Mornington Life Summer 2011

S

ER

UMM

2011

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WHAT’S INSIDE

ARTS 34 to 38 DROMANA - a summer of change 39 to 45 OUR OFFSPRING 46 to 49 BALNARRING & FLINDERS 50 to 52 THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS 53 to 59

60 to 73 BEAUTY & WELLBEING 74 to 87 WOMEN OF WORTH 88 to 89 BUSINESS, TRAINING & FINANCE 90 to 91 FOOD•WINE•PICS•PRODUCE 92 to 124 HOME • GARDEN • DECOR 125 to 136

WHO

Publisher Lisa Walton Publisher’s Assistant Shae Holmes Sales Miriam Doe 0421 085 974 Design Natalie Smith, Yandell Walton Accounts Belinda Scott Journalists Kate Selth, Mel Marcello, Jennifer Webber, Jessica Taylor

Photographers Amber Gardener Natalie Smith, Molly Mitchell Peter Wrench, Scott Grimster, Drew Cooper, Peter Jupp, and Alexis Collier

Harba Mornington - From their contemporary Summer menu comes Crispy Skin Ocean Trout on Zucchini Fritter with Broccolini and Buerre Noisette, see pages 112-113 for more, Bella on Barkly dressed Alex in this sensational Sass & Bide dress, full description and more in Summer Fashion Life pages 60-73 (photo by Amber Gardener) Sea Anemone, stunning photo from the undersea wonders of Port Phillip Bay, see more from Scott Grimster on page 28.

Manyung Gallery Mt Eliza, Bird in the Clouds by Pete Groves, more on pages 36-37.

Autumn Issue out MARCH 7 Deadline strictly FEBRUARY 10

Welcome to the Summer 2011 edition of Mornington Life Magazine! To accommodate the amazing support from both our clients and readers, we have increased our circulation to a huge 39,000!

Mornington Life - the magazine of the moment - is once again brimming with enticing features, our Food, Wine & Social section will be the talk of the peninsula this season. Kids are well catered for in Our Offspring, the babies are adorable. This season’s Fashion could be our best yet, beautifully photographed by Amber Gardener, it is stylish and cutting edge. Summer is the time to focus on Home Garden Decor, from the back cover in you will find items and options ready to inspire you to transform your home.

Once again we have included many of the lovely villages our Peninsula has to offer. Fashion was photographed in the heart of Main St Mornington and Dromana has embraced the opportunity to showcase their Summer events and activities.

Balnarring and Flinders are also featured.

Plenty of great Summer reading has been included to engage our readers during a well earned Christmas break.

Big Bang Media is very excited to announce the launch of a new publication, ‘Pearl Magazine’.

This will be a monthly ‘street press’ style publication dedicated to Music, Festivals, Surf and Skate, along with Arts and Culture.

It’s set to explode onto the Peninsula on December 15th creating a presence like no other publication has done before!

We can’t wait to share it, you will find it available EVERYWHERE from Frankston to Hastings to Portsea. Look for the special stands.

Further details pearlmag.com.au. If you have an event in music or the arts this Summer call us now!

Mornington Life Magazine staff and contributors would like to wish all our readers a very happy, peaceful and safe Christmas. Please don’t forget to enjoy all our beautiful Peninsula has to offer, share it with your visiting friends and family!

OUR COVER WHEN

Feature writers Jennifer Webber,

WELCOME TO SUMMER

Please book early.

Ph: 5906 5771 or 9708 8222

lisa@morningtonlife.com.au sales@morningtonlife.com.au P.O. Box 3554, Mornington 3931

WHERE

Mornington LIFE the peninsula’s funky SQUARE magazine.

WARM CHRISTMAS WISHES FROM ALL AT BIG BANG MEDIA

Pictured are some of our fabulous team clockwise from left: Miriam Doe, Shae Holmes, Natalie Smith, Belinda Scott, Rae Coffey, Lisa Walton and Peter Jupp at our very own ‘long lunch’ at Verde recently. www.morningtonlife.com.au Next one will be our Christmas bash, so everyone should be there! ( 4 The peninsula’s funky SQUARE magazine www.morningtonlife.com.au fresh every season mornington life

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day, seven days a a week.

As well as that, Patrick is an all round decent guy that the Mornington Peninsula is lucky to have.

Patrick actually grew up in the leafy Melbourne suburb of Eltham but moved to the Peninsula in 2001 where he served as a policeman at Rosebud, Frankston and finally Mornington where he has been stationed since 2003.

Patrick says “policing has come a long way in the past two decades with technology breakthroughs in computers, operational equipment, electronic surveillance and DNA analysis resulting in many previously unsolved crimes being solved.”

He says “the way in which police are trained has also changed with members now having access to much greater and more sophisticated training tools and specialist courses.”

Likewise, since joining the Country Fire Authority as a volunteer in 1995 in Eltham and transferring to Mornington CFA in 2001, Patrick says technology too has meant firemen are better resourced and skilled at fighting fires.

Patrick says his decision to join the CFA was about “putting back a little into my local community and helping others”.

Sixteen years later Patrick says he is “still enjoying the challenge of the fire service” especially so because he’s now in a leadership role.

For most people, policing and fighting fires would keep them busy, but Patrick has made time to help the community in yet another way.

He is also involved with Emergency Medical Response, or EMR for short, which is run in conjunction with Ambulance Victoria.

When a person collapses in cardiac arrest, every minute counts. The Emergency Medical Response program is designed to strengthen early CPR and defibrillation and therefore save lives.

As Patrick explains, “during a medical emergency firefighters are dispatched at the same time as the closest emergency ambulance.”

He says firefighters are also trained to provide advanced first aid care, including oxygen resuscitation, CPR and defibrillation.

“When required, firefighters may also provide

THREE hats AND 3 cheers for Paddy

BY MEL MARCELLO In most communities there lies a hero amongst us.

Someone who is prepared to give, give some more and just keep on giving back to the community at large.

The Mornington Peninsula has one such hero who deserves to be knighted, applauded and worshipped by all of us.

This knight in shining armour is Patrick Hayes.

Patrick is a policeman, fireman and a member of the Emergency Medical Response team.

The 36-year-old is virtually switched on 24 hours a

( 6 The peninsula’s funky SQUARE magazine www.morningtonlife.com.au

assistance to ambulance paramedics”, he says.

Patrick says serving the Mornington Peninsula community “is a big part of my life”.

He confesses to having met “some wonderful people throughout my emergency service career and made friends for life.”

Patrick finds it difficult to describe the rewards of assisting others in the local community, preferring instead to call it “just my passion”.

He credits his parents, Pat and Margaret, with installing in him important values, such as respect for others and “a good work ethic”.

When he’s not working, Patrick likes to spend time with family and friends, including his girlfriend, Linda.

As for his favourite thing about the Mornington Peninsula, Patrick names “its beautiful beaches and the lively restaurants and cafes”.

He says the people of the Peninsula are fantastic and it’s not uncommon to walk down Main Street, Mornington and chat to several locals about a range of different topics.

“I’d have to say that’s probably what I love the most about living here”, he says. fresh every season

mornington life

Gallery director delivers unique & quirky Jane Alexander was ‘officially’ appointed as the Director of the Mornington Peninsula Regional Art Gallery at the beginning of 2010 but the truth is she was acting in the role for a good three years prior.

During the ‘acting’ phase Jane admits it was difficult to leave her imprint or lead the gallery in different directions given she was “really in a caretaker role”.

Now that she has full control, Jane’s primary focus is to “develop and deliver exhibitions that are unique and quirky”.

However, don’t expect anything too risqué. Jane, who was previously the Director at the commercially successful McClelland Gallery in Langwarrin, knows full well that the Mornington Peninsula audience is largely conservative and she’s not about to upset them.

She will continue to make sure that the gallery secures major exhibitions such as renowned Australian artist, Russell Drysdale and American pop artist, Roy Lichtenstein, which are scheduled for 2012.

Jane is also excited about an exhibition opening later this year that her team has put together entitled: ‘Sea of Dreams, The Lure of Port Phillip Bay 1830-1914’.

It will herald the start of a series of exhibitions that SUMMER 2011

look at the Bay over the years.

As for any other radical plans, Jane says “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”, but is quick to admit that there is “lots of scope where we can improve it”.

Referring to long mooted plans for the gallery’s development, she concedes “it would be nice if during my time something went beyond a modest makeover”.

Plans to redevelop the gallery rest with the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council which provides the bulk of the gallery’s funding along with Arts Victoria and Friends of the Gallery.

Jane says redevelopment of the gallery is desperately needed as “it’s hard to offer a range of programs within the constraints of the building”.

She says, by way of example, that it is difficult to have the gallery’s permanent collection on exhibition because of the lack of space.

In relation to her own plans for the future, Jane is reticent to elaborate.

“I haven’t thought that far ahead”, she says. “But I still have aspirations”, she adds.

So if she could choose her dream job, what would it be?

“The NGV (National Gallery of Victoria) job is up for grabs”, she says. “I’d take that if it was handed to me on a silver platter”, she adds with a wry grin.

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THINK YOU KNOW EVERYTHING . . . READ THIS!

by Jennifer Webber

Remember years ago, when large stores like supermarkets had to manually key in the amount of an item on a cash register – this was usually displayed in the form of a sticker or price tag.

Then came the barcode which not only ‘read’ the price of the product at the point of sale, but reordered the item including precise product details like size, colour, flavour etc.

Responsible pet owners have their animals microchipped, which is really only a different form of barcode.

Fast on the heels of the barcode came do-it-yourself checkouts which younger customers apparently embrace, but many older customers seem to prefer the smiling lady or gent at the register.

Old habits die hard, so is technology threatening to outrun us all? It’s true that every day, somewhere in the world, new technologies are launched that will change our lives forever.

For instance, if you are in small business and you already have a great website, or perhaps you are a savvy consumer, the new big thing is the QR code.

QR is short for Quick Response and they can be read quickly when scanned by a mobile phone.

Originating in Japan and first designed for the automotive industry, QR’s are a type of matrix barcode (or two-dimensional code) used to take a piece of information from a transitory media and put it in to your mobile phone.

The good news is QR Codes are supported by all major mobile phone operating systems including iPhone, Android and Blackberry, but you need to download a Quick Reader APP, free from iTunes.

The reason why they are more useful than a standard barcode is they can store and digitally present much more data, including URL links,

geographic coordinates and text.

QR Codes are now used in all forms of advertising and once scanned into your mobile, can give you details about a business, allowing users to search for nearby locations, allow you to click an URL link to see a trailer for a movie, or it may give you a coupon which can be used in a local outlet.

This is the new wave in advertising and connects customers directly with business and vice versa.

It is a simple way of bridging the gap between customers and business, even when the business isn’t open for trade.

Emma Vosti, otherwise known as Miss Eyelash (eyelash extension artist) and regular Mornington LIFE advertiser has been using a QR Code in her advertising for 12 months now.

Emma says, “When you are in business, you need to keep up with social trends and communication is the key. This technology is the future of advertising and I find the concept very exciting.”

( 8 The peninsula’s funky SQUARE magazine www.morningtonlife.com.au

QR codes are awesome; no matter how geeky that sounds it’s true. Just look at the recent and explosive 1200% increase in the use of QR codes in North America.

What makes QR codes really cool is the fact there is literally no end to how they can be used. It can be as creative as making and cooking a scannable and edible two dimensional waffle that leads to a specific URL, or as useful as appearing in campaign signs. It can even be used in architecture, as is being done in Dubai. Right now a hotel is being built, as an homage to the QR code. In Dubai, ‘project code unique’ is an entire hotel built into a QR code. The impressive picture below shows what this will look like when it’s finished. Unfortunately it’s not really clear what the purpose is behind this, but it appears it’s purely for design. Whether or not it can actually be scanned when it’s finished remains to be seen.

In Korea there are virtual supermarkets using QR Codes. Virtual displays have been placed in subway stations where shoppers can scan the QR codes of products, and the item is automatically added to their shopping cart. The online purchase is then delivered to their door.

Bracelets with individual QR codes are now available to simplify immediate exchange of personal information, perfect for singles looking to hook-up.

What next - perhaps tattoos?

Just imagine, within a year, readers may be able to scan the Mornington LIFE QR Code into their phones and read it at their leisure, plus take advantage of special offers from advertisers, via their codes.

Amazing! fresh every season

mornington life

The newly appointed President of the Mornington Chamber of Commerce, David Pedley, has a mammoth job ahead of him, but he doesn’t appear too phased by it.

In fact one gets the impression it would take a lot to ruffle Mr Pedley’s feathers. He’s cool, calm and collected and one senses it’s his rich life experience that has prepared David Pedley for anything that life might throw his way.

After migrating to Australia from the United Kingdom at 11 years of age, David served his formative years in the Latrobe Valley receiving his education at a Morwell State School and later Yallourn High School.

After finishing his schooling, he commenced a career in banking with the Bank of New South Wales before throwing it in to become involved with the filming of the movie, On The Beach, as a public relations assistant to actress, Ava Gardner’s manager.

When filming finished he returned to the Valley to take up work with the SEC at Yallourn.

A stint as an ambulance driver saw David travel extensively throughout Australia, including Alice Springs where he later became a road train

driver with Outback Transport.

He trained as a cook and a cocktail waiter at Hotel Darwin before returning to Victoria and the Latrobe Valley to operate a service station in Traralgon. While in Traralgon he owned and operated a security service and “private enquiry agency” as well as part-owning a restaurant and catering service.

Despite a busy working life, David found time to become involved with the local (Traralgon) Tennis, Racing and Lions Clubs.

In 1975, he left Australia to travel to Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia). He fell in love with the place, and also Karen, who later became his wife.

David ran a successful transport and trucking company and was involved in agriculture and the grains industry in the former Rhodesia, but when he and Karen made the decision to leave in 2001, they had to leave everything behind.

Arriving in Australia penniless, the couple quickly established a successful business in Splash of Red Hair & Beauty in Main Street, Mornington.

A member of the Mornington Yacht and Racing Clubs, David and Karen have two children, Shani – a personal

( 10 The peninsula’s funky SQUARE magazine www.morningtonlife.com.au

trainer and Ryan, a martial arts instructor.

David has been a member of the Chamber for the past ten years and says he was “thrilled” to be asked to fill the position of President.

So how does this man, with obvious experience in all walks of life, view Mornington’s future?

“I would like Mornington to be the heart of the Peninsula – a vibrant boutique seaside village with cosmopolitan flair, a place of choice for locals and a tourist destination for those visiting the Peninsula”, he says.

David says he’s excited about the next couple of years and optimistic about the future of Mornington.

However, he does concede that during his term of office “it would be great to see more harmony within the trading community whilst maintaining an edge of friendly competiveness”.

David says “co-operation between community groups, charity organisations and clubs is vital in having a strong vibrant society”.

“As a Chamber, we are motivated to refresh Main Street and develop a clear identity for the precinct”, he says.

David says attracting more people to Mornington “will benefit everyone”.

As a young man, David used to visit the Mornington Peninsula in the early 60’s and says he’s witnessed enormous changes over the years.

The new Chamber President names “the tranquillity of the harbour on a calm day and the bustle and vibrancy of Main Street” as his favourite things about Mornington.

David dislikes “the wanton vandalism that occurs at weekends after the closure of night clubs and the bingedrinking culture that permeates a certain class of society”.

“We will work with police and the Council to try and curb these unsavoury activities”, he warns.

Welcome aboard David Pedley and best of luck with raising the bar in Mornington during your Presidency.

COLOURFUL MAIN STREET COMES ALIVE FOR SUMMER There is nothing like Main Street Mornington in Summer… sunshine, friends, family, laughter, strolling, shopping, eating…definitely the place to be!

Come and visit Victoria’s longest running street market - the Main Street Market held every Wednesday - rain or shine! With a new logo and fresh new stalls, the Main Street Market has an undeniable Summer energy. Handmade, home grown and home baked never looked and tasted so good!

Visit www.morningtonchamber.com.au for further details.

The Annual Christmas Twilight Market will be held on Wednesday 21st December 5pm-8pm on Main Street Mornington. Shop, stroll and enjoy all the festive entertainment - Carol Singers, Children’s Face Painting, Stilt Walkers, Musicians, Christmas Fairies and Children’s Face Painting! It will also be the perfect opportunity to buy last minute Christmas presents with over 50 stalls to excite and delight, and late night shopping on Main St. Come to Main St for some Christmas festive fun!

Australia Day, 26th January 2012 is always celebrated in style in Mornington.

At 11am, enjoy the all day entertainment which includes a street parade, entertainment in Mornington Park and of course the genuine Main Street Mornington experience - discover the history of Mornington on the Mornington Historical Walk, relax and swim at Mothers Beach, shop and indulge! Enjoy!

Wishing you a wonderful Summer and Festive Season! Remember to check out our new website too at www.mainstreetmornington.com.au for updates and inspiration!

Melanie Sayers, Marketing and Promotions Manager Mornington Chamber of Commerce, Phone 5975 4522 fresh every season

mornington life

ON TARGET While archery has historically been used for hunting and combat, today it is more a recreational activity.

Bows and arrows have been present in Egyptian culture since its predynastic origins.

Classical civilizations, notably the Assyrians, Persians, Parthians, Indians, Koreans and Chinese, along with the Japanese and Turks, fielded a large number of archers in their armies.

Archery became highly developed in Asia but during warfare the introduction of firearms tended to render bows and arrows obsolete.

Toward the end of the 18th century archery became

popular amongst the English gentry.

It became popular with females because it allowed them to show off their feminine form while gently arching to pull the bow.

Here on the Mornington Peninsula, the romance of archery has been kept alive.

The Mornington Peninsula Bowmen’s Club was established 35 years ago and boasts about 50 members.

The Club meets every Sunday at its ‘clubhouse’ on 27 acres of natural bushland at Long Point Reserve, Cape Schanck.

Peter Dixon has been President of the MP Bowmen’s Club for about 15 years.

Peter became interested in archery at the age of 8 and confesses that the “traditional romance of it is appealing”.

He says “the pure fun of shooting a bow and watching an arrow fly” has lost none of its appeal after all these years.

Peter, who’s now in his 60’s, says he became interested in archery as a youngster through watching Robin Hood movies.

“My cousin also had a bow and once I got involved, I absolutely loved it and have been doing it ever since”, he says.

Peter says archery is an individual sport that offers a lot of enjoyment to those who take it up.

While he admits that it tends to be a male dominated sport, “lots of fathers and sons”, Peter says many couples join the group each Sunday along with a smattering of women.

Age, he says, is no barrier and family groups are encouraged to get involved.

The Cape Schanck range provides a safe environment for those wanting to learn the sport.

Participants can either shoot at a stationary target or move around the bush setting and aim at various

targets in the bush.

Peter says his members use a variety of bows.

While some favour the traditional English long bow, it’s not uncommon to see others using the European or Mongolian type bows.

The recurve bow, which is used in the Olympic Games, is a popular choice.

The Mornington Peninsula Bowmen’s Club recently hosted the State 3DAAA Titles.

There are about 30 to 40 archery clubs in Victoria, many of them based in the inner city.

The Mornington Peninsula Bowmen’s Club meets each Sunday from 10am to 12pm and new members are encouraged.

All equipment is provided for use at a cost of $15.

Appointments need to be made through Peter, who can also provide coaching. Phone 59 855 646.

Films on december 8 highlight human rights Two films about ‘home and housing’ will be featured in the Human Rights Film Night to be held in Mornington on December 8 in the Mornington Peninsula SC Chambers, Queen St Mornington.

There Once was an Island, a documentary by New Zealand film-maker Briar March, tells the story of the Indigenous people of Takuu, a tiny low-lying atoll in SW Pacific, who have an impossible decision to make. Water is rising, and as their land starts to disappear, their way of life is under threat. The film reveals the human face of climate change.

Ageing on the Edge is a short film about the stories SUMMER 2011

of older renters in Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula who have obtained secure housing with the assistance of the Victorian Housing for the Aged Action Group (HAAG). It provides us with an insight into the impact safe and affordable housing has had on the lives and the health of these older Australians. Ageing on the Edge will be introduced

by Councillor Tim Rodgers and local resident Allan Scott, whose story is told in the film.

Entry is by gold coin donation and places are limited. Please RSVP to Emma Glenn on 5950 1685 or email spcd.admin@mornpen.vic.gov.au Keep in touch with Mornington Life Magazine on Facebook

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MEN IN SILENT DISTRESS Renowned Mornington Peninsula based psychologist, Dr Elizabeth Celi, says men are often too embarrassed to speak up regarding domestic violence from their partners.

However, she says the problem is very real and it’s time to give men a voice.

“The damaging behaviour by female perpetrators is often underestimated and overlooked, leaving men in silent distress”, Dr Celi says.

“Where female victims were three to four decades ago in terms of the silent phenomena of domestic abuse and violence, that is where men are at in the 21st Century”, she said.

“There are so many myths and misconceptions about domestic abuse experienced by male victims at the hands of female perpetrators.”

“While there is no denying female victims also experience distress, this is no excuse to undermine the experience of male victims or ignore that fact that female perpetrators need to be accountable for their behaviour”, Dr Celi states.

As a guide to male victims of domestic violence, Dr Celi has written a book entitled ‘Breaking the Silence – A practical guide for male victims of domestic abuse’.

It’s her second book on men’s mental health and spells out how domestic abuse shows itself for men as victims and how females can be perpetrators of damaging psychological abuse.

“This is an important book for men experiencing domestic abuse and can also be a tool for women, family and friends of men in this situation, along with professionals seeking a new perspective”, Dr Celi says.

“I saw there were so many services for women and female victims but when I sought out other information for male clients experiencing abuse by their partners, there were little resources, so I wrote the book on it.”

With minimal services addressing the specific way that men experience domestic abuse and violence, the book is well overdue to help men rebuild their lives and raise social awareness.

For an opportunity to receive a post launch offer of Dr Celi’s book at a discount price plus a free bonus audio “Breaking the Silence – Our kids deserve to have a healthy dad”, subscribe at www.drceli.com.au This offer is only valid for 48 hours from Monday, December 12th.

Smart shoppers pick their wine on GraysOnline GraysOnline is Australia’s leading online wine auctioneer. We sell over 700,000 cases of wine a year direct to your door! There’s over 18 wine auctions closing everyday filled with everyone’s favourite labels. Hop on today and discover a wine bargain – only at GraysOnline.com.

( 12 The peninsula’s funky SQUARE magazine www.morningtonlife.com.au

fresh every season

mornington life

‘TIS THE SEASON TO CHECK

by Jennifer Webber

Two old diggers are using the urinal at their local RSL when a young bloke walks in, says ‘G’day’, sidles up beside them, pees and walks out again.

“Struth”, says one to the other, “if I had a flow like that I could save three hours a day!’

It is true that as men age, many will notice a decrease in the force of their urine flow and some will develop a ‘stop start’ pattern as well. In most cases, these symptoms will require no medical intervention.

ALL men who experience these symptoms, regardless of age, should visit their GP for a PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) blood test and ALL men over the age of 50 should have this test done every year.

Each year in Australia, close to 3,300 men die of prostate cancer - equal to the number of women who die from breast cancer annually and around 20,000 new cases are diagnosed every year.

Although prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Australian men and is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in men, a survey by the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia found that men felt less informed about this type of cancer, compared to women who felt more informed about breast cancer.

If there is a family history of prostate cancer, for example a man with a father or brother diagnosed with prostate cancer, a PSA test and Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) should be mandatory. The doctor inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to feel the prostate gland. This may detect hard lumps in the

HOW IS NORMA? From one in our facebook family.

I called my local hospital and asked the receptionist, “Is it possible to speak to someone who can tell me how a patient is doing?”

She said, “I can help you - what’s the name and room number of the patient?”

I said, “Norma Findlay, Room 302.”

The receptionist replied, “Let me put you on hold while I check with the nurse’s station for that room.”

SUMMER 2011

prostate before symptoms occur and is a painless procedure.

What is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is an abnormal growth of cells in the prostate that form a lump (tumour). In time, without treatment, it may spread to other organs, particularly the bones and lymph nodes, which can be life threatening.

Generally at the early and potentially curable stage, prostate cancer does not have obvious symptoms.

This makes it different from other benign prostate disorders, which may result in urinary symptoms.

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

In the early stages of prostate cancer, there may be no symptoms at all. As prostate cancer develops, symptoms can include the need to urinate frequently, particularly at night, sudden urges to urinate, difficulty in starting urine flow, a slow, interrupted flow and dribbling afterwards, pain during urination or blood in the urine or semen.

It is important to note that these symptoms are not always signs of prostate cancer. They can also be symptoms of other common and nonlife threatening prostate disorders. Men who experience these symptoms should see their doctor immediately, to determine the cause and best treatment.

The Bays Hospital offers the Brachytherapy procedure run in conjunction with the William Buckland Centre, which is unique in a nonmetropolitan setting. Brachytherapy is a revolutionary treatment of prostate cancer via the implantation of radioactive seeds into the prostate gland.

For further information about prostate cancer: Talk to your doctor, or contact the PCFA by phoning toll free, 1800 22 00 99 or visit www.prostate.org.au After a few minutes, the receptionist returned to the phone and said, “I have good news. Her nurse just told me that Norma is doing well. Her blood pressure is fine; her blood tests just came back normal, and her doctor, Dr. Cohen, has scheduled her to be discharged tomorrow.”

I said, “Thank you so much, that’s wonderful news. I have been so worried.”

She replied, “Not a problem. Is Norma your friend?”

I said, “No, I’m Norma Findlay in Room 302. No one tells me anything around here!”

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In a quiet court, among Mornington’s bigger blocks - John Leggo has a shed that would be the envy of many-a-man.

“The one car up on the hoist is (wife) Raelene’s Mercedes, but when we get rid of that, the other nine are all Fords,” said John from the atrium that leads to his mega-den.

The shed is a perfectly polished three room construction that begins with a ballroom-sized playroom, themed with a huge nod to the 50’s rock & roll. Chockers with memorabilia and decked out with drive-in diner style cubicles, a classic jukebox, a parquetry dance floor and 100’s of dust-free model cars.

“I’ve bought all my own cars. The first was a mushroom coloured 1960 Ford XK Falcon sedan, the first model they made in Australia. At the time Ford also released the XY Falcon GT – the purple Phantom – I re-painted it that colour, and put a five-speed gearbox in it.”

“My main interest in Hot Rodding probably started about 27 years ago. Having two young boys, Ryan and Damien, I bought three farm-wrecks - 1955 F100s - we spent most nights and weekends working at getting one from three. Any spare time, which is very little when you run your own business.”

“We turned it into a nice ride. I cut the roof off, so that it became a roadster convertible. I think it’s still the only one in Australia. That’s one of my favourite memories of cars. My youngest son’s got it now and (hopefully) he will pass it down to the next generation. One of the children, boys or girls, it doesn’t matter – they are all Hot Rodders at heart.”

His long string of loved machines includes the XW GT which is currently being re-built; an unrestored 1917 Model T is in the pipeline and will create a

focal point when parked at the retro service station themed area along the side of the shed.

“The history is very important to me.”

Today, John is still recovering from a bad injury inflicted a few years back. He can now hardly drive and walks with the aid of a cane. The cars provide good therapy.

The doorway from the 50’s cafe leads to a space from scores of decades prior – a cosy Colonial ‘saloon lounge’ filled with genuine artefacts from more than a century back. A doorway from the lounge leads on - to the end of the shed - a five-car garage and workshop, housing a ‘34 coupe, among

other gems.

In years past, John and Raelene have organised the booked-out Let’s Go Cruisin’ Hot Rod event at Dromana Drive-In theatre. A big job, the last one raising $18,000 for various children’s charities.

The enthusiast’s health however played against tackling another one, and with the Let’s Go Cruisin’ Association not willing to take on the event - it was cancelled.

As time passed, John and Raelene discussed possibilities with The Variety Club and a new event has been created. “The new event will be a Shannons Insurance, Variety Club and Bendigo Bank Extravaganza, with all tickets available through the Variety Club website. With this now happening the event and charities will prosper,” John said with delight.

So, the 7th drive-in auto spectacular will take place next year on Saturday, February 25 - with The Variety Club handling the logistics and a string of children’s charities benefitting from a cash handover on the day.

“We have come up with a fantastic event, Raelene and I have spent a lot of time putting it together and it will now get better and stronger.”

“Foxtel and the car magazines will do specials on it and the fun will include live bands, fireworks and movies on three screens. It’s up and running and we can step back.”

And in a couple of weeks, John can go to hospital for a major service.

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“Dogs need to be raised to be independent,” Erin said. “That’s why you had so much trouble with Bundy after Molly was no longer around; he was anxious about being alone, having never been taught.

“All breeds are capable of being trained; however, some are predisposed to certain behaviours and those behaviours are easier to train in that

By Jennifer Webber particular breed.”

We had to put our dog, Molly, to sleep a couple of Sit Happens is a behavioural dog training business months ago. She had been part of our family for that uses and promotes positive and motivational almost 14 years. training methods.

It was sad enough for my husband and our five “We do not correct or punish dogs. We work on children, but our remaining dog, Bundy, was bereft. acknowledging good behaviours with life benefits She refused food and spent her days curled up in a such as food, games or attention in order for the ball. Her weight loss was becoming alarming. behaviours to be voluntarily repeated by your dog.”

As we were so happy with Bundy’s temperament While you can teach an old dog new tricks, the and gentle nature we looked for a similar breed and owner first needs to be taught how to train the dog. found a litter of Murray River curly coated retrievers Erin’s passion is helping dog owners and their pets for sale in Sale. develop a strong and trusting bond, particularly The best trait of the MRCCR is their lack of hostility those “special needs” pets who suffer from anxiety to other animals, even cats, and their natural related disorders. With this in mind, Erin offers obedience makes them easy to train. private consultations and group classes for all ages and breeds.

We picked up our little pup, Maya, six weeks ago, and she settled into our household routine with a Erin and her husband, Damien, have now extended minimum of fuss. Bundy was enthralled. What began their business to include Doggy Day Care, a calm as quizzical amusement on her part has become and peaceful environment on 1.2ha in Mornington friendship as Maya grows and develops into part of for your pet to spend an enriching day while you Bundy’s pack – our household! are busy with your daily commitments. Dogs are not left to socialise on their own, but are encouraged Training is a vital part of dog ownership, and with to be involved in activities such as fetch, paddling house-training out of the way I sought the advice in the paddling pool, tugging on the bungee and of Erin Edgar, a behavioural dog trainer at Sit using the agility equipment. And naturally there is Happens. always access to the toy box with plenty of things Erin earned her Certificate IV in Behavioural to squeak, chew and destroy!

Dog Training and is a member of DPDTA (Delta For further information, visit www.sithappens.com.

Professional Dog Trainers Association) and APDT au or call Erin and Damien on 5976 8859.

(Australian Pet Dog Trainers Association).

A DOGS LIFE

Enter the Weedy Sea Dragon The Weedy Sea Dragon is the only boat tour of its kind in Port Phillip Bay and is located on the southern Peninsula, which is home to a diverse number of marine plants and animals.

The habitats these species are found in are unique, some of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world, yet they are right in our own backyard.

So what better way to see these interesting marine communities than with the ease of a glass bottom boat tour? Tour sites are dependent on weather conditions in order to ensure that visibility under the water is at an all time high, while you are sitting dry.

Four large windows are your gateways to the underwater world; knowledgeable local crew members and a marine conservationist will be on board to answer any questions you may have.

All tours can be run throughout the day and into the early evening so don’t hesitate to add it into a free weekend or your school curriculum. And with summer holidays coming up, this would be a wonderful opportunity for families to spend some time together and learn a bit more about our environment.

Call 0417 591 434, web: theweedyseadragon.com.au

‘Start Barking up the Right Tree’ Positive and Motivational Dog Training

Doggy Daycare

• Tranquil 3 acres in Mornington 7am-6pm Limited bookings with lots of fun and attention

Present the ad upon enquiry and receive a discount on Doggy Daycare for Jan & Feb 2012 (Conditions will apply)

220 Bungower Rd, Mornington Ph: 5976 8859

M: 0410 474 202

www.sithappens.com.au

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Interview Andrea Ebsworth

Mornington Peninsula Shire Cultural Planner, Libraries, Arts & Culture

CLEAR VISION TO BE THE BEST

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SUMMER 2011

As the dust settles on the Arts Alive Fest – what was the stand out event?

It’s difficult to say what a stand-out event was as each had particular audiences they were appealing to and were as distinct as the community that presented them.

The Survey of Contemporary Craft, held at Oak Hill Gallery showcased the rich variety of craft being produced. The Peninsula Studio Trail’s artists’ open studio weekend, the mini exhibition in the Peninsula Community Theatre foyer and the photographs of the artist’s studios at the MPRG were all memorable.

The ‘Live@’ music program presented a rich array of music genres including classical, popular, jazz and original songwriters and choristers held in Mornington, Sorrento and Balnarring. Theatre groups presented a successful musical theatre trivia night, impro workshops held at the Southern Peninsula Art Centre and an inaugural Peninsula Short Film Festival in Rosebud.

The Shire’s Library Service Books & Writing program offered the chance to discuss and share ideas about what inspires writers in their solitary pursuits.

Of particular interest to me was the ‘arts alive 2011’ stage.

This gave me the chance to build an improved ‘facade’ for the Shire’s portable stage which will enable communities to present local and visiting musical talent in an innovative and creative way.

What will be built on and improved in 2012?

Building upon the ‘arts and cultural spring festival season’

concept, as a collaborative promotional opportunity, to showcase and celebrate our distinctive and unique communities.

What upcoming events and activities are you looking forward to?

The Peninsula Summer Music Festival (classical, chamber and jazz) scheduled for January.

A place for the improved stage in the Australia Day and Westernport Festival celebrations is also heartening.

The Arts & Culture Strategy will be available for the community to respond to in early 2012.

How is the artsblog going? Has there been a ‘hit spike’ during the Arts Alive fest?

No, but the spike in events and activities resulted in more than 100 arts and cultural events, promoted under the banner of the ‘arts alive 2011’ festival from September 24-November 26.

The artsblog has been a positive incentive to get the myriad of arts activity and news going on.

Have you any new message for peninsula artistes?

I think festivals are about

reaching all who have an interest in the celebration of place and the arts adds much to this. There is enormous latent creativity and talent across the peninsula. It is a privilege to be creating conduits for audiences to find and support the arts.

Become an artsblog subscriber at artsonthepeninsula. wordpress.com - take an active part watching or joining-in and enjoying the diversity of culture. Familiarise yourself with the arts wall and view the foyer exhibition spaces at Mornington Library. Visit our esteemed Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery and continue to make, perform, dance, play, draw, paint, sculpt, bike ride and acknowledge yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Get to know your local Councillor and outline what it is your community needs in terms of arts and culture.

Most of all share the fun and excitement and get around and enjoy what other communities are doing. It is an exciting time watching the profile of the arts growing, collaborating and promoting the breadth and richness of what is on offer.

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You never have to be concerned about how good the coffee is when you visit Nicholas Lynch Real Estate in Main Street, Mornington.

The agency is situated above Boyz 4 Breakie, an enviable position and a certainty that you’ll also be able to get a decent latte.

Nicholas Lynch launched his real estate agency in 2011, but his association with the trade can be traced back to 1985, when he began his career in property on the Mornington Peninsula.

Starting as a cadet, Nicholas worked his way through the ranks with a list of top notch real estate firms.

His proven success in the field led to him being head hunted as a trainer for a major real estate company in the mid 90’s.

Since the late 90’s, Nicholas has had two successful businesses that he sold out of.

He worked for a period as a freelance training consultant for the real estate industry before realising that his passion lies with being in the field.

Nicholas says he “loves listing and selling real estate”.

“Giving premium service and achieving the best sale price for the vendor is what I enjoy”, he says.

Nicholas says with all his experience, combined with technology, his is really “a blueprint model business”.

“I had a blank canvas and was able to create what I wanted”, he says.

Nicholas says the results he’s getting for his vendors has created word of mouth referrals.

Another unique aspect of Nicholas Lynch Real Estate is that they only focus on rural and residential property sales.

The company isn’t taking on commercial or industrial properties, nor is it entertaining property management.

Nicholas says he has no intention of multiplying his office, but remains content to create the Mornington business as a “mega office”.

He says transparency and integrity are a necessity in the real estate world and his firm will focus on delivering results based on “good core values”.

“I think if you’re going to have a business and be a market leader, you need to have core values”, he says emphatically.

“Without those, you go backwards”, he adds.

Nicholas Lynch Real Estate’s primary focus for property sales extends from Olivers Hill to Mount Martha.

Enjoying results driven success

profile Nicholas Lynch Real Estate

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The girls in Bhutan as they set out to hike to Tiger’s Nest

tRek they will never forget

When 17 Australian schoolgirls flew into the Kingdom of Bhutan for a trekking expedition in September, they had no idea of some of the experiences that lay ahead of them.

On the second night of their stay in Paro, the girls screamed in fright when an earthquake shook the resort in which they were staying.

“I’ll never forget it”, says 15-year-old Abbie Kanagarajah.

The girls aged, 15, 16 & 17 from Somerville House Girls School in the Queensland capital, Brisbane, had to apply in writing to be considered for the two week program, which included a five day trek through the Himalayas from Paro to the capital, Thimphu.

The trek was all part of the Australian Cervical Cancer Foundation’s Real Life Challenge program.

Mornington Peninsula schools are encouraged to get involved in the program.

CEO, Joe Tooma, explains that ACCF’s Real Life Challenge “is designed to engage female leaders of the future by making a real difference in the world”.

“It’s all about giving them skills to set and achieve their goals”, he says.

The Queensland girls also helped raise awareness about cervical cancer and ACCF’s vaccination program against human papilloma virus infection (HPV) HPV infection is a well established cause of cervical cancer and there’s growing evidence that it plays a

role in other cancers.

The World Health Organisation estimates HPV is responsible for 99% of all cervical cancers.

Each year cervical cancer kills about 300,000 women worldwide and tragically 80% of those affected live in developing countries.

While girls in Australia are vaccinated against the virus through a government funded program, those in developing countries are less fortunate.

The ACCF is beginning to make inroads in convincing the governments of such countries of the importance of screening its young women for cervical cancer and vaccinating them.

Mr Tooma says “if cervical cancer is found early during the screening process, then it’s far easier to treat than if it progresses to advanced cancer.”

“Often there are no symptoms in the early stages, so the screening program is important”, he says.

“There are many women who die in Bhutan and they’re probably unaware of what caused the deaths”, he adds.

Bhutan has taken notice and has become the first developing nation to have a national vaccination program for cervical cancer.

Bhutan’s Ministry of Health has committed to a sixyear vaccination plan, which is now in its second year.

“We did a pilot program in Bhutan in 2009 and as a result of its success the national program commenced in May 2010”, says Mr Tooma.

( 22 The peninsula’s funky SQUARE magazine www.morningtonlife.com.au

Since then more than 53,000 girls, aged from 12 to 18 years have been vaccinated.

The Australian school girls were also involved in personally delivering vaccines to schools where girls like themselves were vaccinated against HPV. Kate Crombie, a year 11 student at Somerville House says: “We have privileged lives and with that privilege comes a responsibility to give back.”

Prior to leaving Australia the girls had conducted a number of fundraising drives.

Through their efforts, the girls managed to raise about 12-thousand dollars toward the project which Mr Tooma says enabled ACCF to vaccinate a further 500-600 Bhutanese girls as a result.

“It really was an amazing experience for the girls, they came back changed people, and saw things that few westerners get to see”, says Mr Tooma.

“They survived an earthquake, met the Royal Grandmother and shared experiences with school girls their own age from a different culture”, he said.

To learn more about the Real Life Challenge program or other programs that ACCF runs for schools to create awareness about cervical cancer and prevention, email info@accf.org.au or visit www. accf.org.au • Written by long time Mornington Peninsula resident, Melinda Ogden, a journalist/ photographer who travelled to Bhutan with the Australian Cervical Cancer Foundation. fresh every season

mornington life

Mornington Peninsula is the location chosen for Retirement Communities Australia’s (RCA) newest village. RCA, who were recently awarded at the annual HIA Vic Awards, the only retirement village operator to be selected as finalists.

“We know that a retirement village community is more than bricks and mortar, but we believe that excellence starts with the fundamentals, and the quality and liveability of our villas is an essential part of making people feel at home.

Our company executives have developed and operated more than 20 retirement villages over 35 years, and that experience and understanding of what people are looking for has contributed to our success. ” says RCA Managing Director, Andrew Philip.

Recently, Mornington Mayor, Graeme Pittock turned the first sod to mark the commencement of Beleura Village, which was followed by a reception held at Mornington Race Course. The event celebrated the commencement of works on the Peninsula’s newest retirement village, which is now under construction.

“Full access to the site is currently being developed, so we had Cr Pittock turn

You’ll be in your element…

the sod while we filmed the event and then showed it later in the morning tea reception. That way, all our guests were spared climbing over fences and standing in the paddock!” said Mr Philip.

Beleura Village will be surrounded by landscaped gardens and walking tracks and is designed to provide resort style amenities for residents. The Club House, will have a commercial kitchen, computer room and library, a bar, lounge and dining rooms as well as a range of leisure and pampering spaces. In addition to a competition bowling green, residents will enjoy the use of an outdoor BBQ area indoor pool, gymnasium, and spa. A beauty salon and consulting rooms for visiting health practitioners will complete the comprehensive facilities that feature in Beleura Village’s contemporary and stylish setting.

The village will have 185 villas upon completion. Construction will take place over 8 stages, with 26 villas included in the first stage. “There has been a high level of interest and we are really excited about the fantastic response we have already received. Our new community will start to take shape over the coming months. The display villas will be completed by April 2012 and the first residents will move in mid-way through next year - so there is plenty to celebrate today!” said Mr Philip.

“Beleura Village Mornington has an enviable location. Residents will be close to a choice of shops, beaches, golf courses, and an excellent range of medical services nearby. The CBD is 50 minutes away and travel time will be shorter when the Frankston Bypass opens. Our proximity to all the fabulous wineries and day trip locations is an added bonus.”

“We are all very excited about the commencement of works on Beleura Village.

On a personal note, I have been holidaying in the area all of my life and this part of Victoria is really heaven on earth. We are sure that many of the residents will come from the surrounding area, but we have had many enquiries from people who are looking for a sea change retirement as well.”

TO REGISTER YOUR INTEREST, CALL:

1800 633 126 107 Bungower Road, Mornington VIC 3931 www.beleuravillage.com.au

SUMMER 2011

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A FASCINATION FOR THE EXOTIC Passion for animals leads Colin Trott to volunteer in Africa Mt Eliza vet, Colin Trott, knew by the age of twelve what he wanted to do with his life.

Inspired by Gerald Durrell, who founded the Wildlife Conservation Trust, Colin developed a fascination for exotic animals as a kid and initially thought he’d like to work in a zoo.

“By my early teens I knew that I wanted to be a vet”, he now says.

Colin says “it was a passion for animals” that guided him toward the profession he has been involved in for just on a decade.

Working on and off at Peninsula Animal Hospital for several years now, Colin has expanded his veterinary skills to include complex surgical procedures.

After a stint in Melbourne doing some surgical training at a specialised referral centre, Colin decided to take a year’s sabbatical from general practice essentially to do charity work.

He visited Indonesia where he helped an American woman, who had established the Bali Animal Welfare Association.

“She had been campaigning for years about the welfare of Bali’s street dogs and I was involved in giving advice to her about a rabies vaccination program”, Colin says.

In Indonesia, the government’s solution to the rabies problem was, like many Asian countries, to cull the dogs.

“I was initially flown to Bali to operate on one of the rescue dogs as no-one else knew the procedure”, Colin explains.

From there he got involved with the Association as a “hands on” vet.

Colin also became involved in instructing Bali’s vets in how to carry out complex surgical procedures.

“They don’t really have surgical skills”, he says, “fractures are usually dealt with by amputations”.

Colin continued his travels and found himself in Africa. An invitation from Mornington man, Damien Mander, who in 2010 founded the International Anti Poaching Foundation, led him to Zimbabwe.

“Damien is a friend of mine and he asked me if I wanted to be involved in the IAPF and I jumped at the chance”, Colin says. (He is now on the IAPF Board).

Damien had sold a number of his properties to establish the IAPF and Colin was inspired by what he had done.

SUMMER 2011

In Zimbabwe, Colin says “we were constantly finding animals that had been snared or shot by poachers”.

He helped remove snares from a variety animals caught in them, including rhinos, antelopes, zebras and lions.

“The wounds the snares create can be horrible”, Colin says. “There are not many vets there and without wildlife tourism, Zimbabwe would have nothing.

It’s ironic that wildlife tourism is their main economic driver, yet they have few vets”.

With the nearest veterinary clinic about five hours away in Botswana or Zambia, Colin says “there is no dedicated treatment or rehabilitation facility for injured animals in Zimbabwe.

Because of their destitute economy, Colin says “poaching is rife” with rhino horns or animals tusks being the main targets.

“They also poach to eat. The locals will kill just about anything to feed their families”, he says.

“We were constantly finding evidence of illegal entry to the parks”.

A former Australian military commander, who spent nine years in Iraq, Damien’s work has involved training African rangers in an effort to combat poaching.

The rangers past attempts at controlling the poachers had been haphazard and ineffective.

Colin says after three years in Zimbabwe, Damien is now starting to make some inroads in getting the Zimbabwe government, rangers, parks groups and established wildlife conservation groups on “the same page”.

The organisation has just been granted a major Zimbawean game reserve (Chizarira) to manage and further develop their training programs.

“We’re slowly receiving donations of veterinary equipment and gear which will enable us to do more advanced treatments”, Colin says.

The Mt Eliza vet is also working on establishing an international volunteer vet program.

Colin says his work in Zimbabwe has reignited his interest in veterinary science.

“I knew nothing at all about treating these large animals but being able to help an injured lion gave me an real buzz”, he says.

IAPF is expanding but is reliant on donations or corporate funding to carry out its work in Africa.

“We’re still searching for a good corporate sponsor”, Colin says.

Those wishing to help the IAPF in any capacity can contact Colin at Peninsula Animal Hospital in Mt Eliza.

RAW for Africa raises funds for IAPF through THEIR annual concert. MARCH 18, 2012 Raw 2012 will be on Sunday March 18 at Morning Star Estate, Mt Eliza.

The focus will be on a family friendly event.

An action packed day full of entertainment and interactive educational experiences is planned.

Enjoy bands including Fireballs & Mat McHugh (The Beautiful Girls), Jeff Lang, drumming groups, roaming entertainers, hands on animal experiences, face painting, rides, games, educational talks and much more. Raw will be a licensed event with alcohol free areas where children’s entertainment will be. For further details check www.raw.org.au

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CHUKKA UP,

Our year is ending and I’m sure many of you are like me in thinking time is just flying by.

But when I look back over 2011, I do see a busy year of great community participation and lots of good things.

Our 150th celebrations went very well, due to all the people involved. We had a good committee from the start and many others joined us along the way. I think in the end we had something for everyone. Having lots of kids involved was a highlight for me. I hope they all remember their township’s celebrations. I doubt very much I’ll be around for the 200th but I’m sure it will be in good hands Over many years I have had the opportunity to see so many marvellous groups and projects in and around opposing team’s goal posts.

Mornington. So, it hasn’t come as a great surprise to me that we are the overall 2011 winner of the Anyway who can ride a horse can play polocrosse Victorian Tidy towns - Sustainable Communities Award. which improves riding skills.

This achievement is a reflection of the hard work and Each team has six players who play 3-4 alternate dedication of a number of community groups and chukkas of six minutes or eight minutes. A match initiatives including the Schools Environment Week, usually comprises six or eight chukkas. the Mornington Community Garden and St Macartan’s Players can pick up the ball from the ground, catch Primary School. We will have the state awards here in it in their racquet, and ride with it. They can throw Mornington next year. At the moment I’m gathering it to other players but cannot carry the ball over up a lot of material about our town to promote it in the penalty line. the national competition. It’s wonderful to see our community recognised for the great work that it is The rules of the game dictate a player cannot doing. The Mornington and District Historical Society carry the ball over the penalty line but must has played a vital role this year in telling us all bounce it first so he/she doesn’t have possession about our history and our local papers (including this of it while actually crossing the line. magazine) have contributed some terrific articles and Michael Galvin says members play the game stories. “religiously every Sunday” in the lead up to the There is still a lot to be worked on in Mornington but start of the Polocrosse season in Victoria , which at the end of the year let’s take time to see what we usually begins in mid-January and runs until May. have and celebrate it.

“We’re a very competitive club, but it’s not all We have community and service groups that assist in about that, it’s about enjoying yourself”, Michael the health and well says. being of all ages.

Moorooduc Polocrosse competes against 30-40 We have wonderful other teams throughout Victoria, namely Sale, volunteers and a Ballarat, Corio and the Goulburn Valley once the friendly township. And season begins. there is always the “We usually pack up our horses on a Friday night bay and the beautiful and head off and don’t come back until Sunday beaches (some of the night”, Michael says. best in the world) to “Each weekend you can win a trophy”, he says with enjoy. And so much more . . . a glint in his eye.

I hope you all enjoy On the 29th of January Moorooduc Polocrosse will the holiday season and host a state tournament over two days at its club I wish you a safe and ground. happy New Year Michael says new members are always welcome.

Cheers, Bev. For enquiries phone 5983 8963.

IT’S POLOCROSSE SEASON If you’re looking for a different sport with an edge, then why not try Polocrosse.

While you will require some skills on a horse in order to play this sport, it’s never too late to learn.

Moorooduc Polocrosse Club meets each Sunday morning at its sprawling grounds on the corner of Mornington-Tyabb Road and Derril Road.

The club was founded back in the 1980’s. Michael Galvin, who was one of the founding members, is currently President of the Club.

Michael says when the club started it had about five members. Today the club boasts more than 60 members on the books but the number keeps growing each year as more people realise what a challenging and rewarding sport it is.

“Polocrosse still has a stigma that we’re horse killing cowboys”, says Michael, but nothing could be further from the truth.

“The welfare of the horses is paramount”, club secretary, Marlene Voigt, says.

Marlene says polocrosse is a great sport for the family to do together.

“Men, women ranging in age from six to sixty-six participate”, she says.

Polocrosse was invented in Australia before the Second World War and is now a team sport played all over the world.

Recently the World Cup in England was held with South Africa taking the honours, beating Australia for the first time in the Cup’s three year history.

Polocrosse is best described as a combination of polo and lacrosse.

Each rider carries a racquet with a net attached in which to carry the ball. The objective of the game is to score goals by throwing the ball between the

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NEVER LOST SIGHT OF HER AMBITIONS AND DREAMS For 20-year-old Mount Eliza resident, Alexandra Nation, being selected as a Victorian finalist in Miss Tourism Australia was a massive achievement.

Just eleven months earlier, Alexandra had given birth to a healthy baby boy, Elijah, and on a day she won’t easily forget, 11th of November, 2011, married the father of her baby, Joel Porter.

Some would say it’s been an incredible year for the former Mt Eliza High School student, but with a mature disposition, Alexandra has taken it all in her stride.

It was Alexandra’s mother, Jo, who entered her in the Miss Tourism competition.

Jo, and her husband, Dino, who run Benito’s on the Nepean Highway in Mt Eliza, couldn’t be more proud of their daughter.

Alexandra told Mornington Life the competition was judged on poise, beauty and a personality test.

She said the 25 girls judged were

SUMMER 2011

also asked a series of questions concerning politics, mental health and environmental issues.

Each of the girls was also asked what’s the most pressing social issue in Australia today.

Alexandra spoke about homeless children on the streets of Melbourne.

“Not many people acknowledge how many homeless children there are in Melbourne”, she says.

Alexandra also named drugs and alcohol and peer group pressure as other concerning issues.

After falling pregnant with Elijah, Alexandra says she lost a few friends who said ‘she would never amount to anything’.

She says it’s important for young girls to pursue a career and Alexandra says young women with babies should also be encouraged to do so.

“I’d love to start up a young mum’s program, especially for single mothers

who really need support.”

Alexandra hasn’t lost sight of her ambitions, dreams she had before giving birth to her baby.

“I’ m still hoping to go to university to do midwifery”, she says. “I’ve always wanted to become a nurse or a midwife”.

Alexandra has already had experience in this area. She was 13 when she helped deliver her sister, Angelina.

Her mother had planned a home birth, but the midwife failed to show up on time, so Alexandra stepped in to fill the gap.

“Angelina had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck so the birth wasn’t going as smoothly as mum hoped, but we managed and my sister’s turned out okay”, Alexandra says with a smile.

The winner of Miss Tourism Australia will be announced on December 7th at a gala function in Melbourne.

Alexandra with her baby, Elijah.

Alexandra features in our Summer Fashion Life pages 60 to 73.

Follow her progress in the quest on our Facebook page

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Snorkelling the Mornington Peninsula It is a hot summer’s day and the kids are sitting around the house complaining there is nothing to do. Well, why not take them snorkelling. It is safe, inexpensive and a great way to introduce your children to the underwater marine environment.

Snorkelling kits including mask, snorkel and fins start at around $50 and are available at various watersports outlets on the Peninsula. The great thing about snorkelling is that you can do it nearly anywhere on the Peninsula from Frankston right through to Portsea.

Once you’ve bought all your equipment, here are a couple of handy hints to get you started. Before you enter the water, the first priority is to clean your mask . To do this, you need to fill the inside of your mask with saliva rubbing it all over the lens and then rinsing it out with salt water. By doing this it will prevent condensation building up inside the mask during the dive. Putting on fins is always a challenge but there is an easy way to put them on safely. The simplest way is to either put them on at the waters edge or in ankle deep water and then walk backwards so as to not trip over. Breathing under water is difficult for a lot people as they are use to breathing through their nose rather than their mouth. Best way to overcome this is to relax and take long slow breaths. Holding your breath when snorkelling is a “no no” as it will cause you to tense up and fatigue quickly. By following these three simple pieces of advice, snorkelling will be a much more pleasurable experience for all.

Some of the best snorkelling locations worth checking out are: Daveys Bay: Hidden gem at the end of Daveys Bay Road in Mount Eliza. Easy access to the beach and rocks but a dive flag is required if you venture out wide due to the heavy boat traffic. Schools of yellow eye mullet and garfish are common as are Spotted Pipefish and Big Belly Seahorses.

Mills Beach: Rocks at the northern and southern end of the beach. Similar to Daveys Bay with schools of Australian Salmon, Pinky Snapper and Flathead. Dive Flag is required due to the large amounts of boat traffic over the summer period.

Point Linley: Great snorkelling spot with many different species of reef fish including Blue Throat Wrasse, Sweep, Short fin Pike and Old Wives. Due to its close proximaty to the boat ramp, a dive flag is a must.

Mount Martha Rocks: Similar to Point Linley in regards to fish species. Lots of different dive locations along the Esplanade so easy to find a nice quiet spot to do some exploring.

Rye Pier: Home of the Octopuses Garden. Great place for children to snorkel. Rye pier is arguably one of the most interesting pier dives on the Mornington Peninsula. The local residents include three species of seahorse, many different species of octopus, amazing soft corals and sponges. There are hundreds of different species of marine creatures

including angel sharks, blennies, goatfish, gurnards, flounder, flathead, nudibranchs and even the occasional Wollongong Bug. Blairgowrie Marina: Probably the best shore dive in Port Phillip Bay. With slight currents running through the marina it brings with it an endless amount of food to encourage marina life to take up residence there. Nudibranchs can be easily spotted especially the Blue and Yellow Verco’s Nudibranch and the weed beds in the shallow water are home to the Spotted Pipefish.

Sorrento Rockpool: Located on the right side of the ocean beach on low tide, these shallow rock pools are home to many different species of fish that come in on the high tide. Yellow eye Mullet, Wrasse and Sea Sweep are just some of the species you will find swimming in the rock pools.

Portsea Pier: Portsea Pier is one of Victoria’s most renowned shore dives. Located on the beach in Portsea’s Weeroona Bay at the tip of the Mornington Peninsula, Portsea is the home of Victorian diving.

The pier is a superb dive for more experienced snorkellers as you’re guaranteed to see new things on every dive. The famous Weedy Seadragons are often found, as are colonies of Cleaner Shrimps, Rays, and a wide variety of temperate fish. Due to the large amounts of erosion to the beach area, it is important to be a competent swimmer as the surge can be quiet strong in the vicinity of the pier.

For more information about diving and snorkelling on the Mornington Peninsula logon to www. peninsuladive.com.au

MEGAN GALE SPOTTED ON MAIN ST Many people did a double take when they spotted model, Megan Gale, in Mornington in late November.

Gale was on the Mornington Peninsula to attend an exclusive fashion parade at Michelle Ann Bras & Swimwear in Main Street, Mornington.

The fashion parade was an opportunity for Gale to showcase her own range of swimwear, Isola, which is part of Megan’s 2011 collection.

Michelle Ann is the largest stockist of Isola on the Mornington Peninsula.

Owner of Michelle Ann, Lois Mitchell, told Mornington Life, “We were very excited to have Megan in store to show us her Isola range”.

“It was a huge thrill for our loyal clients and Michelle Ann and I are honoured that she took the time out of her busy

schedule for this”, Lois said.

“It is a real coup for Mornington that she came and it was fabulous evening too”, she said.

It’s the second year Megan has visited Michelle Ann Bras & Swimwear to showcase her collection.

Megan Gale launched Isola in 2010 and the Mornington store was one of the first outlets to showcase the range.

Isola, which is Italian for island, was borne out of Megan’s passion for the beach.

Megan told Mornington Life that she drew inspiration from “idyllic holiday destinations, so I named some of my stories after exotic beach locations such as Catalina, Sugar Beach and The Bahamas”.

The model says she was inspired by

( 28 The peninsula’s funky SQUARE magazine www.morningtonlife.com.au

several things for the 2011 collection, including “the retro trends coming through this season”.

“There has also been a return of the vintage style, including the 50’s silhouette, balconette bras and high waisted 70’s style hipsters”, she says.

“While a lot of strong trends such as these may not appeal to everyone who wants that classic, simple style, there are women and girls who love to embrace whatever trend is popular for that season, therefore it’s important to include those pieces in your range”, Megan said.

Gale has created a chic, sexy, sophisticated range of swimwear predominantly aimed at women in their 30’s to 40’s “although there are definitely several styles for young women in their 20’s.” fresh every season

mornington life

Live the lifestyle you deserve

Aunty Carolyn Biggs, Councillor Reade Smith and Paul Hawken.

Photo by Jennifer Macaffer

Shearwater at The Mornington Shearwater at The Mornington offer all the very best services, facilities and activities to help you make the most out of your retirement. You’ve earned it, so now it’s time to enjoy health, happiness and security in our village on the Mornington Peninsula.

The Mornington 150 privately owned units nestled among idyllic gardens, offering a sense of community and relaxed, sociable village life.

Shearwater at The Mornington Luxury, affordable independent living for the over 55s; beautiful serviced apartments with lake and garden views, meals provided.

Some of our many facilities & activites include: • on-site doctor & emergency call system • podiatrist, massage & hairdresser • dining room with chef prepared cuisine • relax in the spacious club house, library or lounges • enjoy the cinema and craft & hobby room • join in various activities from bowls to billiards • daily shopping trips & regular outings

150 Mornington – Tyabb Road. Mornington Mel Ref 145 J4

Ph 5970 5507 www.shearwaterapartments.com.au

( 30 The peninsula’s funky SQUARE magazine www.morningtonlife.com.au

BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE Through delicate plumes of smoke Hawken has spent more than a from a traditional smoking ceremony, we entered the Peninsula Community Theatre on a sultry October evening to hear environmentalist, social activist and author Paul Hawken.

Aunty Carolyn Biggs, the Indigenous Australian of the Year, provided the Welcome to Country, telling stories of indigenous pride and the sharing of heritage before introducing the Sunset Dancers.

Mornington Peninsula Shire councillor Reade Smith opened with a poignant and inspiring clip by the organisation Four Years Go, and acknowledged the council’s leading role in sustainability.

Cr Smith discussed his enthusiasm to affect change through action, fuelled by his realisation many years ago that instead of complaining about the environment, we must all do something about it by changing the way we treat our planet.

In the words of Mahatma Ghandi, Paul Hawken urged us to “be the change you want to see in the world”. Hawken discussed his vision for a sustainable future, inspiring us to use our skills to work together and network as a community for the future of all species.

He drew from his book Blessed Unrest, which examines the worldwide movement for social and environmental change, rousing and advocating readers to be the conscious and active force for a better world.

decade bringing together groups and individuals dedicated to restoring the environment and fostering social justice. From non-profit billion-dollar organisations to singleperson establishments, these groups collectively comprise the largest unnamed movement on earth.

This movement has no leader and no location but is growing in every community, city and culture. It explores innovative strategies and the creative expression of unity that focuses not on feelings of helplessness but on the grand opportunity to protect and nurture “the wonder and splendour that is the web of life; and to the awakening that everything is connected”.

After a captivating hour we enjoyed a stimulating question and answer session before a three-hour symposium that addressed the need for change and action.

We parted to the wisdom that “the only thing we can control is our intentions” after sharing this sacred time and space with a truly dedicated and inspirational man.

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.”

Anne Frank For further information and inspiration, go to www.bethechange.org.au; awakeningthedreamer.org; or www.fouryearsgo.org fresh every season

mornington life

Mega-tsunamis, Chinese junks and Port Phillip Bay The Bunurong tribe ably recorded the catastrophic formation of Melbourne’s Port Phillip Bay in their mythology!

“Plenty long ago, you could walk dry foot from our side of the bay to Corio .Then in a night of destruction great tornadoes uprooted all the trees and giant seas rushed in through the headlands. The land sunk under shattering earthquakes and the seas became void and deep, just as they are today.” (from Georgiana McCrae)

raging winds and massive and mysterious fires and storms from space”. The catastrophe is centred on Tananui (in Maori - the big explosion) where the airburst flattens trees within a radius of 80 kilometres. Vast forests catch fire. The Chinese colonists are burned alive. Flocks of the flightless Moa bird suffer incineration and extinction. “Manu Whakatan” translates as “the bird felled by a strange fire”. Local names describe the fireball (Ka is Maori for fire echoed by Waitepeka, Kaka Point and Oweka).

But when did this occur? At precisely the same time, circa 1450 A.D., the catastrophic comet Mahuika descended upon the coast of New Zealand. Twenty six times as bright as the Sun, it discharged electrically and shattered Admiral Zhou Man’s Chinese fleet of some sixty ships. They were supporting a thriving Chinese colony of Han, Tang and Song mining gold, jade and antimony in New Zealand. The comet’s screaming noise of a hundred decibels blew out the eardrums of the sailors; they received horrific burns. Earthquakes and gigantic waves more than 200 metres high tossed the ships upside down like matchsticks whilst the intense heat caused the masts and rigging to catch fire.

Zhou Man’s wrecked hulks hurtled across the seas to New Zealand and south-east Australia fanned by 600 kmh winds. Junks were flung ashore at Bairnsdale, Warrnambool, King Island, Kangaroo Island and even the tip of West Australia. Sound incredible?

These facts are recorded in the meticulous fifteenth century records of Ambassador Zheng He. Historian Gavin Menzies claims over nine hundred ships failed to return to China from Pacific expeditions in this tragic year.

Then a deluge followed. The Invercargill plains including the Chinese mine shafts are flooded.

Trees are toppled by the Mega tsunami: Maori place names inland reflect this: Tainui, Tairoa, Paretai (Tai - waves).

Professor Ted Bryant recounts how matching Maori South Island mythology speaks of the “Fires of Tamatea”. They describe “The falling of the skies,

Turning to our own Port Phillip Bay we have abundant evidence of a destructive Mega Tsunami.

Layers of burnt cliff top shell stretch endlessly

SUMMER 2011

The Zheng He records and the Maori mythology agree.

Our own Aboriginal mythology from Port Phillip Bay, Newcastle, Wilcannia the south- east coast of Australia also describe falling debris, cataclysmic floods, earthquakes and heavenly auroral fires.

around Port Phillip Bay and the Victorian coast line.

Burnt trees protrude along these same shorelines.

Chevrons (20-30 metre high sand incursions penetrating up to 20 kilometres inland) invade the coastline along Wilson’s Promontory, Portsea, Warrnambool and beyond. Check them on Google Earth. They are solid evidence of blasting Tsunamis washing kilometres inland. Carbon dating of the burnt shell remains validates the 15th century catastrophe.

Conventional geology insists on a slow creation of Port Phillip Bay in a post ice age (Pleistocene) event occurring some ten thousand years ago.

However recent research from the University of Melbourne confirms this formation occurred within the last thousand years. I would also contend this was a catastrophic event. Examine the powerful evidence and then decide for yourselves.

Peter Mungo Jupp www.ancientdestructions.com

Physical evidence of wrecked junks were discovered by marine engineer Cedric Bell who investigated this hypothesis of a fifteenth century Cosmo genic tsunami. He surveyed the coast of New Zealand’s South Island. Magnetic instruments showed 44 large junks buried in the sand or amongst inland chevrons. One treasure ship was impaled in a cliff at Moorak. Two burning junks were hurled into the cliff-face at Wakanui Beach their wreckage buried deep beneath a Tsunami formation enclosing a stone built Chinese canal.

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EMERGING UTOPIA ART

Lovers of aboriginal art will no longer have to travel to Melbourne to purchase a piece of Australia’s indigenous history.

Mbantua Gallery, a specialist in aboriginal art, opened in Main Street, Mornington just over a year ago.

The art represented at Mbantua is from the Utopia region in Alice Springs.

More than a dozen small aboriginal outstations flank a 100 kilometre plus stretch of the Sandover River northeast of Alice Springs which is referred to collectively as the Utopia Region.

After 50 years of pastoral occupation, much of the land has been reclaimed by its traditional owners.

Mbantua, with its main gallery in Alice Springs, has been instrumental in the evolution of Utopia art, since opening its doors in 1992.

The emergence of the Utopia artists is considered to be the largest art movement in the world. Traditional Aboriginal life is lived in the Utopia Region.

Native languages are the first spoken with English sometimes not spoken at all.

Traditional ceremonies, hunting and business are still carried out and sacred sites are maintained.

Utopia art is known widely for its vibrant colours and contemporary appeal, yet in knowing its origin, the art of Utopia becomes even more intriguing.

( 32 The peninsula’s funky SQUARE magazine www.morningtonlife.com.au

The Gallery began as an offshoot of Mbantua Store, a small general store situated at 55 Gap Road in Alice Springs way back in the 1950s.

Mbantua Store still caters for traditional Aboriginal people and has done so since well before any of the major supermarket chains ever came to town.

It is now part of Alice Springs history and in its early days had a small aboriginal art section.

Over the years, Mbantua Gallery has developed a wonderful rapport with the people of Utopia.

Today more than 250 different artists from Utopia paint for Mbantua Gallery with new artists signing up every month.

Some of the more higher profile artists include Angelina Ngale Pwerle, Gloria Tamerre Petyarre and Abie Loy Kemarre.

The late Minnie Pwerle and the late Emily Kane Kngwarreye are also represented in Mbantua’s collection.

Promotion of Aboriginal art and culture is a very important mission for Mbantua, which is arguably the largest privately owned aboriginal gallery in the world.

The Mornington gallery is located at 161 Main Street and is open Monday-Saturday from 9-5 and Sunday 10-4.

fresh every season

mornington life

Enjoy the geese and tranquility BEST VALUE GOLF ON PENINSULA! Established in 1973 and located in the ‘Heart of the Peninsula’, the Devilbend course provides a great day’s golf on a course that has couch fairways, automatic watering and excellent greens. It is a challenging 18 hole, 5998m course set amidst a flora and fauna reserve.

Over the past ten years the capital works program has been implemented with the result that the course has improved in all areas. Each hole provides magnificent views of undulating countryside and provides a variety of challenges for all golfers. Facilities include a driving range, practice nets and a large practice putting area.

Budget Green Fees apply for midweek, weekend or after 3pm tee off.

Special deals are currently on offer for membership, see advertisement below.

You can also take advantage of the 2 for 1 Golf Voucher (just show them this magazine, we would hate for you to cut it all up!). Hurry to use this offer up until Christmas Day or it comes back into use after January 15th, conditions apply.

The clubhouse is renowned for its friendly atmosphere, the bar and bistro operate on competition days, meals are generous and well priced. The golf shop is equipped for all your needs and lessons can be arranged with the professional staff.

Bookings are required and moderate dress standards apply.

Opening hours daily 7am to 6pm - Please call to confirm/book tee times.

Located at Loders Rd Moorooduc. Phone 5978 8470 email manager@devilbendgolf.com.au website www.devilbendgolf.com.au

SUMMER 2011

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Local Broo, now around the country

MAGIC THAT IS SIMPLY EXTRAORDINARY

By Jessica Taylor Want to add a little flair and mystery to your next birthday, wedding, Christmas party or function that a jukebox or gift bag can’t provide? Why not hire a magician! Mornington based conjurer Richard Vegas has had over 20 years experience in the entertainment industry. Previously an actor, his wife, Julia Madotti (one of the few female magicians in the country) taught him the tricks of the trade in the late 1990s.

“I used to accompany her to her gigs and help out, but I was always adamant I was an actor not a magician - Julia encouraged me past this.”

Richard and Julia moved back to Melbourne eighteen months ago after living and working in Sydney and now want to re-establish their business and life here.

Richard studied for three years at NIDA, Australia’s

Magician

most prestigious academy of dramatic arts. Notable alumni include Cate Blanchett and Mel Gibson.

Thousands audition to get in each year however only 25 of the best are handpicked to take the three year course.

Studying from 9am-6pm, five days a week, students are expected to support themselves while studying.

Richard says he was very lucky he was working as a magician during this period.

Currently Richard is working with the entertainment department at Crown Casino doing VVIP, as he explains to me, the clients are very, very important people, and details of the guests who he performs for are strictly confidential.

His shows run anywhere from five to 50 minutes and are affordable for families or workplace functions. Richard also specializes in performing close-up, or roving magic where the magic happens in the spectator’s hands – this is a joy for all ages.

Richard says his current favourite routine is a lot of fun. “I’m particularly enjoying levitating tables at the moment, and it’s a really beautiful routine.”

His other shows include The Carnival of Dreams and The Time Machine (with partner, Julia Madotti) or his Secret Salon, all of which capture magic’s golden age and Houdini-esque style of entertainment.

When asked about his future career in the industry, Richard says, “It’s the one thing I want to do for the rest of my life. I love magic because I’m able to create my own shows, my own magic.”

To add something a little extraordinary to your next function contact Richard Vegas and be prepared to be mesmerized.

To contact Richard Vegas PH: 0419 548 088 www.madotti-vegas.com

( 34 The peninsula’s funky SQUARE magazine www.morningtonlife.com.au

Welcome to Broo country says the sign, and it’s a sign you’ll be seeing all over Australia. Local beer baron Kent Grogan’s dream of bringing his Broo Premium Lager to Australia has fast become a reality.

From humble beginnings and deliveries made by Kent himself using a borrowed van, Broo is now distributed around the country in quantities that 2 years ago were only a dream. The iconic kangaroo road sign and gold cartons are making a bold statement in bottleshops around Australia.

“The Australian public and beer drinkers alike have got right behind us… I think Broo have the most loyal and passionate supporters of any beer in the country!” says Kent.

Australia Day 2011 saw Broo embark on one of the most ambitious awareness campaigns ever seen in this country. Kent gave away 10 shares in his company with every carton of Broo purchased over the month. The result was staggering, and now thousands of Australians own legitimate shares in Broo. Another first for Broo was to write into the company constitution that Broo can never be sold to overseas interests.

It’s a topic that Kent is passionate about, so much so that Broo is now guaranteed to stay 100% Australian owned forever.

Broo’s passionate stand is timely, with the planned Fosters Group take over by UK giant SAB Miller and popular Lion Nathan brands such as Tooheys and Boags already in Japanese hands, means that over 90% of Australian beer brands are overseas owned and controlled.

‘We have plans to list on the stock exchange in order to realise our future expansion plans, but we won’t be selling out. We’ll be an Australian owned company that Australians can be proud of.”

Plans to expand the product range as well as the construction of a state of the art brewery are all part of Broo’s future. Of course Broo doesn’t stop at the coastline, with plans to export this liquid gold in the near future.

Public support and the evolution of the Broo Croo (Broo drinkers and supporters) has fuelled Kent’s desire to involve all beer drinkers in building Broo into Australia’s next big beer.

“Involving our Broo supporters is incredibly important, they are our voice all across the country whether it be getting bars and liquor outlets that don’t stock Broo to get onboard or spreading the word at the next barbie or party” Says Kent.

Check out www.broo.com.au fresh every season

mornington life

The Factory Antique Market

We embrace the past Recreate for today That is what we are “Living with Beauty”

Old Wares & Collectables, Jewellery, Clothing, Shoes, Vintage- Retro Wares, Flash Trash.

Blokes’ Shed, Great Café upstairs

Open 6 Days from 9.30am, Closed Tuesdays

(t) 5981 4141

2 Collins Road, Dromana off Point Nepean Road Opposite Dromana Drive in Theatre

VINTAGE, DECO, RETRO, CURIO Vintage enthusiasts - enter a world of days gone by...when life was a little slower and perhaps a little more graceful. The Broadway Bazaar is an amazing Vintage Emporium with over 60 permanent stalls - right in the heart of Rosebud! This indoor treasure trove of Vintage, Art Deco, Retro and Curio, is housed in the original old Art Deco style ‘Broadway Theatre’ built in 1928. Be blown away with the huge range of vintage, retro and era clothing, handbags shoes, hats, jewellery, collectables, bric-a-brac, furniture, homewares, glassware, antiques and vintage inspired gifts. So much to see, such a lovely way to spend some time enjoying the nostalgia, remembering what your Nanna used to have on her kitchen bench, or what your Mum would wear to a grand event. If you have a 20’s - 80’s event coming up - be the bombshell, don’t hide away or show up in the same dress as someone else! Vintage is always unique, special and at the Bazaar - it’s bargain to boot!

Enter from the side doors in Rosebud Parade - near the Rosebud Cinemas. Open 7 days a week. Mon - Sat 9.30 5pm. Sun 10 - 3pm. PH 59821212. Look up Facebook for latest photos!

Also the Vintage Market is on 18 Dec and 15 Jan - indoors at Eastbourne Primary Hall, Allambi Ave, Rosebud West. 11 - 3pm. Great selection of bargain vintage, retro and recycled clothing and goods. $2 entry. ph 59811415 for more info or stall bookings.

Manyung in Summer Inspired by Surf Culture and Seascapes

In the 1950’s and 60’s, the village of Mt Eliza and particularly the Mt Eliza General Store was a stopping point for a Sennets Icecream, and six pence bag of mixed lollies. Prime Minister Harold Holt invariably stopped at Mt Eliza’s single petrol pump to top up his convertible Bel Air, on the way to Portsea and his eventual doomed swim at Cheviot Beach.

In the late 60’s, 1968 to be precise, Mt Eliza’s own art gallery, Manyung commenced exhibiting paintings, sculpture, jewellery and furniture to the residents of and visitors to the Mornington Peninsula. Recognised for being a consistent drawcard and a quality retail art environment, Manyung was recently a Finalist in the Tourism section of the Frankston and Mornington Peninsula Business Awards.

This Summer it will feature affordable artworks, priced for Christmas gift giving from $300, from six well regarded local artists: Stewart Westle, Jenny Riddle, Gerry Knight, Terry Hadler, Janine Daddo and Lisa Cox. In addition there will be ceramic ‘beach babes’ from Bron Lewis, a surf culture theme from Ross Willsmore and the horses of the peninsula from Tracey Keller. Other artists presenting new works include South Australia’s Peter Coad, sculptor Annie Glass and Meredith Gaston with her naive figurative paintings.

Manyung Gallery launched its Summer Exhibition series on Friday 2nd December. They are open 7 days a week during Summer. manyunggallery.com.au 1408 Nepean Highway, Mt Eliza.

( 36 The peninsula’s funky SQUARE magazine www.morningtonlife.com.au

fresh every season

mornington life

1408 Nepean Hwy Mount Eliza

Equine Tracey Keller

The Peninsula at Play Summer Exhibition Series View 180 new paintings and sculptures Stewart Westle, Jenny Riddle , Gerry Knight, Terry Hadler, Janine Daddo, Lisa Cox, Bron Lewis, Ross Willsmore, Tracey Keller, Peter Coad, Annie Glass and Meredith Gaston

Monthly exhibitions throughout summer p: 9787 2953 for all galleries Manyung at Sorrento 113a Ocean Beach Rd, Sorrento, Victoria

Manyung at Glenferrie 248 Glenferrie Road Malvern Mel Ref 157 A8

Manyung Mobile In-home trial of works from galleries or our website

manyunggallery.com.au

Journey of a local Author Gary Morris

His life draws many parallels to personal hero and fellow Australian storyteller, Bryce Courtenay. A troubled childhood, a consuming but successful corporate career, then a mid life change to follow a long held dream to write.

It is along this path that Mt Martha author, Gary Morris, has journeyed to pen his debut novel, A Line of Dogs.

As a sixth generation Australian, Gary was raised against a background of colourful tales from the country’s early years. “My grandmother’s stories would invoke images of settlers carving through

by Kate Selth the bush with broad axes, brothers lost in the Great War, bush operations and strong women who could fight like men,” says Gary.

A tendency to daydream and fantastise led to mediocre grades in school. Leaving at 14 years old, Gary began what was to be a series of jobs to help put food on the family table. Truck driver, timber cutter, bull dozer operator, wild brumby catcher. All the while he wrote about anything and everything.

At the age of 19, Gary’s step father passed away leaving behind his mother and two half sisters.

He was now the main breadwinner and life further became about making ends meet and less about daydreaming.

The pursuing decades were kind to Gary who had a rewarding career, married the love of his life and produced a loving family. All the while the creative in Gary was once again being fed as he journaled, wrote poetry and made notes about characters like those in his grandmother’s stories. By the late ‘90s he had reams of information on the lives of mid 19th century characters and a clear vision that one day he would weave a story about these people. He had decided he was to be their voice and wouldn’t rest until their stories were told.

Four years later A Line of Dogs was ready for publication. The story takes readers on a journey from Ireland’s Great Famine of the 1840s to convict Tasmania through prison life in Cork, murder in London and convict transport ships.

Over the next few years, Gary searched through archives, visited historical sites and talked to countless people.

The novel is a well thought out and constructed combination of ‘desk research’ using records of the courts, prisons and churches; internet assisted research which unearthed photographs, quotes, facts and maps and; personal experience. For Gary, travelling to the scene of many of the places in the book brought it all to life. For example, when writing the section about an escaped convict being lost in the bush he put on a backpack and spent several days bushwalking amongst the elements at Apollo Bay.

“Gradually a story was taking shape – a tale of greed, lust, power and corruption, the darkest corners of human nature, wrestling with the irresistible forces of goodness, love and spirituality,” says Gary. “The result was an exciting framework for the novel I was about to write.”

“Whilst most of us have been taught a rudimentary and perhaps somewhat coloured account of the major milestones in world history, it is usually only when we examine the details that many wonderful and interesting stories are unearthed,” says Gary in the novel’s foreword.

A battle with cancer in 2006 confronted Gary with the volatile nature of his own life. “It made me realise the folly of postponing dreams too long,” says Gary. “We sold our small business and turned a fresh page in our life’s journal. Now I could pursue what I had always dreamed of doing… becoming a writer.”

More information on Gary is available at garymorris.com.au

One particular business trip to Tasmania had a big impact. “I was shown a sheaf of original convict records by somebody who shared my interest,” says Gary. “One in particular stood out - the record of a young Irish woman convicted in the Assizes for being ‘unlawfully in charge of a cow’. That line stuck in my mind.”

( 38 The peninsula’s funky SQUARE magazine www.morningtonlife.com.au

Mornington Life has one copy of A Line of Dogs to give away to one lucky reader. For details visit us on Facebook. fresh every season

mornington life

Felix, well it’s just plain funky!

Jennifer Webber spoke to Max Johnson.

Tell us a bit about Felix, the history.

Felix is the culmination of months of planning and collecting interesting and valuable treasures across Victoria. Then a marvellous venue became available on the beach in Dromana and we were away! We spent 2 months renovating and fitting out Felix and opened its doors in June 2011.

And your stock – what would encourage customers? We stock a huge array of products, which is actually hard to break down into a simple sentence. With just under 300sqm of retail space, filling the floor is a huge task! Essentially our stock is a range of vintage collectables, art, jewellery and homewares, and have a strong emphasis on goods that are hand-made, environmentally friendly or made by locals. We endeavour to source all our new stock from Australian businesses.

What is your background and what led you to where you are? My background professionally is in sales and visual merchandising, but this doesn’t define me. I look at my store through the eyes of a customer. I don’t work in a way that aims to sell the most products, but rather to delight people and put a smile on their faces.

What has been the most successful aspect of your store? Our customers are thrilled to find

somewhere trendy, unique and so very different in Dromana. We are local people and hoped to provide a platform for local people’s products and creations. Peninsula people love to support their local artists and creative people, and visitors love to buy products they don’t find in shops at home.

When you are not working, what else are you doing on the Mornington Peninsula?

I often joke about what I would be doing if I ever had a day off again… Living on the Mornington Peninsula is as idyllic as most tourists believe. It’s a lot like being on holiday all the time. My goal is to spend more time at the beach – our store is literally over the road from the water, but I need to feel the sand between my toes more often!

What about the local art scene? Arty-types abound in our area and we have an “artist of the month wall”, where we invite local artists of any medium to showcase their work. We have had paintings, sculptures, photography and even feltworks adorn the wall.

What advice would you give to others wanting to run their own shop? Just do it. I am 22 years old and it is the best thing I have ever done. It’s a hell of a lot of hard work – sleepless nights, mind boggling paperwork, and many many hours dealing with the public, but if you’re passionate about what you do, its the bees knees!

Dromana Fruits UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT Professional friendly service Weekly specials Specialising in retail & wholesale

Ph: 5987 3051

Shop 10, 217 Point Nepean Rd, Dromana SUMMER 2011

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High design apartments opposite the beach in the heart of Dromana

The Nepean Beachfront Apartments are the vision of Melbourne brothers Jim and Chris Paikopoulos.

Over the past 30 years, Jim and Chris have holidayed with their families at their Blairgowrie beach house. However, finding the time to escape from their busy lives in Melbourne to their much-loved beach house was proving difficult. Keeping up maintenance was becoming a chore and the house was becoming tired. As a result, it was being used less and less frequently.

In 2007, Jim and Chris set out to find a site along the Peninsula to build and design lowmaintenance luxury apartments. They settled on Dromana, less than an hour’s drive from Melbourne. With 30 years’ experience in the building, design and development industry, Jim and Chris, in partnership with award-winning architect Robert Simeoni, set out to design The Nepean Beachfront Apartments.

The brothers’ brief to Robert was to design an iconic building that enhanced the beauty of the Dromana coastline, delivering experiences that could be shared from generation to generation. Robert’s vision was to design a building sympathetic to the environment and create a special relationship with its surrounds.

The Nepean Beachfront Apartments are a unique residential development nestled on the waterfront of the Dromana township and offering the ultimate beachfront address.

The apartments sit proudly but unobtrusively opposite one of the most idyllic stretches of foreshore on the Mornington Peninsula. The 28 luxury two and three-bedroom apartments feature large balconies, a secure entrance and undercover carpark, and a rooftop terrace with swimming pool designed to environmentally sustainable standards.

Jim, Chris and Robert have employed environmentally conscious design techniques to reduce the impact of the building.

( 40 The peninsula’s funky SQUARE magazine www.morningtonlife.com.au

MASONRY materials with high thermal mass minimise heating and cooling requirements.

CROSS-VENTILATION and fans to apartments and hallways further reduce the use of airconditioning.

SOLAR power generation and solar hot water systems are used in common areas.

RAINWATER is harvested from roofs, stored in tanks and used to irrigate garden beds.

WATER-SAVING plumbing and energy-efficient hot water systems serve to further reduce energy requirements.

Surrounded by no fewer than 50 vineyards with cellar doors, the Mornington Peninsula’s cultural hub of fine food and wine is on your doorstep.

Explore the Peninsula, surf, scuba dive, sail, play golf, swim with the dolphins and seals in Port Phillip Bay, or ride a horse along windswept Gunnamatta Beach.

The Nepean Beachfront Apartments allow you to create the lifestyle you want on the Mornington Peninsula. fresh every season

mornington life

NOW SELLING

—

THE NEPEAN BEACHFRONT APARTMENTS 277-281 Point Nepean Road, Dromana LUXURY BEACHFRONT APARTMENTS 2 & 3 BEDROOM FROM $449,000 ONLY 13 LEFT! Designed by award-winning architect Robert Simeoni, The Nepean Beachfront Apartments offer uncompromising design, a serene & comfortable living environment, understated elegance, whilst offering the ultimate beachfront address.

193 Point Nepean Road, Dromana Office 5987 3233

Local expertise gives MJ Ross a winning edge Estate Agent, respected auctioneer and mentor to industry hopefuls, Linda Wooley took a small family business and developed it into a prominent and highly successful enterprise.

A well-tuned achiever with her heart in the peninsula’s bosom, Linda has had a life-long love for the business of Real Estate. She experienced her first ‘taste’ as a young girl through her father, John, and his agency MJ Ross & Co, near the pier at Dromana.

Linda qualified as a fully-licensed agent in 1981, joined the REIV, and has since ascended to become a company director - her family has a long history of success in Real Estate and this ‘naturally’ drew her to the industry.

Today, MJ Ross’ finely focused sphere of expertise encompasses Dromana, Safety Beach, McCrae, Arthurs Seat and Rosebud specialising in residential sales and property management.

“Our intimate knowledge of this area of the market has given us unmatched expertise in this locale. We have successfully sold thousands of properties - often the same ones for the third or fourth time!” said Linda, proud of her ongoing relationships with repeat clients, bolstered by a reputation for honesty.

“We have gained broad respect as a boutique-style agency, providing individual service, focused on our clients achieving maximised results,” said Linda.

Peninsula to gain an auctioneer’s licence and is in demand as a fully-accredited auctioneer.

A past President of the peninsula branch of the REIV, Linda was the first woman to be appointed to that office. She served on the group’s Executive and regularly trained novice auctioneers at the Institute in Camberwell.

The real estate industry, Linda notes, has changed remarkably over the years - but she believes its reputation is always improving.

“I think we are probably more professional than in the old days, especially in terms of presentation - our service constantly evolves to suit current trends,” she stressed. “But the skill remains in matching people with property.”

“The internet has created buyers who are more astute. People know what’s available and at what price – they have a pretty good idea of what’s going on. Legislative rules and regs provide consumer protection,” she added.

A believer in giving back to the community she has supported numerous regional schools, churches, clubs and fund-raising efforts - both Linda and M J Ross & Co are well recognized in the district.

Recognised for her personalised approach to individual needs, she stands true to her convictions – based on integrity.

Now married for more than three decades, when she’s not busy selling property, Linda and husband Phil enjoy paragliding, sailing and camping. She also loves to travel and tour by motorbike.

Linda now directs a staff of eight – all highly qualified, local women. She was one of the first women on the Mornington

MJ Ross Real Estate is located at 215 Pt Nepean Road, Dromana.

Phone 5987 2800.

Local heroes at Dromana’s Australia Day Activities

( 42 The peninsula’s funky SQUARE magazine www.morningtonlife.com.au

Dromana’s Australia Day activities on January 26 will recognise all emergency service volunteers and the great work they do.

A free breakfast runs from 8-10am and features children’s activities such as face painting, creative art and cut-outs to take home, cup cake decorating and rides. A variety of local talent including The Missing Links will entertain.

The Opening ceremony at 10.30am will introduce international chef Marcus Moore as Australia Day Ambassador. The event will overlook the bay at the pier precinct and everyone is invited.

The work of the volunteer committee, encompassing more than 25 interconnecting community groups, is supported

by Mornington Peninsula Shire and official sponsors Peninsula Weekly, Hillview Quarries, Mornington Racing Club and RPP FM. fresh every season mornington life

Snowy River Campus For Dromana Students Taylor Nicholls and five other students from Dromana Secondary College attended the School for Student Leadership, located in Far East Gippsland.

This is a Department of Education and Early Childhood Learning Program initiative and features a curriculum which specialises in developing leadership skills and personal development awareness for Year 9 students from Government schools.

Taylor explains, “Part of our curriculum involved creating and developing a community project of our choice. As a team we decided the children’s entertainment room at the Frankston hospital needed a little more colour and life put into it.

We discovered this recently when one of our team members

SUMMER 2011

was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes 12 months ago.

After getting our proposal approved, we exceeded our target of $2000 and raised $2,364 thanks to the Mt Martha Lions Club and our generous community.”

The hospital has suggested an ipad for the children to use, and a television that will be situated in the entertainment room. Any funds remaining will go to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

“I guess our message is to encourage other people to get involved in their communities,” said Taylor. “You can make a difference.”

Pictured above from left to right: Cameron Ball, Taylor Nicholls, Will Langigan, Ellie-May Maguire, Morgan Bain, Keira Vandeeree, Drew Bamblett.

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and pastas, many of which are supplied by regional producers such as Red Hill Kitchen, Alfred’s and Main Ridge Dairy. Special diets like gluten-free, are readily catered for with specialty sausages, pastas and marinades.

Colin Blythe, manager of Greg’s Dromana, has more than 40 years experience as a retail butcher. As a Dromana resident he saw the need for a gourmet butcher - based on family values, he also loves to offer advice on cooking and catering. Well-trained and friendly staff are happy to help.

All meat and fish orders are welcome.

The Dromana store is open every day from 6am, closing at 6pm on weekdays and 2pm on weekends.

Greg’s Dromana: 11 Pier Street, phone 5981 0613.

Greg’s Rosebud: 1035 Pt Nepean Rd, phone 5986 8285.

Greg’s Family Gourmet Butcher gourmet butcher that’s a cut above the rest, Pictured (from left) Andrew, Colin and Tim AGreg’s Family Gourmet Butcher in Dromana

offers a cornucopia of fine fresh foods.

Our valued team are fully committed to excellence, customer service, a strong work ethic, reliability and A huge choice of meats and great eats is above all.....honesty. admirably displayed in expansive fridges Roger McMillan Real Estate Dromana commenced and on brimming shelves. operating from the premises formerly known as Frolla Greg’s stocks free-range Otway pork including Real Estate in Feb 2011. We handle all properties from succulent traditional smoked ham - on the rural, right through to residential. This includes farms, houses, units, land, factories, shops and businesses. bone or sliced, fresh turkey, free-range We also handle the management of property on behalf of chicken, Luv a Duck products and Christmas our landlords, and we are committed to protecting their needs. Fresh and frozen Aussie seafood is investments. We are constantly in need of more rental always available, perfect for the holidays. properties to meet the demand.

Our sales team is led by Summer is the barbecue season; a time when Roger McMillan ( Licenced Estate Agent-REIV) gourmet sausages, including Spring lamb and and Steve Edmund (Agents Representative - REIV) feta, prove to be popular along with GreekRoger and Steve are well known long term locals, style marinated butterfly lamb. Greg’s has a involved in community affairs, and proudly sponsor wide selection of prime beef, and the rib eye several local clubs and organisations. Our Administration steak on the bone is a taste sensation. team consists of Claire Simmons and Helen Coates.

Claire and Helen handle the property management, There is also a big range of marinated pork administration, marketing, advertising and reception. and chicken.

Call us for a free and friendly appraisal Busy people love the ease of their ‘heat and Monday to Saturday - 9am to 5pm serve’ lasagne. The chicken Kievs are made Sundays - 10am to 5pm with real garlic butter and parsley. The chicken 211b Point Nepean Rd Dromana breast schnitzel, crumbed in a cracked pepper ph: 5981 8181 and parmesan mix, is a tasty treat. www.rogermcmillan.com.au Greg’s stocks a variety of gourmet condiments

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Relax while your kids have a ball

Just Kids offer stunning wallpapers Online store justkidswallpaper.com has an amazing collection of stylish children’s wallpaper with playful designs. Based in Mt Martha, this groundbreaking company is the brain child of Clare Black, who had spent hours searching the internet for quality children’s wallpaper.

“I found so many beautiful kids wallpapers but a number of them had no presence here in Australia, and were spread out all over the internet making it a long and tedious process.

“To find children’s wallpaper which is stylish, good quality and appealing to both my kids and myself was impossible. Now I have 14 fabulous collections of wallpaper and two beautiful wall sticker collections.

“The majority are from Europe, most are critically acclaimed and a couple have been nominated for Design Awards.

“I love kids wallpaper because it is important to surround kids with beautiful happy things. As a child I remember getting lost in the world

( 46 The peninsula’s funky SQUARE magazine www.morningtonlife.com.au

Kids Ahoy Indoor Play Centre and Café in Watts Rd, Mornington is a wonderful place for kids to enjoy playing together in a safe, secure environment out of the hot sun or the pouring rain. of the images on my bedroom wall.

A good kids wallpaper will stimulate a child’s imagination, enable them to fantasize and escape to another world.

“PaperBoy’s ‘How it Works’, and Emma Molony’s ‘Peter Pan’ wallpapers do this extremely well,” says Claire.

Just kids Wallpapers collections include: Aimee Wilder, Burgerplex, Emma Molony, FermLiving, Harlequin, Hektik, Katie Bourne, Isak, Little Hands, Mini Moderns, Onzself, PaperBoy, Sandberg, Studio Ditte, Belle & Boo and Pop & Lolli.

Clare has samples available for her clients on the Mornington Peninsula to view this summer by appointment - call 0409 763 261. An installation service is also available. www.justkidswallpaper.com

It’s also a great place for parents, guardians or grandparents to relax and enjoy a cuppa or lunch while the children are busy tiring themselves out. There is climbing equipment, a jumping castle, two large slides, a dress-up area, computer games, and much more for the little ones.

Kids Ahoy has been operating for 11 years and the new owners have worked hard to deliver exceptional customer service, create a friendly and safe environment and develop the Peninsula’s cleanest kids’ play and party areas.

Kids Ahoy has undergone a number of recent changes, including new menus for both the cafe and children’s parties that focus on healthy, fresh alternatives and cater for special dietary requirements, including gluten-free options.

To celebrate Christmas this year, there will be an art and craft section and daily colouring-in competitions, the winner receiving a free entry pass for their next visit. One child will also be chosen at random each day to reveal a new day on the Advent calendar. On Friday, December 16, Santa is coming to give all the kids presents. There will also be an opportunity to have your picture taken with Santa.

Kids Ahoy is the place to be for hours of fun this Christmas and all year round.

Visit www.kidsahoy.com.au or phone 5975 2080

fresh every season

mornington life

Capture a moment in time, to be treasured forever Amber from Naturalight Photography has opened her studio with a very warm welcome from current and new clients. “I am really enjoying this space and having a base in Mornington is just wonderful as the array of nearby locations is perfect to incorporate into a shoot.”

This boutique studio caters to newborns and infants, with children 2 years+ it is recommended to head to the beach or park with family and also some of Amber’s favourite secret locations for something that little bit different.

“My style is relaxed, yet edgy and truly unique. More importantly an affordable investment. I say investment as these photos will live on and you will be truly thankful you made the time to capture these moments before your child

grows before your eyes .”

As the resident photographer at Peninsula Private Hospital Amber works with babies on a weekly basis “I offer all Peninsula and Bays Hospital mums a complimentary newborn session as your baby will change and develop so fast - it is such a wondrous time to document and savour.”

Amber is an accredited professional photographer with the AIPP - Australian Institute of Professional Photography - an organisation recognised to guarantee high industry standards and offer customers peace of mind that they have chosen a photographer that meets all requirements work quality, working with children check and public liability insurance for starters. “Photography is an art-form - a

Chloe’s poem embraces friendship & unity Chloe John, a Year 6 student from Tyabb Railway Station Primary School, is the winner of the Prime Minister’s medal for NAIDOC week’s short story writing competition.

Chloe’s entry titled Harmony, based on this year’s NAIDOC theme and was selected from more than 116,000 entries.

The judging of entries was adjudicated by a prestigious panel including Aboriginal elders, television personality Casey Donovan and other members of the community.

The ultimate aim of NAIDOC school initiatives is to provide children with a greater understanding of the importance of friendship and cultural diversity.

A special whole-school assembly was held on Thursday 3rd November. Chloe was presented with the Prime Minister’s Medal and a MP3 player, by Dylan Williams the Executive Director NAIDOC Week School Initiatives, for her sensational creative writing entry.

Watson Ward Councillor Lynn Bowden said “I was delighted to see such a pleasant, thoughtful and positive poem that is

SUMMER 2011

personal choice as to the viewers taste - when you like what you see in my work of other children - imagine how happy you will be when it is your children in the picture.” Limited sessions available for February onward - Book your session now for 2012.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank all of my loyal clients who return again and again - I wish you and yours a wondrous Christmas and New Year.”

NATURALIGHT photography, by Amber Gardener email: naturalightphoto@gmail.com mobile: 0404 458 544 web: www.naturalightphotography.com.au facebook: www.facebook.com/ambergardenerphotography blog: www.naturalightphotography.wordpress.com

valuable for all who will read it - congratulations”.

“Chloe’s poem certainly illustrates and embraces the importance of friendship and the uniting of people from different cultures,” said Chloe’s proud teacher, Emma Slater.

Carole Mayes, School Principal, believed Chloe was well deserving of the award and congratulated all the other participants for their excellent entries too.

This is Chloe’s winning poem: Harmony Is.....

Harmony is the colour orange, Harmony is being able to say sorry, Harmony is learning from the past, Harmony is having peace in life, Harmony is bubbles floating in the air, Harmony is being able to have disagreements with others, Harmony is leaving the evil and starting the love.

HARMONY IS...

by Chloe

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New Arrival: Jessica and Brad Clark are proud to announce the arrival of Harry on 25th September at 3:14pm (by emergency c section) 6lb 15oz. Harry was born at Peninsula Private Hospital!

This Christmas we celebrate family through the eyes of mums. (top left) Rachael about her son Sam’s Christening: We were fortunate enough to be able to celebrate our baby, Sam Angelo’s Christening with all of our treasured family and friends at Our Lady of the Sea Catholic Church at HMAS Cerberus.

Being a Mum is never more special than when you share such a loving moment between a Great Grand Nana and her only Great Grand Son. I am so lucky and so proud to be a Mum, to be able to watch my beautiful boy grow, learn and of course, giggle, has to be the best thing in the world!! (top centre) Courtney about her baby girl: Becoming a mum is one of lifes most rewarding experiences, from the very first kick you feel to those precious moments as you welcome your baby into the world and seeing them smile for the first time is unlike anything you have ever felt before in your life. It’s just unconditional love. (above) Rosie about her baby Edward (Teddy). Being a mother has filled my life with so much love and heart melting moments.

Watching my son grow, learn and explore everyday is the most rewarding thing in life. (left) Kate says about her daughters Imogen and Taylah: I love my two beautful girls, waking up in the morning and the look on the faces when they see me is just priceless.

Stunning photography on these pages by Amber Gardener Naturalight Photography

( 48 The peninsula’s funky SQUARE magazine www.morningtonlife.com.au

Sarah about her 3 children - I love being a mum because I get to watch my children learn new skills as they grow, develop into their own individual person, laugh together and create new memories. fresh every season

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DREAM BECAME REALITY

LAZZAR WINES AND FOOD PAVILLION Our everyday fun drinking range and dining menu offers a variety of differing styles to suit all tastes and occasions.....

Enjoy the stunning setting of their wine pavilion. Atmosphere and great hospitality make Lazzar Wines a must to visit.

Compliment your wine tasting by sampling our unique food offering and discover the latest creations from our constantly changing menu, prepared and cooked onsite using the freshest ingredient

Ph: 5983 1813 Mob: 0418 390 012 2910 FRANKSTON FLINDERS RD, BALNARRING

Open friday & saturday & sunday for lunch and dinner from 11am Early dinners fri & sat Open other time by appointment

WWW.LAZZARWINES.COM ( 50 The peninsula’s funky SQUARE magazine www.morningtonlife.com.au

Many years ago, Diego fell asleep on the beach and started dreaming.

When he woke up he had a sunburnt face, but he didn’t care . . . he had a dream!

Diego never let go of that dream.

Diego’s dream was of him sitting in his own vineyard with his wife, Sandra, nestled beside him.

It took a long time, but Diego is today living his dream.

“It’s a reality, here we are, we’ve done it”, Diego says proudly.

Here is Lazzar Wines at Balnarring.

It’s a 10 acre block on the Frankston-Flinders Road with eight acres under cultivation.

Diego, or ‘Don’, who’s originally from the wine region of Trieste in Italy has a variety of grapes growing.

From them he’s produced ‘Diego’s Dream Pinot Noir’, Malibu Merlot and Sooty’s Merlot.

Each wine represents a story for Diego. The Pinot Noir reminds him of the sunburn on his face when he awoke on the beach from his dream all those years ago.

The Malibu Merlot is named after his prized surfboard which hangs in the Lazzar Food and Wine Pavilion on the property; while Sooty’s Merlot is in honour of a now deceased “rogue sheep” called Sooty who used to eat the grapes and stagger about drunk.

“When you own a winery, you can do what you like”, Diego says with pride.

The couple has also introduced a sparkling pink and a burgundy sparkling, which sell for about $26 a bottle.

Diego is also producing Verduzzo, a wine traditionally grown in northern Italy.

He says he is the only such producer on the Peninsula and “one of only two in southern Victoria to the best of my knowledge”.

Diego has gone one step further and made a sparkling out of Verduzzo, which “is exclusive, noone else in Australia makes it”, he says.

He describes Verduzzo as a “very very dry white wine” and says “it’s unique and popular”.

“We do oak it in French barrels”, he explains. .

Pressed to name his favourite wine, Diego grins and says “I love them all”.

However, he does confess “our new release of cabernet sauvignon is absolutely brilliant”.

Establishing the vineyard hasn’t been entirely rosy. fresh every season

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DIEGO’S DREAM “The heat from Black Saturday caused enormous damage. All the vines shrivelled up like peas, so we lost the complete crop”, he explains.

Last year the Mornington Peninsula was hit with downy mildew resulting in 100% crop losses.

“We’ve had three bad years actually”, Diego reflects.

Sandra and Diego don’t use any chemical sprays in their vineyard and only minimum amounts of sulphur is added to the wine to preserve it.

Lazzar Wines is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday for lunch and wine

tastings.

Dinner is served on Friday and Saturday evenings in the beautiful Food & Wine Pavilion that Diego built himself.

Boasting soaring ceilings, the pavilion is the perfect atmosphere in which to sample the wines or simply relax with some good tucker.

On Friday evenings, there’s usually musical entertainment. Somerville singer, Beverly Fraser is a regular.

Lazzar Wines is located at 2910 Frankston-Flinders Road, Balnarring.

Enquiries: 5983 1813.

WE ARE NOW OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK

FLINDERS FISH AND CHIPS A FOODIE’S PARADISE

Michael and Viola Issa have owned Flinders Fish and Chips for six years.

With the help of their two adult children, locals and visitors lucky enough to discover this foodie’s paradise, are kept blissfully happy - stomachs full to the brim with Michael’s generous serves.

Out front the sign reads, ‘the home of Australia’s biggest vanilla slice.’

What fish and chip shop worth its salt would sell vanilla slices? This one – and the locals love them. There is a rumour that a regular customer, when interstate, sends a courier for a tray load.

The story goes that Michael spent some of his childhood in a Lebanese patisserie, came to the lucky country when he was 16, and was a SUMMER 2011

restaurateur before he and his family opened their shop in Flinders.

The vanilla slices were introduced, along with other cakes, because Michael wanted to expand the range of food available in his store, and he has a love of cooking pastries, which is an art in itself.

What began as an adjunct to the menu, has become the main course, so to speak.

But lets not forget the fish and chips which are worth the trip to Flinders alone, and a vanilla slice goes down very well as desert!

And if fish is not your dish – there are plenty of other choices on the menu.

The Flinders Fish and Chip shop is in Wood Street, Flinders, eat in or takeaway – the beach is just a short stroll down the street. Phone: 5989 0280.

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MORNINGTON LIFE PRESENTS The Magic of Christmas 7 pages of fabulous ways to enjoy Christmas, stocking fillers, entertainment and more.

IDEAS BY THE BAY With Christmas almost upon us a trip to Ideas by the Bay in Main St Mornington will delight you with a large range of carefully selected & unique gift ideas from around the world.

Whether it’s a colourful woven straw bag from Madagascar, Laguiole cutlery from France or a beautiful handmade art journal from Mornington they will definitely have something to inspire you!

We asked Francine the owner of ‘Ideas’ for her must have items and she demonstrated the Vinturi wine aerator. “Most of us don’t have the time to properly decant our wine to enjoy its true flavour, with the Vinturi, all you do is pour your wine into the aerator and it carefully aerates the wine directly into your glass, it’s that easy! The wine really does show its true depth of flavour and is more mellow and palatable”.

‘Ideas’ stock a large collection of quality cookware and while stock lasts they are offering the entire Neoflam healthy cooking range at 50% off the normal price. Neoflam is a unique non-stick range of cookware that is proudly 100% free of toxic PTFE & PFOA, it has a beautiful cooking finish and the bright range of modern colours will certainly brighten your kitchen.

While in store you must see the large range of flameless candles. Made from 100% wax these candles run on battery power yet still create the wonderful ambience of candle light. Ideal for those with children in the house, the elderly living in care or outside together for a romantic dinner, you can still enjoy the atmosphere of candle light without the mess and risk.

When asked for her personal favourite in the shop Francine showed us the Atlas 150 pasta maker, “Atlas have been making pasta machines in Italy longer than any other company and the original family still owns the factory. At home we love making fresh pasta together, it’s fun, surprisingly quick and simple and the results are delicious!”

Ideas by the Bay makes Christmas shopping fun again!

34 Main Street, Mornington. Phone 5977 0708.

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THE STRAND village shopping centre

Ritchie’s Supermarket Ritchie’s Liquor Store Bendigo Community Bank Canadian Bay Travel Chipps Children’s Boutique Reprieve Second Chance Designer Labels Eliza Health Food & Gifts Chocoholics Warren Ritchie’s Pharmacy Nails & Beauty on The Strand Euro Imported & Designer Clearance Clothing Angel Dry Cleaners and Alterations Fat Williams

9787 4322 9787 4322 9787 1224 9787 9477 9787 9722 9787 2499 9775 2611 9787 9333 9787 7988 9775 4489

89 Mt Eliza Way, Mt Eliza Santa’s sleigh will arrive at The Strand on Saturday 10th December at 10am pulled by the gorgeous team of Samoyed Dogs. Children and adults all love to see these beautiful, long haired dogs, complete with their festive trimmings! Enjoy carol singers and face painting in the centre that morning from 9.30am on the 10th.

The Christmas Giving Tree will once again be in the centre if you would like to donate a gift.. This year the Giving Tree presents will once again be coordinated by the Village Uniting Church in Mt Eliza.

9787 8742 9708 8998 9787 0828

Merry Christmas

Christmas Draw WIN 1 of 2 Fantastic Prizes Two nights accommodation in the city and A HUGE Hamper valued over $500 Simply attach a receipt from any shop within The Strand Village Shopping Centre to an entry form and place in the barrel located outside Warren Ritchie’s Pharmacy.

Entries from 1st of Dec until 21st of Dec 2011 (1pm) Winners notified by phone ( 54 The peninsula’s funky SQUARE magazine www.morningtonlife.com.au

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SILVERS CIRCUS

From breathtaking stunts to amazing skills, take a trip through magic and illusions, comedy and the unexpected, family fun in promised and certainly will be delivered under the Big Top. It’s action from start to finish with beautiful women high in the air and the fabulous talents of International artists giving an impressive display of acrobatics and strength. Hoola Hoop twirling, wire walking and balancing, it’s all there and it’s live entertainment at its best.

The Wheel of Steel has the audience holding on to the edge of their seats as it rotates from the floor to the tip of the big top while Phoenix Harrison performs on this giant apparatus.

While Brazilian juggler Ricardo De Araujo displays his Latin juggling skills the talented Miss Emma

demonstrates her graceful ballet routine on the high wire.

Hold on to the edge of your chair as the Phoenix Riders enter the big Top and ride into the four metre round ‘Globe of Death’. Its up and down and round and round at a cracking pace as the three riders cross over and under each other with only millimetres to spare. No room for errors in their performance.

Showing from Tuesday December 27 with an opening performance that evening at 8pm, Silvers will then perform 8pm Wednesday to Saturday and 1pm shows Tuesday thru to Sunday until January 22.

Location: Bata Shoe grounds, Nepean Highway, Mornington Bookings are at Ticketmaster or call the circus direct on 0413 88 0044.

ANNUAL MT ELIZA CHRISTMAS FAIR DECEMBER 10 FROM 2-7PM The magic of the Village Mt Eliza’s annual Christmas Fair casts its spell over 1000’s of locals and visitors each year and 2011 will be no exception.

Be spellbound by the community celebratory feel of this year’s Fair as the charming streets and laneways of Mt Eliza shopping village come alive with childrens’ entertainment including a giant slide, pony rides, animal farm, jumping castle, and Christmas craft activities, an array of fabulous fare and over 80 Christmas-themed market stalls, each and every one overflowing with unique gift ideas for festive giving.

Come and indulge in Saturday afternoon shopping, say hello to Santa, enjoy live jazz and acoustic music, wine tasting, face painting, and roving performers as you browse the shops in a happy, relaxed seasonal atmosphere.

At 6pm there are Community Carols in the Village Green presented by the Mt Eliza Inter Churches Council.

This is a chance to shop, taste and indulge yourself and

SUMMER 2011

your family as you work your way through your Christmas list. Saturday 10th December 2011 from 2pm-7pm.

The Village, Mt Eliza Christmas Fair 2011 is a Mt Eliza Chamber of Commerce event p:0403 889 559 mtelizavillage.com.au Proudly sponsored by Audi Mornington, ANZ Mt Eliza and Mt Eliza Chamber of Commerce. And proudly supported

by Mornington Peninsula Shire, Hall & Hall Real Estate, Big Bang Media, Mt Eliza Lions Club, Mt Eliza Rotary, Nova Star Productions and South East Water.

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beautiful things

WEDDING FLOWERS

VANILLA BROWN Experienced style-queens Meg Russell and Claire Lawrence-Smart love what they do. In the leisurely time they find between caring for their families, with six kids combined, their Mornington store Vanilla Brown serves as an outlet for their artistic endeavours.

“People say that the things we stock are not what you would normally find in Mornington,” said Claire.

“We search high and low for unique products. Our point of difference is the mix of styles,” adds Meg. Not just offering stylish and snazzy homewares and fashion statements aplenty, the girls also specialise in designing and art-directing corporate events and classy weddings. A photo-folder displays the striking floral accents and visual touches they recently added to the upmarket nuptial ceremony in The Great Hall at The National Gallery in Melbourne – inspired by and complimenting the iconic stained glass ceiling. Before that, a spectacular spread at Tussie Mussy Farm.

The in-store Christmas tree, decorated with crystal pendants and pearly baubles, highlights their flair.

Vanilla Brown is a one-stop-shop for ladies.

Fashions, flowers, handbags, jewellery, home decor personalised shareware.

“We’ve known each other for seven years and we had long talked about launching a store,” said Meg. “Previously, I had Vanilla Brown in Hampton and

WRAP N PACK TO HAVE TO HOLD

PLUS FASHION, ACCESSORIES, INTERIORS & MORE. FRESH, NEW & BEAUTIFUL! SHOP 1/70 MCLAREN PLACE MORNINGTON ( rear of Main Street - Centro carpark )

Phone 5975 8774

Wrap n Pack has everything an individual or business requires in the way of catering and party lines, cleaning and packaging items – with Christmas all wrapped up!

And think ‘green’, not just because it’s Christmas but because Wrap n Pack sources products that are ‘planet friendly’.

Where possible, company founder Aldo Muscillo, obtains paper products from companies that have replaced wood pulp with bamboo or the waste fibre from sugarcane.

The end products look and feel superior, are free from harmful chemicals, and come from sustainable and renewable resources. Aldo says, “People on the Peninsula are very green conscious and we have done a lot of research to be ahead of the competition.”

When it comes to cleaning products, the same rule applies. Greener Choice formulates products with the safest, most biodegradable and sustainable ingredients for any given cleaning application.

Instead of wrapping Christmas presents, you can choose from a vast array of colourful bags and

( 56 The peninsula’s funky SQUARE magazine www.morningtonlife.com.au

Meg had Herbaceous Flowers in Mt Eliza,” said Claire of their arty past that was poised for re-birth.

“We left those businesses when we had kids, and now we both felt like doing something together.”

“In the six months since we opened we’ve grown to add a lot more fashion - beachwear, casual dresses and little bit of formal wear. We add new clothes every week and every item is hand-picked,” said Meg. “We are surrounded by things that we like and that our clients love,” Claire added.

Vanilla Brown – Lifestyle and Botanical is located at 1/70 McLaren Place, Mornington, at the Barkly Street end of Centro car park. Phone: 5975 8774.

Web: vanillabrown.com.au. boxes but, if wrapping is your thing, Wrap n Pack has a range of paper and cards that will make your presents look beautiful under any Christmas tree!

2/151-161 Mornington Tyabb Road, Mornington.

Phone 5976 4449, or visit www.wrapnpack.com.au

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Bentons Square for ALL YOUR Christmas CHEER Christmas parade and Santa will be arriving by Samoyed Dog Sled on Friday 9th December 4pm -7pm. Santa will be at the centre Saturday Dec 10 until Sat Dec 24. Sats & Suns 10am till 1.30pm, Mondays-Fridays 2-5.30pm.

Benton’s Square held a Christmas competition and invited all traders to be involved in dressing their windows up for the festive season.

All the participating windows looked amazing, and the winning window was announced as ‘Socks and Jocks’, and the runner up ‘Gold Smith Jewellers’.

NEW AT BENTON’S SQUARE: FERGUSON PLARRE

By Jessica Taylor Ferguson Plarre bakehouse is a 110 year old brand, and a new store in Bentons Square run by Peter Eaton, offers delicious baked pastries, savouries, great coffee and special order cakes – a wonderful indulgence!

Peter has been a pastry cook since he was 15 years old and says the Ferguson Plarre franchise was a fantastic opportunity. “I worked over in Europe for awhile and then for a local patisserie, but when they closed I was looking for an opportunity for myself. I’ve always lived in this area and that’s why we opened this store.”

Peter says what separates their bakehouse from others is the great quality food and the strong connection people have with the brand. “Ferguson Plarre was really well known in the northern suburbs and a lot of those people who lived there have retired to the Peninsula. They talk to me about their childhood and how their families always went to Ferguson Plarre for their cakes. Our store rekindles those memories.”

What also makes Ferguson Plarre different is the fact you can order cakes online and even design your own for special occasions like birthdays, weddings and christenings.

Peter says it’s very easy to use. “You choose the size of the cake, how many people you want to feed, fillings and toppings all with a click of a button.”

Ferguson Plarre has numerous reward SUMMER 2011

programs for customers like coffee cards, birthday and taste testers club.

A lot of people have signed up for the birthday club. “You get a birthday card and a voucher you can come and spend in store. Members of the club go into a draw - one of our customers won $100 worth of vouchers and she bought her husband’s 80th birthday cake with the voucher,” said Peter.

With over ten different types of succulent pies to choose from, your sweet and savoury tastes will be satisfied at the bakehouse. Peter says, “Customers have commented that we have the best pasties they have tasted in years, one of them being the infamous Tiddly Oggie.”

So whether you have just dropped the kids at school and are after a coffee and cake, lunch on the run, or something to take home for dinner, all your desires can be satisfied at Ferguson Plarre.

Located at Bentons Square Shopping Centre, phone 5973 4170 or visit www.fergusonplarre.com.au Keep in touch with Mornington Life Magazine on Facebook

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Jewellery, Fashion, Gifts, Decor, Scarves & Candles

Specialising in accessories for the Body & home.

Great prices. Fantastic stock We have the right gift for everyone.

Free Gift Wrapping Available.

ph: 5973 6149 33 Main Street, Mornington

Crazy low prices on all Diamond Rings!

Cheapest Diamonds in Australia Guaranteed!

Expect to pay around half the price!

FOR AN APPOINTMENT CALL

1300 230 430

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www.diamondcoco.com.au

Hypnosis could be your key to good health

Inspirational moments or peak experiences are common with hypnosis. It has a lovely gentle way of opening the door to those “ah-ha” experiences and bigger pictures.

Perspectives change, often with life changing results. You can re-solve physical and emotional issues, habits of mind and body. About one third of us say that we are overloaded by stress and it has been said that Hypnosis is nature’s tranquilizer, teaching you to take charge of your reactions and teaching you to relax.

The process is often fast and the effects are long lasting, often when nothing else has worked. As a natural biological process, pain levels recede.

An important recent hypertension study showed that the hypnosis group had a significant decrease in blood pressure compared with the control group.

At 6 months the Hypnosis group had a mean decrease of 13.3 mm Hg systolic and 8.5 mm Hg diastolic below their baseline blood pressure.

Hypnosis is the perfect tool to shift self-talk, replace negative patterns and entrench healthy attitudes. Your self-talk determines how you perceive the outer world.

The famous US Mayo Clinic has said, “ Hypnosis offers analgesic effects for many types of pain/ anxiety to meet the criteria for well established treatment”.

Overweight and weight issues respond particularly well with Hypnosis, releasing those blocks to success. Most hypnotists offer a structured plan of clinical sessions to get you on your way to achieving your goal weight.

Julie Meaden says, “My clients often tell me that they are surprised and delighted at just how easy it was for them”.

Focused thoughts motivate great results. This is the safest, most effective way to become and maintain your healthy size and shape. You can re-pattern thoughts and behaviours about yourself.

Anxiety, pain, habits and addictions, weight management, stop smoking. Hypnosis works with all of that and more.

Julie says, “If you want to enjoy life, feel great, and succeed, hypnosis is the ticket.

There’s nothing to lose but tension, depression, fear, fatigue and pain!”

Julie consults from her busy clinic in Rosebud where she has recently been recognized with a prestigious award by the Chamber of Commerce.

Julie is also one of the founders and presenters for mindband.com.au.

Julie Meaden - Certified Virtual Gastric Band Practitioner Ph. 5981 1774

Eyelash Extensions by Miss Eyelash - Mt Eliza & Elwood There are a few different ways you can incorporate eyelash extensions into your lifestyle.

1. One-off. If you have a special occasion such as an event, holiday, or you’re having a baby, you can have an initial full set of eyelash extensions applied and let the extensions fall out naturally as per your own eyelash life cycle (eyelashes shed on a cycle every 2-3 months).

2. Indefinitely. You can wear your eyelash extensions indefinitely by having regular refills between two to four weeks, to maintain a consistent look throughout the year.

3. Blocks. Some clients have their extensions applied in blocks throughout the year. This means they have an initial set of extensions applied followed by a few refill appointments to carry them over for a few months of events and occasions. They then allow the extensions to

( 74 The peninsula’s funky SQUARE magazine www.morningtonlife.com.au

all fall out. When another occasion arises, they have a full set done again.

TIP! Always look at your calendar when investing in an initial full set of eyelash extensions. If you have a series of events over a few months, you can enjoy beautiful lashes with the help of only a couple of refill appointments.

‘Like’ Miss Eyelash on Facebook (by scanning the QR code), for your chance to win 2 Full Sets of Eyelash Extensions!

1st winner announced when we hit 500 friends & second winner when we reach 1000!

Good Luck!

Love & Long Lashes, Miss Eyelash fresh every season mornington life

SHELLAC NAIL COLOUR ROCKS Owner of Body Essence in Mornington, Marianne, loves your body! In her own words, “We want you to have a delightful experience each and every time you come to visit our intimate Boutique Salon. Our team will take the time to listen to your concerns and establish what options are available to you.

We offer a free skin analysis with each facial, so that you can understand the condition of your skin better and our Therapists can accurately advise you on the most suitable facial for YOU! Providing luxury treatments, using the very best products and delivering the friendliest customer service is what we do best. thats why I refer to our team as, The Beauty Angels.”

But what about your nails?

Body Essence has all the answers here as well.

New to their salon is Shellac Hybrid Nail Colour This amazing product goes on like polish, dries like gel. There is no drying time required, no nicks, chips or smudges will happen.

You won’t have weak damaged nails or post pedi depressions. Just resilient, flawless, mirror finish nails for 14 days.

“We use all of the genuine CND Shellac products” says Marianne.

You can combine your Shellac Hybrid Nail Colour with a manicure or pedicure, or just have Body Essence paint your nails for you, a recent manicure or pedicure is required for the paint only service.

Listen to what the public are saying: “Two weeks later my nails are just as shiny and perfect as the day they were done”

SUMMER 2011

“The Shellac System ROCKS!” “My nails have this classy, expensive just stepped out of the salon look and they stay that way for weeks.”

Just 30 seconds after the top coat is applied they dry to a mirror finish, no nicks, chips or smudges – ever. Make your nails worry free this Summer.

Shellac stands miles apart from others in the market with the science and testing to back it up. Nail Professionals who participated in more than 4 years of controlled, blind testing said unanimously that there’s no comparison, not even close!

Try Shellac Hybrid Nail Colour at Body Essence, you will never go back to just plain polish!

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Stephanie Johnson is an experienced Astrologer and regular contributor to Mornington Life Magazine. For information on her services go to seeingwithstars.net or phone: 0411 2555 77

Aries The heat is on in

connection with your relationships.

Changes in your life direction spark a chain reaction in your key relationships. Luckily you like a challenge and new beginnings. Loved ones will settle by the end of the summer season.

Taurus

This summer brings change for Taureans.

Seasons come and seasons go and you are learning this firsthand. You need to stand firm in your resolve to live your own life. How do you want your life to be? Let go of the rest.

Gemini

Seek wise counsel before rushing into anything new this summer. An Eclipse in the Sign of Gemini calls for the usually spontaneous Twins of the Zodiac to restrain impulsive actions. A partner, or potential partner, may be worth listening to.

Cancer A Spanish Proverb says that habits are at first cobwebs and then cables. This is your season to break the cables. Plan to include new healthy habits each day and enjoy the positive results. Co-opt the help of colleagues.

Leo

Summer 2011 is your time in the Sun. Go out and play. Be creative. Take a long break, or short ones, from work. If you can’t get away from work then it doesn’t matter.

What matters is that you indulge your inner child.

Virgo While others are out in the Sun enjoying the

warmer climes, you are more likely to spend this summer closer to home. A swimming pool in the backyard perhaps but more likely you are getting your house in order, or

( 76 The peninsula’s funky SQUARE magazine www.morningtonlife.com.au

perhaps even moving home.

Libra

A change is as good as a holiday, so the saying goes. This summer you seek a change of scenery. If you can’t take a break you may learn a new hobby, relax with a good book or play on the internet.

Scorpio Like your Virgoan cousins, summer fun is not the highest thing on your agenda this season.

Instead you are focussed on money matters. A reassessment of your personal income is a priority or your job is taking precedence.

Sagittarius Perhaps it is time for a personal

makeover. On the other hand maybe you are ready to assert yourself just the way you are. It doesn’t matter which. The time is ripe for you to shine, shine, shine.

Capricorn This summer you may be forced to take

a back seat and to let others have their moment in the sun.

For whatever reasons you do well to retreat, rest, relax and let other people’s dramas unfold.

Aquarius It is time to place your calendar or diary

somewhere prominent and fill it with social occasions. You are ready to party. This could be many small gatherings or several big bashes. It doesn’t matter as long as your friends are present.

Pisces Sensitive Pisceans are about to enter a

profound period in life. How so? Society is about to learn lessons that Pisceans have known within all along – the need for understanding, compassion, and sacrifice. You can now share your wisdom.

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BETTY LANE - GLOBAL CITIZEN It can be an incredible experience to reflect upon the keystone moments in one’s life, to see how seemingly insignificant events can shape future experiences.

“It is serendipity,” says Betty Lane from her home in Mt Eliza.

“Opportunities have unfolded and I keep coming into contact with people who will take me on the next part of the journey.”

Betty founded and directs Australia’s first not-forprofit international student exchange program, Southern Cross Cultural Exchange (SCCE). Since its formation in 1983, the organisation has facilitated the exchange of over 15,010 students with 20 countries.

For Betty it is about giving students a chance to immerse themselves in another culture and broadening their perspectives.

“It is my belief that the more cultures mix, the more peaceful life will be,” says Betty, reflecting on the importance of exchange programs. “This is a safe way for our children to become global citizens, and to find an alternative way of looking at things.”

True to this statement SCCE aims to further tolerance, challenge students to learn and enhance self-knowledge and awareness.

Chatting to Betty about what has brought her to this point, it is clear that she has led a life less ordinary.

As a young girl growing up in the USA, Betty was interested in history and cultures. Soon after finishing university in 1950, she set off for Europe with a group of graduates and university lecturers, excited at the opportunity to explore foreign shores.

Six months later Betty found herself in New York looking for work, leading her to respond to a job advertisement in the New York Times.

“The role was for a secretary to the Director of the Council on Student Travel,” said Betty. “A notfor-profit organisation had been subsidised by approximately 150 educational organisations and churches to facilitate inexpensive transportation for students and people who wanted to explore and help repair Europe after WWII.” Part of Betty’s role was to manage the allocation of available transport, across ten departures per year.

“CST chartered ships which at the time were also being used to take refugees from Europe to Canada, the USA and Australia. These Greek, Norwegian, SUMMER 2011

Dutch and Swiss ships would depart from New York or Quebec, the latter requiring embarking of a few hundred students from Grand Central Station.”

Each journey would accommodate approximately 1000 students, in less than luxurious conditions.

“Activities were developed to keep passengers occupied. These brought forth the growth of cross-cultural studies, surveys and the teaching of survival skills as well as languages. We worked at breaking down stereotypes.”

It was during one of the return trips from Europe to Canada in 1955 that Betty met a group of Australian engineers who, having finished four years’ work experience in the UK, were heading to Canada to continue the adventure. Betty came to Australia in 1965 with one of them –then her husband – and their three children.

Betty embraced life in Australia and was quick to make an impact upon her adopted homeland. After a Dip.Ed from Monash University, she was seconded to a group of teachers in Curriculum and Research introducing Social Studies to all Australian schools.

She then became first Executive Officer of the Victorian Association of Social Studies Teachers.

When, in 1975 the US State Department gave a grant to Youth For Understanding to expand to Australia, Betty became Manager for Victoria.

“I worked from home, which I switched to Mt Eliza.

I contacted all the Social Studies teachers and asked them to present the exchange programs. It was a great success.”

“Then disaster – for some reason I became unemployed again in 1983. Again serendipity!

America’s Cup put Australia on the tourist map and Hogan told the work to put another shrimp on the barbie. My phone rings with several international exchange organisations begging me to work with them. Rather, I decided to establish the first Australian international student exchange program, reflecting Australian educational procedures and teenage life.”

Betty’s first port of call was to head back to New York to get advice from her old work colleagues on how to choose the international affiliates. Following on from this she attended an international conference on exchange in Izmir, Turkey. As the only Australian to have ever attended at the time, Betty was booked into back-to-back meetings with prospective partner countries.

Article continues on page 79 Keep in touch with Mornington Life Magazine on Facebook

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WINNING CLINIC

The Sports Injury Clinic recently entered the Frankston and Mornington Peninsula Excellence in Business Awards.

The process took a lot of time and effort to put together a submission, and then make time to be interviewed by the panel of judges.

Spokesperson Pippa Hanson said, “When asked why we would go to the trouble and add extra work to our current workload the answer was easy. The award would reflect our workplace and our people.”

The Sports Injury Clinic won several awards including, WINNER ‘Health and Wellbeing’ category and OVERALL WINNER ‘Excellence in Business 2011’.

“It is a daily way of working, thinking, behaving and communicating - our exceptional staff and allied health partners continually exceed our customer service standards.

“It is such an honour to win these awards as it truly reflects the amazing people who make up The Sports Injury Clinic and of course we wouldn’t have a business if it wasn’t for our clients.

“Our clients are also to be acknowledged for the parts of their lives that they share with us, their hobbies, their interests, their personal achievements and more; all of these things together brighten each day.

Our Clinic is a great place to work and a great place to come for treatment or pro-active health advice,

( 78 The peninsula’s funky SQUARE magazine www.morningtonlife.com.au

especially at this time of year,” said Pippa.

According to head Physiotherapist, Michelle Blake, if ‘niggles’ are causing discomfort in your neck or back or causing headaches, it is time to take action so Christmas can be an enjoyable time.

Michelle said, “Neck and Shoulder pain is a common problem, affecting about two-thirds of all adults at some point in their lives. There are various treatments available, the most suitable treatment for you will depend on the cause of the pain and how severe it is.

“The pain can arise from many different sources around the neck including ligaments, facet joints, discs and nerves. It is often caused from prolonged postures of your head (as it is heavy) and places an excessive load on these soft tissues as they try to support you in your daily tasks.

“Neck pain can give rise to pain in the shoulder blades or down the arms and requires specific assessment to identify the cause.”

Practitioners at The Sports Injury Clinic will perform specific tests to assess the degree and type of neck pain you are experiencing and explain time frames for recovery and, most importantly, make your Christmas and holiday season an enjoyable one.

The Sports Injury Clinic is located at 365 – 367 Nepean Highway, Frankston.

Phone 9783 9990 or visit www.tsic.com.au

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ZENYU A MOVING EXPERIENCE Zenyu skin and body has big news; it has moved to 8/234 Main Street, Mornington.

After years of being located in a boutique salon in Mount Martha, Zenyu has moved to a more convenient location for their loyal clientele – and the new salon is gorgeous!

There is a buzz of excitement around the salon which now has extra treatment rooms and an atmosphere created for a completely relaxing experience.

Zenyu brings with it the talents of Rebecca Selby and her experienced and dedicated staff who will continue to provide the highest level of service in all their beauty treatments.

Services include tanning, waxing, makeup, advanced skin care, tinting, lash extensions, facial peels, and micro-dermabrasion. The products used are the highest quality and have been fully researched to ensure clients achieve the desired results.

One of the most exciting treatments available at Zenyu is their eyebrow shaping and threading procedure. The feedback from those who have tried threading has been HUGE, and don’t worry, bad

eyebrows can be saved.

We caught up with Rebecca after she had her eyebrows assessed and re-shaped via the ancient threading process and she admitted they were the best they had ever looked.

“The whole procedure was painless and I am absolutely thrilled with the results,” said Rebecca.

The team at Zenyu can’t wait to see you at their beautiful new premises.

You can also visit them at www.zenyu.com.au and follow them on facebook and twitter.

Phone 5975 0099 – email relax@zenyu.com.au

BETTY LANE - GLOBAL CITIZEN continued from page 77

Southern Cross Cultural Exchange was an immediate success; country destinations were added. Betty proved that office location did not have to be centralised, by moving the office to a farmlet in Pearcedale with 2 ½ houses, a beautiful garden and ten acres. Parents and students came for interviews and many overseas leaders in student exchange came to become SCCE affiliates. In 1998, SCCE came back to the Mt. Eliza village.

Today SCCE has an excellent worldwide reputation and is recognised for its high standard of quality programs. Its staff comprises professionals from the fields of cross cultural exchange, education and travel and they are on call 24/7.

SCEE prides itself on its high standard of student and host family selection procedures, enforcement of cross-cultural and educational procedures suiting Australia, its comprehensive manuals and orientation activities.

“Cultural exchange isn’t easy,” says Betty. “Students are truly away from their parents, some for the first time… it’s a great experience and a form of experiential education. Students must really look to SUMMER 2011

solve problems themselves and make the right choices.”

For Betty, the reward of the job is the advanced maturity, desire for more education, global attitude and tolerance of differences gained by the returned students.

“I love it,” says Betty. “So many strangers have become friends, so many Australians tolerate different styles, attitudes, beliefs, so many returned exchange students know it’s their world, so many returnees are willing to take the road ‘less travelled’.”

Betty knows the returned students have enhanced their futures, and urges Australian governments to continue to encourage such experiential education made possible by dedicated non-governmental organisations.

Enquiries on hosting an international or joining an exchange program can be made on ph: 1800 500 501 or visit scce.com.au Keep in touch with Mornington Life Magazine on Facebook

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PREVENTION OF DIABETES

by Kate Save ph: 5974 1011

Level 1, Suite 5, 34-38 Lochiel Ave, Mt Martha

www.healthandnutrition.com.au

PPN’s 8 WEEK Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes Program Evidence from Research: Recent studies clearly demonstrate that lifestyle modification can prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes in people at high risk of developing diabetes.

Our Aim: To increase physical activity, modify diet and reduce weight in people at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes to prevent its onset.

Criteria for Suitability for this Program: Does a family member have Type 2 Diabetes?

Heart Disease or previous Heart Attack?

Are you over 45yrs and overweight or have high blood pressure?

Or, are you over 55yrs as age increases your risk?

Do you have impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance? (PreDiabetes) Are you a Woman with past history of gestational diabetes?

Do you have Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome and overweight?

Having just 1 of these risk factors makes you eligible for our program and if you have a Chronic Health Condition such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, PCOS etc then you may also be eligible for a Enhanced Primary Care plan from your GP for Medicare Rebates.

What PPN can offer you: An individualized 8-week weight loss program to reduce your risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes which includes; Dietitian Consultations x 2 (30 mins each) Body Composition analysis (weight/BMI/ Body Fat percentage/girth measurements) Health and Fitness Assessment (30 mins) 8 x 30minute Personal training sessions A Home Fitness program (30 mins) Total Value $610 – OUR SPECIAL OFFER Valid until Xmas 2011 is $399 *If you are not eligible for an EPC from your GP for Medicare rebate, Private health insurance EXTRA’s cover may allow you to claim back some money on services via HICAPS on the spot Action Plan: • Make an appointment to see our Dietitian/ Exercise Physiologist/Personal Trainers to be assessed and have recommendations made for a suitable dietary and exercise plan Written by Kate Save (Director of PPN) – Accredited Practicing Dietitian/Exercise Physiologist/Diabetes Educator Peninsula Physical Health and Nutrition (PPN) Suite 5, Level 1, 34-38 Lochiel Ave, Mt Martha Ph: 5974 1011 www.healthandnutrition.com.au email: info@healthandnutrition.com.au

( 80 The peninsula’s funky SQUARE magazine www.morningtonlife.com.au

PAMPER PARADISE AT PENINSULA LIFE MEDISPA When seeking a refuge of peace and tranquillity, you envisage soft music, hearing the gentle sound of flowing water and the aroma of essential oils to sooth the body and relax the mind.

Peninsula Life Medispa creates this complete vision.

Situated minutes from Mornington CBD in a picturesque refurbished period style house on Tanti Avenue, Mornington, Peninsula Life Medispa offers a vast selection of both Day Spa and medical aesthetic/dermal treatments that will surpass all expectations.

Whether experiencing a LI’TYA Mala Mayi full body salt exfoliation and mud wrap, created with salts from evaporates salt lakes and red ocre from central Australia, or the aromatherapy journey of a LI’TYA Mikirri facial, your body will truly be transported to a place of total peace and relaxation.

To complete this experience, after all day spa treatments guests are invited to relax in the spa lounge with home made refreshments which allows you to linger just that little bit longer before you have to depart back to the real world.

This vision was created in 2007 by owners Alana Dyer and Drs. Maree Sexton and Vanessa Haller, with the ambition to create a unique experience for both the day spa clientele and the medical aesthetic/dermal clients, in a surrounding offering pampering, privacy and service previously unseen on the Peninsula.

In recognition of achieving this dream, Peninsula Life Medispa was this year awarded ASPA Best Medispa Award (in Austral-Asia), making this the 2nd year of receiving an ASPA award, after also receiving the award of Best Urban Day Spa (5 rooms and under) in 2010.

To be recognised by the association which represents, supports and promotes the spa and wellness industry throughout Australasia, is confirmation to the owners of Peninsula Life Medispa that they are achieving the goal of what they initially set out to accomplish, this being as described by Alana Dyer “to provide up to date results driven treatments, coupled with a unique 5 star boutique experience, where each and every client who walks through the door is welcomed, guided and nurtured through their entire experience, whether it be enjoying a Kodo massage, Yanko full body salt exfoliation in the capsule, or a results treatment in the dermal or medical aesthetics rooms”. To be able to provide all of these services within the one business has been a successful cross over which now complement each other.

Relax, be pampered and share time with the special someone you love at Peninsula Life this Christmas, enjoy a Peace, Love or Harmony escape to truly indulge your sense of wellbeing. fresh every season

mornington life

S u m m er R e v i va l Escape the heat at Peninsula Life Medispa this summer Re-energise after the festive season.

The LI’TYA ‘Of the Sea’ range will refresh your body and replenish your energy.

Paudi scalp and hair treatment rehydrates sun and chlorine damaged hair

Summer Revival Special includes: Tropical Juice Ancient smoking ceremony Susu Dew Massage Paudi Head Treatment Light refreshment *Mornington only

99

$

per person

FREE CHRISTMAS CANDLE *

VALUED AT $21.95

Spoil that someone special

Spend over $150 on a voucher of your choice

109 TANTI AVENUE, MORNINGTON VIC 3931 TEL: (03) 5975 7309 FAX: (03) 5975 7809

www.peninsulalife.com.au

and we will also provide you with a beautiful natural essential oil soy based Candle to present with your gift. *While stocks last

FEET FIT FOR SUMMER

Summer means warm weather, holidays, daylight savings and outdoor activities. All that means more time on your feet and much of that time can be barefoot or in thongs and slip-on shoes. This can take a toll on your feet and legs.

Paul Dowie, one of Australia’s foremost sports podiatrists, and founder of Foot and Leg Pain Clinics has some helpful hints to help keep your feet fit for Summer: • Thongs, slip-ons and high heels can have an adverse affect on your feet and legs if worn too much, so wear properly fitted, supportive shoes with lower heels and decent cushioning, whenever possible. Low heeled sandals are often a good option.

• Sore feet are often a symptom of more serious

tation

foot leg pain clinic expert medical solutions for a longer, more active life

end heel·arch·foot pain cure shin·knee·hip pain slow bunions·arthritis heal sports injuries 50% Off Initial Consultation

families

kids

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135 Mt Eliza Way Mt Eliza

Call 1300 328 300

Clinics located across melbourne

underlying issues, so always have foot and leg pain or injuries, postural discomfort, bunions or adolescent growing pains checked by an experienced sports podiatrist before a long holiday. Pain/problems can become debilitating so get them checked early so they don’t affect your summer activities.

• Avoid too much barefoot walking. Going barefoot significantly increases the risk of foot injuries.

Stepping on foreign objects or hot surfaces like concrete and sand can be very damaging and painful. Bare feet in public locations, like swimming pools and showers, can lead to infections, so keep bare feet to when you are at home, on safe surfaces like grass or when just relaxing.

• Use a 30+ SPF sunscreen all over your feet. Feet can be very susceptible to sunburn.

• Always wear proper exercise shoes when exercising, even when hot. Don’t get caught

taking long summer walks if you’re not wearing proper walking shoes.

“Neck, back, hip, knee and ankle pain can all result from bad foot posture continually pulling your body out of alignment, but can often be treated quickly and effectively.” commented Paul Dowie The Foot & Leg Pain Clinic at 135 Mt Eliza Way, Mt Eliza is currently offering $50 off initial consultations. Call 1300 328 300.

THE SOUL TOOTH New dentist in Mt Eliza

Dr Sangeeta Sharma-Nandra is the dentist with a gentle touch at The Soul Tooth in Mt Eliza. A graduate from Melbourne University, Dr SharmaNandra and her husband, who is a local GP, have been part of the Mt Eliza community for six years, and their children attend local schools.

As a member of the Australian Dental Association, Dr Sharma-Nandra offers a complete range of procedures including crowns, veneers, dentures, minor dental surgery, and tooth whitening. She also has experience in providing dental procedures under general anaesthesia at local private hospitals.

Her practice offers dental services to both private and public patients, and those covered by Veteran Affairs, Workcare, Healthcare and Pensioner Card Holders, Medicare chronic medical/dental scheme and Teen Medicare vouchers.

The Soul Tooth is the only recognised Medibank Private and Bupa preferred provider in Mt Eliza, with claims processed instantly online. The child friendly clinic also has wheelchair access.

Dr Sharma-Nandra has a special summer offer to whiten your smile – bleaching procedures are $299, normally $500, when you book in for a check up and clean.

Open for appointments 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and Saturday by appointment only. After hours, emergency appointments and home nursing visits available on request.

( 82 The peninsula’s funky SQUARE magazine www.morningtonlife.com.au

The Soul Tooth, 3 Stewart Mt Eliza Opposite Kunyung Post Office. Phone 9708 8189

fresh every season

mornington life

EVERY HAIR TREATMENT UNDER THE SUN Silk Hair Design

Silk is Mt Martha’s premium boutique hair and beauty salon with a talented team of six senior stylists on a staff of nine, who deliver hair care with flair. The salon is the perfect blend of innovation and professionalism within a relaxed environment, and staff provide devoted attention to all clients.

So what makes Silk different? According to salon owner, Leanne, the secret is really listening and assessing each client’s individual needs so the perfect hairstyle can be created. “We like to exceed our clients expectations,” said Leanne.

Silk specialises in Correctional Colouring using Aveda, a gentle, natural product derived from organic plants. A full range of Aveda hair care retail products is also available, plus beautiful Aveda gift packs – the perfect Christmas present.

Want long hair? Why wait for your hair to grow when, in around 90 minutes, the Gadiva trained specialist stylists can provide you with beautiful, full length hair.

With summer comes swimming, humidity and sun damage, but there’s no need to ‘fear the frizz’.

Silk has a full range of smooth and straightening systems to suit all hair types. Summer colours are here too – beautiful clean blonde shades from Aveda.

Time to think about hands and feet as well.

Holli provides Essential Beauty Services with Bio Sculpture Gel, Shellac, manicures, pedicures, facials waxing and lash and brow tinting.

Leanne invites you to experience the Silk difference.

Silk Hair Design is located at 3a Bay Rd, Mt Martha.

Phone 5874 1832 email - enquiries@silkhairdesign.com.au Facebook – silk hair design Mt Martha SUMMER 2011

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to our beloved clients!

ALSO WELCOMING MARKAYE, HAIRDRESSER AND HOLLI, BEAUTY THERAPISTT

Specialising in Aveda Colour Gavida Hair Extensions Keratin and Thermal Straightening

Bio Sculpture Nails Manicures Pedicures HOURS

Mon 9-5 Tue & Wed 9-6

Thur & Fri 9-9 Sat 8-4

3A Bay Rd, Mt Martha ( t ) 5974 1832 Keep in touch with Mornington Life Magazine on Facebook

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WHAT’s NEW

IN ANTI-AGEING AND HAIR REMOVAL Mt. Eliza Beauty Therapy has been conducting a series of studies on two new devices for Blonde Hair Removal.

Lighter hair with blonde roots cannot usually hold down the heat from laser and IPL treatments, which is required to kill the re-growing hairs.

Some companies are now using Ultrasound energy to heat the root system, some combine with radio wavelengths and ILP – unfortunately to date, no long term effects have been noticed.

Blonde, grey and red hairs with white roots are simply resistant to long term results.

The heat converted in these treatments do not cause enough long term damage to the hair roots to delay regrowth mechanisms.

“We are still researching,” says Sue Verheyen from Mt. Eliza Beauty Therapy, “as our clients want long term results – not simply to pay for a slow down, we offer complete honesty” says Sue. Anti-Aging & Associates have been performing the ‘Natural Lift’ which addresses the signs of ageing by volumising and ‘lifting’ without the need for surgery.

The innovative anti-ageing treatment, brought to the industry by Q-Med, restores lost facial volume in the upper face, mid face, eyes, cheeks, jawline and chin in 45 minues with virtually no recovery time.

The Natural Life comprises: Restylane SubQ – to instantly enhance appearance by adding volume to restore youthful facial shape and contour and Restylane is used to reduce the appearance of moderate facial wrinkles and folds.

Restylane SubQ and Restylane are made up of a clear gel made from non-animal stabilised hyaluronic acid, which occurs naturally in the skin and depletes during the natural ageing process. The Natural Lift is delivered via a series of injections using new techniques which cause minimal discomfort.

“Speak to Lara Boardman or Doctor Romero – a consultation is required – several other additional new techniques are proving extremely successful in holding back the signs of ageing. Look fresh not frozen is our motto.” says Sue. In our next issue there will be news of two new and exciting treatments at Mt. Eliza Beauty Therapy, along with details of a new Anti-Ageing range direct from the USA – taking us into the next generation of anti-ageing technology.

Mt Eliza Beauty, phone 9787 7475 for appointments.

( 84 The peninsula’s funky SQUARE magazine www.morningtonlife.com.au

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SUMMER 2011

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YOGI TRAINING IN 2012 A warm Thank you for a great year to all the students at The Yoga House, from Anna, Jodie and Rachel “It has been an eventful and wonderful year. We have enjoyed our classes with you and look forward to seeing you again next year”, says Anna, Principal Teacher at The Yoga House Check out the blog to see the pictures from the year gone by: www. theyogahousemounteliza.blogspot.com The big news at The Yoga House for 2012 is that they start the 200 hour Teacher Training Program – great news for any Peninsula Yogis who are considering a path as a teacher. The course will run from February to December 2012. The course includes all the components to become a qualified, competent, safe and happy yoga teacher. So give The Yoga house a call to find out more and to get started on your path as a yoga teacher.

Also coming up in 2012 is our annual Yoga Retreat at The Hummingbird Eco Retreat in the beautiful surrounds of Red Hill. The dates are the 27/28/29th April 2012. Come on your own, as a couple or organise some girlfriends for a well-earned mini break full of yoga, meditation/relaxation and delicious food.

If you are new to yoga or you haven’t practised in while maybe 2012 is the year for you to come to yoga. The Yoga House has another eventful year planned with exiting yoga sequences and other opportunities to take your life in a healthy direction – come along and join us. www.theyogahouse.net.au (a new website is under construction so please call for an updated timetable).

Anna mobile: 0439 132 568 - from The yoga House

( 86 The peninsula’s funky SQUARE magazine www.morningtonlife.com.au

fresh every season

mornington life

VIRTUAL GASTRIC BANDING It works!

Are you overweight and is food dictating the quality of your life? Do you feel out of control, depressed or defeated? If you are looking for a natural, safe alternative solution for weight control, the following just might be the answer.

Weight loss is all in the mind.

Sandra, Raeleen and Julie invite those people struggling to maintain their weight, to take part in a weekend hypnotic weight-loss system which incorporates Virtual Gastric Banding. Participants believe that they have undergone bariatric surgery – to reduce the stomach to the size of a golf ball.

They deal with the psychological triggers that allow a person to over eat. Feedback shows that the hypnotherapy process is like flicking a switch in the brain, turning off cravings and eating only until satisfied.

Virtual Gastric Band Program has received much attention attracting people from all over the country to undergo the treatments which have a 95% success rate. The three therapists are very excited at the prospect of being able to help people lose weight in this way.

There is nothing magical or mystical about hypnotherapy. Hypnotherapy is a method that enables a person to help themselves.

Sandra, Raeleen and Julie say, “We are passionate about promoting the benefits of hypnotherapy and we believe that the Virtual Gastric Band Program can revolutionise weight-loss around the world.

We know this because its effectiveness has already been proven in two large trials in the UK.

Lose Weight No Surgery

HYPNOSIS GASTRIC BANDING Is This You ?

With obesity being regarded at epidemic proportions in the western world and even in the UK, obesity costs the NHS a staggering £4.3 Billion per year (Australia having similar figures), it is up to the individual to take charge of their health status.

Even though there are a number of treatments already available via medical interventions, none of them specifically deal with the psychological triggers that cause a person to gain weight.

The Virtual Gastric Band Program does just that.

The benefits have been proven and now people worldwide are taking Hypnotherapy seriously.

For Enrolment and venue details: Ph: 0414 482 198 mindband.com.au email: swhypnosis@internode.on.net

• Food dictating the quality of your life?

• Feeling out of control, depressed or defeated?

• Looking for a natural, safe alternative solution for weight control?

This is for You! • A weekend to remember.

• Gain a healthy understanding and attitude to food.

• Discover your inner strength and courage.

• Take back inner control.

• Find a new, happier, healthier you.

Book NOW to reserve your place WEEKEND RETREAT When: Friday 30th March to 1st April

Friday 3rd to 5th August 2012 Where: Camp Manyung, Mt. Eliza

All meals and accommodation included.

Call Ph. 0414 482 198

mindband.com.au

info@mindband.com.au SUMMER 2011

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Celebrating local business women who have achieved success in their chosen industries.

If you know local business people worthy of exposure please contact us for our Autumn issue out March 7th. Phone Big Bang Media 9708 8222 or 5906 5771.

A TRULY DYNAMIC DUO

HAIL TO NEW FASHION

Halo is a new clothing boutique in Mornington located in the Mall just off Main Street. Stocking well known Australian and international high-end labels and more, the low prices that accompany these gorgeous gowns have them literally walking out the door.

Owner, Delores Ellis, was a model in Ireland and London before moving to Australia 13 years ago. For the past six years she ran an online designer clothing boutique, now she has ventured into running her own clothing store.

Halo is quite different to other boutiques in the area as it offers new, used and dresses for hire. The shop consists of around 50 per cent new and 50 per cent used, tags on the clothing indicate whether the item is new, used or for hire.

Delores says the dresses for sale start at just $30. “Customers know they can come here and get a dress for a special occasion or for a night out for under $50, the prices are amazing and customers often ask me if the tag has the correct amount on it!”

Hiring dresses is also an element of

Halo that other clothing boutiques don’t offer, and it’s a great option.

“You can spend hundreds on a dress but only wear it once, after that you end up lending it to your friends because they want to wear it, so you might as well spend the fraction of the cost on a beautiful designer number for the night,” said Delores.

Hiring costs start at just $30, the most expensive being $60. You have the dress for 48 hours, after that you return it and they take care of the dry cleaning. What a great idea with party season just around the corner!

Some used items have only been worn once or twice, and others come from suppliers who provide samples or end of season pieces.

Since opening the store Delores says she is thankful for the lovely people who also have shops in the mall. “It really has a fantastic vibe, all my neighbours have been a great help.”

Halo is located in The Mall off Main Street – next to Chocolate Kettle.

Trading hours are 9.30am to 5.30pm every day and 10am to 4pm on Sunday. Phone 5976 4205

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Michelle-Ann Bras & Swimwear was established by Lois Mitchell 45 years ago. Ironically, it was just a year before her daughter, Michelle-Ann, was born.

Lois began trading under the name on the corner of the Mall in Main Street, Mornington.

As the business grew, Lois branched out into two more shops on the other side of the mall and when the Bi-Lo building was constructed, Lois and her husband, John, moved Michelle-Ann Bras & Swimwear in there.

They remained at that location for 30 years winning over a loyal clientele in the ensuing years.

By this stage, Lois and John’s daughter, Michelle-Ann, had joined her parents in the shop and has now been managing the business for 25 years.

Four years ago it was decided to greatly expand the business and locate to the current premises so Michelle-Ann could provide a “megastore of bras and swimwear” for their customers.

The result is one of the largest stores of its kind in Australia.

Michelle-Ann prides itself on old fashioned friendly service and personal fittings of each customer.

The business has a team of professional bra fitters specialising in D-G Cup fittings.

Store manager, Helen McMillan, has been with the company for 17 years.

Bra brands includes Berlei, Triumph, Elle Macpherson and Fantasie just to name a few.

Fifteen years ago, the ‘Pink Room’ was incorporated to cater for ladies who have experienced breast cancer.

The Pink Room specialises in the fitting of breast prosthesis and bras to support women back on the road to recovery following breast cancer.

With the warmer weather upon us ladies will be pleased to know Michelle-Ann has an extensive range of swimwear.

Swimwear labels include Seafolly, Jets, Baku, Moontide, Tigerlilly, Sunseeker and the list goes on.

But don’t forget to set aside some time if you visit Michelle-Ann because you’ll need it to browse through the truly large range of swimwear and bras on offer.

After 45 years in the business many people wonder how Lois manages to keep the inspiration alive.

Lois puts it down to a healthy worklife balance. When she’s not in the store, she’s pursuing her other passion – breeding quarter horses from her stud at Red Hill. Lois manages the breeding program which involves importing frozen semen from the United States, enabling her to produce world class horses. fresh every season

mornington life

LIFE’S A PARTY OF COSTUMES Michelle McLean has built Watt Costumes from its humble beginnings 11 years ago as a recycled clothing store, to the incredibly successful costume business it is today, the biggest costume shop on the Peninsula.

In fact it was quite by accident that the turnabout came into fruition. Michelle says “a party shop in Rosebud was downsizing and dropped their costumes off to me to sell” Watt Costumes was born “on a rack in the corner of the existing store”.

Michelle has never looked back, with the costume stock growing to be the predominate, than eventual only stock! There are an abundance to choose from to either hire, or to buy. Michelle is currently in the process of

SHOE GODDESS MISS VELVET

building the purchase side of the business, with an emphasis on the international, with acquisitions of ponchos, Venetian Masquerade Masks, and beaded Indian Head-dresses. These amazing artisan works need to be seen to be appreciated!

So if you are looking for a costume for Christmas, New Years Eve, or any occasion you feel the need to be anything you want to be, pop in to see Michelle and her friendly staff.

Look for the purple alien opposite the historic railway on Watt Rd. They are open 6 days a week, and no appointment is necessary.

Remember their motto is Its All Fun, so don’t forget your sense of humour when you visit! www.wattcostumes.com.au 6/1 Watt Rd, Mornington Phone 5977 1288

A stylistic addition to Frankston’s footwear choices and an expanding enterprise for Beckie White, who with husband Wayne already run the successful Colour Collections hair and beauty salon in Wells Street, Frankston.

Miss Velvet is a uniquely conceptualised ladies footwear specialist - glamorising soles from around the world - in a boudoir setting with plush seating and floral accents.

SUMMER 2011

“After two years of market research we realised that the women of Frankston were not being offered a shoe store that made them feel special or that presented ‘that little bit extra’ in a shoe purchase experience,” said Beckie.

“We looked at current success stories, what women liked, and we learnt that stocking all sizes, from 5 to 12, was important too. We realised that many women were yearning for choice. We wanted to create something that was beautiful and exquisite – but with prices that were affordable.”

Shoes are served on a silver platter – adding to the wow factor.

“Before the end of the year we plan to provide pedicures from here as well. Since opening in March, we’re still really building our client-base. We listen to our clients and we know that our target market is mums, daughters and funky grandmas.”

Right now, Beckie is buying stock for next winter and presents ‘look-books’ for clients to browse through, showing what will be on Miss Velvet’s shelves six months from now.

“The concept of our store is linked to a wow factor, and that comes from men and women. Some have said that it’s too nice for Frankston, but our answer to that is that nothing is too nice for Frankston. It is a bit ‘out there’ but people have said ‘good on you’ for having the guts to do it.”

“It’s a brand that we want to franchise, so we have worked with that in mind. In the next 12 months we would like to open a 2nd and 3rd store. We stock a lot of major brands, Tony Bianco, Windsor Smith and high-end fashion. We also have our own brand that includes ballet shoes and clutch purses.”

Miss Velvet is located at 28 Wells Street, Frankston.

Phone: 9783 8358 Web: missvelvet.com.au Keep in touch with Mornington Life Magazine on Facebook

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Mornington Peninsula dominates tourism awards We can sell Seashells by the Seashore!

Maximize your advertising with great results CreativeArtroom is your complete advertising service For all your advertising, corporate branding, photography graphic design, website design, Catalogue, Flyers & Brochure work.

Based on the Mornington Peninsula

(03) 9775 2387 0419 876 821 Please visit our website

Eleven businesses enjoyed spectacular success in the 2011 Victorian Tourism Awards on November 14, showcasing the very high quality and diversity of their visitor experiences.

Mornington Peninsula Tourism (MPT) won an awards hat trick, taking out the Specialised Tourism Services Award for the third consecutive year. To honour this outstanding achievement MPT has also been inducted into the Victorian Tourism Awards Hall of Fame.

Congratulating MPT, Minister for Tourism and Events, Louise Asher said the awards are instrumental in encouraging creativity, professionalism and innovation within the tourism industry.

“These awards recognise and reward the best tourist experiences across our state and honour our highly skilled workforce and promote award-winning products,” Ms Asher said.

“These awards celebrate the achievements of those who strive for tourism excellence and quality and to make Victoria a world-class tourism destination.”

As a Victorian Tourism Awards-winner, Mornington Peninsula Tourism will go on to represent Victoria at the Qantas 2011 Australian Tourism Awards in Cairns in March 2012.

The ten other winners were: Peninsula Hot Springs, The Enchanted Maze Gardens, Moonraker Dolphin Swims, Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove, Max’s at Red Hill Estate, Big Blue Backyard, Blue Moon Cottages, Quest Apartments Frankston, Frankston Visitor Centre.

Alva Hemming, Executive Tourism Officer of MPT, says the awards presentation was the highlight of the year for MPT members.

“It was a simply spectacular win for the Mornington Peninsula,” Ms Hemming says. “Our operators were competing against Victoria’s best, and we have now proved that this region has attractions which are second to none.

MPT is the peak tourism body responsible for providing sustainable tourism services and cooperative destination marketing to maximise visitor satisfaction. Embracing a holistic approach to tourism services, MPT involves the local industry and visitor needs at every step of the planning process. Our highly visible ‘one stop shop’ has built one of Victoria’s most cohesive tourism industries. It enables staff to interact efficiently with members and visitors on a daily basis to build skills, knowledge, cooperation and a ‘big picture’ vision.

www. CreativeArtroom.com.au Ph: 5981 2221 or 0419 882 800 Not sure which QuickBooks version to buy… Upgrade? Advantage?

Subscription? Online?

Deb from Business Bookkeeping, your local QuickBooks Accredited Consultant / Trainer has access to all the latest product information and will help you to choose the most cost-effective solution for your business.

Reckon has a range of products to suit all different businesses: QuickBooks Hosted by Reckon Online is perfect for those who wish to access data remotely – not only can you and your staff login from anywhere in the World, your Accountant and your QuickBooks consultant can also login directly. You can even access QuickBooks Hosted from your IPAD or Apple Mac. Reckon Point of Sale is designed for retailers who wish to track sales and interface directly with QuickBooks to

( 90 The peninsula’s funky SQUARE magazine www.morningtonlife.com.au

QuickBooks Training Mornington Peninsula

enable easy compliance with Accounting and BAS requirements, as well as an easy to use and customise Point of Sale system.

QuickBooks is suitable for all types of businesses. If you are not sure which product would suit you best, your local QuickBooks Accredited Consultant, Deb Williams can assist you in the decision making process, supply you with software, install and train you and your staff.

Deb is an associate member of the Institute of Public Accountants, BAS Agent no. 91818001 and a certified workplace trainer and assessor. Deb has a strong background in accounting, software, realestate building, retail and many other industries.

For information about our services: email deb@bbkk.com.au phone: 0419 882 800 www. businessbookkeeping.com.au fresh every season

mornington life

Suite 4, 346 Main Street Mornington Mobile: 0407by 846 809 Wrench, ActionCOACH Sponsored Peter Main: 5976 8119

By Peter Wrench

TURN YOUR LEADS INTO CUSTOMERS One of the biggest tragedies I see in business is watching a business owner spend significant time and effort generating leads for their business, but then not acting on them in a logical, methodical, repeatable way to convert those leads into paying customers.

You haven’t done that in your business have you? But I’ll bet you know someone (better to keep them nameless) who has a stack of business cards on their desk that they have collected through their networking activities but they have not been added to their customer database, no follow up has taken place, and they are essentially growing colder by the day. If that is you, no need to raise your hand. But it is time to get out of the trap and start turning those leads into paying customers - wouldn’t you agree?

To make improvements in this area, you simply have to start doing one thing MEASURE your current conversion success rate! Most business owners have no clue what their conversion rate is. By simply measuring where you are, you will improve.

It happens every time. Once you start measuring, you realize what you should be doing that you are not, and your results begin to improve.

Add to that a specific, focused approach to handling your leads and your conversion rate will go through the roof! And, the best part is, you can grow your business without spending one more dollar! You’ve already invested marketing dollars to generate the leads. Now, make the most of that investment by defining your specific, repeatable sales steps that will convert your leads into customers.

To get started, take a few minutes and write down the specific steps that you take each and every lead through to get them familiar with you and your business. Each business has a different set of steps in their selling process. Some have just a few steps - most often where the average ticket price for a SUMMER 2011

transaction is relatively small. Others have many steps - most often where the average ticket price is relatively large. You must decide how familiar a new prospect needs to be with you and your business in order to pull out their wallet and make a purchase.

If it is a complicated product or service, you will likely need more steps in your selling process.

Once you have your current process steps written down, ask yourself, is everyone in my business doing it the same way? If not, why not? How can you have a “best in class” approach if you allow each individual to “roll their own”? How can you test and measure new approaches if you don’t first start with a standard? How can you improve and predict your outcome if there are multiple approaches? The answer to all of these questions is you cannot!

I often hear business owners say they would lose their best sales person if they made them follow a standard sales process.

Whose business is it? Yours or your sales person’s? Who has all the risk? Who is setting the expectations and limitations? My hope is that it is you - the business owner.

Don’t let the personal preferences of others dictate how you will run your business unless you like working for them!

Establish your specific selling process steps, train your team to follow the selling process, support it with the necessary materials, and measure the results of each specific step.

Make changes to your sales process based on the results of your measurements. Test and Measure. Test and Measure. Again and again. Make incremental improvements and hold yourself and your team accountable for the results. This is the recipe for success.

Stay focused. Stay determined. Be determined. Build a repeatable process for converting leads into customers. Your business success will become a certainty.

Peter Wrench – 0407 846 809 / 1300 306 391 peterwrench@actioncoach.com Keep in touch with Mornington Life Magazine on Facebook

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Summer wines on the Peninsula

There’s more to the Mornington Peninsula in Summer than just beaches, parks and al fresco dining, as much as we love them.

It is also the perfect time to explore the abundance of new releases from our wonderful wineries, the results of previous vintage labours come to fruition.

Some of the best Peninsula’s producers have new releases out now.

Check out Hurley vineyards’ three single vineyards from 2009 – Lodestone, Garamond and Hommage.

Or Main Ridge Estate’s magnificent Chardonnay and two exceptional Pinot Noirs, all from 2010.

It’s not all Pinot Noir and Chardonnay either, Crittenden Estate have just released their 2011 inaugural vintage Los Hermanos, the latest addition to their Spanish-inspired range.

The fresh, summer white is called ‘Txatoli’ – pronounced ‘Cha-colie’ and is great for eating fresh seafood and other tapas-style food.

Eldridge Estate just released the latest vintage of their heralded Gamay, the grape variety which makes its home in Beaujolais. Considered one of Australia’s best, it has been joined this year by another French-inspired wine, the ‘PTG’. This tasty style is a blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay and is an uncomplicated, savoury style of wine that matches

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Summer cuisine perfectly.

A number of the Peninsula’s best and most interesting producers don’t have cellar doors you can visit, but their wines and around 100 others can be found on the shelves at Fine Wine Merchant in Mornington.

Look for Garagiste’s new releases, especially their Heathcote Shiraz and their Chardonnay.

Tiny labels Onannon and Circe have a single wine each, 2010 Pinot Noirs from old vineyards on the Hill. And I am always impressed at the extended range of styles of Pinot Noirs that Rahona Valley offer each year – well worth checking out.

The culinary highlights at a number of the winery restaurants on the Peninsula cannot be overlooked.

Many of them, such as Ten Minutes by Tractor, Port Phillip Estate, Montalto and Salix (at Willow Creek) boast exceptional wines to match their exceptional food. Here the restaurants are serving as de facto cellar doors, just another reason to visit them.

We suggest you make the most of the delightful Summer weather to visit and acquaint yourself with the vinous best of the Mornington Peninsula.

Stewart Plant, Fine Wine Merchant, 59 Main Street Mornington 5976 8267

fresh every season

mornington life

BOYZ ON MAIN A revolution that became an institution and a serious contender for the presenting the best coffee in Mornington, The Boyz 4 Breakie injected a jet of steam into the Main Street when it first opened a decade back.

Originally a fifty-seater, a dozen doors up the hill from its current location at number 1A, John and Jon, the boyz, obviously enjoyed showing how gay and cheerful they could be.

“Jon and I embraced Mornington with a certain change that brought some culture back from the city to the peninsula. Just over 10 years ago we opened at 31 Main Street and we were there for eight months. Jimmy Watson and his lovely wife Lyn, who own this building, made us an offer to re-locate – an offer we could not refuse,” said proprietor John Inserra of the shift to 1A Main.

“So, suddenly we were 5 times bigger than we were, our staff increased from a half a dozen to 30 and we assured our patrons that we were not going to lose the uniqueness and the vibe of our venue. Since then we’ve gone from strength to strength.

“My first day at 31 Main was exciting – it was like giving birth. My first day at 1A was like a re-birth but a bit like having quadruplets - it was amazing.

We had so many people crawling all over the place to make sure that we were going to be open for that particular day in May. Patrons at the original eatery will well recall the pair offering service – in sparkly shorts.

“Jon Nicholls was very much a Mardi Gras SUMMER 2011

aficionado, he likes his sparkly-spangles and we used to go to the Mardi Gras every year. We went with a dance troupe every year for five years and wore differently themed costumes,” the restaurateur recalls. “I helped co-ordinate the dance troupe and a couple of times I was a part of the troupe – it was lots of fun,” John said.

As the years flitted by, the boyz pinned their themed costumes to the restaurant’s walls – creating instant colour and conversation. “John’s now been at Boyz at Manyung for four years - he took that on board himself. I was there for a short time but running the two venues together just made it a little bit hard, so we decided that I would focus on Mornington and he would focus on Manyung.

I’m a single man and we can leave that discussion there,” John said.

“These days when I’m thirsty I’ve been trying a lovely herbal tea called liquorice legs; it’s very refreshing and has a lovely zest to it. When you’ve had enough espresso pronto it’s absolutely a delightful beverage to have.

“We’ve got some sensational baristas who are very passionate about their coffee making, and we pride ourselves on maintaining that level and standard, across the board. The consistency is important to coffee lovers.

“We all work as a team and we’re passionate as one, we strive to ensure that everything is the way it should be – to enjoy the ambiance as a total of what we are. When our patrons enter the dining room they become a part of our extended family because we spend so much time with them.

A popular breakfast is eggs Benedict. “Our eggs are free range and Baker Boys supply our ciabatta fresh daily. The bread is lightly char grilled which brings the lovely smoky flavours through to the ciabatta.

The eggs are beautifully poached, thanks to head chef Nikki Rogers who leads a team of five chefs.

She really knows what she’s doing.” The hollandaise is a perfect blend of yolks and butter and the champagne ham is more warmed than cooked.

“People love our market fresh fish which varies with the catch. At the moment it is served as a beautiful nage broth; poached with fresh herbs, spring asparagus, baby carrots and radishes, and a hint of truffle oil. It’s just divine.”

A broad deli-fridge displays a jaw-dropping choice of desserts, all house-made. The most popular is the vanilla slice, topped with passionfruit icing and filled with custard made to a recipe that’s secret and unique.

For the future; there are Boyz plans in the pipeline “but I should keep that close to my chest.” John insisted.

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Mediterranean INFLUENCES

Diane, Adam and Jeanette standing out the front of Verde.

The new owners of Verde Restaurant in Mt Eliza have certainly jumped in at the deep end.

Diane, Adam and their mother, Jeanette, have taken over one of the village’s busiest and most popular restaurants and have to be admired for taking on the challenge.

The Debono’s have never owned an eatery before but Adam has been a chef on the Mornington Peninsula for a good decade.

Diane’s daughter, Corrina, also worked under previous owner, Cameron Taylor, as an apprentice chef, so there are foodies in the family.

Both Diane and Jeanette have previously worked in childcare, skills that could come in handy when running a busy eatery and having to deal with demanding customers.

It was Jeanette’s dream to own Verde.

A resident of Mt Eliza for 12 years, she would drive past the restaurant on her way to work and long to

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make it her own.

“Mum always liked the spot and the place always looked so alive”, Diane explains.

Diane says her mother was meant to retire but decided to buy the restaurant instead.

The Debono’s will have their work cut out for them.

They still intend to keep Verde operating seven days a week.

Diane, who will juggle five children with running the restaurant, plans to look after the administrative side of things and keep a front of house presence.

Jeanette too will oversee administration while Adam will be overseeing the kitchen and managing the wine list.

Adam has already appointed a new head chef in Purdee Burton, a local Peninsula woman.

Adam’s wife, Mirella, is also involved in the business and will wait on the floor.

At the request of Verde’s diners, Adam has already set out to change the menu.

“We’ll be moving away from an Asian influence to a more modern Mediterranean style”, he says.

The Debono’s insist prices will remain the same and the wine list will continue to support local Peninsula wines.

In the adjoining bar, the tapas menu has been tweaked.

Diane says when they took over Verde in September, many regular customers phoned or dropped in asking for a change in the menu.

Adam says he will endeavour to provide more variety “to whatever is fresh or in season”.

“We will change the fish and oysters to reflect what is fresh and available at the time”, he explained.

Already Adam has introduced fig and goats cheese chicken breast and for dessert lovers “there’ll be a lot of house churned ice-creams”.

“We’re trying to move away from fried foods to fresh dishes”, he said.

Diane says with Christmas approaching, “it will be a busy time with functions and all quite exciting”.

“We’ve certainly jumped into the restaurant in the busy season and it’s a bit of a challenge, but I think it will be lots of fun”, she said.

Diane says the family is looking forward to coming up with fresh ideas and could eventually introduce some Maltese dishes to the menu.

(The Debono’s are Maltese).

“The locals all wanted a change and they have been very patient and welcoming so we’re really looking forward to providing that”, Diane says.

Verde is open for Xmas bookings. Phone 9787 0200. fresh every season mornington life

WINERY HAS LOADS ON OFFER The Mornington Peninsula boasts many wineries that it would take you more than a month of Sundays to get through them all.

Morning Sun Vineyard at Main Ridge is a winery with a difference.

Perfectly positioned in the rolling hills along Main Creek Road, the vineyard overlooks a small valley toward the morning sun.

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The vines, planted 14 years ago by Italian, Mario Toniolo, who’s closer to his 90th birthday than he is to his 80th, are dry-grown on red volcanic soils.

Each year they produce grapes of intensely flavoured fruit.

Visitors to Morning Sun can sample the wines before purchasing at the rustic cellar door.

Cool climate varieties, namely Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio are produced from the vines.

Mario still wanders the vineyard daily, mind occupied with his latest project.

Olive groves also occupy the property providing olive oil for the a la carte restaurant.

Planted in 1999, the olive grove receives the full brunt of the elements sitting on an exposed hill, however that hasn’t stopped Mario from producing four varieties with Morning Sun Olive Oil available for purchase.

The restaurant, Osteria, which is open seven days a week for lunch (and breakfast on weekends) serves food inspired by the cuisine of Northern Italy.

Rebecca Lowe, who grew up on the Mornington Peninsula, heads up Osteria.

Wood fired pizzas, antipasto platters and polenta fries are popular choices and a perfect accompaniment to any of the cellar door wines, which most visitors prefer to enjoy on the al

fresco deck, under the vines.

Rebecca says Morning Sun also caters for special functions, including weddings.

A recent instalment has been the art gallery which features Mornington Peninsula artists.

Open seven days, the gallery is a perfect distraction after lunch to stroll through and view the range of works on show. All works are available for purchase and exhibitions change regularly.

Workshops, for aspiring painters, are also held onsite.

In fact, you’re likely to love all that Morning Sun Vineyard has to offer and want to stay.

Well, you can!

Two self contained apartments, each with three bedrooms and superb views of the vineyard, are perfect for family or group bookings.

Morning Sun Vineyard is situated at 337 Main Creek Road, Main Ridge.

Phone: 5989 6571.

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Over the last 40 years I have seen many restaurants in Main Street come and go but there is one hidden gem that has had all the locals talking about it since its inception back in 2006. That restaurant is Platters. Located right in the hustle and bustle of Main Street with a sunny deck at the front, this restaurant has a similar feel to the beach front restaurants of Byron Bay and Noosa.

Teaming up to present this culinary delight is the dynamic duo of Head Chef Darren Otto and Manager Claire Kinnaird.

With over 19 years hospitality experience, Claire has impeccable front of house skills as is evident through her highly polished service skills and welcoming attitude. Complementing Claire is owner/chef Darren Otto, who has worked

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extensively in some of Europe’s top restaurants and takes enormous pride in providing freshly cooked, quality food at affordable prices. The a la carte menu at Platters is extensive, with 40 main dishes available. Most of these dishes reflect Darren’s European travel experience and are infused with aromatic Greek influences.

Platters is also renowned for its Meat Lovers menu which includes the renowned “Coat of Arms” dish. This dish offers you the opportunity to sample some of Australia’s more unique meats such as kangaroo, emu and crocodile. My personal favourite is the ‘Carpetbag Steak’. This tender dish includes an eye fillet stuffed with oysters, wrapped with bacon and topped with a creamy garlic and mushroom sauce cooked to perfection. Another dish I would highly recommend is the pan fried Saganaki. If you’re a cheese lover like myself, this dish is to die for.

Every three months, Darren treats his loyal customers to a seafood extravaganza bringing a selection of fresh fish straight from the markets to the dinner table. Bookings are essential as this night is always popular with the locals and is usually booked out weeks in advance.

At Platters Claire and Darren, approach every function as a special event and ensure your day is truly memorable. From corporate events, birthdays, Xmas parties to wedding receptions, the team at Platters will individually tailor your function to your requirements including superb cuisine and friendly professional service. Having experienced their service first hand I can promise you that your guests won’t go away disappointed. Platters also has an extensive wine list covering the best wines the Mornington Peninsula has to offer as well as a selection of local and international beers for those hot summer nights.

Platters is open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner BYO (wine only) and Saturday and Sundays for breakfast. For reservations contact the friendly staff on 5976 1471.

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INDIAN ‘CHEF TO THE STARS’ OPENS OSHO Narender, Indian chef to the stars, has just opened a brand new restaurant in Rosebud West called Osho.

The chef, who’s cooked for Madonna and Al Pacino, also has Chowdhary Restaurant in Blake Street, Mornington.

A growing clientele for Narender’s Indian specialities prompted him to open this latest venture.

Situated on Point Nepean Road, Osho is conveniently located to service the holiday crowds that flock to the Mornington Peninsula over summer.

Osho was an Indian guru and spiritual leader who garnered an international following. He became popular amongst westerners after leaving his country to relocate to the United States in the early 1980’s.

Narender, who spent his early years in India, also lived in the United States for a couple of years before deciding to come to Australia 12 years ago.

He is now settled with his wife and two children on the Mornington Peninsula and says this is his nirvana.

While Narender’s wife will look after the Mornington business, he will take care of Rosebud with his children helping out at both establishments.

Narender’s passion for cooking was borne early in life and at 17 he became a chef in Lucknow, India, before moving on to work for the Taj Group of Hotels in New Delhi.

He later started his own catering business for Daewoo Motors in India, cooking breakfast, lunch and dinner for 2500 people.

Deciding to see a bit of the world, Narender accepted a job in Kuwait with the famous Oberoi Hotel group.

After returning to India, Narender opened two restaurants, one serving Indian/Chinese cuisine, the other specialising in North and South Indian food.

However, an opportunity to work for Warner Bros in Los Angeles was too good to refuse and he headed to the United States and cooked for film stars.

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Narender says his food is popular because he makes “the best Indian dishes with seafood.”

But if you’re not a lover of seafood, there’s plenty of other dishes to tempt the tastebuds.

Narender says Lamb Dhansak cooked in lentils with a creamy coconut sauce is a popular choice as is Chicken Jalfrizi, cooked with capsicum, onion and tomato.

As Osho would say: “Eat, taste the food, and still remember that you are the watcher”.

Osho Indian Restaurant is open for lunch on Thursday, Friday & Sunday and dinner 7 nights a week. Located at 1651 Point Nepean Road, Rosebud West. Phone: 5982 0555.

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ROSE GPO

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KICK BACK & ENJOY SUMMER With summer upon us, there’s no better place to be than by the beach, kicking back and enjoying everything life has to offer.

But when you’re just hanging out over the silly season, it’s great to know where you can go for a cool drink and a great bite to eat.

Look no further than the RoseGPO in Rosebud.

Literally across the road from the beach, the RoseGPO has everything you could possibly want in that it serves top notch beers and wine, an array of food to suit every palate and fantastic music to boot.

Owners, Sam and Breanne Austen, have created the perfect joint in which to chill any day of the week and especially on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

The couple set out to create a casual ambience, rather than ‘fine dining’ and they have succeeded on all fronts.

For summer, the menu is being steered toward a more tapas style starter/ entree menu.

Sam says, “We have assembled a magic line-up of chefs with three of them having head chefed at iconic Peninsula restaurants”.

“We don’t turnover chefs very often, therefore the quality of our food is of a consistently high standard”, he says.

A glance at the menu reveals some SUMMER 2011

mouth watering delights including: Peking Duck Crepes, Smoked Pork & Veal Meatballs, Asian Marinated Swordfish Skewers and Lemon Pepper Calamari with sweet soy & ginger dipping sauce.

Seafood lovers looking for something to sink their teeth into won’t be able to go past the Soft Shell Crab with Calamari Salad.

The RoseGPO is legendary for its Cape Grim beef, ranked among the best of the best for tenderness and sourced from land that is acclaimed for having the purest air in the world!

Paella, a Spanish rice dish, is also fast becoming a RoseGPO signature dish due to its popularity. Teeming with mussels, prawns, scallops and calamari, lovers of this traditional Valencian recipe will go weak at the knees.

If New Years Eve is still up in the air, then let the RoseGPO make the decision for you.

Paul Dillon and his band will be rocking the house with their Cat Stevens show. Tickets for the night, which includes a three course meal, are just $75. Bookings at the RoseGPO. The RoseGPO Hotel is located in the building that once housed the town’s post office: 1003 Point Nepean Road, Rosebud. Phone: 5982 3200 Keep in touch with Mornington Life Magazine on Facebook

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GOD’S KITCHEN

MANYUNG GALLERY

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VIBRANT NEW MAKEOVER - THE ROCKS WILL ‘ROCK’ THIS SUMMER The Rocks in Mornington is positively ‘rockin’ following its recent renovations in readiness for summer.

On November 17, ‘The Rocks’ celebrated a decade in business and in doing so unveiled a new internal facelift. The restaurant has a vibrant new makeover, complete with freshly painted olive walls.

Former Rocks pastry chef, now landscape gardener and artist, Colin Highett, was responsible for the new look. Colin even went to the trouble of painting fish on the walls to give the restaurant a more ‘beachy’ feel.

That feeling of being by the water extends to the overhead lights which are made from cray bait baskets.

A piece of coral with little fish sits aptly on the nearby bar.

The kitchen has been opened up to allow diners to feel more connected with the chef who has prepared their meal.

One suspects it will also allow

SUMMER 2011

the chef to hear first hand any compliments or criticism about the dishes.

The carpet has been ripped up and thrown out in favour of exposed floorboards. Even the chairs and tables have been stripped back and repainted.

Owner, Rob De Santis, even got rid of the linen napkins.

“Rob’s idea was to deformalise it”, says manager, Kirstine Wilson, who’s been at the helm since the restaurant’s inception.

“We’ve also changed the concept of the menu”, she says, “with dishes designed to share”.

Kirstine says share plates “are a popular trend in Europe and Asia”, aimed at making the dining experience more relaxed.

“It also allows guests the opportunity to sample a range of dishes”, she says.

The same menu can also be ordered on ‘The Deck’, but bookings will only be taken in the restaurant with the deck being available to those on a first come, first served basis.

Rob’s sister, pastry chef, Trisha De Santis, has joined the team and will be responsible for the delicious cakes that tease you from the glass cabinet.

Trisha will make birthday cakes too if required.

While the Rocks is always open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, the team has introduced a new eating experience on a weekend with drinks and light tapas available 3.30-5pm.

Kirstine explains that the kitchen usually shuts at 3 o’clock in the afternoon and reopens for dinner at 6pm, but on weekends there will now be another choice, so those visiting the pier and beach can have something to eat if they choose.

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SUCCESS FOR THE ORPHANS OF GHANA CHARITY BALL

THE HERITAGE BALNARRING

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heritage Tavern & Restaurant

The Peninsula’s most refreshing venue, great food, fine wine and entertainment

wine dine enjoy functions

Family friendly with two acres of gardens and many dining options.

A deck and cafe menu is provided for inexpensive and tasty meals.

Enjoy the atmosphere of an old fashioned beer garden with our garden bar operating on weekends.

Draught beer, local ciders and wines.

Enjoy local talented bands with live music every Sunday from 3-6 plus 6-9 during daylight savings.

Live music Friday’s 6-9 Specialty functions available, book for a well serviced function indoors or outdoors to suit all budgets.

The Heritage Tavern & Restaurant Open 7 days, Lunch & Dinner 11am until late. 3059 Frankston Flinders Rd, Balnarring Phone: 5983 2597

HATS N HOOVES

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Running a vineyard is a tough gig at the best of times, let alone if you are doing it solo.

But that’s exactly what, vigneron, Jo Pittendrigh, at Winbirra Wines has been doing for some time now. Winbirra sits atop a hill overlooking farms and Westernport Bay in the distance.

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The vineyard at Point Leo Rd evolved when, in the 70’s, Jo and her late husband, Andrew, bought into the family property of 10 acres.

In the 80’s, winemaker Andrew Hickinbotham, was planting vineyards on a number of small properties in the area, and Jo said it “was on a whim” that, in 1989, they decided to put in two acres of vines on their property.

Seeing a future for sparkling on the Peninsula, Jo said they planted some pinot noir and pinot meunier vines.

Jo’s husband died shortly after leaving her to run the vineyard herself.

“It gave me a focus, so I decided to keep going with it, not realising what path I was heading down”, Jo now recalls.

Jo attended seminars and workshops to equip her with the knowledge of running a vineyard which gave her more confidence with the day to day operations.

In 1994, she sold her first crop to Tuck’s Ridge for Sparkling and then later to T’Gallant, who wanted it for

quality Pinot Noir.

In 1997, Jo and her new partner Marshal Caffyn took a camping trip in Tasmania, and discovered that “a lot of people were putting in little vineyards with cellar doors so I decided to get a label happening and sell my own wine”, Jo said.

Winbirra, which is what her parents had named the property, seemed like an apt choice and so Winbirra Wines was born.

Winbirra is an aboriginal word meaning music in the trees.

Jo’s first Pinot Noir, made by T’Gallant, won a gold medal at the Victorian Wine Show in 1997 “We naively thought we were set”, Jo recalls with a laugh.

In 1998, Jo and Marshal planted another two acres of vines on the Point Leo Rd site.

The many huge pine trees on the land first had to be removed, terraces structured (for olives between the vineyards) and the soil repaired.

It took a lot of hard work”, Jo says.

In 2000, Jo and Marshal chanced upon a “perfect site for grapes” at Merricks North.

“There were many sleepless nights while Marsh worked out how he could become the owner of this beautiful piece of land, but he managed to do it and in 2005 the first grapes - pinot gris, viognier and pinot noir were harvested from Mingary, meaning The Quiet Place”, Jo says.

Since starting out in 1997 there have been quite a few medals along the way.

Jo scored a trifecta with her Pinot Gris and Shiraz winning bronze and her Viognier taking out the gold award in the Victorian Wine Show in 2008.

Winbirra’s cellar door is open the first weekend of every month and every weekend in January.

“People are welcome to bring their own picnic lunch along and enjoy the garden and a glass or two of Winbirra wine”, Jo says.

Winbirra Wines is located at 173 Point Leo Road, Point Leo. Phone: 5989 2109 or 0409 854 004

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THERE’S A BUZZ ABOUT THE CUPS You may have already heard the buzz around The Cups Estate cellar door and restaurant so perhaps now is the time to visit this fabulous winery before it becomes too hard to get a seat.

The rotunda shaped cellar door is nestled in a perfect position, perched high, and overlooking spectacular views of the magnificent cups region.

Situated close to the ocean and Port Phillip Bay, the land is on the famous sandbelt that is home to many of the Peninsula’s popular golf courses.

The Cups Estate cellar houses a diverse multi-award winning range of wines made by renowned winemaker, Rick McIntyre.

Those who visit ‘The Cups’ to taste the wines will be made to feel welcome by the friendly, informative staff who offer a relaxed environment plus useful knowledge about the wine and area.

The cellar door also offers a European inspired tapas lunch, which is proving to be very popular.

In the restaurant, The Cups team has got its collective heads together and has worked hard to introduce new items to the light and fresh summer menu, including delicious dishes like pepper encrusted yellow fin tuna Carpaccio on a shaved fennel salad.

Lee Fisicaro, who is running Cups SUMMER 2011

Estate on behalf of his mother and two siblings, says he will “be adding lots of home-made chef specials that will change weekly and keep things fresh.”

And helping to keep the menu fresh is the new vegetable and herb garden situated on the property.

The large veggie patch will supply the majority of fresh produce on the menu and will ensure that diners are getting fresh and seasonally changing produce.

“Being self sufficient is a key point of difference for regional restaurants”, says Lee. “When you have the land that city restaurants don’t, then you need to take advantage of it. We are all about sharing and expressing what our land has to offer and now that includes the wine and the food,” he says.

The restaurant is gearing up for the busy Christmas period, when it will be offering lunch every day from Boxing Day until the end of January.

The Cups Estate cellar door 7 days from 11am to 5pm for wine tastings.

You can book a seat for lunch on 1300-131-741.

The restaurant is open for lunch Fri, Sat, Sun & Public Holidays.

Website: www.thecupsestate.com.au Keep in touch with Mornington Life Magazine on Facebook

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SEE LADY GAGA SHOW NYE and INXS LIVE JANUARY 22

Friday Night Live There’s a relaxed free spirited vibe at Morning Star Estate every Friday night. We have great live acoustic music for you to enjoy with dinner, so invite your friends to wind down from the week in style. Bookings are essential, phone 9787 7760.

Christmas Lunch - Sunday 25th December 2011 The Estate Restaurant will once again be hosting a special Christmas Day celebration. Join us for a delightful Christmas feast and this year we have two options, our Restaurant Christmas Lunch or our Family Friendly Marquee Buffet Lunch. Check out our website for menus and full details. Bookings are essential, reservations can be made by contacting customer service at Morning Star on 03 9787 7760.

New Years Eve - Saturday 31st December 2011 MT ELIZA’S FAMOUS ANNUAL OUTDOOR FAMILY SHOW - Now in it’s 5th year.

A fabulous event for the family including: Sean Marchetti; The Robbie Williams Experience; The Lady Gaga SUMMER 2011

INXS

Show and The Party Boys. Gates open at 4pm , Fireworks at 10pm.

INXS - OVER 1,200 TICKETS SOLD! Hurry if you want to see INXS live on your own doorstep! With special guests Vanessa Amorosi and James Reyne. Tickets were released a month ago and have been selling fast.

Buy tickets online now ticketmaster. com.au or for more details go to redhotsummertour.com.au.

Find full details of all events over Summer including dining and function options at morningstarestate.com.au Keep in touch with Mornington Life Magazine on Facebook

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Pavilion Celebrates in Style HAPPY 1st Birthday

The blue carpet rolled out on the evening of Friday November 18th for an exclusive VIP party to mark the 1st birthday of the iconic McCrae Pavilion. It’s been twelve months since they first opened their doors and owners Anthony Dawe and Paul Cameron wanted to take the time and thank those who have shown great support for the venue in its first year.

Guests arrived from 7pm greeted by a dazzling blue carpet and received VIP treatment. The drinks were flowing with celebrations continuing well into the night.

“This was an opportunity to show our appreciation to family, friends and supporters” said co-owner Anthony.

“We couldn’t have made the Pavilion a success without them.”

Sentiments echoed by partner Paul Cameron who said “starting a business like this was always a big risk but we’ve been lucky to have the right team onboard and some wonderful friends to help along the way, this is our thank you.”

Attendees snacked on canapés reflecting Head Chef Patrick Bowring’s new Summer menu. Seared king fish, black arancini and Thai style oysters were all on offer.

“Our Summer menu reflects not only my own taste but the taste of our clients” said Patrick. “They want delicious innovative food at reasonable prices.”

Mixologist Ryan Schoble complemented the food with a selection of local beer and wines as well as samples of the Pavilion’s latest cocktail offerings. “This Summer is all about fresh exciting ingredients” said Ryan, “expect tall refreshing cocktails and boutique ciders and ales.”

Since its transformation from two decrepit houses destined for demolition into a stylish contemporary beach venue the Pavilion has claimed its rightful place as a destination of choice for locals and townies alike.

With a host of Summer events planned such as the “Sunday Somebodys” and the “Friday Wine Down” the Pavilion’s popularity can only continue to grow. Check their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ mccraepavilion for event details.

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With the festive season swinging in, now is the time to book into Harba to get a table of friends together, or call in for a chat over drinks.

Located right opposite Mornington Park, this Summer Harba will be a hub of activity, with so many celebrations on the doorstep. The real fun is on the Harba deck, in the cool dining room, or upstairs in the Sunset Bar. Harba’s new summer menu retains fresh produce as its focus, as spring morphs to summer, with seasonal fruits and vegetables moving to the fore.

Chefs Adam Falls and Brad Holtz ‘bounce’ ideas around the kitchen, often catching Asian influence on the ricochet.

Harba staples such as the spectacular share platter, wagyu steaks and the sticky date pudding are popular through every season.

The fish curry starts with prepping a sauce made from fried shallots, tomatoes and spices such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, cinnamon and nutmeg. A whole fish is baked and simmered in the rich broth, superbly ready for two, when it exits the oven.

The Harba seafood platter features fresh local mussels and a spread of gems from the deep.

Every Friday night on the front deck, Matt Roney’s duo groove out tunes, from sunset till late, with a magic vibe.

On New Year’s Eve a cocktail party is a good reason to dress-up in your favourite party dress, and enjoy a night complete with DJ and gourmet finger food, as you welcome in 2012 - bookings are a must.

Harba is also a great place for celebrations and events, big or small, casual or formal; they know how to throw a party.

Duo’s such as The Seymour Sisters turn on their harmonious tunes on Sunday arvos, upstairs in the Sunset Bar. The top deck will also be a ‘prime possie’ on Australia Day. Join the Harba VIP Club to keep in touch and receive a free main course during the month of your birthday, visit harba.com.au Manager Liam Gooda and the entire staff are thankful for Mornington’s fostering support during the first phase of Harba’s re-lease of life. “We are very, very happy with the way we’ve been received,” said proprietor John Crossin.

Harba is located on The Esplanade in Mornington, phone 5975 1183.

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SWINGIN’ SOUNDS OF SUMMER AT HARBA

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HARBA

SUMMER 2011

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HUMBLE FISHnCHIPS GOES GOURMET

Billy’s

The Best Fish & Chips Ph: 5974 4125

GRAND OPENING

20th January 2012

Billy’s the Best Fish & Chips is set to make a big splash when it opens on January 20th in Walara Drive, Mt Martha.

Essentially they will be providing gourmet take away fish and chips. “We have brought the restaurant menu to takeaway. We will be giving the ordinary fish & chip takeaway menu an ‘extreme make over’,” says owner Martin Williams.

Billy’s will be offering the good old favourites, but with a healthy twist, customers will be able to dine on fresh fish individually pan fried with a splash of extra virgin olive oil.

“We will offer shrimp cocktail in our signature dressing, we will also be offering marinated fresh fish – just to list a few novel alternatives appearing on our new menu.” continues Martin.

“We also recognize dietary requirements have greatly changed, consequently we have designed our menu keeping in mind the requirements of those who are gluten intolerant. Finally those with gluten intolerances can enjoy battered fish.” Martin says.

On top of all that Billy’s will be providing a range of healthy gourmet salads made daily.

We all love a good old fish and chip feast, but tastes have significantly changed, and Billy’s believe customers deserve more than the reconstituted crab stick.

“They demand fresh, because fresh is best. Our menu is based on local quality ingredients, made on the day to be consumed on the day.”

Get there early on January 20th to sample Billy’s The Best Fish & Chips, this place is sure to be a big hit!

‘Fish n Chips made healthy’ we also cater for gluten free

We’re hard to find...

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CHEF ROONG’S LIFE

Chef Roong’s life journey would make a blockbuster novel or movie. If not exactly a rags to riches story, the tale is certainly one of overcoming adversity with the message ‘if you work doing what you love, it will never feel like work’.

Roong was literally born on her mother’s kitchen floor and has been cooking as far back as she can remember. Raised in the northern city of Chiang Mai Thailand, Roong grew up in the heart of a city where, in daily life, food excites the taste buds.

With rich curries, spicy salads, noodle soups and an untold number of street foods on her door step, it was only natural for Roong to study cooking at a first class school in Chiang Mai. This course led to ten years at a four star hotel where she learned the art of fruit and vegetable carving – a time honoured Thai tradition. Roong then helped establish the Chiang Mai Thai Cooking School where she shared her love of childhood memories and recipes with westerners.

Taking her cooking skills further afield, Roong cooked her way around the world receiving glowing reviews in newspapers as diverse as the London Sunday Times, Icelandic Reykjavik Grapevine, the Boston Globe and the Los Angeles Times.

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In 2007, Roong made a life-changing decision to move to Australia, where she cooked at various internationally regarded establishments, currently, at the prestigious Ranelagh Club in Mt Eliza.

Now Roong is offering three course cooking demonstrations at Harba, where participants get to eat the fruits of her labour plus a glass of vino and take home a recipe or two!

The first will take place on Thursday Feb 2, 2012 and its only $55 per person.

What a wonderful and different idea for a hen’s party, or a Christmas gift for someone who has everything.

You only have to look at the proliferation of cooking programs on tele to realise that we have been swept up in a food and cooking frenzy.

On the Peninsula, we are so lucky to have all the fresh, local ingredients at our finger tips but perhaps some of us lack the knowhow to put it all together.

Roong’s Thai Cooking Demonstration three course menu Entrée: pla goong- seared prawns with a mix of lemongrass, ginger, coriander, spring onion, lime juice, and fish sauce Main: kaeng phet ped yang - crispy duck leg red curry

with sweet pineapple, lychee, and cherry tomatos with jasmine rice Dessert: coconut cream custard infused with kaffir lime, warm caramelised banana, palm sugar caramel, and tamarind sorbet Roong’s husband, Brad Holtz is the catering chef at Harba and this dynamic duo is available for private functions at home; fully catered and complete event management including marquees, and parties at any location.

For bookings/catering enquiries please call Lisa on 0400 688 916 or email lisa@harba.com.au

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NEW BOATHOUSE IS SO SEXY!

BY MEL MARCELLO Cameron Taylor is full of energy as he races up and down the stairs on the outside deck of The New Boathouse Restaurant as he tries to figure out why the automatic sprinkler system isn’t coming on as it should.

If his name is familiar to you it should be.

Cameron was the face, brains and grunt behind Verde Restaurant in Mt Eliza for the past eight years before accepting an offer “ too good to refuse” and selling the popular eatery at the height of its popularity.

He had planned to take 12 months off and allow his blood to cool from the hustle and bustle of running one of Mt Eliza’s busiest restaurants seven days a week, but when he noticed the Boathouse in Frankston was for sale Cameron felt it was too good an opportunity to let slide.

“The poor neglected Boathouse”, Cameron muses. “I knew it had potential and I always said my next restaurant would have water views, little did I know it would be Kananook Creek”, he says with a grin.

“In a previous life I actually helped build the foundations for the jetty down there”, he says gesturing towards the creek.

For those of you unfamiliar with the Boathouse, it’s been an iconic Frankston landmark for many years.

Situated on the Nepean Highway, the restaurant is tucked behind the Boathouse Gallery which has prime street frontage.

The restaurant straddles Kananook Creek providing a pleasant vista on sunny days with Frankston beach in the yonder.

The Boathouse was waiting for someone to give it a new lease of life and Cameron has breathed vitality and gaiety back into it.

He set about rejuvenating the old beauty and the result is stunning.

“I basically gutted the joint”, he says.

The floorboards have been polished upstairs, while the laying of carpet downstairs helps stifle any noise.

Beech chairs and recycled bamboo tables are in keeping with the beach feel while the coloured banquettes add a touch of vibrance.

“The new glass bar is really sexy”, says Cameron.

Overhead a collection of Olympic rowing oars are nestled in the rafters leaving no doubt that you are dining at the Boathouse.

The color extends to the decks outside where Cameron has selected a range of funky outdoor chairs to really give The ‘New’ Boathouse its stamp of individuality.

One of the attributes of the Boathouse is the expansive area outback where diners can sip lattes, enjoy a glass or wine or order a meal.

The decking has been renewed and diners can choose a variety of areas in which to sit, including the balcony, lower deck or gazebo.

It all makes for a wonderful viewing area in which to observe canoeists gently paddling up and down Kananook Creek.

Cameron has spared no expense in bringing the Boathouse into a new

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era of dining.

New fridges, stoves and airconditioning have also been added.

The Boathouse has a license for 184 patrons.

“We’re able to seat more than 90 people inside while there’s room for about 60-80 outside”, Cameron says.

The Boathouse is open Tuesday to Saturday for dinner, while lunch is served from Wednesday to Sunday.

Sunday’s will also herald all day breakfasts.

Cameron has geared his new establishment away from traditional mainstream dining with functions and weddings a priority.

“The Boathouse is a great destination venue”, he says.

“There is nothing in this area where you can go for that special night out, this is the place”, he says emphatically.

Cameron says he is looking forward to the new challenges that lay ahead.

“After 14 years in mainstream dining (including 8 years at Verde) I thought it would be nice for a change”, he says.

As usual the focus on food is Peninsula-based and organic where possible.

Mornington Peninsula wines will dominate the wine list.

The Boathouse is located at 366 Nepean Highway, Frankston. Phone: 9770 5330.

Email: functions@ theboathouserestaurant.com.au

Mikaila Leeder-Chard and Todd Mitchell finally tied the knot on Sat 19th November.

The couple is well known to diners, both working for Cameron and Jo Taylor (below) for years.

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NEW

Set on the banks of the Kananook Creek lies the iconic Boathouse Restaurant.

Focusing on unpretentious local food, a great atmosphere, plenty of smiles and a new team of management, the recently refurbished Boathouse Restaurant is the perfect place for a glass of local wine, a long lingering meal, weddings, engagements or that special occasion.

ph: 9770 5330 The “new� Boathouse Restaurant 366 Nepean Hwy, Frankston Dinner Tues-Sat, Lunch Tue-Sun www.theboathouserestaurant.com.au Breakfast Sunday from 8am

SMALL PLATES A HIT AT BEACHES

Long renowned for its live music, welcoming atmosphere and ‘must try’ steaks, Chef Evan Rose- Jenkins has introduced Small Plates to the menu. Small like an entree, like tapas, they make great bar snacks to share over drinks.

Small Plates offer an alternative to main courses where at $7.50 each, you can eat as little or as much as you like, and enjoy a wide variety of taste experiences from the multicultural menu.

For instance a Spinach and Mushroom Aranchini goes down well with chardonnay; salty Popcorn Chicken is the perfect partner for a beer, and the Trio of Oysters, served natural, with salmon and sour cream, then finishing with a Bloody Mary Shooter, are a sensation of textures and tastes.

Other top choices are Zucchini, Mint and Feta Fritters; Traditional Fish Cakes; Lamb and Mint Koftas; Salmon and Parmesan Tart, and Italian Cheese Kransky on Mash.

There are always two curries either Indian or South East Asian well priced at $18 - try one with the bottled Magna Cider or the Bulmer’s Original on tap.

Other menu constants include stuffed Camembert Chicken and fish that is fresh and seasonal at the market.

Beaches is a great venue for a party. The Mezzanine area overlooks the dance floor, book it for your group and enjoy scrumptious finger food or a seated meal then dance the evening away to the quality cover bands featured every week.

There is no hire fee and the entertainment comes free – too easy!

The courtyard is open until 1am most nights and is a great place to cool off during the sultry, summer nights ahead. Fridays and Saturdays feature the best cover bands to get you on the dance floor with Single Income and Two Phase being regulars.

New Years Eve at Beaches is always the busiest venue in Mornington. Groups return to welcome the new year and enjoy the party.

This year the delightful Liz from KK is going to run a disco featuring favourites from the 70’s and more. Dress up to get into the spirit of things… the bar staff will! Entrance is just $10 and finger food will be provided. Tickets are available but sell out quickly.

PURCHASE ANY SOCIAL PICS ONLINE EASILY! Mornington Life social photos, whether they apear in the magazine or not, will be available to purchase online with the assistance of ROCK ON photography.

Find the link at www.morningtonlife.com.au or go to www.rockon.com.au and click on Mornington Life pics

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Bar | Bistro | Entertainment Great Bistro Menu Selection of Small Plates from $7.50, Mains & Desserts Steak specials Wed & Thurs $17 Sundays $14 Pot & Parma Mondays $12 'Pot Luck' dinner served 7pm

NEW YEAR'S EVE

Functions

One stop party venue!

Come for dinner then stay for the dancing Mezzanine available at no charge.

Seated or finger food events

Mornington's Premier Music Venue 9-1am Wednesdays :Karaoke kool Thursdays: Swing dance bands Fridays & Saturdays: Top pub bands Sundays: Acoustic artists from 6pm

PARTY & DISCO

It's back to the '70's Dance to all your favourites all night long!

Finger food provided

$10 entry

Enjoy our courtyard until 1am Perfect for your Christmas Function!

55 Barkly Street, Mornington Ph: 5975 0966 www.beachesofmornington.com.au Join us on Facebook “beaches of Mornington�

a brewery in a winery?

This was the question Rick Besserdin, from Beer and Brewer Magazine, asked Andrew Hickinbotham.

Andrew said he started brewing beer because ‘he was tired of serving up commercially packaged beer in his restaurant.’

There was also the push from friends and regulars to produce a natural product without ‘additives’. Over the past three years, Hixs brewery has grown to produce an ever expanding range of beers, although the Pilsener and Pale Ale are the most popular.

In fact the Hix Pale Ale was the top Gold Winner in the 2011 International Beer Awards. Hickinbotham offers six Hix beers on tap with other styles sold through the restaurant and cellar door.

Andrew and his wife Terryn are avid and dedicated recyclers, so it is no surprise the brewery has expanded using recycled brewing equipment with a history attached. Recycled building materials have been utilised extensively in the restaurant and cellar door as well.

But let’s not forget about the wines, because it was the vines planted by Andrew in 1988 that established Hickinbotham wines as some of the best on the Peninsula. Of course being a third generation winemaker helps. A couple of standouts are the 2010 Pinot Noir and the 2009 Sauvignon Blanc, but there are many others to suit every palate, or to accompany any dish.

Hickinbotham is a family friendly venue, providing a playground, BBQ and picnic area, and caters for events and functions on any scale. The unique restaurant setting offers a relaxing and rustic environment to enjoy good food, wine and beer – there is a generous ‘country hospitality’ feeling to the place.

The new summer menu has just been released with Andrew saying, “We have had some great feedback already.”

Featuring multiple vegetarian or gluten free choices along with the seasons best local beef, seafood, lamb and free range chicken, the menu reflects a thoughtful selection.

For starters, consider the following: A Trio of Homemade Vegetarian Dips with spiced crisps and Hickinbothams’ own Pinot bread.

Winemakers Tasting Platter with a selection of meats, antipasto, fresh fruit, cheese, terrine, fruit chutney and Pinot bread.

Fishermans Tasting Platter with prawns, oysters, smoked salmon and seared pepper tuna with cos, avocado, citrus dressing and American style cocktail sauce.

The main courses, sides and desserts are just as tantalising.

Hickinbotham features live music every Sunday from 1pm to 4pm. Spend New Years Eve with Wiz and Oz from 8pm at $35 per person and bookings are essential.

194 Nepean H’way, Dromana - please call (03)5981 for bookings or visit www.hickinbotham.biz

wendy & darren TIE THE KNOT Darren Alexander and Wendy Benyon were married on November 19. On this very wet Saturday their booking at the Civic Reserve Rose Garden was cancelled that morning so the groom approached Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery to see if they could hold the ceremony there. Soon after chairs were arranged, an aisle made and guests ushered in. Wendy arrived to an organised ceremony with no problems at all thanks to staff at the gallery.

“They made my wedding day very special.” said Wendy “We had the reception at the Mornington Race Course on race day and finished with an after party at Harba, top day had by all.”

Photo courtesy Michael Astley of Drew Faith Media Photograghy. www.drewfaithmedia.com.au PH: 04 33 44 6111

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Sugar is SO Sweet

By Alexis Collier Regulars at Raw Sugar all appreciate great customer service. Part owner Natalie Skoblar-Wright explains most of her regulars come for service with a smile.

“People want to be acknowledged,” the 24 year-old entrepreneur said.

After years of experience in the hospitality industry, Natalie decided to open her own café. Raw Sugar has been operating for just over a year but it already has an established clientele.

Natalie believes the key to success is differentiation, especially with so much competition in Mornington. Raw Sugar sells boutique hot chocolates in a variety of flavours and homemade cakes, charges trade prices for people who work in Mornington, and promotes the much talked about Thursday Night Line-up.

“We wanted something that attracted people after work, to relax with a drink and listen to live music.”

It’s live alright; James who usually works in the kitchen performs popular and original songs. With a selection of wines, homemade pizzas and share plates it’s an enjoyable night.

“We want friendly, experienced and efficient staff,” states Natalie, who believes in treating staff fairly with everyone having an equal share in jobs whether it’s cleaning or food preparation.

Keeping her employees happy is important, so

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Natalie gives staff the time they need for study and other activities. Raw Sugar’s happy team contributed to the café’s win this year for ‘Best Coffee’ in Mornington. When asked why running a café was so appealing Natalie responded with a smile, “I enjoy what I do and I like to make people happy.”

Natalie offers two pieces of advice for budding young entrepreneurs; hard work and a “big passion for what you want to do - I didn’t want to look back in a few years and wish I had done this.”

Although the idea of opening a second café in the future is a possibility, Natalie is content for now.

The days are long but with help from her mum and sister and the support of her friends, Natalie maintains a good work/life balance. Given three words to describe Raw Sugar Natalie suggests, “Friendly, Cozy and Inviting.”

There’s only one way to find out, right?

Raw Sugar is located at 31 Main Street, Mornington.

Phone 5975 8700

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GIRLS NIGHT IN @115

Cafe Outdoor Garden Functions For your next celebration call 5975 1714 or go to www.oneonefive.com.au 115 Main St, Mornington

Cafe One One Five in Mornington held a charity event for Girls Night In during October, raising funds for the Cancer Council.

Musicians and topless waiters entertained while a number of staff volunteered their time to create a fun evening for the 140 pink-clad ‘girls’. Local businesses donated prizes, with raffles raising $2 100 for the cause.

Earlier in the year, Cafe 115 ran a Biggest Morning Tea, and a fund-raiser for research into men’s prostate cancer.

One hundred women enjoyed the wonderful hospitality at The Rocks Mornington for Oaks Day. This sold out Spring Racing Carnival event raised funds for Mt Martha Primary. Showcasing their new, used and on hire fashion, was Mornington boutique, Halo. Halo had just opened and provided fabulous fashion for the parade. Lilly Belle shoes and headwear were also featured, with hair by Zumay.

Four models graced the catwalk to show off the gorgeous looks for this season Summer Ellis (who also features in ML’s fashion shoot this issue), Poet Anthony, Holly Barrot and Gemma Christenson.

Find Halo in Mornington Mall or call 5976 4205.

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OAKS DAY AT THE ROCKS

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TRY THE B.E.S.T. Have you ever wandered down Main Street, Mornington around lunchtime - looking for the perfect sandwich? Or needed a fast lunch as you head out of the office? The search is finally over.

Mornington’s newest gourmet sandwich bar The Filling Station is the place to renew your love for the once-humble sandwich.

You won’t find cheese and vegemite sangas, just exciting, interesting flavour combinations inspired by owner-chef Emerson Colley. Try the crispy pork belly and Asian slaw baguette or perhaps one of the vegetarian options - a corn and zucchini fritter with goat’s cheese and hot tomato relish.

Situated in The Mall between the Centro car park and Main Street, the offerings don’t just stop at lunch because The Filling Station is the perfect spot to sit outside and soak up some morning sunshine.

The Filling Station is a great meeting place to catch up with friends and family for breakfast, open from 9am, Monday to Saturday. Try the home-made fruit

organic teas are served by popular Italian barista Simona. This new family-owned and run business caters for happy littlies too, offering free babycinos all day, every day.

Delicious house-made cakes, biscuits and slices will taste-tempt your ‘naughty’ side. Soups and pies match the seasons, while special summer salads offer something-somewhat-slimming.

Owners Emerson and Rebecca Colley, who with young Matilda have proudly followed their dreams and worked hard to create a new eatery that glows with personality.

The design, layout and renovation have brought an interesting, different, gourmet sandwich bar to the town - somewhere to grab a sandwich to remember.

The Filling Station is at the car park end of The Mall, 16/90 Main Street, Mornington. Phone or fax orders: 5976 8616. and nut muesli or the B.E.S.T baguette (bacon, egg, sausage and tomato relish) all freshly made using regional produce, where possible.

Illy branded coffee and Functional Beverage Co

PENINSULA CUP

by Celeste Mabarrack

SUMMER 2011

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A TASTE OF GERMANY IN RYE Wunderbar is a treasure hidden amongst the fair and festivities that becomes Rye in Summer. This small and unique restaurant is like opening the lid to the treasure chest, once you have built up the courage to open the door you will be surprised by what lays inside.

With an amazing decor it transfers you to any one of the European regions that have inspired their menu of the highest quality home style dishes, from the simplicity of house made breads to the original pork medallions served on a bed of hand-crafted German spatzle, topped with magnificent mushroom sauce and gruyere cheese. Try Kati’s traditional apfelstrudel made from a recipe that was passed on through generations of German family tradition.

The cosy atmosphere is instantly appealing as you enter and see the recycled timber fireplace and views over glorious Port Phillip Bay. With a more summery relaxed atmosphere to the rear of the venue you are able to sit in individually imported north German beach chairs to enjoy the sun and a cold drink.

If a drink is what’s on your mind then pull up a stool by the bar and try one of the unique imported beers from a “big” glass. Perhaps a wine from the exclusive wine list or if you are a little more daring a medicine (schnapps) from a list that will make you smile.

Undoubtedly while you are there you will find the service from Elissa, Jon and staff at the front only matched by Kati and Blair in the back.

You will find this new venue Wunderbar at 2409 Point Nepean Road, Rye. Open most days over Summer from 12 noon until late.

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MAKE YOUR WALLS CUTTING EDGE

Cutting Edge Wallpapering owner, Aidan Griffin, recently moved his family from Melbourne to Mt Martha, bringing with him over 20 years of experience in the wallpaper installation industry.

“I am on a mission to change the way people perceive wallpaper. There is a real stigma that once it goes on it does not come off,” says Aidan.

“Times have changed and now a lot of wallpaper is made from eco-friendly non-woven materials that are easy to remove. After six weeks, non-woven wallpapers should come off in one strip without any damage to your walls. They are great for renters as you can roll them up and re-hang them.”

Aidan’s team offers a ‘supply and install’ service to commercial and residential clients, with a professional finish, leaving the clients space tidy within the agreed time frame.

Cutting Edge Wallpapering can provide ‘over the phone or email’ quoting, all you need are your wall dimensions or Aidan will come out and measure up the space for you.

Until June 30, 2012, Aidan is offering 10% off installation costs to all clients located in the Frankston, Dandenong and Mornington Peninsula areas.

For further information www.cuttingedgewallpapering.com.au or Aidan on 0405 269 737.

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TAKING CARE OF YOUR HOME

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MyHome Mount Eliza specialises in residential cleaning, with services perfectly tailored and efficiently run to give clients a premium home clean every time.

The team arrives fully equipped, so you need not worry about supplying tools or chemicals..

A highly trained professional team use the exclusive Tri-Colour cleaning process, ensuring excellent results and great value for money.

The Tri-Colour system divides the home into three colour coded zones - blue, green and red.

Each coded area has points applied, from the ceiling to the floor.

Tools, cloths and carry-caddies are also coloured coded, so they are only used in their matched zone. This prevents crosscontamination and boosts health and safety.

“We take care of as much or as little as you want, leaving you time to enjoy your home.

Our specialties include regular cleans, one-off custom cleans, spring-cleans and focuseditem cleans such as blinds, ovens, fridges, microwaves and windows,” said proprietor Marlon Scheucher.

Six compelling reasons to choose MyHome: Trust: Established more than 10 years, and with thousands of satisfied customers, MyHome take

pride in quality work and reliable service.

Security: Don’t trust just anybody with your property - all MyHome teams are full-time employees, not casuals, who are fully insured and have been strictly screened and selected.

Service: MyHome tailor a cleaning plan and schedule to individual needs, supply all equipment and materials and try to ensure the same cleaning team. It’s worry free.

Qualified staff: All MyHome staff have completed a comprehensive training program and an experienced supervisor attends every job.

Value: MyHome specialise only in residential homes, offering outstanding service at competitive rates.

Satisfaction guarantee: If you are not completely satisfied with MyHomes’ work - they will return and do the job again for free.

MyHome is the perfect choice for professional home cleaning, in and around the Mornington Peninsula Customer Service: 1300 33 HOME (4663) for a free estimate.

Web: myhomeclean.com.au Email: mounteliza@myhomeclean.com.au

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Relax next to your sparkling pool Aqua Pool Cleaning has been servicing the ensures that customers are dealing directly Mornington Peninsula for the last 23 years. with the business owners, and the standard Being a family operated business also of work is always to the highest quality.

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Using Bio Guard, Australia’s number one pool and spa cleaning chemical, you can be assured of a clean, clear, healthy and sparkling pool. Operating a mobile service allows the company to keep overheads to a minimum, which reflects in the affordable prices.

Aqua Pool Cleaning offers onsite advice and information specific to your pool including regular maintenance and repairs. Summer is already here so its time to relax in the pool without worrying about water quality.

If you are about to purchase a new property with a pool, for your own peace of mind, make a booking for a ‘Pool Health Check’ with one of the qualified technicians.

Aqua Pool Cleaning has developed its own comprehensive assessment system that provides you with an independent report on the condition of your pool structurally, along with the condition of all associated equipment.

Most importantly, the company can advise you on water and energy saving strategies and products, which makes sense, with water and power costs rising each year.

For more information, visit www.aquapoolcleaning. com.au or call 0413 994 740

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LUXE OPENING

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EDGEY SIDE OF FUNK AT LUXE

SUMMER 2011

Inspired by a love of all things outdoors, Luxe owners Rebecca Virtanen and Donna Meechan have collected an eclectic range of outdoor and alfresco furniture and décor. Their product ranges from the sublime to the diverse – Reindeer and Cow hides, Frankenstein Stools, stylish Metal Screens, Fire Pits, fair trade furniture made from Javanese fishing boats, funky new Flux chairs from Holland to outdoor furniture including Hanging Pod Chairs, Cape Cod chairs, Pots, Lanterns and select range of Eden and Sloane Jewellery.

Luxe Outdoor Living are also the Peninsula stockists for Flux chairs - a stylish, sustainable design piece which collapses into one easy to store envelopeshaped package – these stylish chairs come in an exciting range of colours including white, black, red, yellow, orange, green and charcoal and team beautifully with both rustic wooden tables or something more contemporary. They are perfect for outdoor events.

Luxe source their products through a range of quality suppliers and have pieces from Australia, India, Vietnam, Indonesia, Holland and China. We are happy to provide a sourcing service if you are looking for something specific, whether it is to create a sense of warmth and individuality for your home, have items such as screens and planters made to measure or you are simply looking for something beautiful for ‘that spot’.

Luxe Outdoor Living is located at 11 Gordon Street, Mornington (opposite the entrance to the Coles & Target Complex underground car park) and is open 10am to 5pm Tuesday to Sunday. Come on in to see our delightful stock and share our passion and excitement for outdoor living.

To contact by phone, call Donna on 0417 518 322 or Bec on 0407 522 013.

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Enjoy a better night’s sleep with TEMPUR Sleep is essential for your health and wellbeing. Every body needs sleep to regenerate, while lack of sleep can affect both immune response and vital functions such as learning and

memory. So why not give yourself the best sleep possible by visiting Bedshed Mornington to view the Tempur product range.

The friendly staff at Bedshed

FREE no obligation, measure & quote

blockout, screens & dual systems

screen blinds

aluminium, cedar & composite

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Mornington will show you that when you lie down on a Tempur mattress, it conforms to the shape of your body; soft where you want it and firm where you need it.

Tempur offers the following key benefits: The material is temperature sensitive, becoming softer in warmer areas, where your body is exerting more pressure, and remains firm in cooler areas, so you can sleep in your most comfortable position.

It offers full body support as the material gently moulds to the shape of your body, giving your neck, back, shoulders and legs amazing comfort and support.

There is less tossing and turning as your body weight is perfectly absorbed and redistributed to relieve pressure points.

Ultimately, a better sleep is experienced as the material absorbs motion energy so that partners are less disturbed by each other’s movements and can therefore enjoy a better night’s sleep.

Tempur adjustable beds are recommended by over 75,000 Medical Professionals to their patients suffering from sleep difficulties, back, joint or neck problems.

So just imagine the unrivalled comfort with the combination of a Tempur mattress and Tempur adjustable bed bases which allow you to target sensitive areas and select your individual desired level of firmness – the closest thing to having a custom made mattress, and ultimately the most comfortable sleep ever.

Then imagine a place of serenity, where the pain that comes along with how we live goes away...

Bedshed Mornington Superstore located at Peninsula Lifestyle Centre, cnr Nepean H’way and Bungower Rd, Mornington. Phone 5973 6333 or visit www.bedshed.com.au

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FURNITURE MANUFACTURED ON THE PENINSULA Buy direct from the manufacturer - Mornington showroom

Sorrento Furniture began trading in 1986 and in that time has become one of Australia’s premier furniture manufacturers.

Its solid reputation is based on specialist manufacturing of assorted sofa designs for independent boutique furniture retailers, architects and interior designers.

Sorrento Furniture custom designs and manufactures all types of sofas, armchairs, dining chairs, upholstered beds, ottomans, upholstered cinema wall panels and banquette seating.

The company also provides a full re-upholstery service for furniture and antiques.

Sorrento Furniture also manufactures commercial upholstered furniture and panels for hotels, restaurants and shops.

Commercial fitouts, including re-upholstery and

onsite services, are also available to businesses.

Since 2011, Sorrento Furniture has been under new owners in Gerard and Cynthia Walsh who officially took over the reins of the long established business in July.

Gerard brings over 35 years experience within the furniture and upholstery trade.

Cynthia says “At all times, our aim is to offer top end service, premium, custom made furniture and re-upholstery services with the benefit of ‘direct to manufacturer’ pricing”.

“Stepping into the show room you will find a vast array of furniture coverings to suit every taste and budget.”

Cynthia say Sorrento Furniture has one of the most diverse ranges of fabric on the Peninsula.

“Whether recovering a timeless, much loved family piece or ordering a new made to order sofa we can help every step of the way”, she says.

Sorrento Furniture is based on achieving the highest quality and attention to detail in every project it undertakes, whether it be a ‘one-off’ speciality design for domestic or showroom purposes or a large quantity of furniture for a retail or commercial fit-out.

All furniture is proudly manufactured on the Mornington Peninsula.

Sorrento Furniture’s showroom is located at 10 Bennetts Road, Mornington and is open from 8am weekdays or weekends by appointment.

Phone Cynthia or Gerard on 59 750344.

DB-U 10295 CB-U 7061 HIA 521856

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Classic, stunning kitchens

It’s time to improve the most used room in the house Is your kitchen looking a bit old and tired? Then perhaps it’s time to bring it into the 21st Century.

But before you pick up the yellow pages in search of a kitchen refurbishment company, allow us to introduce you to Scott Sterling.

Born and educated in Melbourne, Scott heads up the design team at Orana Designer Kitchens, which has a display in the Home Innovations Peninsula Lifestyle Centre on the Nepean Highway in Mornington.

Scott’s award-winning design and inspiration is a powerful combination.

He travels throughout Europe attending exhibitions and conferences that showcase the latest designs and trends in kitchens and interior design.

Scott’s kitchens are not only classic and stunning, they are also sustainable.

“I believe one of the greatest

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responsibilities designers have is to tackle head on the issue of sustainability”, Scott says.

“We live in a planet full of finite resources that we are using way too fast and the people most empowered to do something about that are designers”, he says.

“There is nothing more sustainable than classic design because it stands the test of time”.

“Something that can be passed down through the generations from person to person is sustainable”, Scott says.

Orana Designer Kitchens are individually constructed to suit each client’s unique design.

Only the best quality materials and hardware are used.

Scott says, “Our growing number of clients gives us the confidence that we are providing an unbeatable investment for our clients”.

Clients can also have the satisfaction of knowing the Orana company was formed in 1970.

Scott joined the company after deciding to leave Melbourne where he was building and renovating homes in South Yarra and Prahran.

After meeting his wife, who’s from Mt Eliza, Scott decided to make the

Mornington Peninsula his home about eight years ago.

He now lives in Mt Martha.

If you’ve been thinking about a new kitchen, then give the Orana Designer Kitchens team a call on 5975 6022 or drop into the Home Innovations Centre on the Nepean Highway.

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The Organic Gardener While the sun continues to shine and the temperatures keep rising our summer crops should be thriving and producing an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables to enjoy. For some though the warm conditions seem to hinder their plants rather than help them. There are a number of reasons why some of your plants may be looking a bit sad during this festive period, the most common being poor soil condition, lack of water and over-exposure to sun and/or hot winds.

Soil condition is one of the most important factors in determining the health of your edible plants and is often overlooked by many gardeners. Ensuring you have the right balance between water holding capacity and draining abilities will help your plants to regulate their own water needs without getting too wet or too dry.

Whenever your soil waterlogs or dries out the plants respond by entering a stressed state and cease to grow as they normally would. This may result in browning or yellowing of leaves, dropping of fruits or leaves or simply just wilting and looking sickly.

So how do you correct a poor soil during the season if the plants are already in? Well ideally good soil preparation would be done prior to planting, but if you have missed the boat this year you can still do a number of things to give your plants the best chance during this warm season.

Most importantly you need to get a good thick layer of mulch on your beds to prevent excess water loss, protect the soil from the hot summer sun and to provide some shelter for soil animals to do their work. Straw, lucerne, homemade composts or even the recycled tip mulch will do the trick. If you have the time and know-how you could even think about getting some drip irrigation on the beds prior to the much going down.

If your soils are in poor condition it is unlikely that they will be holding nutrients long enough for the plants roots to draw them in. There are a number of ways you can go

about feeding your plants under these circumstances.

Liquid fertilisers such as compost teas, weak worm juice solutions and liquid seaweed can work well as both a foliar and under-plant fertiliser, while some of the manufactured organic slow release fertilisers will allow a continual feeding of the plants in their impoverished state.

It is important however to build the soils up following the current growing season as this type of fertilising should only be used as a supplement to good soil health.

Continual surface feeding without paying attention to soil condition will not allow your plants to reach optimum health and therefore will not provide you with the optimum nutrition levels expected in home grown organic produce.

If our soils are in good nick and our plants are receiving enough water and nutrients, plants in poor health may be affected by over exposure to either the hot afternoon sun or hot drying winds. Planting sensitive plants out of reach of these conditions is the ideal but takes some experience and forward planning. If you have leafy greens, soft herbs and other sensitive plants in the wrong spot this year you can protect them by using physical barriers like shade cloth to reduce the impact of these conditions and learn from the experience for next year. During hot spells and heat waves though even some of the hardiest plants will show some signs of weakness. During these periods make sure the garden gets a good drink in the early morning and throw a few sheets over the crops that are most valuable to you.

Over a few years of growing you will learn what plants do best under different circumstances and this will help you plan your garden to produce the optimum quantity and quality of food for your family and friends.

Stay cool.

Drew Cooper, Edible Gardens

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