “Our great belief is that you can enjoy your job, have fun at work, and still do a professional job. Our clients are well looked after, and they know when they walk into the store they are met with a welcoming friendly environment. When you create a business like that it encourages clients to refer their friends and family – and word of mouth has been our best form of advertising to date.” Eyewear on Pako’s vibrancy makes it an optometrist and retail space like no other. Chris made it his personal goal to ensure that the same fun-loving philosophy was embraced no matter how much the business grew. Whilst Chris has stepped away from Eyewear on Pako in the day-to-day operations sense, he still holds an interest, and has regular monthly meetings with partners Peter, son Matt, and Jane Hutchinson who Chris describes as “the core pillars of our business.” As difficult as it was to step away and finally retire after 54 years, Chris knows that Eyewear on Pako is secure in the hands of the team he helped build. “One thing with retiring is that I know that Eyewear on Pako is in great hands, not only with my business partners but with all our staff, our staff are just wonderful.” Matt Benning, Chris’ son, is no stranger to the business, having worked for his dad and Peter just six months after they first opened shop. It has been said by Matt that it’s taking time to adjust to his dad’s recent retirement. “It’s a bit of a different vibe to how it was when Dad was here all the time but it’s a good vibe. We are very lucky to have a great blend of not only long-term staff but some new staff members that 24 ONPAKO

have recently joined the team bringing their own qualities and expertise to the business,” Matt says.

a while, and once he finally made his decision, although a difficult one he felt the time was right,” Matt says.

The biggest change at Eyewear on Pako, Matt joked, was how quiet it had become since Chris’ departure.

“He’s in a great spot, he’s really enjoying life, he’s worked full-time for so long and now he’s able to actually do the things he wants to do, it’s really good.”

“It’s been nice and quiet,” he laughed. “It’s been much easier for me to get a word in!” His dad, who described himself as no shrinking violet, was always the character at Eyewear on Pako, with plenty of loyal clients still checking in on him eager to know how his retirement is treating him. “Every day we have clients asking about him and checking in on him, wanting to know what he’s up to which is awesome,” says Matt. When discussing his dad’s retirement from the industry Matt said it was incredibly well deserved after all the years Chris spent in the business. “He’s been thinking about retiring for

Eyewear on Pako 1a Yuille Street Geelong West VIC 3218

VV03 5222 5353

Eyewear on Pako is more than just an optometrist and retail space, it’s a place that really values connections with customers. The staff are all extremely professional and friendly, always up for a chat and ready to assist with your requirements. Their extensive knowledge of optometry and the range of eyewear and sunglasses is second to none. Next time you’re due for a regular eye examination, be sure to support this locally owned and operated family friendly and community connected independent optometrist and premium eyewear retailer. Offering a great selection of eyewear to rave about, you too could be saying “I wear eyewear from Eyewear on Pako”.

FF @EyewearOnPako II@eyewearonpako OO eyewearonpako.com.au MM info@eyewearonpako.com.au

Business Hours: Mon-Fri: 9am-5.30pm Sat: 9am-12pm

available at

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Article & IMAGES: SUPPLIED

10–13 June 2022

National Celtic Folk Festival Let’s get this Party started…

26 ONPAKO

Hat Fitz and Cara

ONPAKO 27

Regarded as Australia’s premier Celtic Folk Festival, it brings Portarlington alive for the long weekend and attracts visitors from far and wide.

Rich Davies and the Low Road

It’s a great chance to show off the wonderful Bellarine region and for people to experience what it has to offer, with local wineries and producers, stunning scenery, and a wonderful community. Portarlington, nestled between the renowned vineyards of Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula and the famous mussel farms of Corio Bay, will fire up once again and come alive right across the June long weekend with this muchawaited opportunity to bring a community and the arts back together for this festive winter party along the foreshore and throughout the normally quiet bayside township. The National Celtic Folk Festival is on its way with a blast. Gathering the best Folk and Celtic artists and performers, celebrating our muchanticipated return with a sensational line up and plenty of craic – we can’t wait to be back. There will be no shortage of live music, bars, markets, workshops, sessions, delicious food, dancers, 28 ONPAKO

writers, children’s entertainment, demonstrations, and special events get ready for four days of music, arts and culture, fun for everyone. Come for the weekend or just a day or a night out and soak up the vibes and friendly Celtic spirit. This year’s festival program will run across a range of venues within the town, and the foreshore will become a festive winter party with spaces to gather for a catch up and a drink. Whether you come for the whole weekend or just a morning, afternoon or a day, the festival market is an attraction in itself. Warm up with a hot chocolate or mulled wine as you browse the market stalls and delight your tastebuds with food from our gourmet food trucks and a Guinness to wash it down. Our festival may be a little different this year, but we are super excited to be back!

One of the wonderful things about the National Celtic Folk Festival is that it can be enjoyed by all ages – a great place to catch up with families and friends and experience the Celtic culture and arts. And, if it’s something a little different you are looking for, there’s the National Highland Championships – with the largest athletes in the world competing in traditional highland heavy games or take a selfie with some highland cattle or sail the bay on the tall ship. There is something for everyone. WARM YOUR SOUL; DELIGHT YOUR SENSES; CONNECT WITH FESTIVAL SPIRIT THIS WINTER 2022 THE CRAIC WILL BE MIGHTY! TICKETS ON SALE via www.nationalcelticfestival.com

The 2022 National Celtic Folk Festival Line-up Lovers of culturally rich music, dance and arts rejoice. A huge range of talent from across Australia and a sprinkling of international acts are heading to Portarlington on Victoria’s beautiful Bellarine Peninsula for the National Celtic Folk Festival 2022, June long weekend (10-13). The festival gives a huge warm welcome to high-energy roots music duo Hat Fitz and Cara, Scottish rockers Claymore and Rich Davies and the Low Road, along with a host of festival favourites making a comeback including The Ploughboys, Tim Scanlan and The Maggie Carty Band – plenty of craic to be sure! Folk acts also appearing this year include the best in the scene: Songwriters and multi-instrumentalists Bush Gothic and Siobhan Owen; Music Victoria folk artists of the year Fiona Ross and Shane O’Mara; along with awarding winning Pete Denahy. What a line-up of live music! Finally, one of Australia’s most influential and iconic bands, The Bushwackers, celebrating 50 years at this year’s festival in a big way!

Rain of Animals

Siobhan Owen (Image: Aga Tomaszek)

A full program for the young ones includes the Celtic Trail of Tales; a journey of discovery among the hills and hummocks of the Portarlington Celtic Festival Fairyland. There are all sorts of fairies, goblin and leprechaun stories awaiting all of you across the weekend and maybe even some of the little people themselves! More announcements, the full line-up and to book tickets, visit: www.nationalcelticfestival.com

National Celtic Folk Festival Various locations Portarlington VIC 3223

VVGeneral Enquires: 0473 345 870 30 ONPAKO

FF@nationalcelticfestival II@nationalcelticfestival OO nationalcelticfestival.com MMmail@nationalcelticfestival.com

June Long Weekend 10 – 13 June 2022

ONPAKO feature…

ARTS & CULTURE

ART & CULTURE

Article & IMAGES: SUPPLIED

GEELONG ARTS CENTRE’S CREATIVE ENGINE

COMMUNITY FUEL STOKES CREATIVE FIRE Want to warm up this winter and contribute to Geelong’s thriving creative scene? Add your financial fuel to the region’s creative fire with Geelong Arts Centre’s Creative Engine Community Fuel!

Proudly supported by Major Artistic Partner, Deakin University, and Innovation Partner, Costa Asset Management, Geelong Arts Centre is excited to launch their newest Creative Engine initiative, Community Fuel; a live series of microgrant events inviting creatives from across the G21 region to pitch their ideas to members of the Greater Geelong community. Community Fuel speaks directly to the power of collective, community giving. See the impact of the community’s collective fuel instantly, with all money raised from tickets sold awarded to the winning pitch, as well as matched funding from Geelong Arts Centre. With the first event scheduled to take place from 5:30 - 8:00pm on Thursday 9 June, a $10 Community Fuel ticket gets you a hot bowl of soup, live entertainment, and most importantly, a coveted vote for your favourite creative idea!

“

We are committed to creating an accessible space for creatives and community to come together, and strongly believe that financial contributions of any sum, when paired with community passion, can amount to big things for both artists and the community supporting them.

“

Penny McCabe Geelong Arts Centre Senior Producer. 32 ART & CULTURE

A night dedicated to celebrating and supporting the artistic heart of our clever and creative city, Community Fuel will see the Geelong community come together at Geelong Arts Centre’s landmark Ryrie Street Level 1 Lounge to support a local creative or organisation while also enjoying the best in live and local entertainment over a piping hot bowl of soup and a refreshing beverage.

“

Community Fuel is grassroots, community action at its best and the kind of social enterprise that can change lives, hearts, and minds.

“

Joel McGuinness Geelong Arts Centre Chief Executive Officer and Creative Director

Creative Engine is all about bringing together community and creative industries to ensure local artists and arts organisations have the opportunity to access support, no matter the breadth or size of their creative ideas, and to subsequently develop a flourishing community of practice. Need the financial fuel to bring your creative ideas to life? Whether in need of a new drum kit for their band or looking to pitch a feature film in Hollywood, Geelong Arts Centre’s Creative Engine is all about enabling creatives with the financial fuel to achieve their goals. And in even better news for creatives, there’s no pesky acquittal required! Online applications for creatives are now open and tickets are on sale. To apply to pitch or to book your seats, visit the website geelongartscentre.org.au/creative-engine/community-fuel Bookings can be made online or by phoning the Box Office on 1300 251 200 between 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday.

GEELONG ARTS CENTRE CREATIVE ENGINE 2022

COMMUNITY FUEL 9 JUN LEVEL 1 FOYER

APPLY NOW geelongartscentre.org.au

PEOPLE OF INTEREST

GEELONG ARTS CENTRE: OUR SEASON 2022

wHAT’S ON

“

Across all artforms, Geelong Arts Centre knows it is imperative for us to amplify the voices of those who have overcome adversity, and we have no doubt that these stories will not only entertain; they will inspire.

Become The One Image: Jodie Hutchinson

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Joel McGuinness Geelong Arts Centre CEO and Creative Director

Having completely sold out the season’s opening six-show run of Ensemble Theatre’s Black Cockatoo, Geelong Arts Centre’s remaining Our Season 2022 program promises to impress, inspire and ignite a diverse range of audiences, from seasoned thespians to families and ‘first-timers’. With five incredible shows coming up between now and July, including performances from a multitude of companies with a reputation for producing outstanding work, theatregoers can expect to be met with the highest calibre of storytelling from the moment they take their seats. 34 ART & CULTURE

May 3–7 Explore identity, romance, agency and hyper-masculinity with winner of the Midsumma Festival Playtime Award for New Queer Writing, Lab Kelpie’s Become The One. This funny, smart and challenging romantic comedy explores why a footballer would choose to remain closeted, and why their openly gay partner would choose to accept it. What would you do for love? And what wouldn’t you?

Unsung

June 21–25

On By Circa Image: Pia Johnson

May 12

May 21

Experience why Circa Contemporary Circus has forged a reputation as the most artistically audacious circus on the planet when they hit Costa Hall for On By Circa. Artistic Director, Yaron Lifschitz, explores the gift of weight that lies at the heart of acrobatics, uncovering circus at its contemporary best – as thrilling as it is moving.

Celebrate the pioneering women of Aussie pop and rock with Amplified Assembly’s Unsung. Join award-winning cabaret powerhouses Amelia Ryan and Libby O’Donovan in a rollicking, raucous celebration of songs and stories from 1960s Australia that pay homage to female Aussie music icons who blazed the trails for generations to come.

In a very special World Premiere, don’t miss Mountain; an epic new solo work created by Kit Brookman and Geelong’s very own André Jewson. Debuting as part of Our Season 2022 and presented by Geelong Arts Centre in association with Sweet Reason and Performing Lines, Mountain is the story of a man in pieces. Adrift in grief, he becomes fixated by the idea of hiking up a mountain. But even on the simplest of journeys it can be difficult to find the way back… The man’s journey up the mountain opens precipitously outward, to encompass not just his own voice, but the voice of the mountain, the wind, of a planet crying out for what it’s losing and what it’s already lost. The inception of Mountain has been proudly supported by Geelong Art Centre’s Creative Engine grant program, supporting artists and performance makers from conception, through development, and now to stage. ART & CULTURE

July 13-16 Based on the true story of Nimbin’s famous “Dogman”, join Slingsby and State Theatre Company South Australia at Geelong West Town Hall for The Boy Who Talked To Dogs. This tough but tender tale is a celebration of the love of animals we share our homes and lives with, starring acclaimed Dublin actor Bryan Burroughs amidst a dazzling array of shadows, songs, and stellar musicianship. Geelong Arts Centre’s Our Season 2022 is proudly supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria, Major Artistic Partner, Deakin University, and Innovation Partner, Costa Asset Management. Tickets are on sale now – don’t miss out! Secure your seats at geelongartscentre. org.au/our-season-2022

The Boy Who Talked To Dogs Image: Andy Rasheed, Eyefood

GEELONG ARTS CENTRE CREATIVE ENGINE 2022

CO-WORKING SPACE

AVAILABLE NOW

GEELONG’S MOST CREATIVE, ACCESSIBLE AND AFFORDABLE CO-WORKING SPACE ENQUIRE NOW creativeengine@geelongartscentre.org.au

36 ONPAKO

ONPAKO feature…

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“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.” - Virginia Woolf

TASTE DESTINATION

Article: Mackenzie Pennycook

i Ragazzi

Images: Mark Wilkins and supplied

Squisito cuisine ON PAKO With fresh pasta, thin and crispy pizza and mouth-watering Italian desserts, i Ragazzi is the most recent Italian eatery to take Pakington Street by storm

Italian cuisine is well loved throughout the Geelong region, and i Ragazzi is the perfect place for your next pizza and pasta fuelled date night or any night. 38 TASTE DESTINATION

Owner and Head Chef, Julian Barbagallo

The brainchild of former St Joseph’s College Geelong Graduate, Julian Barbagallo, i Ragazzi is the newest addition to the Italian restaurant scene and is bringing delicious, authentic home-cooked Italian food to Newtown and beyond. Born through Julian’s love of cooking and of course eating authentic Italian dishes prepared with love and the freshest local ingredients, i Ragazzi is a traditional Sicilian inspired Italian pizzeria with a difference. Julian is just 27 and has always had an immense passion for cooking. He worked his way up from slinging pizzas in his early twenties to finally opening the restaurant of his dreams in 2021. “I’ve always wanted to do this,” says Julian. “I’ve always, ALWAYS wanted my own restaurant.” Julian was trained by some of the best international chefs, even moving to London to be trained by a world-famous chef who taught him everything he knows about the humble woodfired pizza. “I’ve been making pizzas since I was 18,” he says, “I went off to learn the traditional Italian style, the wood oven pizza style, and I jetted off to London for two years. I was a head pizza

maker and I got in contact with a world champion pizza maker in London and I started working for him. He taught me the real science behind the real Italian pizzas.” Focusing on simple Italian cuisine, i Ragazzi is an Italian restaurant like no other. Coupled with the warm atmosphere there’s an underlying feeling of homeliness that encompasses i Ragazzi.

The dishes are uncomplicated, made with only a couple of ingredients but it’s the pairing between the ultra-fresh produce and the amount of love Julian puts into every meal that makes it a truly special experience.

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“It’s Italian, homestyle cooking,” he says, “it’s nothing too extravagant or extraordinary, it’s just simple, two to three ingredients in one dish and just a focus on flavours that work the best together.” Julian is ever humble, and he wants his food to focus on “hitting the warm spot”. He’s someone who values his craft and has spent years curating his dishes. The food is impressive, the kitchen completely open and the atmosphere unmatched. If you’re after fantastico Italian fare that comes to life right in front of your eyes, i Ragazzi is THE place to visit. Julian has always been associated with the restaurant lifestyle, growing up he was surrounded by the successful businesses of his family members, and he knew from a very early age that cooking and owning his own restaurant was his endgame. “I’ve come from a family that have had restaurants in the past, my uncles had restaurants and so did my dad,” says Julian, “I’ve grown up in and around this lifestyle and I’ve loved it.” Julian opened i Ragazzi at an incredibly challenging time for businesses, but he never allowed the stress of constant

40 TASTE DESTINATION

covid closures get in the way of him and his dream. “We’ve been open for seven months now and we opened after one of the biggest lockdowns, so the first few weeks were really hard,” says Julian, “the first month was just open, closed, open, closed and towards the end of the lockdowns it got less motivating to work just because we would be open for one week and closed for the next.” Despite the uncertainty during the lockdowns of 2021, Julian did his best to remain positive and managed to curate an incredible team of welcoming staff that add to the overall experience of i Ragazzi. The lockdowns and forced closures only made Julian and the rest of the i Ragazzi team more driven, and now that they’re open for good, they’re ready to sling some of the best Italian in the region. It took months to perfect their pasta recipe, with Julian slaving away and plying his family with mountains of pasta until he found a recipe worthy of serving up to his customers. “I learnt how to make pasta as the time went on, I just loved doing it,” says

Julian. “The recipe I use, I discovered while the shop was being built, I was just trying recipes every week, just making pasta endlessly every week for my family.” The week before opening Julian discovered his primo pasta recipe after months of perfecting, “I wasn’t set on any yet, and then I tried this one the week before and it worked and everyone loved it, so I just thought, okay let’s go with that.” There’s much on offer at i Ragazzi including gluten free options, their menu is set and consistent so if you have a favourite menu item there’s no fear of it being replaced. Julian knows what people want, and he’s no stranger to adding special menu items to the permanent menu if his customers are big fans. The only thing Julian loves more than cooking is his customers, for him, the most rewarding aspect of being a business owner is watching the joy that his food brings to the people who are lucky enough to experience it. His favourite part of i Ragazzi is watching the way his customers interact with the food and more importantly with each other.

fresh, handmade pasta • authentic pizza Wednesday to Sunday 5pm to 10pm 361B Pakington Street, Newtown

0452 609 361

iragazzi.com.au

ONPAKO 41

“The easiest part is cooking the food I’m passionate about, but the most enjoyable part are the customers. Customers loving the food, I love people coming in and knowing ‘that’s Julian’s pizza’.” Whilst everything on the i Ragazzi menu is extraordinary there’s a couple of favourites hand selected by Julian. Per his recommendation the must try dishes include the pappardelle with a slow cooked duck ragu, the mortadella pizza that features mozzarella, mortadella, Stracciatella cheese and pistachio and of course the Nutella cannoli with house-made cream is not to be missed. Whilst everything is made in-house, the cannoli shells are outsourced by Julian, he knows a good thing when he sees it and he sources the shells from a Sicilian pastry chef in Melbourne. With i Ragazzi offering both dine-in and takeaway, it is best to book in advance if you want to see the magic happen from within the restaurant. They are open for dinner from 5pm Wednesday through Sunday so be sure to visit for an authentic Italian dining experience. Delizioso!

i Ragazzi 361B Pakington Street Newtown VIC 3220

VV0452 609 361 42 TASTE DESTINATION

IIi_ragazzi_geelong OOiragazzi.com.au MMjulianbarbagallo94@hotmail.com

Opening Hours: Sun-Wed: 5-10pm

AUTHENTIC JAMAICAN TERRACE RESTAURANT

NEW MOBILE CATERING WE COME TO YOU

taste Jamaica not only has a unique rooftop bar that is available for private functions – we now have mobile catering for your next function. Weddings, engagements, birthday parties – we have you covered. Authentic Jamaican food is our speciality and we pride ourselves on our great customer service and the ﬂavours we bring. Why not add to the Jamaican feel by having our resident DJ Pelle spin some tunes to complete the atmosphere? Chat with us to see what we can do for you. Let us show you the Jamaican way and taste the Diﬀerence.

Dine in | Online Orders | Takeaway hanoikitchen.com.au

Catering| Functions | Cooking School enquiry@hanoikitchen.com.au 37 Hitchcock Ave, Barwon Heads | 03 4202 0525 Open: Tue & Wed 5–8pm Thu to Sat 12–2.30pm & 5–8pm Closed: Sun & Mon 44 TASTE DESTINATION

COOKING CLASSES ARE BACK! Mon–Fri 10.30am—1.30pm, excluding school holidays

A variety of classes will be offered including seafood and Hanoi street food. Classes will be held within the restaurant and include a 3 course lunch and glass of bubbles. All enquiries: enquiry@hanoikitchen.com.au TASTE DESTINATION

ARTICLE: MACKENZIE PENNYCOOK | IMAGES: Mark wilkins & SUPPLIED

Good vibes and good times for everyone The Fox & Hen is the wine bar/coffee shop hybrid that has quickly become extremely popular with the Geelong West community and visitors alike. The smartly presented establishment, run by Laura-Jayne Cooke is the perfect place for your morning, afternoon, or evening pick-me-up. The cosy setting which features timber furnishings is the ideal spot to enjoy a coffee, a glass (or bottle if you so desire) of wine and/or a grazing board, and for added variety, beer and cocktails are also on offer. It even has a retail space doubling as a wine store so you’re able to stop by and purchase a bottle on your way home. Originally from the United Kingdom, Laura has been a Geelong West leader in the wine bar game for almost four years.

Owner Laura-Jayne Cooke

46 TASTE DESTINATION

The Fox & Hen is a female owned and operated wine bar, wine store and coffee shop bringing accessibility back to the wine game.

She’s no stranger to hospitality and recognised a need to build upon a gap in the market for locals and others in the region wanting to relax with a drink without having to commit to a full main meal to accompany it. “When we first started three and a half years ago there wasn’t anywhere you could have a drink without buying a meal,” says Laura. “I used to live around the corner and there just wasn’t anything like this out in the ‘burbs, so we decided to do this, and it’s just sort of spiralled.”

Aromatic coffees, sweet treats, delicious platters and obviously next level wine, The Fox & Hen is demystifying the wine scene one glass of vino at a time. Laura has curated a British inspired business that ensures people feel welcomed, her aim was to create a wine haven that was less formal and more accessible for people of all ages and levels of wine expertise to come together and share their knowledge of all things wine. Whether you’re a novice taking an interest in wine for the first time, or you’ve been a long-time wine lover, Laura has created an environment where people are comfortable to ask questions and expand their understanding of wine in general. “We’re very women focused; women are also the majority of our customers,” says Laura. “People come in here and I really want them to feel comfortable enough to say, ‘I don’t know anything about wine, can you help me find something I like?’, I love that.” “Even if it’s just people coming in and buying bottles because they have flowers on them! Great! Sometimes I drink wine just because its pink,” laughs Laura. “I HATE going somewhere and not being able to ask those questions for

fear of being treated like an idiot for not knowing something.” Laura outlines the focus at The Fox & Hen is accessibility, “We don’t know everything, our customers don’t know everything, and that’s fine!” says Laura. The Fox & Hen aims to be an easy encounter for newcomers in addition to experts. “We know we’re not saving the world here, but we think it’s really important for everything to be accessible. It’s a common thread that runs from our instore experience to our pricing, to our wine selection,” explains Laura. “It wasn’t that long ago we were the ones on the other side of the bar, trying to understand the basics, figure out what we liked, but feeling so overwhelmed by the industry.” Laura wants the experience of The Fox & Hen to feel safe and welcoming in a domain that sometimes doesn’t offer that for everyone. “We’ve been scoffed at before, as most women have. We’ve been priced out of wine lists, and most of all we’ve felt the uncomfortable moment of trying

to buy a bottle of wine and having no bloody idea where to start. To us, there’s nothing cool about gatekeeping. We don’t want this industry or our business to be exclusive,” says Laura. Laura’s background is coffee, and that was her non-negotiable that she brought to the table when she decided to open The Fox & Hen. “My background is coffee, so I said, ‘Well we have to do coffee ‘cause I don’t know how to do anything else’.” Laura’s “thing” quickly branched out from just coffee, with her undertaking wine lists, grazing boards, ticketed events and even a retail side all whilst spearheading The Fox & Hen. Laura’s candour on falling into the hospitality industry is something I’m sure many business owners and hospitality workers can relate to. When asked if hospitality was something she always pictured herself doing she had this to say, “Is hospo anyone’s dream?” laughed Laura. “I don’t really know what I want to do, and I still don’t, does anyone?” she asks.

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“I just don’t know if people dream of hospo,” laughs Laura again. “I feel like if they say they do, they’re lying. It’s a tough industry and a lot of what people loved about it was taken away by COVID. It feels like it will take a while for the industry to recover fully.” Whilst Laura may not have had dreams of serving coffees and glasses of wine all day, she does love her job and the opportunities it’s given her with her customers and her creative side. “It’s actually pretty great,” she says, “The creative side of it and the hospo side of it is great. I would be a career barista for the rest of my life.” Whilst the past two years were beyond challenging for Laura, it did give her a couple of fresh takes on the way she envisages The Fox & Hen operating in the future. Like most small businesses, Laura was forced to shut her doors due to COVID-19 lockdowns and whilst the stress of the closures was incredibly

The Fox & Hen 4/130 Shannon Avenue Geelong West VIC 3218

VV03 5298 2491 48 TASTE DESTINATION

difficult, Laura says her biggest challenge since opening The Fox & Hen has been something business owners often have to come to terms with. “My biggest challenge has been learning that I don’t know everything,” laughed Laura, “I think young bosses in general tend to be quite easy to relate to, but if you spoke to anyone who’s been here since we opened til now, they’ll tell you I’m a dream boss now compared to how I used to be.” Ever the optimist, Laura used the COVID-19 lockdowns as an opportunity to reflect on her business, and how she was managing it. She came away with a very valuable lesson. “I learnt how to listen, I learnt that everyone has different strengths and is going to work in ways that I’m not used to, not everyone can be clones of me!” laughed Laura again. The Fox & Hen is an extremely friendly venue, it exudes a social warmth and is the ultimate location for a drink and a laugh.

OOthefoxandhen.com.au MM info@thefoxandhen.com.au II@thefoxandhen FF @thefoxandhen

Laura especially is always keen for a chat with customers, and without wanting to sound cliché, assured me that her customers played a huge part in what made her job immensely rewarding. “Customers are the best part; I was working a night recently and I normally don’t work nights and I just had a really profound moment with a young couple that came in.” “They were just so nice, and I was just starting to process the whole COVID thing and how sad it was people couldn’t go out. They left and I just started sobbing,” recalled Laura. “I love coming in and chatting and making coffees and decorating the shelves, I do just love my actual job.” The Fox & Hen has lots going on for such a tiny space. You can savour a glass of wine and a grazing platter at the bar, pop in to buy a bottle or some gifts (there’s gift cards and gift wrapping available too!), indulge in a Lavazza coffee available every day from 9am, or place an order via The Fox & Hen’s new online store. Their delivery service is super convenient, whether you’re sending a gift or stocking up on your favourites. All this coupled with the incredibly good vibes, The Fox & Hen is a mustexperience venue if you’re on the hunt for a new go-to wine bar or coffee shop.

WINE BAR & STORE COFFEE SHOP

4/130 Shannon Ave, Geelong West | 03 5298 2491 @thefoxandhen

Shop online: thefoxandhen.com.au

TASTE DESTINATION

ARTICLE: SUPPLIED IMAGES: MARK WILKINS AND SUPPLIED

Smokin’… right on our doorstep Owners Sarah (far left) and Jason (centre) and their team

50 TASTE DESTINATION

What a delight to discover such a delicious smoked artisan product made right here on Victoria’s beautiful Bellarine Peninsula which has leading chefs across Melbourne, along with locals and tourists, all singing its praises.

As passionate foodies, and having already decamped from Melbourne, moving to the region in 2015, Jason Smith and Sarah Fenton saw an opportunity to purchase the infrastructure of a business that is now known as Bellarine Smokehouse. Operating since 2018, from their food manufacturing ‘shed door’ on Bellarine Estate Winery, Bellarine Smokehouse is the little business that could. Operating as a wholesale, shed door retail and an e-commerce direct-to-home delivery service, they have all bases covered when it comes to premium smoked fish and ensuring customer availability. Bellarine Smokehouse uses traditional curing and smoking methods over a three-day process to produce their awardwinning products, they also utilise local ti-tree as it’s a similar hardwood to Manuka wood, used traditionally in Jason’s home country of New Zealand for smoking fish. Jason says the secret to such a delicious product, lauded by renowned chefs and the public is quality ingredients, patience, and time. A good product and flavour take time and can’t be rushed. Jason is very proud to say chefs including Guy Grossi, Michael Flouch and Louis Naepels have all used his products on their menus and that many of the region’s notable restaurants and cafés do too.

Jason, known as the Chief Smoking Officer (CSO), and Sarah, who’s not quite sure of her title, but she’s the driving force behind sales and product development; have ridden the COVID wave of the last two years by growing their online business by 100%. That’s not a hard task (tongue-in-cheek), when they didn’t even have a website at the start of 2020! Sarah says they had an ‘Oh heck’ moment when the first wave of COVID hit and had their website and online home delivery platform up and running within a week. Her ‘Bellarine Boxes’ supported not only the sale of their smoked fish products but also 16 other small producers across the Bellarine when all were facing tough times. Products included Lard Ass Butter, Flying Brick Cider, Drysdale Goats Cheese, Adelia Muesli, Bellarine Brownies, Fasties Honey, Teddy and the Fox Gin, Bennetts Wines, Baie Wines, McGlashan Estate, Bellarine Estate, Leura Park, Ket Baker Sourdough Bread, Manzanillo Olives, and The Melbourne Map Jigsaw (yep, they’re local too). So how did a Kiwi and a well-travelled Melbourne girl end up smoking fish on the Bellarine? They met in Melbourne on Yarra Bend golf course of all places…Jason on a trip to visit his sister, and his sister a friend of Sarah’s having teed up a foursome for golf. The rest they say is history!

Jason says:

The secret to such a delicious product, lauded by renowned chefs and the public is quality ingredients, patience, and time.

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What certainly shines through is their passion for what they do and the Bellarine region. Whilst they thought they would smoke fish and expand into smoked duck and chicken as well, they’ve found their smoked fish lines to be so popular that the new product developments across those areas have taken a back seat whilst they have introduced Barramundi, King Fish, gravlax, and salt. They’ve also looked at Murray Cod which they say is delicious but expensive. Jason says the question he’s asked most is – “What’s the difference between ‘hot smoked’ and ‘cold smoked’?”, he explains that ‘hot smoked’ is cured and smoked and must reach a cooked temperature of 65 degrees, whereas ‘cold smoked’ is cured in a similar process but the temperature does not reach more than 40 degrees, therefore being a cured, not cooked product. It’s something most people don’t know until they ask. Whilst most of the current lines are ‘hot smoked’ including Tasmanian Salmon, ˉ King Salmon, Barramundi, NZ Ora King Fish, Trout, Smoked Salmon Pâte, Smoked Barramundi Pâte, Smoked Salt, and Smoked Pepperberry Salt, they also ˉ King produce ‘cold smoked’ NZ Ora Salmon and offer a special-order gravlax. Gravlax is a traditional salt, sugar and herb cured salmon hailing from the Scandinavian countries. They’ve heard from several devotees that their gravlax is the best they’ve ever tasted, and it’s cured using another local product from The Bellarine Distillery – Teddy and the Fox Gin. Sarah says since first making 48 sides three years ago – last Christmas they made over 800. In addition to their retail operations from their Bellarine shed door, they also attend farmers markets across Victoria and their products can also be found locally and across Victoria at various sites including but not limited to speciality IGA stores, 52 TASTE DESTINATION

AWA R D W I N N I N G S M O K E D F I S H & PÂT É

ORDER ONLINE: BELLARINESMOKEHOUSE.COM 2230 PORTARLINGTON RD BELLARINE • SHED DOOR HOURS: M–F 10—3 SAT 11—4 hello@bellarinesmokehouse.com Jason 0414 019 036 Sarah 0434 229 680

FASHION & BEAUTY

Jason, CSO (Chief Smoking Officer)

provedores, grocers, cafés, restaurants, delicatessens, and bars. Located in a tourist region, Jason says the support of local businesses has been key to their growth as people are able to taste and buy their products at numerous places across the Bellarine, Surf Coast and Geelong. Celebrating the region and their products means these gifted marketeers have also been able to create a range of ‘Bellarine Boxes’ that flew out the door during lockdown with people sending gifts to loved ones, friends and colleagues across Victoria. Birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries, and Easter are key celebrations that see a rise in online orders.

Bellarine Smokehouse 2230 Portarlington Rd, Bellarine VIC 3223

VVSarah: 0434 229 680 VVJason: 0414 019 036 OObellarinesmokehouse.com 54 TASTE DESTINATION

Jason and Sarah have partnered with local logistics provider 3Point Logistics and a Melbourne based business to make sure all deliveries arrive beautifully packaged in Bellarine Smokehouse livery and are completely refrigerated throughout the entire supply chain logistics. They have boxes with local Teddy and The Fox Gin from The Bellarine Distillery, Pinot Noir form Bellarine Estate and Sparkling form Bennett’s on Bellarine and of course there are alcohol free boxes too. Having them delivered right to people’s doors via refrigerated courier is a breeze, order on a Monday for delivery by Friday and if you are local – delivered within 48 hours.

Sarah says key to the success of their business is excellent staff supporting them all the way, a delicious tasting product, great service and very satisfied customers who promote their business through word of mouth. Having Instagram and an easy-to-use website for online orders makes it straightforward for anyone to place an order. Be sure to check their website for up-todate operating hours, upcoming markets, stockists, and to order online. Should you have any queries, don’t hesitate to shoot them an email, or give them a call, as they are both hands-on it’s more than likely you’ll either speak directly to Jason, the Chief Smoking Officer (CSO) or Sarah, the Chief Everything Else Officer (CEEO).

MMhello@bellarinesmokehouse.com FF@bellarinesmokehouse II@bellarine_smokehouse Opening Hours: As per website

OAD DOWNL TO OUR APP ORDER

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Scan QR b

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5222 8390

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ARTICLE BY: MACKENZIE PENNYCOOK

celebrate pako festa’s 40th year

IMAGES: SUPPLIED

by joining the Friends of the Festa Community Having just celebrated its 40th anniversary in February, the festival has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 1983. The first Pako Festa attracted 12,000 people, with that number exceeding 100,000 attendees in more recent times, all relishing the celebration of diversity. Even with the exponential growth Pako Festa has encountered, many things have remained the same throughout the last 40 years. Pako Festa is community focused, and community led, aiming to help celebrate and highlight the diversity and uniqueness of the many cultural groups and communities within Geelong and across the state. As the official largest free to attend multiarts and cultural festival in Victoria, Pako Festa has a lot to celebrate in its 40th year. As part of the celebration, the organisers are providing Pako Festa’s loyal fans with an opportunity to purchase a membership for ‘Friends of the Festa’ which includes a brand-new, limited-edition cookbook.

Pako Festa has been unequivocally uniting Geelong for 40 years, the beloved festa helps to encourage the celebration of the variety of people from different cultures that call Geelong home. From the traditional dress, to dance and music, the arts and language, and of course the food, Pako Festa continues to bring people from all walks of life together in Geelong.

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The cookbook that accompanies the ‘Friends of the Festa’ membership is a beautifully designed soft cover book, showcasing several of Geelong’s culturally diverse communities. The cookbook features 41 recipes from 23 distinct and diverse communities within the Geelong region. The aim of the book is to provide everyone, from cooking rookies to budding chefs, the opportunity to learn and create some of the iconic dishes that Pako Festa has highlighted throughout its 40 years.

Purchase your membership online today and your recipe book will be available for collection from the Cultura (formerly Diversitat) Northern Community Hub, 25-41 Arunga Avenue, Norlane, or it can be shipped anywhere in Victoria for a small postage fee. In addition to the one-of-a-kind recipe book, individuals who join ‘Friends of the Festa’ will also receive a number of other membership perks. These include a certificate acknowledging their ongoing contribution to supporting Pako Festa, a subscription to the monthly Cultura newsletter and the opportunity to add images and memories of their own to the Pako Festa 40 Years Young interactive online history timeline project. The online historical photo initiative is the most recent brainchild of the Pako Festa team, aiming to provide viewers a peek into the past Pako Festa celebrations through image snapshots and accompanying descriptive text. This online project, which has been close to a year in the making, compiles images from Pako Festa throughout previous years and adds them to a

virtual timeline that transports viewers straight back to 1983. If you have been a fan of Pako Festa for a while, or if you’re a new face to the celebration, the ‘Friends of the Festa’ membership allows you to submit your own photos from any corresponding year between 1983 to present day. The virtual timeline creates a time capsule of sorts, allowing Pako Festa attendees and participants alike the opportunity to look back on previous years with great fondness and nostalgia. If a new cookbook, a greater sense of community involvement or the opportunity to contribute to a long-term online project sounds like something that would interest yourself, your family members, or your friends, head to the Pako Festa website to secure your membership. Membership purchases cost $59 and are the ultimate gift to treat yourself or the Pako Festa fanatic in your life. While the cookbook would make a very special gift, numbers are strictly limited so be sure to secure your membership while stocks last in order to uncover the full ‘Friends of the Festa’ experience.

Continuing the celebration of the first 40 years, was our Elements of Culture Photographic Project. Three years in the making, this unique exhibition paid tribute to the important contribution the local diverse communities have made to the success of Pako Festa over its 40-year history. Chrissie Francis, a local photographer, not only captured images that reflect the elements of culture throughout Geelong’s rich and diverse community, but most importantly, a level of pride reflected in each portrait. The complete gallery of these captivating images is available for viewing online via the Pako Festa website. Keep up to date with all things Pako Festa and purchase your membership today at www.pakofesta.com.au. Become a part of the Pako Festa family and ensure that this community driven, cultural celebration carries on for another 40 years.

ONPAKO 57

Show your support for Victoria’s largest free multicultural festival by purchasing a ‘Friends of the Festa’ membership

• Receive a limited edition Pako Festa cookbook showcasing Geelong’s diverse communities • Learn how to cook some of the most iconic dishes served at Pako throughout the years • Be acknowledged on the Pako Festa website as a friend • Get the opportunity to add your own historical Pako Festa photo to our online history project Perfect for you or the ultimate gift for a fan of Pako Festa! Find out more and purchase: www.pakofesta.com.au/friends

58 FASHION & BEAUTY

ONPAKO feature…

FASHION & BEAUTY

autumn - winter 2022

www.mudgesshoes.com.au 60 FASHION & BEAUTY

mudge’s shoes 115 Pakington Steet, GEELONG WEST Tel: 03 5222 3594 67a The Terrace, OCEAN GROVE Tel: 03 5255 1257

ARTICLE: MACKENZIE PENNYCOOK

IMAGES: MARK WILKINS AND SUPPLIED

A beauty bar with a menu to drink to Style Bar Barwon Heads is combining the beauty and hospitality industry at their unique new venue.

Abby Andrew and Grace Kirk are the masterminds behind Style Bar, Barwon Heads. The one and only place to go if you’re looking for a beverage and a blow wave.

Style Bar was born just over a year ago and is the brainchild of business partners Abby Andrew and Grace Kirk. The pair decided to embark on a venture together after Abby spent four years working at Grace’s salon (and Style Bar’s sister salon), Style and Grace. Style Bar was an idea that was conceived after Abby and Grace noted just how busy Style and Grace was becoming over the weekend with people wanting nothing more than a wash and blow dry. Abby also has a hospitality background, and that coupled with the hairdressing expertise of these two masterminds is what really brought Style Bar to life. “We would get so busy on a Saturday at Style and Grace with just blow waves that we couldn’t even do any of our colours,” says Abby. “There’s so many events in Barwon Heads too that a blow bar just made sense.” The venue is fitted out with a pastel pink interior, including a pink bar for clients to enjoy a drink alongside. There’s an extensive cocktail list, beer on tap, wine by the glass and of course coffee if you’d prefer a good tasting ‘cup of joe’. Style Bar is far more than just your runof-the-mill blow bar; they also function as an actual bar slinging your favourite drinks seven days a week. There are professional hairdressers, hair stylists, makeup artists and of course bartenders ready to take your ‘getting ready’ experience to the next level. You can book an appointment for any one of their beauty services, or simply take advantage of the bar if you find yourself in the beautiful Barwon Heads vicinity. “It’s not just the hair stylists and makeup artists that we’ve got here, we’ve got

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fully qualified bartenders that work Friday and Saturdays as well, so people are more than welcome to come sit in and have a drink at the bar or outside,” says Abby.

“Abby’s parents built these shops, so the opportunity was there that we could open up a space together and so we chatted about it and just went ‘yep let’s do a blow wave bar’,” says Grace.

Grace and Abby found themselves in the perfect spot to begin Style Bar, call it fate but Abby’s dad was actually the man behind building the entire block of shops and units that Style Bar is situated in. Once Grace and Abby secured themselves a location it was go, go, go and they’ve not slowed down one bit since.

Style Bar offers a whole range of services for their clients, further solidifying their spot as more than just a blow bar. There’s washes and blow waves along with hair styling and a huge variety of makeup services. There’s even an option to become a member with Style Bar, which is just

like a gym membership except you’ll actually use this one. The membership offers clients regular blow waves at a discounted rate, so your hair can always look like you came straight from the salon (because you did). The pair have been quite lucky so far in terms of the growth of their business and the challenges businesses tend to face in the industry as a completely new space. The already established clientele at Style and Grace made the transition to a new and different venue relatively seamless.

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“We’ve been pretty lucky in the sense that when we were able to be properly open after COVID lockdowns we’ve been really busy. There’s not been any super hard, hard times so far!” shared Grace. “Fingers crossed it stays like that for a while,” Abby quips back. Style Bar is a cut above the rest regarding blow wave bars, with all staff being trained across multiple mediums. Makeup artists turned hair stylists and vice versa mean that there’s always someone available for you to schedule a service with. “It’s been a whirlwind because of the circumstances of the last two years, but we’ve got a really awesome team,” says Grace. “We really focus on expanding our team’s skillset as well, we’ve trained all of our

makeup artists in hair styling as well. They’ve all been trained in waving and hair-ups and stuff like that.”

“The best part about working here is that everyone is going to something,” says Grace.

The team at Style Bar really pride themselves on being able to produce a whole range of styles and services for their clients.

“It’s an exciting experience when people come in here, you get to chat about what they’re wearing and where they’re going, so its super fun.”

“Some blow bars only have like three styles you can choose from and that’s all you can get,” says Abby.

Style Bar is the blow bar with a major difference, the vibes are great, and the drinks and blow waves are even better. It’s your one-stop dream shop where you can indulge in a beauty service with a bevvy on the side.

“Whereas all the girls here have a whole range of different skills.” Both Abby and Grace love the experience of giving their clients a day to remember. For them the most rewarding part of their job is hearing all about what people have planned. From birthday parties to bridal showers, Style Bar does it all.

StyleBar 1/77 Hitchcock Avenue Barwon Heads VIC 3227

VV03 5292 2178 64 FASHION & BEAUTY

If you’re planning on securing your spot to indulge in one of the many services available at Style Bar Barwon Heads, you will need to book in advance since appointments are in short supply at this ever-popular venue.

II@stylebar.barwonheads OOstylebarbarwonheads.com.au Business Hours: 7 days a week Appointments from: 7am-7pm

HAIRSTYLING MAKEUP BAR

1/77 Hitchcock Ave Barwon Heads (03) 5292 2178 stylebarbarwonheads.com.au

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Treat your best friend to a fur baby spa day Located on the beautiful Bellarine Peninsula sits Kate and Heidi’s little grooming salon. With it being just a short walk to Harley’s Beach, Clifton Springs, and a five-minute drive to local cafes, you can treat your fur baby to a spa day while you enjoy the local area. Heidi, Grooming by Heidi 68 ONPAKO

Kate, Clippd Canine Styling

‘Grooming by Heidi’ was established in 2016 after five years experience in the animal industry and three years managing a grooming salon. Heidi wanted a space that was 100% dedicated to the dogs, providing beautiful quality grooms while keeping the bow-wows relaxed and comfortable. Over the years Heidi has developed close relationships with her clients enabling her to understand the needs of both the client and individual pooches. Kate established ‘Clippd Canine Styling’ in January 2022. ‘Clippd’ is a small dog grooming salon specialising in beautifully styled clips and breed standard clips. They provide luxury care and high-quality grooms tailored to your best friend.

Kate does more than just cut your dog’s hair; she provides expert knowledge of your fur baby’s skin and coat care. When she’s not in the salon she’s travelling to local and regional competitions to finesse her skills. Kate is an awardwinning stylist, earning ribbons in both Terrier and Salon Freestyle classes. Kate’s always had a passion for our canine friends; she began teaching obedience classes in 2012, moving into grooming in 2015. She has worked alongside many of Geelong’s best groomers, learning techniques and different styles, and previously managed the team at one of Geelong’s top salons.

Heidi and Kate share the Clifton Springs salon space, allowing each of them to operate their own businesses while enjoying each others company. Owning a small business and working alone can become quite isolating. Having worked together previously, these two ladies knew they could create an environment allowing them to work independently while providing the best possible grooming experience for their furry clients. Grooming is all about the dog’s health and happiness. Heidi and Kate have a clean and calm open-plan salon to encourage the dogs to enjoy the experience.

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Heidi uses 100% pure essential oils to enhance the calming experience for the dogs and will be offering information on using oils for health and wellness for those interested. The salon’s most regular visitors are the ‘oodle’ breeds. These coats vary so much and can be quite high maintenance as they are a mixture of a curly poodle coat and other breeds like spaniels and schnauzers. Oodle breeds such as the cavoodle, groodle, spoodle and labradoodle have become some of the most popular dogs to own. These breeds require grooming visits every 6–8 weeks, more frequently if you want to keep the fluffy style. These ladies work closely with clients to tailor a schedule and trim that suits the client and keeps the pooches cute and comfortable. The salon stocks everything you need to keep your fur baby’s coat in top condition between appointments, allowing the girls to create perfectly styled grooms. Kate and Heidi are always looking to improve their skills and stay up to date on the latest trends in grooming, collaborating with other groomers to share knowledge and experience within the grooming community. Kate runs seminars and workshops welcoming groomers with all levels of experience to get involved and improve on their skills. From groomers looking to upskill to clients who want to groom their dog at home, Kate runs group and one-on-one training sessions that can be tailored to your needs. Heidi and Kate look forward to meeting your new pups and answering any grooming questions you may have. 70 ONPAKO

Grooming by Heidi & Clippd Canine Styling 35 Centaurus Avenue Clifton Springs VIC 3222

VV0429 943 092

Business hours: Tue–Fri: 9.30am–3.30pm By appointment only

FF grooming by heidi FF clippd

• Beautifully styled grooms • over 17 years combined experience in the grooming industry • award winning groomers

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grooms tailored to your dogs needs boutique open plan salon calm, relaxing environment salon quality product available for purchase

35 Centaurus Ave, Clifton Springs ViC 3222 | 0429 943 092

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f clippd

ARTICLE: Debbie GiLl, Owner/Manager, Geelong Aquatic Centre

Images: supplied

SWIMMING LESSONS ARE FINALLY BACK ON TRACK How wonderful it’s been to have had a term with no interruptions to the swimming program. It has been a challenge for all Swim Schools throughout Australia to cope with absences due to COVID, either as a carrier, or as a close contact. There is a massive shortage of trained swim teachers as well, something that was not a problem prior to COVID. Many teachers have been offered Government training packages in other career pathways. Fortunately, Geelong Aquatic Centre is one of two AUSTSWIM Providers in the State and owner/manager Debbie Gil, is a Course Presenter in all AUSTSWIM qualified courses. This enables her to draw on such courses to recruit trainee staff for the centre. Geelong Aquatic Centre is committed to working hard and closely with their staff, as well as students and their families, to provide a quality program that gets them all back on track with their skill progression.

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It’s now time to move on from the past two years and envisage improvement. Children appear content and they’re engaging more confidently in the water, displaying signs of advancing their skill level. Geelong Aquatic Centre is a purpose-built centre which provides swimming lessons for those aged from four months through to adults. They also offer a squad program every evening and a Swordfish program for children with a disability on Saturday afternoons. Students learn to swim in a developmentally, sequential program which caters for all. The centre is a highly professional operation with two 25-metre pools and a beginner’s pool across two buildings, each of which are appropriately heated to an ideal temperature for those using them. All staff are at a minimum AUSTSWIM trained, and it’s evident that they are all passionate about passing on their skills to

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every child in their care in a warm and friendly atmosphere which is full of colour, movement and fun that stimulates the senses and encourages all to learn to swim. Children learn through repetition and skills are taught in each group that are appropriate to the ability level of the class. Importantly, ample practice time is given for them to master a skill before moving on to the next progression. If children are to improve and master skills, it’s important that they have regular and on-going swimming lessons throughout the year until they reach the desired level of skill. This will enable them to retain skills and build techniques quicker. The basis for all strokes is a streamlined body position, an efficient leg kick, good balance and breathing pattern. If they are a confident and efficient swimmer, then they are more likely to be able to make the right decision and save themselves if they find that they’re out of their depth or in a stressful situation. Also, studies have shown that children who attend regular swimming lessons from an early age perform better at school. Should you have a child who is already participating in swimming lessons, please remember that a warm hat and shoes will ensure that they are protected from the elements when they leave the pool in the winter months. Geelong Aquatic Centre owners Debbie and Geoff believe that children learn best without the distractions of water slides, aqua aerobics and the noise associated with public pools. All babies, children, and adults, whether in a lesson or squad, are always under the supervision of a teacher or coach, who believe that their students are their lives, as well as their living, and therefore they strive to do small things with great love and passion throughout each lesson. Children learn best in a structured, colourful, fun, positive and encouraging environment. This is certainly evident at Geelong Aquatic Centre where they believe that they have “Quality Water, Quality Facilities and Quality Staff”. Their Motto is “Swimming Lessons – A Gift for Life”. Feel free to stop by and discuss your needs or those of your child with the friendly and helpful reception staff or stay and watch or even take a dip and try a lesson.

Geelong Aquatic Centre 3 Bridge Street, Newtown VIC 3220

VV(03) 5222 5530 74 ONPAKO

MMadmin@geelongaquaticcentre.com.au OOgeelongaquaticcentre.com.au FF@officialgeelongaquaticcentre II@geelongaquaticcentre

Business Hours: Mon-Fri: 7.30am–6pm Sat: 7am–3.30pm

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FA M I LY O W N E D & O P E R AT E D

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Dedicated Learn to Swim Centre • • • • • • • •

Quality salt chlorinated pools Controlled warm water & air temperature All teachers are AUSTSWIM qualified in several areas AUSTSWIM teacher training courses available Providing a developmentally sequential program NO distractions or gimmicks Value for money FULL 30 minute lessons

3 Bridge St Newtown | 5222 5530 | geelongaquaticcentre.com.au F

“Swimming lessons - A gift for life”

We care about you and your children

20 YEARS EXPERIENCE PERSONAL ATTENTION PROFESSIONAL SERVICE

JASON BARNETT AREI

Managing Director 0417 585 221 Jason uses his years of experience to focus on adding value to your real estate needs. With over 730 sales, he has built a reputation of delivering for his clients. If you are looking for an agent that offers honest advice, professional service and takes the time to listen to your needs, contact Jason for a no-pressure, friendly conversation to see if he can help. 2a/242 Ryrie Street, Geelong VIC 3220 Phone 5222 1488 jason@barnettproperty.com.au barnettproperty.com.au

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WATHAURONG GLASS Set against a wall in the kitchen of a family home in Bellbrae, is a splashback by Wathaurong Glass. With kangaroo prints, wind motifs and a Gathering motif, it tells the story of the family through Indigenous art, who live day-to-day and use their kitchen every morning to cook breakfast.

“This customer was looking for a pattern and a texture [on their splashback] and I said, ‘We can tell your story in glass, if you like?’,” says Mark Edwards, Manager of Wathaurong Glass & Arts. And that he did. Beyond the business’ work with Aboriginal motifs, what Wathaurong Glass really specialise in, is creating a truly unique addition to your home. With each piece of work custom-made to your design suggestions, it’s simple assurance your home will have something genuinely exclusive. “We’re completely and utterly unique,” Mark says. “You’re getting something with character, with texture and design for that

ARTICLE: AMANDA SHERRING IMAGES: SUPPLIED

matter. At the end of the day what we do is bespoke. It’s individualised and customised.” With everything designed in-house, splashbacks have seen designs of butterflies and lizards grace their surfaces with much more on offer in addition to the Indigenous themes the business specialises in. But the real appeal of glass used in the kitchen and also the bathroom, is its cost-effectiveness and ease to clean. With no lines and its non-porous texture, it means dirt and grime doesn’t adhere to grout or the edges of tiles. For the past 22 plus years, Mark has been educating customers on the benefits of glass and its use in the home and Wathaurong Glass & Arts has been a leader of bespoke design during this time. “We came into business at a really ripe time and we’ve been in business for 23 years, we’re probably one of the forefront movers in custom design kiln formed glass domestically, and probably the leader in the commercial sector too,” he says. Whether it’s Indigenous art or a simple texture, Mark sees the beauty in every custom glass design and is happy to rise to the challenge of a unique design.

Wathaurong Glass also produce other unique high quality works of art including glass doors and windows to Australian standards; privacy screens; dividing walls; indoor and alfresco feature panels; free standing, wall and memorial plaques; corporate signage; mirrors and furnishings; boomerang and platter style awards; customised trophies and serving ware. Example images of these are available for viewing by visiting www.wathaurongglass.com.au. Enquires regarding Australia wide delivery are also welcome.

Wathaurong Glass & Arts 16 Rodney Road North Geelong VIC 3215

(03) 5272 2881

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OOwathaurongglass.com.au MMinfo@wathaurongglass.com.au FF/Wathaurong-Glass_Arts

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9am–5pm

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INTERIOR & TRENDS by Design & Decorate

Article: Katrina Harmon & MACKENZIE PENNYCOOK

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Images: Supplied

How to work with your walls: Using wallpaper to modernise your space

If you’ve ever meandered through a 1970s style home or perhaps indulged in a film from the ‘40s, ‘50s or 1960s you would be no stranger to the familiar interior design choice that is wallpaper. Wallpaper was wildly popular throughout the early 20th century, until the bold patterns and bright colours were replaced for a more seemingly ‘modern feeling’ of all-over paint colour. However, in a shock twist that’s no surprise to wallpaper lovers, wallpaper is back in a big way. In the modern age wallpaper has been revived and it’s a simple accessory home and business owners can use to decorate their spaces, say goodbye to the days of covering virtually every wall with gaudy, unattractive wallpaper, and say hello to eyecatching, impactful prints and a huge range of textures that will help to amplify your space. Katrina Harmon of Design & Decorate Interiors in Geelong West is the perfect goto for anyone looking to spice up their home or business but need a little bit of guidance from a professional. Katrina is a qualified Interior Decorator with a passion for transforming people’s spaces and she has some tips and tricks for wallpaper newbies. INTERIOR & TRENDS 83

Katrina says:

Patterns with real or perceived texture can hide or camouflage wall imperfections or architectural eyesores. A pattern with a layered design can create a perception of texture for your space.

Playing with Textures Textures can be utilised in a multitude of ways when it comes to incorporating wallpaper into your spaces. The days of wallpaper being a one-dimensional length of paper hung on a wall are gone. Textured wallpaper is an ideal way to incorporate wallpaper into your spaces in a way that’s slightly left field. With the development of various printing techniques there’s a whole new scale of surfaces that can be printed on. From metallics to hessians, wallpaper is new and improved with it being more appealing than we’ve ever seen before. Textures and the mixing of textures extend beyond the broad scope of just wallpaper, think panelling, wooden accents, metal hardware and fabrics all being included to complement your wallpaper.

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Playing with Prints Minimalism is quickly becoming a thing of the past, and the maximalism trend we saw in 2021 is here to stay for the foreseeable future. Bold prints and bright colours are popular in wallpaper trends right now. Katrina also loves to see a landscape mural incorporated into people’s wallpaper journey. “Scenic landscape wall murals are the biggest story in wallpaper trends. They can be wonderfully atmospheric and evocative; a stunning wall mural will transform and capture the imagination.” Understated is out! Unleash a wilder, bolder side of your personality through your next wallpaper choice. Whether it’s mixing and matching animal prints, leopard and cheetah and zebra, oh my! Or perhaps pairing a bold stripe with bright colours and patchwork fabrics.

“If you need an instant fix for a bland room, wallpaper will add the drama, depth and interest it needs to go from boring to beautiful,” says Katrina. “The wallcovering you choose can make a room appear bigger, warmer, and brighter. Colour can set the mood in a room. Soft cool colours suggest tranquillity, while intense cool colours are fresh and dramatic. Warm colours live up to their name and actually make people feel warmer. The more intense the colour the more excitement it will give to a room.” Mixing patterns, colours and fabrics in an intentional way is going to take your home to the next level without making it seem busy or cluttered. In 2022, if you’re working with wallpaper, more is more.

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Picking the right wallpaper for your space If you’re looking to completely revamp the architecture of your space, wallpaper is for you. Wallpaper has a remarkable ability to shape a room, manipulate the space to make your room seem larger and can be used in unexpected places. Think a wallpapered walk-in wardrobe, a bathroom that is elevated by a wallpapered feature wall, a bedhead wall or even incorporating wallpaper to make your narrow hallway feel wider.

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There is nothing more exciting than incorporating bold, vibrant colours with a striking mix of genres and periods to create lively, magical spaces that inhabit memories and enrich lives.

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Jamie Drake - Interior Designer

Katrina is an expert when it comes to all things wallpaper, especially in ways to best utilise the medium to make the most of your space. “Small scale patterns create a feel of spaciousness while large scale designs make rooms more intimate. To add the look of depth, try a large open dimensional pattern,” says Katrina. “A room without pattern can be dull while a room with too many patterns can overwhelm.” Gone are the days of resorting to wallpaper for primarily the bedroom or living room, wallpaper can help draw attention to the finer details in your home, wallpaper is a feature that allows decorators to add a little burst of colour and print to make a space come alive.

Design & Decorate

Business Hours:

8/130 Shannon Avenue Geelong West VIC 3218 (03) 5229 7712

Mon – Tue: 10am–4pm Wed: Closed for consultations Thu – Fri: 10am–4pm Sat: By appointment

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Feeling inspired? Discover a multitude of options and obtain expert advice from the very best in the business at Design & Decorate Interiors. Katrina, along with her extensive and beautiful wallpaper selection, can give your walls a fresh and renewed look. She is also available to visit your home or business for a consultation. Call Katrina today for a friendly chat about what she can do for you.

OOdesigndecorateinteriors.com.au MMkatrina@designdecorateinteriors.com.au FF DesignDecorateInteriors IIdesigndecorate

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