ON PAKO and beyond... Geelong #06 Autumn/Winter 2018

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FREE 2018

ISSUE # 06




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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


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Welcome to ONPAKO and beyond... Issue #06, 2018. We are so very pleased to be presenting to you, the reader, our sixth publication of this passionately received and greatly supported magazine, designed to showcase our premier shopping and dining strip, Pakington Street, and our beautiful region beyond. We would like to extend our sincerest appreciation to each and every one of the businesses who have contributed to and supported this sixth issue. Our gratitude also extends to the efforts and contributions of our team members. Without their amazing support and involvement, the presentation and publication of this magazine would not have been possible. With the arrival of cooler days and nights, we hope you enjoy putting your feet up and reading all of the page turning articles presented in this publication. May you also be inspired by the many businesses of retail, hospitality, entertainment, health and otherwise, to plan and fulfil your upcoming needs and desires, whatever the occasion may be.

CONTENTS Christine Couzens MP

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ST John’s Lutheran School & Kindergarten

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Enzo at Penny’s: Business Editorial

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Taste Destinations

31

Hanoi Kitchen

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CENTRA

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Tuckers Funeral & Bereavement

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We hope you enjoy your complimentary copy of which additional copies can be sourced from participating businesses throughout the Geelong region and beyond, including, Colac, Ballarat, Werribee and central Melbourne.

Penangk Art Gallery

50

Arts & Culture

55

Mark & Donna Wilkins

GPAC

56

Jess Costa – Artist/Musician

61

Carey’s Picture Framing

65

Fashion & Beauty

67

Snif Perfumery

70

Salts Of The Earth

76

The National Celtic Festival

82

ST John’s Lutheran College

86

The Range @ Curlewis

88

People Of Interest – Uncle Vince from Narana

93

Geelong Aquatic Centre

98

Mark & Donna W ilkins

ON PAKO ISSUE #06 MAY 2018

PUBLISHED BY EDEN ENTERPRISES PTY. LTD. P.O. Box 2065, Indented Head, VIC, 3223 PRINTED BY PRINT GRAPHICS PTY. LTD. PUBLISHER/SALES – Mark Wilkins EDITOR/ACCOUNTS – Donna Wilkins DESIGN & PRODUCTION – Luke Summerhayes WRITERS – Amanda Sherring CONTRIBUTORS – Donna Wilkins, Cherrie Blackney PHOTOGRAPHY – Mark Wilkins

Please contact Mark if you would like to be a part of ON PAKO and beyond... 0438 297 969 or email mark@edmag.com.au 8

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Tintmaster

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Interior Trends with Cherie Blackney

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FF1A Yuille St, Geelong West. FFPhone: 5222 5353

1a yuille st, geelong west | phone: 5222 5353 ONPAKO

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Formerly Parkers Steakhouse Drysdale,

DJ’s Smokehouse Grill is continuing the tradition of great quality steaks cooked to your liking and of course the magnificent sauces. What is different is we have added 14 new items to the menu to create a broader selection of choices to suit all tastes resulting in a more affordable night out. Included in the changes are 5 new burger options as well as an open faced Chicken Souvlaki and the famous ‘Parkers’ Steak Sandwich. A smoker has been purchased to create succulent Mesquite smoked Beef Brisket and a Pork Belly slow smoked with Hickory wood. There are 8 new offerings in the starters menu including 3 flavours of chicken wings and a new choice of Smokey Bourbon BBQ Pork Ribs. A new kids’ menu is available as well as a few new drink options for the young ones including milkshakes in 4 flavours. Please have a look at the NEW menus and either call us on 5251 5551, find us on Facebook or follow the prompts on either page to make a booking.

We look forward to seeing you soon. The team at DJs Smokehouse Grill 7 Palmerston St, Drysdale VIC 3222 | Ph: 5251 5551


CHRISTINE COUZENS MP

ARTICLE BY: SUPPLIED

PHOTOS: SUPPLIED AND MARK WILKINS

You may have noticed that my office was temporarily relocated in May last year, because that office no longer met Parliament guidelines. I moved to the other side of my electorate to Newcomb Central Shopping Centre while the parliament of Victoria searched for a new office. There is a “separation of powers” which means that the Parliament of Victoria decide the guidelines for MPs’ offices, which includes the costs and layout. This is how it should be, however, being without a permanent office for a year now has thrown up many challenges, including constituents not knowing where I am located. I am pleased to say that the Parliament has found a new office in Pakington Street Geelong West, although it is taking a very long time to be fitted out. At this stage I expect to move in late May to Shop 9, 95 Pakington Street, within Pakington Strand. Pako is a great location so I am looking forward to returning and having passing constituents drop in for a chat or for information, as in the past. The key requirement of Parliament is to have an a ccessible office for everyone, for me this is very important. In the past I have needed to make arrangements for people who could not enter my office via the front door, like everyone else. I am looking forward to having a fully accessible office to enable all visitors coming to see me get the respect they deserve. It has been interesting to hear that there are building owners who do not consider an all abilities accessible building a priority. In fact they are not interested in putting in a financial investment to make their building compliant. I found this quite shocking, although I am sure this is no new news for people who need to enter a fully accessible building, not to mention mums and dads with strollers. In Geelong we have the NDIA, Workcover and the TAC. We have many in our community with limited mobility, such as older people, those in wheel chairs or on walking frames, sight impaired, etc. So how accessible is Geelong?



You may have noticed that my office was temporarily relocated in May last year, because that office no longer met Parliament guidelines. I moved to the other side of my electorate to Newcomb Central Shopping Centre while the parliament of Victoria searched for a new office. There is a “separation of powers” which means that the Parliament of Victoria decide the guidelines for MPs’ offices, which includes the costs and layout. This is how it should be, however, being without a permanent office for a year now has thrown up many challenges, including constituents not knowing where I am located. I am pleased to say that the Parliament has found a new office in Pakington Street Geelong West, although it is taking a very long time to be fitted out. At this stage I expect to move in late May to Shop 9, 95 Pakington Street, within Pakington Strand. Pako is a great location so I am looking forward to returning and having passing constituents drop in for a chat or for information, as in the past. The key requirement of Parliament is to have an a ccessible office for everyone, for me this is very important. In the past I have needed to make arrangements for people who could not enter my office via the front door, like everyone else. I am looking forward to having a fully accessible office to enable all

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visitors coming to see me get the respect they deserve. It has been interesting to hear that there are building owners who do not consider an all abilities accessible building a priority. In fact they are not interested in putting in a financial investment to make their building compliant. I found this quite shocking, although I am sure this is no new news for people who need to enter a fully accessible building, not to mention mums and dads with strollers. In Geelong we have the NDIA, Workcover and the TAC. We have many in our community with limited mobility, such as older people, those in wheel chairs or on walking frames, sight impaired, etc. So how accessible is Geelong?

example, it is important to hear from people with autism, an intellectual disability, in a wheelchair or sight impaired, and also from the experts in the field. Geelong has the potential to be an amazing accessible city and to lead the way in Victoria, not just for residents but for tourists as well. We do have a strong tourism sector here, but there are limited options for people with limited mobility. For example, people tell me that accommodation is advertised as accessible, but when they arrive, the accessibility is that they have a lift. Movement around the room and the bathroom facilities are not accessible.

From what I hear, it is not very accessible in many ways, even on basic things like toilet access or access into shops.

Education, awareness and training is a part of understanding the necessary requirements to meet the needs of everyone in our community.

When we talk about inclusion, for me, that means anyone can participate regardless of their situation. That’s why I’d like to hear everyone’s views on what is an accessible city. For

Speaking of education, no matter where you live in the Geelong region our kids deserve to have a great school. The Andrews government is getting on with rebuilding our schools

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to ensure our kids and their teacher have the best facilities they need to thrive.

The Andrews government has invested record funding into our schools, making a huge difference to our school communities.

When I visit Ashby Primary School, Chilwell Primary School or Newtown Primary School, I’m looking at these children and thinking, could this grade 6 girl by our next Prime Minister, or could this grade 4 boy discover a cure for cancer, or could this grade 1 girl be a life saving surgeon? They could be but they need the best education, the best facilities and resources, and we already have the best teachers.

We have such wonderful schools in Geelong. I am proud of their passion and commitment to their students and I will continue to advocate for them as the Member of Parliament for Geelong. I know the importance of a good education. We are continuing to build the Education State so that every child can get a great education and every community has access to a great local school.

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Over the past few weeks, I am pleased to have made a number of significant announcements that have a great impact in our community. St Mary’s Sporting Club will receive $1.17 million to upgrade its main pavilion, change rooms, oval amenities and netball amenities. Our sporting clubs play such an important role in our community. Female sport participation is increasing rapidly and most clubs are struggling to meet their needs. There are a number of sporting clubs in the Geelong electorate, I am continuing to advocate for them to improve their facilities and in particular for female sports. There are not many of us that have not been touched by life ending illness in some way, and the challenges that these illnesses bring. Palliative care services provide critical support and care for families and carers during a very stressful time. Anam Cara is a very special place that provides respite for unwell people and their family. I was delighted to announce $1.1 million funding to provide more respite to those who need it. This funding will allow Anam Cara to deliver up to 5 days per week of respite, instead of the current 2 days per week. This is life changing for carers, who need and deserve time for themselves, to shop, pay the bills, have lunch with a friend, attend appointments or just have time out. The staff, board and volunteers and ambassadors of Anam Cara are dedicated and passionate about the service they deliver. It is an amazing service that is delivered with such care and commitment, they should all be very proud. I feel strongly about supporting the most vulnerable in our community and empowering them to make a difference. The organisation Reclink provides support through sport and recreation, engaging vulnerable people to participate in activities building confidence and self-esteem. This has been an exceptional program that has turned around the lives of many people. It has been a pleasure hearing from participants who talk about the positive impact on their life, some amazing stories. This is why we have announced $4 million over 4 years to Reclink to continue and expand the vital work they do in our community. As the Member for Geelong I am always keen to hear from my community, please don’t hesitate to contact me and share your views or concerns. I can be contacted by phone or email. Please feel free to drop into my office when it opens in late May.

Christine Couzens MP

VV(03) 5221 3131

MMchristine.couzens@parliament.gov.au

Shop 9 Pakington Strand, 95 Pakington St, Geelong West 18 ONPAKO


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St John’s Lutheran School and Kindergarten Committed To Educational Excellence

ARTICLE AND PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

Lutheran education has a proud tradition of schooling since 1839. Today, Lutheran schools are well known for their quality, values-based education for all children. St John’s Lutheran School in Newtown opened in 1962 and has maintained a dynamic and holistic curriculum, catering to the developing needs of young learners from kindergarten to Year 6. Developing the whole child intellectually, physically, emotionally, psychologically and socially is the ethos of St John’s. This ethos stems from a core Lutheran Education philosophy that each child has its own unique and individual gifts and talents. Learning programs are dynamic, hands-on and enquiry-based. The classroom teachers, specialist teachers and wellbeing coordinator are strongly committed to excellence in all learning areas with particular focus and strength given to Literacy and Numeracy. St John’s is more than just a school – it is a kind and nurturing community with outstanding staff whose strong commitment to education and moral philosophy ensures that each child may reach their full potential.

Limited vacancies are available for Kindergarten and Prep in 2019. Call 5221 5221 to organise a tour and enrol today.

St John’s Lutheran School and Kindergarten 33 Aberdeen St, Newtown, VIC, 3220

OOwww.stjohns.vic.edu.au MMadmin@stjohns.vic.edu.au

(03) 5221 5221 ONPAKO 23


PROVIDING

ARTICLE BY: AMANDA SHERRING PHOTOS BY: JENNA RAMONDO

QUALITY ON EVERY LEVEL Enzo at Penny’s

While playing with his friends as an eightyear-old in Torre del Greco in Italy, Enzo Ramondo received his first job offer and coincidentally the start to his journey of becoming a butcher.

worth starting out, completing the hard tasks of cleaning and delivering before he was taught the skills to become a butcher.

“I was playing in the park with my mates when my brother (who was a butcher) and his boss pulled up while I was playing and asked if I wanted to go work with them,” Enzo says. “So I dropped everything and I got in the car and said to my friends, ‘I’m going to work’. I was so excited about it.” Enzo proved his

“I was a performer on the ship and Enzo was working as a butcher,” Darylin says, smiling in Enzo’s direction.

By 16 years old he was regarded as a professional in his field, and took on his next challenge of working on a cruise ship. It was on this very cruise ship, many years later, where Enzo met his wife Darylin.

While neither could really communicate with the other, a connection was developed almost instantaneously.


During the cruise Enzo built on his skills in precision and speed to keep up with the demand and standards required from the chefs on board.

He continued to juggle these jobs until Henry Penny at Penny’s Prime Meats in Newtown offered him a position. Henry could see Enzo’s skills as a butcher, and just like that he was hired.

Meeting Darylin introduced Enzo to Australia, and just two days after setting foot in the country he had employment. Within months Enzo was working several jobs at once. In the mornings and during the days he would work at a butchers, and in the evenings he would be either assisting a catering company or working at a bottle shop.

“When I came in I knew everything about butchery but I learnt a lot about the business from Henry,” he says. It wasn’t until 32 years later when Henry decided to step away from the business that Enzo had the opportunity to act on his lifelong dream of owning his own store. “It’d been a dream of mine for a long time and I always wanted to have my own business. I am really excited how it has all worked out,” Enzo beams.


Approaching the store’s second birthday as Enzo at Penny’s this August, the new space is light and modern with clever new uniforms emphasising the new look for the business. “We’ve done a lot of things inside the shop to freshen it up but it’s been the same quality in produce we have become known for,” Darylin says. “We get a lot of good responses from the customers and they love what we’re doing,” Enzo adds. Under Darylin’s guidance, Enzo at Penny’s embraced social media and enabled customers to become more aware of the quality gluten free, grass fed and free range meat on offer. The change of hands for the business hasn’t affected the quality of the meats coming through the doors, with beef and lamb still supplied locally by Frank Herd at M.C. Herd, Corio. Produce is sourced as locally as possible, with Enzo and Darylin passionate about the need to support local businesses and butchers.

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GRASS FED

FREE RANGE

QUALITY SERVICE

17 Stinton Avenue, Newtown

P: 5221 1028

F: 5221 1774

E: info@enzoatpennys.com

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“We appreciate our local customers who support our family business, because without them we can’t exist. We look after [our customers], and they tell us what they want,” Enzo says.

Working with over 50 restaurants and cafes from Geelong to Queenscliff through to Apollo Bay, Enzo prides himself on his team’s professional service.

In wanting to surpass customer expectations, Enzo has become well known for his succulent rib eye steaks, delicious gourmet sausages and small goods, tender pork cutlets and easy ready to cook meals. Enzo at Penny’s focuses on grass fed, free range and gluten free meats and also offers speciality meats such as crocodile and kangaroo.

“Without good staff you can’t run a business. You can implement things but you need good people around you to make it work, and I’m lucky to have such a great team that really care about the business as much as I do,” he says. Leaving the store to visit his hometown in Naples is made easier, thanks to his team and the store’s manager Rick Gibbons, who Enzo worked with previously at Penny’s Prime Meats.

Development of a custom smoking room is also underway, with smoked meats like chorizo, kabana and hams able to be done in house from July onwards. “People want to be inspired by something and you’ve got to come up with some new things all the time. They want something new from the usual things,” Enzo says. Beyond items at the counter, Enzo is happy to cater to all customer requests. His passion for being a butcher is only met by his passion for happy customers. “There’s nothing better than when people come into your shop and they walk out with a smile. That makes me happy and that’s half of my job,” he says. Enzo’s passion for quality service has made him one of the go-to sources for meats in the hospitality industry. 28 ONPAKO

Starting work at the young age of eight years old instilled a brilliant work ethic in Enzo, who works long days from 5am until 6pm. He admits it is hard work being a butcher, but he wouldn’t have it any other way.

Enzo at Penny’s

17 Stinton Ave, Newtown Mon – Fri: 7am – 5:30; Sat: 7am – 1pm

VV(03) 5221 1028 FF@enzoatpennys II@enzoatpennys


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Functions at lord of the isles Contact us for our varying range of menus and room options.

Canapé/CoCktail FunCtions ∙ set Menus ∙ private Dining

Full conference facilities including media screens and the latest Nightlife music with CrowdDJ.

Welcoming our new head chef, Stuart We’re excited to have him on-board to work with our amazing team! saVe the date:

Tuesday October 30th, 2018

‘14 gr a nge 2014 penFolDs grange release Dinner

The most anticipated event on the Lord of the Isles calendar. Visit www.lordislestavern.com to register your interest for tickets. Bistro open For all Day Dining 11:30aM til late, 7 Days a week. Come and also try our à la Carte Courtyard menu WIth puB FaVourItes, too!

Available from Monday to Saturday 11:30am - 4:00pm.

3-7 West Fyans street, neWtoWn VIC 3220 | (03) 52 242 522 InFo@lordIslestaVern.Com | WWW.lordIslestaVern.Com

Weekly specials BraIsed lamB shanks,

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balsamic glaze, mash, peas and bacon


TASTE

ARTICLE BY: DONNA WILKINS PHOTOS: MARK WILKINS

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

Surrounded by an abundance of wonderful havens to wine and dine as well as celebrate momentous events, there is no denying that we locals and visitors alike are sure to enjoy the culinary delights of On Pako and beyond...!

Extending from Geelong’s magnificent waterfront, to our beautiful Bellarine, to our stunning Surf Coast and to the lovely Golden Plains, our region is exuding with alluring destinations offering delicious cuisine to entice our taste buds and award winning wines to wet the palate. We have selected some popular Taste Destinations to begin your tour of palatable pleasures.

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PRESENTING THE

ARTICLE BY: AMANDA SHERRING PHOTOS BY: MARK WILKINS

FLAVOURS OF VIETNAM Hanoi Kitchen

The key to all great Vietnamese cuisine is balance. Between the tang of the citrus and the sweet hint of sesame, if each ingredient isn’t working in synergy the whole dish falls apart. “It’s all about balance,” Hanoi Kitchen owner Nick Lee echoes. Thanks to partner Hong’s Vietnamese heritage, the normally difficult task of finding that balance seems effortless, and it’s been noticed by locals since opening in November 2016. “We’ve had fantastic reception since opening, the local community have treated us really well,” he says. With the team run off their feet in the 60-seat Barwon Heads restaurant over summer, the venue comes close to resembling the excitement and aromas from the streets of Vietnam.

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Working across most of Asia with global hotel company Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Nick first went to Vietnam to open Sheraton Saigon. Falling in love with the people and culture instantly.

beginning of Nick’s story with Hong.

“For me it’s the people,” he says. “[Australians and Vietnamese] like to have a drink, we like to have a laugh and we’ve got a bit of a cheeky side as well. So I think that’s why I loved Vietnam.”

Growing up around the vibrancy of the Hanoi market where her family operated a stall, Hong always dreamt of opening her own restaurant. Determined to make her dream a reality, Hong studied at the French Hospitality Academy in Hanoi, leading her to work for the French Victoria Hotel Group throughout Vietnam including a position at the Victoria Hoi An.

A work move to South Korea could have meant the end of Nick’s Vietnamese story, but an employment opportunity at the Victoria Hoi An enabled him to stay in Vietnam. It was also the

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“I fell in love with Vietnam and then I fell in love in Vietnam,” he says with a smile. Working together at the Victoria Hoi An, Nick soon became acquainted with Hong and her story.


As a result, Hanoi Kitchen’s menu represents everything enticing to eat in Vietnam. From the freshness of the BBQ duck and Hoisin sauce rice paper rolls to the tender beef of the Bo Luc Lac, each dish represents a part of Hong’s history. With dishes unseen in restaurants in the region, Nick and Hong have been pleasantly surprised at the confidence of what locals have been willing to try. “We’ve been lucky because people have been quite adventurous and go across the whole menu...that’s what we love,” Nick says. The spread of popularity across the menu isn’t a common occurrence in restaurants, and while it’s great for consistency it makes removing dishes a challenge. “The normal process for restaurants is whatever sells the most you keep, whatever doesn’t sell you replace it, but everything sells here. We’ve got the winners like the tasting plate that absolutely smash it,” he says. A change that will come with the next menu is the addition of a tangy tamarind crab dish instead of the crispy whole fish. Nick and Hong expect the eye-catching display of the crab to be a popular showstopper in the restaurant. Looking through the menu, it’s clear to see it’s a reflection of Hong’s life and passions, presenting the flavoursome food from the streets of Vietnam to the tables of Hanoi Kitchen. “We’re lucky with our authenticity,” Nick says. “That’s Hong’s influence ONPAKO 37


TRADITIONAL VIETNAMESE CUISINE

enquiry@hanoikitchen.com.au Catering/Functions/Cooking School Winter Hours: Open 11am – Late, Tuesday – Saturday | Closed Sunday – Monday 37 Hitchcok Ave, Barwon Heads | 03 4202 0525 | www.hanoikitchen.com.au 38 ONPAKO


and that’s what we want. Hong is the story for the restaurant.” Connecting over their mutual love for food and the hospitality industry all those years back at the Victoria Hoi An, opening a restaurant was always on the cards for the passionate couple. “It’s something we’ve wanted to do for a really long time, something we’ve trained to do and, again, there’s a lot of serendipitous moments along the way,” Nick says. Discovering the venue in itself was a moment of chance, as Nick and Hong came to Barwon Heads to visit relatives and the beach shack caught their eye. At the time it was operating as another restaurant, it went on the market and the couple took the chance on bringing authentic Vietnamese to the region. The only real challenge the business has faced, is keeping up with demand due to the small size of the kitchen. “Our kitchen isn’t big enough, so we’re going to extend the whole kitchen out and create a bigger storeroom,” Nick says. Hanoi Kitchen is also considering delivery for locals and in April they welcomed Tracy Lister, their first guest chef, to work alongside Hong in the kitchen. Much like the streets in Vietnam, there are plenty of exciting things happening at Hanoi Kitchen.

Hanoi Kitchen

37 Hitchcock Ave, Barwon Heads Tue – Sat: 11am – Late

VV(03) 4202 0525

OOwww.hanoikitchen.com.au MMnick@hanoikitchen.com.au FF@HanoiKitchenBH II@hanoikitchen3227 ONPAKO 39


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360Q café, restaurant and bar is a stunning waterfront venue at Queenscliff Harbour. The top floor function space at 360Q offers incredible water views, formal sit-down or cocktail-style tailored menus, and impeccable and professional service. With more than 40 years’ experience in catering and event management, Barry Iddles and the 360Q team are wedding and event specialists.

SETTING THE STANDARD FEW CAN ASPIRE TO

Breakfast 7 days from 8am. Lunch 7 days from 11.30am, Dinner Thursday to Saturday from 5.30pm. Sunday roast set menu from 6pm. Bookings online. For enquiries, call 03 5257 4200 or email enquiries@360q.com.au

360q.com.au

2 Wharf Street, Queenscliff

t. 03 5257 4200

f. 360queenscliff

i. @360queenscliff ONPAKO 41


AN AWARD WINNING

ARTICLE BY: AMANDA SHERRING PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

ITALIAN EXPERIENCE CENTRA

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Through his travels and work around the world, publican Cameron O’Keefe continually found himself drawn to Italian cuisine. “I have worked in a few quite well known Italian restaurants and just have a love for Italian food,” Cameron says, listing a London venue, The River Café as a highlight. “Their menu and their philosophy is all around great produce and seasonality, and that is what inspired me to open CENTRA.” With the venue’s name inspired by the Italian word for meeting place, Cameron has brought together some of the finest local produce, wines and design in a modern interpretation of a traditional corner hotel. Formerly the Carrington Hotel, the venue underwent several months of renovations before opening as CENTRA in September of 2015. “We like to think of ourselves halfway between a pub and a restaurant,” he says. “We want to be able to deliver fine dining quality food, drinks and ambience, but in a more casual setting so it really appeals to everyone.” Wanting to bring something new to Geelong, Cameron enlisted the help of architectural designer Tarryn Joyce after admiring her work at venues in Melbourne. “I loved that first fit out [she did] of the Smith in Prahran – I thought that was phenomenal. So we borrowed a few of those ideas and incorporated them into CENTRA,” he says. With the space never designed to its full potential, Tarryn worked with the team in creating an open area and reintroducing natural light into the space. As a result, the bar, dining room and courtyard flow freely between each other. “There’s a lot of space in here that previous patrons didn’t realise, like the courtyard that was never accessible to the public, so people were really shocked with how much space was here that was under-utilised,” Cameron says. The courtyard, which serves as a standout feature of the venue, is also the only North-facing courtyard in Geelong, offering an abundance of light nearly all year-round. “Even in winter you’ve got a lot of light in that space,” Cameron adds. An area that’s quite in demand, the courtyard is a popular choice for functions, with the zone able to be segmented into smaller or larger rooms. The same goes for the whole venue, which in total offers five different function spaces. Rustic Italian is the core for the venue, with Sicilian-born chef Luciano Gandolfo helping to bring the cuisine Cameron fell in love with to Geelong. “The way we structure the menu is that it is kind of an Italian ONPAKO 43


PUB, DINING & COURTYARD

PUB OF THE YEAR 2 0 1 7 V i c to r i a n W i n n e r (TONY LEONARD, 3AW)

Visit us to see and taste why we won! Having just received the title of 3AW’s ‘Pub of the Year’ at the end of 2017, CENTRA just keeps getting better. Its dining room is now regarded as one of the very best spots in Geelong for delicious, seasonal and affordable food whether that be for a quick mid-week lunch or a more leisurely dinner affair. Featured in The Age Good Food Guide, it has received recognition both locally and further abroad for its rustic Italian fair that serves daily house-made pasta and thin-based pizza, as well as plenty of options in between. Children are of course well catered for, as are those with any dietary concerns. Need more convincing? Check out Tripadvisor and see for yourself why diners have been raving about the place. The venue also has multiple spaces (both indoors and out) that can cater for functions of any size, whether they be sit-down or stand-up for any occasion you might have (engagements, birthdays, business gathering, meetings etc) with customised beverage and food packages. Drop the functions team a line when you’re next in the planning stage for your special event: functions@centrahotel.com.au

P: 5224 1515 - 131 Yarra St, Geelong | INFO@CENTRAHOTEL.COM.AU | WWW. CENTRAHOTEL.COM.AU 44 ONPAKO


homely idea of sharing meals. Often the experience isn’t about an entrée, main and dessert, it’s about shared entrées and mains. However it’s really whatever food experience the diner wants,” he says. From the spicy pangrattato of Piemonte to the more Southern Italian dish of penne alla puttanesca, almost all regions of Italy are spoken for on the menu. Embracing Italian phrases, there’s an excitement around deciphering certain items on the menu, which the knowledgeable and passionate staff are more than happy to assist with.

“We have several Italian chefs in the kitchen, and they love going out, so we’ll send one of them out and they’ll explain the ingredients or the process,” Cameron says. Sit at the right angle in the dining room and you can catch a glimpse of the chefs at work, crafting the dishes of the night. And these creations from the popular pumpkin tortellini to the veal Milanese wouldn’t be possible without the quality and breadth of local produce in the region. “We’re really blessed down here in Geelong and in surrounding areas. We’ve got a lot of really great produce,” Cameron says. “And not just food, but wine and other drinks. So we source locally wherever possible.”

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CENTRA’s house wine is made by local winery Lethbridge, with the team quite involved in the process of crafting the finished product. Each season, the team head to the vineyards and talk with the head winemaker, Ray Nadeson, in creating their house wine. “He makes a product that’s used as our house wine and obviously with Italian cooking using a lot of wine, it’s the wine the chefs cook with too. So it’s got this whole nice little thing that’s ours,” he says. Used in the kitchen and behind the bar, the wine is such a popular element of the venue that it’s delivered as a keg and put on tap – adding a sustainable element to how CENTRA operates. Other local wines featured at CENTRA are By Farr and Bannockburn wines, with Odyssey Tavern also featured on tap and Teddy and the Fox gin from the new Bellarine distillery behind the bar. With such a focus placed on quality ingredients and the true Italian experience, it’s no surprise CENTRA was named as the pub of the year by 3AW in 2017. It’s a title Cameron is honoured to have received, and one they’ll keep earning with every dish that leaves the kitchen.

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CENTRA

131 Yarra Street, Geelong Tue-Sun from 12pm (03) 5224 1515

OOwww.centrahotel.com.au MMinfo@centrahotel.com.au FF@centrahotel II@centrahotel


RESPECT THE HISTORY ENJOY THE FUTURE

MEALS AVAILABLE

7 DAYS A WEEK LUNCH 12PM – 2:30PM DINNER 5:30PM – LATE WEEKEND SNACK MENU 2:30PM – 5:30PM

$12 LUNCH SPECIALS IN THE PUBLIC BAR MONDAY – FRIDAY

LIVE MUSIC FRIDAY – SATURDAY – SUNDAY

e.

158 MCKILLOP ST, GEELONG enquiries@elephantandcastle.com.au

w. www.elephantandcastle.com.au

P. 5221 3707


Funeral Plans Free Informations Sessions Alyson Burchell and Sue Marshman from Tuckers invite you to learn more about the financial advantages of planning ahead. Providing information about different funeral planning options, Alyson and Sue will also offer advice to help ease the burden on your family at such a challenging time.

When & Where Monday 4th June, 2.00pm, Tuckers Highton Chapel, 4-32 Province Blvd, Highton Tuesday 5th June, 10.30am, Tuckers Grovedale Chapel, cnr Torquay & Pioneer Rd, Grovedale Tuesday 5th June at 7.00pm, Tuckers Grovedale Chapel, cnr Torquay & Pioneer Rd, Grovedale Wednesday 6th June at 10.30. Tuckers Torquay Office, 6 Walker St, Torquay Wednesday 6th June at 2.00pm, Tuckers Moolap Chapel, 410 Bellarine Hwy, Moolap Thursday 7th June at 10.30, Tuckers Les Cole Chapel, 55 Hope St, Geelong West Friday 8th June at 2.00pm, Tuckers Lara Chapel, 8 Forest Rd Nth, Lara Refreshments provided, to RSVP your attendance via phone 5221 4788 or email west@tuckers.com.au

If you are unable to attend and would like more information about any of these topics, contact Tuckers to request your free information pack.

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Understanding the Value of a Funeral Plan

ARTICLE AND PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

Tuckers Funeral & Bereavement Service We often plan for different milestones in our lives such as weddings, careers and even retirement - planning for our final goodbye makes just as much sense.

“We understand each funeral is unique, and reflects an individual personality – A Funeral Plan should be the same. Talking about funerals helps people to make informed choices, every day we see how important these conversations are for families” says Mrs Burchell.

It seems that each year more and more Australians are planning their own celebration of life. However, there are so many funeral products available today; it can be hard to know where to start. Funeral Consultants can be an excellent resource to better understanding the pros and cons for each of these products based on your personal situation.

Free information sessions are being held across the Greater Geelong region the first week of June. These informal sessions will cover a wide range of topics relating to Funeral Plans, providing an opportunity to have your questions answered in person.

Pre-paying or pre-arranging a funeral can provide an opportunity to be remembered how you want; what type of funeral do you think your family will have for you? Are there things you want said? Are there things you want to be remembered for? … Planning ahead also allows your loved ones to focus on the memory of you, and not be thinking of the financial costs.

For more details visit www.tuckers.com.au

Alyson Burchell and Sue Marshman from Tuckers Funeral and Bereavement Service regularly host information sessions answering questions all about funerals and planning ahead. “It is important to find the best option suited to your individual needs. A funeral today can cost over $10,000 and the costs rise annually, so understanding the benefit of a pre-paid funeral and gaining the right information to make an informed choice can save money or prevent an expensive mistake” says Mrs Burchell. Tuckers have a long and proud history of providing funeral care services to the Greater Geelong community. “Many years ago a funeral would be held in the parlour of someone’s home and everyone attending the service wore black. Today, funerals can be a private or public event, bringing together a mixture of memories, colours and reflections to personalise the celebration of life.”

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Showcasing Contemporary Indigenous Talent

ARTICLE BY: AMANDA SHERRING

PHOTOS: SUPPLIED AND MARK WILKINS

Penangk Aborginal Art Gallery One day when Raymond Walters Penangk’s grandfather paid him a visit, he noticed the paint and art that was scattered around Raymond’s house. In this moment his grandfather offered something that changed his art forever. “My grandfather noticed and he said, ‘If you’re interested in painting I can teach you how to paint these stories’ and so I started doing that. When you look at the traditional stories, my art evolves from there,” Raymond says. This honour meant Raymond was able to express and share his Aboriginal culture through his art, and ultimately with the world. Sharing the stories of Anmatyerre country, in the Australian Northern Territory, and choosing which stories from his culture to share is an extremely important process, with many of his works telling the stories of the creation of the land, known as the dreaming. “I’m now at the stage where I know what I can and can’t do,” he says. “It’s more about just how far we can take our culture. The stories don’t change, it’s just how I express it through colours, textures and different brush strokes.” Thanks to his work with Red Dust Role Models and from his own talent as a nationally acclaimed artist, Raymond has worked with Billabong, Coles and Vodafone. Working with big brands is an exciting milestone in any artists career, but for Raymond it’s the ability to share his culture that’s more important.


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“The most important thing is the sharing of the information,” he says. Raymond links this process to those who have done so before him, with his grandmother Emily Kame Kngwarreye, a renowned artist who shared the Anmatyerre stories and culture around the world. “These are people who have travelled the world and they are journey people. They have taken our stories and played a big role in bridging that cultural divide and the understanding,” he says. “So when I look at the work they’ve done, I’m kind of part of that movement.” While the sharing of the stories and symbolism by his grandfather was a huge moment in his life, heading to Uluru as an artist in residence was another life-changing experience. “The first four to five years were a fairly important stage for me, learning to find myself through art and my different ways of wanting to express culture through that medium,” he says before adding, “You get to the stage where you can see there’s no real limitation to expression.” The experience in Uluru led to Raymond confronting his hesitation to painting in front of people, who would often discuss his work as he created it. The process enabled Raymond to talk about his art in a way that did justice to the importance of the stories that he was depicting in paint.

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However, his practice of painting has kept its intimacy, with only his wife Naomi Walters and children able to be a part of the process. “I paint on the kitchen table, I paint on the kitchen floor, in the lounge room, and I’m always surrounded by my kids and my wife. I don’t paint in front of other people – that’s kind of my time and only my kids and my wife are part of that experience,” he says. Something also shared with his wife Naomi was the decision to open a gallery on Pakington Street. Penangk Aboriginal Art Gallery opened nine months ago, and showcases the works of contemporary Indigenous artists from around the country with paintings, jewellery, ceramics, clothing and more. “It’s a privilege to be living, working and playing on Wadawurrung country. That’s really important for me,” Raymond says. “We are a space that wants to invest in local artists and young people learning about the older peoples’ stories.” The community is still discovering the gallery, with its shopfront located in an arcade alongside other local businesses. “We love our space here, we like the idea of being discovered. So we were purposefully looking for places that were a bit tucked away,” he says. “When they find us and come in, they can feel the positive energy and want to share in the stories of all the artists.”


With plans for more workshops that explore themes other than just art, keynote speaker sessions and celebrating culture through art in general, Raymond is excited for the opportunity the gallery provides in giving back to the community. Having worked at a gallery in Alice Springs and at Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Raymond’s life skills collide in making Penangk a unique and exciting place for Geelong. “When you go through life and have all these little chapters, they’re all great experiences that you can learn from and keep growing,” he says. “I don’t know what’s going to happen in the next couple of years, and if we have a dream for the space, it’s to have an event every month. And presenting something that will benefit the community.”

Penangk Aboriginal Art Gallery Shop 3/112, Pakington Street, Geelong West

VV0439 960 599 OOwww.penangk.com FF@penangkgallery

Keleman Motors is a Family & locally owned mechanic workshop servicing Geelong, The Bellarine Peninsula and The Surf Coast. At Keleman Motors the owners are the mechanics working on your car, therefore you can be assured that the work being done to your vehicle will be completed to the highest standard. • Clean Modern workshop with up to date diagnostics. • All servicing & repairs including roadworthy certificates. • Environmentally Concious Workshop. • Family owned business supporting local sports & community clubs. • All work fully guaranteed & won’t affect your new car warranty. • Highly experienced in all makes and models including European vehicles.

Free pick up and delivery. No work carried out with out your permission. 3/13–15 Crown St, South Geelong | 5229 9555 www.kelemanmotors.com.au ONPAKO 53


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GEELONG PERFORMING ARTS

ARTICLE AND PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

Inspiring Australian stories and classic theatre Geelong Performing Arts Centre’s 2018 Deakin University Theatre Season kicked off with packed houses for the enchanting A Little Night Music and the jaw-dropping Circa’s Peepshow.

The family theme continues with Red Stitch Actors Theatre’s recently commissioned drama Jurassica, a heart-warming tale about mending fences before you grow too old.

And the hits keep coming…next up it’s The Bleeding Tree from the pen of Victorian playwright Angus Cerini.

Rounding out the season in October is Prize Fighter, an action packed production from La Boîte Theatre and Brisbane Festival that combines engrossing storytelling with the visceral thrill of live boxing.

In a dirt-dry town in rural Australia, a shot shatters the still night. A mother and her daughters have just welcomed home the man of the house with a bullet. The only issue now is disposing of the body. Triggered into thrilling motion by an act of revenge, The Bleeding Tree is an Australian murder ballad blown up for the stage, with three strong women fighting back. Throughout, Cerini’s writing is powerfully lyrical, bracingly funny and a highly original take on Australian gothic. The Bleeding Tree premiered at Griffin Theatre Company in 2015. It immediately earned praise as a “great and complex production” and went on to win three Helpmann Awards for Best Play, Best Direction and Best Female Actor. And there’s plenty more inspiring contemporary stories to come alongside a classic - the June presentation of the State Theatre of South Australia’s Sense and Sensibility. Kate Hamill’s sparkling adaptation of the classic novel is described as “Jane Austen on steroids”, so audiences can expect a memorable night at the theatre. Local choir Raise the Bar (the adult choir from Geelong Youth Choir) will feature in the July presentation of The Events, a powerful new play by David Greig starring Catherine McClements. Then in August it’s time for a laugh-out-loud Australian comedy with the Helmpann award winning Tasmanian production The Season. This play about family and culture stars the charismatic Trevor Jamieson.

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Sydney’s Griffin Theatre will return to Geelong with the Australian premiere of The Almighty Sometimes, a captivating about mental illness by award winning UK writer Kendall Feaver.

For more information and bookings go to gpac.org.au


Fresh sounds and favourites for Musical Mornings Geelong Performing Arts Centre has put together another fantastic season of Musical Mornings to see music lovers through the second half of the year. Musical Mornings concerts are held in The Playhouse on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10:30am, with free morning tea before the show. The program is proudly presented by Tuckers Funeral and Bereavement Services. The Season 2 line-up has just been announced and audiences will enjoy some favourite performers as well as brand new shows including:

B Sharp Big Band with Tamara Kuldin 11-12 July at 10.30am The B Sharp Big Band brings a fresh new sound to Musical Mornings. Melbourne’s most exciting, swingin’ Big Band – this show will have a audiences’ feet a-tappin’ and hearts a-poundin’. The sultry, sassy Tamara Kuldin will join the B Sharp Big Band for this very special concert featuring classic arrangements of the 30s, 40s and 50s - along with tunes made famous by Anita O’Day, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin and Peggy Lee.

Bach to Broadway 22-23 August 17 10.30am Australian star tenor Bradley Daley teams with international soprano Alison Jones in Bach to Broadway. From opera to musicals; folk songs to jazz; and classics from the Broadway stage, this show will thrill with its musical variety and range. Compered by perennial favourite Christopher McKenna with musical direction by the consummate Len Vorster at the piano.

Bring Him Home - Simon Gleeson 12-13 September

Fresh from his West End season as Jean Valjean in Les Misérables, Helpmann Award winner Simon Gleeson brings his debut album Elements to the stage - a stirring tapestry of songs that have shaped this remarkable performer, including beloved songs from Sondheim, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Elton John and George Harrison – and of course his stunning interpretation of ‘Bring Him Home’ from Les Misérables.

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DIRECT FROM THE

FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY

THE CRYSTALS CHRIS MONTEZ with very special guest

HE'S A REBEL THEN HE KISSED ME DA DO RON RON HE'S SURE THE BOY I LOVE THE MORE I SEE YOU LET'S DANCE CALL ME THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER YOU

PLAYHOUSE, GEELONG PAC THURSDAY 3 MAY at 7.30pm

www.thecrystals.com.au

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TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

Bookings:

(03) 5225 1200

www.gpac.org.au


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Great Songs of the War Years 7-8 November Commemorating the centenary of the cessation of WWI, Great Songs of the War Years, features 20 songs from the Andrew Sisters, Vera Lynn and more, plus a special tribute to the Vietnam War with music from Bob Dylan and Normie Rowe. Starring popular Australian tenor Roy Best, international Soprano Alison Jones, music theatre star Jazz Flowers and Opera Australia mezzo Caroline Vercoe, this show will stir the emotions.

Christmas with Silvie Paladino 5-6 December Silvie Paladino will delight audiences with a selection from her vast repertoire and favourite Christmas songs. Silvie is well known to audiences through her stage and screen appearances - and of course is a regular favourite at Melbourne’s Carols by Candlelight. David Cameron, one of the country’s most experienced musical directors, will accompany Silvie in this festive concert.

Please note: subscription bookings open to the general public on Wednesday 23 May and single show tickets are on sale from Wednesday 13 June. Book at Geelong Performing Arts Centre on 5225 1200 or visit www.gpac.org.au

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JESSICA COSTA

ARTICLE BY: AMANDA SHERRING PHOTOS SUPPLIED BY:JENNA RAMONDO, ELLIE DEAN, LUKA KAUZLARIC

A Creative Family Thread

Ever since Jessica Costa was a little girl, she fondly remembers her father’s Fender guitar sitting safely in its corner. “I knew my dad always had this electric guitar, this Fender, and it just sat in this case and I always wondered, ‘Why do you have this guitar?’” she says. Sitting there unused, it fascinated her and it served as a connection to music in her family that lay dormant, similar to Jessica’s own pursuit of music. Singing and performing as a child in community groups, it wasn’t until the moment Jessica enrolled for a diploma of contemporary music at the Australian Institute of Music (AIM), that she fully acknowledged her passion to sing. “I’ve always sung and been a singer but it’s always just kind of been there and I’ve wanted to pursue it,” she says. Now into her second year of studying, she loves being able to express herself through music each day. Though Jessica isn’t a stranger to the creative world, and she’s spent years establishing herself as an artist in the Geelong region. “That’s always been my problem too, is that I’m too interested in different elements and aspects of the arts,” she laughs.

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Her exploration with art began again through family, with her early experiences taking place during balmy summer afternoons. “I’ve just always been creatively driven and I remember growing up, I’d always spend summers just painting and drawing with my aunties, and that would be our thing,” she says. These great introductions to art lead to her studying the craft, undertaking a role as curator at Courthouse Youth Arts, a three week arts residency in Venice and two weeks in Florence and most recently taking part in the group exhibition Envision by Raw Australia in February.

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“I wanted to immerse myself in the culture and see what came out of it,” she says of her time in Venice. “I had been before but I’d never been alone. So that was another big step for me and a really daunting one.” During her time at La Scuola Internazionale di Grafica in 2014, she was exposed to the processes of other artists and introduced to the vibrant world of pigments. To this day, the colourful medium features in many of her works, and were a strong point in her exhibition Nubivagant. “I found that process of working with pigment really meditative and it’s kind of stuck, so since then I expanded on that,” she says.


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An iconic feature of her work is also her use of textures and fabrics, bringing her love for fashion into her art process. Describing herself as an emotive person, much of Jessica’s art is fuelled by her connections with family, friends and her culture. Of no surprise, her use of thread in her pieces also has a familial link. “A lot of the threads I found in my great grandmother’s sewing box and I wanted to keep that family thread in there as well,” she says. “She had a big impact on me and my life and I remember seeing her in the kitchen and she would be fixing her stockings with a needle and thread and thimble on. That image just stuck with me and so my mum inherited her old School Singer with the pedal and we still have all of those threads that she used to use.” Something her great grandmother would also be proud of is her work in creating her character Carmen for the annual Pako Festa parade, for which she creates all of her own costumes. While Jessica’s current focus is on studying music, she still finds time to indulge in each medium, with her ultimate goal being able to combine them all together. “In my ideal creative artistic world, I want to try and find a way to merge them together,” she says before adding, “but I’m still exploring and still looking. It would be nice to put them together somehow.”

Jessica Costa

You can find Jessica Costa on Instagram as

II@jessicacostaart

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WHAT’S IN A FRAME?

ARTICLE BY: AMANDA SHERRING PHOTOS: MARK WILKINS

Careys Picture Framing Gallery

quite enjoyable and satisfying to produce the results.” It’s also the challenging tasks that are often the highest risk, with family heirlooms frequently making their way onto Rob’s worktable. “You’ve just got to be very pedantic and careful with everything as you’re dealing with people’s memories that are quite valuable. You’ve just got to be careful and take your time,” he says. Beyond gentle hands and precise measurements, the art of picture framing takes a fine eye in choosing the right textures and colours to compliment the featured work. While the customer ultimately makes this decision, Rob needs to have an understanding of what works to aid the process in achieving the best end result. “Some people will come in and say, ‘Let’s just put this into a white frame’, but I encourage them to also consider more dramatic and daring alternatives with often a better result,” he says. “I encourage people to say, ‘No, I don’t like that frame or that A construction electrician by trade and in the confines of his garage, Rob Barby practised his love of woodwork. For 30 years Rob created things with his hands and gifted them to loved ones. “I’ve always enjoyed working with wood and making things,” Rob says. “Picture framing was just one of those things where I had some leftover wood so I’d make a frame, put something in it and give it away.” In October of 2016, a new challenge arose for Rob with the opportunity to purchase Geelong West business Careys Picture Framing Gallery, which has been established for more than 35 years. “This came up and I thought I’d jump in and do something for myself,” he says. Stepping into the gallery alongside his wife Andrea, business carried on as usual, with a few additions added to stock and offerings that added a personal touch for the enterprising couple. Framing everything from football jerseys to standard prints, some of the biggest joys for Rob are the moments he is challenged in what he does. One such task came when a client brought in a rose received from a partner that she wished to be cherished forever behind glass. “They’re the ones I enjoy because they challenge me of how I am going to put this together,” Rob says before adding, “That’s

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colour mat,’ so I can hone in on what they really do like. In the mix of things, I only see a customer’s artwork for a short period of time but they see it for years and years.” “You’re trying to guide people, but they’ve also got to make the decision at the end of the day.” With hundreds of frames at his disposal, most are ordered in specifically for each client. Once they arrive, the lengths of frame are cut to precision at Rob’s home workshop and assembled in the store where Rob uses a manual cutter to shape the matting and glass to suit the frame. Walk in on any given day and you’ll see Rob’s work station taking pride of place in the centre of the store.

A collection of framed pieces line the walls of the shop, with several hinting to another passion of Rob’s in taking photos. Ultimately, Rob practises quality over quantity, with meticulous attention paid to each order that arrives at his Pakington Street gallery. “In 15 years time a picture frame from here will still be as good as when you got it,” he says.

“I like to make sure things are right and they’re the best I can do for my customers, ensuring a quality result every time.”

Careys Picture Framing 13/129 Pakington Street, Geelong West Tue – Fri 9:30am – 5pm Sat 9:30am – 12pm

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(03) 5222 4549

FF@centrahotel


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BEAUTY

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SPECIALISED SCENTS

ARTICLE BY: AMANDA SHERRING PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

FOR HIM, HER & HOME

SNIF PERFUMERY

Eight months on from the opening of one of Geelong’s most unique stores, Snif Perfumery is continuing to build on its brand and introduce locals to the concept of niche fragrances. Owner Diana Cooper smiles as she says, “We’re really happy with how it’s been accepted.” Perfume advisor Olivia Hope adds, “I think everyone that steps into the perfumery gets taken on that journey and sees the passion that Diana started the business with.” It’s a passion that’s clearly visible from the effort put into the design of the space alone, which is reminiscent of boutiques on the streets of Paris.

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Another testament to the team’s passion is their dedication to selecting the ideal scent for customers, a process that they are happy to devote as much time as required to. Olivia says, “Everyone’s taste is so different and when they come into the perfumery they can be quite overwhelmed by how many we have, but there’s only going to be a few selected that you’re actually going to wear on your skin.” Once a customer’s preference for the key notes of floral, woods, fresh or oriental are identified, it allows Olivia and Diana to present the customer with a fragrance most suited to them.


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There’s an element of trust that’s established in the process of sourcing a scent, and as a result, it’s not surprising that Diana and Olivia are entrusted with obtaining a cherished fragrance. One particular customer discovered her perfect fragrance while travelling through Spain, and as she approached an empty bottle she feared she wouldn’t find it anywhere in Geelong, so naturally she asked Snif if they could assist. Olivia says, “I said to her, ‘Leave it with us’, and so we met with the supplier and fell in love with it. We loved it so much we brought it back in the car that day.” Naturally, some of the brands that appear on the shelves of the boutique include Carner, Aspar Skincare, Histoires de Parfums, Frapin, Cire Trudon (which was established in 1643) and the fascinating Eight and Bob. With the brand’s history linked to JFK, Eight and Bob’s first scent was inspired when creator Albert Fouquet met John F. Kennedy on summer vacation in 1937. He left a perfume created for him with a brazen note saying: ‘In this bottle, you will find the dash of French glamour that your American personality lacks.’ The scent was a hit and thus Eight and Bob’s history as a marketed fragrance began. It’s such stories that Diana and Olivia love, and share with each person who visits the perfumery. Olivia says, “We really want people to fall in love with the stories and why we love fragrance. So we try to take the customer on that journey, that it’s not just a pretty fragrance, it’s a story that’s written on the skin.” Snif’s love for stories has also lead to expansions of the Penhaligon’s range, which is the only brand that uses the original techniques of perfumery. With workshops being a new addition to the business, they have seen the perfumes stories shared in a novel style, one with a side of alcohol. Operating alongside Wine Domaine, the workshops create a sensory journey for attendees as several fragrances are paired with a gin, wine, cognac or whiskey with accompanying nibbles. Diana says, “We have moved with the events a bit, where you get the visual experience, then Dale has the wine and then you have the nose. And we’ve added an element for the skincare as well.” Still a business relatively in its infancy, it is continually evolving, with an aim to hire an additional fragrance advisor sometime this year and extending its opening hours in the near future. There is also a new entrance proposed for the side of the premises, adding direct access to the Parisian-esque boutique. With evolution firmly on the cards for Snif, Diana teases, “We’ve also got some exciting things coming towards the end of the year we have pencilled in.”

Diana Cooper SNIF Owner

SNIF Perfumery

66 Garden St, East Geelong Wed-Sat from 10am (03) 5222 2600

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FF@snifperfumery II@snif_perfumery


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SERGIO JE W E L L E R AN D DE S I G N E R Jewellery Re-Designs | Jewellery Making | Restorations | Jewellery Repairs

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

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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.

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

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SURVIVE THE COLD & FLU SEASON WITH THE POWER OF SALT

ARTICLE BY: ANGELINA VUKOBRAT PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

Salts Of The Earth

Australians are opening up to the latest complementary therapy to help battle symptoms associated with respiratory and skin conditions, from the common winter cold to eczema. The ingredient? A pinch of salt. Each year salt therapy helps to relieve symptoms of a cold or flu in thousands of adults and children, and Salts of the Earth is leading the way in Australia. The Australian owned and operated company provides a natural and non-invasive therapy designed to relieve congestion,

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inflammation and allergies from the airways and skin. Salt is also a natural anti-inflammatory, antiviral and anti-bacterial, which helps to relieve the sinuses and airways of any infection and congestion. When a client takes a seat in one of our three salt rooms, a halogenerator grinds up pharmaceutical grade salt into minute particles that become airborne when dispersed into the room. The dry salt aerosol particles are then inhaled deep into the client’s lungs to help relieve inflammation and loosen congestion to allow easier and improved breathing. The salt particles can help to open up the airways, increase oxygen intake


and cleanse the airways of smoke, dust, pollutants and other allergens. When the salt lands on the skin it can also help to relieve sore, flakey, red and irritated skin. Consistency is key when it comes to salt therapy. Following regular salt therapy, breathing can become easier and shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, congestion and irritated skin may gradually be alleviated. Every winter Nada Quach would find herself at home caring for her two unwell daughters, who upon recovery would soon contract another bug from school. “It felt like the girls were sick all the time and nothing worked to help keep them healthy and their immune strong against schoolyard bugs,� Mrs Quach says.

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Breathe Better

Help relieve the symptoms of a cold or flu with salt therapy. Salt therapy is a natural and non-invasive therapy. It involves inhaling dry salt, that can help cleanse the airways and skin to relieve congestion, inflammation, allergies and skin irritations. Salt is a natural antiviral, antibacterial & anti-inflammatory, people experiencing everything from cold and flu, asthma, croup to eczema may experience significant and lasting symptom relief following regular salt therapy. Relax in our Adults’ Salt Room, play in our Children’s Salt Room or rejuvenate in our Private Salt Room designed specifically for those with chronic skin conditions or contagious infections.

Book a free consultation with our salt therapist and discover how salt therapy could help you and your family.

Salts of the Earth Newtown 352 Pakington St, Newtown VIC 3220 (03) 5221 7954 . newtown@saltsoftheearth.com.au

saltsoftheearth.com.au

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“It wasn’t until we started salt therapy that I noticed a huge improvement in my girls. When they do get a cold they recover so much quicker, plus they get a great night’s sleep. They love their salt sessions and I love not having constant sick kids.” Salt therapy has helped improve the quality of life of so many Australians, from newborns to ninety-year-olds struggling to find relief from their condition. Sit back and relax in our communal adult’s room with massaging recliner chairs, warm lighting and soft music. A private room is available and has been designed so people with skin conditions or compromised immune systems, can experience the maximum benefits of salt therapy. In our children’s room there are toys, books and a TV. It’s fair to say that, in there, a lot of children reap the benefits of salt therapy without even realising they’re receiving it! Located on Pakington Street in Newtown, Salts of the Earth offer a complimentary consultation with their Salt Therapist to discuss the client’s individual condition and how the therapy may help them to live, sleep and breathe better. It is important to understand that salt therapy is not an alternative therapy, but a complementary one. It is intended to be used alongside conventional medical treatment. Results may vary between clients and we recommend you discuss the use of salt therapy with your GP.

Salts Of The Earth

Salt Therapy Specialists 352 Pakington St, Newtown, VIC 3220

VV(03) 5221 7954

OOwww.saltsoftheearth.com.au MMnewtown@saltsoftheearth.com.au FF @SaltsoftheEarth II @saltsoftheearth LL@salttherapyaus

&

FASHION BEAUTY

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autumn - winter 2018

67a The Terrace, OCEAN GROVE Tel: 03 5255 1257

www.mudgesshoes.com.au


&

FASHION BEAUTY

mudge’s shoes Shop 10, 95 -103 Pakington Strand GEELONG WEST Tel: 03 5222 3594


THE NATIONAL

ARTICLE AND PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

CELTIC FESTIVAL The National Celtic Festival is set to shine amidst the sparkling Portarlington foreshore this June long weekend. Boasting crowds of over 15,000 and performances across 14 stages, the festival is the premier Celtic gathering in Australasia and is just a 90 minute drive from Melbourne, so it’s easy to see why it has become such a draw card for audiences, with its breadth of artistic talent, rich in culture.

National Celtic Festival attracts exciting and eclectic worldclass artists from across the country and the globe. This year’s line-up includes legends of the Irish music scene Altan (who will perform as part of their 30th anniversary tour) Scotland’s Paul McKenna Band, troubadours Hat Fitz and Cara, vibrant string three-piece Catherine Fraser Trio, banjo and flute pair Maggie Carty & Máirtín Staunton, multi-instrumental powerhouse Claymore, Señor Cabrales (who will take you to Scotland via Spain!), Irish-Australian star Damien Leith , folk singer-songwriter Colin Lillie, the Melbourne Scottish Fiddle Club and Adelaide Scottish Fiddle Club, young Geelong outfit AMBER, the Tim Scanlan Trio, trad-folk icons Trouble in the Kitchen, Ireland’s Brid Harper & Dermot Byrne and Scottishborn, Melbourne-based Scots singer Fiona Ross.


Community, comedy, dance, literature, spoken word, medieval sports and theatre troupes have also jumped on board the Bellarine bandwagon, with the likes of St Joseph’s College Celtic Group, the Victorian Irish Dance Academy and storyteller/comedian Eric Purdie poised to entertain the masses. Annual features of the festival include the official opening procession of pipers, drummers, dancers and fire pit smoking ceremony lead by Wadawurrung elder Uncle Bryon Powell. The gathering brings together the elements of fire, water, air, and earth significant in both, Indigenous and Celtic cultures and offers a cleansing of the mind, body and place. Interactive favourites of the festival include masterclasses and instrument workshops for Irish and Scottish fiddle, guitar, pipes of all sorts, Bodhran playing, singing, songwriting, storytelling, Celtic languages, traditional dancing and much more. The title Face of the Festival is awarded each year to a person that has taken on the spirit of the festival and gone out of their way to promote it. This person is like an ambassador for the festival and is chosen and announced by the festival at the end of the event. Entertainment for families and kids is guaranteed too, with activities including Ceili dance parties, concerts, workshops, storytelling and tours of fairy, goblin and leprechaun hideouts and Celtic martial arts.


8–11 June 2018 CONCERTS • THEATRE • STORY • MASTER CLASSES DANCE • SINGING PIPES & DRUM SESSIONS • ‘TRAD TALKS’ WORKSHOPS • CHOIRS • ARTS • MARKETS

The Festival takes place across a range of venues within the town, including halls and community spaces, the hotel, restaurants, cafes and churches. Marquees are also set up on the foreshore to provide additional venues; these include the Village Stage, Celtic Club, Wine Bar, and Celtic Markets. Visitors will be treated to The Folk Market which plays host to over 100 stalls and food vendors, bursting with fine food and fresh produce from a wide range of food trucks, along with delicious local wines, craft brews and spirits from Victoria’s bespoke distilleries. The atmosphere is otherworldly and the vibe exhilarating, with punters participating in anything from jousting tournaments and traditional Viking practices such as deer-hide curing to gorging on a buffet of Celtic delicacies. The National Celtic Festival caters for all age groups and for a diversity of cultural and family groups. It has become an annual event for families and friends to gather, offering time to relax and experience the depth of Celtic culture through the festival’s cultural diverse arts program.

BUSKING SESSIONS • PROCESSIONS & GATHERINGS

A Unique Folk Festival... Four days, across 14 venues, featuring 200+ artists, with over 100 performances, master classes & workshops... and so much more! Nestled into the cosy seaside town of Portarlington on the beautiful Bellarine Peninsula, Australia FIND US ON: Facebook • Twitter • Instagram

www.nationalcelticfestival.com 84 ONPAKO

The National Celtic Festival Portarlington, VIC

OOwww.nationalcelticfestival.com FFNational Celtic Festival II@nationalcelticfestival LL@CelticFestival


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Geelong Lutheran College

ARTICLE AND PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

Providing Opportunities For Outstanding Achievements In 2009, Geelong Lutheran College opened its doors to 57 students and in almost 10 years, has grown to educate close to 600 students in 2018. The College offers an education from Prep to Year 12 with a key focus on each stage of the students’ journey through primary, middle and senior years. Primary education offers a safe and supportive learning environment where the laying of strong foundations in literacy and numeracy play a key role in a student’s development. Students are supported through their progression from primary to middle school with a nurturing transition program that ensures students are well prepared for the next stage of their education journey. In senior school, student programs are tailored to suit the individual. Both VCE and VCAL are offered as senior pathway options, with the opportunity to undertake VET courses and School Based Apprenticeships within these programs.

stand, orchard, grape arbour and olive grove. Ongoing developments include the construction of a large gymnasium, drama studios and canteen. An enhancement to the technology wing will commence later in 2018. Programs at GLC provide opportunities for students to achieve their best spiritually, academically, emotionally, socially and physically and foster an environment where students have a passion to explore and engage with their world.

Geelong Lutheran College welcomes all students and their families to experience for themselves what a vibrant learning culture students can enjoy at the College.

Geelong Lutheran College has enjoyed a period of significant growth over the past decade; with the recent addition of a number of state-of-the-art facilities including a senior science building with a specialist focus on physics and chemistry. A large outdoor garden area will incorporate research-based farming and boasts 18 garden beds, sprawling plants, a berry

Geelong Lutheran College

2-38 Burvilles Road, Armstrong Creek

OOwww.glc.vic.edu.au MMadmin@glc.vic.edu.au

(03) 5264 1038 ONPAKO 87



AWESOME ACTIVITY AND EPIC DINING

ARTICLE AND PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

The Range @ Curlewis

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Enter The Range @ Curlewis and you’ll quickly discover a blockbuster experience of epic proportions for fun lovers and foodies. State-of-the-art military (literally!) technology for the golfing purist to test out their swing DNA, ball speed, smash and spin factor is just the beginning! Step into one of 18 indoor/outdoor driving bays and go for a goal or hit one of the targets popping from the expansive green frontier. A cool two tiered mini golf course is another key attraction here - enter spectacular and tackle rocks, logs, water and other hazards to find your form. Two XGolf simulators are also on hand to guarantee a futuristic challenge and fun on more than 80 of the world’s best courses. But that’s not all – 7 Day a week top hospitality is on offer here as well. Contemporary breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner – as well as snacks galore. Great coffee, fabulous cocktails, smoothies, lots of beers, wines and spirits too! Monday – Wednesday evenings are go for Happy Hour (6pm – 7pm) with all beverages half price (this goes down pretty well with the XGolf ‘Around the World Nearest the Pin’ Challenge between 6pm – 9pm. $5 for 5 Balls is your entry for this fun challenge – you get to play a different international course every night and, best of all, the Winner takes all!) 90 ONPAKO



The notion of true community facility and fun will be extended (big time!) in early June when great fitness classes commence (think yoga, group exercise, restorative health). Get excited for the 8 Week Challenge coming this way. . .

What are you waiting for?! Get your epic on! The Range @ Curlewis

1201 Portarlington Rd, Curlewis VIC 3222

VV(03) 5251 1111

OOwww.curlewisgolf.com.au 92 ONPAKO

MMhello@curlewisgolf.com.au FFCurlewis Golf Club II@curlewisgolf LL@curlewisgolflewisgolf


UNCLE VINCE ROSS

ARTICLE BY: AMANDA SHERRING PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

Narana Founder, Respected Elder and Storyteller

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In 1978 Uncle Vince Ross came to Geelong with the intention of a short visit. Forty years later and he’s still here, and his contributions to the region are felt throughout the wider community and across the other states. Founding the Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre in 1996, the centre originally opened in a small shopfront in Yarra Street, operating for a period of three and a half years prior to the purchase of the Surf Coast Highway property. A space for education, connection and opportunity, Uncle Vince wanted Narana to stand for something different. “Out at our centre we’re actually colour blind, we don’t see colour we see people,” Uncle Vince says of the Grovedale centre. “That’s the message that I’ve been speaking about for so many years; recognising the people, who they are, valuing these people but also being able to create this; working

together and reconciliation in action. Working together and sharing, and talking and creating – no matter what your colour or your creed.” The opportunity to create such a centre arose out of the creation of the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress by Uncle Charles Harris. The congress served as a chance for Indigenous people to be in control of the decisions concerning them. “Uncle Charles set up the organisation and he wanted to set up an organisation for Indigenous people to take charge of our own destiny,” says the proud Madi Madi and Wemba-Wemba man. “What can we develop, what can we do, this sort of holistic work with the people – physically, spiritually, mentally or whatever.” In more than 20 years of existence, Narana has welcomed all types through its doors, from tourists and student groups to those seeking employment. Uncle Vince himself experienced

Some Early Staff at Narana

Vince doing a demo on the art of boomerang throwing.

Early Construction of Narana

Narana – Today

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Narana for what felt like the first time again, when he returned to the centre last year after retiring in 2007. Narana now has a gallery, fully functioning café, gift shop, educational space and outdoor garden with native flora and fauna. “Things change and it’s evolving all the time,” he says. “For me personally to be able to believe that, ‘Yes we can do things’ and then to try and impart that [thought] and give that to other people. If you want to really have a go and do things, you really can do it.” This wisdom is something Uncle Vince has spent a lifetime sharing, after seven years working in community development for state and local government authorities. Working with some of the “toughest” people, Uncle Vince was seen as one of the most unorthodox community workers but his approach also made him the most effective. “A lot of stuff I threw over my shoulder and thought, ‘How do you like to be treated?’,” he says. “I got all sorts. I got the roughest clients and I loved it. It didn’t bother me because

Vince & Jimmy Little @ Geelong for Country Music & Art Festival

I’d sit down with them and respect them and say, ‘What’s happening and what you’re going through, we can fix things’. Part of my job is to journey with you and help you with things.” One of his favourite tools was simply to sit down, have a cuppa and a yarn. A saying you’d often hear from Uncle Vince when he walked through the door to the request of a cuppa was, “I’m dryer than a wooden cow”. Part of what sets Uncle Vince apart and what gives him his unique approach, isn’t just his penchant for tea, but his ability to relate to hardship. Growing up the son of a bridge-ganger, Uncle Vince moved around a lot as a child. He missed out on attending school regularly, as it was something that was decided as not worth it at the time. Much like many Aboriginal people, Uncle Vince’s family were also victims of the stolen generation. The tales through these years are both shocking and empowering, and ones that he is currently documenting for his soon-to-be-released book. “It’s

Recieving National Elders Award in Cairns for Naidoc 2006 ONPAKO 95


about my whole journey, my whole life story,” Uncle Vince says of the book that’s in its final stages. Uncle Vince hopes that by sharing his stories, people will be able to relate to what happened to him as a child and find common ground – Indigenous or otherwise. “I grew up in an alcoholic family and a busted family and was carted around in the countryside and all that. Many Aboriginal people can relate to that story but not just Aboriginal kids,” he says. “It’s a good story for anybody. It doesn’t matter if you’re black, white, blue or brindle, as we say. That story is where you come from, this rugged situation with everything against you in a sense, but you manage to go forward and not go back.” With someone always there to support him, whether it was aunties or uncles who may or may not have been blood relatives, they offered a place for solace if things turned tough. “I had good support. I look back and I’m glad that those people were there when I was coming through, because I wouldn’t be sitting here talking to you if they weren’t,” he says. As Uncle Vince says of his childhood now, it’s mostly “water under the bridge” and he’s instead putting his energy into the things he can change; like having his novel introduced to the school curriculum. He hopes his book joins the likes of Sally Morgan’s My Place, as there’s a real importance in recognising the stories of Australia’s true history. “You never stop learning, you never stop until they place you in that box,” he says. Realising that changing the paths of our youth is the way to impart change, Uncle Vince also acts as a mentor to several young people in Wathaurong country. “To be able to do that I think is quite rewarding and it’s quite challenging at times,” he says. With many calls to Canberra and requests for his expertise to assist in developing community projects, particularly in the Indigenous communities, Uncle Vince is sought after across the country.

“I’ll continue to be around. I’m a bit like salt and pepper – I’m in everything,” he jokes.

Narana Aboriginal Culture Centre

410 Surf Coast Highway, Grovedale, VIC, 3216 Mon – Fri: 9am – 5pm Saturday: 10am 4pm 96 ONPAKO

VV(03) 5241 5700

MMreception@narana.com.au II@narana_cultural_centre OOwww.narana.com.au FFnarana.com.au


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MAKING A SPLASH

ARTICLE BY: AMANDA SHERRING PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

IN MALAYSIA Geelong Aquatic Centre

Helping people learn to swim since opening in June of 1996, the Geelong Aquatic Centre in Newtown is now teaching this valuable life skill abroad with its first branch in Malaysia. Partnering with D Swim Academy, the centre in Kuala Lumpur opened its doors in September last year after considerable renovations at the National Aquatic Centre, and launched the ‘Baby & Me’ swimming program on 10 March of this year. A skill otherwise overlooked in the country, drowning is the second leading cause of death amongst children in Malaysia. 98 ONPAKO

This program developed by Debbie Gill, Geelong Aquatic Centre owner, teaches babies and parents basic safety and water skills in a fun and colourful environment. There’s no denying the need for the program abroad, and the program at this first centre is soon to be followed with the launching of a second. “We have been invited to take our program to Asia, and we’re hoping in the next two months to be also opening in Johor, Malaysia,” program director Debbie says. The centre in Johor on the Singapore/Malaysia border, which is currently under construction, is set to have a 22 metre by 14 metre pool and will


enable Debbie to reach a whole new audience in Malaysia. With more than 40 years in the aquatic industry and a background in teaching, Debbie is an award-winning Austswim presenter who has taken her knowledge across the state, country and internationally. Like many Australians, Debbie’s love for swimming came naturally as it was a part of her daily life. One of five children Debbie’s parents prioritised learning to swim as an essential part of their education. Her early introduction to water and her passion for education collided, and in 1996 with her husband Geoff, they opened the Geelong Aquatic Centre. They are both passionate about all children having the opportunity to learn to swim. Over the years Debbie has lost count of how many people she has helped in their learn to swim journey. Her most rewarding moment was when she began the SWORDFISH program which operates at the centre on Saturday afternoons for children with disabilities. The first classes were a resounding success, and after advertising in October, by January the class had grown to 45 students with 76 enrolled by the end of term. The class exceeded Debbie’s expectations and even grew to 130, proving the need for its existence in the first place. “It doesn’t matter if you’re nine months or 90 years, you need to be able to get back to safety. That’s our main emphasis in all of our classes,” Debbie says.

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“I run courses both in Australia and overseas teaching teachers how to teach children and adults to swim,” she says. “I’m one of few people qualified in Australia to teach all Austswim courses - general, infant, disability, competitive strokes and adults.” The same safety messages are applied, with an emphasis on learning how to understand the water for swimmers of all ages and abilities. One of the earliest messages children receive at the Geelong Aquatic Centre is how to respect the water and to enter and exit the water safely. Children are instructed to sit at the edge of the pool, and enter safely, allowing the chance to evaluate the water conditions and depth. It’s a culmination of these lessons that help shape children’s abilities to react to the unknown in real life. One such case happened recently when an 18-month-old fell into the river while running alongside the bank. Practising her skills learnt at GAC, she floated on her back to the edge of the river and held onto the reeds for safety until she was lifted out of the water. “[We put] that knowledge in their head through repetition of skills in a variety of activities and hope that instinctively they will make the right decision when they’re put into a stressful situation,” Debbie says. While it’s not a circumstance wished upon anyone, the pro-activeness of having your child undertake swimming lessons is what will give them the best chance to react.

“I believe in starting your children off early in swimming lessons, because the more familiar and confident they are in the water, the greater the chance they will make the decision to strive for safety,” Debbie says. “People always ask me, ‘How long will it take my children to learn how to swim?’, and my response is when your children can swim 200-400 metres without stopping, I would say they’re safer.” No one can guarantee that children will be safe in the water, unless parents are willing to constantly supervise in and around the water. With the expansion of GAC with its new partner DSA, Debbie and her team are working to improve the prospects of children’s lives in the water in Malaysia and beyond. Her staff will also have the opportunity to take part in a teacher exchange between the two countries ensuring the quality of the program. There’s no denying the impact the business has already had closer to home following their motto “Swimming lessons – a gift for life”.

Geelong Aquatic Centre

MMadmin@geelongaquatic

VV(03) 5222 5530 OOwww.geelongaquatic

FF@OfficialGeelong

3 Bridge St, Newtown

centre.com.au

centre.com.au

AquaticCentre

II@geelongaquaticcentre ONPAKO 101


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Fabulous Dining and Fun at Curlewis Clubhouse

ARTICLE AND PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

It’s not only about great golf at Curlewis Golf Club (although golfers will quickly add that the cherished ‘jewel’ of The Bellarine is a must play!) Once you calm your excitement about tackling the hallowed fairways of the fastest growing golf club in Australia (and its ongoing accolades for innovation and improved rankings), it’s worth checking out the myriad other options available. A top PGA Pro, great member cohort, a suite of Women’s Beginner Clinics, Junior Clinics, a dynamic Junior Development Program (complimentary for all Junior Members). GolfBoards (a cool fusion between a golf cart, snowboard and Segways) and FootGolf too, (a combination of two of the world’s most popular sports – soccer and golf – just a few things on offer at Curlewis Golf Club. Add to that the totally transformed clubhouse, delicious lunches 7 days and top Bistro dining on Friday and Saturday nights. The delicious Lunch Menu features a perfect fusion between ‘clubhouse classics’ (including steak sandwiches, lemon & dill battered fish, panko calamari and the best country bakerystyle sandwiches around) as well as delicious crisp pork belly salad, asian beef noodle salad and a Ploughmans to mention a few. Friday and Saturday nights the Bistro Menu shines with culinary choices including entrees of duck breast salad w.

asparagus, sweet potato and roasted cashews with raspberry vinaigrette or lemon and herb polenta crumbed sardine fillets with tomato and baby caper salsa. The Mains line-up includes a 280g porterhouse, forestiere potatoes, café de Paris butter and garden salad as well as a maple and soy marinated Atlantic salmon, soba noodle salad and wasabi butter. A dessert feature is the Summer berry Bombe Alaska, mango and passionfruit coulis. Look out for the quarterly Curlewis Clubhouse Soirees – always a fabulous night out with friends complete with three course meal and show. Coming up is the much anticipated NIGHT FEVER, Bee Gees Revival on Friday, June 1. Members price is $80, non-members just $85. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself turning into the Curlewis gates when you need a coffee and cake fix either. Head Chef, Tara Thyer’s reputation as a brilliant patissiere continues to see sweet tooths flock to Curlewis to enjoy the array of house made cakes, friands and slices with their barista-made coffee.

Golf, fun, wining, dining. One thing is certain – Curlewis has got you covered and you won’t be hungry! Curlewis Golf Club

1345 Portarlington Rd, Curlewis VIC 3222

VV(03) 5251 1111

OOwww.curlewisgolf.com.au

MMhello@curlewisgolf.com.au FFCurlewis Golf Club II@curlewisgolf LL@curlewisgolflewisgolf ONPAKO 103



ALT

SCLIFF

QUEEN AY FROM

URSD

VERY TH ERNATE E

s n i a r T h c Lun

TATIONS

DALE S S Y R D D AN


NEW HOME / NEW CAR / NEW OFFICE

FINISH IT WITH PROFESSIONAL WINDOW TINTING.

Tintmaster’s range of residential, vehicle and commercial window treatments includes solar control, energy efficiency, privacy, glare reduction, UV protection, safety and security, and decorative window films – all installed by experienced professionals.

FOR A FREE QUOTE & EXPERT ADVICE:

03 5221 8877 www.tintmaster.com.au 106 ONPAKO

WE’VE MOVED! Tintmaster is now located in Newtown, at 21 West Fyans St


TINTMASTER GEELONG

ARTICLE BY: TINTMASTER PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

SECURITY FILM

Window Security film is a very clear, high impact resistant laminate and when applied to your windows, it creates an invisible barrier that prevents criminals from entering your home or work place. The film has a strong and flexible elasticity to it that bonds extremely well to the window glass. This allows it to hold the glass firmly together inside its frame, even after it has been cracked or shattered from multiple strikes or blows being impacted against it. Although continuous forceful strikes made against the glass, the window film will eventually start to breakdown and the glass will separate from its frame. Even though the film will eventually fail, criminals will have no interest in taking the time to defeat it. They are not only deterred by the amount of time it takes to break through, but also the amount of noise it takes to gain entry to your premises.

ANTI-GRAFFITI FILM

Anti-Graffiti Film is a specially designed film, almost invisible once installed, providing a removable, sacrificial surface that can reduce or eliminate the need for expensive glass or other surface replacement. A single replacement of just one window can easily exceed ten or twenty times the cost of film installation. AntiGraffiti films are ideal for use on shopfronts where street crime is a problem. The film itself has many possible uses from glass walls of office buildings, to bus shelters or other valuable assets highly visible to the public. With glass surfaces such as bus windows and shopfronts becoming more frequently targeted by vandals, the need for antigraffiti window film is increasing and we have met this demand with this high performance film designed to prevent surface damage from vandalism such as scratches, texta and graffiti. One of the key ingredients in this type of protective coating is that for the majority of cases the vandals don’t even know the film is there and will not attempt to peel it off and scratch the underlying glass surface.

Tintmaster

21 West Fyans St, Newtown, VIC, 3220

VV5221 8877

OO MMsales@tintmaster.com.au www.tintmaster.com.au

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INTERIOR TRENDS

ARTICLE BY: AMANDA SHERRING PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

Lane Kellys

For Cherie and Richard of Lane Kellys, destination is key. The bespoke showroom was reborn nine months ago with a new adventure. Hidden amongst the tree lined streets of Geelong, this two storey Victorian townhouse was certain to not stand out. With the facade decaying and a dull brown, the interior reflected much the same and this grand Victorian lady was very neglected amongst Yarra Street. “We will never forget our first steps walking into this gem. Pinching ourself, this ugly duckling was soon to shine. We just looked at each other and said ‘Yes’,” Cherie says.

With Cherie and Richard’s combined strength of interior design, the building now stands proud on Yarra Street. Cherie, Richard and customers now know and love the grand beauty as ‘LK on Yarra’. “We are excited and proud to be a successful family business giving our city something unique,” she says. “From the last show room our customers felt excitingly overwhelmed when walking in, whereas here our staff can guide our customers to the endless possibilities for their window furnishings and offer a more personal experience.” After months of renovations, the space is now split into zones, ONPAKO 109


with each area showcasing different elements of Lane Kellys’ service. The new location also meant parking for customers can be done with ease – which never happens on Pakington Street. Each section of the store has been designed and dedicated to wallpaper, upholstery, fabric and a high-end design studio. “We want to make everyone see how much we love fabrics, colour, design, window furnishings, soft furnishings and textiles,” she says. “When it comes to quality window furnishings we have the best selection in Geelong.” From the outside, the white terrace building may be mistaken for a restaurant, as Cherie’s unique sign at the front door suggests of there being a menu. On closer inspection, the sign outlines the services of the business, with soft furnishings delivered as your entrée at Lane Kellys. Step inside and instead of being greeted by the aromas of a kitchen, the bold, vibrant and luxurious patterns and fabrics welcome you inside. Lane Kellys stocks Schumacher, Camengo, Clarence House and many more, with new additions straight from France designed by Misia. The collection of fabrics, woven leathers, Amazonian-inspired patterns and velvets are another luxurious addition to the business’ collection. “The fabrics are beautiful and something people would never see unless they came here,” she says of Misia’s fabrics. This exclusivity for fabrics isn’t uncommon at Lane Kellys, and many brands are quite selective in the stores they work with. Home to many unique brands for Geelong, the customer’s are right about Lane Kellys being a destination business. “We now have fabrics in our showroom that are 100% recycled from Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Versace, all their off runs,” she says. “They used to throw them in bins and now they send them to Spain and it’s mixed with plastics and they feel just incredible.” With fabric often sent from Europe, it’s also through the fabric houses where Cherie gets an insight to the trends making their way to Australia.

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PATTERNS, TEXTURE AND MOVEMENT As seen across the Schumacher range, bold almost regal patterns are scattered throughout the new collection. A further nod to royal styling is given with the blue colour palette of the fabrics and the comeback of embellishments. Interiors are taking a step away from safe choices, and once again are embracing bold patterns and reinforcing the notion that prints are art for the home. “Palms are coming back massively, the greens, the blues… the soft pink is amazing to work with the soft rose gold and the brass. Very soft whites are huge in the cafes overseas and some of the cafes in Melbourne are doing that now too,” she says. As part of the Tampa range with Camengo, these vibrant green palms can be seen used across two-seater couches, as curtains and in soft furnishings. The vibrancy of the pattern is often paired with a textured natural-tone. Much like with Camengo, these bold patterns are married with fabrics of heavy textures. Think viscose velvet, cotton jacquard and the return of boucle. All beautiful to look at and even more exquisite to touch. “People just don’t want plain they want to be able to experience their home and it gives them an endorphin of happiness,” she says. “And as a designer it’s about how you want to place it in the home for the client. When we design we don’t want to do what everyone else is doing, we like to put a spin on it. In the end they have to approve it, so it’s what they want. It’s quite a journey.”

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A NEW ERA FOR SURFACES Options for experimentation are increasing each year with a new approach to the way we look at surfaces. Linoleum has been reinvented, making it tougher, more durable and a real asset when redesigning your home. This new linoleum by Bench Top City has been used as coating for cabinetry, as a bench surface, flooring and for adding detail to various items in the home. “Kitchens in Europe are actually being made out of this. It’s tough, you can wipe it down, but you can have it as a desktop as well. This is a very hot trend,” she says. Adding flexibility to the trend of gold, brass, rose gold and copper details, laminates embracing these metallic details have been created to add a stylish finish to any space.

Wallpapers are becoming more realistic and are reinventing the concept of what art is in a room. Between the choice of laminates and wallpaper, there’s much more to renovating a home than simply a slick of paint. “There’s been a surge in wallpapers and they’re becoming more lifelike; more like a garden, more like a timber and more like leather,” she says. Brands like Designer Guild are at the forefront of wallpaper designs with bold florals straight from the garden to your living room. Cherie also invites customers to get clever with their use of wallpaper. By updating an existing piece of furniture or cabinetry with wallpaper it will instantly look like a new piece.

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THE IMPORTANCE OF WINDOW FURNISHINGS While updating cabinetry and light fittings may be done with ease thanks to the modern versions of wallpaper, Cherie can’t stress enough the importance in investing in good quality window furnishings. Made in house and with a plethora of fabric choices at your disposal, window furnishings play a surprising role in the impact of a room. “We make everything under our umbrella; we make our own tracks, and we warrant that and service it over the years, just like a car,” she says. “If it’s taken care of quite a long time, some customers have come in for years and have window furnishings that are over 15 years. Some are 20 and 25 years old.” Quality over quantity is an age-old phrase for a reason, and Cherie is happy to work within customer’s budgets to make that achievable for anyone. “We try and be as flexible as we can with out services,” she says.

All that’s left for you is to step inside the store and enjoy your first course of Lane Kellys. 114 ONPAKO

Lane Kellys

87 Yarra St, Geelong Monday by appt only; Tues – Fri: 10am – 5pm; Sat: 9:30am – 4pm

VV(03) 5221 1166

OO FF@lanekellysgeelong II@LKONYARRA

www.lanekellys.com.au


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